Genealogy Trails

Montgomery County, Indiana
  Scott Township

Clayton Caplinger, lumber manufacturer, New Market. Almost among the first settlers of Brown township was Mr. Henry and Mary (Swindler) Caplinger.   They came from Kentucky in 1824, and were preceded only by Benjamin Van Cleave, Wm. Carson, Samuel Stubbin, and some of the Galeys.   He at once went to Crawfordsville and entered eighty acres of land, having saved and brought with him $100 for that purpose.   His first work was, with the help of a few friends, to cut and haul together the logs with which to build a cabin.   It was soon completed, and they moved into it, using the earth for a floor, and the smoke from their cabin ascended through a chimney made of short, round sticks, and quietly curled upward among the tops of the tall trees that closely surrounded their new home, and disappeared in the clouds.   In this cabin the subject of this sketch was born, May 1, 1825, and was truly one of the pioneer children of this county, and it is believed he is the first one born in this part of the county that is now living.   His advantages for education were very limited, yet by extensive reading and close observation he is one of the best posted men on all subjects in this township.   August 13, 1846, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Mr. John and Harried (Eubanks) Strange. She was born in Clark county, Kentucky, October 23, 1820, and came to Indiana when quite young.   After his marriage Mr. Caplinger engaged in farming in Hendricks county, Indiana, for six years, and then removed to Scott township and engaged in farming and carpentering. In June, 1862, he went to Warren county, Indiana, and there engaged in farming till 1865, when he returned to Scott township, and engaged in the business of carpentering till 1874, and then bought the steam saw-mill on the Greencastle and Crawfordsville road, about three miles north of Parkersburg.   He has four children: William H., James F., John M. and Charlie A.   They are all married and settled in the neighborhood.   Mr. Caplinger relates of early pioneer life that for lights they dug out a turnip, filled it with oil or grease, stuck a stick in the center of it and lit it; this would burn all night.   For bread they grated corn on a grater, or pounded it in a mortar.   For their meat they secured deer and wild turkeys.   Mills and markets were advantages only reached by many days of tedious travel.   Six years he filled the position of township trustee, and eight years assessor of Scott township.
Source: "History of Montgomery County : together with historic notes on the Wabash Valley, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources" by H.W. Beckwith, 1881, pub. by H.H. Hill and N. Iddings ; Chicago - Submitted by K. Torp
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Allen Harrison, retired farmer, Ladoga.   As far back in the history of this county as September 25, 1828, Mr. Robert Harrison and his wife, Mary (Hammer) Harrison, came here from Ohio, their family then consisting of five children, two boys and three girls, though Mr. Harrison had been here twice previous, having entered his land in November, 1826, his patent being signed by John Q. Adams. At his house in Scott township was held the election of 1828, which elected old "Hickory" Jackson.   Mr. Harrison was one of the live and leading pioneers of this township in its early history, but died in 1839, in the midst, of his usefulness, both to the church, the pioneer settlers, and his own family, which then consisted of five children, three of whom are now living: John H., the youngest, Sarah, and Allen.   The subject of this sketch was born in Butler county, Ohio, February 24,1812, and came to this county as above stated. December 4, 1834, he married Miss Sarah, daughter of John Britts, also an early settler of Scott township.   She died June 16,1858.   Mr. Harrison has since remained a widower, and has a family of four children living: Mary C, David D., John R. and Nancy E., wife of Mr. James W. Moone, with whom he is now living in his old home.   He is a man of great memory, and from whom was obtained much of the early history of the settlement of part of Scott township.
Source: "History of Montgomery County : together with historic notes on the Wabash Valley, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources" by H.W. Beckwith, 1881, pub. by H.H. Hill and N. Iddings ; Chicago - Submitted by K. Torp
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D. G. Goodbar, retired farmer, Whitesville, a grandson of Joseph Goodbar, one of two boys born in England and left orphans, early in the last century. Joseph was taken by a sea captain and followed a seafaring life. Returning to England and failing to find his brother, he came to America and settled in Virginia, and there he reared a family. His son John H., the father of our subject, after his marriage to Miss Rachel Hostetter, went to Kentucky, where he settled, farming for many years. In 1829 he, with his family, excepting one son, came to Montgomery county, Indiana, and settled in Scott township. He was among the first to teach in the pioneer schools of the township. He held the office of trustee of Scott township successively for eighteen years, and represented this county one term in the state legislature for a salary of two dollars per day. For many years his nearest market was La Fayette, Cincinnati, and points on the Ohio river, through a vast wilderness without roads or bridges. He came to this county by the usual mode, that of horses and wagon, oxen and cart. Mr. Goodbar died in 1870 at the honorable old age of eighty-seven years, after a long life of usefulness, loved and respected by all who know him.
 
Dickison G. Goodbar was born in Virginia, May 6, 1813. He came from Kentucky with his parents, to this county, in 1829, and thus became one of the early settlers. October 4,1848, he married Miss Mary F. Prieste, a native of Putnam county, Indiana, and January 6, 1850, his son, John C, was born, and January 22 his wife died. He has never since married, and is now living on his excellent farm of 400 acres in the northeast corner of Scott township, with his son, who married Miss Kezia Epperson. She was born in Putnam county, December 31, 1843.   They have one son, Walter J., born February 2, 1872.
Source: "History of Montgomery County : together with historic notes on the Wabash Valley, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources" by H.W. Beckwith, 1881, pub. by H.H. Hill and N. Iddings ; Chicago - Submitted by K. Torp
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Abraham Ashley
As early as 1829 in the history of this county Mr. Abraham Ashley came from Kentucky to Scott township and entered land which he soon began to improve with a dwelling in which he raised a prosperous family. His son, Thomson V., who, May 30,1844, was married to Miss Dulcenia, daughter of Mr. Robert and Elizabeth (Malone) Lockridge, now owns the old farm of 400 acres. He formerly owned 1,200 acres, but has lately divided with his children. He has three children: Robert, a citizen of Scott township, a daughter the wife of a Mr. Foster, and William H., who was born in Scott township March 30. 1845, and is living on a part of the old farm, engaged in farming and stock raising, making fine breeds a specialty. He is also engaged in buying and shipping. Mr. Ashley secured a good practical education which he has turned to good advantage, and later in life was married to Miss Elizabeth, a daughter of Joseph Fordice, and has since become the father of three children. Mr. Ashley is one of the live young men of the township, a substantial man, and one wide awake to matters of
public concern. He is a firm advocate of the principles as pronounced by the republican party, and is respected as a good citizen by all with whom he is acquainted.
Source: "History of Montgomery County : together with historic notes on the Wabash Valley, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources" by H.W. Beckwith, 1881, pub. by H.H. Hill and N. Iddings ; Chicago - Submitted by K. Torp
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Ambrose W. Armstrong, farmer and stock raiser, Parkersburg, is one of the few noble pioneers now living.   He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Fisher) Armstrong, and was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, January 19, 1812, and like his father was reared a farmer with but a limited means of education.   About the age of eighteen he, with his older brother, each owning a horse, bought a cheap wagon, costing about $12, and with their widowed mother and two younger sisters, emigrated to this county with all their worldly effects, valued at about $30, and September 10, 1829, landed in what is now Brown township, and for several days camped by the side of an old log (having not even a tent), awaiting the arrival of an uncle from Fayette county, Kentucky.   The same autumn Mr. Armstrong bought eighty acres of wild land covered with heavy timber, and at once began to improve a farm.   At the age of twenty-three years he began going to the pioneer log cabin school, and soon after engaged in school teaching in the winter and farming in summer, and by dint of close application to study and extensive reading, Mr. Armstrong so engrafted himself in the public confidence that he has been called to serve them in many positions of trust, namely: one term in the state legislature, sixteen years justice of the peace, and forty-two years elder in the Christian church. He has been executor and administrator, settling up thirteen estates, and been guardian for thirty-six minors. Mr. Armstrong has by good management accumulated and independently owned over 800 acres of valuable land, part of which he has divided among his children. His taste is altogether for farming rather than a public life, as he never would permit his name to go before the people for a second term in the state legislature. In the year 1838 he married Miss Eliza J. Drennon, who was born January 13, 1812, in Scott county, Kentucky. They had six children, three of whom are living: Mary E., Thomas J. and David S.
Source: "History of Montgomery County : together with historic notes on the Wabash Valley, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources" by H.W. Beckwith, 1881, pub. by H.H. Hill and N. Iddings ; Chicago - Submitted by K. Torp
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William Swindler, retired farmer, Ladoga. In 1830 he with his- widowed mother and her family came to Brown township, this county, from Kentucky, where she had buried her husband, Mr. Jonathan Swindler, a short time previous. Soon after coming to this county William went to Crawfordsville, and there engaged as an apprentice to the cabinet and carpenter trade with Townsend & Griffith, and remained with them three years, after which he followed the business for himself till April 27, 1837. He then married Miss America, daughter of Mr. James Baty, a native of Kentucky. Soon after his marriage Mr. Swindler bought a piece of land in Scott township, and there in the wild forest cleared a spot on which to build a cabin, and with the pluck and energy that has characterized him through life succeeded in clearing a heavily timbered tract of land of the wildest character into an excellent farm of 215 acres. This he still owns, besides his comfortable residence in Ladoga. His wife died August 13,1847, and for his second wife he married Mrs. Margaret Hughs, daughter of Philip Redinbaugh, a native of Jefferson county, Indiana. She died March 8, 1872. He now has his third wife, Mrs. Susan Benson, a native of Virginia, and daughter of Mr. Daniel Himes. Mr. Swindler had by his first wife three children, all deceased. One died at Memphis, Tennessee (he enlisted at Indianapolis in 1863). By his second wife he had three children, one of whom is living. He now has charge of the old farm, and is married to Miss Savilla Eelsey, and has two children: Hattie Bell, and one infant.

William T. Servies, farmer and stock raiser, New Market, came from Shelby county, Kentucky, with his parents, William A. and Eliza (Pilcher) Servies, as far back as 1830, and is therefore entitled to be called one of its pioneer children. He was born March 4,1830, and secured a limited education in the pioneer log-cabin schools, though most of his early youth was spent in hard labor, clearing up a new farm and other duties of pioneer life. When he was about eight years old his mother died, and in his sixteenth year he was left an orphan by the death of his father. After this sad event he engaged in working out by the month till his twentieth year, when he engaged in farming for himself. January 4, 1853, he married Miss Nancy C., daughter of John and Phoebe (Foster) Jones. She was born in Scott township, on the farm where she now lives, August 15, 1837. They have six children : John A., Henry D., Mary A., America, Charlie M. and Maggie G. Mrs. Servies now owns 460 acres of excellent land earned by his own industry and economy, with the aid of an industrious and persevering wife. He has dealt largely in stock of all kinds, together with pork packing, following the business fifteen years successfully. His father was an officer in the state militia, and was once called out to meet Black Hawk, the great Indian warrior, at Crawfordsville; it proved, however, a false alarm.

Wm. S. White, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, whose name stands among the leading agriculturists and stock raisers of Scott township, is one of that class of men possessed of a high sense of honor, and a friend to all enterprises pertaining to the good of the public. He traces his genealogy back to his grandfather, Thomas White, who was native of Ireland, his birthplace being near the line of Scotland. He emigrated to the United States and reared a family, among whom was Benjamin White, native of Pennsylvania, and father of our subject, who also reared a family of twelve children, and for many years was a resident of Greene county, Ohio, and the native place of Win. S., who was born March 6, 1817, and migrated to Indiana in 1831 with his parents, and settled in Clarke township, Montgomery county. His father there entered land from the government, and became one of the successful and respected farmers of the county. The early advantages of Wm. S., so far as education was concerned, were limited to sixteen days of schooling. Early in life he began learning the trade of a carpenter from his father, and has since, in connection with farming, done about $25,000 of business in this line. In 1838 Mr. White bought his present farm, which was then a piece of wild timber land, and which he has since converted into one of the best 360-acre farms in Scott township. December 24, 1836, Mr. White was married to Miss Amy, daughter of George Watkins, one of the old and prominent pioneers of the county. They have reared a family of twelve children, seven of whom are living: Israel H., Elizabeth J., Geo. W., Susanna M., Alice, John B. and Emma C. Benj. F. died in the service of his country at Smoky Town, Maryland, his body being brought home for burial.

James A. Skelton, farmer, New Market, was born in Kentucky, July 30, 1825. At the age of seven years he, with his widowed mother and her family of six children, emigrated to Brown township, Montgomery county, Indiana. Soon after she came, not being able to buy a home for her family, she put them out to be raised by others, and James, the subject of this sketch, found his home with Mr. William Gott, Esq., with whom he lived till the age of twenty-one years, after which he began for himself by working out by the mouth. This he followed but one year, and December 12, 1847, he married Miss Rebecca Wilkinson, a native of Ohio, and born March 4, 1820. She came to this county in 1844. They have a family of four children, all of whom are married: Kezia E., wife of William F. Britton; Margery E., wife of Marcus W. Smith ; Margaret A., wife of Henry C. Elliott, and Sarah E. E., wife of John W. Faust, Mr. Skelton is now living on his neat little home of eighty acres, and engaged in farming. His parents, Powell and Elizabeth (Gott) Skelton, are dead, his father dying in Kentucky, and his mother in this county in 1841.

Daniel Arnold, farmer and stock raiser, one of the early pioneers, was born near Finn Castle, Virginia, December 12, 1808. His early youth, till the age of twenty-three years,' was spent with his parents, employed at farm labor, a business he has successfully followed through life. In October, 1830, he married Miss Nancy Myers, who was born in Virginia. After his marriage Mr. Arnold engaged in farming with his father-in-law, in his native state, one year, after which he rented a farm one year, and in 1832 came to Clarke township, Montgomery county, Indiana. There his father-in-law bought him & farm of 194 acres of land. This he partly improved, living on it eight years; he then sold out and removed to Scott township and bought the farm on which ho now lives, about two miles northwest of Ladoga. This farm of 320 acres he has well improved, and is worth about $18,- 000. After the death of his first wife Mr. Arnold married Miss Frances Pefley, daughter of Mr. Samuel Pefley, Esq. She died, and for his third wife lie married Margaret Maltby, with whom he is now living. By his first wife he has three children living: David, Mary (wife of Samuel Graybill), and Henry, and a son William, who was killed in Virginia, while nobly defending the flag of his country. To Mr. James F. Harney the family acknowledge their life-long gratitude for his kindness in going direct to the front, and at the risk of his life, securing the body and bringing it home for burial. By his second wife Mr. Arnold has three children living: Samuel, George E. and John B.

James E. Welch, blacksmith, Parkersburg, the old-time and present blacksmith of Parkersburg, is one to whom many thanks are given in consideration of his opening his great store-house of knowledge concerning the early history of this part of Scott township; for without the information given by him this part of the work would have been quite incomplete. He was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, December 13, 1822, and with his parents, Mr. Noble and Lydia A. (Secrest) Welch, removed, in the autumn of 1825, to Monroe county, Indiana, but soon after went to Owen county, where he remained one year, and then went to Putnam county, and there lived till the fall of 1833, when he came to Parkersburg, Montgomery county, Indiana, and bought a farm from one of the first pioneers, part of which he soon after laid out in lots, and which made a part of the village of Parkersburg. His educational advantages were limited, but with a determined will and a love for reading he has become a man of some considerable knowledge of general history, and is the equal of, if he is not superior to, many who have enjoyed greater educational advantages. In 1840 he went to Gosport, Indiana, and engaged there in learning the trade he now follows, after which he made a trip to Iowa on horse-back, via Bloomington and Burlington, in company with an uncle, Mr. R. M. Secrest, taking with them a drove of cattle. .After his return to Parkersburg he permanently located, and engaged in the business of blacksmithing. May 1,1853, he married Miss Elizabeth T. daughter of Mr. Henry and Letitia Branock. She was born in Kentucky, October 10, 1832. They have six children: Sarah E., Noble H., James R., Lydia A., Charles S. and William M. Politically Mr. Welch is a republican, though he was formerly a democrat, and only when he considered they abandoned their first principles he left the party.

Marcus D. L. Long, farmer, Ladoga, son of William D. and Rhoda H. (Clark) Long, was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, November 1, 1832. In about 1836 he with his mother and infant brother came to this county, his father having died in January 1834. His early youth was spent in farming, and to a limited extent attending school. Being an orphan boy his education was of a necessity much neglected, but by a rigid observation and wide reading he has become quite familiar and well posted as regards business and current literature. At about the age of twenty be began life for himself by working out by the month. When twenty-six years old he purchased his present home farm, and on January 3, 1861, at the age of twenty-eight, he married Miss Melvina Lafollett, who was born January 19, 1839, and died May 11, 1876. One child, the product of this union, is dead. May 25, 1876, he married Miss Lydia E. Frank, a native of Putnam county, Indiana, who was born February 28, 1839. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank, are both dead. Mr. Long is now the happy possessor of 160 acres of land situated two and one-fourth miles east of Parkersburg, on Raccoon creek, well improved and under a high state of cultivation, and was made and saved by his own hard labor, economy, and close application to business. In June, 1844, his mother married Nicholas West, one of Putnam county's well-to-do and influential farmers and stock raisers, respected by all, and revered as one of the leading citizens of the county. But a sad fate was waiting this magnanimous soul. November 24, 1864, he was murdered without cause at the hands of Henry L. Dick- son, a brother of Mr. West's first wife. They had been life-long friends, and knew each other only as brothers. But Dickson had become insane upon the political questions of the day. The presidential election of that year had just been decided. The spirit of every Union man was fired to a flaming heat. The war was still raging in all its fury. The success of the armies was uppermost in every person's mind. The result of battles was discussed in a most ardent manner until every one's mind was filled with excitement. The night referred to above, Dickson had wrought himself up to such a pitch he was ungovernable, while laboring under the hallucination that his democratic friends, on account of his having voted contrary to his former principles, which were democratic, had become his avowed enemies, and that these and the armies of the south were constantly watching him, seeking the destruction of his life and property. His wife was a good, honest, earnest Christian, and as such had many times tried to convert him, until his sanity upon religious topics was sometimes questioned. The evening in question Mr. West was called in to try and quiet him, which he succeeded in doing as far as outward appearances indicated. But about 11 o'clock Dickson, unobserved by Mr. West, drew a revolver and shot him in the abdomen, from the effects of which he died about 6 o'clock the following morning, surrounded by his weeping wife and two step-sons. Dickson was immediately taken before the proper authorities, tried, and sent to the hospital for the insane at Indianapolis, where he still remains a hopeless case.

Joseph Wasson, farmer and stock raiser, Parkersburg, is a son of Samuel and Susanah (McLeod) Wasson, and was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, October 12, 1828. In the fall of 1835 he, with his parents, emigrated in a four-horse wagon to what is now Brown township, Montgomery county, Indiana, occupying twelve days in making the trip. His advantages as regards education were very limited during his early youth, though after he arrived at his majority he attended a graded school, after which he entered his brother's store at Parkersburg as clerk. November 25, 1852, he married Miss Susan A., daughter of John and Sarah (Sewel) Frame. She was born June 24, 1834, and is a native of Kentucky, and came with her parents to this county in its early history. They have four children: Cordelia J., John C. and Minnie. Mr. Wasson now owns a neat little farm of 115 acres one mile north of Parkersburg, on which is laid out the private family cemetery of the Wassons and Frames. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church the last twenty-one years; is its present class-leader, and has aided largely in building up and supporting the church through its early history. Mr.Wasson is, politically, a republican.

William Myers, retired fanner, Ladoga, came with his parents, John and Catharine (Hontz) Myers, to this township from Virginia in 1833. He was born on September 4, 1816, in the old hilly state of Virginia. At the time they settled in Montgomery county their market for many years was La Fayette, or to points on the Ohio river through a wild timbered country, without roads or bridges, winding through the forests, crossing, or rather fording, streams at the safest places. On October 20, 1836, he married Miss Lydia Harshbarger, a native of Virginia, who came to this county far back in its early history. Mr. Myers, like his father, was reared a farmer, which business he always followed. In 1852 he built the fine brick residence where he now lives, on the county road one mile west of Ladoga. He is now spending his declining years in his comfortable home, made by a life of honest toil. He has six children living: Saloma C., Elizabeth A., Daniel A., Amanda E., Mary Li. and Susan A. His father died in 1842, at the honored old age of seventy-seven years, after an industrious life of honest labor. His mother died in 1850. He has nineteen grandchildren, and is one of the representative men of Scott township.

Francis M. Watkins, farmer and stock raiser, New Market, is a son of Daniel and Nancy (Kelsey) Watkins, who came and settled in the north part of Scott township in 1827, and was among the first of the early pioneers there. He bought a half-section of land, cleared a large part of it, and reared a family of ten children. He was one of the early Methodist preachers in this part of Montgomery county, and did much in the way of establishing and permanently building up the society in this part of the county, and having a good home it was always the home of the preachers. He died in March 1873, after a life of usefulness and honest toil, loved and respected by all. Mrs. Watkins died in March 1878. Our subject, Francis M., the seventh of-the family, was born January 29, 1837, in Scott township, and like his father was reared a farmer, and was educated in the common schools. Being in Illinois at the outbreak of the rebellion, he enlisted at Chicago in Co. G, 37th Ill. Vol. Inf. He participated in the battle of Pea Ridge, where he was wounded in the shoulder, but not so severely but that he kept his place in the ranks till the battle was won, and had the ball extracted at night. In this memorable battle over half their regiment was lost in killed and wounded, after which they were for some time engaged in a destructive warfare with guerrillas and bushwhackers. He was in the great battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, at the siege of Vicksburg, and at the capture of Yazoo City. From there he went with his regiment to the Rio Grande, where he remained till discharged and sent to Chicago, where he was mustered out of service after three years and three months' active soldiering for his country's flag. He at once returned to Montgomery county, Indiana, and engaged in farming on the old home farm. September 24, 1867, he married Miss Mary A. Lash- ley, who died August 20, 1878. August 7, 1879, he married for his second wife Mrs. Nancy Davis, who was born in Brown township August 8, 1835, and is a daughter of Mr. Thomas Glenn. By his first wife Mr. Watkins has two children: Hattie E. and Nettie C. Mrs. Watkins has by her former husband one child, James T. Mr. Watkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while Mrs. Watkins is a member of the Missionary Baptist church.

David Arnold, farmer, Ladoga, is a son of David and Kancy (Myers) Arnold, and was born in Scott township in 1837,. and like his father was reared a farmer. His advantages for education were rather limited, jet such as was to be obtained in the pioneer log-cabin schools, carried on on the subscription principle, he received. In 1862 he married Miss Rebecca Ann Grider, who died in 1872. For his second wife he married Martha Gish, a native of Virginia, who is one of those excellent ladies who always contribute to home's'happiness. He has six children: Thomas and William by his first wife, and Daniel, Charlie,, Henry, and Homer, by his second. He owns a very neat and beautiful little farm of eighty acres two miles north of Ladoga. His father came here from Virginia far back in this county's history. He owns 320 acres of land. Mr. Arnold is educating his family as becomes a faithful parent.

Daniel Busenbark, farmer, New Market, is a son of William and Eliza (Leigh) Busenbark. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, October 13, 1831, and came to Union township with his parents September 1833. He, like his father, was reared a farmer, and enjoyed but a limited means of education, coming to a new country in infancy, where was only the pioneer subscription school. His father died in 1836, and thus he was left in early life in care of his mother. At the age of eighteen he began for himself by working out by the month till he earned money enough to buy a team. He then rented the old fa.rm from his mother, one year, then removed to Scott township, bought a farm of eighty acres, and has, by economy, industry and close attention to business, paid for and improved it in a way that reflects credit on its owner. About four years after his marriage his wife died, and he married for his second wife Hannali L., daughter of Carson and Cinthy (Craig) Wray, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana. Their children are Mary E., William W., Francis C. and Eliza J. Mr. Busenbark is one of those men who by honesty and fair dealing has gained the confidence of his friends and neighbors.

David M. Harshbarger, farmer and graded stock raiser, Ladoga, is a son of Mr. Samuel and Elizabeth (Myers) Harshbarger, who came to this township from Virginia with their family in 1837, though he cauie here in 1831, and entered land in Sees. 34 and 35, T. 17, R. 4 W., on his farm. Here he lived, and reared a thrifty and industrious family, and died at the honorable old age of seventy-two years. Mrs. Harshbarger died in 1850. David was born in Scott township, on the old farm, and in the same house where he now lives, February 4, 1842, and was reared to a farmer's life. January 27, 1870, he married Miss Sarah A., daughter of William F. and Mary A. (Hostetter) Davidson. She was born in Union township, Montgomery county, Indiana, July 30, 1845. They have three children : Clara A., Saloma B. and Cora E. He is now actively engaged in farming and stock raising, and has for the last few years turned his attention to the breeding and raising of graded short-horns, and is feeding yearly about a car load of fine export steers. In fact, his stock farm and house (which is a fine brick) reflect great credit on their proprietor. He is a democrat, as was also his father, though he was always opposed to slavery, and for that reason left Virginia and came to the free state of Indiana.

Samuel P. Forgey, retired farmer, Whitesville, was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, March 22,1819, and came with his parents, James and Jane (Vanscoyae) Forgey, to Putnam county, Indiana, when eight years old. Coming to a new country, his education was very limited, yet, having a determined will, he applied himself to reading and observation, and has become one of the well posted men of the county. December 17, 1840, he married Miss Mahala O., daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Olliver) Magill. She was born February 1, 1821, in Franklin county, Kentucky. In 1843 he removed to his present home farm in the northeast part of Scott township, enjoying the fruits of his labor and industry. He has five children living: James S. (now in Kansas, engaged in farming) enlisted in Co. B, 10th Ind. Vol. Inf., and faithfully served his country in the dark days of rebellion ; Elizabeth J., wife of George L. Mills, who was also a soldier through the war, serving in Co. K, 11th Calv., 126th Ind. Vols.; John P. is in Kansas, and George W. and Henry C. are at home, all engaged in farming. Judging from the neat and thrifty appearance of the farm and its improvements, they are industrious and enterprising young men. Politically they are republicans, and the parents are members of the Methodist church.

Thomas J. Armstrong, farmer and graded stock raiser, Parkers- burg, was born in Scott township, April 2, 1843, and, like his father, was reared a farmer. His education was received mostly at the common country schools, and he attended the Ladoga Seminary six months. .At a little less than nineteen years of age he volunteered his services to his country, and March 3, 1-862, became a member of Co. G, 26th Ind. Vol. Inf. The first battle he engaged in was New Tonia, Missouri. Soon after followed the terrible battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; there his regiment lost over half their men in about two hours. It is due to the credit of Mr. Armstrong to say that he was out about four years, and constantly with his regiment, being home but once, then on a veteran furlough, and was honorably discharged February 1866. He at once returned home and engaged in farming, and November 20, 1866, he married Miss Susan E., daughter of James and Malinda S. (Parker) Secrest. She was born in Scott township, September 12, 1847. They have two children living: Mary A. and Leo. Besides farming Mr. Armstrong is now actively engaged in stock raising; for the last three years, however, he has turned his attention to graded stock breeding and raising short-horned cattle, Clidsdale horses, Cotswold sheep, and Jersey red swine. His farm and home is half a mile north of Parkersburg. His parents, Mr. Ambrose W. and Eliza J. (Drennon) Armstrong, came to this county far back in its early history.

John H. Goodbar, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, is a son of Harvey and Louisa (Lockridge) Goodbar, who came to this county from Kentucky in 1829, traveling then, as did others, with horses and wagon, driving their milch cows with them, occupying sixteen days in making the trip. Mr Goodbar was a most estimable citizen, and died in early life. Mrs. Goodbar is living. Of their four children three are living: Elizabeth, Albert, and John H. The subject of this sketch was born June 1, 1843, in Scott township and, like his father, was reared a farmer, and educated in the pioneer log cabin. About the age of fifteen years he began farming for himself, taking charge of the old homestead. He now owns 240 acres of good and well improved land, and is actively engaged in farming and stock raising, making raising and dealing in cattle a specialty, as he considers grazrng and feeding cattle a more intelligent branch of farming than raising grain for sale. He was for several years engaged in buying and shipping stock to Chicago. March 24, 1864, he married Miss Livia, daughter of Mr. Isaac Dollis, Esq., of Louisville, Kentucky. She was born in 1843.

William Johnson, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga. As far back in the history of Scott township as 1831 came Mr. Alfred and his wife Margaret (Dollis) Johnson from Mason county, Kentucky. He was born and they were married in Kentucky; she was born in New Jersey. Coining as they did in the fall of the year, ground was wet (there being no roads), and they were three weeks making the trip. After arriving they began making arrangements for wintering, and improving their new home. Mr. Johnson died in 1850, and Mrs. Johnson is still living in the old home with her son George and one daughter. She is a smart and intelligent lady for one of her age. Her youngest son, William, the subject of this sketch, is living on a farm adjoining. He was born on the old farm near the center of the township, May 7, 1845. Five years after his birth his father died, and he was reared by his mother, and engaged in farming and attending school till the age of twenty, when he entered the Ladoga Seminary and pursued a commercial course six months of each year for five years, working on the farm between times, after which he devoted his time to farming and dealing in stock. April 8, 1873, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of Robert and Susan E. (Oliver) Webb; she was born in Hamilton county, Indiana. They have three children : Robert A., George H. and Gracie E. (twins). Mr. Johnson is now devoting most of his time to buying and shipping stock of all kinds, having last year shipped 56 car loads, have paid out for stock in Montgomery and adjoining counties some $75,- 000. The county commissioners, a few years ago, appointed him assessor, after which he was elected to fill the same position by the people two terms. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist church at Ladoga. He is at present, superintendent of the Sabbath- school at the center school-house, and politically is a sound republican.

Nathaniel G. Kesler, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, the present gentlemanly trustee of Scott township, is a son of Mr. Benjamin and Elizabeth (Graybill) Kesler. He was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, January 8, 1838, and in 1847, with his parents, came to Scott township, Montgomery county, Indiana. His father, by hard work and close attention to business, has made a large property, and is now living on his fine farm of 350 acres, just north of Ladoga, and each of his five sons are owners of good farms. Nathaniel's farm contains 207 acres, and he has just built on it a very fine and comfortable little residence. September 13, 1866, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Mr. Samuel and Elizabeth (Myers) Harshbarger, early pioneers of Scott township, the place of her birth and rearing. They have five children : Louie L., Samuel B., William H., Sarah A. and John M. Mr. Kesler is one of the leading men of his township, and is engaged in farming and stock raising, as well as filling the positions of trust elected to by his friends and constituents.

William R. Frame, farmer and stock raiser, Parkersburg. Old uncle William Frame came to this township as early as 1828. He was one of those men of sterling worth who, when they enter a new country, at once begin to look after its moral and religious interests. William Robert Frame, the subject of this sketch, is his grandson and was born on September 6, 1851, in Scott township, and was, like his father and grandfather, reared a farmer. During his youth he received a fair common school education. He was married June 24, 1875, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Mr. Thomas S. and Mary A. (Points) Doyle, and was born in this county August 22,1858. They have two children: Charley W., and Minnie A., a very intelligent child, in February 1880, became afflicted with spinal disease, and now, in August 1880, is unable to walk, though her parents are using every means that money can procure for her restoration, having her treated by eminent physicians, both here and in Indianapolis. Mr. Frame's parents were Mr. George W. and Betsey (Lafollett) Frame, the former dying January 26, 1863, and the latter is still living. Mr. Frame has a tine farm of 160 acres and a very nice residence.

Michael W. Lane, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, was born in Kerry county, Ireland, August 20, 1840, and is a son of Timothy and Julia (Hanifan) Lane. He received a common English school education and was reared a farmer. At the age of twelve years he emigrated to America, and late in the fall of 1852, after a perilous voyage of nine weeks, arrived in New York city. The following February lie went by the way of Indianapolis to Bainbridge, Putnam county, Indiana, in search of his mother and two brothers who had preceded him. On finding his brothers he then, to his sorrow, learned that his mother had been dead six months ; this was truly sad news to a young boy hunting for his mother in a strange land. After coming to Indiana he engaged in working out at $12 per month, then in ditching with a spade, which he followed till the age of seventeen, through the fall and winter months, fanning on shares in the summer. In his eighteenth year he gathered up his earnings which, besides a horse and saddle, amounted to $842, and on July 4 started on a trip through the southern states as far as Texas, and from there turned his face homeward, and arrived in Carpentersville, Indiana, on Christinas night of the same year. In February, 1857, he bought a renter's crop, stock and outfit and engaged in farming in Scott township, but one year later left and went to Putnam county, and there rented a large stock farm for a term of years, of Stephen Burk, where he invested $1,800 in stock, etc., and here engaged in farming and stock raising, and in a fair way for making money, but through the dishonesty and trickery of his landlord and others he lost all he owned. He then returned to Scott township and rented a piece of land ; this he farmed with one horse, which he bought on credit from a friend, and for a cow his wife traded her glassware and best dishes, which she had bought and received as presents at the time of her marriage. Soon after, through the recommendation of Mr. Robert Lockridge, he became stock purchaser for a firm near La Fayette, which he followed about three years, and then began buying and selling stock on his own account. He next sold his personal property and engaged in the liquor traffic, at the same time running a tannery, but for the sake of humanity and his family's future benefit he abandoned the former and returned to farming. In the next seven or eight years he bought and sold some three farms, trading the last for his present home, a farm of 175 acres, located on Sec. 34, T. 17, R. 4 W., where he permanently located. June 1, 1859, he married Miss Ellen, daughter of Thomas and Hanorah (Fitzgerald) Welsh. She was born in the county of Kerry, Ireland, but was principally reared in London. They have seven children : Julia J., Thomas W., Henry M., Charles T., Margaret H., Michael A. and Mary E. His fine farm and stock, with the aid of a most faithful and industrious wife, is all earned by hard labor and close attention to business.

William H. Grider, farmer and stock raiser, New Market, is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Button) Grider, and was born in Putnam county, Indiana, February 1, 1829. He was reared a farmer, and his advantages of school being limited he received only an education such as the pioneer log schools of his boyhood days afforded ; but being a man of reading and observation he has become quite well posted in the business pertaining to intelligent farming. After staying with his father till the age of twenty-two years he began farming for himself on forty acres of land given him by his father. April 3,1851, he married Miss Frances, daughter of Dennis and Susan Pottinger. She was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on September 10, 1831, and died November 10, 1863. For his second wife he married Mrs. Emily A. Maddox, daughter of Mr. Michael Wilson, Esq. She was born in Putnam county, Indiana, March 29, 1835. They have eight children : Oliver B., Emily J., Elizabeth C., Amanda M., by his first wife; and Barton S., Jesse H., John, and Charlie M., by his last wife. In 1856 he sold his farm in Putnam county and removed to Brown township, Montgomery county, Indiana, and there bought a farm of 139 acres, bnt in 1860 sold that and moved into Scott township, and bought his present farm of 288 acres near the center of the north side of the township. This farm he has highly improved, and it is one of the best in the township. His father is dead, and his mother is still living on the old farm in Putnam county, where she has lived the last fifty years.

Martin A. Servies, brick and tile manufacturer, New Market, is a son of William A. and Mary A. (Points) Servies, and was born in Brown township August 7, 1845. He, like his father, was reared a farmer, and received a common school education in the country schools of his boyhood days, at the same time working on the farm. April 6, 1865, he married Miss Rebecca, daughter of Mr. John and Phoebe (Foster) Jones, who came from Kentucky to this county far back in its early history. After his marriage Mr. Servies engaged in farming in Brown township, but in the fall of the same year removed to Scott township, where he farmed some time, and then went to Boone county, Indiana, and followed the same occupation till he returned to Scott township in 1876, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile, a product very much needed in this part of the county, and finds a ready market for all he can produce. He has now in use in his tile department one of Mr. J. W. Penfield's best four-horse tile mills. His yards, sheds, and kilns are all complete, and is the first business of the kind ever started in Scott township. He has two children : Clarra M. and Eva A. His mother is still living in Brown township, and is the wife of Mr. Thomas Doyle. She came to this county when quite young, and is therefore, like his father (who died in 1846), one of the early pioneers of this county.

Kent K. Straughan, physician and surgeon, Parkersburg, is a son of Dr. J. "W. and Sarah J. (Harrison) Straughan. He was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, March 6, 1857, and his early youth was spent farming and attending school till about the age of fifteen years. He then entered a graded school at Russellville, where he remained about four years, and then went to Indianapolis and became a student in the Medical college of that city, from which he graduated in the spring of 1878. March 6,1878, he married Miss Lucy Bell, daughter of Allen and Mary (Drennon) Bridges, early settlers of this county. He at once settled in Parkersburg and began the practice of his profession in the same locality where his father successfully practiced medicine for twenty-eight years. In the way of success, his most sanguine hopes are more than realized. He has one child, Walter Lee, born February 4, 1879.

Robert C. Gott, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, is a son of William and Rhoda A. (Swindler) Gott, and one of a family of nine children, five of whom are living, as follows: Letitia, Mary, America, William T. and Robert 0., the subject of this sketch. He was born in Scott township, April 24, 1841, and, like his father, was reared a farmer, attending the common country schools till the age of twenty- one. His father then gave him a horse and saddle; this he sold, worked out a year, and then entered the Ladoga Academy, where he remained one year. He then taught school one winter and again went.to Ladoga school a year, after which he went to college at Indianapolis, and there completed a commercial course. After that he engaged in teaching in Parke and Montgomery counties. On October 30, 1865, he married Miss Emily J., daughter of Thomas H. Messick. She was born in Ohio in 1837. He then rented the old farm of which he now, through good management and economy, owns eighty acres, an illustration of what pluck and perseverance will do. He has three children : Charles C., Queen A. and Catharine E. He is now engaged in farming and stock raising. His father died in 1877, and his mother is still living, and is now in Crawfordsville with her youngest son, Dr. Wm. Gott.

George Gott, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga. As early in the history of this county as 1828 Mr. Robert Gott, with his wife Rebecca (Hughs), came from Kentucky to Brown township, and in the new and wild country entered 160 acres of land. He reared a family of nine children, three of whom are living: Eliza, Preston S. and George, the subject of this sketch, who was born in Kentucky, October 20,1827. His educational advantages were only such as were afforded in the subscription pioneer log cabin schools of those days. His employment during his early youth and subsequent life was farm labor. On September 7, 1848, he married Miss Mary A. Pottinger, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana. September 24, 1829, and died October 25, 1854. On November 6, 1855, he married his second wife, Miss Mary Johnson, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, and died August 25, 1860. For his third wife he married Mrs. Mary E. Furguson, daughter of Samuel Chism. She was born in Kentucky, June 23, 1829. He has three children living: "William H. and Dennis R. by his first wife, and Isaac N. by his second wife. He now owns, as a reward for his hard work and good management, 120 acres of good and well improved land, on which he has recently built a very neat and comfortable residence.

Source: "History of Montgomery County : together with historic notes on the Wabash Valley, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources" by H.W. Beckwith, 1881, pub. by H.H. Hill and N. Iddings ; Chicago
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