Owen Township

Owen Township

In no township in the county have we found so few of the ear] settlers still living as in Owen. They, with few exceptions, are ei dead or moyed away. Mr. Abraham Shepard, who came with hi father, Lewis Shepard, in 1830, and settled on the Tobias Star farm, has been longer in the township than any one now living, talking with him, together with several others who came a few later, we, perhaps, have learned the majority of the pioneers township.

Mr. Shepard informs ¡us that, when he came to Owen, the white men within her borders were Samuel Gray, who was livi the I. Reed farm, John Temple, also on the Reed farm, and Miller, whose location is unknown. These men had come the year previous, and hence to them | give the honor of being the first white men in the township. Early in the year of 1830, Philip Kramer and family settl the farm now owned by hisson John. So far as we are able tole the Kramers and Shepards were all'who settled in Owen in 18 In 1831, Lewis Chaney settled on the David Youndt farm; H. Addison, on the farm belonging to Geo. Addison; and Leach, on the Powel farm. ) In 1832, George Salmon settled on the farm owned by his he Noah Bunnell, on the farm at present owned by his son; T Kenard, on the farm belonging to his heirs, Thomas Kitley, A. Frier farm; and Major W. H. Reed, on the John Chaney Mr. Reed is now an honored citizen of Ross Township. In 1833, came John Coapstick, who settled on the farm is now living. Others of the same year were John Smith, o Mabott farm; William Smith, on che land belonging to Rapier; J Castator, on what is now the Reed farm; and Andrew Connarow the farm owned by Mr. Sharp. : Those of 1834 were Thomas Leach, John Fitzgerald, D: Sample, James Starrett and David Long. Among those of 1835 and '36 we name Reuben White, Bresler, William Mabbott, James Smith, Hardicer, Shroyer, John Humer and Arthur Crumpton. 5 Among those who came soon after 1836, with some who cam before that time, but whose exact date is to us unknown, we m James Campbell, Jacob Miller, Levi Herr, Amos Purner, A Heinman, John Boyles, William I. Alexander, John S. Hayes, Alvin - Vice, Clark, Asbury Vice, William Reed, William Campbell, Able and Henry Chaney, Price and William Boyswortl dM The first religious meeting in Owen was held at the house: Lewis Shepard, in 1831, by the Methodists - a Mr. Miller preach Soon after this, meeting was held at the cabin of Lewis Chaney, the same denomination.. Prominent among the pioneer Owen were Lewis Chaney, James Boyles and Isaac Me ill- The first church was built on the land of Mr. Chaney by the Methodists, about 1836. det. The year following, 1837, the Presbyterians built what was known as the Mount Hope Church. John Reynolds was the early prea of this denomination. p 5 . The first school house was built on the W. H. Reed farm in the Fall of 1833. The Winter following, a school was taught ii MB | house by Joshua Leach. The next school was taught "by Lyman m Cumpton. The Fall of 1834, a school house was built on the Bur 7 nell farm. Soon after this, they were built in various parts of the. 7 township. 5 .

»eld, at the Bunnell school house. This being near the center dl" Philip Ko : 2 held there ever since. 2 3 aM A Sramer was first Justice of the Peace. "The names 0 other tow nship officers are unknown. first death whieh oecurred was that of John Miller, in ]8 uud Owen has made commendable progress. i ee Amo and location, may had by reference to t p map, found on another page of the Atlas; A

2 SEDALIA a TAI VUE situated on the line of the L. C. & S. R. R as lad off in 1872, by James Ci opa. Its business is as follows > Cepa. a

MeLane & Co., dry goods ; E. Davis, grocery; Mr. Black, warehouse; Charles Fretz, saw-mill; Samuel Riker, blacksmith; John Butts, shoe shop.

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; 6,440 words in this source stream.

Owen Township

Owen is in the northern tier of townships, and second from the western line of the county. It is the north half of township 22 north, and the south half of townsiiip 23 north, except sections 6, 7, 18, 19, 30 and 31, which are in Ross Township. It is in range 1 west, and is bounded on the north bj Carroll County, on the east by Warren and Michigan townships, on the south by Center and on the west by Ross. It is six miles north and south by five miles east and west, and contains thirty square miles. The surface is generally rolling and the soil of a sandy loam which is very productive of corn, wheat and other small grain. It is watered in the northern and central parts by branches of Middle Fork, and in the southern part by Killmore Creek, which render it practically self draining.

The first white men to seek a home in the forests of Owen were Samuel Gray, John Temple and John Miller. The first two settled on section 33, but the exact location of the latter is unknown. These men settled here prior to 1S30. In 1830 came Lewis Shepard and his son Abraham, who settled on section 35, and Philip Kramer and family, on section 4. Those of 1831 were: Lewis Chaney, who settled on section 2; W. H. Addison, on section 34, and Abel Leach, on section 36. George Salmon settled on section 10 in 1832, and others of that year were Noah Bunnell, on section 34; Thomas Kennard, on section 24; Thomas Kitley, on section 34, and Major W. H. Reed, on section 33. In 1833 John Coapstick settled on section 23; John Smith, on section 24; "William Smith, (769) on section 25; John Oastalor, on section 4; and Andrew Connaron, on section 9. Among those of 1834-'5-'6 were John Starrett, Thomas Leach, David Long, David Sample, John Fitzgerald, Jacob Bresler, Reuben White, William Mabbitt, James Smith, David Shroyer, John Humer, Arthur Orumpton, James Campbell, Jacob Miller, Levi Herr, Amos Purner, John Boyles, William Alexander, John S. Hayes, Alvin Vice, Asbury Vice, William Reed, Abel and Henry Chaney, William Campbell and William Bosworth.

First Events

The first religious meeting in Owen was held at the house of Lewis Shepard in 1831, by the Methodists, a Mr. Miller officiating, to whom is due the honor of preaching the first sermon in the township. The next meeting was held at the cabin of Lewis Chaney by the same denomination. Among the pioneer preachers of Owen were Lewis Chaney, James Boyels and Isaac Merrill. The first church was built by the Methodists in 1836, on the land of Mr. Chaney. In 1837 the Presbyterians built what was known as the Mount Hope Church. John Reynolds was the first preacher of this denomination.

The first school-house was built in the autumn of 1833, on section 4, and Joshua Leach taught the first school the following winter. The next school was taught by Lyman Cumpton.

Organization

The township was organized at tlie March term of the commissioners' court, in 1843. The first election was held soon after at the Bunnell school-house, which has for many years been the polling place of the township. Philip Kramer was elected as the first justice of the peace. The names of the other officers could not be ascertained.

The present township officers are: James M. Bell, Trustee; Timothy Cornelison, Justice of the Peace; Luke Shepard, Assessor; Viall Alexander, Constable.

The Terre Haute & Logausport Railroad traverses this township from north to south near its center, and has three stations within its borders, namely: Killmore, Moran and Sedalia. The Louis-

In politics Owen has always been a reliable Democratic township, and in 1884 gave Cleveland a majority of ninety-seven. We give the vote of the township at the last general election November 4, 1884, for President and State and county officers: give it as taten in the last four census years. In 1850 it was 634; in 1860 it was 801; in 1870 it was 1,118; and in 1880 it had reached 1,640. Its inhabitants are generally thriving and industrious people, and have made considerable headway in the matter of improvements.

Vaxuation And Taxation, 1845

Since 1845 there has been a vast change in the items of valuation and taxation, and as a means of comparison we give them for that year, which was more than forty years ago;

Valuation And Taxation, 1886 Statistics Of Ageicultuee

The number of acres of wheat sown in Owen Township for 1886 is 4,567; corn, 2,605; oats, 311; number of acres in timothy, 674; clover, 2,037; wild grass, 2; acres of new land brought under cultivation, 1886 crops, 220; timber land, 806. There are 9,347 rods of drain tile in operation in this township.

In 1885 there were 1,379 gallons of sorghum and 416 gallons of maple molasses made. The number of gallons of milk taken from cows is 159,680; pounds of butter made, 37,260; cheese,126; honey, 1,977.

was laid out by Abner C. Pence, March 27, 1854, and was for several years known as Penceville, but in 1872 W. R. Alexander made an addition and it then took the name of Killmore. It is located in the southern part of Owen, on section 15. It is on the line of the Terre Haute & Logansport Railroad, five miles north of Frankfort.

It has at the present time (1886) about 150 inhabitants, and its businessmen are: B. F. Alexander & Bro., general store; S. C. Coldwell, drugs and groceries; Timothy Cornelison, blacksmith; Ticen & Ferrier, undertakers; Boyles & Alexander, stock and grain buyers. The M. E. church at this place has about seventy-five members, and the pulpit is supplied by the Rev. J. W. Shell.

This little village is situated in the center of the township, on section 3. The Terre Haute & Logansport Railroad passes through, and has a station here in charge of A. D. Bunnell. It has about 125 inhabitants and its business men are: W. L. Bunnell, general merchant and grain buyer; J. R. Bowen, drugstore; Fritz Bros., saw-mill; Wilson Hartman, blacksmith ; Dr. McOarty, brick-yard; Asa Kendall, tile factory; Dr. McCarty and Dr. Seawright, phyis located in the northern part of the township, on the line of the Terre Haute & Logansport Railroad. It was laid out in 1872 by J. B. McCune and James A. Campbell. Mr. McCune built the first house here, and William Miller opened the first store. The first physician was Dr. Keeny, and the first blacksmith, Allen Branch. The first postmaster was J. B. McCune. Its business men are: Shafor Bros, and E. Campbell, general merchants ; J. J. Wiley, drugs and groceries; John Kennard, blacksmith; John Sigler, physician; Plott & Mabbitt, grist-mill; Hugh Shields, ele- vator; J. Q. Nesters, tile factory; J. Y. Palmer, wagon-maker; "W. M. Shafor, postmaster. It has about 200 inhabitants. There was formerly a church here known as the Baptist Union.

Alfeed J. Beil, a farmer of Owen Township, residing on section 25, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Northumberland County, October 19, 1851, a son of William and Eve Beil. His parents came to Clinton County, Indiana, in 1S64, bringing with them a family of four children, whose names are as follows - Alfred J., our subject; William A., John P. and Lewis D. On coming to Clinton County they settled in Owen Township, where both parents died, the mother dying in August, 1879, and the father April 4, 1881. Alfred J. Beil passed his boyhood days in his native county remaining there till fourteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents to this county. He remained at home his parents till his marriage, which occurred September 28, 1876, to Miss Eebecca J. Chittick, a daughter of Archibald and Hannah J. Chittick, both of whom are deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beil belong to the Lutheran Reform church. They are the parents of four children - William A., born March 22, 1879; Hannah L. A., born June 10, 1881; Lewis A., born August 3, 1882; and James C, born September 28, 1884. In politics Mr. Beil casts his sufirage with the Republican party.

s. John Milton Bell, a farmer of Owen Township, was born October 31, 1846, in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, of English descent, a son of James Bell, a resident of Clinton County, Indiana. Our subject's grandfather, John Bell, entered land in Owen Township, Clinton County, in an early day, but believing the climate unfitted for a man of his age he soon returned to his native State, where he died. John M. Bell was brought by his parents to Clinton County in 1848, and here he was reared, receiving his education in the common schools of the county. He remained with his parents till reaching manhood. In 1872 he engaged in manufacturing staves at Frankfort, Indiana, which business he followed for two years, when he sold his interest, and with his brother-in-law, J. N. Shortle, went to Parke County, Indiana, where they followed mining for three years. He then returned to the home farm in Owen Township, and has since been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he has found to be the most independent and profitable occupation for him. In politics Mr. Bell casts his suffrage with the Democratic ticket. In April, 1876, he was elected trustee of Owen Township by a majority of fifty-three votes. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Killmore.

William F. Bell, residing on section 1, of Owen Township, is a native of Clinton County, Indiana, born July 3, 1851. He was reared a farmer, and has made agricultural pursuits the principal vocation of his life. His education was obtained in the common schools of this county, and by self study he acquired a fair knowledge of the common branches. He began life on his own account by working as a farm hand, and having learned something of the brick-mason's trade, lie followed that vocation for some time. He now devotes his attention exclusively to his farm, which he has brought under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Bell was married to Miss Martha Weaver, the date of his marriage being December 10, 1877. Mrs. Bell was born November 15, 1855, she being a daughter of Samuel and Lydia Weaver, who lived in Butler County, Ohio, till their death. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bell are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Killmore. They are the parents of three children - Anna, born November 9, 1878; Bertha, born November 1, 1880, and Stella, born March 27, 1884. In his political views Mr. Bell is a Eepublican.

Martha Ann (Pence) Bottles, widow of the late George Thomas Boyles, is a native of Clinton County, Indiana, born in Owen Township, March 21, 1844, near her present home. She is the youngest of four children of Abner C. and Anna Jane (Bonner) Pence, the father being a native of Virginia, born in 1806, and the mother born in the State of Alabama. Her father left his native State for Ohio, and later moved to Indiana, locating in Clinton County. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church the greater part of his life and is an active worker in the same. His wife was but fourteen years old when she married him. She died in February, 1845. They had a family of four children - Lncinda, wife of Andrew W. Charles, of Kansas; Mary J., wife of Joseph Stafford, deceased; Cyrus B., and Martha A., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Boyles lived with her parents till her marriage which took place in Killmore, this county, February 22, 1864, by Eev. Mr. Crawford, of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mrs. Boyles being a member of that church. To Mr. and Mrs. Boyles were born six children, all of whom are yet living. Their names are as follows - Abner S., Mary C, William G., Anna P.,

Laura M. and Ethel C. George T. Boyles was born July 2, 18iO. He was reared a farmer and received a common-school education in this county. He began life with but little means, but by industry and good management he was successful in his agricultural pursuits. He bought the home farm from the Government, which contains 160 acres of choice land, and subsequently purchased two tracts of land, one lying in Owen and the other in Center Township. He lived on the home farm till his death, which occurred November 12, 1885. His family still reside on the same farm, which is located on section 14, Owen Township. Mrs. Boyles is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Killmore.

Cathaeine Callow at was born in Butler County, Ohio, October 10, 1822, a daughter of John L. and Hannah Miller, natives of Pennsylvania. They came with their family to Clinton County, Indiana, in 1830, being the second white family to settle in Owen Township. They here entered 163 acres of land, where they endured all the hardships and privations incident to life in a new country. They had a family of nine children - James, Eliza, Catharine, Mary, John L., Eichard, William H., Edward R. and Hannah E., the last two mentioned being born in Clinton County. Catharine Calloway Avas reared to womanhood in Clinton County; was married to Joseph Calloway September 12, 1844. The first sermon delivered in Owen Township was preached at the house of Father Miller, by Rev. Mr. Gillalen, a Presbyterian minister of Ohio. Mrs. Calloway is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Joseph Calloway, deceased, was born in Ohio, September 12, 1822, a son of Winder and Mary Calloway, natives of Delaware. They came with their family to Clinton County, Indiana, in 1830, and settled in Ross Township, where they endured all the hardships and privations incident to life in a new country. Joseph Calloway was reared to manhood in Clinton County, and was a representative farmer of Owen Township. He made farming his principal avocation, although fourteen years of his life were ^pent in saw-milling and dealing in lumber. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting March 17, 1865, being Second Lieutenant of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, He was discharged on the first day of July, 1865, when he returned to his home and followed farming until his death, September 22, 1866. He left a widow, Catharine Calloway, who still occupies the old homestead, and four children - Mary E., born July

19, 1846; Hannah M., born March 28, 1848; Nancy E., November 20, 1852; James E., born June 13, 1856. Mary was married to Michael Augutine, December 15, 1868, andjHannah M. was married Aiignat 3, 1872, to Daniel J. Smith. James E. was married January 3, 1878, to Caroline Kammerer. Mr. Calloway was a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity at Eossville.

Lewis Choat, an enterprising farmer, residing on section 17, Owen Township, is a native of Ohio, born October 22, 1820. He has been a resident of Clinton County, Indiana, since 1843, except three years, coming here with his brother. Miles P. Choat, who entered land in Owen Township, and with whom he lived, working as a farm liand for two years. The two years following he worked for Hannah Miller. He was united in marriage April 22, 1852, to Miss Eliza Miller, who was born July 2, 1821, and to this union were born four children - Amanda G., wife of James Price, now of Killmore, Clinton County; Mary J., wife of Abner Jones; Laura F. and Hannah E., wife of Oscar Cropper. Mr. Choat was bereaved by the death of his wife, August 9, 1884. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Choat removed to Iowa in 1854, where he entered land on which he lived three years. He then returned to Clinton County and bought the farm which his brother, James G., had entered, where he has since made his home, and during his residence has made many valuable improvements. He lias converted his land from a heavily timbered tract to one of the best farms in his neighborhood, and has built a commodious residence and good barn and other outbuildings. Mr. Choat is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In his political views he holds to no party, but casts his vote for the man he deems best fitted for office.

Sanfred Clinton CoLnwELL, a merchant of Killmore, Clinton County, Indiana, is a native of this county, the date of his birth being November 29, 1852, and is a son of Frank Coldwell, late of Center Township, but now deceased. Sanfred Coldwell remained with his parents till twenty-five years of age, being reared on a farm. He followed agricultural pursuits till leaving home when he engaged in the mercantile business at Killmore which he still continues, and by his strict attention to his business and his fair and honorable dealings he is meeting with good success. Mr. Coldwell was united in marriage to Miss Dora Pence, February 21, 1878, who was born August 24, 1854, and is a daughter of Abner and Sarah Pence, who were formerly residents of the State of Virginia, but are now making their home in Clinton County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Coldwell are the parents of one child - Otto D., who was born February 2, 1879. Mr. Coldwell is a member of the Dakota Tribe, JSTo. 42, I. O. E. M., of Frankfort. In politics he casts his suifrage with the Democratic party.

David Gochenauee, an enterprising farmer, residing on section 5, Owen Township, is a native of Virginia, born January 26, 1822, in Shenandoah County. "When about five years of age he was taken by his parents, William and Mary Gochenauer, to Preble County, Ohio, and in 1842 the family removed to Cliuton County, Indiana, where the father bought eighty acres of land in Ross Township, for which he paid SiSO. This land is now valued at §60 per acre. The father died in 1852, his widow surviving him till 1876. Six children were born to them - Harrison, l^oah, David, Cyrus, Elizabeth and Polly, of whom Polly is deceased. David Gochenauer grew to manhood in Clinton County, and was here married March 3, 1851, to Mary Revis, who was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, July 19, 1831, a daughter of Enoch and Temperance Revis, who were formerly from Xorth Carolina. Mrs. Gochenauer died leaving seven children, as follows - Levi, married to Amanda Wyatt, of Carroll County; Harrison, a physician living in Wisconsin, married Emma Landes; William E., also a physician living in Wisconsin; Joseph M., attending school in Viroqua, Wisconsin; Jeremiah, attending the State I^ormal School, at Terre Haute, Indiana; Mary E., wire of Perry Sailors, of Clinton County, and Susan C, wife of William H. Abbev, of Clinton County. For his second wife Mr. Gochenauer married Margery Herley, by whom he has had one daughter - Annie E. In politics Mr. Gochenauer is a Democrat, and was elected assessor of Ross Township on that ticket, which position he filled with credit to his constituents for two years. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist church.

these two counties, meeting with many of the disadvantages of life in a new country. William L., our subject, was married October 10, 1S50, to Catharine Long, daughter of David and Annie Long, both of whom died in Clinton County. They have six children - Mattie A., born August 22, 1851, married Hamilton Brown September 30, 1865, and now lives in Owen Township, this county; George "W., boru November 10, 1851r, was married April 24, 1878, to Eliza Brown, of Clinton County, a daughter of Elick and Permelia Brown, and now lives in Carroll County; Lucinda was born May 30, 1860, and May 30, 1879, was married to Luther M. Plott, ot Clinton County; David L. was born May 21, 1862, and was married December 24, 1885, to Laura Wilson, daughter of William and Nancy Wilson, of Clinton County, and is still living-with his parents; Emma, born June 24, 1864, was married September 30, 1884, to Abner Bronson, of Carroll County, and Frank, born November 29, 1869, lives at home. Mr. Mabbitt has lived on the home farm in Owen Township for fifty years, which is one of the best improved farms in the township, with a fine two-story resi dence, a commodious barn, and other farm buildings, with all modern improvements. Mr. Mabbitt is a member of Wild Cat Lodge No. 311, A. F. & A. M., which he has served as master. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church at Geetingsville. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.

J. S. MiLLEE, residing on section 22, Owen Township, was born in Clinton County, Indiana, November 11, 1840, a sou of Jacob and Mary A. Miller, who were natives of Ohio. He lived on the home farm with his parents till twenty-two years of age, when, in 1862, he enlisted in the late war in the Third Cavalry or the Fortyfifth Indiana Regiment, and was under General Sherman in tlie Western division. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Missionary Ridge, Franklin, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia, besidf) other minor engagements. He was taken prisoner at Jonesburgh and was confined in Andersonville Prison for eight months. He was paroled in June, 1865, when he was discharged, having been in the service of his country for three years. He then returned to Clinton County, and engaged in farming, which he has since followed with success. He was married September 21, 1865, to Mary E. Moore, who was born October 19, 1844, a daughter of James and Abigail Moore, who came from Ohio to Indiana in an early day and settled in Carroll County, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have nine children - Luondes R., born March 1, 1868; Clif- ton D., December 30, 1869; Averill E., January 31, 1872; May D., May 26, 1874; Murid B., March 19, 1876, Marjerie A., May 21, 18T8; Clara L., August 4, 1880; Elsie H., November 15, 1882, and John G., September 26, 1885, all living at home. Politically Mr. Miller is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Sedalia Lodge, No. 508, and is a comrade of the Grand Army post at Rossville. Jacob Miller, father of our subject, was born January 1, 1818, and in 1827 came to Clinton County, Indiana, with his father, J. S. Miller, who entered laud in Owen Township, on which he lived till his death. His widow subsequently married William Douglass, who became the owner of this land. Jacob Miller passed through all the phases of pioneer life, and is now living in Clinton Township, taking that rest which he has so well earned by his years of toil and industry. His wife died in the year 1819. Her father, Daniel Sailors, was a soldier in the Eevolutionary war, and also served in the war of 1812.

W. L. M. Powell, one of the pratical farmers of Owen Township, residing on section 36, is a native of the State of Ohio, born in Butler County, October 8, 1832, a son of James P. and Sarah A. Powell. The parents came to Clinton County, Indiana, in September, 1848, with their family, whichconsistedof four children - "William L. M., our subject; John "W., Benjamin F. and Mary S. They purchased eighty acres of land in Owen Township, for which they paid $300. Both parents are now deceased, the mother dying May 4, 1874, and the father July 30 of the same year. W. L. M, Powell, the subject of this sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and has made that the principal vocation of his life and is now classed among the successful farmers of Owen Township. He was united in marriage November 8, 1876, to Miss Hattie A. Shearin, who was born in May, 1846, in Delaware County, Indiana. They are the parents of three children - Frank L., born April 18, 1877; Mary I., born October 15, 1878, and Osie E. , born November 4, 1879. Mr. Powell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Democratic party.

John Puenee, farmer, section 33, Owen Township, Clinton County, is a son of Amos and Rachel (Herr) Purner. Of the eight children born to his parents he is the only one that survives. He was reared on a farm, and has followed that occupation most of his life. He was a soldier in the war of the Eebellion, enlisting in August, 1862, in the Seventy-second Indiana Infantry, receiv- ing his discharge in 1865. During his term of service he participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Atlanta, Selma and other engagements of minor importance. March 1, 1867, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Wiedy, a daughter of Nathan and Catharine Wiedj, who came from Pennsj'lvania to Clinton County, Indiana, where they still reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Purner have been born nine children - Clyde, Frank M. E., Charles E., Thomas W., Levi G., Willis M., Sherman W". and two who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Purner affiliates with the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal churcli. His father, Amos Purner, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1803. In 1836 he went to Ohio with his mother, and in 1810 came to Owen Township, Clinton County, Indiana, where he yet lives, being now in his eighty-fourth year. He was married in 1826 to Rachel Herr, who has been his companion through all these years. She is still living, but is aiflicted with the loss of her eye-sight. They are both earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father cast his tirst presidential vote for John Quincy Adams, and has always held to the principles of the Republican party except in 1856, vthen he voted for Buchanan, which he has ever regretted.

Thomas Rapeb, a farmer of Owen Township, Clinton County, is a native of Indiana, born in Wayne County, on the homestead farm which his Grandfather Raper had entered in an early day. The grandfather was a native of England, coming to America when very young. He settled in Wayne County, remaining there till his death. The father of our subject, William Raper, was born and reared in Wayne County, but in the year of 1858 removed to Clinton County, and in 1882 to Kosciusko County, Indiana, wheie he died at the age of seventy-four years. The mother of our subject, Louisa Raper, was born in Kentucky, and died in Clinton County, Indiana, aged seventy-four years. Thomas Raper, the subject of this sketch, came to Clinton County, Indiana, in 1858, and bought forty acres of land in Owen Township, from Eli Weaver, paying for the same $18 per acre. Here he has lived a life of toil and industry for nearly thirty years, and has made many valuable improvements on his place till his land is now worth from $45 to $50 per acre. February 16, 1865, he enlisted in the late war in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Indiana Infantry, under command of Colonel Taylor. He was discharged in August of the same year without having met the enemy in battle, when he returned to his home in

Clinton County, and has since devoted his time to farming and stockraising. Mr. Raper is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is a Republican. He has two children - Alfred P., born in 1858, is a telegraph operator in Chicago, Illinois, and Allie E., married Joseph M. Maggartin September, 1884, and lives in Owen Township.

Ieick D. Reed, an enterprising farmer of Owen County, living on section 33, is a native of Clinton County, Indiana, born December 31, 1842. His parents, Edward and Julia A. Reed, came to Clinton County in an early day, where the father entered land in Owen Township, October 31, 1830, for his brother, William H. Reed, The father, in company with Philip Kramer, Miller and Lewis, entered land in Owen Township, where they encamped for four weeks. Mr. Kramer was the first justice of the peace of Owen Township, which ofSce he filled till his death, a period of twenty-seven years. The father of our subject was enrolling oiBcer in the war of the Rebellion, and had a large amount of grain burned by men who envied him his official position. He was a man of strong constitution, and during his life was never under the care of a physician until he met with an accident on the railroad. His death occurred August 25, 1874, at the age of seventy-iive years, his wife, Julia, having died April 25 of the same year. Irick D. Reed, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools of his neighborhood. He was a soldier in the late war,enlisting March 4, 1865, in the Seventy-second Indiana, and was assigned to the Forty-fourth Indiana Regiment, under Captain O. P. Kuns. He was discharged from service in September, 1865. September 28, 1869, he was married to Lucinda S. Bate. They have three children - Anna, born August 8, 1871; Nettie, born October 27, 1873, and Chester, born April 23, 1883. Mr. Reed is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is also a Knight of Honor. In politics he affiliates with the Republicans. Mr. Reed has been a teacher in the common schools of Clinton County for five years. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church.

Thomas P. Robinson, of Owen Township, engaged in farming on section 23, is a native of Indiana, born in Parke County, January 9, 1829. His parents, Andrew and Grizella Robinson, came to Indiana from Ohio in 1825, when they settled in Parke County, making that county their home till they came to Clinton County in 1832. The father then entered 240 acres of land in "Warren Town- ship, where lie resided till his death, in April, 1877. He was twice married. His first wife, Grizella, died in 1852, and for his second wife he married Phoebe J. Emily. Thomas Eobinson, our subject, was about three years old when he accompanied his parents to Clinton County, and here he was reared to manhood, remaining on the home farm until thirty years of age. He was married September 27, 1860, to Madeline Card, who was born January 20, 1841, a daughter of Stephen and Nancy J. Card, of Carroll County, this State. They are the parents of four children - Cora was born November 7, 1863, and is now the wife of Edward L. Peter, a teacher, living at Rossville, this county; Thomas B., born December i, 1867, is ])reparing himself for the teacher's profession, attending school at Logansport, Indiana; William was born September 16, 1872, and Elwood was born February 1, 1875. Mr. Kobinson enlisted as a soldier in the war of the Eebellion in March, 1865, as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and was discharged in August, 1S65. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, being a comrade of Moran Post. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and respected citizens of Owen Township.

William M. Shafoe, of the mercantile firm of Shafor Brothers, of Sedalia, Clinton County, is a native of Clinton County, Indiana, born March 23, 1869. His parents, James and Eliza A. Shafor, were originally from the State of Ohio. They came to Clinton County, Indiana, in the year 1836, and have witnessed the changes and progress made in the county daring the past fifty-one years. They are still living in this county enjoying the fruits of their early life of toil. William M. Shafor, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in the common schools of this county, and subsequently spent two years at Purdue University in La Fayette. He was united in marriage January 10, 1881, to Ida Ferrier, who was born in April, 1863, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Ferrier, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Shafor have one child - James W., born February 12, 1886. Mr. Shafor is at present associated with his brother in the dry-goods business, and both being young men full of energy and enterprise, are building up a good trade, and by their courteous and gentlemanly deportment and honorable dealings have gained the confidence and respect of the entire community. Mr. Shafor is a member of the

History Of Clinton Ooontt

A. R. Sheffler, dealer in dry-goods and agricultural implements at Geetingsville, is one of the most active and enterprising citizens of Owen Township. He was born in November, 1849, a native of the State of Pennsylvania, wliere he lived till about ten years of age. In 1859 he came with his parents to Clinton Count}', Indiana, and in 1864 settled in Rossville. In 1871 he removed to Geetingsville where he has since been engaged in his present business, and by his upright and honorable dealings and strict attention to the wants of his many customers he has succeeded in establishing a large trade. His store contains the largest and finest assortment of goods to be found in any store in Clinton County, outside the city of Frankfort. Mr. Sheffler was united in marriage in September, 1875, to Miss Senella J. Beck, a daughter of William Beck, of this county. They are the parents of three children - Earl, born April 19, 1877; Emil, born April 15, 1881, and Nema. Mr. and Mrs. Sheffler are members of the Presbyterian church at Geetingsville. Mr. Sheffler is the present efficient postmaster of Geetingsville. Politically he is a Republican.

Solomon Short, a representative farmer of Owen Township, was born October 10, 1826, in Butler County, Ohio, a son of Elihu and Mary E. Short. The father immigrated with his family to Clinton County in 1828, and was the first white man to enter a land claim in Owen Township. The surrounding country at that time was a dense wilderness, but with an iron will and a determined spirit he entered the forest, felled the tall timber, and built his pioneer hut, and here he lived with his family, before there were roads, neighbors or markets. In fact, there was nothing to market unless it were the skins of the buffalo or the scalps of the red men. After adding to the growth and advancement of Owen Township for twelve years, he died about the year 1840, his wife having died in 1836. Solomon Short, the subject of this sketch, was but two years old when he was brought by his parents to Clinton County, and here he was reared to manhood. After the death of his father he continued to live on the home farm with his elder brothers, Benjamin and Elihu, for about ten years. He was married May 10, 1850, to Mary Squire, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, September 10, 1830,-a daughter of Elias Squire. Ten children have been born to them as follows - Ellis, born August 17, 1851, died in infancy; Abraham T., born August 9, 1853, died March 24, 1877;

Tiletta J., born July 16, 1856, married Joseph W. Bell, of Clinton Cownty, John W., born February 7, 1853, was married March 2i, 1880, to Clara Ferrier, who died June 19, 1886; Kachel, born November 28, 1859, married George W. Douglass November 26, 1884; Tierce, born January 17, 1861, died in infancy; Hannah E., born August 6, 1863, died November 10, 1883; Mack, bom February 1, 1866, living at home; Sarah L.,born October 15, 1867, living at home, and Flora A., born August 1, 1879. Mr. Short purchased the homestead in Owen Township from the heirs, about 1856, where he has since made liis home. In his political views he is a Democrat. He and his wife and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John W. Squire, an active and enterprising farmer of Owen Township, Clinton County, is a native of Clinton County, Indiana, born July 16, 1841. His parents, Ellis and Hannah Squire, came from Butler County, Ohio, to Indiana about the year 1856, and lived in Jeiferson, Clinton County, where the father followed wagon-inaking for four years. In 1840 he entered laud in Owen Township, to which he removed with his family, living there till his death, which occurred in 1878. His widow still survives. John W. Squire, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm in Owen Township where he still makes his home. He was united in marriage December 24, 1862, to Miss Eliza J. Holiday, who was born in Frankfort, this county, the date of her birth being March 16, 1841, she being a daughter of Samuel and Ruhama Holiday. Mr. and Mrs. Squire are the parents of three children - Zura, born September 6, 1863, is the wife of AsaC. Kindar; Mollie, born June 2, 1866, and Ellis, born March 18, 1878, both living at home with their parents. Mr. Squire and his family are members of the Presbyterian church and respected members of society.

William Stephenson, farmer and stock-raiser of Owen Township, Clinton County, residing on section 29, is a native of the State of Ohio, born in Butler County, the date of his birth being November 8, 1840. He was reared in his native county, remaining there till the breaking out of the late war. He 'enlisted October 7, 1861, in Company I, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, and was assigned with his regiment to the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of Perry ville, Stone River, Franklin, Huntsville,Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and was on the line of march from Chattanooga to Atlanta. During his service he was wounded three times by skirmishers. He received his discharge November

20, 1864, when he returned to his home. The same year, 1864, he moved to Carroll County, Indiana, where he followed farming and school teaching, being engaged in teaching school for twelve years after the war during the winter season. In 1872 he removed to Clinton County, Indiana, where he bought 160 acres of land, and also purchased eighty acres where he now resides, and has now one of the most valuable farms in his neighborhood. In his political views he is a Eepublican. He is a comrade of the Grand Army post at Rossville.