Jackson Township

Jackson Township

James Beale was born on the farm where he now resides, November 17, 183S. He was the eighth in a family of nine children born to William and Margaret (Love) Beale, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Ohio. They were married near Cincinnati, Ohio, November 5, 1823, and began hfe together on a farm near Milroy, Rush Co., Ind., in December, 1823, which places them among the pioneer settlers of this county. Mr. Beale entered an eighty-acre tract of virgin forest in Anderson Township, put up a cabin and continued to reside there until the spring of 1S38, at which time he sold his property in Anderson Township, and purchased 190 acres in Section 22, Jackson Township. On this tract there had once been a small clearing made. Here Mr. and Mrs. Beale resided until their respective deaths. Mrs. Beale passed away August 4, 1866, and Mr. Beale, March 22, 1883. They were devout members of the Presbyterian Church, and highly respected by all who knew them. Thus ended the lives of two of Rush County's earliest pioneers ; but they had lived to rear a large family of sons and daughters. As stated, our subject, James Beale, was born and reared on the farm he owns at present. His early school advantages were fair, and he received a good common school education. Being brought up on a farm, he adopted farming as a life occupation, and to-day can be classed among the successful farmers of Jackson Township. On January 3, 1S67, he chose for his hfe companion Miss Margaret E. Gilmore, daughter of James and Mar}' (George) Gilmore, natives of Belfast, Ireland, and of Scotch-Irish descent. They emigrated to America about 1838, and first located at Lancaster, Pa. The former ended his days in this county, and the latter at Knightstown, in Henry Count}'. Mrs. Beale was born in Washington County, Pa., October 14, 1844, and has resided in Rush County since 1851. To this union five children have been born: John G., William R., Carl, Wilbur and Mary L., of whom William R. and Carl are deceased. Mr. Beale is a Republican in politics, but has never sought political preferment. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., of Rushville, Ind. He began life in fair circumstances, and by industry and perseverance has been eminently successful. He owns the old home farm, which can be classed among the best in Jackson Township, and is provided with good improvements. He is honest and upright, and holds the confidence and respect of the community.

James M. Caldwell is a native of Bedford County, Pa., born July 3, 181 1. His parents were William and Rebecca Caldwell, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Mar}land. Our subject grew to manhood on a farm in Pennsylvania, and received a fair education for that day of limited school advantages. He taught several terms of school in Pennsvlvania and Indiana. In his youth he was apprenticed to learn the tanner's trade, but after completing it was compelled to abandon the trade on account of rheumatism. In the spring of 1837, the Caldwells disposed of their property in Pennsylvania, and turned their attention westward. They loaded their household effects into two wagons, and started overland for Rush County, Ind. After three weeks of steady traveling, they drew up at what is now known as the old Caldwell homestead. Here the family moved into a rude cabin with clapboard doors and no windows. Neighbors were scarce and all seemed an unbroken wilderness. Mrs. Caldwell wished for some time after her arrival that she had remained in Pennsylvania, but by degrees the wilderness was transformed into a beautiful home, and all soon began to enjoy themselves. All went well until death visited the family in 1845, and removed William Caldwell, oi\e of the pioneers and honored citizens of the county. Mrs. Caldwell survived him until the nth of March, 1885, when she, too, was called home. Her birth occurred on the 9th of September, 1785, and at the time of her death only lacked a few months of being one hundred years of age. Our subject, James M. Caldwell was united in marriage with Miss Alcy Ploughe, March 7, 1844. ^^^ '^^'^^ the daughter of Isaac and Mary (Hobbs) Ploughe. Alcy was born in Greensburg, where she was reared until she was about twelve years of age, when her parents removed to this count3^ This union was blessed with nine children, William A., Mary E., Sadie, Lydia M., George H., Barton S. (deceased), James E., Rachel M., and Oliver P.; all those living are grown to maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been identified over forty years. Politically, Mr. Caldwell is a staunch Republican, and firmlv upholds the principles of that partv, and at one time held the office of Sheriff of Rush County. He began life at the bottom of the ladder, and in 1838-9 and 40, we find him teaming between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Rushville. He carefully saved his earnings and in this way laid the foundation for his start in life. After his marriage he farmed as a renter, but in the fall of 1844, he moved into a cabin situated on forty acres of land he owns at present. Fifty years ago last May, Mr. Caldwell landed here, and a great change has taken place smce then. Here he has spent the principal part of his life and has succeeded in developing a fine farm in Section 24. He and his venerable companion who has stood by his side through the trials of life for nearly a half century, ai"e now enjoving a comfortable home, surrounded by honorable sons and daughters, who after the father and mother have passed away, will keep their memories green.

Harvy Caldwell was born in Bedford County, Pa., September 23, 1828, and was the son of William and Rebecca (Havner) Caldwell, whose personal history appears with their son's, James M. Caldwell. When Harvey was nine years of age, he accompanied his parents to this county, and located on the farm where he now resides; this was fifty years ago the 17th of May, 1887. All was then a wilderness, and it seemed like a great undertaking to make a home in the forest. It might be said that our subject was reared on this farm. His early education was fair. When he was seventeen years old, and thereafter, it devolved upon Harvey to assist in supporting his widowed mother, who lived until March 11, 1885, aged ninety-nine years six months, two days. He adopted farming as a life profession. On August ir, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 68th Indiana V^olunteers, under command of Capt. James Innis; he was placed in the Department of the Cumberland, under command of Gen. Thomas, and during the hotly contested battle at Chickamauga on Septem.ber 19-20, '63, he received a severe wound, being struck by a ball which lodged in his left lung; he was wounded on Saturday evening and lav on the battle field without attention until Monday evening; he still carries the Rebel lead, which has caused him considerable annoyance ever since. On

July 7, 1865, he was mustered out of the service and received an honorable discharge. He returned home to enjoy the Union he had fought to preserve; and on April 9, '67, was married to Mary Snively, a native of Bedford Count)', Pa., but after a year and a half of life together, she was called away on October 9, '68. On October 18, 1870, he was again married, this time to Mary E. Looney, daughter of John S. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Looney, natives of Kentucky, who came to Rush County as earlv as 1S22, and her grandfather, Peter Looney, sat on the first Grand Jury ever held in Rush Count}'. Mrs. Caldwell was born in Rush County on August 3, 1842, and her whole life has been spent here. This union has been blessed with seven children: William, Herbert, John Charles, Edith R., Robert G., Tully and Annie, who are living; an infant is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are mem- "bers of the Christian Church, and the father of our subject was a preacher in that church for forty 3'ears. Mr. Caldwell is a member of Joel Wolf Post No. 81, G. A. R., of Rushville, and a Republican in politics, and has held the office of Township Assessor. He started a poor man in life and to-day owns the old home farm having purchased the interest of the other heirs.

James Downey was born in Nicholas County, Ky., March 16, 1805, and was the fifth in a family of five sons and four daughters, born to Archibald and Sarah (Cook) Downey, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Welsh, and the latter of Irish descent. Our subject was reared amid the slave scenes, on a plantation in Kentucky. B}' attending the primitive schools of that da}' he learned to read, write and cipher. At the age of eighteen he took charge of his mother's farm, his father having died when he was about ten years of age. He continued to farm the old homestead until his marriage with Miss Rebecca Hinton, September 21, 1S26. She was the daughter of Ezekiel and Martha (Caldwell) Hinton, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Downey was born in Nicholas County, Ky., October 14, 1810, where she was reared. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Downey, they continued to reside in Kentucky until the 9th day of August, 183 1, when he hired a man to move himself and family to Rush County, Ind., landing in the little village of Rush\-ille, August 16, 1S31. Mr. Downey soon purchased a tract of land in Rushville Township, and moved into a rude log cabin on his own farm. On October 3rd, 1831, he entered the farm on which he now resides, and moved into a cabin near where his residence now stands, on January 31, 1832. This tract of land was covered with a dense growth of timber, and the undergrowth and spice brush were so thick that one could scarcely see a rod ahead, but by dint of industry and perseverance, they have succeeded in developing a comfortable home. The family circle was blessed with live sons and three daughters: Archibald (who lost his life July 22, 1873, by the explosion of the boiler of a threshing engine on the farm of his father, by which three men were killed; he left a widow and live children to mourn his sad fate) ; Martha, David E., John, Ezekiel H., George C, Sarah M. and Mar}' E., all of whom are married. The latter is married to George H. Bogue, and resides on the old home place. Mr. and Mrs. Downey are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been united over sixty years. In politics, Mr. Downey is a staunch Democrat, and voted for Andrew Jackson in 1S28. He has served in the responsible position of Justice of the Peace in Jackson Township twenty-one 3'ears. He began life a poor boj', and has succeeded in making a" comfortable home. He is now in his eighty-third year, and has resided in Jackson Township fifty-six 3'ears, and is the onlj- pioneer left who resides on the land he entered. He and his venerable Avife, who has stood by his side for over sixty-three years, are in fair health, and bid fair to live and enjo}' many years yet of quiet old age. An honest and upright man, he is held in high esteem by the entire community.

John M. Gor:man was born in Fayette County, Ind., July 16, 1822. His parents were Daniel and Hannah (Carhin) Gorman, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born near Pittsburg, on the Youghiogheny River, and the latter in Kentucky. They emigrated to Faj-ette County in an earl}' day, the former in 1S16, and the latter in 181S. They were married near Connersville, and began life together on a farm about seven miles southeast of that city. On September 3, 1835, they landed on the farm owned by our subject, and resided near here until their respective deaths; the former died suddenly of a paralytic stroke December, 18'J'J, and the latter of slow consumption in the summer of 1878. On March II, 1847, our subject was married to Mary Oldham, daughter of James and Polh' Oldham, who were among the pioneers of this county. This union was blessed with three children : Minerva, Sarah H. and Perry E., of whom the latter was called away when about live and one-half years of age. Mrs. Gorman was also called away March 15, 1861, after a happj' married life of fourteen years and four da3's. She was a kind wife and mother and a member of the Baptist Church. After living single over fourteen 3'ears, Mr. Gorman was married to Mrs. Elizabeth W3'att, daughter of Samuel and Ann M. Cohee. This union is blessed with a daughter: Naoma A., now living. Mr. Gorman is a Republican, and has been an active worker in the part3', but has never sought office. He began life empty-handed, but with a good character, and bv dint of untiring energy and perse\'erance has been very successful. He adopted farming as a life occupation, and to-dayowns a good farm and a comfortable home. He is a yery beneyolent man, and has assisted most eyery public enterprise in the county. He, by his financial assistance, aided in building the Rushyille & Knightstown Gravel Road, and holds $1,200 of its stock, and he is now Secretary of the same. He also owns stock in the Oldham & Sharon Pike, and has money invested in ever}- railroad in the county, and has assisted every church \vithin five miles of him. He has resided in the township fifty-two years and is one of its most respected citizens. He has witnessed a great change, and when he came here the farms did not average five acres of cleared land apiece. He allowed no one to lead him in the development, and has done as much as any other man in the township toward its development. During the war he expended money freely in the assistance of the soldiers and their widows and families.

James Gray is a native of Jackson Township, and was born near where he now resides, March 15, 1837. He was the son of Thomas, and Leah (David) Gray, daughter of Jacob David, an old settler of this count\'. Thomas Gray was one of the earliest settlers of the county. Our subject was reared on the farm, and has adopted farming as a life profession. In 1S65, he was married to Miss Polly A. Cross, daughter of Jacob Cross, an old citizen of the county. This union is blessed with three children: Francis C, Emma J. and Jesse G., all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Gra}' are members of the Christian Church. He began life with a small start and has been rather successful in his chosen profession; at the present time he owns a find improved farm in Section 15, and he can be classed among the substantial citizens of Jackson Township.

Dr. Lot Green was bom in Arlington, Rush County. Ind., July 29, 1847. His parents were Dr. J. W. and Mary J. (Gowdy) Green, natives of Rush County, Ind., and at present residents of Shelbyyille, Ind. Our subject was reared in Arlington where his father was engaged in the practice of medicine. In his early life he received a good education, and in 187S he entered the medical department of Butler University, but prior to this he had read under his father and was well versed m anatomy, physics, etc. In iSSo he graduated from that institution and first began the practice of medicine in Arlington, and has always practiced in this count}'. He has been eminently successful in his chosen profession. In 1872 he chose for his life companion Cordelia Barnard, daughter of Brasilia G. and Rachel (Roberts) Barnard, the former a native of North Carolina, who came to Union County with his parents when four years of age. The latter was a native of West Virginia, and is deceased. Mrs. Green was born in Posey Township, and has always resided in Rush County. Mr. and Mrs. Green are blessed with five sons, Lucien, Hallie W., Frank H., Charlie and Blaine, all living. Mrs. Green is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Green is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Arlington. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, and takes an interest in the affairs of his party. He began life a poor man, but by industry and perseverance has been eminently successful. He owns a fine farm in Section '], provided with good improvements. An honorable man in all the affairs of life he holds the respect and confidence of the people.

WiLLiA.M KiRKPATRiCK is a native of Harrison County, Ky., where he was born August ii, 1806. His parents v\'ere William and Anna (Mays) Kirkpatrick, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Kentucky when quite small, with their parents. In 1S12, they removed to Ohio, and thence to Fayette County, Ind., and in I S3 1, they arrived in Rush County, Ind., where they resided until their deaths. They were among the pioneers of the county. At the age of twenty-three, or on April 9, 1S29, he was married to Susan Corbin, daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Milner) Corbin, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They resided a number of years in Kentucky, and removed from Kentucky to near Connersville, Ind., about 181 7, where they resided until their respective deaths. The former was called away in his eighty-fourth j'ear, and the latter in her sixty-seventh year. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born in Bracken County, K}'., March 13, 1810, and accompanied her parents to this State when she was about seven years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick had born to them ten children : Sarah A., Eliza J., Lucinda, John W., Amanda M., Francis M., Hannah C, Elijah A., Mary I. and Martha J., who were twins, of whom Eliza J. and Lucinda are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.^ Mr. Kirkpatrick began life a poor man, and by hard work has made a comfortable home. He has been assisted by a kind and loving wife who has stood by his side. They have now reaped the fruits of their labors, and are passing a quiet old age together where they have spent so many years in making a comfortable home.

John W. Kirkpatrick, our subject, is a native-citizen and prominent stock raiser and farmer of Jackson Township. He was born June 25, 1838, and is the son of William and Susan (Corbin) Kirkpatrick, both natives of Kentucky, the former of Scotch and

Irish, and the latter of Enghsh extraction. They were united in marriage in Fayette County, Ind., and came to Rush County when it was a wilderness, and have resided here ever since. Our subject, John W. Kirkpatrick, was reared amid the scenes of farm life, and received a fair education in his youth. At the age of twenty-two he began life on his own responsibilit}', by engaging at farming. In March, 1861, he chose for his life companion Miss Margaret E. Dill, daughter of Isaac and Poll_y A. (Gilson) Dill, who were among the pioneer settlers of Rushville Township. The former was called to eternal rest in 1872. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born near Rushville in 1843, and has resided here ever since. Thev have five children: Sylvester C, Alcestis, who at present is the wife of Francis M. Smith, and a resident of Grant Count\', Ind., Flora B., Pendleton and Maude A., all of whom are living. Sylvester is married and resides hear Occident. Mr. Kirkpatrick is a staunch Democrat, and firmly upholds the principles of that party, and held the office of Trustee of Jackson Township four years. He began life with $1,000, a present from his father, and has had many reverses, but by dint of industry- and perseverance, has been eminently successful. He now owns a fine improved farm in Section i, and a large store building in Occident, where he owns and controls a large and well selected stock of general merchandise. In 1884, he was appointed Postmaster of Occident. He is a: member of the I. O. O. F. of Knightstown.

George T. Kiplinger was born in Rushville Township, Rush County, Ind., October 9, 1S43. His parents were John W. and Harriet (Dill) Kiplinger, the former a native of Kentucky, who came to Rush County with his parents John W. and Polly (Hays) Kiplinger in 1822. This was then a wilderness and he was but nine years of age. He continued to reside in the county until his death, which occurred February 12, 1884, and for about forty years, resided in Jackson Township. He passed away in Rushville, where to-da}', his wife, and the mother of our subject, now resides at an advanced age. George spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, and has adopted farming as a life occupation, in which he has been quite successful. On October 6, 1861, he was married to Miss Lucy J. Billings, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Billings, old residents of Rush County, now deceased. Mrs. Kiplinger was born in Jackson Township, October 8, 1844, and was reared here. After the marriage of Mr. Kiplinger he engaged in farming here, and in 1869 he emigrated to Clarke County, Mo., where he resided until Feburar}' 23, 18S3, when he returned to the scenes of his childhood, and engaged in farming. He has been blessed with eleven children of whom these are now living : Laura

B., John E., Henry J., Harriet E., George A. by his first wife, and Alta G., Chariie T. and Lena L., bv his second. In politics he is a Repubhcan and firmly believes in this party, and held office in Missouri for six j-ears. He began life a poor man and to-day owns a comfortable home. His wife Lucy J., was called away April 4, 1876. On i-Vpril 15, 1877, he was married to Laurai\. Lagle.

Ben F. Kiplinger, the son of John W. and Harriet Kiplinger was born September 20, 1S54, '" Jackson Township, where he has spent his entire life. At the age of eighteen he began farming, as a renter, for himself. On September 28, 1880, he chose for his wife Mary E. Fleener, the daughter of Thomas and Lementine Fleener, both natives of this State and at present residents of Arlington, Rush Co., Ind. Mrs. Kiplinger was born August 4, iS6r, in Delaware County, Ind., but soon removed to this county. This union is blessed with one child, Harriet L., who is living. Mr. Kiplinger is a member of Ivory Lodge No. 27, K. of P., of Rushville. Politically, he is a Republican. He began life a poor man, and has given his attention principally to farming, and now owns a comfortable home in Section 12, which is a part of the old homestead; it consists of 160 acres of fine land. He is one of Jackson's successful farmers.

Theodore Morris was born in Scott County, Ky., December 19, 1824. His parents were John and Mary (Millerj Morris, natives of Kentucky. At the age of three, he accompanied his parents to Rush County, where he has since resided. They first settled one mile north of Rushville, in what was then a wilderness. There his parents both resided until their deaths. Our subject was brought up amid the scenes of farm life, and he adopted it as a life business, although for man}- years he has dealt considerably in stock, such as buying and selling cattle, and for seventeen years drove to Cincinnati, Ohio. In i860 he was married to Miss Sarah Beaman. To this union four children have been born: Edward, Mary Belle, Francis and Dolly, all of whom are living. Mrs. Morris was called away in 1S77. Politically, he is a staunch Democrat, but never sought political honors at the hands of his party. He began life a poor man, and by industry and perseverance has accumulated considerable property. He now owns about 900 acres of as fine land as the county affords, which is divided into four farms. His home is a pleasant one where he has resided over thirty years. He owns a valuable farm near the city of Rushville. In 1850, he says that $78 and a suit of clothes is every dollar he was worth. Thus we find the pioneer of Indiana, who has adopted a straight-forward course in life possessed of means, and honored and respected by all who know him.

Lewis J. Newhouse, a prominent farmer and respected citizen of Jackson Township, was born in Union Township, this countv, May 23, 1824. His parents were Samuel and Polly (Kitchen) Newhouse, natives of Virginia. The parents of Samuel Newhouse were John and Elizabeth Newhouse, who emigrated to Franklin County, Ind., about 1818. Samuel Newhouse and family removed to Rush County, locating in Union Township, in 182 1, where he entered eighty acres of wild, timbered land, put up a cabin and began to clear up a home. He remained there until January, 1837, when he disposed of his property in Union Township, and purchased 240 acres of uncultivated land in Jackson Township, his object being to secure a larger tract of land. Here he developed one of the best farms in the township, where after a long and useful life he was called away on February 22, 1S62. He was a member of the Baptist Church, with which he united early in life. The mother survived him until June 14, 1886, when she, too, was called home, having reached the advanced age of eight}-- three 3'ears. She, also, was a devout member of the Baptist Church. Thus ended the lives of two of Rush County's earliest pioneers, but the}' are not forgotten ; their memories are kept green by sons and daughters who survive them. Our subject, as stated, was reared amidst the scenes of pioneer life in this county, and his early education was fair for that day of log school houses. At the age of twenty-one he began to do for himself, by engaging at farming. On April 17, 1849, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Hackleman, a native of this county and daughter of Richard and Hannah Hackleman, old and respected residents of Rush County at the time of the birth of Mrs. Newhouse. The former was present when the Surveyor laid out the cit}' of Rushville, and secured enough timber in what is now the principal street of the city to erect a log house. This union was blessed with five children: Hannah M., Marshal E., Elbert, Samuel R. and Pleasant A., all of whom are married, and enjoying homes of their own. This union lasted until May 4th, 1S62, when death visited the family circle and Mrs. Newhouse passed away. She died a member of the Baptist Church and respected by all who knew her. On June 9, 1863, Mr. Newhouse was again married; this time he chose for his companion Miss Nancy Pogue, daughter of William and Anna (Saj-lers) Pogue, natives of North Carolina. Mrs. Newhouse was born in Noble Township, this countv, March 6, 1837, and her entire life has been spent here. Her parents are deceased, the mother passing away June 25, 18S7, in her eightyeighth year. This union is also blessed with five children: Alfred M., Harvey M., Almeda E., Schuyler C. and Erastmus T., all of whom are living. Mr. Newhouse is a member of the Baptist Church with which he has been united over thirtv vears. In politics he is a Republican and firmly upholds the principles of that party. When he began life on his own responsibility his father gave him a horse, saddle and bridle, and $ioo in money; with this grand start he began to face this unfriendly world. He commenced working by the day and month, receiving very meagre wages, but he carefully saved his earnings, and just before his twenty-second birthday, he purchased eighty acres of partly improved land in Section 24. His neighbors made fun of him for making such a choice, and goaded him by saying that he would surely starve out on such a poor tract. This was in the spring of 1846, and to-day we find Mr. Newhouse still in possession of sixty acres of that tract, for which he has refused $100 per acre. He added to the tract until at one time he owned here in one body 420 acres, but as his children grew up and desired a start in life he would assist them, and gradually his farm has decreased until to-da}^ it consists of 300 acres. His improvements are good and he is now enjoying the comforts of a pleasant home. He assisted in building the Rushville and Knightstown gravel road, and was one of its principal builders, and is now one of its directors. Being reared on a farm he adopted farming as a life profession, and to-day can be classed among the successful farmers of Jackson Township; he has adopted a straight-forward course in life, and has taken a deep interest in the welfare of his family, educating his children liberally and providing each at the age of twenty-one, or at the time of marriage, with either forty acres of land or $2,000 in money. Honest and upright in all his dealings, he is now one of the respected citizens of this county.

John Porter was born in Kanawha Count}-, West Va., November 16, 1826; his parents were William and Catharine (Martin) Porter, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of Fairfax Count}-, in Old Virgmia. Our subject accompanied them to Rush County in 1832, which was then a wilderness and they located on the farm that our subject now owns, where they ended their days after a long and useful life. The}' left sons and daughters to honor and perpetuate their names. John was raised on a farm and has adopted farming as a life occupation. In 1844 he was married to Sarah J. Hilkert, daughter of Abraham and Hannah ( Perry] Hilkert, natives of Pennsylvania who emigrated to Rush County in 1840, and settled on a tract of land owned at present by our subject, and continued to reside near here until their respective deaths. Mrs. Porter was born in Union County, Pa., Feburary i, 1826, and was fourteen years of age when her parents came here. This union was blessed with el^'en children, Mary E., Pern' O., Elizabeth F., Sarah J., Emmeline, Agnes, John W., Anna E., Lawrence G., Jefferson D., Edward F., of whom Oscar is deceased. Politically, Mr. Porter is a Republican. He began life a poor man, and has made what he is now worth by hard industry and perseverance. To-day he owns oyer 300 acres of valuable land, divided into three farms. He expects to end his days where he has spent the best part of his life in making a comfortable home. A man of honor and uprightness in life, he has set an honorable example for his sons and daughters, who will inherit his earnings at his death.

John" M. Powell, a prominent farmer of Jackson Township, was born in Nicholas County, Ky., November 5) 1824. His parents were John and Sarah Powell, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Kentucky. In 1832, thej' emigrated to Rush County, and settled three and one half miles northwest of Rushville, in Rushville Township, where they purchased a tract of wild land. There John and Sarah Powell continued to reside until their respective deaths. They were among the first settlers of Rush County, and did their share while here toward its development. Our subject has spent the principal part of his life here, and adopted farming as a life profession, which, at the age of twentyfour, he began for himself. On November 11, 1856, he was married to Mar}' E. Porter, daughter of William and Catharine Porter, deceased pioneers of this county. Mrs. Powell was born in Rush County in 1838, and has always resided here. This union has been blessed with three children : Homer, Ohve and Huldah, all of \\-hom are married and residing within a few miles of the old home farm. Politically, Mr. Powell is a staunch Republican, but has never sought political honors. He began life a poor man, and by dint of industry and perseverance has been eminently successful. He has provided each of his children with a farm, and now owns 360 acres of first-class farming lands. His home place consists of 120 acres, and is provided with good improvements. He has been a hard-working man all through life, and has set a good example for his children to follow. He expects now to end his daj's in Rush County, where he has spent the best part of his life in making a comfortable home. An honest and upright man, he is respected by all, and can be classed among the successful farmers of Jackson Township.

Homer Powell, a prominent young farmer of Jackson Township, was born near where he no^^- resides August 13, 1857. His parents were J. M. and Mary E. (Porter) Powell, whose biographies appear in this volume. Our subject was reared amidst the hardships of farm life and adopted farming as a life business. In his earlj" life he received a fair education. x\t the age of twentj*- one he began life on his own responsibility, and was married to Fannie Arnett, daughter of William and Susan (Lakin) Arnett, old and respected residents of Pose}' Township, \\here Mrs. Powell was born and raised. Politically, he is a Republican. He now owns a fine farm of eighty acres in Section 14, with good improvements, and is in comfortable circumstances.

Bennett Shields was born in Jackson Township, July 4, 1844. His patents were James and Alartha (Tablock) Shields, natives of Tennessee, being born and raised near Knoxville, and were married on June 20, 182S. About 1830, they came to Rush County, and located near Little Flat Rock, on what is known as the old Grigg farm. This was then a wilderness, and the}' began in the woods to make a home. After residing in the county for a number of years, he sold out and moved to Hancock County, where he died. Mrs. Shields returned to Rush County and ended her days here. Bennett was reared on a farm and has adopted farming as a life occupation. On January 5, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Sharp, daughter of Abram and Martha (-Lewellyn) Sharp, the former a native of North Carolina. Mrs. Shields was born in Jackson County in 1852, but spent her girlhood days principally in Shelby County, Ind. This union was blessed with seven children: Robert, Tinnie, Howard, Laura, Sallie, Bertha Belle and Lizzie, of whom Laura is deceased. Politically, Mr. Shields is a Democrat, but has never sought office. He is a self-made man and owns a comfortable home in the southern part of Jackson Township. He has witnessed a great change in the development of this countr-^-, and will likely make this his home till the end of his career. -

John J. Wilson was born in Franklin County, Ind., November 3, 1832. His parents were Daniel and Susannah (Luse) Wilson, natives of Indiana. In 1839, or at the age of seven, he accompanied his parents to Rush County, locating in Union Township, near Greenwood, on the farm owned by Stamper White. This was then a new country and but little clearing had been made on the tract of land they had purchased. There our subject spent his boyhood and youth. Bv attending the district schools of that day he received a fair education, for those primitive school advantages. About 1840, he assisted his father in building the first brick residence erected in the township. x\t the age of sixteen, or in 184S, he hired out to Silas Clark, to assist him in driving a herd of cattle to New York City, and walked the entire distance. After his return he went to Tippecanoe County, Ind., to visit with his aunt. While there he resolved to go to the Pacific coast for his health; accordingly, about the -ist of April, he bid farewell to friends and Hoosierdom, and turned his face westward. On the 23rd day of May the}' crossed the Missouri River, above the mouth of Platte River, and plunged into the then unknown wilds of the west. Their train consisted of ox teams, and comprised at that time about twenty teams. Capt. Bryant, of Montgomery Count}', Ind., had charge of the company. In June they had a skirmish with the Pawnee Indians, and in the fracas killed fourteen and crippled one, when they drew off their forces and the train progressed a/n its way without any further molestations. On Bear River the train separated, one branch headed for Salt Lake Cit}-, and the other for Oregon. The train now numbered abotit 500 teams, and 4,000 or 5,000 souls. The trip across the mountains and to Oregon, was made in safet}'. Our subject landed at Salem, Oregon, the latter part of November, having been on the route six months and fifteen days. In the spring of 1853, Mr. Wilson engaged in mining with A. H. Frj'e, and during his residence in Oregon Frye's was his headquarters. Although during his nine years' residence in that Territorj' he traveled over most of it; the object of his trip was realized in the restoring of his health, and in 1861, he resolved to return to his home in Indiana. In the spring of 1861, he shipped from San Francisco, to the Isthmus of Panama, passed over Lake Nicarauga, and Mexico, to the Gulf, and thence to Norfolk, Va., thence to Baltimore, and thence to Lancaster, Pa., and from that point to Indianapolis, Ind. After his return he engaged in shipping stock to New York City, for J. D. Patterson. He then went to Madison County, Ind., and engaged in school teaching, where he taught three terms. From there he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and engaged as foreman in the Dalph Smith distillery. He then returned to Madison County, Ind., where he was married to Margaret A. Sloan, by whom he had six children, three of whem are living : Minnie C, Susie arid Allie. The next spring after his marriage he removed to Rush County, and purchased 120 acres of tme tillable land in Jackson Township, where he continued to reside until 1S86. when he sold his farm, since which time he has been residing with his son-in-law, Henry Schonert, of Hamilton, Ind. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, but has never held office. He began life a poor n>an and has made dollar he is worth to-day by hard and earnest toil. Honest and upright he can be classed among the prominent pioneers of Rush County, Ind.