Forest Township

Forest Township

Forest is the youngest township in the conntj. Many of the citizens of Warren and Johnson townships being located at an inconvenient distance from the respective polling places, presented a petition to the county commissioners for the formation of a new township and the board issued the following order, January 2, 1882: "The board having duly considered the matter and being sufficiently advised in the premises, do find that for the convenience of many citizens it is necessary that a new township be formed and established from a portion of Johnson and Warren townships, in Clinton County, Indiana, and the board do order that a new township be formed and established in said Clinton County to be known as Forest Township, the boundary lines of which are as follows, to wit: Beginning at the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section nineteen (19), in township twenty-two (22) north, of range two (2) east, in Clinton County, Indiana, and running thence east on the half (i) section line, six (6) miles to the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of section twenty-four (24) in said township and range; thence north on the section line two and onehalf (2^) miles to the northeast corner of section twelve (12) in said township and range; thence on the section line west two (2) miles to the southeast corner of section thi-ee (3) in said township and range; thence on the section line one (1) mile to the northeast corner of said section three (3) in said township and range; thence on the section line west one and one-half (H) miles to the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section thirty-three (33), in township twenty-three (23) north, of range two

(2) east; thence on the half (-J) section line north three (3) miles to the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section twentyone (21),in township twenty-three (23) north, of range two (2) east; thence on section line west two and one-half (2i) miles to the northwest corner of section nineteen (19), in township twenty-three (23) north, of range two (2) east; thence on the section line south six and one-half (6^) miles to the place of beginning, containing twenty-six and one-half (26J) square miles. And it is further ordered by the board that Samuel M. Davis be and is hereby appointed trustee of said township of Forest, to have and to hold such office until his successor is elected and qualified, and that he give bond as required by law. And it is fui-ther ordered that the voting-place of said township of Forest be held in the town of Forest, the township trustee, Samuel M. Davis, to be inspector, and the auditor is ordered to give notice of said voting place, all of which is finally ordered by the board."

Forest Township lies in the extreme northeastern part of the county and is bounded on the north by Howard County, on the east by Howard and Tipton counties, on the south by Johnson Township and on the west by "Warren Township. It is six and one-half miles from north to south and will average about four and one-half miles from east to west. It contains 16,900 acres, about one-quarter of which is timber land. The soil is a dark loam and very productive of corn, wheat and the other small grains. Much attention has been given to the draining of the wet lands in this township, consequently there is but very little cleared land that is not under a high state of cultivation.

Eakly Settlement

The early settlement of Forest will necessarily be included in the histories of Johnson and Warren townships. Probably the first settlement made in/what is now Forest was on the southeast quarter of section 18, by a man by the name of Nutter and his son. Page. Sims built the first log cabin on the Miami Reserve in the locality where he now resides (1886).

church built in the territory now composing Forest was the one known as the " Swamp Creek Chapel" of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, located on the northeast corner of section 21. This has been replaced by a neat brick edifice which stands directly opposite, and is known as St. Paul's Church. Another church of the same denomination is located on section 31.

The Methodist Protestant denomination has two churches, one in the village of Forest and the other on section 18, in the southern part of the township, and is known as the Salem Church. The Fair View Church, which is that of the United Brethren, is located on section LO, and the Baptists have two churches, one a neat brick structure on section 8, and known as the " Little Flock," the other on section 30.

The following named men are the incumbents of the offices of Forest Township: David Alter, Trustee; Dr. W. H. Hornaday and "William T. Merrick, Justices of the Peace; Frank Auble, Assessor; John Burroughs and E. Stringer, Constables.

Agricultural Statistics

The number of acres of wheat sown in Forest Township for 1886 is 4,169; corn, 3,913; oats, 1Y7; number of acres in timothy, 841; clover, 1,466; wild grass, 333; acres of new land brought under cultivation for 1886 is 367; timber land, 4,143. There are 79,271 rods of drain tile in operation in this township.

In 1885 there were 313 gallons of vinegar, 1,542 gallons of sorghum and 869 gallons of maple molasses, and 741 pounds of honey made. The number of gallons of milk taken from cows was 172,- 229; pounds of butter made, 29,605.

Population

As this township has been organized since the census of 1880 was taken the population can only be estimated, but it will not fall much short of 2,000.

Forest has always been one of the reliable Kepublican townships and in 1884 it gave Blaine a majority of forty votes. The following is the 7ote of the township at the last general election, November 4, 1884, for President and State and county offices: was laid out and platted September 1, 1874, on section 8, near the center of Forest Township. This was done by H. T. Morrison. The village took its name from the fact that its site was a dense forest when it was laid out. It is located on the line of the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad. The first railroad tickets were sold on an oak stump, the spur roots of which can be seen in the center of Main street at the present writing (1886). The first store was opened by Mr. Shackleford in the building now occupied by J. T. Sims. The town is inhabited by about 250 people. They in the majority strongly adhere to the temperance cause, and as they are now rid of saloons are determined that no more shall be established within their midst. This determination was clearly shown in the spring of 1886. A vender of intoxicants came to Forest with the view of opening a saloon, and was interviewed by several of the leading citizens and earnestly solicited not to do so, but without avail. He was granted a license, and the proper authorities seeing that their entreaties were in vain, decided to try what virtue there was in dynamite, so accordingly placed some of the above named article under the building to be used as a saloon, and between 10 and 11 o'clock in the evening a loud report was heard, and the next morning the effects were plainly visible in the shape of a shattered and ruined building. This was sufficient warning, for, after viewing the ruins the following morning, Mr. Eumseller decided that the place was too hot for him, and immediately left the place.

Odd Fellows

Sexton Lodge, No. 592, was organized April 20, 1882, with the following as charter members and first officers: G. D. Andrus, Noble Grand; G. W. Thompson, Vice-Grand; H. Halfield, Secretary; W. A. Gentry, Treasurer; Martin Allison. The present officers are: J. I. Burns, Noble Grand; W. N. Nuby, Yice- Grand; W. A. Berry, Recording Secretary; A. Conver, Permanent Secretary; G. D. Andrus, Treasurer. The lodge has fortyone paying members, is entirely free from debt, and has $560 in property and eflfects.

The Methodist Protestant Church was organized in the spring of 1885 with about eighty members, and Rev. A. W. Moats as its pastor. During the same year they built a neat frame church costing about $800. They held religious services nearly every Sabbath, and for a time manifested considerable interest, but later on this seemed to die out, and they have now a membership of about thirty.

Tfie Advent Christian Church was also organized in 1885, with only a little band of ten, but they put their whole soul into the work and have more than doubled their membership. They erected a church costing in the neighborhood of $800. The church is under the charge of E. C. Andrus, and is in a^prosperous condition.

David Alter, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Forest Township, was born in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, the date of his birth being March 28, 1828. His parents, John and Charity (Yan Osdel) Alter, were also natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry, the former a son of John Alter, who served in the war of 1812, and the latter a daughter of Garnett Yan Osdel, upon whose farm the battle of Gettysburg was fought. Our subject's parents came with their family to Indiana in 1836, and entered Government land in Hancock County, near Greerifield, where Mrs. Alter died in 1841. Their family consisted of eight children - Helanor was for thirty years a minister in the Protestant Methodist church; John W. died from the effects of wounds received in the late civil war; Isaac lives in Jasper County, Indiana; David and B.F.. in Clinton County; Hester and Hannah, in Kansas; Jacob, the seventh child, died February 2, 1859. The father came to Clinton County in 1849, locating in Warren Township, where he married Loucinda Black, daughter of William Black. To this union were born two children - Ibba Jane, wife of Captain L. Chamberlain, of Kansas, and one who died in infancy, the mother dying shortly after. Mr. Alter then moved to Jasper County, where he was married to Mary Chamberlain, a native of Maryland, and of the eight children born to this union live are living. John Alter was one of the early Abolitionists, and was twice mobbed in Indiana for expressing his views on the slavery question. He was a minister of the Protestant Methodist denomination, and was actively engaged in the work of the ministry for fifty-one years. He died in Jasper County, Indiana, in 1876. David Alter, whose name heads this sketch, was twelve years of age when he came with his parents to Indiana. After the death of his mother he served an apprenticeship of six years at the cabinet-maker's trade, after which he worked two years as journeyman in Peru, Indiana. He with two brothers came to Jasper County, Indiana, where they took up a claim and made a home for their father. In 1848 David Alter came to Clinton County, where he was married December 25 of the same year to Miss Lavona Sims, by whom he had nine children - John T., Viola (deceased), Benjamin F. (deceased), Mary Alvernon, Louise E., Sarah E. (deceased), Perry F., Martha W. and Emma. Mr. Alter was married a second time December 25, 1872, to Miss Rebecca Shoemaker, a daughter of Eli Shoemaker, of Clinton County, and to this union were born three children - Cristena May, David I. (deceased) and Leander C. Mr. Alter was again bereaved by the death of his wife, which occurred November 18, 1881. For his present wife he married Mary Jane King, November 27, 1883, her father, James King, being a resident of Kirklin Township. To them have been born two children (twins), both dying in infancy. Mr. Alter has of late years turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of a fine farm containing 186 acres of highly cultivated land, on which are substantial and commodious farm buildings. His residence is comfortable and convenient, and he and his family are surrounded with the comforts of life. He is one of the most esteemed citizens of Forest Township, and is at present serving as township trustee with credit to himself and his constituents, having received a majority of fifty-two votes, while his predecessor, a Democrat, had received a majority of forty-four votes.

Jambs E. Ashpaw was born in Fayette County, Indiana, November 9, 1827, a son of Jacob and Mary (Smiley) Ashpaw. His parents were among the pioneers of Franklin County, where they made their home till 1850. They then came to Clinton, remaining here till their death, the mother dying in 1868, aged seventy-three year3, and the father dying in his seventy-seventh year in 1876. Mr. Ashpaw has always followed farming, and in his chosen avocation has met with remarkable success, having but 50 cents when he left his father's house to commence life for himself, and from this small beginning he has, by persevering industry and strict economy, become one of tiie prosperous citizens of Forest Township, having reached a high round in the ladder of financial success. He was united in marriage March 4, 1854, to Caroline Harley, a daughter of Jacob and Martha (Clark) Harley, who were among the first settlers of Center Township, Clinton County, her father being the first assessor in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Ashpaw have had five children born to them - ^Emma R., deceased; Isabel and Arabel (twins), the former deceased; Charles A. and Edna. After his marriage Mr. Ashpnw settled on his present farm which now contains 200 acres of well-improved land, on which he has erected a pleasant residence and commodious barn. He uses his accumulated wealth in surrounding himself and family with the comforts of life. Mr. and Mrs. Ashpaw are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been steward for many years. He assisted in building the first church erected in Forest Township. In his political views he affiliates with the Repultlican party.

James A. B. Baird was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, May 14, 1828, the second son of "William and Ary A. (Rose) Baird, who were also natives of Kentucky. They immigrated with their family to Indiana in 1835, and after living in Boone County six years, removed to Clinton County, where they remained till their death, the father dying July 30, 1876, and the mother in February, 1879. James A. B., our subject, was reared on his father's farm, coming to Clinton County with his parents when about tliirteen years of age. He was married January 28, 1858, to Nareisse V., daughter of "William and Elizabeth Groves, and to this union have been born nine children - William H. H., Marquis L., George W., Oliver P. M. (deceased), Alice A., Viola E., Minnie M., Narcisse (deceased) and Ary E. (deceased). Mrs. Baird died in January, 1876, and September 12, of the same year, Mr. Baird married Sarah Easy, who died January 30, 1877. For his third wife he married Emeline Childer, who died March 3, 1883, leaving three children - Albert A., John R. and Thomas A. Mr. Baird married for his present wife Mrs. Sarah (Yencill) Carrack, February 25, 1886, she being a daughter of Lewis and Julia A. (Hall) Yencill. By her former husband, Thomas Carrack, she had seven children - Dora B. (deceased), Frank A., Caro L., William H., Ad O., Devvitt and Robert E. Mr. Baird has been prosperous in his agricultural pursuits, and is numbered among the successful and enterprising farmers of Forest Township, where he has a fine larm containing over 553 acres of improved land under a high state of cultivation, a substantial briuk residence and good farm buildings. In his politics Mr. Baird affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Baird is an active member of the Protestant Methodist church.

D. B. Carter was born in Monroe County, Virginia, September 22, 1832, the second son of John M. and xMartha (East) Carter, who were natives of Halifax County, Virginia. They came to Indiana in 1860, and settled in Clinton County, where the father died, aged fifty-nine years. The mother still makes her home in Clinton County and is now seventy-six years of age. D. B. Carter, our subject, passed his youth on a farm, receiving his early education in the subscription schools. He came to Clinton County, Indiana, in 1856, and purchased forty acres of land. He was united in marriage April 5, 1860, to Lavina E. Collins, daughter of William I. and Sarah (Hyatt) Collins, of Highland County, Ohio. In February, 1864, Mr. Carter enlisted as a private in Company G, Eightysixth Indiana Infantry, and was immediately sent to the front, joining his regiment at Chattanooga, and participated with his regiment in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign under General Sherman. The following winter they were sent to Nashville, where they were transferred to the Fifty-first Regiment and sent to Texas, where they were mustered out at San Antonio, and arrived home January 13, 1866. Mr. Carter then followed farming till 1868 when he was elected to the office of county recorder, which he held for four years, filling the position with much credit to himself and his constituents. After retiring from office he bought his present home in Forest Township, a fine farm containing 285 acres of land, on which he has erected a good residence and substantial farm buildings, and surrounded them with shade trees and shrubbery. Mr. Carter is a member of Russiaville Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; also of the Frankfort council, chapter and commandery. He has in his possession one of the finest collections of rare coins extant, in which he takes great pride.

Geoege E. Davis, the youngest son of Hueston and Jane (Lynch) Davis, was born in Clinton County, Indiana, the date of his birth being October 4, 1858. He passed his youth on the home farm in this county, receiving such educational advantages as the schools of the county afforded. After finishing his education he taught school for one term, otherwise his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, which he has followed with success. He is a young man of persevering energy, and by his industry and good management has added largely to the property left him by his father, and now owns a farm of 152 acres of well-improved land, on which he has a neat brick residence. Mr. Davis has been twice married, taking fur his first wife Isabel C. Ashpaw, daughter of J. E. Ashpaw, April 23, 1879. Mrs. Davis died April 30, 1883, leaving one son - Albia Pearl, who was born May 8, 1880. Mr. Davis was again married January 14, 1884, to Ida B. Friend, her father, William H. Friend, being a resident of Forest Township. To this union has been born one child - Roxie Leota, born January 12, 1885. Mr. Davis is a worthy member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Sexton Lodge, JSTo. 592, of Forest, and has tilled all the chairs of that order.- In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Mr. Davis is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, his wife being an earnest member of the United Brethren denomination.

HtTESTON Davis, deceased, was born September 14, 1823, in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. His father was employed in shipping on the river, and made his last trip while our subject was yet a child, from which he never returned. The mother subsequently immigrated with her children to Indiana, and settled on the Michigan Road, in Michigan Township, Clinton County. Our subject being the eldest child was early inured to hard work, the maintenance of the family devolving on him. He remained with his mother till he was married to Miss Jane Lynch, April 10, 1845, she having come to Clinton County, Indiana, from Ohio, when a child. Seven children were born to this union - John A. (deceased), Martin P., Allen (deceased), Samuel M., William H., Martha E. and George E. After their marriaga Mr. Davis settled on land which he had formerly entered, which consisted of eighty acres of dense timber land. lie was very successful in his farming pursuits, and added to his original tract of land till he had almost two sections, which he acquired by his own industry and perseverance. He was bereaved by the death of his wife December 21, 1858, and June 2, 1859, he was again united in marriage to Miss Mary Cowdrey, a daughter of John Cowdrey, a native of Athens County, Ohio, who came to Indiana in 1814, and settled in Clinton County in 1851. Of the four children born to this union two only are living - Laura B. and Orice C. Emma J., the eldest, and Lorinda A., the third child, are deceased. Mr. Davis was in every respect a self-made man, and used his accumulated wealth in surrounding himself and family with the comforts of life and in giving his children a good practical education. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Rushvijle Lodge. Politically he affiliated with the Democratic party. He died February 2, 1879, an honored and respected citizen.

John A. Davis, deceased, was born February 1, 1846, the eldest son of Hueston and Jane (Lynch) Davis, both of whom are now deceased, they being among the pioneers of Clinton County. John A., the subject of this sketch, received good educational advantages, attending the common schools and later the high schools of Thorntovvn and Kokomo, Indiana. He was united in marriage October 5, 1865, taking for his wife Miss Anna Norman, daughter of Joseph and Martha (Coon) Norman, who were natives of Virginia. To this union were born iive children whose names are as follows - Charles S., Lowell H., Mattie, Norman O. and Mollie. After their marriage they settled on a part of the Davis homestead, consisting of eighty acres, and by their persevering energ}' and industry they added 520 acres, making them a handsome landed estate of 600 acres on which they built a pleasant home. Mr. Davis died January 10, 1885, leaving his wife to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate husband, and the children a loving father, and the community an esteemed and honored citizen. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also his widow at the present time.

living of the late Hueston and Jane (Lynch) Davis. He was naarried at the age of twenty years, December 24, 1869, to Miss Sarah Middleton, a daughter of Edward Middleton, who at that time was a resident of Clinton County. Mrs. Davis died April 20, 1874, leaving one son, Frank M., who was born February 9, 1870. Mr. Davis was again united in marriage November 17, 1874, taking for his present wife Miss Anna, daughter of John and Lydia (Spangler) Rathfon. They have three children - Oren H., born May 24,1878; Austen E., born February 9, 1882, and Lawrence C, born September 13, 1884. Mr. Davis was reared to agricultural pursuits which he has made the principal vocation of his life, becoming one of the prominent and enterprising farmers of Forest Township. To the original ninety acres given him by his father, be has by his industry and good management added 120 acres, and now has a good farm containing 210 acres of well-improved land on which he has erected a fine brick residence, and his barns and other farm buildings are commodious and convenient. Mr. Davis is a member of Herman Lodge, No. 184, A. F. & A. M., and of Sexton Lodge, No. 592, I. O. O. F., and has filled all the chairs in the latter order.

Samuel M. Davis, farmer and stock-raiser of Forest Township, is a native of Clinton County, Indiana, born August 2, 1852, the fourth son of Hueston and Jane (Lynch) Davis. He was reared on a farm, receiving a fair education in the schools of this county. At the age of eighteen years he began teaching school, which he followed for seven years. He was married April 29, 1875, to Miss Emma R., daughter of James R. Ashpaugh of Clinton County To this union was born one child who died in infancy. After his marriage he engaged in farming on his present farm, whicliis part of the old homestead. Mr. Davis was bereaved of the loss of his wife, who died December 19, 1881. He was again united in marriage in October, 1882, to Miss Hannah P. Clark, a daughter of Allen Clark, of Johnson Township, Clinton County. One son, Archie R., has been born to this union. Mr. Davis is one of the prominent citizens of Forest Township, and is always interested in every enterprise to promote the public welfare. On the organization of Forest Township he was appointed township trustee by the county commissioners, and at the first election held in the township he was elected to the same office, and re-elected two years later. In politics he is a Democrat, and is actively interested in the political issues of his county. Both Mr. and Mrs.

Davis are active and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is- a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Herman Lodge, No. 189, Frankfort Chapter, and Frankfort Commandery, No. 29.

John V. Finnet was born October 18, 1837, in Coles County, Illinois, where the city of Mattoou is now located. He is the eldest child of H. C. and Martha (Konutz) Finney, who were among the pioneers of Forest Township, Clinton County, Indiana, the father still living in that township aged seventy years. Our subject lived with his parents till attaining his majority. He enlisted during the late war in August, 1862, as a member of Company G, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, &nd was at once ordered to the front. At Munfordville, the first battle in which he participated he fell from a bridge, receiving an injury to his leg from which he has never fully recovered, and was there taken prisoner and held by the enemy for thirty days when he was exchanged. After taking part in the battle of Mound City he was placed in the detached service where he served the remainder of his term of service. He was mustered out at St. Louis, Missouri, in June, 1865, having served his country for three years. While home on a furlough in November, 1861, ho was married to Miss Mary Ransopher, by whom he had eight children - Savannah, James H., Stephen Y., Samantha, Dillie, Mattie, Priscilla and John, of whom Priscilla is deceased. Mrs. Finney died in December, 1875, and April 11, 1877, Mr. Finney married for his present wife Miss Priscilla Lowry, a daughter of William and Emeline Lowry. This union has been blessed with two children - Clinton and Omir A. After his second marriage Mr. Finney settled on his present farm which contains 130 acres of choice land under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Finney is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Herman Lodge, No. 182, and is also a member of Sexton Lodge, No. 592, I. O. O. F. In his political affiiliations he is a Democrat. He is classed among the public-spirited citizens of Forest Townsliip, and is always willing to lend his aid to any enterprise for the public welfare. Mrs. Finney is an active member of the United Brethren church.

Leonard R. Friend is a native of Indiana, born in Cass County, March 1, 1855, a son of Charles S. and Nancy Friend, who were natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively. They came to Indiana in an early day, and resided in various places throughout the State. The mother died in Cass County, January 10,

1877, and the fatlier is now living at Logansport, aged seventyone years. Leonard R., our subject, was reared on the home farm, remaining with his parents till twenty-two years of age, his education being obtained in the common schools of his neighborhood. He was united in marriage July 30, 1879,to Miss Martha E. Davis, the eldest daughter of the late Hueston Davis. They have a fine farm in Forest Township containing 170 acres of well-improved land, 130 of which Mrs. Friend received from her father's estate, the balance having been gained by honest toil and industry. They have a beautiful brick residence, and are so situated as to enjoy the comforts of life, together with the good will and respect of their neighbors.

Samuel B. Hallidat, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Jackson Township, Clinton County, Indiana, June 12, 1833, the eldest 'son of James W. and Sarah (Livingston) Halliday, who were natives of Warren County, Ohio, the former of English and the latter of Scotch ancestry. They came to Indiana in 1831 and entered eighty acres of Government land in Jackson Township, on which they resided for several years. They subsequently purchased the farm in Michigan Township now owned by J. K. Clark, where they made their home till their death. The land which now forms the public square at Frankfort was cleared by James W. Halliday and Jesse Gentry. Of the eleven children born to our subject's parents only three are now living. Samuel B., our subject, was reared to manhood on the home farm, his education being limited to the subscription schools of those early days. He was united in marriage November 4, 1860,to Ann Eliza Avery, a daughter of Andrew Avery, of Michigan Township. His wife died July 7, 1864, leaving one son - Andrew E. For his second wife Mr. Halliday married Isabel Mannilly, daughter of Andrew Mannilly, and to this union were born four children - Charles, Annie D., Addie R. and Ivy P. Mr. Halliday was a second time bereaved by the death of his wife, Octoi^er 8, 1875. November 14, 1880, he married Mrs. Mary (Cowdry) Davis, widow of the late Hueston Davis. Since his last marriage Mr. Halliday has resided on his present farm in Forest Township. He is an industrious citizen, unostentatious in his manner, and during his residence in the township he has won the respect and esteem of all. He is a member of the Second Advent denomination.

April 3, 1858, the eldest son of Simpson 0. and Mary (Prentice) Ogle, who were both natives of Indiana. He was reared on the home farm, his education being received at the common-schools, and being an apt scholar he improved every opportunity to store his mind witli useful knowledge. Mr. Ogle was united in marriage November 24, 1879, to Miss Mary Elliott, a daughter of John and Kachel (Patten) Elliott, natives of Indiana. To this union has been born one child, a daughter named Mertie E. Mrs. Elliott now resides with his family on the old homestead farm of the late John Elliott which contains 150 acres of improved land under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Ogle is a young man of industrious habits and strict integrity, and bears the respect and esteem of the entire community in which he makes his home.

Simpson C. Ogle, a son of Levi and Sarah (Cooper) Ogle, is a native of Clark County, Indiana, born February 28, 1833. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, his education being such as the subscription schools of his native State afforded. He was married ' to Miss Mary A. Prentice, a daughter of Nathan L. and Rebecca (Patrick) Prentice, the dateof their marriage being March 26, 1857. To Mr. and Mrs. Ogle were born eight children - James L., Sarah K. (deceased), Martha E., Florence M., Amanda C, Levi A., Fannie B. and Willy "V. (deceased). After their marriage they lived on a farm on the Ohio River for two years, then removed to Louisville, Kentucky, wiiere Mr. Ogle engaged in the ice business. When the war broke out he enlisted September 30, 1861, in Company I, Fiftieth Indiana Infantry, and the first two years of his service was on guard duty. His regiment was then ordered to the front under General Steele, and participated in the battles of Parker's Cross Roads, Little Rock and Salem River. Mr. Ogle was also at the siege of Fort Spanish at Mobile, Alabama, and in several skirmishes with Morgan. After serving his country for four years lie was mustered out at Montgomery, Alabama. He then lived for a time in Hamilton and Clark counties, and in 1876 came to Clinton County, since which he has been a resident of Forest Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ogle are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are always interested in every enterprise tending toward the public welfare. In his political views Mr. Ogle is a staunch Republican.

Page Sims, a resident of Forest Township, is a native of'Franklin County, Indiana, born September 12, 1814, a son of William and Elizabeth (Geiger) Sims, natives of Tennessee. His parents were among the first settlers of Franklin County, Indiana, and in 1829 removed to Tippecanoe County, in which they were also pioneers, and there they passed the remainder of their life, the father dj'ing at the age of sixty-five years while the mother survived him several years. Our subject remained with his parents until twenty-five years of age, assisting his parents on their frontier farm, receiving such education as the subscription schools of that early day afi^orded. In 1835 he was married to Miss Sarah Black, a daughter of William and Isabel Black, of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Of the six children born to them four are living - Elijah, Lucinda A., Mary A. and Melissa J. William, the eldest child, died in the service of his country at J^Jewport News, Yirginia, after the seven days' battle'of the "Wilderness, and Elizabeth, the fourth child, is also deceased. In 1839 Mr. Sims came to Clinton County and purchased land on the Miami Reserve, and erected the first cabin built by a white man in that vicinity, and here he and his family struggled on through tiie trials and vicitsitudes of pioneer life, and were at last rewarded by seeing their beautiful farm of 100 acres brought under a high state of cultivation, and their primitive log cabin replaced by a pleasant residence built in modern style and surrounded by shade and ornamental trees. Mr. Sims was bereaved by the death of his wife, January 3, 1877, who had shared with him for so many years the hardships and privations of their pioneer life and experienced with him the pleasures and comforts of their more prosperous home. Mr. Sims has always been Republican in politics, casting his first vote for Henry Clay. He has held the office of township assessor for several years with credit to his constituents. Mr. Sims has given to each of his children a good farm, retaining for himself the old homestead on which he first settled in Forest Township.

Cheistiajj "Wilhelm was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, Juh' 20, 1828, his parents, Moses and Catherine (Lang) Wilhelm, also being natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared to agricultural pursuits which have been his chosen vocation through life. He remained in Pennsylvania till twenty-four years of age, and in his youth attended the common schools, where he received but a limited education. He was united in marriage March 17, 1850, to Miss Mary A. Walter. Nine children have been born to them as follows - Jacob M., deceased; Louisa E., deceased; John W., a merchant at Foi-est; Phcebe A.; IdaB. ; Cynthia E. ; Elizabeth C, deceased; Franklin H., and one that died in infancy.

John "W". married Molly, daughter of George Maisli, of Frankfort; Franklin married Clara rarvis,ot Forest, and Ida married Albert Erskine, a farmer. Phojbe and Cynthia are the only ones at home. In 1852 Mr. Wilhelm came to Clinton County, Indiana, where his wife died January 12, 1885. He had accumulated $800 but he and his wife were both sick for some time and $500 was consumed. He bought eighty acres of land for which he was to pay $800, and was obliged to give his note for $500. Through his untiring industry and excellent management Mr. Wilhelm has accumulated a handsome property, having added to his original purchase of eighty acres in Forest Township 390 acres, now owning 470 acres of choice well-improved land. He has erected a large brick residence where he and his family are surrounded with all the necessary comforts of life, Mr. "Wilhelm is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Middle Fork Lodge, No. 304, and is one of the respected citizens of Forest Township.