Prairie Township (part 1 of 2)

Prairie Township

Very -non afterward came William Harvey, the father cf Benjamin, with Uriah Bulla, John Harris, Samuel Howard, and Hartley or Ban lay BeriDOW. Some of the last named eame ont in April or May, 1819, but had been out as early as the February preceding, selected sites, and made some improvements.

Source changes here: from History of Henry County, Indiana : Together with Sketches of Its Cities, Villages, and Towns ... Also a Condensed History of Indiana, Embracing Accounts of Pre-historic Races, Aborigines, Winnebago and Black Hawk Wars, and a Brief Review of Its Civil and Political History., published 1884; 18,061 words in this source stream.

Prairie Township

Prairie Township, one of the four townships erected by the County Commissioners on the 11th of June, 1822, at first included '' all that part of Henry County north of the congressional township line dividing townships 17 and 18 north,'* that is, it was twenty miles long and eight in width. At the same date it was ordered that an election for one Justice of the Peace for said township should be held at the house of Abraham Harvey on the 6th of July, 1882, and that William Harvey be inspector. At this election William Harvey and Abijah Cain were chosen Overseers of the Poor; and Abraham Harvey, James Massey and Robert Gordon, Fence Viewers. The place of election was changed in 1826 to Samson Smith's; afterward to Enoch Dent's, then to E. T. Hickman's, and then to James Harvey's. This township derives its name from the low and level meadows which constitute a considerable portion of its land. It is a rich and wealthy farming district, and contains four villages. In 1870 the population was 1,622; in 1880, 1,708.

The Harvey neighborhood was among the first settlements in the county. William, Benjamin, James and Absalom Harvey settled in 1819. Absalom Harvey owned land about Hew Castle and donated to the county twenty-eight acres, including that on which the court-house now stands. Benjamin Harvey settled in the spring of 1819, the others in the autumn. The family were orig inally from North Carolina, but had moved to Indiana while it was a Territory. They came to this county from Wayne.

Shubal Julian, now of Harrison Township, located in Prairie Township in 1822, and after remaining several years removed to Harrison. In this township the first lands taken up were along Blue Hiver. Ho land was sold here until 1822. In that year entries were made by the following persons: Oct. 22,

George Hedrick and family, from Virginia, settled in 1824 on the farm where he died in 1863. He reared a large family, and several of his children still live in the county.

The first mill in the county was erected in this township in 1821 by a man named Snyder. It ground only corn, and was a very primitive affair. Its stones were made from ''nigger heads," cut by Snyder himself. Later a mill was built further down the river, and known as Blue River Mill. In 1851 the mill on the township line between Henry and Prairie was built. It is now owned by James Hip.

Bouslog's mill, a famous one in its day, situated on Blue River, about two miles southwest of Rogersville, was built by Levi Bouslog about 1844, at a cost of about $6,000.

On the land of Shubal Julian, one mile south of Mount Summit, a school-house, of round logs, was erected about the year 1824, by Shubal Julian, Thomas Hess, Josiah Bradbury, Lemuel Evans and Moses Wayman. Here Milton Wayman taught the first school in the township, having about thirty scholars. The teacher was boarded for 50 cents per week. The first religious services in the

An early school-house was built on the farm of E. T. Heckman, now belonging to Nathan Harvey. It was constructed of hewed logs. Prior to its erection several terms of school had been taught in private dwellings.

The first school-house in the Mount Summit district was a log building with slab seats. The present school is graded, and occupies two rooms. Newton Williams was the first Principal.

, There are now twelve school-houses in the township. The school property is valued at about $10,000. The number of school children in the township in^l884 was 454; in Mount Summit corporation, 76.

Township ofiScers, 1883-'84: Jeese M. Reed, Trustee; J. B. Gilmore, Assessor; Justices of the Peace: J. W. Dunbar, Mount Summit; Thomas Ice, Hillsboro; Marcus Brown, Luray.

Lebanon Church {Baptist). - The house of worship of this congregation is situated near the center of the township. Jesse Mellet was the first preacher. The congregation was organized at his house May 10, 1828. The first house of worship was erected about 1831. The present membership is seventy- two; present pastors: T. S. Lyons and John Buckles; Deacons: T. H. Beavers, Jonathan Yeach.

Among the earliest members of Lebanon church were Jesse Mellett and wife, John Miller and wife, Ruth Way man, Mrs. Whittaker, Mrs. A. Yeach, Mr. Jones and wife. The early ministers were Jesse Mellett, Charles Mellett, John Baldridge, T. S. Lyons and Ara Cole.

Christian Church. - The church near Hillsboro was the first Christian church in the township. It was organized Nov. 28, 1840. Elder Elijah Martindale was the first minister. The congregation when formed consisted of sixty-six members. The Trustees were: Asahel Woodward, Benjamin Harvey, Clement Mur- phey, Kathan Canaday and William Millikan; Samuel Canaday, Clerk. The church building was erected by subscription. Clement Murphey gave one acre of ground for a church lot and cemetery.

Christian Church. - Mt. Summit Christian church was organized by Elder J. B. Ludwig, April 24, 1873. John Smith and Thomas Hale were chosen the first elders; H. H. Cannaday, Wm. Shively and R. F. West, Deacons. The house of worship is 40x60 feet in size, and cost $3,000. The church has about 141 members at present. The present church officers are: Thos. Hale, B. D. Horviel and B. F. Needham, Elders; B. F. West, J. J. Courtney and J.W. Dunbar, Deacons; S. S. Cannaday, Clerk. The township now contains two Christian churches, two Baptist churches, two Methodist churches, and one German Baptist church.

Mount Summit

This village was platted in 1854 by Jesse Ice. Additions have since been made by Abel W. Ice, William West and Samuel Ice. The town was incorporated in 1871. In 1880 its population was 200.

The first wagon-maker in the place was Joseph Kinsey; the first blacksmith, Frederick Ice; and the first physician. Dr. Gavin. The present physicians are Dr. Norviel and Dr. F. G. Jackson. The first hotel was kept by W. S. Dunbar, who is still in the business. A second hotel has since been established and is now kept by J. S. Bates.

A. J. Ice built the first warehouse in 1871. Harvey & Bifner ^have a grain elevator, erected since. Both of these firms are still doing a very prosperous business. The shipments of wheat and corn run from 40,000 to 100,000 bushels per year by each firm.

Other Villages

Hillshoro^ although one of the oldest villages in the county, is yet one of the smallest. It is situated in the southeastern part of Prairie Township, and in 1880 had a population of ninety. The village was laid out in 1830 by Thomas Maston and Samuel Rinehart. A postoffice named ''Dan Webster" was established here several years ago but was afterward discontinued.

Luray^ in the northern part of the township, is another village, old but small. It was laid out in 1836 by Lot Hazel ton. It is situated ten miles north of Hew Castle and a mile and a half east ' of the railroad. The building of the railroad took the life out of the place. A postoffice was established here in 1850, George Louthain, Postmaster.

Springport^ a small village on the railroad north of Mount Summit, came into being when the railroad was built in 1869. Its growth has not been remarkable.

Springport has three general stores, one drug store, one saw-mill and minor industries. Drs. Estabrook and Benedict are the physicians. The village is unincorporated. In 1880 its population was 118.

Biographical

-Benjamin Beavers is a native of West V'irginia, born March 30, 1827, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Yeach) Beavers. In the spring of 1830 his parents came to Henry County, Ind., and settled a mile west of Springport. They built a rude log cabin covered with clapboards with a chimney made of mud and sticks, in the end. Deer and wolves were numerous, and at one time a bear made himself familiar by killing one of their hogs. They had a flag spring near the house and the wild cats often visited it for water. His mother died in 1851 leaving nine children seven of whom are living. Llis father there married Sarah, widow of Robert Burns. He died in 1866. Benjamin Beavers was reared in Henry County. He attended school about two months a year in the winter, working on the farm the rest of the year. He has been economical and now owns 160 acres of tine land well improved. He has engaged extensively in buying and shipping hogs. He has some of the finest horses and cattle in the county. He was married in

1852 to Minerva, daughter of Thomas and Ankah Yeach. They have two daughters - Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Harvey, and Leonora. Politically Mr. Beavers is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

Orville L. Boor^ farmer, section 31, Prairie Township, was born in Hew Castle, Ind., Sept. 21, 1859, a son of W. F. and Sarah A. K. (Hoof) Boor. He was educated in Hew Castle, and studied medicine with his father and brother, but was compelled to abandon his profession on account of ill health. In the spring of 1880 he moved to the farm where he now resides, and has been very successful in that vocation. He was married April 1, 1881, to Cora L., daughter of Abram and Amanda (Pickenpaugh) Bouslog. Politically Mr. Boor has always been a Republican.

Enoch Scott Bouslog^ of Mt. Summit, was born in Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., Aug. 16, 1836, the youngest son of David and Juda (Scgft) Bouslog. His parents came to Henry County from Virginia in 1835 and settled in Prairie Township, but subsequently moved to Jefferson Township, where the father died in 1839; the mother died in 1863. They had a family of seven children - S , Abraham W., John, Catherine, deceased, wife of Simeon Hayes ; Marv J., wife of John Vestal; Rachel, wife of Joseph Ellison, and Enoch S., who was reared in his native county remaining with his mother till his marriage. He then settled on the old farm living there till 1876 when he moved his family to the farm where he now lives, which he bought in 1870. It contains 240 acres of the best land in the township. His residence is a fine two-story frame building with all the modern improvements. He makes a specialty of stock and small grain. Mr. Bouslog was married in 1860 to Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Coffman. She died in 1875 leaving five children - Jennie, Frank, Ollie, Charles and Bessie. In 1880 Mr. Bouslog married Jennie, daughter of Villfam Smith. They have one son - Ernest. Mr. Bouslog is a member of Sulphur Springs

James Albert Brown^ a son of Moses and Delphia (Dowell) Brown, was born in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., Sept. 21, 1854. His father was a native of Preble County, Ohio, and his mother of Horth Carolina. He received a fair education in the district schools and afterward attended the Horthern Indiana Hormal School at Valparaiso, fitting himself for a teacher. Since leaving school he has taught in the district schools of the county and at the same time is engaged in general farming, owning eighty acres of No. 1 land, with good farm buildings. He was married in 1880 to Alice A. Holada,y, daughter of Andrew J. and Sarah Holaday, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one son - Howard A. They are members of the Christian church, Mr. Brown being Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

George Burton was born Oct. 1, 1825, in Jefferson County, Ind., a son of Henry and Mary Ann (Alcone) Burton, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively, the former having come to Indiana in 1813 when thirteen years old, and the latter a few years later. George lived at home till he reached the age of fourteen years when he went to Shelby ville, Ind., to learn the trade of a saddler and harness-maker from Woodville Brown, with whom he remained seven years and three months. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican war in Company Eight under the command of Captain Voorhis Conover. He participated in the battle of Buena Vista and other minor engagements, and was discharged in the fall of 1817. He then returned to Shelbyville, and from there went to Bush ville, where he worked at his trade two years and after following his trade one year in Vienna, Bush Co., Ind., he returned to Kushville and went from there to Dublin, Wayne County, and from there to New Castle, where he opened a saddler and harness-maker's shop and carried on extensive business for twenty-three years. June 20, 1863, he was appointed Captain of the New Castle Guards for four years by Governor Morton. He enlisted in Company A, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteers, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865. He was married in 1818, to Corella, daughter of Henry and Matilda (Bell) Fitch, by whom he had six children - Hickison, Mary, Ellen, Julia, George and Matilda Frances, all deceased. His wife died in 1860 and he was again married July 3, 1862, to Hannah A., daughter of James and Kosana (Fitzgerald) Fitch, natives of Kentucky. To this union were born seven children - James L., born Oct. 8, 1863; Clara B., Aug. 29, 1866; Anna L., Feb. 21, 1868; Blanche L., April 20, 1870; Jessie A., July 30, 1872; Sally J. L., March 9, 1875; William Heniy, July 9, 1877. Mr. Burton is at present residing on a farm of 165 acres of highly cultivated land on sections 23 and 24. He is a member of New Castle Lodge, No. 91, A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a Republican.

Samuel S. Cannadav was born in Richmond, Ind., Oct. 8, 1815, a son of William and Hannah (Milliken) Cannadav, who came from East Tennessee to Indiana in April, 1815, and settled in Richmond, and in 1824: removed to Henry County, where they died. He resided with his parents till manhood, receiving a common-school education. He was the eldest of ten children and his father being crippled, the care of the family devolved on him. He was married Oct. 19, 1837, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Drusilla (Ball) Hedrick. After his marriage Mr. Cannaday carried on a cabinet shop at Hill^oro a number of years. He then went to New Castle and worked at wagon-making two years. In 1861 he was appointed Postmaster and held the position five years. He then movedtOjHelaware County and engaged in farming t\^o years, and March 3, 1868, returned to Mount Summit, where he has since worked at the trade of wagon-making. Politically Mr. Cannaday is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and were among the organizers of the church at Mount Summit. They have had nine children, but five of whom are living - John H., Hannah A., Sarah Lucinda, Sylvanus and George. The deceased are - Mary Ellen, Malinda Jane, William Alexander and Drusilla. Mr. Cannadav was afflicted a number of years with* a cancer which baffled the skill of the best physicians. He finally] procured a remedy which efiected a complete and permanent cure./ He was so assured of its worth that he secured the recipe and has met with extraordinary success in the cure of the disease, being visited by sufferers from all sections of the Union. He has served as Postmaster thirteen years and Justice of the Peace nine years, in Prairie Township.

James S. Clawson was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 20, 1821, a son of Josiah and Phoebe (Woodward) Clawson, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Kentucky. Both moved to Ohio when quite young, with their parents, and were there married. They came to Henry County, Ind., in 1821 and settled on Flatrock. Josiah Clawson entered 160 acres from the Government and after living on it fifteen years exchanged it for a farm two miles north of New Castle, containing 320 acres now known as the Jno. Huddleson and Jas. Richey farms. He lived on this farm about twelve years after which he sold it and went into the drug business with his eldest sou. Dr. A. J. Clawson, at New Castle, and in 1858 he retired from business and he and his wife^ lived with their son, James S., until their death. Phoebe, his^ wife, died in 1861, and Josiah, in 1869. They had a family of ten children; but four are living. James S. remained with his parents till manhood. After his marriage he lived on a farm north of New Castle three years and then purchased the farm upon which he now resides, which contains 460 acres of tine land. Although his means were limited when he began life he has been successful and now has a good property. He pays special attention to the raising of grain and stock. Mr. Clawson was married in his twenty-second year to Miss Mary A., daughter of Jesse and Sara Ice. They have six living children - Caroline C. (wife of G. E. Messerley), JohnM., Orlistus P., Jessie J., (wife of F. B. Hurst), Josiah L., Mary F. In 1866 Mary A., his wife, died, and in 1869 he was again married to Sophronia J., widow of Dr. J. J. Drummond and daughter of Jacob V. and Rachel Hickman, of La Porte County, Ind. By this second marriage he has two living children - Charlie E. and Estella F. Mr. Clawson was twice engaged in the dry-goods business, and has served four years as Justice of the Peace, and in 1882 was a candidate for Representative on the Democratic ticket. He and his wife and all of his children except his youngest daughter are members of the Christian church.

John Mortimer Clawson^ a son of James S. and Mary Ann Clawson, was born in Henry County, Ind., Sept. 26, 1847. He attended the district school and when eighteen years of age taught one term of six months. He afterward attended Franklin Academy, Johnson County, Ind., and Eureka College, of Illinois. He then began clerking for Hiram Allen, and in 1871 formed a partnership with Henry Rieman, in the general mercantile business, in Springport. In 1872 he sold out at auction and again clerked for Hiram Allen a year. He then engaged in farming a year and then went to New Comer, Delaware Co., Ind., and engaged in the general mercantile business a year. In 1875 he returned to Springport and bought the store of Hiram Allen. He was appointed express and railroad agent and remained in Springport something over three years. He then sold his store to Manning Smith and bought a farm a mile southwest of Springport, where he lived four years., when he rented his farm and moved to Mnncie and engaged in the boot and shoe business about a year. He then returned to Springport where he still resides, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Clawson is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity; a member of Muncie Lodge, No. 433, Delaware County. He was married in 1874 to Margaret, daugh-

Peter S. Cory was born April 19, 1824, in Boss County, Ohio, a son of Stephen and Millia (Sperry) Cory, the former born Hov. 30, 1800, and died about Ocr 27, 1883. They were married in Boss County, Ohio, and in 1826 settled in Blue Biver Township, Henry Co., Ind. They were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are deceased. Those living are - Peter S., of Prairie Township; Elijah, of Blue Biver Township; Cornelius, of Bandolph County, Ind.; Haney, wife of Isaac Moulsby, of Bandolph County; Matilda, wife of William Covalt, of Blue Biver Township; Maria, wife of Peter Coble, of Hew Castle, Ind., and Isaac, of Connersville, Ind. Peter S. Cory lived in Blue Biver Township till his marriage, Oct. 18, 1849, with Martha Littleton, born July 30, 1830, and daughter of Levi and Catherine (Hurst) Littleton, natives of Boss County, Ohio, the former born Hov. 27, 1802, and the latter April 12, 1804, both living in Stony Creek Township, Henry Co., Ind. To Mr. Cory and wife were born eight children, four still living - Amanda, born July 9, 1854, wife ofW. F. Smith, of Springport; William L., born May 25, 1857, residing with his parents, and at present engaged in teaching school; Margaret, born Feb. 5, 1860, teaching school at Paragon, Morgan Co., Ind.; and Effie, born Sept. 3, 1864, living at home. Mary Samantha was born Sept. 7, 1850, and died Feb. 8, 1854; Bufus was born July 19, 1852, and died Feb. 5, 1854; a daughter was born June 16, 1863, and died July 11, 1863, and Frances Ella was born July 16, 1869, and died Dec. 20, 1878. Mr. Cory in early life learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked four or live years. He has made farming his principal occupation through life, and may be classed among the enterprising and successful farmers. His farm contains 200 acres of well-cultivated land, situated in section 14. In politics Mr. Cory affiliates with birtUplace being near ms present residence. He is a son of Aquila and Lina (Harvey) Davis, his father a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, of English and Welsh descent, born Dec. 6, 1813, and his mother a native of Wayne County, Ind., of Irish and German descent, born Oct. 12, 1815. They were married Aug. 21, 1833, and were among the early settlers of Prairie Township. Our subject remained at home till his twenty-second year, receiving a good education in tlie New Castle schools. He then attended the Cincinnati Commercial College, from which he graduated. After receiving his education he went to Nebraska, and remained there four years, and in 1873 went to California and engaged in the milling business ten years. He then returned to Indiana and purchased the old homestead. He now owns one of the finest farms in the county, consisting of 238 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Davis was married Oct. 12, 1871, to Eva Roper, daughter of F. and Julia Roper. They have two children, both born in California - Paul, born Oct. 15, 1877, and Hugh, born May 9, 1880. Politically Mr. Davis is a Republican. While a resident of California he represented Kern County at each State convention. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F., New Castle.

William Dragoo is a native of West Virginia, born Feb. 26, 1826, a son of Peter and Martha (Jonesl Dragoo, his father a native of Pennsylvania, born June 8, 1793, and his mother of West Virginia, born in 180J. His grandfather, William Dragoo, came to America from France before the Revolutionary war. In 1832 ^Peter Dragoo moved with his family to Delaware County, Ind., and entered land from the Government, the patent being signed by ^General Jackson. He and his wife still live on the old homestead, enjoying a quiet old age after a long married life. They have had Neleven children; but five are living - William; Lemuel; Sarah, now Mrs. John Wingate; Mary E., now Mrs. Jacob Keens; and Samuel J. William Dragoo was reared a farmer and has always followed that vocation with the exception of one year, when he was in the mercantile business in New Burlington. He has been successful, and from a small beginning has increased his landed estate to 255 acres. Mr. Dragoo was married to Amelia, daughter of Robert Gibson, of Delaware County. They have four children - John W., Laura B., Nancy J. and Martha C. John W. married Frances, daughter of Dr. S. V. Jump, of Delaware County. Mr. Dragoo is a member of Whitney Lodge, No. 229, F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

J. W. Dunbar was born in Giles County, W. Va., May 11, 1832, a son of William and Cynthia (De Journet) Dunbar, the former born in Botetourt County, Va., in 1787, a son of Joseph Dunbar, and the latter born in Augusta County, Va., in 1800, a daughter of Richard De Journet. He was reared in Virginia, and in 1863 came to Indiana and settled in Henry County, working at the carpenter's trade. In 1870 he opened the first hotel ia Mount

Summit. He was married June 28, 1853, to Sarah D., daughter of Charles and Catherine (Howe) Houchins. To them have been born ten children, seven of whom are living - Mahala, born Aug. 14, 1854, was married Oct. 17, 1875, to Allen Spell; Charles W., born Oct. 2, 1856, was married Dec. 13, 1878, to Hellie Carrol; Virginia, born March 3, 1862; Minta, born April 16, 1868; Bertie, born Dec. 2, 1870; Gertie, born Dec. 21, 1873; Bell, born Hov. 28, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar are members of the Christian church. Politically he is a Democrat. He has held several offices of trust in the township, and at present is serving as Justice of the Peace.

Lemuel Evans^ deceased, was born May 15, 1797, and died Sept. 15, 1859. He was married in Columbus, Ohio, to Hannah, daughter of John and Priscilla (Slate) O 'Harrow. They resided in Franklin County, Ohio, seven or eight years, and then moved to Henry County, Ind., where he entered 240 acres of wild land. He improved this land and subsequently added 240 acres, owning at the time of his death 480 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had a family of twelve children, all deceased - Susannah, Hannah, Eliza, Eva, Mary, Sarah, John, Lemuel, Joseph, James, Priscilla and Winona. Mrs. Evans has survived her husband and all his children, and now resides on the old homestead, surrounded by all the comforts of life. She is one of the oldest residents of the county, being now eighty-four years of age. She is noted for her kindness of heart, and her benevolence toward all charitable objects. One son, Lemuel, died in the service of his country, but was brought home for burial.

James H. Eraizer^ farmer, is a native of Ohio, born Nov. 14, 1819, a son of Eli and Jane (McFarland) Fraizer, natives of Tennessee, his mother of Irish parentage. His parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., in 1820, and in 1826 to Henry County, and settled on a small farm in the southeastern part of Prairie Township, where the father diej. in 1831, and the motherj^l845. They had a family of six sons and two daughters. Six of the family are living. James H. was but twelve years of age when his father died, and being one of the eldest children was obliged to assist in the maintenance of the family. He remained with his mother till twenty-three years of age, when he was married to Nancy, daughter of James Harvey. They commenced housekeeping on a small scale, and bought eighty acres of land on time. They have been industrious and economical, and have accumulated property, owning now a good farm of 185 acres, with comfortable farm buildings and a pleasant dwelling-house, besides helping their children to a start in life. They have had nine children, five sons and four daughters - Joel, Miles, Eli, William H., Abram L., Margaret A. (deceased), was the wife of F. Allender; Sarah J., wife of S. H. Brown; Mary A. (deceased), and Louetta. Mr. and Mrs. Fraizer are members of the Christian church.

Thomas R- Graham^ farmer, sections 26 and 18, range 10, Prairie Township, was born in Henry County, Ind., a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McDowell) Graham. His father was born in Lancashire, Eng., July 11, 1805, and in 1833 came to the United States, landing in New York City, and shortly after came to Indiana and settled in Henry County. His mother was a native of New York, born in 1818, of Scotch descent, and when quite small came with her parents to Henry County, there being but one house, and that unfinished, in New Castle at the time. To them were born four children - Hannah, deceased; Lucy, wife of J. H. Clark, of Lee County, 111.; William D., of New Castle, and Thomas R. The latter remained at home till after his marriage, and then settled on his present farm, where he owns 360 acres of fine land, all under cultivation, valued at $85 per^acre. Mr. Graham was married Jan. 22, 1876, to Ellen, daughter of Benjamin and \j^ancy Bales. They have one child - Lizzie, born June 7, 1877. Politically Mr. Graham is a Republican.

' Thomas Hale born in Monongalia County, W. Ya., April 13, 1820, a son of Absalom and Sarah (Taylor) Hale, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Npw Jersey. His parents came to Indiana in 1833, and settled in Henry County, where his father entered eighty acres of wild land. He began life for himself on a frontier farm. He first purchased 100 acres of land; by adding to it from time to time he now owns 165 acres. He lias always been a hard-working, industrious man, and is now one of the most prosperous men of the township. He was married June 1845, to Sarah Massey, who died March 11, 1857, leaving three children - James Presley, born June 24, 1846; John Partly, Feb. 17, 1849, and Adam Clinton, Dec. 26, 1851. April 17, 1859, Mr. Hale married Mary, daughter of James and Esther (Lewis) Lister. To them have been born eight children - Rebecca Florence, born July 15, 1861, died Feb. 18, 1864; Sarah E., born Dec. 10, 1863; Laura May, born April 4, 1866, died Sept. 7, 1883; Esther Harriet, born Oct. 4, 1868, died Sept. 8, 1883; Arminta C., born Nov.

History Of Henry Coontf

1, 1870; Mary S., born Feb. 1, 1873; Thomas Milton, born June 27, 1875, died Aug. 26, 1883; Letitia A., born Nov. 5, 1878, died Sept. 13, 1883. Politically Mr. Hale is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, being among the organizers of the church at Mount Summit.

Charles E. Hall^ merchant, Springport, Ind., is a native of Henry County, born April IJ, 1860, a son of James and Mary (Ball) Hall. His father was a native of Clark County, Ohio, and came to Henry County, Ind., with his parents when ten years of age. He now owns a fine farm near Knightstown. Charles was reared on a farm, but when twenty years of age began clerking for J. M. Hickman. In Feburary, 1881, he purchased Mr. Hickman's stock and is now carrying on the business. He has a fine stock of goods, and commands a good trade. He is an energetic young man, and is universally, esteemed, both in business and social circles.

Thomas Leonard Hartley is a native of Henry County, Ind., born Nov. 3, 1838, a son of Elisha and Sarah (Emerson) Hatley, natives of West Virginia, the father born in 1801, and the mother in 1802. In the spring of 1828 Elisha Hartley, with his wife and three children, came to Henry County, Ind., and settled a quarter of a mile south of the present town of Luray. He built a small log cabin and began clearing his land, remaining here till his death in 1869. His wife died in 1861. They had a family of fourteen children; eleven lived till maturity - Elizabeth (married James Ollum), Joseph O., William H., Jacob (was killed, by being thrown from a horse), Abraham, Benjamin F., Thomas L., George W., John P., Matilda, Sarah C. (wife of C. B. McKinney), James L. Mr. and Mrs. Hartley were members of the Protestant Methodist church, and were among the founders of the church in Luray. Thomas L. Hartley remained with his parents till twenty -two years of age. He enlisted in September, 1861, in Company D, Second Indiana Cavalry, and served three and a half years. He was taken prisoner at Sandy Creek, and was at Andersonville six months. He was then paroled and sent to Annapolis, and was given a furlough for thirty days; was then ordered to Camp Chase, Columbus^ Ohio, for discharge. In 1868 he was married to Clamenza, daughter of Amaziah and Lydia H. Patterson. They have had six children; but three are living - Edward C., Orpha Lee and an infant. In 1872 Mr. Hartley bought the farm where he now resides. He has 180 acres of choice land well cultivated. He is one of the most successful hog raisers in the county. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church at Luray. He has been Superintendent of the Sabbath-school a number of years.

Joel Harvey was born Oct. 18, 1821, in Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., Oct. 18, 1821, a son of Jam^s and Margaret (Cannaday) Harvey, who were the first settlers of this section, coming from Wayne County in 1819. His grandfather, William Harvey, moved from North Carolina to Wayne County, Ind., in 1808, when our subject's father was thirteen years of age. The latter was married Oct. 12, 1820; to Margaret, daughter of Charles and Sarah fQanna- , day, natives of Tennessee,who came to Indiana in an early day. Joel Harvey was reared on the farm and received a very limited education at the common schools. He has followed farming through life, in which he has been very successful and now owns one of the best farms in this section, containing 280 acres of well-cultivated land. He was married Nov. 2, 1843, to Sarah Downs 13, 1824, and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth/^ former born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 2, 1790, aiid th'e^laWer Eeb. 25, 1801, in New Jersey. To Mr. Harvey and wife were born eight child ren-AE van, born March 28, 1845, and died Jan. 16, 1862; Elmer, born Jul}^ 3, 1854, and died March 10, 1855; Elizabeth, born born Jan. 8, 1850, living on the old homestead in this Township; Margaret, born Jan. 8, 1852, wife of Perry Jeffries, of Prairie Township; Ida, born June 6, 1858, wife of James R. Patterson, of Henry County; and Robert Harvey, born March 27, 1861, living with his parents. Mr. Harvey was formerly a Whig in politics, but since the organization of the Republicans, he has affiliated with that party. He, wife and family belong to the Blue River Christian Church. Mrs. Harvey's father, Robert Downs, was married in New Jersey, to Elizabeth Babbington, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Babbington. In 1829 they moved to Maryland, remaining eight years, and after living near Zanesville, Ohio, some time they came to Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., where Mrs. Downs died Feb. 25, 1861. Mr. Downs's death occurred June 26, 1872, in his eighty-third year. He served two years as a soldier in the war of 1812.

J^athan Harvey was born June 6, 1830, in Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., a son of James and Margaret (Cannaday) Harvey, the former born in North Carolina, April 13, 1795, and the latter born Aug. 22, 1797, in Tennessee. They came to Henry

^ James Harvey died Jan. 13, 1871, aged seventy-seven years, and '^his wife died June 18, 1871, aged seventy -five years. They were the parents of seven children--Joel, Absalom, Haney, wife of James Frazier; Mary Ann, wife of Solomon Frazier, and Nathan, all residing in this township, and Eliza Ellen, deceased. Our subject has made farming his principal occupation through life. He owns one of the best farms in the township, containing 443 acres of land. Oct. 11, 1855, he was married to Sarah A. Hidgway, born Jan. 28, 1836, a daughter of Lot Kidgway. To this union were born four children - Elmer E.,born Sept. 20, 1856; James A., April 15, 1859; Levara N., Nov. 28, 1860, and Oeorge, born April 24, 1866, and died when about twenty-one months old. Elmer is married and lives in Blue River Township. Politically Mr. Harvey is a Republican. He is a member of New Castle Lodge, No. 91, A. F. & A. M. His wife and daughter are members of Hillsborough Christian church,

Sarmiel Harvey was Wn in Henry County, Ind., Aug. 27, 1854, a son of Absalom^ ind Elizabeth (Downs) Harvey. His education was received in the common schools and the Northern * Indiana Normal School. He was engaged in farming till Nov. 22, 1882, when he bought an interest in the hardware store and grain elevator in Mount Summit. He is one of the most prosperous and energetic men of the village. Politically he is a Republican . He owns a fine farm of eighty acres, a half a mile from the village. Sept. 14, 1876, Mr. Harvey was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Minerva (Yeach) Beavers. They have two children - Gussie May, born Nov. 17, 1877, and Walter, born May 24, 1882.

Hugh D. Hazelton, deceased, is a native of Pennsylvania, born Dec. 22, 1812, a son of William and Mary Hazelton. In 1816 his parents moved to Perry County, Ohio, where he was reared. When a young man he came to Henry County, Ind., and was here married to Mary Brown, who died, leaving five children, three of whom are living. Oct. 9, 1853, he married Elizabeth r Teetor, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 22, 1819, the V widow of John Teetor, and daughter of Abraham and Hannah J^^^(Heckmon) Wimmer, natives of Virginia, and early settlers of Wayne County, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Hazelton were born three X children - Mary A., wife of Samuel Evans; Nancy P., widow of Z.

Keeder, and Hugh D., deceased. Mr. Hazelton died Jan. 9, 1880. He was a member of the Hunkard church, as is also his wife. Mrs. Hazelton has two daughters bj her former marriage - Hannah, wife of William H. Garrett, and Phoebe, wife of Nathan Garrett. The farm contains 18 J acres of line land. Mrs. Hazelton is an energetic woman and a good manager, and superintends the business affairs of the farm.

John Hedrick^ a prominent farmer of Prairie Township, was born in Eastern Virginia, Aug. 30, 1818. His father, George Hedrick, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1786, but when about eight years of age moved with his father, Philip Hedrick, to Virginia, and there grew to manhood, and married Drusiila Ball, a native of Virginia. After his marriage he moved to Tennessee, where he lived three years, and in 1820 moved to Wayne County, Ind., and settled on Green's Fork, near Washington. In 1824 he moved to Henry County, and settled in the woods on land now owned by our subject. He entered eighty acres from the Government which he improved and lived on till his death in 1863. His wife died in 1838. They had a family of eleven children, six of whom are living, all residents of Henry County. John Hedrick was reared on his father's farm, receiving only a limited education. He was married in 1845 to Sarah Bales, daughter of Parnel'^ Bales. After his marriage he rented a farm for several years, and then bought one in Blue Biver Township, which he afterward exchanged for the old homestead. His farm contains 105 acres of choice land, and he has a neat and substantial frame dwelling, with good farm buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Hedrick have had four children - Philip, died in 1877; Mary E., wife of Abram Daniel; Olive, wife of Joel Frazier; and El n ora E., wife of George W. Miller. They are*lnembers of the Christian church at Hillsboro.

Joshua Lewis Hickman is a native of Monongalia County, W. Va., born May 7, 1804. He was married in his native county, April 17, 1827, to Juliet Moore. In 1831, in company with his mother-in-law and her four unmarried children, he came to Henry County, Ind., and settled on Little Buck Creek, in Prairie Township, two miles north of Mount Summit. He bought a squatter's claim and built a small log cabin. Two acres of the land had been cleared, and he planted it to corn. Ilis father, Joshua Hickman, had come to the county the year previous and entered 320 acres. This Joshua L. bought, and afterward added to it till he owned 500 acres of choice land. In 1864 he went to Champaign County,

111., and bought 400 acres of land, living there three years. He then deeded the land to five of his children and returned to Indiana, to his old home in Prairie Township. His wife died Dec. 7, 1880, after a married life of over fifty years. They had a family of eight children - Josiah M., William T., MalindaT., Josinah Y. (married Dr. Reeves, of Knightstown), James T., Lewis J., Jacob Y. and Charles M. Both daughters and Charles are deceased. Politically Mr. Hickman has been a life-long Democrat. He is a member of the regular Baptist church, as was also his wife.

Josiah Moore Hickman was born in Monongalia County (now Marion County), W. Ya., Sept. 12, 1828, being the eldest of eight children of Joshua L. and Juliet (Moore) Hickman. His parents came to Indiana in the spring of 1831, and settled on the farm in Prairie Township, where his father now lives. His* boyhood was spent on the farm. Being in delicate health he was unable to perform much manual labor, but he managed to acquire a fair English education for those days. When seventeen years of age he began teaching,* and taught and attended school until in the twentyseventh year of his age, in the meantime serving two years as Trustee of Prairie Township. In 1855 he opened a general store a mile and a half south of Springport and carried it on till the fall of 1861, when he sold his stock and again engaged in teaching. In 1868 he accepted the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank of New Castle, but in a few months failing health obliged him to resign. In 1870 he was elected Trustee of Prairie Township and served two years. In 1873 he moved to M uncle, Ind., but in 1875 returned to Prairie Township and bought property in Springport. In 1878 he purchased a stock of new goods and opened a store where he built up a respectable trade, and carried on a successful business till the spring of 1884, when he sold his stock and retired from active business life. Mr. Hickman was married in 1853 to Rachel, daughter of Andrew Carmichael, of Delaware County, Ind. They had three children, the youngest dying in infancy. Mrs. Hickman died in 1861. In the fall of 1862 Ml. Hickman married Judith, daughter of Thomas and Ankah Yeach. Florence, his eldest daughter, died in 1863, and his last wife died in 1881. Juliet, his second daughter and only member of his family then living, died on Nov. 16, 1882.

William T. Hickman^ the second son of Joshua and Juliet Hickman, was born in Yirginia, Sept. 22, 1830. In the spring of 1831 his parents moved to Henry County, Ind. He was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the district schools and the New Castle High School, He was married in the fall of 1858 to Susan, daughter of David and Jane Yance. After his marriage he lived on what is known as the Mellett farm five years. He then sold the farm and bought the one where he now lives, three-quarters of a mile south of Springport, on the Springport and Mount Summit gravel road. He owns 165 acres of choice land, well improved, with a good residence and farm buildings. He makes a specialty of grain and potatoes. In 1883 he raised 2.800 bushels of potatoes. He is a man of energy and enterprise and is prominent in all matters of public benetit. He has served many years as Road Supervisor. Politically he is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Hickman have six 'children - Mary, Joseph, James T., Willard, Rosa Lee and Henry H.

David Myers Hooher is a native of Lancaster County, Pa., born near Lancaster City, Jan. 1, 1820, the fourth of fourteen children of Daniel and Susana (Myers) Hoober. In 1811 he came to Henry County, Ind.,and bought a farm of John Herney, which he has improved and on which he has erected a good residence and farm buildings. He makes a specialty of raising wheat and corn. He owns 153 acres of fine land, and is an energetic, thrifty farmer and a man possessed of clear judgment and good management. He was married in 1812 to Fannie Baker, a native of Lancaster County, Pa. They have six children - ^John B.; Mary A., wife of Lewis Johnson; Amos D.; Elizabeth, wife of Garret Gibson: Eli K., and Emma, wife of Elza Springer. Mr. Hoober is a member of New Burlington Lodge, No. 229, F. & A. M.

Thomas A. House^ farmer, section 28, Prairie Township, was born in Preble County, Ohio, Dec. 31, 1810, a son of William and Sarah Ann (Fink) House. His father was born in 1812 and now lives in Preble County. His mother died when he was two years of age. He came to Henry County in 1861 and remained here a year. . He then visited the States of Nebraska, Nevada, Kansas and Colorado, and while there was employed by the Government as teamster, and was employed in the West nine months, hauling Government supplies. In 1865 he returned to Henry County and, with the exception of two years spent in Ohio and Illinois, has since remained here. He owns a good farm of forty acres, valued at $65 an acre. Oct. 31, 1867, he was married to Sarah A. 1^11, daughter of Oliver and Sarah (Chenoweth) Ball. To them have been born nine children - John M., born Oct. 21, 1868; Luetta, Feb.

A. J. Ice^ farmer, grain and stock dealer, Mount Summit, Ind., is one of the leading citizens of the township, and is prominently identified with all its business interests. He is one of the early settlers of Mount Summit. Colonel Jesse Ice was the founder of the village. He was born March 30, 1826, in Marion County, Ya,, a son of Colonel Jesse and Sarah (Hick ti} an) Ice. His father held the position of Captain under General Harrison and was promoted to Colonel for his gallant services in the war between England and the United States. He came to Indiana in 1832 and settled in Henry County, residing here till his death. Our subject remained with his parents till his majority. He has always followed farming in connection with dealing in stock and grain and now has one of the best farms in the county, consisting of 365 acres. He also owns considerable pi'operty in Mt. Summit and Hew Castle. He and his brother, E.T ., own the warehouse in Mt. Summit and their sales average 100,000 bushels of grain yearly. Mr. Ice is a member of New Castle Lodge, Xo. 91, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Democrat. He has been Trustee of his township a number of years. He was married Dec. 17, 1846, to Rachel, daughter of Josiah and Phoebe (Woodward) Clawson. She died Oct. 28, 1856, leaving five children - Josina, Willard, Fidelia, Frank and Rachel. Nov. 18, 1858, Mr. Ice married Eliza C., daughter of Henry and Susan Jones, natives of Xew York. They have four children - Adda May, Alice Kate, Gertrude and Walter Henry.

E. T. Ice was born Aug. 5, 1832, in Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., a son of Colonel Jesse and Sarah (Hickman) Ice.' He remained at home until twenty-six years of age, and Xov. 18, 1858, married Rebecca, daughter of Adam Bond, of Pennsylvania. They had a family of five children - Jesse F., Lula B., Joseph P. George A., and Harry H. Mrs. Ice died Oct. 17, 1878, and Dec. 13, 1882, Mr. Ice married Mrs. Hester A. Hickman, widow of Charles M. Hickman. Mr. Ice resides on a farm near the village of Mt. Summit. He owns 482 acres of finely cultivated land and also a number of town lots. He devotes his time to farming and stock-raising and dealing largely in stock, grain and lumber. He is one of the most prosperous men of the township. His first in- vestment was eighty acres of land in the woods. He is a member of New Castle Lodge, No. 91, F. A. M. ; New Castle Chapter No. 50, R. A. M., and Muncie Commandery, No. 18, K. T. Politically he is a Democrat. He takes great pride in the fact that his grandfather, Andrew J. Ice, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and his father, in the war of 1812.

Frederick Ice^ farmer, Prairie Township, was born Jan. 10, 1796, in Monongalia County, W. Ya. ;his wife, Malinda (Fleming) Ice, a native of the same county, was born Oct. 1, 1807. They 'were married March 23, 1824, and in 1835 moved to Indiana, arriving in New Castle, Henry County, May 2. In July he entered 240 acres of land from the G-overnment. The 8th of August they moved to their land and erected a small cabin in which they i'emained until they built a log house. They then went bravely to work to make thejnselves a home and lived to enjoy the fruits of their early days of toil together over fifty-five years. The mother died Aug. 5, 1879, aged seventy-two years, and the father died May 6, 1881, aged eighty-five years. They had a family of thirteen children, five of whom are living. Both were strict members of the Presbyterian church. Since the death of the father Andrew-^ J. has taken charge of the farm. He was born in Monongalia County, W. Ya., Aug. 1, 1828, and has lived in Prairie Township nearly fifty years.

Frederick M. Ice^ farmer, section 21, PrairiePT'ownship, was born June 2, 1835, in this township, a son of^esse and Sarah (Hic^nan) Ice. His father's family consisted of eleven children, five of whom are living. Mary, wife of James Clawson: Josina, wife of Joseph Rinsey; Rebecca, wife of Joseph Williamson; Geo. M., Dallas and Jesse A. are deceased, - The living are - Elizabeth, wife of Lewis Allen; Joshua, A. J., eJt. and F. M. In March, 1853, Mr. Ice went to Richmond to learn the blacksmith's trade, and afterward worked at his trade till 1870, when he moved to his farm. He has 120 acres of excellent land, all well improved. He was married Nov. 18, 1858, to Mary E. Jones, daughter of Henry and Susan (Slater) Jones. To them have been born seven children - Waterman F., born June 13, 1860; De Witt Clinton, born July 11, 1862; Carrie Belle, born Aug. 29, 1864, died May 13, 1865; Jesse Allen, born April 25, 1866, died Nov. 17, 1868; Leonard, born Aug. 24, 1869, died May 1, 1877; Charles, born March 17, 1872; Eliza C., born March 29, 1875. Politically Mr. Ice has always been a Democrat. His great-grandfatlier came from Ger- many and settled in Yir^inia before the Revolutionary war and became a large land owner. He lived among the Indians, and many of them were his warm friends. When the war broke out he was advised by them to leave the country, but relying on their friendship he remained, and a party of Indians drove his stock into the yard before the house and killed it, and killed his wife and infant and one child too young to travel. They then took lum and the remainder of the family prisoners, and kept them a number of years. He had in his possession a shot-pouch made of the tanned hide of an Indian which he carried through the war of 1812. HJs snpp'~'sed that Tecnmseh was related to thp fMmily

Frank G. Jackson^ M. D.^ was born in Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind., Hov. 25, 1858, a son of William JST. and Sarah L. (Collins) Jackson, natives of Virginia, but residents uf Indiana since childhood. His mother died in 1879. His father still resides in Muncie. Six of a family of eight children are living, all save our subject in Muncie. He has two sisters - Minerva, wife of John Mock, and Laura, wife of L. P. Ebright. Frank G. Jackson was educated in the common schools of Muncie, graduating from the High School in 1858. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. H. M. Winans. He taught several winter terms of sciiool, and was Principal of the Yorktown schools one year. He resigned this position to enter medical college at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1882. Two weeks after his graduation he located in Mt. Summit and has now an extensive practice. He is a young man of energy, a close student, and has gained the confidence of the community. He was married in 1883 to Jessie F. Ice, daughter of E. F. Ice. They have one daughter - Lola Ice.

^ Azariah N. Johnson is a native of Virginia, born in Marion County, April 22, 1835, a son of Nath^iiel and Elizabeth Johnson, natives of Virginia, who moved with their family to Henry Co., Ind., in 1816, and settled in Prairie Township on the farm now owned by our subject. He has 110 acres of land, all well improved, and his stock is of the best grades. He was married in the fall of 1865 to Eunice Smith, a daughter of William and Susan Smith who came from Virginia to Henry County in the spring of 1865. They have five children - Charles E., Bertha A., Susan E., Edna and Frances. Politically Mr. Johnson is a Democrat.

came witli his parents to Henry County, Ind., in the spring of 1846 and settled on the farm adjoining the one where he now lives on the southwest. His father was a blacksmith by trade, but never worked at it in this State. He died the same year he came to this countv, in 1846. His wife died in 1877. They had a family of eight children - Jesse, John Teirson, Margaret, wife of Lewis Yeach; Azariah N., Cornelius H., Ruth, wife of David King; Agnes, wife of D. P. Legan; Rebecca E., wife of A. T. Nay. Jesse F. was in his sixteenth year when his father died. He remained with his mother till his marriage and then engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account. He bought the farm where he now lives, on section 10, Prairie Township, in 1864. It contains 300 acres of choice land, 250 acres under cultivation. He was married March 11, 1857, to Zilpha, daughter of Jarret and Rebecca (Gilgriss) Covalt, a native of Ohio. They have nine children - Josephine (wife of T. B. Weller), Ollie, James Alvia, Willard C. (married Yiola E. Bearers), Emma A., Guy A., Effie F., Minnie C. and Gilbert Beebe. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and their daughter Ollie are members of the old predestinarian Baptist church. Willard and his wife and Alvia are members of the Means Baptist church.

Elder Joseph A. Johnson was born in Fairmount, W. Ya., Ma^'' 28, 1828. His father, John F. Johnson, was born in Culpeper County, Ya., Nov. 7, 1800, and was married March 1, 1827, to Catherine C. Mellet, of the same county. He came to Indiana in 1829 and settled in Henry County. He was a physician, and many were the hardships he was obliged to endure in the new country. He was also a minister in the Baptist church, and it was through his efforts that the church was organized in the county. He was married twice, and had a family of fourteen children: twelve lived to years uf maturity. He died in 1881. Joseph A. Johnson began teaching school wdien nineteen years of age, and taught in the winter a number of years, farming in the summer. In 1855 he was licensed to preach, and eight rnontlis later was ordained. He then engaged in the ministry till 1881 wlien he was taken sick with nervous prostration, which resulted in the loss of his mind. He was married in 1850 to Mary, daughter of David and Jane Yance. His wife now has charge of the farm which contains ninety-three acres of choice land.

Pennsyl^rania, the father of Welsh and the mother of Irish descent. There was a family of nine children, six of whom are livins^ - George, Spicer, Enoch, Harding, Elizabeth (wife of Edmond Mellett) and Thomas B. His parents came to Indiana in 1837 and^located in Madison County, where he was reared and educated. In the spring ot 1859 he with five other young men went to the frontier and visited many of the Indian tribes in Indian Territory. After visiting Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri he returned to Indiana and settled in Henry County, where he still resides. He now owns ninety-five acres of fine land, having one of the best farms in the county. He was married March 5, 1860, to Josina, daughter of John and Cynthia (Hickman) Mellett. They have had five children - Jesse Harding, born April 3,'H861, died Sept. 7, 1867; Bertha, born Hov. 23,1863; Sarah Alutha, born JSTov. 28, 1866; Leanna, born Jan. 23,H870, died July 8, 1876; Samuel, born April 6, and died April 8, 1872. Mrs. Jones died April 28, 1872. Politically Mr. Jones has always been a Democrat. When twenty-one years of age he joined Madison Lodge, Ho. 44, E. & A. M., and was afterward transferred to Hew Castle Lodge, Ho. 91, and when Sulphur Springs Lodge, Ho. 348, was formed became one of its charter members.

George Koons^ Sr., is a native of Henry County., Ind., born Aug. 29, 1822, a son of George and Mary (Elder) Koons, natives of Horth Carolina, His parents came to Indiana in an early day and settled on Flatrock, and when he was a small boy moved to Blue River Township, where he grew to manhood. He had no educational advantages, schools being few when he was young, and learned to read after attaining manhood by his own exertion. He was married when about eighteen years old to Hannah Millikan, a native of Tennessee. He settled on eighty acres of land in the woods giv'en him by his father, and began clearing and improving a farm. In 1860 he sold his farm and moved to Prairie Township, where he has 120 acres of land, eighty acres under cultivation. Commencing life when quite young, with no means, he has been industrious and has accumulated a good property, and has given each of his children $2,000. Mr. and Mrs. Koons have had eight children Haney C. , now Mrs. Edmund Ice; Mary E., now Mrs. William Frazier; Adeline and Martha J., deceased; George A. : Hester A., deceased, was the wife of William Kirkman; Martha E., wife of George Huett; KeziahA., wife of Ralph Leaf. They are members of the Baptist church.

Isaac Lwezey was born Nov. 23, 1803, in Philadelphia, Pa a son of Nathan and Rebecca (James) Livezey, his father y'^tive ot Philadelphia, born April 5, 1T75, and his mother ot Mary born June 11, 1780. His parents were married in 1801. and had a family often children, but four ot whom are living - Isaac, Itzekiel born Dec. 5, 1811; Nathan, Sept. 4, 1813; and ^thony, March 18, 1816. Those deceased are - Amos, Ann. Dannali, Charles, Rebecca and Thomas. Our subject resided with his parents till his twenty-seventh year, receiving a common-school edu cation. He engaged in farming in Pennsylvania, and in 18.3t removed to Warren County, Ohio, and in 1839 came to Henry Countv, where he now owns 290 acres of good land valued at H,bo and $75 per acre. He bought 150 acres when he hrst added to it till at one time he owned 350 acres. He has b member of the Dunkard church, at Buck Creek,

Politically he in early life was a Whig, but has affiliated with he Republican party since its organization. He was in^iie 24 1831, to Margaret, daughter of George and Mary (Collins) Harper, natives of Pennsylvania, the former born April 8 177^, and the latter born J une 16, 1770. She was born Aug. 24, 1810> ^ died June 15, 1870. They had eleven children - Thomas, bo Dec 16, 1831; Elizabeth, July 4, 1833; Rebecca Ann, Jan. 5,

1827, a son of David and Abigail (Jones) Luelleii. His paie t came to Henry County, Ind., in 1836, and settled on the arm now owned by our subject. His father was born April 19, 1 <96, and died May 1, 1855. His mother was born Ang^9^PT97, and is stil livino- To them were born twelve children ; ten lived to maturity, and "six are still living. They were members ot the Baptist church from their youth. Jesse Luellen went to learn the b cksmith's trade, when eighteen years of age, and served an app enticeshipof one year. He worked at his trade eighteen yeais at the same time carrying on his farm. He owns met with marked succ^^. He was married when twenty-one years of age to Susan J. Lake, who died in 1858, leaving two children - Mary L. and Thomas. In 1860 he married Sarah J., daughter of Cornelius and Ann Smith. To them have been born eight children; but four are living - Anna, Agnes, Emma and Albert. Mr. Luellen has been a member of the Masonic fraternity twenty-five years.

Joshua H. Mellett is a native of Monongalia County, W. Ya., born March 4, 1812, a son of Arthur C. and Leanna (Glasscock) Mellett, natives of Stafibrd County, Ya., the former born March 4, 1777, and the latter in 1779. Arthur C. Mellett spent his early life in a fiouring mill and his later life in farming. He was drafted into the service in the war of 1812. He was one ofi a family of five children - Jesse, Arthur, John, William, and Elizabeth, wife of Aquilla Barnett; all were residents of Henry County, and are buried in thu* cemetery near Lebanon meetinghouse. Arthur Mellett died Oct. 24, 1853, and his wife in September, 1862. They had a family of five children - Charles, John G., Eletha, Elizabeth and Joshua H., who never married, but remained with his parents caring foj;- them till their death. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and although a young man with but limited means when he came to Henry County, in 1835, has by his industry and economical habits accumulated a large property. He has been judicious in his business transactions and has invested his surplus money in land. His sister Eletha has been his housekeeper. Although seventy-eight years of age she has never worn glasses, but retains her natural eyesight. She is an active woman still superintending her house, and has more energy than many women much younger. Mr. Mellett is a man universally esteemed; he is a social, hospitable man in his home, and an honorable man in all business transactions. He and his sister have been members of the Lebanon Baptist church since 1838 and 1839, and are active and liberal in all church work.

Joshua H. Mellett was born in Monongalia County, W. Ya., Hov. 24, 1831, a son of John G. and Cynthia (Hickman) Mellett, natives of Monongalia County, the father born April 12, 1803, and the mother June 19, 1806. His parents came to Indiana in 1833 and settled in Henry County, mear the present site of Springport. They purchased 320 acres of land and entered eighty more. To them were born ten children, but six of whom are living - Edmond, born Jan. 16, 1828, a resident of Jones County, Iowa; our subject; Alcinda, wife of Madison Sharp, of Fall Creek Township; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Swearengen, of Stoney Creek Township; Jacob, born Aug. 11, 1842, resides in Hamilton County, 111.; Lowell, born July, 1849, resides in Prairie Township. Those deceased are - Leanna, wife of Samuel Kiser, died April 22, 1866; Josina^ wife of Thomas B. Jones, died April 28, 1868; Arthur C., died Aug. 20, 1833; Kebecca A., died Sept. 5, 1864. The mother died June 11, 1853, and the father, Dec. 25, 1858. Our subject was reared and educated in Henry County. He has turned his attention mostly to farming and stock-raising, although in his early life he was for a short time engaged in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Mellett is a member of Hew Castle Lodge, Ho. 91, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Republican. He was married Jan. 27, 1857, to Sophronia Kem, daughter of Madison and Malinda (Bulla) Kem. They have had one son - John, born Hov. 6, 1858, died Oct. 24, 1874.

Lowell L. Mellett is a native of Henry County, Ind., born in Prairie Township, Aug. 7, 1848, the youngest of a family of ten children of John and Cynthia (Hickman) Mellett, natives of West Virginia. His father died in 1857 and his mother in 1851. Both were active members of the Baptist church. Lowell L. Mellett was reared and educated in his native county. In 1863 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and worked in the Excelsior Factory seven years. In 1871 he bought 120 acres of land, on section 34, Prairie Township, and has since followed agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1870 to Annie A., daughter of John and Susan (Hamilton) Worth, her father a native of Hew York, and her mother of Delaware County, Ohio. They have four children - Samuel K., HerrnioneF., Bessie J. and Annie B.

- a son of Alexander and Margaret (Colburn) Michaels. His father was born Hov. 10, 1813, and came to Henry County from West Virginia in 1834. His mother is a native of Horth Carolina. They were married in 1835, and had a family of eleven children, seven of whom are living. Our subject was educated in blew Castle, remaining there till 1869, when he went to Cambridge City and worked in a restaurant two years. He then went to Indianapolis and engaged as traveling salesman. He was thus engaged till 1877, in the meantime traveling in ten different States,, and visiting Hew York, Hew Orleans, Omaha, St. Paul, and other cities. In 1877 he returned to Hew Castle and engaged in business for himself. Sept. 22, 1879, he- moved to Mt. Summit, and engaged in the tin-ware, roofing, stove, and spouting business with his brother Charles, the firm name being Michaels Brothers. Dec. 4, 1878, he married Mar j E. Luellen, daughter of Jabez and Mary (Macy) Luellen. They have two children - Paul, born Sept. 12, 1879, and Fred, born Oct. 14, 1881. Politically Mr. Michaels is a Pepublican.

Franklin B. Miller is a native of Bedford County, Pa., born Feb. 28, 1852. He learned the miller's trade when eighteen years of age, and in 1874 came to Indiana (Wayne County) ; from there went to Illinois and remained six months; then returned to Wayne County; thence to Delaware County, and in 1877 to Hew Castle, Henry County. He rented the Johnson & Fisher mills four years, and then bought an interest in the Eagle Mills, on Buck Creek, Luray. He is a practical miller, understanding every detail of the business. He does a general custom and exchange business, making a good grade of fiour. Mr. Miller was married in 1876 to Ella Cannaday, daughtgr of George H. '^annaday, of Delaware County, Ind. They have two children - Ora and Jennie. Mr. Miller has been Postmaster of Luray since May 2, 1881.

J, Q. A. Minesinger born July 31, 1838, in Beaver County, Pa., a son of John and Mary (Swearingen) Minesinger. He was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. His father being occupied with public business, and the other children being in school, the care of a large farm early devolved on him. He has always followed farming, and has now 286 acres of finely cultivated land. He is an enterprising business man, and his home shows the result of good management and thrift. Politically he casts his vote with the Kepublican party, and is a very enthusiastic worker in the cause. He was married April 4, 1858, to "Jane Eidgway, a daughter of ^t and Ina (Lynch) Eidgway, born Feb. 23, 1838. They have one son, Omar Eugene, born Hov. 11, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Minesinger are members of the Christian church at Hillsboro.

Benjamin F. Needham was born Dec. 7, 1836, in Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., and is a son of Josiah and Margaret Ann (S^flPord) Heedham, who came from Horth Carolina to Henry County among the first settlers of this section. They are at present living in Hew Castle. They are the parents of eleven children, seven still living - Isaac, of Horth Carolina; Elinda Myra, wife of A. J. Seningen, of Muncie, Ind.; Barbara Ellen, residing at Day- ton, Ohio; MaryE., wife of Smith Hunt, of Richmond ; Margaret, wife of Charles Harrison, of Milton, Ind.; Laban W., of North Carolina, and our subject, who was married Feb. 20, 1867, to Martha Minesinger, born Sept. 19, 1845, and daughter of John and Mary (Swearingen) Minesinger, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and early settlers of Henry County. They have had four children - Maud, born Dec. 13, 1872, and died May 4, 1873; Charles M., born Jan. 29, 1868, attending the Spiceland Academy; Frank Monroe, born Oct. 22, 1869, and John Quincy Adams, born Jan. 7, 1879. Mr. Needham was reared on the home farm till twenty-three years of age, receiving a common-school education. He learned the painter's trade, which he followed until about twelve years ago, since which he has been successfully engaged in farming, and may be classed among the enterprising citizens of the township. His farm, located on section 14, contains 265 acres of land under a high state of cultivation. In politics Mr. Needham has always affiliated with the Republican party. He and wife are members of the Mount Summit Christian church.

" ~^rs. Needham's parents had six children, of whom three survive - James, of Montana Territory; John Quincy Adams, and Mary, wife of our subject. Those deceased are - Joseph, Henry, and Charles, who was killed at the battle of Jonesboro, Ala. Mrs. - > Needham's father was of German descent. He was a stone-mason by trade, and was superintendent of the railroad bridge across the Mississippi River at St. Louis, from which bridge he fell and was killed.

Roderick D. Norviel^ M. is a native of Madison County, Ohio, born Aug. 2, 1836, the youngest of ten children of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Tharp) Norviel, natives of Connecticut, of Scotch descent. His parents were married in their native State, and in 1833 moved to Ohio, and settled in Copley, and subsequently moved to Madison County, and from there to Hnion County in 1842, where the Doctor was reared and received liis early education. He then attended Marysville Academy and |he Delaware College, and after leaving school taught in Ohio tert years. In 1863 he went to Mahaska County, Iowa, and taught in Prairie College a year. In 1864 he returned to Ohio and enlisted as First Sergeant of Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio Infantry, and participated in the battles of Richmond and Petersburg. After leaving the army he began the study of medicine with Prof. William T. Sharp, of West Middleburg. In the fall of 1866 he came to Indi- ana and located in Farmland, Randolph County, and began the practice of his profession. The next winter he taught school, and in the spring resumed his practice. In 1878 he moved to Mt. Summit, Henry County, where he has built up a large practice. Mr. Norviel was married in 1852 to Rachel, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Downs. She died in Mahaska County, Iowa, Dec. 17, 1863, leaving three children - Sarah C., now Mrs. Richard Kirel; Frank D., in the office of the Cincinnati, Indianapolis & Louisville Railroad, married Mary Hildebrand, of Indianapolis, and Oliver D., an attorney of Knoxville, Iowa, In March, 1867, Dr. Korviel married Ella Spillers, daughter of George and Mary M. Spillers, of Randolph County, Ind.

Elijah Peacook^ of Luray, was born in Loudoun County, Ya., near Harper's Ferry, July 4, 1808, the second son of Samuel and Ann (Worh^man) Peacock, natives of Virginia. When fifteen years of age he went to work for his cousin at the blacksmith's trade, serving an apprenticeship. After he had learned his trade he went to Maryland and took the job of sharpening drill picks for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. *He then traveled as a journeyman some time. In 1845 he came to Henry County, Ind., and opened a shop in Luray, and worked at his trade till his eyesight failed. He is now living a quiet life, retired from active business. He was married in 1841 to Mary Jane Wright, of Loudoun County, Va., who died in November, 1862, leaving six children - B. F., William H., Cassa A., Susan J., Rebecca and Sarah A. Politically Mr. Peacock was originally a Whig but now affiliates with the Republican party. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1869 for a term of four years.

George Rezin Powers is a native of Henry County, Ind., born Sept. 18, 1848, the eldest of three children of James C. and Elizapuli'.'^Rogers) Powers, his father a native of West Virginia and his mother of Pennsylvania. His mother died in 1852 and his father then moved to Delaware County and made his home with a brother, D. B. P. Bowers. He afterward married Martha J. Steward and moved to Howard County, Ind., where he still lives, ^fter the death of his mother George R. went to live with his uficle, Rezin H. Powers, and remained with him till manhood. He was-given a good education, completing it at Muncie Academy. After leaving school he returned to his uncle's farm. When seventeen years of age he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Indiana Infantry, and served eight months. He was in the Army of the Potomac, serving under General Sheridan. In 1870 he was married to Mary, daughter of Amaziah and Lydia Patterson. He lived on his uncle's farm three years after his marriage and then bought eighty acres of land on section 29, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Power^N^ave five children - Agnes M., Morris D., Eliza G., E-ezin H. ^d Harry O.

County, Oct. 14, 1835, the eldest of seven children of Stanton and Eowena (Collins) Powers, natives of Virginia. His parents were married in ll^ry County and settled on a farm about two miles south of Luray, where the father died in Hovember, 1856, and the mother in August of the same year. They had a family of seven children; one died at the age of nine years; six are living - John A., Samuel K., Caroline C., wife of Manning Smith, of Missouri; James

Amanda C., wife of Henry Stout. John A. Powers began working at the blacksmith's trade with Moses Leavitt when nineteen years of age and served an apprenticeship of three years. In 1859 he opened a shop in Luray and with the exception of three years has since worked at his trade. He enlisted in 1865 in Company H,

One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served eight months. Mr. Powers was married in October, 1860, to Haomi, daughter of David and Sarah Eobe. They have two children - Annette and John M. Mr. and Mrs. Powers are members* of the Baptist church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken the Knight Templar degrees.

John S. Powers!^ a native of Monongalia County, W. Va., born May 26, 1816, a son of William and Eebecca (Jones) Powers natives of Virginia. William Powers came with his family to Indiana in 1825 and lived in Wayne County a year. In the spring of 1826 he moved to Delaware County and leased land six years. In 1832* he entered eighty acres on himself a home. He died in 1852, aged seventy-six years, and his'C** wife in 1863, aged eighty-one years. They had a family of nine children; all lived till maturity. John S. Powers was their youngest son. He was reared on the pioneer farm, receiving but a limited education. He remained with his parents till their death and then bought the old homestead from the heirs. He has been successful, and has added to his farm till he now owns 280 acres, a part of it bottom land, lying on the head waters of Buck Creek. He was married in 1847 to Sarah, youngest daughter of Joseph and Mary Walling, of Delaware County. They had five children born to them but one of whom is living - Jane G. Mrs. Powers died in 1860.

Rezin Harmon Powers was born in Monongalia County, W. Ya., Jan. 13, 1815, a son of ISTehemiah and Casandria (Holland) Powers, natives of Yirginia. In 1823 his parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., and in the fall of 1828 to Henry County, and settled on land east of Springport, which they improved and where they lived the remainder of their lives. They had a family of twelve children; six are living. The mother was a member of the Baptist church. B. H. Powers spent his youth in assisting his father clear a frontier farm. He remained with his parents till his marriage and then settled on a farm in Delaware County. In 1849 he moved to his present home on section 34, Prairie Township, where he has 240 acres of choice land, which is well improved. He started in life in meager circumstances, but has been successful, - and now has a comfortable home in which to pass his declining ^ years. He was married in 1846 to Elizabeth, daughter of Arthur \nd Leona Mellett. They had one son who died in infancy. Mrs.

Jesse M,Reed^ deceased, was born April 3, 1827, in Monongalia County, W. Ya., a son of John and Margaret (Mellett) Peed, natives of the same county, his father born July 30, 1801, and his mother. Sept. 19, 1803. His parents were married Sept. 11, 1823, ^ and came to Indiana in 1827. To them were born ten children, | two of whom died in infancy, and but four of whom are living - I William, John M., Mrs. Yiretta Beavers and Mrs. Judith Barnard, / all residents of Henry County. Jesse M. Peed was married Oct. 11, 1855, to Frances, daughter of John and Hester McAlister, of Madison County, Ind. She died Sept. 22, 1870, leaving five childi'en - John O., born Dec. 31, 1856; Hettie, born Aug. 19, 1860, died Oct. 15, 1881; Augustus W., born Sept. 4, 1865; Frank, born Hov. 18, 1868; Albert, born Sept. 14, 1870. Hov. 16, 1872, Mr. Peed married Martha A., daughter of Hatb^ a^d Hannah Davis, of Blue Piver Township. To them were born two children - William, born Nov. 3,

1876, and Ethel, July 30, 1881. Mr. Reed always followed agricultural pursuits, and at the time of his death owned 300 acres of fine, well-improved land. Politically he was a Democrat. He was Justice of the Peace fifteen consecutive years, and also served his township as Trustee. He was a member of the Lebanon Baptist church. May 21, 1884, he was called to his last home after an illness of four days. A life-long resident of the county, his interests and affections were concentrated here, and his removal was a loss to the entire community. A liberal-hearted, whole-souled man he was always ready to aid any cause of benefit to the public. Perfectly honest and upright, his friends were legion and his enemies few.

William M. Reed was born in Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., Hov. 3, 1829, a son of John and Margaret (Mellett) Reed. He learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, and worked at it a number of years. He then engaged in farming, and subsequently operated a mill, but this proving an unsuccessful venture ^ he again began working at his trade, which he is still following in connection with farming. He owns eighty acres of finely improved land and has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. Mr. Reed was married Aug. 8, 1860, to Malinda A. Mellet, who was born June 7, 1839, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Moore) Mel- ^ let. They have had nine children - Mary E., born Aug. 11, 1861; Rufus R., June 12, 1863; Charles M., Oct. 31, 1865, died Feb. 21, 1870; LeaMa Olive, born Oct. 2, 1868; James M., April 3,1871; LethaA., June 7, 1873; John C., Oct. 14, 1876; Juliet M., Kov. 21, 1878; Arthur C., May 1, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Reed are members of the Lebanon Baptist church. His grandfather, Jesse Mellett, was the first minister and the organizer of the church. Politically Mr. Reed is a Democrat.

Charles A. Richey^ merchant. Mount Summit, Ind., was born Sept. 24, 1861, in Henry County, Ind., a son of James and Anna (Beam) Richey. When sixteen years of age he went to Hew Castle and was employed as clerk for Campbell Brothers, drygoods merchants. He remained with them five years, and then came to Mount Summit and engaged in business for himself. He now has one of the best stores in the place, carrying a full line of general merchandise, and has a good trade whicli is annually increasing. Oct. 19, 1882, he was married to Lizzie Yestal, daughter of H. M. and Jane E. (Mullen) Y^al. They have one child - James M., born Sept. 5, 1883. Politically Mr. Richey is a Democrat.

James Richey^ farmer, section 34, Prairie Township, was born in Bedford County, Pa., Nov. 20, 1815, a son of George and Mary (Walker) Richey, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish parentage, and the latter a native of Ireland. The father died in 1841, and the mother in 1847. To them were born seven children, but two of whom, Thomas and James, are living; Ann, George, Jane, John and Mary are deceased. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving but a limited education. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade when a young man but never worked at it. He clerked in a general store two years and then was in business for himself two years. He afterward engaged in farming five years and then came to Henry County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of land, but now owns 160 acres, valued at $80 an acre. He was married Sept. 28, 1838, to Ann Beam, born April 11, 1818, a daughter of Frederick and Eve Beam. They have had nine children - George B., born Feb. 14, 1840, died Sept. 19, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn.; Mary Jane, born Aug. 22, 1842; Wilson Walker, born Oct. 2, 1841; Matthew Winfield, born July 10, 1847, and Eliza Ann, born Oct. 14, 1849,jdied March 10, 1851; James Monroe, born Jan. 16, 1852; John Edwin, born Aug. 28, 1854; Emma Belle, born Jan. 18, 1856, died Dec. 28, 1861; Charles A., born Sept. 24, 1861. Politically Mr. Richey is a Democrat. He has served as Trustee and Assessor of this township, and was Assessor of his township in Pennsylvania.

John Edwin Rickey^ son of James and Ann (Beam) Richey, was born in Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., Aug. 28, 1854. He was educated in the common schools, residing with his parents till manhood. In 1874 he went to McLean County, 111., and engaged in farming. He subsequently visited Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and in 1877 returned to Henry County and engaged in farming till 1882, when he formed a partnership with his brother Charles in the mercantile business. They carried on a general store till the fall of 1883 when J. E. sold his interest to his brother and again engaged in farming two miles southeast of Mount Summit. Mr. Richey was married Sept. 1, 1878, to Loretta, daughter of Levi and Elizabeth (Readon) Harvey. She was born July 11, 1861. They have one child - Jesse Ernest, born Jan. 2, 1882. Politically Mr. Richey is a Democrat. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F., New Castle, Ind.

Ya., born June 6, 1799, and was married in his native State to Haney Cornwell, a native of East Yirginia. In 1835 they moved to Henry County, Ind., and about ten years later moved to Jay County. In 1873, while on a visit to Henry County, the father was taken sick and died. The mother is living in Jay County and is in the eighty-first year of her age. They had a family of thirteen children, eleven of whom are living. Allen Ridgway was reared in Jay County, remaining with his parents till twenty-two years of age. He then began farming for himself, and now owns 185 acres of land, the most of it well improved. He makes a specialty of growing small grain and stock. He was married Feb. 28, 1862, to Eveline, daughter of Solomon and Mary A.jFi^azi^, natives of *7S'f Henry County. They have had two children - Emma, deceased, and Hathan. Mr. Ridgway is a member of the Christian church,

Oct. 19, 1819, a son of Peter P. and Elizabeth (Rockafellar) Rifner, natives of Hew Jersey, his father born March 27, 1781, and his mother, Hov. 8, 1789. He resided with his parents till manhood, receiving a common-school education. He was married March 4,

1845, tQ Elizabeth R., daughter of Ralph and Martha R. Riley, of Franklin County, Ind. After his marriage Mr. Rifner came to Henry County and located on the farm where he now resides. He purchased 180 acres of unimproved land, mostly heavily timbered, and has cleared and cultivated it till now he has one of the best farms in the township. He is also engaged in raising and shipping stock, grain, etc., and is a member of the firm of Harvey & Rifner, Mount Summit, Ind., dealers in hardware and shippers of grain, etc. Politically Mr. Rifner is a Republican. He is a strong temperance man and an earnest worker for the cause. He is one of the most influential men of the township and has done much to aid in its development and prosperity.

William A. Rif ner was born in Franklin County, Ind., June 25, 1809, a son of Peter P. and Elizabeth (Rockafellar) Rifner, natives of Hew Jersey, his father born March 27, 1784, and his mother, Hov. 8, 1789. His father was named Poland for his mother's maiden name. His parents were married June 1, 1806, in Dearborn County, Ind., and soon after moved to Franklin County, and in 1809, the Indians becoming troublesome and dangerous to the settlers, almost the entire settlement on Whitewater and in and around Brookville formed themselves into a military company, calling themselves "minute men," for the common defense, and elected Mr. Rifner as their commander, under General James Noble, in which capacity he served for the protection of the settlers until his removal to Ohio, being the first military Captain in Eastern Indiana. In March, 1812, moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, where his father died June 6, 1861, and his mother, Aus^. 19, 1872. They were the parents of twelve children - Mary Ann, born Nov. 7, 1807, died Aug. 14-, 1839; William A., our subject; Sarah A., born April 5, 1811, died July 4r, 1836; Samuel R., born Feb. 10, 1813, died Aug. 26, 1881; Martha R., born Feb. 11, 1815; Eliza, born April 30, 1817, died July 12, 1818; Peter P., born Oct. 1, 1819; Henry R., born March 3, 1822, died Jan. 20, 1830; Elijah A., born Aug. 8, 1824; John M., born Nov. 26, 1826; Angeline, born Dec. 5, 1828; James M., born Aug. 17, 1831. Our subject remained at home till twenty-four years of age, and then engaged in selling goods at Whitewater, Ohio, two years. He then went to Jacksonburg, Wayne Co., Ind., and engaged in the mercantile business, and in buying and selling fat stock. He was one of the largest drovers in the country, his droves never numbering less than 1,000 head. In 1844 he moved to Henry County and bought 160 acres of land. He has since bought eighty acres adjoining and now owns one of the finest farms in the county. Politically Mr. Rifner was reared a Whig, and since its organization has affiliated with the Republican party. In the winter of 1848-'49 he was a member of the State Legislature and two years later was nominated for Senator, but was defeated by the combined forces of Democrats and Abolitionists. In 1851 he was chosen a Director of the Indianapolis & Bellefontaine Railroad and was appointed Collector of stock subscription in Henry County, and served till the completion of the road, and till all subscriptions had been paid in. Mr. Rifner was married Dec. 20, 1840, to Mary Ann Hurst, daughter of Dickson and Melliza (Scott) Hurst. She ^^s in delicate health and some time after her marriage rheumatism and a complication of diseases resulted in over twenty years of helplessness. She died Jan. 2, 1881, aged sixty-three years and nine months, and was buried in Doddridge's cemetery in Wayne County. Mr. Rifner has in his possession the General Harrison sword, presented by General Harrison to Colonel Isaac Morgan, and of him purchased by Rifner, then holding a military commission in Ohio. [Since the above was written the sword has been placed in the State Library as a present to the State of Indiana.]

Robert Robe is a native of Henry County, Ind., born May 24, 1840, a son of David and Sarali ( Howell) Kobe. His parents came from Monongalia County, W. Ya., to Indiana in an early day, and were among the first settlers of Henry County. His father died in 1846 and his mother in March, 1861. In 1861 he enlisted in the Forty-first Indiana Regiment (Second Cavalry) and served over three years. He participated in many important engagements and was detailed a scout, serving as such nine months. He was a bearer of dispalrches seventeen months, and the rest of the time served with his company. He was mustered out in October, 1864, and returned home. He soon after bought a small farm in Delaware County, where he lived till 1876 when he sold it and bought the farm where he now resides, in Prairie Township, which contains 120 acres of fine land, 100 acres being under cultivation. He is a successful stock-raiser and grower of small grains. Mr. Robe was married in 1865 to Esther Hajxold, of Delaware County. They have two children - Miles and Mary.

Thornton Clay Robe is a native of Henry County, Ind., born Oct. 20, 1831, a son of David and Sarah (Howell) Robe, natives of West Virginia, his father born Oct. 9, 1797, and his mother April 4,1808. His parents were married in their native county, and in ^ 1829 came to Indiana and located in Madison County, and in ^ 1831 moved to Henry County and entered eighty acres of land in Prairie Township which is a part of the farm where our subject >5t^now lives. The father died in 1846, and the mother in 1861. ^ They had a family of seven children - Solomon A., Thornton C., ? Mary A. (deceased), Haomi (wife of John A. Powers), Robert, Elizabeth (deceased) and John. Thornton C. Robe was reared and educated in his native county, remaining with his parents till their death. He married in 1872 to Susan J., daughter ot

William J. Ross is a native of West Virginia, born July 12, 1843, a son of Andrew and Alyzan (Stevenson) Ross, natives of Virginia. He resided in his native State till 1867, and then moved to Henry County, Ind., and rented a farm several years. In 1871 he bought 120 acres of land of Joshua H. Powers and has built a good house and farm buildings. He is a neat and thrifty farmer, a good business man and energetic, and although a poor man when he came to Henry County he has now a comfortable home and is steadily increasing his property. He was married in 1863 to Sarah J., daughter of A. B. Patterson. They liave three children - Olive B., Myrtle E. and Andrew B. Mr. Boss served four years in the war of the Rebellion, the first two years as teamster. In August, 1863, he enlisted in Company C, Seventeenth West Virginia Infantry, and was mustered out in July, 1865.

born May 10, 1790, and his mother a native of Delaware', born in October, 1800. His parents were among the first settlers of Henry County, coming here in October, 1831. They were married in X824, and to them were born three children - Elizabeth, afterward l,\,'iMrs. Milton T. H^s; John and Wm. T. The father died in 1872 and the mother in 1876. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. William T. has always been engaged in farming and stockraising and now owns a farm of 265 acres, a mile and a quarter from Mount Summit. He was married May 12, 1854, to Rebecca- W., daughter of John Rutledge, of Delaware County. She died Sept. 14, 1855. July 26, 1856, Mr. Shively married Mildred H. daughter of William and Sarah Ann (Finks) House. They have had four children - James Milton, born May 30, 1857, died Dec. 26, 1857; William Franklin, born Oct. 28, 1858, died Dec. 8 1858; Margaret, born May 21, 1861; and Ella, born Oct. 22,1864! Mr. and Mrs. Shively are members of the Christian church. Politically he is a Republican,

Manning Smith is a native of Henry County, Ind., born in Rogersville, Jan. 14, 1844, a son of Cornelius and Ann (Holland)'^ Smith, his father a native of North Carolina and his mother of Virginia. His father is now a resident of Wabash County, Ind. He was reared and educated in his native county. He was married in 1865 to Virginia Jq^s, a native of Marion County, Va., and settled on the old homestead. In 1871 he moved to Bellaire,' Ohio, and remained three years; then returned to Henry County and located at Spriugport, opening a general mercantile store. In 1878 he moved to his present stand and was appointed agent for the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad and also agent for the American Express Company. He has two children - Homer T. and Cora L. Homer learned telegraphy and took charge of the office at Springport when eleven years of age. He IS at present chiet operator at Fort Wayne, and at night takes the