■■■■I
3 1833 03341 9513
Gc 977.201 P98we
Weik, Jesse William, 1857-
1 930.
Weik's history of Putnam
Cotintv. Indiana
WEIK'S HISTORY
OF
PUTNAM COUNTY
INDIANA
By JESSE W. WEIK, A.M.
Author of " Life of Lincoln," Etc.
ILLUSTRATED
1910:
B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS
LXDLWAPOLIS, INDL-^NA
Mien County Public Library
900 Webster Street
1474541
PREFACE.
All life and achievement is evolution; present wisdom comes from past
experience, and present commercial prosperity has come only from past ex-
ertion and sacrifice. The deeds and motives of the men that have gone be-
fore have been instrumental in shaping the destinies of later communities
and states. The development of a new country was at once a task and a privi-
lege. It required great courage, sacrifice and privation. Compare the present
conditions of the residents of Putnam county, Indiana, with what they were
one hundred years ago. From a trackless wilderness and virgin prairie it
has come to be a center of prosperity and civilization, with millions of wealth,
systems of intersecting railways, grand educational institutions, numerous in-
dustries and immense agricultural productions. Can any thinking person be
insensible to the fascination of the study which discloses the incentives, hopes,
aspirations and efforts of the early pioneers who so firmly laid the foundation
upon which has been reared the magnificent prosperity of later days. To
perpetuate the story of these people and to trace and record the social, political
and industrial progress of the community from its first inception is the func-
tion of the local historian. A sincere purpose to preserve facts and personal
memoirs that are deserving of perpetuation, and which unite the present to
the past, is the motive for the present publication. The historical chapters,
from the able pen of Jesse W. Weik, compose a valuable collection and will
prove not only of interest to the present generation, but of inestimable worth
to future historians, being the result of patient toil and earnest research. In
this labor. Mr. Weik has conscientiously endeavored to make his work au-
thentic, and this fact, together with his recognized literary ability, gives a
definite value to the history.
In placing this History of Putnam County before the citizens, the pub-
lishers can conscientiously claim that they have carried out the plan as outlined
in the prospectus. Every biographical sketch in the work has been submitted
to the party interested, for correction, and therefore any error of fact, if there
be any, is solely due to the person for whom the sketch was prepared. We ex-
press gratitude to those who gave this work their support and encouragement,
and trust that our efforts to please will fully meet with their approbation.
Respectfully,
THE PUBLISHERS.
V-
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I— BEGINNING OF INDIANA HISTORY AND FORMATION OF PUT-
NAM COUNTY 17
Treaty of Greenville — Encrc)achments of the White Man — Treaty of Fort
Wayne— Treaty of St. Mary's— Early County Lines — Legislative Enactments —
Re-Arrangement of Boundary' Lines — Location of County Seat — Early Sur-
veys and First Land Entries — Topography of Putnam County — Professor
Collett's Description — Mineral Peculiarities.
CHAPTER II— ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.
Original Townships — Present CiviJ Townships — First Settlements — County-
seat Commissioners — Ephraim Dukes — Sale of Town Lots — Early Merchants-
William H. Thornburgh— Little Use lor Currency — Early-day Values— Com-
mercial Customs— Facts of Interest — Early Events — The First Gun— Taverns
and Public Houses.
CHAPTER III— COURTS, COURT HOUSES AND THE BAR 52
County Machinery Set in Motion — The First Court — Early Court Kecords—
Characters of Early Offenses — Judges of the -Putnam Courts — Lawyer? of
Putnam County Bar — County Clerks — County Auditors — Sheriffs — County
Treasurers — Recorders — Surveyors — County Commissioners — The First Court
House — Erection of a Jail — First Poor Farm — A New Court House Needed —
The Present Court House.
CHAPTER IV— EARLY SETTLERS AND INCIDENTS.
An Interesting Reminiscence — Thomas Jackson — The Spirit of the Pioneers —
Claim Clubs — Social Conditions — A Valuable Reminiscence — A Charivari — The
First Oyster Supper.
CHAPTER V— EDUCATION IN PUTNAM COUNTY Si
Early Attention to Schools— County Seminary — First School Board— Troubles
of a School Director— Early Statistics— Schools Keep Pace with the Times
— School Statistics— Early High Schools and Academies— Asbury (now De-
Pauw) University — Laying the Corner Stone — Presidents of the University —
Departments — Benefactions of W. C. DePauw — Alumnae Statistics — Board of
Trustees — The Faculty — Officers of the Faculty.
CHAPTER VI— CHURCH HISTORY— RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES 106
Reuben Clearwaters, the F'irst Preacher in Putnam County — Organization of
Baptist Church— The Presbyterian Church— Methodism in Putnam County-
Early Presbyterian Efforts— The Christian Church — Baptist Organization —
Catholic Church of St. Paul the Apostle— Other Churches— The First Sunday
School — Myra Jewett.
lO CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII— FRATERNAL SOCIETIES AND CLUjaS 123
Free and Accepted Masons — Royal Arch Maajons — Knights Templar — Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows — Knights of Pythias — Modern Woodmen of
America — Fraternal Order of Eagles — Order of Ben Hur — Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks — Literary and Social Organizations — Grand Army of the
Republic. '
CHAPTER VIII— BANKS AND BANKING 131
Captain Thornburgh's Safe a Popular Depository in the Early Days — The Ex-
change Bank— Farmers Bank — The Putnaffi County Bank — First National
Bank — Central National Bank — Central Trust Company — Bainbridge Bank —
Other Banks in the County.
CHAPTER IX— JOURNALISM IN PUTNAM COUNTY 133
The Hoosier. later The Plow Boy — The Temperance Advocate, the First Tem-
perance Paper Published in the WesV — The Visitor — Indiana Patriot — Weekly
Herald— Putnam County C/IroJ^it7-— Interesting Contents of Early News-
papers Early Mails — The Argus — Putnam County Sentinel — Putnam County
Republican Banner— The Star-Press— The Democrat.
CHAPTER X— INCIDENTS OF EARLY HISTORY ■ 139
The Tide of Emigration — The Story of an Old Settler— Catching a Penitent
Thief- Gander Pulling— Clearing Land— Story of a Maryland Traveler— The
Origin of Blue Grass— Early Importation of Cattle — Early Agricultural Fairs-
Putnam County Agricultural Society— Value of Lands and Crops.
CHAPTER XI— THE TOWNSHIPS OF PUTNAM COUNTY 151
Jackson Township— Maysville— Franklin Township — Carpentersville— Fin-
castle— Roachdale — Russell Township — Russellville — Clinton Township —
Portland Mills— Morton— Clinton Falls— Monroe Township— Bainbridge —
Floyd Township — Groveland — Marion Township — Fillmore— Greencastle Town-
ship—Greencastle—Limedale— Madison Township— Brunerstown-Oakalla-
Washington Township — Manhattan — Pleasant Garden — Reelsville — Warren
Township— Putnamville — Cloverdale Township— Cloverdale— Jefferson Town-
ship—Mount Meridian— Belle Union— Mill Creek Township— Lists of all Post-
masters Who Have Served in Putnam County.
CHAPTER XII— PUTNAM'S MILITARY RECORD 194
The Putnam Blues— Putnam Yellow Jackets— Putnam County Soldiers in the
Mexican War- the Slavery Question— Decision of the Court— The Under-
ground Railroad— Early Colored People in the County— The Civil War-
Strong Union Sentiment— First Putnam County Soldiers in Service— Care for
Soldiers' Families— Enlistments from Putnam County— Relief Measures— Op-
position to the War— Knights of the Golden Circle— Relief Statistics— Sol-
diers' Monument— Spanish-American War— Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers—
An Interesting Paper.
CONTEXTS.
II
CHAPTER XIIX-NOTED MURDER TRIALS ,,^
First Murder and First Suicide-Fatal Quarrel Rises from Trifling Incident-
Murder of Abraham Rhinearson-William Thompson's Confession-The First
Execution-The Atrocious Mullinix Murder-Trial and Execution of the
Murderer— Murder of Tilghman H. Hanna and Wife— A Noted Trial.
CHAPTER XIV— CITY OP GREENCASTLE
233
Incorporation and First OfEcers-From Town to City-Coming of the Rail
roads-Increase of Trad<^-First Telegraph Line-An Enterprising Spirit-
Commercial Activity-Street Railway Constructed-Greencastle Iron and
Na.I Company-Distinguished CiUzens-Casualties-Memorable Tornado of
lS6i — Disastrous Fire of 1S74.
INDEX.
A
Ader, David 477
Ader, Xathan W 527
Akers, Henry S 461
Akers, Mrs. Virginia C 460
Allee, Francis M 579
Allee, Herbert S 388
Allee, John 580
Allee, William H 496
Allen, Arch 519
Allen Brothers 612
Allen. Edward 759
Allen, Hiram C 613
Allen, James L 612
Allen, Joseph P 613
Ames, George W 754
Anderson. Dorsey Leakin 672
Arnold, Charles J 663
Athey, Lawrence H 647
Ayler, Amos Evans 312
B
Badger. Oliver P 755
Bainbridge Bank 499'
Barnaby, Charles Howard 277
Barnaby, Howard 27S
Baumunk, .John A 356
Bence, George Worth 256
Bence, John A 320
Besser, Bates 503
Besser, William Tell 503
Bioknell, Henry 423
Bittles. Raser 288
Black, George William 573
Blaydes. John W 748
Blaydes, Shelby H 701
Boswell, Jacob 407
Boswell. William 406
Bowman, John M 314
Branham. William G 319
Branneman. John 678
Bridges, Charles B 684
Bridges, Charles Boles 723
Bridges, John L 685
Bridges. Moses Dillon 655
Broadstreet, Quinton 259
Brookshire, Drake 464
Brookshire, Thomas D 464
Brown, Samuel Preston 720
Brown, Thompson 635
Brown, Williamson 721
Browning, John C 416
Brumfield, Frank M 750
Brumiield, James B 747
Bryan, Alexander S 645
Buis, James G 523
Burkett, Benton C 680
Burris, John Breckenridge 688
turris, William S 336
G
Cammack, James 506
Cammack, James 0 506
Cannon, John F 456
Carver, Benjamin D 656
Carver, James W 656
Chandler, John Scady 368
Chandler, Scady 368
Cline, Evan 334
Cotfman, David 442
Coffman, George B 441
Cohn. Abe 433
Cole, James Washington 607
CoUings, John H 434
CoUiver, Richard Thomson 405
Conn, Wellman D 409
Cook. John 422
Cooper, Archibald 399
Cooper, Henry C 714
Cooper, Marion Edgar 398
Corwin, Benjamin F 275
Craft. Daniel 653
Cromwell, Joseph Willard 302
Cross, Joseph B '. 455
Croxton, James W 632
Cully, John Francis 450
D
Darnall, Henry Clay 346
Darnall, Samuel 444
DeMotte, John Brew^er 782
Denman, William L 272
Dills, William 553
Donehew, Abel Benton 734
Dowling. John Sibley 603
Duncan, Estes 466
Duncan, Lloyd T 467
14
E
Ellis, Oscar Wesley 432
Evans, Ezra B 280
Evans, Hesekiah 694
Evans, James 695
Evans, Samuel Parker 281
Evans, Simpson Fletcher 703
Evens, Arthur L 271
F
Farmer, Alcany 586
Farmer, James H 515
Farmer, Thomas Benton 514
Farrow, Alexander Shore 247
Fee, James Francis 620
Flint. Alfred E 381
Florer, William Jefferson 682
Fordice, James C 731
G
Gardner, John W., Jr 736
Gill, Willis E 627
Gillespie, Thomas 263
Gough, Willard 729
Graham, Aaron A 732
Guilliams, Fred L : 715
H
Hamilton. James L 480
Hamilton, John H 430
Hanks, Alvin B 557
Hanks, John W 543
Hanna-, Andrew B 505
Hanna, George W 640
Hansen, Jonathan 376
Hazelett, Richard M 599
Hazelett, Samuel A 397
Heine, Mrs. Mary 713
Hibbitt. Edward R 578
Hillis, Abram 589
Hillis, Henry Harrison 644
Hillis, ,John L 589
Hirt, Alfred 413
Hodge, George W 306
Hodge, William Woodson 306
Horn, Jesse Thomas 525
Hostetter, David B 752
Houck, Oavid 509
Houck. James Edgar 675
Houck, Jonathan 509
Houck, Jonathan 387
Houck, Oliver Nelson 380
Houck, William Milf ord 448
Hubbard, Jesse Lee 352
Hubbard, Perry L 608
Hubbard, William 353
Huffman, Douglas 300
Huffman, Edmond 301
Huffman, Edmund 337
Huffman, Greeley Richard 651
Huffman, Ivan 548
Huffman, Jack 337
Huffman, Jacob, Jr 551
Huffman, Jacob, Sr 553
Huffman, John 540
Huffman, John Andrew 520
Hughes. George W 529
Hughes, James P 528
Hurst, Clement C 322
Hurst, Everett M 290
Hurst, Martin C 460
Hurst, William 291
Hutcheson, Philip 513
Hutcheson, Walter R 512
I
Irwin, Smiley 639
Irwin, Winfield Scott 638
J
Jent, Aaron 537
Jones, Jesse M 550
Jones, Oscar L 474
K
King, Charles W 571
Knauer, Israel 521
Knoll. David 451
Knoll, John 452
L
Lammers, Frank Henry 756
Lane, Alec A 624
Lane, Higgins 418
Lane. Oscar F 393
Landes, Charles W 296
Landes, Christian 574
Layne, Theodore McG 642
Leatherman. Frederick 567
Leatherman. John 568
Lewis, Henry Clay 760
Lewis, Israel Gregg 309
Lewis, William Yates 308
Lewman, Joseph A 458
Lockridge, Albert C 719
Lockridge, Albert O >. 780
IS
Lockridge, Alexander H 261
Lockridge. Andrew M T6S
Lockridge. Simpson Farrow 254
Lueteke. Charles 28-1
Lynch, Edmund Burk 605
Lyon. Francis Marion 2S2
lie
McCoy, Jesse Ernest 591
McGan, Thomas J 71S
McGaughey, Arthur 0 7i)7
McGaughey, Charles 0 710
McGaughey, Edward W 706
McGaughey, Edward W., Jr 713
McGaughey. Frank 744
McGaughey, Thomas C 714
McGaughey, Walter \V 601
McHaffie, Andrew 4S3
McHafBe, Melville F 4S4
McKeehan, Thomas J 536
M
Martin, Benjamin 426
Martin, Henry Bascom 776
Martin, Russell E 426
Masten, Fred 584
Masten, Matthias 424
Masten, Reuben 584
Matson, Courtland Gushing 250
Maze. David Robert 298
Meek, John H 666
Michael. John Samuel 354
Miller. Jasper N 304
Modlin, William B 702
Moffett, Charles M 500
Moffett, Daniel V 544
Moffett, F. P 500
Moler, Joseph 326
Moler. Levi Shelby 421
Moreland. Ira 693
Morris, Albert F 576
Morris, Thomas Hart 576
Moser, David 383
Moser, William A 366
X
Nelson. Franklin P 741
Nelson, James B 740
New, Y. N 700
Xewgent, Edward 384
Xewgent, Edward. Sr 385
Xewgent, John S 367
Newgenr. Lewis 375
Newgent, Thomas 511
Newgent, William Wallace 739
Nichols, John Henry 541
O
O'Brien. James F 400
O'Brien, John 400
O'Daniel, John W 344
O'Hair, Bascom 762
Osborn. John Willson 439
Overstreet, Orsa Fred 619
Overstreet, Willis G 618
Owen, A. J 351
Owsley, James M 689
Ozment, Ruf us E 745
P
Parker, Benjamin A 371
Parker. Hugh H 370
I*arker, William H 371
Peck, Charles T 411
Pickens, Warren 332
Pickett, Charles Milton 355
Pickett, David 365
Plummer, James H 625
Plummer, Jacob Callendar 664
Poynter, Jesse A 621
Poynter, Samuel 622
Prichard, Walter K 629
Proctor, Enoch J. 1 54g
Q
Quinn, James Edward 404
R
Raines. Cornelius G 634
Raines, George Ennis 633
Rand, Mrs. Sarah M 712
Randel. Mrs. Catherine 567
Randel, James Lafayette 264
Reddish, Otto L 733
Reed, David E. P 728
Reeds, James M ■. 500
Reeves, George Taylor 35g
Reeves, Oscar Lee 742
Reeves. Stacey L 353
Rightsell, George 648
Rightsell. James A 373
Rightsell, Samuel 64S
Rissler Family 343
Rissler, Moses B 349
Rissler, Morton L 35Q
Rissler. William 343
i6
Robe, John W '^-S
Rockwell, Andrew J a9 '
Rockwell, Charles A 597
Rogers Family 614
Rogers. Jacob C 560
Rogers, James Harvey 614
Rogers, Joseph Lee 615
Rogers, Melvin 61.d
Rogers, William, Jr 593
S
Scott, James William 592
Seckman, Lorenzo D 362
Seller, John F 340
Seller, Luna W 340
Sellers, John Crawford -i'^
Sellers, John L ■* ' 2
Shake, Clarence Arthur -t-t7
Shaw, Oliver J 392
Shoemaker, Daniel Evans 517
Shonkwiler, Daniel 330
Shonkwiler, John F 330
Sinclair, Gilbert •. • 531
Sinclair, Isaac P 293
Sinclair, Isaac S 292
Skelton, David D 630
Skelton. David J 324
Skelton, William 324
Smith. Harry M 29o
Smith, Oliver Hampton 389
Smythe, Ebenezer Watson 310
Smvthe, Gonsalvo Cordova ' ' ■^
Sparks, James H '^'^
Starr, George W ''"'^^
Stevenson, Alexander Campbell 696
Stewart. Aaron B 690
Stoner, Lycurgus -^^^
Stoner, Peter '^'^
Stoner, Peter Simpson 582
Stoner. William Payne ^'-^^
Stroube, Frank M 1*1
Stroube. John W ^^•■'
Stroube, Oliver ^^*^
Sutherlin. W. M • *'^
T
Taylor, George W ■^I^'^
Taylor. Mary J ■*"•'
Taylor, Minnetta ■*"*
Thomas. Elzeaphus 342
Thomas, Joseph A 342
Thomas, Oscar 494
Thomas, William 66S
Thornburgh, William H 38
Tilden, Francis Calvin 268
Torr, James H 566
Torr, Joseph D 670
Torr, William L 533
Troxell, Andrew Marshall 459
Trusedel, James M 676
Tustison. Orville M 508
V
Vanlandingham, James 501
Vermilion, Isaiah 535
Vermilion. James Everett 564
Vermillion. Isaiah 287
Vestal. Samuel 267
Vestal, William B 266
W
Walker. John Mills 390
Wallace, David 361
Wallace. Elijah 469
Wallace. John W 469
Walls, Benjamin F 687
Walls, Edward McG 410
Wain, Elijah Cooper 538
Weik. Louis 704
West, Joseph 691
Williamson, Delano E 764
Williamson, John M 659
Williamson, William H 659
Wilson, John 359
Wimmer, William P 462
Wood, Xelson Franklin 556
Wood, William 554
Wright, Amos 616
Wright, Ezekiel 616
Wright, Perry Wilson 570
Y
Young. Madison "22
Z
Zaring, Daniel 771
Zaring. Lewis A 751
HISTORICAL
CHAPTER I.
BEGIXXING OF INDIANA HISTORY AND FORMATION OF PUTNAM COUNTY.
The treaty of Greenville, which was intended to "'put an end to a
destructive war, settle all controversies and to restore harmony and friendly
intercourse between the United States and Indian tribes," may, strictly speak-
ing, be considered the beginning of Indiana history. It was e.xecuted at
Greenville. Ohio, August 3, 1795, the contracting parties being Gen. Anthony
Wayne on the part of the United States and ninety "sachems and war chiefs"
representing the Wyandot, Delaware, Shawnee, Ottawa, Chippewa, Potta-
watomie, Miami, Eel River, Wea, Kickapoo, Piankeshaw and Kaskaskia
tribes of Indians. By virtue of this primitive and solemn compact the
United States relinquished to the Indians all title to the lands now included
within the limits of the state of Indiana with the following exceptions :
"First — The tract of one hundred and fifty thousand acres near the
rapids of the Ohio which has been assigned to General Clark for the use
of himself and his warriors. Second — The post of Vincennes on the river
Wabash and the lands adjacent of which the Indian title has been e.xtin-
guished. Third — One piece six miles square at or near the confluence of
the rivers St. Mary and St. Joseph where Fort Wayne stands or near it.
Fourth — One piece two miles square on the Wabash river at the end of the
portage from the Miami of the lake and about eight miles westward from
Fort Wayne. Fifth^One piece si.x miles square at the Ouiatenon or old
Wea towns on the Wabash river."
It may not be without interest to note that the consideration or induce-
ment offered the Indians to sign the treaty was an agreement on the part
of the United States to make "every year forever"' to each of the first seven
named tribes a payment, "in useful goods suited to the circumstances of the
Indians." of the value of one thousand dollars and half that sum to each of
the remaining five.
But notwithstanding the solemn covenants, the rosy promises and the
liberal allotment of useful goods "every year forever." set forth in this
(2)
X8 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Stately worded compact, it was not foreordained that the rich and promising
lands included within the boundaries of the Indiana Territory should long
remain the undisturbed possession of the red man. The appetite of his
white brother for more territory was not to be so easily appeased. In 1801
William Henry Harrison became the governor of Indiana and, being invested
by the government at Washington with the power to negotiate treaties with
the Indians, entered on a policy which clearly foreshadowed the early e.x-
tension of the white man's dominion in eveiy direction. The new governor
was a man of wide resources; able and adroit, his methods in dealing with
the Indians being both pacific and hannonious, he was eminently successful
in every undertaking. Gradually the red man was induced to part with his
holdings. Within three years Harrison had concluded eight treaties by
means of which the white man came into possession of almost fifty thousand
square miles of new territory. Before the close of the year 1805 the Indians
had relinquished their title to the lands which bordered the Ohio from the
mouth of the Wabash to the mouth of the Miami. Inch by inch the white
man was forcing his way.
At Fort Wayne on September 30, 1809, Harrison concluded a treaty
with the Delaware, Pottawatomie, Miami and Eel River tribes by virtue of
which the United States for a "consideration of a permanent annuity of
five hundred dollars each to the Delawares, Pottawatomies and Miamis and
two hundred and fifty dollars to the Eel River tribe, purchased from the
Indians a section of territory lying on the southwest side of a line beginning
at the mouth of Raccoon creek on the Wabash river and extending in a
southeasterly direction to a point near the present city of Seymour in Jackson
county, the whole comprising an area of almost three million acres.
Here for the first time we come upon the soil of what is now Putnam
county. The line established by the Fort Wayne treaty, and now known
as the Indian boundary line, cuts off a small segment in the southwest
corner of the county comprising an area of about twenty square miles.
Above that line the country, as represented in the maps of that day, was an
"unexplored region" and, later, was designated as the "New Purchase."
After the admission of Indiana to the Union. Jonathan Jennings, the
newlv chosen governor, Lewis Cass and Benjamin Parke, acting as com-
missioners of the United States, negotiated a treaty with the Miami Indians
at St. Mary's, Ohio. It was signed October 6, 1818. and provided for the
relinquishment to the United States, with a few minor reservations, of the
Indian title to all the territory south and east of the Wabash. Treaties were
also at the same time, concluded with the Wea. Pottawatomie and Delaware
tribes.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. I9
The treaties of Fort Wayne and St. Mary's, therefore, took from the
Indian his title to the lands now included within the limits of Putnam county
and in due time he quietly "folded his tent" and silently withdrew from the
magnificent forests and inviting soil of central Indiana. The tribes repre-
sented in the treaties named and whose dominion extended, really, from the
Scioto to the mouth of the Wabash and from the Ohio to Lake" Michigan
mustered at least eight thousand warriors. In the earlier struggles for pos-
session of the country between the French and English these Indians had
favored the latter, but, though not lacking in bravery, they were not warlike
or aggressive. Being more or less inclined to deal peaceably with the white
man, they listened readily to the latter's blandishing overtures, faithfully
believed his alluring promises and, in time, having bartered away their lands,
were gradually transported to reservations set apart for them in the bound-
less and undeveloped regions beyond the Mississippi.
The treaty of Fort Wayne had brought to the new territory an influx
of hardy pioneers in quest of the lands which the United States, with a
view to encouraging the country's settlement, was offering on such liberal
and' acceptable temis. The land office was located at V'incennes, but as, until
1818, the lands offered for sale there lay south of the Indian boundary,
which line traversed Putnam county at an angle in the extreme southwest
corner, the entries in the little section thus cut off were necessarily limited
both in size and number. The treaty of St. Mary's, however, released the
rest of the territory south and east of the Wabash so that after 1820 entries
of land in Putnam county were made at Terre Haute where the new land
office was located.
EARLY COUNTY LINES.
In her early territorial days Indiana seems to have had but one county
in that part of her domain in which the white man had thus far made any
settlement, and that was called the county of Knox. From the best sources
of information now obtainable the northern boundary of Knox county at
that time seems to have been the present north line of the following counties :
Parke, Putnam, Monroe, Jackson, Jennings, Fayette and Union. Later it
was reduced by the formation of Clark and Dearborn counties, and this
process of reduction continued until about forty counties were formed out
of the original area. The region north of Knox, and for many years known
as the "New Purchase," consisted originally of two counties, Wabash and
Delaware, which were formed January 22, 1820. They were likewise reduced
20 WEIK S HISTORY OF
in area until the result of the gradual subdivisions was twenty-seven of our
present counties in the northern and central parts of the state.
Indiana was admitted to the Union April 19, 181 6. Before the close
of that year Knox county had been reduced by the cutting off, from its
original limits, of the counties of Daviess and Sullivan — the one being
formed on December 24th and the other December 30th. Within two years
these counties were also found to be too large and the process of gradual
reduction continued. Vigo county, on January 21, 181 8, was formed out
of territory cut off from Sulhvan county; and Owen, on December 21st in
the same year, from territory out of both Sullivan and Daviess counties.
Finally, and before the close of the year 182 1, both Vigo and Owen were
lessened in area by the formation of our own beloved county of Putnam.
Who actually recommended or first suggested the name of our county
we shall probably never know, but, whoever he may have been, no name
could have been chosen more illustrious, more honorable, more worthy to
be commemorated. Israel Putnam needs no monument to perpetuate his
virtues. He is enshrined in the heart of every true and thoughtful American.
His name and memory are redolent of deeds of self-sacrifice and the most
exalted patriotism. No scene in history is more vivid or capable of arousing
the inspiration of the youth of our land than the picture of the brave and
determined Connecticut farmer who, on that memorable April day in 1775,
left his plow in the furrow, gathered up his flint-lock and powder-horn and
straightway set out to join the Minute Men of Lexington and Concord.
The first official step looking to the creation or formation of the county
was an act of the Legislature which was approved December 21, 1821. The
manuscript of the original act, musty and discolored with age and bearing
the neat and immaculate signature of Jonathan Jennings, the governor, still
reposes in the archives of the county in the court house. As published it
may be found on page 65 of the printed "Laws of the Sixth Session." It
reads as follows :
"An Act for the formation of a new county out of Owen and Vigo
counties and north of Owen.
"Section i. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of
Indiana. That from and after the first Monday of April next, all that part
of the counties of Vigo and Owen, and of the county north of Owen, con-
tained in the following bounds, shall form and constitute a separate county,
to-wit: Beginning in the center of range 7 west, on the line dividing town-
ships 10 and II north, thence east fifteen miles to the line dividing ranges
4 and 5 west, thence north twelve miles, to the line dividing townships
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 21
12 and 13 north, thence east three miles, thence north twelve miles to the
line dividing townships 14 and 15, thence west fifteen miles to the line
dividing ranges 6 and 7 west, thence south six miles, thence west three
miles, thence south eighteen miles to the beginning.
"Sec. 2. The said new county shall be known and designated by the
name of Putnam, and shall enjoy all the rights and privileges and jurisdic-
tions which to separate and independent counties do or may properly apper-
tain or belong.
"Sec. 3. John Bartholomew, of Owen county, Aaron Redus, of Wash-
ington county, Jonathan Wells, of Sullivan county, John Allen, of Daviess
county, and Peter Allen, of Vigo county, are hereby appointed commissioners
agreeably to the act entitled, 'An act for the fixing of the seats of justice in
all new counties hereinafter to be laid off.' The commissioners above named
shall convene at the house of James Athey, in the said county of Putnam,
on the first Monday in May next and shall immediately proceed to discharge
the duties assigned to them by law. It is hereby made the duty of the sheriff
of Owen county, to notify the said commissioners, either in person or by
written notification, of their appointment on or before the fifteenth of April
next, and the said sheriff of Owen county shall receive from the said county
of Putnam so much as the county commissioners shall deem just and reason-
able, who are hereby authorized to allow the same out of any monies in the
county treasury, in the same manner other allowances are paid.
"Sec. 4. That the circuit court of the county of Putnam shall meet
and be holden at the house of James Athey, in the said county of Putnam,
until suitable accommodations can be had at the seat of justice and so soon
as the courts of said county are satisfied that suitable accommodations can
be had at the county seat, they shall adjourn their courts thereto, after which
time the courts of the county of Putnam shall be holden at the county seat
of Putnam county established as the law directs. Provided, however, that
the circuit court shall have authority to remove the court from the house of
Tames Athey to any other place, previous to the completion of the public
buildings, should the said court deem it expedient.
"Sec. 5. That the agent who shall be appointed to superintend the
sales of lots at the county seat of the county of Putnam shall reserve ten
per centum out of the proceeds thereof, and also ten per centum out of the
proceeds of all donations made to the county, and pay the same over to
such person or persons as may be appointed by law to receive the same, for
the use of a county library for the said county of Putnam, w'hich he shall
pay over at such time or times and place as may be directed by law.
22 WEIK S HISTORY OF
"Sec. 6. The board of county commissioners of the said county of
Putnam shall within twelve months after the permanent seat of justice shall
have been selected proceed to erect the necessary public buildings thereon.
"Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, that such parts of the county of
Putnam as previous to the passage of this act belonged to the counties of
Vigo and Owen, shall be considered as attached respectively to the counties
from which they were taken, for the purpose of electing a representative and
senator to the General Assembly of the state.
"Sec. 8. That the powers, privileges and authorities that are granted
to the qualified voters of the county of Dtibois and others named in the
act entitled, 'An act incorporating a county library in the counties therein
named, approved January the twenty-eighth, one thousand eight hundred and
eighteen,' to organize, conduct and support a county library, are hereby
granted to the qualified voters of the county of Putnam and the same power
and authority therein granted to, and the same duties therein required of,
the several officers and the person or persons elected by the qualified voters
of Dubois county and other counties in the said act named, for carrying into
effect the provisions of the act entitled, 'An act to incorporate a county
library in the county of Ehabois, and other counties therein named,' according
to the true intent and meaning thereof, are hereby extended to and required ■
of the officers and other persons elected by the qualified voters of the county
of Putnam.
"This act to take effect, and be in force, from and after its passage.
"Samuel Milroy,
"Speaker of the House of Representatives.
"R.\TLiFF Boon.
"President of the Senate.
"Approved December 31, 1821.
"Jonathan Jennings."
re-arrangement of boundary lines.
Within a year following the formation of the county, as specified above,
it became necessary to re-arrange its boundary lines. One portion of the new
county was to be restored to Vigo and another to Owen county. The original
act fixing the boundary lines was therefore repealed and a new one, which
may be found on page five of the published "Laws of the Seventh Session."
was approved and went into effect December 21, 1822. As passed it reads
as follows :
"An act to amend an act, entitled 'An act for the formation of a now
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 23
county, out of Owen and Vigo counties, and north of Owen," approved
December 31, 1821, and for other purposes.
"Section i. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of
Indiana, That the following boundaries, to-wit : Beginning in the center of
town 12 north, on the range line dividing ranges 6 and 7 west, thence
east twenty-four miles, to the line dividing ranges 2 and 3, thence north
with said line, twenty-seven miles to the line dividing townships 16 and 17,
thence west with said line twenty- four miles, to the line dividing ranges 6
and 7, thence south twenty-seven miles, to the place of beginning, shall con-
stitute and form the boundaries of the county of Putnam; and that the first
section of the act to which this is an amendment be and the same is hereby
repealed.
"Sec. 2. That all that part of the present county of Putnam contained
within the following boundary, to-wit : Beginning in the center of town
12 north, on the line dividing ranges 6 and 7 west, thence east twelve miles
to the line dividing ranges 4 and 5. thence south nine miles to the line
dividing towns 10 and 11, thence west twelve miles with said line, to the line
dividing ranges 6 and 7, thence north nine miles, to the place of beginning,
shall be attached to, constitute, and form a part of the county of Owen,
and that all that part of the county of Vigo which was attached to the
county of Putnam by the act to which this is an amendment, and which
is not included within the boundaries of said Putnam county as designated
by this act, be and the same is hereby attached to and shall hereafter con-
stitute and form a part of the said county of Vigo.
"Sec. 3. That all suits, pleas, plaints, actions and proceedings, which
may have been commenced, instituted and pending within the said countv
of Putnam previous to the taking effect of this act. shall be prosecuted and
carried on to final effect in the sam.e manner as if this act had not been
passed. And the state and county tax which may be due in that part of the
county of Putnam by this act attached to the counties of Owen and Vigo,
shall be collected and paid in the same manner and by the same officers as
if this act had not been passed.
"Sec. 4. This act to take effect and be in force from and after its
passage.
"G. W. Johnston,
"Speaker of the House of Representatives.
"Ratliff Boon,
"President of the Senate.
"Approved. December 21. 1822.
"WiLLiA.M Hendricks."
24 WEIK S HISTORY OF
LOCATION' OF COUNTY SEAT.
It will be observed on reading the original act for the formation of
Putnam county that five commissioners were designated to "fix the seat
of justice" in the new county and that they were to convene for that purpose
at the house of James Athey on the first Monday in May following the
passage of the act. The home of Athey was a log cabin, — probably the first
one erected in the county, — which stood on the land lying at the confluence
of Walnut, Deer and Mill creeks and commonly known as the Forks of Eel.
For some reason the commissioners failed to perform their duty and,
although the first court was in due time held in Athey's house, no steps were
taken to select a permanent seat of government. Why the matter was left
undone the records fail to disclose. Certain it is that on January 7, 1823,
the Legislature passed another law designating five new commissioners to
"locate the seat of justice in the county of Putnam." The new act, reciting
the failure of the first commissioners to perform their duty, directs the com-
missioners last appointed to meet at the home of John Butcher on the second
Monday in April, 1823, and "proceed to discharge the duties assigned to
them by law." The act as passed reads as follows :
"An act authorizing the location of the seat of justice in the county
of Putnam.
■ "Whereas, it has been represented to this General Assembly, that the
commissioners heretofore appointed to locate the seat of justice in the county
Putnam, pursuant to the provisions of the act entitled. '.\n act for the forma-
tion of a new county out of Owen and Vigo counties, and north of Owen,'
approved December 31, 1821, failed to perform the duty assigned them by
said act, for remedy whereof:
"Be it enacted bv the General Assembly of the state. of Indiana, That
Jacob Bell of the county of Parke, Abraham Buskirk and Daniel Anderson,
of the county of Monroe, Jacob Cutler, of the county of Morgan, and James
Wasson. of the county of Sullivan, be and they are hereby appointed com-
missioners, agreeable to the act, entitled 'An act for the fixing of the seats
of justice in all new counties hereafter to be laid off.' The commissioners
above named shall convene at the house of John Butcher, in the said county
of Putnam, on the second ^Monday in April next, and shall immediately, or
as soon thereafter as may be convenient, proceed to discharge the duties
assigned them by law: and it is hereby made the duty of the sheriff of the
said county of Putnam, to notify the said commissioners of their appoint-
ment, either in person or bv written notification, on or before the fifteentli
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 2$
day of March next, and the said sheriff shall receive from the said county
of Putnam so much as the county commissioners of said county shall deem
just and reasonable, who are hereby authorized to allow the same, out of
any monies in the county treasury, to be paid in the same manner other
allowances are paid. The said commissioners, and all other proceedings had
under this act, shall be regulated and governed, in all respects not provided
for by this act, pursuant to the provisions of the acts referred to in this act.
"This act to take effect from its passage.
"G. W. Johnston,
"Speaker of the House of Representatives.
"Ratliff Boon,
"President of the Senate.
"Approved, January 7, 1823. r
"William Hendricks."
The home of John Butcher was a log cabin on an eminence overlooking
Big Walnut creek a short distance northwest of Greencastle. Just why the
newly appointed commissioners were directed to meet there rather than at
the Forks of Eel, where the settlement of the county began, it is difficult to
understand, unless it was the result of an effort of the settlers in and around
Greencastle to impress the commissioners with the desirability and advantage
of locating the new "seat of justice" in the center of the county.
EARLY SURVEYS AND FIRST LAND ENTRIES.
Between 1805 and 1820 the territory included within the limits of
Putnam county had been surveyed and divided into sections, townships and
ranges by the surveyors employed by the United States. An examination of
the records of the general land office at Washington shows that the land
in Washington township south of the Indian boundary line was surveyed
and the proper boundaries marked by John McDonald, the government sur-
veyor, in 1814; the western part of Cloverdale by A. Holmes in 1815;
Jefferson, east Cloverdale and Mill Creek by John Milroy in 1819; Marion.
Floyd, Jackson and Franklin by Allen Wright in 1819 and the remaining
townships in 1819 and 1820 by John Collett. The records of the general
land office further show that "entries in Putnam county were made in
Vincennes to 1820, in Terre Haute from September 24, 1820, to 1823, after
which they were made in Crawfordsville until April 7. 1853."
But the survevor was not far in advance of the settler, for in December.
26 WEIKS HISTORY OF
1818, John M. Coleman secured the title to the first piece of land that ever
became the property of a white man in Putnam county. It was the west
half of the northwest quarter of section 10, township 12, range 5 west, and
was entered by Mr. Coleman at the Vincennes office. It adjoined the land
entered about the same time by James Athey, in whose house the first court
was held and in which the commissioners, designated in the bill admitting the
county, were directed to meet and failed to do so. Both farms lie near the
Forks of Eel in what is now Washington township. The first tract entered
above the Indian boundary line and within the limits of what was then
known as "Harrison's Purchase"' was the west half of the northwest quarter
of section 18, township 16, range 5 west, and belonged to Felix Clodfelter.
It lies in Russell township and was entered at the Terre Haute office, Octo-
ber 12, 1820. Entries were now being rapidly made and the quest for land
continued unabated for several years so that by 1840 all the most desirable
territory had practically been taken up. The last certificate of entry of
government land in the county was issued at the Indianapolis office October
10, 1854. The purchaser was Solon Turman and the entry included a small
tract in what is now Cloverdale township, being described as a part of section
7, township 12 north, range 4 west.
TOPOGR.^PHY OF PUTN.\M COUNTY.
Putnam county contains an area of four hundred and eighty-six square
miles, or three hundred eleven thousand and forty acres, and is bounded
on the north by Montgomery, on the east by Hendricks and Morgan, on the
south by Owen and Clay, and on the west by Clay and Parke counties. The
surface of the land in the northeastern parts is level and in some cases
slightly undulating, but in the center and southwest it is somewhat rolling and,
in the neighborhood of the streams, more precipitous and hilly. From a
table of altitudes furnished by the principal railroads traversing the county
it is shown that the highest point between the Ohio river at New Albany
and Michigan City on the Monon railroad is one mile north of Bainbridge,
being nine hundred and fifty-five feet above the sea level, and on the Van-
dalia railroad near the east line of the county the altitude reached is eight
hundred and ninety-seven, being but nine feet lower than at Clayton, the
highest point on the road between the Wabash river and Indianapolis.
"The entire surface of the county," writes one of the earlier historians,
"was originally covered with a dense forest of valuable timber. The beauty
of these woods could scarcely be surpassed in the worid. The trees were
Caramack, Photographe
THE STONER ROAD ON LITTLE WALNUT CREEK
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. T.'J
tall, straight and symmetrical and were of great variety. Here grew side
by side the majestic poplar, walnut and oak, the sturdy sugar maple and the
beech, in company with the tall, lithe hickory. The different kinds were not
evenly dispersed over the ground, nor yet scattered at random. In one local-
ity one kind prevailed, whilst in other localities other kinds were more
numerous. The ridges and the dry limestone land generally produced the
sugar maple, interspersed with clumps of poplar and black walnut. The
cold, wet lands were covered with the beech, hickory and red oak, while the
bluffs along the margins of the creeks were crowned with the huge trunks
and spreading tops of the white oak. Besides those named, there was a
great variety of other kinds of timber less valuable for purposes of manu-
facture and commerce, but enhancing the grandeur of the solitude that
reigned in the midst of their shades. The place of fruit trees was supplied
by the wild plum and the black haw, with an occasional wild crab and
persimmon. Some of these ancient monarchs of the woods, maple, poplar
and oak — guardians of a thousand years — may still be seen around the rim
of the farm lands, like sentries of the ages as they fly.
"The water-shed of the county is to the southwest. It is traversed
by Walnut fork of Eel river, from northeast to southwest, which has for
its principal tributaries, on the west Little Walnut, on the east Warford's
branch and Deer creek. The northwest portion of the county is drained by
Raccoon creek, while the southeast portion finds its drainage in Mill creek.
The county is thus divided into three geographical sections, but they are so
similar in their general features that it is unnecessary to treat of them
separately. Each of these streams draws supplies from almost innumerable
smaller streams, which form a complete net-work of branches throughout
the extent of the county, furnishing to it a complete system of drainage
for almost every part.
"The surface of the county in the eastern portion is level or gently undu-
lating, affording vast fields for tillage and for meadows. The flat lands on
the divide between the headwaters of Walnut and those of the tributaries of
Sugar creek, lying principally within Boone county, extend into the extreme
northeast corner of Putnam, sometimes requiring artificial drainage to render
the land productive. The northern and northwestern portions of the county
are rolling, affording some of the finest pasturage to be found even in that
remarkable belt of pasture lands lying along the fortieth parallel of north
latitude. The hills along Little Walnut, Walnut and lower Deer creek at
times rise into lofty cliffs, while the valleys along these streams and at the
mouths of their tributaries furnish as fine fields for grain as those of the
best river bottoms."
28 weik's history of
But, notwithstanding her stately forests and her rich and promising
farm lands, a great part of the wealth of the county lies beneath the soil.
The early settlers were too busy clearing the forests to delve into the earth
and it is only within recent years, since the men of science have begun their
investigations, that we have come to realize the value of the stone and min-
erals stored in such colossal proportions beneath our feet. A history of the
county would be decidedly incomplete which fails to note or enumerate this
important item of our natural resources. The liberty will be taken, there-
fore, to quote freely from what a very eminent scientific authority, the late
Prof. John Collett, chief of the bureau of statistics and geology of Indiana,
has to say of our county in this regard. In a report made to the governor
in 1880, referring to the "Geology of Putnam County," he says:
"The surface of the county is agreeably diversified, combining in a high
degree the useful and agreeable, as rocky scenery, with romantic views of
plain and woodland, rich in interest to the economist, all uniting to tell a
long story, recorded on rock and plain, of the earth's past, laden with prom-
ises of the future. Soils and surface deposits are formed by the disintegra-
tion and destruction of rocks. If derived from local rocks or a single bed
they are generally thin or obdurate, and the character of the productions —
even of a people — may be declared from their geological deposits. On the
other hand, a region having a soil derived from the greatest number of strata
is, as a rule, productive and desirable. The soils of Putnam county, although
principally composed of the local rocks which give character to the different
parts, are also enriched by materials imported from the paleozoic strata and
thoroughly crushed, mingled and incorporated by the mighty forces of the
glacial age; the soil, therefore, is superior or equal to the best.
"The alluvial deposits or creek and river bottoms which belt the water
courses are due to causes now in action. This material is derived from
the adjoining banks, enriched by the wear of rolling pebbles and grinding
sand and is cast out by overflows upon the flood plains of the streams.
Rich in mineral plant food, it always contains a large amount of soluble
organic matter, constituting a valuable and productive farm or garden land.
Each bottom field is a gold mine, for its productions will bring gold or its
equivalent with less labor than ordinary pursuits or mines.
"These deposits are characteristic of an epoch which occurred subsequent
to the glacial. The arctic coldness had subsided. A great body or sea of
fresh water covered most of the southern half of the state with gulfs, 1)33^5
and lagoon arms which reached north in the line of the ice thrusts. A warm,
almost tropical climate prevailed, giving life and sustenance to the monster
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 2g
animals now extinct, including the American elephant, whose remains have
been found at several stations in the county. This deposit, an almost
impalpable sand and clay, was slowly formed at the bottom of a quiet,
waveless lake, filling up the lowest inequalities in the surface, for the lake
water did not cover the high lands. Good examples are seen in the level
plain adjoining Mill creek, in the southeast parts and in the railway cuts at
and west of Oakalla station. Loess loams produce sweet fruits, and being
free from pebbles are well suited for the manufacture of bricks.
"To the strange phenomena of the glacial epoch we are indebted largely
for results which make this soil and surface configuration so desirable — a
more than "Xew Kentucky." A grand river of ice, with its sources among the
snowy heights of distant mountains, laden with materials which border the
St. Lawrence and lakes Ontario and Erie, pushed its ice foot beyond the
western shore of Lake Erie and sent volumes of water through deep-cut
sluiceways across the state from north eighty degrees east to the opposite
course west, bringing with it, as indications of its origin, nuggets of Cham-
plain iron ore and 'biscuit stones' of Medina sandstone, etc. Evidences of
this violent water flow are seen in the ancient bed one hundred and nine
feet below the present channel of Eel river in Clay county. In Putnam
county the same developments are met in sinking wells near the southern
boundary. At the fork of Croy's creek, four miles west of Reelsville,
A. O. Hough put down a bore for coal about 1865, finding the bottom
rock one hundred and twenty feet below the present water bed. It seems pos-
sible that the ancient Walnut creek flowed south eighty degrees west or
nearly west by Otter creek from Oakalla to the Wabash in a channel now
deeply hid but which future developments may discover.
"From causes now unknown the source of the ice river was afterwards
changed to the northern center of the continent. This glacier moved south
in two divisions, one excavating the basins of Lake Michigan and the other
of Huron and St. Clair, the first crossing the state from north to south
eight degrees to ten degrees east. The latter was very nearly due south.
Combined, they are wider than the state of Indiana from east to west and.
at a point of obstruction in Brown county, the ice was about four hundred
feet deep. It bore upon its surface and in its icy bosom immense quantities
of angular rocks, bowlders, gravel, sand and earth from northern regions,
which, crushed and powdered, were mingled with the debris of local rocks
planed away and ground up in the mill of nature. The result was that
irregularities were cut down, ancient river channels and sluiceways of o'reat
depth were filled up and the underlying rocks covered with a gray compact
l)e<l of clay. sand, gravel and rock, termed the bowlder or glacial drift.
30
WEIK S HISTORY OF
"Interesting specimens of glacial grooves, stride and planishing are seen
in the 'Rock Cut' north of Maple Grove station, on the Louisville, New
Albany & Chicago railroad, and on W. B. Williams' farm, section 28, town-
ship 13, range 4, two miles south of Putnamville. At the first locality the
glacier, in its southward movement, filled the valley of the adjoining stream
to the east, and was heaped against and ground down the sloping sides and
banks of the valley. The planished surfaces, grooves and strice are distinct
and perfect as of yesterday. At the second locality (Williams' farm) the
ice flowing from the north was obstructed by a high hill of conglomerate
sand rock, against which it steadily advanced with resistless force until it
mounted the hill, leaving many planished surfaces, with scars and well
preserved grooves on the summit.
"The coal measures are the most recent rocks exposed and comprise
the southwestern parts of the county. Beginning at Portland Mills, they
generally form the surface rock west of Little and Big Walnut creeks; south
of Reelsville, they broaden to the east to near Cloverdale, and thence south-
west by Doe creek to the southern boundary period.
"The conglomerate coal occurs at intervals all over the district. At a
few stations it attains a thickness, in small pockets, of two or three feet, but
such pockets or pools are limited in width to a few yards or rods. As a rule
the seam is barren or only one or two inches thick and will not exceed an
average of four inches. The product is at the same time sulphurous and
inferior. In the vicinity of Morton a depression in the underlying rocks
gives an eastern extension of the coal measure rocks, and many beautifully
preserved 'ferns' and trunks of plants indicate the horizon of coal, the super-
imposed sand rock having been chiefly eroded. Other outcrops of coal occur
north and northwest of Reelsville; generally thin and unworked. These
coals are only opened for local use now and will not pay to work except by
stripping; but, in the distant future, when coal may possibly become scarce
or railway transportation exorbitant seams eighteen inches thick, and even
less, will be worked as such seams are now sometimes worked in Europe.
"During the petroleum excitement (about 1865) a prospecting bore was
put down in the east side of the village of Reelsville, commencing eighteen
feet above lovv' water in Big Walnut creek. There resulted a strong flow of
white sulphur water highly charged with sulphuretted hydrogen gas and
containing chlorides of sodium calcium and magnesium, sulphites of the same
bases with traces of bromide and iodine, etc. It had a pleasant saline, sulphur-
ous taste and pungent odor and was found to have great, medicinal efficacy
in cases of dyspepsia, rheumatism and ague. It was considered a specific
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 3I
in diseases of the liver and kidneys and, although the outlet was covered by
the flood of 1875, 'ts 'magic cures' are still held in kind remembrance in this
vicinity.
"Si.x miles .southwest of Qoverdale on the northeast quarter of section
12, town 12. range 5, is a very considerable outcrop of rich band and kidney
iron ore in a wild, deep ravine. It was mined in i860 by the proprietor and
some thirty tons sold to the Knightsville furnace. It was found to be an
excellent ore to mix as a flux with the Missouri or Lake Superior ore. P.ut
the expense of mining and hauling was fully equal to the market value and
the enterprise was abandoned.
"The St. Louis beds of limestone foiTn the surface rocks in a well
marked division from four to eight miles broad, extending from the extreme
northwestern to the southwestern comers of the county, with denuded exten-
sions in the valleys of the Chester and coal measure beds. These strata are
known as the 'ca\'emous' or 'concretionary' limestones of the western states
and are remarkable in the southern parts of this state for caverns, sunken
valleys and subterranean rivers. South and east of Greencastle many funnel-
shaped sink-holes which receive and deliver the rainfall to hidden streams,
indicate the probability of small caverns yet to be disco\ered here. The
limestones vary much in quality. Some are pure carbonate ; others are
silicious or aluminous and beds of shale, clay and argillite are interpolated.
"About a mile east of Cloverdale on descending from the limestone
hills a level, flat clay district is found which extends east beyond Eel river
and northeast towards Monrovia in Morgan county. This area has been
deeply eroded during the glacial epoch, removing more than fifty feet of St.
Louis limestone and along the eastern side of the county exposing rocks of
the Keokuk and Knobstone groups. The excavation is now refilled with
lacustral and fluviatile drift, indicating an a'oandoned river bed which once
connected by Indian creek with White river valley.
"Putnamville, located on the National road, is famous for valuable
quarries of paving curb and step stones. From it have been shipped large
quantities of flags, bridge, dimension and rubble stone. The product has been
in use. severely exposed to the extreme vicissitudes of our variable climate,
including changes of sixty degrees of temperature in a single day, for over
forty years. It has shown capacity to resist the action of frost, fire and ice.
Samples, taken as a rule from the exposed parts of the quarry when tlrst
opened in 1838-40, may be seen in piers, etc., of the bridges and culverts on
the National road and in the locks of the canal, the steps of the mother
and branch Banks of State at Indianapolis and also steps of the Terre Haxite
House at Terre Haute and of the old university building at Greencastle.
32
VVEIK S HISTORY OF
"Greencastle. the county seat, is situated on the high rolHng table land
one mile east of Walnut fork of Eel river. Geologically, it rests upon the
upper ledges of the St. Louis limestone. The conglomerate sand rock of
the coal measures caps the summit of Forest Hill cemetery just south, as
also the hills across Walnut just west of the city. Similar quarries are
found at several points about town affording an abundant and cheap supply
of stone which meets with the approval of the architects and builders of the
city.
"Going north from Greencastle, many outcrops and quarries of St. Louis
limestone are observable, presenting ledges of rock so similar to those already
given that repetition is unnecessary. The surface outlook is characteristic of
this limestone and is plane on the plateaus or gently undulating, moulded into
long rolls and slopes by the action of air and moisture during ages of time.
The soil is a calcareous loam and was originally clothed with a stately forest,
composed of oak, poplar, ash, walnut, sugar, etc., trees, which indicate and
characterize the soil that produces them. The sharp cuts of the creeks and
brooks where rocky exposures are seen were exceptional scars on the face
of nature so recent as to lack the healing and smoothing element of time.
"From an elevation high enough to include the whole county from east
to west the autumnal foliage would present north-south lines of brilliant
colors strongly marked and of magic splendor. At the time of my visit
(October, 1880) the usual summer was followed by a warm, dry autumn,
ripening the leaves of all the trees to full maturity before touched by frost.
The eastern or Knobstone division of the county showed a background of
the pale green of the beech, on which trembled as stars in the sky a never-
endint^ medley of orange, straw, red. and other neutral tints of their com-
panions, with occasional clumps of dogwood and maple to give vivacity to
the modest scene. In the western or coal measure district, the background
was the russet and brown of the oaks, flecked with strong blocks and lines
of vivid colors. In the central or St. Louis division both the parts merged
and mellowed, their contrasting colors uniting to crown every hill and deck
everv valley with a foliage that has never, can never be painted or described :
in which the scarlet, crimson and orange of the sugar and dogwood contrast
in quivering life with gold, pink, green and russet of the elm, beech, oak,
hickory, poplar and minor shrubs. It is not the display of a single tree or
clump, but the whole woodland, united in a glorious blaze of untiring beauty.
Soon the ground, too. is spread with a carpet of full ripened leaves which with
everv breath of air is stirred into an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors, the
whole forming an attraction which would justify a long journey to witness
and enjoy."
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ToiVNSH'P
17 North
-
Tomf A/SHIP
IBNof^TH
Town SHIP
15 NoffTH
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Tow A/ SHIP
1^ North
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Township
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i
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Township
U North
Putnam County 16^/
Pfite^ENT Sou/^CflF?l£ S
RED BY ALEC A LANE
CHAPTER II.
ORGAXIZATION OF THE COUNTY.
As originally organized, Putnam county consisted of six townships,
named Deer Creek, Hart, Sparta, Tipton. Walnut and Washington. To
locate them or fix the boundary lines which separated them cannot now be
done for the reason that the records of the proceedings of the county com-
missioners prior to 1828, where such information would properly belong,
have long since disappeared from the files of the county auditor's ofiice.
From certain documents recently found in the clerk's office, however, we
are safe in assuming that Tipton township was in the centre of the county
and included the town of Greencastle; that Deer Creek was in the south
part of the county and adjacent to the stream which bears that name, and
that Washington was in the southwest corner and covered practically the
territory now included within the limits of the present township of that name.
In the absence of the necessary records the location of the three other town-
ships must, therefore, be left somewhat to conjecture. From a list of voters
found in the files of the clerk's office entitled "Returns from Hart town-
ship," it appears that an election in 1823 was held at the home of Moses
Hart and again in August, 1825, another election at Jacob Beck's mill in the
same tow-nship; and from a similar return of voters in Sparta we learn that
the August election in 1823 in that township was held at James Kelso's
mill. As for Walnut township, the only item of record thus far found point-
ing to its existence as a township is an indictment in the clerk's files returned
by a grand jury in June, 1823, which charges "Charles Wright, laborer, of
Walnut township." with assault and battery on the person of one James
Frazier. Beyond these meagre and desultory discoveries it is practically
impossible at this late day to secure further or more definite information
regarding these early divisions in our county's political geography.
By 1828, when the recorded history of the county's government begins,
the earlier named townships had faded away and in their places we find the
following: Clinton. Greencastle. Jackson. Jefiferson. Madison. Marion, Mon-
roe and Washington. These in the course of time were still further reduced
in area by the formation of Russell, Franklin, Floyd, Warren and Clover-
dale, the last named not coming into existence till 1S46. In September, i860.
34
WEIK S HISTORY OF
the coniniissioners of I'utnani county annexed about fifteen s(|uare miles
of the tem'torv of M()ri:;an county lying northwest of Mill creek, their action
being confimied bv the Legislature March ir, 1861. The tract thus added
to Putnam countv was organized into a township and called Mill Creek.
At jjfesent. therefore, the county is divided into fourteen civil town-
ships. Jackson. Franklin. Russell. Clinton. Monroe, Floyd. Marion. Green-
castle and Madison are each six miles square: Washington is nine miles from
north to south and six from east to west : Warren and Jefferson each five
miles north and south and six east and west ; Cloverdale four north and
south and twelve east and west. Mill Creek is somewhat irregular in shape
and contain^ in the neighborhood of fifteen square miles. The entire county
embraces an area of almost five hundred square miles and is the twelfth in
size in the state.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS.
As the settlement of a new country usually follows the water courses,
it will be readilv understood that the scene of the earliest activity in Putnam
countv was at the h^orks of Eel. Among the first who had come hither
were James Athev and John M. Colman,. who entered adjoining tracts
of land in that vicinity. They were natives of Kentucky and had emigrated
from Bour1)on county to Fort Harrison near Terre Haute, arriving in 18 16.
Two vears later, after a journey to the Vincennes land-office, they set out
on horseback to take possession of their newly acquired lands. Earl\- in the
spring of 1818 Athey cleared a portion of his land and put in a crop of
corn, it being the first cultivation by a white man of the soil of Putnam
countv. Colman did not remain very long and in time returned to Vigo
countv. .\ little later Benjamin Croy came and still later Otwell Thomas and
Reuben. Ragan. These men assisted Athey in erecting a dwelling, the first
structure built in the new county. Soon after, and a short distance north
of the new settlement at the Forks. Webster's mill was built on the banks
of Walnut, being the first piece of machinery to '"wake the echoes of the
surrounding solitude with its monotonous hum.'" By the close of the year
four families had settled along the lower edge of the county.
Settlement in wliat was then known as the Xew Purchase, being above
the Indian lioundary line, did not begin so early. The first permanent resi-
dent wa> lohn Sigler. who came with his family from Kentucky in March.
i8_>i. accompanied by Thomas Johnson and located on land which is now
v.ithin the citv limits of Greencastle. In May following came John John-
.son. wliri settled a few miles southeast of the same place. Before the close
of the vear the new colon v was increased l)y the arrival of Jefferson Thomas,
1471541
PL'TXAM COUXTY, INDIA.VA. 35
Abraham Coffman. Samuel Rugers. Jubal (also kno\v!i as "■Jubilee") Deweese,
Isaac Matkin, Abraham Lewis and the Rev. Reuben Clearwaters, the first
preacher, in all probability, who ventured to penetrate the wilds of the new
county. In almost every instance these hardy and venturesome pioneers
came from Kentucky. Among those who made a settlement in the more
northern part of the county was James Gordon, whose native state was
North Carolina, but who had lived for a time in the southeastern part of
the state, in the strip which lay between the mouths of the Kentucky and
the Miami- rivers. He entered a tract of land about nine miles north of
Greencastle on which, later, a part of the town of Brainbridge was located. His
son James, who was seven years old when the family reached Putnam coun-
ty, is still living and, although in his ninety-si.xth year, is able to recall and
relate many interesting and stirring incidents of his boyhood in the wilder-
ness. He is doubtless the only person now living who was here when the
county was organized.
Meanwhile the commissioners designated by the Legislature for that
purpose had met, as required, at the house of John Butcher and agreed upon
a location for the seat of county government. The site chosen was a hill over-
looking Walnut creek and almost in the exact geographical center of the
county. As an inducement towards the location there and in consideration
thereof, Ephraim Dukes and Rebecca his wife conveyed to Amos Robertson,
designated as "agent for Putnam county," seventy acres of land in the north-
west quarter of section 21. township 14 north, range 4 west. The deed was exe-
cuted September 2/, 1823, and recites that the land is donated in considera-
tion that the county seat is located at the "town of Greencastle." The tract
thus conveyed includes that part of the city of Greencastle which lies be-
tween Locust and Indiana streets. June 7, 1825, Duke's son-in-law, John
Wesley Clark, and Elizabeth his wife, for the same consideration mentioned
in Duke's deed, conveyed to John Baird, "agent for Putnam county," eighty
acres, being the west half of the northwest quarter of the same section and
adj(jining the tract Dnkes had donated two years before. The land conveyed
by this last deed comprises that part of the city of Greenca.stle which lies
between Indiana street and the western limits on Gillespie street.
The original town-site consisted of one hundred and fifty acres, divided
into two hundred and fourteen lots, and was bounded on the north by Liberty
street ; on the west by Gillespie ; on the south by Hill and on the east bv Locust.
As to the e.xtent and character of the contest over the location of the
county seat it is impossible to secure any material or authentic information.
There doubtless was some rivalry between those who lived or were interest-
^6 WEIK S HISTORY OF
ed in the region about Greencastle and the people at the Forks of Eel, but
how spirited the competition was or who were the leaders therein the records
fail to disclose. A very singular entry is found in the records of the pro-
ceedings of the county commissioners' court dated July 7, 1828. It reads as
follows :
"Ordered by the board of county justices that John Baird, agent of
Putnam countv, refuse payment on an order, issued by Arthur ^IcGaughey,
clerk of the board of county commissioners and now clerk of this board,
payable to John Allen for services rendered in locating the seat of justice
for Putnam county at the town of Bedford."
Naturally the people of this generation would be glad to learn where
"the town of Bedford" was, but alas for us, a careful search of the deed
books, the plat books and other records in the various offices in the court
house fails to reveal the slightest hint of this early competitor of Greencastle
for countv seat honors. Some years after the county seat question had been
settled in favor of Greencastle, and after the National road had been con-
structed, Putnamville, then a busy and important place on that great thor-
oughfare, began to agitate the question of the removal of the seat of jus-
tice from Greencastle, arguing that as Putnamville was more favorably
located as to the great highway for travel, it was the natural and logical
location for the county seat. An irritating rivalry thus grew up between
the two towns which continued for years, but never crystalized into any
sort of organized action.
EPHRAIM DUKES.
In this connection it may not be amiss to explain that the writer, in
obedience to the apparent interest manifested in the career of Ephraim
Dukes, has been unremittingly exhaustive in his efforts to learn the latter's
antecedents as well as his later history. The commonly accepted tradition
that Dukes gave Greencastle its name after the town in Pennsylvania by that
name, where he originated, has not thus far been verified. Extensive cor-
respondence with old settlers in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and also in Ship-
pensburg, where the Duke family is somewhat prominent and numerous, fails
to shed any light on the existence or origin of Ephraim. The family there
spell their name without the final s. In the absence of any more definite
information than has thus far been obtainable there can be no good reason
to reject the theory that Ephraim Dukes emigrated hither from Kentucky.
The family is more or less numerous in Virginia and near the close of the
eighteenth century several of its members moved into Kentucky. Inasmuch,
therefore, as at least seventy-five per cent of the early settlers who came to
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 37
our county hailed from Kentucky, it is not improbable that Ephraim Dukes
originated tliere also. His later history is equally nebulous and uncertain.
He remained in Putnam county till about 1835, when, in company with the
late Gen. Joseph Orr, he removed to Laporte county, Indiana. He was living
there in July, 1836, as shown by a deed executed by him at that time and
soon after forwarded here to be recorded. Beyond this last item of infor-
mation it has been impossible to find any trace of him. General Orr, with
whom he emigrated to Laporte county, was a well known character and con-
tinued to reside there till his death, about thirty years ago, but the most
persistent and thorough inquiry fails to elicit any information as to Dukes.
The probability is that his stay in Laporte county was brief and that he
eventually moved farther westward, leaving scarcely a footprint behind. While
still a resident of Putnam he filled several minor places of the grade of
constable and court bailiff and was finally promoted to the office of coroner.
His name was perpetuated by his fellow-townsmen in one of the principal
streets of Greencastle which was for years called Ephraim, after him, but
which, unfortunately, was recently changed to the more fashionable and
euphonious College avenue.
SALE OF TOWN LOTS.
In the year following the organization of the county Greencastle began
to show some signs of life. Before the close of 1822 Ephraim Diikes had
erected a cabin on the lot at the corner of Washington street and College
avenue where Dr. Ayler's office now stands. He was speedily followed by
Silas G. Weeks, who occupied the lot on which the Donner block, at the
corner of \\'ashington and Vine streets, is built and he. in turn, by Jubal
Deweese. \\ho pitched his tent about midway on the block on the north side
of the court house square, and John F. Seller, who built a cabin on the south
side of the same square and near the corner of Washington and Indiana
streets. In due time, following the settlement of the county seat (piestion,
came the ine\'itable sale of town lots. It may not be without interest to in-
dicate the values at that time of real estate in the "business district"" of the
city. Lot Xo. iJi. being the north half of the block on the east side of the
court house square, was sold to David Matlock, for seventy dollars ; No.
122. immediately south, went to Thomas Deweese for one hundred dollars;
Xo. 1 12. the east half of the block on the south side of the public square, to
John Oatman for sixty-eight dollars; X'o. loi. immediately west, to Samuel
M. Biggs for forty dollars: Xo. 91. the south half of the block on the
west side of the public sfpiare. was sold to James Talbott for sixtv-one dollars;
38
WEIK S HISTORY OF
No. 92, immediately north, to Joseph Thornburg, for sixty dollars. On
the north side of the court house the west half, being lot No. 100, went
to Jubal Deweese for eighty-seven dollars and the east half of Lot No.
113 to Joshua H. Lucas for sixty-one dollars. Lot No. 120. lying beyond
the northeast corner of the court house square, brought eighty-three dollars
and fiftv cents, being sold to Samuel Hunter; Xo. 123, at the southeast
corner, where the Southard building now stands, went to James Trotter
for one hundred eleven dollars; No. 90, at the southwest corner, now owned
by James F. Hill, was sold to Isaac Ash for forty-one dollars and No. 93,
at the northwest corner, now occupied by the Haspel meat market, brought
the highest price of all, being sold to Al^raham Wooley for one hundred
and fifty-eight dollars. Outlying lots, remote from the square set aside for
the court house, brought only nominal prices, none exceeding ten dollars.
EARLY MERCH.'WTS.
Several cabins had been built in and around Greencastle before it wa-
platted into lots, but the first building in the business part was erected b\
Pleasant S. Wilson. It was on the west side of the public square. .-Vcconl-
ing to a former historian. Joseph Thornburg had sold some goods in a small
wav. but the first real store, so-called, was opened up in a building on the
north side of the public s(|uare by Gen. Joseph Orr. who had first come
into the community as a peddler. Orr was a very progressive man and
full of public spirit. His title of General came from his connection with
the militia. He continued in business from 1823 till 1835. when he removed
to LaPorte county, where he lived until his death in 1879. .\nother mer-
chant equally vigorous and enterprising was Lewis H. Sands, who opened
a store on the lot adjoining Orr's on the east. It is said that he brought
his stock of goods in a one-horse carry-all from Louisville. He continued in
business for many years and died in May. 1861, having lived to see Green-
castle develop from a group of log cabins in the wilderness to one of the
thriving and representative county seats in central Indiana. He was born
in Baltimore. Januarv r, 1805, and had had some experience trading with the
Indians at Ft. Harrison and along the Wabash before settling in Putnam
county.
WILLIAM IL THOR.\'BL-RGH.
Before passing from the subject of the early merchants of Greencastle.
although not in proper chronological order, we venture to note the name
of William H. Thornburgh, without a record of whose career no history
PLTNAM COL'NTY, IXDIAXA. 39
(jt Putnam cuunt_\ could be called complete. Xo man ever lived uliu labored
more zealously and accomplished more for the prosperity and well-being
of the community and the memory of no other person identitieil with the
de\e!opment ^)f the county is more deserving of perpetuation. A native of
Wasiiingtmi county, \'irginia. where he was bom February 3. 1804, he
drifted to Putnam county in the fall of 1824. his first employment here
being teaching scIk^oI for a brief time in the country west of I ireencastle.
Prior to his reuKnal to Indiana he had. although cpiite young, been captain
nf a steamboat plying between Xashville and Xew Orleans. After the
death nf hi.', wife, he returned to the river, becoming captain of a steamer in
the Liinis\ille an<! Xew (Jrleans trade, but in 1S30 he was. back in Green-
castle again where he Sdon went into the mercantile busuiess. In 1835 he
erected a bnck building on the corner oi Washington and Indiana streets,
the first of it> kind in the town. He was a leading and niduential member
of the Methodist church and took an actix'e part in the erection of the church
building on the corner of Indiana and Poplar street^, to which he contribut-
ed b(jth time and mi.mew a>. also, he did at a later date for the erection
of Rol>ert> Chapel. Imleed. theie is [jerhap> no ciun-ch in the city t<j which
he did not c<jntribute. In 1858 he built the largest edifice in town, known
a:- the ThornI)urgh I)lock. on the west side of the public s<(uare. which was
an enterprise of wnnderful magnitude, foi' that day and well wortiiv the
admiration and enconu'ums it called forth. He also built, at the corner of
I'ranklin and Locust streets, a residence which in grandeur anil magnificent
pro[)ortions far surpassed anything of its kind in the county. He was one of
the original stockholders and early pr(.)moters of the Terre Haute & Richrnond
(now the \'andalia) railroad. de\oting much time in seciu'ing the rei[uisito
amount of >tock in his count}-. He was one of the earliest trustees (jf Asbury
I'niversit}". continuing as such with two brief intermissions fn,m 1837 to
i8r)o and acting as president of the board iuv four years. On e\ery occa-
sion he lent his inlluence and energv to the great enterpi'ises which were
to be for the public good and such as would de\'elop the industries ant! en-
rich the uhijle countiy. Possessing the first money .safe in the county, Cap-
tain Thornburgh's store became, in effect, a bank of deposit, where S|jeculators,
merchants and farmers alike found a secure place of keeping their surplus
funds. "We <jf the present da_\-." observes <jne who knew him well, "wirh
our banks and multiplied facilities of communication, cannot estimate tlie
\alue of such a man nor can we fully appreciate the amount of confidence
which, without deposited security, C(nild intrust so much for safe-keeping,
a-^sured of its [jronipt return when demanded." His career as a merchant
40
WEIK S HISTORY OF
covers a space of thirty-one years — the hfe of a generation. He died Octo-
ber 26, 1876. A pubhc meeting, presided over by the mayor of Greencastle,
was held at the court house to arrange for his funeral and appropriate reso-
lutions expressing sorrow for his death and respect for his memory were
adopted.
One of the unfortunate things in Captain Thornburgh's life, after his
many rears of commercial success, was a series of business reverses to which
he was forced to yield early in 1861. He suffered so keenly from chagrin
and remorse that he issued a statement to the public through the columns of a
local paper, which has in it so much of real pathos and evinces a spirit of
pride and honor so sensitive and so unusual in these latter days of com-
mercial indifference to public opinion, it will not be without its lesson to
reproduce it here. Under date of March 21. 1861. in the Putnam County
Banner, he said ;
'To My Friends and Fellow Citizens :
"It becomes my painful duty to appear before you through this medium
and announce to you that circumstances are and have been such as to re-
quire the withdrawal of my name from the list of merchants. I have been
for over thirty years among you in that capacity, during which time I have
enjoyed the patronage of many among you and the confidence embracing a
wide range, which confidence it was my pleasure so to demean myself as
to in some measure justly merit. I have during that time passed through
manv financial storms and had successfully weathered them all till now by
a train of circumstances known to most of you through the advice of able
financiers and men of unquestioned veracity and wealth I have taken the
course now known to most of you — that of retirement from the busy bustle
of that long-cherished occupation which it has been my pleasure to pursue.
In taking this, mv leave, it is not without the deepest feelings of obligation
to mv creditors and numerous customers who, on the one hand, freely sought
mv custom and sold me goods at fair prices and dealt with me so kindly,
which naturallv engendered high social feelings, which I have always prized
so highlv and which were so reciprocal. To such I shall ever feel the deepest
weight of obligation as long as life endures. To my patrons and friends
here accejit this humble tribute of gratitude to you for your liberal and
confiding jiatronage. During the last thirty years we have greeted each
otlier and enjoved manv pleasant hours which I shall ever kindly remember.
"In ta'sing mv leave of vou as a merchant, please receive my thanks
for vour patronage and confidence and I hope in my future I shall do noth-
ing to counteract the g<ji.)d (tpiniun you have been pleased to feel and express.
PCTNAM COLNTY, INDIANA. 41
Life is one changing scene and its revolutions I have, with many before
nie. felt and feel its heavy shaft, but amid all its storms will try to pass
the waves as to ultimately outride them all and seek my final port in safety,
"Most respectfully,
■■\V. H, Thornburgh."
The fact that our pioneer merchants demonstrated such enterprise and
brought hither, so early, such liberal assortments of goods indicates a rapidly
growing population. We may naturally, therefore, expect to find among them
the representatives of the various trades, occupations and professions that
are essential to the success of any community. The first physician to ar-
ri\e on the scene was Dr, Enos Lowe. He reached the new settlement about
1823 and served the people for many miles around. Three years later Dr.
L. M. Knight and Dr. A. C. Stevenson, both Kentuckians, joined the com-
munity and engaged in the practice of their profession. The first blacksmith
was Jesse Twigg and the first cabinet shop was opened by John S. Jennings,
who strayed into the town from Tennessee, William K. Cooper was the
first saddler and Reuben Clearwaters the first preacher — a Methodist. An
important industry of that day was milling. To prepare the grain for food
required mills. We have already seen that two mills had been erected in the
neighborhood of the Forks,— Webster's and Croy's — but very soon after,
in fact by the spring of 1822, James Trotter had a grist and saw-mill in
operation a short distance north of Greencastle on Walnut creek. During that
same year and the year following other mills farther north in the country
were erected, whose names, Fiddler's, Swank's, Beck's. Kelso's and Suther-
lin's, will suggest to the early residents their proper location. Already the
hum of their primitive machinery could be heard echoing through the hills
and along the banks of Deer, Mill, Little and Big Walnut, Ramp, Raccoon
and all the other creeks in the county.
In Greencastle. on the comer of Water and Washington streets, Gen.
John Standeford, about the year 182''). set up a wool-carding machine, pro-
pelled bv horse pi^wer. and for years carded the wool in this and even in some
of the adjoining counties. The machinery was bought in Louisville and
hauled through to Greencastle in a wagon. The factor}- had a capacity of about
one hundred and fift\- rolls per day and yielded its owner profitable returns.
Weaving was d(jiie on hand looms by the women at home. It is said by Gil-
lum Ridpath. who was bom in Marion township, that "the first fly-shuttle
lonni in the county and. in all probability, the first between the Wabash and
White rivers, was invented and built by John Heavin, in Montgomery coun-
ty, Virginia, and was brought to Putnam county in the year 1S27."
42
WEIK S HISTORY OF
LITTLE USE FOR CURRENCY.
Owing u> the limited amount in circulation, but little money was used
in local business. Much of the trading was the exchange of one commodity
for another. At a meeting of the I'utnam County Historical Society, several
years ago, the late J. R. M. Allen related his first commercial experience in
Greenca.stle. He had just set up as a tailor and was making a purchase at
the store of James Talbott, a merchant of several years' standing, offermg
currency in payment for the goods he bought. Mr. Talbott, noting that he
was new to the customs of the place, adniunished him ihat UK^ney was un-
necessary in local business; that people in the new community, especially
business men in dealing among themselves, made their exchanges in gO(ids.
"Xow." said Talbott, "I shall need something in your line pretty soon and
when I do I shall expect you to accept in payment such goods as you ma\
see fit to purchase of me. In that way we can cany tm our transactions
until some future time uhen a settlement is desirable and then the net
balance due can, if necessan.-, be paid in money."" .Mr. .Mien, realizing that
such was the custom of the community, was forced to comply. He related
that for years he and Talbott continued thus to carry on business between
them without in all that time coming to a settlement. iMually wiien Talbott's
health began to give way and he realized that he must gi\e up all business,
he called on Mr. .Allen with his Iwjoks to make the long-deferred final set-
tlement. "It took a brief time to add up the figures," related .\llen. "There
was not a word of disagreement between us. The entire interview was not
only satisfactory, but pleasant, and when the balance wa-- struck it took les-
than three dollars in money to pay it."
E.\RLY-n.\V V.\LUES.
It is more or less refreshing in these days of so-called commercial and
industrial prosperity at e.xtravagant prices to read the values our forefathers
put upon their labor and domestic products. Following are C(>{)ies of tw<i
documents found in the records of the county clerk's office which are inter-
esting, not only as illustrating comparative values of every-day commodities,
but the character of items of exchange between neighbors. Tlie first i)a])er
was filed in 1824; the other in 1827:
"William McBride Dr. to John PTazer
"to the half of a Hog S2.0C
"to 52 lbs Bacon 4- ' '^^
"to work bv l.izey a nursing your wife i.OO
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 43
"to w easing i.oo
"to 3 deer skins 2.00
"to I gallon & 5 pints whisky 0.87
"to ( ioing to greencastle 0.75
"to Medison '. 0.37
"to J Juggs o.-^
"to 2 Cushiils corn 0.50
"to 0 tins full of salt o. iS
"to \\agg(:in tonge & Houns. ■. 300
"t(:) hijrse a going arends i.OO
"t(3 \'ennison Hams 2.00
"to Lizey a washing 0.37
"to haling i^ork from huffnians O-SO
"ti ' [ shott pouch 0.25
"to 1 peck Sweat pertatose 0.25"
"george Howlet Debtor tn Darnal)a> frakes
"to one Cub bare 3.00
"to washing 3 months in 1S24 at 3 ^hilling^ a ni(.)nth 4.50
"to hording for 3 two months in 1824 6.00
"to \\c;rk fifteen days in 1824 7-5c)
"to flaxseed i Bushal in 1825 i.OO
"to work 8 dax's in 1825 4.00
"to three Bushals of corn at janies in 1824 0.75
"to Corn (jne barrel at my H(.)us 1.75
"to sawing (3ne Dav at the cros Cut Saw 0.50
"to three i)ints of Whisky in 1826 o. 18
■'to fisick 7 Doases at tweTit\-fi\e cents a Doase. . . 1.75
"to hi^ghunting One Day 0.50"
COMMERCIAL CI'STOMS.
An idea of commercial conditions in dreencastle and the primitive meth-
ods <ji business then in vogue may be obtained from a document prepared tcj
be read before the I'utnam Count}- Historical Societ)' se\eral years ago b\-
James 'ra}lor, one of the old-time merchants then living, whose business ca-
reer extended oxer a long and interesting period of the county's historv.
Among other things he said: "As far back as 1838 the following drv goods
merchants were in business in ( ireencastle : W. H. Thornburgh. William
r.ee. Allison iS: R.ibinson. David Kagan. M. T. 13ridges. W. [. Rider. L. H.
44 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Sands. Josepli Lucas, Isaac Ash. Standeford, Sigler & Co., Proctor, Daggy &
Landes. Reese Hardest}', Silas Jones, James Talbott, Thomas E. Tal-
bott, W. K. Cooper. George \V. Thompson and Granville Holland. Thus,
it will Ije seen that at the time there were twenty dry goods houses in Green-
castle. Or they might more properly be termed general stores, for in those
days what was tenned a dry goods merchant supplied the people with all
their wants. An active, energetic salesman, when business was brisk, would
be able to furnish in the course of one day to a customer or customers a silk
dress pattern, a bolt of muslin, a lady's bonnet, fashionably trimmed, a pair
of boots, a suit of clothes, a silk hat. sugar, coffee, spice, pepper, a shovel, a
spade, a tin bucket, a coffee-pot, a grindstone, ten pounds of sausage, fifty
pounds of home-made soap and a quarter of beef.
"Beginning with the year 1850. many have been engaged in the dry
goods business who have since retired from the field, some of whom are as
follows : D. L. Southard, C. W. Talburt, McC. Hartley, Lucien Lemon,
with his four-horse store. Miller & Jones, Stevenson & Gillespie, G. H. Wil-
liamson. L Hawkins, Sloan & Fordyce. Alfred Hays, A. L. Morrison, G. W.
Corwin. Theodore Bowman. Paris & Turner, Joseph Crow, L. H. Sands,
Thomburgh & Robinson, Taylor & Ames and T. W. Williamson. From
1838 up to about 1854 the number of dry goods stores in the city continued
about the same, when they were met by competition by the introduction of
familv groceries, hardware stores, boot and shoe establishments, notion
houses with fancv goods and millinery establishments, until dry goods stores
have reducetl to the number of five or six.
"In former vears a man engaged in the dry goods business did not lie on
fiowerv beds of ease bv any means. ?klany supposed that where a number of
salesmen were engaged in selling the goods the proprietor had nothing else
to do but lie upon the counter and rest his head on a bolt of muslin. That,
however, is a great mistake. To succeed in the business requires a constant
laborious struggle; and even then success seldom follows.
"It would be a difficult matter to describe the manner of conducting
business in the earlier years without giving in part my own experience, as I
could know but little about the private affairs of others; and in order to do
that I shall begin with the firm of Taylor & Beasley. They bought a stock
of goods on a credit of six months' time with the privilege of twelve by
paving interest after the expiration of the first six months. After receiving
the goods, thev had no place to store them and they bought, also on credit,
an old frame dwelling on the south side of the public square that had a
fifteen-foot square room in it. that had been used for a tin shop. A few
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 45
boards were hastily put up for shelves and thereupon the goods were placed.
It looked very discouraging even in those days to commence a business with
a display that w as made in such a room. Indeed the prospect for trade looked
so discouraging that in a very few months Mr. Beasley retired from the busi-
ness and went north to his farm, leaving the burden of the debts which had
been contracted wholly upon myself, with nothing with which to liquidate
them except the goods; but by a little indulgence from my creditors I man-
aged to pull through. In referring to my own extreme effort to make a
success of the business. I have no doubt that I am but one of many others
who might gi\e a similar experience. I worried along for a time and ex-
changed goods for lumber and work, both of which at that time were cheap,
and had two rooms fitted up in the old frame, each thirteen l)v thirtv-five
feet : and they w ere ipiite respectable for that day. I rented one of them
soon after and occupied the other for a short time for dry goods. I also
rented the upper room; and the rents \\hich I received for about twentv-
fi\e years on those three rooms paid at least forty per cent on the original
investment in the property. I think the general custom was in those davs for
the retailer to buy his goods on six or twelve months" time and the custom
was to sell them on credit from one Christmas to another: but goods were
then sold by wholesale and retail merchants at much better profits than thev
are at present. There were three flouring mills tliat furnished me with flour
to sell on commission, which was quite a help to my business; for I furnished
nearly all the flour consumed in the city for several years, selling from a
hundred to a hundred and fifty barrels per month, at prices ranging from
three dollars up to fifteen dollars per barrel. When the Monon railroad was
being constructed through Greencastle an Irishman had a contract for a sec-
tion between this city and Bainbridge. I furnished him and his workmen
dry goods, flour and other provisions on credit, to the amount of a thousand
dollars. When pa\--day came around he had no money to pav me. but had rail-
road stock, and it being all I could get I had to take that or nothing. I felt
that I was ruined; but fortunately for nie, a few days after getting the stock
a gentleman called at the store and stated that he understood I had some
railroad stock for sale. T said I had. and sold it to him for a thousand dol-
lars in cash. Whether he sacrificed his thousand dollars or not I never knew ;
but I do know that in a \ery short time afterwards the stock was entirelv
worthless.
"It is but little wonder that so many merchants in fomier years failed
to make their business successful. Both merchant and customer had a hard
struggle. It was fre(|uently the case that a customer would run a bill from
one Christmas t(;) another and then execute his note to run another vear. not
46 weik's history of
necessarily from any dishonest moti\-e. but because it was impossible lor him
to get the money. Dr\- goods were exceedingly high compared with present
prices, and the products of the farm very low. Staple goods such as shirting,
sheeting and prints were worth from twenty-tive to thirty-seven and one-half
cents per yard and other goods were proportionately high. The average
price of eggs the vear round was about three cents a dozen; that of butter
six and one-fourth cents: bacon, two and one-half to three cents a pound. I
well remember, when a boy. of taking from my father's farm thirty bushels
of thrashed oats ten miles to the county seat. I made an extra effort to sell
it for monev, but utterly failed and finally, through sympathy for me, a mer-
chant offered me ten cents a bushel if I would take the pay in goods. I ac-
cepted his offer and exchanged the load for a three-dollar hat, which I could
now buy at half the price or less."
F.\CTS OF INTEREST.
Owing to the brief and fragmentary records that have, thus far. been
preserved, it will be necessary, in many cases, to accept the traditions that
have come down to us regarding the settlement, organization, social and com-
mercial development and other essential facts that go to make up the history of
our county. There were no statisticians in the days of our forefathers, no
pubhc officials to secure and record information and nobody kept a dian'.
Hence for manv things we relate we can give no authority beyond the recol-
lection of some early settler.
So far as can be determined, the first white child born in the county was
Marv Jane McGaughey, the daughter of Arthur McGaughey. the first county
clerk. She first saw the light of day February 10. 1822. John Rawley. the
first native of Greencastle, was born in a log cabin near the public spring,
March 2;, 1822. His son John is now judge of the Putnam circuit court.
The first death in the county occurred at Trotter's mill, north of Greencastle.
A man named Dennis, the millwright, died late in 1821, before the county
was organized, and was buried near the mill. Somewhat later a man who
was a stranger in .the community died within the northern limits of Green-
castle and was buried in what was afterwards Jacob Daggy's orchard. The
next death in Greencastle was that of Benjamin Akers. who died about 1825
and whose bod\- was the first to be buried in what is now known as the Old
Cemetery.
The first ta\ern or public house was kept by Jubal Deweese in a log
structure in the middle of the block on the west side of the public .square.
PUTNAM COLXTV, INDIANA. 47
One ot the rooms must have been more or less commodious, for several terms
of the circuit court were held in it between 1824 and i8j6.
The first school in the county was begun in 1S23 and was between Green-
castle and the Forks of Eel and about seven miles southwest of the former
place. The first school in Greencastle was taught in a log cabin (jn a lot near
the corner of Washington and Water streets, diagonally across from Stande-
ford's wool-carding factory. Hiram Stavens and Alfred Burton were among
the first teachers.
The first marriage was that of Thomas Jackson to Sarah Wood. The
license was issued Julv 4. 1S22. but the ceremony was not perfonned till the
I Sth i>f the month. The officiating clergyman was Reuben Clearwaters.
The unusual time elapsing between the date of the license and the cere-
monv is probably accounted for in the following incident which was related
bv Mr. Jackson himself; "I had a good deal of trouble in getting my mar-
riage license. The county clerk had no office and no headciuarters and so I
had to run ar(jund over the county in search of him. \\ hen I found him I
found his office t(jo. for it was in his hat. From inside the lining he pro-
duce<l a paper and made out the license. 1 got a preacher — Reuben Clear-
waters — to marrv us and we at once went t<i housekeeping in a log cabin.
.\])out twij weeks afterward the preacher came to me in the woods, where I
was making puncheons, and said that he had made a mistake and would
have to maiM-v us (i\er again. 1 was very well satisfied with my wife and.
without asking what was the matter. I willingly con.sented and went to the
cabin with him where he repeated the ceremony and I went back to my work."
Mr. Jackson ccjutinued to reside in the county till his death. March 14. 1898.
Had he lived ten weeks li)nger he would ha\e attained his hundredth vear.
THE FIR.ST I'.l'X.
\'er\- early the [)eople saw the need of military protection and ere long
a militia company was f'omied. The story oi its origin and the incidents
leading thereto is stj admirably told in a paper entitled, "The First Gun." read
bv Tarvin C. ( irooms before the Putnam County Hi.storical Society several
years ago that the liberty is taken to reproduce a portion of it here as follows :
■'I am glad to report all I have been able to learn about the famous old
cast-iron si.\-pounder. the first weapon the town e\er iiad, and which has
now become more or less historic. From persons who have lived here much
longer than I. we learn that this old implement of warfare was brought to
the county by the militia regiment which was organized here in the early davs
48 weik's history of
and of which Gen. Joseph (^rr, Gen. John Standeford. Col. Hiram Miller,
Colonel Sigler and several others were prominent members. Thomas Wyatt
savs the old cannon was brought from Fort Harrison by General Orr him-
self; that at the same time Orr brought some old guns for the local military
company, of which Jefferson Walls was the captain. He also brought some
large pistols for a horse company, of which William Bailey was captain.
But for the cannon. One old citizen says that he remembers it very well, but
fired on public occasions. In 1836, when the internal improvement bill was
passed, it was still in use and the citizens were so rejoiced that they took it
that it was much neglected, not being properly housed, and was invariably
to a spot of high ground south of the public scjuare and west of the old col-
lege on Jackson street and fired it off in the direction of Putnamville, be-
tween which place and Greencastle there had been much rivalry over the loca-
tion of the countv seat. On this occasion George Thompson lost an arm and
Doctor Tarvin Cowgill was injured in the hand by a premature discharge.
The gun was frequently hauled out and fired off, whereupon people living at
a distance from Greencastle, hearing the sound, would immediately drive to
town to learn the news. On one occasion Peter Albaugh, who lived near
the mouth of Little Walnut, heard it and at once struck out for Greencastle
on his swiftest nag to learn what was up. On arri\-ing he found a group of
persons standing at the northwest corner of the public square, among whom
he observed Washington Walls, Lewis H. Sands. Daniel Sigler, Arthur Mc-
Gaughev and Dr. W. B. Gwathney. On driving towards them and inquiring
what had happened, he was blandly informed that one of their most distin-
guished citizens had moved out of town that day and they had simply fired
oft' the old gun as a manifestation of their complete satisfaction and approval.
"On the Fourth of July, 1845, in connection with a widely advertised
celeljration of Independence Day, the people were asked to assemble at one
o'clock, the notice to be the proper signal from the gun. But the signal never
came for the reason that at davbreak Frank Hensley and \\'ashington and
Clinton Walls, together with several other young men in town, had quietly
drawn the old gun to the commons southwest of the public square and im-
mediatelv south of the residence of Judge John Cowgill, who then lived on
the northwest corner of JMadison and Walnut streets. After being loaded
with copious quantities of sod. yellow clay and other like substances, it was
discharged, but alas ! it w as the last salute the old weapon was destined ever
to fire! Under the glorious enthusiasm of the day it had exploded, one of
the pieces, weighing sixtv pounds, striking the home of Judge Cowgill, Xo-
body was injured. The fragments were gathered together and the whole
advertised for sale. .\ man named Wolf, who had been operating a small
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 49
foundry on the west side of town, became the purchaser. Later Wolf
changed his location to Albaugh's mill, about a mile and a half southwest of
town, and transferred the fragments of the old cannon there. One day he
undertook to melt the latter, but without success, for the old iron became
refractor}- and refused to melt. One of the largest pieces lay about the old
mill for years and was finally thrown into the branch, where, covered by the
gradual deposits of earth and gravel, it will sleep undisturbed until, in the
distant future, some vandal antiquarian shall disinter and expose it as a relic
of prehistoric times."
TAVERNS AND PUBLIC HOUSES.
As alreadv noted in these pages, Jubal Deweese was the first landlord
in Greencastle ; but he was ver}- speedily followed b}' John F. Seller, who
opened up a ta\ern or public house in a cabin on the southwest corner of the
public square. After Jubal Deweese. on the west side of the square, came
Pleasant S. Wilson on the same lot. while about the same period Joseph H.
Lucas and Hudson Brackney held forth on the north side. In 1826 Elisha
King was also engaged in entertaining travelers, his place being on the east
side of Indiana street, between Washington and W'alnut.
"These early tavems," relates Thomas C. Hammond, who, until his re-
moval to California recently, was the oldest native-born resident of Green-
castle, "had their pretentious names such as Social Hall, Franklin House,
Washington Hotel, etc., and usually had a sign post twenty or thirtv feet
high in front of the house with a large sign-board bearing the name or some
emblem or coat of arms, as the proprietors apparently traced their origin
back to ancestors entitled to such distinction. John Lynch, one of the best
known 'landlords,' as the proprietors of these ta\'erns were usuallv called,
succeeded to the good will of the house kept by Pleasant S. Wilson on the
west side of the public square, but did not remain there long until he had
traded some land he owned west of town for a house and lot on the east
side of the public square and known as part of lot ur. In this last location
he catered to the public as proprietor of the Washington Hotel. It was
known as a place where a Democrat could find congenial spirits. I don't
mean such spirits as they are accused of calling up or down, but those of the
Jacksonian style. Colonel Lynch, as he was familiarly called, was a great
admirer of the Sage of the Hermitage, and indeed by many was thought to
resemble him in appearance. This house was the only one in Greencastle
pretentious enough to ha\e a large bell to ring out the signal for meals. The
(4)
5°
WEIK S HISTORY OF
tones (jf this bell, I have no doubt, are yet remembered by many of the older
citizens. The bovs of the town used to intepret them to say, as they rang out
in the morning air, 'Pig tails done! Pig tails done!' After. Colonel Lynch re-
tired from the house the bell was sold to Washington Walls, who established
the Putnam House in the year 1859, on the lot lying at the northeast corner
of Washington and Vine streets. The last ring of the historic bell was on
the night of the great fire in Greencastle, October 28, 1874, when as the bel-
fry of the old Putnam House toppled over and fell into the seething flames
below, the bell was heard to say for the last time, 'Pig tails done!" John
tlanmiond was another innkeeper, having succeeded to the business of
Elisha King about 1826. Hammond's hmise stood where the Banner ofiice is,
on the corner of Franklin and Vine streets, and was called Soci_alJifll.l. It
was noted for its good table and care for the comfort of its guests. The new
proprietor was a staunch- Whig, a Republican, and an Abolitionist when it
was thought to be a crime, and in his later years an ardent advocate of tem-
perance. He was a native of Maryland and left that state because of his
aversion to slavery. James Ricketts, another noted member of the craft
and a native of New Jersey, occupied a house on the west side of the public
square, but about the year 1854 removed to the lot on the southwest corner
of Vine and Washington streets, where he established himself and called
his house the N^-tional Hotel. Here he held forth to the favor and satisfac-
tion of the traveling public until a short time before the great fire of 1874.
"I have only mentioned a few of the old-time tavern-keepers, although
manv others have for short periods and some for many years catered to the
wants of the traveling public. Among them I might mention the names of
James Jones, William S. Collier, James Matlock, and, in more recent years.
Scott & Woolrich. Uncle Jack Jones, who for a great number of years kept
the house now known as the Belknap, then as the Jones House, afterwards
continued the Jones House on the comer of Walnut and Jackson streets, the
location now occupied by the Commercial Hotel. Uncle Jack — John F.
Jones was a noted character and justly esteemed one of the popular land-
lords in the West.
"The early-day taverns were rarely ever crowded, although they had
only capacity for a dozen or twenty guests each. When crowded, often two
stran-^ers were forced to occupy the same bed, which they did without objec-
tion, knowing that it was the last chance. The traveling public then was
composed almost entirely of persons seeking land for homes or speculation.
It was not long until they were followed by the clock and dry-goods peddlers.
The latter were generally young men fresh from Germany, almost always
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 5I
well educated, speaking different languages fluently, but working a bad stag-
ger at English. It is a noteworthy fact that these young men who first ap-
peared here with a pack on their back afterwards became the proprietors of
large establishments in Cincinnati and elsewhere. It furnishes a lesson to
the young men of the country of what can be accomplished by enterprise and
persistence.
"I have seen the bar-room, now called the office, of one of these taverns
occupied by such lawyers as Tilghman A. Howard, William P. Bryant,
Joseph A. Wright, James Whitcomb, John P. Usher, Elisha M. Huntington,
John Law, Joseph G. Marshall, Samuel B. Gookins, Samuel Judah, Richard
W. Thompson and others of high legal attainments. As a boy I have sat
entranced by the harmonies drawn from the violin in the hands of Whitcomb
and Howard, both of whom v.ere excellent performers.
"The country inn has been called the 'temple of true liberty.' I am
impressed with the truth of this saying, as I recall the big front room in my
father's tavern. It was a veritable forum where public opinion was con-
stantly being moulded and as I remember the wit and arguments flashing
from one to another of the above group while debating the great questions
of the day, I often ask mvself, 'Shall we see their like again?" "
CHAPTER III.
COURTS, COURT HOUSES AND THE BAR.
We have already seen that the law authorizing the organization of Put-
nam county was passed by the Legislature December 31, 1821. Immediately
thereafter the machinery necessary for the proper conduct and man-
agement of the country's business was set in motion, as the following docu-
ment will show :
"Jonathan Jennings, Governor and Commander in Chief of the State
of Indiana :
"To the Sheriff of Putnam county, Greeting:
"You are hereby required and commanded to cause the qualified voters
of the said county of Putnam to meet at their respective places of holding
elections on the first Monday in April next and then and there you shall
cause an election to he holden for two associate judges, one clerk, and one
recorder and three county commissioners and the manner of your return
shall be in conformity to law. Given from under my hand and the seal of
the state this first day of January, 1822.
"Jonathan Jennings.
"By the Governor.
"R. A. New."
^Meanwhile, on March 7, 1822, Jacob Call was appointed presiding judge
of the circuit court. Later George Kirkpatrick and Purnell Chance were
elected associate judges and Arthur McGaughey clerk. William Mcintosh
became sheriff. The commission of the latter, signed by Governor Jennings
at Corydon, August 22, 1822, and sent by mail to Spencer, the county seat
of Owen countv, with instructions to forward to the seat of government in
Putnam county, is still preserved in the files of the clerk's ofifice.
The first court was held June 3, 1822. but the record of its proceedings
is so faded and abraded by use as to be in many places almost entirely illegible.
From what is left, however, we gather that spreading the commissions and
oaths of the associate justices of record, providing for a seal and ordering
grand and petit juries for the ensuing term, constituted the business done at
thie first term of the Putnam circuit court.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. S3
The county seat not having been estabhshed and no suitable building in
which to hold court having been erected, the next term was held, as the record
discloses, "at the home of James Athey," which, it will be recalled, stood at
or near the Forks of Eel river, on September 2, 1S22. The judges were all
present and the same officers of the court as before, with the addition of
Samuel Judah, the prosecuting attorney. The grand jury was impanelled
and duly sworn. As nearly as their names can be deciphered they were
Benjamin Bell, McCoy, Abraham Lewis, Mathew Cole, Richard
Moore, Henr\' Williams, Ephraim Dukes, Joseph Thomas, William Dole,
• Chance, Luke Dyer, Sr., Isaac Anderson and John Stagg. The
first license or permission to practice law was issued at this term of court.
On motion of Samuel Judah, Thomas H. Blake and James Farrington were
admitted and sworn as attorneys. Both the latter were from Terre Haute.
Blake was a native of Alaryland, but had emigrated to the West soon after
the war of 1812, settling at Terre Haute, where he was prosecuting attorney,
circuit judge, member of the Legislature, and representative in Congress in
succession. President John Tyler appointed him commissioner of the general
land office, after which he became president of the Wabash & Erie Canal
Company. He died November 28, 1829. Mr. Farrington was born in Bos-
ton, Massachusetts, and set out for the West about the time he had attained
his majority, arriving at Vincennes in 1819, where he was admitted to the
bar. Within three years he had removed to Terre Haute, where he located
permanently and spent the remainder of his life. He was very active in
establishing the Terre Haute branch of the Indiana State Bank and for a
long time he was its cashier. He represented Vigo county in both branches
of the Legislature and was assessor of United States internal revenue for the
seventh Indiana district from 1862 until his death, October 8, 1869. He was
a conscientious and painstaking lawyer and a man of the highest clerical
capacity, as his briefs and written pleadings now on file in the clerk's office
will attest.
EARLV COURT REC0RD.S.
Two civil cases transferred from Parke county were the first of their
kind to engage the attention of the court. They w-ere entitled John Hamilton
vs. John Collett and John Hamilton vs. William Blair et al, and are suits
for damages for the retention of a drove of hogs. The plaintiff was rep-
resented by Blake and Farrington and the defendant by Charles Dewey.
The record shows that the case of Hamilton vs. Blair was tried on June 3,
54
WEIK S HISTORY OF
1823, and that the plaintiff was awarded judgment. The following consti-
tuted the jur^- : Abraham Lewis, Noble J. Meyers, David Hurst, John Raw-
ley, Benjamin Bell, Richard Moore, E>avid McCoy, Elisha Mullinix, Isaac
Matkins, William Craig and Israel Linder. The name of the twelfth juror is
not legible.
Before court was adjourned for the term the following allowances were
made : James Athey, twelve dollars for the use of his house twelve days for
court purposes; Robert Cunningham, two dollars for room for grand jury
two days ; Cunningham was also allowed two dollars for two days' service
as bailiff, and Justin Goodrich, one dollar for a like service. On the last
day, June 3, 1823, it was ordered that "Court adjourn until court in course
to meet at the house of Isaiah Wright at the next term."
For a brief period and until the spring of 1825 the record is alike scant
and quite incomplete, but from the pleadings written by the attorneys and
the returns of the court oflficers which are still on tile we learn that the busi-
ness of the courts was gradually increasing in volume and importance. Be-
tween September, 1823, and the summer of 1824 the meetings of the court
were held as directed in the residence of Isaiah Wright, whose log cabin was
not far distant and in the neighborhood of the Forks of Eel. The venire of
petit jurors for the fall or September term, 1823. shows the following to
have been summoned : Abraham Coleman, Abraham Lewis, Noble J. Myers,
Israel Linder. David Hurst. George Legg. Abraham Leatherman, Frederick
Leatherman. John Oatman, John Reed. Robert McCain, John Rawley, Joseph
Patterson. William Craig, Reuben Clearwaters, William ^IcCray. Elisha
Mullinix, John Miller, Amos Robertson, Benjamin Bell. Isaac Matkins, Rich-
ard Moore, David McCoy and Isaac Legg. Those selected for grand jury
service at the same time were: Thomas Higgins, Aaron Harlan. Samuel
Arthur. Elijah Crawford. Robert Cunningham, James Kelso. Charles Hed-
rick. John Colton. Luke Freeland. David Higgins. Samuel Chadd, Ezekiel
Hart. John Duncan. Elisha Hyatt. Jacob Clark. Garrett Gibson. Jonathan
Humphrevs. Isaac Bell. Jubal Deweese. Joseph Thornburgh and Mathew
Cole.
Meanwhile, the county seat question having been settled, the judicial
machinery of the new county was moved to Greencastle. The court house
not vet having been built, the sessions of court were held, beginning in the
fall of 1824, at the house of Jubal Deweese, a log cabin on the west side of
the public square, where Blake's oi)€ra house now stands. In May, 1826, as
appears fmm certain records in the clerk's office, court was held also in the
home of Joseph Orr; however, it is supposed a court house was built, for.
as appears by the record, court was no longer held in private buildings.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 55
The character and volume of htigation at this period shu\vH that tlie
people were somewhat reluctant to call on the courts for a settlement of their
disputes. There were but few suits on notes, less for enforcement or viola-
tion of contracts and never a personal injury or damage suit. Criminal ac-
tions v.ere equally few and unimportant. One proceeding of frequent oc-
currence in the records is the application for a writ ad quod daiiiuiun. \ man
desiring to erect a dam across the stream for a mill would apply to the court
for the prixilege. whereupon the latter would direct the sheriff to summon
■'twelve tit persons in the bailiwick" whose duty it was to "examine the lands
proposed for the erection of said dam and mills, likewise the lands above and
below the same, the property of other persons which might overflow by the
erection of the dam to the height required and to say what damage it will
be to the several properties, and whether the mansion house of any such
proprietor or proprietors or the curtilages, orchards, yards or gardens of
any such proprietors will be injured or overflowed; also to inquire whether
and in what degree fish of passage or ordinary navigation will be obstructed,
whether and by what means such obstructions may be prevented and whether
in their opinion the health of the neighbors will be annoyed by the stagnation
of the water." Usually the twelve men chosen decided in the applicant's
fa\or and the dam was promptly built.
Of the civil actions, as often happens in a new community, many were
slander suits. One of the earliest was William M. Blair vs. John Hamilton,
filed in Parke county, September 17. 1822, and transferred to the Putnam
circuit court for trial. In this instance the defendant is said to have charged
plaintiff with stealing hogs. .Another filed June 3. 1823. entitled Benjamin
Johnson vs. John Huffman, charges that defendant "in the presence of divers
good citizens of this state and in conversation with same, in a loud voice
spoke, uttered and published these false, scandalous and malicious words
concerning tiie plaintiff: 'He stole indigo and d}ed his socks with it and I
can prove it ' " .V majoritv of the criminal actions were offenses of the grade
of aft'rav and assault and batterv. and later we find in the records prosecu-
tions now and then for selling litjuor unlawfully. The first indictment
was returned September 9, 1S22. and charged that Xathan Parker, late of
Tipt()n townshi]). in the county of Putnam, on "the first day of August in the
year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and twenty-tv.D. with force antl arms at
Longwaystown in the county of Wabash and in that part of said county of
Wabash under the jurisdiction of the county of Putnam, one bay mare of the
value of thirty dollars did feloniously steal, take and carr\' away, etc."
The complete records, which are missing after the close of the June term,
56
WEIK S HISTORY OF
1823. are resumed again in 1825. They show that the circuit court convened
in Greencastle May 5, 1825, with John R. Porter as presiding and John Smith
and John Sigler as associate judges. John Law was the new prosecuting at-
torney and Robert GHdeweil was admitted to the bar. Among the proceed-
ings at this tenn was the indictment of Polly Henry for perjury — being the
first criminal charge against a woman — and Silas G. Weeks for retailing
liquor in violation of the law. At the October term of that year the same
court officers were present. The first petition by an administrator to sell the
lands of a decedent was filed at this temi, and related to the sale of the lands
of Thomas James, the father of the late Stanfield P James. The elder James
wa.s murdered near Cloverdale by an insane man named Robinson who slipped
behind him and shot him while he was engaged in chopping wood. Robinson
soon after committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. This was the
first murder in the county. At this term James Whitcomb, afterward Gov-
enor of the state, appeared as attorney for the plaintiff in the suit of Storm
vs. Gibson.
The May term, 1826, was held at the house of Gen. Joseph Orr in Green-
castle, with the same judges and court officers present. One of the proceed-
ings is the report of the grand jury with reference to the jail. The body
holds "that the jail of the county is insufficient, that it needs a lock to each
door and that the steps of the same need fastening to the wall." The report
is signed In- "Joseph Jackson, Foreman." That our forefathers also had a
pure food law is shown by a proceeding in court at this term, wherein Noah
H. Drewry was tried for selling unwholesome provisions. This term of
court is also noteworthy in that it contains the record of the first divorce
suit. Charity Mullini-x vs. Elisha Mullinix. At the following temi in October,
Henrv Secrest, destinecl to be one of the greatest lawyers in this part of In-
diana, was admitted to the bar. At the May term in 1827 Joseph F. Farley
was admitted to the Ijar. Arthur Mahorney was the first man tried for gamb-
ling and Lewis H. Sands and Henry Secrest for sending and accepting a
challenge to fight a duel. Of the latter charge Sands and Secrest were ac-
quitted, but were convicted on the charge of canying concealed weapons.
At the October term. 1827. John M. Purcell was tried and convicted on the
charge of vagrancy. He was fined and hired out for a month, the proceeds
of his labor being applied towards the payment of the fine and his support.
In 1828 Sigier and Smith gave way as associate judges to David Deweese
and William Elrod. William McLitosh was still sheriff and Arthur Mc-
Gaughey clerk and John Law prosecuting attorney. The record of the May
term. 1830. shows that John Law had meanwhile been promoted to presiding
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PfTNAM C(.)UNTY, INDIANA. 57
judge of the '"se\enth judicial circuit." Tlie following order appears in the
record of this term : "Ordered by the court, that the following space of land
be and the same is hereby laid off and designated by the following metes and
bounds, around the county jail, as and to be called and termed Prison Bounds
for said countv. to wit ; Beginning at the northwest corner of the town of
("ireencastle in said county, thence south to Poplar street, in said town, thence
east to Water street, thence north to the northern boundary of said town to
Liberty street, thence west to the place of beginning; such bounds to include
the space covered by the several roads or streets as bounding such space as
aforesaid." The October. 1831. term was presided over by George W.
Johnston, Judge John Law having meanwhile resigned.
At the April term, 1832, Amory Kinney became presiding judge and so
continued till the fall of 1836. Shortly before this. Associate Judge Deweese
gave way to James Rankin. Li May. 1837, Elisha AL Huntington appeared
with the commission of presiding judge and served as such until the May term,
1 84 1. He was followed by William P. Bryant, who for the ensuing three
years occupied the bench, the last year having as his associates George Pearcy
and [Moses T. Bridges. In 1844 Judge Law returned to the bench and served
till November, 1849. Robert N. Allen having in the meantime succeeded
George Pearcy as associate judge. Judge Law having resigned, was suc-
ceeded for a brief time by Samuel B. Gookins, whose associates were Robert
X. Allen and William G. Duckworth. In 185 1 Delana R. Eckels came upon
the bench, being commissioned by the Legislature for a period of seven years.
-\llen and Duckworth were still associate judges.
Judge Eckels, who easily advanced to the front rank of his profession
in Indiana, emigrated from Kentucky and was admitted to the bar of Put-
nam county in April, 1S33. In October following John C. Childs, another
Kentuckian. was admitted to practice and in March, 1835, Edward \V. Mc-
Gaughey, the son of Arthur ^IcGaughey. the clerk of the county, was like-
wise added to the roll of attorneys practicing in Putnam county.
The office of associate judge ha\ing been abolished James Hughes was
made circuit judge for a period of six years, but having resigned before the
expiration of his term. James M. ?Ianna and Ambrose B. Carleton in succes-
sion were appointed to fill the vacancy. In March. 1857, Judge Hanna. hav-
ing lieen regularly elected in the preceding fall, resumed his place on the
bench, but ere long he again resigned, whereupon Solomon Claypool was
chosen to fill out the unexpired term. In April. 1865, Judge Eckels returned
to the bench and served until October. 1S70. being succeeded by William M.
Franklin, who filled out the remainder of Judge Eckels' term. In 1872 Solon
^8 vveik's history of
Turman was elected and continued to serve until his death in i88_'. Since
Judge Tumian's death the judges of the thirteenth circuit, which includes
Clay and Putnam counties, in the order named have been Sdas D. Coffey,
Samuel AI. McGregor, Presley O. Colliver and John M. Rawley, the present
incumbent.
When the county was first organized the probate business was transacted
by the associate judges, but after 1828 a judge was appointed to take charge
of all probate matters. The first one to officiate in that capacity was Joseph
F. Farley, who, as appears from the record, served till the close of the year
1830. Judge Farley was born in Shelby county. Kentucky. April 15, 1791,
and early in life joined an expedition against the Indians who had committed .
the Pigeon Roost massacre in this state. Later he was a soldier in the war
of 1812. serving in Richard M. Johnson's regiment in the battle of the
Thames. An incident occurred after the latter engagement which in later
years the Judge was fond of narrating. After the death of Tecumseh many
of the white soldiers gathered about the body to secure some souvenir of the
dead chieftain. One of the fomier called Farley aside and exhibited a piece
of skin which he had stripped from Tecumseh"s back and which he coolly pro-
posed to take home with him and use for a razor strop. The revelation not
only shocked but aroused Farley. He denounced it instantly as a wanton, in-
human and barbaric desecration. "It is unworthy a brave soldier and espe-
ciallv a Kentuckian," he exclaimed angrily. " and if my comrades are so lost
to all sense of decency and humanity as to mutilate the dead body of a fallen
enemy, even though I have no authority to prevent it. I shall not look upon
their hideous work." He was as good as his word and. deaf to all arguments,
nothing could induce him to look upon the body of the dead Indian. When
the office of county auditor was created Judge Farley was the first incumbent
of the same, serving till November. 1855. In 183J he was associated with
John C. Chikls in the editorship of The Hoosicr, the first newspaper ever
published in the county. He died in Greencastle August 6. 1868. Judge
Farley's successors in charge of the probate court were John Cowgill. George
F. Watennan. Reese Hardesty and William Lee, in the order named. The
last probate judge in the county was Robert Glidewell. who filled the position
from May, 1846, until 1851. when the probate court, so-called, was abolished
or superseded by the court of common pleas after the adoption of the new
constitution. From the latter date until 1873. when the court of common
pleas was also abolished by the Legislature, the following persons in the order
named presided over that court: John Cowgill. Frederick T. Brown. Wil-
liam M. Franklin and Harrison Burns.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 59
LAWYERS OF PUTNAM COUNTY BAR.
Some of the greatest lawyers in the state have at one time or another
appeared in our courts and our local bar has always been held in the highest
regard for its ability, skill and devotion to professional ethics. Thus far
the records fail to show a single case of disbannent or the evidence of the be-
trayal of a trust. The following attorneys have, at various times, been
practitioners in our courts: John Law, Hugh L. Livingston, Thomas F. G.
Adams, Craven P. Hester, Cephas D. Morris, Moses Cox, Robert Glidewell,
Joseph F. Farley, Henry Secrest, Delana R. Eckels, Tobed E. Beard. Henry
C. Brown, Samuel Judah, James Farrington, Thomas H. Blake. Reuben C.
Gregory, Richard W. Thompson, Amory Kinney, John P. L'sher, Edward
W. McGaughey. Addison L. Roach, James M. Gregg, Christian C. Nave,
David McDonald, Jonathan D. Harvey, Tilghman A. Howard, Joseph A.
Wright. George L. Waterman. Joseph E. MclDonald, John Cowgill, Crom-
well W. Barbour. Samuel B. Gookins, Oliver H. P. Ash, Thomas H. Nelson,
Daniel W. Voorhees, Harvey D. Scott, Solomon Claypool, William A. Mc-
Kenzie, Caleb B. Smith. Oliver H. Smith, James Whitcomb, John A. Matson,
Russell L. Hathawav, Delana E. Williamson, James M. Hanna. William K.
Edwards. John P. Baird. Isaac N. Pierce. Chilton A. Darnall. Columbus D.
Seller. Plenry \V. Daniels. John C. Turk. John Hanna. Addison Daggy, Reu-
ben S. Ragan. Diilard C. Donnohue. Justice S. Bachelder. James A. Craw-
ley, William PI. Xye. Ruljert M. Crane. Milton A. Osborn. John S. Jennings.
Alarshall A. Moore, James J. Smiley. Frederick T. Brown, Willis G. Neff.
John Starr. Henry H. Mathias. James S. Xutt. Jonathan Birch. Weller P..
Smith. Gustavus H. Voss. William A. Brown, Courtland C. Matson. Joseph
S. McClary, Henry I\[artin. Lucius P. Chapin, John R. Miller, Thomas Hanna.
Granville C. Moore. Thomas Brannan. Tarvin C. Grooms. W'illiam S. Eckels.
George .\. Knight. Silas D. Coffey. William W. Carter, Samuel McGregor.
John M. Rawley. William R. Guthrie, Charles E. Matson. Allen T. Rose.
George D. Peters, Curtis Compton. John R. Gordon, Silas A. Hays. Thomas
T. Moore, John P. .\llee. Benjamin F. Corwin. John D. Reed. Henry C.
Lewis. J(jhn H. James. James T. Denny. Charles T. Peck. R, P, Carpenter.
Francis M, Lyon. William H, H. Cullen. Jackson Boyd. Theodore Crawley.
James F. O'Brien, James P. Hughes. Alonzo F. Jacobs. William M. Sntherlin.
C. C. Gillen. .Arthur Stevenson. George Blake, George M. Wilson, Charles
Mc(iaughey and .\ndrew E. Durham.
6o weik's history of
COUNTY CLERKS.
The first clerk of Putnam county was Arthur McGaughey, whose term
of service extended from the time of the organization of the county in 1822
until April, 1S43. His successors were William S. Townsend, who served
till 1850; Jacob McGinnis. till 1859; Melvin McKee, 1867; Henry C. Priest,
1873; Milford-B. Rudisill, 1874; Moses D. Bridges, 1882; John W. Lee,
1890; Daniel T. Darnall, 1898; and John W. Houck, 1902. The present in-
cumbent of the office is James L. Hamilton, who was elected in 1902.
COUNTY AUDITORS.
Until 185 1 the duties of clerk and auditor were performed by one person,
but after that the offices were separated. The first auditor was Joseph F.
Farley, whose term expired in 1855. He was followed by Samuel Woodruff,
who served till 1863 ; Elijah T. Keightley, till 1866; Henry W. Daniels, 1867;
William S. Mulholn, 1875; Harrison M. Randel. 1879; James Edwards,
1883; McCamey Hartley, 1887; James L. Randel, 1891 ; George M. Black,
1895; William L. Denman, 1899; Peter F. Stoner, 1903; and Clement C.
Hurst, 1907; Daniel V. Mofifett. the present incumbent, was elected in 1906.
The first sheriff was William W. Mcintosh, who. after a long period of
service, was succeeded by George Secrest. Fielding Priest came next and
served till 1836; David Rudisill till 1840; Edward R. Kercheval, 1844; Archi-
bald Johnson, 1848; Joseph Collier, 1852; Joseph Siddons. 1854; Anderson
Johnson, 1856; William L. Farrow, 1858; John R. ]Mahan. i860; William
S. Collier. 1862; John McKee, 1S64; Green Burrow, 1866; John S. Apple-
gate, 1867; Levi Woodaim, 1868; George W. Sherrill. 1872; James Stone.
1876; Closes T. Lewman, 1880; James Brandon. 1884; Leander L. Lewis,
1S88; William B. Vestal, 1892; Francis M. Glidewell. 1S96: Richard Buntin,
1900; John F. Cooper, 1904; David Maze, 1908; Frank M. Stroube. the pres-
ent incumbent, was elected in 1908.
COUNTY TREASURERS.
James Talbott was the first county treasurer, having been elected to that
office bv the countv commissioners in 1S28; James McAchran, Isaac Mahan,
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
6i
Samuel Woodrutt and Edward R. Kercheval appear to have filled the office
until 1855, when Isaac Wright was elected; Wright served till 1857, being
succeeded by John Gilmore, who served till 1861 ; Samuel E. Parks, till 1863;
James G. Edwards, 1865; William E. D. Barnett, 1867; Joseph B. Sellers,
1869; John Gilmore, 1871; Harrison M. Randel, 1875; Richard S. Farrow,
1879; Henry Hillis, 1881 ; William R. Grogan, 1885; Ephraim Tucker. 1889;
Willard Bowen, 1893; George W. Hughes, 1897; James Browning, 1901 ;
John Edwards. 1905 ; and Edward McG. Walls, 1909. The pfesent treasurer
is Jasper Miller.
RECORDERS.
Originally the clerk performed the duties of the recorder of deeds also,
but in 1836 a recorder was chosen in the person of William E. Talbott, who
served as such till 1842, when David Rudisill took the office and filled it till
1850. William Lee succeeded him. serving till 1855; next William H. Shields,
till 1859; CHnton Walls, 1867; John Crane, 1875; George Owens. 1879:
Daniel Mahoney, 1887; Daniel Hurst, 1895; Benjamin Harris, 1903; Henry
Blue. 1907: Lawrence Athey, the present incumbent, was elected to succeed
Mr. Blue.
SURVEYORS.
The following persons have performed the duties of surveyor: Joseph
S. Patterson and Robert Glidewell from the date of the organization of the
county till 1832; William H. Shields, till 1841 ; Samuel H. Catherwood, 1843;
William H. Shields, 1854; John McClaskey, 1856; Lewis H. Rudisill, 1858;
John McClaskey, i860; Lewis H. Rudisill, 1862; Harrison M. Randel. 1870:
Philip Rudisill. 1872; Joseph Frakes, 1874; William H. Hedges, 1876;
George Hendricks, 1880; Ransom H. Walls, 1886; James F. O'Brien. 1898;
Arthur Plummer. 1903. Since the latter date Aleck Lane has been chosen to
fill the office.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
Another court of quite as much if not greater importance than either the
circuit or probate courts was the commissioners' court. From the record of
its proceedings we learn much of the earlier history of the county. L'n-
fortunatelv for us. however, as explained in a former chapter, the record
62 weik's history of
from the organization of the county in 1822 until 1828 has been lost or de-
stroyed so that we must accept as true some things during the period named
which can not be verified by the highest grade of proof known to the law,
viz. : a written record made at the time the action or transaction took place.
Beginning with 1828. however, the record is complete and as no better idea
of the nature and extent of the county's development can elsewhere be ob-
tained the liberty will be taken to reproduce here, although without attempt-
ing to conform to any particular order or arrangement, such items as will
tend to afford us the required light. In May, 1828, the business of the county
was intrusted to what was called the board of county justices. It consisted
at that time of sixteen justices of the peace as follows: John Hubbard, who
was the president; George Mcintosh. Eli Brackney, William Elrod, Alex-
ander Galbreath. John Denny, John Swift. Arthur Mahorney. Peter Gilstrop,
Thomas Heady, Benjamin Wright. William McCarty, John Reel, Joshua
Gillet. David Lindley and David Swank. Their first act after convening
May 5. 1828, was to elect a county treasurer. But one ballot was taken, result-
ing in the election of James Talbott. who received eleven votes as against
five cast for Isaac Ash. Pleasant S. Wilson was appointed keeper of the
public pound, at fifty cents per day, and the clerk was authorized to issue-
license to David Rudisill and Philip Carpenter to "retail spiritous liquors and
vend foreign merchandise"' for twelve months. One item in the record for
this term will serve to indicate not only the style of architecture then in vogue
but the county commissioners' idea of art as follows : "Ordered that the
plan of the painting of the first and third story of the cupola of the court house
be changed from red to white." The board also fixed the rate of taxation
for county purposes, the same to be : "Twenty-five cents on each poll ; horses,
twenty-five cents; oxen, twelve and one-half cents; gold watches, one dollar;
silver watches, twenty-five cents; brass clocks, one dollar; town lots, fifty
cents on each one hundred dollars; pinchbeck watches, twenty -five cents."
At the January term in 1829 it was "ordered that John F. Seller be allowed the
sum of four dollars for dieting ( ?) prisoners, etc."'
THE FIRST COURT HOUSE.
We have already seen that as late as 1826 the circuit court met at the
house of Joseph Orr on the north side of the public square. After that, there
being no further mention in the records of the court having met at a private
house, it is presumed that the county had, meanwhile, erected some sort of a
court house; but what style of building it was, how large, what it cost or
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 63
when completed cannot now be determined for the reason, already mentioned,
that the records of the county commissioners' court prior to 1828 are not on
hie.
At the September, 1828, term of the commissioners' court we find an
order that "the agent of the county be and he is authorized to pay over as fast
as he can collect, the money that may become due to Amos Robertson on the
last payment on the court house contract," and at the May term, 1829, a com-
mittee consisting of John Reel, Eli Brackney, Alexander Galbreath, Isaac
Alahan and John Denny make the following report: "We, the undersigned,
being your committee appointed to examine the situation of the court house,
have proceeded to examine the same and beg leave to report that we find the
same in an untinislied situation." The committee was further directed to
meet in Greencastle on the "first Saturday in June next to settle with Amos
Robertson ; to estimate the amount of money that may probably be expended
on the court house during the present year; to engage workmen on the best
terms to finish the house and to make any necessary arrangement in relation
to the partial or total continuance of the work." Meanwhile it would seem
as if Robertson had failed to complete the building or in some other way
had defaulted in his contract for. in July. 1829. the record shows that the
commissioners enteretl into a contract with Arthur McGaughey who for six
hundred ninety-nine dollars and ninety-three cents had agreed to finish the
court house by September, 1830. Of this sum, one hundred fifty dollars was
advanced to McGaughey before the close of the July term. Among other
orders issued by the board at this session was one appointing Isaac Mahan
"agent for the management of the Publick Spring," with authority to contract
with Charles Secrest for clearing ofif the timber from the lot and sowing it in
blue grass and "when the same is done said Charles shall be freed from any
right of action that may heretofore have accrued to the county by any trespass
heretofore by him said Charles done on said lot."
Meanwhile, the court house committee at the September term, 1829, ap-
pear and report the court house "complete with the exception of one Venetian
l)lind in the northwest corner of said house — upper window," and at the Janu-
ary term in the next year it is "ordered that Amos Robertson be allowed
three hundred fifty- four dollars and forty-four cents so soon as the board
finds the treasurv' able to discharge the same." Although the county now had
a court house, yet it soon became too small and inadequate for the growing
business of the new community. Within two years it was found necessary
to erect a separate building for the use of the clerk and recorder.
64
WEIK S HISTORY OF
At the May term, 1833, the records show an order directing that "the
clerk's office be built ten feet west of Indiana street and ten feet north of
Washington street fronting west." At the November term in the same year
it was ordered that "the clerk's office be removed to the south end of the
building erected for that purpose and that the recorder's office be removed
to the north end of the same building forthwith, that the work on the inside
thereof be received by the board and that Isaac Mahan be allowed one hun-
dred dollars for work done in erecting said offices." Prior to this the clerk's
office was in private quarters, for we find an order directing a payment to
John Hammond of "twelve dollars and sixty-six and two-third cents for
house rent for clerk's office." That even after the erection of the new build-
ing for the clerk's office there was more or less friction is shown by an order
made at the November, 1835, tenn of the commissioners' court, directing
"that the two rooms heretofore built for the use of the clerk and recorder of
this county be from this time forward considered as a clerk's office only and
that the clerk fix the same to suit himself at his own expense." A year fol-
lowing this entry appears in the record : "The order heretofore issued allow-
ing the clerk the use of the recorder's office is hereby rescinded and the re-
corder is informed thereof and directed to remove the books and papers of his
office to said room."
Meanwhile the entries in the record at this period relating to the matter
of a court house are more or less confusing — so much so, in fact, that it is
difficult to determine whether they relate to a court house built before 1828
and left unfinished or to a new building then under construction. For in-
stance at the November term. 1833, it was "ordered that Thomas Gibbs be
allowed thirty-five dollars for work done plastering the court house." At the
March temi, 1834, it was further ordered that John Cowgill be appointed to
take charge of the court house and see that it sustains no damage from any
quarter whatever and that for the purpose aforesaid he is authorized and re-
quired to take the kevs of said house and to incur any small expense in secur-
ing the windows and doors." Again at the September term in the same year
it is recorded that "the committy after examining the plastering of the
court house do think the plastering strong and that it ought to be and by the
full board is received and that Thomas Gibbs be allowed a further payment
of sixty-five dollars on his contract." At the November term, also, in the
same year Isaac Mahan, Peter \\'. Applegate and Pleasant S. Wilson were
appointed a "committee to contract with competent persons to repair the court
house, that is to sav, the window blinds, window glass and window bolts so
as to secure the windows inside from being opened outside and the doors
also, together with the repairs of the chimneys."
PUTXA.\[ COL'XTV, INDIANA.
ERECTION OF A JAIL.
In Noxeniber, 1836, Isaac Mahan, Wesley White and Hudson Brack-
ney were directed to superintend the "building and erecting of a new jail with
power to act in their sound discretion." In May. 1840, the "conmnttee on
erection of new jail for Putnam county" report that they have contracted for
the erection of a building thirty-si.x b\' twenty-se\en feet siiuare. of brick and
two stories high, the "debtor's room to be furnished strong and plain, with
fire-place and substantial oaken door. The criminal room to be built inside
the brick wall, with oak timl^er nine inches si[uare. One iron door and one
oak door, one and one-half inches thick — flooring throughout of oak." Sam-
uel Taylor and James M. Grooms w ere appointed superintendents. The rec-
ord does not indicate precisely when the new jail was completed, but at a
session of the commissioners' court in December. 1841. it was reported that
the edifice was insecure, whereupon it was "ordered that the inside be lined
with two-inch oak plank and that iron ijars be placed around doors and win-
dows of the thickness of one-half inch and in width four inches. The planks
spiked with wrought-iron spikes five inches long — the bars around the doors
and windows to be counter-sunk to the heads of the spikes." John S. Jen-
nings was appointed superintendent and an order was made to sell the old
jail, the proceeds to be applied to fence around jail lot. A large jail was un-
necessary, for on examining the records of the twenty-eight criminal causes
tried in the spring of 184J, we learn that fourteen of them were for unlaw-
ful sale of liquor, si.x for horse racing, four for assault and batterv, one for
carrying concealed weapons and three for gaming.
For several years after the organization of the county there was no
central place to which the indigent poor or those who were charges on the
public could be taken, but in Januan,', 1836, the commissioners decided to
provide an asylum for such cases and to that end purchased of Henry Batter-
ton a farm in Marion township, which is still owned by Putnam county. In
March James Mc.Xchren, John Duckworth, John Collings and Anderson B.
Mathew s were appointed a committee to superintend the construction of neces-
■sary buildings thereon. The record further states that Daniel Chadd was
appointed visitor to the poor farm and that his duties were to make sugges-
tions from time to time to the county Ix^ard regarding the management there-
of. William Patrick was engaged as superintendent at thirteen dollars per
month and Dr. William E. Talbott as phvsician.
(5)
66 WEIKS HISTORY OF
A NEW COURT HOUSE NEEDED.
As the population and business of the county continued to grow the pub-
lic buildings soon became more or less inadequate. At the March term, 1844,
of the countv commissioners' court a motion carried appointing a committee
consisting of one justice of the peace from each township to inquire into the
probable e.xpense of erecting new offices for the clerk, auditor and recorder, to
be made fire-proof of adequate size, etc. The committee consisted of the
following : L. B. Harris, Washington township ; J. L. Merrill, Warren ; D.
Scott, Jeff'erson; A. Van Dyke, Marion; John Miller, Greencastle; Levi Mann,
Madison; Caleb C. Osborn, Clinton; Dillard C. Donnohue, Monroe; A. B.
Mathews, Floyd; William M. Saunders, Jackson; Thomas Miller, Franklin,
and John Leaton, Russell. This committee at the June meeting reported
that the existing clerk's and recorder's office were reasonably "fire-proof and
that further expense upon said office would be improper." The matter of
new or improved facilities for storing and caring for the public records — in
other words the project of a new court house — was thus laid aside for the
time. But it did not slumber long, for in 1846 at the March term of the com-
missioners' court, Delana R. Eckels moved the adoption of the following
resolution : "Resolved, That it is the duty of this board to take some prepara-
tory steps toward the erection of a sufficient court house for the transaction
of public business, and the convenience of the people of Putnam county." A
spirited and somewhat acrimonious argument followed, but on the call of the
aves and noes the new court house partisans were successful by a majority of
seven as follows : Ayes — James Athey, Lloyd B. Harris, Thomas Shipman,
Thomas Morris, William McKinley, John S. Jennings, William W. Berry,
John Miller, Samuel Adams, Caleb B. Osborn. James Johnson, Joseph Albin,
Stacv R. Youn-^man, Dillard C. Donnohue, James L. Boyd, James B. Wilson
and John Leaton. seventeen. Noes — John M. Purcell. Curran E. Swift.
David Barnes, Isaac Hurst. Ouinton Van Dyke. Robert Case, William Per-
kins, William Sanders. Thomas Miller and Sylvester \V. Perry, ten. The
board thereupon appointed John K. Dawson, John Reel, Francis Dunlavy,
William Arnold and Xorval F. Kennedy a committee to prepare plans and
receive bids for the material and for the construction of a court house. The
record further shows that at the September term, 1846, on motion of John S.
Tennino-s, it was ordered that the new court house to be built should be sixty-
fi\-e feet long and fifty feet wide and that the cost should not exceed eight
thousand dollars. It was further ordered that Elisha Braman be authorized
PUTNAM COLNTY, IXDIAXA. 67
to prepare a draft or plans of the new structure, the same to be deposited with
the auditor, who should give public notice that bids for the erection of the
building would be received on the second day of the December term. Bra-
man's plans were accepted and the board thanked him and made him a small
allowance, \^'hen the bids were opened on December 9th it was found that
Elisha .Adamson was the lowest bidder, his figures being eight thousand five
hundred dollars. He was duly awarded the contract, with George K. Steele
and John Sunderland as his sureties. The old court house was at the same
time sold for one hundred fifty-one dollars to William S. Collier, who was
required to remove it before the following June. Isaac Mahan was appointed
superintendent of constmction. During the erection of the new building it
was "ordered that the several courts be held in the county- seminary and the
county clerk establish his office in some suitable room on the pubHc square."
The construction of the new building was, therefore, begun about July, 1847.
At the December term of the commissioners' court, contractor Elisha Adam-
son presented the following report of his operations up to that time:
"^75/^2 perch stone at $2.00 S 351.00
"Digging 9.54
'■'118,800 Brick at S6.50 772.20
"132 feet Collums at $2.00 264.00
"Collum Caps 50.00
"Original Brick and stone work finished 3.300.00
"Amount of carpenter work done 3.500.00
$8,246.74
"Orders issued to E. .-Xdamson 1.920.00
$6,326.74
"E. Adamson.
"Greencastle, Dec. 6."
At the Alarch, 184S. term of court it was ordered that contractor Adam-
son be directed to omit the vaults marked in the draft under the stairways in
the court house, he having agreed to deduct from the amount of his original
contract the sum of twenty- four dollars in consideration thereof. The board
also agreed to receive "the brick pilaster caps when well plastered with water
lime cement instead of the wooden caps ordered in the original specifications."
At the June temi, 1S48, it was ordered by the board that Elisha Adamson be
68 weik's history of
instructed to varnish the judge's seat in the new court house, provided it
costs no more than the painting would cost if done according to contract."
Also that Isaac Alahan, Samuel Emerson and Abraham Moore be "authorized
to superintend the completion of court room, to procure three dozen round
arm-chairs for court room, three dozen painted split-bottom chairs for grand
and petit jury rooms and procure a carpet." September 4, 1848, the board
met in the county seminary building. ''Elisha Adamson receipted for two
thousand si.x hundred sixty-four dollars and ninety-two cents in full for bal-
ance due on court house contract, and announced that the court house was
complete and officers authorized to move in as soon as practicable." Isaac
Mahan and Joseph Collier appointed a "committee to grade the court house
yard, furnish suitable stoves and pipes and have rock fixed under conductors
to carry off water, also to sell old clerk's and recorder's office for the best
possible price."' December 5, 1848, "ordered that sheriff have authority to
rent for an office one of the jury rooms below in the court house to William
A. McKenzie." On March 6, 1849, "ordered that common council of Green-
castle and their officers may use middle room on west side of the court house
below the stairs, when unoccupied by court or juries, for fifty cents per
month." June 5, 1850, John Cowgill, James Jones, Clinton Walls, William
Albin, Samuel M. Dyer, James Sill and John S. Jennings appointed trustees
of county library-. Clinton Walls as agent to collect scattered volumes and
replace in library. The library to be for the present in middle room, west
side down stairs, of court house." September 4, 1S50, "ordered that middle
room down stairs on west side of court house be rented to Chilton A. Darnall
for law office at one dollar and twenty-five cents per month, and northwest
corner room below to Delana R. Eckels at the same rental."
The court house was now complete and no longer the occasion for the
fruitless and irritating controversy which its construction awakened. A
plain but classic structure, with massive columns at either end, it stood for
years, like some mute sentinel, o'ertopping every other building within its
view. Larger and more capacious than necessary, its builders nevertheless
looked beyond their needs and builded for the future. And lo, the future
was not far away, for within fifty years it was found to be greatly inadequate
and unsuited to the new century's requirements. To dwell on the develop-
ment of the beautiful and artistic structure which now graces our public
square would be an unnecessary repetition, for every school boy knows its
history and almost every one, "citizen and sojourner" alike, saw it but a few
days ago rise majestically from a heap of earth and sand and shapeless rock
to a graceful and prepossessing combination of steel and glass and sculptured
stone.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 69
THE PRESENT COURT HOUSE.
The first step towards its construction was an act of the Legislature of
1901. introduced by our representative, Hon. John H. James, which author-
ized a special election in the county on the proposition of a court house build-
ing at a cost of not e.Kceeding one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The
election was held in 1903 and by a ver)' significant and substantial majority
the voters fa\ored the court house. A board of construction, consisting of
the three county commissioners, T. D. Brookshire, V. B. McCammack and
Samuel H. Judy, and three other well-known citizens, George W. Hanna,
James McD. Hays and James L. Randel, was organized and to their viligance,
firmness, honesty and good sense do we owe much of the success of this great
enterprise. After e.xamining many plans, they accepted those prepared by
J. W. Gaddis. an architect living in Vincennes. On July 29, 1903, a contract
to erect the building was made with Caldwell & Drake, of Columbus, Indiana,
and as soon thereafter as the old building, which was sold to Andrew Black
and James B. Nelson for twenty-seven dollars, could be removed the new one
was begun. The comer stone was laid October 29, 1903. and the building
completed and dedicated July 4, 1905. A bronze memorial tablet on the wall
of the rotunda fi.xes the cost of the building at $144,977.13 ; heating plant and
sewer, $17,385.69: furnishings, S13. 366.60, or a total of $175,729.68.
CHAPTER IV.
EARLY SETTLERS AND INCIDENTS.
As late as 1836 the county clerk, by order of the commissioners, was
issuing certiticates for two dollars to any one who might kill a wolf over six
months old "and half that sum for wolves under six months;" all of which
goes to prove that the transition from the blazed trail and greased paper
window to the railroad and the daily paper is after all a slow and labored
evolution.
The early settlers of Putnam county were as healthy, vigorous and as
susceptible to social and moral improvements as any other community of like
environment. Comprised mainly of the more progressive and adventurous
spiri^ from Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and other older- states,
they were easily inured to the privations and lack of comfort which life in
a new country invariably necessitates. "The moral character of these early
settlers," says one writer, "was generally of a high order. They were honest
in their dealings, industrious by habit and charitable toward their neighbors.
That they were deeply imbued with the principles of the Christian religion
may be inferred from their very early establishment of various church organi-
zations. On the contrar}-. that they were subject to some of the vices incident
to the time in which they lived need not be concealed. But. they possessed
within themselves the elements of their own correction."
No better history can be written, nothing more vividly reproduced than
the recollections by our forefathers of their early days in the isolation and
solitude of the wilderness; and from such sources are we made to realize how
the pioneers lived; how, in spite of adverse conditions, they developed and
how^ much we of this day and generation are indebted to them for the com-
forts we ourselves enjoy. As a faithful portrayal of primitive conditions in
Putnam county, I take the liberty of quoting from a paper read before the
Putnam County Historical Society on "Old Landmarks" by Albert Lock-
ridge in May. 1895. "Almost eveiy witness of the earliest days in Putnam
county." said Mr. Lockridge, "has gone to his reward and yet. strange to
relate, one of these who was here when the county was created and who helped
to mould it into one of the political divisions of our great state is still living.
I refer to Thomas Jackson, of Marion township. Bom in Bourbon county.
PUTNAM COUXTY, IXDIAXA. J I
Kentucky, Alay j8, 1798. he is still well preserved pliysically and nientallv and
an interesting specimen of the hardy and adventurous pioneer. The writer
recently visited him and gleaned from his reminiscences many items of early
history that ought not to be lost. Speaking of his arrival in Putnam countv.
he said it was an unbroken wilderness. One of his neighbors was Samuel
Chadd and together they planted and cultivated a crop of corn, exchanging
work. Mr. Jackson — or Uncle Tommy, as he is generally known — did the
plowing and Chadd manipulated the hoe. The harness and plow were of the
most primitive type, the former simply a shuck collar with linn tugs, and
the plow of the usual mold-board variety. The linn bark, — that is. the inner
bark of the linden tree. — from which tug. straps, strings and thongs were
made, was first soaked in a neighboring 1)ranch' until it became soft and
pliant, when it was doubled antl twisted into various sizes according to the
use for which it was intended. It was also used for bed cords, well-sweeps
and plow lines. It is also safe to infer that four or five feet of the larger size
was occasionally used judiciously and with apparent profit in disciplining an
indolent or refractory plow-boy.
"Clearing the timber was a difficult ami laborious operation. Water
stood everywhere through the dark woods and the settlers had to wade in it
up to their knees, sometimes, as they felled and carried the logs with hand-
pikes to the huge heaps. Mr. Jackson related that after fifteen or twenty
successi\ e days of such laborious toil the pioneer, hardy though he was, would
be well nigh fagged out. While in his youth in Kentucky Uncle Tommv
managed to save a hundred dollars. Returning to that state for it, he had
to give fifty of it to get what was called 'land-ofiice money," — that is, silver.
He agam set out for Indiana and with his uncle, James Lightall, entered one
hundred sixty acres of land in what is a portion of the Terry farm in the
eastern part of Putnam county. This was his first entiy. Later he sold
his interest for three hundred dollars and entered the land on which he now
li\'es.
"At that time there were several Indian camps in the neighborhood, two
on what is now the writer's fann in Marion township, and one on the Nichola.s
Cofifman tract on the right bank of Big Walnut creek. Uncle Tommv fre-
quently visited these camps, for the Indians were very friendly. He related
that he was at a camp on one occasion when the Indians were preparing a
feast by cooking a coon in a kettle. With an Indian's habitual contempt for
cleanliness, they were cooking the animal with the customar}- 'trimmings' ;
that is with the hair, hide and claws. When this smoking mess was skill fullv
harpooned out of the kettle by a greasy squaw, Uncle Tommv was in\ited
J2 WEIK S HISTORY OF
to dine ; but his appetite for dinner had vanished and with the usual protesta-
tion of thanks he felt impelled to decline the invitation. It was at this same
camp on Big Walnut that he saw the grave of an Indian only recently buried.
The mound was enclosed in a mde pen built of buckeye logs which the red
men had cut into proper lengths with their tomahawks. This barrier of logs
had been erected to keep wild animals from digging up the body.
"Church services in the early days of Putnam county were held princi-
pally at camp-meetings and occasionally in the primitive school houses, there
being no meeting houses. At one time a very strong and noted preacher held
protracted meeting in the school house. He awakened a deep interest among
the settlers, which in some cases has left its imprint to this day. While in
attendance at one of the meetings. Uncle Tommy saw a woman run up into
the pulpit to receive what was called a 'holy kiss' from the preacher, a cere-
mony A\hich. if in practice at this day. would speedily result in an overcrowded
ministry-.
"The earlv grist-mills were vers- clumsy affairs, being run by water and
in some cases horse power. One of these mills stood on the banks of Deer
creek a short distance south of where Mr. Carmel church was erected in later
years. It was owned and operated by Samuel Hazlett. Sometimes the miller
was so overcrowded with grists that he would ha\e to place tallow dips in
different parts of the mill so as to run at night. Stores, even of the usual
country \arietv. had not yet found a place in the clearing, for on one occasion
Uncle Tommv was forced to ride to Bloomington to buy a little coffee for
his own use. He often accompanied James Woods, who was a noted hunter,
in search of wild honey. On one of these expeditions he underwent an ex-
perience, common enough in that day. but one which forever dispels the
readilv accepted illusion that tight shoes and the mi.sery thereof fell entirely
upon a later generation. He had worn a pair of deer-skin moccasins, but
they became so tight from continually wading through the water, which stood
in pools even-where, that when he returned home it was necessaiy to cut them
off his feet with a knife.
"Moccasins in that dav were frequently made with wooden soles. In
the sumn:er season thev were ven- satisfactory, but when the snows of winter
fell they were decidedly inconvenient. The snow w ould keep clogging up on
the wooden soles, becoming thicker and thicker, and with each step the wearer
rose in the air higher and higher until suddenly and without notice the mocca-
sin would lose its burden and the owner drop down sideways or plunge head-
long forward.
PLT.VAM COl'NTY, INDIANA. 73
"The horses of tlie settlers — fences Ijeing ahnost unknown — were hob-
bled to keep tliem from getting o\'er the logs and straying off into the wilder-
ness. The hoijbling was accomplished by tying the hind feet of the animal
together. One day Uncle Tommy's horse strayed off into the forest and he
and his neighbor. James Woods, set out in search of him. Before they had
gone very far they came uiK)n a hear cub sitting or lying on top of a stump.
Woods at once turned about to hasten home for his rifle. Just then there
was a terrific scratching in a hollow tree nearby and presently the head of the
old hear appeared at the top. As soon as the old animal espied the woodmen
she flrew in her head and came tearing down. She reared up on her hind
feet and waddled belligerently toward the men. ^Vith the quick sense of
prompt action which life on the frontier seems to create. Woods jerked an
axe out of the hands of EHck Miller, a man who had meanwhile joined the
hunters, and speedily despatched the old bear and three of her cubs.
'"On another occasion Uncle Tommy had gone over to Amos Robertson's
house to get a bushel of salt. Robertson had made it his business to haul
salt to the new settlement from the Ohio river. Xearing the forks of Eel.
his horse shied at something ahead in the pathway, when suddenlv a large
animal ran across and disappeared into a thicket. Uncle Tommy took it to
be a hog. Xed Rogers coming along. Uncle Tommy told him what he had
seen. In a short time Rogers reappeared with his dogs and gun and ere long
they came ui)on the animal lying behind a log. Rogers at once fired at him.
but his aim was too high and the bear started to mn. At this moment Dr.
A. C. Stevenson, who was passing by. heard the noise and rode up. Learning
\vhat had occiuTed. the Doctor set out after the bear and presently caught
up with him. The dogs were snapping and biting at the big animal, who
would endure it for a time and then rear up on his hind feet and fall back-
wards in the hope that his weight would crush some of the irritating dogs.
The battle continued thus with varying success until a man named Owens,
\\ ho had joined the party, drew his rifle and despatched the bear."
THE SPIRIT OF THE PIONEERS.
Looking back, it is hard for us to belie\-e that our forefathers could be
induced to lea\e conifortai)le homes in Kentucky, Tennessee. North Caro-
lina and el-e\\hei"e. knowing the pri\ations that awaited them in the une.x-
plored regions of central Indiana. But there is and always has been in the
heart of man a restless desire to penetrate the new countries and no danger,
no hardship, has ever been found formidable enough to deter the voung.
74
WEIK S HISTORY OF
hardy and venturesome emigrant who sets out for the land of promise. That
same spirit prompted the early navigators to cross the seas and scale the
mountains and it will incite future generations to further deeds of daring and
conquest till every part of the habitable globe shall have been peopled.
"I left Tennessee with my wife and two children," relates an old Put-
nam county settler, "with all my worldly goods in a cart drawn by one horse.
On the wav my money gave out and I was forced to sell the cart and pack
the goods on the horse, my wife riding with one child in her lap and the other
behind her; I walked and led the horse. In this way I reached Indiana in
1 82 1. I stopped for a time in Washington county to earn a little money be-
fore coming to Putnam county. At first I had a hard time uf it, frequently
walking several miles a day to work at fifty cents a day to procure corn for
bread and seed. In a few years I was able to raise a crop and gradually ac-
quire more land.
CL.MM CLUBS.
"There was a kind of freemasonry among the old settlers. They formed
themselves into clubs, the workings of which were known only to themselves.
They had their regular officers and their law was extreme against all intruders
on their claims. Sometimes innocent persons were injured by these clubs,
but they had their choice — to join the club and become acquainted with the
wav of working or give up their land. Here are some of the by-laws of these
claim-clubs which e.xisted in Putnam county and which many old pioneers
will recognize :
" 'Whereas, self-protection and the peaceable possession of property are
essential to the happiness and prosperity of the people, and whereas reckless
claim-jumpers and invidious wolves in human form are prowling through the
country for the purpose of robbing the settlers of their claims and of the
means of support, therefore be it resolved.
■' ■( i) That we pledge ourselves to protect every member of this club
in his rights of claim as against the presumption of adverse parties, without
fear of the world, the flesh or the devil.
"■(2) That no person shall be allowed to pre-empt or to purchase
from the government any claim of a member of this club without the un-
equivocal consent of the member.
"'(3) That the filing of any intention to pre-empt in contravention
of the right of any member hereof shall be regarded as an attempt to deprive
one member of his rights under the eternal fitness of things and we pledge
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 75
ourselves one to another to meet the offenders on the home stretch, with logic
of hfe or death.
" '(4) That a committee of three be chosen whose duty shall be to
hear and adjust any disputes, evasions or disagreements that may arise with
members of this club or any case where claims of members are in dispute
with outside adverse claimants of any character whatever.
" '(5) That we pledge ourseh'es to sustain and uphold our committees
in the performance of their several duties and to enforce their decisions and
adjudications to the very letter with force and arms if necessary.
" '(6) That a cordial invitation is hereby extended to every citizen of
the county to sign these by-laws and assist in their faithful execution and en-
forcement." "
The enforced exclusion from the outside world did not sadden the hearts
of the early settlers or imbue them with melancholy reflections. Their spirits
never drooped. They were happy rather than hopeless, co-operating with
each other in every undertaking. This harmony of purpose and unity of ac-
tion drew theiu together in a bond so strong and unyielding that the very
foundations of society are now built upon it. They realized that, as they
sowed, posterity would reap.
SOCIAL CONDITIONS.
"Their long isolation from outside society," writes one who was him-
self an early settler, " frequently not seeing any one outside of their own fam-
ilies for months, had caused a sort of bash fulness in the presence of strangers,
which in some cases was never fully recovered from. But amongst them-
selves, the feeling of jovially and sociability fairly boiled over and their many
social meetings frequently became enthusiastic and genial in the highest de-
gree.
"I remember once of visiting a family in Putnam county that had seven
daughters. On visiting the same family some years later and seeing none
of the girls, I inquired what had become of them. The father informed me
that he had married them off on the 'buckwheat straw principle." That is,
when he wished the cattle to eat his straw, if he saw them anywhere about
he would set the dogs on and drive them off. He said it wouldn't be long
I^efore they would slip around and eat it all up. He had applied the same
principle in marrying off his daughters. When a young man came to see
them who was bright and he thought would make a good husband he would
'go for" him and tell him he couldn't come to see his girls. It wouldn't be
long l)efore they would get up a correspondence, meet in the neighborhood
j6 weik's history of
and make a match. The father always reluctantly gave his consent. In this
wav the daughters were all married off and well settled in life."
Life on the frontier, however, had its redeeming features. The men
were universally vigorous and gifted with fine constitutions. There were
none of the diseases that now afflict us and which are due to our superheated
houses, lack of ventilation and over-indulgence in rich food. Their amuse-
ments, though not so varied as the recreation we enjoy today, were none the
less refreshing and appropriate. Their music was the hum of the spinning
wheel and the loom and they were lulled to sleep by the hoot of the owl and
the sighing of the wind through the forest.
"When newcomers arri\'ed," relates an old settler, "they generally
stopped with relations or former friends until they could select claims and
build their own cabins. I remember one instance in which a cabin was oc-
cupied by four families at the same time and in addition was the stopping
place for travelers and land-hunters. So it will be seen that the house was
crowded to its utmost capacity. When bed time arrived the first family
would take the back part of the cabin and so filling up by families until the
limit was reached. The young men slept in the wagons outside. In the
morning those nearest the door arose first and went outside to dress. Meals
were served on the hind end of a wagon and consisted of corn bread, butter-
milk, fat pork and occasionally hot coffee to take away the morning chill.
On Sunday they had a change, bread made out of wheat, trod by horses on
the ground, cleaned with a sheet and ground with the com cracker by hand.
This was the best the most particular could obtain and this only one day in
seven. In giving this bill-of-fare I should have added meat, of which they
had plenty. Deers could be seen daily trooping through the woods and wild
turkeys without number. Bears were not uncommon.
"Doctors were rather scarce and as a general rule the people did their
own doctoring, or some handy, accommodating person in the neighborhood
who had learned from wider experience a little more of the common ailments
of the human system, as also the most natural relief for them, stood always
ready to give the benefit of their superior knowledge and timely advice with-
out cost to all the afflicted ones who called for their aid.
"On account of the condition of the roads, traveling was done principal-
ly on horseback. The value of a family horse was estimated according to
the number he could carry. When the family increased beyond the capacity
of his back there were always some by that time who could walk.
"All the money that was brought to Putnam county to purchase land
and stock was in currency and was paid out in large amounts. It was kept
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA.
77
by the farmers without tear of robbers. It is related by Anhur McGaughey
that after he was elected clerk of the county he was in the habit of putting all
the money he received in one of his wife's blue stockings and keeping it under
the bed. When remonstrated with by a neighbor for his carelessness with
the funds intrusted to his care, he answered : 'Tut. tut, man ; there is no
vault in America as safe as my wife's stocking.' "
AN INTERESTING REMINISCENCE.
Though not conforming to chronological sequence or otherwise adhering
to any particular order of presentation, yet as a faithful and vivid reproduc-
tion of frontier life nothing can be more illuminative or impressive than the
reflections of an early settler in Putnam county. J. D. Carter, who subsequent-
ly moved to the west. His reminiscences, printed in one of our county papers,
are of such real historic value the liberty is taken of reproducing portions of
the same here.
"All the experience of the early pioneers of Putnam county." he relates,
"goes far to confirm the theory that happiness is pretty evenly balanced in this
world. They had their own privations and hardships, but thev also had their
own peculiar joys. .A. common interest and a common sympathv bound them
together with the strongest ties. Neighbors didn't wait for an invitation to
help each other. If there was a house-raising or a log-rolling, they came with
as much alacrity as if they were all members of the same familv, bound to-
gether by the ties of blood. The nature of their environments taught these
earl}' settlers to dwell together in this manner; it was their only protection.
They had come far aw ay from the well established reign of law and entered
a new countr}-. Each man's protection was in the good will of those about
him and the thing any man might well dread w as the ill-w ill of the communitv.
It was more terrible than the law.
"Brazil Pursell was one of the men who reached Putnam countv before
I did. He was there on a prospecting and hunting excursion before Green-
castle had been selected as the county seat. He and John Leroy on one oc-
casion treed and finally captured a half-grown black bear. After a pro-
tracted struggle, in which Leroy's hands and face were more or less lacerated
the latter succeeded in binding his captive and taking him in triumph into
camp. Subsequently he passed through Greencastle with his pet on his wav
to the far West, but that place was a mere hamlet, there being but a few log
cabins about the court house s([uare. Leroy was fond of telling the reason
why breakfast was late one morning during his stay in Greencastle. The
78 vveik's history of
landlord had for some time realized that his larder was growing empty, but
was in hourly expectation of supplies. The evening before the pantry had
become bankrupt, but the host was in hopes his team would come with pro-
visions before morning. But hope deferred maketh the heart sick. At early
dawn the landlord looked wistfully in the direction he expected his wagon,
but in vain. Finallv he mounted a horse and rode to a house down the road
where he secured some meal and a half side of bacon and immediately re-
turned home. The half-dozen hungry boarders sat in front of the log build-
ino- pining for the flesh pots of civilization and soon their spirits arose and
their mouths began to water. Far away to the northwest came the landlord
riding like a jehu holding aloft the half-side of bacon as a sign of relief.
"Mr. Pursell attended one of the first weddings in the county. The
father of the bride spent several days riding about among the settlers in order
to obtain flour enough to make the wedding-cake. He was unsuccessful and
returned home much disappointed ; but the bride and her brother were equal
to the emergency. They pounded com in a mortar dug out in the top of a
stump, the pounding being done with an iron wedge attached to a pole which
in turn was fastened to a sweep. Of the com pounded in this way the finest
was taken for the wedding cake which, when sweetened with maple sugar
and properly baked, was highly relished by the guests.
"It is strange with what pride the pioneers speak of their old log cabins.
I doubt if there was ever a happier people than those sheltered by them.
With equal pride they speak of the one-legged bedstead, a piece of furniture
long since obsolete. It was made of poles fastened into holes of the required
size bored into the logs of the cabin. If set up in one corner of the room, as
was often done, but one leg was required. Upon these poles clap-boards
were laid or linn bark interwoven from pole to pole. Upon this primitive
structure the bed lav. The convenience of a cook stove was not to be thought
of; but instead the cooking was done by the faithful wife in pots, kettles and
skillets in and about the big fireplace and very frequently over and around the
distended pedal extremities of the lord of the household while he was indulg-
ing in the luxury of a cob-pipe and discussing the probable result of a con-
templated deer hunt up Big Walnut.
"The mention of hunting reminds me of an incident which happened
during one of my excursions into the wilds in quest of game. I was ac-
companied by Samuel McNary- and when we were several miles southeast of
Bainbridge we noticed a queer looking heap in the woods not far from our
path. On approaching, we found to our dismay that beneath the mound of
leaves and bark with his head and face only visible lay the form of a little
PUTNAM COUXTY, IXDIAXA. 79
boy. Remox'iiig the covering, we found him entirely nude save for a few
rags around his neck and waist. Life being not extinct, we proceeded to
divest ourselves of what wraps we could spare, for it was a cold, chilly day,
and then took turns in carrying him to Bainbridge, where I secreted him in
my harness shop until I borrowed some clothing from Aunt Milly Damall.
Meanwhile I reported to the overseers of the poor, who were James O'Hair
and John Cooper. They bound the boy over to me till he was twenty-one
years of age. He was so emaciated that the bones in some places protruded
through the skin and the wonder is that he survived. I raised and educated
him and he became a useful man. Later investigation proved that he
^vas descended from a good family on his mother's side. She being dead,
his father, through dissipation and lost to every feeling of humanity, suffered
the woman with whom he was living to drive the children from home. Sub-
sequently two others were found and bound out.
"Raising a crop the first year was an absolute necessity for the early set-
tler. The failure of a crop meant more to him then than at anv time after-
ward. I have seen a man cut down elm and linn trees so that the cattle might
feed on the buds in order to get them through the long winter. In that case
the man had arrived late in the fall and had been unable to secure feed, hence
the necessity of turning the stock out to browse. In this way many of the
settlers who came in late succeeded in bringing their stock through the winter.
But they could not ha\e endured the siege much longer, as thev found in the
spring that there was not much more vitality than was necessarv' on the
part of the dumb brutes to enable them to get around and graze upon the new
grass sufficiently to recruit their ^\•asted bodies.
"Money was so scarce that but few of the newly-arrived immigrants
had more than enough to secure their lands. They devoted their time and
energies to clearing land and assisting each other in building cabins and roll-
ing logs in the winter and spring months. It was often the case that after
preparing the ground ready for the plow they would find their horses had
strayed away, they having been turned loose to graze that the corn might be
saved to feed while they were worked. Horses going astray frequently be-
came a serious matter. Owing to the sparsely settled condition of the country-
it was almost useless to make iiKjuiry. It was a well-established fact that when
a horse tried to return to the country from which it was brought he took a
direct line, paying no attention to roads or improvements if possible to o^et
through, often climbing and descending bluff's which sometimes seem
impassable.
8o ' WEIK S HISTORY OF
"After spending days and sometimes weeks in the fruitless search for
their strav animals, the pioneers would return to find their families almost
destitute for want of food. In such cases they never appealed to their more
fortunate neighbors in vain. They often realized the beautiful saying of our
Savior, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' It was not uncommon in
such cases of misfortune that the families were compelled to live on bread
and milk. The wild onion or ramp, so common at that time, was thj first
\egetation in the spring and was eaten by the cows, causing their milk to be
unfit for use. These, with many other annoyances common to a new country,
caused some to become discouraged and leave the .country, but they were
generally of that class who 'go back to their wives' folks.'
"Some left and returned again. John Fosher, who lived in the northern
part of the county and who never knew a person too poor to credit for a sack
of corn meal, proposed to give those who wished to leave five bushels of meal
if they would agree to give him ten bushels of corn should they return. Many
accepted this offer. Mr. Kosher informed me that enough had returned and
'acknowledged the corn' to more than remunerate him for all that he had
given.
"The agricultural implements of the early settlers were much in contrast
with those of the present time. The only plows they had were what they
styled 'cork-screws.' The mold-boards were of wood. Some say they
would kick a man over the fence and kick at him three times after he was
over. The old 'cork-screw' plows did good service and must be awarded
the honor of first stirring the soil of Putnam county. It was quite a time
before the introduction of the groimd-hog threshing machine. I have always
wondered whv thev were not adopted as an implement of war. for they cer-
tainly would have been formidable at short range to blind the advancing col-
umns by throwing wheat in their eyes. There was no attachment for separat-
ing the wheat from the chaff. It was put in bins and cleaned at leisure by
sheet or wind-mill. Corn was gathered by snapping it from the stalk and
throwing it on the ground, then gathering up by hand and putting it into
a sledge or wagon and then it was hauled to some smooth place on the farm
and thrown into a rick, after which all the neighbors would be invited to the
husking, when they would proceed to husk and throw it in a pile, .preparatory
to being hauled to the cril) and thrown in by hand. There was no such thing
as a scoop-shovel to handle the grain with at that time. I suppose the labor
performed in gathering the corn at present wages would have cost more than
the corn was worth.
"When hogs were sold they were weighed in the old-fashioned steelyard
scales. Thev were weighed by taking the breeching off the horses and sus-
t PUTNAM COU-N'TV. IXDIAXA. 8l
pending the hogs in it one at a time while they were weighed. flie price was
one dollar and fifty cents per hundred pounds for the best. They were
driven on foot to some market on the Ohio river. The greatest loss I ever
knew to be sustained by stock men in Putnam county was when they paid
the above price for hogs. .\ number of years after^vard they used for weigh-
ing the old fashioned beams with a bo.K to put the hog in. It never entered
their minds to balance against the l)ox. but they subtracted the weight of the
box from every hog. as they did the breeching, and when the present stock
scales were first introduced I have known men to drive five miles to weigh in
the box because the weigh-master failed to subtract the platform and frame
around it from the weight of the hogs. So you will see that the old saying
that our forefathers carried a stone in one end of the sack and the com in the
other is about true after all.
"The young man or v>oman of today, enjoying the blessings and com-
forts of a modern home, can scarcely appreciate the tender and tearful leave-
takings with which the pioneers left their cheerful and inviting homes in
Kentucky for the new and unexplored lands of Putnam county. Though
years ha\e come and gone, the memory of the relatives and friends who
followed us to the turn in the lane will never be forgotten. Brave, self-
sacrificing men and women were they who, severing the ties of home and
kindred, set out for the perils and privations of pioneer life in the wilderness.
I recall vi\idly the arrival of the immigrants who came in wagons, horse-
back, on foot and in every conceivable shape. I shall never forget the dark
and ho()eless outlook when I reached Putnam county on that drearv morning
in March. I had spent the night in Greencastle. and set out on foot the next
morning for my destination in Bainbridge. It had been snowing all night
and I had made a very early start. In the gray of the morning, just as the
last notes of the night-owl had faded away in the distance. I passed the
Seybol(^ place. The heavy snow having bent the boughs of the trees across
the road, it had the appearance of a tunnel. I entereil it almost in darkness
and walked on in silence until I reached .Amos Robertson's, now the Crow
place. There I saw the smoldering fires of some log heaps being replenished
with brush and heard the music of an axe as it felled the timber and I
sniffed the savory bacon as it his.sed and curled in the frying pan. Afrs.
Robertson soon dished up a toothsome breakfast from their scanty supplv,
spicing it with some costly morsel from the store. Coffee, bacon and slap-
jacks were soon disposed of. No forbidding pile of daintv dishes to be
pantried away — just a few tin cups, pewter plate and knives. .\ tap or
(6)
82 weik's history of
t\\ o knocks the coffee groiiiuls from the cups ; a wipe cleans the cups and
knives. Thus the morning dishes are cleaned.
"I stopped for a time with Abram Hillis, who graphically described
the eft'ects of a hurricane which had shortly before passed through the county,
tearing up trees and otherwise destroying property, but got no further than
Mr. Marks' place where I had spent the night. The next morning, having
ao-ain set out on mv journey, I discovered a man lying in the middle of the
road and a horse nearby. I soon discovered that the man's overcoat was
frozen to the ground, the man himself having evidently fallen from his horse
before it began to freeze. He was so completely imbedded in the snow and
mud it was with some difficulty that I was able to pry him loose. When
aroused from his stupor he took some whisky which he had not yet consumed
and I helped him to mount his horse again. He certainly w'ould have per-
ished without assistance. It has always been a mystery to me why that
horse, hungry and cold, remained with his master throughout the night. It
could only have been due to the guiding hand of an over-ruling Providence,
I am sure.
"We traveled on and after a while my unfortunate friend began to
recover himself. In one place we encountered an immense tree which had
fallen across our path and which my companion said had killed the son of
Colonel Piercv while carrving the mail a short time before; also that some
kind of a disease had made serious inroads among the people and that every
man who owned or occupied land along that road from Bainbridge to Green-
castle, with the exception of William Randel, had passed away — an an-
nouncement calculated to afford solemn and serious reflection to a stranger
about to pitch his tent in that neighborhood. I finally arrived at the hurri-
cane-visited spot, about one-half mile south of where Bainbridge now is. The
destruction of timber had been frightful. The track of the hurricane ap-
peared to be about a quarter of a mile in width and its course east and west.
Scarcely a tree was standing in its course. By night I reached Bainbridge,
a hamlet in the woods which contained four families as follows : William
T. Damall, ]. H. Lucas. Adam Feather and Reuben George. Lucas was the
big man of the place — landlord, justice of the peace, postmaster, merchant
and tanner.
"As is invariablv the case in newly settled places remote from the great
rivers or lines of communication, the price of stock, grain and other products
was invariablv low and out of proportion to that of other commodities.
\'erv often after reaching the large trading centers the settler would find
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 83
an unlooked-for advance in tlie price of what he expected to take back with
him and the market glutted with -the kind of produce he had to sell. I well
remember three of my neighbors who went to Lawrenceburg only to find an
oversupply of grain. Being unable to find a customer, they almost gave
their stocks away and in order to secure the necessaries for the party, two of
them were compelled to remain and work a week in a distillery in order to
make up what they lacked in money. Flour was unknown at first and meal
scarce. Meal of home manufacture was made by pounding boiled corn in a
sort of mortar made in the top of a stump. The pounding was done with an
iron wedge fastened to a stick. Various other contrivances were used. Buck-
wheat was ground in coffee mills. In this way flour was ground for many a
toothsome flap-jack. Meat, of course, was very cheap. Bazil Pursell, who
helped build the bridges on the National road in Putnam county, told me that
in 1824 he sold a wagon load of jerked or Indian smoked venison hams in
the village of Greencastle for two and a half cents per pound.
A CHARIVARI.
"When visiting Greencastle in early times I stopped with John Lynch,
who kept a tavern on the west side of the public square. There I always got
good corn bread of Aunt Lucretia's baking, who could put to shame her
modern sisters in the art. On one of these occasions, I think in the winter
of 1835, I was informed by Pleasant S. Wilson that there was to be a chariv-
ari in town that night in honor of the marriage of Robert M. Wingate and
Cynthia Ash. As I had never heard of such a thing and didn"t wish to ex-
pose my ignorance by inquiry, I concluded to stay and hear or see what it
might be. I hadn't long to wait after dark before the sound of revelry began.
It seemed that Bedlam itself had been let loose. I repaired at once to the
scene of disturbance. The figures were all masked, wearing nail-kegs, buckets
antl other devices on their heads. In order to give the reader some idea of
the noise and confusion they created, let us imagine fifty men in a drunken
revelry, with dumb bulls, drums, horse fiddles, horns, bells and tin pans being
beaten, blown, rattled and commingled with their demoniac yells and the
squealing of ducks, geese and chickens, with a cannon fired at intervals, vou
then have a faint idea of that charivari, for all of these things were brought
into requisition to make night hideous. I soon found that I and certain others
w^ere intruders. A spy came around with something on his head like a tur-
key with a long, sharp spike for a beak and by the motion of his head he
could inflict a severe wound, as Jim Lynch could attest. Thinking discretion
g^ weik's history of
the better part of valor, I retired to bed. there to hear every bed post bounced
on the floor bv the jar of the cannon, which had broken many panes of
glass out of the court house and other buildings. On hearing people assemb-
ling in the room below, I immediately descended, to find a council being held
by the better class of citizens to devise some means to save the town. It was
soon decided that Reese Hardesty should disguise himself in P. G. Wilson's
coat and cap and spike the cannon, which he did. But the crowd soon found
it out and Hardesty had to make his escape amidst a shower of brick-bats
and stones, the prints of which remained on the door for years. Later in the
night the enthusiasm of the mob began to wane and I finally returned to my
bed. resolved that I would never again be caught in town on the night of a
charivari.
THE FIRST OYSTER SUPPER.
"On another occasion, after the advent of a few Yankees into the county,
an ovster supper was announced to take place at the hostelry of James
Ricketts— Lhimself a Yankee4-on the west side of the court house square.
Having a great desire to see and taste oysters, which I had never seen and of
which I had often heard my father speak. I ventured once more to Green-
castle to spend the night. On the assembling of the guests it was found that
thev had no more oysters than would supply the Yankees; but their prolific
minds were equal to the emergency and they forwith proceeded to make
cod-fish soup for the Hoosiers, believing that the latter could not tell the
difiference. which proved to be too true; for not one of those present save
the Yankees had ever seen or tasted an oyster. The fraud was complete.
We Hoosiers didn't enjoy the feast very much owing to the fact that we
thought the oysters spoiled by their long transportation. If I am not en-
tirely correct as to details, I am sure my old friend. R. L. Hathaway, may be
able to give some light on the subject, as he was one of the Yankees present
on .that occasion."
CHAPTER V.
EDUCATION IX PUTNAM COUNTY.
In extent of fertile soil, in depth of mineral deposits and certain other
natural resources, it may be true that a few other counties have surpassed
Putnam, but in well-ordered morals, in all the elements of material progress
and especially in the advanced steps it has taken in the matter of school edu-
cation she easily ranks among the foremost counties in the state. Who taught
the first school or where the first school house in each township was located,
can not now in every instance be determined, nor is that infomiation abso-
lutely essential to a correct history of the county. We know that very soon
after the organization of the county — in fact before the county-seat question
was fully settled — schools were being taught in at least two different places,
and as the newcomers appeared and moved up the streams to found additional
settlements, the physician, who is recognized as one of the earliest arrivals
in every community, and the school teacher appeared on the scene almost at
the same time. The early records of the county indicate a zealous care on the
part of the county commissioners in behalf of education. The fines collected
in criminal cases were turned over to the county seminan.- anrl ever\- effort
was made to encourage and stimulate the cause of education.
COUNTY SE.MINARY.
The records at the court house show that an order was issued in 1830
directing John Baird. the agent for the town of Greencastle, to make a
"deed of gift to the president and trustees of the Greencastle Seminary
Society for the use of said society of lot number 30 in said town.'' the same
lying on the north side of Washington street, between Madison and Jefferson,
and now occupied by the residence of Granville C. Moore. On this lot a
one-ston- brick was built, having about two rooms, and which for the time
was the most pretentious structure for educational purposes in the countv.
The curriculum was the conventional course of instruction in the earlv
schools of Indiana: "Readin". writin' and cipherin' to the Rule of Three."
86 weik's history of
The records show a pronounced degree of interest on the part of the county
commissioners, who held the agent of the seminary to a strict accountabiHty.
In March, 1837, it was "ordered that John Thornburgh (agent for the Coun-
ty Seminary) be authorized to permit the trustees of Indiana Asbury Univer-
sity to use the County Seminary for three years on condition that said trustees
loan to the said Thornburgh the sum of two hundred dollars for the pur-
pose of furnishing said seminary — one hundred dollars in hand, the residue
on September ist; that they Will keep an open school free for any scholar in
Putnam county who may choose to avail themselves thereof and that they
will regulate their school so as to have ordinary branches of English educa-
tion taught, such as the alphabet, spelling, reading and writing, etc."
The County Seminai-y at Greencastle therefore must have been some-
what in advance of the other schools in the county. In the other places the
rude log school house with its primitive seats, its imperfect light and its
crude curriculum, held sway, but it only laid the foundation for an education ;
for with the limited funds in the hands of authorities for school purposes
and the poor pay of the teachers but little more could be expected. Though
nominally kept up by public funds, the teacher practically had to look to the
patrons for his pay. After the adoption of the new constitution, in 185 1.
taxes for school purposes began to be levied and the whole educational sys-
tem took a great stride forward.
FIRST SCHOOL BO.VRD.
The historv of the schools in Greencastle. as set forth in the records
of the school board of that city, may be taken as a fair indication of the
growth and development of the school system in other parts of the county.
A few extracts from the latter record may not be without interest. On
April 26, 1853. John Hanna. mayor of the town of Greencastle. issued to
Delana R. Eckels. Russell L. Hathaway and Daniel Sigler a commission as
"Trustees for Schools in the Town of Greencastle." these persons having
been elected bv the common council. The Ijoard of trustees met and selected
D. R. Eckels as president. Almost the first item of business was an order
"that the graded svstem of schools be adopted for the town." Further pro-
ceedings were as follows :
"It has been ordered that the number and classification of schools for the
present vear shall be as follows: Four primary schools, one of which shall
PCTXAM COLNTV, INDIANA. 8/
be in the first ward, one in tlie third, one in the fourth and one in the fifth,
and one high schc:>ol in the County Sennnary. c(jnsi.sting of a male and female
department.
"It is ordered that schools shall commence on the ist day of June ne.xt
antl continue two months, after which a vacation of six weeks, and that the
winter session shall commence on the 15th of September, and the summer
session on the ist of April each year, each session being four and a half
months with a vacation of six weeks between them.
"It is ordered that the county auditor audit and the county treasurer pay
over to the treasurer of the school incorporation the amount of money due
the town from the public fimd and that proposals be published in the three
weekly papers of the town for eight school teachers."
At a meeting of the board held June 4, 1853, the following were agreed
upon as salaries for the teachers: "For principal in the male department of
the high school, thirty dollars per month; assistant in the same department,
tw-enty dollars per month; principal in the female department of the high
school, twenty dollars per month and for all other teachers, fifteen dollars
per month." In .March. 1S54, the school trustees ordered that the school
system of the town should consist of two high schools, one grammar school,
two reading schools, and four primary schools, with a slight advance in the
pay of the teachers as follow s : ".Male high school, thirty-five dollars per
month; feiuale high school, thirty-five dollars; grammar school, twentv
dollars; primary schools, twenty dollars."
TROUBt.ES OF A SCHOOL DIRECTOR.
In 185; the number of school trustees in the town of Greencastle was
reduced from three to one and Charles W. Moore, who had shortly before
graduateil from Aslnny University, was elected to fill the place. A report
in the record m Mr. Moore's handw riting aH:'ords us a rather graphic picture
of school Conditions in (ireencastle at an early day as follows:
"(jreencastle. May 20. 18^5.
" 1 he schools are prospering as a general thing very w ell. Some things,
howe\er. are far from being right. The houses are the merest apologies
for school rooms. There is not a single building in the town as it ouo-fit to
be either in regard to comfort inside or beauty outside. There ought to be
88 WEIK S HISTORY OF
several neat brick houses built, properly ventilated; with good grounds an-
nexed, co\ere(l with shade trees and flowers. Then the school room would
be comfortable and the pleasure grounds attractive. Then the health would
be preserved and the head and heart would be improved."
At this time schools in the various parts of the town were in the most
ca.ses held in private dwellings. In some cases the teachers allowed their own
h(3mes to be used for school purposes and were paid suitable rent by the
school trustee and in others even church dwellings were so used. Among
other buildings utilized by the authorities of this period was the old Presby-
' terian church on the lot at the corner of Jefferson and Columbia streets in
the west part of the city and now occupied by the heirs of the late William
Haspel. but the surroundings were not calculated to promote the cause of
education, as the following report by the trustees seems to indicate :
"July lo, 1835.
"At the old Presbyterian church we have been annoyed exceedingly by
the bad boys of Greencastle. They from time to time have broken the lights
and sash out of the windows; they have broken open the doors, thereby de-
stroying the locks, and having entered, they have broken the brooms, benches
and blackboards and in other ways have defiled the room.
"I have tried to have the law redress these wrongs, but for lack of a
faithful prosecution bv those whose duty it was to see these matters made
right we have been annoyed all term. I at one time handed to the mayor
the names of fifteen or twenty bo\s who had been abusing the school house
and its appendages, together with the names of the witnesses by whom to
pro\e same. A dav was set for the trial, a jury selectetl and the trial duly
entered upon in the case of a portion of the offenders, but through ignorance
of the prosecutor the jury agreed to disagree and through slothfulness and
disregard of dutv of the prosecutor all the offenders were set free and with
a smile pronounced 'Young .Americans.' 'trundle bed trash." etc.. thus making
them worse than ever. ^V'e. however, promise all men that we will break
up these nocturnal school house depredations and good men say. 'So mote
it be." "
Rut even at that dav — 1855 — the tenn Free Schools was more or less
of a misnomer. The tax levied f'lr school purposes was entirely inadequate
and the result was a serious hindrance to the successful operation of the new
system, as the followii^g report of Trustee Aloore. dated December 12. 1855.
w ill indicate :
PLTXAM COCNTV, INDIANA. 89
•it was my design to have the second term of the puhhc scliools begin
the latter part of November and for this purpose I had the houses made
comfortable and had an excellent corps of teachers secured, but the council
saw tit in their wisdom to have subscription schools during the winter and
delay the free schools until the ist of March. By doing this some of the
same teachers were permitted to take the houses and teach pay schools and
obligated themselves to return the houses in good repair, as good as that in
which they received them. The object in delaying the free schools is to get
out of debt, a \ery good idea.
'"C. W. MooRE."
The attendance at the schools of Greencastle in 1855, as shown by the
record, was four hundred and sixty-eight pupils in the common schools and
ninety-two in the high schools, a total of five hundred and sixty. In 1856,
under the administration of Reuben S. Ragan, school trustee, it is shown
that "there were in attendance during the term, one hundred and seventy-
seven male and one hundred and fifty-fi\e female scholars, a total of three
hundred and thirty-two, indicating a "daily attendance of about one-third
of all the children in the town between the ages of five and twenty-one years."
There are n(5 further figures indicative of the school population till 1861.
An enumeration made by Mr. Ragan between July and Septemlier in that
year of all children between five and twenty-one years shows three hundred
and twenty-six males and three hundred and sixty-three females, a total of
six hundred and eighty-nine. The average per family was two and one-half.
The highest number, eight, was returned by two persons only. Dr. Thomas
Bowman, president of Asbury University, and A. V. Hough.
The commonly accepted notion that after the law of 185 1 authorized
the levy of a tax for school purposes the public school swstem went forward
without further delay or difficulty is a great popular misconception. Ten
years after this law which pretended to establish free schools was passed the
schools were anything but free, as the following statement by Trustee R.
S. Ragan. found in the records of the i)ublic schools of Greencastle. will
indicate :
"On the 6th day of January. 1862, I called a meeting of the legal voters
of the city of Greencastle at Tliomburgh"s Hall for the purpose of determ-
ining when i\xii schools should commence. A notice thereof was dulv gi\-en
in the Putnam Rcf'ublicau Banner, a newspaper of general circulation in said
city, at least five davs previous.
CO WEIK S HISTORY OF
"On said day a large number of the citizens at the time and place men-
tioned assembled and after due deliberation, on motion of J. F. Jones, the
trustee was directed to postpone free schools until the 14th day of April,
1862, which was accordingly done. Said meeting also directed the trustee
to go forward and secure by rent, buildings suitable for school rooms, prop-
erly furnish the same and also employ teachers, etc.
"The trustee, after having ascertained what school rooms could be
secured (the city having no school rooms of its own), called another public
meeting at the court house, there being no more suitable place for holding
same, on the 4th day of April. 1862. at which time a veiy large number of
persons assembled and the trustee laid before them the business of the meet-
ing. He was unanimously directed to rent the Seminary building, the Acad-
emy building, the Fort, as it is called, a building owned by Mr. Gorrell, Mrs.
Johnson's building and such others as would be needed ; fitting the same up
as they might require."
After the above report the records are silent — in fact there are no
records after 1862 until 1866. when, under the efficient management of the
school trustees, whose number had again increased to three, funds were now
forthcoming to build substantial, modern, brick school buildings. The build-
ing in the second ward was constructed in 1867 and soon thereafter followed
the erection of another like structure in the first ward, which last building
was completed in 1869. Since that date two more buildings have been
erected and plans are now being made looking to the erection of a high school
building, larger and more commodious than any of the others.
In 1867, by which time the school attendance had greatly increased, and
the schools themselves had realh", for the first time, been graded, it was
found necessary to put at the head of the school department a competent
person to supervise the work of the teachers and administer the educational
affairs of the city. With that end in view, the board of school trustees on
September 6. 1867. selected Greencastle's first superintendent of schools in
the person of Gillum Ridpath. Professor Ridpath served for one year, being
followed in .succession by S. D. Waterman. E. P. Cole. George W. Lee. J. N.
Study. T. M. Olcott. Tames Baldwin and R. A. Ogg. Horace G. Woody, the
present incumbent, has filled the office since 1898. There are seven instruc-
tors in the high school, and thirteen teachers in the various grafles. The
enumeration of school children in 1909 showed a school population in the
city of eight hundred and seventy-two.
That the schools of Greencastle in all that pertains to bettemient of
sanitary conditions, in attendance, discipline and the incentive to higher
PUTNAM COUXTV, INDIANA. 9I
ideals have kept pace nith the best schools in the state is clearly shown in a
paper recently prepared by Prof. H. G. Woody, the school superintendent.
After alluding to the advance in school methods, and that the real aim of
modern education is a higher ideal than mere intelligence, viz : the formation
of character based upon intelligence. Professor Woody says:
"Within the last ten years the school houses of Greencastle have been
overhauled. Two rooms have been added in district No. 3. but the chief
improvements have looked to better ventilation, lighting and decoration.
Our city, taking advantage of the free school laws, promptly and earnestly
erected substantial brick buildings forty years ago. Very little was then
understood concerning what is now considered good school architecture. To
overcome the difficulties, furnaces have been substituted for stoves, gravity
systems of ventilation ha\e been installed in three of the four buildings, and
additional windows ha\-e been constructed wherever the light was insufficient.
All the windows, except those on the north, are fitted with double shades,
the upper one being a translucent white shade to diffuse the light so no pupil
need sit in a glare.
"In the matter of mural decoration, the old wall of dingy plaster gave
way to paper about six to ten years ago. Xow as the paper grows dingv-,
the board of trustees is having them decorated in oil paints. This is a step
in the right direction whether vieweil from a hygienic or an aesthetic stand-
point. The schools possess more than one hundred good pictures and casts.
These have come through the loyal efforts of teachers and pupils, inspired
by the superintendent and supported by the patrons of the schools, .\bout
one thousand dollars has been thus investefl in works of art in the past ten
years. Most of these are reproductions of classic pictures and statues, and
some, like LeRey's 'Scotch Hether', are excellent modern paintings.
"These material works of progress are but e\'idences of something even
better, viz: a living, growing educational spirit. There is further evidence
of this healthy spirit to be seen in the smooth running of the schools. They
go on with the work without jar or friction. There is no rebellion anywhere,
no back-biting and scarcely any fault finding, no petitions to oust teachers,
and. indeed, the great majority of parents are in hearty accord with the
schools anrl are staunch supporters of the teachers.
■'Probably the most incontrovertible proof of Greencastle's fine educa-
tional spirit, is the increase in school attendance and improvement in its
punctuality.
"The per cent, of the average daily attendance from k^oi to [907 —
seven years — was 06.1 and for the past three years. 96.6: for i()o6-07. 96.8;
92 WEIK S HISTORY OF
for 1908-09, it was 97.1 per cent. The net total enrollment includes all the
children who touch the schools at any time during the school year, though the
time be ever so short. Yet for the past four years, the average daily attend-
ance has been 85.1 per cent, of the total enrollment. For 1906-07 it was 86.2
per cent.
"In si.xteen cities of the state, viz; Brazil. Bluffton, Columbus, Conners-
ville. Frankfort. Franklin. Greensburg. Hartford City. Huntington, Kokomo.
Lebanon. Newcastle. Noblesville. Princeton. Shelbyville, Wabash, the average
dailv attendance for 1906-07 was 19171.9 and the total enrollment 24.449, the
average dail\- attendance being 78.4 per cent, of the enrollment. Making
a like computation for all the cities of the state, the per cent, is found to be
78.3; and tor all the public schools of the state, ■]■/ per cent. For the past
four years Greencastle's average daily attendance has averaged 85 per cent,
of the enrollment, and it has not fallen below 79 per cent, since 1901.
"A verv large proportion of our pupils remain in school each year until
the close of school. Xearly one hundred per cent, of the pupils who finish
the work of the common schools, enter the high school. The high school
has increased its enrollment since 1901, by jo per cent. It was 16 2-3 per
cent, of the total number in all of the schools in 1901 ; 1903, it was 21.5 per
cent; the past four years it has averaged 26.8 per cent, of the entire enroll-
ment; its highest reach was 29 per cent. The sum of the enrollments of the
high school for the past four years is 36.6 per cent, of the sum of the enroll-
ments in the grades. In the sixteen cities named above, the total high school
enrollment for 1906-07 was 16.4 per cent, of the total grade enrollment. This
large enrollment in the local high school means the more when it is further
stated that this school maintains a ver\' high per cent, of attendance as com-
pared with the enrollment. For the year ending 1905. it was 91 per cent, and
for 1907. 91.6 per cent. The high school's per cent, of attendance for
1906-07, as reckoned in the state's schools, was 97.6. nor has it fallen below
97 per cent, since."
Outside the citv of Greencastle the schools in the county until 1872 were
practicall}- without supervision. There had been, it is true, a school examiner,
so called, but his duties were almost entirely confined to the examination of
persons applying for license to teach. His visits to and inspection of the
schools over the county were few and far between and the salary- of the place
was so meagre he could give the position but a small portion of his time. In
1872 the Legislature created the office of county superintendent of schools
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 93
and the first person to till that post was the late John R. Gordon, who served
until 1875. Following him came L. A. Stockwell, whose term ended in
1881 : L. E. Smedley in 1889; F. M. Lyon in 1897 and S. A. Harris in 1903.
Since the latter year the present incumbent, Oscar Thomas, has filled the
office.
SCHOOL ST.VTISTICS.
•At present there is one and in some cases two high schools in each town-
ship in the county. Including the high school, there are nine teachers in the
various districts of Jackson township; si.xteen in Franklin; eight in Clinton;
thirteen in Monroe; nine in Floyd; seven in Warren; nine in Greencastle
(outside of the city) ; nine in Madison; ten in Russell; nine in Marion ; eight
m Jefferson; eighteen in Washington; si.xteen in Cloverdale and four in
Mill Creek. Add to these the twenty instructors in the city schools of Green-
castle and we have a total of one hundred and sixty-five teachers in the
county. .\n enumeration of school children made last year shows ^^j in
Jackson ; 225 in Clinton ; 444 in Cloverdale ; 256 in Floyd ; 480 in Franklin ;
455 '" Greencastle (outside of the city) ; 247 in Jefferson; 266 in Madison;
364 in Marion; 147 in Mill Creek; 391 in Monroe; ^^^ '" Russell; 209 in
Warren; 480 in Washington, and 872 in the citv of Greencastle a total of
5,608.
EARLY HIGH SCHOOLS AND ACADE.MIES.
In the days prior to the Civil war. academies and seminaries and other
mstitutions of higher grade than the district school began to make their ap-
pearance not only in Greencastle but in other parts of the county as well.
Of course they were private enterpri.ses and in some instances short-lived
but in others they continued for years, growing in popular favor until the
arlvent of the modern high school and college, after which they gradually
went out of existence. There was a seminary in Cloverdale as earlv as i8;o
and both Russeilviile and Bainbridge boasted of academies. The institution
at Bainbridge was admirably managed and its reputation for discipline and
excellence in training extended far Ijeyond the county lines. The Russeil-
viile .Academy was likewise a notable institution, its course of instruction
fitting its graduates for entrance to any of the colleges or universities in the
94
WEIK S HISTORY OF
middle West. In Greencastle the preparatory school for Asbury University
answered the purpose of an academy, but as girls were not admitted there
grew up a demand for separate schools for them. This demand was promptly
met and several female high schools or academies were at different times
inaugurated, the principal one being the school of Mrs. Larrabee. the wife
of Prof. William C. Larrabee, of Asbury University. This institution drew
to Greencastle young ladies from various points not only in this state but
even in the adjoining .states. In the decade prior to the Civil war these
higher grade private schools flourished everywhere. In the Putnam Repub-
lican Banner, published in Greencastle during this period, are .found the ad-
vertisements of the New Albany Female Seminary, at New Albany, Indiana;
the Terre Haute Female College, at Terre Haute ; the Asbury Female Institute,
at Greencastle, presided over by James A. Dean, principal, and later by Rev.
J. B. DeMotte ; the Greencastle High School, which included in its curriculum
drawing and painting and was managed by E. French, principal; the select
school of Mrs. M. A. Skelton at the "Old Presbyterian Church"; the music
school of Mrs. H. B. Hibben at "'Bellamy House"; the school of Mrs. S. S.
Johnson at the "east end of Seminar}' street," and the select school of Mrs.
A. E. Bickle, at the "east end of the building known as the 'Fort'." After
the reorganization of the public schools of Greencastle about 1867-68 the
day of the "academy" had passed away. In 1870 the Female College of
Indiana, an institution under the patronage of the Presbyterian church, was
established in Greencastle. Its first board of trustees consisted of Joseph
B. Fordyce, W. C. Gilmore. John H. Randolph, J. L. Seybold, James D.
Stevenson, Addison Daggy, Milton A. Oslwrn, Conrad Cook and M. B.
Barnard. Rev. E. W. Fisk, local pastor of the church in Greencastle, be-
came the first president of the board and ultimately president of the college
also. At the time of the organization the trustees purchased four and a half
acres of ground east of Locust and south of iVnderson streets, on which a
large brick dwelling and a two-story brick church suitable for a college build-
ing had already been erected. In August, 1873, a fire destroyed the college
building including the library, furniture, etc. This was a great misfortune
and one from which the institution never fully recovered. The school was
continued in other buildings and two classes — one in 1875 and the other in
1876 were graduated. A new building on a tract of ground southwest of
town, donated by James Gillespie, was begun, but the requisite funds to
continue its erection were not forthcoming and with Asbury L^niversity ad-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 95
mitting women to all its departments on a footing with men the competition
proved to be too great and the new institution was finally forced to surrender.
.\SBURY. NOW DEP.VUW, UNIVERSITY.
This chapter on the schools of Putnam county would be manifestly far
from complete were we to omit mention of the great educational factor of
our county — .\sbury. now DePauw, University. The earliest and most in-
teresting history of the genesis and development of this great institution is
from the pen of the Rev. F. C. Holliday, who in February, 1S5S, wrote for
one of the Indianapolis papers a historical sketch entitled "Methodism in In-
diana."' Alluding to the efforts of the church to promote the cause of edu-
cation, he says :
"In May, 1832. the Illinois conference was divided and Indiana became
a separate conference. The first session of the Indiana conference was held
in New Albany October, 1832. On the first day of the session A. Wilev, C.
W. Ruter and James Armstrong were a committee to consider and report
on the propriety of establishing a literary institution under the patronage of
the conference. The committee made their report, but no definite action was
had beyond pro\-iding for the collection of information to be reported to the
next conference.
"Although it was felt to be desirable, on many accounts, to have an
institution of learning under the control of the conference, yet it was thought,
if we could receix'e anything like an equitable share of privileges in the State
University at Bloomington, that would meet the wants of our people for
several years: and accordingly, at the conference in 1834, it was resolved to
memorialize the state Legislature on the subject : and, accordinglv, a memorial
from the conference, and similar memorials numerously signed, were sent
up from different parts of the state. The memorialists did not ask that the
university be put either in whole or in part under the control of the church.
They simply asked that the trustees of the university be elected for a term of
years and that vacancies as they occurred should be filled bv the Legislature
and not by the remaining members of the board of trustees. The memorial
was referred to an able committee of the Legislature, but for some reason
the committee never made a report. Those who were opposed to anv change
in the manner of controlling the State University doubtless judp-ed that it
would be easier to smother the report while in the hands of the committee
than to answer before the people for the opposition to a reform so just and
equitable.
p6 weik's history of
"Failing in their efforts to secure a refonn in the manner of controlHng
the State University, the conference turned their thoughts earnestly toward
the establishment of a literary institution of high grade under the control of
the church. At the session of the conference in 1835 a plan was agreed upon
for the founding of a university. Subscriptions were taken up and proposals
made from different points in the state with a view of securing the location
of the university. Rockville, Putnamville, Greencastle, Lafayette, Madison
and Indianapolis were the principal competitors. Rockville presented a sub-
scription of twenty thousand dollars; Putnamville about the same amount;
Indianapolis and Madison each, about ten thousand dollars; Greencastle,
twenty-five thousand; and accordingly, at the session of the conference in
Indianapolis, October, 1836, the conference by vote fixed the site of the uni-
versity at Greencastle. At that time Greencastle contained a population of
about five hundred. A committee was appointed to draft a charter to be sub-
mitted to the Legislature at its next session, which was done, and the charter
was passed substantially as drawn up by the committee. The following
gentlemen comprised the original board of trustees: Robert R. Roberts,
John Cowgill, Alexander C. Stevenson, William H. Thomburgh, William
Talbott, Reese Hardesty, Joseph Crow, John W. Osborne, Thomas Robinson,
Hiram E. Talbott, James Montgomery, Daniel Sigler, Isaac Matkins, Tarvin
W. Cowgill, William Lee, William K. Cooper, Calvin Fletcher, Gamaliel Tay-
lor, Martin M. Ray, Isaac C. Elston, S. E. Leonard, W. W. Hitt, Joseph A.
Wright, Tilghman A. Howard, Jacob Haas. The institution was to be known
bv the name and style of "The Indiana Asbury University.'
"The first meeting of the board of trustees was held on the first Monday
in March, 1837, at which time they resolved to open the preparatory depart-
ment as soon as they could procure a suitable teacher. Rev. Cyrus Nutt, a
graduate of Allegheny College, was elected principal of the preparatory de-
partment with a salary of four hundred dollars. Greencastle was at that
time about ten years old, small and rough. The site was by no means the
most pleasant, being a succession of hills and hollows. The streets were
without grading or sidewalks, except about the public square, and mud was
a very abundant article for about six months in the year. It was exceedingly
fortunate for Greencastle that it secured the location of the university; had
it failed in its efforts the county seat would probably have been removed to
Putnamville. and Greencastle been numbered among the things that were.
But the influence o-iven to it by this institution made it a point on the Indian-
apolis & Terre Haute railroad and gained for it also the New Albany &
EAST COLLEGE, DEPAUW UNIVERSITY
Cammack Pliolographe
PUTNAM COL'NTV, INDIANA. 97
Michigan City railroad, which render it a place of considerable commercial
importance and make it of easy access from most parts of the state. Rev.
Cyras Xutt, who had been elected to take charge of the preparatory depart-
ment, arrived in due time and the school was opened on the 5th of June, 1837,
in a room in the old town seminary, about twelve by fifteen feet. Five pupils
appeared, barefooted and without coats. Their names were: Oliver P.
Badger. O. H. P. Ash, William Stevenson. Bishop Osborne and S. Taylor.
They all resided in the town except Badger.
LAYING THE CORNER STONE.
"The 20th of June was an era for Greencastle. and also for the history
of Indiana Asbury University. It was the day appointed for laying the
corner stone of the college edifice. Rev. H. B. Bascomb was engaged to de-
liver the address on the occasion. Expectation was great. The occasion, the
unrivaled reputation of the speaker, the greatest orator of the West if not of
the world, awakened an interest hitherto unknown along the hills and valleys
and prairies of western Indiana.
"Greencastle was put in her tidiest dress, and the doors of the citizens
were thrown open to entertain the guests that were expected to be present on
the occasion. On ^londay, the 19th. the crowd began to appear and by nio-ht
the town was full. People came from all parts of the state and it was esti-
mated that twenty thousand persons were present on the next day. The re-
nowned orator arrived and took lodging at the residence of one of the prin- ,
cipal citizens. The hum of preparation was heard at a late hour in the night.
On the 20th the order of the day was a sermon in the Methodist Episcopal
church, at nine o'clock A. M.. from Rev. Hooper Crews, of Illinois. At
eleven o'clock the pnxession was formed and marched to the site of the
university where, over the stone, which had been prepared, with sundrv docu-
ments enclcsed, Calvin Fletcher, Esq., of Indianapolis, delivered a brief and
appropriate address, but \\hich was heard by comparatively few of the vast
assembly.
"The procession was again formed and marched to a grove in the .south-
west part of the town where temporary seats had been prepared which accom-
modated about one-fourth of the audience. The stand was occupied bv the
orator of the day and Revs. A. Wiley. James Havens, C. W. Ruter, E. R
.\mes and a few other leading ministers of the conference. Praver was
offered by Rev. E. R. Ames, when Rev. H. B. Bascomb proceeded with his
(7)
98 WEIKS HISTORY OF
address, which he read. As the day was extremely chilly for the season, he
asked to speak with his hat on. During an interlude caused by a slight shower
of rain accompanied with snow, the speaker sat down a few minutes, when a
countryman, — a Hoosier, of course, — who had provided himself with a huge
roll of gingerbread, stepped up behind the stand and, plucking the reverend
Doctor by the coat, broke oft a piece of his loaf and offered him, saying,
'Mister, as you have been speaking hard you must be hungry; here take a
piece.' The Doctor thanked him kindly, saying he had no occasion. The ad-
dress was two hours in its delivery and made a very favorable impression
on the minds of the audience.
"At the meeting of the board of trustees in September, 1837, the college
proper was organized and the regular professorships created. Rev. Cyrus
Nutt was elected professor of languages and acting president. In the spring
of 1838 Rev. J. W. Weakly was appointed preceptor of the preparatory de-
partment. In 1839 Rev. Matthew Simpson was duly elected president of the
institution. He arrived and took charge in May of the same year. The first
catalogue was published at the close of that term and the number of students
Avas one hundred and forty.
"In the fall of 1840 the first regular commencement was held and the
president inaugurated. A charge was delivered by Governor Wallace and an
inaugural address by the president, both of w-hich were published. The new-
building was completed and the above exercises were the first consecration of
its halls to the purposes for which they were designed.
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY.
"The first graduates were John Wheeler, of Bellefontaine. Ohio;
Thomas A. Goodwin, of Brookville, Indiana, and James Maddox, of Craw-
fordsville, Indiana. Another change was made in the faculty at the close of
the vear. J. W. Weaklv resigned and Rev. William C. Larrabee was elected
to the chair of mathematics and natural science. Mr. Larrabee arrived in the
spring of 1841 and took charge of his professorship. In 1842 the faculty
was further increased by the election of John Wheeler — who was the first
graduate of the institution — to the chair of Latin literature, and Charles G.
Downey to the chair of natural science. In the fall of 1844 Rev. B. F. Tefft
was elected professor of Greek language and literature made vacant by the
resignation of Professor Nutt. Doctor Simpson continued in the presidency
of the university till the summer of 1848. when he resigned and William C.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 99
Larrabee was acting president for one year. In 1849 Rev. Lucien W. Berry-
was elected to the presidency^ of the institution, but his formal inauguration
did not take place until the next year, during commencement week, when
the keys of the uni\ersity were turned over to him by the governor of the
state, Joseph A. Wright. After a service of four years, he resigned and
moved to Iowa, where he accepted the presidency of the Iowa Wesleyan
University at Mt. Pleasant. In August, 1854, Rev. Daniel Curry, of New
York, was elected to the vacancy and remained until July, 1857, a period of
about three years. It was during Doctor Curry's administration that the
famous rebellion, which seriously threatened the life of the university, oc-
curred, and which finally so widened the breach between students and facultv
that the president deemed it best to resign. He left the institution in June,
1857. For the ensuing year, the university being without an executive head.
Dr. Cyrus Nutt, the vice-president, was the acting president. Being called
to the head of the institution at a time when public confidence was shaken in
its success and when the students were deserting its halls, he succeeded in
re-inspiring public confidence, in increasing the patronage of the institution
and restoring order and contentment generally."
In July. 1858. Rev. Thomas Bowman, D. D., of Pennsylvania, was
elected to the presidency. Fie was a man of splendid and thorough training
and brought to the position talents of the highest order. Under his adminis-
tration the university made great progress. In 1872 he was chosen bishop
of the Methodist Episcopal church and moved to St. Louis. The presidency
next fell to Rev. Reuben Andrus. D. D., at that time pastor of the Meridian
Street church in Indianapolis. Doctor Andrus was a powerful preacher and
a strong man generally, but after three years" service resigned and returned to
the pulpit. Rev. Alexander Martin. D. D., of West Virginia, was the next
president, beginning his administration in the fall of 1875. Doctor Alartin
was a man of ripe learning, sound judgment and keen observation. A
Scotchman by birth, he had all the attractive traits of the Scotch character.
He was rugged, firm and reserved. It was under his administration that
Washington C. DePauw made his great endowment. Asbury was enlarged
and became the Liberal .'\rts School of DePauw University. It was a period
of great expansion and the attendance at the university reached its highest
point. After fourteen years of service Doctor Martin, desiring to be relieved
of the heavv responsibilities of the presidency, offered his resignation and
took a chair in the department of philosophy, where he continued to serve
until 1893. His successor at the head of DePauw L^niversity. chosen in
lOO ■ WEIK S HISTORY OF
1889, was Dr. John P. D. John, who had already been connected with the
university as its vice-president. "Doctor John," are the words of one of his
colleagues, "was thoroughly acquainted with the life about him and in full
sympathy with the course of development of the last few years. With his
strong, logical mind, and his enthusiastic nature, he recognized large possibil-
ities in the very near future and bent his energies toward them. He devoted
himself assiduously to the re-organization of the courses of study and to the
looking out for professors of the highest available equality in their own lines
of work so that whenever a change had to be made in the faculty, or an addi-
tion could be made, it might always be the best one possiljle in the interests
of the highest order of work in all departments. These were the days when
the university expectations were at their greatest as regarded the value of its
endowments and large things seemed to be within reasonable reach of the
institution. But hard times came this way in 1893 and continued through
subsequent vears. Business interests suffered, stocks and shares declined in
value; productive funds became non-productive, student numbers decreased
because incomes of their homes were uncertain, and the horizon of present
possibilities narrowed, and that beyond the power of any one to prevent it.
Many a man and many an institution during those years had to exchange its
inquiry of 'what is best' for the more available one of 'what is most ex-
pedient.' But a high order of work was done in recitation rooms, libraries
■and laboratories and young men and young women were learning to think
and were getting ready for the great world."
Doctor John resigned the presidency in June, 1896. and was followed
by Rev. Hillarv" A. Gobin in the fall of that year. Doctor Gobin had for
several years been dean of the school of theology and is the only graduate of
the universitv who has, thus far. ever been elevated to the presidency. Doctor
Gobin filled the position with great credit to himself and decidedly to the
advantage of the university. He administered the affairs of the institution
during a season of financial stress, displaying the rarest discretion in avoiding
the rough places ahead, thus proving that he was the right man in the right
place and at the right time. But the administrative duties of the presidency
were dailv becoming more and more burdensome, so that Doctor Gobin, be-
lieving a younger man better able to contend with the exacting demands of
the position, gave way in 1903 and accepted the chair of Biblical science and
Hebrew. His successor was Dr. Edwin Holt Hughes, who at the time of his
election was pastor of the Methodist church in Maiden, Massachusetts. .\s
president of the university Doctor Hughes was welcomed with every demon-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. lOI
stratioii of popular approval. He was young, versatile and abreast of the
times in matters of college discipline and training. A very popular preacher
and platfoiTn orator, he soon attracted the attention of the Methodists every-
where and so deep was the impression he made that at the general conference
in Baltimore in 1908 he was elected a bishop of the church and assigned to
San Francisco, California, for residence. Doctor Hughes was the third
president of Asbury or DePauw University elevated to the episcopacy. The
present head of DePauw. Dr. Francis J. McConnell, was elected in 1908. He
came from Brooklyn. Xew York, where he had charge of one of the largest
churches in that city. He is a native of Ohio and was graduated from the
famous Ohio W'esleyan University at Delaware. His two years of service
at the head of DePauw have demonstrated that no mistake was made in choos-
ing him to administer the affairs of the institution. He is a profound student,
well-informed, tolerant, progressive and fair. He thinks long and hard before
he talks. In profoundity of learning, in the ability to analyze, in clearness
and power of e.xpression. the university has scarcely seen his eijual since the
days of Mathew Simpson.
In 1846 a department of law was created and two years later the Indiana
Central Medical College was made a department of the university. The
arrangement with the medical school proved too great an undertaking at the
time and the board of trustees withdrew their support after an e.xperience
of three or four years. The law school was not organized for regular work
until 1853. It continued for about ten years and was then suspended, to be
renewed again in 1883, for another period of ten years, since which time
it has again been dropped.
In 1859 the university was again organized into the following depart-
ments :
I. Mental and Moral Philosophy.
II. Mathematics.
III. Natural Science.
I\^. Greek Language and Literature.
V. Latin Language and Literature.
VI. Belles Lettres and History.
VII. Preparatory Department.
\'III. Law School.
The year 1867 was notable in the history of the institution in that it
witnessed the admission of women to all the departments of the university
I02 weik's history of
x>n an equal footing with the men. In 1871 the graduating class contained four
ladies, being the first of their sex who ever received a diploma or degree at
the hands of the university. On October 20, 1869, the corner stone was laid
for a new building known as East College, which when finished had cost
over a hundred thousand dollars. It contains the large and spacious chapel
named Meharry Hall, in honor of the benefactions of the late Jesse Meharry.
On February 10, 1879, the old building — whose corner stone had been laid
by Bishop Bascomb — was nearly destroyed by fire. Its walls being left intact,
it was speedily rebuilt and the wings added on the east and west side respec-
tively.
BENEFACTIONS OF W. C. DEPAUW.
In 1884 the financial stringency under which the institution had so long
struggled was greatly relieved by the munificent endowment of the late
Washington C. DePauw. On the payment by the people of Putnam county
of sixty thousand dollars and double that sum by the various Indiana con-
ferences, Mr. DePauw made contributions that have netted the university
over a half million dollars. Though not required by the donor, the corporate
title of the university was changed to bear his name, and the name of Asbury
was perpetuated in the school of liberal arts. As soon as the DePauw en-
dowment became effective the university entered on an era of expansion and
underwent a thorough and complete re-organization. By 1886 the following
departments were organized and in working order :
The .\sbury College of Liberal .Arts.
School of Theology.
School of Law.
School of Military Science.
School of Mu.sic.
School of Art.
Normal School.
Preparatory School.
Tn addition to the buildings erected as the result of the DePauw^ endow-
ment two beautiful and magnificent structures have recently been built on
the college grounds. One, given up to science, was the generous and unselfish
gift of the late D. W. Minshall, of Terre Haute: the other, a magnificent
PUTNAM COrXTY. IXDIAXA. IO3
Stone building, contains the university library and is the result of the munif-
icence of Andrew Camegie. Certain other lesser benefactions have, in recent
years, come to the university, but they are so numerous and so varied in char-
acter space here will forbid more extended mention.
The material resources of the university consist of:
Campus, 43 1-2 acres, valued at $ 50,000.00
Buildings, 1 1, valued at 356,000.00
Library. 30,000 vols., valued at 19,000.00
Endowment funds — productive 490.186.14
Endowment funds — non-productive 35,925.00
Total $1,001,111.14
.\LL'MX.\K ST.\TISTICS.
The graduates from the School of Liljeral Arts number 2,238 and from
the professional schools. 409, making a total of 2,647. Erom a statement
made over ten years ago — later figures are not accessible — it appears that
these alumnae of the institution ha\e ad(3pted occupations as follows:
Teachers. 808; lawyers. 523: ministers and missionaries, 437; general busi-
ness, 211 ; physicians. 152: editors and journalists. 107; authors. 53: farmers,
60; bankers. 39; manufacturers. 24: engineers. 28.
Of those who have attained distinction through public office the list is
as follows: Governors. 4: lieutenant-governors. 2; cabinet officers. 2; foreign
ministers. 6; attaches and consuls. 5: United States senators. 7: congressmen,
II; state senators, 25: state representatives, 64: other state officers, 15: fed-
eral and state supreme judges. 23: army and navy officers, jj.
Of the 808 teachers mentioned in the foregoing statement, 53 have
been college presidents. 139 college professors, iii city and county superin-
tendents, and 505 school instructors generally.
BO.XRD OF TRl'STEE.S.
The board of trustees consist of the following members: William Xew-
kirk. Connersville; Xewland T. DePauw. New .Albany: William D. Parr,
Kokomo: Hugh Dougherty. Indianapolis: Deloss ^\. Wood. Indianajx^lis ;
William H. Latta. Indianapolis: David G. Hamilton. Chicago; George E.
Keiper. Lafavette: Hardin Roads. Muncie : George W. Earis. Terre Haute:
I04
WEIK S HISTORY OF
William M. Adams. Bloomington ; Charles E. J. McFarlan, Connersville ;
Robert LeRoy 0"Hair. Greencastle; Harry Whitcomb, Shelbyville; Marvin
Campbell, South Bend; John Franklin Simison, Romney; Charles Edgar
Bacon, Indianapolis: William Henry Charles, Marion; E. G. Eberhart, Mish-
awaka ; W'infield T. Durbin, Anderson ; D. J. Terhune, Linton ; Ira B. Black-
stock, Springfield, Ills.; William E. Carpenter, Brazil; Alfred E. Dickey,
Minneapolis, Minn.; Edwin H. Hughes, San Francisco, Calif.
In addition to the above named trustees, the three conferences in Indiana
elect three representatives each annually who are called visitors, and who sit
with the board of trustees and have an equal voice and vote in the manage-
ment of the affairs of the corporation. The officers of the corporation are;
Hugh Dougherty, Indianapolis, president; Henry H. Hornbrook. secretary;
Salem B. Town, treasurer.
THE FACULTY.
The faculty is as follows :
Bishop Thomas Bowman, chancellor emeritus.
Francis John McConnell, president.
Hillary Asbury Gobin. vice-president and professor of Biblical Science.
Edwin Post, dean and professor of Latin.
lames Riley Weaver, professor of Political Science.
Belle Aurelia Mansfield, dean of Schools of Music and Art.
Julia Alice Druly. professor of Pianoforte.
William Fletcher Swahlen, professor of Greek.
Joseph P. Xaylor. professor of Physics.
Karl H. Fussier, assistant professor of Physics.
Henry Boyer Longden. professor of Gennan.
Wilbur Vincent Brown, professor of Mathematics.
Andrew Stephenson, professor of Histor>-.
Adolph Schellschmidt. professor of Violin.
\\illiam Martin Blanchard. professor of Chemistiy.
C. W. Wright, assistant professor of Chemistry.
William Grant Seaman, profes.sor of Philosophy.
Howard James Banker, professor of Biology.
Albert Farrington Caldwell, professor of English Literature.
Rufus Bernhard von Kleinsmid. professor of Education.
Frances Elizabeth Oldfiekl. professor of Voice Culture.
Xathaniel Waring Barnes, professor of Rhetoric.
PLTXAM COUXTV, INDIANA. IO5
Helen Maliin. assistant professor of Rhetoric.
Harry Bainbridge Gough. professor of Orator\-.
Minna May Kern, associate professor of German.
Cecil Clare Xorth. assistant professor of Sociology.
W ilhur Tandy Ayres, instructor Latin.
Bessie Minerva Smith, instructor Drawing and Painting.
Margaret Overbeck, instructor Drawing and China Painting.
Floyd E. Chidester. instructor Biolog}-.
Rose Francoise Laitem. instructor French.
Mae Amelia Seaman, instructor PubHc School Music.
Mildred Rutledge, instructor Pianoforte.
Arthur Milton Brown, Physical Director.
Earl C. Ross, instructor English and History.
Dade Bee Shearer, instructor I^tin and English.
Mary Morrison Zabriskie, instructor Physical Science.
.\idah A'ictoria ^IcCoy. assistant Pianoforte.
Minna Lucile Matern. instructor German.
Isaac Edward Xorris. professor of Pianoforte and Pipe Organ.
James William Harris, instnictor Education.
Aldis Hutchens. assistant English Composition.
OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY.
William F. Swahlen. Secretary.
Leona Margaret Powell, Librarian.
Margaret Gilmore. .Assistant Librarian.
Joseph T. Dobell. Registrar.
Rose F. Laitem. Dean of Women.
Edwin Post. Dean of College.
CHAPTER VI.
CHURCH HISTORY RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The first preacher in the county of whom we have any definite record was
Reuben Clearwaters, a Methodist. As to his reputation and abihty in the
pulpit we i<now but little and about the only information regarding him which
we possess is that he solemnized the first marriage in the county, uniting
Thomas Jackson and Sarah Wood. July 4, 1822 ; that, having discovered some
defect or error in the marriage, he hunted up Jackson and his wife and per-
formed the ceremony over again. He appears to have lived in the county
manv vears and was frequently a judge at elections and otherwise interested
in matters of public concern. Judging by his signature, which is found rude-
ly scrawled among the earlv records of the county, his educational opportun-
ities or preparation for his calling must have been painfully meagre and neg-
lected. One writer says he came to the county in 1821 ; that John Messer
arrived about the same time also and that the two preached for the Method-
ists, who were even then somewhat numerous, before the believers of that
faith were included within the lx)unds of any conference.
The doors of the old log school houses were always opened to the itiner-
ant ministers, who. though of different faiths, were all equally eager to ex-
pound the simple truth of a sublime and beautiful religion and point out
for comparison the thorny path of duty and the primrose path of reliance.
Often have those old walls given back the echoes of the songs of Zion and
many an erring one has had his heart moved to repentance thereby more
strongly than. even, by the flights of homely eloquence. The religious meet-
ings held in those old log school houses were much in contrast to those of
todav. The pulpit was a box in the middle of the room. The audience as-
sembled was composed of men in home-spun and women in calico and sun-
bonnets, together with travelers, land-hunters and other outsiders. The
young men accompanying the girls had to stop before arriving at the house
and politely turn their backs while the girls changed their shoes, they having
carried their fine ones rather than to soil them by the long walk. The same
was done on the return, except in wann weather or just after a rain, when
the young man was burdened with two pairs of shoes while his girl would
tuck up her homespun or calico thereby exhibiting a pair of white feet en-
tirely destitute of cover.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. IO7
Four religious denoininations were represented among the early settlers
of the county. They were the Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists and New
Lights. Being without meeting houses of their own, they at first met for
worship at the cabins of some of their number. In time they were recognized
by the board of county commissioners, who ordered the town agent to convey
to each of them a lot in Greencastle on which they were authorized in each
case to build a house for church purposes.
ORGANIZATION OF BAPTIST CHURCH.
It is impossible to determine which denomination first began to hold
meetings or indulge in church worship. It has been generally accepted that
the Methodists were the earliest to attempt an organization, but. according to
the following record recently found, the Baptists could not have been far
behind :
"A council called to convene at Greencastle Saturday before the first
Sabbath in May. 1822, for the purpose of organizing and constituting a regu-
lar Baptist church.
"Council composed of the following brethren: Elder J. R. Billings, from
Lamb's Bottom church, and Elder Samuel Arthur, from White River church,
with brethren J. R. Robinson and Thomas Johnson. After the council was
organized the door of the church was opened for the reception of members.
The following persons were received by letter; John C. Sherrell. Sister Sher-
rell, Samuel .\rthur. John Smith. Charlotte Smith, John Leatherman. Polly
Leatherman. Jeremiah DeVore, Nancy DeVore, Jeremiah Skelton, Polly
Skelton. John \\'. Jones and .\lsy Jones. Then the hand of fellowship was
given and the church constituted upon the following articles of faith.
"The council then dissolved.
"JOH.v R. BiLLiNcs. Moderator.
"Samuel .Arthur. Clerk."
Elsewhere we learn that the Baptists held meetings at the house of
Michael Wilson, a short distance west of Greencastle, early in 1823; that
John Leathemian and Richard Denman preached to them and that among
their members were Jubal Deweese. Thomas Johnson and John Miller, some
of whom lived in the town of Greencastle. the others on land nearby. They
also held meetings at the cabin of James Bird, on Walnut creek about seven
miles northeast of Greencastle. Eventually they spread throughout the
county.
io8 weik's history of
The Xew. Light detiomination, although somewhat later and lesser in
numbers, likewise had an early beginning. As is well known, they, in time,
owing to some internal differences, suffered more or less division in their
ranks — a goodly number being finally absorbed into the Christian church, as
established by Alexander Campbell. The first campmeeting in the county
was conducted by the New Lights at John Sigler"s place, a few miles north-
east of Greencastle.
THE PRESBYTERIAN" CHURCH.
The organization of the Presbyterian church in the county August 12,
1825. was due to the labors of Isaac Reed, a missionary of that faith who
had been sent west by the Connecticut Missionary Society. He made his head-
quarters in Gosport, Owen county, and was commissioned to journey through
the wilds and fastnesses of western Indiana in behalf of the church. It was
dangerous and exhaustive work, but the greater the hardships he encountered
the more defiant his courage, the more insuperable his zeal. It is said of him
that he was graduated from Middlebury College, Vennont, in 1812, ordained
to preach by the Transylvania presbytery in Mercer county, Kentucky, in 1818,
and moved to Indiana the same year. In the following year he organized the
first Sabbath school in the state at New Albany. The church he organized
in Putnam county flourished for a time, but eventually, either from a lack of
interest or the competition of other denominations, went out of existence.
METHODISM IN PUTNAM COUNTY.
The records of the Methodist Episcopal church show that in the fall
of 1822 the Eel River circuit, which included the counties of Owen, Putnam
and Parke, was organized. Samuel Hamilton was the presiding elder and
William Cravens the preacher in charge. At that time Indiana was a part
of the Missouri conference. During the conference year 1823-24, William
Beauchamp was the presiding elder and John Cord, the pastor in charge.
In 1825 the Illinois conference was formed and Indiana belonged to it. The
Eel River circuit was now in the Madison district. John Strange officiated
as the presiding elder and John Fish as the preacher in charge. Other au-
thorities credit Stephen Grimes, a local preacher at Bloomington. to the local
circuit. In 1826 Putnam county was placed in the Charlestown district.
James Armstrong was the presiding elder and Daniel Anderson, a man de-
scribed as "of iron frame who traveled the district from Bloomington to
PUTNAM COL'XTV. IXDIAXA. ICX)
Crawfordsville, who could swim rivers and climb mountains to reach his
appointment, and who died as he had lived, full of faith and the Holy Ghost."
was the preacher in charge. In 1827 James Armstrong was continued as
presiding elder and the preacher in charge. Daniel Anderson, was now pro-
vided with an assistant in the person of Stith M. Otwill. A year later finds
James Armstrong still presiding elder and William H. Smith — destined to
spend the last twenty years of his life in Greencastle — preacher in charge.
His assistant at the time was Benjamin C. Stexenson. a brother of the late
Dr. A. C. Stevenson. In 1829 John Strange officiated as presiding elder and
William H. Smith is returned as the preacher in charge of the circuit, with
George Tea.se as assistant. In 1830 Greencastle appears in the minutes of
the conference as the head of a circuit. John Strange is still presiding elder
and William Moore becomes the pastor. In 1831 the Indianapolis district
was formed. James Armstrong presided as elder, with James Hadley and
J. H. Hills as the pastors. 1832. John Strange, presiding elder. Daniel
Anderson and L. D. Smith, preachers; 1833. Allen Wiley, presiding elder, Eli
T. Fanner and Henry Deputy, preachers; 1834, Indiana conference formed.
Vincennes district. James L. Thompson, presiding elder, Thomas J. Brown,
preacher; 1835. Bloomington district. J. Oglesby. presiding elder. Thomas J.
Brown, preacher; 1836, S. C. Cooper, presiding elder, Greencastle. John New-
ell; 1837, H. S. Talbott, presiding elder, Greencastle made a station. James
L. Thompson, pastor; Greencastle circuit, Jonas S. Belotte. pastor; 1838, H.
S. Talbott, presiding elder, Greencastle station, Ebenezer Patrick, Greencastle
circuit. H. \'redenburg and W. H. Smith, pastors; 1839, Greencastle district,
E. R. Ames, presiding elder, Greencastle station. John S. Bayless. circuit, H.
X'redenburg and R. C. Rowley, pa.stors ; 1840. Greencastle station. Hawlev B.
Beers, circuit. Isaac Owens, Jacob Miller, pastors; 1841, Greencastle station,
Isaac Owens; 1842, Greencastle station, Ebenezer Patrick and J. M. Stallard.
preachers; 1843, Greencastle station, John Daniel.
Daniel is said to have been one of the most effective preachers of his
time and locality. Very earnest, very vehement, he easily electrified and
swaved his audience at will. His zeal was like an unquenchable fire. A
member of one of his early congregations related in after years that at one
time in the old church in Greencastle he was exhorting sinners to flee from
the wrath to come and after exhausting himself without making the desired
impression on his hearers, he mounted a step at the foot of the pulpit and
at the very top of his voice cried out. "Wake up. my brother, you're nearing
helll Don't you smell the brimstone?"
In 1844 the state was divided into two conferences and Greencastle fell
to the North Indiana. E. M. Beswick was presiding elder and .\inasa John-
no WEIK S HISTORY OF
son was assigned to Greencastle station. In 1845 J- C. Smith was the local
pastor; in 1846. the same; in 1847, John H. Hull. Until this time the church
in Greencastle stood on the lot at the corner of Indiana and Poplar streets,
but it was far too small and the congregation, having secured a lot two squares
east at the corner of Ephraim street, now College avenue, erected a new
church building, which when completed was the largest and most imposing
church edifice in Greencastle. About the time the building was begun a suc-
cession of rains had flooded all the streams in the county and the last saw-
mill had been washed away. No lumber could be had short of Parke county,
and that required a trip of more than thirty miles over mud roads sometimes
almost impassable. At this juncture two men, David L. Southard and Peter
Albaugh, volunteered to build a mill for the purpose. Mr. Southard went
to Cincinnati — it is said the journey was made on horseback and consumed
almost ten days — and bought the required machinery, which was shipped
down the Ohio river, then up the Wabash to Terre Haute and from there
hauled to Greencastle in wagons. Within six weeks the mill was in operation,
the requisite lumber produced and the building went on without further mis-
hap. The pulpit was a mammoth strttcture, being over seven feet high, made
of solid black walnut and would be an object of great wonder today. In
1859 the pastor, G. M. Boyd, being somewhat of a mechanic himself, took
down the old altar and constructed another much less imposing and more in
keeping with the times. Miss Ring, a special friend of Doctor Larrabee,
undertook the unwelcome task of raising the money to buy a bell for the
church. John Hammond gave fifty dollars, supplementing the donation with
an additional twenty-five dollars, and with a few more contributions the fund
was soon complete.
This was the third church building which the Methodists had erected in
Greencastle. The first one. built of logs, stood at the corner of Ephraim and
Franklin streets on a lot which had been given to the church by the county
commissioners in May, 1833. It was the first church building in Greencastle.
As is always the case in a new community, certain of the rougher element,
actuated not only by base motives but by a spirit of mischief, had in various
ways annoyed the new congregation. One of their methods of interrupting
the meeting has come down to us. Arthur McGaughey, the county clerk,
with the connivance of Washington Walls, David Rudisill and other char-
acters, found about the court house, one Saturday evening, a fresh coon skin.
singed the hair and about three o'clock in the morning of the following day
attached a string to it and. starting from the church, dragged it over the
ground, making a circuit of a mile or two, and returning to the church where
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. Ill
they threw the pelt out of sight among the rafters overhead. Later in the day
during services at the church, they led a pack of hounds to a point southwest
of town and unleashed them. Almost instantly the dogs struck the trail and,
with the requisite amount of noise ten or fifteen such animals on a fresh scent
of game could make, they followed the circuit, growing more and more demon-
strative as they neared town. Reaching the church, they dashed into the
open doorway, panting, yelping and producing a commotion on the part of
the congregation so complete and instantaneous that the meeting adjourned
without the formality of a benediction.
The new church built by the Methodists in 1847 was dedicated by Bishop
Hamline and called Roberts Chapel. The ne.xt year the conference returned
the same preacher, John H. Hull, who filled the station during the previous
year. In 1850 a small number of the members of Roberts Chapel organized
another charge and built a one-story brick church at the comer of Seminary
and Ephraim streets. Hayden Hays was their pastor. Later another story
was added and the building dedicated under the name Simpson Chapel.
In 1849 and 1850 H. N. Barnes was assigned to Roberts Chapel. .A^ year
later Thomas S. Webb came. In 1S52 the Northwest Indiana conference was
formed. T. S. Webb was returned to Roberts Chapel. In 1853 came G. C.
Becks; 1854, James Scott; 1855, A. G. Chenoweth; 1856, William Willson;
1857, William Willson again; 1858, G. W. Stafford; 1859, G. M. Boyd; i860, •
G. M. Boyd again; 1861, Thomas S. Webb; 1863, Thomas S. Webb again;
1863, C. A. Brooke; 1864, C. .A. Brooke again; 1865, D. F. Barnes; 1866,
Enoch Holdstock; 1867, J. W. Greene; 1868, J. W. Greene again; Simpson
Chapel, D. Holmes; 1869. Roberts Chapel, J. W. Green; Simpson Chapel,
A. A. Brown; 1870, Roberts Chapel, C. Skinner; Simpson Chapel, A. A.
Brown. In 1871 Roberts and Simpson Chapels were consolidated and a
mission was founded in the south part of Greencastle. A. A. Gee was sent
to Roberts Chapel. In 1872 Doctor Gee was returned to Roberts Chapel, W.
C. Davisson assigned to the new mission and James Spinks to the Greencastle
circuit. In 1873, Roberts Chapel. Nelson Greene, mission, H. A. Buchtel,
Greencastle circuit, W. C. Davisson; 1874, Roberts Chapel, Samuel Beck;
south charge, H. .A. Buchtel; 1875. Roberts Chapel, Samuel Beck; 1876,
Roberts Chapel. Samuel Beck; 1877. Roberts Chapel, Isaac W. Joyce; 18-8,
Isaac W. Joyce.
During the pastorate of Doctor Joyce in 1879 Roberts Chapel was sold
to the Presbyterian church and a new building, called College Avenue church,
erected in the neighborhood. Doctor Joyce, the first preacher in the new
charge, remained one year, being succeeded by A. Marine, who, in 1883, gave
11:2 WEIK S IIISTORV OF
way to J. H. Cissel. The latter remained till 1886. AI. M. Parkhurst served
till 1890; Salem B. Towne till 1894; James H. Holliiigsworth till 1897; Will-
iam H. Wise till 1899 and J. S. Hoagland till 1909. The present pastor is
Kirk Waldo Robbins.
The other Methodist charge in Greencastle, known as Locust Street
church, was the outgrowth of the mission established in 1873 by W. C. Davis-
son, who afterward became a missionary in Japan. During the pastorate
of Rev. H. A. Buchtel in 1874, a new building was erected at the corner of
Anderson and Locust streets. Li the following year he was succeeded by
J. V. R. Miller, who served till 1876; next came \V. H. Grim, who remained
till 1879; J. L. Pitner, till 1880; J. W. Webb. 1881 : W. R. Halstead, 1882;
W. M. Zaring, 1884; Albert Hurlstone, 1887; T. H. Willis, 1892; R. R.
Bryan. 1893: L. D. Moore, 1895; M. A. Farr, 1896; J. W. Baker, 1898; J.
W. Culmer, 1899; W. H. Wylie. 1900, and J. F. O'Haver, 1903. J. M.
Walker, the pastor now in charge, was appointed in 1908.
E.KRI.Y PRESBYTERIAN EFFORTS.
As before noted, the first attempt of the Presbyterian church to obtain a
footing in Putnam county was not a success. After the efforts of Isaac
Reed, who undertook to organize the church in August, 1825, interest in the
society began to relax and finally the meetings, which had been held in the
cabins of the members, ceased altogether. This period of inaction continued
till the fall of 1832, when Rev. Samuel G. Lowry, who afterward emigrated
to Minnesota, commenced preaching by special permit in the Methodist church,
once and sometimes twice a month, being assisted by Rev. James H. Shields.
The society included about sixteen persons who held to the Presbyterian be-
lief. In July, 1833, he organized a "Xew School Presbyterian church." con-
sisting of eighteen members. John S. Jennings and James M. Hillis were the
first eklers. Later Lucius R. Chapin. James Proctor. "M. W. Hensley, Jacob
Daggv, James AI. Grooms, James D. Stevenson. Charles G. Case, R. W. Jones,
Elias Daggy and R. S. Ragan served the church in like capacity. Mr. Lowry"s
services ceased in 1834 and he was immediately followed by W. W. Woods,
who remained till 1837. In May, 1836, the town agent of Greencastle, on
the order of the board of county commissioners, conveyed to the trustees of
the church Lot 2;^ Iving at the corner of Columbia and Jefferson streets, on
which the congregation at once built a brick meeting house, which was dedi-
cated in September, 1836, and occupied continuously for almost twenty years.
In i8si the erection of a new building was begun on the lot at the corner of
PL'TNAM COCXTV, IXDIAXA. II3
Jackson and Columbia streets, but was not completed till 18^14. This latter
was then occupied till destroyed by fire in 1876.
After Mr. Woods left the church in 1837, J. R. W'heelock. James H.
Shields and Ransom Hawley filled the pastorate till 1845. After them came
Thomas S. Milligan. who ministered to the flock until 1850. being succeeded
by T. 'SI. Oviatt. who remained in charge till the spring of 1855. ]\Ir. Oviatt
was followed by Henry A. Rossiter. whose temi of service, extending from
1855 to 1869. was longer than that of any other pastor. In 1850 a division of
the church occurred and the Second Presljyterian church, acting under dis-
l^ensation of the Old School assembly, was organized. In 1850-51 they erected
a brick building at the corner of Washington street and College avenue, their
first pastor being J. McCord. From 1854 to 1870 they were ministered to
by Dr. E. W. Fisk. In i8fi8 they sold their building to E. T. Keightley. who
soon transferred it to the Catholic church, and they at once began the erection
of a new builcling at the corner of Locust and Anderson streets, which was
later transferred to the Indiana Female College. In ?^[arch. 1870. the two
congregations. Xew and Old school, were united and occupied the First
church building, .\fter the consoli<lation Dr. Fisk and William A. Bosworth
occupied the pulpit two \ears or until 187 J. A. W. Williams followed till
1S74: Lucius I. Root, 1876; George G. ^litchell. 1879: George ^^'. Eainum.
1889. and Harlan P. Corey. 189J. Since the latter date the pastors in suc-
cession ha\e been Robert M. Dillon. William K. Wea\er. James P. Roth.
-Vugustus W. Sonne and David \'anDyke. At present the church is without
a pastor.
Tlin: CIIRISTIAX CTITRCn.
The Christian church in Putnam county harks back to the days of the
Xew Lights, which was organized in 1830 with a membership of several per-
sons, viz: R. S. Tennant. wife an<l daughter, Peter W. Applegate and wife,
and Samuel Ta\'lor and wife. The first elders were Peter W. Applegate and
Samuel Tavlor. The first member admitted after the organization of the
church was lohn G Tennant. Soon after John Reed, \'. K. Reed. Crawford
Cole and others joined. Meetings were held from house to house and services
were led by such preachers as Gilbert Harney. Michael Coons, John OT\ane.
John Harris and others. After several years the congregation decided to
hold meetings in Greencastle. At first they met in a room o\-er a store on
the northeast corner of the public S(|uare. then in a schriol room at the Count v
Seminary and finally in the court house. The congregation, under the nn'nis-
(8)
114
WEIK S HISTORY OF
trations of such men as John B. New, Love H. Jameson, A. R. Benton, S.
K. Hoshour, B. K. Smith, Alfred Flowers, E. P. Goodwin, James E. Mat-
thews. Moses E. Laird. Benjamin Franklin, M. B. Hopkins and Oliver P.
Badger, was constantly growing and about 1S53 a lot was purchased at the
corner of Poplar and Indiana streets on which the erection of a commodious
frame church was begun. The building was dedicated Sunday, June 8. 1856.
The first pastor was Oliver P. Badger, a man of great piety and religious
zeal and the longest continuously active resident preacher in Greencastle.
His successors in charge of the church have been J. W. Cox, Peter Raines.
S. F. Stimpson. Alfred Flower, O. F. Lane. W. B. Taylor, H. G. Fleming, O.
C. Atwater. A. H. Morris. O. P. Shront, J. E. Powell. Robert Sellers and
Commodore W. Cauble. The present pastor is J. M. Rudy.
BAPTIST ORGANIZATION.
Although one of the oldest church organizations in the county, the rec-
ords of the Baptist church are by far the most incomplete. Originally there
were several congregations of the denomination in the county, the largest one
being in Greencastle. March 3, 1837, the town agent was ordered to convey
to the trustees of the church a lot in Greencastle, on which they erected a
brick meeting house. This they used till 1859, when they purchased another
lot on the corner of Water and Poplar streets, upon which they erected their
present church. From a portion of the record of the minutes of the church
meetings held at intervals we learn that from 1846 to 1850 John G. Kerr
officiated as pastor, that he was succeeded by E. W. Crissey, he by J. Taylor,
and he by William M. Davis. This takes us down to 1853.
The next man was William Freeman, the next P. H. Evans anrl the next
J. S. Gillespie. During the pastorate of the last named in 1859 the new
church was built. In February. 1867. the records of this church were de-
stroved by fire so that much of its history cannot now be ascertained. The
church being financially weak, asked for and received material assistance from
the Baptist Home Missionary Society. Rev. R. M. Parks was called to the
pastorate, but before the close of his first year the church building was almost
completely destroyed by a cyclone. This was a heavy blow to the congrega-
tion, but.'nothing daunted, they resolved to rebuild and the present structure
was the result. For some time the church was without a pastor, but was sup-
plied till 1870 by Rev. Brown, of Terre Haute. During the pastorate of F.
M. Roberts, who came about this time, an organ was purchased for the Sun-
dav school, which unfortunately caused a serious division and consecjuent
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. II5
loss in membership. ^Ir. Rol)erts resigned within a year and was succeeded
bv T- S. Gillespie, who served till 1874. His successors up to 1890 were, in
succession. A. P. Stout. J. R. Edwards, J. \V. Reed, I. H. Wise and W. W.
Hicks. Since 1890 the church has frequently been without a pastor. At
present Rev. D. B. Landes is in charge.
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE.
We come now to the oldest church of all, the Catholic — often called the
mother church. In the dissemination of religious knowledge and instmction
it was the pioneer, for it established missions among the Indians in Illinois and
Indiana long before the white man had undertaken to settle the new territory.
"Her missionaries," says one historian, "traversed the country from the Ohio
river to the Great lakes, preaching salvation to the red man and teaching him
the great truths contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Wherever a tribe
was found, there the humble priest of the Catholic church erected the altar of
God and celebrated the sacrifice of the mass, speaking words of love and peace
to the poor untutored sons of the forest. Many of these noble men yielded
up their lives at the hands of those they came to save, but at last devotion to
the cause of Christ conquered the barbarian and love for the 'black robe' (as
the priest was called by the Indians') took the place of hatred in the heart of
the savage. Ever afterward the Catholic priest was a welcome visitor, his
habit being his only defense. His coming was made a time of rejoicing, and
the Indians, gathering around, listened eagerly to the words of truth as he
spoke them forth. All this was changed by the dishonesty of the white
traders, which turned the Indian's love to hate and ever since he has remained
the foe of the white man."
The history of the Catholic church in Greencastle, known as the church
of St. Paul the Apostle, dates back to 1848. when the Rev. Simon LaLumiere,
pastor of St. Joseph's church in Terre Haute, journeyed to Greencastle and
read the first mass in an old log school house, the property of Clinton Walls.
a short distance northeast of the village of Limedale. The early Catholics of
Greencastle and vicinity, but few of whom are now living, were generally
Irish laborers employed in the construction of the V'andalia and Monon rail-
roads and for a long time religious services were held in private houses. Other
priests beside the reverend father mentioned attended to the spiritual needs
of the mission in these early days, among whom was the Rev. Daniel Maloney,
from Indianapolis. The first resident pastor was the Rev. William Doyle,
who was sent here bv Maurice de St. Palais, the bi.shop of the diocese of Vin-
cennes. It was through the efforts of Father Doyle that the congregation
Ii6 weik'-s history of
came into possession of their first church property. This consisted of a prim-
itive chair factory located on Locust street, between Anderson and Seminary,
which they purchased and con\erted into a house of worship. There is a
■tradition that the owner of the property in (juestion. a Protestant, was so
deeply prejudiced against the further encroachment of the Catholic denomina-
tion that he refused to sell the lot to them and that the conveyance was
effected by a strategem, the owner. Gustavus H. Lilly, being made to believe
that the grantee was intending to use the place as a vinegar factory. This
could easily ha\-e been accomplished by means of a bond for a deed. At the
date of this transaction the Know-nothing movement was at its height and
the prejudice against foreigners and the Roman Catholics knew no limit.
Rev. Edward O'Flaherty followed Father Doyle, ministering to the
flock at Greencastle and adjacent missions until 1856, when he was succeeded
by Rev. Patrick Highland. In i860 the latter priest, being somewhat ad-
vanced in years and of feeble health, gave way to the Rev. Joseph O'Reilly,
under whose ministrations the church made rapid and substantial progress.
The church edifice was repaired, walls plastered, altar erected, proper' vest-
ments secured, a steeple erected, surmounted by the cross, the building painted
and the entire structure greatly improved in appearance. In May, 1864,
Father O'Reilly was transferred to Cambridge City being followed by Rev.
Charles Maugin. In April. 1866. during the administration of the latter,
the old-school Presbyterian church building was purchased and remodeled.
On June loth the building was blessed by Bishop St. Palais and consecrated
to St. Paul. Xear the close of the year 1867. Father Maugin was succeeded
by the Rev. J. Clement, who made further and material alterations to the
church, but who died during his pastorate in 1871. Next came Peter Bischof.
who served till 1874; Dennis O'Donnovan till 1877: Thomas Logan till Aug-
ust. 1880: Michael Power till 18S5. when Father Logan was returned and
remained till 1888. He was succeeded by Joseph Macke. who remained a
year and was followed by the present pastor, Thomas A. McLaughlin, whose
record of service has excelled in duration that of any of his predecessors.
In 1853. under the administration of Father O'Flaherty. a mission was estab-
ished at Bainbridge and the members of the church there have been ministered
to bv the resident pastor at Greencastle since that time. The church there
many years ago was consecrated to St. Patrick.
OTHER CHURCHES.
Several attempts to organize and maintain an Episcopalian church in
Greencastle have been made, but without material success. About twenty years
PUTNAM COUNTY. IXDIAXA. II7
ago the membership, though limited in number, built a neat little stone church
at the comer of Seminary street and Taylor avenue, and for a time supported
a resident pastor, but only for a brief time. After that meetings were held
once a month, led by clerg\-men from other places, but finally services of all
kinds ceased, the building was sold and the church went out of existence.
There are three colored churches in the county and all are located in
Greencastle. The oldest is Bethel, the African Methodist Episcopal church.
It was organized about 1876. and met over a store room on the public square
for \ears. but about twenty years ago purchased the lot on Locust street
where the first Catholic church stood and built thereon an attractive and com-
modious building in which the congregation has ever since worshipped. It is
the largest colored congregation in the county. Its present pastor is A. E.
Taylor. There are also two other colored churches in Greencastle. One is
Hinton Chapel, representing the Methodist Episcopal church. The congre-
gation meets in a small brick building which it owns on Hanna street. The
pastor is W. \'. Butts. The other church is in the extreme south part of the
cit\' and is known as St. Paul's Baptist church. It has no regular pastor, but
at least once a month it holds ser\ices which are led l)y the pastors of churches
who come from other places.
THE FIRST SrXD.W SCHOOL.
This chapter would be far from complete were no mention to be made
of that marselous and now universal agency for the dissemination of religious
knowledge and the useful instruction of the young — the Sunday school. In
the hands of the Misses ^lyra and Elizabeth Goulding, of Greencastle, is a
small book, about eight by ten inches in size, in the first page of which, written
in a delicate feminine hand and now almost faded from sight, is the following:
"Greencastle Union Sabljath School Register.
"1834.
"April 13. — A Sabbath school was opened ijy the teacher of the day
school with twenty young ladies and children, most of whom were her own
scholars. They were led in prayer and received instructions from Matt. 18:
1-4. which ha<l been previously assigned for the lesson. G. F. Waterman was
present and expressed his approbation of the manner in which instruction was
given and his willingness to become a teacher. Matt. 18:21-35 ^^'^s assigned
for the ne.xt lesson. School was dismissed to meet the next Sabbath at half
past eight o'clock in the morning."
iig weik's history of
The above entry was penned by Myra Jewett, afterward married to
John S. Jennings, and records the happenings and exercises of the first Sun-
day school ever held in Putnam county. The story of how this good woman
who, leaving the attractive and congenial surroundings of her Massachusetts
home, chose to unite her fortunes with the hardy settlers in the backwoods
of Indiana, and especially how she came to organize among these rude pioneers
that great agency for the uplift and betterment of society, the Sunday school,
is indeed an incident of rare interest ; and it is so admirably told in a paper pre-
pared and read bv Miss Helen Hathaway at a celebration in 1878 of the
fortv- fourth anniversary of the founding of the Sunday school, that the liberty
is taken to incorporate a portion of it here. After reciting the facts set forth
in Miss Jevvett's diary quoted above. Miss Hathaway says;
"Alost of the young ladies and children present were Miss Jewett's own
scholars in the school-room which stood on the spot now occupied by Doctor
Preston's residence (corner of College avenue and Walnut street). The
third Sabbath the number of scholars had increased to thirty and Miss Jewett
was assisted by Mr. John S. Jennings and Mr. G. F. Watennan, a lawyer who
had come to this place from Rhode Island. Three others aftenvard entered
the school as teachers, but none of these seem to have been permanent teach-
ers. On Mav 15th the school met at Mr. Jennings' house and continued to
meet there till June 8th, when it was moved to the Seminary, a one-story
brick building of two rooms standing on the site now occupied by Mr. Edward
Hanemann's residence. The school had increased in numbers and had re-
ceived a donation of fi\e dollars from the school in Pepperell, Massachusetts,
Miss Jewett's former home, to aid in purchasing a library, and the agent of
the American Sunday School Union donated five dollars worth of books. In
July a meeting was held at ]\Ir. Jennings' house for the purpose of effecting
a permanent organization. A Sabbath school society was organized with
John C. Evans, president, and G. F. Waterman, vice-president. Mr. Jen-
nings was elected superintendent of the school and Miss ^lyra Jewett. secre-
tary, and the name of 'The Greencastle Union Sabbath School" adopted. The
society held a Sunday school concert for prayer on July 14th and was address-
ed bv John Cowgill. Esq.. on 'The Importance of the Sunday School to our
Town. Countv and Xation." These concerts were held monthly. The ofifi-
cers and teachers of the school were elected by the society. In 1835 a set of
rules for the government of the school was adopted. The whole number of
scholars enrolled during the first year of the school was eighty-nine and among
them we notice the names of James and Leah Gillespie, John R. Mahan. Wil-
liam Ste\'enson and \'irginia Walls, now ^Irs. Lee. one of our present teach-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. I I9
ers. In September of this year the school lost by death one of its valuable
teaciiers. Mrs. M. Ste\enson. and in this month the school was visited for the
first time by a minister of the gospel. There was an eiifort made to keep up a
teachers' meeting. Init it seems that \ery little interest was manifested by the
teachers. In ?v[arch. 1835, a Methodist Sabbath school was organized, which
tO()k away a nnmlier of the scholars and some of the teachers. However, in
-Vtigiist the ^chool ninnbered sixty or si.\ty-fi\-e scholars and seemed too large
to be accommodated in the school room. On the roll of the school for this vear
we see the names of Bishop Osborne, ^\'illiam Thornburgh and Eliza Hen-
sley. Mr. Jennings held the office of superintendent for two vears and was
elected by the society for the year 1836, but soon after resigned and Milton
\\ . Hensley was elected to fill the place. The school was fre(|uently omitted
on accoimt of sacramental or camp meetings or absence of superintendent
and teachers from town. It was much encouraged by donations from time
to time from the school at Pepperell, Massachusetts. On September 11, 1836,
it was moved to the newly-built Presbyterian church, at the corner of Colum-
bia and Jefferson streets. Something of a harvest seems to have been realized
at this time from the labors in the school, as a number of scholars had united
with the church. Xexertheless. the secretarv- records rather discouraginglv
that a large luimlier of scholars had left the school and much inconvenience
was felt from the cold, as the means of making the house comfortable were
inadequate. R. W. Jones and three l)rothers and Lewis Rutlisill entered
school this year. In January. 1837, it is recorded: 'School larger todav than
for two years. We have now the means for making the house comfortable
and ue ha\'e a minister who comes and talks to us.
"The whole number connected with the school then was seventy-six and
in the s[)ring of that year several more united with the church and a new
librar\- was purchased, .\mong the scholars enrolled that year were Maria
Walls. Sarah J. Daggy (now Mrs. Hawkins). Hannah Osborne (now the
wife of Solomon Claypool), .Uldison Daggy and William Daggy. The pres-
ent mayor of our city, Mr. Lucius P. Chapin. and his brother. John Chapin.
also entered that year. In 1838 the superintendent resigned and for three
months the office was vacant, different members of the school being called
upon to conduct the e.xercises. Mr. Hensley was again elected to fill the office
for the remainder of the year, with James M. Grooms as secretaiy. In No-
vember of that year Jarvin C. Grooms, then three years old. entered the school
and has. we presume, lieen a regular attendant diu'ing all the }-ears since that
time. Edwin Black, with two brothers. aLso entered at this time. For the
\ear 1840 ]M. W. Hensley was elected suiJeriutendent and we belie\e held the
I20 WEIK S HISTORY OF
.office one _\ear. I)eiiig succeeded l)y James 'SI. (jrooms. About this time sev-
eral of the teachers and scholars went over the creek, north of town, and
organized a branch school with Mr. Jacob Dagg_\- superintendent. In the
records for 1843 are fiiund the names of some new teachers admitted, among
them being Addison Daggy, R. L. Hathaway and Elizabeth Grooms. Among
the minutes for March we notice that Mr. Gookins from Terre Haute ad-
dressed the school. * * * *
"In 1844 the library was replenished by a donation of two hundred vol-
umes and Jacol) Daggy was elected superintendent. In 1845 Mr. Jennings
was again cliosen superintendent and D. C. Proctor, secretary and librarian.
In 1846. or perhaps a short time previous thereto, the Baptists organized a
scho()l nearbv. which took away some of the scholars. In this year a juvenile
missionary society was formed. In 1847 the officers were J. M. Grooms,
superintendent. D. C. Proctor, secretaiy, and John R. ]\Iahan, librarian. The
school was reported in a flourishing condition and a library of one hundred
volumes purchased. On Saturday. May ist. the school celebrated its thir-
teenth aimiversary at the church. The Methodist and Baptist schools joined
in the celebration. Rev. Cyrus Xutt opened the meeting with prayer and
Rev. Mr. Milligan and Rev. Mr. Carr delivered addresses, after which all
partook of refreshments and then formed a procession headed by the Putnam
Band."
MYR-V JEWETT.
Interesting though it may be. the linntations of space forbid further ac-
count of this now historic Sunday school : but we cannot pass from the subject
without a brief word respecting the memory of Myra Jewett. its founder.
She was bom in Pepperell. Massachusetts, in 1802. and was the oldest in a
family of thirteen children. Her sister is authority for the statement that
'"the limited means of her parents made it a difficult matter for them to give
their laro-e family the advantages for education which they desired. Init. with
that persistent energv and determination which has always been a stn^ngly
marked ciiaracteristic. she overcame the obstacles that lay in her way. Her
great ilesire was to qualifv herself for the office of a teacher, that she might
'do g(ii)d.' not onlv bv imparting to the youtli that knowledge which would
prepare them fur active duties of life, but further than this, that she might by
precept and example incite them to lives of unselfish devotion to higher and
nobler aims than simplv living for their own enjoyment or for the gratification
of worldiv ambition."
PUTNAM COLXTY. INDIANA. 121
For a time she was a \m\n\ of Marv Lvons. who made the scliijol at Aft.
Holyoke famous, and was deeply influenced by her teachings. Says her sister :
"She tauglit for six or seven years in her native state, but her s\inpathies were
early enlisted bv accounts of the great need of teachers in the newly settleil
regions of the 'b^ar West.' as Indiana was called in those days. But a jour-
ne\- fmm Massachusetts to Indiana at that time was a far different affair from
what it is now. There was only one short railroail in the route from Albany
to Schenectad}-. The rest of the journey was toilsome and tedious, being per-
formed by stage, by steamer across the lake, by canal and by private con\'e\'-
ance. Her traveling companions on this wearisome journey were the late
Prof. Caleb Mills and a Miss Wvatt, also a teacher. Soon after her arrival
in Greencastle, she rented and furnished a room and opened her school. This
school she continued to teach, struggling along alone amid many trials, dififi-
culties and discouragements, for three vears, when a younger sister came to
shai'e her lai)ors.'"
The school was not a pecuniary success. Miss Jewett found at the close
of the first term that after paying her board and the expenses of the school
room she was in debt one dollar. At the end of the succeeding term she had
a net sm-plus of one dollar, but at the close of the third term she again faced
a tleficit of a dollar. After this for one or two terms she managed to make
the two sides of the account balance. There was scarcely ever a surplus again.
"But hers was a true missionan*' work and this was a labor of love." con-
tinues her sister. "But she was not satisfied with the work of the day school
merely and in 1834 she gathered together a few of her scholars and some
others in her school-room and taught the first Sabliath school. For manv
years — indeed as long as strength pennitted — she was an earnest, faithful
teacher, always at her po.'^t and always enforcing by her own pure, lovelv and
consistent life the principles which she endea\ored to instill into the minds of
her pupils.
"In the sjjring of '836 she was compelled in conseijuence of ill-health, to
resign tiie schnol entirely to her sister, but upon the marriage of the latter.
June 7th. she again resumed the office <if teacher, which she continued to fill
till her own marriage to John S. Jennings, .\ugust 13. 1841. She was the
mother ni two children, both of whom died in infancy, .\lwa_\-s tlelicate from
a child, her long life was attended by much suffering, yet in all these manv
long, wearisome ilays of languor and the nights of pain no one ever heard a
murnnn- nr complaint from her lips. She passed from earth June 13. 18S0.
Those wIkj attended her and mini.stered to her wants can testify to her patient
resignation and cheerful submission to the sufferings which slie felt were sent
b\- the lo\ ing Tleax-enh- Father for her good.'
122 WEIK S HISTORY OF
A modest, forbearing, but earnest woman, she shrank instinctively from
any sort of public contact. She strove to do her full duty without popular
acclaim. When ill health at last drove her into the privacy of her home, she
welcomed the seclusion it insured. It was a congenial retreat and there, sur-
rounded by her flowers, of which she was devotedly fond, she spent the few
remaining years of her useful and beautiful life confidently awaiting the sum-
mons which finally comes to us all. So lived and died this good woman and
when the historian of the future shall undertake the story of Greencastle and
Putnam county his work will surely come to naught if he fails to include
among those entitled to the regard and veneration of posterity the patient
zeal, the tolerant, angelic spirit and the unswerving devotion of Myra Jewett.
CHAPTER VII.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES AXD CLUBS.
The first benevolent or fraternal society in Putnam county of which
there is any record was Temple Lodge. No. 47, Free and Accepted Masons.
It was organized May 28, 184J, and for a long time met in the upper story
of a frame building on the south side of the public square near the present
quarters of the Central National Bank. The records of the order show that
the following were the first officers: Samuel Taylor, worshipful master:
John Sala. senior warden: William L. Hart, junior warden: Lewis H. Sands.
secretan.' ; Samuel Dicks, treasurer: C. G. Ballard, senior deacon: Jesse
Dicks, junior deacon: Hiram P. Walker, tyler: C. J. Hand, past master;
W. C. Larrabee. cliaplain.
It is recorded that at the installation of the officers Professor Larra-
bee delivered an address of such weight and acceptability, an order was
made that it be furnished to the editor of the Greencastle Visitor for pub-
lication in that journal. The membership at the date of organization was
not in excess of fifteen : at present it is over two hundred. The officers
elected for 1910 are as follows: Earl C. Lane, worshipful master: M. Syl-
vester Miller, senior warden : Benjamin P. King, junior warden ; James
]McD. Hays, treasurer: Edward E. Caldwell, secretary; James L. Randel.
senior deacon : Lawrence H. Athey, junior deacon ; Eugene Schmidt and
Jesse D. Hughes, stewards; Charles W. Huffman, tyler: James L. Ran-
del. Jerome M. King, William B. Vestal, trustees.
ROYAL ARCH MASON'S.
Mav 16. 1S51. Greencastle Chapter, No. 22. Royal Arch Masons, was
organized. The original officers chosen were : P. G. E. Hunt, high priest ;
John Plill. king: Peter W. Applegate, scribe: Henr\' W, Daniels, captain
of thehost; D. L. Hamilton, principal sojourner; William Turk, royal arch
cai)tain : .A. \'. H<nigh, ma.'^ter first veil; B. F. Hays, master second veil:
\N'. C. Larraliee. master third x'eil.
In the spring of 1853 interest in the chapter began to wane and finally
the meetings ceased altogether. This condition of inactivity continued for
years, in fact until October 29, i860, when a new dispensation fn^m the
124 WEIK S HISTORY OF
grand chapter was received and meetings were renewed. .\t this time J.
U. L. Feenister was high priest: B. F. Hays, captain of the host; R. W.
Jones, principal sojourner; A. M. Puett, royal arch captain, and Samuel
Catherwood, secretary and treasurer.
The original members numbered about twenty-five, but the list has
increased until today it includes a membership of one hundred sixty-nine.
The officers chosen this year are as follows: Joseph F. Gillespie, high priest;
William F. Baney. king; Deloss F". Albin. scribe; James McD. Hays,
treasurer; Edward E. Caldwell, secretary; M. Sylvester Miller, captain of
the host; Fred S. ^NlcXary. principal sojourner; Frank S. Bittles, royal arch
captain; William H. H. Cullen, grand master third veil; Gray Potter, grand
master second veil; Eugene Schmidt, grand master first veil; Charles Huff-
man, guard; William M. Flouck, Amos E. Ayler. James L. Randel, trus-
tees.
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.
Ten vears after the organization of the chapter, a commandery. known
as Greencastle Commandery, No. ii. Knights Templar, was founded. The
charter was dated April 3, 1867, and the following officers were chosen:
Sir Henry W. Daniels, eminent commander; Sir Louis Weik, generalissimo;
Sir William Daggv, captain general; Sir William G. Burnett, prelate; Sir
Samuel Catherwood. treasurer; Sir James i\IcD. Hays, recorder; Sir John
W. Reeves, senior warden; Sir Benjamin Pritchard. junior warden; Sir
Benjamin F. Hays, standard bearer; Sir Elijah T. Keightley. sword bearer;
Sir John A. Crose. warder; Sir Solomon Henry, sentinel.
Up to the year 1910 its membership had almost reached a hundred and
it was officered as follows: Sir A. Evan Ayler. eminent commander; Sir
R. S. Cow gill, generalissimo; Sir Raser Bittles. captain general; Sir Lewis
A. Zaring. senior warden ; Sir James ^^^ Carver, junior warden ; Sir Clar-
ence E. Crawlev, prelate; Sir Edwin E. Black, treasurer; Sir James McD.
Hays, recorder: Sir Edward E. Coffman. standard I^earer; Sir Emmett
Greene, sword bearer; Sir David W. Campbell, warder: Sir Charles W.
Huffman, sentinel; Sir James L. Randel. Sir William B. Vestal. Sir William
M. Houck. trustees.
There are Masonic lodges in other parts of the county as follows:
Bainbridge Lodge. Xo. J^. at Bainbridge : Milton Brown, worshipful
master: ]. L. McKee. secretar}-.
Roaclulale Lodge. Xd. hoj. at Ruachdale : Lon L. \\'orrell. wnr-hip-
ful master: Cecirgc \\'. Irwin, secretary.
PL'T.XAM COr.VTV, INDIANA. I25
Cloxerdak Lodge. Xo. 132. at Cloverdale ; H. C. Foster, worshipful
master; H. B. ^[artin. secretan.-.
Applegate Lodge. Xo. 155, at Fillmore; Jasper P'roctor. worshipful
master; J. W. Randolph, secretary.
Morton Lodge. X'o. 4^39, at Morton; S. \'. Thomas, worshipful mas-
ter ; D. P. Ale.xander. secretary.
Russellville Lodge. X'o. 141. at Russellville ; Ernest Simpson, worship-
ful nu.ster; Joseph Fordyce. secretary.
IXDEPr.XDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOW'S.
Following the Masons, the ne.xt fraternal order estahlished in the coun-
ty was the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The first lodge was in-
stituted at Greencastle. July 10. 1847. It was called Putnam Lodge. Xo.
45. Its officers were: \V. McClure. noble grand; Elisha Adamson. \"ice
grand; Isaac Dunn, secretary; Samuel X'oel. treasurer.
The lodge is still in a flourishing condition. June 30, 1870. another
lodge, known as Greencastle Lodge. X'o. 348. was established. It began
with a membership of fifteen as follows; Henry Metzler. Thomas L \^'al!s.
G. W. Beauchamp. Isaac H. INIorris. Thomas 'M. Bowman. Charles G. B(3w-
man. Louis Weik, George D. Blakey. James Daggy. Levi Cohn. Robert AI.
Black. David H. Stevenson, Heim- C. Perkins. James Hopkins. Lorenzo
D. Crawley and .Albert Allen. Its officers at present are : John F. Williams,
noble grand ; Edw ard AVoodman, \'ice grand ; F. E. Crawley, secretary ;
Charles Kiefer, treasurer.
Outside of Greencastle. Odd Fellows lodges have been established in
various parts of the county. At present lodges are in existence as follo\vs :
Roachdale. A\'. M. Davis, noble grand; Lon T. Grider. secretar\-.
Russellville. R. Ridlin. noble grand ; W. P. Byrd. secretary.
Fillmore. John Jackson, noble grand; Marion Sinclair, secretan-.
Cloverdale, J. F. Randsopher. noble grand ; John AVard, secretary.
Mt. Meriflian. Har\ey Stone, nibble grand; L. F. Knight, secretar^•.
KXIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Januarv J4. 187-'. Eagle Lodge. X'o. 16. Knights of Pythias, was es-
tablished in ("treencastle. The charter members numbered seventeen, as fob
126 WEIK 3 HISTORY OF
lows: John Gilmore, H. H. Morrison, Charles W. Talburt, W. W. Dun-
nington, G. H. Brown, W. J. Ashton. J. B. McCormick, J. A. Hill, A. Brock-
way, J. F. Darnall, A. R. Brattin. E. Dunnington, Charles W. Daggy, D. W.
Brattin, F. Fordyce, G. M. Black and J. M. Knight. There is no record of
the first officers. The lodge still continues in a flourishing condition, meet-
ing in handsome and newly equipped quarters and has an active membership
of about one hundred and fifteen. Its officers chosen in January, 1910,
are as follows: Eugene Hawkins, chancellor commander; Charles T. Peck,
vice chancellor; Thomas T. Moore, prelate; Ferdinand Lucas, master at
arms; J. Y. Denton, keeper of records and seal; Roy M. Abrams, master
of exchequer: John W. Sutherlin, master of finance; W. M. McGaughey,
inner guard ; J. O. Cammack, outer guard ; A. B. Hanna, C. H. Bamaby,
J. C. Brothers, trustees.
MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERIC.\.
The Modern Woodmen of America are represented by seven camps
in the county. Camp No. 5616 is at Russellville, No. 61 10 at Roachdale,
No. 7055 at Bainbridge, No. 7194 at Clove rdale, No. 9840 at Fincastle, and
No. 1 1 155 at Portland Mills.
Camp No. 3349 at Greencastle, the first one in the county, was organized
November 13, 1S95. The charter members were D. W. Alspaugh, Thomas
Abrams, M. J. Beckett, H. R. Callender, P. O. Colliver, A. W. Cooper, G.
W. Cooper, Albert Daggy. J. S. Dowling, E. G. Fry, F. G. Gilmore, E.
A. Hamilton. A. B. Hanna. E. L. Harris, W. L. Harris, J. M. House, C.
K. Hughes, C. W. Landes, F. L. Landes, H. C. Lewis, R. L. O'Hair, O.
F. Overstreet. \V. E. Peck, H. S. Renick, L. A. Steeg. J. B. Tucker, W.
W. Tucker. J. E. Vermillion, Jesse \V. Weik.
The election of officers resulted as follows: H. L. Renick, venerable
consul; Albert .\. Dagg}-. worthy adviser; E. L. Harris, escort; O. F. Over-
street, clerk; Edward G. Fry, watchman; Louis A. Steeg, sentry; W. W.
Tucker, physician.
The Greencastle Camp is still maintained, the membership constantly
increasing in number. There have been thirteen deaths since the camp was
first established. The last officers elected were: Consul, L. D. Snider; worthy
adviser. W. W. Soper; banker. W. M. Blake; clerk, R. A. Confer; escort,
W. G. Adams; watchman, R. K. ^Michaels; sentry, L. E. Figg; manager,
Oscar Obenchain : physicians. W. \V. Tucker. C. Sudranski.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 12J
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES.
March 12, 1907, Greencastle Aerie, No. 1753, Fraternal Order of
Eagles, was organized. It has almost a hundred members. Its officers are:
Frank Green, worthy president; M. D. Ricketts. past worthy president; Wil-
liam Sutherlin. secretary; William Eiteljorg. treasurer; Fred Johns, worthy
\-ice president.
The Improved Order of Red Men is represented in the county by a
tribe known as Otoe Tribe, Xo. 140, established at Greencastle March 28,
1S92. It is still in a vigorous and flourishing condition and is gradually
gaining in membership. Its officers elected for 1910 are: Fred Allen, sachem;
E. McG. Walls, chief of records; Edward Hoffman, keeper of wampum.
ORDER OF BEN HUR.
The Order of Ben Hur, represented by Greencastle Lodge, No. 102,
was organized January 19, 1S98. It now has in e.xcess of two hundred mem-
bers and is governed by the following officers: J. 1. I'lgg, chief; Mary Johns,
judge; Ella flyers, teacher; Fred Reising, keeper of tribute; Minnie A.
Kiefer, scribe; May Crawley, captain; E. Figg. guide; Kate Jordan, outer
guard; Louisa Reising, inner guard.
BENEXOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS.
Greencastle Lodge, No. 1077, of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks of the L'nited States of .America, was organized in the city of Green-
castle. Indiana, on June 27, 1907. Charter members: J. L. Hamilton, J.
P. Hughes, John F. Cannon, James E. Vermillion, Charlie T. Conn, J. L.
Randel, C. P. Broadstreet. Harry M. Smith. Henr>- S. Renick. Wm. M.
Sutherlin. A. Evan Ayler, Harry Goldberg, William A. Beemer. Ernest P.
Wright, James L. Watson. Fred C. Hohn, Frank E. Crawley, Edward C.
Hamilton, Flarry B. }*Iartin. John W. Young, Thomas Brothers. AVilliam
P. Ledbetter. .Albert Hann-ick. C. C. Gillen, John S. Dowling.
The first officers of the lodge were: E.xalted ruler, James L. Hamilton;
esteemed leading knight. James P. Hughes ; esteemed loyal knight. John F.
Cannon : esteemed lecturing knight, James E. Vermilion ; secretary, C. T.
Conn; treasurer, J. L. Randel; trustees. C. P. Broadstreet. H. Al. Smith
and H. S. Renick; tyler, William M. Sutherlin. The present officers are:
Exalted ruler. James E. Vermilion ; esteemed leading knight, James L. Wat-
128 WEIK S lUSTORV OF
S(Mi; esteemed loval knight, C. C. Gillen ; esteemed lecturing knight. Rees
F. ]\[atson; secretary. Ernest Stoner; treasurer, J. L. Randel ; tyler. Frank
J. Cannon. Jr.; trustees, C. P. Broadstreet, H. M. Smith and E. B. Lynch.
The lodge has increased from a membership of twenty-seven at the date
of institution to a membership of two hundred and one within three years.
LITER.XKV .\.\'D SOCI.VL 0RC..\NIZATI0XS.
Not onlv Greencastle, but e\-ery town and village in the county, has
its proportion of women's clubs. So numerous have they Ijecome that they
have exhausted the entire nomenclature of literature and historv in the
search for names and titles. To list their membership or even attempt to
classify them would swell this volume to undue proportions, but as it hap-
pens that the first woman's club ever organized in Indiana was in Putnam
countv and as it still flourishes like a green bay tree, we cannut well omit the
brief recital of its history here. February 14. 1874. fifteen of the good
women of Greencastle, believing a mutual exchange of ideas on the ques-
tions of the day would be helpful and productive of good results, met at a
private residence in the town and organized what they termed the Woman's
Reading Club of Greencastle. The idea was to issue books, which were to
be read and dulv reviewed and discussed : but ere long the book feature
dropped out and the club became a veritable forum. Avhere all questions
that in anv wav warranted the intervention or judgment of the women of
Greencastle were submitted for discussion. The name thereafter reduced
itself to the Woman's Club of Greencastle. Of the original fifteen charter
members less than half are living. The names were: Airs. Hester Downey.
Mrs. Fmily Hovt. Mrs. Roxanna Ridpath. IMr':. Mary Flanimond, Miss
.\nna O'Brieu, Mrs. T. F. Farp. Mrs. Jerome Allen. Mrs. .\ll)ert .\llen. Mrs.
R. Andrus. ^Mrs. W. D. Allen. Mrs. J. Wilcox. Mrs. J. Tingley. Mrs. G. J.
Langsdale. Miss Elizabeth .\nies and Miss Fannie Donnohue.
The membership is limited to thirty members. The club still meets
fortnightly in the parlor of Woman's Hall. DePauw University. Its present
officers are; Mrs. J. R. Miller, president: Mrs. S. J. Washburn, first vice-
l)resi(lent: Mrs. J. G. Dunbar. ..•second vice-president: Mrs. E. F. Edwards,
third vice-president: Mrs. S. A. Hays, recording secretary: Airs. J. H.
Smvthe. corresponding secretary: Mrs. F. A. Arnold, treasurer: Mrs. J.
P. D. Tohn. Mrs. W. F. Swahlen. critics : Miss Josephine Donnohue. coun-
cil member.
In the lifetime of the late Jerome Allen, of Greencastle. he invited to
hishiimedne evening a ciMiipany of gentlemen representing the literary, com-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
129
mercial and agricultural interests of the community to discuss with them the
propriety of forming a society or organization on the order of the Woman's
Club. The result of the meeting was the Gentlemen's Club, which adopted
a constitution and was duly organized December 14, 1891. The following
were the charter members : H. A. Gobin, P. S. Baker, S. A. Hays, L. AI.
Underwood, S. B. Town. Jesse \V. \\"eik, C. A. Waldo, H. H. Mathias, H.
B. Longdon. J. C. Ridpath. W. C. Bronson, J. R. Weaver, T. C. Hammond.
G. C. Smythe. .\lbert Hurlstone, .\lbert Allen, Jonathan Birch and Jerome
Allen.
Dr. John Clark Ridpath was elected president and Henrv B. Long-
don, secretary-. The present officers are J. P. Allen, Sr.. president, and Jack-
son Boyd, secretary. The membership is also limited to thirty.
On December 13, 1902, a branch of the Daughters of the American
Revolution, known as Washburn Chapter, was organized in Greencastle.
As the memijership is limited to the descendants of those who fought or
materially aided the cause of the Americans in the Revolution, thote en-
titled to admission were necessarily small in number. The charter members
numbered thirteen, as follows: Mrs. Blanche Allen. Miss Ella Beckwith Miss
Emma Beckwith, Mrs. P. O. Cole, :\Irs. Louise Denman, Miss Laura L.
Florer. ^Jrs. Clara Lammers, Miss Pearl O'Hair, Mrs. Mary W. Renick. Mrs!
Caroline H. Swahlen. :\Iiss Anna M. Washburn, Mrs. Lida G. Massey and
-Mrs. Lelia W. DeMotte. The order has continued in active operation and
is membership has increased to about thirty-f^ve. It meets once a month
during eight months of the year, and in every reasonable wav strives to
perpettiate the memory of our Revolutionary ancestors and keep alive the
fires of patrotism in every part of the land. Its last officers, elected in De-
cember. u)oq. are as follows: Mrs. Lelia W. DeMotte. regent: Mrs. Caro-
line H. Swahlen. vice-regent: Mrs. Ferdinand J.ucas. recorrling secretary
Mrs. Xellie Ander.son. corresponding secretary; Mrs. Clara Lammers. regis-
trar: Miss Laura Florer. historian: ^Jrs. Anna .\. Smith, treasurer.
r.R.VXD ARMY OF THE REPfBLIC.
The memon- of the Civil war period and the histor>- of the heroic deeds
of the soMiers of that immortal struggle are kept alive by the Grand Armv
of the Republic. In Putnam county the first post, known as Greencastle
Post. Xo. ir. was organized September 12. 1879. The first officers chosen
were. George J. Langsdale. commander: James F. Fee. senior vice-com-
mander: James .\. Jackson, junior vice-commander; John M Ivni"-ht
(<)) — .^ . .ur-
I30
WEIK S HISTORY OF
geon : Patterson ATcNiitt. chaplain; M. J. Cooper, officer of the day; Benja-
min WilHams, outer guard ; Jesse Richardson, adjutant.
The order was very popular and its numbers increased until it in-
cluded at one time over two hundred members, but as none but actual Union
soldiers are entitled to admission and as the veterans are rapidly crossing to
the "camp-ground" on the other side of the great river, its ranks are di-
minishing. In a few brief vears the order will be extinct.
CHAPTER MIL
BANKS AND BANKING
Putnam count v had not long been settled until there came a need for
a place where the people might, with safety, deposit their surplus funds.
Banks of exchange had not yet become general in the state, but as most peo-
ple arriving in the county were possessed of a little money they sought a
safe place to deposit the same until they could find an acceptable investment.
The only safe in the county was in the store of Capt. W. H. Thornburgh
and there most of those who had surplus funds were accustomed to deposit
their spare money. It is not tmfair to state that these deposits were a dis-
advantage to the Captain, because he was not an accurate bookkeeper and
allowed the deposits to mingle with his own funds so that he finally came
to over-estimate his own wealth and indulged in some degree in specula-
tive investments. The result was inevitable, but to the Captain's credit be
it said he paid eveiy depositor in full, without the loss of a dollar.
The first bank was a broker's office established about 1854 by Augustus
D. Wood, on the south side of Washington street between Indiana and Vine
streets in Greencastle. He was joined by Major W. D. Allen, and ere long
they moved to a building in the northeast corner of the public square and
opened up for business as the Exchange Bank. In a short time the concern
was incorporated under the same name and proceeded to do business under
the free bank law of Indiana. Its capital was fifty thousand dollars and
W. D. Allen was its president. Later the banking office was removed to a
building on the south side of Washington street in the block east of the court
house, where it continued to do a prosperous business till the winter of
1866-67 when, owing to the speculations of its officers, it closed its doors
and its presitlent executed a mortgage to its depositors to secure their
claims.
Shortly Ijefore this, on the opposite side of the street. E. T. Keightley,
in connection with William W. Brown. S. Legate and George Legate, had
started a private bank, which, with limited capital, secured a fair share of
the community's business for several years. About 1871 the Farmers Bank
was organized and opened up for business in the room on the southeast
corner of the square, now occupied by the Owl Drug Company. Some of the
132
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Stockholders of the Keightley bank were interested in it. In the fall of
1873, occasioned by the disastrous panic of that period, it was unaiale to
meet its obligations and closed its doors.
The next private bank in Greencastle was the Putnam County Bank,
operated bv W. E. Stevenson. D. E. Williamson and John W. Earp. It
was organized later in the eighties, but was never incorporated. It was in
operation for about two years only.
The only other banks at the county seat are the First and Central Na-
tional. The First National was organized under the United States national
bank law February 24, 1863. For several years its banking office was in
a room on the east side of the public square, but about 1870 it built its own
building which it still occupies at the corner of Indiana and Washington
streets. Its first officers were Thomas C. Hammond, president, and Jerome
Allen, cashier, and they remained uninterruptedly at the head of the con-
cern until a few days before the expiration of its second charter, a period
of fortv years. When Mr. Hammond vacated the presidency he was suc-
ceeded by Alfred Hirt, who still fills the' office. Andrew Hirt is the cashier.
The charter of the Central National Bank was granted April 7, 1883. Dewitt
C. Bridges was the president and D. W. Lovett, cashier. For a time it oc-
cupied a room on Indiana street in the block south of the court house, but
soon after it erected its own building on the southwest corner of the public
square, where it still continues in business. Robert L. O'Hair is the presi-
dent and James L. Randel, cashier. The Central Trust Company, another
financial institution in Greencastle, was established May i, 1900. Its pres-
ident is Robert L. 0"Hair and James L. Randel serves as secretary.
The Bainbridge Bank was established December i. 1904, by F. P. and
C. M. ^lofifett, who came to Bainbridge a short time before that date from
Westfield. Illinois, where they had been successfully engaged in the banking
business. During the first year here the business was conducted in a room
at the corner of Washington and Main streets, but shortly afterwards the
bank occupied its own building, a substantial cement block structure. The
bank has had a steady and substantial growth from the first. James M.
Reeds, formerly cashier of the First National Bank of Coatesville. became
identified with the Bainbridge Bank as vice-president on January i, 1909.
F. P. Moffett is president of the bank and his son. Charles M. ^Moffett, is
cashier.
Other banks in the county are the Coatesville Bank, established in 1902,
the Bank of Cloverdale. established in igoi, the Roachdale Bank, establish-
ed in 1892. and the Russell ville Bank, also established in 1892.
CHAPTER IX.
JOURNALISM IN PUTNAM COUNTY.
The date the first newspaper was pubhshed in Putnam countv cannot
be accurately determined. As late as the summer of 1837 nothing of the
kind had been attempted, for we find that in certain divorce suits filed at
that time and which required notice by publication, orders were made di-
recting the re(iuisite notices to be published in the Indianapolis Gazette and
also the Bloomington Republiean. Tradition says that John C. Childs
launched the first newspaper enterprise in the county in 1830 and called it
The Hoosier and that in 1S34 he sold it to John W. Osborn. The latter
changed the name to the Ploiu Boy. As no files of the paper have been
presen-ed the present generation knows but little about it or what it con-
tained. It was presumably a weekly and it is said that along uith it Osborn
sent out gratis an "eight-page sheet in pamphlet form called 'The Temper-
ance Advocate.' which was the first temperance paper published in the West."
I\Ir. Osborn was influential in establishing and locating Asbury University
at Greencastle and was one of the institution's first trustees. Late in 1837
he disposed of his paper to Wilkins Tannahill. who came from Xashvillc.
Tennessee, and who published it for about two years, when it was sold to
William J. Burns. Burns changed the name to The J'isitor and its publi-
cation continued for several years. It is said that Judge D. R. Eckels, be-
ing an ardent and enthusiastic Democrat, aljout this time purchased the
use of two columns of the J'isitor in order that he might fill the same with
Democratic literature. In 184J Eckels succeeded in establishing a Demo-
cratic paper which he called the Indiana Patriot, placing the management
of it in the hands of Samuel Farley. This management continued until
Eckels went to the Mexican war, when the paper was turned over to James
Hanna. Meanwhile Dr. ^\^illiam Mahan, beginning in 1844, had established
the JVeeklv Herald, which was published for a period of about two vears
and then suspended. In June. 1846, the Putnam County Chronicle was
founded. A copy issued March 18. 1S47. being No. 40. A*ol. I. shows that
it was "edited bv \V. .V. McKenzie and published even.' Thursdav bv W.
H. H. Lewis at the ofiice. fup-stairs) on the Northeast corner of the Public
Square. Creencastle. la." The temis of subscription were two dollars if
134
WEIK S HISTORY OF
paid in advance; two dollars and fifty cents if paid within six months, and
three dollars at the end of the year. The paper contained four pages, eigh-
teen by twenty- four inches in size, six columns to the page. Much of it is
devoted to the news of the Mexican war, and at least two columns to a list
of counterfeits of the various kinds of bank notes then in circulation. The
local advertisements are somewhat limited, but considerable space is given to
the virtues of two or three kinds of patent medicines. Dr. L. M. Knight
calls attention to his stock of drugs and R. D. ^McEwen & Company to their
stock of dry goods, shoes and hardware, including a consignment of "Hatha-
way's Patent Hot Air Cooking Stoves, etc." M. F. Barlow was the hatter
of the period and J. B. Dinwiddle praises the virtue and superiority of the
chairs made at his factory on "the northeast corner of the public square
one door west of Mr. Lee's cabinet shop." A. G. Detrick & Company and
William Kramer compete for the patronage of the public in the line of sad-
dles and harness and R. D. Anderson, who returns his "thanks to the public
for its generous patronage" in buying his drugs, also calls attention to his
stock of iron nails and castings as well as a "superior article of wines, bran-
dies, rum and whiskey, for the sick only." William Stewart warns the pub-
lic against any debts contracted by his wife, Francis Eleanor, who refuses
any longer to live with him; and Captain Applegate and Henry W. Daniels,
orderly sergeant of the Putnam Yellow Jackets, publish an order requir-
ing the company to "parade on Saturday the lOth of April at lO-A. M. at
the Armory in full uniform." Mathew Simpson, Daniel Sigler, Henry Se-
crest, J. F. Farley. W. C. Larrabee. R. L. Hathaway, Isaac Ash. John M.
Allison and W. H. Thornburgh as a committee unite in a request that May
1 8th be the date agreed upon for a "Railroad Convention" which is to be
held in Indianapolis. The railroad question was evidently becoming the
dominant and burning issue at this time, for elsewhere in the paper is an
article copied from the Wabash Express of Terre Haute bearing upon that
all-absorbing topic. It is recited therein that "The directors of the Terre
Haute & Richmond Railroad Company had their first meeting on the 4th
of March at Terre Haute. Chauncey Rose, Esq., was unanimously chosen
president and Thomas I. Bourne secretary. The board have determined to
open books for the subscription of stock at an early day in April in Terre
Haute, Greencastle. Richmond and Indianapolis; and at St. Louis, Cincin-
nati and other cities as soon as the convention which is to assemble in May
next, at Indianapolis, shall determine on the best plan of operations. This
road across the state of Indiana is of course intended as a link in the great
PUTXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 1 35
chain of railway from the Atlantic by way of Baltimore to the Mississippi
river at St. Louis."
As illustrative of the best and swiftest facilities for travel and com-
munication at that period, the following table of the arrival and departure
of the mails at the Greencastle postoffice. published in the same number of
the Chronicle. March i8, 1847. 's in point:
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF JIAILS.
"From Bloomington to Crawfordsville by the way of Putnamville and
Greencastle. arrive here e\ery Monday and Thursday at 2 o'clock P. M. and
returns next day at about 10 A. AI.
"From Greencastle to Rock\ilIe every Friday leaves Greencastle at 6
o'clock A. M. and returns at 3 P. M.
"From Greencastle to Jamestown by the way of Eainbridge and Xew
Maysville leaves every Thursday at 2 o'clock P. M. and returns everv Sat-
urday at 3 o'clock P. M.
THE EXTRA M.ME.
"From Greencastle to Putnannille every Tuesday. W'eilnesday. Fritlay
and Saturdav, leaves Greencastle at 12 o'clock M. and returns same davs
at 3 P. M. ■
"There will be no mail sent to Putnannille on Mondays and Thursda\s.
"Jas. Talbott, p. M."
The editorial comments are somewhat limited and without especial
significance. .\s a ^^ hig organ the paper expresses a preference for holding
the congressional convention in Terre Haute, on April 30th. but in no other
way does it refer to politics or undertake to indicate Whig principles. The
leading editorial is a complaint that the county printing goes to the Patriot
(Eckels' paper) instead of the Chronicle which has the larger circulation
and is therefore entitled to it under the law. One of the most significant
things in the paper relates to the matter of supplying Greencastle with water.
As it indicates a spirit of commercial enterprise anfl civic zeal much in ad-
vance of the day it will not be without interest to reproduce the article en-
tire. Under the caption "The Water Project." the paper says:
"We understand that Mr. Freeman, of Utica. Xew York, who is now
here, has made a proposition to our town council to bring the water from
136 WEIK S HISTORY OF
the public spring on to the public s(iuare. He proposes to do this by means
of a pump and water apparatus. We know not what action the trustees
of the town will take upon the matter, but it seems to us that it should at
once be adopted. Tiie expense would be small compared with the benefit
which our citizens would derive from having at any time a convenient quan-
tity of water almost at their doors. Upon inquin,- we find over an hundred
families either directly or indirectly dependent upon the public spring. These
are under the necessity of carrying water through mud. in some instances,
three and four hundred yards. But the most important consideration is the
convenient use of water properly elevated in case of fire. Should a fire take
place it might lay one-fourth of the town in ashes before it could be quench-
ed. But with a good reservoir of water on the square and a small engine
we could almost bid defiance to the flames. The difference of insurance
that would, as a natural consequence, occur would, in a few years, pay the
expense of the whole project: and this is a matter to be considered now.
Delay might be the ruin of some of our citizens by the destruction of their
property. What citizen is there in the place who would not cheerfully pay
a small tax to promote this object? A little reflection must convince every
one that it is not only expedient but that it is a measure of economy. Let
us see. Suppose fifty families pay thirty-seven and a half cents to get a
half supply of water, as they do now — it amounts to nine hundred and sev-
enty-five dollars in a single year; nearly sufficient to pay the expense of a
permanent water apparatus. But perhaps it may be denied that it costs the
weekh- sum named. We ask who would take it to carry water from the
public spring some eighteen or twenty times a week.
"In any view, then, we can take of the project we think our town coun-
cil should move in this matter. If they think the citizens will not sustain
them let them call a meeting and get an expression of public opinion with
regard to it."'
In 1848 John Turk launched on the sea of journalism a new paper called
The Argus. Its political inclination is not remembered, but with varying
success it rode the waves till sometime in 1853. after which it ceased to
appear. In Februarv. 1849. C. \\'. Brown, destined to a long connection
with the newspaper industry of Putnam county, made his first appearance
as the owner and publisher of the Putnam County Sentinel. In size, ap-
pearance and general makeup it was not unlike the Chronicle described in
the preceding paragraph. The advertisements were of the kind suited to
the period. Special prominence is given t(j the schools. In the issue of
.\ugust J3. 1849. \'ol. I. Xo. 26. ]\lrs. S. E. Stevenson announces the open-
PLTNAM COL'NTY, INDIANA. 137
ing of her I'emale School, and Levi Reynolds, principal of the County Sem-
inary, calls attention to the excellent character of the work of that institution
under his management. The Greencastie Female Collegiate Seminary, pre-
sided over bv }ilrs. Larrabee. is also given due prominence, assurance being
given that -The institution has a liberal charter with collegiate powers and
will confer all the degrees usually conferred in female seminaries." There
are a number of foreign or outside advertisements, among them that of the
-Western Military Institute of Georgetown, Kentucky." containing a column
of solid matter calling attention to the remarkable combination of the "science
of West Point Academy, with the classical literature of our best colleges"
and enumerating among the names of its faculty. "James G. Blaine, A. B.,
adjunct professor of languages."
The next newspaper enterprise in the county was the Pittnain Repub-
lican Banner, founded by Albert Patrick in 1852. Mr. Patrick continued
in the publication till February, 1856. when, desiring to cast his lot with
the people of "bleeding Kansas," he disposed of his ownership of the Banner
to Christopher Brown and left for the West. Mr. Brown remained at the
helm till February, 1865, when he sold the office anil good will to John R.
Rankin. In the following September Rankin sold an interest to L. L. Burke
and announced that the management of the paper thereafter would be di-
vided. ":\[r. Burke assuming the editorship" and Mr. Rankin the "supervi-
sion of the mechanical department." In January, 1866, Rankin and Burke,
tiring of their investment, sold the paper to Brown, who again assumed the
editorship. In December the latter disposed of his interest to "J. 'M. Til-
ford, late of the Indianapolis Journal." but the ownership soon vested in
Samuel E. Tilford. probably a son of the former. In the following January
George I. Langsdale bought an interest and the paper was thereafter con-
ducted under the joint management and ownership of Tilford and Langsdale,
with Mr. Langsdale in the editorial chair. In July. 1867, Tilford disposed
of his interest to Langsdale and the latter became sole proprietor. [Mr.
Langsdale was a very strong man intellectually and well equipped for the
editorship. Under his management the paper took on new life, its circu-
lation increased and it grew in strength and popular favor until in 1890.
when it was purchased from Langs<lale by Millard J. Beckett, it was ad-
mittedh- one of the ablest and most influential county papers in the state
Mr. Beckett in 1891 bought the Times (which had been founded by A. J.
Xeff in 1882 ) of .\. A. Smith and merged it with the Banner. In October,
1808. it was bought bv its present owner, Harry M. Smith, who still pub-
lishes the Banner weeklv and also a daily edition under the same name. From
1^8 weik's history of
its birth until 1856 the Banner supported the Whig party and since that
time it has been unwavering in its adherence to the principles of the Re-
publican party. The first Democratic organ was the Press, established by
Howard Briggs in 1858. He continued its publication until late in 1887
when it was purchased by Frank A. Arnold, who was then publishing the
Star and merged the two under the name of Star-Press. The Star had orig-
inally been founded by Mr. Arnold and Heniy J. Feltus in May, 1874. as
an independent paper. In August, 1875, Feltus sold to Arnold, leaving the
latter in sole possession. When the Star and Press were consolidated in
1885 the paper at once announced its unqualified support of the Democratic
party and it has never wavered in its allegiance to that party since. In 1903
it was consolidated with the Demoerat, a weekly established by H. B. Mar-
tin about 1893 and subsequently owned by F. D. Ader and R. P. Carpenter
in succession, after which the name-was changed to The Star and Democrat.
It is still issued weekly by the Star and Democrat Publishing Company. The
concern also publishes a daily called The Herald.
CHAPTER X.
INCIDENTS OF EARLY HISTORY.
We are told by those who have studied tlie question that in the early
settlement of the county the people almost invariably mo\'ed westward along
climatic parallels : that the wave of immigration which began in New York
and the New England states rolled over Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana ;
that the Maryland and Virginia tide swept through Kentucky and thence
along the same parallel to Missouri. Such doubtless was the rule, but for
some strange reason it did not apply in the case of Putnam county : for when
the New York or Yankee stream neared these parts it was sudtlenly diverted
and in its stead came a persistent and unvarying influx from Kentucky. The
young and hardy emigrant from the blue-grass country was by some mys-
terious and inscrutable agency drawn across the natural parallel to that one
spot in Indiana where blue grass had long before aii[)eared and reached its
highest perfection.
Many of our established families are able to trace their lineage through
and beyond Kentucky : and it is no discredit to them that, even to the latest
generation, there still remain traces of the lofty bearing, knightly hospitality
and hatred of their Yankee neighbors which was so marked a characteristic
of their aristocratic progenitors, the Cavaliers of Maryland anfl \'irginia.
THE STORY OF .\N OLD SETTLER.
To illustrate more vividly the character and purposes of those who laid
the foundations of our agricultural prosperity and success. — for we are above
all things an agricultural county, — extracts are here inserted from the his-
tory of the li\es of two of our earliest and most prominent settlers; and
as they are merely types of many others, the names are omitted. The first
one is the substance of a paper read before the Putnam County Historical
Society as follows :
"M the father of the subject of this
sketch, was a native of where he lived until he had grown
to the full stature of manhood. Then, being a man of positive opinions
and a in faith, he naturalh' turned his e\'es toward the
I40 WEIK S HISTORY OF
American colonies where he could exercise his religious and political views
as best suited him. He landed in this country in 1775, about one year before
the Declaration of Independence. He settled in Virginia, where he lived
when England declared war against the colonies. He at once laid down
the plow for the sword and enlisted in the army. He fought under the com-
mand of General Washington for a short time; then was placed under Gen-
eral Greene and was with him in all his battles in the Carolinas and in Vir-
ginia. He was a soldier of the Revolution for seven years, remaining faith-
ful to the cause until peace had been declared and the United States had
become free and independent. After his discharge from the army he lived
for a short time in the state of Virginia and from there went to Jessamine
county, Kentucky, where he soon after was married to Miss Four
children were born to them, three daughters and one son. The death of his
first wife occurred a short time after the birth of the last child. His second
marriage was to about 1794, by whom he had ten children,
five sons and fi\-e daughters. His descendants now number more than one
thousand people.
"The subject of this sketch was the fifth child by the second marriage
and was born July 5, 1804. In the year 1812, when he was eight years old.
his father died. His mother survived her husband many years, her death
occurring October i, 1839, at the home of her son in Putnam county, six miles
from Greencastle. At the age of fifteen the boy went to live with
near Mt. Sterling. Kentucky, and worked for his board and clothing for
five years. During this time he went to school about three months of each
winter for four winters, obtaining thus all the school education he ever re-
cei\-ed. The school house was built of hewed logs with a large fire-place in
one end. having split saplings with wooden legs for benches and greased
paper for window panes.
■'-\t the age of twenty years, on March 5, 1825. the subject of this sketch
w as married to Miss In a few days thereafter, hav-
ing loaded on a pack saddle all their household goods, consisting of two beds,
three plates, two teacups, two knives, two forks, a gourd, a stewkettle and
a skillet, the wife riding another horse and canying with her all their wear-
ing apparel and leading the pack-horse, and the husband following on foot.
driving a cow and a colt which his father-in-law had given him. the young
couple started for their new home in the wilds of Estill county, Kentucky,
on the Kentucky river seventy-five miles away. They took two days for the
journev. Arrived at his destination, the young farmer traded one horse
for a claim of al^out twentv-five acres. This trade left him one mare, a colt.
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. I4I
one cow, a young wife and not a dollar in his pocket. He at once determined
to better his condition and own a large fami. The first year he cleared five
acres of ground. He raised five crops on this place. All the iron he had
for tending these crops was the point of his shovel-plow and the bit in his
horse's mouth. After he had raised one crop his brother-in-law sold him
eleven sows and pigs on credit for thirty dollars. He drove them home
eighteen miles and turned them out on mast in the mountains, feeding them
occasionally to keep them from running wild. That thirty dollars of debt
worried him day and night and he was determined to pay it. In order to
do this he hunted coons on winter nights for their hides, which he sold for
ten dollars. His wife spun yarn, wove cloth and made him an overcoat,
which he concluded to do without in order that he might sell it for twenty
dollars to pay his debt. He now had the thirty dollars he owed his brother-
in-law and walked eighteen miles to pay it. He felt chagrined when on
reaching the latter's house he refused to take the money, saying: 'Now,
I don't need that money and you do. You take it and
buy some calves to take home with you." He did so, buying ten head, driving
them home and turning them into the canebrakes.
CATCHING .A PENITENT THIEF.
"The third year our subject lived in the mountains he met with a loss
which led him into an interesting and almost fatal adventure. .-\ young
man came to him for work and he hired the applicant for the season. The
second day after doing so. while he was away in the mountains looking after
his hogs, the hired man stole the only suit of clothes he had. ten coon skins,
se\'en dollars in monev and his canoe and put off down the river. On coming
home at night he learned from his wife what had happened and immediateh-
determined to catch the thief. He borrowed a canoe of his nearest neighbor
and started down the river for that purpose. Se\'eral miles below, a large
rock lay in the middle of the river with a swift current flowing on each side
of it. On this rock his canoe lodged in such a manner that he could not get
it oft'. He got out of his boat and managed to get a solid footing, but having
carefully \iewed the situation he gave up all hope of ever getting away
alive and commenced to pray. After pra\-ing for some time, he concluded
forced prayer could not avail much. So he quit praying and. plunging into
the icv water, swam ashore. He went to the nearest house and dried his
clothing. At daylight he set out. this time on foot down the river bank in
search of his man. Four or five miles below he found his canoe tied to
^"\
142
WEIK S HISTORY OF
the bank bottom up and knew from that circumstance and from the swift
current in the river that the thief had also been capsized and lost all the
stolen goods. He went to the nearest house and found the man drying his
clothes. He took the refugee in charge and started back on foot. Thinking
the matter over, he concluded to give his captive the choice of a whipping
or a trip to the penitentiary. The man chose the whipping. He accordingly
tied him to a tree, cut a good switch and began on him. He whipped a while,
then talked, telling the culprit that the whipping was for his good. He re-
peated the castigation till they were both worn out. Then he turned the
malefactor loose and gave him some good advice. As the hat of the un-
fortunate evil-doer had been lost in the river, he gave him his own and went
home bareheaded. Twenty years later he met this man in an adjoining state,
with an interesting family around him, well-to-do and respected by all his
neighbors. The whipping was not referred to by either party; but it is not
at all improbable that the timely whipping with its accompanying advice
made a man of the unlucky thief.
G.\NDER-PULLING.
"After raising five crops concluded that the moun-
tains had no further attraction for him and in the fall of 1829 he rounded
up his hogs, which had increased to one hundred seven head, and his calves,
which had grown to be good sized steers, and sold the entire lot, together
with twentv acres of standing corn in the field, for five hundred dollars.
His father-in-law , had decided to emigrate to Indiana
and he had selected Illinois for his future home. He hired a man to move
him and he himself walked behind the wagon, driving three cows. He ar-
rived in Illinois about the loth of October, 1829. He had sent his wife and
two children with her father to Indiana. He entered one hundred fifty-six
acres of land six miles south of Paris, sowed four acres of wheat and com-
menced to build him a cabin. When Sunday came he found there was not
a church or school house nearer than six miles. He began to look about and
see what class of people he was to make home and rear his children with
and found them congregated on Sunday at shooting matches, horse races and
gander-pullings. They would take an old gander, tie his feet to the limb of
a tree, soap his head and neck, then go back fifty yards and ride as fast
as their horses could run under the gander and catch him by the head : who-
ever pulled the head off received the gander as a prize. ]Men were pulled
off of their horses oftener than heads were pulled off of the ganders. As
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. I43
the young fanner from Kentucky had been taught to respect the Sabbath
and was a member of the Methodist church, he could not think of rearing
his children in such a community. So he concluded to find a better neigh-
borhood.
"About the last of October he came over to Indiana after his wife and
children. The first Sunday following his arrival he attended church in a
log school house, where he met such men as
and After consulting his wife and comparing
these men and the land about with the people and land in Illinois, where he
had taken a claim, he concluded to sell out and locate in Indiana. ^Ir.
his brother-in-law, proposed to sell him eighty acres
of his land for two hundred dollars and then give him an additional eighty-
acre tract adjoining it. He accepted the proposition. These one hundred
and sixty acres form a part of his present home farm, miles from
Greencastle. Immediately after the purchase he left for Illinois and moved
all his household goods on a pack saddle, arriving at his new Indiana farm
the latter part of October, 1829.
CLEARING L.\ND.
'"The first thing was to build him a log house in about the thickest woods
he had ever seen. By spring he was ready to move into the cabin. He at
once went to work, deadening timber, rolling logs and burning brush bv
night. The first spring he succeeded in clearing three acres, among the
stumps of which, planting in June, he raised a good crop of corn. The
second year he cleared ten acres. After cutting all the timber down and
trimming it ready for rolling, he called in his neighbors and thirtv of them
came to help him. The next day he and his thirty assistants went to an-
other neighbor and helped him. and so on from clearing to clearing. And
so from year to year the sturdy early settlers toiled until they finally suc-
ceeded in clearing and fencing their farms says that ofT
of the fann on which he settled when he came to Putnam county he has sold
twelve thousand dollars worth of walnut and poplar timber and he is satis-
fied that he destroyed and made into rails an amount that if it were stand-
ing todav would be valued at not less than twenty thousand dollars.
'"The early settlers were all poor and dependent upon selling what lit-
tle thev had to spare to new-comers into the county. .\t one time at a Fourth
of lulv celebration they were very much discouraged by Judge
declaring that the country would soon be filled up with inhabitants and
144
WEIK S HISTORY OF
they would have no one to whom they could sell their surplus; but as the
country became settled their markets opened and the Judge's problem was
solved.
"The first church in the neighborhood was built of logs on the site
now occupied by The prominent contributors to the
erection of this building were the subject of this sketch, ,
and Not having any
money to donate, the first mentioned on the above list subscribed a cow,
which was sold for eight dollars, the money thus obtained being used in
the construction of the church. The inhabitants attended church by families
in wagons drawn by oxen some of the men walking and leading the oxen.
"In due course of time began to accumulate some
money and ere long had bought forty acres of land adjoining his home
farm for one hundred dollars. His next purchase was eighty acres for
five hundred dollars. And as he could spare the money he kept adding to
his farm until he had increased it to five hundred and fifty acres; this was in
the year 1847. He always made it a rule never to buy land until he could
make a partial payment and see his way to pay the balance, giving his note for
deferred payments; and he never failed to meet the notes when due. He
was never asked to give an endorser or make a mortgage.
"On August II, 1849, the angel of death entered the home of Mr.
taking his faithful companion who had patiently borne
wnth him an equal share of the hardships of a new country. She left him a
large family of children, consisting of seven boys and three girls, all of
whom are living except two. Three years later, on September 15. 1S52.
he was married to To this union was born one daughter
and one son.
••yi\- has assisted his eight sons in buying more than
three thousand acres of land, though all the money for this purpose or for
any other purpose advanced to them has. with the exception of eight hun-
dred dollars each, been returned to him. He preferred to let them pay for
their own homes that they might better appreciate them. He attributes
his financial success largely to keeping out of debt and avoiding speculation
and has tried to impress the same rule of life upon his sons."
STORY OF .\ M.\RYI.AXD TR.KVELER.
The account of the other early settler referred to in the opening para-
graph of this chapter is from the pen of his son. "My father.'' relates the
latter, "left Fre<lerick county. INfaryland. where he was born, in 1825. main-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. I45
ly because of slavery, to which he was bitterly opposed. He was mounted
on a large and fine horse, of which he was a judge and great admirer, and
seated on a pair of old-fashioned leather saddle-bags, in which he carried
all his belongings. Being deeply interested in agriculture, he had decided
to emigrate to a country where he could get the four most important ele-
ments of a hrst-class fami, namely, good soil, good water, lime-stone rock
and good timber. He journeyed through Kentucky, halting in Clark, Fa-
ette and Bourbon counties, where he found the four requisites, but the dark
shadow of slaver}- was as objectionable as in the Maryland location he had
just left. He kept westward and ere long reached Indianapolis where the
means he had would have purchased a wide extent of land, but he thought
it was too wet, more or less unhealthy, and not up to his standard. Con-
tinuing his journey, he liked the appearance of the coitntry about Danville.
but did not see exactly what he wanted. Xight overtook him two miles east
of Greencastle. He stopped for the night with old John McXary, at whose
house a large gathering of neighbors had congregated to celebrate the in fare
of one of McNar>'"s children who had just been married. My father was
much pleased with the manner of the people, especially their considerate
attentions to a stranger. Xext morning by sunrise he was on his horse,
headed for Greencastle, expecting to arrive there in time for breakfast. He
stopped at a tavern called 'Social Hall,' kept by one King. AX'hile eating his
first meal in the embyro city, he learned from King that the upper story
of his house was unfinished on account of a lack of monev and that he want-
ed to sell. Before leaving the table a bargain was struck and before the next
meal my father was himself the proprietor of "Social Hall" and held an op-
tion on two vacant lots nearby. His travels had ended antl he soon began
to acquire farnnng land near the town. At that time there was much valu-
able land still subject to entr>- at the United States land office. :\Iv father's
selections there and his purchase of small tracts located by others composed
the main part of his landed possessions. He had evidently found in the
soil and climate of Putnam county the requisite he had been seeking, and
in time became the largest land owner in the county."
THE ORIGIN OF BLUE GR.\S.S.
Tliere are good grounds for the belief that the blue grass of Putnam
county and the adjacent area is an original Indiana product and not. as is
generalh- supposed, an importation from Kentuck\-. To at least two per-
(10)
j^Q weik's history of
sons from the Hoosier state — Hon. Henry S. Lane, of Crawfordsville. and
Col. Thomas Dowhng, of Terre Haute — Henn.- Clay declared that the seed of
the original blue grass which has made Kentucky famous came from Indiana.
When Colonel Dowling visited Mr. Clay and asked for a handful of the
seed of the real Kentucky blue grass to take home with him. the proprietor
of "Ashland" smiled and then reminded his visitor that blue grass was in-
digenous to the soil of central Indiana, which was a limestone base with
•a. super-stratum of clav, and that the Kentucky soldiers in the early Indian
wars, returning from Ft. Harrison on the Wabash, found it growing in pro-
fusion there and brought the seed back home with them.
But whether that be true or not, it is certain that Putnam county is
entitled to some distinction as the leading blue grass county of the state. Our
earlv settlers realized the advantages of that remarkable plant, its wonderful
nutritious value and the profitable returns it yielded when properly fed to
li\-estock. The result was that our people were among the earliest and at
one time the greatest producers of high-grade cattle in the state. Space
here will not allow the list of all their names, but prominent among them
Avere such men as Dr. A. C. Stevenson, Andrew M. Lockridge, Joseph Al-
len. Wilson Yates, James McMurray. B. F. Corwin, Daniel Thornton, Charles
Brido-es, Col. A, S. Farrow, Alexander Bryan, Ambrose D. Hamrick, Frank
P. Nelson, Jesse Hvmer, William B. Peck. Thomas C. Hammond and Simp-
son F. Lockridge. The earliest and the most conspicuous in his efforts
to utilize the wealth of blue grass and improve the breed of cattle was Dr.
Alexander C. Stevenson. He was a real student of agriculture, having for
vears been president of the State Agricultural Society, as well as a genius
in the development of our livestock. Even while he was still living in Green-
castle and practicing medicine, he was deeply interested in livestock. "He
lived." relates one of the early residents of Greencastle, "in a two-story log
house just outside the corporation line, northwest of town and on a lot north
of James M. Groom's residence. He had a large barn and when I was a
bov I used to go there and admire the fine specimens of the short-horn
breed of cattle, descendants of stock purchased of the Owens family, and
which traced back to the famous Kentucky importation of 1817. The Doc-
tor was a remarkable man for his time and a diligent student of the stock
c|uestion. I have witnessed him in del^ate when called to the floor by remarks
of such men as Lewis F. Allen, of Buffalo, New York. George M. Bed-
ford and William Warfield of Kentucky, and he invariably acquitted him-
self with credit.''
PL'TXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. I47
EARLY IMPORTATION OF CATTLE.
Doctor Stevenson ven- early realized that our own livestock was not up
to the requisite standard and that great improvement could be made bv
the introduction of some of the recognized pure breeds from abroad. He
argued that with the abundance of luxuriant blue grass then in the country,
great profits could be realized if only the right strain of stock was secured:
and he proposed to his neighbors and friends that they combine and purchase
the requisite stock in Europe and ship to this country. But, however fav-
orably his neighbors were impressed with the idea, none — with a single ex-
ception— were willing to join him and he therefore embarked in the enter-
prise himself. July 2, 1853. he sailed from Philadelphia for England, where
he spent some time traveling over the country, examining the various herds
and studying the livestock question from every point of view. With the
primitive and inconvenient arrangements on shipboard and elsewhere for
shipping cattle across the Atlantic in that day, it was not only an expensive
but more or less hazardous undertaking. The Indiana State Journal and the
Indiana Farmer published numerous letters from the Doctor in which he
described his journey and the many strange and oftentimes interesting ex-
periences that befell him. He bought stock here and there, mostlv the
short-horns and Durham cattle, and collected them at the town of [>arling-
trjn.. From the latter place he drove them across the country to Liverpool,
where he secured passage for himself and proper shipping facilities for his
stock on one of the west-bound vessels sailing from that port. The passage
across the Atlantic in the fall was somewhat rough, but in due time he
reached the United States without the loss of a single animal.
The arri\'al of the herd in Greencastle is chronicled in the Putnam
Banner. There were two bulls: one named "Prince of Wales." was turned
over to Joseph .\llen, who was interested in the enterprise : the other. "Fan-
cy Boy." was retained by Doctor Stevenson. There were also four heifers
The Banner \ery significantly observes that "The cattle imported bv Doctor
Stex'enson to this countrv- are not for sale. They were purchased near Darl-
ington. England, of three different breeders, are all beautiful roans, except
one which is red, and are but distantly related, so that the produce may be
lired together for some time to come." Doctor Stevenson also brought home
with him from England two pigs of the Leicester breed, purchased from
Robert Thornton of Stapleton. The boar he named "Prince Albert." In
the columns of the Indiana Farmer the Doctor, recommending them t<j
his farmer friends, is ver}- enthusiastic in their praise. Describing them, he
148 weik's history of
says : "In color they are white with an occasional small discoloration in the
skin but none in the hair, it being uniformly white. The hair is fine, short
and very thin o\er the body. The legs are short and straight and the bone
small. The head is small and tapering to the nose, face straight, ears small
and narrow ; in many cases they are erect — in some they pitch a little for-
ward. The body is long and finely barreled, being in the boar almost a
cylinder. They have great depth through the shoulders and hips. The eye
is lively and quiet. In disposition they are exceedingly quiet. They have
a great propensity to take on fat at any age and their usual weight at twelve
months old is from three hundred to three hundred and fifty pounds."
EARLY AGRICULTUR.\L FAIRS.
The spirit of emulation and enterprise in agricultural products and live-
stock very early manifested itself among the settlers in Putnam county and
as it developed it tended to draw to the county from other localities and
even from abroad, as already related, some of the best and finest stock to
be had in the country.
"The first fair for the exhibition of stock," related a former historian
of the county, "was held September 7, 1837, on the ground north of the
public square in Greencastle where the Presbyterian church formerly stood.
It was but little more than a show of livestock, held on the open ground and
without fees. A committee passed judgment on the merits of the animals
exhibited, but no premiums were paid. The horse owned by Col. A. S.
Farrow was adjudged the best in that department, but the other winners
on that day cannot be remembered. In 1838 or 1839 another fair was held
on an open lot near the present site of the east college building of DePauw
University. At this exhibition a bull called 'Tecumseh.' owned by Anderson
B. Matthews, took the premium in that class."
PUTN.\M COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The Putnam County Agricultural Society was organized about 1850.
There are no records e.xtant from which to obtain the first list of officers,
but from a list of premiums awarded at the third annual fair held in Green-
castle, October 5-7, 1853, we find the names of the following prominent
as committees on awards, etc. : A. S. Farrow, Elijah Tennant, William S.
Farrow, G. Bondurant. .\. ]\IcCoy, William S. Ray, Benjamin Purcel. Wil-
liam L. Hart, Robert Allen. E. Van Skoike. Henry Smith. R. S. Farrow,
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. I49
James Evans. A. D. Hamrick, A. Bowen, A. C. Stevenson, \V. H. Thorn-
burgh, A. J. Darnall, H. T. Wakefield, John Hammond, A. D. Bilhngsley,
G. W. VVolverton, WiUiam Brown. James Crawford, John S. Jennings, Tur-
pin Darnall, John S. Allen, Elijah McCarty. John W. Nance, Andrew M.
Lockridge, O. P. Badger, J. N. Rynerson, W. \V. Yates, William ]\Iat-
kins, Edward Crow. John Cowgill, Henry Secrest and R. S. Ragan. In
February. 1854, the society accepted an offer of five acres of land by B.
F. Corwin and Daniel T. Thornton at Bainbridge and decided to hold the
fair in that town in October. January. 1855. the following officers of the
society were chosen, as published in the Greencastle Banner: President, John
A. IMatson ; vice-president, O. P. Badger; treasurer, John S. Jennings; cor-
responding secretary, Albert G. Patrick; recording secretary, Thomas E.
Talbott; directors. James Allen, James McMurray, Nicholas West, C. Fosher,
J. Franklin Darnall, W. W. Yates, C. Gibson. Richard M. Hazlett. Thomas
Leach, A. D. Hamrick, Samuel E. Parks, A. J. McCoy, I. N. Rynearson, A.
C. Stevenson, Joseph Allen, Anderson Johnson. Higgins Lane, T. C. Ham-
mond. E. Y. Tennant. and James AI. Robertson. In the last \i-eek in Septem-
ber, 1855. '^he fair was again held in Greencastle on a tract of land south-
west of town owned by John A. Matson and which was leased for ten
years. Soon after this. Prof. Miles J. Fletcher, of Asbury University, was
chosen president of the Agricultural Society and under his progressive man-
agement the fair enterprise took on new life. It was still held on the Matson
place and so continued till 1862, when, owing to the agitation resulting from
the war and the generally unsettled condition of the country, it was deemed
wise to suspend it for a time. A fair was meanwhile held at Russellville,
called the L'nion Fair because it was the joint work of people who lived in
the three counties nearby, but, for the reason assigned, everything in the
nature of an agricultural fair was held in abeyance at the county-seat. In
1868 the Agricultural Society was re-organized and a new set of officers
chosen. Fairs were again held each fall, part of the time on the Matson
place and later on the Lockridge land east of Greencastle, until along in
the eighties when public interest in the matter began to wane and the in-
difference became so pronounced that it was finally decided to discontinue
further efforts to keep the enterprise alive.
VALUES OF LANDS AND CROPS.
But even though the time-honored county fair may ha\e gone out of
fashion, interest in agriculture and the development of livestock has not.
Our fanners are more strenuously than e\'er striving to increase the products
I-O WEIK S HISTORY OF
of the soil. From data and figures collected by the United States during the
census of 1900 we learn that there are 2,883 farms in Putnam county of an
average size of 1044 acres; twelve farms are under three acres; six over
1,000 acres; 54.7 per cent of farm lands is cultivated by the owners; 19.7
by share tenants ; 7.9 by cash tenants and the remainder by owners and ten-
ants together.
The total acreage of farm lands is 301,039; the value of the land, $8,076.-
430; buildings, $1,813,480; implements and machinery, $271,300; hvestock,
$1,762,252. Of cattle there are 27,572 head; horses, 10,193; mules, 1,585;
sheep, 27,784; hogs, 57.711; value, sales of livestock, $852,339. Of dairy
products there were 2,422,917 gallons of milk and 485,790 pounds of butter.
In this same year, 1900, we had under cultivation 55,398 acres of corn,
yielding 2,025,000 bushels; 4,490 acres of oats, with 112,020 bushels; wheat,
28,074 acres, 254,290 bushels; clover hay, 15,188 acres. 18,069 tons; timothy
hay. 18.230 acres 20,011 tons; potatoes, 23,610 bushels; sweet potatoes, 1,622
bushels; miscellaneous vegetables, 615 acres, value $27,461. In the line of
fniits, we had 95,933 apple trees, 9,623 cherry trees, 45-945 peach trees,
7,242 pear trees, 11,800 plum trees and 14,922 grape vines, and we gathered
35,970 quarts of blackberries, 2,840 currants, 5,340 gooseberries, 38,310 rasp-
berries and 19.220 strawberries.
CHAPTER XL
THE TOUXSHIPS OF rUTXA.M COCXTY.*
JACKSOX TOWXSHIP.
Jackson township is formed of the full congressional township i6 north,
range 3 west, embracing the northeast corner of Putnam county, and is
bounded on the north by ^Iontgonier\- county, on the east by Hendricks
county, on the south by Floyd township, on the west by Franklin township.
It is divided diagonally from northeast to southwest by the Walnut fork of
Ee! river, familiarly known as "Walnut." The other principal streams of
the township are Lick creek, in the north. Rock branch, in the east, and
Clear creek, in the southeast. There are many other small streams, but not
of sufficient importance to deser\e special notice. The land near the streams
is either hilly or gently undulating, originally covered with a heavy growth
of timber, among which the sugar-maple and poplar predominate, though in-
terspersed with white oak. chincapin. oak. black walnut and sycamore, im-
mediately along the stream, as well as some hackbeny and honey locust.
The soil on the untlulating lands, near the streams, is a rich, clav loam;
but back from the streams it is wet anil cold, interspersed with more elevated
portions. It is in this township that the swamp lands of Boone extend into
Putnam county. The soil is very productive. The black lands, especially,
when properly drained, produce large crops of corn and other cereals.
William Welch and John Smith built their cabins in section 34. about
the year 18^5 or i8_'6. being the first settlers of the township. George Suth-
erlin contests with these two the honor of making the earliest pennanent
settlement in the township. In the year 182 j. Othniel Talbott. from Shelbv
county. Kentucky, settleil in Jackson, where he found a Mr. Crabtree and
Mr. Brown. Garrison Thompson and John John.son. father of the late J. B.
Johnson, of Greencastle. also came in 18^7. In 182S came James Chitwood.
Levi Woods. Martin BIythe and Henr\' Harmon, and about one vear later
James Proctor settled in the township. Within the next two years tiiere was
*Cre(lit for the towng!iii) sketches in this chapter is due the late Gilliim Ridpath,
who published a brief but very entertaining historical account of Putnam county in
1S79 and from whose worl; the greater part of the material in this chapter was ob-
tained.
152 WEIK S HISTORY OF
a large increase of population. Among those who came at that time may be
mentioned John Keith, John Boyd, Wilson Warford, William Elrod, Wil-
liam Hillis, Edward and Isom Silvey, John Blake, James Goslin. James Dun-
can, John Leach. William Beecraft. Isom George, James Mooreland, the ]Mc-
Clouds. the Pinkertons. the Rileys and the Barneses. This period also em-
braces the arrival of three more of the Talbott pioneers, Capt. John S. Tal-
bott, Lorenzo Talbott, Aquila Talbott. In 1831 and 1832 there was a large
immigration, embracing Richard Biddle, Rev. John Case, George Keith,
James Dale, S. Shackleford, George and Harvey Jefiferies, Jacob Crosby, John
and William ^Miller, and. perhaps, others equally worthy, who, with equal
heroism, struggled with the hardships of pioneer life.
David Johnson, son of John Johnson, born on section 34, March 8, 1828,
was the first white child born in the township.
The first who died was the daughter of Wilson Warford. She was
buried east of New Maysville, in a lot on section 26. which is yet used as a
grave-yard.
The first marriage was that of Jesse Evans and Miss Bartima Welch.
In the spring of 1831 the first school was taught by Mark Hardin, in a
log building on section 26.
John Crabtree was the first blacksmith. His shop was on the bank of
Walnut creek.
John S. Talbott kept the first store. In 1832 he commenced to sell goods
in a log building on section 2".
The first mill erected in the township was built by Joseph Hillis. The
next mill was erected by George Sutherlin. the ne.xt by .Abraham Hillis. The
first named and the last were on \\'alnut. the second on a small tributary.
The last named ground corn only, the other two ground wheat also.
D. Barnes and Othniel Talbott were the first ju.stices of the peace, fol-
lowed by Thomas Watkins, John C. Goodwin. George Stringer. Wallace
Perrv, L. T. Herod. O. Owsley. James [Moreland and Jesse Kendall, the
last named having filled the office three different times, amounting in all to a
term of twenty-five years.
The first postmaster was John 5. Talbott. the office having l^een estab-
lished in his store in the year 1832. He was followed by William Long. John
H. Roberts. William Epperson. R. C. Bo\-d and Jesse Kendall.
Dr. William Long, who located in the township in the year 1S34. was
the first physician.
The Methodists held the first meetings in the township, at the house
of lohn Johnson, under the ministry of Rev. William Smith. Shiloh church.
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 153
on the east bank of W'alnnt. erected by this denomination about the year 1834,
was the first structure of the kind in the township. Rev. Thomas J. Brown
dedicated the building and preached the first sermon within those venerated
walls. Lorenzo Dow, E. Wood. L. Smith, Joseph White and Eli Farmer
were the pioneer Methodist preachers of Jackson township.
The Regular Baptists organized a congregation here about 1S3J. John
Case. William Hogan and Carter Hunter were among their first preachers.
For many vears their church Iniilding was located on the farm of Jesse
Eggers. The second house of worship in the township was built at Xew
INIavsville bv this denomination, soon after the town was laid out.
The organization of the ^Missionary Baptists in the township dates from
1841. Elders Palmer. Davis. Kirkendall and Rhinerson were among the
first pastors of this congregation.
The Christian church was organized in 1839, by Nathan Waters and
Gilbert Harney. In 1840 they erected a church at New Maysville, which was
occupied until 1856. when they built their present house in the same village.
The early preachers of this denomination were Elders Thomas Lockhart.
Oliver P. Badger. Wilson Barnes. Coombs. Blankenship and O'Kane.
There are two villages within the bounds of Jackson township. Xew
INIaysville is located on sections 27 and 34. It was laid out in 1832. by Rich-
ard Riddle, on land owned by John Johnson, William Welch and Aquila
Talhott. The place was named by Richard Biddle. after Maysville. Mason
county. Kentuck}'.
The postmasters at Xew ^Maysville. with dates of appointment, are as
follows: John S. Talbot, June 14. 1S34; William Long. November 27, 1839;
John B. Mayhall. X'ovember 9. 1841 : J. H. Johnston. Octolier 24, 1844; Jesse
Kendall. July 6, 1846; John H. Roberts. October 20. 1853; B. F. Mills, April
8, 1854: Robert C Boyd. December 29. 1854: William W. Epperson, Decem-
ber 18. 1856; Jesse Kendall. April 7. 1859; John W. Sutherland. August i,
1879: William E. Vendling, April 2-. 1885: L. B. Mills. May 3. 1889; L. T.
Buchanan. May 15. 1893: Leonidas B. ^lills. April 9. 1897.
Fort Red. now called Barnard, is located on sections i and 12. and was
laid out by William DeMoss in 1876.
Perhaps John Johnson did as much as any other for the moral and re-
ligious training of the people, as he had four sons who were circuit-riding
preachers, and his family was of unimpeachable character. In regard to its
moral status. Jackson stands as high, perhaps, as any other township in the
county. ne\er ha\ing hatl a representative in the penitentiary, or e\'en in the
county jad. The township has ne\er contained a saloon. Three of the
154
WEIK S HISTORY OF
leading religious denominations have a fair representation in the township.
In politics the township is overwhelmingly Democratic; especially is this
true of the north and northwest side of Walnut: on the southeast side of
the creek the parties are more equally divided.
FR.VNKLIX TOWNSHIP.
Franklin township, lying in the middle of the north tier of townships
in Putnam county, comprises congressional township i6 north, range 4 west,
and is bounded on the north by Montgomery county and on the east by Jack-
son township, on the south by Monroe township, on the west by Russell town-
ship. Its surface is rolling, presenting to the view a varied appearance. The
township is drained by Raccoon creek in the north. North Ramp creek through
the center, and South Ramp creek in the southwest, all of which take a west-
ward course. The soil of the township is very fertile, producing five crops
of grain and grass. The township was originally well supplied with timber,
consisting principally of poplar, walnut, oak, hickory, beech and ash. The
Louisville, New Albany & Chicago railroad crosses the township north and
south, nmning through the eastern tier of the sections, and the Cincinnati,
Hamilton & Dayton railroad crosses it east and west. The township has one
incorporated town, Roachdale. and two villages. Fincastle and Carpenters-
ville. It is inhabited by an enterprising class of farmers who, improving its
natural advantages, have placed it in the front rank of the townships of
Putnam.
Franklin township was not settled until 1824. two years after the organi-
zation of the county. In that year. James Gordon and William Elrod settled
in that part of the county, lieing the first to make their way thither. They
were joined the next year by Garrett Gibson and James Fiddler. In i8j6
came Da\id Barnes, Thomas House, David House. Joshua Burnett. William
Giddons. John Miller. Samuel Osbom and Thomas Batman. The new-
comers for 18J7-28 were James Makemson. the LaFolletts. the Henkles. Mr.
Brothers and Thomas Grider. During the ne.xt year. John Dickerson. A.
Osbom. Samuel and Isaac Brown arrived, and were joined in 1830-31 by
James Stephens. George Wright, the Catherwoods. Jesse Hymer. James E.
Edwards. Philip Carpenter. A. S. Farrow and others.
The first habitation of the white man in the township was erected in
the thirty-sixth section by the first white inhabitant. James Gordon. The
first blacksmith forge that rang its peals in that neighborhood was put up
and worked in 1828 bv Philip Lemon. The first store was kept by Philip
PUTNAM COUXTY. INDIANA. 155
Carpenter, and was located south of the site of Carpentersville in the year of
1 83 1. The first white child bom in the township was James Gordon, son of
Anderson Gordon. The first school was taught by a man named Elliott in
1839, in the neighborhood of Fincastle. William Elrod was the first justice
of the peace. Henry Rogers located here in 183J. and became the first prac-
titioner of medicine in the township.
The first church organization was effected by the Presbyterians, who
at an early day held meetings at the house of George Pearcy. in section i,
Monroe township, but soon removed into a church on section 32, in Franklin.
This congregation was under the pastoral charge of Rev. James H. Shields.
The Presbyterians now have a house of worship and a good membership at
Carpentersville. The Christian denomination next organized about the year
1827. Elders Coombs. Haney. Harris and Girder were among their first
preachers. Their present church edifice is located at Fincastle. The Regu-
lar Baptists were organized in 1829, at James Fiddler's house by Rev.
Xathan Keeney. They at present have a fair membership, who worship in
a church building in section 21. For some cause the Methodists did not push
their organization into Franklin as early as into other townships of the
county. Their history is. therefore, more meager than that of other denomi-
nations. They have a church at Carpentersville. where they are represented
by a good membership. They have, also, a brick church at Fincastle.
Carpentersville. situated near the southeast comer of the township, on
the Louisville, Xew .Albany & Chicago railroad, was laid out about the year
1840 by Philip Carpenter, who had been carrying on a tan yard there for
several vears prior to that time. Logan Sutherlin was the first merchant and
a Mr. Bradford the first blacksmith. William King taught the first school
and Doctor Cross was the first physician. The Meth(vlist Epi.scopal church
was the fir.st organized, and the Presbyterians followed soon afterward. Both
of these denominations now have church edifices in the village.
The postmasters at Carpentersville, with dates of appointment, have
been as follows : Ezra Whitney, May 23. 1850 : J, B. Cross, October 30. 185 1 ;
.A. R. Hyde. June 21, 1S53; Philip Carpenter, July i. 1854: Robert M. Ram-
sey, .April 18, 1861: .\. L. Goodbar. March 5, 1863: James Turner, .April 5,
1864: Z. T. Moffett. May 29, 1865; .Archie Brown, January 17. 1866: George
H. McKee, .April 3, 1867: Joseph .A. Patton. Augu.st 21, 1867: John A. Brown,
Februarv 13, 1868: John T. Cline, November 19. 1869: James M. Taylor.
-August 27. 1875: \\'illiam T. Smith, January 28, 1876: George W. Corwin,
February 18. 1879: W. F. Gar\-er. .April 2. 1S80: William D. Parker, Sep-
tember 14, 1883: E. B. Cline. October 2. 1888: William D. Parker, .\ugust
156 WEIKS HISTORY OF
3. 1889: George A. Hutchins, July 9, 1890; B. B. Cline, June 27, 1893;
Marcus A. Pickel, May 21, 1897; Nina I. Dawson, May 3, 1909.
Fincastle, located in the western part of this township, was laid out in
the year 1838 by John Oberchain. A store was soon opened by Allen Pier-
son, and a blacksmith shop by the Conner brothers. The school was taught
by Wilson Turner, who was also the first resident physician.
The postmasters at Fincastle have been as follows : David Fosher,
October 21, 1847: R. W. Moss, ?klarch 6, 1850; Charles B. Bridger, June 11,
1853; S. J. Ritchey, June 23, 1855; William B. Cunningham, April 3, 1857;
Discontinued November 20, 1858; Robert L. Bridges (Re-Est.), February
15, 1877; Thomas L. Grider, April 5, 1881 ; Jesse B. Fosher, February 16,
1883; Zaccheus Grider, June 18, 1884; James B. Shannon, July 9, 1885;
Calvin Harris, January 24. 1889; Thomas L. Grider, January 17, 1890;
Ora G. Edwards, May 4. 1893; James F. Edwards, May 25. 1895; H. C.
Fosher, October 26, 1895; Thomas L. Grider, September 13, 1897; discon-
tinued Januan*^ 14, 1905.
The town of Roachdale, located in the northeastern part of the town-
ship, is the latest accession to the list of towns in the county. It was incor-
porated shortly after the completion of the Indianapolis, Decatur & Spring-
field railroad, March 25, 1882. As the latter road crossed the Louisville,
New Albany & Chicago railroad at this point, the town naturally experienced
a very rapid growth, and has steadily held its own ever since. Its first town
officers consisted of the following: John W. Hargrave, Sam B. Sweeney,
Justice M. Ghormly, trustees; Samuel J. Hennon, clerk, John H. Grantham,
treasurer; John Pinnell, marshal.
The present officers are: John H. JeiTries, Judson Lindley, J. W'. San-
ders, trustees ; R. E. Greene, treasurer and clerk ; L. C. Cummings. marshal.
There are four churches in the town. Methodist, Christian, Presbyterian
and Baptist. A beautiful and commodious school building, with modern con-
veniences, was built several years ago, containing seven class rooms and pro-
visions for a commissioned high school. The school board consists of C. C.
Collins, president; G. ^^'. Irwin, secretary-, and C. F. Rice, treasurer.
The following fraternal orders are represented : ^Masons : Levi S.
Worrell, worshipful master: Otto K. Henry, senior warden: Sam W.
Dodds. junior warden : O. A. Shepard. treasurer : G. W. Irwin, secretary ;
Fred L. McAmick. senior deacon: John T. Sutherlin. junior deacon: \\'illard
Gough. J. Ed Crosby, stewards ; Scott Wyatt. tyler.
Knights of Pythias : John Sutherlin. chancellor commander : Thomas
Sutherlin. vice-commander: E. W. Webster, prelate: Oliver Bales, master of
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 1 57
work; D. A. Smith, keeper of records and seal; I. E. W'eddle, master of
finance: Amos W'endling. master of exchequer; Ben Dean, inside guard; John
Oakley, outside guard.
Odd Fellows ; William Davis, noble grand ; Charles Mclntyre, vice-
grand; Ernest Thompson, J. B. Gough, secretaries; B. L. Hall, treasurer;
M. A. Eggers. warden; Jesse Young, conductor; William Radford, inside
guard; Amos Wendling. outside guard: C. L. Airhart. chaplain.
Modern Woodmen: W. C. Banies. venerable consul; C. T. Miller,
worthy adviser; R. E. Greene, clerk; G. D. luppenlatz. banker.
The only bank in the town is called the Roachdale Bank. O. A. Shepard
is president ; Joseph Cline. cashier, and Margaret Hanna, assistant cashier.
The weekly paper is called The Roachdale Nezcs and is edited by L. L. Ware
and R. E. Greene. The postmaster is Charles McGaughey. There is an elec-
tric light plant, two sawmills, a large elevator and the Putnam Veneer &
Lumber Company, all doing a profitable and thriving business. In popula-
tion the town ranks next to Greencastle.
The postmasters at Roachdale, with dates of their appointment, have been
as follows: William B. Lewis, February 3, 1880; William B. Lewis. Feb-
ruarv- 24. 1880; F. M. Ghormley. July 6. 1880; George 'SI. Cook. January
23, 1882; Francis M. Ghormley. April 10, 1882; John T. Cline, December
II. 1884: George Justice. May 3, 1889: John Dodd. .\pril 5. 1893; George
Justice, May i, 1897; Charles McGaughey, March 21, 1904.
RUSSELL TOWNSHIP.
This township was originally a part of Clinton, but in 182S Clinton was
divided, and Russell was formed as it now stands. It occupies the northwest
corner of the county, and is bounded on the north by Montgomer}- county,
on the east bv Franklin township, on the south by Clinton township, on the
west bv Parke county. This township is composed of congressional town-
ship 16. range 5. The streams that drain Russell are Raccoon creek and
Ramp creek, with their several tributaries, all taking a southwestward course.
The timber is of an excellent quality, and of a variety similar to that of the
neighboring townships. The soil is excellent, especially in the northern and
northwestern portions, the county around Russellville being charming in
its natural character, and finely improved. The southwestern portion is con-
siderable broken, though the soil is good, and there are many fine farms.
The township, upon the whole, is considered one of the finest in the countv.
Russell township was one of the first settled. David Swank, who came
WEIK S HISTORY OF
in 1820 and built his cabin on what is still known in the neighliorhood as
the "Swank fann/'.in the northeastern part of the township, was the first
settler. In the same year came Allen Elliott, who settled on Big Raccoon,
near the center of the township; Austin Puett. who settled near the site of
Portland Mills ; and Clark Butcher, who also settled on Big Raccoon.
In 1 82 1 came John Anderson. John Westfall. Christian Landis. Andrew
Robertson, B. Rosencranze. William Sutherlin, John Gleason, Samuel Steele,
Thomas Thompson. Jacob Beck and a brother. John Doherty and Andrew
Boyd. John Fosher built his cabin on Ramp creek and removed his family
thither in 1822. The year 1822 marks the arrival, also, of John Guilliams,
Jacob Bickle and .\. B. Denton. From 1822 to 1825. Mark Homan. R. V.
Garrott. Thomas Page. I. Aldridge. Jacob Stid and Thomas Norman became
residents of the township.
Within the next five years, the ancestors of the Wilsons, the Evanses,
the Clodfelters. the McGaugheys. Spencers. Burketts. Forgeys. Blakes and
manv others were added to the pioneer population.
The first birth which occurred in the township is a matter of dispute.
The priority belongs either to a child of Christian and IVIatilda Dearduff. or
to Miss Guilliams. the wife of John McGaughey. who was born about the
year 1823. The first marriage was that of John Guilliams and Miss Lydia
Fosher, which took place in July. 1822. They were married by the Rev.
Mr. Ouinlet. The manner in which this wedding was conducted serves to
illustrate the character of the times, and the simple habits of the pioneers.
Mr. Guilliams, who was busily engaged in plowing com. made arrangements
with his intended wife that, on the day of the marriage, when the preacher
should arrive, and she should be ready, she should inform him of the facts.
In due time the preacher came, and a child was dispatched to notify the
groom that all things were ready. Hitching his horse in the field, he repaired
to the house where the ceremony was performed, when he retumetl to his
labor, as though nothing unusual had taken place.
Daniel Anderson, who ministered unto the people of the township dur-
ing the years of 1824 and 1825, was their first preacher. He was followed
by William H. Smith. Lorenzo Dow. and others of the noble band which they
represent. The first school house was built on the farm of John Fosher. in
1823. in which the first school was taught the same year. The first mill in
the township was built by Jacob Beck and was long known as Beck's Mill.
This was erected in 1820 and 1821. The buhrs of this mill were made by
John Guy. from a boulder which lay near the mill site. The ne.xt was
Swank's Mill, built in 1823. James Secrest opened at Blakesburgh the first
PUTNAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 1 59
Store from which goods were sold in Russell township. In 1823 John Fosher
established a tan-yard on Ramp creek, which was the first in this portion of
the county. Col. James Blake erected a '"Sang Factory" at the same place,
and operated it from 1826 to 1830. This factory gave employment to all
who were not otherwise employed, in digging "sang." which fountl a ready
market. Jesse Blake, also, had an interest in this factor}-. The first church
was built at Russellville in 1830. When the town was laid out in iSj8.
arrangements were made for the erection of a church, which was completed
two years later. The first Fourth of July celebration was held on the farm
of John Dougherty, near Portland ]\lills. in 1S28. Gen. George K. Steele
acting as marshal of the day. Drs. James B. Clark. Copeland. Winslow.
Rogers and John Slavens were the first practicing physicians in this com-
munity.
The only town in Russell township is Russellville. It was laid out in
i8j8. but was not incorporated until early in the eighties. About that time
it was reached by the Indianapolis. Decatur & Western railroad, which so
added to its population that it was deemed proper to make an incorporated
town of it. In early days its leading citizen was Jacob Durham, who emi-
grated frr;m Kentucky and set up the first blacksmith shop. Later he became
the village merchant, was postmaster, justice of the peace and filled various
places of trust and responsibility. As a business man ]\Ir. Durham was very
successful. Although his early educational advantages were somewhat mea-
gre, yet he was a man of unusually sound judgment and intelligence. He
was alike shrewd, industrious and enterprising. He bought groceries in Xew
Orleans, iron in Pittsburg, and dry goods in Philadelphia. These all reached
Montezuma by water, and were carted overland to Russellville. His son
recalls seeing his father set out for the market in Philadelphia, making the
entire trip on horseback. He accumulated a snug fortune, much of which
was represented by some of the finest farming lands in the county. About
i860 he retired from active business and removed to Greencastle. where he
resiiled in a beautiful suburban home till his death. August 11. 1864.
The present town officers are : Robert Brumfield. Romulus Boyd. Roy
Carter, trustees; John Oliver, marshal: Samuel Brown, treasurer: George
Scott, clerk.
There are three churches. Methodist. Presbyterian and Christian, and
a handsome new school building with provisions for the lower grades and
four grades of high school work. Russellville is also plentifully supplied
with secret, fraternal and benevolent orders.
x6o WEIK S HISTORY OF
The Masonic Lodge, Xo. 141. of which Ernest Simpson is worshipful
master and J. N. Fordyce, secretary.
Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 841 ; W. P. Byrd, noble grand; Jonathan Tage,
secretary.
Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 310: Samuel Cox, chancellor com-
mander; Burton Long, keeper of records and seal.
Modern Woodmen, Camp No. 5616: R. S. Redlen, venerable consul;
Thomas Walden, clerk.
Ben Hur, Court No. 60: James Fordyce. chief; Frank Kennedy, sec-
retary.
The newspaper of Russellville is published weekly and called The Search-
light. Erasmus Parrett is the editor. There is one bank called the Russell-
ville Bank, of which James Durham is president and Ernest Durham, cashier.
The commercial and industrial facilities of the place are represented by
one flouring mill, two sawmills, an elevator, lumber yard, two hardware
stores, three general stores, one grocery- store, two restaurants, three barber
shops, a furniture and undertaking store, meat market, drug store, millinery
store, shoe shop and blacksmith shop. Three physicians guard the health
of the inhabitants, who number approximately five hundred.
The list of Russellville's postmasters and the dates of their appointment,
follows: Jacob Durham. March 29, 1832; James B. Brumfield, August 5,
1850: William H. Durham, May 5. 1853: James L. Wilson, February 24,
1865: Uriah Brown, April 24, 1866; Joseph H. Orear, May 8, 1867; Joseph
T. Hopkins, November 12, 1867; William M. Darter, April 27, 1882: Wil-
liam ^L Darter. December 5, 1882: William H. Long, June 26, 1885; Wil-
liam H. Long, September 3, 1885; L'riah Brown, January 3, 1889: J. W.
Har^-ey, June 10, 1889; Charles W. Winn. July 27. 1893; J. R. Whitson,
June 14. 1897; Nelson F. Scribner. June 22, 1901.
CLIXTOX TOWXSIIIP.
Clinton township joins Russell on the south, and is the preceding con-
gressional township of the same range. It is bounded on the north by Russell,
on the east 1)v Monroe, on the south by Madison township and on the west by
Parke count v. .\ small p(3rtion of Clinton is a little rough and broken,
though most of it lies well, and the township altogether is a fine body of
land and very well improved.
The first entrv of land in this township was made by Ashbury Van-
dever. on Tune 17. 1821: the next by Roan Irwin. July 22, 1S21 ; the third
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. l6l
by Sampson Sutheiiin. August 2. 1S21 ; the fourth by Israel Limler. October
8. 1S21. Some of the entries of the year 1822 were made by the following
named, in the order in which they are given: Alexander Johnson, Abner
Goodwin, John Holt. John Dougherty. Isaiah Vermillion. Andrew McG.
Walker. Andrew J. Walker and James Peakle.
Among the old settlers are named James Johnson. Arthur Walker.
Thomas Hart. Edward Xewgent. Wilson Spaulding, Oliver McCoy. Moses
Spurgeon, Stephen C. Burk. Jonathan Manker, ^lichael Etter. James Craw-
ford, Oliver Tally. Eli Brackney, Robert Johnson. John Butler. Isaiah Rat-
liff. William C. Butcher. Jonathan Bee. Judge William McKee. Scady Chand-
ler. Daniel Herron. William Angel. Mr. Shonkwiler, John Xewgent, Mrs. Ed
Xewgent, John Raglan, Luke Gardner. Charles X'ewgent. Clark Hamilton
and H. L. Hamilton. Andrew Sigler and Rev. Turpin Darnall were also
among the earliest settlers of this township.
The first birth in the township was that of John Sigler, son of Andrew
and Sarah Sigler. on December 15. 1825. Andrew Sigler and Sarah Heady
were the first persons married in the township. The first blacksmith was a
man named Twigg. The first grist-mill was put up in the year 1825 by Cap-
tain Goodwin, on Little Walnut creek. Like many others of those early
days, it was a kind of wet-weather mill and could run only when the hea-
vens gave a supply of water. Capt. William H. Thornburgh, so well known to
the citizens of Putnam county, taught the first school in Clinton township at
Captain Goodwin's mill. The first physician in the township was Doctor
Hubbard, who lived where Dr. R. S. Hamihon resided.
The first church organized in this township was the Predestinarian Bap-
tist. This took place about the year 1S31. and was conducted by Rev. Tur-
pin Darnall. of Bainbridge. John Leatherman and Jesse McClain were
among the earliest ministers of this congregation. A house was soon built
and the organization was kept up for a number of years, but it is now dis-
banded and the house has gone to decay. The Methodist Episcopal church
was organized about the year 18,52. by Rev. William C. Smith, and a log
h(juse was built a year later. Revs. Wood. DeMott. Beck. Preston and
Wright were the early ministers of this church. A few years later two other
Methodist churches were organized in the township and the log houses were
erected. All three of these buildings have been replaced with frame ones of
suijstantial character. About forty years ago. the Tunker denomination or-
ganized a church in this township and built a good frame hou.se of worship,
where they still hold regular service.s.
(II)
X62 WEIK S HISTORY OF
In Clinton township there are three villages, Portland Mills, Morton
and Clinton Falls. The first named is an old town, and is so situated that a
part of it is in Clinton and a part in Russell township. Putnam county, and
a part in each of two townships in Parke county.
The postmasters at Clinton Falls have been as follows : L. K. Dille,
August 31. 1S74: William R. Mead, January 19. 1875; William H. Boswell,
June 12. 1877; ^I- ^V. Spaulding, August 27, 1879; James T. Brady, Decem-
ber 15. 1880; William Davis, February 18. 1884; J. T. Tucker, August 21,
1885; A. D. Miller, April 19, 188S; C. W. Batchelder, June 10, 1889: John
T. Craig, December 30, 1890; Priscilla M. Vennillion, May 19, 1893; Charles
W. Keyt. June 3. 1897; postoflice discontinued August 31, 1901. At Morton
they have been: Andrew Dierdorf, October 9, 1855; James Nicholson, De-
cember 6, 1855; Thomas I. Darnall, July 17, 1857; Melvin McKee, August
19, 1857; John M. Wilson, October 19, 1859; Martin Frank, November 4,
1864; Walter Sewall, August 12, 1868; George W. Hanna, May 31, 1878;
Robert H. Whitted, January 30, 1885; M. E. Thomas, May 25, 1885; R. H.
Burkett, November 26, 1887; Thomas J. Mount, February 14. 1889;
Charles M. Bettis, May 31, 1889; A. V.Thomas, April 5, 1893: C. L.
Clodfelter, March 21, 1895; Christian Crodian, July 22, 1897; dis-
continued January 14, 1905. The postmasters at Portland Mills, and
dates of appointment, are as follows : Samuel M. Hart, September
15, 1851; William C. Dickson, January 15, 1853; Henry Baker, No-
vember 6, 1854; Jesse D. Alexander, April 29, 1859; John Cook, June
■ 25, 1861 ; John M. Hart. August i, 1862; James T. Scott, April 5. 1864: A.
E. Ramsay, January 25, 1875; Andrew French. August i. 1876; Abraham
H. Carver, May 16. 1881; Philip Kendall. December 13, 1881 ; John
O'Meara, August 3, 1885; ]\Iathew F. Hanner. July 21, 1886; Reeve C.
Peare, October 19, 1887; R. C. Peare, December 7. 1888; John S. Alexander,
May 3, 1889; F. S. Hamilton, April i, 1893: John T. Carpenter. May 31,
1895; John S. Alexander, iMay 18, 1898; William Torn July 12, 1902; dis-
continued December 31, 1904.
MONROE TOWNSHIP.
This township was one of the first settled and is one of the best in the
county. It is congressional township 15, range 4. and is bounded on the north
bv Franklin, on the east by Floyd, on the south by Greencastle. and on the
west bv Clinton townships. The surface is mostly level in the north part,
but more rolling in the south. The soil is a rich black loam, superimposed
.PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 1 63
upon a yellow clay subsoil. Like the rest of the county. Monroe was origin-
ally covered with a splendid growth of \aluable timber, most of which
has been cut and sold. The streams of the township consist of a few branches
of Big and Little Walnut, the latter just cutting the southeast corner in sec-
tion 36. The township is well improved. It has many gravel and macad-
amized roads : one of the most important runs north from Greencastle. and
another west from Bainbridge. Along these roads lies some of the finest
country in Putnam county; and the farms are well improved, presenting the
evidence of care and skill on the part of their owners.
The first settlers were Jesse and Rollin James, Elias Gibson and John
Powell, who built their cabins in 1821. in the western part of the township,
not far from where Brick Chapel now stands. In 1822 came Isaiah Vermil-
lion, Thomas Heady, Barnabas Frakes. George W. Howlett and Philip
Ford. During the next two years. Levi Stewart. John. Abner and O. Good-
win and George Pearcy became citizens. Within the years 1825 and 1826
they were joined by William Randall, James \V. Hillis. Joseph Logan. Mr.
McCorkle. William H. Thomburg, Andy Sigler. Captain Tumbrick, Jona-
than, Aaron and Henry Myres, Mr. Glover. John and George Jackson, Mr.
Baileys. Thomas Benge, William Moss. Reuben Slavens. Edward Parish,
Andrew Byerly. Joseph Heath, Philip Slater. Hudson and Eli Brackney,
Robert N. Allen, Thomas Starks. Mr. Busey. John Allen. Mr. Penny. Abra-
ham Leatherman and Luke Gardner. The years 1827 and 1828 mark the
arrival of Robert C. Brown. Addison and Josiah Lane. Samuel Job. Elswick
Risk. George Gibson, John Frakes, J. and P. Clement and W. Hansel. There
was a large increase of population in the following two years, among whom
were James Montgomery. Daniel Chadd, James Fisk, Phelan and Corbin
Priest, James O'Hair. John Brown. Henry Foster. Alexander Tolin. Peter
Graves. John Gilkey, Hiram B. Slavens. Alexander Farrow. Thomas Tins-
ley. William Garrett, Sharp Spencer. Mrs. Brothers and her son. Robert
Brothers, and Mr. Dale. Among these who came soon afterward may be
named the Darnalls. the Starrs, the Thorntons and the FyfFes.
Among the other old settlers were William Randall, Mathew McCorkle,
Elizabeth Howlett, James O'Hair, John Frakes, James Fisk, Corbin Priest.
Robert Brothers, John Slavens. Charles B. Bridges, James Gordon. John
Starr. Samuel Damall. Mr. Thornton, Andrew Byerly. Alexander Tolin and
Josiah Lane.
The marriage of George Johnson and Susannah Tomlinson was the
first in the township.
164 vveik's history of
The first blacksmith was John Jackson, who built a shop in section 3J.
on the farm now owned by Sylvester O'Hair. Thomas Heady was the first
justice of the peace. Then came Reuben Slavens and Alexander Tolin as
his successors in office. The first person who died in the township was a man
named Lane. He was buried on the farm of George W. Howlett. The
Brick Chapel grave-yard is one of the oldest in the tciwnship, and has a
beautiful location. There is a grave-yard near the home of William Ran-
dall, called Randall's grave-yard, which is one of the oldest burying-places
in Monroe township. The first school was taught by George Pearcy in sec-
tion I. north of Bainbridge. About the year 1826, Addison Lane taught a
school near the site of Brick Chapel, which was the first in that neighborhood.
He was followed by Joseph Farley Hiram B. Slavens and John Slavens.
The Christians held the first meetings in the township at the house of George
W. Howlett in 1823. Gilbert Harney preached and conducted the services.
This house was used as a place of worship for several years by several dif-
ferent denominations. Rev. Benjamin Jones, a Methodist minister, held
services also at the house of Mr. Howlett, shortly after the Christian mee
ings at the same place, and here the Methodist church was organized by
Daniel Anderson and Benjamin C. Stevenson. This must have taken place
in the conference year 1826-27, as Anderson and Stevenson were then pas-
tors of the Eel River circuit. Meetings were also held in a log school house
that stood where Brick Chapel now stands. The first church building was
erected by the Methodists on the present site of the Montgomery Chapel. It
was a small brick building afterward replaced by the present commodious
edifice.
Bainbridge is a flourishing town on the Louisville, Xew Albany & Chi-
cago railroad, in the northeastern comer of the township, occupying a part
of sections i, 2, 11 and 12. It was laid out by Levi A. Pearcy March 5,
1831, on land owned by Allen Pearcy, John Elrod, Thomas Gordon and Ma-
son Catherwood. The town has since been considerably enlarged. The first
and second additions were made by Mr. Cooper. J. E. and D. A. Ouin made
the ne.xt addition, and then came Corwin and Thornton's first, second and
third additions.
Adam Feather was the first blacksmith in the place; Joshua Lucas the
first tanner; John Cunningham the first merchant; James D. Carter the first
saddler. William O. Darnall was also among the first merchants. D. C.
Donnehue put up the first carding machine in the town, and was also the first
justice of the peace there.
PL'TXAM COL"NTV, IXDIANA. 165
The first church organization was effected by the Presb}terians. The
Methodist church was established mere in 1844, and the present house of
worship was buih in the year 1S46. The founding of the Christian church
was a little later than that of the Methodist. The Baptists have a congrega-
tion there, but no church edifice. The Catholics also have an organization,
and a place of worship.
In 1847 Bainbridge was incorporated as a town. The name was sug-
gested by the late Col. John Osborn, who then lived nearby and who later
moved to Clay county, in honor of the gallant Commodore Bainbridge of
the United States Xavy. The present olficers of the corporation are Jesse
O. CoiYman, A. F. Ford and Sherman Murphy, trustees; Orlando R. Turnev,
clerk and treasurer. In the early fifties Bainbridge took on new life and for
a time enjoyed quite a boom on account of the building of the Louisville, New-
Albany & Salem railroad, now the "Monon Route." which passed through
the town. It was at that time one of Bainbridge's citizens conceived and
carried to a successful termination the idea of building a mammoth grist-
mill. It was one of the largest concerns of its kind in this part of the state,
but the enterprise ended in a financial failure, its collapse involving a number
of the leading citizens of the village. It finally passed into the ownership of
a Chicago man. who operated it for several years, shipping the greater part
of its output to Liverpool and other European ports. It was the onlv mill
that ever shipped direct to Europe flour made from wheat grown in Putnam
county. The mill is still standing, though its capacity is much reduced, and
supplies the wants of the local trade.
Bainbridge has a new brick school building erected last year. It contains
all the modern conveniences and is both a beautiful and useful addition to
the town's attractions. Six teachers are employed who teach all the common
and high school grades. There are also five churches representing as many
different religious denominations: Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Chris-
tian and Christian L'nion. A Masonic lodge was organized years ago in
Bainbridge. of which Milton Brown is worshipful master and James L. Mc-
Kee secretan.-; also a lodge of the Knights of Pythias, of which William
Brown is chancellor commander, and Fred Steele is keeper of records and
seal; a camp of Modern Woodmen, of which ^I. F. Parks is venerable con-
sul, and Samuel Ratcliff is clerk, and a post — No. 463 — Grand Army of the
Republic, of which John \\"ilkinson is commander, and George W. Starr is
adjutant.
The town has one newspaper. Tlic Bainbridyc Xcws. published weekly,
of which George W. Grames is the editor and proprietor, and (5ne bank, called
i66 weik's history of
the Bainbridge Bank, of which T. P. Moffett is president; J. M. Reed, vice-
president, and Charles AI. Moffett cashier. There are also the following
manufacturing enterprises: Glove and mitten factory, owned by Horace
Pherson; planing mill and lumber yard, operated by Lockridge & x\shby;
sawmill, by L. C. Priest, and two factories for the manufacture of cement
blocks and castings operated by Allee & Welch and Albert Hubbard & Son,
respectively.
Bainbridge has a population of about five hundred. AbotiC two years
ago a commercial club was organized to attract capital and new people to
the place and to that end a tract of land was bought, platted and annexed to
the town. Several lots have been sold and a number of houses are being
built. The intention is to donate suitable ground for factory sites, etc. The
officers are Milton F. Darnall, president, and Charles M. Moffett, secretary.
The following have served as postmaster at Bainbridge : Joshua H.
Lucas, February 13, 1835; D. C. Donnohue, February 13, 1841 ; Abiathar
Crane, December 10, 1851; A. J. Darnall, November i. 1853; William W
Gill, January 31, 1855; Charles M. Nye. June 23, 1855; John W. Cooper,
February 6, 1856; William B. Walls, November 27, 1856; Thomas L. Ellis,
August 4, i860; Amos K. Payne, April 15, 1861 ; Mary E. Darnall, January
5, 1864: B. F. Duncan, May 31, 1866; Mary E. Darnall, June 12, 1866;
Marv Ellis. February 25, 1868; Mary E. Darnall, Alarch 25. 1869; Carleton
McDaniel, July 18, 1882; George W. Hansel, May 25, 1885; C. C. Coffman.
May 3, 1889; Milroy Gordon, June 20. 1893; Thomas J. Gordon, July 3,
1894: Anna M. Gordon. December 8. 1900; James F. Smith, September 11,
1903; Glen D. Lemberger, February 13, 1909. At Brick Chapel, which was
discontinued as a postoffice on February 28. 1905. the following named served
as postmasters: L. L. Maxwell. April 28. 1873: F. G. Albin. January 5,
1874; Willis P. Wood, July 14, 1874; discontinued November 5, 1875:
re-established May 8, 1876; William M. Smith, May 8, 1876; R. M. Baker.
November 10, 1876; William N. Scobee, July 9, 1877; R. F. Oakley. Septem-
ber 16. 1879: James L. Fisk, January 16. 1883; John Slavens. March 9,
1883; George S. Frank. July 28. 1885; J. W. S. Wyatt. February 17, 1887;
William T. Overbey. June 15, 1889; Robert S. Harbison. April 18. 1890;
Michael Rising. January 10. 1896.
FLOYD TOVVXSHIP.
This township is the full congressional township 15. range 3. and is
bounded on the north bv Jackson township, on the east by Hendricks county.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. l6j
on the south by Marion, and on the west by Monroe township. The soil is
good and compares favorably with the best townships of the county. Its
surface is rolhng, but becomes broken along the streams, which are Walnut
fork of Eel river, Warford's fork, Monachal's fork and their branches, all
running in a southwest direction. The valuable timber of this township
consists of poplar, walnut, oak. maple, ash, elm and hickory. Tl most
peculiar feature of the county is the sandy ridge in this township. It e.xtends
north and south a distance of three miles, at an elevation of forty feet above
the surrounding level. The composition is of sand and gravel, and is en-
tirely different from any other geological deposit in the vicinity.
The first settler was Joseph W. Warford, who located on section 33
in the year 182 1. In 1822 came Wilson L. Warford, Washington Weather-
ford. Readie Akers, Isaac Monnett, Lawson Monnett and Reuben Smith.
During the year 1823 Thomas Purcell, Cuthbert Daniels, William Aldridge,
Thomas Higgins and Harrison Monnett became pioneers of the township.
From 1824 to 1826 came G. Xorrill, Zachariah Melton, Mr. Rowlett, Wil-
liam Collings, S. Collings, Har\ey CoUings, .-\. L. Collings, Abraham Wise
and his sons San ford and Shadrach Wise. The years from 1827 to 1830
brought George Monachal, Anderson B. Matthews and his father-in-law, John
Heavin. A. Pickett. William and Aquila Pickett, J. M. and H. B. Pickett.
Isaac Yates, Mr. Howard. Thomas Ogle, Joseph E\'ans, William Arnold,
James Miller. J. Kinder, Moses Lewis, E. Tarburton, J. L. Bird, J. C. Wil-
son. I. J. Wilson. A. Wilson, L. Gibson. J. Westhart, J. Kurtz and William
Todd. The ne.xt three years witnessed the arrival of John Gregory. Doctor
Stadley, Jacob McVey, Jacob Hoffman, Cooper Wilson, James Robinson.
Dr. Josias H. Robinson, John H. Herod, Charles Hunter, Thomas Ellis,
Lewis Ellis and James Ellis. Between 1834 and 1839, Joshua Iddings, .Archi-
bald ?vliller, John Craver, Martin and Enoch Wright, Thomas Job. Henry
Wain. Thomas Randall. John Millman, Levi Owen, James Shoemaker, George
Hansell. Elijah Wilkinson, Samuel Shinn, John Shinn, Jacob Millman,
Stephen Brown, \\'esley Figg, J. W. Chatham. Thomas Job, son of Samuel
J(il). Harrison Monnett. Sanford Wise. Harvey Collings, William Todd.
Susan Hunter, Delphia Busby, Francis Hughes, Joshua Iddings, Stephen
Brown, Archibald Miller. Wesley Figg. J. W. Chatham and Sarah Ellis and
Thomas Job.
The first marriage in Floyd was that of Wilson L. Warford and Nancy
Monnett. daughter of Isaac Monnett. This occurred in 1823: and an inci-
dent in connection with the wedding that is worthy of recording was that the
fainilv had no Hour to make bread, and therefore the feasi had to he en-
1 68 weik's history of
joyed without that necessary article of food. Deha W'arford. born in 18^4,
was the first white child born in that township. The first who died was a
daughter of Joseph Warford, in 1822. She was buried on the home fann,
once owned by Vincent Day. This was the first grave-yard in the township,
but it has not been used for many years. The first sawmill was built bv An-
derson B. Matthews, on section 2i3- in the year 1829. Within the ne.xt year
he added a grist-mill. These were water mills, and stood on Warford's fork.
Mr. Ogle built a saw and grist-mill on Walnut, in this township, in the year
1834 or 1835. William Arnold, who had a shop in section 20, in 1828, was
the first blacksmith. Dr. William Matthews, son of Anderson B. Matthews,
was the first resident physician in Floyd. He located in the south part of the
township, and became quite a noted man in his profession. The Doctor was
author of several medical works and correspondent of some leading journals
in the country. At a later day, he remo\ed to Mason. Effingham county,
Illinois, where he died some years ago.
In the year 1838 John Millman. Sr., erected on section 26 a factory for
the manufacture of fur and wool hats, in which he continued to carry on busi-
ness until the year 1863, a period of just a quarter of a century. During this
time he manufactured hats by the hundred and by the thousand, and hauled
them in wagon loads to neighboring counties where they were exchanged
for furs and pelts. He was a prominent member of the American Fur Com-
pany, and collected furs in large quantities, which he hauled in wagons to
the company's depot at Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Millman was a man of great
experience in his business, and a splendid workman, having produced from
his factory hats which were worn for thirteen years in succession. It was a
claim of the old gentleman that he made the first hat ever worn by Bishop
Simpson of the Methodist Episcopal church. The last hats he manufactured
were sent to Scottsboro. Tennessee, during the Civil war. to be worn bv the
Union soldiers. This old pioneer was a great lover of his countr\-. having
sent three sons to the Mexican war. and five to the Union army in 1861. He
died in the centennial year, at the age of eighty-seven years, and was buried in
sight of his factory.
Andrew B. Matthews was the first justice of the peace, holding the
office in 1828. and continuing in the same until the time of his death. He
ser\ed for a number of years as president of the county board of magi.strates.
Daniel Anderson preached the first sermon in this township, in the year
1822 or 1823. at the house of Joseph Warford, which was a place of worship
for a number of years. These meetings were held by the }ifethoitist>. who
at an early day built "Wesley Chapel" and "Pleasant Grove." Their first
PUTNA\t COUNTY, INDIANA. 169
minister was followed by S. Otwell. William H. Smith, Lorenzo Dow, Mr.
Grimes, A. L. Collings, H. Collings, Isaac Owen, Mr. Cord and Matthew
Simpson, with probably others worthy of record, if their names could be
recalled.
The Protestant Methodists, under the leadership of Harvey Collings,
organized, and now have two churches in the township.
The first Sabbath school was organized in 1844. by Harvey Collings.
The history of the Regular Baptists, in Floyd, dates from the year
1S26, in which they formed a society and built a house of worship called
Enon. the same being the first structure of the kind in the township. They
also built the second church in the township and named it Palestine. This
denomination now has here three houses of worship. Charles and Carter
Hunter, of Marion tow-nship, preached the first Baptist sermons in Floyd
in the year 1826. They were followed by J. Cost, Spencer Collings and
Thomas Broadstreet, who rank among the early Baptist ministers of this
part of the county.
The Cumberland Presbyterians have a church in this township, though
their organization is of later date.
The village of Groveland, situated on sections 2 and 3, was laid out by
Benjamin F. and Daniel Summers, March 18, 1854.
The following postmasters have served at Groveland : Henry B. Pick-
ett, July 19, 1852; D. T. Summers, June 21, 1854; Benjamin I. Summers,
Xovember 18, 1858: Wilson Fisher. June 8, 1859; J. W. Hanna, December
II. i860; Weakly Mason. October 18, 1861 ; Elias Horner, April 30, 1862;
Salmon Hall, March 25. 1865: James Turner. December 26, 1876; S. M.
Comer. July 5, 1878: Tames Turner, January 26, 1880; Jonathan Owens.
July 10. 1885; W. M. Owens. April 17. 1888: William A. Wood, May 31.
1889; Joseph E. Graham. October 26, 1891 ; discontinued February 14, 1905.
MARIO.V TOWNSHIP.
Marion township lies ininiecliate!\' south of Floyd, and is the full con-
gressional township 14, north, range 3 west. It is bounded on the north by
Floyd township, on the east by Hendricks county and Mill Creek township,
on the south by Jefiferson township, and on the west by Greencastle township.
Its surface is gently rolling: the soil good, and finely adapted to cultivation.
The supply of timber was at one time abundant, consisting of poplar, walnut,
white, red and burr oak. hard maple, beech, ash. and many inferior kinds,
such as elm, gum and sycamore, with a plentiful supply of hickorv- on the
IJO WEIK S HISTORY OF
more level portions. This township is drained by Deer creek, that stream
having its source in the northeast corner and traversing the entire extent
of the township to the southwest comer, where it takes its leave on section 31.
The first settler in Marion township was Reuben Ragan, w-ho first came
to the county in the year 181 8 and prospected the country comprising Put-
nam and surrounding counties during that and the following year. He then
returned to the state of Kentucky, whence he again came to Putnam in the
spring of 1820, staying two years in Greencastle township, west of the city.
He entered land in the extreme north of Marion township in 1822, and be-
came a permanent resident there in October of the same year, continuing
to make that his home until the date of his death, August 19, 1869.
In October of the year 1824 Mr. Rag?n built a hewed-log house, which,
having been w^eather-boarded and plastered, now forms the front portion
of the family residence, and is the oldest building in Putnam county, having
been in use as a dwelling for more than eighty-five years. Like all of the
builder's works, it was well done, and it still stands firm, with the probabil-
ity of still withstanding the shocks of time for years to come. Mr. Ragan
was a noted horticulturist and possessed a fine talent for his occupation.
He sowed seeds for an orchard on the farm of Mr. Thomas, west of Green-
castle, in the spring of 1820, which were, doubtless, the first seeds of the
kind to take root in the soil of Putnam county. A few years later he planted
the first orchard in Marion township. He is still remembered by his neigh-
bors as a man of vigorous intellect, pure mind and unscrupulously honest
and upright in all his dealings.
From the time of Mr. Pagan's settlement in the township to 1824
he was joined by Judge Smith, Henry Wood, Mr. Davis, John Smith, Silas
Hopkins and Samuel Hazelett. In the years 1825 and 1826 came William
Bell, John Denny, William and James Smith, Bryce Miller, Isaac and
George Legg, Jeremiah Nichols, Charles and Carter Hunter, Israel Moss,
John Gregorv, James and William Denny. Mr. Acres, Enoch Stone, William
Nicholson and Thomas Jackson. Within the next two years the population
was increased by the arrival of David Wise, Henry Hunter, Bailey O'Neal,
Daniel Chadd. John Benefield, John and James Agee, Daniel Brewer, Charles
Knetzer, Jacob Shoptaugh, Eli Fry, Henry Keller, Peter Lunsford, Daniel
Bridge water. The newcomers for the years 1829 and 1830 were Alexander
Gorham, Ambrose Day, Thomas Jackson, Sr., William Frazier, John Run-
yan, Isaac Hope, Joseph Ellis, Anselm Mason, Henry Shields, Samuel
Reeves. There probably were others equally worthy of mention. Some of
these here named entered land, and, perhaps, lived near Greencastle before
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
171
settling in what now comprises Marion township. Nearly all have left
here large families, who inherit the blessings of their labors.
Among the old settlers who have died within the past thirty vears were
John Smith, familiarly known as "Uncle Jackey," Thomas Jackson. Mrs.
Reuben Ragan. .Mrs. Catherine Smith. Mrs. Henry Hunter. Mrs. James
Denny. .Afrs. Willoughby Leachman. Samuel Hazelett. who lived near
Stilesville. and Daniel Brewer, at Coatsville. The last named was born
m Holland on August 31, 1782. and came to Kentucky when two years old.
From that state he removed to Putnam county, where he lived until almost
a hundred years old.
On December 18, 1824, Arthur A., the son of John Denny, was born,
being the first white child born in the township. Mr. Denny in 1850 moved
to the Pacific coast and was one of the founders of the citv of Seattle. He
represented Washington Territory in Congress in 1865-67. The ne.xt birth
in the township was that of America, the daughter of Samuel Hazlett, De-
cember 24. 1824. She is still living and has never married.
The marriage of John Smith, son of John Smith, and Miss Willie
Smith, daughter of Judge Smith, was the first that occurred in the town-
ship. The first grist-mill in the township was that built on Deer creek by
Samuel Hazlett as early at 1826. It stood on section 17. It was in 1854
that .Mien Burk put up his horse-mill. James Agee. who. in 1828. had' a
shop in section 20, was the first blacksmith. Shortly after Agee came Isaac
Hope, who erected a shop near the old family residence in section 12. The
first store was kept by Ahijah Robinson at Nicholsonville about 1845. The
first postofiice was also kept by Mr. Robinson at the same place. It was
afterward removed to Fillmore, but for several years thereafter retained
its original name of Nicholsonville. William C. Hopwood was the first
resident physician. He located in Fillmore in 1853. John Dennv was the
first justice of the peace. He was followed by his brother. James Denny,
who held the office for fourteen consecutive years. Then came Tames Mc-
Achran. James Sill. R. M. Hazelett and Jacob P. Cox and their 'successors.
The Regular Baptist church was the first organized in the township.
This was done November 25, 1826. at the house of William Denny, bv
Charles and Carter Hunter and wives, Thomas Broadstreet. Enoch Stone and
wife. William Nicholson and wife, and Isaac Monnett. They finallv built
a house of worship on the farm of Carter Hunter. The Missionary Bap-
tists were organized about 1841. Elders Jones and Arnold were among their
first preachers. They have a good frame church, called Bethel, two and one-
half miles .southeast of Fillmore. The first meetings of the Christian church
172 WEIK S HISTORY OF
were held at the houses of Charles Knetzer and Ambrose Day. This was
before the organization of the church, which took place about 1839, and a
building, known as Old Union, was erected on the farm of Ambrose Day
in 1840. John M. Harris was their first preacher, followed by James M.
^Mathews. Gilbert Harney. Xathan Waters, O. P. Badger. Chatterton. James
and Perry Blankinship. Cooms. as well as many others. They have a
church in Fillmore, which was erected soon after the town was laid out.
The Methodists organized a church at what was called "Denny's School-
house," at a very early date. John Denny was an active, zealous member
of this congregation, and it became quite a flourishing church. In 1838
meetings were held at the houses of Matthew Brann and others. Rev. Owen
Owen. Davis. Hancock. Forbes, President Simpson and Prof Cyrus Xutt
were the first preachers of this organization. The first Methodist church
was built on section 16. and called Mount Carmel. After the building of
the new church in Fillmore. Mount Carmel was given or sold to the Regular
Baptists. Soon after the erection of Mount Carmel, another Methodist
church, named Liberty, was built on the farm of Abbott Robinson, in sec-
tion II. This building remained until the congregation erected an elegant
frame building, in 1871, on a lot given for that purpose by Morris Oliver.
Fillmore, the only village in the township, is on the Terre Haute &
Indianapolis railroad, six miles northeast of Greencastle. It was laid out
in 1852 by Benjamin Nicholson, James Sill and Leonard C. Catterlin, on
land then owned by them, but formerly forming a part of Richard Sinclair's
fami.
The first store in the town was kept by Hardin & Brown in 1852. fol-
lowed bv Benjamin Xicholson, Hardin Wilcox and Moses T. Bridges, gen-
eral dealers, and William D. Smith, who kept a grocery and provision
store. Mr. Bridges did verj- much toward building up the town, having
erected a hotel and in many other ways added to its prosperity.
There are also two churches, one Christian, the other Methodist. The
Missionarv Baptists formerly had a church at Fillmore. The building is
now used as a school house.
At Fillmore the following postmasters have served : William Matthews.
August 10. 1848; Abijah Robinson. November 19. 1849; H. H. Wilcox.
March 19. 1852: ?vIoses T. Bridges. January 21, 1854; John W. Pierson.
September 11, 1861; John W. Pierson. December 5, 1861 : C. A. Matthews.
Tune 12. 1863: John A. Dicks, September 24, 1864; Thomas J. Siddens, Jan-
uary 18, 1867: Elizabeth Welch. July 10, 1867; Greenberry Prather, Sep-
tember 13. 1871 : Elizabeth Nicholson. May 10, 1872: M. A. Brown. June 2.
PUTNAM COL'N'TY. IXDIAXA. I J3
1873; C. B. McNary, March 4, 1874: M. A. Brann, September 14, 1875;
M. H. Reilly, March 21, 1881 ; A. E. Robinson, October 18, 1883; M. H.
Reilly, March 7, 1884; Harry McNary, May 25, 1885; Julia E. Robinson,
April 29, 1901.
Bryce W. Miller taught the first school in the township, at his own
cabin. He afterward taugiit at the neighbors' houses — a favorite place bein<y
at John Smith's in what was called a three-faced camp, open in front and
built up with logs on the other three sides. This stood on section 16. The
next was a three-months school, taught by Alfred Burton, in a log cabin
in section 29. that some one had built for a dwelling and then deserted. This
school was broken up by a man named Nat Hammond, who, becoming dis-
satisfied with the school, went one night and pried down the chimney. The
first school building was erected on the farm of John Denny, in section 28.
about the year 1828, and was known as "Denny's Schoolhouse." John
Evans taught the first school in this house. He was followed by Lawson D.
Sims and Thomas C. Duckworth, who taught the first "six-months school"
in the township. The township is now well supplied with good schools
and education is in the ascendency.
GREEXCASTLE TOWXSHIP.
Greencastle township is the central one of the county, exactly coincid-
ing with congressional township 14, range 4, and is bounded on the north
by Monroe, on the east by Marion, on the south by Warren, and on the west
by Madison. The surface of the township is generally rolling, thou^-h
some parts along Walnut are broken and some in the eastern portion are
flat. The soil is good and finely adapted for all kinds of agricultural pur-
suits suitable to its latitude. The creek bottoms are especiallv productive.
It was originally covered with an abundant growth of as fine tim'uer as
could be found in any part of the country. This consisted of the kinds
common to such soil. The yellow poplar and the black walnut were espe-
cially attractive. With these were the other kinds common throughout the
county.
The township is drained by Big Walnut, which crosses it diaCTonallv
from northeast to southwest, running to the north and west of Greencastle.
A heavy and valuable bed of limestone underlies the entire township, o-jy-
ing character to its topography. The township was one of the first settled
and is finely improved. Enjoying the location of the countv seat near its
center, it has special facilities for the development of its natural resources
174 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Greencastle township was settled in 1821, by John Sigler, Thomas
Johnson, John Miller. Benjamin Jones, Silas G. Weeks, Jubal Deweese,
Amos Robertson, John F. Seller, David Deweese, Jefferson Thomas,
Thomas Deweese and Samuel Rogers. In 1822 and 1823 came Abraham
Coffman, Solomon Coffman, Isaac Legg, Col. Lewis H. Sands, Gen. Joseph
Orr, James Talbott, Amasa Johnson, Robert Glidewell, P. S. Wilson, Eph-
raim Dukes, John W. Clark, William B. Gwathney. Michael Wilson, John
Butcher, ^lasten and Spencer Hunter, William Talbott. Col. Daniel Sigler,
Lawson D. Sims. Matthew Legg. Rev. John Oatman, Joshua H. Lucas,
Greenberry Mulinix. Joseph Thornburg. Arthur Mahorney, Jacob Butcher,
Robert Catterlin, James Trotter, Elisha King. Samuel D. Chipman, Arthur
McGaughey, Reese Hardesty, Col. Mathew W. Bussey. Jesse Neese, Henry
Canote, John Lynch. Thomas Jackson, Noble Meyers, John McNary, James
Allen, Lewis Gibson, Solomon Tucker, Jesse Purcell, Daniel and Samuel
Chadd. John Peck, Hiram Catterlin, Samuel Hunter, Edgar Thomas. James
Duffield. Mr. Devoor, the Wrights, Joseph Thornberry, John and Benjamin
Cunningham, and their father. During the years 1824 and 1825. George
Secrest. Clark Burlingame (a Revolutionary soldier), and his sons. Abel
and Spencer Burlingame. Gen. John Standeford. James Moore. James Day,
Dr. Enos Lowe. John Gregory. Joseph F. Farley, George F. Waterman,
Thomas Johnson, John Lockhart. and William Peck became citizens of the
township. The next two years brought Isaac Ash. John S. Jennings.
Ephraim Blain, Dr. A. C. Stevenson, Dr. L. M. Knight. Col. John R. Mahan,
Isaac iVIahan, Lawson Seybold. John Hammond. John Cowgill. Peter
Rowlett. William Holland. Philip Carpenter, Elisha Knight. John Knight
and Wesley Knight, and perhaps many others whose names are lost among
the increasing multitude who were rapidly filling the countr\-.
The histon,- of Greencastle township is so intimately involved with that
of the county and of the city of Greencastle, that but little remains to be
told. The first births and deaths, the first physicians and ministers, the
first business enterprises and the organization of the religious denominations,
the building of the first mills and factories are mentioned elsewhere.
The postoffice at Greencastle was established March 18. 1821. and Joshua
H. Lucas was appointed postmaster. His successors were appointed and
served as follows: Lewis H. Sands. November 20. 1826; James Talbott,
June 19, 1840; James Jones. June 8. 1849; John Standeford, May i, 1850:
James Jones, August 17. 1850; Henry W. Daniels. June 15, 1853: Edward
R. Kercheval. March 13. 1856; Christopher W. Brown. March 19. i86r ;
Edward R. Kercheval. M^y 12. 1865: John Osborn, July 12. 1866; George
PUTXAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 1/5
J. Langsdale, June 24, 1874; Willis G. Nefif, March 29, 1885; James McD.
Hays, May 21. 1889; Willis G. Neff, February 7, 1894: Lucius P. Chapin,
Februan,- 12. 1898: John G. Dunbar, February- 3, 1902; Albert O. Lock-
ridge, March 22. 1910.
The first tannery was kept by Walter and Rosea Wright, who were fol-
lowed by the Gillespies, Milton F. Barlow w-as the first hatter. Arthur
Mahorney was the first justice of the peace. Other early justices were Isaac
Mahan. David Dudley, Reese Hardesty, John Cowgill, James M. Grooms.
Samuel Taylor. Joseph F. Farley. John T. Taylor and Wesley White. The
first constable was John Lynch, who held the office for many years. Even
some of the younger portions of the community can remember he still dis-
charged the duties of that office with promptness and energ>-. though bearing
the weight of many years.
There are many improved roads through the townships connecting
Greencastle with different portions of the country, and affording the farmers
easy access to market, and along these at various points are to be seen many
splendid farm residences displaying taste and liberality on the part of their
owners.
The farmers of the township are largely engaged in raising livestock,
and in their fields and stalls are to be found some of the finest animals in the
state.
The village called Limedale is at the crossing of the Terre Haute & Indi-
anapolis railroad and the Louisville. New Albany & Chicago (or Monon)
road, and is located on section 29. Greencastle township, two miles south-
west of the court house. It was laid out in 1864, by William Stegg and
surveved by William H. Shields.
At Limedale the following postmasters served : Alpheus Morris. De-
cember 16. 1873: William Berigan. Jr., June 12. 1877; William J. Steeg.
February is. 1878. The postoffice was discontinued on October 30. 1909.
In the vear 1856 a lime and stone quarrv- was opened at the Junction
by Hellens. Butcher & Stegg, and carried on extensively, shipping stone and
lime to the value of twenty thousand dollars per annum. It is now the
property of William Stegg's heirs.
M.\DIS0N TOWNSHIP.
Madison township is formed of the congressional township 14, range 5.
and lies immediately west of Greencastle. It is bounded on the north by
Clinton, on the south by Washington township and on the west by Parke
lyS weik's history of
countv. It is drained by Little Walnut, along which the township is con-
siderably broken. The timber and the soil of this township are similar to
those of the adjoining townships.
The exact date at which the pioneers of this township came can not now
be given. The first piece of land entered in the township was by Richard
Moore, December 13. 1821 ; the third was by Benjamin Bell, April 2. 1821 ;
and. in order of time, Isaac Wolverton, April 12, 1821; Isaac Matkins, De-
cember 20, 1821. Among those who made entries here in 1822 may be
named Frederick Leatherman, Samuel Wright. Isaiah Wright. Benjamin
Wright, Jesse Wright, John Dougherty, Jesse Oatman, Jacob Curtis and
Henry Williams. In 1823 Joseph Thornburg, Abraham Wooley and George
Hansel entered land in this township. Other early settlers of the township
were Peter Stoner, Levi Mann. John Anderson, Andrew Frank, Amos
Wright. William Torr, John McPheeters and his father. James S win ford.
John Swinford, Jesse Latham, William P. King. Mr. Albaugh and Rowley.
Some of these may have settled earlier than those whose entries are given
above.
The following named were among the oldest settlers living in 1880: John
Leatherman, Jesse McPheeters, Joseph Wells, who served on the first grand
jury in the county, James Torr. Sr.. Joseph Grubbs and Joseph Brubaker.
The first death in Madison township was that of George W. Matkins,
son of Isaac and Sophia Matkins: and the first birth was that of John
Thomas ]\Iatkins. son of the same parents.
The first school was taught by Peter Garr about half a mile north of
where Jesse McPheeters fonnerly lived.
The first mill in the township was built by Benjamin Bell on the Walnut
fork of the Eel river. It was sold in a few years to James Townsend. who
laid out Putnamville.
The Predestinarian Baptists organized the first church in Madison town-
ship about the year 1S32. This took place in the woods near where John
Leatherman now resides. About a year afterward, this congregation built
a lo? house in which they worshipped for near a score of years, and then
Iniilt a second log house, which they occupied until about thirty-five years ago,
when they replaced it with a substantial frame building. Among the early
ministers of this church were Benjamin Parks. Aaron Harlan. James
Edwards. Reuben Slavens. Abraham Leatherman and John Leathennan.
About the year 1834. a Methodist Episcopal church was organized at
the house of Isaac Matkins. This church was organized by Rev. William C.
Smith, and the first ([uarterly meeting was held at the house of Isaac Mat-
PL'TXAM COLN'TV. INDIANA. IJJ
kins by Rev. Aaron Wood. The congregation continued to hold services
regularly there for two or three years, when they built a log house, which
they occupied until about the year 185S, and then built a good frame church
to take its place. Among the other early ministers of this church were Revs.
De Motte. Beck. Tanzy, PVeston. Wright and Fairhurst.
The Christian church was organized about the year of 1840 by Elder
Levi Wright, who had been preaching for the congregation for several
years before this time and continued to do so for a number of years afterward.
They erected a log house in 1844. which they occupied until 1867. They
then built a frame house on the hill west of Ezekiel Wrights. Noah Bu-
chanan, John Harris, Xathan Wright. Lorenzo Dow, Cleghorn and Ezekiel
Wright were the early ministers of this church. This church is a very
thrifty one, and it has sent out from its fold four or ti\e evangelists who are
doing acceptable work in the cause of the Master.
There are three limestone quarries in this township. The depth of the
deposit is about forty feet. The thickness of the ledges varies from seven
inches to five feet. .\t the bottom is a bed of flint rock seven feet thick. In
the second and third strata above is a thickness of four or four and one-half
feet of what Professor Co.x. state geologist, describes as "fine textured,
grayish-white limestone, commonly known as lithographic stone." In con-
nection with the quarries are three lime-kilns, managed by the same com-
panies. Of the product of these kilns. Professor Co.x says, "The lime is
remarkably white and pure, and belongs to the class technically called 'fat
lime': that is. it sets quick and is superior for whitewashing and also for
purifying coal gas."
In Madison township there have been two postoffices. Brunerstown and
Oakalla. both of which have been discontinued. The postmasters who served
at Brunerstown were: Isaiah Wright, Xovember 29. 1839: M. F. Wright.
October 11. 1849; Coleman P. Wright. February 18. 1850; William Lane.
October 7. 1850; Solomon Grifiith. .April i. 1851 : M. F. Wright, August 4.
1S51: Watson Dills, September 7, 1854: John Merrywether. October 11,
1854: M. F. Wright. Xovember 30. 1855: Peter Bird. .April 3. 1857; Thomas
Ragle. -April 2-. I'^^'J : Jothum Hasty. January 9, 1858: Samuel H. Witt.
-April 20. 1858. The postofiice was discontinued August 8. 1859. At Oakalla
the following postmasters served: Charles Eppinghousen. June 4. 1872;
Daniel Weaver. March 30. 1876: J. F. Burkhart. July 5, 1878: William .A.
McKee. .August 21. 1878: F"ranklin Harlan. Februan,- 15. 1881: James A.
Johnston. July 19. 1882: E. B. Early. May 31. 1889: Henry H. Hillis. June
178
weik's history of
15, 1889; T. D. Torn September 12, 1891 ; John W. Stroube, July 14, 1896;
Joseph D. Torr. January 22. 1903. Postoffice discontinued November 30,
1903.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Washington, the oldest of the townships, lies in the southwest corner
of Putnam county, and is composed of township 13 and the north half of
township 12. range 5. It is bounded on the north by ^Madison township, on
the east by Warren and Cloverdale townships, on the south by Clay and
Owen counties, and on the west by Clay county. The surface of the country
in this township is rough and broken. There is a great deal of excellent bot-
tom land along the streams, finely adapted to the cultivation of corn and
other cereals. It was originally covered with the same character of timber
as was found throughout the county, consisting principally of white oak,
walnut, poplar, beech, hard maple, ash, hickory and sycamore.
Among the early settlers, now deceased, were James Athey, the first
settler of the county, John Reel, John Horton, William Roberts, John M.
Coleman, Thomas H. Clark, William K. Matkins, Dr. Lenox N. Knight,
Abraham Lewis, William Brown, George Mcintosh, Randall Hutchinson, John
M. Purcell, Samuel Boone, Moses Boone,- William Seiner, Samuel Webster,
Henr>' Walden. Adam Neff, Andy Reel, William Reel. Landon Davis,
- Thomas Frazier, Allen Jones. George Rightsell. William McCullough, Philip
Shrake, Justice Goodrich. Warren Fellows, Reuben Wright, Luther Webster,
James Bamett. Silas Mulinix, Solomon Simpson, Thomas McCullough, :\Ir.
Deweese, John Funican, H. H. Athey, A. D. Hamrick, Daniel Boone, a
lineal descendant of Daniel Boone, the pioneer of Kentuck7, Volney Smith,
Edward Huffman. Christopher Crable, John Friend. William Risler. William
- McCullough. Daniel Zaring, Sr., David Jones, David Sublett and the Right-
sells.
The first house in the township, that of James Athey, erected in the
winter of 1818-19. stood ven,^ near the site of Robert Huffman's residence.
The first mill in the township was that of Luther Webster. It stood on Deer
creek, about one- fourth of a mile south of Manhattan. Lloyd B. Harris
kept the first hotel in the township, at Manhattan. Thomas H. Clark was the
first postmaster. The first shoemaker was Thomas Lewis. The honor of
carrying on the first blacksmith shop belongs to John Hooton. Esquires
Busick'and Athey were among the first justices of the peace in the town-
ship. It is worthv of note that Thomas McCullough was the tallest man that
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 1 79
e\er lived in the township. He was almost seven feet high, symmetrically pro-
portioned, and of great physical power.
The first church organized in the township was the Predestinarian Bap-
tist, commonly called "Hard-Shell Baptist." It was organized at Manhattan,
in the year 1828. bv Rev. Isaac Denman, who continued to preach for the con-
gregation for a period of two decades. A house of worship was built at
an early day, which continued to be occupied by the original owners until the
year 1862. when it was sold to the Missionary Baptists. They in turn sold
it. in the year 1875. to the Methodists, who fonned a congregation there
about that time. The Methodists erected a new house on the same lot, but
the old one stood until pulled down in the summer of 1878, having served
as a place of worship for nearly half a centur}'.
The Christian church was established in Manhattan, in the year 1838-,
by Elder John Harris, and it has ever since had a congregation at that
place.
Manhattan is the oldest village in the township, having been laid out
in the year 1S29 on the National road, by John M. Coleman and Thomas
H. Clark. The first merchant there was Wilson Devore. Dr. Leno.x N. Knight
was the first practicing physician. Mrs. Judge Clark taught the first .school.
The first justice of the peace at that place was Lloyd Harris.
At Manhattan the following postmasters have served : Thomas H.
Clark, March 13, 1830; John M- Coleman, February i, 1841 ; Samuel M.
Coleman. May 31, 1841 ; Abraham Jackson, October 3, 1843; Volney Smith,
June 21, 1847; Charles Hawley, June 8, 1849; Volney Smith, December 10,
1849; Jesse Jenkins, September 27, 1850; Samuel B. Gilmore, January 15,
1859; C. F. Knapp, January 13, 1862; William R. Stone, November 3, 1863;
Volney Smith, February 21, 1865; Charles D. Smith, April 10, 1871 ; Volney
Smith, October 3, 1884; John Gammie, May 27, 1885; S. S. McCoy, May 3,
1889: A. J. .Albright, May 24, 1893; Samuel S. McCoy, November 20, 1897;
discontinued October 31, 1905.
Pleasant Garden was laid out in section 21, in the year 1830. by John
Matkins, as a rival of Manhattan.
Reelsville was laid out by John Reel, on the Terre Haute & Indianapolis
railroad, in the year 1852. It is now quite a flourishing village.
The postmasters at Reelsville have been: William A. L. Reel, May 11,
1852; John Reel, December 8, 1854; John Caltharp, January 20, 1858: Wil-
liam A. L. Reel, March 12, 1859; James L. Athey, April 4, 1859; William
L. LocKnart, June 18, 1861 ; David Barnett, July 16, 1861 : William E. D.
Barnett, October 20. 1863: John Q. Cromwell, May 31, 1866: A. L. Witty,
i8q weik's history of
Fel)rnarv 12. 1867; B. G. Parritt, August 19, 1869; George A. Throop, F"eb-
ruary 23. 1871 ; Douglas Huffman. March 31, 1879; George \V. Stockwell,
October 22. 1886; C. T. Zaring, January 5, 1887; G. L. Elliott, December 16,
1889: James P. Gaskin. Januan,' 6, 1890; W. E. Counts. May 9. 1891 ; A. B.
Fox, January 25, 1894; Jennie A. Counts, December 21. 1897; C. R. Knight,
April 15, 1898; Henry M. Smith, February 13, 1903. At Hamrick. which
was discontinued as a postoffice on October 31, 1902, the postmasters were
as follows: William T. Elliott. October 11, 1866: Joseph Sears. February
5, 1868; A. D. Hamrick, April 7, 1868; Thomas B. Xees, August 10, 1869;
Sarah J. Parritt, December 13, 1871 ; A. D. Hamrick. May 28, 1874; Thomas
B. Nees, Februaiy 11, 1875; •^- D. Hamrick, April 29, 1876; Lewis M.
Mercer, July 5, 1878; A. D. Hamrick. April 5, 1881 ; L. M. Mercer, May i,
^1882; Lewis M. Mercer, November 28. 1882; J. ^L Brown. October 11.
1887; Lewis M. Mercer, January 24, 1889; Lewis Mercer. April 5, 1890;
Volney Smith. August 20, 1892. Postoffice discontinued October 31. 1902.
The following peculiar incidents are related by some of the old settlers
as having attracted considerable comment :
Old Squire Boone, brother to Daniel Boone, in the township, once lived
in a house which stood on the ground which is now in the northeast corner
of the township. On the 3d day of July, 1837, his house was. struck by
lightning, bv which two of his children were killed. Three years later, his
wife presented him with twin boys, whom he named Tip and Tyler. Some
time after that in the same house, two of his daughters were married on the
same day.
David Sublett. an old settler, it would seem, had more than an ordinary
share of domestic trouble, many of his family having suffered violent
deaths. About fiftv years ago. one of his daughters married Greenberry
;Mullinix. who murdered her within three weeks thereafter, for which he
suffered death on the gallows. Since that time, two of his sons and one
son-in-law have been killed by the railroad, and one son has been shot in
Effingham, Illinois.
WARREN TOWNSHIP.
Warren township, comprising the first thirty .sections of the congressional
township 13, range 4, lies immediately south of Greencastle township, and is
bounded on the east by Jefferson, on the south by Clo\-erdale. and on the
west bv Washington. The surface of the township is undulating and in parts
quite broken. The soil is a clay loam, with some excellent bottom lands
along Deer creek. The township was once heavily timbered with oak. poplar,
hard maple and beech, with some groves of walnut and hickory, and a plentiful
PUTNAM COL'NTY. INDIAN' A. l8l
supply of sycamore along the streams. It is drained by Deer creek, together
with its tributaries, which traverse the township from northeast to south-
west. Along this stream there are numerous never-failing limestone springs. ^
The early settlers of the township, who are deceased, were James Town-
send. William Hadden. Samuel Hawn. Benjamin Hawkins. George Pearcy,
Thomas Brown. John Henderson. Peter Waynick. Alexander Conley. Arthur
Conley. Gilmore Conley. John Baird, John Arnold, John Akin. Judge De-
weese. William W. W'alden. John Mercer. Jacob Peck. William Duckworth,
David Clearwater, John May, Thomas McCarty, Joseph Denny. Thomas
Hancock. Daniel Hepler. Dennis Williams, John Garren. John C. Sellers,
Nathaniel Hawkins, John S. Swift, Archibald Cooper, Robert Woodall, John
^\'oodall. Thomas Moore. Joel Shinn, James Martin. Lozier B. Gammon,
David Skelton, Jeremiah Skelton, Luke Davis, John Swarts, Samuel Martin,
William Robinson, Robert Robinson, William Vestal, Samuel Steele, Edward
Heath. Elder Thomas Oatman (Christian minister). Dr. D. W. Layman. A.
G. Layman. A. W. Welker. John W. Jenkins, John Cooper. W. B. Williams.
William A. Grigsby, Flower Swift. Calvin Woods. James Ligram. John
Hendricks. Joseph Clapsaddle. Rev. Ransom Hawley. Polly Brown. Elizabeth
Davis and Samuel Wright.
In an earlv dav there were two potteries in the township, one operated
by Boyd & Perry, the other by A. W. Welker.
One of the marked features of the township is an excellent stone quarry
one-half mile west of Putnamville. on the National road. The ledges of
rock in this quarry vary from two inches to five feet in thickness. The
following analysis of this stone is given by Professor Cox. state geologist :
"Lime, twenty per cent; sand, twenty per cent: gray granite, sixty per cent:
almost, if not exactly, like what is called 'English firestone.' "■ He also says,
"Granite will last three hundred years, but this stone will last as long as
time. lM)r foundation stone, there is probably none superior in America.
It is not affected by any change of temperature, and can be f(uarried in
winter just as well as summer."
Putnamville is the only postoffice town in the township. Westland,
which was laid out soon after Putnamville. had one store for a short time, but
now has no inisiness house of any kind. A few houses in close proximity
on either side of the National road are the only indications left to remind
the passer-by of its former existence.
Putnamville is situated on the National road, and was laid out by James
Townsend in 1830 on land purchased from Edward Heath. Townsend also
kept the first stiire in Putnamville. He was soon followed by a Mr. McKane.
i82 weik's history of
At Putnamville the following have served as postmaster : D. W. Lay-
man, December 4, 1832; E. R. Kercheval, May 25, 1836; Amos W. Walker,
September 8, 1840; James Nosier, September 2, 1844; Joseph L. Merrill,
December 19, 1844; Thomas Morrow, September 13, 1845; William Eagles-
field, November 28, 1845; ^IcCamy Hartley, September 22, 1847; Samuel
Milholland, August 21, 1850; William A. Smock, August 4, 1851; Jay T.
Wakefield, August 24, 1853; William A. Grigsby, August 14, 1856; James
M. Hendrix, April 9, 1859; Joel W. McGrew. February 6. i860; Thomas
J. Bridges, October 11, i86i ; A. J. Clarke, April 26, 1862; S. C. Bishop,
November 13, 1866; James Stooks, May 25, 1868; S. C. Bishop, March 31,
1869; William H. Holloway, September 28, 1870: S. C. Bishop, Januar\- 13,
1S79; R. H. Bowen, July 9, 1885; Emma Peck, May 3, 1889; J. J. Bowen,
Alay 10, 1893; William A. McAninch, June 23, 1897.
The first school was taught in the town the same year in which it was
founded by Mr. Wakefield, who came from New England.
Archibald Cooper built the first blacksmith shop and carried on the
business for several years. John Akin also kept a shop about the same time.
Hugh Thompson carried on the first wagon shop and John Morgan put
up the first carding machine.
The first grist-mill was erected on Deer creek one-half mile southeast
of Putnamville. October 16, 1826, by Alexander Conley. Another was built
on the same creek, one-half mile southwest of the town, in 1834. by Samuel
Steele and Dr. D. W. Layman.
During the building of the National road the township improveu rapidly
and business was quite brisk. In an early day Putnamville also rivaled
Greencastle for the location of the county seat, and a little later made a
very creditable effort to secure the location of Asbury University. To se-
cure this end, her citizens agreed to give the university a donation of twenty-
five thousand dollars.
The Methodist Episcopal church of Putnamville was organized in 1829,
at the house of John S. Perry, Rev. Thomas J. Brown officiating. John M.
Jenkins. John S. Perry. Luke Davis and wife, and John S warts and wife were
among the first members. Soon after the first organization, they erected a
neat frame building as a house of worship, which they continued to use until
about the vear i860, when they purchased the brick house built by the Presby-
terians.
The Presbyterian church was organized at this place November 7. 1830.
at the house of James Townsend. by the Rev. Isaac Reed. The following
members constituted the first organization : John Robinson. Samuel Moore.
PUTNAM COL'.NTY, INDIAXA. 183
Mary Moore. Alexander Conley. Jane Conley. James Townsend, Catharine
Townsend. Sarah Shell, Martha Ashbaugh and Julia Ann Merrill, not one of
whom remains among the living. James Townsend was the first ruling elder.
The first ministers were Rev. Jeremiah Hill (deceased). Rev. Samuel G. Low-
ery. Rev. James H. Shields. Rev. William W. Woods.
.\bout the year 1S34 they erected a neat and commodious brick church,
which they occupied until 1849, when the Old and the New School members
separated, and the Xew School built a good frame church, which was dedi-
cated in February, 1850. A few years afterward, the Old School sold the
brick church to the Methodists. Some of the members joined the Xew School
and some went to other churches.
The Rev. Ransom Hawley came to Putnamville in the year 1 841, and
acted as pastor of the Presbyterian church till 1S65. a period of twenty-four
years. The length of his pastorate is ample evidence of the acceptability
of his ministry and the uprightness of his life.
The Bethel Methodist Episcopal church, two miles east of Putnamville,
on the National road, was organized about the year 1835.
The Christian church was organized by Elder O. P. Badger in 1871.
This congregation had a good frame house, erected soon after their organiza-
tion, in which they still hold services.
Dr. D. W. Layman, who came from Virginia, settled in Putnamville in
1 83 1, being the first medical practitioner in the town or the township. He
was so successful in his practice no other physician ever continued long in the
attempt to compete with him. For many years he was easily the most promi-
nent and influential citizen in the community. He was a man of upright hab-
its and pleasing manners but of very pronounced political views. He was an
ardent Union man during war times and later supported the pnnciples of the
Republican party, but he never sought an office or any other political prefer-
ment.
.A storv is told that in the fall of 1864 a number of boisterous Warren
township citizens who had been attending a Democratic meeting at Greencastle
returning home on horseback after night, passed by Layman's house and.
knowing his pronounced L'nion sentiments, very loudly and repeatedly cheered
for Jeff Davis. Being hidden in the darkness on the opposite side of the
road, the Doctor was unable to distinguish the riders as they noisily flew by,
but his ire was so instantly and completely aroused he picked up a stone and
hurled it with all his might in the direction of the noise. A little later a man
came riding up to the Doctor's house and asked the latter to accompany him
down the road to see a man who was hurt and needed medical attention. "At
i84 weik's history of
first." related the Doctor years afterward, '"I was a little suspicious, but as
I had never failed to answer a call for my professional services I complied at
once and set out for the scene of trouble. A short distance down the road-
side we came upon a group near the fence, in the centre of which reclined a
man who was bleeding profusely from a wound in the head which his com-
panions explained had been caused by a fall from a horse. A light was pro-
cured and there by its dim rays I gave the wounded man the medical and
surgical attention the case seemed to require. Of course there was some risk,
and I kept my eyes peeled all the while, but I pretended to be as innocent as
they and so far as I could observe there was not the slightest attempt to molest
me. In fact, later, the injured man, still maintaining an air of innocence,
came to my office and offered to pay me for my services, but I declined,
meanwhile reminding him of the dangerous and inevitable results of cheering
for Jeff Davis — a lesson I am sure he never forgot."
CLOVERD.ALE TOWNSHIP.
This township was originally a part of Warren and Jefferson townships.
It was organized in 1846. and is composed of the southern tier of sections
of township 13, ranges 3 and 4. and the northern half of township 12, of the
same ranges. It is bounded on the north by Warren and Jefferson town-
ships, from which it was detached ; on the east, by Morgan county and Mill
Creek township: on the south, by Owen county, and on the west, by Washing-
ton township. The surface is hilly and broken, and was originally covered
with a dense growth of timber, such as white and yellow poplar, maple, wal-
nut, oak, ash, elm, gum, beech and mulberry. The soil is good and of the
quality known as limestone land. The whole township is underlaid with a fine
quality of limestone, well adapted to building and manufacturing purposes.
The principal streams are Mill creek in the east and Doe creek in the center.
The first settlers in what is now Cloverdale township were William
Hamilton and James Robinson, who came together from Kentucky in the
spring of 1823. and built the first cabins. Hamilton located in section i,
township 12, range 4. and Robinson, in section 6, township 12, range 3.
Abraham Van Sickle. x\nthony Kilgore. Thomas James. Robert Hadden,
.Arthur McNary. Mr. Goodman. Ambrose Bandy. G. Macy and Robert Macy,
all came from Kentucky in the autumn of the same year and settled around
where Cloverdale now stands. Jubal Meadows, John Macy. George Bandy
and John Taber came in 1824. In 1825 came John P. Sinclair. John Briscoe
and Robert Conolv. During the ne.xt year. William Martin. Thomas Evans,
FO'TNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. I85
Enoch Patrick, A. Tabor, X. Xolin and Nancy White became citizens. The
next four years witnessed the arrival of Phih'p Rouse. Peter Lyon, James
Woods, Robert Donnoson, James Gihuore, O. Owen, Daniel Morgan. Robert
Hood. Jacob Rule and Samuel Logan. John P. Sinclair, John Briscoe. Xancy
\ an Sickle, wife of A. Van Sickle; James Macy, son of John Macy; James
Gilmore. A. Taber and J. White, son of Nancy White.
The first white child bom in the township was Elizabeth Tabor, daughter
of John Tabor, in 1824. At that time, the family lived in section 36, town-
ship 13. range 4. The first death was that of a child of Ambrose Bandy. It
was buried in the graveyard yet used in the town of Cloverdale. The first
persons married in the township were David Martin and Betsy Tabor, or
Berry Brannaman and Morris Sinclair.
In 183 1 Abraham Waters built the first sawmill. It stood on Doe creek
in section 6, township 12, range 3. There was no flour and grist-mill in the
township until the steam mill erected by Joseph Pearcy and Gabriel Woodville
in the year 1863. Moses Nelson kept the first tavern in the township. It
was located in section 6, township 12. range 3, and was opened for custom in
1836. In the same year. Thomas Nelson put up the first store, which stood
on the same section with Closes Nelson's tavern. Isaac J. McKason. who
located in the township in 1838. was the first blacksmith. The first school was
taught by Thomas Evans in 1835. in a small log building in section i. town-
ship 12. range 4. Thomas Nelson was the first postmaster, ,m office having
been established in his store in 1836. William Hamilton was the first justice
of the peace. His successors have been Robert Martin. Thomas Nelson,
Henry Magill. John Sandy, B. D. Burgess. William A. Sluss, Peter McClure,
William Mosher, E. Long, C. Woodville. T. Horn, R. Williamson. C. Walls
and Moses Bridges. The first physician was H. D. Dyer, who came in 1845.
The first religious meeting in the township was held by t.he Methodists,
at the home of John Macy, in 1824, and conducted by John Cord, an itinerant
Methodist preacher, who died the same year. After him came John McCord.
Stephen Grimes. Daniel .Anderson, William H. Smith and Mr. Strange. They
were followed by the Revs. Forbes. .Ames. Hevenridge. Horton. Walls. Wood.
Scammahorn. Jackson. Bruner, Davis. Williams. John and Byron Carter. Lee,
Rosson. Poynter. .Allison. Walls. Webb. Hewring. Pewett, Tansey, Johnson
and McNaughton. This denomination erected a log church in section i,
township 12, range 4. in the year 1827. which was the first built in the town-
ship. Thev continued to u,se this house until 1S48, when they built a frame
church in Cloverdale. which was occupied up to the year 1873. In that year
thev erected their present frame church, which stands as a monument of their
l86 WEIKS HISTORY OF
zeal. There is another Methodist church at Poplar Grove, in this township.
The Regular Baptists organized-a church in 1827 or 1828, and held meetings
at the house of Elder Owen Owen, who was their first regular preacher. A
church was erected by them in 1841, on section 6. In 1844 this church di-
vided, a part joining the Missionary Baptists and holding the building. The
Regular Baptists built a new house two miles west of Cloverdale. They now
have a church three miles west of town, on the farm of A. Davis. Cyrus
Taber, J. W. Denman, Samuel Arthur, Samuel Denny, A. Davis, Joseph Call-
throp, Joel Vennillion, Eli Beman, John Case, John Leatherman, Benjamin
Parks and William Walden are some of the ministers who have served this
church.
The Christian denomination was organized into a congregation at
Cloverdale, July 24, 1841, by Elder James Mathes, assisted by John Pearcy,
Reuben Maginnis, Joseph Colwell, George W. Crose, Andrew T. McCoy,
]\Ioses Nelson, Thomas W. Dowell, Michael Crose, J. B. Ross. Andrew Mc-
Mains, J. C. McCoy, I. J. Nickson and others. Meetings had been held in the
township before the organization of the church, generally in private houses
and groves. Among those who preached at this point are Elders Colwell,
Headrick, George Pearcy, Perry and James Blankenship, Franklin, Smith,
Hawn, Lockhart, Burgess, Swinford, Wrights, Wilsons, Black. Harris, Bad-
ger and Pritchard. The last named held a debate with the Rev. Mr. Brooks,
of the Methodist Episcopal church, March 19 to 28, 1866, which created
quite a local excitement. It is claimed by the Christian church that about
seventy members were added to its organization as the result of the debate.
This denomination erected a frame church, in the year of its organization, on
land donated for that purpose by Andrew McCoy, in the south part of the
town of Cloverdale, which was occupied until 1858, when they built their
present commodious brick building in the north part of the same town. This
church has a large membership and is free of debt. There are two other
Christian churches in the township, Higgins Creek and Unity church.
The town of Cloverdale is situated on the Louisville, New Albany &
Chicago railroad, twelve miles south of Greencastle, and is the second largest
town in the county, exclusive of the county seat. It was laid out by Andrew
T. McCoy and Moses Nelson,, who owned adjoining tracts of land in 1839.
and stands on section i, township 12, range 4, and section 6, township 12,
range 3.
The first store was opened in a small hewed-log building by Thomas Nel-
son, who was also the first postmaster. The Louisville, New Albany & Chi-
cago railroad, now the Monon route, was constructed through the village in
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. iSj
^^53- \vhich stimulated enterprise, increasing the number of stores, shops and
other enterprises. About twenty-five years since the town had what seemed
to be a new birth and since that time it has had a constant growth in popula-
tion and business until it has become one of the most attractive and enterpris-
ing little towns in this part of the state. It has fifteen stores, a large flouring
mill, a saw mill, planing mill and two telephone exchanges and for twentv
years has been without a saloon. It has a population of about eight hundred
and two churches. Methodist and Christian.-
The house of John Macy, in which the Methodist church held its first
meeting in 1824. stood in the present side of the town of Cloverdale. In
1828 Rev. William Martin. John Sinclair, Enoch Patrick. Thomas Evans, and
Jubal Aleadows, trustees of the church, purchased two acres of ground one
mile west of the present location of the church, upon which was built a large
log house for the congregation. It was named Mt. Zion ^Methodist Episcopal
church. At this church Mathew Simpson, president of Asbury University and
afterwards bishop, preached the funeral of Rev. William Martin in 1849.
Afterwards the society erected a good frame building in Cloverdale and later
the more tasteful and commodious building in which it now worships. Its
present trustees are J. \\'. O'Daniel. H. G. :\Iacy, Estes Duncan, James W.
\'estal and E. A, Wood, The pastor is Rev. Robert E. Cornell ; church mem-
bership, two hundred thirty-five.
In addition to the Christian church in the town of Cloverdale already
mentioned are two churches of the same denomination in the east and west
parts of the township, known as East Unity and \\'est Unity. The regular
Baptists have a good church building southeast of Cloverdale. known as
Smyrna church. W. E. Gill is the pastor; membership, thirty-two.
Cloverdale has one bank, called the Bank of Cloverdale. D. V. Moft'ett
is president, W. E Gill, cashier, and O. V. Smythe. assistant cashier.'
A newspaper called The Bee, was established in Cloverdale. January i,
1S77, by W. B. Harris. It lived one year. In April. 1874. Lyman Xaugle
laimched the Local Item, which lived several years. Soon thereafter came
The Graphic, which is still published. Its editor and proprietor is Harrv B.
Martin.,-
The oldest fraternal (jrder in Cloverdale is Cloverdale Lodge, No. 132.
Free and Accepted Masons. The lodge was organized in 1851. Its charter
members included Solomon Akers. Henry M. Gill, G. B. Lyon. William F.
McGinnis. William Williams. M. D. F. Black. James H. Sparks and George
Smith. The officers at present are: Herschel C. Foster, worshipful master;
Louis Morrison, senior warden: W. Fred Farmer, junior warden; David E.
i88 weik's history of
Sluss, treasurer; Henry B. Martin, secretary: Robert C. Horn, senior dea-
con; James E. Macy. junior deacon; Homer T. Broadstreet. senior steward;
Joseph P. Omullane. junior steward; William E. Morrison, tyler; inember-
ship, eighty-fi\ e.
Sanders Lodge. Xo. 307, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was in-
stituted May 20. 1868. Charter members: T. J. Johnson. A. H. Gihnore,
T. J. Walls! T. H. Stevenson. J. B. McCormick. J. H. Allison. H. G. Dyer
and H. Marshall. Present officers : J. F. Ransopher. noble grand : F. L.
-\IcKee, vice-grand ; John Ward, secretary, and T. C. Utterback, treasurer.
Diamond Lodge. Xo. 349. Knights of Pythias, was instituted March 7.
1892. The following were the charter members: Parks M. Martin. James
P. Beanian, William A. Moser. Charles E. Pickens, Benjamin F. Truesdale.
William M. Moser, George B. Rockwell, John W. Thornburgh. William Sack-
ett. Charles S. Sinclair, Michael F. Flannery. David E. Watson, James A.
Sandy, Frank E. McCarney and Francis AL Cole. The officers at present
are: James F. Hartsan. chancellor commander: John .\. Omullane. vice-
chancellor commander; O. E. Collins, prelate; J. F. O'Brien, master of work;
W. J. Hood, keeper of records and seal ; C. A. Rockwell, master of exchequer;
W. J. Hood, master of finance; F. L. McKee, master of arms: P. ^L McAvoy.
inner guard ; Charles McAvoy, outer guard ; membership, one hundred twenty.
Cloverdale Camp. 7194. Modern Woodmen of America, was organized
November 1 1. 1899, and has a membership of one hundred and five. Its offi-
cers are: B. B. Hamilton, venerable consul: Roy D. Vestal, worthy adviser;
John Meek, banker; \^^ E. Horn, clerk; Ellis Tabor, escort; R. E. Keller,
watchman : James Orrell, sentry ; Jesse McCoy. George Wingfield. Jesse Hub-
bard, trustees.
Cloverdale also has a Grantl Anny post. It is called General Frank
\\"hite Post. Xo. 422. Its officers are: W. R. Larkin. commander; H. B.
Martin, senior vice-commander; W. P. Allen, junior vice-commander; H. E.
Keller, officer of the day: J. M. Scott, quartermaster: S. B. Man. adjutant;
Rev. Mathew Masten. chaplain.
Charles .\. Rockwell is postmaster and George B. Rockwell assistant
postmaster. Cloverdale is the second largest office in the county. The salary
of the postmaster is thirteen hundred dollars per year and there are fi\-e rural
mail routes from the Cloverdale office.
The officers of the town of Cloverdale are : Frank M. Cole. Leander L.
Runyan. John F. Richardson, trustees; Charles Hunter, marshal; Otho V.
Smvthe. clerk and treasurer: Wilson E. Horn, health officer; school board.
PCTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 189
Uly Denny, president, Walter K. Pritchard, secretary, and Willis E. Gill,
treasurer.
There is one woman's club called "The Fortnightly Club."
Through the instrumentality of Doctor Dyer, a seminary was erected
in Cloverdale in 1850. which was carried on for about three years. Prof.
William Bray was the first principal, and was followed by N. C. Woodward.
The institution was chartered and was organized under promising circum-
stances. Doctor Dyer, Andrew T. McCoy and John Sandy were the largest
stockholders. The school finally failed, because a majority of the stock-
holders refused to be taxed for its support.
The Cloverdale postoffice has been administered by the following named :
William L. Hart, February 11, 1836; Thomas Nelson, August 7, 1841 ; John
V. Hopkins, August 23, 1845; John Sandy, January 19, 1849; Thomas E.
Martin, June 16. 1853: John Sandy, January 30, 1854; Solomon Akers, Oc-
tober 10. 1855; George L. Talbott, March 29, 1861 ; Moses Akers. April 8,
1863; H. M. Rockwell, March 23, 1864; Jacob Smith, February 21, 1865;
Parmenus Davis, August 17, 1865; Jacob Smith. October 5, 1865; Parmenus
Davis, April 6, 1866; S. S. Haviland. April 10, 1867; Henry B. Martin,
September 2, 1869; A. P. Kunkler, March i, 1870; Harvey Denny, February
28, 1871 : C. C. Foster, May 25, 1885 ; John C. Merwin, May 3, 1889: W. E.
Horn, April 18, 1893; Charles A. Rockwell, April 15, 1897.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
Jefferson township consists of the first thirty sections of township 13,
range 3, and is bounded on the north by Marion, on the east by Mill creek, on
the south by Cloverdale. and on the west by Warren township. ' It is drained
b}' Mill creek, and was originally timbered, as the neighboring townships.
The soil is a rich loam, suitable for the production of grass and grain. .At
one time it fonned a part of what was called Deer Creek township, which in-
cUuled Jefferson. Warren and Cloverdale. In the year 1846, Warren and
Jefferson gave off enough to make Cloverdale township, leaving Jefferson with
its present area.
The fir.st settlers, called "squatters." consisted of four families — three
named Higgins. and one named Kirk — who made temporary settlements on
section 16, in the year 1819. John C. Sherrill made his entry of land in
the autumn of 1822. Jacob Clark, George Hendrick. William Albin. George
Hurst. David Hurst. John Gillman. Absalon Hurst. Abraham Hurst and a
Mr. Langwell. all came in that year or the early part of the ne.xt.
190
WEIK S HISTORY OF
After this, settlements were made so rapidly that it is almost impossible
to note them as they occurred. From 1822 to 1833 the larger portion of the
land was taken up by entry, and but few pieces remained unentered after the
year 1836.
The first marriage was that of William Aldrich and Betsy Higgins in the
year 1823. The next was that of Henry Nosier and Mary Hurst, which was
solemnized by David Scott, Esq., in 1824.
The family record of John C. Sherrill shows that his daughter Caroline
was born on February 27, 1823, and she was, probably, the first child born in
the township. She became the wife of Elijah McCarty, but is now deceased.
Probably the next was Andrew McMains — named after his father — who was
born June 10, 1824, and still lives in the township.
The first mill in the township was built by John Hadden, in 1826; the
next in 1829, by John Allee. These were both horse-mills. The first water-
mill was built on Higgins' creek in 1834 by John Smith. These mills afiforded
all the facilities then required for the production of meal and flour.
The first justice of the peace was David Scott. Esq., who continued in
office for a period of more than twenty years.
It appears from the church records, that the Regular Baptists organized
Mill Creek church at the house of Rev. .Absalom Hurst in 1828, and in 1830
built a log meeting house near the site of their present one. They have main-
tained their organization ever since, and have twice rebuilt.
The date of organization of the Methodist church cannot be given. In
1838 they built a hewed-log church, called Jones' meeting-house. The congre-
gation went down in 1856, after which the house was used as a shop.
The Missionary Baptists organized New Providence church at the house
of John C. Sherill in 1839, and built a log house of worship in the succeeding
year. They have since rebuilt, and now have a commodious and handsome
house.
There are at the present time in the township five houses of public wor-
ship.
Rev. Absalom Hurst was the first resident minister in the township, and
was considered the founder of Mill Creek church.
The earlv vices of this township, as of most new countries, were drunken-
ness and gambling; but, by the advance of a better civilization, sober habits
and a more elevated moral sentiment prevail. Though drinking spirits was a
common fault in the early history of the township, it is a noteworthy fact
that there never was a still-house within the limits of its territory.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. I9I
The schools of the township were organized in 1834. The books con-
taining the records, kept by John Alice, treasurer of the township trustees,
show that he received from the school fund commissioner of the county the
following amounts: In the year 1834, $116.3114; 1835, $191. 93^54; 1836.
$131.0654 ; 1837, $152 ; total for four years. $591. 31^^.
There are two villages in the township. Mount Meridian and Belle Union.
Mount Meridian was laid out by William Heavin and Bryce W. Miller, in the
year 1S33. It was at first called Carthage, but, in order that the town and
postoffice might have the same name, it was given that which it now bears.
At Belle Union the following postmasters have served : Robert Mc-
Cammack, April 6, 1S70; M. B. Scott, June 8, 1874; James N. Bourne, June
9, 1875; A. J. Hill, December 27, 1875; Thomas N. Sherrill, August 21,
1885; Lemuel Buis, April 4, 18S8; David Cohn, October 2, 1889; J. M.
Hurst, June 6, 1893; James H. Larkin, August 7, 1894; Milton C. Mc-
Aninch, June 24, 1898; George A. Dobbs, February 29, 1904. The postoffice
was discontinued on May 14, 1906. At Mount Meridian the postmasters
have been William Bailey, July 24, 1835; John W. Osborn. October 13,
1842; Asa Cooper, December 9, 1845; Valentine G. Kemper, June 30, 1851;
William S. Bourne. April 9, 1S55: D. S. Duckworth, March 28, 1859;
Thomas A. Br\an. September 3, 1861 ; Joel S. Cooper, November 25, 1861 ;
Washington Brenton. February 13, 1862; Joel S. Cooper, September i, 1S63;
T. S. Vermilion, September 14, 1866; William N. Wood, October 23, 1866;
William T. W. Elmore, May 14, 1868; Jesse M. Elmore, August 9, 1869;
S. W. McAninch, November 9, 1870; William N. Wood, December 19, 1871 ;
Jesse M. Elmore, December 15, 1873; Alfred Elmore, March 30. 1876;
Martin F. Dorsett, July 12, 1880; William Hurst, December 20, 1880;
Samuel P. Bowen, October 28, 1881 ; S. S. Bourne, August 31, 1882; Wil-
liam Hurst. April 24, 1885; J. S. Knight. May 14, 1889; William Hurst.
May 27, 1893; John H. Fox, September 16, 1897; discontinued February
28, 1905.
MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Mill Creek township lies east of Marion, Jefferson and Cloverdale town-
ships, and is bounded on the north by Hendricks county, on the east by Hen-
dricks and Morgan, and on the south by Morgan. It is drained by Mill creek.
which forms the eastern and southern boundaries. There are a few small
tributaries, but none of any size, which enter that stream within the limits of
Putnam county. This township was annexed to Putnam county by order of
192
WEIK S HISTORY OF
the board of county commissioners at the September term, i860, confirmed
by act of the Legislature, approved March 1 1, 1861.
The first settler in this township wasThomas Broadstreet. Sr.. who was
born in Virginia in the year 1813. In the year 1826, at the age of thirteen,
he came west with his father,' who settled within one mile of the west edge of
the township. Although but a boy at that time, he was acquainted with nearly
all the early settlers of the township. The first log cabin in Mill Creek
township was built in the year 1826, on the west bank of the stream from
which the township takes its name, one and one-half miles south of Stiles-
ville, by Jacob Holmes. This home was afterward sold to James Sallust.
The next was built on what is known as the Clark farm, by Thomas Skelton.
William Parker entered land and built a house close by, and then came
Elisha Hurst and Norman Nunn. They were all early settlers, and owned
lands adjoining the Clark farm on the west. William Heavin came here in
the year 1827, and at first built a log cabin, but within a few years erected a
good hewed-log house, which up to a recent date was still standing. At a
very early day, Mr. Heavin built a water-mill of the kind known to old
settlers as a hominy-pestle ; and he also planted the first orchard in the town-
ship.
The first death which occurred in the township was that of Mrs. Bar-
bara Heavin, wife of William Heavin, who died in the year 1830 and was
interred near the family dwelling. After eight years more of toil in this
new country, her husband followed her in death, and was laid beside the
remains of his companion.
James Sallust, father of John and William Sallust of this township,
and of J. R. Sallust of Oregon, came from Virginia to Mill creek in the year
1829, and lived in his traveling tent until he built a cabin in which to live.
It is remarked of Mr. Sallust that he was a man of great industry, and he
put under cuhivation a large part of the farm on which his son, John Sallust,
afterwards lived. Mr. Sallust made the first kiln of brick in the township.
His moulder and burner was a man named Daniel Elliott. Mr. Sallust lived
to the year 1851.
Mr. McHaffie. from Kno.x county, Pennsylvania, father of M. E. Mc-
HaiTie, bought land in the north part of the township in the year 1831, to
which he removed in the fall of the next year. He built the first water-
power grist-mill in the township, in the year 1835-36. Samuel Beedle, Pleas-
ant Allee and William Allee all came to the township in the year 1837.
The first child born in the township was Nancy E. Holmes, daughter
of Jacob Holmes, who built the first house in the township. Her birth oc-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. I93
curred May 7, 1830. This child died at the age of four years. The first
marriage was that of EH Lee and Polly Heavin, daughter of William and
Barbara Heavin, in the year 1832. Mr. Lee built the first horse-mill, which
was one widely known and extensively patronized for many years. The
first school house in this township was built on the farm of Mr. Bricks. The
puncheons for the floor and seats of this house were hewed by Pleasant
Allee
The -Methodist church was organized in the township in the year 1829,
at the house of Air. Bricks, mentioned above. Services were afterward held
at the school house until the erection of Mount Pisgah church, on the land
of Norman Nunn, in the year 1844 or 1845. Mr. Thomas Broadstreet was
one of the earliest if not the first minister in the township.
Thomas Elliott improved the place at the forks of the Greencastle and
National roads, where he first built a log house, in which he kept tavern,
as did also Mr. Keller, just across the line in Hendricks county. In the year
1837, Mr. Elliott built a brick house, and in the following year Mr. Keller
built a two-story frame. These were rival houses and attained to great
notoriety. They were known as the "Tecumseh" and "Washington Hall."
They were together called the "twin taverns."
While the National road was constructing, in the years 1833 and 1834,
the general government built two bridges over small creeks just west of
the twin taverns, the stone abutments of which are good to this day. This
is true also of other works of the same kind constructed on that road at the
same date.
(13)
CHAPTER XII.
PUTNAM S MILITARY RECORD.
Among the early records of the county conimi.ssioners' court is an entry
showing that, on motion of D. R. Eckels, the county treasurer was author-
ized and instructed to loan to the members of the military company known as
the Putnam Blues, an amount of money not exceeding two thousand dollars;"
all of which goes to show that the idea of military protection was not long in
taking root in the minds of the early settlers. Somehow a feeling of safety
as well as pride was inspired by the sight of the weapons, the bright uniforms
and glittering equipment of the militia on muster day. The following notice,
found in a copy of the Putnam County Sentinel, published March i8, 1847,
will serve to indicate the status of the development of the Militia up to the
time named :
"Attention Company!!
"Putnam Yellow Jackets.
"You are hereby ordered to parade on Saturday, the loth of April, at
10 o'clock A. M., at the Armory in full unifomi. A punctual attendance is
requested as this is the first Company Muster for this year. There is some
business of importance to come before the company at that time — also it is
supposed there will be an election of subordinate officers to fill stations that
are not occupied at present. Persons wishing to become members can do so
bv calling on the commissioned officers or the undersigned.
"Come out! Come out!!
"By order of Capt. Appleg.\te.
"Hexry W. Daniels,
"Ord. Serg."
.-Vt the time of the breaking out of the Mexican war, so far as we can
learn, the Putnam Blues and Putnam Yellow Jackets were the only two mili-
tary companies fully equipped for active service in the county; but to the
Blues was assigned the honor and responsibility of representing the county
in the campaign against Mexico. The company assembled at the court house
on the dav of its departure in the presence of a large crowd and, with colors
PL'TXAM COL'XTY. IXDIAXA. I95
flying, set out for tlie scene of action. It marched southea.st along the
Bloomington road and tliere are yet living men who were boys then and who,
attracted by the music of fife and drum and the striking military appearance
of the soldiers, followed the company on foot for miles out of town.
\Vhen New Albany was reached, the Putnam county contingent was given the
post of honor, being known thereafter as Company A, First Regiment Indi-
ana \'oIunteers. They were mustered into the United States service June
20, 1S46. One of the leading and probably the most influential men in arous-
ing interest in the organization of the company for the campaign in Mexico
was Delana R. Eckels. He was then in the vigor of his early manhood and,
although such men as James P. Drake and Henry S. Lane were also in the
same regiment, it is doubtful if any of them surpassed Eckels in military acu-
men, concentration of purpose or strength of intellect. He was appointed
commissary of the regiment with the rank of captain. The only other staff
ot^cer from Putnam county was William Albin, quartermaster sergeant. The
officers of Company A were : John H. Roberts, captain, who died February
19. 1847, and was succeeded by Daniel A. Farley; William L. Farrow was
first lieutenant and R. W. Jones and Abisha L. Morrison second lieutenants;
John C. Walls, Benjamin E. Brooks, Thomas S. Hancock and Merritt
Redding, sergeants, and John Nead, Wesley I. Banks, Lewis H. Rudisill and
Joel W. McGrew, corporals. The privates were: Howard Abbott, Lafayette
Atkinson, Andrew I. Akers, Thomas S. Bridges, San ford P. Burk, Samuel
McH. Brooks, James Craig. Lafayette Cornwall. Henry C. Crook, Samuel
Francis. William W. Farley. John Ford. John Gray, Abijah Grimes, Jesse M.
Hamrick, Martin Heath, Alfred K. Keller, Henry Keller, William R. Keller,
\\'illiam Knipe. William Lane, Humphrey G. May, Floyd Mills, Isaac Mc-
Mannoway, Samuel Purcell, James Pickering. John Pickering, Joseph Rob-
erts. Lewis Solomon. James H. Summers. Daniel T. Summers, Solomon O.
Siddens, Jesse A. Shepherd, Abram N. Stringer, Mason Vennillion, Robert
C. Wilson, Patterson M. Wood, Robert Walls, David Young.
The following privates died during the service : Henry Hiatt. Samuel
E. Xewell. George West. Joseph R. Banks, James McCall, Samuel C. Morris,
Clark Powers and Henry A. West ; and the following were discharged be-
fore the term of their enlistment had expired on account of disease or disa-
bility: George W. Atkinson, Xelson Combs, Perry Gase, Henry Hotspillar,
^\^esley Mills. Elias Xeff. Lyman P. Nichols. James Rhino, Xotlev M. Sand-
ers. Joseph Sanders, Benjamin E. Talbott. Elisha Hasty. Harmon Skeen,
Tames Smith and William D. Frazier.
196 weik's history of
Although experiencing the usual hardships of soldier life, the troops
from Putnam county were more or less fortunate in that the First Regiment,
to which thev belonged, was not required to participate in the decisive bat-
tles of Churubusco, Palo Alto, Monterey. Chapultepec or any of the bloody
engagements of the war. Although never under actual fire, they were
equally as brave and daring as any of the other troops, obeyed the orders of
their superiors as implicitly and did their duty as fully and fearlessly as if
facing the cannon's mouth. Most of those who survived returned to their
Indiana homes and many afterwards, including William L. Farrow, Abisha
L. Morrison. Joel W. McGrew and William Lane, served as commissioned
officers on the side of the Union during the Rebellion. The only survivor
of the entire company so far as known is Wesley I. Banks, who now lives in
the town of Centre ville. Iowa.
As the one great result of the Mexican war was to emphasize and
accentuate the slavery question, it will not be out of order here to reflect,
for a few moments, on the attitude and conduct of the early settlers of Put-
nam county toward the negroes, both free and enslaved. The majority of
these early settlers being from Kentucky, where slavery had been in existence
from time immemorial, and some of them being themselves the owners of
slaves, it is not to be wondered that many of them saw no great or crying
need for interfering with the institution as it then existed.
The first incident which tends to indicate the local sentiment as to the
rights of a slave and that of his owner is found in the records of the circuit
court in 1836. On the 30th day of April in that year. William McCubbens
appeared before Tames Rankin, one of the associate justices of the county,
and filed an affidavit, reciting that he was then a resident of Paris, Edgar
countv, Illinois, to which place he had removed from his home in Tennessee;
that he ^\■as the owner of numerous slaves ; that among them was a girl named
Jane, who had escaped his vigilance, fled from the county and was then li\-ing
with and under the protection of certain persons in Putnam county, passing
as a free person; that as a matter of fact she was not free, but was his slave,
bound to him for labor and he therefore demanded that the said negro girl
be delivered over to him as his property, to be by him transported to a locality
bevond the boundaries of the state. After listening to the testimony, the
court decided in the slave owner's favor. The girl thereupon appealed to
the full bench of the court and the proceeding being of such moment and
importance a special session was set for May 5th. Meanwhile the girl was
turned over to the plaintiff, whereupon the latter, as the record discloses,
executed a bond guaranteeing costs and the appearance of the girl in court.
PCTXA.M COr.XTV. IXDIAXA. I97
with James McCiibbens and Joseph L. ^[errill as his sureties. Court convened
on the day assigned, with James Rankin and Wilham Elrod. associate jus-
tices, on the bench. The record does not disclose who the third member
was or why he was not present. The following jur}- was impaneled and
sworn : John Allen. John Dicks. James Denny, Arthur Walker, Jacob Huff-
man. Abner Goodwin. William Leachman, John Lynch, Isaiah Vermillion,
John Standeford, Pryor L. Fanner and Thomas Cochran. How long the
trial lasted can not now be learned, but after a somewhat exhaustive inquiry
the jury returned the following verdict: "We the jury find that the said
negro girl, Jane, owes service as a slave under the laws of the state of Ten-
nessee, for life to the said \\'illiam McCubbens, as in the said affidavit of
complaint of said William, is mentioned and that the same is substantially
true. James Denny, foreman." Whereupon the court made the following
decree, which was gravely entered on the record : "It is therefore ordered by
the court that Joseph L. Merrill and James McCubbens. bondsmen, surrender
the said girl Jane in discharge of their recognizance, which being done, she
is now by order of the court delivered into the possession and custody of
said William McCubbens as her lawful owner." Although in compliance with
the letter of the law, it is doubtful if, in some parts of the United States, the
poor black girl would have been turned over to her alleged "lawful owner."
with the right to her services "for life." Legally considered, the judgment
may not have been erroneous, but future generations will never cease to
regret that the incident took place in Putnam county.
But everyone did not believe in the right of a sla\e owner to come to
Indiana and forcibly take from the state a human being condemned to
servitude for life. There were those who held that e\en though the law was
made to sanction slavery, it was right to ignore or evade such an inhuman
provision and if necessary openly violate it. In striking contrast, therefore,
to the incident related in the foregoing paragraph, it is more or less refresh-
ing to read the following, which also took place in Putnam county during
the days when slavery- flourished under the "sanction of the law." For an
account of this episode we are indebted to Capt. Joseph M. Donnohue. who
prepared the following paper for the Putnam County Historical Society, and
who. strange to relate, is himself the son of a Kentuckian, who inherited
slaves from his ancestors and. on attaining his majority, set them free :
"One drizzlv dav in the month of September, i860, two boys were
rambling about two miles south of the town of Greencastle. They had
crossed the farm then ow ned and occupied by W. T. Hawkins and climbed
upon the fence separating one of his fields from a heavily wooded pasture.
198 weik's historv of
known then as a part of the Miller Black farm. This woodland was broken
by hollows and by what is commonly known as sinkholes. Small under-
growth of paw-paw bushes partly concealed the ground. The bo\s this
day were accompanied by a hound of the lop-eared kind, which, when trail-
ing, emitted a continuous musical roll of noises, that makes the writer wish
he was a graduate of some music school in order that he might properlv de-
scribe the music the old hound produced. When the dog had crossed the
fence his nose went into the air. the hair on his back became erect from head
to tail, and, giving vent to a deep bass bellow, he plunged headlong through
the underbrush, and as he went, with his voice he ran the gamut up and
down, working in some beautiful double semi-quavers and long drawn out
trills, that delighted the heart of the boys. A hundred and fifty yards into
the woods he bore off to the left and began describing a circle. When the
circle was complete he began narrowing the ring, but all the while the music
was growing in intensity and sweetness from the hunter's standpoint until
the circle became quite small. At the first notes of the dog. the bovs stood
upon the top of the fence, the better to see the outcome of the supposed
chase, and from their height could see that the hound was circling around
a sinkhole. They had never seen such manifestations of anger from the dog.
and naturally wondered what kind of an animal had taken refuge there.
The dog roared 'round the rim of the sink and by his action threatened to
go down. Presently a club was seen to rise in the air from out the sink-
hole, pass the dog and drop beyond him. Then another and another, each
passing club adding new zeal and additional fury to the hound's attack.
"The boys ran toward the sink, at the same time commanding the dog
to come away. He retired sullenly, turning at times and threatening to charge.
Repeated scolding, howexer. pre\ented. When the boys first came near
enough they could see only a brush pile and paw-paw bushes in the sinkhole.
but after peering through the bushes for awhile, a black face was discovered.
One of the boys asked. 'What are you doing there?' The answer came.
'Nothing, massa, we gives up. Jim he's sick and chillin'. Its no use.' Thev
were young colored men. After assurances of friendship, one of the darkies
toltl their story. About a month or six weeks before they had made a Iireak
for freedom, leaving their master near Franklin, Tennessee, worked their
way up through that state and Kentucky, assisted by colored people, cross-
ing the Ohio river in a skiff, and had been helped through Indiana, thus far.
by friends or agents, as I now know, of the Underground Railroad. .\n
agent of the road had come from near Mooresville. in Morgan countv. across
country the night before to near this place, when daylight overtook them be-
PCTNAM COLXTV. IXDIAXA. I99
fore thev reached the station where they intended to stop for the day. So
thev left the road and had taken slieiter in the woods as we have seen, until
night should come again.
"The bovs soon Iiail their confidence and the spokesman atided that they
were directed to tiie house of our neighbor, and at nightfall would have
safelv made their wav there. The other one was sick. Exposure had caused
him to chill. The rain during the day had wet their clothing, which made
their condition very unpleasant. After further conversation, the boys left
them, and with the secret safely locked in their breasts went to the house of
the neighbor mentioned by the negro and told him of their adventure. He
was not at all surprised, but on the other hand had been greatly troubled
on account of the negroes' failure to appear before daylight that morning
as expected. Evidently he was pleased, but made the boys feel the importance
of keeping the matter to themselves. That night the refugees were piloted
to our neighbor's and safely lodgeil in the garret of his wash house. They
were fed and cared for three or four days. The one suttering with the ague
was doctored bv our neighbor and his chills broken. Then our neighbor
arranged to go to Parke county to mill. He had a strong prejudice against
flour ground bv steam power. Water-mill flour was much better and there
was a water mil! in Parke county that made flour just to his notion. So to
mill he went, a distance of twenty-five miles perhaps, in a covered wagon,
with considerable hay. proxisions for three persons and one sack of wheat.
That he got to the place for which he had started, I am assured, but that he
brought anv flour on his return trip I never knew. Fnit he told the writer on
his return that the colored boys were in good hands. Sometime afterward I
learned from him that they had arrived safel\- in Canada.
"This 'unofficial patriot" moved to Putnam county in 1857. He came
from Ohio. He was singular in many respects. He made a wide acquain-
tance in Putnam county in a few years. He was an extensive cattle shipper
at one tin^e. He appeared austere in his manner to many, but was really
verv sxmpathetic. Rugged in his oi)inions, he may have made some enemies.
But our neighbor had much to commend him. and no one thing had so much
to do with the good opinion of the writer as the fact that he was an agent of
the Underground Railroad. He was one of the active agents of a system
that was hated anrl despised by many, and was under ban of the law. At
that time manv of the people of Putnam county were like the hound I tell
about in one respect. They were read}- and anxious to pounce upon a run-
awa\" "nigger.' Negroes were propert}' and the hound manifested only the
zeal of some of the higher animals, who had read the decision of Chief
200 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Justice Taney, making them the hunters — under heavy penalties for non-per-
formance— of negroes on their road to freedom.
"As early as i860 Putnam county had at least one 'unofficial patriot.'
and his name was Parker S. Browder.
"The leaven was doing its work. John Brown's body was mouldering
in the tomb, but his soul was marching on."
But to the credit of the people of Putnam county be it said that although
a majority of them originated in Kentucky, yet in the main they were de-
cidedly unfriendly to slaver^^ In fact the presence of the few colored people
who were here prior to the war can be accounted for on the theorv that thev
had formerly belonged to families opposed to dealing in human flesh who, to
get away from the curse, had emigrated to the free state of Indiana and
had permitted a few of the old servants, who with childish affection clung
to them, to make up a part of the outfit for the new home.
James Townsend, a native of Maryland, moved hither from Morgan-
field, Kentucky, in 1828. settling at Putnamville. He freed his slaves in
Kentucky and told those who wished to accompany him to a free state that
he would take them to Indiana and build them log cabins for homes. About
eight came with him. "They all took my grandfather's family name, Town-
send,'' writes James T. Layman. "Luke Townsend and his wife Charity and
Tom Townsend unmarried. Old grandmother Sibley Townsend was among
those who went from Maryland to Kentucky in 1808. There also were
Aunt Hetty, Aunt Amy and one we called 'Yaller Ann.' I remember them
all very well as they were about my mother's home every day and I used
to fill old Grandmother Sibley's pipe w'ith tobacco for her before the fireplace
when she was past ninety years of age."
Tamar Peters was a colored woman and the slave of James Stevenson,
father of Dr. .\.. C. Stevenson. The elder Stevenson brought her to Ken-
tucky from his birthplace in Alaryland. Later he emigrated to this countv
from Kentucky, dying in 1826. Fi\e years afterwards his widow. ^largaret
Campbell, rlicd. Before her death she directed that Tamar Peters and her
family i)e freed and brought to Indiana. Arriving here, they were cared
for by Doctor Stevenson. The family, consisting of the mother and five
children, were industrious and thrifty and by their combined labors accum-
ulated money enough to buy forty acres of land a few miles southwest of
Greencastie. In 1854 they sold their farm, went to Baltimore, where, under
the auspices of tlie Emigration Aid Society, they shipped for Liberia. It is
said that Aunt Tamar dietl on the wav and was buried at sea.
PfTXAM CnrXTV. IXniAXA. 20I
In 1850 an old colored couple. Tom and Agnes, arrived in McMiroe town-
ship and went at once to the home of the late Col. James Fisk. They were
formerly slaves and belonged to the latter's father in Kentucky, but had been
given their freedom. Having grown old and feeble. Colonel Fisk had directed
them to be sent to him in order that he might provide for them during their
declining years. Shortly after their arrival some of the neighbors took
ottense at the presence of negroes in their midst and. under the leadership
of William McCray. they filed an affidavit against Colonel Fisk for violating
the law- which forbade the harboring of a negro. The case was tried in
Greencastle and much feeling was aroused, but Tom and Agnes were not
transported. Thev were never again molested but continued to live under the
care and benefactions of Colonel Fisk until their deaths many years after-
ward. Both of them are buried in the Brick Chapel cemetery.
"One of the colored persons that I remember as prominent in my boy-
hood davs." relates Thomas C. Hammond, "was named Cato Boyd. He was
not of uncertain color by any means, being as black as jet. He came to Put-
nam county early in the thirties and had originally belonged to Crawford
Cole. He was a sort of recluse, living entirely to himself in a hut about two
miles northwest of Greencastle. where he carried on the business of charcoal
burning. When I first knew him he was about sixty years old and the owner
of about twenty acres of land. He was able to write and was. to some extent,
a reader of books. Another notable character in early colored circles was
an old darky called "Uncle Henderson.' He roomed for a long time in David
Hoagland's wagon shop and was a good-hearted and inoffensive old negro.
He worked at the home of Dr. Matthew Simpson, then president of Asbury
University, and was a great favorite w ith the family. One day, being in a
hurrv to meet an engagement, Mrs. Simpson directed Henderson to take a
seat at the dinner table with herself and the children. When John M. .Alli-
son, one of the trustees of Asbury University, and a Kentuckian, heard of
this he was greatlv incensed and was so loud and ungenerous in his criticism
of Doctor Simpson and kept up such a tirade of censure that, it is said, the
latter finally became disgusted and resigned the presidency of the university.
THE CIX'II. WAR.
The assault u\)nn Fort Sumter by the Confederate government at
Charleston in April. iSfSi. was not a surprise to the people of Putnam county.
For many weeks prior thereto, the editor of the Putnaui County Banner had
been preparing his readers for the inevitable clash which had long been pre-
202 WEIKS HISTORY OF
dieted. This preparation consisted of a number of articles in the succeeding
issues of the paper, commencing shortly after the beginning of the year, writ-
ten by Dr. A. C. Stevenson and entitled "Thoughts on Secession." The
writer handled the delicate question in a very skillful and adroit, but careful
manner. He shrank from the dreadful alternative of war and even pointed
out wa\'s bv which the momentous question then disturbing the country could
be settled without resorting to bloodshed. But all these speculations were
shattered when the news reached Greencastle on the morning of Friday, the
1 2th of April. 1 86 1, that General Beauregard had fired the first hostile shot at
Fort Sumter. Instantly the entire community was aroused. By noon a
crowd had gathered, to whom Col. John A. Matson made a stirring and pa-
triotic appeal in behalf of the Union. On the Monday following, an immense
and enthusiastic crowd gathered before the court house for the purpose of
arranging for the enlistments of such persons as were willing to join the
army in response to the President's call for seventy-fi\e thousand volunteers.
Alreadv Col. Lewis H. Sands had opened a recruiting office in Greencastle for
the purpose of enlisting volunteers. "A number of young men have already
enlisted," says the Banner, "and many more will do so as soon as they have
an opportunity. Old Putnam, ever loyal to the government, will send up but
one voice and that will be in favor of the enforcement of the laws of the
country and the maintenance of the Union as it is." At the meeting held in
the court house. Colonel Sands was called to the chair and addressed the audi-
ence in a few brief and pointed remarks in favor of upholding the flag of his
country. Capt. John Osborn. of Clay county, was present and. being called
for, responded in a fervid and ringing appeal to stand by the Union. Speeches
were also made bv H. J. Hilton, A. L. ]\Iorrison, Doctor Cowgill, Marshall -.\.
Moore and others. Beneath large and conspicuous headlines, the Banner pub-
lished the President's proclamation calling for volunteers and, in the adjoin-
ing column, the following vigorous and fervid editorial :
''Shall American soldiers be permitted to perish with famine? Shall
they be pennitted to starve whilst they bear aloft the flag of their country
amidst traitors who will rend it in shreds and trample it under foot? Xo!
answers everv lover of his country. Xo! says every lover of freedom.
Everv lover of free speech, a free press, and freedom of worship, answers
Xo! Everv lover of courage cries. 'Supply them.' and every patriot cries.
'Feed them at all hazards.' Traitors alone cry, 'Starve them! starve them!'
If the spirits of the good and the just and the patriotic take cognizance of
transactions of this world, we may well imagine the 'Father of his Country'
and his compatriots of the Revolution taking a lively interest in this scene.
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 2O3
as they look forth from the windows of heaven. There floats the flag of
their country. The Bag under which they marched to battle and to victory,
and to the establishment of their country's independence. In its folds nestles
the American eagle. On its face it bears the stars and the stripes. A small
band of brave men continue to defend it. An hundred traitorous palmetto
tiags surround it. borne by rebel hosts, who shout demoniac yells in hope of
certain victorv-. The shouts of 'Starve them! starve them!' reach the very-
portals of heaven. 'Feed them!' cries the spirits of the Revolution! "Feed
them!' cries the 'Father of his Country!' 'Feed them.' cries the spirits of
departed American statesmen! 'Feed them' ! cries the spirits of the just and
good from all lands ! This government will not be lost without an effort, at
least, to save it. Amid all the gloom and secession, there have been a few
rays of hope. .\ few courageous men have been conspicuous. In the very-
midst of the conspirators, they have nobly kept the stars and stripes floating
and clung to the constitution. Like the fi.xed stars, they have shown the
brighter on account of the gloom by which they were surrounded. They have
indeed cheered the desponding patriot amidst the darkness of treason."
STRONG UNION SENTIMENT.
On Saturdav. April 20th. a mass meeting was held in Greencastle to
arouse the Union sentiment of the county and to encourage enlistments into
the amiy. Early in the morning crowds began to gather from the country,
guards being placed at the four corners of the public square to prevent per-
sons from bringing horses inside. At nine o'clock, places of business were
all closed and the local military companies drew up in line on the east side
of the court house. A stand was erected within the court house yard from
which the crowd was addressed by Col. John A. .Matson, D. E. Williamson.
Capt. John Osborn and Capt. W. H. Thornburgh. The principal speaker of
the day was Col. R. W. Thompson, who had come o\er from Terre Haute,
and who made a deep and abiding impression upon those present by his able.
patriotic and eloquent address in supix)rt of the Union. "Party lines in-this
countrv," savs the Banner, "are obliterated. Democrats. Republicans and
Americans stand shoulder to shoulder for the American flag. We occasion-
allv hear of some poor miserable devil who would gladly see the government
go to ruin, but it is not the part of prudence to give expression to such senti-
ments. Our ])enple have come to the conclusion that there are two sides to
the question: he who is not for his government, is against it: we either have
a government or we have not; and. with praiseworthy unanimity, the people
of old Putnam are on the side of the old flag and the old constitution."
204 WEIK S HISTORY OF
By Monday, April 22nd, the first company of Putnam county patriots,
to offer their services in behalf of the Union, left for Indianapolis. They
^vere called the Union Guards and were under the command of Capt. William
Conkliii. Speaking of their departure, the Banner says, "They were escorted
to the depot by the Asbury Guards. It was indeed a trying scene to see so
many friends bid farewell to each other, parting with friends perhaps forever.
Yet, amid all these mourning scenes, they gave rousing cheers for the Union
and the flag of our countr\-. Our blessings go with them, and may they not
forget that anxious friends and relatives at home will eagerly watch their
efforts in favor of the right." Another company, called the Asbury Guards,
left for Indianapolis on Wednesday. It was made up mainly of students, and
was commanded by Capt. John R. Mahan. The outburst of patriotism on
the part of the students was remarkable. The Banner says: "Our college
at this place is almost, if not totally, broken up in consequence of the absence
of the students who have volunteered and gone into battle in defense of their
country."
The patriotic men at home formed themselves into another company
called the Home Guards. They were made up of men who were either too
old for service in the field, or for some other good reason unable to leave their
homes. Speaking of the company, the Banner says : "The Greencastle Home
Guards met on Monday evening, pursuant to adjournment, and resolved to
divide the company into two divisions, the active and sedentary. The duty
of the active to drill and equip themselves and the duty of the sedentan- to
hold themselves in readiness for any emergency that the circumstances might
hereafter warrant. The enrollment of the active then commenced and in less
than ten minutes one company of seventy-five were enrolled and ready for
drill. The officers were: Captain. R. W. Jones; first lieutenant, James Hop-
kins ; second lieutenant, J. H. Kinkead : third lieutenant. C. J. Ashton ; order-
1}" sergeant. H. C. Munson: ensign, Daniel Riggs: chairman of the executive
committee. Jacob Durham." The Banner says : "The recruiting office of the
guards is at the store of Messrs. Jones. The first drill of the companv came
oft' on last Friday evening in the college campus. We hope when our state
shall have supplied her troops with arms, that they will send us something
suitable to drill with if nothing else. The unifonn adopted by this companv
is a red hunting shirt and gray military cap."
FIRST PUTX.VM COUNTY SOLDIERS IN SERVICE.
On reaching Indianapolis, the Union Guards were mustered into the
I'nited States service for a period of ninety days from April 26th. as Com-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 205
pany H. Tenth Regiment Indiana \'oIunteers. It will, of course, be too great
a task to attempt to mention the name of each soldier from Putnam countv
who enlisted into the Union army. But as the Union Guards were the first
troops from Putnam county whose services were accepted, it will not be out
of place to record here tiieir names. William Conklin was the captain: E. R.
Bladen, first lieutenant, and David X. Steele, second lieutenant. D. C. Don-
nohue was the quartennaster sergeant of the regiment. Ostrander Dicks,
William E. Yelton. Harrison Wright and Samuel N. Rogers were sergeants
of the company; Marshall A. Moore, Lycurgus Stoner, John W. Baker and
Adam Jones, corporals ; James S. Conklin and Arthur M. Walls, musicians.
The privates were: Eli Barnes. Daniel Battison. James M. Bladen, Franklin
Bladen, William H. Bruner, Samuel R. Browning. Henry F, Brown, Irani
Burnett, George T. Chapin, Frederick Cheszeski, Ezra L. Clewaters, James H.
Collins, John S. Coffman, John W, Cooper, Alford Dicks, William Eakin,
Henry Earp. Nathan C. Fuller, John Gibb, Lorenzo A, Gibbs, Peter Gross,
William F. Hadden. Marion Hamlin, John W. Hardin, Benjamin E. Hardin,
Stephen S. Harvey, Clinton M. Hansier. Philo C. Hawley. William Hitton,
Volney P. Huston, John Hughes, Franklin James, Thomas J. James. George
M. Jones. John Kinder, David Kiser. George Kling. Fielding Lamasters. John
F. Lane. Robert Lane. John W. Lee. Franklin J. Moore. Tilghman Moore.
William Myers, Henry H. McCray, James H. McGill. Jacob C. Mcllvain,
Calvin C. McLain. William Parker, Oliver Rankin, John Russell, Archelaus
Scott, Henry Secrest, Jacob Smith, Alonzo Vancleave, William I. Warde,
Francis A. Watson, Elijah White, George \\'. White. William F. \Vhite.
David L. Willson. Herman H. Wolfrom. William Wright.
Of this company, the only death in the ser\'ice was tliat of Tames H.
McGill. who was wounded at the battle of Rich Mountain. \'irginia. and died
July 27. 1861. His body reached Greencastle August the 31st and. as he
was the first Putnam county soldier who had. up to that time, lost his life in
the cause of the L'nion. he was buried with all the honors of war. The fun-
eral took place at three o'clock Sunday afternoon in the college campus. The
funeral sermon, a very timely and eloquent discourse, was delivered bv Dr.
Thomas Bowman, president of Aslniry L'niversity. .An immense concourse
of people turned out to pay their last respects to the honored dead. Several
militarv companies were present in full uniform and escorted the remains to
the cemetery.
C.\RE FOR soldiers' FAMILIES.
The loyalty, co-operation and unity of action on the part of the niaiontv
of the people of Putnam county during the dark and troubled xears of the
2o6 weik's history of
war can not well be overlooked by the faithful and conscientious historian.
As soon as the first company of soldiers had left Putnam county for the war,
the citizens of Greencastle, Bainbridge. RusselKille, Putnamville and other
towns in the county began to arrange for the care and support of the families
at home whose husbands and brothers and sons had gone to the front. Within
ten days after the fall of Fort Sumter. Jacob Durham, as a member of the
committee appointed for the purpose, published a notice in the papers solicit-
ing contributions in goods or provisions for the support of the needy families
of the volunteer soldiers. The Banner of this period teems with editorials
and appeals along the same lines, as the following will indicate :
"As is frequently the case, many of the most patriotic and Union-loving
citizens in the country are men in humble circumstances in life. Of this class,
in our own midst, a number having families have volunteered in defense of
their country's flag: and upon a few moments' notice have left all they hold
dear upon earth, aside from liberty, in care of those who remain at home.
It is, then, the duty of our citizens to amply provide for their wants. For
this purpose, the citizens of Greencastle have liberally subscribed money ; but
there are many friends in the country — farmers, for instance — whose means
are mostly in produce. Of such, any kind of country produce will be received
the same as money. Flour, bacon, meal, or any other article of family con-
sumption may be left at the mayors office, the receipt of which will be thank-
fully accepted, properly applied and gratefully acknowledged. Let us all bear
our proportion of the burden-brought upon us by those who are endeavoring
to usurp the liberties transmitted us by our forefathers."
ENLISTMENTS FROM PUTN.XM COUNTY.
The war spirit was general throughout the county. Companies sprang
up in almost every township and neighborhood. Until mustered into the
United States service, they were simply home guards organized, if need be,
for local defense. Here are a few names : Ellsworth Grays, Warren Union
Guards, Bourbon Grays, Enfield Rovers, the Floyd Township Home Guards,
Allen's Battery. Franklin Guards, Putnam Blues, Jefferson Cavalry. Marion
Scouts, Jackson Guards.
In view of the large number of soldiers credited to the county, it will
obviously be out of the question to expect a record of their individual names.
The only thing, therefore, our limited space will allow is a list of the various
military organizations which included any material per cent of Putnam countv
enlistments.
PUTNAM COLXTV, INDIANA. lOJ
As already stated, one company of the Tenth Regiment was confined en-
tirely to Putnam county volunteers. There was also a goodlv number from
this county in the Eleventh Regiment, of which -Lew Wallace was the colonel.
Company D. Fourteenth Regiment, was composed entirely of enlistments from
Putnam county. The same is true of Company E, Twenty-first Regiment —
First Heavy Artillen.-. Putnam county was also well represented in the
Eighteenth and Twentieth Batteries Light Artillery, of which Eli Lillv and
^lilton A. Osborn. respectively, were captains. Two companies, A and I.
Twenty-seventh Regiment, one of the few Indiana regiments that participated
in the battle of Gettysburg, were made up almost entirely of men from Put-
nam county. Putnam county was well represented in the Thirty-first Regi-
ment, of which John Osborn. formerly a citizen of the county, was the colonel.
The lieutenant-colonel. William L. Farrow, and several other regimental
officers and two companies, B and H, of the Forty-third Regiment, hailed
from Putnam county. Companies K and D of the Fifty-fifth Regiment were
made up of Putnam county soldiers, as also Company C of the Seventv-first
Infantry and Company F of the Si.xth Cavalry. The lieutenant-colonel and
two companies. A and B, Seventy-eighth Infantr\-, were from Putnam countv.
Company D. Xinety-se\enth Infantn.-. under the command of Capt. J. J.
Smiley, was composed of soldiers from the county. Companv I. One Hun-
dred and Fifteenth Infantry. Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third, and
Company F. One Hundred and Thirty-third, were all from Putnam countv.
All in all. over two thousand men from Putnam county entered the military
service during the Civil war.
As in all other wars, many of those who enlisted as privates and served
as non-commissioned officers were, by reason of efficiency, or as the result
of gallantry in action, promoted to higher and more responsible stations. Of
her soldiers, both privates and commissioned officers, Putnam county is justly
proud, for on every occasion their conduct was creditable and praiseworthy.
It is no disparagement to the many brave and worthy soldiers who entered the
service fn^ni the county to assert that John R. Mahan, who was colonel of two
regiments and on more than one occasion a brigade commander, was, in all
probability, the most prominent and successful military officer the countv sent
out. Colonel ]\[ahan was not only a brave and competent officer but a man
of profound judgment, acknowledged strength and great resourcefulness.
Being a natural leader, with a genius for organization, he was, in conse-
quence, deeply influential with Governor Morton, who relied upon his valor,
discretion and ability in more than one emergency. William L. Farrow and
Abisha L. Morrison, both of whom were colonels, had had more or less mili-
2o8 weik's history of
tary experience during their service in the Mexican war. Courtland C. Mat-
son, whose first mihtary lesson was learned as a private in the Asbury Guards,
enlisted in the United States service at a very early age, rose steadily from
promotion to promotion until, at the close of the war, he was in command of
and served with credit as colonel of his regiment. Probably no man from the
countv who rose no higher than a company officer, achieved greater distinction
than William H. Sherfey, who was a lieutenant in Company D, Ninety-seventh
Regiment. Soon after his enlistment he was transferred to the signal corps.
He rendered brilliant service during the Atlanta campaign, and was held in
high esteem bv General Sherman. He was with the late General McPherson
a good deal during the engagements around Atlanta and was one of the few
w'itnesses of that gallant officer's untimely death.
At the close of the war a number of volunteer officers were appointed to
places in the regular army of the United States. Among them were James
H. Sands, William F. Spurgin and Jesse M. Lee. Sands was retired many
years ago by reason of ill health, with the grade of captain, and is now living
in Tolono, Illinois. Spurgin remained in the service— being for many years
the commissarv at the West Point Military Academy— until shortly after the
close of the Spanish war, when he was put upon the retired list with the grade
of brigadier-general. He died in Kentucky a few years ago. Jesse M. Lee,
who was for many years lieutenant and captain in the Ninth United States
Infantry, spent a great many years, after the war, among the Indians in the
west. He served acceptably in Cuba during the Spanish war and, later, with
the lamented General Lawton in the Philippines. He was with our troops in
China during the Boxer rebellion. After the death, in line of duty, of Col-
onel Li.scomb. outside the walls of Pekin the cummand of the regiment fell
upon Lee and he remained at its head until the end of that campaign. He
bears the rare distinction of having fought with the United States troops in
four ditTerent countries and in three dilterent wars. He was placed upon
the retired list in January, 1907, with the rank of major-general. He is still
living and spends a great portion of his time in Greencastle.
Of course, there were numerous instances of gallant deeds and military
success on the part Dt the (ifhcers and soldiers from Putnam county, but to
sincrle them out or otherwise go into details would absorb much space in this
volume intended for other things. In ever}' way these two thousand officers
and men the countv had furnished reflected great credit on their county, their
state and the nation. Their ])rilliant deeds are deeply graven on the hearts
of the people and as long as the grasses grow and the waters run to the sea
thev will not be forgotten.
PUTXAM COCNTV, I.NDIAXA. ^OQ
RELIEF MEASURES.
Before the close of summer in 1861 people began to feel the stringency
due to the war. Business was prostrated and values greatly depressed. The
withdrawal of the many men from their usual avocations to go into the army
left their families, in many cases, inadequately provided for and it therefore
became the duty of the patriotic public at home to lend a helping hand. To
that end. therefore, a meeting was held at the court house in Greencastle on
Julv 25th. of which B. F. Hays was chairman and J. A. Hill secretary, to de-
vise some practical anil tangible plan to alleviate the prevailing distress.
James A. Scott was the principal speaker and he bore heavily on the landlords
of the town and county, insisting that a reduction in rent.s — especially where
soldiers' families were interested — be made. Appropriate resolutions on the
subject were adopted and a committee appointed to confer with the landlords
and endeavor to induce them to lower rents. The committee consisted of B.
F. Hays. James H. Sands and Joseph L. Fordyce. A week later the commit-
tee reported that they had visited .\. M. Lockridge. J. R. M. Allen. Doctor
Cowgill. D. M. Spurgin. George Kramer, Mrs. Ellen Matkins and John S.
Jennings, who had agreed in writing to make material reductions in their rents,
while certain others had promised to do likewise, but would not make the
promise in writing. In due time a regular organization was effected, gov-
erned by a committee of five, called the Board of Control, to provide for the
wants of the soldiers' families. Depots were established to which supplies
were to be sent for distribution and agents were selected in all the townships.
The Board of Control in Greencastle consisted of E. R. Kercheval. Jacob Dur-
ham. W. D. Allen. Melvin McKee and D. L. Southard. The township repre-
sentatives were : Jackson township. John Gregory ; Franklin township. Wasson
and Ram.sey. Russell township. W. H. Durham: Clinton township. Doctor
John Slavens: !Monroe township. Wm. T. Scott: Floyd township. Joseph
Hanna: ]\Iarion township. Wm. D. Smythe : Greencastle township. Ben
Pritchard; Washington township. Volney Smith: Warren township. William
L. Walden : Jefferson township, Thomas Vermillion ; Mill Creek township.
David A. Blue : Cloverdale township. Foster and McCoy.
But the men of the community were not the only persons who were
bestirring them.selves in behalf of the Union. The women were equally pa-
triotic and zealous. In Greencastle they organized what was called the
Sold'iers' .\id Society. Mrs. T. W. Williamson was president. Mrs. John
Standi ford, vice-president. Mrs. Joseph Sadd. secretary, and Mrs. John A.
(14)
2IO WEIKS HISTORY OF
Matson, treasurer. Their membership exceeded one hundred. They met
once a week at the homes of the various members and were busily engaged in
making gloves, socks, underclothing and other items for the comfort and
convenience of the soldiers in the field. Not only in Greencastle, but in Bain-
bridge. Russellville, Putnamville, Cloverdale and other towns in the county
came a response equally generous and unselfish. People suspended their vari-
ous avocations, closed their ears to the demands of business and willingly
suffered themselves to be engulfed by the great tide of patriotism that swept
across the countn--. There was nothing too arduous, nothing too exacting
that thev could do to sustain the government in its conduct of the war. The
knowledge that there were heroes and patriots back at their homes doing all
in their power to promote the cause for which they were offering up their lives
was the stimulus that incited the boys in the field and on the firing line to
those deeds of daring sacrifice and heroic devotion which so richly emblazon
the pages of history.
"Some eight hundred or a thousand soldiers," says the Banner, July i6,
1863, "came from the north on the New Albany railroad on Saturday last.
They arrived at the depot at this place about half past three o'clock P. M.,
where they were supplied with bounteous refreshments in the way of eatables
hastily prepared on short notice by our citizens. Most of them were well
armed and were sturdy, robust-looking men. A large portion of them were
in charge of Colonel Kise, of Boone county, and many of them appeared to
be regular soldiers who had smelt powder before."
Later in the year the Banner gives great space to "A grand rally of the
loyal people of Putnam county, including a military review, to be held on
October 2nd." It was announced that Gen. Lew Wallace. Gen. Ebenezer
Diimont, Hon. Godlove S. Orth and Hon. T. J. Cason would address the
meeting. The various companies of the Loyal Legion — artillery, infantry
and cavalry — were to be reviewed at three o'clock in the afternoon by Gen-
erals Wallace and Dumont. "The review," says the Banner, "was held in the
large lot immediately east of the College campus (where East College— De-
Pauw University — now stands). The companies present were the Putnam'
Blues, Captain Morrison ; Allen's Battery, Captain Allen : Captain Wampler's
companv from Bainbridge : Captain Hawkins" company from Carpentersville :
Captain Wilkinson's company from Groveland. and a company of cavalry
commanded by Captain Allee, of Jefiferson township. Captain ^Morrison.
being the senior captain, took command of the battalion and went through
the exercise of mounting guards, battalion drill and dress parade. The troops
were encamped at the fair grounds, southeast of town. During the night Dr.
PUTNAM COUXTY, INDIANA. 211
Josiah H. Robinson entertained the boys with a two-hour speech on the state
of the country. At noon, Friday, they struck tents and marched to the parade
ground east of the college campus to be reviewed. The review was witnessed
by thousands of spectators, who manifested a deep interest in the proceedings.
The military bearing of both officers and men and the precision with which
every movement was executed was worthy of veterans. These companies
have been organized, uniforaied and armed since Morgan's raid into Indiana.
Yet. notwithstanding the few weeks that they have been receiving military
instruction, they have attained a proficiency that would render them equal
to any emergency that might arise. Our worthy Governor may rest satisfied
that old Putnam will be on hand if called for."
OPPOSITION TO THE WAR.
But, although our soldiers were doing their duty at the front and al-
though the great majority of people at home were unremitting and incessant
in their endeavors to provide for the loved ones the soldiers had left behind,
there was, nevertheless, an element in our citizenship who not only manifested
no approval of the victories and successes gained by our soldiers in the field,
but secretly and insidiously sought in every way to hinder and counteract
the good accomplished by the Union arms. There are reasons why the storv
of this opposition to the war at home might be omitted, but, unpleasant though
the revelation may be. there is no alternative on the part of the faithful and
zealous historian but to give all facts.
In its issue of June i8, 1863, the following appeared in the Greencastle
Banner: "On Sunday last an armed force of from forty to fiftv persons in
disguise called at the house of James Sill, the enrolling commissioner of
Marion township, and demanded the enrolling book. Mr. Sill finally gave
them what appeared to be the list he had just taken, but which were, as a
fact, the enrollment lists of 1862, copies of which he had kept. A young man
named Lawson Fry, while leaving the house, was fired at by one of the party
and seriously wounded in the shoulder, disabling him for life. General
^lansfield visited Fillmore and the immediate neighborhood on Tuesday, for
the purpose of inquiring into these violations as well as to consult with the
leading citizens of all parties in reference to this outrage upon the law of the
land." In the same issue of the Banner occurs the following: "The house
of Mr. Scott, who is also an enrolling commissioner in Jefi^erson township,
was visited by about fifty persons with faces blackened about the same time
of the night and his enrollment papers were demanded. Finding resistance
212 WEIK S HISTORY OF
against so large a force useless, Mr. Scott gave up the papers to the cowardly
mob, which were doubtlessly destroyed. In Madison township, Joseph Sid-
dons, the enrolling commissioner, has been threatened by four men. who
represented themselves as a committee, that if he continued the enrollment,
he would find himself a dead man before he got through. In Cloverdale
township the book of the enrolling officer, Mr. Davis, was destroyed. H. T.
Craig, the enrolling officer in Monroe township, received the following written
notice : 'We, the undersigned, will give you our advice. You. for your own
good, and if you don't lay aside the enrolling, your life will be taken before
tomorrow night and you had better take our advice as friends. We don't
expect to interrupt you, but we ha\e heard men threaten venegance against
you, that sav you had better stay at home and you had better take our advice
and stav at home. From your friends.' Mr. Craig commenced enrolling,
this morning regardless of the above advice, but several refused to give their
names. This evening a committee, the foreman of which was our county
surveyor, waited upon Mr. Craig and requested that he should cease enrolling
at the peril of his life." In its editorial column, the Banner thus deals with
a political speaker who had shortly before spoken in Greencastle and whose
opposition to the further prosecution of the war both as a citizen and as an
oiScial was notorious and unconcealed: "The only effect of all the speeches
he has made here and elsewhere has been to create opposition to the govern-
ment in its effort to put down the rebellion. As a consequence, we have or-
ganized bands of the Knights of the Golden Circle, whose avowed object
is resistance to the law of Congress enrolling the militia preparatory to a
draft. Men. in discharge of a sworn duty, are threatened with death if they
do not desist and some have actually been intimated by threats and ceased
their work of enrollment for the time. The work will go on. however. The
conscription will also be carried out and those who are endeavoring to obstruct
its operations will be arrested and properly punished."
As the war progressed and drafts were ordered to keep the ranks sup-
plied with troops, the opposition to the prosecution of the war began to show
their hands. The Knights of the Golden Circle were well represented in
rvfonroe, Madison, Clinton and certain other townships, where they met in
the woods at night, were well supplied with amis and drilled in preparation
for the great uprising in the North which was expected, but which, fortu-
natelv. never came a])out. In the summer of 1864 these enemies of the Union
had grown bold and daring to the point of recklessness. At a political meet-
ing held in Greencastle on the 20th of July, addressed by Joseph E. McDonald,
the Democratic candidate for governor, occurred the noted and cowardly
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 213
assault by the Knights of the Golden Circle mob upon Lieutenant Cooper of
the Forty-third Regiment and that officer's dramatic rescue by Aliss Lou
Walls, at the door of the Putnam House, into which Lieutenant Cooper had
run for safety, and alluding to which the Banner in its issue of July 28th
says : "'A handsome dress was, last week, presented to JMiss Lou Walls by
the L'nion boys of this place as a testimonial of their respect for the bravery
she displayed in defending her mother's house from the attacks of the 'Butter-
nut' mob on the 20th," and again, in August, 1864. the following: ''A report
having been circulated that certain interested parties had paid Mrs. Nancy
Walls, owner of the Putnam House, seventy or eighty dollars for damages
to her house, that lady in a card denies that any such sum had been offered her
in compensation for the gross indignity and wanton and unprovoked outrage
perpetrated upon her house as well as her family by the "Butternut' mob on
July 20th.
"The fact is. the damage done Mrs. Walls and the insult offered herself
and family are irreparable; and the means resorted to by certain party leaders
for the purpose of preventing the good men of their own party from becoming
disgusted with the men and measures that sustain themselves by shameless
breaches of the peace and by assaults upon widows' houses for no other offense
than gi\'ing shelter to a defenseless Union soldier who was pursued bv an
infuriated mob, are not at all commendable, to say the least of it."
But the opposition to the war in Putnam county, as well as in other parts
of the state, had now reached high-tide, for, shortly after, when the fall
elections began to indicate an overwhelming and triumphant vindication of
Mr. Lincoln's administration by the people, the Knights of the Golden Circle
and all other such malevolent and nefarious movements began to recede and
finally disappeared altogether beneath the wave of patriotic exultation that
swept across the country.
RELIEF ST.\TISTIC.S.
The histoiy of Putnam county during the war and the means it con-
tributed to carry on that struggle is more or less surprising to people who have
never before reflected upon the magnitude of the figures. The adjutant-
general of the state, in his report published soon after the close of the war,
credits Putnam county with a total of three thousand two hundred and fifty-
seven enlistments. From this should be deducted re-enlistments of soldiers
who at first volunteered for a short period and two hundred and ten
Neteran> who had served the full period of three years and had also re-
214 WEIKS HISTORY OF
enlisted. The exact figures are unavailable, but it is altogether likely that the
net total was very largely in excess of two thousand. From the same report
we learn the figures somewhat in detail. The county itself appropriated
$10,000 towards the payments of bounties for soldiers and $1,025 for the
relief of soldiers' families. Jackson township paid $54,265 for bounties;
Franklin. $27,960 for bounties ; Russellville township, $38,000 for bounties
and $6,000 for relief; Clinton, $24,800 for bounties; Monroe, $22,700 for
bounties and $361 for relief; Floyd, $28,950 for bounties and $1,008 for
relief; Marion, $40,500 for bounties; Greencastle, $24,302 for bounties and
$4,350 for relief; Madison, $23,731 for bounties and $82 for relief; Wash-
ington, $57,381 for bounties; Warren, $31,200 for bounties and $3,000 for
relief; Jefferson, $21,500 for bounties and $132.65 for relief; Cloverdale,
$25,000 for bounties, and Mill Creek, $20,818 for bounties. The adjutant-
general also adds an additional credit of $15,000 to all the townships for
relief, thus making a total of $441,107 for bounties and $28,260.65 ^O"" relief,
or a grand total of $469,367.65.
soldiers' monument.
The war had no sooner closed than the loyal people of Putnam county
began to cast about for some means by which they could testify their regard
for and perpetuate the memory of the brave men from this county who had
gone to the front and given up their lives in defense of the Union. After
several informal preliminary meetings were held, an organization under the
name of "The Putnam County Soldiers Monument Association," was effected
for the purpose of erecting a monument in the memon,' of the loyal dead.
Col. John R. Mahan was chosen president, William D. Allen, treasurer, and
David W. Jones, secretar^^ After a brief and vigorous canvass throughout
the count}', the requisite amount of funds was raised by popular subscription.
Thomas D. Jones, a sculptor of Cincinnati, was engaged and in due time
the structure was built.
"The design of the monument." says another. " is artistic and beautiful.
Above the foundation the pedestal rises to the height of eight feet, a portion
of which is handsomely paneled, upon which the names of the deceased
soldiers are inscribed. Surmounting the pedestal or main body of the monu-
ment in a statue of heroic size representing a soldier and regarded by many
as the most faithful and successful portrayal of the volunteer soldier thus far
acliieved in the countrv."
PUTNAM COUXTY, IXDIAXA. 215
This impressive work of art stands on the crest of the "crowning emi-
nence" in Forest Hill cemetery, south of the city of Greencastle. and commands
one of the finest views in the county. It was dedicated July 2, 1870, the
address on that occasion having been delivered by the late Richard W. Thomp-
son, of Terre Haute. Further speeches were delivered by Governor Conrad
Baker and Delano E. Williamson, of Greencastle. at that time attorney-gen-
eral of Indiana. Several tiiousand people were present, including delegations
from Indianapdlis. Terre Haute and other adjacent places.
spA^'ISII-A^rERICA^' war.
When the war with Spain broke out Putnam county, with her usual
promptitude, responded with a company of volunteers. When enlisted at
Indianapolis, on April 26. 1898. they were assigned to the One Hundred"
Fifty-ninth Regiment Indiana \'olunteers and known as Company I. Two of
those who thus earlv offered their services. Dr. Eugene Hawkins and James
F. Fee. were appointed to positions on the regimental staff, the one major, the
other assistant surgeon. The company ofificers were : Wilbur F. Starr, cap-
tain; Charles F. Donnohue. first lieutenant: Benton Curtis, second lieutenant;
James O. Rhea, first sergeant; Harn.- D. Graham, quartermaster; William
Conklin. sergeant; Joel H. Richardson. Luther Sackett. Fred Smith. Frank L.
Bridges, corporals; Fred C. Gobin. lance corporal; Fred Starr, musician;
Fred Smythe, artificer: Lewis Alkine. cook; Fred A. Payton. wagoner. Pri-
vates : Earl Lane. Harry Landes. Harr\' G. Kennett. Earl Fisk, Samuel
Stewart. Ralph Cooper, Edward Lawson. James ?iIoss. Edgar E. E\-ens, Wil-
liam Reed. Alonton Springer. Lawrence Allen. John A. Bartl, Edwin Black.
Francis Blakely. William S. Blue. ]\lillard M. Bowen, Edward Brockway,
Oscar E. Brown, George A. Brackney. Thomas S. Beachbard, Roy Bennett,
Charles Conklin, Harry Conklin, George P. Corn, Oscar Cosner. John Curetor,
Daniel Donnohue, Albert Dunn, Henry C. Dale. Clarence F. Davison, Irvin
E\ens. Walker E. Evens. Hansell Farmer, Roy Fowler. Scott Galey, Orestes
(iarrett. \\'illiam Gifford. Oscar Gill. Charles Green. William I. Grooms,
Herscliel Hall. Allen Harleman. Harry Hawkins. Richard Hazelett. Lilben
Hepler. George Hibhitt. James Hill. Edward Flillis, Samuel E. Hathaway,
James W. Hensley. John W. Hitt. Flenry Irvin. John Irwin. \^'. H. Iry,
Everett Jones, William Jones. Edward Lane. Philip Lane. Ralph Lnmston.
Ernest Middleton. Harry E. ]\Ionce. William !\IcCoy. James McCorkey. W. A.
McFadden. Owen L. Xelson. James E. Xewgent, Arthur AI. Xewton. William
Xewton, Lee Paxton, Allen Payne. Joseph Pearson, .\lbert G. Preston. Charles
2i6 weik's history of
W. Reeves. Edward Russell. Homer E. Reeves. Shirley Reeves, William Reed.
Joel H. Reynolds. William Roberts. Charles H. Sanders. John G. Sourwine,
John L. South. Lee T. Schaffer. Clay Sellers. William Shoemaker, Will R.
Steel. Paul J. Tucker. True Thomas. Charles Wills, Artie F. Williams. Frank
Wilson. William Bates Tucker. Thomas Tuttle, Arthur J. Yeamans.
GRAVES OF REVOLUTIOX.XRY SOLDIERS.
Recently the Daughters of the American Revolution in Greencastle have
undertaken to locate the graves of all the Revolutionary soldiers who have
died and are buried in the county. \\'hen the list of names and full military
history of these early patriots is complete the same will be inscribed in a
bronze tablet which is to be erected in the rotunda of the court house. Thus
far the following names and data have been secured :
Isnac Amistrong. belonged to Virginia militia: was in battles of Hot
\Vater and Jamestown; born July. 1762. Augusta. Virginia: applied for pen-
sion in Putnam county in 1837.
\\'illiam Banks, sergeant, in Capt. James Pamplain's companv. Colonel
Richardson's regiment Virginia militia; bom Culpeper county, Virginia, July
23, 1762: died in Putnam county. Indiana. September 5. 1839.
Jonathan Byrd.
John Bartee.
John Buck, private, sergeant and lieutenant. Captain ^NlcConnell's com-
pany. Colonel Laughrey's regiment Pennsylvania volunteers : taken prisoner
by the Indians and retained four months : engaged in two battles in New-
York: born in Hanover. Europe. 1752: applied for pension in Putnam county,
April 24. 1834.
Charles Bowen. ser\ed more than two }-ears in Xorth Carolina and Vir-
ginia regiments: was in battle of King's Mountain: enlisted at Crab Orchard,
Virginia: born on James river. September. 1749 : was living in Putnam countv,
Indiana, in 1834.
William Brown.
William Cornwall.
Nathaniel Cunningham. September. 1776. prixate Capt. Robert Ballard's
company. Col. Patrick Henry's regiment Virginia volunteers; 1778. trans-
ferred to General \\'ashington's Life Guard: in battles of Trenton. Princeton.
Brandywine. ]\Iouniouth and Gates' defeat: applied for pension Randol])h
count}'. Xiirth Carolina. Ma}' 6. iSr8. aged sixty-four years: died in Putnai'n
countv, Indiana, August I'x i8;2.
PUTNAM COIXTY. INDIAXA. -1/
Samuel Dennv, born August jS. 1755. Chester county, Pennsylvania;
served fourteen months between 1778-81 in Col. John Smith's regiment Vir-
ginia volunteers; was in battles of Brandywine and Gemiantown; enlisted at
Frederick county. X'irginia; applied for pension in Putnam county. Indiana.
April 23. 1835.
Jacob Grider.
Silas Hopkins.
Laban Hall, served about two years, between 1775 and 1778, in New
Hampshire regiment under Colonels Hale and Chase; was at Ticonderoga ; ap-
plied for pension April 7. i8r8. at Chelsea. Orange county. Vermont; sixty-
three vears old; died in Putnam county, Indiana, September 9, 1842.
George Hammer. April, 1 781. to February. 1782, private Capt. Michael
Trautman's company. Col. John Gregor's regiment. Maryland mihtia; born
near Philadelphia. May 4. 1763; applied for pension in Putnam county, In-
diana. October 5, 1832.
Thomas Jones, enlisted in fall of 1775 for three years in Captain Fon-
taine's company. Colonel Stevens' regiment \'irginia militia; in battles of
Brandywine and Germantown; applied for pension in Mercer county. Ken-
tuckv. July 7. 1818; resided in Putnam county. Indiana. 1832.
Joseph LaFollette. Sr.
John McHaffie.
William McGahey. enlisted Carlisle. Pennsylvania, for two years in a
Pennsylvania regiment; applied for pension Bath county. Kentucky, June 17.
1818; fifty-five years old; moved to Putnam county. Indiana. 1826.
Andrew McPheeters. bom March 22, 1761. Chester county. Pennsyl-
vania; served three years in Pennsylvania and North Carolina regiments, hav-
ing enlisted at Chester county. Pennsylvania, and Guilford. North Carolina;
applied for pension August 22, 1832. Granger county, Tennessee; lived in
Putnam county. Indiana, in 1834.
Benjamin Mahomey. bom Fauquier county. Virginia; March. 1779.
to October. 1780. in Colonel Buford's Third \'irginia regiment; applied for
pension. Oldham county. Kentucky. November 17, 1826; sixty-eight years
old; died December 2;. 1854. Putnam county, Indiana.
Samuel Moore, born Staunton. Augusta county, Virginia. July 14. 1761 ;
Februarv to September. 1781. private in Alaj. Andrew Hamilton's regiment
A'irginia militia; applied for pension Putnam county. Indiana. October 25,
1S32.
Tohn Norman, horn 1743, Sussex county. Delaware; enlisted at Johnson.
Sussex countv, Delaware: Captain Vaughn's company. Delaware volunteers;
2i8 weik's history of
in skirmisli Bayshore, Delaware; applied for pension Clinton township. Put-
nam county, Indiana, May 6, 1833.
Thomas Rhoten, November, 1776, to January, 1781; enlisted at North-
umberland county, Pennsylvania, in Captain Harris' company. Colonel
Cook's regiment Pennsylvania volunteers; in battles Brandywine. German-
town and Stony Point; applied for pension Brown county, Ohio, December
21, 1819; lived in Putnam county, Indiana, 1835.
Isaiah Slavens, born Augusta county, Virginia, June 14, 1762: enlisted
for one year, 1780. in Virginia regiment; in battles Hot Water and James-
town; applied for pension April 26, 1833, Putnam county, Indiana.
Abraham Stobaugh.
Peter Stoner; 1780 and 1781, in North Carolina and South Carolina
regiments; in battle Eutaw Springs; wounded in back and hip, Monks Corner;
applied for pension Orange county, North Carolina, September 7, 1832; died
in Putnam county, Indiana, April 6, 185 1.
Thomas Tucker, born Fairfax county. North Carolina, February 11,
1757; enlisted Washington county, North Carolina, 1779. for two years in
North Carolina regiment; April 25, 1832, applied for pension in Putnam
county. Indiana.
John Walden, born March 6, 1756, Middlesex county, Virginia; served
from 1777 to end of war, 1783. in Col. William Dent, Abraham Buford and
Henry Lee regiments, Virginia volunteers; in battles Monmouth, Stony
Point, and present at evacuation of Charleston; applied for pension Henry
county, Kentucky, April 5, 1821 ; died Putnam county. Indiana, December
22, 1835.
Robert Whitehead; enlisted Holston River, western North Carolina,
served from October, 1779. to October, 1782; private. Captain Bailey, Colonel
John [Montgomery, Gen. George Rogers Clark, Illinois regiment, Virginia
line: applied for pension Putnam county, Indiana. April 22. 1833; seventy-
one vears old; died Putnam county. Indiana. Februan.- 20. 1852.
John Walls, born York county, Pennsylvania, April 4. 1762: drummer
1776. one vear Capt. J. Wright's company, H. Miller's regiment. Pennsyl-
vania volunteers; 1780, six months, drummer, Capt. William Wales' company,
same regiment ; applied for pension Putnam county. Indiana, October 26,
1832.
AN INTERESTING PAPER.
Several years ago the late William Henry Ragan. who had made some
inquii-v into the history of certain Revolutionary- soldiers who ha])pened to
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. -^9
settle in that part of the county in which he himself had spent the earlier
years of his life, prepared and read before the Putnam County Historical So-
ciety a paper on the subject, which is so full of interesting reminiscences and
data the liberty is taken to insert a portion of it here.
"There is a small section of country lying immediately north and west
of the village of Fillmore." related Mr. Ragan. "in which five survivors of
the Revolutionary war spent their last days on earth and in which their sacred
ashes still remain. Three of the five the writer very distinctly remembers,
the others dying but a short time before his recollection. I doubt if there is
an area so small within the limits of the county, or even of the state, where
so many of the patriots of our war for independence spent their last days.
Why this should have been is, perhaps, a mere coincidence as I know of no
community of interests that could have thus brought them together. Indeed,
they may have been, for aught I know, entire strangers to each other. Cer-
tainly there were no close ties of consanguinity existing among them. Hence
I conjecture that their settlement in such close proximity was merely a coin-
cidence and not by design or purpose on their part.
"The area in which these patriots resided embraced a small portion of
the adjacent town.ships of Floyd and :\rarion. Three of them resided in the
former and two in the last named township. At least three of the five came
to this county with their families— the others perhaps with children or friends.
Their deaths occurred in the order in which they are named.
"Abraham Stobaugh came from Montgomery county, Virginia, in com-
pany with his son, the late Jacob Stobaugh. and settled in the southern por-
tion of Floyd township. He was the grandfather of Mrs. A. M. Robinson,
of Fillmore, and of the late Mrs. Owen, the wife of our fellow townsman and
ex-countv recorder, George Owen. From Mrs. Robinson I learn that this
worthy patriot died in September, 1836, and that he was buried with the
honors of war. A militia company from Greencastle, commanded by the late
Col. Lewis H. Sands, fired the salute at the grave. He was buried in a private
cemeterv on the old Gorham farm, in Marion township. There is today no
trace of his grave remaining, none at least that would identify it among those
of numerous friends and relatives. Mr. Stobaugh left quite a large number
of descendants, some of whom still remain in the neighborhood of his former
home.
"Silas Hopkins, if tradition may be credited, was a native of the city
of Baltimore, and a supposed relative of the late millionaire merchant and
philanthropist. Johns Hopkins, whose name will go down to posterity in con-
nection with the srreat universitv his beneficence endowed. Silas Hopkms
220 WEIK S HISTORY OF
was the father of the somewhat noted John Deroysha Hopkins, whose eccen-
tric characteristics will be well remembered by many who are present. He
was also the father of the late Mrs. Thomas Gorham, with whom he made
his home. Patriot Hopkins was in some particulars not unlike his eccentric
son. His death occurred near the close of the fourth decade of this century.
How long or when and at what period of the revolutionary struggle and in
what Ijranch of the service, or under what command these patriots served, is
perhaps unknown to living mortals ; but that they were revolutionary soldiers
there is not a shadow of doubt. Jacob Stobaugh. son of Abraham, was a vet-
eran of the war of 1812. and some of the descendants of Silas Hopkins laid
down their lives to preserve that government to the establishment of which he
gave his best years. Even his eccentric son, John D.. was for a time a Union
soldier in the war of the Rebellion. Although at the time he was beyond the
age of military service, he enlisted in Company C, Seventieth Indiana Regi-
ment, and served part of the second year of the war as a member of that regi-
ment, which was commanded by the only living ex-President of the United
States. At least four grandsons also served in the Union army, two of whom,
Silas and Thomas Gorham, laid down their lives in their country's service, and
now rest side by side in the village cemetery at Fillmore. There is something
sadly pathetic in the story of the death of these patriotic grandsons of Silas
Hopkins. They had survi\-ed the mishaps of the war from 1861 to 1865, when
one of the brothers began to decline in health. The war was over, and they
were reallv no longer needed at the front. So the sick brother was given a fur-
lough to his home, and for company the well one was sent with him. On the
Vandalia train while halting at the Greencastle station, and within six miles of
home and friends, the invalid brother quietly breathed his last. The survivor
tenderlv supported the lifeless form of his brother in his arms until the train
reached Fillmore, where kind and loving friends performed the last sad rites.
But one month elapsed until the remaining brother was gently laid by his side
''in the shadow of the stone." In those early days almost every farm had its
private burial place, in which members of the family were interred. The
Gorham farm was not an exception to this general rule. On the north end
of this farm, known to the older residents as the Judge Smith, or Gorham
farm, and now owned by Albert O. Lockridge of this city, and the first land
in the township conveyed by the go\'ernment to a private individual, is one
of the.^e neglected burial places. The location is obscure, and but for a few
rough stones, one of which l^ears the inscription "W. B.". there is naught to
indicate that it is a pioneer cemetery in which many of the early settlers sleep
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 221
their long sleep. Here rest the mortal remains of Abraham Stobaugh and
Silas Hopkins of Revolutionary memor\-. But a few fleeting years will elapse
until this graveyard will be entirely unknown and forgotten, and posterity
will then have naught but tradition as a guide to this sacred spot where lie two
of the founders of our republic.
"Samuel Denny resided in the southern part of Floyd township, on what
is now known as the Gravel Pit farm, which is owned by the Big Four rail-
way. His home was with an adopted daughter, Mrs. Isaac Yeates, he having
had no children of his own. ]\Ir. Denny first settled in Warren township,
where his wife died and was buried. He was the great uncle of our fellow-
townsman, James T. Denny, Esq. Patriot Denny had long predicted that
his death would occur on the Fourth of July, which prediction was verified by
the fact. In the early summer of 1843, his rapid decline was noted, and on
the nation's si.xty-seventh birthday, his gentle spirit took leave of earth. I
well remember Mr. Denny, and have him pictured in my mind as a most
venerable personage. Indeed, he was highly respected and honored by all
w ho knew him. I have already referred to the fact that he raised no children
of his own. It is. however, a well verified tradition that he raised thirteen
orphan children by adoption, thus showing the great benevolence of his char-
acter. He was buried in Warren township at what is known as Deer Creek
Baptist cemeteiy bv the side of his deceased wife, and I have no doubt with
the honors of war so well befitting the day and the occasion.
"John Bartee's home was on a fraction of the same farm on which
Patriot Denny died, and to which he had in some way acquired a fee simple
title. There were ten acres of the little homestead upon which he resided.
He lived in a humble log cabin, with but one room. Here, in company with
his feeble-minded seciond wife and still more imbecile daughter, he spent his
last days in extreme poverty. The family ^xere objects of charity. Through
the exertions of the late .Xnderson B. ^latthews. himself a member of the
boarrl of count^• commissioners, that body made a small appropriation, I am
not alile to sa\- hov.- much, in support of this superannuated veteran : but with
all this, only a small share of the good things of earth fell to the lot of our
worthy patriot in his declining years. At the age of sixteen he participated in
the siege of Yorktown and the capture of Lord Cornwallis. His death
occurred in February of 1848, and he was buried in the little graveyard on
the Yeates farm., near by his former home.
"Benjamin Mahorney. the fifth and last survivor, and perhaps among
the x-eiy last of his race, died in the summer of 1854, more than se\-ent\- vears
222 VVEIK S HISTORY OF
after the close of the great struggle in which he was an active participant.
His residence was in the northern portion of Marion township, and immedi-
ately on the line of the Big Four railway, one mile east of the little station
of Darwin. He lived with his son, Owen Mahorney, who made him comfort-
able in his last days. He was a most venerable personage, known to the people
of the neighborhood as one worthy of veneration and respect. His hair was
as white as the driven snow. He was a Virginian and enlisted from Fauquier
county, in that state, in the spring of 1779, for a term of eighteen months.
He served under Captain Walls, in Colonel Buford's regiment of Virginia
militia. His regiment met the British cavalry under the celebrated Colonel
Tarleton, at Waxhaw, North Carolina, and were repulsed with great loss
in killed, wounded and prisoners. Patriot Mahorney was one of the few who
escaped injury or capture. His term of enlistment closed on October 25,
1780, nearly seventy- four years prior to his death in this county. From rec-
ords of our county clerk's office, I learn that he made application for a pen-
sion at the April term of court in 1833, and that he was at that time seventy-
three years of age. From this record I also learn the above facts concerning
his enlistment and service in the patriot cause. At the time of his death
there was in the neighborhood a military company with headquarters at the
village of Fillmore and commanded by James H. Summers, a Mexican war
veteran and afterwards colonel of an Iowa regiment in the war of the Rebellion.
Captain Summers called together his company, and fired a salute over the open
grave of the last survivor of Revolutionary memory in the neighborhood. The
interment was at what is known as the Smythe graveyard, just south of the
Vandalia railwav, and one mile east of Fillmore. It is probable that the grave
of Mr. Mahorney might still be identified. An incident occurred after the burial
of Patriot Mahorney, when Captain Summers, with his company, returned to
Fillmore to store their guns in the company's armory, A member of the
company, Noah Alley, also a Mexican veteran, and afterwards killed at
Cedar Mountain, Virginia, as a member of the Twenty-seventh Indiana Regi-
ment, through an awkward mishap thrust the fixed bayonet of his musket
through his leg just above the ankle, making a serious and painful wound.
The village boys, out of juvenile curiosity, had gathered about the military
company, and were many of them witnesses to this painful accident. The
writer well remembers the impression it made on his youthful mind, and
this incident will go down in his memory associated with the death and burial
of the last survivor of the Revolutionary struggle in that part of Putnam
county, if not in the state. Of these five Revolutionary patriots, two only.
PUTNAM COUNTYj INDIANA. 223
Hopkins and Stobaugh, have living descendants in our midst. Denny, it
will be remembered, had no children of his own. Bartee's wife and daugh-
ter are long since dead, and the younger Mahorney, after his father's death,
together with his family removed to Fountain county, where they have been
lost sight of in the busy throng that now throbs and pulsates through our
land."
CHAPTER XIII.
NOTED MURDER TRIALS.
The first murder in Putnam county was followed almost immediately
by the first suicide. It occurred in what is now Cloverdale township in 1824,
and is thus described by Capt. H. B. Martin, of that place : "Among those who
settled in this vicinity at that time were Thomas James, James Robinson. Am-
brose Bandy, John Macy and Andrew Kilgore. The first named of these was
the victim, the second the perpetrator of the murder and suicide. James
was living with his wife and three children in a small cabin situated near
what is known as the 'Granny Nelson Spring.' He had entered a quarter
section of land lying west of his temporary home and embracing the ground
now occupied by the Cloverdale cemetery. The land was then covered with
huge and towering walnut, poplar, sugar and ash trees and was considered
one of the best locations in the surrounding country. Robinson had settled
and built him a cabin on a choice piece of land one-half mile south of James,
and was living there with his wife and children. In that early day every
article of clothing worn by the settlers was spun, woven and manufactured
at home. Flax and tow linen furnished the summer wear. And it was
concerning a trifling quantity of flax that the quarrel arose which ended in
the bloody deeds we are narrating. It appears that Robinson's wife had
employed Mrs. Eunice Bandy, wife of Ambrose Bandy, to spin some flax.
The calculating and economical housewives of that time knew just how
much thread a pound of the raw material would make. And after ]\Irs.
Bandy returned the spun flax. ^^Irs. Robinson weighed it and told some of
her neighbors that the quantit}- returned was short one 'dozen.' This was
gossipped about b}- the neighbor women, till it reached the ears of the parties
accu.'ied of embezzling one 'dozen.' Ambrose Bandy, the husband, became
much incensed and threatened to sue Robinson and his wife for slander.
Thi-^ in turn enraged Robinson, who was a morose, sulky and very quick-
tempered man. He became unfriendly with every one of his neighbors who
had talked about the affair of the flax thread or whom he suspected of having
friendly relations with the Bandys. He was especially angered at Bandy,
James. Macy and Kilgore.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 225
"A few da}s before the committal of the crimes, which deprived two
famihes of their protectors and made orphans of eight httle children in the
lonely frontier settlement, Mr. and Mrs. Bandy visited James, remaining over
night. This perhaps sealed the fate of the latter. A few days afterwards
Robinson arose on a bright sunshiny morning (in April. 1824), and. after
carefully loading his rifle informed his family that thereafter they would
have to take care of themselves, that he should do no more for them, and
left his cabin, gun in hand. He first went to Bandy's, evidently with the in-
tention of making him the first victim, for he had previously declared that
there were seven persons in the neighborhood that he meant to destroy, refer-
ring to Bandy and his friends before mentioned and the wives of some of
them. Bandy saw him approaching and hid behind a tree until he went
away. He ne.xt proceeded to the home of Kilgore. who was also fortunate
enough to perceive him while he was at a distance and conceal himself.
Robinson next turned his attention to Macy. Macy's cabin stood on the pres-
ent site of Alexander McCurrv-'s residence in Cloverdale. When Robinson
approached. Macy and his son James were together in a clearing in front
of their humble dwelling, and the bloodthirsty assassin's heart failed him.
He could not strike down the father in the presence of his little son, and
walked swiftly by without raising his head or speaking, and wended his way
to James'. James was alone in the forest hewing puncheons to floor a house
he was preparing to build on his own land. He felled a tree, by mistake.
a little south of the boundary of his land, near the southeast corner and was
consequently a few feet south of the present Mount Meridian road. The
leaves were peeping from the bursting buds, birds were twittering above him
in the branches of the tall trees, while rank vegetation was springing from
the rich soil at his feet. The season, his prospects and surroundings all tended
to make life to him sweet, desirable and enjoyable. He was bowed o\er his
work unaware of danger and most probably congratulating himself upon his
happy selection of a location, and thinking of a future in which figured con-
spicuously a cleared wilderness, teeming fields of grain and a comfortable
home for his wife and little ones, when a stinging pain through his body
and a ringing report of a rifie ended his dream and blasted his hopes. Robin-
son had skulked through the forest and dodged from tree to tree, as an Indian
approaches his foe. until within fifty yards of his unoflFending victim and
then, taking (leli])erate aim. fired the fatal shot. The ball passed through
James' left arm and through his body from side to side, lodging against the
skin.
(15)
226 weik's history of
"On receiving the wound. James straightened up and looking in the
direction of the report, saw his murderer in the act of lowering his weapon,
the smoke- of the discharge curling above his head. He contemplated his
assassin for a moment and then ran with the speed of a stricken deer to
his cabin, about two hundred yards distant, and bounded into the midst of
his terrified family, the blood spurting in a stream from the wound in his side.
A messenger was dispatched to Greencastle and in due time returned with
Doctor Lowe. The young and inexperienced physician removed the ball
and then directed his efforts to healing the external wounds. James lingered
twentv-eight days and died of blood poisoning, which no doubt could have
been obviated by skillful treatment. After firing the fatal shot. Robinson
returned home. His oldest child, a daughter, was at home caring for the
babv, and his wife and other children were absent at work in a clearing some
distance from the cabin. He re-loaded his rifle and attached one end of a
string to the trigger and the other to a peg sticking in the wall on the outside
of the house, cocked the piece and placed the muzzle against his left breast
over his heart, and by drawing it towards him, discharged it. The ball
passed through his heart, causing instant death. He was buried on his own
land. His children grew to man-and womanhood in this locality, but finally
moved awav. His widow remarried and raised a large family by the second
marriage.
"Two of James' sons lived to old age, one of them. Stanfield P., filling
the office of county commissioner for several years. James, himself, was a
representative type of the early Kentucky immigrant in Putnam county.
He was tall, straight and well proportioned. As a neighbor he was kind,
hospitable and generous and his tragic and untimely death cast a pall of
gloomy dread and sorrow over the isolated settlement in the wilderness long
after he was gone."
For many years after the death of Thomas James the security, peace
and dignity of the county was undisturbed. But in 1840 a second murder
occurred which, while no more atrocious than the taking off of James, is
noteworthy in that the accused was arrested, tried and paid the penalty with
his life. It was the first judicial execution in the county. As those who
were living at the time or had personal knowledge of the incident have
long since passed away, it might have been difficult to gather the required
facts but for the timely discovery of a pamphlet printed at the time the
tragedy took place and which contains an authentic account of the unfor-
tunate occurrence. Reference is made to the murder of Abraham Rhinear-
son, in the summer of 1840. by William Thompson. The pamphlet, which
PUTXAM COL'XTY. INDIANA. 22/
was printed at the office of the Grccncastlc Visitor, bears the following on its
title page :
'"Sketch of the Life and Confession of William Thompson.
"Prepared by Rev. J. L. Belotte.
"To which is appended a synopsis of the proceedings antl testimony during
his trial and the sentence of the juflge.
'■r,reencastle :
Printed at the \'isitor Office
"1S41."
The author, J. L. Belotte. was a Methodist preacher, who was the mur-
derer's spiritual adviser and to whom the confession was made. It is some-
what minute and voluminous so that only a brief recital of the material facts
can be attempted here.
In the summer of 1840 the body of a man who had been dead several
days was found in a lonely spot in the woods in the south end of Clinton town-
ship, about seven miles from Greencastle. All the indications pointed to
death by violence, but owing to the advanced state of decomposition, it was
impossible to identify the remains. Later a hat was discovered, in some
bushes nearby, in the inside of which was a letter addressed to Abraham
Rhinearson, Bloomington, Iowa. John Lynch, the town constable, in an
endeavor to unravel the mystery, went to Iowa and there learned that,
shortly before, Rhinearson and William Thompson, whose home was at
Middletown. in Henry county, in this state, had set out from Iowa too-ether,
headed for Indiana. Returning here. Lynch and George Thompson, also
of this place, made a trip to Henry county, where they arrested Rhinearson's
fellow traveler, William Thompson, and brought him to Greencastle. Either
en route hither or soon after his arrival Thompson confessed his crime,
stating that as he himself was about out of money he had killed his com-
panion for the paltry sum the latter had, which hardly exceeded five dollars.
On arrival at Greencastle he was brought before James M. Grooms, justice
of the peace, and after a brief preliminary inquirv- returned to jail to await
the action of the circuit court. Early in Januarv-. 1841, he was arraio-ned
for trial before Judge Elisha Huntington and. being unable to hire counsel.
the court ordered John Cowgill, Edward McGaughey and Henry Secrest to
conduct his defense. The prosecuting attorney was Delana R. Eckels. The
jury consisted of James Xosler, foreman, Joseph Crow, John Robinson.
Enoch Wright, Nathaniel Jones. William Christy. John Wilson, lohn Clear-
228 WEIK S HISTORY OF
waters, Ouinton VanDyke, Isaiah Goodwin, Jonathan MuUinix and Jacob
Pearcy. About fifteen witnesses were examined and the case submitted to
the jury without argument by the counsel on either side. The judge dehvered
the charge to the juiy in a very feehng and impartial manner. The latter
retired to their room and in about twenty minutes returned a verdict of guilty.
On Friday, January 15th, the prisoner was brought into court and formally
sentenced. He was condemned to death, the date of the execution being fixed
for February 12th.
As it was the first execution in the county, a deep interest was mani-
fested in the subsequent proceedings. The place selected was a grove south
of town near the corner of Locust and Berry streets, now occupied by the
residence of the late Charles Leuteke. It was a bitterly cold day and was
onlv made endurable by numerous fires over the grounds around which
the great crowd present gathered in groups. When the condemned man,
driven in a wagon from the jail and seated on his coffin, reached the place of
execution the pressure to see him was so great the local militia company,
under command of Gen. George K. Steele, was necessary to keep the crowd
back. The rope, containing twenty-four strands of hemp, made by the late
Thomas Talbott, was attached to the limb of a large elm tree beneath which
was the platform on which the condemned man sat while the religious service
which preceded the execution, took place. A hymn or two were sung, the
music being led by Aaron Stewart, a singer of local renown, and it is said
the condemned man joined in the songs in a voice full, clear and without a
tremor. The Rev. Air. Belotte was present and led the services. Evan L.
Kercheval, the sheriff, at the proper time sprung the trap and the sentence of
the law was carried out without delay or mishap of any kind.
The next and last judicial execution in Putnam county took place in
the jail yard, west of the public square, in Greencastle, on Friday, December
18, 1857. Alanv persons who witnessed it are still living. The prisoner was
Greenbury O. Mullinix. who, on the loth of the preceding April, had mur-
dered his wife, Martha Ann Sublett, to whom he had been married exactly
one month. The murder, which occurred near Manhattan, was equally brutal
and unprovoked. From the account in the weekly paper of the period it
appears that the wife "had tied up a bundle of clothing in the morning and
was hurrying through with her housework in order to prepare for her
baptism, which was to take place that day. Mullinix. her husband, was op-
posed to her joining church and after feeding the stock returned to the house
in a very angrv mood. The faithful and unsuspecting wife had prepared
breakfast and welcomed her husband with a propitiating smile. Evidently,
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 229
after a few words, the bmte struck her down with a fire shovel. \\ hen Doc-
tor Layman arrived he found her lying on the floor with her head crushed
and beyond all human help. Her husband claimed that some unknown per-
son had made the attack while he was absent at the barn, but later he con-
fessed that he had committed the bloody deed himself." He was promptly
arrested and in a few days appeared before Joseph F. Farley and John S.
Jennings, justices of the peace, who. on the i6th inst., after a careful inquiry
and the examination of numerous witnesses, committed the prisoner to jail
on the charge of murder in the first degree to await the action of the circuit
court. The case came on for trial in the latter court Tuesday, October 13,
1857. and was not disposed of till the following Saturday. John A. Matson,
D. E. Williamson and R. S. Ragan appeared for the accused and John P.
Usher. John Cowgill and ]\Iilton A. Osborn for the state. Judge James
Hanna presided at the trial. "The prisoner." says the Putnam County Ban-
ner, "was ably defended by his counsel who placed the issue of the case upon
the ground that the prisoner at the time he committed the rash act and for
years previously had been laboring under the effects of an insane mind."
Numerous instances were cited by witnesses and were dwelt and commented
upon by defendant's counsel in a masterly manner to establish this in the
minds of the jury, but, as the result has shown, to no effect. All the evidence
adduced on both sides having been heard, as well as the arguments of coun-
sel, the case was submitted to the jury on Thursday evening, who. after re-
tiring for about an hour, brought in the following verdict ; "We the jury
find the defendant guilty as charged in the indictment and that he suffer
death." The verdict was signed by all the jurors as follows : Philip Carpenter,
William B. Wilson. W. B. Cunningham. James E. Talbott. Robert Smith,
Tames L. Wilson, Edward R. Shackelford, Thomas Sutherlin. John INIiller,
Washington Breckenridge, George W. Kurtz and Russell Crawford.
On Fridav afternoon the defendant was brought into court to receive
his sentence. After reciting the facts brought out at the trial and the result-
ing verdict of the jury, the court then announced: "It is therefore considered
bv the court that you be returned to the county jail whence you came and
that vou be there kept in safe custody until Friday, the 20th day of November
next, and that you then be brought forth between the hours of ten o'clock
in the forenoon and two o'clock in the afternoon of that day and taken from
thence to the place of execution and be then and there hanged by the neck
till you are dead."
"During the delivery of the sentence," relates The Banner, "the prisoner
stood up before the judge and the audience in the most firm and undaunted
230
WEIK S HISTORY OF
manner, e\incing a stoicism and indifference almost unparalleled by those who
have been arraigned before the bar of justice for similar offenses. To the
question of His Honor, 'Are you prepared to stand before that all-seeing
Judge, seated upon the throne of eternal justice, and declare your innocence?'
he replied, 'I am!' And after the judge had concluded his sentence and the
sheriff was about to take him back to jail, in a haughty and indignant man-
ner, he said to the judge, "I thank you for the execution.' "
A (lav or two before November 20th, the date set for the execution.
Governor Willard, in answer to the appeal of the prisoner's father, granted
a respite until Friday, December i8th, awaiting the action of the supreme
court; but the latter court declined to interfere and at the appointed time the
sentence of the law was duly carried out. The hnal chapter in the unfor-
tunate affair is thus narrated in the Banner in its issue of December 23, 1857:
"On Fridav, the iSth inst., at eleven minutes past eleven o'clock a. m.. Green-
bury O. Mullinix was executed at this place in accordance with the require-
ments of the law, for the murder of his wife last April. Up to the time of his
execution and even upon the scaffold, with death in its worst form and with
all its horrors staring him in the face, he persisted in his innocence, although
he had two or three months previously declared that he had committed the
deed — that he had imbrued his hands in the blood of his innocent and un-
offending wife! After being led upon the scaffold by the sheriff, William L.
Farrow, accompanied by Rev. E. W. Fisk, of the Presbyterian church, and
Rev. William Atherton, of the Methodist church, and after an impressive
and appropriate prayer by Mr. Fisk. the sheriff asked the prisoner if he had
anything to say, to which he replied that he had nothing to say except that
he was innocent and that he felt better than when they made him confess to
the murder of his wife. (He was compelled to make this acknowledgment,
as he alleged, thinking that he would be taken from his confinement immedi-
ately and hanged, preferring the latter punishment to the former.) After it
was found he hafl nothing further to say Mr. Farrow, the sheriff, proceeded
to prepare him for the ordeal through which he was about to pass, by first
tving his hands behind him and then drawing a cap over his face and tying
it under his chin. This accomplished, the rope was next put around his neck
and while the sheriff was thus engaged, having adjusted the rope a little too
tight, the prisijner. in a jovial and unconcerned manner, said: 'Bill, this is
rather tight," following the remark by a big laugh and apparently as uncon-
cerned as if he was only about to engage in a little jesting freak. The rope
being properlv adjusted, the rope that held the platform on which the prisoner
stood was severed and the one around the pri.soner's neck breaking, he
PLTXAM COLNTV. IXDIAXA. 27,1
alighted upon the ground and \valke<! some two or three yards, making ihu'-
ing the time a kintl of unnatural sound, when he was taken under the scaffold,
hoisted up. tlie rope tied and there in the presence of the recpnsite number of
witnesses the unf<irtunate being was suft'ered to hang suspended by the neck
for the space of thirty-three minutes, and until pronounced death He did not
struggle unusually hard and apparently died as easily as most of those who
atone for their crimes upon the gallows, .\fter he had hung a sufficient length
of time, his remains were placed in a coffin procured by the sheriff, after
w liich thev were conveyed by one or two frienils to the family residence of
the father near ^[anhattan.
"This unfortunate being to the last manifested the utmost indift'erence
in regard to his future state, treating with scorn and contempt the ministers
of the gospel who called upon him and endeavored to point him to that God
who is e\'er nierciful to fallen man. But all was useless. Even on the morn-
ing before his execution, he used profane language and all the time declared
that it was no use for him to ask forgiveness for his evil deeds, for he had
committed none. It is due to Mr. Farnjw. our sheriff, to state that the acci-
dent which occurretl at the execution in the breaking of the rope was not the
result of carelessness on his part. fur. as we learn, he took the precaution to
try the rope effectually l)efore selecting it for the purpose, yet from some un-
accountable cause it broke.
"Mullinix was born one mile east of Manhattan, in this county; was a
little past twenty-five years of age; was always a dissolute, disobedient char-
acter, as well while under the control of his parents as afterwards. He was
married to Martha, daughter oi David Sublett. of this county, on the loth
of March last and on the morning of Friday, the lOth day of .\pril ensuing,
he put an end to her life. The free and unrestrained use of intoxicating
drinks, togetlier with a want of proi)er parental contnil. it is said, have been
the main instruments in bringing upon him the terrible fate which has just
i^een \isited upon his head."
To deal with or attempt to describe all the murders and murder trials
which ha\e taken place in the county would swell this volume to unjustifiable
proportiiins. nor would any real good accrue from recalling a subject so
gruesome and forbidding. Rut now that we have seen fit io notice that fea-
ture of our criminal history we can not well pass to other subjects without
a brief reference to what was, for many years, the most noteworthy and
astounding crime e\-er committed in the count}".
On the morning oi January 7. 1861. the bcjdies of Tilghman H. Hanna
and wife, who lived in the village oi Ch-oveland, were found in bed foullv
232 WEIK S HISTORY OF
murdered. The murderer had slain them with an axe, during the night while
asleep, crushing their skulls and otherwise mutilating them. Not content
with destroying his victims, the murderer had committed little acts of van-
dalism such as splitting into kindling wood pieces of furniture, ornaments.
etc. As no valuables were disturbed or missing, it was evident that robbery
could not liave been the motive. The murderer or murderers had entered the
house through a back window and after their bloody work had deliberately
unlocked and walked out of the front door. A memorandum book lying on
a table in the bedroom contained several vulgar and indecent sentences which
the murderer had written across one of the pages. One of the sentences was,
'T have done the deed — now G — d — you, ketch me if you ken." Suspicion
soon pointed in the direction of Goodlow H. Evans, known as Harper Evans.
a young man about twenty years old, who lived in the community, and he
was promptly arrested and, after a careful investigation by James Shoemaker
and A. F. Wright, justices of the peace in Floyd township, placed in the
county jail at Greencastle to await the action of the circuit court. Mean-
while two separate indictments had been returned by the grand jury for the
murder of Hanna and his wife, upon both of which the prisoner had been
arraigned and plead "not guilty." "Upon the call of the case for trial on
Monday, the 8th inst.," says the Banner in its issue April 11, 1861, "the prose-
cution appeared by Willis G. Neff, prosecuting attorney, assisted by D. R.
Eckels and John Hanna ; the prisoner in person and by Williamson & Daggy
and Joseph E. McDonald, of Indianapolis. A venire of seventy-five jurors
had been ordered from the south part of the county and now appeared. After
the examination of the latter, which consumed almost the entire first dav. the
following jur\men were selected and duly sworn to try the case : Samuel
Gardner. Samuel B. Gilmore, John Trout, James M. Lain, Bunsle Hair,
Samuel Parks, Isaac Harris, Andrew J. Albright, William M. Walden. Henry
B. Martin, Jacob Hixon and Thomas Hinote. The examination of witnesses,
of whom over a hundred were in attendance, was begun on Tuesday. The
testimony pointed strongly to the guilt of the accused, the most convincing
circumstance being the writing in the memorandum book found in the room
where the murder took place and which was proved to be that of the defend-
ant. The court room was crowded to its utmost capacity during the entire
time by the throngs who watched the proceedings with breathless interest.
"The hearing of the evidence closed on Thursday evening," relates the
Banner. "Frida}' morning the argument of the case opened with a well con-
ceived and forci!)le speech on the part of the prosecution by John Hanna,
Esq., occupying the greater part of the forenoon. His was followed bv a most
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 233
ingeiiiouslv logical effort for the defense by the Hon. Joseph E. McDonald,
taking up the remainder of the forenoon and greater part of the afternoon
of the same day. The able and eloquent gentleman is certainly the greatest
master of the art of rcductio ad ahsiirdam it has ever been our fortune to
listen to — fully equal in ability to the author of 'Historic Doubts as to the
Existence of Napoleon Boneparte' and almost capable of causing one to dis-
believe the reality of his own existence could he but for a moment ignore the
broad and bare facts of daily life passing around him. Judge Eckels followed
in a most convincing and closely compacted argument for the prosecution,
occupying the remainder of Friday afternoon, and closing on Saturday morn-
ing, leaving no doubt, if any existed, of the guilt of the prisoner. Mr. Wil-
liamson closed the argument on Saturday afternoon in an ingeniously labored
and lengthy efifort for the defense. After a clear and able charge by Judge
Clavpool, the jury retired to deliberate on their verdict. About seven o'clock
Saturday evening, having been out but an hour or two, the jury returned their
\'er(lict, 'imprisonment for life.' "
All things considered, it was the most noted and memorable criminal trial
in the history of the count}-. The strongest lawyers at the local bar were en-
gaged and one attorney from Indianapolis, Joseph E. McDonald, afterwards
United States senator, was later added by the defense. Much of the credit
for the conviction was due Judge D. R. Eckels, who led the prosecution. His
management of that side of the case was vigorous and unrelenting, displaying
great legal acumen and the most profound knowledge of English and Amer-
ican jurisprudence. During the trial the bombardment of Ft. Sumter took
place and. judging from the papers of the day, that memorable and historic
occurrence divided with the trial the public interest and attention. It was one
of the most exciting weeks in the history of Greencastle. At three o'clock
Sundav morning, the day after his conviction, Evans tried to commit suicide
in the jail. The circumstances are thus set forth in the Banner: "On the sec-
ond morning after the commencement of his trial Evans succeeded in secret-
ing a case knife (unnoticed by the jailor) by breaking it in pieces and shoving
it into the crevices of the wall. One of these pieces, about an inch and a half
long, he spent most of his time in sharpening on the stone in his cell. Some
time in the night he requested his guard to withdraw from his cell to the
entrv adjoining, as he wanted to sleep. About three o'clock in the morning,
as stated, he got up and. holding a mirror in one hand and a bit of knife in
the other, he. after iive attempts, succeeded in entirely severing the jugular
vein of his neck, from which he bled profusely, so much so that he soon
fainted, when the bloorl stopped Bowing. He was found about 8 o'clock Sab-
234
VVEIK S HISTORY OF
bath morning weltering in his own blood. Doctors Preston and ElHs were
called in and tor some time it was doubtful whether he would recover or not."
In about four days he had so far recovered as to be able to tra\-el. whereupon
he was taken to the prison at Jeffersonville to begin his sentence. Several
years later, and before the close of the war. he succeeiled in escaping from the
prison and was never seen or heard from afterwards. About nineteen years
ago his brother Noah was tried and convicted on the charge of having killed
Erastus R. Adams, in the town of Roachdale. He was also given a life
sentence, and died while in prison at Michigan City.
CHAPTER XIV.
CITY OF GREENCASTLE.
The history of Greencastle, especially the earlier part of it, is so thor-
oughly inter\vo\-en with that of the county that much of it has already been re-
corded in these pages. But there came a time, in later years, when the city,
apart from its importance as the center of county government, began to have
a histor\- of its own and thus it happens that some things yet remain to be
noted.
Greencastle was a village or town operating under authority of the county
commissioners until March 9. 1849, when it was incoq^orated as a town by
special act of the Legislature. The charter was written by the late D. R.
Eckels. When the election of town officers was held Judge Eckels was
chosen mayor and Henry W. Daniels, clerk. The following were also the
first councilmen: first ward. Russell L. Hathaway; second ward. Isaac Ash;
third ward. Albert G. Preston: fourth ward, Hiram Marshall: fifth ward,
Joseph F. Farley.
Judge Eckel's term as mayor ended May 2. 1850. when he was succeeded
by Russell L. Hathaway, who served till March 13. 185 1 : John Hanna, who
.served till March 7. 1854: Hiram Marshall, till October 2. 1856: Dillard C.
Donnohue. till March 5, 1857; Joseph F. Farley, to October 6, 1859; Reuben
S. Ragan. till March 15. i860; J. S. Bachelder. till Januar>- 3. 1861 ; Henry
Hough, (town recorder) f^ro tciii till March 7. 1861 ; E. R. Kercheval till
August 9. 1 86 1, when the town government closed.
FROM TOWN' TO CITY.
On July 8. 1861, an election was held to determine whether "the town of
Greencastle should be incorporated as a city." Polls opened at nine o'clock
at the following places: First ward. R. L. Hathaway's office: second ward,
mayor's office ; third ward, Renick's shop : fourth ward. Braman's shop : fifth
ward. CowgiU's law office.
The proposition to incorporate as a city having carried, provisions were
at once made to hold an election .\ugust 3, 1861, for the purpose of selecting
"the following citv officers to serve until the annual eIecti(Mi in May, 1862:
236 weik's history of
A[ayor. clerk, marslial. assessor, treasurer, engineer and two councilmen from
each ward." The number of wards was reduced from five to three and the
boundaries of the same fixed as follows: "All that part of said town lying
west of Ephraim street and north of Hanna street shall constitute the first
ward. All that part lying east of Ephraim street and north of Hanna street
to the east end of said street, thence by a line due east to the corporation line,
shall constitute the second ward. All that part lying south of Hanna street
and a line due east from the east end of Hanna street shall constitute the third
ward." The voting places were: First ward, court house; second ward. Cow-
gill's law office; third ward, West End German church.
The result of the election was: E. R. Kercheval, mayor; Harry G.
Hough, clerk ; P. H. ^IcCamy, engineer ; Thomas J. Johnson, assessor ; Wil-
liam Atherton. treasurer; councilmen, first ward, James D. Stevenson and
William S. Mulholn; second ward. Gasper Renick and Otho Ward; third
ward, Gustavus H. Voss and Austin M. Puett. Since then the following per-
sons have held the office of mayor: E. R. Kercheval, till 1862; Marshall A.
Moore, till 1866; Milton A, Osborne, 1868; Henry W. Daniels, 1870; William
A. Brown, 1872; William D. Allen, 1876; Lucius P. Chapin, 1880; John R.
Miller, 1884; Joseph S. McClar}^ 188S; Elisha Cowgill, 1890; Charles B.
Case, 1894; Jonathan Birch, 1902; John H. James, 1904, and James McD.
Hays, 19 ID. The present incumbent of the office is John R. Miller, who was
elected in November, 1909, to serve from January i, 1910. for a period of
four years.
COMING OF THE RAILROADS.
The importance of Greerxastle as a commercial point dates from about
1850. At that time the long-discussed project of uniting Indianapolis and
Terre Haute bv rail began to be reahzed. The Terre Haute & Richmond
(now the Vandalia) railroad, which was planned to parallel and run in sight
of the National road — the great highway connecting Baltimore with St. Louis
— between Indianapolis and the Wabash river at Terre Haute, was forced to
make a detour of several miles from its bee-line course in order to reach
Greencastle. Building of the road began simultaneously at Indianapolis and
Terre Haute and the two sections were joined about midway between Green-
castle and Fillmore on February 18. 1852, after which regular trains were
run. Meanwhile the New Albany & Salem (now the Monon) railroad was
in process of construction through Greencastle with the design of connecting
the Ohio river at New Albany with Lake Michigan at Michigan City. The
track-Iavers reached Greencastle ^Larch 17. 1854. and in a few w-eeks regular
trains were run. In its issue March 22, 1854. noticing the completion of the
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 237
road, the Banner says : "The track of the New Albany & Salem railroad from
the north was finished to our place on last Friday. The whistle of the loco-
motive in that part of the town is now daily heard. We have not learned
when the passenger trains will commence running. There is now ready at this
place ready for shipment by this road via Detroit to New York some fifteen
or twenty thousand barrels of pork, lard, etc. A good beginning."
The completion of these railroads* gave a great impetus to the business
of Greencastle as the following comparative statement of hogs packed in the
winter of 1853-54 will indicate: Madison, 122,450; Terre Haute, 78.169: In-
dianapolis, 44.900: Greencastle, 22.400: Lafayette. 21.000; Connersville, 21.-
000; Vincennes. 19.202: Princeton, 17,207; Logansport, 16.000: Evansville,
13.356; Crawfordsville, 12,000; Richmond, 10,000.
The trade of the town has so increased in volume that a bank of deposit
and exchange was necessary to meet the growing demands of business and
accordingly, in February, 1856, the Exchange Bank of Greencastle (under
the acts of the Legislature of May, 1852, and March. 1855) was organized.
William D. Allen was president, A. D. Wood, cashier, and the concern num-
bered among its stockholders, John S. Allen, Jehu Hadley, Jacob McGinness,
Thomas O. .Allen, John Wain, Russell L. Hathaway. J. D. Stevenson. John
Gilmore, and David L. Southard. In every respect the town was abreast of
the times.
It is, however, somewhat refreshing to read in the files of the early papers
of the crude and primitive methods of doing business and the lack of com-
forts and conveniences in the few public utilities of that period. Thus, for
several years after the railroads began operations the mail was still carried
o\erland by horse-power, as this editorial notice in the Baiuicr in the fall of
1856 will indicate: "We do hope the government will make an arrangement
with the railroad to carry the mail between Terre Haute and Indianapolis, if
for no other reason, to save the poor horses now employed in the service from
being run to death this hot and dry weather."
FIRST TELEGR.XPH LINE.
Even the telegraph lines were not used by the railroads for several years
after the latter were put into operation. The first telegraph line connecting
*The Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroarl, or rather that part of it between Indi-
anapolis and Terre Haute, was completed July 11. 1870. This made the third railroad
thro\)!;h Greencastle. Since that time the Indiana. Decatur & Western, now a part
of the Cincinnati. Hamilton * Dayton Railroad, has been built through the northern
part of the county, ami the Terre Haute. Indianapolis & Eastern, an electric line, has
been built through Greencastle. There ar?, therefore, four steam roads and one elec-
tric road through the county.
238
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Greencastle with the outside world was constructed by tlie Cincinnati & St.
Louis Telegraph Company in 1850. The line ran from Cincinnati via Ham-
ilton, Ohio. Connersville. Rushville. Shelbyville, Indianapolis, Danville,
Greencastle. Terre Haute, Indiana. Paris. Charleston. Hillsboro, and Alton,
Illinois, thence to St. Louis. For a time the office in Greencastle was over
a store on the southeast corner of the public square, then was removed to the
upper story of a room on the north side of the square. The operator was the
late Henry \V. Daniels, who likewise had charge of the maintenance of the
line between Manhattan, where it struck the National road, and Danville,
Indiana. The line only touching the larger places, the service was somewhat
limited and it wa.s a long time before sending messages by telegraph became
very general.
Late in the forties, before lines were built or offices opened for business,
men traveled over the country explaining the "magnetic telegraph" and en-
lightening the people as to its operation and use. They were doubtless sell-
ing stock in some of the lines then being promoted. A citizen of Greencastle,
who was a toy then, relates that he remembers seeing the experiments con-
ducted by one of these men in the old Presbyterian church in the west part of
town. The stranger placed one instrument in the pulpit and another in the
opposite end of the room, connecting the two by a wire running outside
through a window, then around the building and back in through another
window. The operator not only transmitted messages by sound, but ignited
and exploded a handful of gunpowder by means of the electric spark. The
house was filled with people, all of whom were impressed if not actually awed,
at the contemplation of the possibilities of this wonderful mysterious power.
In 1859 the old highway line was abandoned and thereafter all business
was done over the railroad lines, which prompts the Banner in August, 1859,
to admonish the public that "a reliable telegraph operator and a telegraph in
first-class working order running from Terre Haute to Indianapolis over the
Terre Haute & Richmond railroad has i-ecently been erected. A battery has
been located at the depot at this place for the benefit of the company and the
public. The New Albanv & Salem railroad will also install a telegraph
along their road in a short time, when the public will have the privilege of
sending dispatches to all points of the compass." It is recalled that in July,
1861, an eager, impatient throng filled the little telegraph office in the "depot"
of the St. Louis. Xew Albany & Chicago railroad at the foot of Jackson
street during the greater part of the night anxiously awaiting the meager and
unsatisfactory news as it slowly dripped from the wires indicating the rising
or falling of the tide at the distant battle of Bull Run.
PLTNA.M COLXTV. IXDIAXA. 2T,q
But in many things we of today are not much in advance of our fathers
after all; and when we think of their crude appliances and primitive equip-
ment we wonder they were ever able ti5 effect the little history tells us thev
accomplished. The traveler wlio hoards the richly upholstered, vestibuled,
gas-lighted train at the noon hour in Greencastle and by virtue of a bee-line
route, a smooth track and the fewest possible stops rolls into Chicago by six
o'clock, often wonders what the past generation would think could it but wit-
ness or realize the magnitude of the accomplishment. Here is the time table
of the Xew Albany & Salem railroad published within a year after the
first train ran over it : Chicago and Detroit Express : Leaves Greencastle. 12 :io
p. m. ; Crawfordsville, 1:45; Lafayette. 3:30: Michigan City. 7:30, and
Chicago. 9 :30 p. m. To make this journey within the prescribed time and
with the rude macliinery in vogue almost sixty years ago required numerous
stops, a change of trains entire at Michigan City and that. too. with twentv-
eight more miles of track to cover than the present route!
AX E.XTERPRISIXG SPIRIT.
Xor can it be said that w ith all our present commercial ad\-antages we are
more enterprising or aggressive than the Greencastle of fifty years ago. Mer-
chants' associations and other commercial bodies, to advertise and develop
the material and industrial resources of our city are not original with us of
the twentieth century. As early as 1857, the Board of Trade — an institution
designed to call the "attention of outside capital to our natural advantages for
manufacturing purposes" — was organized in the old court house. John A.
^Nlatson was elected president; G. W. Ames, secretary; R. L. Hathawav, treas-
urer; and Dr. A. C. Stevenson. W. H. Thornburgh, D. L. Southard. Doctor
Cowgill, Basil Brawner. Dan. S. Place. Addison Daggy. John S. Jennings. T.
C. Hammond and W. H. Coates. directors." The Banner of the period indi-
cates a purpose of raising a fund of from ten to fifteen thousand dollars with
which to encourage well-established firms or companies to construct factories
in Greencastle.
As indicative <>f the commercial growth and industrial status of Green-
castle fifty years ago the following article by Doctor Stevenson, entitled
"Greencastle Thirty Years Ago." was published in the Banner January 4.
i860:
■"Greencastle has grown much within thirty years. The citizens of thirty
vears ago have nearlv all died or removed; but few remain.
240 WEIK S HISTORV OF
"Thirty years ago there were three small dry goods stores in Greencastle
and five or six groceries. The latter contained each about one barrel of
whisky and a dozen tin cups. Now there are about thirteen large dry goods
stores, two large drug stores, two heavy hardware and tin establishments, two
exclusively tin and stove stores, and four heavy clothing establishments.
Thirty years ago there was one saddler who put new seats in old saddles.
There were two cabinet shops, t\vo smith shops, a few carpenters and a brick
layer. Now there are two saddler shops, doing a large business, two cabinet
shops, one of them propelled by steam. There are now five or si.x smith
shops, a large number of carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers and painters;
two shops by steam for planing or dressing lumber, making doors, sash, etc. ;
two woolen factories, three steam grist-mills and one foundry; two plow fac-
tories, two wagon shops, and one carriage factory doing a large business.
Thirty years ago, there was one six-months school. Now there is one flourish-
ing college, one femafe seminary and a numlier of common schools and prob-
ably some two or three high schools. There was but one church — an inferior
log building. Now there are two large brick Methodist churches, two Presby-
terian churches and one each of the Christian, Baptist and Catholic denomina-
tions. There is now one bank.
"These are some of the very striking differences between now and then,
to which may be added now two railroad depots within our town. Circuit
court ^vas then held in a small room of a dwelling house and presided over by
Judge Porter. The leading attorneys were Robert F. Glidewell and George
F. Waterman. Henrv Secrest was then looked upon as a promising beginner.
A few others attended from other points, viz : Thomas Blake and Judge Kin-
ney, from Terre Haute; Thomas Adams, from Spencer; James Whitcomb and
Craven P. Hester, from Bloomington. Now there is a good court house : but
whether there has been an improvement in the bar we will not undertake to
decide, as that might be considered invidious. Then the "overjoyful' was not
feared as now and we very well remember several little frolics that the young
men had in those days. Apple toddy till midnight and then a moderate up-
heaving till morning.
" 'Ramp creek' and the 'Forks' in those days met weekly on the public
square to drink whisky and crack jokes and sometimes fists. The girls and
boys did their courting in the same chimney corner where the old folks sit,
as there was commonlv but one room to the dwellings — still it was well done
and soon through. A sociality pervaded S(:K:iety then which is not found now,
as the following instance of kind attention will illustrate :
PTTXAM COLXTV. IXDIAXA. 24I
■'The first temperance meeting was called ant! we had the honor of being
speaker. John S. Jennings. Colonel Sands and friends manifested their good
feeling for the cause by drinking the health of the speaker frequently, during
the speech, from a large bottle of brandy."
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY.
The periofl following the close of the Civil war was one of great com-
mercial and industrial activity everywhere and in no place were the improx'ed
conditions more marked than in Greencastle. As one means of promoting the
city's growth, a street railway to connect the two railroad stations and traxers-
jng the residence section was proposed. On Monday, September 25, 1865,
a meeting of citizens to consider the project was held in the Exchange Bank.
A railroad builder named Sheldon was present and explained how the road
could be Ixu'lt and i~)perated. "propelled by a dum engine, etc.," for thirtv
thousand dollars. A stock company was proposed and can\'assers were sent
out to secure the requisite subscriptions. 'Tf this enterprise is pushed forward
t(i completion." says the Banner, "it will mark an epoch in the historv of our
city of the utmost importance. It will be but the beginning of the work
which shall raise Greencastle to a position in point of wealth, enterprise and
notoriety inferior to none of our sister cities in Indiana. It will give an im-
petus to our onward march in growth and prosperity which shall sweep awav
all obstacles and render us one of the most thriving and commanding com-
munities in the state. Other and vaster improvements and enterprises will
follow upc^n the heels of this one; manufactories of every character will spring
up and the immense wealth of Putnam county in undeveli^ped material will he
brought into requisition and we shall march on as the leading countv rif the
state."
In due season the re([uired thirty thousand dollars of stock was subscribed
and the company dul_\- organized. At the meeting of the stockholders the fol-
lowing directors were chosen: W. D. .\llen. Lee \V. Sinclair, G. H. Voss,
E. T. Keightley. Melvin ^[cKee. Reuben Slavens and William Dagg}-. The
road was promptly built antl successfully operated for many years, the cars
being drawn by horses. In 1895 a new franchise permitting the road to substi-
tute electricitv for horses was granted h\- the city council, but owing to the
removal of the \'andalia passenger station and the probable entry into the
city of an interurban electric road from Indianapolis the further operation of
the horse-car line was deemed unprofitable and the enterprise was abandoned.
.\notlier industry which sprang up soon after the construction of the
( 16 )
242 WEIK S HISTORY OF
street railway was the Greencastle Iron and Nail Company. The organiza-
tion was formed in the spring of 1867. After sixty thousand dollars worth
of stock had been taken the concern was organized as follows : J. F. Darnall,
president; A. S. Bryant, secretary and treasurer; F. P. Nelson, R. M. Hazlett.
William Bridges, John Lundy, Samuel Catherwood. Andrew ^I. Lockridge
and Oliver P. Badger, directors. The factory was built near the Terre Haute
& Indianapolis depot and was operated under the supervision of John Lundy,
who had come from near Pittsburg and was familiar with the iron industry
in all its branches. It at once began the manufacture of nails and employed
in the neighborhood of one hundred fifty hands. By virtue of a commend-
able policy on the part of the management, it was free from labor troubles and
rarely ever shut down save for necessary repairs. It was in continuous opera-
tion for over twenty years. When natural gas was discovered in northeastern
Indiana, the stockholders accepted an offer from the city of Muncie of free
fuel, free factory site and immunity from taxation for five years and moved
(the plant there. It was the greatest and most profitable industrial enterprise,
so far as the interests of the people were concerned, Greencastle harl ever had.
In January, 1868, the prosperity of Greencastle had evidently reached
high tide, as the following item in the Banner at that time will indicate :
"Greencastle is becoming a place of importance. We have one iron and nail
factorv. one foundry and machine shop, two flouring mills, one pump factory,
one carriage factor\-, four wagon shops, seven blacksmith shops, six saloons,
eight churches, thirty-five clergymen, one college, one high school, one young
ladies' school, a number of other schools with efficient teachers, ten physicians,
twentv-four lawyers, a population of five thousand, and more handsome ladies
than any other town in Indiana."
DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS.
Greencastle has been the home and in some cases the birthplace of many
persons of distinction. Among the persons who have thus attracted public
attention are Edward W. AIcGaughey, John Hanna and Courtland C. Mat-
son, who have represented this district in Congress ; Andrew J. Hunter, con-
gressman from Paris, Illinois, who was born in Greencastle; Joseph E. Mc-
Donald, late United States senator from Indiana; Newton Booth, United
States senator from California; James Harlan, United States senator from
Iowa and a member of President Lincoln's cabinet; Daniel W. \'oorhees,
L'nited States senator from Indiana, who graduated from Asbun,- University
and was married in Greencastle; Albert J. Beveridge, United States senator
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 243
from Indiana, who likewise was educated and married in Greencastle ; Albert
G. Porter, late governor of Indiana and a graduate of Asburs^ University;
Delana R. Eckels, late chief justice, supreme court Utah Territory; Delano E.
Williamson, late attorney-general of Indiana; Dr. Hiram E. Talbott, auditor
of Indiana; Thomas Hanna. lieutenant-governor of Indiana; John Clark Rid-
path. the eminent historian, born near Fillmore; Amelia Kussner, the famous
miniature painter, born in Greencastle; Robert Hitt, late congressman from
Illinois, who lived and attended college here : William C. Larrabee and Miles J.
Fletcher, late superintendents of public instruction for Indiana; W. R. Mc-
Keen. late president of the V'andalia railroad, who attended college here, and
Matthew Simpson, Thomas Bowman, Isaac W. Joyce and Edwin H. Hughes,
bishops of the Methodist Episcopal church, all of whom were residents of
Greencastle.
CASUALTIES.
Only two casualties worthy of record — and neither of them attended by
a single death — have ever visited Greencastle. The first was a tornado — or
cyclone as it is now called — which struck the city at eight o'clock in the even-
ing, November 8, 1867. The current issue of the Banner contains a detailed
account of the disaster which is too elaborate for insertion here. The storm,
which came from the southwest, after blowing over dwellings, barns and
everything else in its path, "next struck Asbury University, smashing in the
windows, tearing the bricks from the walls and starting the immense roof,
which for a wonder it did not carry off. Had the roof gone, two hundred
students who were in the building at the time would have been buried beneath
the ruins. Simpson Chapel and the Old Seminary were next struck and al-
most entirely unroofed and parts of the walls carried away. The upper room
in Simpson Chapel was a complete wreck — furniture, chandeliers, evervthing,
in fact, broken to pieces. The roof was precipitated into the yard of Mr.
Westerfield, doing considerable damage. The old Seminary is injured beyond
repair. A part of it was carried across the street and landed in the vard of
J. F. Duckworth. * * * * ^he Baptist church was then struck and en-
tirely destroyed. It was a brick building, erected only a few years since at
a cost of five thousand seven hundred dollars. It seems impossible that a
building apparently- so strong could be so utterly destroyed — the walls torn
down within a few feet of the ground. * * * _4^g j^g-jj- ^g ^.^^^ j^g gathered
the loss will exceed thirteen thousand dollars."
The second misfortune or casualty which visited the good little city of
Greencastle was the noted fire of October. 1874; and as no better storv of it
244
VVEIK S HISTORY OF
is extant than the account by Gilkim Ridpath. the hberty is taken to incor-
porate it in these columns. It was prepared five years after the fire occurred
and is as follows :
"The history of Greencastle for a period of more than fifty years was one
of uninterrupted prosperity. During that time no great calamity of any kind
befell the city to mar the general prosperity or happiness of its citizens. No
great epidemic or contagion has ever spread within its borders, and the relig-
ious character of its citizens has allowed no moral deformity to rear itself in
their midst.
"The historv of the city up to the memorable night of October 28. 1874,
shows a remarkable exemption from fires, only four of any note having oc-
curred previous to that date. The.se were the destruction of Lee W. Sinclair's
woolen-mill in 1865, R. L. Higert's brewery in 187 1, Mr. Gage's flouring-
mill in 1872, and the Indiana Female College in the year following. In con-
sequence of this immunity from anything like a general conflagration, the city
was totally unprepared for such an emergency when the time of trial came.
"On the night mentioned, about half past ten o'clock, the planing-mill of
C. J. Kimble & Son caught fire and was soon enveloped in flames. A brisk
gale from the southwest carried the burning embers in its course, and in the
short space of four or five hours nearly six squares of the best business blocks
and private residences were laid waste. In those few hours were consumed
thirty-seven business houses, twelve dwellings, two livery stables, one hotel,
one furniture factory, one express office and the postoffice. Added to these,
a large number of outhouses and a vast amount of personal property fell a
prey to the devouring flames. Both in its suddenness and destructiveness,
the damage done to Greencastle was greater, in proportion to size, population
and wealth, than that done to Chicago by the great fire in that city.
"At the anniversary meeting held by the citizens one year after the fire,
a committee on losses and insurance reported a loss of capital amounting to
two hundred fifty-six thousand one hundred and thirty-four dollars, on which
there was an insurance of one hundred sixteen thousand three hundred and
eio-hty-one dollars. The same committee reported that there should be added
to the above sum a considerable amount of unestimated loss, making the total
much larger than that presented, and the historical committee placed their esti-
mate at the sum of four hundred thousand dollars.
"On the night of ]\Iarch 8. 1875. another fire broke out, originating in
Sherfey's furniture store. The flames soon communicated to the block of
buildings fronting on the south side of the square, the best block remaining in
the citv. The reported losses by this fire were in the aggregate forty-three
PL'TXA.M COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 245
thousand and seventy-seven dollars, on which tiiere was an insurance of thirty-
seven thousand six hundred and twenty-seven dollars.
"Never did the character of Greencastle's citizens show to better advan-
tage than during the year succeeding the fire. Within that time, there were
made or nearly completed brick and store improvements to the value of two
hundred fifty-two thousand five huntlred dollars and wooden buildings and re-
pairs wonh ninety-eight thousand three huntlred and five dollars, making a
total of three hundred fifty-nine thousand eight hundred and five dollars.
These works required the consumption of four million eight hundred sixty-five
thousand brick, and stone valued as it came from the quarr>' at thirty
thousand dollars. During the same period, there were made by the city, street
improvements worth six thousand dollars. Within the same time, the city
had provided two fire engines, two engine houses with alarm bells, eleven cis-
terns and one pool, having a united capacity of nearly ten thousand barrels,
and there was organized a fire department in two companies alrearly well
drilled and disciplined, to fight the fire fiend whenever he might show his
lurid front.
"At the end of the year there were in the city seventy-five mercantile
houses, employing a business capital, exclusive of cash and real estate neces-
sary for their various operations, amounting in the aggregate to three hundred
fifty-five thousand dollars, doing a business of over nine hundred thousand
dollars per annum, employing directly about one hundred and seventy-fi\e per-
sons and supporting over four hundred and fifty.
"There were, also, eighteen manufacturing establishments, having a com-
bined capital of three himdred six thousand dollars and employing three hun-
dred and fifty-eight operatives. The weekly payments for labor in these were
four thousand five hundred and fifteen dollars and per annum two hundred
twelve thousand dollars. The annual products from these factories were
worth at first sale five hundred eighty-seven thousand four hundred dollars.
The value of raw material consumed cannot be given. These estimates for
merchandising and manufacturing are given exclusive of persons indirectly
eniphjyed, such as railroaders, draymen and common laborers."
What has taken place in Greencastle since the incidents just related are
matters of such recent occurrence no part of their history has, thus far, es-
caped the attention of the average reader of this volume. To recount them,
therefore, would be a needless repetition. Some items may have been over-
looked, but they are of minor importance and their omission in no degree
mars the outline of the story. Of her people and her achievements Green-
castle is justly proud. She rejoices in her past prosperity and her future is
full of promise.
Col. Alexander S. Farrow
BIOGRAPHICAL.
COL. ALEXANDER SHORE FARROW.
Xo history of Putnam county would be complete without a resume of
the intensely interesting and useful life record of Col. Alexander S. Farrow,
who was, more than three decades ago, called to a higher plane of action. He
is well remembered for his many good deeds and strong innate characteristics,
having left behind him. among many other treasured inheritances, what is
most to be desired— a good name.
Colonel Farrow was bom near Grassy Lick. Montgomen.- county, Ken-
tucky, April 21, 1794. His father. William Farrow, a sterling representative
of Scotch-Irish parentage, caught the spirit of the tide of emigration that
poured through the Cumberland Gap and other passes of the Blue Ridge
mountains in the early days, and left his Virginia homestead to try his for-
tunes anew in the then boundless undeveloped middle West. Those were days
that tried men's souls and such tedious, hazardous journeys were no pleasure
excursions, and for years after the advent of the first settlers, the stockaded
village ami huge block-house were the only title proofs to the soil, but the
reign of the savage here was forever ended by General Wayne's campaign of
1794. In the closing year of this Indian war, Mr. Farrow was born, and he
grew to manhood before the countty around his home had been entirely re-
claimed from primitive conditions. Thus familiarized from childhood with
the simple customs and wants of the pioneer farmer, he became qualified for
the part he afterward performed in the opening and settling of a new country.
In August following the declaration of war against Great Britain in 1812,
three regiments of volunteer infantry and one of regulars left Georgetown,
Kentucky, for the relief of Detroit. Alexander S. Farrow, then a lad of
eighteen, could not repress his youthful patriotism and joined this detach-
ment under Capt. Samuel L. Williams. At the crossing of the Ohio they re-
ceived the news of the surrender of Detroit and Michigan Territory by Gen-
eral Hull to the British, but continued their march under General Harrison to
24o WEIK S HISTORY OF
Ft. Wayne, on the Maiiniee. which was invested by the Indians, and young
Farrow participated in the subsequent operations against the red men, under-
going the vicissitudes incident to a soldier, their sufferings from hard marches,
cold and privations in general lieing ver\- tiying, and thev were frequently re-
duced to the point of starvation. '"At one time," Mr. Farrow related, "we
went seventeen days without a mouthful of bread, subsisting on fat pork
alone." It was interesting to hear him relate the trials of those davs, how the
horses died of exhaustion or became useless from star\ation, so that the sleds
carrying their baggage were drawn by the soldiers themselves, si.x men being
harnessed in the place of one horse. At night they bivouacked in the frozen
forest, sleeping on beds of bark and boughs upon which thev spread their
blankets. The morning reveille woke many a poor fellow to the consciousness
of frosted limbs and racking rheumatic pains. The first week in January a
two- foot snow fell which rendered their marches slower and more painful.
At this stage of the return march a runner brought news of the threatening
of Frenchtown by the British and Indians and a detachment of five hundred
soldiers was sent to the town's relief. In that detachment was young Far-
row, who was destined shortly to more trying experiences than ever. He
fought under General Winchester there iji a losing battle against General Proc-
tor's forces and was taken prisoner to Maiden, escaping the famous massacre
of the River Raisin. He with his comrades were confined for many days
in open warehouses, where they suffered from lack of fire and food. From
^Maiden they were marched through southern Canada to Fort George on the
Niagara river, a journey of two weeks, at which place they were parolled and
sent across the line. From this point the\' crossed the country on foot to
Pittsburg, and thence by water to Kentucky. Xotuithstanding the hard-
ships of this adventure in the wild and frozen north, be.set with the gravest
dangers, young Farrow never regretted his service to iiis countr)-.
Shortly after his return from his experience in tiie army. Colonel Far-
row was married, being }et under age. and settled in the neighborhood of his
old home, adopting the occupation of a fanner. On ^-fay 26, 1815, he was
commissioned bv Gov. Lsaac Shelby adjutant of the Thirty-first Regiment of
the Kentucky Militia, and on December 22. 1820. Governor Adair appointed
him brigade inspector of the Fifth Brigade, -\bout this time he became a
candidate for the Legislature, and canvassed his nati\-e county in a series of
convincing sjjceches, being an enthusiastic supporter of Henr\- Cla\' and his
doctrine. He was subsequently elected and \ery ably served one or more
terms in the General .\s.semijly, being barely eligible at the time of his first
election and perhaps the \oungest man in tlie .\ssembly.
PUTXAM COLNTV, IXDIAXA. 249
In 1830 Colonel I'arrow tleteniiined to cast his lot in the new state of
Indiana, where cheaper lands and better facilities were offered to the wants
of a large and growing family. Accordingly he arrived in Putnam county
in the antnmn i)f that year, and settled nine miles north of Greencastle. on
lands purchased, in part, of the original preemptors. He immeiliately took
an active and leading part in the opening and deselopment of the new country,
and from the first assumed broad antl liberal \ieus in all his undertakings
and in his intercourse and dealings with his neighbors. He was one of the
first to introduce blue grass into the coimty. and was the first to sow it ex-
tensively, having brought a supply of the seed on his removal from Kentucky.
He also made several trips to Ohio and his native state, bringing back valuable
breeds of horses and cattle, which he used extensively for the improvement of
the stock of the country. March 15, 183J. Governor Xoble commissioned
him colonel of the Fifty-sixth Regiment of Militia and as such he regularly
took part in the annual drills and musters.
Being a devoted member of the church. Colonel Farrow early felt the
deprivation occasioned by the want of such an association in his new home.
and. with characteristic promptitude, he organized in his own house, with
the aid of a few of his neighbors, the first church association e\er held in that
part of the country, the organization consisting of nine members. Colonel
Farrow and wife. James Xelson and wife. Henr\- Foster and wife and a Mr.
Blake, also John Leaton and wife.
In 185 1 Colonel Farrow was elected one of the representatives from Put-
nam county to the state constitutional convention, and the records of that
assemblage will show that during the four months" session he was never
absent from his seat or evaded a vote on any of the r|uestions that came be-
fore that body, for he never desired to conceal his views on any subject.
Early in life Colonel Farrow took a decided stand for the cause of tem-
perance and the suppression of the litpior traffic. He was among the first
to throw the whiskv jug from his house and announce to his neighbors that
he would furnish no more liquor at log-rollings and husking-bees, let the
consequences be what thev would. His example was later followed by many
of his neighbors.
Colonel Farrow [xisses.sed remarkably strong qualities lx)th of head and
heart, and he w as at all times manly and dignifiefl in character and honest and
outspoken in the expression of his views and opinions. Hyp<icrisy and du-
plicity found no lodgment in his composition, and his inability to see such
traits in others often led to his being imposed upon by designing and un-
scrupulous men. He was alike free from an envious and jealous disix)sition.
250 WEIK S HISTORY OF
and it has been said of him, indeed, that, practically, he did not know the
meaning of the terms. He possessed the virtue of patience in a remarkable
degree, and whether in health or sickness, in prosperity or misfortune, his
mind adapted itself with philosophic complaisance to the conditions of his lot.
His natural bent of mind was toward politics, subject to a strong moral and
religious supervision, and being an honest opponent and always remarkably
conscientious, the later-day school of politics found no favor in his sight. He
was a close and constant reader on all topics of the day, his mind being, seem-
ingly, as clear at fourscore to percei\e and analyze the drift of events as in
the prime and vigor of life. His religious convictions were the steady and
gradual growth of a lifetime, and became at length remarkably strong and
deep seated. He was moral from his childhood, and, as an instance of his
moral rectitude of mind, it may be told, that on the occasion of his marriage,
although not a member of the church, he announced to his wife that they
would begin life with the daily practice of family prayer.
Colonel Farrow was twice married, and was the father of six sons and
four daughters, all of them the children of his first wife, whose maiden name
was Elizabeth Nelson. The total number of his descendants at the time of his
death was ninety-six. Two of his children, William Simpson and Francis
Marion, had died.
This venerable and, in many respects, remarkable patriarch was gathered
in the fullness of his years to the reward of his merits on March 31, 1877,
at the home of his eldest daughter in Greencastle, leaving behind him the rich
remembrance of a blameless life to become the inheritance of his children and
his children's children forever, while he sleeps the sleep of the just on the
old homestead nine miles north of Greencastle, in the family cemeterj-. Here,
in the soil he had reclaimed from the wilderness, by the highway he had
traveled when it was but a blazed trail, and in sight of the church he had or-
ganized in his early manhood, he rests from his weary pilgrimage of four
score years, but the light of his example is still shining brightly on the path-
wavs of his numerous descendants.
COL. COURTLAXD CUSHIXG MATSON.
It is no easy task to describe adequately a man who has led an eminently
active and busy life and who has attained a position of relative distinction
in the community with which his interests are allied. But biography finds
its most perfect justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 25 1
such a life history. It is. then, with a full appreciation of all that is demanded
and of the painstaking scrutiny that must be accorded every statement, and
yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task of setting
forth the details of such a record as has been that of Colonel Matson, who has
won wide distinction as a lawyer, soldier, statesman and public-spirited citizen
of Putnam county, where he has been too well-known for more than a half
century to need a formal introduction to the readers of this work. In exam-
ining his life record we find much that is worthy of commendation and his
varied and mteresting career could be profitably emulated in many ways by
the youth whose destinies are yet matters for the future to determine. In
early life he found it essential that he should conquer, and this could only be
done by labor, study, resolute and heroic action. He obeyed the commands
of industry from the beginning and his methods have always been those of
persevering and indefatigable attention to business — truly the philosopher's
stone which transmutes all things to gold. His energies lia\e always been
concentrated on a fixed, steady, unalterable and honorable purpose, that of
attaining success in his profession and dignifying it by obser\'ing the canons
of morality, honestv and integrity, by which it can only be exalted.
Colonel ^latson is a native of Brookville. Indiana, where he first saw
the light of dav April 2^. 1S41. the son of Hon. John A. ^latson, one of the
distinguished attorneys and politicians of his day and generation in Indiana, a
descendant of an excellent pioneer ancestry. He received a good education
for tho.se early davs and equipped himself for his profession, beginning the
practice of law in Brookville in 1833 and continued there until 1S51. becom-
ing known as one of the leading lawyers of that section of the state, and from
which place he moved to Greencastle, seeking a larger field for the exercise
of his talents, successfully practicing here until his death. July 15. 1870. He
was a strong man in the political affairs of the state for many years and had
the distinction of being the Whig candidate for Congress in the old Brook-
ville district, and he was a member of the Legislature in 1S41. He was a
man of many sterling characteristics and wielded a very potent influence in
his section of the state. He was married in 1833. while living at Brookville,
to Margaretta M. Woelpper, a native of Philadelphia, who came to Brook-
ville in 1832. She was of Welsh descent, while Mr. Matson's ancestors
were Scotch-Irish.
Colonel Matson was ten years old when he accompam'ed his parents to
Greencastle. in 185 1. When he reached the proper age he was placed in
school, and, being an ambitious latl and desirous of following in the footsteps
of his father in the legal profession, he was very studious and made an excel-
252 WEIK S HISTORY OF
lent record, both in public and private schools. Completing his preparatory
work, he entered DePauw (then Asbury) University, from which institution
he was graduated with honor in the class of 1862, having left the university
at the breaking out of the Civil war for the purpose of enlisting. later grad-
uating from this institution without further study.
As a law student. Colonel Matson had for his able preceptor none other
than his worthy father, with whom and Hon. Solomon Claypool he formed
a partnership after being admitted to the bar, the firm continuing as one of
the strongest in the county until the death of the senior Matson, young JVIat-
son then forming a partnership with Judge Cla}-pool, which continued until
the latter's removal to Indianapolis in 1873, after which he practiced his
profession alone until 1880 with the e.xception of one year, when he had as
a partner Henr\- H. Mathias, under the firm name of Matson & Mathias.
Having taken an active interest in politics from early youth, Colonel
Matson was soon singled out by party leaders as a likely candidate for public
offices of importance, and in the early eighties he was elected to Congress
from the fifth district of Indiana and served with a most creditable and
praiseworthy record through four consecutive Congresses, from the forty-
seventh to the fiftieth, inclusive. In these he was one of the conspicuous
Democratic figures in our national politics, winning, by his unusual tact,
fidelity to the trusts reposed in him and his persistency in what he believed
to be right, not only the admiration and respect of his colleagues but the
hearty commendation of his constituents, irrespective of party affiliations.
Having become so popular in Indiana as a result of his splendid record in
Congress, his party selected him as their candidate for Governor in 1888,
but he was defeated in a very spirited contest by Hon. Alvin P. Hovey, by
two thousand one hundred and ninety-one votes. The Colonel then resumed
his practice at Greencastle, and soon afterwards became attornev for the
Louisville, Xew Albany & Chicago Railroad Company, for the state of
Indiana, which position he held very satisfactorily for a period of four vears,
at the end of which he again took up practice at Greencastle, and also formed
a partnership with Hon. Joseph Giles at Bedford, Indiana, which was con-
tinued for several years, his son. Smith C. Matson, becoming his partner in
the Greencastle office in the meantime. In 1872 Colonel Matson was elected
prosecuting attorney of Putnam county and during his incumbencv of this
office he successfully prosecuted the Vandalia Railroad Company to recover
school fund money due from its earnings under the special charter. From
1868 to 1870 he was district attorney, the prosecuting office of the common
pleas court. In 1878 he was chairman of the Democratic state committee
and as such did a great work for the party in Indiana.
PCTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 253
Colonel Matson. when twenty years of age and while a student in Green-
castle, enlisted in a company of students, known as "'Asbury Guards." on
April 14. i86r. the day after Fort Sumter was fired upon, and serving as
such until June 5. 1862. in Company K, Sixteenth Regiment Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry. On the last mentioned date he was elected second lieutenant
of his company and served very gallantly as such until the expiration of his
term of enlistment. Soon after his discharge he was appointed adjutant of
the post at Terre Haute. Hon. R. W. Thompson being the commandant,
and upon the organization of the Seventy-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, he was made adjutant of the regiment, which lost all its field
officers. August 30. 1862. they being killed at the battle of Richmond. Ken-
tucky, and Mr. Matson was at once appointed to succeed Lieut.-Col. M. D.
Topping. Early in 1863 the Seventy-first was changed to a cavalrv regiment,
— the Sixth Indiana. — of which organization Mr. ^latson served as lieu-
tenant-colonel until the close of the war. May. 1865 ; then the Fifth and Si.xth
Indiana Cavalry were formed into one regiment and Mr. Matson was appointed
its colonel, in which capacity he continued to serve until October, followino-,
when he was mustered out of the service, having made a gallant soldier and
a most creditable record, having participatetl in all the important battles in
the \\'est up to Atlanta, in 1864. also took part in numerous skirmishes in
Sherman's campaign. He has long been an active member of the Grand
Army of the Republic.
On December 12. 1871, Colonel Matson was married to Mary X. Far-
row, second daughter of Col. William L. Farrow, an old and highlv esteemed
family of the county. The Colonel and wife are the parents of three chil-
dren. Smith C. a prominent attorney at Ardmore. Oklahoma: Rees F.. and
Mary Xelson. now the wife of Charles Walter Brown, living in Chicago.
Colonel Matson's record in the service of his fellow men is a lono- one
and many instances could be cited of his fidelity to his country-men, especiallv
while a member of Congress. In the forty-ninth session he introduced a bill
. and had it passed under the suspension of the rules, known as the "Dependent
Pension" bill, which President Cleveland vetoed. He was chairman of the
committee on invalid pensions in the forty-eighth, forty-ninth and fiftieth
Congresses. Fraternally he is well up in Masonr}', having attained the
Royal Arch degree.
On August 24. 1909. Governor Marshall appointed Colonel Matson a
member of the state board of tax commissioners, for four years, on his own
motion, when there were seventy-three applicants.
254 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Colonel Matson has tried many of the most important civil and criminal
cases in Indiana, his record as a lawyer ranking- second to none in the state.
He infuses his personality, courage and conscience into his work, is active
among his books, is determined and has the strength of will for achievement.
Habits of systematized thought, study and reflection have invigorated his
mind and he has always had clear discernments of the law, comprehension
of its principles, and, to points in contention, the genius of their application.
He is a safe and competent adviser, being a man of firm and decided convic-
tions, whether in the law, in politics as a Democrat or in any department of
thought or action embodying his time and attention. Frank, bold, honest,
aggressive, he or his position can not well be misunderstood, acting and
thinking quickly, but never evading, always meeting a situation squarely.
He is known as a man of energy, intellect, will; has self-purpose, resolution
and determination, throwing his entire force of body and mind upon his
work; but his self-reliance has not been wholly acquired; it was born in him.
In his private and social relations he is enjoyable, genial, animated, enter-
taining and at all times the well bred, genteel gentleman. There is no pre-
tense or display about him, caring little for the "lime light," merely desiring
to do his duty as he sees and understands it and to be of the greatest service
to his country.
SIMPSON FARROW LOCKRIDGE.
The gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch belongs to
that class of men who win in life's battles by sheer force of personality and
determination, coupled with soundness of judgment and keen discernment,
and in whatever he has undertaken he has shown himself to be a man of
ability and honor, always ready to lend his aid in defending principles affect-
ing the public good, having very ably and conscientiously served his country
in the capacities of legislator and soldier and equally well in many roles dur-
ing a career altogether commendable.
Simpson Farrow Lockridge was born on his father's farm, fifteen miles
north of Greencastle, Indiana, January 23, 1846, the son of Andrew M.
Lockridge. one of the early pioneers of Putnam county and a man remem-
bered by a large circle of friends and acquaintances for his probity of char-
acter and habits of industry. He was of Scotch descent on his father's side
and of Irish extraction on his mother's, both born in Montgomery county,
Kentucky, where they grew to maturity, married and successfully engaged in
PUTNAM COUXTY. INDIANA. 255
farming, in fact the Lockridges for many generations have been well-known
agriculturists and stock breeders and raisers in both Kentucky and Indiana,
and Simpson F. seems to have inherited from his worthy progenitors his
love for fine stock and well cultivated fields, thus making him one of the best
known breeders of fine stock in this part of the state. In 1835 the family
moved from Kentuclcy to Indiana, locating upon land in Putnam county,
which was purchased by Grandfather Lockridge shortly before his death,
and here, amid primitive conditions, like other pioneers of those early days,
a home was established, a clearing made in the wilderness and in due course
of time a good farm developed.
Andrew M. Lockridge married Elizabeth S. Farrow, daughter of Col.
A. S. Farrow, a sterling pioneer of Indiana, having come to this state from
Kentucky in 1830. He was a prominent man in political affairs and had the
distinction of being a member of the convention that framed the constitution
of the state. The names Lockridge and Farrow appear on the regimental
rolls of the Revolutionary war and the war of 1S12. also the frontier Indian
wars. Desiring to perpetuate the military records of these sterling families,
Simpson F. Lockridge endeavored to enlist in the Union army early in the
Civil war, but was not permitted to do so longer than a short period at a time ;
however, he saw some service during the years 1862, 1863 and 1864, while a
member of the Seventy-eighth and One Hundred and Thirty-third Indiana
A'olunteer Regiments. He proved his mettle so well and was so faithful in
the performance of every duty that when he received his last honorable dis-
charge he wore the straps of a sergeant. This service made him eligible for
membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and he was honored by
General Torrence of Minnesota, as aide-de-camp on his staff when the latter
was commander-in-chief of the organization.
After he returned from his army career Mr. Lockridge entered Asbury
(now DePauw) University, where he made a splendid record and from which
institution he was graduated in 1868. He had applied himself so assiduously
to his text books that he impaired his health, and to recuperate he visited
the Pacific coast, remaining there about a year, returning home greatly in-
vigorated. He then gratified an ambition of long standing by beginning the
study of law; but finding Blackstone more irksome than he had anticipated
and having a natural longing for the out-of-doors, he abandoned the law
and turned his attention to breeding fine cattle, having always been a lover
of blooded stock, and he readily conceived the idea of greatly improving the
breed of the cattle then in Putnam county, knowing that this would mean
much in a financial way to not only himself but to the whole community,
256 weik's history of
and lie accordingly set to work developing a plan with this end in view, with
the result that he has accomplished an untold amount of good for his fellow
men and has doubtless surpassed in this and in a financial way anything ht
could have done had he continued in the law. His pure-bred stock soon
became widely known and were the admiration of all, buyers coming to him
from all parts of the county and adjoining counties soon after he began his
work in 1872. In 1874 he visited Canada in quest of a bull as leader of the
herd, finally selecting "Lord Strathallan," an unusually splendid specimen
of the bovine tribe. He was bred in Scotland and Mr. Lockridge paid the
sum of twenty-five hundred dollars for him and shipped him to his farm in
Putnam county. Since that time great advancement has been made and Mr.'
Lockridge has become widely known as one of the best authorities on Short-
horn cattle in the country, now keeping a large herd of pure-bred Shorthorn
cattle on his excellent farm of several hundred acres, which is one of the
model farms of Putnam county, being well improved in every respect, is well
tilled and on it stands a modern and attractive residence and substantial and
commodious barns and outbuildings.
Mr. Lockridge has the distinction of being one of the organizers of the
American Shorthorn Breeders' .-\ssociation. and he has been an important
factor in the affairs of the same from the first, having been a director in the
association since its incorporation and he has held the office of president and
secretary.
Mr. Lockridge formerly took considerable interest in politics and was
often called into the councils of his party. As a result of his public-spirit,
his genuine worth and his efforts in behalf of the Republican party, he was
nominated and elected as state senator from Putnam and Hendricks counties,
serving two tenns from 1880 to 1884, making a record that was entirely
creditable to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents, irrespective
of party ties. Personally he is a good mi.xer, genial, genteel, well informed
on all current topics and a man in whom the utmost confidence is reposed
bv those who know him best.
GEORHE WORTH BEXCE. M. D,
In presenting the record of this successful and representative member of
the Bence familv. one of the best established and most highly honored of Put-
nam county during the i)ast half century, the reader will not only find much
that will prove interesting, but may profit by those experiences which, when
^Ix^-v-^^^'-C
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 257
properl\- applied to those conditions that (juite generally fall to the lot (jt the
a\erage man. invariably lead to success. For the past quarter of a century
he has been one of the leading physicians in this community which has long
been noted for the high order of its medical talent, his name having become
a household w ord not only to the citizens of Greencastle but to those residing
in remote parts of the county and in adjoining coimties. He is also regarded
as one of the county's foremost citizens, being deepl\' concerned in all that
pertains to its general uplift and. although a very busv man. he is always readv
to do his full share in furthering any mo\ement looking to the general good.
Doctor Bence was born near Louisville, in Jefferson county, Kentucky,
Xovember 1 1, 1846. His father, Philip Bence. was also a native of the Blue
Grass state, where he grew to maturity, was educated and where he took up
farming, which he made his life work. He moved to Indiana in 1853. locating
in Washington township. Putnam county, where he lived until his death, in
i88j, at the age of eighty-one years, having been born in 1801. He \\as a
very industrious and honest man. respected by all who knew him, and he
became inriuential in Washington township, although he led a rather quiet life
on his farm. He was one of fifteen children bom to Pliilip Bence, Sr.. and
wife. The Bence family comes of good old German stock on both the pa-
ternal and maternal sides. C^irandfather Philip Bence, Sr.. was a nati\"e of
Pennsylvania, from which state he descended the Ohio rixer in a flatboat to
Louisville. Kentuck}-. in a veiy early da\'. The Doctor's father first married
L}-dia Doup. of Mar\land. In- w hich union four children were born, nameh- :
Fountain R., Onesimus O.. Tabitha E. and Jeptha D. These children have
long since passed to the great be\"ond. each ha\'ing li\'ed to be over se\'entv
years of age, the psalmist's allotted span of }-ears to mankind. Philip Pence
chose as his second wife Anna ^'enawine. by which union si.x children were
Ijorn, named as folliiws : luhn A., who li\es on the old home farm in Washing-
ton township: Lydia. now deceased, was the wife of John Lydick, of Putnam
count}- : Lcnn'sa J. is the wife of Philip Plutcheson. residing in Washington
township; Genexa .\.. wIki nnrried G. C. Smith, is deceased; ]\[atikla M. mar-
ried Levi Plepler and the\' are both deceased: Dr. G. W.. of this review, was
the youngest in order of biith.
When se\en veai's of age. George W. Bence came to Putnam count v.
Indiana, w ith his parents. He received a common school education and w orked
nn the hduie farm until he was twenty-three years of age. In 1869 he grati-
fied a desire of long standing by beginning the study of medicine with Dr.
Jiihn Wilcox in Greencastle. with whoiu he remained one year, then entered
the medical department of the L'niversity of \'irginia, where he made rapid
(17)
25S weik's history of
strides in materia medica and from which institntion he was graduated with
honor in June. 1S71. being one of thirteen who were graduated from a class
of sixt}'-fi\'e.
Thus being well equipped to enter his chosen profession, the Doctor
opened an office on August i, 1871, at Carbon. Clay county, Indiana, where
he soon had a good foothold and where he practiced with increasing success
for a period of eight years. On July 9, 1879. he came to Greencastle and
he has maintained his office here ever since. While living at Carbon he took
a post-graduate course on diseases of the eye, in New York, with the noted
Doctors Noyes and Mittendorf. He also studied for three months with Dr.
John Green of St. Louis. He has successfully engaged in continuous practice
here since the date mentioned above.
Doctor Bence has long been interested in politics, finding time in the midst
of his manifold duties to take an active part in party affairs, and while living
in Clay count v in 1874. he was elected to the lower house of the state Legisla-
ture, and was a member of the regular and special sessions of 1875, in which
he made his influence felt on the floor and in committee work, and he repre-
sented his locality in a very able and conscientious manner, reflecting credit
upon himself and receiving the hearty commendation of his constituents.
Doctor Bence was secretary of the Putnam county board of health for a period
of twentv-two vears, beginning in 1882, when the law was first passed, and
serving until 1904. During that long period the affairs pertaining to this
branch of the countv's business were looked after with a fidelity that resulted
in incalculable good and in winning for the Doctor the hearty praise of all
classes.
The domestic chapter in the life of Doctor Bence dates from 1873, '^vhen
he espoused Kizzie C. Pratt, a native of Clay county, who lived only three
weeks after their wedding. In 1876 he married Sibbie Loftus. of Carbon,
Indiana, who was a native of this county, and her death occurred in October,
1881. Two children resulted from this union, one dying before the mother
passed awav and the other four years later. On January 16, 1884, Doctor
Bence married Alinnie Brandon, of Greencastle, who was born on a boat on
the Hudson river. New York. Three children were born to this union,
namely; Era, born in 1890: Edna, bom in 1891 ; the other child died in in-
fancy. Both the living children are at this writing attending DePauw Uni-
versitv, where they are making excellent records.
The Doctor is a Mason in his fraternal relations, belonging to Temple
Lodo-e, No. 47. He has also taken the degrees of the Scottish rite up to and
including the thirty-second. He has been very successful from a financial
PL'TXA.M COUNTY, INDIANA. ' 259
Standpoint, and he is at this writing president of the Owl Drug Company and
the Red Cross Drug Company, both of Greencastle. He was one of the first
breeders of Angora goats in Indiana and has shipped them all over the coun-
try, having recently shipped a consignment to Argentine Republic. He now
maintains a goat farm and his fine goats are admired by all who see them.
He owns some valuable farms and much city propertv. He endowed the
German library of DePauw University with the sum of two thousand dollars.
He is president of the Plezee Company, manufacturers of the celebrated soft
drink known as "Plezee" all over the country. He is president of the Green-
castle Commercial Club, the success of which has been very largely due to his
wise counsel and active interest in promoting the city's various affairs. He is
secretary of the Live Oak Plantation Company, which owns over twelve thou-
sand acres of lands in Louisiana. The company raises hogs, cattle, rice,
fruits, etc.. and it has proven to be a very successful venture.
Doctor Bence's methods are in keeping with the progressive spirit of the
twentieth centur}- and the splendid condition of the propertv over which he
has charge is a monument to his well directed efforts. He is a man of broad
humanitarian principles, earnest purpose and upright life, and bv all is es-
teemed for his courteous manner, genial disposition and genuine worth.
OUIXTOX BROADSTREET.
Among the best known and most highly respected families of Putnam
county is found the one bearing the name that forms the caption of this
article, members of which have figured conspicuously in the business and
social life of the county since the pioneer days, assisting in the general
development of the same whenever possible. Ouinton Broadstreet is regarded
by all who know him as a man of strong mentality, invincible courage and
determined individuality, and he has so entered into the historv of his
section of the great Hoosier state as to make his presence felt as a factor
in its industrial affairs, and in a large sense he may be classed as a director
of thought in matters of business coming within his special province. Like
many of the solid and substantial men of Greencastle. he has long endeavored
to advance the interests of the community at large while laboring for his own
advancement and he has therefore won the confidence and esteem of all
classes. He is a native of Hendricks county, Indiana, having been born at
Stilesville. August 14, 1837, the son of James and Alelvira A. (Gentry)
26o WEIK S HISTORY OF
Broadstreet. the former a native of Jackson county. Indiana, and the latter
of BuHitt county. Kentucky. The father was a plain, old-fashioned farmer,
but a man of influence in his community, being scrupulously honest and kind
to his neighbors and strangers as well. He spent practically all his life in
Mill Creek township. Putnam county, where his death occurred in 1884, at
the age of sixty-si.x years. His paternal ancestors were Irish and they came
to America prior to the Revolutionary war. his father being Thomas Broad-
street, who was a pioneer of Washington county. Indiana, settling there very
early in the nineteenth century. He removed to Marion township, this
countv. in i8_'5, where he entered eighty acres which he worked in connection
with church work, he having been an earnest Missionary Baptist minister and
"he became well known in this locality in that connection and his services
were greativ appreciated by the first settlers here. Melvira A. Gentry, the
maiden name of the mother of Ouinton Broadstreet, was a woman of many
admirable traits of character. She spent her early youth in Kentucky, coming
to Hendricks county, Indiana, when fifteen years old, accompanying her par-
ents, who located there. Her death occurred in 1894. To Mr. and Mrs.
Tames Broadstreet ten children were born, namely : Ouinton, of this review ;
Eliza J., now deceased, married Calvin Hurst; Isaac B. died when seventeen
years of age; Rachael, who married David Haines, is deceased; Sarah Ann,
who married Henderson Layne, is deceased; Xancy is the wife of John W.
Stringer, residing in Mill Creek township. Putnam county; Thomas H. lives
at Coatsville, Hendricks county ; Mary Ellen is deceased ; Jerusha died when
eighteen vears of age ; John C. resides in Mill Creek township.
Ouinton Broadstreet removed with his parents from Stilesville. Indiana,
to a farm when he was but a child, and when of proper age he began working
on the farm and continued agricultural pursuits until 1888. when he mo\ed to
Greencastle and engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business with
W. B. Vestal. He has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative business
in this line owing to his close application to his individual affairs, his minute
knowledge i)f real estate values in this locality and his fair and conscientious
treatment of all with whom he has dealings. He was very successful as a
farmer and stockman, and he still retains his farming interests, which are
e.\tensi\e and waluable.
Mr. Broadstreet was first married on ]^Iarch 22. 1864, to Sarah Ellen
Euis. who was born in this county, her people being highly respected here
in the latter half of the nineteenth century. This marriage resulted in the
birth of the following children : Melvira Ann is the wife of C. Elmer Wal-
lace, of Mill Creek township: Ida E. died when eighteen years of age: Francis
PL'TNAM COrXTY, INDIANA. 261
Marion died at tlie age of t\\ent\': Leander died at the age of eighteen years;
Charles P. was a leading grocer of Greencastle and one of the most popular
young business men of the city, but is now farming; James Virgil died at the
age of eighteen years; Delia May is the wife of William B. Peck, of Green-
castle; Ernest died in childhooc.l. The mother of these children was called
to her rest in 1887 and Mr. Broadstreet was marriefl in 1900 to Margaret J.
Walters, of Greencastle. where she has a wide circle of friends. This union
is without issue.
Mr. Broadstreet was trustee (^f Mill Creek township for several vears
and was also assessor of that township, filling each office with credit to him-
self and satisfaction to all concerned. Politically he is a Democrat, but is
not active in the party. Owing to his well-known business ability he acts
as administrator of numerous estates, and d(ies much similar work in con-
nection with his own office work. Personally he is a man of imposing pres-
ence, portly, energetic, jolly, courteous and always generous and hospitable,
hence his easy manner of making and retaining friends. He has been very
successful in life in a financial way. and now that the shadows of the evening
of life have begun to lengthen he can look backward over a career that is satis-
factorv in the main, one o\er which no shadow of evil rests, conscii^us of the
fact that he has done the best he could with his opportunities and enxironment
and that he has benefited man\- who ha\-e been associated with him in all the
relatiiins n\ life.
ALEXANDER H. LOCKRIDGE.
A worthy representati\ e of one of the leading families of Putnam
county is .Me.xander H. Lockridge. well kn<n\n farmer and stock dealer.
Throughout tlie country he eiijo}'s distinctive prestige among the enterprising
business men. having earned the right to be called one of the progressive
men of this locality, having fought Ins way onward and upward to a promi-
nent position in industrial circles and in e\ery relation of life his \'oice and
influence are on the side of right as he sees and understands the right. He
is a native of this county and has spent his life here, his birth having occurred
June 10. 1848. the son of Andrew M. and Elizabeth (Farrow) Lockridge.
His ancestors i:)n both sides of the house were pioneers of Putnam countv,
and owing to the fact that much space is devoted to them elsewdiere in this
work, their life records will not be repeated here; suffice it to say in passing
that no more worth v rir influential people ever honored the Hoosier state with
their j^resence.
262 weik's history of
Alexander H. Lockridge was educated in the public schools, later at-
tended DePauw University, which in those early days was known as Asbury
University, receiving an excellent education. He began working on the home
place early in his youth and he has devoted his life to farming and stock
raising with splendid success attending his efforts. He is a typical twentieth-
century agriculturist, broad minded, alert, promoting new lines and phases
of the same in a manner that stamps him as fully abreast of the times, and only
a cursory glance at his model and very desirable farm is sufficient to indicate
that a gentleman of thrift and good taste has its management in hand, and,
being one of the best and most extensive stock feeders in the county, he has
become widely known to stock men locally and at distant markets where
high-grade stock, such as he always offers for sale, are duly appreciated and
sought after.
Mr. Lockridge is the owner of fifteen hundred acres of valuable land
in Putnam county, which is kept well improved and tilled, bounteous crops
being harvested therefrom annually under his able supervision ; however,
much of the minor detail work of his fields are left to others and a great deal
of Mr. Lockridge's attention is directed to his large herds of cattle, with which
he has been very successful. At one time he sold eighty-six head of cattle on
the Chicago market which brought eight dollars and forty-five cents per
hundred pounds, which is on record as one of the highest prices ever paid
for any one herd of cattle.
The Lockridge residence is beautifully located, commodious, attractive
and elegantly furnished, having all modern conveniences and surrounded
by substantial barns and outbuildings.
On January 23. 1S79. Mr. Lockridge was united in marriage with Laura
Pickrell. of Springfield, Illinois, daughter of William and Amanda (Robin-
son) Pickrell. an old and highly respected family. Mrs. Lockridge was well
educated and is known to a large circle of friends as a woman of excellent
attributes. This union has resulted in the birth of two children. Andrew M.,
born October 16, 1879, who is living in California, and William P.. born April
I J, 1 88 1, who is living at home and is ably assisting his father in the man-
agement of his large interests. He is one of the most popular young men of
the community and is evincing splendid business qualifications. He is a
member of Lodge No. 1077. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Lockridge showed his patriotism during the great war l^etueen
the states, although a mere lad, by enlisting in the One Hundred and Thirtv-
third Regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in 1864. for the one-hundred-
dav service, during which time he had some interesting experiences. After
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 263
the war he returned liome ami resumed farming'. He is a member of the
Grand Army of the RepubHc. Post ii. at Greencastle. PoHtically he is a
RepubHcan, but has never aspired to party honors, preferring to devote his
exclusive attention to his private business affairs. He is a quiet, unassuming
man whom evePv'body likes because of his straightforward, honest dealings
w ith liis fellow men and his genial disposition.
THOMAS GILLESPIE.
Xo name is more familiar in Putnam county than that of Gillespie; The
first settlers of this name came in as early or before the organization of the
countv and their descendants have ramified until, by increase and intermar-
riage, thev are connected with a large part of the population. Members of
the family have been engaged in many kinds of business, have developed good
business men and achieved unusual success in their various callings. It would
take several volumes to give a history of the Gillespies, who have enriched
the citizens of Putnam county by their energy, industry and law-abiding char-
acter. They have done much individually and collectively for the develop-
ment of Putnam county and take credit for a good deal of the progress which
has marked the last half century. James Gillespie, who was born in Virginia
in 1810, came west when still young and settled in Clinton county,
Ohio, where he died. He worked for a while at a tanner. Thomas Gillespie
came to Putnam county in 18:28. when this region was still in almost primitive
condition, with onlv a sparse population. log cabins, scattered here and there,
wide apart and the woods still full of game. He followed his occupation as
a tanner until 1S50. wdien he changed to farming. He hail but a limited
education, as in his day schools were poor and scarce, but he made up for this
deficiencv in after life by much reading an<I study. Though a Democrat in a
mild wav, he never sought office, being a quiet unobtrusive man. who attended
industriouslv to his own business and did not interfere with that of others.
He had the reputation of being the strongest man physically in the county
and many stories are told of his feats in lifting and throwing. He died
August 21. 1890. and was laid away in Forest Hill cemeten,-. James G.
married Katherine Peck, and Thomas Gillespie was a son of this union. He
married Elizabeth Shore Farrow, who was born December 28. 1S21. her
parents being Richarrl and !\lary fXelson) Farrow, one of the old pioneer
families of the county. The children are as follrnvs : Mary Jcjsephine.
264 weik's history of
born June 30, 1840. and married Isaac H. Meekins and lives in Iowa;
Katherine Howard, born January i, 1842, now ]^Irs. Arthur \Vood,
is a resident of Champaign, Illinois; James M., born June 15, 1843,
lives in \ igo county: Martha, born March 2^, 1845, "'^''^' ^frs.
J. W. Fletcher, lives in Shenandoah, Iowa; Elizabeth F.. born February 21,
1847. ''"'^^' ^Irs- \\ illiani Hathawav. resides in Clinton township, Putnam
county; Sarah Evelyn, born September 29, 1849, died September 29, 185S;
William F., born October 9, 1850, is a resident of Inilianapolis ; Margaret,
born December 30. 1851, is a resident of Greencastle ; Richard A., born Sep-
tember 25, 1853, lives in Greencastle and is a farmer by occupation; Thomas
P., born March 26, 1855, is a resident oi Log-anspc irt : Susan F., Ijorn Jan-
uary 3, 1857, died November 2j. 1857; Emma Clay, born January 10, 185S,
is now Mrs. P. \\'. McXary ; Anna D., Ixirn January 14. i860, is now Mrs.
D. C. Stairwalt. and resides in Greencastle; Daniel A., born March 8. 1862.
is a resident of Logansport: Joseph F. is a physician of Greencastle; Be\'erly
is a dentist in the same city. The mother of this family died .\ugust 9, 1896,
at the age of seventv-four vears.
JAMES LAF.VYETTE RAXDEL.
The family of this name originated in Xew York, from which state rep-
resentatives removed to South Carolina, where Thomas Randel was born
during the latter part of the eighteenth century, coming in early life to In-
diana and finding a last resting place near Bainbridge. Putnam county. His
son, William Randel. was born in Union cijunty. South Carolina, August 26,
1793, lived in Franklin county, Georgia, from [801 to 1807. anrl went through
the Cherokee Indian nation to Barren county, Kentucky, where he grew to
manhood, married, and in 1824 came to Putnam county, settling on
a farm in Monroe township, where several generations of the family were
born and developed. He married, first. Xancy McReynolds, by whom he had
a numl)er of children, including Gibson Randel. Mrs. Malinda Sharp. Mrs.
^[aria ]\[cCov, Mrs. Man- Daniels. John \\'., and Mrs. Emma Summers, all of
whom are dead. Harrison M. Randel was the youngest of the children and
is the onl\- one li\ing. The mother died about 1845 and a second marriage
was contracted with Xanc}' (Siddons) Stevens, who died about 1881, with-
out issue. The father died in 18S5, when ninety-two }-ears old, longevity
being a characteristic of this hard\- race. Harrison M. Randel was born in
PTTXAM COLXTV, INDIANA. 265
Putnam county. Indiana. December j;. 1838. and after reaching manhootl
engaged in faniung, which has been his hte work. In 1862 he was elected
county sur\eyoi- and served eight years. In 1S70 he was elected countv
treasurer and re-elected in 1873 on the Democratic ticket. In 1874 he was
elected county auditor, in which otfice he served four rears, after which he
retired to his farm and subsequently remnveii to Greencastle. where he has re-
sitled for some ten or eleven years. He first married Xancy A. Stevens, a na-
tive of PYitnam county from near Rainbridge. and bv this union there were
seven children, five of whom are living: \\'illiam M.. of Greencastle: James
L.. the subject : Thomas F.. of Hendricks county. Indiana : Daniel \'.. of Alibe-
vdle. Louisiana: and Harry Clay, a druggist at Terre Haute. The mother
died in 1892, when about fifty-one years old. she and F. :M.. the oldest child,
and .Mrs. Carrie Hirt, the only daughter, dying of typhoid fever within a
month of each other. The father's second wife was Ella King, who died one
year later without issue. A third marriage occurred with Amanda, daughter
of Elsephus Thomas, one of the early and wealthy pioneers of the count}-.
James L. Randel. seccjud of his father's sur\iving children, was born
near Bainbridge, Putnam county, Indiana. December to. i86j. He remained
on the farm until his father's election as county treasurer and went with the
latter to Greencastle when nine years old. He attended school at the county
seat and assisted his father in the office. After his father's election as auditor,
he was appointed deputy and retained this place for four vears. attending
school a part of the time. He afterwards was appointed deputv treasurer
under W. R. Gnigan and later deputy auditor under J. U. Edwards. He also
ser\ed as deput\- treasurer under Ephraim Tucker and in 1886 was elected
county audit(-ir, in which position he served from 1887 to November i, 189 1.
January i. 189J. he accepted employment with the First Xational Bank as
collection clerk: in .\pril, 1893, 'i^ ^^'^■'^ appointed assistant cashier of the Cen-
tral Xational Bank and served until 1904. when he was elected cashier. In
May. 1900, he was one of the organizers of the Central Trust Companv, of
which he was elected secretar\- and has since retained that positi(in. In 1893
he was elected a meml)er of the city council from the first ward and served
four years. He ranks high in financial circles, as is evidenced by the honors
bestowed u[)on him by various organizations. He is president of the Fifth
District Bankers' Association, was a member of the executive council of the
Indiana Bankers' As.sociation for 1909-10. president of the trust company
section of the Indiana Bankers' Association, vice-president for Indiana of the
trust com]iany section of the American Bankers' Association, and member of
2(56 weik's history of
the building committee of Putnam county's new court house, being appointed
to act with the board of county commissioners by the judge of the circuit
court.
'Sir. Randel's fraternal connections are numerous and indicative of his
standing and popularity. He is trustee of Temple Lodge, Xo. 47, Free and
Accepted Masons, past high priest and trustee of Greencastle Chapter. Xo.
22, Royal Arch Masons, past eminent commander of Greencastle Command-
ery. X'o. 11. Knights Templar, and grand warder of the grand commandery
Knights Templar of Indiana. He is also a member of Indiana consistory,
Scottish rite, and Murat Temple, Ancient Arabic Order X'obles of the Mystic
Shrine. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and treasurer of
Greencastle Lodge, Xo. 1077, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He
has always been active and influential as a Democrat and holds the position of
chairman of the city committee of his party.
On October 9. 1883, Mr. Randel married Martha E.. daughter of John
\V. A. Llall, who lives in the vicinity of Roachdale, where she was born April
II, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Randel have had four children: Frank H., who died
in infancy; Walter C., who died when three years old ; Clyde R., who was born
Julv 14, 1888, is a senior at DePauw University; Xaomi, who was born No-
vember 30, 1893, is a student at DePauw University. Mr. Randel is a deacon
and trustee of the Christian church and a citizen of the highest standing and
regarded as an unusually able business man by the people of Putnam county,
who have so often exhibited their regard and respect for him.
WILLIAAI B. VESTAL.
The Vestals have been conspicuous in the affairs of Putnam county
since the days of the first settler, the several members playing well their
parts in all the relations of life and establishing reputations for both industry
and integritv as well as public spirit and hospitalit}'. and no member of
this familv is better known or has been of greater service to his fellow
men than William B. Vestal, who was born in Warren township, Putnam
countv, Februarv i, 1843, and whose home is now in Greencastle.
The Vestal familv comes of Scotch-Irish stock on the paternal side,
William Vestal being the first of the name to come to the United States.
having emigrated here in 1683 with the famous William Penn cr.ldnists.
Meeting a Miss INlercer, a \\'elsh lady, on the vessel which brnuglit them to
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 267
America, they were married and upon arriving on our shores located in
Lancaster countv, Pennsylvania. One of their children. Thomas, moved to
Xortli Carolina, where he married a Miss Davis. Their son, William, mar-
ried into the Wheeler family, who lived near Rock River, that state, in which
vicinity Mr. Vestal had settled. Thomas, one of their children, married a
Miss Brower and these were the great-grandparents of William B. X'estal.
of this review. Thomas Vestal, brother of William, of North Carolina, was
a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Samuel \'estal. father of William B., was a native of Kentucky, who
came to Indiana in 1S22. settling in Warren township, Putnam county. Indi-
ana. His father. \\'illiam \"estal. also came here at that time. They were both
farmers and hardy pioneers. The latter, grandfather of the subject, was
born in Rock River, North Carolina, in 1790, and he died in 1863 at the age
of seventy-three years, spending his last days in Iowa, where he had moved
in 184S. He was twice married, first to Sarah Moore, a native of Kentucky,
and lastly to her sister, Esther. Samuel, father of William B., of this review,
was born of the first union, another child born to them dying in infancy.
Ten children were born of the second union.
Samuel \'estal was born in 18 17 and he died in Warren township. Put-
nam county. Indiana. January 20. 1891, at the age of seventy-four years.
He married Tillitha Erinton, who was born near Lebanon, Kentucky, 1819,
and who died on Februar\' 15. 1904. Seven children were born to this union,
namely: ]\Iary Jane, wife of John Branhan, of Limedale, Putnam county;
William B-., of this review; Margaret A. died in 1880; James A\'. lives one
mile north of Cloverdale ; Ellen died in 1866. at the age of twelve years;
Emilv F. is the wife of ^Manford Chamberlin, living near Goverdale, this
county; Elizabeth P. is the wife of Havila Jones, living near Cloverdale.
William B. Vestal remained on the old home farm until 1870, where
he alternated farming with schooling in the district sch(Mls. He studied hard
and recei\'ed a good education, and taught school in a very acceptable manner
for a period of fifteen years in Putnam county, in the country schools, prin-
cipally at Cloverdale and Manhattan. From 1875 to 1880 he engaged in the
li\-ery business at Cloverdale. after \\hich he farmed for a few years near
that town. From 1887 to 1888 he was mail clerk on the Vandalia railroad.
In 1888 he was elected sheriiif of Putnam county on the Democratic ticket
and so faith fullv and well did he perform the duties of this important office
that he was re-elected in 1890. making one of the best officials the county has
e\-er had, according to manv of his constituents, .\fter leaving this office,
y\r. Vestal engaged in the real estate business, abstracts and loans, forming
2bO WEIK S HISTORY OF
the firm of X'estal & Broatlstreet in 1894. which has C(nitinue<l until the present
time, a very satisfactory Ixisiness lia\'ing l)een hiiilt up. From 1S72 to
1878 lie was trustee of CIo\erclale township.
Mr. \'estal was one of the loyal supporters of the Union cruise during
the (lark days of the sixties, having enlisted in Company T. Fifty-fifth Regi-
ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in 1862. and in 1864 he re-enlisted in
Company E. Fifty-first Indiana Regiment. He saw much active service in
general warfare in Kentucky, and he f<night at Columbia and Xa.shville and
at the many and almcist continuous skirmishes between those battle grounds.
At the close of hostilities he received an honorable discharge and returned
home.
In September. 1869. Mr. Vestal married Isis M. East, daughter of Baily
East, of Heltonville. Lawrence county. Indiana, where JVIrs. Vestal was
bom. reared and educated. This union resulted in the birth of five children,
namely: Clarence A., now engaged in the livery business in Greencastle ;
Capt. Samuel Curtis, who is now on the general military staff at ^Manila.
Philippine Islands, is a graduate of the Annapolis Military Academy; Xellie
M. was born in 1876 and died in 1880: Edith is the wife o£ Tilden McNeff,
Ii\-ing near Putnamville. this count}': the youngest child died in infancv un-
named.
Mr. Vestal is a ^klason, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and com-
mandery, and he also holds membership in the local post of the Grand Armv
of the Republic. Personally he is a good mixer, genial, public-spirited and
honest, as were his ancestors before him. hence he enjoys the confidence and
friendship of all who know him.
SENATOR FRANCIS CALVIX TILDEX.
The life of the scholarly or professional man seldom exhibits anv of those
striking incidents that seize upon public feeling and attract attention to him-
self. Hi.s character is generally made up of the aggregate qualities and
qualifications he may possess, as these may be elicited b\- the exercise of the
duties of his vocation or the particular profession to which he belongs. But
when such a man has so impressed his individuality upon his fellow men as
to gain their confidence, and through that confidence rises to high and im-
portant public trust, he at once becomes a conspicuous figure in the boflv
politic of the communit}' and the state. Such a man is Senator Francis
Calvin Tilden. who. not content to hide his talents amid life's sequestered
PL"TN'AM COL'XTV. IXDIANA. 269
^\'a^•s, lias hv the force of will and a laudable ambition forged to the front
in a responsible and exacting calling and while yet young in years earned an
honorable reputation in one of the most important branches of public service.
His life has been one of hard study and research from his youth and. since
maturity, of laliorious professional duty in the several relations in which
lie has been placed: and the hi.gh public position to which he has attained is
evidence that the qualities he possesses afford the means of distinction under a
system of government in which places of honor and usefulness are open to
all who may be found worthy of them.
Senator Tilden. who is one of the l)est known men in Putnam county,
or, in fact, this portion of the state, is fortunate in a long line of distinguisheil
ancestr\-. man\- of whom figured pronn'nently in ever\- walk of life. Me
was born in Grundy county. Illinois. September 20, 1872, the son of -\llen
Sherwood Tilden, a native of \'ermont who joined the tide of emigration
setting in stronglv from the Xew England states to the West in 1S52 and
located in Crrundy county, Illinois, where he successfully (Operated a farm ;
he was also a skilled machinist. He remaineil in Illinois until his death.
in 1887. which occurred in a runaway accident. He was a highly respected
and influential man in his ciMnmunity. although he led his life along quiet
paths and did not seek official preferment; however, he was appointed by
President Lincoln on the Illinois bounty board during the Civil war period,
and he rendered very efficient service as treasurer of the same, w hich was a
verv responsible position, it having come to him unsought soon after his
enlistment as a soldier in the Union army.
The Tilden family is of English extraction and may be traced back to
Sir Richard Tilden. who was knighted under Queen Elizabeth. Under King
Tames II he came to America and surveyed the colony of Massachusetts, in
which state he located and reared a family, some members of which went to
\'emiont. and some to Connecticut. Samuel J. Tilden being of the latter
branch. The branch of which Senator Tilden is a descendant lived in \'er-
mont. This is one of the thirty-one families in America really entitled to a
coat of arms. Crandfather Isaac Tilden w-as a native of Vermont, from
which state he came to Illinois, bringing his son, Allen Sherwood, father of
the Senator. He was a typical pioneer of sterling qualities and remained in
Illinois until his death.
.Mien Sherwood Tilden married Elvira Elizabeth ^\■iIlis. a woman of
manv beautiful characteristics, the daughter of a highly honored family of
Vermont, where she was born, reared and educated. To this union three
children were l>orn. named as follows: Eva E. Tilden is living in Alarvville.
270 WEIKS HISTORY OF
Tennessee, where also resides the other daughter, Lucy M., now the wife of
W. A. McTeer; Francis Calvin, of this review.
Francis C. Tilden was reared on the parental farm in Grundy county,
Illinois, and received his primary education in the district schools. He as-
sisted with the lighter work about the place during the summer months, and
amid the bracing airs and wholesome rural surroundings of the prairies grew
to vigorous manhood. Coming to Greencastle, Indiana, he entered DePauw
Academy, then took the university course, which he finished in a most credit-
able manner in 1897. Desiring still higher mental discipline, he entered
Harvard University, which institution conferred upon him the degree of
Master of Arts in 1899, after he had spent two years there. He was very
active during his college days, finding time aside from his regular work to
de\'0te his attention to literature and athletics. He was editor of the college
annual, Mirage, also the college paper, The Palladium, filling these positions
in a very creditable manner, as he did also that of secretary of the athletic
association, during which time the loan was negotiated by which they se-
cured the McKeen field. He was elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa —
the scholarship society — only those students who make exceptionally high
grades being elected.
In 1900 Senator Tilden was honored by being elected professor of Eng-
lish language and literature at Dakota University, located at Vermillion, South
Dakota, and during the same year he was elected professor of English lit-
erature at De?auw University, where he remained until 1904, giving the ut-
most satisfaction, as he had done at his former post, being naturally gifted
along these lines and profoundly versed in his chosen subjects, besides possess-
ing the rare trait of being both an entertainer and an instructor in the school
room. Desiring to more fully equip himself for this line of endeavor, he
spent the summer of 1904 in study at Oxford and London, England, then
returned to America for the purpose of taking the English work in the Winona
schools, then being organized. He continued in the Winona school until
May, 1907, when he resigned to take up journalistic work in Greencastle,
having then become associated with the Star-Democrat Publish-
ing Company, to which he has given his attention and talent up to the present
time, greatly enhancing the prestige of this influential organ and rendering
it a power for good in this vicinity, the Senator being an interesting and
polished writer, always wielding a true and trenchant pen in championing the
rights of his constituents and whatever would tend to the general good of
Putnam county.
Senator Tilden has long taken an active interest in the political arena.
PUT.N'AM COUNTY, INDIANA. 2'JX
in which he made his influence felt from the first, and his public spirit and
talents attracted the attention of local political leaders and in 1908 the Demo-
crats nominated him for state senator for the district comprising Putnam,
^lorgan and Marion counties and he was subsequently elected. In this im-
portant trust he has shown himself to be eminently well qualified and has dis-
charged his duties in such an able and conscientious manner as to excite the
admiration of his constituents, irrespective of party alignment. His in-
fluence among his colleagues was potent from the first, they at once recog-
nizing his earnestness and his fidelity to the right. He was closely connected
with the local option legislation, being one of the two Democrats who pre-
vented the repealing of the law. His term expires in 1912, and he will doubt-
less accomplish much for this locality ere that date.
In 1907 the Senator began lecture work, since which time he has fre-
quently appeared at Chautauquas and before teachers' institutes, where he
is always accorded hearty welcome, being a forceful and at times a truly elo-
quent speaker, and always has a helpful and uplitting message. In January,
19 10, he was further honored by being appointed special lecturer in literature
at DePauw University.
Senator Tilden's ideal domestic life began September 13. 1900, when
he married Ethel Nash Arnold, the accomplished and cultured daughter of
F, A. Arnold, a prominent citizen of Greencastle, in which city Mrs. Tilden
■was born, reared and educated, being a graduate of DePauw University.
This union has been graced by the birth of three children, named as follows :
Francis Allen, born July 19, 1901 ; Elizabeth, born April 10, 1905; Richard
Arnold, born December 30, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Tilden are faithful mem-
bers of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. They are popular
in all circles in this citv and highlv esteemed bv all classes.
ARTHUR L. EVENS.
The gentleman whose name heads this review is one of the leading con-
tractors and builders of the southern part of Putnam county and he is also
extensively engaged in fanning, owning a valuable piece of property near
Putnamville, and the history of this township would be incomplete were
there failure to make mention of him and the enterprise with which he is
identified. Tireless energy and honesty of purpose are the chief character-
istics of the man.
272 WEIKS HISTORY OF
Arthur I. E\ens was born in CloN'erdale township, this county, .\ugust
23. 1S62. and is a son of John W. and Margaret ( Calhihan) E\ens. He
received a common sciiool e<hication and when very young, fourteen years of
age. he began working out by the montii in .jrder to get a start, and. lieing
an energetic lad. he soon had a good foothold. He married Louisa E. Lewis,
daughter of Israel G. and Susan J. Lewis, her father being a well-known
minister in the Methodist Episcopal church of Putnam county, and regarded
bv everyone as a good and useful man. Mr. and Mrs. Evens began their
married life on the farm belonging to the latter's mother. It is located in
section 15, consisting of two hundred and sixty acres, in Warren township.
This splendid farm is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Evens, they having bought
out the other heirs, except that of Susan Jane Lewis. Mrs. Evens' sister.
Mr. Evens carries on general farming very successfully, but he finds time
to do a great deal of general contracting and building. He is also interested
in stock raising and. although a very busy man the year round, he manifests
an interest in the afifairs of his county, serving very creditably as trustee
of his township for a term of four years, from 1904 to 1908: he also served
iiis township as assessor from 1890 to 1896. He is a Republican.
Mr. and Mrs. Evens are the parents of one child. Roy Lewis, born June
^, 1890. He attended the common schools, after which he took a -course in
DePauw University. He is assisting his father in the management of the
home farm and is a voung man of much business ability and promise.
: ■• - : . - WILLIAM L. DEXMAX. • -
Tlie able and po])ular cashier of the Eirst Xational Bank of Creencastle.
William L. Denman. is most consistently accorded recognition in a work of
the province assigned to the one at hand, since it has to do with the represent-
ati\e citizens of Putnam county, of whicli numlier he is unquestionaljly a
worthv member and has long played well his part in the development of the
interests of this locality, indorsing eveiy movement which he believes will
prove beneficial to the general public. ?Ie has sought to maintain tlie high
standing of his ancestors, who were prominent and highly respected citizens
of Montgomery county in the early days, and he has therefore won and re-
tained the confidence and good will of all classes.
Mr. Denman was born on December 7. 185S. near Alamo. Montgrmiery
county. Indiana. His father. Moses H. Denman. was also b(-irn in that
WILLIAM L. DESMAN
PUTNAM COUXTV, IXDIAXA. 273
county, his birth occurring in iSjj. He was a prosperous farmer and oper-
ated the first steam threshing machine ever seen in his vicinity. He was sum-
moned to close his earthly accounts on October 39, 1868, as the result of in-
juries received to his arm, which was caught in the machinery of his thresher.
William L. Denman's mother was known in her maidenhood as Jemima Lee.
She was born in 1823, in Vigo county. Indiana, the daughter of John Lee, a
pioneer Baptist minister, living four miles east of Crawfordsville at a hamlet
known as Smartsberg. Her parents came to Montgomen*' county as earlv as
1824 and here the father became widely known and accomplished a great deal
of good among the early settlers. John Lee, brother of Jemima, was the
first white male child born in Montgomery county. He became a noted con-
tractor and built the Logansport division of the \'andalia railroad. Mrs.
Moses H. Denman, a w.oman of many praiseworthy traits of character, passed
to her rest in 1896, at the age of seventy-two years. She was the mother of
twehe children, si.x of whom are li\-ing in 1910, namely: John \\'., Elizabeth
A.. James \V., Mary, Sarah J. and Joel M. are all deceased; Cynthia L. is the
widow of Thomas F. \'an Cleave; ^lartha R. is the wife of James A. Mvers,
of Alamo. Indiana; Alice M. is the wife of William Payton, of Judson, In-
diana ; Susan M. is the wife of Thomas Foster, of Waveland, Indiana ; William
L., of this review; Ida F. is the wife of Addison Van Clea\e. li\ing near
Alamo, this state.
The Denman family is of English stock. William Denman. the paternal
grandfather of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, was a native
of Georgia. He was a sterling pioneer, a Southerner of such a combination
of initiati\'e. courage and gentleman!}' attrilnites that he could claim scores of
friends \\here\er he was kn(n\n and he was \-er}' successful in his life work.
He and his wife rode on horseback from (jeorgia to Indiana, a long and some-
what hazardous jcjurney. in the early days, packing all their w orldly pcissessions
on their horse and while one rode the other walked. They located in ^lont-
gomery count}-. He had the distinction of serxing in the war of i8[j. His
death occurred about 1870 at the age of eighty-fi\'e years. He married Polly
Ann Hicks, of Georgia, and they reared a large family.
William L. Denman remained in the town of Alamo until he was thirty
years of age. and there received his primar}- education, later attending the
State Xormal School at Terre Haute. He liegan life as a teacher, which line
of endeavor he followed with gratifying results for a period of four years,
and had he elected to continue teaching he would doubtless have become one
of the noted educators of the state, but the business world attracted him and
he entered the general mercantile business at Alamo and built up an excellent
(18)
274
WEIK S HISTORY OF
trade during the four years he maintained his store. During this period he
was trustee of Ripley township, being the youngest trustee ever elected in the
county up to that time. He performed his duties so faithfully that he was re-
elected to the office by a greater majority than formerly, in fact, it was the
largest majority ever given in that township. This was certainly evidence that,
althougli then finite a young man, the people of his community regarded him
as the possessor of unusual acumen and business ability. He has always been
loyal to the Democratic cause.
Mr. Denman then moved to Craw fords ville and went into the insurance
business, which he followed for one year. He attracted the attention of vari-
ous insurance companies by his judicious management of his affairs in this
line, and he was delegated by the Ohio Farmers' Insurance Company to come
to Greencastle and take charge of their a'gency here, where the company had
maintained an office for twelve years and had at that time four hundred and
fiftv risks. Mr. Denman prosecuted his work so vigorously that within three
vears there were twenty-two hundred policy holders and the office was doing
a thriving business.
After two years' residence here Mr. Denman was elected secretary of the
Democratic central committee, and two years later he was nominated for
countv auditor and in 1894 he was elected to this office for a period of four
years. He took office in 1S95 and after serving out his allotted time he served
two years in the same office as deputy for his successor. He gave the utmost
satisfaction in this capacity to all concerned.
After severing his connection with the auditor's office he purchased a half
interest in the furniture and undertaking establishment of W. P. Ledbetter,
in which he remained one year. On February 9. 1903, he became cashier of
the First National Bank of Greencastle. He came to this position well quali-
fied in everv respect, being a man of rare innate business ability and experience
and he was popular throughout the county and a man of known reputable
standing. Since that time this institution has doubled its total assets and
added the sum of thirty thousand dollars to its surplus fund. In Januaiy,
1910, Mr. Denman assumed the position of auditor of the Marg ^Mining Com-
pany, whose mining property is at Ano Nuevo, Old Mexico, a gold and silver
property in which he is a heavy stockholder. He expects to be gone for two
years.
The chapter in the life of 'Sir. Denman relating to his domestic affairs
dates from lune 29, 1S89. when he married Ella Sparks, daughter of a highly
respected family of Alamo. Montgomer}- county. She was called to her re-
ward in March. 1898. Four children were born to this union, named as fol-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 2/5
lows: Mary L. is tlie wife of Paul S. Dee. of Cairo. Illinois; Darnall S.. Rich-
ard \Y. and Joel J. On February 14, 1900, ^[r. Denham married Louise A.
Abrams. wh(3 was bc^rn in Mt. Sterling. Kentucky, the daughter of an excel-
lent famil}'. This union is without issue.
Mr. Denman is a member of the Christian church, of which he has been
deacon for a number of years and a liberal supporter, being interested in all
phases of church work. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons, in which he
has attained to the degree of a Knight Templar, and the Knights of Pythias.
Personally ^Mr. Denman is a man whom everybody likes — genial, jovial, hon-
orable in all his dealings with his fellow men, and he is always readv to do
his part in furthering the interests of Putnam county.
BEX7AMIN F. CORWIN.
Praise is always due to merit and especially where merit is the product
of unassisted energv- anrl perseverance. The self-made man commands our
highest respect. Those struggles by means of which he has risen from ob-
scurity to honorable distinction can not fail to enlist sympathy and call forth
our warmest applause. Benjamin F. Corwin, popularly regarded as one of
the ablest and busiest attorneys of Putnam county, is a notable example of
the successful self-made man. and as such has made his influence felt among
his fellow citizens in private and public life and by his exemplary life, which
has been spent in his home county, he is eminently deserving of the high
esteem in which he is held.
Mr. Corwin was born in Putnam county. Indiana. December 4, 1859, the
son of Benjamin F. Corwin. a native of Mason county, Kentucky, having been
born there on February 26, 1811. He was of English descent, being of the
sixth generation from Mathias Corwin. His father, George Corwin, was a
native of Kentucky, from which state he came to Indiana, locating in Henry
county, but remained there only a short time when he came on to Putnam
county, where he farmed successfully and died here in the late forties. He
married Xancy Thornton and six children were born to them. Thus the
Corwin family has been among the history makers in this locality since the
pioneer da_\s. and. without invidious comparison, suffice it to say that each
member of the same has played his part in all relations of life as well as any
of the county's foremost citizens. Benjamin F. Corwin. Sr., father of the
gentleman \\hose name initiates this review, devoted his life to farming and
276 weik's historv of
merchandising, mai<ing a snccess of both. He first launched in the mercantile
business soon after he came to this county, about 1835, selecting the village
of Bainbridge for his store, which he maintained there for a period of aI)out
fifteen vears. doing a very satisfactorv- business with the surrounding country,
manv of his customers coming from long distances, for in those days of the
first settlers, stores and trading points were not numerous. He acquired con-
siderable land west of Bainbridge. which he operated on an extensive scale
until his death, May 2, 187 J. He was always ready to assist in the de-
velopment of the county in any way, and was especially interested in promot-
ing education, and the schools of Bainbridge bore his name on account of
his work in their behalf and his liberal support. He was also interested
in good roads, and was probably the first man to make an effort to secure
macadamized roads for Putnam county. He was identified with the Christian
church, but he held independent views on religion,
Benjamin F. Corwin, Sr., married Juliet St. Clair Whitsett, who was
born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, June 8, 1825, and when eleven years
old, in 1836, she came to Putnam county, Indiana, with her parents. She
was a woman of many sterling traits of character and beloved by all who
knew her; she reached an advanced age, dying August 13, 1908, at Indian-
apolis. To this union seven children were bom, five of whom are living
at this writing, namely: Henry C. died in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1864,
while a soldier in the Union army; William R. is a teacher at Fulton, ;\Iis-
souri ; Mrs. Margaret Dunnington lives in Indianapolis; George \V. died in
June, 1905; Mary Corwin lives in Indianapolis, an instructor in the art depart-
ment of the school for the deaf; Benjamin F.. Jr.. of this review; ]\[ilton T.
lives in Cincinnati.
Benjamin F. Corwin was b(5rn on the home farm in Monroe township,
where he assisted with the general work on the place during the summer
months, receiving his primaiy schooling in the common schools. When thir-
teen vears of age, in 1872, he came to Greencastle and spent one year in
the public schools, then entered the preparatory school of DePauw University
and there diligentlv pursued his studies for a period of two years, then en-
tered the universitv proper, taking a four-year course, doing very creditable
and satisfactorv work, graduating in June. 1S79, f^^en being only nineteen
vears of age. He had decided to devote his talents to the law. and he scon
thereafter became a law student in the office of Williamson & Daggey, in
Greencastle, with whom he remained for a pericxl of two years, when he was
admitted to the bar and at once opened an office and began practicing in
this citv. He was located in the Williamson block until 1892. when he re-
PCTXAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 277
moved to his- present quarters over the First National Bank. In 18S3 '^"^
formed a partnership with Henry C. Lewis, which continued until the latter's
death, in February. 1901. since which time Mr. Corwin has been practicing
alone, having built up a large clientele and being one of the most active and
powerful members of the local bar.
As a lawyer Mr. Corwin is the emanation of his own first inclination, as
the echo is of the sounding board that produced it. In forensic disputation
his strong weapon is pure reason, by both comparative and deducti\'e processes,
without marshaling the aids of rhetoric or eloquence, accessories, it may be
added, which, when occasion suggests, are in available resen,-e. He proceeds
firmly and strongly on and along direct lines to his objective, deflecting neither
to the right nor to the left. Fluent in expression, with purity and elegance of
style, precise and faultless in language and the orderly and symmetrical ar-
rangement of w'ords and ideas, the stream of calm, subtle, sinewy, unbroken
logic, disdaining unnecessary ornament and declining the ordinary resources
of the orator, is fascinating to hear and often almost irresistible in his per-
suasion. He possesses the elements of determination, courage, and his mental
organism is broad, solid and disciplined to the last degree by thought and
study: is singularly free from any narrowness of professional badinage and
sport, and the prejudice and partialities of the mere attorney.
Mr. Corwin is a Republican and very active in local and state politics,
but he has never held public office. He has never assumed the responsibilities
of the married state. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias,
the Modern Woodmen and the Sigma Phi fraternity, taking an especial inter-
est in the latter.
CHARLES HOWARD BARXABY.
The record of Charles H. Barnaby is that of an enterprising gentleman
who worthily upholds an honored family name and whose life has been very
intimately associated with the material prosperity of Putnam county during
the most progressive period of its history. He has always been found on
the right side of questions looking to the development of bis community in
anv wav. and while he has been prominent in the industrial affairs of the
county, he has at the same time won an enviable reputation for honesty
anfl wholesome Hving. He is widely known as a luml>er dealer — one of the
largest, in fact, in this locality, maintaining at Greencastle an extensive yard.
and his office is always a busy place.
270 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Mr. Barnaby was born at Bourbon, Marshall county. Indiana, December
21, 1870. His father, long a well known and influential man of this county,
was Howard Barnaby, a native of Salem, Ohio, who came to Indiana in the
early sixties, locating in Bourbon. He engaged in the lumber and sawmill
business, having been associated with a company owning several mills, and
in the late seventies, owing to the scarcity of timber, this company located
one of its mills in Owen county, and in the spring of 1S82 Mr. Barnaby
moved his family to Greencastle that they might be close to him. In 1883 he
moved the mill from Owen to Putnam county and he continued to operate
the same here until his death in July. 1887. at the age of fifty-five years, hav-
ing been born in 1832. He was a successful business man and honoraljle in
his dealings, provided his family with all the comforts of a good home and
leaving them a competency. After his death, Charles H. and Elmer E.
Barnaby, his sons, took up the milling business. In the spring of 1898, Charles
H. purchased the other's interest and carried on the work in a very successful
manner, having mastered all the details of the lumber and milling business
under his father, who was during his career here one of the best known men
in this line in Putnam and adjoining counties.
The mother of Charles H. Barnaby was known in her maidenhood as
Rachael Votaw, born and reared near Salem, Ohio, the Votaw family having
been prominent there for many years. Nine children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Howard Barnaby. named as follows : Dr. Emma is living at Greencastle ;
Elmer E. is engaged in the lumber business at Charleston, Missouri ; Lorena
died in 1888: Cora is the wife of G. W. DeLanoy, of Xew York City: Louie
married E. Parsons and is living in Philadelpliia: Charles H.. of this re\'iew :
Mary married W. F. VanLoan. of Dayton. Ohio: Darwin S. lives in Green-
castle. The first child born to these parents died in infancy. The mother
passed to her rest in 1897. at the age of fifty-eight years, liaving been bom in
1839. Tlie Barnaby family goes back to an English ancestry on the paternal
side and to French ancestr\- on the maternal side. Stephen Barnaby. grand-
father of Charles H. Barnaby. was a native of Pennsylvania who settled
in Salem, Ohio, where he followed his trade of wagon making.
Charles H. Barnaby was eleven years old when his parents brought him
from Marshall county, Indiana, to Greencastle. He was educated in the
public schools at Bourbon and Greencastle and he began his commercial
career when only sixteen years of age on account of his father's death. In
Julv. 1887. he formed a partnership with his brother, as already indicated,
and he has continued to deal in lumber ever since. The plant was destroyed
PUTXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 279
1)}- hre ten years ago. but it was replaced, better and more extensive tiian e\"er,
the entire plant now covering about twenty-tive acres, and is known as one
of the largest manufacturers of hardwood lumber in this part of the state;
the plant also turns out high grade veneer work, operating a band sawmill
which saws from fifteen thousand to twenty thousand feet of lumber daih-.
To supply this large quantity logs are drawn from a radius of fiftv miles of
Greencastle. Lumber is marketed in Germany and as far west as San Fran-
cisco; a hirge export trade is carried on in both Germany and England.
;Mr. Earnaby was for three years president of the Indiana Hardwood
Lnml:ermen"s Association, tluring which the association thrived and accomp-
lished many important things. He is a member of the National Hardwood
Lumber Association, being a member of the executive committee, and is a
member of the executive committee of the Xational Wholesale Lumber
Dealers' Association, the National Veneer and Panel Association, the Indiana
Retail Lumber Association, anil he takes a very acti\'e part in all association
work and is prominent in lumljer circles throughout the United States.
The domestic chapter in 'Sir. Barnaby's life began on October 30. 1895,
when he married Bess Robbins. a lady of culture and refinement, of Louisville,
Kentucky, the representative of an excellent old Southern family. She was
born, reared and educated in that city. Three interesting chiklren have graced
this union, namely; Dorothea, aged twelve; Howard, age nine, and Charles
H.. Jr.. age three.
Airs. Barnaby is a member of the Episcopal church. Fraternallv Mr.
Earnaby is a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a Re-
publican in politics, but he does not find time to take a very active part ; how-
ever, he is ileeply interested in whate\er tends to the general uplift of his com-
munity. Personally he is genial, jolly, a good mixer, gentlemanlv and
straightforward in all his dealings with his fellow men. He occupies a con-
s])icuous place among the leading men of Putnam county and enjoys the con-
fidence and esteem of all who knew him. His record demonstrates that
w here there is a will there is a way and that obstacles to success mav be over-
come by courage and self-reliance. His career, though strenuous, has been
fraught with good to his fellow men. and his example is cordially commended
to the youth of the land whose life works are yet matters for the future to de-
termine.
'Sir. and Mrs. Barnaby have an attractive and modern home which is fre-
quently the gathering place for the many warm friends of the family wdio
ne\er fail to find here genuine hospitality and good cheer.
28o weik's history of
EZRA B. E\'AXS. M. D.
Success in what are popularly termed the learned professipns is tlie legit-
imate result of merit and painstaking endeavor. In commercial life one mav
come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or gift, but
professional atlvancement is gained only by critical study and consecntixe re-
search long continued. Proper intellectual discipline, thorough professional
knowledge and the possession and utilization of the ([ualities and attributes
essential to success ha\e made Dr. Ezra B. Evans eminent in his chosen call-
ing, and he stands today amo ng the scholarly and enterprising physicians and
surgeons in a community long distinguished for the high order of its medical
talent.
Doctor Evans was born in Morgan township, Owen county, Indiana,
August 5, 1846. He comes from an excellent ancestry. His father, Samuel
P. Evans, was born in Bath county, Kentucky, June 3, 1821, and when four
years old he came with his parents to Indiana, locating among the pioneers in
Cloverdale township, Putnam count}-. The Doctor's grandfather. Rev.
Thomas Evans, was born May 27, 1799. in Bath county, Kentucky. He was a
noted minister in his day and did a great deal of good among the early settlers.
He married Amanda (Dolney) Martin and they became the parents of ten
children. He came to Putnam county. Indiana, in 1S25, and, in connection
with his ministry in the Methodist church, he carried on farming. Prior to
the breaking out of the Civil war he moved to \\'inter.set, Iowa, and later to
Mt. Pleasant, that state, where his death occurred in August. 1870.
The Evans family originated in Wales, and in tracing the genealogv of
this interesting tamil\" we find that Lot E\ans was born there in 1643, ^''"'1 that
he and his three sons started on a voyage to America with the famous William
Penn, but before completing the long, tedious trip, the father died and was
buried at sea. Of his three boys, Charles was born in 1664. Thomas in 1662
and Lot, Jr., in 1666. Thomas Evans, the first, married Alartha Elizabeth
Roberts, in 1730. She reached the almost incredible age of one hundred and
eleven years, dying in 1803. One of their se\'en children. Thomas Evans, [r..
born in 1739. ran away from home, joined the army and was in the Erench
and Indian war and later fought in the Revolution under Washington. He
died in Kentucky in 1825. Llis wife Sarah died at Russellville. Indiana, June
5. 1S34, at the advanced age of ninety -one years. They became the parents
of two children. John and Francis, the former being the great-grandfather of
OiX'tor Evans of this review. He was born October 25, 1763, and died July
^ /3 &
(J>
^/'t^'^-d 2s
PL'TXAM COUXTV, IXDIAXA. 20I
2. 1 84 1, at Russelhille, Indiana, having devoted his Hfe to the ministrv. He
married Sarah Prather. who was Ixirn in [76*1 and who died in 1831 at Rus-
sellviile. Indiana. They were tlie parents of seven children, one of wiiom,
Thomas Evans, was the grantlfather of Doctor E\ans.
Samuel Parker Evans, the Doctor's father, was born June 3. i8ji, and
at an earl_\- da\- entered land in Morgan township. Owen county, Indiana.
This lie farmed, later removing to Spencer, this state, where he remained un-
til the fall of 1902. when he moved to Greencastle. He married Mary^ Swift,
who was born near Bloomington, Indiana, where her people were well known
and influential for many years. This union resulted in the birth of four
children, namel_\' : Louis Benson, who died at the age of eighteen years, while
a soldier, March 20, 1862; Dr. Ezra B., subject of this review; Catherine mar-
ried Roi)ert Speers. now deceased: he was principal of the high school of
Evansville for a period of twenty years. Thomas Evans died January 10,
1870. at the age of twenty-one years. The mother of these children was
called to her rest on July 29. 1903. at the age of eighty-two years, having been
born March 8. 182 [.
Doctor E\-ans spent his boyhood days on the home farm. He -^xas an
ambitious lad and studied hard, early forming the ambition to become a prac-
titioner of medicine. With this end in \'iew he took a course in Asbur)- ( now
DePauw) L'nixersity, beginning his stuilies there in 1865. He began reading
medicine in 1868 under Dr. John Wilcox of Greencastle. and after spending
eighteen months in his office he entered the University of Virginia, at Char-
lottesville, from which he was graduated with a very creditable record in 1871.
In the fall of that year he began practice in Greencastle. Indiana, and he has
remained here e\"er since. He soon had a ver}- satisfactory patronage with
the towns and surrounding country, w hich has continued to increase until he
has won and retained a reputation second to none, his name being familiar in
every household in the county and to many in adjoining counties; however,
he is not at present in active practice.
Doctor Evans was married on September 2. 1873. to Mary A. Golding,
who was born in Greencastle, the acci:implished daughter of an influential fam-
ily, her parents being \A'illiam O. and Charlotte Adeline ( Day) Golding. Xo
children ha\e Iieen born to this union.
Mrs. Evans is a member of the Presbyterian church. Eraternally the
Doctor belongs to the Masonic Itjdge Xo. 47, the Knights Templar, Command-
ery Xo. 11. being past eminent commander; he belongs to the Knights of
Pythias, having passed through all the chairs in the same, and he is also a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a Re-
publican, and while be has never iouml much time to interest himself in po-
282 WEIK S HISTORY OF
litical matters, he is known to be an advocate of whatever tends to promote
the county's interests, pohtically or otherwise. He was a member of the board
of education for three years, and he also served very creditably on the county
council. Xo man in tlie cuunty is better or more fa\orably known than he,
for he has not only been very successful as a physician, but he is admired for
his public spirit and his efforts to bear aloft the honor that has attended the
familv name since the earliest pioneer days.
FRAXCIS ^lARIOX LYOX.
Coupled with Francis M. Lyon's ability as an attorney is his unusual
clearness of perception, analytical tact and soundness of theory, also his
courteous manners, persistency and unswerving integrity, these and other
commendable attributes rendering him one of the strong and influential
attorneys of Putnam county and one of the successful practitioners of a com-
munitv noted for the high order of its legal talent. For many years his
office in Greencastle has been a very busy place and many of the principal
cases in the local courts find him on one sitle or the other, always alert, fair,
unswerving and always laboring for the interests of his large clientele.
Mr. Lyon represents an old and highly esteemed family of this county,
his forebears having located here in an epoch which historians are pleased
to allude to as "early" and they have since played well their parts in trans-
forming the locality from its primitive state to the opulent present. He was
born at Hamrick Station, Putnam county, Indiana. :\Lay 9, 1857. His father
was Valentine Lyon, a native of Fluvanna county, \'irginia. born April 3,
1798. He there grew to maturity and moved to Owen county. Indiana, in
1 8 JO. where he lived until 1846. when he moveti to Greencastle for the pur-
pose of educating his children in old Asbury L^niversity. being a strong advo-
cate of higher etlucation and a man who delighted in giving his children every
opportunity possible, and he was a strong supporter of the university here;
also took an active part in the Methodist congregation. He devoted his life to
farming and was verv successful. Remaining in Putnam until 1861. he re-
turned to Owen county, where he lived until his death in 18S7, at the ad-
vanced age of nearly ninety years. His long and useful life was a lesson to
all who knew him for he never neglected a chance to be of service in any re-
lation of life: scrupulously honest and always hospitable — a typical old-time
Virginia gentleman. He married Zarelda Myers, daughter of Xoble J. Myers.
and she was born on a farm three miles north of Greencastle. January jj.
PUTNAM COL-XTV, INDIANA. 283
i8j6. Her mother was the daughter of Solomon Kaufman. [Mrs. Lyon
uas a woman of many beautiful traits of character, and she passed to her
rest in 1906, at the age of eighty years. Valentine Lyon was first married to
]^rary Payne, a native of Shelby county, Kentucky, which union resulted in
the birth of thirteen children, twelve of whom lived to maturitv. but only
four of this large family are living at this writing. Seven children were born
to the second union, named as follows: Charles E. is living in Topeka, Kan-
sas: Francis M., of this review: George W. lives in Clinton. Iowa: Henry
Eascom is a resident of Cheyenne. Wyoming: Prof. Oliver L. lives at Enid.
Oklahoma: Mrs. Emma Florence Roberts lives near [Manhattan. Putnam
county : Ulysses G. lives on a farm near Reelsville. Putnam countv.
The remote ancestors of the Lyon family were French .Acadians, who
came into the L'nited States from Xova Scotia, having been banished from
Acadia and cast ashore, later landing on the coast of Maryland. From there
they went to Virginia where the family became well established and pros-
perous: there, in Fluvanna county, James Lyon, grandfather of Francis M.,
was born. The Lyon family has always been strongly bent toward educational
and musical lines: nine members of this family of the recent generation were
teachers.
Francis 'M. Lyon was educated in the high school at Spencer, Owen
county, Indiana, then attended the Central Xormal School at Danville and
the State Xormal at Terre Haute. His first inclination was to practice medi-
cine and with this end in view he studied medicine during the summer months
and taught school in the \\ inter time, soon becoming well known throughout
the county as an able and painstaking instructor. In 1889 he was elected su-
perintendent of schools of Putnam county, and so faithfully and well did he
perform the duties of this office that he was re-elected three times, holding the
office four terms or eight years, during which time the work throughout the
county was greatly strengthened, the courses made more attractive to pupils,
teachers were encouraged and patrons pleased with the excellent svstem per-
fected by him. Flad he continued in this line of work he doubtless would have
become one of the leading educators of the state: but turning from both
teaching and medicine, he began the study of law under Silas A. Hays, making
rapid progress and was admitted to the bar in due course of time. He formed
a law partnership with Charles T. Peck, which still exists, the firm being one
of the best known in the county and regarded as strong and reliable, fio-uring
prominently in all local courts. ;\[r. Lyon is regarded by his large clientele
as a fair, painstaking, energetic champion of their rights, and he is a "ood
lawyer.
Mr. Lyr>n's domestic life began October 9. 1879. when he married Anna
284 weik's history of
A. Houck, the refined daughter of Anthony and Martha A. Houck. of Putnam
county, where Mrs. Lyon was born October 9. 1861. This union has re-
sulted in the birth of three sons, namely: Oscar Earl, who died in infancy,
Orrell E. w as born on October 26. 1885 ; Glen Houck Lyon was born on July
17. 1898.
Mr. Lyon is purely a self-made man, educated himself, working liard to
do so. and he is deserving of much credit for the success he has achieved.
He is attorney for the Western Tin-Plate Company. He is the owner of two
fine farms and is extensively engaged in loaning money. For ten years he
has ])een a member of the lioard of directors of the Commercial Club of Green-
castle. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, the chapter,
commandery. Scottish rite and the Ancient Arabic Order of Xobles of the
Mvstic Shrine. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to
the Gentlemen's Literary Club, a very exclusive organization. In politics he
is an active and influential worker in the Democratic ranks, and he and Mrs.
Lyon are members of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Lvon has always taken a great interest in the prosperity and ad-
vancement of Putnam county and endorses even.' movement which he be-
lieves will prove a benefit to humanity. He is genial, a good mixer, sociable
and straightforward in his dealings with his fellow men. His achievements
represent the results of honest endeavor along lines where mature judgment
has opened the way. He possesses a weight of character, a native sagacity,
a discriminating judgment and a fidelity of purpose that command the respect,
if not the approval of all with whom he is associated. He takes first rank
among the leading citizens of Putnam county, being a leader in financial, edu-
cational, social and civic affairs.
CHARLES LUETEKE.
The biographer is glad to herein set forth the salient facts in the emi-
nently successful and honorable career of the well remembered and highly
esteemed citizen of Putnam county whose name appears alwve. the last chap-
ter in whose life record has been closed by the hand of death and the seal
set thereon forever, but whose influence still pervades the lives of those with
whom he came in contact. For many years he was closely identified with
the industrial development of the county and aided in every way possible in
promoting the general good of the community. The terms "progress" and
"patriotism" might be considered two of the keynotes of the character of
PUTNAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 285
Charles Lueteke. for throughout his career he labored for the improvement
of both business and public interests, and at all times was actuated by a
patriotic love for his adopted country and her welfare. During his long and
eminently worthy career in Putnam county no man was better known or held
in higher esteem and he is certainly deserving of most conspicuous mention in
the history of his locality.
Mr. Lueteke was born in Mecklenberg. Germany, on }ilarch 7. 1844. and
when fourteen vears of age he began his apprenticeship to the baker's trade,
which he thoroughly mastered at an early age. All trades are taught with
minute nicety in the old country and the case of Mr. Lueteke was no ex-
ception to the common rule and he devoted his life work almost exclusively
to this work, remaining in his native land until 1868, when he emigrated to
the L'nited States. He made his way to Indiana and Uicated at Greencastle,
and here he at once secured work with Lyon & Weik. as a baker. After a resi-
dence of three years in this country he returned to Germany, making a visit
of three months to his childhood home, during which time he was married to
Johanna Voss. Returning to America, they located in Chicago and engaged
in the bakery business. He was prospering- when misfortune overtook him
during the great fire of 187 1 which burned him out completely. Thrown
again on his own resources with little capital, he went to Indian-
apolis and after working there for a short time at his trade, came to Green-
castle and entered the same business, locating on the square, but the fire fiend
still pursued him and he was one of the victims of the big fire in October,
1874. which proved so disastrous to Putnam county's capital city. The blow
was serious, but. being a man of indomitable courage and fortitude, he was
not to be subdued by disaster and soon we find him reinstaterl in South
Greencastle in the baking business, under the firm name of Lueteke & Stephen-
son and in a few vears became sole owner by buying- out his partner. His
business grew bv leaps and bounds — it grew because he was well informed on
all the details of his line of business, because he was progressive and because
he was honest, his numerous customers knowing that they would get a fair
deal with him. his bakery long supplying by far the greatest amount of bread
to this anil adjoining cities, such as Coatesville. Stilesville. Amo. Cloverdale
and manv others. He successfully met competition from many quarters. He
had a liig trade in cakes and rolls, his bread trade being sometimes enormous
for a small city. To have built up a business of such proportions in a city
the size of Greencastle. and to win a name throughout this section of the state
in the baking business proves that ^f^. Lueteke was possessed of both ad-
ministrative and executive abilitv ; it means that he discovered the truth of the
286 WEIK S HISTORY OF
old axiom that "there is room at the top" for any well conducted enterprise.
He entered lite without anything except his good business judgment, energy
and honesty, and besides his well equipped bakery he owned Lindenhurst,
one of the finest homes in Greencastle. He was known as a very charitable
man. He was exceptionally kind in his home and was at all times respected
and trusted in all walks of life.
This excellent citizen was called to his rest June 5, 1902, having been
suddenly stricken with cerebral hemorrhage while engaged in the regular
course of his duties. He was fifty-eight years old and was robust and very
active up to the day before he passed away.
Mr, Lueteke was a member and a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian
church. He was elected to the city council about 1890 and proved a useful
member in urging movements calculated to better the condition of the city.
To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lueteke eight children were born, Harriet,
Charles, Frank (deceased), Nellie, Harry, Albert and two children that died
in infancy. The mother of these children, who, with her husband, is sleep-
ing the sleep of the just, is remembered as a woman of pleasing personality,
kind and gentle bearing and who spared no pains in rearing her children in
a wholesome home atmosphere. She was born in ^lecklenberg, Germany,
November 2, 1844, the daughter of Fredrica and Carl Voss, the father a
forester of the above named city. She came to America with Charles Lueteke,
whom she married in the Fatherland, August 30, 1870, and during all the
business vicissitudes of her husband she proved to be a wise counselor and
her encouragement and optimism were no doubt very largely responsible for
much of his later success. The vocation of her father and the beautiful
character of her mother gave her superior advantages for the development
of a rich, full life and close comradeship with what is best in the three king-
doms. She was bv nature of a deep religious character, but in the home was
where her virtues shone with a peculiar luster. She was reared in the Lu-
theran faith, but since this denomination had no existence in Greencastle she
united with her family in full membership with the Presbyterian church, Oc-
tober 22, 1 88 1. She was strong in humanity and large in the making and
keeping of friends. She was always ready and very willing to comfort the
sorrowing and raise the fallen. Her sincere friendships included what was
best in every rank of society. This good woman was called to her reward
Mav II. 1908, and it seemed fitting that she and her husband both should
meet their Pilot face to face in the full tide of May when everything in na-
ture betokens a coming of perfect fruit and cloudless skies.
Charles Lueteke, Jr., the eldest son of the family, who is proving a worthy
son and taking his place among the progressive citizens of Greencastle, was
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 287
born at Greencastle, Indiana. He received good educational advantages and,
under the guidance of his father, he soon learned the bakery business and was
thereby well qualified to assume full charge of the same upon the death of
his father, and he has been very successful, devoting his close personal at-
tention to every detail of the business, carr}-ing on both a wholesale and re-
tail trade which are extensive in their scope, enjoying not only a very satis-
factory patronage in Greencastle, but also with the surrounding towns.
Fraternally Mr. Lueteke is a member of the Elks and Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and a Republican in politics. He is a member of the city coun-
cil from the third ward and rendering good service to his immediate constit-
uents as well as the people at large. He seems to have inherited his father's
geniality and popularity, is liked by everybody and fulfills all the requirements
of a good citizen. He is a liberal giver in the cause of worthy charities, but
does it without ostentation.
On March 31. 1903, Charles Lueteke, Jr.. married Mary E. Hibbitt,
daughter of Edward E. Hibbitt. of Greencastle.
The Lueteke family has long been popular in all circles in this city
and none enjo}' a wider acquaintance or more true friends. They are fine
examples of our best German citizenship, industrious, frugal, enterprising,
and cheerfully aid in all worthy causes to help along the. community and build
up the town, thereby making themselves popular with all classes.
ISAIAH VERAIILLION.
One of the sterling pioneers of the Middle West who figured in the
history of the early days and assisted in paving the way for subsequent de-
\elopment was Isaiah Vermillion, who was bom ?^Iarch 24, 1782, probably in
\'irginia, and. after a remarkable career for those days, which was prolonged
to well nigh the century mark, he passed away on October 23, 1871, in Monroe
township, Putnam county, Indiana, where he had long been an honored resi-
dent. He grew up to hard toil and received only the mere rudiments of
learning. When he reached maturity he married Tabitha Cumi Akers, who
was born January iS, 1799, and who passed to her rest September 15, 1879,
having lived four score years.
Their family consisted of the following children: Eight reached ma-
turity ; Anderson, who is mentioned in the sketch of O. L. Jones : Woodford
spent his life in Putnam county, but died in Montgomery county: Millie mar-
ried Nelson Wood; Cvnthia married Allen Cox; Permelia married Franklin
288 weik's history of
*
Harrah; Cvrena. who married Robert Brothers, is the only survivor;
Clarissa married Americus Young; Franklin died when a young man: Lu-
cinda married Thomas Slavens. Isaiah Vermillion became a well known
minister in the Predestinarian Baptist church. He devoted his life prin-
cipally to farming and was fairly successful, being a hard worker. He was a
man whose word was never discredited and whose deeds were always in ac-
cordance with right living and right thinking.
RASER BITTLES.
Raser Bittles was born near Water ford, Erie county, Pennsylvania,
Octol)er 6, 1857. He is the scion of an e.xcellent ancestry, many representa-
tives of which figured more or less conspicuously in public and business life in
the Emerald Isle. His father, Thomas Bittles, was born in the county of
Armagh, near Belfast, Ireland, and there grew to maturity and was educated.
He joined the tide of emigration setting in strongly for the United States in
1850. and selected as his location Water ford. Pennsylvania. He devoted his
life to agricultural pursuits in that vicinity, establishing a good home there,
winning the honor and confidence of all his neighbors, and spent the remain-
ing years of his life very comfortably, passing to his eternal rest in 1898. at
the advancetl age of eighty-three years, his birth having occurred in 1815. He
was of strong religious convictions. ha\ing been a member of the Presby-
terian church. Thomas Bittles married Jane !\Iatchett. a native of county
Armagh. Ireland, where she grew to maturit\- and where they were married.
This union resulted in the birth of seven children, namely: Mrs. Maggie Rey-
nolds, of Springboro, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where John Wesley
also lives; Robert James is deceased; Raser. of this sketch: Addie Jane Brown
lives in Carbondale. Illinois: William Charles lives in Westfield. Xew "^"ork :
Andrew Bell is a resident of Oil City. Pennsylvania. The latter was adopted
bv an aunt and now bears the name of Gordon.
The mother of the children just enumerated passed to her rest on April
4. 1863. at the age of thirty-seven years. The father re-married, his second
wife being Airs. Eliza Taylor, of Waterford. Pennsylvania, and this union
resulted in the birth (if three children. Allen J., of Meadville. Pennsylvania:
Emmett. of .\lbion. Pennsylvania: Elizal)eth. of Girard. Penn.sylvania. The
mother of these children is living at Um'on City, that state.
Raser Bittles lived at Waterford. Pennsylvania, until he was seventeen
years of age. He recei\ed his schf)oling in the public scho(5ls there. recei\ing
PCTXA.M COUXTY, IXDIAXA. 289
a very serviceable education, which has later in lite been greatly supiilemented
bv miscellaneous reading and contact with the business world. He began life
b\- farming, and after four years at hard work in the fields he began working
in a factory as a common laborer, w hich he continued for two years or until
he had learned the mechanical part of the work; this was in the handle factory
of A. L. Clark & Son, in which factory he worked as a mechanic for a period
of fourteen years, thoroughly mastering the business in the meantime. In
rSo5 'i>^ went in business for himself, having come west to Putnam county,
Indiana, establishing the Roachdale Handle Company, which he conducted
there for a period of eight years, building up a very e.xtensive patronage, so
that he sought a larger field and better shipping facilities, moving to Green-
castle in 1903. Here he carries on his business under the individual name.
R. Bittles. having purchased the balance of the stock owned by A. J. Brake.
His business has continued to grow until it has reached remote parts of the
country, his factory being e(juipped with all modem appliances where twenty
skilled workmen are constantK' employed, making D handles for sho\els and
spades. Onlv higli class work is turned out and the best of material used, and
the result of this conscientious, straight for\vard and honest manner of con-
ducting his business has been the large rewards that always come as the sequel
to- rightly applied energy. Mr. Bittles is a self-made man and is deserving
of the large success that has attended his efforts.
The chapter bearing on the domestic life of Raser Bittles dates from
October 31. 1S83, when he married Susie M. Hollingshead, the representati\'e
of an honored and influential family of Dunkirk. Indiana, the daughter of
Thomas and Prudence f Peck") Hollingshead, the father a native of Delaware
county. Indiana, and the mother of Blackford county, this state. Air. Hollings-
heail was a farmer ami lived in Delaware county until his death in January,
[Sjj, at the early age of thirty-three years, having been born in 1839. He was
a !\Iason ; his parents came tr(3m Greene coimty. Ohio, reaching Indiana about
1836. The mother of Mrs. Bittles was born Februarv- 27, 1842. and her par-
ents came from Ohio in 1838. Three children were born to yir. and Airs.
Hollingshead, one dying in infancy; James H. lives in Ft. Smith. Arkansas,
where he is engaged in the manufacture of handles.
Fi\e children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bittles, named as follows :
Alta. born September 10. 1884; Frank, born Februarv- 20. 1887; Claire, bom
Augtist 5, iS()2: ?^rary, born May 14. 1895: James, born October 6, 1897.
They are all li\ing at home at this writing. Alta graduated from DePauw
University in iqnj. and Frank is a senior in that institution, and graduates
fi9)
290 WEIK S HISTORY OF
with the class of 1910. Claire is a freshman in DePauw. Mary and James
are in the graded schools.
Mr. and Mrs. Bittles and their three oldest children are members of the
College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Bittle.s is an active wOrKer
in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of this congregation.
Fraternally Mr. Bittles is a Mason, belonging to Temple Lodge. Xo. 47,
having joined this fraternity in 1881. He is also a member of Greencastle
Chapter. Xo. 22. Royal Arch Masons, and Greencastle Commandery. X'o. 11,
Knights Templar. Politically he is a Republican and he has long taken more
or less interest in public affairs. At the present time is is a member of the
citv council of Greencastle.
Mr. Bittles has a fine home on Eash Washington street, which is known
to a large circle of friends as a place where genuine hospitality and good cheer
es'er prevail.
EVERETT AI. HCRST. M. D.
Among the successful and well known physicians of Putnam county is
Dr. Everett M. Hurst, of Cloverdale, who is enjoying a splendid reputation
and a large clientele because of the ability he has displayed in the treatment
of disease and also because of his high personal character. He is a repre-
sentative citizen of the community and is well entitled to specific mention in a
work of this character. A complete genealogical record of the Hurst family
appears elsewhere in this volume and mention will only be made here of the
Doctor's immediate ancestors. His paternal grandfather was Jefferson Hurst,
who was born in Marion township. Putnam county, Indiana, Alarch 28, 1824,
the son of William and Fanny Hurst, the former a native of Virginia. The
family came to Putnam county in 1823. being among the first settlers in the
county. They located at Deer creek. Marion township, where the father
entered several tracts of government land. He at once cleared a small space
and erected a log cabin, putting in a small crop of corn the first year. He died
in 1850, widely known and highly respected by all who knew him. In politics
he was a Democrat and in religion he was a member of the Primitive Baptist
church. He was known far and wide as a peacemaker and was frequently
called upon to settle neightorhood disputes.
Jefferson Hurst was reared to manhood under the parental roof, receiving
a somewhat limited education in the common schools. He had a large ex-
perience in pioneer life, and it is said attended log rollings for two weeks
at a time. On December 24, 1S44. he married Elsie Vowel, and they became
PUTNAM COUXTV. INDIAXA.
291
the parents of eight children. Martin C. WiHiam. Levi. Squire J.. James H
George W'.. Benjamin F. and Mar}- ].. the wife of Daniel V. Moffett. Mrs.
Elsie Hurst died on Xovember 2. 1879. and on September i. 1881. Air Hurst
married Alary E. Tilley. of O^-en county, to winch union were born two chil-
dren. Joseph B. and Flossie M. Mr. Hurst settled upon his farm in section 36
Greencastle township, about 186.. ownmg about six hundred acres of lan,l
wh.ch was considered one of the best farms in the cotmty. He was a n,embe;
ot the Prnuitive Baptist church, of which he was clerk
Anril"^'' rf ''"; '"''"'■■ ^^ '"""' ^""^- ""^ ^^" '" Greencastle township,
comn^on schools. He remamed at home until his marriage on Februarx- ;
Inestock wh.ch occupation he followed until 1S80. when he engaged in the
at that po nt. Durmg the last ten years of his life he was retired from active
«as hr.t established as a branch store, but eventuallv became a prosperous
busmess. H,s death occurred on January 9, 1909. To' his union w.th Mlrtl^
Afrs nTr tT", '"1°"^ ""• ^^""" ''• '" "''^J^^^^ '^™P" '^f ^'- -sketch.
A i e Y AH "^ ' f • '^'""- ""' °" ^'''''' -'• ^^'^'^- -^^^- H-st married
Alice A. .Albm. who was born in Jefferson township. October - i8;7 the
ss; d::^:::^^'"""" ^ ■^'""- ^'^ ^-'^-^^-^ --- -- ^^^ ^ugh^r^o^
Everett M. Hurst was born October 26. 1874. at the Hurst homestead m
the northern part of Warren township, this countv. At the age of ei-xhteen
months he was orphaned by the death of his mother and he was t!,en^aken
by his paternal grandparents, with whom he lived until he was nine years old
when he returned to the home of his father, the latter having again married'
Everett Hurst attended the common schools at Alt. Aleridian and later
the high school at Greencastle. where he was graduated in 1894. Durinc. the
two following winters he engaged in teaching school in Alarion township
Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he entered
the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of the
University of Illinois, of Chicago. He remained there four vears. graduat-
mg on April 18. 1900. with the degree of Doctor of Aledicine. Dunno- his
educational years the Doctor had assisted during the summers with the work
ot his father's farm and during two summers he was employed as a salesman
m the buggy and implement business of his lincle, James Hurst, at Green-
castle. In his youth he had to some extent engaged in the business of buv-
mg and selling livestock, in which he w.is successful to an unusual decree
292 WEIK S HISTORY OF
possessing a remarkable faculty for gauging the weight of an animal by a
glance, he acquiring a widespread reputation on this account.
On January 4, 1900, Doctor Hurst located at Cloverdale and entered upon
the active practice of his profession, in which he has met with a gratifying
measure of success, having built up a large and lucrative patronage among the
best people in the community. He keeps in close touch with the latest ad-
vances made in the healing art and has successfully handled many e.xtremely
difficult cases. The Doctor has erected in Cloverdale a beautiful and attrac-
tive residence, one of the finest in the town. and the spirit of hospitality is ever
in evidence, the Doctor and his wife being numbered among the best social
circles of the town.
Politically Doctor Hurst is a Democrat, and takes an intelligent interest
in public affairs, though he has never sought public ofiice of any nature.
Fraternallv he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood-
men of America. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.
In September, 1900. Doctor Hurst married Eliza ]\I. Herod, the daughter
of Johnson C. Herod, of Greencastle, who served as county assessor for ten
years. They became the parents of a son, Olney Eugene, but he was taken
by death at the age of sixteen months. Doctor Hurst is a man of broad sym-
pathies and kindly disposition and is well liked by all who know him. He
takes a live interest in everj-thing tending to benefit the community in anv
wav, and is thoroughly reliable in every department of activity in which he
engages.
Doctor Hurst has business interests aside from his profession, owning a
splendid farm in Jeffers<in township, and also an interest in the general store
at Putnamville.
ISAAC S. SINCLAIR.
The importance that attaches to the lives, character and work of the
early settlers of that part of Indiana of which Putnam county is a part and
the influence they have exerted upon the cause of humanity and civilization
is one of the most absorbing themes that can possibly attract the attention of
the local chronicler or historian. If great and beneficent results — results that
endure and bless mankind — are the proper measure of the good men do, then
who is there in the w^orld's histor}' that may take their places above the hardy
pioneer. To point out the way, to make possible our present advancing civiliza-
tion, is to be the truly great benefactors of mankind for all time. This was the
great work accomplished by the early settlers and it is granted by all that they
PCTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 293
builded wiser than they knew. Among the sturdy old pioneers whose efforts
counted for much in the early development of this part of Indiana, mention
should be made of Isaac Sinclair, who occupied a position of prominence
in the community where he lived. He was a native of the state of Virginia,
where he was reared and educated. Subseciuently he emigrated to Kentucky
and in about 1822 he came to Indiana, locating in the northern part of Owen
county. He had married Anna Patterson and they were the parents of the
following children: William. John P., Isaac P., Samuel S., Cynthia, Morris,
Ann and Eliza. These children all came with their parents to their new home
in the Hoosier state and here grew to honorable manhood and womanhood.
The family located three miles north of where Cloverdale now is, but several
years later located in Owen county. The father afterwards returned again
to Putnam county and spent his latter days with his son Samuel. His death
occurred about 1852. his widow surviving until near the close of the Civil war.
Isaac Sinclair was one of the grand old men of his day, his life being char-
acterized by an integrity of purpose and a consistency of conduct that won for
him the unbounded confidence of all who knew him.
Of the children of Isaac and Anna Sinclair, brief mention is made as
follows :
William, during the late twenties and early thirties, owned land three
miles south of Cloverdale, but eventually he mo\-ed to Kentucky and did not
again return to Indiana.
John P. married Sarah Martin before he came to Indiana. He became a
minister of the ilethodist Episcopal church, and was numbered among the
early "circuit riders." He first lived a mile west of Cloverdale. but later lo-
cated three miles south of that place, where he cleared land and made a good
home. About 1850 he went to Greencastle and afterwards made several other
changes in location, eventually locating about a mile north of Putnamville.
About 1854 he engaged in running a sawmill at Cloverdale. He returned
to the old home south of Cloverdale. but his last days were spent near
Putnamville, where his death occurred. He was survived by three sons and
si.x daughters, namely: Strange \\'.. Isaac L.. John T.. Serelda. Xancy.
Mary, Lucinda, America Ann and Elizabeth.
Isaac P. Sinclair, Jr., lived just west of Cloverdale in his young manhood.
He married America L. Martin, of Kentucky, a daughter of Thomas Martin,
who came from that state to Indiana with Isaac Sinclair, Sr.. and entered
land north of Cloverdale. He afterwards located near Cloverdale. but a few-
years later mo\-ed o\-er into Owen county. Later in life he bought a farm
three miles south of Cloverdale, where his death occurred. From his home
west of Clo\erdale Isaac Sinclair. Jr.. moved to 0^ven county, but two or three
294 WEIK S HISTORY OF
years later he returned to the southern part of Putnam county, where he built
a large and attractive brick residence about 1840. In 1848 he moved to
Greencastle, which was his home during the remainder of his life. He was
engaged in the management of a warehouse there at the time of his death.
He had also laid out an addition to the city of Greencastle and had erected sev-
eral houses. He died on October 25, 1854, and was survived many years by
his widow, whose death occurred in 1878. They were the parents of four
sons and four daughters, namely: John P.. Thomas Martin. Lee W.. Isaac
S., Minerva, Martha Ann, Elizabeth and Eliza J. Of these children. John P.
lived on the home farm until 1848, receiving his education in the public
schools of Greencastle. He married Rebecca A. Hardin. He spent most
of his life in Putnam county, removing in 1875 to Iowa, where his death oc-
curred. Thomas Martin died at the age of about se\"enteen years. Lee W.
spent his early years in Greencastle. looking after the \varehouse for his
father, and was also engaged in the wool business. He married Eliza Brandt
and went to Salem. Indiana. Later he went to South Chicago, where he
operated a woollen mill, and then went to West Baden, Indiana, where he is
now engaged in running the West Newton Springs Hotel. His first wife died
in 1873 ^^'^ h^ subsequently married Caddie Percise.
Isaac Simpson Sinclair, son of Isaac P.. Jr.. was boi:n in 1840 on the
farm in the southern part of Cloverdale township, where he remained until
eight years of age. after which the family made several moves, though the
greater part of his time was spent on the farm, occupying the brick residence
built by his father. About 1895 he moved to Cloverdale and engaged in the
hay business, and in 1900 he moved to his present home, a fourth of a mile
west of Cloverdale, where he operates a good farm. The familv are mem-
bers of the Church of Christ at Cloverdale. Isaac S. Sinclair married, in 1862,
Minerva Piercy. daughter of Jacob Piercy. Jr. The latter's father. lacnb
Pierc\'. Sr.. came from Kentucky to Indiana in about 1822 and bought land a
mile north of Cloverdale. Jacob. Jr.. married Rosanna Hedrick and thev had
five children, of whom three died in childhood, the two sur\-iv<5rs being Mrs.
Sinclair and Mary Jane, who became the wife of William H. Truesdale. To
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac S. Sinclair were born six children. Albert P.. Alfred
Lee. Charles S.. Luella. Mary Winnie and Curtis C. Of these. Marv Minnie
died at the age of two months. Curtis C. at the age of ten vears and Alfred
Lee at the age of t\\ent_\'-two years. Luella. \\ho is now at home with her
])arents. formerly taught .-^cliool, ha\ing attended the normal school at Green-
castle. Minerva, daughter of Isaac P. Sinclair, became the wife of Alfred
Glazehook and during her later life lived at Rensselaer. Indiana. Martha Ann
became the wife of James McKenzie and spent most of her married life in
PLTXAM COUXTY, INDIANA. 295
Cumberland county. Illinois, where her death occurred. Elizabeth became the
wife of Richard Lennon and lived at St. Louis, Missouri. Eliza I. married
Hiram T. Crawley, and they formerly lived on a farm in Putnam countv,
later nKn-insa^ to Greencastle. and then to Indianapolis, where thev now reside.
HARRY M. S^HTH.
Examples that impress force of character on all who stutly them are
worthy of record. By a few general observations may l;e conveyed some idea
of the high standing of Harry M. Smith as a business man and public bene-
factor, or. an editor of unusual felicity of expression, ha\-ing niatle the
(ireencastle Biuiucr. of which he is proprietor, one of the brightest and most
influential papers in this section of the Hoosier state. United in his compo-
sition are so many elements of a solid and practical nature, which during a
series of 3'ears have brought him into prominent notice, and earned for him a
conspicuous ])lace among the enterprising men of the county of his residence,
that it is but just recognition of his worth to speak at some length of his
achie\ements, although the record of such a life as herein set forth is neces-
sarily an abridgement.
AFr. Smith is desceniled from an old and well established Indiana fam-
ily, members of which have been known for their sterling qualities tlin^ugh
se\'eral generations — from the trx'ing period which historians are pleased
to allude to as "the early days" down to the opulent present. His birth oc-
curred at Thorntown, Indiana. November 25, [86j. His boyhood days were
spent under his parental rooftree much like those of other lads of his
age and generation and was without incident, .\fter an education in the
public and high school he turned his attentii^n to the printing and newspaper
business, and finding the same to his liking, has continued his labors in this
particidar field of endeavor to the present time, or for a period of over thirty
years, gaining well-merited success. He learned the printer's trade in Dan-
ville. Indiana, in the otfice of the Danville U>iioii. at the time comlucted bv
his father, and worked at the trade while finishing his education.
Tlie subject is the son of Mr. and ]\Irs. O. H. Smith, mentioned else-
where in this work, and a member of a famil\- oi five chiUlren. Though hav-
ing resided at earlier periods in his life in other cities, he has for a quarter
oi .1 century been a citizen of Greencastle and has always been loval to the
city's interests. He was a pronounced advocate of a new court house for the
ctjunty and has alwa\s been in the aihance in urging improvements for the
296 weik's history of
city an<l county, and his labors in behalf of the general interests of the
people have been fully appreciated and recognized.
After employment on the Republican papers of the county at diverse
times, he purchased the Greencastle Banner in 1898 and has been sole pro-
prietor of the same since that time, having so ably managed the same as to
greatly increase its prestige, its influence in molding public opinion, its value
as an advertising medium and its brightness in mechanical appearance. The
Bajiiicr is one of the oldest papers in the state and it has always stood in the
front ranks of the Republican party, fighting for its principles and has been
a potent factor in local political issues.
On January 18, 1888, Air. Smith married Anna Allen, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. John D. Allen, and they reside at No. 122 East Walnut street in
Greencastle. The Allen family has long been a highly honored one in Put-
nam county.
Fraternally Air. Smith is a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and he takes considerable interest
in both lodges, and is one of the prominent boosters for the best interests
of Greencastle in every way, both through his paper and as a private citizen.
CHARLES W. LAXDES.
There is no positi\'e rule for achie\'ing success, and }-et in the life of the
successful man. like that of the late Charles W. Landes. long a well known
druggist of Greencastle. there are always lessons which might be followed.
The men who gains prosperity is he who can see and utilize the opportunities
that lie in his path, the essential conditions of human life being ever the same,
the surroundings of individuals differing but slightly: and when one man
passes another on the highway of life to reach the goal of prosperity before
others who perhaps started out before him, it is because he has the power to
use advantages which properly encompass the whole human race, and the best
wav to measure the true worth of a man is in his intluence upon others. In
both this and the achievement of success Air. Landes nnist be recorded as one
of Putnam countv's foremost citizens of the past generation, as all who knew
him well can attest.
Charles \V. Landes was bom in this county on Januan,- 13. 185 1. the
descendant of a prominent and influential ancestry, one of Putnam's oldest
pioneer families, the first representatixes of which located here in an early
dav. having made the long imirnev from Virginia in old-fashioned covered
CHAKLES W. LANDES
PUTNAM COL'NTY, IXDIAXA. 297
wagons. They were John and Henry Landes. the latter the father of Charles
W. and for many years a successful and prominent business man, having en-
gaged in the manufacture of wagons in Greencastle, being a very skilled work-
man so that the products of his shop were eagerly sought for. In April,
1S49. he married Elvira Ree\es, which union resulted in the birth of four
children, namely: Charles \V., of this biographical memoir; James died in
infancy; Sarah Olive died when eighteen years of age; Frank L. died in De-
cember. 1903.
Charles W . Landes received an excellent education, having attended the
public schools and graduating in 1872 in Asbury (now DePauw) University,
with proper honors. He had long desired to devote his life to the profession
of pharmacy and soon after leaving school he accordingly, in 1S73, entered
the drug business, the fimi being known as Phemister & Landes. The fol-
lowing year he purchased his partner's interest and continued the business with
gratifying success, building up a constantly growing and lucrative patronage
Avith the city and surrounding county until his death, February 17, 1899. In
all his business relations with his fellow men he is remembered as being gener-
ous and fair, thereby winning and retaining the confidence and good will of
all. Mr. Landes. as was his father, was a stockholder in the First National
Bank of Greencastle. Mr. Landes was a Republican in politics. He left an
estate of approximately fifteen thousand dollars. He was a prominent mem-
ber from early manhood of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church,
being on the official board for more than twenty-four years.
Mr. Landes was married on October 17, 1877, to Lilly Frances Root, a
lady of refinement and such pleasing address as to gain for her hosts of
friends wherever she is known. She is the daughter of Rev. Lucius I. Root,
long a prominent Presbyterian minister in Greencastle. He was a native of
the state of Xew York and a graduate of L'nion College of Schenectady, New
\ork, also of the Princeton Theological Seminary. He was always regarded
as an eloquent and earnest exponent of the doctrines of the Nazarene and ac-
complished a great work in winning souls to his Master and in building up
strong churches. Frances R. Taft was the maiden name of Mrs. Landes'
mother. She w as a native of Williamstown, Massachusetts, and she is a rela-
ti\e of President Taft. he being of this same family tree. Peter Taft. the
great-grandfather of Mrs. Landes. was an officer in the patriot army during
the Re\"olutionary war.
Two children graced the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W.
Landes. bearing these names. Nellie, bom January 24. 1879. was called to
the unseen world on March 27. 1904: Hallie was born in February, 1880.
They both recei\ erl excellent educations, graduating from DePauw L'ni\-ersitv.
29S weik's history of
The latter is at this writing state secretary for the Michigan Young Women's
Christian Association, and is prominent and beconn'ng w idely known in this
laudable line of work.
Xo more prominent or highly honored famih' than the Landes is to be
found in Putnam county, and Charles W. was a worthy representative of this
influential and esteemed name, and his influence in the business and social life
nf Greencastle was far-reaching and such as to merit the rewards he won.
DAVID ROBERT .MAZR.
An enumeration of those men of the present geueratitm who ha\e won
honor and public recognition for themsehes. and at the same time have
honored the locality to which they belong, would be incomplete were there
failure to make mention of the one whose name forms the caption to this
sketch. Prominent in local political circles, successful in business affairs,
and keenly alive to the best interests of the community, he enjoys to a marked
degree the confidence and esteem of the entire community and is numl^iered
among the representative men of the county.
David R Maze is a native son of the Hoosier state, having been born
near Cataract Falls, Owen county, on June 18. 1849. ^^ is a son of Robert
and ^lahala (Campbell) Maze. The father was born near Crab Orchard,
Kentucky, in 1804. and at the age of five years was taken by his parents to
near Hamilton, Ohio, and later to Shelljy county. Indiana. In 1846 he mo\ed
t(j Owen c<juntv and located in Jennings township, ncit far from the Putnam
county line. He married Mahala Campbell, daughter of Jijlm Caaipbell.
She was born in Ohio and came with her parents first to Union county,
Indiana, thence to Edinburg, Johnson county, where her parents died. Her
marriage to Mr. Maze occurred before their removal to Owen county.
David R. Maze remained on the paternal estate in Owen county until
he had attained his majority. He then started out in life on his own account,
going into the sawmill business, which was his chief occupation until [905,
being- occupied either in running the mill or bu}'ing timber, in Ix^th nf which
he I)ecame an expert. He commenced his active operations at Santa Fe. Owen
township, but in 1871 he moved the mill to the eastern part of Cloverdale
township and then sold it. He then came to Cloverdale and ])ecame head
sawyer in a mill owned by Howard Hart. He afterwards I^ouglit this mill
and operated it fi\-e \-ears. He then sold the mill, but continued to work in
it as head sawyer, which positi<in he held until 1905. In the pre\ious year
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 299
he had been elected sheriff of Putnam county anti he now appHed himself
exclusively to the discharge of the duties of this office. In 1906 he was
re-elected to succeed himself, thus holding the office four years in all. He made
a splendid official and retired from the office with the good will and approval
of everyone. In July. 1909. Mr. Maze went into the grain and feed busi-
ness in Cloverdale. in which line he is still engageil. He is a hustling busi-
ness man and is meeting with a gratifying degree of success in his new
venture.
Politically. Mr. Maze is a Democrat, having voted the tickets of this
party consistently since becoming a voter. In 1890 he was elected trustee of
Cloverdale township for a four-year term, which, by legislative enactment,
was e.xtended a year, giving a five-year tenure. He rendered efficient service
in this office and gained additional prestige thereby. As above stated, he
afterwards served two terms as sheriff, aside from which offices he has never
been before the people as a candidate. He stands high in the councils of the
party and takes a leading part in local campaigns. Fraternally, he is a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he became a mem-
ber December 31, 1873. ^^ Cloverdale. He is also a member of the encamp-
ment oi Patriarchs ]\filitant at Greencastle, being, with one exception, the
senior in length of membership at Cloverdale.
On June i. 1881. Mr. Maze married Nannie Sinclair, the daughter of
Rev. Strange \\'hite and Hannah | rirnham ) Sinclair. Rev. Strange Sinclair
was born December 9, 1829. on Raccoon creek, near Greencastle. and was a
son of Rev. J. P. Sinclair, a Methodist minister who came \rom Kentuckv
in an early day. The latter was numbered among the pioneer ministers of
the gospel and "rode the circuit" for man}- years. In later life he settleil
down to farming and trading, owning about a section of land three miles
south of Cloverdale. as well as .several other tracts of land between Green-
castle and Owen county. He lived several years at Greencastle and died on
his farm near Putnamville in 1879. ^^'^ ^'^"- Rev. Strange \Miite Sinclair,
was a graduate of oM .\sbury (now DePauw) University and, following in
his father's footsteps, entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Pie was also a school teacher, having taught for about forty years in Putnam
and Owen counties, or until he was past sixty years of age. Hannah Sinclair
was a daughter of James and Hannah ( McElroy) Graham, natives of near
Cork, Ireland, and of Scotch-Irish antecedents. They were Presbvterians in
religious belief, having descended from the old Scotch Covenanters. .\t the
age of seventeen years Mrs. ^[aze began teaching school and has been thus
engaged for nearly nineteen years, the greater part of the time in Putnam
county. Ti) Mr. and Mrs. Maze have been born three daughters. Xota Dell.
300
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Coralie Graham and Pearl White. The first-named became the wife of Lee
O. Cofifman. son of James Coffman, by whom she has three children, Marjorie
Lee, Virginia Jeane and James Robert. The mother of these children com-
pleted her education at the State University and taught school two terms.
Coralie became the wife of Charles Gilbert Shaw, a photographer at Linton,
Greene county, Indiana, and they have two children, Charlotte ]VLaze and
Analie Frances. Mrs. Shaw is a graduate of DePauw University and her
husband is a graduate of the MclNIinnville School of Photography at McMinn-
ville, Tennessee, and later was instructor in this institution. Pearl White
Maze, who also is a graduate of DePauw University, is now teaching her
second term as English teacher in the high school at Linton. The sAject
and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which
they give an earnest and liberal support.
Mrs. Maze is an accomplished painter of china, as well as in water
colors, her work being greatly admired by all who see it. Competent judges
pronounce some of her work the equal of any now on exhibition, possessing
a rare beautv of form and tone.
DOUGLAS HUFFMAN.
Among the numerous Kentuckians who cast their lot with Indiana during
the formative period of the state was Edmond Huffman, a man of sterling
qualities and exemplary character, who became one of the most influential
men of his community. He was born August i6. 1824, and was about nine
years old when brought to Putnam county from the old homestead in Nelson
county. Kentucky, by his parents, Peter and Cynthia Hufifman. The family
was of German descent and, being seasoned by the early colonial struggles
and the dark days on the border, their descendants were of the material to
make hardy pioneers of new states. When this family came here, Indiana
was still decidedly crude, giving little promise of the great commonwealth
familiar to those living in the twentieth century. Edmond went through all
the privations and vicissitudes incident to pioneer days. There was plenty
of hard work and not much play; the state, however, was filled with fine
game, the hunting of which had much to do in training the youth to out-door
sports from which they deriveil strength and health to meet the inevitable
hardships incident to clearing the land, opening roads, building cabins, burn-
ing logs cut from the seemingly inexhaustible forests and doing all the other
thinss essential to the making oi a state from the raw material.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 3OI
Edmonil Huffman settleil in section iS, Washington township, in 1836.
On April 5, 1849, ^^ married Louisa Ann Rightsell, who was born August
9, 1830. tlie daughter of George and Alargaret Rightsell. At the age of
nineteen. Edmond Huffman started out to do for himself, worked six months
for .William Alexander, near Gosport, Indiana, at five dollars a month, at
the end of which time he ga\-e all his wages, thirty dollars, to his father, who
soon afterwards made him a present of a colt worth fifteen dollars. It is
said at the time of his marriage Edmond Huftman could neither read nor
write, but by the aid of his good wife he soon acquired both and finally be-
came well informed on the current topics of tlie day, and from a very humble
beginning he worked hard and managed well, success attending his efforts,
until at one time he was the owner of eighteen hundred acres of valuable
land, and while he was laying by an ample competence for his old age and
his family he did not lose sight of his duty to his neighbors, but did his full
part in the development of the county. Being an ardent Democrat, he took
a prominent part in the struggles incident to the old days of Whigs and
Democrats. He was strictly a self-made man and altogether was a fine tvpe
of the men who made Indiana. He was a believer in the predestinarian Bap-
tist doctrine. On his farm in Washington township was held the first court
seen in Putnam county. The death of this highly honored and public-spirited
citizen, successful farmer, kind and generous neighbor and indulgent father,
occurred on September 7, 1900, soon followed to the mystic land by his faith-
ful life companion, ]Mrs. Huffman passing away on December 14th of the
same year.
Mr. and !\Irs. Pluffman were the parents of tweh'e children, eight of
whom suiwive. namely: James Roberts, born Jamiary J5. 1850; Maria E.,
born October 6, 1851; Cephas, born January 28, 1853, died February 20,
1853; John A., born January 10. 1855; Douglas, of this review, was fifth in
order of birth; Ivan, born July 31. 1S59; Daniel Vorhees. born March 22,
1864: Lucretia A., Ixirn IMay 13, i8(')3: General Jackson, born September 6,
18^18: Margaret, born March 20. 1870; Greeley R.. born June 2_-^. 1872.
Douglas Huft'man was born May 10. 1857, and grew up to be a worthy
son of a worthy sire, assisting him in the farm work during his boyhood
and youth, meantime obtaining a fair education in the local schools. He was
diligent in his studies, went through the common schools to graduation and
afterwards was engaged in teaching for two years in Washington township.
After his experience in the school room he embarked in merchandising at
Reelsville. and for a perioil of twenty-two years conducted a general store
at that place. He built up an extensive trade and was ven- successful. In
1900 he retired to lonk after his farms, being the owner of two excellent
WEIK S HISTORY OF
places, one of two hundred and seventy acres in Washington townsliip, and
one of two hundred and ninety-three acres in Owen county. He utihzes
these tracts to carry on general farming and stock raising, not branching out
into fancy farming, but contenting himself with raising the staple cereal crops
and feeding all the livestock the land will fairly support. His land is well
tilled and under modern improvements. ^Ir. Huffman makes his residence in
a fine, attractive home in one of the best residence sections of Greencastle.
where the nianv friends of the family are delightfully entertained. The pre-
siding spirit of the home is a lady of refined tastes and amiable disposition,
known in her maidenhood as Mollie Baumunk, whom he married on April 20,
18S4: she was born and reared in Putnam county, where her people were al-
ways well respected. This union has resulted in the birth of three children.
Of these. Murrav and Morris E. died in infancy; Merle C. born in 1896. is
attending high school.
Mr. Huffman's fraternal associations are with the Masons and he is a
member of the Greencastle Lodge, No. 473, of that order. He is also a mem-
ber of Lodo-e Xo. 1077, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Green-
castle.
Mr. Huffman occupies a conspicuous place among the representative
citizens of Putnam county and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who
know him. His record demonstrates that where there is a will there is a way
and that obstacles to success may be overcome by courage and self-reliance.
His career, though strenuous, has been fraught with good to his fellow men
and his example is cordiallv commended to the youth of the land wdiose life
work is vet a matter of the future.
JOSEPH WILLARD CRO-MWELL.
Among the modern agriculturists of Putnam county is Joseph Willard
Cromwell, who is the owner of a splendidly improved farm in Warren town-
ship. He is a native of Clav county, Indiana, where his birth occurred April 6,
i860, the son of John O. and Diana E. (Barnettj Cromwell, the latter the
daughter of John and Rachael (Ellis) Barnett and was born April 2, 1832.
Mr. and Mrs. Barnett were pioneer settlers, coming to this county in 1827;
the father died in .Vugust. 1875, at the age of seventy-eight years, and the
mother in the same year, being seventy-five years old. John 0. Cromwell was
the son of Nicholas D. and Amelia (Marshall) Cromwell, descendants of the
PUTNAM COUXTY. INDIANA. 3O3
noteil Cromwell of England. They first settled in Maryland, thence going to
Kentucky and then to Indiana. Nicholas was the first sheriff, also the first
treasurer of Clay county and was jndge of the circuit court for a period of se\--
enteen years. He was born in 1771. and died in 1848. at Bowling Green, Clay
county. Indiana. John O. Cromwell was reared on a farm and followed this
line of work all his life, dealing extensively in livestock; for two years he
engaged in the retail merchandise business. Politically he was a Democrat
and held the office of justice of the peace twelve years and was trastee of his
township for four years, and he was a notary public — in short, a very useful
man in his cummunity. where he was honored by all who knew him. During
the Civil war he sent a substitute, for which he paid eight hundred and fift}-
dollars. At the time of his death he was a resident of Pleasant Garden,
^\'ashingto^ township, dying April 7, 1902, His wife died October 16, 190^.
They were the parents of the following children : Charles X. married Allie
Browning, now deceased: two children were born to them, Tunis and Claude;
his second wife was Minnie Anderson, also deceased; he married a third time,
]Mrs. Maud Pounds, John E. Cromwell married Kate Brock and they are
the parents of three children. ]\Iable. Pearl and Grace. Grandal T. married
Laura .\kers and resides in Terre Haute; Curtis Clay is deceased; Rella. who
remained single, is an evangelist; Josephine married George McKinlev and
they have three children. Helen (deceased). Jesse and Margaret; DeW'itt P.
married Lillie Shadwick. reside in Indianapolis and are the parents of two
children. DeW'itt, Jr., and Helen; Florence, who married Charles Lee. is a
widow ; Rella and Josie were teachers for some time in the public schools of
Putnam county and Clay counties. Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell have fifteen
grandchildren living and two dead.
Joseph W. Cromwell, of this review, remained at home with his parents
until sixteen years of age, when he accepted a position with the V'andalia Rail-
road Company, in the employ of which he has remained continuouslv for a
period of thirty-four years, being employed as steam shovel engineer most
of the time and he has always been regarded as one of the most trusted of the
company's employes. February i. 1885, he was married to Laura B. Hepler.
born August 16. 1864, the daughter of John D. and Elettita (Leonard)
Hepler. her parents having been among the old settlers of Putnam countv,
spending their lives on a farm here. y[r. Hepler was a native of Putnam
county and he became the owner of a large tract of land near Putnamville,
where he still lives, having sold much of the land he formerly owned. He has
reached an advanced age. Daniel Hepler. grandfather of Mrs. Cromwell, was
304
WEIK S HISTORY OF
a native of Xorth Carolina, and was an early settler in Putnam county. He
married Gadsy Heath.
A few years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Cromwell
purchased a tract of land adjoining that of Mrs. Cromwell's father and here
they have continued to make their home. In the spring of 1910 they moved
into a new, modern and beautiful home which they erected beside their old
home. They are the parents of seven children, five of whom are living; they
are. Vita B., born October 20, 1885; John W., born January 21, 1890; Eulah
D., born No\ember 25, 1S94; Oliver, born October 30, 1900; Mary E., born
October i, 1902; Fred B., born ^larch 23, 1887, died April 2d following;
Isabella, born December 22, 1895, died young. The oldest child, Vita B., was
married August 12, 1908, to Charles Klotz, and they reside in Indianapolis.
JASPER N. MILLER.
Amono- the well known and popular citizens of Putnam county is he
whose name forms the caption of this sketch and who is very satisfactorily
fiUino- the office of county treasurer, his labors among his fellowmen in Put-
nam countv having made him a much liked public character, being known
as a man of keen perceptive faculties, unusual soundness of judginent and
upright in all his dealings with his fellow countrymen, until today his name
stands high on the scroll of honored residents of this locality. Being descend-
ants of worthy ancestors who figured conspicuously in the early development
of this countv, hence being history makers, the Miller family is gladly ac-
corded proper recognition in this work.
Jasper X. JMiller was bom in Franklin township. Putnam county, Decem-
ber iS, 1S53, the son of James T. and Mary (Brown) Miller. The former
was born October 28. 1S30, in this county, the son of one of the early pioneers
here, havino- entered three hundred and eighty acres of land in Franklin
township, the faniilv having come here from 'Sit. Sterling. Kentucky, in 1829,
and amid the wilderness began developing a new home, and in due course of
time became well established.
The parents of Jasper X. ^Tiller were married on X'ovember 30. 1850.
'SltiTY Brown, who was born February 16, 1831, was the daughter of Jonathan
and Eliza (Camp) Brown, both of whom came from Tennessee at an early
date. ha\ing been prominent pioneer citizens. This couple grew up to honest
toil in a new countrv. where they received only a meager schooling in the
JASPER N. MILLER
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 3O5
old-time schools of the early days. Five children were born to them, named
as follows: Jason Riley, bom September 2, 1859; Jasper Newton, of this re-
view; Eliza Vorhees, born September 10, i860; Sylvia Alice, born September
10, i860, and died February 9, 1888; Serilda Jane, born December 20. 1856,
and died January i, 1874.
James F. Miller, father of these children, devoted his life exclusively to
farming, at which he was very successful, being a man who was never afraid
of hard work, owing to the fact that it fell to his lot to assist in clearing and
cultivating the old homestead in F'ranklin township when he was but a mere
boy. He is a man of the very highest integrity and honor, a Democrat but
not a public man. He still li\'es in Monroe township with his wife where he
is highly esteemed by all his neighbors and friends. He removed from Frank-
lin township to Monroe township in 1872.
Jasper X. Miller, the immediate subject of this review, received his early
schooling in the common schools of his native township, and later in life he
greatly augmented his early training by close application to the study of
general topics at home and by contact with the world in general. He early
began farming and has followed that vocation practically all his life, in con-
nection with which he has sold wind-mills and pumps, being considered an
authority on wind-mills, representing the Zimmerman Manufacturing Com-
pany of Auburn. Indiana, in a very satisfactory manner. He also followed
the well-drilling business for some time, but up to 1S72 his attention was given
exclusively to assisting his father on the home farm. For a number of years
he rented land, buying sixty acres in 1876. He has prospered by reason of
his close application to his business affairs and the exercise of splendid judg-
ment and principles that cannot help but lead to gratifying results when they
are rightlv applied as they have evidently been done in his case, for he is now
the owner of one of the choice farms of Putnam county, consisting of two
hundred and thirteen acres, on which he carries on general farming and stock
raising, always handling some very fine specimens of livestock, for which he
finds a readv market. He has a very comfortable and well located dwelling
and such outbuildings and modern farming machineiy as his needs require.
Mr. Miller was married on April 29, 1872, to Sophia A. James, born
August I. 1853, daughter of David and Mary Ann (Howard) James, an old
and highly honored pioneer family of Putnam county. David James was
born near Natural Bridge. Kentucky, and came to Putnam county when six
years old. ]\rar>- Ann James came from Tennessee. This union has resulted
in the birth of three children, named as follows: Viola Mae. who was born
on September 9. 1S75. married E. R. Denny, a farmer of Monroe township.
(20)
3o6 weik's history of
this countv; Rav K.. bom February 6, 1885, married Anna McFadden, living
on the parental farm ; Mary C, born November 3, 1889, is assisting her father
in the county treasurer's office.
Mr. Miller has always been deeply interested in the affairs of Putnam
countv and has stood ready at all times to forward any worthy movement
looking to the betterment of the same, ever loyal to the principles of the
Democratic party, and as a reward for his interest in public affairs, his sterl-
ing honesty and his genuine worth he was selected by his party for the office
of county treasurer, being nominated at his first effort for the office. During
his campaign he never went into a saloon, and his total expense was not over
one hundred dollars. He was elected on November 3, 1909, taking office in
January, 1910, and he is very satisfactorily discharging the duties of the same,
his election being a criterion of his popularity in the county, his majority
being four hundred forty-five. On January 7, 1910, he was honored by
being renominated for the office.
Fraternallv ]Mr. Miller is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons,
Lodge No. 75, at Bainbridge, Indiana. He also belongs to the Supreme
Court of Honor. The Miller family holds membership in the Christian
church.
Personallv Mr. Miller is a man whom ever\-body likes, being courteous,
a o-ood mixer, honest and conscientious in his service to his fellow men in
every capacity.
WILLIAM WOODSON HODGE.
One of Putnam county's substantial farmers and gallant veterans is
William Woodson Hodge, who was born within her borders, February 10,
1845, and whose life has been spent principally in Warren township, where
his well-kept farm is to be found. He is the son of George W. and Gabrella
Courtnev (Williamson) Hodge, natives of Kentucky, the former born Octo-
ber 16, 1 819, and the latter January 29, 1826. The father was six years
old when his parents. Drew and Sarah Hodge, came to Putnam county in
1826 and built a log cabin on an eighty-acre tract which they entered from
the government, on which Mr. Hodge lived until his death in 1S40, his widow
surviving until 1868. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and they are buried at the Walnut church grave-yard. To them eight children
were born : Russell, Alexander, ]\Ieshak, Shelton, George W., Laura, Sina
and Margaret. Thev are all deceased. George W. Hodge, father of William
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 3O7
\\'.. of this review, spent his boyhood assisting with the work on the home
farm and recei\-ed the advantages of such scliools of his day as were afforded
by the log school house, with its open fire-place and with slabs for seats.
In 1842 George W. Hodge married Gabrella Courtney Williamson and
began his married life on his parents' farm, which he heired. He sold this
place and for several years lived on several different tracts, which he bought
and sold in turn, finally purchasing seventy acres in section i, Washington
township, and spent the remainder of his life there, dying March 21, 1865,
his widow surviving until 1898. He devoted his life to farming, and he was
assessor of his township for one term. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church and a Greeley Abolitionist in politics. He and his wife were
the parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Mrs.
Matilda Bryant, of Lawrence county. Indiana; Mrs. Laura Corwin is living
in the state of Idaho; Mrs. Susan Jackson, of Missouri; Mrs. Julia Ford, of
Kansas; Charles W., of Idaho; Mrs. Mary Taylor, of Idaho; Ellen and Mar-
garet Frances are deceased; William W., of this review.
\\'iniam W. Hodge remained with his parents on the home farm, receiv-
ing a common school education, gained mostly in subscription schools. In
1863, when only seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Company F, One Hun-
dred and Twenty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served
through many trying campaigns and hard-fought battles until the close of the
war, among which was the siege of Atlanta, battle of Nashville, battle of
Franklin, battle of Wise Forks, North Carolina, and he was present at the
surrender of Johnston. He was honorably discharged August 25, 1865.
returning to his home and managing the parental acres for two years there-
after, his father having died while he was in the service.
On March 26, 1868, Mr. Hodge was married to Lucy A. Sellers, daugh-
ter of James and Nancy Sellers, of Warren township, where Mr. Sellers car-
ried on farming, ;\Ir. and Mrs. Hodge went to live with the former's mother
on the home farm. Later he purchased one hundred and fifty acres in section
17, Warren township, paying one thousand dollars in cash and going in debt
for the balance. His mother moved onto this farm and he remained on the
home place, though for several years they farmed the two places in partner-
ship. When, in 1880, his mother moved back to her old home, he moved to
his own farm and has made it his home ever since, having fully paid the debt
long ago. He has been very successful as a general farmer and especially as
an horticulturist, having a fine orchard of forty acres, planted in an excellent
variety of choice trees. He is an authority on peach growing and no small
part of his income is derived from his orchard. He also finds time
3o8 weik's history of
to raise stock of a very- good quality which always finds a ready mar-
ket.— in fact he usually commands fancy prices owing to the high grade of his
stock. But it is principally as a fruit grower that he is widely known, not
only throughout Putnam county, but also over the state, being considered an
authority in horticulture. He has taken an interest in political affairs and for
two years was trustee of his township.
Mrs. Hodge died January i, 1879, and Mr. Hodge then married Emran
Mercer, daughter of Eli and Lucy Mercer, of Washington township, her
father having been one of the old farmers of Putnam county and a highly
respected citizen. Mr. Hodge's first marriage resulted in the birth of six
children, namely : Carrie, James. Dora, Frankie, Lucy and William ; the last
two named being twins. Two children were born of the second union, Minnie
and Mont ray.
Carrie B. Hodge was born August i, 1869, married Frank A. Pearcy,
a carpenter, and they are the parents of one child, Harold, now five years of
age. James W. Hodge was born September 10, 1871, has remained single, and
he is a graduate of the State Normal, also of DePauw University, and he is
now superintendent of the schools at Aberdeen, Washington, having followed
teaching. Dora B. Hodge, who was born September 5, 1873, married George
Pearcv, and they are the parents of one child, George E., now four years old.
Charles F. Hodge, who was born April 13, 1876, died September 21, 1877;
William W. Hodge, Jr., born January i, 1879, died July 6th following.
Lucy A., born January i, 1879, died February 18, 1880; Minnie was born
August 10, 1881, married W. O. Lewis, of Warren township, and they have
two children. Aubrey and Bernice; Alontray was born February 24, 1885,
died August 6, 1887.
WILLL\M YATES LEWIS.
To spend a few hours with William Yates Lewis, a venerable and highly
honored citizen of Warren township, listening to his interesting reminiscences
of the olden times in Putnam county, one could not well be better entertained,
for his long, useful and, in some respects, eventful career has been spent in
his native locality, which he has seen advance from the wild woods to the
modern twentieth-centur}- civilization, and he has taken no small part in this
work of transformation, having been a hard worker all his life and deeply
interested in the growth of his community in all lines, being ready whenever
occasion presented itself to do his full share of the work to be done here.
PCTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 3O9
Mr. Lewis is a nati\"e of Monroe township, born Febrnarv' 19, 1S32, the
son of Israel Gregg and Xancy Susan Jane Lewis, the father a native of Ken-
tucky and the mother of Virginia. They came to Putnam county, Indiana,
as early as 1826. locating one-half mile east of Brick Chapel, Monroe town-
ship, buying there one hundred and sixty acres of land at five dollars per
acre, which, in those days, was a high price ; however, the place had some im-
provements, including a log house, which Mr. Lewis continued to occupy
for a period of twenty-five years, making various additions to the same.
He finally sold this place and purchased two hundred and sixty acres in sec-
tion 15, Warren township, upon which stood a hewn-log house. He was a
successful farmer for those days and he lived here until his death in 1855,
his widow surviving to a ripe old age, dying on February 25, 1890. Israel G.
Lewis found time from his farming to do a great deal of church work, having
been a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, having charge of a circuit;
he also studied medicine and was successful as a practitioner as well as a
minister, and in these ways he accomplished a great amount of good and
became widely known. In his day log-rollings were frequent and it had long
been the custom to have plenty of whisky at such events, but Mr. Lewis dis-
carded the jug and gave his neighbors coffee on such occasions, which seemed
to be appreciated and had a good effect upon the morals of the community.
He was known for his generosity and hospitality in entertainment of both
friend and stranger. Politically he was a Whig. He was patriotic and vol-
unteered during the war of 181 2 and he was in the famous charge at the
battle of the Thames, when the great war chief and British general Tecumseh
was killed. He and his wife were the parents of the following children :
Rhoda A., now ^Irs. Cowgill ; James Nathaniel, Oscar Thomas Lewis, Solo-
mon Colmbs. Lucy Emarin, now Mrs. Bridges; William Yates, of this review;
George Ewing. Charles Henry, Gabriel Clay, Susan Jane, Louisa Elizabeth,
now Mrs. Evans; Gabriel died in infancy; Israel died when five years of age;
Nancy died in infancy. Only three of these children are now living, two sis-
ters beside the subject of this review. Susan Jane, who has remained single
and makes her home with A. L. Evans on the old homestead, and Louisa E.,
the wife of Arthur E. Evans, of Warren township.
William Yates Lewis spent his early life on the home farm, attending
school in the log houses of his day, with their rude furnishings. Such schools
were conducted on the subscription plan, and only the rudiments of an edu-
cation could be gained unless the pupil took the pains to further his own re-
searches.
Mr. Lewis was married on December 30, 1865, to Man.- Emily Clear-
water, the daughter of John and Matilda Clearwater, of Warren township,
3IO WEIK S HISTORY OF
Mr. Cleanvater being one of the early settlers of this county and one of the
builders of the National road. His parents were natives of Virginia.
'Sir. Lewis and his bride went to housekeeping on one hundred and fifteen
acres in section 22, Warren township, and he has continued to make his home
here to the present time, having made a very comfortable living, improved a
fine farm and laid by an ample competency for his old age. He first lived in a
double log house, and in 1888 built a more pretentious dwelling just in front
of the old house which he tore down, leaving the old rock chimney, twelve
feet in height, built of dressed Putnam county stone, and which is still in
excellent condition, and is now covered with vines. It is prized by all the
family as a relic of the old home. General farming and stock raising has
occupied Mr. Lewis' attention. He is a Republican in politics and for two
years was trustee of his township; formerly he was a Whig. He is a member
of the ^lethodist church at Bethel.
Six children constitute Mr. Lewis' family; they are: Ida Belle, born
November 12, 1866, married George H. Hurin, of Crown Point, Indiana,
and four children have been born to them, ;May, Joyce Lewis, Mary Jean,
Nellie Rose, Ezra Clay Lewis, born December 3. 1867, married Love D.
Wills, and he has followed the painter's trade in this county ; they are the par-
ents of six children. Vernie Clare, Bertha Gladys, Forest Wills, Ernest Paul,
Gertrude M. and Leslie L. Lou Nellie Lewis, born September 6, 1870, mar-
ried ;M. E. Cooper and they are the parents of four children. Alarion L.. Mary
F., Ruth and Catherine. Charles Ernest Lewis, born ]\Iay 2. 1873, married
Lottie Roberts and they are the parents of four children, Dorothy, Helen L.,
John W. and Edward C. : they live on a farm in this county. Catherine Ger-
trude Lewis, born August 14, 1875, married first, Owen T, Wright, then
George O. Whittaker : she lives on a farm in Putnam county and is the mother
of two children, Wayne Lewis and Esther Catherine, ^^■illiam Otis Lewis,
born November 11, 1881. married Minnie Hodge: they live on a farm in
this countv, and are the parents of two children, Aubrey G. and Vernice L,
EBENEZER WATSON S^IYTHE.
Among the enterprising citizens and prominent and successful business
men of Fillmore, Putnam county, Indiana, is the gentleman whose name ap-
pears at the head of this sketch. A lifelong resident of this county, he has
so lived as to merit the unbounded respect and confidence of his neighbors
PUTXAM COrXTV. IXDIAXA. 3II
and now. as tlie golden sunset of Iiis lite draws near, he is enjoyinj; that rest
which he has so richly earned.
Ebenezer \V. Smythe was born February 4. 183J, in this county, and is
a son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Sill) Smythe. both of whom were natives
of Shelby county, Kentucky, the father having descended from sturdy Scotch-
Irish ancestrv. He came to Putnam countv in 1824 and located on eightv acres
of land which he had purchaseil near Greencastle. He lived on this land until
his death, which occurred in 1861, when he was sixty-three years old. His
wife had preceded him to the unseen land, dying in 1S56, at the age of fifty-
two years. Their remains were interred in the family burying ground on their
homestead farm. Ebenezer Smythe followed the occupation of farming dur-
ing his active years and was numbered among the active and influential men
of his community. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian, while his wife
was a member of the Baptist church. They became the parents of nine chil-
dren, of whom four are now living, namely: George V., a farmer in Green-
castle township, this county; Hannah R., the widow of John Clark Ridpath.
the eminent historian, who for many years was one of the best known citizens
of Greencastle ; Harriet, of Illinois, the widow of the late Benjamin Cof^een :
Ebenezer W.. the subject of this sketch.
Ebenezer ^^'. Smythe spent his boyhood tlays on the paternal homestead
and received his education in the common schools. He was reared to the life
of a farmer and remained as his father's assistant until his marriage, in 185S.
at which time he located at Fillmore and engaged in the contracting business.
Fie was a careful and expert workman and a good business man and many
of the best buildings, public and private, in and about Greencastle were erected
by him. In 1865 ]Mr. Smythe removed to Greencastle, continuing his former
line of work and at the same time engaging in the undertaking business, which
line he followed for twelve years. He then moved to Chicago and engaged
in the manufacture of cotton presses, in which he met with gratifying success.
so that f(5ur }-ears later he retired from that business and returned to his
former location at Fillmore, where he erected a neat and attractive residence,
moflern in every respect. an<I in this comfortable home he is now living and
enjoying life. He is not passing the time idly, however, but has recently super-
intended the erection of the new school house just completed at Fillmore, his
sound judgment and integrity being generally recognized. He has at all times
taken a keen and intelligent interest in current events and gives an earnest
support to all movements tending to the advancement of the best interests of
the community.
31^
WEIK S HISTORY OF
On October 31, 1858, Mr. Smythe was united in marriage to Sarah Oliver,
a daughter of Morris and Martha OHver, of Marion township, this county.
Mrs. Smythe died on February 14, 1885, and on October 31, 1888, Mr. Smythe
married Louisa C. Knight, the daughter of Lloyd and Katherine Knight, of
Marion township, the former having served as coroner of Putnam county for
four years.
Mr. Smvthe is the father of seven children, all by his first marriage,
namelv : Clara Belle, who is unmarried and is employed as a saleslady in Allen
Brothers drv goods store in Greencastle ; Jennie, the wife of Henry Pentenoy,
of Chicago: Arthur L., who married Lola Snyder; Oliver H., of Chicago,
marrierl Kate Callahan, and they have one child. Clara : Wesley W. married
Mabel Kissinger and they have three children. Eban, Grace and Arthur;
Frank R. married Bertha McFrase and they have four children, Jean Marie.
Bertha. Frank R. J. and Freda E. ; Harry B. married Susie B. Kissinger and
they ha\-e three children. Royal, Allen and Sarah C.
Fraternally ^Vfr. Smytlie is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons,
the Knights of Pythias, and the Foresters, as well as the Carpenters' Union.
Religiously he is a member of the Christian church and his wife of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. .
AMOS EVAXS AYLER. :\L D. ^ ,'■■•
The family of this name is of English stock on the paternal side and
German on. the maternal. It is of ancient origin and has been identified with
the eastern part of the country from early colonial days. The emigrating
ancestors settled on Kent Island. Marydand. on land granted to them by the
King, and they lived in that locality for generations, meantime sending out
offshoots to various parts of the countr}-. Among the descendants of this
emigrant ancestor is William H. Ayler. a native of the eastern shore of Mary-
land and a master mechanic by prefession. being now in the employ of the
L'nited States government at the national capital. He married Jane Re-
becca Gladfelter, whose family also was one of old and well-established con-
nections, dating their origin in Switzerland. That they were notable people
in their native county is attested by the fact that a canton there now bears
their name. Casper Gladfelter was the first of the name to come to America
and he settled on a farm near York. Pennsylvania. In 1907 a family reunion
was held on the old farm that had been cleared by this first emigrant and there
were oxer two thousand descendants present, representing forty-two states.
PUTNAM COL'NTY. INDIANA. 3I3
Mrs. Jane Rebecca Ayler. who was a granddaughter of Casper Gladfelter.
died in 1905, at Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of sixty-four years. She was
one of eleven children and the first of the family to die. By her union with
William H. Avler she became the mother of nine children, of whom eight are
living, namelv: John S.. of Baltimore; Henry E., an employee of the post-
otifice department at Washington; Ella R., wife of Jacob Hunt, of Baltimore:
Thomas T.. in the postal department at Baltimore. Maryland; Reuben A., a
twin brother of Ella R.. died in infancy; Amos Evans, of Greencastle; Lila
V. and Rosa E., residents of Washington ; William L., who is a manufacturing
chemist at Dallas, Texas. All these children were bom at Baltimore, except
the youngest, who is a native of Wilmington. Delaware. A notable char-
acteristic of the Ayler family is the unusual number of twins. William H.
was a twin, and the father of twins, and one of his sons met with the same
double blessing.
Amos Evans Ayler, the sixth in order of birth of this interesting family,
was born at Baltimore, Mar>land, December 5. 1870. He remained in the
city of his nativity until the completion of his twenty-seventh year, mean-
while attending the public schools and being graduated from the high school.
In 1S90 he entered the Cleveland Medical College and after spending one
year in that institution he became a student in the Southern Homeopathic
College at Baltimore and after three years of diligent application was grad-
uated with the class of 1897. He served for awhile as senior interne in the
Baltimore Homeopathic Hospital, after which he became physician in charge
of the National Homeopathic Hospital at Washington. D. C. He retained
this responsible position for twenty-six months and then decided to find an-
other field for his energies in the central West. August 8. 1899, he located
at Greencastle, Indirna. and ever since has been closely identified with
the business, social and professional life of that city. He has practiced his
profession continuously and assiduously, meeting with the success that is
sure to follow talent well applied and industry of the unwearying kind.
Indeed, his success has been unusual, with the result that he is recognized
as one of the most progressive physicians in Indiana, with advanced and
definite ideas regarding the treatment of diseases by the most modern
methods. His ability is recognized beyond the confines of his adopted county
and he is frecjuently called in obstinate cases where the best talent is desired.
Doctor Avler is the owner of a splendid property, extending one hundred
and four feet on Washington street and two hundred and twenty feet
on College avenue, comprising a half square, and on this property he has
314 WEIK S HISTORY OF
erected a modern and conveniently-arranged office building and a comfortable
and attractive residence.
Fraternally Doctor Ayler is especially conspicuous as a Freemason,
having passed through the various degrees including those of Knight Templar
in the York rite and the thirty-second of the Scottish rite. He has been
honored by official distinction in several of the bodies, being a past high
priest in the chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Greencastle and the present
eminent commander of the conimandery of Knights Templar. He is also
a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Xobles of the Mystic Shrine,
belonging to Murat Temple at Indianapolis. The Doctor is also a member
of the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks and the Junior- Order of xA.merican Mechanics.
Professionallv he is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, is
independent in politics and altogether is one of the most notable and popular
men in Greencastle.
On June 21, 1899, Doctor .\yler was married, at Washington, D. C. to
Wilhelmina Reocher, a native of Pomeroy. Ohio, whose parents were John
Franklin and Margaret F. Reocher, both of German stock. To Doctor and
Mrs. Avler have been born twin daughters. Amy Evelyn and Mary Elva,
born Alay 17, 1903.
JOHN M. BOWMAN.
Among the well remembered and highly respected men of Putnam county,
who. during a former generatii^n. did much for the general good of the resi-
dents here and who have "cast off the robes and instruments of senss" and
now sleep the sleep that knows no waking, is John M. Bowman, who left his
familv a valuable estate near Fillmore and also left Ijehind him what is more
valuable, an honored name, for he was a man in whom his neighbors placed the
utmost confidence, knowing him to be honest and kind and of a likable dispo-
sition.
Mr. Bowman was born December 25. 1S35. the son of Leonard and
^[arv (Hickman) Bowman, who came to this county from Kentuck}- in
1833, locating on a farm. He was a farmer and carpenter and he and his
wife were members of the Methodist church; his death occurred April i. 1870,
Afrs. Bowman reaching an advanced age, dying Alarch 13. 1900. Bc^th are
buried at ]\[t. Carmel, this county. They were the parents of eleven cln'ldren.
namely : John M.. the immediate subject of this sketch : Matilda Jane. Martha
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 315
Katherine, William, Elizabeth Margaret, George, Charles. Alice, Lyddia,
Gilbert B. and Martha; all are deceased except the last two named. They
were all born on the present Bowman homestead here. Martha is the wife
of William Denny and Gilbert Brown is living at Lebanon, Indiana.
John 'M. Bowman received a common school education and spent his boy-
hood days on the home fann. He married Sarah J. Smith, February 24, 1S64,
She is the daughter of Robert L. and Elmina Smith, an old and highly re-
spected family of this county, Mr. Smith having been a successful and honored
fanner, owning a farm adjoining that of Leonard Bowman.
Mr. and Mrs. Bowman went to housekeeping in a log hut on a farm
joining the land owned by his father, consisting of two hundred and thirty-
nine acres, which he bought in 1873.
Mr. Bowman was one of the patriotic sons of the North who enlisted in
defense of his countrs-, becoming a member of Company H, Eleventh Regi-
ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served five months or until the close
of the war. Upon his return from the front he moved from his original home
and settled on the old home place, where he resided until his death, February
3. 1907. He received a pension of fifty dollars a month. He was not only a
successful farmer, but also raised stock of a good quality. He was a Re-
publican in politics and a progressive citizen, believing in good roads and all
kinds of public improvements. He belonged to the ]vIethodist church at Fill-
more, of which congregation his wife is also a member. Mr. and IMrs. Bow-
man were the parents of fourteen chiklren, named as follows : Laura Isabelle
is the wife of John C. Broadstreet. a farmer of Mill Creek township, and they
are the parents of six children, Austin (deceased). Martin, Linnie, Mingle,
Wayne and Verlin. Linnie Elma married a Mr. Broadstreet and is now de-
ceased : Mary Eddy is deceased ; Luella is the wife of Charles Bins, of Marion
township: they live on a farm and are the parents of four children, Jesse.
Maynard, Alberta and Walter. Charles Edgar married Lennie Forest Perry
(deceased), and they had one child, Gladys; they live on a farm in ^Marion
township. The next child died in infancy; Lee Hulda is the wife of Walter
Wright, a farmer in [Marion township, and they are the parents of two chil-
dren, Olen and Dorothy; Ollie Elmina is deceased, and left one child. Lois
Cowell ; Claude Orlando is deceased ; Martha Catherine is deceased ; George
Clyde is living at home, with one child. Clyde; Baddy E. (deceased) ; Can-
dace Alice is the wife of Dr. Bert O'Brien; they have two children. Bernice
and William Waldo ; they live at Winchester. Hendricks county : I^ta Eliza-
beth, deceased. >
Besides her own large family >[rs. Bowman raised two children. Clarence
Van Cleve and Ma\- Averv.
3i6 weik's history of
LYCURGUS STONER.
Tlie family of which the subject of this review is an honorable rep-
resentative has been identified with Putnam county since the pioneer period
and today there are few names in this part of Indiana as widely known or as
highly esteemed. Lycurgus Stoner. a veteran of the late Civil war and a
prominent citizen of Washington township, is a grandson of Peter Stoner,
of Mar\-land, whose antecedents were among the early settlers of that col-
ony. Peter Stoner was born September 14, 1763, and at the age of sixteen
ran away from home on account of his stepfather and entered the American
army, enlisting in 1780 for three months' service. At the expiration of that
time he re-entered for si.x months, still later for ten months, and during his
military experience participated in a number of battles and skirmishes, in-
cluding the engagements at Monks Corner and Eutaw Springs, North Caro-
lina, in. the latter of which he was twice wounded. Some time after the
close of the war for independence he settled in Orange county, North Caro-
lina, where he lived until his removal, about the year 1832, to Putnam
county, Indiana. In September, 1832, he applied to the government for a
pension, which in due time was granted, this fact together with his war
record being attested to in March, 1890. by Valentine Warner, commissioner
of pensions at Washington, D. C.
Peter Stoner was married August 13, 1793. to Eva Cotnerand became
the father of several children, among whom were Peter, Jr., who moved to
Putnam county in 1823. Joseph, who also settled in this county, locating on
Little Walnut creek in JMadison township, where he cleared a farm and
spent the remainder of his life. He was a member of the society of Friends,
was twice married and lived to be quite an old man. Peter Stoner was a man
of fine business ability and at his death, which occurred on April 7, 185 1, left
a valuable estate.
Peter Stoner, Jr., son of the above, preceded his father to Putnam
county by about nine years, settling two miles west of Greencastle, between
Little and Big Walnut creeks, in 1823. He drove from his North Carolina
home in a two-horse wagon, which contained his few belongings in the way
of household goods and agricultural implements, and upon his arrival the
sum total of his available cash amounted to just fifty cents. In due time he
erected a log cabin, in which his children were afterwards bom. and by dint
of hard and long-continued labor, cleared and improved a farni on which
he spent the remainder of his life. The present house, which replaced the
PL"T^■A^f COUN'TY. INDIANA. 3I7
original cabin, was built in 1853 and has been used continually since that
year, being one of the oldest farm dwellings in the community and in a good
state of preservation. Mr. Stoner added to his holdings at intervals until
he became the owner of about four hundred acres of land which afterwards
increased in value and placed him in independent circumstances. He di-
rected his energies to the clearing and developing a part of this land and as
a farmer he easily ranked with the best in the county and acquired a handsome
competency, leaving at his death an estate con.ser\-atively estimated at over
a hundred thousand dollars. Although a member of no church, his life was
singularly noble and upright and against his character no breath of sus-
picion was ever uttered. His death, on June 4, 1876, was profoundly la-
mented by the large circle of friends and neighbors. Mrs. Stoner. who
preceded her husband to the grave about two or three years, was a woman
of excellent repute and stood high in the confidence and esteem of all who
knew her. The family of this worthy couple consisted of the following
children: Joseph W.. Lycurgus. William P., Peter S., John W.. Sarah J.,
widow of John Davis of California; Lucy, wife of Benjamin Daggey, of
LaPorte county. Indiana; Eve. who married James H. Torr. and lives on
the old homestead in Madison township, and Indiana, wife of John L. Hillis.
of Greencastle.
Lycurgus Stoner, the second of the above family, was born March 17,
1836. in Putnam county. Indiana, and spent his early life on the family
homestead, attending in the meantime such schools as were then common.
He remained with his parents assisting in the cultivation of the farm until
ominous clouds of impending civil war obscured the national horizon,
when, with thousands of other loyal young men throughout the Xorth. he
responded to the first call for troops, enlisting on April 21. 1861. in the
Tenth Regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infantn,-. with which he served three
months in Virginia, taking part during that time in several skirmishes and
minor engagements, including the action at Rich Mountain, which was
among the first battles of the war. At the expiration of his period of service
he re-enlisted and shortly thereafter was attached to General Fremont's
bodv guard at St. Louis, where he remained on active duty until his time
expired. In Januarv, 1862. he joined Company E. Twenty-first Regiment.
Indiana Volunteer Infantn,-. at Baltimore. Marydand. and continued with the
regiment until 1864. on January loth of which year he veteranized with
Companv E. Twenty-first Regiment. Indiana Volunteers, at Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, which was in General Butler's command and operated along the
lower Mississippi and elsewhere, among the more noted of that General's
3l8 WEIK S HISTORY OF
achievements being the capture of New Orleans, in which the subject took
part.
Later ]Mr. Stoner was with General Banks on the ill-starred Red River
expedition, where he saw much active ser\'ice and passed through many
thrilling experiences ; he also participated in the battle at Baton Rouge, the
capture of Port Hudson and a number of other engagements, his military
service being replete with duty bravely and uncomplainingly performed.
While at the front he was fortunate in escaping injury, the only time he was
absent from his command by reason of disability being a short period in a
hospital at New Orleans, where he was treated for an attack of typhoid
fever.
Discharged with an honorable record at the expiration of his period of
enlistment, Mr. Stoner returned to Putnam county and shortly thereafter
purchased a fine tract of bottom land on the Big Walnut creek, which he
at once proceeded to improve. Mr. Stoner in due time had his farm under a
high state of tillage and in connection with agriculture also devoted consider-
able attention to the breeding and raising of fine livestock, in which his
success was continuous and gratifying. For twenty-eight years he was
associated with his brother Peter in the livestock business and since 1884 has
o\:cupied the beautiful and commodious home in Washington township,
where he is now living a life of honorable retirement.
Mr. Stoner, on February 14, 1867, was happily married to Elvira Boone,
a daughter of Daniel and Malinda (Miller) Boone, the father a native of
Harrison county, Indiana, and a son of Moses and Hannah Boone and a great
nephew of Daniel Boone, the noted hunter, frontiersman and Indian fighter,
who bore such a distinguished part in the early annals of Kentucky and else-
where throughout the central West. Mrs. Stoner's father came to Putnam
countv with his parents about 182 1 and settled on Big Walnut creek in
Washington township, where Moses Boone died in 1853 at the ripe old age
of eighty-four years and three months. Daniel spent his young manhood
clearing and developing the farm on which he and his faithful wife spent
the remainder of their days, he departing this life on October 20, 18S9, aged
seventy-three, and she on the 12th day of March, 1902. when eighty-two
years old. All of the eleven children born to this estimable couple grew to
maturity, and ten of the number are still living, being among the old and
well known residents of Putnam county and highly esteemed in their re-
spective communities. Squire Boone, a brother of the famous frontiers-
man, at one time owned the farm on which Mr. Stoner now lives ; he sold
the land in 1849 and went to Iowa, settling on the present site of Boonsboro
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 3I9
in Boone county, where his son and other descendants still reside, the town
and county being so named in honor of the family.
Mrs. Lycurgus Stoner. whose birth occurred February 9, 1840, has
borne her husband eight children, live of whom survive, viz : Fred, who
lives on the homestead in Washington township; Gertrude, under the par-
ental roof: Maude, who married Edward Houck, of Brazil, Indiana;
Blanche, wife of Oscar O'Hair, of Monroe township, and Lycurgus. who
lives on the home farm in the township of Madison. ]\Ir. Stoner is a public
spirited citizen who stands for all enterprises having for their end the
material prosperity of the community and the moral advancement of his
fellow men and since attaining his majority has yielded unwavering al-
legiance to the Republican party. For several years he was a director of the
First National Bank of Greencastle, but for some time he has not been
identified with any public institution, being the possessor of a handsome for-
tune and amply able to spend the remainder of his life in the enjovment
and rest which his long years of strenuous effort so richly entitle him.
WILLIAM G. BRAXHAM.
Among Putnam county's eminent citizens who have passed out of the
scene of life's activities into the larger life beyond, were those who achieved
distinction in callings requiring intellectual abilities of a high order. Among
the latter was William G. Branham, who for many years occupied a conspicu-
ous place in the educational circles of the county, and who was the first super-
intendent of schools of this county. Beginning his pedagogical work at an
early age, he fully appreciated the responsibility of his mission and was a
faithful and conscientious teacher, as well as a true friend and judicious
advisor to those who were students under him. Today his memory is held
sacred by many who were students under him and who, under his direction,
learned the lessons which have contributed to their subsequent successes.
William G. Branham \vas born in Putnam county, Indiana, in 1836,
and was a son of Berry and Morris (Sinclair) Branham. He was reared on
the home farm and secured his elementaiy education in the common schools.
Determining to fit himself for the profession of teaching, Mr. Branham be-
came a student in old Asbury (now DePauw) University, where he re-
mained nearly four years. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching
school at Manhattan, but afterwards his labors were mainly confined to the
schools at Cloverdale, where he was employed for many years. In 1866 he
became superintendent of schools for Putnam county, but resigned from
320
WEIK S HISTORY OF
the office because of some requirements regarding his report of time em-
ployed, which his conscience would not permit him to fulfill. Later in life he
took up agricultural pursuits, which he carried on until his death, which
occurred at the family residence in Warren township in October, 1896. He
was truly one of God's noblemen, standing "four square to every wind that
blows." and in his death the entire community felt it had suffered a distinct
loss.
On November 17, 1861. Mr. Branham was married to Sarah Hughes, a
daughter of Harrison and Mary (Prather) Hughes, she having been born on
a farm two miles north of Cloverdale. Her parents were natives of Ken-
tuckv and her father died while she was but a child.
JOHN A. BENCE.
Philip Bence was one of the adventurous band who braved the terrors
of the western wilderness during the latter part of the eighteenth century,
when it took courage and endurance to make the trip over the mountains
and down the streams. A native of Pennsylvania, he left his home in early
manhood and floated down the Ohio to the Falls, where he made up his
mind to settle. He took up a location on the ridges in the rear of Louisville,
but later bought bottom lands which were mostly under water and at that
time possessed little value. His son and namesake. Philip Bence, was born
in iSoi in Jefferson county, Kentucky, and married x\nna Yenowine Bruce,
a native of the same county. In 1853 he came to Indiana and settled on a
farm in Putnam county \\-here his son now lives. It consists of three hun-
dred and fiftv acres and is situated in Wa.shington township near the pres-
ent interurban station of Hutcheson. It was partly improved and about
one-half consisted of bottom land on the west fork of Eel river. The
purchase price at the time was thirty dollars per acre and Philip Bence and
his wife spent their lives on that farm. He sold his old home eight miles
from Louisville for seventy-five dollars. The last years of his life were spent
in retirement and his lilameless life ended in October. 1882, when he was
eio-htv-one vears old. His wife passed away in her seventieth year. They
were lifelong members of the Christian church. They reared ten children, to
maturitv. whose names are as follows: Fountain, a fanner in Clay county,
died when sixtv-five vears old; Onesimus lived and died in Clay county;
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 321
Elizabeth, wlio married Warren Greenweli, died in Clay county, where she
had lived a number of xears : Jeptha, who owned a woollen mill at Green-
castle, died at the age of sixty; Lydia, now deceased, was the wife of John
Lidick, who resided near Groveland. in Putnam county ; Louisa married
Philip Hutchenson, of Washington township. Putnam county; Genevra died
in early womanhood, shortly after her marriage to Gregg Smith; Matilda,
who also died when still young, was the wife of Le\-i Hepler, of Putnam
county ; George W. is a physician at Greencastle,
John A. Bence, the oldest child, was born near Louisville, Kentucky,
October 29, 1836. He was seventeen years old when his father came to
Putnam county and, being strong and vigorous, he was able to do valuable
work in clearing the newly purchased farm. He became an excellent farmer
for those days, being industrious, level headed, of fine judgment and a good
trader. He bought one-third of his father's old place and on this he has
ever since made his home. In 1891, he erected the commodious house now
seen on the place and made many other improvements, which put his hold-
ings among the high priced and desirable farms of Putnam county. He has
never been a fancy farmer and eschewed all the fads and fancies of the
theoretical agriculturist. He preferred to put his faith to the old standbys,
corn, hogs and cattle, of which he fed a large number each year, turning all
his grain into stock, instead of selling it, which is the mark of a successful
farmer. By concentrating all his time and ability on the farm he matle a
success of his business and ranks among the foremost of Putnam countv's
farmers.
In 1853 ^^^- Bence married Anna Kidd, who was reared in Louisville,
but \\'h(T was visiting relatives in Putnam county when she met her future
husband. She died in August, 1909, after forty-six years of affectionate and
faithful married life. Mr. and Mrs. Bence have an only daughter. Emma,
now the wife of William Hi)uck, a farmer and trader who makes his resi-
rlence at Greencastle, He is a son of David and Rachel Houck, who lived
near neighbors of the Bence family. Carl Ferand manages the farm and
with his family lives in tlie house. Mr. Bence greatly enjoys his stock and
garflen. He has a fine spring abo\-e his house, the water of which is first
piped to the yard and then to the tanks at the barn, the plant being used to
irrigate his garden in case of need. He has been an all-around reader, keep-
ing abreast of the times and has been a subscriber of the Chicago Record-
Herald for twentv years. In 1887 he went to California and saw much of
the coast country, but found nothing to excel Indiana.
(21)
322 WEIK S HISTORV OF
CLEM EXT C. HURST.
Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success.
It carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individual character
and acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest re-
sults in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordi-
narv qualities of comnK^n sense and perseverance. The every-day life with
its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities for acquiring
experience of the best kind and its most beaten paths provide a true worker
with abundant scope for effort and improvement. This fact having been
recognized earlv in life by Clement C. Hurst, the well known business man
of Greencastle. he has seized the small opportunities he has encountered on
the rugged hill that leads to life's lofty summit where lies the ultimate goal
of success, never attained by the weak, ambitionless and inactive.
Mr. Hurst was born in Jefferson township, Putnam county, his father,
Amos Hurst, having been a native of the same township. This family has
been prominent in Putnam county since the days of the first settlers and
from that period to the present no family here has borne a better reputation.
Amos Hurst became known as one of the leading educators of this locality,
having taught school until he was thirty years old, then followed farming
until his death, March I2. 1873, having spent his entire life in Putnam county.
He took some interest in political affairs and he served at one time as asses-
sor of Jeft'erson township. He married Frances E. Keller, who was born in
Rockinf^ham county, Virginia, from which state she came to Putnam county,
Indiana, with her parents when a child. Her death occurred on August 29,
1900. Mr. and Mrs. Amos Hurst were highly respected by all their neigh-
bors for their upright and useful lives. They were the parents of five chil-
dren, namelv : Clement C, of this review; Clara A. is the wife of Oscar O.
Lane, of Wichita. Kansas; Rowena E. is the wife of Charles E. Smith, of
Greencastle: Josephine is the wife of Harvey S. Gardner, of Ladoga. Mont-
gomerv' countv. Indiana : Alpheus E. is living on the old home farm in
Jefferson township.
The Hurst family is of English stock, the first representatives of this
name having emigrated to America six or seven generations ago. He came
from England and located in Virginia. Clement C. Hurst's great-great-
o-randfather. John Hurst, lived in Tennessee. The former's great-grand-
father. Jesse Hurst, came to Putnam county, Indiana, alxDut 1822. The
o-randfather, George Hurst, a native of Tennessee, came to Putnam county,
PUTXAM COUNTY, IN'DIAXA. 323
in 1822. settling in Warren township, later removing to Jefferson township.
George Hurst married Elizabeth Hibbs. a native of Jonesboro, Tennessee,
having been married March 17. 1825. She came to Putnam county. Indiana,
and here married George Hurst. Eleven children were born to them. Amos,
father of Clement C.. being the oldest. George Hurst died in April. 1865,
at the age of sixty-si.x years, having been born in 1799. His wife was born
in 1800 and died in 1890. being therefore ninety years of age. George Hurst
was one of the early pioneers of Putnam county, he and his brother, David
Hurst, having come here from Tennessee on horseback, and after looking over
the land returned home and brought their families here.
Clement C. Hurst lived on the parental farm, which he worked in the
summer months, attending the district schools in the winter until the age of
twenty-two years, when he moved to Greencastle. He had previously at-
tended school here, and took a course in DePauw University and became
well educated. He was twenty-eight years old when he located permanently
in 1822. settling in Warren township, later removing to Jefferson township,
which he followed for two years, after which he came to Greencastle and
ser\e(l three years as deputy county recorder, then served three years as dep-
uty auditor under George M. Block. He made an excellent record in these ca-
pacities, giving the utmost satisfaction. He then engaged in the fire insur-
ance business, which he still continues, having built up quite an extensive
patronage. In 1902 he was electerl county auditor, serving four vears. Dur-
ing his term in this ofifice the new court house was built. He resumed his
fire insurance business after his term of office expired. He still owns a farm
and is engaged in stock raising.
Mr. Hurst was first married to Louella Walker in 1887. She was a
native of Indianapolis. Indiana. No children were born to this union. Mrs.
Hurst was called to her rest on October 11, 1896. On September 23. 1905.
Mr. Plurst married Pauline Blake, of Greencastle. daughter of George E. and
Lizzie Blake, a well known family here. This union is also without issue.
Daniel Hurst, second cousin of Clement C. was elected county recorder
of Putnam county, in 1886. holding the same for eight years. He now
lives in Shattuck. Oklahoma.
Mr. Hurst belongs to the College A\-enue Methodist Episcopal church,
and also belongs to the Masons. Politically he is a Democrat and has lonp-
taken an active interest in political affairs, as already intimated. His coun-
sel has frequently been sought in local matters, and he was a delegate to the
last national Democratic convention in 1908. He stands high in the conn-
224 weik's history of
cils of his party in the fifth district. For his puhhc spirit, his deep concern
in all that pertains to the welfare of his community and for his known
scrupulous integrity, he is held in high favor by all classes.
DAVID J. SKELTON.
Among the leading farmers and public spirited citizens of Washington
township is David J. Skelton, who was born April i6. 1S73, on land in Put-
nam county, entered by his grandfather. William Skelton. shortly after this
part of the state was opened for settlement. William Skelton came to this
county in an early day and here married Mary Ann Jenkins, whose parents
were also among the pioneers. He entered a quarter section of land in
Washington township, and in due time cleared and improved a farm on which
his death afterwards occurred at the age of fifty-four or fifty-six years, and
which is still in the family name ; his widow survived him a number of years,
dying at the ripe old age of eighty-seven. Two sons of this worthy couple
grew to maturity and are still living. Jeremiah, of Bowling Green, Clay
county, and William, father of the subject of this sketch, one son dying in
infancy; there were also two daughters, Almira, who married Philip Ward,
and lived for a number of years on the homestead, dying some time ago
at Terre Haute, and ^Nlrs. Harriet Brotherton, who spent her entire life on
the home place.
William Skelton, Jr., was born on the home farm in Washington town-
ship and at the age of twenty-two years married Nancy Tressner, whose
father, Hiram Tressner, an early settler of the county, died at about the
time the wedding of his daughter was solemnized. His widow subsequently
removed to Coles countv. Illinois, and thence to ^Missouri, where her death
afterwards occurred. After his marriage William Skelton took possession
of the homestead which he operated for several years, later deeding a part
of the place to the sons, by whom it is still owned. In connection with farm-
ing, he did a thriving business for a number of years threshing grain, in
which capacitv he became widely known throughout the greater part of Put-
nam county. He early united with the Primitive Baptist church, in which he
was made an elder while still a young man and later entered the ministry,
to which holy calling he has devoted much of his time during the part of
twentv-five years. For a period of fifteen years he served the congregation
at Otter Creek and at a part of that time ministered to the Providence and
Eel River churches, holding membership with the last named. He has also
rUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 325
visited a number of other churches from time to time and is recognized as
one of the strong and influential preachers of his denomination in the state of
Indiana. Mrs. Skelton bore her husband thirteen children and departed this
life on the 5th of May. 1906. Of the children seven are living at the present
time, namely: George W'., who owns a part of the home farm; David J., of
this review: Clarence E., one of Putnam county's most successful teachers;
Candace J., who married John Mace and lives in Washington township;
Lemuel O., also a resident of Washington township and a farmer by occupa-
tion ; Paul lives near Brazil in Clay county, this state, and Isaac, who farms
part of the family homestead.
David J. Skelton was reared to agricultural pursuits and remaineel with
his father until his twenty-second year, attending at intervals in the mean-
time the district schools and growing up to the full stature of well developed
manhood and amply fitted to grapple with life and duty. On ^March 4, 1895,
he was married to Martha Charlotte McEIroy, daughter of Welcome R. and
^lary (Barnett) McElroy, the union being terminated by the untimely death
of the young wife within less than a year, she leaving a son, Glenn C. a bright
and promising youth of fourteen years of age at this writing (1910). Later,
September 4. 1898, Mr. Skelton married his present wife, whose maiden
name was Lena Alice White, daughter of Ezekiel and Mary (Xugent ) White,
and whose birth occurred in Parke county, on October 8, 1872. Mrs. Skel-
ton's father was a native of Pennsylvania, but -when a young man came to
Ohio, thence to Parke county, Indiana, wdiere he married and reared a
family of thirteen children and spent the remainder of his days, his wife
surviving him and still living on the farm where he made his home for so
many years.
Mr. Skelton, with his brothers George and Clarence, owned the home-
stead for several years, their father deeding it to them, but the subject after-
wards sold out to George, and purchased his present farm, which was formerly
owned by Harrison Elliott and to which he has since added three hundred
to the original one hundred and twenty acres, making a fine farm of four
hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, well improved and under a high
state of cultivation. The place, which is one of the best in the county, is
adapted to agriculture and stock raising, to the latter of which Mr. Skelton
devotes especial attention, being a successful breeder and raiser of high-
grade horses, mules, cattle and hogs. In addition to his beautiful home place,
he owns the W. R. McElroy farm of forty-three acres, which formerly be-
longed to the father of his first wife and which with its fine buildings and
other improvements adds very materially to his fortune.
^26 weik's history of
As a farmer, Mr. Skelton easily ranks among the most enterprising and
successful in Putnam county, being progressive in his methods and keeping
fully abreast of the times on all matters relating to modern agriculture. He
raises abundant crops of grain, vegetables, fruits, etc.. and by a judicious sys-
tem of rotation seldom if ever fails to realize liberal returns from his time
and labor. His continued success indicates the possession of much more than
ordinary ability and he is today not only one of the leading agriculturists
and stockmen of his county, but also stands high as a business man and
financier.
The Skelton home is a model of its kind and in many respects one of the
most beautiful and desirable residences in Putnam county. Everything on
the premises bears testimony to the care and attention of the proprietor and
the deep interest he takes in the prosecution of his labors.
In political views 'Sir. Skelton is a Democrat and as such wields a strong
influence for his party locally and throughout the county, being a judicious
adviser in its councils and an influential worker in the ranks. At one time
he was a candidate for the office of county commissioner. He is not an
office seeker, however, preferring to work for his friends rather than aspire
to public honors for himself. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of
Pythias lodge; although not identified with any religious organization, he
is a regular attendant and liberal contributor to the Baptist church, with
which his wife holds membership.
JOSEPH MOLER.
One of the well known residents of Clinton township is Joseph Moler.
who was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, June _'. 1834. In 1853 he came
to Indiana and has since made this state his place of abode. He is the son
of John and Sarah (Colliver) :Moler. the former born in Bourbon county.
Kentucky, in the same vicinity as his son, Joseph. His parent;! were Penn-
sylvania Dutch who came to Kentucky about 1790, his father, Joseph Moler,
having been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. In 1853 John Moler and
family came to Putnam county. Indiana, locating in Clinton township on the
land where Joseph Moler now resides. It was then only partly cleared and
had a few rude buildings (5n it. and here the elder Moler lived, and died on
XovemI)er 3. 1866, at the age of si.xty-one years, having been born November
30, 1805. His wife died in 1856. at the age of forty-seven years. She was
born in Montgomery county, Indiana, in i8og. Only one of their children
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. T,2J
was born in Indiana ; those to reach maturity were, Mary, \vlii> married Rus-
sell Allen, of Greencastle. and died in that city in 1873 or 1874: Joseph, of
this review; Richard H., a farmer in Parke county, Indiana: JefT. T.. who
lives in Louisiana. ?iIissouri ; Susan E., who married R. D. Hamilton and
died when in middle life: Levi, who went to Missouri, where he died; Jemima,
the wife of Mr. Flannah antl lixing in Missouri: Presley C, a bachelor and
still living on the old homestead; Emma J., who married Caleb Bratton, of
Poone county, Indiana.
Joseph ]\Ioler was nineteen years old when he came to Indiana. He re-
mained at home until he was twenty-five years old. assisting in clearing the
place. On November i, 1859, he married Lucy P. Xewgent. he being twentv-
five and she eighteen ; they had lived on adjoining famis for some time. A
sketch of her father, Edward Xewgent, appears elsewhere in this volume.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moler spent two years in Pulaski countv,
Indiana, then mo\ed back to Putnam county on the farm of ]Mr. Moler's
father, taking charge of part of it. In 1868 he rented and took charge of the
entire farm of two hundred and forty acres. Later he bought the interests
of others in the home place, owning eight}' acres. He has made e.xtensi\-e
impro\'ements on his place, building a fine home in 1891, and he has good
barns and devotes considerable time to stock raising, making grains also a
specialty, feeding what grain the place produces. He has laid two hundred
and fiftv rods of tile. He is ^-ery successful as a general farmer. Mr. ^[oler
is an independent thinker and keeps well posted on political and current events
He is no partisan and always votes for the men whom he deems to be the best
qualified for the offices sought.
Three chiUlren ha\e been born to Mr. and Mrs. Moler, one of whom
died when ten years of age. Le\'i Shelby Moler is a farmer in Clinton town-
ship: he was candidate for nomination as county clerk in 1910. Stella May
married J. X. Brown, a farmer of Woonsocket, South Dakota.
On Xo\ember i. 1909. was celebrated Mr. and Mrs. Moler's fiftieth
wedding anniversary, which was f|uite an event in the Moler family and
greatly enjoyed by all who were fortunate enough to be present. The only
anniversar\- guest who was also present at their marriage was John Xewgent,
I'ousin of Mrs. Moler, he having enjoyed the celebration after a half centurv
lapse from the nuptial day almost as much as the elderly couple themselves.
Rew Joseph Skeeters, now deceased, perfomied the marriage ceremony.
Fraternally ^Ir. Moler is a Mason and he takes a great interest in Ma-
sonry, endea\'oring to live up to its wholesome teachings in his e\"erv dav
life.
328 weik's history of
JOHN W. ROBE.
The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of a
community is a protracted and honorable residence in its midst. Mankind
is generally fair and just in its judginents. An unusual event may sway it
for a time, but when normal conditions are again restored a just judgment
is certain to follow, true views eventually prevailing and then the accurate
public judgment is inevitable. It is for this reason that a man is judged
rather bv what his neighbors think of him than anything he may have said
or done. When a court desires to find out whether or not a witness is
truthful, it asks what the person's reputation is for truth in the neighbor-
hood in which he lives. The law correctly estimates that the judgment of the
public is almost invariably infallible. Judged by this measure. John W.
Robe, now a resident of the city of Greencastle and long one of the prominent
and substantial citizens of Putnam county, must necessarily be a man of
strictest integrity and uncjuestioned ability along his chosen lines of endeavor.
His protracted residence here of nearly a half century has been an eminently
honorable one, as is well established by the high regard in which he is held
by all who have had occasion to know him.
Mr. Robe is a native of Morgan county, Indiana, having been born on
August 21, 1843, the son of William and Nancy (St. John) Robe. The
father formerly lived near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and came to Indiana
in an early day, locating in Marion county, later moving to Morgan county.
The mother, Nancy St. John, was born near Cincinnati. Ohio, being the
representative of a prominent family, a cousin of Governor St. John, of
Kansas. William Robe, a man of sterling qualities and excellent character,
met death in a tragic manner, having been killed by members of the "Golden
Circle." a well-known war-time organization, on May 2r, 1863. He was
prominent in Republican politics and took an active interest in public affairs.
It was in 1S62 that John W. Robe came to Putnam county. He received
an excellent primarv education in the common schools and he took a course
in Asbury (now DePauw) University, at Greencastle. where he made a
splendid record for scholarship and from which institution he was graduated
in the spring of 1868. Towards the latter part of the war of the Rebellion
he gave vent to his patriotism and enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-
third Regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infantr}-. but was not permitted to share
in manv of the hard campaigns and fierce engagements that fell to the lot
of some of his friends. He was honorably discharged and returned to Put-
nam county in 1864.
77f
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 329
Deciding that his true inclinations were along legal lines. Mr. Robe took
up the study of law and was duly admitted to the bar in 1869. but not taking
so kindlv to this vocation as he had anticipated, he abandoned the practice
in 1870 and turned his attention to the freer and more wholesome life of the
agriculturist which he has made his principal life work and in which he has
been verv successful, now owning one of the choice and most valuable of
Putnam county farms, comprising six hundred acres, which he still operates
and which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and improvement and
which, under his skillful management, has for years yielded abundant har-
vests. He is also considered an authority on livestock and has kept his
place well stocked with various kinds of excellent quality. He has long been
prominently identified with the sheep industrs- of Putnam county, and is now
president of the Putnam County Wool Growers' Association, having held
this position for years. For twenty years he was secretary of the Indiana
Wool Growers' Association, and at one time he was president of the Short-
horn Breeders' Association. As head of the Putnam County Wool Growers'
Association ^Nlr. Robe has endeared himself to the farmers of the county for
his splendid work in their behalf, his labors in this direction having greatly
benefited his farmer neighbors incalculably, and he is recognized as their spe-
cial friend and champion. He was urged as a candidate for the state board
of agriculture, but refused to make an active fight for the place. He has
always been recognized throughout the state as a leading authority on agri-
culture. Mr. Robe was one of the organizers of the Central National Bank
of Greencastle and a member of its first board of directors. He was one of a
company of ten who erected the Central Bank block. Later he was a member
of the board of directors of the First Xational Bank of Greencastle.
Mr. Robe has recently moved to Greencastle. where he has erected a
beautiful, modern and attractive home in one of the choicest residence dis-
tricts of the city.
Mr. Robe's domestic life began on October 5. 1870. when he married
Sarah M. Stevenson, a lady of culture and refinement, the daughter of
Dr. A. C. Stevenson, a prominent physician of this county during a past
generation, a full sketch of whom appears on another page of this work.
Mrs. Robe has been a true partner and helpmeet in life, always performing
her part and assuming her full share of responsibility. A woman of rare
good judgment, she has always been a wise counselor, and to her Mr. Robe
largely attributes his success in life. Like her father. IMrs. Robe has always
been considerate of the rights of others, ever ready to do her part, and per-
forming deeds of kindness where her hands find them to do.
330
WEIK S IIISTORV OF
Politically Mr. Robe is a loyal Republican, but he has never been an
office seeker. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post Xo.
II, Greencastle. He has always been interested in movements calculated
to be of general good to the people of Putnam count}- and ready to lend any
assistance in such movements as he could, and, being a man whose record is
clean, he has both the confidence and respect of all classes.
JOHN F. SHOXKWILER.
This well known citizen of Clinton township has long been regar<led as
one of the model farmers of Putnam county, being a link between the days
of the historic primitive past and the opulent present, for his long anil use-
ful life has been passed right here at home and he has been a very important
factor in local affairs, doing his full share in the development of the com-
munity. John F. Shonkwiler was born in Clinton township, October ii,
1838, the son of Daniel and Ruth (Spurgeon) Shonkwiler. The father of the
former was born on the Atlantic ocean while his parents were enroute from
Germany to America. He grew up in America and married Elizabeth
Grant, who died in Ohio. Daniel Shonkwiler. Jr., was born in Ohio, in 1821
and when a young man came to Indiana with his father and settled in Parke
county, where they remained for two years, then bought one-half mile south
of the farm now owned by John F., of this review ; there they literally hewed
out a farm from the woods and there the son lived until his death, about
1854. dying when past eighty. He married Xancy Reed in Parke county, who
survived him and made her home with her two sons, in Iowa, and died in that
state. Daniel left three children in Ohio. The Shonkwiler family consisted
of the following children : Simeon. David, Daniel, Adonas. X'athaniel. X'ancy,
Margaret, Julia. All the girls married and moved to the West, and all the
sons except one went to Iowa or Illinois. Daniel remained in Indiana. He
became owner of one-half of his father's place, but settled on an adjoining
farm. ■ When twentv-two years old he married, his wife. Ruth Spurgeon. be-
ing twentv-one. and thev spent the rest of their lives on the farm now owned
by Clay Magill. Daniel was a good farmer and owned in all two hundred
and twenty-nine acres of land, clearing up most of it. He left the farm about
1854 and for a period of twelve years devoted his time to the ministry, be-
ing a circuit rider in the Methodist church in which work he did a great deal
of good and became widely known. For several years lie had preached
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 33 1
locnlly : Iiis duties took liini into Illin(jis and over nortliwestern and western
Indiana. During that period he organized many new churches. He was
pastor of the home or northern circuit for one year, but much of his work was
in Illinois. His health failing, he returned to the old farm, but continued to
preach occasionally and after some years did supply work at or near Brap^il
and while serving that church experienced one of his most prosperous years.
He held revivals, taking into the church over one hundred members; one of
his delights was to conduct a camp meeting. This good and useful man
died on the old homestead in August. 1887, ^^ the age of si.xty-six years, his
wife having preceded him to the other world several years, and he had
married again, his last wife being Miranda Thompson, widow, who survived
him. Xo chiMren were born of the last union. The first union resulted in
the birth of five sons and two daughters, namely: John F.. of this review;
William went to Benton county, Indiana, when a young man; Jacob also lived
in Benton county and died there ten years ago; Ferris spent his life in Clinton
township, near Morton ; Daniel moved to Parke county about ten years ago,
locating near Rockville ; Mary married Tilman Moore and died in Parke
county ; Malinda died at the age of four years.
\\'hen about fifteen years of age John F. Shonkwiler took charge of the
old homestead and continued to conduct the same until his marriage, October
13. 1859. to Ruth Carmichael. daughter of John and Matilda (Spurgeon)
Carmichael. When one }ear old her mother had come to this country with
Moses Spurgeon. settling on an adjoining farm. John Carmichael was born
on Lost River. Indiana, and when a young man came to Putnam county and
married here and spent his life on the farm, which joins the old Shonkwiler
place; there they both died, the father when about seventy-five years of age.
The Carmichael farm is now owned by the son of John F. Shonkwiler —
\\'illiam. The old Moses Spurgeon farm, where he and his wife died, is now
owned by Thomas Brothers.
.-\fter his marriage. Tohn F. Shonkwiler remained on the old home place
for a time, then mo\-ed to a farm in this vicinity. Seven years ago he went
to Belmore and remained two years, coming to his present farm five years
ago. He has erected excellent buildings on the same and has a well im-
proved and valuable place, desirable from every viewpoint. It joins his
grandfather's old place on the north, and consists of ninety acres, and he
also owns twenty-five acres of the old Carmichael farm and has two hun-
dred and ninetv-six acres two miles south of the ninety. He is doing well
with his diversified farming and stock raising, making this his main business.
Mr. Shonkwiler has always been a Republican and at one time was a
332 WEIK S HISTORY OF
candidate for county commissioner. His family consists of the following
children, four sons and three daughters : Daniel lives on his father's old
homestead and was a minister in the United Brethren church in Indiana and
Illinois for nine years ; William lives on the old Carmichael farm ; John also
lives on a part of the old Shonkwiler farm ; Oliver is farming in JVIadison
township; Jane is single and living at home; Amanda married William
Boswell and lives in Parke county; Mary married George Cricks, of Clinton
township.
The father of these children is a member of the United Brethren church,
but was a ^Methodist early in life; he is one of the loyal supporters of the
Beech Grove church, Putnam countv.
WARREN PICKENS.
The names of those men who have distinguished themselves through the
possession of those qualities which daily contribute to the success of private
life and to the public stability and who have enjoyed the confidence and re-
spect of those about them should not be permitted to perish. Such a one is
Warren Pickens, whose name needs no introduction to the readers of this
work, for not only does he enjoy a wide acquaintance in Putnam county, but
the sterling qualities which characterize him have brought to him the honor
and esteem of all who know him.
\\'arren Pickens is a native son of the county in which he lives, having
been born in Jefferson township in 1846. He is the son of James and Matilda
(Rogers) Pickens. James Pickens, who was born in 1804, was the son of
James Pickens. Sr., and was a native of Harrison county, Kentucky. Matilda
Rogers was born in 1814 and was the daughter of Col. George and Elizabeth
(White) Rogers, of Boone county, Kentucky. In that county Jarnes Pickens
and Matilda Rogers were married and for a few years they followed farm-
ing there. Seven children were born to them, namely: Two daughters that
died in infancy; James B., now a resident of Elwood, Indiana; Samuel was a
member of Company I, Twenty-seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteer In-
fantr}-, and died in the service in 1864; Warren is the immediate subject of
this sketch; Emily J., who died in 1890. was the wife of John M. Scott; Mary
C. resides in Clo\erdale. James Pickens and wife came to Cloverdale town-
ship. Putnam county, in 1835. at which date the country was wild and un-
PL'TXAM COrXTV. IXDIAXA. 333
settleil, their nearest neighbor being distant a mile and a halt and the land
being mostly co\'ered with a dense growth of the nati\e timber, in which
roamed wolves, panthers and other wild game. Here 'Sir. Pickens entered a
tract of go\ernment land, three miles east of Cloverdale. and luiught other
land, SM that his total hi_ildings amonntcd tD 'ine hnn^lred and sixt\' acres, A
few }-ears later. nc)t later than 1840, he entered another tract of government
land in Jefterson tc^wnship, this cmint}', and also l)onght adjoining land, mak-
ing one hundred and sixt}- acres in that tract also. (])n this latter place there
\\as a water-power mill, which became known far and near as Pickens' Mill,
and which was operated with cinisiderable success untd 1850. The elder
Pickens lived on this faun until 1S70. when he moved to (do\enlale. where
he spent the remainder of his da\'s, his death occin'ring Xi:i\emljei" i. iSSc).
His wife died on July 31. 18S3.
Warren Pickens w;is reared on the home farm and recei\'ed his earl\"
education in the cmmtrx- schorjis of that period, being compelled the most ot
the time to walk' twri nules to the s<diool. which was, in comparis(:)n to the
schiH'iK nf todax", svimew hat primiti\e in iiietliMiN and e'juipment. .\ little
later he began teaching school during the winter months, apphing himself
to fai'ui wiirk in summer, this arr.angement cintinuing for fi\c or six \ears.
Piuring much of this time he also t.aught writing ■^clu'icil in the ex'enings. In
those d;n-s his wages a\"eraged two (hollars i"ir Ic'^^ a da_\'. anil the da\''s work
was long and he wa- CMinpelled t'l perform all the ianit^ir >er\ ice : beside^ this
he always f.nmd an abundance of farm chores t' > doi at It 'me out of schoijl
hours. In the spring of lisfx) ]\lr. Pick'cns commenced farming iin his (;)w n
accotmt on the place where his f.ather had first settled, three miles east of
CIi"i\'erdale. and as the farm had been rented out for a nmiiber i)f ^■ears it
\\as in bad shape when he took hi_")lil of it. How e\ er. he made all the needed
improvements and continued to ^uccessftilly operate it dm-ing the fc)llowing
ten }ears. Plis wife dying. Mr. Pickens ga\-e up housekeeping anrl m(i\-ed to
( "lo\ erd.ale. where he engaged in handling lixestock' for fom" rjr fi\'e \ears.
being during the following three and a half \ears engaged in the butchering
business. He is still resiiling in (~lo\-erdale. where he has a pleasant hi>me
surrounded! with four acres of land, and he continues the operation of his
f.arm, though not In'mself actix'cK' engageil in work, being nciw able to eniov
the fruits ..f his former efforts. However, he will ne\-er "rust "Ut." for he
is not the kind of a m:m who can sit iilly by and do nothing, but he is alwa\-s
occupied with something. One of his fa\orite iliversir)ns is fishing, at which
he is an exjiert. and few followers of Iz,i;d< \\'alti''n .are m>'re enthusiastic or
successful than he.
334
WEIK S HIST("JRV OF
In iSuS Mr. Pickens was united in marriage to Hester M. Collins, the
(lau"-hter <if Whitfield and Mary A. Collins, and they l)ecanie the parents of
two children. .\lva K. and Oris E., the tdrnier having died at the age of seven
vears. Oris, who lives on the home farm, three miles east nf Cloverdale,
married Mvrtle Watson, the daughter of James M. and Malissa W"atson, and
thev ha\e lour children. Clara, Arthm" E., Mar}' Chloe an<l Warren. Mrs.
Hester Pickens died in 1S7S and in 18S6 Mr. Pickens married Mar}' E. Pot-
torff, the daughter of Thomas and .\nn hdizaheth 1 Ililtom I'ottorff. Her
paternal grandfather was a nati\e of Germany an<l his wife was a native of
Ireland.
Fratern.alK- Mr. Pickens is a member ol the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and wa> a meniher of the encampment of that ijrder until it was dis-
solved and the charter surrendered. Politically he is a strong Repulilican and.
though living in a Democratic stronghold, he came very near election as
trustee. He is not. however, a seeker after oftice, though he takes an intelli-
gent interest in local public affairs. ]\Irs. Pickens is a member of the Aletlio-
dist Episcr)pal church. Thev are widely known and botli are highly esteemed
bv all who know them.
E\'AX CLIXE.
.Vniong the progre--si\e and enterprising agricultm-ists of Putnam
countv, Indiana, none stands higher in public regard than does the gentleman
whose name appears at the head of these paragraphs and who is engaged in
the operatii'iu oi a splendiil and well cultivated farm in Clo\ erdale township.
Mr. (.'line was born l"ebruar_\- 15, o"^?-'. in this township and is a son of
Peter and Marv ( Carmack ) Cline. The paternal gramlparents were Jacob
and r.arliara Cline. The Cline fannly came original]} from C.erman_\-, three
Ijrothers coming together, one settling in Pennsylvania and another, Jacob,
locating in the eastern part of Tennessee. Later he mcneil to Kentucky,
where because of a defecti\e title, he lost his land and crops. During the
earlv twenties, while Cloverdale township, Putnam county, was first being
settled, lacob Cline and fannly came here and located about two and a half
miles west of where Clovenlale now is. They were in rather poi^r financial
circumstances ,it that time, their cash capital aniixmting to but fifty cents.
But thev were determined W^ win a home and competence and went willfully
to work ti") this end. lacob Cline entered a tract of gox'ernment lami, which
PL-TNA.M COLN'TY. INDIANA.
335
was covereil with the primeval forest and t^) the task of clearing this land
and renderinj;- it tit for cultivation these hardy pioneers applied themselves.
The first year they were iinaijle to plant their own ground and walked back
and iV>rth three miles h> a patch of cleared land which they rented and worked
with hoes. They raised a fair crop of corn and other stnfif and from that
time forward they prospered in their labors and eventuallv developed the
l>Iace into one of the best farmsteads in the commum'tv. There Jacob Cline
spent the remainder of his years and reared his children, his death occurring-
ill the late fi>rtie^. He was twice married and wa-- the father of the folh^w-
ing children: Sarah C. l>irn June J_\ 1700: William, born fuly 11. 1-92;
Samuel, horn .\ugust jd. \;')4: Jacob. July iS. 1707; James. b,,rn .\ugiist
18, 1799; Xancy. born Xovember 8. 1805: Pegg}'. June J7. 1807; Xicholas,
born March 17. 1S09: Elizabeth, borvi March 11. i8ri: Catharine. Iwrn
-March j8. 1813: Peter. Imrn June 18. 1815: Daniel, born Februar\- 11. r8i-:
Anderson, burn Februarv [4. !8_'0.
Peter Cline. the subject's father, was Init a >""ung man when he accom-
panied the family to Indiana, and here he spent his remaining davs. His
S(_-)n Evan was reared on the homestead in Clm-erdale township and secured
a gwod practical education in the district sdiool- of the neighborhood. He
h,i- always folhnxed the pursuit of agriculture and in this line he has achieved
a dehnite measure of success. ?Ie has been conducting operations on his own
account since about 1878. ha\ing started on forty acres of land located in the
west part of the township. To this he has added by purchase from time to
time until now he is the owner of two hundred and ten acres. In 188" he
bought one hundred and nine acres where be now lives, to which he added an
eighty-acre tract adjoining, having soM his original forty acres. Mrs. Cline
aKo own> tweiit}- acres of land adioining. In comiection with the tilling ,)f
the soil. Mr. Cline also gives considerable attention to the raising of livestock.
in which he meets with gratifving success.
Mr. Cline married ^Margaret Coffman. and to them ha\e been born the
following children : .\lva. Elmer. Cora. Rosa. Flora. Mvrtle. Retha ami Edna
Cora and Retha are engaged in teaching -chooj. the former in Clo\-erdaIe
township, thi- county, and the latter in Owen count^■. this state. In matters
political .Mr. tdine a-si-nie- an indei)eiident attitude, believing that, in local
elections at least, the best men shonld be selected for public office, re-^fardless
of political affiliations. He is a metnber of the Horse-thief Detecti\-e .\sso-
ciatic)!!. He gi\-es his sup]i(M-t to all worth}' mo\-ements fiir the public o-,^,-,,!
and. because of his sterling qualities, he enjoys the respect and confidence of
all who know him.
336 weik's history of
WILLIAM S. EURRIS.
Among the progrcssixe and enterprising farmers of Clo\erclaIe town-
ship, Putnam county, Indiana, is numbered the well-known gentleman
whose name appears as the caption (jf this sketch. A lifelong residence in
this cuuntv has gixen him a wide acquaintance and wherever known he is
lu'ltl in the highest esteem l)ecause of his sterling personal qualities.
William S. Rurris is a native son of Putnam county, his birth ha\ing
occurred here on the rjtli day of P'ebruar}-, 1S63. lie is the son of James A,
and .Mar\- .\. ( Pierc\- ) P.urris. The father was born in Bourbon county,
Kentuckv. on a farm, and was a son of Hezekiah Eurris. The Burris family
is believed to liave been ijf Scotcli r.n-igin and in the members of the family
are to he found those sturdy (|ualities which luu'e characterized that race.
Tames .\. Burris came to Putnam count} about 1S3S. being then in his young
manhood, and shortP- afterwards he married Mary A. Piercy, a daughter
of John Piercv. He engaged in teaching school in Jefferson tou-nship. this
count\-, and met with proncumcerl success in this calling for a number of
years. During thi^ period he was also engaged in agriculture, in which he
was successful. lie and his wife were the parents of four children, namely:
Tohn B., lames C William S. and P'lla. John B. is mentioned elsewhere in
this work. lames W died in the spring of iSSO. William S. is the immediate
subiect of this sketch. Llla died in !88j. at the age of si.xteen years. James
A. Burris. the father (_)f these children, died in July, i8riO, at the age of
thirtv-four vear-;: his wido>v i> still li\-ing and resides in Cloverdale.
William S. I'.urris was reared under the [larental rnni in Jefferson
tin\n-hip. and recei\cd hi-- pi-climiuary education in the [lublic schooL of
the township. Subsc(|ueiitl\- lie to.ik a co'iimercial C(;ur^e and :{]>>< the
teachers' course at the (/entral Xormal ('ollege, at Dan\i]le. Indiana, and
dm-ing the tMlldwiug tw year-^ he wa^ engaged as a clerk in a st<>re in
Cloverdale. He was married in 1SN5 and at that time he bought one humlred
and sixty acres of land located one mile south of Cloverdale, to the operation
of which he devoted hi'^ energies until October. 1005. He followed a general
line of farming, rai-ing all tlie cmp-; common to this section nt the cinuitr\-.
also gi\"ing some attention {>> the rru'-ing ',{ tine li\-estock. particularh' Short-
horn cattk\ Dm-oc hogs, Oxford D'.wn dieep and Percheron hordes, in all
of which he was very successful. He was enabled to purchase more land
from time to time until eventually he became the owner of .seven hundred
and thirt\- acres of -pjenilid land, all in one tract, besides which he and his
WILLIAM S BfRRlS
PL'TXAM COUNTY. INDIAXA. ^T,/
brother own one hundred and sixty acres jointly. On the 5th of October,
1905, Mr. Burris purchased a large, attractive and comfortable residence in
Cloverdale. and has since resided there. In all his operations he show ed him-
self to be a man of practical ideas and sound judgment and his success has
been well earned.
On October 5, 1885. Mr. Burris was married to Margaret L. Home,
the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Home, who were natives of North Caro-
lina, but came to Indiana some years before the birth of their daughter, Mrs.
Burris. To ]\[r. and Mrs. Burris have been born four children, namelv :
Garnet K.. Maude M.. Dorothy E. and Marjorie E., the latter dying Decem-
ber 20, 1899, at the age of two years and seven months. The three older
children are still at home with their parents.
Politically, Mr. Burris renders a stanch adherence to the Democratic
party, in the success of which he is deeply interested, though he does not
take an active part in public affairs, preferring to devote himself to his own
business affairs. However, he was. in December. 1895, elected county com-
missioner, serving in this capacity six years and one month, and giving the
ci'Ainty efficient and appreciated service. In e\ery sphere in which he has
exerted himself. Mr. Burris has performed his full part and his efforts have
been rewarded with a due meed of success. He is an ardent supporter of all
movements having for their object the advancement of the best interests of
the communitv and is numbered among its leading citizens.
TACK HUFFMAX.
The representative farmer and enterprising citizen of whom tlie biogra-
pher writes in this connection belongs to one of the <3ld and well known
families of Putnam county and it is a compliment honorably earned to as-
cribe to him a prominent place among the leading men of the community in
which he resides. Edmund Huffman, father of the subject, was a native of
Nelson county. Kentucky, where his birth occurred on the 6th day of August.
1824, being a son of Peter and Cynthia Huffman, who about the year 1836
moved from that state to Putnam county. Indiana, and settled in Washington
township. Edmund married, April 5. 1849. Louisa Ann Rightsell, who was
born .August 9. 1830. the union resulting in the birth of twelve children,
namely: James Robert. Maria F... Cephas. Douglass. Ivan. Daniel V.. Lu-
(22)
T^^a WEIK S HISTORY OF
cretia A., General Jackson, Charles H., ^Margaret and Greeley R., of whom
Cephas and Daniel V. died in early lite, the others growing to mature years.
Edmund Huffman began life for himself as a tiller of the soil and was
only sixteen vears old when he left home to make his own way in the world.
He worked for some time as a farm hand at five dollars per month, which he
very generously turned over to his father, but after his marriage set up his
domestic establishment on seventy acres of land in Washington township,
which he purchased about that time and on which he continued to reside until
about 1866, when he removed to the farm one mile south of Reelsville. where
he made his home during the twelve or fifteen years ensuing.
In manv respects Edmund Huft'man was much more than an ordinary
man. Owing to his limited advantages in youth, his education was entirely
neglected and it is said that he did not learn to read and write until after
his marriage. Notwithstanding this early neglect, he afterwards made the
most of his opportunities and not only mastered the fundamental branches
as taught in the subscription schools of his day, but developed extraordinary
business capacity, as is indicated by the fact of his having acquired a large
fortune, much of which consisted of real estate, owning at one time fifteen
hundred acres of the finest land in Putnam county. He was a staunch Demo-
crat, but not a politician, always kept abreast of the times on the leading pub-
lic questions of the day and his opinions carried weight and commanded re-
spect among his fellowmen. In 1898 he left his farm and removed to Reels-
ville, where he built a large modern residence in which he spent the re-
mainder of his life in honorable retirement, and in which his death occurred
on the 1 6th dav of September, 1900. Mrs. Huffman did not long survive her
husband, dving December 7th of the same year, a little less than three months
after his decease.
As indicated in a preceding paragraph, much of the wealth accumulated
bv Mr. Huffman consisted of land which he had carefully selected with an
eve to its future value. Two years previous to his removal to Reelsville he
divided his holdings among his children, giving to each a good farm, retain-
ino- for himself sufficient means to enable himself and wife to spend the
residue of their lives in comfort and quietude. In all of his business rela-
tions he was the soul of honor and his influence was ever exerted for the
o-ood of his fellowmen. His career affords a striking illustration of what
intellio'ence, sound judgment and tact can accomplish in gaining success in
face of opposing circumstances and his example may be profitably imitated
bv the young man whose life work is yet to be accomplished.
Jack Huffman, whose name appears at the head of this article, was born
September 6, 1865. on the farm in Washington township which he now owns
PUTXAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 339
and his lite thus far has been spent within tlie geographical limits of his native
county. Reared to habits of industry, he early laid broad and deep the
foundation for his future course of action and from his youth, being animated
by a laudable ambition to become something more than a mere passive factor
in the affairs of men, he has builded wisely and well and is today a man of
progressive ideas and a leading citizen of the township in which he resides.
While still a young man he took charge of the home farm, consisting of three
hundred acres, and managed the same for his father until 1896, Upon the
division of the latter's estate, there fell to him as his share three hundred and
ten acres on which he has since lived and prospered. Two years later he
erected the fine modern dwelling which the family now occupies and since then
has made a number of improvements, thus adding greatly to the appearance
and \alue of the farm, which at this time is one of the finest in the countv,
surpassed by few in this part of the state,
Mr, Huffman is progressive in his tendencies and cultivates the soil ac-
cording to the most approved methods in this latitude, realizing bountiful re-
turns from the time and labor expended on his fields. Like the majority of
enterprising agriculturists, he devotes considerable attention to livestock,
being a successful breeder of fine cattle and hogs, the grade of hogs raised on
his place being in great demand throughout the central part of the state. By
continuous experimenting he has succeeded in developing a breed of hogs that
are pronounced absolutely cholera proof and for these there is also a large
demand, much larger than he can possibly supply. Mr. Huft'man has found
it just as easy and far more profitable to raise thoroughbred livestock than
the common inferior breeds and as a result he makes his own prices and never
fails to receive them. His example in this respect has done much to induce
the farmers of his vicinity to improve their breeds of domestic animals, and
he is also free with his counsel and advice, which his neighbors have found
of great practical value,
Mr. Huffman's financial success has been commensurate A\-ith the energy
and ability which he displayed in the management of his affairs, and he is
now independent, being among the solid m,en of his township and county
as well as a public spirited citizen who manifests a lively interest in all that
concerns the material and moral good of his fellow men.
On August 2. 1896. Mr. Huffman was united in marriage with Bessie
Plummer, daughter of J. C. and Luellin (Shoptough) Plummer, of Washing-
ton township (see sketch of J. C. Plummer), the union being blessed with
two children, Jackson Reese and Olive Lee. Mrs. Huffman is a native of
Putnam county, born and reared in Washington township, and was twenty-
340
WEIK S HISTORY OF
four years of age when she was married to Mr. Huffman. She is a lady of
intelligence and sterling worth, presides with gentle grace over her household
and has nobly seconded her husband in all of his efforts to rise in the world.
Mr. Huffman has kept out of politics and gives his support to the candidates
best qualified for the offices to which they aspire, regardless of party dictation
or influence. He enjoys in a marked degree the esteem of his neighbors and
friends and is a true type of the enterprising, up-to-date farmer, representa-
tive citizen and intelligent, high-minded courteous gentleman whom to know
is to esteem and honor.
LUNA W. SELLER.
In studying the interesting life histories of many of the better class of
men. and the ones of unquestioned merit and honor, it will be found that they
have been compelled, very largely, to map out their own career and furnish
their own motive force in scaling the heights of success and it is such a one
that the biographer is pleased to write of in the following paragraphs.
Luna W. Seller, whose fine farm is located in Jefferson township, Put-
nam county. Indiana, was born in the city of Greencastle. this county, on the
2 1st day of December, 1868. He is the son of Theophilus and Myra (Craw-
ford) Seller. Theophilus Seller was born in Greencastle. January- 21. 1827.
the son of John F. and Rebecca (Sellers) Seller.
John F. Seller, one of the first settlers of Putnam county, was born in
Harrison county. Kentucky. February 22, 1791. In early life he removed
to Garrard county, Kentucky, where he married Rebecca Sellers July 24,
18 1 7. She was a native of Garrard county, born November 12, 1797. In
1822 he came with his family to Putnam county, Indiana, and settled on
section 27, Greencastle township, later removing to section 21 of that town-
ship. John F. and Rebecca Seller had twelve children, of which Theophilus.
father of the subject, was the fifth in order of birth. The others were:
Delorians. born Januan,- 12. 1819: James W. P.. born December 4. 1820;
Milton H.. born November 12. 1822; Columbus D.. born October 11. 1824,
and died October 4, 1853; Bainbridge B., born August 18, 1828. and died
August II, 1829; Louisa J., born February 14. 1830. and died August 25,
1846: John F.. born September 28. 1831, and died September 27, 1858: Re-
becca Ann, born July 20. 1833, and died May 11. 1843; Western W.. born
April 9, 1835: Elizabeth H.. born February i, 1838, and died May 17. 1843;
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 34I
Tabitha C. born ]\lay 6, 1840, and Theopliilus Seller, who became a physician
and was well-know n as a highly respected citizen. He died September 6, 1871.
The subject's mother was born in 1838 in Hendricks county, Indiana,
and was the daughter of Moses and Melinda (Churchman) Crawford. The-
ophilus Seller received a good preliminary education and then studied medi-
cine. He followed the active practice of his profession for a time, but find-
ing that line of work detrimental to his health he gave up his professional
work and thereafter applied himself to agricultural pursuits until his death,
which occurred in 1871. Sometime after his death, his widow married Wal-
lace Johnstone, by whom she has a daughter, Minnie, the wife of Robert C.
Schell, of St. Louis, where she now resides with them. To Theophilus and
Myra Seller were born three children, AValter, Jennie and Luna. Walter
is engaged in the grocen' business in Greencastle, Jennie is the wife of William
Ranclel, of Greencastle.
Luna W. Seller was reared by his parents and received his education in
the public schools of Greencastle, also attending an academy in that city.
After completing his education, he devoted himself to farming, with which he
has been identified continuously since. In 18S9 he located on the farm in sec-
tion 15. Jefferson township, where he now resides. He had formerly owned
one hundred and ten acres of the old home farm, but now his holdings in
section 15 amount to one hundred and ninety acres, nearly all of which is
under a high state of cultivation and yielding bountiful crops. Mr. Seller
carries on general farming, raising all the crops common to this section of the
country. He has also given some attention to the raising of live stock, with
considerable success. In 1895 Mr. Seller built a substantial and attractive
residence and the property is otherwise highly improved, its appearance re-
flecting credit on the owner.
On May 7, 1893, Mr. Seller married Nettie, the daughter of Francis M.
and Sarah E. (Sandy) AUee, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. To
this union has been bom a son, Hubert, who is now a student in the high
school at Greencastle.
Politically ilr. Seller is a Republican, while his religious affiliation is
with the Xew Providence Baptist church. Fraternally he is a member of the
Knights of Pythias, holding membership in the sulwrdinate lodge at Belle
Union. He is a man of splendid personal qualities and is public spirited in
his attitude toward all movements for the advancement of the best interests
of the community. Because of his genuine worth he enjoys the esteem of all
who know him.
342
WEIK S HISTORY OF
JOSEPH A. THOMAS.
The history of the Thomas family in Putnam county is coincident with
much of the important and interesting history of this locality and in examin-
ing the local records we find that many members of this worthy family of the
past and present have been prominent in various walks of life locally and have
always discharged their duties in a manner befitting high-grade citizenship
and in a manner that never failed to win the esteem of their fellow countrymen
who knew them best.
Of this family, Elzeaphus Thomas should receive our first consideration.
He was long a well-known citizen of Morton, Clinton township, and his death
occurred September 22, 1889, when eighty-two years, ten months and seven-
teen days old. Elzeaphus Thomas was the son of Joel and Mary (Stiles)
Thomas, the former of Bath county, Kentucky. Joel Thomas brought the
family to Putnam county, Indiana, about 1825 and entered land in Clinton
township, one mile north of Morton, and there spent the remainder of his
life, dying at an advanced age. William Thomas, father of Joel, came here
about 1828 and settled near Pisgah church, but soon moved to the Thomas
farm north of Greencastle, on the place where H. T. Thomas was born. His
wife, Fanny Butcher, married in Kentucky; she lived to be about seventy
years old. William's sons besides Joel were Isaac, William, George and Lewis.
Isaac was a soldier in the Union army ; he lived in Madison township until his
death; William spent many years in Parke county, where he died; George
also lives in Parke county, and Lewis married there. Isaac and Joel are the
only living ones in Putnam county. The elder Joel Thomas' children, besides
William were, John and James, who served in the L'nion army. Elzeapiius
Thomas married Ruth .A. Ralston, who died Januan.- 22. 1876, when sixty-six
years, five months and twenty-one days old. Mr. Thomas settled on the farm
at the Morton Corners and in the fifties built the house that still stands there.
Rudy Burkett having recently built on the site of the original house.
Mr. Thomas began life with but little, but prospering, he added to his place
until he became one of the well-to-do and influential men of this and adjoin-
ing counties, owning at one time nineteen hundred acres of valuable land,
mostly near the home place, so that he could ride horseback over his broad
acres and give it his personal attention. He loaned money and traded in
stock extensively, keeping all within range. He paid as high as fifty and
sixty dollars per acre for that which at first cost only four or five dollars per
acre. He hauled wheat to Lafavette and sold it for thirty-seven an<l one-half
PUTXAM COrXTV, INDIANA. 343
cents per bushel. He was a keen observer, a good manager and was very'
successful in business. .Although often importuned to do so, he would never
hold office, being a Democrat, but no politician. His family consisted of eleven
children, named as follows: John H. spent his life in this county, dying at
the age of se\'entv-three years in 1903 ; Eli.?:alieth is the widow of George
Frank at Morton; ^Margaret is the widow of George Cooper and is living in
Clinton township; ^larthy Patsy married Richard Lloyd, lived in this county
and died when past sixty years of age; .\manda Ellen, wife of Harry Randel,
employed in the bank of J. L. Randel at Greencastle; James X. lives in Clinton
township ; Joseph Andrew, of this review ; Rosanna married Ed. Perkins of
Greencastle; Sarah Frances is the wife of James Cross, of Lebanon. Indiana;
Milton E. dierl at the age of forty-se\en years, in this county ; AFary Augustus
married Rudy H. Eurkett, of Greencastle.
Joseph Andrew Thomas, whose name initiates this sketch, was born .\pril
10, 1843, ^^ Morton, Putnam county, on a farm where he spent his lx>yhood
days until the breaking out of the Civil war when he showed his love of
country by enlisting in 1861 in Company B, Forty-third Regiment Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, serving with much credit through all the vicissitudes of
his regiment for three and one-half years. He was captured by the enemy at
Marks Mills, while with Steele, while on detail for supplies, and he was later
sent to Camp Ford, Tyler, Texas, placed in the stockade there and retained
eleven months or until exchanged in March. 1S65. He was compelled to
march three hundred miles on short rations, in reaching Tyler. He relates
that his Christmas dinner that year consisted of ox tail soup. When finally
liberated he was much reduced in flesh, but he never regretted his service to
his country.
He remained with his father until his marriage in 1867 to Nancy C.
Burkett. who was twenty years old at that time, the daughter of Benton C.
and Rebecca ( Xutgrass) Burkett, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work. She was born in Russell township, this county, and she was always
always known by the soubriquet of "Xan."
After his marriage Mr. Thomas settled in Clinton township, near wdiere
his brother James lives and there he remained for fourteen years, getting a
good start, then bought his present excellent place at [Morton, and he bought
a fann in Russell township which he operated very successfully. He received
one hundred anrl forty-two acres of his father's farm and he has owned over
five hundred acres in all at one time, most of which has been given to his
sons. He has been an excellent manager and is regarded as one of the lead-
ing agriculturists of this township.
344 WEIK S HISTORY OF
To 'SW. and Mrs. Joseph A. Thomas three children were born, one of
whom died when nineteen years old, named Zoe; Alva V. owns one hundred
and sixtv acres near Brick Chapel. Monroe township; he married Gertrude
O'Hair and they have two children, Russell and Orville. Ottis M. has re-
mained single and he operates the home farm. Joseph A. Thomas is a good
Democrat but no politician, and he is known to be a man who is deeply inter-
ested in the welfare of his neighbors, with whom he is uniformly popular
because of his honesty.
JOHX W. O'DAXIEL.
The historv of the loyal sons and representative citizens of Putnam
countv would not be complete should the name that heads this review be
omitted. \Vhen the fierce fire of rebellion was raging throughout the South-
land, threatening to destroy the Union, he responded with patriotic fervor to
the call for volunteers and in some of the bloodiest battles for which that great
war was noted proved his loyalty to the government he loved so well.
The subject is descended from sturdy Scotch ancestry, where the name
was formerlv spelled "O'Donnell." The paternal grandfather, William
O'Daniel. was a native of Scotland, while his mother was a native of Ger-
man v. \\'illiam O'Daniel, Sr.. emigrated to the United States and among
his children was a son, also named William, father of the subject of this
sketch. William O'Daniel. Jr., who was born after the family came to Amer-
ica, became a shipbuilder in New Jersey, removing later to Pennsylvania, and
eventuallv locating near Columbus, Ohio, where he followed the coopering
business. In the fall of 1852 the family came to Owen county, Indiana, lo-
cating near Cataract, where the father had a contract to do the coopering for
the mill there. In 1854 the family removed to Cloverdale and in August, of
the year following, the father died. His widow lived to be eighty-four years
old. her death, on May 24, 1909, having been caused by blood poison. Up to
her last ilhiess she had enjoyed remarkably good health. William O'Daniel.
Tr.. was twice married. Bv the first union were bom Elijah. George, Wash-
ington. Eliza. Maria. Priscilla. Rachael. Sally Ann and William R. The chil-
dren bv the second marriage, which was to Emily Hoklren. were George W..
John \\'., Louis R.. Thomas J. and Uriah V. George W. was a member of
the Fifteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war and
died at Xashville. Tennessee. Louis R. died at Cloverdale in young man-
hood. Thomas J. resides at Cloverdale and Uriah V. at Greencastle. All
the children were horn in Ohio excepting the last named.
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 345
Ji^hn W. O'Daniel was born June Ji, 1845, at the old home on the Na-
tional road just east of Columbus, Ohio. In 1852 he came with his parents
to Cataract. Owen county, Indiana. He spent two years, 1857-58, in Illi-
nois. In August, 1861, Mr. O'Daniel enlisted in Company A, Fifty-ninth
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which command was assigned to the
Department of the West, under Generals Pope. Sherman and Grant. They
took part in the siege of Vicksburg, including the several severe engage-
ments in that immediate vicinity and at Jackson, Mississippi, The regi-
ment then went back to Black River and at Champion's Hill the regiment
took part in a bloody charge that cut the enemy's forces in two. Mr. O'Daniel
was present at the cai)ture of Vicksburg and saw Generals Grant and Pember-
ton together under the historic tree arranging the terms of surrender. The
command was then sent to Tennessee and took part in the battles of Shiloh
and Missionary' Ridge and others, followed which was the hard campaign
down to Atlanta, many battles and skirmishes being engaged in on the way.
.\fter General McPherson's lamentable death the company to which the subject
belonged was assigned as a body guard to accompany the remains to the
rear. The subject then participated in Sherman's celebrated march to the
sea. assisted in the capture of Columbia, South Carolina, from which point
he proceeded w-ith the regiment to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he
received an honorable discharge, having served six months after the expira-
tion of his period of enlistment. He passed through many severe experi-
ences and hardships and proved a valiant and courageous soldier. At \'icks-
burg a shell burst so near his head that the concussion destroyed an ear
drum, injuring his hearing.
In 1882 Mr. O'Daniel was seriously injured in an explosion of dyna-
mite, suffering the loss of his right hand and wrist. Since 1880 he has been
engaged in the real estate, insurance, patent and pension business at Clover-
dale, in which he has met with a gratifying degree of success. In 1909 he
received from the Home Insurance Company a beautiful medal, in testimony
of the fact that he had been connected with the company for twenty-five
years. He is a man of good business qualifications and sound judgment
anrl is numliered among the leading men of his community.
Politicallv Mr. O'Daniel is a staunch Republican, though not an office-
seeker. Under the old statutes, when one man could hold several offices at
the same time, he served as clerk, treasurer and assessor of Cloverdale, but
aside from this he has never been connected with public official life. Fra-
ternallv he is a member of Gen. Frank White Post. No. 422. Grand Army of
346
WEIK S HISTORY OF
the Republic, at Cloverdale. Religiously he and his wife and their son are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Cloverdale and take an active
interest in its work.
Mr. O'Daniel has been married three times. In 1S70 he married Sarah
^latilda Brown, daughter of Thompson Brown, and to them was born a
daughter, Eva M., who now lives with her maternal grandfather. Mrs.
Sarah O'Daniel died on September 18, 1883, and subsequently 2vlr. O'Daniel
married Minnie E. Horn, daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Douglas) Horn.
A son, born to this union, died in infancy. The wife and mother died on ^lay
10, 1899, and on June 3. 1890, Mr. O'Daniel married Lucy Branham. daugh-
ter of William G. and Sarah E. (Hughes) Branham. William Branham
was a lifelong school teacher and was the first superintendent of schools of
Putnam county, later following farming. To the last marriage of the sub-
ject has been born a son. \\'illiam Wesley.
HENRY CLAY DARXALL.
A fine type of pioneer farmer, whose life covers practically the history
of Putnam county with which he has been identified in a most honorable
way, is the subject of this sketch. In the twilight of his existence, retired
from the active struggles and hard work with which he was long so familiar.
he is able to look back complacently to his boyhood days and contrast them
with the circumstances surrounding the youth of the present generation. He
is justified in taking pardonable pride in reflecting on the part he took in mak-
ing modern Indiana possible and it is but a just compensation that he has
lived to enjoy the comforts and luxuries that have come to the class to whicli
he belongs. \\'here formerly he trudged through mire and miserable mud
roads, he is now able to travel at swift speed over fine pikes ramifying in
all directions. Instead of going miles for his mail, he finds it at his door
every morning, delivered free of charge. Messages to friends, formerly
delivered by slowgoing letters or uncertain messengers, may now be com-
municated by word of mouth to any part of the county by that marvelous
product of electricity, the telephone. It is pleasing to see on^ of the old pio-
neers surviving in good health to get the benefit of the marvels, in wliich he
bore his full part. His family originated in Kentucky, both his father and
mother being natives of Mt. Sterling, in that state. Turpin Damall was born
Augu.st 8. 1799. and Louisa Yeates. whom he married, was born May 7.
PL'TXAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 347
1807. They came to Putnam county in 183 1 and entered a section of land in
Clinton township, worth then a dollar or two, but now commanding from
one hundred and twenty-five dollars to one hundred and fifty dollars an acre.
This difference in value of itself marks as no words could do the progress of
Putnam county during the last eighty years. Mr. Darnall was a Whig, then
a Republican, but the only ofifice he ever held was that of captain of militia
while living in Kentucky. This fine pioneer pair had seven children, William,
Nancy. Sarah. Livonia, James F., Henry Clay and Mary. The father died
in August, i88r, and the mother on March 28, 1888.
Henry Clay Darnall. the only surviving member of his father's family,
was born in Putnam county. Indiana, October 12. 1832. He is able to tell
all about the old log school house, as it was the only seminary of learning
into which he entered. He has pleasing recollections of the greased-paper
windows, the hard slab benches and the puncheon floor, to say nothing of the
rosy-cheeked girls, then full of laughter and freedom from care, but now, alas,
all passed away. Mr. Darnall remained with his father on the farm until he
was twenty-one years old and many was the hard lick he struck with an ax
or mattock in getting things in shape to raise crops. The training was good
for him, however, and he got the benefits afterward in life, from the practical
knowledge obtained and the good health, of which the foundations were laid
by his outdoor life on the farm in his youth and early manhood. He looks
back with pride to the fact that he cast his first vote for the young Repub-
lican party when John C. Fremont was the candidate in the fifties. Mr.
Darnall has always been enthusiastic in Masonry and has been a member of
that noble order for fifty-four years. He belongs to Lodge Xo. 75, Free and
Accepted Masons, at Bainbridge and has held numerous offices connected with
the fraternitv. He is of religious temperament and a member of the Method-
ist church at Bainbridge.
On September 11. i860. ^Ir. Darnall married Elizabeth L. Bridges,
born July 12. 1840. and a daughter of Charles Boles and Rachel (Lockridge)
Bridges, both early pioneers of Putnam county. Mr. and Mrs. Darnall have
six children: Flora E., born December 9, 1861, married O. M. Batman;
Charles T.. born February 4, 1864. married ]VIamie Fry, and resides at In-
dianapolis; Lena R.. born January 6, 1866, is the widow of William R. Todd,
who died September 29. 1906; Franklin DeWitt, born November 24. 1869,
married Prudie Allen, and is in the general merchant tailoring business at
Butte. Montana; Nellie P.. born April 22. 1876, is the wife of Charles Young,
who is engaged in the handle factory business at Poplar Bluff. Missouri ;
William C. born August 15. 1878. married Cecil Frank and is railroading at
Kansas Citv. Missouri.
34^ weik's history of
]Mr. Darnall is a well preserved man, of good health and still enjoying
life to the full. At one time he owned three hundred forty acres of land, but
has disposed of most of this and now retains only a fine farm of seventy acres.
Though practically retired, he still keeps an eye on farming matters and in-
sists that everything shall be run in shipshape. He is one of the type that
make a good model for the imitation of the rising generation, who may learn
from him the value of sobriety, industry and the painstaking care for details
without which there can be no permanent success in business.
THE RISSLER FAAHLY.
This prominent old family has been so closely identified with the settle-
ment and development of certain parts of Putnam county that the histon*- ot
one is pretty much the history of both. The Risslers are of German origin
and were first represented in the United States by an immigrant from the
Fatherland who settled many years ago among the Blue Ridge mountains of
Virginia, where he established a home and reared a family of five sons and
two daughters, all but two of whom lived and died among the rugged scenes
of their native state.
William Rissler, the son who left the Virginia homestead and came to
Indiana, was bom October 12, 1797, and when a young man married Susan
Boone, a sister of the noted hunter and pioneer, Daniel Boone, who figured
so prominently in the early annals of Kentucky and elsewhere on the frontier.
A sister of William Rissler became the wife of Squire Boone. Daniel's brother,
who took an active part in the history of southern Indiana and Kentucky and
later \\ent to Iowa, locating on the present site of Boonesboro where his son,
Tyler Boone, and a daughter. Myrtle, still reside.
William Rissler came to Putnam county in 1S25 and purchased from
the go\ernment the tract of land in Washington township now owned by his
grandson. George Rissler, riding to Vincennes to make the entry and receiving
a patent bearing the signature of John Ouincy Adams, President of the United
States. Later, in 183 1. he entered land adjoining his original purchase and
in 1838 he purchased a third tract in the same locality, the patent for which
was signed by President Van Buren. William Rissler was a miller by trade
and shortly after settling in Putnam county he erected a mill on Walnut creek,
near what is known as the Hufifman Bridge, and it was greatly prized by the
community, he operating this mill for a number of years with gratifying sue-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDI.>a^A. 349
cess. In due time he cleared and improved a good farm and became one of
the leading men of the township in which he lived, having always taken an
active part in the development of the country- and used his influence for the
social and moral ad\ancement of his neighborhood. In his old age he turned
his business over to his son Moses and spent the last few years of his life
at the home of his daughter, dying in the month of February, 1884: his wife,
who was born October 24. 1802. departed this life in October, 1885.
The following are the names of the children of William and Susan Riss-
ler : Hiram, who died in 1875: Phoebe Ann, wife of Robert Rollins, both de-
ceased: George, who lives in Wayne county, Iowa, aged eighty years; Harriet,
\viflow of the late Joseph Rissler, lives in Washington township, ha\ing
reached the age of seventy-eight : Lewis, lives in Brown county, Iowa : John T.,
a resident of Washington township, Putnam county, and Moses, whose birth
occurred at the family homestead March 14, 1839. During the father's last ill-
ness Moses, the youngest son of the family, looked after his father's comfort
and interests and after his death took charge of the farm, which he managed
so efficiently that within a comparatively brief period all indebtedness against
the estate was settled and its affairs satisfactorily adjusted. Subsequently he
paid off the heirs and in due time became owner of the farm which, as already
indicated, is now in possession of his son, George Rissler. one of the leading
agriculturists of the township.
Afoses E. Rissler was reared on the above farm, receiveel his educational
training in the public schools and on attaining his majority began tilling the
soil upon his own responsibility, which honorable calling he followed with
success and profit the remainder of his days. Louisa Pallom, whom he mar-
ried in his young manhood, was born July 24, 1845, in Ohio and at the age
of two years was brought to Indiana by her parents, Joseph and Lydia (Trie)
Pallom, and grew to maturity in Clay county.
About the vear 1884 Mr. Rissler moved to the farm in Washington
township where his son Morton now lives, having previously purchased other
lands in the county, including what is known as the Rollings farm, also a tract
of one hundred sixtv acres of bottom land, to which he afterwards moved and
on which he continued to live and prosper until his death, in the month of
July, 1905. His widow, who still makes her home in Washington township,
is an estimable and popular lady whose high character and beautiful life have
won the lasting friendship of those among whom her lot has been cast.
}ifo.ses B. and Louisa Rissler had four children, George, the oldest, who
is living on the family homestead, ^forton L. : Emma, who married E. P.
Aker. of Washington township, and Rosa, the wife of Clarence Wright, who
resides near Bis: Walnut church.
350 VVEIK S HISTORY OF
Morton L. Rissler was born September 15, 1866, and spent his early
life amid the healthful influence and excellent discipline of the country and
while still a mere lad became familiar with the rugged duties of the farm.
He remained at home until his twenty-fourth year, at which time he chose
a companion and helpmeet in the person of Maggie Huffman, with whom he
was united in the bonds of wedlock on the 13th day of October, 1889. ]Mrs.
Rissler was born in Putnam county, Indiana. March 20. 1S70, being a daugh-
ter of Edmund and Louisa Ann Huffman, notice of whom may be found by
reference to the sketch of Douglas Huffman on another page of this work.
Securing seventy-five acres of the old homestead at their marriage, Mr. and
Mrs. Rissler in 1906 returned to the same and have made their home there
since. Previous to that date, however, ]Mr. Rissler purchased other real estate
in various parts of the county and at the death of his wife's father he came
into possession of another fine farm of three hundred thirty-three acres, which
he manages in connection with the place where he lives.
Mr. Rissler is energetic and progressive in the most liberal acceptance
of the terms and as a farmer and stock raiser ranks among the most success-
ful men of his calling" in the county. He has owned several farms at different
times, but is now mainly concerned with the two above mentioned, which are
about one mile apart and situated in one of th€ finest agricultural districts in
this part of the state. He has made many valuable improvements on his land
in the way of buildings, etc., and cultivates the soil according to the most ap-
proved modern methods, devoting special attention, however, to livestock,
principally cattle and hogs, which he breeds and sells in large numbers everv'
year. The Rissler farm is pronounced one of the finest and most productive
in Putnam county, its every feature indicating the presence of a broad-minded
American agriculturist, who believes in the dignity of his vocation. Neither
money nor labor has been spared in making the place beautiful and attractive,
and in all the essentials of a desirable modern home there is little to be added.
. ^[r. Rissler is a Republican in politics and manifests an active interest in
the leading questions and issues of the time. In religious views he holds
to the Baptist creed and with his wife belongs to the Big Walnut church, of
which his parents were also communicants, the present building having been
erected by his father.
Mr. and Mrs. Rissler have four living children, viz : Delpha Hazel, Clyde
Hansel, Harlan Moses and Otis Herschel. Gladys }ilarie dying when two years
old and another dying in infancy. The children are bright and intelligent and
nothing is being spared in providing for their educational training, to the end
that they may grow up to be an honor to their parents and a blessing to the
world.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
A. J. OWEN.
^Vhile success cannot be achieved without unflagging industry, the futil-
ity of effort is often noticeable in the business world and results from the
fact that it is not combined with sound judgment. Many a man who gives
his entire life to toll, earnest and unremitting, never acquires a competence,
but when iiis labor is well directed, prosperit}' always follows. Mr. Owen is
one whose work has been supplemented by careful management and today he
is numbered among the successful agriculturists of the township in which he
lives.
A. J. Owen is the son of George Owen, who was bom in Clark county, In-
diana, on November 21, 18 jo, and the latter was the son of Levi Owen,
who was born February 7, 1795. George Owen came to Putnam county in
1836, and lived here continuously until his death, which occurred on the 7th
of October. 1903. After coming to Putnam county he was married to Mar-
garet Stobaugh, a member of a prominent old pioneer family of Virginia who
spent their first winter in Indiana at Indianapolis. They became the parents
of four children, namely: Levi, .\. J., John F., and .Anna Eliza, who died
in infancy. The subject's grandmother, Sarah Shaker Owen, was born on
January 2, 1803, in Clark county, Indiana, in a fort, being the first white
child born in the territory. The Shaker family was of German origin. Sarah
Shaker was married to Mr. Owen in 1819 and their marriage was blessed with
ten children, namely: George. Rachael, Mordecai, Sarah, Levi, Elizabeth,
Hugh, Mary, Indiana, Evan, all of whom grew to mature years. Levi, while
on a trip with his father, was bitten by a dog, from the effects of which he
died after his return home. Evan left home at the age of si.xteen years, about
the opening of the Civil war, and has not been heard from since. The mem-
bers of this family are now all deceased excepting Mordecai, who resides
at Lebanon, Boone county, Indiana, being now eighty-five years old. '
The subject of this sketch was born .'Vpril 16, 1856, and was reared under
the parental roof. He secured his preliminary education in the public schools,
supplementing this by attendance at a normal school at Ladoga, thus acquiring
a sound, practical education. Since reaching manhood Mr. Owen has given
his attention mainly to agriculture. He also served as secretary of the Farm-
ers' Co-operative Insurance Company. It is as a husbandman, however, that
Mr. Owen has achieved his greatest success and among the farmers of Floyd
township he occupies a conspicuous position. His farm is well improved and
352 WEIK S HISTORY OF
has been maintained at a higli standard of productivity, the property being
also well improved in every respect. Mr. Owen is progressive in his methods,
keeping in touch with the most advanced ideas relating to the science of agri-
culture, consequently he is able to realize handsome returns for the labor be-
stowed.
A stanch Democrat in his political views, Mr. Owen has at all times given
his party earnest support and in 1888 he was elected trustee of Floyd town-
ship, serving five years and rendering his constituents an efficient and satisfac-
tory administration of the office.
On the i6th of September. 1883. Mr. Owen was united in marriage to
Lydia B. Wilson, a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Black) Wilson, both
of whom were natives of Kentucky. To this union were born two children,
namely: Stella M., born January 28, 1884, and George M., born March 26.
18S7. The mother of these children passed away on the "th of August, 1907.
She was a woman of many splendid Qualities, a faithful wife and loving
mother, and her death was deeply regretted throughout the community.
Fraternally, Mr. Owen is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons,
and is also an active member of the Knights of Pythias, holding membership
in Bainbridge Lodge, No. 323. He has held all the offices in the last-named
lodge and is also a member of the grand lodge. He is a Baptist in his relig-
ious proclivities. A man of splendid personal qualities, Mr. Owens has, because
of his genuine worth, long enjoyed the respect and confidence of the people
of his community and is numbered among its leading and representative men.
■■ ■. . JESSE LEE HUBBARD.
The Hubbard family has been one of the most progressive and popular
in Cloverdale township since the early history of the same and Putnam county
has known no better citizen. One of the best known members of this family
of the present generation is Jesse Lee Hubbard, who was born in this town-
ship Januarv 7. 1862. the son of William and Catherine (Beard) Hubbard.
William Hubbard was a native of Garrard county, Kentucky, born there
October 17, 1816, and he accompanied his parents to Putnam county, In-
diana, in 183 1. He was the son of Wright and Lydia (W'alder) Hubbard.
Wright Hubbard and wife settled in the northeast part of Cloverdale town-
ship and lived there the rest of their lives.
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 353
William Hubbard grew up on a farm in Cloverdale township and on
I^Iay 2, 1S37, he married Mahala Peck, who died leaving five children, two of
them still surviving, Jacob P.. now in the state of Washington, and Lydia,
wife of Hiram Moser, of Jefferson township. After the death of his first
wife, William Hubbard married Catherine Beard. June 2. 1853. She was
born in Ohio May i, 1832, the daughter of Philip and Elizabeth ( Doup)
Beard. Her parents were from Germany and the voyage across the Atlantic
required si.x months, during which time two of their children died and were
buried at sea. The Hubbards came to Putnam county, Indiana, and entered
land from the government in section 33, Jefferson township, in 1847; they
also traded for other land.
William Hubbard remained in Cloverdale township, in the east part of
which he entered land, section t,S- F'^'^ children were born to his last union,
three of whom are now living, namely: Hester A. Moore, of Westfield,
Illinois; Jesse Lee, of this review, Hannah Horn lives in the east part of
Cloverdale township on the old homestead.
W'illiam Hubbard remained on his farm until in October, 1888, when he
moved to Cloverdale and lived until his death, April 24, 1889, his widow
sur^aving until in May, 1906. They were highly respected people and had
hosts of friends throughout this locality.
Jesse L. Hubbard grew up on the home place in Cloverdale township and
there assisted with the general work about the place until his marriage.
October 2, 1888, to Rosa E. Horn, the daughter of Jesse Thomas and Xancy
Elizabeth (Cox) Horn. She was born in Cloverdale township. Her father
was a native of Wayne county. North Carolina. He came to this county
with his parents, John and Celia (Bogue) Horn. John was the son of
Thomas and Phoebe Horn, the father dying in North Carolina and his wife,
Phoebe, came to Putnam county, Indiana, in an early day and located in sec-
tions 35 and 36, Cloverdale township, where they entered government land.
Jesse Thomas Horn lived most of his life in Putnam county and awhile in
Owen county. He is mentioned at greater length on another page of this
work.
Xancv Elizabeth Cox was born in the southeast part of Jefferson town-
ship, this county, the daughter of William Morris and Hannah Pemberton
(Powers) Cox. Her father was from Virginia and came here in an early
day and entered land in Jefferson township. He and his wife came all the way
from the Old Dominion on horseljack, Mrs. Cox carrying a baby in her arms.
They located in the forest, for the land here was new and had to be cleared.
They erected a two-room log ca1)in and began life in true first-settled fashion.
354
WEIK S HISTORY OF
The country was overrun with all kinds of wild game, and once during a
storm a herd of wild deer came up to their door. They entered their land near
a spring, the ground being high enough to be free from standing water.
After their marriage Jesse L. Hubbard and wife lived three years on
the old Hubbard homestead. He already owned some land in section 28.
Jefferson township, and built a house there after his marriage and moved
into it. He has been very successful and has since added more land, now
owning a fine farm of two hundred and eleven acres in Cloverdale town-
ship, thirty-seven acres lying in Jefferson township, all joining in one piece,
nearly all under cultix'ation and well improved. He carries on general
farming and stock raising in a manner that stamps him as being abreast of
the times. In 1892 he built a four-room house and in 1908 remodeled it,
adding other rooms, so that it is practically a new house, is unusually well
constructed and attracti\-e from an architectural viewpoint. It is well suited
in even- wav for a good comfortable home, having many of the very latest
conveniences, such as a furnace, etc. It cost four thousand dollars, is tastily
furnished and about it is always an air of hospitality and cheerfulness.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard seven children have been born, namely:
Anna Gladys is a graduate of the Cloverdale high school; William Thomas
is living on a fami at Hooper, Washington, in the southeast part of the
state; Robert Lee is attending high school; Hester Florence; Omer Worth.
Theodore Von and Royal Glenn.
Mr. Hubbard in 1909 made an extensive tour of the West, visiting the
Alaska-Yukon-Pacific E.xposition at Seattle, Washington. Politically he
was first a Democrat, but is now an ardent Prohibitionist and aids in the
cause whenever possible. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America and he and Mrs. Hubbard belong to the Methodist Episcopal church.
They are regarded by their neighbors as being kind, good hearted and gen-
erous, and their friends are numbered by the scores.
JOHN SAMUEL MICHAEL.
Amono- the citizens of Floyd township. Putnam county, Indiana, who
have built up a comfortable home and surrounded themselves wdth a fair
amount of landed and personal property, few have attained a higher degree of
success than the subject of this review. With few opportunities except what
his own efforts were capable of mastering and with some obstacles to over-
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 35^
come, he lias made a success of lite, and in his declining years has the grati-
fication of knowing that the community in which he has resided has been bene-
fited by his residence therein.
John S. Michael was born March 17, 1841. in Greencastle township, this
county, and is the son of Jacob and Maria (Hulett) Michael. The former
was a native of \'irginia and the son of a German emigrant, he himself not
being able to read the English language. He had three brothers. Benjamin.
Jacob and G. H. He was a Democrat in politics and a man of stanch integrity
of character, who enjoyed the resi)ect of all who knew him. He came to Put-
nam county. Indiana, in 1833, being numbered among the early and active
pioneers of this section of the state.
John S. ]\Iichael was reared under the parental roof and received his
education in the common schools, the school which he attended being located
about two and one-half miles from his home. Hk was reared to the life of
a farmer and has devoted the greater part of his life to that occupation. He
is now the owner of one hundred and eighteen acres of splendid and fertile
land, on which he raises all the crops common to this section of the countrv,
and he also gives considerable attention to the raising of livestock, giving
special attention to the breeding of Aberdeen Angus cattle, in the handling of
Avhich he has been very successful. Besides farming, Mr. Michael is an ex-
pert stonemason, and has done considerable work in that line, having con-
structed several culverts in this county. He is accomplished in several lines
of work, being in some respects a jack-of-all-trades. He has lived in his
present residence for forty years and has maintained the property, at a high
standard of excellence, it being improved with a good residence and substan-
tial barns and outbuildings.
On June 2, 1861, Mr. Michael was united in marriage with Marv E.
Wilson, a daughter of William and Mary E. (Wilson) Wilson, and to them
have been born the following children: John H.. who married Elizabeth Sum-
mers: Ida is the wife of James Snowden, of Indianapolis, this state: Jacob, a
son, married Mildred Wilson, but he died leaving a son and a daughter : Ammi ;
Sophia A. was the widow of G. Fitzimmons and later married Shelby Blades,
living near Roachdale : Ora married Ida Brown and is living in Hendricks
county, this state ; Maude, deceased ; Ernest, who lives in this county, married
Xorah Oliver: Orville married Erie Montgomery.
In politics Mr. Michael is a staunch Democrat and takes an intelligent
interest in local public affairs. He is a man of positive convictions and takes
a firm stand on the temperance question, exerting his influence in the direc-
tion of the abolition of saloons. A remarkable fact in connection with Mr.
356 weik's history of
Michael's genealogical record is that his paternal grandfather had twenty-
three children, of which number twenty-two were boys. The subject is a
man of commendable personal qualities and enjoys the regard and contidence
of all who know him, his acquaintance in the county being extensive.
JOHN A. BAUMUNK.
This enterprising farmer and stock raiser hails' from Owen county.
Indiana, where he was born on the 8th day of August, i860, being a son of
iMichael and Christina Baumunk, both natives of Germany. Michael Bau-
munk was brought to America when eight years old and grew to maturity
in Pennsylvania, marrying in that state when a young man, Mrs. Christina
(Haynes) Smith, who also came to this country in early life. In 1834, in
company with his younger brother. Peter, he came to Indiana and located in
Owen county, Peter settling at Poland, in the county of Clay. Michael bought
land about one-half mile from the Putnam county line and lived on the same
until his death. Peter after a few years moved to the farm south of Reels-
ville, where he spent the remainder of his days and which is now owned and
occupied by his son, Thomas Baumunk.
The death of Michael and Peter Baumunk and a daughter of the latter,
Mrs. Homer Smith, occurred the same year (1901), under peculiar circum-
stances. Mrs. Smith departed this life in the month of August and was fol-
lowed to the grave bv her father and uncle Michael: one month later Michael
was called to his reward, Peter being among the chief mourners at his funeral,
and in October, ensuing, Peter breathed his last, all three being interred in the
cemetery at Poland.
The family of Michael and Christina Baumunk consisted of one son,
John A., of this review, and two daughters, Mary E., wife of Ivan Huffman,
of Washington township, and Margaret, who married John Zenor and lives
at Spencer, Owen county, near which place her husband has large farming
interests. Another son died in infancy.
John A. Baumunk was reared on the home place in Owen county and
remained with his father until his twenty-second year; meantime he bore his
full share of the labor of the farm and of winter months, during his minority,
pursued his studies in the public schools until acquiring a pretty thorough
knowledge of the branches taught. When twenty-two years old he severed
home ties and began life for himself, choosing the honorable vocation of
PUTNAM COUXTY. INDIANA. 35/
agriculture for his calling and has since followed the same with most gratify-
ing results. The same year in which he left the parental roof, Mr. Baumunk
was united in the bonds of wedlock with Eliza Jane Rightsell, daughter of
John and Mary (Neece) Rightsell, and immediately thereafter set up his
domestic establishment on a farm in Putnam county, where he continued to
reside until trading the place for another tract of land in the same locality.
Subsequently he made other exchanges and in 1901 moved to the farm in
\\'ashington township, where he now lives and which under his judicious
labors and excellent management has been brought to a high state of culti\a-
tion and otherwise improved.
Mr. Baumunk is a careful and methodical farmer and seldom if ever
fails to realize ample returns from the time and labor expended on his fields.
By studying the character of soil and its adaption to the different grains and
vegetables, etc.. also by a judicious rotation of crops, he has largely developed
the productive capacity of his land and in addition to its tillage devotes con-
siderable attention to livestock, especially the finer breeds of cattle and hogs.
He also raises fpiite a number of mules, for which there is a wide demand
and which he sells at weaning time, finding it more satisfactory and profitable
to dispose of them when young than when fully grown.
In the management of his varied interests Mr. Baumunk displavs busi-
ness ability of a high order and it is a fact worthy of note that evervthing
to which he gives his attention proves financially successful. From the begin-
ning of his career to the present time he has made money and it is unnecessarv
to state that he is now the possessor of a comfortable competency of this
world's goods. His farm, consisting of ninety acres, seventy of which is
bottom land, lies in one of the richest agricultural districts of Putnam county
and his splendid modern dwelling, one of the finest and most attractive homes
in Washington township, crowns the summit of a beautiful knoll and com-
mands an extensive view of the valley and surrounding country. Mr. Bau-
munk has furnished his home with all the latest improvements, it being in
every respect up-to-date and such a dwelling as to make rural life pleasant and
desirable. He believes in using the good things of this world to judicious
ends, hence has not been at all sparing in providing comforts for his family
and rendering the lot of those dependent upon him as agreeable as circum-
stance will admit.
Mrs. Baumunk bore her husband seven children and departed this life
on January 7, 1907, profoundly lamented by the large circle of neighbors and
friends who had learned to prize her for her many excellent qualities of
head and heart. She belonged to one of the old and respected families of
Putnam county and her loss was deeply mourned by all who knew her.
358 weik's history of
Of the six living children of Mr. and Mrs. Baumunk, James .Albert is
the oldest : he married and moved to Illinois some years ago. where he is en-
gaged in farming. Perrv Franklin, the second son, is with the Burdsal Paint
Company, of Indianapolis, and stands high in the confidence of his employers.
John Michael is at home assisting his father in cultivating the farm. Anna is
in school, as is also Mary Effa and Louis Edward. Mr. Baumunk married
on September i, 1909. Mrs. Lucretia (Craft) Rissler, daughter of Daniel
and Jane Craft. Lucretia Baumunk has a daughter, Flossie Jane, aged six
years, by her marriage to John Rissler.
GEORGE TAYLOR REEVES.
The history of the Reeves family in Putnam county is traced back to
the log-cabin days and one of the best known members is George Taylor
Reeves, who has lived to see Monroe township pass through all the states of
development to one of the prosperous sections of the Hoosier state. His
birth occurred on February 28, 1847, the son of Stacey Lawrence and Nancy
(Howlett) Reeves, the father born in Campbell county, Kentucky, September
20, 1820, and the mother was born on February 22, 1822. They came to
Putnam county, Indiana, in its early days and married here in 1835, -^f''-
Reeves buving land from Mr. Johnson. George \V. Howlett was among the
first settlers and by the assistance of Indians he erected his first house. A
pet bear followed Mr. Howlett and his family from their Kentucky home.
Xancy Howlett was then only eighteen months old and the Indians often
visited their hut and played with her. giving her little trinkets of their own
making. Stacev L. Reeves devoted his life to farming: however, when a boy
he worked for a time at the boot and shoe business in Greencastle, and he
successfully maintained a shoe shop on his farm many years.
The following children were i)orn to Mr. and Mrs. Stacey L. Reeves:
Sarah E. died when twenty years of age in 1861 ; Emmerine is deceased:
James L. is deceased: George Taylor, of this review: Allen Wiley was born
May 12. 1849: Mary C. was born March 12, 1851 ; Charles F., born Novem-
ber 17, 1853, was city marshal of Greencastle at one time; Annie E., born
Xovemlier 3, 1855, married C. V. Johnson and is living in Crawfordsville.
Stacev L. Reeves was a fxepublican in politics, but held no offices : but
he took great interest in the aff'airs of the Alethodist church, of which he was
a regular attendant. He was well known in this countv, and his death oc-
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 359
cnrred on December 26. 1888. his ashes resting in the old Brick Chapel bury-
ing ground.
George T. Ree\es attended the schools taught in the old log sclnxjl liouses
in Monroe township. He lived with his father for thirty years and assisted
in farming and has matle this his life work, now owning a neat little farm
of forty-five acres, which, together with his stock raising, makes him a verv
comfortable living.
Mr. Reeves was married on December 7. 1879. to Martha Ellen Shinn.
daughter of W'illoughby and Elizabeth Frances (\\'ilson) Shinn. the father
born in Mercer county, Missouri, from which place he came to Putnam county,
Indiana, being then twelve years of age, having been born on February 22.
1839. Grandfather Shinn came here in the spring of the year, contracting
the cholera soon afterwards which caused his death. But the family found
kind friends among their neighbors and were greatly assisted in gettinj es-
tablisheil. The trip from Missouri was made in the usual mode of pioneer
tra\eling. in ox carts. George T. Reeves still lives on the old Grandfather
Shinn farm.
Ti) Mr. and Mrs. George T. Reeves one child, a daughter, has been born,
Edith May. whose birth occurred June 24, 1884. and she married Elmer Mc-
Camey. living at .\dvance, Boone county, this state, and they are the parents
of three children. Effie, Oscar Lee and Hazel. Mr. McCamey is engaged
in the livery business si.xteen miles east of Crawfordsville.
}v[r. Reeves is a worker in the Methodist church, being regarded as one
of the pillars of the local congregation, and having been a delegate to the con-
ference of his cliurch six times and serving on the stationing committee. Po-
liticallv he is a Republican.
JOHN WILSOX.
It will l:e found upon examinatii5n that the person who lives the quietest
and most uneventful life — <ine that is free, on the one hand, from too great
degree of toil, and tree. <;n the other, from nen'ous excitement, such as falls
to the lot of the dwellers of the cities, will live the longest span on earth and
will to the greatest degree enjoy his declining years. It seems that all per-
sons are given at the outset of their lives only about so much vitality, and if
they squander it before they reach maturity, or if they squander it too fast
at any stage of their careers, it means a premature death. Like a canrlle.
thev burn out too fast and are left nothing but a wick, black and unsightlv.
360 WEIK S HISTORY OF
But the quiet and steady life is what counts. Such a person has great re-
serves of vital force which he can call into action at any emergency and is
thus enabled to make a better showing in a crisis than the person who is ready
to fall at the least excitement. John Wilson, a highly honored and success-
ful resident of Floyd township, is one who has had the wisdom to save his
best powers for suitable occasions, and. as a result of his sober, exemplary
life, he has not only consen-ed his energies, rendering him hale and hearty
in his old age, but he has won the confidence and friendship of all who have
formed his acquaintance.
i\Ir. Wilson was born January 23. 1838, the son of Abel and Julia A.
(Holsapple) Wilson, natives of Kentucky, the former of English and the
latter of German ancestry. This old pioneer family came to Putnam county,
Indiana, in 1834 and developed a good farm, Abel Wilson reaching an ad-
vanced age, dying here on January 31, 1892. followed to the unseen world a
few days later, February 2. 1892. by his wife. They were a fine old couple
:\hnm everybody delighted to honor.
John Wilson was educated in the old log school houses of his day with
their greased paper windows and slab seats. He was reared on a farm and con-
tinued that line of endeavor, having prospered by reason of close application
to his work and good management and he is now the owner of one of the
choice farms of Floyd township, comprising two hundred and seventeen acres,
which has been placed under modern improvements and is yielding large
returns for the labor expended upon it. He has a good home and is very
comfortably fixed in every respect.
John Wilson was married on February i, i860, to Isabella Lewis, daugh-
ter of John Lewis, which union resulted in the birth of three children, named
as follows: Delana C, born July 23, 1865: Charles A., born October i, 1867;
and Gilbert A., born August 19, 1872.
The mother of these children died on July 12, 1895, and Air. ^^'ilson
married again, on November 5, 1896, his last wife being Mrs. Ellen Allen,
widow of Frank Allen, by whom she had one son.
'Sir. \Mlson is a Democrat in politics and he held very acceptably the
office of county commissioner from 1886 to 1889.
Delana C. Wilson, mentioned above, received a good common school
education and he later attended higher schools and fitted himself for a teacher,
and for two vears he taught very successfully in Floyd township, but he left
the school room for the more remunerative and less exacting life of the agri-
culturist and he has been well paid for the labor he has expended in this line.
PUTXAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 361
He is making liis iKune with liis father and has a good farm of his own near
Bainbridge.
Charles A. Wilson, also mentioned before, received a good common
school education, graduating from the State Normal at Terre Haute, also at
Franklin College, south of Indianapolis: also passed through the McCormick
Seminary of Chicago, later taking a course in an oratorical school, thus be-
coming unusually well equipped for his life labors — that of the ministry —
at which he has been very successful, now being pastor of the Bethany
Presbyterian church of Chicago.
Gilbert A. Wilson, the other son. is a well-known school teacher in Jack-
son township.
DAVID WALLACE.
A successful farmer of Mill Creek township is David Wallace, who was
born in [Morgan county, Indiana, December 5, 1839. the son of Elijah and
Elizabeth (^lanlev) \A'allace. the former the son of David and Elizabeth
(Atkins) Wallace. Elijah Wallace was born in Tennessee and it is believed
his parents were of Scotch-Irish descent. The parents of David Wallace
came from Tennessee to Indiana and settled near the convergence of Putnam,
^lorgan and Hendricks counties, and there followed farming and stock
raising.
David \\"allace was one of a family of eleven children, namely : .Knianda.
wife of Leonard Shaw, deceased; John, of Mill Creek township; James lives
in ^lorgan county; David, of this review; Elizabeth is the widow of James
Hill (deceased) and lives in Morgan county; Louisa Ann is the wife of
Thomas Sandy, living in Cloverdale; Xancy is the wife of Samuel McCollum ;
William is deceased; Surelda, deceased; Mary Ellen is the wife of Richard
Brown, of Morgan county ; Adeline died when three years of age.
David Wallace's father lived in Hendricks county on a farm consisting
of six hundred acres ; he also owned a large body of land in Mill Creek town-
ship. Putnam county, part of it lying in Morgan county. He was a Democrat.
ah\ays active, but never held office. His death occurred July 12, 1884. David
Wallace's mother died May 11, 1890.
David \\'allace grew to maturity on the farm, which he assisted in re-
claiming from the wilderness, among his duties being to assist in operating
his father's old "ground-hog" threshing machine. David also threshed grain
with a flail and by tramping it out. His uncle had a mill in Tennessee, and
362 weik's history of
before leaving that state Da\id's father worked at the shoemaker's trade for
a time. He made the long journey to Indiana in a one-horse wagon, making
his fortune after coming here. He bought land, fed hogs which he drove
to Lawrenceburg. on the Ohio river, and when a boy his son, David, assisted
in driving some of his hogs to Indianapolis.
David Wallace lived on the home farm until his marriage. February 3,
1865, to Rebecca E. Stringer. She is the daughter of Reuben and Mildred
(Ludlow) Stringer. Her parents were from Kentucky. She was born in
Hendricks county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wallace four children were born, namely : Charlie died
when seven vears old: Lidia died at the age of three; .\lbert and Alpha are
living. The former married Shada Dale Staley, daughter of Hiram Staley.
Albert is li\ing on a farm south of his father's. He and his wife have one
daughter, Lola. Alpha married Walter Allee and lives in Mill Creek town-
ship, a short distance southeast of her father; they have six children, Nona
]vlarie. Jewel D.. Thelma and Velma (twins), Flossie and Albert Ross.
David Wallace has lived forty-five years on the same farm in section
8. Mill Creek township, having moved here April i, 1865. He was in Com-
pany K, Fiftv-fifth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil
■war. Politically he is a Democrat and he and his wife are both members
of the Friends church.
LORENZO D. SECKMAN.
An enterprising and successful farmer of Putnam county, Indiana, and
one who proved his loyalty to the government and his patriotism in up-
holding the national union, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head
of this sketch and who is a native son of the Buckeye state. He was born
June I, 1835, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary A. Seckman. These par-
ents were natives of Virginia, who in 1834 moved to the state of Ohio, where
they remained during the following sixteen years, removing in 1850 to Iowa.
Their stav in the latter state was brief, however, as in 185 1 they came to
Marion township. Putnam county, Indiana, where they bought forty acres
of land, foi- which they paid twelve dollars and fifty cents per acre. Benja-
min Seckman entered at once upon the task of improving this land and by
dint of hard labor and rigid economy he prospered and e\entually added
twenty acres to this farm. He was by trade a papermaker and he carried on
this pursuit as a side line, this being prior to the advent of modern paper-
PL"TXAM COL'XTY. INDIANA. 303
making machinerv. He was a man of inflexible character and sterling in-
tegrity, and was a constant reader of the Scriptures, having reatl the Bible
through manv times. He and his wife were faithful members of the Poplar
Grove Methodist Episcopal church and their daily lives were consistent witli
their professions. The father died on December 23, 1897. at the age of
eighty-eight years, and the mother on October 20. 1895, at the age of eighty-
one vears. their remains being interred in the Stilesville cemetery, in Plen-
dricks county.
Lorenzo D. Seckman remained with his parents in their various places
of residence until i860, when, his patriotic spirit being aroused by the at-
tempts of the Sc3uth to destroy the national union, he enlisted in the Forty-
third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and during the following three
and a half years he rendered valiant and faithful service in the defense of
Old Glory. At Marks' Mills. Arkansas, he was captured and for ten months
was confined at Camp Ford. Tyler. Te.xas. On his return home he resumed
farming, and in 1868 he married and settled on his father-in-law's farm,
where he remained until the death of his first wife, in 1870. He then located
on sixt> acres of land, which he cultivated for seven years and then sold,
buying ninety acres of land in section 23. Marion town.ship, on which he has
made his home during the past twenty-five years. He is a practical farmer
and has achieved a distinctive success of his vocation. His place is well im-
proved and Mr. Seckman is known as one of the substantial and enterprising
farmers of the township.
On March 18. 1868, Mr. Seckman married Cynthia J. Burt(Mi. the
daughter of Alfred S. and Katherine J. Burton. She was a member of the
^lissionarv- Baptist church and was a woman of culture and refinement. Her
death occurred on March i. 1870, her remains being interred in the Burton
family lot at Greencastle. and on February 16, 1876. Mr. Seckman was joined
in marriage with Susanna O. Ouinlan. who was born in Putnam county. Indi-
ana. September 30. 1S43. the daughter of William M. and Serelda (Sinclair)
Ouinlan. the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Putnam county.
Indiana. Mrs. Seckman having been for a number of years a successful
teacher in the public schools. Xo children were born to the sul)ject's first
marriage. To \\'illiam L. and Serelda Ouinlan have been born eight chil-
dren, five of whom are living, namely : Virginia, the wife of James Denny,
an attorney at Greencastle: Mrs. L. D. Seckman: Ann Missouri is unmar-
ried and keeps house for her brother. Frank \\'. : Gramaliel B.. a farmer in
^Marion township: Lorenzo D. : Lucinda E.. the decea.sed wife of James W
364 weik's history of
Burton: Angeline A., who died unmarried. Mr. and Airs. Seckman have
not been blessed with any children of their own, but they have acted the
part of the good samaritians in rearing a boy from tender years to manhood.
He was well educated and is still, at the age of twenty-two years, making his
home with them.
\\"illiam N. Ouinlan came from Maryland to Putnam county in
1S37, being numbered among the early pioneers of the county. He
had a large part in the moral and material development of the county,
helping to lay the foundations of good government in this frontier section.
He entered a tract of land and improved a good farm, spending the
rest of his days and dying in this county. He was a son of James
and Susanna (Cooper) Ouinlan, the former a native of Ireland and
the latter of Wales. These parents emigrated to America, locating in Mary-
land, where the father died at the remarkable age of one hundred and one
years. James Ouinlan was loyal to his adopted land and during the war of
the Revolution he served valiantly on the side of the colonies. He was a man
of marked influence and stood high in his community. Mrs. Seckman pos-
sesses a number of valuable relics which have descended to her from her
honored ancestry, in which she takes a justifiable pride. Among these is a
set of pure silver spoons which were made for her mother from her grand-
father's knee buckles. She also has a mustard cup over one hundred years
old, and an exquisite sample of her grandmother's needle work. The latter,
which is verv artistic in design and execution, is made on brown linen, and
shows that in the early days art was prevalent which at this day would be
hard to duplicate. Other relics in the collection evidence the high position
which the former possessors held in society in the early days of this Republic,
many of them having held high positions in relation to our early institutions
and industries. Among the early generation of the Sinclairs and Ouinlans
were a number of ministers who took a prominent part in advancing the
civilization of the new communities in which they settled, they enjoying the
confidence of all who knew them, their honor and integrity being above
reproach.
Politically. Air. Seckman is a Republican and takes an intelligent interest
in local public affairs, though he is not a seeker after public office. His re-
ligious membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church, in the various
activities of which he takes a prominent part, giving the society an earnest
and liberal support. He is a man of good parts and enjoys the high regard
of all who know him.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
CHARLES :\IILTON PICKETT.
Among the progressive, enterprising and industrious residents of Floyd
township. Putnam county, Indiana, none takes higher rank than the gentle-
man whose name heads this sketch. He is descended from a prominent and
well-known Southern family, the Picketts having come originally from
Xorth Carolina, where they occupied a prominent place in their locality.
The subject's paternal grandfather, Aquilla Pickett, reared a family of four-
teen children, all of whom attained to respected positions in life, being well
known in Putnam county. Two brothers, Thomas and Ralph, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Seritha, still survive. The Pickett settlement in this countv
numbered many members and during war times it was commonly known as
Fort Pickett.
The subject's father, David Pickett, was born on the 14th of April,
18J9, and died on the 29th of January, 1909. He was born in Da\idson
county, Xorth Carolina, and accompanied the family on their remo\aI to
Putnam county, Indiana, in 1S30. Here the father entered land, first settling
in Russell township, but three years later he moved to Floyd township, where
he spent his remaining years. He was a Democrat in politics, but not an
ofifice seeker, though he was induced to accept the position of overseer of
roads. Though not a member of church or fraternal organizations, he was
a good man and enjoyed the unbounded confidence and respect of all who
knew him. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Spaugh. and she
also was a native of North Carolina. To this worthy couple were born six
children, namely: Polly, Charles 'M.. Ellen, Lawrence, Sophia and Alalvina.
These children are all living and all, with the exception of the last named,
are residents of Floyd township.
Charles M. Pickett was born on the 26th day of July, 1856. and was
reared under the parental roof. As soon as old enough he took up the work
of the farm and became an able assistant to his father. After completing
his education in the common schools, he became a student in the Xormal
School at Danville, and then took up the occupation of teaching school, in
which he was successfully engaged for fifteen years. In 1900 he served as
township trustee, his former experience in the school room aiding him in
his performance of the duties of the office, which he discharged for four years
to the eminent satisfaction of his constituents. Since quitting the school room
]\Ir. Pickett has devoted his attention to agriculture, in which also he has met
with marked success. He owns sixtv acres of as good land as can be found
366
WEIK S HISTORY OF
in the township and, being practical and systematic in his operations, lie has
been enabled to realize a good profit on his land. He carries on a general
line of farming, raising all the crops common to this section of the country,
and also gives some attention to the raising of livestock.
On August 30, 1887. Mr. Pickett was united in marriage with Myrtie
Adams, who was a native of Putnam county and a daughter of Ephraim
Adams, of Greencastle. and to this union were born five children, namely :
Chester. Dallas. Lelia. Rolland and Garia. all of whom are living. Mrs.
Pickett died on March 25. 1898, and on February i, 1906, Mr. Pickett mar-
ried Ella Hendricks, who was born in Owen county, Indiana, March 25,
1866, the daughter of John M. and Clara (Lancet) Hendricks. The father
is a native of Warren township, this county, his father having been a
native of Bath county, Kentucky, and a pioneer settler in Putnam county,
where he entered land. Mrs. Pickett's mother is descended from German
ancestry. To this second union three children have been born, twins, who
died in infancy, and a daughter, Louise, born November 21, 1909.
Politically Mr. Pickett is a stanch Democrat and he takes a keen and
intelligent interest in public affairs, though not an office seeker. Fraternally
he is a member of Lodge Xo. 542, Free and Accepted Masons, at Grove-
land, which he served as worshipful master several terms and of which he is
now secretary. His religious membership is \vith the Missionary Baptist
church, of which he is a regular attendant and in the work of which he takes
an active part. His support is always given to whatever tends to advance the
highest interests of the community and because of his integrity of character,
his genial disposition and his genuine worth, he is held in high esteem
in the community.
WILLL\M A. MOSER, M. D.
In a locality ranking high for its medical talent, whose professional
men take conspicuous places among their colleagues throughout the state,
is Dr. William A. Moser, who is located at Belle Union, Jefferson township,
Putnam county, where he is enjoying a lucrative practice and has long been
known as one of the leading citizens of this section of the county. He is the
descendant of one of the old and influential families of this county, having
been born in the southwestern part of this township, September 19. 1869,
the son of David and Sarah A. (Bryan) Moser. A full history of his ances-
PUTNAM COLXTY. INDIANA. 367
trv is to be found on another page of this work, hence will not be repeated
here.
The Doctor's boyhood was spent on the home farm, where he earlv
learned the art of agriculture, but when a mere lad he determined to enter
the medical profession and consequently began bending every effort in that
direction. He enjoyed a liberal education, having attended the public and
high schools at Cloverdale and later the Xormal School at Danville. Indiana.
He spent one year in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis,
Missouri, and he then entered the medical department of the University at
Indiana, located at Indianapolis, formerly known as the Indiana Aledical Col-
lege, thus completing the four-years course in medicine and surgery, grad-
uating in 1903. In ]May of that year Doctor Moser opened an office at Belle
Union. Jefiferson township, at which place he has practiced ever since, meet-
ing with a fair measure of success from the first and he now ranks as one of
the leading physicians of the county.
Doctor Moser married Clara Vesta Cradick. of Owen county, Indiana,
in 1894. She was the daughter of John Cradick. This union resulted in the
birth of one child. O. Joyce Moser. Eleven months later ^Irs. Moser died,
and in ]\Iav. igoS. ]Mr. Moser married Hazell Gillette Dobbs. daughter of
George Dobbs. of Greencastle.
The Doctor is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is
also a member of the Putnam County Medical S(X-iety and the State ^ledical
Society of Indiana.
Doctor Moser possesses the happy faculty of winning and retaining many
warm personal friends and the high regard in which he is held indicates on
his part a determination to discharge his every duty and obligation as be-
comes a good man and a worthv citizen.
JOHN S. NEWGEXT.
Few citizens of Putnam county, especially Clinton township and vicin-
ity, were better or more favorably known than the late John S. Xewgent,
He was born August 25, 1830, and after an active and useful life passed to
his rest on March 14, 1894. He received a fairly good education in the com-
mon schools of his day and assisted with the work on the home place until
he reached maturity, marrying Lucinda Lewis, who was born January 16.
368
WEIKS HISTORY OF
1S31, in Shelbyville, Kentucky, the daughter of Aaron and Milhe (Aloseley)
Lewis. This family came to Monroe township, Putnam county, Indiana,
1838. John S. Newgent served twice as county commissioner.
The Xewgent family consisted of the following children : William Tal-
bot married Margaret Noble and lives in Putnam county; Nancy married
Thomas Heady, who lives in Madison township; Sarah Elizabeth died in
early life; James Edward remained with his mother; Lewis Newgent was
born January 28, 1861, remained single, spending his entire life on the home
farm; Nellie married Walter Sigler, of Putnam county; John S., Jr., died
when thirty years of age, having married Mary Martin, by whom he had two
children, Merl and Earl.
JOHN SCADY CHANDLER.
Among the progressive citizens of Clinton township who are deserving
of representation in a work of this character is John S. Chandler, who was
born in the house in which he now lives, on July 6, 1850, the son of Scady
and Sarah (Busey) Chandler, the latter the widow of James Roberts. Scady
Chandler was a native of Virginia and was reared to manhood at Crab
Orchard, Kentucky. He spent one year in Shelby county, Indiana, and in
1824 entered the 'land on which his descendants now reside in Clinton town-
ship, the entrv being made at Crawfordsville. He settled in the woods and
built a half- faced shanty near the present Chandler residence. In 1S28 he
erected what was then a fine substantial brick house, burning the brick on his
place. Two of his-molders differed in politics, one being a Jackson man,
the other favoring Adams, and they inserted the names of their favorite
candidates in the year 1828. and many of the bricks bear them to this day.
Scadv Chandler took a scholarship at .Wabash College. Crawfordsville, hav-
ing been deeply interested in educational affairs. He was a public-spirited
man and patriotic, ha\ing served in the war of 181 2 as a commissioned
officer. He spent his life on the farm. Later he added to the three original
brick rooms, making it a long brick house, one-story. He was well-to-do for
those davs and owned about four hundred acres of land in this tract, at the
time of his death, seventy-six acres at INIt. [Meridian and two hundred acres
in Clark county, Illinois. He was a Democrat, but not an office seeker. He
was a member of Wesley Chapel ^Methodist church. The death of this
prominent and well liked old pioneer occurred on March 7. 1S64. when he
lacked onlv seven days of his seventieth birthday. His first wife died early.
JOHN S. CHANDLER
^ PL'TXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 369
bearing him one daughter, Ehza, who married David Talbot, and is deceased.
Her daughter is h\ing in Ilhnois. Mr. Chandler married a second time, his
last wife being Mrs. Sarah (Busey) Roberts, a sister of a brick mason who
laid brick in his house. Her father, Jacob Busey, was from Kentucky. The
Roberts family lived in Kentucky, where Mrs. Chandler spent her girlhood
days and married James Roberts. Three children were born to Mrs. Chand-
ler by her first husband, James Roberts, among them being a daughter.
Mahala, who is now the widow of James De\ore, of Terre Haute, and is the
only one of the three children li\ing. Three children were born to Mr.
Chandler by his second wife, named as follows: Sarah married Jesse Mc-
Pheeter and went to Illinois, where she died at the age of forty, leaving two
children; Elza died near Hannibal, Missouri, having left here when a young
man; John Scady, of this review. The mother of these children died in
April, 1873. Scady Chandler was a man of good foresight and made early
entries of lands and John S. Chandler holds as relics five old sheepskin
patents, three issuetl by President ^lonroe and two by Andrew Jackson.
Scady Chandler was a popular and well-known and highly respected farmer
and his integrity and honor were above reproach.
John Scady Chandler spent his boyhood on the farm, operating the
same with his brother until he was of age, remaining with his mother until her
death in 1S73. On December J3, 1875. ^^ married .Ann Eliza Phillips,
daughter of John D. and Hester A. (Smith) Phillips, the latter born near
^It. Sterling. Kentucky, and about the close of the \var came to Fillmore.
Putnam county, and made that her home for several years. Her father was
a shoemaker and later a farmer at Putnamville. He came to Clinton town-
ship about 1S77 and here lived until his death, .\pril 2j. 1SS5. His widow-
went to Evansville, Indiana, where she still resides.
Remaining on the farm until about 1893, John S. Chandler went to
Evansville for seven years, where he was interested in the lumber business
in which he had been more or less interested while on the farm. He returned
to the farm about 1900 and devoted his after work to this line of endeavor
with varied success, on ninety-eight acres, a part of which his father had
entered from the government, he buying out his mother's dowry, making
one hundred and sixty-six acres, but he has sold all but ninety-eight acres.
He carries on general farming. He has a fine sugar grove and takes a great
deal of pains with it. He is a member of the advisory board of his town-
ship and refuses to be trustee, although often solicited by his friends; how-
ever, he takes a deep interest in local matters and always does what he can
(-'4'
2,70
WEIK S HISTORY OF
for the general good of his community. He is an uncompromising Democrat
and uses his influence wliere it will do the most good.
One child, a daughter, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chandler: Myrtle
E., bom November 22, 1876, wife of Lewis H. Carton, of Creencastle. a lum-
ber salesman ; no children have been bom to them.
Mr. and Mrs. Chandler are members of Union Chapel Methodist church;
he has filled mo.st of the church offices and is a good contributor to the sup-
port of the church. Fraternally Mr. Chandler is a member of the Masonic
order, and he and his wife and daughter belong to the Eastern Star, Morton
Chapter. He has long been active in lodge work.
Mr. Chandler has a neat and comfortable home which is often the
o-athering place for the many friends of the family, and the immediate sur-
roundings of the place are most pleasant. Nearby is one of the finest springs
in the county, of pure, sparkling water which runs down a beautiful vale
throuo-h other famis. furnishing water for stock, and in many respects this
place is a verv valuable and desirable one. Air. Chandler underwent the
deprivations and hardships of pioneer life and helped lay the foundation for
good g(nernment and morals in this locality.
HUGH H. PARKER.
Among the long established and highly respected families of Putnam
countv, Indiana, none have occupied a higher place in public esteem than the
Parker familv, numerous representatives of which reside here and who for
manv years have taken a prominent and active part in the advancement of
the various business interests of the county.
The emigrant ancestor of the Parker family was John Parker, who was
born and reared in England, but who. because he accidentally injured the
wife of a nobleman, was banished from his native land. His coming to
America was sometime prior to the war of the Revolution and relics of this
ancestor are now in the hands of his great-grandson, Benjamin A. Parker,
of this township, .\mong the children of this John Parker was a son, Wil-
liam, who was born in South Carolina about 1790. On reaching mature years,
the latter married Candace Austin, and to them was born a son, William Hen-
lev Parker. On November 27, 1827, William and Candace Austin arrived in
Putnam countv. Indiana, and located on section 17, Mill Creek township, of
which thev were the third settlers, their pioneer home being located in the
PLTNAM COCNTV. INDIANA. 3"!
heart of the forest. Here William Parker entered eighty acres of land, and
this tract of land has remained in the family ever since, being now the property
of his grandson. Benjamin A. Parker. The log cabin which they built there
served as their home for many years and remained standing as late as 1906.
William Henley Parker was reared on the parental homestead in Mill
Creek township and lived practically all his life there. He devoted himself
to farming pursuits and was rewarded with a fair measure of success. About
1847 1''^ 3"<1 his cousin. Joel Wright, started a general store on the farm,
W'hich they conducted until about 1867. At the time of the inception of this
enterprise there was no other store between Stilesville, Greencastle and
Cloverdale, thus they drew trade from a wide territory. Mr. Parker also
engaged to some extent in the shipping of hvestock, which had to be driven
to Indianapolis, as many as four hundred hogs being shipped this way in one
year. He was active in politics, being affiliated with the Democratic party,
and served as the first trustee of Mill Creek township. He was the leader of
his party in the township and exerted a wide influence. His death occurred
in 1875, '"I's ^v^t'^ having died the previous year. They were active members
of the Primitive Baptist church and commanded the respect of all who knew
them.
William Henley Parker married Bethena P. Dobbs, the daughter of Joel
Dobbs. She was of German descent and came to Putnam county in 1S25,
\\ith her parents, who were among the early settlers in this section, their
farm adjoining on the west to that owned by Mr. Parker. To this worthy
couple were born the following children: Martin. Candace. Sarah, Benja-
min A., Martha W., Mary. Joel D., Matilda, Hugh H. and Lucy Ann. Brief
mention is made of. these children as follows: Martin died at Eminence,
leaxing two sons; Candace is the widow of James S. Parish and
lived at Freeman. Missouri, where he died; Sarah is the wife of David W.
Sherrill and lives south of Stilesville, Hendricks county, this state: Benjamin
A. is referred to in a later paragraph ; Martha W. is the widow of Solomon
Dorsett. deceased, of Eminence; Mary, who was the wife of Richard Stringer
and lived in Morgan, county, south of Stilesville, died in 1906; Joel D., who
lives in Shattuck, Oklahoma, is a widower and the father of seven children ;
Matilda is the wife of Marion M. Hurst and they live north of Belle Union;
Hugh H. is the immediate subject of this sketch; Lucy Ann. of Eminence, is
the widow of Thomas Surber, deceased.
Benjamin A. Parker, the fourth in the order of birth of the children of
William Henley and Bethena Parker, was born on the old homestead June
372 WEIK S HISTORY OF
30, 183S. In i860 he married Hannah Pruitt, of ^^lorgan county, who died in
1861, leaving a daughter, ^Nlary Esther, who died in the summer of 1892.
In 1863 Mr. Parker married Rachael Brown, of Owen county, Indiana, the
daughter of Rev. John and Lydia (Smith) Brown, the former being a native
of Scotland and a minister of the Campbellite church. To Benjamin and
Rachael Parker were born the following children : Hannah A., Willis R.,
John W., Daniel, Clara. Xoah, Charles, Rena and Ona.
After his first marriage Mr. Parker moved to a farm near Broad Park,
where he resided up to 1874, when he moved to Alaska, Owen county, where
he li\-ed two years. In February, 1876, he located where he now resides, in
Mill Creek township. Mrs. Rachael Parker died on February 28, 1897. Of
their children, the following facts are noted : Hannah A. is the wife of
Charles M. Dorsett, of Mill Creek township, and they have eight children,
Thomas, Flora, Paul, George, Willis, Viola, Eddie and Evaline; Willis R.,
who married Martha Lewis, died in September, 1906; John W., who lives in
Hendricks countv, married Victoria Arnold, and they have four children,
Clona, Clyde, Emory and Emma, the two last named being twins; Daniel,
of Alill Creek township, married Efifie Lewis, and to them have been born
three children, Lester Verlin. Lloyd and Nola Marie, the last named dying
in infancv; Clara first married John Grimes, by which union was born one
child, Sarah Melissa, and she afterwards married Wilfred Ogles, of Morgan
countv, and thev have a daughter. Myrtle: Noah, of ^lartinsville. Indiana,
married Viola Humphries; Charles, who resides near his father, married
Lottie Keller and thev have a daughter. Garnet Myrtle: Rena married John
George and lives near her father in Mill Creek township ; Ona lives at home
with her father.
Hugh H. Parker, whose name appears at the head of this sketch, was
born in INIill Creek township, Putnam county. August 2S. 1852. the son of
William Henley and Bethena Parker. He received his education in the
common schools of the neighborhood and has ahvays pursued the vocation
of farming, in which he has met with a gratifying measure of success. He
owns five hundred and seventy acres of land in section 8, the land extending
into Morgan county, and he also owns land in Jefferson township. He is a
practical and systematic worker, keeps in close touch with every detail of his
business and is numbered among the successful men of this part of the
countv. His splendid estate is highly improved and the residence property is
comfortable and attractive, the general appearance of the entire place indicat-
ing the owner to be a man of good taste and excellent judgment.
PrTXAM COI-XTV. IXDIAXA.
ci7Z
On February 2^. 1S75. Hugh H. Parker married Soriida Wood, a daugh-
ter of Elisha.and Rhoda (Broadstreet) Wood. Elisha Wood was born" in
Washington county, Indiana, on Februar>' 3. 1S22, the son of Daniel and
Margaret Wood, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Pennsyl-
vania. The paternal grandfather was a soUHer in the war of the Revolu-
tion, seri-ing vahantly for seven years. He was among the first settlers of
Wasiiington county, Indiana, and died there at the age of eightv-four years.
\Vhen Elisha Wood was fourteen years old his father died and in 1840 he
and others of the family came to what is now Mill Creek township, Putnam
county. On June i. 1S40, he married Rhoda Broadstreet. the daughter of
Thomas Broadstreet. a pioneer settler of Putnam county, and of their seven
children Mrs. Hugh Parker was the youngest. :Mrs. Rhoda Wood died April
20, 1857, and on September 8th of the same year Mr. Wood married Phoebe
C. Phillips, to which union seven children were born. Mr. Wood located on
a farm in section 6. Mill Creek township, in 1S45. ^t which time it was prac-
tically covered with a heavy growth of timber. Commencing life for
himself with a cash capital of only ten dollars, he eventuallv became the
owner of two hundred and eighty acresof good land, the result of hard work
and economy. He was a faithful and active member of the Missionarv Bap-
tist church, of which he was a trustee. His death occurred on March 14,
1906. and his widow died in June. 1909. Six children were born to Air. and
]\Irs. Hugh H. Parker, namely : Elmer, who died at the age of nine months ;
Victor}', who died on February 15, 1894. at the age of seventeen years;
Bessie died at the age of four years ; Bertha D. married Ancil Dorsett, who
died in 1904, and they had one daughter, Gladys, who, with her mother, are
now living with the subject, Hugh H. Parker; Grover Cleveland, who li\-es
a half mile east of Broad Park, married Dolly Cof^man, the daughter of An-
drew Coffman, of Cloverdale township, and they had one son, Gerald Ray
Parker, who died at the age of seventeen months : A'ernie Clyde, the youngest
son, who lives at home with his parents, attended the Normal School at Dan-
ville, but is now a student in the high school at Broad Park.
Politically Air. Parker is aligned with the Democratic party and has taken
an active interest in local public affairs, having served as trustee of Mill
Creek township for seven years. Religiously he and his wife are members
of the Missionarv- Baptist church, to which they give an earnest and liberal
support. Air. Parker is a man of large physique, is genial and whole-souled
in his relations with his fellow men and in every relation- of life he displays
a candidness and honesty of purpose that has gained for him the esteem of
all whom he has come in contact with.
374 WEIK S HISTORY OF
JAMES H. SPARKS.
Prominent among the worthy representatives of the pioneer element in
the county of Putnam is the well-known gentleman to a review of whose
life the attention of the reader is now invited. For many years James Sparks
has been a forceful factor in the prosperity of Cloverdale township, and now,
at the advanced age of nearly eighty-five years, he is enjoying that rest which
his long life of earnest toil so richly entitles him to.
James H. Sparks was born in Lewis county, Kentucky, on the 8th day
of February, 1826, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Gilman) Sparks.
The maternal great-grandfather, Henry Gilman, was a soldier in the war of
the Revolution, serving under General Wayne. When the subject was about
twelve vears of age the family removed to Putnam county, Indiana, locat-
ing near Mount Meridian, the father buying a tract of land about a half mile
east of that place. Two years later they moved to the southern part of
Jefferson township, where another farm was purchased. James H. remained
with his parents until he was about eighteen years old, when he went to
Greencastle and apprenticed himself to leam the trade of blacksmith. About
twenty years after coming to Putnam county the other members of the
family removed to Clayton county. Iowa, where they made their subse-
quent home. Mr. Sparks was employed at the smithy's forge in Greencastle
for about five vears, becoming a proficient workman, and at the end of that
period he came to Cloverdale and opened a shop of his own. which he con-
tinued to operate about fifteen years. He then gave up blacksmithing and
took up agriculture as a vocation, locating on his present farm in the east-
ern part of Cloverdale township. He gave intelligent direction to his efforts
and in due time developed his farm to a fine estate. He has always been a hard
worker and has been practical in his methods, so that his eiforts have been
rewarded with a due meed of success. The place is well improved, contain-
ing a comfortable residence, commodious and substantial barns and out-
buildings, while the general condition of the place indicates the owner to be
a man of sound judgment and good taste.
On Februarv 27, 185 1, Mr. Sparks married Emily Jane Coffman, a na-
tive of Fountain county, Indiana, and the daughter of John and [Mary
(Williams) Coffman. These parents were natives of Kentucky and came to
Fountain county, Indiana, in an early day. In 1832. when slie was about
six weeks old, the family located in Cloverdale township. Putnam county,
where she grew to womanhood. John Cofifman \vas a soldier in the war of
18 12. under Gen. William Henrv Harrison, and was in the noted battle at
PL "TNAM COLNTV. INDIANA. 3/5
Murgantc)\\ n. on the river Thames, where the Indian chief Tecuniseh was
killed. To Mr. and Mrs. Sparks were born si.x children, of whom but two
are now living, two having died in infancy. The four who grew to maturity
were James, Mary Ann, Eliza Jane and Xiles H. James lives with his fa-
ther on the home farm. Mary Ann. who died April 22, 1882. was the wife
of Peter Shopl. of Eminence, ^lorgan county, Indiana, anil she left two daugh-
ters, Emma and Lucy Jane. Eliza Jane, who died on February 25, 1S88,
was the wife of Isaac X. Carpenter, of Cloverdale township, and she left
a son. J. H. Carpenter, whose death occurred on April 19, 1908. Xiles mar-
ried Elizabeth Hood and lives a short distance northeast of Cloverdale. To
him and his wife have been born ten children, of which number four are living.
Three of the children died in infancy, the others being briefly mentioned as
follows : John William is married and is living at Mansfield. Charles P.
li\es in Cloverdale township, this county. Allen died Xo\ember 18, 1901,
Lee on the 29th of the same month, and Herschel on the 25th of October of
the same year, the three deaths being due to typhoid fever. Of those living,
Arizona and Elmer remain at home with their parents. Mrs. Emily Sparks
dietl on the jth of Feljruary. 1902. at the age of si.\ty-nine years.
Religiouslv. ^[r. Sparks is a consistent meml;er of the Christian church
at Cloverdale, to which his wife also belonged up to the time of her death.
Fraternally, Mr. Sparks became a member of Temple Lodge, Xo. 47. Free
and Accepted Masons, many years ago and is now probably the oldest Mason
residing in Putnam county. He was a charter member of Cloverdale Lodge,
X'o. 132, Free and Accepted Masons, to which lodge his son James also be-
longs. 'SU. Sparks is a member of Gen. Frank White Post. Grand Army of
the Repul-ilic. at Cloverdale. this affiliation being consistent from the fact that
during the Civil war Mr. Sparks enlisted in Company I. Forty-third Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, and gave effective service to his country in her hour of
need. He is one of the Ijest known men in Cloverdale township and en-
joys the unbounded confidence of all who know him. He has always given
his support to every moxement having for its object the advancement of the
best interests of the community and has been influential for good.
LEWIS XE\\"GEXT.
Lewis X'ewgent was born January 2%. 1861, on the farm where he now
lives. His father was John S. Xewgent. and mother Lucinda (Lewis) Xew-
376 weik's history of
gent. The father was a native of Putnam county, born August 25, 1830,
and the mother was born in Shelbyville. Kentucky', and came to Putnam
county with her parents when seven years old. The father farmed all his
life and was county commissioner two terms. He was a Democrat. He
died ]\Iarch 14, 1894. He belonged to the Methodist church. He owned
two farms of one hundred and sixty and eighty acres when he died. His
widow still survi\-es, and lives with Lewis Newgent of this sketch. She is
in her eightieth vear. These parents have seven children, namely: William
T., of Parke county, Indiana; Nancy, wife of Thomas Heady, of Madison
township; Sarah Elizabeth, deceased; Edward, on the old homestead; Lewis,
the subject of this sketch; Millie, wife of Walter Sigler, of Clinton town-
ship; Tohn. deceased, who married Mar\' Martin, and left two children, Merl
and Earl.
Lewis Newgent was reared on the farm where he has lived all his life.
He received a common school education. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church at Bethel, is a Democrat in politics and active in party
affairs, having been committeeman of his precinct.
JONATHAN HANSELL.
From an old industrious family that has enjoyed a most excellent repu-
tation wherever its members have lived comes Jonathan Hansell, one of the
best farmers of his township and a man who is deserving of the success
he has achieved because he has worked for it along right lines and pre-
ferred to "eat bread by the sweat of his brow" rather than try to win fortune
bv unscrupulous or questionable methods. He was born in Floyd township,
Putnam countv, December 3, 1859, the son of George Hansell, who was born
in Frederick countv, Virginia, April 29, 1813, and he came to Putnam county,
Indiana, in 1839. He was the son of John and Hannah (Adams) Hansell.
On September 15, 1836, George Hansell married Mary A., daughter of
Elijah C. and Elizabeth Wilkinson, born February 18, 1817, in Highland
countv, Ohio, and this union resulted in the birth of thirteen children, eight
of whom are living at this writing, named as follows: Juretta is deceased;
John \\'., who was a soldier in the L^nion army, a member of the Twenty-
seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was killed at the battle of
-\ntietani : David is living at Lena. Indiana: Elijah C. is living in Pulaski
PLTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 2>17
county, tliis state: Rachae! Maria lives in Greencastle ; Hannah I.. li\es in
Kansas: Elizabeth .\nn is deceased: Mary Ellen, of Iowa: George \\'. is
deceased: Rebecca is living in this county; Jonathan, of this review: Jehu
is a contractor in .\rkansas -City. Kansas, the two latter being twins. Mrs.
Hansell died March 17. 1901.
George Hansell is a Republican but he is not interested in political
offices. He is a strong Methodist and a devout Christian. He died at the age
of sevent}' }'ears and four months, at the old homestead, on September 11,
1883, on the land he purchased when he first came to this state from Hills-
bury, Ohio, of which state his wife was a native. He has devoted his en-
tire life to farming and has been very well repaid for his long years of hard
toil.
Jonathan Hansell received a very good education in the public schools.
He grew up on the home farm in this township and has devoted his attention
to farming. AA'hen he was thirty years old he bought thirty acres of land,
and being a hard worker he has been able to add to his original purchase
until he now owns an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres which
is well improved and well tilled. He has erected here a modern, commodious
and desirably located dwelling which was built in 1899. Xo farm in section
21 is better adapted for the carrying on of general farming and stock rais-
ing, at which he is equally successful.
Mr. Hansell was first married on August 3, 1887. to Ollie .A. Wright,
daughter of Marion and .Amanda (Chatham) Wright, of old pioneer stock.
Two children were born to this union; Gracie. born May 31, 1888. married
Earl Smith, who is a mail carrier at Greencastle; Blanche B. was born ]\Iay
23. 1892. and is living at home, attending high school in Floyd township.
The mother of these children passed away on October 2^. 1S99, and on March
20, 1902, Mr. Hansell married Clora A. Wise, daughter of Isaac and Regina
( Xewman ) \\'ise. of Hendricks county. Four children have been born
to them: Jonathan ]\Iaynard. born .April i, 1903: Ila A., born September 29,
1004: Lema B., born .August 4. 1906: Isaac Ward, born June 14, 1908.
Mr. Hansell is a handv man with tools and is something of a builder,
having planned his own home and barn and worked on the local church.
He is a skilled stone mason. He has never aspired to any of the county
offices, and he is in favor of prohibition. He is a member of the Knights of
Pythias Lodge Xo. i'},. at Bainbridgc. having been a Knight for the past
fifteen years, anrl he has held all the offices in the local organization, being
one of the best known members of this order in the county.
378 weik's history of
JAMES A. RIGHTSELL.
This representative farmer and business man is a native of Putnam
county, Indiana, and was born in \\'ashington township, March 20. 1S63,
having first seen the hght of day on the old Rightsell homestead, which his
grandfather purchased from the government. His father, John Rightsell,
after living for some years on the old place, bought land in Cloverdale town-
ship and about 1S71 purchased the farm on Walnut Bottoms now owned by
his son Frank. By subsequent purchases from time to time he added to his
holdings until he finally became the owner of more than five hundred acres,
about one hundred and si.xty consisting of bottom land, the rest lying among
the hills, all being fertile and, under his control, highly cultivated. Mr.
Rightsell started in life with nothing, but by industry and good management
and strict economy, succeeded in amassing quite a fortune and at the time of
his death was one of the wealthiest men in the southern part of Putnam
countv. He was a splendid example of the successful self-made man, stood
high as a citizen and was public spirited in all the term implies. He was
born September 22. 1836, married, in the year of 1857, Mary Neese, and de-
parted this life in the month of November, 1903. Mrs. Rightsell, whose
birth occurred in July, 1834, was a daughter of John and Mary Xeese, early
settlers of the southeastern part of Washington township, her death tak-
ing place on March 20, 1905.
The early experience of James A. Rightsell was similar in most respects
to that of the majority of country lads, his childhood and youth having
been spent in close touch with nature and the district schools affording him
the means of a fair educational training. He remained at home until at-
taining his majority, when he sought his fortune in the west, going first to
Kansas, where he remained two years, \'ariously employed, and at the ex-
piration of that time proceeded further westwarfl until reaching Colorado and
Wyoming. During the nineteen years he spent in the west he followefl differ-
ent pursuits, farming in Kansas and contracting to supply timber and lumber
to the Cripple Creek mines in Colorado, near which he also took up a pre-
emption claim. Later he engaged as motorman with the Denver electric
street car line, in which capacity he continued for five years, and shortly
after resigning his position returned to Putnam county and engaged in ag-
riculture, which he has since followed.
Mr. Rightsell moved to his present fann in Washington township in
Januarv, 1903. and at the settlement of his father's estate came into poshes-
PCTNAM COL"XTV, IXDIAXA. 379
sion of se\ent\- acres on wliich lie has since lived. He lias made a number of
valuable improvements on his place, including a fine modern barn, thirty-six
by forty-four feet in area, with a large shed sixteen by thirty-six feet, the
structure being complete in all of its parts and admirably adapted to the
purposes for which intended. He has brought this land to a high state of
cultivation and in connection with tilling the soil devotes considerable atten-
tion to livestock, his cattle, horses and hogs being of superior breeds and
among the best in this part of the county. }vlr. Rightsell's home stands on
an eminence about one hundred feet above the valley and commands an ex-
tensive view of the surrounding countn.-. The home, Avhich was erected in
1S84. is a large and commodious edifice and with improvements since added
is now one of the best residences in the neighborhood, being furnished with
modern conveniences and meeting all the reciuirements of an attracti\-e anrl
desirable rural residence.
ilr. Rightsell married at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Xo\-ember i,
1887, Hontas Xicholson. daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Xicholson,
she being inn a visit to a sister at that place when the ceremony took place,
^ilrs. Rightsell was born at Fillmore. Putnam crmnty. Indiana, and died
]\rarch 15, 1897. ''t Denver. Col(jrado. leaving two children. Raymond M.
and Ruth, both making their home with their uncle. Frank Rightsell, and
attending the Washington township high school. Mr. Rightsell is largelv
interested in the Reelsville Telephone Company, one of the leading enter-
prises of the kind in centra! Indiana, and is now serving as its president.
This c'lmpany has grown steadily in the favor of the public until it has
quite an extensive patronage, the service including one hundred and sixtv
telephones throughout the county, with exchanges at Greencastle anil Po-
land, the rate of fifteen cents a month paying all the expenses of the con-
cern. While interested in all that makes for the good of his communitv and
the welfare of his fellow men. Mr. Rightsell takes little part in public atTairs
further than \-oting his principles antl gi\ing his su])i)ort to the best (pialified
candidates. He has never been a politician, much less an office seeker,
but has ever stood for law, order and good government, being readv at all
times to labor for these ends and to make any reasonable sacrifice fi3r what
he considers the l)est interests of the body politic. While in the West he
spent much of his leisure among the mountains where he found rare sport
as a huntsman, and since returning home, the rifle, in the use of which he
is quite an expert, aiifords him his chief means of amusement and recreation.
Personally Mr. Rightsell is quite popular and has many warm friends
3^0 weik's history of
throughout the county. Moral, upright and a fine type of the courteous
American gentleman, he is a credit to the race from which he sprang, and
of the community in which he was born and reared.
OLIVER NELSON HOUCK.
This is an age in which the farmer stands pre-eminently above any other
class as a producer of wealth. He simply takes advantage of the winds,
the warm air, the bright sunshine and the refreshing rains, and applying his
own hands and skill to nature's gifts he creates grain, hay, live stock, etc.,
all of which are absolute necessities to the inhabitants of the world. Among
the up-to-date farmers of Putnam county is Oliver Nelson Houck, a member
of a well known family here, the son of David Houck, whose life record,
also those of the subject's brothers, Jonathan and James E., appear else-
where in this work.
Air. Houck was born in IVIadison township, Putnam county, September
5, 1858, just three years younger than his brother Edgar. The day he was
nine years of age he came to the present farm. He received a fairly good
education in the local schools and early in life directed his attention to
farming, having been in partnership with his brother Jonathan for five or
six years. Edgar was also associated with them in general farming and
stock raising. In 1892 Oliver N. came back to the old farm, of which he
owns fifty-one acres. He also owns a very valuable tract of land on the
west side of the creek, consisting of two hundred and ten acres, adjoining
the farm of his brother Jonathan, on the old Gilmore farm. All this land
has been well improved and is mostly under a high state of cultivation, Mr.
Houck being regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of this part of
the country. He has a commodious and attractively located dwelling, erected
by himself, facing north and overlooking the valley of Walnut creek. He
erected his large, substantial barn himself. For ten years he lived on about
sixty acres of the old place, about one miles west of his present home. In
1903 he left there and came to his present place, erecting a dwelling in
1906. He had lived for three years in the old log house that John Gilmore
built, Mr. Gilmore using the upstairs rooms where he conducted a sort of
high school which was popular in those days, pupils coming from Illinois.
Mr. Houck carries on the various phases of his work with hired help,
devoting- a great deal of attention to stock raising, feeding all the grain
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 38 1
the place produces, often feeding a car load of cattle and about two hundred
head of hogs at a time — in fact he has continued this annually for some time,
confining his attention to the farm exclusively, and he has been very suc-
cessful.
Mr. Houck was married March ii, 1880, to Gertrude Elliott, daughter
of Harrison and Elizabeth (Young) Elliott, a well known family, the old
Elliott homestead being about three miles from Manhattan. ]Mrs. Houck's
parents having settletl there about 1S54. having come from Wayne county,
this state, where they were born, reared and were m.arried. They lived
there until Mr. Elliott died in 1888, at the age of seventy-one years. He
was at one time county commissioner and proved to be a strong member
of the board, he and Messrs. Gardner and Ballard being instrumental in
building many bridges and county buildings, bridging Walnut creek in
many places, also Mill creek. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Elliott, only two are now living in Putnam county, Mrs. O. N. Houck and
Dan Elliott, of Greencastle.
One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Houck. bearing the name of
Earl, now twenty-four years of age. He is engaged in the undertaking busi-
ness in Terre Haute. He married Drucilla Ringo, of Clay county, Indiana,
and they are the parents of one child, Walter Nelson.
Oliver N. Houck has long been active in political circles : however,
he has never sought political offices, being too busy with his individual
affairs, but he is deeply interested in the county's best interests and ahvays
ready to lend a helping hand in furthering any movement looking to the
general good.
ALFRED E. FLINT.
Alfred E. Flint is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born
near Versailles, Ripley county, January 4, 1866, and he is the son of Alfred
and Marv A. (Anderson) Flint. Alfred Flint, who was born in Cincin-
nati. Ohio, was a son of William Flint, who. with his wife, came to the
L'nited States from London, England. He was the son of a wealthy physi-
cian, and received a finished college education, but the father died and when
William attained his majority he found himself in straitened circum-
stances financially. Nothing daunted, he learned the carpenter's trade and
started out to carve his own fortune. Coming to America, he and his wife
located in Cincinnati, and he became a dealer in large tracts of land in
^82 weik's history of
southern Indiana. Among his deals, was the sale of a square mile of land in
Ohio county, Indiana, to Hugh Anderson and another man, who built there
a grist mill, carding mill and saw mill. Mr. Flint then bought tracts of land
in the northern part of Ripley county, which he later sold and then bought
more land in the southern part of that county. Alary A. Flint, the subject's
mother, was a daughter of Hugh and Ann Anderson, the former of whom
was born, reared and educated in Scotland, while his wife was born in Ire-
land in very humble circumstances. Both emigrated to the United States,
met for the first time at Cincinnati and were there married. It was on the
Ripley county farm of Mr. Flint's that Morgan's raiders camped one night
durino' the Civil war, and it was also in that neighborhood that Morgan's
men captured a number of men who were being sworn in to fight him.
Alfred E. Flint was reared under the paternal roof in Ripley county
until he was about eighteen years old, at which age he began teaching school.
His ambition at this time was to secure a thorough education and he took
up teaching in order to help defray his college expenses. After teaching two
years he became a student in the State University at Bloomington, where he
remained nearly three years. Returning then to Ripley county, he again en-
gaged in teaching, completing six years in that profession in that county.
In 1890 Air. Flint bought a livery stable at Cloverdale in partnership
with J. S. Hamilton. In June of the following year he also went to farming
in Cloverdale township, which he found so satisfactory that in the fall of
the same year he sold his interest in the livery business. A year later he
again became a pedagogue and was so employed during the winters of the
following six years, continuing his farming operations at the same time.
In the latter enterprise Mr. Flint has been practical and systematic and he
has met with a very gratifying degree of success. For alx)ut four years
and until very recently Air. Flint was also interested in the furniture and
undertaking business at Cloverdale. He has maintained his residence in
Cloverdale during the past twelve years and is numbered among the best
citizens of the town. He is actively interested in all that tends to advance
the best interests of the community and exerts a definite and salutary influence
in the town and township.
On the 14th day of January, 1891, Mr. Flint was united in marriage with
Luella Sandy, the daughter of Aaron H. and Amanda (Allee) Sandy, and
they have become the parents of three children, namely: Sidelia S., a college
student at Terre Haute; Dolly F. and Sandy A., who are still members of the
home circle and attending school in Cloverdale.
PUTNAM COUXTV. INDIANA. 383
Politically Mr. Flint is a Republican and takes an active part in local
public affairs, though he is not a seeker after the honors or emoluments of
public office. Fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons,
the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Modern \\'oodmen of America. Religiously he and his wife are members
of the Christian church, to which they give an earnest and liberal support.
]Mr. Flint is regarded as a man whose integrity of principle is unquestioned
and he is a man of friendly disposition, consequently is popular in business,
fraternal and social classes.
DAVID MOSER.
.\mong the sturd_\' pioneers of Putnam county \\'as David Moser, the
son of ^Michael and Rebecca (Stevens) IMoser. He was born in Jefiferson
township, this county, August 14, 1S26. He grew up in the rude log cabin
that his father built as early as 1824, when the county was very sparsely
settled: He received some schooling at Cloxerdale, walking three miles
night and morning. Early in his boyhood he knew what hard work meant.
On November 15, 1866, he married Sarah Ann Bryan, daughter of William
J. and Dulcena (Myers) Bryan. She was born in [Montgomery county. Ken-
tucky; her father, born August 18, 1796, was the son of Andrew and Mai-\^
(Jack) Br}-an. The Bryans first came from Ireland and, penetrating into
the interior, located first in Bourbon county, Kentucky, later moved to Mont-
gomer}- county, that state. Dulcena Myers was born December 13, 1819,
and was the daughter of Henry and Rebecca Myers. Her parents came from
Kentucky and settled near Bainbridge, Putnam county. Dulcena Myers
spent her early childhood in Bourbon and Montgomery counties. Kentucky,
and was brought to the northern part of Putnam county when she was a
little girl, her parents being among the earliest settlers there : they died a
few years later and she went back to Kentucky where she grew to maturity
and was married.
To William J. Brv-an and wife six children were born, namely: Sarah
Ann. Mary .Mien. Margaret Jane, ^^'illiam Andrew. Maria Amanda and
Rebecca Elizabeth.
In 1846 the Bryan family came to Putnam county and located in the
southwest corner of JefTerson township. A year later he bought a farm five
miles south of Greencastle on the National road where Westland is now lo-
cated, his farm consisting of two hundred and seventy acres. Mr. Bryan
384 weik's history of
later bought more laiul and lived there until his death, June 17, 1875, his
widow surviving until April 10, 1902, dying at the age of eighty-two years,
Of the children of William J. Bryan and wife only three survive, Sarah A.,
Mary Allen and Margaret Jane. The first named married David Moser,
November 15, 1866, and this union resulted in the birth of seven children; the
eldest. Louis Albert, died when one year and eight months old; Dr. William
Andrew; Verna May died September 18, 1907; Laura Ellen married Otto
McCoy and lives on the Bloomington road, two miles north of Cloverdale ;
she is the mother of two children, Hazel Marie and Elbert Moser ; Ida
Dulcena married L. F. Cradick and li\es two and one-half miles north of
Cloverdale on the Bloomington road ; she is the mother of three children,
Zella Fayne. Leo Moser and Gilbert ; Myrtle Florence married Jessie Cline,
of Cloverdale, and they are the parents of four children, Dorothy Drew,
Clifford Moser, Emory Lee and Claudie Aladge ; Emory L. married Minnie
Cline and li\-es at Lawes, California, and they have three children, Glenn
Closer. Geraldine and James Meredith.
Mr. and Mrs. Moser lived on his father's place for eleven months after
their marriage, then bought a farm of lifty-eight acres in section 21, Jef-
ferson township, and lived there three years, then bought a farm west of
the home place. His father died in March, 1872, then David Moser and
family moved back to his father's place which has been the familv home
ever since.
Mr. and Mrs. David IMoser while yet young in years became members
of the Christian church to which they were always loyal, Mr. Moser having
taken considerable interest in the affairs of the church and was alwavs a
regular attendant upon its services. The death of this good man occurred
ALircli 24. 1883. Mrs. Closer still makes her home on the old farm, but
spends her winters in Belle L^nion with her sister. ALary Ellen Bryan.
EDWARD NEWGENT. ;
It would be presumptuous for the biographer to introduce to the readers
of this book Edward Newgent. who is well known throughout the countv
and regarded by everyone knowing him as one of Clinton township's leading
citizens. He was born here, in the house which still shelters him, April 26,
1843. and, with the exception of a decade, from 1868 to 1878, has spent his
life in the same dwelling, which was built in 1830. He is the son of Edward
EDWARD NEWGENT
PUTNAM COUXTY. IXDIAXA. 3S5
and Elizabetli (Pugh) Newgent, the former born in Shelby county, Ken-
tucky, January 8, 1801. and the latter in the same vicinity, November 17,
1800. Thomas Xewgent, father of the former, was a Virginian, who mo\'ed
to Kentucky, thence to Indiana, where he died ninety-four }ears ago. He
was a soldier in the war of 1812. A twin brother, John, also came to the
Hoosier state, later, and settled also in Clinton township, Putnam county,
where he remained until his death; his sons. Thomas and Richard, still live
here, also two daughters, Martha Ann Newgent and Eliza, wife of Joseph
Jewett. It is thought that Edward Newgent came to this locality in 1825,
settling on land which his wife's father owned, the latter having previously
entered the land. Edward had but seventy-five cents in cash when he arrived
here, but he owned some tools, and with the assistance of two sons, Charley
and Richard P.. he erected a cabin near his present home and they began
keeping house in that, their nearest neighbors being three or four miles away.
An Indian trail crossed near the cabin, and the woods were so thick that he
once got lost on his own land within one-eighth mile of his cabin, the Indians
telling him the way to his own home. Pie set to work clearing his land.
burning up what would now be very valuable walnut and poplar timber;
but in time he prospered and owned two Inuulred and forty acres of land.
He also owned two tracts of one hundred and sixty acres each in another
part of the township, placing a large acreage in cultivation. He did a great
deal of hauling w ith a large four-horse team, taking large cjuantities of wheat
to Lafayette and bringing back goods for the local stores and even hauled
between Louis\ille. Terre Haute and other remote cities. A trip of four
days over the swamps to Lafayette was often made where he sold wheat for
thirty-seven and one-half cents per bushel. The death of this rugged old
pioneer occurred on June 22. 1853, as a result of erysipelas, resulting from
vaccination. He had done a great deal of hard work and had succeeded.
His first eighty acres of land was valued at one hundred dollars, for which
he gave a horse, worth eighty dollars, and twenty dollars in cash. As inti-
mated, the present Newgent home was built in 1830; it is of hewn poplar
logs and was doubtless the best dwelling in the county at the time. It was
always open for all who passed that way. The first meeting of local Chris-
tians was held in it until a church house could be built. Mr. Newgent often
made trips to Kentucky on horseback, bringing back apple and locust trees,
three of the apple trees still standing. He was active in township aft'airs,
holding many local offices, as a Democrat. He is buried on the farm in the
family cemetery. His widow survived to a remarkable age. dying in her
ninety-third year, in March, 1893. She became head of the family at her
386 weik's history of
husband's death and reared the children, taking charge of everything until
1878. She remained on the old homestead until her death. Their family con-
sisted of t\\ elve children, eleven of whom reached maturity, namely : Charles,
who lived in Clinton township, died March 5, 1909, at the age of eighty-
seven vears : his son Joseph lives on part of the original farm. Richard P.
graduated in medicine at Louisville, practiced in Iowa, then Putnam county,
living on his farm near the old home until advanced in years, dying in April,
1906. Xancy married Zimri Manker, and two children were bom to them;
she is deceased. Sarah is the widow of Thomas Sigler, of Clinton township.
John, who secured one hundred and sixty acres of his father's farm, was
county commissioner for two terms, dying when past seventy years of age.
Polly is the widow of Ezekiel White, of Parke county, this state. Isaac lives
in Pulaski county, Indiana. Lewis P. died when thirty-eight years old. Lucy,
the wife of Joseph Moler, lives on the place adjoining the old home. Edward,
of this review. Wallace, who now lives in Russellville, has fanned part of
the old homestead.
Edward Newgent, of this review, was ten years old when his father
died. He remained with his mother during her lifetime, but spent ten years
on another part of the fann. When the division of the home place was
made in 1878, Edward got the home and forty-nine acres and there he and
his mother lived until the latter's death; he delighted in caring for her. al-
though she was helpless for many years. He had added eighty acres which
ad-joins the home place, having made farming his principal life work; he has
been somewhat handicapped for years by failing health. He has kept the old
place well improved and has kept the buildings well repaired. His barn was
built the year he was born, 1843, of solid hewn timbers.
Edward Newgent was married on November 29, 1865, to Martha Jane
Holland, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Gooden) Holland, farmers of Clin-
ton township, where Mrs. Newgent was born and reared, her birth occurring
in 1849, she being sixteen years old at her marriage; her death occurred
March 5, 1903. The following children were born to this union : Helen,
wife of Charles Maddox. who Hves on part of the old Newgent homestead;
William \\'arren is a farmer in Clinton township ; Lizzie married John
Knauer and died, leaving three children; Thomas H., who works part of his
father's farm, married Millie Cricks; John lives at home with his father
and assists in operating the home place.
Mr. Newgent is a Democrat, but has not been an office seeker. He is a
peace loving, honest man, never brought suit nor had one brought against
him. and he was never called to serve on a jury except before a justice of
the peace.
PUTXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 38/
JOXATHAX HOUCK.
Among the representative farmers of Putnam county is Jonathan Houck,
who is the owner of a fine landed estate in Washington township, and is
carrying on the various departments of his enterprise with that discretion
and energA" which are sure to find their natural sequence in definite suc-
cess. ha\nng always been a hard worker, a good manager and a man who
wouki quickly grasp an opportunity when it arose, and being fortunately
situated in a thriving fanning community, it is no wonder that he stands
today in the front rank of the agriculturists and stockmen of this favored
locality.
As is noted elsewhere in this volume, the Houck family is and for gen-
erations has been one of the leading and most influential families of Putnam
county and owing to complete records of David Houck, father of Jonathan,
also Oliver N. and James E.. brothers of Jonathan, appearing under separate
captions here, this review will deal exclusively with the immediate subject.
Jonathan Houck was born in Clinton township, this county, two miles
south of Clinton Falls. ]May 31. 1S52. and he spent his boyhood days on
the home farm, remaining there until he was twenty-four years old. asso-
ciated with his father. He attended the home schools during the winter
months and got a fairly good education, to which he has added constantly
by home reading and contact with the world at large. Early in life he- de-
cided to follow the vocation of husbandman and he and his brothers. Edward
and Henry, bought a farm of their father, consisting of two hundred acres,
— the land that joins Jonathan Houck's present farm, — and this trio of
brothers worked the same very successively for several years ; they also
farmed some in ^Madison township and dealt in live stock extensively, buying
and feeding large numbers from time to time. He and his brother Edward
bought his present farm and continued to work together six or seven years.
Together thev bought the father's old farm, and divided it. Edward taking
the old home part at Hamrick Station and Jonathan the present place, the
old Thomas Gilmore farm, his widow having built the fine house that still
adorns the place, some fifty years ago ; it stands on a blufif overlooking the
beautiful vallev of \\'alnut creek and is one of the finest homes in the town-
ship. Although built a half century ago. it is still substantial and attractive,
having all modern conveniences which Air. Houck has added, located near
the interurban line, seven miles southwest of Greencastle. It is not only
known as one of the most attractive places in the county, but al.so as a place
388 weik's history of
of hospitality, Mr. Hoiick and his family being genial and free-hearted en-
tertainers to friends and wayfarers who by chance pass this way. The farm
contains two hundred and six acres, one-half of which lies in the bottom.
It is all under excellent improvements and has been so skillfully cultivated
that the richness of the soil has in no wise diminished. Here Air. Houck
carries on general farming in a very successful manner, sometimes handling
stock in partnership with his brother Edward, dealing in large numbers of
both cattle and hogs, often as many as three car loads of cattle and three
hundred hogs at a time; they are widely known as buyers of stock cattle.
Mr. Houck has in every way improved his farm, by laying some tile, etc.,
to make it rank with the best famis of the county, and it is one of the '"show"
places of his locality. He has given it his exclusive attention, not caring to
lead a public life.
Jonathan Houck married, on January 6, 1876, Alice Landes, daughter
of Christian and Elizabeth (Hillis) Landes, both now deceased, the family
home being now owned by Christian Stoner, who was named for his grand-
father. For further details of this family see sketch of John L. Hillis.
To Mr. and Mrs. Houck two children have been born, namely: Laura,
died in May, 1899, at the age of sixteen years; Lloyd, who is assisting his
father on the home place, was born October 12, 1885.
HERBERT S. ALLEE.
Among the intelligent, enterprising and successful agriculturists of Put-
nam countv, none stands higher in public esteem than Herbert S. Allee. who
operates a well cultivated and productive farm in Jefiferson township. A
native of the township in which he lives, he has always enjoyed the confi-
dence of all who know him and he justly merits representation in this work.
Mr. Allee was born in Jefiferson township, this county, on August 22,
1876. and is a son of Francis 'M. and Sarah E. (Sandy) Allee. who receive
specific mention elsewhere in this work. Mr. Allee was reared under the
parental roof and secured his education in the public schools, being a grad-
uate of the high school at Mt. Meridian. He became a practical farmer under
the intelligent direction of his father and he remained on the home farm until
1903. when he located on his fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in
section 21, Jefferson township, where he now resides. On this place he
erected a commodious, well arranged and attractive residence and the place
PfTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 389
is othenvise well improved in e\eiy respect, its general appearance indicating
the owner to be a man of sound judgment and excellent discrimination. He
is progressive in his methods and keeps in close touch with the most advanced
ideas relating to the science of husbandr}'. being considered one of the lead-
ing fanners of the township.
On January ii. 1897, Mr. Allee was united in marriage with Effie Dor-
sett, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Hurst) Dorsett. Robert Dorsett was
a son of Abijah Dorsett and a brother to Henry C. Dorsett, both well known
in this part of the state. Mar\- Hurst was a daughter of Mahlon and Lucretia
Hurst, and for detailed reference to the Hurst family the reader is referred
to the Hurst genealog}'. which appears elsewhere in this work. To ]Mr. and
^Irs. Allee has been born a son. Xoble Franklin Herbert Allee. The familv
stand high in the social circles of the community, being esteemed bv all
because of their genuine worth.
OLIVER HAMPTOX SMITH.
To be a successful news-writer requires much more innate ability and
stronger qualities of character than the superficial observer might think.
Journalism is a profession into which many enter but few remain, the re-
cruits to its ranks dropping out before they have made a showing of any
consequence owing to their lack of proper attributes. One of the Putnam
county newspaper men who has proved his mettle in this particular sphere
of endeavor is Oliver Hampton Smith, reporter and writer on the Green-
castle Banner, who was born June 2, 1830, near Harrisburg, Fayette county,
Indiana. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, who, with a colony
of homeseekers. came from the state of New York in the early twenties of
the nineteenth century and settled in Fayette county. His father died when
he was five vears old and his mother when he was fifteen. This left him
at a tender age to battle alone in life's struggles. His boyhood education
Avas limited, consisting only of the meager three months' winter schooling
such as the Hoosier boys and girls received sixty and seventy years ago.
In these schools the teacher was paid by subscription and "boarded around."
The price of tuition was seventy-five cents, one dollar and one dollar and
fifty cents per "scholar" according to the age of the pupil.
When sixteen years old Mr. Smith accompanied a relative to the vi-
cinity of Indianapolis and soon after this was indentured as an apprentice
590
WEIK S HISTORY OF
to learn the cabinetmaker's trade with Joseph I. Stretcher in that city. At
that time, 1846, the population of our capital city was only six thousand.
Young Mr. Smith served his time out and worked two years at his trade.
About this time he became acquainted with a man who proved to be the
best friend he ever had. He was a lover of young men, a Methodist preacher
and pastor of old Wesley Chapel, Methodist Episcopal church, now Meridian
Street church. Indianapolis. He took occasion frequently to talk to his young
friend about the future and life's duties. He persuaded him to seek a better
education and offered some inducements to go to college. The result was that
^Ir. Smith entered the preparatory department of Asbury University (now
DePauw), at Greencastle, Indiana. This was in 185 1 and from this historic
institution Mr. Smith was graduated in 1856 with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts, and he immediately began teaching, and spent over forty years in
that work and the ministry in Indiana, Arkansas and Missouri, doing a great
amount of good and becoming well known in both lines of endeavor. About
fifteen years ago he quit professional work, and seven years ago he came from
^faiyville, Missouri, and entered upon his present line of work.
In December, 1857, Mr. Smith was married to Elvira Allen, second
daughter of the late 'S.h. and Mrs. J. R. ^I. Allen, of Greencastle. To this
wedlock were born five children and all are living, namely: Willis P., com-
mercial traveler, wholesale drugs. Portland. Oregon: Arthur A., editor and
proprietor of the Tribune-Times. Port Angeles. Washington: Harry M..
editor and proprietor of the Weekly and Daily Banner, Greencastle, Indiana;
^Irs. Harrv E. Lippmann, of Seattle. Washington; and Mrs. John M. Saund-
ers, of Kansas City, ^lissouri.
INIr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated their "golden wedding" on December
27, 1907. Both are in excellent health and bid fair to add yet a goodly num-
ber of vears to their alreadv extended wedded life.
JOHN MILLS WALKER.
Few men of past generations succeeded in impressing their personality
more forcibly upon the people of ^Madison township, or left behind them a
cleaner record, than the late John Mills Walker, noted among his neigh-
bors and friends alike for his hospitality, industry and strict honesty. He
was born in Putnam county October 10. 1846, and he spent his life on his
native heath, from which he passed to his rest September 15. 1893. at the
PLTXAM COUNTY, I.NDIAXA. 39I
age of forty-seven years. He was tlie son of Hiram and Frances (.Mills)
Walker, the father born in Maysville, Kentucky, and they grew to maturity
in that state, marrying at Bowling Green. They came to Putnam cininty,
Indiana, in an early day. and located amid primitive surroundings in ^Madison
township, and there their son. John M.. was born. He did not have much
opportunity to attend school, but made the best of what he did have. He as-
sisted with the work of developing the liome place and remained there until
he reached maturity. On October 31. 1S88. he was married to Lucy B.
Stuner. daughter of Joseph and Martha (Hall) Stoner. a neighbor girl. He
became the owner of three hundred and sixty acres, on which he carried
on general farming, raising a great deal of corn on the bottom lands, which
he fed to large numbers of hogs and cattle and he became well-to-do. When
twenty-one years of age he started out for himself, earning his first five
dollars by milking for his neighbor. John 'SI. was but a lad when his father
was killed, but he soon began managing his mother's affairs and he remained
with her until his marriage, then she made her home witli him ; she did not
liiok to him in vain for every possible care, for it was his chief delight to
minister to her wants. She reached an advanced age, dying April i. 1894;
she had lived to bury eight of her ten children, having experienced a great
deal of trouble resulting from much sickness in the family, but she was a
woman with a strong body and mind, kind, noble and good, and bore affliction
patiently.
John M. Walker was not a public man. yet he took a delight in seeing
his county progress and supported any legitimate measiu'e looking to the
general good. He was a Republican in politics and he died in the faith of
the Christian church. He was so full of energy and persistency that he in-
jured his health and for three years prior to his death was practically an
invalid. u>n cl(jse application to farming depleting his energy. He assisted his
mother in the rearing of two nephews from childhood to maturity: thev
were John Young and Artie Call. All that is mortal of this e.xcellent char-
acter is sleeping the eternal sleep in the Forest Hill cemetery at Greencastle.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John M. Walker. — James
Samuel and Frances Olive, the latter the wife of Ivan Ruark, of Stilesville :
she graduated at the Greencastle high school where the son, James S.. was
alsi) educate<l, later spending one \'ear in Purdue Universit\', at Lafas'ette.
taking the agricultural course, with a view of making farming his life work.
Mrs. ^\'alker rents the home farm, which _\ields her a good annua! in-
come. She is a woman of many pleasing traits of character and has hosts
of friends here, as did her worthy husband.
WEIK S HISTORY OF
OLIVER J. SHAW.
Energy, sound judgment and persistency of effort, properly applied,
will always win the goal sought in the sphere of human endeavor, no matter
what the environment may be or what obstacles are met with, for they who
are endowed with such characteristics make of their adversities stepping-
stones to higher things. These reflections are suggested by the career of
Oliver J. Shaw, who has fought his way to the front ranks and stanfis today
among the representative citizens of Putnam county. He was born in Knox
county. Ohio, in 184J, the son of Upton and Susannah (Branneman) Shaw.
She was the daughter of Daniel and Magdalene Branneman. each of Pennsyl-
vania Dutch ancestry. The former came from Vermont and the latter from
Virginia. Upton Sliaw was born in >.Iaryland. the son of William Shaw, a
native of Ireland. Upton Shaw and wife were married in Knox county,
Ohio, and came to Indiana in 1845. The log house in which this family spent
their first night after arriving here is still standing on the farm of Oliver J.
Shaw. Hardly a field was cleared in this vicinity at that time — only a few
"patches" here and there. Upton Shaw entered three hundred and twenty
acres from tlie government, in section 22, Jefferson township, and there he
spent the rest of his days, becoming fairly well-to-do. His family consisted
of eight children, an equal number of boys and girls, named as follows :
Leonard : Lyman ; Hesten .\nn married William Cummings : Louis ; Oliver J. ;
Adeline, who married John Butler; Amelia married William Larkin ; Mary
married' Sam Wright. The father of these children died about 1874. the
mother surviving many years, making her home with her son, Oliver J., of
this review, until her death about 1892. The reader is referred to the sketch
of John Branneman for a full history of Mrs. Upton Shaw's ancestry.
Oliver J. Shaw grew up on the home farm and remained on the parental
acres until his marriage, in 1861, to Mahala .\nn Runyan, daughter of John
and Zaruah f.\llen) Runyan. John Runyan came to Greencastle from \'ir-
ginia. It is believed that his father's name was James, who also came to this
countv from Virginia in an early day. Jolin Runyan was a tanner and far-
mer near Fillmore and in later life he lived near Mt. Meridian, where his wife
died about 1S83, he having survived her until about 1895.
One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Oliver J. Shaw. Florence, who mar-
ried Albert Farmer, a traveling salesman, and they had one child. Zella : Mr.
b\-inrer died in 1896. and his widow now makes her home in Greencastle.
Her mother died in .\prii. 1894.
PL'TXAM CUL'XTY. IXDIAXA. 393
Mr. Shaw has dexoted his lite to farming and stock raising and has been
ver\- successful in both lines, especially the latter. About 1885 he began
keeping stallions and jacks, and no\v has three stallions and four jacks of
excellent grades. He has raised a great number of each also horses, cattle,
hogs and sheep, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle and Poland-China
hogs, but he gives most of his attention to breeding horses and mules, and
enjo\ s a wide reputation as breeder of fine stock, always finding a ready mar-
ket for what he raises owing to their excellent quality. A better judge of
all kinds of live stock would be hard to find. He is one of the model farmers
of his township, owning a valuable place of two hundred and ninety-seven
acres in Jeflferson township, nearly all under cultivation, all level and could
be put under the plow. It is high grade soil, well kept and under modem
improvements. ^Ir. Shaw has one of the largest, best and coziest houses in
this part of the county and the man}- warm friends of the family frequently
gather here, sharing their generous hospitality. Their dwelling was erected
about 1878.
Mr. Shaw married, in 1896, Alice Runyan. youngest sister of his first
A\ife. and they ha\-e one son, Oliver Upton Shaw, now twelve years old, and
a lad of much promise.
Politically }i[r. Shaw is a Democrat, and he is a member of Cloverdale
Lodge. Xo. 132. Free and Accepted Masons. He and his wife are both mem
bers of Xew Providence Baptist church. Mr. Shaw is a whole-souled, liberal
and genial man, of whom everybody speaks well who have had occasion to
know him or have dealings with him.
ELDER OSCAR F. LAXE.
A gentleman who is too well known to the readers of this history to
need formal introihiction by the biographer is Elder Oscar F. Lane, son of
Higgins and Angeline (Thompson) Lane, born in section 11, Monroe town-
ship. Putnam county, Indiana. May 5, 1848. There he spent his early life
on the home farm, attended the common schools of his township during the
winter until he was twelve years old, then entered the Bainbridge Academy
where he spent two years and a part of a third year. Then for one year he
took private instruction in Latin, Greek and mathematics under Rev. E. C.
Johnson, of Bainbridge. During the spring of 1867 he entered the freshman
class of the Xorthwestern Christian L'niversity, now known as Butler College,
394 WEIK S HISTORY OF
of Indianapolis. On account of a physical break-clown he was not in the
university during 1868; entering again in January, 1869. he had completed
the regular course as prescribed and two studies additional, not required in
this course, at the close of the fall term of 1870. He was graduated in June,
1871. receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The degree of Master of
Arts was conferred upon him by his alma mater in 1874. He is a member
of the Sigma Chi Greek-letter fraternity, being an alumnus of Rho Chapter.
April 19, 1864, he united with the Christian church at Bainbridge. Indiana,
under the ministrations of Elder O. P. Badger. He soon began to take part
in the public worship and was given a class in the Sunday school, ha\-ing been
identified with this department of church work from early childhood. For a
period of twenty-two years he ser\'ed as a Sunday school teacher or super-
intendent and he has delivered many Sunday school addresses. When only
sixteen years of age he began preaching, delivering his first discourse at Bain-
bridge, January i, 1865. During the fall of the same year he was licensed
by the Christian church at Bainbridge to preach. In October. 1869, he was
ordained in the Central Christian church at Indianapolis by Elders O. A.
Burgess, A\'. K. Pendleton and Thomas Munnell a regular minister of the
gospel. He preached regularly from the time of his license for churches in
Putnam county and adjoining counties until he entered college. During the
time of his attendance at college he preached for churches within a short
distance of Indianapolis. January i, 1871, he was called to the pastorate of
the Christian church of Shelbyville. Illinois. This work he continued until
failing health compelled him to resign it. He had over-worked himself while
in college. As a sample of his work in college during his last two years there.
we mention the fact that he '"carried" seven studies, preached nearly every Sat-
urday night and twice on Sunday, held one revival, read four thousand pages
of history, took part each week as a member of a college society and prepared
and delivered four literary addresses. As a result he had a bad case of in-
somnia. During the spring of 1872 he spent five weeks in evangelistic work
in Kansas and Missouri. Returning from this trip, he resumecl his work
at Shelbyville. Illinois, but in a few days he was stricken with cerebro spinal
meningitis, and he lingered between life and death for a period of seven
weeks ; but as soon as he could stand in the pulpit by the aid of a cane, he
renewed his work. In a short time the disease returned, which incapacitated
him for work for four months — in fact, he has never fully recoxered from its
effects. After resigning at Shelbyville he received calls during the close of
1872 from Bloomington. Springfield and Mattoon. Illinois, and from Terre
Haute. Indiana. But considering these calls involved more than liis strength
PL'TXAM COUXTV, IXUIAXA. 3(^5
would allow, he declined them. January i, 1873, he became pastor of the
Christian church at Greencastle, Indiana, serving it for one year. January
I, 1874, he accepted a call from the Christian church at Laporte. Indiana,
which he served ti3r two years and three months, when failing health forced
him to give up regular pastorial work. It was with a struggle and much
regret that he was thus forced to abandon the ambition of his life at the age
of twenty-seven years. At the time he left Laporte he had flattering calls
from four large churches. During the fall of 1876 he moved to the farm
where he now lives and began work as a farmer. After one year of moderate
outdoor exercise his health was generally improved, but for three years he
was able to endure but little mental work. At the close of 1879 he took work
as a minister, preaching for two and three congregations. This he continued
until 1903. He is now seldom seen in the pulpit with the exception that he
conducts a large number of funerals. To January i, 1910, Elder Lane hail
preached one thousand and fifty-two funerals, and he had declined to officiate
at about as many.
As a public speaker Mr. Lane is digniiied, earnest, argumentative, logical.
sometimes very impetuous and touching and always inspires thought. Some
of his best efforts have been entirely extemporaneous and impromptu, wholly
inspired by the occasion. He never memorized a sermon for delivery and
rarely ever uses notes in a public address. His nature is positive; what he
believes he advocates with all his might. His holds that no man can be true
and plead neutrality on moral issues or in regard to any subject involving the
well-being of humanity. He believes in doing good and being good ; first, at
home and then abroad. He believes that no man should endeavor to be more
genial and polite to some other man's family than he is to his own. He has
all his life been an earnest advocate of temperance and has done much both in
pulpit addresses and by personal effort to bring about reform. He believes
just as sincerely that God-fearing men and women should not rest until the
social evil is eradicated, holding that card parties never result in good, and he
has never given polic}' a [ilace before principle and believes that popularity
should not be sought at the expense of right doing; that nothing is worth
doing that will not stand the test of infinite years.
Elder Lane has never taught school, but has given private instructions
in the languages, and has three times declined the presidency of institutions of
learning; however, he is a warm friend of education and is glad to pay for the
support of the public schools. He was one of twenty persons to start the
Foreign Missionary Societv of the Christian church in 1875 ^Y §'^'in& one
hundred dollars, and is a life member of the societv. During the Civil war
396 weik's history of
he twice offered his services to his county as a volunteer, being then fifteen and
at his last trial sixteen years of age, but was not accepted on account of
physical disability. Politically he is a Republican. While he has had a con-
stant interest in political issues, he never had much ambition for personal pre-
ferment or taste for office. He has three times declined nomination for office
when he could have been twice elected. In 1908 he yielded to the urgent call
of his party to stand for the state Legislature on the temperance issue and he
succeeded in reducing the majority of his opponent one hundred and twenty
votes from his previous majority.
Fraternally Mr. Lane is a member of Bainbridge Lodge, No. 75, Free
and Accepted Masons, having been treasurer of the same for the past five
years. In 1890 he assisted in the organization of the Farmers Institute in
Putnam county. The first institute had an attendance of fifty, held at Green-
castle. The ne.xt five were held at Bainbridge. Mr. Lane was county chair-
man for three years and during his chairmanship the attendance reached six
hundred. For a period of fourteen years he was state lecturer for the insti-
tute by appointment of Prof. W. C. Latta, state superintendent. During
these vears he visited nearly every county in Indiana, lecturing in some of
them four different times.
Mr. Lane owns the farm on which he was born and is now successfully
engaged in general farming on his well tilled and well improved place of five
hundred and seventy acres, which lies in sections 11, 13 and 14, Monroe town-
ship, having added four hundred and ten acres to his inheritance, proving
that he is a good manager and well grounded in modern agriculture. Never
robust in health, he has succeeded as a result of strong will power, which has
enabled him to accomplish the work of two men, during much of his life.
He has a beautiful home in which is to be found a well selected library of the
world's best literature.
In November 21, 1872. Mr. Lane was married to Mary E. Wendling, a
ladv of culture and refinement, a native of Shelbyville. Illinois, and the daugh-
ter of Hon. George J. Wendling, a prominent and influential citizen of that
place. Mrs. Lane was born April i, 1852. Her father was born at Strass-
burg, Gennanv, and her paternal grandfather was a soldier under Napoleon.
Mrs. Lane received a liberal education and is a gifted musician, affable in man-
ners, strong-minded and a favorite with a large circle of friends, having been,
indeed, a true helpmate in every respect. This union has been graced by the
birth of eight children, named as follows: Anna L., Carrie M., Frank W..
Edwin R.. Oscar Bruce, Nellie Ruth, Elizabeth H. and Ralph. Six of these
children are living, Carrie ]M. and Ralph having passed into the silent land.
Thev have seven grandchildren.
PLTXAM COl-XTV. INDIANA. 397
SAMUEL A. HAZELETT.
The gentleman to a review of whose Hfe and characteristics the reader's
attention is herewith respectfully invited, is among the successful agriculturists
and fruit growers of Putnam county, who, by energy and correct methods, has
not only achieved success for himself but has also contributed in a very ma-
terial way to the industrial, civic and moral advancement of his place of resi-
a liberally remunerati\-e enterprise and won the good will of his fellow men.
Samuel A. Hazelett, son of Richard 'SI. Hazelett and wife, whose life
dence. In the course of an honorable career he has established himself in
records are to be found elsewhere in this work, was born in Putnam county,
October 20, 1849. He attended the district schools and graduated from As-
bury (now DePauw) University in 1870, having made a very creditable rec-
ord in that institution. He then turned his attention to school teaching,
which he followed with gratifying success for a period of two years, then
moved to the state of ^Missouri, where he remained several years. Returning
to Putnam county. Indiana, in 1882, he took up farming and fruit growing
which he has continued with gratifying results, owning a well improved farm
of two hundred twenty acres one and one-half mile southeast of Greencastle,
and his suburban home of forty acres one mile from Greencastle. He has a
fine orchard, well kept and of splendid variety. He is well versed in horti-
culture, being regarded as an authority on both horticulture and agriculture.
Ele has one of the most attractive, modern and beautifully located homes in
Putnam county, it being e([uipped with all modern con\-eniences. such as tele-
phone, electric light, city water service, the latter being distributed through
house and barn, and the interurban railway makes a stop close by the house.
Mr. Hazelett married Ellen Tuttle, of Homer. Licking county. Ohio, on
April 26, 1877. She is the daughter of Ephriam and Judith (Channell) Tut-
tle. both deceased, a well known family of Licking county, where she grew to
maturitv and received a liberal education. They were married at .\lbany.
Missouri, where her parents had moved and where ^Ir. Hazelett was engaged
in fanning. The following children have graced this union: Xellie. Richard
'M. married Xellie Savage, now engaged in the grocery business in Green-
castle; Richard M. was in the Spanish- American war as a member of Com-
pany I. One Hundred Fifty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He
ser\-ed throughout the war but did not see active service and received an hon-
orable discharge. Earl T.. living at Tucson. Arizona, has I)een engaged in the
398 ■ weik's history of
railroad business since he was seventeen years of age, liaving filled many posi-
tions of trust and responsibility. He has traveled around the world, spending
considerable time in China and Japan where he engaged labor for railroad
construction work, also engaged in railroad construction in old IMexico. Sam-
uel Jerome Hazelett. who graduated from the Greencastle high school in 1905,
is now occupying a position in the Central National Bank of Greencastle.
He married Evelyn Dumas, a native of the state of Illinois. Clarence is at-
tending DePauw University. Lawrence is living at home. Mrs. Hazelett,
who is a woman of high education and culture, was acknowledged to be one
of the most intellectual and charming women in Albany, Missouri, at the time
of her marriage. She is prominent in the social and club circles of her com-
munity and is an active member of the Christian church. She was one of the
organizers and prime movers in the Domestic Science Club of Greencastle and
is actively connected with the Woman's Au.xiliary of the Farmers Institute,
being frequently called to lecture before the institutes.
Politically, !Mr. Hazelett is a Republican, but he has never held office,
being too busy with his private affairs to take much interest in politics ; how-
ever, his support may be depended upon in the promulgation of all worthy ob-
jects having as their issue the betterment of his county, state and nation. He
is a gentleman of pleasing manners and his pleasant home is a place where
the manv friends of the familv delight to gather.
MARION EDGAR COOPER.
One of the thrifty farmers and well known citizens of Warren township,
Putnam county, is Marion Edgar Cooper, who w-as born in this community.
May 17, 1868, the son of Archibald and Frances (Connely) Cooper. The
father, born February 25, 1836, in this county, was the son of Archibald
Cooper, who was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, January 15, 1798, and
when quite voung moved to Tennessee. When sixteen years old he enlisted
in the war of 181 2 and ser\'ed until its close. On April 6, 1823, he married
Elizabeth Hodges, and in. October, 1834, he moved with his family of eleven
children to Putnam county, Indiana, settling in Putnamville the following
vear. A few years later he moved to a farm in section 10, Warren township,
where he resided until his death, which occurred on April 17, 1872. He was
a blacksmith by trade and built the first shop in Warren township. Mrs.
PTTXAM COUXTV, IXDIAXA.
399
Cooper was l)orn in Claiborne county. Tennessee. February 14. 1800. and she
died January 26, 1868. her ashes now resting beside her husband's in the
cemeter}- at Bethel. Of the ele\'en chiklren tiiey brought to this countv. two
of them are now living — Mrs. Margaret Duckworth, of Iowa, and James C.
Cooper, of Putnamville. The latter remembers a family tradition to the
effect that his maternal grandmother was scalped by the Indians, and although
a very small boy at the time the family came to Indiana, he remembers well
when his mother placed him in the \\'agon preparatory to making the long
. overland journey from Tennessee.
Archibald Cooper, Jr.. was married on December 22. 1S44. to Frances E.
Connely. the daughter of Gilmore and Jane Connely. He moved with his fam-
ily from Kentucky in 1834 and settled on a two-hundred-and-seventy-acre tract
of land, a part of which was the old Cooper homestead. After t%vo years'
residence in Floyd county, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper moved to Putnam countv,
Indiana, locating on one hundred and sixty acres in section 10, Warren town-
ship, purchasing the place at the time, and he continued to make his home
here for forty years, or until his death, February 11, 1904, his widow sur-
\'iving until June 26, 1907. Mr. Cooper was a farmer and stock raiser. He
was one of the early commissioners of Putnam county. Politically he was
a Democrat ai-.d he was one of the highly respected men of his township. He
and his wife were members of the local Methodist church and they are buried
in the cemetery at Greencastle. They were the parents of four children. James
Walter, born July 21, 1865, received a common school education and on June
30. 1S87. married Frances Williams and one child, Ethel, was born to them
on February 22, 1888; J. W. is a farmer in this county, Amanda M. Cooper,
now ]\rrs. Hurst, wife of a Putnam county farmer, whom she married April
15, 1888, is the mother of two children, Bonnie and George. William Albert
Cooper was born Xovember 24. 1872. and he has remained single.
Marion Edgar Cooper, of this review, spent his boyhood on the home
farm and received a common school education. He was married to Nellie
Lewis, daughter of W, Y. and Mary E. (Clearwater) Lewis, December 24,
1899, and they soon afterward moved to an eighty-acre farm in section 10,
Warren township, which his father gave him. He has prospered by close ap-
plication to his work and now owns a fine farm of two hundred and forty-
three acres, having made farming and stock raising his principal life work
and has been very successful in each. He has a modern, attractive and well
located dwelling on the National road and his place ranks well with the best
in the township in every respect. He has always had the respect and con-
400 WEIK S HISTORY OF
fidence of all his neighbors and acquaintances. He and his wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are the parents of four children,
namely: Marion L., born August 2, 1902; Mary Frances, born May 27, 1904;
Ruth, born April 3, 1906; Cathryn, born December 26, 1907.
JAMES F. O'BRIEN.
Great achievements always excite admiration — men of deeds are the men
whom the world delights to honor. To attain success in any specific line of
endeavor, indicates on the part of the doer a well trained mind, mature judg-
ment and the ability to take advantage of circumstances and make them suit
his purposes. But occasionally there is found a man with a diversity of
talents, which if properly de\-eloped enable him to achieve distinction in as
many callings as the gifts with which he has been endowed — such a man is
the honorable subject of this review, a gentleman who has done much to
promote the material growth and prosperity of his county and state.
James F. O'Brien is the scion of an old and well-known familv, the
history of which is' directly traceable to Brian Boroimhe (pronounced Boni).
the one hundred and seventy-fifth monarch of Ireland, who was killed in
battle with the Danes at Clontarf, in the year A. D. 1014. According to the
most acceptable data at hand, the descendants of this early ancestor have been
subdivided into twelve distinct and well defined branches, the subject spring-
ing from the O'Briens, king of Thomond, in county Tipperary, Ireland,
where they ha\e been represented for nearly if not quite six hundred years,
and from which they have scattered to nearly every country of the civilized
world. It is also a fact worthy of note that for the last two hundred vears
the eldest son has been named in honor of his grandfather, the custom being
retained in the family of the subject, whose father and grandfather, John
and James O'Brien respectively, were natives of county Tipperar\-, the latter
a son of John O'Brien of the city of Cashel.
John O'Brien was born May 27, 1822, in Cashel, of which city his
brothers. William. Edward and Thomas, were also natives, a fifth brother,
James by name, having been born at a place called "'The Townsland of the
O'Briens," so named in compliment to the family. Owing to the limited
opportunities afforded a young man in the city of his birth, John O'Brien in
1844 left Cashel and went to Dublin, and thence to Liverpool, England, and
later started on an extensive tour, which included nearly everv part of
;^^g'^^k^^
PUTXA.M COUNTY, INDIANA. ' _(^OI
Europe and several countries of Asia. Desiring to see more of the world,
he took a vessel for America and in November, 1848, landed at Xew Orleans,
from which city he continued his travels imtil, rambling over many of the
states of the Union, he finally, in 1853, visited Terre Haute, Indiana, where
he met a young lady with whom he was pleased and he decided to remain
awhde at that place. This acquaintance ripened into love and they were mar-
ried. The bride was Anna Brereton, a native of Templemore, county Tip-
perary. Ireland, where her birth occurred on the 26th of December, 18-0.
Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien moved to Green-
castle, Indiana, where their older children were born, later transferring their
residence to Washington township, Putnam county, where Mrs. O'Brien de-
parted this life in May of the year 1867. John and Anna O'Brien were the
parents of six offsprings, viz: James F., the subject of this sketch; Edward,
of Canon City, Colorado; John, Jr., who lived in Chihuahua, Mexico; Mrs.'
Mary- A. Thacker, of Terre Haute; Sarah E., wife of William H. Cliff, of
Indianapolis, and Miss Jennie O'Brien, who resides at Springfield, Ohio.
3.1rs. O'Brien's father and mother, James and Mar>- (Ryan) Brereton,
were natives of county Tipperary, Ireland, where they spent the greater part
of their lives. In 1850 their sons, John and Ed\wird, and two daughters.
Annie and Kate, came to the United States and remained for awhile in Xew
Jersey, where certain relations \\ere then living. Anna subsequently came to
Terre Haute. Indiana, where she met the gentleman who afterwards became
her husband, as already stated. Some time after her death Mr. O'Brien mar-
ried Rachel E. Anderson, by whom he had four sons, all of whom entered
the medical profession and are now successful physicians and surgeons,
William M. being located at Danville, Indiana. Thomas J. at Stilelville,'
Charles A. at Fillmore and Bertram M. at Xew Winchester.
James F. O'Brien, whose name introduces this review, was born at
Greencastle. Indiana, February i, 1857, and when a small boy removed with
his parents to the northeastern part of Washington township. Putnam countv,
where his father purchased a small farm, on which the lad spent his childhood
and youth. Like the majority of country boys, his early experiences in close
touch with nature in the woods and fields was without stirring incident or
tragic setting, his life from the time of being able to assume his share of the
duties of the farm- consisting of a round of work during the summer season,
while of the winter months he attended the district school of the neio-hbor-
hood. After finishing the common branches he entered an academv at
Ladoga where he made commendalile progress in the more advanced branches
(26)
4C2
WEIK S HISTORY OF
and on leaving that institution took a short course in the State Xormal School
at Terre Haute, where he prepared himself for teaching, which calling he
followed for a number of years in his own county. While engaged in educa-
tional work he served two years as principal of the schools of Reelsville, and
for two terms held a similar position at Manhattan, in the meantime taking
up the study of the higher branches of mathematics, besides devoting much
of his leisure to reading law, a profession for which he had long manifested
a decided preference.
Mr. O'Brien became an accomplished mathematician and utilized his
knowledge as such in civil engineering, at which he also acquired great pro-
ficiency and skill. In 1886 he was nominated by the Democracy of Putnam
county for county surveyor, to which office he was duly elected that year,
and such was his record that he was chosen his own successor by an over-
whelming majority. He held the position, by successive re-elections, six
terms, a longer period of service than any other surveyor in the county and
his official career is above the suspicion of reproach.
On retiring from his office, Mr. O'Brien turned his attention to engineer-
ing for various kinds of public work, such as turnpike roads, macadam roads
and streets, and later engaged in contracting for the building of such high-
ways, over fifty-five miles of which he constructed in Owen, Lawrence, Rip-
ley, Putnam and other counties, besides doing a large and successful business
in the building of concrete bridges in various parts of the state, the latter
kind of work being something new at the time he took it up, and he was
required to give bond for the solidity of the structure during the first two
years. Although not so extensively engaged in the above lines of work as
formerlv. he still does a very large and satisfactory business, his knowledge
of the laws governing public utilities enabling him to perceive at a glance the
advantage or disadvantage of accepting or rejecting certain contracts.
Mr. O'Brien's career as a lawyer dates from his admission to the bar
in 1897. since which time he has built up a lucrative clientele in Putnam
countv, havino- for the past six years held the office of deputy prosecuting at-
torney for Cloverdale. the duties of which he has discharged with credit to
himself and the satisfaction of the public. He is a safe and reliable counsellor,
and in the drawing of legal papers is careful and an error of sufficient import
to justify rewriting is never found in any instrument emanating from his
office.
.\dditional to his legal profession and 'ousiness enterprise. Mr. O'Brien
has imp(jrtant agricultural interests, owning farms in Cloverdale and Wash-
PUTNAM COfXTV. INDIANA.
403
ington townships, to which he gives personal attention and from which he
receives no small share of his income.
Personally he enjoys great popularity, having been a h'fe-long resident
of Putnam county, also for many years a trusted official whose duties brought
him in contact with the people, his acquaintance is very extensive and his
triends are as the number thereof. Air. O'Brien is a reader and a thinker, a
close observer and possessing a sound, practical mind and well balanced
judgment, his advice is sought by many and his counsels have never been
found unsafe or misleading. Indeed his unsupported word has the sanctity
of a written obligation.
Fraternally he holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and
Masonic brotherhoods, having risen to high standing in the latter, being a
Knight Templar, besides having held from time to time official positions" in
both organizations. For twenty years he has been a member of the Indiana
Society of Civil Engineers, in the deliberations of which he takes an active
and influential part.
Air. O'Brien was married in 1879 to Elizabeth Cline. daughter of Nich-
olas Cline. whose father, Jacob Cline. came to America a number of years
ago from Germany. Lucinda Swift, wife of Nicholas Cline and mother of
Mrs. O'Brien, was a daughter of Jonathan Swift, who came from Virginia
to Putnam county in 1819 and was one of the first white men to settle wtthin
the present boundaries of Putnam county, camping the first night of his ar-
rival at the big spring on what is now Spring street in the city of Green-
castle, there being no houses then on the town site. Later he moved to what
is now Putnamville. where he established a home and reared a large family,
his descendants being among the substantial people of the county at the present
time. Jonathan Swift married Catherine Byrd at Cumbedain, Kentucky,
about the year 1810. The Swifts in this part of the country were lineally de-
scended from a cousin of the noted Dean Swift and possessed many of the
attributes which characterized that distinguished but unique literary genius.
After marriage to Lucinda Swift, which occurred June 2. 1838. Nicholas
Clme settled west of Cloverdale. where their daughter. .Mrs. O'Brien, was
born, she being one of a family of two daughters and seven sons, viz : James
Emory, Joe. Dr. L. C. Cline. of Indianapolis, Tillman H.. Daniel L.. present
mayor of Medford. Oklahoma, and Almira J., who married Alonzo E. Cham-
beriain, of Cloverdale.
Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien have three children. Lela. the oldest, being a
student in the junior year of the State Normal School at Terre Haute, and
making a specialty of literature and language. Florence, the second in order
404
WEIK S HISTORY OF
of birth, married C. Bruce 0"Connell, and lives at Gary, Indiana. Francis
E., the youngest of the family, is a telegrapher in the employ of the Union
Pacific railroad, temporarily stationed at Hermosa, Wyoming. All three are
graduates from first class educational institutions and stand high in the con-
fidence and esteem of all who know them.
JA^^IES EDWARD OUINN.
Back to the pioneer days in Putnam county, when but little of the land
had been reclaimed from the wilderness through which still roamed many a
wild beast, is traced the interesting life record of James Edward Quinn, who
has now passed on to his reward in the mystic beyond, leaving behind him
a valuable estate to his family, and, what is more to be prized, an honored
name. His long life was spent for the most part in the vicinity of Bainbridge,
where he accumulated a large landed estate which he improved and success-
fully managed for years, becoming known as one of the leading agricul-
turists of that locality. He grew up on the farm here and was familiar with
agricultural work from his early boyhood. His birth occurred in Fleming
county, Kentucky. February 9, 1820, the son of John and Sarah Quinn.
John Quinn was a hardy pioneer who moved to Indiana when James E. was
an infant and settled in Union county, where he began life in true first-settler
fashion, finally building a very comfortable home and getting possession of a
good farm, which by the hardest work imaginable he reclaimed from the
woods. John Quinn died in Union county after rearing thirteen children.
James E. Quinn had a very limited opportunity to secure an education,
for in his youth few schools were to be found in this locality and those that
were established were of the most primitive sort, and another reason was
found in the fact that as soon as he became large enough he was put to work
on the home farm and assisted in making the living for the family. He came
to Putnam county March i. 1846. On September 19. 1844. he married
Rachael Keller, daughter of John and Sarah Keller, also early citizens of
Union county. She died May 28, 1879.
To this union were born three children. Sarah B.. wife of Lewis P.
Leinberger. an undertaker of Bainbridge. was born October 15. 1846. They
have two children, Paul, a farmer, and Glenn, postmaster of Bainbridge. John
W., born March 28, 1850. died January 28, 1874. Mary Margaret, who is
well known to a large circle of friends, is living near Bainbridge ; she was born
PUTXAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 4O5
June 18, 1845. ^^'^s reared and educated in this vicinity and on October 3,
1866. she married Frank McKee, who, after a mutually happy life together
of six years, was summoned from earthly scenes on December 16, 1872.
Their son. James Lee McKee. who was born November 5, 1868, received an
excellent education, having attended DePauw University after passing through
the common schools, and he is a member of the Phi Gamma Deha society,
and is a Democrat. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted
]\Iasons. Lodge Xo. 75. Bain!:)ridge. He is known as a man of excellent busi-
ness qualifications antl is very successfully managing the estate left bv his
father, a part of which original estate is now within the limits of the village
of Bainbridge.
James Edward Quinn. after a long and eventful life, replete with honor
and success, was called to his reward on September i, 1905. All who knew
him. and that included everyone in this part of the county, admired him for
his kindness, pleasing address to both stranger and old acquaintance, but most
of all for his clean, upright and strictly honest life which he sought to make
a blessing to others while gaining material success for himself, and thus, for
his many little acts of kindness and for the splendid example he set the youth
of this vicinity, he will long be remembered, for those who Avere accustomed
to liehold his benign, patriarchial face and his silvery hair frosted by over
fourscore winters, will readily forget him. for he was indeed a grand old man.
RICHARD THO^ISOX COLLIVER. M. D.
The Collivers were an old Kentucky family, which ramified in various
directions until it had representatives in many states. They gave a good ac-
count of themselves wherever they were found as they possessed the sturdy
qualities which assure success. Perhaps the connection boasted no stronger
man than Samuel Colli ver. who during his lifetime was engaged in active
affairs and exercised a wide influence over his fellows. He was born May
TO, 1818. and in the prime of life came to Putnam county, settling in Russell
township. He was elected to the Legislature in 1864 and took an active and
influential part in its proceedings. He early saw the necessity of good high-
ways, was one of the first to organize a company to construct gravel roads
in this part of Indiana, and was secretary of the Greencastle and Crawfords-
ville Gravel Road Company. He held several prominent positions and was
justly regarded as "a grand old man." His death occurred March 29. 1901,
4o6 weik's history of
and the universal remark was that Putnam county had lost one of its best
citizens. His widow died August 29. 1909. He married Susan E. Thomson,
member of one of the best Kentucky families, by whom he had six children,
one dying in infancy. The others are Nancy F., now Mrs. Dan G. Darnall ;
Richard T.. of Bainbridge; Samuel J., born July 16. 1850, died August 28.
1872: Presly O., born May 11, 1852, now judge of the thirteenth judicial dis-
trict and a resident of Terre Haute; \V. D.. a farmer residing at Lafayette.
Richard Thomson Colliver. second of the children, was born in Mont-
gomery county. Kentucky. .-Vugust 24, 1848. He obtained the usual primary ed-
ucation and entered old Asbury University, now DePauw, where he acquired
a collegiate finishing. Having early formed a resolve to become a physician,
he did more or less preliminary reading in that line and eventually became a
student at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College, from which he was gradu-
ated in 1882. Immediately afterwards he opened an office at Greenup, Illinois,
where he practiced till 1890. when he removed to Roachdale where he
practiced ten years. In 1902 he came to Bainbridge and has practiced his
profession assiduously up to the present time. He has been a successful prac-
titioner and ranks high in his profession. He is a Mason, being a member
of Roachdale Lodge. Xo. 602, Free and Accepted Masons. He also belongs
to the Tribe of Ben Hur and is a Democrat in politics.
September 14, 1886, Doctor Colliver married Leona Parker, daughter of
Ephraim J. and Narcissa (Harget) Parker. She was born at Bainbridge.
To this union have been born five children: Presley, Frances, Clare. Mildred
and Jesse.
The Colliver family is of Scotch descent. Richard Colliver came to
America from Scotland soon after the Revolutionary war, settling in Virginia
and later removing to Kentucky. He married Mary Hollingshead, and they
had two sons. Richard and Elijah. Richard settled in Montgomery county,
Kentuckv. He married Mary McCray. by whom he had ten children. Sam-
uel, the eighth of these, was the father of Doctor Colliver. of this review.
Xo other faniilv ])v the name of Colliver is known in Putnam countv.
WILLIAM BOSWELL.
Holding worthv prestige as a citizen and standing in the front rank of
Putnam county's successful agriculturists, the subject of this review is de-
serving of mention among the representative men of his township and it is
PLTXAM COLXTY, IXDIAXA.
407
with nuicli satisfaction that the following Ijrief outline of his career is here-
with presented.
The Bdsweil family in this conntry were among the earlv colonists of
Virginia and in various parts of the Old Dominoin state the name is still a
familiar one. John Boswell. the subject's grandfather, a Virginian bv birth,
was reared in the county of Botetourt and there married Catherine Pefifley.
whose antecedents were also old residents and well-to-do planters. Some time
in the early forties this couple moved to Clark county. Ohi(X and later came
to Putnam county, settling on the west fork of Walnut creek in Aladison town-
ship where Mr. Boswell built a .saw-mill which received its motive power from
the creek. His sons. Jacob. Daniel. John and Samuel, came about the same
time and settled near by. also a daughter, Mrs. William Richardson, all of
whom became well known residents and were greatly esteemed bv their neio-h-
])ors and friends.
Jiihn Boswell. seni(ir. developed a good farm and spent the remainder of
his life in Putnam county, losing his sight and living with his son John for
S(;me years previous to his death, which occurred in his eighty-first vear. his
wife preceding him to the grave.
Jacob Boswell was born in Clark county. Ohio. Januarv 27. 18 18. anil
was a y(3ung man when his parents moved to huliana. He earlv turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits and in tlue time located on a farm in Wash-
ington township, where he remained a few years, removing thence to Clinton
township, where he lived until some time in the fifties, when he purchased
the farm in Madison t<jwnship on which the remainder of his days were
spent, dying there on the uth of August, 1886, at the age of sixtv-eight. In
connectiiMi with tilling the soil he did considerable carpentrv work in his neigh-
borhood and was esteemed a very proficient mechanic. He was an enterpris-
ing, industrious man and an excellent citizen, devout Christian, having long
been a member of the church of Brethren near his place of residence. Sarah
Darting, whom Jacob Boswell married in Clay county, Indiana, departed this
life at the liome farm in Madison township on the 5th day of May, 1895. She
bore her husband ten children, namely: George W.. a carpenter, who was
murdered some years ago in Madison township; Catherine married William
Moss, and moved to Illinois, her husband dying later in the state of Arkansas.
She subsequently returned to Indiana, where her death afterwards occurred.
John Henry, the third of the family, moved to Illinois in 1869, thence to Mis-
souri and Arkansas and is now living in Texas. David, the fourth of the
family, is a prosperous farmer of Madison township. William, the subject
of this sketch, is the next younger. Zimiri lives in Madison town.ship. also
4c8 weik's history of
Marv, now Mrs. Samuel Wells. Elizabeth married Robert Gardner, a Madi-
son township farmer. Susannah is the wife of Newton Harlan, who died in
young womanhood, sometime after becoming the wife of Robert Gardner, who
after her death married her older sister Elizabeth, as stated above.
William Boswell, of this review, was born June 4, 1853, on the family
homestead in ^fadison township and remained under the parental roof until
about twenty-three vears of age, receiving in the meantime a fair education in
the public schools. On August 23, 1876, he entered the marriage relation with
Nica Jane \^'e!ls. daughter of Peter Wells, of Putnam county, and immediately
thereafter began farming for himself on the old Boswell homestead, where he
lived until the death of his wife, four years later. Mrs. Boswell was only
twentv-one vears old when summoned to the Great Beyond, anfl her loss was
greatlv deplored by all who knew her. She left beside her husband one son,
Ora A., a railway employe at Greencastle, a daughter, Minnie May, dying in
infanc}'.
]\Ir. Boswell's second marriage was solemnized on September 23, 1881,
with Lucy Wells, daughter of Joseph and Delilah (Love) Wells and a half
sister of Peter Wells, the father of his first wife. Joseph Wells was a native
of North Carolina, where he married in young manhood a Miss Stoner, whose
death occurred some years later at Crab Orchard, Kentucky. Subsequently
Mr. Wells moved to Putnam county, Indiana, and purchased a tract of land
which in due time he cleared and converted into a fine farm. He \vas quite
a successful man, owning at one time three hundred sixty acres of valuable
land, two hundred and forty in his home farm and one hundred and twenty in
the same locality, which he subsequently sold. He died in March, 1884. at the
advanced age of ninety-one years, being the oldest member of the Christian
Chapel church when called to his reward. Mr. Wells was one of the influ-
ential men of the community and stood high in the confidence of his fellow
citizens, both locally and throughout the county. He gave unyielding sup-
port to the Democratic party and was tenacious in the support of his opinions.
A sincere Christian, he exemplified his faith in his every-day life and as a pro-
found student of the Bible he was long an authority on scriptural subjects,
also on cliurch history and general religious matters, concerning which he
was frequentlv consulted. ^Ir. BoswelFs third wife was Delilah Wells, to
which union were born two children, the first being Mar}', who married David
Bennett and spent her entire life on her father's farm, dying there September
29, 1900. leaving two sons and one daughter, Joseph. Gerald and Alta. now
Mrs. Charles W. Kevt, of Clinton township. The second child being Lucy,
wife of William Boswell, subject of this sketch.
PfTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 4O9
Mr. Boswell now resides in Madison township and has given his entire
attention to agriculture and stock raising, in both of which his success has been
very gratifxing. His home farm of one hundred and twenty acres is under
a high state of cultivation and otherwise well improved, in addition to which
he owns another farm of one hundred and sixty acres, a half mile distant, the
latter also being successfully tilled and containing good buildings and other
improvements. Mr. Boswell operates both farms and tills the soil on quite
an extensive scale. He also breeds and raises high-grade stock, his cattle,
horses and hogs being among the best in his section of the country. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat ; he keeps in touch with the times on all matters of pub-
lic interest, lends his influence to all laudable enterprises and stands high in
the community. Although connected with no religious organization, he is
strictly moral and upright in his dealings and a regular attendant of and liberal
contrilnitor to the Brethren church, with which his wife holds membership.
!\Ir. and ^[rs. Boswell have six children, namely: Alva T., who lives with
her parents: Anna ^I.. wife of F. H. Alspaugh. of Oklahoma; Mary D., who
married Wallace Morris, of Greencastle : Herbert D., Homer Vilas and J- Lee,
the last three still at home.
AVELLMAX D. CONX. M. D.
Professional success results from merit. Frequently in commercial life
one may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or
gift, but in what are known as the learned professions advancement is gained
only through painstaking and long continued effort. Prestige in the healing
art is the outcome of strong mentality, close application, thorough mastery of
its great underlying principles and the ability to apply theory to practice in
the treatment of diseases. These qualities seem to be possessed by Wellman
D. Conn, one of the best known physicians in Putnam county, who, for many
years, has maintained his ofifice at Bainbridge, Monroe township.
Doctor Conn comes of an excellent pioneer ancestry, the types that have
made the great Hoosier commonwealth what she is today, one of the bright-
est states in the Union's great constellation. His birth occurred in Wabash
county. Indiana. Februar\^ 9, 1861. the son of Thomas P. and Harriet K.
(Julian) Conn, who were long known as substantial farmers of Wabash
county.
The Doctor attended school in Cass county, this state, later taking a
course at \"alparaiso College, from which institution he was graduated with
4IO WEIK S HISTORY OF
honors in 1883. He began life as a school teacher and prosecnted this line
of work with much success for a period of eight years in Cass county, his
services being in great demand, and he bid fair to become one of the noted
educators of the state when he abandoned this line of work and took up the
study of medicine, which had been a desire of long standing with him — in fact,
since early boyhood he had been ambitious to enter the medical profession.
With this end in view he entered the Louisville Medical College, from which
he was graduated in the year 1893. Thus well equipped for his work he be-
gan practice in Clark county, Indiana, practicing there for a period of five
years. He was very successful from the first and enjoyed a liberal patronage,
but, seeking a broader field for the exercise of his talents, in 1898 he moved
to Bainbridge, Putnam county, where he has since remained, building up a
large and growing practice and establishing a lasting reputation not only as
a conscientious and skilled physician, but also as a man of genuine worth and
integrity.
Fraternally he is a member of Lodge No. 75, Free and Accepted Masons,
the Bainbridge Lodge of Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of
Pythias, Jennings Lodge, No. 418, Tribe of Ben Hur. He also belongs to
the Clark County and Indiana State Medical Societies. He takes an abiding
interest in all these organizations and his influence is felt for good in all of
them. Politicallv he is a Democrat, but he is too busy with professional
duties to take much part in party afifairs ; however, his support can always be
depended upon in the furtherance of any movement looking to the general
good of the county.
Doctor Conn was married on May 26, 1895, to Nora Inez Enloe, a native
of Clark county, Indiana, where she was reared and educated and where her
people were long well and favorably known. One child was born to this
union, Jesse Enloe. his birth occurring on i\Iay 11. 1900. and death claimed
him on December 30, 1904.
EDWARD McG. WALLS.
Few of the earlv pioneers reached Putnam county before Clinton Walls,
who removed from his native town of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and arrived in
Indiana in 1826. He was born July 15, 1806, learned the carpenter's trade in
early life and followed it for many years, his death occurring at Greencastle
in 1880. He first married Cynthia Burton and after her death espoused
Elizabeth Rrown. of K'entuckv. by whom he had eight children : Sanmel Scott.
PLTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 4I I
of Parsons. Kansas : Ransom H.. deceased : Jeanette C, wife of W. J. Jolm-
son, of Miram Park. Minnesota: Maggie B., wife of Albert Torn, of Joplin,
Missouri: Orlando M.. deceased: Melvin M., of Jefferson Barracks. St. Louis:
B. F.. of Parsons. Kansas.
Edward McG. Walls, second of the family, was Ijorn at Limeclale, Put-
nam county, Indiana, January 19, 1S55, He remained on his father's farm
until si.xteen years old. when he secured employment in the olifice of the rail-
road station and continued in this line of work until 1899. Part of the time
he was with the Monon railroad at Limedale and after leaving the railroad
service he became bookkeeper for the Central National Bank, of Greencastle,
remaining with that institution for five years. In 1904 he was elected county
treasurer on the Democratic ticket and made such a good record that he was
re-elected in 1906, Since retiring from this office he has become assistant
cashier of the First National Bank of Greencastle. of which he is a stock-
holder. He is a grandson of John Walls, a native of Winchester. Virginia,
who enlisted as a soldier in the Revolutii:)nar\- war. and served throughout the
seven years of that immortal struggle in such a way as to leave a record of
which his descendants are justly proud. After the close of hostilities he came
west and died at Greencastle in 1836. His son Clinton was a worthy descend-
ant of this Revolutionary sire and his popularity is attested by the fact that
the people elected him county recorder, in which ofifice he served for eight years.
He and his wife were members of the Christian church.
On June r. 1880. Edward McG. Walls was married to Martha E. Staley,
a nati\e of Frederick. Manidand. They have had three children: Eliza-
beth v.. Lela E.. and Edna S., deceased. Mr. Walls belongs to the Christian
church, his wife is an Episcopalian and the daughters are Presbyterians. Mr.
Walls is a deacon and trustee of his church and is a member of the [Masonic
or<Ier. in which he is a Knight Teni|)Iar, and U> the Red Men. He is a good
business man and enjoys general public confidence.
CHARLES T. PECK.
Indiana was little more than a wilderness when William Baker Peck
joined the adventurous band that was seeking homes in the Northwest Terri-
tory. Born in Fleming county, Kentucky, in January, 1801, he crossed the
Ohio in the early twenties and made his way to Putnam county. Indiana, in
which he was auKjng the first arrivals. He entered wild land and spent his
412 WEIK S HISTORY OF
early manhood in the hard task of clearing and getting it in shape for agri-
cultural purposes. He married Margarette Stevenson, a member of one of
the pioneer families, whose scions became quite prominent and influential in
the early development of Putnam county. Doctor Stevenson, one of her
brothers, was noted as a physician throughout western Indiana and Benjamin
Stevenson, another brother, was a well known minister. William Baker and
Margarette (Stevenson) Peck had ten children and the father survived until
July, 1886. Thomas Virgil Peck, one of his elder sons, was bom December
16. 1S33. in Greencastle township. Putnam county, Indiana, and died April
4, 190S. He was a farmer and most of his life followed that occupation,
although in his early manhood he was engaged in merchandising at Green-
castle under the firm name of Stevenson & Peck. He married Mary Ruth
Osborn, who was born in Bowling Green, Clay county, Indiana, October 15,
1846, and is still living. Thomas Virgil and Mary Ruth (Oslx)m) Peck
had four children ; Frank Everett, the eldest, who lives on the home farm, was
born April 3, 1867; Emily, the third child, was bom October 24, 1872, mar-
ried Ed. Bicknell, a hardware merchant of Greencastle, and has three children :
William Baker, who was born October 25, 1876, is a resident of Greencastle,
and is engaged in the real estate business.
Charles Thaddeus Peck, second of the above list of children, was born
in Greencastle township, Putnam county, Indiana, December 16, 1868. He
grew to manhood on the paternal farm with the usual experiences that fell to
country bovs of his period, and remained with the home folk until he had
completed his twenty-first year. The farm was close to Greencastle and he
had the benefit of the city schools. Later he entered DePauw University
and went through the sophomore year, after which he taught school for three
years and having for some time made up his mind to become a lawyer he
availed himself of the first opportunity to begin his studies. For this pur-
pose he entered the office of Hon. Silas A. Hays, where he spent four years in
diligent application to the intricacies of this learned profession, after which
he felt prepared to face the difficulties involved in the active practice. In
November, 1897, he opened an office in Greencastle with Francis M. Lyon,
which partnership has since continued. Mr. Peck has achieved success both in
law and politics, besides establishing himself as one of the leading citizens of
Putnam countv. Having been an active Republican from his early manhood,
he has been honored by his party as a leader and wise counselor. For some
time he served as chairman of the Republican county central committee, was
elected citv attornev and held that office for six years or more. Mr. Peck is
PL'TXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 4I3
treasurer and trustee of the Greencastle Orphans' Home, of which Mary L.
AlHson, now Hving in her ninety-third year, was the founder and hberal en-
dower. Mr. Peck is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Gentlemen's
Literary Club and quite popular in the social circles of the city.
On June 12. 1902. Mr. Peck married Stella, daughter of Edward Per-
kins, a farmer of Putnam county. She is a native of the county and descended
from one of the first families who settled in this part of the state. Her an-
cestors came here about 1830 and their descendants have occupied places of
influence in all the walks of life, being important factors in the development,
growth and progress of the fine agricultural section of which Putnam county is
a part. Mrs. Peck was a graduate of DePauw University, class of 1895. and
a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma fraternity.
ALFRED HIRT.
The general public has ever taken pleasure in tracing the history of a
man who, starting upon life's career handicapped in many ways, has pushed
forward, regardless of obstacles, and finally reached the goal of success set
before him. The career of the widely known citizen whose name appears
above affords an impressive example of what energy, directed and controlled
by correct principles, can accomplish in overcoming an unfavorable environ-
ment and lifting its possessor from a comparatively humble origin to a posi-
tion of usefulness and affluence. Mr. Hirt is too well known in Greencastle
and throughout Putnam county to need an elaborate formal introduction to
the people of either city or county. Eminently a self-made man, honestiv
earning every dollar in his possession, he ranks with the most enterprising
and successful of his compeers anrl has won a place among the representative
men of his county.
.Alfred Hirt was born in Biel, canton Berne. Switzerland, and is a son
of Louis F. and Margaret Hirt. The latter died in Switzerland in 1843 ^"d
Mr. Hirt again married and emigrated to the L'nited States when the subject
of this sketch was eleven vears old. They located at Brazil. Trumbull count\',
Ohio, where the father was employed as a farm hand. Owing to the straitened
financial circumstances of the family, young Alfred was not enabled to attend
the public schools, but took employment as a waterboy on a railroad, at which
employment he remained a year. At the end of that time he went to Canal
414
W'EIK S HISTORY OF
Dover, Ohio, and during the following six years he was employed by various
men as a farm hand, for which work he received ten dollars per month. While
so employed he was taken seriously ill and. his parents being too poor to give
him proper attention, he was compelled to go to the county poor house, where
he remained until he had recovered. He was ambitious to improve his con-
dition as a wage earner and to this end determined to learn a trade, becoming
a carpenter's apprentice. He was engaged at this work two years, receiving
the first year the magnificent salary of twenty-five dollars, and the second year
thirty-five dollars.
Though not a native of this country. Mr. Hirt's patriotic sentiment was
aroused at the outbreak of the Southern rebellion and on November 17, 1861,
he enlisted in the Fifty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at once
proceeded to the scene of conflict. The regiment first went to W'ellsville,
thence down the Ohio river to Cincinnati, where they joined the Northern
armv. Mr. Hirt saw three and a half years of hard and unremitting service
in the defense of his adopted country- and took part in a number of the most
hotly contested battles of the war. including, among others. Lookout Mountain,
Missionary Ridge. Chickamauga and Resaca. besides many skirmishes.
Though exposed many times to the galling fire of the enemy Mr. Hirt escaped
without injury, and his faithful service was recognized and rewarded by his
promotion to the rank of corporal.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the military servdce. Air.
Hirt went to Clay county. Indiana, where his parents had located, and there
followed his trade as a carpenter. About the same time he commenced trad-
ing in staves, in which line of effort he soon met with success. Buying the
lumber, he himself hewed out the staves, which he sold by contract to John
PufT, a manufacturer of staves. This arrangement continued until 1876,
when Mr. Hirt acquired control of the stave business there, which he there-
after conducted under his own name. Under his direction and shrewd man-
agement the business rapidly assumed large proportions, the factory employ-
ing between fiftv and one hundred hands. The business increased rapidly and
e\entnallv Mr. Hirt became the principal source of supply for the Eastern
sta\e market and even as far west as Omaha. He also commanded a large
export business, sending his products to the markets of Germany. France.
Switzerland. England. Scotland and Belgium, he eventually becoming known
as the largest dealer in staves in this country. His product was always in de-
mand particularly l>ecause of its superior quality and among the noted con-
tracts filled bv him was in 1886. when he made the staves for the largest cask
PUTNAM COUNTV. INDIANA. 41"
e\er made, the completed cost of wliich was si.xty thousand dollars. The
staves were made from Mississippi white oak. were thirty feet in length and
cost twenty-five dollars each, the entire shipment amounting to seven carloads.
The completed cask was from twenty-eight to thirty-three feet in diameter
and was made for .Vdolph Fruensholz & Company, of Xancy. France. The
cask was on exhibition at the Paris Exposition and it is stated that one hun-
<ired and fort\' men, of whom Mr. Hirt was one. dinetl at one time inside it.
In 1877 Mr. Hirt came to Putnam county and bought land in Madison
townsliip. still continuing the stave business, in which he had met with such
pronounced success. Shortly afterwards he was elected president of the
Central National Bank of Greencastle. which position he retained during the
following three years, at the end of which time he retired from his hank to
continue the stave business until 1903, when he accepted the presidencv of the
First National Bank of Greencastle, of which he has since remained the execu-
tive head and in the stock of which he has acquired a controlling interest. In
1903 Mr. Hirt disposed of his interests in the stave business and has since
devoted his attention to his banking and landed interests. The latter holdings
are extensive, comprising two hundred and forty acres of Indiana farm land,
over two thousand acres of timber land in the Yazoo district, Mississippi, and
heavy interests in Mexican mines. The First National Bank of Greencastle
is numbered among the solid and influential monetary institutions of central
Indiana, much of its success being ascribed to the sound, conservative and ju-
dicious management of its president.
Politically. Mr. Hirt is a stanch advocate of Republican principles, and he
has taken an intelligent interest in public affairs, but he has never been in any
sense an office seeker. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order,
having taken all the degrees of the York rite and those of the Scottish rite
up to and including the thirty-second, also belonging to the .\ncient Arabic
Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He has also l)een a member of the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows for forty-si.x years and has held all the chairs
in the subordinate lodge. He is also a member of Lodge No. 1077, Bene\o-
lent and Protective Order of Elks. His religious creed is that of the Presby-
terian church, (jf which he is an earnest and liberal supporter, belonging to
the society at Greencastle.
In the largest sense of the word, Mr. Hirt has been successful, having
not only gained pecuniary independence, but. what is of greater value, the con-
fidence and esteem of the community in which he lives. He has at all times
given his support to everv movement ha\-ing for its object the upbuilding and
41 6 weik's history of
development of the city and county and his advice is sought frequently in
business circles. Many young men are indebted to Air. Hirt for good advice
in their private and business affairs and not a few have been materially assisted
in getting a start. A man of genial disposition and easily approached, Air.
Hirt enjoys a large acquaintance, among whom are many warm personal
friends.
JOHN C. BROWNING.
Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Putnam
county within the pages of this book, citizens who have figured in the growth
and development of this favored section of the great Hoosier commonwealth,
and whose interests are identified with its every phase of progress, each
contributing in his sphere of action to the well being of the community in
which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth.
Among this number is John C. Browning, well-known contractor and business
man, peculiar interest attaching to his career from the fact that his entire
useful and busv life has been spent within the borders of this county, whose
interests he has ever had at heart and sought to foster while laboring to
advance his own. He is therefore held in high regard by all classes.
Mr. Browning was born within one mile of Greencastle. October i6,
1856. His father, Isaac Browning, born in Kentucky, was one of the early
settlers here, having come from the Blue Grass state when he was twelve years
of age, and located on a farm near Greencastle, where he dex'eloped a good
place and lived the remainder of his life, dying September 18, 1907. He
devoted his life to fanning arid was ver\- successful. He came here with his
mother, his father having died in Kentucky. The mother was known in her
maidenhood as Amanda Steers, and she was a native of Putnam county. In-
diana. Her death occurred thirty years ago. There were seven children in
this family, namely: Hannah, who married F. .\. Hays, is deceased; Harriet
died when nineteen years of age; William A. lives in Kansas: John C.. of this
review ; George F. lives on the old homestead ; Scott lives near Greencastle ;
Sarah Belle died when twenty years of age. The Browning family lived in
Kentuckv for several generations and were leaders in various walks of life
there. The maternal great-grandmother came to America from Ireland,
where she was born.
lohn C. Browning was born on the parental farm, where he lived until
JOHN C. BROWNING
PUTXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 4I7
seventeen years of age. He was educated in the public schools and at DePauw
University. He was ambitious to launch out in the business world, and at the
age nientioned abo\e he came to Greencastle and began learning the mercan-
tile business, clerking in a store for a short time, then, about 1880, engaged
in the general mercantile business with F. A. Hays.' This partnership existed
for four or five years, then !Mr. Browning bought the entire stock and man-
aged the business alone for two years. He was building up an excellent
patronage and making money when, owing to ill health, he sold out and
engaged in the butcher business for a period of five years. This business was
not new to him, for he had maintained a butcher shop all the time he was in
the mercantile business. Mr. Browning next turned his attention to general
contracting and building, which he has followed with his usual success for a
number of years, from time to time, and during the past two years he has
followed fanning and contracting exclusively. He has erected many sub-
stantial and attractive buildings as a monument to his skill and desire to please
his patrons, even trying to do more than he agrees to at the outset, conse-
c[uently he has become one of the most popular contractors in Greencastle.
He takes particular pains to see that e\ery detail of his work is correctly
perfomied, the best material used and the most skilled workmen employed.
He l)uilt the Locust street church, the school house at Putnamville and many
fine residences.
Mr. Browning was married first on September 22, 1880, to Mary O.
Hays, who was born in Woostertown, Scott county. Indiana. Her death
occurred in 1895, the union being without issue. Mr. Browning's second
marriage was to Mary Ina Moore, on August i. 1898. a \\oman of pleasing
personality and the daughter of an excellent family. To this union two
children were born, the first dying in infancy. Isaac M. was born on April
17, 1900.
ilr. Browning is a stockholder and the president of the Greencastle
Wood Manufacturing Company. He also owns a fine farm in Greencastle
township. He has been very successful from a financial standpoint and is
one of the substantial men of the county. Politically he is a Republican,
and was at one time councilman from the third ward for a period of four
}'ears. during which time he rendered very faithful and praiseworthy sennce
to his constituents. Fraternally he is a member of Putnam Lodge, Xo. 4^,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and Mrs. Browning are members
of the Methodist church. They have a beautiful and nicely furnished home
which is freciuentl}- tlie gathering place for their numerous friends.
4i8 weik's history of
MAJOR HIGGINS LANE.
The eminently worthy career of such a man as Major Hig-gins Lane is
worthy of conspicuous mention in such a work as the one at hand, for many
valuable lessons could be gleaned therefrom by the youth whose destinies are
yet matters for the future to determine. He was Ixjrn in Montgomery county,
Kentucky, July 9, 181 2, the youngest son of Col. James H. and Mary (Hig-
gins) Lane. His parents on both sides were of English descent, the first
Lanes who came to this country having settled in Loudoun county, Virginia,
and the Higgins family in Fairfax county. Virginia, at the beginning of the
eighteenth century. The land on which the Lanes located was the arena of
the battle of Bull Run. At the close of the eighteenth century Col. James H.
Lane moved to Kentucky and erected the first log cabin constructed in Mont-
gomerv countv. As a pioneer he had many encounters with the Indians. It
was in this humble cabin that his son Higgins first- saw the light of day, and
it was from there, among the green hiiis of his childhood, that he received
the simple rudiments of education, common to this early day. In the spring of
1837 he came to Putnam county, Indiana, and, pioneer fashion, began estab-
lishing a home on unimproved land, having purchased one hundred and sixty
acres in section 11, Monroe township. Returning to Kentucky, he was mar-
ried on August 8, 1837, to Angeline L. Thompson, second daughter of Lloyd
and Elizabeth (Jameson) Thompson. Mrs. Lane was a lineal descendant
with George Washington, her great-grandmother on her mother's side being
Judith Ball, first cousin to Mary Ball, Washington's mother. Mrs. Lane was
a woman of strong character and unusual mental poise, considerate, affection-
ate and kind-hearted. Her death occurred at her home in Bainbridge, October
3, 1881, in her sixty-fourth year. To these parents were born ten children,
four in Kentuck-y and six in Indiana; three died in infancy and two in early
childhood, three after reaching the age of maturity, namely: Mary E.. who
was born in Kentucky on December 13, 1841, died November i, 1870; Carrie
L., who married Eld. J. H. Banserman, was born in Kentucky on February
5, 1844, married September 8, 1867, died May i, 1877. The only remaining
children are Elder Oscar F. Lane, of Bainbridge, born May 5, 184S (a full
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work), and Elder Edwin T. Lane,
of Oklahoma City. Oklahoma, who was born February 7, 185 1.
The bitterly hard times caused by the low tariff bill of 1837 and the re-
peal of the United States banking law caused the Lane family to postpone
coming- to their land in Indiana until the spring of 1844. In order to make a
PUTXAM COUNTY. IXDIAXA. 4I9
second payment on his land. Mr. Lane borrowed money at sixteen and two-
thirds per cent, interest. Three years after purchasing his Indiana land he
could have bought the same kind of land for four dollars and fifty cents per
acre, just one-half the price paid for it in 1837, land values having greatly
depreciated in the meantime. Their first dwelling in Putnam county was a
log house, costmg ten dollars, including the clearing of two acres of ground.
When Higgins Lane located here he became actively identified with the civil,
religious and educational interests of the state of his adoption, and he never
lost an opportunity to further the interests of Putnam county. He identified
himself with the Somerset Church of Christ, in Montgomery county, Ken-
tucky, in April, 1837. Convinced under the preaching of Alexander Campbell,
that Jesus is the Christ. Mr. Lane was immersed on confession
of his faith by Elder John Smith. As soon as he established
his home in Indiana he identified himself with the Somerset
church, four miles from his home, and he was soon made an elder
of that congregation, serving in this capacity for fifteen years. In i860,
securing the help of Elder John Smith, of Kentucky, and Elder O. P. Badger,
of Greencastle. a Church of Christ was established at Bainbridge. The pres-
ent house of worship of this congregation was the result of his gifts of time
and means, all the lumber used in its construction coming from his farm.
He served this congregation as elder for a period of over fifteen years. The
confidence of his brethren in his judgment and sense of right was such that
he was often called upon to adjust church difificulties in Putnam and adjoin-
ing counties. He was liberal almo.-^t to a fault : he not only freely responded
to all calls at home, but for missionary work abroad as well, having been a
life member of the American Home Missionary Society of the Christian
church. He was an earnest advocate of education, and among the many good
acts of his useful life may be mentioned the aid he rendered in securing the
charter for the Northwestern Christian (now Butler) University, at Indi-
anapolis, through the Legislature of 1849 and 1850. of which he was a mem-
ber. This university was the first in Indiana to open its doors for the co-
education of the sexes. Mr. Lane was a member of its board of directors for
twenty years and he assisted very liberally in its endowment. He was one of
the organizers of the First National Bank of Greencastle. In 1872, in con-
nection with D. T. Thornton. D. S. Ward. Thomas Bayne and John Wilkin-
son, he organized the Bainbridge Bank and was made its president.
During the Mexican war, Mr. Lane was elected major of a militia regi-
ment organized in Putnam county, of which George Piercy was colonel and
James Fisk lieutenant-colonel. Politically he was first a Whig, as were his
420
WEIK S HISTORY OF
father and grandfather, and he was an emancipationist, having always had
o-reat sympathy for the oppressed. He alhed himself with the Republican
party upon its organization and maintained his allegiance to it until his death.
He was a nephew of Daniel Lane, the first secrgtary of state of Indiana,
and he was a second cousin of Gen. Joseph Lane, who commanded the Indiana
troops during the Mexican war and who was made first governor of Oregon
and then United States senator, and who, in i860, was a candidate for the
vice-presidency. Major Higgins Lane was a third cousin to Gen. James H.
Lane, lieutenant-governor of Indiana from 1849 to 1853. then leader in the
struggle of the Kansas settlers against the Missouri slave holders, and he
was the first United States senator from Kansas. He was a brother of
Henry S. Lane, one of the organizers of the Republican party and chairman
of its first national convention held in Philadelphia in 1856, that nominated
Gen. John C. Fremont for President. He was the first Republican governor
of Indiana and the state's first Republican United States senator, and he was
recognized as one of the foremost political orators of his day. At all times
Higgins took an active interest in political issues, but he had no ambition for
personal preferment or political office, yet, as a sense of duty, he yielded to
the unanimous call of his party and was three times a representative of Put-
nam county in our state Assembly, each time overcoming a majority against
him. As a speaker he made no attempts at rhetorical flights or ornateness,
but he possessed rare native ability, was logical, argumentative, practical, im-
petuous and intensely earnest. He rarely ever failed to carry his point. He
despised sham and hypocrisy, and held tenaciously to what he believed to be
ri<'-ht. His life Avas clean and open, and those who came into contact with him
at once had confidence and faith in him. He was an uncompromising tem-
perance man. having taken the temperance pledge at the age of fifteen years,
which he kept until his death. He was not only an ardent temperance advo-
cate, but he did what he could to abolish the liquor traffic. His views against
the use of tobacco were as radical as were those against the use of intoxicants.
His nature was positive ; he was born to be a leader of men ; he could not be
neutral on anv subject involving the interests of his fellow men. His heart
was tender towards those deserving sympathy and his hand was ever open to
help the distressed and needy. In social circles he displayed rare qualities,
both agreeable and instructive, but he never indulged in jest or foolish things.
The memorv of such men— good and true— is humanity's best heritage.
The summons came to this worthy character, public-spirited citizen, gen-
erous neighbor and Christian gentleman at his home in Bainbridge, March 4,
1877. and his body is sleeping the sleep of the just in the family cemeter}' on
the farm where he lived for twenty-eight years.
PUTXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 42 1
LEVI SHELBY MOLER.
One of Clinton township"s most progressive citizens is Levi Shelby
^Toler. born June 28, 1865, in Putnam county. He remained at home, lead-
ing the usual life of the farmer boy until he was twenty-four years of age. when
he married. August 21. 18S9. Cuma Brothers, daughter of Robert and Cvrena
(Vermillion) Brothers. She was born August 7, 1869. the day of the great
eclipse of the sun. her birth occurring on the farm on which she is now re-
siding. Robert Brothers was born in Montgomerv- county. Kentucky. March
2. 1S06. and died January 12. 1883. He came to Indiana when a young man,
accompanied by his mother, and entered land from the government, in Mon-
roe township. In 1852 he came to his present farm. Cyrena Vermillion was
the daughter of Elder Isaiah Vermillion, a minister in the Predestinarian
Baptist church, who settletl in Monroe township. The present home of Mr. and
Mrs. Moler consists of one himdred and ninety acres, formerly the home of
Levi ^^■right. The patent for the same was issued first in 1826 and secondly
in 1S27 by President John Ouincy Adams, now held by !Mrs. Moler. Robert
Brothers died January 12. 1883. In 1861 he built a house on the center of
the place. The present neat home of his widow, Airs. Brothers, was erected
in 1900. Robert Brothers was twice married, first to Julia Ann Hensley,
which resulted in the birth of the following children : Louisa is the widow of
James R. M. Hamrick and lives in Greencastle ; Mary Ann is the widow of
Frederick Leatherman, of Greencastle ; Rebecca Brothers married Mason Ver-
million, lived in Clinton township and died when over seventy years of age;
Alartha Ann married Henr}- Woolery and died in Illinois; Henry died when
fifty-si.x years old; he was the father of Thomas Brothers, of Greencastle;
Julia Ann married Lewis Xewgent and died when twenty-eight years old. The
second marriage of Robert Brothers resulted in the birth of the following
children : Melissa married William Tucker, of Princeton, Kentucky ; William is
a liverA-man in Greencastle : Alice married George W. W'right, of Greencastle ;
Cuma, wife of Levi S. Moler, of this review. Two children have been born
to Mr. and Airs. Moler, May, now seventeen years old, who is attending high
school in Clinton township: Rae, another daughter, is now six years old.
At his marriage. Air. Aloler came to the Brothers homestead; he has
since bought out all the heirs of the place, he and his wife now owning the en-
tire farm, her mother making her home with them.
Air. Aloler was a Democrat and was a candidate before the primaries
January 10. 1910, for county clerk. He is an excellent fanner and has been
422 WEIK S HISTORY OF
very successful in all his affairs, keeping his place in an attractive and pro-
ductive condition, always producing abundant harvests under his able man-
agement. Mr. Moler is a member of Morton Lodge, No. 469, Free and
Accepted Masons, and has filled all the chairs, having been worshipful master
for four years.
JOHN COOK.
The family of this name in Putnam county is of German origin. John
and Wilhelmina Cook emigrated to America about 1849 ^"d settled in the
state of Ohio. John Cook, their son. was born at Marietta. Ohio. March 4,
1858, and was but two years old when he lost his father by death. In early
manhood he came to Putnam county, located at Greencastle in 1884 and has
since been prominently identified with the commercial affairs of the city. He
first engaged in hardware on rather a small scale, but under his energetic
management the business has steadily grown until he is now recognized as one
of the leading merchants. He occupies a large store on the Renick building
corner, which is splendidly stocked with everything in the hardware line.
Besides the usual contents of such a store, he carries the usual number of
specialties, in which he enjoys a lucartive trade. Among these are the Stude-
baker wagons, of which Mr. Cook is sales agent in Greencastle. He also
handles the Syracuse and Zanesville plows, which are very popular with the
Indiana farmers. Other taking articles are the Majestic ranges. Jewell and
Garland heaters, to say nothing of an endless assortment of every tool made
out of iron and steel. Mr. Cook, who has been in business at Greencastle for
twentv-six vears. is very popular with the public who trade in his line as he
is always affable and square in his dealings. He is a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Otld Fellows, of which he is one of the trustees, and he has held
a number of offices in the lodge. He also belongs to the Improved Order of
Red Men of America. He is a stanch Republican and was nominated by his
party in 1909 as a candidate for councilman at large and elected at the ensuing
election. However, he has never sought office, preferring to give all his time
to his business. He is a Methodist in religion and altogether a model citizen
who discharges everv obligation placed upon him by the law or social customs.
Mr. Cook married Clara B. Furlough of Nebraska, by whom he has had
eleven children, ten living. The list follows: William A., John D.. Paul F.,
Fred D.. Nina, Maria. Forest. Glenn, Henry and Gertrude. The family re-
side in a commodious dwelling situated at No. 316 Hill street.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 423
HENRY BICKNELL.
One of the most progressive citizens of Putnam county is Henry Bick-
nell, who is carrying- on the various departments of his enterprise in Green-
castle with that discretion and energy- which are sure to find their natural
sequence in definite success, having by his own efforts succeeded in establish-
ing a reputation as a hardware merchant that is second to none in this locality,
and in such a man there is particular satisfaction in offering in their life
historic justification for the compilation of works of this character, because
they honor the community where they reside by their wholesome lives and
their support of all that tends to improve the community.
Mr. Bicknell was born in Greencastle. October 21, 1866, and. unlike many
of his contemporaries who sought uncertain fortune in other fields, he has re-
mained at home, believing that better or at least just as good opportunities
existed right at his own door than those to be sought elsewhere. His father.
George Bicknell, was born in Philadelphia county, in what is now known as
Germantown. Pennsylvania. February 18. 1828. When he was quite young
his parents moved to Ohio near Sidney, living there two years. When eleven
years of age he came to Brunerstown. Putnam county. Indiana, with his par-
ents, living on a farm and attending school in the winter months. Desiring
to follow some pursuit other than agriculture, he came to Greencastle in 1852
and engaged in the wagon-making business, which he followed with increas-
ing success for a period of about thirty years, becoming widely known in tiiis
line of endeavor. He then went into the hardware and implement business,
which he conducted until his death in March. 1907. He was a successful
business man and was admired by all who knew him for his exemplary life.
He married Louesa Sheldmyer, who was bom in Johnson county. Indiana.
in 1844 and who proved to be a very faithful and kind helpmate. Her death
occurred in Februan.-. 1905. To Mr. and Mrs. George Bicknell six children
were born, named as follows : Susana is living in Greencastle : Emma is the
wife of Edgar Dick, a hardware merchant in Terre Haute: George E. is en-
gaged in the hardware business in Greencastle; he married Emily Peck, a
native of Putnam county, and three daughters have been born to them. Ruth
Louise. Mary Lenora and Edna; Henry, of this review, was the fourth child
in order of birth; Mary is the wife of Prof. Ernest Roller, of East I.ansing.
Michigan, where he is an instructor in the college, and they are the parents
of two sons. George Philip and Ernest B. ; Agnes, the youngest child, is the
wife of John E. Dunlavy. a druggist of Greencastle; one son. Elwood B.. has
been born to them.
424 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Henrv Bicknell received a very' serviceable education in the common
schools of Greencastle, graduating from the high school in 1884. He spent
one year in DePauw University, then entered the hardware business with his
father as a member of the firm and he has since continued this line of busi-
ness with increasing success, he and his brother George E. succeeding their
father at his death, and they have built up quite a lucrative patronage with
the town and surrounding country, always keeping a full, up-to-date and care-
fully selected stock in a neat and well-kept building, and the courteous and
fair treatment always accorded customers insures holding their patronage.
In this they follow the examples set by their worthy father, who was one of
the early business men of Greencastle. an active meml)er of the Christian
church, being on the official I)oanI for a number of years, and he took a lead-
ing part in erecting the present church edifice.
Henrv Bicknell married, on May 10. 1S93. Willie \'aughn. of Lady Lake,
Florida. She was the daughter of C. P. and Ellen Ora Vaughn, formerly
of Georgia: she was born in Sanoy, that state, in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Bick-
nell's beautiful home has been graced by the birth of the following children:
George Henry, born February 19, 1894; Christine, born in February, 1896;
Jessie Lillian, born in May, 1898: Margaret Wilella, born in October, 1900;
Blanche Louise, born in October. 1905.
^Ir. and Mrs. Bicknell are members of the Christian church, in which
their three oldest children also hold membership. Courteous, genial and
easily of approach. Mr. Bicknell commands the respect of all with whom he
comes into contact, and his friends are numerous wherever he is known.
MATTHL\S ^L-VSTEX.
One of Cloverdale township's progressive farmers is Matthias ^fasten,
who was bora August 30. 1842. the son of Reuben Masten. a native of North
Carolina. The latter's father was a native of England who came to America
prior to the Revolutionary war. in which he served as a soldier. Reuben
Masten was numbered in the early settlement of Hendricks county. Indiana,
whither he came from the old Tar state: entering a tract of land and building
a log cabin on the same, he began clearing and raising corn. He married
Margaret Garrison, the daughter of John Garrison, and to this union ten
children were Ijorn namely: Hesekiah. Darius. ?\latthias. Hariy, John. Jesse.
Mahala. Marv. Anna and Emma. Four of these are still living. Tesse. Mrs.
PTTXAM COrNTV. INDIANA. 4-5
:vlan- Roberts, Emma and Matthias. The father of these cliildren was a
member of the Quaker church and was known for his sterhng quahties. bemg
an outspoken advocate of morahty and honesty in every form and a devoted
Christian. He was kind to his family and always looked to their interests.
He reached the ver>- ripe age of ninety-three years. His wife died about
1 89; and thev are buried in the family cemetery in Hendricks county.
"[Matthias Masten spent his boyhood days on the home farm and attended
the public schools of his day, his teachers being paid by subscription, holding
their sessions in the proverbial log cabin, equipped with rude furnisliings.
When a voung man he volunteered his services to the Union and entered
the armv.' enlisting in Company H, Fifty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer
Infantr)'. later serving in the One Hundred and Seventeenth Regiment, under
Colonel Brady. After one year's service he was honorably discharged, Feb-
ruan,' 15, 1864.
Mr. Masten was married on February 15. 1S65, to Xancy Elmore, a
native of Putnam county, daughter of Willis Elmore, also a native of this
count V. Thev began their married life in Hendricks county on a rented
farm; he was assisted by his father, and in a short time removed to this
county and bought a farm of eighty acres, which he disposed of in time and
bought and sold a number of places, finally locating in Goverdale township,
where he has since made his home and has been rewarded by a reasonable
measure of success.
:\Ir. Masten is an ordained minister of the old-school Baptist church,
and he has devoted a portion of his time to this calling for many years, doing
a great deal of good in various ways. He is a quiet, unassuming man and
he has the confidence and respect of all. Politically he is a Republican, but
not necessarily a partisan, always desiring to see the best man .possible in
public office.
To Mr. and Mrs. Masten eight children have been born, named as fol-
lows : Ida. now ^Irs. Scott Allee. was born March 30, 1866. and they are
tlie parents of three children, Laura. Raymond and Nannie, the last named
being deceased: this familv lives in Putnam county. Alfred Masten was
born August 6. 1871. and died .\ugust 15. 1872. Oscar, born October 6.
1873. married Cora Sears, and they have one child. Mary Louise, and are
living in this countv; Reuben W.. born March 26. 1880. married Minnie But-
ler, and thev have four children. Zella. Ruth. Reba and Walter Monroe; they
reside in this countv. Emma, born December 14. 1881. married Thomas
Tern-, and thev have two children. Gladys Marie and Ella V. ; they live m
this count^•. Everett, born August 6. 1884. married Iva Lewis, who has
426 weik's history of
borne him three children, Lee, Thelma Earnestine and Lucille, the latter
being deceased. Ella, born August 19, 1889, received a common school edu-
cation and is living at home. Fred B., born July 17, 1869, married Mollie
Mathews, and they are the parents of seven children. Jewel, Mamie, Hallie,
Frank T., Kenneth, Piercv and Robert \V.
RUSSELL E. MARTL\.
This enterprising farmer and public spirited citizen is a native of Put-
nam countv, Indiana, and a representative of one of the oldest and best known
families of south central Indiana. Ethelred Martin, his grandfather, the son
of a Methodist minister, was bom in the eastern part of North Carolina, but
in an early dav moved to Putnam county, Indiana, settling about 1826 near
the present site of Cloverdale. where he spent the remainder of his life. He
reared a family of ten children, of whom Benjamin, father of the subject of
this review, was the ninth in order of birth.
Benjamin Martin first saw the light of day in North Carolina in 18 12,
and was about fourteen years old when he accompanied his parents to the
wilds of what is now one of the best developed and most prosperous districts
of the Hoosier state. He assisted his father in clearing the home farm m
Cloverdale township and on the 27th day of March, 1834, was united in mar-
riage with Miranda A. Teal, eldest child of John and Rebecca (Helms) Teal.
This union resulted in the birth of ten children, whose names are as follows:
Rebecca Elizabeth, whose first husband was a 'Sir. Inge, by whom she had
two sons and one daughter; after the death of ^Ir. Inge she became the wife
of Vincent Dent and moved near Mill Grove, Owen county, where she after-
wards died, leaving a son by the name of James Dent. Henry Martin, the
second in order of birth, moved to Iowa a number of years ago and is still
living near Bedford, that state. Mary Jane, the third of the family, mar-
ried John Van Horn, who died while serving the country as color bearer in
the late Civil war; some time afterwards she married Abraham Haddon,
with whom she still lives near Mound City, Missouri ; Hancy N. Alartin,
widow of Alonzo Sackett, lives southeast of Cloverdale, where her husband's
death occurred in the year 1905; she has three daughters and one son, the
latter, William Sackett. a well known business man of Greencastle. John R.
Martin, the next in succession, served three years in the late war and was
killed in battle only a short time before the expiration of his period of enlist-
PLT.VAM COUNTY. IXDIAXA. 427
meat; he was a young man of high standing, a favorite with his comrades
and friends and his untimely death was lamented by all who knew him.
Emily, the sixth in order of birth, married John Mercer and lives in De-
fiance. Ohio. Aradena, wife of William H. Duncan, departed this life in
Putnam county, leaving a husband and nine children to mourn her loss.
Russell E., the subject of this sketch, is the ninth of the family, the youngest
being Minerva, who died when but sixteen months old. Benjamin Martin,
the father of this large and interesting family, died in the year 1855, and
subsecjuently, March 7. 1867. his widow became the wife of Henry DeVore.
Shortly after the latter year, Mr. and Mrs. Devore moved to Owen county,
near ^lill Grove, where the husband departed this life on the i6th day of
January, 1885. following which his widow returned to Cloverdale. where she
still resides. Although ninety-four years old, Mrs. DeVore is still quite
active and for one of such advanced age retains to a marked degree her men-
tal faculties. She possessed a keen, retentive memory, recalls many scenes
and incidents of her long and strenuous life and nothing afYords her greater
pleasure than recounting her experiences during the early times in the set-
tlement of Putnam county. Born on the site of Knoxville. Tennessee, in
18 1 5. she was brought to Indiana by her parents three years later and spent
her childhood and youth at the Lower Falls in the northern part of Owen
county, where her father, John Teal, entered land and improved a farm.
The Teals were among the earliest families to settle on Eel river and they
figured conspicuously in the development of the section of country in which
they located. Two of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Teal were born in Ten-
nessee, and after moving to Indiana they had two others, all of whom grew to
maturity on the home farm in Owen county, the father dying there in the year
1824. Mrs. DeVore states that for a number of years their nearest neigh-
bors were Indians, between whom and the family cordial relations alwavs pre-
vailed. The dense forests near the cabin were infested with bear, wolves
and panthers and other animals, while deer were so numerous that little diffi-
culty was experienced in keeping the larder well supplied with the choicest
meat. Settlers were few and far between, the nearest white neighbor at the
time of Mr. Teal's death being seven miles distant.
When eleven years old Miranda Teal (Mrs. DeVore) started to school
in Greencastle. between which place and her home, a distance of several miles,
she passed but two cabins, the present flourishing city at that time being a
mere backwoods hamlet of from twelve to fourteen small houses. The
school which she attended was taught in a primitive structure made of round
logs, containing a Iiuge fireplace, the windows being fitted with greased
428 weik's history of
paper in lieu of glass, while the seats and desks were made of unplaned
boards and were rough and uncomfortable in all the term implies. Mrs.
Devore further states that while attending this school she assisted her mother
of morning and evenings with the work of the household and studied lessons
at night bv the light from the fireplace, there being no lamp in the home and
the few tallow candles being reserved for more important occasions. Her
teacher the first year was Hiram B. Slavin and during the other two years
that she was enabled to attend school she was taught by one William Shields,
whom she holds in grateful remembrance still. There being no churches in
the countr\- at that time, public worship was held at intervals in the settlers'
cabins by pioneer ministers of different churches who happened to be passing
through the country. Among these early preachers of the gospel was the
noted and eccentric Lorenzo Dow, whom Mrs. Devore remembers hearing
preach and whom her father entertained at his home on more than one occa-
sion. Airs. Devore has long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, the teachings of which have in a large measure been the controlling
motives in her long and useful Christian life.
After their marriage Mr. and iMrs. Martin set up their domestic estab-
lishment on eighty acres of wild land, three miles southeast of Cloverdale,
purchased with mone}- inherited from her father. In due time the
land was cleared and otherwise -improved and in the course of a few years
the young couple had a comfortable home where they reared their fam-
ily and lived a long and happy married life. The fann is still in the family
name, being now owned and occupied by Russell E. Martin, the subject of
this sketch.
Russell E. Martin, to a brief review of whose career the residue of this
article is devoted, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, in the year 1851,
having first seen the light of day on the family homestead in the southern
part of Cloverdale township which his father redeemed from the wilderness
when the country was new. Here he spent his childhood and at the proper
age took his place in the fields where he became familiar with the rugged
duties of farm life and learned to place a correct value upon the dignity of
honest toil. His father dying when Russell was fourteen years old, and his
mother subsequently remarn.nng, he moved with the family to Owen county
where he grew to manhood near the village of Mill Grove, the meanwhile
obtaining a fair education in the district schools. On leaving home, he ac-
cepted the position of brakeman on the railroad running from Indianapolis
to Cincinnati, now a part of the Big Four or New York Central system, in
which capacitv he continued for a period of three years, when he resigned
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 429
m order to engage in agricultural pursuits. Before engaging with the road
he had purchased forty-six acres of land which he paid for out of his wages
as brakeman, in addition to which he also inherited a part of his father's
estate, the two tracts combined making a fair sized farm and giving him ail
he cared to do in looking after its cultivation. For a time he kept "bachelor's
hall," but this not being to his taste he subsequently took a life partner in
the person of ]\Iarv- F. Kinney, to whom he was united in marriage on the
14th day of January. 1878. Mrs. Martin's father, Lazarus Kinney, was a
country merchant and her mother, Maria Kinney (nee Jackson), was closely
related to the family from which Gen. Andrew Jackson, the hero of Xew
Orleans and the seventh President of the United States, sprang. :\[rs. Mar-
tm's paternal great-grandfather, Abraham Kinney, a native of Ireland, came
to America when a boy with his parents and settled in Xew Jersey, thence re-
moved to Virginia, where he grew to manhood and married. He served with
distinction in the war of the Revolution and lived to see his adopted country
grow strong and prosperous, having reached the remarkable age of one hun-
dred and four years when called to his reward. John Kinney, son of Abra-
ham and grandfather of Mrs. Martin, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and
also served against the Indians in Kentucky, Indiana, and elsewhere on the
frontier, having been a bold and fearless fighter and a true type of the rugged
pioneer of the early times. Mrs. ^ilartin's maternal ancestors, the Jacksons,
were also from Ireland and settled originally in Xorth Carolina. Her im-
mediate antecedents came to Indiana Territory- as early as 1800 and settled
at Vincennes when the country from the Great lakes to the Ohio river was a
dense wilderness, whose only inhabitants were a few predatory tribes of In-
dians. The Jacksons figured prominently in the history of Vincennes and
the lower Wabash valley and for many years were actively identified with
the varied interests of the state, doing much towards laying the foundation
of its subsequent prosperity and greatness.
Mrs. Martin was born in Mooresville, :\rorgan county, where her par-
ents had a verj- good home and stood high in the confidence and esteem of the
people. Her brother, Horace Kinney, a prominent business man of Indian-
apolis, was for a number of years president of the Board of Trade of that citv
and at one time was appointed by Goxernor Mount a member of the Trans-
Mississippi Commission, in which capacity he rendered signallv useful and
brilliant service to the state and nation.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Martin began life in a modest wav
on the former's little fami, living for some years in a small loo- cabin and
doing much of the hard work to get a start in the world. Later additional
430
WEIK S HISTORY OF
land was purchased and a much better house of four rooms answered the
purposes of a dwelling. In this edifice they lived and prospered until about
the year 1907, when Mr. Martin erected the present beautiful and comfort- .
able residence which all who see it concede to be one of the most attractive
and desirable rural homes in the count}' of Putnam. By industry and ju-
dicious management Mr. Martin succeeded in amassing a competency and
with his good wife is now enjoying the reward of their many years of toil and
self denial, owning at this time four hundred and eight acres in various parts
of the county and nearly all under cultivation and highly improved. As a
farmer he ranks among the most successful in his part of the state.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin have had three children, Julius Edgar, who died
at the age of two and one-half years ; Guy Kinney and Bessie. Guy married
Nellie Sandy, daughter of James Sandy, and lives near the home place, in
the cultivation of which he has an interest. They have two children, Russell
Sandv and Mary Catharine. Bessie, the youngest of the subject's children,
is the wife of Forest Steel, living on a farm in Owen county.
Fraternally Mr. Martin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows of Cloverdale. and Mrs. Martin belongs to the Christian church.
Their home is the abode of a genuine hospitality which the host and hostess
know how to dispense and all who cross their threshold are assured of an
old-fashioned Hoosier welcome. Both husband and wife move in the best
social circles of the community and are highly esteemed by all with whom
thev come into contact.
• JOHN H. HAMILTON.
The careers of such men as J. H. Hamilton may not necessarily be such
as to gain them wide reputation or the admiring plaudits of men. but they
are nevertheless influential and deserving of a place in their locality's history,
because thev have been true to whatever trusts that have been reposed in them,
and have shown such attributes of character as entitled them to the regard
of all and have been useful in their respective spheres of action. Mr. Hamil-
ton seems to have won and retained the universal esteem of all with whom he
has come into contact as a result of his industrious and upright career, being
well known throughout Putnam county. His birth occurred in Adams
county, Ohio. March 19. 1849. His father was Christian C. Hamilton, who
was also bom in Adams county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and was
educated. In the earlv fifties he migrated to Coles county, Illinois, stopping
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 43I
one year in Montgomery county, Indiana, and there his son J. H., of this re-
view, attended his first school, at Sugar Grove, just over the Hne in Tippe-
canoe county. C. C. Hamihon devoted his Hfe to farming and he was suc-
cessful wherever he went. In 1869 he moved to Kansas, where the family
lived for about twenty years. In 1888 he and his son came to Greencastle,
Indiana, locating soon afterwards on a farm northeast of town. There the
father died in 1895. He was a highly respected man and always honest.
He married Julia Wilson, of Adams county, Ohio, where her people still
reside, the family being an old and well established one there. Mrs. Hamil-
ton passed to her rest in 1S61. There were nine children in Mr. and Mrs. C.
C. Hamilton's family, five of them living at this writing, namely: Mrs. Sarah
Jones lives in .\dams county, Ohio; Lewis, who now lives in Oklahoma, was
a soldier in the Sixtieth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantr\- during the
Civil war: J. H.. of this review; Mrs. Eliza Pine lives in Oklahoma, as does
also the youngest child, Mrs. Nancy Little. J. W., the eldest, died in 1902.
He was a soldier in the Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
John H. Hamilton was educated in the common schools of Illinois and
Kansas. When twenty years of age he went west with his parents and from
1S69 to 1882 herded cattle, living the life of a cowboy in the Indian Terri-
ton.-. where he laid up a good stock of health and strength, which has stood
him in "good hand" during his later life. He had many thrilling experiences
during that epoch in his history. In 1882 he moved to Hunnewell, Kansas,
and successfully conducted a general store there until 1888. He was influ-
ential in all the afYairs of that place and very ably served as mayor for three
terms, the last time having been elected unanimously, receiving every vote
cast. This is certainly evidence of his high standing in that place and of his
former record as a public servant — clean, praiseworthy and entirely satis-
facton,-. In 1888 Mr. Hamilton returned to Greencastle. Indiana, soon after-
wards locating on a farm near here, where he remained until four years ago,
his fine farm lying about ten miles northeast of town. In 1905 he moved to
Greencastle and engaged in the liardware business, buying the stock of Theo-
dore Lane.
Mr. Hamilton was married in 1886 to Jessie Crow, who was bom and
reared in Putnam county, three miles northeast of Greencastle. She was the
daughter of Edward and Desiah (Waterhouse) Crow, early settlers of Put-
nam county. Her father was a native of Kentucky, from which state he
came to Putnam county, Indiana, when a boy. ^Irs. Crow is a native of
IMaine. being a descendant of a distinguished familv.
4P
VVEIK S HISTORY OF
V'erv little is known of the early history of the Hamilton family. Three
brothers left South Carolina in the early days, one of them settling in Ken-
tucky, one in Ohio and one in Indiana. The immediate family of which we
now write descended from the gentleman who settled in Ohio. James Hamil-
ton, a deceased brother of J. H., was at one time state treasurer of Kansas;
he was in the Fifteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton three children have been born, named as
follows: Desiah is a senior in DePauw University, and will graduate with
the class of 1910; Robert is an employe of Belnap Hardware Company of
Louisville. Kentucky ; Julia is attending the public schools.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton and their two oldest children are members of the
College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally Mr. Hamilton is
a Mason, holding membership in the blue lodge at Fillmore, Putnam county.
He also belongs to the Easte'rn Star. Politically he is a Republican and never
loses a chance to a.ssist in furthering the interest of his party.
OSCAR WESLEY ELLIS.
It is not onlv pleasant but profitable as well to study the life history of
such a worthy gentleman as he whose name forms the heading of this review,
for in it we find evidence of traits of character that can not help but make for
success in the life of any one who directs his efforts, as he has done, along
proper paths with persistency and untiring zeal, toward a worthy goal, and,
having had as his close companion through life upright principles, these
worthv traits of character have resulted, as we shall see. in ultimate triumph.
Oscar Weslev Ellis hails from the Old Dominion, but the major part
of his long, active and useful life has been spent within the borders of Put-
nam countv. He was born in Alexandria county. Virginia. June 16. 183 1. the
son of John Wesley and Sarah E.' (Ching) Ellis, the father the son of John
Wesley Ellis and he was born in Culpeper county. Virginia, of parents who
emigrated from England, being English on his patemal side and Scotch on
his maternal side. He devoted his life to farming and both he and his wife
died about 1838. The father of the subject was born November 15. 1801,
spent his earlv years on the home farm with his parents, receiving a meager
education in the pioneer schools, and when he reached maturity he married
Mary E. Ching, daughter of Thomas and Grace Ching. who came from
England to America in 1828. settling in Virginia. Thomas Ching died in
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 433
October, 1S38, his widow surviving until March 7, 1856, dying in Baltimore,
Maryland.
The father of the subject married in 1828 and spent the first foui
years of his married life in his native locality, coming, in 1832. to Carlisle,
Hadden township, Sullivan county, Indiana, arriving there with practically
nothing, only a few household goods and nine dollars in monev, having
made the long, tiresome journey overland in an old-tashioned wagon, the
wheels of which he was compelled to lock in crossing the declines of the
mountains. But he was a hardy son of the soil and not being of a nature that
gives in under hardships he set to work with a will and soon had a foothold
sisting of thirteen children, nine of whom are still living, namely: Oscar \V.,
of this review; Mary, wife of Frank Jean, of Los Angeles, California: F.
in the new country, developing a good farm and rearing a large family, con-
Orlando, of Sullivan county; Anna ]\I., wife of George Riggs of Nebraska:
Virginia, wife of Robert McCormick, of Missouri; Robert lives in California;
Eldridge R. lives in Coatsville, Indiana: ^lelvin lives in Carlisle, Indiana;
Olivia is the wife of George Warner, of Carlisle, Indiana.
The father of these children was a Democrat politically, and he took con-
siderable interest in party affairs, having been one of the first county oft'icers
of Sullivan county, having been overseer of the poor and township trustee
for years. He was an influential man in his community and highly re-
spected by all who knew him. His death occurred in 1870 and his was the
largest funeral e\er held in Sullivan county, for all classes sought to reverence
his memory and do him proper honor, for he had done much for his locality
in many ways, hax'ing been a very liberal man and kind to all. Religiously
he was a Methodist and faithful in his church duties. His estate was valued
at twenty thousand dollars ; considering the fact that he started with nothing
and also that the conditions in Sullivan county were none too encouraging for
the accumulation of wealth during his life time, his success was remarkable.
^Irs. J. W. Ellis died November 15, 1852: she. too, was a most excellent
character.
Oscar W. Ellis was reared on the home farm in Sullivan county, and re-
ceived a fairlv good education in the common schools. He removed to Put-
nam county. January- 11. 1S61. and started a dairy east of Greencastle. which
business he conducted successfully for a period of seven years: he then bought
eightv acres of excellent land, in 186S. and has operated the same ever since,
making it yieUl alnmdant crops from year to year, and here he has a cozy
home.
(28)
434
WEIK S HISTORY OF
;Mr. Ellis is a Democrat, but does not take any great interest in political
matters. He was converted to the Christian religion at a camp meeting near
Lebanon, this state, in 1844. and his lite has been an exemplary one.
On January 7. 1858. Air. Ellis married Sarah E. Buck, daughter of
William and Pharzina Buck. Her father was born in England. February 4,
1S08. and he came to America early in lite and was married in 1831 to
Pharzina Ruttman. They came to Vigo county, Indiana, in 1836. and later
moved to Greene county. William Buck died October 3, 1899. his wife having
preceded him to the grave on September 19. 1888. They were members of
the Methodist church, and Mr. Buck was a Republican. Si.x children were
born to them, all of whom grew to maturity, namely: Pharzina. wife of
0.scar \\". Ellis of this review; Mary, wife of Robert Crawford, of Nebraska;
TdIui W. is a retired Methodist minister and lives at Linton. Indiana; Susan
is the wife of Ephraim Herrald. of Wortliington. Indiana: the other two were
Isaac \'.. deceased, who lived at Sullivan. Indiana, and Easter .Ann. decea.sed.
who was the wife of David L. Osborn, of Linton. Indiana.
Mr. antl Mrs. Ellis reared five children to maturity, namely: Pharzina is
the wife of lohn Kellar, of Greencastle; William is now living on a farm in
Mill Creek township, this county; Mary is the wife of Albert Landes, of
Greencastle; Edward is now in the West: the other child was Hattie, deceased,
who married Weslev Oliver, a farmer, of Putnam county. Orlando and
David died in childhood.
JOHX H. COLLIXGS.
Among the well-remembered citizens of Putnam count}- who have fin-
ished their labors and gone to their reward, the name of John H. Collings.
late of Clinton township, is deserving of especial notice. He was one of those
sterling veomen. whose labors and self-sacrifice made possible the advanced
state of civilization and enlightenment for which this section of the great
commonwealth of Indiana is noted. His birth occurred May 7. 1840. three-
fourths of a inile from his late home in Clinton township, this county, and
after a useful and honorable career he was called to his reward Xo\-ember 15.
1903. He was the son of James and Sally (Newgent) Collings. the latter
the daughter of Thomas Xewgent. whose sketch in full appears elsewhere
in this book. The X'ewgents have long been a well-known family in this
countv. lames Collings was born in Shelby county. Kentucky, and he and
his bride were married in 1837 in the home of Edward Xewgent. who had
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 435
built the home in 1830. and with whom she was hving. Edward lived for a
time in Parke county. Indiana, remaining on the fann until he was about
thirteen years old. James Collings. who built the present home of the Col-
lingses. died SepteniJjer 2. 1S58. He was born Xovember 2. 18 15. He and
his wife were the parents of four children.
In the Collings family there were the following children : John H.. of this
re\iew ; William Thomas married and went to Illinois in the seventies and
died in X'ermillion county, that state, at the age of thirty-eight years. Xancy
married John M. Turner and lived in Parke county. Indiana; she was born
December 25, 1845. ^^'^s married December 28. 1867. and died December
27, [889. Edna was the }-oungest child. She has passed her life on the place
wliere she was born and in which vicinity she is well known and has a host
of warm pers(inal friends.
John H. Collings spent his life on the home farm, which he began work-
ing when a mere lad. attending the common schools during the winter months.
He was an excellent student and a great reader all his life, keeping well
abreast of the times in every way. He was quick to adapt himself to anv line
of work and was fairly successful at whatever he undertook. His views on
religious matters were in accord with those promulgated by the "Hard Shell"
Baptists. Politically he was a Democrat, but was no politician. He de-
lighted in perusing the best literature of the world and was an instructive and
entertaining conversationalist. He had a well selected and valuable library
where he spent a great deal of his time. He was a pleasant man to meet, gen-
tlemanly, forceful, kind and a man who at once impressed the stranger with
his weight of character and his mental endowments, yet he was plain and un-
assuming.
DRS. GEORCE \V. .\XD M.\RY J. T.WLOR.
Dr. George \\'ashingt(Mi Taylor, a homeopathic physician, his wife,
Mary Jane Lynn Taylor, and their daughter. Minnetta Theodora Taylor,
came to Greencastle from Crawfordsville, Indiana, September 5, 1879. They
had Ijeen only a short time in Crawfordsville. having removed there from
their home in Rosetta. Illinois, where they had resided since the close of
the Civil war. The parents joined their sons, who were physicians at
Crawfordsville: but thev found that Greencastle would be more satisfactory
for the education of their daughter and they removed thither, intending
to remain only a few years. They grew so much attached to the place that
436
WEIK S HISTORY OF
thev made it a permanent residence and built their home on West Walnut
street in 1884. The family were all born in Virginia except the daughter,
who was born in Illinois. They were residents of Lexington, in the valley
of Virginia, noted for Washington and Lee University, which now contains
the tomb of Robert E. Lee, and for the Virginia Militaiy Institute. At one
time during their residence in Lexington, "Stonewall" Jackson was profes-
sor of military science in the institute, and taught in the Presbyterian Sun-
day school. White Sulphur Springs, the famous watering place, was not
far away and attracted most of the eminent people of that and the preceding
generation, among them Jerome Bonaparte, afterward King of Westphalia,
who left many interesting souvenirs of Napoleon.
Dr. George W. Taylor was born in Lewisburg, Greenbrier county, Vir-
o-inia, May ^. 1821. His family was English on both sides and had been
in Virginia since 1635. The head of the English family was the Norman
Baron Taillefer (meaning sharp sword), who came over with William the
Conqueror and was one of the commanders at the battle of Hastings. The
Saxons spelled the name Taelesfer, and some of the English relatives are
now named Telfair instead of Taylor, following the spelling of the name
rather than the sound. The family coat of arms is conspicuous for its
stars ; the motto is "Consequitur quo petit," "He achieves because he strives."
The crest was a mailed arm brandishing a sword. The founder of the
Virginia family. James Taylor, left Kent in 1635, at the age of twenty, on
account of the religious persecutions beginning under Charles I. He opposed
his family, including the Earl of Pennington, in criticising the king; and he
souo-ht a freer country, retaining, however, the low church form of the
Episcopalian creed. He settled in Caroline county. Virginia. Here he mar-
ried Frances Washington, of an English family of similar standing and relig-
ious belief to his own, ancestors of George Washington. Among the prom-
inent descendants of the Taylors were: On the distaff side, President James
^ladison; George Tavlor, who had ten sons in the Revolutionary war, includ-
ino- the famous Col. Richard Taylor, who conquered and dispersed the Chero-
kees, who were hired by the British to kill and scalp the families along the
Virginia highland frontier: Zachary Taylor, who married Elizabeth Lee. of
Ditchley. daughter of Col. Richard Henry Lee, of Revolutionary fame,
ancestor of most of the Virginia Lees and cousin of Light Horse Harn.-, the
father of Robert E. Lee; Elizabeth Taylor, who married the uncle of the
Duke of Argyll and was a noted philanthropist both in this country and Scot-
land, achieving many reforms in the housing and general condition of the
Scotch crofters: Rear Admiral Samuel Taylor, of the war of 1812; Zachary
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 437
Taylor, famous Indian fighter, commander-in-chief in our war against Mex-
ico and President of the United States; Gen. Richard Taylor, commanding
tne army of the Department of Alabama during the Civil war; many other
Confederate officers; Father Taylor, as he was called, the noted preacher in
the Seamen's church in Boston. Dr. George Washington Taylor's parents
were James Taylor and Susannah Burwell. His paternal grandparents were
Augustine Taylor and Mary Martha Washington, another Washington inter-
marriage.
As a boy. Doctor Taylor was veiy fond of hearing of Indian fights,
particularly of the exploits of a relative, Louis Wetzel. At the age of nine
he resolved to fight Indians too, and set out along the road west of his father's
house. When two or three miles away, he met with unexpected success in
discovering his antagonists. A party of Indians going to interview the
Great Father at Washington were riding along under the command of a
most terrible looking chief. They stopped the child, the chief remarking,
"Boy make good Indian." The chief asked his name and where he lived.
On hearing the name, he scowled and said "Louis Wetzel ?*" The boy nodded
and the chief made a motion as if he would scalp him, but finally had him
put on a pony which was led until they came in sight of his father's house.
Here after consiflerable argument among themsehes they put him down in
the road and left him, George resoh'ing to consult his father before he
went out to fight Indians again.
After attending the common schools of the time and studying with a
tutor. ^Ir. Taylor studied medicine in the University of Virginia and put
in his spare time reading the works of Thomas Jefferson. Debating clubs
were popular, but it was \ery hard to get any one to take the side of the
English party on any political question, the French party commanding the
gratitude of the American patriots and the exercises generally began with
the Marseillaise. Many of the students were descendants of the French
Huguenots, and these, too, added to the enthusiasm for France. The science
of medicine, though very imperfect at that time, interested the student
deeply and he made many experiments in chemistry. He left the university
just before obtaining his degree, in order to be married. On a visit to Staun-
ton, some three months before, he heard a particularly sweet voice singing
from the back of a long pink silk poke bonnet. This made him curious to
see the face : and he presently decided to settle in Lexington without waiting
to complete the universitv course, a thing which a physician could do under
the medical laws of the time. He married ^lary Jane Lynn, April 7, 1842,
and their married life lasted sixtv-four vears.
438
WEIK S HISTORY OF
At Lexington, his three sons, Henry William Taylor, Howard Single-
ton Taylor and John Newton Taylor were born. The approach of the Civil
war began greatly to disturb the South and after a while the tempest broke.
Doctor Taylor was for a time a surgeon with the army of Northern Vir-
ginia, but following an attack of gastritis from the bad food, he was com-
pletely invalided and unable to return to the field. When able to sit up. he
followed his profession as best he could; but much of the time he was an
entirely helpless sick man. Sheridan's troops burned the valley and com-
pletelv devastated it. and after the surrender of the Southern army hope
was gone and there remained only the sadness of homes destroyed anfl rela-
tives killed on the battle fields or dying of broken hearts. Doctor and Mrs.
Taylor decided to go West. Traveling was difficult. They were in two
steamer accidents during their journey on the Mississippi river. One steamer
struck a snag at night and went down, leaving them barely time to save them-
selves. Another was in a race and piling on great cpiantities of resinous pines
in order to beat the other boat, when the boilers exploded, killing and maim-
ing many persons. Finally the family reached Rosetta, Illinois, and in a
year or so Doctor Taylor recovered his health and resumed the practice of
medicine, in which he was very successful. He Iniilt a house in Rosetta, and
his daughter. Minnetta, was born there.
Two sons settled as physicians in Crawfordsville. Indiana, and a third
became a lawver in Chicago. Doctor Taylor came to Indiana to be nearer
them and chose Greencastle for a home. His practice grew and extended
over Putnam and neighboring counties. He had preferred the homeopathic
practice for some time and was an ardent reader oi its books and follower
of its practice. He proved rumex crispus and added it to the list of remedies.
He never lost a case of typhoid fever, though it has always been a prevalent
disease in this state. He had a large charity list of patients and a still
larger list of honest poor who paid such fees as the\- could easily spare. He
never refused to go 'to .see the sick because they were poor. He was much
interested in temperance work and was for five years president of the blue
ribbon movement in Greencastle, securing .several hundred memliers. He did
not become a church member in Greencastle. partly because the Episcopal
church had no regular services and partly because Sunday was generally as
busv a day with him as any other. In Lexington he was a member of the
Episcopal church, though he frecpiently attended the Presbyterian church
with his wife. His principal characteristics were kindness, dignity, absolute
truthfulness and honesty. He was greatly beloved by his family and friends.
He was a tall, large man, l)uilt much like George Washington. Doctor
PUTXAM COUXTY. IXDIANA.
439
George Washington Taylor died at his home in Greencastle. June 29. 1906,
of old age. He was in his eighty-sixth rear.
Mary Jane L\'nn was born in Staunton. Augusta county, Virginia, June
23, 1S28. Her family was English i:)n the father's side and Scotch and
French on the mother's. Her paternal grandparents came from Yorkshire
in 1740. her grandfather being a Lynn of Lynncourt, and her grandmother a
Leigh. Her maternal ancestors had been in Virginia since 1637, the Mc-
Cunes coming direct from Edinburgh to Augusta county during the persecu-
tion of the Covenanters and the DeCourcys and D'.Aubignes coming after the
revocation of the Etiict oi Xantes tolerating the Huguenots in France. Many
Scotch were still coming to .\merica in Mary Lynn's childhood and her first
remembrances were of clan tartans, the pipes, the harper, in his plaid and
cairngorm brooch, the arms of the Manjuis of Montrose and the Presbv-
terian church and Sunilay. Seven McCunes were in the Lee Legion in the
Revolutionary war and their uniforms and equipments were also a source of
interest. She was educated in the same ladies' school afterward conducted
by Mrs. J. E. E. Stuart, widow of the Confederate cavaln- general; and on
completing the course there, had a tutor in Latin and French on the home
plantation. She married Dr. (jeorge W. Taylor, a physician, and thev
residetl in Lexington, \'irginia, where their sons were b(3rn. Mrs. Taylor's
powerful mind was always full of keen interest in all sorts of knowledge and
readily tO(jk hold of medicine. She studied it with her husband and reached
out l;ey(jnd the medical Ixjoks of the day into foreign essays and theories of
her (;w n. Most of the last were afterwards confirmed, for her judgment
was as sound as her perception was keen. .\t this time she was chiefiv known
for her loxely lyric S(.>prano voice, full, clear and ringing, of high range and
natural as well as cidtixated phrasing. She was first soprano in the Presby-
terian clurrches uf se'.eral Southern towns and sang solos on great occasions
in Richmond. She retained much of the splendor of her \'oice up to old
age and her patients wnuld l;eg her to sing. sa_\'ing that soothetl the pain
as well as n;edicine. She was a fine converser. ahva\-s interesting her audience
and using almost perfect English.
After the Civil war. the fanuly remi»\ed from the desolated South to
Rosetta, Illinois. Mrs. Taylor had written poems of acknowledged merit,
became a successful author and wrote in (|uick succession nine of the most
popular no\els of the time besides stories and poems. The no\e!s were:
"Casey Drane," "Dixided Life." "Looking Out Into the Xight." "The A'ital
Principle." "Xiverette," "Ochus the Idumaean." "Hole in the Day." "The
Master oi the Ri\er." and "The .\ns\ver." 1 he first appeared as serials in
the X'ew York Herald . the Xew \'ork Lcdijcr. Leslie's Chiiuiiev Corner, the
440 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Philadelphia Da\-Book. what is now the Chicago Intcr-Ocean, and the St.
Louis Republic. One of the novels was reprinted in London in 1882. Some
of the stories were of the war, not a popular subject at the time, but the
dramatic strength, power of depicting character, originality and poetic quality
of the books carried them over all obstacles. The JVesteni Magazine offered
two prizes, one for the best story and the other for the best poem. Mrs.
Taylor won both prizes. She had letters of praise from Edgar Allan Poe,
J. G. Holland, the elder James Gordon Bennett, Robert Bonner, Frank Les-
lie. Dr. Van Evrie and Horace Greeley, 'Sir. Greeley's letters in his famous
nearly undecipherable handwriting. Mr. Bonner was her most generous
patron, alwavs paving more than she asked for her stories, in one instance,
twice as much.
The sons settled in Indiana and Doctor and Mrs. Taylor and their little
daughter followed. From Crawfordsville, Doctor and Sirs. Taylor went
to Greencastle to educate their daughter. Mrs. Taylor, who had practiced
medicine with her husband for many years, was graduated from Pulte Home-
opathic College at Cincinnati, and entered actively into the life of a physician.
She had a \erv large practice, extending from Putnam into Parke, Hen-
dricks. Vigo, Morgan and Owen counties, besides calls to Indianapolis, Cin-
cinnati and St. Louis. She kept up all her work actively and with great suc-
cess for twenty-five vears riding at any time of the day or night alone any
distance. Much of the country was comparatively wild at first. Sometimes
a fox pattered across her road or a wolf slunk off in the brush. More often
the thick woods reeled around her from a storm and wind and lightning piled
the road with giants of the forest ; or she had a farmer ride horseback to find
the ford for her in a swollen stream filled with floating drift and running
over with quicksand: or she went up and down the corduroy steps of the
highest hills of Owen : or she laid down fences and drove through fields
to avoid being mired in wholly impassai^le roads. She ne\'er turned back
and never had a serious accident, though once she was obliged to fish for an
hour in a spring flood for her medicine case before she could go to the rescue
of a patient. Her svmpathy with the sick, her cheerful disposition and love
of nature helped her to endure the monotony of life among the ailing of town
and the hardships of country practice. She rememl^ered faces and names
wonderfullv and knew the count}- genealogies through and through, includ-
ing the familv characteristics. For this reason she had much influence in
choosing persons for public service. Her information about them was known
to l)e full and accurate, her judgment good and her public spirit without
allov: so her candidates were often indor.sed by parties and people. Her
couraw was absolute and rather scornful. Sometimes her friends would beg
puT^^\^[ county, ixdiaxa. 44^
her to carry a weapon on her long night trips. "For an ordinary criminal?"
she would answer, "I should be ashamed of myself if I could not outwit
three or four of them." In personal appearance the Doctor was a little
woman, with fine, white skin, little hands, clean-cut features and eyes of a
most unusual clear light green, brilliant with decision. She was an earnest
Christian, rather in deeds than in \vords. though seldom an hour alone
without praying. Her people had always been Scottish Covenanters and she
had held her fir.st membership in the Tinkling Spring Presbyterian church in
the Shenandoah valley. In Greencastle she was a mem])er of the Presbyterian
church till the exactions of her profession made it impossible for her to
attend.
Some years ago Dr. George \\'. Taylor and she attended a number of
patients through an epidemic of typhoid fever which attacked a country
neighborhood. Both physicians had the distinction of having never lost a
typhoid fever case: and though analyses of water, milk and food failed to
show the cause of the fever, which was uncommonly virulent, they labored
faithfully with it and cured all the patients. Then both took the fever at
the same time and on account of their age it was thought they could not
recover. After some weeks both were up again, but they were never strong
afterward. They kept up their othce practice, however, and were busy send-
ing away medicine until shortly before their death. Dr. Mary Taylor died
December i8, 1909. She is survived by two sons and a daughter: Hon.
Howard S. Taylor, of Chicago; Dr. John X. Taylor, of Crawfordsville ;
Miss Minnetta T. Taylor, of Greencastle. Dr. George W. Taylor, her hus-
band, died June 29, 1906. Dr. H. A\'. Taylor died January 7, 1902.
>.Iiss :\[innetta Taylor is the joint author of six Spanish-English text
books, her associate being Senor \'iragua. of Xew York. She is also a
regular contributor to the McClure syndicate. She spent seven years on the
lecture platform, on literary and sociological subjects. She speaks forty-five
languages and is either an active or honorary member of thirty clubs, sev-
eral of these being foreign clubs. She has been president of the State Federa-
tion of Clubs and a member of the literary committee i-^f the General Fed-
eration of Clubs.
GEORGE B. COFFMAX.
The familv which the subject of this sketch has the honor to represent
is an old and esteemed one and since the pioneer period has been closely
identified with the historv of Putnam county. According to the most reliable
442
WEIK S HISTORY OF
data olnainable. William Coffman. the subject's grandfather, a nati-.e of
western Tennessee, appears to have migrated to Indiana prior to 1830 and
entered land in Clay county. His son. David, accompanied him and shortly
after his arrival married Charlotte Coltharp, who, with her widowed mother,
two brothers and one sister, also from eastern Tennessee, came ab.ont the
same time or perhaps a little earlier and settled in northern Owen county,
the husband and father having died while serving his country in the war of
1S12. He entered the army at the beginning of that struggle, was with Gen-
eral Jackson at the battle of Xew Orleans and his death a little later occurred
shortly before the birth of his youngest daughter, who became the wife of
David Coffman.
David Coffman was born near the present site of Knoxville, Tennessee,
on the 2 1 St of March, 1809. and was about twenty-one years old when he
accompanied his parents to Indiana. Mrs. Coffman, whose birth occurred
on Octoi)er 31, 1814, came from the same neighborhood in which her hus-
band was reared and was a young lady in her teens when the family sought
a new home in the wilds of Owen county, .\fter their marriage ]\Ir. and
Mrs. Coffman settled on a tract of land in Owen county, which the former
purchased from the government, but after a brief residence and finding that
the localitv was inimical to his heahh Mr. Coffman sold the land and entered
two hundred and forty acres in the western part of what is now Cloverdale
township in the county of Putnam. Moving to the latter, he at once ad-
dressed himself to the task of its impro\-ement and in due time his labors
were re\\'arded, the farm Avhich he cleared and developed being among the
best and most valuable in that locality. David Coft'man was not only a man
of great industry and energy, but possessed more than ordinary intelligence
and business abilitv. Bv well directerl and judicious management he suc-
ceeded in adding to his holdings until at one time he was among the largest
land owners of his township as well as one of the most enterprising farmers
and highly esteemed citizens.
When David Coffman mo\ed to Putnam county there was but one family
living between his place and Putnamville, while the population of Clover-
dale and the imme<liate vicinity consisted of only four householders. He
assisted in the contraction of the old National road through this part of the
state and with the money thus earned was enabled to meet the payments on
his land when thev became due. He always manifested a lively interest in
the settlement of the county and the development of its resources and used
his influence to further all laudable means for the material and moral ad-
vancement of the community. His religious belief, which was one of the
PCTNAM COUNTY, IXDIANA. 443
controlling influences of his long and useful life, was based upon the creed
of the Primitive Baptist church, to which both himself and wife belonged,
and in the faith of which they passed to the unseen world, the former Feb-
ruan.- i6. 1888, the latter on ^^larch 4. 1SS3. The children of this worthy
couple were eight in number. e([ually divided between the sexes, the oldest.
John W. Coffman. dying in 1905. leaving ten children, namely: Sarah C,
^lary ].. Irene. Elizabeth. Eliza A.. Margaret Ellen. Andrew ].. Albert E.,
Ada B.. Ida Belle and Lilv A. Zilpha C. the second in order of birth, with
Mary A. and Elizabeth, the third and fifth respectively, live on the old home-
stead, with their brother George, who is the youngest member of the family.
James S.. the fourth, is a leading agriculturist and representative citizen,
owns a beautiful farm about two miles southeast of Clox^erdale and is one of
the popular men of his community. He married ^Martha E. ^lorrison and
is the father of two sons and four daugliters. Henry X.. Lee Otis. Minnie F..
Effie M. and Gilbert C. Joseph L.. the next in succession, departed tliis life
August 7. 1908. leaving a widow. Ann E. (nee Swartz). and one child.
Ollie M.. to mourn their loss. Xanc\- M.. who married Evan Cline and lives
near the family homestead is the fourth in order of birth. ( See sketch of
Evan Cline.)
George B. Cotfman. the eigluh and youngest of the above children, was
born October jo. i8;6. in the western part of Cloverdale township, Putnam
county. Indiana, and grew to maturity in cluse touch with nature on the
farm of his father redeemed from the wilderness. He was reared to habits
of industrv and earlv bore his share in the planting and cultivating i^f the
crops, in the meantime attending school during the fall and winter months
until acquiring a practical education. Selecting the honorable vocation of
agriculture for his life work, he became familiar with the same while still
with his parents and since reaching the years of manhood has devoted himself
\\ith gratif\ing results to his chosen calling.
Emma .\. Turner, to whom Mr. Coffman was united in the bonds of
wedlock i-jn Octoljer 7. 1876, was b(jrn in Owen county. Indiana, where her
parents. Abram ami Eliza ( Hubbard ) Turner, natives of Kentucky, settled
a number of years agu. In the fall of 1893 Mr, Coffman went to Kansas,
where he followed farming for one year, but a disastrous fire in which he
lost much of his property, together with ill health, induced him to dispose
of his interests in that state, at the expiration of which period he returned
to Indiana, from which time until 190J he lived in his native township, near
the family homestead. In the early part ot the above mentioned year he
moved to Sullivan countv. tlu's state, where he remained until the death of
444
VVEIK S HISTORY OF
his wife, on the 8th of August ensuing, when he returned to Putnam county
and took charge of the home farm, which he has since managed.
'Mv. Coffman devotes considerable attention to agriculture and stock
raising and, being a man of progressive ideas and employing advanced
methods in his labors, he is fully up-to-date and, as already indicated, ranks
among the successful men of his vocation in the township honored by his
citizenship. In the spring of 1909 he was elected assessor of Cloverdale
township for a term of four years, a position for which his sound judgment
and knowledge of values especially fit him, although he has never aspired
to official honors nor sought any kind of public distinction. In his relations
with his fellows he has always been governed by a high sense of justice and
as a consistent member of the Primitive Baptist church he exemplifies in his
dailv walk the sincerity of his religious profession and the beauty and worth
of Christianity as practically applied to the affairs of men.
Nine children blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Coffman, three of
whom died in infancy, those living being as follows: Homer D., Otto E.,
Wilbur R., William W., Jesse I. and Lola M. Homer is homesteading in
Oklahoma, and has before him a bright and promising future. Otto has a
claim in North Dakota and is doing well, likewise Wilbur, who has taken
land in South Dakota, the other children being still under the parental roof.
SAMUEL DARXALL.
In any comprehensive history of Putnam county, the biographical
memoir of Samuel Darnall, one of the best remembered of her pioneers,
should not be omitted. He was born in Montgomen,^ county, Kentucky, De-
cember 9, 1S04. a descendant of a long line of sterling ancestry in America,
the representative of this family in America being a member of Lord Balti-
more's colony which settled in Charles county, Maryland, in 1634. Daniel
Darnall, father of Samuel, was born in Maryland, in 1775, from which state
he moved with his father, Isaac Darnall, when he was ten years of age, the
Blue Grass state being at that time covered with primeval woods. Daniel
Darnall married Nancy Turpin, the daughter of another pioneer, also from
Maryland. They established a home in Montgomery county, where, after
the usual hard struggle, they became well established, rearing a family of five
sons and one daughter, the latter named Emilia, late of Bainbridge. Samuel,
of this re\-iew, was the fourth child in order of birth. When twenty-five
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 445
years of age he married Maria, daughter of Joshua Yeates, her father being
of English descent, his people settling in eastern Virginia early in the eight-
eenth century, and in Loudoun county, that state, he was born in 1773, and
emigrated to Kentucky with his father in 1790. He was there married to
Nancy Higgins, and to this union seven daughters and one son were born,
the latter being the late Dr. Larkin Yeates, of Winchester, Kentucky. The
youngest of the daughters married Samuel Darnall. They lived in Kentucky
five years after their marriage, and then in order to get cheaper land, moved
to the then new state of Indiana. In the fall of 1S35 ^'""^X came to Putnam
county, stopping at the home of Johnson Darnall. who had preceded them
b}- two years. They established their rude home in the woods here and began
life in true pioneer fashion, and in time were the operators of a large farm,
'Sir. Darnall becoming one of the leading farmers of the county.- He was one
of the first to introduce blue grass into Putnam county.
Mr. Darnall and his wife followed in the footsteps of their ancestors
in religious matters, being adherents to the Calvinistic or predestinarian Bap-
tist church. Politically Mr. Darnall was first a Whig and an admirer of
Henry Clay, but when the Republican party was organized he joined its
ranks, and when, on the death of his father, he inherited five slaves, he desired
to free them at once, l)ut was forbidden ; he allowed them to choose their own
master and finally sold them at a very low figure. He was no office seeker,
but always outspoken in his political views. He was at one time, back in
the forties, solicited by a special committee to make the race for the Legis-
lature as a Whig, but declined the honor. In Kentucky he served as lieu-
tenant of militia, filling that position until his removal to Indiana. Under
the military law of the state he was quartermaster on the staft' of Col. James
Fisk. He gave his influence to the national Union, sending three of his
sons into the Federal ranks. The eldest. Francis }vl., made a splendid com-
pany in the fall of 1861 and led it to the field as captain. Lafayette enlisted
the same year in Col. Lew Wallace's regiment of Zouaves, for the. three-
months service, and later joined his brother's company in the Forty-third
Regiment and was made sergeant, later being promoted to lieutenant. In
1863, when Morgan, the raider, invaded Indiana, a third son. Joshua, a fine
boy of sixteen years, went to the front and laid down his young life for his
country, as a recruit in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment, in which
he took part in the hard campaign to Cumberland Gap. \\'hile retreating
from that country he contracted a cold while passing through the mountains
of Kentucky, which, after a recent attack of measles, proved fatal.
446
VVEIK S HISTORY OF
Samuel Darnall's death occurred January 13, 1879, and in the shade of
the old Brick Chapel he is sleeping the sleep of the just. He was a peaceable,
home-loving, kind, public-spirited, noble-hearted man whom every one held
in the hi'^hest esteem, for he was always ready to serve friend and stranger
alike with a lavish hospitality, and had a word of cheer and encouragement
for all.
FRAXK M. STROUBE.
It is not an easy task to describe adequatel_\- a man who has led an
eminentlv active and busv life and who has attained a position of relative
distinction in the community with which his interests are allied. But biog-
raphy finds its most perfect justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and
recording of such a life history. It is, then, with a full appreciation of all
that is demanded and of the painstaking scrutiny that must be accorded each
statement, and vet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the
task of touching briefly upon the details of such a record as has been that of
Frank M. Stroul^e, the well-known sheriff of Putnam county.
]\Ir. Stroube was born at Augusta, Kentucky, July 19. 1863, the son of
Oliver Stroube, a native of the Blue Grass state, this family having been
prominent for several generations in Bracken county. There Oliver Stroube
was reared and educated. In 1S65 he came to Putnam county, Indiana,
locating on a farm in Madison township, where he soon had a comfortable
home and where he lived until his death, April 3. 1901. at the age of sixty-
three years, having been born July 19, 1S38. He was a man whom everybody
respected owing to his steady habits and his genial disposition. He married
Eliza Blackerby. a native of Bracken county, Kentucky. She is a woman of
such kind and generous instincts that she is greatly admired by her friends
and neighbors in Greencastle, where she now resides.
Eio-ht children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Stroube, named as fol-
lows : Frank M., of this review ; J. W. is trustee of Madison township, where
he resides : Anna died when one year old ; Dr. Charles N. lives at Roachdale ;
Earl is a farmer in Madison township; Clifford E. died when one year old;
Ida is tlie wife of Dr. Reginald Pollon, Cayuga, Indiana; Minnie is the wife
of E. R. Bartley, of Greencastle.
The patemal grandfather of these children, John Stroube, was a native
of Virginia, removing from that state to Kentucky at an early date, where he
spent the remainder of his life, dying at Augusta. Kentucky. He married a
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 447
Miss Reader and the}- became the parents of four children, all deceased but
one son, X. J., a banker in Augusta.
Frank M. Stroube was brought to Putnam county, Indiana, by his par-
ents when he was but an infant. He spent his youth on the home farm, which
he assisted in developing, attending the district schools in the meantime. He
remained at home until he was twenty-ti\e years of age, when he took up the
livestock business, buying and shipping. He was very successful at this and
built u|) an e.\tensi\'e business, becoming known throughout the countv as
one of the leading stock men of this locality.
Mr. Stroube always took considerable interest in political matters and
as a reward fur his public spirit and his genuine worth he was elected sheriff
of Putnam county on the Democratic ticket in 1908, and, according to the
statement of man_\- of his constituents, he has so far proven to be one of the
best sheriffs the county has ever had, always faithful in the performance of
his duty and going about the same in a conscientious and business-like manner,
Mr. Stroube was married on September 19, 188S, to Belle Roberts,
daughter of John Roberts, of Manhattan, Putnam county, where she was
born and reared, attending the public schools. Three children ha\-e been born
to this union, nametl as follows : Jean Lucille, Ruth Marie and Gail Blackerby ;
the\ are all members of the family circle, constituting, with their parents a
nuuuall}- hai)i)y household, their home being a cozy and pleasant one.
Mr. and Mrs. Stroube are members of the Christian church. Fratern-
ally Mr. Stroube is a Mason, and he carries into his daily life its sublime
teaching's.
CL.AREXCE ARTHUR SHAKE.
The well known florist and honored citizen, Clarence Arthur Shake,
who is an honored resident of Greencastle, in the progress of which he has
ever been deeply concerned, is a native of Stoddard county, Missouri, where
he was born April i, 1886. He is the son of Spencer J. and Marv R.
(Brooks) Shake, the father born in low-a, in 1838, on a farm on which his
parents settled when the country was comparatively new. Spencer J. Shake
was educated in the common schools of his native community. Moving to
Carlisle. Indiana, he entered the schools of that place and was graduated
therefrom. He was ambitious to become a minister of the gospel and in
order to properly fit himself for this eminent calling he worked his way
through Borden College, Borden, Indiana, He was duly ordained a minister
448 weik's history of
in the ^lethodist Episcopal church, his first charge being in Xew Providence,
in 1890. He was popular with his congregation and developed into a
preacher of power, doing a great deal of good wherever he went. On
Thanksgiving day, 1S78, he was married to Mary Rebecca Brooks, daughter
of Thomas Brooks, of Missouri. This union resulted in the birth of eight
children, of which number, Clarence A., of this review, was the third in
order of birth. Rev. Spencer J. Shake is now pastor of the Methodist
Episcopal church at Farmersburg, Indiana.
Clarence A. Shake obtained a good primary education and in 1905
he was graduated from the high school at Evans ville. In 1906 he entered
DePauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana, taking a general course, but
before graduating he left the university in order to form a partnership with
A. M. Troxell, in 1908. He has taken readily to this line of work and to-
gether thev are building up a very satisfactory business.
Mr. Shake is a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, in which he
has always taken a great deal of interest.
Mr. Shake was married on June 16, 1909, to Clara J. Yunker, a popular
young ladv, the daughter of Conrad and Susan (Skiels) Yunker, of Evans-
ville, Indiana, where she w^as a favorite in the best social circles of the
city, being a woman of culture and education.
Politically Mr. Shake is a Republican, and he is an earnest worker in
the ^Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the
Knights of Pvthias. Considering the fact that he is yet quite a young man
and has made such a promising start in the business world, the future needs
must ausTur lars^e success for him.
...: WILLIAM MILFORD HOUCK.
Fealtv to facts in the analyzation of a citizen of the type of William
Milford Houck is all that is required to make a biographical sketch interest-
ing to those who have at heart the good name of the community, because it
is the honorable reputation of the man of standing and affairs, more than
any other consideration, that gives character and stability to the body politic
and makes the true worth of a county or state revered at home and respected
abroad. In the broad light which things of good report ever invite, the name
and character of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch stand re-
PUTNAM COUXTV, IXDIAXA. 449
vealed and secure and though with modest demeanor, with no ambition to dis-
tinguish himself in pubhc position or as a leader of men, his career has been
signally honorable and it may be studied with profit by the youth entering
upon life's work, for it shows that the man who persists along right lines of
endeavor will eventually accomplish what he sets out to do despite seemingly
insurmountable obstacles. Mr. Houck is too well known to the readers of
this book to need any lengthy chronicle of his life histor}-. for he has been
interested in large affairs here for many years and has spent the major part
of his life in the community of his birth, being one of the worthiest repre-
sentatives of the Houck family, which is one of the old and influential families
of Putnam county.
Mr. Houck was born April 5, i860, on the home farm in ^iladison town-
ship, the son of David and Rachael Houck, a complete sketch of whom ap-
pears on another page of this work. He was educated in the country schools
of Washington township and assisted with the work on the farm, becoming
well accpiainted with general and scientific agriculture and stock raising early
in life and he has continued to make this his principal life work. Howe\'er,
he began life as a school teacher, having applied himself very assiduouslv to
his text-books and received a good education, verv^ largely by his individual
ettorts, teaching two very successful terms of school, in 1878 and 1S79, in
Washington township. But this line of endeavor did not appeal to him as a
life vocation and he returned to the freer life of the husbandman and stock
man. and an evidence of his large success in this line is shown bv the fact
that when eighteen years of age he purchased forty acres; hv hard work and
ffood management this small place has grown to one of the model farms of
the county, comprising four hundred acres, which is well improved in everv
resjject. ver\' carefully tilled and under a high state of cultivation. He has a
modern, commodious and beautiful residence and all the substantial outbuild-
ings that his needs require. He handles large numbers of live stock of various
kinds and usually of a verv^ high quality, being considered a good judge of
stock, especially cattle and hogs.
Mr. Houck is also a stockholder in the Live Oak Plantation Company,
which has twelve thousand acres in Louisiana, which is a very paving invest-
ment, yielding its stockholders excellent returns. He is a stockholder and
director in the Plezee Company, of Greencastle, a firm manufacturing the
famous soda fountain rlrink from which the company deri\ed its name, and
which for se\eral years has had an immense sale in the Middle A\'est.
On October 20, rSSo, Mr. Houck married Emma Myra Bence, the repre-
sentative of an influential and highlv respected familv, her parents, Tohn and
(29)
450
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Annie E. (Kidd) Bence, being represented on another page of this work.
Mrs. Houck was born June 23, 1864. She is a member of the Wasliburn
Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Twentieth Century
Chib and the Crescent Chib of Greencastle. Mr. and Mrs. Houck have one
foster daughter. Ethel Houck Sheppard. wife of Will M. Slieppard. who make
their home with Mr. and Mrs. Houck. She is a graduate of the city high
school.
Politically ^Ir. Houck is a Democrat and fimi in advocating his party's
principles, taking considerable interest in local affairs during elections. He
has attained to the thirty-second degree in Masonry, being also a member of
]\[urat Temple. Ancient Arabic Order of Xobles of the Mystic Shrine, at In-
dianapolis. Blue Lodge No. 47. Greencastle Chapter, Xo. 22, Royal Arch
Masons, and the Greencastle Commandery. Xo. 11. Knights Templar. Mr.
Houck stands high in the circles of this great fraternity in this state. He
is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Although Mr. Houck has a beautiful country home, he resides in Green-
castle. owning one of the attractive residences of this city, at No. ~2,t, East
Washington street, which is equipped with all up-to-date appliances and tastily
arranged, and here the many friends of the family frequently gather, always
finding an old-time hospitality and good cheer unstintingly dispensed.
JOHN FRANCIS CL'LLY. M. D.
The medical practitioner who would succceed at his profession must
possess manv qualities not to be gained from te.xt and medical books. In
analyzing the career of the successful physician it will invariably be found
to be true that a broad-minded sympathy with the suffering and an honest,
earnest desire to aid his afflicted fellow men have gone hand in hand with
skill and able judgment. Dr. John Francis Cully, of Bainbridge. one of the
best known phvsicians of Putnam county, fortunately embodies the necessary
qualifications mentioned above, and these, too. in a marked degree, and by
energ}- and app!icati(5n to his professional duties is building up an enviable
reputation and drawing to himself a large and remunerative practice.
Doctor Cullv was born in Xewark. Xew Jersey. July 4, 1S52. the son of
^lathew and Marv A. Cully, the father a native of Ireland, who came to this
countrv in an earlv dav and became well established. He was loyal to his
adopted country, joined the Union army and gallantly fought during the war
between the states, meeting death on the field of battle. The Doctor's mother
PL'TXAM COLW'TV, IXDIAXA.
451
died when he was six years old. and when he was eight years of age he came
to Putnam county, Indiana, from New York, and has since resided here,
having found a home in the family of John and Eliza Allen, who treated him
as if he had been their own child, and to whom, in a large measure, he attrib-
utes much of his success in life, since they gave him every opportunity look-
ing to his education and success.
After completing the prescribed course of study in the common schools,
he began the study of medicine under Dr. R. F. Stone, in 1876; in 1878 and
1879 he attended lectures at the Rush Medical College. Chicago, Illinois,
from which institution he was graduated in 1880. Returning to Bainbridge.
he immediately began practice and has since continued here, having been very
successful both as a general practitioner and as a surgeon, enjoving a laro-e
and lucrative practice and keeping on hand a carefully selected stock of medi-
cine. He has kept abreast of the latest discoveries in the medical profession
in every respect, and he has a large and valuable medical library, and his
rank among the medical men of the county and state is high.
Doctor Cully was married in 1885 to Ella F. Darnall. who was born,
reared and educated in Putnam county: she is the daughter of Samuel and
Maria Darnall. a highly honored old pioneer family of this countv. her father
having long been deceased. Tid Doctor Cully and wife three children have
been bom. Lily. Don and Max.
The Doctor is a member of the Christian church, and in his fraternal
relations he belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, holding membership
in Commandery Xo. 1 1, at Greencastle; also the Knights of Pythias, No. ^2^.
He belongs to the Putnam County Medical Society and the Indiana Medical
Society, taking much interest in both. He is a member of the board of pen-
sion examiners. At one time he served as president of the Putnam County
Medical Society. He has also served on the school board and the town board
of trustees. On January 8. 1910, Doctor Cully suffered the loss bv fire of
his fine library, instruments and drug stock, which, though a serious handicap,
temporarily, has not deterred him from practicing his profession with his
usual vigor and skill. The Doctor is a lover of fine horses, and is the owner
of a 2 :i :; trotter.
DAVID KXOLL.
Holding worthy prestige among the enterprising farmers and public-
spirited citizens of Putnam county is David Knoll, of Cloverdale township, a
gentleman of high standing and marked influence in the communitv of which
45-
WEIK S HISTORY OF
he has long been an honored resident. As the name implies, he is of German
Hneap-e. his father. John Knoll, having been boni in the upper Rhine valley
al)out the vear 1813. John Knoll was the son of a soldier who served in the
army of Napoleon and considered the great Emperor as something more than
a mere mortal. Long after the wars in which he took part had closed and the
star of the man of destiny had set forever, any reference to the Emperor
would arouse the patriotism of the Rhennish soldier, and when an old man
to hear the music to which he had marched while wearing the cockade was
sufificient to cause the tears to flow down his furrowed cheeks.
John Knoll left his home in the Fatherland when nineteen years old
and came to the United States, locating at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked
for a number of years at tailoring, which trade he had learned in his native
country. Later he went to Union county, Indiana, where in due time he mar-
ried Susannah Knipe, who was born at Dublin, Wayne county, of which
part of the state her father, Thomas Knipe, was an early pioneer. Mr. and
Mrs. Knipe were natives of England, but came to America many years ago
and spent the remainder of their lives on the farm in the county of Wayne
which the husband and father redeemed from the wilderness. On changing
his residence to Union county, John Knoll turned his attention to farming,
which he carried on for some years in connection with his trade. He proved
a valuable accession to the community in which he settled, doing much of the
tailoring required by the neighbors, \yho remunerated him by assisting with
his farm work. The nearest trading points at that time were Lawrenceburg
and Cincinnati and in marketing his produce at those places, where he also
purchased the few groceries and other necessities for the family, required a
trip of several days. About the year 1847 Mr. Knoll disposed of his interests
in Uniim countv and moved to what is now Jennings township in northwest-
ern part of Owen county, where he bought land and developed a good farm
on which he made his home the remainder of his days, dying at a ripe old
age in about 1885.
David Knoll was born January 9, 1842, in Union county, Indiana, but
spent the greater part of his youth and early manhood in the county of Owen,
to \vhich he was taken by his parents when about five years old. He well re-
members the iourne^' to the new home in what was then the wilds of Jen-
nings township, as a part of the way had to be cut through a dense forest, no
roads having yet been made. As soon as his services could be utilized, he
assisted his father with the labors of the farm, attending at intervals such
schools as the countrv afforded and until his twenty-second year remained at
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 453
home and contributed to the interests and comfort of his parents. In 1864
he went to Nebraska, where he engaged with a government wagon train to
transport supplies to various mihtary posts and other points in the far West.
The train consisted of twenty-six wagons, each drawn by six yoke of oxen,
JMr. Knoll taking charge of one of the wagons, which he drove as far as Salt
Lake City. The trip across the plains was fraught with many difificulties and
hardships and it is estimated that it cost the government the sum of thirty-
two dollars and hfty cents for every hundred weight of goods thus freighted.
Mr. Knoll passed through not a few thrilling experiences on the trip,
both going and coming, being obliged to walk much of the way, which with
the labor of attending to his six yoke of oxen and other incidental duties
proved not only exceedingly tiresome, but at times exasperating. Of the
twenty-six wagons with which the company started all but one were left in
Utah and on the return trip these were brought farther than Fort Halleck,
making their way from the latter place to Leavenworth, Kansas. Mr. Knoll
decided to leave the West and accordingly in the winter of 1866 he returned
to Indiana, arriving at his home in Owen county on Christmas day.
Later Mr. Knoll and a Mr. Routh took a contract to make one hundred
and fifty thousand brick, for the preparation of which they devoted the latter
part of the winter of the above year and during the summer following the
work was completed as per agreement. In the ensuing fall the subject, in
partnership with John Job. started a general store at what is now the village
of Cunot. for two vears. when Mr. Knoll's father purchased Mr. Job's interest
and became a partner. L'nder the style of Knoll & Son. the store was con-
ducted with encouraging success during the five years ensuing, at the expira-
tion of which time the subject traded his interest in the business for one
hundred and twenty acres of land, forty in Owen county and eighty on the
south line of Cloverdale township in the county of Putnam. Moving to this
land. Mr. Knoll addressed himself to the task of its improvement and in due
time had one of the finest farms and among the most beautiful and desirable
homes in the community. There he lived and prospered until about 1890.
when he purchased one hundred and fifty-two acres, one mile southwest of
Cloverdale. where he has since resided. In the meantime he turned his atten-
tion to the manufacture of drain tile, for which there was a growing demand,
constructing a factorv- about two miles south of the above town, which, after
operating for some time, he exchanged for a tract of land in the vicinity. A
few months afterwards he and his sons bought the factory, which they oper-
ated with profitable results until 1910. when the business was sold to other
parties.
454 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Air. Knoll has been quite successful in his various business and farming
interests and is now in independent circumstances, owning the fine farm of
one hundred and fifty-two acres on which he lives, a fifty-acre tract in Owen
county and fifty-two acres on the line between the counties of Owen and Put-
nam. In 1898 he engaged in general merchandising at Cloverdale. where
he conducted a thriving business until the latter part of 1904, when he dis-
posed of the establishment, since which time he has devoted his attention to
agriculture and the manufacturing of drain tile, in both of which his success
has been commensurate with the ability, energy and excellent management
displayed in all of his undertakings.
]\Ir. Knoll, on February 5, 1867. contracted a marriage with Livonia
Hendricks, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Routt) Hendricks, who
moved to Putnam county, Indiana, from their native state of Kentucky when
Mrs. Knoll was about five years of age. The offsprings of this union are
as follows : Ida AL. who first married ]\Iack Asher. by whom she had three
children. Forest. Xora Ellen and Marian. After the death of Mr. .Asher
she married William Xanns. with whom she now lives near Cataract in Owen
county, their marriage resulting in the birth of four children. Alma, Doris,
George and Floy Genevie. Hannah, the second of the family, married John
Vice, to whom she bore a son. Roy. and two daughters. Florence and Dor-
othy. Mr. Vice dying, she subsequently entered the marriage relation with
her present husband. Thomas Paris, of Cloverdale township, the union being
blessed with three offsprings. Glory, Roxey and Harold. James, the third
child, died in infancy. William Knoll, the fourth in order of birth, lives in
Prairie county. Arkansas, where he is engaged in the growing of rice. His
wife, formerly Lovina Cook, has presented him with four children. Orville.
Grace. Everett and Gamett. Emma, the next in succession, married Nicholas
Mace and lives in Clay county. Indiana, their family consisting of a son,
David, and a daughter who answers to the name of Hattie Ila. Xellie, who
married John Canada, with whom she moved to Arkansas some years ago,
died in that state the month following her arrival, leaving four children. Ruth.
James. Charles and Ann. all bom in Indiana. George Knoll, the sixth in
order of birth, married Mettie McMains and lives in Arkansas, two children
having been born to them. Willard and Mar\- Livonia McMains. Susie, the
seventh of the family, is unmarried and still a member of the home circle.
Arley is head bookkeeper and cashier of the X'ational Biscuit Company at
Indianapolis. Grover. Hattie and Marie, the youngest of the family, are still
under the parental roof.
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
JOSEPH B. CROSS. M. D.
Few of the early physicians of Putnam county succeeded in winning the
reputation that Dr. Joseph B. Cross enjoyed through a long span of years
in which he engaged in practice here. He was one of those whole-souled,
large-hearted, kindly men who delighted in his practice more because he could
do humanity the most gocnl in this than by any other medium, and it was
not from sordid mercenary motives that he followed his profession. And
because of his clean, honorable and praiseworthy life he was always held in
the very highest regard by his fellow men. He won a worthy place in the
estimation of medical men of this section of the state as both a general prac-
titioner and surgeon, having long maintained his office at Bainbridge.
Doctor Cross was born in Wayne county, Indiana, February 12, 1823,
son of John J. and Ruth (Poe) Cross, natives of Ohio and of German an-
cestry. They were the parents of five children, four of whom grew to ma-
turity. In 1836 they removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, where they
remained until 1854, thence to Iowa for two years, then returned to Put-
nam county where the father died in April, 1872, and the mother in 1876.
The Doctor was reared on a farm in Wayne and Montgomery counties,
Indiana, and received a good primary education in the public schools. He
began life as a school teacher, but having been ambitious from boyhood to
enter the medical profession, he gave up teaching and earnestly applied him-
self to the .study of medicine in the office of Dr. .\. Kelly, of Ladoga, and he
took his first course of lectures at the Louisville L'niversity, Louisville, Ken-
tucky, in 1847 'infl 1848. He graduated from the Ohio Medical College,
at Cincinnati, in the winter of 1832 and 1853. He returned to Indiana and
opened an office in Ladoga. .Although he was gaining prestige here, he
moved to Carpentersville. where he believed there existed a better opening,
and he continued successfully in the latter place for a ])eriod of sixteen
vears. and in 1865 he moved to Bainbridge, Putnam county, where he con-
tinued until 1880, building up a very extensive and lucrative practice, re-
tiring from active work on the last mentioned date. His retirement to
private life was due principally to- inflammatory- rheumatism, contracted,
no doubt, from his too assiduous attention to his many patients, riding
through all kinds of weather, often long distances.
In September. 1850. the Doctor was married to Sallie Call, who was
born in Kentucky, October 31, 1831. daughter of Squire and Mary (Moore)
45^
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Call. Six children were born to Doctor Cross and wife, only two of whom
are living. Emma F., wife of J. A. Lewman. a well known farmer and stock
man of Putnam county, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in these pages,
and Anna Cross, who married Harry G. Brown and they live near Green-
castle.
Doctor Cross became well fixed financially and owned two hundred and
eightv acres of good land in this township, besides his property in Bain-
bridge, where he had a large residence and one acre of ground. He was a
member of Masonic Lodge No. 75, at Bainbridgei and of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge Xo. 311. He was also a member of the
Christian church and a liberal supporter of the same.
The Doctor took an interest in his distinguished ancestry. His mother
was a first cousin of General Poe. the famous Indian fighter, and the family
was also related to Edgar Allen Poe, the great poet. John Call, a brother
of Mrs. Cross, died while in the Union anny.
JOHN F. CANNON.
This utilitarian age has been especially prolific in men of action, clear-
brained men of high resolves and noble purposes, who gi\e character and
stability to the communities honored by their citizenship, and whose in-
fluence and leadership are easily discernible in the various enterprises that
have added so greatly to the high reputation which Putnam county enjoys
among her sister counties of this great commonwealth. Conspicuous among
this class of men whose place of residence is in Greencastle is the progressive
citizen under whose name this article is written, for, while yet young in
years. 'Slv. Cannon has reaped the rewards that never fail to come as the
result of rightly applied energy.
John F. Cannon is a native of the city where he now resides, having
been born here on July 2. 1S72. His father, Frank Cannon, was born in
county Donegal, Ireland, in 1842, grew to maturity and was educated there.
He early in life formed a desire to come to America and in 1864 he gratified
that am])ition. He located in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, re-
maining there for a period of two years. From there he went to Indianapolis
and in 1870 came to Greencastle, Indiana, where he has since remained,
with the e.xception of one year spent at his old home in Ireland, making
the trip in 1899. He has always followed the trade of tailor and he is re-
PUTNAM COUXTY, INDIAN' A. 457
garded as \'en- skillful in tliis line of work, having long enjoyed a very
liberal patronage. He married in 1870. at Indianapolis, Catherine Carr,
who was born in Ireland, not far from the birthplace of Frank Cannon.
She came to America when a young woman, and she is still living, being,
like her husband, highly esteemed among a wide circle of friends. Thev
are the parents of ten children, si.x of whom are li\ing at this writing,
namely: John F.. of Greencastle; Bridget lives in the Community of St.
]\rary"s-of-the-Woods ; James and Frank live in Greencastle: George is a
senior in DePauw University and will graduate with the class of 1910; Anna
is also a student in that university. The parents of these children are
members of the Catholic church.
John F. Cannon was educated in the public schools of Greencastle, and
when but a boy he decided to follow the footsteps of his father bv entering
the tailoring business, which he accordingly did with his father, w ith whom
he remained for about six v'ears, during which time he mastered all the
details of the same: but. desiring a larger field for the exercise of his tal-
ents, he. in 1891, engaged in the clothing business with D. W". Alspaugh under
the finn name of Alspaugh & Company, with which finn he continued verv
successfully until four years ago, when ^Ir. Alspaugh died. Frank Cannon
also had an interest in the finn. which, at the time indicated abo\e, became
J. F. Cannon & Company, advertising as the Bell Clothing Company, which
has continued to grow steadily until a large and lucrative patronage is enjoved
with the town anrl surrounding country. A large, up-to-date and carefully
selected stock of clothing, gents' furnishings and men's outfittings in general
are carried. Customers are accorded such fair and courteous treatment
here that the\' are invariably pleased and never care to change their favorite
place of trading, according to the statement of many of them.
John F. Cannon was married on Xovember 26, 1901. to Rose Gainer,
a native of Greencastle, the daughter of John Gainer and wife, highly
honored citizens here. [Mrs. Cannon is a woman of refinement and is a
fa\'orite A\ith a large coterie of friends. This union has resulted in the
birth of one daughter, bearing the good old name Mary Katherine.
!Nfr. Cannon is a director in the Indiana Retail Merchants Fire Insur-
ance Company, also a director of Plezee Company of Greencastle. a com-
pany organized to manufacture the well known popular .soft drink "Plezee."
Fraternally he is the present exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. Xo. 1077. Ke also belongs to the Improved Order of Red
]\ren. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church, and liberal
458
WEIK S HISTORY OF
supporters of the same. No family in Greencastle is more highly esteemed
than the Cannons, this being the result of upright and proper living and the
manifestation of right principles in furthering the city's interests.
JOSEPH A. LEWMAX.
It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation
in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his
family circle, in church, hear his views on public questions, observe his code
of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and
civilization, and are therefore competent to judge of his merits and his
demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation, it would
be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for. as
has been often said, "Actions speak louder than words." In this connection
it is not too much to say that Joseph A. Lewman has lived a life of honor;
that he is industrious and has the confidence of all who know him and have
the pleasure of his friendship, being one of Monroe township's well known
stockmen and fanners, having owned some the best horses that Putnam
county ever produced.
Mr. Lewman was born January 4. 1853. the son of Jesse and Purcella
(Laforge) Lewman. natives of Fleming county. Kentucky. In 1857. while
on a trip to Iowa, the father w-as drowned by falling off the deck of the
steamboat that was carrying him. The mother and children then abandoned
the trip and came to Indiana.
Joseph A. Lewman received an ordinary common school ethication. On
January 15. 1879. he married Emma F. Cross, daughter of a well known
local physician of the past generation, a sketch of whom is to be found
elsewhere in these pages. Mrs. Lewman's father's mother was related to
Edgar Allen Poe, the great American author.
This union resulted in the birth of the following children: Ida May.
born January 18. 1880. married Harry L. Grider. a merchant of Fincastle.
this county; thev have one child, Howard L.. born [March 25. 1909: James
B. Lewman was born October 5. 1882; Frederick A., l^orn Feliruarv' 24.
1887: Frank C. born January 2. 1890. is a bookkeeper in the employ of the
Bell Telephone Company; Ruth, born June 24. 1895. is a student in the
Bainbridare schools.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 459
Mr. Lewman is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of well cul-
tivated and highly improved land where he has carried on general farm-
ing very successfully for many years; but stock raising has been his prin-
cipal source of income and has claimed his close attention. It is as the
owner of fine horses that he has become widely known, having been a very
successful horse raiser, among the well known horses he has owned being
the following: "Brinoda," with a record of 2:11^4; "Major Ham." 2:24;
"Major Ham. Jr.," 2:19; "Coon Hollow Jack." 2:i^':i: "Trixie." 2:i9'4;
"Major L.." 2:09'4; "Alice Miller," 2:15. He still owns some valuable
stock for which he finds a ready market whenever he cares to dispose of them.
Mr. Lewman is a member of Masonic Lodge Xo. 75, at Bainbridge : in
politics he is a Democrat, and while he is interested in the county's welfare in
every way he is no office seeker, but spends all his time looking after his in-
dividual affairs.
. AXDREW MARSHALL TROXELL.
From a fine old \'irginia family, noted alike for its hospitality and
industry, is descended Andrew Marshall Troxell, who has long figured
prominently in Putnam county affairs. He himself was born near Lexington,
Virginia, January 12, 1858, the son of .\ndrew and Elizabeth Troxell. who
died when their son, Andrew M.. was young, the father dying in the Old
Dominion, and the mother soon passed away after her arrival in Henry
county. Indiana.
Andrew M. Troxell was ambitious when a lad and in order to get a
proper text-book training, worked his way through the Knightstown schools.
He began his life work by taking a position as assistant agent of the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad Company at Knightstown. Indiana, where he remained for a
period of four years, then he represented this company as agent at Raysville.
Indiana, for two years. Always of an artistic temperament and by nature
a lover of the beautiful, he obser\-ed an opening for a florist at Knightstown
and accordingly established himself there in this line which he continued with
varying success for a period of fifteen years. Twelve years ago he came to
Greencastle and launched out in the same line of business and was very suc-
cessful from the first. In 1908 he formed a partnership with C. A. Shake and
he is still engaged in vigorously pushing his business to the front. This finn
has now become well established and is one of the b.est known in this part
460 weik's history of
of the state and does an extensive business with this and surrounding towns.
Fraternally Mr. Troxell belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
also the encampment. He is known as an energetic, honest and congenial
business man who has made manv friends since coming here.
^IRS. VIRGIXIA C. AKERS.
A woman who enjoys distinctive social prestige in Warren township,
Putnam countv. where she has iiosts of friends who delight in her companion-
ship because of her genial and hospitable disposition, and who has proved
herself to be a woman of rare business ability in the successful management
of her fine farm, is Mrs. Virginia C. Akers, who is a native of Putnam
county, having been born here February 22, 1842, the daughter of John and
Marv Gose. an old and well established family of this county, her father
being a native of Virginia. Mrs. Akers grew to maturity on her father's
old homestead and had the advantage of the common schools. January 19,
1865, she married Martin C. Hurst, born March 15, 1846, the son of Jeffer-
son and Eliza Hurst, the father bom in Marion township, Putnam county,
March 28, 1824, the son of William and Fannie Hurst, the former a native
of Virginia. His parents came to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1823, being
among the first settlers of the county, locating on Deer creek, in Marion
township, entering several tracts of land there from the government. Like
all pioneers, he endured many hardships and privations and died in 1850.
He and his wife were the parents of six children, all now deceased. Mr.
Hurst was widely known and highly respected. Politically he was a Demo-
crat and he was a devoted member of the old-school Baptist church. Jeffer-
son Hurst was reared to manhood in this county and received a limited edu-
cation in the early subscription schools. December 24, 1844, he married
Elsie \'owel and eight children were born to them, namely: Martin C, first
husband of ]Mrs. Akers, of this review; William, Levi, Squire J.. James H.,
George W., Benjamin F. and Mary, wife of Daniel Moffet. The mother of
these children died November 2, 1879, and on September i, 1891, Jefferson
Hurst married Mary E. Tilley, a native of Owen county, Indiana. Two
children were born to this union, Joseph B. and Flossie M. Mr. Hurst was
a successful farmer; he first settled on a farm in section 36, Greencastle
township, and he became the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land
and was considered one of the leading agriculturists of the countv. He
PCTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 461
was a member of the old-school Baptist church and served as clerk of the
local congregation for many years. His death occurred on September 19,
1888.
:\Iartin C. Hurst, his son and first husband of ?\Irs. Akers. began his
married life on a fann given him by his father, near Mt. ^Meridian, in Jeffer-
son township, and they made this their home for five years, then moved to
a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres in section i, Warren township,
and after a few years bought an adjoining eighty, and they moved
into a weather-boarded log house, on which they made additions later, and
here, ]\ Irs. Akers has continued to reside. ^Ir. Hurst prospered and owned
three hundred and fifty acres at his death, which occurred February 4, 1899.
He devoted his life to farming and stock raising and he and his wife were
members of the Primitive Baptist church. Seven children were born to them :
Ida Lee, now Mrs. Dobbs, was born November 25, 1866, married July 28,
1889. and she has had four children, Joel M.. Albert Lee, Edgar R. (de-
ceased) and Eugene H. Mr. Dobbs is a farmer in Mill Creek township.
Albert W., born November 25, 1868, died January 3, 1S88; Walter W., born
April 9, 1 871, married Maud May Bryan, :May 15, 1892, and they are the
parents of four children. Hazel C, Norbert, Caroline and Thomas A. Mr.
LIurst is a salesman, living at Columbus, Ohio. Lawrence T. Hurst, born
April 22, 1873, married Birdie W. Wright December 24, 1893, and they have
one child, H. Kenneth. Mr. Hurst has taught school and engaged in mer-
chandising. The next child was named Edgar, born September 2, 1875, and
died November 18, 1877. Paul Hurst, born .\pril 30, 1879. married Ger-
trude Cooper: he is engaged in farming and he and his wife are the parents
of four children, Victor Ray, Harry H., Alton O. an<l Cecil C. Jasper T.
Hurst, born February 6, 1S82, is also engaged in farming: he married Myrtle'
Cooper January 14, 1902, and they have the fcjllowing children: Emmett C,
Edgar E., Opal Marie.
After the death of her first husband, INIrs. }ilartin C. Hurst had the
management of the home farm and she looked after the same in a business-
like and successful manner. On September 16, 1902, she married Henry S.
Akers, a native of Virginia, who came to Lidiana October i, 186S. He was
drafted from Franklin county, Virginia, for service in the Confederate army,
under Colonel Magruger, of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment. Longstreet's corps.
Pickett's division, and he saw service in many of the greatest battles of the
war. including Gettysburg, Antietam. Winchester and many of lesser note.
^Ir. .\kers was previously married, his first wife dying April 26, 1884,
and twelve children were born to that union, of whom seven survive: Chades
462 WEIK S HISTORY OF
J., a Baptist minister, living in the state of Washington; ^Irs. Mildred
Britton, a farmer in Putnam county, and they have two children, Harvey
and Clav ; James C. Akers has remained single and is living in this county ;
Mrs. Sarah Jarvis lives in Parke county, Indiana: Silas Lee, Stock Yards,
Indianapolis; Joseph A. lives in Jasper county; Mrs. Elizabeth C. Angus
also lives in Jasper county. Indiana.
CAPT. WILLIAM P. WIMMER.
.\ pioneer of the pioneers, a Civil war veteran with a splendid record,
and a progressive fanner who has made a success of his business by keep-
ing up with the procession — such a man is Captain Wimmer, to whom we
now introduce the readers of this volume. He is a good man to know and
all who meet him are sure to like him. When it is stated that his progenitor
was a \'irginian of the old school, it will be seen that this family comes of
excellent stock. It was in 1822 that Jacob Wimmer and his young wife
mounted their horse in front of their old Virginia homes, kissed their friends
goodby and turned their faces resolutely to the west. It took a stout heart
to ride the hundreds of miles intervening between the Old Dominion and
western Indiana at the time this journey was undertaken. There were prac-
tically no roads, only trails and traces. Long ranges of rough mountains had
to be crossed, large and deep rivers to be forded or ferried, miles and miles
of gigantic forests to be threaded, under mighty trees whose shade was so
dense that in many places the sunlight could not penetrate at mid-day. Jacob
Wimmer and wife were brave and self-confident. They had made up their
minds to hunt a home in the boundless west, where land was cheap and the
soil rich. Thev escaped all accidents by flood and field, including wild beasts
and Indians, trudged along at the rate of some fifteen or twenty miles a day
and eventually reached their goal. Mr. Wimmer entered government land,
one mile east of what is now Bridgeton in Parke county and this in time
became the homestead of the Wimmer famih-. This ad\-enturous youth
married a pioneer girl named Elizabeth Mills, and tradition says she made
him a helpmate worthy of his courageous character. They were married in
Virginia and she accompanied him to Indiana, riding the seven hundred
miles on horseback.
\\"illiam Perrv Wimmer. a son of the above mentioned couple, was born
in Parke countv. Indiana. March i ;, 1836. He got the rudiments of an
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 463
education in the old subscription school and loves to tell how he had to
walk three miles to school ever\' day and he wastes no sympathy on the
tender shoots of this age who insist on being hauled to school. It was per-
haps his pioneer experiences that caused Captain Wimmer to become an
advocate of good roads, in which cause he has always been enthusiastic. He
took an active and ot^cial part in the building of the first free roads in Put-
nam countv and long ago saw the vital necessity of easy means of trans-
portation from place to place, especially fanners. He has been one of the
viewers anil has opened up over seventy miles of gravel and rock roads in
Putnam county.
Captain Wimmer is ju.stly proud of his war record and has reason to
be. as no man can show one longer or more creditable. He enlisted on July
6. 1 86 1, and devoted four years and a half to the cause of the Union. He
was promoted from the ranks to second lieutenant and from second to first
lieutenant, and from first lieutenant to captain, and had command of
Companx- H. of the Twenty-first Indiana Regiment. First Heavy Artillen,-,
as captain. The command served under Gen. Ben Butler and saw much hard
fighting and campaigning. .\t Baton Rouge his regiment, in connection
with the Si.xth Michigan and Fourth Wisconsin, had a severe engagement
with the enemv and it was the opinion of General Butler, publicly expressed.
tliat the Twenty-first Indiana had won the day.
.\fter the war. Captain Wimmer engaged in farming and came to
Putnam county in i8fi8. He has always taken much interest in all farmers'
organizations, such as the Grange, the institutes and other educational gath-
erings. Captain Wimmer has always been a Democrat and in 1S77 was
elected ioint representative from Putnam and Plendricks counties, overcom-
ing a Republican majority in Hentlricks county of eleven hundred, and be-
ing elected bv sixty-one. which was (|uite complimentar}- to his popularity
considering the state of parties in the two counties at that time.
In 1867 Captain Wimmer married Angela, daughter of David Parker
and Elizabeth (Lockridge) Farrow, a descendant of Colonel Farrow, a noted
pioneer, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. His wife hav-
ing died a few months after their union. Captain W'immer married her
•lister. Catherine Elizabeth, the ceremony taking place .\ugust 7, 1S68. They
ha\-e had sexen children; Gertrude Flarddee is a resident of Indianapolis:
lessie married James Owens, who makes his home in Chicago: Claude
Parker, who remains with his father, married :\Iyrtle Ragsdale : Xelly Eliza-
beth died in infancy: Oscar died when three years old, and Omar, his twin
brother, is a resident of Chicago; William Andrew, who married Xelly
464
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Can-er, has one child, Elizabeth Louise, and remains on the old homestead
Captain Wimmer's two sons assist him on his farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, which has all the modern improvements and is conducted on
scientific principles.
Captain W'immer has been an Odd Fellow since 186S, belonging to
Lodge Xo. 45, of Greencastle. He is also a member of the Grand Army of
the Republic. Greencastle Post.
THOALAS D. BROOKSHIRE.
The record of Thomas D. Brookshire is that of an enterprising and
public-spirited gentleman who worthily upholds an honorable family name,
and whose life has been very intimately associated with the material pros-
perity and moral advancement of Franklin township, and in fact, with the
general progress of Putnam county, during the most progressive period of its
history, for he has always been found on the right side of questions looking
to the development of his community in any way, and while he has been
prominent in the industrial affairs of the county, he has at the same time
won an enviable reputation for honesty and wholesome living. He is a native
of Montgomery county, Indiana, where his birth occurred October 15, 1861,
the son of Drake and Sallie (Graves) Brookshire, the father having come to
JNIonto'omerv countv in 1830, being among the first settlers in his community.
He made the long and somewhat hazardous trip oxerland from Randolph
county, Xorth Carolina, but he was a hardy son of the soil and enjoyed new
conditions and primitive surroundings. Sallie Graves also came from the
same locality in the old Tar state, and they were married in Montgomery
county, Lidiana. in 1S41. Drake Brookshire is still living, three miles north-
east of Ladoga. Indiana, where he owns a^ valuable farm of two hundred and
fortv-ei^ht acres. He has been very successful since coming here, having
seen the countrv develop in a wonderful manner. He is a man of excellent
characteristics. He was biirn in 1819, and is now in his ninety-first year.
Grandfather Joel Brookshire was a native of North Carolina and came to
Alontgomerv countv in 1830. He married Sallie Slack. He died in 1869.
after rearing a familv of twelve children, five sons and seven daughters.
To Air. and Mrs. Drake Brookshire ten children were born, nine sons and
one daughter, named as follows: Andrew G., Allen. Alexander M., James and
Alarv E, are both deceased; Hon. Elijah \'.. who represented the old eighth
THOMAS D. BROOKSHIRE
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 465
congressional district in Congress for a period of six years, is a prominent
lawyer in Washington. D. C. ; Joel, Thomas D., of this review, is the seventh
son in order of birth; Swan C. (deceased) and Lee.
Thomas D. Brookshire was reared on the farm and when old enough
assisted with the general work on the same, attending the district schools dur-
ing the winter months until he reached maturity. He was a student at Ladoga
Normal School for a time, and after receiving a good education he returned
to the farm, but in iS88 he returned to Ladoga, Indiana, and entered the
butcher business. He had been ver}- successful at this, but on August 17,
1S91. he left that place and came to Putnam county where he purchased a
fami. which recei\'ed his entire attention, consequentl}' he has prospered and
now owns one hundred and fifty acres in Jackson township, also owns one hun-
dred and twenty acres in Montgomery comity. He has developed his farm in
a manner that stamps him as a modern twentieth-century agriculturist and
his abundant harvests annually attest to his care and sound judgment. Be-
sides carrying on general farming he also devotes considerable attention to
stock raising, and knowing well how to handle all kinds of stock, no small
part of his annual income is deri\ed from this source. He has one of the
best impro\"ed and most attractive places in the township.
On October 15, n^oj.'Mr. Brookshire moved to Roachdale. where he has
since made his home in an attractive, cozy and modern dwelling on Indiana
street. He was married on November 27. 1884, to Emma Myers, the rep-
resentative of an excellent family of Montgomery county, Indiana, where
she was born December 17, 1863. having been reared on the home farm and
educated in the district schools. She is the fifth child in order of birth in
a famil_\- of eight children.
l\Ir. and Mrs. Erookshire's pleasant home has been graced by the birth
of two interesting children, namely: Flora C. born November 30. 1887. is
the wife of Dora Crodian. li\-ing in Putnam county; Carlisle M.. born Jan-
uary 5, 1S90. is single and is living at home.
Mrs. Brookshire is a member of the Christian church. Fraternally. [Mr.
Brookshire belongs to Roachdale Lodge. No. 602. Free and Accepted Masons,
of which he is a past master. Both he and his wife belong to the Eastern
Star, of which he is worthy patron. He is also a member of Greencastle
Chapter. No. 2J. Royal .\rch Masons, of Greencastle Council. Roval and
Select Masters, and Greencastle Commandery. No. 11, Knights Templar.
Politically, ]\[r. Brookshire is a Democrat, and he has long taken con-
siderable interest in the affairs of his party, ami he has alwa_\-s done wJiat
(30)
466
WEIK S HISTORY OF
he could politically and otherwise to advance the interests of his county. On
December i. 1898. he was elected county commissioner from the first district
and he made such an honorable and highly commendable record in every
way that he has since been re-elected twice to the same office, serving the
same with fidelity and ability for a period of nine years and one month, dur-
ing which time there were four hundred miles of macadam road built and
there was an expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars, and he ^vas also
chairman of the board of construction when the court house was built, which
imposing structure would be a credit to any county, as would also the fine
system of roads. According to the statement of many of his constituents and
fellow citizens, regardless of party affiliations, Mr. Brookshire was perhaps
the best commissioner the county has ever had, for he did many important
things while in office and always discharged his duties with a fidelity of pur-
pose that could not help being in the end of general benefit. His record is
without a stain or the shadow or suspicion of wrong in any way and he will
always have the high esteem of his friends and acquaintances throughout the
country or wherever he is known.
Mr. Brookshire is a large stockholder in the bank at Roachdale and is
one of its directors. Success has attended his efforts because he has worked
for it along legitimate lines and has been true to every trust reposed in him.
Personally he is a good mixer, genial, genteel, straightforward and hospitable,
and while advancing his own interests never fails to consider the rights of
others.
ESTES DUXCAX.
Among the enterprising farmers and representative citizens of Putnam
county who bv well directed industry and force of character have sur-
mounted adverse conditions and risen to positions of influence and promi-
nence in their respective communities, the name of the subject of this sketch
is deserving of special notice.
The family of which Estes Duncan is an honorable representative is
an old and highly esteemed one in this part of Indiana and wherever known
the name stands for all that is upright in manhood and creditable in citizen-
ship. Benjamin Duncan, the subject's grandfather, was a native of Pennsyl-
vania and a man of sound, practical judgment and intelligence. He and his
wife. Adaline. migrated to Putnam county some time prior to 1830 and.
settliu"- in what is now Cloverdale township, purchased a valuable tract of
PUTXAM COL'XTV. INDIANA. 467
government land which he subsequently developed into a fine fann and on
which both spent the remainder of their days, dying just across the county
line in the village of Ouincy. where for several years they had made their
home.
Among the children of Benjamin and Adaline Duncan was a son, Llovd
T., whose birth occurred on the homestead in Putnam county, April 3. 1843,
and who, like his father, was a farmer by occupation and a man of more than
ordinan,- intelligence and influence. He was a member of Companv E,
Thirty-third Regiment. Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, in the late Civil war
and was with his command during all the varied experiences of the cam-
paign and battled and bore his part bravely and well, upholding the honor
of the government in its time of peril. He shared with his comrades the
hardships and dangers of active ser\-ice until severely wounded at the battle
of Peach Tree Creek (siege of Atlanta), where he was shot through the left
arm so near the shoulder that the entire arm had to be amputated, during
which operation the blood pressure was so strong on the arteries at the in-
jured part as to endanger his life. Indeed, for a long time his friends
despaired of his reco\'ery and more than a year elapsed before he regained
sufficient strength to enable him to reach his home. Among the more im-
portant engagements in which he participated were : Peach Tree Creek,
Thompson's Station and Cumberland Gap.
Shortly after leaving the army 'Sir. Duncan was united in marriage with
^lan.- A. Gillespie, daughter of Lysander and Rebecca (Alartin) Gillespie,
the union resulting in the birth of eight children, of whom the subject was
the first born, the youngest three being triplets, one of whom died at the
age of nine months, this, with the father's death, which occurred [March 13,
1903, being the only invasions of the family circle by the dread Destroyer.
Airs. Duncan, who is residing in Cloverdale township, is a lady of excellent
character, and is highly esteemed by her neighbors and friends and those
who know her best speak in glowing terms of her many excellent qualities
of head and heart.
Estes Duncan, whose birth occurred in Putnam county, Indiana. Sep-
tember 13. 1S67, was reared on the home place in the northern part of Owen
county and early became familiar with the varied duties of the fann. At
the proper age he entered the public school in the neighborhood and with such
interest did he apply himself to his studies that on the seventeenth anniversary
of his birth he was sufficiently advanced to pass the required examination
and receive a teacher's license. Although but a youth in age and appearance,
468
WEIK S HISTORY OF
he took charge of a district school and proved not only a successful and
popular instructor but a strict disciplinarian, whose methods won the favor
alike of pupils and patrons. Actuated by a laudable desire to fit himself for
o-reater efficiency in his chosen calling, he subsequently entered the State
Normal School at Terre Haute, which he attended at intervals during the
early part of his professional career, teaching in the meantime and after-
wards devoting his entire attention to school work. Mr. Duncan's experience
in the school room covered a period of fifteen years, during which time
he forged to the front among the successful teachers of the county and had
he seen fit to devote his life to this honorable profession he doubtless would
have achieved high distinction among the educators of the state. With a
natural liking for the soil, however, and an aptitude for its cultivation, he
decided to give his attention to fanning; accordingly in 1889 he engaged in
that vocation which he carried on in connection with teaching during the
ten vears ensuing, when he discontinued the latter, since which time he has
ranked among the enterprising agriculturists of his township and county.
The father, being a clear headed, well balanced man of practical ideas, ad-
vised his sons to buy land and go in debt for the same, assuring them that for
young men without ready capital this was the best and surest way of securing
a home and acquiring a competency. Acting upon this judicious counsel, the
subject purchased lands from time to time until his indebtedness amounted
to the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars, but managed his affairs
with such energy and diligence that at the end of four years his land was
not only free from encumbrance but he occupied a prominent position among
the leading men of his calling in Cloverdale township.
Bv well directed effort and sound judgment 'Sir. Duncan has been en-
abled to add to his holdings at intervals until he now is the owner of four
hundred acres of valuable land, the greater part under a high state of cul-
tivation and otherwise well improved, his buildings being among the best in
the community, and in point of productiveness his farms yield precedence
to no like area in the county. As a tiller of the soil he is not only energetic
and progressive, but also studious, believing in the dignity of his calling and
strivino- bv e\-ery means at his command to make it remunerative and in the
hio-hest decree honorable. In addition to his agricultural and livestock inter-
ests he is identified with several local enterprises of different character,
amono- them being the Cloverdale Hardware & Lumber Company, of
which he is secretary^ and treasurer and the success of which is very largely
attributable to his judicious management.
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 469
The domestic life of Mr. Duncan dates from the year 18S9. at which
time was solemnized his marriage with Nevada Pollard, a daughter of
William G. and Martha A. Pollard, a union blessed with two children. Frank
P. and Floyd R., both bright and intelligent young men with promising fu-
tures before them. The older son is a student of the State University, where
he is preparing himself for a life of usefulness and honor; the younger,
who is also ambitious, is pursuing his studies in the Cloverdale high school,
with the object in view of becoming more than a mere passive factor in the
world of affairs.
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, together with their sons, are members of the
[Methodist Episcopal church and are zealous in all lines under the auspices
of the same. Fraternally, Mr. Duncan belongs to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen, in both of which societies he has
been honored from time to time with important ofificial positions.
JOHX W. WALLACE.
In reality no greater badge of honor could be attached to a man at the
present time than to refer to him as one of the "boys in blue," for it re-
quired no little amount of -sacrifice, no small degree of courage and no lack
of patriotism to leave hearth and home and brave the dangers and hard-
ships of camp, campaign and battle in order to perpetuate the L'nion, to
sa\e the national integrity and to insure peace and prosperity to future
generations. Such a man is John W. Wallace, one of Mill Creek township's
substantial farmers. He was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, in 1835,
the son of Elijah and ]\Ielvina (Manley) Wallace, the father born March 22,
181 1, in Anderson county, Tennessee, the son of David and Elizabeth
(Atkins) Wallace. Elijah Wallace grew to maturity in his home community
and in March. 1S34. he married Melvina Manley. who was born October 6.
18 1 3. in Tennessee. Her parents were Wilson and Louisa Manley. natives
of the same state. Eleven children were born to this union, namely: Amanda,
wife of Leonard Shaw: John, James, David and Elizabeth: Louisa, the
wife of Homer W. Sandv : Xancy, wife of Samuel ^IcCollum: ^^"illiam ;
Ellen, wife of Richard Brown, and Serelda.
Elijah ^Vallace and family came to Indiana in 1834 and settled first in
Morgan county, but after a short residence there moved to what is now
Hendricks county, locating in the woods, cleared a spot and erected a cabin,
470
WEIK S HISTORY OF
and soon began the work of clearing a farm. He had a total capital of
only one hundred dollars when he reached this state, but he was successful
and at his death had accumulated large holdings; he died July I3. 1884. He
was a man whom everybody liked and trusted. After his death his widow
moved to Alill Creek township and made her home there; she often re-
ferred to the days of 1834. when she and her husband arrived in Indiana,
having made the journey from Tennessee in a one-horse wagon. Mr.
Wallace was worth quite a sum for those days, one hundred thousand dollars
at the time of his death.
When John W. Wallace was about seven years old the family moved to
Morgan countv. where the father entered another farm, and lived there five
or six years, then moved two and one-half miles south of Stilesville. where
the father bought another farm, tliis being the family home until the death
of the father in 1884: thus in the southwest corner of Hendricks county John
W. Wallace grew to maturity. In i860 he married Louisa Hill, who was
born in Jefiferson township, the daughter of George and Nellie Hill. Reuben
Hill was the father of George, Harrison and ^^'arren Hill. George Hill
married Melinda Christenson and they became parents of three children,
namely: Vandever B.. Piney married Robert McCammack ; Andrew, who
first married a Miss MacAmic, there being one daughter by this union;
he then married Emily Jane Scott, and to this union were born three sons
and four daughters. Melinda Christenson Hill died and George Hill mar-
ried Elinor Newman in Kentucky. George Hill came from Kentucky about
18^0 and settled one and one-half miles west of Belle Union, where he entered
government land, the country roundabout for many miles being new and un-
cleared. He remarried and died there. By his second marriage these chil-
dren were born: Malinda. Sallie, Eliza (wife of John Wallace), IMargaret,
Harrison and James.
Andrew Hill grew to maturity near^where Belle Union now stands. He
was bom in Kentucky about 1828 and in 1830 his parents brought him to
Indiana. Twelve children were born to Andrew Hill and wife, eight of
whom are now living, namely: Florence Dell married Thompson Vaughan ;
Vandever Berry: Savanna married John Cohn : Chandler B. ; IMonte married
Hucrh Hicks and is now deceased; Franklin died in infancy: Agnes is the
widow of John Whittaker: Nevada married Reuben Ma.sten : Otto and
George. Mrs. Hill died February 17. 1898.
James Hill, now deceased, was born in Putnam county in August,
iS-'<). the son of George and Nellie Hill, natives of Kentucky and pioneers of
PLTNAM COL'NTY, INDIANA. 47^
Putnam county. He was reared in this county and always followed farm-
ing. He was also engaged in shipping stock. He was married in March,
1861. to Elizabeth, daughter of Elijah and Afelvina Wallace, early settlers
of this county.
Xine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John W. Wallace, named
as follows: James W.. Elijah. Frances, George. Minnie (deceased). Emma.
]^larietta (deceased). Dora and Catherine.
Icihn W. Wallace had a small farm in Jefferson township, this county,
where lie lived until 1863. when he moved to section 17. 'MIW Creek township,
where he lived until 1884. In March. 1864. he enlisted in Company E. Fifty-
ninth Regiment. Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, joining the regiment at Flunts-
ville. Alabama, while the army was on its way from Tennessee to Atlanta.
He was taken sick the following August and was sent to the hospital at
Cleveland. Tennessee, where he was confined by illness until Christmas,
following. From there he was sent to Baltimore, then by ship to Xewburn.
Xorth Carolina; he was then in the battle of Kingston; then he joined
Sherman's army at Goldsboro. Xorth Carolina, from which place he ac-
companied the army to Raleigh to meet Johnson's army, taking three days'
rations and went out to battle, but Johnson surrendered and there was no
battle. Then came the long, hard march to Washington City, where Mr.
Wallace took part in the Grand Review. He received his honorable dis- '
charge at Louisville, Kentucky, and soon afterward came home, his reunion
with his family being something not to be forgotten.
In 1884 Mr. Wallace bought a farm in sections 19 and jo in Mill Creek
township.- ^^ here he has one hundred and twenty acres of well-kept and well-
tilled land. Politicallv he is a Democrat ; he was township asses.sor for two
terms. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Greencastle.
and he and his wife both belong to the Friends church near his home. Their
children are as follows: James W. Wallace marrierl Cora Knoy and lives in
Hendricks county. Indiana: they are the parents of seven children. Ida.
Lottie, .\nnie. Eva. Walter. Xeda and Robert. Elijah Wallace is a stock
trader and lives at Greencastle: he married Ida McFadden and they have
one child, Frank. Frances ^\'allace married Vanley Humphrey and li\es
in Mill Creek township; two children were born to them, Elbert and Myrtle
the latter dying when about two years of age. George A\"allace, who lives
near the home place, married Ella Goodpaster and has four children, Xellie,
Xettie. Elma and Herman. Minnie Wallace married Wilfred Ogles and died
in 1899, leaving two small children. John and Gilbert: after the death of
472 WEIK S HISTORY OF
their mother they made their home with John \V. Wallace, of this review.
Gilbert Wallace married ^label Elmore and lives near John W. Wallace. John
Wallace is still a member of the home circle. Emma Wallace married Walter
Butler and lives at Martinsville, and has one son. Gilbert. Marietta died
when a bab\-. Dora and Catherine both live at home with their parents.
John W. Wallace is a man whom everybody likes, being kind-hearted,
honest and reliable.
TOHX L. SELLERS.
Among the native sons of Warren township. Putnam county, who de-
ser\-e a place in local history is John L. Sellers, who has spent his long life
here and who has ever had the interest of his community at heart. His
birth occurred August 25, 1S36. the son of John Crawford Sellers, who was
born March 26, 1796, in Garrard county, Kentucky. ]March i, 1821, he mar-
ried Fannie Brown and thirteen children resulted from this union, two of
whom are living, John L.. of this review, and Joseph B., whose death occurred
in 1843; those deceased are, Mrs. Rebecca Gilmore, born in 1830, died in
April, 1906: Mrs. Martha Ruark, born in 1838, died April 19, 1909; Mrs.
Lucy Ann Leach, born in 1822, died May 6. 1846: James Washington, born
in 1823, died June 11, 1865; William, born in 1824, died October 5, 1850;
Mary, born 1826. died October 2. 1853: Elizabeth, born 1828. died October
16. 185S; Amanda J., born 1832. died November 13. 1836: Mrs. Xancy
Talbott. born 1834: died February 8, 1872; Fannie E. (twin sister of John
L.), born 1836, died November, 1S51 : Sarah B., born 1840, died in infancy.
The father of these children arrived in Putnam county in 1823, having
a capital of only two hundred dollars. He bought eighty acres of land in
section 5, Warren township, all in the woods, ten acres of which had been
deadened. The first spring after he came here he rolled logs and assisted to
build cabins for thirty-one days in succession. His only horse being crippled,
he was compelled to tend his first crop of corn with a steer. He laid the
"worm" rail of his fence at night and his wife \vould finish building the fence
the next day while he was doing other work. From time to time he added
other land to his home fami until he owned four hundred acres of valuable
land, entering most of it from the government. When he started out he
worked for twenty-five cents per day to get money with which to buv his
first land. When he came here the county was practically a wilderness and
PUTXA.M COUXTV. IXUIAXA. 473
to get to Greencastle. then a hamlet composed of seven cabins, he was
compelled to blaze his way through the hea\y woods, composed princii)ally
of tall oaks and dense underbrush. School houses and churciies were un-
known then and the chances for an education were very limited, but he
gave his children such as could be obtained. He was a soldier in the war of
1812. his regiment being organized principally in the northern frontier and he
was in the famous charge when the Indian chief Tecumseh was killed at the
battle of the Thames. Mr. Sellers was an industrious, plain, honest man,
who never sought or held office. For forty years he and his wife were mem-
bers of the Presbyterian church at Putnamville, he being an elder during the
greater part of that time, giving liberally and cheerfully of his means for
the advancement of the church's interest, and he did much to develop the re-
sources of the county. His death occurred November i, 1874, at the age
of seventy-eight years, his wife surviving until 1878, dying in her seventy-
seventh year, and they are buried at the old Putnamville cemetery.
[ohn L. Sellers, the inimediate subject of this review, spent his youth on
the home farm. ha\ing the advantage of a three-months subscription school
each winter. September 4. i86_'. he enlisted in Company L, Forty-fifth Regi-
ment. Third Indiana Cavalry, under Capt. O. 'SI. Powers and Lieut. G. J-
Langsdale. and he served with credit until the close of the war.
On December 11. 1866. Mr. Sellers married Mary Matkins. of Green-
castle. and thev went to live with his parents, with whom he remained during
their lifetime — in fact, he has since made his home on the parental farm, de-
voting his attention exclusively to general farming and stock raising, being
\'ery successful in each.
Mr. Sellers very ably served his township as trustee for a period of four
years. He is known as a very liberal man. generous and kind hearted, and he
has thus been imposed upon, having frequently paid notes on which he was
security. He is a memljer of the Presbyterian church and was an elder in the
same for years, also a trustee for many years. Mrs. Sellers was also a faith-
ful member of the ^fethodist church. She died October 20. 1879, having
borne her husband seven children, namely: Edward ].. bom September 11,
1867. married Clara Silver, and they are the parents of seven children:
Arthur U.. Lawrence L.. Ethel \'.. Joyne M.. Louisa A.. Harold G. and
Edward L. Katherine .\. Sellers was born in November. 1868: she has
remained single and is living at home. Jennie L.. born in April. 1S70. died
in November. 1882. Nannie E.. born July 4. 1872. is the wife of Alonzo
Dav and thev have two cliildren. Hazel and Russell (deceased). Sarah F..
474
WEIK S HISTORY OF
born in October, 1874, died May 20, 1879. ^vlinnie B., born February 15,
1876, married Charles R. Grogan and they had four children: Grace May,
Jennie (died October 22, 1902), Dorothy F., and Esther A. Ida M. Sellers
is the wife of Hays Williams; she was born August i. 1879. and they have
two children. Estelle L. and Hubert L.
On August 3, 1880. John L. Sellers married a second time, his last wife
being Elizabeth Wells, daughter of Levi and Katherine Wells, of Greencastle,
and this union resulted in the birth of three children : William C. born
August 21. 1 88 1, married Grace Haymaker, and they have one child. John
Riley; Mary E.. born January 17. 1884. and Myrtle O.. born July 5. 1891,
graduated from the Greencastle high school in the class of 1910.
OSCAR L. JOXES.
The founder of the Putnam county family of this name, which has
always been successful, prosperous and influential, was Jesse Jones, known
familiarly to everybody hereabouts in olden days. He was born in Kentucky
and came here when the county was still sparsely settled, without good roads
and devoid of improvement of any kind. He entered government land in sec-
tion 5 of Greencastle township, which at the time was wild and wholly unim-
proved and covered with a heavy growth of forest trees. Many a hard lick
was put in by Jesse Jones in his efforts to convert his wild land into farming
ground. He went at it. however, and kept at it with a dogged persistency
that characterized the sturdy race of which he was a fine representative,
and eventually he had a moderate estate to leave to his heirs. The land he
purchased for one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre is now an average
fami of Putnam countv and is so greatly improved by adjacent pike roads,
fine buildings, good fencing, telephones, rural mail delivery and other modern
appliances that the original owner would not recognize it as the same place.
Hiram Jones was born in Kentucky in 1820. and came to Putnam county
when a bov with his parents. He married Eliza Reeves, by whom he had
four children, of whom Oscar L. Jones is the only survivor. The mother
died in 1861 and the father married Hannah McCorkle. of Kentucky, and
one child. Jesse Jones, of Monroe township, was born to them. Hiram Jones
died Februan,- 14, 1870. Oscar L. Jones was born June 13. 1859. and grew
up with usual experiences of fami boys of his period. He helped on the
/
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDI.\NA. 475
fami, doing all kinds of work suitable to one of his age, and meantime
managed to attend school during the winter months. After he got older he
attended old Asbury University and acquired a very fair education for
his day. He remained on the farm until he was twenty-five years old, when
he gave up fanning for a business career. For several years he was en-
gaged in the wholesale produce business at Roachdale and made quite a
success in this line, as he did of all his undertakings. He used to ship car-
loads of produce to Xew York and his store was headquarters for producers
miles around who brought in their products and received for them the highest
market prices. In 1899 Mr. Jones entered the feed and building material
business in Greencastle and has carried it on on an extensive scale for many
years. He handles lime, cement, brick, plastering goods and all other things
suitable in house construction and all kinds of feed. His business is large
and growing all the time, as Mr. Jones is energetic and resourceful, a close
buyer and prudent seller — in fact a business man of the first rank. Like his
father before him. he has always been a member of the Republican party,
though not an office seeker and too bus}- with his own affairs to bother with
political manipulations. In 1904 he was elected to represent the fourth ward
in the city council and made a watchful and honest guardian of the city's
interests. He is a member of the Locust Street Methodist Episcopal church
and belongs to Greencastle Lodge, Xo. 473. Free and .\ccepted Masons.
Mr. Tones married Lena Shinn, of Putnam county, October 7. 1880,
and thev have one child, Gladys, now the wife of John Johnson, of Green-
castle, who is associated in business with his father-in-law. His wife having
died, Mr. Jones married Mary Ellis, of Bainbridge. June 9. 1890.
WILLIAM P.VYXE STOXER.
.\ man who has long been active and influential in the affairs of Put-
nam county, reaping a just reward for his many years of endeavor along
legitimate lines, and now living in honorable retirement in the city of
Greencastle, surrounded by the evidences of his former years of thrift and
good management, is William Payne Stoner. He comes down to us from
the pioneer days in this county, the Stoner family having lived here when
this city was a village. He was born on the old homestead two miles from
Greencastle. Februarv 7, 1843. A complete sketch of his parents and an-
476 weik's history of
cestors is to be found on another page of this work, under the caption of
L}'curgus Stoner.
Wilham P. Stoner remained at home until he was eighteen years of
age, when, although but a lad, he could not repress his patriotism at Presi-
dent Lincoln's urgent call for troops to suppress the rebellion in the South,
and in the fall of 1862 he enlisted in Company A, Seventy-eighth Regiment,
Indiana \'o!unteer Infantry, for the purpose of serving along the Ohio
river. After being in the field thirty days he was captured by the Con-
federates at Uniontown, Kentucky, who made a raid- on the Union camp,
taking two companies of the regiment at that time. They were soon paroled,
and Mr. Stoner came home and was discharged; however, he was not con-
tented to remain idle when he was needed in the field and in 1864 he en-
listed in the heavv artillery for one year and he served until August, 1865,
principallv at Baton Rouge. His company was detached from the main
armv and was sent to Ft. A\'illiams until after Lee's surrender. They were
sent up tlie Red river for the purpose of securing stores that had been
surrendered.
^Ir. Stones was educated in the common schools of the county. With
his two brothers he bought a fann near Manhattan, Washington town-
ship, where he remained for eleven years, during which time he got a good
start. At the death of his father in 1876 he returned to the old home place
and began farming a part of the same, part of the original entry from the
government, known as the Hathaway farm, lying in Greencastle township,
adjoining the original Stoner farm. He erected a comfortable and sub-
stantial dwelling and other buildings on the place in 1878 and lived there
ver\- comfortably until 1905, making, besides general agricultural pursuits,
stock raising a specialty, becoming widely known in this special feature,
being one of the first men in this locality to breed heavy draft horses. For
a period of fifteen years he spent the major part of the winters in Louisiana,
fiftv-three miles north of New Orleans, having bought land there and
stocked it with cattle. He understood well the proper care of all kinds of
livestock and the greater part of his income was derived from this source.
One thing that took him to the South during the winter was rheumatism,
with which he has been troubled for twenty-si.x years. He added forty
acres to the old farm, making a total of two hundred and twenty-two acres,
which he still retains, having disposed of his other valuable property about
five vears ago. He is reluctant to part with his farm here, all of which was
formerlv owned by his father. It is still \-ery productive, having been very
skillfullv tilled and properlv cared for. He purchased his present attractive
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 477
and tastily furnished city residence some time ago ; it was known as the Ed.
Hanneman homestead, the latter known as the builder of the local opera
house. Mr. Stoner's sons are now operating the farm in partnership.
Politically ]\Ir. Stoner is a Republican, but he has never held otifice,
preferring to lead a quiet life and give his attention exclusively to his fanii
and stock. He is a member of the local post of the Grand Army of the
Republic.
Mr. Stoner was married on February 7, 1872, while living on his farm
in Washington township, to Mary Parritt, daughter of Burr G. and Almeda
(Benedict) Parritt, a well known family of Hamricks, this county, where
they conducted a store. Mrs. Stoner was born in the state of Connecticut
and came to Putnain county when se\'en years of age, and she grew to ma-
turity here and \vas educated in the public schools. Her father died in
this county, being over seventy years of age. He took considerable interest
in public affairs.
The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stoner: Ernest,
employed in the postoffice at Greencastle; Omer is active manager of the
farm; ^lary Almeda married James Lynch, of Danville. Indiana: Andrew
P. also Ii\"es on the home farm, but he is a civil engineer by profession and
is engaged most of the time in railroad work in the civil engineering de-
partment.
This family deserves a very high rank among the leading citizens of
Putnam county, having always been industrious, honorable in all the rela-
tions of life and interested in the public welfare.
D.WTD ADER.
Although the late David .Ader has passed from tlie scene of action in
Putnam county, where he was so long a conspicuous figure, his wholesome
influence is still felt by scores who knew him well and his memory will
ever be revered for his many little acts of kindness and the good example
he set the vouth of the land, for he was truly a good and just man in all
the walks of life and a very successful one. his large rewards coming as a
result of rightiv applied energy, the carr\-ing out of honorable principles
and by strict integrity in his dealings with his fellow men. .All credit is
due a man who wins success in spite of obstacles and by persistency and
energ}- gains a competence and a position of honor as a man and citizen.
478 weik's history of
The record of Mr. Ader is that of such a man. for he came to Putnam
county in the davs of her rapid growth and here worked out his way to
definite success and independence. He quickly adapted himself to the con-
ditions which he found here and latoring so consecutively and effecti^■ely
that lie became one of the substantial men of the county and also one of her
most highly honored citizens.
David Ader was bom March 6. 1S22. in Davidson county. North Caro-
lina, the son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Pickle) Ader, the father a native of
\'irginia. the son of Adam Ader, who was a native of Maryland and of
German extraction ; thus the Ader family has been in America for many
generations and many of them have been conspicuous in various walks of
life. Elizabeth Pickle was the daughter of Valentine Pickle, also of German
ancestry.
It was as eariv as 1828 that the Ader family came to Putnam county,
Indiana, making the long journey overland from the old Tar state of the
South, and here, amid the trials and inconveniences of a new countrv\ they
established a home in the wilderness, from which in due course of time, by
dint of hard toil, sprang an excellent farm and a comfortable and com-
modious home. x-Mthough David Ader, of this review, was then but eight
vears old. he began assisting his parents in their home building in whatever
wav he could. Their first house, built on their land in Russell township,
was a pole cabin fourteen by sixteen feet. Here young Ader found a very
limited opportunity to attend school, but later in life he educated himself.
He grew to maturitv on the home place in Russell township and shortly
afterward moving to Flovd township and became acquainted with hard toil
like all sons of pioneers. In 1865 he came to Bainbridge and lived here till
his death.
January 9. 184.^. David Ader married Elizabeth Aldridge, a native of
Connersviile. who proved to be a very faithful helpmate through the years
that she traversed the path of life by his side. To this union two children
were born. Nathan W. and Helen E.
The mother of these children died on May 4, 1854, and on January- 18.
iS^T. Mr. Ader married Mrs. Belinda C. Buchanan. This union resulted
in the birth of four children, two of whom are living at this writing. Alice
B. and Francis David.
David Ader was a philanthropist and stood always ready to assist in
anv worthv cause. Although he started in life under none too favorable
environment, being compelled to literally hew out his fortune, he became
prominent and accumulated a vast fortune, owning two thousand three
PUTXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 479
hundred and fifty acres of land. He was a hard worker, a good manager
and a man of keen foresight, and his death occurred very suddenly while
riding on horseback looking after his extensive interests, on September
6, 1894, in Floyd township, and in the Bainbridge cemeterv- he is sleeping
the sleep of the just.
Mr. Ader took an ardent interest in politics, always interested in seeing
the best men in local and national ofiices, and he very ably served as justice
of the peace, which honor was literally "thrust upon him," as Shakespeare
says. He was no office seeker, preferring to give his exclusive attention to
his private business affairs. He aided his government during the war of
the Rebellion by acting as agent for his township, paying the total sum
of eighteen thousand dollars for substitutes in the Union armv. He was
prominent in church affairs, having been an elder in the local Cumberland
Presbyterian church, which he practically built and of which he was always
a liberal supporter. _ He was a trustee of the Groveland church from the
time of its organization until his death. He was never a user of strong drink,
detesting saloon and grog shops in general and wherever he could he struck
a blow for temperance. He is remembered as a man whose word was as
good, if not better, than the bond of most men. strictly honorable in his
dealings with his fellow men, obliging, generous, a kind neighbor, indulo-ent
father and an ideal home man, his commodious and well appointed dwellino"
often being the scene of rare hospitality, for he delighted to show every
courtesy to whatever guest passed his threshold. Such a life should be
enuilated by the youth who stands at the parting of the ways, for it was
successful, noble, exemplaiy in ever\- respect, and he left behind him the
greatest of all inheritances, an untarnished reputation.
W. M. SUTHERLIX.
This family, which is of English origin, sent representatives to the
United States and at an early date they were settlers in Kentucky. Rife
Sutherlin. who was born in that state, came to Indiana as earlv as 1826.
settled in Putnam count}", and entered land from the government in Russell
township, on which he lived until his death, about 1883. He married Rebecca
Saylor, bv whom he had seven children. Among the number was Elijah
Sutherlin. who for many years had been a farmer in Russell township,
where he was born and reared. He married Elizabeth Triplett. who was
480 WEIKS HISTORY OF
born near Brazil, Clay county, Indiana, and by this union there were eight
children: Emma, the wife o* T. M. Kelly, of Roachdale, Indiana; Carrie,
wife of William Myers, of Russell township; Viven, wife of William Say-
lor. of Russell township: William ^L. of Greencastle; Guy, a resident of
Russell township; Hattie, wife of Bert Clifford, of Russell township: Dol-
lie, wife of Perry Harbison, of Russell township, and Roy, at home.
William M. Sutherlin. the fourth child, was born in Russell township,
Putnam county, Indiana, November 27, 1878. He remained under the par-
ental roof until he was twenty-two years old. meantime attending the dis-
trict schools and acquiring a good primary education. Later he entered
DePauw University and devoted a year to study in the excellent courses of
that famous institution. He also took a course in law and the scientific de-
partment at Central Normal College in Danville, from which he was grad-
uated in 1902. Prior to this he had taught school for three years in Rus-
sell township and after leaving college he taught one year. In 1904 he
opened a law office at Jasonville. Greene county, Indiana, where he prac-
ticed about one year, and then removed to Greencastle. He is regarded as
one of the brightest and most promising of the younger members of the bar
and his friends predict for him a prosperous career. In 1909 Mr. Sutherlin
was the Democratic nominee for mayor of Greencastle, and, though defeated
by a few votes, made a splendid race in a city known as a Republican
stronghold.
In July, 1905, 'Sir. Sutherlin married Ethel, daughter of Henry and
Maiy Day, of Greencastle. They have an only son. Roy C, born August
27, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Sutherlin are members of the Christian church.
His fraternal associations are with the Masons, Elks. Eagles and Modern
Woodmen. The family ranks well socially and enjoy general popularity
among the wide circle of acquaintances.
J.\MES L. H.\MILTON. -
Amono the prominent and widely known citizens of Putnam county is
Tames L. Hamilton, the present efficient county clerk, who is an important
factor in both business and political circles, and his popularity is well deserved
as in him are embraced the characteristics of unabating energy, unbending
integrity and an industry that never flags. He is public spirited and thor-
oughly interested in whatever tends to promote the welfare of the com-
Ciyymj
PLTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 48I
munity and the county has profited by his labors in Ijehalf ot the general
public.
The founder of this well known eastern Indiana family was an emigrant
from the Emerald Isle, who, more than a century ago, reached American
shores and here became well established. He was familiarly known bv the
soubriquet of "Old-School." and from him to the gentleman whose name
appears above thrift and other accessory qualities that win have been prover-
bial in the Hamilton family. James Hamilton first settled in Pennsylvania,
from which state he migrated to Kentucky and eventually came to Indiana,
locating in White county, but afterwards removed to Putnam, where he
arrived as early as 1SJ9, and here, among other adventurous home-seekers, he
began life anew, soon becoming well established for those early days on the
frontier. Before leaving Pennsylvania he married Hannah Ramsey, a native
of that state, and to this union nine children were born. The father remained
here until his death in 1840. Robert S. Hamilton, youngest of his children,
was born in White county. Indiana. April 15, 1816, the same year which wit-
nessed the entrance of the Hoosier state into the Union. When thirteen vears
of age he accompanied his parents to Putnam county, and he became a
physician, having graduated fn^m the Louisville Medical College, and he
practiced his profession several }-ears in Putnam and Parke counties, his
first location being at Mansfield in the last mentioned county. He served by
appointment as county treasurer at one time and was a citizen of influence
up to the time of his death in 1893. He married Mary R. Bishop, a native
of Portland Mills, Putnam county, by whom he had five children, named as
follows : James L.. of this rc.iew : Fay S. : Pearl G.. wife of Elmer Smith, of
Parke county, Indiana: Dr. Claud B., a dentist of Greencastle. and H. Claire,
the wife of Samuel H. Gibson, of Greencastle.
James L. Hamilton, oldest of Doctor Hamilton's family, was born near
Portland Mills, this county. January 13. 1868. After the usual terms in
the common schools, he entered Danville Central Normal College, from
which he graduated with honors in penmanship and bookkeeping, in 1896.
He had the misfortune, when twenty years old, while working in a sawmill,
t'l have his left arm so badly cut In- a circle-saw that amputation near the
elbow was necessary, this totally incapacitating him from manual labor ever
afterwards. Xot knowing defeat by this untoward mishap, he set to work to
sell musical instruments and met with much encouragement as a piano sales-
man for himself and in 1900 estal^lished a music store in Greencastle and bv
hard work he has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative business, his
store being one of the best appointed in the city, carefully stocked with a
(31)
482 WEIK S HISTORY OF
large line of standard instruments and which is one of the largest and most
popular music stores in this section of the state. For a time he was also ver\-
successfullv engaged in cement bridge contracting and built fourteen bridges
for the Big Four railroad.
Mr. Hamilton comes from a fannly who have enjoyed the conhtlence
of their fellow men and ha\e been chosen to public office on numerous oc-
casions, his father having served as treasurer of Parke county: an uncle,
Samuel Hamilton, also served as commissioner of Parke county, and a great
uncle being Governor Bishop of the state of Ohio, besides many of his other
relatives filling offices of public trust. James L. has shown himself quite
capable of rendering the public efficient service, and he has been quite promi-
nent in politics, his political career showing results both notable and unusual.
He made his debut in the political arena in 1898 in the race for the nomina-
tion for countv clerk and was a close second to a man that was very popular
and who was the logical candidate of his party. Again in the campaign of
1902. he made the race for county clerk and had for his opponent the popular
young editor of the Greencastle Democrat. Arthur Hamrick. It was a warm
fight and attracted the chief attention of the campaign. In this race Mr.
Hamilton was successful, having received two votes to every one of his
opponent, receiving in the Democratic primaries twenty-two hundred and
seventv-tive votes and a majority of sixteen hundred and seventeen, the larg-
est ever given a candidate. He received every vote in Russell township, ex-
cept two, and every one but four in his home township. At the ensuing elec-
tion he defeated his opponent, Charles Hughes, of Bainbridge, who was
looked upon as the strongest man on the Republican ticket, by a majority of
seven hundred and seventy-nine, the largest ever received by a local candidate,
and he ran far ahead of any one on the county ticket and one hundred votes
ahead of the state ticket. He was re-elected in 1906, having so faithfully per-
fomied his duties during his first term that his constituents were unwilling to
give up his services, and he served until 1910 with continuing popularity and
esteem bv those who elected him as well as by the people generally. In his
second race he headed the ticket and his name proved a tower of strength to
the cause of his party and associates.
Mr. Hamilton has one of the coziest and most tastily appointed cottage
homes in the countv, at No. 910 South Indiana street, Greencastle. It is
modern in e\erv detail, with hardwood floors, beautiful woodwork through-
out, decorated bv an expert decorator of Indianapolis, and in every part of
the house there is a striking harmony of detail. The presiding spirit of this
attractive home is a ladv of culture and refinement, known in her maidenhood
as Marv R. Heck, a native of Kentucky, of an excellent Southern family, and
PL'TXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 483
whom Mr. Hamilton married on May 19. 1900. She is the daughter of
Aiigustu.s D. and Samantha ( Stroube ) Heck, both of whom were born and
reared in Bracken county, Kentucky, in which place they spent their lives,
both being now deceased, Mrs. Heck dying in 1879 ^"d Mr. Heck following
her to the grave in 1904. He was a farmer and at one time a tobacco
planter and in his younger days handled fine horses. Mrs. Hamilton is one
of three children, having two brothers hving at Augusta, Kentuck-}-, in which
place Mrs. Hamilton was reared and educated. This union has been without
issue.
Mr. Hamilton is a charter member of the Bene\olent and Protective
Order of Elks, and he was the hrst exalted ruler and organizer of Lodge Xo.
1077, Greencastle, doing the entire work himself, practically without assist-
ance. He is also a member of the Ben Hur, Improved Order of Red Men, the
Woodmen and Eagles lodges.
Mr. Hamilton has made his own way since boyhood and is a fine type
of the pushing, ambitious, unconquerable American spirit which deserves
success bv hax'ing; earned it.
ABE COHX
In ever}' life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of incident, and
yet in summing up the career of any man the writer needs touch onlv those
salient points which give the keynote to his character. Thus in gi\ing the
life record of Abe Cohn sufficient will be said to show, what all who know
him will freely acijuiesce in, that he is one of the enterprising and pro-
gressive citizens of Putnam county, being a well known merchant at
Cloverdale.
Mr. Cohn was born in Cincinnati. Ohio, December 18. 1858, the son of
Aleig and Lena (Amberg) Cohn. the father a native of France, from which
country he came to America in [848 and located in Cincinnati, and there
met and married Lena Amberg, who was bom in Germany and who came to
Cincinnati when young. They were the parents of six children, four sons
and two daughters, one of whom died in Cincinnati. One son. Lambert
Cohn. resides in Cincinnati and travels for a wholesale house : John Cohn is
at Belle L'nion. where he is engaged in the mercantile business. His full
sketch appears elsewhere in this work. David Cohn is at Martinsville en-
gaged in conducting a sanitarium. Hannah Cohn married Samuel Simons,
4S4 weik's history of
•who is now deceased; she formerly resided in Greencastle. but now Hves in
Louisville ; the other sister, next to the oldest child, died in childhood in Cin-
cinnati.
In i860 this family moved to Cloverdale, Putnam county, where the
father engaged in the mercantile business and lived there until 1893 where
he was verv successful ; he then moved to Indianapolis, where he died in 1899.
He was a man whom evers'body liked and who was enterprising and honor-
able in his dealing with his fellow men. His wife died in Cloverdale in the
latter se\enties.
Abe Cohn received a very serviceable education in the common schools
and early in life decided to follow in his father's footsteps and devote his
time to this line of endeavor and he has been active in business affairs since
he was eighteen years of age. He assisted his father for several years and
learned the "ins and outs" of merchandising, and was later taken in as a part-
ner with his father. About 1896 he purchased his father's interest in the
business and has conducted the store alone, continuing to build up the business
until he now has a very extensive patronage with the surrounding country.
He now deals in clothing, boots and shoes, gents' furnishings and some
jewelrv: also ladies.' misses' and children's cloaks. He carries a neat, care-
fully selected and up-to-date line of goods and his prices are always right,
according to his customers.
On March t, 1893. Mr. Cohn married Eva Rogers, daughter of J. H.
and Ophelia fTavlor) Rogers. Her parents were well known and influential
in Putnam county. A full sketch of her family appears on another page of
this work. Mr. Rogers died in February. 1902: ^Irs. Rogers is now living
in Cloverdale.
Mr. Cohn is a member of Sanders Lodge. Xo. 307. Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, and of Masonic Lodge. No. 132, of Cloverdale. He has the
verv highest standing in Cloverdale. having the respect and good will of all.
being regarded as one of the reliable and substantial merchants and among
the leading citizens of the town.
MELVILLE F. McHAFFIE.
Among the citizens of Mill Creek township, Putnam county. Indiana,
who have built up a comfortable home and surrounded themselves with large
landed and personal property, none has attained a higher degree of success
PUTXAM COUNTY^ INDIANA. 485
than the subject of this sketch, and his Hfe demonstrates what mav be ac-
complished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work,
his success being the result of his well-directed and persistent efforts, his capa-
ble management of his business interests and his sound judgment. In all
the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those
with whom he has been brought in contact and he is today numbered among
the representative men of his county.
The subject of this sketch is descended from sterling patriot ancestn',
his grandfather. John McHaffie, having been a soldier in the war of the Revo-
lution, participating in the battle of Yorktown. where he witnessed the sur-
render of Lord Cornwallis. He was a native of the state of Virginia, vol-
unteered at the early age of sixteen years, and sometime after the securing of
national independence he married Elizabeth Hackett. Among the children
born to this union were three sons. Robert. John and Andrew. Robert and
John were soldiers in the war of 1812, ser\-ing with different Tennessee regi-
ments, and at the battle of Horseshoe. Robert took an active part. John being
in the reserves, the same condition existing at the battle of New Orleans.
They were valiant soldiers, as was their father before them. Robert died
in Putnam county. Indiana, and John in Hendricks county, the latter being
now buried in the bur\-ing ground at the McHaffie homestead. Andrew Mc-
Haffie was too young to enlist and when old enough he learned the tanner
and harnessmaker's trade. In iS^^o he made the trip on horseback from
Tennessee to Indiana and entered nine eighty-acre tracts of government land
in Morgan and Hendricks counties, near the northeast corner of Alill Creek
township, Putnam county, and he also entered one hundred and sixty acres
near Mt. Meridian for his brother James. He arrived on this land in October,
1832, with his family consisting of his two daughters and son, the subject of
this sketch. The daughters were Haney Emeline, who became the wife of
\^'illiam P. Roberts, and Thirza Jane, who died at the age of twelve vears.
The homestead residence was erected in Hendricks county, but afterwards the
father removed to Stilesville. where he remained until 1841, when he bought
a home located across the highway from where his son, the subject of this
sketch, now lives. Andrew E. !McHaffie first married Nancy D. Woods, the
mother of the children before mentioned, who died in 1830, and in 1838 he
married Nanc}' D. Denning, of Kno.x county, Tennessee. To this union was
born one child. Mar}- .\ngeline, who subsequently became the wife of Harvey
Lee and is now deceased, leaving three sons. Andrew ^McHaffie died in 1866
and is buried at Stilesville.
!Mel\'ille F. McHaffie was born in Knox county, Tennessee. December
27, 1826. and he was reared on the parental homestead, \^■hen the family
486
WEIK S HISTORY OF
first came to Indiana they located in the midst of a dense forest, the only
timber felled being that cut to make way for the National road, which was
being constructed. The subject witnessed the early efforts made to clear the
country and has a distinct recollection of the tremendous labor incurred in
the construction of this road, when laborers worked for fifty cents a day and
boarded themselves. A cousin of the subject ran a boarding house (or rather
cabin) for these workers. Mr. McHaffie helped clear practically all the land
.from a half mile west of his house to Stilesville and has thus had an im-
portant part in this early work of transformation. He raised steers from
young calves and with the aid of these he hauled logs and pulled stumps.
Game was plentiful and he has killed many deers within a short distance of
his present home and in his early boyhood saw many bear tracks there.
In 185 1, the year following his marriage, he was preparing to build a
home for himself, when his father bought one hundred and sixty acres of
land from Lewis Orth, in section 29, in the northeast corner of what is now
Mill Creek township. Mr. :McHafiFie located on this tract and it has been his
home continuously since, a period of practically sixty years. Their first
home there was in an old brick house, but in 1870-72 Mr. McHaffie erected
in its stead a fine large brick house, the finest in the locality, its original cost
having been twelve thousand five hundred dollars, aside from much of the
work done by the subject himself. Today, forty years after its erection,
this house is still considered one of the best in that part of the county.
In his business affairs Mr. McHaffie has met with a gratifying measure
of success. As a farmer he was practical and progressive in his methods and
indefatigable in his efforts, and as he has prospered he added to his landed
possessions from time to time, until he became the owner of over sixteen
hundred acres of land. His investments have not been confined to the
Hoosier state, as he entered eleven hundred acres of land in Missouri, one
hundred and twenty acres of which was con\erted into fami land. He also
bought eighty acres of splendid farm land three miles east of Tu.scola. Illi-
nois, for which he paid ten dollars an acre, later selling the same for forty
dollars an acre. Mr. McHaffie became interested in the southern mule trade
a number of years ago and his business in this line rapidly grew to enormous
proportions, having not a little to do with the making of the city of Macon.
Mississippi, which became the headquarters for the trade. He was consid-
ered one of the best judges of mules in the country and made big profits in
this business, having at one time cleared over two thousand dollars on a single
carload. Through his trades he secured a good deal of southern cotton land.
PUTNAM COrXTY, IXDIAXA. 487
Mr. McHaftie has taken an active interest in general business aftairs
and assisted materially in the organization of the Central Xational Bank of
Greencastle. of which he was tendered the presidency, but the other demands
on his time would not permit him to assume the duties of tiie position, and
he became vice-president of the institution, which soon became one of the
leading monetarv concerns of the county. His son Ernest was for some
time a clerk in the bank, but he longed for the open life on the farm and
relini-iuished the position. Mr. McHafhe's ability was recognized in his ap-
pointment as a member of the board of county commissioners, to fill out an
unexpired term, and he was afterwards elected to succeed himself. In this
position he ga\e etficient and satisfactory ser\ice. Mr. McHattie is a Jackson
Democrat and has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs,
being one of the strong and influential citizens of the county.
In his younger days Mr. McFIaffie was an accomplished horseman and
at one time he shot a deer from the back of a wild mustang in Missouri,
standing in the stirrups as he shot. That he was also possessed of much
endurance is evident from the fact that he rode from Tuscola. Illinois, to his
home in Putnam count}', a distance of over one hundred miles, during the day-
light of one day. This forced ride, which was made on a mule, was be-
cause of an urgent business matter which required his presence at home.
His love of horsemanship has been inherited ];y his grandson Robert, who
has won a widespread reputation because of his e.xpertness in this line. At the
age of fourteen years he competed with old and experienced riders at county
fairs and at one of the state fairs he won a one-hundred-dollar premium.
Mr. McHaffie's success has come as the result of his own persistent efforts
and now he is enjoving that ease to which he is so justly entitled. Standing
at his beautiful home, he may look a mile north, a mile and a quarter east, a
half mile west and a half mile south, and the land within that scope of vision
is all his. anil this despite the fact that he has given to his children twelve
hundred acres of land. The attracti\'e and well arranged home was planned
by Mrs. McHaffie and is as fine a home as can ht found in either Putnam
or Hendricks counties.
On August 15, 1S50. Mr. McHattie was united in the bonds of wedlock
with Mary Ann Thomas, a daughter of Jonathan and Catherine ( Ulrich)
Thomas. She was born at Georgetown. Pennsylvania, and came with her
mother to this county, her father having died in Pennsylvania. Subsequent-
ly her mother married Theodore Long at Dayton. Ohio, and the family came
to Putnam county in the fall of 1S49. Mr. and Mrs. McHattie fell in love
with each other at first sight, and this mutual feeling was never altered in
488 WEIK S HISTORY OF
any degree, she proving to her husband a "helpmate" in the truest sense of
the word. She was a woman of splendid personal qualities, endowed with a
liberal share of sound common sense, and she not only reared their children
to honorable manhood and womanhood, but she also took an intelligent inter-
est in business affairs and 'Mr. McHaffie placed a high value on her advice
and counsel in Inisiness affairs. She is spoken of flatteringly today by those
who enjoyed her acquaintance. Her death occurred on the 2ist day of July,
1897. To ^Nfr. and Mrs. ]\[cHaffie were born the following children, ten in
number.
(i) Florence Alice became the wife of Charles Bridges, a native of
Putnam county, who later became a successful business man at Indianapolis,
where his death occurred : she still resides in that city.
(2) Thurza Jane, generally called Jennie, became the wife of Thomas
S. Boggess. of ?i[acon. ^lississippi. but she died of typhoid fever in that state
about two years after her marriage. She left a son. Bennett ^Mack Boggess,
a trader and cotton grower, who is married and has a daughter. Caroline.
(3) George ^^'. is a farmer and resides on three hundred acres of land
southeast of Stilesville. gi\-en him by his father. He married Emma Cosner
and thev became the parents of three children, namely: One died in infancy;
Katie married . Harry Tincher. a successful lawyer at Louisville, Kentucky;
Maty Ann lives at home with her parents. She and her sister were both
educated at St. ]\[ary's-of-the-\Voods, at Terre Haute.
(4) Minnie became the wife of Dr. M. G. Masters, who was born and
reared at Stilesville, Indiana, the son of Alexander and Almira (Graham)
Masters, these parents subsequently moving to Kansas, where their deaths
occurred. Dr. ^Masters died in 1902 at Plainfield. Indiana. To him and his
wife were born four children, of whom three. Orian. Eva and ^lax. are de-
ceased, the sur\i\'or being Lex. now sixteen years old. who lives with his
mother in the home of Mr. INlcHaffie. and who is now a student in the Stiles-
ville high school.
( ^) .Andrew E. died at the age of seventeen years.
(6) Clemmie died at the age of three years.
(7) ]\Iarcus F. died at the age of four years.
(8) Oscar S. is a farmer, living on three hundred acres of land ad-
joining his father's farni. He married May Leachman, daughter of James
Leachman. of near Fillmore, this county, and they have a son, James Mel-
ville, now a student in the agricultural department of Purdue University at
Lafavette. Indiana.
PUTNAM COUNTY^ INDIANA. 489
(9j Ernest married Annie Greer, daughter of John and Man,- Agnes
Greer, of Sevmour, Indiana, and they have three children. Ernestine. Robert
and Maxine.
( 10) ^[amie became the wife of Jolin F. Shiel. of Seymour. Indiana,
and they have one son. John ^NlcHaffie Shiel.
JOHN WILLSON OSBORX.
The first half of the nineteenth century was characterized by the emigra-
tion of the sterling element which made the great commonwealth of Indiana
what it is. These pioneers were sturdy, heroic, upright, sincere folks, such
as constitute the intrinsic strength of a state and give solidity to its institu-
tions. It is hardly possible that in the future another such period can occur,
or, indeed, any period in which such a solid phalanx of strong-minded, de-
termined men and self-sacrificing women will take possession of a new
country, develop its resources and lay broad and deep the foundation of an
advanced and permanent state of civilization. Too careful or too frequent
reference cannot be made in the pages of historv' concerning those who have
thus figured as founders and builders of a commonwealth, and equal credit
is also due to the sturd}- sons and daughters who, born and reared among the
stirring experiences of those heroic times, nobly assumed the burdens borne
by their predecessors and with patience and fortitude such as the world has
seldom seen excelled, carried on the good w ork until what was under so many
difficulties begun, was in due course of time most earnestly and triumphantly
completed.
Among the Indiana pioneers whose depth of character, public-spirit, un-
swerving devotion to right principle, and indefatigable energy enabled them to
play their parts in the early development of Indiana, was John Willson Osborn,
who. although long since a pilgrim to that "undiscovered bourne from which
no traveler ever returned." set in motion such ameliorating forces while he
sojourned on earth for more than three score years- and ten. that his infiuence
will not wholly be dissipated, but will continue to bless the generations that
follow him "unto the perfect day." Therefore this noted pioneer Hoosier
editor is eminently deserving of a conspicuous place in the history of this
state, as well as worthy of emulation b\- the youth of the present day whose
ambitions are to ser\e mankind and w hose destinies are }"et matters for future
\"ears to determine.
490
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Mr. Osborn was born at St. Johns. Xew Brunswick, February 7. 1794.
He was the second son of Capt. Samuel Osborn, a gallant and accomplished
officer in the British navy. His maternal grandfather. Col. John W'illson,
and his eldest brother, Capt. William Osborn, were also officers in the
service of his majesty the king of England. The former was an intimate
friend of General Brock, acted as commissar}' general, and filled many places
of trust. It was for him that the immediate subject of this sketch was named.
William Osborn, the eldest son of Capt. Samuel Osborn, Jr., was promoted
to a captaincv when ver\' young for bravery during several sharp engagements
at sea. Thus bv the divine right of inheritance and early associations, John
W. Osborn was fitted for the struggles and privations of pioneer life which
need a brave heart and an untiring devotion, progressive and aggressive, to
the principles of right. His mother's maiden name was .Mice W'illson. the
daughter of John and Rebecca (Thixton) Willson. She was born on Staten
Island, and she was educated in Xew York, where the family always spent
a part of each year, her father being an officer in the British army, loyal to his
king. They finallv left the United States and sought a new home in Canada.
sometim.es living at Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, Canancoqua, and finally
settling down at Toronto, buying land and laying, as they supposed, a per-
manent foundation for a home. Colonel Willson sent to Scotland and brought
a hundred families from that country, settling them upon his lands in Canada,
and, believing in the magic power of the press to enlighten and civilize, he
sent to England for a printing press, type and men and started a paper in
the then almost wilderness of the west. Associated with him in the publi-
cation of TJic Vpl^cr Canada Guardian and Freeman's Journal was Col.
Joseph Wilcox, who was a member of the provincial Parliament, an ardent
politician, an educated Irish gentleman and a Republican. This paper was
stronglv devoted to the cause of liberty and free government, and it was as
an apprentice in this office that young John W. Osborn learned the printer's
art, this experience giving direction to the whole current of his after life,
for he immediatelv imbibed the principles he was aiding to disseminate, and
when the war of 1812 ensued he followed his leader in espousing the Ameri-
can cause, leaving his country and kindred on August u, 181 J. and cast his
lot with the people of the United States. His father. Captain Osborn. had
died when his son was yet a lad. and the Captain's associate in the journalistic
field. Colonel Wilcox, joined the army of the Republic and was made a colonel
in the .American army, and was killed while leading his men in the sortie up
Lake Erie.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 491
Mr. Osbom. upon leaving the service, resumed "his professional labors.
A book publisher of Albany. New York, induced him to go to Cortlandville.
that state, where he took charge of and edited the Cortland Republican, a
paper still published there. This paper, which was an ardent supporter of
the United States government, he continued to publish until 1816. In the
year succeeding the admission of Indiana to the Union as a state, the eyes
of eastern peope being attracted to the wonderfully developing West. ^Ir.
Osborn, on .\pril 18. 1817, in company with Lucius H. Scott and others,
sailed from Ogdensburg. Xew York, and arri\-ed at A'incennes on June nth
following, where he became associated with Elihu Stout, in publishing In-
diana's first newspaper. The IJ'cstcni Sim. In July of that year he visited
the site of Terre Haute, on which he found one log house. Being strongly
attracted by the native beaut\- of the spot, he finally returned there in 18J3
and established the IJ'cstcni Rcgi.itcr. the first newspaper published at the
now flourishing city of Terre Haute. Though twenty-two signed a protest
again.st its pulilication, it was continued until 1832, the latter part of the time
under the editorship of his son-in-law. Hon. S. B. Gookins. Mr. Osborn
found slave trade fl<5urishing at \'incennes an<l he at once lifted a voice
against it; finally, in co-operation with others, he carried the question to
the supreme court of the state and obtained a decision which set at rest for-
ever the question of slaver}- in Indiana. The first issue of the Register at
Terre Haute created something of a sensation in the then wilderness, and
the inhabitants came from all parts of the country to \ie\v the great wonder.
It was published through many difficulties, it being necessary to bring the
stock of paper used principally from ^^adison on pack horses, tlirough the
primitive woods. His paper was delixererl by private carriers up and down
the Wabash, as the nearest postoffices were St. Louis on the west, \incennes
on the south and there was little civilization to tlie imrth. During that year,
while he was riding up the Wabash toward Ft. Dearborn, he came to the
Tippecan(5e battleground, where he discovered that the Indians had un-
earthed the soldiers buried there and. after stripping and scalping them, left
their bones to bleach in the sun and wind. !\[r. Osborn returned to Terre
Haute and induced Capt. Xathanie! Huntington to take his company of
cavalry to the spot and reinter the bones with military honors.
Having occasion to pass through Greencastle. Putnam county, in 1834,
Mr. Osborn was much impressed with the high rolling country, delightful
location from a standpoint of health, and natural beauty, and soon decided
to locate there, having sold his Terre Haute paper, and he accordingly began
the publication of the first newspaper in Greencastle. a few of the first issues
492 WEIK S HISTORY OF
being entitled The Hoosicr, but this was soon changed to the JVcstcrn
PlougJi Boy, which was the first truly agricultural paper published in the
state. Becoming convinced of the evils of strong drink, he published a sort
of leaflet called the Temperance Advocate, and sent it without cost as a sup-
plement, thus giving to Indiana her first temperance paper. The country
was new, times were hard and much of his pay was in produce — venison,
corn, wood and manv things were among the rewards for his labors, but
his motto was "Know no failure." and, with characteristic energv', he suc-
ceeded at whatever he undertook. Being not only interested in the further-
ance of the temperance movement and the development of the new country,
but also in educational affairs, his labors in Greencastle, in a ver\- large
measure, resulted in the establishment and location of Asbury (now DePauw)
University, the leading literary institution in the state, of the ]Methodist
denomination, of which he was an active and zealous member. His name
is on the record as one of the first trustees and original incorporators. In
18^6 '\{r. Osborn attended a state editorial convention at Indianapolis, where
he succeeded in obtaining a unanimous vote in favor of abolishing "treat-
ing" at elections, and he was in 1S41 elected state printer, which led him
to sell the Plough Boy and its entire equipment. In the meantime, however
(1838), he moved to Indianapolis and published the Indiana Fanner and
Stock Register, also continued the publication of his temperance paper. At
the close of his term of office he retired from active newspaper business,
but was a frequent contributor to various local journals during most of his
after life. When the war between the states began, he was too old to take
the field, but. being a stanch supporter of the national Union, he could
not be idle during such stirring times, and he went to Sullivan county, the
\erv hot-bed of Democracy, and there commenced the publication of a war
campaign paper. The Stars and Stripes, and he rendered valuable service to
the cause, until failing health compelled him to abandon the enterprise. He
returned to his home in Greencastle. where, after a long, painful illness,
which he bore with Christian fortitude, he passed to his rest on November
12, 1866.
yiv. Osborn was a worthy member of the Masonic order, and during the
last thirtv-five years of his life he was a most earnest Christian. Zealous
in ever}- good cause, he promoted zeal and perseverance in others.
Mr. Osbom's life was one of increasing activity, and of his work John
B. Dillon, one of Indiana's first historians, justly says: "He was devoted
to labors for the uplifting of society, was a pioneer in eveiy movement for
education, humanitv and religion, and was always in the van of civilization
PLTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 493
and progress, leading others to noble and heroic efforts, and opening the way
where masses of his fellow men have followed. He was genial and generous
to a fault."
How wonderful and how grand the life and labors of this noble, yet
modest man. For a full half century constantly battling, and that often in
the face of bitter and violent opposition, for justice, for liberty, for the good
of the farmer and stock raiser, for every moral and social reform, for tem-
perance, for everv'thing that tended to ameliorate the conditions of the human
race.
Air. Osborn married, in Homer, Cortland county, Xew York, on March
31, 1S14. Ruby \\". Bishop, a daughter of Thomas Lee and Ruby (Webb)
Bishop. Mrs. Osbom was of distinguished colonial and Revolutionary an-
cestry, being a direct descendant of the renowned Governor AVilliam Brad-
ford, of Plymouth; also of the Adamses, Lee. Palmer, Hobart, Allen. Ripley,
and others of the most notable families of Xew England. Through Mrs
Osborn her descendants are many times eligible to most of the patriotic
societies of the L'nited States. She was a close student and retained, almost
to the hour of her death, a keen interest in affairs which pertained to public
welfare. It is said that the editorials in her husband's papers were alwavs
submitted to her before publication and that she was often the proofreatler
for the entire paper.
A group of voung men. who afterwards became well known in the
state, were gathered in the office of the Western Rcyistcr. Mrs. Osborn
directed their course of study, and to her is given the credit of first dis-
co\'ering the poetical talent of Mr. Osborn"s nephew. George W. Cutter,
author of "E Pluribus Unum." "Song of Steam" and "Buena Vista." She
constantly encouraged these young men in all worthy effort and urged them
to lofty aspirations, and their expressions of appreciation were a great solace
to her in her declining years.
Mrs. Osborn died in Indianapolis on April 15. 1880, and is buried
beside her husband in Forest Hill cemetery, in Greencastle. Indiana.
Seven children were born to John Willson and Ruby (Bishop) Os-
born. of which number three died in infancy. The four who lived to ma-
turity were: ^larv Caroline, who became the wife of Judge Samuel B.
Gookins. of Terre Haute, died in Columbus. Georgia. .August 26. 1889.
and is buried in Woodlawn cemetery. Terre Haute: Bishop Webb, born
in Terre Haute, died in Indianapolis on .\pril 9. 1891. and is buried in For-
est Hill cemetery. Greencastle: Hannah M. became the wife of Siilomon
494
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Claypool and resides in Indianapolis; Ruby Alice, who was the wife of
Hon. L. P. Chapin, long an honored citizen of Greencastle, and who is the
subject of a sketch found elsewhere in this work, died in Indianapolis on
November 6, 1907, and is buried in Forest Hill cemetery, Greencastle.
PROF. OSCAR THOMAS.
The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and
in o-ivino- character to the times in which they live are two classes, to-\vit :
the men of study and men of action. Whether we are more indebted for
the improvement of the age to the one class or the other resolves itself to a
question of honest ditYerence in opinion; neither class can be spared and both
should be encouraged to occupy their several spheres of labor and influence,
zealously and without mutual distrust. In the following paragraphs are
briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentle-
man who combines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy
of the public-spirited man of affairs. Devoted to the noble and humane work
of teaching, he has made his influence felt in the school life of Putnam county
and is not unknown to the wider educational circles of the state, occupying
as he does a prominent place in his profession and standing high in the esteem
of educators in other than his own particular field of endeavor.
Professor Oscar Thomas, superintendent of schools of Putnam county,
although yet a young man. has shown that rightly applied energy and am-
bition worthily pursued may accomplish large results in a comparatively
short time. He is a native of this county, having been born in Madison town-
ship. January 20, 1872. the son of William Thomas, who was born in Green-
castle township, June 17. 1844. and who is the representative of an excellent
old pioneer family. He was educated in the primitive schools of his native
community and devoted his lite to farming, being now one of the leading
ap-riculturists of Madison township. The Thomas family is of Irish stock,
the lineao-e of which may be traced back to 1685, since which remote period
manv members of this historic family have distinguished themselves in va-
rious walks of life.
William Thomas married Elizabeth J. Ewing. born October 5. 1842.
She was born in Montgomeiy county. Indiana, where her family were long
well and favorably known. She is a woman of gracious personality and is
still livino- in Madison township. To Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas eleven
PL'TXAM CULXTV, INDIANA. 495
children were born, named as follows: Eliza, wife of Charles J. Priest, died
in 1883: Mrs. Dora Reeves, a trained nurse, is living at home; Henr^' is a
traveling salesman living in Indianapolis; Oscar, of this review; J. Elmer
is living in Oklahoma, being a state senator there; Charles B. is an under-
taker at Rosedale, Indiana; Ona, wife of Edward Wiley, died in Denver,
Colorado, 1904; Bertha, who was a teacher, died in 1907; Fred is a teacher,
living in Greencastle ; E, Cleve is also a teacher and is living at home; Frank
died when two years of age.
Professor Thomas was reared on the home farm, which he worked w hen
old enough during the summer months, devoting the winter to study in the
public schools of Madison township. Being ambitious to become familiar
with the classics and higher sciences, he continued his schooling by entering
the Central Normal College at Danville, after which he took a course in De-
Pauw University, where he made a splendid record and came out well quali-
hed to enter his chosen life work — teaching, which he soon began and which
he has since followed, teaching for a period of thirteen years in townships of
Aladison, Mill Creek. Monroe and Franklin. Of this time three years was
spent in the high school at Brick Chapel, giving eminent satisfaction from the
first. He soon became known throughout the county and his services were
in great demantl. having so discharged his duties as to win the highest en-
comiums of the superintendent and boards of the various schools where he
w as employed, to say nothing of his great popularity with the pupils under his
charge and of the general public. In 1903 he was elected county superin-
tendent of Schools and so faithfully and satisfactorily did he fill this impor-
tant trust that he was re-elected in 1907.
The office of county superintendent of Putnam county was organized by
act of Legislature in 1S73, the first superintendent being John R. Gordon,
who served two years. L. A. Stockwell was elected in 1875 and held the
place six years. L. E. Smedley was next elected, serving for a period of
eight years. F. M. Lyons succeeded him and also served for a period of
eight years. S. A. Harris came next with a service of six years.
Professor Thomas was married on December 8, 1903, to Dessie O'Hair,
daughter of J. E. O'Hair, an excellent and well established family of this
county. Mrs. Thomas was born April 4, 1875, '" Monroe tOwnship, and
educated at DePauw University and. being a woman of refined tastes and
high ideals, has been of great assistance to her husband in his life work.
This union is without issue.
The Professor is a member of the Christian church, while Mrs. Thomas
holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal congregation Politically
the former is a Democrat, but is in no sense a politician.
496 weik's history of
Professor Thomas' record presents a series of successes and advance-
ments such as few attain. He pursues his chosen calHng with all the interest
of an enthusiast, is thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of the work and
has a proper conception of the dignity of the profession to which his life
energies are so unselfishly devoted. A finished scholar, a polished gentle-
men and possessing the traits of character necessary to insure success, the
services thus far rendered and the laurels gained bespeak for him a wider
and more distinguished career of usefulness in years to come, should he see
fit to continue the noble calling which he has heretofore followed with such
signal and happv results. Unlike so many of his calling who become nar-
row and pedantic, the Professor is essentially a man of the times, broad and
Hberal in his views, and he has the courage of his convictions on all the lead-
ing public questions and issues upon which men and parties divide. He also
keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought along its various lines and,
being a man of scholarly and refined tastes, the acquaintance of Professor
Thomas with the literature of the world is both general and profound, while
his familiarity with the more practical affairs of the day makes him feel at
ease with all classes and conditions of people whom he meets.
CAPT. WILLIAM H. ALLEE.
Back in the earlv pioneer days of Putnam county is traced the history
of the Allee familv. manv members of which have made their influence felt
for the general welfare of the locality during each succeeding generation, one
of the best known being Capt. William H. Allee. who. after an unusually suc-
cessful, interesting and useful career, is sleeping the sleep that knows no
breaking, but his good deeds are still alive and his memory is revered and
cherished bv hosts of friends, for he was indeed a grand character, whom to
know was both to admire and to love.
'Mv. Allee was born in Jefferson township. Putnam county. Indiana, in
1S33, when the country was new. and he lived to take part in its great de-
velopment. He was the son of John and Lucretia fPnu'tt) Allee. a complete
ancestry of whom is to be found in the sketch of F. M. Allee on another
page of this work.
Mr. Allee grew up on the home farm. and. owing to the new condition
of the countn- when he was a boy, it fell to his lot to do a great deal of clear-
ino- and hard work, and his educational advantages were limited, but he made
WILLIAM H ALLEE
PL'TXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 497
the most of exeiy opportunity and de\eloped into a strong, successful man,
remaining at home until his marriage in 1856. when he fonned a matrimonial
alliance with Mary McCarty, daughter of William and Ann ( Langham)
McCarty. She was born in 1834 in Warren township. Putnam count}', about
three miles west of Mt. ^leridian. on the National road. Her parents were
both natives of Tennessee, having come to Indiana from Claiborne county,
near Nashville. \\'hen they arrived in Putnam county they found a wilderness
through which roamed wild beasts and Indians; they settled in the unbroken
forest, cleared a small place, pitched a camp in which they li\ed until a
log cabin could be erected. Then John McCarty set to work clearing the
land and the arduous toil and hardship incident to pioneer life were such as
to prematurel}- injure his health. He secured two hundred anti si.xty acres
and added to this until he owned three huntlred and sixty acres before his
death. Eleven children constituted his family, namely; Elijah. Jane. Julia,
Sarah. Abel. Emily. Maiy, Ellen. Martha, Angeline and Lewis, the last named
dying when two years old. the others all living to maturity. Mrs. McCarty
died about 1849. at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. McCarty had served
as justice of the peace in Warren township. Both parents belonged to the
Primitive Baptist church, both taking a great interest in its affairs. They
assisted in the organization of Deer Creek church, the first church in that
part of the county, the building being erected in their fami.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Allee went to live on a farm given
him by his father, which place was only a short distance northwest of
Providence church. Jefferson township. Fi\e years later he bought more
land from his father and moved to it. a mile and a half further northwest.
I'ive years later he purchased the old McCarty homestead in \\"arren town-
ship and moved thereto, remaining on the place five or six years. About 1873
he bought a farm at the crossing of the section lines of sections 5. 6. 7 and
8 and moved thereto soon afterwards, the place having remained in possession
of the family ever since. Mr. Allee was a very successful man. laid his plans
well and executed them in a manner that stamped him as the possessor of
rare business foresight and soundness of judgment. He became the owner
iif two thi5usand acres, divided into twelve farms. He kept his land well im-
proved and looked after every detail of the work, his painstaking labor always
l)eing aniplv rew arded.
In politics Mr. Allee was an active Republican, and while he was not an
office seeker he took more or less interest in the affairs of his party. He
was one of those bra\-e men of the Middle West who e\-er stood ready to de-
498
WEIK S HISTORY OF
fend the flag in time of national peril, and when only seventeen years of age,
during the Mexican war, he ran away from home and started to enlist for
service, but was too young and his father overtook him at Greencastle and
brought him back home. During the Civil war he felt it his duty to stay at
home and look after his large family, but he was patriotic and was an able
assistant in the Union cause as a civilian at home, giving money with which
to hire help on the farms so that young men could be sent to the front and
helped organize companies. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity
and also the Methodist church. [Mrs. Allee has also long been a member of
this church and still delights in its services, attending when she can.
Mr. Allee's chief occupation was farming, but he also traded in land,
bought and sold livestock and was regarded as a man of safe business
methods. He was well known all over Putnam county and highly esteemed by
all who knew him, for he was a man whom everybody trusted, being scrup-
ulously honest and fair in his dealings. The death of this excellent citizen
occurred on July 24, 1905, having attained an ad\anced age which was re-
plete with both success and honor.
Mr. Allee's companions like to remember the efforts he put forth during
the war of the Rebellion, for then his patriotism ran high and he proved
the mettle of which he was made. He was captain of the Home Guards,
after which he was always known as Captain Allee. They remember him as
a man of splendid qualities, of sterling character. He was a well read man, a
deep thinker, a logical reasoner and of a kind and genial disposition, driving
away dull care and letting in the sunshine of cheerfulness. He was fond of
young men who were just starting in life, always welcoming their society
and was every ready, without intrusion, to give the best of advice, which,
when followed, insured success. He inherited and practiced the many virtues
of the earlv days, knowing how best to adapt them to the great progress of
later times. His sincere courtesy and geniality endeared him to all. He was
one of the foremost, wealthiest and most modern of Putnam county agricul-
turists. His friendly nod and warm hand clasp was given to all, rich and
poor alike, at all times and his charitable qualities to those in need will long
be remembered. His faithful life companion, a woman of rare grace and
beautiful Christian character, is enjoying the serenity of old age on the home-
stead southwest of Mt. ^leridian. and she is a favorite with a wide circle of
friends.
To 3>Ir. and Mrs. William H. Allee eleven children were born, named as
follows: Horace, born in 1857. died in infancy; Corellah. born in 1858. died
October 26. 1863, when five years old: Albert Franklin, born in i860: Lucretia
PCTNAM COL'NTY. INDIANA. 499
married Leonard S. Peck and lives south of Greencastle. and is the mother of
one son, Ross; Ehjah Walter, born in 1864, married Alpha Wallace and has
six children, ^larie, Jewel, Thelma and Velma (twins), Flossie and Albert
Ross ; this family is living on a good farm in Mill Creek township ; Charlotte,
born in 1866, married Americus Jones and lives on the Bloomington road south
of Greencastle ; she has six children : Frank, Ruby, Florence, Thaddeus. Jessie
and Anna; Grant, born in 1868. died in infancy; Thaddeus Stevens, born in
1869, married Jessie Surface; he was a lawyer in Chicago and died childless;
Florence Nightengale, born in 1872, died November 19, 1897, when twenty-
five years old; John Williams, born in 1873, married Cadora Denny and lives
a mile south of Mt. Meridian, and has two children, Piercy and Luciie ; Sam-
uel Reed, born in 1S77, died August 15, 1892, when fifteen years of age.
THE BAINBRIDGE BANK.
The history of the thriving institutions, especially in connection with
the business life of Putnam county, would lack an important chapter should
the Bainbridge Bank not be given proper mention in a work of this kind, for
it has proven to be of inestimable value to the residents of this village and
]\Ionroe township and is without question one of the soimdest, safest and
most conservatively and ably managed banks in this section of the state, hav-
ing as its prime moving factors men who rank high in the citizenship of the
county and noted alike for their integrity and business ability.
The Bainbridge Bank was established December i, 1904. by F. P. and
C. M. Moffett, who came to Bainbridge a short time before that date from
Westfield. Illinois, where they had been successfully engaged in the banking
business. For a year they conducted their business in Messrs. Black & Rat-
cliff's mercantile establishment in the. Harvey Black room on the corner of
Main and Washington streets. During that time the bank erected the first
cement block busine.ss rooms in the town, and since that time other progressive
business men followed the pace set by them and have built modern buildings
of a like t}pe. The bank has enjoyed an excellent patronage from the first
and has had a steady growth. James M. Reeds, formerly cashier of the
First National Bank of Coatesville. became identified with the Bainbridge
Bank as vice-president on January i, 1909. The consensus of opinion in
^Monroe township is that while the bank has been profitable to its owners it
500 WEIK S HISTORY OF
has als(3 been profitable to Bainbridge and vicinity, giving it many advantages
that a bank affords besides enhancing the vakie of property in and around
town.
Sometliing of the Hfe records of the gentlemen who have the manage-
ment of this institution in hand would be of interest here.
F. P. Moffett, president of the Bainbridge Bank, was born in Edgar
county, Illinois, November i, 1852. After receiving a common school edu-
cation, he launched in the mercantile business in Erocton, Illinois, in which
he was ver\- successful, but observing an opening for a bank at Westfield,
Illinois, in 1892, and. believing that his true "bent" lay along banking lines,
he accordingly entered the banking business there, building up a verv^ satis-
factory patronage until his removal to Bainbridge, Indiana.
Mr. Moffett married Mary L. Beck, of Boone county, Indiana, on De-
cember 28. 1872. and this union has resulted in the birth of four children, two
of whom reside in this county, Charles M. Moffett and Mrs. Sarah Inez Reeds.
^Ir. Moffett is one of the progressive business men of Putnam countv. Po-
litically he is a Democrat.
Charles M. Moffett. mentioned above, was born September 25. 1877. in
Edgar county, Illinois. He graduated from the Oakland high school. He
began life in banking circles, and after holding various positions in different
banks, he came to Bainbridge with his father. F. P. Moffett. December i,
1904. and assisted in founding the bank here. On June 22. 1898, he married
Cora L. Dunseth. a nati\e of Oakland, Illinois, which union has resulted in
the birth of two children, Donovan C. and Bonnie K. Politicallv he is a
Democrat and he is a member of the Modern W^oodmen of America. He is
regarded as a young business man of much promise.
James M. Reeds is a native of Douglas county, Illinois, where he was
born July i. 1871. He received his education from the schools of Oakland,
his native state, graduating therefrom, and to better fit himself for life's
struggle he passed through the high school and Austin College at Effingham.
Illinois.
-August 28. 1897, Mr. Reeds was married to Sarah Inez Moffett. daugh-
ter of F. P. and Mary L. (Beck) Moffett. and to this union two children have
been born. Reese and Ileene.
Mr. Reeds has made banking his principal life work and has well
learned the "ins and outs" of the same, and as vice-president of the Bain-
liridge Bank he is discharging his duties in an eminently satisfactory manner.
Politically he is a Democrat and for tliree years he was town clerk of Coates-
ville.
PUTXA.M COrXTV, INDIANA. 50I
JAMES VAXLAXDIXGHA.M.
It will always be a badge of honor in this country to ha\e known that a
person's father, or even his uncle, enlisted in the ser\ice of his country when
the great rebellion broke out, to assist in saving the Union and in eradicating
sla^•e^\• from our soil. Just as to this day we b(jast that our grandfather or
great-grandfather fought in the Revolution to gain independence, or took
part in the war of 1812 to protect our rights on the ocean, so the descend-
ants of gallant Union soldiers will boast through coming generations of the
bravery and self-sacrifice of their fathers or their relatives. James Valand-
ingham. living in retirement in Greencastle, after a long period of useful
endeavor, was one of the "brave boys in blue" who went forth to die on the
field or in the no less dangerous fe\'er camp, if need be. for the sahation of
the countn,-. He was born in Greencastle township, Putnam county, May 29,
1847, f'"!^ *'^''' '-"'f J'^'"''}' ^"tl Hester (Vanlandingham) Vanlandingham. This
family is of Scotch origin, the first emigrants locating in South Carolina,
later came to Kentucky and located near Lexington. Hester's father, James
\'anlandingham. came to Putnam county and settled just east of the David
Houck farm near Greencastle, homesteading it from the government. Jerrv
and Hester Vanlandingham were married in Putnam county. The former
died when his son James was eight years of age. The lad then lived with his
grandfather, James Vanlandingham. who died about one year later, in 1856.
and is buried in the old family cemeten,- on the fami. The mother of the sub-
ject went to Ohio to live with a married daughter and died there. She is
sur\ived by a sister. Sarah. li\ing at Le.xington, Kentucky, at the age of
sixty-four years, she having been the youngest memljer of the family. She
married George Brant. Hester Vanlandingham was the oldest child in her
father's familv. She was a second cousin of her husband, Jerry Vanlanding-
ham.
-\t the death of his grandparents. James X'anlandingham returned to his
mother and when about ten years of age mo\ed to Greencastle. On Decem-
ber 17, 1863, while vet a mere lad, he enlisted in Company F. One Hundred
and Twenty-third Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, a new regiment
organized by General Hovev, who took charge of six regiments as a division,
comprising the One Hundred and Twenty-third. One Plundred and Twenty-
fourth. One Hundred and Twenty-ninth. One Hundred and Thirtieth and two
other regiments, these being known as "Ho\-e_\''s Babies." Mr. Vanlanding-
ham saw some hard ser'/ice. taking [)art with his company in all subsequent
502
WEIK S HISTORY OF
campaigns and battles, always conducting himself in a gallant manner. He
was in fifteen battles, from Rocky Face Ridge on the Atlanta campaign and
back after Hood to Xashville. He was never wounded, was never captured
or made a prisoner. After the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, the division
he was in was sent to North Carolina, by way of Cincinnati and Washington,
having intended to join Grant. At one time it was sent by way of the Indian
Territory to Ft. Smith, and then to the mouth of the Cape Fear river, taking
prisoners, and on to Ft. Fisher and Wilmington, then were stationed at
Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina, then to Lexington, that state,
where the company was honorably discharged August 25, 1865. Mr. Vanland-
ingham was always in the ranks, often on short detail to guard wagon teams,
etc. After the war he worked for a time in a livery stable, later a woolen mill.
He then worked for Rese Hammond until he married, then farmed for five
years. He was employed in Brockray's spoke factory for a period of twelve
years. He spent six years on a farm in Warren township. He made a suc-
cess at whatever he turned his attention to and laid by an ample competency
for his declining years. Three years ago he purchased his present home just
south of the city, known as the old Wall Lewis place, where he has a very
comfortable and nicely arranged home.
yir. Vanlandingham married, on September 13, 1870, Kate Branson,
daughter of Thomas and Esther (Lay) Branson, at Greencastle, the cere-
mony being performed by Rev. O. P. Badger. Her father, Thomas L. Bran-
son, was a farmer and stone-mason of Greencastle township, having come
here from Tennessee; his wife and family came to Putnam county in 1863
while he was in the L'nion army, a member of Company B, First East Ten-
nessee Regiment. His father was a native of England, coming to America
when young, serving in the American army in the war of 1812. After the
war Thomas L. Branson joined his family here and worked at his trade for
a time and later returned to his native community in Tennessee, dying at
jNIavnardsville. that state, when past eighty-five years of age. his wife hav-
ing died in Colorado while visiting. Her daughter Emma, who married
Thomas Gibbs, is living at Greencastle; two brothers, Enoch and Thomas,
are living in Montgomery county, Indiana.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. James Vanlandingham. named
as follows : Charlev, a farmer in Brown county, Indiana ; Jessie, who married
^ferlin Gerner, a railroad employe, living at Indianapolis; Daisy married
Albert Shuev. who is conducting a grocery store at Greencastle; Dwight is
living: at home.
PCTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 5O3
Mr. A'anlandingham is a member of the local post of the Grand Army
of the Republic, and he takes a great interest in the reunions and meetings
of his old comrades, seldom missing a national encampment. He is a Repub-
lican in politics.
\VILLI.\M TELL BESSER.
The life of William Tell Besser. a highly respected citizen of Greencastle.
Indiana, has been one of consecutive endeavor along lines that seldom fail to
bring satisfactory results, and now. in the evening of his life, he finds himself
very comfortably situated as a result of his former years of activity. He
was born in Clark county. Illinois, on the home farm, October 26. 1842. the
son of Bates and Olive (Hollenbeck^ Besser. the father being a native of the
canton of Luzerne. Switzerland, born January 15, 1797. He came to
America with his father when a small boy. He grew to maturity here and
during the war of 18 12 teamed for the American army when the British
burned the city of Buffalo. He afterwards .settled in Black Rock, near
Buffalo. His mother died in the old country and Mr. Besser married a native
of Xew YiM-k after coming here. They both died in that state. The parents
of William T. Besser boarded a trading boat and descended the Ohio river
to the mouth of the Wabash, ascending the latter stream until they reached
a spot near Marshall, Illinois, where they settled, braving the severe climatic
changes. Indians and the hardshijis incident to a pioneer life. Mr. Besser
purchased sixty acres of land, later entering considerable land adjoining.
As soon as he could secure the sum of fifty dollars he would enter another
forty acres and he soon had a very valuable tract and made a success in this
new C()untry where he lived until he reached a ripe old age. dying September
13. 1855. Bates Besser made many trips to Chicago in wagons, before the
days of railroads, taking apples, principally, to market and bringing back
merchandise. He married Olive Hollenbeck in 1828. She was the daughter
of Lawrence H. Hollenbeck, who settled in Illinois as early as 1815, his wife
dying soon afterward. His death occurred in i860, in Dallas, Texas, where
he went from Iowa, having moved to the latter state from Illinois. Both
the elder Hollenbeck and Besser belonged to that type of pioneers who courted
rather than shunned danger and thought nothing of hardships. They fatten-
ed their hogs with the corn they raised, and. in order to market them, .sawed
lumber with hand saws with which they constructed tiat-bottomed boats and
on these drove their hogs, taking them down the ri\-ers to the Xew Orleans
504 WEIK S HISTORY OF
markets, where tliey al)aiulonecl tlieir boats and walked home. Mrs. Ohve
Besser died in 1873, ha\iiig reared the following nine children: Luzerne
died in Oregon ; Wesley died in Illinois : James died in the Indian Territory ;
Xathan. who was with General Grant, early in the Ci\'il war, died in 1862;
William T.. of this review; Margaret Hathaway Linton died in Illinois in
1830: Mary, who married Dr. S. Jumper, died in ^Marshall. Illinois, in 1890;
Hulda, who married Bryan Anderson, now lives in Marshall, Illinois.
\Villiam T. Besser worked on the home farm in Illinois in his boyhood,
attended the countiy schools until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion,
which so fired his youthful ardor that he could not remain at home when his
countrv was in need of his services, consequently he enlisted in the Fifty-
fourth Regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for the three-months service.
He did guard dutv principally, not having occasion to participate in any bat-
tles, his ser\-ices being principally in protecting railroad property. He con-
tracted the measles which settled in his eyes, thus preventing his re-enlist-
ment, and he was honorably discharged in October, 1862. He returned home
and took up farming again. Four years later, 1866. he purchased a half
interest in the mill at Marshall, Illinois, which in 1874 was destroyed by fire,
but was rebuilt. After a series of varied successes in business, he sold out in
1893 and came to Greencastle, Indiana, where he purchased the interest of
E. H. Marker in the "Big Four Mills." which he has been very successful in
and is now widely known to the farmers throughout this and adjoining
counties, making a specialty of the well known and much-sought-for brand
of "Big 4 Flour," which ranks second to none on the market and which is sold
in large lots in many sections of the L'nited States. He is regarded as one
of the leading mill men in this section of the state and an authority in such
matters, holding a conspicuous place in the ranks of millers of the ^fiddle
West. He has been very successful of recent years and is one of the sub-
stantial men of Greencastle. He has a nice home, well furnished and tastily
kept.
Mr. Besser was married on April 19. 1874, to Mary Craig, daughter of
Robert and Marv (Hall) Craig, an excellent family of Sullivan county, this
state. This union resulted in the birth of two children. Daniel, who is his
father's assistant in the mill, and Bertha, widow of Milo Reed Janney. The
mother of these children passed to her rest in 1902. She was a woman of
rare Christian character and an earnest worker in the Christian church.
Fraternallv Mr. Besser is a niember of the R(Dyal Arch Masons, the Odd
T~el!ows. the Modern Woodmen of .America and the Grand Army of the Re-
public.
PUTXAM CCKXTV. INDIANA. 505
AXDREW p.. HAXXA.
One of the representative business men of Putnam county, and a man
whose sound (Uscretion and business judgment is universally recognized, is
Andrew B. Hanna. the well-known furniture dealer and undertaker of Green-
castle.
Mr. Hanna's ancestr}' is that of people of the most sterling worth, men
and women who delighted in keeping untarnished the good records of the
earliest members of both branches of the family. In tracing this genealogv
we find that Mr. Hanna"s grandfather, William Hanna, was a Kentuckian,
in which state he was bom. reared and received some schooling in the primi-
tive schools of the early days. He came to this section of Indiana at a very
early date, being a hardy pioneer, and he established his home here in the
midst of the forest, and from him sprang the later generations that ha\e
made this a familiar name in all circles in Putnam and adjoining counties.
One of the best representatives of the family is Andrew B. Hanna, who \vas
born in Warren township, this county. May 31, 1865, the son of .Adam
Hanna. now living I'etired in Greencastle at the advanced age of seventv-
seven years. He was born in Brown township, Montgomery county. In-
diana, where he grew to maturity on the old Hanna homestead. He moved
to Putnam county in i86j and located on a farm in Warren township, devot-
ing his life to farming and stock raising, also bought large numbers of li\e
stock from time to time, being \er\' successful in both lines of endeavor. He
shipped more stock to the markets from Putnam county than any other man
up to those days. He was always well known as a stock man and he was
a good fanner, laying by an ample competency for his old age. In 1869 he
moved to Greencastle, where he has since resided. He engaged in the stock
and li\ery business here for many years, and from 1875 ^^ ^^82 he was in
the furniture and unclertaking business.
.\dam Hanna married .Amelia Black, who was born in Mt. Sterling,
Montgomer^■ county. Kentucky. She was an excellent, whole-souled woman,
and she passed to her rest in Fel)ruary. iqoo, at the age of sixty-six years.
They became the parents of only one child, .\ndrew B., of this review.
.\ndrew B. Hanna was four years old when his parents movefl to Green-
castle. He spent his youth much in the .same manner as other lads of his
days in town, attending the public and high schools. later DePauw Univer-
sity, where he made an excellent record and from which institution he was
graduated in 1885. He soon after'wards turned his attention to fanning, but
5o6 weik's history of
in 1890 went into the furniture and undertaking business, opening an estab-
lishment alone in October of that year, on the east side of the public square.
He prospered from the first and had built up an excellent patronage when,
in 1897, he sold out and bought in his present place, the firm name being
Black & Black, and in 1900 Mr. Hanna bought the entire stock. He is now
erecting one of the finest business blocks in Greencastle, at the corner of
Indiana and Walnut streets. It is modern in every detail and will be elegant
in all its appointments. He will have an up-to-date and well equipped office
in the same and will carry a large and carefully selected stock.
Mr. Hanna belongs to the Masons, having attained the thirty-second de-
gree: he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men, also the
Woodmen and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Politically he is a Republican. He is usually too busily engaged with his in-
dividual affairs to take much interest in politics; however, his support may
always be depended upon when movements are promulgated looking to the
betterment of the county politically, socially or materially. He is regarded
by all as upright and honest in all his business relations and he has the con-
fidence and respect of a wide circle of acquaintances and friends throughout
the countv.
JAMES O. CAMMACK.
Men who love the esthetic and have eyes for the beautiful even along
the most commonplace stretches of the path of life are not numerous, but
now and then one is to be found who devotes his life to the gratification
of this attribute rather than plunge into the maddening scramble for the
material things of a pro.saic world. James O. Cammack, a noted photog-
rapher of Greencastle, is perhaps the most conspicuous figure of the former
class of men in Putnam county, for he has made art his hobby and loves the
beautiful and ideal. He is a native of Iowa, having been born on a farm four
and one-half miles south of Iowa Falls. Hardin county, June 21. 1S69. His
father, [ames Cammack. who was a farmer, was born in Wa}-ne county,
Indiana, where he lived until about 1855, when he moved to Muscatine,
Iowa: however prior to his removal west he had lived a short time in Ohio.
After spending a few years in Muscatine he moved to Hardin county, where
he lived for many years. In 1887 he migrated to Osage county, Kansas,
locating in Barclay, spending about a year and a half there, then moved
PL'TNAM COC'NTY, INDIANA. 5O7
to Xeosho county, that state, where he remained until about one year before
his death, in 1904. He spent the last year of his life with his daughter and
son at Radclitte. Iowa. He married Elizabeth Hadley, a native of Ohio, who
died in 1873. Both Mr. and Mrs. James Cammack were representatives of
excellent Quaker families, (grandfather John Cammack was a native of east-
ern Indiana, and he and his wife died when James Cammack. father of
the subject, was a small child, consequently the latter was bound out. as was
the custom in those days. He managed to secure a good education, having
studied at Earlham College, Richmond. Indiana, and he preached some in
the Quaker church. The Hadleys were well-to-do and influential in their
communities, cultured and educated. Grandmother Hadley was known in
her maidenhood as Lydia Hazard and was related to the distinguished Amer-
ican naval officer, Oliver Hazard Pern.'. She was a native of the state of
New York and was a \'ery exceptionally beautiful woman. Her death oc-
curred in 1886, in Indianapolis, where she had lived for many years. She
was three times married, her last husl)and being William Pyle.
Mr. and Mrs. James Cammack were the parents of eight children,
named as follows: Oliver and Alfred, deceased; Calvin H. lives in Radcliffe,
Iowa; Walter R. is a traveling salesman, living at New Castle, Indiana;
Lydia Alice is deceased; Henrietta is the wife of A. F. Crispin, of Lajunta,
Colorado; \\'illiam is deceased; James O., of this review, is the youngest of
the familv.
James Cammack spent his youth on the farm, working in the fields dur-
ing crop season and attending the district schools in the winter time, remain-
ing under the parental roof-tree until he was twenty years of age. in 18S9.
He received a verv good education. After finishing the common schools he
attended the high school at low^a Falls for a short time, continuing his
studies in the schools after the family had moved to Kansas, and he had
greatly supplemented his early education by general home reading and study
and by contact with the world, by traveling and observation. In 1889 he
began the study of photography with his brother. W. R. Cammack, at Oska-
loosa, Iowa. They moved from there to Kokomo. Indiana, where James O
remained about a year, then secured a position in a studio at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, where he worked for fifteen months. During the five years
following he traveled and worked in Virginia, Indiana and Illinois. In 1895
he started in business at Tazewell. Virginia, remaining there about eight
months, going from there to Chestertown, Mar\dand, thence to Ind'anapolis,
working in the latter place at the Marceau studio, now known as the Rink
studio, one of the finest in Indiana. On January i, 1896. he purchased his
5o8 weik's history of
present handsome studio in Greencastle. He had been here since Xoveniber
4, 1895. This is the leading studio of Greencastle and is generally regarded
as one of the best in the state, and it is always a busy place, being patronized
from remote parts of the country. Mr. Cammack has been a member of the
State Photographers" Association for many years and is now treasurer of
the association, a position he has held for the past three years. Prior to that
he was vice-president of the association, and during the year 1909 he received
the highest rating in both portrait and view class in the state exhibit. His
efforts have done much to encourage and promote the above named associa-
tion, in which he takes a very deep interest.
]\Ir. Cammack was married on January 29, 1896, to Adelene Buston,
who was born near Dursley, England, from which country her parents
brought her to America when about one year old. She is a lady of talent and
culture, and she is the mother of three interesting children, namely: Elizabeth
Eileen, Hadley B. and Eleanore Adelene.
Fraternally Mr. Cammack is a Mason, a member of the Knights of
Pythias and the Modern \Voodmen. He has always been interested in the
affairs of his city and county, and for two years he served very faithfully as
a member of the city council and for the past two years he has been secretary
of the board of education. He is also active in fraternal affairs, having
passed through all the chairs of the local lodge of Knights of Pythias. Per-
sonallv he is pleasant, courteous, genteel and thoroughly reliable, and he
and Mrs. Cammack are favorites with a large circle of friends and acquain-
tances in Greencastle.
ORVILLE :\I. TUSTISOX.
We are dealing with a fine citizen when we confront the bearer of the
above name. Not only has he made a success in life in a business way, but
he has done still better by the character of man he has made of himself, by
study, observation and e.xperience in the affairs of the world. His highest
claim to the crown of good citizenship is his universal dedication of himself
to all moral causes. Point out the moral side of any question and there you
will find Orville M. Tustison arrayed as an advocate and fighter. He has
been speciallv conspicuous in the noble cause of temperance. Knowing the
evils of the liquor tralific, seeing with his own eyes the ruin it has wrought on
all sides in every household and in all the walks of life, he long ago con-
ceived for it a holv hatred and this dislike is manifested in church, at the
polls, in private and public life. Mr. Tustison was bom at Cherry Point,
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDI.\NA. 5O9
Illinois, April 14, 1869, and is a son of Dr. Andrew F. and Mary (Kelley)
Tustison. of Shelby county, Ohio. His father was a practicing physician at
Cherry Point. Orville 'SI. attended public school at Cherry Point and after
he grew up he learned the trade of painting and hanging paper. He followed
this occupation for quite a while and was successful in a business way as he
had energ}-, industn.-, honesty and good judgment. In 1895 ^^ came to
Putnam county, where his strong qualities soon asserted themselves and we
find him now one of the successful and progressive farmers of this section.
He and his wife own three hundred and three acres of fine farming land
and are ranked among the county's solid citizens.
On September 19, 1894, Mr. Tustison married Xellie G. Hanna, a de-
scendant of one of the earliest of Putnam county's pioneer families. Her
father is G. W. Hanna, a sketch of whom and his family appears elsewhere
in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Tustison have four children: Reed Ariel,
born August i, 1895; Ross Hanna, bom May 24. 1897; Vera ^larie, born
July 21, 19CO, and ^ladonna Xelson, born Septemljer 6, 1905. Mr. Tustison
is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Eagle Lodge, No. 16, of Greencastle,
and Morton Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and has also been quite
conspicuous in politics, which he aims to elevate and purify by driving out
machine methods and all sorts of corrupt devices. He is the Republican
member of the advisory board of Monroe township and is always conscien-
tious in the performance of the duties attached to this position. He was a
delegate to the Republican state convention held at Indianapolis in 1908, and
used all his influence for a strong declaration for temperance in the platfomi.
As president of the temperance league in Clinton township he was foremost
in the fight for local option, which carried the county by an overwhelming
majoritv. He favors state-wide prohibition and hopes to live to see the day
when there will not be a saloon in the state of Indiana. For many years he
has l;een an indefatigable laborer in the temperance cause and rejoiced to
see the steadv advance of temperance principles in all sections and states of
the L'nion. Xo man in Putnam county is more highly esteemed for his high
character, sound business judgment and general worth as an ail around good
citizen.
D.WID HOUCK.
Putnam county was not especially inx'iting on the surface when Jonathan
Houck came in from the East to seek his fortune in the new country of
the West. He was born in Pennsylvania. X'ovember 10. 1809. and in 1840
5IO
WEIK S HISTORY OF
made his appearance in this county, when all was still wild and undeveloped.
There were no good roads, only trails and trees, swamps covering much of
the land, population was scant and scattered, the best houses were log cabins
and only a limited amount of livestock was to be seen. As a compensation,
however, there was still much game of various kinds and on this the pioneers
relied chiefly for their fresh meat. Times were hard and the struggle for
existence was bitter. Land was cheap, it is true, but it took an immense
amount of work to clear it and get it in shape for raising crops. There was
no local market for anything and the farmer was unable to dispose of his
products to advantage, even after he raised them with much labor. It is
interesting to compare the prices for food at that time with those now pre-
vailino-. Eggs, quoted recently at Indianapolis as high as forty-five cents a
dozen, went begging at five cents or less in Jonathan Houck"s day. The usual
price of pork was two and one-half cents a pound, cattle three cents and com
twenty cents a bushel. Jonathan Houck settled in Clinton township on
government land and spent the best part of his life in developing it. Event-
uallv he made it a fine farm and left a handsome estate to his heirs. When
he died, July 6, 1905, he was the oldest resident of the county. In early
manhood he married Nancy Elizabeth White, who came with him to the
West and shared with him all the hardships and privations of pioneer life.
Nancy Elizabeth White was born near Harrisburg, Dauphin county,
Pennsylvania, on May 5, 1812. On August 26, 1S30, she married Jonathan
Houck, of Huntington county, Pennsylvania, and in 1837 they moved to
Hamilton county, Ohio, and from there, in 1839. to Putnam county, Indiana,
locating near Brick Chapel. Four years later they removed to the old home-
stead in Clinton township, where they lived until their home was destroyed
by fire, in 1898, since which time they lived with their son, David, of
Greencastle. Mrs. Houck died on January 25, 1898. There are now sixteen
living grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren of this worthy couple.
:\trs. Houck united with the regular Predestinarian Baptist church in 1831.
Jonathan Houck was a Methodist. To Jonathan and Nancy Houck were
born five sons, namely: David, of Greencastle: Thomas, Anthony and Ross
A. are deceased: Elijah, of Greencastle.
David Plouck. son of this pioneer couple, was born in Cambria county,
Pennsylvania. July 12, 1831, and was only nine years old when brought by
his parents to Putnam county. As he grew up he had all the rough expe-
riences of a pioneer boy, including much work and little play. He assisted
on the faiTn. from early in the spring until late in the fall, and then put in a
few weeks at the subscription school held in a log cabin near his home.
PUTNAM COU-N'TY, INDIANA. 5II
After he became of age he began farming in Madison township on three
hundred and ten acres of land, which he operated for seventeen years. Then
he removed to Washington townsiiip, near Hamrick Station, where he had
four hundred acres, and was there for twenty-five years. In 1892 he removed
to Greencastle, Hving for a time in the eastern part of the city, but in 1896
moving to his present residence on the southern outskirts of the town.
Though a Democrat in politics, he never sought office, but about 1888 was
appointed trustee of Washington township, and served to the entire satis-
faction of the people.
August 10, 185 1, yiv. Houck married Rachel Talley. by whom he had
seven children: Jonathan, James Edward. Elizabeth, Henry T. (deceased),
Oliver. Xelson. William M. and Anthony (deceased). Elizabeth became the
wife of Lennox M. Boone and lives in Eureka, Kansas, the other members
of the family residing in Putnam county. The mother having died. Air.
Houck married Mrs. Martha A. (Penny) Houck, daughter of [ohn and
Henrietta (Wood) Penny, and an old pioneer family, the former a native of
Pennsylvania and the latter of \'irginia. Mrs. Houck was born in Monroe
township. September 29, 1834. and had pre\-iously been the wife of Anthony
Houck. brother of the subject and who died at the age of twentv-six years,
and b}' wliom she had four children, namely; Joseph H., who died at the
age of eighteen years: John William, who lives at Muskogee, Oklalioma;
James A., of Indianapolis; Anna, the wife of Francis Lyon, a lawver of
Greencastle.
THOMAS XEWGEXT.
The Xewgent family is traced back to pre-Revolutionary davs and
members of the same have figured prominently in A'irginia, Kentucky,
Pennsylvania and Indiana. William, George and Edward X'ewgent emi-
grated to Roanoke, \'irginia, before the war for American independence.
William and George went on to Pennsyhania ; Edw'ard to Fauquier county,
\'irginia ; he bought two emigrants from an ocean vessel who had readily
sold themseKes for passage and induced them to enter the army with him.
Edward married a Miss Conway, by whom he had three sons and one daugh-
ter. Thomas Xewgent, of Putnam county, one of the sons, was born in Fau-
quier county. \'irginia, June 10. 1770, and when eighteen years of age he
crossed the mountains to Kentucky with a surveying party. He married
Philadelphia Spillman. who was born July 30. 1772, and who died August
10, 1823: she was the daughter of John Spillman, of Culpeper county, Vir-
512 WEIK S HISTORY OF
ginia, and they were the parents of ele\en cliikh"en. all of whom lived to be
past fifty-four years of age. all becoming heads of families. Following
were among them: Charles lived in Parke county, Indiana; Frances came to
Indiana, a widow, and here married Thomas Boswell and lived to an old age,
dying at Portland Mills; Sarah married James Collings and in alx)ut 1878
she was killed by a ninaway team; they lived in Clinton township, where
Air. Collings died in the fifties; her only daughter was Edna Collings, who is
still living on the old homestead, single. Her brother, John Holland Col-
lings, recently deceased, was a well-read man, owning the first library in Put-
nam county outside of Greencastle. Elizabeth, the eldest daugihter of
Thomas Xewgent. lived in Parke county; Nancy is married and is living in
Clinton township. Her son. Charles E. Webb, lives in Clinton Falls ; Pollv
and her husband came to Clinton township and she died in Russell township,
but left no children.
In 1798 Thomas Newgent settled in Mercer county. Kentucky. He
was a surveyor and teacher. In the war of 1812 he enlisted from Franklin
county and was a scout for Gen. William Henry Harrison. In the battle of
Ft. Meigs, Frenchtown and Raisin river he proved a gallant fighter. It was
interesting to hear him give a graphic description of the fights and Indian
massacres he witnessed. His wife died in Shelby county, Kentucky, in 1823.
He later came to Putnam county, Indiana, and was the first teacher here, the
school he first taught being located where Xo. 3, in Clinton township, now
stands. The death of this sterling pioneer and useful first settler occurred
on Februarv 4. 1863, when he had reached the advanced age of ninety-two
years, seven months and twenty-four days. He was a member of the Meth-
odist church.
\VALTER R. HUTCHESOX, M. D. '
One of the leading physicians of Putnam county of the younger genera-
tion is Dr. Walter R. Hutcheson. a worthy son of a worthy sire, for Philip
Hutche'son. one of the venerable residents of the county, is a man well known
and highlv honored for his past life of consecutive endeavor along legitimate
and useful lines. His forbears are belie\-ed to have been among the early
pioneers of Kentucky, from which state came Randolph Hutcheson, founder
of the Hutcheson family in Putnam county, Indiana, whither he came as
earlv as 1827. locating in Madison township, removing a few years later to
Washington township. Thus the Hutchesons have been residents of this
(J/.Q^^^^^
PCTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
513
county for over ninety years and their names are deftly intertwined with the
various phases of its history from pioneer days to the present. Randolph
Hutcheson married EHzabeth Woner, also a native of Kentuckv, where she
was reared and where, in Ganett county, she married Mr. Hutcheson. By
this union there were three sons, Payton, Henn.- and Philip, father of Doctor
Hutcheson of this review.
Philip Hutcheson was born in Madison township. Putnam county,
October 27, 1830. and he has lived on the fami which he now owns since he
was four years old, now being eighty years of age, being the "grand old man''
of Washington township. The surrounding countrv- was all in woods in
those days and he did not have much time to pour over text-books, for it fell
to his lot to assist in clearing and developing the farm, and he took care of
his parents in their old age, his father, Randolph Hutcheson, surviving
until 1864. He fanned all his life, held no public oftice, but was a member
of the Christian church at Manhattan. Their family consisted of twelve
children, all reaching maturity but one, only three of whom are now living,
two sisters in Missouri and Philip, the only one of the children left in Put-
nam county. The latter has ahvays been a farmer and he built his present
home in 18S7. The old homestead contained eighty acres; this Philip has
added to until he now has one hundred acres in this place and other lands,
all making several hundred acres.
On June 25. 1857. Philip Hutclieson married Louisa Bence. sister of
Doctor Bence of Greencastle and John Bence of Washington township. She
was born in Jefferson county. Kentucky. April 12. 1840, being seventeen
years of age at her marriage. She is of German extraction, and she is still
living, being a woman of fine Christian characteristics. The following child-
ren were born to them : Izora H. is living at home caring for his parents : Ida
married Luther Easter, of Warren township, this county: Laura married
Frank Daggy. of Washin,gton township; Maggie married Fred Stoner. of
Washington township: Daniel married Gertrude King of Washington town-
ship ; Philip B. married Stella Zaring and he is superintendent of the Roach-
dale schools: Dr. Walter R.. the immediate subject of this review; Charles
married Jennie Gamer and is living in Washington township on the old Boone
homestead.
Phdip Hutcheson, father of these children, has never been an aspirant
for public honors; however he at one time served as supervisor of his town-
ship. He is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church, having been
a leader in the building of the .Antioch church, which is near his farm, and
i33)
514
WEIK S HISTORY OF
he is one of its main supporters, his home being the frequent gathering place
for the ministers -who preach here. He is a quiet home man, devoted to
plain, simple virtues, highly honored by all. He has taken a great deal of
pains in educating his children. Now in his advanced age he is hale and
hearty owing to his past life of clean wholesome living.
Dr. Walter R. Hutcheson was born in Washington township, this county,
October 2, 1874. He was reared on the farm and made his home there until
1898, meantime attending the district schools. Later he spent terms at the
Central Normal School at Danville and the State Normal at Terre Haute,
and at DePauw University. In 1895 he entered the Medical College of In-
diana and was graduated therefrom in 1898. April 7th of the same year he
began practice at Greencastle and since then has devoted himself assiduously
to his profession. In 1907 he took a post-graduate course at the New York
Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital. He is a surgeon for the Monon
railroad and the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern Interurban railway.
Doctor Hutcheson is a member of the American, State and Putnam
Countv Medical Societies, and he has served very acceptably as health officer
both for the citv and county, for he ranks well in his profession, in which he
has made steady progress, and enjoys the general esteem of all who know
him. Fraternallv, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically he is an unswerving Demo-
crat, taking an interest in his party's success.
The Doctor is married to a lady of singular refinement, known in her
maidenhood as Adda Louise, daughter of Thomas and Alice (Hazelett)
Farmer, a well known Greencastle family. The date of their wedding was
October 15, 1902. This union has been without issue.
THO:\IAS BENTON F.\RMER.
The name of Thomas Benton Farmer should not be omitted from any
historical work of Putnam county, Indiana, owing to the fact that Mr.
Farmer, who is now living in honorable retirement in Greencastle, surrounded
bv the manv substantial evidences of thrift of his former years of industry,
has long been one of the leading citizens of the county, always ready to
assist in any wav possible the upbuilding of the vicinity honored by his
citizenship. He was born in Greencastle, August 12, 1836, and, unlike many
of his contemporaries who sought uncertain fortune in other fields, he desired
PUTXA-M COUNTY, INDIANA. 515
to remain at home, believing that better business chances were to be found
right at his own door, and, judging from the eminent success that has at-
tended his efforts and the good he has done the city, he was wise in reaching
this conclusion. He is one of the few connecting links between the pioneer
days and the present in Putnam county and it is indeed interesting to hear
him tell of the development of this favored region since his boyhood days.
He is the son of James H. and Emily (Parks) Farmer, the latter born in
Xorth Carolina, from which state she was brought by her parents. Benjamin
and Olive Parks, to ^Monroe county. Indiana, then being eight years of age.
She married in that county and her parents came on to Putnam, locating
near Putnamville, where they spent the remaining years of their lives, the
father dying in 1849 o'' iSjO- when about sixty years old, his widow sur-
viving him thirty years, reaching the advanced age of ninety-two years.
Benjamin Parks was a Primitive Baptist minister and continued to preach
until his death. He preached regularly for many years at Deer Creek and
other places and was a power for good in those early days.
James H. Farmer was born near Shelbyville, Shelby county, Kentucky.
When sixteen years of age his mother brought him to Monroe county, Indi-
ana, his father having died when he was ten years of age. When twenty-two
years of age, was married, his wife, Emily Parks, being about the same age.
He worked for one year after this event in Monroe county at the plasterer's
trade, then came to Greencastle where he continued his trade, being very
highly skilled and consequently he usually had plenty of work. He worked
on the old college and on many of the other early buildings in the county,
including the present ^vlissionary Baptist church. About 1S40 or 1841 he
moved to a farm near ]\fount Meridian, on Deer creek. Marion township, six
miles southeast of Greencastle, moving into the woods, only a small portion
of the place having been cleared. He farmed and continued to work at his
trade whenever practical. He also had a lime kiln on his farm and there he
burned the lime that went into the construction of the old court house, and
he hauled lime to Indianapolis to market for ten or twelve years, spending
the rest of his life on the farm. He placed a fine farm of four or five hun-
dred acres under cultivation, the old house erected there in the forties still
standing, after being used sixty-five years and is still serviceable. Frank
Farmer, son of Thomas B. Farmer, now operates the place, two hundred
and seventy acres of it. Thomas Farmer still owning part of it.
James H. Farmer died November 11, 1876. at the age of seventy-one
years, his widow surviving him until January 27, 1887. With the assistance
of two grandsons, she had operated the farm after her husband's death and
5i6 weik's history of
an evidence of her gooil management is seen by her earning the sum of
seven thousand dollars — in fact, she really made the farm what it was, one
of the best in the township. By the side of her husband she sleeps in the
Deer Creek cemetery, near the little church which they loved to attend. Their
children are as follows : Benjamin followed the plasterer's trade in Putnam
county, dying when past seventy years of age; Mary .\nn married Alexander
^IcCarthy. M. D., who moved to Iowa, later to Oregon, where he died;
Matilda married John Nosier, an attorney who became a judge after moving
to Oregon, where Mrs. Nosier was killed by a team backing over an embank-
ment: Louisa married Joseph Ruark, of Marion township, where they both
died: Thomas Benton, of this review; Nancy is the widow of James Raines,
living at Cloverdale; Cynthia married Dr. Thomas Bryan, and they both
died while living in Missouri; Samuel died about 1897, at the age of fifty-
seven, having been a farmer in Putnam county, which he served as county
commissioner, while living in Jefiferson township; James married a Miss
Ruark, moved to Iowa, then to Arkansas and his death occurred in Oklahoma
at the age of fifty-five years; Ellen married Andrew J. Ruark, brother of
Joseph Ruark. both retired fanners living in Greencastle.
Thomas Benton Farmer was reared on the old homestead, which he
began working when quite young, attending the district schools a short time
during the winter months. He learned the plasterer's trade, which he worked
in company with Samuel Farmer. He was married on September 17, 1857,
to Catherine Sherrill, who was reared by her grandfather, Thomas McCarthy,
in Warren township, her mother having died when she was an infant.
Mr. Farmer went to Ringgold county, Iowa, in 1859, where he remained
for a period of four years, until 1863, improving a new prairie farm. Re-
turning to Putnam county, he purchased one hundred acres east of and ad-
joining that of his father's. He has proved to be an excellent manager and
a modern agriculturist, consequently has prospered and is now the owner of
six hundred acres of as valuable land as the county afifords. all in a body with
the exception of one hundred and eighty acres in Jefferson township, two
miles from his other land. It is practically all under excellent improvement
and a high state of cultivation. About one hundred acres of his father's old
place are included in his holdings ; at one time he owned about all the old
place, but sold a part to his son. Frank. Much of Mr. Farmer's attention
has been directed to the successful handling of livestock, of which he seems
to be an exceptionally good judge, having long kept his place well stocked
with cattle, hogs and horses, also mules, having shipped horses and mules to
market in large numbers, acquiring a large part of his ample competency in
PCTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 5I7
this manner. He continued to operate his farm, giving it almost his e.xclu-
sive attention until about 1892 when he moved to Greencastle and has since
lived practically retired, spending some of his time looking after his small
place near the city. He has an attractive and comfortable home in the best
residence district of the city.
Mrs. Farmer was called to her reward in 1S75. Four children were born
to this union, namely : Alice married Henry Runyan. living at Mt. Meridian,
Putnam county ; Albert was a commercial salesman for a hardware house in
Terre Haute, and he died at the age of thirty-two years, leaving a widow and
one child. Zella. at Greenca.stle : Frank owns the old Farmer homestead and
lives in Greencastle township: Samuel Edward is married and is operating
his father's farm in IMarion township.
Thomas B. Farmer's second marriage was in 1S77 to Alice Hazlett,
daughter of Richard and ^lelvina (Bunten) Hazlett. and she is next to the
youngest member of the family, having been born in Marion township, this
county. This family came to their present commodious thirteen- roomed
house in 1868. Four children were also born to this second union, named as
follows; Addie married Doctor Hutcheson, of Greencastle; Claude is a
railroad employe in Indianapolis; ^Mary married Nathaniel Hammond, who
is living on his father's farm; Jennie is being educated in DePauw Univer-
sity.
Politically Mr. Farmer is a Democrat, and while he has always been
deeply concerned regarding the welfare of Putnam county politically and
every other way, he has not been an aspirant to public office. He is well-
known and highly respected throughout this part of the state, for his life
has been an exemplary one.
DANIEL EVANS SHOEMAKER.
A man who boldly faces the responsibilities of life and by determined
and untiring energy carv^es out for himself an honorable success exerts a
powerful influence upon the lives of all who follow them. Such men con-
stitute the foundation of our republican institutions and are the pride of our
civihzation. To them life is so real that they find no time to plot either mis-
chief or vice. Their lives are bound up in their duties, they feel the weight
of their citizenship, and take pleasure in sowing the seeds of uprightness.
Such has been the career of the subject of this sketch.
5i8 weik's history of
Daniel E. Shoemaker was bom in Wayne county, Indiana, on the 23d
day of September, 1836, and is a 'son of James and EHzabeth (Howren)
Shoemaker, the former of whom was born July 30. 181 3. and the latter
May 4, 1 814. They were of stanch old Quaker stock and the father was a
man of splendid qualifications and high standing, being universally known as
"Squire" Shoemaker. He was one of the early pioneers of Wayne county,
this state, and came to Putnam county in 1840. Here he devoted his attention
to farming and attained to a fair measure of success. He possessed a strong
religious spirit and was a forceful and effective public speaker.
The subject was reared under parental care and secured his education
in the old log school houses of that early period, at which time educational
methods and equipment were somewhat primitive. He was reared to the
life of a farmer, and has never left the occupation of his first choice. He
is the owner of one hundred and twenty-five acres of land and has been suc-
cessful to a gratifying degree in the operation of this land. Of practical
ideas and progressive methods, he has kept in close touch with advanced
ideas relating to the science of agriculture and his labor is rewarded with
abundant returns.
At the age of fiftv-three years Mr. Shoemaker received distinct religious
impressions and from that time forward has to the best of his ability lived a
consistent Christian life. He has for many years been a persistent and
thoughtful student of the holy writings and is considered an authority on
the Bible and its teachings. He has strong and definite convictions regard-
ing the great truths of God and stands squarely on his honest and con-
scientious beliefs. His life has been as an open book to all who know him
and no man in the community enjoys to a greater degree the respect and
confidence of the people.
On October 10. i860. Mr. Shoemaker was united in marriage to Louisa
Stobaugh. the daughter of Jacob and Ursula Stobaugh and who was born
on July 27. 1840. Jacob Stobaugh was one of the first settlers in the state
of Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker were born the following chil-
dren: Lillie D.. born October 18. 1861. is the wife of Marion Graver, living
in Boone county, this state: Jacob H.. bom April 8. 1863, a farmer of Floyd
township, married Lula Mason; Arminda B., born March 12. 1865. died
at the age of fifteen years; Josephine, born August 3, 1876. became the wife
of Sherman Goffer; Worley V.. born December 14. 1880. is single and is
living at home. He has been reared to the honest life of a farmer and takes
much pride in livestock and has become a regular dealer in feeding and
handling stock for market.
PUTXAM COrXTY. INDIANA. 5^9
ARCH ALLEX.
Over four score years have been dissolved in the mists of time since
the venerable and highly honored gentleman whose name appears above
first saw the light of day, and heaven has bounteously lengthened out his life
through the most momentous epoch in the world's history, bringing him
down to the mell(,nv Indian summer of his years without regret for a career
that has been strenuous yet satisfactory, a career which has resulted in great
good to himself and immediate family and also scores who have had the
pleasure of knowing him. He has witnessed many wonderful changes
in this country since his bovhood days, has seen it advance from a wild
wilderness filled with all kinds of untamed beasts to a highly cultivated and
wealthy region where happiness and plenty abound as against poverty and
hardships in the long ago.
Arch Allen, who is known to every resident of Monroe township,
like many of the good citizens of Putnam county, is a native of the state of
Kentucky, having been born in IMontgomery county, July ii, 1827, the son
of James and Sarah ( Tones) Allen, the father of Virginia and the mother
of Kentucky. James Allen lived for some time in the last-named state, from
which he came to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1849- In Kentucky he had
been among the men who had braved the dangers of a primitive countiy,
which was still the domain of the red man. but here he erected his log
cabin and lived in comfort, such comfort as was to be obtained in those
days.
Arch Allen spent his youth in Kentucky, working on the farm, and tor
a very limited time attended the old-time country schools, and it was not
until 1851 that he came to Putnam county, Indiana, first settling in Monroe
township where he soon had a good start and where to obtain the same
he labored hard.
On May 17. 1848. ^Ir. Allen was married, while living m Bourbon
countv, Kentucky, near Paris, to Matilda Trimble, daughter of Fergus
Trimble, who was a native of Bourbon county. Kentucky, where he spent
his entire life. His father, a native of Virginia, was a soldier m the war
of 1812,
The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Arch Allen: James
T. married Blanche Riggs, of Greencastle. who was a daughter of Daniel
and Mary (Parsons) Riggs, Mr. Riggs being a contractor ot this city;
Mr. and Mrs. James T. Allen are the parents of two children. Hazel and
Marie. William H. Allen is deceased: Mollie married Braxton Ellis, a
520 WEIK S HISTORY OF
merchant, of Bainbridge : Billie and Rolla are deceased; Lilly lives in Loiiis-
ville. Kentucky.
Arch Allen has been a \ery successful fanner and stockman and
has probably handled, bought and sold more mules and cattle than any
other man in the county, and he is widely known throughout the county
and in adjoining counties, having long been regarded as one of the best
authorities on livestock in this locality. He has spent over sixty years in
the saddle, buying cattle and mules, having made this his chief life work
from early youth, and there is not much of this countn,- that he has not
ridden over and is perfectly familiar with. But notwithstanding his very
busy life 'n the handling of stock, he has found time to be an extensive
agriculturist and at one time he owned fourteen hundred acres of land. He
paid two thousand dollars in gold for the first land he purchased. He
gave over five hundred acres of land to his children. He has been a very
close obser\er, believed in keeping abreast of the times and leaving no stone
unturned whereby he couM advance his interests in a legitimate way.
]\Ir. Allen is a Southern Democrat of the old school and has been ever
loyal to its basic principles, but he has never been a seeker after public office.
He has long been one of the pillars of the Christian church at Fincastle,
which he helped to build and of which he has been a liberal supporter.
He is a fine character, a man whom to know is both to respect and admire,
for his life has been lived along proper lines and has been one of honor and
success.
JOHN ANDREW HUFF^IAX.
Through all the gradations of life recognition should be had of the true
values, and then should full appreciation be manifestetl. for, if it be done
jnstlv, there can be no impropriety in scanning the acts of any man as they
affect his public, social and business relations. In the collection of materia!
for the biographical department of this publication there has been a constant
aim to use a wise discrimination in regard to the selection of subjects
and to exclude none worthy of representation in its pages. Among the
worthv citizens of various vocations is found the name of John Andrew
Huffman, who has made a success of his chosen life work and at the same
time established a reputation for uprightness in all relations of life.
Mr. Huffman was born in Washington township. Putnam county.
January lo. 1855. He is the fifth son of Edmond and Loui.sa A. (Rightsell)
Huffman. A full sketch of this well established and highly respected family
PUTNAM COL'XTY, INDIANA. 52 1
is to be found on another page of this work under the caption of Douglas
Huffman, brother of John A., to which the interested reader is referred.
John A. Huffman spent his early youth on the home farm, which he
worked during crop seasons, attending the district schools during the winter
months, remaining under the parental roof until he was thirty years old,
ha\'ing for many years previously been successfully engaged in stock feeding
and shipping, becoming widely known in this line of endeavor. At the age
meiitioneil alwve he was married to Lucy Smith, daughter of Lyman B.
and Louisa (^^hirphy) Smith, of Reelsville. fomierly a well known timber
dealer, now deceased. Mrs. Huffman was bom in Washington township.
Mr. Huft'man has become the owner of a splendid farm of one hundred
sixty-eight and one-half acres, and also owns eighty acres that was formerly
a part of the old home place. He has for years been a grower of excellent
crops of all kinds, but stock raising and feeding has claimed a great deal
of his attention. He is a breeder of high-grade stock which is admired
by all who see the sleek, well-cared- for animals that are to be found con-
stantly on his place. He usually feeds a car load of cattle at a time and a
large number of hogs. About seventy-five acres of his land is bottom land
along the Walnut, on which he erected his present fine house in 1903, from
which may be had a splendid view, it being located on the edge of a hill of
the Walnut creek bottoms.
To Mr. and ^Irs. Huffman five children have been born, two of whom
died in infancy and one in childhood: two are living, Carl A., graduated
from the local high school, in which Lora H. is now a student.
Mr. Huft'man has kept out of politics, having been too busy with his
private aft'airs to seek public office. He is a veiy progressive business man
and has. by his own efforts, become well fixed, and is deserving of the suc-
cess that has attended his efforts and of the high esteem in which he is held
bv all his neighbors and friends throughout the countv.
ISRAEL KXAUER.
One of Clinton township's aged and highly respected citizens is Israel
Knauer. who. despite his years, is hale and hearty as a result of the con-
sistent life he has led. a life of steady habits and correct living and thinking
and one that has resulted in great good to all who have come in contact with
him. He hails from the old Kevstonc state, having been bom in Chester
WEIK S HISTORY OF
county, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1837, the son of Jacob and Ann (Hudson)
Knauer. the father a native of Germany. Israel was one year old when
the family emigrated west, 1838, and located in Clinton township. Putnam
county, three- fourths of a mile east of Israel's present home, where they
began life in true first-settler fashion, moving to the present Knauer home
about 1854, the parents dying in the latter place; the house they occupied is
still standing. Jacob Knauer prospered and became the owner of two hun-
dred acres in the first place and eighty acres in the latter, also owned sixty-
two acres in ?^ladison township, also four hundred and eighty acres in
Xemaha county, Kansas, having entered the latter in 1861. This he later
deeded to his eldest son. having divided part of his property among his
children himself. He lived to a good old age, dying in 1873 at eighty-three
years. His faculties were acute to the last and he kept matters in his own
hands, looking after every detail of his business. He was always a hard
working, persisting man, and he cleared out and improved a great deal of
land. Politicallv he was a Democrat, but did not aspire to political offices.
He was a good and useful man in his community and highly respected. His
wife preceded him to the grave by seven years. Their family consisted of
five children : Martha married George Cricks, whose sketch appears herein ;
Elizabeth, who died in old age, had lived most of her life at the old home-
stead; Franklin remained at the old home and died a bachelor at the age
of seventy; Clement B.. who was given the Kansas land, lived in Madison
township, Putnam county; Israel, of this review, is the only survivor.
Israel Knauer lived at home until he was twenty-three years of age,
assisting with the work of clearing the farm; after a respite of a few years,
he returned to the home farm in 1873, buying his father's old place, his
parents living with him the rest of their lives. Prior to that time he had
purchased the original two hundred acres of his father, latter adding the
one hundred acres. He now owns the sixty-two acres his father owned in
Madison township. He also owns ninety-six acres in Clinton township and
two hundred and forty acres in Madison township, besides what his father
owned. He also owns about four hundred acres of valuable land in Parke
countv. some four miles distant, and one hundred and thirty-two acres in
another section of Parke county, or a grand total of over twelve hundred
acres. He has made excellent improvements on all these places and his able
management results in abundant yields of general crops, besides he raises
various kinds of livestock which forms no small part of his annual income.
He erected his present substantial and attractive home in 1884. and he has
modern outbuildings and everything about his place shows thrift and pros-
PL'TXA.M COUNTY. INDIANA. 533
perit}- and that a gentleman of excellent taste and good judgment has their
management in hand. He depends a great deal on grass and has many broad
acres in grass where roam scores of cattle and hogs. He has paid as high
as fift\'-t\vo dollars an acre for land, which is now worth a much higher
figure.
Politicallv Mr. Knauer is a Democrat, but he has never aspired to offices
of public trust, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his individual
affairs.
Mr. Knauer was married when twenty-three years of age. 1861, to
Elizabeth Hood, daughter of Reeves Hood, of Jackson township. Parke
county. Indiana, who came here from Kentucky. This family has long been
well known and influential in Parke county. To Mr. and Mrs. Knauer
twelve children have been bom. namely: Rebecca Ann married Rev. John
McHargue, of Illinois: Jane married Frank Carmichael. of Parke county,
Indiana; John H. lives in Madison township; Sarah married Thomas
Brothers, of Greencastle; Israel lives in Clinton township; Daniel lives at
home assisting his father with the work on the farm ; Jesse lives in Madison
township; Allie married Edgar Perkins, of Clinton township; Noah lives
in Jackson township. Parke county ; Lillie married George Slavens and died
in North Dakota when twenty-two years of age: William lives in Union
township. Parke county; Grace married Levi Hasty, of Madison township.
In evervdav life. Israel Knauer is known to be a man whose word is as
good, if not better, than the bond of many. Honesty and integrity are no
meaningless tenns with him and his record as a man and citizen are without
blemish. He is generous, well informed on current questions of the day
and is known throughout the countv as one of her best citizens.
TAMES G. BITS.
Among the citizens of Mill Creek township. Putnam county, who,
through their own persistent and well-directed efforts, have achieved a
gratifying measure of success in their vocation, is the gentleman whose
name appears at the head of this sketch. With little outside assistance, he
has steadilv forged to the front, overcoming obstacles and unfavorable cir-
cumstances, until today he is numbered among the successful men of his
community.
Tames G. Buis is a native of the county in which he lives, having been
born in Mill Creek township on the 2d day of February. 1856. He is a
524 weik's history of
son of Lewis M. and Rebecca (Wallace) Buis, the former of whom was
born in Jefferson township. Putnam county. May 15, 1837, and died June
4, 1905, at Stilesville, Hendricks county. The subject's paternal grandfather
was Caleb Buis. who came to this county from Tennessee in 1822. His
wife was Margaret (generally called Peggy) Hurst, and for her ancestry
the reader is directed to the record of the Hurst generalogy, elsewhere in
this volume. Rebecca Wallace, the subject's mother, was a daughter of
Enoch and Winnie (Xorton) Wallace, who came from Tennessee to Hen-
dricks county, Indiana, at an early day. Lewis 'SI. Buis lived practically all
his life in Jefferson and Mill Creek townships, or until a short time prior to
his death, when he moved to Stilesville. He formerly owned a fami in
Jefferson township, but later traded it for one hundred and seventy-seven
acres in [Mill Creek township. He was a prominent man in the communities
where he resided and at one time served as trustee of Jefferson township.
To him and his wife were born eleven children, namely : Albert, who resides
in Indianapolis ; James G. is the immediate subject of this sketch ; Alonzo
lives at Stilesville; Florence died in young womanhood; Reason lives at
Martinsville : Lawrence lives at Stilesville ; Luellen died at the age of seven-
teen years : William resides at Stilesville ; Lewis died in childhood : Alpha
became the wife of Charles Cox and lives in Hendricks county, this state;
Pearlie Myrtle, deceased, was the wife of John H. Williams, of Mill Creek
township.
James G. Buis was reared to manhood in Jefferson township, Putnam
county, being at an early age inured to the hard labors of the farm. He
received his education in the common schools, supplementing his school
discipline by lifelong habits of close observation and years of practical expe-
rience. At the time of his marriage, in 1875, he rented a farm in section 32,
[Mill Creek township, and during several subsequent years he rented farming
land at dift'erent places in Mill Creek, Jefferson and Marion townships. He
was energetic in his efforts and a good manager and in 1890 was enabled to
buv thirty-five acres of bottom land, where he had first rented in Mill Creek
township, which has been his home ever since. Soon afterwards he bought
forty acres and has made other additions to his first holdings, having pur-
chased eighty-six acres of the old Beddle farm, south of his home, and sixty-
one acres, located north of the Ellett farm. He thus has two hundred and
seventy-three acres in his home farm, and he has recently bought eighty acres
of e.xcellent land in Morgan county, this state, making his total holdings three
hundred and fifty-three acres. This has all been acquired by Mr. Buis solely
through his own indomitable efforts and he is to be commended for the per-
PLT-VAM COU-XTY. INDIANA. 525
sistent and well-directed efforts which have wrought this result. He is a
thoroughly practical farmer and has kept in close touch with every detail
of his business, keeping his property up to the highest standard of excel-
lence. He has raised all the crops common to this section of the country,
and has also, with gratifying results, given considerable attention to the
raising of livestock. He is now to some extent abstaining from the hardest
of the work which had through the acti\'e years of his life characterized
his efforts and is enjoying that ease which comes as a reward for honest
and earnest effort.
In 1S75 -^fi"- Buis married Mary C. Smith, daughter of John and Louisa
( Vaughn ) Smith. She was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, and accom-
panied her parents to Indiana during the Civil war, they locating in Hen-
dricks county, just across the line from Mill Creek township, this county.
Subsequently they moved to Belle Union. Jefferson township, this county,
where the father died on December 29, 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. Buis were
born seven children, namely; Ernest and Velva died in childhood; Flossie
was the wife of Orville Wallace and died on August 19, 1909, leaving two
children. Hazel and Clarence; Mettie is the wife of Shelton Ray, of Stiles-
ville; Luellen is the wife of Ernest V. Ellett, of Jefferson township, and
they ha\e two children. Pearl and Metta; Cornie Lewis married Lena Sech-
man, lives on a farm adjoining his father on the north, and is the father of
three children. Frank, Lucile and James Mahlen ; \'ita, the youngest of the
children, is at home with her parents. Mr. Buis has never had much time
for public affairs, but during the nineties he served six years as trustee of
Mill Creek township. gi\ing a very satisfactory and efficient administration
of the duties of the office. He possesses a genial disposition, the spirit of
hospitality being in constant evidence in his home, and he is well liked by
all who know him. lie is a strong Democrat, but has not been an aspirant
for office or public notoriety.
JESSE THOM.AS HORN.
One of Putnam county's highly respected citizens was Jesse Thomas
Horn, who was born in Wayne county. North Carolina, November 25. 1848.
In the winter of 1855 his parents. John and Celia (Bogue) Horn, came to
Indiana and located near Winchester. Randolph county, and in 1856 moved
to Cloverdale township. Putnam county. He began teaching school when
526 weik's history of
seventeen years old and taught several terms. His father died in 186S and
Jesse then engaged in the mercantile business in Cloverdale until 1877, part
of the time as a partner with Frank Bandy. In 1879 ^e went to Greencastle
and clerked in the Walnut Street Hotel for several months, then spent some
time in the old home in Xorth Carolina, returning to Greencastle and made a
trip to Tennessee by team. In September, 1880, he engaged in the hardware
business in Cloverdale, selling out in 1881, then moved to Owen county, In-
diana, buying a farm in Jackson township, where he remained until August,
1886, when he rented his place and returned to Greencastle, and entered the
real estate business with \V. S. Cox.
Air. Horn married Nancy Cox in 1867; she was the daughter of Wil-
liam yi. and Hannah Cox, of this county, and her death occurred in 1875,
leaving two children, Rosa E., wife of Jesse Hubbard, and Annie F., de-
ceased. In 1878 Mr. Horn married Lizzie ]M. Hubbard, daughter of Wil-
liam and Catherine Hubbard, of Putnam county; she died in 1881 without
issue. Mr. Horn was again married in 1883, to Hilary H. Hubbard, a sister
of his second wife, and they have four children, Viola C, Ora Catherine,
Joseph Howard and Jacob.
Jesse Horn was a member of Cloverdale Lodge of Masons, of which
he was secretary for several years. He was also past noble grand of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Cloverdale. His father was born near
Goldsboro. North Carolina, in 1820 and in 1855 the family moved to Indiana,
locating in the northeast part of Cloverdale township, Putnam county, where
Mr. Horn died February 16, 1862, at the age of forty-two years. He was a
member of the Methodist church from early youth until his death.
Mr. Horn's mother was born near Stauntonsburg, North Carolina, and
came to Indiana with her family about 1855. After the death of her hus-
band she remained on the farm and managed it without aid of administrator
or guardian for her children. When her husband died, all but one of her
nine children were sick with measles ; that son, taking the measles three days
after his father's death, did not recover. The mother bore her burdens with
Christian fortitude and by judicious management kept the children together,
giving them a pleasant home and rearing them in comfort and respectability
until thev could go out into the world for themselves. She was a devout
and earnest Christian.
Mr. Horn was a man whom everybody respected, for he lived a con-
scientious and straightforward life, was kind, neighborly and always ready
to do his duty in all lines of citizenship.
PUTNAM COUXTV. INDIANA. 527
XATHAX \V. ADER.
The career of Xathan W. A'ler happily ilhistrates the fact that if a
voung man possesses the proper attributes of mind and heart, with the
abihty to direct the same in proper channels, he can attain for himself not
only material success but gain an honored place among the factors that shape
the destinies of communities. His life proved that true success in this world
depends upon personal efforts and consecutive industry in the pursuit of
some specific and honorable purpose; it also demonstrated that the road to
positions of influence among men. whatever the relation of life may be. is
open to all who may possess the courage to tread its pathway, besides serv-
ing as an incentive to the young of the present generation, teaching by in-
controvertible facts that true excellence in any worthy undertaking is ambi-
tion's legitimate answer.
Mr. Ader was born in Putnam county. January 22. 1S48. the son of
David and Elizabeth f Aldridge) Ader. a complete sketch of whom is to be
found in another part of this work.
Mr. Ader was educated in the common schools and the Ladoga Acad-
emy, later attended Phillips Aca<Jemy at Andover. :\[assachusetts. He was
a very close student and recei\ed a splendid education and he always kept
well abreast of the times in matters of not only current import, but also
literary and scientific.
Believing that merchandising offered special inducements for him, he
accordinglv opened a dr}- goods store at Bainbridge, this county, in 1869,
which he conducted in a very successful manner until 1879. becoming known
during that decade as one of the leading merchants of this locality. In 1872
he erected a substantial brick block in Bainbridge.
In 1881 Mr. Ader went to Florida, remaining there several years, meet-
ing with varied successes, returning to Putnam county at the death of his
father. He later became the owner of a part of the old family homestead,
which he placed under modern improvements and on which he erected a very
attractive, commodious and nicely furnished residence, surrounded by a well-
kept lawn, and standing at proper convenience are numerous substantial out-
buildings. He kept some good stock of various kinds, being especially fond
of good horses. There is a fine flowing well on the place. All in all, the
farm is one of the most desirable in the township and it has been so well
managed that its soil is as fertile as ever.
Mr. Ader married Mollie Nelson, daughter of a highly respected family.
528 weik's history of
and she herself a lady of refinement and such engaging traits as to be a
favorite with a large circle of friends. This union resulted in the birth of
two children, namely: Lily R., born Xovember 19, 1876, now living in
South Dakota; Charles E., born May 11. 1870, and now living in California.
Mr. Ader's second wife was known in her maidenhood as Martha A.
McKee, whom he married on November 15, 1883. She is the daughter of
AVilliam and Lucinda (Yates) McKee, a fine old pioneer family. Mrs.
Ader's grandfather, Samuel McKee, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
and Mrs. Ader is a member of the noted organization, Daughters of the
American Revolution. Her brother, Melvin McKee, was a circuit clerk of
Putnam county for a period of eight years, during which time he won wide
notoriety. Mrs. Ader is a well educated, refined and affable woman, who
makes friends readily and always retains their good will. Mr. Ader's death
occurred suddenly, on May 10, 191 o, at Indianapolis, while he was seated,
resting, in a store in that city.
Mr. Ader, in his fraternal relations, was a member of the Free and
Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 542, at Groveland, this county, having become a
Mason in 1872, joining Bainbridge Lodge, No. 75. He filled all the offices
from tyler up ; he was also a Royal Arch Mason and had attained the degree
of Knight Templar. He took an abiding interest in Masonry and stood high
in its circles, which is criterion enough that he was a man of proper principles
and that his neighbors and friends were justified in placing explicit confidence
in him, without fear of having it betraved.
JAMES P. HUGHES.
Putnam county figures as one of the most attractive, progressive and
prosperous divisions of the western part of the great Hoosier commonwealth,
justlv claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which is
certain to conserve consecutive development and marked advancement in the
material upbuilding of this section. The county has been and is signally favored
in the class of men who have controlled its affairs in official capacity, and in
this connection James P. Hughes,- one of the best known attorneys of this
section of the state, demands representation, as he is serving this county
faithfully and well in a position of distinct trust and responsibility, being an
active, vigilant and potent factor in the local body politic. While yet a
vouns: man he has achieved a brilliant record at the bar, at the same time win-
PUTXAM COUXTY, IXDIAXA. 529
ning a reputation for industry and integrity. He is a close student, solidly
intrenched in the principles, routine, technicalities and the complicated ma-
chinery of the law, careful, painstaking and conscientious, his creed being
that professional success depends on work — hard, unremitting, indefatigable
work. He always stands upon a logical outlook ; is a reasoner, dissector and
analyst, and to such as he the future augurs much in the way of success and
honor; yet with all his ability he is entirely unassuming.
In the early part of the last century, among the many conscientious and
liberty-loving people who came to this country to escape the intolerable civil
and religious conditions of Ireland, there was a boy named Peter Hughes.
When he first came to this country he worked as a stone-mason on the Na-
tional road, which was then being built through this county, and many of
the fine arches which are yet standing were partly the work of his hands.
He later settled on a farm about six miles east of the city of Terre Haute,
and at the time of his death, in 1893. was the owner of the valuable tract of
land upon which he had lived for many years. He married Ellen Dickerson,
a daughter of one of the early pioneers of Vigo county, who was a native of
Ohio. The Dickerson family was prominent in Vigo county and had much
to do with the making of its history. Eleven children were born to Peter
and Ellen Hughes and of these eleven, one was named George \V., who was
born in 1846.
Gei^rge W. Plughes, at the age of seventeen years, enlisted as a soldier
in the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry and the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth
Regiment. He served imtil the close of the war and at the time of his dis-
charge was first lieutenant. In 1869 he was married to Hessie Ferrel, daugh-
ter of James and Nancy Ferrel. who at that time lived near Cloverdale, this
county. Tames Ferrel was a native of Ohio. He came to this state, in the
early part of the last centun,'. with his parents, who settled near Terre Haute.
Xancy Ferrel is a daughter of John P. Sinclair, one of the pioneers of this
county, who came here from Kentucky in 1823 and that year Nancy Sinclair
Ferrel was born on what is now known as the Frank Allee farm in Warren
township, and which is located about two and one-half miles north of Clover-
dale. Mrs. Nancy Ferrel is still living and resides part of the time with her
daughter. Hessie Hughes, on the Hughes farm north of Cloverdale and with-
in one mile of the spot where she was born eighty-seven years ago. She is
no doubt the oldest native-born citizen of this county.
After the marriage of George W. Hughes and Hessie Ferrel they went
to housekeeping on what is now known as the Hulman farm just east of Terre
(3.4)
530
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Haute. They lived in Vigo county until 1875, at which time they moved to
Putnam county and located on a farm three miles south of Cloverdale. In
1880 Mr. Hughes bought a large tract of ground one and one-half miles north
of Cloverdale and resided on this fann until 1893. I" November. 1892, he
was elected treasurer of Putnam county and re-elected in 1894. He served as
treasurer from September, 1893. to January, 189S. Mr. Hughes was one of
the most popular and efficient officers Putnam county ever had and was widely
known as a man of honor and integrity. After he retired from office he
mo\ed to his farm and lived there for a few years and again moved to Green-
castle and died here on the 9th day of April, 1905, leaving as his heirs,
Hessie Hughes, his widow; and Minnie \V., wife of D. B. F. Hurst; Curtis
K., assistant cashier of the Central National Bank; James P.. whose name
forms the heading of this article; Forest, who has a position with the Terre
Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern Traction Company; and. Birch, who is a
student in DePauw University.
James P. Hughes was born in Vigo county, December 18, 1874, and
spent his youth on his father's farm near Cloverdale. After obtaining a
good primary education, he entered DePauw University, from which he was
graduated in 1898 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. Shortly
afterward he became a student in the Indiana Law School and was graduated
from this institution with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. It is thus seen
that Mr. Hughes has a thorough training for his profession. In October of
1900 he was admitted to the bar of Putnam county and immediately entered
into the active practice of his profession, to which he has since devoted him-
self exclusivelv. In March, 1902, the county commissioners appointed him
court attorney, which position he held for three years. From 1905 to 1907
he was deputy prosecutor under Prosecuting Attorney Curtis G. Scofield and
he was elected prosecutor for the thirteenth judicial circuit in November,
1906, and re-elected in November, 1908. by the largest majority that any can-
didate for prosecutor of this district had ever had up to that date, which fact
testifies to the popularity of Mr. Hughes as an officer. His term of office
will expire January i, 191 1.
In April, 1908, Mr. Hughes formed a partnership for the practice of
law with John P. Allee, under the firm name of Allee & Hughes. This firm is
known as one of the strong legal firms of this community and it has a large
and extensive practice. Mr. Allee and Mr. Hughes are both recognized as
strong and able lawyers.
On January 17, 1907, ^Ir. Hughes was married to Alayme Gainer, daugh-
ter of Tohn Gainer, deceased, and a native of Greencastle. She is a charming
PUTNAJl COUNTY, INDIANA. 53I
woman in the home, and is also a woman of business ability, having for four
years held the position of deputy auditor under County Auditor C. C. Hurst.
Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have one child, James G., who was bom May 24, 1909.
JNIr. Hughes is a member of the Methodist church and INIrs. Hughes belongs
to the Catholic church. He is a member of the ^lasonic order, the Elks and
Knights of Pythias and has held the highest offices in these orders. He also
belongs to the Delta Upsilon fraternity, a college order, and in politics is an
enthusiastic Democrat.
GILBERT SINCLAIR.
Among those citizens of Marion township, Putnam county, who have,
by lives of persistent and well-directed effort, not only achieved a definite
measure of material success, but, what is of greater value, have gained the
respect and confidence of their fellow men, the subject of this sketch is
conspicuous.
Gilbert Sinclair was born on the 23d day of April, 1840, on his father's
farm situated where the town of Fillmore now stands, and is a son of Rich-
ard and Katherine (Hedden) Sinclair. These parents were natives of
Shelby county, Kentucky, but came to Indiana in 1840, and bought eighty
acres of land, comprising the farm abo\'e referred to, and for which he paid
five dollars per acre. Here he established his pioneer home in a log cabin
and vigorously applied himself to the development of the new farm, which
was in many respects a strenuous task. He had in his native state learned
the trade of a wheelwright and this practical knowledge stood him in good
stead in his new home, his services in this capacity being of great value to
many in the surrounding country. In 1850 the Vandalia railroad was sur-
veyed through his farm and, not liking the proposition, he sold the land, for
ten dollars per acre. Pie then bought one hundred and ten acres of land ad-
joining his former farm, for which he paid the same price per acre, the place
being well improved with good buildings. Subsequently, as he was pros-
pered, he bought other adjoining land, until eventually his land holdings
amounted to three hundred and twenty acres. He was a man of many
excellent qualities of head and heart and he enjoyed in a large degree the
respect of all who knew him. His death occurred in 1899 and his wife died
in 1895, their remains being interred in the Fillmore cemetery, which land
was donated by ]\fr. Sinclair for cemeteiy purposes. Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair
were members of the Baptist denomination, belonging to the Salem church.
53-
WEIK S HISTORY OF
near Fillmore. Politically Mr. Sinclair was an ardent Democrat. These
parents had five children, namely: Gilbert, the subject of this sketch; Mary
F., the deceased wife of W. H. Cowgill ; Emily died young; James W. and
Marion, who also are deceased.
Gilbert Sinclair was reared on the parental farmstead and secured a
good practical education in the common schools. At the time of his marriage,
in i860, he went to housekeeping in a log house on his father's farm, and he
has throughout his life devoted himself to the cultivation of the soil, in which
he has met with a gratifying degree of success. His first purchase was
forty acres, and in 1875 he purchased a forty-acre tract adjoining, onto which
he moved. His energy and determination were rewarded as the years passed
and he eventually became the owner of a large and valuable farm. He has
given to each of his children a farm and there still remains in the home farm
four hundred and fifty acres of as good land as can be found in this part
of Putnam county. Mr. Sinclair has carried on general farming and has
also given considerable attention to the raising of livestock, which also he has
found a profitable line. Mr. Sinclair has long occupied a leading place
in the community and he has served as administrator in the settlement of a
number of estates and as an arbitrator in the settlement of disputes between
fellow citizens.
Politically Mr. Sinclair gives an ardent support to the Democratic party,
while in religious matters he gives a liberal support to all churches, having
contributed to the erection and support of several.
On March 29. i860. Mr. Sinclair was united in marriage to Susan
Kinsler. a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Kinsler. of this county, and to
this union have been born two children, namely: Richard R. and John.
Richard R., who resides on a fine farm of one hundred and five acres in
Marion township, received a good public school education, after which he
attended two vears each at the State Normal and the Danville Normal
Schools, after which he engaged in teaching, being now employed in the
schools of Greencastle. He is a member of the Christian church at Fillmore.
On October 14. 1887. he married Lizzie Campbell and they are the parents
of two children. Courtland C. and Irene. Courtland graduated from the
high school at Greencastle. and is now a student at DePauw University.
John, after completing the common school course, attended two years each
at the State and Danville Nomials, and is now devoting himself to the cul-
tivation of his fami of fifty acres, adjoining the old homestead. On August
4. 1904. he married Laura Browning, of Montgomery county, this state, and
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 533
they have two children, Helen and Paul G. Besides the children mentioned
Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair reared Cora B. Flynn, aged four years, a niece
of Mrs. Sinclair, and she has been a member of the family for thirty years,
receiving the same care and affection accorded to their own children.
WILLIAM L. TORR.
The founder of this family in America was William Torr. who came
from England and settled in Virginia. His son. of the same name, migrated
to Kentucky where he became a farmer, married and reared a family. His
son. \\"illiam. w as born in Shelby county, Kentucky, where he married Maria
Kimberlin and in i8:;8 came to Putnam county. He located on land in
\\'ashington township, one mile south of the present homestead. James
Torr, a brother of William, followed the latter to Putnam county some
years after his arrival, later went to Ohio, married and then came back to
Putnam county and entered eighty acres of land. He cleared and cultivated
this tract, but later bought the farm in Madison township which became his
well known homestead. William Torr died in December, 1842, leaving his
widow with six children, the eldest fifteen years old. The widow remained
on the fami. w here she reared her children. She was a fine business woman,
quick witted and well read. She was a member of the Baptist church, hav-
ing joined in Kentucky, and was broad-minded and liberal in her views,
refusing to belie\e that part of the human race was created to be saved and
part lost. She lived a widow- for thirty years and died at the age of eighty
years with her mind clear to the last. Xancy, eldest of her children, mar-
ried John Raw-ley, father of the district judge of the same name. She spent
most of her life in Clay county, but is now living with a son. Frank S., ex-
judge, at Terre Llaute. James H. was William Torr's second child: the
third was America, who married Alfred Miller, of Parke county, and died
at the age of sixty-six years; Eliza, the fourth child, married Benjamin
Leatherman and removed to Humboldt. Nebraska, where she still resides in
aged widowhood: Xiles H., who was a soldier, died in Parke county when
forty years old.
\\'illiam L. Torr, youngest of the family, was born in IMadison town-
ship, Putnam county. Indiana, :\Iarch 4, 1839. He remained with his
mother until thirty-four years okl and from his sixteenth year had charge
of the farm. \\'hen twentv-six vears old he married Ellen, daughter of
534
WEIK S HISTORY OF
A'olney Smitli, of Alanhattan, whose father came to the county when a boy,
was appointed postmaster at Manhattan and was the oldest postmaster in
the state at the time of his death. [Mr. Torr by degrees bought out the
interests of the lieirs in one liundred and sixty acres of the home place and
when his mother died he bought the entire estate of two hundred and forty
acres, of which he still retains one hundred and seventy-five acres. He has
made a fine farm of the place which as a boy he helped to clear. Seventy
acres of his holdings consist of fine bottom lands. Mr. Torr has always been
a general farmer, raising the cereal crops appropriate to this section and
keeping as much stock as his land would justify. He feeds all his own grain
and makes a specialty of hogs, of which he fattens a large number for mar-
ket every year. He has devoted his whole life to his farm, expended on it
much thought and labor and has made a success and ranks high among the
best farmers of Putnam county. His father was a Whig and he himself
has been a lifelong Republican, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.
He has always enthusiastically supported the principles of the Republican
partv and for twenty years served on the election board. His first wife died
February 13, 1893, and on September i. 1896, Mr. Torr married Mrs. Mary
A. Cochran, nee Neier, of Owen county. Mr. Torr's children by his first
wife are as follows: William V., a resident of Washington township, has
three children, Lola, Lela and Dorothy; Maggie married Albert Stoner, of
Sullivan county, and has two children, Russell and Estel : Anna M.. educated
at the Terre Haute Xonnal and Danville Normal, taught for thirteen years
in Putnam county, including several terms in the Greencastle schools, and
died September 12, 1909, aged thirty-eight years: Arthur D.. a resident of
Farmersburg. Indiana, has five children, Raymond. Stanley, Donald, Frances
and Helen ; Minnie, a graduate of DePauw University, has for six years been
a teacher of histon.- in the Connersville high school: Ross, a resident of
Farmersburg, has three children, Irene, Glenn and Gladys Marie: Emma
married J. H. Pitchford, telegraph operator for the Big Four railroad at
Fillmore. Indiana, and has two children. :\Iinnie Almeda and Mildred Ellen;
Edwin, on the farm with his father, married Martha Best and has two chil-
dren. Margaret Ellen and Ma.hd Grace. Mr. Torr has been a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church at ^It. Olive for fifty years, and has always taken
an interest in religious work. With the exception of Philip Hutcheson. Mr.
Torr has lived longest of any man in this vicinity. He is a fine type of the
best class of the old-time citizen and understands the farming business from
the ground up. During his long life he has proven himself a dutiful son. a
kind neighbor and true friend, fulfilling all duties Ijoth public and private.
PCTXAM COUNTY. IXDIANA. 535
ISAIAFI \'ERMILIOX.
Few pioneers of this \icinitv so indelibly impressed their personalities
upon their felK^w men or did more for the ,£reneral uplift of Putnam countv
than the late Isaiali X'ermilion. who was duly homered and respected by all
whii knew him for his long life of industry and straightforward dealings
with his fellow men, and it \\as a rare treat to \isit his hospitable fireside
during his last }"ears and listen to his interesting reminiscences of the past
histoiy of this localitv which he saw and helped develop from practically a
wilderness to one of the thriving communities of the great commonwealth
of Indiana. He was born five miles northwest of Greencastle, December 2.
1838. the son of Joel and Xancy (Shaw) Vermilion, the father a native of
Tennessee, from which state he came to Putnam county. Indiana, as early
as 1830. He was a minister of the Baptist church, in which noble work he
became known to all the old settlers, and he did not collect a penny for his
services, being one of those few and noble spirits who delight to ser\-e others
even at the expense of their own interests. His death occurred in 1873, his
widow surviving until December 4. 1874. They were the parents of a large
family, rearing eight children to maturity.
Isaiah \'ermilion farmed until he was nineteen years of age. gaining a
somewhat limited education in the schools of his day. He started on liis
inisiness career with only twenty-five cents, and, by thrift, industry and
economv. he accumulatetl rapidly and his latter years were spent in comfort
and in the nn'dst of such life's luxuries as he desired. He began the dry
goods business with his brother. Thomas, in 1857. under the fimi name of
Vermilion Brothers, in Mt. ^leridian, just half way between Terre Haute
and Indianapolis, on the National road. This was a successful venture, but,
desiring a broader field for his operations, Mr. Vermilion came to Green-
castle in 1868 and embarked in business, buying an interest with Xeese &
Elliott, the firm then changing to Xeese. Elliott & Vennilion. which met
with varied success until 1871. when Wilds Jones purchased the holdings of
Xeese and Elliott, the firm then changing to \'emiillion & Jones. In 1875 J.
P. Allen purchased the interest of Mr. Jones, then the style of the firm was
Vermilion & .Alien, the fonner selling out in his interest to the latter in 1879.
In that year he opened business in South Greencastle with \\'. H. Howe as
Howe & \'ermilion. In 1881 Xelson Wood bought Mr. Howe's interest and
in 1883 ^It. Vermilion sold out to Mr. Wood. In that year he re-engaged in
the dry goods business at X'o. 22 West \\'ashington street, where he remained
536 weik's history of
with his usual success until his death, which occurred September 5, 1908,
ha\ing been engaged in business in one place for a period of twenty-five years
consecutively. He was one of the best known merchants in this and adjoin-
ing counties and his customers were his friends owing to his uniform kind-
ness and his honesty in dealing with everyone.
Mr. V'ermilion was a noted church worker and the local Baptist congre-
gation owed much to his liberality of both means and time in forwarding the
interest of the church, always taking a dehght in its affairs. Being an earn-
est worker, he held all the offices in the church and he never missed a meet-
ing. He carried his religion into his business and his every-day life and his
genuine honesty and sincerity was never questioned. He was a member of
the Masonic fraternity and he was a Democrat in politics, but never sought
office.
Mr. Vermilion married, on January 12, 1865, Caroline E. Elliott, daugh-
ter of McCamy and Harriett (Sherrel) Elliott. She was born in Putnam
county, October 12, 1847. Her parents came from North Carolina; her
father, also, was a Baptist minister; he lived to the advanced age of ninety-six
years, dying February 15, 1906. his wife having preceded him to the grave
on December 24, 1892.
^Irs. Vermilion was called to her rest in 1893. She was an excellent
woman and took a great interest in religious affairs. Seven children were
born to ]\Ir. and Mrs. Isaiah Vermilion,, four of whom are deceased; those
living are. Miss Claude, of Greencastle; James E., of Greencastle, and Flossie,
wife of Charles Hausfhland. of Greencastle.
THOMAS J. McKEEHAX.
Some of the best improved farms in Putnam county are to be found in
Monroe township, the owners of which are men of indefatigable industry,
practical ideas and progressive methods. Among the successful agricultur-
ists of the township is numbered the gentleman whose name appears at the
head of this sketch. He has by his earnest and consecutive efforts brought
his farm to a high standard of excellence and is looked upon as one of the
reliable citizens of the township.
Thomas T. McKeehan was born in Whitley county. Kentucky. Novem-
ber 3. 1862. and is a son of Peter and Lida (Hart) McKeehan. He was
reared and educated in his native county, his education being obtained in
PUTXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 537
the common schools. He was engaged successfully in teaching school there
for a time, and in 1886 he came to Putnam county, where he has since re-
sided. He and his wife are the owners of one hundred and seventy acres of
fine and fertile land, eligibly located, and on which are raised all the crops
common to this section of the country. This land was inherited by Mrs.
McKeehan from her father, the late Jacob Huffman, one of the prominent
and well-known old pioneers of the county. The farm contains many excel-
lent improvements, including a comfortable and attractive residence, a com-
modious and well arranged barn and other necessary outbuildings, while the
well kept fences and other improvements indicate Mr. McKeehan to be a man
of excellent taste and sound judgment.
On Januar}^ 22, 1893. Mr. McKeehan was united in inarriage with Alice
Huffman, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah Ellen (Stadler) Huffman, and to
them have been born four children, namely : Frederick, bom September 27,
1895 : Paul, born Januan.- 29, 1897: Frank T.. born July 2(), 1900; Lawrence,
born August 17, 1905.
In politics ^tr. McKeehan gives a stanch support to the Republican
part}- and takes an acti\'e interest in local public affairs, though not a seeker
after pul)Iic office. Religiously he and his wife are members of the Chris-
tian church, to which they give an earnest and liberal support. Fraternally
he is a member of Bainliridge Lodge, Xo. 75. Free and Accepted Masons, of
which he is a past master. Possessing marked social qualities, he easily
makes acc|uaintances and wherever kno\\n he has many warm personal
friends, who respect him for his genuine worth.
AAROX TEXT.
This is an age in which the farmer stands pre-eminently above any
other class as a producer of wealth. He simply takes advantage of the
winds, the warm air, the bright sunshine and the refreshing rains, and,
applying his own hands and skill to nature's gifts, he creates grain, hay, live-
stock, etc., all of which are ab.solute necessaries to the inhabitants of the
world. The commercial world has come to realize his importance and has
surrounded him with many conveniences not thought of fifty years ago. The
inventor has given him the self-binder, the riding plow, the steam thresher,
and many other labor-saving devices. And the fanner has not been slow to
take advantage of the improvements thus offered. Among the up-to-date
538 WEIK S HISTORY OF
farmers of Putnam county is the subject of this review, who resides in a com-
fortable and attractive home in Floyd township.
Aaron Jent was born July 10, 1849, ^"*^ '^ ^ ^o" °^' Lemuel and Eliza-
beth (Connor) Jent, who were natives of the state of Kentucky, where they
were reared and married. Subsequently they came to Putnam county. Indi-
ana, being numbered among the early pioneers of this locality. The father
died on March 4, 1859, and the mother on June i. 1903. They became the
parents of eleven children, of whom but six now survive, namely: John,
]Nfarv, Mrs. .\nn Perkins, Mrs. Susan Coverdell. Aaron, the subject, and
Louisa E.. who, with the subject, occupies the old homestead.
Aaron Tent was reared under the parental roof and secured his educa-
tion in the common schools of the locality, the schools of that early day being
far inferior in many respects to those of today. He was early inured to the
labors of the farm and has devoted practically his entire life to agriculture,
in wliich he has been fairly successful. He and his sister Marv- are now re-
siding on a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Floyd township,
they having inherited this land from their mother. They have applied them-
selves assiduously to its cultivation and have maintained the place at a high
standard of excellence. !vlr. Jent has been a hard working man and has
made many permanent and substantial improvements on the place, not the
least of which is a comfortable and attractive residence, which has recently
been completed and which contains many modern conveniences and which
is considered one of the best homes in the community.
Politically Mr. Jent gives a stanch support to the Democratic party, but
is in no sense a seeker after public office, preferring to devote his aitention
to his business affairs. He is a man of splendid parts and stands high ii:
the estimation of his neighbors and acquaintances.
ELIJAH COOPER ^^•ALN.
Among the members of the older generation of famiers in Putnam
county, Indiana, none occupy a higher standing in their community than
the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. Long resi-
dence here has but served to strengthen the hold which he has enjoyed for
many years in the hearts of those who know him and now. in the golden
sunset of his life, he is enjoying the rest which his former years of toil
have so richlv entitled him to.
PLTXA.M COUN'TY, INDIANA. 539
Elijah Cooper Wain is a nati\e of the old Buckeye state, ha\ing first
seen the light of day in Highland county. Ohio, on March 7, 183S. He is a
son of John and ^Martha (Wilkinson) Wain. The father was a native
of \'irginia and was a pioneer settler in both Ohio and Indiana, coining to
the latter state in 1839 and locating in Putnam county, where he took up
the pursuit of agriculture, in which he was engaged up to the time of his
death, which occurred in August, 18S9; his wife died in August, 189J. Po-
litically he was first a Whig and on the dissolution of that party he became
a Republican to which party he gave an earnest supp(5rt. His religious mem-
bership was with the Christian church, in the various activities of which he
took a prominent part. To John and Martha Wain were born the following
children: Samuel, who died in infancy; Elizabeth, born February 19, 1836,
who became the wife of Allen Huffman, of Hamilton county, Ohio; Elijah
C. the subject of this sketch; Mary J., born January 23, 185J, is the wife of
John S. Black and li\es at Bainbridge, this county.
Elijah C. Wain received his education in the schools of Flo\d township,
where he has resided continuousl}- since coming to Indiana — in fact, he has
never lived more than one and a half miles from the spot where his par-
ents first located in this county. The school house in which he studied, and
to which he was compelled to walk three miles, was built of logs and was
furnished in the typical style of that period, the furniture consisting mainly
of puncheon seats and a rude desk for the teacher. But the lessons were well
learned there, despite the unfavorable surroundings and Mr. \\'aln laid there
the foundation for a good fund of information, being now considered a well
informed and intelligent man. He early became an assistant to his father
in the work of the farmstead and he wisely concluded that in husbandry
lay his life work. At the age of twenty-three years he bought sixty-one
acres of land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies with such
success that he was enabled to buy other land until at one time his estate
aggregated two hundred and forty-two acres. He has since disposed of some
land, being now- the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, which is most
eligibly located, a magnificent view of the surrounding country being pos-
sible from the homestead. The latter is a comfortable and attractive brick
building, located on a pretty knoll, and about it there is an air of comfort
and a spirit of hospitality is ever there in evidence. Mr. Wain gives his at-
tention to general farming operations and stock raising, in both of which
lines he has been successful to a gratifying degree.
During the Civil war Mr. Wain gave practical evidence of his patriotic
spirit by enlisting in the Seventy-eighth Regiment Indiana A'olunteer In-
540 WEIK S HISTORY OF
fantry, with which he served sixty' days, his services consisting mainly of
picket duty. He keeps aHve his old army associations by membership in the
Grand xAnny of the RepubHc, belonging to the post at Bainbridge, of which
he has served as junior commander.
In politics Mr. Wain renders a stanch allegiance to the Republican party,
as did his father before him, and he has at all times evinced a commendable
interest in local public affairs, in which he has played an influential part,
though never a seeker after official honor.
Mr. Wain has been married twice, first on January 8, 1862. to Man.' R.
Coffman. the daughter of Nicholas and Lavina (Dicks) Coffman, natives
of Kentucky. To this union have been born nine children, of whom seven
are dead, namely: Samuel, Marguerite (widow of Joseph M. Case, who died
April 17. 1906, leaving two daughters), Bessie, Mattie, Olive, Grace, John,
Leonard and Mary. The mother of these children, who was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, died on November 26, 1894, and on the 20th
of April, 1898. Mr. Wain married Rebecca J. Davis, of Hamilton county,
Ohio, there being no children by the last marriage. Mr. Wain's life has
been characterized by high ideals, strict integrity, indomitable industry and
amicable relations with all, being thus deserving of the respect and esteem
which is universally accorded him throughout the community.
JOHN HUFFMAN.
An enterprising farmer and representative citizen of Putnam county is
John Huffman, who is known as a man who, in all business affairs, is ener-
getic, prompt and notably reliable, justice having ever been maintained by
him in his relations with his neighbors and all others with whom he has had
transactions, and while he has been watchful of his business and of all indi-
cations pointing to prosperity along his chosen line of work — agriculture and
stock raising — his efforts resulting in the acquirement of a very satisfacton.'
competence; yet this has not been alone the goal for which he has striven,
for he belongs to that class of representative American citizens who promote
the general prosperity while advancing individual interests.
John Huffman was Iwrn in Putnam county, Indiana, March 26, 1868.
the son of Jacob and Sarah Ellen fStadler) Huffman, A sketch of these
parents is to be found elsewhere in this volume.
John Huffman attended the common schools in Floyd and Monroe town-
ships, receiving a verv good education. He worked on the home farm dur-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 54I
ing the summer months and thus learned how to manage crops while a ver\'
young man. and having followed this line of work all his life he now finds
himself ver}- comfortably fixed in reference to material affairs. He now
owns over two hundred and sixty acres of first-class land in Monroe town-
ship, the vicinity where the Huffmans have so long resided: his land has been
very highly improved and from it abundant harvests are reaped from vear
to year. It is well fenced, drained and is kept clean and always attracts the
attention of the passerby. He has a well located, modern and comfortable
dwelling and substantial and numerous outbuildings, together with the latest
impro\'ed farming machinen,'.
Mr. Huffman is well known as a stock breeder and raiser, always keep-
ing some e-Kcellent stock on hand which finds a read}- market owing to its
excellent quality, for he certainly understands every detail of the stock
business as is evidenced by his continued success in handling stock for many
■years.
On September 26. 1894, Mr. Huffman married ^lary Buis, daughter
of George W. and Polly (Patterson) Buis. a well known family of this
township, where they came from tlie state of Kentuckv'. of which they were
nati\'es. To Mr. and ^Irs. Huffman two children ha\-e been born, namely:
Walter A.'s birth occurred on June 2, 1896; he is attending school at Bain-
bridge; John Morris was born June 22. 1906.
Mr. Huffman is a Democrat and he takes more or less interest in the
affairs of his party. At one time he served very acceptably as county road
supervisor.
JOHN HEXRY NICHOLS.
Reared to the sturdy discipline of the homestead farm, during all the
succeeding years of his life John H. Nichols has not wavered in his al-
legiance to the great basic art of agriculture. To the public .schools he is
indebted for the early educational privileges which were his, and he duly
availed himself of the same, while he has effectively broadened his knowL
edge through active association with men and affairs in practical business
life which has placed him well in the front rank of citizens of Marion town-
ship. Putnam county.
John H. Nichols was born October 10. 1863. and is a son of Harvey and
Jemima T Clark) Nichols. His paternal grandparents were Adam and Anna
Nichols, who came to Putnam countv about 1830 and built a log cabin on an
542 WEIK S HISTORY OF
eighty-acre tract of land which he had entered. This land he cleared and
eventually developed into a good farm, the tract lying about a half mile
northwest of Mount Meridian, Marion township. Here they continue to
make their home in the old log house, depriving themselves of the comfort
of a more modern house that they might be better able to contribute to the
building of churches and other religious and charitable objects. Adam
Nichols died at the age of seventy-seven years and his wife at the age of
fifty years, their remains being laid to rest in the family burying ground at
Mount Carmel. this county. They were the parents of seven children,
namely: Harvey, Margaret. Elizabeth, Henry, Anderson, Martin and
Samuel.
Harvey Nichols was reared under the paternal roof and began his active
life on his own account on a rented farm, which he continued to operate
until near the close of the Civil war. when he offered his services to his
country, remaining in the army until the close of the struggle. On his re-
turn home he bought a lifetime right in a forty-acre farm and engaged in
its cultivation. His earthly career was, however, cut short, his death oc-
curring at the early age of thirty-seven years, in 187 1. His widow, in 1879,
became the wife of Leonard H. Fortune, of this county.
John H. Nichols spent the years of his youth and young manhood on
the parental farmstead, receiving his education in the common schools. On
the death of his father the management of the farm devolved upon the
subject and his mother. Subsequently he bought his mother's interest in
the fai-m. on which he has continued to engage in farming and stock rais-
ing, in which he has uniformly met with the most gratifying success. He has
acquired the ownership of adjoining land and now has one hundred and
ninetv acres of as good land as can be found in the township. The place
contains improvements of a high order, comprising a modern and attractive
residence, substantial barn and outbuildings and well-kept fences, the gen-
eral appearance of the place indicating the owner to be a man of good judg-
ment and taste.
On March 31, r886, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Nancy Cath-
erine Arnold, a daughter of James and Sally Ann Arnold, and they have be-
come the parents of the following children : Ira U.. who married Nellie
Zeiner, and they have one child, Orla Glenn: Delia O. is the wife of Elisha
Zeiner, a farmer in Flovd township; Ada E., Harvey C. and James Russell
are at home. Religiously, J\Ir. and Mrs. Nichols are members of the Chris-
tian church and he is a member of the official board of the same, being a
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 543
deacon, and also secretary and treasurer. In every avenue of life's activities
in which he has engaged Mr. Nichols has performed his full part and be-
cause of his splendid personal qualities he holds the confidence of all who
know him.
JOHN \V. HANKS.
The science of agriculture— for it is a science as well a? an art— finds an
able demonstrator as well as a successful practitioner in the person of John
W. Hanks, who is widely known in central Putnam county, both as an
up-to-date agriculturist and a saw-mill and lumber man. He comes of a well
known and highly honored pioneer family, a detailed history of which is to
be found on another page of this volume, under the caption of Alvin B.
Hanks, brother of John W., of this review, hence it is deemed unnecessary
to repeat the latter's genealogy here.
Tohn W. Flanks was born in Kentucky, November 22. 1844, and came
to this vicinity with his father in the fall of 1851, when seven years old. He
^\ as soon put to school in the subscription school, held in the old log school-
house nearby and gained there the rudiments of an education which has since
been considerably supplemented by general reading and observation. His
first schooling was gained at Mechanic's Point, and later he attended the
old Hopewell school. He worked on the parental fann during the major
part of the vear and thus learned the basic principles of agriculture early in
life, and he has continued to follow the independent life of the husbandman.
Prospering as the years advanced, he is now the owner of an excellent farm
of two hundred acres, the original old homestead of his father, which he
has brought to a high state of improvement and development and on which
stands a substantial, large dwelling and such modern outbuildings as to
meet all his requirements. He was formerly in the saw-mill business for a
period of twentv years, during which time he sawed an immense amount of
hardwood lumber throughout this section of the state and became widely
known and fairly successful in this line of work. His locations while thus
engaged were principally at Whitesville. Colfax and Newmarket.
Mr. Hanks was married on April 2j. 1865. to :Mary Elizabeth Everson,
bom in :Montgomer}' county, Indiana, February 27. 1845. daughter of
George W. and Rachael CHankins) Everson, whose father was one of the
prominent residents of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. :Mrs. Hank's grand-
father, on the paternal side. Jacob Evers<:m. was one of the earliest pioneers
544
WEIK S HISTORY OF
of Indiana, having entered land from the government and settled here as
early as 18J4.
To ^Ir. and Airs. John W. Hanks the following children have been
born : Laura, who lives in Roachdale. this county, married first, Pierce
Rittinger, no children being born of this union, and her second husband was
Willard Gough ; Cora is still a member of the home circle; Jesse M., who
died at the age of twenty-eight years, married Cora Oliver; Zadia married
Earl Crosby and they live in Putnam county ; John married Bert Reeves and
he is successfully engaged in the hardware business at Bainbridge; Ross mar-
ried Elsie Lewis and they reside in this county; Ira is single and is living
at home assisting his father with the work on the farm; Daisy, who mar-
ried Lawrence Friend, is now deceased; Roy died at the age of twenty-two
years, single.
Mr. Hanks is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
politicallv he is a Democrat, but he does not find time or have the inclina-
tion to mingle much in party affairs. He is a member of the Christian
church, in support of which he is not sparing of his means — in fact he is
alwavs to be found on the right side of all questions looking to the good
of his communitv.
DANIEL V. MOFFETT.
The ^Moffetts are a Kentucky product, the family having been founded
in that state over a year ago and ramified from there to many parts of the
\^"est. Daniel Moffett was first to cross the Ohio river into Illinois and
he found his way to the state when it was undeveloped and had little to offer
to the first arrivals. Daniel, however, like all the early pioneers, was brave
and not to be daunted by bayous, swamps or rank prairie sod. He located
in Edgar county, which, though somewhat forbidding at that time, has since
been made an agricultural paradise. Along with the old pioneer came his
boy. Silas H. Aloffett. who developed into a typical farm lad and helped on
the farm until he reached his majority. In early manhood he became relig-
ious, joined church and gradually became one of the primitive Baptist minis-
ters, whose unselfish work so greatly benefited the moral status of the rude
pioneers. Between farming and preaching he made a living and for years
before his death his voice was familiar in the pulpits of his church in Edgar
county. He passed away June 2. 1905, after he had completed his seventy-
eighth year, and all agreed that his life had been both useful and blameless.
He married Eliza Barr, bv whom he had three children. F. P. :\[offett, the
PUTXAM COUXTY, IXDIAXA. 545
eldest of these, is president of the Bainbridge Bank, at Eainbridge. Putnam
county. Indiana. ]\I. B. Moffett, the second son, is a preacher and dealer in
insurance at Paris. Illinois. Susan, the only daughter, married Mr. Brinker-
hoff and resides at Kansas. Illinois. The mother of these children having
died, the father married Xancy Da\is, of Edgar county, Illinois. The eight
children by this union are as follows: Eliza J., wife of N. R. Bennett, presi-
dent of The Bank of Westfield, Clark county, Illinois: Lucinda, wife of G. W.
Kirkpatrick. president of a bank at Oakland. Coles county, Illinois: Daniel
\ . ; Thomas, who married Lou Grubb, of Oakland. Illinois, and died in 1887;
Rector married Anna Zimmerly. of Paris. Illinois, and is engaged in the in-
surance business: May married W. Gill, cashier of the bank at Cloverdale.
Indiana; Alinnie is the wife of W. H. Miller, in the real estate business at
Terre Haute; John H.. who married Jessie Cash, of Oakland. Illinois, is in
the livestock commission business at the Union stock yards, in Chicago.
Daniel \'. ^loffett. third of the second set of children, was born west of
Paris. Edgar county. Illinois, June 11, 1863. He lived on a farm in his
native county until the completion of his twentieth year, when he began to
feel the impulse that stirs all ambitious young men to find a home and career
for himself. In 1883 he came to Putnam county and located in Jefferson
township, near Mount Meridian, on a farm, where he lived until 1903, when
he removed to Cloverdale and became president of a bank in that place, a
position which he has since held. He was nominated as candidate for countv
auditor on the Democratic ticket and was elected and took office on January
I, 1908. He is making a popular official and discharging all his duties in a
way to disarm criticism.
The Bank of Cloverdale. of which Mr. ^loffett is president, has a capital
stock of ten thousand dollars, of which he owns one-third. He also takes a
deep interest in agriculture, owning two hundred and sixty acres of splendid
land in Teft'erson and [Marion townships, this county, which is devoted to
diversified farming.
On September 6. 1883. ]V[r. Moffett married ^lary J., daughter of Jeft'er-
.son Hurst, one of the well knowm men of the county. She is one of eight
children, as follows: ^Morton C. Levi. William. Squire J.. James H.. George
\V.. Dr. B. F. and 3>Iary J. (Mrs. Moffett). The mother having died at
about the age of forty. Mr. Hurst married again and by this union had two
children. Joseph B. and Flossie M. Mr. and Mrs. Moffett have one child.
D. Ora. born September 6. 18C9. and who is now deputy auditor in his
father's office. [Mr. Moffett is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he
and his wife belong to the Baptist church.
(35)
546
WEIK S HISTORY OF
ENOCH JEREMIAH ISAIAH PROCTOR.
Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages and
usuallv men of proper impulses as well as those of energ>- and thrift, have
been patrons of husbandry. The free outdoor life of the farm has a tend-
ancy to foster and develop that independence of mind and self reliance which
characterize true manhood, and no greater blessing can befall a boy than to
be reared in close touch with nature, in the healthful, life-inspiring labor of
the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil from which ha\e sprung the
moral bone and sinew of the country, and the majority of our nation's brave
warriors, renowned statesmen, famous authors and profound scholars were
born on the farm and were indebted to its early influences for the distinction
which they have attained.
Althouo-h E. I. I. Proctor, of Monroe township. Putnam county, has
not attained national distinction in any phase of human endeavor, he came
from the farm and has spent his life in this desirable line of endeavor,
achieving success for himself and making his influence for good felt in his
communitv. thus fulfilling his mission in the world just the same as if his
nr.me was written high upon the scroll of fame. He is a native of Decatur
county. Indiana, born December 5. 1859. the son of W. A. and Mary A. J.
(Burch) Proctor, the father a native of Ohio, born January 22. 1823. and
died October 9, 1902, reaching an old age from which he could look back over
a well spent life, replete with success. He came to Putnam county. Indiana,
in 1877. His wife, who was a native of Franklin county. Indiana, preceded
him to the grave on January 2. 1899.
E. J. I. Proctor was educated in the common schools of his native com-
munitv, receiving a ver}- good education. On August 4. 18S0. he mar-
ried Marv lane Huffman, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Ellen (Stadler)
Huffman, an excellent old pioneer family, a complete sketch of whom appears
elsewhere in this work. This union has resulted in the birth of five children,
named as follows: Jasper E., born July 17, 1881 ; Verna E.. born June 3,
i88\ married William Zeiner, a farmer, and lives in Floyd township: Mary
E.. born November 16. 1884. maried Roy E. Priest and lives in California;
Matilda E.. born May 26. 1890. married J. R. Sallust. a farmer, and is
living in Monroe township: Lola E., born April 19. 1897, is attending school.
Mr. Proctor has been a fanner all his life, as has been before stated,
and is now the owner of a very \aluable farm of two hundred and forty
acres, which are well improved m every respect and which have been so
PL'TN'AM COrXTV. INDIANA. ■ 547
well tilled that this place ranks with the \ery best in the township. On it
stands a very comfortable and well arranged dwelling and numerous sub-
stantial outliuildings. a good orchard, garden, and all that goes to make life
on the farm desirable. He devotes considerable time to stock raising and has
heen ver\- successful in this line, always keeping a good grade of various
stock. For a time 'Siv. Proctor li\ed in Madsion county, Iowa, where he
married, but returned to his native community and resumed farming here.
Politically he is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Christian church
at Fillinore. Fraterna!l\- he belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons,
Lodge Xo. 55. also of the Knights Templar, being at present treasurer
of the latter, of which he has held all the offices in the local organization.
He has long taken a deep interest in lodge work and his daily life would
indicate that he I)elie^■es in carrying the humanitarian and altruistic prin-
ciples which the}' seek to inculcate, into his every-day affairs.
Mr. Proctor's paternal grandfather, Joel Proctor, was born in Maine,
and came to Ohio about 1820. He settled in Butler county, where he reared
his family and where he died. He entered the war of 1812 in Maine and
served through that war with distinction and honor. Politically a Whig, he
never aspired to office nor public notoriety. Fie was well known and highly
respected, his honor and integrity being a])o\e reproach. His children were
W. .-\.. father of the subject, born January 23. 1823: Isaiah: Eliza-
beth died single: Enoch, Jeremiah. Matilda, Mrs. Thomas Hay ward ;
Michael was killed in the Ci\il war. .-Ml of these seven came to
Indiana and though the\- were in limited means, all accumulated large es-
tates. William .\. and wife were worthy members of the Christian church,
he being also a worth}- member of the Alasonic fraternity. William A.
Proctor married Mar}- .\. J. Burch. who was born in Franklin county. In-
diana, December 15, 1824., a daughter of \\"illiam and Sarah (McXutt)
Burch. These parents were married in Virginia in an early da}-. The Mc-
X'utt family came from Ireland and the Burch family from England. Thev
can-ie to Ohio and came to Indiana about 1812, settling in Franklin county,
where Indians and wild beasts roamed at will. He improved a farm from
land he entered in 1812 and the farm is yet in the Burch family. Both he
and his wife died at the old Burch homestead in Infliana. Their children
w-ere, ^klargaret, ^Irs. Edwin Barusley : Charles: Martha, Mrs. L. Thurston:
Sarah. Mrs. Robert Xoah : John .\. J.: Mary A. J., mother of the sub-
ject. Born to William Proctor were: George, a fan-ner of Iowa: John, who
died in infancy: Sarah. Mrs. Joseph Scott, first, and second Lewis Zeigler:
Mary. Mrs. Joseph Ogle: William B., of Indianapolis: E. J. I., the subject,
and Matilda, who died vouns:.
548
WEIK S HISTORY OF
IVAN HUFFMAN.
Conspicuous among the enterprising farmers and stock raisers of Put-
nam county is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, a man
whose life-long residence in the township honored by his citizenship and his
success in the vocation to which his energies have been devoted have gained
for him a prominent place in the ranks of those to whom Indiana is so deeply
indebted for her honorable position among her sister states of the Union.
Ivan Huffman belongs to one of the old and respected families of Putnam
county, being the fourth son and the sixth child of Edmund and Louisa A.
(Rightsell) Huffman, who were among the early pioneers of Washington
township and a notice of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
On the old family homestead in the above township, where his brother
Jack Huffman now lives, the subject of this review first saw the light of
day, the event having occurred on July 31, 1859. In common with the
majority of country lads, his early experiences amid the bracing airs and
healthful exercises of outdoor life were conducive to sound and symmetri-
cal phvsical development and he grew up strong in body and able while still
a vouth to bear his proportionate share of the labor of the farm. Reared
under excellent home-training, he contracted good habits and his life was
exemplary and, like a dutiful son. he assisted his father in the cultivation
of the farm until his twenty-second year when he took to himself a wife and
helpmate and began making his own way in the world. The young lady
who agreed to share his labors and his fortunes and to whom he was united
in the holy bonds of matrimony in 1881. was ^lary, daughter of Michael
Baumunk, a native of Owen county, and twenty years old at the time of be-
coming the subject's wife.
Immediatelv after his marriage ^Ir. Huft'man moved to the farm on
which he still lives and which with certain other lands fell to him upon the
division of his father's property in 1896. The place is locally known as the
Athev farm from the fact of its having been entered by James Athey, grand-
father of Lawrence Athey, the present recorder of Putnam county, the
patent, which was issued in October, 1825, bearing the signature of John
Ouincv Adams, at the time President of the United States. The locality
is not onlv the scene of one of the earliest settlements in the county, but is
interesting from a historical point of view as well, the first court after the
countv organization went into effect having been held in an old sheep-shed
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
549
on the Athey farm which had been cleared out and fitted up for the pur-
pose.
From his marriage until the division of the estate, as noted above, IMr.
Huffman managed the fami for his father, but since that time he has car-
ried on agriculture and stock raising for himself and with such success and
profit that he is today one of the leading men of his vocation in the township.
Originally he received as his share two hundred acres of the above place and
an additional hundred acres of land on the opposite side of the river. Later
he sold forty acres of the home farm.
The residence which the family now occupy was erected by a former
owner of the farm, hut about five years ago Mr. Huffman rebuilt and re-
modeled the edifice, furnishing it with all the modern improvements and
converting it into one of the most beautiful and attractive rural homes in
the county. Standing on an imposing eminence about eighty feet above the
bottom land skirting the river, the building is a noticeable structure and
from it one can obtain a view of the surrounding country for many miles.
Nothing has been spared in making it a comfortable and first-class home
in every respect. Air. Huffman raises a great deal of corn which he feeds
to his livestock, and his high-grade cattle, hogs and horses are among the
finest and most valuable in this part of the state. From the sale of his do-
mestic animals he derives the large share of his income which for a number
of years has been quite liberal and, as stated in the preceding paragraph, he
is fortunately situated, being independent financially and among the sub-
stantial men and progressive citizens of the township in which he has alwavs
lived. Mr. Huffman takes little interest in political matters, although well
informed on public questions and ever ready to give his support and influence
to enterprises having for their object the welfare of his fellow- men. He
stands high in the Afasonic order, belonging to the blue lodge at Knights ville,
and the chapter and commandery at Greencastle.
Mr. and Mrs. Huft'man are the parents of three children, the oldest being
Roscoe. who married Beulah Pallom and lives in the township of Washing-
ton; he is a farmer by occupation and a member of the Masonic fraternity;
they are the parents of one son, Lawrence Edmund. Glem G.. the second
of the family, married Jessie Ozment and they have one child, Dorothy; he
is interested with his father in agriculture and stock raising and lives on the
home farm. Lois Clara, the youngest of the family, is a graduate of the
public schools and li\es at home assisting her mother with the duties of the
household.
550 WEIK S HISTORY OF
JESSE M. JONES.
The hard and confining toil of the farm is greatly relieved by varying
it with stock raising. The growth of the cities has been so great — in other
words, the growth of the nonproducers has been so great — that the prod-
ucts of the farm command a much higher price than ever before. This is
notablv so with livestock. The farmer now makes most any grade of live-
stock raising pay him for his labor. His work then will consist, in part, in
growing hay and corn for his animals and in marketing the latter. Orchard
and garden products may be grown as side ventures, and many other prod-
ucts may be raised for the prices they will bring. Among the progressive
agriculturists and stock men of Putnam county, who have made an intelli-
gent studv of these lines with the best results in view and have concluded
that greater profits can be made in the careful raising of good grades of
stock than in anything else to which the farmer can turn his attention, is
Jesse M. Jones, who owns a valuable landed estate in Monroe township.
His birth occurred on October 17. 1863, in the locality where he has spent
his life. He is the son of Hiram and Hannah (McCorkle) Jones. Grand-
father Jones came to Putnam county in 1840. from Kentucky, where he was
born, and he spent his remaining years in this county. His son. Hiram,
grew up on the fann here and spent his life in farm work, dying February
15, 1870, when his son, Jesse M.. of this review, was a small boy. Jesse M.
Jones, who was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Jones, spent his
youth with his grandfather. Mathew S. McCorkle. and he is at present living
on the farm which was entered by Mr. McCorkle, who was a nati\-e of
Fleming county, Kentucky, and who was one of the first settlers in Putnam
county. When he came here he had the sum of one hundred dollars which
enabled him to enter eighty acres of land from the government.
Jesse M. Jones had the advantages of the usual common school edu-
cation, gained at intervals with farming on the home place. On December
II. 1884, he married May Allen, born in Putnam county. June 2. 1866. the
daughter of Robert and Mary E. (Slavens) Allen, whose maternal grand-
father, Dr. John Slavens, was bom in Montgomer\- county, Kentucky, March
I, i8ri. He came to Putnam county. Indiana, in 1826. and was one of the
earlv physicians here, known throughout the country.
Three children have been born to 'Sir. and ]\[rs. Jones, named as fol-
lows: Edna Zella. born October i. 1885: Glenn S.. born February 9. 1887:
Lucius Chapin. born June -'5. 1889.
PUTXAM COUXTY, IXDIAXA. 55I
^[r. Jones began life in a rather humble manner, but he was always
inclined to hard work : this, in connection with good management, soon
ga\'e him a good foothold and he rapidly accumulated property until now he
is the owner of one of the best and most \aluable fanns of Monroe town-
ship, consisting of three hundred acres, which he tills in such an adroit man-
ner as t(i make it yield a handsome income from year to year, but the chief
occupation of Mr. Jones is in stock raising, at which he is regarded by all
as being \ery atlej)! and on his place some fine specimens of all kinds of
stock are to be found at all sea.sons; he feeds the products of his place very
largelv to his stock, preparing them for market where they seldom fail to
bring fancy prices. He recently sold seventy- four head of hogs at eight
dollars and eighty cents per hundred, or a total of one thousand five hundred
fortv-six dollars and nine cents, which is considered a record for the county,
in which he is regarded by everyone as one of the leading and progressive
stock raisers.
Politicallv he is a Republican — indeed, there never was a Democrat in
his familv. He has a neat and attractively located home and everything
about his place shows thrift and prosperity and that a gentleman of excel-
lent taste and foresight has its management in hand.
J.XCOB HUFFM.VX. Jr.
The subject oi biogra])hy yields to no other in jjoint of interest and
{jrofit. It tells of the success and defeats of men. the difficulties they have
encountered, and gives an insight into the methods and plans which they
have pursued. The obvious lessons therein taught will prove of great bene-
fit if followed, and the example of the self-made man should certainly en-
courage others into whose cradle smiling fortune has cast no glittering
crown to press forward to nobler aims and higher ideals. A man who
]M-()fited liy the worthy example of father and grandfather, both shining
examples of the noble self-made American, is Jacob Huffman, an enterpris-
ing young farmer, living near Bainbridge. Putnam county, where he is well
established on paternal acres and where he is carrying on the various phases
of agricultural work in a manner that would do credit to the veteran farmer
who had studied the condition of climate, soils, seed-time and harvest for a
much longer period than has he.
Mr. Huffman is a native of Putnam county, born Januaiy 28. 1880,
the son of Jacob and Sarah Ellen ( Stadler ) Huffman, one of the best known
552 WEIK S HISTORY OF
of the old pioneer families of this conmiunity. a complete record of which
is to be found elsewhere in this volume, hence will not be duplicated here,
except to mention their children, as follows; Mary, ATrs. E. J. I. Proctor;
Charles, of Greencastle; Allen, of Greencastle ; John, a farmer; Meriam,
of Los Angeles, California; Alice, ]\Irs. T. I. McKeehan; Minnie. Mrs, G.
O. Gorham, of Portland, Oregon; Ida, !Mrs. Jeff Bugg, and Jacob, the sub-
ject of this sketch,
Jacob Huffman spent his boyhood days much like other lads born on
the fami— working during the crop seasons as soon as he was old enough
and attending the district schools during the winter months, until he had
accjuired a very- serviceable education. He took quite naturallv to fanning
and stock raising and decided to devote his life energies to this line of en-
deavor, and, although yet quite a young man, he has succeeded remarkably
well and the future will no doubt amply reward such painstaking and per-
sistent efforts as he is now putting forth. He is very comfortably situated
on his father's old homestead of one hundred and fifty-seven acres, where he
is carrying on general farming and where he has so labored as to now
have a well-improved and well-kept place that is on a par with any in the
community. He has a neat and comfortable dwelling and his place is well
stocked.
Mr. Huffman was married on October 17, 1900, to Lizzie Pearl Chadd.
a young woman of splendid tastes, the daughter of Thomas and Amanda
(Browning) Chadd. a well known family of Putnam county. This union has
resulted in the birth of one winsome daughter. Hertha Huffman, born No-
^■ember 13, 1904. The Chadd family was early and prominentlv identified
with the development of the farming interests of Putnam countv. and Mrs.
Huff'man's parents yet reside on a fami four miles east of Greencastle. Their
children are. Samuel and Otho. of Greencastle; Alva and Orphus. farmers;
Lydia, unmarried: Elizabeth P., wife of the subject. The subject's paternal
grandfather. Jacob Huft'man. was a native of Xew England, and. starting
out on his own account, drifted into Kentucky, where he married Catherine
Sellers, a native of \'irginia. In 1829 he came to Putnam count\- and en-
tered the land where the subject now resides : here he reared his family
and he and his good wife died here.
^[r. Huffman is a Democrat in his political relations, but he has ne\er
sought or held public office. He is justly proud of the fact that three gen-
erations of the Huffman family have lived on the land he now owns. He
is a young man of excellent character and is well liked among his neighbors.
Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church at Fillmore.
PUTXAM COUXTV, IXDIAXA. 553
JACOB HUFFAIAX, Sr.
In all the relations of life Jacob Huffman. Sr., who has long since
passed to his reward in the great beyond, proved himself equal to the re-
sponsibihties which were thrown upon him and because of his many sterling
qualities he won the regard of the entire community in which he so long
lived in Putnam county. His career was one of unceasing activity and it
presented much that is pleasing as well as profitable to the young man just
starting out in life.
Mr. Huffman was bom in Harrison county, Kentucky, March 21, 1824,
the son of Jacob and Catherine (Sellers) Huffman, the former a native of
New England and the latter of Virginia. Catherine, born July 17, 1792. died
Februaiy 24. 1879. Their children were. Polly, Mrs. William Coffman;
F.sther, Mrs. Stephen Ross: John: Susanna. Mrs. James Berg: Elizabeth,
who died unmarried; Jacob: Sarelda. Mrs. Michael Smith: Hiram. When
a small boy he came with his father. Jacob Huffman, in 1829 to Putnam
county. Indiana, and was thus one of the early pioneers here. The elder
Huffman entered land in section 36. Monroe township, from the government,
which is still in the possession of his descendants and has been so skill-
fullv tilled by each succeeding member of the family that the land has in
no way lost its original strength and fertility. Here, in the forest, which
up to the coming of the Huffmans had scarcely heard the ring of a wood-
man's ax. the elder Huffman began clearing a spot for his cabin and started
life anew, soon having a comfortable home, but not without the hardest
toil. His son Jacob assisted him as soon as he was old enough, and for a
short time during the winter months he attended the little log schoolhouse
in that neighborhood, receiving a meager text-book training. He grew to
be a hardy man, unusually strong physically, standing six feet and weighing
two hundred pounds. He was, of course, a very hard worker and never
stopped for obstacles, and he became very well-to-do as a result of his close
attention to fanning, owning at tlie time of his death several hundred
acres of good land, and having owned at one time about fourteen hundred
acres.
Politically he was a Democrat, but never sought office, and in religious
matters he was a Primitive Baptist in belief, but not a member of any
church. He was regarded by all as a good, honest, kind-hearted man, of
whom no one could say any harm, his integrity and honor jjeing above re-
proach. Jacob Huffman married Sarah Ellen Stadler, the daughter of
554
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Marshall W. and Elizabeth (Ross) Stadler, natives of Kentucky, the former
born July 2S. 1805. Her father was a pioneer herb doctor in Indiana and
a prominent farmer, and his children were: Mary A., Margaret E., Susanna
E., Sarah Ellen, Xancy J., Martha B., Armelda A. and James F. In this
countv Sarah Ellen Stadler grew up and was educated, like her husband, in
ti.e earlv schools of her neighborhood. The following children were born
to them: Marv, Jane, Charles. Allen, John. Meriani. Alice. Minnie. Ida.
Jacob, all living in Putnam county with the exception of Meriam and Minnie.
the former being in California and the latter in Oregon.
Mr. Huffman's death occurred on November 2, 1905, having passed
his fourscore milestones, and was hale and hearty even during the last
Years of his life.
WILLIAM WOOD.
One of Putnam county's hardy pioneers who has long since joined "the
innumerable caravan that moves to the pale realms of shade," but who left
a rich inheritance behind him, not so much in worldly goods but in the
remembrance of good deeds and a clean life, was William Wood, who was
born in Botetourt county. 'Virginia, in 1780, where he grew to maturity and
married Sarah , and it was in 1828 that they emigrated to Putnam
county, Indiana, locating near the present Brick Chapel. Monroe town-
ship, having made the long trip overland on horseback, bringing their first
born four children. Entering land here, they began life in true pioneer
fashion, spending the balance of their lives on this farm, ^Ir. Wood dying
in 1843 and Mrs. Wood in 1846. They were Methodists and members of
the first class organization of this denomination that met at Brick Chapel,
and they are buried in the cemetery there. Their family consisted of seven
children, named as follows : Susan married Edward Rogers and lived near
Bainbridge until he died : she died in this county when past eighty years
of age: \\'illiam C. : Sarah married Willis Carter and lived near Rochester,
Indiana, both dving at advanced ages: Polly, Mrs. Sam Parker, resided in
Fulton countv. Indiana, and is buried there: Willis Wood died unmarried:
Nelson Wood married first. Millie Vermillion and second. Catherine
Leatherman : he had f(nu- children: she later married Mr. Rundel : Xancy
Ann married William McCray and they both died in Monroe township, the
latter in 1909. at the advanced age of ninety-two years; Dolph Wood lived in
this county, married Rachael Leathennan. si.ster of Catherine, aufl lived and
died in Madison township when past seventy years of age.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 555
William Wood was born July 22. iSii. in Botetourt county, X'irginia,
and died August 7, 1861. He married Lucinda Stark, who was born March
30. 1823. and who died ^[ay 11, 1885, February 14, 1839. being celebrated
as their wedding dav. She was the daughter of Thomas and Gatie Stark,
and she was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, and when a child came
to Indiana, Keating near the Brick Chapel in INlonroe township. Thomas
Stark was born October 2Q, 1791, and died May 3, 1S59. Under the old
state militia order. Governor Combs appointed William \\'ood second lieu-
tenant of a company in Col. James Fish's regiment. Mrs. William Wood
spent her life in Clinton township on the farm of which the present Nelson
place is a part. He owned one hundred and si.xty-nine acres and built a good
house near a fine spring and there William Wood lived and died, being
fairly successful as a farmer: his death occurred .August 7, 1861, being sur-
vived by his wife until May 11, 1885. They were Methodists and are both
buried in the cemetery- at Brick Chapel in the same lot as their parents on
both sides.
Twelve children were born to Mr. ami Mrs. William Wood, ten of
whom reached maturity, namely: Sarah A. lives with Xelson Wood: .Arthur
lives in Champaign, Illinois: Xelson, whose sketch appears in another page
of this work: Mary married Richard Fisk and lives in \\'ilson county,
Kansas: Jane married Aliller Wilson and both died in Indianapolis: Andrew
was killed when eighteen years of age by the accidental discharge of a gun;
Hayden lives in Clinton township: Xancy Ann is the wife of William Shonk-
wiler, of Benton county, Indiana: Susan G. married Harvey McDonald and
died when a young woman: William C. died when sixteen years of age;
Benjamin F. died in childhood: Lucinda also died in childhood.
It is a fact worth recording that in 1852 William Wood, then town-
ship supervisor and working the road on the township line between Monroe
and Clinton townships when ex-county commissioner, Elisha Cowgill passed
and suggested that Mr. \\'ood name the hill or the creek and that he would
name the other, giving Mr, Wood his choice, and the latter gave the name
of Big Owl to the creek, which it still bears. Mr. Cowgill named the place
Bunker hill. William Wood was a Whig and later a Republican, being well
posted on all public affairs, but would not accept office. He was a worthy
Methodist, also a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity. He was
charitable to the afflicted and needy, a good neighbor and friend. He was
widely known and highlv respected, his integrity and honor being above
reproach. He was noted for his kindness in sickness and went far and near
to wait on the afflicted.
556 weik's history of
NELSON FRANKLIN WOOD.
One of the progressive and substantial farmers and stock raisers of
Clinton township who has long endeavored to promote the general welfare
of the community while advancing his own interests is Nelson Franklin
Wood, who was born in Monroe township, this county, April 23. 1843. and
when an infant he was brought to the place where he now resides. A full
.sketch of his parents will be found on another page of this work. He re-
mained at home until he felt the stirrings of patriotic pride which promoted
him to offer his services in defense of the national honor, and enlisted in the
spring of 1863 in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment,
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he served in a very creditable and gallant
manner, enduring all the vicissitudes of his company through many strenu-
ous campaigns, and was discharged with his regiment in 1865, having been
retained at Charlotte, North Carolina, for some time; even while in the army
he was his mother's main support and he always took a delight in ministering
to her every want.
Mr. Wood married, on September 5, 1866, Amanda L. Hinkle, widow
of William ^vlorrison, and whose parents lived in Montgomery county, but
she was born at Ladoga, Indiana. Her father came here from Botetourt
county, \'irginia. Mrs. Wood was sixteen years old at her first marriage
and twentv-three at her second. Mr. and Mrs. Wood lived the first year at
the former's home. He erected his present dwelling about that time and has
since conducted the home farm, he having bought out all the other heirs
and he has so skillfully tilled the place that it is just as productive as in the
days when his father first began to till it. He has added many modern im-
provements and has an excellent farm. He keeps some good stock and
poultry.
One son was born to ^fr. and Mrs. \\'ood, William D.. who died when
twenty years of age. being a young man of much promise. An invalid sis-
ter of the subject has made her home with him for years. He also con-
tinued to care for his mother during her lifetime. He has served in several
township offices and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist
church, having been among the familiar faces at the L^nion Chapel for
fortv \-ears, and thev are regarded as among the leaders in the congregation
there. Mr. Wood is a trustee of this church and a class leader in the
same. Fraternallv he is a Mason, having been identified for some time with
Morton Lodge. No. 469: the chapter and the commandery at Greencastle
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 557
also have the honor of his membership. He belongs to the local post of
the Grand Armv of the Republic. He is a man in whom ever>-one reposes
the utmost confidence and he has numerous warm friends throughout the
countv.
ALVIX B. HANKS.
Earnest labor, unabating perseverance, good management and a laud-
able ambition to succeed— these are the elements that have brought Alvin
B. Hanks prosperitv and won for him the good will and respect of all with
whom he has come' in contact. A native of Putnam county, where he first
saw the light of day on December 25, 185 1, he has spent the major part of
his life in his native locality and is. therefore, well known here. His par-
ents were Stephen E. and Eliza M. (Ketchins) Hanks, the former born
August 29, 1813, and died May i, 1883; the mother was born December
11.^1811, and died April 7, 1896. They were for many years num-
bered among the well-known and highly respected residents of Putnam
countv, Indiana, where they resided from the fall of 185 1, when the father
bought a tract of land, which, however, he did not enter upon until the
spring of 18^2. Stephen Hanks was a stanch Democrat in his political
views" and. though he never sought public office for himself, he took an in-
telligent interest in current public affairs. He also took considerable mterest
in church work as a member of the Christian church, and at his death he
was buried in the Brick Chapel cemeter>-. The Hanks family to which he
belonged was closely related to Xancy Hanks, the mother of Abraham
Lincoln.
Alvin B. Hanks was born but a few months after the arrival of his
parents in Putnam county, and he is the third in order of birth of the three
children which now survive out of a family .of nine born to his parents, the
other survivors being Mrs. Olivia Priest, of this county, and John. Alvin B.
Hanks received his education in the common schools, having attended at the
Locust Grove school house and he early took an active part in the opera-
tion of the home farm. He has all his life devoted his chief attention to
the time-honored occupation of husbandry and in this line of effort he has
achieved a definite success. He is the owner of a splendid farm, comprising
one hundred and seventy acres of as good land as can be found in Afonroe
township, the greater part of which is in cultivation. He carries on a general
line of fanning and also devotes some attention to the raising of livestock.
558 weik's history of
The place is well improved, containing a comfortable and attractive residence,
commodious barns and other necessar\- buildings, the general appearance of
the place conveying an air of comfort and prosperity.
On December 24, 187J. Mr. Hanks was united in marriage with Helen
Shumaker, a native of Floyd township, Putnam county, born Xovember
17, 1853, and this union has been blessed with four children, namely: Aden
B.. Pearl. Belle and Eva. Mrs. Hanks is a daughter of James and Eliza-
beth (Howren) Shumaker, of Ohio, where they were married in 1834. and
two children were born to them. At an early day they moved to Indiana
and settled in Floyd township. Putnam county, entering land and improving
a farm. Thev remained there until all of their children were grown, when
they sold out and retired to Bainbridge. Two years later they found a good
home here with their daughter, Mrs. Hanks, where both died, he on August
5. 1894. and she on February 4. 1897. They belonged to the Bainbridge
Christian church. He was a Republican and filled the office of justice of
the peace a number of years. In young manhood he was a school teacher.
Their children were Xewton. Daniel, Alvira (Mrs. King). Henry, Mary J.
(Mrs. William Herrod), Lydia (Mrs. Winkinson), Abner died young,
Julia (Airs. Samuel Walls), Helen (Mrs. Hanks), Monroe. In politics
Mr. Hanks is a pronounced Democrat and active in the party campaigns,
though the only public ofifice ever held by him was that of truant ofificer.
Practical and progressive in his farming operations, shrewd, yet absolutely
honest in his business affairs, courteous to his acquaintances and of a strong
social disposition, Mr. Hanks has won many warm friends throughout the
community.
WILLIA-M DILLS.
The name Dills deserves to. rank with the leading families of Madison
township, for ever since W^illiam Dills came here from the Buckeye state
he has been a leader in agricultural affairs and has taken considerable inter-
est in the progress of the county in general. He was born in Shelby county,
Ohio. August 19, 1840, the son of John and Agnes (Moreland) Dills. In
1845 '^he family moved to Putnam county, Indiana. The family first went
from Kentucky to Ohio, making their long journeys through rough coun-
tries in old-fashioned covered wagons. They located seven miles west
of Greencastle on the state road, in the eastern part of Madison township.
Soon after coming here the father died leaving a widow with four small
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 559
children, William, of this review, being the youngest; Urasmus D., born
September 12, 1824. died in early life; Martha Jane, born December 13,
182S, died Mav 5, 1833. Two other children were also sons, so the mother
kept the farm, developed it as best she could until the children were large
enough to work it, thus keeping the family together. They were David M.,
who became a tanner and currier, and he died in the city of Cincinnati ;
Caroline has remained with her brother William; Watson P. married and
went to Iowa, now being a resident of Dallas county. The mother, after
rearing her children in comfort and respectal^ilit}', pr.ssed to her rest m
1854. when fifty years of age, William being fourteen years of age at that
time. He was then compelled to care for himself, consequently he received
only a meager schooling, but later in life he became well informed by general
reading. He saved his wages and when twenty-one years old had a start
and. in time, he added more land to the home place and gave eveiy evidence
of a successful future.
When twenty-four years of age ^Iv. Dills married Serena Wood,
daughter of Xelson and Millie Wood, of Madison township, she being
twentv-one at the time of their marriage. Mr. Dills commenced farming on
his own account with eighty acres of land. Continuing to prosper he added
to the place until he had a farm of about three hundred acres. Selling out,
he purchased a fine farm on the Little Walnut, partly bottom land, but in a
few vears he purchased back the old Dills farm, then bought the Xelson
Wood farm of three hundred and sixty acres, which he added to and which
he still owns. About twenty years ago he bought his present well improved
farm of. two hundred acres, having been formerly owned in part by the
widow of John Tucker. Mr. Dills has rebuilt the dwelling and outbuildings
and in many ways added substantial improvements, and in connection with
this farm he continued to operate the former Wood farm, four miles distant.
He is a good manager of crops and all the diversified phases of agriculture,
and he is an extensive stock raiser and dealer, feeding large numbers of
hogs, cattle and mules, and he has bred some good shorthorn and Hereford
cattle, registered. He is not an exhibitor, but breeds up his own stock,
which is greatly admired by all. who readily concede him to be an unusually
good judge of cattle. He has paid as high as tifty-five dollars per acre for
his land and paid thirty dollars for most of it. He has made extensive im-
provements on each farm he has owned, laying a great deal of tiling and
in many ways bringing his farms up to the highest standard. He is a firm
believer in tiling. He has a verv substantial, attractive and well furnished
26o weik's history of
home which is regarded by the many friends of the family as a place of
hospitality. From this splendid dwelling an inspiring view may be had of
the surrounding country.
Mr. Dills' family consists of four children, named as follows; Otho C,
who is in partnership with his father; Walter S., who is farming near
Muskogee, Oklahoma, is also a real estate and sand dealer; Charles E. also
lives near Muskogee, Oklahoma; Laura M. is a high school teacher in Bed-
ford, Indiana, a special and accomplished teacher of German, having gradu-
ated from DePauw University, and her first teaching was German in the
high school; when not in the regular school work she spends her time at
home. The mother of these children, a woman of many beautiful traits of
character, was called to her rest on March 29, 1909.
Mr. Dills confines himself very closely to his business, hence his abun-
dant success: ahhough a good Democrat, he takes no part in public life and
does not aspire to office ; however, he is ready to aid in placing the best men
in the local offices so that the affairs of the county will be properly managed
at all times. He is a plain, unassuming, honest and industrious farmer and
stock man — one of Putnam's honored and substantial citizens.
• - • • JACOB C. ROGERS.
The venerable gentleman whose career is briefly sketched in the following
lines is one of the oldest residents of Washington township now living and his
life has been such as to gain the confidence and good will of the people of his
community and to make him well and favorably known throughout the county
of which he has so long been an honored citizen. In the highest sense of the
term he is a self-made man and as such has met with success in material things
such as few attain and made a record which may be studied with profit by the
young men of the rising generation.
Tacob C. Rogers was born near Portland Mills, Putnam county, Indiana,
}ilarch 14, 1823, from which date to the present time, a period of eighty-
seven years, he has been a resident of the county and actively interested in its
development and progress. His parents, Asa N. Rogers and Polly Crabtree,
were born and reared in Hardin county, Kentucky, and shortly after their
marriage came to Putnam county, Indiana, locating near Portland Alills in
what is now Clinton township, where Jacob C, their oldest son, was born the
MR. AND MRS. JACOB C. ROGERS
PL"TXAM COUXTY, INDIAXA. 56I
year following their arrival. Subsequently they had other children, sixteen
in all, several of whom died in infancy, a daughter, Sarah, dying unmarried,
all the others excepting the subject leaving this county at maturity and seek-
ing their fortunes elsewhere.
Asa N. Rogers entered the land on which they settled and experienced all
the vicissitudes of pioneer life. He \\as a man of great industry and energy
and an excellent citizen, but was not permitted to enjoy much of the fruits of
his labors, dying one month and four days after the sixty-fifth anniversary of
his birth, his good wife departing this life the same year.
Jacob C. Rogers spent his childhood and youth amid the stirring scenes
of the pioneer period and was put to work in the woods and fields as soon as
his services could be utilized. While still cjuite young he became an expert
with the ax and made a full hand at clearing and all kinds of farm labor sev-
eral years before reaching the age of manhood. This active out-door life
was conducive to splendid physical development anfl he grew up strong in
body and with a resolute purpose to make the most of his opportunities and
become of some use to the world. When nineteen years old he married and
begun life for himself, choosing for a wife and helpmeet ]^Iiss Betsy Legan,
who came to the county the year preceding her marriage and who was only a
few days younger than himself.
The land in Washington township on which Mr. and Mrs. Rogers set
up their domestic establishment had been entered a number of years before
by his father, and at the time indicated the only improvements consisted of a
small cabin, which with the few acres of cleared land surrounding appeared
but a niche in the midst of the forest. The dwelling was of round logs, with
puncheon floor, a "shake" roof, a door made of clap-boards hung on wooden
hinges, light being admitted to the one room by means of the removal of a
section of a log from one of the walls. The furniture used by the young
couple was of the most primitive kind, in keeping with the surroundings, their
onh' table for some time being a chest, which also answered for a cupboard,
stools taking the place of chairs and the cooking being done at the large fire-
place which took up the larger part of one side of the apartment.
Later INlr. Rogers made an addition to the building and otherwise im-
proved it and it answered the purpose of a dwelling for a number of years,
all of his children having been born within its walls. The old house is still
standing and in a good state of preservation, being a forcible and eloquent
reminder of a time forever past and of experiences the like of which can never
again occur.
(36)
56^
WEIK S HISTORY OF
When Mr. Rogers moved his wife to their new home, which he had
purchased from his father, the sum total of his available cash amounted to
only two dollars, one-half of which he spent for flax seed. His beginning was
indeetl upon a modest scale, but by well-directed industry, prudent management
and econoni}- he made substantial progress and in due time had a good farm in
successful cultivation and was on the high road to prosperity. He added to
his land at intervals and in the course of time became one of the largest holders
of real estate in Putnam county, his possessions at one time amounting to
considerable in excess of one thousand one hundred acres, all in a body and
admirablv situated in one of the richest agricultural districts of central In-
diana.
Realizing the need of a large and more comfortable home than the log
dwelling which the family had so long occupied, Mr. Rogers subsequently
built a much more commodious and pretentious frame edifice which answered
the purposes of a home until 1890, when he erected his present beautiful and
attractive residence, which stands on an eminence about eight miles southwest
of Greencastle and commands a magnificent view of the surrounding country
in every direction, including the county seat and beyond. Here, amid all of
the comforts and luxuries which minister to man's happiness, he is spending
the closing years of a long and strenuous as well as eminently successful life,
iDeing independent as far as worldly wealth is concerned and at peace with his
fellow men, his conscience and his God. While enterprising as a farmer and
familiar with every phase of modern agriculture, Mr. Rogers has not de-
pended upon the soil alone for his income, having long since learned that
more could be made from livestock than from crops. For many years he was
largely engaged in stock raising, having had at one time as high as one thous-
and five hundred sheep on his place, besides a large number of fine horses,
cattle and hogs, from which he added greatly to his fortune. In his young
manhood Mr. Rogers turned his hand to any kind of honorable work he could
find to do. He is proud of the fact of having cleared and improved three
hundred acres of fine land with his own hands and while thus engaged he
turned his leisure to good account by working at blacksmithing, which trade
he had learned of his father, his services as a mechanic being highly prized
bv his neighbors as well as profitable to himself. Mrs. Rogers proved an
earnest co-worker with her husband in their efforts to get a start in the world
and added to their earnings by spinning, weaving and doing other kinds of
work during the early part of their married life. Mr. Rogers now contem-
plates with much pleasure those early experiences when life was new and
hopes were high and finds in his past little to regret and nuich to commend.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 563
On ai"ri\ing at an age when he found it no longer necessary to prolong the
struggle to add to his means, having accumulated a suiificiency for his own
future comfort besides pro\-iding comfortably for his children, he discon-
tinued active labor and. as already indicated, is now living in honorable re-
tirement on the beautiful home farm of three hundred and fifty acres in
Washington township which he reserved for his own use.
'Sir. Rogers is the father of fifteen children, all of whom grew to ma-
turity and all but one married and reared families, thirteen of the number
li\'ing at the present time, nine being residents of Putnam county. To each
of these children he gave an eighty-acre farm, or its equivalent in money, and
now in his old age they seem to vie with each other in ministering to his com-
fort and showing him honor, being obedient sons and daughters of whom any
father might well feel proud. After a long and mutually happy wedded life
of fifty-four years' duration, Mrs. Rogers, on the 14th of ^larch. 1906, was
called to her eternal rest and on Xo\'ember 8. 1908, Mr. Rogers married his
present wife. IMrs. Ellen Reese, widow of the late J. C. Reese, of Bowling
Green, this state.
The following are the names of the children born to Mr. Rogers and his
first wife : George A\'.. a soldier in the Civil war. enlisting at sixteen years of
age. is now living at Los Angeles, California: James W., of Washington town-
ship; Franklin, a farmer of Putnam county; Reuben, a blacksmith by trade;
Jacob Edgar, who owns a farm adjoining the family homestead; Daniel, who
lives on a farm in the same neighborhood; Joseph died at the age of twenty-
three, leaving a widow; Stephen, who departed this life when nineteen years
old : Sarah married John Graham and lives in Douglas county, Illinois ; Julia,
wife of S. J. Swinford. lives in Coles county, Illinois; Mary, now Airs. H.
Rollins, resides in Washington township, where her husband is engaged in
agricultural pursuits : Emma, who married John 'White, also lives in the same
township ; Kate married Henry Heiber and makes her home near Russellville ;
Lucy, wife of Charles Webster, lives at Roachdale. Indiana, and Allie. the
youngest, lives in Boone county, being now Mrs. Thomas Duree.
Mr. Rogers has always been enterprising and public spirited and ready
at all times to lend his influence to measures and movements having for their
object the welfare of his fellowmen. His character has always been above
reproach, his word as sacred as his bond and all who know him speak in high
praise of his sterling qualities of manhood and citizenship. He has lived
long and wisely and his friends, who are legion, unite in the earnest prayer
that he may be spared manv years to bless the world.
564 weik's history of
JAMES EVERETT VERMILION.
The best historv of a community or state is the one that deals most
with the Hves and activities of its people, especially of those who, by their
own endeavors and indomitable energy, have forged to the front and placed
themselves where they deserve the title of progressive men. In this brief
review will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active
plodders on the highway of life and among his contemporaries has achieved
marked success in the business world, the name of James Everett Vennilion,
Greencastle merchant, being honored by all owing to his upright life and
habits of thrift and industry.
Mr. Vermilion was born November 11. 1869, in Greencastle and here
he received his education, graduating from the public schools in 1886. after
which he entered DePauw University, where he made a good record, but
did not finish the course. Deciding to enter the law, he went to Wichita,
Kansas, and studied law under his uncle for a year, but, not taking as
kindly to the legal profession as he had anticipated, he returned to Green-
castle and after a short time went to Indianapolis where he took a business
course, after which he came back to his native city and clerked in his father's
store until the latter's death, at which time he purchased the interests of the
other heirs and has since been in full charge. He has built up a very ex-
tensive and lucrative patronage with the city and surrounding country, which
is continuously increasing, his store being one of the finest, neatest and best
kept in the city. He carries a full line of dry goods, carpets, ready-to-wear
goods for ladies, and many kindred lines, of the best quality, all carefully
selected and sold at reasonable prices. His store is the gathering place for
rural visitors from all parts of the county and here they always find courte-
ous and considerate treatment.
Mr. Vermilion is a Republican and he has manifested considerable
interest in local affairs for some time, always ready to do anything he could
for the betterment of Greencastle and vicinity. For two years he ver\- ably
served as citv councilman from the second ward. He is a member of the
Christian -church, and he is leading knight of the Benevolent and Protec-
tive Order of Elks: he is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias: he
also holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Before
the Spanish-American war he was second lieutenant of Company I. First
Regiment. Indiana National Guard.
PUT.VAM COL'XTY, IXDIAXA.
On June 12. 1S95, Mr. Vermilion married Maude Wolfe, the refined and
popular daughter of Dr. William and Belle (Porter) Wolfe, an excellent
family of Brazil, Indiana, where Mrs. Vermilion was a social favorite. One
child has graced this union, named Hazel, now attending school.
JOHN \y. STROUBE.
The family of this name has been long and favorably known in Put-
nam county, especially in and around Madison township. John William
Stroube, perhaps the most prominent of the connection, is a son of Oliver
R. and Eliza J. (Blackerby) Stroube. He was born in the southeast corner
of Madison township, three and one-half miles southwest of Greencastle,
December 2j, 1865. He is the second of eight children, six of whom reached
maturity and are all living, namely : Erank M. ; John W. ; Charles X., a physi-
cian at Roachdale ; Earl P., of Madison township; Ida M., wife of Doctor
Pollom, at Cayuga. Vermillion county, Indiana; Minnie B., wife of E. R.
Bartley, of Greencastle. The father died April 3, 1901, on his old home
farm, since sold: his widow now resides in Greencastle.
John William Stroube remained at home until the completion of his
twenty-first year, meantime attending the common schools and assisting
in the farm work. September 14, 1887, he married Ida M., daughter of
James H. and Eva (Stoner) Torr, of whom more particulars may be learned
from a sketch elsewhere in this volume. Ida M. was born in the old Torr
homestead. October 26, 1866. After his marriage Mr. Stroube engaged in
farming. In April, 1905, he removed to his present place, four miles west
of Greencastle. His farm contains ninety acres, mostly included in the
Torr homestead. His wife's father died October 31, 1903, but his widow is
still living on part of the old home place. In November, 1908, Mr. Stroube
was elected trustee of Madison township and took office January i, 1909, to
serve four years. He has nine teachers under his supervision. Mr. Stroube
encourages home pupils to become teachers and has measurably succeeded,
as most of his teachers are residents of the township. He has a high school
with a three-year course and the total enrollment is two hundred and sixty.
The school buildings are above the average in structure and con-
veniences and Mr. Stroube visits the schools, attends the institutes and
otherwise connects himself with the instructors, so as better to keep in touch
566 weik's history of
with the educational system. Mr. Stroube is a prominent Democrat and has
served in many party conventions. !Mary Edith, a young lady of eighteen
and Mr. Stroube's only living child, is a student in the senior class of the
Greeucastle high school.-
OLIVER STROUBE.
Oliver Stroube was born July 19. 1836, in Bracken county. Kentucky,
and was married March 10. 1862, to Eliza J. Blackerby, a neighbor girl
and schoolmate. He was a grandson of Nicholas Stroube, who migrated
from Pennsvlvania to Bracken county. His son John, the father of Oliver,
was born in Bracken county and married a Reeder. Nicholas built a stone
fence which is still standing and recently owned by Mrs. J. L. Hamilton, of
Greencastle, who is a niece of Mr. Stroube. Oliver was a farmer and owned
a farm in the southeast corner of Madison township, three miles southwest
of Greencastle. On this place he spent the most of his hfe and there met
his death, April 3, 1901. For some years he served as a justice of the
peace in Madison township. His widow is now living with her daughter.
The six children of Oliver Stroube are as follows: Frank M., present sheriff
of Putnam county; John William, trustee of Madison township: Charles
N., a physician at Roachdale; Earl P., a farmer in Madison township: Ida
M., wife of Dr. Reginald Pollom, of Cayuga, Indiana; Armenia B.. now
^frs. E. R. Bartlev, of Greencastle.
TAMES H. TORR.
This prominent deceased citizen of Madison township was born in
Shelby county, Kentucky, March 29, 1828. When six months old he \\'as
brought to Indiana by his parents, William and Maria (Kimberlin) Torr.
His father died when James H. was fourteen years old and he remained
with his mother until some years after his majority. October 4, 1855, he
married Eva Stoner, daughter of Peter and Mary (Wells) Stoner. Eva
was l)orn in Madison township, April 16. 1832, and after one year with her
motlier-in-law. retired with her young husband in 1856 to her present farm.
It consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, heavily mortgaged, but all this
was soon cleared off and the places increased to some six or se\en hundred
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 567
acres. .About twenty years ago the family moved to the present lionie. wliich
was built by ex-SheritT James Brandon. At this place James H. Torr died.
October 31. 1902. He was successful as an agriculturist, being a general
farmer and stocktrader of more than the usual shrewdness. He prospered
and left a fine estate, over which his \vid(5w still presides. Pie was full of
energ)- and push, notwithstanding protracted periods of ill health, and made
a great success in business. In politics he was an enthusiastic Republican
and was a life-time member of the Methodist church, holding various posi-
tions in the official body. He was much attached to his family and pre-
ferred being at home ti:i anv (ither place on earth. Of the children. Florence
died in childhorjd ; Josephine married Charles Allen, of Madison township;
William married Clara Busby and li\es on part of the old farm; Charles
married Hattie Busby and is in the real estate business at AInskogee. Okla-
homa; Franklin married Fanny King and resides on the old home place;
Ida married Will Stroube. who li\es on a part of the old homestead;
Mar\' married Edmund F. Watts and the\" own the old home.
MRS. CATHERINE RAXDEL.
This estimable lady, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Leather-
man, was born August jo, 1S41, on the old family homestead, six miles west
of Greencastle in Madison township, which her father, John Leathemian,
purchased in pioneer times and developed from a wild and impenetrable
wilderness.
The Leathemian family moved to this state from Kentucky and were
among the early settlers and substantial residents of the part of Putnam
county in which they located. Frederick Leathemian. the grandfather of
Mrs. Raiidel. was a Kentuckian bv birth, came to Indiana about the rear
1823 and settled in Putnam county, where his death subsequently occurred.
The family of this sturdy pioneer consisted of four sons. John. Abraham.
Daniel and Blan. all of whom married and all but the oldest moved from
Indiana to other states, .\braham to Illinois. Daniel to Iowa, and Blan to
Wisconsin.
Frederick Leathemian (jriginall}- located on what is now the Farrow
farm. Madison township, and was aiiKjiig the first to make permanent im-
provements in that Ideality. He flied suddenly many years ago while re-
turning home from Lawrenceburg. whither he had gone to trade, being in
56S weik's history of
the sixty-sixth year of his age at the time of his decease. He was a soldier
during the early Indian wars of Kentucky, Virginia and elsewhere, took
part in a number of battles and had many narrow escapes during his thrill-
ing experiences on the frontier. His first wife dying shortly after moving
to Indiana, he subsequently was twice remarried, his third companion sur-
^■i\•ing him for some years.
John Leatherman, oldest son of the above mentioned Frederick, was
born in Kentucky, April i, 1799, and accompanied his parents to Putnam
county, locating near the home place in Madison township, where he re-
mained about two years, removing at the expiration of that time to a tract
of land on Walnut creek which he purchased and improved. His first
dwelling was a small cabin of the usual pioneer pattern, which answered
the purposes for which intended until 1832. when it was replaced by a much
larger and more comfortable brick edifice, the latter at the time of completion
being one of the finest country residences in the county. j\Ir. Leatherman
made the brick of which the building was constructed and occupied it until
his death, in March. 1879. It stood on a beautiful and sightly eminence
and until destruction by a storm some years ago was one of the well known
landmarks of Madison township.
John Leathemian married, in 181 9, Mary Penny, who was born about
the year 1794, and who bore him children as follows: Perminda, wife of
Benjamin King; Sarah, who became the wife of Henry Wright; Rachel
married Dolphus Wood; Eliza, wife of Samuel Wright, who still lives in
Nebraska; Washington moved to Nebraska and died in 1894 of old age;
Benjamin died in Nebraska in April, 1909; Theresa married John Irwin and
lives in Kansas : Frederick lived and died in Putnam county, Indiana, and
was a prominent farmer and representative citizen ; Jane married Isaac Irwin
and moved to Nebraska, where her death occurred, and Daniel was acci-
dentally killed in 1881 by the falling of a tree, since which time the family
homestead has been in the possession of strangers.
John Leatherman was not only an enterprising and successful farmer,
but also became widely known as a minister of the Primitive Baptist church,
in the faith of which he was reared and of the doctrines of which he after-
wards was recognized as an al^le expounder. He was ordained in early man-
hood and for some years preached only at irregular intervals, but later gave
the great part of his time to his holy office. During his active ministiy he
served four congregations, viz : Bethel church, on Little Walnut near his
home : New Hope, near the town of Morton ; Rocky Fork and Otter Creek
in Parke countv. He was a stalwart Christian, fearless in the presentation
of the truth, and e.xerted a wide and beneficial influence on the religious
PUTNAM COrXTY. INDIANA. 569
thought ot Ill's own and other communities. He departed this hfe on the
6th day of March. 1879. ^"^1 was laid to rest in the Baptist cemetery in
Clinton township, where also repose the ashes of many other old settlers of
the county. Mrs. Leatherman preceded her husband to the grave on Sep-
tember 6. 1875. each being seventy-nine years of age when called to the
other world.
Catherine Leatherman spent her childhood and youth at the family
home and was early instructed in those domestic duties which, while she
was still young, made her almost indispensible to the household. She grew
to w umanhood with a proper conception of life and never knew by experience
what it was to eat the bread of idleness. In such schools as the country
afforded she received a fair knowledge of the branches then taught and
imtil her twenty-fifth year remained at home, of which from a much earlier
age she proved a guiding and controlling spirit. In the year 1866 she became
the wife of Nelson Wood, who, in 1870, moved to the farm, which she still
iiwiis and with whom she lived in mutually happy wedlock until his lamented
deatli in 1881. a periofi of fifteen years. Three children were born to this
union. Ella, the oldest of whom, married William Thomas and lives on the
home farm which her husband operates. Their offspring, five in number,
are, Ida. a teacher in the public schools of Madison township. Fay, May.
C)na. and Serena, the second and third being twins. Seba. the second of
the family, married John Latham and died young, leaving one child. Jane
Pearl, now the wife of Otto Vermillion in Madison township. Lee. who
married Terre King, and lives in Clinton township, being the youngest of
the family, had two children, Lucille and Charles Xelson.
In 1882 Mrs. Woods ])ecame the wife of John Howard, with whom she
spent the four vears ensuing in the citv of Greencastle, removing at the ex-
piration of that time to iNIadison low nship where her husband's death occurred
in 1893. Later she entered the marriage relation with John Randel, who on
Xo\eml;er 12. 1907, left her a widow again, since which time she has lived
on her farm in Madison township, where, surrounded by many friends, loyal
and true, she is sj^ending her life in quiet and content, proving an excellent
neiglihcir. a valued counsellor and a helper in time of need.
Mrs. Randel is the only living representative of the Leatherman family
in Putnam county and as such, exemplifies the many estimable qualities of
mind and heart for which her ancestors were distinguished and by a life void
of offense she is maintaining in all its luster the brightness of the family
escutcheon. She is a w^oman of excellent character and high social standing,
respected by all with whom she mingles and her daily life and influence have
been a blessing: to the comnnmitv in which she resi<les.
WEIK S HISTORY OF
PERRY W'lLSOX WRIGHT.
Preferring to spend his life in his native vicinity rather than seek nncer-
tain fortune in distant places, as so many of his early associates did. Perry
W'ilsdii Wright, a leading farmer of Madison township, has become well
known and influential in the citizenship of Putnam county. He was born on
Little Walnut creek, this township. December i!. 1856. the son of William
and Thankful Louisa (Swinford) Wright, people of excellent characteristics,
the father having been born August 7. 1825, on the same farm on which his
son. Perry W.. first saw the light of day: thus the Wright family has been
established here since the earliest pioneer days and the several members of
the same have been important factors in this part of the county since then.
William Wright and Thankful L. Swinford were married in 1844. when they
were each nineteen years of age. she having been born in Bourbon county,
Kentucky, November 8, 1825. His father, Benjamin Wright, was born April
18, 1794, in North Carolina. He married Mary Hill, who was born May 4,
1800. Soon after their wedding, about 1822, they entered the land here
where their son William was born, having developed this splendid fann from
the wilderness. William was reared there iand when about thirty years old
he purchased his father's farm. Benjamin Wright moved to Illinois, where
he spent the remaining years of his life. William lived on the farm until
about 1870 when he bought the homestead of his father-in-law, John Swin-
ford, where he lived till 1882, when he removed to Greencastle where his last
years were spent, dying May 21, 1906, at an advanced age, having lived a suc-
cessful and honorable life that brought out only words of praise from his
neighbors. His good wife was called to her rest on November 2. 1892. She
was the daughter of John and Polly Ann f Adams) Swinford and her parents
brought her to this county from Bourbon county. Kentucky, about 1826, the
father buying one hundred and sixty acres and entered the forty that Perry
W. Wright now lives on, just east of Little Walnut and four miles northeast
of Greencastle. He built a house on the larger tract, which had a rude shack
on it, but he never built on the forty acres. Prospering by reason of hard
work and good management, he added to his original tract until he owned
six hundred and forty acres, and that was his home until his death. January
27, 1868. having reached the age of about seventy years. His wife survived
him six or eight years, dying at about the same age. Of their family seven
children, three .sons and four daughters, reached maturity, namely : William,
who went to ^Missouri; Wilson F. also moved to ^Missouri: George moved to
PUTXAM COUXTV, INDIANA. 57I
Iowa: Sarah Salina married John Tucker, of Indianapohs ; Thankful Louisa,
wife of Wilham Wright; Eusibia married Wash Leatherman and she died
while living in this county; Nancy married Richard Hart and died in Mis-
souri: Lydia married Jesse Hamrick and died young.
When John Swinford died William Wright bought out some of the
heirs, owning twci hundred and eighteen acres of the old Swinford farm and
there Ii\-ed until he moved to Greencastle. He had previously purchased all
the Wright homestead, consisting of two hundred acres. He was a success-
ful business man and became well-to-do. On his place fine stock were to be
found at all times, first-class cattle being his hobby and he took a great pride
in them. He was regarded as one of the leading farmers and stock men in
the county and was highly respected for his honorable dealings with his fellow
men. ^Villesin and Thankful A\' right had six children : John \\'esley died
in childhood; Jesse ^I. lives in Lamar, Colorado; George W. is living retired
in Greencastle; Sarah .\nn married William Brothers, of Greencastle; Perry
Wilson, subject of this sketch; \\'illis E. died ^^■hen tweh'e or fourteen years
of age.
Perry \\'. Wright spent his youth on the home farm, which he worked
when he became of proper age and attended the district schools in the mean-
time. He spent four years in western Iowa and Kansas in his early youth,
then returned to the home farm. On September 15, 1909, he married Josie
Hathaway, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Gillespie) Hathaway, an ex-
cellent family of Clinton township. He is engaged in general farming in a
manner that stamps him well abreast of the times. He is also a lover of good
stock, and everything about his place shows thrift and good management.
Politically Mr. Wright is a Republican and he keeps in touch with
his party. Fraternallv he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. ^^'right has two children by a former marriage with Lizzie Talbot :
Raymond, a student in DePauw L'niversity. will graduate in 191 1: William
^^'endel is a high school student.
CHARLES W. KIXG.
The King familv has been well established in Madison township since
the picturesque days of the first settler, and from that time to this those who
have borne the name have maintained the high standard of citizenship which
5/2 WEIK S HISTORY OF
the older ones sought to foster, and of this worthy class Charles W. King is
deserving of special notice. He has been contented to spend his life at home,
having been born on the old King homestead in Madison township February
19. 1848, the son of Benjamin P. and Perminda (Leatherman) King, both
born in Indiana, possibly Putnam county, in 1820. They married in this
county and lived on a farm here where their first five children were born;
then they moved to Illinois when Charles W. of this review was a baby. The
family remained in the last named state about ten years, returning to Madison
township, Putnam county, about 1859 or i860 and settled on the farm now
owned by Charles W. King. It was a new place, but was soon cleared and
placed under cultivation; here the father, Benjamin P., died when his son,
Charles \V., was about si.xteen years of age, the former being forty-eight and
he is numbered with the eternal sleepers in the Little Walnut cemetery. He
was a good fanner, a hard worker and honest. Following are his children :
John R.. living in Washington township, Putnam county; Cerena married
Zadoc Plummer and is living in Kansas; Rachael married Joseph Owens, and
she died at Golden. Colorado ; William is living in Hendricks county, Indiana ;
Charles W., of this review; Denman P. is living in Chrisman, Illinois; Thirsa
married Maletus Peterson, of Montgomery county, and she died in Kansas ;
Sarah married Elijah Houck and they are living in Greencastle; Frederick
lives in Edgar county, Nebraska.
After the father's death the elder sons remained at home and worked the
place, the mother thus being able to keep the family together. After the
children grew up she married John Howard, of ^fontgomery county, where
she spent the remaining years of her life, dying on August 9, 1881.
Charles AV. King remained at home until his brother married a second
time. He and his brother Denman P. were conducting the farm very suc-
cessfully, but the farm was sold when the mother married. After working
out two seasons Charles W. King married, after which event he rented land
for three years, during which time he got a good start and then bought back
the old home place, where he has lived ever since. He has made many changes
and improvements in the same and has shown himself to be an excellent farmer
in even,- respect. He has been very successful and has added additional land
until he now has one hundred acres. A portion of the present frame house is
a part of the old log building that was placed here before Benjamin P. King
purchased the farm.
Mr. King is not a public man, but has long taken some interest in politics,
having served his township as assessor back in the eighties. In 1904 he was
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 573
elected township trustee for four years, filling both these offices in a very
creditable manner. He has also served on the Democratic central committee
and is always ready to further the interests of his party in Putnam county.
Mr. King was married on December 7. 187 1, to Emily J. Beard, who was
reared in Vigo county, but who at the time of her marriage was living in
Putnam county, .-\fter a very congenial and happy married life of about
thirty-seven years, this good wife and mother was called to her rest on Sep-
tember 15, 1908.
Four children were bom to Mr. and ^Irs. King, one dying when four
years of age; the living are, Benjamin, a teacher in the Greencastle schools,
is married and has one child, Frances ; Delia married Pumell Thomas and
died when twenty-two years of age; Terre is the wife of Lee Woods, of
Clinton township, this county, and they are the parents of two children,
Lucille and Xelson.
GEORGE WILLL\^[ BL.\CK.
.Among the well-known and highly respected citizens of Putnam county
is George \V. Black of Greencastle. Mr. Black was born near Mt. Sterling,
Montgomery county, Kentuck-y, September 27, 1843, the son of Andrew- and
Margaret ( Lockridge) Black, both representatives of good old families. They
grew to maturity in their native state, met and married there and in 1850 they
migrated to Putnam county, Indiana, locating one mile west of Greencastle
on a farm where ■Mr. Black, by hard work, soon had a good home and a well
cultivated farm which yielded a good income. He was a good manager and
a man of thrift and at the time of his death, which occurred in Greencastle in
i8r)2. he was the owner of valuable lands aggregating four hundred and forty
acres, near this city. He was considered one of the best farmers in this vicin-
ity and he always kept some good stock on his place, being especially fond of
fine horses, for he had been reared in a country noted for its rare specimens
of the equine family, and this love for good horses has come down to his son,
George W. of this review. ]Mr. Black was a Republican politically and a
strong worker in the party, and in religious matters he was a Presbyterian.
He was well liked in this county and had hosts of friends here. His wife
preceded him to the silent land by nearly twenty-eight years, dying in 1864.
George W. Black accompanied his parents to Putnam county in 1850, and
he assisted with the work on the home farm and attenrled the neighborinsr
574 WEIK S HISTORY OF
schools during the winter months. He managed the farm for his father for
a year, then came to Greencastle in 1870 and began a hvery business which he
soon buih up to large proportions, enjoying a very liberal patronage from the
first. He always kept an excellent grade of horses and a well equipped barn
in every respect. He also engaged in the coal business and built up a very
satisfactory patronage also in this. For the past ten years. Air. Black has
conducted sales of horses once a week, which have been largely attended by
prospective buyers who came from all parts of the country.
April 15, 1904. Mr. Black married Mrs. Martha Jane Thomas. This
union is without issue. Politically Mr. Black is a Republican, but he does
not find time to mingle much in party affairs. He is a member of the local
Methodist church.
CHRISTIAN LANDES.
In examining the life record of Christian Landes, which has been temi-
inated bv death, we find many qualities of head and heart that are worthy of
emulation, for he was of a type of hardy sons of the soil who delight in being
kind to their neighbors, generous to the needy and always ready to lend a help-
ing hand in any worthy cause. He was born in Augusta county, Virginia,
April ;, 1814. the son of John and Frances (Branneman) Landes. the former
a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia, each excellent old families.
Christian's elder brother came to Indiana about 1838. the fonner following
him soon afterward. They had learned the blacksmith's trade and at once set
up a shop in Greencastle. Abraham Landes. Samuel Landes and Henry Lan-
des, brothers, also came to Putnam county in those early days. A full history
of this familv is to be found elsewhere in this work, as is also the history of the
Hillis familv. into which Christian Landes married in 1840, choosing for a
life partner Elizabeth A. Hillis, sister of John A. Hillis. Christian Landes
continued to work as a blacksmith for over ten years in this vicinity, during
which time he became well known as a very skilled workman, being a partner
with his brother Samuel, part of the time in a general store under the firm
name of Landes Brothers, Samuel looking after the store and Christian the
shop, Samuel finallv leaving the store and moving to Iowa where he spent the
remaining years of his life. Abram Landes owned a farm southwest of
Greencastle where he lived until his death. The father of these children also
came to this county and purchased what has since been known as the Dunbar
PL'TXAM COL-.\TV. INDIANA. 575
farm in Madison township, northwest of Greencastle. dying at his home about
three miles from this city, reaching the age of sixty-eight years. Frances
Landes died in \'irginia. John Landes married a second time, his last wife
being a Miss Netzer, who survived him many years. Xo children were born
to them. There was another John Landes who spent his life in Virginia.
In 1S49 Christian Landes purchased the farm on the Manhattan road
where Christian Stoner, his grandson, now lives, he having built the present
home about iS66. He set up a shop on that place and continued blacksmith-
ing m connection with farming for many years, making a success of both.
and here he spent the remainder of his life, having closed his shop a few years
before he died, giving his attention e.xclusively to his farm, his death occurring
[March i6, 1893. having been preceded to the silent land by his wife on De-
cember 25, 1891, at the age of sixty-nine years, she having been bom on
Tanuan- 18. 1823, in Flemingsburg, Kentucky (see sketch of John L. Hillis).
They are buried at Forest Hill, Greencastle. Both were active members of
the Methodist church at Mount Olive, which is located about one mile from
the old Landes homestead. This place consisted of over two hundred acres,
\\hich was partly improved when Mr. Landes bought it. He improved it in
many ways and proved to be a very skillful farmer as well as blacksmith. He
was a hard working man and never sought public offices. He was a useful
man in his community; everybody trusted him explicitly owing to his un-
questioned integrity and strict honesty in all his dealings with his fellow men.
To Mr. and Mrs. Christian Landes twelve children were born, ten reach-
ing maturity, namely : Mary J. married William Butler and lives in Green-
castle. Mr' Butler served through the Civil war. the hard experiences prov-
ing too much for his constitution and he finally died as a result of his ex-
po'sures, September 5, 1899, at the age of sixty-nine years, never having been
strong since his army career. He lived ten years in Terre Haute. He and
his wife reared one daughter. Elizabeth T., who married Elbert C. Minton,
of Lafayette, Indiana. William H. Landes also served through the Civil
war, after which he went to Montana, where he died at the age of forty-nine
years ; Samuel E. is a carriage maker in Greencastle; Sarah E. married Samuel
P. Bo'wen. of Greencastle; Laura E. married Peter S. Stoner, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this work; Katie A. married Jonathan Houck (see his
sketch) ; Albert P. Landes is a painter and paper hanger in Greencastle; Flora
F. married James E. Houck (see his sketch) ; Grant A. Landes is a manu-
facturer at .\nderson. Indiana; George C. is in the insurance business and is
now trustee of Greencastle township, living in Greencastle.
--6 " WEIK S HISTORY OF
THOMAS HART MORRIS.
The history of Putnam county is not a very old one. It is the record of
the steady gra*vth of a community planted in the wilderness within the last
century and has reached its magnitude of today without other aids than those
of industrv. The people who redeemed its wilderness fastnesses were strong-
. armed, hardy sons of the soil who hesitated at no difficulty and for whom
hardships had little to appall. The early pioneers, having blazed the path
of civilization to this part of the state, finished their labors and passed from
the scene, leaving the country to the possession of their descendants and to
others who came at a later period and builded on the foundation which they
laid so broad and deep. Among these early pioneers was Albert F. :Morris,
the father of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch.
Albert F. Morris was born near Sharpsburg, Nicholas county, Kentuclcy, and
was the son of Daniel C. and Ann Morris. Daniel C. Morris was born inside
the stockade at Bryant's Station, Kentucky, at a time when the little band of
settlers were gathered there as a protection against hostile Indians. One of
his brothers was Morris Morris, the father of General Morris, of Indianapolis.
When the Morris family came from Kentucky to Putnam county, Indiana,
thev first located in Cloverdale, though at that time the town contained but
few families. Here Albert F. was reared to the life of a farmer, remaining
there until 1853, when he moved to near Reelsville, where he remained four
years, locating then northwest of Greencastle. About 1853 his father died
and he accompanied his mother to ?kIissouri, where her death subsequently
occurred. While in the West, he entered a tract of government land in Iowa,
which he afterwards traded for a farm southwest of Cloverdale, Putnam
county. After his marriage he lived on this tract two years, and then sold
that and bought a farm near Reelsville. After living on this farm four or
five years, he bought and moved to a part of the Hart homestead, seven miles
northwest of Greencastle. where he reniained until the fall of 1866. In that
year he sold his interest to J. R. M. Hamrick and bought the John Piercy
farm, three miles northeast of Cloverdale, this farm comprising two hundred
and seventv-eight acres. He made this his home until 1877, when he moved to
Cloverdale, where he had bought seventy acres of land at the south edge of the
town, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1878. He was
survived a number of years by his widow, who died in 1897.
Albert F. Morris married Celinda Hart, daughter of Thomas and Joycie
Hart, whose home was on the Little Walnut creek, seven miles northwest of
THOMAS H MORRIS
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. },']']
Greencastle. To Albert F. and Celinda Morris were born two children,
Thomas Hart, the immediate subject of this sketch, and Joycie Ann. who be-
came the wife of James Y. Davis, and they now live at Arkansas City, Kansas.
Politically Mr. Morris was an ardent Democrat and held a prominent place
in the councils of his party, though at no time was he a seeker after office for
himself. He was held in the highest esteem among his neighbors and was
frequently called upon to settle estates and arbitrate differences between neigh-
bors. Public spirited and progressive in his make-up. he exerted his influence
in every wav possible to advance the best interests of the community in which
he lived and for many years he was numbered among the most prominent men
of the township.
Thomas Hart Morris was born August 22. 1852. and was reared under
the paternal roof. He attended the public schools, including the high school
at Cloverdale, after which he became a student in old Asbury (now DePauw)
University at Greencastle. During his school period he continued his farm
work, and after leaving his studies he engaged in teaching school for a couple
of tenns. -\bout 1S72 Mr. Morris took up farming operations on his own
account on his father's farm, continuing in this way four or five years, when
he bought a farm of ninety acres, located a mile and a half west of Brick
Chapel, which he managed, though still residing on his home place in the
southwest part of Jefferson township. About 1S77 he went into the imple-
ment business at Clo\erdale, which he conducted with satisfactory success,
and in 1887 he added a hardware department. He continued the busi-
ness until 1895, when he sold it to T. Vi. Layne for ten thousand dollars, the
business being now run by the Cloverdale Hardware and Lumber Com-
pany. For a while Mr. Morris was in partnership with 'Ww Layne and it was
during their association that the present commodious and well arranged build-
ing was erected, the store being a credit to the town. For some time Mr.
Morris also owned a hoop factory at Cloverdale. but subsequently he trans-
fomied it into a sawmill and sold it also to Mr. Layne. He then returned to
his farm in section 29, Jefferson township, where he now resides an<l
where he is \ery comfortably situated. He owns two hundred and seventy-
eight acres of good land, all of which is under cultivation, and which yields
bountiful crops in return for the labor bestowed upon it. The place is well
improved, containing an attractive and comfortable residence, spacious and
substantial bams and other necessary buildings, and the farm is numbered
among the good ones of the township.
Mr. Morris has been married three times. In 1884 he married Ella
^17)
57i
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Irwin Graham, a daughter of Fehx and Mary (Irwin) Graham, the latter
being a sister of Joseph I. Irwin, a wealthy and well-known citizen of Colum-
bus. Indiana. Mrs. Morris died in 1886, without issue, and in 1891 Mr.
JMorris married Belle V. iMugg, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Mugg,
of near Ouincv. Owen county, this state. To this union were born two child-
ren, Albert G., who is attending school, and Lena, who died in 1906. Mrs.
Belle Morris died in 1898 and in April 8, 190 1, he married Sadie Dickinson,
daughter of John and Martha (McLain) Dickinson. To them have been
born three children, Mary Mabel, Alberta Frances and Edna May.
Politically Mr. Morris maintains an allegiance with the Democratic
party and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, though he is not an
office seeker. Religiously he and his wife are members of the Christian
church at Cloverdale, to which they give an earnest and liberal support. They
are genial and sociably inclined and are well liked by all who know them.
Mr. ^Morris possesses business ability of a high order, as was emphasized by
his successes in commercial enterprises, and among his associates his advice
and judgment is valued highly.
EDWARD R. HIBBITT.
The true western spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly exempli-
fied in the lives of such men as Edward R. Hibbitt, whose energetic nature and
sticktoiti\-e qualities have enabled them to conquer many adverse circum-
stances and advance steadily to leading positions in their respective lines of
endeavor or in business life. Mr. Hibbitt is a worthy representative of this
class and is now doing a very satis factorv- business in harness and leather
goods, maintaining an up-to-date shop and store in Greencastle, which is
know II throughout this and adjoining counties.
]\Ir. Hibbitt was born ^lay 30, 1861, in Louisville. Kentucky, the second
son of Edwin .\ugustus and Mary (King) Hibbitt, an excellent Kentucky
family, the father having been born in Louisville, September 19, 183 1. His
parents emigrated to this country from England, the father dying when Edwin
A. was twelve years of age; consequently he was thrown upon his own re-
sources, but. being a lad of grit and ambition, he soon succeeded in making
his way, apprenticing himself to the harness-making trade at which he worked
in Louisville until he came to Putnam county, early in the sixties. He lo-
cated near Limedale and later moved to Greencastle where he continued his
PUT^'A^[ cocxTV, ixdiana. 579
trade and engaged in the harness business until his death, which occurred
February ii, 1902, at an advanced age. He was a fine old character whom
eveiybody respected and admired for his industrious, sober and honest life,
being kind, generous to a fault and interested in the welfare of his neighbors.
He enjoyed a large trade and al\va\-s handled a good grade of material, of the
highest class workmanship. Politically he was a Democrat, and in his lodge
relations held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
August 25, 185S, Edwin A. Hibbitt married Alary King, a native of
Louisville. Kentucky, who preceded her husband to the grave many years,
dying February 26, 1885.
Edward R. Hibbitt was educated in the common schools of Greencastle,
receiving a very good education. He learned the harnessmaker's trade and
the "ins and outs" of the leather business under his father, and he success-
fully engaged in business at Bainbridge, Rockville and Noblesville and with
his father in Greencastle, and he is now carrying on a very satisfactory trade
in his father's old stand, which is the largest store or shop of its kind in the
countv and which is patronized extensively at all seasons, some of his regu-
lar customers coming from remote sections of the county, for here they are
sure of obtaining full value and the best leather goods which the market
affords. The store is well arranged and well kept and his shop is provided
with the latest model machinery and tools and none but skilled artisans are
employed.
Mr. Hibbitt is a prominent member of the Masonic lodge and the Knights
of Pythias. Politically he is a Democrat and a Alethodist in his religious
beliefs. He was married on May 30, 18S2. to Julia Williams, representing a
highly respected Greencastle family. This union has resulted in the birth of
two children. Ethel and Ralph.
FRAXCIS yi. ALLEE.
The historv of a state is but a record of the doings of its people, among
whom the pioneers and their sturdy descendants occupy places of no secondary-
importance. The story of the plain common people who constitute the moral
bone and sinew of the state should ever attract the attention and prove of
interest to all true lovers of their kind. In the life story of the subject of this
sketch there are no striking chapters or startling incidents, but it is merely the
58o
WEIK 3 HISTORY OF
record of lite true to its highest ideals and fraught with much that should
stimulate the youth just starting in the world as an independent factor.
Francis M. Allee is descended from one of Putnam county's honored
earlv pioneers. This pioneer, John Allee, was born in Montgomery county,
Virginia. September 2, 1803. When one year old he was taken by his par-
ents to Barren county, Kentucky, where, in his early manhood, he was doubly
bereaved of both parents, at which time he was penniless and practically
thrown upon his own resources. However, he was endowed with a liberal
quantity of grit and determination, qualities which characterized his subse-
quent years, and he determined to make a success of life. He was reared on
a farm and secured a fair education in the common schools of the Blue Grass
state. On reaching a proper age he secured employment as overseer of a plan-
tation, on which many slaves were employed and on which was a large dis-
tillery, tobacco being one of the principal field crops. He gained the con-
fidence of his employer, who would at times be gone from the plantation for
a year. The young man was a good mathematician and penman and for his
services he received a liberal salary. He was economical and with the money
he saved he bought land, when, in 1830, he came to Putnam county, Indiana,
his purchase being in section 16, Jefferson township. He made this his
permanent home and resided there until his death, which occurred in 1875.
John Allee married Lucretia Pruitt, a native of Kentucky, and among
their children was Francis AI. Allee, the immediate subject of this sketch.
John Allee became a prominent and successful farmer. He came to this
county in rather limited financial condition, but he was industrious and re-
sourceful and as he prospered he added to his land holdings until at one time
he owned one thousand acres of good land, which was accumulated literally
"bv the sweat of his brow." He worked on the construction of the old Na-
tional road through this county, receiving for his labor the magnificent wage
of fifty cents a dav. Conditions in those days were unfavorable in many re-
spects. In order to dispose of the grain raised on his farm, he found it neces-
sary to haul the grain to Lawrenceburg, on the Ohio river, and to Cincinnati,
ten (lays being recjuired to make the round trip. He usually made the trip
pay both wavs. by bringing back goods for local merchants. He took a deep
interest in public affairs and served as trustee of his township several terms.
He was a stanch Republican and a firm supporter of the Union and during the
Civil war he was uncompromising in his devotion to the national cause. He
was a member of the state militia and. as colonel, was at the head of the or-
ganization in Putnam county. He was widely known in this section of the
state and enjoved the unbounded confidence of all who knew him.
PUTXAM COUNTY. IXDIAXA. 58 1
Francis M. Allee was born in Jefferson township. Putnam county, In-
diana, in 1S39. Xovember 5tli having been his natal day. He was reared on
the home farm and received his elementary education in the common schools,
supplementing this by attendance at old Asbun,' (now DePauw) University,
at Greencastle. Primitive conditions existed in that early day and ^Ir. Allee
relates with interest many of the incidents of his boyhood. As to the cus-
toms and conditions, coal oil lamps were then unknown in this community, the
common light being provided by "grease lamps." which consisted of open re-
ceptacles of grease, in the neck of which lay a piece of cloth, the lower end of
which lay in the grease. This light was even more common than candles.
Fire was often preserved by a rotten hickory tree that burned all summer near
the house. Cooking was done in front of the wide fireplace which was a fea-
ture of practically e\'ery home. Corn meal was obtained by grating corn on
a tin grater, and before that impro\'ement was introduced it was ground on a
rock. The pioneer larder was supplied with wild fruit, nuts, squirrels and
other wild game — in fact, squirrels were so plentiful that only the hind
quarters were used and they were a nuisance to the pioneers because of their
fondness for the newly planted corn, which they would dig up as fast as it
could be sowed. Farm work was laborious because of the lack of time and
labor-saving facilities, ^\'heat was mowed with a cradle and shocked by the
women and children. Cooking stoves were unknown in this section until
the advent of one bought by the subject's father. Table sugar was very
crude in qualit}' and dark brown in color, and home-made molasses was the
on.linary medium for sweetening.
In his young manhood ^Ir. Allee engaged in teaching school for three
or four winters, but finding this occupation detrimental to his health, he went
back to the farm, to which he devoted his future energies. He was successful
in the latter pursuit and became the owner of over a thousand acres of land.
most of which he has divided with his chiKlren. his present holdings amount-
ing to three hundred and forty acres, all of which is highly cultivated and
well improved. He has carried on general farming operations, with which he
has combined the raising of livestock, fattening many hogs and cattle for the
market. Though now- able to retire from active labor of any nature. Mr.
Allee retains an active interest in agriculture, the spirit of idleness being a
stranger to his make-up.
On Xovember 17, i860. Mr. Allee was united in marriage with Sarah E.
Sandy, who was born in Owen county, Indiana, the daughter of \Villiam B.
Sandy, and to this union have l^een bom eight children, namely: Lucretia E.,
\\'illiam U.. Tuliette F.. Sarah Teannette, Lizzie R., Amanda M., Herbert S.
582 weik's history of
and Daisy M. Of these, Lucretia, William, Lizzie and Amanda are deceased.
Juliette married first William Trent, and after his death she married Alfred
Elmore. They live at Mt. Meridian and they have three children living,
Mabel. Herbert and Reba. Sarah Jeannette married L. W. Seller and they live
east of the subject in Jefferson township. Their son Hubert is now attending
the high school at Greencastle. Herbert, who lives south of his father in
Jefiferson township, married Efifie Dorsett and they have one son. Noble.
Daisv M. became the wife of \'ennard McCammack and lives on the farm
in Jefferson township where her father first settled. She has one daughter,
Sarah Viola.
Politically Mr. Allee is a Republican, having cast his first vote for Abra-
ham Lincoln the day after he attained his majority, and he has voted for
every Republican candidate for President since. However, he is not blindly
partisan in local public affairs and has had many friends in both parties. He
was at one time elected trustee of his township without opposition, his can-
didacy having been endorsed also by the Democrats. Two years later he was
re-elected over a strong opponent, running far ahead of his own ticket. Fra-
ternally he is a member of the Masonic order, having joined in 1859 ^"^ "o^^'
being a member of Cloverdale Lodge, No. 322. Though not a member of any
church, he gives a cordial support to all churches, which he assists in a financial
way and to which he gives his moral support. He donated the land on which
the New Providence Baptist church now stands and also donated a tract of
high land for cemetery purposes, besides reserving additional land for a simi-
lar purpose when needed. Mr. Allee is a well preserved man for his age, and
possesses a disposition that enables him to see and enjoy the bright side of
life. He has experienced the hard knocks and vicissitudes of life, and there-
fore sympathizes with others who are tr\'ing to work their way up in life.
He is genial and hospitable and his friends are in number as his acquaintances.
PETER SIMPSON STONER. I
The agricultural interests of Putnam county are well represented by
Peter Simpson Stoner. who is one of the practical and enterprising fanners
of Greencastle township, his well tilled and highly improved fields being ad-
mired bv all who see them, and he has also been long known as one of the
best judges of livestock in the southern part of the county. Not many agri-
culturists of this countv are lietter known than he. for his entire life has been
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 5S3
spent liere in the localitx" where his ancestors estabh'slied good homes and left
behind them the greatest of inheritances — good names and iinlilemished repu-
tations.
yir. Stoner was l>orn in ^NFadison ti5wnship, Octolser 31. 1845. For a
fnll history of his family the reader is directetl to the sketch of his brother,
Lycurgns Stoner, appearing elsew here in these pages. Peter S. remained on
the paternal homestead, until he was eighteen years of age. when, fired by a
patriotic zeal that knew no quelling, he enlisted as a recruit, in 1864. in Com-
pany E. Twenty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, the same com-
pan\' and regiment in the Union army m which his brother Lycurgus was a
soldier, joining the regiment at Eaton Rouge. Mississippi, reaching there about
the time of Banks' expedition up Red riyer, but he did not participate in the
same. Later he was sent to Alexandra. Louisiana, to assist in holding that
country; returning to Baton Rouge, he was discharged January 16, 1866,
\yhen under twenty years of age. having seen about two years' service. The
following spring he caiue to Washington township, this county, and for two
years farmed in partnership with his two brothers, Lycurgus and William
Payne. About that time their father died and Peter S. received one hun-
dred and eighty- four acres of the same farm he had been working. He then
worked his place independently, but continued to deal in stock in partnership
with his brothers. Prospering, he later added to the home place until he had
one of the most desirable farms in the township, containing two hundred
acres, which he still owns, the land lying along the Big Walnut, being nearly
all bottom land. In 1883 he came to his present farm in Greencastle town-
ship, three miles southwest of the city, this being the old Layton farm, con-
taining one hundred and eighty-three acres, along which runs the \'andalia
railroad. .About twenty years ago he erected his present imposing and beau-
tifully located dwelling, standing on an elevation from which an inspiring
panorama may be had of the surrounding country, three railroads, an inter-
urban line and the city of Greencastle being included within the range of
vision.
Mr. Stoner is a general farmer, raising abundant crops of all kinds, but
a great deal of his time is devoted to stock raising and feeding, this being
his principal dependence. He formerly owned another farm of one hun-
dred and ninety acres, which he sold to his son. also owned a one-third inter-
est in the old homestead in Madison township, but he sold that to his brother
Lycurgus. Politically he is a Republican, but has never found time to take
more than a passing intere.st in political affairs. He is a member of the
Grand Anny of the Republic post at Greencastle.
584 weik's history of
Mr. Stoner was married on October 23, 1873. to Laura Elizabeth Landes,
daughter of Christian and Ehzabeth (HilHs) Landes. one of the best known
and most highlv respected famihes in Putnam county. ]\Irs. Stoner is a
cousin of Charles Landes, late of Greencastle, now deceased (see his sketch
and portrait elsewhere in this work). On the fami formerly owned by Mr.
Landes now lives Christian E. Stoner. son of Peter S. Stoner. who was named
for his grandfather Landes. Mrs. Stoner's parents died in the early nine-
ties, dying within one year of each other, each about seventy years of age.
Mrs. Stoner was bom June i. 1852. and her death occurred May 20,
1 901. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stoner. Christian E., who
married Xellie Koessler and they are the parents of two children. Simpson.
Jr.. and Katherine; and Edith, the wife of A. A. Houck. who was born in
Indiana of German parentage, his parents spending their lives in this state.
Mr. Houck is a commercial salesman, representing the St. Louis Coffin Com-
pany, covering the states of Xew York and Pennsylvania. He makes his
home with ]\Ir. Stoner. and he and his wife are the parents of two children,
Russell and Hugh Stoner.
Peter S. Stoner is a member of Mt. Olive Methodist Episcopal church,
this l:eing one of the oldest buildings in the county. He takes considerable
interest in church work and, in fact, whatever tends to the betterment of his
community and county. Personally he is a pleasant man to meet, hospitable
in his home and kind to his neighbors.
FRED MASTEX.
Among the sul)stantial and influential citizens of Warren township. Put-
nam county. Fred Masten must be numi)ered. for here he has long been suc-
cessfully engaged in farming and stock raising and his reputation has always
I)een unassailal)le. He is the son of Mathias and Xancy (Elmore) ^fasten
and the grandson of Reuben and Margaret (Garrison) Alasten. the former a
native of X'orth Carolina, whose father was a native of England and, com-
ing to America from that country prior to the Revolutionary war. ser\ed
during the same in the patriot army. Reuben Masten came to Hendricks
countv, Indiana, during its early settlement, entered a tract of land on which
he erected a log house, cleared a plot of ground and began farming, which he
continued to follow. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, named
as follows: Hesekiah. Darius, Mathias. Harrv. John. Jesse, Maliala, Mary.
PL'TXAM COrXTV. IXDIAXA. 585
Anna and Emma. These four are li\ing. Jesse. Mrs. Mary Roberts, Mrs.
Emilia Hodson and Mathias. The father of these chiklren was a devoted
member of the Ouaker cluircli and was known for liis strict honesty and his
defense of moral and upright H\ing. He was kind and indulgent to his
family, always vigilant of their needs. He and his good wife are both now-
sleeping the sleep of the just in the family burying plot in Hendricks county.
Mr. Masten having attained the ad^•anced age of eight\'-four years before he
\\'as called to his reward.
Mathias Masten spent his boyhood days on the farm and received a
limited education in the old-time subscription schools. When a mere lad he
volunteered for service in the Union army and w as assigned to Company H,
Fifty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, later joining the One Hun-
dred an<l Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Ca\alry. and after a ser\-ice of one
year was honorably discharged Februarv" 15. 1S64. He married, in 1865,
Xancy Elmore, daughter of Willis Elmore, of Putnam county. They moved
to a rented farm in Hendricks county and shortly, by the assistance of his
father, he bought a farm of eighty acres in Putnam county, which he later
sold, and bought and sold, in turn, several other farms. He finally moved
to Clo\-erdale. where he owns property and he still looks after his farm. He
is an ordained minister of the old-school Baptist church and spends a portion
of his time in this work. He is a (juiet, unassuming man and has hosts of
friends in this county. Politically he is a Republican, He and his wife
are the parents of eight children, named as follows: Ida, now Mrs. .\llen.
was bom March 30, 1866, and they are the parents of three children. Laura,
Raymond and Nannie, the latter decea.sed ; Alfred Masten. born August 6.
1871. died August 15. 1872; Oscar, born October 6, 1873. married Cora Sears
and they have one child. Mary Louise : Reuben W,. born March 26, 1880. mar-
ried Minnie Butler and they are the parents of four children. Zella, Ruth,
Relia and Walter ^lonroe: ^Irs. Emma Terry, born December 14, 1881, is
the mother of two children. Gladys M. and Ella \'. ; Everett, born August
6. 1884, married Iva Lewis, and three children have been born to them, Lee.
Lucile and one that died in infancy: Ella, born August 19. 1889. received a
common school education and is living at home: Fred, of this review.
Fred Masten. the immediate subject of this sketch, was bom July 17,
i86g. in Putnam countv, and he spent his boyhood days on his father's fami,
receiving the advantages of a common school education. October 12, 1890,
he married Mar>- E. Mathews, daughter of Richard F. and Arniinda fMc-
Cammack ) Mathews, of Jefferson township, Putnam county. Richard F.
]\Iathews. Mrs. Masten"s father, is a prosperous farmer of Jefferson town-
586
WEIK S HISTORY OF
ship. He was bora in Kentucky and came to Putnam county at an early
date, and settled on the farm where he now lives in Jefferson township. He
and his wife are the parents of five children : Mary E.. wife of the subject of
this sketch, is the oldest; Robert W., Avis, Richard E.. Pyna E. Mr.
Mathews was trustee of Jefferson township two temis several years ago. Mr.
end Mrs. Masten moved to a rented fann and after a few years moved to the
land which now constitutes his home, in section 12, Warren township, where
besides farming his own land he has leased and is farming a large tract of
adjoining land. He has been very successful as a general farmer and
handles some good stock from year to year. He has a neat home and is
becoming well fixed from a material standpoint. He is now verv- acceptably
serving Warren township as its trustee. He js a member of the Missionary
Baptist church at Union Valley, Jefferson township. Politically he is a
Republican.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fred Masten the following children have been born :
Jewel, born October iS, 1S91 ; Mamie E., bom June 6, 1895: Hallie A., born
July 16, 1899; Frank M., bora December 19, 1900; Kenneth C, born July
30, 1902; Piercy C. bom April 11, 1904: Robert W., born April 2. 1908.
ALCAXY FARMER.
In one of the most exacting of all callings the subject of this sketch has
attained distinction, being recognized as one of the most successful teachers
in the county of Putnam. He is a well educated, systematically developed
man, his work as an educator having brought him prominently to the notice
of the public, the result of which is a demand for his services where a high
standard of professional excellence is required. He is a gentleman of schol-
arly tastes and studious habits, keeps abreast the times in advanced educa-
tional methods and his general knowledge is broad and comprehensive.
Alcany Farmer was born in Greencastle, this county, on December 16,
1S62, and is a son of Benjamin and Marion (Bridgewaters) Famier. being a
member of one of the most prominent families of the community. The sub-
ject's pateraal grandparents were James and Emily (Parks) Farmer. James
Farmer was a native of Boone county, Kentucky, born August 26, 1806. and
in about 1830 he came to Monroe county, Indiana, with his parents, three
brothers, Robert, John and Prior, also accompanying them. John and Rob-
ert died in Monroe countv. while Prior went to Iowa, where his death oc-
riTXAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 587
curred. ^^^. Farmer's parents spent the remainder of their days in :Monroe
county and there their deaths occurred. James Farmer married Emily
Parks, who was born October 21, 1808. and who was a daughter of Benja-
min Parks. The latter came from Xorth Carolina to Virginia, and thence
to Indiana and was a widely known preacher of the Baptist church. After a
short sojourn in :\Ionroe county he came to Putnam county and located near
Putnamville. To James and Emily Farmer were born the following children :
Benjamin. ]^Iary Ann. Matilda. Louisa. Thomas. Nancy. Cynthia Isabelle,
Samuel, James P. and Sarah Ellen. IMary Ann became the wife of Alex Mc-
Carty and they moved to Oregon. Matilda married John Nosier and they
too \vent to Oregon to live. Louisa became the wife of Joseph Ruark and
they both died at their home in Marion township, this county. Thomas re-
sides at Greencastle. Xancy became the wife of James W. Raines, who is
now deceased, and she now resides at Cloverdale. Cynthia Isabelle became
the wife of Dr. Thomas Bryan and they moved to Missouri, where their
deaths occurred. Samuel died from the effects of an accidental gunshot
wound in 1899. James P. went to Arkansas, and later to Indian Territon,-,
where his death occurred. Sarah Ellen is the wife of S. J. Ruark and they
live in Greencastle. The father of these children followed the plasterer's
trade for a time at Greencastle. being assisted by his son Benjamin, and among
their contracts was that of plastering the old court house at Greencastle. an-
other son,- Thomas, having hauled the lime for them. Eventually James
Farmer bought a tract of land in Marion township, to which the family re-
moved, and there he spent his later years. He added other lands to his first
purchase and at the time of his death he owned between three hundred and
four hundred acres. He was an earnest worker in the Baptist church, in
the interest of which he gave liberally of his time and means. Politically he
was a Democrat. His death occurred on November 29, 1875. and that of
his wife on December 28. 1887.
Alcanv Farmer was reared under the parental roof and secured his edu-
cation in the public schools, supplemented by attendance at the Danville Nor-
mal School. When he was two or three years old the family moved to
Hendricks county and located on a farm, where they remained about eight
years, then moving back to Putnam county and locating on a farm which
Benjamin Farmer owned just east of Greencastle. The subject remained
with his parents until he was about seventeen years old. when he started out
into life on his own account. He first worked as a farm hand, but two years
' Iter he began teaching school, and here he soon discovered he had found the
sphere in which his talents could be put to their best use. He was successful
588 weik's history of
from the start and during all the subsequent years he has been identified with
the pedagogical profession, and during this period of twenty-eight years he
has taught in but five schools, this fact standing as a marked testimonial to
his general efficiency and popularity as a teacher. During three years of this
period Mr. Farmer relinquished his professional work for the office of town-
ship trustee, to which position he had been elected by the citizens of Clover-
dale township, but aside from this interruption his work has been carried on
consecutively since his first term. He taught one term in Greencastle town-
ship, one in Jefferson township, one in Warren township, three in Cloverdale
township, and the remainder of the time he has taught at the Poplar Grove
school. Mr. Farmer has also served as justice of the peace in Cloverdale
township, serving in this capacity about twelve years, and during that period
his official acts were characterized by a strict sense of fairness and justice.
Soon after his marriage !Mr. Farmer bought one hundred and fifty-five acres
of land, situated about four miles west of Cloverdale. and to this he has added
two hundred and ten acres. To the cultivation of this land he has given care-
ful attention and has met with splendid success. The place is well improved
and cared for and is numbered among the good farms of the township.
On September 20, 1885, Alcany Farmer married Sarah E. Butler, a
daughter of John W. and Adeline (Shaw) Butler, she being a native of
Jefferson township, this county. Her father was a native of New Jersey
and her mother was born in Ohio, being a daughter of Upton and Susan
(Branneman) Shaw. Susan Branneman was a daughter of Jacob and Alatilda
(Baker) Branneman, the former having been a native of Germany, who
came first to Pennsylvania, moving later to Virginia, then to Ohio, and later
to Putnam county, Indiana, where he died in 1872. at the age of ninety-seven
years. Upton Shaw was a native of Maryland, subsequently went to Vir-
ginia, where he married, and during the late twenties came to Putnam county.
Indiana, where he entered over six hundred acres of land in Jefferson town-
ship. Mrs. Farmer's mother died when the former was less than two weeks
old and she was reared by her maternal grandparents. To ^Ir. and Mrs.
Farmer have been born two children. Gracie P. and Elmer E., both of whom
are school teachers, the fonner teaching in Madison township and the latter
in Jackson township. Both of these children rounded out their public school
educations by attendance at the Danville Xormal School. Fraternally Mr.
Famier is a member gi the ^Modern Woodmen of America. He is a gentle-
man of excellent personal qualities and is held in high esteem throughout the
communitv where he has spent so many of the active years of his life.
PUTN'AM COCXTY, IXDIAXA. 589
JOHN L. HILLIS.
Without searching tor h'neage in mnsty tombs or tlie less satisfactory
authority of tradition, it suffices to state, in writing this biography of a
practical and successful man and master of his chosen life work, that his
progenitors were in the broadest sense high, their influence salutary and
whose characters and sterling worth have been reproduced in their descend-
ants, one of the best known in Putnam county being John L. Hillis. who
was born on the township line, two miles south of Greencastle, October 4,
1834. His parents were Abram Allen and Elizabeth (Peck) Hillis. both
born in Fleming county. Kentucky, where they grew to maturity and were
married. Their parents came from Pennsylvania, floating down the Ohio
river in flatboats to Fleming county, Kentucky. In 1824 Abram came to
Putnam irounty and entered his land and the following year brought his
family. An old receipt still in the possession of his descendants shows that
he gave a man ten acres of corn he had in Kentucky to move his wife and two
children, in a four-horse wagon. They settled in the woods, in the fall of
1825; built a cabin and went to work on the land, clearing enough the fol-
lowing winter to put nut a small crop the next season. He developed an ex-
cellent farm in time, built a good home and spent the remainder of his life
here, the farm now being owneiJ by his son Abram. The fomier placed
about eightv acres in cultivation and he erected his brick dwelling in 1S40.
which at that time was somewhat of an uncommon sight on the frontier, but
the building has now fallen almost entirely to decay.
Abram Hillis. Sr.. was bom in 1799 and his death occurred in June
1868. at the age of si.xty-nine. His wife survived him until 1884. reaching
the advanced age of eighty-three years; side by side, they are now sleeping
the sleep of the just on the okl homestead at Mt. Pleasant church. They were
Presbvterians. Although thev held membership in the Presbyterian church
at Greencastle. Air. Hillis helped build the Methodist church near his home.
He was not a public man in any sense of the word ; a musician, he was a
fifer at muster times, and was fre(|uently called upon to play, especially dur-
ing the call of troops during the Civil war. He was a fine mark.sman with a
rifle and a great hunter, enjoying killing wild game. He would not shoot a
squirrel except in the head. He was a splendid type of the sterling pioneer,
rugged, hard-working, honest.
To Mr. and ?ilrs. Abram Hillis. Sr.. thirteen children were born, ten
of whom lived to maturity: a daughter died when seventeen years of age;
590 WEIK S HISTORY OF
the other nine were named as follows: Elizabeth, who married Christian
Landis, a blacksmith and fanner, died while living on the farm; John L..
of this review; William went to Oregon when a young man, spending his
life there, all trace of him being lost until two years ago, when he died;
George, who w"as a carpenter and farmed on the old homestead, reared six
children, and died when about sixty-nine years of age; Mary married A. S.
Finley and lived at Bainbridge until her death, at the age of sixty-seven;
Sarah married Logan Foxworthy, who ran a planing mill in Greencastle;
after his death his widow went to Colorado, where she died; Henry was a
contractor and operated a stone quarry (see sketch of Mrs. Sarah E. Hillis) ;
James H., a farmer in Harrison county, Missouri, spent several years in
Kentucky; Abram lives on the old homestead; Emma married William Fore-
man, a Kentuckian, who married while attending DePauw, lived then in
Kentucky for many years, but now at Phoenix, Arizona.
John L. Hillis remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age,
assisting with the work about the place and attending the district schools. In
company with a number of other young men, he went to Kansas to try his
fortune, also spent one or two years in Iowa, then returned to Indiana. He
learned the carpenter's trade and followed this until President Lincoln's call
for brave men to save the national honor induced him to enlist in defense of
the flag, on July 6, 1861, as a result of the call for three years' ser\'ice, in
Company E, Twenty-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he
remained with the regiment until its final discharge, participating in all the
trying campaigns and bloody engagements of his company, never being in
the hospital. He went to New Orleans with General Butler. After two
years' service he was transferred to the heavy artillery, in which he con-
tinued until the cessation of hostilities. Although in constant service, he was
not wounded or captured. For his faithful services he became sergeant in
the quartennaster's department. He veteranized in 1864 and was discharged
January 10. 1866. He had been kept for several months after the close of the
war at Alexandria on Red river to care for government stores, having been
in the service over four and one-half years. Two of his brothers, Henry and
James, were also in the Union array, Flenry serving two short terms of
enlistment and James three years.
After the war, John L. Hillis returned to Putnam county and built a
planing mill at Bainbridge and continued to work at the carpenter's trade.
but in 1868 he turned his attention to agriculture, coming to his present farm
two miles southwest of Greencastle, where he has a well improved farm of
one hundred acres near Limedale Station, where William Stagg burned lime
for many years in the early days. In 1879 Mr. Hillis erected an attractive.
PL'TNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 591
substantial and large brick house, which is in keeping with everything about
the place, tor he has one of the neatest farms in this locaHty, on which he
carries on general farming and for years he has made the growing of small
fruits a specialty, being well versed in horticulture. He also keeps some good
stock and poultry.
Mr. Hillis was married on February 22, 1866, to Indiana Stoner, for
history of whose family see sketch of Lycurgus Stoner. The following
children have been bom to Air. and 3,Irs. Hillis; Alva L.. a civil engineer
at Marinette, Wisconsin; Mar>' E. married William O'Hair. of Monroe
township; Olive C. is the widow of Herbert Kelly, who was a jeweler in
Greencastle; Frank L. is a locomotive engineer for the Vandalia railroad,
with headquarters at Terre Haute; Edgar H. is a fanner in Colorado; Ber-
tha L. is living at home; Jennie X. married Zefa Burkett and lives in Clin-
ton township.
Politically Mr. Hillis is a Republican; how^ever, he is not an office seeker,
preferring to devote his exclusive attention to his farm and individual affairs.
He is a member of Post Xo. 11, Grand Anny of the Republic.
JESSE ERXEST McCOY.
The gentleman to a brief review of whose life the reader's attention
is herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Cloverdale and
has by his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material
way to the industrial and commercial advancement of the community.
Possessing splendid executive and business ability, he has been successful
in a material wav and because of his sterling qualities he is numbered
among the representative men of the town in which he lives.
Mr. McCov is a native of Putnam county, having first seen the light
of dav three miles south of Cloverdale on the 4th day of July, 1877. and
he is' the son of Samuel S. and Cynthia ( Funican) :\IcCoy, highly re-
spected residents of that community. Mr. McCoy was reared under the
parental roof and when a year old the family removed to near Manhattan,
and shortly afterwards into that town, where the father conducted a gen-
eral store. There the subject spent his boyhood and attended the public
schools. He then took a course of study in the academy at Greencastle.
after which he engaged in teaching school. He taught for three years in
Washington township and then for a year was principal of the schools at
592
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Piitnaniville. He held a high school license and while at the latter place
he taught some high-school subjects. In March, 1899, Mr. McCoy went
to Cloverdale and entered the hardware store of T. 11. Layne. From the
beginning of his connection with the store he was given some part in its
management, and additional responsibilities were put upon him until by
1904 he had the full management of the business. After the death of Mr.
Lavne. which occurred on December 27, 1908, the Cloverdale Hardware
and Lumber Company was formed, which acquired by purchase the busi-
ness formerlv conducted by Mr. Layne. :\[r. ^[cCoy became a member of
this company and was continued as the active manager of the store, which
position he still retains. The company has a capital stock of thirty thou-
sand dollars, and besides the hardware business, it owns the building and
ground, a large separate warehouse, and a large and well equipped planing
mill in Cloverdale. Mr. McCoy maintains a personal supervision over all
the details of the business in all its branches and the success which has
come to the company is largely due to his indefatigable efforts and marked
business abilitv. The officers of the company are as follows: President, J.
W. Croxton; vice-president, A. N. Holloway; secretary-treasurer, Estes
Duncan.
In October, 1901, ^Ir. ^^IcCoy was united in marriage w^ith Lelia B
Davis, the daughter of R. C. Davis, her home having formerly been at
Cataract and later at Ouincy, Owen county, this state. Their union has
been blessed in the birth of a son, Kenneth D., who was born on January
24, 1903.
Fraternally, Mr. ]\IcCoy is a member of the Knights ot Pythias and
the Modern Woodmen of America, while religiously he and his wife are
members of the Church of Christ.
JAMES WILLIA^I SCOTT.
The career of the "-entleman whose name introduces this sketch illustrates
forciblv the possibilities that are open to the man who possesses a sound mind
and well balanced judginent and the requisite energv- to direct the same in
their proper channels. It also proves that ambitious perseverance, steadfast-
ness of purpose and untiring industry will eventually be rewarded and that
true success is the legitimate result of individual effort. James William
Scott has led a verv strenuous life, replete at times with stirring incidents akin
JAMES \V. SCOTT
PUTN'AM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 593
to the tragic, although he has never indulged in self -laudation nor attempted
to make capital of his many thrilling experiences. He is in fact a man of
cjuiet demeanor and all of his relations with his fellows have been character-
ized bv that becoming modesty which marks the unobtrusive though true and
courteous gentleman.
Mr. Scott is a native of Bath county, Kentucky, born near the town of
Bethel on July \ i. 1843. His father, George Washington Scott, also a native
of the above county, was of Scotch-Irish lineage, his grandparents immigrat-
ing to this country from Ireland many years ago and settling presumably in
\'irginia.
Minerva Rogers, wife of George AV. Scott and mother of the subject,
was a daughter of William Rogers. Jr.. whose father, William Rogers, Sr.,
was a companion of Daniel Boone and was with that intrepid backwoodsman
and hunter when his little company of settlers were besieged by the Indians on
the Kentucky Run. not far from the present site of Richmond. The Rogers
family originally settled in Virginia, near Cnlpeper Court House, where
William Rogers, Jr., was born while the father was being besieged in the
block house as stated above.
When about eight years of age William Rogers, Jr.. removed with his
parents to Bath county. Kentucky, where he grew to maturity on a farm
which was originally a cane brake in a dense, unbroken wilderness. Ere a
house could be erected, a space had to be cleared and when finished the little
frontier dwelling was not as high as the growth of cane by which surrounded.
After residing on this place for a few years the elder Rogers purchased a
farm on Bald Eagle creek near where that stream empties into Flat creek, and
it was there that the subject's grandparents spent the remainder of their days.
His wife dving. Mr. Rogers. Sr.. subsequently remarried and lived to a ripe
old age. leaving an honored name which his descendants prize as a priceless
heritage.
William Rogers. Jr., served in Col. "Dick"' Johnson's regiment during
the war of 1812 and was at the battle of the Thames, where the celebrated
Indian chief Tecumseh lost his life, killed, it is believed, by the Colonel him-
self. Later he bought a farm in Bath county, Kentucky, near his old home
where he reared a large family and spent the residue of his life, dying when
nearly one hundred years of age.
The marriage of George Washington Scott and ^Minerva Rogers was
solemnized about 1S40. the union being terminated by the death of the wife
four vears later. Sub.«equently ^fr. Scott married Elizabeth Baxter and
(38)
594 WEIK S HISTORY OF
moved to Putnam count}', Indiana, settling at Clo\erdale, where he devoted
his attention to agricultural pin-suits until his death, w iiich occurred at Green-
castle in the year 1863.
James William Scott was less than a year old when his mother died and
while still quite young was brought by his father to Putnam county, where he
spent his childhood and early youth. In 1859, when a lad of sixteen, he ran
away from home and returned to Kentucky, where he began to make his own
way as a farm laborer, receiving ten dollars per month and penjuisites. De-
termined to surmount his environment and become something more than a
mere [)assi\-e agency in the world, he worked hard, gained the confidence of
his employer and, with the prestige of his grandfather, a wealthy and influ-
ential farmer and sla\e-holder who lived near by, soon found himself on the
high-road to success. Espousing the cause of the South at the breaking out
of the Civil war, he enlisted in September, 1862, in the Ninth Regiment Ken-
tucky \'olunteers. Confederate States Army, which formed a part of the
arm_\- under the command of the famous Confederate leader. Gen. John
^lorgan.
'Sir. Scott shared all the vicissitudes and hardships in which the regi-
ment took part and was with his intrepid commander in many of the skir-
mishes, battles and daring actions for which he was noted, one of which was
the capture of two thousand five hundred Federals when his own force num-
bered less than eight hundred men, and this too in the face of three regiments
of Federals who arrived on the scene in time to see Morgan retire with all of
his prisoners. While returning from this raid Mr. Scott had his feet so
badly frozen that all of his toe-nails came off. also much of the flesh. He had
ridden two days and two nights without rest and when the men halted he
threw himself upon the ground and almost instantly fell into a profound
sleep. On being awakened by some of his comrades his feet and limbs were
so badly frozen that he could not walk ; being carried to a farm house near
bv, he sat for three days with his feet in a tub of cold water, a treatment
which proved only partiall_\- successful as he was enabled to walk only with
great difficulty and much suffering at the expiration of the time indicated,
because of the fearful condition of his feet, which the meanwhile had become
black and sloughed off until the bones in several places were exposed. He
dressed himself on learning of the Federal advance and follow-ed in the rear
until the two armies became engaged at Stone River. In the excitement of
the battle he forgot all about his injured members and, regardless of the in-
tenselv cold weather, he again waded through deep, freezing water which left
him in much worse condition than before.
PUTXAM COUNTY. IXDIAXA. 595
At the battle of Mis.-;ionary Ridge Mr. Scott's regiment was on the ex-
treme Confederate right and there, as elsewhere, he proved all that a brave
and intrepid leader should l)e. fighting with determination until his command
was ordered to retreat before the greater force of the enemy. He also par-
ticipated in the battle oi Buzzard Roost. Resaca. Peach Tree Creek (where his
regiment forced the fighting until outflanked). Big Shanty. Kenesaw Moun-
tain, where he was a short distance from the spot where General Polk met
his death, and numerous other engagements and skirmishes. At the time of
^Morgan's raid through southern Indiana and Ohio, his regiment was so worn
out that the General did not deem it fit for such strenuous duty : accordingly
it remained in the South in the cause of the Confederacy.
At the battle of Peach Tree Creek, where, as already stated, his regiment
led the aihance and forced the fighting, 'Sir. Scott, although too sick for duty,
remained on the field performing valuable service until the close of the engage-
ment. He was then ordered by the physician to leave the ranks and care for
himself until able to rejoin his command: accordingly, he retired to, a farm
house where for some weeks he lay quite sick. \\''hile there he learned of the
fall of -\tlanta. which doubtless had a tendency to hasten his recovers-, as he
soon afterwards started to rejoin the army, but did not overtake his regiment
until it had reached Savannah in the winter of 1864-5. Fi'om that citv the
Confederate forces fell back through the Carolinas to Columbia, where Mr.
Scott was one of the last to cross the britlge before it was burned, .\fter the
battle of Goldsboro, President Davis shipped his Confederate treasurv. includ-
ing four wagon loads of specie money, to Raleigh, and he called on General
Wheeler for his best brigade to escort him and his entire cabinet and valuable
treasures to that city. General Dibree's brigade, of which Mr. Scott was a
member, was selected for this honor, and Mr. Scott guarded these treasures
for about four days. With other members of his company he received twentv-
six dollars of this money, the bulk of it being captured with President Davis.
This duty being carried out, the command was ordered by the Federals to go
no further as the mo\-ement constituted a violation of Lee's terms of sur-
render. .\fter crossing the Savannah river at the place where General Greene
crossed in the Revolution, the force intrusted with the above mission vielded
to the Federals, each man being permitted to retain such personal propertv as
was in his possession when paroled in May, 1S65, At Chattanooga, where
they were escorted by a lieutenant and two privates, many of the paroled men
lost their property, their horses and saddles being taken by Federal officers,
but later, by order of General Thomas, all of their belongings were restored
to them, the subject reco\-ering a saddle, bridle, a horse and a mule. Dis-
596 weik's history of
posing of the latter animal for forty dollars, he purchased an entire suit of
clothes, which he donned as soon as possible, making the exchange in the
woods nearby, where he left his old garments together with all of their
crawling inhabitants.
In January, 1866, Mr. Scott returned to Cloverdale and has since made
this village his home. On May 30, 1867, he was united in marriage with
Eliza M. Harrah, whose birth occurred about two and a half miles northwest
of Cloverdale. where her father, Pressley Harrah, had long been a resident,
the latter a son of a Kentucky pioneer who entered land and made a settle-
ment in Warren township, at a very early day. After his marriage Mr. Scott
farmed as a renter until obtaining a start in the world, later, in 1872, pur-
chasing eighty acres in Warren township, which with an eighty-acre tract
inherited by his wife enabled him to engage in agriculture and stock raising
upon a more extensive scale. He added to his holdings at intervals until
at one time he owned six hundred acres of \aluable real estate in Putnam
county, besides other valuable property which made him one of the well-to-do
men of the community.
Mr. Scott has been quite successful in all of his transactions, possessing,
as he does, business ability of a high order and his motto has always been to
live within the income and make every dollar earned produce another. He
has added materially to his fortune by trading, buying and selling livestock
and by judicious investments in land and other kinds of property. He lived
on his fann in Warren township until September, 1907, when he purchased
a healthful and attractive home in Cloverdale, where he has since resided,
his wife having died in the year 1S97.
To Mr. and Mrs. Scott were born nine children, namely : Samuel L., a
telegraph operator at Jordan village on the ^^lonon line; he married Lettie
Snyder and is the father of four children, of whom two are living, Scott and
Xina. William, the second son, is a farmer near Clay City. Indiana; his
wife, formerly Mary Rule, died after bearing him three children, of whom
Everett and Thomas survive. Later he contracted a marriage with Edith
Hilburn. the union resulting in the birth of three children, Margaret, Ralph
and Cecil. Minerva is the wife of Charles Emory Cooper and lives in War-
ren-town.ship, where her husband is engaged in farming. Their family con-
sists of seven children, viz; Wilbur. Laura, Ethel, Emmett, Ruth, Leslie and
Eugene Scott. Margaret Frances, who became the wife of James Coston,
of Terre Haute, is the mother of three children, Dwight, Reese and Bononni.
Lucy Ellen, now Mrs. Harley Harris, lives in JelTerson township and has
three children, Forest, Harrold and Mabel Esther. James B.. who lives on
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 597
the home farm in Warren township, married Ethel Truesdell and is the father
of a daughter, Lucille, and a son, Marcellus. Charles P. is unmarried and
lives with his brother William on what is known as the Eel River bottoms ;
Elizabeth, wife of Walter Vermillion, resides in Indianapolis; Mary Jane
departed this life in 189S, at the age of twenty-three.
;\Ir. Scott has been a life-long Republican, though not an office seeker
nor aspirant for anv kind of public distinction. Religiously, the Presbyter-
ian church holds his creed, with which bodv his wife was also identified.
CHARLES A. ROCKWELL.
It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man
w ho has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow
citizens. Such is the record of the well-known gentleman whose name heads
this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be
difficult to find within the limits of Cloverdale, Putnam county, where he has
his home. Charles A. Rockwell was born in Cloverdale December 2, 1870,
and is a son of Capt. Andrew J. and Malissa C. (McCoy) Rockwell, the
former of whom was for nearly a half century one of the honored and in-
fluential citizens of Putnam county.
Andrew J. Rockwell was born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 12. 1831,
and was reared under the parental roof, his father having been a widely
known and successful hotel keeper. When about twenty years old Andrew
Rockwell yielded to the allurements of the West and went to California,
where he remained for eight years. He was first employed in a hotel there
and subsequently went into that business himself. Eventually he disposed
of that enterprise and went into the lumber business, and at the same time
sened as superintendent of an Indian reservation, where he had between
four and five thousand red men under his charge. He was also for two
years overseer of the San Ouinten penitentiary in that state. Returning
East in 1861. Mr. Rockwell located in Owen county, Indiana. The South-
ern insurrection aroused ilr. Rockwell's patriotic impulses and in the sum-
mer of 1862 he took an active part in raising Company F, Seventy-first
Regiment. Indiana A'olunteer Infantry-. At the organization of the com-
pany he was elected captain, but resigned in favor of another man. He
was. however, subsequently re-commissioned and commanded his company
until his discharge from the service because of physical disability. He was
598 weik's history of
a valiant soldier, a splendid disciplinarian and a popular commander. With
his command he took part in a number of hotly contested engagements, in-
cluding those at Richmond and Muldraugh's Hill, Kentucky.
On his retirement from military service. Captain Rockwell returned
to Owen county and resumed his farming operations. On the i8th of June,
1863. he was married, and in September of the following year he moved to
Cloverdale, Putnam county. Indiana, where he resided continuously up to
the time of his death, which occurred on Thursday. October 21, 1909. Dur-
ing the long period of over forty years he was engaged in the mercantile
business there and became not only widely known, but was highly esteemed
bv all. After retiring from the mercantile business. Captain Rockwell en-
gaged in the insurance, real estate and notary business, in which he engaged
up to the illness which preceded his death. His business dealings were char-
acterized bv a stanch and unimpeachable integrity and an honesty of pur-
pose which gained for him early in his business career an enviable reputa-
tion among his fellows — a reputation which was never in after years impaired
in even the slightest degree. At the time of his death, one who knew him
well said of him: "In writing the life of Captain Rockwell, one could say
volumes as to his worth as a Christian man and a good citizen, but to those
of his wide acquaintance that is unnecessary, for his life was as an open
book and he was known as an honest man and a true friend, which is the
best legacy any man can leave." It has been said of Captain Rockwell that
he had as manv friends in his home community and in Putnam county as any
man within its borders.
For manv years Captain Rockwell was a consistent member of the
Christian church, in which he took an active part, serving as an elder, and
also being an enthusiastic supporter of the Sunday school. He was a char-
ter meml)er of Gen. Frank White Post, Xo. 422, Grand Army of the
Republic.
On the T8th of June, 1863. Captain Rockwell was united in marriage
with Malissa Caroline McCoy, a daughter of Jesse C. and Eleanor ( Tilley)
McCoy. To Captain and Mrs. Rockwell six sons were born, two living,
George B. and Charles A, The former was reared in Cloverdale. assisted
his father in the store and for four years was employed in the Bank of
Cloverdale as cashier, subsequently becoming IxDokkeeper in the Central
National Bank at Greencastle,
Charles A. Rockwell was reared in the parental home at Cloverdale and
received his educational training in the public schools, ^^■hen old enough he
entered his father's store to the interests of which he devoted himself closely
PTTXAM COI.-XTV. IXDIAXA. 599
until liis appointment, in 1807. as postmaster of Cloverdale. which office he
has held continuously since, to the entire satisfaction of the department and
the patrons r>f the office. He was re-appointed by President Taft in 1910,
which will make se\enteen years continuous service. He is a man of splen-
did business qualifications and sterlin;^; (pialities of character and stands high
among his business associates and Iriends.
On May S. iS<):;, Charles A. Rockwell was married to Winifred Sin-
clair, a daughter of Isaac L. and Celestia J. (Hardin) Sinclair, her birth
having occurred in Owen county. This union has been blessed with one
daughter. Georgia.
Fraternallv Mv. Rockwell is a member of the Knights of Pythias, hav-
ing become a memlier of that order when the lodge was organized at Clover-
dale. He has held eveiy chair in the local lodge and for the past ten years
he has served as master of exchequer. He is also giving his order efficient
service as deputv grand chancellor of the state for the thirteenth district.
He is a member of the Church of Christ, as is his brother George, who also
is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics the brothers follow in
the footsteps of their honored father, rendering .stanch allegiance to the
Republican party. Charles has been a veiy active worker in the party ranks
and has attended everv state convention since attaining his majority, several
times as delegate. He has served as a member of the central committee from
his township and as vice-chairman of the county central committee. He is
a man of definite influence and prestige in the community and is eminently
entitled to representation in a work of this character.
RICHARD M. HAZELETT.
It is natural, and therefore proper, that the descendants of the old set-
tlers, those who cleared the land of its primitive woods, should see that the
performance of the early years are fittingly recorded and- remembered. It
has been said by one of the greatest historians that those who take no
interest in the deeds of their ancestors are not likely to do anything worthy
to be remembered by remote descendants. Could the lives of the early set-
tlers be fullv and suitably written, what an interesting and wonderful tale
it would be. Think of the journey from the East to the deep woods of the
West, and of the trials and hardships of clearing the soil and rearing the
tamilv. .\nil think (if the pioneer gatherings and the shooting matches, the
6oo weik's history of
early schools and churclies under the branches of trees, of the camp meet-
ings and the famous old circuit-riders. Think of the husking matches, the
coon, \volf, fox and bear hunts with dogs in a mern,' chase, and then presume
to say that the old settlers did not ha\e much real pleasure intermingled with
the hardships. If you will talk with an old settler now he will tell you with
a great deal of emphasis that the old times were far more enjoyable than the
present. He means it. And he ought to know better than you, because he
was present at both periods and you were not. Such was the life and such
the pioneer named at the head of this humble notice. No name in Putnam
county has been more highly honored or more influential than that of Haze-
lett and no man of the past generation will be longer remembered than
Richard M.
Mr. Hazelett was born on October 2. 1819, one and one-half miles
northwest of Bloomington. Indiana, son of Samuel and Nancy (Miller)
Hazelett. William Hazelett was the founder of this family in America.
He came from Londonderry, Ireland, in 1784, and located in Philadelphia,
later moved to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and from there he finally
took his family to Bourbon county, Kentucky. In 1835 he came to Putnam
county, Indiana, among the first settlers, being the first Hazelett in the
state. He \\as a typical pioneer of the early days in this country and noth-
ing delighted him better than to move to a new country and start life over
amid primitive surroundings. The greater the dangers and hardships the
better pleased he seemed to be.
Richard M. Hazelett grew up on his father's farm in ^Marion township,
this county, assisting with the clearing and development of the place. He
received his schooling in the early district schools, which were usually taught
in log houses during a few months in the winter when farm work could not
be carried on. his principal schooling being gained at Brice Miller's log
school house situated on a farm which he afterwards owned. When twenty-
one years of age he started in life for himself by purchasing Bennefield's saw-
mill in partnership with his brother William, which he operated in connec-
tion with looking after the home farm. He" accumulated rapidly and all
through life was very successful in all that he undertook.
Mr. Hazelett was married on May 18. 1843, ^^ Malvina Bunten. a
native of Mercer county, Kentucky, having been born there September 28,
1824. This union resulted in the birth of the following children: William
T.. Marv M.. Samuel .\., Sarah A.. Louisa J., all living in Greencastle town-
ship, with the exception of William J-, who is deceased.
Richard M. Hazelett was a Republican in politics. He took an active
interest in politics and was a conspicuous figure in many conventions and
IMTXAM COUXTY, IXDIAXA. 6oi
local gatherings of his party. He was nominated for Congress and after a
spirited contest was defeated. He was secretary and treasurer of the first
company that built the first gravel road in Putnam county, he being the
prime mover in this praiseworthy enterprise. He was one of the first direc-
tors of the First National Bank, also the Greencastle Iron & Rolling Mills.
He was one of the most successful and influential men of his day and gen-
eration in this section of the state and probably did as much, if not more,
to stimulate general progress in Putnam county than anyone else, being
prominent in business, political and social circles. He had unusual executive
ability, was a noted organizer and promoter, possessed keen foresight and
soundness of judgment. He was one of the organizers of the first Grange,
having taken a great interest in this movement. He was a faithful member
of the Christian church.
Mr. Hazelett was captain of the Home Guards during the war between
the states, and he received a commission from Governor O. P. Morton, offer-
ing him a colonelcy in the Union army.
Mrs. Plazelett was called to her rest on April i. i860, and in 1S64 Mr.
Hazelett married Mary \'. (Nicholson) Humes, of Eminence, Kentucky.
Mi: Hazelett became w-ell-to-do by reason of his fine business ability
and his close application to his affairs, becoming the owner of several hun-
ch-ed acres of land in Putnam county and was widely known not only as
an agriculturist but also as an extensive stock breeder and feeder. This ex-
cellent citizen and commendable character was called to his reward on July
31, 1897. His sister, America, survives, having been born December 24.
1824, being the first white female child born in Marion township. Putnam
county. At this writing she is living in Indianapolis. Mr. Hazelett's son
and worthy successor, Samuel A. Hazelett, is given proper notice on another
page of this work.
WALTER W. McGAUGHEY. M. D.
The family of this name emigrated from Scotland in the sixteenth cen-
tury and settled in the north of Ireland when the Scotch form of the name
(Macgaughey) was changed to the familiar Irish "Mc." In 1732 they
came to the American colonies and William McGaughey, great-grandfather
of the well known Putnam county physician, who was bom in 1762. located
in Pennsvlvania. He had two sons. Andrew and William, family names
which have been handed down through generations. Both sons joined
6o2 weik's history of
Washington's armv and served for seven years. After the war. Andrew
went to Vincennes. while WilHam. the youngest, located in Kentucky, and
it is from him that the Putnam county branch has descended. December 2.
1778, he married Prepare Clark, who was born in 1771 and died May 10,
185;. Bv this union there were ten children, seven boys and three girls.
Afich:iel, one of the former, born !March 20. 1812. came to Indiana in early
maniiood and settled in Putnam county. September 23. 1837. he married
Sarah Lane, a native of Putnam county, by whom he had twelve children,
ten sons and two daughters. He prospered as a fanner and became the
owner of six or seven hundred acres of land. He was among the first of the
county's pioneers and survived until 1864. \\'illiam McGaughey. eldest of
his sons, was bom in September. 1839. and reared in Russell township,
Putnam countv. He married Emma, daughter of Addison Campbell, a
well-known millwright of the county, and the former now resides at Bloom-
ingdale. in Parke county. Indiana. William and Emma (Campbell) Mc-
Gaughev had three children: Charles Grant, born December i. 1868. is a
resident of Colorado Springs. Colorado: Clara, the youngest, was born in
Xovember, 1874. and was afflicted with blindness.
Walter M. McGaughey. the second of these three children, was born
in Parke county. Indiana, May 4, 1871. His father was born September
16. 1839, near Fincastle. Putnam county, Indiana, and followed farming
pursuits all of his life. He lived in Russell township for a number of years
and then moved to the northern part of the county where he died in 1874,
on his homestead. He served as a Union soldier in Company B, Seventy-
eighth Regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and during his campaigning
contracted the disease which eventually caused his death. Walter M. Mc-
Gaughey was two and a half years old when brought to Putnam county by
his parents. He attended the district schools and worked on the farm during
the summers until the fifteenth year of his age. Later he spent six months
in the Danville ( Indiana) Normal School and at the age of sixteen years
secured a license to teach, but was refused a school on account of his youth.
He worked on the farm during the following summer and fall and next
vear taught school at Russellville. After this practical experience he returned
to Danville for another term in the normal and during the succeeding three
winters taught at Hebron school, meantime spending three months of each
year at Danville. In the fall of 1894 he entered DePauw University and
took a scientific course in chemistry and mathematics. Such was his dili-
gence that he was able to take the regular four-year course in three years.
In the fall of i8(); he took charge of the high school at Fincastle. but after
PUTXAM COUXTV. IXDtAXA. f^O^
a sta\' of six niontlis resigned as principal and returned to school. For the
last six months of his graduation year, 1896-7. he had charge of the physics
department in Greencastle high school, but kept up his college work and was
graduated in 1897. He taught in the Greencastle high school during the
follow ing \-ear and was occupying this position when the Spanish-American
war opened. He enlisted and served as sergeant-major with Lieutenant-
Colonel Fee. spending the summer at Camp Alger, in Washington, and
Camp Mead, in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania. Being mustered out. he re-
sumed'his work in high school in the spring of 1898 and in the following fall
entered the Indiana INIedical School, at Indianapolis. While there he had
charge during his first and second year of the class in mathematics in the
city night school. Ijesides being tutor in chemistn." at the medical college.
During his last year he was substitute teacher in mathematics at the Manual
Training High School, was graduated in }vlay, 1902, and began the practice
in Greencastle. In 1903 he became city health officer, and next year was
appointed surgeon of the Big Four railroad, which position he has since
held. While in college Doctor McGaughey became a member of the Delta
Upsilon fraternity and later joined the order of Knights of Pythias. He is
a member of the county, state and national medical associations and the pen-
sion examining board. He is engaged in general practice and surgery and
has met with success as the result of close application to business and especial
cjualifications for the duties of his profession.
On June 13, 1901, Doctor McGaughey married Elizabeth B.. daughter
of James E. and Margaret E. Matthews. She is a native of Greencastle and
her father was a manufacturer of kegs and barrels. Doctor and Mrs. Mc-
Gaughev ha\e one daughter. :irargaret Emily, bom February 4. 1906.
JOHN SIBLEY DOWLIXG.
Tracing his ancestrv back to excellent Irish ancestry. John Sibley Dowl-
ing. the efficient agent of the Vandalia railroad at Greencastle. is an example
of what thrift, industry and energ}- properly and honestly applied may ac-
complish, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable oI)stacles. and by
reason of these worthy ijualities he has become well established in reference
to this world's affairs. He was born in Terre Haute. Indiana. May 15. 1858,
the son of Thomas and Sarah J. (Sibley) Dowling. the father having l)een
born December jr. 1809. in county Carlow. Ireland, the f(-iurth son of
6c4 weik's history of
Peter and Katherine (Fenelon) Dowling. Thomas Dowling came to Amer-
ica in 1817. with his parents, both of whom died soon afterwards, having
located in Washington City. They left a family of six children, all small.
Thomas apprenticed himself to Gales & Seaton, publishers of the Washing-
ton Intelligencer, sen-ing his time out and working himself up to an editor-
ship. Having learned thoroughly the newspaper business he came West, in
1832. and located in Terre Haute and on June 13, 1832, bought of Col. John
Osbon the IVabash Courier, a morning paper, now known as The Star, and
published it until 1840, when he sold it to Jesse Connard. A year or two
later he established the Wabash Express, which he published until 1845, sell-
ing out to David Danielson. He then assisted in the building of the Wabash
& Erie canal, with which he held the very responsible position of resident
trustee or manager in Indiana from 1849 to 1874, in which year the affairs
of the company were ^vound np. In 1864 he built Dowling Hall, for many
years the onlv place of amusement in Terre Haute and a fine theatre in that
dav. He purchased a farm in White county in the fifties, consisting of two
thousand acres, which he operated for ten years. He was a very successful
business man and was one of the influential men of Vigo county and that
section of the state. He was a brilliant writer and wielded a potent inflvience
through the columns of his paper, always taking a .stand for the right as he
saw and understood the right and he was always interested in the develop-
ment of his community. He was first a Whig and later a Democrat. He
was prominent in state politics and was elected to the Legislature. He was a
member of the national Democratic committee from this state when he died,
December 5, 1876.
Thomas Dowling married Sarah J. Sibley, March 7, 1857. She was
the daughter of John and Elizabeth (May) Sibley, who lived near the city
of New York. Her father was a native of Vermont; coming West in an
early day. he was one of the first settlers in Indiana, living first at Ft. Har-
rison, where he sought protection from the Indians, who were then numerous
and hostile. Howe^•er, he did not live at the fort long, until he pushed out
into the wilderness and developed a farm. Mrs. Thomas Dowling survived
her husband many years, passing to her rest on December 19, 1904. She
was born August 16, 1837. Five children were born to them, named as fol-
lows: John S., of this review; Mary is the wife of John Palmer Hallman,
and is living in New York City; Jennie is the wife of Arthur H. Brower, of
New York; Fenelon E. is in the employ of the government in Honolulu,
Sandwich Islands; Elizabeth is the wife of H. C. Hampton, living in Terre
Haute.
PUTXAM COUXTV, IXDIAXA. 605
John S. Dowling was educated in the public schools, where he made
rapid progress, entering Asbury (now DePauw) University when thirteen
years of age, where he remained two years, then entered Racine College.
Racine. \\'isconsin. where he remained for two years.
Thus well equipped, he began his business career in 1875 by entering
the office of the Wabash & Erie canal as secretary to his father, where he
remained for two years, then spent one year in the office of the Evansville
iS: Terre Haute Railroad Company, then one year in the general freight office
of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad Company, in Chicago, where
Paul M(5rton. now the noted railroad magnate, was also employed. Then for
a period of two and one-half years he worked in the office of the Illinois
Central Railroad Company, at Chicago. In 18S1 he entered the Vandalia
offices at Indianapolis. October i, 18S3, he was appointed agent of this road
at Greencastle, Indiana, and he has since been discharging the duties of the
same in his usual faithful and conscientious manner, this company regarding
him as one of its most efficient and trusted employes.
Fraternally [Nlr. Dowling is a charter member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Lodge Xo. 1077, also the Ben Hur lodge and
the ^lodern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Democrat and be-
longs to the Episcopal church.
Mr. Dowling was married on January i, 1898, to Nellie Fee. daughter
of J. F. Fee. a highly respected family of Greencastle. and this union has
resulted in the birth of two children, Thomas Francis, now attending school,
and Sarah, who died at one vear old.
EDAIUXD BURK LYXCH.
About the middle of the last century Ireland sent over to this countr}- a
young man of more than usual promise, who was destined to make a name
for himself in America. He studied medicine and became noted as Dr. 'SI. J.
Lynch. He settled in Greencastle about 1849 ^"<^- being a man of classical
education, was appointed teacher of Latin at Asbury University. Like most
Irishmen, he had a natural turn for politics and his activities secured him an
appointment as consul to Ireland under President Buchanan. His skill and
reputation in medicine caused him to be sent to Pittsburg Landing as an
expert on smallpox. Doctor Lynch married into a historic and distin-
guished family. ]Many years ago a widow named Gillespie came from Ohio
6o6 weik's history of
with her four daughters and three sons, and erected a house on West Wash-
ington street in Greencastle, which afterwards became a landmark as the
Gillespie homestead. The house now standing was built in 1830 of brick-
made on the ground and logs cut nearby. The family owned a tan yard,
whicii was conducted by Daniel G. Thomas and James Gillespie, and became
a notable as well as a valuable industry during the early days of the county.
It was Leah Gillespie, one of the three daughters, who became the wife of
Doctor Lynch. She was a school teacher in her younger lays and a woman
of more than the usual attractions of both mind and person. She was re-
lated to James G. Blaine, whose mother was a Gillespie, and gave that dis-
tinguished statesman his middle name. Doctor and Mrs. Lynch had eight
children: Tames E., deceased: John T., a railroad conductor at Cairo, Illi-
nois: Daniel, deceased: William Wallace, deceased; the fifth child died in
infancv: Edmund B. and Emmett ^^IcMichael, and Paul A., deceased. Doc-
tor Lvnch (lied in October. 1879. in his fiftieth year, his wife passing away
in 1891. when sixty-six years old.
Edmund B. Lynch, sixth of his father's children, was born at Green-
castle, Indiana, April 13, 1862. He attended the public schools for some
years, but before he was out of his teens he began railroading. His first job
was in the yards of the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railroad Com-
pany, where he worked at switching during the year 1879. He then went to
the Indianapolis & St. Louis road as a brakeman, which position he held for
a year and gave up to accept a place with the Wabash & Missouri Pacific in
transportation work. In i88j he returned to the Indianapolis & St. Louis
and was appointed conductor, in which capacity he had charge of a train
until 1886. Later he served as conductor on many roads, including the
''Cotton Belt." Erom 1888 to 1895 he was with the St. Louis & South-
western: from 180J to 1895 was a passenger conductor between Cairo, Illi-
nois, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In June, 1905. he quit the railroarl business,
came to Greencastle and bought the furniture and undertaking plant of W.
P. Ledbetter, which has since occupied his attention, carr}-ing a stock valued
at about ten thousand dollars. He also owns a farm of thirty-five acres and
belongs to the class of citizens described as well-to-do. Mr. Lynch is a thirty-
second-deo-ree Mason, being connected with the Consistory and Shrine at
Indianapolis, and the Greencastle lodges of the order. He is also a member
of Lodge No. 45, Independent Order of Odd Fellow.s. Knights of Pythias
Lodge No. 16, and the Elks Lodge, No. 1077, at Greencastle. While in
Arkansas in 1890 he was commissioned as deputy L'nited States marshal,
and ser\'ed one ^•ear.
PUTNAM COUXTV, IXDIAXA. 607
On December Jj. 1S91, Mr. Lynch married P'anny, daughter of Lewis
Aloore and a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She met her future husband
after her removal to Pine Bluff. Arkansas. They have had five children:
Edmund B.. Jr., b(jrn at Pine Bluff'. Arkansas, in 1S96; Paul Fleming, born
in 1S94; John Earl, born in 1S96: Arthur Moore, born at Greencastle in
1898; Ralph, who was born in 1901. died the next year. Mrs. Lynch, the
subject's wife, died on January 15, 1910, after an illness of about one year.
The family are Baptists. The subject is a Democrat in his political belief.
The subject's mother brought the first cook stove into I'utnam county. Her
mother. Katherine. was the best posted woman on Scripture in the county.
Three generati(jns have occupied the house and three acres of ground which
constitute the present home of Air. L}-nch. It is located at the foot of West
Washington and Gillespie streets, the latter being named in honor of the
original owners. The place was noted for the hospitality of the mother and
grandmother and the other members of this fine old familv.
J.\MES WASHIXGTOX COLE.
This name recalls an honored and venerable citizen who in his active
years was known throughout the state. At the time of his death he was
one of the oldest native-born Indianans. and few men used so long a life
to so good a purpose.
James Washington Cole was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, Feb-
ruary 2. 1820. the eldest son of Solomon and Sarah (Remy) Cole, the for-
mer born in ^Maryland, near Philadelphia. August 11. 1784, and the latter
born near Winchester. \'irginia. Januar}- u. 1797. Their marriage oc-
curred .-\pril 29. 1819. in Indiana, to which state they came about the time
the state w-as admitted to the L'nion. The Coles were of English origin and
among the earliest of those who came and conquere;] the forests of Indiana.
James \\'. Cole, the eldest of nine children, was reared to a life of toil.
He came to Putnam county, Indiana, in the spring of 1863 and engaged in
the pump manufacturing business. In 1865 James W.. Robert S., William
R. and John J. Cole organized a company, incorporated for ten years under
the laws of Iowa, at Mt. Pleasant, that state, with a capital of thirty thou-
sand dollars, for tlie manufacture of lightning rods and pumps. In 1875
they were able to re-organize with a paid-up capital of two hundred thou-
sand dollars. They eventually gave up pump manufacturing.
In 1863 James W. Cole came to Putnam county, and becaine president
of the company, which did a large and lucrative business. Air. Cole was
6c8 weik's history of
in many ways a notable man. He was very philanthropic and took a broad
and liberal stand in favor of all movements for the social and moral up-
lift of the community. Full of energ>', and of good business judgment, he
usually pushed to success whatever he undertook. Fraternally, he was a
Knight Templar Mason and an Odd Fellow. He w^as a Republican of
very decided views and enthusiastic in supporting the party ticket, but he
never sought office. He died June 5, 1907, at his home in Greencastle.
On December 24, 1853, Mr. Cole married Susan Olivia Mathers, who
died March 30, 1891, without issue. September 21, 1892, Mr. Cole married
Phila Olds, of Erie, Pennsylvania, a lady of distinguished ancestry. Her
parents were Lewis \\'ilson and Louisa E. (Ackerly) Olds, the former born
in East Mill Creek, Erie county, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1822, and the latter
at Middletown, New York, Alarch 11, 1826.
Lewis \\'. Olds was a son of Asa Gilbert Olds, a native of Alstead, New
Hampshire (born November 15, 1877), and Lucy Church, a native of
Winsted. Connecticut. John Church, father of Lucy Church Olds, enlisted,
when eighteen years of age, in the patriot army at Saybrook, Connecticut,
and was with Arnold at the siege of Quebec in 1776.
Lewis W. Olds and Louisa E. Ackerly were married May 9, 1848. To
them came seven children, viz: Inez, Clark, Nettie, Phila, William C,
Florence and Charlotte Marian. Mr. Olds was a man of great ingenuity
and large business "capacity. He was engaged in the pump manufacturing
business in Erie,Pennsj'lvania, for many years and was one of that city's
leading and influential citizens. It is claimed that he was the first man
in the United States, if not in the world, to reduce the old log pump to an
article of commerce. "He died June 25, 1908.
Mrs. Cole, the fourth of the children, was born at Erie, Pennsylvania,
and is a graduate of the high school of that city. She was regent of
Washburn Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, for four }-ears,
and is a member of the Century Club, of which she was also president
for one vear. She is a member of the Episcopalian church. One child,
James Gilbert, born September 20, 1894, is now in school.
PERRY L. HUBBARD.
Few residents of Putnam county are as widely known and as highly
esteemed as the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A representa-
tive of a highly esteemed pioneer family, and combining many sterling qual-
ities of mind and heart for which his antecedents were distinguished, he took
an active and influential part in the development of the section of the county
PERRY L. HUBBARD
PCTNAM COCXTV, INDIANA. 609
in which he still lives, and after accumulating a comfortable competence re-
tired to the town of Cloverdale, where he is now spending the evening of a
long and useful life in quiet and content. In the time of the country's great-
est need he demonstrated his love and loyalty to the flag by giving three and
a half of the best years of his life to its defense, and is -now one of the hon-
ored veterans to whom the Government is so greatly indebted for the strength
and stability which has made it one of the great and influential powers of the
world.
Perrv L. Hubbard is descended from English ancestry and traces his
familv history in this country to about the middle of the seventeenth century,
when three of the Hubbard brothers came to America and settled presumably
in the colonv of Virginia. Moses Hubbard, a descendant of one of these
immigrants and a native of Albemarle county. Virginia, was the great-
grandfather of the subject. Joseph Hubbard, his son. in an early day mi-
grated to Garrard coimty. Kentucky. He died in 1853 at the age of eighty-
six years, near Cloverdale, Putnam county. Indiana, leaving several sons
and daughters, among the fonner being William H. Hubbard, whose birth
occurred in Garrard county. Kentucky, on IMay 20, 1793. Reared amid the
stirring scenes of the "Dark and Bloody Ground." William Hubbard grew up
a strong, rugged man and well fitted for the duties which afterwards fell to
him as a pioneer settler of Indiana, to which state he removed in 1830, settling
in Owen county, with the early history of which his subsequent life was very
closelv identified.
Henrietta Baker, who became the wife of William Hubbard about the
vear 181 7. was also a native of Garrard county. Kentucky, born April 7. 1803.
She bore him ten children, namely : James, Thomas. Joseph. Wesley, William,
Pleasant, Lucinda, Xancy, Lizzie and Louisa Ann, of which large family none
survive. James Hubbard became one of the best known school teachers of
Owen county, and numbered among his pupils some of the leading citizens
of that part of the state. William also became a successful teacher, served
in the }vlexican war, and at the breaking out of the great Rebellion went to
the front as captain of Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry-, with which he achieved a creditable record as a brave and gal-
lant soldier. Of the remainder who grew to maturity and reared families
of their own, the majority became successful tillers of the soil, and by up-
right lives added to the luster of an honora])le family name. Mrs. Hubbard
dying in 1839. Mr. Hubbard the following year, while on a visit to Kentucky.
married Sarah Vest, with whom he li\ed in Owen county until the fall of
1870, when he removed to Cloverdale township, in the county of Putnam.
(39)
6io weik's history of
where he died on the 25tli of May ensuing. Mrs. Hubl)ard departed this hfe
in Ma\', 189O. Tliis marriage resulted in the birth of two sons, W'ilhs and
Perrv L. of this review. The former was a member of Company B, Twenty-
seventh Regiment Indiana Vokmteer Infantry, in the late Civil war. Like
his brother. Willis Hubbard proved a capable and fearless soldier in a number
of bloodv battle fields, and. being captured by the Confederate guerillas under
General ]\Iosbv, died in the military prison of Belle Isle before his exchange
could be effected.
P'erry L. Hubbard was born September 18, 1845, '" Owen county, In-
diana, and spent his early life on the family homestead, attending, during his
childhood and youth, the common schools of the neighborhood. Among the
youthful experiences which he recalls with much interest was going with his
father on a visit to Kentucky when but four years of age, making the trip
in a two-horse wagon and spending several days on the way. It was in the
latter state that he first saw a negro, the appearance of whom made an im-
pression upon his young mind which has never been eradicated. At the
proper age voung Hubbard bore his full share in the cultivation of the farm
and he was thus engaged until the breaking out of the great Rebellion, when
he exchanged the implements of husbandry for the death-dealing weapons of
Avarfare. On November 7, 1861, he enlisted in the Eighth Indiana Light
Battery, with which he served with an honorable record until June 25, 1865,
taking part in the various campaigns in which the annies of the Ohio and
the Cumberland were engaged. During his military experience he was under
the command of Generals Grant, Sherman, Buell, Rosecrans and Thomas,
and participated in some of the most sanguinary battles of the war, including
Pittsburg Landing or Shiloh on x\pril 7, 1862, Perryville, October 8th of the
same year, Stone River, January i, 1863, Chickamauga, September 18, 19
and 20. 1863, where he celebrated the eighteenth anniversary of his birth
under circumstances better imagined than described. He was also with his
command at Lookout ^Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge. Dal-
ton. Resaca and various other engagements from the Atlanta campaign to
the Chattahoochee river, including a raid with General McCook's cavalry
division, during which, in an action near Jonesboro, the battery was sur-
rounded and onlv escaped by the men cutting their way through the ranks of
the enemv at a loss of nearly half of their number and two pieces of artillery.
During the latter part of the war Mr. Hubbard, with others of his command,
was detached to go down the Tennessee river on a gunboat to intercept the
Confederates under General Hood at Mussel Creek Shoals, and after return-
ing home he assisted in the capture of several deserters who had taken refuge
PCTXAM COUNTY. IXDIAXA. 6ll
in various parts of Owen county, besides taking part in dispersing a band of
guerillas and Southern sympathizers w ho for some months had been creating
a disturbance in tlie neighljorliood and causing much uneasiness among the
people by their acti\e influence in behalf of the Confederacy.
Receiving his discharge at Chattanooga. Tennessee. June 25. 1865, Mr.
Hubbard at once returned home and. resuming the cultivation of the soil, was
soon on the highway to prosperity. On ^lay 31. 1867, he entered the mar-
riage relation with !\Ialinda M. White, who was born in Mercer countv, Ken-
tucky. September 22. 1S47, being one of ten ciiildren whose parents. Burr
and Lucinda (Salter) \Miite. were also natives of that state. The White
family moverl to Putnam county. Indiana, in 1851, locating near the village
of Putnamville. where Mrs. White died five years later. 'Sir. ^Vhite subse-
quently changed his abode to Sullivan county, where he spent the remainder
of his days, departing this life on June 10. 1S79. Their children were as
follows: Ellen. Lucinda. Ann. Lizzie. Malinda. Molly. Fountain (who died
a prisoner of war at Andersonville), L'vin and Henr\-. Mr. and Mrs. W"hite
were esteemed members of the Methoilist Episcopal church and are held in
grateful remembrance by those with whom they formerly mingled.
Two chiklren ha\'e been born to Air. and Mrs. Hubbard, both daugh-
ters, Ella Alay and Luretta. the former born January i, 1868. dying October
6, 1872; Luretha married Samuel AlcClure. a farmer of Cloverdale town-
ship. Putnam Cl^unt^'. and is the mother of four children, viz: Minnie Lee
AlcClure. a teacher in the public schools in the above township since her
seventeenth year; Daphne, cashier and bookkeeper in the Hitz commission
house. Indianapolis; Beryl, a third-year pupil in the Cloverdale high school,
and Ray. who is pvu'suing his studies in the public school near his home.
Mr. Hubbard is a public-spirited man who keeps in touch with the
thought and activity oi the times in which he lives. He began life, as already
stated, as a tiller of the soil and as such continued with encouraging success
until accumulating a sufficiency of material wealth to enable him to retire from
actixe labor. He first purchased sixty-six acres from his father, on which he
lived until 1S71. \vhen he bought a farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres in
sections 13 and 14. Cloverdale township. Putnam county. On the latter
place he lived until 1892. when b}' reason of failing health he discon-
tinued active pursuits and moved to the beautiful home in Clo\'erdale which
he purchased in 18S7. He is an active and influential member of Cloverdale
Post. Xo. 422. Grand Army of the Republic, in the organization of w'hich he
took a leading part and which he has served four terms as post commander.
In the summer of 1886 he attended the national encampment at San Fran-
6i2 weik's history of
cisco, and while absent visited a number of leading citizens and interesting
cities of the Pacific slope, Colorado, and other western states and territories,
and meeting with not a few of his comrades who shared with him the hard-
ships and dangers which they endured while upholding the honor of their
country during the bloody scenes and experiences of former years. In his re-
ligious belief he subscribes to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church,
Mrs. Hubbard being a consistent member of the Christian Disciple church.
Both are highly esteemed for their many estimable qualities and their friends
are as the number of their acquaintances.
ALLEN BROTHERS.
The well-known firm of general merchants which forms the caption of
this brief review is too well known to the readers of this history to need
extensive comment, since it has long been one of the leading business houses
in Greencastle. It numbers its patrons by the thousands throughout this
locality, the store being a gathering place for visitors from the rural dis-
tricts, but from whatever quarter customers come they are accorded uniform
courtesy and the kindest consideration, always finding here a well kept, neat,
attractive and well managed store, stocked with a complete and carefully
selected general line of merchandise, second to none, the prices of which
are regarded by their many patrons of long standing as being remarkably
low considering the excellent quality of goods offered.
Something of the individual character of the gentlemen who have so
successfully managed this large concern will be of interest to the scores of
readers of this work who know them so well and yet know but little of their
familv historv, therefore it is with no small degree of satisfaction that we
here make mention of the senior member of' the firm, Joseph P. Allen, who
was born at ]\Iilton. Wayne county, Indiana, January i6, 1852. He is the
son of James L. Allen, a native of Brookville, Franklin county, Indiana,
where he was born about 1823. He early in life turned his attention to mer-
chandising and was for many years the successful manager of a store at
Milton, also Thorntown, Indiana, later in life moving to Greencastle, where
his death occurred in 1907, rounding out a life replete with honor, good
deeds and a fair measure of success, his long span of years being measured
over one of the most interesting and momentous epochs of the world's his-
torv. He was a fine character, being a descendant of Old Dominion stock,
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 613
but his father. Joseph Allen, grandfather of the gentleman of whom this
immediate sketch is written, was born in Indiana, and here he devoted his life
principally to surveying. His grave is at the famous Tippecanoe battle
ground. Tippecanoe county.
The mother of the Allen brothers, of this review, was known in her
maidenhood as Lucy Waring, who was born in Union county, Indiana,
her parents coming to this countr.- from Ireland. She was reared and edu-
cated here, dving at the age of fifty-two years. Six children were born to
Mr. and [Mrs. James L. Allen, a daughter, the oldest member of the family,
now living at St. Paul. Minnesota.
loseph P. Allen grew to maturity at Thorntown. Indiana, where he
was educated in the public schools, later attending Earlham College, at
Richmond. Indiana, receiving an excellent education. Following in the
footsteps of his worthy father, he early in life turned his attention to mer-
chandising and after finishing school he went to Cincinnati. Ohio, and began
traveling for a wholesale dry goods concern, but notwithstanding his suc-
cess as a commercial salesman, he abandoned this line of work and came to
Greencastle on November 9, 1875. and purchased the interest of Wiles Jones,
of the firm of Jones & Vennilion. and in a few years purchased the entire
business. After three or four years of unusual success his brother bought
a half interest in the store and they have continued to do an excellent busi-
ness from that time to the present.
Joseph P. Allen was married to Mary Sims, of Delphi. Indiana, in 1873.
the daughter of Dr. John Sims, who was a soldier in the Union army and
died from the efifects of the service. Mrs. Allen was born, reared and edu-
cated in Union county, Indiana; she was eleven years old when her father
died, her mother having died when she was nine years of age. One child, a
son. has been born to this union. Joseph P., Jr.. who is a member of the
firm of Allen Brothers. He married Blanche Swahlen. daughter of Dr. W.
F. Swahlen. professor of Greek in DePauw University, they are the par-
ents of two children.
Mr. Allen is a member of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal
church, and has been one of the official board for a number of years, also
chairman of the board of trustees.
Hiram C. Allen, the other member of the firm of Allen Brothers, is a
man of equal business ability and good standing in the community. He was
born in Tulv. 1854. and was educated in the common schools at Thorntown,
later went to school in Cincinnati. Ohio. He. too. turned his attention to
merchandising earlv in life with the intention of making it his permanent
6i4 weik's history of
vocation. He began by clerking in a retail store at Richmond. Indiana, later
traveled out of Cincinnati in the shoe business, then engaged in the retail
dry goods business at Belle fontaine, Ohio, thus getting an excellent start in
his chosen line. In 1879 he came to Greencastle, Indiana, for the purpose
of joining his brother, Joseph P., in the general merchandise business, and
he has done his full share in building up an extensive trade here.
Mr. Allen was married to Josephine Sims, of Delphi, Indiana, the
daughter of Lewis B. Sims, an attorney. She was born and reared in that
place. To this union five children have been born, named as follows : Lucy
is engaged in teaching at Calumet. jNlichigan; Hiram C. Jr., is a member of
the firm of Allen Brothers; he married a Miss Harding, of Crawfordsville,
and one child has been born to them; Grace is teaching German in the high
school at Dixon. Illinois; Martha Jean married a ^Nlr. Wallace and is living
in St. Louis; Josephine is attending DePauw L'^niversity. Mr. Allen is a
member of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, having been a
member of the official board for many years.
Xo family in Putnam county stands higher in business, social and all
other circles than the Aliens.
THE ROGERS FAMILY.
The southern part of Putnam county knew no more honorable and
worthy citizen during the past generation than James Harvey Rogers, who
is now numbered among those who have taken up their journey to the
"undiscovered bourne" in the great beyond. He was born north of Green-
castle in 183J. the son of Edward and Susan (Wood) Rogers, the father a
native of Kentucky, where he grew to manhood, the latter a native of Put-
nam countv. Ophelia (Taylor) Rogers, mother of Melvin Rogers and Mrs.
Abe Cohn. of Cloverdale. was born at Orange, Virginia, in 1838. She came
with her parents in a wagon overland from Virginia to Cambridge City,
Indiana, in the earlv forties, and there the family remained until about 1856.
when thev moved to near Bainbn'dge. Putnam county, buying a farm there
which thev worked the rest of their days. Edward Rogers, the grandfather
of Mrs. Abe Cohn. entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land
north of Greencastle and lived there until he was nearly seventy-five years
of age. when he sold out and went to live with his son. Harvey, of this re-
view. He died at the age of eightv-one vears. , .
PCTXAM COUNTY. IXDIAXA.
6i:
Harvey Rogers lived in the north part of Putnam county until his mar-
riage to Ophelia Ta\-lor. then bought a farm two miles east of Clovenlale.
about 1868. lia\ing eighty acres there. He made a good living and was
liked bv all who knew him. His death occurred Alarch j8. 19OJ. .-\lleii
Rogers died Januaiy 6. 1905.
Melvin Rogers was born near Eainbridge. Putnam county, Indiana, in
i86^. the son of Tames Harvey and Ophelia (Taylor) Rogers. The family
first located two miles east of Eainbridge. and while ^^lelvin was an uifant.
the family moved two and onedialf miles east and mie-half mile south of
Cloverdale and there the eight children of the Rogers family grew to matur-
ity. They were: Joseph Lee. who is living on a farm east of Cloverdale;
Susan married .-Yndrew Kuhns and lives at Center Point. Clay county; Mel-
vin is in business at Cloverdale: IMerritt lives at Campbellsville. Kentucky;
^lillie married Riley Stanton and lives in Owen county, this state: Nettie
lives with her mother in Cloverdale; Eva Lacy married Abe Cohn (see his
sketch elsewhere in this work) : Allen married Lucetta Wilson and lived on
the home farm east of Cloverdale. and he died January 6, 1905. leaving three
children. Ber\l. Leia and Lenore.
Mrs. Har\ev Rogers continued to live on the home farm after her hus-
band's death until 1907. when she moved to Cloverdale. where she now re-
sides.
Melvin Rogers lived on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of
age: he came to Cloverdale to tiy his fortune and for about twenty years
w-orked in the store owned by the late Meig Cohn. one of Cloverdale's old-
time merchants. In the fall of 1905 Mr. Rogers opened a store of his own
in Cloverdale. carrying a general line of goods and he has continued to do a
large business here, his store being neat and well kept and a modern line of
goods is always on hand. He enjoys a very satisfactory trade. Pie is a mem-
ber of Clrnenlale Lodge. Xo. 13-'. Free and Accepted Ma.sons. In Septem-
ber. 1907. he married Alice Omullane. daughter of Juhn and Tenipa Omul-
lane. She was reare<l in Cloverdale. her parents having moved there from
Ouincv. Owen county. Her father was born in Ireland and came to America
in bovhood. Mr. Rogers has one son. \'irgil Clell Rogers, now six years old.
Joseph Lee Rogers first married .Mice Morgan, of Cloverdale town-
.ship.'the daughter of John and Sarah. ( Martin ) De\'ore, and this union
resulted in the l)irth of two children. John H. and Gladys. Mrs. Alice
Rogers died January 10. 1901. and Joseph Lee Rogers then married. ^larch
28. i<)06. ?\Ir"s. Laura (AlcCoy) Davis, widow of Alb.ert Davis. One daugh-
ter was l)orn to this second union. Delcie Lee Rogers, ^[r. Rogers now lives
on tlie home farm east of Cloverdale.
6i6 weik's history of
ELDER EZEKIEL WRIGHT.
No estimate of the immense amount of good that comes from a long
and useful life like that of Elder Ezekiel Wright, can be made, for it is far-
reaching in its effects and will continue through coming generations, like the
light that "shines more and more unto the perfect day." Few lives have
been so unselfish, so pregnated with good deeds and so controlled by an in-
satiable desire to be kind and beneficial to his fellow men; therefore he is
held in the highest esteem by thousands whom his life has touched directly
or indirectly, and he is now. in the mellow twilight of his age. one of Madi-
son township's most honored citizens. He was born near Lexington, David-
son county. Xorth Carolina. December 19. 1821. His parents were Amos
and Elizabeth (Parrish) Wright. This family came to Indiana as early
as the fall of 1826. three or four families, consisting of Reuben Wright,
brother of Amos Wright, and Edward Parrish, brother of Elizabeth Par-
rish. Reuben Wright settled near Manhattan, Washington township, Put-
nam county, and there spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Parrish settled
near the Brick Chapel and lived there until his death. Mrs. David Boswell
is his grandchild and a son lives in Owen county, and the descendants of
Reuben \\'right are still living in this county. The father of Elizabeth
Parrish was a soldier in the Revolutionary- war. He came to Indiana with
the rest of the family and lived here until his death, having reached the ripe
old age of over ninety years; all that is mortal of him rests in the Long
Branch cemetery, his grave never having been marked by the Daughters of
the American Revolution. Amos Wright settled on Long Branch, entering
one hundred and sixtv acres of land there. He built the present residence of
John Ouinlisk about 1833 and he spent practically the remainder of his life
there, selling out in his old age, but continued to live in Madison township,
dying at the advanced age of eighty -eight years, on October 9, 1870. His
wife was sixteen years old when she married; she, too, reached a remarkable
age, ninety years, dying in September. 1879. The former had lived. in this
township for forty-four years. He was a Whig politically, but later in life
was a Democrat. At one time he served as road supervisor of the entire
township, which at that time, was a difficult task. He was a member of the
Church of Christ. His cousin. Elder Levi Wright, of Clinton township.
held services at the home of Amos, also at Andrew Frank's and finally
organized a church, the first building being at the Long Branch cemetery, the
present Christian chapel being built in 1867. Amos \\'right and his wife
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 617
were lifelong members of that church. The family belonged to the Baptist
church in Xorth Carolina, the father of Amos having been a preacher there,
and Amos an eider.
Of the thirteen children born to Amos Wright and wife, six sons and
six daughters grew to maturity. Each married and reared a family ; only
three of the number are living in 1910. A sister. Dicie Stewart, died in
Kansas. February 2. 1910. She would have been ninety-nine years old in
August. 1910. Turner Wright is living at Denver. Colorado, now eighty-
two years of age.
Thus we see that this family has been remarkable for its longevity, also
its piety, their lives being lengthened, no doubt, by good temperate habits
in all the walks of life, by a strict avoidance of the many vices that tear down
the mechanism of the mortal body.
Elder Ezekiel ^Vright grew to maturity on the home fann. and, thus
reared in the days of the early development of the agricultural life of the
countn.". was required to assist with the general work about the place. He
remained under the parental roof until he was twenty years old. when he
married his second cousin. Celia Wright, daughter of Elder Levi Wright.
He built a cabin on eighty acres of the land entered by his father. He soon
had a good start and he built a substantial and comfortable dwelling, in
which he has continued to live for a period of sixty years. He has been very
successful in his life work and old age finds him surrounded by all the com-
forts of life and many evidences of his fonner years of thrift. He joined
the church when seventeen years of age and in due course of time was made
an elder, and he soon began to preach in his own church and has served as
an elder of the local congregation ever since. The Christian chapel stands on
land formerly owned by him. He has served the church each month in four
different places, often preaching in school houses. He is one of the oldest
ministers in this section of the state: for many years he would work on his
farm all week, start out on Saturday to his "appointment" and preach that
and the following day. He has "gone about doing good"' in many ways and
has been the popular marrying preacher, and he has officiated at many fun-
erals.— in fact, he is always ready to ser\-e wherever necessary. In June,
1908. he assisted in the fiftieth anniversary' of Charles Dailey and Linnie
Wright. He has served as trustee of Madison township by appointment and
was twice elected : however, he has never sought public honors.
After forty-three vears of mutually happy and congenial wedded life.
^Irs. \\'right was called to her reward in 1884. Six children were born to
this union, one daughter dvinij in chil(lhoo<l. The others are. Henrv. who
6iS weik's history of
died in Mav, 1909. lacking one day of his sixty-fifth birthday: he hved at
Parsons, Kansas: since his death his son. Otto, a locomotive engineer, was
killed while on his run at Lincoln. Nebraska, in December, 1909. Fanny, the
widow of Austin Sims, makes her home with her father. Barton Stone
spent twentv-three years in Kansas, but is now at home with his father.
Levi Clarion lives near the old homestead. Xancy Elizabeth married Scott
Irwin, of Madison township: she has one son. Lillie. the wife of Bernard
Bradfield, lives near Riley, Indiana: Xora is the wife of Alfred Johnson,
living near Bainbridge. this county.
WILLIS G. OVERSTREET, D. D. S.
The gentleman to whose life record the biographer now calls the reader's
attention was not favored by large inherited wealth or the assistance of in-
fluential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance, industry and a wise
economy, he attained a comfortable station in life early in his career, and
he is widely and favorably known throughout Putnam county, and even his
repiUation as a skilled dentist has penetrated into other counties, so that his
office in Greencastle has long been a very busy place, for the work he turns
out is alwavs satisfactory and his patients become his constant patrons and
his friends.
The Overstreet family originated in England, the first member of the
familv coming to .America in a very early day. Samuel Overstreet. grand-
father of the Doctor, was l-;orn in Kentucky. February 19. 1780. He there
grew to maturity and married, on November 25, 1804. Elizabeth Haw-
kins, who was born ^Nlay 3, 1787. and they became the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Lorinda. born November 4. 1805: Nancy, born .\pril i.
1807: T'^hn H., born January 12. 1809; Martha, born .April 8. 1810: James
:\Iadison. born November 23. 1812: \\'illiam H. H.. born February 25, 1814:
Catherine, born May 20, 1816: Elizabeth, bom September 17, 1817: Gabriel
Monroe, born Mav I2. 1818: he was the father of Congressman Jesse
Overstreet; Samuel was born 3, 1819: Samuel, born ^larch 3,
1821: Marv Lienor, born January 3. 1823: Richard Thomas. August 2t,.
182^: Robert Mitchell, born December 22. 1826; Sarah ^Matilda, born Au-
gust 14. 1828.
Dr. Willis G. Overstreet was born in Oldham county, Kentucky. .Au-
gust It. 1846. the son of John H. Overstreet, who also was a native of
PUTNAM COUXTV, INDIANA. 619
the Blue Grass state, where he was reared and educated. He came to In-
diana about 1S50, locating at Frankhn. Johnson county. later moving to a
farm in Clark township where he lived until his death, in October, 1883,
at the age of se\-enty-four }-ears. having been born January 12, 1809. He
was a successful farmer and a man whom ever\'body respected for his
industry and e.xemplary habits.
Doctor Overstreet received a good common school education and he
recei\ed his practical dental education at Bedford. Indiana. He moved to
Greencastle on Xo\'ember i. 1874. and began the practice of dentistry, soon
building up an excellent patronage and he has been continuously in the
practice here e\er since, in the same Iniilding. He is the oldest practicing
dentist in Greencastle.
Doctor Overstreet married first Margaret E. McXutt. of Johnson
county. Indiana, by which union three children were born, namely : Ralph
and Elizabeth, both deceased, and Dr. Orsa Fred. The mother of these
children passed to her rest in 1890. and Doctor Overstreet married Nellie
Cutler, of Greencastle, INIarch 4, 1897. This union is without issue.
Dr. Willis G. Overstreet was elected city treasurer in 1906. his tenn
expiring in 1910. He is a Republican and has long been active in the
ranks.
Dr. Orsa Ered 0\'erstreet came to Greencastle with his parents when
a child. He received a public school education and graduated from the
high school in 1885, after which he took three years' work in DePauw
University. He desired to follow in the footsteps of his father and accord-
ingly took up the study of dentistry, graduating from the Indiana Dental
College, in Indianapolis, in 1891 and he began practicing his profession in
Greencastle that year which he has continued to the present with verv grati-
fying success. He was married in August, 1892. to Jessie J. Joslin. of
Crawfordsville. where she was born, reared and educated. She is the
daughter of Xoah S. and Frances (Squires) Joslin. an influential family
there. One son. Ralph, has graced this union, born April 5. 1895.
Doctor Overstreet is now and has been for the past ten years a mem-
ber of the Greencastle school board, being president of the board
in which he has taken an abiding interest and in which he has made his
influence felt for better education. He is a member of the ^Modern Wood-
men of America and the Sigma Chi fraternity. Pie is active m Republi-
can politics. The Overstreets are among the leading families of Green-
castle. and are prominent in all circles here.
620 weik's history of
MAJOR JAMES FRANCIS FEE.
Xo greater badge of honor could be conferred on an American citi-
zen than to give him the distinction of having offered his services and his
hfe. if need be, in defense of the government, for such service is always
far-reaching in its effects upon subsequent generations. The late Maj.
James Francis Fee was a gallant defender of the flag and is eminently
worthy of a place in his country's history, not alone for his military career,
but for many reasons, for he was one of those strong, self-reliant, honest
and determined characters who are occasionally met with and who are of
such a distinct type as to seem to be born leaders of their fellow men. Not
that [Major Fee courted that distinction, for he was entirely unassuming,
but his great force of character and his zeal and energy in whatever he
undertook naturally placed him at the head of the crowd, and he was a
potent factor in the development of Putnam county, where he long main-
tained his home and where he was well known to all classes for his honor-
able and industrious life, in both private and public.
Major Fee was born in Heltonsville, South Carolina, June 6, 1842, the
oldest son of Dr. Mathew and Sarah Fee, natives of South Carolina and
well known in their vicinity, the father dying there when James F. was
seven years old, the family then moving to Bloomington, Indiana, where
the mother lived to an advanced age, dying there twelve years ago.
At Lincoln's first call for troops, James F. Fee, then a lad in his teens,
enlisted in the Thirty -first Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he
served through the war as gallantly as any older veteran, participating in
various trying campaigns and thirty-one battles, his record being one of
which his descendants should be proud, for he went in as a private and
came out as captain, his rise being through merit. He was a private in
Companv K, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry, from May 10 to July 9, 1861 ;
private in Company G. Thirty-first Indiana Infantry, September 5, 1861 ;
he was promoted to sergeant the same month; he was promoted to second
lieutenant February 22, 1864, and to first Heutenant on the 15th of the
following September, and he was returned home a captain, having been
honorablv discharged January 10, 1866. He was captain of Company I.
First Indiana National Guard, being appointed to this office June 27. 1891,
and on Julv 17, 1895, he was promoted to the rank of major. He be-
longed to the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, which was organized June 12. 1882. as the first veteran regiment.
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 621
Indiana Legion. He enrolled April 26, 1898, as major and was mustered
out November 33, 1898. He was an ardent military man, a gallant soldier,
a trusted commander and he was always ver\- popular with his men, with
whom he was firm but kind, and they trusted him implicitly, recognizing
his ability as a true commander, and he always had the respect and often
the admiration of his superior officers.
At the close of the Civil war Major Fee came to Greencastle and en-
gaged in the real estate and insurance business and for some time was
pension attorney. He continued in this line of work, for the most part,
during his remaining lifetime, having engaged again in insurance and real
estate after the Spanish-American war, and he was very successful in this
line of endeavor, having built up a very satisfactory business, and because
of his honesty and straightforward dealings with his fellow men and his
popularity with all classes he was well known and liked by all. The death
of this excellent citizen occurred on February 19. 1905.
Major Fee married, on February 10, 1868, Margaret Wylie, daugh-
ter of William and Margaret (Curry) Wylie, an excellent and well es-
tablished family of Bloomington, Indiana. Mrs. Fee's mother died when
she was a small child, and her father died in 1902. They reared seven
children, two of whom are now living.
Politically Mr. Fee was a Republican and for two terms he served
very acceptably as city clerk of Greencastle. He belonged to the Presby-
terian church, and he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Royal Arcanum and the Grand Army of the Republic.
JESSE A. POYNTER.
A career marked by earnest and indefatigable application has been that
of this substantial mechanic and honored citizen of Cloverdale, where he
has maintained a residence for nearly a third of a century, during all of
which time his life has been an open book known and read by his fellow-
men. He was a valiant soldier of the Civil war where his fidelity was of
the type which has characterized his actions in all their relations and gained
for him the confidence and esteem of the public and unbounded respect of
all with whom he has been brought into contact.
Jesse A. Poynter is a native of Hendricks county. Indiana, and the
sixth of a family of eight children born to Samuel and Nancy Poynter.
622 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Samuel Povnter was born near Owensboro. Kentucky, ]\Iay 8, 1816, and
on the 8th day of December, 1836, married Nancy Davis, whose birth oc-
curred on Februarv- 6, 181 5. The names of their children with dates of
birth are as follows: William F., October 12. 1837; ]\Iary ].. February 15,
1839; Benjamin F., ]\Iay 25. 1840, lieutenant in Company F, Seventy-ninth
Regiment, Indiana \'olunteers, and killed at the battle of Stone River, Jan-
uary 2, 1863: Alartha L., November 9, 1842: ^^largaret E., February 9,
184^: [esse A., subject of this sketch, April 9, 1S48; Nancy E., July 4,
1S52; Eliza, February 21, 1S54. Samuel Foynter, the father of these
children, departed this life on April 14, 1871, his wife preceding him to the
other world May 22, 1869.
Samuel Povnter accompanied his parents upon their removal from Ken-
tuckv to Indiana in quite an early day, his father dying before the family
reached their destination. Later he entered the ministry of the Methodist
Episcopal church and for many years was actively engaged in the itiner-
ancv, having had charge of a number of circuits in various parts of central
and southern Indiana, during the pioneer period. He was an able and elo-
quent preacher, a faithful and conscientious worker in the cause of the
Master and through his labors and influence churches were established at
different points and hundreds brought to a saving knowledge of the truth.
The first nine years of Jesse Poynter's life were spent in the town of
Pittsboro, where his father was then stationed, but being transferred to the
Putnamville circuit at the expiration of that time, with headquarters at
Ouincy, the subject remained at the latter place until the removal of the
familv to Cloverdale in the year 1859. Meantime he attended the public
schools of the above towns and was pursuing his studies when the national
skies became overcast by ominous clouds of approaching civil war. Two
voung to enter the ranks as a soldier, Jesse, in the year 1863, before his
fifteenth vear. enlisted as a drummer in Company C, One Hundred and
Fifteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for six months, at the
end of which time he re-enlisted as a musician in Company B, Thirty-first
Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, with which he served until the end of the
war. the Thirtv-first being the last Indiana troops to be mustered out. Mr.
Poynter shared with his comrades the experiences of active warfare in
various parts of the south, taking part in the siege of Knoxville and in
Sherman's campaign up to the operations against Atlanta. From the latter
place his command was sent to Tennessee to assist in checking the Con-
federate advance on Nashville, and he participated in the hard-fought battle
at that place and at Franklin, after which the regiment was ordered to re-
PUTXAM COCXTV. INDIANA. 623
join Sherman's army in the eastern part of the state. The force pro-
ceeded as far as (jreenville. when news of Lee's surrender caused a halt,
and from tliat city tlie Thirty-first Indiana with several other regiments
were sent to Texas to be in readiness in case any trouble should arise over
the French occupancy of Mexico. Xot being needed, the regiment was
duly mustered out in the spring of iS66, following which the subject re-
turned to Putnam\-ille. where his father was then living and operating a
saw-mill.
Actuated b_\' a desire to increase his scholastic knr)wledge. Mr. Po\'nter
subsequently entered Asbury (now DePauw) Uni\-ersity. but owing to
financial stringency attended that institution only a short time, being obliged
to turn his hand to some kind of occupation for a livelihood. Rejoining the
famil)-. which in the meantime had removed to Eminence, ^Morgan county,
he took up the blacksmith's trade, which he learned partly in tha,t town and
partly at Cloverdale with his brother, and at which he soon acquired more
than ordinaiy efficiency as a workman. After following his chosen call-
ing at Eminence until 1S70. he returned to Cli5verdale where he has since
resided and operated very successfully the large blacksmith and general
repair shop of which he is still proprietor, this being the oldest as well as
the best patronized establishment of the kind in this part of Putnam countv.
On Januarv 2<'\ 1873. Mr. Povnter was united in marriage with
Martha Letitia Bennett, daughter of Mansfield and Sarah (Littell) Ben-
nett, both parents members of old and respected families of Monroe. countv,
Indiana, where Mrs. Poynter's grandparents settled in an early day on land
purchased from the government. Mrs. Sarah Bennett was a daughter of
Isaac and Zerelda (Til ford) Littell. who moved from Clark county to
Morgan county in pioneer times and took an active part in the settlement
and development of the section of countr\- in which they located. When a
mere child Mrs. Poynter was taken to Morgan county by her parents and
there remaine<l until her marriage. After spending five years of their
wedded life at Eminence, Mr. and Ishs. Poynter removed to their present
place of . residence, with the subsequent history- of which they have been
closelv identified. Three children have been born to them, viz: Deward.
St. Paul and Tessie Adelaide, all born while the parents lived in Eminence.
Tlie first named died in infancy. St. Paul is a graduate of DePauw T.'ni-
versity and is now a journalist by profession, living at Sullivan, where he
publishes the Sullivan Democrat and the Times, the former a weekly paper
and the latter a dailv. He married Alice Wilkev. daughter of Xelson and
624 vveik's history of
Belle (Allen) Wilkey, and is the father of two children, Eleanor Allen and
Nelson Paul Poynter.
Jessie Adelaide is also a graduate of DePauw University in the de-
partment of music, having stood highest in the class in the school of piano
music. She is now the wife of Dr. James B. McEvoy, a physician and sur-
geon of Ft. Wayne, to whom she has borne three sons, Paul Bertrand,
James Poynter and Maurice Francis McEvoy.
In all his relations with his fellow men Mr. Poynter has been actuated
by a high sense of justice and honor and his life and character are above
reproach. Mrs. Poynter is a lady of beautiful character and sterling worth
and as active member of the Christian church wields an influence for good
among all with whom she mingles. She is a member of the Woman's Re-
lief Corps of Cloverdale.
ALEC A. LANE.
The Lanes are of old English stock and claim descent from a repre-
sentative who came over in the "Mayflower." The family thus started with
the first settlement of the country and its members took part in the struggle
and privations that preceded civilization in New England. We hear definitely
of Alexander Lane, who was born near Lexington, Kentucky, in what is
known as the Crab Orchard district. He married Lydia Burks, also a Ken-
tuckian by birth, and in 1826 they came to Indiana and settled in Union town-
ship, Parke county, on land obtained from the government. At the time of
their arrival there was only one other white man in Parke county, he being
a brother of Mrs. Lane, who had come out the year before. The trip from
Kentucky was rather an adventurous one in those days and not unattended
by danger, as w'ild beasts and Indians were numerous. They rode all the
way on horseback and often recalled passing through what is now the thriving
city of Greencastle, which was then merely a cluster of small cabins. This
sturdv pioneer couple ended their days on the land they had settled and where
they had witnessed so much of hard work, privation and sorrow. The hus-
band died at the comparatively early age of fifty, but his wife survived to
the extreme age of ninety-two years. They had eight children, five of whom
are living. John A. Lane, the seventh child, was born on the old homestead
in Parke countv, but in 1871 removed to Greencastle and engaged in the mer-
cantile pursuits, which occupied his time for many years. He was also a
carpenter and contractor and quite prominent in the Democratic politics of
_^-^/c^ ^// C^K^ ^^^^
PLT-VAM COLXTY, IXDIANA. 625
Putnam county. He married Sarah E. Todd, a native of Parke county, by
whom he had three children. Alec A.. Frank L. and Earl C. Frank L. is in
the meat market business and Earl C. is manager of the Model Clothing Com-
pany. The father died August 5, 1899; his widow makes her home with her
eldest son in Greencastle.
Alec A. Lane, eldest of the children, was born in Parke county. Indiana,
May I, 1869. When two years old he was brought by his parents to their
new home in Putnam county, where he attended the district schools as he
grew up. Having received a fair primary education, he entered DePauw
University, from which he graduated in 1894. He took up civil engineering
as his life work and has since continuously followed this useful calling. He
began the general practice of land surveying and worked over the entire
state. In 1902 he was elected county surveyor on the Democratic ticket, and
on Januan,' i, 1903, he entered upon the duties of his office. He has been re-
elected every two years since and has made one of the best surveyors the countv
ever had. During his long and active tenure he has laid out about four hun-
dred miles of gravel and macadamized roads. He has also designed all the
bridges in the county, including the largest single-span bridge e\er erected in
Putnam. This is known as the Perigo bridge over Eel river, near Reelsville,
and this imposing structure is a monument to Mr. Lane's mechanical skill and
taste in bridge architecture. Some twelve other bridges, all of superior de-
sign and workmanship, equally attest the resources of this useful citizen. He
set the axis lines and level lines for the building of the new court house, which
is the pride and glory of Putnam county. Mr. Lane has been called into everv'
county in the state to settle land disputes and surveys. Mr. Lane has ne\er
married. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Greencastle and chairman
of the Putnam countv Democratic central committee.
J.\MES H. PLUMMER.
The Pluninier family, owing to the industrious anil honorable lives of
its various representatives in Putnam county since the early days, deserves
to hold high rank among the present generation of citizens, especially of
Madison township. James H. Plummer being one of the best known. His
parents v>ere James William and Sarah E. (Swinford) Plummer. the for-
mer born on Long Branch, this township. March 15, 1837. His parents.
(40)
626 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Isaac and Elizabeth (Tucker) Plummer. were natives of North CaroHna.
where they spent their youth, married and emigrated overland to Putnam
county. Indiana, about 1835. bringing their four children, and they spent
the remainder of their lives on the Long Branch, where in true pioneer
fashion, they began in a small way to develop a good farm. James William
was fifteen years of age when his father died, consequently remained at
home and cared for his mother and sisters. He married Sarah E. Swin-
ford on January 25, i860. She was the daughter of James and Mary
(Orr) Swinford, both natives of Harrison county. Kentucky, where they
grew to maturity and were married. In the fall of 1839 they came to
Indiana and settled on Big Walnut creek, near its convergance with the
Little \\'alnut. and there lived until their deaths. James Swinford dying
February 9. 1868. lacking six days of his eightieth birthday. His second
wife survived him until Februarv- 15. 1894, reaching the age of eighty-
eight years. Sarah E. Swinford was born on the old homestead. May 6,
1842, and was one of a family of four sons and two daughters; only two
of the number are now living. Sarah E. Plummer and Josephus Swinford. of
Hindsl)oro. Illinois.
Soon after their marriage, in October, i860, Mr. and Mrs. Plummer
came to Putnam county, and settled on the land still owned by the Plum-
mer family. The land was cleared by them and later more added to it
until they had an excellent farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres.
After the death of ]\Irs. Plummer's father, Mr. Plummer purchased an
interest in the Swinford homestead and farmed on an extensive scale. After
his death Mrs. Plummer and her sons erected the present buildings on the
place, the widow having continued to live on the old place, which has been
greatly improved by James H.. her son. who is regarded as a modern
twentieth-centur\- agriculturist in every respect, and it has always been his
delight to care for his mother, she having received his careful attention
since 1882.
This family consisted of seven children, two of whom died within a
few weeks of the father, five living to maturity, namely; James H.. of this
review; Albert, of Pueblo. Colorado, who married Sarah Wright; Salinda
married Ed. Stoner. living in Franklin township. Putnam county; Mary
married John Cox, of Madison township; John Isaac, who lives in ]Madi-
son township, this county, married Nora Basinger.
James H. Plummer was born November 4, i860, on the present
Plummer farm, soon after his parents located here, and he has spent his
life on this place. In his early youth he attended the district schools and
PUTXAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 627
worked in the stone quarries and on the railroad section force. He was
fourteen years old when his father died, his youngest brother being three
years old. The mother kept the children together on the farm. She main-
tained a boarding house while bridge gangs and railroad constructors were
at work in this vicinity, the new line of the Big Four railroad passing
through the fann, the Plummer cut of eighty-seven feet being a well known
-i:ot to train-men on this line. Besides her own children, ^Mrs. riummer
reared Lottie Cox, a granddaughter, who has now been with her for four
vears. Mrs. Plummer is a member of the Long Branch Christian church,
having held membership with this denomination since a girl. James H.
Plummer has never married, preferring to give his attention exclusively to
his mother and the other members of the family. They have a good home
and a well cultivated farm.
ELDER WILLIS E. GILL.
Elder Willis E. Gill, banker, of Cloverdale. Putnam county, is an
Illinoisan by birth and may justly bear the title of "self-made man." hav-
ing worked his way unaided from the humble ranks of toilers, through the
vicissitudes and adversities of life, to an admirable and influential posi-
tion among the business men of Putnam county. The success attained by
him in his business affairs has been greatly owing to his steady persistence,
stern integrity and excellent judgment, qualities which have also won for
him the confidence and esteem of the public to a marked degree.
Willis E. Gill was born in Edgar county. Illinois, on September 21,
1869. and is a son of John B. and Mary C. (Smith) Gill. He is descended
from a family of five brothers, all of whom were natives of Virginia and
who served under ^larquis de Lafayette in the war of the Revolution.
The subject's maternal grandfather was William Gill, who was a son of
Robert Gill, who went from Virginia to Illinois in an early day, and dying
there at the remarkable age of about one hundred years. The subject of
this sketch was reared on the paternal farmstead in Edgar county. Illinois,
and received his elementary education in the common schools. Subse-
quently he was a student in the State Normal School, at Danville, In-
diana, after which he engaged in teaching school. He was successful as
a pedagogue, which profession he followed ten years, first in countn.-
schools, but later at Kansas, Illinois. After leaving the school room Mr.
Gill engaged in the fire insurance business at Kansas, in which he remained
engaged until 1903. when he disposed of his business there and came to
628 weik's history of
Cloverdale, Indiana, where he entered the banking Inisiness in partnership
with Messrs. D. V. Moffett, F. P. Moffett and X. R. Bennett, the bank being
organized under the state laws governing private banks. Mr. Gill is cashier of
the institution and is in active management of its affairs, much of the success
which has attended it being directly due to his sound judgment and splen-
did executive ability.
The subject is a member of the Primitive Baptist church, and is the
pastor of the Smyrna Baptist church, which charge he has held practically
ever since coming to Indiana. He first engaged in the ministry about
1 89 1, while residing at Kansas, Illinois, and since that time has had charge
of churches, sometimes as many as three at one time.
Aside from his activities in business and the ministry. Elder Gill is
also an enthusiastic fanner and owns two hundred acres of fine land sit-
uated about a mile north of Cloverdale, and which he operates with profit
and considerable personal gratification.
On March 4, 1890, Elder Gill married Lily May Moffit, daughter of
Elder S. H. ]\Ioffit. of Kansas, Illinois, and this union has been blessed
by two children, Jessie and Carlyle. Fraternally, Elder Gill is a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Democrat and,
while not a politician in the ordinary sense of the word, he takes an in-
telligent and commendable interest in public affairs. He has been a mem-
ber of the school board of Cloverdale for the past six years and is now
serving as its treasurer. Having been a teacher himself, he takes a strong
interest in educational matters, and since becoming a member of the board
he has labored to raise the standard of studies and during this period the
Cloverdale high school has been raised from a noncommissioned to a com-
missioned high school. A man of public-spirit and broad sympathies, he
exerts a genuine influence for the best things in the community and is held
in the highest regard by all.
The Bank of Cloverdale was organized in July, 1901, by John Laugh-
liu. who operated it individually until June. 1903. when it was bought by
Messrs. D. V. Moffett. W. E. Gill, F. P. Moffett and X. R. Bennett, who still
own it. The I)ank has a capital stock of ten thousand dollars, and has
deposits of about one hundred thousand dollars, its business having in-
creased rapidly in the past few years. The present officers are D. V.
Moffett, president; W. E. Gill, cashier, and O. V. Smythe, assistant cashier.
In the financial stringency of 1908 the bank at all times commanded the
full confidence of the people of the community, this fact being largely due
to the personnel of the gentlemen who are back of it. it being considered
among the solid and influential monetary institutions of Putnam county.
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 629
W.\LTER K. PRICH.ARD. M, D.
The practice of medicine and surgery is one of the most exacting of
professions in which a person can engage. It is ahke trying upon the phys-
ical and the mental powers. Physical strength and vigor are as necessary
in it as is the mental ability which must be possessed by him who would
succeed. Dr. Walter K. Prichard, for man\- years one of the leading phy-
sicians and surgeons of Putnam county, is evidently possessed of all the
essential qualifications of a successful medical practitioner, judging from
his past eminently worthy and successful record, which is attested by the
large and constantly increasing practice for which he is at present caring.
Dr. Prichard was born in Cloverdale. this county. Januan,- 4, i860,
the son of Lewis and Joanna (Ross) Prichard, long a prominent family in
this vicinity. This family is of Welsh descent, the first Pochards having
come to America in an early day, making their way westward to Kentucky,
in which state, Lawrence county, Lewis Prichard was bom. He grew to
maturity there and. deciding to enter the medical profession, after he had
completed his priman,- schooling, he entered the Cincinnati Eclectic School
of :\Iedicine. from which he was graduated and in a short time he was
successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. He came to Put-
nam county, Indiana, in 1858. where he became well established and suc-
cessfully engaged in practice, becoming the owner of a large tract of val-
uable land. He was prominent in public affairs and a worker in the Demo-
cratic party. He was a man of strict integrity and one of the community's
leading citizens. His death occurred on November 27. 1889.
Desiring to follow in the footsteps of his father, Walter K. Prichard
became a very studious lad early in life, passing through the common
schools and completing the course at the Hendricks County Xormal School,
at Danville, Indiana. He studied medicine under his father and attended
the medical department of the Virginia L'niversity, receiving the degree
of Medical Jurisprudence. On :\Iarch 10. 1S81, he graduated from the
Miami Medical College. Since that date he has been successfully engaged
in practice at Cloverdale, Putnam county, where he was very extensively
patronized from the first, and now his name has become a household word
in the southern part of the county, having won a reputation for his ex-
cellent surgery which extends far beyond the limits of the county, rank-
ing high among the best medical men in this section of the state. In 1884
Doctor Prichard took a post-graduate course at the Xew York Polyclinic.
630 vveik's history of
The Doctor has found time in the midst of his professional duties to
look after some business interests, among which is his splendid and well
improved farm of over three hundred and forty acres which he keeps
well cultivated and stocked with a high grade of various kinds of live-
stock. He oversees his place and takes a great delight in its management.
Notwithstanding the fact that his has been an unusually busy life, he has
found time to travel extensively and to keep well abreast of the times not
only in matters pertaining to his profession but in all topics of vital import.
Doctor Prichard was married on March 11, 18S4, to Virginia Remley,
a lady of culture and refinement, representing an excellent Cincinnati fam-
ily. This union has resulted in the birth of three children, Estella, Irma
and Calita.
The Doctor is as pronounced in his views against intemperance as
was his worthy father before him and he leaves no stone unturned whereby
he can aid the cause of temperance. He is a public spirited man and a loyal
Democrat, and he very ably served at one time as a member of the board
of pension examiners. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons, Lodge No. 132; also the Knights of Pythias, Diamond Lodge, No.
344. and the Modern Woodmen Camp. No. 7155.
DAVID D. SKELTON.
The founders of the family of this name were Southerners. Allen and
Elizabeth (Keysey) Skelton. the former a Virginian, met and married in
Kentucky. Soon after they removed to Indiana, living for a while in
Morgan county, but later locating in Putnam county, near Reelsville, in
about the year 185 1. Allen was a shoemaker and worked at his trade in
Reelsville. which was on the old National road. It contained a mill, a store
and a blacksmith shop. The stage coaches made much travel both ways
and the roads were enlivened with herds of hogs on their way to the
packing house at Terre Haute. In 1S53 the Skeltons located on a farm in
Madison township, situated on Snake creek in the southern part, and here
Allen lived until his death in 1S63. His widow continued to live with a
son on the old place until lier death, at past seventy-five years of age. They
had five children: James H., who lived near the old home, died at the age
of forty-five; David D. ;, Samuel, retired farmer in ^^lonroe county. Indiana;
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 63 1
Allen, a retired farmer of Monroe count}', Indiana: Sarah, widow of Fred
Sigel. who was killed in a stone quarr}-, is a resident of Indianapolis.
Da\-id D. Skelton. tlie second chiUI, was born in Alorgan county, In-
diana. April 14. 1S42. and remained at home until the completion of his
twentieth year. In October. i86[. he enlisted in Company ?I, Forty-third
Regiment. Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, under command of Capt. WilHam
Lane. He served until the close of the war. though ten months of the
time was spent in a southern prison at Tyler. Te.xas. He was captured at
Marks Mills in Arkansas. April 25. 1S64. while serving under General
Steel, who was moving to relieve General Banks. He was detailed as guard
of the wagon train from Camden to Pine Bluff. The stockade at Tyler
held three or four thousand prisoners and was a miserable den in which
the Union soldiers suffered much. Mr. Skelton was finally exchanged and
left the stockade February 25th, went to Xew Orleans, drew a supply of
clothing and was sent back to Indianapolis, where he recruited, reorganized
and did guard duty. ]Mr. Skelton was a good soldier, always ready for duty
and was several times promoted, being a sergeant when he was captured.
He re-enhsted in Jannar>', 1864. and was with General Steel when he en-
tered Little Rock. After his discharge. Mr. Skelton returned to his old
home and began farming with his mother. In 1867 he married Elizabeth
Jones, daughter of John and Hannah Jones, born in Ohio, from which
state she came with her parents when six years old. After marriage he
took charge of the farm and managed it until his mother's death. He
soon began to buy out the interests of the heirs and in a few years owned
the entire estate. It consisted originally of one hundred and sixty acres,
but Mr. Skelton added to it until he owned two hundred and forty acres.
All of this, however, he deeded to his children-, and in !March. 1903. came to
his present home of seventy-five acres. His wife died May 14. 1897,- and
on October 19. 1898. he married ]^lrs. J. C. Jones, who two years before
had come, a widow, from Roanoke City. Virginia. Her maiden name was
Jennie Davis, and she was a native of Giles county. Virginia; she married
Mr.. Jones at Roanoke City. She came to Indianapolis in search of a
brother who left Virginia when sixteen years old. She learned that he was
in Kansas City. Missouri, where he has since died. In 1908 a twin brother
of the one above mentioned visited Mrs. Skelton after an absence of thirty
years. 'Sir. Skelton had five children : John Allen, a farmer in Madison
township: George D.. a stationary engineer in West Terre Haute: Ora D.
married Henry V. Thoinas. of Clinton Falls, Putnam county: Sarah .\.
married Adam Ellis and resides on the old homestead : Charles O. is an
engineer in ^^"est Terre Haute.
632 vveik's history of
JAMES W. CROXTOX.
Prominent among the business men of Cloverdale, Putnam county, In-
diana, is James W. Croxton, who for a number of years lias been closely
identified with the growth and development of the communit}-. Marked
business ability, sound judgment and his sterling personal traits have com-
mended him to the esteem of all who know him and he is numbered among
the leading men of his community. James W. Croxton is a native son of
the Blue Grass state, having been born at Warsaw. Gallatin county, Ken-
tucky, on the 6th day of March. 185J. He is a son of Eli and Rebecca Jane
(Ralston) Croxton. The former was born in Ohio and was the son of
Thomas Croxton. while the latter was bom in Owen county. Kentucky.
Their marriage occurred in Gallatin county. Kentucky, and their union
was blessed with eleven children, namely : James. Thomas, George. Harriet.
Margaret, Luella. Anna. Belle. Laura and Xanna. About 1859 the family
moved to Switzerland county, Indiana, where the father obtained employ-
ment as engineer in a flour mill at Florence, and at the same time carried
on farming operations. The son James, under his father's instructions,
learned the trade of engineering in these mills, and during the following
twenty years he was engaged in that line of work. When about nineteen
years of age James Croxton went to Tipton county. Indiana, \\here he en-
gaged as engineer and also ran a sawmill. Two years later he went to Frank-
fort. Clinton county, where for ten years he had charge of a stationary en-
gine. In 1884 he bought a half interest in a flour mill at Denver. Miami
county, and in the latter part of the following year he went to Delphi. Car-
roll county, where he bought an interest in a flour mill, w hich he operated for
about four years. He then went to Monticello and was employed as en-
gineer in Laughrv' Brothers' flour mill, but six months later he returned
to Delphi and during the following six months was engaged in the baking
and confectionary business. Going to Milwaukee. Wisconsin, at the end
of that period, he was employed for a year and a half as engineer in the
street railway power house. At the end of that time he returned to Denver,
Indiana, and rented a half interest in the mill with Avhich he had been
formerly connected. Six months later. October 1892. Mr. Croxton came
to Cloverdale. and bought a half interest in the flour mill, his partner be-
ing Henry Horn, the builder of the mill. A year later, the latter sold his
interest to Justice Kerbaugh. and Messrs. Croxton and Kerbaugh con-
tinued as partners about four years, when Mr. Croxton became the sole
PLTNAM COLXTV. INDIANA. 633
owner, and still continues to operate the business. When Mr. Croxton be-
came connected with the business, the mill was but a small affair, but since
then the property has been greatly enlarged, a more powerful engine and
new boilers being installed, and the capacity for handling and shipping grain
has been greatly increased. In addition to the manufacture of flour and
feed. 'Sir. Croxton is engaged extensively in the buying and shipping of
grain to the eastern markets, and also deals in all kinds of hard and soft
coal. He is president of the Cloverdale Hardware and Lumber Company,
whose store is one of the most complete of its kind in the state and whose
yards are filled with an immense stock of lumber and all kinds of building
material. They also have, in connection, a well-equipped planing mill, the
only one in that locality. In all his business deals Mr. Croxton exhibits a
shrewdness and sagacity which has enabled him to realize a gratifying suc-
cess and his advice is considered valuable in all business affairs.
In iSSq Air. Croxton was united in marriage with Annie M. Gobel. the
daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Price) Gobel. These parents were na-
tives of Preble county. Ohio, and afterwards moved to Clinton county.
Indiana, where l^Irs. Cro.xton was reared. To Mr. and Mrs. Croxton have
been born two children. Josephine and ]\[argaret. Josephine became the
wife of Charles Denny, of Cloverdale. and they are the parents of four
children. Cecil. Dolos Marie. Rudolph and Alarie. Margaret married John
A. Omullane. the proprietor of a butcher shop in Cloverdale, and they have
four children. Mildred. Carl, William Franklin and Frederick Nomian.
Religiously 'Sir. and Mrs. Croxton and their daughters are members
of the Church of Christ at Cloverdale. and give to the church a warm and
liberal support. They are worthy members of society and enjoy the friend-
ship of all who know them.
GEORGE EXXIS RAIXES.
The name of Raines has been for many years an honored and re-
spectetl one in Putnam county, and the gentleman of that name who is the
immediate subject of this sketch is richly deserving of the universal respect
and esteem which is accorded him in the community in which he lives. He
has achieved success in the pursuit of husbandn.-. being numbered among
the progressive and enterprising fanners of the county, and he has also been
accorded definite recognition in the political circles of the county, being
634
WEIK S HISTORY OF
now a member of the board of county commissioners, in which responsible
position he is serving his second term.
Mr. Raines is a native son of the county in which he Hves, having been
born on the 13th day of March, 1867. His paternal grandparents. Walker
and Tabitha Raines, were natives of Virginia, that state from which have
come so manv noted men in our national history. Walker and Tabitha
Raines were reared and married in their native state, subsequently moving
to Kentucky, and in 1829 they came to Putnam county, Indiana, locating
in Monroe township. The fonner died soon after locating here, but his
widow continued to reside here until her death, which occurred in August,
1864. All of their seven children are now dead. Walker Raines was a
shoemaker by trade and in religion he was a faithful member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church. His son, Cornelius Gillum Raines, father of the
subject of this sketch, was born in ]Montgomery county, Kentucky, Septem-
ber 26, I Si 6, and at the age of thirteen years accompanied his parents on
their removal to Putnam county, where he was reared to manhood, re-
ceiving his education the meanwhile in the common schools. In February,
1843-, he married Penelope Dale, to which union were born five children,
of which number only one is now hving, Sarah, the wife of Caleb Reeves,
of Kansas. The names of the deceased children are James W., Robert W.,
Selena and Elizabeth. Mrs. Penelope Raines died in 1856 and in 1859
Mr. Raines married Lutetia Heath, the widow of Christopher Heath, of
Putnam county, and a daughter of Enos and Polly Hardin, early and well-
known settlers of this county. To this union were born nine children, of
whom six are living, as follows: Ella, the wife of Frank Allee. of Green-
castle: George; Albert; Artemas; Minnie, the wife of Albert Welch, of
Danville, Illinois: Emma J. became the wife of James Farmer, who was
killed by a traction engine, and she is now the wife of Henry Dorset, of
Jefferson township, this county. The deceased children are John D.,
Cornelius and Mary. The father of these children located on a farm of
two hundred and forty acres, west of Fillmore, in Greencastle township,
where he successfully followed the pursuit of agriculture, being also ex-
tensively interested in stock raising. He was a man of splendid business
qualifications and was a generous and kindly disposed man to those with
whom he was acquainted. In politics he was a Democrat, though never an
office seeker. He died Mav 5. 1901. and was buried in Union cemetery.
Marion township. His widow and unmarried son. Albert, now reside on
and operate the old homestead farm, which is considered one of the best
agricultural properties in the township.
PUTNAM COUXTY, INDIANA. 035
George E. Raines remained on the paternal farmstead, assisting his
father in its operation, until he was twenty-three years old, receiving in
the meantime a good practical education in the public schools of the lo-
cality. At the age mentioned he was married and immediately went to
housekeeping on a farm of eighty-six acres, which he had purchased, lo-
cated two and a half miles northwest of Fillmore, where he deviated himself
to farming and stockraising. Here he has since remained and has met with
a satisfacton,' measure of success. The place is characterized by a spirit of
thrift and progressiveness that at once stamps its owner as a man of sound
judgment and practical ideas.
In 1890 ^Ir. Raines was united in marriage with Elizabeth Welch,
the daughter of George Welch, of Fillmore. After her graduation from
the Greencastle high school she was a student at the State Normal School
at Danville, and at the time of her marriage she was teaching in the schools
of Fillmore. To ^Ir. and Mrs. Raines have been born three children,
Gladys B., Gwendolyn B. and Eugene.
Politically Mr. Raines is a stanch Democrat and for a number of
years he has taken a prominent and leading part in the political affairs of
the county, enjoying a wide acquaintance in his party. In 1906 he was
elected a member of the board of county commissioners, and so satisfactory
were his services to the county in this capacity that in 1908 he was re-
elected and is now serving his second term, being president of the board.
He is a sound, practical business man and gives to the administration of his
public duties the same careful attention that he does to his own private
affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and the Order of Ben Hur. ]\Irs. Raines is a member of the Chris-
tian church at Fillmore and is an active worker in the Ladies' Aid Society
connected with that church. Because of his sterling qualities of head and
heart. Mr. Raines is deservedly popular with all classes and is numbered
among the leading men of the countv.
THOMPSON' BROWX.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is widely known as one
of the old and honored citizens of Clo\erdale. Putnam county, Indiana. He
has lived here over a half century — indeed, his long life of more than eight
decades has been practically spent within the confines of this county — and
636 weik's history of
during the greater part of this time he was prominently identified with the
business interests and the development of the community. His well-
directed efforts in the practical affairs of life brought to him a fair measure
of prosperity and in all the relations of life he has commanded the respect
and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact and a
history of Putnam county would be incomplete without a record of his
career.
Thompson Brown was Ijorn in Warren township, four miles from
Greencastle. Putnam county, on the 17th day of February-, 1829. His
bovhood days were spent on the parental farmstead and his preliminary
education was obtained in the primitive log school houses of that day, the
principal equipment of which was a few hard, uncomfortable seats and the
typical wide-mouthed fireplace. At the early age of seventeen years he
commenced life on his own account and went to Greencastle and appren-
ticed himself to learn the business of cabinetmaking and undertaking, which
at that time were generally combined. After working three years, he
started out to see something of the world and to broaden his knowledge
by personal observation and contact, going to Chicago, Milwaukee and
other cities, and finally accepting employment at cabinetmaking in Chicago,
where he remained for a time. He then went to Rockville. Parke county,
Indiana, and worked for a time at his trade, after which he returned to
Greencastle and entered into a partnership with his old employer, Greenup
Lee, in the furniture and undertaking business. In 1852 Mr. Brown came
to Cloverdale and entered upon a career which continued without inter-
ruption for the long period of si.xty years lacking nine months, having re-
tired from active business in the month of October, 1905. During the
period noted he witnessed wonderful changes and transformations in his
own business. When he first went into business he himself made practically
all the furniture and all the coffins for his patrons, whereas at the present
dav these articles all come from factories especially equipped for each line
of work. There has transpired also a marked change in the style of furni-
f.ire. almost every decade showing some radical innovation in this line.
In connection with his furniture business, Mr. Brown also followed
carpentering and contracting, in which he was considered a leader, and dur-
ing the fifteen years immediately subsequent to 1858 he built many of the
best liouses in and about Cloverdale, having done more building than any
other man in the town — indeed it is said that one-third of the houses in
Cloverdale were constructed by Mr. Brown. Honest and conscientious in
all his work. Mr. Brown acquired an enviable reputation for thoroughness
and efficiencv and nothing left his hands that was not right in all respects.
PCTNAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 637
In October, 1850. ^[r. Brown was united in marriage to Martha Mc-
Pheters, who was reared northwest of Greencastle, this county, though
their marriage occurred at Rockville. Thus, if this worthy couple are
spared until October, 1910, they will be able to celebrate the sixtieth anni-
versary of their wedding. To them were bom six children, all of whom
are now dead. They are briefly mentioned as follows: Sarah Matilda.
who died in 1S83, became the wife of Wesley O'Danie! of Cloverdale, and
they had one daughter. Eva M., who now makes her home with the sub-
ject: May Frances died at the age of eight years: Martha Ellen, who died
February 2g. 1S9J. was the wife of Enos Wood, and they had a daughter,
^Miriam Esther: the latter married William Evans, of Cloverdale, and they
have two daughters, Catherine and Lillian : John Franklin Brown, who died
September 16. 1861, at the age of about six years; Edward Oscar, who died
December iS. 1S60. in early infancy; T. Elmer E., who died September 8,
1889. spent four years in Asbury College at Greencastle. after which he
became assistant civil engineer on the Muskingum Valley railroad in Ohio,
in which capacity he was employed when his health failed, his death oc-
curring six months later. The mother of these children was born in
(jranger county, Tennessee, and in about 1830 at the age of six years, came
to Putnam county, and in point of years of continuous residence she and
her husband are probably the oldest couple in the countv.
Religiously Mr. Brown has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church for over half a centurs'. and Mrs. Brown has been a member for
sixty-nine }-ears. and during nearly all of this time he has served as an
officer of the church, as steward, trustee, class leader. Sundav school su-
perintendent, etc. He has at all times taken a firm stand for the moral
uplifting of his fellow citizens, having been allied with the Sons of Temper-
ance and the Good Templars during the life of these organizations, as well
as the Blue Ribbon. Red Ribbon and other societies organized and main-
tained in the interest of temperance and sobriety. For the long period of
forty-two years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, belonging to both subordinate lodge and encampment and he has
al.-o been a member of the grand lodge and grand encampment for over
forty years. About twenty-five years ago he also joinerl the Masonic order.
^.Ir. Brown is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, this
association being consistent from the fact that during the Civil war he
rendered valiant serA-ice as a member of Company F. Fort\--Third Re.<^i-
ment. Indiana \'olunteer Infantry. The major part of his service was in
638
WEIK S HISTORY OF
the State of Kentucky, being on duty most of the time at Camp Burnsides
and Camp Wilson. In every avenue of Hfe's activities Mr. Brown has stood
"four square to every wind that blows" and when called upon to take a firm
and uncompromising stand for any great moral question he has never been
found wanting, but he has at all times exerted a definite and potential in-
fluence for the best things. Regardless of his advanced age, he retains a
good memory of events of the early days and his recital of early reminis-
cences is extremely interesting. Now, in the golden sunset of life, he is
resting from his labors, secure in the love and veneration of those about
him, the "grand old man" of the community.
WINFIELD SCOTT IRWIN.
A worthy representative of this well established and highly honored
pioneer family of Putnam county is Winfield Scott Irwin, who has spent
his life in Madison township, now^ living on the farm on which he was
bom December 13, 1856. He is the son of Smiley D. and Mary (Bicknell)
Irwin, the father a native of Hardin county, Kentucky, born there Jan-
uarv- 29, 1820, the son of Isaac and Elenore (King) Irwin, the former a
native of Virginia. The family moved to Putnam county, Indiana, in
1829. when Smiley D. was nine years old, and settled at Morton, Clinton
township, or more properly the village of Morton, which was later built
on the land upon which they settled. The elder Irwin was a great hunter.
He first came to this locality from Kentucky alone and on foot in 1823,
while on a hunt, sleeping out at night in this vicinity. He liked the country
and decided to return and make it his permanent home, partly because of
the abundance of game here. At that time there were only a few homes in
the present city of Greencastle; his brother Joseph, and his son. Lewis,
had preceded him here and had established homes, and when he returned
for final settlement in 1829 he found them here. He located by a fine spring
in :Madison township, where the village of Brunerstown is now located, and
there he lived until his death, about November. 1858, having reached the
advanced age of eighty-four years, having then lived here about thirty
years; his wife preceded him to the silent land two years, having reached
the ao-e of sixty -nine years. Isaac Irwdn was twice married, the following
children being bom of the first union : Hiram, Betsy, Lewis. The children
of his second wife were. John Rowan, Hetty, William. Isaac. Smiley. Sarah
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 639
Ellen. Charley, Melvina. Friscilla Ann. All are deceased and Smiley's
widow is the only daughter-in-law living.
Smiley Invin was born January 29, 1S20, and was married January 15.
1850. to Mary Bicknell, daughter of George and Susan (^loore) Bicknell,
and she was born in Chestnut Hill, now a part of the city of Philadelphia,
Februar}- 10, 1824. She came to Indiana in 1S39 and settled at Bruners-
town, Putnam county. The place had been given a name, but there were
no houses there. Her father set up a blacksmith shop there and operated
it in connection with farming, working at his trade for several years. To-
ward the latter part of his life he abandoned his shop and moved to La-
fayette, Knox county, Illinois, where his death occurred at the age of
sixty-three years. Smiley Irwin and wife settled on the farm now owned
by Winfield S. Irwin, in 1851. It had a good house on it; the old log house,
made of yellow poplar, is still standing on the adjoining farm, and is still
in an excellent state of preservation. Mrs. Smiley Irwin lived there for a
period of fifty-eight years with the exception of three years spent in Ne-
braska, from 1865 to 1868. They took a homestead and bought additional
lands, having sold the old farm, but upon returning to Putnam county,
bought it back, ha\ing grown tired of the high winds and the undeveloped
wild prairies. They moved to the present house in 1870. Mr. Irwin be-
came prosperous and finally owned three hundred and forty acres, which
he divided among his children. Mr. Irwin was a man of excellent
business ability, honorable in all his dealings and a man whom every one
liked who knew him. His death occurred August 31, 1895, ^^t^r a harmoni-
ous married life of forty-five years. Politically he was a Democrat and
served at one time as justice of the peace. He was a faithful member of
the Otter Creek Primitive Baptist church and was a deacon in the same.
Two of his brothers, Isaac and Charles, were ordained ministers of the
Baptist church and another brother, William, was ordained deacon. Mr.
Irwin engaged in general farming and kept an excellent grade of stock.
His family consisted of six sons and two daughters, namely: Henry Clay,
who lived on an adjoining farm and died at the age of thirty-three years;
George Edward died when twenty-six years old, unmarried; John Rowan
lives at Oblong, Illinois: Winfield Scott, of this review, who lives on the
old homestead; Robert Smiley is a fanner near Clinton Falls, Putnam
countv; Isaac King is Hving in IMadison township; Susan Ellen married
William White, of Chrisman, Illinois: :\Iary Louisa died in young woman-
hood.
Winfield Scott Irwin remained at home until reaching legal age. as-
sisting with the work on the farm during crop seasons and attending the
640 weik's history of
district schools in the winter months — in fact, he spent most of his time at
home until his marriage, when thirty-two years old, marrying Lizzie Wright
on Alay 2 J, 1889. She was the daughter of Elder Ezekiel Wright and a
full sketch" of her family is to be found on another page of this work.
Mr. Ir\-in has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits with gratifying re-
sults, having remained on the farm, purchasing the old homestead of one
hundred and twenty acres which he has improved in many ways. He has
devoted considerable attention to dairy stock. He is active in township
politics and was assessor for a period of four years. He is committeeman
of his precinct and is always to be found at the various conventions assist-
ing his friends who are candidates for office. He has long been influential
in local politics.
Mr. and Mrs. Irwin have one son. Smiley Wright, an interesting lad
of twelve years; one child died in infancy.
Mrs. Irwin is a member of the Christian church. Fraternally Mr.
Irwin is a Mason. His home is of the comfortable, old-fashioned sort
where hospitality is to be found. It is still graced by the serene presence
of his aged mother, who, despite the vicissitudes of long years, is well
preserved.
GEORGE W. HANNA. ■
The family of this name originated in Scotland, but subsequently by emi-
gration figured extensively in Virginia. Kentucky and Indiana. The tradi-
tional history is to the effect that two brothers left Scotland during the early
half of the eighteenth century, crossed the ocean in a sailing ship, eventually
-landed on the shores of America and found an abiding place in the colony of
Virginia. William Hanna, a descendant of one of these immigrants, left his
native Virginia to join the early pioneers of Kentucky, where he settled and
lived until his death. He left a son. James M. Hanna. who was born in
Shelby county. Kentucky, in January, 1800, and removed to Indiana in 1830.
He settled in Montgomery county and there pursued his trade as a tanner
until death overtook him in January, 1862. He married Sarah Wilcox, whose
people emigrated to America from England and located in Shelby county. Ken-
tucky, where she was born. There were twelve children by this union, those
living being as follows: Adam. Thomas. George W^. and Martha E.. widow
of David Xealy. of Waveland. James and Robert, two of the sons, were
killed in the Civil war. The father died in 1862 and the mother, who was
born in 1806, closed her career at the age of sixty-seven.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 64I
George W. Hanna, ninth of the family, was born at Waveiand, Mont-
gomery county, Indiana, December 3, 1844. He lived on rlie farm until
twelve years old, when his father bought a farm near Brown's Valley, in
Montgomery county, and here he lived with his parents until the completion
of his twenty-first year. In August, 186 1, Mr. Hanna. then a lad of fifteen,
went to Lafayette and offered his services to his country in the great civil
conflict then pending, but was refuseil on account of his tender age. His
two older brothers. James and Robert, were accepted and both sacrificed their
lives while taking part in the historic charge up Missionarv- Ridge. In 1S66
Mr. Hanna located on a fann near Morton, in Putnam county, where lie
spent six years and then engaged in -the mercantile business at Morton in
partnership with Walter Sewall. This firm continued for fifteen years when
Mr. Hanna sold his interest and purchased the Sammy Darnell farm, which
he still owns. On this place he lived until his removal to Greencastle in 1906
for the purpose of seeking retirement. For some years Mr. Hanna served as
trustee of Clinton township. In 1895 he was elected to the lower house of the
Indiana Legislature as a Republican and ser\ed with unusual credit. He was
appointed as one of the commissioners that built the handsome new court house
in 1904 and was complimented on all sides for the business judgment aufi in-
tegrity displayed in carrying out' that important trust. He served two terms
as member of the advisory board of Monroe township and brought to the
discharge of his duties the same good ju<lgment that had characterized him in
other positions. He has always been a Republican and active and influential
in the party ranks. He has attended every state convention for thirty years
and never missed a countv convention since he was old enough to vote or
shout for the ticket. He was secretary of the temperance organization which
had charge of the campaign for local option in January, 1909, when Put-
nam countv was carried for the "drys" by a majority at one thousand five
hundred. At present he holds the position of president of the Putnam Civic
Union. He has always been foremost in upholding all moral causes and is a
citizen without reproacli in all walks of life.
On December 5, 1S65, Mr. Hanna married Mary, daughter of James I.
and Pollv Xel.son. of near Morton. Putnam county. Mr. and ^Irs. Hanna
have had three children, but two died in infancy. Xellie, the sur\-iving daugh-
ter, is the wife of O. M. Tustison. a farmer residing near Morton. The par-
ents are members of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church and Mr.
Hanna is a Knight Templar Mas<5n. The family enjoys the high social con-
sideration and general esteem among a wide circle of acquaintances, both of
the okler and younger generations.
(41)
642 weik's history of
THEODORE McGIXXIS LAYXE.
The late Theodore ^McGinnis Layne. of Cloverdale. was long one of
the leading citizens of Putnam county, and he is remembered as a man of
rare force of character and business acumen, eminently deserving of the
large success that attended his efforts, for success in this life does not often
come to any except the deserving. It is an axiom demonstrated by all
human experience, that a man gets out of this life what he puts into it, plus
a reasonable interest on the investment. The individual who inherits a
large estate and adds nothing to his fortune cannot be called a successful
man. He that falls heir to a large fortune and increases its value is suc-
cessful in proportion to the amount he adds to his possession. But the man
\vho starts in the world unaided and by sheer force of will, controlled by
correct principles, forges ahead and at length reaches a position of honor
among his fellow citizens, achieves success such as representatives of the
two former classes can neither understand nor appreciate. To a consid-
erable extent the gentleman whose name forms the introduction of this
sketch was a creditable representative of this class last named, a class which
has furnished much of the bone and sinew of the country and added sta-
bility to the government and its institutions.
:\Ir. Layne was a native of Putnam county, born here on July 29. 1855,
the son of Joseph and Sarah (^IcGinnis) Layne. an excellent and in-
fluential old pioneer family, the father a native of Indiana and the mother
of Virginia. They came to this country in an early day and soon became
well established and were known as people of high honor.
Young Theodore enjoyed the advantages of an excellent education
in his vouth. having attended the common schools and later graduated from
the Terre Haute Business College. He learned very rapidly, being an am-
bitious lad. and when only sixteen years of age. taught a very successful
school at Poplar Grove, this county, and he continued in this line of en-
deavor for a period of eight years, during which time he gave the utmost
satisfaction to both patron and pupil. But believing that the business world
offered o-reater attractions and rewards for the exercise of his talents, he
launched into the grocery business, in 1876, which he continued for a few
vears with varving success, and up to the time of his death, which oc-
curred on December 27. 1908, he was identified with the commercial in-
terests of Cloverdale. in fact, was the leading business spirit of the place
PUTXAM COUXTV. IXDIAXA. 643
and did more for its upbuilding than any other citizen. He owned and
operated a number of hardware stores and was familiarly known as the
"hardware man." for years selling immense quantities of goods throughout
this locality. He also did a great deal of general trading and bv persis-
tency, close application to his individual affairs, keen foresight and honesty
in his dealings with his fellow men he accumulated quite a fortune, owning
at the time of his death, besides his Cloverdale interests, valuable farming
lands, consisting of twelve hundred acres, but he managed all the large
affairs with a masterly hand and made few mistakes, giving his personal
attention to almost ever\- minute detail. He had a beautifully located, com-
modious and nicely furnished home, in which he took a great delight and
which was known as a place of hospitality and good cheer to both friend
and stranger, for ^Ir. Layne was something of the old-fashioned, genteel,
hospitable gentleman, generous, kind, considerate and always ready to do
his full share in promoting any worthy movement. Politically he was a
Democrat, but he never sought public office. He was always active in
church affairs, being a very religious man and philanthropical in church and
other noble causes. He was a member of the ^^lasonic fraternity and he
believed in carrying his religion and the sublime precepts of this lodge into
his ever\-day life. He also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Air. Layne's happy and harmonious domestic life began on October -■i,
1876, when he married Mary Frances McCoy, a woman of many commend-
able traits who proved" to be of great encouragement to her worthy hus-
band in his life work. She was the daughter of Andrew and Polly Anne
(Berry) McCoy, both natives of Kentucky and early settlers in this county.
:Mr. McCoy having owned the land where the town of Cloverdale now
stands. He was long a prominent character in this vicinity and he and his
family were highly esteemed.
Twelve children were born to :\rr. and Mrs. McCoy, three of whom
survive, namely: ]\[rs. Theodore M. Layne. widow of the subject of this
review; Alexander IMcCoy and Harrison McCoy. Mr. and Mrs. Layne's
marriage was without issue but they have reared three orphan children.
Clara Xicholas (deceased), Ethel and Lela, neices of .Mr. Layne. Ethel
is now dead. Lela is the wife of James D. Alartin. a furniture dealer at
Bedford, Indiana.
Mr. Layne was a member of the Christian church and Mrs. Layne wor-
ships with this congregation.
644 weik's history of
HENRY HARRISON HILLIS.
This name was familiar to two generations in Putnam county owing
to the prominence and wide business achievements of him who bore it.
He passed his h'fe in useful employment, developing the industries of the
countv. giving employment to many men and adding to the general wealth.
He was a strong character, upright, honest and square dealing. In fact
Putnam countv never had a finer citizen than Henry Harrison Hillis, no
one who did more to develop the county's resources. He was bom at
Mount Pleasant, Putnam county. March 7. 1840. the son of Abraham and
Elizabeth Peck Hillis. After the usual routine of children of the pioneers
with its farm work, short terms of school in the winter seasons, young
Hillis became a farmer, but soon concluded that this field was too narrow
for him and that he could do much better in other lines. In 1861 he en-
o-ao-ed in the brick business at Oakalla, some six miles from Greencastle,
and soon showed his aptitude for manufacture by the success he obtained.
From a small beginning, he steadily increased his business until the output
of his plant amounted annually to more than ten milhon brick. Mr. Hillis
was of an ingenious turn of mind and was the inventor of the improved
kiln.- It is estimated that not less than forty million brick are now stand-
ing in various Greencastle buildings, all of which were the product of Mr.
Hillis' yards. This makes a stable monument to the memory of a man who
is well worth remembering. Not content with the supervision of this valua-
ble industry. Mr. Hillis branched out in other enterprises, all of which were
beneficial to the public. He purchased and operated a large stone quarr\'
just east of Greencastle. developed it into a fine paying property and did a
large business over a wide scope of territory both local and interstate. He
employed thirty men and always treated them with such fairness that they
had for him the greatest esteem. In fact, it was often remarked that ^h.
Hillis had .creat influence over his employes and this influence was always
- exercised for their good. He himself was a model citizen in all respects
and although he accumulated wealth, it did not spoil him, always being
found bv those who approached him the same simple mannered, unpre-
tentious man. wlio dealt squarely with everybody. Though a Republican
in politics. Mr. Hillis was elected county treasurer in 1879 '" the Demo-
cratic countv of Putnam, which was a trilnite to his great personal popu-
laritv. He was social in his disposition and bore his full share in pushing
alon"- all movements calculated to better the community. His fraternal
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 645
relations were with the Masons and Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and he was always attentive to his lodge duties. For years he was a mem-
ber of the Methodist church at Mount Pleasant and no one could ever say
that he was not a true man in all the relations of life. When he died. May
14. 19CO, it was the universal remark that Putnam county had lost one of
her most valuable citizens.
On February 27. iSfi". ^Ir. Hillis married Sarah E. O'Hair, member
of an influential and widely distributed family. Her parents were James
E. and Margaret ( Montgomerv-) O'Hair, who were generally and favor-
ably known to all the people of the county (for further details of this fam-
ily's history see sketch of Bascom O'Hair. published elsewhere in this
\'olume). Mrs. Hillis is of distinguished ancestry, which entitles her to
become a member of the patriotic order of Daughters of the American
Revolution. James Theodore, born August 3. 1868. the eldest of the eight
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hillis. is engaged in mining in British Col-
umbia; Jennie, born June 4. 1881, died August 25, 1881 ; Emma Ethel,
born May 26. 1883, died October 29. 1883: Margaret Elizabeth, born Sep-
tember 20. 1870. married Frank Shoptaugh and is a resident of Green-
castle: Edward Babers. born September 5, 1872. died March 9. 1874: Alice
Alma, born October 26. 1874. married A. C. Lockridge. of Roachdale. son
of Robert Lockridge: Fred B.. born February 25. 1879. married Clara
Caldwell, of Ladoga, and is engaged in the coal business in Greencastle and
with Mr. Shoptaugh is engaged in well drilling: Albert, born October 31,
1876. died January 21. 1885.
ALEXANDER S. BRYAX.
If it be true — and there is good authority for the statement— that one's
environment has much to do in influencing his character, then the men who
have had the good fortune to pass their lives in the midst of movements
which have brought about the rapid development and remarkable advance-
ment of Putnam county, might well be expected to have exhibited inde-
pendence, self-reliance, enterprise and practical sagacity. In the life of the
late and well remembered Alexander S. Bryan, long a prominent agricul-
turist and stock breeder of this county, were found to a marked degree
the qualities above enumerated, his success having been based principally
upon a prompt and judicious use of opportunity. But while he was \ery
successful in the management of his individual affairs, he never neglected
646 weik's history of
his duties to his neighbors and the general pubHc, but always stood ready
to bear his just share in the march of progress; these commendable traits,
together with his unswer^'ing integrity and honor upon all occasions, ren-
dering him popular and influential as well in the community where he so
long maintained his home.
^[r. Bryan was born of an excellent family in Bourbon county. Ken-
tucky, September 18. 1824, the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Parker)
Bryan, the father of the former having been a soldier in the Revolutionary
war; his name was James Bryan, and he was a noted character in his day.
He came to Indiana in 1834 and settled in Marion township, Hendricks
county. In that county his son. Alexander Bryan, father of the immediate
subject of this re\-iew. took up the life of a pioneer citizen and developed
in due course of time an excellent farm and a good home and remained
there until 1S53, moving to Putnam county, Indiana, the following year;
thus since 1854 the name Br\-an has been well known in this locality.
Alexander S. Br\an received a limited education, public schools in his
youth being of a primitive sort and, besides, it was necessary for him to
assist with the work of developing a farm in a new country. On April
10, 1849, he married Susan J. Farrow, daughter of Col. A. S. and Eliza-
beth (Xelson) Farrow, who came here in 1830. Colonel Farrow having
for many years been one of the leading characters of this county, a com-
plete sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Colonel Far-
row, father of Mrs. Bryan, was captured in the British and Indian war of
1812. He was a colonel in the "Home Guards"' during the war between
the states. He was ever pronounced in his views against intemperance, as
was also Mr. Bn,-an.
To ^Ir. and Mrs. Alexander S. Bryan the following named children
were born: Belle (deceased) was the wife of E. X. Yates: James P.;
Elizabeth is the wife of \\'alter Hamrick : Elvira is the wife of A. X'. Keller,
of Sterling, Kansas: Flora (deceased); Marion f deceased ) ; Mary is the
wife of John Stanlev, of Denver. Colorado; Auta (deceased) was the wife
of Edgar Harris: Frederick, Jennie (deceased"). Pearl (deceased), and
Frank.
INIr. Brvan. as has already been explained, was a ver\- successful
farmer and stock man, breeding some of tlie best stock in the county, for
which he alwavs found a ready sale. He operated a very valuable farm
and was the owner of several hundred acres of as valuable land as the
countv could boast: this he highly improved and very skillfully cultivated,
giving it his personal attention along with his large livestock interests. He
PUTNAM COLWTV, IXDIAXA. 647
was a public-spirited man and always ready to lend his suppijrt to any
measure looking' to the general good of the community, especially being
interested in the success of the Republican party: however, he was no office
seeker, preferring to devote his exclusive attention to his pri\-ate business
affairs.
This excellent citizen, much liked neighbor, indulgent father and kind
husband, was called to his reward on a higher plane of action, on June 27,
iqoi. lamented by all who knew him. the community sustaining an irrepar-
able loss.
LAWRENCE H. ATHEY.
James H. Athey. founder of the family of this name in Indiana, de-
serves distinction as the man who built the tirst cabin in Putnam county.
He was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and first settled at Fort
Harrison, in Vigo county. After remaining there two years he came to Put-
nam county in January, 1S18, and entered land in Washington township
at the forks of Eel river. On this place, which is now owned by Ivan Huff-
man, the old Kentucky pioneer put up a rude log structure in which he
made his home for manv years. John M. Coleman, another of the first
pioneers, came to the United States with Grandfather Athey and located on
adjoining land. Local histoiy may be said to have begun in this pioneer
cabin, as the first court which was held in the county in 1S22 found shelter
under Mr. Athey's roof, the records showing that he was allowed twelve dol-
lars for the use of his premises. He married a Cunningham and had three
children, the oldest of whom was Henry H. Athey, and survived to an ad-
vanced age before death overtook him. Henry H.. his son. was a native of
Kentuckv and moved to Washington township when four years old. He
married Mary Movers, of Putnam county, by whom he had ten children:
Henrv H.: ]^Iarv P. Carr. of Lansing. Kansas: Lucinda. deceased: Law-
rence H.: William D., of Lansing, Kansas: Xannie, Frances and Dora, de-
ceased: RoI)ert. of Vigo county, Indiana: and Fl.ira, wife of J. H. Lohman,
of Lansing, Kansas. The father died in Washington township November
22. 1893, ■^^'hen eighty-one years of age.
Lawrence H. Athey. fourth of the family, was born in Washington
township, Putnam county. Indiana. April 8. 1859. He remained on the
farm until 1906, when he moved to Reelsville. In the same year he was
nominated for countv recorder on the Democratic ticket and was elected.
648 vveik's history of
Septemljer 8. 1907. he came to Greencastle and in January, 1908, assumed
the office to which he had been elected. He has since been serving with en-
tire acceptance to his constituents. He ranks as one of the soHd citizens
of Putnam county, where his whole life has been spent, and enjoys general
esteem aniong all the people of the county.
On November 25, 18S6, Mr. Athey married Mary E. McElroy. a native
of Washington township. Putnam county. She is a daughter of Stephen
C. and Isabella (Coltharp) McElroy. members of an old and well known
familv. Mr. and Mrs. Athey are members of the Regular Baptist church
and he is a Mason and Knight of Pythias.
SAMUEL RIGHTSELL.
It is with a great degree of satisfaction to the biographer when he
averts to the interesting life of one who has made the rough path of life
smooth bv his untiring perseverance, has attained success in any vocation
requiring definiteness of purpose and determined action. Such a life, whether
it be one of calm, consecutive endeavor or of sudden meteoric accomplish-
ments, must abound both in lesson and incentive and prove a guide to the
voung man whose fortunes are still matters for the future to determine.
For manv years Samuel Rightsell. prominent agriculturist of Washington
township, has directed his efforts toward the goal of success in Putnam
county and by patient continuance has won pronounced success.
Mr. Rightsell was born on the farm on which he now lives, April 18,
1839, the son of George and Margaret (Sharp) Rightsell, both natives of
Greene countv. eastern Tennessee, near Greenville, the county seat where
President Andrew Johnson maintained a tailor shop when a young man.
Thev grew to maturity and married there and in 1823 came to Union
countv. Indiana, and in 183 1 moved to the farm in Putnam county where
Samuel Rightsell now lives. He entered eighty acres from the govern-
ment which is still a part of the home place. He began life in true pioneer
fashion, first living in a rude hewn beech-log house. Prospering by hard
work, he later bought an adjoining eighty, on which his son Samuel now
lives, and after developing a good fami and making a comfortable living
for his familv for many years, and becoming known in the township as an
honest and industrious farmer of the best type, he was summoned to his
PLTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 649
reward on January i. 1865. at the age of sixty-four years and six months,
his widow sur\i\ing until March 30. 1874. at the age of sixty-nine. He
finally became the owner of four hundred and fifty-seven acres, all in a
bodv. with fortv acres of Ixittom land on the Eel river. He devoted his at-
tention exclusively to his fann, leading a quiet life, highly respected, for
he was a first class citizen in e\'ery respect.
To Mr. and Mrs. George Rightsell five sons and three daughters were
born, namely : William remained on the home farm with Samuel, ds'ing on
January 23, 1905, at the age of seventy-four years; James lives in Clover-
dale township; John married Mary Neese and lived all his life in Clover-
dale and \\'ashington townships, and he is now tleceased; Samuel, of this re-
view; Howard is a farmer near Hannony, Clay county. Indiana; Louisa
Ann married Edward Huffman, a sketch of whose family appears on an-
other page of this work under the caption of Douglas Huffman; Matilda
has remained single and is keeping house for Samuel; Mary married James
McCullough. of Washington township, and is now deceased, being buried
on the Rightsell homestead.
William. Samuel and Matilda Rightsell were left together on the home
farm. lia\ing bought out the other children. The home place now consists
of three hunflred and sixty acres, which has been well kept and carefully
tilled. Mr. Rightsell being a good manager and with general farming he
raises some good stock of various kinds, he and his brother William having
been successful feeders for years, always finding a ready market for their
stock.
About twenty-two years ago Mr. Rightsell built an attractive, com-
modious and comfortable house, standing on an elevation from which a
fine \iew may be obtained.
Mr. Rightsell is a man in whom ever}- one who knows him reposes the
utmost confidence and he is a good neighbor and true friend.
GEORGE W. STARR. M. D.
The life of Dr. George \\'. Starr, a well known and highly honored
druggist at Bainbridge. Putnam county, has always been led along a plain
of high endeavor, always consistent with the truth in its higher forms and
ever in keeping with honorable principles. He is the scion of sterling ances-
tors who did much in their dav for the communities in which they lived.
650 weik's history of
and Doctor Starr is a worthy descendant of his forbears. Thus for many
reasons, not the least of which is the fact that he was one of the patriotic
sons of the North who, when the tocsin of war sounded, left his comfort-
able hearthstone and business to do what he could in saving the national
Union, he is gladly given conspicuous representation in this work. Such
a man is a credit to any community and his life forcibly illustrates what
energy and consecutive endeavor can accomplish when directed and govern-
ed by sound principles.
Dr. George W. Starr was born January 23. 1S48. on his father's farm,
one and one-half miles northeast of Bainbridge. He is the son of John
and Mary (Xethercutt) Starr, the father born August ^,0, 1818, and the
mother March 6, 1816, the father in Preble county and the mother in Union
county, Ohio. Each family were pioneers and highly honored in their re-
spective communities. John Starr received a good education and devoted
his life to the law, becoming an able and noted attorney in his day. having
begun the practice of law in Putnam county on February 13, 1845. He was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a truly useful and honorable
man who took a delight in the progress of his community in all lines.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. John Starr consisted of six children,
named as follows: William E. ; George \V., of this review: ]\Iartha A.,
James W., Moses Milton and Mary Alice.
Doctor Starr received an excellent education in the home schools and,
being ambitious to enter the medical profession, he began studying to that
end, first entering the drug business in Bainbridge in 1870, building up a
verv satis factorv business which continued to increase from year to year.
In point of resistance he is the oldest citizen in Bainbridge and he has done
much for the town's advancement along all lines.
Doctor Starr is a graduate of the Indiana Medical College, and after
fullv equipping himself for this calling he practiced for a period of three
years in Clay county, Indiana, then came to Putnam county.
The Doctor's militarv record is one of which he may well be proud.
He enlisted in Companv I, One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment Indiana
Volunteer Infantrv. in 1S63, when only fifteen years old, anil served eight
months. Then he enlisted in the Eighteenth Indiana Battery and ser\-ed till
the close of the war. He saw much active and trying service in Tennessee.
Alabama and Georgia, was in the Atlanta campaign, taking part in many
severe battles and skirmishes.
Doctor Starr was married on October 29, 1878, to Jennie McDonald,
a native of Wisconsin, the daughter of a highly respected family. This
PUTNAM COCXTY, IXDIAXA. 65I
union resulted in the birth of one child. Fred AT. Starr, a professor in Tri-
State College, at Angola, Indiana. He was born November 21, 1879.
After the death of the Doctor's first wife, which occurred June i. 1881, he
married Julia A. Springer, on July 19, 1SS7. She was the daughter of
Rilev and Susan ( Smith) Springer, a well known family, a historv- of
which is given elsewhere in this volume. To them have come one child.
Elizabeth Mabel, born October 20. 18S7. She is the wife of Roy M. Eads
of Roachdale, Indiana. She is a gra.luate of DePauw University.
Doctor Starr has been very successful from a financial standpoint,
having managed his affairs well and laid by an ample competency for his
declining vears. He is the owner of large and valuable tracts of land
which he looks after; however, he is now living practically retired from
active business. He has held all the offices in Post No. 463. Grand Army
of the Republic, at Bainbridge, of which he is now adjutant. He has won
and retained the confidence and respect of the people of this community as
a result of his exemplary life and he has hosts of warm friends throughout
the county. Doctor and Mrs. Starr are members of the ^Methodist church,
and the Doctor is one of the trustees and superintendent of the Sunday
.school.
GREELEY RICHARD HUFFMAN.
Greelev Richard Huffman is a member of the old and well known Huff-
man family which has figured so prominently in the affairs of Putnam
county since the pioneer period, being the youngest of the twelve children
of Edmund and Louisa Ann (Rightsell) HufTman. who are mentioned
elsewhere in these pages. He was born on the family homestead one mile
south of Reelsville. June 23, 1S73. and grew to maturity in close touch with
nature, attending the meantime the district schools. His educational train-
ing, however, was more practical than scholastic, consisting largely of the
knowledge of men and things obtained by contact with the world, and in
all that constitutes a well informed and evenly balanced mind, he stands
today a notable example among the intelligent men of his community. Mr.
Huffman was early instructed in the duties of the farm and grew up in the
belief that labor is honorable and that idleness even among those not obliged
to work for a livelihood is akin to disgrace. He assisted in the cultivation
of the farm as soon as his ser\-ices could be utilized and remained with his
father until his twenty-third year, receiving in the meantime two hundred
652 weik's history of
acres of fine land in the division of his father's large estate. Removing to
this land about 1893, he at once inaugurated a series of improvements which
in due time were carried to completion and since then he has added to his
possessions until he is now the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred
acres, all bottom land of great fertility and admirably adapted to agricul-
ture and pasturage. The land lies on both sides of Walnut creek, which
affords ample water and drainage and, under the masterful management of
the proprietor, it has been brought to a very high state of cultivation, rank-
ing among the most productive farms in Putnam county and with its splen-
did improvements making a model and in every- respect desirable home.
Mr. Huffman has not been content with the ample start in life which
his father gave him but, like a wise and prudent man, has managed his
affairs so judiciously as to increase his holdings and add largely to their
value. Forceful, energetic and progressive, he has forged rapidly to the
front among the leading agriculturists of his part of the state and from
the beginning his career presents a series of advancements and successes
such as few attain. Like the majority of enterprising farmers, he does
not depend upon crops alone for his income but devotes a goodly portion
of his land to pasturage, for which, as already indicated, the land is peculi-
arlv adapted. He has achieved distinctive success in the matter of live-
stock, raising high-grade cattle and hogs which he feeds from the farm,
realizing from this service alone handsome profits, to say nothing of the
returns from the products of the soil which he markets every year.
Mr. Huffman believes in using his means so as to accomplish the great-
est possible good, to which end he has not been sparing in providing those
dependent upon him with the comforts and luxuries of life. His first con-
sideration in this respect was the home, in the construction of which he de-
voted not a little time and money in making it one of the most desirable
country residences in the township. Within its walls reigns a spirit of
domestic concord which makes it a home in fact as well as name and it is
also the abode of old-fashioned hospitality which all who cross its thresh-
hold have learned.
'Sir. Huffman is alive to all that benefits the community and is helpful
to his fellow men and is not unmindful of the duties which every true citi-
zen owes to the public. He manifests a lively interest in political matters and
votes with the Democratic party, but has never sought ofiice nor aspired to
any kind of public distinction. The Knights of Pythias and Modem Wood-
men represent his fraternal relations and in addition to these orders he is
a friend of the church and school, believing that knowledge and religion
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 653
properly disseminated are the great safeguards of a govemnieiit in which
tiie people constitute the ruling power.
The domestic life of Mr. Huffman dates from August 28, 1901, at
which time he was happily married to Belle Combs, daughter of Stacy and
Sarah Combs, of Washington township, the union being blessed with one
son. who answers to the name of Earl Huffman. Mrs. Huffman has proven
a fit companion and helpmate to her energetic husband, being a lady of
practical intelligence and unexceptional character, an excellent housekeeper
and moving in the best social circles of the community. She is not only
the reigning spirit of the home, but enjoys the confidence of her neighbors
and friends and exerts a wholesome moral influence among all with whom
she mingles. ]\Irs. Huffman taught school in Washington township for six
vears.
DAXIEL CRAFT.
Among the prosperous and influential fanners and stockmen of the
southern part of Putnam county is Daniel Craft, owner of a beautiful and
valuable landed estate in ^^'ashington township where he is ranked as a
model farmer and citizen. He was born in Logan county. Ohio, |uly 22,
1842. the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Funk) Craft, both natives of \'ir-
ginia, from which state they came to Ohio in an early day with their par-
ents, grew to maturity in the Buckeye state, met and married there. Dan-
iel Craft accompanied his parents to Owen county. Indiana, in iStI. lo-
cating southeast of Bowling Green, later mox'ed to Patricksburg. that county,
where his death occurred at the age of se\enty-two years. There were
nine children in this family, six of whom reached maturity, four of them
li\ing at this writing, namely: Abraham, living in Harvey county. Kansas:
Daniel, of this re\-iew : Susan, who lives in Patricksburg, and Margaret
Frances, who resides at Lewis, Aigo county, Iniliana.
Daniel Craft left home when seventeen years of age and worked as
a hired hand on a farm for two years until he could get a start, at sixtv
dollars per year: howe\'er, he could save but little out of so meager a wage.
He then learned the tanner's traile in Bowling Green, Clay county, and fol-
lowed the same for a period of three years, receiving one hundred and twentv
dollars per year and board, and he became quite proficient in this line. At
the end of three years he was able to buy a house beside his clothing, etc.
He then started a tannery at Patricksburg in company with his uncle. Abra-
654 weik's history of
ham Funk, who suppHed the capital, which partnership continued success-
fully for two years, when they closed out, realizing a profit of about one
thousand dollars as a reward for Mr. Craft's persistent labor and skill,
this sum proving to be of great advantage to him just at that time; but he
then worked in a saw mill for a time, after which he began farming, rent-
ing, for a period of five years, the farm in Washington township, Putnam
county, which he now owns, the place having formerly been owned by
Elias Garner, and is located on Alill creek and the Eel river in the southern
part of the county. At the expiration of the rented term he bought the
place, which consists of two hundred and twenty-four acres, for which he
paid the sum of seven thousand and six hundred dollars, assuming a debt
of all but one thousand dollars, paying six per cent, interest. He proved
to be a good manager and a hard worker and greatly improved the place
from year to year, paying off the entire debt in fifteen years. He has cleared
thirtv acres, leaving forty acres of the original natural timber; he has about
ninetv acres of rich corn land. He carries on general farming, but his
principal dependance is in hogs, which he raises for the market in large
numbers. He has prospered and has added a splendid tract of two hun-
dred and ninety acres, just south of his original farm, operating two places
as one. His fields are well tilled, well kept and highly improved and he has
a substantial, comfortable and imposing dwelling, built at the foot of a
high bluff, near some delicious crystal springs, not far from the river.
Mr. Craft was married September i, 1864, in Clay county, to Thursy
Jane Crouse. a native of Clay county and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Crouse, her father having operated a water mill on Eel river on a
farm above the Craft place, his mill being a popular one for a number of
years. It was known as the Kinsley mill, one of the oldest in the country
and it is still standing, one of the old mill-stones now gracing the front
yard at Mr. Craft's home.
Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Craft, two of whom died
in infancy, the others reaching maturity, namely: Van Milroy is farming
in Washington township; Zora Frances is not married and is living at
home; Lucretia Florence is married to John Baumunk and is living in
Washington township; Minnie Mercy married Robert Evans and is living
in Washington township; Carrie Belle married Wesley Neese. a farmer of
Vigo county; Curtis Theodore is operating part of the homestead: Ursula
Ann married David Modisett, of Harmony, Clay county; Isaiah Henry is
also assisting in the management of the home fami : Benjamin Carl is still
a member of the familv circle.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 655
Daniel Craft served one term as justice of the peace in a verv- accept-
able manner. Being an independent tliinker. he is not aUied to any party,
preferring to vote for the man of the best principles and qualifications. He
has been a follower of the teachings of the Christian church, and he holds
membership with the Mill Creek congregation, being a liberal supporter of
the local church, and known as one of the community's leading citizens in
every respect.
MOSES DILLON BRIDGES.
Putnam county has had few finer citizens than the late Moses Dillon
Bridges, whose whole career of sixty-odd years was identified with the
county's development and progress. He was a man of very active life and
useful in many ways; whether it was politics, merchandising or general busi-
ness, he was always at the front to have his say and do his part. His long
life was lived without a blemish to mar his integrity or stain his character. He
dealt honestly with all. never asking a cent more than was coming to him.
He was successful in e\erything he undertook, which after all is the severest
test of a man's ability, if not his worth. Aloses Dillon Bridges was born at
Greencastle, Indiana, in Xox'eniber. 1S39, when the village and Putnam
county were still undeveloped. His parents, Moses Thomas and Mary
(\'ansant) Bridges, were among the earliest of the early pioneers, coming
over from Kentucky when Indiana was little more than a wilderness. Like
many of the pioneers, he was forced by circumstances to become a sort of
"jack of all trades," being a farmer, merchant and shoemaker. For many
years he conducted a general store at Fillmore, Putnam county. His son.
3.Ioses Dillon, grew up on a farm at a time when school advantages were
difficult to obtain. Such as they were, however, run on the subscription order
with the teacher "boarding around," young Bridges took advantage of at
brief intervals until he was sixteen years old. His father started him in the
general merchandising business at Groveland and also gave him an interest
in the store at Fillmore. Though young at the time, he soon "caught on" and
gradually de\eloped into a successful merchant for those days, which was be-
fore trusts, combines and comers had been heard of and all business was con-
ducted on the basis of the freest kind of free competition. In 1874 he removed
to Greencastle, was elected county clerk, served four years, was re-elected and
afterwards made his residence at the county seat. In office he showed the
same fine qualities as in other positions and so conducted official affairs as
656 weik's history of
to gain the good will and confidence of ail the people. He entered the Cen-
tral National Bank as cashier and was subsequently elected to the position
of vice-president. Here, too, in entirely new duties he showed his level-
headed qualities and his knowledge of general business, as well as that intri-
cate problem known as human nature. He liked the storm and struggle
of political campaigns, took active part, in all the hotly contested battles and
was acknowledged as one of the foremost and safest of the Democratic local
leaders. He rose to the Knight Templar degree in Masonry and was reg-
ular in his lodge attendance. He was a member of the Christian church and
one of the board of trustees, always manifesting interest in the cause of
religion.
Mr. Bridges married Maude Roberts, who was born in Hendricks
countv in January, 1848. Her parents, John S. and Martha Anna (Hopwood)
Roi^erts, were natives of Kentucky, who came to Indiana in an early day.
Her father was a furniture maker by trade, of Welsh descent, and her an-
cestors were Scotch-Irish on the mothers side. Mr. and Mrs. Moses Dillon
Bridges had seven children: Ollie, born June 10, 1871. married Fred Gordon,
of Indianapolis; Grace Pearl, bom July i, 1873, married Dr. R. J. Gillespie,
a dentist at Greencastle; Hallie, born September 5, 1876, married Dr. J. M.
King, one of the well known physicians of Greencastle; Nellie married S. C.
Savers, a merchant of Greencastle; Hazel, bom December 22, 1883, is still
living under the parental roof; Harold Moses, born September 26, 1887,
died on Januarv 5. 1892; Gerald, born February 6, 1S92, is attending the
public schools.
- REV. JAMES W. CARVER.
It is a pleasure to examine the life record of such a useful character as
the Rev. James \V. Carver, for it has been one of unselfish endeavor to amelior-
ate the condition of his fellow men and the good he has done cannot be meas-
ured in metes and bounds, for such influence is far-reaching and will continue
to brighten the pathways of many for generations to come.
Mr. Carver was born of an excellent family in Parke county, Indiana,
May 2, 1854. His father was Benjamin Durham Carver, a native of Dan-
ville, Kentucky, who came to Indiana with his parents when four years old,
his father, Starling Carver, coming to Indiana and settling near Russellville,
later near Portland Mills. He was a farmer and lived in this country the
rest of his life, dying in October, 1869, at the age of sixty-eight years. He
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 65/
was one of tlie early workers in the Methodist church and widely known as
a great "class leader." For many years he was trustee of Green township,
Parke county. He married Jane Durham, of near Danville, Kentucky, at
which place her brother. Milton J. Durham, who is the oldest graduate of De-
Pauw University, still lives. He has long been a noted politician and was
comptroller of the currency during Cleveland's administration. He is a lineal
descendant of the famous Governor Carver of colonial days. Nine children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Starling Carver. Mrs. Carver was called to her
rest May 3. 1S89, at the age of eighty-three years.
William Carver, father of Starling Carver, came from Virginia to Ken-
tucky and thence to Illinois. The former's father was Joseph Carver, a New
Yorker who later in life moved to Virginia. Not one of the Carvers from
Joseph to James \\". has ever used liquors or played cards. A notable fea-
ture of this family is the fact that they are all physically large. The father
of James \V., Benjamin Durham Carver, lived at Morton from 1867 His
death occurred December 19. 1897, at the age of seventy years, having been
born in Eoyle county, Kentucky, July 4. 1827. He came to Russell ville. Put-
nam county, in 1 83 1. In 185 1 he married Margaret Frances Johnson, born
in Kentucky, from which state her parents removed to Parke county, Indiana.
He joined the Methodist church in his twentieth year. As steward, class
leader, Sunday school superintendent and trustee he rendered the church splen-
did service, bringing to the discharge of each duty virtue, piety and discreet
judgment, and he became one of the best men in his community. On the day
of his death, which was Sunday, he taught a class in Sunday school anrl closed
the morning service with a fervent prayer, took the preacher home with him
for dinner and the end came while he was stooping over to re-kindle the fire in
the old-fashioned fireplace, which he was very fond of, practically "dying in
the harness." ^Many laymen have doubtless excelled him in special lines of
church work, but in all lines, both secular and spiritual, his equal was seldom
found.
Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Durham Can-er,
four are now living, namely: James W., of this review: Clay B.. of Rockville;
Mrs. Sallie Ferguson, also of Rockville: Oscar R., of Morristown, Tennessee;
Oliver :Morton was killed by a horse falling on him when he was thirty-two
vears of age: Martha Ella died in young womanhood; Malcolm died in 1877;
Nettie died in 1872; Edgar died in 1877.
Tames \\". Carver spent his childhood on the farm where he was born
and which he worked, except during the short winter months when he was in
(42)
658 weik's history of
school until he was twenty-two years of age, having received a ver\- good pri-
mary schooling in the country schools. Ambitious to become highly educated,
he spent six years in DePauw University, graduating in the class of 1876.
In that vear he went to Des Moines, Iowa, where he entered the Simpson Law
School, in which he remained for one year, having read law before going
there. He located in Boone, Iowa, where he remained for a period of four
years. He started out with a very satisfactory clientele and had he continued in
the legal profession he would have doubtless become widely known as an able
attorney. He was admitted to practice by the supreme court. He was com-
pelled to relinquish this profession on account of losing the use of his
voice for fc.nir vears.. He spent one year at Sidney, Iowa, and about four
years on a farm near Ida Grove, Iowa. In 1882 he began preaching, becom-
ing a member of the Xortluvest Iowa conference of the Methodist Episcopal
church, preaching first at Battle Center, Iowa, for two years, then he went
to ]\It. Union, that state, where he remained one year, then at Gushing one
year, thence to Rock for two years, then to Ledyard two years, then Pierson
for two years, later to Holstein, then Danbury. He returned to Greencastle,
Indiana, in 1S99, when his health failed and retired from the active ministry,
taking up farming; however, he has continued to preach when able, being at
present pastor of the church at Knightsville. During his ministerial career
he has baptised over two thousand six hundred persons and during the past
eleven vears, since retirement, over nine hundred, six hundred by immersion.
He is regarded as a ver}- forceful speaker, earnest, sincere and often truly
eloquent, and he is always ready to minister to the sick and do good in any
way possible. He has been very popular wherever his lot has been cast and
held in the highest esteem by all classes. He served two years in the city
council, — 1904 to 1906. Since coming to Greencastle he has given his atten-
tion very largely to orchard culture, having now one of the finest orchards in
Indiana. He has studied horticulture until he is regarded as exceptionally
well versed in all its phases, in fact, an authority. Views of his orchard ap-
pear in the report of the Indiana Horticultural Society. His orchard com-
prises sixty acres of very valuable land, which raised over twelve hundred
bushels of apples and over three hundred bushels of peaches during 1909.
He has been unusually successful in producing fine crops. He has a pleasant
and nicely furnished home, equipped with a large and carefully selected
librarv of the world's choicest literature, where Mr. Can-er spends much of
his spare time.
PUTNAM COUXTV, IXDIAXA. 659
Mr. Carver was married on July 29, 1S79. to Louisa Webb, born in
Ohio, the accompHshed and refined daughter of Spencer C. and Jemima
(Street) Webb, both natives of Bahimore. Four children born to this union
died early in life.
Mr. Carver is a member of ^Morton blue lodge and the Greencastle
chapter and commandery of the Masonic fraternity, and he was prelate of
the commandery for eight years. Like his religion, he has carried the sub-
lime precepts of this ancient order into his everyday life. Politically he is
a Republican, as was also his father.
As might be expectetl, the subject is a man of the most excellent personal
traits, courteous, generous, obliging, hospitable, genial and kind to stranger
and friend alike, so that it is indeed a pleasure to know him, and especially
to be enlightened by his learned and entertaining conversation. He has been
a power for good and he never loses an opportunity to be of service to his
fellow men, not for their praise but merely for the sake of fulfilling the com-
mands of the lowly Nazarene, in whose footsteps he finds great pleasure in
trving to tread, and whose approval and that of his own conscience he alone
tries to gain and reconcile, not seeking the plaudits of men.
WILLL\A[ H. WILLL-VMSOX.
Xotwithstanding opinions to the contrary, much depends upon being
well born, and the old adage that "Blood will tell" is not only true but pro-
foundly philosophical. In a large measure we are what our antecedents
were, their characteristics and attributes as a rule constituting a heritage
which have had a powerful influence in moulding our lives for good or evil.
"Like produces like." a recognized law of the physical world, also obtains in
matters of mind and morals, as the experience of the human race abund-
antlv attest. That parents have a wonderful influence upon the minds and
hearts of their offspring cannot for a moment be gainsaid, hence the neces-
sitv of measuring up to the high standard which both nature and God re-
quire of fatherhood and motherhood. In matter of birth the subject of
this sketch has indeed been fortunate, inheriting as he does the sterling
characteristics of his ancestors, who were long distinguished for strong
mentality, intellectual acumen and moral worth. His father, John M. Wil-
liamson, a native of Ireland and a son of a merchant, was educated in the
L'niversitv of Dublin with the object in view of entering the ministi-v of the
66o weik's history of
church of England, but, circumstances preventing him from carrying his
intention into effect, he subsequently became a teacher and achieved marked
distinction in educational work. He came to the United States when young
and for some time thereafter taught in Cincinnati, later accepting a pro-
fessorship in a college, which he held with distinguished success until his
removal to Indiana some years afterwards. While in Cincinnati he became
acquainted with Maria James, an intelligent and highly accomplished young
lady who like himself was engaged in teaching and to whom he was subse-
quently united in the bonds of wedlock.
Airs. Williamson was a native of England, which country her father,
the Hon. James James, represented as a minister at the court of Norway
and Sweden, having been a man of eminent talents and one of the leading
statesmen and diplomats of his day. He died in the land of his birth,
sometime after which his widow and daughters came to the United States
and located at Cincinnati ; one of the daughters, Helen James, subsequently
completed the prescribed course of Oberlin College and became a teacher.
She was employed in various parts of Ohio and Indiana and was one of
the early teachers of Putnam county where she taught for a number of
years and where som.e of her pupils, now venerable gray-haired men and
women, still live to honor her memor\'.
Shortly after their marriage, John M. Williamson and wife moved to
Franklin county, Indiana, where their oldest child was born and where they
continued to make their home until 1854 when they changed their residence
to Putnam county, locating on the farm in Washington township which
Mr. Williamson purchased and on which he and his faithful wife spent
the remainder of their days. Mr. Williamson was in many respects a re-
markable man and it is to be hoped that some future biographer will give
him the notice, which he deserves, but which the limits of this article for-
bid. As alreadv indicated, he was highly educated and accomplished and
during his entire life he never ceased being a student. While attending to
the duties of the farm he studied soils and their adaptability to the differ-
ent crops, made careful notes of every kind of plant and vegetable the place
produced and his love of nature also led him to spend much of his leisure
in the woods, meadows and along the by-ways, where in due time his in-
vestigations made him one of the most thorough and accomplished botanists
and naturalists the state of Indiana has ever known. It is greatly to be
reo-retted that he did not publish the results of his studies and investigations,
for had he done so science would have received a wonderful stimulus from
his active and brilliant mind. He not only pursued his investigations in
PUTNAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 66l
matters as above mentioned, but was also a great reader, his knowledge of
the world's best literature of all ages and among all peoples having been
wide and profound. With all his varied accomplishments, he was an hum-
ble and sincere Christian, a devout student of the sacred scriptures, who
exemplified his religious faith in his relations with his fellowmen. and it
was his custom morning and evening to gather his family about him to thank
God for the blessings of which they were the recipients. In public matters
he always kept abreast of the times and in touch with the leading questions
and issues before the people, on all of which he was thoroughly informed
and an authority among his neighbors and friends.
Although not a very practical farmer. Mr. Williamson was nevertheless
possessed of fine business ability and succeeded in accumulating a comfort-
able competency for his family, including three hundred acres of fine land
much of which was cleared and fitted for cultivation by his own labor. He
was a man of noble aims and high ideals and his influence was ever for the
right side of every moral issue. He presented the highest type of manhood
and citizenship and his life was a benediction and a power for good among
those with whom his lot was cast. The death of this excellent man occurred
on the 6th day of January. 1866. at the age of sixty-six years, his widow
surviving him twenty-six years and departing this life in 1892. shortly be-
fore the eightieth anniversan." of her birth.
John M. and ^Nlaria Williamson were the parents of six children,
namely: Mary M.. who married Joseph ]\Iann and moved to Oklahoma,
where both afterwards died: William H.. of this review; George, who went
to Clay City. Indiana, about thirty years ago, where he was engaged in the
grain trade until his recent removal to California, where he now resides;
Henrs-. who died when a young man of twenty-three; John, who has spent
the last twenty years in California, and Emma, who married Samuel Brown-
rigg and moved to Kansas, thence to California, where she now resides, the
subject being the only representative of the family in Putnam county.
William H. Williamson spent his early life on the home farm in Wash-
ington township, and received his educational training in the public schools.
Blessed with excellent home influence, he grew up with good habits and
while young received the bent of character which has had such a marked
influence in directing his life in proper channels and developing a mind cap-
able of grasping the various problems which one meets at the beginning of
his career. He assisted his father until the latter's death, when he began
buying his brothers' and sisters' respective interests in the estate, which
being accomplished in due time, he afterwards added one hundred eight
662 weik's history of
acres to the homestead, making the place four hundred five acres, its pres-
ent area. His farm Hes in a body extending across Deer creek, adjacent to
\vhich is some fine bottom land, the part in cultivation amounting to one
hundred twenty-five acres, the balance consisting of pasturage and timber.
The latter he has been at pains to keep intact and he now has a considerable
area of original forest growth, in which are to be seen some of the finest
oak. maple, walnut, poplar, beech and other varieties of trees in this part
of the state.
Mr. Williamson has a model farm and as a tiller of the soil he is pro-
gressive in his methods and fully abreast of the times in all matters re-
lating to modern agriculture. He usually raises from eighty to one hun-
dred acres of wheat, a grain for which the farm seems peculiarly adapted,
and about twenty-five acres of corn, all of which he feeds to livestock, to the
breeding and raising of which he devotes special attention. He is also
much interested in horticulture and has one of the best orchards in the
county, which he set out himself, exercising great care in the selection of
his trees and sparing no pains in keeping them in healthful condition in
order to enhance their productiveness. Mr. Williamson's splendid modern
dwelling, furnished with all the latest conveniences, occupies a fine location
and is one of the most beautiful and attractive rural homes in Putnam
countv. His former home was destroyed by fire in 1884, since which time
he has guarded against a repetition of the loss by making his present resi-
dence as nearly fire-proof as possible, and using for heating purposes a fur-
nace instead of stoves. He has been unsparing in the expenditure of money
for the beautifying of his place, believing that home should be made at-
tractive in order to be the one ideal spot to which his children's memories
will fondlv return after they have grown to maturity and left the family
circle. For a number of years Mr. Williamson was quite extensively en-
gaged in the manufacture of maple syrup, having a fine orchard of twenty-
five acres, containing five hundred trees, the yield from which each spring
season added very materially to his earnings. Recently, however, he dis-
continued this feature of the farm the better to give his attention to other
and more profitable interests.
Like his father, Air. Williamson is an intelligent observer of events, a
reader and thinker and his opinions on the questions of the day carry weight
and command respect. He is a Republican, but not a partisan and has never
disturbed his quiet by seeking office or aspiring to leadership. He manifests
a lively interest in the welfare of the community, gives his influence and as-
sistance to any worthy enterprise for the good of his fellow men and dis-
PUTXAM COUXTV, IXDIAXA. 663
charges the iluties incumbent upon liim as becomes a lo}"al citizen and rep-
resentati\'e American of today.
On Febrnan' 9. 1879. Mr. "W'ilhamson was united in marriage with
Airs. Maty L. Hedges, widow of the late W. H. Hedges, of Putnam county,
and daughter of B. F. and Louisa { Harvey) Utterback. natives of Bourbon
county. Kentucky, the father by trade a saddler and harnessmaker. These
parents moved to Indiana in 1S52 and located at Putnamville. where Mrs.
Williamson was born on February nth of the same year, but subsequently.
1S64. thev changed their residence to Manhattan, still later to Reelsville
where Mr. Utterback died September 15. 1S87. at the age of sixty-three, his
widow surviving him until June 15. 1909. when she was called to her final
reward in the seventy-ninth year of her age. \\'. H. Hedges. ^Nlrs. Wil-
liamson's first husband, was a graduate of Indiana State University and a
civil engineer bv profession, having been official surveyor of Putnam county
at the time of his death in 1877.
yir. and ^Irs. Williamson have children as follows: Fred D.. who is
interested with his father in agriculture and stock raising, is an intelligent,
wide-awake voung man of progressive ideas and an enterprising farmer
and public spirited citizen: he holds membership with the Masonic fratern-
ity, belonging to the blue lodge at Knistville and the chapter at Greencastle.
Belle, the second in order of birth, married Elijah O'Xeal and is the mother
of three children. Florence. Albert and Everett, the oldest and youngest
living with their grandmother. Florence, the youngest of the family, is
the wife of T. F. Talbot and lives at Harristown. Illinois: Mrs. William-
son has been a member of the Baptist church since her girlhood, both she
and her husband belonging to the Walnut Creek church of that denomina-
tion in Washington township, being deeply interested in the various lines
of worth under the auspicies of the organization and libera! contributors
to its support.
CHARLES J. ARNOLD.
Charles J. Arnold, the efficient secretary-treasurer of the Star-Demo-
crat Publishing Company of Greencastle. and one of the active managers
and editors of the H'cckly Star-Democrat and the Daily Herald, was born
in Greencastle. January Ji. 1S79. the son of F. A. and Elizabeth ( Boley)
Arnold. The father was a native of London. Canada, from which place
he came to Putnam county. Indiana, over forty years ago. He became a
664 vveik's history of
man of influence and prominence in this county after taking up his resi-
dence here. Up to 1907 and for many years previous he was editor and
pubhsher of the newspaper now controlled jointly by his son and his son-
in-law. Charles J. Arnold and Francis C. Tilden. F. A. Arnold is now vice-
president of the Central National Bank and one of Greencastle's leading
and substantial citizens.
Charles J. Arnold was educated in the public schools of Greencastle
and at BePauw University, where he made a good record for scholarship.
On leaving college he turned his attention to journalism and for some time
was a member of the reportorial stafif of the Kansas City Star and also the
Kansas Citv Journal. He soon evinced a natural aptitude for newspaper
work and in October, 1906, he returned to Greencastle and became inter-
ested in the Jl'ccklv Star-Democrat and Daily Herald, the former the offi-
cial organ of the Putnam county Democracy, and the latter an enterprising
and popular daily. His services with these newspapers has greatly bene-
fited the community in general and the Star-Democrat and Daily Herald
are potent moulders of public opinion.
Mr. Arnold was married, October 3, 1906, to Mabel Herring, the
daughter of Mrs. Samantha Herring, of Kansas City.
Mr. Arnold is secretary of the Greencastle Merchants' Association
and is also secretary of the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association. He
is a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He is a well bred, agreeable, forceful and ener-
getic voung man. of agreeable personal graces and unquestionable business
abilitv.
JACOB CALLEXDAR PLUM^IER.
The subject of this sketch enjoys the distinction of being the leading
contractor and builder in the southern part of Putnam county and in the
pursuance of his trade has doubtless contriI)uted more to the material pros-
perity of his section of the county than any other man. He is a native of
Massac countv, Illinois, where his birth occurred on the first day of Janu-
arv, 1842. and where his parents. Jacob and Eliza (Summers) Plummer,
of Kentucky, had settled in the year 1837. When Jacob was an infant,
these parents returned to Kentucky and remained in Kenton county, that
state, until i860, when they removed to Greencastle. Indiana, where the
father lived in retirement about eight vears. at the end of which time he
PL'TNAM COUNTY, IN'DIAXA. 665
changed his residence to \\"ashington township, where he made his home
until his removal to Vigo county, where his death occurred in 1902, at the
age of seventy-nine years, his wife dying sometime previous to that date
in Clay count}'.
Jacoli C. Pluminer was about eighteen years old when his parents
came to Indiana and since i860 he has been an honored resident of Put-
nam county and closely identified with the interests of the people among
whom he has lived. While still a youth he manifested a decided preference
for mechanical work and it was not long until he turned his talent to good
account by taking up the trade of carpentry, at which he soon became quite
proficient and to which his energies have since been devoted. In 1868 he
came to Washington township, Putnam county, where he at once took high
rank as a mechanic and in the month of March, 1880, he moved to his pres-
ent farm, fifty acres of which are in cultivation, the remainder consisting of
woodland and meadow. Air. Plummer devotes little time to the cultivation
of the soil, being, as already indicated, the leading contractor and builder
of his part of the county, with enterprises on hand which call him from
home and demand all his attention. The majority of the better farm
dwellings, barns and other buildings in Washington township were erected
under his management and elsewhere throughout the county in both towns
and rural districts are numerous edifices which bear the stamp of his work-
manship. Among the many country residences which he has built from
time to time are those belonging to George Rissler, John Rightsell. Jack
Huft'man, James Rightsell, George Zeener, Vincent McCollough, John Riss-
ler and many others, all of which rank among the best structures of the kind
in the county and speak volumes in his praise as a master of his vocation.
He has also erected a number of school houses, churches and other public
edifices, the demands for his services being such as to call for a number
of additional helpers. Of recent years he has carried on several buildings
at the same time and given employment to from eight to fifteen mechanics
and at intervals has conducted his business in partnership with R, E.
Ozment. a master workman who learned the trade under his direction.
Mr. Plummer, on Mav i, 1S64, was happily married to Luella Shop-
taugh. sister of George Shoptaugh, ex-superintendent of the Putnam county
poor asylum. Mrs. Plummer was born on the old Shoptaugh fann, in
Marion township, August 26, 1834, and belongs to one of the earliest and
best known pioneer families of that part of the county. Three children
ha\e blessed the union of Mr. and INlrs. Plummer, the oldest being Arthur,
666 weik's history of
who lives near Putnaniville, in U'arren township, and who for four years
served the county as official surveyor.
Laura Ethel, the second in order of birth, taught for a number of
years in the public schools and achieved marked distinction in that profes-
sion. She began her educational work before becoming the wife of Prof.
John R. Starr, of \Vinaniac, and also spent a part of her married life in
the school room, her husband being principal of the commercial college at
Marshalltown, Iowa. Mrs. Starr was a woman of fine mind and her la-
menteil death, four years after her marriage, terminated what promised
to be an unusually brilliant career.
Bessie Lee, the youngest of the subject's family, married Jack Huffman
and lives in Washington township, a sketch of her husband appearing on
another page of this work.
Early in life ^Mr. Plummer resolved to master the vocation to which his
energies have been directed and that he has done so is apparent to those
at all familiar with his work. He easily stands in the front rank among the
builders of his part of Indiana, and since engaging in his life work he has
instructed (|uite a number of young men in carpentry, among whom Rufus
E. Ozment and Ernest Matthews are perhaps the best known and most pro-
ficient. Mr. Plummer has a pleasant home and is well situated as far as
material wealth is concerned, being in comfortable circumstances with sufB-
cient means to insure his future against the proverbial "rainy day"' which
overtakes so many men in their old age. He has been a life-long Democrat
in politics and with his wife belongs to the Christian church, the house in
which the congregation worships having been erected some years ago.
JOHN H. MEEK.
The record of the gentleman whose name forms the caption to this
biographical review is that of a man who has worked his way from modest
beginnings to a place of intluence and comparative independence, his life
having been one of unceasing industry and perseverance, and the
notably svstematic and honorable methods he has employed have won him
the unbounded contidence and regard of those with whom he has come in
contact.
John H. Meek was bom in the central part of the state of Missouri in
i8t6, and is the son of Abraham and Sarah Ann ( Rakes) Meek. Abraham
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 66/
^leek was born Septenilier i, 1831, in Morgan county, Indiana, and was the
son of James and Samyra ( Staley) ]\Ieek. His fatlier died when he was but
four years of age. and he inherited a tract of land in Mill Creek township.
Putnam county. On attaining mature years he married and then lived on
this land until i86j. He then sold the fann and moved to near Bedford.
Iowa, where he ran a stage line and operated a hotel. Subsequently they
moved to Missouri, but a year later they returned to Indiana. In 1862 they
again went to Iowa, where they remained a year or two. and then returned
to Putnam county, locating in Jefferson township, where they spent the re-
mainder of their Hves. the mother dying on March 12, 1906, and the father
on June 3. 1909. He was a man of prominence in the community and served
as justice of the peace. Abraham Meek was married in 1848 to Sarah Ann
Rakes, a daughter of John and Marjorie Rakes. She was born in Kentucky
and in her young girlhood was brought to Indiana by her parents, who
bought land in section 9, Jefferson township. Putnam county. At that time
the young lady planted a cottonwood tree, which is still standing and which
is now sixteen feet in circumference. Only about four acres of land had
been cleared on this land, but the father went to work with a will and
eventually developed a fine farm, and there he and his wife spent their re-
maining years. The father was a radical Republican in political faith and
stood high in the esteem of those who knew him.
John H. ^leek was reared on a farm and accompanied his parents
in their several removals, finally locating in Putnam county, where he has
spent his active years. He secured a fair education in the common schools
and has always followed the pursuit of agriculture. At the time of his
marriage, in 1878. he and his wife established their home where he now
lives, his real estate then amounting to twenty-seven and a half acres, on
which was a small pioneer home. This humble building was subsequently
remodeled into a verv comfortable home, which served the fann'ly as a resi-
dence until Februarv i. 1906. when it was totally destroyed by fire, causing
a serious loss. However, on the 14th of the following May the family
moved into a new home which had been erected on the ashes of the old. the
present home being very comfortable and attractive. Mr. Meek's present
farm comprises two hundred acres of splendid, fertile land, practically all of
which is under cultivation and well improved in every respect. All Mr. Meek
has is the result of his own efforts and he is eminently deserving of the
success which has crowned his efforts. Besides a general line of farming, he
has run a threshing machine, been a dealer in and shipper of livestock, and
owned a sawmill, and in each of these lines he was successful. He possesses
668 weik's history of
good business ability and sound judginent and is practical and methodical in
all his operations.
On October 13, 1878. Mr. Meek married Alice Lewis, a daughter of
Gaskin and Margaret (Brinton) Lewis. She was born on the farm which
she now lives, her father having been a native of Ohio and her mother of
Kentucky. Her paternal grandfather was James Lewis, an early pioneer of
this section of the state, while her maternal grandparents were Bryant and
Mary (Tharp) Brinton, who came here in an early day and entered a quarter
section of land lying in sections 9 and 10, Jefferson township. Gaskin Lewis
followed farming, and was also a successful school teacher, having also
served as assessor of Jefferson township. He died in 1872. being survived
a number of years by his widow, whose death occurred in June, 1897. To
;Mr. and ]vlrs. Meek have been born five children, namely: Ora Everett, who
lives on the home place, married Marie Farmer; Elsie Jane is the wife of
Harrison Hunter, of Marion township, and they have two children, Helen
Irene and Harold Harrison ; Margaret Ann, Emma Opal and Wilfred Claude.
Politically Mr. Meek is a stanch Republican and has taken an active
interest. in the success of the party in local elections, having served for twelve
years as chairman of the township committee. He has also served as town-
ship assessor. Fraternally he is a Freemason, belonging to the blue lodge
at Cloverdale. Mr. Meek has taken an intelligent interest in the welfare of
the community and gives his unreserved support to every movement that
promises to benefit the community along moral, educational or material lines.
Genial and courteous in his relations with his fellow men. he enjoys a large
circle of warm friends, who esteem him for his personal worth.
\VILLL\M THOMAS.
William and Margaret Thomas, who came from Kentuck}- in 1834,
settled on land just north of Greencastle and were pioneers of that part of
the county. William died in the fall of 1839 and in the following year his
widow, with her two sons. George and Lewis, settled in Madison township.
She lived with George until her death, in March. 1863, aged sixty-four
years. George has been living in Parke county for thirty years, and Lewis,
who also removed to Parke county, died there in 1907. There were two
other sons. William and Isaac, who both died in Parke county. Joel Thomas,
one of the children, was born in Mason county. Kentucky, and was brought
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 009
to Indiana by his parents in .1834, when fourteen years old. He married
Mary, the daughter of Aaron and Martha Stites, of Clinton township. She
was born in Ohio, but came to Indiana with her parents when a young girl.
Joel, after marriage, rented a fami for a number of years and in 1854 bought
one hundred fourteen acres in the wild wood. By hard work he was
able to pav for it. though the job of clearing it was a long and difficult one.
He built a double log house which at that time was regarded as an unusually
fine residence. He spent the rest of his life on this fami. placing eighty acres
in cultivation. On November 8, 1884. he was instantly killed by a Big Four
engine while walking on the railroad track in company with his brother and
others, returning from a ratification at Carbon, being in the sixty-fourth
year of his age. His first wife died August 4, 1879, after which he married
Elizabeth Hart, a widow who died about four weeks before her husband
was killed. His children, still living in 1910. consisted of eight sons and
one daughter, as follows: William, of this review; Hiram, of Clinton
township; John, of Madison township; James, of Parke county; Joel, of
Washington township; Aaron, of Madison township; Levi, of Vigo county;
Isaac Clarion, a resident of the state of Washington; Fanny, wife of Frank
Burcham. of Hickman, Nebraska.
William Thomas, eldest of the family, was born in Putnam county,
Indiana. June 17, 1844. He remained at home until over eighteen years
old. when he decided to face the world on his own account. Buying four
horses, he was engaged for four years in hauling saw-logs to mill and thresh-
ing during the other seasons of the year. In about four years he had se-
cured eightv acres of land, which he later sold at an advance and continued
to trade about until 1873. when he got possession of his present farm. It
was the homestead of Joseph Priest, eight miles west of Greencastle. It was
an improved place and Mr. Thomas paid four thousand two hundred and
fifty dollars for the one hundred twenty acres. He has since added until
his holdings in the home farm amount to two hundred twenty acres. He
alsiT owns one hundred acres in Parke county and his land is largely de-
voted to raising and feeding hogs and cattle. He sAll continues also to
operate his threshing outfit. He has been with the machine every season
since he was eleven years old. making fifty-four consecutive threshing sea-
sons. Of late years he has added clover hullers. corn buskers and other
modern improvements. Mr. Thomas is well known as a thresher over a
wide scope of territory. In 1899 he won a handsome medal as a prize offered
bv the Milwaukee Thresherman to the thresherman who had been in the
service longest in the United States. For twenty -eight seasons he threshed
670 weik's history of
for any one of a set of customers from Raccoon creek, also for a period of
twentv-six years for a bunch of men in Clay county. He has used more
machines than any thresherman in the United States, being now on his
twelfth machine. The first machine he was with was a "groundhog," four-
horse-power chaff-piler. He was among the first to use steam power. Mr.
Thomas served seven years as township trustee, though he did not care for
or seek office.
On January i, 1S63, Mr. Thomas married Elizabeth, daughter of
George and Eliza (Gregg) Ewing, of Madison township. They came from
Fleming county, Kentucky, and settled in AEontgomery county, Indiana,
where Mrs. Thomas was born October 5, 1842. Her parents brought her
to Putnam county when she was five years old and settled in Madison town-
ship when she was eleven years old. Her father died at the age of forty-
two. Her mother was left with five children, the eldest of whom, Elizabeth,
was only thirteen years old. The widow kept the family together until her
marriage with Isaac Thomas, a brother of Joel. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have
had a large family, whose names are as follows : Henry, a traveling sales-
man, resident of Indianapolis; Oscar, superintendent of the Putnam county
schools; J. Elmer, an attorney at Lawton, Oklahoma; Charles B., under-
taker at Rosedale, Parke county, Indiana; Fred, a buggy dealer, of Green-
castle; Cleveland, a teacher in Putnam coimty; all but Henry and Charles
have been school teachers; Dora, widow of Charles Reeves, living at home,
is a^ trained nurse. Three of the daughters reached maturity. Eliza mar-
ried Charles J. Priest and died at the age of eighteen years ; Leona, a teacher,
married Edward Wiley and died at twenty-three years of age; Bertha, a
teacher, died at the age of twenty-three.
JOSEPH D. TORR.
Few families have left a more distinct impression upon Putnam county
than that of the Torrs, who have been identified with this section for over
eighty-two years. The first arrival reached here in 1828 when James moved
his brother William to Indiana with a six-horse team. James came himself
in 1842 and located near his brother. He at once secured the farm in Mad-
ison township which has figured so conspicuously in the family affairs and
been regarded as one of the county's landmarks. He first purchased two
hundred acres, whose only improvement was a log cabin. To this he
PUTNAM COLXTV. INDIANA. 67I
shortly afterward added two hundred acres more, and to the clearing, cul-
tivating and improving of this fine tract he devoted the rest of his life. The
present house was built in 1854 and at the time was regarded as one of the
finest countr}- residences in the county. It was constructed almost entirely
of a fine yellow poplar. This splendid tree, which grew nearby, was one
hundred feet to the first limb, two hundred feet in height and seven feet
in diameter. Sawed with an old fashioned upright saw, it made the lumber
for the house, including the frame, rafters and most of the interior work, as
well as the shingles. The finishing was done in black walnut and Mr. Torr
burned his own lime in log heaps. He devoted his place to the raising of
stock, grain and fruit, fed many cattle and other kinds of stock, practically
the entire farm being kept under cultivation all the time. He was friendly
to the cause of religion and his house and bam were open at all times for
services bv the itinerant ministers. He was a great friend of Asbury Uni-
versity, now DePauw, and provided one of the scholarships. In 1874 Mr.
Torr developed a stone quarry on his land, by the line of the Big Four rail-
road, which then ran through his place. He built a lime kiln and conducted
this industry for six years, the product being of sui^erior quality. Some
ten or fifteen men were employed at the start and this force was increased
to thirty-five or fifty. He had a passion for fine orchards and set several
acres in fruit trees. He was also a lover of flowers and took great pride in
his lawn, which was laid out with beautiful taste and ornamented with
shrubs, evergreens and various kinds of flowers. He was a self-educated
man. as three months would cover all the schooling he received. His death
occurred Tune 30, 1S80, as the result of an untoward accident. While re-
turning home from Greencastle, his buggy was struck by a train at the rail-
road crossing, his injuries resulting fatally a few hours later. His wife
died December 4, 1893, after becoming the mother of fourteen children.
Twelve of these, six sons and six daughters, reached maturity and nine are
living in 1910. }vlrs. Torr was an accomplished woman and learned German
in order that she might talk it to her children.
Joseph D. T(3rr, one of the sons, was born September 14, 1S56, and was
the first of the children to see the light of day in his father's new house. He
spent four years in the classical course at DePauw University. After leaving
the university he engaged as a coal dealer at Greencastle and carried on farm-
ing operations with his father. After the latter's death he formd a partner-
ship with his elder brother, William M., to conduct the stone quarries and
lime kiln. Joseph rented the home farm of his mother during her lifetime,
though he continued to live at Greencastle. He installed a crushing plant,
6^2 WEIK S HISTORY OF
and in company with his brother contracted to build bridges for the county,
furnish material for buildings and finally took charge of railroad bridge
work. The quarries closed when the railroad changed its route and left
them bv the wayside. The Torr Company had extensive contracts for all
stone work on the Big Four railroad, and later they secured contracts for two
years with the Vandalia railroad, since then shipping crushed stone to the
extent of ten carloads daily. Joseph Torr finally bought the old home farm,
and devotes it principally to stock feeding, several cars of stock being pre-
pared for market on the place every year. On March 4, 1885, Mr. Torr mar-
ried Josephine Cavins, of Bloomfield, Greene county, Indiana. Her father.
Col. Aden G. Cavins, commanded the Ninety-seventh Regiment Indiana
Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war. She is a graduate of DePauw
University, class of 1884. and was for a time one of the teachers. Mr. and
Mrs. Torr have had eight children : Aden Cavins. Maynard Deem, Harold
Livingston. Lucile, Helen, Josephine; Eleanor Matilda having died in child-
hood, and Margaret. Mr. Torr is a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon
fraternity. The original Torr' residence, or one that stood near the present
homestead, served as the first court house in the county, at least the first
court was held there.
-: DORSEY LEAKIN ANDERSON. ' '
In 1664 Edward Dorsey, of Essex. England, settled in :\Iar}iand on
land granted by the king.
Col. Edward Dorsey. a son. was commissioned as an officer of Colonial
troops, was a member of the House of Burgesses, was keeper of the great
seal and trustee of the port town of Annapolis, besides holding various other
positions of public trust from 1682 to 1704.
Rachel Dorsey. a descendant of Edward Dorsey. was married to
Cliarles Van Dyke Anderson, of Flemingsburg. Kentucky. Their son, Eli
D. Anderson, moved his family from Kentucky to Greencastle in 1862
and engaged in the hardware business under the firm name of Dorsey &
Anderson. Success followed this undertaking and ^Nlr. Anderson became a
man of considerable influence in local affairs. He was a member of the
Greencastle school board when the high school luiiiding on Elm street was
erected (1877). which, aside from the east college Iniilding and the court
house, was then the most beautiful piece of architecture in the city.
DORSEY L. ANDERSON
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 6/3
Among- Mr. Anderson's carehilly cherished papers were found, after
his .leath, letters from James A. Garfield. WiHiam H. Seward. Zachar>- Tay-
lor and several from Benjamin Harrison, all of which testify to the personal
regard and high estimation entertained for' Mr. Anderson bv the writers.
Dorsey Leakin Anderson, son of Eli D. and Eliza A. f Still well) Ander-
son, the youngest of a family of eleven children, was born October 20, 1863,
at the old Anderson home on Elm street. He graduated from the high school
and attended DePauw University until his sophomore year. When but
eighteen years of age he left college to take a position with Cole Brothers"
lightning rod factory and was in full charge of the factory at the time of his
death, which occurred September g, 1907.
Air. Anderson was keenly alive at all times to the welfare of the public
and there was no one more loyal to the interests of his native city. For
nearly fourteen years he had been treasurer of the city school board and it
was one of his rigid principles that all the money earned by public money
should revert to the public and in that time he turned many hundreds of
dollars into the treasury thereof. As a member of the board and also through
love for his own city he originated and became active in the movement to
secure a Carnegie Library' and it was principally to his perseverance and
energy that the present magnificent home of the library was built and it
will be a lasting monument to his memorj- along with that of its donor. One
of his mi«t clierished plans was to see a handsome high school building
erected on the "Xutt'' and adjoining property, for the purchase of which
he had long worked and had but finally consummated.
He was active in his political, religious and social relations at all times.
He was a member of the Christian church, sen-ed several times as treasurer
and at the time of his death was chairman of the parsonage building com-
mittee. In his lodge affiliations he was a Mason, a Knight Templar. Knight
of Pythias, reaching the title of major in its Uniform Rank, and was also a
member of the Modern Woodmen order.
On October i, 1890, Mr. Anderson was married at Oswego, Xew York,
to Xellie E.. daughter of Capt. W. S. Turner and Mary fMead) Turner.'
Mrs. Anderson graduated from the Oswego State Xormal School and taught
in DePauw University, also in the State X'ormal School at Winona. Minne-
sota. The only son of .Mr. and Mrs. .Anderson. Dorsey Mead, born June
13. 1894, is a student in the Greencastle high school.
Tlie following is included in the minutes of the board of education under
date of September 10. 1907:
(43)
674
WEIK S HISTORY OF
"Dorsey L. Anderson, October 20, 1863— September 9, 1907.
"Our treasurer, our co-worker, has passed from labor to reward.
"In an old record under date of July i, 1893. 'S to be found a minute
sioiied 'D. L. Anderson, Act. Pres." It is subscribed to the minutes contain-
ing a memorial in honor of the Hon. Marshall A. Mo<3re. who signed the
preceding minutes of July 19th. Like his predecessor. Mr. Anderson at-
tended the meeting of the board preceding the one that records his memorial.
It was the evening of August 23rd. 07. He was a sick man then, but work
called him and his habit was to answer. Every school board for fourteen
years has known Dorsey L. Anderson as a worker. He was each year loaded
with the onerous duties of the school city's treasurer. He has introduced a
svstem of bookkeeping that is a model for simplicity and comprehensiveness.
"D. L. Anderson was thoroughly indoctrinated in the gospel of work.
He was a good planner ; but a good plan was unsatisfactory to him ; his joy
was complete when working the plan out. The impractical plan, no matter
how seemingly reasonable, must be abandoned. He was ver>- generally
right ; but if he sometimes saw more clearly the material side than the culture
phase of school needs, it was because he was pre-eminently a business man.
It was his wish to act for the best, and if he was sometimes mistaken in the
worth of an end he sought to attain, it was because of the warmth of his im-
pulses; nor was he ever known to continue such a proposition after having
time to deliberate.
"Possessing a lightning-like business perception and great promptness
in acting, he always carried more than his full share of every burden. If no
one else was against the load, he pushed it along alone. He won many vic-
tories, but if he had any tendency to self-congratulation over them, it was not
discovered ; he had not time between battles to display it. He coveted friends
and he had them, most among those who knew him best, and if he sometimes
trampled the grain in someone's pet field, it was because he saw the object
of attack onlv and was going straight toward it. He was ambitious. Ambi-
tion is a most valuable asset. But he was public-spirited and liberally divided
that asset with his city. Owing to his official capacity the city's educational
interest has received its full sharg. This is to be seen in school buildings
sanitarv in appointment, aesthetic in decoration, modern in equipment; in
the public librarv; in increased playgrounds for children; ground acquired
for the needed new high school building; in all these he has borne his full
share and as much more as he could get his shoulder under.
"The profound svmpathy of each member of this board goes out in its
PUTNAM COUXTV, IN'DIAXA. 675
fullness to the wife bereaved of a stalwart companion, a ter.der husband, and
to the son. himself dangerously ill and unconscious of his father's fall, for
he will need the father's gxiiding hand and will miss the father's solicitous
care for him."
JAMES EDG.\R HOUCK.
Xot alone are those worth}- of biographic honors who have moved
along the loftier planes of action, but to an equal extent are those deserving
wh(3 are of the rank and file of the world's workers, for they are not less
the conservators of public prosperity and material advancement. In these
pages will be found mention of worthy citizens of all vocations, and at this
juncture we are pennitted to oflfer a resume of the career of one of the sub-
stantial and highly esteemed representatives of the agricultural interests of
Putnam county, of which he is the popular commissioner, serving his con-
stituents in a manner that elicits their hearty praise, and where he and his
family are well known, the Iloucks having been prominent in this locality
for several generations.
^Ir. Houck was born September 5. 1855. For a full history of his
parents and other members of the family the reader is directed to the sketch
of David Houck. appearing on another page of this work. He spent his
boyhood on the home farm in Madison township and on the day he was
twelve years of age his parents brought him to the farm where he now lives.
He received a verv serviceable education in the local schools and decided early
in life to devote his attention to farming, in which line he has been ver}-
successful. From 1876 to 1892 he was associated with his brother. John, a
sketch of whom is to be found elsewhere in this book: in fact, they are still
in partnership in the stock business, although they divided their real es-
tate in 190J. James E. taking the old home place, the present home having
been l;uilt by John Gilmore about 1861. but it has been thoroughly over-
hauled and modernized. One of the bams was built about 1845 by Mr. Gil-
more, the other was built by the present owner of the place, the first barn
being of hewn timbers. In 1892 the father, David Houck. left the farm.
This place is near Hamrick Station, six miles from Greencastle, on the Van-
dalia railroad. O. X. Houck. son of David, also owns a fine farm near
there.
James E. Houck was married December 21. 1882. to Flora Landes,
daughter of Christian Landes. A full sketch of this family is to be found
676
WEIK S HISTORY OF
elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Houck are the parents of
one son, David W., now sixteen years old, and a student in the Greencastle
high school.
Mr. Houck has a fine farm, which he has managed in such a manner
as to stamp him as a man fully abreast of the times in all agricultural matters
and as a stock man he ranks second to none in his township.
Although he has always been a very busy man, Mr. Houck has found
time to take an interest in county affairs, and in November, 1908, he was
elected county commissioner from the third district, having been selected at
the primaries, and his record has been so satisfactory that he was re-nom-
inated at the recent primaries. He is a man in whom his neighbors and
friends have always reposed the utmost confidence and respect.
JAMES M. TRUSEDEL.
The career of the widely-known and public-spirited citizen whose name
appears above affords an impressive example of what energy, directed and
controlled by correct moral principles, can accomplish in overcoming an un-
favorable environment and lifting its possessor from a comparatively humble
origin to a position of usefulness and comparative affluence.
James M. Trusedel was bom in Hamilton county, Illinois, in 1857, and
is a son of James H. and Mary (Yates) Trusedel. The former was born in
Maysville, Kentuckv, November 26, 1828, and the latter was born in the
state of Ohio April 21, 1826. She died June 21, 1S76, when her son, the
subject of this sketch, was about nienteen years old. In about 1858 the
family moved from Illinois to Putnam county, Indiana, locating in Jefferson
township, where the father carried on fanning operations the remainder of
his life, his death occurring December 29, 1908. James H. and Mary
(Yates) Trusedel had six children, viz: John, born May 19, 1850, died
Februarv- 5. 1879; Jesse, born October 24. 1851, lives on a farm in Clover-
dale township, married Johanna Dix. no children: William H, Trusedel,
born December 2, 1854, and died October 12, 1873: James M., of this re-
view; Benjamin Franklin, born December 18, 1859. and died August 7,
1893: Maiy Jane Trusedel, born February 14, 1865, married Joe Young,
and died January 7, 1886.
James M. Trusedel's grandfather was Jesse Trusedel, born in Kentucky
April 12, 1806. On February 4. 1828. he married Harriet Sparks, born
PUTXAM COL'XTY. IXDIAXA. 677
September 14. 1805. in Kentucky, and they had five children, viz: James
H. (father of subject), born Xovember 26. 1828: Hilary A., born Xovember
4. 1830. and died September 19. 1849; William H. Triisedel. bom February
4. 1837, and lives on a farm south of Cloverdale. having married Jane
Piercy and they had tliree children, only one living. Hattie, who lives in
Kentucky: the fourth child was Jesse Trusedel. bom December 4. 1839,
married Rebecca Steele, and had three children, two living. Andrew and
Mrs. Belle Watson: John 'SI., born June 2S. 1842. married Mattie Sackett.
and had two children, one living. Mrs. Hattie r^IcGill.
James ]\[. Trusedel was reared on the farm until the age of sixteen or
seventeen years, when he started out on his own account, working by the
month for others. At the time of his marriage, in 1881. he began farming
for himself in Jefferson township, but afterwards moved to Cloverdale town-
ship, and still later to Warren township. Five years after his marriage he
bought a farm of eighty acres in the eastern part of Cloverdale township, in
the Eel river bottom, but about three years later he moved back to a small
fami which he owned in Jefferson township, where he lived during the fol-
lowing se\en or eight years. In 1900. selling both of his farms, he bought
one hundred and sixty acres of good land in \\'arren and JefiFerson town-
ships, the place being bounded on the south by the Cloverdale town.ship line.
Here he lived until about 1905. when he bought residence property in Clover-
dale. which he soon afterwards sold and bought another property in the
same town, where he now makes his home. He continues the operation of
the farm, which he has maintained at a high standard of excellence and
which is a source of considerable income. It is well improved in every re-
spect and is considered one of the good farms of the locality.
On April 7. 1881. Air. Trusedel was united in marriage to Lucretia
Wright, the daughter of William Wright, and to them have been born five
children. Elmer. Ethel. Fred. James and William. Mrs. Tmsedel died on Aug-
ust 17. 1895. and on April 7, 1897. he married Arrettia Miller, daughter of
Thomas and Equilla ( Stierwalt) ]\[il!er. She was born two and a half
miles west of Gosport. Indiana, both of her parents also being natives of
this state, the father born near Gosport and the mother near Ouincy. Owen
county. Mrs. Trusedel's paternal grandparents were Bryce and Elizabeth
(Glover) Miller, the latter being a daughter of William and Xancy Glover.
The Glovers were originally from Virginia, while the Millers came from the
Carolinas. Equilla (Stierwalt) Miller was a daughter of Frederick and
Janie (.Asher) Stierwalt. At the age of fifteen years Frederick Stierwalt
ran awav from his Carolina home and went to Kentucky, and about four
678 weik's history of
years later came to Owen county, Indiana, locating about a mile and a half
north of Gosport. He accompanied William Asher from Kentucky and after
coming here he married the latter's daughter Janie. He entered a tract of
government land in the northwestern part of Morgan county, east of Emin-
ence, and subsequently entered several other tracts, at one time owning an
entire section of land south of Ouinc}-, Owen county, though some land
\vas sold from time to time. Frederick Stierwalt was the father of ten
children, of which number Equilla was the eighth in order of birth. To Air.
and Mrs. Trusedel have been born four children, namely: Glen M., Gale T.,
Glee O. M. and Gladys Dorthia. Of the children by his first union, Elmer
married Lena McKamey, daughter of John and Ella McKamey, and they
live in Jefferson township, being the parents of four children, Austin, Velva,
Vesta and Eugene, Vesta dying at the age of fourteen months ; Ethel is
the wife of James Scott, living on the old Scott farm in Warren township,
and they have two children, Lucile and Marcellus ; Fred, who operates a
farm in Jefferson township, married Elsie Grissom, and they have two chil-
dren. Albert and Earl; James makes his home with his brother Fred; Wil-
liam died October 28, 1904, at the age of thirteen years. The children by
the second marriage, the eldest of who is eleven years old, are all at home
with their parents.
Mr. Trusedel is noted for his industrious habits and good management.
During his earlier years he was, by dint of necessity, compelled to practice
the most rigid economy and this habit of husbanding his resources was one
of the keynotes to his future success. He established a reputation for relia-
bility and sound judgment and met with gratifying success in every line of
effort to which he applied himself. For over twenty years he has been in
the threshing machine business, covering a wide field from Martinsville
through ^Morgan, Owen, Clay and Putnam counties, and in this territory he
enjoys a large acquaintance. Religiously he and his wife are members of the.
Christian church, to which they give an earnest support.
JOHN ERANXEMAX.
One of the leading agriculturalists of Cloverdale township is John
Branneman, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, June 19, 185 1. the son of
Jacob and Elizabeth ( Stillinger) Branneman and the grandson of Daniel
Branneman. The father came to Ohio from \'irginia with his parents, and
PUTNAM COLNTV. INDIANA. 6/9
there he married Elizabeth Stillinger. She was born in Darmstadt. Gennany,
and was brought to America by her parents when eight years of age, the
voyage across the Atlantic requiring sixty-three days, owing to persistent
high winds against the old-fashioned sailing vessel on which they made the
trip. The Stillingers and Brannemans were of German blood. Daniel Bran-
neman and wife, being German born, spoke more of that language than they
did of English.
In 1S54 John Branneman came to Indiana with his father and located
in Jefferson township, but he soon came to Cloverdale township, where the
father bought a farm three or four miles southwest of Cloverdale, con-
sisting of one hundred and twenty acres and there spent the rest of his days,
dying in 1865, and his wife, mother of John, of this review, died at Clover-
dale, in March, 1893.
John Branneman grew up on the home farm southwest of Cloverdale,
he being the fifth child in a family of eight children, named as follows : Joseph
married and is now deceased, one daughter surviving him. named Almeda;
Samuel married and li\ed in the eastern part of Cloverdale township, where
he died, leaving seven children ; Marilla married Frederick Wander and lives
south of Cloverdale; she died leaving one son and one daughter; Lydia lives
at Boulder, Colorado; Emma, the sixth child, married Henry Sacket, a
soldier in the Union army during the Civil war; he died in this county and
liis widow moved to Colorado City, Colorado; five children were born to
them. William grew to maturity in Cloverdale township, but lives at present
in Indianapolis, is married and had seven children, three dead, four living.
Charlie died when twenty-four years of age. unmarried.
John Branneman grew to maturity in Cloverdale township and with the
rest of the children, attended the public schools. On October 2^. 1877, he
married Telitha Davis, daughter of Arabian and Kizzia (Williams) Davis.
Mrs. Branneman was born west of Cloverdale in Cloverdale township, where
slie lived until her marriage and where she was educated. Her father was
bom in Xurth Carolina and when a child his parents moved to near Nash-
ville. Tennessee, where he married and where five of his children were born.
This family came to Indiana about 1835. living in Owen county for a time,
later coming to Putnam county, and about 1850 bought the old home place
where Mrs. Branneman was bom. She was the youngest of thirteen chil-
dren. There her parents reared their children and spent the balance of their
days, owning one hundred and forty acres of land. Mr. Davis died Decem-
ber 4. 1886. and Mrs. Davis died .\pril i. i8Sj.
After their marriage Mr. and ^Irs. Branneman lived two years on his
68o weik's history of
father's farm, then moved to the east part of Cloverdale township and bought
one hundred and nineteen acres and hved there sixteen years. He got an
excellent start and then bought the fine farm where he now resides in section
4, east part of Cloverdale township. He follows diversified farming and has
been ver\' successful. He has divided up his land among his children, still
retaining enough to insure him a comfortable income, but is not now so
actively engaged in farming as fomierly.
To Mr. and Mrs. Branneman eight children have been born, six of
whom are li\ing at this writing, one dying in infancy. They are Retha Elta,
who marrietl \'erley O. Greenlee and lives in the east part of Cloverdale
township, is the mother of one son. Delbert; Cora Annis is living at home
with her parents; Hattie Jane married Cass Broadstreet and lived on the
farm a.djoining that of her father, where she died February 19, 1907; her
three children all preceded her to the grave: Oren Reginald married Bonnie
]May Rule and li\'es on the old home place where her father formerly lived in
the east part of Cloverdale township; Flossie married Vetta O. Mann and lives
one and one-half miles northeast of her father's present home; she has one
son. Gerna: Ezra died in infancy; Clarence is at home with his parents;
Hazel is also a member of the home circle.
Mr. Branneman is a Democrat, but not an office seeker; however, he has
been on the advisory board of his township for a period of eight years, a
position which he still holds, but which he did not seek : he very ably dis-
charges the duties of the same and if he would consent to do so his neighbors
and friends would be very glad to confer upon him many local favors in the
\\a\- of offices, but he prefers to lead a quiet home life and look after the in-
terests of his family. He and his wife are both members of the Christian
church.
BEXTOX C. BURKETT.
One of the highly honored and successful farmers of the past genera-
tion in Putnam county whose name should be perpetuated in his country's
history was Benton C. Burkett. who was born in 1822 in Russell township,
in the pioneer days, and he lived to see and take part in the great subsequent
development of this county. He was the son of Abram and Catherine
(Hire) Burkett. who came from North Carolina very early. They lived
to advanced ages. Benton C. Burkett grew up in much the same manner as
PLTXAM COUXTY, INDIANA. 68l
Other children of first settlers, learning what hard work meant when hut a
small boy, and being compelled to forego the advantages of higher learning.
When he reached maturity he married Rebecca Xutgrass, daughter of Har-
rison and Xancy (Johnson) Xutgrass, of Clinton township, her parents
being from Kentucky. Rebecca was born in 1S30 and she was four years of
age when her parents settled in this vicinit}'.
Benton C. Burkett first located in Russell township, and began clearing
land and de\"eloping a farm, adding to his first holdings until he owned about
twelve hundred acres of valuable land and was regarded as one of the leading
farmers and substantial citizens of this part of the county in his day and
generation. All of his land was in Russell township and was so managed
as to yield him a ver\' satisfactory income from year to year. He also dealt
extensively in livestock and was successful in whatever he undertook. He
had the confidence of all his neighbors, which he never betrayed, for he was
upright in all his relations with his fellow men.
The death of this well remembered and influential citizen occurred on
August II. 1879, at the age of fifty-seven years, six months and fifteen days.
}ilrs. Burkett died on August 2. 1894, at the age of sixty-four years, three
months and one day. They are buried at the old Blakesburg cemetery. They
were members of the Dunkard church at Ladoga, twelve miles distant: they
also attended the Little \\'alnut church, about seven and one-half miles
distant. This congregation held services frequently at the old L'niversalist
church at Blakesburg,
To Mr. and ;\[rs. Benton C. Burkett eleven children were born, all
living at this writing, named as follows : Xancy C, commonly known as
"X'an," married Joseph A. Thomas, whose sketch appears elsewhere; Rudy
H.. of Greencastle; Sarah E. married Milt Bowers, of Franklin township;
Rachael ^L married Sanford Bales, of Russell township; Mary Jane is the
widow of Henry Crodian and lives on a part of her father's land; Sophia A.
married Walter Gosling, of Franklin township; F. Marion lives on a part of
his father's estate; Dulcina D. married James Skillman, of Franklin town-
ship; Susan Edna married \\'illiam Obenchains and lives on the old home-
stead; Effie B. married Charles Shannon and lives on part of her father's
estate; Ida Olivia married Harvey Gardner, of Roachdale. They all live in
Putnam countv, as do also all of the Thomas children.
682 weik's history of
WILL] AM JEFFERSOX FLORER.
The mission of a great soul in this world is one that is calculated to in-
spire a multitude of others to hetter and grander things, and its subsequent
influence can not be measured in metes anil bounds, for it affects the lives
of those with whom it comes in contact, broadening and enriching them for
all time to come. Such thoughts are inspired by a contemplation of the
eminently worthy career of William Jefferson Florer. who, although long
since a pilgrim to "the sunset land of souls," left such a record behind him
as to influence for good the li\es of many who remember him, for his efforts
proved of the greatest value to his fellow citizens as well as to himself. He
so shaped his career along worthy lines and directed them along well defined
channels of endeavor as to stamp him as a man of distinct force and indi-
viduality, of marked sagacity, of undaunted enterprise, yet a man who was
genial, courteous and easily approached; consequently his career was such
as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world and his activity
in industrial, commercial and financial circles forms no unimportant chapter
in the history of the state honored by his citizenship.
Mr. Florer was born in Newport, Indiana. February 12, 1834, the scion
of a fine old pioneer family, noted for their piety and hospitality, qualities
that characterized his entire life. He was reared to manhood in Vermillion
county, Indiana, where he attended the graded schools and afterward the
seminarv' at Newport. He made the best possible use of every opportunity
and received a very serviceable education which in later life was greatly
augmented by home reading and by contact with the world. It was indeed
interesting, in later life, to listen to his quaint and charmingly told reminis-
cences of the early days, of the vast changes he witnessed and took part in
and of the marked difference in the modes and customs of a half century,
the most interesting in the history of the state. He remained in Vermillion
countv until 1S61. then moved to Coles county. Illinois, where he lived
until the early seventies, successfully continuing his chosen vocation — bank-
ing.
Believing that an excellent opportunity existed in Wabasha. Minnesota,
to engage in the banking business, he moved to that place and established
such an institution, which was so sanely and conseni-atively managed by him
that it was well patronized and won a reputation for being one of the sound-
est and safest banks in that country. Mr. Florer soon becoming one of the
most influential men in financial and other circles of that place, being con-
sulted on matters of financial import by people of all classes and religions.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
685
He remained in Wabasha until the final summons came to close his earthly
accounts, on July 21, 1881. the community losing one of its most highly
respected and valued citizens.
Mr. Florer was married at Newport. Indiana, on July 19. 1S57. to IMary
Ann Louise Washburn, daughter of James Elliott and Mary Ann (Cain)
Washburn, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts, respectively, each repre-
sentatives of sterling New England families. :\Irs. Florer was educated in
the Vermillion County Seminary and developed int(5 a woman of rare charm
of character and a fit companion for her worthy husband, \\ith whom she
sympathized and encouraged in his unilertakings. She moved to Green-
castle, Indiana, soon after his death in order to get the benefit of the schools
for her children, and she has resided here continuously since 188 J. She has
long been a favorite with a host of warm personal friends here who 'delight
in the genial sunshine of her declining years which are replete with good
and permeated by a wholesome atmosphere.
To Mr. anil Mrs. William J. Florer four children were born, named as
follows: Clara Collett married Dr. Frank H. Lammers, late a well known
physician of Greencastle, now deceased, ]\Irs. Lammers still making her
home here, a full sketch of the Doctor appearing on another page of this
work. Dana Washburn is. deceased. Warren Washburn. A. B.. graduated
from DePauw University in 1890. receiving the degrees of Master of Arts and
Doctor of Philosophy; he then became assistant professor of German in
the University of Michigan. Of him. "Who's Who in America" has the fol-
lowing sketch: "Member of Modern Languages Association of America:
Das Konigliche Deutsche Seminar, Leipzig University; Der Acadamie Neu-
phil Verein of Germany; Delta Tau Delta; Sons of American Revolution;
Free and Accepted Masons; contributor to 'Poet Lore' and educational maga-
zines ; author of various text books and studies in German literature." Laura
Lelia. a teacher in the Greencastle public schools, graduated from DePauw
Universitv in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. She is a member of
the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Mr. Florer was a [Methodist and a liberal supporter of the church, and
Mrs. Florer has also been a faithful member of this denomination since her
vouth. Mr. Florer was a Republican in politics, and fraternally he was a
Mason, having attained the Royal Arch degree. He was a truly good and
useful man. successful, and worthy of the high esteem in which he was uni-
versallv held. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. John W.
Rav and he was laid to rest in beautiful Riverview cemetery', as he desired,
"with stately bluffs standing untiring sentinels and the mighty Mississippi
684 weik's history of
singing an eternal requiem." The Sabbath following Mr. Florer's demise,
his good friend. Father Trobec. later Bishop Trobec, pronounced a eulog\'
in St. Feli.x's church— a wonderful tribute.
CHARLES B. BRIDGES.
Charles B. Bridges, late successful farmer of Franklin township, Put-
nam county, clearly demonstrated what an honest, earnest, hardworking man
can accomplish, although he had to hew his own fortune from the obstacles
that beset his way, for he started life with no great aid from anyone. But
he was industrious and economical, so that he became the owner of a fine
farm and had a competency so that he was able to enjoy an old age of com-
fort and quiet. He was born March 19. 1854, in Russell township, and
was the son of Robert L. and Catherine (Leaton) Bridges, the former a
native of Montgomery county, Kentucky, and he was four years old when
his parents brought him to Putnam county, Indiana. He was the son of
Charles Bolds Bridges, who was a native of Kentucky. He married Rachael
O. Lockridge. Thev came to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1835 and remained
here the rest of their lives, Mr. Bridges being a farmer and a store-keeper,
and he became well and favorably known here. Robert L. Bridges was
three years old when he was brought to Putnam county. Here he grew to
maturitv, was educated, married and reared a family of three daughters and
four sons, named as follows: Charles B., John L., William B., Clay D.,
Marv- Alice, Bettie and Rachael. Mary A. became the wife of J. C. Wil-
liams; Bettie became the wife of H. C. Cooper: Rachael married Grant
Williams.
Charles B. Bridges was the oldest of the family and he began working
on the farm and attending the district schools during the winter months,
remaining on the farm with his father until twenty-one years of age.
Mr. Bridges married Alman J. Hymer, daughter of Jesse P. Hymer, a
highly respected citizen of this county, their wedding occurring in March,
1875. Two children have been born to this union, namely: Laura C, born
August 2T,, 1877. died September 13th, following: Xellie. born May 31,
1879, received a common school education and is now the wife of Alonzo
McGaughev, a furniture dealer and undertaker in Russellville. Indiana.
Mr. Bridges was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well
improved and productive land in Franklin township, which he carefully
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. ' 685
tilled, but he later retired from active farm work. His death occurred on
April 10, 1910. He was very successful in his life work and was surrounded
by the evidences of thrift of his earlier years of endeavor.
Mrs. Bridges is a member of the Universalist church at Fincastle, hav-
ing been active in the good work many years. Politically he was a Demo-
crat, but he never had an ambition to be a party leader or an office holder,
preferring to lead a quiet, unassuming, honorable and straightforward life,
consequently he wi~>n the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.
JOHN L. BRIDGES.
Among the representative farmers and honored citizens of Franklin
township, Putnam county, is John L. Bridges, who has found it to his best
interests to remain in his native community, and, judging from the eminent
success that has attended his efforts, he was wise in doing so. for he is the
owner of one of the finest farms in the northern part of the county and he is
carrying on the \'arious departments of his enterprise with that discretion
and energx' which always find their natural sequence in definite success if
persisted in. To such men as ^[r. Bridges we turn with particular satis-
faction as oftering in their life histories justification for works of this char-
acter, owing to the life of honesty and sobriety he has led and his energetic
nature and patriotic spirit. His birth occurred here on August 13, 1S58, and
he is the son of Robert L. and Catherine ( Leaton ) Bridges, the former being
the son of Charles B. Bridges, who was a native of Kentucky and who came
to Putnam county, Indiana, about 1835, settling in Russell township, spend-
ing the remainder of his life in this county. He was a man of sterling prin-
ciples and a hardy pioneer. His son, Robert L., was four years old when
the family moved to Putnam county. The son grew to maturity here and
assisted with the hard work of clearing and developing a farm in a new
cinmtrv-. Besides farming he later in life successfully conducted a mercan-
tile establishment at Fincastle, Franklin township, for a period of fifteen
years. He also traded in stock and was widely known and highly respected.
Flis wife, Catherine Leaton, was born in Putnam county. Indiana, the
daughter of John Leaton, an early settler and prominent farmer, who was a
justice of the peace many years. He died in August, 1904.
To Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bridges seven children were born, namelv :
Charles B. ; AFary .V. is the wife of James C. Williams: John L., of this re-
686 weik's history of
view; William B. ; Clay B. : Elizabeth is the wife of Clay Cooper; Rachael
is the wife of Grant Williams.
John L. Bridges was reared on the home farm in Franklin township
and. as already intimated, has resided in the township all his life. As soon
as he was old enough he began working on his father's farm and attended
the district schools during the winter months; he also took one years work
at the Danville Normal School, then gave his entire attention to farming.
Mr. Bridges was married on October 6, 1881, to Vina Harris, who was
bom and reared at Carpentersville. this county, her birth occurring on
August 12. 1863, and she grew to maturity there, being educated in the dis-
trict schools of her home town, where the Harris family had become well
known and influential people. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Bridges, namely : Hettie A., who died when fourteen years of age, and
Chasie, who was born in 1886, was a student at Western College, Oxford,
Ohio ; she married Franz O. Myers, and they live near Ladoga, Montgomery
county. Indiana; two children have been born to them, Howard B. and
Aladona.
Mr. Bridges has been veiy successful as a farmer and stockman, because
he has been a hard worker, a good manager and has been quick to seize
opportunities at the right time. He is now the owner of three hundred and
twenty acres, all in Franklin township, which is under a high state of culti-
vation and is well improved in every respect and ranks with the best farms
in this part of the county. He started out as a farmer with only eighty acres
of land, but he has so managed his business as to reap the large rewards that
always attend properly applied principles of business. He skillfully rotates
his crops so as to get the best results and at the same time preserve the
strength of the soil. He has an attractively located, comfortable and nicely
furnished home, excellent barns and outbuildings. — in fact, all that goes to
make a complete and desirable rural home.
Mr. and Mrs. Bridges are members of the Universalist church at Fin-
castle. Indiana. Politically. Mr. Bridges is a Republican and. while he has
been too busv to take any special interest in politics, he has always been
readv to do his just share in promoting the county's interests in any way.
He was elected countv commissioner from the first district by seventy-nine
votes when the countv was six hundred Democratic, and he very acceptably
and faithfully served in that capacity for a period of three years, from 1895
to 189S. giving the utmost satisfaction to all concerned, irrespective of party
alignment. The fact that he was elected to this office in the face of such over-
whelming odds is certainly evidence enough of his high standing in the com-
munitv and of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens.
PL'TNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 687
BEXJAMIX F. WALLS.
Agriculture has been the true source of man"s dominion on eanh e\er
since the primal existence of labor and it has ever since controlled, for the
most part, all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energ\- have
been devoted. Among this sturdy element of Putnam county whose labors
have profited alike themselves and their neighbors is Benjamin F. Walls.
who owns a good farm in Jackson township, where he was bom on March
7. 1S70. He is the son of William and Mary (X'orris) Walls, the father
being a nati\e of Buone county. Indiana ; he followed farming and was \'erv
successful in his life and he and his wife were highly respected.
Benjamin F. Walls was reared on the farm which he began working
when a mere lad. the home place being situated three-fourths of a mile from
where he now lives. He attended the district schools in the winter months
and became fairly well educated, leaving school when about eighteen years
of age. and he has continued farming ever since, having first rented land
when he began life for himself. Being economical and a hard worker, he
soon accumulated enough to purchase a place of his own. his present farm
consisting of ninety-six acres in section i6. Jackson township, which he has
carefully managed and which has yielded him a good income. He has a
comfortable home and he devoted considerable time to stock raising, feeds
and ships cattle and hogs in large numbers and owing to his intimate knowl-
edge of the stock business he has been very successsful in this line.
Politically yiv. A\'alls is a Democrat and he has long been active in local
aftairs. He was elected trustee of Jackson township in X'ovember, 1908,
assuming charge of the ofifice in January, 1909. which he has since conducted
in an able and conscientious manner and to the entire satisfaction of all con-
cerned. He is regarded as straightforward and honorable in all his dealings
with his fellow men and he and his family bear a good reputation.
Air. Walls was married in 1890 to xAnna E. Dickerson, who was born
in Montgomery county, Indiana, August 26. 1868. where her family was
well and favorably known. She is a daughter of Floyd and Elizabeth (Pen-
nington) Dickerson, both natives of Indiana, where they were married. He
was engaged to marry before the late war and carried his sweetheart's picture
with him when he was fighting for the maintenance of the Union. After
the war he married and settled down to farming. He continued through
life a Democrat, but never aspired to ofifice. He formerl_\- was a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; later he withdrew from his lodge
work. Six children blessed their union. Emma S. (second wife of the sub-
638 WEIK S HISTORY OF
ject. whom she married in 1898). Charles, W'ilham, James, Hattie (Mrs.
Daniel Shackleford) and Anna E. Mrs. Anna Walls died on June 12, 1895,
no chiklren having been born to the union, and in 1898 Mr. Walls married
her sister. Emma S.
JOHN BRECKEXRIDGE BURRIS.
John Breckenridge Burris was born in Putnam county, Indiana, Sep-
tember 5, 1859. the son of James A. and Mary A. (Piercy) Burris. each
representative families, the father born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, where
he spent his boyhood and where his people were well known for several
o-enerations. James A. Burris received a fairly good education in the com-
mon schools of the early days and he began working on a farm wheti a mere
lad. He devoted his life to agricultural pursuits with a reasonable measure
of success, being a good manager and honorable in his dealings with his
fellow men. His farm in Jefferson township, Putnam county, was one of
the best tilled in that locality. He died some time ago, his widow surviving,
being well known in this locality, where she has many friends, having spent
her "life in this county where she was born. Four children were born, of
whom two sun-ive Mrs. Burris : James Clay, deceased ; William Sims ; Mary
Ellen (deceased), and John Breckenridge, of this review.
The last named spent his boyhood days on the paternal homestead, where
he assisted with the work during the crop season, attending the district
schools during the winter time, later graduating from the high school, and
Purdue University in 1888. with the degree of Bachelor of Science, having
made an excellent record there for scholarship.
Mr. Burris married Harriet McCoy, on October 25, 1899. » lady of ex-
cellent educational attainments, having graduated from DePauw University
in the class of 1898. She is the daughter of James H. and Ellen (Utterback)
McCoy, both natives of Putnam county and representatives of old families.
;Mr. Burris carries on extensive farming interests with an energy and
discretion that always result in success, having made a very careful study of
'•intense'" farming, employing as far as possible scientific methods in farming
and stock raising. Some fine specimens of livestock are to be found on his
place at all times. His land is well improved in every respect and his is one
of the attractive and desirable farms of Putnam county. He has a comfort-
PUTXA.M COUNTY, INDIANA. OO9
able residence and gocal outbuildings. He has added very extensively to the
estate left him by his father. Although his residence is in Cloverdale, he
operates his farm himself. He is widely regarded as an authority on all
agricultural questions, having devoted his life to studying the same. He is
deeply interested in institute work and is widely known as a well informed
and interesting lecturer on agriculture. He was at one time president of the
Imliana Corn Growers' Association, his work in the same resulting in the
accomplishment of much good and the fostering of new enthusiasm.
Mr. Burris has traveled extensively, having made a trip around the
world which greatly broadened his views, having observed many things
which will be of permanent and inestimable value to him. In every sphere
of endeavor in which Mr. Burris has taken part, his unpretending bearing and
integrity have elevated him in the contidence of his fellow men.
JAMES M. OWSLEY.
The rec(jrd of the gentleman whose name introduces this article con-
tains no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well defined
purposes which, carried to successful issue, have won for him an infiuential
place in business circles and high personal standing among his fellow citi-
zens. His life work has been one of unceasing industn,- and perseverance,
and the systematic and honorable methods he has ever followed have resulted
not only in gaining the confidence of those with whom he has had dealings,
but also in the building up of a large industry.
James M. Owsley is a native of the old Blue Grass state, having been born
in Cumberland county. Kentucky. May 3, 1856. the son of Oscar and
Almira (Aliddleton) Owsle}', who were highly respected and honorable peo-
ple, spending their lives on a farm in that state, rearing their son, James M.,
to farm work, alternating the same with work in the district schools. While
yet a young man he went to Missouri, where he continued farming and at-
tending school until he was about seventeen years of age. when he started in
life for himself, having gained the consent of his parents. Having heard of
the opportunities existing in Putnam county, Indiana, he came here, his total
capital upon arriving aggregating something o\er one dollar. But even at
that early age he manifested traits of character that never fail to win in the
battle of life, for he was courageous, was not afraid of hard work and was
not overawed at seeminglv insurmountable obstacles. He soon hired out as
(44)
690
WEIK S HISTORY OF
a farm hand at from eighteen to twenty-one dollars per month, and. having
faith in his future aljility to make money, he was not especially economical
at that period, spending most all he made until his marriage, which event
took place on Fehruan,' 19. 1879. His choice for a life partner was Mary
E. Sutherlin, who was born in Jackson township, this county, the daughter
of a well known family there. His father-in-law furnished the young couple
a place to live. Prospering, in a short time he purchased the place and he
has ever since been gradually climbing to the front until he has become of
the leading agriculturists of Jackson township, owning at one time four
hundred and forty acres of rich land which he placed under an excellent
state of cultivation and improvement. He proved to be a good manager and
made few mistakes in the management of his large affairs. Having given
his son-in-law help in buying a farm near his home he now owns three hun-
dred and twenty acres. Most of his present handsome competence he has
made unaided by skillful fanning and the judicious handling of stock, having
long been accustomed to raising and selling large numbers from year to
year while for several years he has bought and fed cattle for market. He
introduced the breed of Shorthorn cattle which are proving to be a great
stride for this country.
Mrs. Owsley has been of great assistance to her husband in his every-
day affairs in the way of encouragement and sane counsel. She owns stock
in the Roachdale Bank, also in the Central National Bank at Greencastle.
Thev ha\e a pleasant and attractively located home, well furnished and
commodious, and the outbuildings on the place are all that could be desired.
One daughter. Alma, has been born to this union, her birth occurring
on December 24. 1884. She is a graduate of the Roachdale high school and
is the wife of Allie Miller, of Jackson township, a member of a prominent
family of the county.
Mr. and Mrs. Owsley are members of the Christian church, of which
Mr. Owslev has been elder. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never taken
much interest in political affairs, preferring to devote all his time to his
individual affairs: however, he may always be depended upon to lend his
support in the promotion of any movement looking to the general good of
Putnam countv.
AAROX B. STEWART.
The subject of this sketch has spent his useful and unusually active life
in Putnam county, antl he has always had deeply at heart the well being
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 69I
and improvement of the community with the result that he has always been
held in high esteem by all who knew him, as were his ancestors. He was
bom in the house where he now lives in Jackson township. September 8,
1S58. the son of Lewis H. and Elizabeth (Gillen) Stewart, highly respected
people. Thev were the parents of eleven children. Aaron B. being the
fourth in order of birth. He was reared on the home farm, which he
worked when he became of proper age. attending the district schools in the
winter time, remaining at home until his marriage with Lilly Keithy. daugh-
ter of Doctor Keithy, a well known local physician. To this union one
daughter, Lillie, was born, who became the wife of Rev. Arthur Hackleman,
of Montpelier. Luliana. Mrs. Lilly Keithy Stewart died when this
child was born, and Mr. Stewart married Mar}- Hixon in December, 1878.
She was born February 25. 1858. in Parke county, wdiere she was reared
and educated, and she is the daughter of Michael Hixon. a successful farmer
wdio lived on the land his grandfather entered from the government in a
ver}- earlv day. They first located on the farm where he lived, but later
moved to a farm in Franklin township. Two sons were born of this union,
namelv : Otto M. born November 25. 1SS8. is living at home and is a grad-
uate of the Roachdale high school: Lewis H. was born October 20, 1890, is
a graduate of the Roachdale high school and is living at home.
Mr. Stewart has a good farm, well improved and carefully tilled and he
makes a very comfortable living from his fields year by year, at the same
time laying by something for the future. He has a pleasant home and is
deserving of credit for what he has accomplished, for he has received little
help from outside sources. He is engaged in the stock business, buying hogs
and cattle wdiich he feeds for market.
Fraternally he is a member of Roachdale Lodge. No. 602, Free and
Accepted ]\Iasons. Both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star,
Chapter No. 247. Mrs. Stewart being associate matron. Politically Mr.
Stewart is a Democrat, but he never takes much interest in politics, pre-
ferring- to attend strictlv to his individual affairs.
JOSEPH WEST.
This venerable pioneer and representative farmer of Jackson township
has long been identified w-ith the interests of Putnam county, and thus he
has witnessed and taken part in the development of this section of the state
692 weik's history of
from a sylvan wild to its present status as a progressive locality. He early
began to contribute to the work of clearing and improving the land of its
primitive forests, later assisted in establishing schools and better public
improvements and facilities, while his course has been so directed as to
retain for him the unqualified approval of the community in which he lives.
Joseph West was born in Madison county, Kentucky, November 26,
1832, the son of Richard and Lavina (Hochersmith) West, both natives of
Madison county, Kentucky, where they grew to maturity, were educated in
the early pioneer schools and there married, spending most of their lives
in the Blue Grass state. They came to Indiana later in life, but did not
remain long until they returned to Kentucky, where they spent the remainder
of their lives. Joseph West was eighteen years of age when he came to
Hendricks county, Indiana. He was first employed by Doctor Hoadley and
he remained there three years, then he returned to Kentucky, where he re-
mained until 1856 when he came to Putnam county, Indiana. He had been a
hard worker through his youth and had saved his money, having about one
hundred and seventy dollars when he arrived here. He first rented a farm
and later moved to Ladoga, Indiana.
Mr. West married Mariah L. Merchant shortly after taking up his
residence in Putnam county, of which she was a native. After living a year
in Montgomery county, they rented for five years and then located on 'Mr.
West's present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, the same which he
rented and which his wife inherited later. He has sold a part and yet owns
one hundred and seven acres. His land is highly improved and well culti-
vated so that he has been amply rewarded for his toil from year to year.
He has also been a very successful stockman, having long raised various
kinds of livestock for the market ; however, he is at present living practically
retired from the active duties of life, renting his farm. He has a comfortable
and substantial dwelling and is spending his declining years in peace, sur-
rounded by plenty.
To !Mr. and Mrs. West three children were born, named as follows :
Millie T-. wife of George Ratliff. of Roachdale, this county: George R. is
living at home, and John lives in Decatur county, Indiana. ^Irs. West died
Febniarv 25, 19 10. Mr. West belongs to the Christian church, having been
one of the deacons of the local congregation and long active in its affairs. He
is a member of the Roachdale Lodge. Xo. 602, Free and Accepted Masons.
In politics he is a Democrat, but he has never taken much part in political
affairs. He is highlv honored by all who know him, for his life has been
led alone: safe and honorable lines.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 693
IRA MORELAXD.
This well known and highly honored citizen of Jackson township is
eminentlv entitled to conspicuous mention in this history, owing to the fact
that he was one of the worthy pioneers of Putnam county, having seen and
participated in the development of the same from the early days and the life
he has led is one of commendation and worthy of emulation by younger gen-
erations, for it has been led along lines of usefulness and integrity.
Ira Moreland is a native of Jackson township, this county, his birth
having occurred on January lo, 1844. His parents were James and Fannie
(Shedals) Moreland. who in the early days here were influential and did their
full share in blazing the forests and laying the foundation for later generations
to enjoy the richness of the opportunities found here. They were each from
honorable and industrious families, James Moreland having been born in
Harper's Ferrv-, Virginia, and Fannie Shedals was a native of Kentucky.
Thev grew to maturity in their native states and received a meager schooling
in their native communities. They were married in Montgomery county,
New York, and migrated to Putnam county, Indiana, as early as 1838, locat-
ing in Jackson township where they developed a good home from the virgin
soil, reared their children in respectability and spent the rest of their lives,
James Moreland was influential in local politics. He was a skilled mechanic
and spent much of his life engaging in this line of work, which, in those pio-
neer days, was a great treat to the early settlers for they were remote from
large towns where gunsmiths, etc., could be found to do their repairing. I\Ir.
Moreland was not only skilled in his work. but. owing to his thoroughly honest
dealings with all his neighbors, he established a reputation that brought him
many customers who invariably remained his friends.
To Mr. and Mrs. James Moreland nine children were born, four of whom
are living in 1909, viz: Rebecca (^Vlrs. Murphy), Ira (the subject), Joseph,
of Jackson township, and Thomas, also of this township.
Ira Moreland was reared on the farm which he assisted in developing
when he became of proper age, beginning work in the fields when but a mere
lad. He had a limited opportunity to attend school, but he improved such
as he had. When a young man he learned the plasterer's trade, becoming
very proficient in the same and for many years his services were in great de-
mand and he did contracting in Putnam, Montgomery. Boone and Hen-
dricks counties, some of his contracts being large ones, and he was enabled
to lav b\- a competency at this which enabled him to buy a farm of seventy
6g4 weik's history of
acres later in life, which he now owns and which he manages in such a skill-
ful manner that he reaps abundant harvests from year to year. He has a good
home and is very comfortably situated to enjoy old age in peace and sur-
rounded by plenty. Besides farming, he raises and feeds stock for the market,
in which he meets with gratifying success.
;Mr. Moreland was married to Sarah Morgan, who was born in 1845
and reared in Fountain county. Indiana, where her people were well estab-
lished. This union has resulted in the birth of two children, William and
Nellie O.. both single and at home.
Mr. Moreland is a charter member of the Carpentersville Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and he also belongs to the encampment. Politically
he is a Democrat. During his long and useful life in Putnam county he has
witnessed many momentous changes and he has played well his part in the
subsequent development of the locality, for when he was a boy the country
was in its primitive state, abounding in vast forests through which roamed
wild beasts and much wild game, and it has been just such sturdy pioneers as
he who have reclaimed the country and brought it to its present high state
of prosperity. He is well known here and his life has been led along honor-
able lines at all times.
HESEKIAH EVAXS.
Hesekiah Evans was one of the old and greatly esteemed pioneers of
Putnam countv who have now passed on to the undiscovered mystic land,
leaving behind a priceless heritage, the memory of good deeds and an ex-
emplary life, for he was a type of man seldom met with now — sterling,
rugged, honest and hard working, kind to his neighbors and hospitable alike
to friends and strangers.
The first one of the Evans family of which there is any authentic record
was Thomas Evans. St., great-great-great-grandfather of Simpson F. Evans,
born at Delornes, Wales, about 1662, and died in December 1756. at the age
of ninety-four years. He married Sarah Martha Elizabeth Roberts at Phila-
delphia in 1730, and she died in Pennsylvania on June i, 1803, at the age of
one hundred and eleven years.
Thomas Evans, Jr., their son. was born in Pennsylvania in 1739. He
ran away from home and joined the army under Col. George Washington
and fought under him in the French and Indian wars. He ser^-ed during the
whole Revolutionarv struggle. 1776- 1783. He died in Kentucky in 1825.
PUTNAM COUXTY, IXDIAXA. 695 '
He was married in ijoj to Sarah Clark, born [March i, 1743. and died at
Russellville. Indiana, June 5, 1834. Rev. John Evans, their son, born Oc-
tober 25, 1763, died at Russellville, July J, 1841, aged seventy-eight years.
He was married in Kentucky to Susanah Prater, who was born in 1766 and
died at Russellville, Indiana, October 25, 1S31.
James Evans, their son. was born June i, 1797, in Bath county, Ken-
tucky, and died August 22, 1878, aged eighty-one years. He was married
Fel)ruar\- 14. 1822, to Ruth Vanschoiack, born in Nicholas county, Ken-
tucky. September 21, 1802. and died March 24. 1867, Hesekiah Evans was
the son of James Evans and Ruth Vanschoiack.
He was born January 18. 1826, and received a limited education in the
primitive schools of his day. coming to Putnam county when a young man.
Here he met and on April 19. 1858, married Hannah M. Pratt, who was
born September 9, 1837: she, too. came to this county with her parents,
when young, in 1827.
James Evans bought land in section 6, he and Mr. Forgy buying a tract
of three hundred and twenty acres in one body, dividing the same between
them, it being agreed in the division that the last half was the better and
to make an equal division, the west part was to contain one hundred sixty-
seven and one-half acres and the east half one hundred and fifty-two and one-
half acres. Tossing coppers for choice, Mr. Evans secured the first pick of
the land and chose the east side. On this he erected a log cabin, cleared the
land and began farming which he followed all his life in connection with
stock raising, being one of the best known stock men of his day. He was a
breeder of fine horses, keeping the best in his neighborhood. Politically he
was a Republican and he and his wife were both members of the IMethodist
church for a period of about sixty years. He died at the age of eighty-one
years, falling dead on the fair grounds which he had leased from a neighbor
for the purpose of holding fairs. He and his wife were the parents of seven
children. i\\-e bovs anti two giris : it was a coincidence that the two previous
generations of his ancestors had families of five boys and two girls, making
the same in numbers for three succeeding generations.
The father was reared to manhood on the home farm and attended the
common schools of his day. His wife was the daughter of Austin Pratt, of
Parke countv. Indiana, and she and Mr. Evans began their married life on
a farm in Brown township. Montgomery county, on one hundred and sixty
acres which Mr. Evans purchased. The father and sons worked together,
helping each other until each son had his own farm. Hesekiah Evans later
added one hundred acres to his place, owning then two hundred and sixty
696 weik's history of
acres when his father died. He and his brother Daniel bought the heirs out
and later the father bought the interest of his brother and gave his attention
to the feeding of shorthorn cattle. He showed them at the county fairs and
took a number of premiums. Mr. Evans reached the advanced age of eighty-
one years, retaining his active faculties to the last, dying May 8, 1907, and
was buried in the cemetery at Russellville. His widow makes her home
among her children. They are, James W., born February 22, 1863, married
Lena Summers and they have the following children : Harold, John, Howard
and Vernon, the last named being deceased; Henry G., born June 30, 1864,
married Florence Allen and they have two children. Lee and Josephine;
Simpson F.. whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL STEVEXSOX.
The above named gentleman was born in Woodford county, Kentucky,
X'ovember 21, 1802, and died January 2, 1889, at the advanced age of eighty-
seven years. He was the eldest son of James Stevenson and Margaret
(Campbell) Stevenson. His mother was a daughter of Alexander Campbell,
a pioneer of Kentucky. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Stevenson, of
the eastern shore kif Maryland, was, during the war of the Revolution, a
soldier of the patriot army, and soon after that conflict removed from Mary-
land to Kentucky, when the latter was a territory of Virginia. His son
James entered the United States army in the war of 18 12, as a private, and
in that struggle endured such hardships that he ever afterward remained an
invalid. This fact made the subject of this sketch, while yet a boy, the stay
and support of the family. This constant labor and training gave to him
a splendid phvsical and intellectual manhood. Educational advantages he
had but sparingly. The schools of Kentucky in that day were but indiffer-
ent and seminaries and colleges distant and expensive; he therefore made
nature his principal text book, and acquired wisdom and diligence from her
precepts. He was strongly opposed to slavery and the injustice of that
institution made strong impressions on his mind, and he determined to seek
a home in a land of free institutions, where to labor was honorable. Impelled
bv this principle, he, at the age of nineteen, in 1821, left Kentucky and came to
Indiana seeking a location. He entered land northward horn where Rock-
ville now stands. He was not disappointed with the country and from that
time regarded Indiana as his home, .\fter satisfactorily prospecting the
J.^,
MjU
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 697
Hoosier state, he returned to Kentucky where he was intkiced by his familv
to study medicine. On completing his course he entered Transylvania Uni-
versity at Le.xington. Kentucky, and subsequently received his medical degree
at that institution in the days when the illustrious Dr. Benjamin Dudle\- was
the head of the school and in the height of his surgical renown.
.\fter recei\ing his medical degree Doctor Ste\'enson practiced his pro-
fession for a short time in his native state, but in 1826 he set his face for
final residence in Indiana. On his return he was most favorably impressed
with the situation and advantages of Greencastle and the "blue grass" lands
surrounding. These considerations induced him to cast his lot with the
people of that place, \\here he engaged in the practice of his profession and
in other pursuits for a period of more than t-liree-score years. On his ar-
rival at Greencastle he was without money, friends or acquaintances, but he
had good health, excellent medical attainments and energy, with determina-
tion to succeed, reinforced with all the natural shrewdness and business ca-
pacity requisite to bring about the result. Riding a borrowed horse loaned
by a relative, he halted at the village tavern and said to the proprietor, "I am
a doctor: my name is Stevenson, from Kentucky. I desire to locate with
you, but have no ready means to pay my way: but if you will board me and
my horse for the first si.x months and use your influence for me in the com-
munity I will give yott half I make." As there were two physicians from the
^\'est. well stocked with the necessary outfit required to practice medicine in
that early day. already established in the locality of the tavern, the keeper
hesitated to accept his proposition, but told him to stay all night with him
anyhow and he would think the matter over. Being favorably impressed with
his personal address and conversational powers, he concluded the following
morning to accept the arrangement. Doctor Stevenson was soon acti\-ely
engaged in the treatment of diseases incident to a new country. Numerous
incidents might be cited to show that he was a man for emergencies, and he
was not required to wait long until opportunities presented themselves to
show his judgment, decision and ability as a physician and surgeon. He
rose rapidly to eminence in his profession and as a surgeon was without a
peer. His parents came to him in Indiana, and he. with them, brought from
Kentucky the sla\es owned by his father and gave them their freedom, and
they remained in Indiana until after the constitution of 1850 w-as adopted.
That instrument, as he thought, restrained them of liberty and he aided them
to a home in the colony of Liberia. In his own life total abstinence had
been the rule, and he felt that moral suasion was the true remedy. A man
of strong will and unquestioned courage, these convictions soon impelled
698 weik's history of
him into cuiiHict with intemperance, and tins conflict was life-long. He it
was who delivered the first temperance lecture in this county, and the novelty
of it brought friends and foes to hear. Men brought with them whisky in
bottles and drank bumpers to each otlier and t(3 the speaker, while he, in noth-
ing daunted, hurled anathemas at the traffic and deplored the evils of in-
temperance.
Careful investigation and thorough study convinced him that free insti-
tutions were wholly dependent on morality, integrity and intelligence. This
conviction made him the friend of common schools and higher education.
In the securing of Asbury University for Greencastle he was a liberal and
active co-worker and contributor, became a member of its first board of
trustees; saw ten years continuous service as such, three years of which
time he was the president of the joint board. He was an active participant
in securing free schools for Indiana, and did much to bring his adopted county
into line in favor of that system. Some educational opinions then enter-
tained by him were in advance of the times. Insisting that the common
schools should be thorough and facilities for higher education ample, he. in
an address, urged the necessity for schools in which complete training in agri-
culture and mechanical arts could be acquired. This brought him in con-
flict with some leading educators, but time has demonstrated the wisdom of
his thought, as Rose Polytechnic Institute and Purdue University evidence.
Eminent as a phvsician, his lucrative practice enabled him to acquire a
large estate in wild lands. This he did preparatory to returning to agri-
culture as a profession. From these lands the inferior timber was removed
and the land set in blue grass. This at that time was considered a waste by
many, but he reaped from it afterwartls abundant harvest of rich pasture and
fat cattle. Though engaged in an arduous profession, he. through study, be-
came a believer in and an advocate of the American system of Mr. Clay.
This brought him earlv into political prominence as he had the courage of his
convictions, the result was that in 1831, 1832. 1844 and 1845 he represented
his county in the Indiana House of Representatives and in the last term was
speaker of the house. In 1839, 1840 and 1841 he was the Whig candidate
for lieutenant-governor of Indiana. In 1850 he was elected to the convention
that framed the constitution of Indiana in 1851, and was active in the de-
liberations of that bodv. His services in this convention closed his political
career. He sympathized with labor and with men too intensely to readily
reconcile himself to the compromise measures of 1850. and never again be-
came a candidate. In i860, however, he earnestly advocated the election of
Lincoln and gave to his administration an earnest, loyal and enthusiastic sup-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 699
port. Shortly after the Civil war he was the caucus nominee for United
States senator, with certainty of election to that high office, but declined the
honor. In 1843 '''^ removed from Greencastle to his farm two miles east
of that town, and gave up his medical practice as rapidly as his patients
would permit. Tlience forward he devoted his time to farming and stock
raising. For a time he edited an agricultural department in a newspaper,
and in this way, as well as in public addresses, sought to introduce better
modes of farming. More through his efTort than of any other was the Put-
nam County Agricultural Society organized. He introduced into the county
and bred large flocks of Spanish Merino sheep and for a time made sheep
husbandry most prominent. While thus engaged he endeavored to organize
an incorporated company for the purpose of importing and breeding Short-
horn cattle. Xot succeeding in this through defects in Indiana law, he began
that enterprise alone. In 1848 he purchased and brought into Putnam
county the first thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle. In 1847 he was commis-
sioned by Governor Whitcomb a member of the Indiana state board proper
and was himself a member of the board for several years, during three of
which he was honored as president. It was while he was a member of the
board that the plans were matured and action taken which have enabled that
body and its agencies to accomplish so much for the stock breeding, agri-
cultural, mechanical and mineral interests of Indiana. And in these labors
he assumed his share, doing his full portion of the work. In 1853, at his
own instance and cost, he went to England, inspected the principal Short-
horn herds of that kingdom and bought for himself a small herd of the best
and brought them to Putnam county, and this was the first importation of
Shorthorns direct from England into Indiana. His prominence as a stock
grower caused him to become prime mover in calling the Indiana Shorthorn
Breeders' Convention, which assembled at Indianapolis on May 21, 1872.
He was made president of the convention and was afterward president of a
national organization of the same kind. His efforts were not wholly con-
fined to stock raising. He organized the company that built in 1867 the
first gravel road in the county. The line was nineteen miles long, and is yet
operatetl. though its success was originally doubtful. Xow in the county are
maintained over one hundred fifty miles of improved roads. From 1840 until
about 1880 Doctor Stevenson was a man of wealth, but wishing to administer
on his own estate, he divided his lands and goods among his twelve children,
giving to each an equal share, and reserving for himself and wife a modest
competency during the remainder of their lives. He was always delighted
with employment and instructed his children to lalwr, often himself going
700 WEIK S HISTORY OF
with them to the fields and by precept and example showing them how to ac-
complish the best results. He was from early life a consistent member of
the Methodist Episcopal church. Liberal in his views, clear in convictions,
logically a reasoner, far-sighted and methodical in business, firm and per-
sistent in purpose, able and persuasive in argument, careful of the rights of
others, of profound thought power, industrious, hospitable, courteous and
generous, a good husband and a kind father, he made firm and lasting friends
and led a successful life. He lived to see his county acquire and maintain
hiofh rank among the best in the Hoosier state.
Y. N. XEW. M. D.
There is no class to whom greater gratitude is due from the world at
large than to those self-sacrificing, sympathetic, noble-minded men whose
life work has been the alleviation of suffering that exists among humanity,
thus lengthening the span of human existence. There is no known standard
by which their beneficent influence can be measured: their helpfulness is as
broad as the universe and their power goes hand in hand with the wonderful
laws of nature that come from the ven,- source of life itself. The skillful
phvsician. then, by the exercise of his native talents and his acquired abilities,
is not only performing a service for humanity, but is following in the foot-
steps of the divine teacher himself.
One of the best known and most successful practitioners of medicine in
the northern half of Putnam county is Dr. Y. X. Xew. a resident of Jackson
township, who was born in Hancock county, Indiana, Xovember 26, 1869,
the son of John J. and Hannah (Xewhouse) Xew, a well established family,
who moved to Boone county, this state, in 1870. The Doctor while yet a
mere lad began assisting with the work about the home place, attending the
district schools during the winter months. He was an ambitious lad and
studied hard, passing through the district schools. Later he entered the
schools of Valparaiso, Indiana, then took a preparatory- course in medicine
in the Danville Xormal School, having made a splendid record in all these
institutions. For five years he followed teaching ver}- successfully, but he
did not take kindly to this line of work and he began the study of medicine
in earnest, entering the School of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, from
which he was graduated in the year 1893. and in 1894 he located at Barnard.
Putnam countv. Indiana, and he has since been engaged in the practice here.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. "01
his success having been gratifying from the first, and he is now enjoying a
very extensive and increasing patronage. He is deserving of a great deal of
credit for the eminent success he has attained owing to the fact that he is
purely a self-made man and was compelled to work his way through college.
Besides an attractive home at Barnard, he is the owner of a valuable
farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres in Jackson township, this county,
his wife also owning a tract of twenty acres in Clinton township, this county.
Doctor New was married in 1S96 to Naomi Wilson, born February 8,
1873. daughter of B. F. and Mary A. (Carman) Wilson, a highly respected
family of Barnard, this county, where Airs. New was born and reared. She
is a graduate of the common and high schools and is a woman of culture.
This union has been blessed by the birth of one child. Cecil A., born March
10, 1898.
Doctor New is a member of the county and state medical societies, and
politically he is a Democrat. His career has been fraught with much good
to the people of Putnam county and he is held in high esteem bv all classes.
SHELBY H. BLAYDES.
Although a Kentuckian by birth. Shelby H. Blaydes, a successful and
highly honored agriculturist and stock man of Jackson township, has been
deeply interested in its general progress since locating here, having at heart
the well being and improvement of Putnam county, using his influence
wherever possible for the promotion of enterprises calculated to be of lasting
benefit to his fellow men, besides taking a leading part in all movements for
the advancement of the community along social, intellectual and moral lines.
He has won a host of warm friends since coming here, which he retains, be-
ing popular with all classes in his community where he maintains a home that
is comfortable, substantial and pleasant in all its appointments and which is
regarded as a place of generous hospitality and good cheer; all this he has
made himself by hard work and proper business principles persistently applied.
Mr. Blaydes was bom in Hardin county, Kentucky, September 2, 1850,
the son of John S. and Nancy D. (Cash) Blaydes. each coming from a fine
old Southern ancestry and highly honored in their community.
Shelby H. Blaydes was reared on a farm in his native state, and when a
mere lad began working on the same and he has ever followed this line of
endeavor in a manner that stamps him as a master of modern agricultural
J02 WEIK S HISTORY OF
details. He attended the public schools of his neighborhood and received a
fairly good education. In the fall of 1865 he came to Putnam county, Indi-
ana, arriving here with only fifty cents in his pocket ; but he was a courageous
lad and he set to work with a will, nothing daunted, and soon had a foothold
in the new country. He began here as a farm hand at one dollar per day,
working with his brother, John W. Blaydes, for a period of two years.
Mr. Blaydes married, on December 31. i860, America A. Dean, who
was born and reared on a farm in this county and received a common school
education here. She was called to her reward on April 16, 1909, after prov-
ing to be a most faithful and kind helpmate, no children being born to this
union. He was married January 18, 1910. to Mrs. Sophia A. Simmons,
widow of George T. Simmons, and the daughter of John S. Michael, a prom-
inent farmer of Floyd township, this county.
Mr. Blaydes is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and nine and
one-half acres, and he is worth about nineteen thousand dollars, all of which
he has made himself, being an excellent manager and straightforward in his
dealing with his fellow men. He formerly dealt extensively in livestock and
made considerable money in this way. He has a well improved and highly
cultivated farm in which he has always taken a great pride. His place is
called the "Jackson Park Farm," and is located three miles from Roachdale.
Here often come admirers of his fine Poland-China hogs, for which he has
long been noted.
Politically Mr. Blaydes is a Democrat and he has always taken more
or less interest in local political affairs, although too busy with his farm and
stock to waste any time seeking office ; however, he desires to see good men
in the local offices and assists the best he can to this end.
WILLIAM B. MODLIX.
Although William B. Modlin does not claim Putnam county as his place
of birth and his honored ancestors lived, wrought and died in another com-
monwealth, he has been deeply interested in the general progress of this
locality and has ever stood ready to do his part in carrying on the splendid
work begun by the first settlers. He has a neat little farm which he so
manages as to make a very comfortable living from year to year. He was
born in Tennessee, January 19, 1867, the son of Edmund and Martha
(Owens) Modlin. who spent their early lives in Tennessee, coming to Put-
PUTXAM COCXTV, INDIANA. JOT,
nam county, Indiana, in i86g and settled in Jackson township, where Mr.
Modlin still lives. He at tirst rented land until he got a good start. He has
been veni- amply rewarded for his toil here and has a pleasant home. He is
highly honored in his community.
William B. Modlin was reared on the farm which he worked when
merely a lad and he therefore took naturally to this line of endeavor and has
always followed it for a livelihood. He attendeil the district schools in the
winter time and received a fairly good education.
Mr. Modlin was married on October 2^. 1890. to Sarah E. Boner, who
was born and reared in this county and educated in the public schools and
DePauw University. The young couple immediately located on a farm and
they have now a good little place of fort}- acres, well fenced and otherwise
well kept, located in one of the richest sections of Jackson township.
Mr. and Mrs. Modlin are members of the ^lethodist Episcopal church at
Roachdale. this county, and Mr. Modlin belongs to Roachdale Lodge. Xo.
602. Free and Accepted ilasons. also Roachdale Lodge. Xo. 297. Knights of
Pythias. They are both members of the Pythian Sisters. Mrs. Modlin having
passed all the chairs in the local lodge, and has been a delegate to the grand
lodge. Mr. ]\[odlin is a past chancellor of his lodge. Politically he is a
Repulilican. but does not take any special interest in the affairs of his partv
or aspire to public office. He and his wife are well liked by their neighbors
for they are kind and honorable to all. Their daughter. Alice, is spending
her second vear in high school and is also a member of the Methodist church.
SIMPSOX FLETCHER EVAXS.
Bv a life of persistent and well applied industry, led along the most
honorable lines, the gentleman whose name appears above has justly earned
the right to be represented in a work of the character of the one at hand,
along with the other men of Putnam county who have made their influence
felt in their respecti\-e communities.
Simpson Fletcher Evans was born September 24. 1S66. in Montgomery
county. Indiana, and was reared to manhood on his parents' farm in this
county, receiving a good common school education. August 21, 1889. he
married Ella ]vlay Kendall, daughter of Philip and Xancy Jane Kendall, na-
tives of this county, both now deceased, Ella May being the third in a family
of five children, namelv: Horace R., Stella. Ella May. Rose and X'ell. Three
704
WEIK S HISTORY OF
children have been born to Air. and Airs. Evans, named as follows: Shirl,
born December 7, 1892; Hesekiah Earl, born November 20, 1894; Olive,
born October 31, 1899.
Air. Evans owns and lives on the old home place, consisting of one
hundred and fifty-three acres, near Russellville, which is valued at one hun-
dred and twenty-five dollars per acre. It is one of the best farms in the
community, having been carefully tilled and well managed, so that the soil
is just as productive as formerly. He has a neat, comfortable home and is
regarded as one of the township's best citizens. Considerable attention is
paid to stock raising, he being an extensive breeder of shorthorn cattle,
which are admired by all, and with which he makes a very creditable showing
at the county, fairs, having taken many premiums, and no small part of his
annual income is derived from the judicious handling of stock.
Air. and Airs. Evans and two sons are members of the Alethodist church
at Russellville. Politicallv Air. Evans is a Republican.
LOUIS WEIK,
Of the men closely identified with the early- commercial history of
Greencastle no one has contributed more to its proper development and suc-
cess than the late Louis Weik, who died at his home in that city April 11,
1898. Air. Weik was born in the grand duchy of Baden, one of the little
states or divisions of the German empire, June 18, 1830. His birthplace was
called Bischofsheim. — in English, the Bishop's Home, — a village near the
eastern bank of the Rhine and about seven miles from the city of Strass-
buro-. famed alike for its great cathedral and its memorable siege during the
Franco-German war of 1870. His father was the village baker, as also was
his o-randfather — in fact, for generations back, that industry had been con-
trolled bv the Weik family. Even today the business is still carried on by
a member of the present generation and in the same room in which the com-
mon ancestor. Christian Weik, erected the oven and molded bread in the
latter half of the eighteenth century. After learning the trade, the subject
of this sketch crossed the Rhine into French territory, where he found work
in Strassburg, near the house where Gutenburg. the inventor of printing,
experimented with his "mo\able types." Aleanwhile he had been an earnest
and diligent student at the public schools of the day and by virtue of per-
sistent application had made unusual progress in his studies. In the cur-
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 7O5
riculum of the German schools great stress has always been laid upon mental
arithmetic antl in this regard the young pupil was remarkably apt and pro-
ficient.
There being thirteen children in his father's family, of which he was the
fifth in order of birth and also the eldest son. Louis W'eik concei\-ed the idea
of setting out in the world for himself and thus making a little more room
for the already crowded household. Besides, he yearned longingly for a
sight of the great, unsettled and inviting land across the Atlantic. In due
time his opportunity came. Two of his friends having determined to emi-
grate to America, he secured the consent of his parents to join them. .Accord-
ingly, on the 1st day of August, 1848. he bade his family and friends fare-
well, took a seat in the diligence for Paris and rode away from his birth-
place destined never to see it again. Two days later he sailed from Havre
in the good ship "L'Aurore" bound for New York.
An ocean \-oyage in those days was no inconsequential matter, especially
if one shipped as a steerage passenger; and, in this instance, it was forty-
three, days before the young immigrant passed through the gates of Castle
Garden in New York harbor. A few days later he left the great city on
^lanhattan island en route to his destination, Cincinnati. The journey was
long and tedious, by river, canal, lake and rail ; but once arrived, he promptly
went to work at his trade. The river traffic of that day outstripped all other
kinds of inland transportation and Cincinnati, being the most important point
between Pittsburg and New Orleans, was indeed the Queen City and reigned
supreme. It was a splendid school for the young artisan, eager, vigorous
and determined to win. After several years spent in Cincinnati he decided
to try life in a country- town and accordingly accepted a situation in Green-
castle, Indiana, to which place he removed in the spring of 1853. It was
the last remo\al he e\-er made. For several years he followed his trade,
being employed by John Weinhart, Jesse Holmes, J. F. Duckworth, Pleasant
Hubbard and John Burley in succession till 1858, when he became the partner
of the last named in a business already estaljlished. In i86j he withdrew
from the fimi and formed a partnership with \\'illiam \A'. Lyon, which con-
tinued till 1S75. From the latter year until 1S80 he was associated with
Edward .\llen. after which he carried on the business himself, with the
assistance of his sons, until his death.
On February 11, 1854. 'Sir. W'eik was married to ^Mary E. King, who
gave birth to a daughter July it, 1855, and died December 17th in the same
vear. On November 17, 1856, he was united in marriage with Katherine
Schmidt, who died October 10, 1881. Of this latter union were born seven
(45)
7o6 VVEIK S HISTORY OF
children, one daughter and six sons, two of whom died before attaining man-
hood.
Before he had left Cincinnati Mr. Weik had joined the order of Odd
Fellows and also the Everett Street Methodist church and shortly after his
removal to Greencastle he became a Freemason. After 1861 he affiliated
with the Republican party, but never sought any sort of political reward or
preferment. The only public office he ever accepted was that of city council-
man, to which position he was chosen by his fellow citizens and neighbors
without his solicitation and despite his refusal to become a candidate.
Louis Weik was a splendid type of the foreign-born American citizen.
Although he had passed through the fanaticism and violence of the Know-
nothing period and had endured the opprobrium and abuse heaped upon those
who happened to have migrated from beyond the national boundaries, yet
he was, from the beginning, a steadfast, uncompromising and unyielding
champion of Auierica and .American institutions. He had unquestioned faith
in the people and the profoundest affection for the government and allowed
no man to surpass him in loyalty, zeal and veneration for the country of his
adoption. At the same time he was not ashamed of the land of his nativity —
in fact was proud of her histoiy and her achievements.
Born to labor, he took pride in his calling and in every way strove
to elevate and improve it; he was honest and invariably square in all his deal-
ings, therebv winning and maintaining the approval and good will of his
neighbors; instinctively modest, he never boasted, never prated of his own
doings; candid and sincere by nature, he could not flatter, could not cajole;
unremitting in his devotion to his family, and sacrificing much that they
mic'ht receive the best education and training that his means would admit,
he labored to the ver}' end and. although he could bequeath to them no great
estate, he left them that which is beyond all material accumulations — the
aroma and sanctity of a good name.
EDWARD W. McGAUGHEY.
( By Sara McG. Rand. )
In the absence of county historical societies, many important facts and
events in the lives of the men who helped to make history in the early days
of the statehood of Indiana, which were once as familiar as household tales,
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. JOJ
are entirely forgotten. After the lapse of many years it is impossible to give
a clear and connected review of a life where no records are available. The
reader, bearing this in mind, will be indulgent to the writer, who undertakes
this work of love, deploring the negligence of the past in not securing infor-
mation from living witnesses, and who now attemjits to record the meager
facts at hand.
The parents of Edward W. McGaughey were .\rthur O. and Sarah
(Bell) McGaughey. His father was born on March 3, 1788. and came from
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to the West when a \'ers- young man, with a com-
pany of "Rangers" — I presume a military company, armed for protection.
At Corydon. Indiana, in about 1810, he married Sarah Bell, who was Ijom
in Kentucky on June 11, 1790. Their family consisted of si.x children — Wil-
liam B., Edward W., Thomas D., Marv- Jane. John and Harriet. Mar}' Jane
McGaughey was tlie first white child born in Putnam county. The records
of Putnam county show that the first term of court heki in that county was at
a private house about sixteen miles south of town, on the 3d of June, 1822.
and that Arthur McGaughey was clerk of the court, and that the first case
taken to the supreme court was by Arthur McGaughey. He held this ofiice
for twenty-three or four years and lived on a farm about three miles south of
Greencastle up to the time of his death, ^lay 2, 1857. His wife was a woman
of strong character and keen intellect, and was well known for her independent
and fearless frankness and energy in the discharge of her duties. She was a
stanch member of the Baptist church, and was a familiar figure, mounted on
her gray mare, on her way to attend meetings and associations, in sunshine
or rain. During one of her absences on Sunday an old soldier made a visit
to her husband, who was \ery fond of a practical joke. He drew the man
out on his favorite subject of conversation — his war experiences — anil about
the time he expected his wife's return he said to the soldier: "X'ow take a
piece of charcoal and mark out on the floor the plan of the battle of Lundy's
Lane, so I may know just the position of the British and American forces."
The old man ol:)e}'ed. and was so absorl)ed in his work, explaining it as he
drew the heavy lines on the clean, white boards, that he did not notice the
exit of his host, nor the entrance of the host's wife, till he heard her indignant
tones demanding the cause of his defacing her floor, and ordering him to
desist at once.
The life of the pioneers was very prosaic and practical, and devoted
almost exclusively to the useful arts, but by some means an industrv- was intro-
duced in this household that bordered on the ornamental, in the cultivation of
7o8 WEIK S HISTORY OF
silk-worm cocoons. A large mulberry tree fumished the nourishment re-
quired, and the experiment was successful. The thread was prepared and
knit into gloves. A pair yet remains that was given to her son, Edward, who
took pride in showing the handiwork of his mother. He manifested his love
for his parents and his thoughtfulness for their welfare in providing for them
in his will.
Edward W. McGaughey was born in Putnam county, Indiana, on Jan-
uary i6, 1817. He was principally self-educated, as he entered his father's
office as deputy clerk at a very early age. He was married to Margaret
Matlock on January 18, 183S, at Greencastle, she being the daughter of
James Matlock and Rosanna (Wood) Matlock, of Danville. Indiana. He
signed his own marriage license, "Arthur ]VIcGaughey, Clerk, per E. W. Mc-
Gauo-hev, Deputy." His father was opposed to his marriage on account
of his youth. At the March term, 1835, the records show that E. W. Mc-
Gaughey produced a certificate of good character and, after examination,
was admitted to the practice of law in Putnam county at the age of eighteen
years. In the fall of '1840 Thompson killed Rhynerson. He was arrested,
indicted, tried and hung, all within thirty days. The trial was in January,
1 84 1, and the hanging in February, 1841. E. W. McGaughey defended
Thompson.
In 1842 E. W. McGaughey made his first race for office — that of state
senator — and was elected, defeating Albert G. Hutton. When the Legislature
convened his first efifort was to have the congressional district in which he
was residing changed, so as to give the district to the Whigs, which was done.
He resioned to make his first race for Congress. This, I think, was in 1843,
when his opponent was Joseph A. Wright, who won the election by three
votes. In looking over a copy of the Western Visitor, July 20, 1843, Pub-
lished at Greencastle, I find it brim full of this race, and as it was a Whig
paper it was very sanguine of the election of its candidate. It says: "But
the citizens of old Putnam raised Ned McGaughey, and well may they be
proud of him. They are ; and they will not be ashamed to own it on the first
]!vIondav in August next." In this same paper is a reference to R. W. Thomp-
son from the Wabash Courier, which refers to a speech made there, and to
his intention of making Terre Haute his residence.
Mr. McGaughey was elected to the twenty-ninth Congress, which con-
vened in December, 1845, ^^'^ ^^^° ^° ^^^ thirty-first, which convened Decem-
ber 3, 1849. I think he was a candidate for the thirty-second Congress and
was defeated by John G. Davis, of Parke county. He was a strong opponent
of the 3.1exican war and delivered a strong speech on the subject in Congress.
PUTNAM COUXTY, INDIANA. "OQ
President Taylor nominated him governor of the territory of Minnesota,
but he failed of confirmation by the Senate, in consequence of his attitude on
the war question. His rejection caused great excitement and indignation
among the Whigs of Indiana. In speaking of the distinguished men of Parke
county, the Rockz'ille Tribune, in ■May. 1896, had this to say of Mr. Mc-
Gaughey :
"There was another, also an adopted son of Parke county, and though
the number of years he spent within her borders was comparatively few, yet
we claim him with as much pride as if he was to the manor born. No one
who has come down from a former generation but remembers with a glow
of enthusiasm and admiration the gifted, clear-headed, courageous, ambitious
and brilliant Xed McGaughey. His triumphs at the bar were the fireside talk
of those early days. His defiant and chivalric contests on the stump were
the pride and glorv of his friends and the terror of his political enemies. In
person he was about five feet seven inches in height, slenderly made, had a
sallow complexion, dark hair, was thin visaged and slightly stoop-shouldered.
His voice was not mellow or musical, but had about it a nasal Yankee twang
— clear, piercing and penetrating. He was a prodig}' of industry and energy.
Dav and night his active and acute mind was on the alert, devouring and
absorbing the principles of law and politics.
"He seemed to dwell entirely in the region of the intellectual. His mind
and body were disproportioned : the hungry, grasping, aggressive intellect
did its work clearly, positively, completely, but at the expense of a delicate
and feeble constitution. His brain seemed to outn.m his body, and, as a con-
sequence, he died comparatively in early life. The leading characteristics of
his mind were great clearness of mental vision, and an unyielding, uncompro-
mising and absolutely logical method of mental operation. No flights of
imagination or flowers of rhetoric adorned his arguments before the bar and
the people ; he made no efforts at rounded periods, or the mere graces of ora-
tory to attract, amuse or please ; but a bristling point was in every sentence,
defined by exact language, and enforced by the power of pure reasoning.
Either knowing or caring nothing for the sensibilities, his field of battle, in
his intellectual contests, was in the realm of the intellect and the will, save at
times when he let fly a glittering sentence of sarcasm or invective, which cut
right and left, like a Damascus blade ; or scratched and scathed and blistered
and shivered like a molten bolt of lightning."
"Edward W. McGaughey was born in Putnam county, and practiced law
in and was elected to Congress from that county. He came to Parke county
about the year 1848. and entered into partnership with Governor Wright in
7IO WEIK S HISTORY OF
the practice of the law. He was elected to Congress while a resident of this
county, but in a subsequent race for congressional honors was defeated. He
was mortified and chagrined over his defeat, and it largely influenced him in
his determination to remove to another field. He turned his face toward the
sunset land and determined to cast his lot and exercise his great talents in
the state of California, to which state he finally went. But the overworked
and delicate constitution at last gave way before his career in that distant
land began. The lamp of his life, brilliant and constant to the last, went out
in darkness forever. His remains sleep on the golden slopes of that far-off
state, but time nor distance can elTace from the memory of our people his tal-
ents and his brilliant public service, or abate the tithe of a hair our claim that
his ashes and his fame are the common property of the people of Parke
county."
Mr. AIcGaughey was at one time an applicant for the appointment of
commissioner of the general land office, but failed. The story is thus told in
the "Life of Lincoln," by W. H. Herndon and Jesse William Weik :
"Lincoln says : T believe that, so far as the Whigs in Congress are
concerned, I could have the general land office almost by common consent ;
but then Sweet and Dan Morrison, and Browning and Cyrus Edwards all
want it. and what is worse, while I think I could easily take it for myself I
fear I shall have trouble to get it for any other man in Illinois. The reason
is that McGaughey, an Indiana ex-member of Congress, is here after it, and
being personally known he will be hard to beat by any one who is not." ' The
authors say : "But, as the sequel proved, there was no need to fear the
Hoosier statesman, for although he had the endorsement of General Scott
and others of equal influence, yet he was left far behind in the race, and
along with him Lincoln. Morrison, Browning and Edwards. A dark horse
in the person of Justin Butterfield, sprang into view and with surprising
facility captured the tempting prize."
The death of Hon. Edward W. McGaughey is thus recorded in the San
Francisco Whig of August 7, 1852:
"It is our painful duty to record the demise of Hon. E. W. McGaughey,
who arrived in San Francisco on the 4th inst. by the A\'infield Scott.' He
died at James' Hotel yesterday morning at one o'clock of Panama fever, with
which he was attacked on the passage. Doctor Greathouse, of Kentucky,
Judge HamnKJud, of Indiana, and other kind friends, who were with him on
board the steamer, were unremitting in their attentions to him. and slight
hopes were entertained that he would recover on reaching this place. Im-
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. JI I
metliately on lainling. Doctor Aldrich. of this city, was called on to assist in
attending to him and exerted every means that medical skill could suggest
for his restoration. But he had become so emaciated and enfeebled that all
was without avail. He did not die among strangers. Old acquaintances and
friends were around him and paid him every possible attention. Among
them were Hon. George C. Bates. ex-Governor McDougal and Hon. P. W.
Tompkins. G>!. E. D. Baker, who had known him familiarly, was not in
town at the time of his death. Mr. McGaughey was formerly a Whig mem-
ber of Congress of Indiana, and one of the youngest members of that body,
and of more than average talents. He had embarked for California with the
intention of prosecuting his profession of law and politics."
The following letters, one from W. D. Griswold, and one from the late
Governor Joseph A. Wright, tell of the esteem in which he was held by his
contemporaries :
":vlrs. E. W. McGaughey:
"Dear Madam : — I am deputed to transmit to you a copy of resolutions
adopted by members of the bar of this circuit at this place during the recent
session of court in memon.- of your dear deceased husband. These resolu-
tions you will find enclosed with this. Having taken part in their adoption,
it is almost unnnecssar\- for me to express further any sentiments I enter-
tain in relation to the sad event which called them forth. Yet I can not
refrain to say to you that the unexpected news of Mr. McGaughey's death
impressed me mournfully. We were of nearly the same age and we com-
menced our professional careers together in the same courts. During some
thirteen or fourteen years we were on terms of uninterrupted friendship.
I therefore could not but feel that the blow that struck him down fell very
near to me.
"I deeply sympathize with you and your dear children in this bereave-
ment, ^'our husband and their father was a man of talents and a man of
honor, .\nibitious as he was. I believe that he never swerved in his integrity
or in his fidelity. His death is greatly a public loss — greatly a loss to his
friends and associates, but principally yours. The memory of his virtues
will comfort you. You can with truth and fidelity hold out to your children
the example of his life for their guidance and emulation. In this exercise
I confidently believe you will realize much consolation in the dark hours
of your widowhood.
"Believe me. with sincerest sympathy and regards, your friend and
servant, "W. D. Griswold.''
712 VVEIK S HISTORY OF
"Mrs. E. W. McGaughey :
"Madam : — I have neglected on account of my absence from home in
sending to you before this my tribute of respect for the memory of your
beloved husband. I can most fully appreciate your loss. I know the anguish
of your heart, the ties that are broken, and can unite with you in the warm-
est sympathy of condolence.
"I knew your deceased husband in all the various relations of life,
perhaps better than any other person, not related to him.
"And in view of all this, can say the country has lost one of her bright-
est jewels, society an active, industrious and useful citizen, and to you and
your fatherless children the loss is not only that of husljand, father, friend,
brother, guardian and protector, but he was, in that more intimate and close
relation, your all, the head of your family.
"You must look to the source from whence comes all our blessings,
the father of the widow and the fatherless. He alone is able to heal up all
our wounds, administer to us consolation in the darkest hours. Without
His aid we are liable any moment to go astray. May He comfort, sustain
and encourage you in this, your dark hour of trouble.
"When I visit your place I will call and deliver in person what I can
not on paper, the warmest expression of my sympathy. Accept this humble
tribute from one who has lately passed through the same affliction, and who
most heartily joins in wishing you peace, prosperity and happiness in this
life of trouble. "Your friend,
"Joseph A. Wright."
Edward W. and Margaret McGaughey were the parents of five children,
namely : Sara M., Mary, Edward W., Charles O. and Thomas Corwin.
Sara M. became the wife of George Dexter Rand, of Burlington, Iowa,
the wedding occurring at Greencastle, Indiana, on December 25, 1862.
In a few days Mr. Rand received his commission as paymaster in the
United States Volunteer Navy and reported on board the gunboat "Silver
Lake," on the Ohio river at Smithland, Kentucky, under Commodore Leroy
Fitch. In about a year he received his commission as paymaster in the
United States Regular Navy. In 1864 he was sent to the upper Tennessee
river in charge of four gunboats, which were to keep the river open from
Decatur, Alabama, to Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee. He served
till the close of tlie Civil war, when he resigned. Remaining in the South,
Mr. Rand engaged in the lumber business at Bridgeport. Alabama, and
Gadsden, the same state, until 1S80, when lie came to Keokuk. Iowa, where
PUTNAM COCXTY, INDIAXA. 7I3
he was manager of the Carson & Rantl Lumber Company. He was elected
mayor of the city on tlie RepubHcan ticket. During his term of service a
large tract of land was bought by the city, and the city council named it
Rand Park in his honor. Mr. Rand was vice-president of the State Central
Savings Bank, of which bank William Logan is president. Mr. Rand died
November 12. 1903, and is buried in the City cemetery at Greencastle,
Indiana.
^Nlary McGaughey was married to Henry Christian Heine on October
2, 1866, at Indianapolis. Indiana. After the close of the Civil war they
moved to Bridgeport. Alabama, and Mr. Heine \\'as employed by the Xash-
ville, Chattanooga & St. Louis railroad. After Edward W. McGaughev,
who was railroad agent there, moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. Heine
was appointed agent, which position he still fills. Mr. and Mrs. Heine be-
came the parents of three daughters and one son, namely : Sophie, Marv,
Pauline and McGaughey. Hilary married Jefferson Washburn, of New York,
and both died in 1904. Mrs. Heine died in June. 1903. Pauline, alone of
the children, survives. She was married to James Earls, of Tennessee, in
June, 1900, and they live at Tullahoma. Tennessee.
Edward \\'. McGaughey, Jr., was a student in old Asbury L'niversitv,
at Greencastle, Indiana, but during the Civil war he left college and joined
an Indiana battery, seeing hard service in Kentucky. He was transferred
to the United States Xavy as midshipman and served till the close of the
war. He was telegrapher in the railroad office at Bridgeport, .\Iabama,
and aftenvards was appointed agent. He was promoted to freight agent at
Chattanooga, and later he resigned to accept a position with the Big Four
railroad as traffic manager, with headquarters at Chattanooga, Tennessee,
w hich position he held at the time of his death, which occurred on December
17. 1890, at Chattanooga. On October 26. 1869, at Bridgeport, Alabama,
Edward McGaughey was married to X. A. Troxell, and they had three
daughters. Sallie Rand McGaughey was married to John Harlan Morris,
of Greencastle. Indiana, on December 28, 1898, and one son, John Raymond
Morris, is the only child. Mrs. Morris died May 5. 1904, and is buried at
Keokuk. Iowa. Margaret li\"es with her mother at Keokuk. Edith Gene-
vieve married Sam V. Cox. at Keokuk, on July 2j. 1S99. and they have three
daughters living, Genevieve R., Ruth E. and Grace E. They live at Keokuk.
Charles Oliver McGaughey was married to Abbie Linton, at Indianap-
olis. Indiana, on June 29. 1873. On October 19. 1897. at Bridgeport,
Alabama, he was married to Anna Belle Hall. One son. Charles O.. is the
■u
WEIK 3 HISTORY OF
only child. Charles O. McGaughey died at Bridgeport, Alabama, on April
25.' 1906, and is buried in Forest Hill cemetery at Chattanooga. Tennessee.
Thomas Corwin McGaughey was married to Lydia Gilchrist in Indi-
anapolis on February 22, 1872. They. lived in Chattanooga. Tennessee, a
number of years, but now are living in St. Louis. Missouri. They have two
daughters. Margaret married William McCarthy in Chattanooga. Tennes-
see, on September 3. 1895. and they have one son. Raymond. Pearl was
married to James D. Leahy, at Chattanooga. Tennessee, on June 7, 1905.
Thev have two daughters, and live in St. Louis. Missouri.
HENRY C. COOPER.
Among the enterprising and highly respected citizens of Putnam county
who are deserving of a place in the county's history is Henry C. Cooper, a
farmer living in Franklin township on a valuable estate which, by judicious
management, he has brought to its present high standard. He was born in
Clinton township, this county, March 13. i860, the son of George H. and
Margaret (Thomas) Cooper. John Cooper, the paternal grandfather, was
born in Kentucky, near IVIount Sterling, and he came to Putnam county,
Indiana, about 1828. settling near Bainbridge. Monroe township, of which
he was one of the early settlers. He later came to Clinton township, where
he remained the rest of his life. George H. Cooper was about three years
old when his parents brought him to Putnam county. He grew to maturity
here and began farming early, making it his life work and he became very
well-to-do as the result of judicious management and close application to
his work. He became the owner of eight hundred acres. He was a well-
read man and took considerable interest in Republican politics, being promi-
nent in local affairs for many years. He and his wife reared a large family,
eleven children having been born to them, nine of whom are living at this
writing, Plenry C. of this revieAv, being the fifth in order of birth. He
was reared on the home farm, which he worked when he became of proper
ao-e. attending the district schools in the meantime in Clinton township, and
he was a student one year at Danville. Indiana, attending the normal there.
He applied himself very carefully to his work and received a very good edu-
cation. He taught school two winters, but. although he made a good start
as an educator, the work did not appeal to him and he returned to the more
independent and lucrative line of agriculture.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 71 0
Mr. Cooper was married in 1887 to Elizabeth L. Bridges, who was
born in 1868. the daughter of Robert L. Bridges, her family having long
been well known in Putnam county. This union has resulted in the birth
of one daughter, Mabel B., born August 21, 1888. She graduated at the
high scliooi and she took music at DePauw University, manifesting consid-
erable talent in this line. She was married Januarv- i, 1910, to Ralph Cross,
of Lebanon. Boone county. Indiana, and is now here, going to farm the
homestead.
Mr. Cooper is the owner of two hundred acres of well improved and
highly productive land in Franklin and Russell townships. He has a modern
and attractive dwelling of ten rooms, located in the midst of beautiful sur-
roundings. He has a substantial barn and other outbuildings. He keeps a
good line of stock and feeds a great many cattle and hogs, being regarded as
one of the leading general farmers and stockmen in Franklin township.
Mr. Cooper is a member of the ^Methodist Episcopal church. Brick
Chapel. Mrs. Coijper being a member of the Universalist church. Mr.
Cooper is an independent voter, preferring to support the individual whom he
considers best qualified for the office sought rather than the party. Per-
sonally he is obliging, jovial, neighborly and a man whom everybody likes.
His father, George H., died on December 30, 1896.
FRED L. GUILLIA^IS.
Back to the earliest settlers of Putnam county is traced the record of the
Guillianis family, the many members of which have done much for the gen-
eral progress of the locality, since they have all been hard workers and law-
abiding and always willing to do their just share in the interest of the county.
Among the best known of this family in Russell township is Fred L. Guil-
liams. who was born in this county, October 4, 1867, the son of Daniel
Guilliams, born September 27, 1833, and the grandson of John Guilliams,
born April 26, 1802, a native of Virginia, who was one of the first settlers
of this countv and who married Lydia Fosher, born October 2, 1806, a na-
tive of this county : they resided on a farm at Blakesburg and were the par-
ents of the following children : John, Christian, Daniel. Lydia. Sarah, Mary
and Betsy, all deceased but Lydia, who married a Mr. Leonard and is living
in Kansas. Daniel Guilliams was reared on the farm and had the advantages
of the earlv schools of the backwoods. He was married to Clarissa Hart.
7i6 weik's history of
September 14, 1856, daughter of John M. Hart, who was born December
ID, 1806, and who on February 21, 1830, married Nancy Cohvell Lockridge,
who was born July 12, 1812. They were the parents of ten children, John
L., Alargary E., Clarissa, Margaret, Henry C. Sarah A., Nancy P., Pauline
and Eliza. The Harts also lived in Putnam county in its earliest days.
After his marriage, Daniel Guilliams began farming on his own ac-
count, which he continued for a few years, then engaged in business as a re-
tail merchant at Portland Mills. After four years he went back to his farm.
Both he and his wife belonged to the Christian church. Politically Mr. Guil-
liams was a Republican. His death occurred August 10. 1893, ^^'S wife sur-
viving until August 17, 1895. They are buried in the cemetery at Blakes-
burg. Six children were born to them, four of whom are living, namely :
John ;\I.. born October 16, 1857, married Fanny Cavins, of Illinois; he is
professor of mathematics, languages and history in the normal school at
Bowling Green, Kentucky ; Ida E. is a teacher in the public schools of Put-
nam county; Ella B., now Mrs. Morton Fordice, was born August 11, 1873,
and is the mother of four children, Margery, Daniel, Mary and Rudolph.
Fred L. Guilliams, of this review, spent his boyhood days on the home
farm. After completing the_ prescribed course in the common schools he was
graduated from the Danville Normal School, where he prepared himself for
a teacher, and for three years taught very successfully in the public schools
and one year in a normal school in Florida. On April 23, 1899, he married
Laura 'SI. Grimes, daughter of John and Amanda (Clodfelter) Grimes, an
influential family of this county, where they have lived since the early days.
Mr. and ■Mrs. Guilliams began their married life on a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres, for which they paid fifty dollars per acre, that being less
than one-half of its present value, for Mr. Guilliams. who has continued to
reside here, has improved the place until it is equal to any in the community,
he having always been regarded as one of the successful and enterprising
agriculturists of the county. He has given his attention e.xclusively to farm-
ing and stock raising and is an enthusiastic poultry raiser, keeping a large
number of choice fowls, from which he realizes a handsome income ; he also
makes a specialty of breeding Duroc Jersey hogs of a superior quality : these
are eagerly sought after and admired by all who see them. He has a neat
and comfortable dwelling, nicely furnished and good outbuildings.
To Mr. and Mrs. Guilliams one child has been born. John Leroy. born
^lay 29, 1908. Both are members of the Christian church.
Regarding the several branches of the Guilliams family the following
facts are briefly noted :
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. Jlj
William Giiilliams, born at Parkersburg, Virginia, married Sarah Fer-
guson and they had nine children, viz : Mary Ouilliams Smith, John Giiil-
liams, Frances Guilliams Smith, Edgecombe Guilliams, Chanty Guilliams
Myers. William Guilliams. Richard Guilliams, Xaomi Guilliams Landers,
George Guilliams. Of these children. John Guilliams' paternal grandfather
of Fred L. Guilliams, married Lydia Fosher and they had eight children,
viz : Daniel Guilliams. Susannah Guilliams Henkle, Elizabeth Guilliams Mc-
Gaughey, Sarah Guilliams McGaughey, ]Mar\- Guilliams Long, John Guil-
liams, Christian Guilliams and Lydia Leonard. Daniel Guilliams, father of
Fred L. Guilliams. married Clarissa Hart. September 14. 1856. and thev had
-^ix children, viz; John Milton Guilliams. Alice Guilliams, Charley Guilliams,
Lla Emily Guilliams, Frederick Leon Guilliams (subject of sketch), and Ella
B. Guilliams Fordice. Fred L. Guilliams married Laura M. Grimes April
23, 1899, and they have one child, John Leroy Guilliams. Ella B. Guilliams
married Alorton Fordice and they have six children, viz : AIarger»- Morton
Fordice, Rudolph Gilliams Fordice, Mary Charlotte Fordice. Daniel Kirk-
wood Fordice, an infant son born December 25, 1903, and Asa Olney Fordice.
Mary Cohvell married John Lockridge, and they had seven children, viz :
]\Iilton Lockridge. Xancy Cohvell Lockridge (who married John M. Hart),
[Matthew Lockridge, Elizabeth Lockridge, James Lockridge. Joseph Lock-
ridge and Lou Lockridge. Of these. X'ancy Cohvell married John ^L Hart
and they had nine children, as named elsewhere. Philip Hart married ^Lir-
gery Cohvell and they had four children, viz: John ^L Hart (grandfather
of Fred L. Guilliams), born December 10, 1806, Pleasant Hart (died when
eleven years old), Susanna Hart Allen, and Jane Hart.
John ^[. Hart married Xancy Cohvell Lockridge and thev had nine
children, viz: John Hart, Margery Elizabeth Hart, Clarissa Hart (born
July 4. 1836, who became the wife of Daniel Guilliams). ]\Largaret Priscilla
Hart. Henry Clay Hart. Sarah Anne Hart, Xancy Pennelia Hart, Pauline
Hart and Eliza Hart.
Clarissa Hart married Daniel Guilliams and they had si.x children as
mentioned above.
Daniel Fosher, born in Germany. May 12, 1763, came to America with
the Hessian soldiers. His son, John Fosher, born in Franklin county. Vir-
ginia, in 1786, married Elizabeth Landers and they had nine children, viz:
Christian Fosher, Lydia Fosher Guilliams, Daniel (died in infancy). Henrv-
Fosher, John Fosher, Anna Fosher Guilliams, Kate Fosher Xichols. Betsy
Fosher Fall, Mary Fosher Todd Smith. Of these children, Lydia Fosher
(born October 2, 1806) married John Guilliams and they had eight children
7i8 weik's history of
as o-iven elsewhere. Daniel Guilliams, the eldest of these, married Clarissa
Hart and they became the parents of six children as noted elsewhere in this
o-enealoo-y. The fifth of these children was Frederick Leon Guilliams (sub-
ject), who married Laura M. Grimes, daughter of John and Amanda (Clod-
felter) Grimes, and they have one son. John Leroy Guilliams.
THOMAS J. McGAN.
Back to the early pioneer days in Putnam county is traced the ancestry
of Thomas J. McGan, one of Russell township's best known citizens, owning
a good farm here and a nicely arranged and well equipped jewelry store in
Russellville. beino- one of the influential and substantial men of northwestern
Putnam county. His birth occurred here November 24. 1844. He is the
son of James ^NlcGan, a native of Pennsylvania who went to Kentucky, from
which state, in 1829, he came to Indiana, locating in Russell township, Put-
nam countv, when a young man. He first engaged as a laborer in a woolen
mill which was operated here in the early days, in time getting a good start.
He was married to Margaret. Everman, the daughter of Michael Everman,
one of the oldest settlers of this county. He was the father of five children,
Andy, Maro-aret, Betsy, Wesley and William, all of whom are deceased.
Shortlv after his marriage Mr. McGan bought one hundred and sixty acres
of land in section 5, adjoining the town of Russellville, and engaged in
farming and stock raising and fed a great deal of stock. He was a money
maker and from time to time added to his farm, owning a section of land,
except one small tract, all in a body. In 1853 he erected on his original farm
a verv pretentious brick house for those days, a two-story, commodious
structure, having burned the brick on his own farm that entered into its
construction. His wife preceded him to the grave, dying August 17, 1872,
his death occurring July 20. 1873; they are buried in the Russellville ceme-
terv. Ten children were born to them, named as follows: William, born
September 11, 1833, died August 23, 1862: Andrew J., born February 2,
1835, died Septemljer 20, 1841 ; Eli V., born July 14, 1836, died November
4 1841 ; George W., born April 8. 1838, died November 6, 1841 ; Mary, born
July 17! 1839, died August i, 1840: James W., born April 11, 1841 ; died
November 14, 1841 ; Benjamin F., born October 15, 1842, died December
29, 1874; Thomas J. (of this review), born November 24, 1844; Sarah,
bom :March 9, 1847. died December 9, 1847; Rachael. born February 20.
PL'TXAM COLNTV. INDIANA. JIQ
1849: Rachael and Tliomas J., of this review, being the only ones Hving
at this writing.
Thomas J. AIcGan was reared to manhood on his father's fami and
receiveil a common school education. Upon the death of his parents he
heired the home place and he has continued to reside here to the present
time. He engages very successfully in farming and stock raising, keeping
the old place well improved and carefully tilled, so that the soil has not de-
preciated in strength and value.
Mr. McGan has never assumed the responsibilities of the married state,
and his sister, Rachael. now a widow, makes her home with him most of
the time. She was twice married, first to James Senett, now deceased ; her
last marriage was to Howard .-Vnderson. She has one child, William Senett,
who is married and is living on a farm near Crawfordsville, Indiana. Six
members of his father's family died with scarlet fever when young.
As stated at the onset, Mr. McGan conducts a jewelry store at Rus-
sellville, spending much of his time looking after the same; however, he
lives on his farm. He enjoys a good trade with the surrounding community.
He has the undivided respect of all his neighbors and has always been square
in his business relations.
ALBERT C. LOCKRIDGE.
Among Franklin township's successful farmers and influential men of
affairs is Albert C, Lockridge, who is the owner of a fine farm which he ren-
ders highlv productive by the latest scientific methods, reaping abundant har-
vests from vear to year as the result of the energy, time and thought e.xpended
upon it, and he is regarded as one of the leading young farmers of Putnam
county. He comes from a good old pioneer family. His birth occurred near
Greencastle, Indiana, February 20, 1873, He was reared on the home farm
which he worked during crop seasons when he became old enough, attending
the district schools in the winter-time, remaining on the place where he was
born until he was thirteen years of age when he moved to Raccoon, in the
northwest part of the county, and remained there five years. In 1891 he
came to Roachdale, Franklin township. After his preliminary education in
the common schools he attended DePauw University for one year, after which
he took a year's course in a business school. He worked on the farm until
1900, then purchased a farm of his own, and in 1904 he built the old ele-
vator at Roachdale and he has been engaged in the grain business ever since
720
WEIK S HISTORY OF
in connection with his farming. He buys and ships all kinds of grain and
hay, having built up an extensive and lucrative business. He also has an
interest in the Bainbridge lumber yard at Bainbridge, Indiana, where the firm
handles not only lumber, but also cement, coal, grain and all kinds of seeds,
flour, feed, etc., doing an extensive business. Besides these extensive inter-
ests, he is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and forty-two acres in
section 2, Franklin township, which he looks after personally, giving it a
great deal of attention, as already intimated, especially to the raising of grain,
at which he is very successful. The place is well improved and he has a mod-
ern, comfortable and attractive home. He has been very successful in all his
business operations owing to his soundness of judgment, his ability to forsee
the outcome of present transactions and his honorable dealings with his fel-
low men, which has gained their confidence.
Mr. Lockridge was married to Alice Hillis, of Greencastle, where she
grew to maturitv and where she received her education, being a graduate of
the high school there. She is the daughter of a highly respected citizen of
that place, where her family were long well known. This union has resulted
in the birth of three children, Louise, born in 1897, Elizabeth, born in 1900,
and Nellie, born in 1905.
Mr. and Mrs. Lockridge are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and fraternally, Mr. Lockridge is a member of Roachdale Lodge, No. 602,
Free and Accepted Masons, which he has served as secretary; he is also a
member of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 297. He is a Prohibitionist
and is a member of the board of town trustees of Roachdale. Personally he
is a pleasant man to know, a good mixer, straiglitforward and unassuming.
SAMUEL PRESTON BROWN.
One of the men who is enjoying the fruits of his labors in his declining
vears and who has found it to his advantage to remain in his native locality
is Samuel Preston Brown, owner of an excellent farm near Coatesville. hav-
ing by long years of patient endeavor accumulated a valuable estate, although
starting out in life with small capital. He was born in Putnam county, Jan-
uarv 15. 1842, the son of Williamson and Jane (Rich) Brown, a well known
old familv of this community. Grandfather Williamson Brown was a native
of North Carolina, who came to Wayne county. Indiana, in 1832, locating
in Flovd township, Putnam county, two years later; however, he never
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. J2l
owned land here, although a farmer by occupation. His family consisted of
nine children, namely : William, Hesekiah. Isaac, Stephen, Williamson,
Xancy, Rebecca. Alary and Betsy. The father of these children died in
1840 and is buried in the cemetery at Coatesville.
Williamson Brown, Jr., was born ]\Iay 7, 1794. He remained at home
until reaching maturity and attended the primitive schools of his day. On
!May 16, 1804. he married Jane Rich and they located on a farm of one
hundred and forty acres in, section 36, Marion township, and here he followed
farming all his life. He was a Republican and he and his wife were members
of the Methodist church. They made their home on the present Brown farm,
he I lying here January 2. 1876, being survi\ed by his widow until September
12, 1899; they are buried in the Coatesville cemetery. Twelve children were
born to them, namely: ^^Irs. Sarah E. Xoble. a widow; Airs. Sarah A.
Harsch and Airs. Emily J. Kelsey are both living in Iowa: Samuel Preston,
of this review; Jabez; those now deceased are. Airs. Rachael L. Pierson. Alan-
uel, Samuel R., Hannah E. (who remained single). Airs. Alary A. Kelsey,
John W. and Xancy Al.
Samuel P. Brown remained with his parents assisting with the work
about the farm until he reached maturity. His education was gained in the
local schools. On Alarch 20. 1S73, he married Sarah J. Paddock, of Dublin,
Wayne county, Indiana, where her father owned a good farm.
-After his marriage Air. Brown moved onto a farm of sixty acres ad-
joining Coatesville on the north and he has continued to reside here. He
has prospered by reason of good management and close attention to his in-
dividual affairs and also owns one hundred and eighty-eight acres adjoining,
also one hundred acres in Alarion township and one hundred and forty acres
in Floyd township. All his land is among the most valuable in this part of
the county, has been well improved and he has been very successful as a
general farmer and stock raiser, — in fact is regarded as one of the model
farmers of Putnam county and one of the best judges of livestock in this
community. His judgment seldom errs in his business transactions and he
hiilds high rank as one of the county's substantial and representative citizens.
He has a modem, commodious and attractive home near Coatesville. his
home farm adjoining the town.
Two children have been born to Air. and Airs. Brown. Frank L. and
Cora A. The former was born January 31. 1S7S: he attended the local
schools, then entered DePauw University, from which institution he was
graduated with honors. Deciding to turn his attention to the ministrv, he
(46)
722
vve:k s history of
took a course in the Theological School of Boston, Massachusetts. December
15, 1908. he married Grace Elizabeth McV'ey. a talented representative of a
well known familv. Mr. Brown was engaged in teaching at Pachuca. Mex-
ico: previous to his marriage he taught school in San Antonio, Texas. He
is at present pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fairview, Indiana.
He is a young man with a brilliant future and is very popular wherever he is
known. Air. and Mrs. Frank L. Brown have one son. Waldo Preston Brown,
born March 11. 19 10. The daughter. Cora A., a young lady of refinement, is
a graduate of the Coatesville schools and is still a member of the home circle.
Members of this family are all Methodists in their religious beliefs. Mr.
Brown is a Republican, but he has never aspired to puljlic office, being content
to devote his time e.Kclusively to his individual affairs. He has always been
regarded as a man in whom the utmost confidence could be reposed and,
being friendiv and neighborly, he is well liked by all classes.
MADISON YOUNG.
The o-entleman to a review of whose life the reader's attention is here
respectfully directed, is recognized as one of the energetic and successful citi-
zens of the north part of Putnam county, who by his enterprise and pro-
gressive methods has contributed in a material way to the general advance-
ment of the county, especially Franklin township, where he has long main-
tained his home and become one of its leading men of affairs. Like many
of the enterprising citizens of this section of the Hoosier state, Madison Young
is a Kentuckian. having been born in the old Blue Grass state, January 8,
1856. He is the son of Harrison- and Kiziarh (Baugh) Young, both born in
Kentucky where they were reared, educated and married and in 1873 they
came to Putnam county, Indiana, and fanned in Franklin township where they
lived until about 1883 when Mr. Young went west, but he has returned and
is now living in Roachdale. He and his wife are the parents of these chil-
dren : G. R., Madison. Margaret. Mary B. and Samuel K.
]\Iatlison Young grew to maturity in Kentucky, where he worked on his
father's farm durin^ the summer months and attended the common schools
in the winter. He came to Indiana with his parents and remained with them
until he was twenty-three years of age. He had worked considerably on the
farm by the month in order to get a start.
On April 6. 1880, Mr. Young was married to Emma F. Bymaster, who
was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, November 18, 1861. Her father.
PLTXA.M COUNTY, INDIAXA. ^2^
David L. Bvmaster. a man of high principles and well known in his commu-
nity, was a native of Pennsylvania, who finally moved to Montgomerv county,
Indiana, where he resided during the latter part of his life. One daughter
was born to Mr. and Mrs, Young who is now deceased. Her name was Letha
^I.. born June lo. iSSi. and died January 14, 1893; she was a graduate of
the high school at Ladoga, Indiana, and was a bright and interesting child.
Mr. Young is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and six
acres in Montgomery county, this state, which is under a high state of im-
provement and cultivation. He moved to Roachdale. Putnam countv, on
Xoxember J3. 1906, and is residing at the corner of Washington and Walnut
streets, in one of the finest and most attractive dwellings in the town or this
part of the county, being equipped with all modern appliances, with basement,
furnace, bath, hot and cold water, etc. It was built at an expense of three
thousand dollars. He .still looks after his farm and is especially interested in
good livestock, of which he is a splendid judge, and. because of the high
grade of the various kinds of stock he handles, they always find a ready
market.
Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Christian church at Roachdale,
and Mr. Young is a charter member of the Ben Hur lodge here, carrying an
insurance in the same. F^)liticall}' he is a Republican and, while he has never
fijund time to take a great deal of interest in political affairs, he has ahvavs
done what he could toward the betterment in any way of conditions in both
Putnam and Montgomery counties, and because of his public-spirit, his cordial
manners and his lionestv he is held in high fa\-or wherever he has lived.
CHARLES BOLES BRIDGES.
Few men of a past generation in Putnam county so impressed their
strong personalities upon the minds of those with whom they came in contact,
did more for the general upbuilding of the locality and left behind them a
worthier recorrl than Charles Boies Bridges, who has long since joined the
great ''caravan that moves to the pale realms of shade." yet the luster of his
singularly pure and worthy life is still shed along the pathways of those
nearest and dearest to him. and for many reasons his biographical memoir
is worthy of a conspicuous position in the history of the country where he
■"lived and movefl and had his being."
Mr. Bridges was born October 30, 1800. and he closed his eyes on earth-
ly scenes March 2, 1879, thus nearly reaching the advanced milestone of four-
J24 WEIK S HISTORY OF
score years. He was one of the pioneers of Putnam county, having come
here seventy years ago from Kentucky, where he was born. His paternal
ancestors were Enghsh and, perhaps, Welsh. His mother was an orphan
whose ancestry cannot be definitely traced, being quite young when she lost
her parents. William Bridges was the third son of a family of five children,
James, Charles, William, George and a daughter. William Bridges settled
first near Salisbury, North Carolina, during the Revolutionary war period.
He was a blacksmith by trade and was pressed into the service to make shack-
els for the Tories. He was married to his first wife when he came to this
country from England, but she did not long survive after coming to America.
After this he settled in Kentucky, about the year 1790, in a vast wilderness,
among the native redskins, bears, wolves and other kinds of wild animals, in
what is now Aladison county. Here he married Elizabeth Wright, mother
of the immediate subject of this sketch, and soon afterward moved to what is
now Montgomery county, Kentucky, about eight miles from Morgan Station,
the scene of an Indian massacre. To this union five sons and three daugh-
ters were born, namely: William, James, George, Charles, Milton, Tamer,
Abigail and Elizabeth. These children had three half-brothers and one half-
sister. Their parents were both old-time Methodists and they delighted in
attended the camp meetings held in the woods of those early days where peo-
ple "shouted" and "went into trances."
Charles B. Bridges knew little else than hard manual labor from the time
he was six years of age to the age of twenty-six. When about nine years old
he was placed in school, traversing a foot-path through the woods to a primi-
tive log house where only such text-books as the old Columbia speller, Guth-
rie's arithmetic and the Bible were used. His schooling did not amount to
six months in all. He was nineteen years old when his father died. He prac-
ticallv took charge of the farm, managed it and handled stock successfully,
selling some of his own property to satisfy his father's creditors. In dividing
the farm of one hundred acres, forty of it fell to the subject. He began sup-
porting the family by raising hogs for market, and making a good crop the
first vear. The following fall he accepted an ofTer of ten dollars per month,
to go to Richmond, Virginia, and drive hogs. He made the trip thither on
foot, a verv trying journey. He made another crop the following year and
in the fall hired to drive hogs to Sumpterville, South Carolina. He contin-
ued farming and trading in stock and in time he accumulated some property ;
however, he had many discouragements for fifteen years after he began life
for himself. Borrowing nine hundred dollars, he bought a number of horses
and drove them to Alabama where he sold them. Later he took a drove of
PUTXAM COCXTY. IXDIAXA. -35
horses and mules to Georgia, meeting with adverse luck, such as getting hold
of a large amount of counterfeit money. After making a number of trips
to the South and trading extensively in stock at home, he had. bv 1829, ac-
cumulated enough to establish a home of his own. and while cradling wheat
he first saw Rachael Lockridge, a farmer's daughter who was carrying water
to tlie reapers, and after a short courtship they were married on October 28.
1830. She was the daughter of Robert Lockridge. who then lived about
six miles north of Mount Sterling. Kentucky. Mr. Bridges had purchased
a seventy-five-acre farm near there, and the young couple went to live there
in an "old log cabin." Their first child. Robert, was born October 17, 1831 ;
William was born in September. 1833. Mr. Bridges sold his farm for thirty
dollars per acre, a large price for that time, and upon surveying the place it
was found that the boundan.- contained about nine acres more than the orig-
inal estimate. The following spring he and his brother. Willis, made a trip
to Indiana, which was then practically a wilderness, but little of the land being
under cultivation and the inhabitants poor. They went to Montgomery
county and as far as Lafayette in Tippecanoe county, only a few houses then
marking the site of the last named city. After refusing to buy land very
cheaply where the city of Crawfordsville now stands, they purchased a tract
near Parkersburg. They could have bought land at a very low figure now
covered by a part of Indianapi")lis. They returned home and moved to the
new country- the following fall and here started life again in true pioneer fash-
ion, leaving Kentucky September iS. 1S34. and. notwithstanding the subse-
quent hardships and privations, they never regretted making the change.
The trip required twelve days to Montgomery county, Indiana, and they be-
gan clearing their wilderness land, keeping house in a one-room shack. He
cleared aliout fifteen acres and planted corn, but the season was a wet one
and nothing was raised. In the fall he went to Illinois, whither he had gone
about a year previously, but owing to the prevalence of chills and fever did not
care to locate there. He later went to Putnam county and bought land in
the Foster settlement, selling out in Montgomerv- county. Here he found
conditions much more favorable and soon had a good start, raising a splendid
crop of corn. He liked the locality so well he purchased the old Secrist farm
of one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid six dollars per acre, and
moved to the place. He improved the land, on which a house had already
been built and some fences put up. and a few acres set in blue grass.
About the year 1837 Mr. Bridges and two of his neighbors began the
agitation of abolishing whisky at log-rollings and husking-bees, etc.. Mr.
Bridges having always been a temperate man. Within a short time thev ap-
J2b WEIK S HISTORY OF
pointed a temperance meeting at Blakesburg. in\iting several noted speakers
from different places ; this may be said to be the first temperance movement
of this section of the state. He had a fine bhie grass farm in a few years and
bought stock and kept them on the place and by 1840 had a good start again.
However, those were trying times financially, following the national bank
law of 1833. ^^^- Bridges had purchased another piece of land, and the
panic coming on he offered it for one thousand dollars less than he had paid
for it. but could not sell it. In 1843 '""^ purchased the old Myer tract of about
one hundred and twenty acres, on which he moved his family and lived there
three or four years, then built a new house and barn in 1845. His older boys
had become large enough to attend to the place and Mr. Bridges now de-
voted most of his time to stock trading. In 1847 'i^ purchased the first cook-
stove ever brought to this community. He dealt extensively in sheep, hav-
ing as many as one thousand head on the place at one time. By 185 1 he
had sold all his land but about three hundred acres, and he decided to engage
in the mercantile business; so, forming a partnership "with Reub Moss, they
opened a store at Fincastle, Putnam county, Mr. Bridges leaving his farm to
the care of his boys. A year later he bought his partner's interest and after
continuing it another year he sold out. He had done well in this line of
endeavor, having over four hundred names and twenty thousand dollars on
his account book when he closed out. But his patrons were very prompt in
paving. A vear later he built a store room at the cross roads one-half mile
from his residence, afterwards called Cairo, and commenced the business
again and sold goods for about two years, his son Milton, who was born in
1835, having acted as clerk. After trading in land until 1861 he bought the
store back, taking his son, DeWitt, who was born in 1847, to clerk. The
breaking out of the Civil war brought an increase in the price of manufac-
tured goods and almost all commodities and he made money rapidly, continu-
ing in business two and one-half years. He continued to look after his land
and in the spring of 1868 purchased a small farm near Bainbridge. having dis-
posed of his other possessions, built a good house and quietly spent the re-
maining years of his life there.
Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bridges. Those not mentioned
above are, James, born in 1837: Elizabeth, born in 1840: Dulcenia, born in
1845: Amelia, born in 1852, and Rachael. born in 1855.
James Bridges, a worthy son of a worthy sire, lives on the okl Stevenson
homestead, where he is very successfully engaged in general farming and
stock raising. He was educated in the common schools. On November 10,
1859. lie married Marv Darnall. who died August 14. 1867. this union having
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA.
resulted in the birth oi the following children, all living: Douglas. Jesse and
Thomas. On September i. 1868. James Bridges married Mary Xelson
Stevenson, daughter of Dr. Alexander Campbell and Mary- Jane (Gillespie)
Stevenson, and tlie following children have been born to them: Sarah, Flora.
Harriet; .\lexandria was born in January. 1871, and died July 19. 1887.
Charles B. Bridges was scrupulously honest in all his dealings with his
fellow men ; he strictly avoided all coarse and vulgar language, and always
had a soft answer with which to turn away wrath. His interest in temper-
ance work continued unabate<l. He was one of the builders of the Universal-
ist church in Putnam county and was always a liberal supporter of the church,
and his children were reared in such a wholesome home atmosphere that they
have all become members of the church and worthy of the name they bear.
Mr. Bridges" political affiliation was with the Democratic party, but he
was neither bitter nor violent as a partisan. He was loyal to the Union cause.
Honored in life and regretted in death, his name will long remain a fragrant
memory to those who knew him. He was fortunate in the selection of a
life companion and was much devoted to his wife, it being a great comfort to
him that she fully sympathized with him in his religious faith and philan-
thropic views. She was reared a Presbyterian, but liecame an avowed be-
liever in Universalism. Rachael Ozier (Lockridge) Bridges was born about
five miles northeast of Mount Sterling. Montgomery county. Kentucky.
Oct.iber 13. tSi2. Her ancestors were of Scotch-Irish and English e.xtrac-
tion. having emigrated to this country at a very early period. Her parents
had a hard struggle in the early Kentucky days. Rachael was the second of
a familv of nine children, two sons and seven daughters. She was reared
to work about the homestead, f<jr her father (jwned a small farm and had to
have assistance in making a living for his large family. One of her first
duties was to keep watch over the newly sprouted corn, for in the wilderness
days of the Blue Grass state farming was rendered doubly hard from the fact
that innumerable birds, squirrels, etc.. destroyed the crops. When about
seven years of age she began attending school in one of those old historic
puncheon-rtoorecrclapboard-roofed school houses of the pioneer days of the
middle West. She learned very rapidly, but her school days were brought
abruptlv to a close, having attended school less than one year. Her father
died when she was young and the family was left in none too favorable cir-
cumstances, but by manufacturing almost all their wearing apparel and by
hard work they managed to live comfortably. When very young Rachael
was put to weaving and doing other like work. She had little opportunity
t. , attend social functions and up to the age of seventeen, when she met Mr.
72S weik's history of
Bridges, she had been absent from home but little. She was a woman of
great fortitude, courage, strong-minded, gentle and always deeply concerned
regarding the welfare of her children. Her death was triumphant, that of a
tn.ie Christian, ''sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust" when the
final summons came on January 3, 1881.
DAVID EMAXUEL PAVEY REED. M. D.
There is a weight of character, a native sagacity and fidelity of purpose
in Dr. David E. P. Reed, of Russellville. which commands the respect of
all and he has left his impress for good upon the medical, social and business
circles of Putnam county, which he has ever had at heart and whose interests
he has ever sought to promote and where he has built up a lucrative and
very satisfactory practice. He was born at Fillmore, this county, March 14,
1867, the son of George W. and Mar\^ Elizabeth (Shoemaker) Reed, the
latter the daughter of Solomon Shoemaker, of Virginia, the genealog\- of
this fine old family tracing back to the "Mayflower,"' to German Scotch-Irish
antecedents. George W. Reed was born in Shelby county, Kentucky. He
became a member of the Eighth Regiment. Kentucky Volunteers, during the
Mexican war and saw active service in Mexico. He lost the use of his eyes
in blasting a well in Kentucky about 1850. Although handicapped, he was a
man of sterling qualities and nothing could daunt him, consequently he
learned the broommaker's trade, at which he worked after coming to Indiana.
He reached an advanced age, dying in 1884, having been preceded to the
grave bv his wife in 1872, and he is buried at the National Soldiers" Home
at Davton. Ohio. He followed his trade at Fillmore, this county, until his
wife"s death, spending his last years in the home referred to above in Ohio.
Three children were born to them, namely: Margaret Ann, wife of A. R.
Stevens, living in Oklahoma : Robert Solomon lives at Mattoon. Illinois ;
Dr. David E. P.. of this review.
David E. P. Reed was five years of age at his mother's death, and he
spent two years at the county farm, and lived for some time with James H.
Hall, of Brick Chapel, growing up with Charles Hall, whose companion
he was until he reached the age of twenty, where he got his board, clothing
and attended the common schools, Iiaving worked for Mr. Hall from the age
of eleven \'ears, receiving about one hundred dollars compensation for his
labors. Desiring to become a teacher, he went to the normal school at Dan-
PL"TXAM COUNTY. INDIANA. "29
vflle for tliree and one-halt terms, then taught in Clinton tovvn.ship. where
he rendered very satisfactory service and became well known as a local
educator, following teaching for a period of nine years. During the last
four years of his career as teacher he read medicine, then entered the medical
department of the Kentucky University at Louisville, receiving his degree
with the class of 1S97. He returned to his nati\e county and began practice
at Portland Mills, where he soon built up a verv' satisfactory patronage. De-
siring a larger field for the exercise of his talents, he came to Russellville in
1906. since which time he has been engaged in active general practice with
his usual success, his practice extending into Montgomerj- and Parke coun-
ties, being kept verv- busy \\nth his numerous patients at all times of the year,
and his success has been such that his prestige is constantly growing. He is
a member of the State and the American Medical Associations. He keeps
well abreast of the time and is a well-read man in everything that pertains to
his profession, confining his attention exclusively to his practice.
Doctor Reed was married August 20. 1890. to Lucy J. Newgent. a lady
of rare culture, the daughter of \\'illiam W. and Patsy Xewgent. a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere in this work. She was eighteen years old at the
time of her marriage. This union has been blessed by the birth of two chil-
dren, Robert H., born in 1892, is attending the local high school, and Bessie
Louise, born in 1900. is also attending school.
The Doctor is a Democrat, a Mason, Woodman and a member of the
Knights of Pvthias.
WILLARD GOUGH.
In looking over tlie list of Putnam county's most representative citizens
the name of W'illard Gough should not be left out owing to the fact that he
has alwavs been interested in the general progress of the county and has done
what he could toward the de\-elopment of the same while carn.-ing on the
affairs of his farm. He is a native of Franklin township, this county, where
he was born October 6. 1857. the son of John and Eliza fCarpenter) Gough.
Philip Gough. his paternal grandfather, was a native of Virginia and a fine
old pioneer. The fatlier. John Gough. was a farmer and saw-mill man. and
he was killed wlien his son U'illarrl was less than two years old. The mother
was married a second time and A\'illard was reared by his step-father on the
home fann. which he began working when but a mere lad. He attended the
7ZO
WEIK S HISTORY OF
''Hstrict schools during tlie winter months and received a very serviceable edu-
cation. He took charge of the farm upon the death of his step-father and
successfully managed the same until he was twenty-one years of age.
Willard Gough was married in September, 1878. to Mary Rogers, wdio
was born in 1855, the daughter of a highly respected family. Five children
were born to this union, namely: Xellie. wife of Cortland C. Gilliam, an at-
torney at Greencastle. Indiana, is a graduate of the common schools ; Nettie,
the wife of A. P. Underwood, lives at Fincastle. this county; Grover is single
and is living at Roachdale. this county : John B., who graduated from the com-
mon schools, was a teacher, and he married Lulu Pyle; Vernie V. is the wife
of Otha Fowler.
The mother of the.se children passed to her rest on October 22. 1900, and
Mr. Gough was again married in August, 1907, to Mrs. Laura Rettinger. a
native of Monroe township. Putnam county. Indiana, having been born on
September 8, 1866, the daughter of John W. and Mary (Everson) Hanks.
She was educated in the common schools of Montgomery county. Indiana.
Her father was a Kentuckian and her mother was a native of Montgomery
county, this state, where they still live. Mrs. Gough was first married to
David P. Rettinger.
Mrs. Gough is a member of the Christian church, and both she and Mr.
Gough are members of the Eastern Star, the latter also being a member of
the Free and Accepted Masons, Roachdale Lodge. No. 602. Politically he
is a Democrat and he served very acceptably as trustee of Franklin township
in 1904 and in January. 1905, he took office and served until January. 1909.
During his term of office he did many things that will always be gratefully
remembered by his fellow citizens, having somewhat consolidated the town-
ship schools and he turned over the township to his successor free from debt.
Philip C. Carpenter, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Gough. came to
this state from Virginia and settled in Franklin township. Putnam county, and
the town of Carpentersville now- stands on the land he settled. He established
a tannery here which was largely patronized, and he remained here until his
death. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Eliza.
Alexander. Ephriam. Rufus. Elizabeth. Sarah and Lucy. Mr. Carpenter was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was known as an honest
and upright man.
Stephen Hanks, the grandfather of Mrs. Gough. was an old settler in
Putnam county. He married Eliza Ketchen. by whom he had six children.
Mr. Gough has a neat and well kept farm of eighty acres in section 16.
Franklin township, which he manages in a manner that yields a comfortable
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 73 1
income from year to year. He was formerly engaged in the drug business
and managed a general store in Carpentersville. and later at Raccoon, this
county, continuing in that line for about si.x years, having moved to his present
farm in 1889.
J.-\MES C. FORDICE.
Among tlie native-born residents of Putnam county who ha\e reached a
well merited success we must certainly include the name of James C. Fordice,
well known resi<Ient of Russell township. Honesty and fair dealing have
been his watchwords, and these twin virtues have been personified in his active
life. He is the son of Joseph B. Fordice, who was born January 23, 1818,
in Morgan county, Ohio, and the grandson of William Fordice, born May 11,
1786. in Nova Scotia. He married Ruama Buck. ^larch i, 1806, in Lower
Canada, from which country the family moved to Morgan county. Ohio,
where they lived for several years. Then Mr. Fordice moved to Putnam
county, Indiana, where his children had preceded him, his desire being to
spend his declining years with them. His death occurred October 2. 1862.
Mrs. Fordice, who was born December 9, 1786, died November 27, 1875.
They were the parents of thirteen children. Some of the sons engaged in the
manufacture of fanning mills in Ohio and one of them was a manufacturer in
Kentucky for five years, or until 1845, when they all came to Putnam county,
Indiana, locating at Russellville, where they started a factory, and it was from
this source that these sons. Nelson, George. Asa, Joseph and Jesse H.. were
enabled to buy their farm land and made their start in life. Their father pur-
chased land in section 7. adding to it from time to time until he finally owned
one thousand acres all in one body. February 24. 1842. he married Rebecca
Elliott, of Illinois. He devoted his life to fanning and stock raising at which
he was very successful. In 1858 he was elected to the Legislature, serving
very ably in that body. His death occurred February 17. 1883. He was a
useful and influential man in his community. His children, of whom two are
living, are as follows : James C. and Elizabeth : those deceased being Annie.
John. Jesse H. and William .\. The last named was born December 9, 1842,
married Celia Durham and they had two children. Myrtle and Lula. Eliza-
beth married William .\shby ; she was born August 30, 1852. and she became
the mother of the following children living: Jesse. Joseph, Howard and Lela,
those deceased being Siggie and Mary. Howard is a graduate of Wabash
College and now one of its instructors in the department of mathematics.
\
\
732 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Chester is a freshman of the same college. Leia is a teacher in the public
schools. Jesse H., now deceased, was born July 14, 1853, and died in 1909.
He married Lucy Allen, May 25, 1881, and they became the parents of the
following; children : Margaret, Donald, Joseph. Paul and Elizabeth. Jesse
H. Fordice was a successful physician and was located in Wichita, Kansas,
where his death occurred. His family now resides in the state of Washing-
ton ; his son, Donald, graduated from the state college in Washington.
James C. Fordice was reared to manhood on the home farm, received a
common school education, and attended Wabash College, after which he be-
came engaged in business and for a year was treasurer of an iron industry in
Martin county, Indiana. He was at one time surveyor for the road now
known as the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad, rendering very effi-
cient ser^-ice and having the good will of his employers.
June 10, 1885, Mr. Fordice married Bertha Allen, daughter of Joseph
Allen, of Greencastle, and after a mutually happy married life of thirteen
years, she passed to her rest on August 30, 1898. Two children were born
to them, Frederick, born March 31, 1886, and Harold, born January 10, 1888;
both are graduates of Wabash College and are young men of much promise.
Mr. Fordice lives on the old homestead which his father purchased from
Cyrus VanCleve, who entered the land from the government. He erected a
one-story brick house, burning the brick himself, the house still standing on
the farm. The father built a very modern house on this farm, in which his
son now lives. Mr. Fordice makes farming and stock raising his occupation,
and he is very successful in each: he is a money maker and one of the best
known men in his township, being well read and thoroughly posted on all
current events. Representing one of the oldest and largest families of the
county, he has ever striven to conduct himself in a manner that would per-
petuate the early record of the family for right living and right thinking.
Politically he is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church.
AARON A. GRAHAM.
Living in honorable retirement in Russellville is Aaron A. Graham, one
of Putnam county's highly respected and substantial citizens whose former life
of activitv resulted to much good to his fellow men as well as to himself and
immediate family. He was born in Jackson county, Indiana. May 22. 1844.
son of James C. and Hilary A. fReynolds) Graham, the former a native of
PUT.XAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 733
Xorth Carolina and the latter of Tennessee. In a ver>- early day they came
to Indiana, later moving to Iowa. About 1854 they returned to the Hoosier
state, locating at Portland Mills, Putnam county, where Mr. Graham oper-
ated a daily mail route from Waveland to Greencastle through Portland ilills.
They later lived in Brown township, Montgomery county, where Mrs. Graham
died at the age of seventy-seven years; he spent his last years in Iowa with his
children, dving there when about eighty years of age. They were the parents
of but two sons, George F. and Aaron; however, James C. Graham had been
previouslv married and had children by his first wife.
When only seventeen years of age Aaron Graham gave vent to the patriot-
ism he felt and enlisted in Company K, Si.xty-seventh Regiment Indiana Vol-
unteer Infantry, from Jackson county, in August, 1862, and he served very
faithfullv through all the vicissitudes of his regiment, receiving an honorable
discharge Mav 16, 1865. He fought at Munfordville, Kentucky, Port Gib-
son, Black Ri'ver, Champion Hills, and at Vicksburg, being wounded in the
general assault at the latter place May 22, 1863, a bullet passing through his
left hand. He was sent to Graysville and as soon as he was able he was ap-
pointed ward master in the hospital there, which position he occupied for nine
months, when he was ordered to Cincinnati as clerk under General Willick,
commander of the depot there, and there he remained until discharged.
After returning home Mr. Graham began trading in and shipping stock
at Russellville, his brother George becoming his partner. In 1867 they be-
gan buving land in Brown township, Montgomery county, one and one-halt
miles from Russellville Station, starting out with eighty acres. They made
monev rapidlv farming and shipping from Russellville and \^-aveland, keep-
in- well posted in the dailv markets, being constantly buying or in the market,
shippin- two hundred cars of livestnck m .me year. Mr. Graham was also
accustomed to buving horses in large numbers, which he kept on his larm
until readv for market. He prospered by his judicious handhng of livestock
and general farming and he became the owner of five hundred and sixty acres
of good land ; he owned four hundred acres in Montgomery county and one
hundred and si.xtv acres in Parke county, paying as high as fifty-five dollars
per acre for improved land; it consisted of the best black land, covered with
walnut and sugar trees, but he always made farming secondary to his livestock
interests. However, he was known as a large wheat raiser and has sold as
high as twenty-nine hundred dollars worth at one shipping. He disposed of
his stock interests ten years ago and six years ago he came to Russellville to
make his home. He has bought and sold considerable town property. He has
a beautiful modern home, elegantlv furnished and here the many friends of
734
WEIK S HISTORY OF
the family delight to gather. He also has modern and substantial buildings
on his farms. His brother, George F.. continued in the stock business all
the while and still owns his fine farm in Montgomery county.
Politically Mr. Graham is a Republican, but he has never had an inclina-
tion to hold public office, being content to look after his individual affairs and
leave public matters to others : however, he has always been deeply interested
in the general welfare of his county. He is a liberal supporter of the local
Methodist church.
Mr. Graham married Miranda Jones, of Montgomery county, . when
twenty-two years old. She died ten years later. Two children were born
of this union, Ida, who married Abe Grimes, of Russellville, and George F.,
who was but six days old when his mother died. Mr. Graham's second mar-
riage was with Ardellie Hart, of Putnam county, who, after twenty-eight
vears of mutuallv happy married life, died in December, 1901. The follow-
ing children graced this second union : Zona married Fred H. Goodwin, who
is in business at Russellville ; J. Blaine is associated with his father in the
farming business: Everett L., now eleven years old, is attending school.
Personallv Mr. Graham is a man whom it is a pleasure to know, being
generous hearted, kind, hospitable, honest in all his dealings with his fellow
mer. and eminently worthy of the trust and respect they repose in him and
have for him, and he is today regarded as one of the county's most repre-
sentative and valued citizens.
ABEL BEXTON DONEHEW,
One of Putnam county's highly honored native sons who have greatly
profited by their persistent industry along legitimate lines in their own native
localitv and thereby find themselves in comfortable circumstances in their de-
clining- years is .\bel Benton Donehew, farmer and stock raiser of Russell
township. He was born July 2, 1845, ^^'^^ son of Martin Donehew, bom
February 24, iSio, in West Virginia. On his birthday, February 24, 1834,
he married Cynthia Dyre, who was born in Union county, Tennessee, May 12,
1812. Abel B. Donehew's grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812 and
died in the service. The Donehew family came to this county about the year
1835, Martin Donehew being the first of the same, and he lived with Jesse
Blake, then a bachelor and the owner of a farm here. Here Mr. and Mrs.
Donehew made their home for several years. Two years before he brought
PLTNAM COCXTY, INDIANA. 735
his family liere he matle the trip on foot from Virginia and entered eighty
acres of land in Frankhn township and worked for fifty cents a day on the
National road in order to get money to pay for his land. When winter
stopped the work on the same he walked back to his Virginia home and re-
turned in the same manner the following spring, bringing his family. He
made a success of farming and later bought land adjoining that which he
first entered, and in 1856 built a good frame house in which he lived until
his death. August 24, 1877. He was a jovial, kind-hearted man and had
many friends.
Abel B. Donehew spent his boyhood days on the home farm and received
a common school education. He was married on January 31, 1867, to Catherine
Allen Eads, daughter of James W. and Elizabeth Eads. of Montgomery
countv. Indiana. t.> whom these children were born. -Mary ^l., Xancy J.,
Elizabeth L.. Sidney Ann, Catherine A., James, William, Lucy H., Harriett
A., Joseph M.. John H., Sarah A. and Stephen D. The parents of these chil-
dren are buried in Indian Creek cemetery. They were members of the Method-
ist church.
Mr. and Mrs. Donehew began housekeeping on a farm in Montgomery
county which they bought in 1868. After a few years they sold their farm
and moved to Kansas, where they remained eight years, then moved to ^^lis-
souri, returning to Putnam county three years later and have since then re-
sided here continuously. Mr. Donehew and his son, Joseph T., who remains
wdth his father, are among the most enterprising farmers in their township,
leasing one of the model fanns of the county, consisting of four hundred
acres, under a high state of improvement and well cultivated, producing abund-
ant harvests of all kinds from year to year under their able management.
This place belongs to James V. Durham. The elder Donehew is a very pleas-
ant and sociable man and much devoted to his family. He belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he and his wife are members of the
Christian church. Eight children have been born to them, named as follows :
Sarah E., born January i, 1869, married Charles A. Morton and they have
eight children. Jay B., DeHa A.. Kitty L., Rollie E., xXettie M., James T.,
Monna M. and Oliver P. Argalis. born April 21, 1870, died April 17, 18S2;
Joseph T., born February 18. 1872, received a common school education and
is interested with his father on the farm. He is an active member of the
Modern Woodmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Cordelia
A., born February 4, 1S76, is clerking for the Brumfield dry goods store at
Russellville ; she received a common school education, and has remained single.
Cynthia A.,' born July 23, 1878, died September 14, 1879; EHen M.. torn
736 weik's history of
August 23, 1880, married Mr. Brumfield, a merchant at Russellville; Jessie
A., born October 22, 1887, received her education in the public schools, is
single, much devoted to her parents and is an estimable young lady. Stella
I., born April 24, 1889, married Dwight Evans, and they are the parents of
one child, Helen J.
JOHN W. GARDNER, Jr.
A venerable and highly honored citizen of Putnam county, of which he
is a native, is John W. Gardner, Jr., who is a living link between the early
days and the progressive present, having lived to see wondrous changes
locally since his boyhood days and played a conspicuous part in the same,
thereby meriting the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
Especially is he honored in Russellville and vicinity, where he resides and
where he has long been regarded as a leading citizen. He was born in
Russell township, two and one-half miles south of Russellville, October 10,
1833, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Bierly) Gardner, both natives of
North Carolina, where they grew to maturity and married and where two
of their children were born, three having been born after they came to Indi-
ana. Two of the children were older than John \V., of this review, so it is
supposed that the family came to the Hoosier state in 1827, entered land
here and began a clearing in the woods where the father remained all his
life, dying about 1850, when fifty-two years of age, the mother dying al)out
1848 or 1849. Her son, John W., has but a faint recollection of her. Mr.
Gardner's second wife was Nancy Everman, of Indiana. He and his first
wife were the parents of eight children. Five children were born to Mr.
Gardner and Nancy Everman. All reached maturity but one, and of the
familv of eight one other besides John W. of this review is living, Barbara
Ann. the wife of Dr. John Knight, who died in Greencastle; she is living in
New York and had three sons. Alex. Frederick and William. Alex went to
Iowa and died in Kansas, where his last days were spent. Frederick spent
his life in Russell township on a farm, dying here some time ago. Several
members of this family reside in Crawfordsville. Florence is the wife of
William Lenard, of Russell township. William lived in Russell township
and died in Russellville at the age of seventy-two years, owning a good
farm: his sons were, Edward. Clarence, Fred. Otto and Warren, living in
Russellville: one daughter, Jennie, is the wife of Wall Proctor, of Russell-
ville. and Pearl is the wife of Paul Goff, of Russell township. Bart Gardner,
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. -J ^^J
son of Andrew and Xancy Gardner, died in California: George, their other
son, lives on a farm near Russellvilie; a daughter, ^[ary. is tlie wife of Mr.
Sanders, of Cloverdale.
John W. Garchier. of this re\iew. remained (5n the home place two
years after his father died. He recei\ed a meager education in the primitive
schools of his day and early in life turned his attention to farming. Before
he uas twenty years of age he married Lucinda Forgey, daughter of James
and Jane ( VanScoik) Forgey. who li\etl in Russell township, in which Mrs.
Gardner was born, being eighteen years old at her marriage; each received
some aid from their famihes, enough to pay one-half on eighty acres of land,
on which they built a log cabin. Here Mr. Gardner followed farming very
successfully until he moved to Russellvilie, in October, 1904. having sold part
of his property in the country. He had paid forty dollars per acre for land
which he sold at one hundred dollars per acre. He had added to his original
purchase and had well improved it. He bought a tract of two hundred and
twelve acres on Ramp creek, for which he paid the sum of eight thousand
dollars. He bought a modern and very desirable residence in Russellvilie
for three thousand dollars. He rents his farm for cash. He was one of the
first men in this county to begin breeding Shorthorn cattle, and frequently
exhibited his fine cattle at local fairs. He kept some fine milk cows, and
also raised many fine horses which we're greatly admired, having sold single
drivers as high as six hundred dollars; he was fond of good horses and
driving and no better judge of horses could be found in Putnam county.
He drove one animal to Indianapolis, a distance of fifty miles, in six hours,
and he could have made fifteen miles per hour.
Mr. Gardner is no politician, never seeking office; however, he loyally
supports the Republican ticket. He was one of the first men in the county
to sell land for one hundred dollars per acre, the same land now being
worth from one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five dollars
per acre.
^Ir. and Mrs. Gardner became the parents of the following children:
George is a farmer near Russellvilie; William is a druggist in Russellvilie;
James Milton is a mechanic in the employ of the electric light plant at
Russellvilie; Charles Edgar, who operated an elevator at Ladoga, died when
about twenty-five years of age; Edmond Andrew is a farmer in Clinton
county. Indiana ; Anna. ^laggie and Burl are all living at home, the last
named being a Putnam county teacher.
(47)
738
WEIK S HISTORY OF
Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have been members of the Methodist church
since before their marriage. They are a fine old couple and have hosts of
warm personal friends throughout the county, being highly honored by all.
OTTO L. REDDISH.
Amono- the most progressive farmers and stock men of the younger
o-eneration in Putnam county who are leading such lives as to warrant a
future replete with large success and honors worthily bestowed is Otto L.
Reddish, of Russell township, near Waveland. He was born February 17,
1883, in Parke county, Indiana, the son of Clay W. and Eva (Sutton) Red-
dish, the former the son of John C. and Mary Jane (Watson) Reddish, who
came to Parke county among the early settlers and entered land which they
developed: later in life Mr. Reddish engaged in the mercantile business. His
son, Clav W., received a common school education and worked on the farm
when a boy. March 31. 1880, he married and began farming on the home
place, which he later bought. However, he in time abandoned farming and.
following in the footsteps of his father, entered the mercantile profession, at
Marshall. He devofed considerable attention to livestock, becoming an ex-
tensive buyer and shipper, and he was very successful at whatever he under-
took. He belonged to the Missionary Baptist church and was a Republican
in politics. He was regarded by all as a good and useful man. He and his
wife were the parents of the following children : John, Myrtle, Warren. Cyril,
Rubv and Otto L. of this review, Omer, the oldest of the children, died in
childhood. The subject's paternal grandparents were Justice and Lucinda
Sutton, both natives of Indiana and both now deceased. Otto L. Reddish
o-rew to manhood on the home farm. After finishing the common schools he
attended the Bloomingdale Academy and later to9k a business course at In-
dianapolis, thus becoming well equipped for life's varied duties. On June
29, 1904, he married Blanche Oglesby, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth E.
0<Tlesby, and they went to housekeeping on the farm where they have contin-
ued to make their home, located in the northeast comer of Russell township.
He owns a very valuable farm of four hundred and thirteen acres, all in one
body, for which he paid the sum of one hundred dollars per acre. It is re-
o-arded as one of the choice farms of the county and is greatly admired by all.
beino- not only fortunately located, but it is well improved and under a high
state of cultivation. He keeps large numbers of excellent livestock on the
PUTXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. "39
place, and has a moilern. commodious and attractive duelling and substantial
outbuildings. He is regarded as an up-to-date farmer and stock raiser.
Reese Davis, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Reddish, was a noted min-
ister of the Baptist church, who settled in ^lontgomerv- count\- in an early
day where he did a great deal of good. Her grandfather, William J. Davis,
was a very successful business man. having begun at Waveland, Montgomerv'
county, later engaged in business in Indianapolis and New York city and other
points, having made a small fortune twice and losing it each time; he finally
went to Florida where he went into the real estate and banking business, and
at his death he was worth one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Mrs. Red-
dish's father was a native of Ohio and the mother of Indiana. The father
has followed farming, and resides on a farm one mile east of Waveland. The
mother died Januan,- 31, 1909. at the age of forty-six. They were the par-
ents of two children, William H. and yhs. Reddish. William H. lives at
Waveland, and is a man of considerable means, devoting his time to looking
after his varied farming interests. He married Myrtle Reddish, a sister of
Otto L. Reddish of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Reddish own property in
Waveland. which cost ten thousand dollars to build. Mr. Reddish is regarded
as one of the leading young business men of this section of the county. They
are the parents of two children. Ronald L.. born Detrember 25. 1905, and
Herman C. born December 22. 1907.
'Sh. Reddish is a member of Masons. Knights of Pythias. Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen. Politically, he is a Repub-
lican.
WILLIAM! WALLACE XEWGENT.
One of the highly respected citizens of Russellville. Putnam county, is
William Wallace Newgent. who is living retired. He was bom November 4,
1845, in the old Newgent home, built here in 1830, now occupied by his
brother Edward, in Clinton township. A sketch of the latter appears else-
where in this volume. Nearly all of William W. Newgent's life was passed
on the old place, part of which he owns, twenty-five acres. About 1901 he
left the old place after his wife's death. He has been a carpenter and con-
tractor all his life and has been fairly successful in this line of endeavor.
September i. 1867, he married Patsy Slavens, daughter of Hiram and Nancy
(Allen) Slavens, who was born in Clinton township in 1847. Her death oc-
curred on June 14, 1900. Four children were born to this union, named as
follows: Livonia Belle married L. L. Mitchell of Oklahoma: Ida Eldora mar-
740
WEIK S HISTORY OF
ried 'Slort F. Spencer, of Parke county : Lucy Jane married Dr. David E. P.
Reed, of Russellville, a full sketch of whom appears in this work; Sarah
Elizabeth married George Burke, of Clinton township.
William \V. Xewgent worked on the home place in his boyhood days,
and attended the district schools during the brief winter months. He learned
the carpenter's trade and became a verv- efficient workman, having assisted
in the erection of many of the substantial buildings in this vicinity. He has
retired from life's active duties and is making his home with his daughter,
Mrs. Doctor Reed, in Russellville. He very acceptably served his township
for a period of four years as assessor. He has been a member of the Masonic
fraternity for a period of forty-five years, and he has lived up to the high
ideals taught by this praiseworthy order.
ia:\ies b. xelsox.
The progenitors of the subject of this sketch, being of English-Scotch-
Irish blood, were among the settlers of Loudoun county, Virginia, in the
early vears of the eighteenth century. From this point of settlement in the
Xew World the different members of the family reached out into various
quarters of the west, then as wild as it was alluring. One branch of the fam-
ily removed to Mount Sterling, }kIontgomery county, Kentucky, and there,
on the jth day of Febraary. 1796. James L X'elson, the Putnam county pio-
neer, was born. In 1819 he married Mary, daughter of Col. Joshua Yates,
of Mt. Sterling. Kentucky. In 1821 he made an observational survey on
horseback of central Indiana, entered a tract of land about ten miles north of
Greencastle. and there, in the primeval forest, erected a log house. In 1829
he put his worldly goods and his little family into a couple of covered wag-
ons, and started for the new home in the green woods. His eldest son, Frank-
lin P. Xelson, the father of the subject, was then a lad of eight years and it
fell to his lot. in this homing pilgrimage, to follow behind and drive the
cows. James I. Xelson was a typical pioneer, a man of education, strong
character and stovit heart. Being a pronounced abolitionist, he gratuitously,
and purelv from considerations of conscience, liberated his slaves before leav-
ing Kentuckv. He was a profoundly religious man and. though somewhat
fjjf^ A l-^r-^J' .. /Z^.*--
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 74 1
of Puritan mold and temper, he was never an intolerant churchman. All his
transactions were characterized by simplicity and hard sense. He was one
of a few men, of like type and character, who were pioneer settlers in Putnam
county. Happy indeed is the lot of any county whose resources are developed
and whose early life is stimulated and attunetl by such a noble citizenry! The
new home in the w(iods was developed, and the farm cultivated, after the man-
ner then prex'ailing. There fourteen children were reared to maturity ; there
the mother died in 1850: there, by the application of indefatigable industn.'
and rare judgment, the family belongings increased from fifteen hundred dol-
lars, the amount carried up from Kentucky in 1829, to ninety-eight thousand
dollars at the death of the pioneer in 1859.
Franklin P. Xelson, at the age of twenty, married Catherine Ann, daugh-
ter of Capt. Isaac Bell, who had recently moved his family into the county
from Kentucky. The young couple struggled up through all the hardships
incident to poverty in a new country, making their own furniture, clothing
and shoes. This initial industr}- and self denial, however, in time brought
its reward, for the twain prospered, and Mr. Xelson became identified with
the leading agricultural, industrial, financial, educational and moral move-
ments of the county. His holdings of land amounted to three thousand
acres: he was an incorporator and director in both the First Xational Bank
of Greencastle and the Greencastle Iron and X'ail Works : he was the largest
contributor to the erection and maintenance of College A\enue Methodist
Episcopal church in Greencastle; he was. at Mr. DePauw's special request,
tmstee of the guarantee endowment fund of the uni\ersity, and was the
largest local contributor to the fund necessary to secure the endowment from
Mr. Depauw. In 1868 his wife died ^vithout issue. In 1870 he married
Eliza Jean Brannan, of the city of Baltimore, Maryland. To this union were
born two children, the subject of this sketch, on February 8. 1871, and Eliza
Jean, now the wife of Judge William \\'. Penfield. of Xew York City, on
Xovember 4. 1872. Mr. X'el.son lived to see his two children grown to ma-
turity and nn Xovember 5, 1896, his long and useful life came to its close.
His widow, nt:)w in her seventieth year, has for two years past been traveling
in foreign countries. She is in good health, is intensely interested in all
world movements, especially those of a social and piilitical nature, and, at
this writing, is in .\le.\andria. Egypt.
James B. X''elson received his education in the public schools and De-
Pauw University at Greencastle, and in the University of Michigan, at .\nn
■ .\rbor. graduating from the latter institution with the degree of Bachelor of
Laws in 1893. ^^ ^^^^ 'I niember oi the legal fraternity of Phi Delta Phi.
742 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Since graduation Mr. Nelson has been engaged successfully in various
lines of business, being connected officially with several important financial
and industrial concerns in Indiana and Iowa. His principal business, how-
ever, is the management of his land and livestock interests, his farm holdings
in Putnam, Parke and Owen counties now aggregating over twenty-three
hundred acres, besides which, he has large speculative holdings in Texas and
Minnesota.
In religion and politics Mr. Nelson is exceedingly liberal. He takes an
active interest in all political matters but never as a contestant for place. His
activities are enlisted more for the appealing men and measures than for
strictly partisan weal.
In 1894 Mr. Nelson married Grace, daughter of Grafton and Julia Noble
Johnson, of Greenwood, Indiana. Mrs. Nelson is from a long and worthy
line of ancestry, traced through the printed genealogy back as far as the early
years of the sixteenth century, the recent generations of which have been
prominently identified with the history of Indiana. She is a niece of the late
United States Senator James Noble; of the late Governor Noah Noble, and
also of the late Gen. Samuel Canby, the noted Indian fighter who figured so
conspicuously in the early history of the state. ^Ir. and Mrs. Nelson have
one child, Julia Jean, who was born April 8, 1S95.
Mr. Nelson's sister is now deeply engrossed in social and civic work in
New York, and is well known throughout New York city and state, not only
as a speaker on civic problems and the equal franchise, but also as an organ-
izer among women for industrial and social uplift.
OSCAR LEE REEVES.
No business man in Greencastle is regarded with higher favor than
Oscar Lee Reeves, superintendent of the water works, who, while looking to
his own interests, does not neglect to discharge his duties in fostering the
upbuilding of the community in general, and while yet a young man he has
proven that success comes to the persistent and the deserving.
Mr. Reeves was born June 8, 1878, on a farm seven miles northeast of
Greencastle. His parents were William A. and ^^lartha E. (^IcClary)
Reeves. The father was born in Monroe township. Putnam county, in 1834
and he lived in this county all his life. He devoted his attention to farming and
was a quiet, honest, home-loving man whom evervbody respected. He served
in the Union army during the Civil war for about eight months, in Company
PLTXAM COUNTY. IXDIAXA.
743
K. Sixty-third Reginient Indiana \'(iiunteer Infantry. His death occurred
on X'(_neniber J6. 1893.
The parental grandfather of Oscar L. Reeves was Stacy Reeves, a na-
tive of Kentucky, where he spent his youth and from which state he came to
Putnam county. Indiana, at an early date, and spent the remainder of his
life here: he was one of the county's hardy pioneers, and thus the Reeves
family has been a well known one in this county for several generations.
The subject's mother was born in Kentucky, from which state she came
to Putnam county. Indiana, with her parents. James and Sally Ann McClary,
w hen a young girl, her family locating on what is known as the old McClary
homestead in Monroe township, about seven and one-lialf miles northeast of
Greencastle. Her mother is living with her daughter at Bainbridge. this
county.
To Mr. and ]klrs. William A. Reeves six chiklren were born, named as
follows ; Orlando is an express messenger on the Monon railroad and lives
at Xew Albany. Indiana; Cordelia is the wife of C. K. Priest and is living
six miles north of Greencastle: Sallie Ann died June 3. 1891 ; Homer E. is
assistant superintendent of the Central Union Telephone Company at Indi-
anapolis: Margaret T. is the wife of E. M. Hinkle. of Bainbridge, Indiana;
Oscar Lee. of this review.
Mr. Reeves spent his youth on the home farm, where he was early as-
signed work in the fields, attending the neighboring schools in the winter
time, remaining by the paternal fireside until 1900. He turned his attention
to the mercantile life wiien a boy and from 1900 to 1904 was in the employ
of the Cooper Brothers, in their hardware store. He then engaged in the
plumbing business for himself, maintaining a very successful establishment in
Greencastle until April. 1909. when he became superintendent of the Green-
castle \Vater Works Company, which position he now holds and to which
he is faithfully and satisfactorily devoting his exclusive attention, giving
the utmost satisfaction in every respect to all concerned.
Mr. Ree\'es was married on November 14, 1900, to Clara Lee Hillis,
daughter of James ]M. and Martha L. Hillis. a well known family of ^Monroe
township, this county, where Mrs. Reeves" birth occurred on July 27, 1880.
This union has resulted in the birth of two children. Byron H., born ^lav 15,
1903. and Gilbert ]\I., born October 5. 1906.
Mr. and Mrs. Reeves are members of the College Avenue ^lethodist
Episcopal church, and Mr. Reeves is a member of the Benevolent and Pro-
tctive Order of Elks and he votes the Republican ticket.
744 WEIK S HISTORY OF
FRANK McGAUGHEY.
One of the enterprising agriculturists and substantial citizens of Russell
township who has long taken an abiding interest in the welfare of Putnam
county in which the McGaugheys have long been represented and borne an
honored name, is Frank McGaughey, who was born December 27, 1866, in
this countv, the son of John and Elizabeth (Gibson) McGaughey. the father
born April 12. 1839. and the mother on March 28, 1842. Frank's grand-
father \yas James McGaughey. one of nine children, who, with their parents,
William and Prepare (Clark) McGaughey. came from the same county in
Kentucky in 1813. locating in Putnam county. Their children were, William.,
John. Samuel. James. Andrew. Michael. Frances, Patsey and Polly. James
McGaughey, the grandfather, married Sarah Clodfelter and four children
were born to this union; John. Eliza Ann. William Franklin and James An-
drew. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in . section 22,
Russell tOAvnship, on which stood a log house. He was a good farmer, and
his death occurred in 1846, and in 1852 his widow married Jesse Spencer,
and she died in 1859. John McGaughey. father of Frank, ofthis review,
received a common school education and grew up on the home farm. He
married Elizabeth Gibson, daughter of Andrew and Jane (Rambo) Gibson.
He located on his father's farm where he remained and built the nice home
where his widow still lives. His death occurred February 3. 1897, at the
age of fiftv-seven years, nine months, and twenty-one days.
Frank McGaughey remained on the home farm and received a common
school education. December 31. 1891. he married Lora Carrington. daugh-
ter of John P. Carrington. of this county, Mrs. McGaughey's parents repre-
senting two old pioneer families of Putnam county. Mr. Carrington was
a farmer and he and his wife members of the Christian church. Three chil-
dren were born to them, Manfred A.. Archie E. and Lora H.
Mr. and ]\Irs. McGaughey began their married life on a farm of sixty
acres in section' 26, which they purchased and on which they lived until
1905, when they sold and bought one hundred and thirty acres in section 9,
for which they paid one hundred dollars per acre. It was owned by John
Gardner and has always been regarded as one of the best farms of its size
in the countv, and since Mr. ^McGaughey became its owner its value has
increased from twenty-five to fifty per cent. Altogether Mr. McGaughey
owns four hundred and eighty acres and he is very successful as a farmer
and stock raiser and considered one of the model and most progressive far-
mers of the countv. He always keeps some good stock, for which he receives
PfTXAM COUXTY. INDIANA. 745
the best prices owing to their excellent quality. Xo better judge of livestock
is to be found in this community than he and it is a pleasure to look over his
broad and well-kept acres, which yields him abundant returns for his labor
from vear t.^ vear. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian
church. Politically Mr. McGaughey is a Democrat and while he is deeph-
interested in the best things for his county, always assisting in placing the best
qualified men in local offices, he is no office seeker, preferring to devote his
time exclusively to his large individual afifairs.
To Mr. and Mrs. McGaughey three interesting children have been
born: Rafe Ellis. June 19. 1893: Reta Myrtle, September 3, 1896; Letha
INIay. ;\Iarch j8, 1904.
Personallv McGaughey is a man in whom everybody places the utmost
confidence, for his relations with his fellow men have always been most cor-
dial and fair and his home is a place of genial hospitality to the many friends
of the familv.
RUFUS E. OZMEXT.
Among the enterprising men who have taken an active part in pro-
moting the material growth of Putnam county, Rufus E. Ozment. of Wash-
ington township, occupies a conspicuous place. Ever since reaching the age
of manhood he has contributed to the prosperity of the country, earning by
legitimate effort honorable position and wide influence and using l)oth for
the advancement of the community along legitimate lines. Rufus E. Ozment.
farmer, stock raiser and contractor, was born in Guilford county. North
Carolina, November 17. 1863. being a son of Nathan and Elizabeth Ozment,
the father a native of the old North state, the mother of Virginia. Howard
Ozment, the subject's grandfather, was a Virginian, but in young manhood
went to Guilford county. North Carolina, where he married Betsey Lister,
whose antecedents were among the old families of that part of the state.
Nathan, whose birth occurred in 1817, was a farmer and wagonmaker and
a man of standing in the community where he resided. He sen-ed in the
Confederate army, until released by paying the bounty required, but later was
drafted and continued with the army until the close of the war, his duty a
part (^f the time being the butchering of cattle and hogs for the troops. He
married, in his native county. Elizabeth Martin, who was born September
22, 1829, among the Blue Ridge mountains of \'irginia. He had a family
of ten chil.lren and departed this life near the place of his birth in 1883,
746
WEIK S HISTORY OF
ao-ed sixty-seven years. His widow is still living in the same locality, having
reached the advanced age of eighty years.
Rnfus E. Ozment remained with his parents until attaining his majority,
spending the intervening years on the home farm, which he helped cultivate,
but devoting the greater part of the time to the trade of wagonmaking, which
his father followed and at which he early became a proficient workman. In
1882 he came to Putnam county to visit certain relatives that had settled here
some years before and. being pleased with the country and its opportunities,
decided not to return to his North Carolina home. Being a skillful mechanic,
he soon had all the carpentry work he could do and during the six or seven
years ensuing his reputation as a builder became widely known throughout
the county, his partner the meanwhile being J. C. Plummer, who is now his
nearest neighbor.
On October 11, 1885, Mr. Ozment was joined in the holy bonds of wed-
lock with Julia Rissler, whose parents, Jasper and Harriet Rissler, were mem-
bers of old and highly esteemed families of Putnam county. Jasper Rissler
was born in Harrison county, Indiana. June 15, 183 1, and after becoming
a resident of Putnam county located on a farm in Washington township near
the Clay county line, where his death occurred in the month of August, 1898;
his wife, whose birth occurred on January 22, 1832, is still living, making
her home at this time with her daughter, ^vlrs. Ozment.
For three years after his marriage :Mr. Ozment operated his father-in-
law's farm and at the expiration of that period moved to Clay county where
he spent about the same length of time as a mechanic and tiller of the soil.
In November, 1892, he moved to his present place of residence, formerly a
part of the Simpson Harris farm, which he now owns, in addition to which
he also owns the old Rissler homestead, about one and a half miles distant.
In connection with agriculture he is engaged in carpentry, which he carries
on quite extensively, being one of the largest contractors in the township,
in addition to which he also does a large and successful business in construct-
ing cement bridges, culverts, basements, etc. As a carpenter he has erected
many farm and town residences in various parts of Putnam county and else-
where, also a number of large barns and not a few public buildings, his repu-
tation as a successful contractor being second to that of no other in this part
of Indiana. For a number of years he has been associated at intervals with
Mr. Plummer, and many of the largest and finest buildings in Putnam county
stand as monuments to the efiiciency and skill of these two spirited and widely
known mechanics.
In contracting for the erection of any kind of an edifice Mr. Ozment
stipulates that it shall be turned over to the owner complete in all its parts.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 747
and his business has grown to sucli magnitude that lie now employs from four
to eight men in order to meet the demands on his time and skill. He is
indeed a busy man and, judged by his labors, none have done more to advance
the material interests of his section of country and as a citizen no one stands
higher in the esteem and confidence of the people. He gives his support to
the Democratic party, takes an active part in furthering all enterprises for the
general welfare and his influence, which has always been potent and wide-
spread, is exerted in behalf of what promises to be for the greatest good of
the greatest number. He holds membership with the Masonic fraternity at
Knightsville and belongs to the Royal Arch chapter at Greencastle. in addi-
tion to which he is also an active worker in the Odd Fellows lodge at Har-
mony and a trusted official in the several organizations with which identified.
Some years ago Mr. Ozment built the beautiful and commodious resi-
dence which his family occupies and has taken great pains to make it as
nearly as possible an ideal home. The building is a model of architectural
beauty and with its modern conveniences and attractive surroundings impress
the beholder as the dwelhng of an intelligent, public-spirited American who
' elieves in the dignity of his calling and takes pride in the community in
which he lives.
Mrs. Ozment. whose birth occurred in Washington township on the
i6th day of January, 1867. has borne her hsuband ten children, viz: Jessie
Lee, who married C. Huffman and lives in Putnam county. Alfred Roy,
a carpenter by trade and his father"s partner, married Goldie 2vIcCormack
and resides near the home farm. Lillie Mac. Harriet Elizabeth, Ruthie
^lildred. Bertha Evalyn. Man." Susan. Josephine. Lola Violet and Eugene
Rissler being still members of the home circle, excepting Josephine, who died
at the age of three months.
JAMES B. ERUMFIELD.
The late James B. Brumfield. of Russellville. was known as a man of
high ideals and unselfish aims, who, while laboring for his own advance-
ment, did not for a moment lose sight of his duties to his neighbors and so-
ciety at large; such principles could not help resulting in the gaining of ma-
terial success and the winning of a vast host of warm personal friends. He
was born in Kentucky June 9. 181 5, and there spent his childhood. His
wife. Sophia Ann Rogers, was horn in Indiana, where she grew to maturity
748 weik's history of
and was educated; her birth was on February- 12. 1822; they were married
December 15, 1847. Mr. Brumfield came to Indiana when a young man and
started a store at Russellville and married here. After selhng goods until
1858 he engaged in farming three miles east of Russellville. About 1862
or 1863 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land just south of the
old town and when the railroad built a station here in the eighties. Mr.
Brumfield gave part of the land. He then laid out two rows of lots on Main
street to the depot, one-fourth of a mile. He sold his lots and carried on
general farming. As the business center of the town changed he moved
one-half mile south of the old center and continued to live on his farm until
his death on Tune i. 1891. at the age of seventy-six years: his widow sur-
vived until September 9. 1898, dying at about the same age.
While living on his farm Mr. Brumfield served as township trustee ; po-
liticallv he was a stanch Republican, and was one of the pillars of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. He was a good and useful man. whom everybody
admired and trusted.
Mr. and Mrs. James B. Brumfield were the parents of four children,
tliree sons and one daughter, namely: Mary I., who remained single, was
born September 30. 1848, died ?klarch 10, 1897; Robert H. was born Septem-
ber 30, 1850; William C, who was bom May 16. 1854, became a practicing
physician of Tulare county, California, having graduated from DePauw
University and also from the St. Louis Medical School, first practiced in
Clinton, Missouri, from which city he went to California and died April 2,
1902. at the age of forty-eight years. Frank M.. a general merchant at
Russellville. is represented on another page of this work.
JOHX W. BLAYDES.
Like many of the enterprising and successful citizens of Putnam county,
John W. Blavdes hails from the Blue Grass state, but he is loyal to his
adopted community and has always done what he could in promoting its in-
terests along material and social lines. His birth occurred in Hardin county.
Kentucky. August 12. 1846. and he is the son of John S. and Nancy D.
(Cash) Blaydes, an excellent old family, John S. having been born June
12. 1822. He was the son of Frank Blaydes and was born in Virginia.
George Blaydes was the father of Frank Blaydes. John S. Blaydes spent
his vouth in Kentuckv and there he worked until 1861. when, upon the
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PUTXAM COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 749
death of his wife, he enhsted in Company G, Xinth Regiment, Kentucky
Volunteer Cavalry, and was in the service one year, then re-enlisted in a
company of mounted infantn,-, proving to be a good soldier, but he never
applied for a pension. In later life he came to Indiana and lived with his
sons, dying in February, 1905. He was a sterling character and a man whom
all admired who knew him.
John W. Blaydes was reared on a farm in Kentucky, remaining at home
until he was seventeen years of age, when he enlisted in the Ninth Cavalry
(Company G), in i86j. and he was in the service one year, during which
time he saw some real war, having been in the battle at Perryville and
several other min(jr engagements. He was one of the pursuers of the in-
trepid Morgan in his northern raid. After being mustered out he returned
to Ken lucky and went to school during the winter months. In the spring
of 1864 he came to Putnam county, Indiana, his total capital upon landing
here being seventy-tive dollars. He worked by the day for Jesse P. Hymer
and lived on his place while working for him.
Mr. Blaydes married Mildred Radford and this union resulted in the
birth of one child. Charles M.. who has remained single. Mrs. Blaydes
was called to her rest in 1868, and Mr. Blaydes married Elizabeth Jeffries,
who was born, reared and educated in Putnam county, where her family had
long been verv favorably known. This union resulted in the birth of nine
children, seven sons and two daughters, namely: Robert L., Xancy M.,
Oliver B., Jolm H., Dora E.. Edgar C, Grover C, Allen G. and Warren T.
Mr. Blavdes prospered from the first and today he is the owner of a
fine farm consisting of one hundred and seventy-three acres, eighty in the
home place and ninety-three in Jackson township, which is well impro\ed and
on the first named tract there stands a substantial and comfortable dwelling
and good outbuildings. He is a breeder of registered draft horses which are
admired bv all who see them and no small part of his competency has been
made by successful handling of shorthorn cattle. Mr. Blaydes was among
the first to introduce draft horses in Putnam county.
Mr. and Mrs. Blaydes are members of the Church of Christ, he being
an elder in the local congregation and a liberal supporter of the same. Po-
litically he is a Democrat, but he does not find time to take much interest in
politics, being deeply engrossed in his individual business affairs ; however,
he is deeply interested in whatever tends to the betterment of Putnam
countv. He was trustee of Franklin township for two years and he has held
several other local offices to the satisfaction of all concerned.
WEIK S HISTORY OF
FRANK M. BRUM FIELD.
In compiling this volume of representative citizens of Putnam county
occasion has been afforded to give the records of men in many walks of life;
here will be found mention of worthy citizens of all vocations, and at this
juncture we are permitted to offer a resume of the career of one of the sub-
stantial and highly esteemed, in fact, one of the industrial leaders of north-
western Putnam county, where he has long maintained his home and where
he has attained a high degree of success in his chosen field of labor and enter-
prise, being a well known merchant at Russellville.
Frank 'SI. Brumfield was born on the old family homestead in Russell
township, July 27, 1866, and he remained with his father until he was six-
teen vears of age. or until the latter's death, when he began clerking, having
decided to devote his life to merchandising. His first employer \vas T. L.
Grider, in 1SS4, at Fincastle. and he has been in this line of work constantly
ever since. He was in partnership with Henry Grimes for a period of two
years. He came to Russellville in 1888 and purchased the store of an old
firm. Moreland & Ross, the firm becoming Grimes, Ross & Company, which
conducted a general merchanti.le business. Mart Inge succeeded Grimes and
the firm was changed to Inge, Ross & Company, which remained for ten
years, when the stock was divided. Inge took the groceries and shoes and
started alone, and the firm of Ross & Brumfield was started, these gentlemen
dividing their goods on January 15, 1908, after a number of years of very
successful partnership.
Mr. Brumfield then opened a general store alone with a fine and care-
fullv selected stock of goods and soon enjoyed an excellent trade, for he had
been known to the vicinity for many j'ears as a merchant of thrift and relia-
bility, and he has remained in his splendid quarters in the I. O. O. F. build-
ino-, which is one of the substantial cement block structures of the town and
admirablv located and which place is the headquarters for farmers and their
families when in town. The Ross store was continued until the death of Mr.
Ross and is now owned bv a Mr. Smith. Mr. Brumfield has greatly increased
his stock of o-oods to double what it was formerly. He has a well-kept and
well-arranged store, twenty-six by eighty-five feet, and his neat stock of
o-oods is tastilv displayed. He carries stock aggregating in value about seven
thousand dollars, and he is doing a very satisfactory cash business, for he
keeps nothing that it not up-to-date and of excellent quality and his prices
are aUvavs right. He buys eggs extensively and has a large country trade.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mr. Brumheld lives on the old homestead which he owns, and which con-
sists of one hundred and five acres. He has platted and added thirty acres
to the town, known as Brumfield's Addition to Russellville ; this is becoming
a very popular section of the thriving town and he is selling lots constantly.
He is very successful in overseeing his farm where general crops are raised
and which has been very skillfully managed.
October 9, 1907, Mr. Brumfield married Ella Donehew, daughter of a
well known family of Russellville. This union is without issue.
Fraternally ^Ir. Brumfield is a Mason and he seems to live up to its
sublime ritual in all the relations he has with his fellow men. He is a man
who attends strictly to his individual affairs and has never aspired to public
offices.
LEWIS A. ZARING.
The above-named gentleman was the oldest of the four children of
Daniel and Lucinda (Lewis) Zaring, and was born in Putnam county. In-
diana, September 19, 1861. Reared under the wholesome influence of life
in the country, he early became familiar with the active duties of the farm
and in the district schools which he attended of winter season during his
minority he received a fair education, his mental discipline, however, being
much more practical than scholastic. As soon as his services could be uti-
lized to advantage he bore his part in the cultivation of the farm, and until
his twenty-first year he remained at home laboring for his father's interests.
On March 13, 1883, he was united in marriage with Lucretia Huffman,
daughter of Edmund Huffman (see sketch of Douglas Huffman), and dur-
in-r'the two years ensuing managed the home farm and succeeded well in
hiJ labors. After his father's death he began purchasing the shares of differ-
ent heirs and in due time became sole owner of the estate, which he has
since cultivated with gratifying success, in addition to which he also owns
a beautiful and attractive home in the village of Manhattan, where he lives.
Mr. Zaring has prospered in all of his undertakings, and at this time ranks
amon" the leading farmers and stock raisers of Putnam county, also stand-
ing high as a citizen and man of affairs.
y[r. Zarino- has never sought official distinction, but always manifests
an active interest in public matters, being a Democrat in politics and an in-
fluential member of the party in his township. Fraternally he is a member
n\ the Masonic brotherhood, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, com-
7^2 WEIK S HISTORY OF
mandery and Eastern Star at Greencastle, being senior warden in the com-
mandery at the present time.
Mr. and Mrs. Zaring have three children, namely: Stella Ann, wife
ot Professor Philip Hutchison, principal of the Roachdale schools; Lola May,
teacher of the primary department of the Pleasant Garden high school, and
Edith, who is pursuing her studies in the high school at Roachdale, the two
younger being still members of the home circle.
HON. DAVID B. HOSTETTER.
The student interested in the history of Putnam county does not have
to carry his investigations far into its annals before learning that David B.
Hostetter has long been one of its most active and leading citizens in its
ao-ricultural and stock-raising interests and that his labors have been a potent
force in making this a rich agricultural region, for through, several decades
he has carried on general fanning, gradually improving his valuable place,
and while he has prospered in this he has also found time and ample oppor-
tunity to assist in material and civic development of the county, and his co-
operation has been of value for the general good, especially in political and
church affairs. -being the present efficient and popular representative of his
locality in the state Legislature.
Mr. Hostetter is the scion of an excellent and highly honored old family
of Montgomery county, Lidiana, where he was born on December 7, 1862.
He is the son of Beniah and Lou A. (^Lihoney) Hostetter, the father a na-
tive of Ohio and the mother of Kentucky, each representing pioneer families
of sterling worth. The father came to Lidiana in 1831, the mother at a
later date, the father having accompanied his parents to Montgomery county,
the mother coming to the same county with her brother and sister. There
the parents of David B. Ho'stetter grew to maturity and married in i860, re-
maining in that county until Beniah Hostetter's death in 1870. when his
wife went to live with her children, her death occurring in South Bend,
Indiana, in March. 1909, at an advanced age. They were the parents of
the following children: Mary, wife of S. D. Irvine, of Lebanon, Indiana;
David B., of this review; William lives in Denver, Colorado: Rev. Henry
B. is pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian church at South Bend. Indiana;
}.Lirtha J. has remained single : B. S. lives in Denver. Colorado.
David B. Hostetter was reared on the home farm where he began working
when of proper age. attending the district schools during the winter months.
DAVID B. HOSTETTER
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. J^^
later becoming a student of the Ladoga Xormal School. He applied himself
verv^ assiduously to his te.xt books and received a ver>' serviceable education,
which has since been greatly augmented by miscellaneous home reading and
study and by general contact with the world. He then took charge of the
home farm which he successfully conducted for a period of five years.
The domestic chapter of Mr. Hostetter"s life history began on October
17, 1888. when he married Hettie A. Harshbarger, a native of Montgomery
county. Indiana, where her birth occurred on May 29, 1865. She is the
daughter of Samuel Harshbarger, long a prominent citizen of that county
where 'Sirs. Hostetter grew to maturity and was educated in the district
schools, later attending the Western Seminary at O.xford. Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Hostetter moved to Franklin township early in their
career and they have resided here ever since. They are the parents of six-
children living, named as follows: Howard H., born September 17. 1889,
is a graduate of the Roachdale high school and is now a student in Wabash
College: Stuart S., born December 31. 1890, is a sophomore at Wabash Col-
lege: Sherman Ralph was bom November 13, 1895: David H. was born
October 16, 1898: Mary's birth occurred .April 18, 1900; Curtis was born
June 27, 1904.
Mr. Hostetter is the owner of one of the model farms of Franklin town-
ship, consisting of tw(.) hundred and forty acres, which is well improved and
well kept and which vields abundant crops under his efficient management.
Some good livestock is also raised from year to year. He has a beautiful
and cozy home, substantial outbuildings and everything alxiut the place shows
thrift and prosperity and indicates that a gentleman of excellent taste and
good judgment has its management in hand.
INlr. and Mrs. Hostetter are members of the Presbyterian church at
Roachdale, Mr. Hostetter being one of the ruling elders and a liberal sup-
porter of the .same. Pohtically he is a loyal Democrat and he has long been
active in party affairs and as a result of his services and his ability he has
been called upon to serve in positions of public trust. For a perio<l of over
fi\e vears he was trustee of Franklin township and he was elected representa-
tive in the state Legislature in 1906. He made such a splendid record and
was so conscientious and faithful in the discharge of his duties while an in-
cumbent of that important office that he was re-elected to the same in 1908,
being one of the "temperance Democrats" of the notable session of 1909. He
has made his influence for good felt in that body and he has looked as care-
fullv after the interests of the people whom he represents as if he was manag-
(•4S)
754 WEIK S HISTORY OF
ing- his individual affairs, CDnsequently he has won and retained the confi-
dence and esteem of all classes. He has also taken a great interest in Presby-
terian church work, and in 1907 he was one of the commissioners of the
Indianapolis presbytery selected to represent the church in the general as-
sembly. There are two elders and two members elected from each presbytery.
Thus the honor conferred upon Mr. Hostetter was one greatly to be prized.
Mr. Hostetter served as grand secretary of the National Horse Thief
Association for a period of eight years and he very ably discharged the duties
of the same, arousing much interest in the same, especially in the Central
states.
Mr. Hostetter occupies a conspicuou3 place among the leading men of
Putnam county and enjoys the respect of all who know him. His record
demonstrates that where there is an ambition to succeed and to be of serv-
ice to one's fellow men. all obstacles may be overcome and much good
eventually accomplished by courage and self-reliance, and his career, which
has been somewhat strenuous, has been fraught with much good to his neigh-
bors and constituents and his life work and his examples are cordially com-
mended to the vouth of the land whose destinies are yet matters for the
future to determine.
GEORGE W. AMES.
The family of this name is of an ancient English stock whose represen-
tatives became identified with the development of New England at a very
earlv day. William Ames, founder of the American branch, was born at
Briton. Somersetshire, England, October 6, 1605, and in early manhood came
to the colony of New Plymouth, now Duxbury, Massachusetts. Rev. Syl-
A-anus Ames, one of his descendants, was graduated from Harvard College
in 1767 and occupied the pulpit of Trinity church in Taunton. Massachusetts.
He was a chaplain in the army of the Revolution and died at Valley Forge
in the winter of 1777-78. His son, Sylvanus, was born ]\Iarch 26, 1771. and
died September 2T,, 1S23. His son, George W. Ames, was born at Athens,
Ohio. January 14, 1S14. He came with his father to Ohio, with the early
pioneers, who crossed the Alleghanies to settle in the fertile bottoms of the
[Muskingum, the Scioto and the Miamis. He w^as the youngest of twelve
children and when a boy attended the common schools of Athens, besides the
non-sectarian college situated in that place. When about twenty-five
vears nld he situated in Salem, Indiana, where he followed the pro-
PUTXAM COUNTY, I.XDIAXA. 755
fession of a gospel minister and was one of tlie pioneer preachers whose
assiduous work and privations were so instrumental in helping the cause
of progress. In the fall of 1S55 he removed to Greencastle and engaged in
the hardware business and became a man of varied activities and influence.
He was financial agent for DePauw University and superintendent of the
asylum for the blind at Indianapolis. He was a great reader and student and
a man of wide information and unusual abilities. He was a brother of
Eishop Ames, one of the pioneers and founders of Indiana Methodism. Dur-
ing the Civil war he was chaplain of Colonel Black's regiment. He died
June 3. iSSr_, at his old homestead which still stands on Washington street
as one of the landmarks of the city. While living in Salem he met Alary
Booth, who was born in that place September 11, 1819. To this lady he
was married September 20. 1843, '^"'J ^''"'^ proved a faithful wife, an intelli-
gent companion and an affectionate mother. Her parents were Beebee and
Hannah (Pitts) Booth, the mother of North Carolina birth and the father
from Connecticut. The Litter's forefathers came originally from England
and settled in New England in 1843. Beebee Booth located in Salem, In-
diana, in the early day of the state and engaged in the publishing busi-
ness under the firm name of Patrick & Booth. They published the first book
ever issued in Indiana, the title of which was "The Life of Napoleon Bona-
parte". 'Sir. and Mrs. George W. Ames had eight children : Hannah, Emma,
Elizabeth, Hilary, Alice, Genevieve, George Booth and Newton Sylvanus.
Five of the daugliters are living, Misses Elizabeth and Genevieve occupying
the old homestead in Greencastle. The mother died February 24, 1909. She
was an aunt of Booth Tarkington. the noted author.
ELDER OLIVER P. B.VDGER.
One of the useful and influential pioneer ministers of Putnam county, a
man of unquestioned ability and Christian courage, who has now passed
to his reward in the kingdom of the Divine Creator v.hom he tried faith-
fully to ser\e for many decades, was Oliver P. Badger, who was born near
Mt. Sterling, Montgomery county, Kentucky, Januan,- 9, 1819, the son of
David and Elizabeth (Aliller) Badger, the former a native of Pennsylvania
and the latter nf Culpeper Court House, Virginia. His parents removed
to Putnam county, Indiana, as early as 1833, and here in the dense woods
began life as fanners. Their son. Oliver P., although devoting his early
life to farming, also began preaching quite young, and at the age of nineteen
756 weik's history of
had won consideraljle local prestige as an expounder of the Gospel, which he
continued to preach the remaining years of his life.
Elder Badger was married on November jg. 183S. to Martha Ann
Yeates. which union resulted in the birth of five children, named as follows :
Ann Eliza married A. L. Goodbar. of Montgomery county, Indiana; Carrie
married Hon. D. E. Williamson, late of Greencastle ; Queen married Otho
-Mien, also <>i Greencastle, and died August i. 1SS4; Mr. Allen died December
31. 1885; David E.. a well know 11 druggist of Greencastle. and H. Clay Bad-
ger, who died .\ugust 13. lyoi. ]\lartha Ann (Yeates) Badger died March
I. 1900.
Elder Batlger was interested in p(jlitical matters for many years. He
was a member of the constitutional convention in 1S50. and the following
vear he was defeated for the state senate. After that he devoted practically
his entire time to the ministry, belonging to the church popularly known as
the Christian church, in which he won more than a local reputation, stand-
ing high in the circles of the same throughout the state, most of his public
labors having been confined to Indiana, yet he was often called to other lo-
calities for short periods. In April. 1874. he preached at Winterset, Iowa,
for a little more than a vear. though still retaining his residence in Putnam
countv. He also preached in his regular work in Illinois, Tennessee, Ken-
tucky, and filled pulpits in Philadelphia. Chicago and other places, always
delighting his audiences with an earnestness and an eloquence that bespoke
a man of genuine ability and sincerity. Towards the close of his life he
moved to Greencastle, and, in a beautiful cottage home, in the suburbs of
this citv. surrounded by his books, he quietly passed the serene evening of his
vears. dving on Tnne 7, 1891. Mr. Badger was one of the first three stu-
dents of Asburv (now DePauw) University.
FRANK HENRY LAM^IERS. M. D.
The writer here offers in brief outline a biographical memoir dealing with
a character of rare strength and beauty, one who possessed a mind of unusual
breadth and qualities that would have placed him high in any position to
which he might have aspired, a man in whom the utmost confidence was re-
posed bv all who were fortunate enough to share his genial friendship, a
man who left behind him the perpetual remembrance of good deeds that shine
with an effulgence like the phosphorescent waves that sparkle in the wake
PUTXAM COUNTY. IXDIAXA. 757
of a ship at sea, for to many tlie sea of life is made brighter because he passed
over it.
Frank Henrv Lammers. for many years one of the prominent physicians
of Putnam county, was torn in Beardstown. Illinois. September 21, 1864. and
was the youngest of six children. Alex, a brother, and a sister. Marie List-
mann. sut-\-iving him. After graduating at the high school of his native
town, he spent one year at the Wesleyan University. Bloomington, Illinois.
Being actuated by an ambition to gain a high literar\- and classical education,
he then entered Asbury (now DePauw) University, at Greencastle, Indiana,
where, as in the former institutions, he made an excellent record for scholar-
ship and fn^m which he graduated in 18S7. receiving the degree of Bache-
lor of Liberal Arts. In the fall of the same year he began the study of
medicine in Xew York City, the first year being a student in the University
^Medical School and the next two years in the College of Physicians and
Surgeons. He was graduated from the latter with honors in June, 1890.
receiving from his alma mater the degree of Master of Arts the same year.
His college record entitled him to a position as assistant in the hospital, and
he accordingly spent the next year in that capacity, at the same time pur-
suing graduate studies. Thus unusually well equipped for his life work,
in Mav. 1891. he removed to Greencastle. Indiana, and entered upon the
practice of his chosen profession, for which he possessed pre-eminent ability,
as was shown from the first, and in which he proved himself remarkably
faithful, painstaking and loyal up to the very hour of his summons to another
world.
Endowed with more than ordinar\- talent and of an energetic nature, it
is not surprising that he was eminently successful in the practice of medicine.
and that those with whom he came in closest contact soon learned to depend
upon him. Although deprived of the tender guidance of a mother when only
twelve vears of age, he was not given to frivolity in any of its phases in his
bovhood, but seemed to have an innate thirst for knowledge and to lead his
life along high ethical and moral plains, his taste of the esthetics and higher
intellectual culture early manifesting themselves, causing him invariably to
take the initiative, and ever to be on the alert for still higher and broader
fields of investigation, and this with the view of continually enlarging his
scope for usefulness. He \\as always, in the strictest sense of the term, a
student: a man who grew; progressive, twentieth century, alert and con-
scientious physician, and at the time of his departure he was planning to se-
cure the latest improvement and the very best equipment for his new office.
His patients never failed to he his friends and his name had gone to all parts
~^b, WEIK S HISTORY OF
of this and adjoining counties where it was respected and revered by all
classes.
The subject's parents, Alex and Anna }tlarie E. Lehnore Lammers,
were German Lutherans and in that faith the Doctor was reared. One of
the sacred remembrances of his wife today is the confirmation services in
the Episcopal church by Bishop Henry Potter, on Good Friday, 1891, when
he and his wife were both confirmed, and their first communion together
on the following Easter Sabbath in St. Andrew's Episcopal church of New
York. He always entered heartily into the spirit of church services and was
a liberal supporter of the local congregation. His piety was deep, sincere,
cheerful and earnest and. like his charity, without ostentation, for he always
delighted in charitable acts and deeds of kindness, but avoided publicity and
display.
Fraternally Dr. Lammers was a Mason, having attained the Knight
Templar degree, also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He also belonged to the Gentlemen's Literary Club, having literary tastes of
a high order, and his library contained many choice volumes of the world's
best literature. Thus he kept well informed on all topics and was an ac-
complished conversationalist and entertainer ; however, his professional de-
mands grew so rapidly that he had little time for social pleasures toward the
close of his useful career. In college he was identified with the Delta Kappa
Epsilon fraternity. In this connection it would almost seem as though he
had some premonition of his approaching entr}' into the silent land. During
his residence in Greencastle of eighteen years he won an enduring place in
the hearts of all who knew him, having come here in 1882 and remained
here with the e.xception of the time he spent in the medical school in New
York.
Dr. Lammers' ideal domestic life began on June 25, 1890, when he
espiiused Clara Collett Florer, a lady of talent, culture and refinement, daugh-
ter of \\'illiam J. and Mary Ann Louise (Washburn) Florer, a complete
sketch of whom appears on another page of this work.
Mrs. Lammers received her elementary education in the public schools
of Wabasha, Minnesota, later becoming a student in the State University
at Minneapolis, and still later in the noted woman's college at Wellesley,
Massachusetts. To Doctor and Mrs. Lammers was born a daughter, Leila
Claire, on June 17, 1894. who is now a student in the Greencastle high school.
In 1903. with the assistance of her sister. Laura Lelia Fl(5rer, !Mrs. Lammers
organized Washburn Chapter. Daughters of the American Revolution, and
she liecame the first regent, which office she held for three years, l^eing the
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 7^9
present registrar of the chapter. She is also a member of the board of edu-
cation.
Few residents of Oeencastle liave occupied as large a place in the public
eye and no one more worthily dischargeil his manifold duties or showed him-
self more worthy of the high esteem in which he was held than Doctor Lam-
mers. His life was filled with activity and usefulness, while his untirino-
energ)- and eminent ability gained for him a conspicuous and honorable place
among the distinguished medical men of his day and generation. In everv
sphere of endeavor in which he took part, socially, religiouslv. fraternally or
pnifessionally. his unpretentious bearing and strict integrity elevated him in
the confidence of his fellow citizens, and his influence was always powerful
and salutary — a trulv good and useful man — one of nature's noblemen.
EDWARD ALLEN.
Few families in Putnam county can trace back farther into pioneer days
than that of the .Aliens. WTiile not the first, the founder was among the first
arrivals, coming here when the primeval forest covered all the land and
Indiana was practically an unbroken wilderness from the Ohio to the north-
ern part of the state. Russell G. Allen, who was a native of Vermont, came
to Greencastle in 1823. or only seven years after Indiana had been admitted
as a state. At that time Greencastle was a straggling village, giving little
promise of ever becoming the thriving city that now constitutes the pride
and glory of Putnam county. But few white people were to be found in the
borders of the county and these were living in log cabins widely separated
from each ijtlier. Ru-ssell G. Allen was one of the sturdiest of the sturdy
men who began at the beginning to convert this howling wilderness into
an agricultural ])aradise. whose lands were destined to become as productive
as the fields of Goshen and raise crops of corn that would astonish the world.
These lands, then easily obtainable for a dollar or two an acre, are now sell-
ing all the uay from one hundred to two hundred dollars per acre, with a
tendency to still go up. The sloughs and marshes have been replaced by fine
pike roads, the formerly impassable streams are now spannetl by fine bridges
of steel and concrete and every comf(^rt of civilization is found on everv
hand. The old pioneers never dreamed of this outcome and nearly all of
them had passed awav before Putnam ounty showed signs of the marvelous
transformation.
760 weik's history of
Edward Allen, son of Russell G., was only seven years old when his
father made the long and dangerous journey to the west. He was bom at
Cazenovia. New York, August 7, 1830, and such primary training as he re-
ceived was obtained in the poor subscription schools then the only avenues
to education in the Hoosier state. Later, however, he was able to attend old
Asl)ury University, where he laid the foundations on which he afterwards
built as a reader and student of affairs. In early manhood he went into the
marble business with his brothers and followed this occupation until his re-
tirement, five years before his death, which occurred December 9, 1899. For
forty years he represented the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company and was
regarded as an unusually good business man. safe, conservative and square
in his dealings. He was a member of the College Avenue Methodist Epis-
copal cliurch. took great interest in its affairs and served as trustee for many
years. He belonged to the Odd Fellows and served two terms in council as
a Republican. On December 23, 1854, Mr. Allen was married at Cazenovia,
Xew York, to Mary E.. daughter of George E. and Melinda (Wilcox) Rob-
erts, descendants of an old Welsh family, whose representatives settled in
Massachusetts at an early day. Her father's grandmother came to Albany,
Xew York, when the present capital of the Empire state was but a collection
of huts. She was later scalped by the Indians, while her husband was taken
aboard a British vessel and starved to death. ^Ir. and Mrs. Edward Allen
had five children : Ida Olivia, born September 27, i860, married William
Overstreet and died September 26, 1885, leaving two children; Ida Allen
Overstreet is living with her grandmother: Edward R. Overstreet died in
Terre Haute. February 23, 1898: Emma H.. born September 16. 1862, mar-
ried Edwin E. Black, and died in Greencastle. January 15, 1886, leaving
one child, Susanna, who lives in Greencastle : Charles Edward, born October
10, 1857, is a resident of Paris, Illinois.
HEXRY CLAY LEWIS.
.Among the earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to
principle called forth the admiration of his contemporaries, Henry Clay Lewis,
late a \\ ell known attorney of Greencastle. Indiana, was numbered. He stood
among the representative men of Putnam county who overcame difficulties
and obstacles that barred the path to success and steadily advanced until be-
fore his death he left behind the manv and stood among the few who accom-
HENRY CLAY LEWIS
PUTXAM COL'N'TY, INDIANA. 761
plisii things worth while. Yet he was ever ready to reach down helping hands
to assist others in the long and tiresome struggle of life. He met and tri-
umphed over obstacles that would have discouraged many men of less deter-
mination and won for himself, not only a comfortable competency, but also
a prominent place among the enterprising men of this section of the state.
Mr. Lewis was born July 7, 1857. in Putnam county. Indiana, the son of
Mr. and Mrs. William Goodwin Lewis, the father a native of Kentucky,
where his family were prominent during several generations. Henry C.
Lewis attended the common schools of Greencastle when a boy, and. being
ambitious to become a highly educated man, he entered DePauw University,
where he made an excellent record and from which institution he was gradu-
ated. Turning his attention to the law. he began reading under Judge Donno-
hue and was admitted to the bar in due course of time. He then formed a
partnership with B. F. Corwin, which continued with interrupted success until
the death of Mr. Lewis, on February 24, 1901. As an attorney he ranked
high among the successful members of the local bar, being painstaking, pro-
foundly versed in all phases of jurisprudence, indefatigable in his efforts to
get at the bottom of whatever case was before him. and he was known to be
ever vigilant in defending his clients, always looking to their best interests,
often without proper regard for his own. As a speaker he was con\-incing
and at times truly eloquent, courteous to the court and lenient with his col-
leagues. His untimely taking off cast a shadow over the local bar that will
be hard for even time to disperse. He was always busy, his practice increas-
ing with the years and even,' term of court found him on one side or the other
of most all important cases.
^[r. Lewis was married on August 17. 1S81. to Josephine Barnell Con-
stable, a lady of affable and pleasing personality who is a favorite with a wide
circle of friends in this city and county. She was born in Ellettsville, Mon-
roe county, Indiana, the representative of an excellent and well established
family there, her parents being Harrison Hugh and .\nne fCopenhauer)
Constable. The father, a sterling Scotchman, born in the land of blue-bell
and heather, came to America when a young man and for many years suc-
cessfully conducted a general store in Ellettsville. Indiana, where he was ver\'
prominent and influential, indeed a grand old man, whom to know was to
respect and admire. He was benevolent and a philanthropist, never refusing
to assist and indorse a worthy cause, and the many little charitable deeds to
his credit won the hearts of scores who stood in need of help. He was a
great church worker and did much good in that cause.
Mary Henry Lewis, daughter of Mr, and Mrs. Henry Clay Lewis, was
born August 26. 188 J. received a good education and became a ladv of cul-
r-62 WEIK S HISTORY OF
tiire and excellent characteristics. She married Floyd Newby, of Knights-
town, Indiana, where he is at present successfully engaged in practicing the
law. He was graduated from the Indiana State University law school, while
Mrs. Newby holds a certificate of graduation from DePauw University. Two
interesting children have added sunshine to their home, Lewis Perry, born
Mav 4. 1908, and Robert Clay, born August 10, 1909.
Henry Clav Lewis was a great worker in the Republican party, being
one of the most prominent advocates of that political faith in this section of
the state and his efforts were attracting state-wide attention and no doubt
had he been spared he would have been called to high and worthy positions
as a public servant as a result of his public spirit, his genuine worth and integ-
rity. Fraternally he was a member of the Knights of Pythias. His memory
is cherished by all classes in Putnam county, for he was truly a good and use-
ful man.
B.KSCO.M O'HAIR.
No family in Putnam county is so closely interwoven with the history
of the county as the O'Hair family, consequently none more deserving of
conspicuous representation in a work of the province of the one at hand.
Amono- the first settlers, they have been continuously identified with its
progress and development, and are conspicuous examples of the best citizen-
ship, alwavs ready to lend a helping hand in furthering the county's inter-
ests in anv way and leading such lives of probity and uprightness as to win
and retain the confidence and esteem of all classes. From the early pioneer
davs they have been active in the life of the county, witnessing its wondrous
development from the primeval forests to the opulent present, from the day
of the blazed trail and the ox cart to the present fine turnpike highways and
the automobile.
One of the best known members of this well-established old family is
Bascom O'Hair, who was born on a farm six miles north of Greencastle. on
June 18. 1837, and he has found it to his interests to spend most of his long
and eminently useful life in his native locality. His father. J. E. M. O'Hair.
was a native of Kentucky, born in 1804. and he was one of that small band
of pioneers who emigrated to this section of the Hoosier state in the epoch
to which historians alude to as "early days." He settled six miles north
of the present citv of Greencastle. penetrating the virgin forest, clearing
a place for his cabin, and later developing a fine farm on which he lived the
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 763
remainder of his life, becoming well-to-do for those days, and he was in-
fluential and highly honored among his neighbors for his many admirable
traits of character. He married Elizabeth Montgomery, who was also a na-
tive of Kentucky, and this union resulted in the birth of eleven children,
named as follows; Asbury is living in Monroe township; J. E. Elsberry and
Greenberry also live in Monroe township ; J. T. and Eliza J. are deceased ;
Bascom. of this review; Sarah E. is living in Greencastle; Robert A. lives in
Monroe township ; Ceylina lives in Putnamville ; Sylvester lives in Monroe
township; Leroy died in infancy. After the death of his first wife, the
father of these children married Parmelia Lockridge, by whom he became
the father of two children, Robert L.. the well known president of the Cen-
tral National Bank of Greencastle, and Afrs. Maggie Black, of Wellington,
Kansas.
J. E. ?il. O'Hair, after a long, honorable and useful career, was called to
his reward in 1890, having reached the remarkable age of ninety-five years.
Bascom O'Hair spent his boyhood days on the home farm, where he as-
sisted with the general work about the place until he was twenty-one years of
age. attending the district schools in meantime. He then bought a fami in
^Nfonroe township and soon began dealing in real estate, for which he seemed to
have a natural likeness and ability. In i88j he went to Oklahoma where he
resided for a period of twenty years. He bought land in the Cherokee strip
and from time to time purchased large tracts of land in other parts of that
country, then new and abounding in all kinds of opportunities, all of which
proved to be profitable investments. ?Ie was very successful in the south-
west. But eight years ago he returned to Greencastle. where he has since
resided. He has large property interests and is one of the financially solid
and substantial men of Putnam county, and one of the most influential in
business circles. He is a director of the Central National Bank and the
Central Trust Company of Greencastle. He has a modern, attractive and
costly home, elegantly furnished, which is known to the many friends of the
family as a place of hospitality and good cheer. 'Sir. O'Hair also has exten-
sive interests in Elorida. owning a pretty winter bungalow in Tampa and an
orange grove on the Alafia river, twelve miles east Tampa. Mr. and Mrs.
O'Hair spend their winters in the south.
Mr. O'Hair was married on August u. 1903. to Mrs. Blanche Good-
wine, daughter ci Harr\- and Hester Brandt. Her parents were natives of
Ohio and known as people of integrity and sterling worth. Mrs. O'Hair
was born and reared in Attica. Indiana, receiving a good education, and
her genial, solicitous, affable and courteous demeanor indicates that she
764 weik's history of
was reared in the midst of wholesome environments. Tliis union has been
without issue. Mrs. O'Hair is an accomplished, talented and cultured
woman. She is a skilled wood carver, and many beautiful specimens of her
handicraft adorns the walls of their spacious home on East Washington
street. Painting- is another of her accomplishments, and her china and art
draperies and stencil work are rare specimens of art and are greatly admired
by all who are fortunate enough to see them. She also has literary ability
and is interested in church and club work.
Both Mr. and Mrs. O'Hair are members of the College Avenue Metho-
dist Episcopal church, and fraternally, Mr. O'Hair is a member of the Bene-
volent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically he is a Republican.
Personally Mr. O'Hair is a wide-awake, enterprising man of the times,
fully alive to the dignities and responsibilities of citizenship, and, to the ex-
tent of his ability, contributes to the material prosperity of the community
and to the social, intellectual and mora! advancement of the populace. Good
naturefl, easilv approached, straightforward and unassuming, he commands
the respect of all with whom he comes into contact, and his friends are as
great as the number of his acquaintances. While a power in the industrial
circles of Greencastle, he is universally esteemed in all the relations of life,
and his career has been creditable to himself and an honor to Putnam county,
so long the abode of this excellent family, the untarnished escutcheon of
whose he has ever sought to bear aloft.
HOX. DELANO E. WILLIA^ISOX.
Few men of Putnam county and this section of Indiana enjoyed greater
prestige than the late Hon. Delano Williamson, of Greencastle, as a leading
citizen, able attorney and as a public official against whose record no word
of suspicion was ever uttered — who, for many years, was an important factor
in the histon,' of this locality. His prominence in the community was the
direct result of genuine merit, industry and integrity. In every relation of
life, whether in the humble sphere of private citizenship or as a trusted leader
of his fellow men, his many excellences of character and the able and impar-
tial manner in which he discharged his every duty won for him an enviable
reputation as an enterprising and representative self-made man, — brilliant
attornev and far-seeing statesman, whose career is eminently worthy of emu-
lation by the youth hesitating at the parting of the ways and whose destinies
are vet matters for future vears to determine.
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 765
Mr. Williamson was born in Florence. Boone county, Kentucky, Au-
gust 19. 1822, the son of Robert and Lydia (Madden) Williamson. The
father was a descendant of Elliott Williamson, a native of Ireland, who
emigrated to America in time to participate in the struggle of the colonies
for independence and fought in the Continental army under Washington, and
thus conferred upon his descendants the title of "Sons and Daughters of the
Revolution." which is one of the ver\' highest titles, if not the highest, that
can be bestowed upon an American. On his mother's side his ancestrj' dates
back to the time when \\"illiam Penn came to America — to the family of
Hollingsworth. who accompanied that illustrious Quaker to the New
\\'orld.
When Delano E. Williamson was eight years of age his parents moved
to Co-.-ingtun. Kentucky, and in 1833 they followed the tide of emigration
westward and settled in Vermilion county, Illinois, and began life there amid
primiti\e conditions. When Delano E. was nineteen years of age. in 1841, he
came to Putnam county, Indiana, with the intention of entering Asbury (now
DePauw) University, but after remaining in Greencastle about two weeks
he abandoned the idea and went to Bowling Green, Clay county, where he
accepted a position as deputy county clerk, and there found the first incentive
to follow the legal profession. His education up to this time had been such
only as he had obtained in the common schools of Illinois. In March, 1842,
he married Elizabeth Elliott, a sister of the county clerk, in whose office he
was emplo}-ed. Four children were born to them, viz : Robert E., of Clover-
dale, Indiana; Mrs. Fl(irence L. Ricketts. of Springfield. Illinois; Mary, who
died in 1874, and Charles D., of Indianapolis. During his residence in
Bowling Green, w'hich e.xtended over nearly two years, he devoted his leisure
time to the study of the law-, and with a view of continuing his law studies
he returned to Greencastle and entered the law office of Eckles & Hanna for
that pui"pose and in due time applied for examination for a license to prac-
tice law and admission to the bar, honors conferred at that time only as a
reward of merit, it being necessary for the young aspirant to climb to the
coveted distinction by a greater effort than is required at present. The old-
time lawyers, such as guarded the profession from intrusion by empirics in
the far-away days of the forties, regarded their prerogatives as semi-sacred.
The examining committee in the case of Mr. Williamson was composed of
Gen. Tilghman H. Howard, Joseph .\. Wright (afterwards governor of
Indiana and minister to Gennany), Henry Secrest and Delano R. Eckles
(afterwards supreme judge of Utah) — all noted for their great abilities.
This committee reported favoral)ly and a license was issued, signed by Judge
766 weik's history of
Bryant, of the circuit court. Tlie admission, however, was not yet complete.
The candidate proceeded to Owen county, where he was a second time
examined bv Judge David E. McDonald, from wliom he also obtained per-
mission to practice.
[Mr. Williamson located as a lawyer first in Clay county, where he prac-
ticed his profession with a reasonable degree of success until 1850, when he
was elected to the lower house of the Legislature from Clay county, on the
Democratic ticket, by six hundred majority, over two competitors. Among
his associates in the house were Ashbel P. Willard, afterwards governor;
John P. Usher, afterwards secretary of the interior; and Daniel D. Pratt,
afterwards senator of the United States from Indiana.
In the vear 1S53 Mr. Williamson removed to Greencastle and there
made his home. In 1S5S he was again nominated as a Democrat for the
Leo'islature, but, owing to a division in the party, was beaten by five votes.
Meanwhile he was admitted to practice in the supreme court of the state,
and traveling through the adjoining counties he became well and favorably
known, not only as an advocate, but also as a prominent and influential citi-
zen, and in the practice of his profession he was eminently successful and
becarhe distinguished for his legal learning and mental acumen, easily taking
front rank among the ablest lawyers of the state.
In 1859 Mr. Williamson formed a law partnership with Hon. Addison
Dao-o-y, which continued for thirty years to a day. securing a reputation and
practice second to few legal firms in the state, the partners l>eing well bal-
anced in their characteristics and talents.
Down to i860 Mr. Williamson had always been a stanch Democrat,
and in that year he took a very active part in the campaign, being a sup-
porter of Stephen A. Douglas for the Presidency. In 186 1, immediately
after President Lincoln's call for troops to suppress the rebellion, Mr. Wil-
liamson, never flinching in his devotion to the Union, became an active sup-
porter of the government and the administration, and he devoted himself
for the next twelve months with patriotic zeal to the promotion of the war
spirit in his own and adjoining counties. He pressed his loyalty to the extent
of producing a rupture between himself and the Democratic party, and he
was excluded from its councils and leadership. In June, 1862, at the Union
convention of the state, composed of the Republican party and the L'nion
Democrats, he received the unsolicited nomination for attorney-general of
the state. Among his five competitors in the convention were Senator Pratt
and Judo-e Smith. The war spirit widened the breach between the adherents
and the opponents of the government : men became estranged, and party feel-
PLTXAM COUXTV. INDIANA. 7^7
ing ran high and was intensified with the prosecution of the war and the
Emancipation proclamation. At intervals the Democratic party in Indiana
gained the upper hand, but the Union cause held on to final triumph. In
1S64, 1866 and 1868 Mr. Williamson was elected attorney-general of the
state, ablv serving three consecutive terms, and in 1870 he refused a fourth
nomination. Xo better evidence of his professional skill and unblemished
reputation as a man of honor can be given than the unqualified support of his
party for the highest legal office in the state for a period of eight years.
In 1872 he accompanied Senator ^lorton in his great canvass through the
middle and southern counties of Indiana, participating with great ability
in the campaign. In 1876 he was a candidate for Congress before the Re-
publican nomi^nating convention at Greencastle; but. owmg to local divi-
sions in the partv, he was defeateil for the nomination.
Tanuary 3, 1861. Mr. Williamson married his last wife, Carrie Badger,
of Greencastle.' daughter of Rev. Oliver P. Badger, a distinguished minister
in the Christian church. Two children were born to them: Ida B., wife of
O. G. Sercombe, of Louisville. Kentucky, and Badger Williamson, who re-
sides in Greencastle with his mother, and wlm, on May 15. 1895, was mar-
ried to Eugenia Pearle Stoner. The>- were married by Alexander Camp-
bell, founder of the Christian church. Of the children of his first marriage,
Robert E.. the eldest son. served in the Fourth Regiment, Indiana Volun-
teers, participating in the battle of Antietam and in the severe winter cam-
paigns that followed.
Politically, ^^Ir. Williamson continued to act with the Republican party
until the year 1892. Bv that time the issues on questions of revenue and
finance had been clearlv 'announced. On these he had always held the prin-
ciples of the Democratic party. During the war epoch and the period of re-
construction he espoused the principles of the Republican party as paramount
to all questions touching the tariff and the financial management of the coun-
try The reconstruction period being closed, his old-time sympathies with
Democratic doctrines revived, and being unable to influence the doctrines and
tendencies of the Republican party, he ceased to act with that organization.
He was eagerlv welcomed by' his old political associates and in 1894 was
nominated bv the Democratic party as joint representative for the counties
of Putnam. Clay and Montgomery. He made a gallant canvass, but, owing
to the political revulsion in that year, was not elected.
Before this time, for a period of about five years, Mr. Williamson had
been in verv ill health. It appeared at times that his erstwhile vigorous and
active constitution was giving way under the impact of disease and advanc-
768 weik's history of
ing years, but he made a splendid rally, and in 1892 and 1893 he resumed
the practice of law, taking in with him, under the firm name of Williamson
& Williamson, his promising son. Badger Williamson, upon whom the more
active and aggressive part of the practice devolved and for years they con-
tinued to do a large business, the elder Williamson, the senior member of
the Putnam county bar, retaining his rare tact and strength of intellect up
to the last, and after an earthly pilgrimage of over four score years this
distinguished lawyer and citizen was called to his reward on a higher plane
of action. May 2. 1903, from his home in Greencastle, having bravely and
heroically approached the sunset of a busy and distinguished life with every
grace that adorns old age. Learned in the law and in literature, familiar
with the history of his country, in sympathy with the best thought of his
times, watchful of events and the trend of affairs, urbane and companionable,
he rounded up a life of usefulness to his fellow men, all classes of whom
revere his memory.
Religiously, Mr. Williamson was a member of the Christian church,
in which body he had great local influence. He was a member of the ila-
sonic fraternity, attaining the Royal Arch degree. Personally he was a man
of imposing presence, tall, erect, his broad shoulders bearing a splendidly
shaped head — strong, patrician features, cleancut, expressive, showing depth
of thought, strength of character and indomitable will. His manners were
those of the cultured, genteel, courteous, well-bred gentleman, and he was
a noted hgiu-e in any assembly of distinguished men. His success in life was
largely due to a steadfastness of purpose, honesty, fiiielity to right prin-
ciples, a high order of intelligence and a remarkable force of character
which inspired at once the confidence and esteem of his fellow men.
ANDREW AI. LOCKRIDGE.
Among the highly honored, influential and well remembered citizens of
Putnam county of a past generation who well deserve definite recognition in a
work of the province assigned to the one at hand is Andrew 'SI. Lockrido-e, for
the history of the county and his biography are very much one and the same
thing and for much of its growth and prosperity it is indebted to him. He
was long one of its enterprising laborers and wise counselors. A progressive
business man in the broad sense of the term, he realized the needs of the peo-
ple and with clear brain and strong hand supplied the demand generouslv and
p;- '-At*,. 4 1
PCTXAM COLXTV, IXDIAXA. 769
unsparingiy. The county was never lionored by the citizenship of a man more
widely or fa\orably known in western Indiana, and none stood higher in the
esteem (jf his acipiaintances, for to him was accorded nntiiiah'fied confidence
and regaril. and that lie was deserving of the same no (jne w ill deny. His
long and useful life was sjient practically within the borders of this countv,
with whose wiried interests he was acti\"el}" and successfullv identified. His
well-directed efiforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management
of his own business interests and his sound judgment brought to him well
earned prosperity, his life demonstrating what may be accomplished by the
man of energ}- and ambition, who is not afraid to work and who has the per-
se\erance to continue his labors whether attended by favorable results or in
the face of seemingly discouraging circumstances. Thus his career mav be
held up as an example to the youth of the land who hesitate at the parting of
the ways.
Andrew M. Lockridge was born March 30, 1814, near Mount Sterling,
Montgomer}- county, Kentucky, and there he grew to maturity, assisting with
the work about the home place and attending such schools as those early times
afforded, and although his text-book training was limited he always kept
abreast of the times by home reading and study. Desiring to cast his lot in
a new country where land was cheaper and opportunities greater, in 1S35,
he brought his widowed mother to Putnam county, Indiana, reaching their
future home in the autumn and settled on a farm tifteen miles north of Green-
castle, which place is yet known as the Lockridge farm. Here, amid primi-
tive contlitions, ]\Ir. Lockridge, then a young man of vigor and ambition,
went to work and in tlue course of time had an excellent start and developed
a fine farm, and, being a man of excellent judgment, keen foresight and inde-
fatigable energy, he seldom failed in carrying to successful issue whatexer
he undertook. He was certainly deserving of the same, for he was trul\- the
architect of his own fortunes, being a purel\- self-made man. his father, Rob-
ert Lockridge. a fine Kentuck\" gentleman of the old school, having died when
Andrew M. was but twehe years old. The lad was thus earlv in life thrown
practically upon his own resources and soon came in charge of the care and
responsibility of the family, and such cares in the then frontier of the midrlle
West, in 18J5. meant more than we of toda_\- can fully appreciate. However,
this was excellent as well as hard discipline and it fostered in the growing bov
such traits of sterling character as to make for success. He was ahva\s a
very reserved and unpretentious man. physically and mentally strong, vet
seemingly unconscious of liis strength and power. Although his life was de-
( 4'J )
■jjO WEIK S HISTORY OF
voted almost exclusively to agricultural and stock-raising- pursuits, having few
equals and no superiors in either line in western Indiana, being an unusually
good judge of all kinds of livestock and a student of the soil and all phases
of progressive farming, vet he was interested in many and varied industries
and was always ready to assist in a substantial way any movement promising
good to thi.ise cui'.cerned and the general pul^lic, being a promoter and a fin-
ancier b\- nature, a man who would have succeeded in any environment and
at any line of endeavor. He was generous, giving freely of his means, never •
withholding from any needeil good, taking a delight in anything which he
belie\ed would make his fellow men better, and sought to teach his associates
by frugalitv and economy to be self-sustaining, independent and useful citi-
zens.
For thirtv years this extraordinary man was vice-president and a director
of the First National Bank of Greencastle and much of its prestige was due
to his conservative advice in its management, and in all that has made this
city beloved at home and respected abroad the impress of this truly good and
honest man is plainly written. By nature modest, he never courted applause
and despised ostentation, doing what he did for his community through other
and more exalted motives, true rectitude being one of the fundamental prin-
ciples of his character and a high regard for the sacredness of right. He
scorned the mean compliance of recognized dishonesty, and would not stoop
to the disgraceful tricks of trade; he was known as a man of honor in the com-
mercial world. Another distinctly marked trait of his character was his in-
domitable energy — an energy that rose with irresistible force in the presence
of accumulating difficulties, which he surmounted or pushed aside, ignoring
the things that would have retarded if not completely thwarted others of less
courageous spirit. Combined with this trait was his gift of great practical
common sense, which made him a safe counselor to those who needed wise
advice. His life and character were an open book.
In iSsS IMr. Lockridge joined the ^lethodist church in Greencastle and
continued true and faithful in his duties and obligations to the church. He
was a man of deep religious conviction and carried his religion into his every-
dav life. After a brief illness, this good and useful citizen was summoned
bv the common fate of all to close his earthly accounts antl take up his work
on a higher plane of action, November 2, 1893.
No less devoted to right living and right thinking was the noble life com-
panion of Mr. Lockridge, known in her maidenhood as Elizabeth Farrow,
whom he married February 23, 1843. She was the daughter of Col. A. S.
Farrow, one of the county's leading pioneer citizens whose career is fully
PUTNAM COUNTY, INDIANA. 771
given in another part of this work. She was reared and educated in this
countv and had hosts of friends here, and she lived with Mr. Lockridge, shar-
ing his jovs and sorrows, for a period of nearly forty-five years, passing serene-
Iv away on February 4. -1888, leaving behind her the priceless heritage of her
prayers and the memory of a beautiful Christian life, for she was a loving
wife, a devoted mother and faithful friend, her whole life being one long
sacrifice of self to the welfare and happiness of those she loved. Through all
her long illness her thoughts were for others rather than herself.
:Mrs. Lockridge, like her husband, lived most of her life in Putnam
county, having been born near Mt. Sterling,. Montgomerv- county, Kentucky,
November 24. 1826, and was therefore at the time of her death sixty-one
vears. two months and eleven days old. She was the seventh child of a fam-
ilv of ten children, three brothers of whom preceded her to the land of spirits.
When she was four years of age, in the autumn of 1830, her family emigrated
to Putnam county, Indiana, locating nine miles north of Greencastle. The
countrv was new and sparsely settled and the advantages of school and church
associations were meager, but in the little log school house of that day, she,
with her brothers and sisters, obtained a fair common school education. When
only thirteen years oUl, in a little log church on her father's farm, she pro-
fessed the religion of the Christ and united with the Methodist church, in
which faith she lived with unfaltering trust, without a cloud to dim her hope
of immortality, until the moment her purified spirit passed into the mystic
bevond.
To Mr. and ]^Irs. Andrew M. Lockridge four children were born, the first
born, Robert, dying in infancy; the other three reached maturity and have
been leading and influential citizens of Putnam county since they came into
manhood's estate, evincing in all the relations of life the wholesome home
environment in which they were reared ; they are Simpson, Alexander H. and
Albert O.
DANIEL ZARING.
Few families of Putnam county are as well known and highly esteemed
as the Zarings, who were among the early settlers of Washington township
and from the year of their arrival to the present time the name has ever
stood for honorable manhood and progressive citizenship. Perhaps the best
known representatives of the family, certainly one of' the most enterprising
and successful, was the late Daniel Zaring, whose parents moved to this
•jio WEIK S HISTORY OF
couiitrv in 1844. originally settling- where the Mt. Olive church now stands,
later changing their residence to a farm south of the village of Manhattan.
Daniel Zaring. father of Daniel, was a native of Xew York, but in early
life went to Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. From the latter state
he went to Ohio when a young man and locating near Wooster, where he
married and lived until the coming to Indiana in the year mentioned above.
Daniel Zaring, Jr., was born December 30, 1839, in Ohio, and in 1844
accompanied his parents to Putnam county, Indiana, growing to maturity
on the home fann in Washington township, where he developed those sterl-
ing traits of character which so greatly tended to his success in after life.
He was reared in agricultural pursuits, assisted in the cultivation of the
family homestead until attaining his majority, when he married and entered
upon his own career, choosing for his wife Lucinda Lewis, who was born
December 24. 1841, and to whom he was united in the bonds of wedlock in
Xovember, i860. ^Irs. Zaring was a native of Putnam county and a daugh-
ter of .A.bram Lewis, who moved to this county from North Carolina in an
earlv dav and settled east of Reeseville, on the farm adjacent to Walnut
creek, now owned by Lycurgus Stoner. He was one of the early pioneers of
that localitv and his name appears as a juryman at the first term of court
held in Putnam county. He cleared and improved a good farm, lived an
exemplary life and died a number of years ago at an advanced age.
After their marriage Daniel Zaring and wife began housekeeping on
a farm belonging to his father, but some years later he removed to what
is known as the Athey farm, where the first term of court was held, re-
maining on the latter place for about five years. At the expiration of that
period he moved to the farm on- Deer creek which his father afterwards
deeded to him, the improvement at the time he took possession consisting of
an old house and about thirty acres of cleared land. With his characteristic
ener,g\- he addressed himself to the task of further developing the place and
it was not long until he had one of the finest and most valuable farms in
his section of the country. Among the improvments which he added from
time to time was the large and comfortable residence erected in 1870, and
which is still one of the best edifices of the kind in the community, also a fine
barn and other buildings, which greatly enhanced the value of the place and
made it one of the most desirable homes in that part of the county.
Mr. Zaring"s farm originally consisted of one hundred and sixty acres,
but bv additional purchases it was afterwards increased to three hundred
and fiftv acres, about two hundred being bottom land of great fertility, the
old farm being owned by his son, Lewis Zaring. For several years he and
PUTNAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 'j'JZ
his son Lewis carried on farming and the Hvestock business as partners,
making a specialty of high-grade cattle. Mr. Zaring was always an enter-
prising, wide-awake man and manifested a lively interest in his business
affairs as long as he lived, retaining possession of his farm to the day of his
death. He was essentially a home man. great lover of his family and made
every other consideration subordinate to his children's interests, taking little
part in politics beyond voting the Democratic ticket an-l having no ambition
whatever for official preferment. In the management of his affairs he was
prompt and methodical, not given to speculation, but satisfied with legitimate
and gradual gains. :Mr. Zaring died on the 20th day of September. 1895. at
the village of Manhattan, his wife passing to her reward on March 25, 1901.
The family of this worthy couple consisted of four children, the oldest
being Lewis A., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. Clinton Thomas
Zaring. M. D.. of Greencastle. one of the leading physicians and surgeons of
Putnam county, is the second in order of birth, the third l>eing Clara ^Lay,
who died unmarried at the age of thirty-eight. She was an accomplished
stenographer and for a number of years held important positions in vari-
ous offices in the citv of Indianapolis. Musa D., the youngest of the family,
became the wife of Ernest Stoner. of Greencastle, Indiana, and died at
}i[ar.hattan two vears after her marriage.
GOXS.\LVO CORDOVA SMYTHE.
Gonsalvo Cordova Smythe. A. M.. M. D.. was born on a farm three
miles east of Greencastle. Indiana. October 31. 1836. His parents. Ebenezer
and Eli-zabeth (Sill) Smythe. were natives of Kentucky who emigrated to
Indiana soon after their marriage in 1827. Doctor Smythe was the fifth
child in the family, there being in all nine children. One of his sisters.
Hannah Roxanna.' was the wife of John Clark Ridpath. the historian.
Ebenezer Smvthe, the father, though a poor man. was especially well edu-
cated for the times. He was a voracious and inordinate reader and re-
markably well informed as to the facts of history and the philosophy of lit-
erature.' Although the mother's early advantages were meagre, she was
nevertheless a woman of decided natural ability and loyally joined her hus-
band in the determination to provide their children with the best tacilities
for education the times and their surroundings afforded. The opportunities
oft-ered h.nvever. were at first onlv those of the regulation district schools
774 WEIK S HISTORY OF
of that period and in these the methods employed were far from adequate
in producing the best results. Doctor Smythe's experience in the backwoods
school was somewhat novel. At the age of fifeen he became impatient at
his slow progress in school and laid the fault to the "class system," which he
conceived reallv restrained him. He therefore asked for and secured from
the teacher a mitigation of the rule and was granted the privilege of study-
ing and mastering his lessons in his own way. The result justified the wis-
dom of the concession, for his progress from this time forward was both easy
and rapid. ^leanwhile there were alterations of labor. Before his sixteenth
vear he was chopping wood for fifty cents a cord and later employed by his
father, a contractor on the line of the Terre Haute & Indianapolis railroad
to blast rock, a work in which he was very successful and of which he was
inordinately fond. There was something in the big reports made by the
"giant" powder which especially pleased him and he continued at the work
on his own account on the lines of other neighboring railroads. At the age
of seventeen he engaged in teaching school, thus laying up a little money for
the exigencies of the 'future. Soon afterward he made up his mind to finish
his education by a course in college and accordingly, in the fall of 1855, he
entered the sophomore class in Asbury University at Greencastle. He lived
at home and walked in to college ever}- morning, a distance of three miles.
His brother. Ulvsses, was also in college at the same time. As a student
Doctor Smythe was noted for his clear vision, industry and close reasoning
powers. He was very proficient in mathematics, with a decided leaning to-
ward the investigation of scientific subjects. The physical sciences were
especially attractive to him. In 1856 his college course came to an abrupt
end due to the famous rebellion, during the administration of Doctor Curry,
president of Asbury University. Along with others. Doctor Smythe left and
never returned to the institution. Having always been drawn to the study
of medicine, he determined now to prepare himself for that profession and,
to that end. entered the ofiice of Dr. William C. Hopwood. a physician in
the village of Fillmore, where he was a diligent and observing student for
almost three years. In the fall of 1859 he attended his first course of lectures
at Rush Medical College in Chicago. In the summer of i860 he entered upon
the practice in Fillmore and from the first impressed all those with whom
he came in contact with his skill and qualifications for the profession he had
chosen. .\ few months before — February 28th — he was married to Mar-
paret A. .A.llen, a young lady who lived in the neighborhood and who had
Ijeen one of his schoolmates in the days of the district school.
The Civil war having broken out. Doctor Smythe offered his services,
which were accepted, and in August, 1862, he was duly appointed assistant
ri'TXAM COL'XTV. IXDIAXA. 775
surgeim "t the Fi irtN-thinl RL-ginieiit. Imliana X'olunteers. He remained in
the services until the cL>se of the war in i8h5. l^eing promoted to surgeon- of
the regiment and finallv surgeon of a miHtary division. His experience as an
armv surgeon in tlie field and in the hospitals was of incalculahle benefit and
was the basis of his subsequent extended reputation as a surgeon. After re-
turniiv;- frrmi tlie armv, Dnctur Smythe located in Greencastle and formed
a partnership with Dr. Hamilton E. Ellis, who al^o had been an army sur-
gcn. This partnership continued till the death of Doctor Ellis in 1880.
From the time of his return from the army Doctor Smythe had con-
stantlv risen in reputatinn ma mily in medical circles but in the estimation
of the L-er.er.d public. F;is rise in usefulness and infiuence was effected in the
face of nianv and serious discouragements. One of these was the death of
his wife. Februarv 10. 1S70. Soon after he went to Xew York and there
cnmpleted a course of special study in Long Island Hospital ^ledical Col-
lege, graduating therefrom with the degree of Doctor of ]^Iedicine. ad eun-
dem. Returning to Greencastle, his sendees were more than ever in de-
mand and his aljility and skill as one of the leading physicians and surgeons
in central Indiana were everywhere recognized. In January, 187 J. he was
married to Tanie Frances Black, of Greencastle; but his wife soon developed
svmptoms of tuberculosis and was carried of¥ by that fatal malady Xovem-
Ler 14, 1874. In 1S76. Febrtiary 17, Doctor Smythe was a third time mar-
ried. His wife was Jennie, the daughter of :\IcCamey Hartley. Esq., who
was an earlv business man in Greencastle, and also filled the office of audi-
tor of Putnam county. Three children blessed this union. Roxanna. who
died lulv 8. 1887; Winona, who died August 13, 189'), and Arta. who is now
the wife of Morton Diall. superintendent of the Gas and Electric Light Com-
panv of Lockport. Xew York.
Doctor Smvthe was a frequent contributor to the leading medical
journals and maga.^ines of the day. Among his principal C(.MnriI)utions were
"A Ple-\ for Practical An-Uomy," an article which v,as largely instrumental
in seciu-ing the pa--a;,e of a law bv the Legislature of Ind.iana for the legal
iHssection of human liodies; "The Antipyretic Treatment of Typhoid Fever";
■'A Dermoiij L \ -t in the Lung.'" and "'I'he Treatment of Sciatica by the Hy-
perdemic Injection of /\tropia". a p;q)er which was translated into French,
and German, and then unwittingly retranslated into English as an auth(3rity.
In 1871) Doctor Smvthe was elected to a chair in t'.ie Central College of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons of Indianapolis and assigneil to the chair of the prac-
tice of medicine and sanitary science and at once demonstrated his ability
as an instructor. His lectures were at once profound and popular. During
"/jn WEIK S HISTORY OF "
the summer of 1880 he issued his first medical work, entitled. ■■Me(HcaI
Heresies Historically Considered: A Series of Critical Essays on the Origin
or the Evolution of Sectarian Medicine''. The subject was of such nature as
to involve a review of homeopathy and that theory of medicine has rarelv been
more ably or severely handled than in Doctor Smythe's masterly treatise.
Idle book recei\'ed an extensi\-e notice at the hands of medical men everv-
where and excited nijt a little discussion and criticism.
As the years rollerl by Doctor Smythe's reputatii^n as a phvsician and
surgeon broadened until he was easily one of the leading practitioners in
the state. As a surgeon he had few equals and some of the operations he
l^erfornied are e\-en yet regarded as wonders of skill and precision. But the
constant and unremitting attention to his patients and bis anxietv to do all
in bis power to alleviate suffering humanity began to tell on him. He denied'
himself the luxury of vacations and applied himself to his tasks with such
concentration and zeal that his health at last broke under the strain, and.
after a brief illness, he died February 7, 1S97.
In every respect Doctor Smythe was a remarkable man. and in the line
of his profession eminently successful. He was emphatically a man of ner\e
whom no responsibility could appeal. Under all circumstances he was cool,
prudent and self-confident. His judgment never forsook him and his
per.etration was rarely at fault. He was in e\ery sense a physician, a
man of one work, ardently devoted to the duties of his profession. He was
generous minded and liberal of view. Although apparently brusque in man-
ner, he was in reality tender at heart, patient and sympathetic. A man of
innate modesty, he rarely ever dwelt upon his own achievements. A stranger
to diplomacy, he could not flatter or deceive. In every emergencv he was a
plain, tolerant and unaffected gentleman, the corner stone of wdiose religion
was relieving the distress of his fellow men.
CAPT. HEXRV BASCOM MARTIX.
The distinction of being the oldest native of Cloverdale township now
residing therein l>elongs to Capt. Henry B. Martin, an honored and revered
resident of the attractive little town of Cloverdale. Xot only has his pri\-ate
life been one of probity and integrity, but he has also a military record of which
he has just reason to be proud, having gi\'en to his country several vears of
effective and appreciated ser\-ice during the period of its greatest need. He
CAPT. HENRY B. MARTIN
PL■TXA^r COUNTY, IXDIAXA. -'-
is now living in honorable retirement at Clnvenlale, secure in the in\e and
esteem of all who know him. and his friends are legion.
Henrv Basconi Martin was horn in Cluverdale township, fntnam county.
Indiana. Tulv lO. 1833. and is a srm of Kiil)ert and Lucy (Rdutte) Martin.
The paternal grandfather was William Martin, a Methodist preacher who
was horn and reared in \'irginia. his birth having taken place during the war
of the Revolution. His father. John >.[artin. was a soldier in that memor-
able struggle who served during nearly the w he ile period of the war. and near
its close sent a son. also named John, as a substitute, the latter being present
at the siu-render of Cornwallis. The subject's mother was a daughter of
Genrge and Catherine (Hendricks) Routte. This family came from \'ir-
ginia and located in Kentucky. Robert Martin was a native of Virginia and
in his voung hovhood the family removed to Bath county, Kentucky, and suli-
se(|uently he there met and married Lucy Routte. He and his wife came to
Clovenlale township. Putnam county. Indiana, about 1S25. and entered a
tract of government land two miles southwest of Cloverdale. He first entered
two forty-acre tracts, the patents for which were signed by President John
Quincv Adams, and he afterwards acquired more land, so that his holdings
amounted to two h.undred and forty acres. He remained in that locality until
1853. when he moved to the state of L>wa. where he remained until about
1S77. when, his wife dying, he returned to Indiana, locating at Greencastie.
where his death occurred in tSjy. Robert Martin was twice married, his
first wife dving in 1851. In about 1854 he married Mrs. Xancy Xosler.
whose death occurred in 1877 in Iowa, as above stated. Wx. Martin was the
father of ten children, namely: Sally, who died in infancy. Catherine. John S..
George R.. Henry E.. William S.. Alethe. Byram. Man- and Robert.
Henrv B. :\[artin remained on the home farm near Cloverdale until about
eighteen vears old and in the meantime .secured a fair education in the com-
mon schools of the locality, the school facilities of that day being somewhat
meagre as compared with the splendid system of the present day. Later the
subject was a student in Cloverdale Seminary, but the major part of his edu-
cition was receixed outside the school rooms, as after he had quit the educa-
tional institutions mentioned he pursued the study of Latin. Greek and higher
mathematics, including surveying. He was employed as an assistant in the
survey of the Monon railroail. and after the completion of that work he went
to Ohio and used the transit in the preliminary survey of a part of the Cin-
cinnati. Hamilton & Dayton railroad. In the spring of 1854 Mr. :\Iartin
went to \\'ebster countv (now Hamilton county). Iowa, and there followed
surveying until the winter of 1859-Cio. Returning to Putnam county, Indi-
jyS weik's history of
ana. his patriotic spirit was soi m stirreil by the sounds of the oncoming- con-
flict in the Southland, and when the President's call for volunteers was issued
he promptlv responded, becoming a meml)er of Company A, Second Regiment
Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. Prior to this he had organized a compan_\- at
Cloverdale. but the state's quota had become filled and his company could not
be accepted. He then went to Cincinnati with a few of his men and there
enlisted. He was mustered into the service as a private, but was afterwards
commissioned second lieutenant, the company to which he belonged being as-
signed to the Kentucky regiment. .Vbout July 9. i86t. the command was sent
to \\'est Virginia, and four days later they were engaged in the battle of
Earboursville. where the subject was severely wounded in the right thigh.
He was conveved by an impro\ised ambulance and boat to the hospital at
Gallipolis. where he nearly died from the wound. The hospital was first lo-
cated in a seminary, and was then moved to a deserted school room, where
the subject lav on one of the long rlesks. When convalescent he was sent
home on sick leave and for some time went about on crutches. In the latter
part of the following October he rejoined his regiment along the Kanawha
river above Charleston. The next battle in which the Second Regiment par-
ticipated was the great struggle at Shiloh. They arrived there on Sunday,
as a part of Nelson's division, and were engaged all day Alonday until the
defeat of the enemy. Later they took part in the siege of Corinth and the
manv skirmishes incident to that campaign. In the spring of 1862, before the
.battle of Shiloh. Second Lieutenant Martin became a first lieutenant. After
the siege of Corinth, the Second Regiment marched with the army through
]\fississippi and Alabama, under the command of General Buell. They then
marched to Louisville. Kentucky, and chased the Confederate General Bragg
awav from there and followed him to -Perryville, where there was a bloody
fight. The regiment then went to Xashville. where they remained until mid-
winter. Then followed the terrific engagement at Stone River, where the
soldiers endured severe privations, being compelled to sleep in the open air
on the battlefield and for forty-eight hours they had nothing to eat but a few^
crackers. The armv then occupied INIurfreesborough, and were soon after-
wards engaged in the battle oi Chickamauga. wdiere Lieutenant Martin was
severelv wounded, his wrist bone being shattered by a minie ball. Because
of this wound he was disabled until the following Xo\ember. and was sta-
tioned at Bridgeport, not participating with his regiment in the protectii')n of
tl-.e lines of communication. He then started with Sherman on the cele-
brated march to Atlanta, but before the end of that campaign his period of
service expired. After the battle of Stone River, the stihject had been pro-
PUTXAM COUXTV. IXDIAXA. 779
moted to ;i captaincv ami commamleil his company at the battle ol Chicka-
maug-a. After beiny mustered out at Cincinnati. Captain Martin was ap-
pointed a captain in the A'eteran Reserve Corps and was located at Giesboro,
near the city of Washington. At this time the death of his father-in-law
made it necessary for him to return to his home at Cloverdale. The county
was then in a turmoil and the family needed his protection, he having left
a wife and infant son when he entered the army.
It should be here noted that while residing in loua in the winters of
iS;7-:S and iS^S-^i^ the subject was a member of the state troops, having
l)een mustered in to assist in protecting the northern part of the state against
a threatened massacre of the Indians, who had a short time previously com-
mitted terrible depredations among the settlers in that part of the state. The
subject was chosen captain of his company and commanded it throughout the
campaign.
After his return from the army. Captain Martin was busily employed
at farming, the practice oi law and surveying, in all of which he gave evidence
of his versatile aljility. Eventually he moved to Greencastle in order to give
bis chil.lren superior educational ad\antages. In 1892 Captain IMartin and
bis son Charles established the Greencastle Democrat, one of the strong and
intluential newspapers of Putnam county. About 1885 he was appointed an
examiner oi surveys for the United States government, his duties being to
examine the land surveys in Oregon. Washington and Idaho. He ser^-ed
in this capacity until the summer of 1S89, the latter part of his service being
in Xew ^.lexicr.j. where he was engaged in examining the boundary lines of
Indian reservations. During a part of this time he was alone with the Indians,
among whrmi were the bloodthirsty Apaches. In 1893 he received a request
from the commissioner of the general land office of Washington to go to
Califonu'a as special exanu'ner of the Benson fraudulent land surveys, which
he accepted, and was th.us engaged, and in general government surveys, until
1895 when he re-igned on account of ill health. The appointment came to
lu'm wholiv un-^olicited. and was an exceptional honor, as the Benson fraudu-
lent surveys were of Xational interest. His services gave eminent satisfac-
tion to the go\ernment and he could have continued in the office indefinitely,
liut ill health compelled him to resign. Cajitain Martin continued the publi-
cation of the Democrat until June. 1897. when it was sold to Hamrick &
A'ler. after which the Captain went to San Bernardino. California, and. with
the assistance of his sons Ernest and Edwin and eldest daughter Winifred,
established a Democratic newspaper. This enterprise was successful, but the
Captain disposed of his interests four years later and returned to Cloverdale.
where he is now residing.
jSo weik's history of
While residing in Iowa. Captain Martin became tlie owner of one thous-
and acres of splench'd farming land, but this was afterwards sold, and he and
his wife now own considerable land in Putnam county, near Cloverdale.
On the 2 1 St of October, 1858. Captain ]vlartin was united in marriage
witli Svdnev \'ictoria Ellen Hart, a daughter of William L. Hart, one of the
earlv and well known settlers of Cloverdale township. To this union have
been born nine children, namely: Xiles H.. who resides on a fami near Clo\er-
dale. married Margaret Young: Charles Lee. who was interested with his
father in the Greencastle Democrat, died near the close of the year 1895 : Lucy
died at the age of two vears and three months : William died in infancy : Wini-
fred, who has traveled extensively in Europe, !\[exico and Hawaii, is suc-
cessfullv engaged in newspaper work at San Bernardino, California; Marga-
rita is the wife of Alerton Brimmer, of Rialto, California, and they have one
child. Elizabeth Ellen: Ernest, who is engaged in newspaper work in San
Bernardino. California, and is also a writer for the Hearst papers, married
Dorothv Cooley. the daughter of a prominent citizen there: Edwin is a printer
and resides at Merced. California: Henry B., who is. the publisher and editor
of the Cloverdale Graf^hic. married Anna Steinbach. and they have one son.
Charles Lee,
Politicallv Captain [Martin is a Democrat and has always taken an active
interest in the success of his party. LiiSji he was elected to the lower house
of the Legislature and rendered effective ser\ice in that body. Fraternally
he has been a member of the Masonic order for forty-six years and has served
a number of terms as worshipful master of his lodge. He has taken a num-
ber of degrees above those of the blue lodge, including those of Knight Tem-
plar, being a member of Greencastle Commander}-, Xo. 11. Few men in his
section of the county are as widely and favorably known and none stand
higher than does he in the confidence and esteem of the public, and in view
of his active and eminently creditable career and the influence he has always
exercised on the right side of every moral question, it is proper to class him
with the representative men of his day and generation in the community hon-
ored bv his citizenship.
ALBERT O. LOCKRIDGE.
It is the progressive, wideawake man of affairs that makes the real his-
tory of a community and his influence as a potential factor of the body politic
is difficult to estimate. The examples such men furnish of patient purpose
PI/TXAAf COL'XTV, IXUIAXA. jS I
and steadfast integritv strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to
accomplish, and tliere is always a full measure of satisfaction in achertising,
even in a casual way. to their achievements in advancing the interests of
their fellowmen and in giving strength and solidit}' to the institutions which
make so much for the prosperity of the community. Such a man is Albert
O. Lockridge. the present popular pi")stmaster of ("ireencastle, and it is emin-
ently proper that a re\-iew of his career be accorded a place among the rep-
resentative citizens of the city and county in which he resides.
Mr. Lockridge is a natiNe of Putnam count}'. ha\'ing been born on a
farm near his home cit_\'. Februar\" i~, 1S51. He is the voungest of three
sons born to .Vmlrew M. and Elizabeth (Farrow) Lockridge. extended men-
tion of whom is made elsewhere in this \-olume. The other sinis, Simi)son
F. and Alexander H.. are also given notice in an(jther part o\ this work.
Albert O. Lockridge was reared on the parental acres and did his full
share of the routine work ^^i the fanii. He was educated in the public
schools of Greencastle and at Asbury (now DePauw) L'ni\'ersity, attending
the latter institution during the presidency of Bishop Thomas Bowman, for
whom he has great admiration. ^Ir. Lockridge also attended, in 1872. the
Indianapolis Commercial College, and during this time was a meml)er of the
militarv organizatiiin known as the Commercial Guarrls. which was often
drilled by Gen. Daniel Mc.\ule\- and was subject to government call.
Mr. Lockridge has been largely interested in agricultural pursuits all
his life. He has always been a stuilent of scientific farming an<l ranks as
one of the best informed and most successful farmers and stock raisers in
Indiana. For the past twenty years he has lectured before farmers' insti-
tutes (^\er Imliana. ha\-ing addressed institutes in e\"ery count}- in the state,
and is perhaps the best known and most influential institute worker in the
state, and his services have been in great demand of recent years in this
connection.
Mr. Lockridge's beautiful farm, "Hazyview". comprising two hundred
and seventy-one acres, and l}-ing six miles northeast of Greencastle. is one
of the model farms of Putnam county — imleed. one of the "show places"
o\ the count}-, and is a<lmired b}' all.
Mr. Lockridge is a director of the First Xational Bank of Greencastle.
and is influential iii the industrial circles of the communit}-. In 1897 he was
appointed b\- Go\-. J;inies A. ]\[ount a member of the boarrl of trustees oi the
Central Hospital for the Insane, located at Indianapolis, and after three
vears of faithful and commendable service he was re-appointed for three
\-ears more, making six years of Cfuitinuous service. Fie was anpoiiited post-
jS2 weik's history of
master of Greencastle by President Taft, and assumed office March 22, 1910.
He is a member of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, being a
trustee of the same. He is especially interested in Sunday school work and
frequently visits over the county, addressing- the various Sunday school or-
ganizations in behalf of association work.
Mr. Lockridge was married October 9, 1S7S, to Jessie Francis Birch,
daughter of Alpheus Birch, deceased, a prominent woolen manufacturer of
Greencastle for many years. The marriage ceremony was solemnized by
Bishop Isaac \V. Joyce. Mrs. Lockridge was born at Bloomington, Illinois,
January 6. 1858. Her grandfather, Henry Ewing Cowgill. was a very
prominent physician and influential man in Putnam county a decade ago. He
was commissioned by Gov. Oliver P. Morton during the most severe battles
of the Civil war to go to the Southland and look after the comforts of the
Indiana soldiers at the front.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lockridge, Dr. Arthur
Birch Lockridge, a practicing physician of Rockville, Indiana, and a gradu-
ate of the Indiana Medical College. The daughter, Elizabeth Farrow Lock-
ridge, who is a graduate of the DePauw School of Music, is now teaching
music in Kansas City. Missouri, being regarded as a very talented musician.
;Mrs. Lockridge is also a member of the College Avenue Methodist Epis-
copal church. Her home is a model of cheerfulness, refinement and hospi-
tality and she and Mr. Lockridge are frequently hosts to the best people of
the county, and they are always pleasant and are kindly disposed to the less
fortunate with whom thev come in contact.
JOHN BREWER De^JOTTE, A. M., Pn. D., M. D.
John Brewer DeMotte was born in the village of W'aveland, Indiana,
August 21, 1848, and died in Greencastle, Indiana, September i, 1907. His
father, who bore the same name, was an itinerant Methodist preacher and
he in turn was the son of Rev. Daniel DeMotte, one of the early pillars of
Indiana Methodism. His mother was Emily Franklin Payne, whose mar-
riage to John B. DeMotte, the elder, took place September 2-. 1S42. Tlie
mother died in July. 185 1 ; the father, November 30, 1901.
John D. DeMotte II, the subject of this sketch, attended the common
schools of the dav and in whatever village or town he happened to live, for
the circuit rider of that period hardly ever spent a second season in the same
I'LTXAM COL'XTV, INDIANA. jSj
place. MoN'ing thus from place to placj. the boy had the benetit of maiu'
changes in instructors. Being a \er_\- absorbent as well as observant lad,
these transitions from one field to another were not without their good effect.
As a pupil in school, he was equally apt and ambitious. He learned readily
and readily made use of what he had learned. Therein lay the success of
liis training. In i8(.o his father was principal of the Asbury Female Insti-
tute,— a girls' school in Greencastle, Indiana, and here the son came into
contact with the atmosphere of uni\ersity life. Meanwhile the war came
along and. though he was scarcely over fifteen years old, lie volunteered and
was mustered in as private in Company E. One Hundred and Eighteenth
Regiment. Indiana \'olunteers. Returning after the expiration of his army
service, he soon entered Asbur_\' University, in college he was noted for his
clearness of perception, his analytical mind and industrious habits. Along with
his studies, he found time to teach certain branches in the preparatory classes.
His capacity for work was prodigious. In 1874 he was graduated from the
uni\-ersity with honors and the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The ne.\t vear
he joined the faculty of his alma mater with a \icw to organizing the pre-
paratory school. After remaining m charge of the latter department for
se\eral years he was promoted to the chair of physics in the College of
Liberal Arts. He had the enthusiasm for in\'estigation and research which
all the great savants ha\e had w ho achie\ed anything of value in the world
of science.
In 1887 Asbury L'niversity — his alma mater — conferred on him the de-
gree of Doctor of Philosophy and six years later the Iowa Central College of
Physicians and Surgeons, the degree of Doctor of }iledicine. An earnest
and profound student of electricity, he was made a life member of the Frank-
lin Institute of Philadelphia. Pie carried on a large amount of research
work in Cornell. Columbia. Universiy of Pennsylvania, Bonn and Heidelberg-
Universities in Germany. While abroad for study he was a co-worker with
Henry Hertz at Bonn University, the discoverer of the Herzeman wave
which made possible the discovery of the X-ray.
In the midst of his busy career he found time to devote to music, and at
one time organized the iMozart Club of Greencastle, an amateur orchestra of
fort}' pieces ani.1 a chorus of one hundred \oices. Pie composed the music
of Shelley's "The Cloud." He found diversion in chess playing, this being
his only game, although he skated and swam with skill; the year of his death
he won a game of chess from the state champion.
In January, 187S, Professor De]\Iotte married Lelia Laura Washburn,
the ceremony being performed in Boston, Massachusetts, by the Rev. T. W.
JC4 WEIK S HISTORY OF
Walker, formerly district superintendent of the Greencastle district of the
Methodist Episcopal church, who was studying for the ministry at that time.
iliss Washburn was a woman of rare talent, culture and refinement, and the
daughter of Gen. H. D. Washburn, who was a noted brigadier-general in
the Union army during the Civil war and later was elected to Congress from
the fifth congressional district of Indiana, serving two terms under Grant's
administration, and still later appointed to the position of surveyor-general
of the state of Montana. It was he who commanded the expedition in 1870
and 1871 which discovered and opened Yellowstone Park, Mount Wash-
burn and the Washburn range having been named for him. Mrs. DeMotte
was born in Newport, September 13, 1855, 'i'^*^' '''^'' Jeath occurred in Indi-
anapolis, February 25, 1910. At the time of her death she was president of
the Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Club, regent of the local chapter of the
Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of the Woman's Club,
the Tuesdav Reading Club, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union,
the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the College Avenue (Green-
castle) Methodist Episcopal church and other religious organizations. She
was tiftv-hve vears old at the time of her death and she was one of the leaders
of the club and social life of Putnam county. Mrs. DeMotte, like her hus-
band, was highly educated and she was always of great assistance to him in
his work. She was graduated from DePauw University in the class of 1877,
and it was while in school here that she formed an acquaintance with Air.
DeMotte, whom she later married while an art student in Boston. She con-
tinued her studies and received the degree of Master of Arts in 18S0. She
accompanied Professor DeMotte on his travels through Europe in after
years and gathered a large collection of rare pieces of foreign furmture,
tapestry and art, which were destroyed in a fire which burned Elmwood. then-
beautiful homestead, several years ago. Mrs. DeMutte's mother. Mrs.
Lorena (Johnson) Washburn, lives in Greencastle, and the former's brother.
Dr. Aquilla Washburn, lives in Clinton.
To Professor DeMotte and wife two sons were born, both of whom are
living. Tliev are. Lawrence Washburn DeMotte. head master in the .Vrmy
and Xa\y Preparatory School at Washington, D. C. and John Brewer De-
Motte. who is engaged in the real estate business at Tacoma, Washington.
The last eighteen years of Professor DeMotte's life were spent on the
lecture platform, where his life work was accomplished. He lectured in
nearlv all the lecture courses east of the Rocky Mountains, some times return-
ing to the same course eight or nine years in succession. He was regarded
bv all who were fortunate enough to hear him as a \ery able lecturer, enter-
PUTNAM COL'NTY. INDIANA. 785
taining. forceful, always interesting and at times truly eloquent. Of his
abilities in this line, an able fellow lecturer makes the following comment :
"For more than a dozen years John B. DeMotte was easily the most popular
lyceum lecturer on the American platform. He was. at the same time one of
the most useful and helpful of all platform speakers. I have weighed these
words, and utter them with deliberation, and I repeat with emphasis the
statement I have made that the most popular American platform speaker
of this opening decide of the twentieth century was John B. DeMotte. He
manifested such an intense interest in his work, combined with an untiring
energy and strong will power that he could almost bring success from failure."
Doctor Hedley writes : "The key to the man lies largely herein : To
encourage others; to teach and guide and serve and bless others, was his high-
est creed and his chiefest purpose. It was his mission. Dr. DeMotte's life
was a life of service."
Following is a list of his lectures: "The Harp of the Senses: or the
Secret of Character Building," "Python Eggs and the American Boy," ".\
Plea of Posterity: or the Problem of Heredity." "The Fever of Life." Some
of his addresses were. "Success Means Sacrifice," "Potential Energy,"
"Youth," "Habit," "Tapping on the Window Pane." "Point of View,"
".\ Recipe for Happiness." He was the author of "The Secret of Character
Building," published by S. C. Griggs & Company.
He was a member of the Gentleman's Clul^ of Greencastle. Indiana,
the Grand .Army of the Republic. Franklin Institute and the Indiana Horti-
cultural Society.
Professor DeMotte was regarded as an excellent instructor and was
popular with his pupils. Unlike many of his calling who become pedantic,
he was essentially a man of the times, broad and liberal in his views and
had the courage of his convictions on all the leading public questions and
issues upon which men and parties divide. He kept in touch with the trend
of modem thought along its various lines and, having been a man of scholarly
attainments and refined tastes, his acquaintance with the literature of the
world was both general and profound ; while his familiarity with the more
practical affairs of his day made him feel at ease with all classes and condi-
tions of people with whom he came in contact.
<50)
HECKMAN I
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