deceased, and Alfred R., the subject of this sketch. Alfred R. Newlin has always followed the avocation of a farmer, and from a small beginning he has become one of the propserous citizens of his township. He is now the owner of a fine farm containing 600 acres, his land being well improved and well cultivated. Mr. Newlin was married in Vermillion County in 1852 to Miss Elvira Hudson, a native of Ohio, born in 1831, and a daughter of David and Margaret Hudson. They have had ten children born to them of whom eight are yet living -- Elvira and Almira (twins), the former married to Willis Asbury, and has seven children, and the latter the wife of George Carnack, and has three children; Achsah, wife of Frank Carnack; Finetta, wife of William Dehaven; Joseph, lewis, Robert and Clendore, living at home with their parents. Eli and Mary F. are the names of those deceased. Mr. Newlin is an active and public-spirited citizen, and in every movement calculated to benefit his township or county he always manifests a deep interest. Quiet, unassuming in his manners, and strictly honorable, he has gained the respect of all who know him.
MONROE G. HOSFORD, a member of the Eugene Milling Company at Cayuga, is a native of Vermillion County, Indiana, born in Eugene, February 4, 1845, a son of Philo Hosford, of Eugene, who was one of the early settlers of the county. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Eugene, and in 1863 he began clerking in a mercantile establishment. in 1877 he engaged in mercantile pursuits on his own account, which he continued until 1882, when he began operating the old mill at Eugene. In 1884 he, in company with Samuel K. Todd and Eli H. McDaniel, built a large flouring-mill at the present site of Cayuga where they have established an extensive business which is steadily increasing. Mr. Hosford was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Simpson, a daughter of Nicholas Simpson who is now deceased and they are the parents of three children, named -- Charles, Daisy and Lenore. Mr. Hosford is an active and public-spirited citizen, and is always interested in any enterprise which has for its object the advancement of his township or county. He has served as township trustee one term, and for several years was notary public. Mrs. Hosford is a member of the Presbyterian church of Eugene.
JOHN GORDON CAMPBELL a prominent citizen of Clinton, with whose interests he has been identified for many years is a native of Ireland, born near Belfast, December 25, 1825, a son of John and Lillie (Gordon) Campbell, both of whom were natives of Scotland and descendants of the old Covenanters. The Gordon's through many generations, were the devoted adherents and followers of the Dukes of Argyle, and of Presbyterian faith. The parents of our subject had a family of eight children, all of whom are living -- John Gordon, the eldest, is the subject of this sketch; William came to America in 1848, and since 1855 has been a resident of Clinton, this county; Andrew lives on the home farm in Ireland, the farm being named Bradkeel; Mrs. Anna McLaughlin and Mrs. Isabella McMillan live near the old home; James is at the old homestead; Sarah Ann, unmarried, and Mrs. Margaret Baxter. The first death in the family was
that of the father, which occurred in 1844, at the age of forty-five years. The mother still survives, and is living at the homestead in Ireland at the advanced age of eight-two years. John G. Campbell, when twenty-one years of age, came to the United States to visit his uncle John Gordon, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, his uncle having died in 1882 in Champaign County, Ohio. After visiting a few months he thought it was better for him to remain in America. Even the return voyage was enough to deter him, having spent six weeks and five days in the passage over. Going to Philadelphia, where he had relatives, he engaged as clerk, where he remained as such for some time. He then went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he was employed in the same capacity. He was married at Baltimore, March 2, 1852, to Miss Matilda Elison, who was born in the same district in Ireland as her husband, in the year 1827. They have had six children born to them -- Isabella, born December 9, 1852, living at Terre Haute, Indiana; William G., born July 16, 1854, died November 8, 1859; Mrs. Sarah Jane Reynolds, born July 2, 1858; resides at Plainfield, Indiana; Matilda, born November 28, 1860; John G., born May 11, 1862, is proprietor of the Nachusa Hotel at Dixon, Illinois, and Ruth, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell resided in Baltimore until coming to Clinton in 1855. His brother had preceded him here a short time, and opened a drug store, which he entered as a clerk, and finally established himself in the same business, which he continued for a period of twenty years. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of Clinton by President Lincoln, he being the first Republican postmaster in Vermillion County. He was reappointed to the same office in 1865 serving in that capacity eight years. Mr. Campbell has voted the Republican ticket since the days of John C. Fremont. Both he and his wife are consistent Presbyterians in their religious belief, adhering to the faith of their ancestors.
JOHN E. BILSLAND, dealer in groceries and provisions, Dana, Indiana, was born in Covington, Indiana, May 27, 1853, a son of John Bilsland, a resident of Helt Township, who came to Vermillion County in 1856, and settled on the old Daniel Whizaker farm. John E. was reared on this farm, remaining with his parents until twenty-two years old. He was given good educational advantages, attending the common schools and Clinton Institute. In 1875 he came to Dana, and in 1876 embarked in business on his own account. He carries a stock valued at from $1,500 to $2,000, doing an annual business of about $10,000, and controlling the greater part of the trade of the town in his line. Mr. Bilsland was married October 30, 1877, to Alice Stivers. Mr. Bilsland is treasurer of the town of Dana, and is one of its most prominent citizens.
HUGH H. CONLEY, one of the leading members of the bar of Vermillion County, and a prominent and influential citizen of Newport, dates his birth in this county, January 14 1843, being a representative of one of the early families. His father, Elijah M. Conley, died when he was an infant. His mother Nancy (Downing) Conley, was born in the State of Delaware, in 1798, being the only daughter of William Downing, one of the old and honored pioneers of Vermillion County. She is still living, being one of the oldest persons in the county. Elijah M. Conley and wife were the parents