LOREN MARTIN, county clerk of Rush county and one of the most popular young officials about the court house, was born in this county and has lived here all his life save for a period of a few years during the days of his boyhood when the family made their home in the neighboring county of Decatur. He was born on a farm in Richland township on January 12, 1890, son of Ralph Erastus and Carrie (Price) Martin, both of whom were born in Decatur county and the latter of whom is still living. Ralph E. Martin was reared in Decatur county and began his active career as a farmer, a vocation he maintained all his life. He was married in Decatur county and not long afterward moved over into Rush county and began working on a farm in Richland township. A year later he returned to Decatur county, where he remained for nine years, at the end of which time he returned to Rush county and bought a farm of fifty acres in Noble township on which place he made his home for about two years, at the end of which time he sold that place and rented a farm in Anderson township. Fourteen years later he left that place and moved to a farm in Rushville township where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there on February 1, 1918. Ralph E. Martin and wife were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Charles, Clyde, Ralph, Hugh, Bertha and Walter. Loren Martin "grew up" in Rush county, assisting in the labors of the farm, and was graduated from the New Salem high school. In 1910 he took a course in the normal school at Marion, Ind., and thus equipped for teaching entered the ranks of Hendricks county school teachers and was engaged in teaching for two or three years, alternating the winter terms of school with the summer courses at Indiana University. He then became connected with the Indiana State School for the Blind at Indianapolis and was thus engaged in a supervisory capacity when the United States entered the World war in the spring of 1917. He enlisted his services in behalf of our arms and on May 14 following the declaration of war entered the officers' training corps at Ft. Benjamin Harrison and was there engaged in preparation for expected service until July 3, when he received an honorable discharge on the ground of physical incapacity and returned to his home on the farm, continuing there engaged in looking after matters for his father until the latter's death early in the next year. On August 1, 1919, Mr. Martin was appointed to fill an unexpired term in the office of the county clerk and is still serving in that capacity. On October 30, 1919, Loren Martin was united in marriage to Helen Norris, daughter of W. A. Norris, and has since made his home in Rushville. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Methodist church and take an interested part in church work, as well as in the general social affairs of their home town. Politically, Mr. Martin is a Republican and from the days of his boyhood has taken an active interest in local political affairs, coming to be regarded as one of the leaders of his party in Rush county. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Rushville and takes a proper interest in the affairs of that popular fraternal organization.

 WALTER S. MANSFIELD, proprietor of the leading general store at Milroy and long recognized as one of the most progressive business men of that place, was born at Milroy and has lived there most of his life. He was born on December 2, 1872, son of Frank S. and Susan (Earlywine) Mansfield, the latter of whom was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, and had come here with her parents in the days of her girlhood. Frank S. Mansfield was born at Dunkirk, N. Y., and grew to manhood there, becoming an expert spinner. As a young man he came to Indiana and became engaged as a spinner in the old woolen mill at Milroy. When that institution was closed down on account of the more general distribution of the products of the greater mills of the East he became engaged as a carpenter hereabout, spending the "off" seasons running a huckster wagon throughout this region and thus became widely known throughout this whole country side. Frank S. Mansfield married not long after coming to Rush county and he and his wife spent their last days at Milroy. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch having two sisters, Myrtle and Mary, and a brother, William Mansfield. Ella, Carl and John O. are deceased. Reared at Milroy, Walter S. Mansfield received his schooling in the excellent schools of that village and as a young man became engaged in "railroading," a vocation he followed for two j'ears, at the end of which time he located at Anderson, Ind., and was for eight years there engaged in the employ of the American Steel Wire Company. All the time, however, the call of the old home town was ever sounding in his ears and upon leaving the wire company's employ he returned to Milroy and opened a grocery store there, a business he maintained for twelve years, at the end of which time he sold the store and became engaged in the restaurant business at Milroy. Two years later he sold the restaurant and in 1917 opened the general merchandise store which he since has been very successfully conducting. Mr. Mansfield has a well-stocked store, carrying the only line of general merchandise in Milroy and conducts his store along up-to-date lines, ever striving to keep up with the growing demands of the local trade. His store room is 60 by 100 feet in dimensions and is admirably equipped and well stocked. In 1896 Webster married Hallie M. Mull, who was born in Walker township, ter of the late James P. Archey, further mention of whom is made in this volume, and to this union two children have been born, Carlos and Camilla. Carlos Mansfield married Ina McGuire and has one child, a daughter, Marie. The Mansfields have a pleasant home at Milroy and have ever taken an interested part in the general social activities of their home town. Mr. Mansfield is a Republican and takes a proper interest in local civic affairs. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Red Men.

 FRANK McCORKLE, trustee of Anderson township, a substantial landowner of this county and the local agent for the sale of the Ford automobiles at Milroy, at which place he has made his home since retiring from the active labors of the farm about ten years ago, is recognized as one of the "live wires" of that section of Rush county and during the period of his incumbency as township trustee has been able to do much in the way of advancing public improvements thereabout. Mr. McCorkle is a native son of Anderson township and has lived there all his life. He was born on a farm in the vicinity of Milroy on October 22, 1877, son of John H. and Mary (Young) McCorkle, both of whom also were born in this county, members of pioneer families, and who for the past three or four years have been living retired at Milroy. John H. McCorkle is a son of John and Jane (Howe) McCorkle, both of whom were born in Fleming county, Kentucky, who located on a farm in Anderson township, this county, shortly after their marriage and here spent the remainder of their days, John McCorkle dying on January 16, 1850. His widow survived him for years and continued to maintain the farm home, directing the operations of the farm with skill and energy. John McCorkle was the son of Joseph and Hannah (Scott) McCorkle, both natives of Kentucky, the former of whom was the son of James McCorkle, a native of Scotland, who had come to this country in colonial days and upon the outbreak of the Revolutionary war had joined his forces with those of the colonists and while serving as a soldier of the Revolution was seriously wounded at the battle of Cowpens. Upon the creation of the republic he accepted a land grant in what then was Kentucky county, Virginia, and settled on the same, thus becoming one of the real pioneers of the commonwealth of Kentucky. John McCorkle, the grandson of this Revolutionary hero and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, settled on a quarter of a section of land in Anderson township upon coming up here from Kentucky and that tract is now one of the most valuable thereabout. He and his wife were the parents of three children, John H. McCorkle having two sisters, Sallie and America. John H. McCorkle completed his schooling at the old Richland Academy. His father having died when he was but a boy and he being the only son, he was from the days of his boyhood a mainstay of his mother in the operations of the home farm and after his marriage continued farming and was so engaged until his retirement from the active labors of the farm in January, 1918, and removed to Milroy, where he and his wife are now living and where they are very comfortably situated. He has a good farm of 250 acres and is regarded as one of the substantial citizens of the Milroy neighborhood. His wife, who was Mary H. Young, also is a member of one of the old families of Rush county. They have three children, the subject of this sketch having two sisters, Jessie, who married Cash Redmon, and Maude, wife of Hugh Cowan. Frank McCorkle was reared on the farm and received his schooling at Milroy and at the Richland high school. From the days of his boyhood he was trained to the ways of the farm and after his marriage at the age of twenty-three became engaged in farming on his own account, renting a tract of 640 acres, which he continued to operate for twelve years and on which in addition to his general farming, he gave considerable attention to the raising of live stock, feeding six or eight car loads of hogs a year and also going in quite extensively to the breeding of fine horses. In 1912 Mr. McCorkle retired from the farm and moved to Milroy, on the edge of which village he bought a tract of ninety-five acres, which he later increased to 185 acres, and platted twenty acres of this to town lots, the same being known as the New Addition. Upon moving to Milroy Mr. McCorkle secured the local agency for the sale of Ford automobiles, his territory covering Orange, Anderson, Richland, the south half of Noble and the south half of Rushville townships, and has been highly successful in the distribution of this popular car. In 1914 Mr. McCorkle was elected trustee of Anderson township and so highly appreciated were his services during the first term of his incumbency that he was re-elected and is now serving his second term. During this period of service Mr. McCorkle has done much toward the general consolidation of the schools of Anderson township and in other ways has demonstrated his interest in the betterment and development of public conditions, long having been recognized by the people of that township as "the right man in the right place." It was in the year 1900 that Frank McCorkle was united in marriage to Inez M. Cowan, who also was born in this county, daughter of John A. Cowan, and to this union two children have been born. Gertrude Louise and Charles Wilbur. Mr. and Mrs. McCorkle are members of the United Presbyterian church and take an active interest in the work of the church as well as in all local good works. Politically, Mr. McCorkle is a Republican and has long been recognized as among the leaders of that party in his section of the county. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, affiliated with the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis, and is a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple, Indianapolis, as well as a member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Milroy and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Rushville, in the affairs of all of which fraternal organizations he takes an earnest interest. JOHN M. BEAVER, who died at his home in Union township in the fall of 1918 and whose widow is still living there, was for years one of the well known and influential men of the Glenwood neighborhood and at his passing there were many expressions of regret on the part of his hosts of friends. It is therefore but fitting that in this volume of biography relating to the old families of Rush county some modest tribute should be paid to his memory, for the Beavers are one of the real pioneer families of the county, having been represented here since the year Indiana was admitted to statehood and five years before Rush county was erected a separate unit among the counties of the Hoosier state. The first of the name to come here was Michael Beaver, who left his home in the vicinity of Georgetown, Ky., in 1816 and with his family came up into Indiana, later "entering" a tract of land in what afterward became Noble township in Rush county, where he established his home in the then wilderness, one of the first permanent settlers in that vicinity. His son, Elijah Beaver, father of the late John M. Beaver, was born in the Georgetown neighborhood in 1808 and was thus but eight years of age when he came here with his parents in 1816. He "grew up" on the pioneer farm in Noble township and in due time became a farmer on his own account and a man of substance, the owner of an excellent farm and living in a way that gave him a position of influence in the community. In 1831 there came into that community in Noble township the Rhodes family from Virginia, John and Margaret (Knox) Rhodes and their children, who had left their home in the Old Dominion and had come down the Ohio with their belongings on the flatboats of that period, stopping at Cincinnati, whence they outfitted with teams and wagons and came on up into Indiana, settling in Noble township, this county. One of the children of this Virginia family was Ann Elizabeth Rhodes, who was born in 1816 and was thus a girl of fifteen when she came here with her parents. Not long after her arrival she and Elijah Beaver met and it was not long until there was mutual recognition of the romance that had come into their lives through this meeting. They presently were married and after their marriage established their home on a farm in Noble township, where they reared their family and spent the remainder of their lives, both living to a "ripe old age," Elijah Beaver having been a resident of this county eighty years at the time of his death. The late John M. Beaver, son of Elijah and Ann Elizabeth (Rhodes) Beaver, was born on the farm in Noble township above referred to, he year 1856. They first located in Pennsylvania where he followed his trade of florist, but later came to Indiana and he was employed as a farmer in Wayne county until the outbreak of the Civil war. Then, though so recent an arrival in the United States, he could not bear to think of the flag he had come to love go down to destruction, and he immediately volunteered in the Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry regiment under Colonel Benton, serving throughout the war. He was in three armies, the Potomac, the West, and the Gulf. and saw some of the hottest fighting of the great struggle, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Pea Ridge, Wilderness, Fort Donaldson, Gettysburg and Stone River. When discharged from the service, he returned to Wayne county where he passed the remainder of his days. He and his wife became the parents of thirteen children, four of whom are now living: John, Hannah, Maggie, and Thomas. One son, Jerry, volunteered in the Union army, though but sixteen years old, and laid his life upon the altar of freedom, being killed in the first engagement in which he was engaged. Thomas Sullivan was educated in Wayne county, and after leaving school worked in a machine shop for several years. He then took up the molding trade at Richmond, Ind., and in 1871 removed to Indianapolis where he was employed in the Quaker City Machine Works until 187G. At that time he came to Rushville to work in the Nolan-Madden foundry where he helped make the first casting ever done in Rushville. For the next twenty years he was engaged off and on at the foundry, and then conducted a transfer business for several years. Next he became the proprietor of a saloon, and after seven years sold out to devote his time to farming in which he has been successful, having acquired 140 acres of land lying in Rushville township. In 1878, he was married to Catherine Ryan, and to their union have been born four children: Francis, Jerry, Mae, and Anna. Francis married Viola Gordon and died on August 29, 1915, leaving his wife and six children survivors: Margaret, Frank, Thomas, Richard, Dick, and Dennis. Jerry and Mae are both unmarried, and Anna married Doctor Dragoo. The entire family are communicants of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rushville.

 JOPIN H. McCORKLE, a well known and substantial retired farmer of Anderson township, now living at Milroy, was born in this county, a member of one of the pioneer families, and has lived here all his life, having thus been a witness to the amazing changes that have taken place in conditions here during the time of the community's progress away from the primitive state of things which faced the pioneers seventy-five years ago, and has thus many interesting stories to tell of the manner of doing things which prevailed in the days of his boyhood. The MeCorkles are of colonial stock, the first of the family in this country having been a Scotsman, James McCorkle, who came to America in colonial days and settled in Virginia. When the colonists found it imperative upon them to issue their Declaration of Independence James McCorkle added his weight to the force of this declaration and joined the Continental army, serving as a soldier of the Revolution until incapacited for further service by a serious wound received at the historic battle of Cowpens. In recompense of his service he accepted a land grant from the state of Virginia to a tract of land in the then western county of the Old Dominion and located on the tract, thus becoming one of the pioneers of Kentucky and a force in the community when Kentucky county was raised to statehood. He and his wife reared their family there, in what is now Fleming county. One of their sons, Joseph McCorkle, married Hannah Scott and reared a family in Fleming county. John McCorkle, one of the sons of this latter pair, married Jane (Howe) Hillis, who also was born in Fleming county, and soon after his marriage came up into Indiana with his bride and settled on a quarter of a section of land in Anderson township, this county. On that place John McCorkle died on January 16, 1850, leaving his widow with three small children, a son, John H., the subject of this sketch, and two daughters, Sallie and America. The Widow McCorkle was a woman of true pioneer spirit and she continued the operations of the farm, overseeing the continued improvement of the same, and thus maintained her family there, the place being developed in time into an excellent piece of property, and it was there that John If. McCorkle grew to manhood, later established his own home when he married and there continued to reside, carrying on the operations of the farm very successfully until his retirement from active labor in January, 1918, and removal to Milroy, where he and his wife are now living. Mr. McCorkle has a. well improved farm of 250 acres. over the operations of which he continues to keep a supervisory eye. John H. McCorkle has been twice married. It was in 1877 that he was united in marriage to Mary H. Young, who also was born in this county, a member of one of the pioneer families, and to this union three children were born, a son and two daughters: Frank, Jessie and Maude. Frank McCorkle, a landowner of Anderson township, trustee of the township and dealer in Ford automobiles at Milroy. married Inez M. Cowan and has two children: Gertrude and Wilbur. Jessie McCorkle married Cash Redmon and has two children: Howard and John David, and Maude McCorkle married Hugh Cowan and has one child, Maurice. Mrs. Mary H. McCorkle died in 1906 and in 1918 Mr. McCorkle married Mrs. Anna Somerville Bosley, daughter of Watson Somerville and widow of Alonzo Bosley. Mr. and Mrs. McCorkle are members of the United Presbyterian church and in his political views Mr. McCorkle is a Republican.

 JOSEPH G. McCOY, a successful farmer of Posey township, was born in Rushville township, this county, on April 26, 1866, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Moran) McCoy. Both of these parents were born in Ireland, but come to this country, he when three years of age and she at the age of thirteen years. Their families located in Niagara county, New York, where they were reared and married. Immediately after the latter event they came to Indiana, and engaged in farming in Rush county. He met with splendid success and at the time of his death was the owner of 465 acres of land. This worthy couple became the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, namely: John, Frank, Joseph G., Rose, Thomas, Mary, William and Elizabeth. Joseph G. McCoy received his educational training in the public schools of Walker township and Rushville. He early turned his attention to farming and remained under the parental roof until his marriage. He then went to work on his own account and rented a farm from his father, which he continued to operate as rented land for thirteen years, or until his father's death, when he inherited the land and it is still his home. He carries on a general line of farming and also handles some live stock, raising about eighty head of hogs annually. On October 24, 1899, Mr. McCoy was married to Elizabeth Schattner, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Mary Schattner, both of whom were born in Germany, coming to the United States in their childhood. He became a cabinet maker by trade. To Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have been born six children: Thomas, John, George, Joseph, Edith and Stella, all of whom are living. Politically, Mr. McCoy is an ardent supporter of the Democratic ticket. Religiously, he is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church at Rushville. Mr. McCoy is a member of Council, No. 769, Knights of Columbus, at Rushville, to which his sons, Thomas and John, also belong, the former holding the office of outer guard.

 THOMAS E. McCOY, of Posey township, was born in Rushville township on March 12, 1871, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Moran) McCoy. These parents were both natives of Ireland, whence they came with their respective families to the United States, the father at the age of three years and the mother when thirteen years of age. They settled in Niagara county, New York, where Thomas and Mary were married, soon after which event they came to Indiana and located in Rush county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their son, Thomas E., was educated in the schools of Rushville No. 7, Posey No. 7, and Walker township, attending in District No. 6, and after completing his studies he went to work on the home farm, where he remained as his father's assistant until the latter's death. However, for several years prior to that time he had rented land from his father, and now he inherited eighty acres of land, comprising the land on which he now resides. His brother, 'William H., also owns eighty acres adjoining and they operate these tracts together. Mr. McCoy keeps the place in fine repair and has made a number of substantial improvements thereon. He carries on a general line of farming and also raises live stock, feeding and marketing about one hundred head of hogs each year. Politically, Mr. McCoy has been a lifelong supporter of the Democratic party. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church at Rushville and is also a member of Council No. 769, Knights of Columbus, at Rushville.

 WILLIAM S. McCRORY, an honored veteran of the Civil war and a substantial farmer and landowner of Union township, who died at his farm home in that township more than twenty years ago and whose widow is still living there, is still well remembered by the older generation in that community and it is fitting that there should be carried in this volume of biographies relating of the old families of Rush county some modest tribute to his memory. Mr. McCrory was a Hoosier, born, and all his life was spent in this state. He was born on a farm in the Glenwood neighborhood over in the neighboring county of Fayette on November 25, 1832, a son of Robert and Salina (Saxon) McCrory, the latter of whom was born in the state of Georgia, and who was but a small girl when she came to Indiana with her parents in pioneer times hereabout. Robert McCrory was a native of Ireland who came to America with his parents when he was but a lad, the family locating in Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. As a young man he came out to Indiana and located in Fayette county, where he presently married and established his home, one of the pioneers of the Glenwood neighborhood, and on their farm there he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Of the eleven children born to them all are now dead, but their descendants in the third and fourth generation are numerously represented hereabout. William S. McCrory "grew up" on the home farm over in Fayette county and received his schooling in the somewhat primitive local schools of that period. As a young man he continued farming with his father and was living on the home place when the Civil war broke out. He enlisted his services in behalf of the cause of the Union and went to the front as a member of L Company,.Second Indiana Cavalry, with which gallant command he served for more than two years. Among the numerous engagements in which Mr. McCrory participated was the battle of Stone River in December, 1862, in which 1,730 Union soldiers were killed, 7,802 wounded and 3,717 listed as '' missing," this having been accounted one of the bloodiest battles in the history of warfare, the above figures not taking into account the losses on the Confederate side, which also were enormous. Upon the completion of his military service Mr. McCrory returned home and resumed his place on his father's farm, remaining there until his marriage at the age of thirty-five, after which he came over into Rush county and established his home on the farm in Union township on which his widow is still living. He started there with ninety-three acres but later increased his holdings to about 160 acres and was long accounted one of the substantial farmers of that vicinity. On that place Mr. McCrory spent his last days, his death occurring on August 12, 1899. He was an active member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and was also a member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the affairs of both of which organizations he took a warm interest. It was on November 19, 1868, that William S. McCrory was united in marriage to Adaline Wikoff, who was born in this county, a daughter of Garrett and Nancy (Groves) Wikoff, members of pioneer families in this part of the state, and to this union were born two daughters, Lina and Nannie, the latter of whom is unmarried and continues to make her home with her mother. Lina McCrory married Samuel J. McClure, a well known farmer of Union township, and has four children, Grace, Velma, William and Helen, the first named of whom married Harvey Arnold and has one child, a son, Harvey, Jr., Mrs. McCrory thus having a great-grandchild to help gladden the pleasant "evening time" of her life.

LEON C. McDANIEL, a well known farmer of Posey township and a man of high standing and influence in the western part of Rush county, was born on October 17, 1887, in Posey township, and has been a resident of that township all his life. His parents were Lee and Mary (Cowger) McDaniel, the former of whom was born in Georgetown, Ky., and the latter in Posey township, Rush county. The father was brought to Rush county in childhood and in the schools of this locality he received his educational training. He was a farmer and stock raiser, giving a good deal of his attention to cattle and sheep. He was married twice, being the father of three children by his first marriage and one, the subject of this sketch, by his union with Mary Cowger. Leon McDaniel attended the common schools of Posey township, followed by attendance at the Rushville high school, where he was graduated. He then entered the agricultural department of Purdue University, at Lafayette, where he was graduated with the class of 1911. He then devoted his attention to the home farm, which he operated for his mother until her death, when he inherited it and has since continued to operate it. Mr. McDaniel is the owner of eighty acres of land, which he devotes to general farming and stock raising, feeding about eighty head of hogs each year. On February 26, 1914, Mr. McDaniel was married to Bertha Woliung, a native of Rush county and the daughter of William and Ella (Gilson) Woliung. Mr. Woliung, who was a carpenter by trade, became a prosperous contractor. To him and his wife were born two children, Jesse and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel are the parents of one child, Mary Ellen, who was born on January 13, 1916. Politically, Mr. McDaniel gives his support to the Republican party, while fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men at Rushville. He is also a member of the college fraternity, Delta Upsilon. He and his wife are earnest members of the Christian church of Arlington and Rushville respectively.

HARRY F. McFATRIDGE, the well known farmer whose name forms the caption to these paragraphs, was born in Posey township, this county, on October 11, 1883, and is the son of James W. and Jessie (Conaway) McFatridge, both of whom also were born, reared and educated in that same township. The father followed agricultural pursuits all his active years in Posey township, operating the land now owned by the subject, and at the time of his death he was the owner of 200 acres of good farm land. To him and his wife were born five children: Fred, Charles, Golda, Evelina and Harry. The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools of his native township, attending the Beaver Meadow school. From his boyhood days he followed farming and remained on the home place up to the time of his marriage. He then started out on his own account, buying eighty acres of land adjoining the home farm, and thereafter he devoted himself to the operation of both farms. Mr. McFatridge carries on general farming operations, raising all the crops common to this section of the country, and also gives some attention to live stock, feeding about 200 head of hogs annually. On June 23, 1913, Mr. McFatridge was married to Anurice Tarbet, who was born, reared and educated in Rush county, the daughter of John and Mary (Scott) Tarbet, both natives of Rush county. Of the six children who were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tarbet, four are living. Anna, Charles, Anurice and James. Mr. and Mrs. McFatridge are the parents of three children, James, Wesley and Ralph. Mr. McFatridge is a wide-awake, progressive man, keeping in close touch with the trend of public affairs, and gives his support to every movement for the general welfare. He is a good business man and has made a success of his vocation. In addition to his local farm holdings, heis the owner of 200 acres of land in Perkins county, South Dakota, which is mainly devoted to the raising of wheat. Mr. McFatridge gives his support to the Republican party and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Arlington.

 JOHN D. MEGEE, a well known citizen of Rushville, a member of the bar of the Rush Circuit Court and former judge of that court, is a native son of Rush county, born on November 20, 1850, son of William E. and Ellen E. (Morris) Megee, natives of Kentucky and who were but children when they came to Indiana with their respective parents, both the Megees and the Morrises having been among the pioneers of Rush county, the former family coming here in 1828 and the latter in 1831. William E. Megee was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, and his wife at Georgetown, Ky. He became a farmer in this county and at the time of his death in 1864 was the owner of more than 320 acres of land. Though his opportunities for schooling were limited, he having attended school but three months in his life, he improved such opportunities for self-improvement as came to him and became known as a self-educated man of no little ability. William E. Megee and his wife were the parents of eight children, two of whom are still living, Judge Magee having a sister, Alice, wife of Taylor Lakin, of Rushville. John D. Megee was reared on his father's farm, receiving his preliminary education in the schools of the county. At the age of twenty, desiring a further education, he entered Lebanon Normal School, Lebanon, Ohio, and for one year took a business course, which he completed. He then commenced his career as a salesman for T. & R. Pugh, of Washington, Ind., and was with them two years, at the end of which time he became a salesman for J. H. Mauzy, of Rushville, with whom he remained for about two years. Then for two years he was engaged in business in partnership with Z. E. Mauzy and W. A. Caldwell, selling out his interests to these two men to take up the study of law with Ben L. Smith in 1876. Having in due course been admitted to the bar, he was admitted as a partner by his preceptor, with whom he practiced until 1881, when he became one of the incorporators of the Chaffee County Gold and Silver Mining Company of Colorado. For four years he lived in Poncha Springs, Col., in order to devote his entire attention to the mining project as the manager. In 1885, he returned to Rushville to take up again the practice of law, and there has remained ever since. During his career as an attorney Judge Megee has been associated with eight men. When Rush and Shelby counties were separated to make each a judicial circuit he was appointed judge of the Rush Circuit Court for a term of two years. After his term on the bench, Judge Megee resumed the practice of his profession, and in September, 1918, formed a partnership with William L. Newbold under the firm name of Megee & Newbold. On March 3, 1874, Judge Megee was married to Susan O. Sneed, a daughter of William C. S. Sneed, also of this county, and he and his wife are the parents of two children, Ethel and Anna S. Ethel Megee married Hugh Fleehart and has two children, John M. and Florence C. Anna S. married Carl F. Eveleigh and has one child, Sue Ann. Judge Megee is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which for about six years he was an elder, and for a time superintendent of the Sunday school. Fraternally he is a Freemason and a member of the Knights of Pythias, the former of which has claimed him for over forty-five years. He has been an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, in the cause of which he has done yeoman service. He served as clerk of the Indiana State Senate in 1887 and clerk of the House in 1889, and from 1902 to 1904 he was chairman of the Democratic committee for the Sixth district. the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and in the affairs of these several organizations has for years taken a warm interest.

JESSE F. MILLER, one of the substantial farmers of Anderson township, now living at Milroy, was born on the farm he owns in that township and has been a resident of Rush county all his life. He was born on November 11, 1859, son of Augustus and Celia (Winship) Miller, both of whom were born in that same township, members of pioneer families. Augustus Miller, who for many years was a well known farmer of Anderson township and for some time a member of the board of county commissioners of Rush county, was born on a farm in Richland township on February 16, 1827, son of Michael and Sarah (Thompson) Miller, Virginians, who settled in this county in the spring of 1823, two years after Rush county had been created a separate civic unit in the growing list of counties in the then new state of Indiana. Michael Miller was born in that section of the Old Dominion now comprised in West Virginia on February 28, 1801, and was reared there. At the age of twenty-two years, January 9, 1823, he married Sarah Thompson and in the March following he and his bride came to Indiana and located in Rush county, where the young pioneer had entered a quarter section tract of "Congress land" in Anderson township, the grant to the land, which is stiU in the possession of the family, bearing the signature of President Monroe. As an interesting sidelight on the subject of comparative land values it will be informative to the present generation to know that this pioneer paid the government $1.25 an acre for that quarter section. As in all that section of Rush county in its primitive state. this tract was covered with hard timber and the task the young pioneer faced in clearing the place and fitting it for cultivation was one that now would seem well nigh insuperable, but he and his bride buckled down to the task of creating a home for themselves and those who should come after them and in proper time they had a fit abiding place there and a productive farm. In the log house they erected for their first dwelling place in the wilderness their three children were born: Christian, Augustus and Mary. Michael Miller continued to prosper and in time added to his farm an adjoining quarter section, which he also proceeded to improve, and on that place he resided until his retirement in 1852 and removal to Richland, where he died in 1878, he then being seventy-seven years of age. His widow survived him for twelve years, her death occurring at the home of her daughter in 1890, she then being eighty-six years of age. In the cabin home above referred to Augustus Miller was reared. From the days of his boyhood he was a helpful assistant in the labors of improving and developing the pioneer farm and he remained with his parents until his marriage to Celia Winship at the age of twentyfour, after which he established a home of his own, buying a farm in the neighborhood, and as he prospered in his affairs added to his holdings until he became the owner of an excellent farm of 400 acres and came to be regarded as one of the substantial and influential men of the community. Mr. Miller took an active interest in local political affairs and for two terms served as a member of the board of commissioners of Rush county for his home district. In 1881 he disposed of some of his interests in this county and moved to Greensburg, in the neighboring county of Decatur. He continued his political activity in his new place of residence and not long after moving there was elected to represent his district on the board of commissioners of Decatur county. He also continued to extend his land interests and at one time owned farms in Howard and Madison county besides his holdings in Rush and Decatur counties. Augustus Miller was twice married. By his first wife, Celia Winship, he had six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth, the others being Louis Irwin, who died in infancy; Michael S., who died at the age of eleven years; Lucien B., now living in Rushville; Oscar G., who for years has been engaged in business at Greensburg, and Anna B., who met with a fatal accident when four years old. It was prior to the removal of Augustus Miller to Greensburg that the mother of these children died and in 1894 he married Sarilda Lanham. Jesse F. Miller was reared on the home farm in Anderson township and from the days of his boyhood was trained to effective farm ways. He supplemented the course secured in the local schools by a course in the normal school at Danville, Ind., and remained at home, a valued assistant to his father in the labors of developing the farm, until his marriage at the age of twenty-five, after which he rented a tract of land from his lather and established a home of his own. Later his father apportioned to him a tract of 112 acres and to this he presently added an adjoining "forty." On this farm he and his wife continued to make their home until 1913, when they moved to Milroy, where they have since resided and where they are very comfortably situated. Mr. Miller, however, continues to oversee his farm operations and has lost none of the activity of former days, though living "retired," and it is but proper to state that these farming operations are carried on in strictly up-to-date fashion, his son, Donald E. Miller, being a valued factor in the continuing operations of the old home place, which has thus been operated by four generations of the Miller family since the original grant to the pioneer, Michael Miller, nearly a century ago. It was in 1884 that Jesse P. Miller was united in marriage to Minnie E. Elstun, who also was born in this county, daughter of Freeman and Lucinda Elstun, and to this union has been born one child, a son, Donald E., who is unmarried and who is referred to above as carrying on the continuing farm operations of the Millers in his generation in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist church and have ever taken an interested part in church work, Mr. Miller .having been for some time a member of the board of trustees of the church. In his political views Mr. Miller is an ardent Republican, as was his father, but has not been an office seeker. He is a Mason, affiliated with the local lodge of that order at Milroy, and is also a member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias, in which latter lodge he has been "through the chairs."
 
FLOYD H. MINER, superintendent of the township school at Manilla, has been engaged in educational work since the outset of his career, and during the comparatively short period of his allegiance to his profession has made rapid strides toward high preferment. He is a native of Rush county, born on a farm in Ripley township, May 17, 1890, a son of Edward N. and Mary E. (Hill) Miner, the former a native of the neighboring county of Hancock and the latter of Rush county. Edward N. Miner is a carpenter by trade and has followed that vocation during the greater part of his life, although he has given some attention to farming in Ripley township. He and his wife reside in Carthage. They have two children, the subject of this sketch having a sister, Florence F., a graduate of the high school at Carthage. Floyd H. Miner attended the high school at Carthage and early evidenced inclinations toward a career as an educator. He was but eighteen years of age when he began teaching in Ripley township. After three years of teaching there he decided he needed further preparation and accordingly pursued a course at the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, where he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts. He later became principal of the high school at French Lick, Indiana, a position which he held during 1914 and 1915. His next location was at Hackensack, N. J., where he taught in the junior high school for two years. While in Hackensack, he spent a year in Columbia University doing special work in education. In the fall of 1917 he returned to Indiana and became superintendent of schools at West Baden, where he remained three years. In the fall of 1920 Mr. Miner came to Manilla, as superintendent of the township school, having about 140 pupils and nine teachers under his superintendency. Mr. Miner has been very successful in his chosen calling. Aside from his instructive ability, and the executive capacity necessary for the management of his charges, he possesses the ability to secure and hold the good will of pupils and parents. He is constantly striving to further prepare himself for valuable work in his profession, and is a close and careful student and a lover of literature of the best kind. He holds membership in the Forum Society of the State Normal School, and is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the Blue lodge at French Lick and the Scottish Rite at Indianapolis. Following in the footsteps of his mother, he belongs to the Society of Friends. On August 30, 1919, Mr. Miner was united in marriage to Mary A. Alexander, who was born in Fountain county, Indiana, but was reared and educated in Montgomery county, this state. Mrs. Miner is a graduate of the high school at New Market, Indiana, and attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute, and Mrs. Blaker's Teachers' College at Indianapolis. She is a daughter of Daniel A. and Josephine Alexander, farming people of Montgomery county, where Mr. Alexander is still the owner of a valuable property. Mrs. Miner has a younger sister, Nioma. To Mr. and Mrs. Miner there has come one child: Rosemary, born on September 12, 1920.

 GEORGE B. MOORE, SR., a retired farmer of Posey township and a well-known citizen of Rush county, was born in Posey township on August 20, 1844, and is a son of James and Mary (Haywood) Moore, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Tennessee. James Moore was a farmer by vocation and for many years followed that line of work in Posey township, where he owned eighty acres of land. He was the father of four children, John W., Martha A., both of whom are deceased, Henry W. and George B. The subject of this review received his elementary education in the Offutt school house in Posey township, and on the completion of his studies he devoted his energies and activities to the home farm, working for his mother until her death. He then bought out the interests of the other heirs in the home farm and has since continued to make that his home, being thus numbered among the oldest continuous residents of Posey township. He gave his active attention to the operation of the farm until 1902, when he retired from labor and moved to Rushville, having rented the farm. He remained in Rushville until after the death of his wife in 1913, when he moved back to the farm and is now living there. On November 28, 1891, Mr. Moore was married to Lillie Poster, a native of the state of Illinois, but who was educated in the schools of Rushville township, this county. She was the daughter of William and Margaret (Wheid) Foster and her union with Mr. Moore was a most happy and congenial one. Her death occurred on May 8, 1913, and her remains lie in the Arlington cemetery. Mr. Moore is a member of the Christian church at Arlington, while in politics he is a firm supporter of the Democratic party. He has always been known as a man of excellent qualities of character, who, by years of indefatigable labor and honest effort, not only acquired a well-merited prosperity, but also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he has been associated.

WALLACE G. MORGAN, attorney-at-law at Rushville and one of the best known lawyers in the Sixth district, was born in this county and has lived here all his life, a practicing attorney since the days of his young manhood, formerly associated in the practice of law with his father, the late David S. Morgan, and now associated in practice with Gates Ketchum. Mr. Morgan was born on a farm in Richland township on May 8, 1866, son of David S. and Mary E. (Mcllwain) Morgan, the latter of whom years ago was a teacher in the old Richland Academy. David S. Morgan was a Kentuckian by birth who at the age of eighteen years came to Indiana with his parents, Samuel Morgan and wife, the family locating in Richland township, this county. David S. Mergan completed his schooling in the Richland Academy and thereafter for many years taught schooJ in that township, teaching during the winter seasons. In the meantime he took up the study of law, was presently admitted to the bar and in 1881 moved to Rushville, where he opened an office for the practice of the profession to which he had devoted his talents and there continued in practice the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1905. David S. Morgan and wife were the parents of five children, sons all, three of whom are still living, the subject of this biographical sketch having two brothers, Samuel and William O. Morgan. The deceased were Rosco and Bert Morgan. Wallace G. Morgan was about seventeen years of age when his parents moved from Richland township to Rushville and he completed his schooling in the Rushville schools. Under the able preceptorship of his father he early entered upon the study of law and upon his admission to the bar formed a partnership with his father in the practice of that profession and this mutually agreeable association continued until the death of the elder Morgan in 1905. Not long after the death of his father Mr. Morgan formed a partnership with Douglas Morris and this firm had a wide practice. One of Mr. Morgan's legal connections of considerable consequence is that as attorney for the Dollings Investment Company of Indianapolis. Mr. Morgan's wife, nee Mary McLaughlan, also was born in Rush county, a member of one of the county's old families, and she and Mr. Morgan ever have taken an interested part in the general social activities of the community, helpful in promoting and furthering all movements having to do with the common good hereabout. In his political affiliation Mr. Morgan is a Democrat and for many years has been regarded as one of the leaders of that party in Rush county and throughout the Sixth district. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Rushville. CHESTER F. CROSS, one of the conspicuous figures in agricultural circles in Jackson township, is essentially a man of affairs, of sound judgment, keen discernment and far-seeing in what he undertakes, and his extensive interests are but the legitimate fruitage of consecutive effort, directed and controlled by good judgment and correct business principles. Mr. Cross is a native of Jackson township, born there on August 25, 1883, the son of John F. and Olive (Powell) Cross, who are represented in a personal sketch elsewhere in this work. The subject was educated in the Osborn school and on completing his studies he devoted himself to the work of the home farm, remaining with his father up to the time of his marriage. He then engaged in farming on his own account on the land where he now lives and has continued here to the present time. He now owns 160 acres in this farm, and 100 acres elsewhere in Jackson township, making his total holdings 260 acres. He keeps his farms up to the highest standard of excellence, both as regards buildings and the condition of the soil, and is regarded as a thoroughly up-to-date and progressive farmer. Mr. Cross gives considerable attention to live stock, raising from 400 to 500 hogs each year, in addition to which he buys about 250 head, so that altogether he feeds about 650 head a year. He also feeds about two car loads of cattle annually. On March 20, 1904, Chester F. Cross was married to Carrie J. Northam, who was born and reared in Posey township, the daughter of Jasper N. and Kate (Coffin) Northam. Her parents were both natives of Rush county, the father having cultivated a farm in Posey township for a number of years. They became the parents of five children, all of whom are living, namely: Carrie, Russell, Merrill, Thelma and Katherine. Mr. and Mrs. Cross have one child, Tracy, born in 1904, who is now a student in the Rushville high school. Mr. Cross is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, and is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, holding membership in all the bodies of that order at Rushville up to and including the commandery of Knights Templar; he is also a member of Murat Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Indianapolis, and Lodge No. 1307, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Rushville. Personally, Mr. Cross possesses to a marked degree those qualities which win friendships and he is a popular member of the circles in which he moves.

 JUDGE DOUGLAS MORRIS, former justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, has long been recognized as one of the leaders at the Rush county bar, as well as having been judge of the Rush Circuit Court for one term. He was born in Knightstown, Ind., January 15, 1861, the son of John and Hannah (Scovell) Morris. Judge Morris received his preliminary education in the public schools at Knightstown and was graduated from the high school at that place in 1878. He then taught school for one year in Henry county, after which he went to Asbury University, now DePauw, from which institution he received his A. B. degree in 1882. Having decided upon the career of a lawyer, he studied for that profession during the years 1882 and 1883 at Indianapolis under the preceptorship of Benjamin Harrison, afterward President of the United States. Then for two years he , practiced law at Knoxville, Tenn., whence he came to Rushville where he has remained ever since. From 1889 to 1895 he practiced in partnership with David S. Morgan, now deceased, and from 1895 to 1898 with S. L. Innis and Wallace Morgan. In 1898, his exceptional abilities at the bar having been recognized, he was elected judge of the Rush Circuit Court, serving in that capacity until November, 1904. In 1910 Judge Morris was elected one of the judges of the supreme court of Indiana and served on that bench from January 1, 1911, for six years. He is the only person from Rush county who ever served on that bench. Since his retirement from the bench Judge Morris has practiced law in Rushville, where he has continued his many successes. On October 6, 1892, Judge Morris married Pamela A. Spann, daughter of Jesse J. Spann, one of the most brilliant lawyers and politicians who has ever claimed Rush county as his home, and to Judge and Mrs. Morris have been born two children. Hannah and Douglas, Jr., both of whom are living at home, and the former of whom has been admitted to the bar and is practicing law in association with her father. In his political affiliations, Judge Morris is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party and was the candidate of that party for Congress in 1888. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Rushville, and socially and fraternally is a member of the Country Club and the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

 CHARLES MURPHY, one of the substantial farmers of Noble township now living at New Salem, where he has a pleasant modern home, was born in Noble township, this county, September 4, 1 858, a son of John and Anna (McCrory) Murphy, and a grandson of Jesse Murphy. John Murphy was born in Butler county, Ohio, and was a child when brought by his parents to Rush county, the family settling in Union township, where he was educated, adopted farming and was married to Miss McCrory, a native of Fayette county, Indiana. Later lie moved to Noble township, where he bought a farm, and so successful was he in his operations that at the time of his death he was the owner of 232 acres of valuable land. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom five are living, George, Charles, Jesse, Roy and Ida May. Charles Murphy received his education at the old Applegate schoolhouse in Noble township, and upon the completion of his schooling joined his father in the cultivation of the home acres. This association continued until the death of the elder man, when Charles Murphy secured a part of the estate as his inheritance and began operations on his own acount on a tract of ninety-two acres. There he continued as a general farmer, adding to his means each year and bettering the improvements on the farm, until 1920, when he turned the labors of the property over to younger hands and retired to his comfortable home at New Salem. In 1880, Mr. Murphy married Maggie Fay, who was born in Fayette county, daughter of Michael and Hannah Fay, natives of Ireland, the former of County Roscommon and the latter of County Galway. Mrs. Murphy's parents were young people when they emigrated to the United States and settled in New Jersey, where they met and were married. Following their union they came to Indiana and located in Fayette county, where Mr. Fay was engaged actively in farming until he moved to Howard county, where he is now living at the advanced age of ninety-three years. His wife passed away in 1917. They were the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living, John, William. Mary A. and Maggie. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, Elsie, who married Clifford Stamm and has two children. Cecil and Margaret, and John, who married Jessie Colvin and has had two children, Esther and Gilbert, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Murphy was formerly a steward and trustee In politics he is a Republican.


PLEASANT A. NEWHOUSE, former county commissioner and one of those farmers of Rush county who have gained the respect and friendship of their fellow citizens, is a native of Rush county, having been born in Jackson township, May 30, 1861, the son of Lewis J. and Mary (Hackleman) Newhouse. Lewis J. Newhouse was also born in this county, in Union township, May 23, 1824, the son of Samuel and Polly (Kitchen) Newhouse, natives of Virginia. Samuel Newhouse, who was the son of John and Elizabeth Newhouse, came to Rush county from Franklin county in 1821, entering eighty acres of timbered land in Unjon township. In 1837 he sold his farm, and bought a larger one of 240 acres in Jackson township where he spent the remainder of his days. Lewis J. Newhouse grew to manhood amid pioneer surroundings, and at the age of twenty-one began farming for himself. On April 17, 1849, he married Mary A. Hackleman, a daughter of Richard and Hannah Hackleman, pioneers of this county, and to their union were born five children: Hannah M. (deceased); Marshall E. (deceased); Elbert O., Samuel R., who is living in Jackson township, and Pleasant A. Lewis J. Newhouse had started out with eighty acres of land, most of which was paid for by ditching for twelve hours a day, and before his death he had increased his holdings to 400 acres by constant application to business. After the death of his first wife, he married Nancy Pouge and they became the parents of five children, Alfred M., who is living in Illinois; Harvey M., who is living in Center township, this county; Almeda, Schuyler C., who is living in West Virginia, and Erasmus T. (deceased). Pleasant A. Newhouse was educated at the Kinning school house in Jackson township, upon leaving which he took up farming in association with his father until his marriage. He then engaged in agricultural operations for himself in Washington township, where he remained for four years, when he moved back to Jackson township and bought eight acres of land. By careful attention and modern methods he has made a splendid success, having increased his property to 230 acres lying in Jackson and Noble town

 SAMUEL R. NEWHOUSE, of Jackson township, was born in the township in which he now lives on December 19, 1857, the son of Lewis J. and Mary (Hackelman) Newhouse, both of whom were born in Rush county. Lewis Newhouse followed farming during his active life, mostly in Jackson township, and at one time was the owner of 320 acres of land in this township. Of the nine children born to himself and wife, but five are now living, namely: Pleasant A., Alfred M., Harvey M., Alice M. and Samuel R., the immediate subject of this sketch. Samuel R. Newhouse received his education in the Kining school in Jackson township and then for three years worked on the home farm. Upon his marriage, in 1881, he bought 140 acres of land in Center township, on which he located and farmed it for eight years. He then sold that place and moved to the farm where he now lives and which comprises 195 acres. He has also bought the old home farm of 219 acres, thus giving him total real estate holdings of 414 acres. Of this, he cultivates all but 120 acres, which he rents. He carries on a general line of farming operations, raising all the crops common to this locality, and alsi> gives considerable attention to the fattening of hogs for market, feeding about 200 head annually. He is thoroughly practical and up-to-date in his methods and keeps his property in first-class repair, its general appearance indicating the owner to be a man of industry and good taste. On March 1, 1881, Mr. Newhouse was married to Mary I. Kirkpatrick, a native of Rush county and the daughter of James B. and Malinda (Newhouse) Kirkpatrick. Her father was a lifelong farmer and a substantial and influential man in his community. He was the father of eight children, of which number five are living, Amanda, John E., Samuel, William and Mary I. To Mr. and Mrs. Newhouse have been born seven children, namely: Lewis B., a farmer in Jackson township, who married Jennie Brooks; Oscar E., who is a farmer in Rushville township and who married Josie Brooks, who died in February, 1920, leaving one child, Roscoe; Goldie M., Carrie (deceased), Essie M., Clarence W. and Richard S. Mr. Newhouse is a Republican in his political views and, fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Rushville.

 

O. M. OFFUTT, one of the successful farmers of Posey township and a creditable representative of one of the county's respected old families, was born in the township in which he now resides on January 10, 1876, and is the son of George W. and Sarah J. (Beckner) Offutt, both of whom also were born and reared in Rush county. George W. Offutt was a farmer and stock raiser by vocation and at one time he owned 1,400 acres of good land in Posey township. To him and his wife were born six children, all of whom are living, namely: Sabert S., Murley, Jerry B., O. M., Mary I. and Charles J. The subject of this sketch secured his educational training in the Beaver Meadow school house, in Posey township, and the Arlington high school. On completing his studies he went to work on the home farm, and there he has remained ever since with the exception of two years spent on a farm south of Arlington. After his marriage, in 1900, Mr. Offutt began farming on his own account, operating the home farm for one year, following which he was on the farm referred to south of Arlington. Since then he has occupied and operated a part of the home farm, comprising 215 acres of land, on which he carries on general farming operations and stock raising.
He has made a number of improvements on the place and by industry and good management has been successful. On August 8, 1900, Mr. Offutt was married to Margaret Hackelman, who also was born in Posey township, the daughter of 'Worster and Malissa J. (Clavell) Hackleman, old residents of this county. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hackelman, Mrs. Offutt is the only survivor. The deceased are Gertrude, who died at the age of twenty-eight years. and Minnie, who died when nine days old. Mr. and Mrs. Offutt have two children, George W. and Lowell H., both of whom are at home Politically, Mr. Offutt assumes an independent attitude, reserving the right to vote in accordance with the dictates of his own judgment. Fraternally, he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men at Arlington and the Modern Woodmen of America at Rushville. He is a man of vigor and determination, has been successful in practically every undertaking to which he has addressed himself and he enjoys to a marked degree the confidence and regard of all who know him.

 ARNOLD ORME, member of the firm of Ball & Orme, operating a grain elevator at Rushville, is an enterprising business man at that city. He was born in Walker township, this county, September 4, 1878, a son of William and Amanda (Lower) Orme, also natives of Rush county. His father was a farmer and owned 160 acres of land in Walker township. There were four children in the family and all are living: Lon, Dessie, Russell and Arnold. Arnold Orme attended the public schools in Walker township, in the meanwhile assisting on the home farm, afterward renting eighty acres of land in Rushville township, where he carried on farming for four years. He came then to Rushville and embarked in the elevator business and has occupied his present location for thirteen years, the business being conducted under the firm name of Ball & Orme. The firm handles grain, flour and seed, the capacity of their elevator being about 35,000 bushels. On October 25, 1899, Mr. Orme married Pearl Ball, who was born at Rushville, daughter of Ephraim and Belle (Frazer) Ball, and they have five children: William, Thomas, Fern. Frank and Fay. William and Thomas have completed the public school course but the others are yet in school. In politics Mr. Orme is a Democrat and served three years as a member of the city council. He is a Mason, belonging to blue lodge, council and chapter; is a member of the grand lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Orme is well known over Rush county and his reputation is that of an upright and reliable business man.

 

HARMONEY L. PARSON, a retired farmer and live stock breeder of Anderson township, now living at Milroy, has been a resident of this county all his life and has a wide acquaintance throughout the county. He was born on a pioneer farm in Orange township on October 7, 1855, son of William and Alida (Boyd) Parson, the latter of whom was born in the state of New York and both of whom spent their last days in Rush county. William Parson was born in Butler county, Ohio, a son of Samuel Parson, who came over into Indiana with his family and settled on an eighty-acre farm in Orange township, this county, thus becoming one of the pioneers of that township. Samuel Parson and his wife were the parents of six children, David, Daniel, William, Eliza Jane, Catherine and Samuel, and the descendants, of these in the present generation form a quite numerous connection. William Parson was but a lad when he came to this county with his parents and he grew up on the pioneer farm, in time becoming the owner of the home "eighty" and an adjoining "eighty," which gave him an excellent farm of 160 acres. He had early learned the carpenter trade and in addition to his farming did a great deal of building throughout that part of the county, but death cut short his career right in its prime, his death occurring in 1858. His widow survived him many years, her death occurring on February 28, 1917. William Parson and wife were the parents of five children, four of whom are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Daniel Parson, of Portland, Ore.; John B. Parson, of Kansas, and Catherine M., of Oakland, Cal. Harmoney L. Parson was but three years of age when his father died. The mother kept her family together and maintained the farm home, the boys growing up as helpful assistants in the labors of the place, and as a young man Harmoney L. Parson began working at farm work on his own behalf. He later became engaged as a contractor in county ditch work and was thus engaged for about ten years, at the end of which time he became the overseer of the 167-acre farm of his aunt, Mrs. Anna M. Bowles, and was thus actively employed until the death of his aunt in 1920, and still has supervisory charge of the estate. Mr. Parson has fifty-five acres of his own, which he also supervises besides looking after his aunt's estate. For years he has given considerable attention to the raising and buying of live stock and has done well in his operations. Mr. Parson is a Republican. In his fraternal relations he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Masons.

 CHARLES H. PARSONS, M. D., who died at his home in Rushville in the spring of 1921, was one of the oldest and best known physicians and surgeons in this section of Indiana, a member of one of the old families of Rush county, for many years a recognized leader in the social and civic life of his community, a man whose good works and useful achievements had endeared him in the hearts of his fellowmen, and at his passing left a memory which will long endure in the community in which his life of faithful endeavor had been passed. It thus seems fitting that there should here be carried some brief memorial of this useful life in this volume commemorative of a centenary of civic organization in Rush county. Doctor Parsons was a native son of Rush county and had ever held the interests of his home county as the uppermost motive of his activities. He was born on the old Parsons homestead place in Rushville township, n short distance northeast of the city of Rushville, January 28, 1855, a son of Mathias and Mary (Dill) Parsons, both of whom were members of pioneer families in this county and whose last days were spent here. The Doctor's early schooling was received at Rushville and following his graduation from the high school he entered the old Northwestern Christian University (now Butler College) at Indianapolis, from whence, after a course in the "humanities," he went to Cincinnati and entered the Ohio Medical College, where he spent one year. In 1876 he went to New York and there entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in March, 1878, with the degree of doctor of medicine and surgery. Thus admirably equipped for the practice of the noble profession to which he had devoted his life, Doctor Parsons returned to Rushville and entered upon a professional career which was marked with much success, continuing actively engaged in practice until a few years prior to his death, his later years being marked by a retirement from his professional duties, save such as he felt in duty bound to continue as "the old family physician," and in these later years he found much relaxation in looking after the affairs of the Parsons farm northeast of the city. Doctor Parsons was a busy man and was not content to be idle, the "leisure" of his practice being occupied much of the time in attention to public affairs and had served variously in positions of public trust and responsibility. He was an ardent Democrat, for years regarded as one of the leaders of that party in this county, and for four years served as a member of the Rushville city council, his term of service in that connection expiring in December, 1913. It is recalled in this connection that the Doctor was very sincere in his efforts to perform a real public service and his incumbency was marked by much valuable service to the city. Doctor Parsons was for years a member of the local pension board and during the period of America's participation in the World war also rendered valuable service as a member of the medical advisory board for the physical examination of men registered for service. The Doctor was a faithful member of the Main Street Christian Church and had for years been an office bearer in the same as well as an earnest teacher in the Sunday school, for several years teacher of the men's Century class and in recent years teacher of a woman's class. Doctor Parsons died at his home, 410 North Main street, at 12:15 p. m., ;Saturday, March 5, 1921, and bis widow is still making her home there. The only other close family survivor is the Doctor's sister, Mrs. Mary Parrish, of Indianapolis. Mrs. Parsons also is a member of one of the old families of Rush county and has lived here all her life. She was born in Rushville, Sallie Sexton, daughter of Dr. Marshall Sexton and his wife Elizabeth, of excellent memory and further and fitting mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume, together with portraits of four successive generations of Doctors Sexton who have practiced their profession in this county. She was united in marriage to Doctor Parsons on December 17, 1878, and to this union one child was born, a son, John Parsons, who died in 1893.

 EDWIN PAYNE, who died at his home in Rushville in the spring of 1907, was for many years recognized as one of the foremost figures in commercial circles in this part of Indiana. Entering upon his career as a banker in 1870, Mr. Payne became identified with the banking business of the county just at the period which began to mark the general commercial expansion of the state and so continued for many years an influential factor in that development. As the founder of the Peoples National Bank of Rushville he left an enduring memorial in the community in which he had resided since the days of his young manhood and his will long be a continuing influence in the commercial life of the city in which he elected to make his home. Born on November 1, 1840, in New Trenton, Franklin county, Indiana, the son of William J. and Louisa (Sloan) Payne, Edwin Payne located at Rushville When he was twenty-six years of age, and immediately began to make his presence felt in his new home. He was appointed a deputy under E. H. M. Berry, county treasurer, not long after taking up his residence in Rushville and later served in the same capacity under Benjamin F. Johnson, the county auditor, He then for a short time was connected with the A. G. Mauzy department store, and in 1870 entered upon the banking career in which he eventually attained such prominence. In that year (1870) Mr. Payne was elected cashier of the Rushville National Bank. For twenty-seven years thereafter he fulfilled his duties with that institution with accuracy and ability. In 1897 he retired, but a life of inactivity was not to his liking, and on October 10, 1900, he opened the doors of the Peoples Bank, which he founded as a private bank. Almost from the first day his bank prospered under his watchful eye, operating under its original charter until September 1, 1904, when it was nationalized under the name of the Peoples National Bank. However, long years of unremitting application to the arduous duties entailed in his chosen field of endeavor caused Mr. Payne's health to fail, and he presently retired from active participation in the affairs of the institution, leaving his two sons to control the destiny of tbe bank. On March 29, 1907, he bowed his head to the inevitable and died mourned by all who knew him. On May 12, 1870, Edwin Payne was united in marriage to Mary Frances Mauzy, daughter of Abram G. and Emily (Jameson) Mauzy, and to that union were born two sons, Earl H. and Ralph, the former of whom is president of the Peoples National Bank and the latter, president of the Peoples Loan and Trust Company. These two institutions have been enlarged in the scope of their activities by the efforts of the sons of the founder, and in memory of their father they have erected a modern and well-arranged building on the northwest corner of Main and Second streets at Rushville. Ralph Payne was married on June 13, 1898, to Jennie Wallace, and they have four children: William Wallace, Lawrence Wesley, Frances Evelyn and Virginia. Fraternally, he is a member of all Masonic bodies save the Thirty-third degree, and in politics holds to the principles of the Republican party.

 A. J. PERKINS, a native son of Rush county, where his entire life has been passed, and one of the representative citizens of the vicinity, a worthy scion of one of our sterling pioneer families, who is now engaged in the general mercantile business at New Salem, Ind., was born in Noble township, this county, on March 30, 1881, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (McComas) Perkins, the former also a native of Rush county, and the latter born in Hancock county. Indiana. Henry Perkins was the son of Jehu and Pollie (Lyons') Perkins, who became settlers in Rush county in an early day. Henry Perkins was reared to manhood in Noble township and on attaining mature years he took up the vocation of farming, which he followed throughout his active life. Of the five children who blessed the union of himself and wife, four are now living, namely: Dean Fore, Charles, A. J. and James. A. J. Perkins received a good practical education in the public schools of Noble township and after leaving school devoted his efforts to teaming until 1906, when he obtained employment as a clerk in a general store at Orange. At the end of a year he engaged in business for himself at that place, continuing it for four years. Then, selling this store, in 1911, Mr. Perkins moved to New Salem and bought the A. P. Wellman general store In February, 1912, Mr. Perkins enlarged the scope of the business by adding a hardware and implement department, in which he has put a large and well selected stock of both shelf and heavy hardware and allied lines. Every department of his store receives the same careful attention and, because of his strict adherence to the highest standards of business ethics in his relations with the buying public, Mr. Perkins enjoys a large and constantly' growing trade as well as the confidence and esteem of the people generally. Mr. Perkins was married to Clara Medd, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Medd, and they have one child, Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are earnest members of the Methodist Protestant church, and in politics Mr. Perkins gives his support to the Republican party. Genial in manner and generous in disposition, Mr. Perkins is deservedly popular in the circles in which he moves.

 SANFORD M. POSTON, former clerk of Rush county, who died at his home in Noble township in the spring of 1910, was born on November 25, 1849, on the farm on which his widow now resides, and his death occurred on May 10, 1910. He was descended from sterling old pioneer stock, his paternal grandparents having been Judge Elias and Nancy (Norton) Poston, natives of Kentucky, the former born in Fayette county and the latter in Bourbon county. They were married in 1807 and some years after that event they came to Indiana, first locating in Franklin county. In the spring of 1821 they came to what is now Rush county and the next year entered 160 acres in what is now known as Noble township. The date of the entry of this land was March 7, 1822, and the original deed from the Government bearing the name of President Monroe is still in the family. Elias Poston was a man of strong character and marked mental ability and he soon took a prominent part in the public life of this pioneer community. In 1822 he was elected the first associate judge of Rush county and the diversity of his talents is somewhat indicated from the fact that he was a successful Baptist minister and also practiced medicine. Among his children was the subject's father, George W. Poston, who was born in Kentucky on March 12, 1826, and who accompanied his parents on their removal to Rush county, locating in Noble township, where he spent the remainder of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Nancy McNeil, who was born and reared in North Carolina, and they became the parents of six children, five of whom grew to maturity, namely: Sanford M., Quiney, Estella, Elizabeth and Ella. Sanford M. Poston received a good education in the public schools of Noble township and then for a time was engaged in teaching school. In the meantime he also became interested in the sawmill business, having bought and sold much lumber, so after a short career as a pedagogue, he resigned and thereafter devoted his attention to sawmill interests, in addition to which he also farmed the home place of about 600 acres. He became an extensive stock feeder and also bred Poland China hogs and Short-Horn cattle. He was keenly interested in the breeding of thoroughbred track horses and was the owner of "Redfield," one of the best horses of his type in this section of the country. A year prior to his mother's death, the home farm was divided and his portion was 140 acres. He was an energetic worker and a good manager and to this nucleus he added other land by purchase until his holdings amounted to 340 acres, to the operation of which he devoted his attention up to the time of his death. He made many permanent and substantial improvements on the place, developing it into one of the best farms in this section of the county. Though a busy man, Mr. Poston always took a keen interest in local public affairs and an active part in politics as a Republican. He served for five years as assessor of Noble township, and in 1901 he Was elected to the office of clerk of the Rush county Circuit Court, serving one term to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Poston spent practically his entire life in Noble township and won his way into the affections of the people through his genial address, his obliging nature, his sound business ability and his unswerving support freely given to all laudable movements looking toward the general welfare of his county. In 1901 Mr. Poston was married to Mary Ellen Bromley, the daughter of Charles D. and Anna (Jones) Bromley, and to them were born two children, George and Estella, both of whom remain at home with their mother, and the former of whom is the sole surviving male member of this branch of the family bearing the Poston name. Mrs. Postan's parents were born respectively, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Rush county. Mr. Bromley came to Rush county in young manhood and here followed the business of railroad contracting during all of his active years. To him and his wife were born seven children, of which number three grew to maturity, namely: Carl E., Agnes and Mary Ellen. Mrs. Poston is a member of the Christian church, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Woman's Relief Corps, in which she is an officer, the Women's Council and the Nature Study Club of Indiana. Mrs. Poston is descended from sterling old pioneer families of Rush county. Grandmother Mary Sharp, the mother of Sarah Jones, was born in Virginia in 1812, whence in 1826, when but fourteen years of age, she came to Rush county, and settled with her family in Walker township. The second session of the commissioners' court of Rush county was held at the home of James Lower, who ran a tavern at Rushville and who was a great-uncle of Mrs.Poston. Mr. Poston was an attendant at the Methodist Protestant church in New Salem. Politically, he gave his support to the Republican party. Fraternally, he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained to the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

CONRAD D. POSZ, farmer and stockraiser in Walker township, was born in Union township, Shelby county, March 7, 1869, a son of Valentine and Margaret (Backer) Posz. Both parents were born in Germany. The father was eighteen years old when he came to the United States but the mother of Conrad Posz was only four years old when she accompanied her parents to this country. Both families came to Indiana and settled in Shelby county. Valentine Posz followed farming there during all his active life. Of his family of eight children there are seven living: Catherine, Adam, Emma, Conrad D., Maggie, George and Barbara. Conrad D. Posz attended school in boyhood in Union township, Shelby county, and grew to manhood on his father's farm. When he married and started out for himself, he began as a renter in Shelby county, where he remained for fourteen years, then moved to Rush county and bought the farm in Walker township on which he still lives. lIe has 118 acres of well improved land, having put up substantial buildings and done a great deal of fencing and ditching. He has been quite successful as a general farmer and has given much attention to raising Duroc Jersey hogs, usually marketing about 150 head a year. On January 15, 1896, he married Louisa Kuhn, who also was born in Union township, Shelby county, daughter of Daniel and Louisa (Haehl) Kuhn. The father of Mrs. Posz was born in Germany and the mother in Shelby county. They had six children, three of whom are living: Herman, Curtis and Louisa. Mr. and Mrs. Posz have two daughters, Ethel and Julia, both of whom reside at home, Julia still attending school at Homer. Mr. Posz and his family are members of the Christian Union church at Homer. He is interested to some degree in politics and has always voted the Democratic ticket. Mr. Posz is well known at Homer and belongs to the Odd Fellows' and Red Men's lodges at that place.

ELIHU PRICE, a venerable and honored citizen of Arlington, now living in retirement after a long and busy life, spending his later years in quiet and in plenty as a result of his earlier years of strenuous endeavor, has been a life-long resident of the county having been born in Posey township on October 5, 1843. He is the son of John and Mary (Cotney) Price, both of whom were borr and reared in Kentucky, whence they came to Rush county in about 1830. Here John Price devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, mostly in Posey township, and that he was successful is evidenced by the fact that he became the owner of 500 acres of land in Rush county. John Price was married twice and became the father of sixteen children by the two unions. Four of these children are now living, namely: Sarah, Elihu, Nathan and Jane. Elihu Price received his elementary education in the common schools of Posey township and then completed his studies in the normal school at Lebanon. Ind., where he attended two years. During the following eight years Mr. Price was engaged in teaching school, seven years in Rush county and one year in Jasper county, Illinois. He then turned his attention to farming in Posey township and devoted himself indefatigably until 1909, when he relinquished the active duties of the farm and removed to Arlington, where he now resides. His first efforts as an independent farmer were on rented land, but he later bought 160 acres, which was eventually increased to 230 acres. Since his retirement from the active management of the farm, it is being operated by his son Noah. The place is well improved. Here Mr. Price carried on general farming and stock raising and as a farmer has always been held in high repute. On August 17, 1871, Mr. Pric? was married to Mary Reddick, who was born in Ripley township, this county, the daughter of John and Catherine (Ruby) Reddick, both of whom were natives of the state of Ohio. Mr. Reddick was a farmer by vocation and was the father of ten children, of whom the following survive: Lewis, Mary, Amanda, Elizabeth, Noah, Frank and Jesse. To Mr. and Mrs. Price have been born six children, all of whom are living, namely: John J., Mary C, Amanda, Jesse F., Sarah J. and Noah. John J., who is a farmer in Posey township, married Flora Jamison, who died on August 11, 1908. Mary C. became the wife of Jesse Nelson, a farmer of Shelby county, Indiana, and they have three children, Bessie married Rowland Earnest, a farmer of Posey township, and they have four children: Howard. Dallas, Katheryn and Robert; Braynard, farmer in Shelby county, married Alta Pitts and they have one child, Margarie, and Warren, a farmer of Shelby county, married Lillian Jordan. Amanda became the wife of Hugh Birt, a farmer of Posey township. Jesse F., who also is a farmer in Posey township, married Lillian Green and they have two children: Everett C. and Charles E. Sarah J. became the wife of Earl Mull, a farmer in Walker township, and they have one child, Leoto, who married and is the mother of one child, Geonie. Noah, who lives on the home farm, married Laura Abercrombie, and they have one child, Donald. Politically, Mr. Price has been a lifelong supporter of the Democratic party and has held several public offices, having served four years as trustee of Posey township and eight years as justice of the peace. He and his wife are members of the Christian church at Arlington and, fraternally, he is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows: at Arlington.

 NOAH E. PRICE, a representative of one of the early families in Rush county and owner of a well improved farm eligibly located in Posey township, was born in that township on May 23, 1882, and is the son of Elihu and Mary (Reddick) Price, who are represented elsewhere in this work. Mr. Price received his educational training in district school, No. 2, Posey township, and after completing his schooling devoted himself to work on the home farm, where he remained until his marriage. He then rented the farm from his father and has continued to operate it to the present time. The farm comprises 230 acres of fine land, on which Mr. Price carries on a diversified system of farming, raising all the crops common to this locality, and he also gives some attention to live stock, raising about two carloads of hogs annually. He is thoroughly up-to-date in his methods and is numbered among the progressive farmers of Posey township. On January 22, 1904, Mr. Price was married to Laura Abercrombie, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Thatcher) Abercrombie, both of whom also were born and reared in Franklin county. Mr. Abercrombie followed farming during the greater portion of his life, being the owner of 100 acres of land. To him and his wife were born six children, four of whom are living, Louis, Laura, Harry and Eugene. Mr. and Mrs. Price have had two children, Donald L., born on May 10, 1907, and Mary, who died in infancy. Mr. Price gives his support to the Democratic party. He is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Arlington, and also belongs to the encampment. He is public spirited and lends his support to any cause that has for its ultimate object the betterment of his locality in material, civic and moral lines. Mrs. Price is a member of the Methodist church at Arlington.

 

 WESTON C. RICHEY, a substantial retired farmer of Anderson township and for years an extensive dealer in live stock at Milroy, where he has resided for more than twenty-five years, was born in this county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on July 20, 1856, son of William and Cynthia (Henderson) Richey, the latter of whom was born in Ohio, having come here with her parents in the days of her girlhood, and both of whom spent their last days in this county. William Richey was born in Kentucky and was but a child when his father, Adam Richey, left that state and with his family came up into Indiana and settled on a farm in Anderson township, this county, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, useful and influential pioneers of that community. William Richey grew up on that pioneer farm and in turn became a farmer on his own account, a vocation in which he continued engaged until his death. He became the owner of an excellent farm of about 100 acres and in addition had long been accustomed to operating a considerable extra acreage of rented lands. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Jerusha, wife of Frank Nadal; Arkansas, wife of Ira Tompkins; Catherine, wife of Sol Smith; Martha, wife of Maurice Maxey; Missouri, widow of David S. Stewart, and Morton Richey. Reared on the home farn: in Anderson township, Weston C. Richey received his schooling in the schools of that neighborhood and continued on the farm, working with his father until his marriage after which he rented a farm and started operations for himself. Several years later he bought a tract of eighty acres in Anderson township, later increasing that acreage to 189 acres, but afterward sold eighty-five acres of this and is now the owner of a well improved farm of 104 acres.. On this place he continued general farming until 1894 when he moved to Milroy and there became engaged in the retail meat business. Several years later, however, he sold his butcher shop and began to confine his operations to dealing in live stock, a business he had begun to develop profitably while carrying on his butcher business, and has since then been thus engaged, for the past twenty years having been regarded as one of the leading live stock dealers in this section, buying extensively hereabout and shipping to the leading markets. In addition to this Mr. Richey keeps up his interest in his farm and has a fine farm plant. Weston C. Richey has been twice married. By his first wife, Emma Crawford, he has six children, Edith, Clarence, Anna, Mabel, Clyde and Ritth, all of whom are married and have children of their own, Mr. Richey thus having thirteen grandchildren, in all of whom he takes much pride and delight. Edith Richey married Worth Kelly and has two children, Ralph and Ray. Clarence Richey married Mary Wolforst and has three children, Clifford, Chester and Marshall. Anna Richey married Riley Coulter and has one child, a son, Charles. Mabel Richey married Harvey Ray and has four children, Vivian, Helen, Opal and Weston. Clyde Richey married Gertrude Crume and has two children, Gerald and Lillian, and Ruth Richey married Paul Glisson and has one child, a daughter, Mildred. The mother of these children died and Mr. Richey married Georgia Mae Tarkington. Mr. and Mrs. Richey are members of the Methodist church. In his political affiliation Mr. Richey is a Republican and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs, but has not been a seeker after public office. He and his wife have a pleasant home at Milroy and take a proper part in the general social activities of the community.

 JOHN RICKETTS, who is numbered among the successful farmers and enterprising citizens of Noble township, was born in Anderson township, this county, on February 23, 1867, and is the son of James and Ellen (Jones) Ricketts, the former a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, and the latter of Rush county, Indiana. James Ricketts was the son of Edward and Sarah Ricketts, both of whom were born and reared in Kentucky, where they were married, and who later became pioneer settlers of this county. James Ricketts was reared to manhood in his native state and accompanied his parents on their removal to Rush county, locating in Anderson township, where he was married. He had followed the vocation of agriculture and shortly after his marriage he bought a farm, which he operated until 1875, when he moved to Noble township and bought eighty-five acres of land one-fourth of a mile northwest of New Salem. A hard worker and good manager, he was enabled to add to his holdings from time to time until eventually he became the owner of 340 acres of land, located in Noble and Anderson townships. He followed general farming and stock raising and was numbered among the leading farmers of his section of the county. His death occurred in Noble township. To him and his wife were born seven children, of which number two are now living, the subject of this review and Mattie, who became the wife of Owen Morris. John Ricketts received his education in the schools of Noble township and his boyhood days were devoted to work on the home farm, which he continued to operate for his mother after his father's death. On the death of his mother, in 1907, he bought the home farm, comprising 115 acres, and has since devoted himself to its operation. Energetic and up-to-date in his methods, he has demonstrated his abilities as a progressive man of affairs and is meeting with well deserved success in his work. He carries on general farming operations and stock raising and his place is maintained at a high standard of excellence. On November 29, 1893, Mr. Ricketts was married to Carrie Shriner. a daughter of Ray and Caroline Shriner, and they are the parents of a son, James Garrett Ricketts, who remains at home. Politically, Mr. Ricketts is a supporter of the Republican party and takes an intelligent interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community.

 ALBERT W. RIGSBEE, a leading citizen and representative agriculturist of Posey township, has spent practically his entire life in that locality. His has been an active and useful life and he is thoroughly in sympathy with any movement looking toward the advancement of the best interests of his community. Mr. Rigsbee was born in Posey township on September 23, 1882, and is a son of Alveron and Clara E. (Swain) Rigsbee, both of whom also are natives of Posey township, Mr. Rigsbee having here followed agricultural pursuits during all of his active years. Of the two children born to him and his wife, the subject of this review is the only survivor. Albert W. Rigsbee received his educational training in the common and high schools of Posey township and after completing his studies he turned his attention to the farm where he now lives and which is owned by his mother, with whom he lives. His father died when the subject was but two years of age. The home farm comprises eighty acres and in addition to this Mrs. Rigsbee owns thirty-two and one-half acres in Posey township and Mr. Rigsbee twenty acres in the same township and sixty acres adjoining just across the line in Hanover township, Shelby county, which he rents, confining his personal efforts to his mother's land. He carries on general farming and also raises some live stock. He has put extensive repairs on the place and has erected some new buildings, placed new fencing and done a good deal of tiling, with the result that this farm now compares favorably with the best in the community. Mr. Rigsbee is a Republican in politics and stands high in the esteem of all who know him. He and his mother are charter members of the Indiana Society of Mayflower Descendants, attaining their membership by right of descent from John Rowland, who came over in the "Mayflower" in 1620.

 MARSHALL B. RIGSBEE, a well known general farmer residing in Walker township, belongs to one of the early families of this county and a part of his present farm has been in the Rigsbee name for eighty-seven years. He was born in Posey township, this county. September 7, 1855, a son of Madison and Mary (Barnard) Rigsbee. who had four children, two of whom survive, Mrs. Flora Swain, of Shelby county, and Marshall B., who owns his father's old homestead of 133 acres. Marshall B. Rigsbee attended the district schools in both Posey and Walker townships in boyhood, during that time making himself useful to his father and later, after his marriage, worked the farm on shares with his father. In 1834 his grandfather entered eighty acres that are now included in the home farm, from the government, and it has always been Mr. Rigsbee's aim to keep this farm in the family. When his father died he bought out the other heirs. He keeps the property in fine repair and carries on general farming and stock raising, annually feeding about eighty head of hogs. On September 7, 1879, Mr. Rigsbee married Emily Miller, who also was born in Posey township, daughter of James and Useba (Swain) Miller, who had a family of nine children, Lena, Cassa, Edwin, George, Preston, Emily and three deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Rigsbee have had nine children, Pearl (deceased), Arlie, Ertle, Clayton, Claude, Emerson, Edith, Nella and Mary. Arlie Rigsbee, who is now residing at Indianapolis, connected with the insurance department of the Fletcher Savings and Trust Company of that city, married Delpha Hester and has two children, Catherine and Maxine. Ertle Rigsbee, who is now residing at Portland, Ind., where he is employed in the service of the Schlosser Bros, creamery of Indianapolis, married Stella Ash and has four children, Merle, Marshall, Lowell and Denzel. Clayton Rigsbee, who is in the insurance business at Indianapolis, married Kate Vanwinkle, and has had two children, Robert, and one that died in youth. Claude Rigsbee, who is agent for the Watkins products in northern Rush county, married Reba Fall and has one son, Paul, the family home being at Carthage. Edith Rigsbee, who married the Rev. Francis Eddy, a minister, at Fairmount, Ind., has five children, Gerald, Lucile, Grace, Warren and the baby. Nella is the wife of Dr. Charles Zike, a dentist at Manilla, and has one child, Catherine. Mary Rigsbee married Esta Theobold, a farmer in Shelby county. Mr. Rigsbee is a member of the Friends church at Little Blue River. He is a Republican.

 ALBERT M. ROBINSON, plumber, an enterprising business man of Manilla, Ind., was born there January 1, 1868, a member of old Rush county families, both parents having been born and reared in this part of Indiana. They were John T. and Martha U. (Titus) Robinson, and had two children, Albert M. being the only one now living. John T. Robinson was an engineer and also a carpenter and was well known at Manilla. Albert M. Robinson attended the Goddard and Homer schools in Walker township, until old enough to become self-supporting, when he began farm work and for five years was engaged as a farm hand. Following this he cut timber for W. E. Talbert, for about ten years and then went into the plumbing business at Manilla, some nineteen years ago, in which business he has continued ever since. On October 24, 1892, Mr. Robinson married Catherine E. Hey, born in Shelby county, Indiana, daughter of Jacob and Amanda (Ross) Hey, and one of their two children. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have had five children: William E., who is a farmer in Shelby county, married Lucy Kuhn; Evon E., who married C. P. Hale, freight agent for the Pennsylvania railroad at New Albany, Ind.; Flo and Loren, who reside at home, and Dorothy, who died at the age of seven years. Mr. Robinson and his family are members of the Christian church at Manilla. Although never very active in politics, Mr. Robinson has always been a sturdy Democrat and takes a good citizen's interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Manilla and belongs also to the Modern Woodmen.




MONET O. SEPTON, a successful farmer and enterprising citizen of Noble township, is a native son of Indiana, having been born in Decatur county on September 5, 1867, and is the son of George W. and Julia (Lanham) Sefton, both of whom also were born and reared in Decatur county. George W. Sefton was educated in the public schools of his native county and he then took up the vocation of farming, his first employment being as a farm hand. Eventually he bought land of his own and in the course of time became the owner of 160 acres. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in the Seventh regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served for three years and three months. He took part in some of the great battles of that war, including the battles of Gettysburg and of the Wilderness. After the war he returned to Decatur county, where he remained until his death, which occurred on May 2, 1918, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife had died in 1869. They were the parents of five children: Julia, Emma, Mary, Stella and Monet O., the last named being the only resident of Rush county. Monet O. Sefton attended the common schools of Decatur county, and then applied himself to the cultivation of the home farm up to the time of his removal to Rush county in 1894. For three years he was employed by his uncle, James Miller, and then for seven years he was engaged in the operation of a farm of 160 acres in Richland township which he rented, followed by a three-year rental of a farm of 204 acres. He then bought his present fine farm of 160 acres, located in Noble township, and which he has improved and developed into one of the best farms in this section of the county, the place being devoted to general farming and stock raising. He raises fifty acres of corn and fifty acres of wheat every year and feeds practically all of his corn on the place, feeding from 150 to 200 hogs a year. Mr. Sefton was married to Maude Humes, the daughter of Israel and Mollie (Cooper) Humes, and they have become the parents of two daughters, Myrtle, who is taking the domestic science course at Purdue University, and Marion, who is taking music at DePauw University. In religion, Mr. Sefton and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Sefton is a member of the board of trustees. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party

 JOHN CHASE SEXTON, M. D. The outstanding name in the medical profession of Rush county is that of Sexton, four of the name having been prominent practitioners whose services have extended over a period covering nearly one hundred years. Dr. Horatio Gates Sexton, the grandfather of Dr. John C. Sexton, was among the earliest pioneers of the county, He was born in Wilbraham, Mass., January 21, 1796, a son of David Sexton of that city, and when a young man decided that there were greater opportunities for advancement in the western states of Ohio or Indiana than in the older settled parts of the country. Accordingly, he made his way toward the West, and while engaged in teaching at Harrison, Ohio, began the study of medicine under a Dr. Cruikshank. He had a natural talent as a doctor, and in about 1820 was far enough advanced in his studies to warrant his entering the ranks of the profession for himself, which he did, locating at Springboro, Warren county, Ohio. In 1822, he came to Indiana and located at Rushville, which at that time was nothing but a collection of modest cabins in the wilderness. His ability was soon recognized, and the confidence of the people resulted in his winning a fortune second to none in the county. He was one of the charter members of the Rush County Medical Society (1846), and took a keen interest in the welfare of that organization. He was also one of the founders of the Presbyterian church in Rushville, and remained one of its most ardent workers until the time of his death, June 13, 1865. He had married, in 1822, Hannah Pugh, of Springboro, Ohio, and to this union were born twelve children, of whom Marshall and Leonidas were two. The latter of these two sons came in later years to be one of the most prominent men of the state of Indiana—lieutenant governor of the state and representative in the forty-fifth Congress of the United States. Following the death of the mother of these children Doctor Sexton married Lucretia Cramer, and to that union was born one child, a son, Cramer Sexton, who is still living, now a resident of Tennessee. Dr. Marshall Sexton was born at Rushville, January 29, 1823, and after receiving his preliminary education in the schools there spent two years at Hanover College. He then began to study medicine with his father, and in the year 1842, was matriculated at Ohio Medical College from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1844. For ten years thereafter he practiced at Rushville with his father, continuing alone until the outbreak of the Civil war, in which he served as surgeon of the Fifty-second regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, until the spring of 1863, ill health then making it imperative that he resign his commission. He returned to civilian life at Rushville, where he remained until the long years of his successful practice were terminated by his death, January 9, 1892. He had been married in Wilmington, Ohio, in May, 1844, to Miss E. S. Brooks. They became the parents of five children, Horatio G.; Louise, afterward Mrs. George Havens; Mrs. Ruby H. Frazer, of Xenia, Ohio; Sally M., widow of Dr. Charles H. Parsons, of Rushville, and John Chase Dr. John Chase Sexton was born on January 21, 1859, at Rushville, and his early career was almost identical with that of his father. After being graduated from the Rushville high school in 1876, he entered Hanover College, and after nearly three years at that institution commenced the study of his profession under his father. In 1880 he went to Cincinnati to attend the Ohio Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He took up active practice in partnership with his father, but wishing to have further training along medical lines he later took post-graduate work at Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago. He was then equipped to take a commanding position in the profession, and he quickly became recognized as one of the ablest practitioners in the state. He is looked upon as an authority in gastro-intestinal surgery and was made professor of that chair at the Indiana University Medical College. In 1902 Doctor Sexton instituted the only hospital within the boundaries of Rush county, and at this building, which is located on Sixth street between Main and Perkins, he carries on his practice. On September 27, 1882, Doctor Sexton was married to Hannah Cullen, the only daughter of Judge William A. Cullen, who was for years one of the leaders in Rush county legal and judicial activities. To them have been born two children: Frances E. and Dr. Marshall Cullen Sexton, the latter of whom passed the state medical examination in 1920 with a high grade, after completing his medical course at Miami Medical College, and is now associated with his father in practice. Dr. John C. Sexton has always been active in the work of the medical associations and is an ex-Fellow of the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a member of the American Medical Association, a member of and ex-president of the Indiana Sate Medical Society, and a member of the Rush County Medical Society and the Union District Medical Society. The series of portraits accompanying this review portray the four generations of the Sexton family who have maintained a continuing practice in Rushville, with the dates of the respective service of each of the doctors, beginning with Dr. Horatio G. Sexton, whose practice continued from 1822 to 1865; Dr. Marshall Sexton, 1844-1892; Dr. John C. Sexton, continuing since 1882, and Dr. Cullen Sexton, 1920.

 MICAJAH S. SHROPSHIRE, who died at his home in Rushville in the summer of 1915 in the eightieth year of his age, was in his day one of the best known men in Rush county and it is but fitting that in this volume of biography relating to the old families of this county some modest tribute should be thus paid to his memory. Mr. Shropshire had served for a time as deputy sheriff of Rush county and in other ways had rendered efficient public service. As a blacksmith for many years in the days when a smithy was something more than a place for shoeing horses he had worked faithfully, a skilled craftsman in iron working, and his industry and skill brought to his place a trade covering a wide territory about Rushville, so that he had a wide and influential acquaintance hereabout. Mr. Shropshire was a Kentuckian by birth, born in the Blue Grass state on March 30, 1836, son of Moses Aaron Shropshire, who was also born in Kentucky, a member of a pioneer family in that state. Micajah Shropshire came to this county in 1850 and took up the blacksmith trade. In due time after acquiring the trade he opened a shop of his own in Rushville and there continued actively engaged in the business as long as his physical strength would permit. After his retirement Mr. Shropshire continued to make his home in Rushville and there spent his last days, his death occurring on August 11, 1915, and he was buried in East Hill cemetery, beside the three children who had preceded him to the grave. Mr. Shropshire was an ardent Democrat and for many years gave his earnest attention to local political affairs. He served for one term as deputy sheriff of Rush county years ago and had many interesting stories to tell of incidents that came to his official notice during that term of service. He was a member of the Christian church and, fraternally, was affiliated with the P. O. S. of A. On July 13, 1882, Micajah Shropshire was united in marriage to Mary A. Matlock, who was born in this county, daughter of Thomas S. and Mary (Alexander) Matlock, and to that union were born three children, Blount, Lee and Noah, all of whom died in infancy.

 BEN STEVENS, who was formerly one of the active and enterprising farmers of Noble township, is now practically retired from active work and is enjoying the fruits of his former years of labor. He is a member of one of the old pioneer families of this section and has enjoyed an enviable standing in the community where he has spent his entire life. Mr. Stevens was born in Noble township on January 24, 1862, and is a son of Mack and Phoebe (Sutton) Stevens, both also natives of Rush county. Mack Stevens was the son of Isaac Stevens, who came to Rush county in an early day, entered land and remained here during the rest of his life. He received a common school education and after his marriage he acquired a farm, which he operated up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1865. To him and his wife were born three children, Clara, Jesse and Ben. After the death of Mr. Stevens, his widow became the wife of Levi Bartlett, to which union were born three children: Ida, Rhoda, and John. Ben Stevens received his educational training at the old Pinhook school house, and then turned his attention to farm work, being employed by the day up to the time of his mother's death, at -which time he inherited a part of the home place. He then bought out the other heirs, giving him possession of thirty-two acres of land, which he cultivated for about a year. He then sold the home place and bought another farm of fifty acres, to which he devoted chosen chairman of the committee, and the success of the party in Indiana in that campaign, when the entire Republican state ticket and thirteen representatives in Congress were elected, the first time in the history of the state that one party secured a full Congressional delegation, added to the reputation that Mr. Gowdy had already gained as an organizer. In 1896 when the Republican state committee was reorganized Mr. Gowdy was chosen chairman for the third time, and it was in the great campaign of that year, when William McKinley was elected President, and the free coinage of silver at the ratio of sixteen to one was made the paramount issue by Mr. Bryan, that the executive ability, resourcefulness and splendid political judgment of Mr. Gowdy were demonstrated. The party was confronted with a new and dangerous issue and disturbed by internal dissension, but under his leadership achieved one of the most notable political victories in the history of he state. During that memorable campaign Mr. Gowdy made the acquaintance and won the friendship of many men of national prominence, including Major McKinley, the presidential candidate, and Mark Hanna, chairman of the Republican national committee. His conduct of the contest in Indiana, which early took an advanced position in favor of the gold standard, received the enthusiastic support of the managers of the national campaign, and focused upon the state the political attention of the entire country. It was during that great contest that Mr. Gowdy's friends bestowed upon him the sobriquet of "Oom Jack," comparing him with Oom Paul Kruger, the great, strong, fighting character of South Africa. The term was one of affection and endearment used by Mr. Gowdy's friends and admirers. Soon after the inauguration of President McKinley in March, 1897, Mr. Gowdy was appointed consul general to Paris, where he achieved the honor and distinction of being one of the most efficient and popular officials who ever represented the United States Government at the French capital. Consul General Gowdy's official residence in Paris covered a most interesting period, and a series of historic events, including the Spanish-American war, the meeting in Paris, after the war, of the commission which arranged the terms of peace between the United States and Spain, and the Paris exposition in 1900. Mr. Gowdy was the recipient of many honors and compliments from various societies and organizations in Paris, and from the French government he received the decoration of Officer of the Legion of Honor, being the first American consular officer to have that distinction bestowed upon him. He also received as a mark of esteem from the American Chamber of Commerce in Paris, a beautiful, hand-illumined certificate of commendation and appreciation for honorable services rendered that association personally and officially. Among other special and distinguished acts was his assistance in locating the body of John Paul Jones, the American naval hero, whose remains were found in a Paris cemetery, disinterred and returned to his native country under naval escert, and buried at Annapolis with naval honors. On July 3, 1900, Consul General Gowdy delivered the address presenting the statue of George Washington, at Place d'lena, Paris, a gift of the American people to the French government. It was also his pleasant duty, as consul general, to certify the signature of the signers of the deed of transfer of the Panama canal property by the French government to the United States. After eight and a half years of official residence abroad Mr. Gowdy resigned his position as consul general, and returned with his family to his home in Rushville, to resume his business, and to live among his neighbors and friends. His homecoming was made a gala day by his old friends and neighbors, and many admiring friends throughout the state, who gathered at Rushville in large numbers to receive, and to extend a welcome to him and his family, the reception being characterized by a warmth of greeting and enthusiastic demonstration that testified to the affectionate regard in which he was held by the people in his home and in his native state. Mr. Gowdy represented the best type of American citizenship. Born in Indiana in 1843, his early impressions, education and training were received and character formed during that period of the nation's history when patriotism was the dominant note, and loyalty to the Government and its institutions characterized public sentiment. The best estimate that can be obtained of a man's character and personal worth is the concensus of opinion in the community in which he lives; an estimate based upon an intimate knowledge of his home life. Judged by this standard the memory esteem and affections of the people of Rushville, and of Rush county that evidenced a very high regard for him as a citizen, a neighbor and a friend. Endowed with a strong, but genial personality, a kindly disposition and a charitable nature, he impressed those with whom he came in contact as a man of high ideals and compelling purpose, a leader of men. Positiveness of character was one of Mr. Gowdy's chief characteristics. When once he made up his mind to do a thing, decided upon a plan of action, he pursued it with a determination that never hesitated until the object was achieved, or every resource at his command exhausted. To this fixity of purpose was largely due his success as an organizer. Men believed in and co-operated with him, knowing that once he entered upon a project and, believing he was right, that he would pursue it industriously and determinedly to a conclusion. In 1866, Mr. Gowdy joined the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he remained a consistent and devout member. Although prevented by ill health from attending services, or participating actively in the work for many years, he never lost interest in the progress and welfare of his chosen church, and his Christian faith continued always to be a comfort and a consolation. He was a charter member of the Rushville post of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Freemason and an Odd Fellow. His charities, which were general and extensive, were conducted so quietly and unostentatiously that few except those who were beneficiaries of his bounty knew to what extent his hand went out to the poor, the needy and distressed. Like his daily life, his charities were inspired and directed by generous, Christian impulses. Although exercising a wide influence for good, personally, morally and socially in the community, and throughout the state, all his private and public acts were characterized by extreme modesty. He was essentially a home person, preferring always the quiet and comforts, the pleasure and intimate associations of the home to the formalities of social life, or the discomforts, and the promiscuous associations encountered in travel and in public places. His love for children was reciprocated, as shown by the affectionate regard in which he was held by all the little folk in the neighborhood of his home. In the summer time crowds of youths of both sexes were wont to gather under the big white tent under the trees in the rear of his home, where he spent most of the days during the hot weather, reading and conversing with the visiting children, and exchanging greetings with passing friends and neighbors. While observing the actions of the children, and listening to their conversation and candid comments on the actions of each other, he frequently remarked: "The hope of the American nation is in these boys and girls, and if properly educated and trained in the ethics of government, the future of the republic is secure." Mr. Gowdy endeavored to inspire the children who came within the sphere of his influence with high ideals, pure motives and patriotic sentiments. And many Indiana men of the younger generation testify to the inspiration and encouragement they received through his kindly, good advice, and from his patriotic example. Mr. Gowdy died at his home in Rushville on June 25, 1918.

 

EDGAR THOMAS, president of the First National Bank of Milroy, this county, and for years recognized as one of the leading business men of that part of the county, has been a resident of Rush county all his life and has ever had a hearty interest in the development of the commercial and industrial activities of his home community. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on August 28, 1866, son of William and Ann E. (Wood) Thomas, both of whom also were born in Rush county, members of old families here, and who spent all their lives here, the latter dying in May, 1893, and the former in June, 1899. William Thomas was born on a pioneer farm in Anderson township, the son of Amos Thomas, who had come up into Indiana with his father, a "local" Methodist minister, from Bourbon county, Kentucky, about the year 1821, the year in which Rush county was organized as a separate civic unit among the counties of the Hoosier state, the family settling on a farm of "Congress land" in Anderson township. On that pioneer farm Amos Thomas grew to manhood and in time established his home in the same neighborhood, and in his turn William Thomas also established his home there after his marriage to Ann E. Wood, who was born in Orange township and whose parents also were of pioneer stock. William Thomas remained on the farm until about 1894, when he moved into Milroy, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring, as noted above, in 1899. He and his wife were the parents of four children, those besides the subject of this sketch being Nettie, wife of John H. Parker; Elgie, of Rushville, and Bertha, wife of Morton E. Richey. Reared on the home farm in Anderson township, Edgar Thomas supplemented the schooling he received in the local schools by a course in a business college at Danville, this stat,1, and was then engaged, until he was twenty-six years of age, in carrying on the operations of the home farm. On his father's removal to Milroy he accompanied him and was there engaged in the buggy business and later for a couple of years in the general hardware business, after which he resumed farming; that is, overseeing farms in which he was interested, and is still the owner of a fine little farm of forty acres in Anderson township. From the time he was eighteen years of ag.' Mr. Thomas has made a specialty of acting as clerk at local public farm sales and there is probably no one in the county who has thus acted at more sales hereabout than he, this service giving him a wide and popular acquaintance throughout the whole countryside. Mr. Thomas was one of the active spirits in the organization of the First National Bank of Milroy and was elected president of the same upon its organization, a position he still retains, his service in that connection having done much in the popularizing of the institution in the early days of its establishment and in the stabilizing of it since. The bank was opened for business on August 30, 1920, and has become recognized as one of the sound financial institutions of the county. In 1900 Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Zena Miller, daughter of James M. and Melissa Miller, also of this county, and he and his wife have a very pleasant home at Milroy and are ever helpful in promoting the social activities of their home community. Mr. Thomas is a Republican and has ever taken an interested part in local political affairs, but has not been a seeker after office.

 C. H. TOMPKINS, a well known business man of Rushville. dealer in implements and local agent for the Oldsmobile Automobile Company, was born in Milroy, this county, June 2, 1878, the son of J. W. and Palma (Stewart) Tompkins, the former of this county, the latter a native of Kentucky. J. W. Tompkins grew to manhood and was educated in the public schools in the county, and then took up farming operations and stock buying, becoming well known throughout the community as a man in whom trust could be placed. He was elected sheriff and served the county in that capacity for two terms, at the completion of which he commenced the implement business that his son is proprietor of today. This enterprise prospered under his astute management for over thirty years, or until the time of his death. In his younger years he had for a considerable period been engaged in carrying the mail from Rushville to Greensburg, there having at that time been no rail connection between the two towns. He and his wife were the parents of six children, four of whom are now living, Nellie, R. L., A. W., and the subject of this biography. C. H. Tompkins attended the common schools at Milroy and the high school at Rushville, and upon finishing his education worked in a grocery store until the time of his marriage. He then engaged in farming in Jackson township for a period of ten years at the expiration of which he located in New Mexico for three years. Returning to Rushville, he worked with his father, and upon the atter's death became proprietor of the implement business. Since that time he has added to it considerably, carrying a general line of farm implements and harness, as well as being the local agent of the Oldsmobile automobile, of which he has sold a goodly number. He married Jessie Kennedy, a daughter of E. L. Kennedy, a leading contractor of Rushville, and to this union has been born one child. John K. Mr. Tompkins has been through all the chairs of the Knights of Pythias lodge and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The principles of the Republican party coincide most nearly with Mr. Tompkins' political views, and he is counted among the supporters of that party.

 ROY WAGGENER, who is discharging with marked ability thi; multifarious duties connected with his important position as secretary, treasurer and manager of the Park Furniture Manufacturing Company of Rushville, was born in Franklin, Ind., March 14, 1881, the son of Robert and Nancy (Yelton) Waggener. Robert Waggener was a prosperous contractor of Franklin, doing a general business in that line as well as being proprietor of a planing mill and lumber yard. Roy Waggener received his earlier education in the common and high schools of Franklin, after completing which he attended Franklin College. Upon leaving scholastic halls behind him, he began working for the Greer Wilkinson Lumber Company of Franklin, remaining with them off and on for six years. His initial association with this firm was in the capacity of a machine hand, as he wished to learn all phases of the business. His advancement was rapid, and when he severed connections with the company he was serving it as manager of the mill department. Then, in 1908, he came to Rushville, accepting the position of superintendent of the J. D. Case planing mill, remaining with this firm until January, 1919, when he became secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Park Furniture Manufacturing Company, and although he has met with many serious and difficult problems on account of the post-war unsettled conditions of all business, he has successfully overcome them all. Mr. Waggener married Edith Mullendore and three children have been born to their union, Mary Elizabeth, Roy, Jr., and Nancy Jane. Mr. Waggener is a communicant of the Baptist church, and politically is known as a strong Republican. In fraternal circles he is a Knight Templar Mason and holds membership in the Rotary Club.

W. E. WAGONER, principal of the schools of Posey township and well known as a man of high attainments and practical ability as an educator, was born on May 31, 1889, in Fountain county, Indiana, and was there reared. He attended the common schools of his home neighborhood and the high school at Veedersburg. He then entered Indiana University, where he was graduated in 1912, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After completing his collegiate work, he went to Mt. Auburn, Shelby county, Indiana, where he became principal of the township schools, serving two years. Then for five years he was principal of the Anderson township schools in Rush county, and for two years he has served in his present position, to the entire satisfaction of his patrons and pupils. Mr. Wagoner has inaugurated some progressive and effective ideas of his own in his educational work and he enjoys a high reputation as a thoughtful and earnest educator. He has jurisdiction over two country schools and 0ie schools at Arlington, employing twelve teachers, and with 257 pupils in the schools. On May 10, 1914, Mr. Wagoner was married to Glossie Goddard, who was born in Kansas City, Mo., but who, at the age of nine months, was brought to Rush county, which has been her home continuously since. She first studied in the public schools of Rushville, including the high school, and then became a student in Indiana University, where she was graduated the same year as her husband, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. She is the daughter of George and Nellie (Mull) Goddard. Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner have two children, George A. and Lavonne. Mr. Wagoner is a Republican, a Freemason and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. On June 6, 1921, he was elected superintendent of the schools of Rush county.

JOHN R. WARD, a well known and substantial farmer of this county now residing at Rushville, is a native of Rush county, having been born here on September 21, 1860. His parents came to Indiana and located in Jackson township, this county, where the subject grew to manhood and where he remained until his removal from the farm to Rushville about 1910, where he since has made his home, he and his family being very pleasantly situated at 1230 North Main street. Mr. Ward's parents, George and Mary J. (Lee) Ward, were the parents of nine children, of whom but two are now living, Mr. Ward having a brother, Leonard Ward. George Ward, the Virginian, was first engaged as a cabinet maker when he came to Rush county, but some time later became engaged in the practice of medicine, to which he had been schooled in his native state. Having been but a lad when he came to this county, John R. Ward received his schooling in the schools of Jackson township and as a young man became engaged in farming in that township, where, after his marriage, he established his home and in time bought a place of eighty acres. As his affairs prospered Mr. Ward added to his holdings until he became the owner of an excellent Jarm of 550 acres, which he continues to operate from his home in Rushville. It was in 1880 that John R. Ward was united in marriage to Harvina Cross, who was born in Jackson township, this county, daughter of Jacob and Martha J. (Harter) Cross, well known residents of that section of the county in their generation, and to this union were bor n two children, Mrs. Effie W. Abbercrombie and Roscoe, the latter of whom died at the age of twenty-four years.

WILLIAM B. WEBSTER, a well known general farmer of Walker township, this county, was born in that township on August 4, 1877, a son of John L. and Annetta (Linville) Webster. His father was a farmer in Rush county all his life. His mother was born in North Carolina. They had five children, Mary, Augusta, Elizabeth, William B. and Jacob H., all living except the latter. William B. Webster attended school in district No. 3, Walker township, then worked with and for his father on the home farm until his own marriage. At that time he rented land and operated it for twelve years, at the end of that time buying his present excellent farm of eighty acres. Here he follows diversified farming, keeps from six to eight cows and raises annually about seventy-five head of hogs. On December 5, 1900, Mr. Webster married Hallie M. Mull, who was born in Walker township, this county, daughter of Omar and Ada (Lines) Mull. Mr. and Mrs. Webster have two children, Harry W. and Donald M., both of whom are attending school at Homer. Mr. Webster and his family attend the Christian church at Manilla. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and also the Modern Woodmen at Manilla. Politically he is a Democrat.

HON. NATHAN WEEKS, an honored veteran of the Civil war, who died at his home in Rushville in the spring of 1911 while serving as representative from this legislative district in the lower house of the Indiana General Assembly and who had previously rendered service in the public behalf as treasurer of Rush county, left a good memory and in the memorial annals of Rush county there are few names held in better remembrance than his. Mr. 'Weeks was a native Hoosier, a fact of which he never ceased to be proud, and ever held the interests of the state close to heart. Though but an adopted son of Rush county, for he was not born here, he entered at once upon taking up his residence here into the spirit of things and ever took an earnest and active interest in public affairs, promoting in such ways as he could the cause of good citizenship and better local government. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted his services in behalf of the cause of the Union and in the battle of Shiloh received a wound from the effects of which he suffered all the rest of his life. Mr. Weeks was born on a farm in the neighboring county of Henry on March 19, 1841, son of Benjamin and Winnie Weeks, who spent their last days in that county and of whose children Nathan Weeks was the only one to take up his residence in Rush county. Reared on a farm in Henry county, Nathan Weeks received his schooling in the schools of that county and as a young man learned the trade of harness making, presently becoming engaged in that business on his own behalf in the village of Greensboro in his home county, later establishing a buggy shop in that same village. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted his services and went to the front as a member of D Company, Thirty-sixth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was serving with that command when at the battle of Shiloh he received a serious wound and was invalided home as unfitted for further military service and was presently given his honorable discharge on account of incapacity due to this wound. He continued operating his harness-making and buggy shop at Greensboro until in the early '70s, when he came down into Rush county and opened a retail meat shop at Carthage, his first experience in that line. This initial experience convinced Mr. Weeks that he had a certain natural capacity for that business and he presently moved to Rushville, seeking a larger market, and opened a butcher shop in that city. He was a Republican and from the beginning of his residence here had taken an active interest in political affairs and presently was elected treasurer of the county. Upon entering the treasurer's office he discontinued his retail meat business and upon the completion of his four years' term of service in the court house bought a farm of 280 acres in the vicinity of Rushville and there established his home, operating the farm thereafter until his death on May 29, 1911. In the election of 1910 Mr. Weeks was elected representative from this district to the Indiana legislature and was serving in that honorable capacity at the time of his death. As Geise, who also was born in this county, having a pleasant home there. O. P. Wamsley spent his boyhood at New Salem, where he was born, received his schooling there and remained there until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to Rushville and became connected with the old Grand hotel, learning there the rudiments of the business in which he has since achieved a distinctive success. Not long afterward he left Rushville and went to Indianapolis, where he further extended his hotel experience and where he was married, continuing to reside there save for a brief period spent at Connersville, until 1912 when he returned to Rushville and took over the management of the Windsor hotel. In the next year (1913) he became the proprietor of the Hotel Scanlan and has since been very successfully conducting that popular old hostelry. Mr. Wamsley has for years taken an active interest in the affairs of the Indiana Hotel Keepers' Association and in 1920 was elected president of the association. He and Mrs. Wamsley and "Dad" give their personal attention to the operation of the Scanlan and thus have imparted to it that delightful '' home'' atmosphere that has made it so widely and popularly known among the traveling men who make this region. The Scanlan's dining room has a justly wide reputation, the cuisine commending itself to all who enjoy that rarest of features about the modern hotel known as "home cooking" and which is found at the Scanlan in its highest development. On May 6, 1906, O. P. Wamsley was united in marriage to Nelle G. McKee, who also was born in Rush county, daughter of Charles and Catherine (Simonson) McKee, members of old families in this region, and further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume, and to this union two children have been born, Charles William Gordon, born at Indianapolis, who died at the age of five years, and Catherine, born on December 12, 1912. Mr. Wamsley is a Republican, as is his father. The latter is a member of the local lodge of the Red Men, and of the Pocahontas. O. P. Wamsley is chancellor commander of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias and chaplain of the uniform rank of that order. Mrs. Wamsley is excellent junior of the local lodge of the Pythian Sisters and both take an active interest in lodge affairs. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Wamsley is leader of the choir in the same. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Wamsley had been for some time engaged as a teacher in the schools of Rush county.

GEORGE WHISMAN, a land owner and former merchant of Manilla, now living practically retired, was born on April 8, 1857, in Orange township, this county, a son of Warren and Paulina (Marshall) Whisman. HHs father was born in Franklin county, Indiana, December 3, 1827, and the mother in Kentucky, February 5, 1828. They came to Rush county with their parents when children, wjere married here in August, 1849, and spent the rest of their lives on their farm of 140 acres, in Orange township, when the father died in his eighty-seventh year and the mother whei aged eighty-eight years. Of their ten children the following art living: Millie, Alonzo, George, James, Garrison, Ida, Eli G., Oliver W. Delilah died in childhood and Ellen died when aged fort} years. George Whisman went to school in boyhood, attending what was called the German school in district No. 3, Orange township, applying himself so closely to his studies that he was able to secure a teacher's certificate, and afterward taught school during the winters and worked as a farmer in the summer seasons. About 1877 he located at Manilla, where he worked for four and a half years in the hardware store of Cyrus E. Trees, and when Mr. Trees sold his business to Edwin Burch, Mr. Whisman continued with the new owner for two months. He and Clark John then bought the business and operated the store for nineteen years, the association then being dissolved by the death of Mr. John. His interest was bought by Samuel Jarvis, and at the same time Mr. Whisman's son, Clyde, took over his father's interest and subsequently bought Mr. Jarvis's interest. Clyde Whisman continued alone in the business until 1920, when he sold to trie firm of Silverthorn & Hungerford. Until this final transaction, Mr. Whisman had remained in the business in an unofficial capacity, always finding enough to keep himself pleasantly occupied, and very useful in an advisory capacity. He owns a 180-acre farm in the northern part of Walker township. On March 15, 1879, Mr. Whisman married Margaret Weir, who was born in Shelby county, Indiana, daughter of William and Martha (Woodard) Weir. Mrs. Whisman is one of a family of five children, she and a brother, William Weir, now the only survivors. Mr. and Mrs. Whisman have one child, Clyde, who was born on June 18, 1880. Since disposing of his hardware store at Manilla, Clyde Whisman has become local agent for the Ford Automobile Company. He married Elizabeth Webster and has one daughter, Dorothy. George Whisman has always voted with the Democratic party. He is a Mason, a member of Manilla Lodge, No. 565, Free and Accepted Masons.

JOHN O. WILLIAMS, former county treasurer, whose life history is closely identified with the history of Noble township, for there he has spent practically his entire life, a life of unceasing activity, was born in that township on December 13, 1848, and is the son of John and Elizabeth Williams. He received his education in the schools of his locality and then was employed as a farm hand. Later he rented on shares until he was about thirty years of age, when he married. During the following two years he operated rented land and then he bought eighty acres of the old home place, to the operation of which he devoted himself. Energetic and practical in his work, he was prospered and eventually accumulated an estate of 243 acres, all located in Noble township and comprising one of the choice farms in that section of the county. Here during his active years he carried on general farming operations and stock raising, but he is now retired from active labor and is residing in New Salem. On January 9, 1879, Mr. Williams was married to Ocea E. Matney, the daughter of Elijah and Adah (Roberts) Matney. To this union have been born three children, Chester O., Ada and Elmer, the last named of whom died on July 4, 1913. Chester O. Williams married Bessie Stone and has three children, Thelma, Letha and John O. Mrs. Ocea Williams was born in Noble township. Her father was born and reared in Fayette county, Indiana, and after his marriage came to Rush county, locating in Noble township, where he carried on farming operations during the remainder of his life, owning at one time 220 acres of land. To him and his wife were born eight children, six of whom are living, namely: William F., John, Elijah, Dora, Mary and Ocea. The two deceased are Edward and Malissa. Mr. Williams is a member of the Christian church and in his political faith he is a Republican. He has ever given his support to those things which have been for the upbuilding of the community and his course has been such that he has earned and enjoys the universal respect of the entire community. In the fall of 1914 Mr. Williams was elected treasurer of Rush county and in that capacity served the county for two terms. He also has rendered service to the public in other capacities; was trustee of Noble township for five years and for some time supervisor of roads in his home district.

JOHN M. WISSING, a well known farmer and stockman of Walker township, was born in that township on February 27, 1876, a son of Jacob and Caroline (Hertzel) Wissing. His father was born in Germany in 1844 and was twelve years old when he accompanied his parents to the United States, and during the greater part of his subsequent life has lived in Rush county. The mother of Mr. Wissing was born in Rush county, a daughter of Christian and Salome (Bayer) Hertzell. John M. Wissing attended school in district No. 3, Walker township, and afterward assisted his father on the home farm until his marriage. For six years afterward he rented land from his father, then bought fifty-three acres in Walker township and to this first tract has added until he now owns 135 acres. He carries on general farming but gives his chief attention to live stock, being one of the most extensive feeders in this section, usually having fifty head of cattle and often as many as 1,000 head of hogs yearly. On March 19, 1902, Mr. Wissing married Mary D. Webster, who was born in Rush county, daughter of Jacob L. and Annetta (Linvill) Webster. The father of Mrs. Wissing was born in Rush county and the mother in North Carolina. They had five children, Mary D., Augusta, Elizabeth, William and Jacob H. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Wissing have four children, Howard W., Jacob L., Annetta C. and Alice M., the three elder now attending school at Manilla. Mr. Wissing and his family are members of the Evangelical church, in Shelby county. He has always supported the principles of the Democratic party but has never accepted a political office. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Manilla and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen body there.

WILLIAM SEWARD WHITEMAN, a well known retired farmer of this county, now living at Milroy, where he has made his home for nearly twenty years past, was born in that part of Rush county, a member of one of the pioneer families thereabout, and has been a resident of this county all his life. The Whitemans have been residents of this county for more than a century, the first of tho name to settle here having been Jacob and Mary Whiteman, who came over here from Ohio in 1819 and established their home on a tract of "Congress land" two miles southwest of where the village of Milroy presently began to have its being, and were thus among the real pioneers of this region, that having been in the days before Rush county had a separate civic identity. Jacob Whiteman was a Pennsylvanian and his wife was a native of South Carolina. They developed a farm out of the wilderness in which they had settled and there spent their last days, the results of their labors persisting in the present generation, and the land which they entered from the Government still is in the possession of the family. One of their sons, William Whiteman, eventually came into possession of the quarter section tract and on that place, on which he was born, he spent all his life, living to the ripe old age of eighty years. William Whiteman was born on June 5, 1829. He married Emily Warriner, who also was born in Indiana, and established his home on the old home place, later increasing his land holdings to 188 acres. He and his wife were the parents of six children: Clara, who married Daniel Power; Horace G.; William S., the subject of this sketch, and Mary, Martha and Emma. William S. Whiteman was born on June 5, 1862, on the place which his grandparents had entered from the government and there grew to manhood, receiving his schooling in the schools of that neighborhood, and continued farming with his father until after his marriage in 1886 when he rented a farm in Orange township and began operations for himself. Four years later he returned to Anderson township and bought a farm of eighty acres a mile and a half west of Milroy on which he established his home. He developed this place in excellent shape and as his affairs prospered added to his holdings until he became the owner of 188 acres which he still holds. There he remained until 1902 when he retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to Milroy, where he is still living, continuing, however, to give pretty close supervisory attention to the affairs of the farm. It was on September 9, 1886, that William Seward Whiteman was united in marriage to Clara Crane, who also was born in this county, daughter of Isaac and Belinda (Camerer) Crane, and to this union one child was born, a daughter, Nellie, who married Faud E. Harcourt and who died on April 12, 1915, leaving a little daughter, Lois Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Whiteman have a pleasant home at Milroy and have ever taken an interested part in the general social affairs of their home community. They are members of the Methodist church and for some years Mr. Whiteman has been a member of the board of trustees of the church. In his political views Mr. Whiteman is a Republican, as was his father, and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs, but has not been a seeker after office. He is a Mason, a member of the local blue lodge, and takes a proper interest in the affairs of that ancient fraternal organization.

GARRETT D. WIKOPP, a retired farmer and landowner of Union township and one of the best known men in Rush county, was born on the place on which he is now living and has lived there all his life. His father, Garrett Wikoff, who was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, February 3, 1799, was one of the early settlers of Rush county. He was a son of Arthur W. and Eleanor (Conover) Wikoff and was seventeen years of age when he came West with his parents, the family settling near Middletown, in Butler county, Ohio. In 1820 he married Nancy McClellan and soon afterward came over into Rush county, and "entered" a quarter of a section of land in what later came to be organized as Union township. He was a man of energetic action and a good judge of land values and came to be the owner of better than 2,000 acres of land in this county. It was he who introduced '' Short-horn'' cattle here and he became an extensive breeder of live stock. The senior Garrett Wikoff was twice married. By his marriage to Nancy McClellan he had six children, Sarah J., Adaline, James M., Arthur W., Samuel C. and Benjamin S. His second wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was Nancy Groves, who was born in Kentucky on April 9, 1820, and who had come here with her parents, Donovan and Sarah (Hicks) Groves, in pioneer days. To that union there were born four children, the subject of this sketch and his sisters, Nancy A., Eleanor G., and Mary Anna. The father of these children died on November 24, 1886, and his widow survived until 1894. Reared on the old home farm in Union township, Garrett D. Wikoff completed his schooling in Fairview Academy and from the days of his boyhood has been engaged in farming on the place on which he still is living. His father gave him a tract of ninety acres on which he established his home after his marriage, and in the years that have elapsed since that time has brought the place up to a high standard of cultivation and has made improvements of a substantial character. In addition to his general farming Mr. Wikoff has been accustomed to feed out about 200 head of hogs a year and has done well in his operations. It was in 1877 that Garrett D. Wikoff was united in marriage to Julia Parrish, who died in 1903. She was a daughter of John and Emmaline Parrish. Mr. Wikoff has a pleasant home on rural mail route No. 1 out of Glenwood, and has ever been hospitably interested in the community's general social activities. He is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the blue lodge at Fairview and of the chapter at Rushville. In his political views he is an "independent" Democrat.

JESSE WINKLER, the progressive proprietor of a flourishing grain elevator business at Rushville, was born in Johnson county, Indiana, April 14, 1877, a son of George and Lorinda (Jamison) Winkler, natives of Estill county, Kentucky. His father, an agriculturist by vocation, followed farming throughout his life in Johnson and Rush counties and was a man held in high respect and esteem. There were ten children in the family, of whom six are living: Lona, Orie, Lennie, Girtha, Delbert and Jesse. Jesse Winkler received his education in the public schools of Henry county. Indiana, where his boyhood was passed, and entered upon his independent career in the capacity of a farm hand. Industrious and thrifty, he accumulated sufficient means with which to establish himself as a renter, and after two years was able to buy forty acres of land, which he subsequently sold. For a number of years he bought and sold different properties, and at one time had accumulated through industry and good ability 204 acres of valuable and well-cultivated land in Rush county, principally in Noble township. Mr. Winkler continued to be engaged in farming until 1914, in which year he traded his farm for the grain elevator which he now owns at Rushville, which he operates as the Winkler Grain Company, and which has a capacity of about 25,000 bushels. Mr. Winkler deals in grain, coal and flour, and has built up an excellent business, his patronage extending all over the territory surrounding Rushville. December 9, 1900, Mr. Winkler married Laura M., daughter of Frank and Emma (Webster) Trennepohl, farming people of Rush county. Mrs. Winkler was born in this county and is the eldest of four children, the others being Raye, Opal and Francis. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Winkler, Merle C., Loren and George, who are attending school at Rushville, and Robert J. Mr. Winkler is a member of the Odd Fellows and Red Men's lodges at Arlington and the Elks lodge at Rushville. He is a Republican in his political allegiance and he and Mrs. Winkler belong to the Christian church. Mr. Winkler's operations have met with deserved success and he is justly regarded as a thorough, reliable and progressive business man.

JOSEPH S. WINSHIP, in whose passing Rush county lost one of its representative citizens, left a good memory. As the day. with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its evening of complete and successful efforts, ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man. Through the long years of his residence in this locality he was ever true to every trust reposed in him and his reputation in a business way was unassailable, so that he left the strong impress of his individuality upon all whom he met. Mr. Winship was a native son of Indiana, having been born in Boone county on June 22, 1847, and his death occurred at his home in Richland township on January 11, 1918, he having passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten. He was the son of Jabez and Jane (Milligan) Winship, both of whom also were natives of Indiana and former residents of Boone county. Later they moved to Rush county and located in Anderson township, where they spent the remainder of their years. Joseph S. Winship was reared to manhood in Anderson township, receiving his educational training in the common schools of that community. After leaving school he continued to assist his father on the home farm, where he remained until his marriage, when he located in Richland township, where he bought 160 acres of land, comprising the farm on which his widow now resides. He later increased his land holdings to 188 acres and here he carried on general farming operations with success and profit during the remainder of his active years. He made all the improvements on the place, these being of a substantial character, and brought the place up to a high standard of excellence. His attractive and conveniently arranged home is one of the best in this locality. Mr. Winship's active career was characterized by indefatable industry, persistency and sound business judgment, and he was numbered among the progressive and enterprising farmers of Richland township. Mr. Winship was married to Gertrude Hunt, the daughter of Morgan and Sallie C. (Brooks) Hunt. Mrs. Winship was born in Rush county, but when she was but six months old her parents moved to Franklin county, where she was reared and educated and where she continued to reside until her marriage. Her parents remained there until the father's death, in 1887, when the widow moved to New Salem, where she lived until her death, which occurred in 1908. They were the parents of four children, Gertrude, Elizabeth, Edwin and Clam. Mrs. Winship is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Winship was a Democrat in his political views, though he was never an aspirant for public office. Mrs. Winship is a lady of many kindly qualities of character, which have endeared her to all who know her.

WILLIAM WRIGHT.
In 1828 William Wright with his family came to this county, coming directly from Rush County, Indiana. At that time there were but three children. They had not been living in Indiana more than one year, having gone there from Kentucky. The first settlement made was three miles north of Danville. At the time of his location here there were not many families in Danville, it was so recently made a town. The land was not yet in the market, and settlements werenot attempted. He, however, ventured to settle in the timber, having the universal mistrust of the prairie. He built his house of logs and the chimney was constructed of a substance called stone-coal, which was thought to be fire-proof. This was a mistake, however, for the fire was no sooner built than the chimney began to burn and it was with difficulty that the cabin was saved.
The little log house was soon surrounded by a well cultivated farm and in time a neat and comfortable house was built. During this time the village of Denmark had been growing. Because of the disadvantages of living so near this rough frontier town, Mr. Wright sold his farm and moved to Danville township. Here he spent his last days. He died in 1845. His wife survived him by thirty- six years.