CAPT. WILLIAM CHARLES was born in French Lick Township, Orange Co., Ind., March 19, 1820. He is the oldest of eleven children born to Azor and Rachael (Cobb) Charles. The father was a native of Tennessee, and from there he moved with his parents to Kentucky, and afterward with them came to Orange County when about thirteen years of age. Soon after his marriage Azor located about six miles west of Paoli in what is now French Lick Township, and remained there until his death in 1871. His son William, who now lives near the same place, received a common school education in the primitive schools of his day. He was raised to a farmer's life with his parents, and in 1850 went to California, where he remained five years. At the end of that time he returned to his father's home and stayed until his marriage, December 3, 1857. Soon after that he located on the same farm where he now lives, and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since. His wife was Miss Caroline E. Faucett, who has borne him one child, named George A. As a soldier Mr. Charles mustered into Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Infantry, November 8, 1861, as First Lieutenant, and was promoted to the Captaincy October 16, 1862. He was several times under fire, with Sherman in the Yazoo campaign, at Cumberland Gap, and others. On account of an injury received on board the Belle Peoria, he was compelled to resign in February, 1863. He is a Republican, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Masonic order.
JOHN CHENOWETH, the popular miller at Orleans, was born in Washington County, Ind., in 1829. His parents were Joseph and Annie (Wilson) Chenoweth, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were among the early settlers of Washington County, his death occurring in 1884, at the age of eighty-five years and hers in 1834. John Chenoweth received a common school education in the early schools of his time and worked on his father's farm until twenty-two years old. At that age he began in the milling business on Honey Creek at which place he continued successfully for fourteen years. He then sold out and came to Orleans where he bought his present property of the Wright Brothers, and has since added many improvements, being enabled to do so by his prosperous business. Mr. Chenoweth has been three times married, the first time in 1851 to Elizabeth McIntosh, who bore him two children, her death occurring in 1856. His second wife was Matilda King, of Washington County, who died in 1865 after having borne him one son. His present wife was Leora Milligan, a native of Orange County, and to their union two children have been born. Mr. Chenoweth is a good citizen and neighbor, and is a member of the Blue Lodge in Masonry, and of the Christian Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
ROBERT DOAK, who is one of the oldest living citizens of Stampers Creek Township, was born in Jessamine County, Ky., November 17, 1815. With his parents, Joseph W. and Mary (Irwin) Doak, he sttled in Orange County, in February, 1816. His father died in 1820, and his mother in 1844. The whole of Mr. Doak's life has been spent on the farm and he knows no other trade, although handy with tools. He has built several buildings of his own. His wife was Miss Cynthia Dunn, and she has borne him a family of six children, named Sarah J., Almira A., Washington I., Erastus A., Everett and Elulia, all living but Everett. Their wedding occurred April 25, 1843. Mr. Doak has been fortunate in financial matters, and he now owns 207 acres of splendid land well improved and cultivated. He is an ardent Republican, having joined that party at its organization and leaving the Whig party. He was once a candidate for County Commissioner, and came within twenty-five votes of being elected. During the Rebellion and prior thereto he took strong grounds in favor of abolishing slavery. He participated in checking the Morgan raid.
CAPT. JOSEPH DUNCAN was born in this county May 12, 1827, being the sixth of eleven children of William and Ellender (Edwards) Duncan. The father was of Scotch descent, a native of Kentucky, and came to this State at the very early date of 1805. At the age of about seventeen Joseph went South with his brother, and then returned, going to Galena, Ill., where he was engaged two and a half years in mining lead. Prior to his marriage he traveled over a wide section of the country, mainly on a tour of observation, and during this time gained, as all travelers do, a good knowledge of human nature. May 22, 1851, he married Margaret J. Baker, who bore him eleven children, the following now living: Harriet E., Eliza A., widow of William Gammon; Mary M., wife of Thomas Pruett; John, Volney L., Nancy C., who married Alfred Girkin; Dora A., James G. and William S. November 29, 1873, Mrs. Duncan died, and October 6, 1875, he married Sarah (Cochran) Hatfield, who has presented him with one child--Franklin A. November 7, 1861, Mr. Duncan enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a private, was elected First (duty) Sergeant, and after serving honorably three years, was mustered out as Captain, November 29, 1864. He was present at the following engagements: Cumberland Gap, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hill, Raymond, Champion Hills, Black River, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, and elsewhere, serving in all cases bravely and well. Mr. Duncan has made farming his occupation, and now owns 421 acres, much of which is timber. He and wife are Methodists. He is a stanch Republican and a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity.
JOHN W. ELLIS is a native of Harrison County, Ind., his birth occurring February 23, 1839, and he is the eighth born of a large family of children, the parents being Edward and Martha (Holtzclaw) Ellis. These parents were both natives of Kentucky, and their respective births were May 12, 1805 and 1806, and their deaths were in 1862, and April 7, 1881. John W. came to Orange County in 1861, where he rented and farmed one year, and in 1862 enlisted in Company C, Sixty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war, and participating in all the battles of his regiment, including the memorable march to the sea and the grand review at Washington, D.C. He then returned to Orange County and resumed agricultural pursuits. He here owns 388 acres of well-improved land, which is the fruit of his own industry. Mr. Ellis is a stanch Republican in politics, and from 1878 to 1882 served his township with credit as Trustee. October 13, 1862, he wedded Martha J., daughter of Isaac and Martha (Doak) Potter, who was born in Orange County September 18, 1844. The following children have blessed their union: Minnie E., born October 17, 1866; Annie B., May 22, 1868, died December 10, 1870; Ida M., July 21, 1870, died June 6, 1883; Mary A., October 4, 1872; Charles S., February 19, 1875; Edward E., January 16, 1877; Estella, April 29, 1879, and Arthur, May 26, 1881.
THOMAS G. GLOVER was born in Shelby County, Ky., October 8, 1805, the fifth child born to Uriah and Priscilla (Gaddis) Glover, who were of English descent. Uriah Glover was a native of New Jersey, his birth occurring in about 1773. He married in Pennsylvania, moved to Kentucky, and from there to Orange County, Ind., in 1814, engaging in farming on Lost River. He and wife were members of the Baptist Church, and their respective deaths occurred in 1856 and 1836. Thomas G. Glover, since 1814, has always resided in Orange County. He can now, in the evening of life, cast a retrospective look over his past life, filled with toil and privations, hardships and dangers, and can justly gaze with pride on a temperate and healthy existence in which he has gained many friends and but few enemies. He married in 1827 Eliza, the daughter of Jesse and Susan (Steele) Elgin, who was born in the same county as himself August 4, 1811. The children here named are the results of their union: William C. (deceased), Jane (deceased), John B. (who is U.S. Consul to France), Elizabeth (deceased), Mary (Mrs. Woodard), Thomas G., Sarah (deceased), Taylor, Ann W. (Mrs. Martin), Eliza E. (Mrs. Brewer), and Isaac. Mr. Glover is a Republican in politics, and since 1836 has been a member of Missionary Baptist Church.
BENNET GRIGSBY, of French Lick, Orange Co., Ind., was born in Jefferson County, Ky., January 27, 1817. His parents were William and Anna (Cornwell) Grigsby. The father was a native of South Carolina, and after living in several of the Southern States located in what is now Orange County, Ind., in 1814. In the early part of 1816 he moved to Kentucky and was married. He returned to this county with his family in 1820, and located on the farm where he lived till his death, November 1878. Bennet was raised by his parents on the farm until 1834, receiving a limited education in the country schools of that day. At the age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade at Paoli for three years. He followed this business until 1855, when he located on the farm in French Lick Township where he now resides, and has ever since led a farmer's life. His wife was Matilda Bateman, a native of Floyd County, Ind., born in 1818. To their union five children have been born, four of them now living. Mr. Grigsby was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting November 8, 1861, in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Infantry. He served three years and was discharged November 30, 1864. He participated in a number of principal and important battles, and was a faithful soldier in his country's cause. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic order.
SILAS J. HALBERT was born in Hancock County, Ill., December 7, 1843, the second of three children born to John and Mary (Fox) Halbert, who were born respectively in Martin County, Ind., and Ohio, the former Welsh, the latter of German descent. They remained residents of Illinois until 1848, when our subject's father started for California and perished on the plains en route to that place. The widowed mother and family returning to this State. Silas received a common school education and in 1861 enlisted as a volunteer in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment, and served until December, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He was engaged in the following battles: Cumberland Gap, Champion Hills, Black River and Fort Gibson, in connection with the siege of Vicksburg, where he was wounded in the right arm, and other less important engagements. Mr. Halbert and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he belongs to the Odd Fellows and is a Republican. He has followed farming all his life and now owns 120 acres of improved land.
JOSEPH HALL was born in Paoli Township, Orange Co., Ind., June 4, 1828, one of twelve children of Richard and Polly (Everette) Hall. Richard was born of Welsh descent in Wayne County, N.C. In company with his brother John and brother-in-law named Newsom, he settled in Stampers Creek Township in 1811. He married in this county in 1813, and together he and his wife shared the hardships of pioneer life. His death occurred in 1871, having been known throughout his life as an honest and industrious citizen. Joseph Hall has known no other home than Orange County. After receiving a common school education in the country schools he chose farming as his occupation for life and has pursued it steadily. In 1873 he was united in wedlock with Elizabeth J., daugther of Stephen and Lilly (Dawson) Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas settled in Indiana from North Carolina in 1813, and like the Halls were among the time-tried pioneers of the county, their Quaker religion stamping them with the marks of integrity and industry. Mr. Hall is a Republican in politics and owns seventy acres where he resides. He and his wife are also members of the Society of Friends.
DANIEL H. HIGGINS, a prominent citizen of Orangeville Township, is a native of Washington County, Tenn., where he was born March 19, 1823, being the third of eight children born to William and Nancy (Harrison) Higgins. His parents were natives of Rockingham County, Va., his father of German, his mother of Scotch descent, and came to this State and county from Tennessee about 1831. Our immediate subject remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty-three years. He received a very limited education in the primitive log schoolhouses of his day. June 14, 1846, his marriage with Jane (Shirley) Hudelson was solemnized, and to their union one child was born--Eliza--who was united in marriage to Marion Critchfield. Our subject's occupation has always been farming, and he has been quite sucessful in that pursuit and now owns 320 acres of well improved land; he also raises considerable stock. November 27, 1878, Mr. Higgins lost his wife. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Orangeville, and is a liberal supporter of that institution. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows' Fraternity. His political views are Democratic; he is one of the best farmers in this part of the county.
DAVID R. LAMBDEIN, of Greenfield Township, is a native of the county in which he now lives, and was born October 1, 1839. He is the oldest son of James R. and Elizabeth (Williams) Lambdein, who were natives of Indiana and North Carolina. Daniel R. lived with his parents until his father's death in 1859, having received a common school education. One year after this he was married to Miss Martha, daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth (Bobbitt) Cook, December 30, 1860. To this union nine children have been born, named Elizabeth J., Elzora A., James A., John S., Rhoda E., Thomas N., William R., Clara R. and Mary C. Mr. Lambdein is one of the thorough and progressive farmers of his township, and owns a farm of 160 acres. In religion both are members of the Baptist Church and in politics he is a Democrat. Belonging to some of the prominent families of the county, he is one of its esteemed and best citizens. His mother, who was born February 13, 1813, is yet living and with him.
AMOS M. LAMBDIN was born in Crawford County, Ind., August 10, 1836. Until twenty-one years old he lived in his native county, at which age he located in Orange County, where he has ever since lived. Daniel and Rhoda (Stone) Lambdin, his parents, raised a family of six sons, all but one now living. He secured a good education in the meager schools of his boyhood, and after coming to this county taught four terms of school. Mr. Lambdin has been mostly engaged in agricultural pursuits, and devotes much attention to stock raising. In the fall of 1866 he began a fruit distilling business, which he continued in its season for about ten years. Financially he has been fortunate, as he now owns 320 acres of good land, besides having helped his son. His wife was Mary, born September 23, 1836, a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Radcliff) McIntosh, of Orange County. Their wedding occurred January 22, 1857, and to them ten children have been born, these nine now living: John D., James F., Daniel R., Levi W., William R., Jonathan E., Joseph, Nathan R. and Susan E. Mr. Lambdin is a member of Paoli Lodge, No. 119, F. & A.M. In politics he was a Democrat until 1876, when he united with the National party, and has remained such ever since, and was one of its candidates for County Commissioner.
DANIEL LEATHERMAN is of German extraction and was born in this county March 31, 1819, being the son of Christian and Barbara (Hostetler) Leatherman, the father a Pennsylvanian, born February 4, 1781; the mother born July 21, 1778. These parents moved to this county in 1819, when the country was a wilderness, traversed by wild animals and Indians. They were exemplary members of the old Liberty Church, and industrious farmers by occupation. The father died August 22, 1852, and the mother January 22, 1850. Daniel's youth was passed at farming and attending to a limited extent the old subscription schools. He has made life a success, and now owns a fine farm of 269 acres. April 1, 1851, he married Margaret E., daughter of Moses P. and Mary (Hardman) Lewis. This lady was born in this county June 22, 1834, and has presented her husband with the following children: Oscar, born February 3, 1853, died October 26, 1856; DeWitt C., born November 1, 1854, died February 14, 1883; Viola J., born March 24, 1857, died March 12, 1883; Desdemona E., born February 17, 1859; Lloyd, born February 5, 1861; Ellis E., born January 28, 1863; Hattie L., born December 31, 1864; Ivanora, born May 5, 1867; Carrie M., born October 8, 1868, and Columbia, born March 27, 1872. The Leathermans are members of the Liberty Christian Church.
JAMES E. LINDLEY was born in Orange County, May 31, 1834, the son of Owen and Mary (Wilson) Lindley, and is a farmer by occupation. Appropriate mention of his parents appears elsewhere in this volume. He has been successful in his business and now owns a farm of 290 acres, with good improvements. His youth was spent on a farm where he learned all the methods of successful agriculture, and that industry and honesty is the best policy. His education is limited, but sufficient for business. January 26, 1860, he married Mary E., daughter of James and Nancy Kearby. This lady was born in Morgan County, Ind., in March 1841, and has presented her husband with a family, of which seven are now living, as follows: Hannibal B., William J., Alfaretta, Junietta, Beatrice, Ida O. and James M. Mr. Lindley is a Republican and one of the best citizens in the county.
JOHN A. LINDLEY, born in Paoli Township, Orange County, Ind., June 14, 1830, is a son of Aaron and grandson of Owen Lindley. Owen was one of the earliest settlers in the county, having located here about the year 1807 from North Carolina. Being of the Quaker belief and opposed to slavery, he left his native State on that account. He was father of a large family of children, of whom Aaron was born January 22, 1802, in North Carolina. He came to Indiana with his father's family where he married Ann Lindley, his second cousin, and by her was the father of fourteen children. Of these John A. was the fourth. Farming and stock dealing has been his occupation throughout life, and his farm now comprises 250 acres of very good land. His first marriage occurred February 22, 1854, with Nancy Hollowell. Of their family of eight children, Isabel, Nathan, Martha, Homer and Catherine are now living. Her death occurred October 10, 1867. Mary C. Hutchler became his second wife December 18, 1869, and by her he is father of five children, Axum, Lucius and Rufus now living. Mrs. Lindley is a member of the Quaker Church. Politically Mr. Lindley was a Whig until 1860, and since his vote for Lincoln in that year he has been an ardent Republican and usually manifests considerable interest in public affairs.
JOHN T. LINDLEY, present Trustee of Paoli Township, was born in Orange County, Ind., April 19, 1841, and is the son of Samuel and Anna B. (Braxtan) Lindley. He was raised on a farm and his entire life has been passed engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1862 he became a volunteer in the late war for the preservation of the Union, and for nearly three years served his country faithfully as a member of Company D, Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry, being honorably discharged in 1865. Miss Hester A. Elrod, a native of Orange County, Ind., became his wife in 1867, and the names of their children born to their union are: Clara E., Samuel B., John M., Anna M. and Florilla. Both parents are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Lindley is one of the progressive men of Paoli Township, is the owner of nearly 200 acres of land, and is a Republican in politics, and in 1884 was elected to his present position as Trustee of the Township.
JOSEPH LINDLEY was born in this county September 24, 1827, son of Owen and Mary (Wilson) Lindley. The grandfather was William, who located near the Half Moon Spring, this county, in 1811, coming from North Carolina. They were Quakers, and strictly moral and upright people. Owen Lindley had a family of four sons and three daughters, and was one of the most prominent of the pioneers, being called upon to fill many responsible positions of trust. Joseph received a common school education, and was reared on a farm. February 24, 1858, he married Rebecca Van Meter, and to this union were born twelve children: Mary J., Joseph M., James O., Flora E., Charles S. V., William H., Chambers M., Nora B., John L., Bennadicta O., Joseph M and one who died in infancy. Mr. Lindley is a successful farmer, and owns 200 acres, one of the best farms in the county. He is a Republican in politics and takes much interest in all laudable public improvements and enterprises, and is one of the best farmers and citizens of the county.
LABAN LINDLEY, M.D., a descendent of one of the first families to settle in Orange County, Ind., appropriate notice of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume, is a son of William and Anna K. (Fisher) Lindley, and was born in Paoli Township, in August, 1843. He began life for himself when only fourteen years old, and for some time was employed as clerk in a drug store. When rebellion was threatening to overthrow our country, he enlisted in Company F, Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry, as a private, but immediately was made Orderly Sergeant, and later advanced to the Second Lieutenantcy of his company. Mr. Lindley was an efficient soldier, serving in some of the principal campaigns of the late war, and was honorably discharged in December, 1865. After returning to his old home, he spent two years attending school, only a short time, then began reading medicine in the office of Dr. J. H. Sherrod. He attended lectures at the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, and the Detroit Medical College in Michigan, graduating from the latter institution in 1871, and since then has been in regular practice at Paoli. His marriage with Miss Anna Frazer was solemnized in 1871, and the names of their children are: Maggie (deceased), William F., Grace and Nancy. Dr. Lindley is one of the progressive men of the day, is a Republican, and a member of the Society of Friends. Mrs. Lindley belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
SAMUEL T. LINDLEY, of Paoli, was born on the same farm where he now lives April 12, 1823. His grandfather was Jonathan Lindley, the most influential man of his day in Orange County, a native of Pennsylvania, who in early life, with his parents, settled in North Carolina, where he remained until 1811, coming in that year to Indiana and bringing with him what was then a large amount of money. He represented the county in the first State Legislature and several subsequent terms. He entered the land now occupied by the east part of Paoli and it was through his endeavors that the county seat was located where it now is. Thomas, the father of Samuel T., was the second of his thirteen children and was born in North Carolina, where he was married to Amy Thompson. They came to Indiana in 1811, and soon after Mrs. Lindley joined the Quaker Church, and became one of the noted ministers of that denomination in the United States. They bore a family of nine children. Thomas Lindley died in 1828, and immediately afterward Samuel T. was taken to Jackson County, Ind., where his youth was spent until he was twenty years of age and received most of his education. Upon his return to Orange County he engaged in the dry goods trade at Paoli for three years. Since then he has followed farming in connection with the agricultural implement trade. He owns 240 acres of good land, most of it near the town of Paoli. August 21, 1845, his marriage with Eliza J. Trueblood was solemnized and to their union three children have been born, John E. and Mrs. Alice Stout, yet living. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lindley are members of the Society of Friends by birthright. He was formerly Trustee of Paoli Township and in politics is a Republican.
SOLOMON LINDLEY was born in the township in which he now resides [Paoli], February 20, 1825, and is the grandson of Owen Lindley, who, with his family removed from North Carolina to this county in 1811. His son James was born in the Old North State, as was his wife Rachel Thompson, the former's birth occurring November 8, 1785, and the latter's July 15, 1790. They were married in their native State, which they made their home until 1817, when they came to Orange County, this State, which they made their home from that time on. They were Friends or Quakers, as were their entire family of twelve children, one of whom is Solomon Lindley. He was brought up to hard labor, receiving his education in the log-schoolhouses. His union with Miss Mary Cloud, occurred March 17, 1852. She was a native of this county, born July 24, 1826, died November 14, 1875. October 10, 1878, Mr. Lindley was united in marriage with Miss Parthena Trueblood, a native of Washington County, Ind., her birth occurring June 10, 1836. By the first marriage there were three children: Thompson C., Clara P. and Anna A. Mr. Lindley began for himself as a poor boy, and now has a fine home and a competency. Like his ancestors, he has always voted in opposition to the pro-slavery party, and is a consistent member of the Society of Friends. He owns a well-improved farm of 500 acres.
WILLIAM W. LINDLEY was born in Orange County, September 24, 1824, and is the third child of Owen and Mary (Wilson) Lindley. Owen Lindley was a prominent early settler, and came from North Carolina with his parenst in 1811, and was born in that State August 10, 1793, and married in Washington County, Ind., in 1819. His wife was born in North Carolina August 31, 1793. They were highly respected, and members of the Friends Church. The father died August 2, 1871, and his wife in 1878. Our subject is a farmer and resides on the land on which he was born. He married in 1870, Deborah J., daughter of Robert and Polly Williams, and by this marriage there are five children: Annie D., Mary E., Della, Rutherford and James C. Mr. Lindley has a birth right in the Friends Church . He is one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers and takes an active interest in the promotion of the farming community. He is a Republican, and of course his parents being Friends were opposed to slavery before the war. He and wife are people of much worth and respectability.
LYNDEN LOWE, one of the prominent citizens of Greenfield Township, is a native of Guilford County, N.C., and was born July 2, 1820. With his mother and grandfather, James Leonard, he came to Orange County, Ind., in 1827, where he has made his home ever since. In his boyhood he received but a limited education. He was united in marriage October 10, 1841, to Miss Miranda Parks, daughter of John and Nancy (Barr) Parks. By her he was father of five children, named, Nancy J., Martha E., Catharine, William L. and Alsom G. Mr. Lowe was bereft of his wife November 29, 1852, and on September 30, 1853, Miss Rebecca A. Glasswell became his second wife. She has borne him these seven children: Miranda, Louise, Leanah, Joseph, Rebecca A., Lynden and Hymenius. He has followed farming all his life with very good success, now owning 160 acres of land well improved. In politics he is a Democrat, and one of the highly esteemed and respected men of the county. See photo of Lyndon and Rebecca Glasswell Lowe, contributed by Steve Cobb
JAMES H. MATHERS, one of the leading citizens of Orangeville Township, of which he is a native, was born February 3, 1831, being the next youngest in a family of nine children born to Moses and Catherine (Donnell) Mathers, the former being a native of Pennsylvania and came to this State from Kentucky about the year 1831, first settling in Washington County, coming to Orange County two years later. James remained at home with his parents until their deaths, receiving an education in keeping with the facilities of his day. August 31, 1854, he married Amanda J. McKnight, to which union three children have been born: Elizabeth C., wife of William P. Jenkins; Lawrence A. and Joseph E. By occupation he is a farmer, owning 420 acres of land, raising stock quite extensively. August 25, 1862, he enlisted as a volunteer private in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment, serving a period of nine months, and was discharged at Memphis, April 13, 1863, on account of disability arising from a wound received at Chickasaw Bayou. He is a member of the Odd Fellow and Grand Army of the Republic fraternities. In politics he is a stanch Republican and active worker in the party and has been elected to fill the office of Township Trustee for three terms, being his party's nominee for County Auditor, but failed in election to consequence of his party being in the minority.
SAMUEL MATHERS, brother of the subject of the foregoing sketch [James Mathers], was born December 18, 1821. He also remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he was thirty-three years of age, receiving a limited education. February 17, 1853, he married Annie Wyman, by which union two children were born: James L., who married Maria Stackhouse, and Florence M., wife of Richard Burton. March 9, 1856, Mrs. Mathers died, and January 1, 1857, he again married, this time Nancy Fields, to whom were born two children: Marion F. and Margaret R. December 12, 1876, he was again compelled to witness the death of his wife. He, like his brother, is a farmer, making stock-raising one of the principal branches of that pursuit. He owns over 400 acres of well improved land. In company with his brother he also enlisted as volunteer in the same company and regiment, serving for a period of two years and nine months, and was honorably discharged at New Albany, May 24, 1865. He took part in the following important engagements: Chickasaw Bayou, Champion Hills, Arkansaw Post, Grand Gulf, Fort Gibson, Black River, and during the entire siege of Vicksburg. He is a Republican, and belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity.
JOHN K. MAVITY, one of the most successful teachers in Orange County, was born near Paoli, September 12, 1845. He is a son of William F. and Mary (Snider) Mavity, both natives of Orange County, Ind., and who have a family of nine children. The were married in 1844, and are still living. Their oldest child is John K., the subject of this sketch, who was raised on a farm in Paoli Township, and remained with his parents until twenty-five years old. He received a good education and for the past twenty-one years has been engaged in teaching school during the winter seasons and working on the farm in summers. He has taught twenty-one terms and is a success in that profession. Almira A. Doak, also a native of Orange County, became his wife September 27, 1870. This union has been blessed with a family of seven children, all now living. He is a Democrat in politics and has been seven years Justice of the Peace. He is now living in French Lick Township, where he owns a good farm of 108 acres, which he has acquired by his own industry and economy. In religion he is a member of the Christian Church.
JUDGE MILTON S. MAVITY is a native of Ripley County, Ind., born March 9, 1833, the oldest of five children, three yet living, born to James and Keziah (Evans) Mavity, who were natives of Kentucky. John and Dorothy (Reel) Mavity, parents of James were natives of the Old Dominion, and were of Norman-French and German descent respectively. M.S. Mavity was reared to manhood in his native county, and until twenty-two years old assisted on his parents' farm and attended and taught district schools. At that age he began reading law from the library of Hon. J.H. Cravens, of New Marion, Ind., and after attending the Cincinnati Law School graduated in 1856, with ex-president R.B. Hayes' signature to his certificate of examination, as one of the Board of Examiners. From that time until 1859 he practiced his profession at Madison, Ind., then removed to Paoli, where he has since been engaged in active legal pursuits. As a Democrat in politics he has been elected Recorder of Orange County. He served as Common Pleas Prosecutor two years; was elected Judge of the Tenth Judicial District in 1870, serving until the abolishment of the office, and also served two years as Prosecutor of the Tenth Circuit. At present he is engaged in farming and stock raising, in addition to the practice of law. Mr. Mavity is a member of the I.O.O.F. and Masonic fraternities; was married March 15, 1865, to Miss Eliza Moore, by whom he is the father of seven children, named: Elizabeth, Milton J., Kate, Edward M., William E., Louise and Josephine.
JOHN McINTOSH was born in this township [Southeast] May 14, 1838, and is one of the following family born to Samuel and Susan (Radcliff) McIntosh: James, who died while serving his country in the last war; Elizabeth, who married John Chenoweth; Winafred, wife of J.R. Lambdin; David; Mary, who became the wife of Amos Lambdin; John; Jonathan; Susan, who married David Bird; Sarah, who later became the wife of David Bird; Susan, who married William Harned; Levi; Samuel; Martha, who married John Mattox, and Joseph. The parents are natives of Indiana, and are living well advanced in years, respected and honored, at Hardinsburg, Washington County. The father is a farmer, and a man of the highest worth and respectability. Our subject continued with his parents until his enlistment in the army; securing in youth a fair education, and becoming familiar with hard work. December 2, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fifty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served honorably until discharged at Wilmington, N.C., April 4, 1865, having served about four months longer than his period of enlistment. March 27, 1859, he married Fannie A., daughter of George and Mary (Brewer) Clayton, and to this union this family has been born: Mary S., Martha, Samuel S., George C., Eli (deceased), John, an infant, (deceased), Benjamin R., Arthur and Albert. Mr. McIntosh is a farmer, and owns 321 acres of fertile land. He is a Republican, a Mason and a prominent citizen. His wife was born December 2, 1839, and is a member of the Methodist Church, and a worthy Christian lady.
JAMES W. MONTGOMERY, M.D., was born at Hardinsburg, Washington County, April 17, 1848, being the eldest child of Charles B. and Ruth A. (Prather) Montgomery. Their children are as follows: James W., Sarah S. (deceased), Serilda A. (who married Nathan McCrasin), Albert R., Bazel M. (deceased), Mary B. (who married Edward Easley), and Elizabeth (deceased). The father was born in Kentucky, February 16, 1823, and came to this State quite early, locating first in Washington Conty, and in 1862 in Chambersburg, this county, and later in Paoli, where he died in 1874. He was a prominent man in his day; was Deputy Clerk of Washington County; was Justice of the Peace at Paoli for ten years. He was a Republican and a Methodist, and an honored an exemplary man. His wife was born in Washington County, where her marriage occurred; she yet survives, and is a quiet Christian woman. Our subject commenced to read medicine at the age of fourteen, with Dr. John Ellis, of Hardinsburg, continuing until October 20, 1864, when he enlisted in the Fifty-third Regiment, and served on detached duty until his discharge, April 8, 1865. Upon his return he assisted his father to operate a saw-mill. October 20, 1869, he married Ruth, daughter of Aaron and Jane (Andrew) Maris, and they have six children: Oliver M. (deceased), Nellie, Charles F. (deceased), Norman (deceased), Jennie H. and Edith. He carried on the carriage business at Paoli for a time, then began merchandising there and elsewhere, continuing about ten years. He also followed the occupation of milling for a short time. In the spring of 1882 he began reading medicine, and finished with Dr. Hazlewood in 1883. He graduated at the Louisville Medical College in May 1884. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., G.A.R. and A.F. & A.M.; is a Republican, and served as Justice of the Peace two years. His wife was born July 20, 1850.
JONATHAN PETER, a prominent citizen and farmer of this township [Southeast], was born here July 16, 1830, and was one of the following family: Charles, Simon; Hannah, wife of George W. Ball; Benjamin F.; Rebecca, wife of Mr. Stalcup; Jonathan, John A., William, Amos, and Elizabeth (deceased). These were the children of William and Elizabeth (Stephens) Peter, natives of Kentucky, who were married in Harrison County, Ind. They were people of much worth and respectability. The father died in 1841, and the mother in 1884, the latter death being occasioned by the buttings of an enraged sheep. Jonathan lived with his mother until the age of nineteen, receiving in youth a fair education, and then commenced learning the tanner's trade, which business he followed about ten years, but later engaged in farming and stock-raising. He now owns 153 acres of fertile land. April 30, 1856, he married Mary Ann, daughter of Johathan and Rebecca (Wellman) Peter, and to this union two children have been born: Enoch W. and Stephen W. March 9, 1881, Enoch married Martha E. Tarr. Our subject is a Democrat, and he and wife are Regular Baptists. The county has no better people.
HENRY H. POLSON, one of the prominent farmers of Stampers Creek Townsip, was born in Harrison County, Ind., October 22, 1831, one of the five children of his parents, who were James and Louisa (Roby) Polson. Mr. Polson's education was acquired mostly by studying nights after hard work. In company with his parents he settled in Orange County in 1847, and has made his home here ever since, and has followed agricultural pursuits most of his life. He now owns 285 acres of first-rate land. As a Democrat he has held the office of Justice of the Peace eight years, and that of County Treasurer for five years. September 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fiftieth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served until January 5, 1865, in the Rebellion, and was discharged as First Lieutenant. Following are some of the battles in which he was engaged: Mumfordsville, Bowling Green, Corinth, Red Mound, Saline River, Poison Spring and others. At the battle of Red Mound he was wounded in the ankle. July 17, 1853, his nuptials with Miss Amariah McIntosh were celebrated, and of the nine children born to this union only these are now alive: James T., William H., John W., Carrie and Eli J. Mr. and Mrs. Polson are members of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Master Mason's degree.
JOHN W. S. PRUETT, farmer, was born in Orange County, October 20, 1837, the oldest in a family of eight children born to Elias and Jane (Jenkins) Pruett, who were natives of Kentucky, the former having come to Indiana in the year 1822, the latter two years later. John received a very limited education, remaining with and assisting his parents on the farm until he was twenty-four years of age, when the following November 7, 1861, he enlisted as a volunteer private in Company G, Forty-ninth Indiana Regiment, serving until November 21, 1864, and was at that time honorably discharged at Indianapolis, by reason of expiration of term of service. He took part in a number of important engagements. August 13, 1865, he married Miss Nancy C. Whittington, to which union eight children have been born, of whom these six are now living: Charlie J., Emma J., George E., John W., Sarah I. and Margaret. He owns 120 acres of land, which he recently purchased with the money derived from a pension which the Government recently granted him. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being Steward. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
WILLIAM C. SHIRLEY, farmer in Orangeville Township, of which he is a native, was born August 31, 1839, to Elizabeth (Wilson) Shirley, wife of George Shirley, to whom was born a family of five children, of which William is the oldest. The subject of this sketch received a good common school education, having attended college at what is now DePauw University, a few terms. Most of the time previous to attaining his majority he rendered his assistance on the farm. March 19, 1867, he married Mary E. Hicks, to whom the following named children have been born: Charlie, Fred and Nellie. In November, 1861, he enlisted as a volunteer private in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment, and he was honorably discharged at Indianapolis in December, 1864, that being the expiration of the time for which he had enlisted. He has been a very successful farmer, owning 280 acres of well improved land under an excellent state of cultivation.
TRIMBLE FAMILY. James J. Trimble, deceased, was born in Virginia, November 1, 1814. His parents were Moses and Mary (Berry) Trimble who with their family came to Orange County, Ind., in 1819, and settled near Hogs Defeat, in Greenfield Township. Moses afterward moved to French Lick Township, where he remained until his death, in 1850. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. Was but once married, and was the father of six children, none of whom are now living. James J. was raised on the farm with his parents, and his whole life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He was married to Mrs. Emily (Willyard) Ketner, April 3, 1854. She is a native of North Carolina, where she was born in Stokes County, July 25, 1824. Four children was the result of this union, and Mrs. Trimble is now living among her sons. James J. died August 31, 1876, and was one of the prominent citizens of Orange County. Volney Trimble is a son of James J. and Emily Trimble, and was born in French Lick Township, January 9, 1855. He was raised by his parents on the old homestead farm, where his grandfather first located. His education is very good, such as the common schools of a few years ago afforded. He is engaged in the vocation of his father. Starting in life with nothing, he has succeeded in obtaining a good farm of 140 acres, well cultivated and stocked. Miss Anna Snipes, who was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., November 15, 1857, became his wife on the 15th of February, 1877. He is a Democrat in politics, and belongs to the Christian Church. He and wife are parents of four children, all living. William E. Trimble is another of the sons of James J. and Emily Trimble, his birth occurring September17, 1856. The whole of his life has been spent in French Lick Township, his place of nativity, and he has been almost exclusively engaged in farming. He received a good common school education, and on March 13, 1881, he was married to Miss Susan Rogers, also a native of Orange County. To them one child has been born. Politically, he is a Democrat, and an active an energetic young farmer. He is the owner of a good farm, which he has acquired by his own industry, and raises considerable stock. He is a member of the Christian Church. Charles S. Trimble, a brother of Volney and William E., was born November 1, 1858. Like his brothers, he was brought up to a farmer's life, and he has not yet deserted his early training. He was educated in the common schools of the county. His home is now on the same farm where his father and grandfather lived and died, and of which he owns 120 acres. He married Miss Mary A. Lashbrook, November 12, 1879, and by her he is the father of two children, both living. He, too, is a Democrat, and a member of the Christian Church, and one of the promising young men of his community.
