Van Buren Township (part 1 of 2)

Van Buren Township

1844; James Reed, died in 1841. On the west side of the cemetery, in one cluster, sleep the dust of the heroic dead of this vicinity who gacriticed their lives in the late war for the preservation of the country and its laws, among whom are the followino; names: Joseph "W. Thompson and David E. Crowley, of the 63d Ind. Vols.; William R. llendenhall, William H.English and Daniel T. Myers, of the 51st Ind. Vols.; William Dearing and Augustus Bonebreake, of the 54th Ind. Vols. ; William Bell, of the 154th Ind. Vols. ; Corbin D. Teague, of the YTth Ind. Vols., and David Palmer.

The second society of the United Brethren church holds its meetings in the Methodist Episcopal church at Sterling. This class proper is the one that formerly held its services in Chambersburg. It is prospecting for a new church building to be built in Veedersburg. The society is in an active working condition. The third society is at Stone Bluff. This society was organized at this place in 1860. The prominent members were Samuel Morgan and Francis Markham. The prosperity of the society has usually been good. It now has under progress of erection a new frame church 32x48, which, w lien completed, will be second to none in the township. The present trustees of this society are George Dice, Samuel Morgan, and John Simpson. It numbers fifty active members. The Sunday-school connected with the society is in a live condition.

The Christian church. This sect is divided into two branches, which, for the sake of distinction only, are designated by the terms " New Lights " and " Disciples," the latter being the direct followers of Alexander Campbell, or of the scriptures as taught by him.

The second society constituted in this township under the name "New Light" christians, was on Osborn's prairie, near the present church, Osborn's chapel, about 1838, by John Dudley and James Mc- Kinney. These people, many of whom were of the first settlers here in 1823-4, previous to 1838 held their meetings neither regular nor at any particular place. Some time between 1835 and 1838 a permanent organization was effected here, and a church-honse erected in 1838, and christened Osborn's chapel, which name it still retains. The edifice first erected here was a brick structure, which is still occupied by the society. The following are the names of some of the first members of this society : Liddy Lease, Hulda Osbom, Abagail Coffing, Johathan Crane, Elijah Boord, George Leas, Abraham Jenkins, Samuel Boord, Kesial Warrick, William P. Bowling. Jinsey Lange, Isac M. Romine, and others. Tiie first minister of the society was

Elder Joel Thompson. Other ministers, Z. M. "Wilkins, Absalom Jenkins, T. C. Smith, and Thomas Barns. The society now numbers 123 active members. J. T. Phillips is the present acting pastor. A Sunday-school was organized in connection with this society in 1855, which has been kept in good running order since that time.

The cemetery, a delightful place in which to lay the dead to rest, was laid out at the time the church was located here. Here the names of many familiar in the early history of the township and county are found embossed upon the pale, cold marble. The first person buried here was Mrs. Mary Blue, daughter of Johnathan Crane. Oliver Osborn was the second. The remains of James McKinney rest here, one of the founders of the society here.

The first society of New Light christians in the township was organized in 1828 at Cool Springs, where it now has a large and interesting congregation. This society built the first church at this place, a hewed log-house, which it occupied till 1S35, when the greater part of the society organized under the title "Disciples." The names of the prominent early leaders in both the society of ''Kew Lights" and "Disciples" at this place appear in the history of the "Disciples" society.

The Sunday-school connected with the present society here is second to no one in the township in point of interest. Superintendent, H. C. Yoorhees. The church-house now standing here, occupied by the " New Lights," was built by the " Disciples " in 1838, and was refitted by the " New Lights " in 1875.

The Christian Disciples. This order, under this name, first made its appearance in Van Buren township in 1835, at Cool Springs Church, where it remained a successful society till 1874, when it removed to Veedersburg, erecting at that place a handsome frame churchhouse at a cost of §2,000. Among its first prominent members are the names of Daniel Osborn, Isac Spinning, Aaron Death, John Jack, John Deth, Harvy Applegate, and William Osborn. A great part of these united, under the name of Disciples, at Cool Springs Church, in 1835. This society, now located at Veedersburg, is one of the most active in the township. Eev. Martin is the present ofiiciating clergyman. Prominent among its members are John McClure, Watson Clark, D. C. Smith, Oliver Osborn, E. M. Osborn, D. K. Smith, and Harvy Young. The society now has fifty members ; the Sunday-school has an attendance of 112.

formerly elders in the United Brethren church. The name first apended to this organization was Congregational Friends. Prominent ^n this society besides its founders are Adison Newbor, Joshua Orren, Samuel Payshay and Daniel Porter. This sect has frequently been misrepresented. It requires no test of fellowship except moral christian character, which is the basis of the organization. They believe in 8 strict adherence to the precepts of the scriptures. They require no particular form of worship, each member worshiping God as his conscience tells him is right. In 1863 the name of the organization was changed to Progressive Friends. The first officers under this new title were^John M. Galloway, trustee and treasurer ; Jacob Komine, trustee and clerk : Elijah Pugh and Joseph Crane, trustees ; Simon Brown, assistant clerk. This society held its meeting in Shawnee township till 1864, when it erected its present church-house in the northwest part of Van Buren township, 26x36, at a cost of $1,500. Its present officers are John M. Galloway, Henry Crane, and Jacob Komine, trustees, and Sorra Galloway, president. This society has connected with it a 'literary society for the ditiusion of general knowledge among the young people, wliich is under the jurisdiction of the church society ; the result of which is the members of this society, both young and old, are all well posted. The church has forty-two active, working members. The meetings of the society are free to all who wish to take part in them. No creed is permitted in the society. Its house is free to all when not in use by themselves.

Predestinarian Baptists. As early as 1835 there was erected in Van Buren township, near where the Progressive Friends church stands, a church of this order, but all traces of the building and its members have passed away, save the few who sleep in the graveyard opposite the Friends church.

Considering the spectacle presented by Van Buren township fiftyeight years ago, when it was a wilderness, and now, the progress of American civilization and art is a question too patent for discussion. The mollifying oil of Christianity, the sturdy muscle, and potent, progressive brain power combined, have metamorphosed the wilderness into a community of fruitful farms, occupied by citizens who possess the strongest regard for their church as literary and other institutions.

Biographical

BIOGRAPHICAL. Henry Crane, farmer, Stone Bluff, was born in 1808, in the State of Ohio, and came to Indiana, settling on Osborn's prairie at a very early date. He is son of Jonathan Crane, whose biography will appear in this work. Henry was married in 1835 to Eliza A. Sharp, a native of Kentucky, by whom he had eight children : Jacob H., Lockey J. Kizah, Jonathan, George W., Joseph, Mary, and Jeptha. By the death of his wife eight motherless children and a loving husband were left to mourn the departure of a kind and exemplary mother and companion. Mr. Crane was married a second time, to Evaline Simernian, with whom he is now living. They have four children : James F., Elraira "William, and Franklin. Formerly he was a tanner by trade, which he pursued twelve years in Fountain county. He owns a fine farm, where '^'' he now resides, of 166 acres, and 177 acres of land in Illinois. He now has in progress of erection upon the former farm a fine frame dwellino'. In religion he is a firm believer in spiritualism, and is a member of the Progressive Friends Society in Van Buren township. Mr. Crane is one of the old settlers who came here in very limited circumstances when the country was a wilderness, and by close economy and great "i tenacity has been able to gather around him enough of this world's goods to make his old age comfortable and happy.

William Cochran Jr. (deceased), a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1776, and is the son of William Cochran Sr., one of three brothers who came to America from England in early times. The family originally came from Scotland. When a young man he acquired a good education, for the time, and followed teaching school for several years. While making his way westward he taught school in South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and Indiana, and in Terre Haute one year. About the year 1820 he decided to locate in Fountain county and make a farm in the wilderness. He was married to Deborah Custer, of Virginia, in 1813. She was the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Custer, both of whom were natives of Virginia, by whom he had seven children. She died in 1852, aged seventy-three. "William Cochran served as a soldier in the war of 1812 one year. He came and settled in 1822 in what is now Fountain county and Van Buren township. His family was one of the first of three families who settled in Van Buren township. He and Jonathan Birch were the men who took the steps by which Fountain county was formed. He was appointed postmaster but refused to accept office. Mr. Cochran took so active a part in Christianity that he had not yet prepared a cabin for the reception of his family before his place was sought out and a Methodist Episcopal church society begun. which met for several years at his house. When he was called from earth, which occurred in 1849, Fountain county lost one of her respected citizens, whom even now all love to speak of in terms of praise. His wife is no less honored for her piety than lie. William 'L. D. Cochran, their eldest son, lives on the old home place settled by his father in 1822. He was married in 1851, to Sarah J. Walker, daughter of James and Jane Walker, who settled in the same neighborhood as William Cochran in 1826. They have two children : Edmund and Mary. W. L. D. has a farm of 600 acres of fine land situated just south of Stirling. He and his family are no less respected for their honesty and integrity than was his father. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and have been from their childhood. One of his grandmothers was of German descent, the other an English lady. His paternal grandfather was a Scotchman.

Captain William White (deceased) was one of the first settlers of Fountain county. He was a native of Washington county, Virginia, and born March 27, 1776. The same year his parents moved to what is now Koan county, Tennessee. He first visited Indiana in ISll, with an exploring e.xpedition seeking for a location, and camped upon Helt's prairie, Vermilion county, Indiana, where he afterward, in 1816, bought some 1,200 or 1,500 acres of Lmd, now owned by his son, James White. Returning to Tennessee, he enlisted under Gen. Jackson in the war of 1812, commanded a company of men under Gen. Coftee through the Creek and Seminole war, and fought in the battles of Talladega, Ennukfaw, and the sanguinary conflict of Horse Shoe Bend. In 1822 he emigrated with his family to Fountain county, settling on Coal creek, at what is now Van Dorn's mill, here erecting the first mill in the county, a rude log structure, not designed for much else than grinding corn. The mill-stones, which can be seen at Covington, were found upon the farm of Gyrus Rush. These he dressed and put in running order without the aid of anyone else. Many of the gray-haired men, then boys, well remember going to Capt. White's mill for their regular supply of cornmeal. At that time his mill was the most important place in the county, and he one of the most prominent men. Capt. White's mill was the place of the early musters, one of the first regular preaching places in the county. Here it was the belated traveler, the unfortunate emigrant, was sure of generous treatment and friendly assistance. In 1835 he removed to his farm in Vermilion county, where he resided till 1872, when he came to live with his sonin-law. Judge Coats, where he died in 1873. He came to Indiana when the council fires of the savage were scarcely extinguished, when the greater part of her territory was a wilderness. He lived to see the state rich and prosperous, checkered with railroads and telegraph lines. He was a man of great force of character, firm and determined, gen- erous and kind hearted, always ready to assist the needy, and anxious for the welfare of his neighbors. He exerted a controlling influence in the politics of the county in an early day. He was a gi-eat admirer of Jackson, and voted with the democratic party till the Kansas troubles, when, old as he was, lie went to the scene of the trouble, that he mii^ht ascertain for himself whether what he had heard was true ; the result was that he returned a republican of the first rank, and made speeches telling what he saw in Kansas, against the democracy, from his own county down the Wabash some distance south of Terre Haute. His retentive faculties were great; there were few events respecting the political history of our government with which he was not familial His remains were laid to rest on the old place at Van Corn's mil), where his wife and two of his children are buried. He raised a family of tiiree sons and four daugliters. He left five children to mourn his departure. The image of few faces will be borne longer in the mem ories of the citizens of Fountain county than that of Capt. William White.

Dr. William Col vert, practicing physician and farmer, Stone Blufl, is the son of John and Deborah Colvert ; the former a native of Vii ginia, the latter of Ohio. They came to Fountain county in 1822, and settled in Van Buren township, where William, their son, now lives. William Colvert was born in Ohio in 1819, and came to Foun tain county with his parents, and was reared to all the privations and hardships of pioneer life, receiving but little school education till he was twenty-one years old ; then, by his own industry, he attended school at the Asbury University, Greencastle, Indiana, for a time ; then began school teaching, which he followed four years, and took up the study of medicine with Drs. Crawford and Talbot, of Greencastle He lias been a successful practitioner since lSi7. He was married in 1862 to Plester Todd, a native of Delaware, daughter of Charles and Jane Todd, both natives of Delaware, and settlers of Fountain count} in 1852. By this marriage he has five children, all boys. He has a very large farm, fiiirlj' stocked and well improved. The most noted of his pupils is the Hon. Daniel Voorhees. Dr. Colvert is a ver} liberal man in his religious views, an open, free-hearted man with his neighbor, and a staunch republican in politics.

D. K. Smith, farmer and stock raiser, Veedersburg, is a son of Silas and Clarrissa (Chapman) Smith. The former came to Fountain count> with his parents, Cetns and Nancy (More) Smith, in 182i. Cetus Smith was a native of Connecticut, and when a young man went to New York, where he married and then moved to Ohio, where he rented land of General Harrison, which he formed five years, and then came and settled in Fountain county, where be died in 1840. His ^ife Kancy More, moved to Kansas, where she died. Silas, son of Cetus, was born in 1816. Sliortly after coming to Fountain county he married and settled on Sec. 31, where he lived till his death, in 1852 ; except five years of this time he lived in Iowa. Clarrlssa (Chapman) Smith, is a native of Iventucky, and daughter of Joshua and Rachel Chapman, settlers of Fountain county in 1824, then residents of Iowa five years, then returned to Fountain county, where they both died in 1856, the father aged seventy-six, and the mother aged eighty. Silis Smith raised a family of five children, three of whom are living: I) K., America E., Laura E. D. K. lives near the old town, Chambersburg. He was married in 1864 to Alcinda Walker, daughter of Wesley ''and Margret Osborn, early settlers of Fountain county. By this^ marriage D. K. has three children : James C, Charles W., and Silas M. He and his wife are members of the order of christians known as Disciples, at Cool Creek church. He has a fine farm of 266 acres, all under fence and well improved. D. K.'s mother, an old soldier of the cross, and member of the church at Cool Creek, lives with him. D. K. is, and ever has been, a staunch republican, a wellto-do farmer, and good citizen. His early education was such as he could procure in the district school. While he is a successful man in business, he is a lover of literature and moral development in society. Thomas Patton (deceased) was a native of Pennsylvania. He first emigrated to Franklin county, Ohio, where he remained till 1819, when he c°ame to Parke county, Indiana, where he remained five years, and then moved to Fountain county in 1824, being among the first settlers of Van Buren township. He was married in Ohio to Nancy Hendry, a native of Virginia, by whom he raised a family of seven children, only two of whom are now living. Thomas Patton died in 1858, m his' seventy-first year. He was one of those hardy, energetic pioneers whose influence is long felt, and whose works live long after them. He and his wife were strict communicants of the Presbyterian faith. Thomas Patton's father was a native of Scotland ; his mother, Martha Pritchy, a native of England. His wife's people originally came from Ireland. William Patton, the only surviving son. lives on the old homeplace of his father. He was born in 1821 in Parke county, Indiana, and his early educational training was limited. He was married in 1850 to Deborah Kepner, who died, leaving eight children to mourn her loss: Volney, Sarah, Nancy, Edward, Morton, and Cora; Thomas and Francis, deceased. William Patton was married a second time, in 1875, to Mary J. Bell, with whom he is now living. Mr. Patton is one of those characters who never sought the honors of office, and has ever been content with the blessings of home life. His former wife was a member of the Presbyterian church, so, also, is his present wife. He is at present an elder in the church. He has all his life been a farmer. Success has crowned his efforts. He owns one of the finest farms, of 500 acres, in the southern part of Van Bnren township. In politics he is a staunch republican.

Abner Eush (deceased) settled in what is now Van Buren township in 1821, two years after the first settlers eaine. He was born in New York in 1797, and is the son of James and Sarah Rush, both natives of Maryland. Abner Rush was married in 1819 to Sarah Harman, by whom he had two children : Milton (deceased) aud Cyrus. Her father, Tiiomas Harman, emigrated from Germany prior to the revolution, and was seized by the British and pressed into the service, where he remained two years. Escaping, he joined the Continental army, in which he served the remaining five years of the war. Her mother was a native of Maryland, and a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Abner Rush and wife's parents both emigrated to Ohio when they were children, and at a very early time in the settlement of Ohio. For several years after they came to Fountain county scliools were few and terms were short. That they might give their two boys a fair education they taught them at home, imposing upon each a lesson to be learned daily, this task to take precedence over all others. The result can be imagined. Abner Rusk taught the first school in his neighborhood, where he settled in 1825. In 1813 he went to Iowa, where he died in March 1880. His wife died in 1876, aged seventy-six years, retaining her mind till the last. Cyrus lives on the old homestead on Sec. 12. He was born in Ohio in 1822. Was married in 1857 to Prescilla Riley, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah Riley, natives of New Jersey, and settled in Fountain county in 1826, where they both departed this life, the former in June 1880, aged eighty-one ; the latter 1860, aged sixty years. By this union he has three children: Hortense, Eugene, aud Hardy. Cyrus Rush served ten months as a soldier in the late war, in the 116th Ind. Vols., and was in several skirmishes. He was visiting friends in the army at the time of the battle of Shiloh. Though not a soldier, he engaged in the battle for the Union, and was wounded, being shot in the ankle. He has several times visited California. He owns an interest in a silver mine in Colorado, land in Missouri and Illinois, and a tine farm of 800 acres where he resides, in Fountain county. Mr. Rush is one of the first business men in this section. In politics he is a radical republican.

Ohio, and emigrated from Oliio to Fountain county in 1825, wliere they remained the rest of their lives. They raised a family of nine children : Jacob. Polly A., Ruth, George A., Eobert L., Martha Elizaheth, John M., Nancy, and Eebecca. Mr. Galloway was a shoemaker by trade. He departed tiiis life in 1S55; his wife in 1853, aged sixtythree years. They were both earnest advocates of moral teacliing, and were members of the Congregational Friends Society, now Progressive Friends. They were universally respected by all who knew them, and with their disappearance faded away two of the early landmarks of Fountain county, whose memory will long be carefully treasured. John M. now lives on Sec. 13. He was married in 1850, in his twenty-lifth year, to Sarah A. Komine, daughter of Isaac and Jane (Crane) Romine, whose sketch will appear in this work under the name of Jacob Romine. By this marriage he has six children : Elizabeth A., George A., Sevedus, Millie R., Owen R., John A. He and his wife are members of the Progressive Friends Society. Mr. Galloway has a good farm of 200 acres, well stocked and well improved. In politics he is a firm believer in the national theory-.

William M. Songer, farmer, Veedersburg, son of John Songer (deceased), who settled in Fountain county, Yan Buren township, in 1821, was born in Virginia near the town of "Winchester, where he was reared and educated a farmer. John S. was married to Eiizabetli Keeling, daughter of James and Christina Eeeling, by whom he had six children, three of whom are;no\v living: Nancy C. (Mrs. Lister), Julia A. (Mrs. Morgan), and William M. Sliortly after his marriage he moved to Oliio, where he remained a short time, and then came to Fountain county, Indiana, where he died in 1826. His wife went to Iowa in 1811, where she died in 1863, aged eighty years. William M., son of John Songer, born after his father's death, was reared in Fountain county, where he has always lived, except one year spent in Iowa. He was married in 1819 to Nancy Kinneer, daughter of Samuel and Nancy Kinneer, settlers of Yan Btiren township as early as 1825. The former died here ; the latter is still living, and resides a short distance northwest of Yeedersburg. By this marriage he has six children : Allen, Nancy E. (Mrs. Duneer), Mary A. (Mrs. Suler), Arminda (Mrs. Booe), John O., and James A. Mi-. Songer lias held the office of constable in Yan Buren township, at various intervals, for twenty years, the office of justice of the peace for the past eight years, and kept store five years in the villages of Chambersburg, Sterling and Yeedersburg. He now lives in Ohambersbnrg, where he has a nice and beautiful home, and follows farming, the vocation to which he was reared. He served five months in the army, at the close of the rebel-

Stephen Yoorhees (deceased) was born in Kentucky in 1798. At the age of eight years he emigrated to Butler county, Ohio, with his parents, where he remained until 1827, when he emigrated to Fountain county, settling in Yan Buren township, three miles north of where Veedersburg now stands. He was reared to farming, whicli he followed through life. Stephen Voorhees and Eachel Elliott, native of Ohio? and sister of the noted Arthur Elliott, were married in Ohio in 1822. They raised a family of nine children, all of whom are living: Julia A., widow of Charles Stewart, and Eliza J. (Mrs. J. L. Curtis), are residents of Rantoul, Illinois; Peter, a resident farmer of Yermilion county, Illinois; Daniel W. is a resident of Terre Haute, Indiana, and United States senator from Indiana ; a graduate of the Asbury University, Greencastle, Indiana, and was admitted to the bar at Covington, Indiana ; Henry C. occupies the old homestead farm and cares for his aged mother ; John M. is a resident of California, engaged in the business of stock raising; Mary C, wife of John E. Eisby, attorney, New York ; Martha E., unmarried, resides in New York. Mr. Yoorhees when he first came to Fountain county entered eighty acres. By his great energy and industry lie accumulated considerable property. He was a very active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. So is his wife. Some years before he died he united with the United Brethren church at Sterling, because there was no Methodist Episcopal societ}- near him, but retained his preference for the first church of his choosing, and ordered that his funeral should be conducted by the Methodist Episcopal church. Ho was not a narrow-hearted, selfish christian, but labored for tlie good of religious societies in his community. He died at his home, aged eighty-two years. The last eight years of his life he resided with son, Henry C. By his death many friends were left to mourn the irreparable loss of a citizen whose highest motto and greatest desire was to " do right." Henry 0. Yoorhees, the only one of the family now resident of Fountain county, was born in Fountain county in 1833; was married in 1863 to Rebecca Henshaw, native of this county, daughter of Solomon and Rebecca Henshaw. They have two children : Rachel J. and Stephen C. Plenry C. takes great interest in the moral upbuilding of society. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sterling. At present he is superintendent of the Union Sunday-school at Cool Springs church. He belongs to the democratic party. His parents on his fatlier's side originally came from Germany ; on his mother's side of the family they came to Ohio from Maryland.

Vak Buren Towkship

Judge Joseph Coats (deceased) was born in 1802, and was a native of Loudoun county, Yirginia. At the age of two years he emigrated to Garret county, Kentucky, with his parents, Elisha and Celia (Furr) Coats, where he lived till grown. His father, Elisha Coats, was a native of Virginia, and was married prior to his marriage with Mrs. Celia (Furr) Hinds, and had two children. Miss Furr was tirst married to John Hinds, by whom she had five children. Elisha Coats, by his second wife, Mrs. Celia (Furr) Hinds, had two children : Joseph, the subject of this sketch, and Agnes (now Mrs. Cook). Judge Coats was educated as a farmer, receiving no literary training beyond the limits of the pioneer schools of Kentucky. He possessed a natural fondness for books, and let no opportunity for gathering knowledge pass unheeded. Thus it was he became a fair scholar, and well posted and thoroughly conversant on all practical subjects. In 1828 he came to Fountain county, and in 1829 was married to Serena D. Wliite, daughter of White, whose sketch will appear in this work. The judge then located in Van Buren township, southeast of Veedersburg one and a half miles. By this union he had one child. Among the early men of Fountain county none were more prominent than Judge Coats. He was called to fill several of the first offices in the gift of the people of Fountain, among which are the following: In 1830 he was appointed deputy marshal of Fountain county, and made the first enumeration of property and persons in that county. He was one of the first three trustees who took measures for organizing free schools in Van Buren township. He was elected probate judge for Fountain county in 1841, which ofiice he filled until he was elected state senator in ISii. In this last office he served until 184-8. In 1850 he was elected senatorial delegate to the constitutional convention by the citizens of Fountain county. Following the adoption of the present state constitution he retired from public life and again resumed the business of farming, which he pursued with success, accumulating a handsome property. Prior to 1854 he voted with the democratic party. In 1856 he united with the republican party, voting with the same till his death. He was a strong advocate of the war for the suppression of the rebellion. He manifested a hearty interest in behalf of universal intellectual culture. The poor and unfortunate touched the sympathetic cords of his great heart. Several friendless orphans found under his roof a comfortable home and a father. His views were always broad and liberal. He gave generously for public improvement and public good. His religion, to be a christian was to do good. Rich and poor, stranger and friend, alike were recipients of his hospitality. He was in the highest sense strictly moral and temperate in all things. No person possessed a higlier regard for the opinions and feelings of others. He never lust 'M Bight of the feet that he was once a poor bo}-, with fortune and rep\ita- ^^ tion to be achieved and won. In conversation he was jovial, wliich ''i^ won him many lasting friends. Judge Coats died 'on his farm in Van S Buren township, November 9, 1877. By his death the state lost one of her noblest pioneers, the county another of her just, able, and valued citizens, his family a geuerous and doting husband and father. His widow, a very exemplary lady, resides upon the old farm. His only child, W. B., resides near by. W. B. Coats was married in 1830 to Elizabeth M. Lucas, daughter of J. G. Lucas, by whom he has seven children. "W. B. is an energetic farmer and trader, makes money rapidly, and gives generously. In politics he is a radical republican.

Elijah Boord, farmer, Stone Blutf, is among the pioneers of Osborn's prairie. Ho was born in the first year of tiie present century, in the State of Virginia. His mother died when he was a prattling babe. Soon after his father, George Boord, emigrated to Ohio, where Elijah remained till 1828, when he came to Fountain county. His father emigrated to Illinois, where he died. Elijah Boord and Xancy Crane, daughter of Johathan Crane, were united in marriage in 1828, previous to his coming to Fountain county. They raised a family of eleven children, six of whom are, at the present date, citizens of this county. Two of his sons, George and Joseph, died in the late war. The former belonged to the 15th Ind. Vols., and died at Columbus, Ohio. The latter was found dead in the mountains. Elijah Boord died in 1855. He was an old soldier of the cross in the New Light Christian church. Johnathan Boord, son of Elijah, was born in 1832, in "Warren county, Ohio. 'He was married in 1812 to Marinda Dudley, native of Butler county, Ohio, daughter of Job and Sarah (Marshton) Dudley, both natives of Maine, and pioneer settlers of Ohio. By this marriage he has eight children, five sons and three daughters : Joana, Elijah M., Ira A., John S., Nancy, Elizabeth E., Joseph, George W., and Jasper. Elijah M. was a drummer in loith Ind. Vols. Mr. Boord was justice of the peace in Van Buren township from 1854 to 1860. By trade he is a mason. At one time he was engaged in the drug and hardware trade, in Covington, afterward in the same business in Hillsborough, Cain township. Where he resides he has a farm of fifty-two acres, and owns forty acres of land in Iroquois county, Illinois. He and his wife were early members of the New Light Christians, at Osborn's chapel.

John M. Meeker, farmer and stock raiser, Stone Blufi^', is a son of Usual and Sally Meeker, residents of Richland township. The former, a native of New York, emigrated to eastern Indiana, then to Ohio, then to Fountain county in 1828. The latter is a native of Vermont. John

Van Buren Towxship

M. was born in 1830, and was educated in the pioneer log school-house, and reared to fanning. He was married in 1864, to Amanda E. Mc- Clane, a native of Virginia, and daughter of Eobert and Jane McClane, early settlers of Fountain county. By this union there are six children : Euree, Joanna, Anna, Tabytha, Halford, and Edna. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church at Stone Bluff. He was a volunteer in the late war, Co. H, 72d Ind. Vols. He began life for himself with a limited amount of tliis world's goods. He now lives on the farm settled by Judge Birch in 1823. It consists of 400 acres in good cultivation, well stocked. The railroad divides his farm into two parts. Mr. Meeker is a radical republican in politics. As a successful business man few excel him, nor is he less generous toward institutions which will increase the business interests of the country, or benefit society morally.

Millard S. Deth, farmer, Veedersburg, is the son of Jolin C. and Rosanna (Walker) Deth. The former is a native of Oliio, and emigrated to Fountain county with his parents, Aaron and Jemima Deth, in 1828, and settled in Van Buren township on Dry Run. In 1830 moved near Coal creek. Aaron Deth, father of John C, was a pensioned soldier of the revolution. John C. was born in 1812, and died in 1876. His wife is a native of Ohio, and daughter of John and Elizabeth Walker, early pioneers of Fountain county. The former died in 1836, and was the first person buried in the graveyard at Cool Springs church. The Walker family emigrated from Virginia to Ohio, then to Indiana. John C. Deth raised a family of six children: Elizabeth, Jemima, John W., Aaron W. (deceased), Millard S., and Allen. Tlie first, third and last live in Fountain county. He was an active member of the Christian church known as Disciples. He was a farmer, and for a short time he engaged in the saw-mill business. By" his death Van Buren township lost another of her respected citizens, and Fountain countj' a prominent pioneer. His wife now lives on the old homestead with her son, Millard S., who was married in 1876 to Elizabeth Campbell, daughter of Andrew and Caroline Campbell, both natives of Ohio. By this marriage they have two children, Everett E. and Herbert C. He has a farm of 150 acres, under fence and fairly stocked. He was educated in the pioneer schools of this county. In politics he is a republican of the first rank. In business he proceeds with much caution and care.

James Songer, farmer, Veedersburg, was born January 9, 1828, in Van Buren township, and is the son of Adam and Mary Songer, who settled in this township in 1825, with its first settlers. The former was a soldier in tiie war of 1812. In 182G he entered land in Van

Buren township, and made his home in the wild forest but recently quitted by savage men, where he died in 1861, aged sixty-seven ; his wife in 1834. James Songer's paternal grandpai'ents were of Dutch descent; his maternal grandfather, James Keeling, was from England. Jame S. was educated in the pioneer schools of Fountain county. In 1862 he was married to Sarah J. Isley, daughter of Solomon and Jane Isley, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. She is a nativ of Fountain county. By this alliance he has seven children: James, Walsey, Arthur, Hardy, Julian, Manfred, and Florence J. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Veedersburg, lodge No. 491, and is present secretary. He has a good farm of 300 acres, well fenced and stocked. In politics he is a republican of the real abolition school, and has been since he knew what it meant. Even when a boy could not bear the thought of enslaving or caging animals. He and his family are well respected citizens.

Simon Minick, farmer. Stone Bluff, is a native of Greene county, Ohio, born in 1822. Kis parents, George and Catherine (Favorite Shover) Minick, died wi.^pn he was a mere child, his fether in 1828, his mother in 1824. The former was a native of Maryland, the latter of Pennsylvania. Simon and a younger brother were brought to Fountain county in 1829 by John Huffer, husband of a half-sister of theirs. His education consisted principally in clearing land. When he reached manhood's years his capital was a pair of hands and a resolute will. He married, in 1842, Miss Prudence Boord, native of Warren county, Ohio, and who came to Fountain county with her parents, Elijah and Nancy Boord, in 1828 ; the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Ohio. By this ban he has six children : George W., Elijah B., Nancy A., Samuel F., Franklin, and Mary, all married but one. As a result of many years of hard toil and close economy he has a fine farm of 434 acres, in a good state of cultivation and well improved. Mr. Minick and his wife are long-time members of the New Light Christians at Osborn's prairie. He is a republican of the first rank, and a generous man to his neighbors and friends.

William Hoobler, farmer, Yeedersburg, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1807, and came to Fountain county with his mother in 1828. His parents, Jacob and Margaret Hoobler, were both natives of Pennsylvania. The former died when William was but six years old, aged sixty years. The latter emigrated to Ohio in 1826 in company with a number of the Hoobler family, where she remained till she came here in 1828, bringing five children, four of whom are still living, three in Illinois, and William in Van Buren township, two and a half miles north of Chambersburg. Margaret Hoobler died in 1860, at the ripe old ace of eighty-five. William Hoobler's great paternal grandfather emigrated to America from Germany some time after the war of the rovolution. His grandfather, John Hoobler, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Oliio. His maternal grandfather, Michael Brown, was a native of Germany. "William Hoobler and his relatives, as a rule, were and are strict cliurch-going people, most of them members of the United Brethren. He has tilled all the offices in the church belono-ing to the laity, and is an ordained minister in the same, and rode as circuit preacher some two years of his life, but disliking pastoral life he discontinued it. He now lives on his farm of 122 acres, which is in a good state of cultivation. He is an active supporter of temperance and all moralizing institutions.

D. C. Smitli, farmer, Yeedersburg, is a native of Fountain county, Van Buren township, born in 1823. His parents, Rhodes and Catherine (Conner) Smith, were settlers of Fountain county as early as 1S2S. Tlie former is a native of Kentucky, born in 1803, and now jives in Illinois near Danville, where he settled in 1847. The latter, D. C.'s mother, was born in North Carolina in 1808, and lived to be fifty -four years old. They raised a family of nine children, seven of whom were boys. I). C. is the only one now residing in Fountain county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith both emigrated to Indiana with their parents, and were married in Connersviile, Indiana. The Smith family came to Kentucky from Virginia. Mrs. Smith's people, the Conner family, originally came from Ireland. D. C. Smith was reared in Fountain county, wiiere he has remained, except four years of his life which he spent in Wisconsin. His education he received fat the common school. In 1851 he was married to Mary Osborn, a native of Fountain county, born in 1834, and daughter of Daniel Osborn, a pioneer settler on Osborn's prairie. By this union there are live children: Hannah M. (now Mrs. Minick), Thomas O., Lizzie R., William G., and Martha (now Mrs. Oliver). Mr. Smith has a fine farm of 163 and a fraction acres, located two miles northwest of Yeedersburg. He keeps a good grade of common farm stock. He began life in limited circumstances, following the carpenter's trade some six years. He and his wife, like his parents before him, are supporters of Christianity. His parents believe in the doctrine taught by the Predestinarian Baptists. D. C. and wife are members of the sect of christians known as Disciples, and bold their membership at Yeedersburg. Mr. Smith is a member of the ancient order of Masons, Yeedersburg, lodge No. 491. In politics he is a republican. Several times has he been called upon to settle the estates of his deceased friends, and assume tlie position of a father over their children.

Isaac N. Death, farmer, Yeedersburg, was born in 1829, and is the son of Aaron and Jemima (Allen) Death. The former was a native of Virginia, born in 1786, and is the son of James Death. Aaron Death was reared in Virginia till a young man, when he emigrated to Ohio, where he was married in 1829, then came to Fountain county and entered land in Van Buren township on Dry Run. Pie raised'a family of eight children, only two living, Caroline Young and Isaac N., both citizens of Fountain county. He by trade was a cooper. He and his wife were members of the Disciples church. He died in his eighty-sixth year; his wife in her seventy-sixth year. She was born in 1787. Isaac N. lives on the latter home-place of his father's, near Coal creek. He was married in 1854 to Joanna Kicke, by whom he has one child, Joanna V., whose mother died in 1854, aged twentytliree years. He was married in 1858 to Margaret Swarned, who died in 1866, aged thirty-three years, by whom he had five children : Joseph (deceased), Ida M., 01 lie C, James S. He was married a third time in 1868, to Eliza J. French, by whom he has three children: ilary E., Bertha A. and Edgar. He and his wife are members of the New Light Christians at Cool Springs. He has a beautiful farm of 122 acres, foirly improved and stocked. In politics he is a staunch i-epublican.

E. M. Osborn, furniture dealer and undertaker, A^'eedersburg, came to Fountain county from Ohio in 1829, with his parents, Oliver and Hulda Osborn ; the former a native of ISTew Jersey, the latter of Ohio. They settled on Coal creek, three miles east of Osborn prairie. Here he finished a mill which had been begun some time previous. He continued to operate till his death, which occurred in 1838, when he was thirty-eight years of age. By trade he was a mason, and built many of the brick dwellings in Fountain county which are still standing. His wife is still living on the old homestead, and is in her seventy-seventh year. He was married in 1846 to Catlierine Applegate, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Aaron B. and Jane (Blackburn) Applegate, by whom he has five children : Orpha W., Oliver S., Mary C, Elizabeth E., and Freman. He and his wife are members of the denomination known as Christians, or Disciples, in which he has filled the office of elder for the past seven years. Mr. Osborn began life with fifty-one acres of land and $10 in money, and an education such as he was able to obtain in pioneer schools. He operated a saw-mill from 1S34 to 1847, wholly within Van Buren township. In 1872 he and his brother, E. B. Osborn, erected a planing-mill in Veedersburg, which he was connected with till 1874, when lie sold his interest to his brother, E. B., and engaged in furniture dealing and undertaking with his son, in which lie still continues. He owns a good farm of 160 acres and considerable town property. In politics he is thoroughly republican. Mr. Osborn has ever been an active, industrious citizen, and one who has paid close attention to the moral standing of the community and liow it might be improved.

Dr. Joseph S. Welsh (deceased). Few persons in private life, dying, have been mourned by a wider circle of warm and admiring friends than was Dr. Joseph S. Welsh. He died on Coal creek about the year 181:6, having lived there presumably sixteen or eighteen years. It is much to be lamented that more is not known of his early life, his education and training. It is said that no stone marks the spot in the Coal Creek cemetery, where his remains are deposited. His record is in the hearts of many who survive him. The industry with which he attended to the medical profession did not prevent his giving attention to general literature, and he wrote many poems and prose sketches of merit. In 1838 he published a small volume of poems, entitled the "Harp of the West," which indicates the goings of his mind. Some of them are devotional ; some breathe a spirit of high patriotism. The imagery is not always well chosen, and the versification is sometimes faulty, but many of them have high merit in various ways. They are rich in knowledge of Indian, as well as general, history. He excelled rather as a prose writer. His style was rich, flowing and elegant. He possessed a vivid imagination, and descriptive powers of high order. Eeading his descriptions of natural scenery, the movement of armies and military engagements, one cannot help thinking what a war correspondent he would have been had he lived during the war of the rebellion. His conversational powers were even more remarkable. With the resources of a good voice, a lively fancy, a ready command of the best words, and added to these a splendid physique, he could delight, enchain, and electrify his auditors. Very naturally his conversations would often become monologues. Some of them are said to have been better than anything he ever committed to writing. As a teacher he had few equals. Youth looked up to him with wonder and admiration while he discoursed to them in a strain too high for their full comprehension, but which held in their hearts and memories, their awakened curiosity, and enlarged understanding, sooner or later made clear. Of himself he wrote: "My highest ambition is to plant in the bosoms of the rising generation, the youth of our favored land, the great, the good, and ennobling principles of morality, virtue, and patriotism." His life, then, was a magnificent success. Truth regulated all his actions and guided his words.

Columbia'S Hymn Of Freedom

When Washington the sword did wield, His country's hope, his country's shield. He cried, " To arms! Disdain to fly! Preserve your rights, or nobly die! "

Then Mercer, Morgan, Warren, AVayne, Rushed onward to the battle-plain, While round them throng'd their valiant band, To guard and save their native land.

The storm is past and victory's ours. And gone those dark and troubled hours. . Peace to the good and gallant dead, Who pressed the soldier's gory bed.

0 great Columbia! blest, romantic land! High o'er thy mountains - far along thy strand May freedom's sacred light in splendor shine. And heaven's rich gifts, my country, still be thine!

B. M. Wilkins, minister of the Gospel, Yeedersburg, a pioneer minister of the Christian church, came to Fountain county in 1830. Remaining some time, he returned to Eoss county, Oliio, his native state, and came a second time in 1S32. He is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Wilkins, and was born in 1811, near Chiliicothe. Both his parents were natives of Xew Jersey, his father a pastor in the Friends church. B. M. was married December 4, 1833, to Zipporali Thompson, native of Fayette county, Oliio, daugliter of Job and Zipporah Thompson, both of whom were natives of Ohio. By this marriage they had twelve children, nine of whom are living. Mr. Wilkins'lias been engaged in the ministry forty-five years. He first began preaching in 1835, in his native state, tlien in Indiana, then in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Kansas. He has traveled eighteen years as home missionary, to whicli, he affirms, he is indebted for his principles of churcli union. During his ministerial life he has traveled on foot, on horseback, by carriage, and railroad, 86,000 miles, and delivered over 10,000 public addresses. Says he : " If I had my life to live over again I should prepare for the ministry." He had two sons in the late war, B. S. and Thomas J., and two sons-in-law, George W.

Viiicen and Wesley D. Ray. As relics highly prized, he exhibited 1,:^ sons' swords, which bore the inscription "B. S. Wilkin." In 1871 ',[,-. Wilkin located permanently on a small farm one raile nortii of Chambersburg, where he expects to end his pilgrimage in the service of his God.

Christopher Keeling, farmer, Yeedersburg. James Keeling, father of the subject of this sketch, was born and reared in Virginia, where l,e was married, and from which place he shortly after emigrated to Ohio, where he remained for some time ; then came to Fountain county, settling, in 1828, two miles south, of where Yeedersburg now stands. Kemaining there two years, he purchased forty acres on the present site of Yeedersburg, which he improved and occupied till his death, which occurred in 1847, in his seventy-sixth year. His favorite occupation was that of school teaching, which he followed in all about thirty years. Many are the memories of the good deeds and kind instruction of this pioneer teacher retained by many of the now old people of this county, who were then bo3'S and girls. He raised a family of eleven children, seven boys and four girls, all of whom are dead but Nancy, Margaret, Eliza, Jemima, and Christopher. James Reeling's father emigrated to America prior to the war of the revolution. James served in the war of the revolution, though a mere boy. His wife's people were originally from Wales. Christopher Keeling was born in Virginia, in 1811, and came to Fountain county with his parents. He was married in 1831, to Sarah Martin, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Kitner) Martin, both natives of Virginia ; they first emigrated to Ohio, where they remained three years, then to Fountain county, in 1830, where they both died. William Martin served in the war of 1812. Mr. C, by this marriage, had ten children, two of whom are living, William R. and John R. Mr. Keeling was educated in the common school by his fi^ther principally. His success as a business man is more than ordinary. He owns 500 acres of fine land in Fountain county, and a large part of the town of Yeedersburg. In politics he is a republican.

Mrs. Catherine Hibs, farmer, Yeedersburg, was born in 1826, in Ohio, and is the daugliter of Elias and Tabytha Vickers, ooth natives of Ohio, and emigrated to Fountain county in 1830, and settled in Troy township. Her father officiated as minister in the New Light Christian church prior to his coming to Fountain county. After he came here he united with that branch of the church known as the Disciples. He died in 1848, aged sixty-seven years ; the latter died in Ohio. Mrs. Hibs has been married three times : first, to Alexander Sower, who died in 1842, aged twenty-eight; second, in 1844, to James Richardson, native of Ohio, son of Daniel and Nancy Richardson, early settlers of A"an

Buren township, who died in 1859, aged forty-eight, leaving ten children : - Nora, Daniel, Emiline, James A., Eachel C, Sarah A., Mary J. (deceased), William H. (deceased), Margaret (deceased), and Anna - (deceased), to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate father. His last named child departed this life in June, 1880, in her twentieth year. Her loss was deeply felt by her many friends, relatives and classmates. She was a student at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Mrs. Hibs was married to Henry Hibs, of Ohio, son of Joseph and Bythana Hibs, who died in 1876, aged sixty-two years. Mrs. Hibs now has beautiful home one mile southwest of Veedersburg, and a fine farm of 150 acres near Perrysville, Indiana. She and all her family are members of tlie Christian church, but one.

Ruben Grady, farmer, Veedersburg, was born in 1806, in Orange county, son of William and Mary Grady. He was reared and educated in Kentucky, and was married in 1825, to Margaret fearson, daughter of Allen and Catharine Pearson, a native of Woodford county, Kentucky, who was born in 1808. He has eleven children: William, John, Allen, Jerry, Mary J., Samtiel, Newton, Ruben, Jesse, Katy, and James F. Mr. Grady came to Fountain county in 1830, and settled on Osborn's prairie. He and his wife made the long journey here from Kentucky on horseback. They are both members of the Missionary Baptist church. His wife's parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church prior to their coming to Fountain county; then they united with the Missionary Baptists. In politics he formerly was a whig, now a republican. He came here in very limited circumstances, and for many years rented land. Says he : " It M-as far more difficult in those days for a poor man to live than now." Much of the time he could scarcely obtain work, and if he could it was at the very low wages of about $8 per month. He now owns a beautiful farm of eighty acres, where he has lived since 1833.

Dr. Moses Fowler, practicing physician, Veedersburg, is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hines) Fowler. He was born in Kentucky, where he was reared till he was nine years of age, when his father, a school-teacher, died in 1828, aged forty-two years, leaving him an orphan, his mother having died when he was but a small child. Dr. Fowler then came, in 1830, to Fountain county with his uncle, James Hines, and took up his abode with his uncle, Moses Hines. His grandfather was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and lived to be a centenarian. Dr. F., by his own exertion and close application, was able to teach school at the age of eighteen, which he followed at intervals till 1868. He read medicine under Dr. Roland, of Ghambersburg, in 18-41 and 181:2; was elected sheriff of Fountain county in 1854, and served two years.; was admitted to the bar to practice law in 1856, which he followed six years ; served as a soldier in the Mexican war during the rears 1857 and 1858 ; served three years as a soldier in the late rebellion, in the 43d Ind. Yols., during which time he was corporal, company clerk, commander of the militia at Little Rock, Arkansas, provost marshal, and enrolling officer. When he returned home from the army he took up the practice of medicine, which he still continues with good success. He was married in 1843 to Joanna Furr, who died in 1855, by whom he had six children, all dead but America, now Mrs. Cox. He was married a second time, in 1855, to Sarah S. Getchell, who died in 1872. By this union he had five children, three of whom are living: Henry S., Tsa G. and Ida M. The doctor was formerly a Jackson democi'at, but now a strong republican. Few men have been more observant of the progress of Fountain county than he, and rnueh that will appear in the history of Van Buren township we are obliged to credit to him.

Arthur Leas, farmer. Stone Blufl", is the offspring of George and Lydia (Crane) Leas, early pioneers of Fountain county. The former was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and emigrated with his parents, when four years old, to "Warren county, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. In 1827 he was married to Miss Lydia Crane, daughter of Abner Crane. She is a native of Ohio. Three years after their marriage they settled on Osborn's prairie. They raised a family of ten children, five of whom are now living : Isaac T., Abner, William, Arthur, and Jenney. The two last named are citizens of Van Buren township ; the other three are citizens of Illinois. George Leas died in 1877. His wife lives with her daughter, Mrs. Jenney Warric. He and his wife were devoted members of the Christian church (New Light) at Osborn's chapel, from the time of their location here, and she is still a member of the church. They have ever ranked as one of the first families in the community where they resided. Arthur lives on the old homestead. He was married in 1874, to Mary Caldwell, daughter of James and Mahala Caldwell, the former a native of Kentucky, tiie latter of Ohio. They settled in Fountain county in 1828, where their daughter Mary was born. In 1878 they moved to Davis county, Missouri, where they now reside. Arthur and Mary Leas have one child living, Elmer E. Arthur was educated in the common schools of his home. He .taught school one term ; has a fine farm of 320 acres, all in good cultivation and .fairly stocked. In politics he is a republican. He and his wife are members of the New Light Christians, at Osborn's chapel. He is a thorough-going business man,

Robert Mitchell, manufacturer of woolen goods, Veedersburg, is a son of James and Mary Mitchell, both natives of Virginia, and emigrated to Fountain county in 1832, and settled in Yan Buren township, on Coal creek. The former died about one year after his arrival here. He was a millwright by profession. James Mitchell raised a family of seven children, all of whom are dead except Robert, who was born in Virginia, in 1822. He remained in his native state some little time after his parents came to Fountain county. Robert was married in 18i7, to Margaret Patton, native of Fountain county, and daughter of Thomas Patton, an earl}' pioneer. She died in 1849, leaving one child, which survived its mother less than a year. He was married a second time, to Miss Mary A. Middlebrook, a native of Fountain county. By this marriage he has three daughters: Florence, Bell, and Kate. Mr. Mitchell learned his trade principally in the State of Virginia. In 1854, in company with Solomon Hetfield and James Carr, he erected the Sugar Grove Woolen Mills, one mile south of Veedersburg, where he still remains operating the same, having been engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods for forty-five years.

Joel Crane, farmer, Stone Bluff, is the son of Jonathan and Kezia (Tappen) Crane, both natives of New Jersey. After their marriage they first went to Ohio, where they remained for some time, the former joining with a stock company, for the purpose of buying land in Fountain county. In 1832 they came and settled where Joel, their son, now lives, and lived to a good old age. The children of this pioneer couple are now heads of several of the prominent families of this county. Joel, who now lives on the old homestead, was married in IS-iO, to Elizabeth Jenkins, daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth Jenkins, both natives of Virginia, pioneers of Ohio, and came to Fountain county in 1838. By this marriage he had si-\ children. Oliver H., Malvina, Louis, Cyrus, are the only ones living. The mother of these dying, Joel was married a second time, to Elmira Longstreth, native of Ohio, who also died. He was married a third time, in 1856, to Polly A. Smith, daughter of Taylor Smith, one of the early pioneers of Fountain county. Mr. Crane's first wife was a member of the New Light Christians, his second and third wives, of the Methodist Episcopal church. His son Louis C. was a soldier of the late war, and was wounded at Stone River, and sent home, but reenlisted as soon as able for duty, and remained during the war. His son Cyrus enlisted at the close of the war. Both Lewis C. and Cyrus were under age at the time of their enlistment. Joel received but a very limited education.

Van Burex Towxship

"When he came from his native state, Ohio, with his parents, to Fountain county, he was fifteen years of age. Then more attention was paid to the cultivation of the land than to the cultivation of the mind. He be^an life in limited circumstances, and now has a farm of 178 acres of good land in a high state of cultivation, and well stocked.

William Mallett, miller, Stone Bluft', was horn in Lawrence county, Indiana, in 1832, and is the son of Silas and Elizabeth Mallett ; the former a native of Connecticut, and came to Indiana in an early time, the latter a native of North Carolina. William Mallett was reared a fanner, which he pursued until 1875, when he bought the water-mill known as the Stone Bluff mill, which he still continues to operate. He was married in 1S5S, to Eliza J. Hawlins, native of Indiana, who died in 1866, leaving four children, Charles, Lizzie, Wallas, and Alvin, to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate mother. She was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Mallett is one of the firm republicans in Yan Buren township. He began life in meagre circumstances, with a still more meagre common school education. By energy, industry and economy he has succeeded in gaining a good business in both the grist and saw mill, and his work meets with general approval.

James Thompson, farmer and stock raiser, Veedersburg, is the son of Hartson and Rebecca (Eusk) Thompson. The former was born in Neu- Jersey in 1810, where he learned wagon-making, which he followed several years. Pie emigrated to Ohio in 1829, where he was married to Rebecca Rusk, and came to Fountain county in 183i and engaged in clearing land and trading in cattle, this being his preference above farming and his trade. Hartson T. died in 1873, and his wife in 1879, aged sixty-five years. James Thompson, who now resides one-half mile east of Yeedersburg, is their only child. The Thompson family originally came from Scotland. Mrs. Thompson's people were from Ireland. James Thompson was married in 1861, to Caroline Lucas, daughter of J. G. and Catherine (Smith) Lucas. By this union there are three children: Emma, Etta, and Joe H. His wife is a member of the United Brethren in Christ church. James T. formerly was a Mason. He was born two years after his parents settled in Fountain county. His education was obtained in the district school, and he was reared a farmer. In business he has been successful, and has a farm of 557 acres of good land, well improved, and raises a good grade of stock. He was taught by his father first the principles of democracy, then those of whigism, the result of which is that he is a republican of the abolition school.

of Rockbridge county, Virginia, born in 1827, and came to Fountain county in 1S35 with his parents, Hugh and Sarah (Kipley) Mclrvin both of whom were natives of Virginia. They settled in Richland township. The Major's f:ither died there in 1838. He received his education in the common schools of Richland township. In 1845 li began a two-years' apprenticeship to learn the trade of blacksmithing, and in 1847 he enlisted in the 5th Ind. Vols., as a private soldier, in the Mexican war, and owing to the fact that the part of the army to which he belonged being detailed to follow Gen. Scott's army to the cit}- of Mexico, he served to the close of the war without once being engaged in battle. He returned home in 1849, and was married to Martha J. Webster, daughter of William and Nancy Webster, both natives of Ohio, and settlers at Newport in an early day. She is a native of Indiana, born in 1850. By this union he has five children: Elve (deceased), Alphonso, Blanch, Ureka, and Joseph K. In. 1859 he resumed his trade till 1854, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Newtown, and in 1858 went to farming. In 1861 he enlisted and served three years in the 22d N. Y. Cav. At the time of his going out no cavalry troops were being raised in Indiana. He and three others arranged with the war department to receive 400 cavalry. They each raised a company for the army, which was received and placed in the 22d N. Y. Cav. The Major was appointed as captain of his company, and afterward promoted to the rank of maji.ir, which office he held till the term of his enlistment expired. The Major was in twent^^-seven battles, and skirmishes too numerous to mention. He was in Gen. Pope's retreat from Bull Run, in 1862, upon Washington, the battles of Chantilly, Centreville, and Leesburg, Virginia, Allodie, Upersville, Middlesex, and Culpepper; was with Gen. Grant in his march on Richmond in 1864, and fought in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg ; was with Gen. Burnside at Fredericksburg; was in Gen. Wilson's raid, and the cavalry raid south of Petersburg. The Major was taken prisoner at Warrenton Station, and paroled. In 1862 he was wounded by a saber in an engagement at Wilson's Ridge, taken prisoner, and sent to the Libby prison pen, where he remained six months, subsisting on a lialf-ration of corn-bread and a potato a day, and " scarce remembering wliat meat meant." In 1865 he returned to his fixmily and farm. In 1875 he located in Veedersburg, where he now resides, and engaged in the grocery trade, which he still carries on. He is a Mason, lodge No. 491. Besides his store he has a good tarm of 160 acres under cultivation. In politics he is thoroughly republican.

bnriT! is a native of Van Biiren township, born 1S36, and was educated in the pioneer scliools. His parents, Oliver and Hulda Oshorn, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Ohio, settled on Coal creek, east of Osborn's prairie some three miles. There the former died in 1838, aged tliirty-eiojht years. By trade he was a millwright and a mason. He erected the first mill on Coal creek, in Van Biiren township, in 1829. Many of the houses built by him are still standing. He was a member of a society called " Lodyists," and at one time its president. Its motto was " Borrow but never return." His mother still lives on the old homestead, and is now in her seventy-seventh year. In 1861 he was married to Mary E. Phebns, daughter of Lewis and Mary Phebus, both natives of Ohio, and settled in Fountain county, in 1838. By this union he has four children, JohnX., James M., Emma, and Charley, and he has raised a boy named Wm. Shipman, whom he regards with great affection because of his good traits of cliaraeter. He and his wife are members of the New Light order of christians, at Osborn's prairie. He began life in moderate circumstances, but by his energy and good judgment he has steadily advanced in business. He now is sole proprietor of a saw-mill at Hillsborougli, and the saw and planing mill at Veedersburg ; the former valued at §1,200, the latter at $4,000, and has a forty-acre farm, besides considerable town property, and is operating a dry-goods and grocery store in Veedersburg ; stock in trade valued at $7,000. When he and his brother, E. M. Osborn, erected, in 1872, the planing mill of which he is proprietor, at this place, there was not so much as a single dwelling in Veedersbnig. He is strictly a temperance man, and is an active member of the -' Blue Ribbon Club," of this place. He is willing and ready to lend his influence and give aid to whatever is in the interest of business or moral culture. Joseph G. Lucas, retired mei'chant, Veedei'sburg, was born in London, England, in 1803, and is the son of John and Elizabeth Lucas. He was reared a merchant (the vocation of his fatiier) till he was eighteen ; then he came to America, landing here with a capital of S-iOO. He located in Shelby county, Indiana, where he was married, in 1825, to Sarah G. Jones, a native of Georgia, and farmed till 1835, when it was decided by himself and brother John to sell their farms, go to Chicago, invest a part of their money in land near that city, and the rest in the mercantile business at that place. When they had reached Rob Roy the wife of Joseph G. took sick and died, at the age of twenty-seven, leaving four children, Amanda A., Joseph G., Angeline S., and Elizabeth M., to mourn her loss. His brother went on to Chicago, and then to Rock river, bought a piece of land, sold it, then joined his brother, Joseph G., at Rob Roy. After some time they de- cided to locate at Chambersbnrg, and formed a partnersliip to caii_y on the mercantile hiisiness, in 1836, which lasted till 1846, when his brother Jolin sold his interest to him and emigrated to Iowa and giew rich. The first goods thej brought to Chambersbnrg were pnrclnsed in Cincinnati, near the close of 1835, and arrived at their destination in May 1836, after having been delaj-ed by low water and once sunken in the Wabash. This partnership proved very successful. During thia time the firm engaged in packing and shipping pork, which was dis continued in 1840. Mr. Lucas continued to sell goods in Chambcisburg till 1871, when he retired. He was married a second time in 1836, to Caroline Smith, tlie first white girl born in Fountain count}, by whom he had nine children : Lewis N., Susan C, William H , Charles F., Thomas _N., Louisa C, Americus (deceased), Harriet A and Emma J. The latter exhibited a wonderful faculty for painting Lewis N. served in the army at the close of the late war. During the many years Mr. Lucas has been engaged in business he has been successful, and not only accumulated wealth, but the respect of his many patrons and friends. When he retired, in 1871, his first capital of $400 was increased to S40,000, a great part of which he distributed among his children. He now lives in Sterling, enjoying the fruits of an active and well-spent life. His wife is a member of the United Brethren church. In politics ho was formerly a whig, but now a staunch republican. Following the organization of the township he was elected trustee, which office he filled three terms.

J. C. La Baw, farmer, Veedersburg, is a son of Benjamine and Phoebe (Crane) La Baw. The former is a native of Warren county, Ohio, born in 1803, and is the son of David D. La Baw. Benjamin remained in Ohio till 1827, when he emigrated to Fountain county. His wife was also a native of Ohio, and daughter of Jonathan Crane, one of Fountain county's pioneers. Phoebe, wife of Benjamin, died in 1848, aged fortj'-two years, leaving ten children, seven of whom are yet living; T. C, Simon B., John, Lewis, Elijah, Jenny, and Sarah. He was married a second time, to Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Asa Smith, an early pioneer of Fountain county. She died, leaving seven children, three of whom are now living: Alonzo, Ellen, and Alice. He was married a third time, to Eliza E. Airhart, by whom he had two children, both deceased. Benjamin La Baw settled in Shawnee township, where he died in 1868. He was a very highly respected citizen, whose kindness will be long remembered by many of the citizens of Fountain county. His son, J. C. La Baw, now lives in Van Buren township. He was married November 14, 1848, to Christina Brown, daughter of Jacob and Susan Brown. J. C. La Baw by this marriage has eight chil- dren,six livina;: Benjamin, Maiy A., Susan Il.,Cai'a L., Jacob, Louellen, Josiali, and the last not named. J. C. was born in 1838, liis wife in ISiO, botli of Fountain eonnty. He has a fine farm of 1S6 acres, all under fence and fairly stocked. He recei\"ed his education in the log school-house, while sitting upon rude seats made of rails. lie is a iTason, of Veedersburg Lodge, Ko. -491. He and his wife are members of the New Light Christian church, at Osborn's chapel.

Samuel Campbell, farmer and stock raiser, Stone Bluff", son of Joseph and Sarah (Walker) Campbell ; the former a native of Kentucky, the hitter of Ohio. Joseph Campbell first emigrated to Preble county, Ohio, then to Wayne county, Indiana, then to Yermilion county, Illinois, in 1837; then to Fountain county, Indiana, in 18i0; then to Livingston county, Illinois, in 1S31, where he died. Joseph is the son of John and Mary Campbell. Samuel Campbell, son of Joseph, is one of a fiimily of four children. He was married in 1851, to Sarah A. Spinning, a native of Fountain county, and daughter of Isaac M. Spinning, an early pioneer. Samuel by this marriage has eleven children. FolloNving his marriage he moved to Illinois, where he remained four years, \vhen he returned to Fountain county and purchased a farm, where he now lives. Ho was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1823. He began life in limited circumstances. His education was such as he could procure in the pioneer schools. He now owns a fiirm of 280 acres of good land, fairly stocked. He is one of the successful farmers of Van Buren township. In politics he advocates what he considers is for tiie best interest of the people, no matter what the name of the party is. He ia generous toward that which he thinks will be of benefit to others as well as to himself.

Samuel Morgan, farmer, grain and stock shipper, Stone Bluff, came to Fountain county in 18i0 with his parents and settled in Richland township. Hii parents were William and Elizabeth Morgan; the former died in 1828, and the latter married a second time and emigrated in 1855 to Iowa, where she died in 1876, aged sixty-two years. Samuel M. and both his parents were natives of Kentucky. He was married in 1852 to Tabitha Ronolds, native of Fountain county, and daughter of William and Elizabeth Renolds, both natives of Carolina, and settled in Fountain county in 1828, on Scott's prairie. By this marriage there are four children : Sylvester, Lucetta, Elizabeth, and Abel. Mr. Morgan received no educational training beyond the common school. He began life for himself a poor boy. By his own industry and good management he has accumulated considerable property. He dealt in horses for some years, buying for the northern markets. In 1877 he erected, in partnership with George Dice, at Stone Bluff, a warehouse, and since tliat time lias been in tlie grain trade, and operated till thepi-csent time a Scawniill since 1873. Ho lias a farm of 500 acres well stocked witli a good grade ot cattle, sheep and hogs. lie and his wife are strict mem- ' bars of the United Brethren church at Stone Bluff, he one of the pres- ': ent trustees in the cluircli. His mother was a member of the Old School Baptist. Mr. Morgan is recognized among one of the first business men of Van Bnren township, and a generous giver for tlio , support of Christianity and other institutions in the interest of good society.

Jacob Romine, farmer and stock raiser, Stone Bluff, is the son of Isaac and Jane (Crane) Eomine, who settled on Osborn's prairie in 1825, in Van Buren township. Both were natives of Virginia. About ' eight years after they were married they emigrated to Warren county, Ohio, and from there to Fountain county, where they died, the former in 1866, aged eighty-four, the latter in 1873, aged eighty-seven. They raised a family of thirteen children, four of whom are living: Jessie, Jane (now Mrs. Crane). Sarah (now Mrs. Galloway), and Jacob. Jane Crane, wife of Isaac Romine, was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Crane, both natives of Virginia. The former served in the revolutionary war as a scout ; the latter drew a pension for this service. Jacob Romiiie lives on a part of the old farm first settled by his father, in 1825. In 1851 he was married to Miss Rachel Galloway, daughter of John and Ann Galloway, whose sketch will appear elsewhere in this work. By this marriage Jacob Romine has eight children : Mattie A., Semanthy J., Eva E., Alvin J., William F., Theodore P., Emma R, and Isaac M. Jacob Romine and wife are members of the Progressive Friends Society, and so were his parents. Jacob has a farm of 140 acres in good cultivation and well improved. In politics he is a national. Mr. Romine passed through all of the privations attendant to pioneers in a new country. He received but little schooling. The lack of early education he has endeavored to supply by constant reading, so far as his business would permit. No man takes greater interest in behalf of the education of the young. In his opinions, both religious and political, he is liberal, and desires to see others the same way. His father before him possessed similar traits of character. Nothing is more true than like produces like.

W. E. Baker, attorney, Veedersburg, was born in 1831, near Harper'sFerry, Maryland. In September, 1842, he came with his parents and located in Fountain county. He served an apprenticeship of three years at milling. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in the United States service. Afterward he was elected second lieutenant in Co. H, 2d N. y. Cav., which ofBce he resigned, and a second time enlisted in Co.

0 15ith Ind. Vols., and was discliarged at the close of the war. Returning home he entered into tlie stud}' of law, in 1S70, at Covington ; was admitted to the bar in Fountain county common pleas court. The Btibject of this sketch lives in Veedersburg. As an attorney he is congidered a man of proficiency, and has a good practice. In politics he is a loyal democrat, and was heard to remark that should the old flag be dishonored, the first thing he would do would be to raise a company to defend that starry emblem of liberty and prosperity.

George Minick, farmer, Veedersburg, is a native of Fountain county and son of Simon and Prudy Minick. He was born in lSi4, and raised to the profession of farming. His educational training is such as was to be obtained in the common- district school. He was married October 14, 1S69, to Martha Dice, native of Fountain county, daughter of Jacob and Mary Dice, whose fiiinily iiistory will appear in the work. By this marriage he has four children : Birtie, Frerleric, Altie, and Eddy. He and his wife are members of the Xew Light Christians at Osborn's chapel. He has a fine farm of 20i acres, in a good state of cultivation and well stocked. "When he began life for himself he rented land of his father. By his energy and industry he has provided for himself and family a neat and comfortable home. In politics he is a radical republican.

A. J. McGlclland, physician, surgeon and druggist, Veedersburg, is a native of Clinton county, Indiana, born in 1844, and is the son of Jaines S. and Mary A. McClelland, both natives of Ohio. They settled in Clinton county in 1S44, in the town of Jefferson, where the former died in 1873. James S. was a graduated physician of the Jefferson College, Philadelphia, which profession he pursued thirty years. He went out with the25tli 111. Vols, in 1801 as lieutenant-colonel. This ofiice he held till within three months of the time the regiment was mustered out. He was thrown from his horse in the battle of Murfroesboro and disabled. In 1864 lie again enlisted in the 135th 111. Vols, as surgeon, and was detailed as director of Major-Gen. Melroy's staff. "When the war was over he returned to his home at Jefferson, Indiana, and resumed the practice of medicine, which he continued until his death. Dr. A. J. received a good common school education, and attended the "Wabash College one year. At the age of twelve he enlisted as drummer in the 2.5th III. Vols., but owing to sickness was discharged. He returned home at the end of three months. In 1864 lie enlisted in the 135th 111. Vols, as postmaster. He read medicine under his father and Dr. Barnett, took his first course of lectures at Ann Arbor, Michigan, the second at the Miami Medical College, and graduated with the degree M.D. in the class of '68, and the same year he began tlie practice of medicine in Stcarn Cornei-, Fountain count}- wliere he remained two years, then removed to Waynetown, Montgomery county, and in 1872 he located in Vecdcrsburg, where, in connection with his practice, he keeps a drug store. In 1SG9 he was married to Miss Gary Glasscock, daughter of 'William and Cynthia Glasscock. She and her parents are natives of Fountain county. By this union he has one child, Edgar. Dr. McClelland is a member of the ancient order of Masons, lodge No. 491, and of the Grand Army of tlie Republic. In politics he is strictly a national.

J. W. Gray, fanner, Veedersburg, is son of Joseph and Sarah Gray. The former was a native of Virginia. In 1830 he settled on the farm now occupied by his son, J. W. Joseph Gray's father was killed in the revolutionary war, in the memorable battle of the Brandywine. Josepli Gray first immigrated to Ohio, where he was married. He raised a family of twelve children, two of whom now live in Fountain county, J. "W. and Mary Plake. He followed farming all through his life. He died in 1848. aged sixty-three years; his wife in 1860, aged sixty years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he took a very prominent part. He was a very temperate man in all his habits, and morally just and upright. J. W. Gray was married in 1858 to Kancy A. Gray, daughteiof Hannoc Gra}-. She is a native of Indiana. He is a native of Ohio, born in 1825. He has a well improved farm of 108 acres, upon which he keeps all kinds of farm stock. In addition to his farm he owns property in the town of Yeedersburg. In politics he is a republican of the first rank. He says he has killed on his farm nineteen large timber rattlesnakes.

Milton Petitt, farmer, Veedersburg, was born in Carroll county, Kentucky, November 1, 1819. His father served as a soldier under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812. Till he was twenty-five years ot age he assisted his parents as becomes a dutiful son. At an early age he ; united with the Baptist church, and through life has endeavored to act the part of a christian. He was bred a farmer, which pursuit he has never forsaken. In 1844 he came to Indiana and was married to Margaret J. Tliompson, a native of Kentucky. In 1855 they moved to Fountain county. Mrs. Petitt is a member of the Christian church, having united with the same in early life. They own 175 acres of land adjoining Sterling, which is well improved, and other property, as the result of their industry and economy. All who know him know him to be honest in all his dealings, and know his word to be as good as his bond. John Thompson, lii's wife's father, was an early pioneer of Fountain countv, having emigrated from Kentuckv, of which he was a native, in 1833, locating on a farm near Hillsboro, where he remained till his death. Samuel Thompson fell in the war of 1812. Milton and Margaret J. Petitt have one child, Marshall Petitt, born IS'ovember 6, 18i7. lie was educated at the Wesley Academy and Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana, after which he returned to his father's farm. Marshall united with the ancient order of Masons, Waynetown, Indiana, at the age of twenty-nine; was given the degree of royal arch in Crawfordsville Chapter, No. 40, in 1877. He took up the study of medicine with Dr. Armstrong, of Hilisboro, and entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Indianapolis, October 12,1876, graduating February 22, 1878, in the degree M.D. August 30, 1877, he was married to Miss Nan Patton, by whom he has one daughter, Ilallie J., born May 23, 1878. Dr. Petitt located in Yeedersburg July 1, 1878, where he has since exclusively pursued the practice of medicine, with an increasing and paying practice. He is a member of the Fountain County Medical Society.

Marshall Nixon, dealer in implements, grain, lumber, brick, staves and heading, and shipper of live stock, Yeedersburg, one of the leading business men in this part of the state, was born in Eacine county, Wisconsin, in 1847, and is the son of John and Maria Nixon. The former was a native of Ohio, and emigrated to Wisconsin in the time of its early settlement, while the red men were yet plenty in the forests, and there raised a family of nine children, seven of which are living; one died in the late war, another was discharged from the service because of ill health. In 18G0 Mr. John Nixon went to Idaho, and was shot in his door by the Indians, in his fiftieth year, ^[arshall Nixon's mother, a native of New York state, now lives in Kacine, Wisconsin. Marshall Nixon remained on the farm with his father, working in the summer and attending the district school during the winter, till he was sixteen ; then he came to Attica, this county, and went into the employ of his uncle, P. S. Yeeder, under whom he received his business education, with the exception of some two months' instruction at Eastman's Business College, of Chicago, Illinois. AVhile in the employ of P. S. Yeeder he lost no opportunity by which he could earn something, and not infrequently assisted at unloading ears and canal-boats after his day's work was done for bis employer. Thus, by economy and industry, he soon was able to conduct business for himself. He engaged in buying and shipping poultry and scrap iron, not largely but with success. In 1872, in connection with P. S. Yeeder, he catne to Yeedersburg, while it was yet in its infancy, and opened the first warehouse and lumber-yard in that place. This prospered, and in 1874 he, with James Martin, of Attica, who sold his interest in

1S77, added farm iinpleinents to liis business. In 1S7Y, in partnership with John Lightle, he added a stave and heading factory. In 1879, in connection with Mr. Bogan, added brick-making ; all of which liave proved profitable. In addition to these he has been engaged since lie located here in buying and shipping live stock, and is operating a tight-barrel factory in Peoria, Illinois, and was engaged for a time in the grain trade at Mount Pulaski, Illinois. In his employ at this time are 150 men. He was married in 1877 to Miss Florence Cade, a native of Fountain county, and daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Cade. By this union he has one child, Clarence V., now two years old. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a, member of the Veedersburg lodge, A.F. and A.M. Is a strong member of the republican party; was candidate for the office of state representative in 1878.

A. Michner, miller, Veedersburg, was born in Ohio, in 1836, and is the son of James and Eliza Michner, both natives of Penns^-lvania. Mr. Michner was educated in the common schools. Four ycai's pi'ior to his coming to Fountain county, in 1872, he was engaged at Anderson, in the Michner machine shops, where he was both stockholder and superintendent. He was married in 1865 to Maria Mendenhall, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Steven and Mary Mendenhall, both natives of Pennsylvania. Her brother, T. C. Mendenhall, is professor of the Royal Seminary of Japan. Mr. Michner by this union has four children: Maggie, Dora M., Hellie, and Helen; the last two are twins. He is a member of the Knights of Honor. In politics he is a republican. He served in the United States navy nearly five years, and passed through many of the most closely contested engagements of the navy during the war, among which were the attempt to retake Fort Sumter, guarding the coast in the neighborhood of Charleston, South Carolina, and the capture of the rebel ram at Atlanta, Georgia. In 1876 he erected, at Yeedersburg, a flour-mill, which he is now operating. Mr. Michner is a miller well skilled to his profession, easily sees the benefit of the late improvements, and adds to his present mill machinery such inventions as will enable him to produce a better article of meal and flour as rapidly as they are brought out.

Dr. John T. Wells, practicing physician, Yeedersburg, was born in Henderson county, Indiana, in 1849, and is the son of Balam and Pernetta (Hotsclaw) Wells ; the former a native of North Carolina, and emigrated to Hendricks county in 1832. Thelatter came to Montgomery county, Indiana, tiien to Hendricks county. Balam Wells died in 187i, aged seveuty-three years, and his wife still lives in Hendricks county. John T. was educated in the common schools of his home county, and in the Danville Academy. At the age of seventeen he

[iccfun the profession of Bchool-teaching, wliicli lie followed five years, one year of which time he was principal of the Danville schools. DuriinT the time he was engaged as teacher he occupied his spare moments jn reading medicine with Dr. C. T. C. Cloud, of Pittshurg, Hendricks county. Indiana. He then entered the College of Physicians, Indian- ;ipolis. From 1ST4 to 1876 he was traveling evangelist in the church fcet denominated Christians or Disciples. In 1876 Dr. John T. began tlic practice of medicine in Veedersburg, where he has remained with the exception of thirteen months that he practiced at Stean's Corner. In 1877 he was married to Mary Stevens, daughter of Dr. Eobert and Abigail Stevens, the former a native of New York, born in 1810, and died in 1873. The latter was born in 1819 and is still one of the living landmarks of Fountain county. By this marriage he has one child, liobcrt. His wife, like himself, is a member of the Cliristian church, lie is a member of both secret orders. Masons and I.O.O.F., at Pittsburg, Indiana. He has a good practice, which in tlie past four years has amounted to $12,000. The doctor resides in Sterling; in politics he is a republican. The advent of the Wells family to America was in 1702 by three brothers who came to this country, landing in what is now the State of Massachusetts. One settled in North Carolina, one in West Virginia, and the other remained in Massachusetts. Dr. Wells is a descendant of the one who remained in Massachusetts. It is supposed that all the WcUses in the United States are descendants of these three brothers.