Jordan Township (part 2 of 5)

JOHN G. PARKISON was born in AVashington County, Penn., in 1795. When young, he moved with his parents to Kentucky, and suljsequently to King's Creek, Ohio, where his father bought and improved land, and later moved to Urbana. The father died during the war of 1812. John G. Parkison was with the army as Sutler's Clerk at Fort Meigs and Detroit. After the war, he manufactured hats in Urbana, where he married ilatilda, daughter of Simon and Elizabeth (Jarbo) Kenton, the former the celebrated Indian fighter. In 1837. Mr. Parkison removed to White County, Ind., and the same year to this count}', and located on 160 acres, for which he paid !p300; afterward he bought other lands. lie reared the following children: Eliza Ann, William K. , Addison, Juliet. Margaret, Joseph, Emma, Mary Jane. Benjamin, Isabella and Mattie. William K. Parkison was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1820, and married Marj', daughter of Henry Berkley. By this union descended the following family: John G., born in 1843, killed at the battle of Buzzard's Roost; William M.. born in 18-16. died in 1867; George, born in 1850, married Miss Ida Gwin. daughter of John and Mary Gwin; Harvey, born in 1851, married Melvina Moore, daughter of William E. and Dinah Moore; James R., born in 1853, married M;uy Etta Collins, daughter of William 11. and L. Collins; Mary J., born in 1856, married Granville Moody, son of Col. and Elizabeth Moody; and Robert, born in 1861. William K. Parkison has been County Commissioner twelve years, is now Postmaster, and owns a fine farm.

MILES BISHIR, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Hij,diland County, Ohio, born Januar_v 11. 1830, and is a son of .Teremiah and Esther (Millet) Bishir, of German and Welsh descent. They were married in Ohio, were farmers, and about 1833 moved, among the first settlers, to White County. Ind., where Mr. Bisliir followed his trade of cooper. He died in 187.5, aged seventy-five years; he was a strong Democrat and a good citizen; his wife died a few years previous. Miles Bishir passed his boyhood in White County, going to school and assisting his father on the farm untU his majority. In 18.52, he located in this township on 160 acres of land secured by a Mexican land warrant, July 11, 1852, he wedded Miss Lovina Gillam, born May 16, 1831, daughter of .John M. Gillam. To this marriage were born five children, three of whom are living - .John G., Jeremiah and Martha E. Mr. Bisher continued to farm until 1859, wlien he moved to the Gillam farm, where he has since resided, which is a highly-improved piece of land. Mr. Bishir is an active politician of the democratic school, and served as Justice of the Peace from 1871 to 1882. He is a member of the Masonic order, and brought the first "separator " to this township. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN E. COMER, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Carroll Count}', Ind., October o, 1839, and is the eldest son of William and Phoebe Comer, natives of Ohio, and of German extraction. William Comer was married in Carroll County, made a home, and in 1840 sold the same, came to this county and settled on forty acres in Barclay Township; he afterward lived in this township, and then on the Irociuois River, where he died. He had been a Whig, but became a Repuljlican, and was a licensed minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John E. Comer was reared a farmer, and worked on a farm for §10 a month, which he continued until he was twenty-three years old; and he soon, by diligence and care, paid for fortj' acres and one horse; this was his beginning. June 21, 186.3, he married Harriet J. Dunn, born September 26, 1841, a daughter of ,1. D. Dunn. Six children were the fruition of this marriage, tive of whom are living - Presto. <_)Iiver P., Charles, Jacob I. and Nettie. After improving and augmenting his land in Union Township, he sold the same, and in 1874 came to this township, locating on his present place, which comprises 280 acres, 150 of which are under cultivation, all made l)y his thrift and economj'; he was for many years a noted and successful hunter, iiaving earned $300 in one winter thereby. Mr. Comer is a solid Republican, and was Justice of the Peace of Union Township; he and wife are memljers of the Metliodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM T. COMER, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of this county, was born October 23, 1843, and is a son of William Comer, a pioneer. Our subject assisted his father until manhood, during which time he received not more than three months' schooling. He was an industrious man, and, after work on the farm, would frequentlj' hunt the coon, mink and rat, thus becoming an expert marksman; he also followed trapping in four States. At the age of twenty-one, he al)andoned hunting and found a wife, November 12, 1863, in Miss Margaret Gilibs, born in Carroll County, Ind., Jul}' 14, 1843,;and daughter of Freeman Gibbs. From this union sprang six children - George Milro\'. Celia J., William F.. James H., Ida A. and Martha M. After marriage, Mr. Comer engaged in farming and stock-raising, but with limited means; he advanced gradually, however, and is now the owner of 620 acres, 90 of which are under cultivation, and the whole stocked with $3,000 worth of horses, cattle and hogs. For the last ten years, he has been engaged in buying and shipping hogs; he is identified with the Republican party, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JAMES COOPER, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio; was born January 11, 1836, and is the fifth of the family of Thomas B. and Tacey (Simpson) Cooper, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish and English descent. Thomas B. Cooper moved to Ohio about 1814, where he married, and followed farming in Muskingum and Champaign Counties until 1851, when he came to this county and located on eighty acres, where James now lives, and where he died August 10, 1855, aged si.xty-two; his wife died in Ohio in 1858, aged sixty-three. Both were members of the Baptist Clmrch. James Cooper began life empty handed, rented land and engaged in preparing railroad ties, having after three years saved suflicient means to purchase 160 acres of wald land, and after, ran a breaking team and farmed his father's land. In December. 1855, he married Miss Hettie A. Flint, born in Crawford Count_y, Ohio, June 2, 1836, and daugliter of Luther C. and Rebecca (Deda) Flint. Mr. Cooper has a fine, large two-story house and 320 acres, 60 of which are well cultivated; he is a leading stock-raiser; is now raising thoroughbred cattle, and has some sheep; he is an enterprising farmer, and he aud wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ADAM COPPESS, stock-raiser and farmer, was liorn in Greene County, Ohio, March 8, 1812, and is a son of Adam and Mary (Mock) Coppess. natives of North Carolina, and of German extraction. He was taught the art of farming and reared to industry, by assisting his father, until he was twenty years old. when he began business for himself as a farm hand, and in two years he saved money sufficient to pay for eighty acres of land in Darke County. Ohio. lie then rented his father's farm for four years, during which' period lie wedded. April 5, 183S. Miss Elizabeth Oliver, of Darke CounU', born December 25, 1817, daughter of George and Sarah (Frampton) Oliver, a marriage which gave an issue of ten children, tlu-ce sons and seven daughters. In 1851, Mr. Coppess moved to this township, by overland route, in a covered wagon. He purchased his present home from Mr. Robinson, and erected a hewed-log house, where lie lived tor many years, but now he has as good a farm as the townsliip contains. Mr. Coppess was a Democrat in earlvlife, having voted for Mr. Pierce, but afterward he alUliated witli the Repulilicaus. aud gave his three sous - Calvin. Harry and George - to the service of their country for various terms. He and wife are memliers of the M. E. Cliurcli.

CALVIX COPPESS was liorn in Darke County. Chio. Oeli.lier 13, 1831). and is the eldest of the family of Adam aud Mary Coppess. His father was a pioneer of Darke County, who removed tliither Avitli his parents when but seven years of a'^e, in 1819. Our subject was twelve years of age when he was brought to this towu- -sliip, wliere he passed his boyhood days, during which he had much desire for hunting. In 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Ninth RegimciU Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was mustered into -icrvive at I.ogaii-;port. marched to Virginia, where he was engaged in tlie battle of GreeiihriiT. and afterward at Sliiloh. Stone River, Chiekamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, after whicli he re-enlisted, came liome for thirty days antl joined Sherman's army, where lie experienced hard figlitiiig for ninety days; he also tool< part at Ihc battles of Franklin and Xashville, W!is limdly sent into Texas, ami honoialily discharged as a veteran in September, 1H65. lie is a lifi' eriiiple from ])rolonged marching, by reason of an enlarged aiikh'. III! resumed farming, and Oitolier 17. 1866, married Jliss Sarah K. Prevo. hirn January 15. 1812. daugbler of Malaehi Prevo. From this union six children are ilcscended -:\Iarit'tla, Leol.a ,1., .Malachi W., t>raeie E,, Julia F. and Charles 0. Mr. (^ipprss purelia.sed liis present liome of ninely acri's in 1874, and has now a good farm and stock of cattle. He is a stanch Republican, and a member of the 6. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Coppess are members of the M. E. Church.

J. D. DUNN, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Greene County, Tenn., August 15, 1820, and is the only child of James and Elizabeth (Hedrick) Dunn, natives of Tennessee, and of Irish and English descent; the former died of yellow fever in 1821, and his widow afterward married Henry Freshaur, and both moved to Iowa, where they died. Our subject came to this State with his mother when twelve years old; his education was neglected, having to work at farm work, which he followed until manhood, after which he worked at teaming from Port Wayne to Toledo and Logansport. In 1840, he came to this county, and the next fall managed a breaking team with five oxen, which he followed for thirteen summers. He also bought and sold claims, and his first purchase of land for himself was forty acres; this and other purchases he sold, and finally bought his present place of 153 acres, forty of which are in cultivation, with buildings and other improvements, November 86, 1839, he married Miss Rachel Campbell, of Stark County, Ohio, daughter of James Campbell, a pioneer of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn in the early days made their own clothing from their own fabrics, and otherwise experienced the hardships of the pioneer. They are both members of the M. E. Church.

Sx\3IUEL ELLIOT, stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of Tippecanoe County, Ind., was born March 27, 1833,. and is a son of John and Rebecca (Steel) Elliot, both natives of Virginia, and of Irish descent. Samuel Elliot has taken care of himself since he was sixteen years of age, after being reared as ii farmer, and at which he continued to labor. He was married, March 13, 1859, to Miss Almira J. Gibbs, who died in 1866, leaving four children - John W., Estaline, Sylva A. and Phebe J. Mr. Elliot's second marriage was to Mrs. Sarah E. (Cooper) Swisher, of this county, by which union were born four children - Martha, Emery, James T. and Asa A. In 1864, Mr. Elliot came to this township and located on eighty acres, which are now very fairly improved. Although he has been so far successful, he gives much credit to his industry and tenacit}'. He is a liberal Democrat, and he and Mrs. Elliot are members of the M. E. Church.

ELI FARIS, retired farmer, was born in Fleming County, K}-., June 29, 1813, and is the eldest of the twelve children of John Faris. Eli removed with his father to Rush County, and thence to Marion County, Ind., in 1838, but passed his boyhood in this county, where he assisted his father in making brick, and worked diligently until he reached his majority, whereupon, with the first money made for himself, he bought a marriage license costing 95 cents, also some housekeeping articles. He afterward purchased eighty acres in Hendricks County, at $1.25 per acre, built a cabin, and moved thereto in 1837, where he suffered many hardslxips in the clearing of forty acres. This land he sold for $1,600, when he purchased his present home for .$1,200; he has been a hard worker, and for years his wife made their clothing from the raw flax and wool. Mr. Faris has been twice married; first, December 25, 1834, to Miss Isabel Jones, of Marion County, Ind., born in Kentucky February 37, 1816, who died May 4, 1874, leaving six children, with three deceased - John T., Sarah J., Jemima A., Fleming J., Malinda and William H. His second marriage, January 1, 1875, was to Amanda (Colwell) Cunningham, born in Kentucky in 1834. The second son of Mr. Faris, George W., enlisted in Company G, Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died in the service at Cheat Mountain, Va. Mr. Faris was once a Whig, but is now a Republican, and has .served four years as Justice of the Peace. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

ANDREW FARIS, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Fleming County, Ky., was born December 7, 1821, and is the son of John and Sarah (Truitt) Faris, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Delaware. John Faris removed to Rush County, Ind., in 1826, and two years later to Marion County, where he fol- lowed brick-makina; until 1841 ; thence be removed to Warren and Benton Counties, and thence to this county, where he located some land, and died two years later of typhoid fever, leaving ei?ht sons and three daughters; he was aged tiftj-two years. Mrs. Paris died in 18<16.' Andrew Faris came to this township m I806. ^here he resided for ten years, and in 1860 located on his present farm of liO acres. He had butslender means and but little learning, yet these deticiencies he has made up by integrity and industry. Mr. Faris was married, February 10, 1853. to Miss Lovma Burk of this county, who died in 1863. leaving one son-Calvm G. His next marriage was to Miss CJynthia .J. Rowen, of this county, daughter of Alexander Rown. Two children were the result of this marriage-Florence M. and Clyde R. Mr. Faris has been always an ardent Republican, and held several township offices. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

WILL1Aj\[ faris, farmer, is a native of Marion County, Ind., was born June 25, 1834, and is the eleventh born of John Faris. Our subject was but eight year* old when he came with his parents to this county. Two years later, his father died, when he worked for his brothers until his majority, after which, November 7, 1855, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of Paris Robinson, of this township, by which union descended four children - Charles W.. Paris R.. Lizzie B. and Emma J., of which number the three eldest are teachers. After his marriage, Mr. Faris located where his father-in-law settled in 1838. In 1863, he located in La Porte County, where he and his brother John established a general store. After abandoning this store, he purchased eighty acres in this township. Imt located in Pulaski County, where he suffered from a prairie tire in bSTl, after which he returned to and located in this township, where he now has a good farm and a comfortalile home. ilr. Faris is a loading Republican and an active worker in that party. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

JOHN T. FARIS is a native of Indianapolis, was born December 5, 1835. and is the eldest of those born to Eli and Isabel (Jones) Faris. He was reared to work on a farm and in a brickyard, having access to school but a few months in each year. He came to this county about the year 1853 with his father, and, in 1860, began work as a farmer. In September. 1861. he enlisted in Company G, Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was a participant in the battle of Greenbrier, and afterward was detailed to attend his sick lirother, George W.. on Cheat Mountain, and after his death came home with the body. After returning to his regiment, he took part at the siege of Corinth, the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign, and Nashville. He was discharged, September, 1865, his only injury being a tlesh wound received at the battle of Nashville. After his return, he resumed the plough, and in IStiii, on liic -id of March, he married Rachel A. McCuUough, of this township, born September 19. 1840. and daughter of Samuel McCullough. Their union was fruitful in six children - McKendree C. Edwin E., Mary I., Harry, Frank B. and Cora M. After marriage, 3Ir. Faris purchased land on the county line, and two years later ninety-tive acres of his present home; he has now 143 acres, forty-five of which are in good cultivation, with fair improvements. Sir. Faris has held some township ollices and is a strong Republican; he is also a member of the G. A. 1\. and Ihe Christian Church. Mrs. Faris belongs to the M. E. Church.

G. W. FARIS, farmer and stock-raisc-r, is a native of JIarion County. Ind., was born February 18. ISilti, ami is the youngest of the twelve children of John Faris. Our subject was left fatherless when nine years old, and remained with his mother until his eightceiitli year, after which time he farmed ou rented land. August 15, lt<62, he enlisted in Company G, Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was sent to Bowling Green, Ky., after which he was engaged at Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Buzzard's Roast; he later took part ia the Atlanta campaign, at Frauklin and Nashville. He was honorabl}- discharged, and located where he now lives, on a farm of 100 acres, sixty of which are improved and under cultivation. February 36, 1862, he married Miss Sarali M. Coppess, born August 30, 1841. and daughter of Adam Coppess. This union was honored by nine children, eight of whom are living - Ehoda J., Martha E., Nora M., William A., Carrie E., Edward E., Nellie E. and George R. Mr. Paris set out as a farmer empty handed, and commenced stock-raising with one pig; he has been successful and has now a good home. He is a strong supporter of the Republican party, and he and wife are leading members of the M. E. Church.

GEORGE .J. FRESHAUR, farmer and stock-raiser, was Morn in Allen County, Ind., February 10, 1835, and is the second of the family of William and Hannah (Robinson) Freshaur, natives of Tennessee and Ohio, and of German and Irish descent. William Freshaur was an early settler of Allen County, and in 1840 came to this county and entered 160 acres, which he improved, and where he died Julv, 1858; his widow yet lives and resides with her children, aged seventy-one years. Mr. Freshaur was a great hunter; he was a Democrat in early life, but became a Republican and a standard-bearer of the party; he was also a class leader in the M. E. Church. George J. Freshaur passed his b03'hood with his father, and when of age took charge of the farm. .January 13, 1859, he married Sarah J. Faris, tlie fruition of which union was four cliildren, two of whom are living - James A. and Paris C. After marriage, he lived upon the home farm until August 15, 1863, when he enlisted in Company G, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantr3'. He took active part at Murfreesboro, in the Atlanta campaign, and at Nashville, under Gen. Thomas, where he was wounded by a minie ball in the arm, after recovering from which he rejoined his regiment at Knoxville, and was honorably discharged June 30, 1865. After returning, he purchased 100 acres, where he lived until 1878, when he rented his farm and removed to Ellis County, Kan., by reason of his wife's impaired health; there he took up and improved a homestead, remaining until 1883, at which time he returned to the old home. He now has 147 acres, of which sixty are under cultivation. He is a prominent Republican and member of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Freshaur belong to the M. E. Church.

REV. GEORGE GUILD was born in Hartford, Conn., June 9, 1812, and i.s a son of Jeremiah and Martha (May) Guild, natives of New England, and of English descent. Jeremiah Guild was a tanner, and, in 1816, emigi-ated to Butler County, Ohio, where he died in 1820, followed by his wife the next year, leaving a family of eight children. Our subject being an orphan at nine years, was put out to a farmer, by whom he was so maltreated as to compel him to run away when thirteen and apprentice himself to saddletree-making at Cincinnati, and afterward becoming a journeyman in Butler County, Ohio, whence he removed to Wayne County, Ind., in 1886. When twenty-one years of age, he experienced religion and likewise the necessity of an education, which induced him to spend all his leisure hours in study in preparation to enter a school in Dublin. In 1838, he was licensed to preacli by the M. E. Church, and on the 8th of April, he married Sarah Hull, of Highland County, Ohio, born May 7, 1819, a union blessed by ten children, but four of whom now survive - George S., James R., Thomas M. and Daniel H. In 1840, he commenced teaching, and, in 184:3, was ordained and given a circuit embracing live counties. In 1849, he built the first church in Rensselaer, and did arduous work in many stations for many years. In 1853, he located on land entered in 1850, comprising 130 acres. In 1873, he was superannuated, having preached more than forty years. Charles L. Guild, son of our subject, enlisted in 1861 in the Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he proved a gallant soldier, being wounded in the head at the battle of Shiloh, which caused his immediate death. He was buried by his father in the Independence Cemetery.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Noble County, Ind., was born August 9, 1«38. and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Morrow) Hamilton, both natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent and Protestant faith. Alexander Hamilton was reared to the plow, received a fair education, and began for himself at the age of twenty-two, working on the home farm until 1868, when he moved on fifteen acres of what was known as the " Haw Patch." This he sold for $1,500. which, with |300 personal property, made $1,800. He was married, October 3, 1862, to Miss Lydia B. Painter, of Coshocton County, Ohio, born June 24, 1840. From this union descended six children, four of whom .are living - Simeon W., Nettie B., Perry N. and Daisy M. Mr. Hamilton afterward moved to this township and, after purchasing forty acres, had $300 with which to make improvements, after doing which, four years later, he sold, and purchased his present place of 100 acres, sixty of which are being cultivated, and on which he has good frame buildings. Mr. Hamilton has been a life-long Republican, and has held several township offices. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J. G. HUNT, stock-raiser and farmer, was born in Hamilton County. Ohio. December .5, 1830, and is a sou of Noah and Charity (Stout) Hunt, both natives of New Jersey. Noah Hunt, after his marriage, in 1818, emigrated to Hamilton County, Ohio, from which, in 1844, having acquired a good home, he removed to Bartholomew County, Ind., where he again began in the green," and where he died in 18.T3, aged fifty-seven, followed bj' his wife in 1867, aged seventy years. He was a Democrat, and both were members of tlie Christian Church. Our subjeet spent his childhood in Hamilton County, Ohio, and his boyhood in Bartholomew County, Ind. In youth, he learned the trade of a cooper, and afterward carried on a shop until IS.'iS, when he abandoned his trade for farming, and November 28 of that year married Miss Sarah M. Winship. born September 23. 1833. daughter of Martin L. and Betty (Hinman) Winship. natives of New York and Pennsylvania. This union gave issue to four sons - Oscar H.. Frank L.. Lewis "W. and Judson J. In November, 1865. Mr. Hunt removed to this township and purchased 160 acres, which he has increased to 1,120 acres. 200 of wliicli are in cultivation, all the result of his industry and skill in trading. He is also an extensive sheep and cattle dealer. Mr. Hunt is a Freemason, and Jlrs. Hunt is a member of the Missionarv Baptist Church.

L. C. LOGAN, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of North Carolina, born August 29, 1840, and the youngest of the family of John Logan, bkewise a native of the old North State. Our subject was left motherless when four years old, and was reared by a half-sister. He worked on a farm until be was twenty years of ao-e. and tlien he began working for himself as a farm hand. In 1862. he cnlisted^'in Company H, Twenty-first Regiment North Carolina Volunteers, and was in the battles of Bull Run. Winchester and Richmond. He was in Stonewall Jackson's C(n-ps, and at Gettysburg was wounded in the right arm. He was then furloughed for sixty days, and honoral)ly discharged in 186:.. He returned to his home and resumed work until 1868, when he emigrated to Peoria County. 111. worked as a farm hand and tlience came to this county in b>^72. in which year. Au-ust A. he was married to Miss Maria E. Mason, of tliis town .hip, May 25. 1S4.^. daughter of George Mason. Tliis marriage has lieen honored liy six cliiUlren - Georne F.. Sarah E ElizabeUi J., .lolin II., Thomas N. and Jlyron H. After marriasje, Jlr.' Losau rented hind for two years, then removing to his present home of eiu'hty acres "hc has been a Inivd Laborer, and is a tirni supporter of the Democracy'" Mr! and Mrs Logan are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

llKN.lAiNllN 0. LONG, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Maryland born July 27, bs;!|. and a son of David and Sarah (Bowers) Long, uativesof Pennsylvania an.l Maryland, an.l of German extraction. Benjamin was reared to farmiu- in

Champaign County, Ohio, and at the age of twenty began learning the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked for seven years and did considerable building. In 18611, he moved to this State and purchased 160 acres in Pulaski County, on which he lived. In a cabin, and improved until 1865, when he purchased some amount of his present home ; he now has 133 acres, fifty-five of which are under cultivation, a tribute to his thrift and perseverance. October 33, 1856, he married Miss Susanna Demory, of Champaign County, Ohio, born September 13, 1836, daughter of William and Elizaljeth Demor}-, a union cemented bj' seven children, four of whom are livin;; - Ella E., Jennie. Mary E. and William J[. Mr. Long has one of the neatest farm-- and best flocks of sheep in the township, shearing an average of ten pounds per head. He is a liberal Democrat, a public-spirited man. and has filled several township offices. He and wife are members oE the Methodist Episcopal Charch.

T, H. McCULLOUGH, farmer and stock-raiser, is of American birth, born December T, 1845, and the onl_v son in a family of seven, born to Samuel and Mary (Querry) McCullough, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. Samuel Mc- Cullough spent his boyhood in Adams County. Ohio, and after manhood removed to Hamilton County, Ind., where lie married, and in 1841 came to this county, where he acquired a farm of U19 acres, on which he erected a good frame house and barn, and raised a fine orchard, l^revious to 1856, he was a Democrat, but after that period he voted with the Republicans. He was the first Commissioner of the County, and served a number of terms; he also served as Probate Judge. Justice of the Peace and Township Trnstee. He was an earnest worker in the Methodist Epi-. (jpal Church, and died April 39, 1883, la his seventieth year. T. H. McCullough was reared on the farm, and at the age of seventeen enlisted in Company G. i.iue Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which service he did mostly guard duty. After his discharge, he resumed farming with his father. March 13. 1868. he married Miss Mary L. Robinson, a native of this township, born October 8, 1847, daughter of William Robinson, a union which gave issue to two children - Samuel 0. and Effie C. After marriage, he located on the farm on which he now lives, comprising 153 acres, fortj'-five of which are under cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. 3Ir. JlcCuUough is a Republican, and was elected Township Trustee in 1883. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Ciiurcli.

GEORGE MASOX was born in Allen County. Ind., May 18, 1817, where the city of Fort Wayne now stands, and Is the fourth child of Lewis and Judith (Terry) Mason, natives of Lower Canada and Ohio respectively. Lewis Mason emigrated to Ohio previous to the war of 1813. in which glorious contest he served as a soldier. He married, about 1809, and in 1813 removed to ilie neighborhood of Fort Wayne, and engaged in farming. The Indians were then verjr troublesome, preying upon stock, etc. The familv procured their breadstuffs from Ohio, and made all their clothing. Mr. Mason was a Catholic, dying at the age of seventy-eight. Mrs. Mason, a Baptist, djdng at seventy years of age; their lives were their monuments. George Mason was reared on the frontier, and Indians were his playmates. He remained at home until manhood, and in 1838 came to this county, carrying his clothing in his arms, where, in January, 1839, he entered 130 acres, and on February 33. of that year married Miss Maria Gillam, born in 1818, and a daughter of John M. Gillam; she died Septemljer 7. 1854, leaving ten children, seven of whom are living - Josephus, Sarah L., John, Xathan, Maria E., Thomas and Elizabeth. Mr. Ma^on was next married. March 15. 1855, to Sarah Booher, born September 14, 1815. daughter of George and Sarah Booher. By thrift and frugality Mr. Mason has made a home and 130 acres, with good house and many improvements, besides giving to each of his children $1,300. He was first a Whig, then a Know-Nothing, and later a Republican; he also served six years as Township Trustee. He and wife iire members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

R. L. P. MASSEY wa^ born in C4raDt Couniy, Ind.. August 18, 1835, on the bank vf the river where Marion now stands, and is of the family of Robert and Rebecca L. (Butler) Massev, natives of North Carolina and Georgia. Robert Massey removed to Wayne County, Ind.. m his youth, where he married, and, previous to 1830, located in Grant County, moving thereto in a covered wagon, in which he lived until his cabin was finished, afterward making a farm of eighty acres; this he sold and purchased eightv acres ..n the Huntington road, on which farm he died in 1859; his widow yet resides on an adjoining farm near where she has resided more than sixty shears, aged eighty-eight years. Our subject was brought up a farmer, and enjoyed but three months' schooling each year. He remained at home until 18.J6, when he engaged as a farm hand. In 1860, he removed to Iowa, from which State, in 1863, he°erilisted in Company D, Thirty-fourth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He took action in Duvall's Bluff and Chickasaw Bayou; thence, the regiment was s(..nt to Little Rock, by way of White River, said regiment being detailed to take -1,715 prisoners to Chicago. After the regiment was sent to St. Louis, he took ill, and was therefore discharged in 1863, in which year, October 13, he married Eliza Poisel. of this county, born April 38. 18-14. which marriage gave issue to six children - Ettis M., Ida M., deceased; Milley F.. Jerome. Charlie H. and an infant. In 1876. Mr. Massey purchased-his present home of 140 acres, sevenly-six of which are under cultivation, and which he has generally improved, this being the result of his thrift and tenacity. He is now raising thoroughbred cattle, is a Republican, a member of the G. A, R.. a temperance man. and. with his wife a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SAMUEL OL^OM. farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Henry County. lud., born August 14. 1836. and is the eldest of ten children born to Lewis and Hannah (Batsen) Odom. natives of Xorth Carolina and Pennsylvania, and of English descent. Both emigrated from North Carolina, married in 1834, and commenced their new life empty handed. He obtained his necessaries by bringing them 100 miles and paying for them with skins acquired In' hunting; he also made a home, secured 1,500 acres, and died at the age of fifty-two; his widow lives on the old home, aged neventy-seven years. Samtiel Odom was brought up to farming, and assisted his father to establish a home, where he remained until he was of age. and on Februarj' 33. 1848. married Mis-; Catharine Runyau. of Henry County, born December 39, 1838, by which union ten children wei'e born, live nf whom are living - George, Lewis, .lohn, C!liavles and Susan. Mr. iMoin rented land after his marriage, afterward pureliased eighty acres, built a round lo^- cabin, and was soon comfortalile, owning 130 acres, with good improvements and an orchard. After a residence of eighteen years, he reiimved to Madison County. Ind.. where he had 160 acres, and lost by fire iifS.OOO. In Is^TS. lie sold this, and i-ame to his present residence, which contains -138 acres. 350 uf which are in cultivation. ^Ir. Odom is a stanch Democrat.

teer Infantry, was assigned to Gen. Bragg' s command, and did skirmish duty for seven days on three daj's' rations. Afterward he was appointed nurse, then chief cool^;. and served in the ranks at Lookout Mountain and Chickauiauga, after which events he and five comrades deserted to tlie Union army and were sent north. He passed some time in Cincinnati and in this State, and in April, 1865, he returned to North Carolina, sold his property, removed hither, settled inWalker Township, and in 1881, came to this township, where lie has seventy-eight acres, with good buildings and other improvements. Mr. Osborn is a stanch Republican, and was Trustee of TValker Township for two terms. He and wife are members of the !Methodist Episcopal Church.

ASA C. PREVO, County Commissioner, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind.. September 4, 1830, and is the eldest son of Malachi and Nancy (Conier) Prevo, natives of Virginia and Tennessee. The maternal greatgrandfather of Asa was a British soldier of the Revolutionary war. Malachi Prevo was married in Tennessee, whence he removed to Wayne County, Ind., thence to Tippecanoe, afterward to Carroll County, and in 1839, came to Barclay Township, this county, and finally to Gillam Township, where he acquired a home of 160 acres, and died March 24, 1870, his wife five years later; they reared a family of ten. He was a Democrat, a .Justice of the Peace, and with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Asa C. Prevo passed his boyhood in Ibis county, remaining at home until twenty years of age, when he rented farming land. His first pui'- chase was eighty acres of canal land for s;]i0, in 18.j0. and he now has 23.5 acres, 150 of which are in cultivation, with good house and barn. September 28, 1854, he married Miss Mary Coppess, of this county, born October 13, 1838. This union was fruitful in twelve children - seveuof whom are living - Andrew W., Sarah E., George D., Daniel C, Frank G., Jessie M. and Cyrus A. Mr. Prevo is a Republican, and an ardent supporter of that party. He was elected County Commissioner in 1882, and was a very efficient officer. He and wife are lifelong members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

A. PULLIN, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Champaign County, Ohio_ was born January 18, 1831, and is the ninth of the twelve children of Samuel and Sarah A (Butt) Pullin, natives of Virginia, and of Irish and English extraction. Samuel Pullin was bj- trade a cooper, who moved to Ohio and located near Urbana, where he remained until death. Our subject assisted his father in clearing land until sixteen years old, when he began work as a farm hand for .'i;8 per month, his father receiving a portion thereof. He afterward farmed on rented land. November o, 1855, he married Miss Sarah Ropp, of Champaign County, Ohio, born May 14, 1836, daughter of Simon and JIargaret (Demory) Ropp. natives of Virginia, and of German and French extraction. This union was productive of fourteen children, of whom nine survive - Iba A.. Barbara A., James A.. Rosa E., Preston. Elmer E., Elias W., Frank and Charles W. In 1865. ISlr. Pullin came to and purchased eighty acres in this township, where he resided until March, 1881, when he sold this farm and purchased his present home of 156 acres, which contains good buildings and is well stocked with various fruits. Previous to the war. Mr. Pullin was a Democrat, but later he became an earnest Republican, and was elected Road Superintendent in 1882. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN QUERRY (deceased). In 1881, this township lost one of the most prominent men, farmers and stock-raisers who have ever lived here; that man was the late John Querry. He was born In Rush County. Ind., April 16. 1826, and was a son of Thomas Querry, with whom he came to this county in 1840, and whom he assisted in farming; he also taught school several terms. He began life with limited means, but acquired as good a home of 300 acres as the township presents. April 4, 1850, he married Miss Mary M. Freshaur, a native of Allen County, born

October 5, 1831, and the eldest of the family of William and Hannah (Querry) Freshaur, natives of Tennessee and Ohio respectively. As a result of this union were nine children, seven of whom survive - Preston M., Lydia H., Harriet C, William F., Florence C, Mary E. and Rachel C. Mr. Querry was a man of excellent character and superior jud.gment, whose inte.crity was commended, and whose opinion was sought as arbiter in various matters of importance; hence he was frequently chosen as administrator. He was a prominent worker in the Republican party. He was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and was largely influential in building the Independence Church. Mrs. Mary M. Querr}-, his widow, resides on the home farm, and is a zealous member of the Methodist Epi.scopal Church.

WILLIAJI B. QUERRY, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Rush County, Ind., was born April 13, 1838, and is the son of Thomas and Sarah (McCullough) Querry, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. He came to this township when twelve j'ears old, was reared to farm work, and assisted his father in making a home from the forest. March 14, 18,50, he married Miss Catherine, daughter of Thomas Hanley, of Allen County, and born October 10, 1833. This marriage gave birth to eight children, six of whom survive - .Tames W. , Mary .!., .John, Charles, Thomas H. and William L. After marriage, Mr. Querry took charge of the farm for tlirce years, when he removed to his present location, where he lias succeeded in obtaining 170 acres, in addition to 200 added by his sons, who are doing a good business in stock-raising, to which branch'Mr. Querry attributes his greatest success. He is a prominent Republican, served as .lustice of the Peace for sixteen years, and was a verj' efficient officer; he also served as Deputy Assessor, and is a public-spirited and esteemed citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Querrv are members of the M. E. Churcli.

.JAMES RAYBURN, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of ^lontgomerv County, lud., was born .January 8, 1838, and is the fifth of the seven children of Henry and Drusilla (Nicholson) Ra3-burn, natives of Virginia and Ohio respcctivt-ly. His parents were pioneers, having emigrated in 1830. He obtained the few educational advantages of the day, and began life for himself at the age of twenty-four, as a farm hand; he came to this county in 18."i3, and with two younger brothers, David and Rufus C., purchased 108 acres of land; tlds purchase he has augmented until he now has 300 acres, seventy of which are \mder fair cultivation. April 9, 18C7, he married Miss Jlazilla .T. Prevo, born May 35, 1837, a daughter of Malachi Prevo one of this township's pioneers. This union was fruitful in five children - Xaucy D., Sarah E. (deceased), Mary C. Rebecca A. and Jlelissa F. :Mr. Rayburus parents resided with him until the father died. Jlay 1. lS7,i, aged seventy-nine; his mother yet enjoys good health, aged eighty-four years. Mr. Ravlnirn is regiu'ded as a representative man, and his life has been active :indlaborious; he has, however been successful. He is a Republican, and an anient supporter of the partv. Ho and wife are leading memliers of the M. E. Cluueh.

R. C. RAYBURN", slo-k raiser andfarniei-, is a native of Montgomer\- Countv - Ind.. and was bornFebruary 14, 18;U. lie was reared to the independeut living "of a farmer, and received a fair education. After coming to tins county with his faUier in I8.'it, he retvuiied to Monlgomery Cmmty, and engaged in teaming and farminrr for tlirec years, during which time he was married, September 3, ISiil to Miss "Marv E. Teeters, or this coimty, lioiai nceemlier b"), 1837, daughter of Roliert and Harriet (Hainiy) Tecii IS, To this miion were vouchsafed five children - William R Eva M.. Henry M., Enuna L. and Melvin C. Mr. Rayburn located upon the farm he now owns, of 120 acres, sixty of. which are luider fair cultiviition, and improved bv good Imildiugs, making a desirable property and home. :Mr. Haybiirn is a stanch KeiHibliean, and he and Mrs. Rayburn are active memliers of the M, E. Church

Ohio, April 8, 1835, and is the fourth of the ten children of John and Mary (Fisher; Robb, natives of Penns3'lvania and Ken tuclcj' respectively. A. G. Robb, when eight years old, removed with his father to Morgan County, this State, and settled in White River Valley, where our subject remained until 18-13, when he removed to De Kalb County, 111., and engaged in farming as a hand until 1849, when he drove an ox-team across the plains to California. After working with the pick and pan for two years, he returned with !|1,600, and engaged in mercantile business at Genoa, 111. .luly 17, 18.53, he married Amy E, Williams, of De Kalb County, 111., born November 9, 1831, from which union descended seven children, of whom six survive. In 1857, he returned to Morgan County, lad., and engaged in business with hi,s brother, .Joseph 8. One year later, he acquired the lousiness, 'and continued it until 1861, at which time he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was engaged in the sieges of Vicksburg and Mobile; was promoted to be Orderly Sergeant in 1863, then to be First Lieutenant, and distinguished himself as a brave^soldier in a hot skirmish at Prairie Grove. Ark. In 1866, after four years' faithful .and bright service, he was honorably discharged, when he returned to his family at Medarysville, and purchased eightj^ acres; he has since increased his farm to 395 acres, 115 of which are now producing, with good buildings. He cast his first vote for Gen. Taylor, and later became a Republican. He has been twice Township Assessor, and is a member of the G. A. R.

JOHN H. ROBINSON, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Allen County, Ind., September 35, 1831, and is the eldest child of Paris and Sarah (Coppess) Robinson, natives of Ohio and of Irish and German descent. Paris Robinson located in Allen County when that section was a wilderness, and in 1838 came to this county and entered 160 acres. He experienced many hardships, but he was a rugged man and an efficient hunter. He served as Probate Judge for a number of years, and was in the Legislature from Pulaski County one session. After making a home on 160 acres, he removed to Francesville, engaged in mercantile business and died in January, 1869, aged sixty-nine years. He was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John H. Robinson spent his boj'hood in this county, and assisted his father until his majority. -September 3, 1853, he wedded Miss Mary E. Querry, born in Rush County April 36, 1831, and daughter of Thomas Querry. The fruits of this marriage were eight children - Sarah, Rosa, Mary, Caroline, Lydia, Paris T., W. Harvey and Alfred C. After marriage, Mr. Robinson applied himself to farming, and continued until about 1856, when he exchanged his farm for his present home of 140 acres, most of which is well improved. Mr. Robinson has been an industrious man and a life-long Democrat. He has also been a noted hunter, and a dealer in furs of all kinds. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THOMAS H. ROBINSON, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in this township February 38, 1843, and is the third of the family of William and Mary (Hanley) Robinson, natives of Ohio and Ireland respectivelj'. William Robinson came with his family to this township in 1838, of which he was one of the earliest settlers. He was also one of the most valued citizens, and reared a family of twelve children, seven of whom are living. He was a zealous member of the MethcKlist Episcopal Church ; had been a Whig, but later became a Republican. In 1878, he sold and removed to near Hayes City, Kan., where he now lives, at the age of eighty years. Thomas H. Robinson was reared a farmer, but obtained a fair education, and in 1864-65 taught one terra of school. lu 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he was promoted to be First Sergeant, He was engaged at Greenbrier, Stone River, Shiloh, in the Atlanta campaign, and was discharged in September, 1864. He then resumed farm labor until 1865, when he purchased forty acres. April 19, 1866, he married Frances M. Roxwell, of Jas- per County, Ind. , born August 37, 1845, daughter of Clark and Ruth P. (Knapp) Roxwell, bj' which union resulted five children - Emma P., Lois I., Effie G., Schuyler C. and Mary S. Mr. Robinson is owner of 900 acres of land. 300 of which are now cultivated. He is a leading stocli-raiser. having from 100 to 150 head of cattle on hand, besides horses.

MIICHAEL ROBINSON", farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of this township, was born December 28, 1843, and is the fourth of the family of William and Mary (Hanley) Robinson. He worked on the home farm until his eighteenth year, at which time he enlisted in Company I, Twentieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was at the seven days' fight, Fredericksburg, second Bull Run, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where his brother was fatally shot in his side ; he gave him a few moments' attention, then moved to avenge him. At the Wilderness, he was wounded int lie foot and remained all night on the field; he was afterward placed on detached dutj' at the Soldiers' Home, Indianapolis, and honorably discharged in March, 18ii5, after which he resumed farming for two years on the home place. April 23, 1807, he married Miss Sarah E. McCullough, born February 9, 1834, daughter of Samuel McCullough, of this township. This union was made happy by five children - Millie -!., Florence C, Clarence A., Nora L. and Alfred 0. After marriage, he located on tortj' acres in this township, which he afterward exchanged for a portion of his present home, to wliich he removed in the spring of 1879, made important improvements and increased said land to 400 acres. He has now eighty liead of cattle and lOJ of sheep, and has bought and sold cattle for the past seventeen years. Mr. Robinson is a member of the G. A. R., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM S. STEVENS, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, April 26, 1828, and is one of the family of James D. and Christen a (Idle) Stevens, natives of Virginia and of German descent. James D. Stevens removed with his parents to Ohio previous to 1805. He was in the war of 1812, and was kept prisoner after Gen. Hull's surrender. After his liberation, he returned, married, located on land and made a good home. Later, he moved to 01,iio. and died at Urbana, March 27, 1883, aged ninety-two years and six months. He had been a Whig, became a Republican, and was long a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. William S. Stevens was reared a farmer, and began to work for himself when eighteen years of age. In 1855. he eomnienced to farm on rented land. December 3, 1858, he married Jlatilda J. Demory. born in Clark County, Ohio, July 10, 1838, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Neer) Demory. Two children followed this union - Ida C. and James W. Mrs. Stevens died March 13. 1878, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1804, Mr. Stevens removed to this county and purchased fifty acres of his present home, to which he has added until he now has 103 acres, all fairly improved. He is a large stock-raiser of cattle, horses and hogs. He is a Republican, and was elected Township Trustee in 1880, wliich office he filled satisfactorily.

JOHN TILLETT is a native of Virginia, was born November 22, 1825, and is the third of the twelve children of James and Susan (Buck') Tillett. natives of Virginia, and of English and German descent. James Tillett was a shoe-maker, and in 1828 moved to Wayne County, Ind., and engaged in teaming from Ciueinnati, Ohio, to Richmond, Ind., and during the seven years of this service handled much gold and silver witli which to pay the Miamis. In 1,835. he removed to Miami County, located 100 acres, made a good home, and at one time owned 2,000 acres in that county and 1,600 in thi.s county. He was a Jackson Democrat, and was several years County Commissioner. He died suddenly July 5, 1879, aged eighty years. John Tillett passed his boyhood days on the home farm, and remaiued^'untirjauuary 17, 1835, when he married Miss Eliza A. Cain, of Miami County, born in lilout- gomery County, Va., December 18, 1839, daughter of Cornelius and Ann (Kipinger) Cain; they were natives of Virginia and pioneers of Miami County. Mr. and Mrs. Tillett are parents of nine children - James M., Cornelius F., Sarah E., John E., Mary J., Emma D., Martha A., "Willie, deceased, and Jesse A. After marriage, Mr. Tillett began farming on his father's land, with limited means, and in 18.56 he came hither with 3.50 cattle, and herded them hard by where he now lives; thus he continued until 1867, when he came to this county and located on eighty acres. He now owns 580 acres in a body, besides 266 in Miami County. Mr. Tillett is mainly engaged in stock-raising; is a Freemason and a Democrat. Mrs. Tillett is a member of the Christian Church.

DR. THOMAS ANTRIM, physician and farmer, was born June 30, 1814, in Clinton County, Ohio, and is the youngest of the four children of Thomas and Rachel (Jenkins) Antrim, natives of Virginia, and of Irish and Welsh descent. Dr. Antrim left his native State when six years of age, came with his parents to Wayne County, Ind., and remained about sixteen years, then moved to Wabash County, and thence to this county in 18.58, where he has since remained, and has a good farm of eighty acres. December 37, 1838, he married Lucinda W. Massey, a native of this State, which union was favored with eight children - Rebecca J., deceased; Rachel E., Mahlon F., deceased; William D., deceased; Milton F., James P., George B. and Sarah C. Dr. Antrim's earliest and strongest predilection was for the practice of medicine. He did much reading in youth, and after marriage he applied himself thoroughly to the study of his chosen profession. He is truly a self-made man. He was formerly a Whig, having given his first vote for Henry Clay; afterward, he became identified with the Anti-slavery party, and was a conductor on the underground railroad. He is now an earnest Republican; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1882, and is the Recorder-elect of this county.

JAMES F. AXTRIM, a self-made, energetic young man, a son of Dr. Thomas Antrim, was born in this county April 17, 1857. He was reared upon a farm, but, having a desire for books, he early sought after knowledge, and thus ascertained that by arduous study he was enabled to lift the veil of hidden mysteries and disclose truths to his inquiring mind. Close devotion and the exercise of his Godgiven intelligence have made him the young man of fame that he is. He has attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute, the Northern Normal School and the Business Institute at Valparaiso. He began teaching on a six months' license, and has since held two eighteen-months' and two two-years' licenses, and is now regarded as one of Jasper County's most prominent teachers, having frequently assisted the County Superintendent in holding his examinations. He has been, and Is now, a reporter for several newspapers and periodicals. Thus has our subject been favored in overcoming obstacles to his onward course of progression, which leads men from the farm to become the first in the ranks of all professions. Mr. Antrim is an earnest, working Republican, as well as an upright, industrious, economical young gentleman, and one of the brightest promise. In addition to the amount expended on his education, he has purchased forty acres of land in Gillam Township, this county.

DANIEL E. PAIRCHILD, farmer and cattle-dealer, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, June 33, 1840, and is the second of thefamily of Acton H. and Har- riet (Day) Fairchild. Our subject came to this county in 1868, where, by industry and frugality, and without assistance, he has made himself owner of eighty-srs acres of good land, fairly improved. In 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Twentyfirst Ohio Infantry; was engaged in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga. and many others, but came out unscathed, and was honorably discharged in 1864. April 3, 1868, he married Hannah Fry, a native of Ohio, to which union were born eight children - Essa B. ; CliSord E. ; Alfred D., deceased; Delia A., Daniel J., Sarah, Florence and May. Mr. Fairchild has an ordinary education, and is a successful farmer. He is also an ardent Republican; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1870, and re-elected in 1874.

BLAM D. FAIRCHILD, farmer and cattle dealer, was born June 2, 1844, in Hancock County, Ohio, and is the fourth of the family of Acton H. and Harriet (Day) Fairchild, natives of Ohio, and of English descent. Our subject moved to this county with his parents in the spring of 1866, and located in this township, where he has continued to live. He was bred a farmer, but has taught several terms of school. To the small help he received from his father, he has continued to add until he now has 4.50 acres of excellent and well-improved land. In 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-first Infantry Regiment, and was in the following hard-contested battles: Chickamauga, Jonesboro, Atlanta and Bentonville, in none of which he was wounded. He was mustered out with martial honors in the summer of 1865. March 18, 1869, he married Efiie Garis, a union fruitful by five children - Nina, deceased; Ethie, Ruth, Harriet and Susan. Mr. Fairchild is a solid Republican; he was elected Justice of the Peace in 1876, and re-elected in 1880.

JOSEPH P. FAIRCHILD. farmer and stock dealer, is a native of Hancock County, Ohio, and the sixth of the family of Acton H. and Harriet (Day) Fairchild. Our subject was born July 13, 1847, and came with his parents to this county, where, unassisted, he has made himself owner of a comfortable home of ninety acres, and with considerable modern improvements. He was married, January 12. 1870, to Mary A. Hawkins, a native of Indiana, which union has given issue to four children - Eva, Edwin H., Nelson and Loren, deceased. Mrs. Mary A. Fairchild died by consumption September 16. 1881. Mr. Fairchild is a Republican, and one of the stanchest workers of that party. He is a well-to-do. energetic farmer, and has a promising future for enjoyment and usefulness.

GEORGE 8. GUILD, farmer and cattle dealer, is a native of Fulton County, Ind., was born January 16. 1848, and is the fourth child of George and Sarah (Hull) Guild, natives of Connecticut and Ohio respectively, and of English extraction. George S. Guild was reared on his father's farm, and remained at home until he was nineteen years old. in the meantime having acquired a very fair education. In the year 1853, he came to this county with his parents. By well-directed industry and consistent economy, he has secured a fairly improved farm of eighty acres in Gillma Township. May 19, 1867, he married Clara R, 3IcJimcey, the result of their union being five children - Charles H.. Nathan II.. John H. D,, Gurtha M. and Jaines A. Mr. Guild has always voted with the Republican party, in which he is an active worker. In the spring of 1881 he was appointed Trustee of the township to fill a vacancy, and in the spring following elected to the office for two years.

IRA B. ROBBINS. M. D., eminent physician, cattle de.iler and farmer, was born November 10, 1831. in Marion County. Oliio, and is the eldest of the six children of Edward and Elizabeth (llurd) Robbins, natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky respectively, and of German and Irish descent. Dr. Robbins remained with his parents until he was twenty-fovu- years old. After attending the eonunon schools, he passed two terms at a seminary at Ont:u-io. La Grange Countv. Ind He then began the study of medicine, re;id under his uncle for two vears and afterward attended two courses at Cleveland, Ohio. He becanxe disgusted with the allopathic practice, and thereafter studied the homcBopathic system, and graduated from the Homoeopathic Institute at Chicago. He hegan directly the practice of medicine in Will County, 111., in a way to leave nothing undone to advance his proficiency. March 1, 1855, he married Mary J. Ray, by which union were born eight children - James 8., Lola I., David S., deceased; Albert B., Samuel R., Susie, John and Fannie. In 1862, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundredth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; was in seventeen engagements, several times wounded, and was discharged with honor in the fall of 1864. Dr. Robbins cast his maiden vote for Zachary Taylor, and is now a stanch and active Republican. Both he and wife are members of the ^I. E. Church.

REV. LEMUEL SH0RTRID6E was born March 18, 1830, in "Wayne County, Ind., and is the eldest of the twelve children of Elisha and Esther (Crum) Shortridge, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Ohio, who removed to Henry County, Ind., when our subject was two years old, and there he remained until his twenty-fifth year. He was reared a farmer, and followed that calling for twelve years in White County, whence he removed to Valparaiso and lived seven years, about the same time in Wabash, also in Lake County, and, in 1873, located in this township. October 19, 1843, he married Lydia Gwin, by which union descended ten children, nine of whom were named - Ireneus, Mary, John, Hattie, deceased; Catharine C, deceased; Clara, Elisha, Thomas and William. Mrs. Shortridge was a member of the Christian Church, and died March 23, 1865. November 30, 1866, Mr. Shortridge married Paulina Ojder, and to this union were born three children - Lydia, Rosetta and Kate. Mr. Shortridge enlisted in 1863, and served as Chaplain until 1865. He is a member of the Masonic order; he was once a Whig, gave his first vote for Henry Clay, and became, later, one of the organizers of the Republican party in Northern Indiana. Mr. Shortridge became a member of the Christian Church when fifteen years old, and began preaching when eighteen, to which profession he has given a majority of his time. His wife is also a member of the above church.

JOHN SHORTRIDGE, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of White County, Ind., and the third of the family of Lemuel and Lydia (Gwin) Shortridge, both natives of Wayne County, Ind., and of German and Scotch descent. John Shortridge lived with his parents until he was twenty-seven years of age, working during summer and attending school during winter. Without any assistance, and with his native will, diligence and frugality, he has alreadj^ acquired a competence. April 15, 1877, he married Lola Robbins, by which alliance has resulted two children - Flora B., born April 9, 1879, and an infant unnamed. Mr. Shortridge came to this county, in company with his parents, in 1873, and located in this township; he is now the possessor of a good farm of 160 acres. He has always voted with the Republicans, and is an active worker in that party.

CHARLES H. THOMPSON, farmer and cattle dealer, is a native of the State of New York, and was born .June 8, 1843. He is the second of the family of Hiram and Harriet Thompson, also natives of New York, and of English and Irish descent. Charles H. Thompson came to this State with his parents in 1852, and located in Lake County; afterward removed to Newton, and thence to this county, where he has a good farm of eighty acres. He is a successful farmer, to which business he has been reared. September 18, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Margaretta (Hunt) Woods, to which union succeeded two children - Hattie E. and Annie 0. Mr. Thompson is an earnest advocate of the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Thompson's weekly production of butter averages forty pounds. He is an upright man and a liberal benefactor. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MERRIL M. TYLER is a native of Wabash County, Ind., born May 27, 1859, and is the youngest of three children born to Alexander A. and Martha J. (Brown) Tyler, natives of Indiana, and of English extraction, who came to this county in 1868 and located in this township, where Alexander A. Tyler, with the help of his sons, made one of the best farms in the township; he at present deals somewhat in cattle. Merril M. Tyler was reared on the farm, where he worked during the summer, but during the winter attended school. He afterward attended school at Rensselaer and Valparaiso, thus preparing himself for the profession of teaching, which he has practiced successfully for ten terms in this county. Mr. Tyler is now engaged as salesman in a mercantile business at Rose Lawn. He is an active, reliable, educated young man, and one for whom there is a hopeful future.

WILLIAM C. TYLER is a native of Wabash County, Ind., was born September 4, 1862, and is the eldest of four children born to Asa and Sarah J. (Bruner) Tyler, natives of Indiana, and of English and German descent, who came to this county and located in this township in 18fi8. William C. Tyler was reared on a farm, on which he worked in the summer, and in the winter he attended school at Rensselaer, and, owing to rapid advancement, received a certificate to teach in the public schools, which he followed two years successfully. Mr. Tyler is at present engaged in a general store, consisting of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, in which he is doing a prosperous business in the little station called De Motte. Mr. Tyler is an energetic, painstaking young man and is an active Republican.

ELIJAH WHITSON, farmer, is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, was born March 6, 1817, and is the third of the family of .John and Cynthia (Tacket) Whitson, natives of South Carolina, and of English descent. Elijah remained with his parents op the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age, during which period he enjoyed but six months' schooling. He studied diligently, however, after he became of age, and thus acquired a share of learning. His first business enterprise was in the saw mill line, which he followed for some time. After removing to Howard County, Ind., he settled in New London, and engaged in mercantile business, and after four years engaged in the same line at Morocco, Xewton County, for three years. He was then appointed Swamp Land Commissioner, and served four years. In the spring of 1873 he located in this township, where he owns a fine farm of 160 acres, with many modern improvements. March i. ISSl.he married Susanna Killenburger, which union gave being to four children - Rachel, Maria, Marcellua A. and Peter E. Mr. Whitson is a member of the Masonic order. He was once a Whig, and cast liis vote for William H. Harrison, but since the decline of that party he has voted with the Democrats.

WILLIAM D. MEYERS, f ai-mer and stock dealer, was born January 31, 1853, in Hamilton County, Ohio, and is the second of the family of William and Mary (Dinkleman) Meyers, natives of Germany and of German descent. William D. Meyers came to this county in company with his parents in 1872, and located in this township, which has since been his home. Mr. Meyers was reared as a farmer, and received what education he could from the common schools during winter seasons. He is now engaged in the stock trade with his brother, and they are doing a thriving business. Mr. Meyers is an enthusiastic Republican, by which party he was elected Township Trustee in the spring of 1883; he takes pride in securing the best of teachers for the schools under his care, by which, and attention to other duties, he has earned the respect and confidence of the people. He is a young man of great possibilities and promise.

GEORGE STALBAUM, farmer and cattle-raiser, was born December 22, 1835, in northwest Germany, and is the second of the family of Joseph and Hannah Stalbaum, natives of Germany and of German descent. In company with his parents, George came to this country in 1854, landing at New York City. Soon afterward he came to this county and has here remained. After good opportunities, which he improved, he possesses a very fair education. Without assistance, but with the virtues of industry and frugality, he is possessor of a good farm of 160 acres, and with improvements. November 16, 1862, he married Adeline Heferlin, of which union eight children lived to receive names - Charlie A., Anna, Josephine, John H., Emma, William, Frederick and George, deceased. Mr. Stalbaum takes high pride in educating his children. He is a Democrat, and a very active worker in that party. He was elected Township Trustee in 1878, served two years, and was re-elected in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Stalbaum are both church members - he of the Lutheran, and she of the Catholic.

JOSEPH TANNER, farmer and cattle-dealer, is a native of Switzerland, was born August 5, 1844, and is a .son of John and Elizabeth (Stuckey) Tanner, natives of Switzerland, and of German descent. After emigrating in 1853, they arrived at New York and lived for various periods on Long Island, in New .Jersey, on Staten Island, in Pennsylvania and in Chicago, whence they removed to Lake County, Ind., and in 1870, came to this township. Joseph Tanner emigrated to America with his parents, and was reared a farmer, which has been his business through life, he having now a fine farm of 300 acres. February 33, 1865, he married Mary A. Griesel, which union was crowned by eight children - Elizabeth J., John W., William E., EliE., deceased; Charles F., Sarah L., Joseph E. and Mary E. Mr. Tanner has always voted the Republican ticket, and is an active worker in that party. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.

JESSE WILLCOX was born July 37, 1814, in Muskingum County, Ohio, and is the fifth of the family of James and Rebecca (Campbell) Willcox, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of Virginia, and both of English descent. Jesse Willcox located in this township in 1853, where with a little aid in the beginning, and much industry and frugality afterward, he has been enabled to secure 345 acres, now containing many modern improvements. In 1835, he married Eveline Hershman, who died July 9, 1863, having been the mother of thirteen children - Lewis, deceased; Jacob R., George M., Josiah, Abner C, Zebedee, William, Edward, de- ceased; John W., deceased; Charles, deceased; Martha, Mary and Mahal a J. Mr. Willcox was formerly a Democrat, but is now a Republican, an earnest worker in that party, and has filled several township positions. Mr. Willcox is a much respected citizen, and is, as Mrs. Wilcox was, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ELMER H. BROWN, farmer and cattle-raiser, was born April 13, 1838, in Will County, 111., and is a son of Simeon and Rachel (Weaver; Brown, natives of New York, and of English extraction. Elmer H. Brown is a throughbred farmer. He attended the common schools in youth, and after his majority went to a school at Joliet for a time, and thence to Valparaiso, Ind. There be enlisted, in 1861, in the Twentieth Indiana Regiment, and was engaged in eleven battles; he was mustered out at New Orleans in 1864. with martial honors and without injury. After returning, he married Emeline M. Patterson, August 18, 186-t, to which union were horn seven children - Merritt N., Clarence L., CoraE., Ina M., deceased; Earl E., Stella A. and Bessie G. Without assistance, he has succeeded in getting a beginning in the cattle business in this county, whither he came in August, 1877; he now manufactures about 100 pounds of butter per week. Mr. Brown is and has alwaj^s been a Republican, and was elected Township Assessor in 1878.

.lOHN H. SHAFFNER was born December 37, 1796, in Dauphin County, Penn., and is the fifth of the family of Martin and Fannie (Iloldaman) ShafEner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, John remained with his parents until he was twenty-four years old, and, having learned the business of milling, followed the same for more than thirty years. In 1833, he emigrated to Ohio, and remained six years, thence to La Fayette, Ind., in 1838. -where he purchased a saw and grist mill; there he remained until IS.'iG, when he located in this township, and manufactured the first beer brewed on the Wabash River. Mr. ShafEner has now a good, improved farm of 330 acres. February 31, 1819, he m.arried Susan Pranck, daughter of David Franck, and a native of Pennsylvania. Five children blessed this union - Wosine F., Holdaman B., deceased; Hoklaman B.; Salburtis R., deceased; and Louisa H., deceased. Mrs. ShafEner died October 15, 1878; she was a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. ShafEner was a Democrat until the outbreak of the war, after which he voted with the Republicans. He is a good and worthy man, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

WOSINE F. SHAFFNER is a native of La Fayette, Ind., where he first saw the light in the year 1830, where he was reared and educated, and where he was at one time interested in one of the largest mercantile houses of that city. He is the son of .John H. and Susan (Franck) ShafEner. In 1853, he was married to Miss Sophia Ford, daughter of Henry Ford, formerly of Pennsylvania, which union resulted in the birth of five children, only one of whom - Leon - is living. Mr. ShafEner was elected Trustee of De Motte Township in 1883. He is a Republican, and a gentleman of unusually excellent business qualifications. His father, John H. Shaffner, is the owner of 600 acres of land.

ISAAC D. DUNN, farmer and stock raiser, was born July 4, 1822, in Cumberland County, Me., and is the ninth of the twelve children of William and Nancy (Farriugton) Dunn, both natives of Maine, and of Irish and Italian extraction. Isaac Dunn was reared a farmer, and remained with his parents until he was twentyone years of age, and then attended the Asbury College at Greencastle, Ind., six years, some of which time was spent in teaching. On leaving home, he had $.50, but on arriving in this State .'J4..50, After his school period, he paid a visit to hia father, for whom he purchased a home, and thereafter traveled for the North Wayne Scythe Company for two years, when he settled in Richmond, Ind., and engaged in the leather and tanning business, in which he has j'et an interest. In 1873, he located in this township, where he owned a farm, now comprising 1,000 acres, and from which he ships from 1,300 to 1,500 tons of hay each year. In the summer of 1852, he married Nancy B. CofBn, a native of Massachusetts, which union was honored with four children, three having lived to receive names - John C, Carrie C. and George N. Mr. Dunn is a Feeemason and Odd Fellow; has been an active Republican since the creation of that party, and was elected Commissioner of Jasper County in the fall of 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are members of the M. E. Church.

THOMAS M. JONES, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Owen County, Ind., October 19, 1838, and is the fourth of the children of Berryman and Elizabeth (Hancock) Jones, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Indiana, and of Irish and Scotch descent. Tliomas M. Jones remained with his parents until he was nineteen years old, and in the county of his birth until 1864, when he located in this township, where he has a good farm of eighty acres, the result of his individual industry. August 23, 1857, he married Sarah, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Pryor) Acord, both natives of Pcnnsjdvania. Nine children have followed this unioii, of whom eight lived to receive names - Berryman F., John M., Silas H., Hannah M.. Rose E., Charles E., Lillie F., deceased, and George H. Mr. Jones was formerly a Whig, but since the decline of that party has voted with the Democrats, and is now ,an active supporter of the Independent movement; he was also an earnest meiuber of the Grange. He was elected Township Trustee in 1865. and has beeiS several times Assessor; was re elected Trustee in 1880, and again in 1882. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

FREDERICK VAN PATTEN, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of New York, born October 26, 1820, and the fourth of the family of Abram and Sophia Van Patten, natives of New York, and of German descent. Frederick Van Patten remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age; he then followed canalboating for several years, and, in 1856. came to this county and located in Kankakee To^^'nship, where he now has a good farm of 663 acres, with many improvements wholly acquired by industry and thrift. He was fii-st married to Catherine Prater' in 1846, who died, and, in 1868, he married Elizabeth Hall, by which union he" had one child, Frederick. Mr. Van Patten is a member of the Masonic order- he was once a Whig, but when that party fell into a decline he ioined the Democrats -ind .^ an active worker among them. Mrs. Van Patten is a member of the Baptist

Part Bt .1. H. Battle

AT the session of the Indiana Legislature in 1834-35, an act was passed forming the counties of Newton, Jasper, Pulaski, Starke, Marshall, Fulton, Adams, Wells, Whitley, De Kalb, Noble, Kosciusko, Steuben and Jay, of which the following is in relation to Newton and Jasper :

" Section 12. That all the territory within the following boundary shall constitute a county to be known by the name of Jasper : Beginning at the southeast corner of Section 33, Township 24 north. Range 6 west, thence west to the line of the State of Illinois, thence north with the State line thirty miles, thence east with the line dividing Townships 28 and 29 north, to the northeast corner of Section 4, Township 28 north. Range 6 west, thence south with the section line thirty miles to the place of beginning.

"Sec. 13. That all the territory within the following boundary shall constitute a county to be known by the name of Newton : Beginning at the southeast corner of Township 29 north. Range 5 west, thence west to the State line, thence north with the State line thirty miles, thence east with the line dividing Townships 33 and 34 north, to the northeast corner of Township 33, Range 5 west, thence south with the range line thirty miles to the place of beginning."

By these boundaries, it will be observed, the original county of Newton included all of the present counties of Jasper and Newton north of the line dividing Townships 28 and 29 north, the townships of West Creek, Cedar Creek and Eagle Creek in Lake County, and Boone and Pleasant Townships in Porter County. In 1836, Porter County was organized, and the year following Lake County, each of which took all the territory north of the Kankakee River. In 1838, Jasper, which had been attached to White County, was organized as an independent county, Newton County being attached for some purposes to Jasper, and for others subject still to White. In the following year, however, the Legislature passed an act relative to the location of the county seat of Jasper, and for other purposes, as follows :

Section 1. Be it enacted by the fjeneral Assembly of the State of Indiana, That George A. Spencer and Jacob Moyers, of White, and Solomon Hatfield, of Fountain, and Samuel H. Garrison, of Warren, and William Simms, of Tippecanoe Counties, be and the same are hereby appointed Commissioners, agreeably to an act entitled "An act fixing the beat of Justice in all new counties hereafter Laid off." The Commissioners aforesaid shall meet at the house of Robert Alexander, of Jasper County, on the first Monday of June next, and immediately proceed to discharge ihe duties hereafter assigned them.

Sec. 2. And it s hall be the duty of the Sheriff of Jasper County, either in person or writing, to inform said Commissioners of their appointment on or before the first Monday of May next, and for such service shall be entitled to such compensation as the law requires.

Sec. 3. It shall be the duly of Ihe Commissioners, in addition to the duties assigned them by the act to which this has reference, to examine the counties of Jasper and Newton, wilh a view of their being consolidated, and if, after examination, the Commissioners are satisfied that Ihe interests of the two counties would be promote'l by the union of the same, they are hereby authorized to fix the seat of justice in said enlarged territory, taking into view ihe peculiar situation of said territory in regard to prairie, timber, water privileges, and the known wishes of the citizens of different parts of Jasper County being attached lo other counties; and ihe seat of justice, if consolidated, shall be called Newlon.

Sec. 4. If. after examination, the Commissioners shall be of opinion that either county would be injured by the consolidation, they shall proceed to the county seat as provided by law, in Jasper County, agreeably lo its present bouudanes.

Sec. 5. If, after examination, ihey shall be of opinion that the interests of the two counties would be promoted by the union of the same, from thenceforth the territory known by the names of Jasper and Newlon Counties, shall be known as Jasper County. This act to be in force from and after its passage.

The Commissioners thus appointed found the plan of consolidating the two counties advisable, and accordingly located the county seat at the Falls of the Iroquois River, with the name of Newton, thus striking the county of that name from the map of the State. In IS-tO. the county of Benton was formed, taking its territory from Jasper, the latter receiving by way of compensation thirty sections adjoining the southeast ancle, and now principally contained in Milroy Township.

While the obliteration of Newton County was thus complete for the time, there existed a conviction that the vast territory thus consolidated as one county would eventually be divided in some way, and another county formed. The passing years brought increased population to the western portion of this territory, until the dissatisfaction with the remoteness of the county seat began to find expression and influence from the increasing numbers.

Matters ran along until the year 1857, when it became known that certain parties had lobbied through the Legislature a bill for the division of old and the organization of new counties, with the intention of making a new county out of the north part of Jasper County with the county seat on the Kankakee River. It became evident to the citizens of the western portion of Jasper County that if they allowed the scheme to be carried out that their prospects for a new county would be forever hopeless, and although the matter was considered to be somewhat premature, they at once went to work and called a public meeting of the citizens living west of the line dividing Ranges 7 and 8, to be holden at the town of Morocco, at which time it was resolved to at once proceed to get up petitions to the Commissioners of Jasper County, asking to be set off in a new county, to be called by the name of Beaver ; afterward, but at the same meeting, on motion of Mr. Thomas Barker, the name was changed from Beaver to Newton, carrying down to history the friendship of Jasper and Newton, as related by Weems in his Life of Marion.

The petition was signed by neai'Iy every voter in the territory, and in September, 1857, was presented to the Commissioners of Jasper County for their action. The petition was very naturally opposed by the citizens of the other portion of the county, and after about two days' skirmishing the petition was dismissed on the ground that a part of the names were attached before the taking eifect of the law. The matter was decided on Tuesday afternoon. The same night petitions were written out and the next day circulated, and on Thursday morning sent to Rensselaer for presentation. The court had adjourned the evening previous to meet the next morning at 9 o'clock, but by some means the Commissioners got wind of what was coming, and two of the Commissioners never came back again during the term. There was no remedy left but to watch the court until the week expired and then go home and wait until the next term.

A.t the December term, certain parties had got up a counter petition, striking off the territory along the Kankakee River into a new county, and had filed their petition first, intending to hold that as a preventive against any action in favor of striking off the new county of Newton. The first day of the term all parties were on hand, the county of Newton being represented by Silas Johnson, John Andrews, Zacharia Spitler, John Ade and a few others. The opposition was led by Judge Milroy and L. A. Cole, and after a short time spent in consultation the case was continued until Thursday. On consultation of the friends of Newton County, it was determined, as the best line of procedure, to go into the territory asking to be set off as a new county along the Kankakee, and if possible get signatures to remonstrances against being set off as a new county. This was so far successful that quite a large majority of all the voters signed the remonstrances. This strategy was kept as quiet as possible, and on Thursday afternoon, when the case was called up, the opposition had not got wind of it. Judge Milroy presented his petition, following it by a few remarks, after which some two hours were spent in hearing objections and arguments in favor of it, until [finally Silas Johnson, to whom had been assigned that part of the programme, stated to the court he thought there had been fatal objections to the petition presented, but that he had another argument against it which he wished to lay before the court, at the same time pulling out of his pocket the remonstrances duly sworn to, which he read and then sat down. There was silence for about two minutes, after which, with but little further discussion, the petition was dismissed. Thereupon the petition for Newton County was called up.

This petition was presented December 7, 1857, and was opposed by a remonstrance signed by upward of 300 voters of the middle and eastern end of the county. The remonstrance was rejected, however, by the Commissioners, who held that those residing outside of the territory proposed to be cut off had no voice in the matter, and granted the prayer of the petitioners, appointing Messrs. Z. Spitler, John Darroch and David Creek a committee to run the boundaries of the proposed county. An appeal was taken from this decision to the Circuit Court, which overruled the decision of the Commissioners and granted an injunction restraining them from entering the order upon their records. An appeal thereupon was taken to the Supreme Court by the defeated party.

In the meanwhile, the persons engaged in the legal struggle had secured the passage of a new law by the Legislature in the session of 1S5S- 59, and in the following June a new petition and a new remonstrance was brought before the Commissioners, who rejected both on the ground that the case could not be heard at the same time in two courts, the question having been taken to the Supreme Court on an appeal. The case in court was reached and decided in November, 1859, the decision being as follows :

Board of County Commissioners vs. George W. Spitler. Appeal from Jasper Circuit Court. Davison, Justice. The case made by the pleadings is as follows: Under the act entitled " An act to authorize the formation of new counties, etc.," approved jNIarch 7, 1857, certain citizens of Jasper County, residing within a certain district in that county, presented to the Board of Commissioners of said county a petition wherein they set forth the boundaries of the district in which they resided, and alleged that such district ought to be formed into a new county to be called the county of Newton ; that the area embraced within the boundaries was as near a square as may be, and would, if formed into a new county, leave 400 square miles in the old county of Jasper, etc. The Commissioners, at their December term, 1857, proceeded to act upon the petition, and upon final hearing appointed a committee of three freeholders, residents of said district, to lay off and establish the boundaries of the proposed new county. And the committee thus appointed having made their report, the same was by the Commissioners duly filed.

After the filing of the report, and before the Commissioners had further acted in the matter, Spitler, the appellee, whp was the plaintiflf below, filed his complaint in the Jasper Circuit Court, reciting substantially the above proceedings, and alleging that the act of March, 1857, does not authorize the division of a single county by the act of a single Board of Commissioners, acting through a single committee of freeholders ; and further, said act of 1857 is in conflict with the constitution. Plaintiff, in his complaint, suggests that unless prohibited by an order of the court, the Commissioners may, at their next term, enter an order establishing the boundaries of the proposed county and certify their proceedings to the Secretary of the State, etc. He therefore prays that a writ of prohibition may issue, directed to said Commissioners, commanding them not to enter upon their order book an order establishing such boundaries, etc. The defendants demurred to the complaint ; but their demurrer was overruled, and an order granted as prayed for. The act to which these proceedings refer provides that, '' whenever a majority of the legal voters to be affected thereby, in any district embracing an area of not less than 400 square miles, shall desire the formation of a new county, and by a written request petition the Board of Commissioners of the several counties to be affected by the formation of said county, the said board shall appoint each a committee of three resident freeholders in each county of the district embraced in such change, who shall form a Board of Commissioners to lay off and establish the boundaries of the proposed county, * * * aji(j shall report the same to such Boards of Commissioners of the several counties affected by the formation of said new county, at the next or some subsequent session, and upon said report being made, the Board of Commissioners of said several counties aforesaid shall enter upon their order books respectively an order establishing the boundaries of said new county, which shall be by them filed in the office of the Secretary of State." Acts of 1857; 25, 26.

Does this act conflict with the constitution ? It is insisted that the power to organize new counties has ever been exercised by direct legis- lation, and cannot be delegated. The position thus affirmed is not, in our opinion, well taken. The act of March, 1857, is a general law of uniform operation, to be executed through the agency of the Board of Commissioners, and it seems to us that the power thus conferred, so far as it relates to their duties under the act, is purely ministerial and not legislative. Indeed, the Constitution itself declares that "the General Assembly may confer upon the boards doing county business in the several counties, power of a local administrative character." - Art. VI, Sec 10. Under this provision, the Legislature seems to be plainly authorized to confer the power embraced in the act before us. In cases like the present, the taking effect of the law is not the result of any action on the part of the Commissioners. Nor do they decide whether the act is or is not in force ; but simply whether it applies to the case made by the petition which the act prescribes. This is evidently not the exercise of delegated legislative power, but merely the application of the provisions of a general law, to a given case, local in its character. But it is thus argued : The county boundary of Jasper County is fixed by law. - 1 R. S. page 168, Sec. 39. And Art. IV, Sec. 21, of the constitution having provided that " No act shall be revised or amended by mere reference to its title ; but the act revised, or section amended shall be set forth, and published at full length," no general law can be made applicable ; and Sec. 39. defining the boundary of said county can only be amended by an act local in its nature, the subject matter being local.

The answer to this is, that Sec. 39, defining the boundaries of Jasper County, is one provision in an act entitled, "An act dividing the State into counties, and defining their boundaries," etc., which is a general law ; and that the act in question does not purport to be, nor is it, an amendment of any law ; but a general, independent enactment, having for its object the formation of new counties. And this court having decided that "the removal of county seats can be made the subject of a general law," there seems to be no reason why such a law cannot be applied to the case stated in the record. - Thomas vs. The Board, etc., 5 Ind., 4. In our judgment, the act of March, 1857, is not in conflict with the constitution.

But it is argued that that act, though it be valid, " does not authorize the division of single county by the act of a single Board of Commissioners, acting through a single committee of freeholders." It savs : "Whenever a majority of the legal voters, etc., in anv district, etc., shall desire the formation of a new county, and, by written reouest petition the Board of Commissioners of the several counties to be affected by the formation of such new county, etc., the said boards shall appoint each a committee of three freeholders in each county of the district embraced in such change, who shall form a board, etc., to lay off, and establish the boundaries of the proposed new county," etc.