Liberty Township

Prohibition

Medical Society. - At an early day in the history of the county, when the rude face of the native forest was but slightly scarred by the transforming implements of civil industry, Dr. Henry Buchman, a native of England, cast his lot among the adventurous pioneers, pitching his humble cabin upon the banks of the Mississinewa River, just above the present site of Marion. He came in 1830, the year before the county was organized, and was the first physician who located in the county; practiced a few years, and removed West, and died; was said to have been a student of the late Dr. Ithamer Warner, of Richmond, and a reputable and successful physician.

In 1831, or early in 1832, Dr. Joseph, Cadwallader came into the county, and was the first physician to locate in Marion, and the second in the county. He practiced medicine some two or three years, and he and his wife both died in this place. The old citizens who knew him represented him as a pleasant, affable man, neat and tasty in person, polite in manner, and most winning and chaste in conversation.. He is said to have been a respectable physician and an exemplary Christian gentleman.

Dr. Ezra Stiles Trask, a native of Vermont, and graduate of Dartmouth College, came to Marion in 1833, and was the third physician in the order of time that located in the county. He did not practice medicine, however, as a regular employment, but ran a factory for clarifying for ginseng some foreign markets, and turned his attention to general trading and sports. He was a man of fine acquirements, having taken a literary course, and graduated in the same college with the renowned Daniel Webster, and a professional course with the late Prof. R. D. Mauzy, M. D. Dr. Trask had the misfortune of falling into habits of dissipation, and finally died a ~ vietim of intemperance in 1839, leaving a most amiable wife and two promising sons. He was something of a politician, and represented his district one term in the State Senate.

Dr. John Foster, a native of Highland County, Ohio, came to the place in 1834. He had attended a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical College, and practiced a short time in Morgan County, of this State, before locating in Marion. He identified himself with the county when it was a wilderness, there being probably less than 200 voters in the county at the time. Dr. Foster entered upon the active duties of the profession, with fair prospects of success, and, had he given his undivided attention to it, would have ranked among its brightest ornaments. Unfortunately he yielded to the allurements held out by other employments, giving himself at various times to the mercantile business, the sale of drugs, politics, the ministry, etc., but never entirely abandoned the medical profession. He served a term in' the State Senate, devoted several years of his life to the work of the itinerant ministry of the Methodist Episcopai Church, and, at his death, was a local preacher in the same. Dr. Foster was one of the original organizers of the Grant County Medical Society, and always felt a lively interest in its welfare and success. He died in Warsaw of this State, in the fall of 1871, respected by all who knew him.

Dr. James Scott Shively was the fifth physician who located in the county, coming to Marion in 1836, where he still resides, and is doing a large and lucrative practice. He was one of the organizing members of the County Medical Society, and is still an active member init. At times the Doctor has manifested a propensity for politics, and has served the county three times as representative in the State Legislature. He is a native of Virginia, and a graduate of the Ohio Medical College.

In June of 1837 Dr. William Lomax, a native of North Carolina, located in Marion, and went into partnership in the practice of medicine with Dr. Foster. This partnership continued nearly three years. He still resides in Marion, and is engaged in the active duties of his profession. In the summer of 1837 he performed the first amputation, and probably the first surgical operation ever performed in the county. He was one of the organizers of the County Medical Society, and is still an active member. He is a graduate of the Indiana Central Medical College, and the Medical Department of the University of New York. He was surgeon of the Twelfth Regiment Indiana Volunteers from 1861 to 1865, serving in the various capacities of surgeon-in-chief of division, and medical director of the Fifteenth Army Corps.

Dr. Stephen D. Ayres, a native of New Jersey, and a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, was the seventh physician that located in the county. He came in the fall of 1838, taught a school, married and located on a farm in the county, where he practiced some years; then removed to Marion, where he now resides, and is still engaged in the practice.

In the fall of 1842 Dr. Vierling Kersey, a native of North Carolina, and graduate of the Ohio Medical College, located in Marion, and practiced in partnership with Dr. William Lomax, until the close of 1844, when he removed to Wayne County, continuing in the active duties of the profession until his death, on the 3d of June, 1875, in Richmond. He was a true physician, an earnest, industrious cultivator of science, and, at his death, stood in the front rank of the profession of the State.

Dr. Samuel St. John, a native of Connecticut, and a graduate of a medical college in western New York (Geneva perhaps), in 1815, practiced two years in the vicinity of his residence, and in 1817 came to Franklin County, of this State; practiced ten years, when he removed -to St. Stephen's, Ala., practiced for a time, and went to Mississippi, where he remained until it was evident his wife's health could not endure the depressing influence of the climate. He returned North, and practiced in various parts of southern Ohio and Indiana, until in 1845 he removed to and located in Marion, iemained nine years, and, in 1854, went to Lagro, in Wabash County; in 1860, returned to Marion and engaged in the sale of drugs, which he continued until his death on the 10th of January, 1862, in the seventy-second year of his age. Dr. St. John was one of the organizing members of the Grant County Medical Society, and its first president. During his stay in the South, he encountered the first visit of Asiatic cholera, and acquired a fair reputation for success in his treatment of that terrible epidemic.

Dr. W. F. Spence was born in Westmoreland County, Penn. ; studied medicine with Dr. Gardner, in Ohio; attended medical college in Cincinnati; located and practiced some years in Alexandria, Madison County; and in 1846, with impaired health, came to Jonesboro, in this county, being the first regular physician that ever located in the place; engaged in the sale of drugs, and did only a light practice, as his health was not sufficient for the burdens of a full and heavy business in the condition of roads prevailing at the time; joined the county society soon after its organization, and died in 1864, in the sixtieth year of his age, a quiet, estimable man and a useful physician.

Dr. John A. Meek, of Wayne County, arrived at Jonesboro on the 14th day of February, 1848, where he located and has practiced ever since. He became a member of the county society soon after its organization; served creditably as surgeon of the Eighty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry in the late war; is still an active member of the county society, and is doing a lucrative professional business where he resides.

In the autumn of 1846 Dr. Constantine Lomax, a native of North Carolina, and graduate of the Indiana Central Medical College and the Ohio Medical College, came to Marion and commenced the practice of medicine in partnership with his brother William, in the spring of 1847. He was one of the organizing members of the County Medical Society, and still continues an active member. He served the Government in the capacity of examining surgeon of the enrolling board of his district in the late war for the Union. He still lives in Marion, and is engaged in the active duties of the profession.

Shortly after this, perhaps in June of the same year, the late lamented Dr. Samuel S. Horne, a native of Scotland, and an alumnus of the University of Edinburgh, located in Jonesboro, where he continued to practice medicine until disabled by his last illness. He joined the Grant County Medical Society soon after its organization, and was ever afterward an active, faithful and zealous member, contributing largely to its prosperity and success by his untiring efforts in its behalf. He served the society in the capacity of president more frequently than any other member, was faithful in attending its meetings, never being absent when health and professional engagements would permit him to attend, contributing many valuable papers to its transactions, and by his courteous, respectful deportment toward the members won their confidence and esteem. His kindness and unselfish labors for the relief of the suffering of his patients, through a long career of professional usefulness, enshrined him in the memory and affections of all who knew him. He died of a lingering, painful illness, on the 19th of April, 1874.

There being some eight or nine physicians in the county at this time, it was thought a medical society might be organized and maintained to mutual advantage. Upon consultation, notices were put up and invitations extended to the physicians of this county, and those of the adjoining counties, to meet on the 16th of June, in the office of Drs. William & C. Lomax, in Marion, for the purpose of taking into consideration a proposition to organize such county medical society. Accordingly, on the day appointed, seven physicians responded to the call and were present, viz.: Drs. John Foster, J. S. Shively, Samuel St. John, S. D. Ayres, A. W. Henley, C. Lomax and William Lomax. Dr. Henley was called to the chair, and Dr. William Lomax appointed secretary. Upon canvassing the project it was found that the meeting was unanimously favorable to the proposed county society, and proceeded to take the preliminary steps to consummate the organization. Committees were appointed to draw up a constitution, by-laws and a code of ethics, to be presented for adoption at a future meeting; and the convention adjourned to meet again in the same place on the 5th of the ensuing month.

July 5, 1848, the following physicians were present, viz.: Drs.. Samuel St. John, J. S. Shively, Reuben D. Mauzy, John Foster, Constantine Lomax and William Lomax. Dr. St. John was called to the chair, and Dr. William Lomax was elected secretary.

Dr. William Lomax, chairman of the committee appointed at the previous meeting to draw up a constitution, reported a form, giving the title of the society, organization, government, etc., in regular. order, a brief abstract of which is as follows:

The constitution, as reported, was adopted, with but slight, if any, alterations, and is the one by which the society is still governed. The meeting then went into the election of officers for the year, which resulted as follows: President, Dr. Samuel St. John; secretary, Dr. William Lomax; treasurer, Dr. J. S. Shively; censors, Dr. R. D. Mauzy, John Foster and C. Lomax. The society had six offices to fill, and there being but six members, every member had to become an officer. The organization having been completed, the members were impatient to witness its practical workings, so the meeting was adjourned to assemble again in nine days. On the 14th inst., Dr. J. M. Norris, of Ashland. attended this meeting and joined the society, giving one member who was not an officer.

There was a very encouraging increase in the roll of members during the first year, and with it a laudable emulation to excel in professional attainments and merit. All were interested and profited by the agreeable scientific contests, commingled with the investigations and pleasant exercises of these professional convocations. +

The following physicians became members of the society: Drs. W. F. Spence and Samuel 8. Horne, of Jonesboro; John Horne, of Yorktown, and A. W. Henley, of Wheeling, Delaware County; James R. Mills and Michael Chadwick, of Warren, and Marchin Croninger, of Mt. tna, Huntington County, increasing the entire number from six to fourteen the first year. Seven of these were residents of Grant County, and the same number of the adjoining counties. To secure as full attendance as possible the members in Marion adopted a rule among themselves to take care of and defray all expenses of members and visiting brethren living out of town, while in attendance upon the meetings.

With a view of promoting a greater efficiency of the organization, the society, at a meeting on the 27th of December, 1850, ordered the secretary to have the constitution recorded in the recorder's office of the county, according to the provisions of a general law of the State providing for the formation of voluntary associations. This having been done the society became a corporate body with the privilege of holding property, of suing and being sued, and the power of enforcing the observance by its members of its rules and regulations. Every attention was given to stimulate improvement in medical knowledge by the members, and to make the society useful to the community. An engagement was entered into with the commissioners to do the pauper practice of the county ; the physicians of Marion to render services to the inmates of the jail and county asylum, while all others receiving county aid should be attended by the nearest physician, unless the patient or township trustees ordered otherwise, in which ease the physician selected should render such service. By this arrangement competent medical aid was extended to the paupers with the least possible trouble, and at a "trifling expense to the county, enabling the society to accumulate a fund out of which a valuable microscope, worth $200, and a full set of meteorological instruments, adopted by the Smithsonian Institute, was purchased for observation and improvement in their respective departments of knowledge.

At an early day in its history a policy was adopted by the members of preferring graduates to fill the offices of the society, as far as this could well be done, as an incentive to the younger members to attend lectures and complete a collegiate course of medical education. This worked well for professional education, and there are now but few members who are not graduates of some respectable medical school. The Grant County Medical Society may be justly regarded as the pioneer of medical organizations in the State. It is true many medical societies here and there, at different periods, had preceded it, but not one of them is now in existence. The Grant County Society is the oldest medical society in the State, and to the credit of the zeal of its members it may be said truthfully that during the twenty-nine years of its existence four failures to form a business quorum are all that have ever occurred. Its history has been a marvel of success. It is now looked upon by the profession generally as one of the most influential local societies of the State. It may be remarked that the liberality and professional magnanimity of the organizing members were not confined to the narrow limits of their own county. A broader and more extended field of usefulness opened up to their view. They contemplated a union of the great profession of the entire country in all laudable efforts to promote that professional culture and skill which may disarm disease of its destructive power, and devise such wholesome sanitary regulations as may protect the lives of the people against the ravages of epidemics. Not only were invitations to the physicians of the surrounding counties sent out soliciting their aid to carry out the prime objects of the society, but they were encouraged, and assistance rendered them, to get up similar organizations in their own counties.

Some time during the year 1849, the year after the organization of the Grant County Medical Society, a few physicians of liberal professional purposes and justly cherished memory, organized a State society in Indianapolis. In 1847, the year prior to the formation of the county society, the national association was organized in Philadelphia. The third annual meeting of the latter body was to be held in Cincinnati in May of 1850, and the first anniversary of the State society later in the same month. Drs. J. S. Shively and William Lomax were sent by the county society as delegates to attend the association. They had to travel to Richmond on horseback, where they left their horses and took a stage to Cincinnati. They attended the National Association, secured the recognition of their county society, and were admitted as delegates.

The honors of representing the profession or society of this isolated portion of the' earth in State and national conventions, held in distant cities, were no trifling burdens to those who bore them. Without railroads, turnpikes, or even safe corduroys, in many instances, they had to reach the places of meeting by long and tedious rides on horseback, stage coach, canal-boats, ete. It required six days' travel and three days' attendance at the convention, losing their time and defraying their own expenses, to faithfully acquit themselves of the honors the society had conferred upon them.

The society has provided itself with a commodious hall, leased for aterm of years, and handsomely furnished it with desks, tables, chairs, etc., for the accommodation of its meetings and safe keeping of its records; books, papers, instruments and other property. Ithas had the good tasteto embellish its walls with beautiful portrait paintings of all its deceased presidents, from which portraits the group given in the atlas were taken, thus showing a commendable respect for its honored dead. In the first part of this history personal notices have been given of all the deceased presidents excepting Drs. Batson and Elliott.

Dr. A. J. Batson was a highly accomplished and successful practitioner of medicine, a graduate of the Indiana Central Medical College, and by his professional brethren was considered an unusually correct and brilliant anatomist. He died from the effects of a fall from his horse, which happened while returning late in the night from visiting a sick child.

Dr. Elliott, of Quaker parentage, a graduate of the University of Michigan, and a man of the most gentle and amiable qualities of mind and heart, was the youngest member that has ever filled the office of president of the society. He practiced medicine at Fairmount, where he was highly esteemed, not only for his professional attainments but for the unexceptionable purity of his life and his honorable conduct toward his fellow-men. His health failing he visited Europe, hoping thereby to recruit his failing energies and be able to return with renewed zeal to his chosen life work; but continuing to decline, he reached the home of his parents, near Richmond, in this State, where he calmly sank to rest, meeting death as becometh the Christian, quietly and assuredly.

$2,000. This fund enables the society annually to furnish each member with 'Transactions of the State Medical Society," a handsome and interesting volume, at little or no cost to himself. The annual meeting of the society is held in June of each year, at which time the officers for the ensuing year are elected by ballot. Its present officers are as follows: President, Henry Charles, M. D.; treasurer, Lewis Williams, M. D.; secretary, S. C. Weddington, M. D.; censors, James S. Shively; M. D.; Constantine Lomax, M. D.; A. D. Kimball, M. D.

S14 History Of Grant County

Grant County Agricultural and Stock Associations. - In the spring and summer of 1853 the necessity of an agricultural society began to be felt among all classes in Grant County, both business men and farmers. So general was this necessity expressed, that on the 3d of September of the same year, 1853, a meeting was called at which was perfected the 'organization known as the " Grant County Agricultural Society."

The following were its first officers: President, Nathan W. Frazier; secretary, Iredell Jackson; directors, Isaac Anderson, Robert Lenfesty, Alexander Dunn, Ol. McGuire, J. M. Smith, Nathan Small, Jonathan Kelley, Dr. P. Rigdon, J. Fankboner, Daniel Dwiggins, David Wall, Isaac Roush, H. Richardson and Joseph Morgan. This meeting also appointed a committee of three, consisting of D. W. Fowler, Daniel Dwiggins and George White, to select suitable grounds upon which to hold the annual fairs. They selected a lot just south of the railroad, on Washington Street. Work was immediately commenced for the purpose of arranging this ground suitably for the holding of a fair. The work soon being completed, the first fair of Grant County opened October 21, 1853. The premiums offered were not large, as may be seen from' the following: First premium, best pair match horses, $1; second premium, a certificate of merit; best improved farm, $3.

Since 1853 fairs have been held annually, with the exception of one or two years, when the grounds were changed or undergoing repairs. The fair ground of the society at present numbers thirtynine acres. It is all enclosed, and contains a splendid half-mile track, with large and well finished halls; while pens, stalls, etc., suitable for all kinds of stock, are in abundance; in fact, all pertaining thereto is complete and commodious. In the last five years thousands of dollars have been expended on the improvement of the grounds and building and in consequence the treasury is depleted. The present officers are Hezekiah Steelman, president; Clarkson Willcuts, vice-president; OC. 8. Tibbits, superintendent; D. S. Hogin, treasurer; Cary Zombro, secretary.

New Cumberland Fair. - Delaware, Grant and Blackford Counties' Agricultural, Horticultural and Mechanical Grange Fair was incorporated in the year 1874, for the purpose, as set forth in the articles of association, of developing the agricultural, horticultural and mechanical resources of the counties above named. The officers were to consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, superintendent and board of directors. The first board of directors consisted of the following named persons: William Millspaugh, J. D. Kirkwood, P. R. Shafer, Henry Moore, H. W. Brady, J. M. Secrist, William K. Secrist, W. F. Reasoner, Dodge Swift, A. Quackenbush, 'Andrew Williams and David Taylor. Henry Moore was first president, W. F. Reasoner, secretary, and William K. Secrist, treasurer.

The articles of association were signed by the masters and secretaries of the following lodges: Liberty, No. 115; Washington, No. 273; New Comer, No. 274; Mississinewa, No. 326; Union, No. 270; Lick Creek, No. 262; Pleasant, No. 184; Centre, No. 242; Forest, No. 278; Hazle, No. 353; Washington, No. 271, and Grove, No. 442.

The association leased twenty acres of ground. near the town of New Cumberland, Grant County, and held their first fair the first week in October, 1874. Since that time annual fairs have been held and always with success. The present officers are O. Hinslins, president; J. Thurston, vice-president; W. F. Reasoner, secretary ; J. T. Corn,' treasurer; R. A. Lyon, superintendent and William Millspaugh, John Walker, George Moore and J. D. Kirkwood, directors.

The Fairmount Union Joint Stock and Agricultural Association was incorporated September 1, 1884, with a capital stock of $8,000, consisting of 800 shares. The largest stockholders are Levi Scott and Dr. Henley, who own a controlling interest. The first exhibition occurred September 1, 1884, and be it said to the credit of the management that every premium was paid in full, besides a dividend of several hundred dollars, which was expended on the improvement of the gronds and buildings.

Plank Road Company was organized late in the forties, and upon application in 1849 were granted the privilege of constructing a plank road upon any of the public highways of the county, subject, however, to a remonstrance by a majority of voters of the county. A few years later the construction of a road from Marion to Jonesboro was commenced and after some delay was completed. That part of the road leading from La Gro to Marion was never completed. This for a time was considered the most practicable way of improving public highways, but after a few years' experience the method was decided impracticable and in 1863 the road was abandoned.

Gravel Roads. - Marion and Liberty Gravel Road Company was organized in 1869, with Nathan Coggeshall, president, and D. B. Sweetser, secretary and treasurer. The capital stock was about $18,- 000. They at once commenced the construction of a road leading from Marion to Center Schoolhouse in Liberty Township, a distance of nine and one-half miles.

Marion and Wabash Gravel Road. - This road leads from Marion to the Wabash County line, a distance of about eight miles. The road was built by a stock company, of which James Sweetser was president and David Seegar secretary and treasurer. The authorized capital stock is $20,000.

Marion and Salem Gravel Road. - The company was organized January 15, 1869, and elected John Y. Parlett, Aaron C. Swayzee, John Secrist, Harry Tinkle and David Hilshamer directors. The road commences at the bridge across the Mississinewa and runs north to Secrist's Mills; thence on the Marion and Warren State road to the northeast corner of John Y. Parlett's farm. The entire cost of the road was about $8,000.

The Marion and Eastern Gravel Road. - March 29, 1871, 8. A. Campbell, J. Shambaugh, Charles Breedlove, William Middleton, Henly James, Jonas Wolf, Alexander Frazier, John Marshall, Lewis Jenkins, William M. Evans and David Bevard associated themselves together for the purpose of constructing a gravel road on the line of the Marion and Montpelier State road. The entire length of the road is five miles and cost in the aggregate about $8,000.

Marion and Jalapa Gravel Road. - The company that built this road, was organized January 10, 1872. The first officers were John Rennaker, president, and John B. Campbell, secretary and treasurer. The first board of directors were John Rennaker, John

B. Campbell, John A. Dunn, Nelson Conner, Joseph Bloomer and James 8. Renbarger. The length of the road is seven miles and was built at a cost of $1,700 per mile.

Marion and Monroe Gravel Road. - This road extends from Marion to the center of Monroe Township, a distance of eight miles. The company was organized in 1872, with an authorized capital stock of $7,000. George Strange, James Daulter and David Overman were the first directors. George Strange was the first president and David Overman secretary and treasurer.

Free Gravel Roads. - The Marion and Delphi Gravel Road was completed October 7, 1880, at a cost of $17,160. The entire length of the road is a few feet less than eleven miles.

The College Corner and Roseburg Gravel Road commences where the Marion and Libert Gravel Road crosses the line of Sections 18 and 19, Town 24, Range 8; thence west-and north to the northwest corner of Section 22, Town 24, Range 7, a distanee of three miles and 2,160 feet. The cost of the road was $3,628.

Fairmount and Muncie Gravel Road was completed October 10, 1882, at a cost of about $11,920. The entire length of said road is eight miles. .

Pipe Creek and Pleasant Chapel Gravel Road was completed October, 1880, Its length is five miles and 3,440 feet and cost of construction $5,861.29.

The Delaware County Line Free Gravel Road was laid out in 1881 and with the following described route: Commencing on the center line running east and west through Section 33, Township 23 north, Range 9 east where the Jonesboro and Muncie State Road crosses said center line; thence a southeasterly direction along and upon said State road to the south line of Grant County, a distance of two miles and 440 feet. Estimated cost of said road $4,028.50; John Ratcliff, engineer. Said road was completed and accepted in 1885.

No Name Gravel Road commences at a point on the county line dividing the counties of Grant and Blackford at the terminus of a gravel road leading from Hartford City to the Grant County line in Section 12, Township 23, Range 9 east; thence west with a few variations six miles and 5,120 feet, intersecting the Jonesboro and

Wheeling Gravel Road at a point east of James Wilson's residence. Estimated cost of said road is $12,118. The road is now in the process of construction. L. M. Overman is the engineer.

Peru and Sweetzer Free Gravel Road was laid out in 1881 by E. C. Murray, engineer. The. length of said road is 34,740 feet, and its estimated cost was about $10,924.84. An extension of two miles has recently been constructed.

Upland and Harrisburg Gravel Road was surveyed and laid out by William Neal, engineer, in 1881 and is between six and seven miles in length. The total estimated cost of construction is $8,565- There is at present about one mile that is not completed.

Upland Free Gravel Road was laid out by John Ratliff, civil engineer. The total length of road is five and a half miles. The aggregate cost of construction was $7,140.80.

New Cumberland and Blackford County Line Gravel Road was surveyed by John Ratliff, engineer, on the 25th day of April, 1881. The length of said line is 17,650 feet, three miles 1,810 feet, and the cost was estimated at $6,204.50.

Marion and Deer Creek Free Gravel Road was examined on the 9th of May, 1881, and was by the viewers and engineer considered of public utility and convenience. The entire length is four miles and 1,810 feet, and the estimated cost $4,651.60. David Overman was the civil engineer.

Marion and Jonesboro Gravel Road was completed August 11, 1881, at a cost of $4,836.60, but was shortly afterward improved at an additional cost of about $1,500. The length of the road four miles and 780 feet.

The Jonesboro and Muncie Road was surveyed by John Ratliff, civil engineer, March 5, 1880. The entire length of road is eight miles and a half and 220 feet, and cost $11,408.60.

Railroads. - The first attempt to build a railroad through Grant County was made about the year 1856, by the Cincinnati, New Castle & Michigan Company. This proposed line entered the county through Section 2, Township 25, Range 7, and crossed the Missis- sinewa River just above Sutton's Ford; thence south to the town of Leachburg. A large portion of the grading was done, but for some reason the road was abandoned, not, however, until many of the private donations had been collected.

The Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad was completed in the year 1867, running the first train to Marion October 19. This afforded the people of the county excellent means of transporting their products direct to Chicago and Cincinnati, two of the best markets of the West. The county donated $25,000 to secure this road, which is a small amount compared with the increased value of property as aresult. The road traverses the county a total distance of about twenty-five miles.

The Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan. - This road extends through the middle of the county, entering the county from the north in the eastern part of Section 2, Township 25, Range 7; thence in a southeasterly direction to Marion, crossing the track of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis near the southeastern limits of the city; thence south through Jonesboro and Fairmount to the southern limits of the county. There are within the county about twenty-three miles of track. The road was completed through the county in 1875.

The Narrow Gauge. - This road extends from Toledo to St. Louis and traverses this county a distance of about twenty-six miles, entering the county near the northeast corner and extends in a southwesterly direction through Van Buren, Washington, Center, Franklin and Sims Townships. Numerous small towns have been built along the line of this road, from which a large amount of lumber is shipped annually. The road was constructed through the county in 1881. The townships along the line voted a tax to assist in the construction. Large contributions were made by individuals, for the collection of which suits are now pending. The conversion of this road into a standard gauge is now in contemplation.

WILSON H. BOND, farmer, Liberty Township. The subject of this sketch was born in Randolph County, Ind., October 17; 1854 His parents were Asa and Abigail (Hodgin) Bond. Wilson H. was reared to early manhood in his native county, receiving a good common school education. In 1873 he came to Grant County, where he has since been engaged in farming. He takes an active part in the cause of religion, and is a.minister in the Friends' Church. March 20, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M. Neal, by whom he is the father of three sons: Elbert A., Leroy E. and Wayne W. Mrs. Bond is a daughter of Mahlon Neal, a native of Miami County, Ohio, born March 13, 1814, and ason of James and Anna (Balinger) Neal, who were natives of Tennessee. Mahlon Neal was reared on a farm in his native county, where he received a common school education, afterward attending the schools at Richmond, Ind. 'He subsequently came to Grant County, where he was engaged in school-teaching for a number of years, and later settled on a farm in Liberty Township, where he became the owner of over 400 acres of land. He was a member of the Friends' Church, and widely known throughout this community and respected by all who knew him. He died March 26, 1882. May 21, 1840, he was united in marriage to Miss Maris Harris, who was born September 6, 1821, and died March 18, 1874.

DANIEL W. BOWMAN, farmer, a leading citizen of Liberty Township, was born in Shenandoah County, Va, J uly 27, 1827, being the third of six children born to Daniel and Mary (Doctor) Bowman, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively. In 1833 the family removed to Clinton County, Ohio, where they followed farming. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in Ohio about the year 1872, and the mother in 1876. Daniel W. was raised by his parents on a farm, receiving a limited education. At the age of twenty-three years he began life for himself, and in 1855 came to Grant County, locating on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Bowman began life's battle with but little or no means and with only a strong heart and willing hands to depend upon, but is now a prosperous farmer, owning 130 acres of improved land. Apri) 18, 1850, he married Patsey M., daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Kimbrough) Howell, who bore him eight children, these named yet living: Mary, Samantha L., John, Martha L., Ellie, Elmira M. The mother died May 17, 1873. For his second wife Mr. Bowman selected Margaret Coffman. He is a Republican in politics and a respected citizen.

THOMAS BROOKSHIRE, farmer, Liberty Township, a native of Henry County, Ind., was born November 26, 1844, and is a son of Emsley and Elizabeth (Shelly) Brookshire, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Tennessee. The father came to Henry County; Ind., when about thirteen years of age, where he grew to manhood, married and entered land in that county; was algo one of the pioneer preachers in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Thomas made his home with his parents during youth and early manhood, receiving a common education. In 1863 he enlisted in Company E, Ninth Indiana Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, participating in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, Mobile, Spring Hill, the siege of Knoxville and others without being wounded, and on receiving his discharge returned home in shattered health. From that time until 1871 he was engaged in farming in his native county. In the latter year he removed to Grant County, locating on his present farm. In 1866 he wedded Clementine AKers, a native of Rush County, Ind., who bore him eight children, these six yet living: Anna, Lenora, Jesse, Cornelius, Henry and Clyde. Mr. Brookshire is a stanch Republican in politics, an enterprising and esteemed citizen, a member of the G. A. R. He and his wife are members of the Wesleyan Church.

WILLIS CAMMACK, farmer, Liberty Township, a native of Bartholomew County, Ind., was born October 7, 1833. His father James Cammack was a native of Ohio, and came with his parents to Wayne County, Ind., at an early day where he married Peninia Cook, the date of which is unknown. From there he moved to Bartholomew County, Ind., and in 1849 to Grant County, locating near the present site of Fairmount, and building the first saw-mill operated the same for a number of years. He afterward removed to Hamilton County, Ind., where he now lives engaged in farming. Willis, during his boyhood, secured only such education as was af- forded by the common schools, and assisted his father in the sawmill until twenty-two years of age. In 1855 he married Sarah J ay, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Jay, early settlers of Grant County, who died October 8, 1881, after bearing her husband a family of six children: Rosalie, Bayard T., Flora A., Elvira A., William and Edgar A. January 4, 1888, Mr. Cammack married Mrs. Lizzie (Cornelius) Cammack, and by her is the father of one child, Levina. He owns a good farm of seventy-three acres. In politics he is a Republican and served the people of Liberty Township three terms as trustee, and is one of the substantial and esteemed citizens of the township. He and his wife are members of the Friends' Church.

ISAAC CARTER, one of the leading farmers of Liberty Township, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, February 7, 1835. He is the fourth of a family of six children born to the marriage of John Carter and Hannah Millikan, the father, a native of North Carolina, born in the year 1808, and the mother, a native of Tennessee, born in 1806. They were married in Ohio, where they reared their family and resided until their death. Mr. Carter died in 1878, his widow surviving until 1885. They were members of the Friends' Church and farmers by occupation. Isaac was reared on the home farm, attending the common schools. At the age of twenty years he wedded Miss Phcebe - Whitson, a native of Wayne County, Ind., born June 5, 1834. In 1855 they moved to Grant County, locating in Liberty Township where they have ever since resided. He owns a fine farm of 185 acres, with good improvements and is fully up with the modern ideas of agriculture. Mr. Carter is a man of sterling qualities, and is highly esteemed by the community in which he has so long lived. Himself and wife are members of the Friends' Church, and the parents of five living children: John A., William A., Joseph E., Louie and Ida B.; the sons are all married and engaged in farming. Mr. Carter acts with the Republican party.

T. H. CONNER, farmer, Liberty Township, a native of South Carolina, was born March 31, 1818, a son of Lewis and Margaret (McClarry) Conner. They moved to Wayne County, Ind., at an early day and from there to Grant County in 1844, where they resided unti] their death. Our subject was raised a farmer's boy and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, now owning a good farm of eighty acres which is well improved and under a good state of cultivation. In 1852 he was united in marriage with Rhoda Gardner, a native of South Carolina, born in 1816. Mr. and Mrs, Conner have been members of the Wesleyan Church for many years. They have no children, but have reared and educated several orphan children. They are respected by all who know them. Mr. Conner is a Republican in politics.

WILLIAM COX, farmer, Liberty Township, a native of Randolph County, N..C., was born November 9, 1824. He is the third of six children born to Joshua and Rachel Cox, both natives of North Carolina, father born November 14, 1794, and the mother J anuary 9,1796. They were married in their native State December 24, 1818, and in 1829 removed to Morgan County, Ind., where he followed farming until his death in 1839, his widow surviving until 1847. They were members of the Friends' Church and highly esteemed by all who knew them. William was reared at home, recelying a common education, making his home with his parents until of age. In 1845 he came to Grant County where he rented land for about two years, when he began the cultivation of forty acres of land given to his wife, to which he has added sixty acres. He married, October 24, 1845, Miss Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Randolph County, N. C., born February 22, 1827, and a daughter of John and Mary ( Winslow) Wilson, natives of North Carolina, where they married and removed to Grant County in 1837. Here they settled on a farm in Fairmount Township, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits untill 1866, when he died at the advanced age of eighty-two years. His widow died in 1870 at the age of seventy-three years, Mr. Cox and wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and are recognized as among the best citizens of the county, and are the parents of thirteen children, all of whom are living, and named as follows: Nathan D., born September 5, 1846; Abigail, born October 24, 1847; John W., born August 4, 1849; Mary R., born March 9, 1851; Eli J., born January 6, 1858; Milton, born December 12, 1854; Zimri E., born January 29, 1858; Eliza A., born June 14, 1860; Sarah E., born May 29, 1862; Elizabeth C., born December 14, 1863; William V., born March 1, 1867; Micajah T. and Margaret, twins, born June 17, 1869.

Biographical Sketches

and one of the prominent farmers of Liberty Township, was born May 12, 1818, the fifth in a family of nine children born to J oseph and Catherine (Farmer) Davis, who were natives of North Carolina, the father born October 3, 1785, and the mother J anuary 5, 1787. They married, May 31, 1807, and in 1808 moved to Montgomery County, Ohio. They were farmers by occupation, and in 1823 removed to Wayne County, Ind., where they resided until their death. The father died January 16, 1876, and the mother September 12, 1870. They were the parents of the following children: Nathan, William, Mary, Anna, George, Hannah, John, Edom W., Lewis, three of whom are now living, Anna, Edom W. and our subject.- Mr. Davis was reared by his parents to manhood on a farm, receiving in youth a common school education. In 1848 he moved to Grant County and bought 160 acres of land of his uncle John Davis, in Liberty Township, where he has ever since resided, devoting his time to agricultural pursuits. His farm was thickly covered with timber, and he at once commenced the task to clear and improve it. Subsequently he purchased more land until he now owns 2294 acres, of which he has cleared 150 acres. His entire life has been marked by industry and energy, and by faithful and diligent labor he has amassed a 'competence to sustain him in his declining years. While he has always been prudent and economical, he 'has never been close or 'stingy, and has contributed liberally of his time and means for the advancement of churches and schools in his locality. His life has always been upright and honorable and he is esteemed by all. On the 15th of December, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss 'Charlotte Baldwin, who was born in Guilford County, N. C., May 11, 1823, and a daughter of John and Charlotte Baldwin. They are 'the parents of ten children, named, respectively, Eliza A., born September 15, 1842; died January 24, 1875; William F., born May 30, 1844; Emily, born February 5, 1846; Mary R., born May 8, 1848; Melissa, born February 12, 1850, died August 21, 1861; Oliver §., born November 9, 1851; Nathan F.,:'born December 26, 1853; John Fremont, born January 2, 1856, died February 3, 1864; Catherine, born April 19, 1859, and Joseph E., born December 8, 1862. On December 6, 1882, death invaded the home and took from his side the wife whose love had been his solace through all the years of hardship that marked the earlier part of his residence in this county. Mr. Davis and family are members of the Friends' Church. He isa Republican in politics. 33

ELAM DOHERTY, farmer, Liberty Township, was born in Guilford County, N. C., January 24, 1821, and is the second of fourteen children born to William and Mary (Bennett) Doherty, natives of North Carolina. In 1827 they removed to Randolph County, Ind, where they lived until their deaths. They were farmers by occupation, and true Christian people. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, receiving a common school éducation, and at the age of seventeen years he began life for himself as a farm hand. In 1843 he married Miss Lydia Carr, who bore him three children, viz.: Lydia C., wife of John Buller; Jane (deeased) and John. The-mother died in about the year 1857. Nancy Wilson became Mr. Doherty's second wife, and by him the mother of seven children: William M., Margaret E., Samuel L., Henry M., Nancy E., Cyrus E. and Arthur B. Mrs. Doherty is a native of Randolph County, N. C., born December 15, 1823, and a daughter of John and Mary (Winslow) Wilson, who were also natives of North Carolina, and moved to Grant County in 1837, locating in Fairmount Township, where the father died at the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother at the age of seventy-five. Mr. Doherty has made farming his occupation through life, now owning eighty acres of well improvedland. He is a Prohibitionist in politics. Himself and wife are members of the Friends' Church, and are among the township's best citizens.

MATHIAS S. FRIEND, Liberty Township, is a native of Warren County, Ohio, was born June 9, 1835, and is the seventh in a family of nine children born to William and Sarah (Foot) Friend. The father was born in Pennsylvania, but while quite young came with his parents to Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was a mill-wright and carpenter by trade, and died in the year 1871. His widow was a native of Virginia, and died in 1883. Mathias 8. passed his early life upon his father's farm and in acquiring a common education. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Seventy-ninth Regiment Indiana Infantry, and served his country faithfully through hard-fought battles and campaigns. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Resaca, Kingston, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Franklin, Lookout Mountain, Nashville, and many skirmishes. In the engagement at. Peach Tree Creek he received a severe gunshot wound in the left eye, totally destroying that organ. In 1865 he removed to Grant

County, where he engaged in farming and has since resided. In T8@Q he was united in matrimony with Eliza J. Shull, a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born February 29,1840. By this union are seven children: William D., Martha B., Ida L., Annie A., Frank, Fred and Jasper A. Mr. read and ats are igeters of the Christian Church. In polities he is a stanch Republican. He has served as justice of the peace in Likerty Township, and is the present nominee by the Republican party for representative for Grant County.

REUEL J. GAUNTT, farmer, Liberty Township, a prominent pioneer farmer, was born in Green County, Tenn., July 17, 1824, is the seventh child born to Samuel K. and Precious (Pugh) Gauntt, both of whom were natives of South Carolina, the former born July 7, 1788, the latter November 7, 1790. They married in South Carolina in about 1818, and removed to Tennessee, thence to Grant County, Ind., June 3, 1849. He was a mill-wright and followed that vocation during life; was a member of the Quaker Church, and died in the county June 12, 1858; his wife having preceded him January 24, 1852. His father was also named Samuel and a native of South Carolina, and married Abigail Kelly, also a native of that State. He died in Tennessee August 5, 1831, his wife having died August 7, 1795. Samuel was a son of Zebulon, a native of New Jersey. who was a son of Zebulon, a native of Nantucket Island, and he a son of Hannaniah, a native of New England. The maternal grandmother of our subject was Lydia Pugh, a native of South Carolina, born October 21, 1765, and came to Grant County, Ind., where she died in 1858. Her father was Azariah Pugh, a native of Virginia, born in 1722 and died in South Carolina in 1794. His wife was Hannah Beals, also a native of Virginia, born in 1730 and died in South Carolina in 1808; Reuel J., the immediate subject of this biography was reared on a farm and attended the common schools. He came to Grant County with his parents and entered the land where he now lives. November 7, 1847, he wedded Sarah Beals, a. native of Greene County, Tenn., born February 28, 1829, and died April 8, 1879, after bearing the following children: Jasper A., born February 3, 1850; Mary E., born March 21, 1852; Martha E., born May 7, 1854, and Precious R., born August 29, 1856, and dice. in infancy. Mr. Gauntt is a Republican in politics; has served as justice of the peace sixteen years and as county treasurer four years.

IRA HAISLEY, farmer, Liberty Township, is a native of North Carolina, his birth occurring November 11, 1815, and is one of a family of seven children born to Jesse and Ruth (Kendle) Haisley, both natives of the same country and among the early pioneers of Wayne County, Ind. So far as the genealogy of the family may be traced, they have for many generations been interested in agricultural pursuits. The early life of our subject was spent on his father's farm, and his opportunities for attaining an education were such as the country afforded at that date. On attaining his majority he followed the example set by his forefathers and chose farming as his occupation in life. In 1839 he moved to Grant County, locating in Liberty Township. The place was thickly covered with timber; however, he went to work with a will, built a log cabin, liying in it, and thus continued to improve his farm and added to his acres from time to time until he now owns 291 acres of valuable land. March 23, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Overman, a native of Preble County, Ohio, born May 10, 1819, and a daughter of Jesse Overman, a pioneer of Wayne County, Ind., and to this union were born five living children, namely: Elwood; Ruth, wife of R. Garner; Jesse, who served in the late war; Mary, wife of H. Miller, and Ellen. Mr. Haisley and wife are members of the Friends' Church. Politically he is a Republican. He is a good farmer and one of the county's best citizens.

JOSEPH O. HARTLEY, a highly respected farmer of Liberty Township, is a native of Marion County, Va., born February 25, 1825, being the eldest of ten children born to Elisha and Sarah (Emerson) Hartley, who were early settlers of Henry County, Ind., where they passed their lives in agricultural pursuits. Joseph O. was reared at home, receiving but little schooling. On reaching his majority, he began life for himself by renting a farm. In 1849 he came to Grant County and entered forty acres of land where he now lives, which he cleared and improved, undergoing the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, and by hard labor and strict economy became the owner of 120 acres of good land. He also assisted in clearing and building the road from the Howard County line to the Center Schoolhouse in Liberty Township. Mr. Hartley has been twice married. In 1847 he wedded Eleanor Hammer, who bore him four children: Jeremiah, James M., Elisha and Benjamin (deceased). Mrs, Hartley died in 1858. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of William and Celia ( Williamson ) Oldfield, by whom he is the father of two children: William and Sarah A. In politics he is a Democrat and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

ENOS HARVEY, farmer, Liberty township, a native of Hendricks County, Ind., was born April 3, 1854, a son of Mahlon and Silpha (Hadley) Harvey, who came to Grant County in 1855. Our subject was raised on his parents' farm, attending the common schools and completing his education at Earlham College, Richmond, Ind. Returning to Grant County he engaged in farming, and teaching school during the winter months. December 25, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Wilson, a native of Grant County, born February 8, 1858, a daughter of Lindsey and Jane (Davis) Wilson, natives of North Carolina. By this union are two children: Ora E., born October 10, 1880, and John M., October 12, 1882. Mr. Harvey is one of the intelligent and enterprising young men of the county. As a Republican he was elected by his party in 1884 as trustee of Liberty Township, and re-elected in 1886. -He and his wife are members of the Friends' Church.

RILEY HOWELL, an enterprising farmer of Liberty Township, is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born March 19, 18235, a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Kimbrough) Howell, natives of North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively. The father vhen a young man' removed with his parents to Ohio, where they gassed their lives upon a farm, and were known as Christian people, and highly esteemed citizens. Riley was reared at home, assisting his parents on the farm and attending the common schools. In 1847 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Clark, a native of Ohio and daughter of Joshua and Rachel (Sapp) Clark and by this union are the following children: Martha E. (wife of R. Stewart), William L., Mary J. (deceased), John T., Henry, Alice and Benton C. In 1856 he came to Grant County and one year later settled on the farm where he now resides which consists of 187 acres of fine land. He is a Republican. in politics and takes an active interest in the public:and political affairs of the community in which he lives; where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him. They are members of the Wesleyan Church.

April 11, 1816, and is the sixth of a family of fourteen children born to Isaac and Rebecca (Jones) Hutchins, who were natives of North Carolina; they were among the early settlers in Ohio, where they followed farming and resided "until their death. The father died at the age of seventy-four years and the mother at the age of seventy-six years. Benjamin Hutchins, grandfather of our subject, was a native Virginian; on reaching maturity he married Judith McKee 'and moved to Ohio, where he followed farming and resided until his death, in 1836. Our subject's early life was passed in hard work upon the farm, and from the time he was old enough to be of use he received no schooling. October 28, 1838, he was married to Amanda Arington, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born August 23, 1816. In 1841 they moved to Grant County, locating in Liberty Township on eighty acres which his father had entered some sixteen years previous. Here he built a log cabin, and in clearing and improving his land experienced numerous hardships and privations the present generation can hardly realize. As members of Wesleyan Church both he and his estimable wife have led consistent Christian lives, and by the practice of the religion they profess have endeared themselves to all who know them. To bless their wedded life there were the following children: Rozilda (wife of G. W. Modlin), Harvey H., Isaac F. (deceased), John A. (deceased), Amanda M. (wife of J. H. Overman), David A. (deceased), Thomas J., Sarah A. (wife of J. Burns), Alpheus A., Harris (deceased) and Rebecca (deceased). Mr. Hutchins has been a life-long Democrat.

THOMAS JONES, deceased, Liberty Township, a native of Grant County, was born June 8,.1833, and a son of Jonathan and Dorcas (Rush) Jones, both of whom were born in the year 1808 and natives of North Carolina. He followed farming as an occupation, and came to Grant County in an early day and remained until his death, which occurred April 24, 1847; the mother died in 1881. Thomas, the subject of this biography, was reared at home, receiving a common education. Selecting farming as his vocation through life, he steadily followed that occupation, owning 203 acres of good land at the time of his death, which occurred December 29, 1875. He was one of the leading citizens of the county and highly esteemed by all who knew him, and a life-long member of the Friends' Church. In 1856 he married Miss Maria Miller, a native of Lick- ing County, Ohio, born J anuary 23, 1833, a daughter of William and Margaret (Chopson) Miller, who were natives of Pennsylvania and removed to Ohio and thence to Indiana in 1843. By this union are four children: Sarah V. (deceased), Delvina (deceased), John A. and George. Mrs. Jones is still living on the farm with her two sons, who manage the place.

JOHN B. WELLS, one of the leading farmers of Liberty Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., June 1, 1822, and is the third of a family of eleven children born to Samuel and Dicy (Groves) Wells, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. They were born in 1798, and soon after their marriage removed to Rush County, Ind., and subsequently removed to the adjoining county, Fayette. The father was a brick-mason by trade and followed that occupation. In 1836 he went to Texas, since which time he has never been heard from. 'The mother lived with a daughter until her death, which occurred December 15, 1885. John A. was reared on a farm and acquired a common school education and in 1855 came to Grant County and engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted in company C, Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; he was made second duty sergeant, was also promoted to second lieutenant of this company and served until August 26, 1864, when he was honorably discharged by reason of disability. He was with his regiment principally during its eventful and gallant career, and acted a soldierly part throughout the war. He returned from the army to Grant County and resumed farming. October 7, 1855, he married Caroline Frost, a native of Putnam County, N. Y., born April 24, 1829, who died February 12, 1865, leaving one child, Hyatt (deceased). June 5, 1866, he was united in marriage with Sarah J. Frost, a sister of his former wife, also a native of New York, born March 16, 1836, and to this union the following five children were born: Craven (deceased), Sophia F., William H., Charles F. (deceased) and Caroline. Mr. Wells is a Republican, a member of the G. A. R., and served as township assessor two terms.

NEWTON J. WELLS, farmer, Liberty Township, is a native of Fayette County, Ind., born May 18, 1834, and a son of Samuel and Dicy (Groves) Wells. Our subject was raised on a farm in the county of his birth, receiving acommon education. At the age of sixteen years he commenced life for himself, working as a farm hand, continuing until 1861, when he came to Grant County and rented a farm. In the fall of 1863 he enlisted in Company O, Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and with his company was an active partitipant in the Red River campaign and other lesser engagements, and was honorably discharged August 19, 1865. Returning to Grant County he resumed farming, and although he is not rich in this world's goods, he has a comfortable home and a good farm of sixty-five acres. In 1871 he was united in marriage to Miss Katie Flanagan, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born October 3, 1850, and to their union four children have been born, as follows: William T., March 30, 1872; Mollie G., May 3, 1875; Eliza P., November 14, 1877; and Susana D., February 17, 1882. Mr. Wells is a Republican in politics, a member of the G. A. R. and a first-class citizen.

JAMES A. WELLS, farmer, Liberty Township, is a native of Marion- County, Ind., born July 12, 1836, being the youngest of eleven children born to Samuel and Dicy (Groves) Wells. James A. was reared on a farm to manhood, and in youth secured a fair education. July 23, 1862, when rebellion was threatening the overthrow of our country, he enlisted in Company I, Eighty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served faithfully until the close of the war. He participated with his regiment in the following engagements: Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863; Tunnel Hill, May 6, 1864; Rocky Face Ridge, May 9, 1864; Resaca, Ga., May 14 and 15, 1864; Kingston, May 17, 1864; Pumpkin Vine Creek, June 15, 1864; Pine Mountain, June 20, 1864; Lost Mountain, June 22, 1864; Neal Dow Church, July 4, 1864; Peach, Tree Creek, July 20, 1864; the siege of Atlanta, Ga.; Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864; Lovejoy Station, September, 1864; Franklin, Tenn., November 80, 1864; Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864, all of which were hot engagements, and almost hand to hend conflicts. Ox being honorably discharged Mr. Wells came to Grant County and engaged in farming, and has resided in the county ever since. February 25, 1869, he was united in marriage with Emmeline Powell, a native of Randolph County, N. C., born April 15, 1849, a daughter of John and Sarah (Winslow) Powell. The former was a soldier in the late war and died in a hospital near Vinning Station, Ga., July 19, 1864. His wife died in Grant County December 28, 1861. Mr. Wells and wife are among Liberty Township's best citizens, and are the parents of the following living children: Margaret E., born J anuary 12, 1871; Florence C., October 25, 1874; Ottoway B. and Orville V., twins, November 27, 1877.

ALFORD WILSON, farmer, Liberty Township, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., November 29, 1815, and is the seventh child born to the marriage of Jacob Wilson and Mary Hughs, who were also natives of Kentucky. In 1827 they moved with their family to Wayne County, Ind., where they resided until their death. Alford Wilson received his education in the old-fashioned log schoolhouses of that day and assisted his parents on the home farm. In 1855 he came to Grant County and purchased eighty acres of land where he now lives. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, a hardworking and industrious farmer, and a man with many friends. He chose, for his companion through life, Miss Eliza Felton, who was born April 7, 1815, a daughter of William and Margaret (Mansfield) Felton. To this union eight children have been born: J asper, William (deceased), Levi, Reeves, Jacob, Alice (wife of H. Iber), John and Nancy. Both parents are members of the Christian Church.