Harrison Township (part 1 of 3)

Treaty With The Delawares

NO. Other portion of Morgan County is surrounded with greater historical interest than Waverly and vicinity. Here it was that the first settlement in the county was made while the Indians were yet occupying the soil, and while all the species of wild animals of this latitude yet roamed almost wholly unmolested m the trackless forest. The "New Purchase," of which Morgan County was a part, was secured from the Indians by the treaty of St. Mary's, Ohio, in October, 1818 ; but by the provisions of the treaty, the natives were to have the privilege of residing upon the soil and of hunting thereon until 1820. The land could not be formally thrown upon the market until after the expiration of this privilege of occupancy, but the whites could enter the territory, select their farms and improve the same, and be in readiness to purchase when the land became marketable. This was done in Morgan County to a limited extent.

In the summer of 1818, before the lands of the New Purchase had been ceded to the Government by the Indians, Jacob Whetzel, brother to the famous Indian fighter, Lewis Whetzel, and an Indian fighter himself, went to the camp of the Delaware chief, Anderson, whose principal village was where the city of Anderson now stands, to get permission to cut a trace from White Water River in the eastern part of the State to the BluflFs* on White River, the object being to secure a road from such eastern point to the Bluffs, the remainder of the way to Vincennes to be by the river. Mr. Whetzel had in view then a permanent location at or near Vincennes. Permission was granted by Anderson, and the following autumn Mr. Whetzel, accompanied by his son Cyrus, and supplied with the necessary axes, guns, provisions, etc., blazed this route through to the Bluffs. This blazed road through the wilderness was probably the first in this part of the State, and became a famous highway for families seeking homes in the New Purchase. It may yet be seen in some places, and is still known as " Whetzel's Trace." Mr. Whetzel was so pleased with the Bluffs and the surrounding country that he resolved to go no farther toward Vincennes with a view of settlement, whereupon he selected a piece of land in the valley of White River a short distance north of the present residence of his grandson-iii-law, Mr. McKenzie, and resolved to send out his son, Cyrus, the following spring to clear a small tract and raise a crop. Early the next spring (March, 1819), Jacob and his. son Cyrus, with the necessary seeds, implements and arms, came via Whetzel's Trace to the Bluffs, estab- lished with stakes the permaaent boundary of about sixty acres of land just below Waverly, and after erecting a rude log cabin the father went back to his family, leaving Cyrus to clear immediately a few acres for a crop of corn, wheat and vegetables, and to deaden a larger tract during the summer. The second night after the father had gone, a heavy snow fell, and Cyrus built a large fire to drive off the wolves and the cold. During the night, he felt something creep under the blanket under which he was sleeping, but was too unconcerned to make further discoveries until the next morning when he was somewhat surprised to learn that his sleeping companion was none other than a huge Delaware Indian. This discovery was not sufficient to scare vfery perceptibly a man in whose veins ran the distinguished blood of the Whetzels. Cyrus was but eighteen years of age, yet he felt no fear in the wilderness, though surrounded with wild and dangerous animals, and with the scarcely less wild and dangerous Indians.

The First Farm

Cyrus Whetzel, assisted by a young man whose name is no longer recollected, and who came out soon after the young man did, cleared off a small "truck patch," where corn, vegetables and a small quantity of wheat were raised. Ten or fifteen acres of heavy timber were also deadened. The following autumn the family came out to stay permanently. This settlement may justly be dated from the fall of 1818, one year before the family came out, as the farm was then selected and the intention fully matured to locate thereon permanently. The elder Whetzel, Jacob, was a professional hunter, knew but little of farming, and practiced less, but he perhaps never had an equal in the county in woodcraft, and in experience of the Indian. Much of his time was spent in hunting until 1827. when he died. He manufactured his own powder, and dressed almost altogether in buckskin. He did some coopering. His son Cyrus inherited the Whetzel constitution and sagacity, and in his younger years gained an extensive acquaintance with the Indian character. He soon married and became one of the foremost men of the county. He afterward represented the county in the Legislature. He was brave enough and farseeing enough to look beyond the day in which he lived, and to take the advanced and nobler, liberal position of to-day on the subject of religion. He died in 1876, full of years, respected by all true men, and lies buried near the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. McKenzie.

At a very early date, a number of Delaware Indians came to the cabin of Jacob Whetzel, and a big brave named "Nosey" (part of his nose had been cut off, and hence the name) bantered Cyriis to shoot at a mark. The challenge was accepted, but Cyrus proved to be the better marksman. This threw Nosey, who possessed a violent temper, into a furious rage, but his fear of the stalwart and courageous young man prevented any serious results to the latter. The party soon left, but one of them, who dared to taunt the Indian with his defeat, was instantly killed by the still enraged savage. The latter was given one year, according to custom, to redeem his life by furnishing 100 deer skins to the murdered

Mr. Whetzel one day loaned a Delaware his " gig " to spear fish, and when it was returned one of the prongs was gone, the Indian stating that he had broken it off in a log. A few days later, Mr. Whetzel came upon the same Indian on the river where he had speared a wagon load of the finest fish, with a gig made from the broken prong, which had been driven into the end of a tough slender pole. This Indian was engaged in drying the fish. He was so expert that he could strike a fish eight or ten yards away. Many years ago, the Whetzels discovered about a half bushel of bullets of all sizes from a shot to a half-ounce ball on the bottom near Waverly. They had been scattered out over several rods, by the action of the water no doubt, but how they came there is a mystery yet to be solved.

Additional Early Settlers

The name of the second settler in Harrison Township is not certainly known. Among those who came in soon after the Whetzels were Christopher Ladd, Jesse Tull, Benjamin Mills, David E. Allen, Henry Rout (who remained but a short time), John Paul, John Hamilton, Thomas Ingles, George Powell, Joseph Bennett, Thomas Grardner, William Goodwin, James Burch, Robert C. Stott, Barlow Aldridge, Joseph Frazee, William Btter and many others whose date of settlement cannot be certainly fixed. The following list of men paid poll tax in Harrison Township in 1842, the list being given here to preserve the names of as many of the early residents as possible. A few of the men never resided in the township: Barlow Aldridge, J. D. Bromwell, J. F. Brenton, James Burris, Joseph Brenton, Joseph Baker, James Duke, J. W. Davis, Dixon Dee, Daniel Etter, Cornelius Free, J. G. A. Frydinghire, George Haslett, Elijah Henderson, John Harrow, Benjamin Harrold, William Harrold, Benjamin Holland, Abner Hightour, G. Kershner, Richard Dee, J. M. Laughlin, J. A. Laughlin, Lewis Leach, J. S. Leach, Alanson Lewis, Benjamin Mills, Allen McLain, Thomas Mitchell, G. J. Mills, Daniel Newkirk, J. H. B. Nowland, J. M. Norton, George Powell, W. Prescot, Aaron Prescot, Jason Rust, David Rust, Frederick Swartz, George Smith, Robert Smith, John Stephenson, I. W. Tacket, William Tull, Drury Trusty, Cyrus Whetzel and Jesse Wharton.

The Bluffs, Or Port Royal

The Bluffs were known before there was a solitary settler in the county. Frenchmen from Vincennes and vicinity had come up the river before the war of 1812 ; and if tradition is correct had established temporary trading stations with the Delaware Indians, who then occupied the country. Various adventurers and speculators had visited the spot, and it became called The Bluffs. It is likely that Christopher Ladd was the first white settler at the point. He located there either in 1819 or early in 1820. He it was who claimed the location of the capital of the State at the Bluffs. Several of. the Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to permanently fix the capital voted in favor of the Bluffs. Mr. Ladd began keeping tavern there before the county was organized, and was the first man in the county to take out the necessary license to keep tavern and sell liquor. The corpse of a man was found on the river bottom near his house, and Mr. Ladd was arrested and tried for the murder, but not a shadow of substantial evidence was found against him. He was acquitted, and his lack of means only prevented him from prosecuting his defamers, as they no doubt deserved. This was the first noteworthy trial of the county. Cyrus Whetzel and Mr. Ladd were intimate friends, and the former always insisted on the latter's innocence. Mr. Whetzel always suspected an Indian, who, after the murder, was found in possession of a horse and saddle, a black silk handkerchief, a red morocco pocket-book, etc., of which he failed to give a satisfactory account. No doubt the murdered man had come out to buy land, and falling in with the Indian was foully murdered for his effects.

The town was surveyed and platted before the county was organized, James Borland being the surveyor. It was laid out about the middle of September, 1821, on the north half of the southeast quarter of Section 13, Township 13 north, Range 2 east, in the Brookville Land District. Forty-three lots were laid out on the bluffs of White River. Thomas Lee was the proprietor.

The Bluffs, or Port Royal, as it became called afterward, attracted settlers early. Ladd was the first. Robert Bradshaw was probably the second. Daniel Allen was about the third. He was the first tailor. He sold liquor in 1827 and merchandise in 1828. Bradshaw sold liquor in 1826. Ladd's tavern was a great rendezvous for those who loved the flowing bowl. It was a great pleasure for the early settlers at Port Royal to gather round his blazing bar-room fire when the nights were icy cold and the bitter wind dashed the falling snow in eddies around the old log tavern, to listen to the stories of the travelers who stopped there for rest. It became a famous place. The early members of the Legislature from the southern part of the State would make Ladd's tavern their last stopping place before reaching the capital and the first place after leavTng it. Mrs. Ladd was a genial, hospitable woman, a good conversationalist, and a woman who could not be excelled in the manufacture of good tea and cofiee. Her guests discovered this latter fact, and a word of praise was sufficient to insure a beverage rarely found in the backwoods. On one occasion, her supply failed so nearly that she was obliged to mix tea and coffee as a last desperate resort. A traveler sipped the steaming beverage, raised his eyebrows, curled up the corners of his mouth in a sagacious smile, and speaking to his hostess, said, " Mrs. Ladd, if this is tea bring me coffee, and if it's coff'ee bring me tea." The good lady was obliged to explain the situation, which satisfied the polite traveler, who resumed his meal.

The Blairs, the Paytons, the Hollajjds, the Wheatleys, the Davises, the Armstrongs, the Balls, the Beattys and others were among the early residents of Port Royal. Ladd sold the first merchandise in about the year 1823. His stock was insignificant, but was kept to accommodate a few of the residents. Robert Stafford, Peter Hennison, Hugh Endsley, William Agness and Henry Riddle were in business early. Bradshaw sold calicoes, etc., about 1827. John Wheatley was probably the first blacksmith. David Allen had a few hundred dollars' worth of goods late in the twenties. Luce & Allen opened the first goods store in 1832. Their stock was worth more than $1,000. M. C. Rust sold liquor in 1832 and groceries in 1888. C. H. Hayes & Co. began selling from a large general stock late in 1832. Ayres & Pinney were the leading merchants in 1888 ; they were the successors of Luce & Ayres. About this time, the town was at the zenith of its prosperity, and contained a population of about 150. Cyrus Whetzel took out a grocery license in 1884. McCarty & Williams, H. Saunders, D. Rust were other merchants late in the thirties. The town began to die about 1840. Nothing is left of it now.

Village Of Waverlt

This little village started up when the canal was being constructed, about 1837. J. H. B. Nowland, now a resident of Indianapolis, the author of one or more interesting volumes on the early settlement of this part of the State, opened the first store of consequence on the " Island," in about 1888. A number of " shanties " had been erected before for the accommodation of the canal workmen, in one or more of which provisions were kept to supply the tables. Mr. McLain was a superintendent. The first storehouse was built by Cornelius Free. Brown and Robinson each owned a tavern. Various rude dwellings soon went up, and the town began to grow. Mr. Brannon really sold the first goods. \ The canal men made it lively of nights at the saloons. Cornelius Free was the central figure from the start. He built a large grist mill in 1837, four stories and a half high, with four or five runs of buhrs. This mill was one of the finest ever in this part of the State, was the life of Waverly, and received a patronage over a radius of forty miles. Attached to it was a saw mill and a woolen factory, where carding only was done at first, but later spinning and weaving. An attachment for kiln-drying corn was soon added, and the united enterprises received an enormous patronage. Mrs. McKinzie said she had seen more than a hundred teams stand waiting their turn to be waited upon. The corn was ground in the mill, then kiln-dried, then shipped by boat to Southern markets. Benjamin Sweet, of Martinsville, was the leading carpenter who built the big mill. The water which operated these industries was from the canal feeder, and was purchased of the State by Mr. Free. After a few years, Jacob Corman leased the mill, and late in the forties the property was sold to John Carlisle. Samuel Moore and J. S. Kelley, of Mooresville, packed a considerable pork at Waverly, shipping the same by flat-boat down White River. Dr. Paris was an early physician. Dr. Overstreet was his partner. They owned an apothecary's shop, the ancestor of the modern drug store. The Breeces, the Kershners, the Swopes, the McLains, the Nowlands, the Wishards, the Stevensons and others were among the leading residents in the thirties. A Polander named Frydingshire packed pork at Waverly. McLain conducted a big saw mill, and shipped considerable lumber down the river. Howe afterward conducted this mill. Among the merchants of the forties were McLain, Boles, Jones, Nowland, Frank and Washington Landers, John Huntsinger. Abe Breneman. Margarum owned a cooper shop ; Harrah and Reese, carpenter shops, and John Gleason, a cabinet shop. Dr. White practiced medicine. It is said that James Burris opened the first carpenter shop in Waverly, and a man named Robinson the first wagon shop. This was about the year .1837. Waverly was laid out and recorded in 1841, by M. H. Brown, 0. G. Kershner and D. W. Howe, owners and proprietors. Fifty-five lots were laid out on the southeast side of the Central Canal, and a large lot was left for a public square. The principal street - the one extending northeast and southwest - was Main street.

Waverly In Later Tears

Merchants since 1850 have been, among others. Landers Brothers, J. L. Knox, Peter Baxter, Ezra Allman, James Griggs & Son, John Cook, Thomas Hussey, Cannon, Smith & Dunn, A. J. Tarleton, John Graves, W. W. Dorman, Howe & Etter, F. M. Fields at present, G. Scroggs, Eli Paddock at present, Jacob Duncan & Son at present, and Vincent & Dukes at present. The greatest population of Waverly has been about 250. Carpenters, blacksmiths, coopers, wagon-makers, etc., etc., have come and gone like an endless chain. The present population is about 150.

Several terms of school were taught in Port Royal quite early in the twenties in an old log cabin, or rather in several old log cabins. The names of the teachers cannot be given. A schoolhouse was built near the town about 1829, where the town children attended as long as there were town children to go, which was until about 1840. Schools were first held in Waverly about 1842. The few children, however, usually went south to the country schoolhouse which stood southwest of town on Mr. McKenzie's farm. This house ;was used many years, or until the present one was erected, about 1850. This building, though over thirty years have elapsed since it was built, is in a fine state of preservation, and, owing to the fresh coat of paint, looks like a new house. In September, 1826, there was formed at Port Royal a " Union Society for the Encouragement of Learning and Religion," at the head of which were Danial Boaz and Henry Brown, of Johnson County, and David Allen and others of Port Royal and vicinity. This society furnished excellent schools for that day, employed competent teachers, and the town soon acquired quite a reputation for its advancement in learning and morals. The enterprise died out in the thirties.

No doubt the first class in the township was established at Port Royal. Late in the twenties, the Methodists formed a small class there. Scarcely anything is known of the class, as it soon died. In 1840, the Methodists formed a class on Section 36, Harrison Township, and soon after, were the owners of a small church. Among the members were the families of John Taylor, of Johnson County, Thomas Mitchell, Jacob L. Bromwell, James Epperson, Henry Brenton, Gideon Drake and others. Land for the church was furnished by Mr. Bromwell. Rev. Zelots S. Clifford was the pastor in 1846. This was called the Shiloh Church. The Trustees in 1846 were James Epperson, Gideon Drake, William Robe, Lewis W. St. John and Josiah Drake. This society flourished for many years. Early in the forties, the Presbyterians formed a small class at Waverly. They met to worship in residences and in the saw mill of Mr. Free. Here it was that Henry Ward Beecher preached several consecutive days. His auditors sat on rude plank benches around him, and the since famous minister so stirred them up with his eloquence that his sermons are yet distinctly remembered by many. The Methodists had a nominal organization at Waverly in about 1840, and soon afterward a small class was partially organized by Rev. Hammond. About 1857, the class had become strong enough to build a church, which the members proceeded to do, getting a large subscription from other denominations and from outsiders, with the understanding that the building should be open to all Christian denominations and to all moral public lectures. The building was erected, but after a number of years the Methodists took absolute possession and control of the house, and refused to allow other denominations or lecturers to use it without the arbitrary consent of their Trustees. How strange it is that so many Christian denominations, after solemnly dedicating a church to the service of God, can piously turn around with a prayer on their lips and fraudulently obtain absolute possession of the building which is at least partially owned by others. Christians do not act thus. Among the early Methodists were John Graves, Barlow Aldridge, Aaron T. Wiley, William J. Knox, George Rinker, Robert P. Gray, E. A. AUman, Cyrus Etter, James Griggs and their families. Cyrus Whetzel paid liberally toward the construction of the People's Church. M. W. Brenton was pastor in 1856. This church was really a branch of the Shiloh and Mount Olive organizations.

The Butler Creek Settlement

IT is not certainly known who was the first permanent settler in Ray Township. Neither is the exact time of the first settlement known. A settlement was made in the western part of the township on Butler Creek in 1821 certainly, and probably in 1820. The settlement of Owen County had an earlier date than that of Morgan County, and Gosport was one of the oldest points. Ephraim Goss, Sr., had located there as early, probably, as 1818, and others had selected farms near him. Then down the river were several other settlements, especially in the vicinity of Spencer, where several scores of families had established themselves. Before there was a white family in Morgan County, and even before the purchase of the soil from the Indians, the country had been visited by numerous home seekers from the older localities down the river and elsewhere. Then, as soon as the purchase became known, the territory was invaded by prospective pioneers and speculators. As early probably as 1820, and certainly as early as 1821, several families established themselves, as above stated, on Butler Creek, about a mile north of the river and near the western boundary of the county. This, so far as can be learned, was the first settlement in Ray Township. There is a tradition to the effect that several years before this colony was formed, a professional hunter and his family had lived a year or more on the banks of this creek. One thing is certain. After the settlement had been formed, and even after several years had elapsed and other portions of the township had permanent families, the remains of an old cabin and other evidences of human occupancy were still plainly discernible on the creek. Some have stated that the name of this family was Butler, and that the creek received its christening from that circumstance ; but the better opinion seems to be that the stream took its name from a Mr. Butler who lived thereon across the line in Owen County at a very early date. The families of James McKinney, Solomon Tucker and Thomas Thompson were, so far as is now known, the first to locate permanently in what is now Ray Township. The three families, no doubt, moved there in 1820^ and the following year, when the land was thrown into market, each entered a tract of land where his log cabin had been previously built. The old settler, Philip Hodges, thinks these families were the first in the township, but which was first, or whether either was first, he does not certainly know. He did not move to the township until 1824, but he had passed up the river on more than one occasion on a tour of inspection a year or two before the land was thrown into market, and possibly before the New Purchase had been secured by treaty with the Indians in October, 1818. When he first became aware of the presence of these families in the township, he no longer recollects.

The first tract of land entered was the easthalf of the southwest quarter of Section 22, on the 16th of February, 1821, by Abner Alexander. The second was the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 27, on the 29th of May, 1821, by Solomon Tucker. The third was the northeast quarter of Section 23, on the 9th of March, 1821, by William Anderson. The fourth was the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 22, on the 20th of July, 1821, by Daniel Goss. The fifth was the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 27, on the 27th of July, 1821, by James McKinney. The sixth was the west half of the southwest quarter, on the 4th of August, 1821, by Thomas Thompson. A few other entries were made in 1821, by Wiley Williams, Joseph Kibble, David Fain in the eastern part, and Philip Hodges on Section 14. Fred Buckhart bought land on Section 8 in 1822, and Ephraim Goss, Jr., on Sections 2 and35, in 1823. Solomon Watson and Scott Young bought land in the northwestern part in 1823. Joshua Crow bought on Section 27 in 1823. Philip Hodges and Charles D. Seaton bought on Section 3 in 1824. Vordaman Fletcher purchased a tract on Section 13 the same year. Jacob Johns and Benjamin Freeland bought on Section 34, in 1824, and Fred Stigerwalt, Thomas Sandy and William Asher on Section 35 the same year. William Thompson, Abraham Lafaver, John Thompson; Levi Walter, Levi Whitaker, Elijah Bowen, Richard Fletcher, Joseph Rhodes, John Vickery, John Berry, Amos Meyers, Elisha Boyd, Henry Ratts entered land in the township later, in the twenties. Among the entries in the thirties were the Whitakers, Jefferson Farr, William Deal, Abe Riley, James Johnson, William Voshels, P. Howell, Samuel Fletcher, Presley Asher, William Guy, Peter Ester. Joseph Yount, Jacob Beaman, Dabney Miller, Joel Eliott, Anderson Poseley, John and William Duckworth, J. S. Johnson, Elijah Duckworth, William Adkins and others.

The first colony in the township then was on Butler Creek. The second was in the northwest corner founded by Ephraim Goss, Jr., who entered a tract of land there in January, 1823, and the following spring came out and built a log cabin, into which he moved his family. He had scarcely become established before he was joined by Solomon Watson, Levi Walters, Vordaman Fletcher, Ike Fletcher, Abe Fletcher, Philip Hodges and others. Mr. Hodges came to reside in the township in 1824. He came up the river with a yoke of oxen, but no wagon, in 1824, to the land he had just entered on Section 3. He immediately went to work cutting down trees, cutting out logs and hauling them with the oxen to the spot selected for his cabin. All this was done in one day. The next day Mr. Hodges was assisted by Levi Walters, John Asher, John Matlock and others, who helped him erect the hewed-log cabin, his first home in Morgan County. The building was one of the typical sort, with puncheon floor, clapboard roof and door, and the indispensable fire-place. All this work was done in one day. Soon after this, the family, then consisting of the mothep and two children, were moved into this backwoods home ; here the family lived for many years. Mr. Hodges bought the first tract of land in the New Purchase. It was on the first day of the public sale of land at Terre Haute on the 4th of September, 1820. Col. John Vawter was the " crier " of the sale. Mr. Hodges bid in at the Government price of $1.25 per acre in Township 11 north, Range 1 east, now in Washington Township, about two miles east of Martinsville, the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 1, and the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 2, the two lots aggregating 151.45 acres. Immediately after the hammer fell, the crier said to Mr. Hodges : " You are the first freeholder in the New Purchase." This fact was not thought as much of then as it is now.

Hiram Alexander, Tobias Butler, William Deal, Elijah Eaton, James Farr, Jefferson Farr, Ephraim Goss, Hezekiah Guy, Isham Guy, Philip Hodges, James Johnson, Amos Myers, Enoch Myers, Solomon Myers, James McGinnis, Cyrus Marsh, Thomas McGinnis, James D. Newton, Bartholomew Pearson, Caleb Stirewalt, Adam Stirewalt, Elijah Watters, John Worthen, William Worthen, Levi Whitaker, Jr., G. B. Whitaker, Scott W. Young. This is not a complete list, but is the best that can be given.

Incidents And Impkovements

The settlement and improvement of the township was slow but sure. A good industrious class of people came in largely from the Southern States, many of whom left there, as they did not care to rear their families where slavery was regarded as a " divine institution." The free States settling upon the north side of the Ohio River was the point of attraction, and the southern half of Indiana and Illinois received large ascessions to the pioneers. Many species of wild animals infested the forests of Ray Township, even for several years after the first settlement. Deer, especially, were very numerous ; scores were often seen in one

« The Hat of tax payers for 1842 is glTen here, in orjer to preserve, as far as possible, the names of the early residents. There is no record of the tax payers earlier than 1842.

herd, and almost every cabin had venison steak at all meals. Corn bread, venison, fat pork, wild honey or maple sirup or sugar, wild turkeys, potatoes, pumpkins and wild fruits constituted the principal pioneer diet. Occasionally light wheat bread could be had, but this was a delicacy not the commonest. Ephraim Goss, Jr., was one of the most successful hunters in the township. His uncle, Ephraim, Sr., who lived in Owen County, was a famous hunter, and on more than one occasion killed bears. The nephew had learned much of the chase from the uncle, and finally became almost as skillful. If he killed any game larger than deer in Ray Township, such fact is not now known. Philip Hodges relates the following incident of Mr. Goss : One season, during a period of several weeks, the wolves had been very troublesome. At times they would venture so close to the cabin or the stable as to endanger the swine, fowls, calves and sheep, and all these domestic animals had to be carefully watched during the day, and penned securely up in high substantial inclosures at night. This caused a great deal of trouble, which Mr. Goss concluded, if possible, to terminate. He selected a point where the wolves would be likely to pass, and there built a high log or pole pen held firmly in place by stakes. Fresh meat was placed therein, and the trap was so contrived, that when an animal entered the doorway to get the meat the trigger would be struck and the gate would fall, closing securely the means of egress. When all had been made satisfactory, the trap was baited and left to perform its work. Ere many days had elapsed, a large wolf was found in the trap. An opening was made, through which the animal thrust its head in an efibrt to escape, when the gate was pushed down on its neck, pinning it fast against the log. Here its mouth was securely tied up, and a chain was tied tightly aroung its neck, after which the gate was opened, and the animal permitted to jump out. Several large dogs had been standing about, anxious, no doubt, for a chance at the wolf, but they were put off until after the fierce animal had been led home. It was then resolved to ham-string the wolf, cut the ropes around its mouth, and let it fight the dogs. This was done, and the half crippled animal was savagely attacked by the big dogs. But the curs soon learned "to go slow." The double row of long white teeth would snap together like a steel trap, and cut the skin of the dogs )ike a knife. After the fight had been witnessed for a long time, the wolf was shot. This was rather cruel sport, but the spectators, of whom Mr. Hodges was one, greatly enjoyed it.

Paragon

This village started up early in the fifties. J. D. Newton, who had been selling goods a few miles northeast, started a store there about 1852. His brother Thomas conducted the store, which was continued about fifteen years. Near the close of the war, Scott & McMillan opened a store. Lehman & McMillan succeeded them. Newton, Hodges & Co. began about 1870. Since then the leading merchants have been Raber & Mc- Cord, Samuel Rosengarden, Frank Cunningham, drugs ; J. W. Prater, drugs ; Clarence H. .Jones, drugs, and others. The present merchants are Mr. Raber, J. K. Stout, William Brown & Co., Goss & Co. Andrew Fletcher was the first blacksmith ; P. M. Blankenship, the first carpenter.

The following men have owned saw mills : P. M. Blankenship^ George and Henry Lincoln, Goulding & Harden, Levi Frederick, T. & H. Myers, J. W. Prater, and at present Philip Blankenship. I'm': Ed Robinson owned a grist mill in town for two or three years, beginning about 1871, at the end of which time it was moved away. Dr. Charles Holman was the first physician and J. D. Newton the first Postmaster. The village has a population of about 250. It has important lumber interests.

Schools And Churches

Where and when the first school was taught in the township cannot fully be determined. The first one. so far as known, was taught in the settlement in the northwestern part in the year 1832, by Levi Johnson. This could not have been the first in the township. In all probability, school was taught in thesouthern part as early as 1828, and possibly earlier. In 1840, there were four established schools, all, of course, being supported by subscription. Soon after Paragon started into life, a schoolhouse was built there, and Joseph Fletcher became the first teacher. This house was erected by Perry M. Blankenship. It was used until about 1866, when a larger house was built on the same lot. The present fine brick school building was constructed in 1882, at a cost of about $2,500. I. E. Kerlin was the first Principal. He had two assistants. The township, as a whole, has good schools.

The first sermon in the township was preached in 1822 by Rev. Thomas Thompson, a minister or elder of the Dunkard Church, and one of the earliest residents of the township. He preached at his own and at his neighbors' cabins quite often, but so far as can be learned no organization was effected.

A Baptist Church was organized on the northern boundary of the township late in the twenties, among the members being Levi Asher, William Manon, Elijah Bowen, John Durham, John Burnam and others. Perhaps a majority of the members lived in Ashland Township or in Owen County. It was called the Samaria Baptist Church.

A Christian Church was organized west of Paragon in the forties, and for many years used a frame dwelling that had been vacated for a church. The class built a church in 1859. Perry M. Blankenship was one of the leading members. The Methodists have a class at Paragon of a later origin.

REUBEN S. ALDRICH, stock-dealer and farmer, was bom October 9, 1824, and is a son of Barlow and Phebe Aldrich. Barlow Aldrioh was born in Massachusetts in 1799, and his wife in Ohio in 1800, where they married in 1821. They came to Decatur County, Ind. ; located on 160 acres, whence they moved to this county, and purchased 117 acres. Reuben married Miss Susap K., daughter of Joseph and Sarah Wharton, who died in 1872, having borne one child - an infant, deceased. October 7, 1873, he married Mary E. , daughter of Samuel and Nancy Province, and to them were bom three children - Minnie S., infant (deceased); and Gracie S. Mr. Aldrich owns 688 acres of land in this township, all of which is under cultivation, and contains good residence, buildings and other adornments. Mr. Aldrich resides at this time On the homestead farm, surrounded by the many necessities and comforts which make life desirable. He has served his township as Justice of the Peace and as Trustee. In politics he is Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he having joined in 1874.

FRANCIS M. FIELDS is a son of Allen and Elizabeth (Pitcher) Fields, the former a native of North Carolina, born 1789; the latter of Yirginia, born 1792. They were married in North Carolina, and parents of nine children, and in 1826 moved to what is now Mooresville, this State, and one year later moved on to eighty acres, on which he remained until death, having reared ten children. Francis M. married Miriam Shafer, a union smiled upon by six children - Martin, Mary A., Minnie, George (deceased), Anna B. (deceased) and Effie. Mrs. Fields died September 8, 1874, and on January 8, 1878, he married Mrs. Mary A. Loy. After marriage, Mr. Fields purchased, in conjunction with his brotherin-law, 160 acres, which they cultivated aboiit seven years, when Mr. Fields purchased 130 acres alone, and to this, in 1871, added fifty-six acres. Some of this he afterward sold, and engaged in mercantile business at Waverly. His lands will average a value of $50 per acre. Mr. Fields is a Democrat, and was elected Township Trustee in 1882. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE PAUL was born July 7, 1812, in West Virginia. He married Miss Eliza A., daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Tull) Wharton, in 1841, as a result of which union were born eight children - Julia A. (deceased), John, Joseph, Farendine, Catherine,' Jacob, George D. and Frank. After his marriage, Mr. Paul purchased a small corn-mill on Crooked Creek, in partnership with his brother-in-law, John Brenton, to whom he subsequently sold said mill, and engaged in farming on 160 acres, giving some attention to the raising of stock. This farm has grown by aggregation to be 812 acres, containing 500 head of stock, which feed on blue grass pasture. Mr. Paul is a Republican. He had two sons in the war of the rebellion - John, in the Thirty-third Indiana, and Joseph in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana Regiments^ Mr. Paul is a practical farmer and successful business manager, a fact of which the best evidence is given in his prosperity and success.

PHIIjIP PAUL was born at West Liberty, W. Va., May 21, 1816, and is a son of John and Keziah (Mills) Paul. John Paul moved his family to Cincinnati, and thence to Brookville, Ind. , in 1821, where he soon after purchased 160 acres. He also purchased land on White River bluffs, whither he went alone, fell a victim to fever, was brought home and died. After this event, Mrs. Paul removed to the land on the bluffs. Philip Paul remained with his mother until her death, after which his brother and he lived on the homestead with one sister, both brothers being unmarried. The family suffered many privations in that new locality, which will ever be remembered. Our subject united with the Methodist Episcopal Chui'ch at a camp-meeting in 1846, and has been a consistent adherent of that faith. He is an honored citizen, a genial gentleman and a Democrat politically.

ANDREW J. BAKER was born January 31, 1840, in Monroe County, Ind., and is the sixth of the seven children of James H. and Nancy (Kemper) Baker, natives respectively of Tennessee and Kentucky. Andrew was reared as a farmer, and received some education from the public schools. In August, 1861, he became a soldier of Company H, Thirtythird Indiana Volunteers, and served in the following battles: Wild Cat, Thompson's Station, where he was wounded in the leg, taken prisoner and confined two months in Libby Prison. He was then exchanged and fought afterward at Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, New Hope Church, Marietta, Atlanta, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Savannah, Bentonville and the famous march to the sea. He was also present in the grand review at Washington, and was discharged August 8, 1865. August 17, 1865, he married Mrs. Margaret J. Goss, widow of Sims H. Goss, which union produced five children, three of whom are living - Alvina H. , John and Franklin. Mr. Baker has been elected Justice of the Peace of this township, as which he is now serving, and is a Republican.

Henry E. Goss was born December 8, 1862, and is one of the two children of Sims H. and Margaret J. (Stanger) Goss, the former of German descent. Henry attended the public schools, and was brought up a farmer, having inherited 200 acres of excellent land from his father. He is an energetic and promising young man, an earnest Republican and a good citizen.

I. C. BAKER is a native of Kentucky, was born June 10, 1828, and is the eldest of the family of James H. and Nancy (Kemper) Baker, natives of Kentucky, and of English and German descent, respectively, who removed to Morgan County, Ind., and located in Baker Township until 1839, when they moved to Monroe County and occupied land entered by Mr. Baker previously. In 1847, they moved to a farm near Martinsville, then to Paragon about 1855, and finally to Gosport about 1865, where Mr. Baker died. I. C. Baker remained on the home farm until he was nineteen years old, when he left to learn cabinet-making. He worked by day and studied by night, thereby making up for neglect of education in boyhood. After finishing his trade, he worked as a journeyman - often until 10 o'clock at night - until 1853, being considered a master workman. July 1, 1852, he married Cinderella, daughter of Isaac and Lodicea (Maskel) Rogers, which union gave issue to nine children, of whom five remain - Salem A., Charles F., Jessie B. (now Mrs. Pierson), Maggie B. and Anna L. August 15, 1862, Mr. Baker enlisted in Company H, Seventy- ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. In 186xJ, during a grand review, he became exhausted, from which effect he has never recovered; he also suffered from blindness following impure vaccination, and was discharged August 11,. 1863. Since returning home, being unable to do hard labor, he has followed wagon-making. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Christian Chu^pch.

WILLIAM H. BEACH is a native of Erie County, N. Y., was born March 22, 1830, and is the fourth of the nine children of Asher and Mercy (Yaw) Beach, natives of Vermont and of English descent. William secured all the advantages for education which came to his lot, and was reared to the business of farming, at which he worked by the month. His parents moved to Winnebago County, 111., in 1838, to reach which they passed through Chicago, then merely a village, where Mr. Beach was offered land, now part of the city, for $2.50 per acre. When our subject became of age, he moved to Wisconsin, where he endured many privations of pioneer life. After one year, he moved to Michigan, where, March 7, 1852, he married Catherine Brovni, of North Carolina. Six children followed this union, of whom five are living - Lucy E., Andy P., Lora I., Julia E. and Effie L. After leaving Michigan, Mr. Beach returned to Illinois, then moved to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming and saw milling. In 1856, he moved to Dunn County, Wis., and was some time engaged in milling. In 1874, he moved to Cumberland County, 111., where he lost his wife in February, 1875. In 1879, he moved to this county, and married a second wife, Mrs. Catherine, widow of Franklin Marsh, whose parents, David and Barbara Secrist, were pioneers of Illinois; the former moving thither in 1823, and the latter in 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Beach have had born to them two children - Kitty C. (deceased) and Ray Garfield. Mr. Beach is owner of forty acres in Illinois, and his wife of 184 acres in this county.

P. H. BLAKKENSHIP, business man and farmer, is a native of this township, was born August 22, 1846, and is the second of the nine chil dren born to Perry M. and Bethsheba (Hodges) Blankenship. Mr. Blankenship was reared on a farm, and given a good education. September, 1869,. he married Delilah Craig, which union has given birth to four children - Lora, Craig, Claude and Albin. During the war, Mr. Blankenship enlisted in the Twenty-first Indiana Volunteer Regiment, First Artillery, and was discharged June, 1865. He is possessed of 170 acres, which is well-cultivated and improved, in addition to which he is engaged in the lumber business and in brick-making. Mr. Blankenship was formerly largely interested in stock-dealing, but this he has discon-

PEEEY M. BLANKENSHIP, a leading and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, was born near Paragon, Ind., November 30, 185£5, and is the sixth of the nine children of Perry M. and Bethsheba (Hodges) Blankenship, natives respectively of Jenning and Morgan Counties, Ind. , and of Dutch and English extraction, being among the earliest settlers of this township. Our subject was reared to the plow and the independent vocation of farming, during which early period, he attended school at times, and obtained a rudimentary education. So far, Mr. Blankenship is a successful gentleman. He is possessor of 145 acres, eighty-five of which amount is cleared and well cultivated, improved, stocked and adorned with good dwelling, barns and other outbuildings, a result mainly due to the strictest attention to business and the alslest management. Mr. Blankenship is a member of the Christian Church, a liberal, benevolent gentleman, and an estimable citizen.

ELIJAH BOW EN, a pioneer and leading farmer of this county, was born September 23, 1807, one mile east of Nicholasville, Ky., and is the seventh of the eleven children of Elijah and Nancy Bowen, natives of Virginia. The grandfather of our subject was one of the first settlers in old Kentucky. Our subject.was reared on a farm near the cave of Daniel Boone, where that hero and family lived three months. In 1830, !^lijah moved to Owen County, Ind., and soon after to Morgan County, where he had purchased 120 acres, on which is his present home. August, 1830, he married Nancy, daughter of Abner and Polly (Hill) Alexander. This union gave being to ten children, five of whom are living. Mr. Bowen, being a good manager and industrious man, succeeded in acquiring 963 acres, and a good home as well. Of this land, which was highly improved, he has sold 560 acres, and given the proceeds, about $il8,000, to his children, retaining the residue for himself. Mrs. Bowen died, December 13, 1882, and Mr. Bowen married a second wife, Mrs. Margaret, widow of John Asher. Mr. Bowen is a member of the Christian Church, as was his first wife, who left at her death a legacy of about $5,000 and^ eighty acres to her youngest daughter. Mr. Bowen gave his first vote for Henry Clay, and has been recently Republican.

JAMES M. BROWN is a native of Kentucky, was born June 6, 1833, and is the second of the nine children born to Francis O. and Mary E. (Wright) Brown, respectively of Irish and Dutch extraction. James M. was brought up a farmer, as which he labored and also attended school during his minority. November 7, 1856, he married Sarah Jane, daughter of Louis and Elizabeth (Smith) Carroll, to which were born two children - William L. and Mary E. Francis O. Brown entered land soon after coming to this State in 1834, near Bloomington, where he and wife yet reside. James came to Morgan County when fourteen years of age, and commenced the care of himself, so that he began the world under rather discouraging circumstances; but he is now possessed of a good home and eighty acres in Monroe County, which are improved and cultivated; he has also a good house and store in Paragon, having been engaged in the mercantile and butchering business for the past six years. Mr. Brown and wife are members of the Christian Church, and very greatly esteemed by the people of their neighborhood.

Sallie (Goss) Butler, natives respectively of Maryland and South Carolina. Tobias D. was reared on a farm, with but small opportunities for education, and when nineteen years old began to work for himself. July 6, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Infantry (afterward First Heavy Artillery), and took part at the battles of Baton Rouge, Brashear City, Bayou Teche, and was forty-two days in the siege of Port Hudson. He was in three years' active service, and discharged August 10, 1864. October 20, 1864, he married Mary S., daughter of Allen and Sarah Asher. To this union were born nine children - Thomas (deceased), Edward, Frank, Blanche, Daisy (deceased), Leota, Richard, Walter and Mary S. Mr. Butler has a valuable farm of 238 acres, situated in Owen and Morgan Counties, which is in a good state of cultivation, well stocked and improved. He has been generally successful in life by great atten - tion to business. He is a Republican in politics, and served as Assessor of Harrison Township one term. He is a liberal and respected citizen, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

WILLIAM J. GOSS, farmer and stock-raiser, was born November 10, I8y5, in Owen County, Ind., and is fifth of the eleven children of Ephraim and Sarah (Goss) Goss, natives of North Carolina and of Dutch descent. His grandparents emigrated to the West, and settled in what is now Washington County in 1810, and in 1817 moved to the present site of Gosport. His parents came to this county when he was a child, locating about one mile from where he now lives, and where his father had entered land. When William was sixteen years old, his father died, whereupon he assumed care of the family. January 11, 1856, he married Sarah C, daughter of Joseph and Delilah (Sandy) Goss, a union productive oE five children, four of whom yet live - Theodore D., Joseph L., Corna L. and DoUie D. By dint of persistent and well-directed labor, Mr. Goss has acquired a property of 440 acres of as fine land as the commonwealth affords, which is well stocked, improved and cultivated, as well as adorned with convenient dwelling, barns, orchard and the like. He also owns a store in Paragon, managed by his son. Mr. Goss is a >Republican in politics, and a good business man and respected citizen. Mrs. Goss is a consistent member of the Christian Church,

HENRY C. GOSS, farmei: and stock-raiser, was born May 18, 1838, on the farm on which he now resides, the land having been entered by his father in or about 1823, and is the second of three children now living of Ephraim and Sarah Goss. He was reared to farming as a business, and has resided here Qontinuously, except for a period of three years when his mother moved to Gosport. Mr. Goss is possessed of 280 acres of land, in the highest state of cultivation and improvement, also made desirable by the erection of a tine residence, barns, a necessary amount of stock, a growing orchard, and other valuable additions. Mr. Goss has living with him Elizabeth Myers and Joseph Magers, who take care of the place. He is a Republican in the political lir e, and a liberal and greatly valued citizen.

J. H. GOSS, enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of this township, was born September 10, 1845, and is the tenth of a family of Ephraim and Sarah Goss, natives of North Carolina. After going to school for a time, our subject worked for his parents on the home farm. December 3, 1874, he married Amanda, daughter of William C. and Mary Welton, which union was favored with one child, Oliver P. Morton; they have also one they are rearing, Marian J. Robinson.

Mr. Goss owns 450 acres of land on White River bottom, which is a well improved and cultivated farm, fairly supplied with stock, and having a good orchard. He is an active Republican, and was elected Township Trustee in 1876. He has been a successful farmer, and is a much respected citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Goss are members of the Christian Church.

REV. GEORGE GOSS is a native of Wayne Township, Owen Co., Ind., was born September 26, 1845. and is the second of the nine children of Ephraim and Margaret M. (Halbert) Goss, the former a native of Indiana, the latter of Kentucky, and respectively of Dutch and Scotch extraction. His great-grandfather came to this locality about 1810, and was the founder of Gosport. George was reared to farm labor, and attended school some time during the winte^ seasons. March 10, 1867, he married Margaret A., daughter of Thomas and Cynthia A. (Whilaker) Applegate, natives of Kentucky'. This union was followed by three children - Rosie E., Sarah J. and Alice M. In December, 1874, Mr. Goss was licensed to preach by the Baptist Church, and was ordained minister April 13, 1876, since which time he has given his attention to religious duties. He has twenty- nine acres of well- cultivated and improved land, making a desirable home. "He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, a greatly esteemed minister and citizen, and one of the stanchest Republicans of the township.

THEODORE D. GOSS, an enterprising and promising young business man of Paragon, is a native of Ray Township, Morgan Co. , Ind. , was born August 11, 1859, and is a son of W. J. and Sarah C. Goss, both of Gerrhan descent. Our subject was reared on a farm; and in the interim of labor thereon attended the public schools of his district until he was eighteen years of age, at which period he became a student of Bedford College for three terms. In February, 1883, he engaged in mercantile business at Paragon, and in this venture has been prominently successful, his whole energy and time being given to his business. Few men at his age have had so flattering an assurance of a prosperous and useful career. Mr. Goss is an earnest and honorable Republican.

EPHRAIM L. GOSS, one of Morgan County's youngest and most promising farmers and stock-raisers, was born July 21, 1860, and is the first child born to Sims H. and Margaret J. (Stanger) Goss, natives respectively of Morgan and Monroe Counties, Ind, , and of Dutch descent. Our subject is a grandchild of Ephraim Goss, one of the oldest settlers in Indiana Territory, and founder of Gosport. He was reared to the occupation of his predecessors - farming; received what education he could from the common schools, and has since been industrious and frugal. Mr. Goss is well situated for so young a man, being possessed of 208 acres in good cultivation and much improved by dwelling house and barns and other valuable additions; he has also considerable stock. More particularly of late he has given much attention to the breeding of Jersey Red and Poland hogs, and has been successful in that enterprise. Mr. Goss has the promise of much usefulness and prominence in the future time, inasmuch as he is greatly respected generally. He is active as a member" of the Republican partv.

DR. JOHN J. BARRIS was born in Ellettsville November 15, 1848, and is the fourth of the twelve children born to James M. and Sarah A. (Fletcher) Harris, natives respectively of Kentucky and Indiana. James M. Harris is a retired physician. Our subject, after attending the graded schools, engaged with bis brother in the hardware business, and was later in the drug business with his father, which he has since continued. About 1867, he commenced studying medicine with his father, afterward attended lectures at Oxford Medical College, Cincinnati, and has since practiced medicine at Ellettsville, Stinesville and Paragon, He afterward graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, and has been a successful practitioner since that event. September 22, 1869, he married Rebecca A., daughter of Allen Mills, by which union they had four children - Fred C, Clara E., Delia M. and John R. Dr. Harris has served as Town Clerk and Trustee of Ellettsville. He has been and is now successful as a physician, and has the confidence of the community. He is a Republican in politics.

PHILIP HODGES, the oldest living settler in Ray Township, was born October 31, 1797, in Randolph County, N. C, and is the youngest of the seven children of John and Margaret (Lacy) Hodges, of English and Irish descent respectively. John Hodges was a native of Herfordshire, England, was born in 1749, and by trade a glover. About the beginning of the Revolutionary war, he emigrated to America and served three years in that heroic campaign, soon after which he married Margaret Lacy. Philip Hodges was reared to farming, with the advantage of some schooling. When of age, October, 1818, he moved to Indiana, or Northwest Territory, and took a lease of land near Gosport, and where. May, 1819, he wedded Miss Mary Goes (then but fifteen years old), daughter of Ephraim and Anna (Workman) Goss, founders cf the town of Gosport. Ten children were born to them - Ephraim, John (deceased), Bethsheba (deceased), Noah, Joseph, Sarah (Mrs. Sims), Thomas, Anna (deceased), Harvey (deceased) and Henry C. In 1820, at the Terre Haute land sale, he purchased 160 acres in Sections 1 and 2, Range 1 east, 11 north - -the first land sold from the Indian purchase of 1818. In 1824, he located on eighty acres of land he had entered in Ray Township, among the hills, and afterward entered 220 more, where he remained until 1833, where he entered and occupied 160, where be now resides. To this he added 140 acres, all of which he constantly improved, thus possessing 810 acres of good and well-cultivated land. In 1837, he built his residence, then one of the finest in that section. With but a legelcy of |150 he began life, and has succeeded by industry and skill. Mr. Hodges is yet hale, and useful and benevolent. His present politics is Republican; he was formerly a Whig, and gave his first Presidential vote for Mr. Adams. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.

- EPHRAIM HODGES, stock-raiser and farmer, was born July 19, 1820, in Owen County, Ind., where now stands Gosport. He is the eldest of the ten children of Philip and Mary (Goss) Hodges, natives of North Carolina. Our subject attended the subscription schools of his boyhood, and was reared to farming. Afterward he became an instructor, and taught many terms of school. September 5, 1845, he married Ann, daughter of Daniel T. and Polly (Crums) Smith, with the issue of nine children - Noah (deceased), May, JohnQ,, Clarinda, Joseph C, Charles S., Malinda. Philip S. and Cora. Mr. Hodges was a member of the first Board of Trustees held in his township, and served as Commissioner from 1862 to 1868. He is possessed of about 600 acres of land under fair cultivation and with many improvements, good residences, barns, outbuildings, orchard and the like, all of which possession is the outcome of his energy and able management Mr. Hodges is a member

DR. JOHN KENNEDY is a native of Lamb's Bottom, this county, and was born September 30, 1833. His father was a native of Kentucky, and of Irish descent; his mother wai also of Kentucky, and of German descent. Both have been residents of this county since 1830. After receiving home instruction, Dr. Kennedy attended Belleville Academy, and also the Bdinburg Grammar School, of which he became an assistant teacher in 1855. About this time, he began the study of medicine under Dr. Clark, of Edinburg. Soon afterward, he returned to the home farm to recover his impaired health, after which he taught school in Sangamon County, 111., and spent his leisure time in studying medicine, and in 1858 became a student of Dr. Osgood, of Gosport. During the winter of that year, he attended lectures at the Cincinnati Medical Institute, and afterward commenced practice near his old home, where he obtained a reputation for bejng one of the ablest practitioners in his neighborhood, and he is now at Gosport, which is his residence. April, 1862, he married Angeline, daughter of Richard Laughlin, of Owen County, with an issue of eight children. In 1874, Dr. Kennedy was elected to the State Legislature, where he- served two years most faithfully. He is a Republican, a member of the Christian Church, and active as a Sunday school worker.

CASPER LINGLE, a prominent stock-raiser and farmer, was born in Burke County, N. C, March 7, 1823, and is the eighth of the ten children of Adam and Catherine (Tipps) Lingle, of German descent. In 1829, he came with his parents to what is now this township; was reared to farming, and has been an important personage in the development of the county. The first township election was held at his father's house, and continued so to be for twenty years, when the same were held at Salem. June 7, 1845, he wedded Matilda, daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Goss) Ratts, who died about three months after his marriage. August 9, 1846, he married Catherine, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Sandy, to which union succeeded Ave children - John S., William A., James E., Jeremiah S. and Thomas Lincoln. In 1857, he removed to Missouri for three years, after which time he returned home. While there he built a Methodist Episcopal Church, the last payment on which he made after leaving that State. Mr. Lingle has been a successful man, having acquired a possession of 700 acres of land, but now having sold some, and given much to his children, retains only 132 acres, which are, however, well- cultivated, stocked, improved and adorned. His only ally was his faithful wife, who died August 9, 1882, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Lingle is an enlightened citizen, an advocate of public education, an active Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WniJLIAM A. LINGLE, a successful stock-raiser and farmer, was born in Ray (now Ashland) Township, November 16, 1849, and is the second in the family of five belonging to Casper and Catherine (Sandy) Lingle, respectively of Dutch and Irish descent. William worked on his father's farm, and went also to school, when not so engaged, until manhood. May 11, 1871, he wedded Martha J., daughter of Hiram Groun, and this marriage was made happy by two children - Newton D. and Perry E. (deceased). Mr. Lingle is the possessor of forty acres of land, which are in a state of superior cultivation, with good dwelling,^barns, stock in variety, a young orchard and every necessary improvement for comfort and profit. Mr. Lingle is a leading Republican, and has selred as Township Assessor one term. He is a liberal-minded man, and a promising and enterprising agriculturist.

JEEEMIAH S. tilNGLE was born in Ray (now Ashland) Township October 10, 1855, and is the fourth of those comprising the family of his parents, Casper and Catherine (Sandy) Lingle. Jeremiah, in common with the other sons of his father, was reared to the dignified and ancient calling of tilling the soil. After attending school for a time in his boy hood, he continued to labor at home until he attained his majority, whereupon he married Martha E. , daughter of John and Catherine (Haase) Shelton. These young people have had born to them four children, of which number three are living - Orville E., Minnie Catherine and Orra E. Mr. Lingle has largely assisted his father in developing the home place, and is an enterprising, able and promising young farmer.

FIELDING MARSH, a leading farmer and stock-raiser, came intolif e December 26, 1826, in Washington County, Ind. , and is the fifth of the nine children of Cyrus J. and Elizabeth (^Shultz) Marsh, respectively of English and Dutch descent. During his minority, Fielding worked by the month, with occasioaal attendance at school. In May, 1847, he volunteered for the Mexican war, in the Fourth Indiana Regiment; was landed at Brazos Island, and marched up the Rio Grande to join Gen. Taylor. After his discharge in 1848, he resumed farming for a time, then followed flat-boating on the Mississippi River, and afterward located his land warrant for 160 acres in Marion County. March 24, 1853, he married Rachel, daughter of Benjamin and Rachel (Milton) Mugg, a union which produced three children - Amanda E. (Mrs. Smith), Cincinnatus and Curtis. February 14, 1865, he enlisted in the One Hundred < and Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in September of that year. Mr. Marsh is possessed of a good home, comprising 157 acres of excellent land, well cultivated, stocked and improved, being the homestead of his father; there is also a good orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

GABRIEL ROBINSON is a native of Anderson County, Ky. ; was born January 31, 1828, and is the sixth of the eight children of Gabriel and Mary (Rice) Robinson, of Irish and German extraction. Our subject was reared on a farm, and secured but one month's schooling during his youth. At the age of thirteen, he became a learner of the blacksmith trade, at Middletown, Ky., where he remained until 1852; then moved to Washington County, and thence to Leesville, Ind., where he worked at wagon-making, and also managed a blacksmith and wagon shop until 1864, when he came to this county, where he carries on the same business. December 25, 1847, he married Mary E. Gwathmey. to which union were born two children - Kate M. and Camden. In May, 1846, Mr. Robinson enlisted for the Mexican war, in Company I, First Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. He served in the battles of Monterey, having made a forced march of sixty-nine miles in seventeen hours, and Buena Vista, being discharged in May, 1847. Mr. Robinson was also in our late war, a recruit of Company K, Sixty-seventh Indiana Regiment, going out as private, and being promoted to a Lieutenancy, as which he resigned in April, 1863, having served at Munfordville, siege of Vicksburg and other engagements. Mr. Robinson is a member of the L 0. O. F.

JOHN A. SANDY, stock-raiser an J farmer, was born in Montgomery County, Ind., March 19, 1843, and is the sixth of the eleven children of William H. and Lucinda (Thompson) Sandy, natives respectively of Tennessee and Kentucky, and of English and Irish descent. William H. Sandy emigrated to Washington County, Ind., about 1810, thence moved to Ovsren County about 1812, and after his marriage settled near Gosport, about 1830, and thence moved to Montgomery County, locating near Crawfordsville. In 1852, the family moved to Morgan County, where Mr. Sandy yet resides. John H. Sandy passed his boyhood on the paternal farm, and in going to school. In 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was assigned to the Fourth Corps, Army of the Cumberland; was mostly engaged in skirmishes, and was discharged November, 1862, after which, being unable to work, he went to school for a time, then farmed until February, 1865, when he re-enlisted in Company F,One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, and served until September. August 30, 1866, he married Susanna, daughter of Kobert and Nancy Walters, to which union was born one child - James S. Mr. Sandy owns eighty-two acres of good land, well-cultivated and improved, thus being in comfortable circumstances. In 1880, he engaged in the drug business for one year with fair success. Mr. Sandy is an Odd Fellow, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

WILLIAM A. SHARP is a native of Ellettsville, in this State; was born April 10, 1855, and is the third of the five children of George W. and Agnes (Ashbrook) Sharp, both natives of Indiana. William A. was reared on a farm, and obtained some education from the common schools. His father died when he was seven years old, after which he lived with his grandfather until May 13, 1877, when he married Theresa, daughter of Gideon Holiday, by which union were produced two children - Ida and Boy C. After his marriage, Mr. Sharp moved to Ellettsville, where he labored as a quarryman for thirteen years. In July, 1883, he moved to Paragon, to take charge of his mother's farm of ninety -three acres on White River bottoms. Mr. Sharp is in comfortable circumstances, having a house and two lots in Ellettsville. He is a member, and was First Commander of Sons of Veterans' Camp, No. 2, and is a Republican in politics. His father, George W. Sharp, was a soldier of the late war, and died in the service. Mrs. Sharp is a member of the Baptist Church.

JOHN A. STIRWALT, stock-raiser and farmer, was born November 18, 1849, in the house in which he now dwells - his father having purchased the same about 1828 - and is the eighth of the nine children of Adam and Lucy (Sandy) Stir wait, natives of North Carolina, and of Dutch- English extraction. John was brought up to labor on the home farm, and when not so engaged attended the free schools, thus receiving the rudiments of an education. November 2, 1872, he married Martha E., daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Lingle) Knox, natives of North Carolina, a union which produced three children, two of whom are living - Jasper E. and Mary Lavina. Mr. Stirwalt is the owner of 100 acres, well improved, cultivated and stocked, with good residence, young orchard and the like. He ' has been largely successful, and is a diligent, careful manager. He is a Democrat in politics, a most reputable citizen, and a trusted member of the Baptist Church.

DANIEL H. VOSHELL, pioneer farmer and stock-raiser, was born in this township February 8, 1826, about, one mile west of bis present residence, and is the second of the ten children of William H. and Polly

(Sandy) Voshell, natives respectively of Delaware and North Carolina, and of French and German descent. William H. Voshell emigrated from Maryland to Ohio, and thence to Jackson County, Ind., about 1820. He also lived in Owen County about 1825, and located land, likewise, in this township, making au aggregate of 400 acres. Daniel lived with his parents until he was twenty years old, having entered 160 acres. His opportunities for education were of the most meager character, having to labor almost incessantly. February 17, 1846, he wedded Delilah, the widow of Joseph Goss, which union gave issue to six children, three being now alive - Mary A. (Mrs. McGinnis), William S. and Thomas S. Mr. Voshell is possessor of 307 acres in Morgan, and 180 in Knox County, Ind., all under the best cultivation, well stocked, improved, and with as good a residence as one may find in the township. Mr. Voshell is one of the most upright and respected of citizens, a man whose record is duty well done. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.

LEVI J. VOSHELL, farmer and stock-raiser, was born at his present residence - the land having been entered by his father about 1825 - passed his boyhood on the farm, and received but little schooling. He remained at home until his majority, and October 19, 1859, married Miss Sarah, daughter of William E. and Rebecca S. (Chambers) Mannan, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. To this union were born three children, two of whom are living - Manda A. (now Mrs. Whittaker) and Emma R. In September, 1864, Mr. Voshell enlisted in Company F, Twenty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Atlanta campaign; he was also in Gen. Sherman's famous march to the sea, and was engaged in the taking of Savannah and Columbia. After the grand review at Washington, he was discharged June, 1865, and returned to his home and the duties of his farm, having 588 acres in Morgan, Owen and Putnam Counties, which are well improved, cultivated and adorned, containing a number of short-horn cattle and other stock. Mr. Voshell, aided by his wife, has been more than usually successful. They are members of the Baptist Church, and respected members of their community. Mr. Voshell is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a very earnest Democrat.

JOHN M. VOSHELL, farmer and stock-raiser, was born August 15, 1848, where he now resides, and is the second of the five children, two of whom are yet living, born to Thomas S. and Catherine (Stierwalt) Voshell, natives of Owen County, Ind. John was reared on a farm and to the honored and independent business of farming. His father died when he was but, five years of age, so that he acquired only a spare education, having to give his services at home. September 3, 1874, he married Miss MoUie, daughter of Adam and Annie E. (Miller) Renner. Mr. Voshell has a good home and farm of 133 acres, which are well improved, in fine cultivation, and supplied with stock and all necessary appurtenances. For the past few years, he has given most attention to stock trading, in which enterprise he has been fairly successful. He is an active young Democrat, and he and his wife and mother are consistent members of the Baptist Church.

ASHBEN W. WA.LTERS was born in this township October 3, 1856, and is the sixth child of Robert S. and Nancy A. (Duckworth) Walters, the former a native of Owen County, Ind., the latter of Kentucky. Our subject was brought up on a farm and remained there until he was twenty-two years old, when he engaged in the dry goods bus- iness at Paragon, and also attended two terms at Bedford Academy in 1878. He remained in business one year; then returned to the farm for two years, after which he engaged with his brother-in-law in the drug business at Paragon; he afterward went to Colorado, and engaged in mining tor a short time, when he returned home and resumed farming on the land entered by his grandfather. Mr. Walters is a radical Democrat, a member of the Baptist Church, a liberal gentleman and an esteemed citizen.

S. G. W. Walters, a youne, successful and enterprising farmer, was born at his present residence September 11, 18fi4 - a farm cleared by his father - and is the youngest of the eleven children of Robert S. and Nancy Walters, who were among the earliest settlers of this township, both members of the Baptist denomination, and known as liberal and benevolent persons; the father died July, 18S1; the latter June, 1877. They were possessed of 300 acres of land, acquired by diligence and perseverance. Mr. Walters politically is a Democrat.

DR. E. D. WHITAKER was born in this township November 27, 1834, and is the fourth of the seven children of Grafton B. and Margaret (Gregg) Whitaker. During his boyhood, our subject worked at farming and attended subscription school, and at the age of twenty -two, at an academy in Belleville, Hendricks County. Soon after, he began the study of medicine under Dr. Stuckey, of Gosport, and attended lectures at Louisville during the sessions of 1858, 1859 and 1860. In April, 1862, he entered the service; went to Pittsburg Landing, was assigned to the Medical Department as Acting Assistant Surgeon, and, after six months, commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the Fifteenth Kentucky Infantry. After the expiration of this regiment's term of service, he was made Surgeon of the Thirty-eighth Indiana, as which he con- ' tinned until the war was closed. Succeeding his discharge, he located as a practitioner at Gosport, which, after one year, he gave- up for the purpose of attending to his farm. December, 1867, he married Martha J., daughter of Wiley and Rebecca (Crow) Williams, who died November, 1874, leaving one child, Wiley W. December, 1877, he wedded Amanda A. , daughter of Harman and Elizabeth (Guy) Vickery, to which marriage succeeded two children - Eli G. and Margaret Elizabeth. Dr. Whitaker has a most excellent, highly cultivated and well-stocked farm of 240 acres, a portion of which was entered by his father. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Baptist Church, and is a liberal gentleman and a Democrat; he was once nominated for Representative, but declined the same.

DR. RALPH B. WILLIAMSON was born near Watford, Ont., March 4, 1851, and is the ninth of the fourteen children of John and Margaret (Calbert) Williamson, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of France. Dr. Ralph B. Williamson was reared on a farm, and when fifteen years old clerked for his father, and continued so to do for five years. He attended the public school, a commercial college at London, and afterward began the study of medicine with Dr. Harvey, and attended lectures at Ann Arbor, and at the Cincinnati College of Medicine, from each of which he received a diploma. In July, 1876, he located at Vandalia, remained three years, removed thence to Santa F6, Owen County, and thence to Paragon. October 9, 1877, he married Alice E., daughter of William and Jane Williams, of Owen County. This union furnished two children - Lionas Listwell Dufferein and Damietta Bell. Dr. Williams was

JOHN H YOUNG, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in this county, and is the tenth of the eleven children of Scott W. and Polly (Mathews) Young, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. John H. was reared on a farm, and has had good advantages for education, having attended a high school two terms, the Indianapolis Commercial School and the Normal School at Terre Haute. He has been some time teacher in this State and in Kansas. After his father's death, in 1873, he took charge of the home farm, entered by his father, who came to the Statei in 1822. Our subject is owner of 140 acres, well cultivated, stocked and improved, with commodious residence, built about forty years ago. Mr. Young is an active Eepublican, a good citizen, and one of the best informed men in his township.

Adams Towmship

JOHN W. ALEXANDER, farmer, was born in Putnam County, Ind., March 4, 1830, and is the fifth child in a family of twelve children born to William and Jane (Wallace) Alexander, the former of whom was a native of the " Old Dominion," and the latter of East Tennessee. They were of English and Irish decent respectively. William Alexander received his early education in his native State. While yet a young man, he removed with his parents to East Tennessee, where he was afterward married, and engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years. From . Tennessee, he removed to Kentucky, and from tbence, in about 1827, to Putnam County, Ind., where he bought a partially improved farm, and resided until about 1838. He then removed to that part of Morgan County, Ind., which has since become Mill Creek Township, Putnam County. Here, he farmed for several years; then opened a small countiy store, and was engaged in merchandising until his death, which occurred February 8, 1881, in his eighty-second year. From early life, until his first wife's death, which occurred in 1868, both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. After that event, he joined the Christian Church. He was Justice of Peace in Putnam and Morgan Counties for some thirty years. During this time, he was robbed of some $400, which he afterward recovered, and sent the thief to penitentiary. John W. Alexander, the subject, received only a limited common school education, but has acquired a fair practical business education by his own exertions since he became a man. He was employed on his father's farm until he was twenty-one years old. He then farmed on shares in Putnam County, Ind., for several years. In 1860, he bought a farm in Adams Township, Morgan County Ind. , and has since been engaged in farming, threshing and stock-dealing. He was for two years Trustee of Adams Township, and has held various lesser offices. He was married, August 27, 1850, to Miss Martha J. Patrick, a native of Putnam County, Ind. Twelve children were the fruit of this union, nine of whom - five sons and f our daughters - are yet living. He is a member of Eminence Lodge, vNo. 440, A. F. & A. M. , where he has held various official positions. Mrs. Alex-

WILLIAM ANDERSON, wagon and carriage manufacturer, was born in Johnson, County, Ind., May 4, 1844, and is the youngest in a family of seven children born to James and Mary (Coy) Anderson, both natives of Kentucky, and of English descent. James Anderson was educated and married in his native State. In 1828, he removed to Bartholomew County, Ind., then almost a wild^ness. Here he entered land and commenced improving a farm, but remained only two years. In 1830, he removed to Johnson County, Ind., where he entered 120 acres of land, and improved a farm, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred in September, 1865. Himself and wife were members of the Separate Baptist Church. William Anderson, the subject, received a fair common school education, and was employed on his father's farm until he was twentyone years old. He then farmed on shares for some four years, after which he commenced to learn the carriage and wagon maker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years, and has followed the trade ever since. In the falLof 1881, he removed to Gosport, Owen County, Ind., and in the following spring came to Eminence, Morgan County, Ind., where he opened a shop, and has since been doing a good business. He was married, December 22, 1865, to Emarine N. Slack, a native of Johnson County, Ind. Six children blessed their union, five of whom - two sons and three daughters - are yet living. In politics, he is identified with the National, or Greenback, party, and is one of the enterprising mechanics and business men of the township and county.

THOMAS S. ABEND, harness-maker, was born in Ashland Township, Morgan Co., Ind., April 5, 1857, and is a son of Christopher J. and Rebecca P. (Russell), Arend, the former a native of Bavaria, Germany, and the latter of Johnson County, Ind., but of English descent. Christopher J. Arend received a good common school education in Bavaria. At the age of fifteen, in 1846, he emigrated to the United States, accomplishing the journey alone. He first settled in Monmouth County, N. J., where he learned the tanner's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then followed his trade as a journeyman for several years, and in 1854 located at Martinsville, Ind., where he took charge of a shop, receiving half the profits for conducting the business. Here he was married, and resided for a short time. He then removed to Ashland Township, same county, where he started a tannery, and is still engaged in that business. Mrs. Arend departed this life May 18, 1883. She was a member of the Christian Church, to which Mr. Arend also belongs. Thomas S. Arend, the subject, received a fair common school education, and taught for a time. At the age of twenty- three, he commenced to learn the harness-maker's trade, and has followed that business ever since, now owning a shop in Eminence, where he has a good trade. He was married January 14, 1883, to Amanza J. Modrell, a native of Putnam County, Ind. Mr. Arend is a member of Eminence Lodge, No. 317, I. O. O. F., of which lodge he is at present N. G. In politics, he is a Republican.

COL. WILLIAM C. BANTA, M. D., was born in Hendricks County, Ind., August 31, 1839, and is one of ten children born to Cornelius and Rebecca (Eckles) Banta; both natives of Kentucky. The ancestors of the former were of Italian and Scotch extraction. Cornelius Banta came to Madison County, Ind. , at a date prior to the organization of the State. After a few years, he removed to what was known as the Brick Tavern, near Stilesville, Hendricks Co., Ind. His place was a regular stopping place for stage-coaches over the old National pike, running between St. Louis and Cincinnati. In 1838, he removed to Belleville, where he remained' until 1850, when he removed to "Whitley County, Ind., where he bought a farm and resided two years; then returned to Belleville, where he again engaged in mercantile pursuits and resided until his death, which occurred in 1857. Mr. Bjinta and wife were members of the Christian Church. William C. Banta, the subject, received a good common school and academic education, and was employed in his father's store until the latter's death, after which the support of the family devolved upon him. When in his eighteenth year, he commenced teaching school and studying medicine under the instruction of Drs. Moor & Kennedy, of Belleville. In April, 1861, he resigned his school, went to Indianapolis and enrolled in Company A, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, the first Indiana regiment recruited for the three months' service. They participated in the battle of Philippi. At the close of the three months' service, in August, 1861, Col. Banta reorganized and filled up his company, A, from seventy to one hundred men, in a day and night, for the three years' service, and was chosen Captain. After about one year, ho was promoted to Major, and soon after to Lieutenant Colonel. The Colonel of the regiment, I.JG. Grover, was captured in the battle of the Wilderness, after which Col. Banta commanded until the regiment was mustered out. He also, for a short time, commanded the First Brigade, of the First Division, of the First Army Corps. Col. Banta participated in all the principal battles in which the Armies of West Virginia and the Potomac were engaged to the fall of 1864. In 1862, at the battle of Port Republic he was severely wounded in the right shoulder by a shell, and was mustered out with his regiment at Indianapolis, in September, 1864. He then engaged in the drug trade at Belleville, Ind., and continued the same some five years; he also resumed his medical studies. In the spring of 1870, he graduated from "The Indiana Medical College," at Indianapolis, and in June of the same year came to Eminence, Morgan Co., Ind., where he has since practiced his profession with excellent success. He was married, August 25, 1861, to Elizabeth May, a native of Montgomery County, Ind. Eight children, three sons and five daughters, blessed their union, all of whom are yet living. The Doctor and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a member of the . Masonic and I. 0.0. F. fratetnities, and has been a member of the Grand Lodge of the State in both orders. In politics. Col. Banta is a stanch Republican, and is one of the leading and representative men of the county.

JOSEPH BLUNK, stock-raiser and farmer, is the son of Goldsby and Elizabeth (Pritchett) Blunk, the former a native of Indiana, the latter of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a Virginian and a soldier of the Revolution. He was known as Aaron Blount, which surname has been since changed to Blunk. Goldsby Blunk was a farmer, but labored as a steamboatman on the Lower Mississippi River for several years, and in 1827 married and began farming where our subject now resides, having entered eighty acres of timber. He cleared his land, and was the first settler in that part of this township. He was an expert hunter and marksman, a man of strong will, owner of 237J acres, and died February 4, 1857, aged fifty-eight. Mrs. Blunk died in 1871^ aged sixty- three years. They were parents of five sons and five daughters, and members of the Christian Church. Joseph Blunk was born February 14, 1841. He received but a fraction of schooling, yet by well-directed study he has obtained a fair education. When he was sixteen years old, his father died, and he remained with his mother until he was of age. April 10, 1862, he married Elizabeth Cown, a native of Illinois, born November 9, 1840, which union gave being to nine children, of whom six sons and two daughters are living. After marriage, Mr. Blunk located near his present home, to which he removed in 1874. This farm comprises fifty-three acres, valued at about $60 per acre, is well improved and supplied with good stock, and the yield of his industry and care. Mr. Blunk is a progressive citizen, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

HENRY BOURN, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ray Township, Morgan Co., Ind., January 29, 1837, and is the fourth child in a family of ten children born to Elijah and Nancy (Alexander) Bourn, the former a native of Jessamine County, Ky., and the latter of Owen County, Ind., where her faiher, Abner Alexander, was one of the earliest pioneers. Our subject received a fair common school education, and was employed on his father's farm until he was twenty-one years old. He then came to Adams Township, Morgan Co., Ind., where he bought the farm of 160 acres upon which he still resides, adding to it until he has now some 400 acres, well improved, making one of the best farms in Adams Township. He was married, September 23, 1858, to Miss Milla S. McGinnis, a native of Owen County, Ind. Seven children blessed this union, five of whom, three sons and two daughters, are yet living. Mr. Bourn and wife are consistent members of the Christian Church, in which he is and has been for several years a Ruling Elder. Mr. Bourn is a stanch Republican.

ELISHA A. BOURN, teacher and farmer, was born June 23, 1859, and is a son of Henry Bourn, of whose family he is the eldest. He was reared to the hard but honest labor of a farmer's life, and attended school considerably in early life, thus laying the foundation for a life of usefulness as an instructor of youth. Mr. Bourn also attended the State Normal School for a time in furtherance of his purpose, and has qualified himself thoroughly. He has the happy faculty of imparting knowledge to his pupils, and has been very successful, having taught seven school years in succession, in alternation with farming, in which he is also engaged, and also in raising the ordinary grades of stock. March 7, 1882, he married Miss Clara E., daughter of James Wallace, and born in this township February 27, 1862. To this union has been born one daughter - Mamie E. Mr. Bourn is a practical farmer, an energetic and promising gentleman, and a Republican in political faith.

POWEL S. BRASIER, dentist, was born in Owen CountyT' Ind,, March 9, 1850, and is one of four living children born to Gideon and Sarah (Jones) Brasier, both natives of Kentucky, and of English, Welsh, and Irish descent. Gideon Brasier received no education in youth, there being no school of any kind on the Indiana frontier at that time. He was employed on the home farm until twenty-one years old, then learned the carpenter trade, and has followed the same part of the time eveu since. In early manhood, he followed flat-boating from Gosport to New Orleans, having made nineteen trips. In March, 1865, he enlisted in Company F, Eleventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the following August. In the fall of 1865, he came to Eminence, Morgan Co., Ind., where he was engaged in the hotel business until March, 1883, when he moved to New Winchester, Hendricks Co., Ind., where he now resides. He was married February 3, 1840. Mr. Brasier and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat, and is one of the pioneers of Morgan County. Powel' S. Brasier, our subject, received a fair common school education. At the age of fourteen, he went to learn the harness-maker's trade, afterward learning the carpenter trade and dentist profession, which latter he is still following at Eminence, Ind. He has had some eight years' experience in the fruit tree business, and intends to resume that occupation in a short time. He also clerked for a time in both a dry goods and drug store. Mr. Brasier is yet unmarried; is a member of Eminence Lodge, No. 440, A., F. & A. M. In politics, he is a Democrat.

ATLAS BBAY, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Chatham Coun ty. N. C, July 7, 1826, and is the second child of se^en sous and three daughters born to James and Sarah (Edwards) Bray, the former a native of North Carolina, born 1796, the latter of the same State, born 1802. James Bray was a farmer, who located in Hendricks County, Ind., about 1834; farmed on rented land; then removed to this county, where he secured land. This he afterward sold and went to Missouri about 1853, and to Kansas in 1869, where he now enjoys a retired life. Mrs. Bray is also living, aged eighty-two years. They are long-established members of the Baptist Church. Atlas Bray remained at home until he was of age, when he worked at farming in jobs at 37 cents per day. Notvrithstanding this poor labor, he was enabled after a time to purchase forty acres of timber land, which he set about to clear and improve; afterward sold the same and purchased 280 acres in Iawa,> and finally exchanged for the farm on which he now resides, combining 153 acres. He likewise possesses a good farm in Monroe Township. In July, 1849, he married Emily Craven, by which union were born to them seven children - John F. (deceased), Enos, Mary, Sarah, Clara, Oscar and Luther. Mr. Bray has been a successful farmer aild is a worthy citizen. He and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.