Parke County Indiana Biographies - C

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Elsworth H. CAHILL.  Among the prominent and successful business establishments of Parke County, the firm of Crooks & Cahill stands foremost. Though of comparatively recent inception, the methods adopted by the partners have been such as to gain the good will and confidence of the general public, and being young men, they possess the enthusiastic energy and push so characteristic of youth, which qualities, coupled with excellent judgment and tact, have secured their position in the front ranks of the merchants of the county.  The store is carried on under their personal supervision, and is well stocked with a complete line of goods. The junior member of the firm is the subject of this biographical notice.   He was born in the village of Bridgeton, Indiana Nov 1, 1868 and is the son of Griffith and Sarah Mitchell Cahill, natives, respectively of Ohio and Indiana.  The father, who was born January 11, 1834 was by occupation a carpenter and mechanic. He is now a resident of Bridgeton, following his occupation of carpenter. They were parents of 5 children of whom four are now living: EH our subject, being the eldest. The father was twice married, having by his first wife two children, one deceased.  Our subject is of the second marriage. In the village where his entire life has been passed, Elsworth H. Cahill grew to manhood, receiving his education in the public schools of the place. When about 15 year of age, he commenced to learn the trade of a painter, but later abandoned that trade for commercial pursuits. In 1889 he entered the store of J. R. Mitchell as a clerk, and continued in the employ of that gentleman and A.M. Jacks (later known as the firm of Jacks & Mitchell) until June 1892 when, in company with Charles Crooks, he embarked in the mercantile business on his own account. A young man of enterprise and probity, Mr. Cahill has been self-supporting since he was 12 years of age, and the success which he has already attained proves the possession of abilities of no ordinary nature. While he has had financial assistance offered him, he has refused it, preferring to make his own way in the world and he is made of the material that will accomplish this result. His business is constantly increasing, and his position in commercial circles is among the most substantial men of Bridgeton.  Socially, he is identified with the Masonic order, and the Independent Order of Good Templars, in both of which organizations he is an active worker.  In his political preference he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and while he is not a partisan, he never fails to cast his ballot for the candidates of his chosen party. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana, Indianapolis: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 628

Capt. John T. Campbell, of Rockville, Indiana, was born in Parke county, one and a half miles east of Montezuma, May 21, 1833. He attended two terms of the then locally famous Bloomingdale Academy, under Prof. B. C. Hobbs. When the rebellion broke out he volunteered in the 14th Indiana Infantry, and was twice rejected for defective teeth. Later, a permit was granted to raise the 19th, 20th and 21st regiments, Indiana volunteers, and he was elected and commissioned captain of Company H., 21st Indiana Volunteer Infantry, July 6,1861. He was wounded in the battle at Baton Rouge, August 5, 1862, from which he still suffers. He was appointed assistant provost marshal under Captain Thompson (later Secretary of Navy under Hayes). In 1863 he was elected county treasurer of Parke, his native county, and re-elected in 1865. December 15,1864, he married his second cousin, Annie Butterfleld, in Butler county, Ohio. While riding with her there, he saw some very fine turnpikes and gravel roads. She claims, and justly so, no small share in the glory of raising Parke county out of the deepest mud on to the best and most numerous gravel roads of any county in America, as she largely converted their most active promoter to the cause of good roads. She constantly reminded him of the difference between his rides with her in Ohio, and her rides with him in Parke county, Indiana. Before his acquaintance with her he thought the only remedy for mud roads was stronger vehicles and bigger horses. After his conversion to good roads he worked, urged, argued, demonstrated and wrote in the county papers for better roads, and suggested routes. Many times he thought his agitation made no impression on the people, but after the passage of the free gravel road law of 1877, Parke county had an epidemic of gravel road building. The fact that adjoining counties having the same law and equal material, yet building no gravel roads, is proof that his agitation had prepared the minds of Parke county people for the improvement.  In 1871 he matured a radical and complete road system in statutory form, on which he took out a copyright, but offered it free to Indiana if the legislature would adopt it as a whole. The session of 1871 would doubtless have passed it but for the bolt of the house on account of political measures. The senate committee reported it favorably and the house committee signified their intention to so report. He offered it to five subsequent legislatures on the same terms, but each session showed less and less disposition to adopt it. A legislature is a queer thing; it seems that the best work they ever do is by accident or inadvertence. If a live measure is actively considered, it developes a conservative opposition that defeats it. The English Parliament established the freedom of the press in England by forgetting to put on a new muzzle when the old one had dropped off by the statutes of limitation. Before another Parliament met England discovered that a free press was better than a muzzled press. Let us hope that at no distant time, some legislature will stumble onto a good road law, for they seem determined never to step onto one purposely.  - Water & sewage works, Volume 4, Pages 266 & 267, 1893

John T. CAMPBELL, Surveyor of Parke County resides at Rockville.  He was born on a farm near Montezuma, this county, May 21, 1833 and is the son of Joseph and Rachel Tenbrook Campbell.  His father was born in Venice, Butler County, Ohio May 11, 1808 and was the son of John Campbell, a native of Lancaster, Massachusetts.  The mother was a native of PA and was born near Williamsport, Lycoming County June 19, 1814.  Her father, Conrad TenBrook was born near Trenton, NJ and traced his ancestry to Holland.  During the War of the Revolution, John TenBrook, father of Conrad was Major of a battalion which he commanded at the battle of Trenton.  It was the custom to assign Dutch prisoners to the residences of Hollanders in order that the soldiers in the service of Great Britain might be converted to sympathize with the Colonials, and after the battle of Saratoga Major TenBrook entertained at his house the Hessian prisoner and general, Baron Riedesel.  After the Revolutionary War, Maj. TenBrook sold his farm at Trenton, NJ taking his pay in Continental money, which was practically worthless.  Having made settlement in Lycoming County, PA he again began the battle against adverse circumstances in an effort to maintain his family.  From there Conrad removed to Butler Co, OH and after a residence of 3 years, came to Parke County, Indiana about 1826.  Here Rachel TenBrook grew to womanhood and was married at age 17 to Joseph Campbell.  The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Campbell, removed when young from Mass to Lake George, and later proceeded further west into the Empire state.  While there he had a terrible encounter with a bear, in which he displayed that coolness and courage in the presence of danger so characteristic of our pioneer forefathers.  The bear came running down the slope of a hill, and dashing at its intended victim, threatened to destroy his life in an instant.  Seizing the opportune moment, Campbell thrust the muzzle of his gun down the throat of Bruin, and the tables were at once turned.  In other affairs he showed himself the possessor of courage, valor and energy.  From NY he removed to Butler Co Oh where he purchased 50 acres of unimproved land from John Cleave Sims.  Later he sold that tract and bought 160 acres on Paddles Run, where he resided for several years.  After the death of his wife he moved to Sullivan County, Indiana where one of his sons was stolen by the Indians and never heard of again.  Thence he moved south to Terre Haute, and purchased 300 acres where for a time he made his home.  His last days were passed among his children and his death occurred 3 miles north of Montezuma about 1850.  Joseph Campbell was six years old when he accompanied his father to Sullivan County.  After his marriage, which occurred when he was about 23, he settled on the "Wilson" land, now owned by Perry Brown and located near Montezuma.  In partnership with his brother-in-law, he purchased the Rockport Mills, which he conducted until his death at the age of 34.  His wife passed away 10 days previous to his demise.  A man of magnificent proportions, he was 6'4" and a well-known wrestler, an unerring shot and swift runner.  In disposition, he was amiable and kind, rarely losing his temper, although when he did he became very angry.  He was elected Colonel of the militia and was familiarly known as Col. Campbell.  For some time he engaged in running a boat down to New Orleans and during one of the trips was in the storm at Natchez when that city was destroyed by a whirlwind.  His boat, however, escaped uninjured.  In politics he was a strong adherent to the principles of the Whig party.  He was a Universalist in religious belief.  John T. Campbell was one of 7 children.  His boyhood days were mostly spent in his father's mills on Sugar Creek at the head of the gorge known as the Devil's Den (now called Rockport Mills).  When about 4, he fell over a precipice, a distance of 60 feet and landed, without an injury in a mud hole.  At 15, he left home and secured employment on a farm in Vermillion County, where he remained until he was 17.  After leaving the farm in Vermillion County, he went to Montezuma and for 7 months worked at the trade of carpenter with Aaron Wade.  He also spent a short time in Annapolis and in 1852 studied for one term at the Western Manual Labor School, now known as Bloomingdale Academy.  For 10 ensuing years he worked at his trade of a carpenter during the summer and followed the profession of a teacher in the winter season, meantime spending another term at Bloomingdale Academy.  From association Mr. Campbell became acquainted with the Friends, and on reading their literature became enamored with their views and their anti-war principles, which made such an impression upon his mind that he contemplated joining the society, but just about that time the Rebels fired on Ft. Sumter.  His patriotism triumphed and he offered himself to Capt. Foote for service, but was rejected on account of deficiency of teeth.  He then raised a company of his own in Parke County and on July 6, 1861, marched to Indianapolis where he was commissioned Captain of the company known as Company H, 21st Indiana Infantry.  The regiment was ordered to Baltimore, where the soldiers remained until February 19, 1862 and thence removed to Newport News, where they stayed until two days before the celebrated encounter between the Monitor and Merrimac.  They were then ordered to Ship Island to join the Gulf Squadron in its attack on Forts Jackson and Phillips.  Capt. Campbell's was one of 3 companies that went up the bayou in the rear of the forts within range of the enemy's guns to cut off the retreat of the Rebels.  They arrived at New Orleans about April 27, 1862 and 20 days later they proceeded to Baton Rouge.  At the battle of that place, which occurred August 5, 1862, Capt. Campbell was wounded by a shot below the knee from which he has not fully recovered.  He remained in the hospital at New Orleans from August 8 until October 29, 1862 when he had recovered sufficiently to return home.  On June 20, 1863, Capt. Campbell was appointed Assistant Provost Marshall of the 7th Congressional District, the duties of which called him to Rockville where he has since resided. In October 1863, he was elected Treasurer of Parke County and served two terms, a period of 4 years altogether.  From December 1869 until July 1870, he held the office of Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue. Later he opened a hotel, but failing to make a success of the enterprise went out of business.  He had been granted letters patent upon several inventions, the principal of which is a surveyor's transit.  In literary circles he has gained some prominence, and is the author of a pamphlet on National Finance, which in 1870 had a wide circulation.  He is a clear and graphic writer and has contributed valuable articles to local papers, as well as to the leading journals of Terre Haute, Indianapolis, New York and Washington.  IN politics, Capt. Campbell was first a Republican, but in 1870 adopted the principles of the Greenback party and served as delegate to the convention at Columbus in 1872.  He acted with the 3rd party, known at different times under various names, as Labor Reform, Independent, National, Fusionists, Farmers' Alliance, Grangers and now Populists, until 1884, when he returned to the Republican Party. In 1870-71 he matured a road system in statutory form for creating, constructing, repairing and maintaining the public highways, on which he took out a copyright in 1871.  He offered it to the Indiana Legislature 5 times free of charge, if they would adopt it, but the members from the hilly counties all voted against it as being too radical.  During the winter of 1870 Capt. Campbell secured a clerkship in the Senate in order that he might have every opportunity to urge the Committee on Roads to adopt the system, still offering it free to Indiana. He employed the late Charles H. Test to write an opinion as to the validity of his copyright as against the state.  The Judge held that while he could not enjoin the state from using and appropriating his right, he could enjoin any of the state's officers individually from working under any law that should infringe his copyright; that the state could not authorize any of its officers to do an illegal act.  Capt. Campbell has been a very active factor in working up Parke County until it now has the finest gravel roads of any section of the country.  For 10 years he studied road making and the road resources of his county and talked, urged, planned and wrote in the local papers on the subject of improving the roads.  It seemed to him that he was making no impression on the people, but at length there broke out an epidemic of gravel road building, and there was such a rush between rival routes to get their roads ordered first that it resulted in several law suits and "killed off" several important roads.  In 1884, while serving as engineer for the construction of the ditch and levee along the Wabash River in Parke County, Capt. Campbell observed that a woman had emptied her straw mattress on the very sandy road in front of her house.  He noticed that along the 30 feet of roadway where the straw had been tramped into and mixed with the sand, the road, which had before been miry sand, in two days became as firm and solid as dry clay.  A few days later on the same sandy road he observed that several sheaves of oats had been dropped from a wagon and that one had become unbound and tramped into the sand.  It too had made the road firm in that place.  He unbound the other sheaves and scattered them along the road so that the straw would be about 4" deep when loose.  In a few days that part became as firm as could be desired.  He watched it from day to day until the falling snow hid it from view, much gratified to see that it had remained a good road for 5 months.  During the following winter (1884-85) he read a paper on the subject before the Society of Indiana Surveyors and Civil Engineers and recommended it to the people of his county wherever he went, both personally and by publication in the papers.  This method of improvement is now being extensively used on sandy roads.  By the same process of applying observations, Capt. Campbell discovered that when mud roads are frozen dry, if they are then covered six inches deep with loose straw; they will remain solid through the remainder of the winter and spring.  The straw will hold the surface thaw (which is ruinous to roads) back until the thaw from beneath causes the congealed moisture above to sink, the earth absorbing the water as fast as the thaw produces it.  Thus the roads are dry at the close of the winter.  Mr. Campbell is a member of the Indiana Highway Improvement Association and read a paper before the Indian Road Congress held at Indianapolis in December 1892, giving a history of the gravel road movement in Parke County.  In July 1879, Mr. Campbell was appointed First Assistant of the Indiana Bureau of Statistics and Geology, a department then newly created.  He was the main factor in shaping the affairs of that bureau in the statistical work, the Chief, Dr. John Collett, Ph.D. devoting himself mainly to the geological department.  He so overworked himself that in four years, he became thoroughly nauseated with statistics, which he had formerly enjoyed as a maiden does a novel.  Through the enthusiasm of his Chief on the subject of geology, Mr. Campbell became interested in that science and is now an expert in glacial geology.  He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and read two papers before that society at the Indianapolis meeting in 1890.  At the Washington meeting one of his papers was read which related to the accumulation of debris that works its way to the surface of a stream of water bearing a glacier in its current.  Other articles written by him treated of the topographical evidence of the immense water flow of the Wabash River and the fact that the flow was suddenly cut off.  Capt. Campbell was probably the first to discover and certainly the first to publish the discovery that in the regions covered by the glacial drift all the streams which run east and west have a steep hill on their south side (facing northward) and gently sloping hill s on their north side (facing southward).  He published this in the American Naturalist (Philadelphia) in 1884 and gave his theory to account for the fact.  He also published various other articles in the same journal on kindred subjects the last in Sept. 1890, giving his theory of the origin of the fire-clay covering the glacial drift and citing various facts in support of his theory.  He has found 13 localities in Parke County and near the line in adjoining counties where the glacier left its mark and striations on the rock in places.  These markings are very numerous in the Wabash country but they are covered with the glacial drift and are exposed in but few places, so that it requires an expert to find them.  For 5 terms of two years each, Capt. Campbell has served as County Surveyor.  He was first elected as an independent candidate, next being voluntarily nominated by Republican, Democrats, Greenbackers and Prohibitionists; next, by all but the Prohibitionists; next, same; next, Republican only; last by republicans only with all others combined against him on the Prohibition candidate, when he was elected by a majority of 5.  This required that he should run ahead of his ticket.  While serving in the army, Capt. Campbell invented a device for ascertaining the distance of the enemy, by forming a small angle, the tangent base of which was read on a graduated rod, so that the result was obtained instantly.  The war closing before he could get an instrument made, his old preceptor, BC Hobbs, suggested he apply his idea to surveyor's and engineer's instruments remarking that he could do the world more good than by employing it as a rapid mean soft killing men.  The suggestion struck him with great force and he at once began the study of surveying and engineering, and applied his invention as suggested.  Capt. Campbell is so constituted mentally that he cannot learn anything until he becomes interested in it; then only with great difficulty can he be prevented from learning it.  He rummages libraries, seeks every source of information and masters the subject in a very short time.  When the inventive fever is on, his most important business must stand aside until he solves the problem, whatever it may be, that has presented itself to his mind.  He fully realizes what a great hindrance this peculiarity is to his material prosperity, but the inclination is his master and he cannot shake it off until the fever runs its course.  About 4 years ago a passion of this sort seized him when he commenced to learn the Volapuk language.  Immediately he bought a grammar, carrying on the study of it at night, on the cars, or wherever he happened to be, until he could read Volapuk fluently and translate it at sight. The fever subsided and today he cannot even read the language.  It was the same with stenography.  While Mr. Campbell is not educated in mechanics or mathematics, he has naturally a mechanical and mathematical mind. Intuitively he sees what a mechanical result would be.  This has led him to spend time and money inventing and in patenting his inventions.  Like most other inventors, he has n o faculty for getting any money out of his contrivances.  He has devised 3 methods of measuring the height of the clouds. T he first was by noting the time elapsing between sundown and the last ray of light on the cloud.  Just as a leading journal on meteorology was about to publish his method, he discovered that a German had conceived the same idea 150 years before.  The method was correct in principle, but often difficult of application, and had been dropped and forgotten.  His next method was based on the time and direction of the travel of cloud shadows. The third is based on the rate of travel of the observer on a railroad train, the observer then noting the travel of the cloud when his train stops at a station.  This is often applicable and important to meteorologists. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 329

CAMPBELL, Richard H., farmer, Bridgeton, was born in Raccoon Township July 8, 1838.  His father, Gustavus B, was born in Scotland July 20, 1801 and came tot his country in 1835 and settled near Bridgeton and afterward moved to Vermont. Co and remained there till he died, November13, 1854. He was a Whig and a member of the Christian Church.  Mr. Campbell's mother was born in Virginia is a member of the Christian church and is still living in Clay County  Mr. Campbell began farming for himself in the spring of 1859.  He was married March 17, 1859 to Lucinda HAWK.  She was born May 12, 1839 and is the daughter of Michael and Amy Hawk.  They have two children: Anderson R, born October22, 1859; Henry m, November 9, 1861.  Mr. Campbell has a nice farm of 72 acres; is a lover of good books and schools; is a positive democrat and a very excellent gentleman. Beadle, J. H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

Ira Cannon, farmer, PO Mason, was born in Crawford County, Indiana, 4/12/1824, and removed with his parents, in his youth, to Parke County, IN where he grew to manhood. Mr. Cannon was married in Parke County, 8/31/1845, to Miss Sarah Swaim, daughter of JB Swaim. He made his home in Parke County till 1856, when he removed to Effingham County, IL, and located on a farm of 120 acres, in Section 6, Mason Township. In 1872 he sold his farm and removed to Mason; took up tavern-keeping for several years, then moved into his private residence, and has since followed farming. He has lately purchased a farm of 12 acres within the corporation of Mason, on which there are good buildings and a first class orchard. Our subject has 9 children living, 3 sons and 6 daughters - John H of Effingham; George H resides in Norwalk, IA; Surrilda J Siddens resides in Alton, IA; Mary E Deits of Mason; Linna Belle Hawley lives in Jacksonville, IL; Eliza A Core resides in Philadelphia; Ada, Laura and Tillman A. Our subjects father was born in Ireland. He came to America with his parents when 7 years old. He was married in Kentucky, in 1800, to Miss Margaret Hayes. He died in 1832 in Parke County, IN. His wife remained on the home farm in Parke County until her death, which occurred in 1857. Of a family of 9 children only 4 are living - James, Thomas R, Ira, and Mrs. Hariet Davis - - History of Effingham County, Illinois. William Henry Perrins. Published by OL Baskins & Co. 1883 – shared by Debra & Jim Wilson

Dr. James H. CANNON is a physician of prominence, and although he has but recently associated with the medical fraternity of this city, has been in successful practice for a number of years. He was born in Parke County Indiana, February 19, 1856 and his father, R. P. H. Cannon was a prominent citizen in that locality. When he was but two years of age, his father removed to Muscatine, Iowa where his early education was acquired. In 1867 his family returned to Indiana and the young man completed his studies in the public and high schools of this state. He went to Greenfield Missouri in 1878 and afterward attended the Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, graduating from that institution in 1881.  He at once commenced the general practice of medicine and surgery and was located in Jasper, Missouri and Topeka, Kansas for a number of years.  He was next officially connected with the Hospital Association of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, and for years had charge of the medical work for that corporation in the mining town of Toluca, Illinois.  Seeking a wider field of usefulness, Dr. Cannon came to South Bend in 1899 and at once was recognized as an able and expert physician and surgeon and is highly esteemed n the community.  He is a member of the Masonic,  KOTM, Modern Woodmen, AOUW and Eastern Star Fraternities. Dr. Cannon was married to Miss Harriet M. Talbutt of Greenfield, Missouri and with his family resides at No. 224 North Main Street.  - South Bend and the men who have Made It. South Bend: Tribune, 1901, Page 216 

Honorable Joseph G. CANNON -- With mentality as keen as it was a 1/4 of a century ago, Hon. Joseph G. Cannon is still a leader in republican national politics.  Few men have been so long in public service and the record of none has been more faultless sin honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation.  Leadership always evokes opposition and such has been the case with Mr. Cannon.  He has been bitterly attacked but serene in the belief of the policy which he pursues, he continues on his way and with the wisdom of age he recognizes the fact that ultimately the right will triumph and sound judgment will prevail.  No higher testimonial of popular favor and support could be given than in the fact of Mr. Cannon's recent reelection to congress. He was born at Guilford, North Carolina May 7, 1836 a son of Dr. Horace F. and Gulielma Hollingsworth Cannon.  Both were representatives of old Quaker families dating back through Revolutionary times to days of George Fox.  When Joseph John Gurney, a celebrated preacher of the Friends faith came from England as a missionary he was accompanied by Dr. Cannon on his tour through America and, when the subject of this review was born, Dr. Cannon named his little son Joseph Gurney in honor of his missionary friend.  One of his biographers has said in this connection: "Hence Mr. Cannon had a birthright in that church and from his youth up was trained in its simple, honest, noble principles, which have been and are today, the solid foundation of his moral life and of his stanch republicanism."  The days of his youth were passed in a manner similar to that of most farm boys and when he had mastered the studies taught in the district schools he had the benefit of instruction in an academy at Annapolis, Parke County, Indiana conducted by Professor Barnabas Hobbs.  This with a year in Earlham College, Richmond, Indian ended his school training, yet it would be difficult today to find a man in public life who has read more broadly or has a wider store of wisdom concerning the multitudinous questions which is one phase or another affect the political situation of the country.  He was only 14 when his father, in attempting to ford Sugar Creek in order to attend a patient was drowned. His son Joseph was early thrown upon his own resources and to provide for his support secured a clerkship in a store at Annapolis at a salary of $200 per year.  He was thus employed for five years and managed to save half of his earnings, so that with a capital of $500 he went to Terre Haute, Indiana where he entered upon the study of law under the direction of John P. Usher, one of the distinguished attorneys of the Middle West.  He supplemented his preliminary reading by a course of study in the Cincinnati Law School.  Economy was a part of his training during that period but he was actuated by strong ambition and determination to succeed and he overlooked present hardships with a view to enjoying success in the future.  When his law course was finished he entered upon active practice in Shelbyville, Illinois and there formed the acquaintance of distinguished and able representatives of the bar. Later he began practice in Tuscola, Illinois going there to join his mother and his brother, William P. Cannon who had removed to that place.  Advancement at the bar is proverbially slow and, like many others, Mr. Cannon had to await the time when his practice should be large and profitable. His leisure hours, however, were by no means wasted. He improved them by study, so that when cases did come to him he had a mind well stored with legal knowledge and was able to cope with the intricate and involved problems of the law.  He relates that on one occasion when he had a case at Urbana he walked from Tuscola to the former place, carrying his coat upon his arm, in order to save the cost of transportation.  While in Tuscola Mr. Cannon formed the acquaintance of Miss Mary Pamela Reed, whom he made his wife and whose counsel and keen intellect assisted him greatly on his career.  A contemporary biographer has said of her: "Mrs. Cannon was a magnificent lady, elegantly educated, strong common sense, lofty ideals and gave her husband a steady and powerful support during those days of struggle and after he became successful in life.  She died in Danville in December 1889, deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends and especially by Mr. Cannon and his two daughters, Miss Helen Cannon and Mrs. Mabel Cannon LeSeure.  Miss Helen, a noble and gifted lady, has been his constant companion and helper since the death of her mother." Mr. Cannon first actively entered politics in 1861, when he decided to become a candidate for states attorney against Ward H. Lamon, brother of Judge JB Lamon, the latter being at one time a local law partner of Abraham Lincoln and afterward marshal of the District of Columbia and officer of Lincoln's bodyguard.  Judge Lamon was widely known and very popular, while Mr. Cannon had a much less extensive acquaintance.  His friends advised him not to enter the race but with the same keen insight into the situation that has since characterized his efforts in politics, he announced himself as a candidate, believing he could win.  While living in Indiana he had attended the big yearly Quaker meetings in Vermilion Grove, Ill with his parents traveling across the rough country in a farm wagon.  He knew every Quaker family of consequence in the region of Georgetown and Vermilion Grove, Illinois. The mud was very deep, the streams were high and without bridges, but he swam his horse across, went into the Quaker settlement, made a house to house canvas, stating who he was and what he wanted. On various occasions the good old people listened gravely and said, "Yes Joseph, we know thy good mother and father and will vote for thee." They kept their promise and the result was that Mr. Cannon was elected. He served as sates attorney until 1868 and during that period not only proved his ability as a lawyer but became so well known that he determined upon another step in the political field. He first became a candidate for congress is 1872, at which time the 11th Ill district was composed of Champaign, Coles, Douglas, Macon, Piatt and Vermilion counties. The convention met at Tolona and the other candidates for the nomination were Colonel JW Langley of Champaign, Colonel Lyman Guinnip of Vermilion and General Jesse H. Moore, then serving in congress. There was little change as the balloting proceeded until the 38th when Mr. Cannon received the support of Vermilion's 8 votes. Coles and Macon followed and Mr. Cannon was give 26 votes again 4 for Moore and 7 Langley. His nomination was made unanimous with thundering applause.  In response tot he call he made a modest speech, in which he spoke so kindly of his opponents that he won them over.  At the ensuing election a large majority placed him in congress.  By acclamation at each succeeding convention since 1872 he has been renominated and each time has been reelected by substantial majorities save in 1890 when there was a landslide throughout the country, the Democratic Party gaining the ascendancy.  The ablest men in the opposition have been his opponents and yet the people have chosen Mr. Cannon again and again, proving their faith and confidence in him.  Colonel W. R. Jewell has thus written of him, and perhaps no one is better qualified to speak of Mr. Cannon: "The main elements of his strength are 1st, his hard common sense.  He is a genius of this type of men.  He sees things as they are and knows how to meet them.  2d his steadfast integrity. He never falsifies, prevaricates or shuffles.  He makes few promises; he keeps those he makes.  He never makes promises during a campaign, 3d his knowledge of men. He knows men as the most skilled merchant knows fabrics by the slightest touch.  4th his steadfastness to tried friends.  He never uses a man to neglect him afterward.  No man remembers services better and reciprocates more fully.  5th by his fairness and kindness to opponents. He has no feuds with any who desire to be friendly.  One has to be a fussy man and fuss by himself who continues to fuss with Mr. Cannon.  He prefers to have men with him this year who were against him last year.  6th, by his natural democratic manners, which are ingrained.  He is one of the people in act and speech.  His conversation is full of homely illustrations from the fireside, the wayside, the shop.  He enjoys a good joke and has a fund of anecdote rich and rare, which he tells as well as Joe Jefferson acted Rip Van Winkle.  7th, his power as a speaker.  While not eloquent in word painting, yet he pours fourth sound facts as a threshing machine pours forth clean golden grain where the yield has been an hundred fold. The substantial people who do the thinking and mold sentiment hear him with rapt attention.  His clear cut facts gleam like new golden coin in their minds.  He will no more misquote statistics or facts than the pious preacher would misquote holy writ.  Now and then in his speeches he will tell a funny anecdote, but the great body of what he has to say is sold, sound and goes to the soul of affairs.  "What does Cannon say about it?" is in the mouths of his constituents when a new question of importance arises.  Long since they have come to trust in his knowledge and integrity for they know he is no demagogue or trifler but a real statesman.  8th, his eminent ability as a legislator. It is useless to enlarge on this.  He is honest, faithful, forceful in congress.  His political opponents acknowledge this. Mr. Cannon does not speak often in congress; but when he speaks he has the closest attention on account of the matter of what he says.  He is one of the few members in the house who instruct the members and in whose statements they have confidence. "He is the ablest man in either branch on business statistics," is what Speaker Reed and other members have said.  During the stormy days of the '80s and '90s, Reed, McKinley and Cannon were the big three who, as committee on rules and as leaders, fought and won great parliamentary battles.  His long and able service, his generous nature and his eminent ability as a parliamentarian has made him speaker of the next house (the 58th Congress) by the unanimous choice of the republican members.  True history gives all facts and this record would be incomplete without reference to the division that has been manifest in republican ranks and which perhaps might be termed a contest between the conservative and the ultra aggressive. Those who oppose Mr. Cannon are inflexible in their opposition but his adherents - and they are many - are equally strong and stalwart in his support.  A leader must always expect opposition. There is never any personal attack, however, aside from politics made upon Mr. Cannon and he has commanded the respect of even his opponents by the calm and unruffled manner which he has maintained, greeing much of the opposition with a golden silence that shows that the wisdom of age has placed him above and beyond the bickering of political strife. There is after all no better criterion of the real man than the opinions of his neighbors, and Mr. Cannon's recent reelection from his home district shows how he is held among those who have known him since he entered upon the struggle for livelihood as a poor young lawyer down to the present time, when national fame and honors are his. One of his admirable characteristics is that he never forgets a friend and he has as cheery a greeting for the associates of his early manhood when he was unknown to fame as for the most distinguished men of the nation.  Again we quote from Mr. Jewell who says, "Mr. Cannon is strictly domestic. His house is a large, substantial brick, 418 North Vermilion Street, Danville, presided over by his stately daughter, Mrs. Ernest X. LeSeure.  here, in his great library, he spends much of his leisure time with his two beautiful grandchildren whom he loves and spoils, Virginia and Helen LeSeure, while from its golden frame, with lvoe lit smile of wife and grandmother, looks down the gracious face of the noble woman with whom he made life's morning march, when their bosoms were young and whom he often sees in his visions and dreams."   - Jones, Lottie E. History of Vermilion County, Illinois: a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century.  Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, Page 664

CARMICHAEL, William, farmer and nurseryman, Bellmore, was born in Adams Township, Parke County, In March 15, 1833, and is the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (HATFIELD) Carmichael.  He spent most of his youth at home.  At different times he has engaged in making brick and carpentering, but is now farming and carrying on nursery and fruit business.  He ha a choice lot of fruit trees, shrubs and evergreens, a nice farm, a dwelling 20 x 36 with ell 16 x 18, good barn and outbuildings, spring on the place, all of which he has made himself except $700.  May 6, 1860-, he was married to Margaret THOMAS, daughter of Lyman and Martha Thomas.  They have one child, Carrie, born May 8, 1863.  William's father came from Lawrence County, Ohio and was an early settler of Parke County.  His mother came from Hamilton County, Ohio.  Mr. Carmichael is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, votes the republican ticket and takes an active part in the affairs of the township.  In October 1876 he was elected county commissioner; was president of the Rockville and Bellmore Gravel Road Co from about 1872 to 1877 and one of the directors till 1878; he aided in its construction.  He took an active part in the building of the Parke County courthouse and jail, counting this the struggle of his life.  Although uneducated in schoolbooks, he is quite an extensive reader.

William CARMICHAEL, a prominent farmer and old settler residing on Section 7, has the finest large house in the county outside of Rockville.  He was active in building the courthouse, being one of the county officials at the time. Our subject was born in Adams Township, Parke County, March 15, 1833 and is therefore a life-long resident of this locality. His father, Johnathan C, was born and reared in Orange County, Indiana where his father, William C. of English descent was a very early settler. Our subject's mother, Elizabeth HATFIELD was a native of Hamilton County, Ohio and came with her parents to this county when about 16.  Her father was of German descent. About the year 1832 our subject's parents were married in Union Township and at once located in Adams Township where the former entered 200 acres of land. No improvements whatever had been made on the place and in order to have a home he cut logs for a cabin.  He was a hard working man and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  In February 1844, while still in the prime of his life, being only 33 years of age, he was called to his final rest.  Some time afterward Mrs. Carmichael married a second time, becoming the wife of James STRAUGHAN.  She was mother of 9 children, all but one of whom grew to maturity. 7 were the children of her first marriage and of these our subject was the eldest, his birth having occurred in the little log house his father had built.  His first school was one of the primitive log kind, two miles from home, he having to walk the distance through thick woods and crossing the streams on logs.  Our subject remained with his parents until shortly before his marriage in May 1860 to Miss Margaret THOMAS, a native of Fayette Co, Indiana where she grew to womanhood.  Of this marriage has been born a daughter, Carrie, who died at age 18.  Her mother was called from this life in 1882.  Mr. Carmichael was wedded October 17, 1883 with Sarah E. CLARK, widow of Dr. WP PAXTON, by whom she had a daughter, who died at age 7.  After his first marriage, our subject located on the old homestead in Adams Township, where he remained until 1873, thence removing to the farm he now operates.  For about 7 years he worked at the carpenter trade in connection with his farm work and stock raising.  In 1888 he erected his present fine residence at a cost of $4,000, it consisting of 14 rooms, well arranged in regard to convenience in all respects.  The farm is fertile and well improved, being located on the Rockville & Bellmore gravel road. The place comprises 337 acres which are under good cultivation.  For many years our subject has been a republican, but is now inclined somewhat toward the Prohibition Party. From 1880 to 83 he served as County Commissioner, having always taken great interest in the progress of this locality.  He is a member of the Baptist Church, in good standing and is much respected in this locality for his worthy qualities as a friend, neighbor and citizen.  Mrs. Carmichael is a member of the Christian Church.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, Page 247 

CARTER, John Newlin, son of John and Ruth Newlin Carter, was born near Hillsboro, North Carolina March 17, 1819; died at his home in Bloomingdale, September 27, 1912 age 93 years 6 months 10 days.  He came with his father to Parke County in 1830.  October 1854, he was united in marriage to Mary RAYLE, with whom he lived until death claimed her, February 3, 1910.  For more than 4 score years, Uncle John was familiar with the affairs of this community.  As a boy he frequently made long journeys on horseback to some grist mill for meal or flour.  For years he was a teamster and hauled produce to Cincinnati, Evansville and Richmond and brought back merchandise to the villages in this section.  He also made two trips to New Orleans on flat boats, loaded with grain, pork and other produce.  He had many other interesting reminiscences to relate of pioneer life.  Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke County Atlas of IN Centennial, 1816-1916, Page 123.

Among the early settlers of Parke County who came from Kentucky were Starling CARVER and family.  He was a man of noble character and sterling worth, a true Christian gentleman, whose example and precepts were far reaching and lasting in his community.  Starling Carver was born January 8, 1802 died November 22, 1870 aged 68 years.  He was married to Jane Durham in 1822, she being born October 22, 1806 died May 2, 1880 in her 83rd year.  She was a native of Boyle County, Kentucky. Her father, Benjamin Durham was one of the best known Methodist pioneers of Kentucky, his home being a rendezvous for such men as Bishop Simpson; Henry Bascom; Peter Cartwright and others.  On Mr. Durham's farm were held the summer camp meetings, which were so popular among Methodist of that early day.  Amid such surroundings she was raised and their influence left an indelible stamp upon her life and the lives of her family.  In 1829 Mr. and Mrs. Carver with four small children emigrated to Indiana, settling in the green primeval forest of Montgomery County, where there was no timber felled, except the few trees to build their little cabin.  Here they toiled early and late, clearing the ground and burning the brush to make their new home in the wilderness. It was only a few years till the family came to Parke County and settled near Portland Mills on the Putnam County line. They lived there until the death of the father in 1870, then Mrs. Carver moved to Greencastle, where she spent the remainder of her life.  She was a woman of strong constitution and personality. When her hard days work was done she spent the evening spinning, weaving and looking after the children.  When her heart would go out with homesick longing to see the loved ones of her father's family back in Kentucky, she would mount her horse, take the baby in her arms, another child behind and ride day after day over the rocks and over the hills, though the brush and fallen trees all the long weary way for the joyful visit at home in old Kentucky. One of her brothers was Judge Milton Durham, first Comptroller of the Treasury during Cleveland's administration. There were 11 children born in this family 6 of them lived to maturity and were men and women of great influence in their day.  They had the best education to be obtained in the country at that time; several of them were teachers.  All were strong Methodists and were active in church work. The influence was always for good wherever they were located.  Their names were: Wesley; John; William; Benjamin; Mrs. Mary Fordice and Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson - Parke County Indiana Centennial Memorial 1816-1916 Page 102 (picture included in original) 

Marvin H. CASE, one of Parke County's wealthiest farmers and most respected citizens was born on a farm in Florida Township where his father first settled and where his whole life has been spent July 10, 1835.  He is a son of Seba H. and Mary Stilson Case. The former parent was born in Ontario County New York October 18, 1794.  His father was an Englishman by ancestry if not by birth and was a farmer in New York State where he died.  When Seba was 14 he served in the War of 1812 and in early life learned the shoemaker's trade which he followed many years. New York State to Ohio where he resided two years and in 1820 removed to Terre Haute, Indiana where he worked at his trade for a time.  About a year later, he, in company with Chauncey Rose, who at that time was also a poor boy, located a sawmill at what is now known as Roseville or Coxville, which was named after Mr. Rose.  They operated this mill two years, during which time Mr. Case purchased a small tract of land which is now a part of the large farm of our subject and went there to live.  Working at this trade as shoemaker and clearing up the farm, he managed to earn a living.  While at Terre Haute he married Mary Stilson, who was born in New York City August 15, 1804. Mr. and Mrs. Case became the parents of 4 children of these William Horace, born May 7, 1832 died July 31, 1865 leaving his wife Mary and two children, Eva and Maude.  Fred Case of Raccoon Township is now the proprietor of the Bridgeton Stock Barn.  Eliza A, deceased wife of James King was formerly married to George T. Covington.  Lavina N. who was born August 28, 1845 and died July 28, 1853.  Thus we see that our subject is the only one of the family now living. His mother died September 28, 1858 and father passed away January 22, 1879. Coming to Indiana as he did a poor man, the father of our subject died one of the very wealthiest men of the county.  Politically, he was at first a Whig and later a supporter of the Republican Party. He was for a number of years Justice of the Peace in Florida Township and socially, a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, loved by all who knew him.  Our subject grew up on his father's far, where he received a fair education but, wishing to pursue his studies father, he took a course at Bloomingdale Academy and when 22 he taught school for several terms in his own township.  Becoming tired of his solitary life, he chose as a life companion Miss Sarah A. HARTMAN, the marriage ceremony taking place March 26, 1863.  Mrs. Case was born in Raccoon Township, July 6, 1840 and was a daughter of John Hartman one of the very first settlers in the county.  Five children came to bless the hearthstone of Mr. and Mrs. Case's home: Joseph Wallace, born June 13, 1868 died November 16, 1868.  E (dgar) Bert, born June 1, 1870 is living with his father; Seba H, born April 19, 1873 is now being educated at Rockville. Cora E, born July 31, 1875 is receiving her education with her brother Seba. The other child died in infancy and the mother died in 1888.  Mr. Case is one of the most successful farmers and stock dealers in the county, owning more than 1700 acres of land.  Some two years ago he purchased one of the fruit farms on the Big Raccoon within one mile of the town of Bridgeton. This farm comprises nearly 800 acres of arable land on which is located many fine building and for which he paid something over $30,000 in cash. Politically, our subject has always been a Democrat and served as Township Trustee for one term, but positively refused to accept again, although urged to do so. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 600

Seba H. CASE settled on land in Florida Township in the early days and in 1848 he erected a substantial brick house, which is now in a splendid state of preservation in which his son, Marvin H. Case now in his 81st year has since resided.  Mr. Case accumulated by thrift & industry a large tract of land.  He was known to be a man who possessed high ideals, exemplified in all business transactions.  He was a charter member of Parke Lodge No. 8 Free & Accepted Masons which was organized under dispensation May 30, 1844 and was its first Junior Warden.  After the beginning of the war when the government was needing money, bonds were put upon the market, but few of them were taken by the people because they did not think they were of any value.  Mr. Case, being a very patriotic man, purchased the first government bond offered for sale in Parke County.  He died many years ago, an honored and respected citizen. - Parke County Indiana Centennial Memorial 1816-1916, Page. 117

CATTERSON, Robert whose home is on Section 14, Sugar Creek Township, Parke County, has been a resident of this state since his 11th year and has passed over 40 years of his life in Parke County in the same township which is still his place of abode.  He is one of the many examples this country affords of the man, who, starting out in life without means has overcome the hindrances which are ever found in the pathway leading to success and has only used such obstacles as stepping stones to something higher.  The birth of our subject occurred in Henry County, Kentucky in the year 1832, his parents being Robert and Mary PETTETT Catterson.  Grandfather James Catterson was born in Donegal, Ireland where he was reared to manhood and married.  He was a farmer by occupation and his means being limited he determined to try his fortunes in the New World.  Accordingly, about 1790 he came to America, settling at once in Kentucky.  Robert Catterson was born in Ireland about 1790 and was only two months old when his parents took passage in a sailing vessel bound for the United States.  He was brought up near Lexington, Kentucky.  He was one of the following children: Patrick; James; William; Sarah; Elizabeth and Jennie.  Being ambitious as a student, our subject's father, by close application and industry, prepared himself as a teacher, which calling he followed more or less all his life.  For many terms, he taught for $12.00 per month.  He was only about 18 when he married, his wife being 3 years his junior.  They had 10 children: James; Hiram; Robert; William; John; Berry; George; Rachel; Sarah and Ruth.  George received severe injuries from the effects of which he died, by falling in to the old-fashioned open fireplace.    About the year 1843, Robert Catterson, Sr. with his family removed to Montgomery County, Indiana and a few years later made a home in Sugar Creek Township, where he passed the remainder of his life.  When not engaged in teaching he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits.  He served for six months in the War of 1812, fighting under General Jackson.  He was a Jacksonian Democrat and fraternally, a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Ky.  He died in the faith of the Missionary Baptist Church June 3, 1847, aged 62.  Remaining under the parental roof until 18 our subject then went to work for neighboring farmers at 25 cents per day. At length he ventured on renting a farm and finally by economy and industry was able to buy 60 acres of party cleared land. Following his father's example he was only 18 when he married Miss Jane WOMAN (sic - should be WARMAN) who was a native of Kentucky, becoming his wife.  His possessions at the time amounted to only a gun, a two-year-old colt, while his wife had only her clothes.  The first spring after renting the farm our subject cleared 18 acres which he sowed with corn and the next spring raised a wheat crop that nearly paid for the place.  From that time, his success seemed assured and he now is the owner of 410 acres, over 200 of which he has cleared himself.  He has met with a great many reverses, losing considerable by going as security on others' bonds and once had $500 stolen from him.   Two brothers of our subject were in the Mexican War, namely Hiram and William, the latter died in the City of Mexico with the yellow fever, while Hiram returned home and then joined the regular army.   He afterward went to Oregon where he spent 5 years and then took a position on the mail service in California at $100 a trip and was supposed to have been killed by Indians.  In May 1875 our subject's first wife died, leaving one child, William.  He afterward married Miss Mary HAGAN by whom he had six children: Cynthia A; Sarah J; Daniel V; Patrick H; Minnie A. and Zurilda. Politically our subject is a Democrat and has held a number of local offices in the township.  In former days, he was very fond of hunting and won a reputation as a foxhunter second to none in the county.  -  Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, p 567).  Provided by Karen Zach

Charles H. CAUSEY, a progressive and practical young farmer, is now conducting a good business in raising and feeding stock and in tilling the soil on the farm that he now operates on Section 6, Reserve Township, Parke County.  Our subject claims this county as his birthplace, and the date of that event October 25, 1861. He was 21 when he began farming for himself on his father's home estate, which comprised 200 splendid acres, and by applying himself strictly to his affairs he was enabled in 1891 to purchase 58 acres.  He raises a good class of stock, and is prospering in all his undertakings, as he deserves to do.  Careful in the management of his affairs, he keeps good credit by making prompt payments, and therefore stands well in the community as a fair-minded and open-hearted young man, who is accommodating and friendly in his relations wit his neighbors, and in a good husband and indulgent father in private life. He obtained a fair education in the district schools of his township, and to the instruction there received he added a fund of information acquired by reading and contact with mankind. The father of our subject, Thomas Causey, was a hard-working man and was profitably engaged in farming and stock raising, realizing as a rich reward for his labors a large increase in his agricultural possessions, owning at the present time a fertile tract of 650 acres of land.  The mother of our subject was Polly Huxford.  After carefully bringing up her family of children on November 20, 1879 she passed from life.  On March 4, 1885, our subject was united in marriage with Ida B, daughter of Andrew and Mary Warner Linebarger. To this couple were born two children, whom they named Ernest and Ivan B.  Mrs. Causey has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since her 14th year.  To this worthy couple are due the respect and esteem of all with whom they associate.  - Portrait & Biographical Records of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana, Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 632

Thomas CAUSEY, one of the native sons of Reserve Township  Parke County is a gentleman who, by his diligence, constant application to his work and sagacity in conducting his affairs, has met with due reward and is today the owner of one of the most desirable farms to be found throughout the length and breadth of this township.  Mr. Causey was born April 18, 1832, his parents being Thomas and Hannah LOACY Causey, who were both of English origin.  The father came from Ohio to Parke County about 1830, settling in the Southeastern part of West Reserve Township, where he died 5 years later. He was in limited circumstances, working out by the day for his neighbors as a means of supporting his wife and one child.  After his death Mrs. Causey married Joseph COONCE, who came from Ohio to this county in 1828.  To this union were born 14 children, among whom are the following: Elizabeth; John; Amelia; Mahala; Charles; Joseph and Rebecca.  The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in that belief died in September 1891, in Vermilion County this state.  Her husband died the previous year.  Our subject, being bereft of a father at an early age was thrown upon his own resources, receiving but the rudiments of an education and when only a mere lad of 10 began to earn his own living by working for six cents per day.  He continued to be employed by the month until he attained the age of 24 when he was enabled to rent a small tract of land, which he cultivated advantageously. In a few years he purchased 200 acres on Section 6 of this township on which he now lives.  Under his skillful care and close application to work he has succeeded in gathering together an area of 650 broad acres of very fertile land and on this is profitably engaged in mixed farming and stock raising.  Politically, he is Democrat.  Mr. Causey was first married to Polly, daughter of Charles W. and Margaret REDDING HUXFORD.  The former came form Ohio in 1828 being one of the oldest pioneers and was engaged in blacksmithing. His father, William, went from Connecticut to Ohio and thence in 1828 to Indiana, his occupation being that of a farmer. Mrs. causey became the mother of six children, 3 of whom are living: Charles; Hannah and Katie.  The wife and mother died November 20, 1879 and in the year 1884 our subject married Melinda, widow of Michael HESS and daughter of Jonathan MILLIKEN of North Caroline. She was born in 1847 in Parke County.  To himself and wife were born four children, only one of whom is now living, Thomas.  The Causey family widely and favorably known throughout this community and the various members are held in the highest regard by many friends.  Their lives have been well and worthily spent and naught can be said against them. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 257

CHALLIS, Ebenezer, farmer and undertaker, and a large-hearted, hospitable, enterprising gentleman of Roseville, was born September3, 1808 on the tract of land where Utica, NY is situated, but in a few months Mr. Challis's father moved his family to Western NY, near a place now called Aurora, being the third citizen to settle in what is now Holland Township, where he engaged in farming.  His father, Enoch Challis, was a Vermont volunteer, having served 7 years in the Revolutionary War and died in June 1817.  His mother, Joannah (CHASE) Challis, died in 1813.  Mr. Challis now has in his possession a well preserved powder-horn which his father carried through the 7 years' bloody war which gave us our liberty.  After the burning of Buffalo by the British, Mr. Challis moved his family to Cayuga County, New York in Mense Township, where they lived until two years after the war, when his father moved to his old farm near Buffalo, where he died.  Here Mr. Challis lived until he came W. And settled in Roseville, where his brother had settled in 1830.  In 1846 Mr. Challis purchased his farm on Sec. 16 and 17, which is nicely improved and under a fine state of cultivation.  Mr. Challis is a carpenter and joiner by trade, at which business he employed himself until he purchased his farm, and has since been engaged in the undertaking business in connection with the farm, having to this date manufactured 1,027 coffins by hand.  January 12, 1843, he married Polly EVANS.  They had one child, John Marvin who was a member of Company G, 71st Indiana, and finally of the Cavalry.  He received a severe wound in the shoulder at Lexington and was captured at Muldros Hill and confined in Andersonville prison, where he was starved to death April 1, 1864.  September 5, 1849 he married Charlotte GOOKINS, daughter of Elisha F. Gookins, who was a soldier in the war of 1812 and a bro. Of Judge SB Gookins.  They became the parents of four children: two of whom are living: Gelena, Enos, Lovilla and Samuel.  He is an unflinching member of the Republican Party, having cast his first presidential vote for John Q. Adams.  He was formerly a Whig and continued as such until its days were numbered in 1852.  Mr. Challis is among the oldest citizens of the township. 

CHAMNESS, Milo, farmer, Annapolis, was born in North Carolina in 1823, and came to Parke County in 1845.  He resided in Annapolis, working at the carpenter's trade, for a number of years.  April 25, 1852, he married Sarah MORGAN, a native of North Carolina, born in 1828, and came to Parke County with her parents in 1830.  Her father lived to the good old age of 83 years.  Mr. Chamness has 9 children:  Edith C, wife of N. RAYL; Mary E., wife of W. H. CHAPMAN; William P, Sarah R, wife of C. W. . SMITH; Armilda A, of M. J. RUSSELL; George W, Charles L, John A, and Robert J. and one deceased, Asenith C.  Mr. Chamness is a member of the AF & AM.  Taken from: Page 297 History of Parke County IN; J. H. Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill, 1880

CHAPMAN, George, farmer, Bloomingdale, was born in Yorkshire, England, May 31, 1825, and came with his parents, William and Mary PARRINGTON Chapman to Parke County in 1841 and settled in what is now Penn Township.  His father was born May 28, 1779 and died March 18, 1869 being in his 90th year; and his mother was born May 31, 1786 and died December 7, 1875 being in her 90th year.  They were lifelong members of the Society of Friends.  The subj. of this sketch has been a resident of this County since 1841 and has been a farmer and stock raiser.  He is now the owner of a fine improved farm containing 160 acres.  In 1855 he was united in marriage to Miss Arrianna MOTE, daughter of Jeremiah and Rebecca PICKARD Mote.    She was born in Parke County January 28, 1827 her parents having come to this County from Ohio in 1825.  Her father was born March 17, 1798 and died April 5, 1828.  Her mother was born November 22, 18796 and died September 11, 1868.  Mr. Chapman has a family of six children living: Mary E; Jeremiah; James; Rebecca J; John W. and Amanda E.  (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)

CHAPMAN, George B., second son of George and Elizabeth Chapman was born on a farm one mile west of Bloomingdale, Parke County, Indiana.  He acquired his education in the common schools and in the Bloomingdale Academy.  When a young man, Mr. Chapman learned the carpenter trade and that occupation with farming has been the business of his life.  In 1861, he enlisted in the 9th In Battery and served in it for 12 months, during which time he participated in the battles of Shiloh & Corinth.  At Shiloh he was wounded in the left arm so severely that he was unfit for duty and received an honorable discharge.  Returning to his home, he remained there until September 1863 when he assisted in raising a company and again entered the service and was elected orderly Sergeant.  His Company  was assigned to the 11th Indiana Cavalry.  He served as orderly for one year when he was promoted to 1st Lt. which office he filled till the end of the war.  In 1855, he married Martha A. MORRIS who bore him 5 children.  She died in 1864 and Mr. Chapman was married again in 1866 to Ann CARTER by whom he has one child.  Mr. Chapman is still living on the farm where he was born, and carries on the business of farming and building.    Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke County Atlas of IN 1874, Page 36 -

George B. CHAPMAN was born in Penn Township over 80 years ago.  He was a farmer, went in the 9th Indiana Battery and was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh.  He afterwards served in Co "F" 11th In Cavalry of which he was commissioned First Lieutenant.  He was elected Sheriff of Parke County in 1874 and was reelected in1 876.  He located at San Diego California where he resided for about 25 years and died there about four years ago.  Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke County Atlas of IN Centennial, 1816-1916, Page 123.

CHAPMAN, John W., was born on a farm in Parke County, on the 25th of May 1838.  His early life was spent on the farm and in obtaining an education.  He graduated in 1856 at the Bloomingdale Academy.  In 1861 he enlisted in the 9th In Battery and served therein until 1865.  During his term of service Mr. Chapman was in the battle of Shiloh, where his battery fought for two days continuously.  His next experience was at Corinth, where they besieged Gen. Beauregard and drove him from that stronghold.  The severe labor and exposure consequent upon these battles prostrated him with the low form of typhoid fever from which so many gallant men lost their lives during those dark and bloody days and he was sent to the hospital in Evansville and thence to Terre Haute.  From There was ordered back to Evansville and having, in his own opinion, so far recovered as to be able for duty, asked to be sent to the front but was refused when he flatly refused to stay longer in hospital, knowing that the Government both needed and demanded his services in the field.  For this honorable course, Mr. Chapman was arrested and confined in the city prison for 4 days.  Upon his release he applied in person to his commanding officer and stating the facts in the case, was promptly furnished with a pass and commended for his conduct.  He joined his command at Bolivar, Tennessee in September 1862.  Form this time till the spring of 1864 his command protected the base of supplies in Kentucky and Tennessee.  After this he participated in General Sherman's campaign in Miss; was with Gen. Bank's Red River campaign in Louisiana during which time he participated in 15 battles.  He served until the close of the war when he received an honorable discharge. Mr. Chapman's career in the army was a most trying one to him, but reflects honor both upon him and the community in which he lives.  Mr. Chapman was married in 1858 to Ruth Newland.  His home is in Bloomingdale and his neighbors have shown their respect for his services and character by electing him to the office of School trustee.   -  Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke County Atlas of IN 1874, Page 40

John H. CHENOWETH is a native son of Parke County, having been born in Union Township December 6, 1868.  He is one of the enterprising and wide awake young farmers of Adams Township, his home being on Section 12.  It has been often remarked that the agriculturists of the country are the bone and sinew of the nation, and surely they deserve to have their memory perpetuated as the true founders of our national prosperity. Mr. Chenoweth was reared upon a farm and it is not, therefore, strange that on arriving at man's estate he chose to continue in agricultural pursuits.  Cornelius B. Chenoweth, our subject's father, is now a resident of Illinois engaged in farming in Vermillion County.  He was one of the honored early settlers of Parke County where he resided several years. John H. Chenoweth was an infant of about 18 months when his parents removed to Bridgeton, this county and after living there for two years they moved to Vermillion County, where the early boyhood of our subject was passed.  When 13 he returned with his father to Parke County and in 1883, with his parents went to Gentry County, Missouri where he lived one year, then returned to Raccoon Township.  At the end of 3 years, the family emigrated to New Discovery, where Mr. Chenoweth lived until a year before his marriage. The date of that important event in Mr. Chenoweth's life was October 1891, when he was united in wedlock with Mrs. Alice E, widow of George W. Adams of Parke County.  Mrs. Chenoweth is the daughter of Archibald B. Collings and was born on the old homestead in this county.  She was educated in the common schools and is a cultured and most estimable lady.  Soon after his marriage, Mr. Chenoweth removed to a farm adjoining the one which he now carries on, but only lived there one year, after which he settled on his present farm. This place comprises 155 acres, a part of which is under good cultivation and well improved.  Good buildings have been placed on the premises and altogether the farm is considered a valuable one.  The owner has, of late years especially, given most of his time and attention to raising fine stock.  In his political affiliations Mr. Chenoweth supports the Democratic Party and is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association.  He is a member of the New Discovery Missionary Baptist Church.  He is held in the highest respect by the many friends and acquaintances he has in the neighborhood of his home, and though quite young has already succeed as a farmer to a degree of which one many years his senior might well be envious.  This result is entirely owing to the native qualities of industry, perseverance and energy that he has called into requisition and it is safe to predict that before many years have elapsed he will be one of the most prosperous and extensive farmers of the county. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana, Chicago: Chapman Brothers, Page. 419

John D. CHRISTIAN is one of the leading farmers of Carlyle Township and one of the reliable citizens of Allen County on whom have been conferred positions of public trust and responsibility.  He was born in Parke County, Indiana October 15, 1847, his parents being Robert and Mary m. Gilkeson Christian both of whom were natives of Augusta County, Virginia.  In 1835 they removed to Indiana locating on the old homestead farm which is now in possession of their sons, John D. and Gilbert M, who are the only survivors in their family of 5 children.  The latter resides in Rockville, Indiana. The father died 1855 at age 63 and the mother's death occurred 1898 when she had attained the advanced age of 82.  John D. Christian spent his boyhood days on the home farm and was educated in the common schools.  He remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, when with the restless spirit of energy he resolved to seek a business opening in the west and made his way to Kansas in 1869.  He found employment on a farm in Carlyle Township, Allen County and later was employed to herd cattle, following that pursuit until he had saved some money when he entered into a partnership for the purpose of buying and selling cattle on his own account.  He was thus engaged for 8 years, during which time he had acquired through his own exertions a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase a tract of prairie land.  This he at once began to improve and from time to time he has added to his first purchase, until now within the boundaries of his farm is comprised a tract of 240 acres situated in Carlyle Township,  8 miles north of Iola.  His place is well improved with modern accessories and conveniences, although not an improvement had been made upon the farm when it came into his possession. T he entire place is a monument to his enterprise and the buildings stand in material evidence of his energy and diligence.  Mr. Christian was married in 1874 to Miss Rachel Dennis but after 3 years of married life she was called to her final rest.  In 1887 Mr. Christian wedded Miss Rosa McGurk, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Daniel and Sophia McGurk, who came to Kansas in 1880.  Mr. and Mrs. Christian have six children: Maggie; Robert; John; Cary; Edwin and Bernice.  In connection with his only brother Mr. Christian now owns the old home farm in Parke County, Indiana comprising 100 acres of valuable land adjoining Rockville, which is one of the wealthiest towns of its size in the Hoosier state.  For 18 years he filled the office of treasurer of Carlyle Township and in 1898 he was nominated and elected by a large majority on the Republican ticket for the office of county commissioner, which he has filled with satisfaction to his constituents.  Over his official record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil and his has been an honorable and upright career in which he has gained and retained the warm friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact. - Duncan, L. Wallace.  History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas: Iola, Kansas. Iola Register, 1901, Page 146

CLARK, Daniel, farmer, Carbon, was born February 8, 1826, in Warren County, Ohio, and is the son of Ross and Elizabeth B. (MAY) Clark.  His father, Ross Clark, was born October 15, 1796, was not a church member, but died in the Baptist faith, his father having been a minister in the regular Baptist church.  He had been very benevolent and active in doing good in the church.  Mrs. Elizabeth Clark was born July 16, 1805 and still lives in Vermilion County, and is a member of the Methodist Church.  The latter is a native of Virginia, and the former of Warren County, Ohio.  The Clarks lived in Ohio when they were obliged to fortify themselves against the Indians.  When Daniel was 5 years of age, his parents moved to Vermillion County, IN.  Here Daniel was schooled in the "brush college" of the times and taught the mobility of toil.  He married Nancy MARTIN of Vermillion County March 2, 1847.  They were blessed with one child, William b, born January 4, 1850.  October 8, 1852 at the age of 24 years, 11 months and 29 days, Mrs. Clark closed her eyes in death.  August 27, 1857, Mr. Clark was married to Tabitha E. SMITH daughter of Rev. William H. and Eleanor (LITZENBE) Smith.  She was born May 28, 1825 in Gibson County, Indiana.  Her mother was born July 19, 1802. Her father, William H. Smith was born in Georgia April 12, 1796.  He was educated in the common schools of the day.  He early entered the ministry of the Methodist Church in 1820, when he was licensed to exhort.  He was ordained deacon by Bishop Roberts in 1824 and in 1825 was ordained elder by the same bishop.  He preached almost constantly.  In 1835, he bought a farm in Parke County where Catlin now is and sold in 1859.  During his life he labored zealously in the cause of his Master, and his name is familiar in all part of Parke County.  His labors extended over the larger part of Indiana, also in Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio.  He lies bur. at Roberts Chapel, Greencastle, in, his death occurring Sunday afternoon, September 29, 1878.  He left a loving wife and five children.  Mrs. Smith, now 78 years of age, lives with her daughter, Mrs. Daniel Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have a family of 4 children: Owen T, born July 31, 1860; Lillian M., July 24, 1862; Daniel S., March 30, 1864 and Rosalena E, April 12, 1866.  The family are united in the Methodist Faith.  Mr. Clark is a thorough republican.  He is a charter member of the Carbon Soc. of Freemasons and treas. in that lodge.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

CLARK, Eli and America both deceased, came from Tennessee to Parke County and settled on a farm in Green Township in 1829.  The farm was one of the first entered there.  Mr. Clark was born in 1800 and died in 1864.  His son, Robert worked at the carpenter's trade, but later devoted his time principally conducting a farm of about 200 acres, until his death a short time ago.  1816-1916 Historical Sketch of Parke County Parke County Centennial Memorial. The Rockville Chautauqua Association; published with other atlases in one-volume by the Parke County Historical Society, 1996)

CLARK, Margaret B, farmer, Rosedale, was born January 1, 1845 in Adams Township, and is the daughter of Walker and Sarah (BELL) ADAMS.  Walker Adams was born January 18, 1810 in Mercer County Kentucky, and now resides in New Discovery, Adams Township.  He is the son of James Adams, who was born October 21, 1773 and died April 9, 1853.  Mrs. Clark has always lived on the farm.  She was married June 16, 1866 to Matthias CLARK.  The latter was born in Kentucky in 1824 and died in Raccoon Township June 31, 1874.  Matthias Clark came to Parke County in 1845.  He began life in limited circumstances, but acquired a good property, owning 280 acres of land and all kinds of stock when he died.  He was very successful, and always made money.  He was married 3 times, was a Democrat and a deacon in the Baptist Church.  He was an honest, energetic man, kind and indulgent to his family, respected by all who knew him and lamented when he died.  He owned a store in Bridgeton with Dr. Crooks for about 12 years.  Mrs. Clark has had two children: Mary C, born August 1, 1868, died August31, 1868; Howard W, January 21, 1871.  Mrs. Clark is a member of the Baptist church and resides on the old farm.  Beadle, J. H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

CLARK, Robert, farmer, Judson, was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee. March 22, 1828 and is the son of Eli L and America Clark, who were natives of TN and came to Parke County in 1829 and settled in Green Township, on the farm now owned by their son, Eli Clark.  The farm was one among the first entered in that part of the county, and was entered by John SMOCK.  Mr. Clark's father was born in 1800 and died in 1864 and his mother is still living in the county.  Mr. Clark served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for many years, since which time he has been engaged in farming and stock raising.  He began without anything but a good will to work.  He saved his money, and at the present time he is the owner of 180 acres of land.  March 26, 1857, he was married to Amanda BROWNNELLE, who came to Parke County with her grandfather, John OLDSHUE in 1836.  She was born in Richland County, Ohio, September 18, 1835.  Their family consists of 7 children living: Nelson B; Emma M; Cara A; Mary J; Mattie R; Howard and LaVerne; and two deceased, America E. and Edward B.  (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)

Robert CLARK is a Prosperous farmer of Washington Township Parke County where he owns a homestead of about 200 acres on Section 24.  He was born in Rutherford County Tennessee March 22, 1828 a son of Eli L. and America Nancy Clark.  Our subject's paternal grandparents were Jesse and Martha Clark.  The former was born in North Carolina, in which state he was reared to manhood, having but limited educational privileges.  Being early inured to farm life; it is little wonder that he adopted that calling for his life work.   After marrying in his native state he then emigrated to Rutherford Co, Tennessee where he had a small farm. Some years later, in 1825, he again removed, becoming a resident of Parke County where he was one of the honored early settlers.  He entered land of the Government and in the course of time became the owner of a farm about 500 acres, some two miles south of where our subject now lives. His family comprised 7 children, who grew to mature years but have long since passed away.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and politically a Jackson Democrat.  He reached the advanced age of 90, but his wife departed life many years previously.  Eli L. Clark, our subject's father was born in Tennessee in 1800 and was there brought up on his father's farm.  He came with his parents to Indiana, prior to which time, however, he had been married.   As his father before him, he followed agricultural pursuits and became the owner of 180 acres in this county most of which he improved.  He reared a family of 11 children of whom our subject is the eldest.  3 of the family circle have been called from this life - remaining are: Jesse; Elizabeth; Martha; Amanda; Mary; America and Sarah.  The father held to the faith of the Presbyterian Church but as there was no organization near his home he was necessarily dropped from the membership.  He used his right of franchise in favor of the Democratic Party.  His death occurred in 1864, his wife 1878.  Robert Clark's school days were assed in the primitive log school house of former years, which was of the rudest description.  In his youth he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it for 10 years.  He remained at home until reaching his 29th year but had made his own livelihood for a number of years previous to that time.  In 1857, march 26, he wedding Miss Amanda Brownell, who is a native of the Buckeye State and soon after he purchased his farm, which is still his place of abode and which was then only partly improved.  He has devoted himself to its proper cultivation and management with admirable results.  Mr. Clark and his estimable wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically a Democrat. Mrs. Clark's grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812 and two of her uncles participated in the Mexican War.  10 children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Clark.  3 died in childhood; others are: Nelson B, a teacher at Judson; Emma, Mrs. Dr. J. T. Ball; Carrie, wife of George H. Barnes; Josephine; Mattie; Howard B, a student at Lafayette and Amanda Laverne. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 555 

CLARK, Thomas C., druggist, Bridgeton, was born in Logan County, Kentucky, November 17, 1854 and is the son of John A. and Amerial O. (HAWKINS) Clark.  His father was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, in 1812, and died in Parke County April 26, 1869.  He was a merchant tailor, and worked at his trade in Terre Haute and Rosedale.  He was justice of the peace for several years, was a Mason, a member of the Christian Church, and in politics a Jackson Democrat.  He was a man who read a good deal, was well versed in phrenology, and was of a generous and liberal mind.  Mr. Clark's mother was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, in 1816 and died in Parke County July 8, 1878.  She was a member of the Baptist church and took an active interest in religion.  Mr. Clark worked on the farm, after his father's death, till March 1, 1875, when he began his clerkship in the drug store for Dr. James Crooks, and has been there ever since.  When he began he knew nothing about the business, but has become a very efficient druggist.  Mr. Clark is a young man of good character and industrious habits.  He is a member of the Baptist church and in politics a democrat. Beadle, J. H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

CLARK, William T., an enterprising farmer and stock raiser, resides on Section 22, Walnut Township, Montgomery County, where he has a productive and well-conducted farm.  He is a native of Shelby County, Kentucky and was born July 27, 1830.   His father was Campbell P. Clark, who was born in Virginia and was a son of William Clark, who moved from Virginia to Kentucky when his son Campbell was 4 years old and settled in Shelby County, 8 miles from Shelbyville.  Campbell Clark was reared in Shelby County, and was married there to Miss Mary LEE, whose father was a farmer.  In 1832, 3 years after their marriage, he came to Indiana and entered 160 acres of land of the Government in Parke County. He was one of the earliest settlers of the county, and resided there until his death at a ripe age, January 1, 1881.  He was very successful in his pioneer labors, cleared his land and brought it to a high state of cultivation and added to it by further purchase until he owned a fine farm of 320 acres, upon which he erected good buildings.  Mr. Clark was a member of the Old School Baptist Church.  In early manhood he was a Whig politically but after that party became a thing of the past he identified himself with the Republican Party.  After his first wife's death he married Mrs. JONES, a widow and daughter of John LEE, a Baptist preacher in Montgomery County.  She followed her husband to the grave 12 years after his demise.  Mr. Clark was the father of 7 children, all of whom grew to maturity: William T; Elizabeth Francis, who became the wife of Lindsey McMullen and died in 1864; Sarah Ann, wife of Simeon VanCleave; James Franklin who died in 1885; Matilda, who married Francis McMullen and is now dead; Abraham, a farmer in Parke County and Henry H, a farmer in Cass County, Mo.  Mr. Clark also reared a niece, Harriet Ellen Miller, now the wife of Bart Dooley of Parke County.  Our subject was bur two years old when his father came to Indiana.  He was reared in Parke County, near Waveland, and remained at the paternal home until he was 40 affording his father valuable assistance on the farm.  He was married February 14, 1861, to Miss Nancy B. VanCleave, daughter of Benjamin VanCleave, who was a cousin of old Jonathan VanCleave.  Our subject lived on his father's farm until 1870 when he removed to Walnut Township, Montgomery County, and located 2 1/2 miles W. of New Ross, where he resided for about 13 years.  His farm at that point consisted of 80 acres, the most of which he improved himself, remaining thereon until 1883, when he sold that place and purchased the farm which he has since made his home.  It consists of 110 acres, which Mr. Clark, by his industry, perseverance and good management has brought to a fine state of tillage, and its improvements are of a substantial character.  Our subject having lost his first wife by death married Catherine DUKE, daughter of George Duke, a shoemaker of Montgomery County.  Mr. Clark is the father of the following children born of the first marriage, four of whom are living: Henry Clay, a grain merchant at Fredericksburg; who married Minnie, daughter of Jacob Johnson, a farmer of Walnut Township; George W, who married Martha, daughter of William LAWTER and lives in Clark Township; Nancy Ann, and Charles who resides at home; Catherine died when 7 years of age.  Mary Ellen and John died in infancy.  Our subject affiliates with the Republican Party.  Religiously he is an influential member of the Old School Baptist Church, in which he holds the offices of Treasurer and Trustee.  He is a strong temperance man and is warmly interested in the success of the movement.  Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties (Chapman Brothers, 1893) p 380

CLICKENER, John L., farmer, Waterman, was born in New Jersey in 1831 in Hunterton County, and is the son of Marcus and Mary (LaTourette) Clickener.  He came W. in 1857, crossing the Ohio River July 29 and arriving in Fountain County in August.  On the 1st of August while on the way from Covington to Veedersburg, the farmers were engaged in harvesting wheat and it appeared to be then very green; this was an unprecedented late harvest.  His ancestors on the father's side came from the city of Strasburg, Germany while those on his mother's side were Huguenot refugees from Rochelle, France, who were aiming to land in South Carolina, but the vessel having been driven off her course they landed on Staten Island and there located.  His grandfather was one of the revolutionary heroes, and was engaged at the battle of Yorktown, where he lost a leg.  His father was also a soldier and served throughout the war of 1812, and was at the battle of Lundy's Lane and several other engagements.  Up to 1866, when he moved to Liberty Township, Mr. Clickener had been engaged at carpenter work, but since that time has devoted his time to farming.  His farm of 160 acres is situated on Mill Creek and is one of the best in the county.  His house, situated on a bluff, is handsome and commodious, being located on a magnificent site.  January 1, 1860 he was married to Miss Susan LaTourette, and they have 4 children: George, Charles, Annie and Kate.  Mr. Clickener is a prominent member of the greenback labor party.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

Valentine CLINE, a well known and honored resident of Indianola, Iowa who is now living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, was born in Adams County Ohio and is descended from German ancestry.  His great grandfather was a native of Germany and when a young man emigrated to America locating in Virginia.  The grandfather of our subject, John Cline was born in the Old Dominion and lived to be 75.  He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and throughout his life followed farming. The father of our subject Wilson Cline was born in Virginia and died at age 45.  By trade he was a carpenter and became one of the pioneer settlers of Adams County, Ohio.  He married Miss Elizabeth SILCOTT a native of Virginia and daughter of William and Elizabeth Silcott. Her father was a native of Germany and during his childhood came with his parents to America.  His death occurred at the advanced age of 85 and his wife died when 35.  The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was left an orphan at age 9 and went to the West in company with his uncle, Jarrett Silcott, locating in Parke County, Indiana. There he remained for 3 years when in September 1854 he came to Warren County Iowa which he made his home for two years.  On the expiration of that period he returned to Parke County and was there united in marriage on 28 September 1856 to Miss Elizabeth Ball.  On the 31st of October 1862 he felt that he could no longer remain contentedly at home while his country was engaged in Civil War and enlisted in defense of the union at Rosedale, Parke County, Indiana.  He was mustered in about 10 days later as a private of Company C, 123rd Indiana Infantry and drilled there one month. In December the regiment started for Louisville, Kentucky and thence went to Nashville, Tennessee where it was assigned to duty with the First Division, Second Brigade, 23rd Army Corps.  The troops then marched to Chattanooga and with the command Mr. Cline participated in several skirmishes, including one at Tatter Hill and one Cumberland Gap. They met the rebels in battle at Resaca, Georgia the engagement lasting all Saturday and Sunday and in the evening of the second day they started in pursuit of the Confederates. They took part in the battles of Burnt Hickory and Big Shanty and struck the main column of the opposing army at Kennesaw Mountain where there was a general engagement in which the 123rd Indiana suffered heavily, losing 40 killed and many wounded. Mr. Cline was wounded by a spent ball and lay in the hospital six weeks but joined the company again before the fall of Atlanta.  He participated in that battle, and was then given a furlough returning home to vote for Lincoln in 1864. He joined the army again at Columbia, Tennessee participated in the battle there and also at Franklin where the regiment lost 200 killed and over 300 wounded.  With his command, Mr. Cline then went to Nashville, where Hood made a desperate effort to capture the city but was routed and his army scattered.  The Union corps was then sent to Clifton on the Tennessee River and took boats for Washington City where they spend 3 weeks in February 1865. They then sailed down the Potomac to Ft. Fisher and after participating in the engagement there took part in the battle of Wilmington going thence to Newbern.  Landing they marched across the country to Goldsboro and meeting the army of General Bragg an engagement was brought on, the enemy being routed.  From Raleigh the troops proceeded to Charlotte where they camped until September 1865 and were then mustered out. The regiment at once returned to Indianapolis where they were discharged on 6th of September and Mr. Cline at once returned to his home in Parke County.  He was a brave and faithful soldier, always found at his post of duty and won for himself an honorable war record worthy of perpetuation on the pages of the history of his adopted country.  Mr. Cline resided in Parke County until October 1869 when he brought his family to Warren County Iowa and purchased a 1/4 section of land in Otter Township to the cultivation and improvement of which he devoted his energies until November 1880.  Since that time he has lived retired in Indianola.  He still owns 80 acres of his original farm, however and 15 acres within the corporation limits of the city where he raises many varieties of fruits. In 1882 Mr. Cline was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who died on the 14th of January of that year.  She was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church from early childhood.  In their family were 7 children, the oldest being George H.  He was born in Hancock County, Illinois April 23, 158 and was married September 6, 1881 to Cordelia F. Middlesnart who was born May 12, 1864. They had 7 children: Jessie May born November 24, 1882; Nellie L born August 9, 1884; Marian Elsie born June 18, 1886; Laura Belle born December 16, 1887 and died 1 August 1889; Harry W born March 3, 1891 and died February 28, 1892; Ruth Ina born June 16, 1892 and George Earle born April 3, 1895.  The second child of the family, Willis L. is a prominent and known liveryman of Indianola.  He was born in Parke County, Indiana September 28, 1860 and remained with his father until he attained majority when he started out in life for himself.  He is now doing a good business and has a liberal patronage.  He was married February 6, 1883, to Minerva HINES who was born in Warren County February 11, 1866.  They have five children: Freddie Wilbur born April 27, 1884; Cora Maud born November 21, 1885; Charles Leonard born October 15, 1887; Ida May born October 29, 1890 and Bonnie Laura born November 13, 1892.  The third child, Marion was born in Parke county Indiana but went West in 1882 and has not been hear from since.  John F, also born in Parke County married Lizzie Morris and has 3 children: Effie, Hazel and Walter. The remaining members of the family: Pearl, Charlie and Louanna are all natives of Warren County.  Mr. Cline of this review was again married April 13, 1883, his second union being with Mary E. Shepherd by whom he had 5 children: Mabel; Lizzie; Maggie; Frank and Hattie.  Since the age of 22 Mr. Cline has been a consistent member of the Methodist Church.  In politics he has been a republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has served as Road Supervisor and School Director.  The Cline family is one of prominence in this county and its representatives in Indianola are numbered among the leading residents of the city. - A Memorial and biographical record of Iowa  Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1896, Page 855

Henry H. CLORE owns one of the finest residences in the northern part of Parke County, which is situated on his finely improved farm on Section 1, Sugar Creek Township. He is a native son of the county, having been born in Howard Township in 1849. His parents are Howard and Margaret DEER Clore, the former born in Boone County, Kentucky in 1819.   Grandfather, Israel Clore was of German descent. The two brothers of his wife served in the War of 1812. Israel Clore, soon after his marriage, removed to Boone County, Kentucky, where he bought land and settled at a very early day. Of his children, two are still living, namely Howard and Simeon, who live in Montgomery County, Indiana. The others were Joel and Melinda, Lucinda, Uriel and Berryman. The last two died within the last year. In 1837, the father of Israel Clore removed to Indiana, locating in Montgomery County. He had also made a number of trips to this state, where he entered land of the Government. He was a hard worker and whenever he could get a little money ahead he would come to Indiana and enter land, sometimes walking all the way from Boone County. He was drafted for the War of 1812, but hired a substitute. His death occurred August 18, 1854 and that of his wife April 17, 1870. He was first a Jacksonian Democrat, and afterward became a Whig. He was a member of the Hard Shell Baptist Church. To each of his children he gave a good farm about 160 acres. Howard Clore was educated in the subscription schools of Kentucky, which he never attended more than 6 days after he was 10. On December 12, 1839, he married Margaret Deer, whose father, John Deer, was a native of Virginia, removed to Kentucky, and finally located in Montgomery County, Indiana where he entered land at an early day. Mrs. Clore was born in Boone County, Kentucky and died November 6, 1856. After his first marriage Mr. Clore located on the farm which he now operates on Section 16, Howard Township, Parke County. No improvements had then been placed upon the farm, which has since been developed entirely by him. In 1868 he built the large and imposing house where he now lives. Before this his home had been an old-fashioned double log house. His farm comprises 520 acres, which with the exception of 40 acres, is all in one body.  On New Years Day, 1859, Howard Clore was again married, the lady being Sarah DEER, sister of his first wife. After her death he married Mrs. Elizabeth FRAME. He had 11 children by his first union, 5 by his second. Those living are: Amanda Ellen, who lives at home; Henry Harrison, subject of this sketch; Sarah L; Howard, Jr. who is a farmer in Lucas County, Iowa; and Whitfield, who is engaged in partnership with his brother Howard in stock-raising in Lucas County, where they have 850 acres of land. In 1852 Mr. Clore went to Iowa and entered about 700 acres of land. Mr. Clore, Sr. has his farm superintended by another and is not actively engaged himself on account of his age. He has one of the finest farms in the county, all upland. He has a large amount of stock on the place and in the past has raised considerable for the market. His home was built at a cost of $8000 in 1868. Mr. Clore is honored by all who know him and though not a church member, has a strong love for everything relating to religion, especially that inclining toward Universalism.  Henry H. Clore received a district school education in Howard Township, where he resided until shortly before his marriage, which occurred in his 20th year, the lady being Miss Susanna M. daughter of Franklin and Sarah SOWERS MYERS. Mrs. Clore was born in Jackson Township, Fountain County, Indiana where her parents were early settlers. They were both natives of North Carolina. Six children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, their names being as follows: Franklin F.; Lillie M.; Lydia J.; Otha E.; Bessie B. and Bertha. Soon after his marriage Henry Clore removed to Lucas County, Iowa where his father had entered 279 acres. This he carried on and resided upon for four year, but becoming dissatisfied returned to Indiana, settling first in Montgomery County and afterward removing to his present farm, which comprises 178 acres. The owner is especially interested in stock fine variety of good animals. He erected a beautiful home on n his place which is the abode of hospitality and good cheer. Politically he is a supporter of the Republican Party. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) Page 555 

CLORE, Howard farmer and stock raiser, Waveland, is one of the most successful business men in Howard Township.  He was born in Kentucky. In 1819, and is the son of Israel and Frances (Deer) Clore.  His parents were natives of Madison County, Virginia His father was born in 1779 and died 18554; his mother born 1783 died 1871.  His father never lost an opportunity to impress upon his family the duty of honesty in their dealings with men.  Howard Clore emigrated to Montgomery County. From Kentucky; with his parents, in 1837.  In 1837, he was married to Margaret Deer, daughter of John and Margaret (Clore) Deer, both natives of Madison County, Virginia; they emigrated to Kentucky, and then to Montgomery County, Indiana. By this union, he became the father of 11 children, all of whom are dead but Hannah E; Sarah l and Henry H, who is married to Maria A. Myers.  William W, deceased was a volunteer in the 115th Indiana reg.  He died in 1865, aged 25 years.  His first wife died in 1845; aged 35 years.  He was married a second time, in 1857, to Sarah A. Deer, sister to his former wife and by this marriage they have 5 children, three now living: Howard D, Whitfield and Robert A.  This second wife died in 1873, aged 49 years.  He was married a third time, to Elizabeth Frame, daughter of Robert and Mary (Smeak) LaFollette, both natives of Hardin County, Kentucky.  They emigrated to Montgomery County, Indiana in 1826, and he died in 1876, aged 73 years.  Mr. Clore's paternal grandmother was a pioneer settler in Virginia, and lived to a good old age.  His maternal grandmother, after having raised a family in Virginia, immigrated to Kentucky, and a second time became a pioneer settler. Mr. Clore settled in Howard Township, where he now lives in 1839.  His education was such as the pioneer schools could give.  In religious belief, he is a Predestination Baptist, but has never united with the church.  His father was of the same faith, but, owing to a split in the church, never became a member after he left Kentucky.  Mr. Clore has a well improved and stocked farm of 400 acres located along the line separating Howard Township from Montgomery County.  Lately he has deed his children 1, 299 acres of western land. In politics he is a staunch republican.  He was raised to believe in equal rights.  (1880 History of Parke County, Indiana J. H. Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers)  ( 1874 Atlas of Parke County has H. Clore Section 16 Farming born Boone County Kentucky came to Parke County 1840 )

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Howard CLORE, the 7th child of Israel and Francis Clore was born on a farm in Boone County Kentucky on the 23rd day of March, 1819. In 1837 he removed to Indiana and lived for 2 years in Montgomery when he removed to Parke County. And settled on the farm where he still lives. He is now one of the most extensive farmers in the northern portion of the county, having under cultivation 300 acres of land and he has besides 1000 acres of land in Iowa and Missouri, a part of which is under cultivation. Mr. Clore began life a poor man, but being a man of remarkable business qualifications, has accumulated a large amount of valuable landed property. In early life he was a Whig, but since the formation of the Republican Party he has been one of his most active and zealous supporters. Mr. Clore is now a widower, his second wife having died on the 30th day of December 1873 - 1874 - Atlas of Parke County, Page 40

David CLOYD, Atherton, farmer was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1825 and in 1827 his father, John Cloyd came to Parke County, Indiana and settled in Florida Township, where he remained until 1857.  He then removed to Champaign County, Illinois where he died in 1868.  His wife's maiden name was Sususan Boatman, a native of Kentucky, who died in Parke County in 1828.  David Cloyd remained in Parke County until 1876 and then removed to Vigo County where he has since been following his former occupation of a farmer.  In 1850 he was married to Miss Sarah Kilburn, daughter of Henry Kilburn who was born in Parke County, Indiana in 1832.  By their marriage they have 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters: Susan, Amanda E, wife of J. H Johnson; Henry M; John and Valentine.  Mr. Cloyd has by his own industry become the owner of 101 acres of land in Parke County. - History of Vigo & Parke Counties.  Chicago: HW Beckwith, 1880.  Otter Creek Township, Page 508

COBBLE, Peter, miller and farmer, Lena, was born April 20, 1828 in Kentucky, and is the son of Michael and Margaret OSBORN Cobble.  His father was born in Germany and his mother in Kentucky, but her people were Virginians.  His father died when he, Peter, was 4 years of age, and is bur. in Kentucky.  Peter then lived with his mother, who came to Hendricks County Indiana and married John PRITCHETT; the latter died October 26, 1879.  Peter was raised on the farm till 13 years of age, when he began the mill business, which has been his principal occupation since.  At different times he has controlled saw and grist mills in Hendricks, Clay, Putnam, Parke and Montgomery counties.  Besides his milling interests he owns 160 acres of land in the southeast part of Jackson Township.  Mr. Cobble has stood firmly in the democratic ranks all his life, having cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce.  Mr. Cobble was married to Eliz. ALLEN, daughter of Elijah and Louisa (RUSSELL) Allen, April 11, 1858 and 7 children have been born to them: Louisa; Lucinda; Crena; Alfred; Jerusha J; Hester and Peter, Jr.  His wife died March 12, 1872.  He was married next, April 20, 1876 to Melissa E. (HIGBY) PAQUE.  Mr. Cobble is a member of and Tyler in, the Masonic lodge of Lena.  He came to Parke County in 1864.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

COBLE, Samuel, farmer and stock raiser, Rosedale, was born in Carroll County, Ohio July 15, 1838, and here lived with his parents until their removal to Parke County, in April 1850.  Upon reaching Indianapolis Mr. Coble's father was compelled to walk to Raccoon Township. To obtain a team to haul their goods.  He was accompanied by young Samuel, which is still reckoned as his first great walk.  His father, George Coble, came to Parke as above stated and settled in Florida Section 21, and after renting one year moved to Raccoon.  He was born In Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania March 12, 1812, and here lived until his 17th year which marks the time of his removal to Carroll Ohio  which journey was made on foot.  He soon hired out by the month and in 1846 went to Missouri.  Staying one year, he returned to Ohio.  Married in Ohio in the spring of 1837, to Miss Mary A. McKahan, who died August 7, 1871.  His father died February 15, 1877.  They were both members of the Christian Church.  When 19 Mr. Coble learned the blacksmith trade at New Discovery.  The summer following was spent at home, and then hired to B. W. NEWTON.  In the spring of 1860 he commenced work for Barnett LEWIS, and continued here until he enlisted in the army and after his return another year.  He then rented the Hector SMITH farm for 7 years, one year of which was in partnership with B. R. CALFEE.  In December 1871, he purchased 120 acres on Section21 and moved to his present home December23, 1873.  His farm contains 226 acres.  August 14, 1862 he enlisted in Company G 85th Indiana Infantry and was mustered out June 29, 1865.  His first principal engagement was at Spring Hill where he was captured March 5, 1863 and then to Libby prison where he was compelled to remain 9 days.  He was then paroled and finally reached Indianapolis from which place they were again sent to the field June 9.  He was also in the engagements at Buzzard Roost, Golgotha, New Hope Church, Resaca, Dallas Woods, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and others.  Mr. Coble kept a diary from the beginning to the close of his military service and to read his notes written in Libby prison of raw meat, salt soup, spoiled beef and lack of water, is to read something full of interest of no ordinary character.  August 18, 1867 he was married to Caroline MARK, whose father's name was Thomas Mark, who died January 1, 1863.  Her mother, Eliza GIBSON Mark died May 13, 1853.  Mrs. Coble was born June 13, 1851.  Mr. Coble is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; his wife of the Christian.  He is a firm republican. 

COCHRAN, James H., hotelkeeper, Rockville, was born near Princeton in Gibson County, Indiana April 12, 1819.  He was the oldest child of William and Elizabeth (COLVIN) Cochran.  His father died when he was 13.  He partly learned the wagon maker's trade, but not liking it, went to carpentering.  For many years at first he did but little at either.  About 1845, his health failing, he began clerking in a hotel at Princeton, Indiana for William H. Boicourt, and continued in his employ until after the latter removed to Evansville in 1850.  He then went into the grocery business in the same place.  In little over a year he sold out, and went to Mt. Carmel, Illinois where he ran a hotel upward of a year, when he came back to Evansville and opened the "Railroad House."  He kept this until 1855, when, his wife having died, he quit the business and engaged again with Boicourt as hotel clerk.  His first married was with Miss Mary Anderson, December 25, 1850. She died July 16, 1854.  He was married again October 3, 1855 this time to Margaret DEERE.  Two children were the issue of the first union: Alice A, wife of Joseph HUNT of Buena Vista, Col; and Morris J, dealer in mining claims in Colorado.   By the last married there have been the following children: Millard F, dead; Kate M, dead; Laura B, Jennie, John W, William S., dead; Rosa B, dead; and Charlie F.  Shortly after his second married, Mr. Cochran went into the employ of the Evansville & Crawfordsville Railroad Company as general passenger agent.  In December 1863, he quit the service of the company and bought an interest in the Parke House, Rockville.  He ran this, in company with Thomas WILLIAMSON till 1865, when he bought out his partner.  He continued the business till July 1868 when he rented his hotel and bought a stock of books and stationery, and in the spring of 1869 having sold his hotel property, he moved his goods to Evansville and going into speculations, broke up.  It was then that he realized the advantage of being a tradesman.  He returned at once to his plane and saw, and kept close companionship with his tools till 1873, when he left Evansville for Montezuma, where he was in the hotel business till 1878.  At that time he came to Rockville, and has since ran the "Central house." Mr. C. Joined the General Baptist church about 1840; in 1860 he united with  the Methodist denomination.  He has been Sunday school superintendent, class leader, trustee and is now an elder.  His wife is a  member of the society.  He has been an Odd Fellow since 1847 and has filled all the elective offices in the subordinate lodge.  Politically, he is firmly grounded in republican principles. 

COLE, Jacob S., farmer, Mansfield, was born in Ross County, Ohio , February 9, 1838.  His father, John, was born in Virginia, August 3, 1793, went from Virginia to Ohio , and in 1840 settled in Raccoon Township, and died in October 1847.  His mother, Sarah, was born December 25, 1801, was a member of the Methodist Church, and died March 11, 1853.  Mr. Cole's grandfather and mother came from Germany.  Mr. Cole attended the common school and Rockville Seminary.  He began farming for himself, in 1860, with $25.  He now has a good farm of 120 acres about two miles from Mansfield.  He was first married October 25, 1860 to Eliza A. EVANS.  She was born September 15, 1843 and a member of the Baptist church, and died January 21, 1865.  They had four children by this marriage: Albert E., born August 31, 1861; Rose E., September 9, 1863, died January 21, 1865; Anna M., August 5, 1866; Minnie E., October 16, 1868.  Mr. Cole was married the second time December 17, 1871 to Sarah C. LANKFORD.  She was born October 9, 1840 and is the daughter of Robert and Sarah (SMITH) Lankford.  By this union they have had two children: Claude M, born May 18, 1874; Blanche M, January 9, 1879.  Robert Lankford was born in Maryland and settled in Raccoon Township in 1823.  Mr. Lankford sent four boys to the army, but not content with this he twice enlisted in the service of his country.  Jacob S. Cole enlisted February 13, 1864 in Company C., 11th Ind. Vols. and served to the close of the war.  He taught school several terms when a young man.  From 1869 to 1874 he was engaged in the dry goods business.  He has been a Mason about 21 years and has held several offices in that order.  Mr. Cole is an ardent republican and a good citizen.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

COLE, Joseph W., miller, Bridgeton, was born May 16, 1834 in Ross County Ohio and is the son of John and Sarah Cole.  Mr. Cole's father was born in Pennsylvania and died in Parke County.  He was a teamster in the War of 1812, a farmer, and a member of the Methodist Church.  Mr. Cole came with his parents to Parke County in 1843.  He began farming for himself in 1855, and continued in that business till 1862.  In August 1862 he enlisted in Company G 71st Ind. Vol. for 3 years.  He was in the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, was wounded in the fall of 1862 and discharged.  After he came home from the war he was unable to work much for two years, on account of his wound.  Mr. Cole was married February. 14, 1858 to Juniata BRIGGS.  She is the daughter of John and Elmira Briggs.  They have 11 children: Rosa M, born December 21, 1858 died March 11, 1861; Regina July 5, 1861 died April 15, 1862; John F April 11, 1863; Mary A March 16, 1864 died October 9, 1864; Martha J, September 11, 1865,died November 17, 1866; Sarah E, February 27, 1867; Frederic H May 11, 1869; William C February 12, 1871died August13, 1873; Carrie L September 30, 1874; Bertha C January 26, 1877; Margaret E July 13, 1878.  In 1864 Mr. Cole went into the milling business for Ralph Sprague, of Bridgeton and has been in his employ ever since, except 3 years that he was in business in Bellmore.  Mr. Cole is a Mason, in politics, a national, a member of the Methodist church and is a good-natured honest man. Beadle, J. H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

COLE, Oscar A., farmer, Rockville, was born May 2, 1860 at Catlin Station, Parke County.  He is a son of James a. And Sarah (KIRKPATRICK) Cole, and his father is a brother to Jacob Cole, whose sketch appears in this history.  When Oscar was a year and a half old his parents moved to Jackson Township, where the boy lived till 1879.  He was educated at the Rockville HS and at Valparaiso Northern Indiana Normal School.  January 21, 1879, he was united in married to Florence R. FORR, daughter Of Niles H. And Nannie (MULLIS) Forr.  Her father, Mr. Forr, was born near Greencastle.  The disease from which he had suffered so long, aggravated by all the vicissitudes of the war, compelled him to travel extensively.  But consumption overcame him July 25, 1876 aged 41 years.  At the time of the birth of Florence, wife of Mr. Cole, which occurred September 11, 1860, her parents lived at Greencastle.  In 1862 they moved to Clay County, and in 1870 to Parke near Lena, where Mr. Forr died.  Mr. Cole is solidly republican in principles.  They have one child, Ora A, born November 1, 1879.

COLEMAN, E. T., blacksmith, Bloomingdale, was born in Wayne County, North Carolina, in 1842, and came to Bartholomew County, Indiana in 1855.  His parents died when he was a mere boy.  He lived with his uncle until he was 13 years of age, at which time he went into the world to battle for himself, working at what he could find to do.  By saving his money, and being anxious to get an education, he would attend school in winter and work summers.  In this way he was able to educate himself so as to become a teacher, which he followed for some time, and in this way he was able to engage in his present business.  He never served an apprenticeship, but can do all kinds of work, both in wood and iron, and by doing honest work and using none but the very best material he is able to satisfy his many customers.  In 1872, he was married to Emily KERSEY of Parke County, and they have been blessed with three children: Horace E, Mary A and one deceased, Omar C.  Taken from: Page 304 History of Parke County Indiana; J. H. Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill, 1880

COLEMAN, John S., blacksmith, carpenter and painter, Bellmore, was born in Raccoon Township, Parke County, January 21, 1853 and is the son of Anson and Dinah (COLE) Coleman.  His maternal grandfather was an Indian pilot and conducted the Cherokee Indians through this section of country to their present reservation.  Mr. Coleman spent his youth on the farm.  He moved with the parents to Iowa and back to Parke County.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and votes republican.  He was married September 17, 1879 to Mary A. DODD, daughter of Wilson and Jane.  They have one child, Mary, born June 8, 1880.

COLEMAN, Zopher, son of Zopher and Emily, was born September 6, 1825, near Mansfield and was probably the first white child born in Jackson Township.  He came of sturdy pioneer stock, and during his long life saw much of the development of Parke County.  He was married April 28, 1845 to Telitha PRUETT, daughter of Stephen and Naomi.  Mrs. Coleman was born April 9, 1826 in Kentucky but moved to Parke County when but a child.  12 children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Coleman 9 of whom are still living.  Mr. Coleman died August 27, 1897 and Mrs. died July 21, 1915.  (Note: there is a picture  -- Historical Sketch of Parke County,  Parke County In Centennial Memorial, 1816-1916 p 111). About 1820, the first cabin in the township was built where Mansfield now stands.  This primitive germ of civilization was erected by NELSON and HUBBARD for James KELSEY, as a residence, probably while he built the mill known as DICKSON'S Mills, Mr. Dickson being in some way connected in business with Kelsey.  George KIRKPATRICK and Nash. GLIDEWELL came from Ohio  and entered land in about 1821.  A brother of Nash, Robert Glidewell, father to Mrs. Levina KEMPER, now of Jackson Township, had surveyed through this section of country about 1816, and about 1823 entered land, his patent being signed by President Monroe.  In 1821, Zopher and Emily COLEMAN sought a home in the wilds of Jackson, settling a short distance north of the present site of Mansfield.  They hailed from South Carolina.  In the same year, a son was born to them, and they called him Zopher Jr.  The elder Coleman lived to see some change in the condition of Parke County and died in 1856.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

Archibald B. COLLINGS is a farmer residing on Section 24, Adams Township, Parke County.  His father, Spotsard Collings, is an old settler of the county and is now living retired from his former occupation of a farmer.  Grandfather Abraham Collings, a native of Virginia, was reared in Kentucky, and followed agricultural pursuits until his death at age 41.  The great grandfather, William C. Collings was born in Pennsylvania, of English and Irish descent and was a participant in the War of 1812; he followed the occupation of farmer and tanner.  The maternal grandmother of our subject was known in maidenhood as Nancy NUTGRASS; she was born in Virginia, reared in Kentucky and her death occurred in Parke County at the age of 91.  Her father, Gray Nutgrass removed from the Old Dominion with his wife and located in Kentucky.  The grandparents of our subject had a family of five sons, four of whom grew to manhood and three still survive. Spotsard was born in Shelby County Kentucky May 19, 1821 when 10 years old coming to Putnam County, Indiana where he settled on 80 acres of Government land which his step father had entered. He assisted in clearing farms and sided in the work incidental to rural life.  When ready to establish a home of his own, Mr. Collings was married in Parke County in 1841 his wife being Rebecca MADOX, who was born in Shelby County, Kentucky.  They became the parents of 7 sons: Archibald B; SP a graduate of Philadelphia Medical College and a practicing physician at Hot Springs; Abraham J; Dr. Oliver Perry, who was graduated from the Indianapolis Medical College, now practicing in Missouri; Neri, William Bion and Dr. Howard P, a graduate of a medical college of New York, now at Hot Springs. After his marriage Mr. Collings remained in Putnam County for two years and in 1843 located in Adams Township, Parke County.  For some years he operated as a renter, and then purchased 40 acres of school land on Section 16, Union Township.  There he resided for some years, when he sold the place and purchased 80 acres on the same section.  Some years later he sold that farm and bought 120 acres in Putnam County where 7 more years were passed.  Selling that farm, Mr. Collings purchased 160 acres in Adams Township, where he remained 23 years.  He embellished the place with first-class improvements and bought it up to a high state of cultivation.  At one time he was owner of 500 acres of land, but has divided much of his property among his children, having given to each of his sons $1000 in cash and $2000 in land. Politically, he is a Democrat.  Religiously, he is identified with the Primitive Baptist Church and has served as its Trustee for 36 years.  An honest, energetic man, he can give to his sons a better heritage even than the goodly amount of this world's goods with which he has endowed them and that is the heritage of a good name.  Archibald B. Collings was born in Putnam County, Indiana February 21, 1842 and was only one when he was brought by his parents to Parke Co.  At the age of 8 he returned to Putnam County and when 15 came back to Parke, settling in Adams Township.  His educational advantages were more than ordinarily good, for he was the recipient of excellent common school opportunities, supplemented by two terms at the State University of Indiana at Bloomington.  After his marriage he located on the place where he now resides and which, through his efforts, has been finely improved.  With the exception of about 30 acres, the entire tract has been cleared. The place consists of 240 acres and is embellished with a substantial set of farm buildings. The land is well tiled and is devoted to general farming and stock raising, Mr. Collings being especially successful in the he latter department of agriculture.  March 3, 1864, occurred the marriage of Archibald Collings to Miss Lydia E. JESSUP, who was born in Adams Township January 26, 1847 and received an excellent education in the district schools.  Her father, John Jessup, was one of the pioneers of Parke County who came here from Ohio and located in Adams Township.  His home was NW of where our subject now lives, where he lived for more than 40 years.  Mr. and Mrs. Collings have 3 children: Alice E, wife of JH Chenoweth, a prominent farmer in Adams Twp; Rurie, who married Miss Lela Martin, and owns and operates a farm of 80 acres in Adams Twp; and Cora J, who is the wife of Charles Lee OVERPECK, a resident of Adams Township.  Mr. Collings takes an intelligent interest in all the vital issues of the day; and in his political affiliations is a Democrat.  Socially, he is identified with Baltimore Lodge No. 519, AF & AM of which he is Past Master. He is a Royal Arch Mason and belongs to Parke Lodge at Rockville. For many years he has been active in the work of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association and has filled the position of President for some time.  He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church and he has served with efficient as its Treasurer.  The Sunday school work is one in which he is deeply interested as he has served as Superintendent in which capacity he was popular and successful.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 219

Harrison COLLINGS, deceased was one of the foremost farmers in Washington Township, Parke County, and was born in Shelby County, Kentucky in 1816.  He was the son of John and Sarah NUTGRASS Collings and when 16 came to Parke County where he began farming. Some years later he wedded Miss Rebecca Collings, after which he located on a farm given him by his father-in-law, to which he added until he became the happy possessor of 200 acres of some of the finest and most productive land in the county.  Mr. Collings was a supporter of the Whig party, but on the organization of Republicans he cast his ballot and influence with that party. He lived a quiet, unassuming life, faithfully discharging the duties of citizenship and was recognized as one of the leading farmers of his township.  He died February 21, 1887 leaving a host of friends and acquaintances whom he had won by his genial disposition and courteous manners and square dealings with his fellow men.  Mrs. Rebecca Collings is a native of Shelby County, Kentucky and was born July 10, 1822 to William and Elizabeth JOHNSON Collings.  The former was born in the same county as his daughter in 1797 and was a son of William and Mary WELCH Collings, both natives of Maryland.  William was the son of Zebulon Collings who came to Kentucky in a very early day and settled on the present site of Louisville.  He was a shoemaker by trade, yet a farmer by occupation.  He and his wife were the parents of 9 children, Mrs. Collings' father being the 9th in order of birth.  The elder William Collings was a member of the Baptist Church and proved an effectual worker in that cause; he died at age 80 his wife having preceded him several years.  The father of Mrs. Collings received his education in the district schools of his native county, and after gaining what was called at that time a very fair knowledge of books he turned his attention to farming. He was united in marriage to a daughter of Lanty and Rebecca FRY Johnson, and by her became the father of 10, Rebecca the second born.  He was honored with the deaconship in the Baptist Church of which he was a highly esteemed member.  In politics he was in early years a Whig, but later cast his ballot for the Republican Party.  In 1836 he migrated with his family to Parke County, bringing all his earthly possessions over in wagons. Here he purchased a quarter section of land, to which he added from time to time and made his home here until his death in 1868. His companion lived until 1877.  The amiable widow of our subject was the oldest child at home at the time of her parent’s death; consequently the heaviest of the work fell on her young shoulders.  Her husband was an active worker in the Baptist denomination, to which she has faithfully discharged her obligations for a number o years.  The family now consists of herself and two children, Lucinda and John W, who are both at home, the latter taking charge of the home farm. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 402

James O. COLLINGS, farmer, Lena, was born August 24, 1838 in Union Township, Parke County Indiana and is a brother to John  D. Collings, whose sketch is in connection with the Union Township history, where his parents and ancestors are noticed.  Mr. Collings was raised a farmer and still follows the occupation of his youth.  His education was limited, as were the advantages of his time.  September 12, 1868, he was married to Mary E. FUNKHOUSER, daughter of David and Rebecca PITMAN Funkhouser.  Her people came from Virginia  Mrs. Collings was born in Virginia and presides over her charge in genuine Virginia style.  After wedlock, Mr. and Mrs. Collings settled in Union Township for one year, when the "West" attracted them to Ks.  There they made their home for 6 years. They then ret. and lived in Union Township for four years, at the expiration of which time they made their home in Jackson Township, where they bought 120 acres of land.  Mr. and Mrs. Collings are here enjoying life with plenty of toil, yet sweetened with many years of reading.  They have no children, but are doing what they can for one who needs their aid.  Both are members of the United Brethren church and Mr. Collings votes the Republican ticket.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

COLLINGS, J. D., farmer, Marshall, was born in Parke County, Indiana September 16, 1836.  He is the son of William and Elizabeth JOHNSON Collings, who were natives of Kentucky and came to Parke County in March 1836, and settled one mile north of where Bellmore now is.  Here they resided until their deaths; his father dying in about 1868 and his mother in 1876.  Mr. Collings spent the early part of his life working on his father's farm, attending schools at odd times when he could be spared from work, where he received a good common school education.  October4, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss J. MOORE, daughter of Thomas and Milly Moore.  She was born in Illinois but was raised in Parke County, her parents having come to this County in about 1836.  Soon after Mr. Collings' marriage he began farming for himself and by the help of his wife he is now owner of two as fine improved farms as there are in the county, consisting of 460 acres.  He is energetic and always ready to take part in all matters that pertain to the interests of the community in which he lives.  In 1880 he was elected to the office of County commissioner.  He has two sons, William P. and Thomas E, who are bright and intelligent and are of much help in managing Mr. Collings' interests.  (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)

COLLINGS, John D.,  was born in Parke County in 1836.  He was the son of William and Elizabeth JOHNSON Collings, who came from Kentucky and settled on a farm in Union Township, the year John was born.  The subject of this sketch worked on his father's farm in early life, attended school and acquired a good common school education.  He served from 1879 until 1882 as County Commissioner during which time the present courthouse was built.  He owned a farm of over 400 acres in Wash. Township when he died several years ago.  (1816-1916 Historical Sketch of Parke County, Parke County Centennial Memorial. The Rockville Chautauqua Association; published with other atlases in one-volume by the Parke County Historical Society, 1996 ) 

Among the well-remembered citizens of Putnam County who have finished 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 yeomen 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, 3/4 of a mile from his late home in Clinton Township, this county and after a useful and honorable career he was called to his reward November 15, 1903. He was the son of James and Sally Newgent Collings, the latter the daughter of Thomas Newgent, whose sketch in full appears elsewhere in this book. The Newgents have long been a well known family in this county.  James Collings was born in Shelby County Kentucky and he and his bride were married in 1837 in the home of Edward Newgent, who had built the home in 1830 and with whom she was living.  Edward lived for a time in Parke County, Indiana remaining on the farm until he was about 13.  James Collings, who build the present home of the Collins’s died September 2, 1858.  He was born November 2, 1815.  He and his wife were the parents of 4 children.  In the Collings family there were the following John H of this review; William Thomas married and went to Illinois in the 70s and died in Vermilion County that state age 38.  Nancy married John M. Turner and lived in Parke County, Indiana; she was born December 25, 1845 was married December 28, 1867 and died December 27, 1889.  Edna was the youngest child.  She has passed her life on the place where she was born and in which vicinity she is well known and has a host of warm personal friends. John H. Collings spent his life on the home farm, which he began working 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 any 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 delighted 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, gentlemanly, 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 unassuming. - Weik, Jesse William.  Weik's history of Putnam County, Indiana. Indianapolis, Ind.: B.F. Bowen & Company, 1910, Page 434

Johnson COLLINGS.  Among the worthy citizens and honored pioneers of Parke County, no one is more entitled to a representation in this record of those who have made the county what it is today, one of the best in the state, than he of whom we write.  Mr. Collings has been thoroughly identified with her best interests, having endeavored in every possible manner to promote the county's welfare.  He is a leading farmer of Union Township, his home on Section 3.  He is now retired from the active cares of farm life, though superintending his place, which comprises 160 acres.  For a half century he has been a member of the Predestinarian Presbyterian Church, having been clerk for 22 years and trustee for 35.  In 1873 he superintended the building of the present church structure in Greene Township, and has ever been actively engaged in the work of its various departments.  Mr. Collings was born in Shelby County, Kentucky near Shelbyville, the county seat, August 10, 1822.  His grandfather, William Collings, was born in New England and was of Irish descent.  Our subject's father, Zebulon, was born in Shelby County in 1802, in which county the latter's wife was born two years later.  Her maiden name Sarah Johnson.  Her father, Lanty was a native of the Keystone State and of Irish descent.  After the marriage of our subject's parents, in Shelby County, they removed to a farm in this county, landing here 1835.  The father purchased land, the very place where Mr. Collings now lives, buying it second-hand. There was no house on the place; therefore Mr. Collings was obliged to put up a log house, which is still standing on the farm, a relic of former days. The parents passed their remaining days on the farm, the mother dying at the age of 46, her husband surviving many years and passing away at age 86.  They were the parents of 7 children, 4 daughters and 3 sons, all of whom grew to adult.  Of these, Johnson was 1st in order of birth.  Others: William J of Greene Township; Nancy Jane, wife of Jesse Mattox, of Danville, Illinois; Mary, deceased; Rebecca, widow of John Darr of Illinois; Francis, deceased; and George W, of Wichita, Kansas.  Johnson Collings was a lad of 13 when he removed with his parents to Parke County.  He attended the log school house of the period, and as soon as large enough assisted his father in clearing the land, remaining with him until age 22.  In 1844 he was united in wedlock to Mary Doggett, a native of Kentucky, her birth having occurred in Shelby County 1826.  She came with her parents to this county in 1828.  After his marriage Mr. Collings located on a rented farm in Greene Township, on which he made his home for two years, at the expiration of which time he removed to Keokuk County, Iowa where he purchased a farm, improved the same and lived there 5 years.  Returning to Parke Co at the end of that time he bought the old homestead where he now resides. For about 30 years he devoted himself to its cultivation and improvement and was rewarded by having a farm model in every respect.  To Mr. Collings and his amiable wife have been born 13 children, all but one lived to mature years.  The eldest, James died at 7 months. The others are as follows: William N, who is a resident of Greene Township, Parke County; Sarah Ann, now deceased, wife of A. Collings of Marshall; Isaac of Greene Township, Martha Jane and Mary K, deceased, Rebecca wife of James Collings of Union Township; George and Frances B, deceased; Levisa, wife of Thomas Marshall of Coxville, Indiana; Eliza B. and Wesley, deceased and Walter H. who is married and lives on the old homestead.  The mother of these children is a pleasant and amiable lady, one who has many friends in this locality and is noted for her skill as housewife and cook.  She has been a great help to her husband and it is largely due to her cheerful spirit and counsel that he has been so successful in his various undertakings. Politically Mr. Collings is a supporter of the Democratic party. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 521

COLLINGS, William J., farmer and stock breeder, was born in Kentucky in 1824, and is the son of Zebulon and Sarah JOHNSON Collings.  The former was born in Kentucky in 1802 and his father, William Collings, immigrated to Kentucky from NC with his father, Zebulon Collings, Sr. In a very early time when there were less than a half dozen cabins in Louisville.  The settlers then lived in blockhouses and often were without bread or salt for months at a time.  The mother of William J. Collings was Mary WELLS Collings, born in Kentucky in 1804.  Her parents were Lanta and Rebecca FRY Johnson.  William J. Collings came to Parke County with his parents when 11 years old. He was married in 1822 to Edna N. CONNELLY, daughter of James and Polly NUTGRASS Connelly, both of whom were natives of Kentucky.  Her grandparents were Gray and Edna PEW Nutgrass.  Mr. Collings lived near Hollandsburg for 10 years, then moved upon Section 15 Greene Township where he has lived since 1860.  He has 5 children: Mary J now Mrs. James SEYBOLD; Sarah E now Mrs. Thomas SUTTON; Nancy F now Mrs. Alexander WILSON and Marian Q, who married Eva M. McManus.  Since the know nothing party he has been a democrat.  He is a member of the Predestination Baptist Church at Mt. Moriah.  He has a farm of 160 acres.  He raises thoroughbred shorthorns, and keeps imported horses.  Mr. Collings has been a success in business. He never received any education outside the pioneer schools of Kentucky and Parke County.   (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)

COLLINGS, William J. was born in Kentucky in 1824.  He was the son of Zebulon Collings, who came to Parke County And settled in Greene Township in 1835.  His grandfather went to Kentucky from NC, when there were less than a half doz. Cabins in Louisville, and the settlers were living in blockhouses.  He owned a farm of 160 acres in section 15 and was quite an extensive breeder of shorthorn cattle and thorough bred horses.  He was a member of Mt. Moriah church and a man of high honor, making a success in life.   (Taken from: Atlas Map of Parke County Indiana.  By AT Andreas.  Chicago: Lakeside Building for Clark & Adams St, 1874)

COLLINGS, William, was born in Virginia October5, 1766, and Mary, his wife was born in the same state May 30, 1772.  Both emigrated to Kentucky in an early day, when the Indians were so troublesome that a part of the company were obliged to guard the laborers while they built a fort or performed other work.  William C,diedOctober26, 1846; Mary C. died March 30, 1838.  John Collings, son of William was born April 22, 1795 in Kentucky, Shelby County, and Sarah (NUTGRASS) Collings, his wife, was born in Virginia May 28, 1793.  This couple were farmers in Shelby County, Kentucky when their son, John, the subject of this sketch, was born April 24, 1829.  When he was 4 his parents moved to Parke County, Indiana, and on the place where he now lives.  Mr. Collings was educated in the common schools and in the great school of experience, the field.  When 21 he married Sarah a. CONNELLEY, daughter of James and Polly (NUTGRASS) Connelley.  The parents of Mrs. Collings moved from Spencer County, Kentucky to Parke County in 1842.  Mr. and Mrs. Collings, as soon as married, began farming, which they have followed ever since on the place they now occupy, with the exception of one year, 1852, when t hey farmed on TROUTMAN's Run, and the year 1854 in Washington Township.  Mr. Collings' family would number six children were all alive: Mary C, now wife of Cyrus SHALLEY, March 9, 1871; James S; Eliza J; David S; and two infants, both deceased.  Mr. and Mrs.. Collings are members of the Missionary Baptist church.  Mr. Collings is of the democratic persuasion, owns 114 acres of land, with two good dwellings, as his home farm and 20 acre sin Green Township.  He has made his way by hard work, clearing and splitting rails, while his good wife has done her share in the house. 

William P. COLLINGS.  Among those who are tilling the soil of Parke County in such a manner as to secure by their efforts a good livelihood and make provision for declining years is William P. Collings, whose home is in Washington Township. For almost a decade he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and so successful has he been that he now owns a valuable estate on Section16.  His residence is a comfortable and home like structure, while conveniently arranged near it are the barns, granaries... which belong to a well regulated farm.  Mr. Collings, who comes of a much respected family of this county, was born in Parke County February 10, 1863.  His father, John D was born near the same place in 1836.  he here received his limited education in a primitive log school house, such as has so often been described and remained with his father on the home estate until his marriage to Amanda, a daughter of Thomas and Millie Coulter Moore.  She is also a native of this county and bore her husband 3 children.  One daughter died when young; the two remaining are William, our subject and Edward who married Pauline Woodward and is engaged in farming.  After his marriage, John Collings rented a portion of his father's farm, subsequently purchasing a tract of 80 acres and some time later in 1865; he sold to advantage and moved to his present home, which at that time comprised 500 acres.  The great portion of this large body of land he cleared and improved before his death, on it raising some of the best stock to be found in the county.  He was called to his eternal rest on June 8, 1885, missed and mourned by a large number of friends and acquaintances. He was a public-spirited man and was elected County Commissioner on the Democratic ticket, serving one term of two years. He was the 1st one elected on that ticket for 25 years and also was sent as a delegate to both state and district conventions.  The grandparents of our subject on the paternal side bore the names of William and Elizabeth Johnson Collings and like their descendants were successful and honorable tillers of the soil.  The parents of the mother of our subject were natives of Kentucky and came to Indiana in an early day, settling finally in Parke County where they spent their last days.  William P. Collings was educated in the district schools of his native township and on attaining older years he was in attendance at Terre Haute Commercial College, where he received a splendid and practical knowledge of business, which has since served him to good purpose.  As above stated, shortly after attaining his majority, he started out for himself on 160 fertile acres of his father's land, which was left him at his father’s death.  To this tract he has subsequently added from time to time until he is now the happy possessor 330 acres all under an excellent state of cultivation.  He, like his father, is an admirer of fine stock and in consequence keeps on his place some of the best breeds. William P. Collings, on January 28, 1885, was married to Miss Mary SILER, a native of this county who was born January 22, 1865.  She is a daughter of Rev. Elwood C. and Martha Morris Siler, both came to this state form NC.  They are early and respected pioneers of Parke County and now make their home in the town of Bloomingdale.  Mr. Siler is a minister of the Friends' Church at that place and is highly regarded by all who know him.  Tow children, bearing the name of J. Frank and George C, have come to bless the home and fireside of Mr. Collings and his amiable wife. Socially Mr. Collings is one of the prominent members of the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Marshall Lodge 133. In his political affiliations he is Democrat. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893.  Page 408   

Dr. Norman W. CONNAWAY who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Newark, has earned a wide reputation for his ability and skill in combating human ills and stands high in the professional circles of the Illinois River Valley.  Born in Jefferson County, Illinois 21 August 1871, he is a son of Oliver and Levina Mount Connaway. The father was born in Montezuma, Parke County, Indiana and in an early  day came to this state locating in Jefferson County where he followed agricultural pursuits for many years but is now retired at the age of 82.  His wife was born near Nashville, Tennessee and in her young girlhood was brought to Illinois by her parents.  Her death occurred in 1925.  Norman W. Connaway who is the 2nd in order of birth of 5 children of Oliver and Levina Connaway acquired his education in the public schools of Jefferson County and after graduating from HS matriculated i the College of Physicians and Surgeons of St. Louis from which he was graduated, with the MD degree 1906. He entered upon the practice of his profession at Woodlawn, Illinois where he remained for some time. He was also for a while at Christopher Franklin County, and Sheridan, LaSalle County and then came to his present location in which he has been rewarded with a splendid measure of success.  He is a constant student of his profession, keeping in close touch with the advances in medical science, and has a well equipped office.  On August 7, 1895 at Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Dr. Connaway was united in marriage to Miss Ida F. Phillips and they are the parents of two children: Hazel G, who is the wife of John Rodenbush a mine superintendent at West Frankfort, Illinois and the mother of one child and Beatrice, the wife of Harold Wensland. Dr. Connaway gives his political support to the Democratic Party and fraternally is a Mason.  He maintains active affiliation with the Kendall County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.  Mrs. Connaway is a prominent member and active worker in the fraternal association known as the mystic workers and is now service as district superintendent for the insurance department.  Though a busy man professionally, the Doctor has in no way neglected his duties as a citizen and gives his hearty support to every interest of value to the community. - Conger, John Leonard.  History of the Illinois River Valley. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1932, Page 509

CONNELLY, Jesse B., auditor of Parke County, Rockville, was the third son of David and Susan (WARE) Connelly, and was born in this County December1, 1838.  His parents removed, in 1835, from Shelby Co Kentucky and settled in Washington Township, but about 1840 went to Annapolis, where the subj. Of this notice was reared.  He received his educated. At the Friends Bloomingdale academy.  On September. 2, 1861, Mr. Connelly enlisted in Company  I, 31st Ind. Vols. And was mustered into the US service on the 5th.  He bore an honorable share in the battles of Ft. Donelson, Pittsburgh Landing, Stone River and Chickamauga.  In the last named engagement he was wounded in the left ear, which was rendered totally deaf, and also had his skull fractured.  BY this casualty he was incapacitated for further active duty, but remained with his regiment until April 8, 1864 when he resigned his commission as 2nd Lt.  During his service he had risen from the rank of Sergeant.  Immediately on his arrival home he went to merchandising in Annapolis, and so continued till 1874, a part of the time in partnership with William P. STANLEY.   In 1871 and 1872 he also operated a plaining-mill in the same town.  He was trustee of Penn Township. 3 and 1/2 years beginning with 1868  as some reward for his gallant service during the war the people of Parke County Elected him auditor in 1874 and reelected him in 1878 and he has proved himself an obliging, thoroughly competent and popular officer.  He was first married in 1864, to Mary E. Edwards, daughter Rev. John Edwards.  She died in 1876 and in t the following year he married Rebecca A. WEED.  He has 3 living children by the first marriage: Minnie, John and Sarah. 

Henry CONNERLY.  Among the influential farmers of Washington Township, Parke County is he of whom we write who owns a desirable and fertile farm on Section 13.  He is an early settler of this county, which has been his home since he was 4.  He was born in Lawrence County, February 25, 1828 the son of John and Elizabeth TYRELL Connerly.  The former was a son of William Connerly, who was born in the north of Ireland and emigrated to North Carolina and was there married.  He engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1821, when he removed to Lawrence County, Indiana settling within 12 miles of Bedford where he entered land of the government and resided until his death. His education was exception for a man of that early day.  He was a member of the Baptist Church and reared a family of 7 sons and 3 daughters, Thomas being the only one now living.  Our subject's father was born n 1807 and when 14 came with his parents to Lawrence County, where he lived with them until his marriage, which occurred when he had reached his majority.  His first wife, Elizabeth Tyrell, became the mother of our subject.  She was one of six, all of whom are since deceased.  Mrs. Connerly died in 1844 and some time later the father married Miss Frances Johnson by whom he had 8 children.  After her death he married Miss Rhoda Palmer and when she was called to her final rest he took for his wife, Mrs. Nellie Barnes, whose death occurred only a few weeks afterward.  Then Miss Catherine Nancy became his wife and she survives her husband, who died in 1890.  He was a Whig and later a Republican, serving several years as Township Trustee and Constable under the old law of Washington Township.  He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and a much respected citizen.  About the year 1828 he began by renting land and farming, his place being only an 80-acre tract. Four years later he emigrated with his family to Parke Co, settling on Mill Creek, where he reared his family of 18, there being two sets of twins in the number.  Upon reaching his majority, Henry Connerly of this sketch began learning the blacksmith trade and in 1850, with his twin brother, went to Barnes Mill, which they carried on for 8 years.  Our subject then purchased 100 acres, the farm which has since been his place of residence.  In connection with his family duties, he ran a threshing machine for six years.  He ha snow 217 acres which all improved and has placed good buildings upon it, but when he first became the owner of the farm, only 50 acres had been fenced.  He is considered one of the best farmers of the township, his place being a model of thrifty.  In 1851, Mr. Connerly wedded Martha J. ARMSTRONG who was born in Parke County in 1830. Of their 10 children two died in infancy; others are: John W; Harvey H; Mary, wife of Ed Watson; Eli D, who died at age 18; James J; Andrew W; Edward W. and Stephen A.  The mother of these children died in 1873 and 3 years later Mr. Connerly married Mary STRICKLER White, who had 3 children by her 1st marriage: John W; Esta wife of Ira L. DAVIS and Abner, deceased.  Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in good standing and politically, the former casts his ballot in favor of the Republican nominees.  - Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 370

Henry L. CONNERLEY is at present City Marshall and Agent for the Adams Express Company of Rosedale, Parke County.  He was born in Judson, this county March 31, 1854 and reared on his father's farm, in the meantime receiving a good public school education.  At the age of 19 he commenced learning the carpenter and building trade, working for 50 cents per day. At this he served his time and was different from many young men in that he never thought that he had completed his trade until he knew he was master of the situation.  After learning the carpenter's trade Mr. Connerley went to Philo, Il and opened up a contractor's and builder's trade.  Here he met with grand success, erecting many fine residences and public buildings, and subsequently opening up a furniture and undertaking establishment. He also found this a very lucrative business and proved his success by selling out, after which he came back to Rosedale and opened up an establishment for the same purpose, a portion of which he used as a hotel.  Mr. Connerley was elected City Marshall, serving one year and then made the race for Justice of the Peace against the Rev. Mr. Webster and was elected with a majority over 300 votes.  In this capacity he served 2 and 1/2 terms, resigning before the third term of office expired.  His resignation was accepted and he was then appointed Notary Public, serving in this capacity for two years, at the end of which time he vacated this office in order to accept the position he now holds with general satisfaction to all.  In 1879 Mr. Connerley was united in marriage to the lady of his choice in the person of Miss Annie S. Adams, the daughter of Elias and Sarah Adams of Parke County.  Three children have been born to them, the eldest being a pair of twins, who both died. The other one is Harmon L, born March 1, 1880 in Philo, Illinois who is one of the most efficient members of his class in the public school.  Mr Connerley owns some fine residence property in Rosedale and recently sold his hotel building to Mr. George Patterson for the snug sum of $3,000.  He is one of those energetic young men, well calculated to make a financial success in the world.  Politically Mr. Connerley is Republican and uses all his influence in the support of its platform.  Since the above was written our subject has been reelected for City Marshal. He received more votes than the Democratic and Prohibition candidates combined. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893. Page. 518

Andrew COOK, a representative citizen and extensive farmer of Parke County resides Section 31, Wabash Township.  He has served his friends and fellow citizens as constable and in the spring of 1890 was elected trustee for 4 year term.  He is a strong supporter of the Republican Party active and interested in the work of the same. Mr. Cook was born in the northern part of Wabash Township, Parke County, Indiana January 7, 1833, and is a son of Thomas and Jane AINSWORTH (Ensworth) Cook.  The former was born in Maryland, in which state his father's death occurred.  With his mother and her family he came to Circleville, Ohio and later Indiana.  He was one of several boys: Jesse and Henry died in Ohio; the others were: William; Mark and Eleven, who was so named on account of being the 11th child in the family.  With his brother, Mark, our subject's father served in the War of 1812 and was present at Hull's surrender.  He was a farmer by occupation and in 1821 came to Vigo County, Indiana with a team and wagon.  Leaving his family, he made a trip to St. Louis on horseback to collect a debt and on his return, raised a crop on Harrison Prairie.  The following year he entered 80 acres of land and purchased a like amount on Section 6, Wabash Township, where he resided until he was called to his final rest in 1841, aged 58 years.  His widow survived him 12 years, dying in August 1853.  Politically he was a Whig and was liberal in his support the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife was a member.  The mother of Andrew Cook was born in Circleville, Ohio daughter of Andrew and Margaret Ainsworth who were of German origin.  The latter's people were killed by Indians.  Mr. Cook is one of a family of six the others being: Matilda, wife of John Phillips of Edgar County, Illinois; Margaret, deceased; Mary wife of Lazarus SHIRK of this county; Sarah J, deceased and Charles.  Mr. Cook's educational advantages were limited, being those of the primitive log schoolhouse.  In 1852, with four others, he left home in April driving a team, his destination being California. He crossed the Missouri River May 22 and landed in California August 19.  He spent six years in the Golden State the fist year engaging in ditching and working in a sawmill, after which he turned his attention to mining.  He made some money during this time, and when he arrived home, having returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama he found he had some $2,200.  In the spring of 1859 Mr. Cook purchased a tract of 160 acres in Edgar County, Illinois where he resided until December 1863, when he sold out and returned to Parke County, Indiana. Here he rented land for about 3 years, in 1866 purchasing 100 acres on Section 31, where he has resided up to the present time.  Year by year, as his financial resources permitted, he added to his farm until he is now the owner of 418 acres. On December 1858, Andrew Cook and Martha HAYTH were united in the bonds of matrimony...  The lady was born in Wabash Township September 1841 being a daughter of Thomas and Saluda A CAMPER Hath, who came from VA about the year 1830, the former being a farmer by profession.  11 children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cook: Thomas, who died age two months; Charles T; Eva, wife of John FUNKHOUSER; Rosa, wife of Samuel MILES; Florence, wife of James DAILEY; Fred, who died at age 18 months; Jennie; Andrew who died in infancy; Clarence; Bertie, and an infant who died unnamed. Our subject and wife are active in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church, honored and respected by all who know them. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 332

Charles COOK -- is a native son of Wabash Township, Parke County where his birth occurred September 7, 1830.  Commencing his active career in life under what would be considered very unfavorable circumstances; he has surmounted all obstacles and overcome all discouragements along his pathway with a fortitude and strength of purpose worthy of commendation.  He is now considered and justly so, one of the extensive and progressive farmers of the county.  Grandfather Cooke was a pioneer in the vicinity of Circleville, Ohio near which village Thomas, our subject's father, was born in 1786, nearly 20 years before the Buckeye State was admitted to the sisterhood of the Union.  He was a soldier in the he War of 1812, being present when Hull surrendered.  He followed the occupation of a farmer and came to Indiana at an early day, settling near Terre Haute, at what was known as Ft. Harrison.  When land came into the market he came to this township, where he entered a farm of 160 acres which he improved.  His death occurred May 1, 1842 and after 7 years had elapsed his wife was also called to her rest, May 29, 1850.  She was born August 17, 1793, and was the mother of six children: Matilda, wife of John PHILLIPS; Margaret, deceased; Mary, Mrs. Lazarus SHIRK who died in Fountain County; Sarah, deceased; our subject, and Andrew.  The mother was a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and for the benefit of his family and the community; Mr. Cooke erected on his own farm and with his own means a substantial church.  Mrs. Cooke was a daughter of Andrew and Margaret AINSWORTH of German descent, who passed their entire lives in Ohio.  Mr. Cooke of this sketch was reared to farm life, receiving a district school education.  When only 11 he had to go to work to support the family and on reaching his majority rented the homestead.  In 1857 he purchased his first farm 160 acres on Section 20, Wabash Township, for which he paid $35 an acre.  Three years later he traded this for a farm of 195 acres, the place where he still resides on Section 24.  He gave $300 "boot" money and has steadily increased the boundaries of his farm until it now contains 455 acres in the body, the homestead farm.  He is the owner of another farm of 195 acres and has cleared altogether about 300 acres of land.  He does now owe a dollar and whatever he has is due entirely to the energy and perseverance which are marked characteristics of the man.  It was on Aug 7, 1853 that Miss Virginia HAYTH became the wife of Charles Cooke.  The lady was born in Florida Township, Parke County, July 20 1833 and is the daughter of Thomas and Saluda CAMPER Hayth, natives of Virginia born near Roanoke and Lynchburg, respectively.  Mr. Hayth was a teacher and hotel man.  In 1823 he came to Indiana by wagon, entering 80 acres of Section 21 Wabash Township, which he partially cleared and improved.  About 1847 he located on Section 7, there becoming the owner of a place of 160 acres.  Until the year 1863 Mr. Cooke devoted himself entirely to agricultural pursuits, and at that time sold out, engaging in the hardware and hotel business in Montezuma.  There his wife died about 1873, aged 63 years.  The father survived until Sept 1878 when he too passed away, being 71.  He was a Democrat politically, served as Justice of the Peace and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Cooke is one of a family of 8, two of whom died in childhood.  William died soon after attaining his majority; James died in Missouri; Martha is the wife of Andrew Cook; Edward is deceased and Marion completes the family.  Six children grace the union of Charles Cooke and his esteemed wife, named as follows: Sarah J, wife of John TUCKER; Martha E, wife of Al TUCKER; Esta wife of Charles McCAMBLE; Cora, wife of Robert BRUIN; Alice, and one who died in infancy.  Those living have all been given liberal educations; they are all members of the church and thoroughly respected citizens of the community in which they have their home.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana, Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 333

COOKE, Andrew, farmer, Armiesburg, was born in Wabash Township January 7, 1833.  His parents, Thomas and Jane (ENSWORTH) Cooke, are numbered among the early pioneers of Parke Co and Andrew, like other pioneer children, was deprived of the advantages of a liberal education.  Until he reached the age of 18 he lived with his parents on the farm, and April 6, 1852, he with four others started for California, via the plains, with teams and on August 16 of the same year arrived at Placerville, California.  There he engaged in mining, which he followed with fair success till March 5, 1858, when he sailed from San Francisco for NY via Panama, and arrived home April 1 of the same year.  December 23, 1858 he married Miss Martha A, daughter of Thomas C & Saluda A. (CAMPER) HAYTH.  She was born in Parke County In.  They removed to Edgar CO IL and he bought and improved a farm and followed farming and stock raising till 1863.  He then sold his farm, moved back to his old home, and rented a farm three years.  He finally bought his present farm of 250 acres and permanently located, where he is now engaged in farming and stock raising.  He has 7 children living: Charles T; Eva M; Rose May; Florence E; Virginia; Clarence M. and Burtie. He has acquired the larger part of his property by his own industry and close attention to business. 

COOKE, Charlie, farmer and stock raiser, Armiesburg, was born in Wabash Township, September7, 1830.  He is a son of the venerable pioneers of Wabash Township, Thomas and Jane (ENSWORTH) Cooke.  His early youth was spent on the farm and attending the pioneer schools, equipped with their slab seats and desks, and kept on the old subscription principle.  At about the age of 11 years on account of the death of his father, he began working out by the month and at the age of 17 he assumed the management of the old farm, taking care of his widowed mother and children.  August 7, 1854, he married Miss Virginia, daughter of Thomas and Salludia (CAMPER) HAYTH; she was born July 20, 1833.  They have 5 children: Alice; Sarah J; Martha E, wife of Mr. Alfred TUCKER; Esta Fadelia and Cora.  In December 1859, Mr. Cooke bought his present farm of over 400 acres, one of the most desirable locations in that part of Parke County about two miles southeast of Armiesburg, with excellent improvement, and all earned by his own industry, hard labor and close attention to business.  Politically, he is a republican.  His parents came from Circleville, Ohio to Wabash Township in 1820.  They first lived in the old fort for safety from the Indians, but soon entered land in what was the Indian reserve No. of the Ten O'clock line.  Mrs. Cooke's parents came to this county in about 1830; hence both she and her husband were reared pioneer children.

COTTRELL, Samuel L, farmer and stock raiser, Atherton, Vigo County, Indiana, was born April 1, 1826, on a farm in Knox County, Tenn., and came to Parke County When but four years of age with his parents, with whom he lived until his 22nd year and afterward commenced farming for himself on the farm upon which he now lives, in Section 31.  His father, Joshua Cottrell, came to this county from near Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee, Christmas Day, 1830 with his father, John Cottrell and his brothers, Thomas, Lindsey, John Jr., James W and Emerson.  Joshua Cottrell commenced farming in Parke County By renting land of David LYONS being a portion of the place now occupied by Mrs. MODESITT.  Here he erected a log cabin and here lived for nearly a quarter of a century, when he finally moved to the farm now owned by Samuel Cottrell, which he purchased in 1842, and built the first cabin upon the place in the southeast corner of the farm.  He was married in Tennessee. To Elizabeth CHESSER and was the father of 9 children, 3 of whom are now living.  Mr. Cottrell's mother, a lady about 80 is still  living making her home with her son, Isaac who lives in Vigo County.  Samuel Cottrell was married in Florida Township, November 26, 1848 to Miss Susannah COX and has become the father of 12 children, 10 of whom are still living: Joseph, Joshua, Sarah A; William H; Mary J; Isaac M; George W; Marilda; John A; Elizabeth A and Harriet E.  He is a member of the Christian church, as is also his wife.  He has been a deacon in the church, and now holds the office of elder.  He is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Taylor in 1848;.  His farm contains 373 acres, and has been kept under a fine state of cultivation by this observing and energetic farmer.  

COX, E. T., farmer, Coloma, is a minister of the Society of Friends.  He was born in Wayne County, North Carolina July 4, 1825 and in 1827 his parents removed to Parke County, and settled on the farm where Mr. Cox now lives.  His father, James Cox, died in this county in 1828, and his other still resides with him.  In 1847, Mr. Cox married Miss Emily SILER, daughter of Phillip Siler of Parke County  Their family consists of Stanton, Zachariah M, James G, Matilda, Mary A. and Emma I.  The family are all members of the Friends Society, and are respected by all who know them.  (Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers reprinted 1977 by The Bookmark, Knightstown IN).

COX, John, farmer, Bloomingdale, was born in Bartholomew County, Indiana, March 29, 1829.  He is the son of Isaac and Millicent (PARKER) Cox.  Mr. Cox remained at home working on his father's farm until 24 years of age, he having at the same time received a good common school education.  In 1853, he came to Parke County, first locating in Reserve Township, where he lived about 8 years, and then removed to Adams Township, where he remained 5 years. The rest of his time has been spent in Penn Township, Parke County  He has been twice married: first, in 1852 to Mahala MORRIS, daughter of Exum Morris. She was born in Vermilion County, Illinois November 7, 1831 and died July 12, 1865.  His second marriage was April 7, 1869 to Alida HADDLEY, formerly Alida NEWLIN.  She was born in North Carolina December18, 1839.  Mr. Cox has 4 children living, by his former wife: William H, Morris E, Luella and Alden J and by his second wife Elmer died and Summer M.  Mr. Cox is a member of the Society of Friends and in politics is a republican.  Taken from: Page 300 History of Parke County Indiana; J. H. Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill, 1880

COX, John BORN, farmer, Rockville, was born in Randolph County, North Carolina July 14, 1819, and is the son of Jacob and Sytha Cox. His father was born in Chatham County, North Carolina July 14, 1784 and died in 1854. He was a Whig, a farmer and a blacksmith and was for many years a justice of the peace, and clerk of the Baptist Church. Mr. Cox had a common school education. He was first married march 16, 1843 to Mary Mayfield. Their children were: William, Sarah, Mary E, Francis and Marion. His second married was to Maria Anderson. Their children by this marriage are: Gaven D, John T, Clara, Caroline, Anna, Oscar and Homer C. William was a soldier in the Union Army. He was twice captured by the rebels and was confined both at Libby and Andersonville prisons. Mr. Cox began farming in Green County, Indiana in 1843. He lived there about 5 years when he removed to Martin Co where he bought a farm for $700 which he sold a few years afterward for $1600. His next removal was to Iowa. After a residence of two years there he came to Parke County His farm of 231 acres lies about 4 miles southwest of Rockville. He has been an elder upward of 20 years. He belongs to the national political party and is a respected citizen.

COX, Jonathan, farmer and stock raiser, Rosedale, was born July 28, 1820 near Winchester, Ohio , not far from the mouth of Mad River.  At the age of 3 he came to Warren County With his parents and here lived until he came to Parke County  After his arrival he lived with his parents until 21 years of age, when he commenced farming for himself.  In 1843 he settled on Section 29 his present home, and has since resided here, having moved three times, but never leaving the section.  He first purchased 40 acres and has since added, until he finally accumulated a farm of 366 acres all in Section29, save 4 acres in Section32.   July 4, 1843 he married Sarah KILBURN, daughter of Hiram one of the township's early settlers.  By this union he became the father of 3 children: two of whom are living, Hiram, Joseph and William.  His wife died November13, 1852.  August 12, 1856 he was married to Nancy BUSEY in Champaign City, Illinois, daughter Of Jacob a prominent farmer of Champaign County  They became the parents of one child, Sarah Eliz. Who is now living with her grandmother. His wife died August 12, 1858 and is bur. In the BOATMAN graveyard.  Martha BAUGH, daughter Of George became his wife January 26, 1859 and is now the mother of 6 children, four of whom are living: Mary J, Eliza, Emma, Ida, George and Eliza Ann.  He is a member of the Christian church as is also his wife, having joined the church about 20 years ago.  He is also a deacon and was a trustee during the building, and at the completion of the Roseville church.  Mr. Cox is a strong republican, casting his first presidential vote for Henry Clay in 1 844.

COX, Joseph, deceased, was born In Ohio  October 1, 1791 and was raised near Dayton, Ohio  where he lived after his married until his eldest child was 3, when he with his family moved to near Attica, Indiana at which place he resided until his removal to Parke County in October 1836, settling on the farm now owned by his wife, Elizabeth Cox, and here lived until his death, July 1, 1853.  As soon as Mr. Cox reached Florida Township, and settled upon his future home, he erected a 16 x 18 log cabin, and at the expiration of about one year's time he built a hewed log house some larger and congratulated himself upon his convenient mansion, which was constantly improving and forming into a pleasant dwelling.  In 1846, however, by means of the chimney it took fire about midnight and burned to the ground, the family being able to save but little furniture.  He then moved to a log cabin previously used as hay house and occupied it until he could finish a more convenient home.  He was married the first time in Ohio  to Kesiah SHAW who died after moving to Indiana.  They had 3 children.  Mr. Cox was married the second time in 1827 to Elizabeth WILSCHER near Attica who was born In Kentucky near the Crabb Orchard February 4, 1804.  They were blessed with 6 children, 3 of whom are living: Susannah, Joseph, Sarah, Minerva J., George W, and Elizabeth.  Mr. Cox was a Quaker and a republican while Mrs. Cox is a member of the Christian Church.

Lawrence COX, deceased.  "The deeds of men live after them," so it is but just that the deeds of this man should be recorded for the benefit of his posterity.  His life was such that the future generations of the name will with pride read its history.  Mr. Cox was born in northern Ireland, October 8, 1800 and came to American in 1819 a poor boy; but with a determination that was characteristic of the man he set about making for himself fame and fortune.  With industry for his motto he plodded up the rugged hill that leads to success.  He was a man of a limited education but with a large store of general knowledge and good business tact.  He first located in Butler Co, Ohio where he remained a short time and then came to Parke County, Indiana where he purchased a small tract of land, which is now a portion of a large estate he left at his death.  Mr. Cox was a shrewd trader and bought and sold property, each time he made a trade adding to his possessions and at the time of his death, November 18, 1867, his estate was one of the largest and finest in this township.  He was a member of the Methodist church and lived an upright honest Christian Life.  A Republican in politics, he gave but little attention to political matters and never held any office of note in this county.  Mr. Cox first married Nancy KALLEY, who bore him a number of children, 5 now deceased, namely, Lavina; Daniel; Mary Ann, Eliza Jane and John Thomas Lawrence.  James who is a prominent farmer of Vigo County, has filled many prominent offices and is at present county commissioner.  Lawrence was a soldier in the late war in which he served 3 years and died in the hospital at Nashville.  Reuben is a prominent farmer in Florida Twp, Parke County.  Nancy is living on the estate with her stepmother. The mother of these children died September 8, 1853 and their father married in 1858 a widow whose maiden name was Eliza Keller.  This lady was born in Pennsylvania to Jacob Keller, who went to Ohio when she was a child and died there in 1837.  She was the 3rd in order of birth in a family of 14 children and is now the only surviving member of that family.  Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Cox has remained a widow and is spending her declining years on the comfortable homestead prepared for her by her beloved husband. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago:  Chapman Brothers, 1893  Page 557 – shared by Karen Zach

COX, Reuben, farmer, Bridgeton, was born in Raccoon Township February 22, 1845.  His father, Laurence Cox, was born in Ireland October 15, 1800 and died November 18, 1867.  He came from Ireland and settled in this township among the very early settlers.  He owned at his death 640 acres of land.  He was a member of the Methodist church; was a shrewd man in business and a useful member of society.  His mother, Nancy Cox, was born October 30, 1807 and died September 8, 1853.  She was a member of the Methodist Church.  Mr. Cox was raised on the farm and has always followed that calling.  He began for himself in 1866.  He has been very successful.  He buys and ships cattle and hogs.  His brother, James, is doing a large business in Terre Haute in the firm of Miller & Cox.  Mr. Cox is a Mason, a Methodist and a republican.  He is a liberal industrious and well respected gentleman. Beadle, J. H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

COX, William, farmer and stock raiser, Roseville, was born April 24, 1844, in Green County, and here lived until he was 5, when he removed with his parents to Martin County, near Harrisonville, and after a five years' sojourn emigrated to Iowa with the family and settled in Wayne County  Here the family lived 2 years, when they moved to Parke County, arriving here about the middle of Aug, 1856 and settled in what is known as the FISHER neighborhood, where his father, John B. Cox, purchased a farm of 120 acres.  His mother, Polly Cox, died about 1849 in Martin County  Mr. Cox lived with his father until the fall of 1868, and came to Florida in the summer of 1869.  He farmed a couple of years on the old Isaac LEWIS farm, and finally moved to his present home of 168 acres.  July 17, 1862 he enlisted in Rockville as a member of Company  G, 71st Indiana Vol. Inf., but was finally changed to the 6th Cavalry, and was mustered out at Indianapolis the last of June 1865.  At Richmond, Kentucky, he was taken prisoner, but was soon paroled.  The regiment, however, soon reorganized at Terre Haute, and were sent to Muldras Hill, where they were again captured and paroled.  The regiment, however, soon reorganized at Terre Haute, and were sent to Muldras Hill, where they were again captured and paroled.  They came to Indianapolis and again organized, and there guarded prisoners 10 months.  From here they went to Cumberland Gap, Kentucky and remained during the winter.  They then came to Mt. Sterling, Kentucky and from here were sent to Chattanooga and engaged in the Atlanta campaign.  He was a participant in the Stoneman raid, moving on to Macon, where he was captured a third time to meet with something more severe than the parole.  He was taken to Andersonville prison August 11, 1864 and confined one month.  From here they were shipped to Charleston and from Charleston to Florence where he was held as a prisoner until December 17, 1864, being then taken to Savannah where they were exchanged.  He then went to Annapolis, Maryland and from here home for 30 days, returning at the expiration of this time to the seat of action, Pulaski.  October 8, 1868 he was married to Phebe Lewis, daughter of Isaac Lewis, prominent pioneer of Florida.  They are the parents of two children Amberzilla  born February 27, 1872 and Winnie born July 17, 1875.  He is a national, formerly a republican.

GEORGE CARDER, an old pioneer of Clarke County, Iowa, residing on section 9, Troy township, was born in Pendleton County, South Carolina, the date of his birth being April 27, 1803. His father, Armsted Carder, was a native of Culpeper County, Virginia, born near Culpeper Court-house, and followed farming and the hatter’s trade through life.  Our subject grew to manhood on his father’s farm, his education being limited to the rude, log-cabin subscription schools. In 1816 he removed with his parents to Wayne County, they settling among Indians and wild animals, their first home being made of clapboards, the father having to go to Cincinnati to enter his land there. A few years later they removed to Parke County, Indian, where our subject lived till 1856, with the exception of two years spent in southwestern Missouri.  He was first married January 13, 1831, to Nancy A. Cornelison, a daughter of Marsh Cornelison, and of the twelve children born to this union eight are yet living-- John, Elizabeth, William, George W., Phoebe J., D. Oliver, Francis M. and Cynthia A.  Mr. Carder came to Clarke County, Iowa, in the summer of 1856, bringing with him thirty-two head of cattle. He first located in Madison township, the country being at that time in a wild state. There were but twenty-six voters in Madison township when he settled there. All the hardships incident to live on the frontier were endured by him, but he has lived to see the once wild country scattered over with thriving towns and well-cultivated farms.  His wife died November 8, 1858, and he was again united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Mendenhall, daughter of Joseph Mendenhall, January 23, 1859. By his second marriage he had six children, one of whom is deceased. Those living are--Clarissa C., Dosha M., Frank W., Charles L., and Howard B.  In 1881 Mr. Carder removed to Murray, and in 1883 settled on the farm where he has since made his home. He has held several of the township offices since becoming a resident of Clarke County, being justice of the peace twelve years, and serving as township clerk, assessor and county supervisor, each several years.  - Clarke County(IA) Historical and Biographical Record by Lewis Publishing, 1886. Page 188

JOHN M. CARDER, a progressive farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 2, of Madison Township, was born in Parke County, Indiana, June 18, 1832, a son of George Carder, who is living in Murray, this county. John M. Carder was reared to manhood on the home farm, receiving such education as was common to farmer boys in that early day, in the subscription schools of his neighborhood, attending school in the rude log-cabin school-houses with their split-log seats, greased-paper windows, and large fireplaces.  He was married to Miss Hester A. Everett, July 28, 1852. They have no children of their own, but have reared two, whose names are --Lucinda Knott and Flora M. Darnell.  Mr. Carder came to Iowa in the fall of 1854, and after spending a few days in Clarke County located in Madison County, remaining in that county till 1865. He then returned to Clarke County, since which he has followed agricultural pursuits on the farm where he still resides. He has met with fair success through life, owning his home farm in Madison Township, which contains 126 acres of well-cultivated land, besides sixteen acres located at Murray. Mr. Carder is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. - Clarke County(IA) Historical and Biographical Record by Lewis Publishing, 1886. Page 123

CRAFT, William F., the subject of this sketch, is the son of Francis and Mary Craft.  He was born on a farm in Hancock County, Indiana on the 4th of April 1831.  In 1847 his parents moved to Parke County and settled in Reserve Township.  Mr. Craft was bread a farmer and has lived and worked on a farm all his life, with the exception of one year, when he worked at the carpenter's trade.  In 1851, he was married to Margaret WEAVER by whom he has 4 children.  One year after his marriage, Mr. Craft purchased a beautiful farm on Sugar Creek, Penn Township, where he has continued to reside ever since.   His farm contains good coal, building stones, potter's clay and the best body of oak timber in Parke County  Mr. Craft is an active member of the United Brethren church and is looked upon as one of the solid men of the county.  His father, who was born in the year 1800 is still living and able to do a day's work in the harvest field.  His mother died in 1850. Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke County Atlas of  Indiana Centennial, 1816-1916, Page 37

CRAIG, William H, farmer, Rockville, was born in Augusta County, Virginia February 10, 1847 and is the son of Robert and Sarah.  His father was drafted into the rebel army in 1863 and served six months and was then discharged on account of age.  He was called again and compelled to make saltpeter for the southern confederacy.  He fought in Winchester and other battles.  He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian. Church and still live in Virginia  Mr. C. Had a common school education, and spent his boyhood in Virginia  He was drafted into the rebel army at the age of 17 and served till the close of the war.  In 1870 he began working by the month.  In 1872 he moved to Parke County  He fist worked by the month for James A. ALLEN, then on shares and afterward began farming for himself.  October 15, 1874, he was married to Mary Jane OTT, daughter John OTT and they have two children, Emma C. And Alfred A.  Mr. C. Is a member of the Presbyterian Church; in politics is a republican and in every way is a true gentleman.  

CRAIN, Hon. John G., (there is a pictures on Page 136) deceased well known to the citizens of Vigo & Parke Counties, was not only a man of prominence among the members of the legal profession of both of these counties, but one whose opinions on most political questions, and especially the question of finance were regarded as authority by many of his friends and associates.  He was born in Bath County, Kentucky. November 7, 1821, and was the son of Simon and Ruth (MOORE) Crain.  The early part of his life was spent in his native county, where he received such limited education as the common schools of the country afforded at that period.  When 16 he moved to Indiana with his parents, who settled on a farm about 5 mi. SW of Crawfordsville.  From this time until he was 19 young Crain spent the time on his father's farm.  These 3 years of hard work on the farm was probably the cause of his subsequently entering the legal profession.  First he determined to acquire a classical education, and with this object in view, though dependent principally upon his own resources, he entered the Wabash College of Crawfordsville.  His plan was to teach a subscription school during the times of vacation, and in this way he succeeded in fighting his way through to within one year of graduation, when the opportunity was presented for him to study law with the Hon. Henry S. LANE of Crawfordsville, a man of national reputation, and one who took much interest in t he young attorney's future success and reputation.  He began the practice of his profession in Newport, Vermillion County, Indiana. From there he removed to Rockville, Parke County In November 1849 and continued the practice of law.  On November 6 of the following year he was married to Miss Jane STARK of Parke Co whose father was one of the early and prominent merchants of Rockville.   Mrs. Crain now resides in Terre Haute and is one of the well-known and estimable ladies of the city.  Mr. Crain's good judgment, quick and accurate decisions on all questions pertaining to the law, soon won him distinction at the Parke County Bar, and in 1859 he was nominated and elected by the Republican Party to represent Parke County In the state legislature.  Returning to Rockville, he resumed his practice of law in company with Mr. James M. ALLEN.  In 1866 or 1867 he received the appointment of collector of internal revenues for the district of which Vigo County Is a part. This caused his removal to Terre Haute.  He also established a law office in Terre Haute, and at the expiration of his term of service as revenue collector, or shortly thereafter, he was elected to the office of criminal judge of that district and held the office until superseded by Thomas BORN LONG.  Judge Crain, for several years preceding his death, was a very active member of the Republican Party, and a very strong advocate of the resumption of specie payment.  His death occurred January 16, 1880 the news being received with sorrow by the most prominent families of both Vigo and Parke Counties.  Had he lived, it was the plan of the Republican Party to have made him their candidate for congress, from the district of which Vigo County forms a part.  He was an honorable, conscientious and self-made man, dependent in earlier life upon his own resources, and later fighting the battle of life successfully.  He died possessed of a good fortune, and the respect, good will and esteem of the community in which he lived.

Charles CROOKS, senior member of the firm of Crooks & Cahill, general merchants at Bridgeton was born January 7, 1864 in Raccoon Township, about 1 1/2 miles north of the village of Bridgeton.  He is the eldest of 8 children included in the family of William and Mary A. Martin Crooks.  His father, William was born in New Discovery, Parke County August 17, 1833 and was the son of James N. and Annie Nevins Crooks.  The great grandfather of our subject, Samuel Crooks, was one of the pioneers of Parke County and settled in New Discovery where he died many years ago.  Grandfather Crooks died in the same place when his son, William was a young man.  William Nevins, maternal great grandfather of our subject was one of the early settlers of Parke County but we have been unable to glean any information concerning the ancestry of this family.  William Crooks, the father of our subject was the 3rd in a family of 10: Margaret, who married John N. Gailey and lives in Union Township; Mary Jane, Mrs. Alexander Nevins, who died leaving four children; William, who in 1857 married Mary Ann Martin, a native of Mansfield; Samuel, now residing on the old homestead in Union Township; James, also a resident of the home place; Martha, who married James n. Jerome and lives in Oklahoma Territory; Sarah, who die din her girlhood; John who makes his home in Missouri; Louisa, Mrs. Henry Wimmer, residing on a portion of the homestead and Franklin, better known as Doc, also a resident of Union Township.  we are unable to give an extended history of the Crooks family from the limited facts furnished; suffice to say that their name is well known in the annals of our county; their fidelity to duty, courage, honesty and patriotism is universally admitted, and as pioneers they have contributed to the development of this part of Indiana.  Our subject is the eldest of 8 children: Rosa B; Robert T; John; Margaret; Alonzo; Clara; Lucy and Claude, all living.  The mother of these children passed away February 14, 1890, mourned not only by her immediate relatives but by all her associated and friends.  Charles Crooks received a fair education in the common schools of his locality and in 1884 entered the State Normal School at Terre Haute; where he remained for two years.  For a time after completing his education, he was unable to find a position in the mercantile business for which he had a liking and for a short time he worked at the carpenter's trade with an uncle.  However, he had no intention of following that trade permanently but he was of an active, enterprising disposition and preferred any kind of work to idleness.  For six months Mr. Crooks worked on the farm belonging to an Uncle, I. J. Glass in Christian County, Illinois, after which he returned to Bridgeton.  Being a good musician, he joined the Bridgeton band and played with it during the campaign of 1888.  Through the influence of his uncle Glass, he secured a position as clerk in a store operated by J. B. Fenner in Sharpsburg, Illinois and was soon promoted to the position of bookkeeper in the house, having entire charge of this branch of the business.  There he remained for more than 3 years when in June 1891, through the recommendation and retail mercantile establishment of Osborn, Sharp & Company of Montrose, Colorado where he remained for some time.  Upon leaving their employ he received a very high recommendation as a faithful and capable business man.  Returning to his native city, Mr. Crooks found employment in the store of Pence & Holmes.  In June 1892, having saved from his salary sufficient to warrant him in embarking in business, he formed a partnership with E H Cahill and opened a mercantile establishment.  Their push and enterprise, coupled with square dealings and courteous manners, have aided them in building up an extensive and profitable business.  The firm has gained success from its own capital for while the partners could have commanded money and backing from others, they have steadily refused to do so, determined to make their fortune by diligent work.  Mr. Crooks socially, is prominent in the Mason fraternity with which he united in the winter of 1892 and is an office holder of the Bridgeton Lodge.  In his political affiliations, he believes that the platform of the Republic party will best sub serve the interests of the people and accordingly gives his ballot and influence in support of its candidates and principles. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, Page 518

CROOKS, Gideon, was born March 7, 1813 and was the youngest son of Samuel & Margaret (RUSSEL) Crooks.  His father was born November 8, 1775 and his mother August 19, 1785.  Gideon was born in Kentucky, and came with his parents from Kentucky, first to Ohio , then, when he was 10 to Raccoon Township, Parke County Indiana and settled on Section 23.  While a youth Gideon kept a canoe and busied himself in rowing people across the Big Raccoon Creek, for which he received small sums.  At the age of 22 he was married to Hannah CODDINGTON of Montgomery County, Ohio .  Immediately after marriage, they settled on the place now occupied by Mrs. Crooks, widow of the deceased in Section9.  Mr. Crooks farmed up to his death which occurred on May 6, 1868.  Mr. Crooks was a democrat, but one of extreme northern views.  He cast his ballot each time for Lincoln, and sent two sons, James M. and Samuel H to fight on southern soil.  Both sons returned to brighten his life for a short period.  They are now in Missouri.  Mr. Crooks received the commission of Capt. of the state militia May 3, 1848 signed by James Whitcomb, governor and John H. Thompson, sec. of state.  Both he and his wife joined the Baptist church.  They had 9 children: Margaret, William, James M, Samuel H, Lucinda, Mary E, George M, Francis M and Sarah E; of these, William, George M and Sarah E. are dead.  The family are considerably scattered, but Mrs. Crooks clings to the home for which she and her husband toiled. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

Gideon CROOKS was born March 7, 1813 and settled with his father's family in Raccoon Township in 1823.  While a youth he kept a canoe and rowed people across Big Raccoon for a small sum. He was drowned while crossing the same stream below the dam at Bridgeton in 1868.  Mr. Crooks was a farmer and his daughter, Mary, widow of the late Captain Joshua I. Hayes resides on part of the old homestead. - Historical Sketch of Parke County, Indiana, 1816-1916, Page 119

CROOKS, John L., farmer, Bridgeton, was born April 27, 1854 in Adams Township, Parke County, and is the son of Thomas J. and Nancy K. (HALL) Crooks.  John L. lived in Adams Township until 14 years old, then went to Keokuk, Iowa lived there 8 years and returned to Parke County  He was married December5, 1875 to Mary CRABB, daughter of James and Barbara (WEBSTER) Crabborn  She was born May 16, 1860 has had a common school education and is a member of the Methodist Church.  They have one child, Lanorah Myrtle, born January 12, 1877.  Mr. Crooks has traveled through parts of Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri; has been an Odd Fellow 6 years, and in politics is a democrat.  He is a hardworking and industrious young farmer, and lives on the farm two miles south  of Bridgeton. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

CROOKS, James, M.D., one of the leading physicians of this county, was born on a farm in Butler County, Ohio , on the 26th day of October, 1825.  His father, who was also a physician, removed to Parke County when James was one year old.  They settled on a farm near Bridgeton, where his father practiced his profession and farmed.  Here they lived five years, when they went successively to Waynetown, Michigan City, and Lake County, living from two to three years in each place and finally, in 1838, returned to their original Indiana home, near Bridgeton.  James was now thirteen years old, and having determined to adopt the practice of medicine as his profession, he began preparing himself.  He received a good common school education and studied medicine with his father.  In 1847, he began practicing.  In 1855, he attended his first course of  lectures at Ohio  Eclectic Institute, and in 1856 graduated from the Ohio  Eclectic College of Medicine.  In that year he moved into the town of Bridgeton where he has since resided and practiced his profession.  Dr. Crooks, by his skill and close attention to patients, has acquired a large and lucrative practice, and, in fact, has been so successful that no other physician has been able to compete with him.  Dr. Crooks is respected not alone for attainments in his profession, but for his sterling integrity and his eminent social qualities.  He is a very prominent Mason, having been master of the lodge to which he belongs for the past twenty years.  In politics, Dr. Crooks has always been a Democrat, but has been too busily engaged otherwise to do much in politics.  He was married in 1851 to Sarah J. Ward, of this county, by whom he has nine children.  (Combined 1874 Atlas - 1908 Atlas - Isaac Strouse Centennial Memorial & Name Index of Parke County, Indiana)  -CROOKS, James, A.M., physician, surgeon & druggist, Bridgeton, was born in Butler County, Ohio  October 26, 1825.  The progenitors of the Crooks family were genuine Scotch, and  their earliest settlement was at Paisley, about 6 mi. from old Glasgow.  The Crooks family were somewhat famous in the Presbyterian Church for their long, unbroken chain of ruling elders in that church.  There is a memorial in that locality, Scotland, in the shape of a castle, called Crookston Castle.  The late Ramsey Crooks of New York was of this line, and was for many years a distinguished member of the northwestern fur company of which John Jacob Astor was the great head.  James W. Crooks, of Springfield, Massachusetts says that the immediate ancestors of the crooks family emigrated from Scotland to America about the year 1720, in company with many others and settled in the Old Bay State and New Hampshire.  They stopped for awhile in Hephirton, about 30 miles from Boston, but soon went farther west and made a permanent settlement at a place they called Glasgow, on account of their good old Scotch predilections. This town was in the southwest part of Hampden County and was afterward called Ploneford.  The original settlers of Ploneford emigrated to Western Pennsylvania, Maryland and other Western states. The names of John, James, William, Samuel and David have been very common in all the family.  James Crooks, the great grandfather of Dr. Crooks, settled in Monongahela County Pennsylvania.  He had 4 sons: Thomas, Richard, James and William, This third son, James, was the grandfather of Dr Crooks and at an early day emigrated from Pa. down the Ohio  River as far as where the city of Cincinnati now stands.  On their way down the river they were often shot at by the Indians who infested both sides of the river at that time.  He there cut the first stick of timber used in the building of their fort and assisted in building a block house which the old citizens of Cincinnati say was built on the corner of Third and Broadway Sts.  He remained here 3 years and then moved on down the river to Ohio  Falls and stayed there three years and built another block house.  From that place he moved somewhere into the interior of Kentucky, to a place called Bullet Lick and built another stockade.   At this place they were greatly annoyed by the Indians.  When they went out to work they had to strap their rifles on their backs and be on the continual lookout for the savage tomahawk and scalping knife.  Some of his comrades were killed at different times while working in the fields.  He remained here 3 years, and then, as the land in Ohio  was coming into market, he concluded to return to that state.  He sold his land and received continental money for the first payment, which immediately lost its value.  In the middle of winter he, with others, started back to Ohio .  They came to the Ohio  River opposite Cincinnati, and it being frozen over they tore up a woolen vest and tied it around the horses' hoofs to keep them from slipping and crossed the ice.  He settled in Butler County, Ohio  on Cotton Run about 8 miles northwest of Hamilton.  At this place Dr. Crook's father, William B. Crooks and his uncle, Thomas Crooks of Adams Township were born.  He then moved to Franklin County, and his house stood within a few feet of the Ohio  line.  At this place Jacob Crooks and Hamilton Crooks were b and the father of the doctor was married to Martha C. JOHNSTON.  The father of the latter was in the Revolutionary War.  The father of the doctor was born in 1803.  He was a successful physician, was justice of the peace, associate judge in Lake County, a friend to the poor, in politics a democrat and died in 1856 in Parke County  The doctor's mother was born in Ohio  in 1804 and died Parke County August 22, 1865.  The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, came with his parents to this county in 1826.  They lived here 5 years, then lived successively in Waynetown, Michigan City, Lake County and returned to Bridgeton in 1838.  The doctor's literary education obtained in school was limited, but by extensive reading, wide observation and travel, he has become a man of considerable literary attainments and culture.  He read medicine with his father, and began practicing in 1847.  He afterward attended lectures in the Ohio  Eclectic College of Medicine, graduating from that institution in 1856.  He obtained his education by his own exertions, and is now worth about $25,000 in land and other property.  He has met with several severe losses and reverses.  In 1865 he embarked in the dry goods business in Brazil, but by the recklessness of his partner, and the panic of 1873, he lost $16,000 interest and all amounting to about $20,000.  March 13, 1868 his store building, worth about $1,200 was burned and July 6 his store with its contents and other buildings were burned.  By this fire he lost about $4,000.  The doctor was married January 13, 1850, to Sarah J. WARD, daughter of James Ward.  She was born January 22, 1831 in Putnam County  They have had 9 children: Lucinda A born January 7, 1851; Franklin P June 2, 1852 died February 26, 1853; Prudence J December 18, 1853; Charles W, August 4, 1855 died July 7 1856; James H March 9, 1858 died September 18, 1859; Clara MT July 19, 1861; George BM October 16, 1862; Alonzo July 14, 1864 died August 30, 1865; Robert M April 12, 1868.  Since 1873 the Dr. has been in the drug business in connection with his practice. In the winter of 1879 he made a trip to Ark where he collected many geological specimens. These, with what he has obtained from other sources, make a valuable collection in which he takes great interest.  Dr. Crooks is one of the prominent Masons of the state of Indiana.  He joined that order in 1854 and has held all the offices in the lodge to which he belongs, being master for about 17 years and now holds that position.  He has been rep. to the Grand Lodge at Indianapolis nearly every year and as a member of that body has served on some important committees.  He was appointed grand lecturer for the state of Indiana and served one year.  He has taken the chapter degrees in the Terre Haute Chapter and the commander degrees in the T H Commander No 16.  He has been called to different parts of the county to assist in the burial of Masons and has buried in all 19.  In politics the doctor is a Democrat, but cares more for business than for politics.  He was a very intimate friend of Stephen A. Douglas.  Dr. Crooks is not a member of any church, but he believes in the common  brotherhood of mankind and in practicing the broad principles of humanity and Christianity as found in the golden rule. The Dr. has been a very successful practitioner and is a valuable and influential member of society. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

James CROOKS, A.M, MD, one of Parke County's most prominent physicians, as well as one of its most esteemed and wealthy citizens, has spent his whole life from early childhood in the locality where he now resides. He was born in Butler County, Ohio on the Indiana line, October 26, 1825. In order to give the readers of this volume a better idea of the man of whom we write, it will be necessary to go back into the remote past and see where the Crooks family came and what royal blood flows in the veins of the subject of this sketch. We find that the progenitors of the Crooks family were genuine Scotchmen, but it has been impossible for us to trace their history through all the centuries that have passed, for with the past are buried many interesting matters connected with this prominent family, but it is our sin to give here some reliable information, on which future generations may base a more complete history of the family. While many things may be lost from our view that would interest the present and future generations, our subject will be to give only such facts in this sketch as are strictly reliable and on which the future writer can base his history without the extended research that has been necessary in this article. The earliest settlement that we have been able to trace of this family was at Paisley, a small village some six miles from old Glasgow. In those early days the members of the family were noted for their piety and were well known in the Presbyterian Church, being Ruling Elders in that denomination. W e also find that there is in that locality a memorial to the name of Crooks in the shape of a castle called Crookston Castle. Leaving the family in Scotland, let us see what we can learn of them in this country. The immediate ancestors of our subject came to America about 1720, in company with many others and settled in the New England states, principally in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. For a short time they sojourned in Hephirton, about 30 miles from Boston but soon went father west in the state and made a permanent settlement in Hamden County, calling the place where they located Scotland, on account of their good old scotch predilections. This town was in later years named Ploneford. The late Ramsey Crooks of New York was of this line and was for many years a distinguished member of the Northwestern Fur Company of which John Jacob Astor was the great head. The names, James, John, William, Samuel and David have ever been prominent in the Crooks family. The original settlers of Scotland (or Ploneford) migrated to western Pa, Maryland and other western states but it would be too great an undertaking to attempt to trace the various branches of this family; suffice to say that we give in this article the immediate progenitors of our subject. His great grandfather, whose name was also James, settle din Monongahela County, Pennsylvania. He had 4 sons: Thomas, Richard, James and William. The third son, James the grandfather of our subject, at an early day removed from PA down the Ohio River as far as where this city of Cincinnati now stands. On their way down the river they were often shot at by the Indians, who infested both sides of the river. After landing, James Crooks cut the first stick of timber used in the building of the fort and assisted in building a block house, which the old settlers of Cincinnati say was built on what is now the corner of 3rd Street and Broadway. He removed there 3 years and then moved on down the river to Ohio Falls, where he resided for about the same length of time. There he also built a block house and from there went to Kentucky, and helped to erect a stockade at a place called Bullet Lick. The settlers were greatly annoyed by the Indians and when they went into the field to work it was with their rifles strapped on their backs. While many of the pioneers were killed by savages, we have no information to lead us to think that any of the Crooks family lost their lives this way. The residence of Grandfather Crooks and his family in Kentucky was not altogether satisfactory, and after fighting the battle of life and the Indians for 3 years, they returned to Ohio. Prior to removing they sold their Kentucky property, taking continental money for the first payment. This money immediately lost its value and thus Mr. Crooks was deprived of his hard-earned property. He and others started back to the Buckeye State by team but when they came to the river opposite Cincinnati, they found it frozen and the ice so glassy their horses could not stand. They therefore tore up a woolen vest, which they tied around the horses' hoofs to keep them from slipping and in that way crossed the river safely. The next settlement was made on what is known as Cotton Run in Butler Co, about 8 miles NW of Hamilton, Ohio. At the last named place, William B. Crooks, father of the subject was born in 1803. A short time afterward the family moved to Franklin Co, Indiana where they resided in a house which stood within a few feet of the Ohio state line. Here William B. married Martha C.  Johnson who was born in Ohio in 1804 and was a daughter of a Revolutionary soldier. In 1826, when our subject was a child of but one year, his parents came to Parke Co. and located at Bridgeton where the father practiced the medical profession for some 5 years. For the following six or seven years William Crooks lived successively in Waynetown; Michigan City and Lake County and in 1838 returned to Bridgeton where he continued to practice up to the time of his death in 1856. When he passed to that bourne whence no traveler returns, Bridgeton and Parke County lost one of its most influential citizens. He was a man of powerful will and any conclusion he had reached as being right, now power on earth could change. In politics he was a life-long Democrat, and while residing in Lake County, he served as Justice of the peace and Associate Judge.  In him the less fortunate always found a friend, and no poor hand was ever stretched out to him that went away empty. His noble wife survived him several years and died n Parke Co August 22, 1865. Having given an outline of the ancestry of Dr. Crooks, it is but simple justice that prompts us to give to him whose whole life has been spent among the people whop rize him so highly a somewhat more extended sketch than is given to the generations that have gone before him. In some respects he might be considered a unique character. His peculiar traits cause him to make success out of what a less determined man would abandon as a complete failure. His literary education, which is far superior to that of many men who had far greater advantages for obtaining it than he, was not received within the walls of any of our great colleges; in fact, so far as schools were concerned, it was gained in the primitive schools of the pioneer days in Indiana, but he has ever been a thorough and constant student of that great school from which no man graduates until the battles of life have been fought. Dr. Crooks not only reads, but he retains what he read. An extended traveler and close observer, he has in this way stored up a knowledge of men and events that might well be envied by many a so-called classical scholar. His medical education was commenced under his father's instructions and in 1846 he commenced to practice with him. In 1856, he attended lectures in the Ohio Eclectic College of Medicine and was graduated form that institution 3 years later.  Since that time he has been continuously engaged in the practice of his profession at Bridgeton, although he has also been engaged in other business enterprises. In 1865, in company with others, Dr. Crooks embarked in the dry goods business at Brazil, Indiana but by the recklessness of his partner and the panic of 1873 he lost $20,000. He was for a long time in the drug business at Bridgeton. In March of 1868 his store building was burned, causing a loss of $1,200. The following July his store and contents were burned, causing a loss of $4,000. Aside from this, he has paid more than $5,000 in security debts. Thus it can be seen that he has lost a fortune. He was on the verge of financial ruin, and a less determined man would have gone down in a financial crash, but not so with the Dr, his tenacity asserted itself and the tide turned and he is today counted as one of the wealthiest men of Parke co. A few years ago the Dr. became much interested in the study of geology, and his knowledge of this subject is broad and far reaching. He has written and lectured on it and has several fine paintings his own work which he has produced with which to illustrate his lectures. He has also a very fine collection of geological specimens collected in his trips to Ark and the mountains, as well as many secure din his own locality or taken from the mines in Colorado, in which he owns an interest.  Dr. Crooks joined the Masonic Order in 1854, and has held all the prominent offices in Bridgeton Lodge having been its master for nearly a quarter of a century and serving as a delegate to the Grand Lodge and member of important committees. He is a Royal Arch Mason and belongs to the knights Templar and served for one year as Grand Lecturer for the state of Indiana. Bob Morris, the poet, author and great Masonic worker, was his lifelong friend and often visited him at Bridgeton. The Dr. frequently recites in public the poems of this noted Mason, a volume of which was presented to him by Morris on his last visit to Bridgeton prior to his death. In politics the Dr. is a Democrat and was an intimate friend of Stephen A. Douglas. January 13, 1850, Dr. Crooks married Sarah J. Ward who was born in Putnam County, Indiana January 22, 1831 and died December 13, 1891. Their children were 9 in number: Lucinda A, born January 7, 1851 married George f. Smock and resides in Terre Haute. Franklin P, whose birth occurred June 2, 1852 died February 16, 1853. Prudence J. was born December 18, 1858 and married LJ Tennant of Brazil; Charles W was born August 4, 1856 and died July 7, 1856. James H, who was born March 9, 1858 passed from earth September 18, 1859. Clar MT born July 19, 1861 married Ira J. Harshbarger, a prominent miller of Milton, W Va. George BM who was born October 16, 1862, married Ellen Payne and they have two children. He is the proprietor of the Bridgeton Drug Store which was established by his father. He is also a prominent Mason and the present Master of Bridgeton Lodge. Alonzo, who was born July 14, 1864 died August 30, 1865. Robert M, born April 12, 1868 is a resident of Bridgeton. The second marriage of Dr. Brooks occurred March 15, 1893, and united him with Miss Delila Frances, daughter of the late Robert Martin and a native of Parke Co. In his pleasant home and surrounded by all the comforts of peace and plenty, he is spending the evening of his days and enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. The Dr. and two others have formed a scientific and historical society of Parke Co. Our subject is president of the society at present. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, Page 351

Mary CROWELL was born in Connecticut on November 21, 1795.  She was united in marriage to Reuben Loree of Pennsylvania in 1814.  They moved to Sharon, Schara County, New York where he built a house and they lived 4 years.  When Mr. Loree whose business was following the seas was lost at sea, leaving his wife, a widow with two children, little girls, Clarissa Minerva afterwards Mrs. Friend C. Brown of Florida Township and Lucinda, later Mrs. Henry Rockwell of Terre Haute.. Mrs. Loree of course was heart broken and then could not quite give up his return and in fact did not entirely do so for many years. In 1820 Reuben Loree's brother, David D. who named Florida Township for the township from where he came with his wife, some of his wife's people and his sister-in-law, Mrs. Reuben Loree and her children of whom he took full charge and care after his brothers' death as they had no children of their own started West. They were one year on the road being detained in Cincinnati 3 months on account of Mr. Loree's illness with fever. They started again on the water but the boat staved in two.  Then they bought wagons and brought the families on, returning later to Cincinnati for their goods.  Mr. Loree went to the land office and entered 160 acres of land in Florida Township. He built a double log cabin at first and lived there the remainder of his life.  More than 20 years later, after the marriage of her daughters and she had grandchildren, in May 1847, Mrs. Reuben Loree married James Justice. They moved to Rockville where they lived until her death, October 23, 1868. She was a relative of the Cromwells of the Cromwell Publishing company. - Historical Sketch of Parke County, Indiana, 1916 Page 105

CUMMINGS, J. L., farmer, Bloomingdale, was born in Rockbridge County, West Virginia in 1818 and is the son of Samuel Cummings, who was also a native of Virginia  Samuel Cummings came to Parke County in 1837 and settled on the farm now owned by M. TEAGUE, where he lived two years, and afterward moved to where Mr. J.L. Cummings now lives.  He begin a tanner by trade, and there being at tannery on the place, Mr. Cummings and his father carried on the tanning business for a great many years.  Mr. Cummings has been married twice.  In 1852 he was married to Armilda McCord who died in about 1856.  He married again, this time to Rachel Sanders of Vermilion (sic) County Indiana.  He  became the father of one child by his former wife, Wilson and four by his present wife, Annie V; James F; Oliver P and Martha J.  Mr. Cummings served as justice of the peace for four years and is the present trustee of Washington Township.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics is a republican.  (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)  (Note:  J L Cummings January-5,1818 - April 25, 1898 is buried in the Elder Cemetery., Just east of County Rd. #223 which is a poorly cared for cemetery)

CUMMINGS, William P, retired, Rockville, was born in Bath County, Virginia May 9, 1813.  He learned the hatter's trade and had worked at that employment some 6 years, including his apprenticeship, when, in the fall of 1836, he settled in Parke County  The next spring he moved into Rockville and started up in business, and continued the manufacture of hats without interruption until 1864.  At that time he moved on a farm, where he remained till 1868, when he ret. To Rockville and has since lived pretty much retired.  In 1838 Mr. C. Was licensed a local preacher and ever since that time has been a popular and efficient laborer in the Lord's vineyard.  In the good old days past and gone, when people married for love, it was thought by almost everybody aspiring to matrimony to be essential to their happiness that "Uncle Perry," should perform the solemn ceremony.  Probably no other man in Parke County Has 'United in one flesh" as many candidates for the married relation as Mr. C.  It is pleasing to record that his skill and popularity were not limited to this happy business, but that it was also a real pleasure to be buried by him.  To his field of usefulness he has brought much native ability and true devotion.  Having done a perfect work, he justly holds a warm place in the hearts of the people.  Mr. Cummings was originally a Whig, and in the prime  of his life was active and influential in politics.  He ran once for state senator but was defeated.  He has held official relations to the Methodist church for 40 years.  Mr. C. Was married in October 1836 to Miss Magdalene C. WALLACE in Lexington, Virginia. They have reared 5 sons and two daughters.  Only two of the former are now living: Norval W of Rockville and William T. of Terre Haute.  The former distinguished himself as a soldier in the 31st Indiana Volunteers.  He fought at Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, and Chickamauga, and in the last battle received a dangerous wound in the right hip and thigh from the explosion of a shell.  He was confined to his bed 6 months and when he got up was obliged to use crutches the same length of time.  He has been sheriff of Parke County 6 years and treasurer four years.

William Perry CUMMINGS was greatly beloved by the people of Parke County.  For 60 years, he lived here "laboring in the Lord's vineyard."  Without money and without price he preached the gospel to our people during all the years of his long life.  He was present in times of gladness, of sorrow, or distress, he was also present to administer words of comfort.  No man in Parke County was called as often as "Uncle Perry" to officiate at marriage ceremonies and his consoling presence was as frequent on funeral occasions.  William P. Cummings was born in Bath County, Virginia May 9, 1813.  He learned the hatter's trade and worked at it six years.  In October 1836, he married Magdalene C. Wallace of Lexington, Virginia who belonged to a family of noted Indian fighters and frontiersmen. T he next year they came to Rockville where Mr. Cummings began business as a hatter.  He conducted his shop in Rockville form 1837 to 1864, when he moved for a while to a farm.  In 1838 he was licensed as a local preacher and from that time until his death frequently preached in the Methodist pulpits of the county.   He neither expected nor received pay for his official relations with the church, but supported himself and reared his large family by his own hard work.  On the occasion of the Golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Cummings a large number of people from every part of the county were present, and attested their love and appreciation of the venerable couple by many golden tributes.  Not only the churches, but lodges, military companies and schools, attended and extended congratulations. It was a day long to be remembered.  Rev. Cummings was large of stature. His personality accorded well with his calling.  His voice was deep and inspired reverence in the hearer - a voice more familiar perhaps to the survivors of past generations and which will be more readily and affectingly recalled than that of any other man to which memory now turns. - Parke County Indiana Centennial Memorial, 1816-1916, Page 58

William H. CUTBIRTH, wagon and carriage maker and blacksmith, Hollandsburg, was born in Greencastle, Indiana August 20, 1850, and is a son of Milton Harvey and Mary E (Stewart) Cutbirth.  He was educated in Greencastle, but spent most of his youth on a farm. At the age of 20, he was apprenticed to James Houck of Greencastle with whom he worked two years, learning his trade, and then began business for himself in that city. In August 1873, he moved to Hollandsburg, where for some time he rented and carried on his business. In 1875 he built a wagon, carriage and blacksmith shop 58 x 22 and in 1879 erected a very comfortable dwelling house cost $1,000. Before moving to Hollandsburg, he was married to Jane Sheets, daughter of Frederick and Betsy Sheets, of Greencastle. They have 4 children: Orlando, now dead and buried at Greencastle, Ida myrtle born January 2, 1874; Freddy born June 21 , 1876 and William Homer, born Feb 18, 1879 now dead and buried by Bethel Church, Greencastle.  Mr. Cutbirth is a republican. He began life with a hammer, after he had earned sufficient to buy it and is now worth $2,000. He is always busy in his work.  - Beckwith, H. W. History of Vigo and Parke Counties. Chicago: H.H. Hill and N. Iddings, 1880, Page. 223