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DAVIESS COUNTY, INDIANA
BIOGRAPHIES

MADISON TOWNSHIP
GEORGE D. ABRAHAM, harness and hardware merchant at Odon, Ind., was born October 16, 1844, in Columbia County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Eliza (Ransom) Abraham. The father was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born June 6, 1814, in Steubenville, Ohio. He was a farmer; married in 1842, and in 1855 came to Indiana, and in 1870 moved to Kansas, where he died in June, 1876. The mother was a native of the "Buckeye State," born December 3, 1816. She died December 15, 1878. Subject attended the district schools, and at the age of seventeen became one of the "boys in blue, enlisting in August, 1862, in Company I, Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years or during the war. He took an active part in the battles of Resaca, Nashville, Franklin, Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Knoxville, the Atlanta campaign, and numerous minor engagements. He was among the fortunate ones, not receiving a wound or being sick while in the service, but was always ready for active duty. He remained in the field until hostilities ceased, when he received his discharge, July 5, 1865, at Indianapolis, Ind. After returning from the war he manufactured wagons at Odon for ten years, meeting with good success. December 23, 1869, he married Emma Smith, born April 11, 1852, a daughter of John V. and Susan Smith. His wife died April 23, 1874, after having borne her husband two children, one now living, Cora E. July 5, 1875, he married Adaline Blough, daughter of Joseph and Mary E. Blough. Mrs. Abraham was born August 6, 1852, in Stark County, Ohio. To them were born six children, four of whom are living: Nora E., Daniel J., Clarence W. and Mabel J. In 1874 Mr. Abraham began selling agricultural implements, and in 1881 he and Howard Crooke became partners in a general hardware and harness store in Odon. The following year Mr. Crooke sold his interest, and since that time Mr. Abraham has been sole proprietor of a fine stock of goods. He is one of the solid business men of the township, and has the reputation of being honest and enterprising. He owns seventy acres of land, and good business and dwelling house; also property in Elnora. He is a Republican in politics, and was constable of Madison Township for four years, and deputy sheriff for two years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

REV. ALBERT W. ARFORD, farmer and minister, was born in Ohio, July 31,1847, and is a son of Jacob and Catharine (Bash) Arford. He remained with his parents until seventeen years of age, and at the age of eighteen entered the Mt Morris College, at Mount Morris, HI., and remained two terms, and in 1866 entered the Hartsville University, in Bartholomew County, Ind., and pursued the teachers' course of instruction for two years. At the age of twenty he began pedagoging, and continued at that occupation for eight years.    He taught three years in Kansas (until 1875), when he returned to Indiana and assisted his father on the farm until 1878. He then began studying for the ministry, and in June of the same year was licensed to preach. In 1882 he was placed in charge of the Shoals Circuit, and now has charge of the Raglesville Circuit He is an able minister, and is spoken very highly of as a Christian gentleman. October 6, 1860, he married Louisa Winklepleck, born May 7,1854, in Ohio. She is a daughter of S. and B. Winklepleck. Mr. and Mrs. Arford are the parents of these children: Luna E., Edwin K, Frank W. Louis D. Mina M., Albert B. and Jacob Bay. In 1878 Mr. Arford purchased forty acres of land in Madison Township, where he has made his home. He now owns 120 acres of good land. In politics he is Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant

FRANK B. ARFORD is a son of Jacob and Catharine (Bash) Arford, and was born in Ohio, October 26, 1851. The father was of German lineage, born in Maryland, in 1800. His first marriage occurred in Pennsylvania, in 1821. In 1831 he moved to Ohio, where his wife died. In 1843 he married our subject's mother, and in 1854 he came to Daviess County, Ind., where he purchased 160 acres of land in Madison Township. His death occurred December 8, 1884. The mother was also of German lineage, born in Ohio, in 1812. She was twice married. Since the death of her husband she has made her home with her son, Frank, who in boyhood attended the district schools and aided his father on the farm. He attended the seminary at Roanoke, Ind., for one term, and when nineteen years old began teaching school, and taught two terms. July 6, 1871, he married Jane Wilson, who was born in Ohio, February 5, 1852. She is a daughter of Dorsey and Caroline (Hayes) Wilson, and became the mother of these children: Albert R., Mary M., Carrie G, Roland D. and Lillian R. Since his marriage Mr. Arford has resided on the old home farm, where he owns 120 acres of land. He has been quite prosperous as a farmer, and is a good citizen of the township. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

JOHN W. BURRELL, undertaker, of Odon, Ind., was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, January 3, 1829, son of Richard T. and Margaret (Canestrick) Burrell, who were born in Maryland and Ohio, respectively. The father went to Ohio in his youth, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in the prime of his life, in 1844. At the time of his death he owned seventy-five acres of land. The mother was of German descent, and died in 1882. Our subject lived with his people until he was eighteen years old, working on the farm and attending district school. In 1847 he began working as an apprentice at the cabinet-maker's trade, continuing at that occupation many years. July 7, 1853, he wedded Sarah, daughter of Hughey and Ruth McCoy. She was born in Ohio, in March, 1837. To their union eight children were born, six of whom are living: James A., Richard T., Harley T., Samuel D., Henry H. and Anna M. (wife of William Odell), The children are all industrious and are doing well for themselves. Mr. Burrell settled in New Cumberland, Ohio, after marriage, where he lived four years, working at his trade. In 1858 he moved to Daviess County, Ind., and began farming. In 1863 he abandoned this occupation and moved to Odon, where he resumed his trade. A few years later he gave up this occupation and began the undertaker's business. In politics he is a Republican. He was constable of Madison Township for about two and one-half years, and supervisor for eight years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM CLINTON was born in Orange County, Ind., March 23, 1833, being the son of Henry Clinton. The father was born in the "Emerald Isle," and when an infant was brought to America by his parents. His father was a Revolutionary soldier and died from a wound received in that war. Subject's father came to Indiana at a very early date, and in 1842 came to Daviess County and followed the life of a farmer. He died about 1873. The mother was a North Carolinian by birth, and died about 1863. Our subject, William, received the most of his education at the subscription schools. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age. November 19, 1857, he married Elizabeth Flinn, daughter of Jacob and Berlinda Flinn. She was born January 7, 1834, in Lawrence County, Ind. They became the parents of these children: Sarah and Jacob M. (deceased), Martha J. (wife of Jesse F. Ketcham), Laura B. (wife of Jacob Shields), Flora (died in 1880 aged fourteen years), Rozilla, Charles W. (deceased) and William Oily (deceased). After his marriage Mr. Clinton lived one year on the home place, and then located on forty acres of land which he had purchased in 1853. He now owns 204 acres of good land, on which he erected a fine residence and good farm buildings. Mr. Clinton is a Democrat, and in 1869 was commissioned justice of the peace, and was twice re-elected. He is one of the few surviving old settlers who yet re¬main to tell interesting incidents of early times. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

JAMES M. CROOKE is a native of Kentucky, where he was born August 12, 1822, son of Oily and Nancy (Cruse) Crooke (elsewhere written). Subject attended the subscription schools in boyhood and made his home with his parents until 1841. When nineteen years o£ age he began teaching school and continued that occupation for eight years, meeting with flattering success. He received for his services $12 per month. November 5, 1845, he married Maria Ann Barnes, born November 4, 1827, in Orange County, Ind., daughter of Dean and Mahala (Athon) Barnes. January 24,1861, his wife died after having borne eight children, three of whom are living: Oily F., James M. and John B. Oily is living in Martin County, farming; James is in Mitchell, Ind., in a printing office, and John is a teacher by profession. In 1858 Mr. Crooke came to Daviess County and settled at Odon, and entered into partnership with his brother, Howard, and another gentleman, in a general merchandise store, at which he and his brother continued for several years after their partner had sold out his interest In 1875 Mr. Crooke moved to California and lived for about three years near the "Golden Gate," keeping hotel; but not liking the country he returned to Odon, in 1878. July 17, 1862, he married Julia M. Calvert, born in Kentucky, April 24, 1833, daughter of George and Sarah Calvert To their union five children were born, four of whom are living: Charles, who is in partnership with his father; William, clerking in a store in Mitchell; Lizzie V., and Albert E. Mr. Crooke as a merchant is enterprising and possesses rare business qualities. He has a fine stock of goods and commands a large trade. He is the oldest merchant in Odon, a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  

HOWARD CROOKE, attorney, of Odon, Ind., was born in Lawrence County, Ind., February 7, 1825, and is one of thirteen children born to Oily and Nancy (Cruse) Crooke. The father was of Irish descent, born in 1798, in Kentucky. He was a tanner by trade, and was married in 1819, and in 1828 moved to Lawrence County, Ind., where he built a tannery and worked at his old trade. In 1863 he came to Daviees County, Ind., where he and his son James purchased a farm of 156 acres. His death occurred October 11, 1884. The mother was born October 7, 1802, in Virginia, and died March 17, 1882. Subject received his education in the district schools, and made his home with his parents until twenty years of age. In early life he learned the tanner's trade of his father, but on attaining his majority abandoned that occupation, and hired out as a traveling salesman to a merchant at Springville, continuing in this business eight years. April 6, 1854, he married Ann Culmer, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Culmer. Mrs. Crooke was born in the parish of Kent, England, July 23, 1833. She came to the United States with her parents when a child, and lived for some years in Pennsylvania, and then came to Lawrence County, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Crooke's union six children were born, five of whom are living: Sarah M. (wife of James Burrell), Fanny C, Margaret A., Harry H., and Lillie B. Mr. Crooke came to Daviess County after his marriage, and purchased 115 acres of land and began his career as a tiller of the soil. He lived there but a short time when he sold out and moved to Odon, and began merchandising. In 1855 he and Oily Owen began doing business together, but in the fall Owen sold his interest, and the next spring Zimri Garten became his partner. Four years later they took our subject's brother James in as partner, but Garten soon sold his interest, and the property then belonged to the brothers. In 1864 they sold out to Carrell & Garten. Since that time our subject has given his attention to farming and serving as notary public. He owns 165 acres of land in Daviess County, and 133 acres in Martin County, besides a dwelling-house, office, and business block in Odon. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Taylor. He is one of the leading men in his party in the county, and in 1855 was elected justice of the peace for Madison Township, and served eight years. In 1864 he was elected to the State Legislature, and served one regular term and one special term. In 1876 he was appointed notary public, and was twice re-elected. He came to Odon when there were only six families in the place.

DR. JOHN DEARMIN, of Odon, Ind., is a native of Monroe County, Ind., where he was born April 27, 1845. His parents, Joseph and Mary E. (Reiney) Dearmin, were natives of Virginia, born in 1812 and 1826, respectively. The father was of Scotch descent and a farmer. He came with his parents to Indiana in 1820 and located near Bloomington, but in 1875 come to Daviess County, and died at Raglesville in 1876. The mother died in Monroe County, Ind., in 1855. Our subject received his education in the district schools. When nearly seventeen, March 10, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry for three years, or during the war. He was in the battles of Buckton Station, Winchester, Chancellorsville, Antietam, Gettysburg, Resaca, and siege of Atlanta. In 1864 he was transferred to Company C, Seventieth Regiment, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He remained in the field until April 5, 1865, when he received his discharge at Goldensburg, N. C. After his return from the army he worked as a day laborer on the farm for one year, and then commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Howard Smith at Sydney, Ill., with whom he remained three years. September 15, 1865, he married Eliza A. Smith, daughter of William Smith. She was born February 22,1849, in Monroe County, Ind., and died March 1, 1874, leaving these three children: Minnie, Walter, and Elbert November 24, 1875, he married Susan Pershing, daughter of Solomon and Magdaline Pershing. Mrs. Dearmin was born January 3, 1851, in Ohio. To their union four children were born, two of whom are living: May and Day. In 1872 Dr. Dearmin began practicing his profession in Hindoostan, Ind., and after remaining there two years, came to Daviess County, and continued his practice. In 1882 he moved to Odon, and has a good practice. He has erected him a fine dwelling-house, and is comfortably and elegantly situated. He is a Republican, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM GARTEN, an old settler of Daviess County, Ind., was born in Lawrence County, Ind., August 7, 1822, and is one of four children born to James and Betsey (Sears) Garten.   Our subject's paternal grandfather was of Welsh descent.    He was a pioneer of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Lawrence County, Ina, having killed deer, and wild game of various kinds in each State.    He was a skillful marksman and rivaled Daniel Boone in his love for forest life.    James was born in Tennessee in 1788. He removed to Kentucky in youth, where he resided until 1816, when he moved to Lawrence County, Ind., purchased land and began tilling the soil He speculated largely in stock, which he took to Chicago, driving them through unbroken forests and across rivers and creeks. He moved to Daviess County in 1839 and purchased 320 acres of land. He died in said county Slay 30, 1874.  He was one of the first settlers in the township and assisted largely in forming the first settlements.   The mother died in 1822.   Subject's mother died when he was but two weeks' old. He was reared by his people with  whom he  remained until twenty-two years old.    February 22, 1844, he married Margaret, daughter of Zacharias and Peggy Dicks.    Mrs. Garten was born November 13, 1822, in Monroe County, Ind.    To  their union eight children were bom, seven of whom are living.    The children's names are Sarah E., Mary A., Zacharias T., James M., John L., William H., Zimri M. and Henry S.    After marriage Mr. Garten lived on the old home place for two years, and in 1846 he purchased 180 acres of land, where he settled and has since resided.    He has been an industrious, hard-working man, and by his energy and close attention to business now owns 330 acres of land, besides giving 145 acres to his children.    In poli¬tics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for Henry Clay.

JOHN M. HINDMAN is a native of Scotland, Ind., born December 6, 1846, son of John and Maria (McDonald) Hindman natives of Indiana, born in 1819 and 1817, respectively. The father was of Irish descent, married in 1838, in Dubois County, Ind. In 1848 he purchased 100 acres of land near Newberry, Ind., where he has since lived. The mother died May 24, 1878. Our subject was reared at home and received his education in the district schools and in addition attended school for three months at New Lebanon, Ind., and three months at Hartsville, Ind. In the winter of 1873 he entered the teacher's profession, but taught only one term. October 20, 1872, he wedded Elizabeth Wesner, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Wesner. Mrs. Hindman was born December 1, 1853, in Indiana. They became the parents of these children: Lulu, May, Aldo Frasier, Alvin Ernest (deceased) and Ermin Elden. After marriage Mr. Hindman located in Newberry, Ind., but remained there only a short time. He then lived two years in southern Illinois and then came back to " Hoeierdom," locating in Odon, where he began merchandising. He sold his stock of goods in 1877 to Odell Bros. The same year he established himself in the same business and continued about two years, when he sold out and removed to Washington. In 1885 he purchased 120 acres of land in Madison Township, where he now resides. He is an enterprising business man, and in politics is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant

WILLIAM HUBBARD, brick-mason, of Odon, Ind., was born in Kentucky September 6, 1826. He resided with his parents and attended the district and subscription schools until he was sixteen years of age, when he began working as a day laborer. At the age of eighteen he entered the teacher's profession, continuing that occupation for eight years. February 22, 1849, he wedded Hannah M. Laughlin, born July 30, 1829, and daughter of John and Sarah Laughlin. To them were born eight children, these seven now living: Sarah C. (wife of Lewis Carpenter), Thomas J., William C, Mary C. (wife of John Bowers), Martha E., John Sherman and Joseph Harvey Monroe. After marriage Mr. Hubbard entered 160 acres of land and began tilling the soil. March 14, 1848, he enlisted in the Third Regular Dragoons in the Mexican war, but went no farther than Jefferson Barracks, Mo., as the war closed that same year. When the Rebellion broke out he enlisted August 6, 1861, in Company B, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry and fought in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville and numerous minor engagements. While fighting at the last named battle he was shot in the foot by a miniball May 3, 1863, and was taken to the hospital at Washington City.  In July of that year he was sent home on furlough, but not recovering his former health he remained at home. In 1873 he sold his farm and purchased forty-nine acres of land near Odon, where he has a fine residence. He is a Republican, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Since 1854 he has given the most of his attention to the brick-mason's trade. His parents were William and Henrietta (Baker) Hubbard, natives of Kentucky, born in 1791, and died in 1865 and 1840, respectively. They were married in 1812 and came to Indiana in 1833. The father was a farmer and owned 120 acres of land.

SETH L. KETCHAM is a native of Daviess County, Ind., born November 8, 1839, and is one of ten children born to Daniel and Elizabeth (Goodwin) Ketcham. The father was of English extraction, born in Shelby County, Ky., in 1810. He came to Indiana at the age of fourteen, and lived in different parts of the "Hoosier State," until 1838, when he came to Daviess County, where he afterward became the owner of 600 acres of land. He died in October, 1865. The mother was born in Jackson County, Ind., in 1817. Since the death of her husband she has kept house, keeping some of her children, or grandchildren with her. Subject attended the common schools, and also the State University of Bloomington, Ind., in the winters of 1857 and 1858. At the age of seventeen, he began pedagoguing and followed that occupation for about twenty years, teaching continually, with the exception of two years, and meeting with the best success. He was one of the boys in blue, and in August, 1861, enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry for three years, of during the war. He remained in the field seven months, and was then discharged, owing to disability from chronic rheumatism. July 16, 1864, he wedded Elmira Benham, daughter of Ira and Mary Benhan. She was born in 1839 and bore these five children: Mary, Daniel W., Laura M., John M. and W. Evert Mary is a teacher, and Daniel is a student at West Point; the remainder are at home. Mrs. Ketcham, died January 13, 1881, and September 15, of the same year, Mr. Ketcham married Mary Benham, a half sister of his first wife. She was born September 16, 1855, in Greene County, Ind. Mr. Ketcham was given eighty acres of land by his father, which he has since increased to 180 acres. He has a fine two-story residence, and good substantial barns and granaries. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for George B. McClellan. In June, 1884, he was appointed trustee of the town¬ship, by the county board of commissioners, to fill an unexpired term. In 1880 he was appointed to take the census of Madison Township.

ALLAN K LANE, M. D., of Odon, Ind., was born in Washington County, Ind., January 25,1843, and is one of fire children born to Richard and Jane (Martin) Lane, born in Tennessee and Kentucky, in 1811 and 1813, respectively. The father was of French-Irish descent, and was a merchant, and a minister of the Christian Church. He was married in Kentucky, about 1837, and soon after moved to Martinsburg, Ind., where he passed the remainder of his days. He died in 1845. The mother died in 1873. Our subject's literary education was acquired in the common schools. At the age of seventeen, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. James McPheeters, at Fredericksburg, Ind., with whom he remained about four years. In 1865 he commenced practicing his profession at Pitt's Point, Ky. He remained there until 1869, when he came to Daviess County, Ind., and located first in Baglesville, and then in Odon, in 1876. By a thorough knowledge of his profession, he has the entire confidence of the people and is pronounced a first-class physician and surgeon. He owns 200 acres of fine land on the outskirts of Odon, besides his fine town property. In politics he is conservative, but rather favors Republican principles. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and I. O. O. F. He has been married three times. He married his first wife, Angie Glenn, in 1863. She was born in 1844 and bore three children; only two, Maud and Blanche, are living. Mrs. Lane died in 1875, and the next year he married Mary J. Kelsey, born in 1853, and died in 1878. To them was born one child, now deceased. Dr. Lane took for his third wife Sarah Kelsey, sister of his second wife. They have one child, named Bradie. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

JOSEPH D. LAUGHLIN, attorney at law and notary public at Odon, Ind., was born in Martin County, Ind., February 1, 1845, and is one of ten children born to John O. M. and Elizabeth (Gyger) Laughlin. The father was of Irish descent, born in Kentucky, in 1815, and is a farmer by occupation. He came to Indiana, when but three years of age. In 1843 he moved to Martin County, where he entered forty acres of land, and where he has since resided, but now owns 160 acres of land. The mother is of German extraction, born in Tennessee in 1814. Our subject attended the district schools, and in addition attended two terms at Zion's Seminary, in Zion, H I., in 1869, and the following year attended the two terms at Dover Hill, Martin County. He was one of the "boys' in blue," and August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Resaca, Dalton, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, and was with Sherman on his march' to the sea, and in the grand review at Washington, D. C. In November, 1864, he was transferred to Company C, Seventieth Regiment He was in the field until the close of war. October, 1873, he married Lakie, daughter of Charles and Amanda Legerwood. She was born in Daviess County in 1852. To them were born these children: Laurette, Edgar Tecumseh, Lillie, Maud, Bertha, Oliver and Elizabeth. Mr. Laughlin has lived in Odon since his marriage. In 1870 he began teaching school, continuing that occupation eight years. The last three years of his school teaching he studied law, and, since 1877, has given his entire time to the study and practice of that profession. In 1881 he drew up a petition for the purpose of changing the name of the town (then Clarksburg) to Odon, and presented it to the county board of commissioners. The petition was granted. Mr. Laughlin is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. In, 1874 he was appointed notary public, and has since held that office. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

DANIEL L. McCARTER was born in Daviess County, Ind., February 16, 1840, son of Moses and Sarah (Ketcham) McCarter. Daniel attended the common school and remained with his people until after he was twenty-one years of age. He was a strong Union man, and September 10, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment Indiana Infantry, for three years. He took an active part in the battles of Resaca, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Winchester, and a number of lesser engagements. At the battle of Winchester he received a flesh wound, but was in the hospital only a short time. He was also slightly wounded at Gettysburg. At the expiration of his term he returned home, and September 17, 1867, married Amanda Ledgerwood, daughter of Charles and Amanda (Chambers) Ledgerwood. Mrs. McCarter was born in Daviess County, Ind., May 9, 1847. They have these six children: William H., Charles M., Moses A., John W., Daniel E. and Mina. Mr. McCarter located on the old home place after marriage, where he has since resided. He owns 265 acres of land, and is well to do financially. He was a brave and faithful soldier during the war, and is a useful and honest citizen. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM H. McCARTER is a son of Moses and Sarah (Ketcham) McCarter, and was born in Daviess County, Ind., April 4, 1847. His father was born in Tennessee September 24,1813, and was of Irish descent and a farmer by occupation. He was married in Monroe County, Ind., in 1834, and a few years later came to Daviess County, Ind., where he became the owner of 505 acres of land. He died of consumption December 27, 1856. The mother was a German by birth, born June 21, 1812, in Kentucky, and died in the fall of 1863. Subject attended the common schools, and after the death of his parents still resided on the home farm until his marriage to Miranda C. Laughlin March 29, 1866. Mrs. McCarter was born in Martin County, Ind., August 1, 1846, and is a daughter of John O. M. and Elizabeth Laughlin. To their union eight children were born, six of whom are living: Minerva E., Daniel R., Mary L, John K., William O., and Opha E. Mr. McCarter began farming on 100 acres of land given him by his father, which he has since increased to 190 acres, 150 acres of which are under cultivation. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant His wife is a member of the Church of God. Minerva, their eldest daughter, was married November 5,1885, to Frank Miller.    '

WILLIAM R. NEERIEMER, blacksmith, of Odon, Ind., is a native of Ohio, born June 10, 1854, son of David P. and Martha (McCoy) Neeriemer. The father was of German descent, born in Ohio in 1819, a tailor by trade. His marriage occurred in 1845, and he lived in different parts of the " Buckeye State " until 1867, when he came to Daviess County, Ind., and located near Odon, where he now resides. The mother was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in Ohio August 1, 1828. At the early age of eleven years our subject began working for himself as a farm laborer, receiving $2.50 per month for his services. After coming to Daviess County he did farm work until 1872, when he began working at the blacksmith's trade with Dunlap & McCoy in Odon. He worked for them two years, and then worked in Illinois and in Odon for other parties for about two years longer. In 1876 he established himself in business in Odon on his own responsibility. He is a very skillful workman, and, owing to the large amount of work he is called upon to execute, he employs a blacksmith and wagon-maker to assist him. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Rutherford B. Hayes. October 18, 1875, he married Sarah, daughter of Reuben and Julia Ann Harman. Mrs. Neeriemer was born in Ohio September 29, 1855. They have five children: Hugh, Frank, Almeda, Ismay and Martin.

CALEB E. ODELL, brick-maker and contractor, of Odon, Ind., was born September 22, 1848, in Daviess County, Ind., son of Emsley and Sarah A. (Scott) Odell (mention of whom is made elsewhere). Caleb attended the district school near home, and in 1873 entered the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, and remained until he nearly finished the full course, attending about six terms. At the age of twenty he began teaching school, and continued that work for eight years. He was highly successful, and was for three years principal of the high school at Odon, Ind. October 7, 1876, he wedded Mary M. Blough, daughter of Joseph and Mary A. Blough. Mrs. Odell was born in Ohio in 1855. To their union three children were born, two of whom are living: Letha, Grace and Raymond Clyde. In the spring of 1876 Mr. Odell entered into partnership with his brother Alexander in the general merchandise store in Odon. During the first two years of their partnership he also taught school. They continued together until 1884, when they disposed of their goods. In the fall of that year subject began manufacturing brick and taking contracts for building houses. In 1884 Mr. Odell manufactured 250,000 brick, and 175,000 in the summer of 1885. He is one of the wide-awake business men of the village, and is doing well financially. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant in 1878 he was elected trustee of Madison Township, and served four years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife is a member of the United Brethren Church.

ALEXANDER ODELL is a son of Emsley and Sarah (Scott) Odell, who were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, born in 1806 and 1813, respectively. The father went to Kentucky in his youth, and about 1828 went to Lawrence County, Ind. He was married in 1830, and kept hotel in Springville for about three years. In 1840 he came to Daviess County, Ind., where he owned at one time 120 acres of land. He died February .12, 1868. The mother is now residing with her children. Subject was born September 22, 1848, in Daviess County, and made his home with his parents until twenty-six years of age. He attended the district schools, and in addition attended the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute for one term. When twenty years of age he began teaching and followed that occupation very successfully for six years. December 10, 1874, he married Mary R, daughter of William and Julia Ballon. She is a native of Daviess County, Ind., born June 22, 1858. To their union five children were born, three of whom survive: Edgar, Famie and Harry. After marriage Mr. Odell farmed the old homestead one year, then moved to Odon and began keeping a general merchandise store, with his brother Caleb as partner. They worked together eight years and then disposed of their stock in the spring of 1885. Since that time subject has clerked in C. L. Pierson's merchandise store. Mr. Odell is a very energetic young man, and in politics is a Republican, and was commissioned postmaster of Odon in 1877 and held the position five years, and was re-commissioned in 1884 and held the office until October, 1885. He is a Mason, and is tolerably well to do financially.

REZIA OVERTON was born in Daviess County, In, January 25, 1850, son of Moses and Susan (Fletcher) Overton. The father was born in North Carolina in 1808. He moved to Tennessee in his youth and there married, about 1830. His wife died five years later, and in 1836 he married our subject's mother. In 1839 they moved to Lawrence County, Ind., and lived one year, and then came to Daviess County in 1840, where he became the possessor of 660 acres of land, being one of the largest landholders in Madison Township. He died May 20, 1883. The mother was born in Tennessee in 1811, and died in August, 1877. Our subject, Rezia Overton, attended the district schools in boyhood, and made his home with his people until he attained his majority. February 2, 1871, he wedded Phoebe Ann Chesnut, born in Daviess County, Ind., January 4, 1854, daughter of Julius and Rosa Ann Chesnut To their marriage seven children were born, six of whom are living, named John A., William J., Rosa M., James M., Rezia E. and Frederick B. Mr. Overton began his married life as a farmer on 100 acres of land given him by his father, and where he has since resided. He now owns 120 acres of land. He is a Republican and cast his first vote for TJ. S. Grant He is a Mason, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ELIJAH S. PERSHING, teacher and farmer, of Daviess County, Ind., was born February 2, 1849, in Ohio. He is the eldest of eleven children born to Solomon and Magdaline (Resler) Pershing. The father is of German and Irish descent, born March 9, 1824, in the "Buckeye State." After his marriage, which occurred in 1846, he resided in his native State until 1863, when he sold out and came to Daviess County, Ind., and bought 160 acres of land, and at one time owned 205 acres. He is yet living but has retired from active life, and is now living with his daughter Susan in Odon. The mother was of German-Scotch descent, born in Pennsylvania in 1827. She died November 5,1882. Subject obtained his education in the district schools of Daviess County, and in addition attended the graded schools of Dover, Ohio, and Raglesville and Liberty, Ind., for one year. When eighteen years old he began teaching school, and has followed that occupation nearly ever since. He is spoken of as one of the ablest and most successful instructors in the township, and is a thorough scholar and gentleman. December 9, 1869, he wedded Sarah, daughter of George C. and Susan Winklepleck. Mrs. Pershing was born August 13, 1849, in Ohio. They are the parents of these eight children: Mary I, Emma J., Jonas E., Charles A., Roland G., John D., Susan E. and Solomon E. After Mr. Pershing's marriage he made several changes of residence, but now acres of land in Madison Township. He is a Republican and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant He is a member of The Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife of the United Brethren Church.

ELDER WILLIAM E. RITTER, minister and farmer, was born in Indiana April 7, 1836, son of John L. and Jane (Fate) Hitter, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee. The father followed the millwright's business and also farmed to some ex¬tent. About 1820 he came to Indiana, and after residing here a number of years moved to Texas, where he died in 1859. The mother died in 1836, when our subject was only a few days old. He was taken to raise by William Moore, with whom he lived until twenty-five years old, and received his education in the subscription and free schools. September 18, 1856, he married Cecelia A., daughter of John and Rachael (Raney) Hastings. Mrs. Bitter was born January 3, 1836, in Indiana. They have two children; Eliza Ellen (widow of Samuel Guthrie) and John William. After his marriaga Mr. Ritter lived with Mr. Moore four years, and then located on an eighty-acre tract, given him by Mr. Moore. By his energy and good management he now owns 240 acres of land on which are erected good buildings. He is a Republican and cast his first vote for Lincoln. He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ He was ordained elder of said church in 1864, and in 1878 was ordained evangelist, and has since been preaching the doctrines of that church. He is a true Christian, and a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.

WILLIAM SENEFF was born in Fayette County, Penn., December 20, 1831, and is one of eleven children born to Daniel and Susannah (Barnett) Seneff, who were born in Pennsylvania in 1799 and 1806, and died in 1878 and 1881, respectively. They were of German descent, and the father was a farmer.    At the time of his marriage, in 1826, he lived in his native State. They moved to Ohio in 1846, and in 1863 came to Daviess County, Ind., where he purchased 154 acres of land, and lived about seven years. He then sold out to his son William, and purchased 140 acres in Bogard Township, and lived there until his death. Our subject attended school about three months during his life, and resided with his parents until twenty-two years of age. October 27, 1853, he wedded Ann Fisher, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Crits) Fisher. Mrs. Seneff was born October 22, 1835, in Ohio. To this union these children were born: John H., Sarah A., Daniel W., George E., Mary E. (who was murdered near Philadelphia, Ohio, May 14, 1880, by Ellen A. Athey. The trial lasted fifteen days, and the verdict of the jury was "imprisonment for life"), Susan N., Lydia E., Ida M., Claranetta (deceased), Emma A., Mertie L. and Alda L. John is living near Shoals, Ind., farming; George is in the regular army. Mr. Seneff lived in Ohio for ten years after his marriage. He came to Daviess County, Ind., in 1863, and began farming. In 1884 he built a fine two-story dwelling-house, one of the best in the township, and has his farm well improved otherwise. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

HARVEY SMILEY, brick and drain tile manufacturer, of Odon, Ind., was born November 22, 1833, in Ohio, and is one of seven children of William and Elizabeth (Swighart) Smiley. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, a farmer and blacksmith by profession. He moved to the "Buckeye State" in his youth, and made his home in Tuscarawas County, where he died in 1848. The mother was of German descent, born about 1807. She is yet living. Our subject's boyhood days were spent on the farm, and in obtaining such education as the district schools afforded. May 22, 1856, he wedded Catharine, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Croui Mrs. Smiley was born in Pennsylvania February 10, 1836, and became the mother of six children, three of whom are deceased. Those living are Milo, Evalena and William. Soon after his marriage Mr. Smiley purchased fifty-four acres of land in his native county, and began farming. In 1862 he sold this and  bought a tanyard in Dundee, Ohio, where he worked two years, meeting with good success. In 1864 he sold his property and came to Daviess County, Ind., and built a tanyard in Odon, continuing fifteen years. He then returned to agricultural pursuits, and was a tiller of the soil about eight years. In the spring of 1884 he turned his attention to manufacturing brick, and in 1885 also began making tile, taking his son Milo in as equal partner. They do an extensive and paying business. They are enterprising business men, and although the establishment is new, they are doing well financially. In politics Mr. Smiley is a Democrat and cast his first vote for James Buchanan. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

JOHN V. SMITH, editor of the Prairie Scorcher, of Odon, Ind., was born November 7, 1831, in Lawrence County, Ind., near Bedford. He is one of a family of three sons and six daughters of Peter and Margaret (Ford) Smith. John attended the district schools about three months during the year, and remained at home with his parents as long as he remained single. July 24, 1851, he wedded Susan A. Collins, daughter of Samuel Collins. Mrs. Smith was born in Monroe County, Ind., about 1831. To their union nine children were born, all of whom are deceased During the war Mr. Smith became one of the "boys in blue," enlisting in Company I, One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Infantry, in 1864, for three years, or during the war. He participated in the Atlanta campaign, and numerous minor engagements. He remained in the field until hostilities ceased, receiving his discharge in 1866. He then came to Daviess County, and located in Clarksburg, now Odon, and began life as a merchant Two years later he was burnt out, and he then began selling drugs, continuing for about the same length of time. In 1873 he combined his drug store with George Barber's dry goods store, the firm being known as J. V. Smith & Co. In connection with his store Mr. Smith established the newspaper called the Clarksburg Spy, and continued its publication until 1877. The same year he disposed of his store and moved his press to Bedford, Ind., where he resolved to devote his entire time to editorial work. He published the Bedford Journal for seven years with good success. In 1884 he sold his entire interest, and soon after purchased the Mitchell Commercial, assuming control editor and proprietor, which position he now holds. In the fall of 1885 he established the Prairie Scorcher, and is meeting with the best of success. He is a Republican in politics and cast his first vote for Fillmore. He was appointed postmaster of Clarksburg by U. S. Grant, and served in that capacity for several years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the G. A. B. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is highly respected by all classes.

DANIEL J. SMITH, M. D.,   of   Odon, Ind., was born in Lawrence County, Ind.,  May 13, 1829, and is one of nine children born to Peter and Margaret (Ford) Smith.  The father was a German by birth, born in Kentucky.   He was a farmer and came to Indiana about 1828, and located on a 160-acre farm in Indian Creek Township, Lawrence County.  He soon afterward traded this farm for 160 acres near Bedford.   He was a successful farmer, and owned at the time of his death 500 acres of land.  He died in the spring of 1849.  The mother was born in the State of Tennessee.  After her husband's death she made her home with her children until her death.  Subject remained at home and received his education in the district schools.  At the early age of seventeen, on March 11, 1847, he married Catharine Woody, daughter of Robert and Mourner Woody. She was born February 13,1829.  They became the parents of seven children, three of whom are living: Sarah Jane (wife of Capt. Z. V. Garten), Mary E. (wife of John Smiley), and Margaret E. (wife of John Crooke). Mrs. Smith was intelligent and well educated and her husband perceived the advantages of a good education, and accordingly received instruction from his wife and attended school a few terms.  He learned very rapidly and at the age of twenty years entered the teacher's profession.  About 1850 he commenced working at the carpenter's trade, at which he continued about eight years.  In 1859 he began the study of medicine under Dr. E. E. Rose.  At the end of one year he took a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, and after completing his course commenced practicing his profession at Fayetteville, Ind., where he remained two years.  August 1, 1861, he came to Clarksburg, now Odon, where he resumed his practice and has since resided.  Dr. Smith lost his wife October 14, 1870, and May 14, 1871, he wedded Sarah J. Clinton, daughter of Henry and Delphia Clinton. Mrs. Smith was born in Daviess County, Ind., in 1839. To their union two children were born, one of whom is living, Arnley. His second wife died March 1, 1881, and October 3 of the same year he married Mrs. Catharine (Stoy) Crater, daughter of Rev. John and Sophronia Stoy, born December 25, 1844, in Ohio. Dr. Smith has been a resident of Odon twenty-four years, where, by his thorough knowledge of his profession, he has built up an extensive and paying practice. He graduated at the Medical College at Cincinnati in 1866. In politics he is independent. He is a member of the Christian Church, but is an Evolutionist in belief. He was for some time justice of the peace in Lawrence County, and was elected in 1880 to the Greenback National Convention at Chicago.

ROBERT D. STOTTS is a son of John L. and Elizabeth E. (Laughlin) Stotts, born in Daviess County, Ind., August 18, 1851. The father was of Scotch descent, born December 11, 1820, a teacher by profession. Soon after his marriage he came to Daviess County, where he purchased 240 acres of land. During the Rebellion he enlisted in Company G, Twenty-eighth Indiana Infantry, February, 1864, and during his stay in the field was taken sick at Ringgold, Ga., died February 9, 1865, and was buried at that place. The mother was of Irish lineage, born in Lawrence County, Ind., January 26, 1826. They were married in 1843 and came to this county in 1846. Since her husband's death she has lived with her son, Joseph, on the old place. Our subject attended the district schools and the high school at Dover Hill, in Martin County, and attended the Indiana Normal School at Mitchell, Ind., for one term. At the early age of seventeen he began teaching school, and has followed that occupation during the winter months ever since with the exception of one term, and is considered one of the best teachers in the county. October 19, 1871, he married Eliza J. Phipps, daughter of Benjamin and Mary H. Phipps. She was born in Daviess County March 3, 1851. They have three children, named Alva E., Zeta M. and John B. After marriage Mr. Stotts located on the old home place, where he yet resides and owns eighty-three acres of land. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant    He and wife are church members.
 
PHILIP S. WARD was born in Ohio September 2, 1830, and is one of eight children born to Jesse and Rachael (Sholor) Ward, who were of German descent, born in 1797 and 1802, respectively, in Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter, but later in life became a farmer. They were married in their native State in 1821, and moved to Ohio about 1826. At the time of his death, January 22, 1864, he owned 160 acres of land. He was married three times and was the father of twelve children. The mother died March 12, 1832. Subject attended the common schools, and when twenty-one began working at the carpenter's trade and continued at that occupation about six years. January 22, 1855, he married Margaret Fry, daughter of Moses and Catherine (Bash) Fry. Mrs. Ward was born in Ohio September 15, 1838. To Mr. and Mrs. Ward these children were born: Jesse F., Henry W., John A., Cora B., Charles F. and Edwin B. (twins), and Arthur A. In 1852 Mr. Ward came to Daviess County, Ind., and entered 120 acres of land. In 1856 he sold out and bought forty acres where he now resides. In September, 1864, he was drafted in Company H, Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry, for one year or during the war. He was in the Atlanta campaign, and received his discharge at Indianapolis, Ind., in July, 1865. He has been an industrious farmer, and now owns 594 acres of excellent and well-improved land, besides giving his boys eighty acres. In politics he is a republican and cast his first vote for James Buchanan.

LEONARD C. WARD was born in Holmes County, Ohio, May 21, 1835, and is a son of Jesse and Rachael (Sholor) Ward His boyhood days were spent on the farm and in attending school. When twenty-three years old he began doing for him-self, and in March, 1859, he married Barbara Shutt, a native of Ohio, born December 4, 1838, daughter of John and Susan Shutt Mr. and Mrs. Ward became the parents of these children: Olivia, Mary E., Susan B., Harvey E., Lavina and Maggie. Mr. Ward resided in his native State two years after marriage, and in 1861 came to Daviess County, Ind. He owned 150 acres of land in Greene County, Ind., which he traded for eighty-two acres in Daviess County. Two years later he purchased part of his present farm of 250 acres.    In 1864 he was drafted in Company H, Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until file close of the war. He was in the battle of Nashville. He received his discharge at Indianapolis, Ind., in 1865. After his return he resumed his work on the farm. He has a beautiful residence, and a good substantial barn and granaries. In politics he is a Republican, but cast his first vote for James Buchanan. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.


Source: History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana by Goodspeed. Chicago 1886-1891
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