Parke County Indiana Biographies - D

Please send any additions or corrections to James D. VanDerMark

DAILEY

DAILEY, Charles, farmer, stock raiser and fruit grower and a prominent and highly respected citizen of Clinton Locks, was born September 10, 1835 on the Daily homestead and consequently is one of Florida's oldest native citizens.  His father, Benjamin Dailey, was born in Butler County, Ohio  on a farm, November 22, 1803 and came to Parke Co in October 1827.  The first two years of his stay in Fla. Township he rented land of a Mr. STEWARD, on Section17.  He then entered 88 acres on Section6 and paid for it by hauling corn to Roseville where he tramped it out with oxen and sold it for 12 and a half cents per bushel.  He was also compelled to sell his only mare to obtain the desired amount and even when this was done it was discovered they were still short when Mrs. Dailey, a good hearted woman who was desirous of assisting all she possibly could toward a home, sold her wedding dress for $3.  But by persevering, and a will determined to found a home, Mr. Dailey finally accumulated a handsome property of 450 acres.  He died May 11, 1863 and is bur. In the Daily graveyard.  October  27, 1825 he married Catharine REDEN who was born October11, 1809 in Pa and is now in her 71st year.  She is a remarkable old lady and possessed of an extraordinary memory in regard to early incidents and today is as lively as most persons are at 30.  This spring she made a trip to Arkansas with a sick son and returned with her activity only increased.  They became the parents of 8 children, 5 of whom are living: William R; Abner D; John; Samuel; Charles; James; Mary and Margaret.  In 1834 Mr. and Mrs. Dailey became members of the Christian Church and Mrs. Dailey is the oldest member of the Christian church in the township.  Mr. Dailey was one of the first elders, and held the office until his death.  His education was such as he could gather by observation and an insatiable disposition to learn more of his country's history and her excellent institutions.  He was noted for his punctuality, his fair dealing, his unrelenting energy, his even charitable manner and his noble heart.  Young Charles lived at home until 23 years of age, at which time he commenced farming for himself on 80 acres of Section1 Range 9.  He soon built a story and a half house, and in the summer of 1871 made some fine additions and now has one of the finest residences in western Florida.  His farm now numbers 270 acres, nicely situated upon the bluff and in the bottoms.  June 24, 1858 he was married to Linnie WRIGHT in Putnam County, near Morton, Indiana .  They are the parents of six children, four of whom are living: Catharine; Eliza A; Benjamin F; Emily E; Cora C; Charles C.  Mr. Daily joined the Christian church in 1854 as did his wife, and has held the offices of elder, trustee and superintendent of the Sunday school.  He is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote in 1856 for James Buchanan.  Mr. Dailey is one of those exceptionable men who never had a lawsuit in his life.  He is a sturdy temperance character, a man of his word and a thorough Christian gentleman.  

DANALDSON

DANALDSON, (Judge) Walter, merchant, Montezuma, a prominent citizen of Parke County, was born on a farm in Clark County, Kentucky, August 22, 1804, and is the son of John and Ellen Danaldson.  The judge remained at home until he was 25 years old, receiving meanwhile a common school education.  On July 24, 1827, he was married to Harriet THOMAS, of Shelby County, Kentucky.  In 1834, he removed to Parke Co. and located at Rockville, where he engaged in the dry goods trade, which he continued for 8 years.  In 1848, he was elected associate judge by the Whig party, and served for six years, when he resigned.  The celebrated Beauchamp was tried, convicted and hung under his jurisdiction.  Such men as Gov. WRIGHT, Tilghman HOWARD, JA WRIGHT and many other legal lights practiced in his court.  Judge Danaldson's first wife having died in 1839, he was again married to Ellen M. COOK, daughter of William Cook of Montezuma, and shortly afterward went to Montezuma to live.  His second wife died in 1863, and his third married was in 1877, to Mrs. Julia A. RUSSELL, widow of MW Russell, who was one of the prominent early settlers of Parke Co.  The judge served 3 terms as county commissioner and 3 terms as a member of the state board of agriculture.  In 1865 he was elected by the Republican Party to represent Parke CO. in the legislature, and served his term in the winter of 1855-56.  The judge is a self-made man and has gained the position in society and politics which he now occupies by his own exertions and by his determination to merit the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.   (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 Indiana ).   -- see also Donaldson

DARE

DARE, J. S., physician, Bloomingdale, who has been one of the prominent physicians of Parke Co. since 1850, is a native of North Carolina born July 18, 1818.  At the age of 14, while in his native state, he began an apprenticeship at the printer's trade and by this occupation he earned money to secure his education.  It can honestly be said of the Dr. that he is a self-made man.  In 1840, he began the study of medicine, after which he received his medical education at the Med. Univ. of Philadelphia, Pa.  In 1848, he came to Knightstown, Indiana  where he practiced until he came to Annapolis, Parke Co (1850) since which time he has not only been classed as one of the first physicians of the county, but as one of the most respected citizens.  He is a strong advocate of the cause of temperance, in which he is always ready to take an active part.  Being of a social turn, he makes and retains friends without an effort.  He is a prominent Mason, and has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1849.  The doctor has been twice married  His former wife was Emily HUBBARD, a highly educated lady of North Carolina, and his present wife is Mary died STRAIN, daughter of James & Rebecca Strain, who are highly respected citizens of this county.  Taken from: Page 298 History of Parke Co Indiana ; J. H. Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill, 1880

DARLAND

Darland -- Lambert, Abraham and Isaac were residents of Washington Township from 1821-1855.  Land was located on the Green Township border Section11 and 12 ).  (From Judy Cassidy)

DARROCH

DARROCH, William P., physician and surgeon, Hollandsburg, was born October3, 1856 in Union Township, Parke County, and is the son of Samuel and Sarah J. (PUETT) Darroch, who live one and a half miles south of Bellmore.  His mother is a daughter of Johnson and Martha Puett of Rockville.  He was educated in the Bellmore graded school and spent 3 years at the Bloomingdale Academy.  In fitting himself for his present profession he studied one term at Louisville Medical College, then attended one term of lectures at Rush Medical at Chicago, where he graduated in February 1877; then, for still better preparation, took a course at the Kentucky. School of Medicine from which he graduated June 26, 1877, thus holding two medical diplomas.  After graduation spent a year and a half with Dr. HARVEY, of Mansfield, then began practice alone at Hollandsburg, where he is now permanently located.  He is thus far meeting with success in his work.  He is a republican.  He was married April 17, 1878 to Rachel C. BLAKE, daughter of Harvey and Cyrena (VanDEVERE) Blake, who was born June 14, 1857.  They have one child, Samuel C, born April 14, 1880.

DAVIES

DAVIES, Samuel, Jr.,  was born on the 29th of April 1844.  He was reared on a farm and lived with his father until 1863 when he enlisted in the 11th in Cavalry, Col. Bob Stewart commanding and served as private and part of the time as a non-commissioned officer, till the close of the war.  During his term of service, Mr. DAVIS (sic) participated in the battle of Nashville in 1864 and in several other lesser engagements.  In 1865, the regiment was ordered to join the army on the frontier, where they were when the war closed.  At the expiration of his term of service, Mr. Davis (sic) returned to his home in Bloomingdale, where he still lives.  In connection with Messrs. CHAPMAN & WOODY, he is engaged in the dry-goods trade.  Mr. Davies (sic) is a single man and we heartily recommend him to the fair sex of Bloomingdale.    Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke Co Atlas of  Indiana  Centennial, 1816-1916, Page 37.

DAVIES, Samuel, Jr., was born on the 29th of April, 1844.  He was reared on a farm and lived with his father until 1863, when he enlisted in the 11th In Cavalry, Col. Bob Stewart commanding and served as private and part of the time as a noncommissioned officer, till the close of the war.  During his term of service, Mr. Davis (sic) participated in the battle of Nashville, in 1864, and in several other lesser engagements.  In 1865, the regiment was ordered to join the army on the frontier, where they were when the war closed.  At the expiration of his term of service, Mr. Davis (sic) returned to his home in Bloomingdale, where he still lives.  In connection with Messrs. CHAPMAN and WOODY, he is engaged in the dry goods trade.  Mr. Davies (sic) is a single man, and we heartily recommend him to the fair sex of Bloomingdale.  (Taken from: Atlas of Parke County, Indiana.  Chicago: AT Andreas, 1874).

DAVIS

DAVIS, James, farmer, Bridgeton, was born in Parke County, September 5, 1838 and is the son of Samuel Davis.  The boyhood of Mr. Davis was passed on the farm, and he has ever since followed that calling.  He attended school some in winters, and worked on the farm in summers and at the carpenter trade.  Mr. Davis enlisted in the army July 6, 1861 in Co. H 21st Ind. Vols. and in 1863 was transferred to heavy artillery.  He was in the battle of Baton Rouge, the siege of Ft. Morgan, Ft. Gaines and Mobile and some skirmishes and small fights.  He reenlisted January 1, 1864, for 3 years or during the war.  He was mustered out January 22,, 1866.  Mr. Davis was married September 12, 1867 to Indiana MARTIN, daughter of Lucias and Ann Martin.  She is a member of the united Brethren church.  They have one child, Dora E, to add sunshine and happiness to the domestic circle.  She was born March 3, 1868.  Mr. Davis has a good farm of 80 acres two mi. from Bridgeton.  He is a republican, and a quiet, peaceable, good citizen.   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

DAVIS, Jarvis, the third child of Jessie and Elizabeth Davis was born in Kentucky on the 13th day of Dec, 1796.  His father came across the mountains from Virginia with the first US troops that came to Kentucky and lived there to the good old age of (105) one hundred and five years.  Mr. Davis lived in Kentucky until 1819, during which time he learned the shoemaker's trade and received a common school education.  In 1819 he went to Indianapolis and lived there for 6 months during which time he helped raise the first frame house built in the place.  In the same year he went back to Kentucky and stayed there until 1826, when he went to Bloomfield, Ohio .  During his residence in Bloomfield he was married to Eliza R. DAVIS on the 20th of September 1827.  In the fall of the following year he removed to Parke Co In and lived awhile in Jackson Township, but afterwards moved to Montezuma, where he still resides.  Mr. died has worked at his trade ever since he has resided in Indiana, and although 78 years old, is yet able to do a good days' work.  In 1850 he was elected J P and served 17 years in that capacity.  (Taken from the 1874 Parke County, Indiana Atlas. Page 33)

Jarvis DAVIS was the son of Jesse Davis and was born in Kentucky in 1796.  His father came across the mountains from Virginia with the first United States troops and died at age 106. Mr. Davis lived in Kentucky until 1819 where he learned to be a shoemaker.  In 1828 he came to Jackson Township and after a short stay, went to Montezuma and served 17 years as justice of the peace. - Historical Sketch of Parke County, Indiana, 1816-1916, Page 121 

JOHN G. DAVIS -         About 1750 or 1760, four brothers named Davis, landed at Snow Hill, Maryland, from Wales. Two of them became ancestors of the subject of this sketch. William had three children. Truett had eleven children, and three of his sons were killed in the Revolutionary War. One son, Eli, became the father of John.  Robert Davis had ten children, and one son died in the war. A daughter married Eli, her cousin, and became the mother of John Givan. The family removed to Fleming County, Kentucky, where John was born October 10, 1810. In 1819 the family removed to Indiana and made a home in the wilderness of Parke County. Eli, sr., and his sons made the brick and built, probably, the first brick house in the County, in Greene Township. Eli gave to each of his eight children a quarter section of land. He was a Baptist minister and farmer, and quite successful.  John Givan attended the schools of those times, in the log school house in the woods.  He attended school about six months, and afterwards taught.  He learned the three “R’s,” but was not satisfied with the results.  He read and studied much and became proficient in the use of the best, forceful English.  He remained on the farm until grown.  The day before he was twenty-one years old he was elected Sheriff of Parke County.  In 1833 he resigned to become Clerk of the County, which office at that time included the duties of Auditor.  He was re-elected continuously until 1850.  In the Clerk’s office he was always ready to aid anyone, without fee, to adjust their troubles, and he thereby prevented much litigation, and thus secured the good will of the people.  The Friends (Quakers) were strong in the County, Penn township having but nine voters not Friends.  They were his friends, saying, “John, we don’t like thy politics, but we believe thee is honest.”  So they voted for him.  During his service as Clerk, a law required an examination of the office and a report to the Court, of the condition of the office, its records and the manner in which they were kept.  At the August Term, 1837, such a report was made, in which the condition of the office and records are spoken of in most flattering terms.  That report is signed by General Tilghman A. Howard, Judge W. P. Bryant, Colonel Henry Slavens, and Joseph A. Wright, (later Governor and Minister to Berlin.)  Davis was brought in contact with a coterie of very brilliant and able men, then residents of Rockville.  In 1850, and prior thereto, Edward (Ned) McGaughey was considered the invincible man in politics.  He represented the district in Congress.  The Democrats of the district held a convention at Bowling Green, Clay County.  No one wanted to be a candidate against McGaughey.  Davis was urged to accept, but refused, saying he had had no experience, and had never made a speech in his life.  But the convention drafted him.  He defeated McGaughey.  In 1852 he was renominated and defeated Wolsey Barbour, a Terre Haute lawyer.  In 1854 the American or “Know Nothing” party was at its strongest.  Davis was renominated and Harvey D. Scott, a Terre Haute lawyer, was nominated by the “Know Nothings,” and the secret organization defeated Davis.  The organization caused mobs and riots, and great violence in the large cities, its purpose being to prevent foreign imigration.  In 1856 the Whigs nominated John P. Usher, a brilliant lawyer (later Secretary of Interior under Lincoln,) and known as a “brow-beater.”  We say now “bulldozer.”  They expected him to awe Davis, but he failed.  Davis was elected.  By 1858 the slavery question had caused great contention, and the Democratic party divided upon it.  Breckenridge being nominated by the Slavery or Administration faction in 1860, and Stephen A. Douglas by the other faction.  Davis refused to act with the Administration, and the supporters of that faction nominated, by trickery, Henry Secrist, a lawyer of Greencastle.  Davis became an independent candidate, and defeated Secrist by over 3,000 votes.  John’s father had freed his slaves, and John insisted slavery should not be forced upon the territories.  The Administration sent an agent to him to offer him any sum of money, or office he wished for his friends.  His answer was, “Go back and say that Davis is poor, but the Administration has not money enough to buy him, and he has no poor kin.”  Of course, the power of the Administration was used against him.  After John’s term expired he retired from politics, desiring nothing so much as to be allowed to enjoy the peace of family and home.  He had large interests in Parke County, including Section 16 in Greene Township, where one man was his tenant and agent for 30 years.  With Colonel E. M. Benson he had a large business in Montezuma.  They packed and shipped pork to New Orleans; also conducted a large store.  He sold his interests at Montezuma and removed to Terre Haute, where with a brother-in-law, Pembroke S. Cornelius, he established a dry goods business, that he later sold to P. W. Haggerty.  He had a beautiful home outside the city, where he lived until his death, on the 18^th day of January, 1866.  He married in early life Jane W. Cornelius, daughter of early settlers.  They had eight children, but all died before him but three, Littleton T., John W., and Mrs. Amanda D. Mack, wife of Judge William Mack, who is the sole survivor of the family.  In Congress Davis served on important committees.  He was one of the chief advocates of the first Pacific railroad.  He had inflexible integrity as a public official.  He had a brother, Eli jr., who had been a soldier in the Blackhawk war.  Congress had voted 80 acres in land warrants to those soldiers.  After he entered Congress a bill was introduced to give an additional 80 acres to those men.  His brother naturally urged him to vote for it.  He refused, saying that he did not believe it right.  He was an efficient member, and always on the side of the people.  He believed in the old democracy – a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, an economic and efficient administration of all affairs of the people.  During his early life he was a Captain of the State Militia, and studied military affairs.  At the beginning of the Civil War he was tendered a commission as Major General of Volunteers in the Federal Army, but he declined, feeling that the time for military service was passed with him.  He was a strong, impressive speaker, going straight to his point.  Such men as Senator Voorhees, J. C. Allen, of Illinois, and others competent to judge, pronounced him the most forceful speaker in the country.  He was a kindly, congenial, and true friend.  Physically, an impressive figure, six feet, two inches tall, broad shouldered and erect, with fine features, a good specimen of the pioneer.  - Parke County Indiana Centennial Memorial by Isaac Strauss (Page 51)   -  Donated by Tim Phipps - see another biography on the web site at http://politicalgraveyard.com

DAVIS, Minor T., son of John and Heathy Davis, was born in Butler County, Ohio in 1827, and came to Reserve Township in 1828, settling on a farm.  He worked on his father's farm until of age, attending district school during the winter.  He was a justice of the peace for several years, and a good all around business man of integrity and influence.  (Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke Co Atlas of  Indiana  Centennial, 1816-1916, Page 117)

Minor T. DAVIS.  A striking illustration of the power of patient purpose is furnished by the life of this gentleman, who was born in Butler County, Ohio near Rossville June 13, 1827 to John & Heathy Davis Davis.  The grandfathers of our subject were brothers, who came from Wales & England and settled in New Jersey and Virginia respectively both bravely participating in the Revolutionary War.  The father of our subject was born in New Jersey January 8, 1787, later moving with his parents to Virginia where he married a lady who was two years his junior.  After marriage he went to Kentucky, and thence to Butler County, Ohio where he was engaged in shoemaking.  In the fall of 1828 he came to Parke County and chose Reserve Township as his abode, here remaining and improving 40 acres of fertile land. Some years later he sold out and moved to Raccoon Township, where he bought 120 acres of land. In the fall of 1845 he moved to Hancock County Illinois where he purchased improved land.  Later, in 1858, he moved to Joliet, in the same state where he died during the progress of the Civil War. He fought bravely in the war of 1812 and was in the battle of Ft. Meigs. He used his influence for the Whig party up to Jackson's time when he became a Democrat.  In his religious views he was a Baptist, being ready at all times to push forward anything for the good of the cause.  He served as Justice of the Peace and Constable to the full satisfaction of his constituents.  John Davis was twice married, 13 children born to him and his first wife, two of whom were born after leaving Ohio.  These children were: William; Harrison; Isaac; Jonathan; M, T.; Polly; Emily; Eliza; Heathy; Silas; Aaron and two who die din infancy.  His first wife died August 18, 1846 in the Baptist faith.  Mr. Davis then chose as his second companion Mrs. MAYES who also passed away in Hancock Co Ill. Having received a thorough English education, besides gaining a fair knowledge of farm work, we find our subject on reaching mature years engaged in teaching in Illinois and Indiana, teaching in this state in Reserve Township 7 terms.  Previous to teaching, at different times he was employed at brick making and stone quarrying, which last he did two years.  Then, thinking that the pursuit of his father might prove more beneficial to him, our subject rented a farm for a short time and in about 1865 or 66 purchased 40 acres in Parke County where he made his home until October 1875.  At this period he moved to his present location where he engaged in the grain trade.  By his thrift and industry and economical habits, this gentleman has added to his original purchase another valuable farm of 124 acres making in all 169 attractive, fertile acres in his possession.  Besides these he owns cultivation yields to him a golden tribute.  The improvements, both useful and ornamental are many and the work of his own hands.  Politically, he is a Democrat and has always been loyal to his party.  For a wife our subject chose Amanda J, daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca Harper McFARIN of Montgomery County Kentucky a daughter of a respected farmer of Parke County, Indiana...  Mrs. Davis was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky and has been an active member of the Baptist Church as has also her husband for many than 30 years.  They are both honored and respected people of the community in which they reside. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page. 286

Rich DAVIS is an example of the sturdy self-made man having commenced at the bottom round of the ladder leading to success and having steadily, as the years elapsed, ascended until he has reached a desirable position, both financially and as regards the place he holds in the hearts of his fellow-citizens. Since 1844 he has been active in Democratic political circles, though he is not an office-seeker. He was elected as Twp. trustee just before the war, but refused to serve, preferring to give his attention to his business and home affairs. He owns a well cultivated and improved farm on Sections 8 and 9, where he has made his home for about half a century.  Mr. Davis was born September 10, 1820 in Guilford County North Carolina and is the son of William and Sarah F. Lamb Davis. Grandfather John Davis was of English origin and was a soldier in the war of the 13 colonies for their independence. His wife was a Miss Rich and both died in North Carolina. Mr. Davis was a farmer by occupation.  Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church.  Our subject's father was born in North Carolina where he died about the year 1825. He followed the trade of blacksmith and wagon maker and religiously was a member of the Missionary Baptist denomination.  Mrs. Davis, who was born in Randolph County, North Carolina was the daughter of Benjamin Lamb, of French descent and member of the Society of Friends. Our subject is one of 7 children: John died in Wabash Township, Indiana; Benjamin was killed in a runaway accident; Martin died in the state our subject was born; Rich is our subject; Mary is the wife of Cidrick Omstott, deceased; William who served in the Mexican War died in Missouri and Elizabeth the youngest, departed this life in the same state.  After the father's death our subject's mother married Absalom Hayworth, a farmer and in 1827 removed by wagons to Vigo County, Indiana where they landed Christmas Day having been 4 weeks on the road.  In 1829 they settled in Wabash Township of this county where Mr. Hayworth entered 40 acres of land. In the spring of 1840 he sold his farm & migrated to Yaney County, Missouri where he was killed in 1863 by Kansas Jayhawkers.  Our subject's half brother was killed at the same time.  By her second union she became the mother of 4 children: Ruth, Joab, Rebecca and Allen, the one killed.  She was reared in the faith and was a member of the Society of Friends.  After receiving only a limited district school education, Rich Davis, at age 16, commenced carving out his fortune. he began by working in a woolen mill at Mecca, receiving $12 a month and keeping steadily at work for six years.  In 1842 he ran a steam sawmill on Rocky Run, receiving fair wages and at the expiration of two years he purchased 80 acres of farm on Section 8, the place which is still his home. He has since increased the boundaries of his farm and he is now the owner of a place of 160 acres, the usual size of farms which are thoroughly cultivated and all in use. When he took possession the place had been but little cleared and had but few improvements upon it.  All this is now changed and the place has literally made to "bloosim like the rose."  For 30 years, during the winter season, Mr. Davis has been engaged in rendering lard for packing houses at Armiesburg and Montezuma, at which occupation he makes 43  day.  Mr. Davis has been twice married, his first wife being Mary HAYWORTH, daughter of James and Sarah F Winn Hayworth. To them were born a large family of children.  Sarah died at age two; Alexander departed this life when 4; Commodore is a resident of Hoopston, Illinois; Martha died age 18; Mary died when 23 on the home farm; Willard; Charles and Minda of Terre Haute complete the list. Minda is the wife of W. Williams of Terre Haute in which city Frank also resides. Willard died when one.  The mother of these children was called to her final rest January 20, 1887. Mr. Davis' present wife is Mary, widow of Henry Bascomb, and daughter of Floyd Burks, who came from Kentucky to Indiana in 1826 and is now deceased. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 346, shared by Karen Zach

DAVIS, Samuel T., farmer, Rockville, is the son of Samuel and Barbara (MILLER) Davis, and was born in Parke County, March 19, 1840.  His father was born in Butler County, Ohio  in 1800 and died in Parke Co. December 27, 1879.  His father moved to Parke Co. In 1825.  He was quite a prominent man.  He was justice of the peace for a number of years, trustee of the township, member of the legislature, and a member of the constitutional convention that formed the present constitution of Indiana.  In politics he was a Whig, then a republican, and an adherent to the Dunkard church.  He was an active and influential member of society, took an interest in schools, and was a man of extensive information.  Mr. Davis' mother was born in Butler County, Ohio  and died in Parke Co. In 1843.  She was also a member of the Dunkard church.  His father was married the first time in 1825 and had 9 children by that married  He was married the second time, January 6, 1847 to Isabel M. HENRY.  By this married there were 5 children.  Mr. Davis had only the advantage of the common school education of his day.  He began farming for himself in 1866 and has been a very successful farmer.  He has a good farm upon which he has built a nice new cottage-roof dwelling house and a new barn.  Mr. Davis was married March 19, 866 to Lucinda BLAKE.  She was born December 11, 1843 and is the daughter Charles L. And Barbara MILLER.  They have four children, Samuel E, Barbara A, Charles and Luther.  Mr. Davis enlisted July 6, 1861 in Co H 21st Ind. Vols. And was afterward transferred tot he 1st heavy artillery.  He fought in the battles of Baton Rouge, port Hudson, Ft. Gaines and Morgan and Ft. Blakely at Mobile.  Mr. Davis enlisted under Capt. Campbell of Parke CO.  He was under Gen. Dix, then transferred to the Dept. Of the Gulf under Gen. Butler.  He next served under Gen. Banks.  Mr. Davis Reenlisted as a vet. December 31, 1863 for 3 years and served to the close of the war, being mustered out January 10, 1866.  Mr. D is a republican in politics and is a good, honest, hardworking farmer, a useful citizen, and a respected, genial gentleman. 

DEBAUN

DEBAUN, S., farmer, Annapolis, was born in Kentucky in October, 1829, and came to Indiana with his parents, Abraham and Eleanor (LYSTER) Debaun, when he was one year old, settling in Sullivan County, where he was raised.  On May 20, 1852, he married in Sullivan County, to Miss Angeline HARRIS, and they have a family of 12 children: 7 boys and five girls.  In August 1871, he came to Parke Co. from Vigo County, having been located there some time, and has now one of the largest farms in the township, consisting of 509 acres of rich land, in good cultivation and well improved, on which is a handsome residence and substantial outbuildings.  Mr. Debaun is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, having belonged to that organization for over 10 years, and in politics is strongly republican.  During his life he has done a great deal of hard work, his handsome property being the result of his own industry and labor.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

DEER

DEER, Edmund , miller and farmer, Annapolis, is one of the active business men of Parke County, and he was born in Boone County, Kentucky in 1825.  He is the son of Joel and Sarah (GARNETT) Deer, who were natives of Culpepper County, Virginia, and removed from Boone County, Kentucky to Montgomery County, Indiana in 1828. Here Mr. Deer grew to man's estate in the meantime working in his father's grist mill and attending the common schools.  He has spent the larger part of his life in the mill business, that being his father's business.  His father built the second mill built on Sugar Creek, in Montgomery County, Indiana.  Mr. Deer has obtained two patents for a millstone dress.  Mr. Deer came to Parke Co. in 1862, and bought an interest in the Rockport mills, which has been under his management ever since.  He spent a short time in Missouri, where he built a large schoolhouse and established a school, but on account of the rebellion he abandoned it.  While there he married Mary J. SCOTT, a native of Ohio , who was raised in Missouri.  Since the first of 1880 he has established a miller's exchange business at Bloomingdale.  He is a prominent Mason, and is classed with the prominent business men of Parke County.  Taken from: Page 305 History of Parke Co Indiana ; J. H. Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill, 1880

Joel G. DEER.  The Deer family are numbered among the early settlers of Montgomery Co. and their names are enrolled on the list of pioneers of the state.  The grandparents of our subject came to this country from Germany, arriving here about the close of the last century; they settled in Virginia and became identified with the best interests of the community in which they resided.  The father of our subject was born in Virginia in the year 1789 and at the age of 22 enlisted in the army for the War of 1812, being in active service during the famous opening year of that conflict. Our subject's mother was a member of the old GARNET family, of Virginia and was a lady of most estimable and lovely character.  After his marriage Joel Deer, the elder, moved to Boone CO Kentucky where our subject was born in the year 1818.  Joel G. Deer was only a few months old when his parents migrated from Ky. to Montgomery Co Indiana and located near where our subject now resides.  They entered a Government section of timber land, whereon our subject's father soon erected a log cabin.  Joel Deer, Sr. was a man of more than ordinary ability and enterprise for even pioneer days and after making his family comfortable in their cabin, his foresight and business ability suggested the necessity of grist and sawmill in his immediate neighborhood.  Not many months elapsed after his arrival in the Hoosier state before we find him the possessor of an excellent milling plant and the progenitor of a business which has since grown to immense proportions.  His family consisted of 5 children, the youngest of whom is Joel G. Deer, whose life we here sketch.  Joel Deer received his education in the common schools of Brown Township and when 21 married Miss Mary E. McGREGG.  At the time of his marriage, he received from his father a present of $1,000 with which to start in life, which sum he invested in land on the shores of Sugar Creek.  Some years after his marriage he joined his brother in a partnership and together they purchased their father's extensive milling interests.  The Deer Mills are known as the oldest enterprises of their kind in the state of Indiana, it being 62 years since the father started this enterprise in the crude building fashioned by himself in the early pioneer days.  The wife of Joel Deer has borned him 9 children and the living members of his family form a more than ordinarily interesting group.  One son, William E, gives promise of becoming a prosperous business man.  He is possessed of much of the ability which characterized the success of his grandfather and is at present associated with his father in the milling business.  The history of the Deer mills shows that their proprietors have not enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity for the year 1877 the whole plant was destroyed by fire at a loss of $20,000 there being only $4,000 insurance on same.  The same pluck which characterized the pioneer grandfather was fully displayed by his son, who quickly rebuilt and by patient industry brought the enterprise up to its old standard.  In addition to his milling interests, Joel Deer owns 500 acres of land, located near Sugar Creek.  In the year 1888 he was elected County Commissioner on the Republican Ticket and held the office one term.  He has not been a very active politician preferring to attend strictly to business, but he adheres to the tenets of the republican party and can always be counted on to assist in its campaigns.  Socially, Mr. Deer is a Mason, in good standing and enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens as a man of upright principles and more than ordinary business ability.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893 Page. 516 

DeLANEY -       see Laney

DELP

DELP, Urial C. farmer, Wallace, was born in Kentucky . In 1828, and is the son of James and Malinda (Clore) Delp, the former a native pioneer settler of Kentucky.  He came to Parke Co. With his parents in 1837.  His father died in 1880, aged 80 years and his mother in 1873, in the sixty-second year of age.  Urial C. Delp was married in 1861 to Nancy Clore, daughter of Urial and Dortha A. (Crosby) Clore.  By this marriage he has 9 children: Malinda A; Marion S; Edward S; Ulysses G; Ambrose B; Ida J. And Cora E.  He ran the mill on Sugar Creek, known as Delp's mill for 20 years.  When he began life for himself he had but little property, and he now has a farm of 335 acres, located on Sugar Creek, rich in mineral deposits, such as iron and coal, which will receive special attention in this work.  His education is only such as the pioneer schools of Parke Co. Could furnish. (1880 History of Parke County, Indiana J. H. Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers)

DEMOTTE 

DeMOTTE, John B., Rev., A.M., Catlin, was born October11, 1817 Perrysville, Kentucky.  His father, Daniel, was born in Mercer (now Boyle) County, March 19, 1798 and his other, Mary (Brewer) DeMotte was born in the same co March 6, 1793.  Both were raised in the Scotch Presbyterian church.  The ancestors of these people came from Holland, but father back were Huguenots in France.  Daniel DeMotte and Mary Brewer were married October31, 1816 and came to Rockville, Indiana in 1831, bringing their family of 7 children: John B; Mary Ann; Sarah J; James S; Martha E; Amanda F; William H.  Marcus L., was born in Rockville Dec. 18, 1832; was educated at Greencastle, and is now, 1880, candidate for congress from the 10th district, Indiana.  John B, the subject of our sketch, began as an apprentice in a tannery at the age of 16, but only served his time out in this business.  His Education was somewhat limited in his youth; however he spent some time at Asbury Univ.  His education was largely gathered from observation and from books without the aid of a teacher.  In 1833 he united with the Methodist Church and in 1840 was licensed to preach at Parkersburg.  October23, 1842 he was ordained deacon by Bishop Tomas A. Morrow, at Centreville and also ordained elder by Bishop BORN Waugh at Bloomington, Indiana September 29, 1844.  Mr. DeMotte has been an active worker in the church, following in the footsteps of his father, who worked for many years through this circuit of country. F or two years, Mr. DeMotte was principal at the Female HS at Greencastle, which was finally merged into Asbury Univ.  In his ministerial work he has been located at Catlin two years.  Form 1853 to 1857 he was presiding elder in the Warsaw district of the North Indiana Conference.  In 1857 the degree of A.M. was conferred upon him by the Delaware (Ohio ) Wesleyan University, signed by Pres. Edward Thompson and afterward bishop, William L. Harris, now Bishop Harris, William G. Williams, still a member of the board.  He has also been engaged in his work at LaPorte, South Bend Goshen, Greencastle, Rochester and Frankfort.  Mr. DeMotte was married September 27, 1842 to Emily F. PAYNE of Owen County, Indiana .  She died July 9, 1852, leaving two children: Mary E, now Mrs. D. Case of Attica Indiana and John B, Jr. now principal of the preparatory department of Asbury University, and sec. of the faculty of that institution.  Mrs. DeMotte was a well educated and eminent Christian woman.  She was buried in the old cemetery near the seminary.  Mr. DeMotte married as his second wife, Phebe T. FOSTER daughter of John W. and Margaret W. Foster of Masonville, NY.  She was educated at Wymong (Pa) and Franklin (NY) seminaries; has taught for many years not only the common schools but also French, Spanish and Latin.  She is a niece of Col. Samuel C. Wilson of Crawfordsville. T hey have had 7 children: Charles F (dead); Marcus L (dead); Margaret; Emily F; George E; Sarah E 9Dead) and Phoebe M (dead).  Those living have received or are acquiring good educations. 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

DENMAN

DENMAN, James O., farmer, Mansfield, was born April 21, 1852.  His father, James, was born in Georgia; was a deacon in the Baptist church and in politics a Jackson democrat.  He died in the 71st year of his age.  Mr. Denman's mother, Martha, was born June 8, 1822 in Union County, Indiana.  She afterward lived in Fayette, Rush and Parke Counties.   She has been twice married, and is now a widow and lives with her son.  Her second married was to James NEVINS.  He died March 24, 1876.  James Denman, the subject of this sketch, has always lived on a farm.  He was married April 6, 1879 to Miss Alice DENEHUE, daughter of Stephen and Mary Denehue.  His wife was born in 1862 and they have one child, Maude, born June 6,1 880.  Mr. Denman began farming for himself in 1870, and has a good farm of 160 acres two miles from Mansfield.  He is a Mason, an Odd-Fellow, a democrat and a good citizen.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

DENNIS

David W. DENNIS -- For 25 years the name of Professor David Worth Dennis has been inseparably interwoven with the history of the educational interests of Richmond.  His broad intelligence, scholarly attainments and his full appreciation of the value of knowledge as a preparation for life's responsibilities make him one of the ablest educators who have promoted the interests of Earlham College and advanced the intellectual status of his adopted city.  The ever broadening influence of his work is, of course, incalculable, for when was ever a measurement for the psychic forces of nature invented?  His labors are permeated by broad humanitarian principles which render them not merely a means for gaining pecuniary returns, but a source of assistance to his fellow men, whereby he advances the scheme of our human existence - the constant uplifting and betterment of the race.  Professor Dennis is a native of Dalton Township, Wayne County and is the son of Nathan and Evaline Worth Dennis.  Both on the paternal and maternal sides his ancestors were from Nantucket but his grandparents removed to North Carolina locating in Guilford County where the father of our subject was born in 1815; mother in1 813. The later was a sister of Governor Jonathan Worth of North Carolina, whose grandson; Ensign Worth Bagley was the first man who lost his life in the Spanish-American War.  Nathan and Evelina Worth Dennis were married in Wayne County, Indiana and spent the remainder of their days in Dalton Township where the father successfully carried on agricultural pursuits. He was one of the leading men of the locality, was the promoter of many local enterprise and was an active and consistent member of the Society of Friends; he was for more than 25 years clerk of West River preparative meeting of ministers and elders.  He was twice married, his first union being with Mary Lamar by whom he had 4 children: William who died in early manhood in 1871; Osborn, a minister of the Friends Church in Randolph County, Indiana; Edwin of Wabash Indiana and Mrs. Mary Ebrite of Muncie, Indiana. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Dennis married Evaline Worth and their only child is Professor D. W. Dennis.  The father died in 1872 and the mother in 1887.  Until 16 Professor Dennis remained on his father's farm in Dalton Township, Wayne County attending the common schools and those conducted under the auspices of the church to which his people belonged his father being one of five men who contributed to extend the term of the public schools longer than the public funds would permit and thus gave his and other children the advantage of better educational facilities. When only 17 David W. Dennis began teaching school, which profession he followed for 3 years when he further continued his own education by study in Earlham College. He was graduated in that institution when 24 years of age with the Bachelor of Arts and since that time he has taught almost continuously in the Richmond High School and Earlham College with the exception of one year, 1889-90, which he spent with his family in Europe.  He remained for 14 months, during which time he visited Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, England and Scotland.  During six months of that time he was a student in the universities of Bonn and Edinburgh, pursuing a course of embryology in the latter, of biology in the former.  The degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by Earlham in 1878 and that of Dr. of Philosophy by Syracuse University of 1886.  For 15 years he has occupied the chair of biology in Earlham and is regarded as one of the most successful and capable professors ever connected with the faculty of that institution.  After his graduation he spent two years in Earlham College, then 4 as a teacher in the high school at Richmond and two years as president of Wilmington College.  He then spent a year in rest and study after which he resumed his pedagogic labors as a teacher in Bloomingdale Academy, where he remained two years.  He then returned to Earlham College where his labors have been continuous with the exception of the period passed in Europe. Someone has said, "Travel in the source of all true wisdom," and certainly in the year spent abroad Professor Dennis gained a broad fund of knowledge which will enrich his life and its labors for all time.  To a mind of great discernment and a nature of broad and acute sympathies, the world is continually offering valuable lessons and he availed himself of the opportunity to improve, bringing with him from the Old World strong impressions and vivid and pleasant memories which are constantly coloring and enriching his views of life.  In addition to the work of the classroom, Professor Dennis lectures frequently on various general educational topics.  His services in this regard are in frequent demand for teachers' institutes and he often illustrates his lectures with stereopticon views.  He is also well known in educational circles by reason of his able articles on pedagogic and scientific subjects -articles that frequently appear in the leading journals of the country.  Not the least important branch of his work is in connection with the different clubs of Richmond organized for intellectual improvement.  He has long been vice president of the Tuesday Club, is a member of the Tourists' Club and of the University Extension Center.  He delivers many addresses in connection with the work of these organizations and has been chairman of the program committee of the Tourists' Club.  He takes a broad minded interest in the political situation of the country, and gives his support to the men and measures of the Republican Party but has never sought nor desired political preferment.  He took a deep interest in the money question during the last campaign, is a stanch advocate of the "gold standard" and believes most thoroughly in the territorial expansion of our government.  Of the Friends' meeting he is an active lay member and delivers many addresses before the society, on moral questions but is not connected with the ministry.  In 1876 Professor Dennis was united in marriage in Parke County, Indiana to Miss Martha Curl, a daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah Gifford Curl both of Parke County.  One son was born to them, William Cullen, who was graduated at Earlham College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts when 17.  The following year he was graduated at Harvard College with the same degree.  Although the youngest man in the class, his standing was very high.  He then spent another year within the classic walls of that time-honored institution, won the degree of Master of Arts and the honor of delivering the oration for the graduate school.  He is, now at age 19, a student in the law department of Harvard. The home life of Professor Dennis and his family was ideal.  The most perfect companionship existed and so strong was the influence of the beautiful Christian character of Mrs. Dennis upon the life of this community that this work would be incomplete without the record of her life, which we herewith append.  Professor Dennis is still actively carrying on his life work, continuing his labors among the young, whose thought he directs to nobler, higher things with a realization of the truth that even intellectual attainments count for naught save as they aid in the development of an upright character. When Mrs. Mattie Curl Dennis passed away one more name was added to the list of honored dead whose earthly records closed with the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," but as long as memory remains to those who knew her the influence of her noble life will remain as a source of encouragement and inspiration.  "Our echoes roll from soul to soul," and the good we do lives after us through all ages, handed down from generation to generation.  Who then can measure the results of a life work, and especially such a life work as that of Mrs. Dennis?  To the uplifting of humanity her best energies were ever devoted.  With unerring judgment she recognized the "spark of divinity" in each individual and endeavored to fan it into the flame of righteousness. Not to condemn but to aid, she made the practice of her life, and the world is better and brighter for her having lived.  But though the voice is stilled in death, the spirit of her worth and work remains as the deep undercurrent of a mighty stream, noiseless but irresistible. Her influence was as the delicate fragrance of a flower to those who had the pleasure of her friendship.   Her sympathies were broad and quietly yet strongly she called forth the best in one, ennobling all by her own Christian character. Her life was beautiful in its purity, goodness and Christian virtues, and her memory will long remain as a blessed benediction to all who knew her.  Mattie Curl Dennis was a native of Parke County, Indiana.  In the public schools she acquired her early education and then began teaching in the district schools of her native county.  Desirous of acquiring more advanced education, she subsequently attended Bloomingdale Academy then entered the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio and in 1874 was graduated at the Indiana State Normal.  Her labors as an educator were most acceptable and satisfactory.  She taught for 12 years in the district schools in the city schools of Indianapolis and in the academies at Bloomingdale and Ladoga.  She was married June 227, 1876 to David Worth Dennis after which they made a trip to the east, visited the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and then returned to establish their home in Richmond where she remained from September 1876 until June 1879.  During this time her only child, William Cullen Dennis was born December 22, 1878. On becoming identified with the new community almost her first thought was how could she assist and be assisted by those with whom she would be thrown in contact, and during her early residence at Richmond she organized and conducted a normal Bible class taught in the Sunday school and studied with a ceramic art club.  From 1879 to 1881 she was employed as a teacher in Wilmington College and within that time organized the Browning Literary Circle of Wilmington Ohio which has ever since maintained its existence.  In 1882 she accepted a position as teacher in the Bloomingdale Academy, where she remained until February 1884 when failing health forced her to seek rest in the south. She passed the months of February, March and April in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina and on the 1st of May 1884 returned to Indiana.  From that time until her death she was a resident of Richmond, with the exception of 14 months spent abroad and no other woman has exerted so wide an influence upon the social, intellectual and moral life of the city. Mrs. Dennis was identified with many of the leading clubs of Richmond and was a member of the Indian State Reading Circle Board from 1884 until 1889. In the former year she organized a reading circle, which later became known as the Aftermath. She continued her membership therewith until her death, and was its leader until failing health forced her to resign.  In 1892 she became a member of the Contemporary Club of Indianapolis, joined the Tourists' Club in 1896 became a member of the Variorum at its organization and was one of the organizers of the North End Literary Society.  In all of these she retained her membership until her death and of the last named was leader.  She organized the History Class in 1890, was its leader until her death and was ever untiring in her efforts to promote its advancement.  In 1866 she became a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and her Christianity was ever of the practical kind which prompts ready assistance for the needy, the promotion of literary culture and the advancement of science and art.  Always quiet and unostentatious in manner, Mrs. Dennis nevertheless left a strong impress of her individuality and beautiful Christian character upon all whom she met.  She endeared herself to thousands of pupils, one of whom wrote; "Mrs. Dennis gave me my first real insight into the English language and what a wonderful study it was!  She was so spirit-like, so unlike the world and its ways that it was an inexpressible pleasure to me to hear her talk of people and things; and after my college days I never passed through Richmond but that I made it a point to call at her delightful home."  Mrs. Dennis loved her pupils and always won their love.  She had a singular power in getting work from them; what she said they could not think was trivial - her lessons must be learned.  She could help students find their own powers in a way few others could do.  She did this by working with them, by encouraging them to believe in themselves.  She never uttered a dogmatic sentence; she treated her pupils as tenderly and considerately as she did her neighbors; and when she came to work in clubs with other ladies and gentlemen her schoolroom manners were all that she required.  She trusted her pupils implicitly and always believed that this would save them if anything would.  In all matters of discipline she sought to control through the understanding, and from within never by rule or from without.  Mrs. Dennis had an unfeigned love of the beautiful in all forms, in art and in nature.  In Dresden, Rome, Florence and Paris the art galleries were her homes and the masterpieces her personal friends.  In literature and history she had a quick eye for the heroic, the beautiful, the true, the purposeful.  In life she saw through the soul of things at a glance and parted company with insincerity as perhaps the one incurable mischief.  She loved the trees; they were beautiful, genuine, restful, always the same.  She loved the flowers and gathered them in many lands and climes.  She loved the birds as St. Francis loved them.  They were not afraid of her; she fed them by hundreds in her yard and talked to them as though they could understand, and all summer long they answered her call with a cheer which they seemed to know. The strength of her life for 13 years was given to the betterment of women and she was not long a resident of Richmond before she became an active factor in the organization and promotion of several clubs for the advancement of literary and artistic culture.  The Tuesday Aftermath was organize din 1884 and was the inspiration of Mrs. Dennis, whose untiring zeal and unselfish devotion carried it safely through the perils of infancy as her genius was the guiding star of its later years.  During the different winters studied American authors; spent two years in studying Shakespeare one year in England and one in Scotland; one year on Russian literature; one year on French literature and one on German literature. Mrs. Dennis was also the organizer of the History Class of Richmond.  Its first meetings were held in the lecture rooms of the Baptist church but the increase in numbers in attendance was so great that within a few months it was necessary to hold the meetings in the auditorium of the church.  There were no tickets nor fee for admission, no limit as to numbers, age or capacity.  The subject first chosen for study was Chaldean history but Mrs. Dennis did not restrict herself to that alone; she varied the lessons with little moral talks reading of selections from the poets and by giving quotations to be copied by the class as reference in future work.  The subject of art was very early introduced and has always proved one of the most attractive features. In the second year the subject of Jewish history was taken up in connection with Christian art and an excellent stereopticon outfit was purchased for the purpose of illustrating these lectures.  Greek history and art have also claimed the attention of the class, followed by a winter's study of Italian history and the painters and architects of that country.  Through all the years Mrs. Dennis was the inspiration of the society; she planned its work and made it one of the most effective organizations in Richmond for intellectual advancement. When abroad in Europe she was not forgetful of her club associations and frequently wrote letters of the most entertaining character to the Tuesday aftermath the history class and other societies with which she was connected.  Her essays and addresses before these clubs were always of the most entertaining character.  She possessed high literary ability and her reading covered the wide realm of science, art, history and classical literature.  It has been said that the soul finds its best and truest _expression in poetry and thus it seemed to Mrs. Dennis. Those things which touched her most deeply often inspired her to set down her thoughts in poetry and some of her poetic productions deserve to be classed with those of our best American writers.  Poem her written 16 October 1894. Death came suddenly to Mrs. Dennis and she was thus permitted to continue in the active work of life to the last.  No woman in Richmond has ever exerted a broader or more beneficial influence upon the life of the city. The highest tributes of love and respect were paid her.  Resolutions were passed by all the organizations and societies with which she was connected, and Richmond mourned the loss of one who was at once friend, teacher, counselor and companion.  - Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1899, Page 17

DEVERTER

DEVERTER, George T., physician, Howard, was born in Montgomery County, Indiana , March 16, 1839 and received his education at the common school, which he left when 12 years old.  He worked in the wool factory, pottery shops and tannery until 14 when he commenced at the blacksmith trade and remained at that two years.   He then came to Annapolis, this county, and worked at blacksmithing and carriage making.  In 1861, he enlisted on the first call for 300,000 volunteers, in co. H 21st Art. and was present at Battle Rush, Sabine Pass, Port Hudson, Camp Bisland, and on the expedition of Gen. Banks up the Red River.  Leaving the army in 1864, he came home and worked at blacksmithing for a short time, and then went to Columbus and reenlisted for one year in Co. C 5th Reg. Vet. Vols.  During his time of service he was through most of the New England states, guarding stores, etc.  The regiment did guard duty during the trial of the conspirators at Washington.  At the close of the war, he returned to Parke Co and set up a blacksmith shop, and continued at that business until he contracted a disease of the eye, which caused him to give it up.  In 1866 he studied medicine at Indianapolis, attending Miami Medical College and graduated there in 1872.  He entered into partnership with Dr. SURBAUGH in 1868 and practiced for two years, when he sold out and went to Missouri, but only remained there two months, at the end of which time he returned to this county and commenced practice in the village of Howard, where he is still located.  The doctor is a very popular man in the county; has served 3 terms as township trustee and is now candidate for auditor, with every prospect of being elected to the office.  May 21, 1879, he was married to Miss Clara STEINBAUGH.  He is a prominent member of the AF & AM and is worthy master of the Lodeville Lodge, and in politics is strongly republican.  he owns 75 acres of land and a house and lot in Howard.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

George T. DeVerter, MD a successful physician residing in Waterman, Parke County, belongs to a family whose representatives for generations have been numbered among the most patriotic and honorable of our country's citizens.  He was born in Waveland, Montgomery county, Indiana March 16, 1839, and is a son of George and Mary E. Foreman DeVerter. His paternal grandfather emigrated from France in Colonial days, in company with Gen. Lafayette, and served in the Revolutionary War, after which he settled in PA, where it is supposed he died.  George DeVerter, Sr. was born in PA and while following his trade of shoemaker as a "jour," he tramped over 14 states and finally arrived at Chillicothe, Ohio where he married. From that place he removed to Montgomery County, Indiana and later settled in Parke County where he died at Annapolis in 1873.He had followed his  trade throughout his entire active life, and was an industrious, energetic man, kind and sympathetic in disposition, possessing a firm will and decided convictions on every subject. Prior to the Civil War, he was a Democrat, but after 1864 he voted the Republican ticket. His wife was born March 26, 1808 in Pickaway County Ohio and died August 4, 1891.  She was the daughter of an Ohio farmer, who traced his ancestry to Germany. 8 of 9 children born to the parents of our subject grew to maturity, one having died in childhood.  Michael moved to California in 1850 and died in Arizona.  He was a member of the 2nd California Cavalry. Lucinda died unmarried. Celinda, widow of Henry Laughlin, resides in Annapolis; Rebecca is the wife of Charley Booze and resided with her daughter near Crawfordville; Mrs. Elizabeth Sherman died in Chillicothe, Mo; George T. is the subject of this notice; John M, served in Co. A, 85th Indiana Infantry and died in Nashville, Tennessee in 1862.  The youngest  member of these Alonzo, is a mail messenger.  The mother of these children was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a noble Christian woman.   After receiving a common school education, our subject became self-supporting at the age of 12, and two years later commenced to work as an apprentice to the blacksmith trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of 3 years. Completing the trade at 17 years of age, he worked as a journey man carriage smith until July 6, 1861, when he enlisted as a member of Co. H, 21st Indiana Infantry of which he was chosen 5th Corporal. He participated in the engagements at Ft. Jackson at the mouth of the Mississippi River), Baton Rouge, Camp Bilsland, Port Hudson, Sabine Pass, Pleasant Hill, Cane River, Yellow Bayour and others. In 1862, he became Sgt, in which capacity he was discharged July 31, 1862. While his company was returning home, it was fired into by the enemy at Gaines' Landing on the Arkansas shore and 5 were killed and 10 wounded.  In January 1865, our subject went to Cincinnati, and thence to Columbus, Ohio where he enlisted in Co. C 5th Veteran Volunteers or Hancock's Corps and at Washington was promoted to be Sergeant. After his discharge from the army in March 1866, our subject commenced the study of medicine at Annapolis and in the winter of 1867-68 attended Miami Medical College at Cincinnati from which he graduated in 1871.  he opened an office for practice at Howard, Parke County, Indiana where he remained for 18 years.  In 1882, he took a course of lectures at Bellevue Hospital College, NY and two years afterward located at Lodi, Indiana where he opened a drug store in partnership with CL Steinbaugh.  May 21, 1879 occurred the marriage of Dr. DeVerter to Miss Clara B, daughter of Christian and Susannah Fashbaugh Steinbaugh.  Three children, Elizabeth I, William J and Donald have been born to the union. Mrs. DeVerter is a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church and is a lady of culture, whose friends are as numerous as her acquaintances. As a Republican, Dr. DeVerter served as Trustee of Liberty Township, Parke County from 1872 until 1878 and has occupied other honored positions with efficiency. In social connections, he is a Mason and takes an interest in fraternal work. His prosperity shows that he possess the keen acumen of the successful business man and in addition to his comfortable home he is the owner of 212 acre sin Liberty Twp. He takes an active interest in the local work of the Grand Army of the Republic and during the year 1892 was the President of the Regimental Reunion of 21st Indiana Volunteers which was held at Greencastle, Indiana September 1892.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893 Page. 649

DINWIDDIE

Franklin Weems DINWIDDIE was born on a farm in Adams County near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania July 14, 1818 died April 25, 1910 at his home in Rockville Indiana age 92.  November 11, 1845, he was married to Miss Deborah Jane ROBINETTE of York Springs, Pennsylvania who died in Rockville May 13, 1907.  Of this union were six children: Mrs. Maria Louisa Foxworthy, Indianapolis; James M deceased in 1890; Franklin A, deceased in infancy; George T of Frankfort, Indiana; William Colfax and Ed R. of Sheridan, Wyoming. In October 1847, Mr. and Mrs. Dinwiddie removed from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Greencastle, Indiana and in May 1848 came to Rockville to make their home. He was deputy county clerk under George Thompson and for years was a member of the town council.  Was elected county recorder for two terms; afterward for 16 years was bookkeeper for the 1st National Bank, Rockville and then elected Co. Treasurer for two terms. In all these positions he was faithful and his clear penmanship can be seen to this day.  He joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in September 1845, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and was a charter member of Howard Lodge No. 71, Rockville. In politics he was an ardent Whig, afterwards a Republican, both he and his wife were life long members of the Presbyterian Church. - Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke County Atlas of IN Centennial, 1816-1916, Page 109

DONALDSON

O. C. DONALDSON, long identified with mercantile interests in Webster City as a dealer in boots and shoes, was regarded as one of the honored and representative men of this community. He was born in Emmitsburg, near Baltimore, Maryland April 21, 1830, and comes of a family of English lineage.  His parents were Fielding and Catherine McAllister Donaldson and the latter was a native of one of the eastern states.  She belonged to one of the old families of the country, and her father was a hero of the Revolution who valiantly fought for independence.   Fielding Donaldson, the father of our subject was a very successful business man and accumulated much wealth but he assumed certain debts of honor and died in only medium financial circumstances passing away when our subject was but a boy.  Both he and his wife held membership in the Presbyterian Church and the latter died in 1850. They had 5 children but the only survivor is Charles Donaldson who makes his home in Fairfield, Iowa. O. C. Donaldson pursued his education in the schools of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and after completing a literary course took up the study of medicine. At the age of 20 he removed to Uniontown Pennsylvania where he engaged in practicing, making his home in that place until 1858, when attracted by the business opportunities of the west, he came to Iowa and arrived in Ft. Dodge at the time of the great land sale, which is one of the memorable events in the history of that place.  Subsequently he took up his abode in Iowa City.  On 17 September  1870 he was united in marriage to Mary S. SINNETT, whose birth occurred upon a farm in Parke County, Indiana June 27, 1842, her parents being Samuel and Susan L. Higley Sinnett.  The former was born in Dublin, Ireland on St. Patrick's Day about 1818; the latter a native of Marcellus, NY.  They were married in Tioga County NY and there Mr. Sinnett engaged in farming until he removed to Parke County, Indiana where he continued his agricultural work, making his home in that place 3 years.  They then removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he remodeled a home that has been erected for 50 years. There he engaged in farming, owning and operating land two miles from the business section of Muscatine. In early life he was a Jackson Democrat but afterward became identified with the Greenback Party.  His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian Church and he died in November 1900 while his wife passed away November 1898, both being laid to rest in the cemetery at Muscatine. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sinnet were born 8 children, the eldest, being Mary S, now Mrs. Donaldson.  Jennie S. resides upon the old homestead farm in Muscatine. Georgia A. is the wife of Russell B. George of Chicago, Ill. Isabella is also living on the home place in Muscatine and Samuel T, the next member of the family carries on the work of the home farm.  Charles E, married Miss Cora Freeman and resides in Muscatine; John Harris died at the age 28.  The youngest of the family died in infancy.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson were born 4 children: Oscar F, born in Iowa City January 20, 1872 married Miss Ella Cameron of Webster City, Iowa where he still resides. They have one son, Ralph Fielding born in September 1901.  Oscar is filling the position of bookkeeper for the Litchfield Manufacturing Company.  Mary C, born April 4, 1873 died July 31, 1889.  Sarah born Iowa City, August 13, 1876 resides with her mother.  Samuel S, the youngest born in Webster City July 27, 1870 died 13 December of the same year. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson they removed to Iowa City where he carried on business until 1878 when he came to Webster City and established a boot and shoe store here.  He soon secured a good trade which increased with the growth of the town and as his reliable business methods became known to the public.  Success attended his efforts as the years passed by and he acquired a comfortable competence thought the legitimate channels of trade. In early life he was a Republican but when the Greenback movement was organized he joined the ranks of the new party.  He always refused to hold office, although he never failed to loyally support his honest convictions.  He was a member of the Congregational church, and by his friends was spoken of us a "grand good man," so honorable was his life and so true was he to all the duties and obligations that devolved upon him in the home, in business or in citizenship.  He died April 3, 1892 and was buried in the cemetery at Webster City but although 10 years have since passed he is not forgotten, his memory being still enshrined in the hearts of many friends.  Mrs. Donaldson is now living in a comfortable modern home at No. 1204 South Superior Street and is one of the highly esteemed ladies of Webster City.  - A Biographical Record of Hamilton County, Iowa.  New York: S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 190, Page 616 

DONALDSON, Walter C. (sic) (Judge) -- Judge Walter C. Donaldson was also in business at Rockville,  before going to Montezuma to take advantage of the Canal.  He was elected assoc. judge in 1848, served as co. commissioner and in 1864 was elected Rep. of Parke Co.  He had retired from business long before his death, and was known far and wide as one of Parke County's grand old men.  He was born in Clark County, Kentucky. August 22, 1804.  At the age of 73, Judge Donaldson, who had been a widower for many years, married Mrs. Julia A. RUSSELL, one of Parke County's pioneer women.  The married ceremony was performed in a grove near Mrs. Russell's home and was witnessed by a large congregation of friends.    (Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke Co Atlas of  Indiana  Centennial, 1816-1916, Page 27)  see also Danaldson

DOOLEY

Another minister who has a large place in the history of the Association is the Rev. A. H. Dooley. He was born in Kentucky in 1829; when he was ten years of age his parents moved into Parke county, Indiana, near a place called The Narrows of Sugar Creek. Through all the years of his childhood he had deep convictions as to his sin fullness of heart and his great need of salvation; but, for one thing, the church of the neighborhood was a Predestinarian church, and he could not bring himself to accept its distinguishing doctrines, although it was the church to which his father and mother belonged. And when, after some years, he found reason to hope that he was a christian, it was only after a long struggle that he found courage to confess Christ before men. Finally in 1850, while visiting relatives in Boone county, he found the opportunity and offered himself for membership in a missionary Baptist church; he was accepted and baptized forthwith. During nearly all the time of his conviction for sin and need of a Savior he also had the conviction that it was his duty to give himself to the work of the christian ministry. He and Miss Mary T. Connelly were married in 1852, and his wife joined the church with him in 1853. While engaged in teaching and farming, ever and anon the duty of giving himself to the work of the ministry was with him. The Rev. P. T. Palmer, a prominent minister of that part of the state, soon interpreted his feelings, when the two met, and encouraged him strongly to make the start. In 1854 he moved to Boone county and was soon compelled to listen to the voice that was calling him into the ministry. He was ordained at the request of the Elizaville church in 1867, and has from that time till old age forbade it, given his time and strength to the work of the ministry, and has been successful far beyond the average. Most of his service was in Monticello Association; he was pastor, in turn, of many of the churches composing it and was often honored with the moderatorship of the Association. He has interested himself in collecting the data and writing the history of at least two of the churches he served—Elizaville and Burnetts Creek—and also the history of Monticello Association. He also often wrote most interesting historical sketches for the denominational papers. From these sources and an autobiography written in his later years most of the facts of this sketch were found. Early in life he took a positive stand against the use of alcoholic beverages and against the use of tobacco, and now in his old age he can with double effect warn young men against the use of both. He is still able to go about among the churches occasionally, and nothing gives him as much satisfaction as to see the churches prospering, and his own denomination reaching forward towards larger things.  - Indiana Baptist History, 1798-1908,  By William Taylor Stott, Page 271, 272

DOOLEY,  Marcus A., farmer and stock shipper, Waveland, is the son of Martin l. And Sarah (BLOOMFIELD) Dooley, now living on Sec. 5 in Greene Township.  Marcus A. was born in 1837 and is a native of Parke Co.  He was married in 1860 to Liddy RUSK, daughter of William and Elizabeth YOUTCHLER Rusk, both of whom were natives of Virginia And emigrated to Clark Co IL in 1855, from Ohio  where they resided the remainder of their lives; the former died in 1860, the latter in 1862.  William Rusk was a soldier in the war of 1812.  March A. Has, by this married 7 children: Franklin, Jerome, Clara B, Willie, Eva, Georgia and Celia.  Mr. Dooley is a democrat in principle, but votes for men and not party.  He has a farm of 86 acres, through which the Indianapolis, Decatur and Springfield railroad passes.  His farm is in good cultivation and well stocked.  His stock of cattle is thoroughbred shorthorns.  At his door is the railroad switch of So. Waveland the best shipping point on the road in the township.  His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Waveland.  Mr. Dooley never received any education outside of the pioneer schools.  His natural abilities make him a business success.  (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)

DOOLEY, Martin L., farmer, Waveland, was born in Preble COUNTY, Ohio  in 1812. He is the son of Reuben and Rachel (MARTIN) Dooley.   He spent his youth in Preble County, Ohio  till 14 years old.  He then came to Parke Co with his brother, Joseph r. Dooley.  Martin received no education but that of the common school.  In 1833, he married Miss Sarah J. BLOOMFIELD, of Preble Co. After his married with Miss Bloomfield he was engaged in school teaching in Wayne Co. 3 years, then returning to Parke Co he settled on Section5, where he now resides (Greene Township).  He taught in the pioneer schools of Parke Co for two years, at the same time carrying on the work of his farm.  Mr. and Mrs. Dooley have had 6 children: Oliver C, deceased; Rachel; Marcus A; Celia M, deceased; Orpy and Jerome B., the last named was a soldier in the late war.  He first enlisted in the service for 3 months and was taken prisoner at Uniontown, Kentucky.  He was paroled and afterward exchanged. He reenlisted in Co A 40th Indiana Volunteers for a term of 3 years and was in the battle of Keresaw Mountain, and went with Sherman's army as far as Atlanta, where he was taken sick and sent back.  He now resides on a farm of 120 acres in Montgomery Co.  Marcus lives on a farm of 80 acres, 3 mi. E. Of the junction.  Mr. Dooley has been a member of the Christian Church for 39 years, and has held the office of elder in the church without cessation, beginning six months after he became a member.  His wife is also a member of the same society, and they now hold their membership at Waveland, Montgomery County, formerly at Bank's Springs. Mr. Dooley was formerly a Whig in politics and is now a republican. He was once candidate for State Representative, but owing to sickness withdrew before the election.  He now owns a farm of 105 acres, which is under good cultivation.   (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)

DOOLEY, Martin L., son of Reuben and Rachel MARTIN Dooley, was born in Preble County, Ohio  in 1812.  He came to Green Township. In early life and settled on a farm about 1 mile north of Guion, which he possessed until his death several years ago.  In his early manhood he taught school whilst running his farm.  His son, Jerome BORN, was in Co. C, 78th In and also in Co A 40th In Regt. In the war of the Rebellion.  He was for more than 40 years an elder in the Christian Church and a model, conscientious citizen.  Marcus A. Dooley, a son, was born in 1837 in Greene Township and owns a farm near Milligan. (Taken from: Atlas Map of Parke Co Indiana .  By AT Andreas.  Chicago: Lakeside Building for Clark & Adams St, 1874

DOOLEY, Silas L.  was born of sturdy Scotch-Irish stock, near the historic town of Eaton, Ohio  February 7, 1814.  His father, Reuben Dooley came into the Northwestern Territory in 1798, settling in what is now Preble Co Ohio .  He was a soldier in the war of 1812. The subj. of this sketch moved with his young wife to Washington Township, Parke County, to a farm which he had purchased and upon which he lived continuously until his death, February 8,1 873.  Sarah A. Landon, of English descent was born in NY City Jun 7, 1816. Her father, Zebulon London moved to the then West in 1819, coming down the Allegheny River on a flat boat to Pittsburg thence by same boat on the Ohio  to Cincinnati.  Just above Cincinnati the boat struck a snag, was overturned and all their earthly possessions lost.  The family were all rescued except the little Sarah, who floated down stream and was supposed to be lost, but was picked up by a boat's crew none the worse for her involuntary voyage.  She was married to Silas S. Dooley October19, 1837.  One of the noble band of heroic women-pioneer mothers who helped make Parke Co.  She died April 4, 1894.  (Note:  there are pictures of Silas and Sarah) Taken from: (p102) Parke Co Indiana Centennial Memorial 1816-1916 Atlas)

William C. DOOLEY.  This promising young man and intelligent farmer of Washington Township, Parke County was born in 1872 to the late Reuben T. and Salomi (Newlin) Dooley, and was reared on the farm where he now lives.  His father was a son of Silas and Sarah (Landen) Dooley, who were both natives of Ohio and came to the state of Indiana where they located in this county in an early day.  In their journey hither the grandmother rode on horseback, carrying her eldest child in her arms to the new home in the forest.  Here they resided on a large tract of land which belonged to an uncle, who had entered it from the Government years before.  The grandfather was a very patriotic man, and when civil war was declared he gave 3 sons to the service of his country.  Politically he supported the Whig candidates, later casting his vote with the Republicans.  He was a member in good standing of the New Light Church.  His wife yet lives on the old homestead and is a very intelligent and interesting old lady.  Her husband continued to farm until his death, which occurred about 1875.  Reuben T. Dooley was born on the old homestead in the year 1848, and there received a meager education in the same district in which his son was afterward educated, although the house was one of a more rude construction.  He remained at home with his parents until his father's death, after which the cares and duties of the farm fell upon his young shoulders.  When 21 he was united in marriage to a daughter of Enos and Elizabeth Rheubottom NEWLIN.  The lady was born in Parke County and was the mother of 5 children: Fred L; William C; Charlie; Carrie and Henry.  She, with her husband, worked efficiently in the Presbyterian denomination.  Her husband was a Republican politically and kept himself well informed on the issues of the day.  He died September 3, 1892 at the age of 44.  A very important event occurred in the life of William C, when he was united in matrimony October 12, 1892 to Tola B, daughter of W. R. and Jennie Cooper.  Mr. Dooley has charge of the home farm, which consists of 130 acres of cultivated land and is not only a prosperous farmer but a very successful stock raiser as well.  He keeps on his farm a number of draft horses and roadsters also some cattle of the best breeds.  In business he is methodical and systematic, reliable in all things, enterprising and progressive. The record of his life is one of interest, owing to the fact that he has made his own way in the world, and it is well worthy of emanation by young men who have to fight life's battles unaided.  He is a great comfort to his aged grandmother, who makes her home with him.   - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman: 1893) Page 388

DOTY

DOTY, John Martin  - Conspicuous among the stalwart men who followed the army and studied the country, was Captain Andrew BROOKS, Indian Agent, trader and interpreter.  In his numerous trips from Fort Harrison northward, whether on the prairie of our southwestern border or in the dense woods of central Parke, he everywhere noticed the local advantages; especially did he scan with the eye of an engineer the favorable localities for mill sites, and as early as 1817 or '18 he had set his eye on the bluff at the southern bend of Big Raccoon.  But a year or more passed after the country was open to settlement, before he found a partner with capital and ability; then on a trip to Fort Harrison he made the acquaintance of CHAUNCEY ROSE.  This distinguished pioneer and philanthropist was born December 17, 1794 in Weathersfield, Connecticut, and at the age of twenty-two came to Indiana, reaching Fort Harrison, or Terre Haute, early in 1817. An elder brother, settled in Carolina, had advanced him some capital, and he had already shown ability, to acquire more, when he met Captain Brooks. They were kindred spirits, and together with MOSES ROBBINS, formed a partnership to establish a mill, store and distillery on Big Raccoon.  While the snow was yet upon the ground they left Fort Harrison, in company with a friendly Indian, made their location a few days after, and early in 1819 broke ground for a mill and named the place ROSEVILLE. But they were not the first settlers of Parke.  Following along the crest of Henry's Prairie, the Dotys, Henrys, and others had come up to the line of the Old Purchase at least as early as 1818--possibly the autumn of 1817-- but who first located exactly within our present limits, or at what time, cannot positively be known.  JOHN M. DOTY settled on Henry's Prairie in 1818, and by many considered the first permanent settler in Parke.  About the same time Judge JOSEPH WALKER  settled in Florida township, near where Numa now is.  WM. died MITCHELL, now of Union township, was born in Raccoon in 1818, just after his parents arrived here.  (Others that settled early were PEGGY ROBINSON MILLER and her parents, JAMES KERR, and DR. TAYLOR.) The pioneers of this township were among the first to settle in the county, and as such experienced to the fullest extent of all the trials of frontier life.  JOHN M. DOTY may be considered one of the sternest specimens of the pioneer.  His ax was among the first to be heard and do effective work in the broad domains of Parke County.  He settled east of Rosedale, and here lived an active life until death claimed him, leaving a large family of children, who are among the Most prominent citizens of Florida Township. - Submitted by Jim Beaty, from - History of Vigo and Parke Counties, Hiram W. Beckwith, 1880, Pages 20, 308 - with note :  "I am a descendant of John Martin Doty, a sixth generation descendant of Edward Doty, an indentured servant, who came America on the Mayflower. He was the first permanent settler in Parke County as shown in the sketch." 

DOVE

DOVE, Noah A., farmer, Sylvania, is a native of Augusta Co, Virginia where he was born in June 1818.  He was one of a family of 19 children and remained there until 1857 when he moved to this county, arriving at Rockville on Christmas Eve.  He worked at his trade for many years after coming here and is noted as one of the best blacksmiths in the county, having taken several premiums at Montezuma fairs for horseshoeing, and for making shoes and nails.  About 1847 he was married to Miss Sarah Jane OTT, daughter of  John Ott, of Virginia, a descendant of one of the revolutionary families.  They have had a family of 11 children, 8 of whom are now alive: John J.C.; George R; Robert F; Elijah C; William M; Martin L; David L. and Mary Ann E.  Three of his children are deceased:  Anna Margaret, Charles W. and Ezra A.  Elijah C. was born April 25, 1855 and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1879 when he began the photographing business and has continued at it since.  by careful attention, and his natural artistic talent, he has built himself a good connection among the people of this county and obtained a prominent position as an artist.  His present position he has acquired by his own industry and hard work, while his business talents and affability make him a favorite with the people, and increase his patronage greatly.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill 

DOWD

Earl Morton Dowd was born September 9, 1879 in Rockville, Indiana, the son of Captain John B. and Elizabeth Jane Cole – Dowd (Capt. John Dowd was also an attorney who had practiced in Parke County). The Dowd family moved to Washington, D.C. when Earl was three years old. He attended grade school, high school and college in Washington. Mr. Dowd was also connected with the Washington Post, and once obtained an exclusive interview with “Uncle” Joe Cannon (Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives) about his intentions for running for President. He returned to Rockville in 1904. Earl began the study of law in the office of Judge Ared F. White (White & White) in September of 1906 and was admitted to the bar in 1908. On October 31, 1917, he was married to Pauline Ard; they had one son, Earl M. Dowd, Jr. (who served as Deputy, Sheriff, Prosecutor and Judge). Earl served as County Attorney, Attorney for the Town of Rockville, Justice of the Peace (commissioned in September of 1937), Prosecuting Attorney in Parke County and as Special Judge.He served as Deputy Prosecutor under Prosecutor Everett Davisson (who was elected in November of 1914). Earl was elected Prosecuting Attorney on: November 7, 1916. 2,648 – 2,125 (won by 523 votes); November 5, 1918. 2,406 – 1,836 (won by 570 votes) and November 2, 1920. 4,917 – 3,608 (won by 1,309 votes). Mr. Dowd prosecuted the last murder case in Parke County that lead to an execution. William Donovan, who shot his wife in July of 1921, was convicted of first-degree murder in January of 1922.  He was executed on June 1, 1922 at Michigan City, Indiana. Earl died February 6, 1945 in the Union Hospital in Terre Haute, and is buried in Memory Garden Cemetery. - shared by Randy Wright

DOWD, John Bernard, (Capt), Postmaster of Rockville, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio  April 8, 1841.  His parents came from Ireland to this country in 1840.  He is the son of John and Margaret Dowd.  His mother resides at Franklin, Ohio  with his sister, who married Mr. Lawrence GOUGH of Dayton, OH.  Mr. Dowd received his early education. In the city schools of Cincinnati. His father dying poor, when he was but 12, he was thrown upon his own resources for a livelihood, and went to live with a farmer near Eaton, Ohio  where he worked for his board and clothing and went to school till the age of 16.  At that period he began school teaching and working at farming in the summer seasons, which he continued till the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861.  He shortly afterwards enlisted as a Pvt. In the 85th Regt. Ind. Infantry Col. John P. BAIRD commanding and was mustered in at Terre Haute, September  1, 1862.  His regiment was immediately ordered to Kentucky. To resist the noted raid of Gen. Kirby SMITH but the rebels evacuating that point, they moved to Falmouth, and thence to Lexington.  While there on the 1st of November 1862, Mr. Dowd was appointed St. Major being selected by Col. Baird out of the regiment.  In January 1863, his brigade, under Col. Coburn was ordered to Nashville and from there to Franklin, where they started out on a foraging expedition and in a few days met the rebel force under Gen. VanHorn, his regiment, with himself were taken prisoners and sent to Libby Prison  After enduring the hardships of that hell of rebeldom about a month, he was paroled and sent to Indianapolis where they were exchange din June of that year and again sent to the field.  They went back to Franklin, TN.  Col. Baird had command of that post.  While there in the summer of 1863, he executed two spies who attempted to pass themselves through his lines as Union inspecting officers from Gen. Rosecrans, but were detected and tried by court martial and hung the next morning.  In October 1863, Mr. Dowd was commissioned by the Pres. Capt. Of the 13th U. S. C. Infantry and joined his regiment about the 1st of November  It was organized at Nashville and operated between Nashville and Tenn. River.  In May 1864 he was detached with his company to command a blockhouse on the Nashville and Northwester RR.  On the 23rd of June 1864 while hastening from Nashville to his command to meet a threatened raid of guerillas he had his right leg badly jammed by a railroad. Accident, the cars being thrown from the track by obstructions placed on it by the guerillas and one of the cars falling upon him.  The injury was so severe as for a time to threaten his life.  But by good surgery and careful nursing both his life and limb were saved thought he latter is some 3/4 of an inch shorter than the other leg and consequently occasions permanent lameness.  Obtaining leave of absence, he ret. Home and on the 22nd of September , 1864 was married to Miss Elizabeth J. COLE, of Mansfield, Parke Co In.  By this union he has had 3 children, one son and two daughters, all living.  As soon as he was able, Capt. Dowd ret. To Nashville and by order of Gen. Thomas was assigned to gen. Court-martial duty and not being able for field duty, continued in that till the close of the war.  In the spring of 1866, he began the study of law -- reading law and rocking the cradle at the same time. At the September . Term of 1867, he was admitted to the bar and practiced law steadily till June 1870 when he was appointed Postmaster of Rockville  which office he held under the Postmaster Gen. Till March 1873, when the office become presidential and he was recommended and reappointed by Pres. Grant for 4 years.  Capt. Dowd was twice elected Trustee of Adams Township, first in 1868 and again in 1869, resigning when the office of postmaster was conferred upon him.  His first vote in 1864 was for Lincoln for Pres. For Morton for Gov. Of Indiana.  Capt. Dowd made a good record in the army, never shrinking from duty of danger, but always being found at his post and displaying the qualities of a bold, energetic and fearless soldier.  His chances for promotion was as bright as any in the regiment when the painful accident above recorded put an end to his prospects and opportunity for further usefulness in the field.  In civil life he has a high reputation and the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.  (taken from the 1874 Parke Co In Atlas, p 28)

DOWD, Capt. John BORN, attorney at law and postmaster, Rockville was born in Cincinnati, Ohio , April 8, 1841 and is the fifth son of John & Margaret (MULVEY) Dowd. His father died when he was 12 and at this age he left the city and went to work on a farm. His education was obtained in the common schools of Cincinnati and of the country where he lived, he working at such times as he was in attendance for his board and clothes. He taught several terms after which, in the summer of 1861, he came to Parke Co. On July 16, 1862, Mr. Dowd enlisted in Co. B 85th Ind. Vols. On the organization of the company he was made a Sgt and shortly after was appointed color Sergeant. Of the regiment. This position Mr. Dowd did not long hold, for on November 10 he was promoted Sgt-Major. On March 5, 1863, his brigade, with 500 cavalry and the 18th Ind. Bat commanded by Col. John Coburn, went out from Franklin, TN on a foraging expedition and unexpectedly falling in with Van Dorn's army at Thompson's Station fought half a day against overwhelming odds and were at length forced to surrender. The prisoners were confined in Libby prison until April 1 when all except the commissioned officers were paroled. The latter were also released on May 5. This was the lat lot set at liberty by the rebel government before deliberately putting in execution the devilish horrors of Andersonville. Mr. D, with his comrades, rejoined his command at Franklin on June 13. On November 1 following he accepted the captaincy of Co H 13th reg. US Colored Troops. During the winter of 1863-4 this regiment completed the Nashville & Northwestern RR, a line built to provide additional transportation to the army, the termini being Nashville and Johnsonville on the Tenn. River. The same command was then employed in guarding this road. On April 16, 1864, Capt. D was sent out in command of a foraging party and in a skirmish with guerrillas was wounded in the foot. The enemy were driven off, and the wagons loaded and brought into camp. On June 23, as Capt. Dowd was moving with reinforcements on board a train to assist in repelling a force of rebels, they threw the cars from the track and his right leg was crushed above the ankle. This casualty crippled him for life. In January 1865, he was appointed a member of the court-martial at Nashville, composed of disabled officers and served in that capacity until mustered out April 20, 1865. At once fitting himself for the practice of the law, under the direction of Col. John P. BAIRD, he was admitted to the bar at Rockville at the September 1865 term of the common pleas court by Judge Samuel F. MAXWELL. He removed from Catlin to Rockville in the fall of the same year. In 1870 he accepted the appointment of postmaster from Postmaster-General Creswell, taking possession of the office June 16. When the office became presidential, in 1871, he was reappointed by Pres. GRANT; and reappointed again March 12, 1877 by Pres. HAYES. This position interfering with his practicing as an attorney, he has confined his business chiefly to collecting. He was twice elected trustee of Adams Township; first in 1868 and again the next year resigning the office when appointed postmaster. Capt. Dowd was married September 22, 1864 to Miss Elizabeth J. COLE. They have four children: Ella Eveline; Charles Frederick; Cora M. And Earl Morton. Capt. Dowd is district deputy grand master I.O.O.F. and a member of the grand lodge of Odd-Fellows; member of the grand lodge of the knights of Pythias; a Good Templar and a comrade in the Grand Army of the republic. His politics are republican and both he and his wife are communicants in the Methodist Church. (J. H.  Beadle: 1880 Parke Co History. Chicago: H. H. Hill)

DOWDELL

DOWDELL, Isaac BORN, farmer, Howard, is a native of this part of the country, born in Liberty Township, in 1844, half a mi. north of his present location.  His parents, Nathan and Ruth (WILLIAMS) Dowdell, came here in 1826 in a keelboat up the Wabash, and were among the pioneers of this part of the county.  Mr. Dowdell has been engaged in farming all his life, with the exception of the time he was in the army.  He enlisted in 1862 in the 85th Ind. reg. Co. A and was wounded at Spring Hill, also at Dallas Woods, Georgia, and was in most of the engagements in which the regiment took part.  At the close of the war he returned to Liberty Township and in 1865 married Miss Matilda MARTIN, a daughter of Jesse, one of the early settlers of Fountain Co.  They have a family of 5 children: Emma, Nathan, Jesse, Charles and Willie.  Mr. Dowdell is a member of the GAR and is republican in politics.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill 

DUNN

Mr. Joseph T. DUNN, county treasurer at the time of his death was born in Park (sic) County, Indiana Nov. 21, 1855.  His parents William and Mary J. Baird Dunn were born in Ireland and were of Scotch origin.  His parents settle din Otisco in 1856 being among the very early pioneers of the county.  His mother died in 1871; father in 1884. March 21, 1877 he married Miss Lena Beck, then of Steele County, Minnesota who survives him.  He had six children, two sons and four daughters.  For many years he was engaged in buying and selling cattle and hogs, and was very well known to most of the people of the county as an honorable, upright man.  He was personally very popular.  3 times he was a candidate on the Democratic reform ticket for county treasurer and each time received many more than his party vote.  He was for years a prominent member of the Waseca County Horse thief Detective Soc and at the time of his death was its caption of riders.  He was also an honored member of the IOOF Lodge in Waseca. He died of pneumonia, April 18, 1901 after an illness of about a week at age 45 years, 4 months 28 days.  - James E. Child's history of Waseca County, Minnesota: from its first settlement in 1854 to the close of the year 1904; a record of fifty years: the story of the pioneers   Owatonna, Minn.: Press of the Owatonna Chronicle, 1905, Page 533

DUREE

DUREE, Daniel, postmaster, Bridgeton was born in Raccoon Township, August 17, 1831 and is the son of George and Elizabeth.  His father was born in Harding Co Kentucky 1801 in the native town of Abraham Lincoln.  He was one of the pioneer settlers of Parke Co.  He helped build the first mill dam at Mansfield.  He was a farmer, a member of the Christian church and died June 1879.  Mr. D's mother was a member of the Methodist church.  Mr. D lived on the farm till 18 then followed flat boating on the Ohio  and Miss. rivers for 5 years.  he studied and prepared himself for the practice of medicine, but never followed that calling.  He also learned the carpenter trade and followed that for several years.  Mr. Duree was married  April 23, 1854 to Lucinda C. CROOKS, daughter of Dr. William BORN Crooks.  Their children are: Mary J, born April 26, 1855 died April 26, 1856; Maranda A, October4, 1856diedSeptember 20, 1859; George F December 7, 1858diedJuly 6, 1860 Edwin November 10, 1860died January 3, 1862; Mattie A June 2, 1864diedSeptember 17, 1865; William September 4, 1866; Prudy E, November 22, 1868; Charles H July 23, 1871 d May 15, 1880; Lou A July 31, 1873.  Mr. Duree enlisted September 25, 1861 Co A 14th Indiana Vols.  He was in the battles of Winchester, Antietam, Fredericksburg and others.  At the battle of Fredericksburg he was wounded and discharged February 13, 1863 on account of disability.  After he came home form the army he was clerk in a dry goods store in Bridgeton.  In 1871 he began a grocery store in Bridgeton, continuing this until his store was burned in 1878.  By this fire he lost about $1500.  He has been postmaster 12 years and a Mason since 1860.  he was justice of the peace from 1868-72.  He had held all the offices in the Masonic lodge except master and treasurer.  he is a republican.  His great grandfather came from Germany and was murdered by the Indians.  His grandfather was one of the pioneer settlers in Kentucky. 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

Daniel DUREE.  Few citizens of Bridgeton enjoy the popularity which has fallen to the fortunate lot of the Postmaster and successful merchant of the village.  He was born within a quarter of a mile of the present town of Bridgeton, August 17, 1831.  He was the third in a family of seven children.  The Durees trace their ancestry to Germany, whence the great grandfather of Daniel came to this country and first settled in Virginia.  Later he removed to Hardin co KY where he married and resided until he was killed by Indians.  From behind the door of their cabin the mother fought the savage foes until assistance came and in this way she saved her own life and that of her only child, Samuel.  The grandfather of our subject, Samuel Duree grew to manhood in Kentucky, where he married and reared a large family of children.  He was greatly opposed to slavery and in 1818, to get away from the influence of that institution; he came with his family to Indiana where he settled near Portland Mills, Parke Country.  Later, he went to Keokuk County, Iowa where he died early in the 50s.  Of his seven children, two are living, one in Mercer County, Missouri and the other in Ohio.  George the father of our subject was born in Hardin County, Kentucky in 1801, and was the third in a family of seven children. George Duree was twice married.  The mother of our subject was Elizabeth, daughter of John BULLINGTON, who was born in Virginia of Irish ancestry, and married a daughter of William MITCHELL, a Revolutionary soldier, who died in Parke County at the age of 90.  The mother of our subject died in Parke County 1844, when Daniel was 14.  His father also died in Parke County, although for some time prior to his death he had lived in his native place, Kentucky. There were seven children in the parental family, five of whom survive, three sisters in Indiana and one in Iowa, besides our subject.  The other son, Cornelius S, enlisted during the late war as a member of the 13th Indiana Infantry in response to the first call of President Lincoln for 75, 000 volunteers.  Soon afterward he joined the 46th US Artillery and served until the close of the war, participating in many of the leading battles of that great conflict, and being present at the fall of Richmond.  At the close of the war he joined the regular army and served as Quartermaster-Sergeant.  His health being delicate, he was obliged to retire form the army after 3 years spent in the regular service, eight years in Illinois.  In 1871, while at Bridgeton, he was seized with heart failure on the banks of the Big Raccoon, into which he fell and was drowned.  He had been married, but his wife died 3 months after their union.  On his father's farm our subject passed his boyhood days.  He received a fair education, but like most boys he was inclined to drift away from home and at 16 we find him sailing the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers on flatboats.  After following this occupation five years he tried his hand at farming three years, but his experience convinced him that he was not fitted for agricultural pursuits, so he entered upon the trade of a carpenter, which he followed until the breaking out of the Civil War.  At the first call for troop she responded promptly and enlisted in Co. A, 14th Indiana Infantry, as a private in the three-months service.  However, he afterward entered the service for 3 years, and was at once sent to the front.  Early in June 1861, our subject received his first baptism of rebel fire at the battle of Rich Mountains. Afterward he participated in the engagements of Green Brier, Huntsville, Ramley, Virginia; Columbus, Maryland; Winchester Virginia; and Strausburg, after which he was in camp at Winchester.  Here his wife joined him and was most helpful administering to the wants of the sick and wounded soldiers and here she had some experience in real warfare. The rebels drove the union soldiers out of their quarters and they were compelled to retreat to Williamsport, a distance of 36 miles.  All this distance she was exposed to the murderous fire from the rebel guns, but she was as brave as any soldier in the ranks.  She afterward remained for some time as nurse in the hospital at Hagerstown and August 1, 1862, returned to her home in Bridgeton.  Among other engagements in which our subject participated may be mentioned the battles of South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg.  In the last named engagement he was wounded in the right hand and was obliged to go to the hospital at Washington.  Being unfit for further service, he was discharged February 13, 1863.  He was appointed Postmaster during the administration of Andrew Johnson, and has held this position through all the years that have intervened until the present time, except during the former Cleveland administration.  He was again appointed Postmaster when Benjamin Harrison became president and holds the office at this writing, 1893.  In 1871, he embarked in the mercantile business, but was soon after burned out and for one year afterward engaged in merchandising at Elizabethtown, Kentucky.  Later he returned to Bridgeton, where he has ever since been in business as a general merchant.  Socially, Mr. Duree is a prominent worker in the Grand Army of the Republican and is a charter member of Kalley Post No. 572, at Bridgeton of which he has served as Commander from the date of its organization.  He was initiated into the Masonic order at Bridgeton in 1859, and has filled the principal offices in the lodge, except that of Master.  He served 4 years as Justice of the peace and filled other posts of trust and honor.  Formerly a Whig, he afterward became one of the charter members of the Republican Party and believes that his faith is well founded.  In 1854, Mr. Duree married Miss Lucinda C, daughter of the late Dr. William B. CROOKS and a sister of Dr. James Crooks of Bridgeton.  A more complete record of t6he Crooks family will be found in the sketch of Dr. James Crooks, on another page of this volume. They have been the parents of nine children, of whom only three are living: William C, a resident of Terre Haute, Indiana; Eleanor who married Frank Nickerson, a business man of Marengo, Illinois and Annie who is with her parents. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 134

DUNAGAN

Oscar T. DUNAGAN who is a teacher and practicing attorney of Sugar Ridge Township, Clay County, Indiana residing at Center Point, was born in Parke County, Indiana October 6, 1852 and was educated in the public schools of Clay County in Ladoga Seminary, Indiana in the Terre Haute Commercial College, Michigan University and Indiana State normal school. He is a son of Solomon and Eliza Seybold Dunagan.  The father was a native of Morgan County and mother of Parke.  The father died in 1854 in Parke County and in 1857 Mrs. Dunagan married Charles W. Moss and they moved to Sugar Ridge Township, Clay County where they owned a farm containing about 2000 acres divided between timber and farm lands. Mrs. Moss died in 1904, aged 71 leaving one daughter, Mrs. Mattie Webster of Terre Haute a sister of the subject; also a half brother and 5 half sisters. Mr. Dunagan remained at home with his parents until his marriage in 1878 when he was united to Susan AMBROSE, of Center Point, a daughter of Lewis F. and Elizabeth Phillips Ambrose, natives of Westmoreland County Pennsylvania where she was born. He began teaching school in 1868 when 16 and still follows this profession a part of his time. He has taught in the Center Point schools in township schools and was superintendent of schools in martin County, Indiana . He has also taught in Warrior, Alabama; Mr. Lebanorf University, LA; has been superintendent of the Pima Indian Boarding School in Arizona and was principal of the Aurora, ill Normal School. During the past 5 years he has held the position of principal of the Perry Township and Sugar Ridge Township High School.  In 1874-75 he took a course in law at the Michigan University and was admitted to the bar in Indiana in 1875. During his vacations from school he has practiced law, but has made teaching his specialty.  He has performed considerable special work in township and county institutes in Indiana and has also worked with county superintendents and teachers in county normals for five sessions. A judge of the circuit court a number of the members of the bar and a large number of teachers in Clay County are numbered among the pupils of Mr. Dunagan, aside from many good business men of the county.  Politically he is an ardent supporter of the Republican Party   Mr. and Mrs. Dunagan are the parents of the following children: Lois L. now a milliner; Verna L a music teacher and Carlos a student in the high school of Brazil. - Travis, William.  A history of Clay County, Indiana.  New York: Lewis Publishing Company, 1909 Page 408

DURHAM

George T. DURHAM is a general farmer and stock raiser of Howard Township, Parke County, located on Section 24.  He is a native of Boyle County, Kentucky, being born August 10, 1846 to Jesse Y. and Martha Durham.  Jesse was born in Boyle County and was the son of John Durham, who emigrated to Ky. in a very early day and helped to drive the Indians out of the state.  He was a gallant soldier in the Revolutionary War. John Durham came to Indiana in a very early day and entered 5 quarter-sections of timber land in Montgomery and Parke Counties.  He died in his native state.  His wife, who was a Miss Laws (sic), bore him 9 children.  The father of our subject was born in Boyle County and was reared there on a farm in the meantime securing a limited education in the little log school house.  He remained with his father till his marriage to Martha Franklin, daughter of Joseph Tarkington.  After his marriage he lived for six years in Ky. and in 1850 moved out to Indiana and settled in Brown Township, Montgomery County, on the land that his father had entered from the Government, and which with the exception of a very few acres, was in a perfectly wild condition.  He cleared the land and transformed it from a wilderness into a finely cultivated farm where he still lives.  Jesse Durham is the father of 9 children, 7 of whom still survive: John, who is a farmer and physician in Sullivan County; George; Crittenden, who lives on the old homestead; Laura, who is the wife of William Rue, Danville, Kentucky; Joseph, a resident of Indianapolis and a bookkeeper in a bank at that place; Joshua B, a horse trader of Terre Haute and William who is at Waveland, where he is engaged in farming.  Those that are deceased are Julia and Cornelius.  Jesse Durham represented Montgomery County in the State Legislature a number of years ago.  Politically he is a stanch Democrat and is one of the prominent farmers of Montgomery County, being the possessor of one of the finest farms in the township.  George T. Durham was about 4 when he came to Indiana, where he was educated in the country schools, after which he attended Waveland Academy, where he materially increased his stock of knowledge.  He lived with his parents until the time of his marriage, December 8, 1880, to Miss Betty Elliott North, who is the daughter of Henry North, Bullitt County, Kentucky.  He then located on a farm in Howard Township, where he now lives.  To Mr. and Mrs. Durham have been born four children: namely, Julia Belle; Rosalie; Roscoe Conkling and Henry, all at home with their parents.  Another child, Betty, died at age 18 months.  Mr. Durham is at the present time farming 212 acres of land all of which is well improved and in a very good state of cultivation.  It is counted one of the best farms in Howard Township.  Mr. Durham is a member of the Free & Accept Masons at Jacksonville, Indiana. Politically he has always supported the Democratic ticket and in 1890 was elected Trustee of his township, which position he still holds to the entire satisfaction of the community.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain County, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) -- Page 420

DURHAM, Henry, manufacturer, Sylvania, is a native of Indiana, born in Vigo Co November 22, 1831.  His parents, Daniel and Eliza (WATT) Durham, dying when he was very young, he was bound out to William WILDMAN.  He came to Parke Co. when 14 years old, having received his early education at the district school.  He followed blacksmithing at Bloomingdale for 7 or 8 years; then followed farming for some time, eventually selling out, and began business in Sylvania as a general merchant, which business he sold out to GILLUM brothers.  Since that time he has run machinery of various kinds.  He has two steam-threshing machines and a corn sheller and is now engaged putting up a large building in Sylvania, 26 x 64 feet, which he intends fitting up with all the latest machinery for turning out broom handles and pickets, with a capacity of 2,000 a day.  Mr. Durham opened the first blacksmith shop in Sylvania, and is very popular throughout the county.  He is a member of the Society of Friends, and in politics is a republican.  On August 9, 1853, he was married to Miss Susannah Newland.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill