Michigan Township

Michigan Township

This township was so named from a road which runs through the central part, known as the Michigan State Road. Her forests were unbroken by the white man until the Spring of 1830, when Mahlon Shinn and Robert Edwards took up their abode within her borders.

Shinn settled on what is now the Storm farm, where, the Spring and Summer following, was raised the first corn grown in the township. Edwards settled on the land owned at present by Layman and

A little later in the year 1830, the Widow Kelly and her son David, the latter still a resident of the township, settled on the Wesley Parvis farm.

Emigration having turned toward Michigan, before the elose of 1830, six energetie, determined men had entered the township for the purpose of assisting in bringing her forests into a state of cultivation. 'They were Robert Johnson and his family, of which James H. and William were members, fixing his home on the land now the present site of Michigantown; George H. Downs, on the Riser farm ; Enoch T. Williams, in Michigantown; William Phelps, on the land belonging to Isaac Painter, and John Whitmore and sons, on the Brandon farm.

Of those who came up to this date, but three are now living. They are David Kelley, James H. Johnson and Samuel Paris. At that time, they were young men, vigorous and strong, and while they bear their ages well for the hardships endured, yet Time has left his mark upon them, tinging gently their locks with gray.

Later, in the year 1831, came the following men: Carlton Kent and his son George, who located on the Baird Farm; David Kelly, on the farm belonging to his son James; James Scott, on the Jacob Heicy farm ;° Benjamin Saylor, in. Michigantown, and a man by the name of Langlin, who also made his home in Michigantown.

Among those of 1832, were Wiley Holliday, on the Aplegate farm; Henry Whitman, on the land owned by his son Samuel; A. Emley, on the present farm of George Meek; Phineas 'Thomas, on the James Mash farm, with Ephraim and William Thomas, whose exact location is unknown.

In 1833, William Layton settled on the farm owned by himself and son; James and Jerry Brown, on what is known as the Black farm, and Abraham Brant on the land belonging to James Mash.

Prominent among those of 1834, were Henry Fewell, William, Isaac and George Painter, Hamilton Davis, Lewis Fewell, Frederick and John Franklin, Peter Gay and John Roush.

Among those who came in 1836, and soon after, we name David Thomas, Jacob Strong, Jacob Barnett and his sons Benjamin, Aaron, John and Adam; Moses Fudge and Nathaniel Bell] After 1836, the number increased so rapidly, that it would be a difficult task to give name and date of settlement.

The first school in the towaship was held in Michigantown, in a little round log cabin in 1833-4, by Chrisley Baird, teacher. The Summer and Fall of 1834, a school house was built in Michigantown, which was the first of the township.

In this school house, soon after its completion, the first religious meeting of the township was held by the New Lights, or Christians, James McKinney preaching. Soon after this, meetings wers held at the same place by the Baptists, John Hill preaching; and by the Methodists, David Fudge being preacher. 'The first church was built in Michigantown by the Methodists about 1840.

The township was organized in March of 1831. The Commissioners at the same term authorized an election to be held at the house of B. Layton on the second Saturday of April, 1831. James Brown was probably first Justice of the Peace. E. T. Williams and George Downs also served in this capacity at an early date. The names of the Trustees are not positively known. It is thought that Moses Fudge was one who filled this office, while the law required three. Samuel Paris was the first one who held the office after the repealing of the old law and the instituting of the new, requiring but one Trustee.

The first marriage in the township was that of E. T. Williams to Mary, daughter of Richard G. Paris, in 1832. The ceremony was performed by Samuel Thompson, Justice of the Peace in Jackson, now Centre Township.

In improvements, Michigan Township has made praiseworthy progress. She possesses much fertile land, the greater part of which is in a good state of cultivation.

For the name and location of churches the reader is referred to the township map. Her school houses number - ; enrolled school children, - ; population, was laid off in 1830, by Hill, Edwards and Tipton. Tts first merchant was Samuel Scott. Tts business men at present are as follows : ME tee & Bro., druggists; I. W. Douglass & Co., dry goods, éte:; Charles Marshall, tin shop; James Price, grist-mill; John Hedgegóck, grocery and provisions; M. Merrill, saddlery ; George Merritt, dry goods; I. W. Douglass & Co., druggists; Heaton, Irwin & Brooks, dry goods; John Wallace, undertaker ; Sullivan, grocery; Dr. Hutch, druggist; W. B. Benefield, livery stable. Blacksmiths are Joseph Whiteman, Henry Brown and Frank Moore. - Burton, wagon maker; Peter Myers, painter, Physicians are Douglass, Barnes, Strange and Hutchinson. M. Merrill, Postmaster. Churches are three - Methodist, Christian and Baptist. Onegraded school. An Odd Fellows' and Masonic Hall. To the north part of Michigantown the name of Loudenville has been given, in memory of W. Louden, by whom it was laid out in 1875. There was a Centennial addition made in 1876, making in all about 100 lots. In this part of the village is found the planingmill of W. Louden, the stave factory of Clark & Weaver and the warehouse of Richardson & Co., of New York. Michigantown, being on the line of Frankfort & Kokomo Railroad, and surrounded by a splendid farming country, is doing an extensive business,

Source changes here: from History of Clinton County, Indiana. Together with Sketches of Its Cities, Villages and Towns, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History, Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Also a Condensed History of Indiana, Embodying Accounts of Prehistoric Races, Indian Wars, and a Brief Review of Its Civil and Political History, published 1886; 12,780 words in this source stream.

Michigan Township

Michigan Township includes the south two-thirds of township 22 north, range 1 east, and sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of township 21 north, range 1 east. It is bounded on the north by Warren Township, on the east by Forest and Johnson, on the south by Kirklin and Center, and on the west by Center. It is seven miles from north to south, and six miles east and west, and contains nearly thirty-six sections, or 22,900 acres, of which about one-seventh is timber laud. The soil is of a rich, dark loam, and the surface of a rolling nature. It is watered by Kilmore Creek, which flows from east to west through the northern part of the township, and by Wild Cat, which flows in the same direction through the central part.

Early Settlement

In 1830 the first sound of the pioneer's ax resounded through the unbroken forests of this township, at which time two brave men took up their abode within its borders, and began battling with the mighty giants of the forest for a future home. They were Mahlon Shinn and Robert Edwards. The former settled on the northwest quarter of section 14, and the latter immediately south on the same section. It was here that the first tree was felled and the first corn grew. In the same year they were joined by Mrs. Kelly andherson^David, Robert Johnson and his family, who settled on land now occupied by Michigantown; George Downs (736) settled on section 15; Enoch "Williams, in Michigantown; William Phelps, on section 27, and John Whitmore, on the northwest quarter of section 27. January 6, 1831, Richard Paris fixed his home on section 3, and in the same j'ear the following were the new arrivals and their locations: Carlton Kent, on section 15; David Kelij, on section 28; James Scott, on section 11; Benjamin Saylor and a Mr. Langlin, who made their home in Michigantown. In 1832 came Wiley Holliday and located on the northwest quarter of section 4; Henry Whitman, on section 3-i; A. Emley on section 20; Phineas Thomas, on section 10; Ephriam and William, whose location could not be ascertained. In 1833, William Layton settled on the eastern quarter of section 33; James Brown and his brother settled on section 21, on what is known as the Black farm; Abraham Brant, on section 10.

Among those who came in 1834^'5-'6 we name Henry and Lewis Fewell, William, Isaac and George Painter, Hamilton Davis, John and Fred Franklin, Peter Gay and John Roush, William Davis, Obed and Alfred Miller, James Heaton, John Merrill, Isaac Davis, Jesse Brown, William Rogers, David Thomas, Jacob Strong, Jacob Barnett, Moses Fudge and Nathaniel Bell.

The township was organiz ;d in March, 1831, and ^the first election was held at the cabin of B. Layton, on the second Saturday in April of the same year. James Brown, George Downs and E. T. Williams were among the first justices of the peace. Moses Fudge served as trustee at an early day, as did Samuel Paris.

First Events

The first school was taught by Chrisley Baird, who has the honor of being the first teacher in a log cabin in Michigantown. The first school-house was built in 1834, at Michigantown. In this was held the first religious meeting, held by the Christians. James McKinney was the preacher. The next to hold meetings here were the Baptists, with John Hill preaching. They were followed by the Methodists, and David Fudge was their classleader.

The first marriage occurred in 1832, when E. T. Williams and Mary Paris were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. The ceremony was performed by Samuel Thompson, Justice of the Peace.

Kobert Johnson died in 1831, and was buried in the Michigantown Cemetery, and consequently his was the first death to occur in the township.

The Makch Of Peogeess

What a vast cliange is to be noted within the borders of Michigan Township ! The rude log cabins of the pioneers are nearly all things of the past; a few remain, however, to remind the rising generation of the hardships and inconveniences which their fathers and mothers had to bear, while they reside in the elegant brick or the modern frame residences which are so plentifully scattered all around. The primitive log school-house has been removed and replaced by new ones of modern architecture, and provided with every improvement of the day. In the days of our parents' childhood, happy were they who were blessed with the privilege of attending divine worship with nothing for their shelter but the outspreading branches of some neighboring oak, with logs for seats and the green earth for their footstool. Much happier were they than are the people of to-day for they were inured to hardships, while the present generation's only thought and wish is for comfort and luxury. Many pleasant churches with their tall spires pointing heavenward now are to be found in easy walking distance of nearly every house. Graveled roads and broad pikes have taken the place of the old bridle path on the tortuous Indian trail. Broad fields of waving grain occupy the land once covered^ by a dense forest, and herds of cattle now gi"aze where the wild beasts once held sway.

Ageioultueal Statistics

The number of acres of wheat sown in Michigan Township for 1886 is 5,557; corn, 5,112; oats, 360; number of acres in timothy, 1,255; clover, 1,926; wild grass, 1,487; acres of new land brought under cultivation, 268; timber land, 3,804. There are 5,664 rods of drain tile in operation in this township.

In 1885 there were 561 gallons of sorghum and 206 gallons of maple molasses made. The number of gallons of milk taken from cows, 208,265; pounds of butter, 46,945; honey, 1,677.

Valuation And Taxation, 1845

An interesting matter of record and worthy of note in the history of Michiijan Township is the itemization of the valuation and taxation placed on its property in 1845, more than forty years ago. It is as follows:

Valuation And Taxation, 1886

This village was laid out in 1830 by Joseph Hill and Kobert Edwards, ou section 26, to which William Lowden has made two additions, the first in 1874 and the last in 1876. These are in the north part of the town, which is sometimes called Lowdenville. The first store was located in the building in which J. S. Hedgcock now resides by St. Arthur Stahl, and the first postoffice was presided over by a Mrs. Johnson. Michigantown is located on the line of the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis Eailroad about seven miles from Frankfort.

"White, grocers; C. A. Marshall & Co., hardware; William Lowden, furniture dealer and undertaker; J. F. Black and J. R. Whiteraan, blacksmiths; B. F. Bnrden, wagon-maker; S. C. Hardy, carpenter; C. S. Reed, meat market; Miss Alice Goar, millinery; A. Wills, harness-maker; William Lowden, brickyard and grain elevator; John Brooks, livery; L. G. Randall, station agent; Joel Harlan, lawyer; Valentine Bowers, I. W. Douglass and J. M. Abstora, physicians. It has about 400 inhabitants.

Secret Orders

Semom Lodge, No. 184, A. F. d; A. M., was organized September 19, 1855, with the following charter members and first officers: G. W. Edgerlee, Worshipful Master; E. IST. Stone, Senior Warden; A. B. Meneel}', Junior Warden; Kath. Bell, Treasurer; W. V. Johnson, Secretary ; Alex. Dougherty, Senior Deacon;!. P. Franklin, Junior Deacon ; Joseph Holis, Tyler; Obed Miller, Robert Ewbank, John Sager and Fredrick Franklin. At the present time it has fortyfive active members, and its officers for 1886 are: David Black, Worshipful Master; J. 0. Michael, Senior Warden ; J. D. Gentry, Junior Warden; F. Meneely, Senior Deacon; R. M. Armstrong, Junior Deacon; I. E. Lamberson, Treasurer; Henry Lamberson, Secretary ; J. W. Dare, Tyler.

David R. Barnes Post, No. 455, G. A. R., was organized in May, 1886, with the following membership and officers: Colonel N. A. Logan, Commander; J. S. Hedgcock, Quartermaster; J. F. Black, Quartermaster-Sergeant; Perry Cox, Surgeon; Samuel Heffner, Senior Vice-Commander; John Murphy, Junior Vice- Commander; John M. Miller, Officer of the Guard ; James Cast, Officer of the Day; O. P. Hankins, Chaplain; W. W. Barnes, Adjutant; Geo. W. Eads, John Lynch and John F. Brooks. This order is as yet in its infancy still it bids fair to become very useful in its various ways.

Methodist Episcopal. - This society is the strongest in the town and has erected a neat frame house of worship. Rev. F. Cox is the present pastor.

was laid out Ifovember 17, 1875, by Lewis N. Boyle, of Indianapolis, from whom it derived its name. Two additions have since been made, one by J. P. Maish and the other by -Jacob Heise. It is located on the line of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, six miles east of Frankfort. Its business men are: Fred Roush and J, W. Wilhelm, general merchants; William Strong, druggist; Dr. Clark, physician; Samuel Paul, saw-mill.

Jacob Aveky, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Marion County, Indiana, December 25, 1831, a son of Elijah and Dorcas (Andrew) Avery, the former a native of North Carolina, a son of George Avery, who came to America in an early day, and the latter a daughter of Thomas Andrew, who emigrated from North Carolina to Iiidiaua, being one of the pioneers of the State. When our subject was six years of age his parents moved to Clinton County, locating in what was then Honey Creek Township, Howard County, but now Warren Township, Clinton County. Ten years later they moved to Boone County, where they lived two years and then returned to Clinton County and lived two years in Michigan Township, when they went to Jasper County, Iowa, but remained there only three months, returning to Clinton County, where ^he mother died November 17, 1851, and the father in July, 1861. Jacob Avery remained at home until his marriage, and then settled on a farm three miles east of Frankfort, in Michigan Township, where he lived eight years when he moved to Warren Township, living there until 1883, ^hen he located on the farm where he now lives, which contains eighty acres of valuable land. Mr. Avery was married April 12, 1857, to Hannah Ford, daughter of Aaron Ford, who came from Trenton, New Jersey, to Clinton County in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Avery have had ten children - William A., Eli W., Archie E., Rhoda A. (deceased), Ella, Oliver O., Lucy, Pearley, Maud and Jacob O. Mrs. Avery is a member of the Christian church. In politics Mr. Avery is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

and Elizabeth (Whitcomb) Barnett. John Barnett was a native of Virginia, and when a cliild accompanied his father to Indiana, living first in Marion County, and in 1831 located in Clinton County, where he married Elizabeth Whitcomb. After his marriage he engaged in farming and improved about 280 acres of land. In addition to farming he for twenty years ran a threshing machine for the accommodation of the neighboring farmers. He died in 1880. His widow is still living on the homestead. Their family consisted of eleven children, but seven of whom are living - James W., William, John D., Lydia E., Sarah M., Minnie E. and Irving. James W. Barnett remained with his parents until manhood, receiving a common-school education. He married Mary Cunningham, daughter of Daniel Cunningham, and settled on a part of his father's farm. His wife lived but a short time after their marriage, and he, after her deatii, returned to his father's house, making it his home till his second marriage, to Muriet Paris, daughter of Samuel Paris. He then returned to his own home, where he lived until removing to the farm where he now lives, in Michigan Township. His farm contains about sixty-seven acres of valuable land, located a half mile north of the village of Boyleston. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett have four children - John, Samuel, Virgil and Guy. In 1884: Mr. Barnett was elected magistrate of Michigan Township, a position he still holds. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order.

Moses Fudge, deceased, was born in Virginia in 1807, a son of John Fudge, and of German ancestry. He moved with his parents to Butler County, Ohio, when he was quite young, and in 1830 came to this county and settled north of Frankfort where he lived five or six years and entered a tract of land in Michigan Township which has since been known as the Fudge farm. ' In 1833 he married Miss Mary Hountsberger, daughter of Jacob Hountsberger. They were the parents of four children - Henry C, who was wounded and died while serving his country during the late civil war; Sarali J., wife of William Norris ; Julia A., wife of David Brant; and Mary A., wife of David Marsh. They were active and consistent members of the United Brethren church. Politically Mr. Fudge was formerly an old-line Whig, but after the organization of the Republican party he was an uncompromising member. He died in June, 1876, and his wife died March 14, 1885.

County and deserves more than a passing notice. He was born in Fayette County, Ohio, February 14, 1817, son of Henry and Julia Ann Blystone who were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Aaron was reared on a farm until he was thirteen years of age when he went to learn the tailor's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He did not follow the business as close confinement undermined his health. In 183i he came to this county with his father's family when his father entered eighty acres of Government land whei-e he settled his family and died the following year, leaving his wife with eleven children, nine living at home. Aaron remained with his mother and assisted in clearing and improving the farm until his marriage, which occurred August 7, 1838, to Miss Eliza C, daughter of Jacob and this county in March, 1829. Mrs. Blystone was born in Ohio. After his marriage he settled upon a farm in Michigan Township where he has since followed farming. He also followed coopering several years. Mr. and Mrs. Blystone have had three children - Mary C, George A., and Moses, deceased. Both are consistent members of the United Bretliren church. Mr. Blystone was formerly an old-line Whig, but has cast his suffrage with the Republican party since its organization.

George A. Blystone, farmer and stock-raiser, Michigan Township, is a native of Clinton County, born November 23, LS41, a son of Aaron Blystone. He was educated in the public schools of the county, remaining on the farm with his parents until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when, August 22, 1861, he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company C, Tenth Indiana Infantry. His regiment went immediately South, and was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and participated in many hard battles, some of the more important beitig Mill Springs, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Perry rille. He started on the Atlanta campaign, but was taken sick at Kingston, Georgia, and was confined in the hospital the rest of his term of enlistment. After his return home he followed agricultural pursuits, buying seventy-five acres, which is now his present farm. This he has improved and brought under good cultivation, and now has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. He was married November 22, 1866, to Mary A. Thatcher, daughter of John Thatcher, of this county. They have had four children, three of . whom are living - William M., Aaron B. and Ada C. ; an infant

James R. Bond, farmer and stock-raiser, Michigan Township, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, March 24, i8i8, the eldest child of Jesse R. and Eleanor (Mount) Bond. [See sketch of Jesse R. Bond.] His parents removed to this county when lie was ten years old, where he was reared on a frontier farm, receiving his education in the common schools. He remained with his parents until his marriage, which occurred Jannar\' 8, 1869, to Miss Laura A. Brount, daughter of Abraham L. Bronnt, who came from New Jersey, and was one of the first settlers of the county, ^.fter his marriage Mr. Bond rented a portion of his father's farm, and later lived at his Grandfather Mount's two years, then purchased a part of the farm and lived on it five years, when he sold out and purchased his present farm, which consists of ninety acres of improved land, under a good state of cultivation. This property he has accumulated by his own exertion. They are the parents of two children - Arthur E. and Katie E. In 1884 he was elected to the office of township trustee by the Republican party, receiving more than the party vote, as the township was largely Demccratic. He served one term of two years. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

Jesse R. Bond was born in Clinton County, Ohio, February 7, 1827, and is a son of Edward and Sally (Robinette) Bond, natives of Virginia, where they were married, and moved to Indiana, thence to Ohio in 1821, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Jesse R. assisted his father on the farm until nineteen years of age. January 9, 1847, he was married to Eleanor, daughter of John Mount, who came from Tennessee to Ohiu in an early day, where he resided until 1869, then came with Mr. Bond to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Bond have bad twelve children, ten of whom are_ living, viz. - James P., John "W., Benjamin F., Charles E., Sarah E., Mary A., Eliza F., Margaret E., Alonzo M. and Lama A. Mr. Bond has followed farming all his life, a vocation in which he has been vei'y successful. He removed to his present home, near Boyleston, in 1885. He is a worthy member of Circle ville Lodge, I. O. O. F., and himself and wife are members of the Christian church. He was formerly a Democrat, bat has voted with the Republican party since its organization.

French descent. Wlien he was six months old he had the misfortune to lose his father by death. He lived with his mother until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to learn the shoemaker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then emigrated te Pennsylvania, thence to Butler County, Ohio, where he followed his trade in connection with farming. In 1S33 he married Mrs. Catherine Davis, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Wilson, who were formerly from Pennsylvania. She was born in Ohio. Mr. Brant came to Indiana in 1839, and purchased 120 acres oF land which had been entered by Phineas Thomas, in Michigan Township. There were about twenty acres cleared, and he followed farming and shoemaking the rest of his life. They were the parents of six sons and three daughters; all lived to be grown, and six still survive. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Brant was formerly a Democrat, and voted that ticket until IS-ii, when he cast his vote for Henry Clay. He afterward joined the Free-Soil party, and was one of the few who voted the Abolition ticket in 1848 and 1852. He was also a member of the Know-Nothing party. His death occurred May 26, 1862. His wife survived him until February, 1876, when she died at the age of sixty-six years.

David S. Beant, farmer and stock-raiser, Michigan Township, was born in the township January 31, 18-iO, the fourth son and child of the preceding. He was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools, and remained with his parents until he reached his majority. Upon the breaking out of the civil war he was one of the first to go out in defense of union and liberty, enlisting August 21, 1861, in Company C, Tenth Indiana Infantry. The regiment went South the following September, joining the army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battle of Mills Springs, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, was in the Atlanta campaign and many other skirmishes. He served until the expiration of his term of enlistment and was honorably discharged September 22, ]864, at Indianapolis. After the war he returned to his home and purchased forty acres of land, having previously purchased forty acres, and began farming. He was married November S, 1865, to Miss Julia A. Fudge, daughter of Moses Fudge, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He has 225 acres of good land in Michigan Township, under a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Brant have three children - Edward B., Warner A., and Mary C. Mrs. Brant is a member of the

Daniel Bbitton, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of New- Jersey, born at New Durham, June 30, 1838, a son of Daniel and Rachel (Pardy) Britton, natives of New Jersey. His paternal grandfather, William Britton, came to America, from England, prior to the war of the Revolution, and served in the Colonial army in that struggle for independence. His maternal grandfather was a native of Ireland. In October, 1838, our subject's parents emigrated to Indiana and located in Clinton County, on what was known as the Watt farm, two miles south of Frankfort, on the Twelve-Mile Prairie. Three years later they bought the farm in Michigan Township where our subject now lives, where they passed the rest of their lives. Our subject was reared on a frontier farm, having lived on the farm which is his present home since 1841. He purchased the interest of the other heirs, after his marriage, and now has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. He was married December 23, 1863, to Elmira Rice, a native of Clinton County, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Sawyer) Britton, early settlers of Clinton County. Mr. and Mrs. Britton have eight children - William, Armilda, Cora and Dora (twins), Mary Jane, Daisy and Lizzie (twins), and Katie Blanche. In politics Mr. Britton affiliates with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Rev. James K. P. Carson, farmer and stock-raiser in Michigan Township, was born in Marion County, Indiana, February 2, 1845, fifth son and seventh of thirteen children of Alexander Carson, who was born in Pennsylvania, October 17, 1803, and was taken by his parents to Adonis County, Ohio, when a small child, where he was reared on a firm and resided there until he reached manhood, when he removed with his father's family to Indiana in 1824, settling in Rush County. He was married in that county to Mary Wells, and they were tlie parents of six children. All lived to maturity, and five still survive. His wife died in Marlon County, and he again married in Fayette County to Miss Mary Morphew, a native of Oliio, and daughter of Nathan and Margaret Morphew, natives of Nortli Carolina. He removed to Marion County, thence to Tipton County in 1851, and in 1870 removed to this county where he passed the rest of his days. Of their children five are living. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist church. The father died April 17, 1880, and the mother Ocl^ tober 16, 1875. Our subject was six years of ao;e when his father moved to Tipton County, where he was reared on a farm and received his education from the common schools. He was married in Marion County, March 4, 1868, to Miss Indiana Raboum, daughter of David and Nancy (Ruggles) Raboum, who were from Kentucky, but removed to Indiana before their marriage. Mr. Carson settled upon a farm in Tipton County, where he followed farming until 1882, when he removed to Clinton County and settled on his father's old farm, which consists of eighty acres of improved land. They have had six children, live still living - Edward L. died in infancy; Orlando H., Lillie May, Ora Mabel, Bertha, Rosetta and Mary Olise. Mr. Carson united with the Baptist church May 22, 1859, in 1870 began to preach and was ordained in 1873. Mrs. Carson is also a Baptist, joining that church in 1869. He takes an active interest in the educational facilities of the county. Politically he is a Republican.

Jeremiah K. Clark, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Fayette County, Indiana, born March 23, 1829, a son of Jeremiah and Catherine (Kitchel) Clark, the former a native of Ohio, of English descent, and the latter of Connecticut, of German ancestry. "When our subject was a child his parents moved to Scott County, Missouri, where his father died in 1840. His mother then returned to Fayette County, and in 1845 came to Clinton County and settled in Johnson Township, buying a farm, where she reared her children. Her family consisted of twelve children, six of whom lived to maturity, and three are still living. She now makes her home with our subject, and is in the enjoyment of a fair degree of health, being in the eighty-lifth year of her age. Our subject remained with his mother until his marriage and then settled on a farm in Johnson Township, where he lived three and a half years, and in 1854 moved to Michigan Township to a farm on the Michigan road, where he lived until 1876, when he located on the farm which is now his home. His farm contains eighty acres of impi'oved land, all highly cultivated, and his building improvements are among the best in the township. He is an energetic, industrious farmer, and one of the representative citizens of the township. He was married November 20, 1851, to Miss Nancy Paris, daughter of Richard G. Paris. To them were born five children; but three are living - Bertie A., wife of John Lambertson; Paris F. and Royal B., of Marion County. Mrs. Clark died July 3, 1862, and September 6, 1864, Mr. Clark married Mary A., daughter of Hamilton Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have had a family of eight children; two died in infancy and six are living - Hamilton F., Joseph C, Frederick W., Lillie F., Khoda D. and Orris Ellis. In politics Mr. Clark is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

James T. Crisenbeert, manufacturer of tile, Michigan Township, was born in Adams County, Ohio, September 25, 1839, third son and the fourth of nine children of Lewis and Eachel (Early) Crisenberry. The father was a native of Grayson, West Virginia, and after reaching his majority removed to Adams County. He was a boot and shoe maker and followed his trade in that county until his removal to Clinton County. In 1825 he married a daughter of William Early, who was born in Ireland and came to this country in an early day. He was sold to pay his passage as was the custom at that time. His wife was a Miss Thomas of German ancestry. They settled in Adams County and there they passed the remainder of their days. After his marriage Lewis Crisenberry remained in Adams County several years, then came to this county and engaged in farming, wliere they still reside. James T. was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-live years of age, and August 11, 1864, he was married to Miss Meletka Snow, a daughter of Austin and Easter (Myers) Snow, natives of South Carolina. She was born in this county. After his marriage he rented land in lus native county until 1871 when he removed to this county and rented land three years. In 1874 he purchased forty acres of land in Michigan Township and commenced working his own land. In 1882 he commenced manufacturing tile on his farm and carries on an extensive business. Mr. and Mrs. Crisenberry are the parents of nine childi-en - Charlie, Frank, Effie, Lola, Birdsall, Ida, Nora, Lewis and Mabel. Mr. Crisenberry is a self-made man. By industry and economy he has accumulated a good property which he uses to good advantage in surrounding himself and family with all the comforts of life. Politically be is a Democrat.

Hamilton Davis, one of the pioneers of Clinton County, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1812, fourth son and seventh child of William and Mary (Watkins) Davis, natives of Pennsylvania, and ot^ German-Irish ancestry. Hamilton was reared on a farm in his native county until he was seventeen years of age, when his father emigrated to Union County, Indiana.

In 1834 Hamilton came to Clinton County and two years later his father came with his family. He entered eighty acres of Government land on section 34, Michigan Township, settling in a dense wilderness, with very few neighbors. He cleared and improved his land and resided on it until 1868 when he sold out and purchased his present farm of 160 acres which is well cultivated. His father and mother passed the remainder of their days in this county, the father dying in 1846 and the mother in 1840. They were the parents of nine children. All are deceased except Hamilton; eight lived to be grown. They were members of the Christian church, and politically the father was an old-line Whig. Our subject was married April 23, 1837, to Miss Sarah Whiteman, daughter of Henry and Susanna (Bond) Whiteman, who came from Tennessee in 1834. To this union nine children were born - Mary A., Margaret C, Sarah M., William H. (died in June, 1874, aged thirty years), John W., Robert S., Madison and Minerva D. Both are members of the Missionary Baptist church, and in politics he is a Republican.

Philip A. Harnsbeegee, retired farmer, is one of the first settlers of Clinton County and was born N^ovember 14, 1811, in Warren County, Ohio, the third son, and fifth of the eleven children of Jacob and Catherine Harnsberger, who removed from Rockingham County, Virginia, to Kentucky, in an early day, and afterward emigrated to Ohio, where the father followed farming until the fall of 1828. He then removed to Fountain County, Indiana, and the following March came to Clintqn County. His means being limited he leased land and followed farming the remainder of his days. His children were - Abraham (deceased), Welsley, Mary (deceased), Philip, Conrad, Eliza, Jane, Henry, George, Jacob S. He lived in Frankfort five years, then went to Sangamon County, Illinois, where he died in 18 - , aged seventy years. His wife died in Clinton County in 1833. Philip was seventeen years of age when he came to this county, where he assisted his father in the maintenance of the family, until he was twenty-five years old. He was married June 10, 1836, to Miss Deborah Ann Hendrickson, daughter of Abraham and Maria (Norris) Hendrickson, who came from New Jersey to Dearborn County, Indiana, thence to Clinton County in 1830. After his marriage he entered forty acres of Government laud in Michigan Township, which he commenced clearing and improving. This he afterward sold and moved to Kirklin Township where he purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land, and commenced making a second farm. His wife died June IS, 1846, after which he sold out and again started in the wilderness, building houses on three different farms. They were the parents of three children - Maria Catherine, wife of Thomas C. Goff; John E. and George M. Since the death of his wife he has resided with his daughter. He is a member of the New Light church, and in politics is a Democrat.

John S. Hedgcook, merchant, was born in Ashford, Kent, England, January 24, 18i^6. His parents were -Vane and Maria, West being his mother's maiden name. His youth was spent in various occupations until he came to the United States in 1849. He first located in Syracuse, New York, thence to Dresden, Ohio, where he engaged in the boot and shoe business. May 30, 1852, he was married to Nancy Ross, daughter of James and Nancy Ross. In 1854 he came to this county. He followed his trade for some time. In the fall of 1864 he entered the Union army in Company G, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. In 1868 he engaged in his present business which he has since followed. Mr. and Mrs. Hedgcock have seven children - James A., John "W., Charles V., Oliver P., Louisa, Jennie P., and Nellie, deceased. Mrs. Hedgcock died February 7, 1879. Mr. Hedgcock married Miss Elizabeth Hubbard August 23, 1881. She came from Huntington, Huntington County, England, about one year before. He is a Methodist, a member of Herman Lodge, No. 184, F. &. A. M.; also David Barnes Post, G. A. R. Mrs. Hedgcock is a member of the Episcopalian church.

Christophee T. Hiatt, farmer and manufacturer of tile, was born in Henry County, Indiana, November 18, 1838, the youngest of the seven children of Christopher and Martha (Stanley) Hiatt, who were natives of Guilford County, North Carolina, and settled in Henry County in 1826. They resided there until 1852, then removed to Clinton County, Indiana, and settled in what was then Jackson (now Center) Township on a partially improved farm where the father followed farming the rest of his life. He lived to see all of his brothers and sisters buried and to bury six of his children. He died in this county April 16, 1875, aged seventy years. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and politically a Republican, having formerly been an old-line "Whig. His wife died in 1865 aged sixty-three years. Four of their children lived to be grown. Amos died at the age of twenty-one; Lydia died at the age of six months; Emily died aged thirty-nine years; Susie died at seven years of age; Samuel died at three years, Priscilla died at the age of thirty. Our subject came to Clinton County when fourteen years old and assisted his fatlier on the farm until he was f^rown. He then took charge of the farm and remained with his father until the death of the latter. He was married November 6, 1860, the day Abraham Lincohi was elected President, to Miss Martha Pyatt, daughter of Jackson and Sarah Pyatt. After the marriage ceremony he cast his first presidential vote. Mrs. Hiatt was born in Marion County. Her parents moved from Virginia in an early day. After his marriage Mr. Hiatt resided on the farm in Center Township until 1873, when he sold out and moved to Johnson Township where he lived eleven months, then purchased his present farm in Michigan Township which consists of eighty acres of improved land. In 1883 he added the manufacture of tile to his farming pursuits, in which he has been very successful. Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt have had five children - Amos, George, Edward, Lydia and Nellie F.,who died at the age of five years. Mrs. Hiatt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Hiatt is politically a Republican.

William Kelley was born in this county August 18, 1839. His father, David Kelley, was bom in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in 1812. He was a son of Henry Kelley, a native of Ireland, who came to the United States with his family and settled in Pennsylvania, then removed to Zanesville, Ohio, where he died in 1827. John Kelley, a brother of David, came to this county and entered 160 acres of Government land, and in 1832 he, with his mother's family, removed to this township, where the mother died in 1840. David Kelley was married in this county to Miss Rebecca Davis, a daughter of William Davis, who came from Pennsylvania to this county in an early day. After his marriage he settled upon the land previously entered by his. brother. In his mother's family were nine children - Samuel, Henry, John, William, Nancy, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Margaret and David. Five of these died in this county, two daughters in Illinois. David Kelley's family were five children - William, Samuel, Mary E., Sarah A., and John D., who is deceased. David Kellej' died in Iowa, December 22, 1883, and his wife died in this county in 1852. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics a Democrat. His wife was a member of the New Light church. William Kelley was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. He resided with his father until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted, August 27, 1862, in Company I,One Hundreth Eegiment Indiana Yolunteer Infantry, and participated in many hard-fought battles. At the battle of Dunkler Farm he received a shot through the left leg which necessitated amputation above the knee, and November 22, 1864, he was shot through the left shoulder. This disabled him from further action. He lay in the field hospital two months, then was taken to David Island, New York, where he remained until June 12, 1865, and was then honorably discharged and returned home. He remained with his father until the following spring, then came to Frankfort and engaged in the grocery business, which he followed a little less than one year. He was then appointed postmaster at Frankfort and served until February, 1868, when he became the Democratic nominee for county treasurer, but was defeated b^' Colonel John G. Clark. He then returned to the farm and remained five years. He sold his farm, again removed to Frankfort and engaged in the saloon business for two years. In 1876 Mr. Kelley served as deputy under Treasurer John Fleming, and in 1878 was elected to the office of treasurer, and re-elected in 1880. He then removed to his present farm in this township, which consists of 160 acres of improved land, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits. October 17, 1877, he was married to Miss Mary E. Skidmore, a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Armstrong) Skidmore, who came from Virginia to this county about the year 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have seven children - Elmer S., Maud A., David, Smith, Nettie B.,Malon D. and Maggie. David and Jennie are deceased. Mr. Kelley is a member of the Frankfort Lodge, No. 108, I. O. of O. F.; the Willis "Wright Encampment, No. 36, and Knights of Honor, No. 60.

Selby H. Kreishee, farmer and stock-raiser, Michigan Township, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, November 15, 1839, the second son and child of Henry and Mary (Bishup) Kreislier. His father was born in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, and was of German ancestry, his father having come from Germany in an early day. When sixteen years of age he started out for himself and settled in Clinton County, Ohio, and learned the miller's trade. He married Mary Hudson, daughter of Selby Hudson, who came from Maryland. He followed his trade in Ohio until 1852 when he emigrated to this county and purchased 160 acres of unimproved land in Warren Township where he moved his family and worked at his trade until his death. His sons cleared and im- proved the farm. He was a member of St. Luke's Church, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he was a Democrat. His death occurred March 18, 1883. Selby H. was thirteen years old when his father removed to Clinton County. He assisted in clearino; and improving his father's farm, and attended the common schools. He remained at home until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted August 13, 1862, Company K, Seventysecond Indiana Infantry, joining the Army of the Tennessee. He was wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 19,

1864, and was sent to the hospital where he remained two weeks. He then, upon his own responsibility, returned to his regiment. He was thrown from a horse and sent to Louisville, Kentucky, where he remained four months, and was honorably discharged June 13, 1865, He returned to Clinton County, and December?,

1865, was married to Miss Margaret Thompson, a daughter of William Thompson, of Clark County, Illinois. After his marriage he rented land until 1884, when he purchased his present farm in Micbigan Township. It consists of sixty acres of wellimproved land, and it is well cultivated. Mr. and Mrs. Kreisher have nine children - Mary L., Zeningles, William M., Minnie M., Brunettie, George,<Rosa M., Annie Isabel and Selby D. Mr. Kreisher is a member of the United Brethren church, and politically is a Democrat.

Eev. John Layman was born in Ohio, March 17, 1825, son of Keverend John and Jemima (Steele) Layman, natives of Kentucky, and of German ancestry. They removed to Shelby County, Indiana, in 1827, and ten years later to Owen County, Indiana. Here the parents passed the remainder of their lives. The father was a minister in the Baptist church thirty-five years, and died in his eighty-seventh year. The mother died in her sixty-fifth year. Our subject passed his youth in assisting his father on the farm and receiving a common-school education. He resided with his parents until he reached his majority. He was married December 24,. 1845, to Miss Arrila Randolph, daughter of Jariah and Sarah Randolph, who were probably from Virginia. The father was a Baptist minister. After his marriage' Mr. Layman farmed one year, then settled on his father's farm in Owen County, where he lived three years, then removed to Howard County, and two years later returned to Owen County, where he resided until 1864, when he again moved to Howard County. In 1872 he came to this county and purchased his present farm of 130 acres in Michigan

Township. Mr. and Mrs. Laymen have had ten children - Susan, Sarah E., Alfred M., William, John L., Caroline, Ira (deceased), James "W"., Eufas and Nancy. Mrs. Layman died May 24, 1867, and November 28 of that same year, Mr. Layman married Mrs. Khoda Shewmaker, whose maiden name was Eckard. She was a native of Ohio, and came to this county in an early day. By this union there were four children - Mary E., Margaret Z. and Steven A. ; one died in infancy. He was a second time bereaved by the loss of his wife, July 9, 1876, and he was agam married August 31, 1876, to Mrs. Elizabeth Eowl, a native of Ohio. Mr. Layman united with the church in 1847, began to preach in 1856 and was ordained December 15, 1858, in Owen County. He has organized a large number of churches, and been a hard worker in the cause of Christianity. Politically he is a Democrat.

John Lifp is one of the pioneers of Clinton County, among whom none are more worthy of notice in this history. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, October 17, 1818, the second son and child of Henry Lipp, who was born in Eockingham County, Virginia, about 1691, a son of Henry Lipp, who emigrated from Germany during the Eevolutionary war,and served an apprenticeship at the baker's trade, and when eighteen years of age engaged as cook for the British army. After landing in this country he deserted the British army and settled in Virginia, where he married a Miss Offenbaker, and reared a family of eight children. He emigrated to Ohio, and was one of the lirst settlers of that State. He lived to be eighty-nine years of age, and died at the home of his daughter, in Winchester, Indiana. His wife died many years before, probably about 1827. Henry Lipp, Jr., came to Ohio with his father's family and married Elizabeth Zerfas, who was born in Virginia, and was of German descent. Her father died when she was very young. They were the parents of seven children, and all lived to be grown. In 1829 he moved his family to this county and entered eighty acres of Government land in what is now Center Township, where he followed farming during the remainder of his life. He lived on that farm fifteen years, then traded for 160 acres in Killmore. Their children were - Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Andrew, Henry, Sarah and Samuel; all are deceased except John and Andrew. Mr. Lipp lost his wife by death in the fall of 1831, and twelve years afterward he married Mrs. Eachel Douglass, nee Pitman, who was from Ohio. To this union were born three children - Stephen, Louisa and Eli. Both were members of the Pres- byterian church, and Mr. Lipp was a Democrat. He died in 1856, at the age of sixty-three years. John Lipp was eleven years of age when he came with his parents to this county. His youth was spent in assisting his father in clearing and improving his frontier farm and attending the subscription schools in the primitive log school-house. In December, 18i6, he married Miss Eachel Crane, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Ferris) Crane, who came to this county from Pennsylvania in 1844. After his marriage he rented land for a year, then purchased his present farm in Michigan Township, where he has lived forty years. It was then a dense wilderness. It consists of 120 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Lipp have had three children - Nancy E., wife of Benton Maxwell, of this township; Amanda, wife of Henry Haines, residing upon the old homestead; and John, who died at the early age of eighteen months. Mrs. Lipp died April 16, 1872. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Lipp was formerly a Democrat but is now a Republican.

Colonel Newton A. Logan, was born in Parke County, Indiana, March 24, 1836, son of Amzi and Jane (Allen) Logan, natives of Shelby County, Kentucky, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They came to Indiana in 1828 and settled in Parke County, where they resided till 1845, when they removed to Clinton County, and settled in Washington Township and engaged in farming and stock-raising until the father's death, which occurred in 1846. His wife survived him till 1877, and died in White County, Indiana. Colonel Logan resided with his mother until he grew to manhood, and then cared for her as long as she lived. He followed farming until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company G, Twentysixth Indiana Infantry, July 27, 1861, as a private soldier. He was elected Captain of the company at its organization. He was with his regiment in every campaign and all its battles, the most important of which was Prairie Grove, Arkansas, siege of Vicksburg, siege of Spanish Fort and Morganza's Bend on the Mississippi River, where he was taken prisoner and confined at Tyler, Texas, ten months. Once he escaped, but was retaken by bloodhounds and taken back to prison. He was exchanged at the mouth of Red River, and the following July joined his regiment which had veteranized in the meantime. In 1864 he was promoted to Major, and soon afterward to Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel. He served until January 15, 1866, when he was honorably discharged. November 29, 1864, he was married to Susan G. White, daughter of

Michigan To-Wnship

William V. White, of Colfax, Indiana. From his discharge from the army he followed farming until 1870, when he removed to White County, where he followed farming for four years, then went into the milling business, which he continued till 1882, when he removed to Michigan Township, this county, and followed milling three years. His mill and contents were consumed by fire, and he lost all. Mr. and Mrs. Logan are the parents of seven children - Mary, Anna, James A., William V^., Charles P., Frederic Mc, and Ruth. Both adhere to the Presbyterian faith. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Eepnblic, Post 455, and Masonic fraternity, Herman Lodge, No. 184. Politically he is a Republican. William Lowden, undertaker and dealer in furniture, grain and lumber, Michigan Township, was born in Hari'ison County, Ohio, July 3, 1826, the eldest son and child of Robert and Mary (Lowyer) Lowden, natives of Virginia, and of German ancestry. When he was four years of age his parents moved to Coshocton County, where he was reared on a farm. His education was obtained by his own exertion, having received but eighteen months' schooling during his life. He remained with his parents until he reached his majority, after which he commenced teaching school. Later he tried to clear land, but his failing health compelled him to return to his teaching. He taught four years, with only one week's annual vacation. April 3, 1851, he married Miss Eve Barnett, daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth Barnett, who were natives of Virginia and came to Indiana when Eve was four years old. Mr. Lowden came to Clinton County in 1849, where he engaged in teaching until his marriage. He then farmed in summer and taught school winters for six years. He then commenced improving a tract of land which he had purchased, in connection with which he engaged in brick making and saw-milling, which he continued until 1879. He then engaged in the undertaking business, and in 1883 he added a stock of furniture and one year later commenced dealing in grain iu addition. He carries on an extensive business, besides working 250 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Lowden are the parents of eight children - Samuel S. (deceased), Aaron R., William J., John B., Elizabeth (wife of Sheldon Whiting), Catharine L., Arthnr E. and Omer W. Mr. Lowden has held the office of township trustee several years. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church. He is a member of the I. O. of O. F., and in politics was formerly a Democrat, but has affiliated with the Republican party since its organization.

Mathew Magill, deceased, was among the early settlers of Clinton County, and was born in Kentucky, April 8, 1787, a son of John Magill, a native of Virginia and of Irish ancestry. He was raised on a farm and was married June 15, 1817, to Nancy Y. Martin and they were the parents of two children - Jane E. and John Eussell. Jane married James Honk and removed to Missouri, where she died. John died in infancy. Mrs. Magill died in Kentucky, and Mr. Magill was married a second time to Mahala C. Kichardson, July 29, 1829. She was a daughter of Samuel Kichardson, who removed from Maryland to Kentucky, thence to Indiana, and died in Wisconsin in 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Magill had three children. They emigrated to Indiana and Mr. Magill entered eighty acres of Government land. He erected a cabin and began the task of improving his frontier farm, and by hard work and attention to business, he has his farm in a good state of cultivation. They were the parents of seven children, four surviving - Nancy, Rebecca Ann, Samuel H., Mathew T. and Sarah M. (twins),William Alfred and Mary M. The parents were members of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Magill was identified with the Democratic party. He died May 18, 1861, and his wife survived until April, 1870. Mathew and William reside on the old homestead. Their youth was spent in clearing and improving the frontier farm, receiving limited education in the primitive schools of the county. They own 159 acres of improved land, well cultivated. Politically they are Democrats.

James W. Messlek was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, June 10, 1830. His father was a native of New Jersey, and his mother a native of Vermont. In 1820 his father moved from his native State and settled in Ohio. When James was nine years of age his parents removed to Union County, Indiana. One year later his father died. James remained at home until sixteen years of age, assisting to support the family, thus left fatherless in a strange land. He then left his home to battle singly with the difficulties surrounding the path of all young men on their road to fortune. He tendered his services to a farmer, who accepted the offer. During the first summer he received $4 per month for his services, working for his board in the winter. During the second season he received $7 per month. He then obtained employment on the Whitewater and Erie Canal, in which employment he continued several seasons, receiving from $12 to $15 per mouth for his services. His experience was then transferred to scenes of

Southern life. He engaged in flat-boating on the Mississippi Eiver and its tributaries, in the year 1853. He was then twentythree years of age. "While at Grenada, Mississippi, he learned of a party in Indiana who were on the eve of a departure for California. He at once decided to join tliein and accordingly applied for the money due him. Owing to delays in securing the money, he reached New York too late to sail with them. Fortune, however, seemed to favor him; though disappointed in hope of reaching the " Golden State," an opportunity was afforded him of embarking for the gold fields of Australia. He heard of a vessel preparing to sail for that port, upon which he secured passage. After along and tedious voyage of 136 days, he landed at the city of Melbourne, in the latter part of September, 1853. Immediately after his arrival he departed for the Castle Main Mining Kegion. He worked in the mines two years, wliere he accumulated about $2,500. During the voyage he became acquainted with J. B. Gray. A strong friendship sprang up between them. Upon their arrival at the "Island Continent " they departed together for the mining region, and from that time to the time of Mr. Messler's departure for America they shared mutually the fortunes and reverses incident to a miner's life. His friend accumulated an amount of money equal to his own, and, with their united capital of $5,000, they formed a copartnership and embarked in the mercantile business at Wedderburn, hoping by that means to accelerate their accumulation of wealth. Their store was located 150 miles in the interior, and they were compelled to have their goods transferred by means of wagons, paying freight at the rate of $200 per ton! Their enterprise resulted successfully, and after an experience of three years Mr. Messier sold his share to his friend, Mr. Gray. After this successful venture in a foreign land, he desired to visit his old home in this State. Taking leave of his friend, he engaged passage on a vessel bound for Liverpool. He remained in England three weeks, visiting the various places of interest. Two weeks of the time were passed in the great city of London, so rich in historical events. He visited the great London Tower, in contemplation of whose vast pile the mind reverts to the days of chivalry, the bloody scenes of the "War of the Roses; the defense, by a small party of loyal citizens, against the demoralized peasantry', who rose in rebellion at the instigation of the scheming traitor, "Wat Tyler, more than 500 years ago. Within the walls of that noted edifice was framed and signed the infamous " Stamp Act," which incited our noble forefathers to rebellion against the tyranny of a despotic monarch. The sight of these places of historic interest made impressions on Mr. Messler's mind which he will never forget. He also visited the Parliament House, the castles, and other pi aces of interest in the kingdom. He then embarked for the land of his birth, arriving in New York in June, 1858. He lost no time in making his way to Indiana, arriving at the place of his boyhood after an absence of five years. He conceived the project of investing his money in Western land, and returning to Australia. In October, 1858, he purchased the farm where he now resides. He did not, however, return to Australia. His original intention was to purchase a tract of land, and invest the remainder of his money in clocks, with which he proposed to return to the scenes of his former life. After purchasing the land, he found that the balance would not permit him to carry out his project. He then engaged in the pursuit of farming, which occupation he continued until the peaceful scenes of quiet home life were disturbed by the mutterings of civil war. He responded promptly to his country's call for volunteers. He enlisted as a private soldier, and in that capacity served three years. In token of meritorious services, a Captain's commission was offered him, which he declined, believing that he could serve his country best as a private soldier. At the close of the war he returned to his home and resumed the pursuit of farming. On the 26th day of April, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary 0. Leach. They have had seven children born to them. The eldest, James W., is deceased. The others are - Harry B., Eertha E., Daisy M., Elsie G., Bessie P. and Eobert E. In politics Mr. Messier is an adherent to the principles of the Republican party. He has a beautiful farm, consisting of 330 acres, finely improved land, and is possessor of the liaudsomest residence and outbuildings in the township. He has passed through many and varied experiences. Starting in life without capital and nothing to depend upon but his own indomitable energy, he has, by persistent industry, won his way to success. He is a man who has literally " seen the world," and many interesting reminiscences connected with his travels are necessarily excluded from this brief biography. Thomas C. Pinee, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of North Carolina, born in Carteret County, April 19, 1823, a son of George and Rebecca (Dickerson) Piner, natives of the same State. "When he was eleven years of age his parents moved to Indiana and set- tied in Bartholomew County. His father was a soldier in the regular army of 181i, and was given a land warrant by the Government, and in 1853 moved to Illinois and took up his claim in Richland County, living there till his death. His wife died in January, 1855, aged sixty-two years, and he the following month, on his sixtieth birthday. Thomas C. Pi.ier was reared on a farm in Bartholomew County, Indiana, remaining at home until manhood. In 1848 he went to Shelby County, and a year later to Franklin, Johnson County, where he worked at the cooper's trade. In August, 1851, he moved to Clinton County, and bought eighty-seven acres of unimproved land, which he has cleared and brought under cultivation and has since bought forty acres adjoining on the north. He has worked at his trade in connection with attending to his farm, and has accumulated a good property. Mr. Finer was married April 29, 18i9, to Susan J. McFadden, a native of Virginia, born April 1, 1825, daughter of William and Margaret (Wade) McFadden, early settlers of Henry County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Finer have had six children; but four are living - George W., William D., Margaret V. and Martha E. Rebecca Ann, wife of George W. Miller, died in 1S70, and Thomas Clay died in 1880, aged ^xteen years. In politics Mr. Finer is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

John C. Reed, deceased, was a native of New York State, born on the Genesee River in 1787. His father came to this country with a regiment of Hessians, who came in the interest of the Queen ; but upon arriving here he joined the American army and served through the Revolutionary war. John came to the Territory of Indiana in 1812 with the family of James Buckles, settling in Jennings County and remaining there several years. He married Mary Buckles, a daughter of James Buckles, who came from England. He belonged to the nobility and brought a permit from the Queen to preempt any amount of land in Virginia, but being opposed to the curse of slavery he freed his slaves and emigrated to Indiana. Three of his slaves refused to leave him, and he provided them with a quarter-section of land in his new county. He preempted a township which he divided among his children, and he and his wife are buried upon the place he selected for his home. He will long be remembered as one of the enterprising early settlers of Indiana. They were the parents of five sons and five daughters; all were members of the Methodist Episcopal ciinrch. After his marriage John settled upon tiie land entered by his father-in-law, and lived upon it until 1841, when he came to Clinton County and entered 300 acres of Government land in Sugar Creek Township, and began to improve his future home. He hauled lumber from Indianapolis with which to build his house. The nearest mill was at Eagle Village. Mr. and Mrs. Eeed were the parents of eleven children - Samuel (deceased), James M., George M., C.W., Francis (deceased), A.nn, Mary, Elizabeth, ('elia, Martha and Arrilda M. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. At tlie age of sixty-five years, when the country needed brave and true men, Mr. Reed went out in defense of his country. He enlisted in 1862 in the Seventh Indiana Cavalry. He died in the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, just after receiving an honorable discharge. His wife survived him two years. C. W. Reed, son of the preceding, farmer and stock-raiser, Michigan Township, was born in Jennings County, Indiana, on the farm entered by his grandfather, June 23, 1833. When nine years of age he came with his father's family to Clinton County, where his youth was spent in assisting his father in clearing and improving his farm. He resided with his father until his marriage to Agnes W. Moncrief, of Jefferson County, Indiana, which occurred November 17, 1852. He then settled upon his present farm, which was entered by a man named Spencer. It was then a dense wilderness. He has cleared and improved it, and has a fine residence. They had five children - Willis R., William S., Frank S., Emma L. and Bird M. He lost his wife April 6, 1881, and was again married in March, 1882, to Miss Frances Smiley, who was born in Carroll County. Her father died when she was an infant, and her mother afterward married R. S. Irwin. One child was born to this union. Mr. Reed has a fine farm of 145 acres, well cultivated. He is a member of the Baptist church, and his wife of the Presbyterian church. He affiliates with the Republican party.

William Reed, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Butler County, Ohio, December 24, 1825, and is the eldest son of George W. and Melinda (Doughtit) Reed. His father was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 29, 1801, and was a son of John Reed, a native of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. His mother is a daughter of Jacob Doughtit, who came from North Carolina to Ohio in an early day, and was of German ancestry. They settled in this township in 1839 and purchased eighty acres of wild land, which they cleared and improved, and reared their family of fifteen children. The father died November 14, 1875, and the mother

August 20, 1874:. William Reed passed his youth on the farm with his parents, and remained with them until he reached his majority. July 8, 18i7, he was married to Miss Marilla J., daughter of Christopher and Sarah N. Johnson. After marriage he resided in various places, and finally settled upon his present farm in 1869. March 3, 1854, his wife died, and March 15, 1855, he was again married to Miss Susanna Snodgrass, a daughter of James Snodgrass, of Sugar Creek Township. In politics Mr. Eeed is a Democrat.

Feed Rousk, merchant, Boyleston, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, March 11, 1832, the seventh son and ninth of ten children of John and Annie (Roberts) Rousk, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry, the latter born in Lexington Kentucky, and of English ancestry. They emigrated to Indiana in 1837 and settled in Kirklin Township, where the father purchased 400 acres of unimproved land, and began clearing and making improvements. He served as magistrate several years, and he and his wife were active and consistent members of the United Brethren church. He followed farming until his death, which occurred February 22, 1861. His wife survived him until September 29, 1868. Of their ten children five are still living. "When John was five years of age he came with his father's family to Clinton County, where he was reared on a frontier farm. His youth was spent in assisting his fatiier in clearing and improving his land, and attending the subscription schools. He resided with his parents until he reached his majority. He was married January 15, 1852, to Miss Sarah Jane Price, daughter of John E. Price, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. After his marriage he rented land in Kirklin Township two years, then removed to Michigan Township, where he has since resided. He followed farming and coopering thirteen years, and in the spring of 1869 engaged in the mercantile trade, still following his other occupations, in which he has met with remarkable success. Commencing without means, by hard labor, good management and close attention to business he has accumulated a large property. He has an estate of 320 acres of improved land near the city of Frankfort, besides his Boyleston property. Mr. and Mrs. Rousk have two children - Rachel, wife of John W. Bond, of Center Township, and John H., in business with his father. Mr. Rousk was elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1868, and served twelve successive years. In 1886 he was elected township trustee.

John W. Stewabt, merchant, Michigan Township, was born ia Rush County, Indiana, March 13, 1837, son of Joseph and Priscilla (Springer) Stewart, who were natives of Kentucky, and removed to Indiana in an early day. John was reared on a farm, and remained with his parents until he attained his majority. In 1856 his father's family came to this county and settled in Michigan Township, where his father passed the remainder of his life, dying in 18 - , at the age of seventy-five years. John was married April 14, 1859, to Miss Melissa A. Hillis, daughter of Hiram and Laura (Eliton) Hillis, who was born in Jefferson County. After his marriage he rented his father's old farm and followed farming exclusively until 1882, when, in addition to farming, he engaged in the mercantile business, where he carries a large stock of merchandise and is doing an extensive business. His farm contains 190 acres of well-improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have six children - Emma F., Ida A., Newton Y., Hiram L., "William and Homer. Mrs. Stewart is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Stewart belongs to the I. O. of O. F., and politically is identified with the Democratic party.

William Strong, druggist, Boylestou, was born in this county, November 29, 1842, the fifth son and sixth child of Jacob and Margaret (Sheets) Strong. His father was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1807. He was reared on a farm, and in March, 1828, married Margaret Sheets, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth(Householder) Sheets, natives of Maryknd. They lived in that State until 1836, when they emigrated to this county and purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land in Michigan Township, which he cleared and improved, and where the father lived during the remainder of his life. They were the parents of eight children, five still living, viz. - Jacob, Silas, William G., Louisa and Elizabeth. The deceased were - Samuel, John H., and Eliza Margaret. He was elected to the ofiice of county clerk by the Democratic party, and served several terms. He also served as magistrate many years. Both were members oF the Baptist church. He departed this life December 16, 1881. His wife still survives in the village of Boyleston, at the advanced age of seventy -four years. She still retains her mental and physical vigor to a remarkable degree. William was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education in the primitive log school-house. He resided with his parents until he grew to manhood. He was married November 11, 1863, to Miss Alice Henton, daughter of "William J. Henton, who was born in this county. After his marriage he settled on the old homestead, where he followed farming three years. They have two children - Zenobia and Naomi. Mr. Strong was again married November IS, 1876, to Mrs. Maria Strong, nee Thatcher, daughter of John and Catharine (Fisher) Thatcher. In 1876 he engaged in the mercantile trade atBoyleston, and in 1883 embarked in his present business. He has a large patronage. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party.

John Thatcher, farmer, Michigan Township, was born in Preble County, Ohio, March 16, 1816, the third of ten children of Jesse and Maria (Painter) Thatcher, the former a native of Bracken County, Kentucky, and a son of Amos Thatcher, a - native of New York, the latter a native of Rockingham County, Virginia,' daughter of George Painter and of English ancestry. His father came to Preble County in an early day and settled among the Indians. He was married in Kentucky and followed farming until 1836, when he brought his family to Clinton County and purchased two eighty-acre lots in what was then Jackson, now Center, Township, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Baptist church, and in politics was formerly an old-line Whig, but has been a Republican since the organization of that party. His father, Amos Thatcher, served seven years in the Revolutionary war. Of their eight children seven still survive. Our subject was reared on a farm and after coming to this county assisted his father in clearing and improving his land. His father gave him forty acres of the old farm which he traded for 160 acres in Michigan Township, which was then a dense wilderness. January 16, 1838, he was married to Miss Catherine Fisher, daughter of Peter Fisher. (See sketch.) To this union were boi-n eight children, all living - Jacob, who served in the Tenth Indiana Infantry during the civil war, now residing in York, Nebraska; Peter F., of Kirklin Township; Jesse C, of Carroll County; Cyrus D., living on the old homestead; Maria C, wife of William Strong; Miry A., wife of George A. Blystone;Sarah,wife of William Eaton, of Frankfort, and Phcebe, wife of Uriah Myers, of Jackson County, Missouri. His wife died February 1, 1874, after a happy married life of thirtysix years. Politically he was formerly a Whig, but now a Republican.

January 24, 1820, son of James and Margaret (Crane) "Wharney, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He spent his early life in woolen-mills as a weaver, and soon after attaining his majority came to Clinton County where he followed the carpenter's trade several years. He married Miss Julia Ann Price, February 25, 185T, daughter of George and Mary Ann (Snuff) Price, who came from Ohio to this county and was among the early settlers. He located in Michigan Townshipwhere all was a dense wilderness, and lived there many years. They died in Tippecanoe County, at an advanced age. After his marriage Mr. Wharney settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his son James G. "Wharney. They were the parents of seven children - Marcellus P., James G., Margaret N., Cora I., Martha A., John S. and Frank E. Mr. Wharney was very successful in his chosen occupation, and at his death, which occurred September i, 1879, he owned 240 acres of land in a high state of cultivation. Wiien he died he was nearly sixty years of age. His wife died January 24, 1882, aged forty-six years . He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and affiliated with the Democratic party. His wife was a Methodist. James G. Wharney was born in Warren Township, Clinton County, January 15, 1859, a son of the preceding. He was reared on a farm in Michigan Township and received a common-school education. He resided with his parents until their death, then succeeded them on the farm. He was married September 5, 1880, to Miss Matilda, a daughter of Barney and Elizabeth (Cook) Thompson. After his mother's death he took charge of the homestead and assumed the care of his brothers and sisters. Mrs. Wharney is a member of the Protestant Methodist church. Politically Mr. Wharney affiliates with the Democratic party.

James L. Whitcomb, farmer and stock-raiser, Michigan Township, was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, May 8, 1836, son of Asa Whitcomb. When he was eight years of age his parents removed to Clinton County where he was reared on a frontier farm, receiving a limited education in the subscription schools of the early days. He resided with his parents until his marriage, which occurred November 21, 1855, to Miss Barbara M. Barnett, daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth (Clark) Barnett, who was born in Brown County, this State. After his marriage he settled upon his present farm which his father had purchased. There were about ten acres partially cleared and James at once went to building his house. The farm contained sixty acres, but he has added to it until he now owns 122 acres of improved land. Mr. and Mrs. "Whitcomb have had five children - John E., Aaron Asa, Lucinda (wife of Adam H. Whiteman), Eva J. (deceased), and James S. Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb are members of the Christian church, and politically Mr. "Whitcomb is a Republican.

Solomon Zeefas, deceased, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, September 23, 1829, son of Samuel and Lydia (Zerfas) Zerfas, of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. He was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until his marriage, receiving his education in the subscription schools of the early day. He attended school for a time after attaining his majority. He was married December 11, 1851, to Miss Sophronia Cox, daughter of Valentine and Malinda (Parker) Cox, the former a native of Ohio and of German ancestry, the latter a native of Virginia and of Irish descent. She was born in Clinton County, Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Zerfas settled upon his father's farm where he remained until his removal to Clinton County, Indiana, in 1860. His father had formerly entered three eighties in Michigan Township^ and afterward purchased another eighty, making half a section of unimproved land. Solomon commenced clearing and improving this land until the civil war broke out, when he volunteered in defense of union and liberty. He enlisted in Company I, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, October 2, 1862. He was wounded at the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, which resulted in his death January 1, 1865, leaving his wife with five small children in a comparatively new and heavily timbered country. She removed to her native county in Ohio where she remained two years, then returned to this county. The land had been deeded to tlie children whose names are - Lydia A., deceased, was the wife of Richard Rude; David A., John H., Susan J., deceased, and Samuel M. They were members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Zerfas affiliated with the Republican party. Mrs. Zerfas still resides in this county.

David A. Zeefas, son of the preceding, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, October 24, 1854. He was six years old when his parents removed to this county, where he has since resided with the exception of two years spent in Ohio immediately after his father's death. Being the eldest son the care of his mother and her family naturally devolved upon him at a very early age. He resided with his mother until his marriage, which occurred May 28, 1881, to Miss Eliza J. Irwin, daughter of Price Irwin (deceased). She was born near Frankfort in what is now Center Township. To this union have been born three children - Ada I., Kalph M. and Flossie J. Mr. Zerfas united with the United Brethren church at the age of sixteen years, and has since been an ardent worker in the cause of Christ. In 1883 he was held as an exhorter and January 1, 1885, was licensed to preach. His wife is an active member of the same church. Politically Mr. Zerfas affiliates with the Republican party.