Monroe Township (part 1 of 2)

Monroe Township

ILLIAM F. ANDERSON, a prominent farmer and stock raiser, and one of the large land holders of Monroe township, wasbornin Miami county, Ohio, January 21, 1854, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Smith) Anderson. His paternal ancestors were early residents of Virginia, in which state his grandfather was a planter and large slave holder. Joseph and Mary Anderson had a family of eight children whose names are as follows: Maggie, wife of

Charles Malcolm; David H. ; John W. ; James J. ; Charles E. ; Joseph H. ; and Sallie, wife, of H. H. Youngs; and the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch.

William F. Anderson spent the years of his youth and early manhood in his native state where he was raised on the farm, and in April, 1875, became a resident of Delaware county, Ind., settling in the township of Monroe, where he now has a beautiful farm, consisting of 300 acres of good land, upon which are some of the best improvements in the township. Mr. Anderson has made a success of farming, and the comfortable competence which he now enjoys is largely the result of his own well directed efforts, and through real estate received by marriage. He received his education in the schools of his native state, was a teacher for some time, and having always been a reader and observer, is now one of the well informed men of the com- I munity in which he resides. The father of | Mr. Anderson died August 3, 1886, and his ' widowed mother still resides in Miami county, Ohio. December 23, 1875, was solemnized the marriage of William F. Anderson and Martha Clark, the issue of which union is two children, namely: Charles E., and Anna B.

OHN D. BARTLING. - Few of the deceased residents of Monroe township are held in more grateful remembrance than the late John D. Bartling, who, for a number of years, was a well known and highly respected citizen of the county of Delaware. Mr. Bartling was a native of Ohio, born in Hamilton county, the son of William and Christina Bartling, who came to the United States from their native country, Germany, many years ago.

Mr. Bartling passed the years of his youth and early manhood in his native state, and in the spring of 1864, became a resident of Delaware county, purchasing a beautiful farm in the township of Monroe, upon which the remaining days of his life were passed. He early chose agriculture for an occupation, and followed that useful calling all of his life, and such was his success, that, without any assistance in a financial sense, he succeeded in accumulating a fair share of this world's wealth, owning a farm in Marshall county, Ind. Mr. Bartling responded to the country's call for volunteers at the breaking out of the rebellion, enlisting July 8, i86i, in company E, Eighth Missouri volunteer infantry, with which he shared the vicissitudes and fortunes of war for a period of three years. During his term of service he was with his command in a number of campaigns and participated in eleven hard fought battles, in all of which his conduct was that of a brave and gallant soldier, and against his military record no breath of suspicion was ever known to have been uttered. He received an honorable discharge July, 1864, in the city of St. Eouis, from which time until death his life was devoted to the peaceful pursuit of his chosen calling.

Mr. Bartling was married November 16, 1869, to Mrs. Rachel Armitage, the fruits of which union were three children, namely: Effie M., wife of J. R. Stipp; Laura L. and Addie E. Mr. Bartling's death, which occurred on the 4th day of June, 1878, was felt as a great loss to the community, and he was followed to his last resting place in the Tomlinson cemetery by a large concourse of sorrowing friends and neighbors. He was a member of the I. O. O. E., a most worthy and conscientious citizen, and every laudable enterprise that had a tendency to elevate and improve the community found in him a zealous friend and earnest patron. In his immediate family he is remembered as a fond and loving husband, a kind father, and the influence of his example is the richest heritage to a grateful posterity. Mrs. Bartling's maiden name was McDonald, and she was born in Champaign county, Ohio, September 16, 1833. She now owns eighty acres of land in Monroe township, where she lives in quietude, enjoying the esteem and respect of a large circle of acquaintances and neighbors.

HBSALOM brown is a native of Delaware county, Ind., and the eldest son of Joel and Diana (Gibson) Brown. He was born in the township of Monroe, December 18, 1841, and grew to manhood on the farm, and with the exception of the time spent in the army has ever since followed the pursuit of agriculture in the county of his nativity. He entered the service of his country December, 1863, as a member of company G, Ninth regiment Indiana cavalry, and took part in some of the bloodiest battles of the southwestern campaign, including the first engagement of Lawrence, Tenn., Eranklin (where he received a severe wound in the left side), and Nashville. Owing to disability occasioned by the wound he was for three months compelled to remain in the hospital, and on the 4th of July, 1865, was honorably discharged from the service. Erom the effects of disability received while in the army Mr. Brown has never entirely recovered and he is now remembered by a grateful country with a pension amounting to $12 per month. After his discharge, Mr. Brown returned to Delaware county and resumed his chosen calling, and is now one of the well known and successful agriculturists of Monroe township. He is a highly respected citizen and belongs to that large and influential class who in a quiet way do much for the moral well being of the community.

Mr. Brown was married January 24, 1871, to Rebecca Grim, daughter of Nicholas and Susanna (Jones) Grim, who has borne him the following children; Caroline, wife of Arch Brown; Samuel, Benjamin, David, John and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members respectively of the Methodist church and the Society of Friends. In March, 1893, Mr. Brown removed from Monroe township to a farm in Centre township, and now is living on the John McConnell place.

KS. NELLIE CHEESEMAN - A well known and popular lady of Monroe township, was born in Grayson county, Va., May i6, 1820, and spent the years of her girlhood in the state of her nativity. She was married to Richard Cheeseman, a prosperous farmer who moved with his family to Indiana 1857, settling, in September of that year, in Delaware township, this county, on forty-five acres of land, which he cleared and brought under cultivation. The country at that time was comparatively new, and Mr. and Mrs. Cheeseman made their way to their new home by blazing their path through the woods, traveling under many difficulties. Game was plentiful and formed a large part of the diet of the family for some time after making their settlement. Subsequently, Mr. Cheeseman moved to a point twelve miles northwest of Muncie, and in 1861, purchased land in Monroe township, upon which he built a cabin, and from which he developed a good farm. He was a man of great industry, and his efforts were crowned with success, and Bt the time of his death, he was the possessor of 160 acres of valuable land, the greater part of which, under his successful management, was brought to a high state of cultivation. He was a popular citizen of the community, intelligent and enterprising, and well deserves mention as one of the representative men of Monroe township. His memory is revered in his neighborhood by all with whom he came in contact. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cheeseman, namely: Mantilla, wife of Samuel Andrews; Alexander, deceased; Mary J., wife of George Mansfield; Thomas J.; E. Lydia, wife of David White; Sarah A., wife of John Roller; Isaac L. , deceased; William J. ; Hannah E., wife of Amos Acer, and Sylvester. Mrs. Cheeseman has borne her full share of the vicissitudes of life on a farm in a new country, and has reared her large family to honorable manhood and womanhood. She has, indeed, been a true woman, and in her declining years her children rise up to call her blessed. In 1887 she had the misfortune of becomfng crippled in the ankle, from the effects of which she has not been able to walk since. This severe affliction, has been borne with most commendable patience, and has been the means of bringing out all the finer and better qualities of her nature. She is beloved by all, and her example could safely be imitated by those who are just beginning the toilsome journey of life. See sketch of John Roller.

measure, the material well being of the country, for it is to his efforts that all occupations and professions must depend for an existence. The subject of this mention belongs to that large class of successful tillers of the soil who have done so much toward the development of our noble state, and particularly that part embraced within the present limits of Delaware county. William T. Clark was born in Delaware county, Ind., March 4, 1847, the son of James and Hester (Goble) Clark, natives respectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania. He grew to manhood amid the active scenes of farm life, and his inclinations leading him to agricultural pursuits, he early became a tiller of the soil and has devoted his entire time and attention to that useful and honorable occupation. He owns seventy-three acres of land in Monroe township, which is well improved, and he is surrounded by many of the modern conveniences of farming which bespeak the presence of a careful and painstaking manager. Mr. Clark has been twice married, the first time on the 24th of December, 1882, to Nancy E., daughter of John and Barbara Lambert, who died October i, 1884. The second marriage was consummated May 17, 1887, with Nancy Moffet, daughter of Lambert and Maria Moffet. Mrs. Clark's parents were natives of Ohio, but moved from Tennessee when quite young to Layette county, Ind. , where they were married and where they resided until their deaths, the mother dying September 30, 1887, and father on the 7th day of Lebruary, 1892. They reared a family of eleven children, namely: Mary, wife of Abraham Pence; Samuel C., Susan M., wife of D. C. Campbell; James A., Sarah, deceased; William H., deceased; Nancy E., wife of William Clark; Jemima A., wife of Henry Stewart; John T. , and Clarinda, wife of Thomas Barret. Mrs. Clark's parents were earnest Christian people, the mother having belonged to the United Brethren church and the father to the Lutheran denomination. Mrs. Clark owns eighty acres of fine land in this township, which she inherited from her parents. She is the mother of one living child, Dayton Ray, and one deceased, Irven M.

^^qi^ILLIAM S. COOLEY was born in Mm I Washington county, Vt., March 4, 1800, and came to Muncie, Ind., in the year 1837. By occupation Mr. Cooley was a manufacturer of woolen goods, but he abandoned his trade eighteen years after moving to Delaware county, and purchased a farm of 100 acres and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. Subsequent!}', he purchased his present farm in Monroe township, consisting of 140 acres, upon which he resided the remainder of his life. Mr. Cooley's original purchase consisted almost entirely of wood land, and he shared, in full measure, the hardships encountered by the early pioneers of the great west, and by industr}' and judicious management became, in time, the possessor of a very comfortable fortune. On the 5th day of January, 1824, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Rogers, daughter of Charles and Nancy Rogers, who moved from their native country, Ireland, to the United States in 1816, settling at Albany, N. Y. To the union of William S. and Jane Cooley w'as born the following children, namely: Blanchard, deceased, Jennie, deceased, John, deceased, Charles, by occupation a miller, Henry, a farmer, William, also a tiller of the soil; Nancy, wife of John Wdlson, and Robert, an engineer and farmer. Mr. Cooley was a firm believer in the doctrine embodied in the Universalist creed and died in the full hope of a happy future, on the 17th of September, 1874; his wife, who is a member of the Presbyterian church and a woman of many Christian virtues, is still living at an advanced age with her son in Monroe township.

Robert Cooley, son of William S. and Jane Cooley, was born May 18, 1846, on the old homestead, in Monroe township, Delaware county, where he still resides, looking afterthe interests of his aged mother. He received a good education, and, with the exception of six years, has always followed agriculture, which useful calling he still carries on with success and financial profit, being one of the representative farmers of Monroe. Lor six years he was an engineer, during which period he did not lose sight of his farming interest. He owns eighty acres of land in Jackson township, Blackford county, well improved. He married September 18, 1893, Christena (Stainbrook) Potter, a member of the Christian church.

Mr. Cooley's neat farm gives every outward indication that it is under the control of a master hand, and that intelligence, skill and thrift are the prime factors in its management, and that these are backed by industry.

HNDREW JACKSON FLEMING is descended from Virginia ancestry and traces the family history back through a number of generations to the first settlement of the Old Dominion state. His father, Andrew Fleming, was born in what is now West Virginia, near the town of Fairmont, where his family were among the first settlers, having emigrated to the head of the Monongahela river in company with a large number of settlers from the eastern part of the state. Settlements were made along the valleys, farms were opened upon which cabins were erected and the people began to feel happy over the prospect of soon having homes. This feeling of content, however, was soon doomed to be dissipated, for alas, the savages from the Northwest Territory found out the settlement and at once planned a raid against the same. They killed several of the settlers, burned dwellings, stole horses and committed other depredations until it became necessary to take some decided means of protecting the settlers from their encroachments. Accordingly a meeting was held and volunteers called for to act as scouts between the settlement and the Ohio river, a distance of fifty or sixty miles through an unbroken wilderness. A well known spy, by the name of Morgan, and Andrew Fleming tendered their services for this ardiirous and dangerous duty, which right nobly they performed. The Indian warriors, after crossing the Ohio, would follow some creek or water course to its head, and then go down the other side of the ridge until they reached the settlement. The duty of the scouts was to traverse the country from spring until fall, not far from the Ohio river, and search for Indian trails, and when it was ascertained that the savages had crossed the river the scouts would start for the settlements, traveling day and night through the wilderness until they had reached their destination and given the alarm. The settlers would then hasten to the fort and protect themselves against their wily foes, who, finding themselves outwitted, would soon retreat into the wilderness. Upon starting on this dangerous duty Mr. Fleming took nothing with him but his gun, blanket and a sack of salt, being compelled to obtain his food from the wild game with which the country then abounded. How long he continued in this dangerous duty is not now known, but upon his return home he was worn out, broken in health, having given the very prime of his life to the protection of his countrymen, while they attended to the clearing of their farms and laid the foundations of their fortunes. For all this sacrifice of health and means, Mr. Fleming never received a single cent, in consequence of which he was little able to assist his children, financially, when they grew to the years of manhood and womanhood.

Andrew Jackson Fleming was born in Marion county, W. Va. , January 9, 1819, was reared on the home farm in his native state and remained there until 1863, at which time he came to Henry county, Ind. , and engaged in the mercantile business in that county. He took charge of his father's place when but seventeen years of age, and continued to operate the same until 1850, when he moved to Palatine, opposite Fairmont, where, for some time, he was variously employed, giving considerable attention to painting. In the fall of 1861 he entered the Union army as private in company C, Sixth regiment. West Virginia volunteer infantry, and shortly thereafter was promoted first lieutenant, in which capacity he served for a period of two years. While in the service, he participated in a number of skirmishes and irregular battles, in one of which he received a severe wound in the thigh, and for some time was detailed with his command to guard the B. & O. railroad. After his dis- charge he returned to his home in Virginia, and, subsequently, as already stated, moved to Indiana and carried on the goods business for some years in Henry county. Abandoning merchandizing, he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture in Henry county, purchasing a farm of sixty acres, which he afterward sold, and in 1870 came to the township of Monroe, where, for three succeeding years, he again followed the mercantile trade, meeting with a fair degree of success in the meantime. He then purchased his home place, consisting of sixty-six acres of well improved land, and is now passing his declining years upon the same in the enjoyment of that quietude which a long and somewhat arduous life has so nobly earned. He has served his township as trustee, aside from which position he has never been an aspirant for the honors of office. Mr. Fleming was married September 17, 1851, in Marion county, W. Va. , to Mary E. Miller, who was born in Harrison county, that state, September 22, 1827. Mrs. Fleming was a daughter of Jesse and Eliza (Brown) Miller, natives of Maryland and West Virginia respectively, and of English descent. Mr. Eleming comes of a good family, which is widely and favorably known in West Virginia, of which state one of his relatives, A. B. Fleming, is now serving as governor. Mr. Fleming is personally very popular, and is a man of more than ordinary powers of mind, having for years been a close reader and intelligent observer of men and events. He stands deservedly high in the community and may be taken as a true type of the Virginia gentleman of the old school.

aHARLES A. ELEMING, a well known business man of Oakville, Monroe township, was born in Marion county, W. Va. , March 29, 1840. His parents, Andrew B. and Mary Fleming, were both born in the town of Fairmont, W. Va., in 1803. The father died in 1885, in Fairmont, and the mother departed this life in February, 1892, at Oakville, Ind. They were both estimable people, and Mrs. Fleming was, for over fifty years, an active member of the Methodist church. Charles A. Fleming was reared to manhood in his native state, and in Novembej, i860, came to Indiana, locating in Middletown, Henry county, where he remained until the breaking out of the war, at which time, in August, 1861, he entered the army, enlisting in company E, Eighth Indiana volunteer infantry. He accompanied his command to St. Louis, Mo., thence to Georgetown, and while at the latter place was poisoned, from the effects of which he was sent to the hospital, where he remained for a period of four months, being discharged November 25, 1862. December 15, 1863, he re-enlisted in company E, Ninth Indiana cavalry, which was assigned to duty at Nashville, and later to Pulaski, Tenn., where Mr. Fleming for some time did garrison duty. On the 25th of September, 1864, he was with his regiment in a severe battle at Sulphur Branch, Ala., where his company lost heavily, and on December 7, the same year, took part in the bloody battle of Franklin, Tenn. In February, 1865, the company left Gravely Springs for New Orleans, but before reaching its destination, was ordered back to Vicksburg, and the following May was sent to Mississippi. Mr. Fleming was discharged September 6, 1865, and was immediately thereafter returned to Indiana, and has since that time been a resident of Delaware county, where he is widely known and universally respected. He was married August 16, "1882, to Mary F. , daughter of James and Matilda (Losh) Watson, to which union one child, Alta L. Fleming, has been born. The following are the names of the brothers and sisters of Mrs. Fleming: Martha, wife of

Mr. Fleming has been engaged in business for a number of years at the town of Oakville and has met with a reasonable degree of success. He suffered a serious loss by the cyclone of 1884, in which all the town, except three houses, was destroyed. Mr. Fleming was badly injured and his store and goods were completely destroyed, so that he was rendered well nigh penniless by the disaster. He recommenced business, however, in a box car, and has since succeeded very well, being at this time in the enjoyment of a lucrative trade, which is constantly increasing. Mr. Fleming is a republican in politics and enjoys the esteem and confidence of the people of the town in which he resides. Maria Fleming, sister of Charles A. Fleming, was born December i, 1844, in P'airmont, W. Va., and came to Delaware county, Ind., in the year 1885. She resided first at Cowan, then at Oakville, where she has since resided, making her home with her brother.

J. FLEMING, a well known farmer of Monroe township, was born March 2, 1841, in Henry county, Ind., and is a son of George and Clarissa F'leming, natives, respectively, of Indiana and Virginia. George Fleming settled in Henry county as early as the year 1830, and experienced, in full measure, all the vicissitudes and hardships incident to a life in the wilderness during the pioneer period. Subsequently he moved to Delaware county, where he died; but he is still remembered as an industrious and energetic man, and a true type of the pioneer of a half century ago.

usually taught in the common schools. He early chose agriculture for an occupation, and has followed that useful calling all of his life, with results that are very gratifying and which speak well for his competency as a farmer. Mr. Eleming has lived an upright and creditable life and by his fair and honorable dealings has established himself in the confidence of his fellow citizens, among whom he is highly esteemed. He has succeeded well in life, from a financial standpoint, and with but little assistance of a pecuniary nature, has worked his way from humble circumstances to a position of comfort, being at this time the possessor of a beautiful farm of 129 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. F'leming was married October 24, 1871, to Cynthia Babb, daughter of Evan T. and Martha Babb, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Eleming - Lillian L. , a college student; Martha C. (deceased); and Andi'ew Claude, who is also attending school. Mr. Eleming wields an influence in the democratic party but has never been a seeker after office. The following are the names of the brothers and sisters of Mr. Eleming; Mary, wife of Benjamin Thomas; Erancis P. , died in Illinois April ii, 1872; Sina, wife of Noah Swain; Eugene; Nathan R. ; and Loverna, wife of Madison Peckinpaugh, and Louisa, wife of John Jones. Mrs. Fleming is one of a family of eight children born to Evan and Martha Babb; the following are their names: Samuel, Milton, Jennie, wife of EdwardHealy; John M., Erank B., Charles and Henry Babb.

^ s II. LI AM GIBSON, deceased, was £ M I born in Monroe township, Delaware ill county, Ind., April i, 1838, on the farm entered from the United States government by his father, Robert Gib- son, in 1822. Robert Gibson was born in Virginia in 1804, and died on this farm in Delaware county, Ind., in 1858. The family from which he descended came originally from Ireland and settled in the Carolinas, whence they moved to Virginia; later several of its members located in Ohio, and eventually, in 1822, Robert with four brother found his way to Delaware county, Ind., when the county was a wilderness teeming with wild animals, while men were particularly scarce. Robert Gibson married for his second wife Miss Nancy Davis (the mother of William, her first born, whose name opens this sketch), but this lady survived only until about 1844, and the remains of these two pioneers now repose in Rees cemetery, this county. William Gibson was reared on the farm on which he was born, and for about forty-five years pursued an industrious farmer's life, and at the time of his death, August 28, 1893, owned 120 acres of fine land five miles south of Muncie. His education had benn such as is usually given farmers' lads, and at the age of twenty-one years he began farming on his own account. But the Civil war came on, and he, being a staunch republican and a true patriot, became a member of the One hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana volunteer infantry, joining in 1864 and serving until the close of hostilities, and being mustered out as sergeant.

In the fall of 1892, Mr. Gibson bought property in Muncie, on which he resided until August, 1893, when he returned to Monroe township. He was always a prosperous man in his business, was careful, considerate and just, and never contracted an obligation unless he was positive that he could meet it. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a devout observer of its teachings, a liberal man to the poor, and never turned from his door a hungry man. He was also a member of the G. A. R. , united in marriage with Miss Catherine Johnson, born in Henry county, Ind., March 8, 1838, daughter of John and Charlotte (Stephenson) Johnson. Her father was born June 2, 1811, in Virginia, and then moved to Ohio, and in a very early day came to Indiana and settled in Henry county. Here he lived until his death, March 21, 1889, He was married in Ohio before coming to Indiana,

I November 27, 1834, his wife being Charlotte I Stephenson, who was born April 9, 1812, in I Muskingum county, Ohio. Mrs. Johnson now 1 lives in Henry county on the old homestead. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born nine children, four of whom are living, as follows: Catharine J., Silas; Lewis, and William K. The names of the deceased ones are Martha, who died August 23-, 1840; Elizabeth, June 25, 1871; Sarah, August 16, 1852; Anna, September 10, 1852, and Mary, March 21, 1858.

Mrs. Gibson is a member of the High street Methodist Episcopal church of Muncie, and holds a eigh position in the esteem of neighbors and friends.

V?j?^ILLIAM P. GILMORE, one of the Mm I intelligent and promising young farmers of Monroe township, Ind., was born September 20, 1867, a son of Ames B. and Mary (Wilson) Gilmore, natives of Indiana. He was reared at Springport, Henry county, Ind. , and for twelve years worked for his father at that place, in the warehouse. His father was born in Madison county, Ind., and is now about fifty-three years of age. His mother was born in Rush county, Ind., and is now about forty-two years of age. His father was a stock merchant and a worthy member of the Christian church. William P. Gilmore was educated at the common schools; began life empty handed; establishing a home of his own by his marriage, November 22, 1888, to Miss Cora Bowers, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Sharp) Bowers; to this union two children have been born: Mabel R. and Lottie. Mr. Gilmore has a fine farm of fifty-five and one-half acres of well improved land, and in connection with farming he is making a specialty of raising Jersey cows, in which he is very successful. Socially, he is connected with the I. O. O. F. , and religiously he and wife belong to the Christian denomination. He is much respected by. all in his locality. In politics he is a democrat.

OHN C. HAYS is a native of Henry county, Ind. , and dates his birth from the 7th day of December, 1850. His father, Simeon Hays, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother, whose maiden name was Catherine Bouslog, was born in Indiana. Simeon and Catherine Hays had a family consisting of the following children : John C. , David M., Maggie, wife of William Painter; Miles A., died in 1878; Rachel, wife of Joseph Mann; Strauther, Mary J., deceased; Martha and an infant which died unnamed. The early life of John C. Hays was quiet and uneventful, being made up chiefiy of the duties of farm life. Having been early obliged to rely upon his own resources for a livelihood, he has labored arduously and his efforts have been crowned with success in a financial sense. He attended school in the winter during his boyhood, acquiring a practical education, and ever since his early manhood has devoted all his time and attention to the pursuit of agriculture. He settled on his present farm, in Monroe township, in 1881, and now has a comfortable home, consisting of eighty acres of fertile land, upon which are some of the most substantial improvements in the neighborhood where he resides.

On the 1 8th day of December, 1879, Mr. Hays was united in marriage to Sarah A. Strough, daughter of Absalom and Mary (Foltz) Strough, parents natives of Virginia and early pioneers of Henry county, to which part of the state they removed when the conntry was a comparative wilderness. The wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Hays has been blessed with the birth of six children, whose names are as follows: Amanda E., Mary C., Gordia J.,

ILES HARROLD is one of the old settlers of Monroe township, of which, for over a half century, he has been a well known figure. Mr. Harrold was born in Hardin county, Ky., July 8, 1815, and is a son of Jonathan and Esther (Nelson) Harrold. Jonathan Harrold, the father, was born in North Carolina April 23, 1780, the son of Jonathan and Charity (Bee- ..son) Harrold, descendants of old and well known families who settled in that commonwealth at a period antedating the war of the Revolution. Jonathan Harrold, Jr., was the third son in his father's family and was reared a farmer in his native state, and departed this life May 17, 1865. Originally a democrat, he afterward changed his political views, and at the time of his death was a supporter of the republican party. His wife, the mother of the subject, died on the 20th day of July, 1858. They were the parents of eight children and were most excellent and worthy people, highly respected by all who knew them.

Miles Harrold passed his boyhood days in traveling about from place to place, as his father was a man of rambling disposition, and never resided at one point any great length of time. Until seventeen j'ears of age he remained with his parents and then began learning the blacksmithing trade, and which was his occupation for about one year. Abandoning this calling he engaged in farming, which he has since followed with success and financial profit, and February, 1837, became a resident of Delaware county, locating in the township of Monroe upon eighty acres of land which he had purchased a year previous from the government, at $1.25 per acre. He resided upon his original purchase until 1866, when he disposed of the same and bought his present place, consisting of 160 acres.

Mr. Harrold's early educational advantages were very limited, but he acquired sufficient information from books to enable him to teach, which profession he followed during the winter season in a rude log cabin in Wayne county. Mrs. Malinda Rhodes, who was born in Ohio, November 3, 1812, became his wife August 25, 1838. Mrs. Harrold is the daughter of

Valentine and Catherine (Harrold) Gibson, who were the parents of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, six of whom are living at this time. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrold have been born the following children: Almira, deceased; Calvin, deceased; Mary A., wife of S. Fleming; Esther, wife of R. Robe; Valentine, Jonathan, Wilson, deceased; John W., Bnj. F. and Milton, deceased. In public affairs Mr. Harrold has ever manifested considerable interest, and from 1864 to 1866 held the office of county commissioner, beside which position he has held other places of trust. Financially, he has met with most gratifying success, and in addition to his fine farm owns valuable town property, and has stock in a gas company. Mr. Harrold is essentially a self-made man, and his success in life is the immediate results of his industry and unaided efforts. He looks back upon a long and useful life, against which no suspicion of anything dishonorable has ever been uttered. Politically, he is a republican.

FORGE W. HIMES, was born in Wayne county, Ind., on the 2d day of March, 1842, and is the son of Louis and Martha Himes, of German and Irish descent respectively. By occupation the father was a farmer and shoemaker, and died on the 30th day of August, 1856; the mother died August 22, 1852. They were both members of the Christian church, and earned the reputation of most excellent and praiseworthy people.

George W. Himes remained in Wayne county, until a little past ten years of age, when he moved with his parents to the county of Howard, and there resided until the spring of 1861. He received a liberal education, and in 1865 began teaching, which profession he continued with gratifiying success for a number of years, having taught in all some thirty-three terms. On severing his connection with the teacher's profession, Mr. Himes accepted ,a clerkship with a mercantile firm, in which capacity he continued two years, and for sometime afterward, sold books in various parts of Delaware and other counties. He became a resident of Monroe township in December, 1865, and after following the vacations already re- ferred to, purchased the farm where he at present resides. Mr. Himes was married October 27, 1868, to Mary McLain, daughter of Isaac and Maria (Hinaker) McLain. The wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Himes has been blessed by the birth of the following children, namely: Cindora, wife of D. H. Smith; Alnora A.; Loyola M. , wife of C. M. Harris; Leora, Indamora, Mary Lavora, and Ethel Lacora. Mr. Himes has always been active in behalf of the interest of his township, and for two years served as trustee of the same. He and wife are members of the United Brethren church, to which denomination the different members of their family also belong.

Mr. Himes has a military record of which he feels justly proud and of which a brief synopsis is herewith presented. In the spring of 1861 he started from Kokomo to Indianapolis, expecting to become a member of the Twelfth Indiana volunteer infantry under Capt. T. P. Kirkpatrick for the twelve months service. While at Indianapolis a call was issued from Washington for three years' troops and, Mr. Himes with other of his comrades of the Twelfth regiment, asked to be transferred to the three years' service. The request of his company, in this regard was accordingly granted, and he became a member of company E, Thirteenth Indiana volunteer infantry, which took the oath of allegiance on the 9th day of June, 1861. On the evening of July 4, the command received orders to proceed to the front, and at once went to West Virginia, where he received his first introduction to the active service of war. After a long and tiresome march over almost impassable roads, meeting with some opposition from the enemy on the way, the regiment engaged in its first battle at Rich Mountain on the iith day of July, 1861. Subsequently, Mr. Himes participated, with his command, in the battle of Greenbrier, and was with Gen. Milroy in an expedition which resulted in a number of skirmishes and battles, in one of which Mr. Himes was badly wounded by a minie ball which passed through his left hand, rendering that member uselees for life. The missile also shattered the gun stock, passed through nine thicknesses of clothing and penetrating the right breast and lung, almost disabling the right hand at the time. His sufferings, from this severe wound were most painful, and for four months thereafter he was confined to the hospital. On attempting to rejoin his regiment he was intercepted by the proper authorities and compelled to remain one month longer in the hospital in Maryland. He rejoined his regiment at Winchester, Va. , however, but after one month's service was discharged on account of his disability and returned home where he has since been engaged in the peaceful pursuit of agriculture. His wound rendered him a cripple for life and he now receives a liberal pension from a generous government, in the saving of which he bore so brave and gallant a part.

T. HOLSINGER, manufacturer of drain tile, was born in Bedford county. Pa., November 27, 1845, the son of John and Sallie (Teter) Holsinger, parents natives of the same state. John Holsinger moved to Indiana with his family in 1849, settling first near Hagerstown, Wayne county, thence later moved to the county of Henry, where in addition to farming he worked at his trade of coopering. He purchased 160 acres of land, to which he afterward added another quarter section, upon which he lived until 1876. In 1870 he laid out the town of Oakville, and was there engaged in the mercantile business for a brief period and then went to Fillmore county. Neb., where he purchased a farm of i6o acres, upon which he lived until 1889, when he returned to Indiana. He died at Oakville, August 20, 1892. He was born in Franklin county, Pa., February 2, 1820. He was a son of Jacob Holsinger, Sr., a native of Pennsylvania. The mother was born January 16, 1822, in Bedford county. Pa., and died November 8, 1889. He was a member of the German Baptist church, a consistent Christian and a very succeseful business man. His body lies buried in Beech Grove cemetery, Henry county, and his wife, who died in Nebraska, was laid to rest near the town of Carlton, that state.

J. T. Holsinger was but a lad when his parents moved to Indiana and he has spent the greater part of life in this state. He was reared a farmer, received his educational training in the common schools, and on the 1 8th day of April, 1872, was united in marriage to Mary C. Graham, daughter of David A. and Mary (Rutherford) Graham, the father a native of Ireland. David Graham moved with his family to Delaware county in 1859 and remained here until entering the service of his country at the breaking out of the great rebellion. He passed through the Virginia campaigns, and participated in numerous battles and engagements and earned the reputation of a brave soldier. His wife died in the spring of 1859 and was buried near Fairmount, W. Va. Besides Mrs. Holsinger, Mr. and Mrs. Graham had one son and four daughters, namely: Anna, wife of Joseph Jenkins; Ellen, wife of James Skinner; Fanny, wife of Samuel Conwell; Eliza, wife of Coleman Waters; and John Graham, who married Miss Sarah Waters. The wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Holsinger has resulted in the birth of three children whose names are as follows: EvaP. , is extensively engaged in the manufacture of drain tile. His success in this line of industry has been very marked, and the output of his tile factory finds a ready sale in the markets of Delaware and other counties. As a business man Mr. Holsinger has an enviable reputation, and as a citizen is fully alive to all the interests or benefits of the public; he is widely and favorably known throughout the township in which he resides. In politics he is a republican; and a member of the Progressive Brethren church. He has made his own way in life and is successful. His tile factory has a capacity for 150,000 tiles per annum, sizes ranging from three inches to twenty inches.

EDIAH HOUCK (deceased) was born in Lancaster county, Ohio, February 4, 1832, the son of George and Elizabeth Houck, parents both natives of Germany. Mr. Houck was raised in his native state, came to Delaware county a number of years ago, settling in Monroe township. On the 1st day of February, 1852, he was united in marriage to Hannah Rogers, daughter of George and Anna (Spratts) Rogers, and to Mr. and Mrs. Houck were born six children: Viretta, Ann E., Sarah, Arminta, John and Alice.

Mr. Houck continued to reside on his farm in Monroe township until his death, which occurred about twenty-eight years ago. He was a man widelj^ and favorably known in the community, noted for his honesty and integrity of purpore and his death was felt to be a great loss in the neighborhood in which he had for so many years resided. His widow remained single for three years and then married George Vores. This marriage resulted in the birth of four children: MaryE., deceased,

Anna Rogers, parents of Mrs. Vores, were descendants of Irish and German ancestors respectively, and they reared a family of eight children, whose names are as follows: Eliza

J., wife of James Powers; Rachel, wife of John Miller; Hannah, Henry E., Candace, wife of Wilson Daniels; Watson, deceased, Clarissa, wife of Marion Davis, and Amanda, wife of Silas Rennedy.

Sarah Houck, third daughter of Jediah and Hannah Houck, was born January 12, 1859, in Delaware county, Ind. , and has spent the greater part of her life in the township of Monroe. She early began making her own living working from place to place, and since early girlhood has made her home with Mrs. Lackey, with whom she at present resides. Her life has been one of great usefulness and her friends are numerous in the community where she lives and throughout the township of Monroe.

aHARLES HOUCR, an intelligent gentleman and progressive farmer of Monroe township, of which he is a native, was born February 18, i860, and is a son of George and Sarah (Louthain) Houck. George Houck, the father, was a native of Virginia, but early moved to Henry county, Ind. , where he was married in 1 849, and where he followed farming until he moved to Delaware county, in 1852. On coming to this county he purchased 160 acres of fine land which, at that time, was in a primitive condition, and by dint of hard work succeeded in developing therefrom a beautiful home. Unfortunately he was not long permitted to enjoy the fruits of his labor, having been called to his final reward on the 26th day of January, 1887. George Houck was a man known far and wide for his sterling worth and high sense of honor. By careful financiering he became the possessor

Charles Houck is, in many respects, like his father before him, whose qualities of manhood he has inherited. Reared on the home farm, he was early taught those lessons of industry and frugality by which his subsequent life has been characterized, and upon attaining his legal majority he chose the pursuit of agriculture for his permanent business and has since followed the same with success and financial profit. Mr. Houck was married December 22, 1883, to Miss Malissa Davis, a native of Delaware county, born in the township of Salem, April 4, i860. Mrs. Houck is a daughter of Samuel and Emily (Trout) Davis, natives of Ohio and Virginia. These parents had a family of nine children, eight of whom are living at this time, Mrs. Houck being the fourth in order by birth. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are living a life of retirement in a beautiful home in the city of Muncie. To Charles and Melissa Houck have been born four children: Warren W., infant, deceased; Maggie and Effie E. Mr. Houck enjoyed but few advantages of obtaining an education in his youth, attending the common schools, but is now one of the well informed men of the neighborhood where he resides. He is a good farmer and an industrious and enterprising citizen, and possesses in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of those who know him.

OHN WESLEY HOUCK, a prominent business man of Cowan, and an old and well known resident of the township of Monroe, is a native of Henry county, Ind., born on the 25th day of March, 1839. His father, George Houck, was born in Hagerstown, Md. , about the year 1786, and grew to manhood in that state, moving in 1834, to Indiana, and locating in Henry county. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Mummaugh, and whom he married in 1834, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio. Shortly after their marriage they removed to this state, and were residents of Henry county until 1866, at which time they removed to the county of Delaware, where their respective deaths occurred, the mother dying February 22, 1867, and the father on the 3d day of March, 1872. George Houck was by occupation a farmer, which useful calling he followed all his life, and is remembered as a man of excellent parts, and a devout member of the Christian church. Mrs. Houck was also a member of the same denomination, and was noted for her many kindly acts and deeds.

John Wesley Houck was reared to manhood in Henry county, and early in life learned those lessons of industry which have redounded to his success in subsequent years. He labored hard on the farm during his minority, attended the indifferent schools of the country, in which he obtained a limited education, and at the age of twenty-one began life for himself as a farm laborer, receiving for his services first $16 per month, and afterward the sums of $20 and $25 per month. He was thus engaged for a period of six years, when he married and began farming for himself on rented land, continuing to receive a share of the proceeds of the soil tilled for about eight years. At the end of that time he purchased an improved farm of eighty acres, which he now owns, and upon which he resided until 1890, when he discontinued agricultural pursuits, and engaged in the manufacture of coil hoops at the town of Cowan. He is associated in this interest with Messrs. Davis & Perdiue, under the firm name of the Cowan Coil Hoop company, and is doing a very successful business. In addition to his manufacturing interests, he is also proprietor of a hotel at Cowan, which is a well known and favorite stopping place for the traveling public.

Mrs. Houck is a daughter of Marshall and Susan (Fadley) Conner, and is one of the family of eight children, only one of whom, beside herself, is living at this time, to wit, Mrs. Susan Clevenger. To Mr. and Mrs. Houck have been born three children, namel}^: Charles F. , principal of the New Corner school and one of the efficient instructors of , Delaware county; Laura Bell, also a well known teacher, and Dora Lee, at present a student of the Cowan schools. Politically Mr. Houck is, and always has been, a supporter of the democratic party and he is also a wide awake and progressive citizen. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. No. 561, of Cowan, in which he holds the positions of trustee and treasurer. Of the family of ten children, of which he is a member, only two beside himself are now living, namely, Michael and Maria.

FORGE W. KABRICH, farmer of Monroe township, was born October 3, 1852, in Loudoun county, Va., and is the son of Rev. John M. and Eve M. (Fry) Kabrich, both parents natives of the Old Dominion state. Rev. John M. Kabrich moved to Indiana in 1863, locating near Fairfield, Franklin county, thence in 1874 to the county of Delaware. At this time he is pastor in charge at Daleville, where he resides - one of his preaching points. John M. and Eve M. Kabrich have a family of eleven children, seven of whom were born in Virginia, and all save one are living at this time. Their names are as follows; Lydia M., deceased;

George W. , David W. , Henrietta, Sophia, Florence, Eliza, Henry, Recompense, Minnie and Charles. The first ten years of the life of the subject of this sketch were spent in his native county and state, and he then removed with his parents to Maryland, which was his home until the family located in Franklin county in the year above noted. In 1875 he came to Delaware county, and for the four succeeding years was employed by M. R. Harris in labor upon a farm. December 8, 1878, he married Josephine Kessinger, who was born in Henry county, Ind., October 9, 1859, and who died December 31, 1883, leaving one child, Walter M. Kabrich. She was a true wife, a sincere Christian, and died highly esteemed by all who knew her. Mr. Kabrich's second marriage took place December 25, 1889, with Bertha I. McLain, who was born in Delaware county, October 12, 1868, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Perdiue) McLain, a union blessed with the birth of one child, Gladys. Mr. Kabrich purchased his present farm in Monroe township in 1880, and has a good home supplied with a comfortable portion of this world's goods. He is a republican in his political belief, stands high in the community where he resides, and is one of the intelligent and well informed citizens of Monroe township. He now owns fifty-seven acres of choice land. He and wife are members of the Christian church at Tabor.

OSEPH E. KERN is a native of West Virginia and dates his birth from the 20th day of December, 1855. His parents, Jacob and Mary (Dean) Kern, were of German descent and came from Virginia to. Indiana in October, 1861, settling in Henry county near the town of Luray, and seven years later, removed to Oakville where the mother's death occurred February 17, 1880. The father, by occupation, is a carpenter and he reared a family consisting of the following children, namely; Eliza, wife of Enoch Drumm; Sophia, wife of Samuel Drumm; Sarah, wife of Robert A. Johnson; James W. , Mary, wife of Rev. L. T. Holsinger, Isaac Kern and Susan E. , wife of James Harris.

Joseph E. Kern accompanied his parents from Virginia to Indiana and grew to manhood on the farm, attending, in the meantime such schools as the country afforded. He resided for some years near Oakville, Delaware county, and after beginning life for himself moved to his present farm, consisting of sixty acres of well improved land, situated in Monroe township, Delaware county, where he has since resided. Mr. Kern is a man of intelligence and excellent judgment and has been complimented by his fellow citizens by being elected to the responsible position of township trustee, the duties of which he has discharged in a highly commendable manner.

Mr. Kern was married January 21, i877,to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Hayden and Nancy Yelton, and his family consists of three children, Walter, Hayden and Jacob; the oldest child, whose name was Frank, is deceased. The parents of Mrs. Kern were natives of Kentucky and early settlers of Hancock county, Ind. Subsequently they removed to the county of Henry, and afterward purchased the present home west of New Castle, on the i8th day of June, 1865. By his first marriage with Nancy Hopkins, Hayden Yelton had the following children; Varonia A., deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Kern; Charles A., Amelia M. , wife of Dr. R. Marshall; Sarah J., wife of Stephen Harlan; Mary L. , wife of James Baughn, Peter, deceased, and Hayden. Two years after his first wife's death, Mr. Yelton married Jennie Cook, by whom he has one child, Joel

Isaac Lenox Mrs. A. C. Lenox

C. Mr. and Mrs. Kern are members of the Society of Friends, in which church he has been an assistant in the ministry for five years. In politics Mr. Kern is an ardent republican and is one of the representative men of Monroe township.

SAAC LENOX was born in Delaware county, Ind. , Monroe township, and is a son of John and Nancy (Brown) Lenox. He was reared to manhood on the farm, and like the majority of country boys his life was comparative uneventful. His opportunities for acquiring an education were somewhat limited, and the schools he attended were supported by voluntary subscription and lasted but two or three months of the year. His life has been one of great industry, and, actuated by a determination to succeed, he early engaged in farming upon his responsibility, and in 1858 purchased a tract of wood land from which he cleared and developed a beautiful home, owning at this time a highly improved farm of 160 acres. He was married April 12, 1855, to Catherine, daughter of James and Thankful A. Masterson, to which union the following children were born: Borter, Thankful

A., died June 5, 1858; Thomas, died June, 1861; James, John T., Nancy, wife of Alonzo Cooper, and three children who died in infancy unnamed. The mother of these children died March 19, 1888, and lies within the silent shades of the Rees cemetery, where a handsome marble shaft with an appropriate epitaph serves, to mark her last resting place. Mrs. Lenox was held in high esteem by her nrany friends and neighbors, and bore, nobly, her part towards the founding of the comfortable ^ home where the family now reside. She was a woman of many excellent qualities, uniformly kind and considerate to all, and her life was a grand simple poem of toilsome duties well and uncomplainingly done. Mr. Lenox in his political affiliations was originally a whig and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Winfield Scott. Since the birth of the republican party he has been one of its supporters, and takes great interest in the leading questions of the day, but has never been an aspirant for official position.

John P. Lenox, son of Isaac and Catherine Lenox, was born November i, 1864, in Delaware county, Ind. , and has passed the greater part of his life within the limits of his native township. He received a liberal education, early became a farmer, and, in addition to agriculture pursuits, pays considerable attention to stock raising, which he has pursued very profitably. His life has been marked by industry and thrift, and he is a true type of that large and progressive class of American farmers to whose industr}^ our western country is largely due for much of its present advancement and prosperity. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red IMen and takes an active interest in the affairs' of the fraternity. Mr. Lenox was married April 4, 1888, to Miss Sina Skinner, daughter of William and Elizabeth Skinner, a union blessed with the birth of one child, namely. Hazel A. Lenox. Mrs. Lenox is a consistent member of the Society of Friends and a lady highly respected by every body in the community.

educated at the country schools and remained on the home farm with his father until twentyone years of age, when he began general farming on his own account, and this pursuit he has successfully followed until the present married Miss Ann Evans, who was born in Henry county, Ind., August 18, 1856, and is the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Johnson) Evans. The father is a native of Ohio, and is now fifty-five years of age. Miss Evans had the misfortune to lose her mother, June 25, 1871, when the former was very little more than an infant. She was thus thrown upon the world at a tender age, but was taken charge of by Mrs. Catherine Gibson, her aunt, and Mr. William Gibson, her uncle, who reared her with parental affection and care until her marriage. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lenox has been born one son, William Clifford, who consummated the happiness of his parents August 20, 1890. The parents enjoy the esteem of all their neighbors and are considered to be among the most worthy of the county, Mrs. Lenox being an exemplary member of the Methodist church, of which he, also, is an attendant. In politics he is a republican, and is a faithful worker for his party at the polls.

OHN LOSH (deceased) was born in Northumberland county, Pa., June 18, 1819, the son of John and Susannah Losh, parents both natives of the same state. John Losh was reared a farmer and came to Delaware county in 1855, and purchased the farm still in possession of the family, upon which he resided until his death. He was married November 5, 1840, to Mary Tompson, daughter of Robert and Matilda Tompson, and became the father of the following children: Matilda, wife of James Watson;

1865; John F., died June 21, 1885; infant, deceased, and Charles M. Losh, a resident of the city of Muncie. Mr. Losh was always a hard working man, was upright and honorable in his dealings, won universal respect and confidence, and was valued as a substantial and public spirited citizen, and loved as a friend and neighbor. He departed this life at Eaton Rapids, Mich., on the 17th day of July, 1880.

Mrs. Losh was subsequently united in marriage to Aaron Lackey, son of Joseph and Addie Lackey. Mr. Lackey was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1821, and has always followed the farmer's occupation. He has been a resident for some years of Monroe township, where he is universally respected, and as a citizen occupies a conspicuous place in the estimation of his friends and neighbors. Mrs. Lackey is a highly esteemed lady in the community in which she resides, and her life has been fraught with kind words and good deeds. She has indeed been a helpmate, and in the later years of her life many are the friends that rise up and call her blessed. Mrs. Lackey has lived in Monroe township continuously since 1841. She and her former husband settled in the southwest part of this township, where they cleared a farm from the green. She came to her present place of residence in 1853.

BRAHAM McConnell is an industrious and highly respected farmer of Monroe township, and possesses in an eminent degree the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends throughout the county. Mr. McConnell was born in Delaware county, Ind., June 17, 1843, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Covault) Mc- Connell. He was reared a farmer, has followed that useful occupation all his life, and at this time has a well improved place of seventy- nine acres," which is under a very successful state of cultivation. As a tiller of the soil Mr. McConnell has met with well deserved success, and by well directed effort has accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods to enable him to live in comparative independence. He served his township as assessor for one term, acted as supervisor for a period of about seven years, and he has always taken an active interest in promoting the well being of his neighborhood and community,

Mr. McConnell was united in marriage October 30, 1864, to Elizabeth Fuson, who departed this life April 6, 1867, deeply lamented by all who knew her. She was a consistent member of the United Brethren church, and a lady of many excellent traits of character. On the 1 6th day of February, 1868, Mr. McConnell married his second wife, Frances E. Heath, who died May 14, 1886. Like the first Mrs. McConnell, she was a woman whose life was fraught with good deeds, a sincere Christian, and a fond and loving mother. To the second marriage the following children were born: Minnie O., Bertha L. , Mary Ak, Harvey H., Charles N., Curtis O., Jessie L. , and three whose deaths occurred in infancy. Mr. Mc- Connell, on the 7th day of April, 1887, married his present wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Gossett, a union blessed with the birth of one child, Asa Mabel McConnell. Mrs. McConnnell was born in Henry county, Ind. , November 9, 1856. John and Elizabeth Gossett, the parents of Mrs. McConnell, were prominent members of the United Brethren church, and most excellent citizens. Of their family of eight children, three are living at this time, Rebecca R. , wife of B. B. Richards; Mrs. McConnell and Malinda, wife of William Miller.

Mr. McConnell has an army record of which he feels deservedly proud and which proves him to have been one of the brave defenders of the national Union in the dark days of the Rebellion. - On the 22nd day of October, 1861, he enlisted in company E, Fiftyseventh regiment Indiana volunteer infantry, and was actively engaged in the service for a period of four years, during which time it was his lot to take part in a number of bloody battles. October 3, 1862, his regiment went to Louisvile, thence to Prairieville, and after leaving Nashville, was engaged in the battle of Stone River, January i, 1863, where Mr. McConnell received a severe gun shot wound in the face, which necessitated his remaining in the hospital for a period of six weeks. Subsequently he rejoined his command and participated in the battle of Chatt.mooga in the summer of 1863, and afterward took part in the battle of Mission Ridge. He re-enlisted at Knoxville in the spring of 1 864, from which time until June, of that year, he was almost continually under fire, having taken part in nearly all the battles around Atlanta. At Kenesaw Mountain he was shot in the left shoulder and right hand, from the effects of which wounds he remained in the hospital eight months. He was then sent to Rock Island, Ilk, thence to Springfield, where he remained until honorably discharged November 12, 1865, reaching home one month later than that date. Mr. McConnell is a prominent member of the United Brethren church, belongs to the Knight of Honor and is prominently identified with the F. M. B. A. Mr. McConnell is a stalwart and true republican.

ESSE W. McKIMMEY, a native of Indiana, was born in Salem township, Delaware county, and was the son of James and Susanah (Adamson) McKimmey, parents natives of North Carolina and Indiana respectively. Mr. McKimmey was reared a farmer, and spent the greater part of his life within the boundary of his native county, and always followed agriculture as his occupation. He was married, in i860, to Lucinda Clevenger, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Clevenger, who bore him four children, namely: Sanford L. , Elnora A., wife of John Lowe; James O., died in infancy, and Charles B. , also deceased. Mrs. McKimmey dying, Mr. McKimmey, two years later, was united in marriage to Rebecca (Sharpe) Bowers, daughter of Edward and Anna Sharp, a union blessed with the birth of three children, namely: Infant, deceased August, 1877, March M. and Erie E. Mrs. McKimmey, who had previously been married to Jacob Bowers, was one of the family of fourteen children, whose names are as follows: Nancy, wife of Benj. Sourewine;

Thompson, William, Mary, wife of Noah Bowers; Amanda, wife of Rev. Mr. Quick; Minerva, deceased; George, deceased; infant, deceased; John, Martha, wife of Ira Kidwell; Loretta J., wife of Solomon Skinner - she died March 7, i888; Joseph P. , died March, 1890, and Sophia C., wife of Rev. W. R. Lowe. Mrs. McKimmey is the ninth in order of birth.

Isabella A., Oliver P. , Russell, Cora L. , wife of William P. Gilmore; Amanda, died in 1859; John C. , died in 1858; infant, died August, 1862; Martha, died 1863; infant, died October, 1869, and Earl O., died 1870. After his marriage, Mr. Bowers moved to the present home farm, where he lived until his death, which was caused by an accident at the raising of a neighbor's barn, on June 6, 1873. By a life of industry and prudent management, Mr. Bowers became the possessor of a reasonable amount of this world's wealth and at the time of his death was in very comfortable circumstances. In the affairs of business and every day life his actions were governed by a high sense of honor and right, and by a long life of usefulness he gained and retained the confidence of all with whom he came in contact. Mrs McKimmey's father and mother died in the years 1854 and 1877, respectively. They were prominent members of the Disciples church, belonged to the Independent Order of Good Templers, and were people highly respected in the community where they resided.

MARSHALL, M. D., a well known physician and surgeon of Cowan, is a native of Delaware county, Ind. , born April 9, 1840, the son of Miles and Elizabeth (Bell) Marshall. The doctor's ancestors paternally were among the early settlers of Tennessee, in which state his grandparents, Thomas and Hannah Marshall, were born, and from which they emigrated many years ago to Indiana, locating in Wayne county, where Miles Marshall was born September 13, 1 81 1. The family were among the pioneers of Wayne county, where a number of descendants still reside. Miles Marshall was, by occupation, a farmer, and he was known as a successful, reliable man. He was married in Wayne county, Ind., 1834, to Elizabeth Bell, and reared a family consisting of the following children: Thomas, Margaret, Miles, Reuben, Hannah, wife of J. H. Templin, William H., Jacob W. , deceased; Jane Elizabeth, wife of J. B. Jackson, Rebecca E., who was the wife of Albert Ofterdinger; Horace, deceased, and John B. The father died March, 1886; the mother is still living.

Doctor Marshall was educated in the common schools and grew to manhood on a farm. After reaching the years of his majority he taught school for some years in Delaware and Henry counties, in all eight terms, pursuing his literary studies in the mean time. Originally, he had no intention of entering the medical profession, but while teaching concluded to prepare himself for the practice of the healing art, and, accordingly, began the study of the same about the year 1872. In 1874, in order the better to prepare himself for the medical profession, he entered the Miami college of Medicine, of Cincinnati, in v/hich he took two courses of lectures. In 1877 he located in the permanent practice of his profession at the village of Cowan, where he remained until 1879, at which time he moved to Gifford, Champaign county. 111 , thence one year later to Ogden, same county and state, where he practiced for about twenty months, returning to Cowan December, 1881, where he has since resided. Dr. Marshall is well read in the principles of the healing art, keeps fully abreast of the times and is now in the enjoyment of a lucrative practice, in which he has met with well deserved success. In politics a republican, he has never been ambitious for official preferment, all of his attention having been given to the practice of his chosen calling. September i, 1 888, the doctor was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Yelton, who was born in Henry county, Ind., November 5, 1856, the daughter of Hayden and

Nancy (Hopkins) Yelton. In 1889 Dr. Marshall was president of the Delaware county Medical society. He is also secretary of the Cowan Exploring company.

and manufacturers of the gas belt of Indiana is William H. Neff, whose birth occurred on the 19th of September, 1848, in Rockingham county, Virginia. His father, Elias Neff, was born in the same county and state March i, 1818, and there married Sarah Ritchey, also of Virginia birth, who became the mother of three children, namely: George, William H., and Catherine, wife of George Will, the first named being deceased. The mother of these children departed this life in the year 1854 and subsequently Elias Neff was united in marriage with Margaret Eamb of Rockbridge county, Va. , who bore him fourteen children, of whom the following are living: Michael, Sarah, Mathias, Ada, Lewis, Alice and John. Mrs. Neff dying, Mr. Neff afterward wedded Leana Miller by whom he had one child, Hannah. By occupation Elias Neff is a carpenter and cooper, both of which trades he has carried on, since early manhood, in his native county and state, where he still resides.

The early life of William H. Neff was passed amid the ordinary routine of home duties, and while still young he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn carpentering with one William Toppin, of Rockingham county, under whose guidance he continued for a peidod of eight months. Becoming proficient in his chosen calling, he worked about one and a half years with an uncle, Jacob Ritchey, at the end of which time, thinking that the west afforded better advantages to a young man, he came to Indiana, locating in Henry county, where, for a brief period, he found employment as a wood chopper, and later made rails, for a short time, in the same locality. For about one year he was employed as a farm laborer by O. E. Glevenger, Esq., of Delaware county, and later resumed carpentry, which he carried on until 1882, having in the meantime devoted much attention to the perfecting of an improved washing machine, for which he obtained letters patent in the year noted. Satisfied that the machine of which he was the patentee possessed superior merits, he began its manufacture at Cowan,

Delaware county, in 1882, on a small scale, employing three workmen. After continuing at the business for some time he disposed of his establishment to R. M. Ball, of Cowan, now of Muncie, and for one year thereafter was engaged in the general mercantile trade at the former place. Discontinuing the goods business, Mr. Neff again turned his attention to the manufacture of washing machines, which he has since continued, being at this time the proprietor of the largest and best equipped factory for the exclusive manufacture of these necessary articles of household comfort and convenience in the United States. The story of Mr. Neff's experience as a manufacturer would form an interesting chapter, and for the benefit of those whose lives are beset with discouragements, caused by repeated miscarryings of well laid plans, the following brief outline, gleaned from a published account written by himself, is given: In 1882, as already stated, he commenced the business with a cash capital of $10 and an indebtedness of $200 hanging over him. He made his own machinery, principally out of wood, which cost him $2, thus leaving him $8 with which to purchase material for the machines. After judiciously spending the $8, and having one man to furnish steam power, he proceeded to business, and the first week manufactured six washers, which were painted and sold the week following. He continued in this way until March, 1883, when he purchased a horse and horse power, which, attached to his machinery, greatly facilitated the means of manufacturing and enabled him to place the products of his factory on the market in greater numbers. Through the medium of the machines previously sold, the merits of the washer went abroad, in consequence of which the demand increased to such an extent that an establishment of greatly enlarged capacity became necessary, accordingly he purchased a larger building, which was supplied with improved machinery, operated by a ten-horse power engine. Under the new conditions he was enabled to manufacture about 100 washers per week, yet in less than twelve months he was again obliged to enlarge his buildings and grounds and purchase new and better machinery, including a twenty-five horse power engine, thus turning out a large number of machines to meet the demands of the constantly increasing trade.. He continued in this manner with the demand gradually spreading and crowding until 1891, when, for the fourth time he was compelled not only to enlarge his old buildings, but to erect new and more commodious structures and add to the space already occupied until, as stated in a preceding paragraph, his factory is the largest and most thoroughly equipped establishment of the kind in the United States. The machine he makes is known as "The Perfection Washer," which, as the name implies, has no superior in the market. The almost phenomenal sales during the few years past is proof sufficient that the Perfection is duly appreciated by the public, and in view of the continued demand it is safe to predict that within a comparatively brief period the capacity of the factory will again have to go through a process of enlargement.

Mr. Neff is a wide awake, progressive man, fully alive to the interest of his business and the general prosperity of the community. Personally he is very popular with all, and those who know him best, unite" in pronouncing him a true type of the broad minded, intelligent and courteous gentleman. He is a supporter of the democratic party, and while not a partisan in the sense of aspiring to official honors, he has decided opinions on all public questions and expresses the same in a manner not to be misunderstood whenever occasion makes it necessary. With the I. O. O. F. local lodge. No. 561, he has been identi-

Mr. Neff and Miss Helen Fulton were made man and wife on the 6th day of November, 1871. Mrs. Neff was born in Delaware county, Ind., in 1852 and she is the m.other of the following children: Sanford, an employe in his father's factory; Alberta May, wife of Jacob Rinker; Edward, also works for his. father; John, Lillie and Nellie.

EORGE NICHOLS (deceased) - Lew residents of Monroe township were more highly esteemed and universally respected than the late George Nichols, whose death was felt as a personal loss to the community in which he formerly resided. He was born in Delaware county, Ind., on the 14th day of May, 1857, the son of John and Martha (Lyons) Nichols. He became a successful farmer, and displayed good ability as a financier, having accumulated during his life, a comfortable fortune, which he left to his widow, who still resides upon the home place. As a member of the German Baptist church, he exemplified the teachings of the Christian religion in his daily life, and as a citizen few men in the township enjoyed, in as great a degree, the confidence of the community. Educated in the common schools, which he attended at intervals in his youth, he was not, in the strict sense of the word, a scholar so far as books were concerned, but, possessing a fund of practical common sense, he was enabled to discharge very successfully the duties of a very active life. He was married September ii, 1878, to Ida L. Hill, daughter of Charles and Eunice Hill, to which union the following children were born: Charles E.

John L. , and Lulu.M., deceased. Mr. Nichols died on the 20th day of August, 1892, and amid a sorrowing concourse of friends and neighbors was laid to his last rest in what is known as the Fall Creek cemetery.

The parents of Mrs. Nichols were early settlers of Monroe township, to which they removed many years ago, and where they still reside. Mr. Hill is a successful farmer, owning 120 acres of valuable land, is a republican in politics, and a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity.

0^ LAYTON NICODEMUS, proprietor of a large and successful saw mill of Monroe township, was born in Preble county, Ohio, October ii,' 1863, a son of Aaron and Maria (Sayler) Nicodemus, both parents natives of the same county and state, and of German descent. Aaron Nicodemus is by occupation a farmer and is still living in the county of his nativity; all his family of six children are living at this time. Clayton Nicodemus, like the majortyof country boys, early became acquainted with the ruggedusagesof farm life, was reared to agricultural pursuits in his native county and had the advantages of a common school education. He remained with his parents until reaching the years of his majority, ahd then began farming for himself on rented land, and was thus employed for a period of three years. In March, 1892, he purchased the mill of which he is now proprietor, and since that date has been actively engaged in the manufacture of lumber, which business is now among the most profitable of the kind in Delaware county. His mill is' supplied with the latest improved machinery for the manufacture of lumber.

county and state, where she was born, on the 30th day of October, 1861, the daughter of Timothy and Sarah (Parish) Goodwin. Mr. Nicodemus is a public spirited citizen, a republican in political belief, and is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, belonging to lodge No. 133. He stands high in the community where he resides and has a wide acquaintanceship throughout his township and Delaware county.

ILLIAM H. PEACOCK. - Prominent among the well known citizens of Monroe township is the gentleman whose biographical sketch is herewith presented. William H. Peacock, son of Elijah and Mary (Wright) Peacock, was born in Tyler county, Va. , March 28, 1845, and in his veins flows the blood of Scotch and Irish ancestry. His father, a blacksmith by occupation, moved with his family to Indiana a number of years ago, settling in Henry county, where, near the town of Luray, the early years of William H. were passed. He spent his youth on a farm and remained under the parental roof until the age of seventeen, at which time he responded to the country's call for volunteers, enlisting, December 15, 1863, in company G, Ninth Indiana cavalry, with which he served until honorably discharged June 25, 1865. His military career was an eventful one, and during his period of service he participated in a number of battles and experienced vicissitudes, through the like of which but few ever passed and lived to tell the story. He was made a prisoner of war at Sulphur Branch Trestle, September 25, 1864, and kept in confinement at Castle Morgan, Alabama, for nine months, during which period his sufferings and privations were of a most aggravated character, the effects of which served to impair his health seriously for a number of years after leaving the army. When captured, he was in robust health, weighing 197 pounds, but when released his weight had diminished to eighty-one pounds, and his constitution was greatly shattered by cruel treatment and exposure. His daily rations, during the greater part of his prison life, consisted of one quart of corn meal, ground cob and all, and at one time he was compelled to undergo much inconvenience and suffering caused by an overflow of the Alabama river, which flooded the prison to a height of almost six feet. Among the battles in which he took part were Sulphur Branch, Duck River, and Franklin, beside which his command was engaged in skirmishing with the enemy nearly all the way from Nashville to Atlanta and back again to the former city. After his release from prison he started from Vicksburg with several thousand others by boat, but seven miles above Memphis the boiler of the steamer exploded, resulting in the loss of nearly two thousand lives. This terrible disaster occurred in the night time, and the horrible sufferings of the poor scalded creatures who plunged or were thrown into the merciless waves of the Mississippi, baffle all efforts of description. Mr. Peacock was on board the ill fated vessel and he struggled between death by scalding and in the waves most bravel}' during the long hours of that sad night, and was picked up about seven and one-half miles below where the disaster occurred. He received a severe cut on the left shoulder, and after reaching the shore rambled around for three days before he succeeded in finding any of his comrades. The agony experienced by Mr. Peacock in this terrible catastrophe, made a vivid impression upon his mind, and he recalls the scene only with feeling of the most acute emotion. For nearly three years after returning from the army Mr. Peacock suffered greatly from the effects of his imprisonment, and at one time became so emaciated that his weight was only seventy pounds. After sufficiently recovering his health he began working for his father, and on July 25, 1868, was united in marriage to Martha A. Reynolds, to which union three children were born, namely: Mary E., wife of John Watts; James R. and John C.

Mr. Peacock has a nice little home, the abode of hospitality and plenty, and he is highly respected by all who know him. Breckenridge Reynolds, the father of Mrs. Peacock, was a large and wealthy land holder, being at one time the possessor of over 1,000 acres. He was a native of Virginia and the father of a number of children, a mention of whom is found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Peacock owns 140 acres of land, and built his present residence in 1893. In his political views he is an uncompromising republican.

a LARISSA PHILLIPS, a well known lady of Perry township, of which she is a native, was born November 18, 1854, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Kisling, natives respectively of Virginia and Indiana. Daniel Kisling left his native state in an early day, emigrated to Indiana, and, in 1831, come to what is now Monroe township and settled on a farm of 160 acres, which he purchased from the government. He bore an active part in the growth and development of the country, and saw the county of Delaware redeemed from a wilderness state and become one of the most highly civilized and progressive sections of Indiana. He died on the 6th day of April, 1884, and on the lOth of September, 1890, his good wife followed him to the grave. Daniel and Elizabeth Kisling raised a large family, consisting of the following children: Sophia, John, Sarah, Martha,

Isaac, Hugh, Jacob, Mary C., wife of John Will; Daniel, Emma, Elizabeth, Clarissa, wife William Phillips, and Rosanna, wife of Elwood Reese.

Clarissa Kisling was raised in Monroe township, where, on the iith day of Aprd, 1872, she was united in marriage to B. G. Cunningham, of Virginia, and son of B. G. and Mary (Rees) Cunningham. By this union she became the mother of five children, namely: Stella A., Nellie E., Elsie L. , Isca E. and Rollin, who died Eebruary 14, 1879. Mr. Cunningham was a man highly prized in the neighborhood for his integrity and honorable dealings, and his success as a farmer is attested by the fact that he accumulated a good property which he left to his children. After Mr. Cunningham's death, which occurred on August 17, 1880. Mrs. Cunningham remained single until January 29, 1891, when she was united in marriage to Mr. W. H. Phillips, a successful farmer and business man, and a prominent citizen of Liberty township. Religiously he and his wife are earnest workers in the Methodist denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are people of eminent respectability, and few residents of Liberty township possess the confidence and esteem of their fellow citizens in a more marked degree than they.

ENJAMIN F. RALSTON, a native of Wayne county, Ind., was born on the 14th day of February, 1835. His father, Andrew Ralston, was a native of Kentucky, in which state his mother, whose maiden name was Millie J. Street, was also born, both families being of English origin. Benjamin F. Ralston grew to manhood on a farm, received a common school education, and after his twenty-first year engaged in various employments. He subsequently engaged in farming, and on the 5th day of August, 1862, entered the army, enlisting in company G, Eighty-fourth Indiana volunteers, for the three years' service or during the war. He was with his command until May 19, 1865, and participated in many of the hardest battles of the rebellion, in all of which he bore the part of a brave and gallant soldier, thus making a record in which his family takes pardonable pride. During his period of service he encountered many severe hardships the effect of which was a serious impairment of his health, and he retired from military life a great sufferer, and continued as such until his death, on the 9th day of May, 1877. Mr. Ralston was a true type of a gentleman and numbered his friends by the score in whatever locality his lot was cast. He was a republican in his political belief, but he never aspired to office. On the 27th day of May, i860, Mr. Ralston and Nancy J. Windsor were united in the bonds of wedlock, a union blessed with the birth of five children, namely: Hannah,

Mrs. Ralston was born in Monroe township, Delaware county. May 12, 1845, and is the daughter of William and Jane (Conner) Windsor. These parents were of English and Irish descent, respectively, and emigrated from Rentucky to Indiana in an early day and were among the pioneers of Delaware county. Mrs. Ralston is a highly respected lady and a consistent member of the Christian church, with which she has been connected for a number of years.

ACOB REPLOGLE, is a native of Indiana, born in the county of Wayne, on the 7th day of February, 1845, the son of David and Nancy Hoover Replogle. Both these parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married, and where the father followed the occupation of farming in connection with that of milling, which trade he learned in his early manhood. David Replogle left his home in Bedford county. Pa., and emigrated to Wayne county, Ind., where he engaged in farming, and where he remained until his removal to Jefferson county, Kan., in the year 1857. In the latter state Mr. Replogle died on the 20th day of March, 1870, and five years later Mr. Replogle followed her to the grave. Ten children was the result of their union, all of whom grew to the years of manhood and womanhood, and the majority of whom became heads of families. The following are their names; Katie, deceased; John, Samuel, David, Jacob, Susan, Barbara, Nancy, Mary, deceased; and Levi. David Replogle earned the reputation of a very worthy citizen, and his success in life was most gratifying, having by close attention to his business accumulated a comfortable competence, which he left to his children. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and while not a partisan, took considerable interest in matters political, voting with the republican party.

Jacob Replogle was reared to agricultural pursuits, and his lot, like the majority of boys raised in the country, was one in which hard work formed a goodly part. While still young, he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed with fair success for a period of five years, and then began farming, which, in connection with threshing, he continued during the greater part of the time until 1875. In the mean time he spent four years in the state of Kansas, and in 1877 engaged in the manufacture of lumber in Wayne county, purchasing a mill at Cambridge City, which he operated with financial profit until his removal to the town of Oakville, Delaware county, in 1880. Eight years from the last date he moved to the place where he nov/ resides, where, in addition to the saw milling business, he carries on the manufacture of drain tiling, both these enterprises being very successful and largely patronized. By strict integrity and honest dealing with all men, Mr. Replogle has won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has had business transactions. As a member of the Society of Friends, he has proved his profession of religion genuine, by a life of good deeds, and his denomination finds in him an earnest friend and liberal promoter. Mr. Replogle was married in Wayne county. May lO, 1866, to Miss Susan Heiney, daughter of Jacob and Susanah (Kinsey) Heiney, both parents of German lineage. Jacob and Susan Heiney were married in Ohio and raised a family of eight children. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, a prominent member of the Lutheran church and died on the ist day of July, 1883; his widow is still living, residing at this time in the town of Hagerstown, Wayne county. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Replogle have been born four children, whose names areas follows: Charles, a well known teacher of Delaware county; Clinton S., who also follows the profession of teaching; Amos E., a student, and an infant, which died unnamed.

RECKENRIDGE REYNOLDS - (deceased). The late Breckenridge Reynolds, one of the pioneers of Delaware county, was a native of Virginia, born on the 2d day of March, 1815. He came to Indiana when the country was new, and settled about four miles south of Muncie, where he built a small cabin, and in a primitive way began life in the wilderness. Within a short time he moved to the site of the present home in Monroe township, where he cleared a farm, which, in after years, became one of the finest and best cultivated places in the southern part of the county. He began this strugle in Delaware county, with but a limited amount of this world's goods, and it is stated that he paid for the corn with which to plant his first crop by grubbing for a neighbor at the insignificant remuneration of twenty-five cents a day. He toiled early and late, and being a man of great physical endurance and determined energy, he eventually succeeded in laying the foundation for the competence which rewarded his efforts in alter years. In a financial sense, he met with the most encouraging success, and at the time of his death was the owner of 925 acres of valuable land, beside a great deal of personal property, and a comfortable bank account. He died on the 17th day of February, 1887.

Mr. Reynolds was twice married, the first time, on the 13th day of September, 1838, in Virginia, to Ellen Lucas, who bore him the following children: Archibald H. , deceased; James A. ; William A. : Hugh C. ; Mary, deceased wife of H. Brown; Martha, wife of William Peacock; John H. ; Robert H. : and Harriet, wife of John Simpson. Mr. Re} nolds' second marriage was solemnized June i, 1868, with Euphamia Gibson, daughter of Borter and Mary A. (Rhoads) Gibson. The parents of Mrs. Reynolds came to Monroe township in a very early day and were among the prominent pioneers of the southern part jof Delaware county. The following are the names of the children born to Borter and Ma.y Gibson: Nicholas (deceased), Julia (deceased), Thomas, Elizabeth, wife of John Bradrick; Harriet, wife of Robert Rees; Eliza, wife of William Bridges; Francis, deceased. Mrs. Euphamia Reynolds; Maria, wife of John Driscoll; and Charlotte, wife of Charles Kiger. Mr. Reynolds' second marriage resulted in the birth of three children, namely: Indiana, wife of Philip Turner; died April 25, 1875. Mrs. Reynolds resides upon the home farm, consisting of 236 acres, and is a woman highly respected in the community where she has lived for so many years. She is a consistent member of the Christian church.

OHN H. REYNOLDS is a well known farmer and stock raiser of Monroe township and one of the representative agriculturists of Delaware county, Ind. , Mr. Reynolds was born in Monroe township, the son of Breckenridge and Ellen (Lucas) Reynolds, natives of Virginia and the father a farmer by occupation. John H. Reynolds was reared on the home farm, received an education in the common schools and has devoted all his life tilling the soil, having commenced farming for himself on 140 acres of land, a part of which was left him by his father. He has been a hard worker, and industry and economy have been the characteristic traits of his life. He has added to his original place from time to time, and is now the possessor of 180 acres of valuable land, the greater part of which is under a successful state of cultivation, and his improvements rank among the best in the neighborhood where he resides.

On the 13th day of September, 1873, Mr. Reynolds and Mary J. Masterson were united in the bonds of wedlock,, and their union has been blessed with the birth of the following children: Frank, died March 22, 1875; Breckenridge, James, infant, died November 29, 1878; Charles, Lucy, died March ii, 1883, and two infants, whose deaths occurred January, 1884, and January, 1886, respectively. The parents of Mrs. Reynolds were James and Thankful (Daniels) Masterson, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. They removed to New York in 1830, and in an early day emigrated to Indiana, settling first in Henry county, thence moving to Delaware county, locating in the vicinity of Muncie, when there were but three houses in the place. Mr. Masterson, at one time, operated a carding machine, a saw mill and a distillery, but after coming to Indiana gave his entire attention to farming. He cleared a farm from the woods, and, at the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1870, owned a valuable tract of 240 acres of land. He was a member of the Catholic church, served as trustee for three terms, and IS remembered as a man of local prominence in the neighborhood of his home. He was buried in the Lebanon cemetery, and his wife, who died in 1853, rests by his side. The following are the names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Masterson; Mrs. Mary J. Reynolds, Albert, Henry, John, Thomas, Josiah, Anna E., James E., Samantha and Maria, the last five of whom are deceased.