Union Township

Union Township

The political township of Union is co-extensive with the Twelfth Congressional township in the third range. The township is well watered. The North Fork, South Fork, Middle Fork and Kootz's Fork of Stott's Creek, flow westerly, partly through and out of this township, and draining into the White River. Moore's Creek takes its rise in the northeast part, and runs into Young's Creek to the east. The table lands lying upon the divide between the head-waters of the Stott's Creek and the Youngs Forks Creek tributaries, and also between the North, South and Middle "Forks," are level, and at the time of the settlement of the county, were extremely wet.

These table lands are the true highlands of the township, and from their level to White River the fall is great. Hence, the streams flowing westward, have, during the lapse of ages, cut deep channels through the soils and clays, and the high banks left on either side, have, by the action of rain, frost and other agencies of nature, been molded into hills and knobs, which are now generally known as broken lands.

Some time in 1823, Bartholomew Carroll moved from Kentucky by the way of the Three Notched Line road, then newly cut out, and found his way through the brush to the South Fork of Stott's Creek, and settled in Section 34, where John Vandiver afterward built a mill. Carroll had a family, consisting of his wife, three sons, William, John and Samuel, and two girls. The grandfather of his children lived with him - a very aged man, who died, it is said, when he was one hundred and ten years old. Bartholomew Carroll was a genuine backwoodsman. He spent his time in the wilderness hunting game and wild honey. The country about him was well stocked with all kinds of game, common to the country, and an experienced bee-hunter could take honey in vast quantities. It is said that Carroll would sometimes have as many as 100 bee-trees marked in the woods at a time.

There is some uncertainty as to the time when many of the pioneers moved into Union Township. It is next to impossible at this time to get the names of all who came in or the time when they came. In fifty years, much that was at the time of interest sinks into oblivion.

tree, bearing in its rough bark, this date : " 16th October, 1826." Strother Vandiver, then a good sized boy, cut this inscription in that tree, to commemorate the day of his father's arrival upon the eightyacre tract which he immediately entered. With Vandiver, when he moved from Mercer County, Ky., came his old neighbors John Garshwiler, Joseph Simpson and Mrs. Christina Garshwiler. These settled over on the east side of the township. The same year, Thomas Henderson, living at the Big Spring, notified Simon Covert that a family had moved into the woods some miles to the west, and proposed they should go and see who it was. Taking their axes with them, thev at length found Mrs. Gwinnie Utterback, a widow, with a family of eight sons - Corban, Laban, Henry. Hezekiah, Perry, Joseph, Elliot and Samuel, and a daughter, Rebecca, encamped by the side of a log, a little south of the present site of Union Village. Joining their help with the boys, Henderson and Covert soon had a cabin of poles raised and a shelter provided for the family. These are all who are now believed to have made settlements that year.

In 1827, George Kepheart moved to the township, and settled in Section 23, and the same year, Alexander Gilmer settled in the northeast corner.

In 1828, there was growth. Nearly 2,000 acres were entered this year by twenty-two men, and at least ten or twelve moved in. Peter Zook and Samuel Williams and Henry Banta, stopped in the Vandiver neighborhood ; Jacob List and Philip Kepheart located near the east boundary line of the Congressional township ; Benjamin Utterback moved near to his sister-in-law, who came in the year before, while Adam Lash and James Rivers moved farther to the north, and John Mitchel still further out, but toward the northwest corner of the township. Jesse Young located on the northwest quarter of Section 27.

Rock Lick was a famous resort for deer during the early times. There was not probably in all the county a deer lick that equaled it. For miles and miles in every direction, run-ways led to it. Jesse Young, who had settled on the Nineveh in 1825, and who was much of a hunter, visited this place, and was so impressed with the enormous mast crops produced by the groves of white oak timber growing thereabout, that he determined to make his home in the neighborhood. Accordingly, some time before he moved, he drove his hogs to the oak forests, and built a camp not far from the lick. Here he hunted, tended his hogs and read his Bible and Young's Night Thoughts. With these two books he was quite familiar, and in his old age it was his habit to interlard his discourse with apt quotations, especially from the last-named work.

Young was a strict observer of Sunday, and on one occasion it is said he lost his reckoning, and kept the Jewish Sabbath instead of the Christian. The next morning he went into the woods, and killing a deer, brought it into camp. Soon a party of hunters came by, and finding Young engaged with a deer newly killed, they reminded him of his Sunday principle. But he vindicated himself by assuring them that he had kept the day before, which was Sunday. A recount of the time convinced him that he was mistaken, and after disposing of his venison, he turned into camp and kept the rest of the day as sacred.

Young carried a large-bored and far shooting rifle, which he affectionately named " Old Crate." At the time he went to the Nineveh, a white deer was known to range the woods in the west and southwest parts of the county, and every hunter was naturally anxious to secure that particular game. But this deer became exceedingly shy, and it must have been two or three years after it was first seen before it fell a victim to a ball from " Old Crate." Young killed it, firing from a great distance.

In 1829, ten more men with their families moved into Union. Robert Moore and Joseph Young into what afterward came to be known as the Shiloh neighborhood, and William Bridges, John James, near Vandiver's place, and Willliam Kepheart, James Vaughan in the Utterback neighborhood, and Henry Graselose, toward the northwest corner. Peter Bergen and Andrew Carnine moved into the east side adjoining the Hopewell neighborhood. About the same time John Mullis settled near Rock Lick.

The next year, Garrett Terhune settled at the Three Notched Line road, near Vandiver's. Gideon Drake moved out to within a mile of the Morgan County line. Bennett, Austin and William Jacobs moved up to the north side. Nicholas Wyrick settled on the North Fork of Stott's Creek, and David and Cornelius Lyster moved over to the east side.

By the close of this year, about forty families were living in the township, as now constituted, and on the 5th day of July previous, Union Township was organized by an order of the Board of Justices. As then bounded, it was much larger than it is now. One tier of sections now on the south side of White. River was attached, and two tiers extending the entire west side of Franklin, and two sections out of the southwest corner of Pleasant. From time to time, however, changes have been made in the boundary lines of the township, until they have been reduced to the Congressional township lines.

In 1831, Isaac Knox, John McColgin and Joshua Hammond, who were Virginians, settled in the northwest corner on the North Fork of Stott's Creek. Willis Deer and Wesly, his brother, and John L. Jones settled near Mrs. Utterback ; John Henderson to the northwest of them some miles ; George Kerlin and Peter Shuck on the east side of the township, and Garrett Vandiver not far from the present site of Bargersville, while Serrill Winchester and Jacob Core moved into Jesse Young's vicinity.

The next year, Jacob Banta and Samuel Throgmorton moved in, and in 1833, Daniel Newkirk, the gunsmith, Peter D. Banta, Peter Banta, David Demaree, John Knox, John Gets, Joshua Landers and, probably, Jesse Harris, Peter Voris and John Shuck.

The families moving into the North Fork neighborhood were nearly or quite all Virginians, but all the others, with but few exceptions were Kentuckians. Garrett Terhune was New Jersey born but moved from Kentucky. Jesse and Joseph Young, Gideon Drake and Robt. Moore were from Ohio. Out of more than seventy families referred to, three-fourths were from Kentucky.

The growth of the township was slow, but those who came, came to stay, and the work of improvement went on. In 1828, Peter Vandiver built a horse-mill, the first mill in the township, which was run night and day, and supplied the country for a great distance around with bread. In 1832, George Kerlin put up a horse-mill, which was long a place of general resort for grinding wheat and corn. About 1834, John Vandiver built a mill on the South Fork of Stott's Creek, where Carroll had settled, and in about two years after, John Young built one lower down on the same stream, and Thomas Slaughter put one up near Rock Lick, on the Middle Fork.

Up to the introduction of underground draining, the level lands of Union Township were not esteemed as of very great value, but since the era of ditching has set in, there has been a great and wonderful development in everything that goes to make up the welfare of a people.

The township has ever been remarkable for the absence of gross violations of law. But one murder has ever occurred within its precincts, and that was the murder of Peter T. Vannice, in 1863, by a stranger to the place whom Vannice employed on his farm. Taking advantage of his employer, he shot him down in his own door-yard, and then robbed him of his money and fled, with a gun, up the Three Notched Line road toward Indianapolis. George F. Garshwiler and some others gave pursuit, and on overtaking the murderer near Greenwood, he turned aside and shot himself dead.

Source changes here: from History of Johnson County, Indiana : from the Earliest Time to the Present, with Biographical Sketches, Notes, Etc. Together with a Short History of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana, by Banta, D. D. (David Demaree), published 1888; 4,256 words in this source stream.

Union Township

western part of town on a beautiful eminence overlooking Main Cross Street. The building was blessed by Bishop De Saint Palais, assisted by Revs. William Doyle and "Daniel Maloney, and named Holy Trinity. For several years Edinburg was the center of the Columbus, Franklin, Seymour, Henryville, Greenwood, Brownstown, Taylorville, Mt. Erin and Mt. Liberty missions, and consequently became an important point in the Yincennes diocese. The first building was used until 18S6, when it was replaced by the present handsome brick structure, at a cost of $5,000. This is one of the finest church edifices in Johnson County, and reflects great credit upon the congregation. The present membership is about thirty families. The following is a list of pastors who have ministered to the church from time to time : Revs. Vincent Bacquelin, 1835-46; Daniel Maloney, 1846-55; Edward Martimoore, 1855-62; F. Goesse, 1862-64; Joseph Petit, 1S64-65; William Henrv Orem, 1865-67; D. J. McMullen, 1867-68; Victor A. Schnell, first resident pastor, 1868-70; John Louis Brassart, 1870-71; Victor A. Schnell, 1871-18 - . The present pastor is Rev. Anthony Oster, who holds services every alternate Sabbath, and at intervals in the meantime. The congregation is in a prosperous condition, and has before it a promising future.

William V. Covert was born in Mercer County, Ky., April 8, 1810, and died in Johnson County, Ind., October 24, 1859. He was the son of John Covert, a son of Isaac Covert, who was a native of Pennsylvania, of German lineage. Isaac was an early settler of Kentucky, emigrating from Pennsylvania to that state. He was the progenitor of the following offspring: John, Simon, Daniel, Cornelius, Jane, Martha and Lamy. John Covert, one of his sons, was an early pioneer settler of Johnson County, locating in the county prior to 1830. He was born September 1, 1782, and died April 4, 1867. William V. Covert, his son, was united in marriage with Margaret Bergen, in Johnson County, February 20, 1834. Margaret Bergen was a native of Kentucky, and was born September 19, 1815, and died in this county December 28, 1S85. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Covert these children have been born: John T., Sarah A., deceased, Peter G., William D. The sons are citizens of Union Township, and are farmers by occupation. February 11, 1869, Peter G. was united in marriage with Mary E. Vannuys, a native of this county, born March 23, 1836. The above union has been blessed bv the birth of one child, Paul. The father, mother and son are members of the Presbyterian Church at Hopewell. The mother united with the church June 8, 1852, the father April 20, 1856, and the son in 1884. William D. Covert, like his brother, is a progressive and representative citizen, and has devoted most of his life to farming. He and his brother, Peter G., have, for several years, been associated together in the business of undertaking, which, together with farming, has honored both brothers in the gaining of wealth, and by their industry and perseverance they have reached prosperity, and enjoy the esteem of their neighbors. William D. is also a member of the Presbysterian Church at Hopewell.

Jesse Y. Demaree is the son of George W. and Sarah W. (Young) Demaree. The father was born in Mercer, Ky., March 29, 181 2, and died in this county, October 13, 1851, and the mother was born in Pennsylvania, April 16, 1814, and died in this county August 15, 1864. They were married in this county, January 25, 1838. This marriage resulted in the birth of the following children: Jesse Y., David M., deceased, Robert B., deceased, Margaret J., Rachel E., deceased, Elizabeth M. About 1835, George W. Demaree came to this county, and lived here till he died. He entered the farm our subject now lives on. He was a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church, in which church he served as elder. The subject of this sketch was born and reared on the farm he owns. He received a fair education by attending the country schools. He has followed farming as an occupation. He was married April 3, 1865, wedding Mary M. Miller, who is the daughter of William and Rhoda Miller. She lived but a short period of time after this marriage. In 1872, October 3, Mr. Demaree married, for a sceond wife, Margaret A. Winchester, daughter of John M. and Harriet Winchester. Mrs. Demaree was born in this county, September 6, 1852. The children born unto the second marriage of our subject were: Mary Ester, Hattie, Sarah E., deceased, Bertha Jane, Mabel Edna, deceased, Byron M. and John R. Our subject began the battle of life for himself at an early day. His father died when he was but thirteen years old, and to support the widowed mother and the family placed upon him much responsibility; but he succeeded in his efforts, and now owns the old homestead his father entered, excepting forty acres. He volunteered in Company F, Seventh Indiana Regiment, in August, 1861, as a private, and was engaged at the battle of Winchester, Va., in 1862, where he received a gunshot wound in the left thigh, and this necessitated his discharge in October, 1862. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as is also his wife. He is a Master Mason of Union Village Lodge, No. 545.

Whjliam H. Hamilton was born in Union Township, this countv, September 8, 1S34, and is the son of Micajah and Elizabeth (Luyster) Hamilton. The father was born in Culpepper Countv, Va., in 1797, and died in this county in 187S. He was the son of a native of Virginia, who was an early settler of Kentucky, where Micajah Hamilton was reared. The mother of our subject was born in Mercer County, Ky., in 1797, and died in this county in 1884. The marriage of Micajah Hamilton and Elizabeth Luvster was consummated in Kentucky, and unto them were born the following children : Peter L., John, Rachel, Mary, Susan and Nancy, and then the parents and children came to this state and county in 1834, and located in Union Township, where the deaths of the parents occurred. To them, after their arrival, were born these children: William H., Martha, Robert P. and James T., and two others who died in infancy. Of these children, eight are living,- four in Johnson County, two in Missouri, one in Kansas and one in Iowa. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received an education in the country schools. He has followed farming for an occupation. In 1856 he was married to Charlotte J. Terrell, daughter of Henry H. and Nancy (Foster) Terrell, natives of Kentucky, coming to this state about 1854. Mrs. Hamilton was born in Nelson County, Ky., March 2, 1840. The following are the children born unto the above marriage: Nancy E., Peter S., x\ddie J., Mary E., Martha E.. Emma S., and Blanche C. Not long after the marriage of Mr. Hamilton 'went to Kansas, where he lived for a period of four years, and then returned to his native state and county, where he has since made his home. Soon after his return to Indiana, the Civil War broke and in 1862, August 20, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh inoiana Infantry, as private, and among the important engagements in which he participated, were Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Union. June 2 , 1865, he was mustered out of the service, at Point Lookout, Md. At the close of the war he returned to his home, and since has been actively engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are members of the Presbyterian Church at Shiloh.

Daniel J. Helm, farmer and stock-trader, was born in Johnson Countv, Ind., December 15, 1852, and is the son of John and Nancy (Clark) Helm. His father and mother were called away in death when he was but a small child. He was taken by an uncle to be fostered; but the time he remained with this uncle was short. He came to the Hopewell neighborhood when fourteen years old, and has lived here ever since. For twelve years he worked on a farm. With his earnings, he educated himself. He attended Hanover College for three months, but ill-health com- pelled him to quit school. He taught school one term; but agriculturing has been his chosen occupation. He now owns and cultivates a well-improved farm of forty acres, and enjoys the esteem of his neighbors, who regard him as a self-made and honest man. April 25, 1872, he was united in marriage with Rachel C. Carnine. ,She was born in this county, August 17, 1850, and by the above marriage has become the mother of the following children: Nannie J., Collie Roscoe, Claud A., and Annie M. Mr. and Mrs. Helm are members of the church; he of the Christian Church; she of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of Franklin Lodge, I. O. O. F.

George and Hiram Kerlin. - Among the early families of Johnson Countv, was the Kerlin family. The father, George Kerlin, was born in Kentucky, January 19, 1790, and died in Johnson County, Ind., in 1852. He was the son of James and Margaret (Smith) Kerlin, early settlers of Kentucky, in which state George was reared, and was united in marriage with Rachel Banta, December 5, 1S16. Rachel was also a native of Kentucky, born March 14, 1800, and died in this county in 1872. For about fifteen years after the above marriage was consummated, Mr. and Mrs. Kerlin resided in Kentucky, and in 1831, removed to Indiana, and in the same year settled in Johnson County, locating on Section 24, of what is now Union Township. This was their home until called away in death. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of the following offspring: John, Peter, deceased, Arta Mecy, Delilah, deceased, James, deceased, Rachel, Joseph, deceased, Margaret, deceased, Levina, deceased, George, Hiram and Carolina, deceased. Their father was a farmer by occupation, and was a hardy pioneer, living for over twenty years in the county. He and his wife were members of the Regular Baptist Church, taking active parts in the work of the church. George Kerlin, a son of George and Rachel Kerlin, was born in Union Township, February 15, 1834, an^ was reared and educated on a farm, receiving a fair education for his day. His youth was devoted to farm work, and in early manhood, learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed till he was about thirty years of age, since when he has followed the pursuit of farming, in which he is practical and successful. February 25, 1864, he was united in marriage with Susan Keaton, daughter of William and Sarah Keaton, who were early settlers of Nineveh Township, this county. Mrs. Kerlin was born in Johnson County, August 22, 1838. Unto the above marriage, have been born these children: Lizzie A., deceased, William H., George L., and John E. After Mr. Kerlin's marriage, he settled on a farm of twenty acres in Section 13, Union Township, and now owns and cultivates a farm of 11S acres. Mr. Kerlin is not a member of any church, yet he is not adverse to the church cause, and advocates that religion is a reality, and has always aided the church. His wife is a member of the Christian Church, and both enjoy the esteem of their neighbors. Hiram Kerlin, also a son of George and Rachel Kerlin, was born in this county, August 10, 1836. His youth was spent on the farm, and his education obtained at the country schools, during short winter terms. His life has been devoted to farming, and has been marked by industry and perseverance. His father died when he was a youth, but he remained on the farm with his widowed mother till he reached the age of twenty-five years. December 24, 1863, his marriage with Lucy A. Clark was solemnized. His wife is the daughter of Allen and Martha (Webb) Clark, and was born in this county, March 21, 1840. Her parents were natives of Kentucky, and in an early day emigrated to Kentucky, from which state they removed in 1832, settling in Johnson County in the same year. This marriage has resulted in the following births: Jessie Albertine, Ella Belle, Isaac Webster, Maggie May, deceased. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Kerlin settled in life as a farmer, and has been favored with success in life. He and his wife are members of the Primitive Baptist Church.

John W. Peggs was born in Johnson County, Ind., September 22, 1848, and is the son of Evan O. and Margaret M. (Hunter) Peggs. The father was born in Trimble County, Ky., September 14, 1814, and is the son of Joseph and Nancy (Cunningham) Peggs. Joseph Peggs was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and immigrated to America in an early day, and here was united in marriage with Nancy Cunningham, a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent. Unto the above union were born : Jacob, . Rachel, Catherine, Ellen, Mary, Nancy, Sarah, Joseph, John F., Thomas, Evan O. and William. Soon after the marriage of the parents they removed to Trimble County, Ky., and not very long after they removed to Indiana, where their deaths occurred. Evan O. Peggs was reared in his native state, and in company with his brother Jacob, he came to this county in 1832, and has since continued in the county, farming for an occupation. In 1846, he was united in marriage with Margaret M. Hunter, a native of Trimble County, Ky., born in 1824, and died in this county in 1856. Unto the above marriage were born six children, of whom three are deceased. Those living are Taylor, John W. and Nancy E. The father still survives, and resides with the subject of this sketch. John A\ . Peggs, our subject, was reared and educated on a farm, and has followed the occupation of farming as a life work. In 1S77, he was married unto Sarah J., daughter of Christopher and Mary Duff. She was born in this county August 26, i860. Her parents, both natives of Ireland, reside in Clark Township, this county. The above marriage has been blessed by the birth of one child, a daughter, named Edna. John W. Peggs is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Johnson County. He formerly resided in Franklin Township, but in the fall of 1887, he located on a farm in Union Township. He is a successful breeder of line stock, of which two fine stallions are of most note. One is Robert Emmett, a Mambrino, and the other Jim Cox, a Norman. The former is seldom excelled in point of speed; while the latter has but few equals as a draft horse. Mr. Peggs is a thorough-going man, and enjoys the esteem of his neighbors. He is not a member of any church, but if he has any choice it is the Roman Catholic Church, of which his wife is an ardent member.

W. M. Province, M. D., a practicing physician at Providence, (Union village) is a native of Henry County, Ky., was born December 19, 1840, and is the son of Samuel and Nancy (Harden) Province. The father was born in the County of Phamana, Ireland, about 1808, and died in Henry County, Ky., in 1863. He came to America at the age of fourteen years, coming with his mother. The mother and son settled in Shelby County, Ky. He was married in Henry County, Ky. The mother of our subject was born in Henry County, Ky., and is the daughter of Daniel Harden, a native of Kentucky, of French origin. The following children were born unto them: Elizabeth Jane, William M., Rebecca, Mary E., Daniel H., Samuel, deceased. William M. was reared in his native county, and his youth was spent in the village of Pleasureville. October 12, 1861, he enlisted in Compan3'K, Sixth Kentucky Infantry, with Capt. H. C. McLoed, and December 19, 1861, was mustered as a private in the United States Army, for a term of three years. Among the important engagements in which he took part, were: Shiloh, Stone River and Chickamauga. At Chickamauga he received a wound in the left arm. His services continued until December 19, 1864, when he was mustered out. After the close of the war he came to Waverly, Morgan Co., Ind., where he remained a short time, and then went to Bloomingdale, Ind., where he attended the academy of that place, which was taught by B. C. Hobbs and daughter. He attended school for about one year, receiving a fair literary education. He then returned to Waverly, where he began studying medicine with Dr. C. M. Lindley. Later, he attended the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated in March, 1867. In 1867 he located at Union village, Ind., forming a partnership with Dr. L. C. Gair, with whom he continued to practice till September 30, 1871, when he bought out his partner and continued the practice alone. He has had a lucrative practice, and has widely established for himself the reputation of a skillful and successful practitioner. From the fact that he has been in active practice for a period of over twenty years, and in one place, we conclude that he has met with more "than an ordinary success. At the close of the war he found himself a poor young man, and with but limited education. He came to Indiana, and his education, gained at Bloomingdale, he compensated for with his own finance, as well as his medical education. He has been a man of energy and perseverance, and though meeting with many adversities, he has been successful in surmounting many of the obstacles of life. He is now a prospouous man, and enjoys the esteem of his neighbors. He is a member of the Christian Church, and is also a Master Mason in the Union Village Lodge, No, 545, of which he is one of its charter members. He is master of his lodge at present. November 12, 1868, he was united in marriage with Julia Abraham, daughter of William and Maria (Arnold) Abraham, born in Marion County, Ind., September 28, 1844, and the above union has been blessed by the birth of the following children : Clarence, Florence M., and Oran. Mrs. Province is a member of the Christian Church. He is, beside being engaged in the practice of medicine, also engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning and cultivating a farm of 155 acres.

James H. Vandivier, a farmer of Johnson County, was born in Mercer County, Ky., February 13, 1823, and is the son of Peter and Sarah (Garshwiler) Vandivier. His father was a native of New Jersey, born October 15, 1787, and died in this county in 1866. The mother was born in Kentucky, October 17,,'. 1788, and died in this country June 29, 1863. This marriage was consummated in Kentucky, and they came to this country in 1826, and located on Section 25, Union Township, and lived here until their deaths. Their marriage was blessed by the following childrea: Madison, deceased, Eliza, Strather, John, deceased, William T., Susann, Peter, Joseph S., James H., Polly, Isaac, Henry, deceased, Jefferson and Harriet. The father was a farmer by occupation, and was a pioneer of the county. He was a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Vandivier was a member of the same church. Thev came to Indiana in an early day. They endured many hardships, but lived to an advanced age, and were respected by all who knew them. Their son, James, who is the subject of this sketch, was but three old when he was brought to this county. His youth was spent on a farm. In his days of schooling he had but few advantages to gain an education.

and what he did get was gained by attending a few short terms of subscription schools. He is a man of strong judgment and possessed of a keen observation, and a store of useful and practical knowledge, which has characterized his life with utility and practicability. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-tive years of age. November 16, 1S48, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Buckner, daughter of Avery and Margaret (Sturgeon) Buckner. Mrs. Vandivier was born in Kentucky, May 29, 1832. Her parents came to this county about 1836, and reared her in this county. The above marriage was blessed by the following births: John W., Samantha, Avery M., Joseph H., William A., Sarah M., James Thomas, and Minnie Bell. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Vandivier settled down on the place where he now lives, and has since been actively engaged in farming. He began in life with but ordinary advantages for gaining wealth, but by energy and perseverance, together with honesty and integrity, he has not only become one of the most prosperous men of the county, but a well respected one as well. He has reared a large family for whom he has cared both educationally and financially. He is one of the most extensive land holders of the county, now owning 820 acres of land in the county. He has filled several positions of honor and trust, and at present is one of the county commissioners, being elected by a majority of over 3,000 as the democratic candidate, in 1886. Jefferson Vandivier, son of Peter and Sarah Vandivier, early pioneers of this county, was born in Union Township, August 25, 1828, and was reared on the farm. He attended school during a few short terms, and gained a knowledge of reading, writing, and ciphering. He remained under the parental roof till he reached the age of twenty-four years, and then began the battle of life for himself, and on January 26, 1854, he was united in marriage with Eucinda Margaret Canary, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Terhune) Canary, who settled in this county in 1844, and now reside in Franklin. They came from Mercer County, Ky., where the wife of our subject was born, April 29, 1S36. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed by the birth of the following children: Almira (wife of T. L. Banta), Elizabeth, deceased, Minerva Ann, (wife of P. S. Hamilton), Rozella (wife of William H. Garshwiler), Mayo L., Dillard M., Ozaies E., Henry R., Strather E., Emma C, Susan lona and Harriet. After Mr. Vandivier's marriage, he settled in life as a farmer, and since has been engaged in farming, in Union Township. He staited out in life with a heavy debt over him, which he has cleared, and now he is a prosperous man, owning and cultivating two farms, one consisting of 200, and the other of 175, acres. His success in life has been due to his untiring energy and perseverance. He has held several positions of honor and trust. He is now the present trustee of Union Township, filling the office for a second term. He was elected as the democratic candidate in 1886, and re-elected in 1888. He has always been an uncompromising democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Taylor and Filmore. Mr. Vandivier is a progressive and energetic man, and has always been a friend to churches, schools and public improvement. He is a jocular, good-natured man. He has reared a large, family, most of whom he has succeeded in giving a good education. He is a sober, industrious and pious citizen.

Thomas Forsyth was born in Jefferson County, Ky., January 23, 1816, and is the son of James and Jane (Sturgeon) Forsyth. The parents were natives of Virginia, and came to Kentucky in an early day. Their marriage resulted in the birth of the following children : Matilda, Margaret, Mary, James, Thomas, John and David, all of whom, but Thomas, are deceased. The father died in 1821, at the age of forty-three years, his death occurring in Kentucky. The marriage of each of the daughters was consummated in Kentucky, and subsequently in 1830, the widowed mother and her four sons, emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana, and in the same year, settled near the present location of Trafalgar. Subsequently the mother became the wife of Garret Terhune. Her death occurred at her home in the town of Trafalgar, about the year 1856, at the age of seventy years. The subject of this sketch was a youth of fifteen years when his mother came to this county, and has since lived here. He was reared on a farm and received a fair education for his day. He has followed farming for a chosen occupation. He remained with his mother till he reached his majority, and in the fall of 1837 he was united in marriage with Mary Ragsdale, a native of Oldham County, Ky., born August 28, 1816. She died in the fall of 1864. Eight children were born unto the above marriage, as follows: John Thomas, deceased, James Harvey, Mitchell S., Martha Ellen, Robert Fulton, deceased, Sarah J., Milton and Bronson H. In 1873, Mr. Forsyth married for a second wife Mrs. Malinda J. Garrison, whose death occurred nine years later. Mr. Forsyth settled on his farm in Union Township soon after his marriage. He has never aspired to public life, but has preferred the life of a prosperous farmer. Though he has never connected himself with the church, he is in sympathy with all denominations.