Hensley Township

Hensley Township

On the 10th of March, 1799, Richardson Hensley was born near Fredericksburg, in Virginia. While he was yet a child, his father moved to Fayette County, Ky., after which he moved to Mercer County, where, in 1800, Richardson was married to Miss Elizabeth Cully. In the war of 1812, he served as a First Lieutenant on the frontier; and in March, 1825, he brought his family to Johnson County, hunting for a home, after having spent a year in Jackson County, this State. Accompanying him was William Davenport, a North Carolinian, and William Mitchell, a Virginian, his sons-in-law, and their families. Five or six families were living in around Edinburg, and at the Nineveh settlement the road ended. Stopping at some point at the time not now known, but probably on the Nineveh, Hensley and his companions made a tour through the woods, and selected the central part of Congressional Township 11, Range 3, on the banks of Indian Creek, as the place for their homes. Among the woodsmen of that day Curtis Pritchard stood at the head, and, employing him to select the best route through the wilderness from Nineveh to Indian Creek for a road, he went ahead, with horn in hand, and at intervals would wind a blast as a signal to the axmen to cut through the woods to his vantage-ground. Selecting a quarter section, cornering with the center of the Congressional township, Hensley put up a cabin, and then, on the 17th of February, he entered the first tract of land in the township that was occupied by a pioneer.

In 1823, three hundred and twenty acres had been taken up in the northeast corner of the township, and at the same time two hundred and forty acres just across the township line, now in Union, by David Scott. But Scott never came to his purchases ; and many were the conjectures accounting for it indulged in by those who knew of the " Scott lands." The most popular of these was, that he had been murdered before reaching home, after his entry had been made ; and it was seventeen years after the purchase before it was learned that Scott was a trader, living at Cheat Neck, near Morgantown, in Virginia, and that he had invested the proceeds of a trading voyage to New Orleans in Congress lands in Johnson, Bartholomew, Shelby and other counties in Indiana, and then had returned to his home and re- ported to his creditors the loss of his cargo in the Mississippi, and made with them a composition of his debts. But his fraud availed him nothing, for shortly after he came to his death by being thrown from his horse, and his secret died with him. Not even had he divulged it to his wife and daughter. William Y. Johns, a young man living in Scott's neighborhood, being lured to Johnson County about 1837, by the memory of an old sweetheart, and remaining here, was elected to the office of County Treasurer, in 1844, and the " Scott lands" coming under his notice, he made the discovery that they had been entered by his old neighbor from Cheat Neck. William Y. Johns' brother was then married to Scott's only daughter ; and the widow, who was still living, and the daughter, came to Indiana. And although the " Scott lands " had long been sold at tax sales, they were partially redeemed.

Hensley cleared a little field in the woods the first spring, and planted it in corn ; but the wild turkeys invaded his field and scratched the seed out of the ground. Replanting and keeping the turkeys away, when the little crop was raised the squirrels came and did great damage. After these, a band of forty welldressed, well-mounted Miami Indians came and encamped on Indian Creek - so called because it was a famous Indian resort in the early times - and although they had plenty of money, they begged and stole everything they wanted. Hensley's corn patch was peculiarly tempting to them ; and in spite of his best resolutions and utmost vigilance, they carried his corn away by the armfuls.

The same spring that Hensley, Mitchell and Davenport came in, John Stephens, from Tennessee, and Nathaniel Elkins, from Kentucky, came ; and some time during the last of the year, Peter Titus from Ohio, settled on what has since been known as the Bridge's farm. In the fall of that vear, it is believed that Charles and Mitchel Ross settled on the west line of the township, and about the same time Richard Perry must have moved into the northeast corner.

The township grew rapidly in population. The lands along Indian Creek were peculiarly inviting to land-hunters, who had traversed the level lands of the country in search of suitable locations, and immigrants came trooping in. At least twenty men came in and bought, and more than half that number moved in. Of these, Isaac Holeman, Henry Mussulman, Arthur Bass, Albert Roberts, John Schrem, John and Lewis Shouse and Aaron Holeman may be mentioned. By the close of 1833, more than fifty families bad moved in; and while it would seem to be impossible at this time to make any degree of classification as to the time when these came in, or even to give the names of all, yet the following may be set down as being early settlers, to wit : James Taggart (who was afterward killed at the battle of Buena Vista), William Skaggs, Holland Jones, John Brunk, Nicholas Hobbs, Hiram Porter, Reason and John Slack, John Voris, Simpson Sturgeon, Montgomery Smith, Andrew Underwood, Leonard Leffler, John McNutt, William Mitchell, Thomas Lyman, S. W.Weddle, Thomas Lockhart, Thomas Alexander, John Clark, Jesse Wells, Samuel Fleener, Hiram T. Craig, John Boland, Samuel Woollard, Frederick Ragsdale, George Bridges, William Clark, Abraham Massey, McKinney Burk, Avery M. Buckner, Levi Petro, James Wiley, Elijah Moore, Stith Daniel, Thomas L. Sturgeon, James Forsyth, David and Uriah Young, Godfrey Jones, R. W. Elder. James Hughes, George White, Richard Joliffe and Perry Baily.

Hensley was the fourth township, in point of time, organized in the county. At the March term of the Board of Justices, in 1827, the organization took place and the name was bestowed upon the suggestion of the late Samuel Herriott, in honor of its founder.

The elections, for twenty years, were held at the house of Richardson Hensley, after which the place was changed to Henry Mussulman's house.

In 1834, Henry Mussulman opened the first store in the township, and sold goods for many years. He was a very active man, but totally devoid of book education. He could neither read nor write, and yet, for a great many years, he carried on business successfully. But what is the more remarkable, he did a credit business and kept accounts in his peculiar fashion. He knew and could make figures, however, and could carry on processes of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division mentally. His accounts he kept by marking upon the walls of his storeroom with a nail or pencil. Every customer had his own place of account allotted to him, and so well trained was Henry Mussulman's memory that he never forgot the right place, nor the meaning of his marks, nor did any man ever dispute his account. One story is told, and vouched for as being true, tending to show that it was possible for him to forget, and it is this : A debtor came and called for a settlement and among the items charged was a cheese. "But I never bought a cheese of you in my life," said the debtor. "Didn't you? Well, what did you get? Think!" and the debtor thought. " Ah," said he, light. breaking, after a pause, " Yes, I got a grindstone." " Oh, so you did, I forgot to put the hole in it."

On another occasion, when Mussulman was in Madison buying goods, a merchant, with whom he was dealing, asked him how he managed to know what per cent to put on his goods, seeing that he was unacquainted with letters. " Well, I don't know anything about your per cent, but I do know that when I buy an article of you for one dollar and take it out to my place and sell it for two, that I am not losing anything." He could and did mark the cost price on his goods, however, but no one understood it save himself. After his son, George W., grew up he procured books and had George to keep his accounts, but so retentive was his memory that he could and often did sell goods all day, and at night repeat the exact quantities of goods sold, to whom sold, and at what price.

Source changes here: from History of Johnson County, Indiana : from the Earliest Time to the Present, with Biographical Sketches, Notes, Etc. Together with a Short History of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana, by Banta, D. D. (David Demaree), published 1888; 7,160 words in this source stream.

Hensley Township

William A. Bridges . stands among the most substantial farmers, stock-raisers and business men of this part of Indiana. He was born October n, 1850, son of George and Martha (Clark) Bridges. The father was a native of Kentucky, born May 4, 1800, and departed this life August 23, 1872. He came to Johnson County in the autumn of 1829, and settled in Hensley Township, about two miles west of Trafalgar, Ind. Here he settled on a farm and engaged in the arduous duties of clearing it up. His boyhood and youth were spent on a farm. His education was extremely limited, for hard work was such a necessity in those days but little time could be devoted to schooling, but by reason of a large amount of business,- and by much mingling with men, he acquired a good practical education. He was thoroughly conversant with all things that pertained to his business, and on all general affairs he was well informed. He was honorable and upright in all his dealings, a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Few men accomplished as much in life, and succeeded in establishing as complete confidence in the minds of all as he. His popularity extended to all with whom he had business connections, and he was one of those few who have the scarce and precious qualities of making a great deal of money in a way that added to, rather than detracted from, their popularity. In 1825, he was united in marriage with Matilda Forsythe. This union was blessc 1 with seven children, four boys and three girls, four of whom are now living, two boys and two girls. The mother of these children was born June 3, 1806, and departed this life March 14, 1848. On August 16, 1848, he was united in marriage with Martha Clark, a daughter of William and Margaret Clark. This union was blessed with the following children: Marion F., born June 20, 1849; William A., our subject, October 11, 1850. The mother of these children was born June 8, 1828. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, who in this, as in all the other affairs of life, has been her husband's faithful companion, and who has always proved herself that willing helper which the true wife and mother ever is. She departed this life, July 30, 1856. On October 16, 1856. he was united in marriage with Eliza A. Prather, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Prather. This union was blessed with the following children : Dillard, Adaline, Henry, Emma, Eliza

A., and Andrew. The mother of these children is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Bridges was always a staunch democrat, and at the time of his death was the owner of 810 acres of fine farming lands in Hensley Township, which was improved. Mr. Bridges' position in Johnson County was a fitting reward for the work and toil of a lifetime, and shows conclusively to all beginners on life's journey how much more honorable, useful, and satisfactory is a life of industry, exertion, and honesty. Our subject, William A. Bridges, was reared on his father's farm in Hensley Township; he received a good common school education, and at the age of twenty-one years began the struggle of life for himself as a farmer, and has always been one of the live men of Johnson County. Improvement and progress has always been his watchword, and it has always been his ambition to keep fully up with the advancing civilization of the nineteenth century. One needs but to see his beautiful home and the many surrounding improvements to become convinced that he has kept thoroughly abreast with the spirit of the times. October 9, 1870, he was united in marriage with Alice M. Hunter, a daughter of Singleton and Harriet (Clemmer) Hunter; the father was a native of Kentucky, of German descent, born December 18, 1829; he came to Indiana in 1840, and settled in Hensley Township, where he remained until 1885, when he emigrated to Kansas, where he now resides. The mother was a native of Ohio, of German descent, was born April 11, 1830, and departed this life, December 15, 1882. This union was blessed with the following children: Otis, born July 9, 1871; Harry, December 12,1872; Daisy, October 22, 1877. The mother of these children was born October 27, 1850. Mr. Bridges, wife, and the two boys, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, No. 181, at Trafalgar, also a member of the K. of P. lodge, No. 12, at Franklin. In politics he has always been a staunch democrat, and is the recognized leader of the young democracy of his township. He is now the present county commissioner of district No. 1. After his nomination for this office, he was appointed to fill a vacancy of eighteen months in the same, caused by the death of E. W. Morgan, and was elected at the following November election of 1886, by a handsome majority. He now owns no acres of fine land, in Hensley Township. In connection with farming, he has given considerable of his time to the breeding of short-horn cattle. His liberal support of churches, schools, and all landable enterprises are characteristic of the man. Such men build up a community, and erect for themselves imperishable monuments of gratitude which will live for many years after they have passed away. Socially,' Mr. Bridges is a thoroughly good fellow, entertaining all at his home, with a liberal hospitality, and makes friends wherever he goes.

Aaron V. Burget, prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Hensley Township, is an Indianian by birth, having been born in Johnson County, on the 3d day of November, 1843. His father, Valentine Burget, was a native of Ohio, and an early resident of Johnson County, accompanying his parents here about the year 1832, and settling in Nineveh Township. Valentine Burget grew to manhooc} in Nineveh Township, and in 1S39 was uniT-ed in marriage with Nancy Keaton, a native of Tennessee, and daughter of Miles and Sylvia (Butram) Keaton, of North Carolina. To this marriage ten children were born, five of whom are now living, and residents of Johnson County. Mr. Burget was a prominent citizen, and had a large circle of friends in this and other parts of the country. He died in 1885, aged seventy-one years. The subject of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving a good practical English education, and for some time followed the teacher's calling in Nineveh Township. He afterward abandoned the profession for farming, which useful vocation he has since carried on. On the 16th of April, 1863, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Lucinda, daughter of William and Mary (Teeters) Gillaspy. The father of Mrs. Burget was drowned in White River a number of years ago, and the mother, who is still living, subsequently married Thomas Gillaspy. Mr. Burget was a resident of Nineveh Township until 1871, at which time he purchased his present home place, consisting of 109 acres, in Section 13, Hensley Township, where he has since lived and prospered. He is a democrat in politics, and as such has held minor official positions at different times, the duties of which he discharged in a manner highly satisfactory to all concerned. He identified himself with the Christian Church a number of years ago, and is an earnest and consistent member of that denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Burget have had eight children, seven of whom are now living, viz. : Dillard A., William M., Tillas A., Alice, Nancy A., Sallie E. and Floyd E. Emma L., the fourth child, died at the age of five years.

Joseph Clark, M. D., is a native of Indiana, and was born in Bartholomew County, on the 14th day of October, 1838. His father, Thomas S. Clark, was born in the city of Manchester, England, and at an early age came to America, locating at Lebanon, Ohio, where he learned the cabinet-makers' trade. After residing at this place a number of years, he moved to Indiana, about 1823, and entered a tract of land in Jackson Township, Shelby County.

He was twice married, the first time on the 24th day of December, 1833, to Miss Martha M. Harris, of Virginia, whose death occurred in February, 1843. Four children were born to this marriage, three of whom are now living. June 15, 1843, Mr. Clark married Miss Letitia Query, by whom he had three children, all deceased. Shortly after his second marriage Mr. Clark moved to Hensley Township, and here resided until his death. In many respects Thomas Clark was a remarkable man. In early life he evinced decided taste for intellectual pursuits, and while a mere youth began the study of Latin, Greek and Hebrew, in which" he soon acquired remarkable proficiencv- His love for the classics never abated, and in old age he was able to read the Scriptures in the original tongues, Greek and Hebrew. He was a man of abstemious habits, possessed a tenacious memory, and was a believer in religion, as taught by Emanuel Swedenborg. He wras born April, 1806, and departed this life February, 1873. Mrs. Clark survived her husband several years, dying July, 18S7, aged seventy. Dr. Clark spent his youthful years on his father's farm, and received his early educational training in the common schools, supplemented by a course in Franklin College, which he attended two years. On quitting college he engaged in teaching, and was thus employed until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Col. Fred Kneffler's regiment, with which he served gallantly from 1862 until the close of the war. He participated in a number of battles, in one of which, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., he was severely wounded in the left arm by the explosion of a shell, the effect of which was to disable him for field duty. For some time thereafter he was employed as hospital steward, at Louisville and New Albany. At the close of the war he returned to Johnson County, but in the meantime, while in the government service, began reading medicine with Dr. Sloan, of New Albany. Impressed with a laudable desire to increase his knowledge of the profession, the Doctor subsequently attended lectures at Louisville and New York, and in 1867 graduated in New York, and began the practice at Morgantown, where he continued about twelve years. He then relinquished the practice and engaged in the commission business at Indianapolis, which branch of trade he continued successfully until 18S4. In that year he returned to Hensley Township and began farming, which he has since carried on, owning at this time a fine farm of 240 acres. The Doctor was married January 8, 1 87 1, to Miss Harriet Skeggs, of Morgan County, daughter of Zachariah Skeggs.

ley Township, is a native of Johnson County, Inch, and son of F. M. and Mary ( Woollard) Coleman. He was born on the Coleman homestead, in this township, on the 5th of March, 1856, and grew to manhood on his father's farm, attending the common schools at intervals in the meantime, in which he obtained a practical English education. On the 29th day of December, 1876, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Frances Paskins, daughter of John Paskins of this county, a union blessed with the birth of the following children: John F., Chelcie, George and Mary E. Mr. Coleman has always lived upon the place where he now resides, and as a farmer and stock-raiser, has been very successful, ranking among the enterprising and progressive citizen, of Hensley. He is a man of pleasing address, is popular socially, and numbers his friends by the score in the community and elsewhere. Politically, he is a supporter of the democratic party, and as such has taken an active interest in local politics. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 358, at Morgantown.

Warren Coleman. - The paternal ancestors of the subject of this sketch came originally from Germany, and settled in America in the time of the colonies. Jacob Coleman, grandfather of Warren, fought for the cause of liberty during the War of the Revolution, and his son, Jacob, Jr., served with distinction in the War of 1812. The family early emigrated to Ohio, in which state the subject's father was married in 1809, to Miss Elizabeth Thomas, an aunt of the late General George H. Thomas, who bore such a distinguished part in the late War of the Rebellion. Jacob Thomas farmed for a number of years near the city of Cleveland, and, in 1839, came to Johnson County, Ind., where he lived until his death in 1873. Flis wife survived him many years, dying March 25, 1883, at the advanced age of ninety-five years. They raised to manhood and womanhood a family of eight children, of whom three are now living: Mrs. Sarah Loyd, Mrs. Amanda Hammond and the subject of this biography. Warren Coleman was born near the city of Cleveland, Ohio, on the 12th of July, 1816, and until his twentyfourth year, resided in his native state. He accompanied his parents to Johnson County, in 1839, anc^ until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 16th day of March, 1847, with Miss Lucy Gillaspy, he remained on the home place looking after his parents' interest. Shortly after marriage, Mr. Coleman settled in the northwest part of Nineveh Township, and from time to time purchased land until he now owns a farm of 123 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. He has been a very industrious man, and, as a democrat, served three years as commissioner of Johnson County, besides having held minor official positions. His wife was a daughter of Joseph Gillaspy, one of the early residents of the township. She died August 21, 1879. ^rand Mrs. Coleman raised a family of seven children, whose names are as follows: Francis M., William D., George W., Susan, Lucy J., Amos* and Jacob.

Daniel W. Cooper, an old and reliable citizen of Hensley Township, and one of the few pioneers now living, is a native of Wayne County, Ky., and dates his birth from the 13th day of November, 1823. His parents, Abraham and Elizabeth (Collett) Cooper, were natives of Kentucky, also, and early residents of Johnson County, moving here in 1833. They raised a family of eleven children, eight of whom are still living, four residents of this county. The subject of this sketch being the oldest son, was early compelled to contribute his part toward clearing and developing the farm. Hence his educational training was of a somewhat limited character. He made the most of his opportunities, however, and by coming in contact with his fellow men in after life, obtained a fund of practical knowledge, and is now a well-informed man. September 12, 1844, he was married to Miss Ahulia Alexander, of Johnson County, and daughter of Thomas Alexander. The fruits of this marriage have been nine children, of whom the following are living: Annie A., Elizabeth, Ellen, Lavicy, Smith and Alice. Mr. Cooper has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and now owns a well-improved farm of 140 acres. He is a democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic order. He stands high in the estimation of his fellow men, and is one of the township's representative citizens.

James C. Core, the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Johnson County, on the 14th day *of January, 1834. His father, Jacob Core, was a native of Ohio, from which state he emigrated to Kentucky many years ago, and there married Mary J. Forsyth, who was born at Crab Orchard, in the latter state. Mr. Core was by occupation a miller, and in addition to his trade, he was employed for some time in Kentucky, in the capacity of overseer. He came to Johnson County, Ind., in 1827, and purchased government land in Nineveh Township, upon which he lived until his death. He died a number of years ago at the age of fifty-four, and was buried in the Mt. Pleasant cemetery, where the body of his wife was also laid, she having died later at the age of sixty-four years. James C. Core has spent all his life in Johnson County, and is now one of its oldest citizens, having been a resident over fifty-four years. He grew to manhood on the farm, and in the old log school-house, lighted by a window of greased paper, and furnished with rough puncheon benches, minus backs, he obtained the rudiments of an ordinary English education. On the 25th day of February, 1856, fce was married, and immediately thereafter he began carving out a home for himself in Nineveh Township, where he continued to live and prosper until 1SS7. In that year he disposed of his place in Nineveh, and purchased his present farm in Hensley Township, a beautiful place of eighty acres, well stocked and improved'. For some time he handled stock for James P. Forsyth, and did a successful business while thus employed. Mr. Core is one of the industrious farmers of Hensley, and a popular citizen in the community where he resides. He has had ten children, seven living: Matilda E., Martha E., Maria A., George W., John, J. C. and Effie M. The oldest daughter, Matilda, married Henry Hughes, and is living in Nineveh Township. Martha E. is the wife of George W. Short.

James Forsyth, deceased. - Conspicuous among the representative citizens of Johnson County, was the late James Forsyth. Mr. Forsyth was a native of Kentucky, born July 6, 181 3, and a son of J. and Jane (Sturgeon) Forsyth. He grew to manhood's estate in Kentucky, and in 1830, moved to Johnson County, Ind., and located a home not far from the city of Franklin. He entered land in Franklin and Nineveh Township, and in time became a large property holder and a prosperous citizen. On the 1 6th day of February, 1837, he married Miss Ellen N. Ragsdale, daughter of Frederick Ragsdale, one of the pioneer settlers of Hensley Township. Mr. Forsyth identified himself with the First Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in 1843, from which time until his death he was active in the councils of his church and foremost in every wrork to propagate religious truth. He accummulated a handsome property, but in later life met with financial reverses, which resulted in the loss of a considerable portion of his property. He was liberal in all the word implies, and his numerous benefactions for religious and benevolent purposes, attest his unbounded faith in the Scriptural maxim, that " it is more blessed to give than to receive." His church and Franklin College owe him a debt of gratitude for munificent gifts received at different times, and many who received his aid in a quiet and unostentatious way remember him as a true friend and benefactor. He served as director of Franklin College in 1875-6, and at one time was president of the First National Bank of Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth were not blessed with children of their own, but through their kindness two children were reared, who will always bless the memory of their benefactors. Mr. Forsyth died on the 18th day of March, 1887, but Mrs. Forsyth is still living, having reached a serene and happy old age.

James A. Foster, only son of William and Francina Foster, whose sketch appears elsewhere, is a native of Johnson Count}'. lie has been a resident of Hensley Township for many years, and is one of the industrious and energetic farmers of the community in which he resides. He has been twice married, the first time on the 5th day of December, 1852, to Miss Luelia M. Clemmer, a native of Johnson County, daughter of Solomon Clemmer. Two children were born to this union, Lola and Lula. Mrs. Foster died August, 1883, and was burried in the Friendship cemetery. On the 25th of October, 1884, Mr. Foster's second marriage was solemnized with Miss Margaret Ellis, daughter of Jesse Ellis, a union blessed with the birth of one child, who died in infancy. Mr. Foster owns a well-stocked farm of 120 acres, and is in comfortable circumstances. Politically, he is a democrat, in religion, a Methodist. William Foster, deceased, was born in Johnson County, Ind. April 23, 1831. He was a son of Richard and Lucinda (Coons) Foster, natives of Virginia, and of English and German descent, respectively. Richard Foster came to Johnson about the time the county was organized, and was one of the pioneers of Blue River Township. Subsequently he moved to Hensley Township, where, for some years, he held the office of justice of the peace. He was a prominent citizen, and did much in a quiet way toward opening and developing the country. He died at a good old age, as did also his wife, and they both rest side by side in Tipton County, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Foster raised a large family, ten children having grown to manhood and womanhood, six of whom are now living, all residents of the County of Tipton. William Foster passed his youthful years in Johnson County, and was reared on a farm. August, 1850, he married Miss Francina Smith, daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Smith, of East Tennessee. Mrs. Foster was born in Tennessee, on February 5, 1827, and is the mother of two children: James A., born August 11, 1851, and Minerva, born May 8, 1859, and died in childhood. Mr. Foster was one of the leading citizens and farmers of Hensley Township, and a man widely and favorably known for his many excellent traits of character. He died very suddenly of heart disease, on January 25, 1884. He was for many years an active member of the Methodist Church, to which his wife also belonged. She is still living on the home place, which is now superintended by her son, James A.

O. W. Garrett, deceased, the subject of this sketch, was a native of Kentucky, born on the 14th day of December, 1S11. He spent about thirty years in that state, and then came to Johnson County, Ind., locating in Hensley Township, of which he was a resident about twenty years, the greater part of which time was spent in teaching. He was for some time engaged in the saw-milling business in Morgan County, and at one time worked at the stone mason's trade, in which he acquired great proficiency. When the war broke out he offered his services to his country, enlisting in the Twenty-seventh Regiment Indiana Infantry, with the commission of second lieutenant of his company. Subsequentlv he was promoted first lieutenant, and as such served until honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. Mr. Garrett was at one time a practicing attorney, and acquired some prominence as a member of the bar of Morgan County. He was a man of broad intelligence, and for a number of years took an active part in local politics. He married, in Louisville, Ky., Miss Lucy Ann Curl, daughter of Samuel and Sinah Curl, of the same state, by whom he had two children, both deceased. Mrs. Garrett was born on the 9th dav of December, 1818. Mr. Garrett died at his residence in Morgan County, on the 8th day of February, 1876. Mrs. Garrett lives in the village of Samaria.

John Hogeland was born in Green County, Ky., now Taylor County, on the 16th day of November, 1824. His father, John Hogeland, Sr., was a native of Pennsylvania, and of French descent. He was taken to Kentucky, when ten years of age, and there married Nancy Shipp, bv whom he had twelve children, six sons and the same number of daughters. In 1833, he immigrated to Indiana and settled in Shelby County, thence one year later moved to Johnson County, locating three and one-half miles north of Franklin. About the vear 1S37, he moved to the northwest part of Hensley Township, "and lived here until 1870. For two or three years he resided in Samaria, and then moved west of Morgantown, where his death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-one. His wife servived him several years, and died at the residence of her son, in Hensley Township, being over eighty at the time of her death. Mr. Hogeland was a prominent farmer. For a period of over sixty years, he belonged to the Baptist Church. John Hogeland, Jr., subject of this sketch, was nearly ten years of age when the family came to Indiana. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and at the age of twenty, married Miss Eliza Whitsitt, of Jennings County, Ind., daughter of John and Mary (Blankenship) Whitsitt. Shortly after marriage, Mr. Hogeland settled in Blue River Township, where he lived twenty-two years. He then returned to Hensley Township, where he has since resided, and where he now owns a farm of 270 acres, one of the best improved places in the southern part of the county. He justly ranks among the substantial men of the community, and as a farmer and stock-raiser, has few equals in Hensley Township. By his first marriage he had three children, all deceased. His present wife, whom he married in April, 1866, was Mrs. Mary J. Young, widow of J. Young, and daughter of Joseph Pratt. Mr. and Mrs. Hogeland are members of the Baptist Church.

1. J. Holeman, the gentleman for whom this sketch is prepared, is a native of Johnson County, and dates his birth from the 7th day of April, 1844. His parents were J. M. and Elizabeth (Street) Holeman, both natives of the State of Kentucky. Our subject was raised a farmer, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He belongs to that large and eminently respectable class who accomplish much for the good of society in a quiet and unostentatious way, and during a long period of residence in Hensley Township, has gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact. March 25, 1867, he was united in marriage to jVtiss Eliza J. Coleman, daughter of F. M. Coleman, and to their union have been born nine children, seven of whom are living: Nettie E., Jennie, James F., John D., Rettie, Gussie and Oris C. The names of those deceased are, Mary I., who died in her seventeenth year, and Annie, whose age was seven months. They were both laid to rest at Bethlehem Church cemetery. Mr. Holeman owns a good farm, and is in comfortable circumstances financially. He is a democrat politically, and an earnest worker in the I. O. O. F. fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 196, Morgantown.

Jonathan Yount. - The Yount family came originally from Germany, and were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, in colonial times. From that state the grandfather of the subject emigrated to Kentucky, and was an associate of the celebrated Daniel Boone, in leading the van of civilization into the " dark and bloody ground." He participated in many of the struggles with the Indians, and is remembered as one of the bravest of the pioneers of a time abounding in brave and daring men. George Yount, father of the subject, was born and reared in Kentucky, Shelby County, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a man of some local prominence, having held an official position in the militia service, and for some years took an active part in politics as a supporter of the whig party. His death occurred a number of years ago in his native state. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Sarah Bright. She was descended from English ancestry, and was married to Mr. Yount in Kentucky, and was the mother of four children, all living, three of them residents of Johnson County. Mrs. Yount died in Johnson County, aged over eighty years. Jonathan Yount was born Mav 3, 1828, in Shelby County, Ky., and grew to manhood in his native state as a farmer. His early educational advantages were of a meager character, embracing in all about five months' attendance at the country schools. Owing to the death of his father, the duty of maintaining the family was largely thrown upon his shoulders, and for some years he struggled hard to discharge his filial duties. October 28, 1S52, he was married in Shelby County, Ky., to Miss Eliza J. Satterwhite, daughter of Turner Satterwhite, a prominent farmer, and in i860, came to Johnson County, Ind.. settling in Henslev Township. Here he purchased land and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, which, with stock-raising, he has since canied on successfully, having at this time one of, the best improved farms in the southern part of the county. He suffered a severe loss by fire in 1876, but immediately rebuilt, and now has one of the most commodious residences and other buildings in Henslev Township. Mr. Yount is an energetic business man, and a true type of the old-time Kentucky gentleman. He is a great lover of all kinds of innocent sports and pastimes, and an adept with the rifle, his skill in markmanship being unequalled in this part of the country. Politically, he is a democrat. Mrs. Yount died in April, 187; She was the' mother of nine children, the following of whom are living: John W., Walter L., Edwin, Charles E., George B.McC., Cordelia and Hattie O. In April, 1876, Mr. Yount married his present wife, Miss Lavina C. Smith, who has borne him four children: Harry G., Ira W., Carl and Howard H. ,,_.",.

Prof Benjamin F. Kennedy, the subject of this sketch, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., December 5, 1832 and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Kimfero) Kennedy. Paternally, Mr. Kennedy is descended from Irish ancestry, and upon the mother s side, from English. Thomas Kennedy was a native of Kentucky, and a school teacher by profession. lie came to Putnam County, Ind., in 1S36, and in 1861, moved to Johnson County and settled in Henslev Township. By his marriage with Mary Kimbro, he had four children, all of whom are living. Mrs. Kennedy died m Kentucky, in 1836, and later, Mr. Kennedy married Martha Bowles. Benjamin F. Kennedy passed his youthful years in Putnam County, Ind His educational training was liberal, attending first the common schools, and later Asbury, now Depauw University in which institution he pursued his studies three years. In 1850, he began teaching in Putnam County, and after following the profession there for six years, came to Johnson County, where he continued, first in the schools of Union Township, where he located, and later in various localities. He did much toward systematizing the schools of the county, and was the first teacher to introduce the higher branches of learning in the schools outside the county seat. Mr. Kennedy became a citizen of Hensley Township in i860, and has been here the greater part of the time since. He was for six years principal of the Morgantown schools, and for three years had charge of the high school of Trafalgar. In addition to his work as teacher, Prof. Kennedy served as county examiner of schools under the old law, and was the first superintendent elected, under the law providing for the county superintendence'. He discharged the duties of his office in an eminently satisfactory manner, and did much toward awakening an interest in behalf of educational work throughout the county. He taught his last school in the winter of 1878-79, at Union village, the same place where he began his labors in this county in 1856. Prof. Kennedy is a scholarly gentleman, and ranks among the most successful educators of Johnson County, He was married August 31, 1S61, to Miss Delilah Davenport, who has borne him two children: Millard F. and Benjamin F.

John S. Kephart is a native of Kentucky, born in the famous blue grass region, on the 21st day of October, 1S26. His parents were Samuel and Jemima (Swift) Kephart, both natives of the same state. Samuel Kephart came to Johnson County, Ind., in 1835, and settled in Hensley Township, where he lived until his death in 1885. He was over eighty years of age when he died, as was also his wife, whose death occurred the same year. They were the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom are living, six of them being residents of Hensley Township. The immediate subject of this biography was reared partly in Henry County, Ky., and partly in Indiana, being nine years of age when his parents moved to Johnson County. In the year 1S46, he enlisted in Company C, Third Indiana Volunteers, Col. Lane's regiment, for the Mexican War, and served for a period of thirteen months, during which time he participated in a number of skirmishes and battles, including the bloody engagement of Buena Vista, on the 22nd of February, 1847. He returned home in July, of the latter year, and on the 22nd day of the month was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Tapp, daughter of William Tapp, bv whom he had eight children, the following of whom are living: Eliza Ann, Samuel, Lucy J., Catherine, Sarah and John T. Mr. Kephart began life as a farmer, and has followed his calling ever since. He served in the late war as a member of Company G, Third Indiana Cavalry, entering the service in 1861 as second lieutenant. He afterward resigned, and a little later enlisted in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war for a period of three years, holding a second lieutenant's commission during that time. Upon one occasion he was tendered the commission of major by Gov. Morton, but refused to accept it. While operating in Kentucky he was captured by Morgan's Cavalry, and for twenty-two months experienced all the rigorous treat- ment and privations incident to rebel prisons, having been for some time confined in the celebrated Libby prison pen at Richmond, Va. Among the battles in which he bore a gallant part, were: Shiloh, Franklin, Greenbriar and a number of others, besides numerous lesser engagements and skirmishes. He was honorably discharged from the service at Pulaski, Tenn., June 28, 1865, and immediatelv thereafter returned to Johnson County, where he has since resided. Mrs. Kephart died on the 16th day of June, 1867. On the 18th day of December, that year, Mr. Kephart's second marriage was solemnized with Mrs. Elizabeth Lang, widow of the late William Lang. To this marriage have been born three children : Elsie, Andrew and Rebecca M. By her previous marriage Mrs. Kephart had these children: Sarah F., Mary A. and William R. Lang. Mr. Kephart is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in religion a Baptist. Mrs. Kephart is also a member of the Baptist Church.

Joseph J. Moore, of Hensley Township, one of the old settlers and most successful business men of Johnson County, was born in said county April 29, 1831. He is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (McKinlev) Moore, both natives of Ohio. His parents moved to Johnson County in 1822, settling near Williamsburg, but later removed to Union Township, where Joseph J. was born. The other children of Robert Mooie were, John M., who died in Indianapolis, in 1886; Mary Ann, Elizabeth M. (deceased), Martha Ann, Rachel A., Robert M., and two infants (deceased). The father was one of the most prominent and useful citizens of the early days of the county, having filled, for a time, the position of associate" judge. He died in Jasper County on January 20, 1855, where he moved in 1849. Tne death of Mrs. Moore occurred June 6, 1843. Joseph J. remained at home until he was twentytwo years of age, when he started out in life. His first employment was cutting cord-wood, at which he earned his first money. Thus engaged he was called upon to teach school, after an examination had proved him to be the most able and practical, thorough English scholar in the whole community. This he followed years with marked success. He afterward served as surveyor of Morgan County, for two years, and in the same capacity for a like period in Johnson County, and as a surveyor and civil engineer he was very efficient. He entered the contest as a candidate for state senator, in 1886, but was defeated after a very bitter contest. Although Mr. Moore has been much in public life, and has contributed as much to the public good as any man in Johnson County, it is in the commercial world that his energies and talents have been employed most successfully. Few men have engaged so extensively, and have in a greater measure won by honest dealings and correct business methods, the confidence of the community. Mr. Moore was married to Miss Ermina, daughter of John H. and Sarah Forsythe, which union has been blessed by four children : Frank F., an attorney of Frankfort, Ind., is a graduate of Franklin College, Chicago School of Oratory, and Albany, N. Y., law school; Cinchona Alice, wife of E. M. French, of Frankfort, is a fine literary scholar, and a graduate of the Boston Art School; Elgin E. (deceased); Robert M., who married Miss L. E. Coleman, a native of this county, is a farmer. Mr. Moore still lives at Trafalgar, where he is extensively engaged in several lines of mercantile business, and with his estimable wife is now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life.

G. W. Musselman. - Among the successful farmers and business men of Hensley Township, few stand as high in the estimation of the public as the gentleman for whom this biographical sketch is prepared. The Musselman family was early represented in Johnson County, and the name appears frequently in connection with the early county legislation. Henry Musselman, father of G. W., was a native of Kentucky, and of German descent. He moved to Johnson County in 1822, before the organization went into effect, and for a number of years was prominently identified with the growth and development of the country. He died a number of years ago at a good old age, having outreached the allotted three score years and ten. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Dunn, was also a native of Kentucky. She faithfully discharged the duties of life throughout more years than usually fall to the lot of woman, and sleeps by the side of her husband in the old Lick Springs grave-yard, Nineveh Township. Henry and Sarah Musselman had a family of ten children, seven sons and four daughters, only four of the number now living, all residents of this township. G. W. Mussselman was born on the 30th day of October, 1S26, and has been a resident of Johnson County all his life. His early educational training embraced a few months' attendance in such schools as the country afforded, and amid the rugged duties of farm life, he early learned those lessons of industry and economy by which his later years have been characterized. On the 31st day of July, 1845, he married Miss Rebecca Smyser, of Oldham County, Ky., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Deadman) Smyser, and shortly thereafter purchased a tract of land, consisting of eighty acres, from which he in time cleared and developed a farm. He disposed of the place in 1853, and purchased the farm upon which he now resides, consisting of 280 acres. This represents the fruits of his own industry, as he began life with little capital, save a well-formed purpose to succeed. He is now one of the representative farmers and stock-raisers of Johnson Count}-, and is an intelligent and publicspirited citizen, and has been called from time to time to fill positions of trust by the people of Hensley Township. He served as assessor several terms, and for sixteen years held the office of township trustee, to which he has again been elected, a fact which attests his great popularity with the people, independent of political affiliation. Mr. Musselman is essentially a self-made man, and as such ranks with the leading citizens of the count}-. He is a sociable gentleman, and numbers his friends by the score within his own neighborhood and elsewhere. He stands high in Masonry, and politically, has always been an earnest supporter of the democratic partv. July 31, 1887, was the forty-seventh anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Musselman. They have had six children, whose names are as follows: Sarah A., wife of H. P. Durbin; Martha J., widow of J. Winchester; Ambrose F., Matilda K., Ira F. and William E., the last four living with their parents.

James K. P. Musselman, farmer and lumber-dealer, son of Henry Musselman, is a native of Hensley Township, and dates his birth from the 5th day of October, 1845. He was raised on his father's farm, and at intervals attended the country schools, in which he obtained the rudiments of an English education. When only seventeen years of age, May 2, 1861, he was united in marriage, to Miss Venelia C. Shake, who was born in Oldham County, Ky., on the 15th day of August, 1845. Her parents, J. B. and Sarah Ann (Sturgeon), were both natives of Kentucky, and of German and Irish descent, respectively. Mr. Musselman has devoted the greater part of his life to the lumber business, and at this time is quite extensively engaged in its manufacture, operating a mill which affords employment for quite a number of hands. His present force consists of twelve men, and the mill is one of the best in the county. He owns a farm also, besides a great deal of personal property, and is classed among the well-to-do citizens of Hensley. He is a democrat in all the term implies, but not an officeseeker or partisan. The following are the names of the children, born to Mr. and Mrs. Musselman: Hallie F., Walter H., Alice M., Joseph R., George and Loval H., all of whom are living. The following children are deceased: Minnie A., died August 24, 1S67; infant, died October 9, 1870, and Eddie, died August 5, 1873.

Thomas J. Musselman, deceased, the subject of this sketch, was born in Hensley Township, Johnson County, February 28, 1840, and was a son of Henry and Sarah (Dunn) Musselman. He grew to manhood in his native towmship, was educated in the com- mon schools, and early engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he followed successfully until his death. He bore a gallant part in the late war, serving three years, during which time he was with his command in