Warren Township

Warren Township

In November of the year 1830, A. F. Whiteman came from Union County, twelve miles south of Richmond, Indiana, and fixed his home in the then unbroken forests of Warren. To him is due the honor of felling the first tree and building the first cabin in the township. His cabin was of crude and hasty construction, being of round poles and clap-board roof, with puncheon floor and heavy clapboard windows for protection against the Indians, who at that time were greatly feared, but who afterward proved themselves true

During the Winter of 1830-31, Mr. Whiteman was joined by John Grey, who settled on the farm now belonging to his son. Before the close of 1831, four other fearless men took up their abode in the township. They were Zabina Babcock, who located on the land now the present 'site of Middle Fork - his cabin standing on the knoll now oceupied by the residence of Dr. Gard; Joseph and Jacob Shaffer, on the Miller & Ticen farm, and James M. Popejoy,

In 1832, it being known that a settlement actually existed in Warren, several worthy men were added to the little colony. They were George Tombaugh, who settled on the land now owned by his son Jacob; Andrew Bryant, on the Popejoy farm; John Young, on the farm where he is living.

In 1833, came the following: Joseph and Andrew Robertson, on the land owned by the Widow Robertson and Dr. Young; James Morrison, on the farm belonging to his heirs; the Widow Frazier, on the John Catron farm; Beverly Williams, on the land owned by his son William; John Like, on the Jacob Storm farm; and William Nixon, on the land at present belonging to T. Heaton.

Among those who came in 1837, with some others who eame soon after and shared in the hardships of pioneer life, we name Josiah Bates, Pierson Ticen, Andrew Catron, Isaac Storms, Andrew Profit, Aaron Ford, David Beard, Charles Taylor, John, Samuel and David Cornable, Samuel Schultzs, and Charles Gum. The above constituted the basis of the early settlement. Some worthy names are doubtless omitted, having been forgotten by our informants.

The first school in the township was taught by Christian Beard, in a cabin which stood on the lot now owned by Dr. Gard, in the Winter of 1835-6. f In the Summer of 1836, a school house was built on the John Grey farm. The next was on the Zabina Babcock farm, and the next on the land belonging to Mr. Morrison.

The first religious meeting in the township was held in the school house on the Morrison farm, in 1840, by the Methodists. The next denomination was the Christians or New Lights. "The first church in the township was built on the farm of Jacob Grey, by the United Brethren, in 1843.

The township was organized about 1834. Under this organization an election was held soon after at the cabin of Joseph Robertson. Mr. A. F. Whiteman was chosen first Justice of the Peace. - position which he held for twenty years. He served in this capacity when Owen, Johnson, Michigan and Warren were all in one township. John *Grey was first Constable. Boggs and Whiteman served at an early date as Trustees.

The first marriage in the township was that of Selathiel Dickinson to Mary Elston, in 1831. The marriage ceremony was pcrformed by Justice of the Peace A. F. Whiteman.

In improvements Warren has made commendable progress. The comfortable frame or the substanial brick has taken the place of the cabin, and the cultivated farm appears instead of the dense woods.

The name and location of churches will be had by reference to the map on another page of the Atlas. Her school houses are enrolled school children, ; population, a gmail viii uated in the northern part, was never regularly laid off. irse. rchant was John Evans, who opened a. general store in 1855. Its merchants at present are: is in the northwestern part, near the line between Warren and Owen. It was never regularly laid off, and has but one store, in which is kept a general assortment of goods, "The proprietors are J. T. & A. B. Sháfller.

Source changes here: from History of Clinton County, Indiana. Together with Sketches of Its Cities, Villages and Towns, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History, Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Also a Condensed History of Indiana, Embodying Accounts of Prehistoric Races, Indian Wars, and a Brief Review of Its Civil and Political History, published 1886; 9,185 words in this source stream.

Warren Township

"Warren Township lies second from the east in the northern tier of townships in Clinton County, and is joined on the north by Carroll County, on the east by Forest Township, on the south by Michigan and on the west by Owen. It contains 19,200 acres, with only 3,445 yet uncleared, and the township, by a thorough process of draining, has been brought under a high state of cultivation and yields bountiful crops 'if wheat and corn, and affords excellent facilities for stock-raising, which is followed extensively by many of the foremost farmers in this township.

The surface of the lanil is generally rolling, the soil a rich clay loam of a very productive nature. The land was originally covered by a dense growth o^ timber, among which abounded black walnut, oak, poplar, cherry and other valuable timber. This forest wealth has been almost destroyed by the necessary ravages of improvement and the reckless waste of people who thought the supply inexhaustible. The northern portion of the township is drained by Middle Fork, which flows in a northwesterly direction.

Fiest Settlees

The first settlement was made in "Warren Township in 1830, by A. F. Whiteman, Esq., who is still a resident on the land which he first entered on section 23. To him is due the honor of felling the first tree and building the first cabin in the township. His cabin stood just in the rear of his present residence, and was of crude and hasty construction, being of round poles and clapboard roof, with puncheon floor, and heavy clapboard windows for protection against the Indians, who at that time were greatly feared, but who afterward proved true friends. The same year came John Gray, who settled ou section 21.

In 1831 four more hardy men took up their abode here. They were - Zabina Babcock, who located on land where Middle Fork now stands; Joseph and Jacob Shaffer, settled on section 28, and James M. Topejoy, on the land where he now resides. George Trobaugh came in 1832 and settled ou section 21, also Andrew Bryant, on the Fopejoy farm; John Young, on section 19. In 1833-'4 the following became settlers in "Warren: Joseph and Andrew Robertson, James Morrison, Beverly Williams, Jo in Like, William Nixon, Steven Sims, A. Lynch and Thomas Chandler. Among those who came in 1836-'7, were: Edward Dow, Eeuben Magett, Dr. Young, John Daggy, Josiah Bate, Pierson Ticen, Andrew Catron, Isaac Stoms, Andrew Pi-offit, David Beard, and several others. These formed the basis of the early settlement, many of them liviu;^ to enjoy the benefits of their hard toil incident to a pioneer's life.

Eaely Events

The first religious meeting in the township was held in the schoolhouse on the Morrison farm in ISiO, by the Methodists. The next denomination to hold meetings were the Christians or New Lights. They were followed by the United Brethren, who built the first church in the township, in 1843, on the farm of Jacob Gray.

The first school was taught in a cabin during the winter of 1835-'6, by Christian Beard. The first school-house was built in 1836 on the farm of John Gray, the next on the farm of Zabina Babcock, and the third on the land belonging to Mr. Morrison.

The first store was opened in the township by William Sims, where the store of Gard & Mosher now stands, and was succeeded iu the same shortly after by John Evans.

History Of Clinton Cottntt

The present townskip officers are : Edmnnd P. Dow, Trustee ; David McKowan and A. N. Ashpaw, Justices of the Peace; William Campbell, Assessor; H.Thompson and John Gum, Constables.

Population

The population of "Warren has had a steady and quite rapid growth, considering that it has no village of any size to swell its numbers as has some of its sister townships. In 1850 it had but 770 inhabitants, while in 1860 there were 1,235, and in 1870 it had increased to 1,692, and in 1880 it had reached 1,843.

Political

On political questions Warren Township has usually been Democratic, with some variations from this general rule. In 1884 Cleveland's majority in this township was twenty-seven. The complete vote of the township at the last general election, November 4, 1884, for President and State and county officers was as follows:

Ageicultubal Statistics

The number of acres of wheat sown in Warren Township for 1886 is 4,929; corn, 4,042; oats, 241; number of acres in timothy, 823; clover, 2,003; acres of new land brought under cultivation for 1886, 308; timber land, 3,445. There are 239,028 rods of drain tile in operation in this township.

In 1885 there were 1,239 gallons of sorghum and 709 gallons of maple molasses made. The number of gallons of milk taken from cows, 180,497; pounds of butter made, 43,396; cheese, 90; honey, 1,474.

Middle Foek

is situated in the northeastern part of the township, and was never regularl}' platted, but the first store of the township was opened here and it was the main trading point in early days. So it has always remained. Although the inhabitants of this little village are few, yet there is much energy and industry among the people, which keep them ever alive to its moral and social elevation. The present business men are as follows: General merchants, Gard & Mosher, and S. S. Rodkey; drugstore, W. J. Milner; physician, O. A. J. Morrison; blacksmiths, W. A. Davenport & Son, and J. E. Wright; tannery, Howard Stotter; postmaster, S. S. Rodkey.

Oeneral Reynolds Post, iV^o.122, G. A. R., was instituted December 8, 1882, with the following charter members and first officers: Lewis Sims, Com.; Joseph Warnick, S. V. C; John Elder, J. V. C; Thomas Chandler, Chap.; J. I. Gum, Sur.: Karl Keif, Q. M.; J. B. Sims, Adj.; D. C. McKown, S. M.; M. Younkin, O. D.; M. D. Welty, 0. G.; D. Easterly, H. "Walters, Samuel Baker and J. W. Adair. The membership now numbers thirty-eight, and the officers for 1886 are: John Fleming, Com.; Charles Mikesell, S. V.C.; D. C. Mc- Kown, J. V. C; Jno. Caplinger, O. D. ; Harrison Walter, Chap.; Jno. B. Sims, Adj.; Karl Rief, D. M.; J. M. Conn away, O. G.; J. W. Adair, Q. S.; Marshall Hale, S. M.

Poivhattan Tribe, No. 69, of the order of Red Men was organized here June 15, 1883, with thirty-six charter members. Its first oflicers were: J. S. Wright, Sachem; H. Walters, S. S. ; F. M. Tyson, J. S. ; E. Gard, K. of W.; J. S. Milner, C. of R. The.y now have forty-two active ttiembers and are still on the progressive. The officers for 1886 are: Samuel Smelcer, Sachem; A. Gray, S. S.; J. J. Griffin, J. S.; John Whitemau, K. of W.; J. S. Milner, C. of R.

Middle Forh Lodge, No. 304, A.F.(& A. M., was granted a dispensation July 20, 1863, under which it worked one year with the following as its officers: Perrine Ticen, Worshipful Master; P. W. Gard, Senior Warden; John Toung, Junior Warden, James Morrison, Treasurer; A. A. Shaffer, Secretary; John Milner, Senior Deacon; B. J. Wilson, Junior Deacon; James M. Popejoy, Tyler. The lodge received its charter May 26, 1864, and the first officers under the charter were: Perrine Ticen, Worshipful Master; P. W. Gard, Senior Warden; John Young, Junior Warden; James Morrison, Treasurer; A. A. Shaffer, Secretary; John Milner, Senior Deacon; B. Wilson, Junior Deacon; J. F. Hunter, Tyler. In 1871 the lodge in connection with the citizens of Middle Fork and vicinity erected a building the lower floor of which is used for church purposes, and the upper floor for a lodge room. The building costabout $1,800, of which the lodge gave about onehalf, the balance being made up by subscription. The building committee were: John W. Guthridge, Cyrus Booker and Dr. M. L. Martin. David Lehman, Oliver Gard and Andrew Catron were chosen by the people as trustees for the church. The present

The lodge has at the present time (1886) sixty-one members, and the officers are as follows: A. W". Skidmore, Worshipful Master; M. V. Unger, Jr., Senior Warden; A. H. Coapstick, Junior Warden; George W. Qnger, Treasurer; O. A. J. Morrison, Secretary; Robert Ticea, Senior Doacon; James Curns, Junior Deacon; D. C. McKown and J. Y. Rice, Stewards; Charles Mikesell, Tjler. Dr. Morrisoa has held the office of secretary in the lodge for the past fifteen years.

This little hamlet lies in the northwestern part of the township, and was never regularly laid out. There is but one store here, kept by Mr. A. R. Shaffer, who is a man of much enterprise, and a liner mercantile establishment is not to be found in Clinton Ouuiity. There is one physician. Dr. Ross. Dr. M. V. Young who was the first practicing physician in the township, is located here but has retired from active practice. John Kimberiy is the only blacksmith here.

Benjaj^in Alter, engaged in the manufacture of tile in Warren Township, Clinton Countj', is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Westmoreland County, February 9, 1835, he being the youngest son of Rev. John Alter. When he was an infant he was brouglit by iiis parents to Indiana, they settling in Hancock County, and five years later his father came to Clinton County. The mother died when our subject was quite young after which he lived in various places, and with different parties. After his father's second marriage he lived with him for five years. When he was thirteen years of age he began learning the cabinet maker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked at his trade as a journeyman in Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin for a year and a half, when he settled in Clinton County, Indiana, and followed carpentering till the breaking out of the late civil war. He then enlisted in the defense of the Union in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served till the close of the war. Mr. Alter was united in marriage December 27, 1859, to Louisa V. Sims, a daughter of Thomas Sims, and of the eight children born to this union seven still survive - Albert E., Virginia J., Benjamin F., Henry A , Pleasant E. G., Amy A. A. and Louie M. C. Cinthia B., the seventh child, is deceased. After the war Mr. Alter followed the carpenter's trade for a time, when he engaged in ttie mercantile business, which he followed for four years, being associated with G. R. Sim?, at Middle Fork, this county. In connection with their mercantile pursuits they were extensively engaged in dealing in black walnut lumber, and during one summer they sold and delivered over a half million feet, and also ran a saw-mill. After disposing of his interest in the mercantile business Mr. Alter came to his present farm in Warren Township which contains 194 acres of well-improved land under a good state of cultivation. In 1878 he engaged in the manufacture of tile which he has since followed successfully, and is probably the largest tile manufacturer in Clinton County. Pie is at the same time carrying on his farm, and is classed among the active and enterprising citizens of Warren Township. In his political affiliations l.e is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternitv, belonging to the lodge at Middle Fork. Both he and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

JosiAH Bate, farmer, Warren Township, is a native of New Jersey, born in what is now Camden County, February 11, 1806, the fifth of eight children of Josiah and Priscilla (Ayres) Bate, natives also of New Jersey, of English ancestry. He was reared on a farm, remaining with his parents until manhood. When he was a child his mother died and liis father subsequently married Elizabeth Weeks. In April, 1816, his father moved to Ohio, and settled in Greene County, where he died at the age of furty-nine years. Our subject remained in Ohio until the fall of 1837, when he immigrated to Indiana and entered 228 acres of Govei'nment land in Warren Township, Clinton County, where he has since lived. His land, which was wholly unimproved, he has brought under a good state of cultivation and now has one of the pleasantest homes in the township, and a competency for his old age. Mr. Bate was married August 30, 1829, to Hannah A. Jones, a native of Ohio, daughter of Erasmus and Mary (Sellers) Jones, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Bate wei-e born thirteen children, nine of whom are living - Keturah) widow of Captain James Harland ; Mary Eleanor, wife of John Clark; Hannah A., wife of A. M. Robison; Erasmus D. ; Charles H., of Sedgwick County, Kansas; Sarah M.; Lucinda S., wife of I. D. Reed; Rachel F., wife of David S. Nees; and Emma M. Priscilla E., Margaret R., and Josiah W.S.,and an infant, are deceased. Mrs. Bate died February 12, 1861. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Bate is a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican, in early life casting his suffrage with the Whig party.

Adam Beard was born in Washington County, Virginia, October 15, 1828, the fourth son, and sixth of fourteen children, of John and Elizabeth (Miller) Beard. tHis father was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, and was a son of Martin Beard, and of German ancestry. His mother was born in Augusta County, same State, and was a daughter of Jacob Miller. They emigrated to this county in the fall of ] 834, when the father entered 160 acres of Government land in Warren Township, and forty acres in Michigan Township. He rented land one year, and in January, 1836, moved upon his own farm and lived in a log cabin without a floor. This cabin is now used by our subject. With the help of his sons he cleared and improved the place, and it has never been out of the family since it was entered from the Government. He and his wife were active and consistent members of the Methodist Protestant church, and politically he ^affiliates with the Democratic party. Of their fourteen children only three are living - Jesse, a resident of Nebraska, and Martin and Adam, residents of this county. Adam was six years old the day his parents arrived in Clinton County, where he was reared on a frontier farm, receiving his education in the subscription schools of the early day. He resided with his parents until his marriage, which occurred June 13, 18*53, to Miss Mary Sheets, daughter of Philip Sheets, whose sketch appears upon another page of this book. She was a native of Virginia. After his marriage Mr. Beard rented land and worked at the carpenter's trade. He removed to Tippecanoe County where he remained three years, and alter his father's death he returned to the old homestead in 1860 and cared for his mother until her death. He purchased the old home farm, and now has 159 acres in a good state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Beard are the parents of eight children - Sarah E., wife of Baltzer Gordon, of this county; Lewis A ; Margaret C, wife of John A. Price; Philip M. ; Mary J., the widow of Henry H. Cohee; Rebecca, wife of Edwin Gray, of Nez Perces County, Idaho; Ira H. and James A. Mr. and

Andrew Catron, farmer and stock-raiser, Warren Township, was born in Greene County, Tennessee, August 7, 1820, the eldest son and the sixth of eleven children of Valentine and Eve (Messmore) Catron. His father was a native of Wythe County, Yirginia, and a son of John Catron, also a native of Virginia, and of German ancestry. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania. Her father died in that State wlien she was six months old, and her mother's family removed to Tennessee, where she was reared and passed the remainder of her days. Andrew was reared on a farm, and remained with his mother until his marriage. When he was twelve years old his father died, and from that time the care of the farm devolved upon him. February 9, 1843, he was married to Miss Sarali Proffit, daughter of Adam and Christiana Proffit, who were from Virginia, removing to Tennessee, where Mrs. Catron was born. Mr. Profiit came to Indiana with Mr. Catron in IBM. The latter leased a tract of land in a dense wilderness which he cleared and improved and accuninlafed enough to enable him to enter forty acres of land which he sold and then purchased thirty-two acres, which is a part of his present farm. He now has 128 80-100 acres, and it is one of the best farms in Warren Township. For twenty years Mr. Catron has been quite an extensive dealer in live stock, and he has been very successful. Mr. and Mrs. Catron have had nine children; seven are living - Jacob L., Louisa I., John T., Sarah C, Adam V., Melancthon R. and Mary Melissa. The deceased are - Henry D. and Emma E. Mr. Catron affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a self-made man, and by hard work and good management has accumulated a good property. He is honest and upright in his dealings and has won the conlidence and esteem of all who know him.

Jacob L. Cateon, farmer and stock i-aiser, is a native of Clinton County, bi>rn in Warren Township, July 20, 1845, a son of Andrew Catron. He was reared on a farm, receiving a good education in the common schools. He was married October 18, 1868, to Miss Helen A. Thomas, daughter of R. K. Thomas, who was an early settler of Warren Township. Prior to his marriage he bought forty acres of land for which he paid $800. This he sold and bought thirty-two acres of the old homestead on which he settled, living there until September, 1872, wlien he purchased seventy-nine acres of his present farm. To this he has added until he now has

132^ acres of valuable land, all under cultivation, and his building improvements are among the best in the county. He has been industrious, and by his good management has become the possessor of a fine property. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of Middle Fork Lodge, No. 304, F. & A. M. Mr. and Mrs. Catron have had six children - Dessie A., Bessie A., Luella A. (died aged four years), Sarah C, Ida Ora (died aged one year), and Thomas A.

Yalentine Cateon, deceased, was born in the State of Tennessee, January 15, 1825. He remained in his native State until the fall of 1853, when he came with his mother to Indiana and settled in Clinton County, December 27, 1853. He was married to Miss Louisa Proffit, a daughter of Adam and Christina (Andus) Proffit. Soon after his marriage he went to Boone County and bought a partially improved farm, on which he lived three years, when he sold it, and returning to Clinton County bought a farm on section 3, "Warren Township. Eight years later he exchanged iiis farm for eighty acres of land on section 27, the same township, where he made his home until his death, and where the family still live. He died May 2, 1875. He was an earnest and active member of the Lutheran church, as is also his wife. Their family consisted of seven children, four of <vhom are living - Jacob A., born October 19, 1861; Thomas S.,boru September 7, 1864; Edwin V., born November 7, 1868, and Harry V., born November 11, 1871. William A., born February 2, 1856, died July 11, 1865 ; James R,, born January 22, 1858, died November 8, 1861, and one died in infancy. Mrs. Catron's parents were natives of Virginia, of German descent, and after their marriage moved to East Tennessee, and in the fall of 1844 to Clinton County, Indiana, where they lived the rest of their lives. The mother died September 24, 1845, the father surviving until May 11, 1881, dying at the advanced age of eighty-four years. They had a family of five children, three of whom are living - Saraii, wife of Andrew Catron; Louise, widow of Valentine Catron, and Dianna; John was drowned in 1847, aged twenty-one years, and Adam died while serving his country in the war of the Rebellion, aged twenty-seven years.

A. H. CoAPSTicK was born in Carroll County, Indiana, April 20, 1849, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Concannon) Coapstick. His father died when he was nine months old, and soon after his mother removed to Owen Township, Clinton County, where he was reared on a farm until he was fourteen years of age, when he started out for himself. He was married November 7, 1871, to Miss Louisa, daugliter of Dr. R. O. Young, and he has since followed farming in Warren Township. They have had four children - Ida M., deceased; John, and two who died in infancy. Both are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Coapstick is a member of the F. & A. M., Middle Fork Lodge, No. 304, and politically affiliates with the Democratic party.

Edmond p. Dow was born upon the farm where he now resides, in Warren Township, this county, Septembers, 1852, the youngest son of Edmond and Mary (Storer) Dow. He was reared on the farm, educated in the common schools, and remained upon the farm with his parents until their death, after which he succeeded them in the old homestead. His farm contains a total of 185 acres. He was married November 28, 1877, to Miss Eleanor Ticen, daughter of Henderson Ticen, deceased, who was born in this township. To tills union were born two children - Estella Ruth, deceased, and Gracie. Mrs. Dow died August 14,1880, and Mr. Dow was again married January 7, 1882, to Miss Mary Aury, daughter of Thomas Aury, of this township. They have two children - Pearl C. and Thomas Edmond. Mr. Dow was elected to the office of township trustee in the spring of 1886 and affiliates with the Democratic party.

EDWA.RD E. GrABD, of the firm of Gard & Moser, Middle Fork, was born in this county March 29, 1854, the youngest son of Jesse and Amanda (McHenry) Gard. (See sketch of Jesse Gard.) He was reared on a farm and received a common school education. He resided with his parents until his marriage, which occurred August 1, 1876, to Miss Arminta Busii, daughter of Martin and Eliza (Ohilders) Bush, who was born in Putnam County, Indiana. After his marriage he settled upon the old homestead, and engaged in farming until 1882, when he sold out and embarked in the mercantile business at Middle Fork, followed it two years, then returned to his farm. In 1886 he sold his farm and again engaged in the mercantile trade at his former location, where he is doing a successful business. Mr. and Mrs. Gard are the parents of two children - Jessie and Bessie. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Middle Fork Lodge, No. 304, and of the Independent Order of Red Men, Powhattan Lodge, No. 69. Politically he affiliates' with the Republican party.

Township, May 31, 1852, a son of Levi and Frances (Moss) Gordon. He was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools, remaining at home nntil his parents moved to Henry County. He then went to Preble County, Ohio, where he remained a short time, and in 1875 bought one-half of the old homestead in Clinton County, where he has since lived. He is en* ergetic and industrious, and is one of the representative farmers of the township. He was married December 26, 1880, to Miss Sarah Etta Moore, daughter of Alfred B. and Rebecca A. (Druly) Moore, of Wayne County, Indiana. The have three children - Rufus Earl, Tullus Elvadore and Reed Druley. In politics Mr. Gordon is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Brethren church.

Rev. Baltzek L. Goedon was born in Union County, Indiana, May 28, 1850, the eldest child of Levi and Frances (Moss) Gordon. The father was a native of Preble County, Ohio, a son of Samuel and Sarah Gordon, the father being born in Guilford County, I>lorth Carolina, of Scotch and Irish ancestry, and the mother in Preble County, Ohio. Levi Gordon, the father of our subject, was reared in his native county, and there followed agricultural pursuits. He was married in Union County, Indiana, in 1849, to Frances Moss, whose parents came from Virginia to Union County, this State, in an early day. To this union were born the following chiluren - Baltzer L. (whose name heads this sketch), Abraham M., Sarah E. (deceased), Nancy J., Samuel P. (deceased), Jacob H., and a twin of Abraham, who died in infancy. The parents came to Clinton County in 1850, the father buying 160 acres of land on section 21, Warren Township, which he cleared and improved. His wife died in 1863, and for his second wife he married Emily Branstiter, a daughter of William Branstiter, of Clinton County. By his second marriage he had nine children - William S., Daniel A., Alice, Etta, Levi E., (deceased), Earl, Nellie, Pearl and an infant. The father followed farming in Clinton County nntil the spring of 1875, when he removed to Henry County, where he has since resided. Baltzer L. Gordon was but an infant when he was brought by his parents to Clinton County, and here he spent his youth on a farm, and in attending the district schools, completing his education in the schools of Frankfort. After attaining the age of twenty-one years he began teaching school, after which he attended school at Lebanon, Ohio, graduating January 29, 1874, from the business department. Sep- tetnber 30, 1874, he was married to Sarah E. Beard, a daughter of Adam Beard, of Warren Township. Eight children have been born to them - Levi E., Lewis A. (deceased), Omer 0. (deceased), John W., Fanny E., Earnest B. and Mary E. (twins), and Nellie J. After his marriage our subject settled on the old homestead, where he has since made his home, his farm containing eighty acres of well-improved land, under good cultivation. In 1876 he united with the German Baptist church, his parents being members of the same denomination. In 1879 he commenced his career as a preacher, and in 1883 he helped organize the Brethren church, and in December, 1885, lie was ordained an elder of the Brethren church, when he received an appointment to the Bnrlington church. In politics Mr. Gordon was formerly a Kepublican, but now aflSliates with the Prohibition party. He is an ardent worker in the cause of temperance, and in 1886 was nominated on the Prohibition ticket to represent Clinton County, in the Indiana State Legislature.

Jacob M. Gray, deceased, was born in Greene County, Tennessee, February 9, 1821, son of John Gray, who was born in East Tennessee, May 21, 1795. His mother, Frances Sina Shaffer, was born in Shenandoah Count}', Yirginia, May 3, 1796. They were married March 30, 1820, and in October, 1828, emigrated to Union County, Indiana, and February 9, 1831, came to this county and entered 160 acres of Government land, which he began to improve and made a frontier home. He followed farming the remainder of his days. Our subject was the only child. John Gray died in August, 1876, and the mother died February 10, 1873. Both were members of the United Brethren church. Jacob was ten years of age when his parents removed to this county. He remained on the farm with his parents until their death, and then took the sole charge of it. He was married November 29, 1846, to Miss Nancy A. Trobaugh, daughter of George and Barbara (Kepner) Trobaugh, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were married in Virginia and removed to Tennessee, thence to this county, in 1833, where they lived the balance of their days. Mrs. Gray was born in Tennessee, April 12, 1819. After marriage they settled upon the old homestead, where they resided until the death of Mr. Gray, which occurred July 15, 1877. They were the parents of six children - Mary Elizabeth, born February 15, 1850, and died August 27, 1851; Newton, born April 20, 1852, died February 15, 1864; James, born April 16, 1854, and died Jan- uary 28, 1864; Andrew C, born November 11, 1866, resides on the old homestead; John F., born May 12, 1861, married Amy Stringer September 1, 1881, and resides on a part of the old homestead; Eobert O., born November 2, 1862, resides at home. Politically Mr. Gray was formerly an old-line Whig, but has changed to the Republicau party since its organization.

Samuel Hendeicks was born in Ross Township, Clinton County, Indiana, January 22, 1830, son of John and Mary (Fink) Hendricks, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland. They were married in Ohio, whither their parents had removed when they were children. In the spring of 1829 they emigrated to this county, where the father entered 160 acres of Government land in Ross Township, and afterward purchased 160 acres of wild land in Carroll County. He here began the work of clearing and improving his heavily timbered laud, doing their plowing with wooden mold-board plows, and other crude implements - the best that could be procured at that time. They were the parents ot ten children; eight lived to maturity and six still survive - Simon, Elisha, John, Samuel, William and Elizabeth. The deceased are - Daniel, Rebecca and Solomon, and one died in infancy. Mrs. Hendricks was a member of the German Baptist church, and died September 15, 185Y. The father died February Y, 1871. Samuel was reared on a frontier farm, his 3'onth being spent in assisting his father. His education was necessarily limited to the subscription schools of that day. He resided with his parents until he reached his majority, and then he worked out by the month during the summer, and taught school during the winter for four years. He was married April 1, 1856, to Miss Sophia Henrietta Stanhouse, a native of Pennsylvania. After his marriage he removed to Wisconsin, where he remained two years, then returned to this State and settled upon land his father purchased in Carroll County. It was unimproved, and he at once commenced clearing and worked the land five years. At the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted in November, 1862, in the Twenty-fourth Light Artillery, Twenty-third Army Corps, in the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in many hardfought battles, the principal one being the siege of Knoxville. He was taken sick and removed to the hospital, where he remained nearly a year, and was honorably discharged in Chicago in the spring of 1865, after which he returned to this county and settled in Ross Township, where he resided until the death of his wife, wliich occurred in 1869. They were the parents of six children - Dorothea F., deceased; William Long, John Melvin Rnfus, E. Lewis, and two died in infancy. Mr. Hendricks's second marriage occurred in 1872. to Miss Catherine Sheets, a daughter of Philip Sheets, and a native of this county. Mr. Hendricks then retired to his present farm, which contains sixtj'-seven acres of well-improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks have had tliree children - Owen Edgar, Isaac Elmore, and one died in infancy. In December, 1882, Mr. Hendricks was appointed trustee of Warren Township, and was elected in 1884, serving two terms. Both are members of the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. H. is a member of the Knights of Honor, Masonic Lodge, No. 890, and politically is a Democrat.

Giles D. Knapp, son of Horace G. and Martha A. (Mattix) Knapp was born December 10, 1854. His father was born in New Jersej', April 23, 1817, and when seven years of age his parents moved to Butler County, Ohio. His father died while Horace was yet a boy, and his mother then moved to Clinton County, Indiana, where her son Daniel had located some time before. She brought with her her two children, Horace and Eliza. Daniel died and was buried at Rossville. Eliza, the widow of W. E. Pay, lives with M. H. Carter, her son-in-law, in Frankfort. The mother died at the home of W. E. Pay at the age of ninety-two years. The father of our subject was married in 1852. There are five children - Giles D., Mary F., Samuel O., a physician at Frankfort; Edward H., at home; George B., also at home. Giles received his early education in the common schools of the county, and at the age of nineteen he entered Wabash College at Crawtordsville, Indiana, where he spent three years, completing the freshman year. He was married April 26, 1881, to Amanda M. Harshman, of El Dorado, Kansas, daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Everding) Harshman. Mrs. Knapp was born Jutie 2, 1853, in Cass County, Michigan. When fifteen years of age she came with her parents to this county, where she has since resided with the exception of one year spent in Kansas. Mr. Knapp has tauglit school six winters, four in Washington and two in Center Township. He is a Knight of Pythias, and in politics a Democrat. Mrs. Knapp is a member of the United Brethren church.

James Morrison was born in 1795, in Fleming County, Kentucky, of Scotch Irish parentage. When he was about six yenrs of age his parents removed to Adams County, Ohio, where he re- ceived a good education and lived on the farm until he reached his majority. Daring his youth he acquired a good knowledge of surveying. When seventeen years of age he enlisted in the war of 1S12, and served until its close. At the age of twenty-six he married Miss Margaret Spear, who was about six years his junior. She was born in Wasliington County, Pennsylvania, and when she was twelve years of age was brought by her parents to Adams Cjunty. In the spring of 1835 they moved to Fountain County, Indiana, where they lived seven years, then removed to Warren Township, this count}', where her father purchased a quarter-section of good land, which he cleared and made into a good farm, where he and his family lived until his death, which occurred in 1870, aged nearly seventy-six years. He was surrounded by many old friends, his aged wife and three sons - Martin S., Henry Y. and Owen A. J. Morrison, and daughter, Sarah J. Campbell; two sons and one daughter having departed in former years. His surviving widow lived to enjo}' the society of her children and friends until July 16, 1886, when she died, aged nearly eighty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were endowed with remarkable physical and mental powers, and their moral training had been good. They were industrious and economical, which secured to them a competency. They were great lovers of liter, iture and were well informed and well liked by their neighbors and acquaintances. When Mr. Morrison lived in Fountain C' unty lie was Captain of a military company, and also served as county surve/or, and after coming to this county he served as county commissioner three terms, as justice of the peace, and township assessor. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity thirty years, and in politics a Democrat. When he first came here the population of the county did not exceed l,- 600.

Rev. Martin S. Morrison was born in Adams County, Ohio, September 11, 1822, the second son of James Morrison, whose sketch appears upon another page of this work. When eleven years of ago his parents emigrated to this county, and his youth was spent in working upon his father's farm. His early education was obtained by persistent study in the subscription schools and during this time he pursued a theological course. He resided with his parents until he reached his majority, and in 1843 received a license to preach in the Methodist Episcopal church at Jefferson. A few days afterward he was sent to the Dayton circuit and finished the year. That fall he was admitted to the Indiana Conference in

Fort Wayne, then went to the Covington Circuit, thence to Hartford Circuit, Huiumington, Wabash, Kokomo, Windsor, Hagerstown, Williamsburg, Tipton and Michigan circuits. In the fall and winter of 1 851-2 he taught school at Kokomo, and about two j-ears of this time he was located in order to improve a tract of laud in this county. In 1867-'8 he was appointed president of the Indiana Conference, of the M. P. church, and held the position two years. In 1853 he withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal conference, and since 1883 he has taken an appointment for the Methodist Protestant church in Milledgeville Center, Boone County, Indiana, northwest mission of Indianapolis. Mr. Morrison was first married June 22, 1848, to Miss Jane C. Baker, daughter of Samuel Baker, of Darke County, Ohio, and to this union six children were born - James T., Margaret A., Sarah J., Alice, Martin H. and Owen Y. Mrs. Morrison died, and he was again married, to Mrs. Huth A. Thompson, widowof Mr. Henry Thompson and daughter of Edmond and Mary Dow. They have one child - Mary. In connection with his ministerial duties Mr. Morrison has been engaged in farming, and has forty acres in Warren Township under a good state of cultivation. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

Andrew Robison, deceased, was born in Warren County, Ohio, January 10, 1802, a son of James and Elizabeth (Parkes) Kobison, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Dauphin County, and was of Irish ancestry. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. The parents immigrated to Ohio in an early day, where the father died when our subject was but a ahild. He was then reared by his uncle, James Parkes, with whom he remained till his marriage, which took place October 7, 1824, to Miss Grizella McAfee, a native of Ohio, and of Irish ancestry. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Robison went to Parke County, Indiana, where he entered a tract of land which he improved, living on it till 1832, when he came to Clinton County and entered 160 acres of land from the Government, and purchased eighty acres located on section 30, Warren Township, which he cleared and improved. His wife died in Warren Township, August 16, 1852, leaving five children - John M., James H. (died in 1866), Thomas P. (living in Owen Township), Margaret N. (married Dr. R. O. Toung, died in 1863), and Andrew M., all but the latter being born in Parke County. Mr. Robison was again married December 1, 1853, to Miss Phoebe J. Emley, a native of Clinton

County, and to this union wei-e born four children - Elizabeth, wife of Robert Wilson, of Carroll County; William A.; Joseph H.,, deceased, and Mary J. Mr. Robison died April 5,1877. He was one of the organizers of the Lexington, Indiana, Presbyterian church when he was elected ruling elder, which position he filled for forty years. At the age of eighteen years he signed the temperance pledge which he kept faithfully until his death. He was an enterprising citizen, and served his township as trustee for several terms. In politics he was formerly an old-line Whig, but on the organization of the Republican party he voted that ticket.

Andrew M. Robison, one of the enterprising farmers and dealers in stock in Warren Township, was born in Warren Township, Clinton County, Indiana, November 27, 1833. He was reared and educated in the common schools of the county, and is the oldest living native born resident of Warren Township. He enlisted in the Union army in September, 1861, a member of the Third Indiana Battery Light Artillery, serving in Missouri under Fremont and Hunter. After serving eight months he was discharged on account of disability. In September, 1862, he re-enlisted in Company I, One Hundredth Indiana Regiment, Infantry, serving as Orderly Sergeant, but owing to his former disability he was again sent home. In February, 1864, he again enlisted in the same company as a private and served till the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Resaca, Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, New Hope Church, Chattahoochee River, and was at the siege of Atlanta, the engagements at Jonesboro, Taylor's Ridge, Lovejoy Station, Griswoldsville and Bentonville, North Carolina, going with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea, beside participating in many other battles of minor importance. He received an honorable discharge July 22, 1865, when he returned to his home in Clinton County. He was married November 16, 1865, to Hannah A. Bate, a daughter of Josiah Bate, of this county. To them were born eight children - Margaret M., James P., Andrew J. (died, aged nineteen months), John E., Emma E., Winfield M. (deceased), Grizella J. and Jessie B. Mr. Robison has resided on his present farm in Warren Township since his marriage. His home farm contains 160 acres of choice land, beside which he owns forty acres in Owen Township. In politics Mr. Robison affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of the Grand

Warren Townshif

David Sheets, second son of Philip Sheets, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, August 30, 1828. He was reared at his birthplace till eighteen years of age when he came with his parents to Clinton County. He received such education as could be obtained in the subscription schools of this county, and lived with his parents on their frontier farm till his marriage. He was married to Miss Nancy Thompson October 17, 1850, she being a native of Illinois, in which State her parents, Dennis and Mary Thompson, lived for a tiuje. Her parents were natives of Ohio, the father born in Darke Count}-, and the mother in Preble County. Both died when Mrs. Sheets was a child, she being reared by her grandfather, Robert Thompson, with whom she came to Clinton County in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Sheets are the parents of nine children - ^.John C, James H., Perry M., Zimri E., xMary M., Albert W., Elmer E., Philip M. and Wildie M. After his marriage Mr. Sheets settled on a farm south of La Fayette where he resided one year. He then came to Warren Township, Clinton County, where he lived on rented land till he settled ou his present farm in 1863, where he has 285 acres of choice land under fine cultivation. In politics Mr. Sheets is a Republican. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Protestant church.

Philip Sheets, deceased, a prominent and worthy pioneer of this county, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, July 23, 1801. His parents, Jacob and Barbara (Lindamude) Sheets, were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. He was married February 16, 1826, to Miss Mary Shafer, born June 28, 1804, daughter of Daniel and Catharine (.Michael) Shafer, and granddaughter of John Michael, of German descent. Philip fallowed shingle-making until he was old enough to learn the joiner's trade, which he followed until he emigrated to Indiana in September, 1835. He rented a house in Frankfort from a man in Virginia. His first work was to assist David Gear in finishing his residence on the lot where N. J. GaskiU resides. The following spring he moved upon a farm south of the old graveyard, and the first year he worked in the cabinet shop with David Gear. For six years he lived there, and farmed land here Andrew Gear now lives, on the Twelve-Mile Prairie. In 1841 he moved his family and settled upon land be had entered from the Government in 1836. "With the assistance of his sons he cleared and improved the farm, and engaged in a,^ricultural pursuits the remainder of his life. He added eighty acres to his entry in the West. Mr. and Mrs. Sheets were the parents of twelve children; ten reached naaturity and eight are living - Michael, David, Jacob, Mary, Sarah (deceased), James, Andrew (deceased), Catlierine, Isaac, Abraham and Nancy; one died in infancy. Both were members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Sheets read the Bible through twenty-four times. His wife died February 2, 1847, and he died March 1, 1873. Politically he was a Republican, was formerly an old-line Whig.

MiOHAEL Sheets was born in Augusta County, "Virginia, August 7, 1827, the eldest son of the preceding. When eight years of age his parents removed to Frankfort, Clinton County, where his youth was spent in assisting his father. In the autumn of 1841 his father removed to his farm in Warren Township. After the first year he attended to all the breaking of the ground, and attended the subscription school three months in the year. He resided with his parents until he was twenty-six years old, and May 2, 1852, was married to Miss Sarah Ann Gray, daughter of Simeon and Lydia (McDonald) Gray, who was born in Darke County, Ohio. Her father died in Shelby County, this State, when she was four years of age. Her mother subsequently married, and in 1849 removed to Clinton County, ^.fter his marriage Mr. Sheets resided with his parents one year. He had learned the carpenter's trade of his father, which he followed twelve years. He parchased forty acres of heavily timbered land, upon which he settled in May, 1853, and has since 1864 followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Sheets have no children except one that they have adopted - Maria C. Poundstone. She came to live with them when she was five months old, and is now married to Philip Martin Beard, of this township. Both are members of the Methodist Protestant church, and politically he is a Republican.

Captain Lewis Sims, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Rush County, Indiana, November 24, 1830, a son of Stephen Sims, an early settler of Clinton County. In 1836 his, parents moved to Clinton County and settled on a tract of heavily timbered land in Warren Township, where he was reared, his youth being spent in assisting his father to clear and improve the farm. He remained at home until manhood, and October 31, 1852, was married to Miss Courtney Scott, daughter of William Scott, who removed from South Carolina to Switzerland County, Indiana, where Mrs. Sims was born, and from there to Clinton County in 1844. After his marriage he lived on his father's farm three years, and then moved to the farm where he now lives, which he had previously bought. It was wholly unimproved, but he has cleared it of timber and brought it under a good state of cultivation. After the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he, with live brothers, enlisted in the detense of their country. He enlisted August 28, 1862, and was assigned to Company G, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, receiving the appointment of Sergeant of his company. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and participated in the battles at Munfordville, Kentucky, where they were captured by General Bragg's army. After being paroled they went South and joined General Sherman's army, and then were on the Red River expedition, participating in many hard-fought battles. Returning to Memphis they went to St. Louis and followed Price through Missouri to Kansas, and thence back to Nashville, participating in a two days' tight at that place. Afterward went to New Orleans, and was at the battle of Fort Blakely. He was mustered out at Mobile. July 19, 1865. In August, 1864, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, and January 15, 1865, to Captain. He was slightly wounded at Fort Diversey, but was absent from duty only a few days. Since his return home he has devoted his attention to agriculture, and has a fine farm of 112 acres, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. In politics Captain Sims is a Republican. He is a member of General Reynolds Post, No. 122, G. A. R., and also of the Masonic fraternity, Middle Fork Lodge, No. 304. Mrs. Sims is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. They have had five children - Henry C.,. a farmer of Warren Township; William S., County Superintendent of Schools; Martha N., wife of Samuel Blair; Alonzo, a twin of Martha, died in infancy, and Charles R., a farmer.

George W. Unger, farmer and stock-raiser, Warren Township, was born in Morgan County, Virginia, May 28, 1825, eldest son and the sixth of fourteen children of George and Elizabeth linger, who were natives of Virginia, and of Gei'man ancestry. When he was twelve years of age his father moved to Clarke County, Ohio, where he remained three years then emigrated to Carroll County, Indiana, thence to this county, where he purchased land. At that time there was no house within thirty miles east of him. The 28th day of June, following, his father died, leaving the mother in a dense wilderness, with a large family of children; but by economy and good management the farm was improved, and a good home was made where she resided until her death, which occurred iu October, 1860, at the age of sixty-three years. Of their fourteen children six sous and two daughters are lining. George resided with her until he reached maturity, and he then started out for himself. His capital consisted of a horse and $50 in money. He worked out by the day and by the mouth. He made rails for Henry Leitle, for 80 cents a hundred, until he was able to purchase eighty acres of unimproved land, on section 25, Ervin Township, Howard County, to which he added eighty acres more, which lie improved. He lived there eight years, then removed to section 25, Warren Township, this county, and purchased 118 acres of partially improved land. He has since added to this land until he now has 315 acres, of which 300 acres are improved and well cultivated. He was married March 13, 1851, to Miss Elvira Maggort, daughter of Reuben and Nancy (Hullinger) Maggort, of (xerman descent, who were from Clarke County, Ohio, and came to this county in 1844. To this union were born eight children - Sarah (deceased), John, David, Martin Y., Calvin, Eliza, Nancy J. (wife of A. Dean, of North Carolina), and Oliver C. When Mr. Unger was married, at the age of twenty-six years, he could neither read nor write, but being anxious to obtain an education he purchased books on credit, and by hard study at home he soon obtained a very reasonable education. In 1866 he was elected to the office of magistrate, and was re-elected four successive terms. In 1886 he was drawn on the United States jury. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Middle Fork Lodge, No. 304, also a member of the Independent Order of Red Men. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a self-made man, commencing without means, but by hard work and good management he has accumulated a large property. Mrs. Unger is a member of the Methodist Protestant church.

Alexander Walter, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster County, October 8, 1830, a son of Francis and Mary (Fredericks) Walter. Francis Walter was a native of Switzerland, born in 1800, and in 1820 came to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania, where he was married in 1829, his wife being a daughter of John Fredericks, a native of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. In 1838 the parents moved to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where the father followed tanning, our subject assisting his father in his youth. The mother died May 3, 1848, and the father was killed on the railroad in December, 1872. Our subject remained with his father until his major- itj. In May, 1853, he came to Clinton Count}', Indiana, and for two years worked by the month for a tanner, and then succeeded his employer in the business, whicli he carried on until 1864. He then bought eit^hty acres of heavily timbered land in Warren Township, which he i)as cleared and improved. He built a small sawmill on his land which he ran until 1870, when he sold it. He has added to his land from time to time until he now owns 400 acres, all under cultivation. His prosperity has been due to his industry and close attention to business, he being a poor man when he started in life for himself. Mr. Walter was married August 9, 1859, to Martha Steel, a native of Clinton County, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Steel. They have had five children, three of whom are living - Robert, Jennetta,and Nellie. Fannie and Joh':; are deceased. Mrs. Walter died December 16, 1870, and July 9, 1872, Mr. Walter married Miss Rebecca Peters, daughter of Chai'les B. and Johanna Peters, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. They have one child - Charles F. In politics Mr. Walter is a Republican.

Henrf H. Wigle, carpenter and builder, Warren Township, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1839, sou of George and Catherine (Knable) Wigle, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. When he was four years old he came with his Grandfather Knable's family to Indiana, who settled in what was then Honey Creek Township, where the grandfather entered a tract of Government land. Henry assisted in clearing and improving the land, and attended the common schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to learn the carpenter's trade with Benjamin F. A.lton, for whom he worked six years. Upon the breaking out of the civil war Mr. Wigle was among the first to go out in defense of union and liberty. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Eighty-nintli Indiana Infantry, and joined the Sixteenth Army Corps. He participated in/the battles of Munfordville, Fort Derusia, Nashville, Fort Blakely. He was taken prisoner during his first battle, but was paroled, and he returned home for twenty days. He then rejoined his regiment and remained till the close of the war. He returned to this couuty, and has followed his trade ever since. He owns a farm of forty acres in Warren Township. March 16, 1862, he was married to Miss Mary C. Younkin, daughter of Isaac S. and Rebecca (Walters) Younkin, who came fi-om Pennsylvania about the year 1858.

Histoet Of Clinton Cotjntt

To this union have been born ten children - Perry M., Conrad Q., Charles E., Edison, Rozella, Mabel E., and Luly Blanch. The deceased are - Florence L., Arminta B. and one died in infancy. Mr. Wigle is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Middle Fork Lodge, No. 304, and of the Grand Army of the Republic, General Reynolds Post, No. 122. Politically he is a Republican.