Liberty Township

Liberty Township

Liberty Township is in the southern part of the coutitv, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Center and "Washiiio-toD, on the east by Guilford, on the south by Morgan County and on the west by Franklin and Clay. It comprises about forty-nine square miles, in townships 1-i and 15 north, ranges 1 east and 1 west. It is the largest township in the county. The surface in the northern and eastern portions is high and rolling, while the southwestern portion is low, level, and in places inclined to be swampy. East Fork crosses the northeast corner of the township near Clayton, and passes out of it near the southwestern corner. The natural drainage of the higher portions of the township is excellent, and the small streams or branches generally afford an abundance of pure water the season through. Mud Creek Valley, in the southwest, is of easy drainage on account of the large proportion of sand in the soil. The lands of the township are fertile throughout and well cultivated, and the most e.xtensive farmers in the county live in it.

The first settlement was made in October, 1822, on the National Road east of Belleville, by William and Thomas Hinton, James Thompson and Eobert McCracken. The first ground was cleared on the Pearson farm. "William Pope and his son, James N., who was then sixteen years old, came in the spring of 1823, which year brought into the township George Matlock, James E. Barlow, Samuel Hopkins, William Brown, William Ballard, and if not in the same year, soon came David Demoss, John Cook, Moses Crawford, John Hanna, Thomas Cooper, George Coble and Jonathan Pitts. William Hinton taught the first school in the township j

Thomas Hinton was the first Justice of the Peace, and "William Pope, a Baptist minister, did the first preaching, and organized tlie first Baptist church in Hendricks County, in his own house, in the autumn of 1823.

The first brick dwelling house in the county was built in 1830, for Jesse Cook, just south of Belleville, by Joseph Y. Pope and "William Hinton. The act authorizing the organization of Hendricks County designated the house of "William Ballard, which was on the old Terre Haute road, south of Belleville, as the place of holding the courts, but "William Ballard died before the county was organized, and George Matlock, who kept tavern on this road a mile east of Mr. Ballard's, laid off a town wliich he called Hillsboro, and made a strong eilbrt to get the conntj seat located there; but failing in this, and meeting his death in 1825 in an affray with his brother-in-law, the Hillsboro enterprise was a failure.

" In the autumn of 1826 my father, William Marshall, of Surrey County, N", C, emigrated to Indiana and settled in the south part of Hendricks County, I being then in my nineteenth year. Evan Davis, my brother-in-law, with his family, ca,iae at the same time and settled near by. At that time most of the land belonged to the Government, and settlements were scattering. "We frequently went as far as five miles to help each other raise our log cabins and stables. A few settlers had preceded us - Edward and Joseph Hobson, William Rushton, John Cook and sons - Levi, Jesse and Stephen, with their families - Edmond Cooper, Jeflerson Matlock, Rev. "Wm. Pope, Thomas Irons, Judge Little, "William Herron, William Townsend, Joshua Hadley, Bowater Bales and others.

"Not having saw-mills, we felled a nice tall gray ash and cut it into 4x6 lengths, split out puncheons, dressed the ends to a uniform thickness and then laid them on sleepers. They were jointed with saw and ax, and made a good floor. We split our clapboards for roofing and door shutters. "We had plenty of elbow room, and were anxious for our neighbors to help build our cabins and roll logs so as to get them out of our way, in order to raise a little corn for bread and to feed our stock. We were mostly poor yet contented, and looked forward to better days and more conveniences. We were all neighborly and kind to each other.

" Danville had been laid out into lots and a few cabins were being built. David Matlock and others bad settled near bj and were opening farms. Religious privileges were fccarce, not a church or school-honse, to my knowledge, being then in the county. The Friends had formed a society and worshiped in a loohouse near Mooresville, in Morgan County. Rev. Mr. Pope, a Baptist minister, then living near where Cartersburg now is, preached frequently in his own house to attentive, though small, audiences; and we were glad thus to meet, hear preaching, and form each others acquaintance. In the spring of 1829 Joseph Tarkington, a Methodist minister, established a preaching place at the house of Edinond Cooper, then residing on Mud Creek, at the crossing of the Indianapolis and Terre Haute road, and there a class was formed of si c members - -Evan and Rebecca Davis, Mother Cooper and two daughters, and Hannah Snodgrasa. Shortly after this, in June, 1829, at a two-days meeting held in Rutnam County, I joined the church and invited Rev. John Mur- Ber to come to Hendricks County and preach at my house. At the appointed time he came, and seven joined the church. Three "weeks later he came again and seven more joined. Thus a society was formed in the settlement where Salem church now stands. In August of the same year Evan Davis, Father Crutchfield, Bowater Bales, myself and a few others commenced work on a hewed-log church, which was raised in the presence of an 'assembled multitude.' About this time Evan Davis bnilt a saw-mill on White Lick, and there we had our lumber sawed out for flooring and seating. Evan Davis was Class-Leader and I was assistant. By Christmas there were seventy-tive members. In the summer of ISSi I visited Salem church, and found the old log church had been removed and in its stead was a beautiful frame building, nicely painted and finished inside and out. Near by stood a handsome brick school-house. Surely this wilderness has ' budded and blossomed like the rose.'"

The poll-book of the general election of Aug. 2, 1S30, gives the names of thirty-nine votei's in Liberty Township, and these probably include most of the first settlers. The names are here copied as recorded in that docmnent, which is more than half a century old: Evin Davis, Joshua Marshall, Jacob Harper, Abraham "Woodward, Lewis Coopper, Samuel Gwin, Thomas Coopper, Ed-

History Of Hendricks Oounit

The vote at this election was as follows: For Representative, Alexander Worth, twenty-four; Gideon Johnston, thirteen; for Associate Judges, Samuel Jessup, thirty-four; Elijah Anderson, twenty-three; Jr-nes Downard, ten; for Clerk, Simon T. Hadley, thirty-eight; for Recorder, Simon T. Hadley, thirty-eight; for Commissioner, James Trotter, thirty-two; for Coroner, Isaac Williams, eight; for School Commissioner, Harmon Hiatt, thirty-three.

Political

In the days of the Whig party, Liberty Township distinguished itself for heavy Whig majorities; and since 1856 it has been as loyally Republican. Following is the vote of the township at each presidential election:

Odell and J. S. Wills, 1S36; Clayton T. Swindler, 1841; John W Bryan, 1S45; Nathan Meredith, 18i7; John W. Bryan lSi9- iXathan Meredith and Clayton T. Swindler, 1851; Araos s' Wills' 1854; Jacob S. Redmond and Elisha Franklin, J,S55- Amos s' AYdls and Samuel J. Banta, 1S5S; Elisha Franklin and J. F Powell' lSo9;.John P. McCormick, 1860; Amos S. Wills, 186-> Elisha Franklin, 1863; William Williams, 1864; Amos S Wills and Abraham Bland, 1866; W. W. Irons, 1868; H. A. Marley 1869- Amos S. Wills and Abraham Bland, 1870; Elisha Franklin and j' Ballard, 1872; Amos S. Wills and H. C. Harper, 1874- Amos Elmore and H. F. Swindler, 1876; Araos S. Wills and D H Watts, 1878; John Glover and Reuben Franklin, 1880- Alvin Graves, R. C. Franklin and William Shepherd, 1882; Dan Watts and M. F. Jones, 1884.

Constables: Goodwin Taylor and Bluetbrd Wilson 183-'- Jo seph Herron and Goodwin Taylor, 1833; Joel Richardson and Goodwin Taylor, lS34-'5; Goodwin Taylor and John McMullen, 1836; Joseph Herron and Archibald McMicliael, 1837- jJhn J. McMnllen and Joshua D. Parker, 1838; Joshua D Parker and G. W. Wills, 1839; John J. McMnllen and Alexander Mas ters, 1844; Jacob R. Odell and John J. McMullen, 1846- Joel Jelf and Herbert Pansier, 1847; Joel Jelf and John J. McMullen 1848; Joel Jelf and W. R. Lawhead, 1849; Benjamin Hiatt and John J. McMullen, 1850; Herbert Pansier and John J. McMullen 1852; Herbert Pansier and Nathaniel Case, 1853; Thomas Canay' Asbury Ungles and John J. McMullen, 1854; G. W Wills H Cook and Herbert Pansier, 1855; John J. McMullen Thomas Hannah and Alfred Richardson, 1856; William Cox, John J Mc Mullen and Alfred Hadley, 1857; D. K Hopwood, L. H. Kennedy and Henderson Cook, 1858; Squire Faulkner, William Cornettand W. W. Jones, 1859; William P. Cornett, John M. Cook and T J Kirtley, 1860; James J. Wills, V7illiam P. Cornett and John m' Cook, 1861; J. 0. Riley, William J. Morgan and Joel Jelf, 1S62- F. M. Cook, Jeremiah Johnson and A. S. iMcCoruuek, 1863'- WiHiam Poulter, William J. Moro^an and William H. Hussey.' 1S64- William J. Morgan, Zim Cook and Wes. McClure, 1865- J^ s' Rhodes, D. C. Houks and B. Pearson, 1866; Robert G. Liule E W. Farmer and John A. Roberts, 1867; C. G. Cantley, J F Martin and J. A. Pricker, 1868; J. L. Rhodes, 1869; C. G. Curtley William W. Jones and John Done, 1870; G. Adams and John Wills, 1872; John Worrell and John B. Cook, 1874; John Glover and Charles Maddox, 1S76; John Glover, O. Winstead and Wes. Sawyer, 1878; James Sims, Oliver Winstead and Amos Marker, 1880; Fred Oaklej, J. W. Bishop and George Esinon, 1882; Georco McHaffie and William Cline, 1881. °

Census Kepoet Clayton

Clayton is the largest village in Liberty Township, having 500 inhabitants. It is situated on the Vandf^lia Eailroad, in the northwestern part of the township, on sections 33 and 34. It was platted in 1851, by George W.Wills, and contains about eleyen acres, which tract was purchased from Elizabeth Wills. Its first name was Claysville, in honor of the Kentucky statesman, and had its name afterward changed because there was already a postoffice m the State by that name. The first house was built by Thomas Potts, and the second by Lewis T. Pounds, b-?th frame structures. The first store was opened by Parker & Foote, the second by Eichard and James Worrel, and :.he third bj Morrison & Thomas, m which the first postoffice was kept by P>enjarain F. Thomas, about 1852. The first hotel was buiH by George W. Wills, and was run by Ephraim Hartsuck.

The first church was erected bj the Cumberland Presbyterians upon a lot in the south part of the village, donated by Richard Worrel. The second'was built by the Missionary Baptists in what was then the northwest corner of the village. The work was done by Amos S. "Wills, and the cost was $1,500. This has since been replaced with a fine brick church, at a cost of $3,300, in size 40 x 60 feet, on the old site. The third church was the Christian, built in 1S64 and dedicated the following? year. It cost $2,300 and is 38 x 48 feet in size. Tiie Methodist Episopal church was built in 1867, at a cost of $3,300, and is a substantial brick edifice.

The first phj'sician was Dr. Lyon, following whom came Dr. C. T. Lawrence, The first Justice of the Peace was Amos S. Wills, elected in 1853. The first flouring mill was builtin 1852 by John Miles and James Worrel. This mill has been remodeled and refitted, having now the roller process. The proprietors, Clark & Harrison, have an extensive business.

The first school was taught in 1852 in a frame building which is nsed now as a wagon shop. The present school building is a bea.itiful two-story structure, which contains six rooms. Its cost was $15,000.

The only elevator at Clayton was built by Johnson Bros, in 1882. It is 24 X 60 feet on the ground and sixty feet in height. Its capacity is 30,000 bushels.

The oldest religious society, as before mentioned, is the Cumberland Preibyterlan, organized about 1852, by Kev. Samuel Mitcheli, with the following first members: Samuel Little and wife, A. T. Scott and wife, H. Smith and wife, John Alexander and wife and John Countt and wife. Their first house of worship was a frame structure erected in the south part of Clayton, in 1852, at a cost ot $600, which was occupied till 1372, when it was moved to its present site, repaired, and for some time it was used by diflerent denominations as a church. Satnuel Little and Zach. Reagan were the first Elders of this society. The present Elders are Samuel Little and William Reagan. The present membership is abou*- thirty-five. The pastor is Rev. Mr. Witherspoon.

The Missionary Baptist Church was founded March 11, 1854, by John Yawter, Jacob Rynearson, M. Elliot, Davis Boswell and Moses Crawford, who held letters of dismissal from the Belleville church, and a number of others, fifty-eight in all. The first Trus- tees elected were Ricbard "Worrel, Francis Edmonson and John Ryncarson. Rev. Joseph Roberts was called as the first pastor. Ricbard Worrel, Hiram Norman and James Glover were elected Deacons. *

The Christian Church was organized Dec. 7, 1863, by Rev. Thomas Lockhart and O. P. Badger. Samuel B. Hall and John R. Ballard were cliosen as the first Elders, and George Acton and James Ferguson, Deacons. The charter members were sixty-three in number. The church built in 1865 cost $-3,650. The pastors of the church have been Revs. Thomas Lockhart, O. P. Badger, Jemerson, Sherman, Canfield, Miller, Jewel, Frank and Brewer. The membership at present (1585), under Rev. Urban C. Brewer, numbers seventy-five. Elder Thomas Lockhart, now. in his ninetythird year, has aided in the conversion of 7,000 souls, a wonderfal record-.

Masonic

Clayton Lodge, No. -163, F. & A. 31., was organized May 29, 1873, with the following charter members: John Harrison, James H. Ryuearson, William E. Howland, Thomas F. Dryden, Nelson Sowder, Amos S. Wills, John N. Wills and W. C. MUchell. The first officers appointed by the Grand Lodge, at Indianapolis, were: Amos S. Wills, W. M.; James H. Rynearson, S. W., and Thomas F. Dryden, J. W. The first meeting was held in a hall built over the wagon-shop of Stephen Scott. Later tlie members built a larger hall over the store owned by John Harrison, and fitted the same up in a complete and elegant manner. The present membership is twenty, and the officers are: Williaia Brown, W. M. ; C. O. Hainos^, S. W. ; D. B. Wills, J. W.; Edner Johnson, Treas. ; Thomas F. Dryden, Sec; Alfred Worrel, S. D.; A. T. Wills, J. D.

the oldest town in the county, after Danville, was laid out by William H. Hinton, Lazarus B. Wilson and Obadiah Harris, in 1829. This was about the time of the construction of the Cumberland Road, and Belleville grew rapidly in population and importance, it soon became the center of learnirg and style for all the county and, in those dajs, if a starchy young gentleman or lady was seen anywhere in the north part of the county, he was considered to be from Belleville. But with the completion of the Indianapolis & Terre Haute Railroad, in 1850, passing more than a mile north of

The first house was built by William H. Hinton, who kept also !he first store. The first resident physician was Dr. B. B. Bartholomew, now of Danville. The village contains three religious organizations, the Methodist, Christian and Baptist. There are but two church buildings, however, belonging to the first two denominations mentioned. There are two stores, the proprietors being respectively W. J. Cope and Hamrick & White, two blacksmith shops and a wagon-shop. The population is about 250.

The White Lick Church (Baptist) was the first of any denomination organized in Hendricks County. It was formed March 27, lS2i, by Eld.r William Pope, with the following members: Thomas Hinton and wife, James Thompson and wife and Chris. Pope. This little band met at the house of Elder Pope for several years, and in 1831 built a church at Belleville - a frame building 30x40. After a number of years the church was divided, a portion going to Clayton and organizing the Missionary Baptist church. Many of the first members having died, the Belleville church went down, and but one or two members now survive. The church building, too, has been torn down.

Belleville Lodge, No. 205, L 0. O. F., was organized in April, 1859, by John 0. Gilliland, Dr. L. H. Kennedy, James T. Mc- Curdy, Z. S. Reagan and Dr. E. C. Moore. The last named was chosen the first N. G. ; John O. Gilliland, Y. G.; L. H. Kennedy, Sec, and James T. McCurdy, Treas.

is on section 31, in the northeast corner of the township, and is a station on the Yandalia Railroad, to the construction of which it owes its existence. It was laid out in 1S50, by John Carter, after whom it was named. The first house was built by David Carter; the first store by Simon Hornaday, who occupied it with a stock of merchandise and was also the first Postmaster. The first hotel was kept by David Carter. The present house of entertainment is kept by Harvey Rawlinga. The pioneer blacksmith shop was opened by David Stutesman. The present merchants of the place are: Phillip & Pruitt and Coe & Cox. Messrs. Cox & Clark also deal in grain. The village has 200 inhabitants and maintains two religious organizations.

Religious

The Methodist Episcopal Church was fonned in the winter of 1S56-'T, by Eev. Jesse Woodward, witli John Biddle, William Little, Eichard Poe and their wives, Mrs. Brad}' and others as first members. Their house of worship was built in 1857, at a cost of $750. It is 30 X 42 feet in size, frame, and located in the northwest part of the village. There are at present about seventy members. The Sunday-school has sixty-five pupils, and is in a prosperous condition under the superinteudency of James A. Clark. The present Trustees of the church are: J. McCormick, John Biddle and Harvey Rawlings. The Stewards are: J. McCorinick and George Silch. The present pastor is Eev. J. Dunlavy.

The Bajytist Church was constituted March 21, 1804, with Eev. R. M. Parks as pastor, and the following first members: II. D. McCormick and wife Jane, E. T. McCormick and wife Sarah E., A. S. McCormick and wife Matilda, Christine, "William, Nancy, Sudy, Cynthia and Moses Tomlinson, James and Sarah Haydcn, John A. and Sarah Yeatch, Isabel Silch, Joseph K. and Elizabeth Little, Hazzard and Margaret J. Woodhurst, Anna Martin, Sarah A. Snodgrass, Oliver P. Garr, Susan Dilley, Charles Maddos, Greenberry Baker (who united with the chnreh in his ninetieth year), James Eoach, George Plufford and Hannah Owens. E. T. McCormick was chosen the first Clerk. The society has a frame church, 3-1 x -44 feet, erected in 1868, at a cost of $700. The present membership is 105. A. S. McCorinick is Clerk; J. A. Veatch, Moderator; J. K. Little, James Hayden, J. A. Veatch, A. S. Mc- Cormick and S. M. Pearson, Trustees. The pastors have been, in succession, Eevs. E. AI. Parks, B. A. Melsou, W. Trent, J. W. Sherrill, P. M. Buchan and J. W. Crews- The society is in a prosperous condition, and the church is undergoing repairs which will cost nearly as much as the building itself.

Centek Valley Biographical

Alfred W. Carter, a successful farmer of Liberty Township, was born in Lincoln County, Ky., April 18, 1833, the second sou of John and Martha (Alford) Carter. His father was born in 1801 an I died in 1864. His mother was born in 180S and died in 1S78. Their family consisted of eiglit children, five sons and three daughters. When twenty years of age Alfred W. Carter left home and came to Hendricks County,Ind., having, when he reached here, but $1.35 in money. He worked by the month during the summer, and in the winter attended school, until he had §150 and a horse. Prior to coming to Hendricks County his entire schooling had been but nine months. He was married in 1856 to Mary J. Short, daughter of Young and Elizibeth Short, of Belleville. After his marriage he rented land in different parts of the county till 1860. He bought three acres of land, with house, one-half mile west of Clayton, where he was living at the breakingout of tlie Rebellion. In August, 1SG2, he enlisted in Company C, Seventieth Indiana Infantry, and served till June, 1S65. He participated in the battles of tlio Atlanta campaign, and thence went to Washington, D. C. , where he was mustered ont. After his return home, he bought forty acres of land on whicli he lived about eighteen mouths, when he sold it, and in 1869 bought forty acres which is a part of his present liorae. He now owns 15IiV acres of choice land with a cood brick residence and convenient farm buildings. His wife died in 1S67. Of tlieir five children, only two are living - Dora F., wife of William Harrison, and L;.wrence E. Elizabeth, died in infancy in 1857; Warren G., died July 14, 1884, aged twenty-four years; Lucy, died in infancy in 1862. In 1869 he married Mrs. Margaret J. HarailtoD, who died in November, 187S, leaving one daughter - Nellie G. In 1880 he married Mrs. Nancy J. Lewalen, and to tliem has been boim one daughter - Mabel. Mr. Carter and his wife are members of the Christian church, of which he has been Eider and Trustee. Mr. Carter has traveled over half the States and Territories in the Union and is very well known. He is known throughout the country as a successful farmer and reliable basiness man. He has been associated with the courts continuously for the past ten years, having acted as administrator, guardian and Commissioner. He has executed official bonds to the amount of $L5,000, and for the faithful performance of such trusts, he has won the confidence and esteem of all who come in contact with him.

Daniel Cox, son of Abijah and Sarah (Carter) Cox, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., burn July 23, 1827. His parents were natives of North Carolicia, his father of Randolph County, born Sept. 27, ISOO, and his mother of Chatham County, born in 1799.

In 1S23 Abijali Cox and his wife moved to Indiana and settled in Eiclimond, AVayne County, where he had a brother. While there, when absent from home, their cabin was entered and a chest containing §300, given him by his father, taken away. This left him M-ith nothfng but his horses and wagon. In lS2i he went to Ileudricks County and settled on section 2S, Guilford Township, where he entered eighty acres of land, which he improved and afterward sold, and bjught IGO acres in Washington Township, where he lived till his deatli in 1S51. His wife snrs'ived him till 1SG3. They were members of the society of Friends, but were excommunicated for marrying out of the church. They subsequently joined the Christian church and remained consistent members the rest of their lives. They had a fumily of seven children, three of whom are living. Daniel Cox remained with his parents till manhood. He was given a good education and taught two years. He then learned the tanner's trade, at which he worked two years, when his father died and he then took cliarge of the homestead for his mother. He was married in April, 1S52, to Elizabeth Little, who was born May 10, 1833, a daugliter of Samuel Little. Mr. Cox is Treasurer of the Indiana Horticultural Society, and President of tiie Hendricks County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, also President of the Farmers' Cj-operative Insurance .Company, representing §1,750,000. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, of which he is an Eider.

Thomas F. Dryden, M. Z>., Clayton, Ind., is a native of Ohio, born in Adams County, Oct. 20, 1S35, the eldest son of Isaac and Martha (Bowles) Dryden, his father a native of Delaware and his mother of Virginia. When he was about four years of age his father died and his youth was spent on a farm, attending the district schools. Ho came to Indiana in 1S53, and worked on a farm some time. Having from his boyhood had a desire to become a physician he hailed with delight the opportunity given him to study medicine with Dr. Hutchison, of Mooresville. He afterward attended a course of lectures at the medical department of the Michigan University, Ann Arbor. He then went to Detroit, Mich., where he was a private pupil of Dr. William Brodie, an eminent surgeon, remaining with him about six months. He subsequently entered the Ohio .Medical College, Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 18.59. In addition to his deo-ree of M. D., he in 1875 had an honorary degree conferred on him by the Indiana Medical College, and has certificates from the chemical and pharmaceutical departmental Ann Arlior, and the clinical department at Detroit. He began the practice of his profession at Northfield, Boone Co., Iiid., iu 1859, remaining there till the breaking out of the Kebellion, -when he enlisted in the thi-ee-months service as a private. He afterward entered the three-years service as Hospital Steward of the Fifteenth Indiana Infantry, but always acted in the capacity of Assistant Surgeon or Surgeon. He was at many important engagements, among others Rich Mountain, Shiloh, Murfreesboro and Mission Eidge. He was mustered out June 25, 1864, but was immediatelj appointed Post Surgeon at. Johnson ville, Tenn., where he remained till August, 1865. He then returned to Indiana and lived in Morgan County till June, 1866, when he located in Clayton, wherie he has built up a large practice, and has made an enviable reputation both as a physician and surgeon. Dr. Dryden was married in 1868 to Mrs. Sarah E. Johnson, a lady of culture and refinement. She died in 1872, leaving no children. Dr. Drjden is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; also of the Masonic fraternity, Clayton Lodge, No. 463. In politics he is a Republican.

Theodore H. GlUeland, teacher in the intermediate department - of Cartersburg graded schools, is one of the oldest teachers in Hendricks County. He was born in Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 6, 1SI6, the only son of John O. and Nancy J. (Pope) Gilleland, and grandson of "William Pope. In 1851 his parents moved to Hendricks County, where, in connection with working at his trade (plasterer), his father engaged in farming. He attended in his boyhood the district schools, and later, the Belleville Academy, and in the spring of 1877, a term at the State Nornaal School, at Terre Haute. He commenced teaching in 1868 and has taught nine years in Belleville, five years in Brownsburg acid three years in Cartersburg. He has been a successful disciplinarian and instructor and has a reputation second to none in the county. Iu addition to teaching he cari'ies on a small farm on section 31, Liberty Township. He was married Feb. 26, 1874,. t® Amanda ]M. "Wilson, of Danville. They have two children - Dais;j Land Raymond I. Mr. Gilleland is a member of Belleville Lodgra, No. 205, I. 0. O. F.

John Harrison, merchant, Clayton, Led., is a native of Knox County, Ky., born Oct. 30, 1830. He was the eldest of seven children of Thomas and Nancy (Bryain) Harrison, his father a native of North Carolina and his mother ©f Tennessee. In December, 1832, Thomas Harrison moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and located on a tract of heavily timbered land in Liberty Township, where he lived till his death in 1846. His wife still liyes on the old homestead, aged seventy-eight years. She was hurt while milking a cow about sixteen years ago, and is still lame from its eflects, but with thisexception has good health. Of their children two daughters and our subject are the only ones living. John Harrison was but two years of age when his parents moved to Hendricks County. He was reared on his father's farm and in his boyhood attended the district schools. On reaching manhood he engao-od in dealing in live stock, and although having but limited means he was successful, and by 1S67 had acquired sufficient means to buy the store and stock of goods of J. R. Ballards He was associated with A. IS". Clark, under the firm name of Clark & Harrison, four years. He then bought Mr. Clark's interest and conducted the business alone till ISSO, when he sold a half interest to his former partner and the firm has since been Clark & Harrison. They carry a full line of general merchandise and have one of the best stores in the county. Their store, which was erected by Mr. Harrison in 1S74, is a two-story frame building, 22 x 60 feet in size the upper floor used as a Masonic Hall. Mr. Harrison has built two residences in Clayton, the last, in which he lives, being a model of taste and convenience. He was married in 1S62 to Margaret E. Clark, a native of Putnam County, Ind., a sister of A. N. Clark. They have had two children, but one of whom - Katie St., is living. Mr. Harrison is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Clayton Lodge, No. 463. He and his wife and daughter are members of the ilethodist Episcopal church.

Horace Eunt, druggist, Clayton, Lid., is the second son of Alford and Jane Hunt. He spent his youth on his father's farm north of the village of Clayton, receiving his early education in the district schools and later attending the Central Normal College, Danville. After leaving school he was employed by Hunt & Eowe, dealers in buggies and farm implements, in Delphi, the county seat of Carroll County, Ind., a year, and in 18S4 bought the stock and fixtures of T. J. Allen, druggist, Clayton. He carries a full line of drugs, m^edicines, paints, oils, glass, varnish and toilet articles. He is a young man of good business ability, and his steady habits and uprightness hare gained him many friends. He owns a fine farm of 102 acres two miles north of Clayton, in Center Township, on which are good buildings and a pleasant two-story residence.

Liberty Township, born May 29, 1835, the fourth son of Thomas and Sarah (Franks) Irons. He spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, and was given a good education, completing it at tlie old seminary in Belleville, where he was assistant teacher one term. After leaving school he was employed in the clerk's office at Danville, by his brother John, two years. He was married in 1856 to Miss Mary "W. Clark, daughter of Edmund Clark, an ex-Sheriff and Treasurer of Hendricks County. After his marriage he went to Indianapolis, where he remained till the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Indiana Infantry. , After his return from the war he moved to Hendricks County and settled on the farm in Liberty Township, which is now owned by John A. Miles. He has been engaged in the commission business in Indianapolis since 1876. He has a family of four children.

Albert Johnson, merchant and grain-dealer, Clayton, Ind., is a native of Marion County, Ind., born Sept. 19, 1843, the eighth of nine children of Jeremiah rnd Susannah Johnson, his father a native of Connecticut and his mother of Virginia. His parents moved to Indiana in 1821 and settled in Indianapolis, and in the spring of 1855 moved to Hendricks County. The mother died in 1863 and the father in 1S76. Albert Johnson received his early education in his native count2' and later attended the academy at Danville. After leaving school he engaged in farming till 1876 when he located in the village of Clayton and began dealing in grain, and in 1880 opened a general store in company with his brother Edwin. Their store building, which was erected by themselves, is 38 X 60 feet in size, two stories high, and is arranged conveniently for their business. The upper floor is used as a public hall. Their grain elevator, located on the line of the Vandalia Kailway, has a capacity of 30,000 bushels of wheat. ^Ir. Johnson was married in 1867 to Miss Mary E. Snoddy, of Morgan County, Ind., and to them have been born three children - Gertrude, Emma and Arthur A. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Christian church, of which he is a Trustee.

Jeremiah Johnson, son of Aholiab and Hannah Johnson, was born at Killingly, "Windham Co., Conn., Aug. 23, 1792, and in 1795 or 179G he removed with his parents to Stafford, Tolland Co., Conn. "With the exception o' about three years, when he lived with his mother's father, Jeremiah.Bacon, at Middletown, Conn., he continued to live with his father and work at farming and getting such education as the common schools then afforded, some-

; imes teaching district schools in the winter, till he was about , hventy-one years of age. In 1813, during the war with Great j Britain he served as a volunteer in the militia of Connecticut for about seventy days, guarding the port at New London and vicinity for which service he long afterward obtained bounty land from the United States Government. After the close of his mili tary service he went South as far as Washington, seeking his fortune,_and for a short time worked on the new Capitol the old one having been burned by the British, but believing there was some easier way of getting a living he soon left and went to Baltimore where he shipped on board a private armed sloop for i crmse. Soon taking a dislike to that kind of life he was discharged at one of the West India Islands called Virgin Gorda whence he returned to his father's home in Stafford There he taught the district school, numbering not less than 100 scholars for one term, and early in the spring of 1815 he started with I sinal trunk, containing a few articles of wearing apparel and about SoOin money, for the great New West leaving the balance of his savings placed on interest. He traveled by mail sta^e to Philadelphia, whence, after placing his trunk on board one oi the brge wagons then constantly passing between Philadelphia and Ji^ittsburg, he traveled on foot to the latter place. At Pittsbur.. in company with another Eastern man, he constructed a flat-'boat and loaded it with coal and floated down the Ohio Eiver to Cincinnati when boat and cargo were sold for what he could ^et hTom Cincinnati he very soon went to a reesntly settled German village about twenty miles northwest of that city where he tai.o-ht the young Germans the English language and such other rudiments of education as circumstances permitted, till the time when the authorities of Indiana fi.xed the site of the present Indianapohs for the capital of that State. Soon after he learned that fact he hired a couple of men with each a four-horse team, loaded them with provisions and such other articles as were necessary in a new settlement, and leaving his German friends started throu<.h the then unbroken forest for the future city, fording streams and cutting their way through the woods, beieg guided by a small compass. After much time and enduring many hardships he at ength reached the place of his destination. Here he detained his teamsters till they, together with s.ch assistance as those already there could afford, had built him a log cabin, bein. the third ,n that place. His first dining table .vas the head of a°flour barrel, his first plate a clean maple chip, and his first bedstead was framed into a corner of the cabin. He at once commenced dealing in provisions, groceries, powder, lead, etc. "When the first brick court-house was built (used for a State Plouse for several years) he took the contract for the brick work and in company with John Johnson, who came. there from "Virginia, and one of whose daughters afterward became his wife, made the brick and completed his contract to the acceptance of the authorities. At that time money was a very scarce article, and the State obligations with which he was paid for his work were at a heavy discount, and had it not been for the money due him in Connecticut which was collected and sent to him as fast as possible, he probably would have become bankrupt. He was generally reasonably successful in business though sometimes suffered serious losses, as when brino-- ing a boat-load of salt up the "VVabash River the boat suddenly sunk and boat, salt, and wearing apparel of himself and assistants were a total loss, leaving him and his companions to beg their way home over 100 miles, fie invested his savings in land at Government prices, which of course advanced in value as the county became settled. "When the National Road was laid out west from Indianapolis he laid out the village of Bridgeport on land which he owned, and built a hotel, steam mill, and store. "When the plank road was built, he took an active interest in it and gave the right of way through all his land and ground for a depot at Bridgeport and much otherwise to encourage the building of the railroad. He was active and energetic in business and did much in promoting the cause of education and agriculture in the State, importing improved breeds of cattle from other States. Plis ancestors were of pure English stock and according to the tradition of the family some of them left England and settled in Massachusetts on the restoration of Charles II., on account of their participation in the civil war as soldiers and partisans of Cromwell. He reared a family of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. He survived his wife and daughters several years and died at Clayton, Hendricks County, March 20, 1876.

J. Sherry Jones, telegraph operator and agent for the " "Vandalia Line," at Clayton, Ind., is a native of Hendricks County, born June 13, 1S58, the third son of Adam and Harriett Jones, natives of England, who came to America in 1849, and settled in Plainfield, Hendricks Co., Ind., in 1S55, where our subject was born and reared. He received a good education, completing it at tbe Plainfield High School, and learned the art of telegraphy in the railroad office of that place, under tlie direction of Cjrus Green. After completing his studies he was employed in the railroad ofuce at Brownstown, 111., and in Januarj', 1SS3, vp.as transferred to Clayton, whore, in addition to the duties of operator, he has charge of the passenger and freight departments of the railroad. He is also a silversmith by trade, and carries on a general repairing business when not engaged with the duties of his position.

William Little, deceased, was a native of Kentucky, born March 5, 1814, the third son of Alexander and Rachel Little, who were among the first settlers of Hendricks County, locating south of Cartersburg. After reaching manhood Mr. Little engaged in farming and stock-raising, and accumulated a large property, owninoat the time of his death 430 acres of land, 150 acres, being the homestead. He was married in 1S40 to Sarah Downard, who died June 18, 1858, leaving seven children - Ann J., James A., Joseph K., Leonard "W., Isabelle E., Cynthia E. and Clay M. In 1859 he married Mary E. Rarden, daughter of Asbury and Catherine Earden, and to them was born one daughter - Hattie M., wife of Samuel Holdermau, of Hendricks County. Mi-. Little died Jan. 29, 1876. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and one of the most liberal and earnest workers at the time the church at Cartersburg was built. Mrs. Little has been a member of the same church twenty-five years.

Franli H. Martin, hardware merchant and dealer in aoricultural implements, Clayton, Ind., is a native of Hendricks County, born Oct. 7, 1860, the eldest son of J. F. and Julia A. (Hunt) Martin, his father a native of Kentucky and his mother of Indiana. He spent his youth on bis father's farm, receiving his early education in the district schools and later atteuding the Danville Normal School a year. After leaving school hj engaged in the dry-goods business in Clayton a year, and in 1883 became established in his present business, locating on the we^t side of the square. His is the only exclusive hardware store in Clayton, and he has built up a good trade. He is a young man of strict busiiness mtegrity and his close attei^tion to his pursuits and fair dealing have won him many friends. He was married in 1883 to Laura V., daughter of Thomas A. Borders, of Hendricks County. Charles TF. 2£cClure is a native of East Tennessee, born Sept. 2 1826, the third son of a family of ten children of William and

Fenny (Kose) McClure, natives of Virginia. In the spring of 1S30 his parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled on a tract of wild land two miles southwest of Clayton. The mother died in the spring of 1850, and tlie following fall when the father was rolling logs the chain broke and a log fell on him, crushing him in such a manner that he lived only a few hours. Charles W. McClure was reared and educated in Hendricks County, remaining with his parents till manhood. He then engaged in farming at which he has been uniformly successful. He was married in ISol to Edna Hiatt, daughter of Harmon and Martha (Boyd) Hiatt. After his marriage he wont to Iowa and remained three years, and in 1854 returned to Hendricks County, and located on his present farm, which contains eighty acres of valuable land with a good residence and farm buildings. Mr. and Mrs. McClure have had six children - Laura E., wife of Jilelvin Harkrider; Elizabeth, wife of Eeed Pick; Fannie V., Charles A., "William A. and James W. Mr. McChire is a member of Clayton Lodge, No. 463, A. F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. McClure's father, Harmon Hiatt, was born in Grayson County, Va., Nov. 20, 1796, and her mother, Martha Boyd, was born Aug. 18, 1792, a daughter of John Boyd, a hero of the Kevolutionary war. They were married July 25, 1819, and in 1822 moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and -settled .in Guilford Township removing to Liberty Township in 1834. The father died in 1849, and the mother July 24, 1882. They had a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter are living, all in Indiana.

Amos D. McCormicTc, farmer and stock-raiser. Liberty Township, is a native of Fayette County, Ind., born near Connersville, Auo'. 23, 1819, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Case) McCormick, his father a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1789, and his mother a native of Kentucky. Samuel McCormick moved with his parents to Ohio when a boy, and was there married. He located in Prehle County after his marriage, and later moved to Butler County, and thence, in 1812, to Fayette County, Ind. He helped to build a fort on the present site of Connersville, but owing to Indian troubles returned to Ohio, but a year later moved again to Fayette County,., and in 1820 to Indianapolis, where he cleared fifteen acres of land, which is now included in the public square. In 183G he moved to Hendricks County, and settled near where our subject now lives. In 1864 he moved to Cartersburg, and in 1866 returned to tlie farm where bo died in Jnne, 1867. His wife died in lS3i. Their family consisted of eight sons and two daughters - Jolin, Jacob, William, Dorcas, Archibald, Amos D., James, Thomas, Elizabetli, and a son not named, of whom but two sons are living. In 1S3S he married Matilda Clark, who survived him till July, 1S70, and to this union^were born four children - Samuel L., Plarvey, Virrinda and Riley. Ho was a member of the Baptist churcli, and for many years was a preacher in the denomination. Amos D. McCorraick was reared in Marion County, Ind., and there received the greater part of his education, completing it in Hendricks County. Since reaching manhood he has given his attention to agricultural pursuits and now has a good farm of eighty-four acres. He was married in 183S to Susannah Jordan, daughter of Aquila and Elizabeth Jordan, early settlers of Hendricks County, where the father died July 8, 1844, and the mother in December, ISGi. To Mr. and Mrs. McCormick have been born two sons - Aquila S. and Jolm W.

John Miles, a pioneer of Liberty Township, who has done much toward the development of this county, is a native of Pasquotank County, K. C. , born Jan. 30, 1814, a son of Thomas and Sarah Miles. He was left an orphan at the age of seven years, wlicn he was bound out to Thomas Pritchett, with whom he moved to Washington County, Ind. On account of the abuse he received from Pritchett he was released. He was bound out to another party to learn the blacksmith's trade, but not liking this pursuit he was again released. He then went to work on the farm of Thomas Irons for 25 cents per day, and at the end of three years he had saved from his earnings enough to enter eighty acres of land. He still continued to work for Mr. Irons, and at the end of four vears became his partner, tliey engaging as contractors on what was the Clay County Canal, which they followed successfully about three years. He then bought 145 acres, on which he at present resides. He was married in the spring of 1840 to Elizabeth, eldest dauo-hter of John and Mary HoUingshead, when tie settled with his bride on the, farm, where they have since resided, their house beino- a small log cabin. Mr. Miles has been very successful in his farming pursuits, and by his industry and economy he has acquired a large property. He has provided for his family of three sons and three daughters, and still owns 1,500 acres of land. His surplus means he loans out to his neighbors. Beside his farming pursaits he at the same time traded in stock, dealing in cattle, hoo-s and

Histoky Of Hendkicks Codntv

Diiiles. Tliis beino; before the days of railroads, his stock was driven to market on foot, over poor roads and in all kinds of weather. While not being a member of any church he has always been a liberal supporter of them, being among the most liberal contributors.

John A. Ililes, one of the leading farmers of Liberty Township, was born on the old homestead in this township, Dec. 29, 184i, a son of John and Elizabeth (Rollingshead) Miles. He was reared on the farm, and received a good education, completing it at the High Schools of 13elleville and Danville. Attaining his majority he began life for himself and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has been one of the most successful stock-raisers of the county, and has a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. His farm contains 700 acres of land, situated on the National Koad, in a high state of cultivation. His residence, a large two-story brick, built in 1876, is a model of convenience and architectural beauty. His farm buildings are among the best in the township. Mr. Miles was married in 1873 to Flora, daughter of W. H. Fritts, of Owen County, Ind. They have four children - Yictoria M., jSTettie E. , Mattie E. and John. Mr. Miles is a member of Belleville Lodge, No. Go, F. & A. M.

Thomas J. Miles-, a prominent and successful farmer of Liberty Township, is a native of Hendricks County, born Sept. 24:, lSi2, the eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Hollingshead) Miles. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm, and three months of the year, when his services were not needed at home he attended the district schools. He remained with his parents till twenty-three years of age, when he began life for himself and engaged in farraino- and stock-raising. He has been successful and now owns 555 acres of choice land, and his stock are of the best grades. He was married in 1871 to Talitha Tudor, of Morgan County, Ind., and settled onthe farm adjoining his present home. He afterward bought the 375 acres which comprises his homestead and built his brick residence, which is one of the best in the township, where he has lived since 1876. Mr. Miles is a liberal, public spirited and enterprising citizen and is one of the foremost to assist any laudable enterprise. In 1863 he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served Iiis country four months. He has a family of five children - Horace G., Mary M., Jeflerson W. T., Ruth A. and John E.

History Of Hendkicks Countt

Carolina, born in Guilford County, April 3, 1820,. the youngest of ten children of Thomas and Ann K. (Go]dberry)Moore, natives of Maryland. In 1S30 his parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled in Guilford Township, where they lived till their death. He was reared on a pioneer farm, and in his youth attended the old log-cabin schools. When seventeen years of age ho began the study of medicine with his brother, S. G. Moore, a physician of Belleville, and took his first course of lectures at the Kentucky Medical College, Louisville.' He began his practice at Belleville, and in 1849 attended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, ni., from which ho graduated in 1850. He then returned to Belleville, where he has sir.ce lived and has built up a large practice. He has beon a hard student and has excelled in his profession, having now a reputation second to none in the county. He was married in 1816 to Emeline Green, who died in 1856 leaving one daughter, now deceased. In 1860 he married Allie R. Banta, daughter of Cornelius Banta. To them have been born ten ch-ildren. Dr. Moore is a member of Belleville Lodge, No. C5,F. & A. M. and Bellevilje Lodge, No. 205, LO.O.F. He and his wife 9iXQ member of the Christian church.

Addison E. Rogers, Snoerintendent of the public schools of Hendricks County, is a native of this county, born March 5, 1846, the youngest but one of nine children of Henry and Mary (Hadley) Rogers, natives of North Carolina, who settled in Liberty Township, Hendricks Connty, in 1844. His mother died in 1855. He was reared on a farm, attending in his boyhood the district schools and later thj schools of Clayton and Danville Academ_v. Upon reaching his majority he began his career as a teacher, teaching his first school in Franklin Tovv'nship, this county, in 1866-'67. He was a successful instructor and disciplinarian and gained au enviable reputation in liis profession. In June, 1883, he was elected to his present position for a term of two years, and was re-elected in 1SS5. He gives his entire attention to the duties of his office and has elevated the grade of the schools of the county in a marked degree since holding the position of Superintendent, and his painstaking and efficient management is recognized by all interested in the welfare and advancement of the educational interests of the county. Mr. Rogers was married in 1867 to Miss Mary E. Henderson, daughter of William and Amanda Henderson of Hendricks County. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Histoky Of Hendeicks Codnty

Henry Rogers was born in Chatham County, N. C, Nov. 17, 1808, a son of Henry and Nancy Rogers, natives of Virginia, and grandson of Joseph Rogers. He remained with his parents till his marria.ge, when, having been reared to the life of a farmer, he engaged in the vocation for himself. In the fall of 1839 he moved to Hendricks County, lad., and settled on what is his present valuable farm, at that time a tract of timber land very little cleared. He bought 160 acres of land for §1,365, all on time, but by hard work and economy he succeeded in paying for it, and now has a competency for his declining years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Hadley, died in 1850, leaving nine sons, seven of whom are living - Cyrus, born Nov. 12, 1830; George F., born Dec. 29, 1831; Zeno, Jan. 24, lS3i (now deceased); Thomas, Nov. 11, 1835; Job, Oct. 27, 1S3S; William, Sept. 13, 18-10 (deceased); Solon R., June 2, 1813; Addison E., March 5, 1810; Moses C, June 18, 1S48. He afterward married Elinor Lindley, a native of Chatham County, N. C, born in 1815. They have three children - Mary E., born June 8, lS5i; Nancy J., born Feb. IG, 1856, and James H., born Jan. 20, 1860, In 1851 Itr. Rogers joined the society of Friends, his wife being a birthright member of that society.

Rev. John Rynerson, deceased, was born in Mercer County, Ky., Jan. 2, 1805. He spent his youth on a farm, obtaining a good education, and subsequently taught several terms of school. He moved to Hendricks County, Ind., when a young man, and located in Belleville, and was one of the contractors of the National Road, He subsequently returned to Kentucky, but four years later came again to Hendricks County, where, having entered the ministry of the Baptist church, he was instrumental in establishing the church of his choice. He again located in Belleville, and organized a church, of which he was pastor several years. He died in 186i, having lived a useful life, and endeared himself to the hearts of the people he served. He was twice married. His first wife, Elizabeth Cunningham, whom he married in Kentucky, died in 1850. They had a family of eleven children. In 1851 he married Sarah Goss, daughter of George and Mary (Arnold) Goss, early settlers of Owen County, from North Carolina. The Goss family were the first settlers of the town which bears their name. To the second marriage of Mr. Rynerson were boru five children, four of whom are living - George G., Jessie F., \vife of Winfield Eaton, of Morgan County, Ind., Merlin M. and_Eddie V. Mrs. Ryuer- son lives . on the old homestead which before its subdivisiou contained 2i0 acres of valuable land. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist church.

William Shej^herd, a successful farmer of Liberty Township, was born in Fleming County, Ky.,Fcb. 2S, 182S, the fifth of ten children of Solomon and Margaret (Tout) Shepherd, natives of the same county, of English parentage. In the fall of 1833 his parents moved to Hendricks County, and settled a miie south of Danville, but a year later bought eighty acres of wild land of Richard Thompson, three miles south of Danville. This land they cleared and cultivated and made their home the rest of their lives. The father died in August, 1851, aged sixty-tliree years, and the mother in 1860 aged sixty years. They were earnest Christians, members of the Methodist Episcopal church. But four of their ten children are living. "William Sliepherd was five years of age when his parents moved to Hendricks County, and was reared on a frontier farm, his youth being spent in assisting his father in the work of clearing and cultivating his land. The first school he attended was taught in a log cabin, and was of the most primitive sort. His education was limited, as schools were few in the county at that time and his services were required on the farm. He remained at home till his twenty-third year, when he was married to Melissa Downs, daughter of Daniel and Mary Downs, of North Carolina, but later of Hendricks County. After his marriage he settled on the farm where he has since lived, which at that time was mostly unimproved. He has cleared his land, and now has a goodf^irm of forty acres, with a pleasant residence and comfortable farm buildings. To Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have been born three children; but two are living - Sarah A., wife of A. H. Terhune, and Cora A., wife of William Weesner. In politics Mr. Shepherd is a Republican. He was elected Justice of the Peace in ISSO, but refused to qualify. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church. \

Amos Stewart Wills, one of the pioneers of Hendricks County, was born in Montgomery County, Ky., Jan. 1, 1809, the eldest of four children of Michael and Elizabeth "Wills. His parents were natives of Maryland. They moused to Kentucky in a very early day where the father died, leaving our subject to the care of a widowed mother when a mere child. His youth was passed on a farm and in attending school. "When he grew to manhood he worked at the carpenter's trade in connection with farming. He was married Maj- 12, 1831, to Miss Lucinda D. Tatman, of Montgomery County, Ky. Sept. 1, 1831, they started for Hendricks County, lud., in a wagon drawn by oxen, arriving at their destination on the 15th of tlie same month. He had previously sent SlOO to his uncle, John Darnell, who entered eighty acres of land for him. He then purchased another tract of eighty acres in Liberty Township and proceeded to clear his farm, on which he resided abont forty years, his farm at that time containing 240 acres. He then disposed of this land, and bought his present little farm of seventeen and a half acres, with good brick residence, just beyond the town limits of Clayton. Mr. Wills was first elected Justice of the Peace in ISIO and served five years when he was appointed Assessor of Hendricks County. In 1852 he was again elected Justice of the Peace, which oliice he has held to the present time, serving as such in all thirty-eight years. To Mr. and Mrs. "W^ills have been born thirteen cliildren, of whom five sons and three daughters are living. This old couple have lived contentedly together for over fifty year.; and together they experienced all phases of pioneer life. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wills has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1847. In politics he was a Whig, and on the organization of the Republicans he afliliated with that party.. He is a strong temperance advocate.