Sims Township

Sims Township

JAMES M. ALLEN, second son in a family of seven children born to John and Matilda (Thrailkill) Allen, natives of Virginia, is of English and French descent, and was born near Leesburg, Clinton Co., Ohio, February 17, 1820. In his boyhood he worked on the farm the year around. He has no education, as he was deprived of the privilege of attending school. When fourteen years of age his father died, since which time he has been entirely dependent upon himself. During the nineteenth year of his age he made two trips from Ohio to Philadelphia, Penn., driving cattle and walking the entire distance there and back. In the following year he made two similar trips, after which he worked in a saw-mill some time. In 1851 he came to Grant County, Ind., settling in Sims Township. Here he has leased land and engaged in farming ever since. In 1870 he became the owner of his present farm. Betsey Martin, a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born May 5, 1827, became his wife February 10, 1846, and to them have been born fourteen children, Martha A. (deceased), William J., John, Stephen, Israel T., Betsey J., Abram and Daniel (twins, now deeeased), George W., Sarah C., Wesley, Ephraim, Andrew J. and Amos. Mr. Allen is an industrious and respected citizen. In politics he is very liberal, but is inclined to accept the principles of the Democratic party.

WILLIAM ALLEN, fifth son in a family of twelve children born to William and Sarah (Symons) Allen, he was born on a farm in Center Township, this county, December 23, 1843. His early life was spent on a farm and im receiving a common school education.

Biographical Sketches

At the age of seven years he removed with his father to Miami County, Ind., where he worked on a farm until nineteen years of age. In the spring of 1864 he began learning the blacksmith's trade, and two years later he set up a shop of his own on his father's farm, where he worked for two years. He then removed to Center Township, this county, and erected a shop, and remained nearly two years. In the fall of 1869 he went to Iowa and Missouri, and remained in the West three years. Returning to his native State he worked at his trade at different places until May, 1883, since which time he has lived at Sims, where he built a blacksmith's shop, and is at present working at his trade. September 19, 1866, he was married to Frances M. Veatch, a native of Indiana, and daughter of John Veatch, of Grant County. Two children were born by this marriage: Florenceand John. December 9, 1872, Mrs. Allen died. May 19, 1882, he married Euretta G. Price, a native of Grant County, and daughter of William Price. To their union have been born two children: Edna and Claude. Mr. Allen isa member of the Friends' Church,-and a Republican. At the present time he is agent in Sims for the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway.

GEORGE W. AMMON, an old and highly respected citizen of Sims Township, was born in Rockingham County, Va. (now West Virginia), November 15, 1811. His parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Rhinehart) Ammon, were both natives of Virginia, and were of German descent. When thirteen years of age George W. Ammon removed with his father to Champaign County, Ohio, where he learned the tanner's trade, and at which he worked for about eighteen years. In 1846 he removed with his family to Indiana, entering a half-section of land in Sims Township, upon which he located and set about clearing a farm out of the woods. He has always given his attention since he came to this State to farming and stock raising, in which he has been very successful. He was united in marriage to Susan Pence, a native of Champaign County, Ohio, born September 15, 1817. To Mr. and Mrs. Ammon have been born nine children, all of whom are living: Elizabeth, born December 1, 1837; Phebe Ann, September 16, 1840; George N., October 3, 1848; Sarah C., July 21, 1846; Mary, October 27, 1848; Susan M., November 27, 1851; Adolphus L., May 4, 1855; Isaac M., September 23, 1857; William H., March 1, 1862. Mr. Ammon served bids fair to remain many years to enjoy the fruits of his early labor:. Isaac M., third son of George W. and Susan (Pence) Ammons, was born on the old homestead. He attended the home school in the country, where he studied the common branches. He now lives upon a good farm of 100 acres which his father deeded him, and which is located near the home place, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits. November 11, 1882, he married Lutetia Friermood, a native of Sims Township. They are the parents of one child, D. Walter, born September 24,1884. Mrs. Ammon is a member of the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Ammon is a Republican. William H., the youngest son of George W. and Susan (Pence) Ammon was born on the old homestead in Sims Township. He attended the common schools, from which he graduated in April, 1881. Having a desire to become 4 teacher -he attended the normal school at Marion during the summer of 1882. After teaching two years he concluded to make farming his life work. He is at present farming the old homestead, living with his parents. Anna, a native of Henry County, Ind., and daughter of Edmond and Esther (Downing) Bryant, became his wife April 10, 1884. Mrs. Ammon is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Ammon is a Republican, and promises to become one of the substantial farmers and stock raisers of Sims Township.

HENRY BABB, an 'old and prominent citizen of Sims Township, was born near Greenville, Greene Co.,Tenn., January 23, 1807. He is a son of David and Elizabeth (White) Babb, and a grandson of Thomas and Martha (Ewing) Babb. Our subject was reared at home in his native county, and in youth secured only a limited education. At an early age he entered his father's shop to learn blacksmithing, where he worked for a number of years. In 1836 he removed to Clinton County, Ohio, where he worked at his trade until 1849, when he came to Indiana and entered 280 acres of land located in Franklin. He built a blacksmith's shop upon his farm, and in addition to farming worked at his trade until 1883 when he went to live in Herbst. September 11, 1828, he married Sarah Haines, a native of Greene County, Tenn., born May 28, 1811, and to this marriage have been born twelve children, named David, born October 31, 1829; Anna, born January 3, 1831; Sarah, born September 4, 1832, and died July 21, 1873; William, born June 3, 1834; Alexander, born March 7, 1836, and died September 25, 1837;

Samuel, born January 5, 1838; Enoch, born May 15, 1842; Martha J., born October 26, 1846; Richard, born April 25, 1848; James, born July 22, 1849; George, born September 22, 1851, and Polly, born September 12, 1853. The wife and mother died in November, 1885, since which time Mr. Babb has made his home with his son James, who lives in Herbst, Sims Township. Mr. Babb is now in the eightieth year of his age and is remarkably active both in body and mind, thanks to a good constitution vigorously used through life, but not abused by any excess. .

JAMES BABB is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born July 22, 1849, and is the seventh son born to Henry and Sarah (Haines) Babb. (See sketch of Henry Babb.) While yet an infant he came to Grant County with his parents, where he was reared on a farm and attended the common schools until he was sixteen years of age. He then became an engineer (stationary engines) at which he worked until the age of twenty-one years. He then accepted a position as fireman on the Pan Handle Railroad from Logansport to Chicago, where he remained until the strike of 1873, when he returned to Grant County. After four years spent in the tile business and four spent in Xenia, Ind., he built a handsome residence in Herbst, Sims Township, where he now resides. Amanda B. Morgan, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Willis and Elizabeth (Hill) Morgan, became his wife May 14, 1882, and this union has been blessed with one child, Minnie, born April 1, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Babb are young in years and their prospects for the future are bright. Both are highly esteemed by all who know them.

ARTHUR E. CURLESS, a prominent farmer of Sims Township, is a son of Byard and Eliza A. (Hall) Curless. He was born on a farm in Brown County, Ohio, where he spent his early life. The district school was his only opportunity for obtaining an education, and he availed himself of this to the fullest. In 1863 he started to Nashville, Tenn., to join the Union Army, but failing to obtain a pass at Cincinnati he returned and came to Indiana for a short time, and taught one term of school in Grant County.{(After that he returned to his native county, where he engagedgin buying: and selling stock until 1870. In that year he came to Indiana and bought land in Section 27, in Sims Township. He followed the shingle and lumber business for four years in partnership with his. brother, Morris. After quitting this business he turned his entire attention to agricultural pursuits and stock raising. In 1872 he bought 120 acres more of land adjoining his other farm, and he has continued to improve all his property from that time to this. He owns 280 acres of land, with the best buildings in his community. Ada E. Hite became his wife July 13, 1865. She is a daughter of Noah and Elizabeth (Boyce) Hite, who were among the oldest and most respected citizens of Brown County, Ohio. The former was born in Virginia and the latter in New Jersey. Mr. Curless is a thriving and energetic farmer and a valuable citizen. He is a Republican in politics, and an official member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His portrait will be found elsewhere in this volume as one of. the representative farmers of the county. MORRIS L. CURLESS is another of the substantial farmers of Sims Township. He is the third son of a family of eleven children, of whom Byard and Eliza (Hall) Curless, of Brown County, Ohio, were the parents. His birth took place on a farm near the town of Sardinia, in that county, August 29, 1838. He is of German and American descent, and his boyhood and early manhood were spent upon the farm. His education was obtained in the common schools of his day. In 1863 he entered the Union Army and served until the close of the war. He then returned home and remained unti] 1866, when he came to Grant County, Ind., and located on a farm in Sims Township. He has ever since lived here and followed farm. ing. October 26, 1865, he was married to Julia A. Thompson, a native of Clermont County, Ohio, and 'daughter of Felix and Elizabeth Thompson. To them were born two children, both of whom died while young. Mrs. Curless died July 14, 1868, in Ohio. He was married a second time, April 9, 1871, this time to Mary E., daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (Nesbit) Smith, of Adams County, Ohio. He has been a successful farmer, and now owns 200 acres of the best land in the county. Politically he is a Republican, and belongs to the G. A. R. and the Methodist Episcopal Church. } JACOB ©. GRINDLE, merchant of Swayzee, was born in Fairfield, Green Oo., Ohio, November 8, 1842. His parents were Samuel and Mary (Miller) Grindle, natives, respectively, of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and were of German ancestry. At the age of seven years the subject of this sketch came, with his father's family, to Grant County, and located on Stony Creek, in Sims Township, where he spent his boyhood and youth. His father being a cripple he, at an early age, became the main support of the family, and worked at chopping,' grubbing, plowing and everything attending the development of a home in the wilderness. On account of poor facilities and the need of his help upon the farm, he was permitted to attend school only about twenty days in the year. When eighteen years of age he entered the Union Army, and served until 1862. In 1863 he located upon a farm in Richland Township, where he lived two years, when he returned to Sims Township, and farmed until the fall of 1867. Moving again to Richland Township, he engaged in the timber and lumber business. In 1869 he returned to Sims Township, where he purchased and operated a saw-mill for anumber of years. He is at present a merchant and proprietor of a grist-mill at Swayzee. November 29, 1863, he wedded Amanda Boswell, a native of Ohio, who was born November 25, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Grindle are the parents of the following children: Eugene 4., born September 24, 1864; Samuel O., born November bES Fam Rololeys Mary I., born September 28, 1868; Julian, born January 29, 1871; Delia R., born April 19, 1873; Emily F., born February 21, 1875; Ada O., born May 11, 1877; Jason B., born January 31, 1879; Festus P., born March 24, 1882, and Austin H., born November 12, 1884. Mr. Grindle is a Democrat in politics, a member of the G. A. R., and himself and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church.

ROBERT HAINES is the eldest son born to Sunny and Clara (Daniels) Haines, both of whom are natives of Virginia. He was born in Patrick County, Va., and is now in his seventy-second year. He worked on a farm in his native county until he was nineteen years of age, when he came to Highland County, Ohio. For forty years he lived in Highland and Clinton Counties, Ohio, where he followed farming. In March, 1868, hé removed to Grant County, Ind. He lived on a farm in Franklin Township for six years. He then moved to a farm in Sims Township, where he lived for ten years. In the fall of 1884 he removed to Herbst, where he is now living a retired life. In 1839 he was married to Mary Cooper, a daughter of John and Sally (Rains) Cooper, of Highland County, Ohio. Seven children were born to this union, as follows: Martha, Richard, Robert, Zedie, Sarah, Edmond and Enos, of whom the first four are now deceased. Mr. Haines again married, in 1866, Mary

E. Brewer, a native of Highland County, "lio, and a daughter of Dennis and Farba (Phillips) Brewer, both natives of North Carolina. Mrs. Haines is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Haines is a Democrat. Both are highly esteemed by all who know them.

AZARIAH HAINES, merchant at Swayzee, is a*native of Grant County, Ind., born September 30, 1856. He is the youngest son in a family of four children born to Azariah and Elizabeth ( Pierce) Haines, who were natives of Tennessee and Ohio respectively. Our subject's early life was spent on his father's farm, where he attended the district school and obtained an ordinary education. At the age of twenty years he went to Henry County, this State, where he remained a short time, when he returned to Grant County and for a time worked in a saw-mill at Roseburg. He then purchased a farm in Franklin Township, upon which he lived for one year. Leaving the farm he went to Roseburg, where for two years he was engaged in huckstering. In 1880 he purchased a general stock of groceries and dry goods and opened a store at Roseburg, in which pursuit he has ever since been engaged. In 1885 he removed to the town of Swayzee, and at present promises to become one of her most successful merchants. August 10, 1876, he was married to Mary E. Cabe, daughter of Thomas and Letitia Cabe, and to this union four children have been born: Elizabeth L., Maud, Gertie and Ethel, aged nine, seven, two and one years, respectively. Mr. Haines is a member of the I. O. O. F. Laban Lodge, and the Friends' Church. He is a Democrat.

I. F. LAWSHE, physician at Swayzee, was born in Somerset, Wabash Co., Ind., January 18, 1859. He is of English and German descent and a son of Henry D. and Hester A. (Richmond) Lawshe, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Indiana. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in his native town, where he attended the Somerset High School, completing the course in 1877. He desired to enter a medical college, but his parents were poor and could not furnish him the necessary means. Not despairing at this he immediately set about earning the money for himself. During the winters of 1878 and 1879 he taught school in Grant County, after which he taught three terms in Wabash County. In the summers of 1878 and 1879 he read medicine with Dr. L. Oneal, of Somerset, and in February, 1880, entered the Kentucky School of Med- icine at Louisville, where he attended two courses of Icetures and graduated in 1881. He stood fifth best in a class of 110 students. In August, 1881, he began the practice of his profession in Sycamore, Howard Co., Ind., where the greater part of his professional labors have been performed. In order to extend his territory he, in March, 1885, removed to Swayzee, where he is rapidly building up.a large and lucrative practice. November 17, 1881, he wedded Sarah F., daughter of Thomas C. and Mary (Alexander) Me- Conn, of Wabash County, and to their union have been born two children: Gertie M., born October 3, 1882, and Charles H., born October 14, 1883. Though young in his profession Dr. Lawshe is a very successful practitioner, and promises to become one of the leading physicians of Grant County.

DR. FRANK LENNOX is a native of Marion, Grant Co., Ind., was born September 23, 1849, is the youngest son of H. J. and Mary (Hall) Lennox, both natives of Ohio. Our subject attended the Marion schools, from which he received a good education. In 1864, at the early age of fourteen, he entered the Northern army, where he served his country until the close of the war. In 1867 he éntered Wabash College, where he remained two years. Returning to Marion he read medicine three years with Drs. William and Constantine Lomax. He then continued his studies at the Indiana Medical College, from which he graduated in 1872. His professional. labors were begun at New Corydon, Jay Co., Ind., where he remained until the spring of 1876. In June of the same year he returned to Grant County, practicing his profession at Point Isabel until the fall of 1882, when he located at Swayzee, in which place he at present resides. As a practitioner he is very successful, having built up a good practice at each place he has been. Virginia, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Clark) Lafferty, became his wife June 17, 1877, and to them have been born two children: Edwin, born April 4, 1878, and Edna, born July 1%, 1881. Mrs. Lennox's father was a native of New Jersey, and her mother and herself natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Lennox has a membership in the Christian Church, I. O. O. F., I. O. BR. M., and has passed the chairs in Odd Fellowship. He is also a member of the G. A. R., and is at present Commander of Edwin Lennox Post, No. 408, named for his brother, who was killed in the late Rebellion. The

JASPER N. LONG is a native of this township and county, 'where he was born April 24, 1854, being the youngest son born to Adolphus and Mary (Pence) Long, of Sims Township. He was reared on a farm, and acquired a fair education from the common schools. In March, 1882, he removed to Swayzee, but still followed farming, having crops on farms near town. April 2, 1882, he was elected justice of the peace in Sims Township, which office he has filled with entire satisfaction, and still continues to hold. December 16, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Antrim, a native of Indiana, born August 8, 1858, and a daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth Antrim. Two children have been born to this union, namely: Cora M., born May 19, 1876, and Ota A., October 21, 1878. Mr. Long is a Democrat in politics, and is well and favorably known and esteemed as a citizen and neighbor. He is a faithful member of the Christian Church.

JOHN MAPLE is a native of Franklin County, Ind., and was born August 6, 1836. He is one of a family of eight children born to M. H. and Elizabeth (Coon) Maple, of Franklin County, Ind. They were farmers by occupation, to which pursuit the subject of this sketch was reared. He received a common school education, and in 1852 came with his parents to Howard County, Ind., and lived there until 1856, when he came to Grant County and settled on a farm in Sims Township. August, 1862, he entered the Union Army and participated in many hard-fought engagements, among which were the battles at Jackson, Miss., Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. He was also in the siege of Atlanta, and with Sherman in his march to the sea, and in June, 1865, was mustered out at Washington. He returned to Sims Township and settled on the farm where he now lives. November 29, 1860, he was united in marriage with Susana J. Friermood, a native of Clarke County, Ohio, born June 9, 18438, eldest daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Baker) Friermood, of Sims Township. Two children were the result of this union: Lutetia, born December 18, 1861, and Elizabeth M., born November 2, 1866, and died August 23, 1868. Mr. Maple is a Republican in politics and a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. societies; also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an unassuming, unpretentious citizen, and is regarded with respect and esteem by his surrounding neighbors.

1832, on a farm near Straitsville, Perry Co., Ohio. His parents, John and Mary E. (Mauler) McLain, were both natives of Pennsy]lvania and of Scotch-Irish and Dutch descent. The father owned and operated a saw-mill and still-house, also manufactured wooden bowls. Our subject was reared at home, and at an early age began to work in his father's bowl factory. In 1846 his father removed to Grant County, .Ind., and settled in Green Township where he started a bowl factory, it being the first machinery in the township, and here James worked about six years. He subsequently built a factory on the farm upon which he now lives, and which he operated for a number of years. For the past few years he has devoted his attention to farming and the buying and shipping of live-stock. August 23, 1855, he married Mary J. Howard, a native of Rush County, Ind., born May 16, 1836. She isa daughter of John T. and Elizabeth (Jarvis) Howard, both natives of North Carolina. The fruits of this union were eight children: Arthur, born November 6, 1858, and died December 22, 1858; Louvina. December 31, 1859; Leonila, June 11, 1862; Mary A., born February 8, 1865, and died November 11, 1882; John F., February 10, 1867; A. Hendricks, March 7, 1869; Jamesy, October 8, 1874; Ata Easter, born August 6, 1875, and died January 3, 1881. He also reared a child of his brother, named James B., born December 27, 1856, and died July 8, 1876. Mr. McLain is the owner of a good farm of well improved land, and is one of the township's best citizens. He has been a great hunter in his time, and hundreds of deer have succumbed to the effects of his rifle. He has gone on several hunting excursions to Michigan and Wisconsin, and is credited with killing _ the last deer in Grant County, but his inclination in this direction has been more for amusement than profit.

JAMES B. MARK, who is one of the wealthy and leading men of Sims Township, was born December 20, 1824, near Chillicothe, Ohio. His parents were Jonathan and Susan (Blocher) Mark, natives respectively of Delaware and Ohio. When only three years of age he moved with his parents to Fayette County, Ohio, where his boyhood was spent on a farm. His education was acquired in the common schools of his neighborhood. In 1843 he began an apprenticeship as a carpenter, which he continued for eighteen months. For one year he followed saw-milling and then resumed his trade until 1854. In that year he came to Grant County and located on a farm in Sims Township. For about ten years he followed farming and in that time had cleared off a farm of his own. In 1864 he entered the army, but did not succeed in reaching the scene of active service. After that he engaged in farming until 1881, seven years of which time he lived in Richland Township. In the last named year he located in Swayzee, where he built an elevator and engaged in buying and selling grain. This business he has ever since been engaged in, and both as a farmer and grain merchant he has been more than ordinarily successful. His marriage with Sarah Sharp was celebrated June 17, 1845, and to their union have been born nine children: William A., Martha, Moses, Aaron, Sarepta J., Harrison, Almeda; John W. served in Company I, One Hundred and First Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and died at home where his father brought him from Gallatin, Tenn., April 17, 1864; Sarah C. died at about the age of nineteen; Mary died in infancy. They are all living except the last named. Mrs. Mark died April 16, 1880. She was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Leakey) Sharp, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee. For his second wife he took Mrs. Annie J. Sloyer, a daughter of David and Sarah (Barnes) George. This wedding was January 25, 1882, and their two children are named Nellie and Grover Cleveland. Mr. Mark isa Democrat and a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.

JOHN PEARSON was born February 1, 1830, near Knoxville, Tenn., being the fourth son in a family of eleven children born to Mahlon and Anna (Hinshaw) Pearson, natives of South Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. At four years of age he came with his parents to Wabash County, Ind., where the father entered 120 acres of Government land. He received a common school education and at twenty-one learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked about eight years. In 1867 he settled upon a farm of his own in Wabash County, where he lived until 1882, when he sold his farm, removed to Grant County and purchased his present farm in Sims Township. December 11, 1856, he married Melissa Moore, a native of Wabash County, Ind., born March 5, 1839. She is a daughter of Thomas and Mildred (Scott) Moore, who were natives of North Carolina and Tennessee. To this union have been born the following children: Thomas M., born December 2, 1857; Theodore T., March 24, 1859, and died November 3, 1882; Anna E.,

January 20, 1862; John B., May 16, 1864; Hannah L., April 4, 1866, died December 4, 1882; William E., May 7, 1870; Millie J., July 3, 1874, and Mahlon E., March 18,1876. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are members of the Christian Church, and he is a Republican. During the canvass of the spring election of 1886 he was a candidate of his party for township trustee and reduced an opposing majority from sixty down to five, which indicates his standing in the community where he has lived but four years.

DAVID PENCE, a prominent pioneer of Sims Township, was born in Shenandcah County, Va., April 8, 1818. He is the eldest in a family of thirteen children born to Martin and Elizabeth (Corder) Pence, both of whom were natives of Virginia. His education is quite limited owing to poor facilities. In 1819 he removed with his father to Champaign County, Ohio. Here he spent his boyhood on a farm, and in 1847 came to Indiana and entered 160 acres of land in Sims Township, where he built a cabin and opened up one of the finest farms in the county. When they took possession of their present farm not a stick was cleared nor a log rolled. In the early days Indians thronged the woods, and many a time have been the recipients of Mr. Pence's hospitality. He still lives upon the land he entered, and is one of the leading and wealthy citizens of the county, respected by all who know him. He is now past seventy-three years, but is active and enjoys excellent health and bids fair to live many years to enjoy what he has accumulated. April 23, 1836, he was married to Anna Smith, daughter of David and Barbara (Taylor) Smith, natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Pence are the parents of the following thirteen children: Emily (deceased), Noah M. (deceased), Andrew J., Louisa, Lewis C., John S.,Sarah (deceased), Melissa (deceased), Jasper N. (deceased), Casimer G., David S., Maryetta and one dying in infancy. My. and Mrs. Pence are faithful members of the Baptist Church. David S., the youngest son, was born upon the old home farm May 3, 1858, where he has ever since lived and engaged ~ in farming. He received a common school education. September 23, 1882, he was married to Susan E. Miller, daughter of George W. and Mary (Green) Miller, 'of Grant County. Mr. Pence is a Democrat.

18, 1844, and is the third son in a family of thirteen children born to David and Annie (Smith) Pence, who were natives, respectively, of Virginia and Ohio. He re:noved with his father to Indiana when two years of age, settling in Sims Township, Grant County. Here his father entered 160 acres of land, which he improved and continues to live thereon. Lewis C. recei~.d a fair education at the district schools, and on attaining his majority removed to the farm where he now resides. Here he owns a valuable farm of 228 acres, most of which is in cultivation, and in addition to farming devotes some attention to the raising and shipping of stock. September 7, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Mauller, a native of Grant County, Ind., and a daughter of Seth and Ursula (Dillon) Mauller, natives of Ohio. To this marriage have been born two children, Anna U., born June 2, 1866, and Vieva, born May 10, 1868, both of whom are now living. December 5, 1872, the wife and mother died. He again married, April 24, 1873, Christina Gowin, a native of Ripley County, Ind., born September 11, 1853, and who has borne him the four following children: Daisy M., born February 16, 1874; Ernest, born August 7, 1876; Winnie E., born June 25, 1879, and Emma P., born March 2,1882. Mr. Pence has held the office of justice of the peace for eight years and is the present incumbent. Politically he is a Democrat.

AARON PENNINGTON, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of Sims Township, was born February 19, 1827, in Clinton County, Ohio. In that county his early life and manhood was spent, where he also received a limited education. In October, 1852, he came to Grant County, where he has ever since resided. He located on 160 acres of land, of which eighty acres were entered from ¢he government. Here he lived for one year, when he sold his farm and purchased the farm upon which he now lives. December 23, 1852, he married Miss Margaret Burns, who was born July 26, 1835, and is a daughter of James and Rebecca (Talbert) Burns, of Grant County. To their union have been born twelve children, as follows: Isaac, Thomas W., Joseph B., John H., Sarah A., George B., Eugene, Aaron B., William L., Bertha B., Harvey L. and James B., all of whom are now living with the exception of James B., who died in infancy. Mr. Pennington is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and an honorable, upright citizen.

ROMULUS W. SANDERS is a native of Guilford County, N. C., born July 25, 1834. His parents, Milton and Lavina (Lindsay ) Sanders, were of English and Irish descent, also natives of Guilford County, where the father is still living. Romulus M. was raised on a farm, and obtained an ordinary education from the common schools. He spent several years of his early life as traveling salesman for a tobacco factory, which was owned and operated by his father. In 1862 he entered the Confederate servize under Gen. Lee, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Manassas, Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, Spottsylvania Court House, Gettysburg, also in the seven days' fight at Richmond. April 3, 1865, just six days before Lee surrendered, he was taken prisoner and confined in prison at Point Lookout, Md., until June 1, when he was liberated and returned home in North Carolina. In 1866 he came to Wayne County, Ind., where he engaged in farming for nine years, when he removed to Franklin Township, this county, where he lived six years. In 1882 he sold his farm and removed to Herbst, where he has ever since been engaged in general merchandising. By his enterprise he is rapidly building up an extensive trade. Mr. Sanders was united in marriage, July 7, 1875, to Mrs. Rachel Small, a native of Henry County, Ind., and a daughter of Nathan and Hannah (Reeves) Presnall: One child by this marriage, Emma L., was born June 14, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders are members of the Methodist Protesant Church. Politically he is a Democrat. ISAAC N. SEAL, M. D., of Sims, was born, October 28, 1832 on a farm near Greenfield, Highland Co., Ohio. He is one in a family of nine children born to Robert and Rachel (Walker) Seal, natives of Virginia. Isaac N. was reared at home, and having completed the common school branches at the age of twenty he entered the teacher's profession. After teaching some time, he was not satisfied with his educational acquirements, and accordingly attended school at Rainsburg, Ohio. He then engaged in teaching for a number of years, in Highland and Clinton Counties, Ohio, and became known as one of the ablest educators in that part of the State. In February, 1864, he entered the Union Army, remaining until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Dallas, Ga., in the siege of Atlanta, also in the march to the sea and other minor engagements; was mustered out at Little Rock, Ark.

Returning from the war he resumed teaching until the spring of 1866, when he began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Walter S. Little, of Cynthiana, Ohio. During the winter of 1867-68 he took a course of lectures at Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. In the spring of 1868 b- entered upon his professional duties, at Latham, Pike Co., Ohio, where he practiced for five years. In the fall of 1874 he located at Hackleman, this county, where he practiced until February, 1886, when he removed to the town of Sims, where he is at the present engaged in the practice of his profession. He also, in the fall of 1877, entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, graduating in 1878. August 27, 1857, he married Rebecca Lindsay, a native of Poss County Ohio, born May 5, 1838. To them have been born these six children: Ida J.,.May 29, 1858, and died September 24, 1859; James R., September 5, 1860, and died August 13, 1884; Thomas A., September 17, 1863; Wells J., January 13, 1867; Ira B., August 6, 1874; and John N., August 14,1876. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, and the G. A. R.; also the Grant County Medical Society, and member of the Delaware District of the State Medical Society. He and wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FRANK M. SWISHER, M. D., at Herbst, is the third son of John and Malina (Holman) Swisher. He was born on a farm in Clinton County, Ohio, August 30, 1841. His father removed to Grant County, Ind., when Frank was seven years of age, and settled on a farm in Monroe Township, where he lived four years. He then sold his farm, removed to Mill Township, where he purchased a farm upon which he continues to live. Frank M. was raised with his father's family and in his youth received but a common education, although he much improved in later years by industrious study and reading. At the age of twenty-two he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked at times for eighteen years; at the same time he spent his leisure time in reading medicine. He then worked at different occupations until September, 1884, when he removed to Marion. The following October he entered the Physio-Medical College in Marion, where he attended three terms of lectures, receiving his diploma in March, 1886. In the following month he removed to Herbst, where he has located for the purpose of practicing his profession. Dr. Swisher is an entirely self- made man; considerable praise is due him for the pluex and energy he has displayed in obtaining an education and a knowledge of medicine. Susana Criswell, daughter of Wesley and Elizabeth (Hardesty) Criswell, of Van Buren Township, became his wife October 13, 1860, and has borne him five children, as follows: George W., born March 16, 1862; Mary J., February 16, 1863; Leander, November 18, 1867; Emma, August 27, 1872, and Walter, May 8, 1876. Dr. Swisher is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternitiy, and he and wife are members of the Friends' Church. He is recognized as one of the leading men of his township.

WILLIAM W. VAWTER, druggist, at Sims, is a native of Tipton County, Ind., born March 27, 1855, and is one of a family of eight children born to James and Irena (Reed) Vawter, both of whom are natives of North Carolina and of English descent. William W. was raised and educated in his native county and remained at home assisting his parents until the attainment of his majority. He then worked at blacksmithing for two years, after which he engaged in farming. In the spring of 1882 he came to Grant County, locating in the town of Sims, where in partnership with Ephraim Zahn he engaged in general merchandising. This partnership existed for one year, when he formed a partnership with Zachariah Friermood, and was later engaged in grain dealing. December, 1885, he engaged in the drug and grocery business; he has a good stock of goods, and has a flourishing trade. September 11, 1876, he married Azalia Van Briggle, who died October 10, 1877, having borne one child, Orval, now deceased. December 16, 1883, he wedded Nancy J. Miller, a daughter of Thomas P. and Hliza J. (Culverhouse) Miller. This union has been blessed with two children: Dora C., born January 23, 1884, and one dying in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Vawter are members of the Baptist Church, and are highly respected by the community in which they live.