Franklin Township

Franklin Township

DANIEL ACHOR, native of Highland County, Ohio, was born February 12, 1829, and is a son of George and Sarah Achor, the father born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Virginia. He was raised on a farm in his native county, and obtained a limited education in the country schools, attending the same at intervals during the winter seasons. He began life as a farmer, and remained in Ohio until 1849, at which time he came to Grant County, Ind., and located in Franklin Township, purchasing a tract of woodland upon which no improvement of any kind had been made. He went to work with a will and within a few years had cleared a farm and established a comfortable home, where he has since resided. He now owns 100 acres of well improved land, and is one of the active farmers of Franklin. He operated a saw-mill from 1856 to 1860, and did a good business in the lumber trade. On November 1, 1848, he was married to Miss Emily King, of Clinton County, Ohio, who has borne him six children, namely; William H., Eliza A., Gilbert, Frissie, Elijah and D, L. Achor. Mr. Achor is a Republican in politics, and cast his first vote for John ©. Fremont,

Biographical Sketches

JOHN N. BRANDENBURG isa native of Darke County, Ohio, and was born July 18, 1834, to Jacob and Jane (Freel) Brandenburg, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, and of German and Scotch descent. Mr. Brandenburgh grew to manhood amid the active scenes of farm life and early became familiar with the rugged duties of that noblest of all occupations. His early education was acquired by his own efforts, there being no public schools in that day and the subscription schools were few and of an inferior grade. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and remained in his native State until 1854, at which time he came to Grant County, Ind., and settled in Franklin Township, where he has since resided, and where he now owns a good farm of seventy acres, situated in Section 22. On August 8, 1858, he was married to Miss Frances Allen, daughter of John Allen, of Franklin Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg have been born the following children, namely: Henry A., William C., Elizabeth J., Charles M,, Emma M., Franklin W., Lucy and Clayton. Mr. Brandenburg isan active worker in the cause of temperance, and believes in the political theory of prohibition. He and his wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.

JOSEPH BROWN, native of Clinton County, Ohio, and eldest son of William and Rebecca (Howard) Brown, was born in July, 1825. His paternal ancestors were natives of Virginia and of German descent, his father being born in Wythe County, that State. His mother's people were Pennsylvanians, and of Irish extraction. Subject's early education was received in the country schools of his native county, and was limited to a knowledge of the common branches. By intelligent observation and reading he afterward acquired a fund of practical information, and he has always been known as a gentleman of intelligence and sound judgment. He grew to manhood on a farm and early chose agriculture as his life work, engaging in the business for himself at the age of twenty-one. He came to Grant County in 1851 and located in Franklin Township, where he now owns a beautiful farm, consisting of 130 acres, the greater part of which is well improved and supplied with all the modern appliances of agriculture. Mr. Brown was married on February 27, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth King, of Clinton County, Ohio. Three children have been born to this marriage, namely: William H., at present a merchant in the town of Sweetser; Elijah

D., deceased, and Emerson, deceased. Mr. Brown is a Democrat in politics, and has been called to fill several official positions since settling in the township. He was elected justice of the peace in 1852, and at the present time is jury commissioner, a position he has held ever since its creation.

SAMUEL BURRIER, native of Carroll' County, Ohio, and fourth son of Daniel and Catherine (Allbaugh) Burrier, was born May 17, 1830. His parents were both natives of Maryland, and of German lineage, their ancestors being among the early comers to the above State. Samuel Burrier enjoyed but limited educational advantages, owing to the fact that his time was required on the farm, but by applying his leisure hours to study he in time obtained the basis of a practical knowledge, upon which he has since intelligently built. He was reared a farmer and remained in his native State until April, 1852, at which time he came to Grant County, Ind., where he has since resided, his home at the present time being in Franklin Township, where he owns a tract of 513 acres of excellent land, all of which has been acquired by his own unaided efforts. He arrived in Grant County a poor boy, without friends or influence, but actuated by that energy and industry by which his life has been characterized, he went to work with a will and in time succeeded in acquiring a handsome competency, owning property in the county and in the city of Marion. In 1856 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tharp, daughter of Alfred Tharp, of Franklin Township. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burrier, namely: Arthur A., James M., Rebecca E., Daniel O. and Rosa B. Burrier. Mr. Burrier has always taken a deep interest in religious and educational matters, and was prominent in establishing the Roseburg Wesleyan Church, of which he and wife are honored members. He affiliates with the Republican party but is by no means a partisan.

ALEXANDER G. COMPTON is a native of Adams County, Ohio, and the fourth son of Joseph D. and Cynthia A. (Spurgeon) Compton, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. The paternal ancestors of Mr. Compton came originally from Ireland and were among the early residents of Virginia in colonial times. Joseph D. Compton came to Grant County in 1866, and located in Sims Township, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He had previously worked at the blacksmith's trade but abandoned it on ac- count of poor health. He served one term as justice of the peace in Sims Township, and died May 8, 1879. Alexander G. Compton was born March 27, 1846, and passed his youth and early manhood in his native State. In his youth he attended the country schools and obtained a fair English education which has been greatly improved by a thorough knowledge of business affairs acquired by coming in contact with his fellow-men in business transactions. He early chose agriculture as his vocation, and has followed it with good success ever since. He came to Grant County in 1865, andsettled in Sims Township, where he lived until 1868, at which time he moved to Franklin Township where he now resides. He entered the army in 1864, enlisting in Co. K, One Hundred and Forty-first Ohio Infantry, and served with the same four months. Mr. Compton was married to Miss Mary A. Hawn, of Franklin Township, on the 18th of March, 1869. The result of this marriage has been three children: Anna E., Margaret C. and Dora M. Compton. Mr. Compton is a painstaking farmer and, in addition to his agricultural interests, gives considerable attention to public works, frequently taking contracts for the same in Grant and adjoining counties. He is a supporter of the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for political honors.

WILLIAM COOK is one of the oldest citizens of Franklin Township and was born in Guilford County, N. C., June 20, 1803, and is the eldest son of Joseph and Lydia ( Wickersham) Cook; parents natives of the same State. At the early age of nine years the subject was brought by his parents to Wayne County, Ind., where he soon became familiar with the rough usages and privations of pioneer life. He received a very limited education in the schools, but early acquired a fund of practical information by coming in contact with his fellow-men in various capacities. At the age of sixteen he took up the shoe-maker's trade, at which he worked for some time, making boots and shoes for his father's family and for such neighbors as saw fit to patronize his humble shop. On November 16, 1826, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Small, a native of Grayson County, Va., by whom he had the following children: Sarah A., Charity, Joseph, Jacob, Jesse, Thomas, Nathan, Jonathan (deceased), and Hannah (deceased). Mrs. Cook was born May, 1804, and departed this life on the 5th of July, 1873. Mr. Cook moved from Wayne to Grant County in 1848, and entered the land where he now lives in Section 32, Franklin Township, it being at that time an unbroken piece of woodland. With that industry and energy for which he has always been noted, Mr. Cook at once went to work, and within a few years had a good farm under successful .cultivation. He has been an honored resident of his adopted township ever since coming to the same, and is now retired from active life, having divided his farm among his various children. He is a member of the Friend's Church, as was also his wife. He cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, but at the present time is identified with the Republican party.

GEORGE W. FENSTERMAKER was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 20, 1820, and is a son of George and Julia (Hamer) Fenstermaker, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia. He was raised on a farm and remained with his parents until the age of sixteen; he began life for himself as a cabinet-maker, learning the trade in Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he remained for some time, afterward working at the towns of Springfield and Burlington, in the same State, in the last named of which he opened a shop and operated it about fourteen years. At the end of that time, in 1852, he came to Grant County, Ind., and located on a farm in Center Township, where, with the exception of a short time spent in Marion, he lived until 1855, at which time he purchased a home in Franklin Township, where he has since resided. He now owns a beautiful farm of 146 acres of well improved land situated in one of the most fertile sections of the township. Mr. Fenstermaker has taken an active interest in public affairs, and in 1856 was elected trustee of Franklin, a position he held for five years. He was married on the Ist of January, 1844, to Miss Mary A. Moore, of Virginia. Four children are the result of this union: James M., John, Charley and Ella. Mr. Fenstermaker is an ardent worker in the temperance cause and a Prohibitionist in sentiment.

JOHN FENSTERMAKER, farmer, Franklin Township, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, on the 27th of January, 1846, and is a son of George W. and Mary (Moore) Fenstermaker, natives of Pennslyvania and Virginia respectively. He came to Indiana with his parents at quite an early age, and has spent the greater part of his life in Grant County, where he is widely and favorably known. He was réared to agricultural pursuits, which he has followed with success ever since engaging in business for himself, and now owns a beautiful farm of 120 acres, the greater part of which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He entered the army in 1864, enlisting in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the fall of the same year. In January, 1870, he was married to Miss Hannah Shields, daughter of James Shields, of Franklin Township, and to their union have been born four children: William O., Dayton, Clark and an infant. Mr. Fenstermaker is a Republican in politics but in no sense of the word a partisan. He is a member of the G. A. R., an organization in which he takes an active interest. Mr. and Mrs. Fenstermaker are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, belonging to the Roseburg congregation.

GEORGE FOSTER, a native of Hartford County, Conn., was born May 12, 1806, and is a son of Joseph and Honor (Smith) Foster, both parents natives of the same State. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and in his shop our subject received the first lessons in practical life, working at the. trade in the winter time and on a farm in summer seasons for a number of years. His early education was somewhat limited, but being possessed of a desire to learn, he succeeded, by diligently improving his leisure moments, in acquiring a fair knowledge of the ordinary branches, besides becoming acquainted with the current literature of the day. He was early taught the practical lessons of industry and self-reliance, and at the age of twenty-one began life for himself as a workman in a clock factory at Baltimore, where he continued two years. At the expiration of that time he began traveling, working at different vocations in the meantime, but making a specialty of clock mending, at which he became very expert, and in which his services were always in demand. After leading a wandering life for a period of four or five years, he returned to his native State and found employment in an ax factory at the city of Winstead, where he continued for some time. On the 5th of August, 1834, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Fries, of Frederick County, Va., by whom he had one child, George M., at the present time a resident of Franklin Township. Leaving his native State, Mr. Foster emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Greene County, where he remained until his removal to Grant County, Ind., in 1848, arriving here with but $24-in his pocket. He purchased his first farm in Washington Township but afterward moved to F ranklin, where ihe now resides, and where he has a beautiful home upon which his declining years are being passed in quiet and content. Mr. Foster is a man in whom sympathy and generosity are qualities happily blended in his nature, which, combined with his affability, have drawn around him a host of friends. He affiliates with no church or religious denomination, and is equally liberal in his political opinions, voting for the man instead of the party.

MOSES GLESSNER, deceased. Mr. Glessner was a native of Somerset County, Penn., born on the 14th of August, 1809, to John and Catherine Glessner. His ancestors, both paternal and maternal, were of German lineage, and among the early settlers of Pennsylvania in colonial times. Mr. Glessner was raised on a farm, and in early youth attended a German school in his father's neighborhood, where he obtained a limited knowledge of the branches usually taught at that time. He began life for himself as a farmer, and at the age of twenty moved to Preble County, Ohio, where, on the 2d of October, 1840, he married Miss Nancy Shoemaker, of that county, by whom he had the following children, namely: Benjamin F., Catherine N., Mary A., John W., and two infants, deceased. Mrs. Glessner was born August 3, 1820, and is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Glessner came to Grant County, Ind., in the year 18 - , and settled in Franklin Township, purchasing a farm near Roseburg Village, in Section 28. Here Mr. Glessner resided until April 20, 1884, at which time he was burned to death in the burning of his own house. The disastrous fire took place in the night, and Mr. Glessner had gone into the burning building the third time, securing his goods, when he was suffocated by the smoke and flames.

PETER GOTSCHALL, farmer, was born in Carrol County, Ohio, June 25, 1828, and is a son of John and Polly (Poland) Gotschall, both parents natives of Loudoun County, Va. Subject was raised a farmer and received a limited education in such schools as the country afforded, but by coming in contact with men in a business capacity, has since acquired a sound practical education. He early learned the carpenter's trade and has worked at the same at intervals for a number of years, carrying it on in connection with agricultural pursuits. He came to Grant County in 1853 and located on. a farm in Franklin Township, where he has since resided. He makes farming a specialty, owning a beautiful place of 100 acres, and is one of the progressive citizens of his community. He was married September 19, 1858, to Miss Polly Drukemiller, of Carroll County, Ohio,:and to this union have been born ten children, six of whom are living, namely: Franklin, William, Elvira, John, Nellie and Jacob. Mr. Gotschall is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, but he has never been an aspirant for political honors.

DR. NATHANIEL P. HAINES, one of the progressive physicians of Grant County, was born in Franklin Township on the 27th of December, 1850, and is the fifth son of Azariah and Elizabeth (Pierce) Haines, parents natives of Tennessee and Indiana, respectively. Azariah Haines came to Grant County in the year 1848, and was one.of the early settlers of Franklin Township, opening a farm shortly after his arrival. He was aman of considerable local prominence, filled the office of trustee one term, and departed this life in the year 1880. Dr. Haines grew to manhood amid the active scenes of farm life, and obtained his preparatory education in the country schools, which he attended at intervals during the winter seasons, until his twenty-first year. He then entered the academy at-Spiceland, Henry County, where he remained two years, and at the end of that time engaged in teaching, a profession he followed with more than ordinary success for a period of nine years. He early manifested a strong desire for the medical profession, and in 1880 began the study of the same with Dr. James Shively & Son, of Marion, under whose instructions he continued about one year, applying himself very diligently in the meantime. He entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, at Louisville, in 1881, completing the full course and graduating in 1882. In August of the above year he located at the village of Roseburg, where he has since resided, practicing his profession in Grant County, having built up a lucrative business. Dr. Haines is a member of the Grant County Medical Society, and has won considerable reputatign as a. skillful surgeon and successful practitioner. He was married, March 28, 1878, to Miss Sarah M. Shields, of Franklin Township. Dr. and Mrs. Haines have a family of four children, namely: Cecelia J., Frank T., Alberta and William 8. The Doctor is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, but has never asked for political honors at the hands of his fellow-citizens.

ents, John §. and Sarah (Thornburgh) Harris, were also natives of Indiana, the former born in Randolph and the latter in Wayne County. B. C. Harris grew to manhood in his native township, and was raised to agricultural pursuits. He obtained a good English education in the common schools and at the age of twentyone, began life as a teacher, following the profession with the most gratifying success for a period of nine years, having had charge of the Fairmount schools four years of that time. In 1868 he entered Earlham College, which institution he attended one year, making substantial progress in the higher branches in the meantime, his specialty being mathematics, in which he became quite proficient. He studied civil engineering while attending school, and in 1870 was elected county surveyor, the duties of which position he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner for a period of two years. In 1873 he purchased his present beautiful farm of 240 acres, situated in Franklin Township, and since that time he has made agriculture a specialty, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. He was elected county commissioner in the fall of 1884, making the race on the Republican ticket, and defeating his competitor by a handsome majority. Mr. Harris was married, on the 5th of October, 1872, to Miss Eliza Winslow, daughter of Jesse Winslow, of the town of Fairmount. This marriage has been blessed with three children, whose names,are as follows, to wit: Ida B., Laura M., and Ross W. Harris. Mr. Harris isa man of public spirit, and is always identified with measures and enterprises of public interest and moment. With his wife he is a member of the Friends' Church, belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and has voted the Republican ticket since attaining his majority.

GEORGE W. HIATT, merchant, Roseburg, was born April 4, 1839, in Delaware County, Ind., and is a son of Amos and Susannah (Dillon) Hiatt, parents natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The paternal grandfather of subject was William Hiatt. He was a native of North Carolina, but early left that State, emigrating to Ohio and settling in Ashland County, where he lived a number of years. He came to Indiana in 1838, and settled in Henry County, but later moved to Madison County, where his death occurred about the year 1856. James Dillon, subject's maternal grandfather, was born in Virginia, but emigrated to Ashland County, Ohio, in an early day, and died there in 1830. Amos Hiatt was born in High- land County, Ohio. He came to Indiana in 1838, and settled in Delaware County, where he engaged in farming and where he still resides. Susannah (Dillon) Hiatt, was born in the year 1814, and is still living in Delaware County. Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt are the parents of fourteen children, the subject of this sketch being the fifth in number. George Hiatt was reared on a farm in his native county, received a fair English education in the common schools, and remained with his parents until his twenty-second year. He then began life for himself as a farmer, which vocation he followed in Delaware County for a period of two years. At the end of that time, in 1864, he came to Grant County and engaged in farming near Roseburg Village, Franklin Township, where he resided ten years, abandoning agricultural pursuits at the end of that time, and engaging in the carpentering trade at Farmland, Randolph County, where he worked four years. He then moved to Delaware County and carried on farming and carpentering until 1880, at which time he returned to Grant County and established his present mercantile house at the village of Roseburg, where he has since lived. Mr. Hiatt carries a general stock of merchandise, and is doing a very successful business. He was married, July 7, 1861, in Grant County, to Miss Catherine Glessner, daughter of Moses and Nancy Glessner, of Randolph County, Ind. Two children have been born to this union, one of whom - William. E. Hiatt - is living. Mr. 'and Mrs. Hiatt are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Hiatt has held the offices of county assessor and justice of the peace and is a Republican in politics.

ANDERSON HOGSTON, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Wayne County, Ind., September 14, 1833, and is the eldest son of Alfred and Ann (Price) Hogston, natives of north California and Ohio respectively, and of German and English lineage. Subject's early education was obtained in the schools of Wayne and Randolph Counties, to the latter of which he moved with his parents when about fifteen years of age. He made substantial progress in his various studies, and at the age of twenty-five began teaching in the common schools, in which profession he soon acquired considerable reputation, both as an able instructor and skillful disciplinarian. In 1863 he came to Grant County and purchased a tract of land in Franklin Township, to which he has since added at different times, owning at the present time a beautiful farm of 437 acres, situated in Section 28. Upon this farm Mr. Hogston has made many substantial improvements and it is considered one of the best cultivated places in the township, while the proprietor stands in the front rank as a successful agriculturist and stock raiser. Mr. Hogston has never married. He is a Republican in politics but exercises his own judgment in political matters of a local nature, voting for the man instead of party.

HARRISON HURLEY, deceased, was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1817, and was' a son of Leaven and Susanna (Burt) Hurley. He grew to manhood in his native State and was a farmer by occupation, a vocation he carried on all his life and by means of which he accumulated a comfortable competency. He came to Grant County in 1849 and settled in Centre Township, where he opened a farm and where he resided for a period of six years, at the end of that time moving to Franklin Township, which was his home during the remainder of his life. He was married, January, 1839, to Miss Margaret Whonyhan, of Frederick County, Va., by whom he had ten children; the following of whom are living: George, John, James, Mary, Henry and Joseph. The deceased members of the family were the following: Silas, died at Helena, Ark., during the war; Edmund, Ellen and Jane Hurley. Mrs. Hurley was born in the year 1819 and is still living in Franklin Township. Mr. Hurley was an eminently respectable citizen, and during his long residence in Grant County won and retained the esteem of all with whom he became associated. He was a Republican in politics, and departed this life on the 18th of December, 1885.

WILLIAM F. JONES was born in Franklin Township, Grant County, on the 16th of November, 1846, and is the second son of William and Mary (Conner) Jones, natives of Kentueky and South Carolina, respectively. The father was one of the earliest residents of the county, moving here in 1830 and settling in Franklin Township, where he opened a farm upon which he lived for a number of years, dying in 1873 at the advanced age of seventy-four. The subject was reared to farm work and enjoyed the advantages of a fair English education in the common schools, which he attended at intervals during his youth and early manhood. He remained with his parents until his twentieth year, at which time, February, 1865, he volunteered in the One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana

Regiment, in which he served until August of the following year. After leaving the army he returned home and engaged in farming, which he has since continued, owning a beautiful place in Franklin Township, all of which is under cultivation. He has been thrice married, the first time, in 1867, to Miss Carrie Vertress, of Wabash. His second marriage took place in 1870 with Miss Ann Baugh, of Marion, who departed this life February, 1873. In November, 1873, his third marriage was solemnized with Miss Ada Beauchamp, of Andrews, Ind., by whom he has one child, George Jones. - Mr. Jones is a supporter of the Republican party, and at the Presens time is justice of the peace for Franklin Township.

'JOSHUA MARSHALL, farmer, is a native of Surry County, N. C., and dates his birth from July, 1815. Heis the eldest son af Thomas and Mary (Louder) Marshall, both natives of North Carolina and of English and Irish descent respectively. The subject remained in his native State until twelve years of age, at which time he accompanied his parents to Grayson County, Va., in which was his home for a period of about five years. He came to Indiana in 1832 and settled in Henry County, where he remained for about sixteen years, and in 1848 he moved to Grant County and secured a home in Franklin Township, where he has since resided, owning a farm at the present time in Section 29. Mr. Marshall's early school training was very limited, but he has always been an intelligent observer of men and things, and by self improvement has kept himself well informed on the current questions of the day. He began life as a farmer and has always followed the business, participating in its many hardships, and enjoying in a marked degree its many benefits. He was married on the 12th of November, 1835, to Miss Tamer Osborn, a native of Wayne County, Ind. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, to wit: Ruth, Joseph, EliB., Zimri. Mr. Marshall's second marriage was solemnized in November, 1876, with Mrs. Charity Ladd, widow of Samuel Ladd and daughter of William Cook. Mr. Marshall has traveled extensively throughout the South and Southwest, spending considerable time in Texas in quest of his favorite pastime, hunting. He is a Republican in politics, and a consistent member of the Friends' Church.

father of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Ohio. He received a common school education, chiefly in the counties of Bartholomew and Shelby, and at the age of eighteen began life for himself, learning the cabinet-maker's trade, working with a Mr. Bliss of Middletown, Ind., for a period of three years. At the expiration of that time he went to Kokomo, Ind., where he worked at his trade for fifteen years, and at the end of that time (1876) began farming in Howard County, which vocation he contined there until he removed to Grant County in 1880. After locating in'Grant he was appointed superintendent of the county asylum, a position he still retains. Mr: McIntire was married in Shelby County, Ind., November 4, 1847, to Miss Celia Stodgesgill, of Kentucky. Five children have been born to this marriage, to wit: Sarah E., Asenath J., William, James A., and Charles. Mr. McIntire is a painstaking business man and has proved an efficient official, discharging the duties of superintendent in a satisfactory manner. He was originally a Whig, but upon the dissolution of that party he identified himself with the Republican party and has since voted that ticket. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has been an active worker for many years.

HON. JOHN RATLIFF. Among the public-spirited citizens of Grant County deserving of special mention is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. Mr. Ratliff was born in Wayne County, Ind., on the 1st of March, 1822, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Shugart) Ratliff; parents natives of North Carolina. The paternal ancestors of Mr. Ratliff came from England in quite an early day and were among the first permanent residents of Pennsylvania, one member of the family, James Radcliff, as the name was originally spelled, locating in what is now Bucks County about the year 1682. He came from the city of Laneshire, England, was a noted preacher of the Quaker Church, and it is believed by some that he participated in Penn's celebrated treaty with the Indians shortly after the founding of Philadelphia. He was a man of great force of character, a zealous advocate of the Quaker faith, and died in Pennsylvania as early as the year 1690. Joseph, son of James Radcliff, emigrated to North Carolina in an early day and settled in Pasquotank County, being one of the first pioneers.in that part of the State. His son, Cornelius, accompanied him and remained in North Carolina until the -year 1810, at which time he came to Indiana and made a settlement near Richmond, Wayne County, where he died, in 1827, at the advanced age of seventy-two years. Joseph Ratliff, son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Charles) Ratliff, and father of the subject, was born in North Carolina in the year 1787. He came to Indiana with his parents and was a resident of the State of his adoption until his death, which occurred in Grant County in the year 1836. His wife Sarah (Shugart) Ratliff, was a native of North Carolina, but early came to Indiana, where the remainder of her life was passed. Joseph and Sarah Ratliff raised a family of six children whose names are as follows: George, Millicent, John, Eli, Cornelius and Mary Ratliff. The subject was reared amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times and passed the first twelve years of his life in Wayne County. He came with his parents to Grant County in 1834, settling in what is now Mill Township, where he enjoyed such edticational advantages as the country schools of those days afforded, attending two terms in the winters of 1834, 1835. His father was a teacher, and found time to instill into the minds of his children an ardent desire for knowledge, which they sought every means of gratifying. The subject was but fourteen years old when his father died, and at that early age he was thrown upon his own resources, working early and late upon the farm and contributing his share toward the support of the family, At the age of twenty he began life for himself by clearing a part of the place where he now lives, and which his father had previously purchased from the Government.. He employed all of his leisure moments in study, and such progress had he made that in the winter of 1842-43 he took charge of a school on Deer Creek which he taught for the princely compensation of $8.334 per month, paying out of that the sum of 50 cents per week for board. He continued to teach and followed the profession with good success for several years, working on the farm and attending school in the meantime. Not satisfied with a farm life of grubbing, clearing, etc., and desirous of improving his education, he entered the Fourier Association in the county of Lagrange, Ind., walking 'to the same and supporting himself while there by chopping wood and doing other kinds of work during his leisure hours. He attended that school one term and in 1844 was a student at the Richmond High School, Richmond, Ind., for a period of five months. At the expiration of that time he engaged in teaching at the town of Jonesboro, where he introduced the first blackboard ever used in Grant County. In the summer of 1845, in company with John T. Morris, Joseph Jay, and John Turner, he entered Franklin College, which institution he attended one session, paying his way by sawing wood and working at whatever he could find to do. "In the summer of 1846 he again entered college," and to avoid paying room rent he built a small cabin where he "batched" and worked his way as he had previously done. He taught school during the winters of 1846-47 and 1848 and in the summer of the latter year was appointed deputy county surveyor under Ephraim Smith, a position he filled until 1849, at which time he was appointed surveyor to fill the place of Mr. Smith, resigned. He discharged the duties of his office until 1852 at which time he turned his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. He was elected to the Legislature in 1866 and re-elected in 1868, making a creditable record as a Representative during his term of office, introducing a number of important bills and participating in the usual discussions. In 1870 he was elected auditor of Grant County, the duties of which office he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner from 1871 to 1875. He was registry clerk at the House of Representatives in 1876 and since that time has filled no official position. Mr. Ratliff was married, on the 16th of December, 1848, to Miss Sarah Pearson, of Henry County, Ind. Their union has been blessed with these children: Joseph, Levi L., Nela H., Harvey, Charles L. and John W. Mr. Ratliff owns a beautiful farm in Franklin Township and is passing the evening of a well spent life in quiet and content. He takes an active interest in all enterprises for the public good, is an intelligent and courteous gentleman and enjoys the confidence and respect of the community around him. He is a strong advocate of temperance reform, and at the late presidential contest he and his sons cast seven votes for St. John. He is a devoted member of the Friends' Church with which he has been identified the greater part of his life. Mrs. Ratliff belongs to the Methodist Church.

ARCHIBALD RHEA. Prominent among the progressive farmers of Franklin Township, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. Mr. Rhea is a native of Preble County, Ohio, born in June, 1822, and the third son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Rhea, the father of Tennessee, and the mother of North Carolina.

During his boyhood days educational advantages were rather limited, but being possessed of good natural abilities and improving his time in home studies when not working on the farm he succeeded in acquiring a good practical education. At the early age of seventeen he began working at the carpenter's trade, which vocation he he followed for a number of years, acquiring the reputation of a skillful builder in the meantime. He came to Grant County, Ind., in the fall of 1855, and settled in Franklin Township, where he has since resided, and where he now owns a beautiful farm of 200 acres of well improved land. Since coming to this county he has given his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he has been very successful, being one of the leading families of his township at the present time. In April, 1852, he married Miss Harriett Parks, a native of Preble County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Rhea have had five children, whose names are as follows: Isaac N. (deceased), Mary E., George M., Charity A. and Arabella. Mr. Rhea is a Democrat in politics, but has never been an aspirant for official position. JOSEPH A. SAMPAL, deceased. Mr. Sampal was a native of Adams County, Penn., born on the 7th of May, 1803. He was early in life thrown upon his own resources, his parents dying when he was quite young, and in consequence thereof his education was somewhat limited. He was able to attend the country schools but a short time, but afterward pursued his studies at his leisure, and succeeded in becoming quite well informed in the various branches usually taught at that time. At an early age he learned the millwright trade, which he followed several years, working at the same for some time after his marriage. He was married in his native State to Miss Eliza Brown, of Frederick County, Md., who was born on the 25th of June, 1810. After marriage Mr. Sampal lived in Franklin County, Penn., for some time, and from 1837 to 1839 was engaged as overseer of a gang of workmen in the construction of the Chesapeake & Baltimore Canal. In the latter year he moved to Ohio and located about seven miles from Dayton, where for several years he was employed in the construction of turnpike roads in Montgomery and adjoining counties. From Montgomery he moved to Highland County, which was his home until his removal to Grant County, Ind., in the year 1844. He located a short distance north of Marion, where he engaged in farming, and in 1849 moved to Franklin Townshjp, where he purchased a farm, upon which he lived until his death March 4, 1884. Mr. Sampal was an intelligent gentlemen, and in every respect a worthy citizen. He was a zealous member of the Methodist Church and a stanch supporter of the Democratic party.

WILLIAM SHARP, deceased. Mr. Sharp, son of William and Elizabeth (Leakey) Sharp, was a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born March 26, 1831. The father was a Southerner by birth and a farmer by occupation. The subject was raised in his native State and enjoyed but limited educational advantages, attending the country schools at rare intervals and-prosecuting his studies under 'many adverse circumstances. He received a sound practical knowledge in the rugged school of experience, and made his own start in life as a farmer, which business he carried on with good success all his life. He came to Grant County in the year 1856 and purchased a beautiful farm in Franklin Township, consisting of 157 acres of fine land, the greater part of which is under a successfuh state of cultivation. On the 26th of February, 1861, Mr. Sharp was married to Miss Mahala Drukemiller, of Carroll County, Ohio, and to their union were born these children, viz.: George, Elizabeth, Anna and Lewis Sharp. Mr. Sharp was an eminently respectable citizen, and, after a long and useful life, died April 1, 1881... His widow still survives and manages the home place.

JAMES M. SHIELDS, farmer, Franklin Township, was born in Green County, Ohio, September 17, 1824, and is the second son of Preston and Delilah (Fulkerson) Shields, natives of Virginia and of Scotch and Irish descent. He passed his youth and early manhood in his native county, received a fair English education in the country schools, and at the age of twenty-two started in life for himself at Cincinnati, to which city he went for the purpose of becoming proficient as a locomotive engineer, having early manifested a decided liking for that kind of employment. He was employed as engineer about three years, and during that time ran on a great many roads in different parts of the country. He abandoned railroading in 1855 and engaged in farming in Jay County, Ind., where he resided until 1859, at which time he moved to Clinton County, and lived there until 1862. In the latter year he came to Grant County and purchased a farm in Franklin Township, upon which he has since resided. Mr, Shields was married, November 9, 1850, to Miss Margaret Cline, a native of Berkley County, Va. Mrs. Shields is the mother of eight children, whose names are as follows, to wit: Hannah A., Anna E., Hiram P., Benjamin F., John S., Emma A., Arthur and Maggie Shields. Mr. and Mrs. Shields are active members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Shields acts with the Republican party.

JOHN SHIELDS, a leading farmer of Franklin Township, was born in Greene County, Ohio, July, 1826, son of Preston and Delilah (Fulkerson) Shields, parents natives of Virginia. His father came to Indiana in the fall of 1848 and settled in Jay County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and where his death occurred about 1874. The subject's early education was obtained in his native county, but he is largely self-taught, the duties of farm life preventing him from completing school work; consequently his knowledge is mostly of a practical nature. He remained in Jay County until 1852, at which time he moved to Grant County and settled on the present site of Roseburg Village, where he erected a saw-mill and engaged in the lumber business, continuing the same for about eight or nine years. On December 6, 1849, he was married to Miss Arminta J. Wroe, of Virginia, who has borne him six children, namely: Clarinda E. (deceased), Arminta, Sarah M., Margaret, Benjamin and Prestina Shields. In 1862 Mr. Shields entered the army, enlisting in the Twelfth Indiana Volunteers, with which he served until the 8th of January, 1865. He shared the vicissitudes and fortunes of his regiment through all its varied experience, including the battles of Missionary Ridge, Vicksburg; Richmond, Ky.; Jackson, Miss. ; Savannah, Ga., and Sherman's celebrated march to the sea, receiving a wound at the battle of Dallas, Ga. At the close of the war he returned to Grant County, where he has since resided, in the pursuit of his occupation - farming - owning a farm of 120 acres of highly improved land in the township of Franklin. He is a Republican in politics, believing the principles upon which that party is based to be conducive to the greatest good to his section and to the country at large. He is not an aspirant for political honors, however, but contents himself with the management of his own affairs.

SAMUEL SMALL is a native of Henry County, Ind., born November 25, 1831, and is the only living son of Nathan and Polly Small, natives of Highland County, Ohio, and North Carolina respectively. The first seven years of his life were spent in his native county, after which his parents moved to Grant County, where he has since resided. He received a very good education in the Mississinewa Academy, which he attended at intervals for several years, and after attaining his majority began life for himself as a farmer, coming to Franklin prior to the organization of the township and securing a home in Section 31, where he now owns a good farm of 200 acres, the greater part of which is under a successful state of cultivation. Mr. Small was married, January 8, 1857, to Miss Ruth Marshall, daughter of Joshua and Tamer Osborn, by whom he had seven children, namely: Ellen, Lydia, Abraham L., Emma, Oliver, Anna and Levi (deceased). Mr. Small is one of the leading farmers of Franklin, and is justly considered one of its most enterprising citizens. He is nota partisan, but takes some interest in political affairs, voting the Republican ticket.

CLARKSON WILLCUTS, an enterprising farmer and stock raiser of Franklin Township, was born in Grant County, Ind., August 2, 1840, and is the youngest son of Clark. and Eunice (Hall) Willcuts, of North Carolina. The father came to Indiana a number of years ago, and was among the earliest settlers of Grant County, locating in what is now Center Township, where the few settlements were but niches in the almost impenetrable forests. He was a farmer by occupation, a man of local prominence, and departed this life November 14, 1862. Clarkson Willcuts was raised a farmer and enjoyed such educational advantages as the country schools afforded, attending the same at intervals for several years. He remained with his. parents until his majority, at which time he began life for himself as a farmer, and continued that vocation until 1869. That year he moved to Marion and engaged in the wholesale and retail lumber business, in which he continued with fair success until 1876, when he closed out and returned to Franklin Township, where he resumed agricultural pursuits, and where he has since resided. Mr. Willcuts has been successful as a farmer, and at the present time owns a beautiful tract of 500 acres of land, the greater part. of which is under a high state of cultivation. He makes farming and stock raising his sole business, and is justly regarded as one of the progressive and wide-awake citizens of Grant County. In political faith he is a stanch Republican, and has been called to fill official positions at different times, holding the office of trustee of Franklin Township from 1879 to 1882. He was married, September 2, 1860, to Hannah Druckemiller, daughter of Jacob and Sallie (Gotschall) Druckemiller, of Harrison County, Ohio. He has a family of four children: William E., Flora B., Lucy D. and Calvin. He and wife are members of the Society of Friends.

WILLIAM WRIGHT, an enterprising farmer of Franklin Township, and second son of Nathan and Abigail (Coppic) Wright, is a native of Miami County, Ohio, and dates his birth from November, 1832. Nathan Wright was born in Tennessee and early came to Grant County. He erected a mill on Fall Creek, which he operated many years, and died January, 1879. Abigail Wright was. born in Alabama and was of German descent. She experienced all the hardships and privations incident to a life inthe backwoods, and died May, 1881, at an advanced age. The subject's youth was spent amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times, and he early became accustomed to those rugged duties which fit him for the active labors of subsequent life. His early education was acquired in the rude log schoolhouses, attending only a couple of months each year, until later, when he enjoyed better privileges, the schools improving as the county grew older. At the age of twenty he began learning the carpenter's trade with Reuben Small, and has worked at the business. with good success ever since. He is at the present time carrying on farming in connection with his trade, and is one of the leading citizens of the community in which he resides. He was married, December 8, 1855, to Miss Rebecca Fowler, daughter of William Fowler. This union has been blessed with eight children, six of whom are living: William F., George, Sarah, John M., Henry Denney and Mary. The deceased are Lucy R. and Daniel, who*met his. death by a distressing accident August 31, 1861. He was with his father when the latter cut down a tree, in the falling of which the boy was caught and instantly killed. Mr. Wright owns a good farm of eighty acres, situated in one of the most fertile sections of Franklin. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F., and with his wife belongs to the Friends' Church, in which they are. both active: workers.