One of the most striking examples of the rewards to be gained through industry, perseverance and integrity in the affairs of life, is furnished by the career of Charles G. Carison, one of the largest land owners of White County. A poor emigrant boy when he came to the United States in 1889, he started life here in the humble capacity of farm hand, but so well have his labors been prosecuted and so clear has been his judgment that today, when still in the prime of life and with powers still undiminished, he finds himself the possessor of means that few men acquire even after a lifetime of earnest endeavor. His life should prove encouraging to those who are entering upon their careers without financial assistance or friendly influence.
Born in Sweden, July 11, 1871, Charles G. Carlson is a son of Franz and Charlotte (Peterson) Carlson. His parents, farming people of Sweden, never left the old country, where the mother died, although the father still survives and is the owner of a good property. There were five children in the family, all of whom are living. As a boy Charles G. Carlson assisted in the work of the home farm and attended the public schools, but it was always his idea that America furnished better opportunities for the ambitious and his determination was early formed to try his fortunes here. Accordingly, at the age of eighteen years, or in 1889, he came to America on a visit, an older brother, Frank, having preceded him and being at that time a resident of Livingston County, Illinois. The younger brother worked for a time as a farm hand in Livingston County and finding that his previous conception of America was correct determined to remain. He was careful with his earnings, worked energetically with one end in view, and finally purchased a property in Livingston County, which he farmed until 1905. In that year Mr. Carlson moved to Pulaski County, Indiana, where he purchased 480 acres of land, and continued to farm this property until 1911, when he came to Monon Township, White County, which has continued to be his home to the present time.
Here Mr. Carlson has advanced rapidly among the men who made a success of agricultural work, and has added to his holdings from time to time until he now owns 1,102 acres. This is not only one of the largest, but one of the most highly improved farms in Monon Township, and boasts of the most modern and substantial buildings and improvements of all kinds to be found anywhere in this part of White County. This beautiful and valuable estate is known as High View Stock Farm.
In 1913 Mr. Carlson lost by fire a very fine barn, as well as other farm buildings and paraphernalia, but since then has erected a barn which surpasses in value and appearance his other one, and has replaced his equipment. The greater part of this land Mr. Carlson now rents to tenants, while he devotes his attention almost exclusively to the handling of livestock, a venture in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. His reputation in business and financial circles is an excellent one, and he possesses in the fullest degree the confidence and esteem of those who have been associated with him in business ventures.
Politically a republican, Mr. Carlson has served in various local offices. He has shown an interest in the welfare of his adopted community and has always been ready to contribute of his time, means and abilities in the advancing of movements for civic, educational or moral betterment. His fraternal connection is with Castle Hall Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Monon, and with his family he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Carlson was married July 2, 1893, to Miss Caroline Erickson. She was born August 5, 1876, at Pontiac, in Livingston County, Illinois, a daughter of Alfred Erickson, who was born in Sweden and emigrated to the United States as a young man. To Mr. and Mrs. Carlson there were born ten children, eight of whom are living, namely: Alfred, Emery, Florence, Myrtle, Clyde, Edward, Harold and Hazel Fern. On March 22, 1914, Mr. Carlson suffered the greatest and bitterest loss of his life in the death of his devoted wife, who passed away leaving their youngest child still an infant. She had been his companion throughout the years of his struggle for independence, and her excellent advice and loving encouragement had done much to aid him in his attainment of success.
In early life Mrs. Carlson was confirmed as a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church and remained a member of that denomination until she took up her residence in Indiana, when she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Prairie Chapel. For several years she was an attendant at Monon Chapel, and she was buried in the chapel cemetery. The funeral service was preached before a large congregation by Rev. W. B. Morgan, and the Pythian Sisters, of whom she was a member, attended the funeral in a body. Of the significance of her life the following well worded tribute was expressed: "Mrs. Carlson was in every sense a mother loved and loving. Her last thoughts were of her children and her desire so earnestly expressed to have them meet her in heaven is certain to be a constant inspiration to all of them to enter in at the straight gate. Children and father are left to cherish the memory of a woman whose sweet disposition and love have made life more worth living. Mr. Carlson will sadly miss and feel the deprivation of a wife whose earnest solicitude was his constant encouragement. Her father and mother, who were present when she passed from earth to heaven, are blessed with the memory of a daughter who was faithful unto death. Her friends, who were legion, will remember her as a friend indeed, honored and respected."
Of the individuals whose ability, industry and forethought have contributed to the character, wealth and good government of Monticello, none is better known than Hon. Benjamin F. Carr, mayor of the city and junior member of the law firm of Palmer & Carr. Mr. Carr is an attorney, not only by education and long practice but by temperament and preference, and for twenty years has been engaged in practice at Monticello.
Benjamin F. Carr was born on a farm in Prairie Township, White County, Indiana, January 16, 1874, and is a son of Martin R. and Olive J. (Laylin) Carr, natives of Fayette and Huron counties, Ohio, respectively. Martin L. Carr was in early life a physician, and about the close of the Civil war was commissioned a captain in the Union army, but his regiment never went to the front and he accordingly saw no active service. In later years he gave up his practice and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which, with various other occupations, occupied his time until his death. The boyhood and early youth of Benjamin F. Carr were passed on the home farm, and his education was secured in the public school at Chalmers. That he was a precocious lad is shown by the fact that he conceived the idea of becoming a school teacher when but fourteen years old, and with this end in view applied for examination and successfully passed the grades but was refused a teacher's license by John A. Rothrock, the county superintendent of schools, who wrote across his certificate: "This is not a license, but simply indicates the grade of the applicant, who, in my estimation, is too young to enable him to successfully teach." It is more remarkable that he thus passed the examination in that his advantages for an education had been of a somewhat limited character.
When Benjamin F. Carr was seventeen years of age his father died and in the fall of the same year he came to Monticello. Acting upon the advice of Judge T. F. Palmer, he went to Bloomington and entered the law department of the State University, and while attending that department also carried several studies in the literary department. He was duly graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, but could not be admitted to the bar, as he was but nineteen years of age, and he accordingly returned to the university, where he specialized on several subjects. In 1895, having attained his majority, Mr. Carr was admitted to the bar, and in November of that year began practice with his brother, R. R. Carr, under the firm style of Carr & Carr. This partnership continued for two years, after which Mr. Carr was alone for seven or eight years, and then became the partner of Judge Palmer, under the style of Palmer & Carr, which style has since obtained. While Mr. Carr's practice is broad and general in character, he has become generally recognized as an authority on real estate law, ahd in this department has a large and prominent clientele. During his early law practice Mr. Carr, during his leisure time, compiled a set of abstract books of White County, and organized the White County Abstract Company, of which he was for several years the directing head. He belongs to the various organizations of his profession and is held in the highest esteem by his fellow-practitioners in the county. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, having passed the York Rite and Knight Templar degrees, and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. A strong and uncompromising republican, he has long taken a part in the activities of his party at Monticello, and in 1913 was elected to the office of mayor, his administration having been marked by much progression.
Mayor Carr was married, December 2, 1897, to Miss Luella Crowell, daughter of Dr. W. P. Crowell, and to this union there have been born two daughters: Amy Louise, and Martha Helen.
One of the esteemed farmer citizens of Big Creek Township is Edward E. Carr, who has lived in this county for forty years. His early life was one of considerable hardships, being the oldest son, and he was early in the fields and engaged in the work about the home, when most boys of his years were in the schools. What he has accomplished has therefore been all the more creditable.
Edward E. Carr was born in LaPorte County, Indiana, August 25, 1861, a son of Martin L. and Olive J. (Laylin) Carr. Out of eleven children the five who grew to maturity were: Editha E., who married Abram Cranmer; Edward E.; Reuben R.; Luther L.; and Benjamin F.
Martin L. Carr was man of roving disposition, and spent his life in many different localities. He died June 31, 1891. During the Civil war he lived in Iowa, and became captain in a Union regiment, but never saw any active service. His wife died in White County May 23, 1912, being then eighty-two years of age. She was born in 1830 and lived in White County forty years. The family came to Indiana in 1870, and in 1874 located on the land in White County where Ed Carr now lives. The land was covered with wild grass, and the father and son set fire to this and burned it off before putting the plow in the land. Their first home was a log house, and about 1878 the present comfortable home of Mr. Carr was erected.
Mr. Carr married India Mills, daughter of Samuel K. Mills. To their marriage
have been born three children: Edward Theodore, born December 18, 1903; Ruth
Ada, born September 21, 1910; and Robert Elmore, born March 1, 1912. All are
natives of White County. Mrs. Carr was born March 8, 1881, and was one of a
family of six sons and four daughters, being the eighth child born. Her
father died in November, 1892. Mr.
Carr has taken considerable interest in republican politics, and has been a
candidate for state representative and for the office of county clerk. He is a
member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity.
Suddenly, without warning and without a struggle and with no word of farewell to his family or his many friends, John P. Carr died on Sunday evening, January 12, 1896, while sitting in his chair at his splendid farm home just south of Chalmers, at the age of nearly seventy years. Mr. Carr was born in Ohio in June, 1826, and came to White County in 1848, locating at Chalmers. He first herded cattle for Ohio parties, but later worked for John Price, whose daughter he later married. In 1876 he was elected a representative in the Indiana Legislature, and again in 1880. He was a strong man physically and mentally, and his force of character gave him a leading position among the state's lawmakers. He left to his heirs one of the largest and best farms in White County.
His active membership as one of the present county council of White County makes James Ervin Carson well known through all the townships and village and rural communities. Though long retired and living at Brookston, Mr. Carson spent many years of productive activity as a farmer in Prairie Township, and still owns a nice property in that community. Another feature of his honorable and useful career is that he spent several years as a soldier in the Union army, and his record of patriotism is one that will always be cherished by his descendants.
Though a resident of White County for nearly forty years, James Ervin Carson was born at Mount Carmel in Franklin County, Indiana, December 22, 1842, a son of Isaac Newton and Martha Elizabeth (Reed) Carson. His father was of Scotch and his mother of Pennsylvania German stock, but the original ancestors came to the United States a great many years ago. Both the parents are now deceased and are buried in the Clarkesburg Cemetery in Johnson County, Indiana. The father, who received the name of one of the world's greatest scientists, grew up on a farm, and fitted himself for a self-supporting occupation by learning the harness making and saddlery trade. That was his business through all his active career.
After his education in the local schools of his native county had been accomplished James E. Carson at the age of nineteen made himself a farmer and put in one or two crops on rented land. In the meantime the great struggle between the North and the South was in progress, and on August 5, 1862, he responded to Lincoln's call for 300,000 more troops and enlisted in Company H of the Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered into the service at Greensburg, and did not receive his final discharge until June 20, 1865, a number of weeks after the practical cessation of hostilities and the disbandment of the Southern Confederacy. He was discharged at Nashville. His army service was with the Army of the Cumberland, and he participated in a number of the arduous campaigns which marked the record of that western army. At Mumfordsville, Kentucky, he was captured, but was soon paroled. Another battle in which he participated was that of Hoover's Gap, and he was in many of the operations around those key points of the Confederacy, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Chickamauga and elsewhere.
Before the close of his army service and while at home on a furlough, Mr. Carson was married March 9, 1865, to Miss Melissa Catherine Jones. In the spring of 1915 Mr. and Mrs. Carson celebrated that interesting and impressive event, the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding. Mrs. Carson is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Helm) Jones, of Butler County, Ohio. Since their marriage both children and grandchildren have grown up around them. Their oldest son, William Francis, died one week after his birth. Lora Lee, the next son, is a prosperous farmer in Prairie Township. Joseph Ellsworth lives west of Lafayette. Martha Elizabeth is the wife of L. G. Nice of Tippecanoc County, and in the same county lives her sister, Nora Myrtle, the wife of Lemuel T. Ross.
In October, 1871, Mr. Carson and wife removed to White County and located upon a space of eighty acres five miles west of Brookston in Prairie Township. For many successive years he cropped and improved that land and its present valuable condition is largely due to the industry he bestowed upon it in his active years. In 1896 he turned over its management to his son, who has since capably directed its resources and in that year moved in to the Town of Brookston, where he now enjoys a well earned freedom from the pressing cares of life. As a farmer he raised the usual crops and gave particular attention to graded stock.
In politics Mr. Carson is a Lincoln republican, having cast his first vote for
the great emancipator while in the army. He gave a good service to his locality
by twelve years as justice of the peace, and is now in his third term as a
member of the county council of White County. He and his wife are active
members of the Baptist Church and he keeps up associations with old army
comrades by membership in Champion Hill Post No. 171, G. A. R., at Brookston.
For a number of years John A. Carson was one of the active merchants of Idaville, but since 1901 has looked after his interests as a farmer in Jackson Township. He is a member of the township advisory board, and in many ways has made himself a useful factor in the community in which the greater part of his life has been passed.
The Carsons belong to that substantial Scotch-Irish stock that was such a prominent factor in the settlement and development of the American country, particularly in the mountainous districts of the states from Pennsylvania to the Carolinas. The grandfather was David Carson, who formerly lived in Blount County, Tennessee, and from there came north to Indiana as a pioneer, and pre-empted land in Carroll County. He was a substantial farmer, a democrat in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. David Carson married Rosanna McCully. Their seven children, all now deceased, were: David Riley; John McCully; Eliza, who married John D. Scroggs; William C., who married Sarah Montgomery; Elizabeth, who married Lawson Steel; Rosa, who married William Delzell; and James A., who married Mary Oliver.
John McCully Carson, father of John A., spent his early life in Carroll County and later located in White County. He married Elizabeth Barnes, who was born June 19, 1826. Her parents were Thomas and Phoebe Barnes, who came from Greene County, Ohio, and became early settlers in White County. There is a numerous kinship of the Barnes family still found in White County. John McCully Carson and wife had eight children, as follows: Adeline, who lives at Idaville, married Joseph Henderson, a captain in the Civil war and who served the whole time. He was wounded in hip and shoulder. Her three children are Minnie, Elizabeth and John Marshall. Thomas W., who lives in Lafayette, Indiana. married Ella Birchby, and has a child, Bernice. James Adams, who lives at Idaville, married Jennie Arnott, and their one child is Frances A. Ellen E., now living at Lafayette, Indiana, is the widow of Jacob Waldsmith, and her six children are Cecilia, Oscar, Earl, Mabel, May and James. Finley C., who lives in Tipton, Indiana, married Jennie Hutchinson, and has one child, Joy H. Perry E., who lives in Peoria, Illinois, married Ella Murray, and their five children are named Leslie, Elsie, Donald, Lowell and David. Clara F., of Idaville, married Milton Friday, and their children are Leland, Irene and Ruth. John Albert is the eighth and the youngest of the family. The parents were members of the United Presbyterian Church and John M. Carson was very active in church affairs and served as elder for several years, and was also a leader of the church singing. He was a soldier in the Civil war and received his honorable discharge. In every community where he lived he stood well, was a man of upright actions and principles, and though of a reserved disposition had many close friends. He was quite successful in his work as a farmer, provided well for his family, and was in comfortable circumstances at the time of his death. Up to the great political upheaval during the '50s he was a democrat, but joined the new republican party in 1856. His children have heard him relate many interesting experiences of early times in both Carroll and White counties. Indians often visited the home, and though usually peaceful, frightened the children. In early days he and his wife attended church by riding horseback.
John Albert Carson, who was the youngest of his father's children, was born near Idaville in Jackson Township of White County, November 23, 1867. When he was twelve years of age his father retired from the farm and moved to the town. He thus acquired his education partly in the town schools, and afterwards took a business course in a college at Burlington, Iowa. For three years he was employed in Doctor McAllister's drug store at Idaville, and then spent two years in a wholesale drug house at Burlington, Iowa. Returning to Idaville, he bought the drug business formerly owned by Doctor McAllister in 1889, and continued actively in business until 1901. After selling his store he moved to his present farm three miles west of Idaville.
On November 23, 1892, at Idaville, Mr. Carson married Wilda M. Glasgow, daughter of Samuel P. and. Elizabeth Jane (Stipp) Glasgow. Their home has been blessed with the birth of six children: Verna I., now deceased; Merle G.; John I.; Harold G., who died in infancy; Preston G. and Dale D.; all of whom are living at home and most of whom have been educated in the Idaville schools. Mrs. Carson was born in White County, Indiana, February 15, 1873, and was one of a family of four children born to Samuel Preston and Elizabeth Jane (Stipp) Glasgow, and she is one of twins, but her twin brother is now deceased. Her sister Maggie is the wife of Thomas Melvin, a resident of Jackson Township. James S. Glasgow is a resident of Jay County, Indiana, and a farmer. He was first married to Miss Jennie Burnett, and he married for his second wife Miss Maggie Hogg. Mr. Glasgow, the father, was born in Ohio. He is now a retired farmer and a resident of Idaville, this state. He was a soldier in the Civil war, is a republican politically, and a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Glasgow is a native of Shelby County, Ohio, and both she and her daughter, Mrs. Carson, are also members of that church. The attractive estate of Mr. and Mrs. Carson is known as the Silver Leaf Stock Farm. The land is well fenced and drained and raises the best of corn, and Mr. Carson makes a specialty of the raising of hogs. The farm comprises 175 acres of land.
Mr. Carson is a strong republican in his party affiliations and has been a delegate to a number of county and congressional conventions. Since the last election he has been a member of the township advisory board. Like his father, he is active in the United Presbyterian Church and is now its choir leader. He has no affiliations with secret fraternities.
Lydia A. Carson was born in Reading, Ohio, April 8, 1824, and was married to James Carson, December 14, 1840. To this union was [sic] born nine children, seven of whom survived her. She was the mother of Capt. F. D. Carson, of Monon. She came to White County in 1839 and for nearly seventy years her home was in the western part of the county. Her maiden name was Brecount and her husband died in 1875. Her death occurred at Monon, Saturday, December 30, 1911.
As a banker and business man S. A. Carson has been a valuable factor in White County for many years. His individual integrity of character has helped to make the State Bank of Monticello an institution enjoying the highest confidence in the community which it serves. The present generation in White County knows the name of S. A. Carson too well to require introduction, and for the memory of the future the following brief sketch is written of his life.
S. A. Carson was born on a farm in Carroll County, Indiana, January 5, 1859. His father, William Carson, was a native of Tennessee and was brought to Indiana at the age of seven years, his parents locating in Carroll County, and on the old homestead in that county William Carson lived the life of a quiet and prospering farmer until his death.
Mr. S. A. Carson had an education in the common schools, was taught the lessons of industry and thrift at an early age, and lived on the farm until twenty-one. Then followed several years of teaching in the rural schools, and for sixteen years he served as deputy county auditor of White County. Mr. Carson began his career as a banker by assisting in the organization of the Monticello National Bank, in which for eight years he held the post of cashier. He then sold his interests in the National Bank to become president of the State Bank of Monticello, and has since been chief executive in that institution.
Mr. Carson is affiliated with the Masonic order in the lodge and council degrees,
also with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees. Politically
he is a democrat. On May 15, 1885, he married Mabel Spencer, daughter of Dr.
William Spencer. They are parents of two children: Spencer; and Helen, who
is the wife of Earl McCollum, who lives in Chicago.
For half a century a resident of White County, the late John H. Caughell was an able assistant in promoting its agricultural prosperity, as an energetic and progressive farmer meeting with good success, while as a man and a citizen he was held in high esteem. A native of Canada, he was born July 26, 1834, in Lincoln County, near Niagara. His father, John Caughell, a Canadian by birth, was of German descent, his immigrant ancestor having come from Germany to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, while his mother, whose maiden name was Johanna Merithew, was born in Canada, of French ancestry.
Born, bred and educated in Canada, John H. Caughell there married, February 25, 1862, Elizabeth Gardner, a daughter of Archibald and Margaret (Morrison) Gardner. Just after that important event, he came with his bride to White County, where her parents joined them on November 13, 1864. Mr. Caughell purchased land in Jackson Township, and immediately resumed the free and independent occupation to which he was reared. Laboring diligently and successfully, he cleared and improved a valuable estate, which yielded him rich returns each year. In addition to general farming, he engaged in stock raising, making a specialty of growing hogs for market. Having by good business methods accumulated a competency, Mr. Caughell retired from active pursuits, in 1908 buying 3½ acres of land on which he lived free from business cares until his death, July 25, 1912.
Mr. and Mrs. Caughell became the parents of nine children, namely: James, born
February 12, 1863, was killed June 6, 1892, in Carroll County, by an explosion,
and is buried at Burnetts Creek; Margaret, born
November 27, 1864, married John Gillespie, of Monticello; Thomas Richard, born
November 2, 1866, died November 8, 1909; John Henry, born July 19, 1868; Liddy
Ann, born April 13, 1870, died March 10, 1878; Minnie, born February 11, 1872;
Archibald G., born October 15, 1873, died February 17, 1904; Jennie, born
January 10, 1876; and Flora Johanna, born September 1, 1878. Mr. Caughell was
actively identified with the republican party, and while a resident of Carroll
County served as school director. He was a prominent member of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church, in which he served as an elder for twenty years.
The tendency of young men of scientific and liberal education and of exact and practical business training to embark in agriculture is one of the wholesome signs of the times. It means not only that the true dignity of the calling is now being better appreciated, but also that the introduction of such a vigorous and high minded class of young men to the profession will result in greatly increased standards of farm life and management, so that in a generation or two the old fashioned type of farmer, who has been the subject of so much ridicule, will become obsolete if not entirely extinct.
No better illustration of the scientific modern farmer who, contrary to a somewhat persistent opinion, does not find college degrees a handicap in his profession, is Sidney L. Chaffee, one of the owners and the active manager of the Cloverdale Stock Farm, situated five miles west of Chalmers in West Point Township. This place is perhaps more familiarly known as the Chaffee Farm, and comprises fully 960 acres. The land has been in the ownership of the Chaffee family for fully half a century. Sidney L. Chaffee is now a third owner and has the entire management of the farm. His grandfather Sidney L. Chaffee bought land in White County about 1865 to the extent of some 2,200 or 2,300 acres. From him its ownership descended to Charles B. Chaffee, father of Sidney L., and thence to the present heirs. For many years the land was only nominally productive and valuable, but more recently, especially since Sidney L. Chaffee has taken possession, has been converted into one of the finest stock farms in Northwestern Indiana.
Sidney L. Chaffee was born at Tippecanoe City, Ohio, February 27, 1882, a son of Charles B. and Alma A. (Freet) Chaffee, both of whom were natives of Ohio and of English descent. Mr. Chaffee was liberally educated, attending the high school at Cleveland, was graduated Ph. B. [sic] from Western Reserve University with the Class of 1904, and in 1907 received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Case School of Applied Science at Cleveland. Then for two years he was an instructor in the civil engineering department at Cornell University, and from that institution received his degree of Civil Engineer in 1909. For the following two years he was in Chicago connected with the bridge department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway, but in June, 1911, came to White County to assume the management of the Cloverdale Stock Farm.
On June 27, 1911, Mr. Chaffee married Miss Nannie Nutting, daughter of Rev. John D. Nutting of Cleveland, Ohio. Of their three children one died in infancy and the other two are named Sidney Bernard and Charles Carroll Nutting. Mr. Chaffee usually votes for the best man, and he and his wife are members of the Springdale Baptist Church.
George W. Chamberlain, who died in October, 1913, at his home west of Chalmers, had long been one of the largest land owners and business men in that section of the county. He was born in Carroll County in 1836 and came to White County in 1845, locating in West Point Township. He was a leading member of the Universalist Church.
Four generations of the Chamberlain family have found representation in White County, and this mere statement in itself bears significance, for it indicates conclusively that the family name has been associated with the history of the county since the early pioneer days. Further than this, those who have borne the name have in each successive generation stood exponent of the best type of citizenship and have given to the world assurance of sterling integrity and worthy achievement. He to whom this memoir is dedicated was a scion of the second generation of the family in White County and was a lad of about seven years when, in 1843, his parents established their home in what is now West Point Township, this county, where his father became one of the organizers of this township, even as he was one of the strong and loyal pioneers who here instituted a reclamation of a productive farm from the virtual wilderness. George W. Chamberlain was a man of staunch rectitude, broad mental grasp and much constructive ability, his having been a large and benignant influence in connection with the civic and industrial progress and prosperity of White County, where his memory is held in enduring honor now that he has passed from the stage of life's mortal endeavors, his death having occurred on the 5th of October, 1913, and his remains being laid to rest in the West Point Cemetery.
George W. Chamberlain was born in Carroll County, Indiana, on the 12th of September, 1836, and was a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Thatcher) Chamberlain. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and was there reared to adult age under conditions and influences that admirably fitted him for his subsequent activities as one of the sturdy pioneers of the fine old Hoosier State, where he initiated the reclamation and cultivation of lands that are worth nearly fifty times as much as was paid for the property in the pioneer era. Aaron Chamberlain was born in the year 1805, and was in the very prime of his strong and resourceful manhood when he came from the old Keystone State to cast in his lot with the pioneers of Indiana. He came with his family to White County in the year 1843, and obtained a tract of wild land now included in West Point Township. He was actively associated in the organization of the township and with all community affairs of public order, with secure place in the confidence and good will of all who knew him. With characteristic energy and discrimination he set to himself the herculean task of reclaiming his embryonic farm, but he lived only six years after establishing his home in White County, where he died, at his pioneer homestead, in 1849, shortly prior to his fiftieth birthday anniversary. His wife survived him by a number of years, and the names of both merit high place on the roll of the honored pioneers of White County. They became the parents of ten children, namely: Joseph, Henry, Henrietta, Daniel, George W., Emeline, Caroline, Mary, John and Aaron. All of the children are now deceased except Henry, who is a well known resident of Big Creek Township, this county.
George W. Chamberlain was a child at the time of the family removal from Carroll County to Tippecanoe County, in which latter county the family home was maintained several years, near Battleground [sic]. In 1843, as already noted in a preceding paragraph, removal was made to White County and a home was established in West Point Township, which had not yet been set off as a separate subdivision of the county. Here young George was reared to manhood under the invigorating discipline of the pioneer farm, and he early began to contribute his quota to its work, the while he made good use of the advantages afforded in the early schools of the community and laid adequate foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of broad knowledge and mature judgment that denoted the man of later years. He became one of the extensive land holders and representative agriculturists of the county that was his home for the long period of seventy years, and at the time of his death he was the owner of a valuable landed estate of 1,120 acres in White County, where few men could claim more extended possessions in evidence of worthy material success and prosperity. He stood representative of the best in the community life and fully merited the unqualified esteem in which he was uniformly held. Somewhat conservative in his opinions, he was firm in his convictions and combined with an abundant physical vigor, an equal staunchness in upholding what he believed to be right, whether in politics, religion or general morality. He was independent and fearless, seldom required advice from others, though he was a valued counsellor to others. He gave close attention to his business activities as one of the foremost agriculturists and stockgrowers of White County, and from his honorable and well directed endeavors he achieved large and worthy success.
Well fortified in his views concerning governmental and economic policies, he accorded allegiance to the democratic party, though he had no predilection for the activities of so called practical politics. He never sought public office, but his civic loyalty was such that he did not refuse his service when called to local positions of trust, including those of township supervisor and township assessor. He was affiliated with the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Chalmers and was an earnest member of the Universalist Church.
On the 15th of March, 1860, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Chamberlain to
Miss Eliza Robinson, who likewise was born and reared in Indiana, as a member
of a sterling pioneer family of this favored commonwealth. Of the nine children
of this union Eva, Mary and Caroline are deceased; Rosa Ann is the wife of Eldon
Bostick and they reside in Honey Creek Township; John W. is individually
mentioned on other pages of this publication; Josephine is the wife of William
Shumaker, of Big Creek Township; Lee and Robert are prosperous agriculturists in
West Point Township; and Sarah is the wife of Arthur Crockett, of Denver,
Colorado. Mrs. Chamberlain died in June, 1884. She was a Methodist in belief.
A scion in the third generation of a family whose name has been one of special prominence and influence in connection with the social and material development and upbuilding of White County, John W. Chamberlain has made himself a worthy successor to his honored father, both as a loyal and progressive citizen and as one of the substantial exponents of the great basic industries of agriculture and stock-growing in his native county, where he is recognized as one of the leading citizens of West Point township. On other pages of this work is entered a memorial tribute to his father, the late George W. Chamberlain, and thus a further review of the family history is not demanded in the present connection.
On the old homestead farm of the family, in section 12, range 5 West, of West Point Township, John W. Chamberlain was born on the 10th of November, 1867, and virtually all of the intervening years have found him a resident within the borders of his native township, where he well upheld the prestige of a name that has been honored in the annals of the county from the early pioneer era to the present time. The conditions and influences of the home farm compassed the period of his boyhood and youth and in this connection he early learned the valuable lessons of practical industry and came to proper appreciation of the dignity and value of honest toil and endeavor. He received excellent educational advantages and put his scholastic attainments to practical test by two terms of service in the pedagogic profession, as teacher in the Lake View School, in Big Creek Township.
In 1890, when about twenty-three years of age, Mr. Chamberlain further fortified himself for the battle of life by taking unto himself a wife, in the person of Miss Lillie Jarrett, a daughter of Levi and Lydia Jarrett, of Prairie Township, this county. After more than twenty years of happy domestic life the gracious home circle was broken by the death of Mrs. Chamberlain, who was summoned to the life eternal on September 14, 1913,—about one month prior to the death of her husband's venerable father. Her remains were interred in the cemetery maintained at Chalmers by the Knights of Pythias, and her memory is revered by all who came within the sphere of her gentle influence. Mrs. Chamberlain is survived by four children, all of whom have been given excellent educational advantages: Leroy and his wife, whose maiden name was Ethel Hambridge, reside in West Point Township, where he represents the fourth generation of the family as a farmer in this township; and Viola Hazel, J. Pord, and Estella Maude all remain at the paternal home, which is known for its generous hospitality.
Mr. Chamberlain has achieved definite success as a general agriculturist and stockgrower, and his finely improved farm of 240 acres is eligibly situated three miles west of the Village of Chalmers. In addition to giving close attention to the work and management of his farm Mr. Chamberlain has exercised his resources in a number of ways for the benefit of local business and the furtherance of legitimate improvements. He is a stockholder and director of the State Bank of Chalmers, the Chalmers Grain Company, which operates a modern grain elevator at Chalmers, and of the Chalmers Telephone Company. He has made a specially admirable record also in connection with the good-roads movement, and is one of the enterprising citizens who not only believe in but are willing to work for well made public highways. It was through his initiative that the John H. Moore turnpike road was constructed between Big Creek and West Point townships.
Fot a number of years the name of Mr. Chamberlain has had a political significance in his native township, and he is a recognized leader in the councils of the democratic party in White County. His principal public service was rendered in the office of township trustee, which he filled with credit and with exceptional benefit to the township, especially its schools, during a period of ten years. His first term extended from November, 1900, to January 1, 1905, and his second term from January 1, 1909, to January 1, 1915. Mr. Chamberlain is affiliated with Chalmers Lodge, No. 178, Knights of Pythias, and holds membership in the Baptist Church, of which his wife likewise was a zealous adherent.
Among other distinctions White County enjoys that of having what is generally conceded to be the finest farm of Indiana within the limits of this county. This is the great W. E. Morris farm, situated in Prairie Township. It contains 640 acres, and every square yard is susceptible to cultivation. A long article might be written to describe this estate, its equipment and improvement, and the efficiency which governs all its processes. These may be briefly suggested when it is stated that the price of $275 an acre has been refused for the farm.
The responsibilities of managing such an estate are naturally in proportion to its value. For a number of years these duties have been entrusted to the capable hands of Joseph W. Chamberlain, who is a native of White County and is one of the practical men who have done so much in recent years to develop the agricultural resources of this region.
The Chamberlains are among the older pioneer families of White County, having been established here more than seventy years ago. His grandfather, Aaron Chamberlain, was a native of England and came from New York State to Prairie Township in White County in 1843. Daniel Chamberlain, father of Joseph W., was born in the State of New York, April 12, 1834, two years after the Black Hawk war, and was about nine years of age when he came to White County. He married Sinia Robinson, a daughter of George W. and Eliza (Andrews) Robinson, who were also early settlers in White County. All the six children of this union are living, very unusual for an aged family: Joseph W., Aaron F., George W., Melissa, Lola and Charles E. Only Joseph W. and his brother George W. are residents of White County. George W., who lives in the Village of Chalmers, married Addie Martin, and their children are Amy, Earl, Leo, George and Opal.
Grandfather Chamberlain was the owner of 180 acres of land in White County at the time of his death. Farming has been the regular vocation throughout the three generations. The male members of the family, from grandfather to grandson, have been Jeffersonian democrats in politics, but office seeking has not been a family characteristic. The earlier members of the family in White County were of the Universalist faith but the younger people are Baptists.
Joseph W. Chamberlain was born in Prairie Township on section 7, August 7, 1862, and practically all his life has been spent in that one locality. For fourteen years he was engaged in the hay business at Brookston and gave up that vocation fifteen years ago to take the management of the W. E. Morris estate known as the "Bank Farm," in Prairie Township. At different times he has made his influence felt as a democrat, and has taken a prominent part in the different branches of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 164 at Brookston. He is affiliated with Grand Prairie Lodge No. 164, with the Encampment and with the Rebekahs, No. 376. He has been through all the chairs and is a member of the Grand Lodge.
A successful man from a business point of view Mr. Chamberlain has been helped
throughout his career by a noble wife, and they have a fine family of children.
On December 9, 1883, Joseph W. Chamberlain and Miss Melissa E. Darnell were
united in marriage. The seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain are: Ethel
D., who married Winnie Deckard and lives in Bloomington, Indiana; Sinia Blanche,
who is the wife of
Martin Van Schapen, living in Lafayette; Tinia May, who is the wife of Thomas
Vanderkolk, living at Liberty, Indiana, and they have two children, named Helen
Irene and Gertrude; Hattie B. is the wife of Charles Vanderkolk, and they live in
Tippecanoe County; Ira C. is unmarried and lives at home, and Chester C. and
Alice Gertrude an also at home. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain have given their
children good practical educations, and all have graduated from the common
schools. The two youngest, Chester and Alice Gertrude, are now attending the
Brookston High School. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain have also given a home to an
estimable young lady, Miss Gertrude Belle Upjohn, since her parents' death. She
took a complete course as a nurse in the Home Hospital at Lafayette, Indiana,
and now occupies a high place in her profession. She is a graduate of the
Brookston High School, and is a member of the Baptist Church and of the order
of Rebekahs at Brookston. Mrs. Chamberlain was born in the Blue Grass State of
Kentucky, December 4, 1861, the seventh of the ten children, seven sons and
three daughters, of John G. and Melissa (Arrowsmith) Darnell. Eight of the
children are living, and all are residents of Indiana, while four are living in
White County. Mr. Darnell, the father, was born in Virginia, March 16, 1825,
and died in March, 1902. He remained in his native state until young manhood,
locating then in Kentucky, where he married. He was a cooper by trade, but the
most of his active life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. It was in 1868
that he came to Indiana, locating first in Decatur County, and in 1876 came to
White County. He gave his political support to the democratic party, served as
a soldier in the Mexican war, and became a member of the Campbellite Church, now
known as the Christian Church. Mrs. Darnell was born, reared and educated in
Kentucky, and her death occurred in White County in 1896. She was a Baptist in
her religious belief. Mrs. Chamberlain was but seven years old when she became
a resident of White County, and here she was reared and educated. She is one of
the grand and noble wives and mothers of her community, has reared her children
to lives of usefulness, and has been a true helpmeet to her husband. She is a
member of the Baptist Church and also of the Order of Rebekahs at Brookston. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain come from old and prominent families, and their names
should be recorded among the honored residents of White County.
One of the oldest residents of White County is Henry Chamberlin of Big Creek Township. He has lived in this part of Indiana so many years that his range of recollection comprises practically every phase of development and improvement that would be mentioned in any general survey of local history. The activities of his life have been largely concentrated on farming, and his fine farm in Big Creek Township represents to a great extent improvements that bear the direct impress of his own labor and management. He is a prosperous citizen and a man of fine reputation in that part of the county.
Henry Chamberlin was born in Ontario County, New York, December 29, 1830, son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Thatcher) Chamberlin. He was the second in a family of ten children. His mother was born in New Jersey and his father in Pennsylvania. In early life Aaron Chamberlin was employed in rafting on the Delaware River, and later took up farming in Ontario County, New York, where he was married. In the fall of 1834 he brought his family to Carroll County, Indiana, when Henry Chamberlin was about four years of age. In the spring of 1837 they removed to Tippecanoe County, where his father farmed on shares until the spring of 1843, and then moved to West Point Township in White County. Here he entered a quarter section of land, and made that his home until his death on February 29, 1849. His widow survived him many years, passing away May 30, 1882.
Henry Chamberlin was thirteen years old when he came to White County, grew up on his father's homestead, and had only the limited education which the local schools of that day could supply, and the necessities of the little household precluded regular attendance even at such schools as were available. After his father's death, when he had arrived at manhood he went out to work by the month for other farmers, and was also employed along the old Wabash and Erie Canal. This was his principal work for four years. In the spring of 1859 Mr. Chamberlin bought his present farm of 160 acres. Its present condition shows how well he acquitted himself of the heavy task of improvement. He opened up ditches, from time to time invested in tile and thus cleared away the water which made such a formidable obstacle to agriculture, and at the same time cleared away the woods and the brush. He also erected substantial buildings.
On March 2, 1854, Mr. Chamberlin married Catherine J. Biddle, who was born in the City of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, March 11, 1838. Mrs. Chamberlin died November 23, 1913, at Lafayette, Indiana. To their union were born five children, only three of whom grew up and the only one now living is Henrietta, wife of Ira Baldwin, and still living in White County. The daughter, Clara, who died some years ago, married Harry McClain; while Edward H. died unmarried.
Mr. Chamberlin is a Mason and in politics a democrat. When he came to this county seventy years ago there were no towns of any importance, and none of the large cities of the state had yet advanced beyond the village stage. He can recall the time when the building of the Monon Railroad was a subject of general discussion in the locality. In the early days he could have skated the entire distance of six miles from his present home to Monticello, since at times practically all the country was under water. He continued actively in his business as farmer until he was eighty-one years of age, and now rents his land, and lives alone at home, enjoying the contentment and prosperity which are the proper rewards for a life of such continued enterprise. During the war Mr. Chamberlin was drafted for the army, and later volunteered, but on both occasions was rejected on account of poor health.
In Princeton Township, five miles south east of Wolcott, and on Rural Route No. 11, out of Reynolds, one of the homes which suggest comfort and enterprise and the best standards of Indiana agriculture, is that occupied by Frank S. Chenoweth. Mr. Chenoweth has had a somewhat varied and active career, was in business as a meat dealer for a number of years, has a reputation over White County and elsewhere as a capable auctioneer, but for practically twenty years has devoted his best energies to the development of land, and while providing for his family has also accumulated the honors of good citizenship and the kindly and helpful relations with the community.
Fully three generations of the Chenoweth family have been identified with White County. They came when the country was new and shared in the diseomforts of pioneer existence and did something to extend the area of cultivation and provisions for homes and institutions in this region. In America the Chenoweths have lived since the years preceding the American Revolution. Two brothers of the name came to this country from England, and from one of these was descended Thomas Chenoweth, grandfather of Frank S. Chenoweth. Thomas Chenoweth was born January 29, 1787, only a few years after the close of the revolution and a short time before the United States had formally been gathered together in one stable federal government under the constitution. He was a son of Richard and Martha Chenoweth. On April 13, 1813, Thomas Chenoweth married Asenath Mounts, who was born January 9, 1797. Of their children the only one to grow up was Ira, three of whose descendants now live in Indiana in the Battleground [sic] community. For his second wife Thomas Chenoweth married, March 25, 1819, Sarah Steenbergen, who was born March 25, 1801. The two children of this union were: Peter H. S. B. and Charles. The latter has descendants now found in Tippecanoe County. Prior to the year 1848 Thomas Chenoweth and his three sons, Ira, Charles and Peter moved out from Miami County, Ohio, to Big Creek Township in White County, settling on what is now known as the George Wolverton farm. Thomas Chenoweth, though at that time past middle life, was well fitted for the duties of leadership into a new country. He was a big man physically, and had the strong elements of character which well fit in with the pioneer type and with the best ideals of Christian citizenship. In the early days he was known as a whig and later became a republican voter, but it is not known that he ever held office and probably never cared for such distinction. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Peter H. S. B. Chenoweth, one of his sons, was born September 26, 1822, and died December 15, 1860, in the prime of his useful manhood. He was buried in Big Creek Township in the old Carr Cemetery just south of Chalmers, where the remains of his wife also repose. He was married July 13, 1848, the year he came to White County, to Magdalene Schuetz, who was born in Wayne County, Indiana, July 4, 1827, of Pennsylvania Dutch and German descent. Her parents were Anthony and Esther Schuetz. Anthony Schuetz deserves remembrance for the fact that he constructed the old Schuetz Mill, now known as Oakdale, which is said to have been the first mill ever built on the Tippecanoe River. Peter Chenoweth and wife became the parents of three children: Dr. William S., now deceased; Gilbert A., who lives in Colorado; and Frank S. The mother of these children died January 16, 1908.
Frank Schuetz Chenoweth was born on what is now known as the old George Wolverton place in Big Creek Township, August 21, 1860. The advantages and circumstances of his youth were similar to those of other farmer boys in White County during the '60s and '70s, and his education came almost entirely from country schools. He has no conscious remembrance of his father, who died a few months after the birth of this son. His father was a whig and republican, a Methodist, and followed the vocations of farming and mason work. On September 26, 1888, Frank S. Chenoweth married Lizzie Hemmer, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, July 1, 1865, the third of the nine children, five sons and four daughters, of Peter and Mary Magdalene (Miller) Hemmer. Six of these children are yet living, namely: Theresa, the wife of Thomas Doudicon, an engineer at Danville, Illinois, and they have three children: Katie, the wife of M. A. Lewis, a merchant at Peru, Indiana, and they have six children; Mrs. Chenoweth was the next born; Peter, Jr., a resident of Effingham, Illinois, and superintendent of a canning factory, married Lena Ruppert and has three children; Mamie, wife of Jacob Vogel, a farmer in White County, and they are the parents of seven children; and John, a resident of Fountain, Michigan, married Miss Marie Seymour and has three children. Mr. Hemmer, the father, was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 6, 1832, and came to the United States when nineteen years of age, at that time a poor but industrious lad. In 1874 he came with his family to White County, and this county continued his home until his death, which occurred on the 1st of August, 1898. He was a democrat politically, and both he and his wife were members of the Catholic Church. Both now lie buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery at Reynolds, Indiana. Mrs. Hemmer was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 2, 1835, was reared to young womanhood in her native land, and then came to the United States. The vessel on which she took passage was wrecked, and the voyage consumed three months. Mrs. Chenoweth was educated in the parochial schools of her church. She and her husband began their married life poor in pocket but rich in industry and perseverance, and together they have won for themselves a prominent place in the life of their community. Four children were born into their home, Robert E., who lives with his father and mother; Helen M., the wife of Charles Van Voorst of West Point Township, and the mother of one child named Frank William; Paul G., who also lives at home; and Loretta L., deceased.
About 1887, the year before his marriage Mr. Chenoweth engaged in the hardware business at Chalmers, and spent three years as a merchant in that village. While there he also bought grain for the William Scott & Company of Indianapolis. His next enterprise was operating a butcher shop for three years, but at the end of that time he sold out and engaged in a similar business at Wolcott, where he remained about a year and a half. It is recalled that he built the first structure on the south side of Main Street in Wolcott, now known as the Jackson Meat Market. His original enterprise there was burned out, but he rebuilt and finally sold and came into Princeton Township in 1895, locating in sections 34 and 35, range 5 west, where he has since applied himself industriously to farm enterprise. When his shop was burned in Wolcott it practically spelled bankruptcy for him, at least cleaning out all of his visible resources, and had to begin all over again, putting his foot on the first round of the ladder toward prosperity. He has since regained more than he lost and is now the owner of 140 acres of land in Princeton Township. For the past five years he has paid much attention to his work as an auctioneer, and his services are in great demand by all people holding sales. It is said that he has probably sold more real estate at auction than any other man in White County. As a farmer he has taken special pride in developing his land from a crude and unprofitable condition until it now stands as one of the representative farmsteads of White County. An important part of the improvement has been the laying of many rods of tile, so that the land is practically now all drained and susceptible of intensive cultivation every season. He may take the more credit for the fact that he has performed most of the labors himself. His individual experience in this work made his services all the more valuable when he held the office of drainage commissioner two years.
Though never a seeker for office, Mr. Chenoweth has been quite active in republican politics. He belongs to no secret fraternities, and he and his wife are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Reynolds, and give liberally to its support. Besides the raising of crops he pays much attention to blooded Duroc Jersey hogs and in every sense of the word is a progressive farmer and a live and public-spirited citizen.
Among the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of the western part of Prairie Township, was James Chilton, who resided just south of Badger Grove for almost fifty years. Mr. Chilton was born in Henry County, Kentucky, July 25, 1820, and died November 5, 1914, at the ripe age of a little more than ninety-four years.
The first twenty-two years of his life were spent on his home plantation in Kentucky. Here he was first married to Maria Johnson; and to them were born two daughters, now Mrs. Margaret Brown of West Lafayette, and Mrs. Letitia Brown, of Brookston. His first wife died in 1845, and in 1847 he was again married to Mary Russell, who died six months later. He then married Nancy Russell, daughter of Samuel Russell, and to them were born two sons, Joseph and Charles Chilton, both still well known residents of Prairie Township. This Mrs. Chilton died in 1870 and in 1873 he was again married, this time to Mrs. Rachel Miller, who died in January, 1901.
Mr. Chilton was a quiet, unassuming citizen, greatly attached to his home. Coming to White County in the early '40s, he was one of the pioneers, whose long and useful life reached down to the present day. He saw the development of the open prairie region of the county, with no roads and scarcely any communication with the outside world, to a highly developed community of pleasant, comfortable homes, with all the modern conveniences of communication and travel. As one who knew the burdens of the early pioneer has well said: "He traveled in an ox cart that his children and his children's children might travel on the trolley and in the automobile." He was fortunate enough to himself live awhile in the electric and automobile age, and only a short time before his death he accompanied his son Joseph and family to Monticello, noting at the time that it was his first visit to the county seat in more than thirty years, and that the trip overland was made in one-tenth of the time it would have taken him in the old days.
The life of the late Daniel Z. Clark, whose death occurred March 12, 1912, in Monon Township, embraced a wide range of experiences and covered a period of more than a quarter of a century in White County. He was one of those whose labor lent dignity and stability to unsettled and undeveloped conditions, and whose faith in the future was readily communicated to his associates among the early settlers. He was a native of Shelby County, Ohio, born February 4, 1845, a son of Daniel Clark, for whom he was named.
Mr. Clark started life under what many would consider very undesirable conditions. He was only three years of age when his parents died, and he was bound out to John L. Ogden, on whose farm he was reared in Shelby County, where he acquired a somewhat limited education in the district schools. Mr. Clark remained on the farm until the age of eighteen years, when he demonstrated his patriotism by enlisting, in 1863, in Company K, Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served actively through the remaining period of the Civil war. Having joined this organization as private, he was honorably discharged at the close of hostilities with the rank of orderly sergeant. He then returned to the home of his foster parents, with whom he resided until they passed away in 1881, and continued to reside in that community until 1886. He was married there August 23, 1866, to Miss Laura Belle Clark (no relative), and they became the parents of eight children, as follows: Maggie A., who became the wife of George Foulks and now resides near the old Indiana home in Jasper County; John R.; Thomas C.; Mary P. and Joseph E., twins, the former of whom is the wife of Frank May, a farmer living near Wolcott, Indiana, and the latter of whom married Ida M. Jacks, of Monon Township; Daniel C., who married Arty Gilmore and resides at Morocco, Indiana; Edwin S., who died in infancy; and Martha E.
Daniel Z. Clark had relatives living in White County, Indiana, and in 1886 he came to this locality and purchased 200 acres of land in Monon Township, a property which is still in the family possession. To this he later added forty acres. At the time of his arrival this property was practically in its virgin state, little improvement having been made, and it was almost entirely surrounded by sand hills and swamps, through which there were scarcely any roads. He here passed the remaining years of his life, engaged successfully in diversified farming, stock-raising, ditching and clearing, and through his energetic and well-directed efforts accumulated a handsome competence. Mr. Clark was a man who weighed more than 200 pounds, was jolly, generous and kind hearted, and became known affectionately all over this locality as "Uncle Daniel." While he was inclined to be quiet, unobtrusive and self-effacing, he still wielded a great influence for good in his community and did much to advance the cause of intelligence and morality. He was honest almost to the point of a fault, and the universal respect and esteem in which he was held by those among whom he had lived and labored were shown in the many expressions of sincere regret and sorrow which his death occasioned. Mrs. Clark, who was also widely known and greatly beloved in Monon Township, died January 29, 1911. Both were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
John R. Clark, the eldest son of this estimable couple, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, December 5, 1870, and was fifteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to White County, Indiana. He was educated in the public schools of Ohio and Indiana, and was married in the latter state, February 23, 1893, to Miss Bertha Lamar, their union being blessed by the birth of six children: Charles C., Zelitha A., Amy L., John G., Lawrence L. and Ayra Evadine. Mr. Clark is the owner of 100 acres of good land which he devotes to diversified farming, and is known as one of the energetic and progressive agriculturists of his part of the county. He is a republican in politics, takes an active interest in public affairs, and is a hearty and helpful co-operator in movements for the general welfare. His fraternal connection is with the Knights of the Maccabees and he and Mrs. Clark are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Thomas C. Clark, son of Daniel Z. and Laura Belle Clark, was born November 17, 1874, in Shelby County, Ohio, and there began his education in the public schools. He was twelve years of age when brought to White County, where he completed his schooling, and where he has since continued to make his home. Mr. Clark is the owner of sixty acres of fertile land, on which he has made numerous valuable improvements, and in addition to carrying on farming operations on this property is also accepting and fulfilling contracts for dredging, carpentering and plastering. He has shown his public spirit when occasion has demanded, and is known as one of the live, stirring men of his community. On February 12, 1898, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Tillie Denton, and they have four daughters: Alethea D., Maggie P., Dora May and Alice Rose. Mr. Clark is a republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
White County is fortunate in claiming Mr. Clark as one of its alert, progressive and representative agriculturists and stock growers, for in his operations he brings to bear the energy and good judgment that make for large success, the while his example is well worthy of emulation as showing the splendid possibilities for achievement in connection with the important lines of industry to which he pays fealty. He controls a fine landed estate of 320 acres, equipped with modern improvements, and he brings to bear mature judgment and scientific principles in the carrying forward of the various operations of his farm, the land on which his residence is situated being in section 22, Monon Township. He is liberal and progressive also in his attitude as a citizen, and as one of the substantial men and representative farmers of White County he commands unqualified confidence and good will in the community.
On the old homestead farm of his father, in Milroy Township, Jasper County, Indiana, Enoch J. Clark was born on the 4th of April, 1868, a son of Enoch and Eliza (McCashen) Clark, both of whom continued their residence in that county until their death, the father having been one of the prosperous farmers and highly honored citizens of that county. He whose name introduces this article was reared to manhood in his native township and his early education was acquired in the public schools. He continued to be associated with the work and management of the old home farm until he had attained to the age of twenty-two years, since which time he has made consecutive progress in his activities as an independent agriculturist and stock-raiser, his success having been the direct result of his own ability and unremitting toil and endeavor. He has been a resident of White County since 1900 and, as previously stated, his farming operations are by no means circumscribed, owing to the fact that they cover a tract of 320 acres, the land being of the best order and making possible the securing of the maximum returns for the labor and care expended.
Mr. Clark is a man of broad views and well fortified opinions, is always ready to give his influence and direct co-operation in the advancement of measures and enterprises for the best interests of the community, and though he is signally free from predilection for political office, he is found aligned as a stalwart supporter of the principles of the democratic party. In his farm enterprise he devotes special attention to the raising and breeding of the best grade of full-blood shorthorn cattle, many fine specimens of which are always to be found on his farm.
In the year 1892 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Clark to Mary Soltwell, and their three children, Oliver, Verna and Raymond, all remain at the parental home.
One of the esteemed and prominent members of the medical profession in former years at Monticello was Dr. Robert J. Clark, who as a kindly family physician continued to give his services to a wide circle of patients for many years and was a valuable factor in the life of the community.
Robert Johnson Clark was born at Lafayette, Indiana, May 24, 1844, a son of Dr. O. L. and Charille (Durkee) Clark. His father was a native of Virginia and his mother of New York State, and they were the parents of nine children, only one of them now living. The City of Lafayette, Indiana, was the home of nearly all these children, and those deceased are all buried there.
Dr. Robert J. Clark attended the common schools, was also a student in the Notre Dame University at South Bend, and finally entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where after his graduation he served as an interne [sic] in the Cincinnati Hospital. He came to Monticello to take up practice in partnership with Dr. W. S. Haymond, under whom he had read medicine before entering medical college. After 1872 Doctor Clark practiced alone. He was a thorough student, always regarded as a man of broad scholarship, and was very successful in the handling of all cases entrusted to his charge.
Doctor Clark also had a military record. In March, 1862, he enlisted in the Twenty-second Indiana Light Artillery, and his most important service was during the Atlanta campaign. He was discharged in 1865 at Indianapolis, and it was after the war that he began his studies for his profession. While a democrat in politics, the only offices he ever held were as coroner and as a member of the board of health.
On July 5, 1871, Doctor Clark married Miss Mary Elizabeth Reynolds, a daughter of James Culbertson and Miranda (Sill) Reynolds. To this union were born two children: Cornelia R., widow of Lloyd Logan; and Frederick Anderson.
James C. Reynolds, the father of Mrs. Doctor Clark, was born in Perry County,
Ohio, and in an early day settled on farm land in Union Township in White County.
He was married in this county and his seven children were named William E., Mary
E., Ashbel deceased, Ida, James C., Carey, and Edith. In addition to farming
James C. Reynolds also operated an old mill at Monticello and was a dry goods merchant,
and took a prominent part in public affairs, at one time having served as county
treasurer. He was a democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and among his
benefactions to the community was the donation of the land where the Monticello
High School is now located. Miranda Sill, who became the wife of James C. Reynolds,
was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Martin) Sill, who were also among the old
settlers of Union Township, where they lived and died.
For nearly half a century the subject of this sketch lived in White County. He was born in Greene County, Tennessee, October 24, 1824, and in December, 1845, came to Prairie Township, and six years later removed to Princeton Township, where he resided until his death on July 23, 1895. November 9, 1848, he married Susannah Smeleer by whom he had eight children, all of whom died before his death, except one, Joseph H., who is still a resident of White County. His wife died October 25, 1871, and on March 13, 1880, he married Eunice Wortman. About twenty-eight years before his death he united with the Christian Church at Palestine. His one son, Joseph H. Clary, is a respected citizen of the county.
Both the Clary and Smelcer families, of which Joseph H. Clary is descended, were companions of the wilderness in early White County, and he is himself not only a sharer in the prosperity unfolded by the zeal and enterprise of these pioneers, but has himself been a witness to and a participant in the wonderful changes which have transformed this section of Northwestern Indiana from an unproductive, valueless waste into one of the most fertile and valuable farm regions of the state.
The home of Mr. Clary is on a well improved farm of eighty acres in section 16 of Princeton Township. He was born on the old Smelcer farm in Prairie Township, March 9, 1850, a son of James S. and Susanna M. (Smelcer) Clary. His father, who was a native of Tennessee, came to White County in 1845, when very little had been done in the progress of civilization over most of the county. He located in Prairie, and was married there in 1848 to Miss Smelcer, who was a native of Union County, Indiana. Her father, Samuel Smelcer, found himself almost entirely alone and occupying an isolated position in the wilderness of White County when he first arrived in 1830 and settled in Prairie Township one mile east of where Brookston now stands. Samuel Smelcer was born in Tennessee October 4, 1804. At an early age his mother was left a widow with a family of children, Samuel being one of the younger. His mother kept the family together until all came to mature years. Samuel Smelcer married Sarah Mesmore, and not long afterward they came to Union County, Indiana, and on moving to White County they made the journey with ox teams in the month of March through what was then called the Wilderness. It snowed seventeen days during their journey. They crossed swollen streams, the oxen sometimes swimming through the turbulent waters. There was no feed for the oxen, and at places they had to cut the branches of young timber to give fodder for the cattle. For a number of years after coming to White County Samuel Smelcer and his neighbors hauled their wheat to Chicago, where it was sold, and they then bought with the proceeds the necessaries of life sufficient to tide them over to the next harvest. In the early days White County was a great country for game, and Samuel Smelcer was sn expert rifle shot, and many a deer and wolf fell before his trusty rifle. In June, 1881, while he was at work repairing his porch floor, he fell dead, probably due to heart disease.
Samuel Smelcer was not only an early settler but a very prominent citizen in the early days. For twenty-one years he held the office of county commissioner, and along with his work as a farmer combined the trade of wagon maker, and had a shop which provided an important service to the community in which he lived. He was of German descent, was a democrat in politics, and a member of the Christian Church. He and his wife had the following children: Lovina, Susanna, Marion, Hezekiah, Levi, Mary, Sarah, Samuel and Canarissa. Of these the only two now living are Hezekiah and Samuel.
A few years after his marriage James Clary and wife located in February, 1851, on section 23 in Princeton Township, and that was their home throughout the rest of his industrious and useful career. He died July 23, 1895, and is laid to rest in Prairie Township. His wife passed away in 1871. James Clary was a republican without political aspirations, and was a substantial farmer in his day and generation. To the marriage of James and Susanna Clary was [sic] born eight children: Joseph H.; Jasper N., deceased; Sarah A., who died at the age of ten years; Samuel, James and William, all deceased; Lucy, who died at the age of twenty-one, leaving a son James by her marriage to Ernest M. Robathan; and the youngest died unnamed.
Joseph H. Clary made the best possible use of the advantages of the early schools found in White County and by the time he was eighteen years of age was qualified to direct other young minds in the quest of knowledge. From 1868 to 1875 he spent most of his time as a teacher either in Princeton or West Point Township. For three terms he taught the Clover Green District, spent two years in the West Point Township schools, and for one term had charge of the Willow Grove School. Many of his former scholars, now grown to manhood and womanhood, are still living in White County.
While still following the profession of teacher Mr. Clary was married March 7, 1872, to Miss Sarah M. Wright, a daughter of David and Mary (Carmine) Wright. The Wright family came to White County about 1850 and the name has been well known here ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Clary became the parents of four children: Guy; Roy, who was killed by a dog m 1887; the third, a son, died unnamed, and Homer.
The enterprise which he has directed for so many years as a means of livelihood has been chiefly in general farming and stock raising, and he has made a specialty of the Poland-China hogs. His farm is all under cultivation and well improved and the judgment and ability with which he has handled its management has also caused his services to be called upon for public duty. Mr. Clary served two terms as county drainage commissioner and wherever possible has used his influence for local improvements. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and she takes much interest in its work, while he has served either as elder or deacon of that denomination for forty years. In politics he is a democrat.
For thirty-four years a practicing physician at Monon, the life of Doctor Clayton has been a benefit and an inspiration to the people of his community. His work as a physician has long made him a familiar figure in that part of White County, and has been of an order eminently calculated to bring him the respect and love of all, and in those qualities his life has been richly endowed.
Dr. George R. Clayton was born April 20, 1854, at Pittsfield, Illinois. His parents were Thomas C. and Margaret (Carrier) Clayton, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Virginia. Thomas C. Clayton was a wagon maker, followed that trade at Pittsfield, and that was at a time when wagon manufacturing by machinery was still in the future, and all work was performed by hand. During the Civil war epoch Thomas C. Clayton was a pronounced Union man, and in the section of Illinois where he lived the lines of opinion were tightly drawn, and a man of pronounced Union sentiments was likely to be very unpopular. During the war he became provost marshal of Pike County and because of his official activities his life was often in danger. Listening to the entreaties of his wife, who feared for his safety, in 1866 he removed to Hancock County, where he and his good wife spent the rest of their days.
It was in Hancock County that Doctor Clayton was reared to manhood, getting his early education in the public schools of Bowen. After the high school course he read medicine under the direction of Dr. A. E. McNeall, subsequently took one term of lectures in the Keokuk Medical College of Iowa, and in 1879 entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, from which he was graduated in the June class of 1880.
Doctor Clayton has had an active membership in the medical profession for thirty-five years. He began his practice at Donaldson, Iowa, in the spring of 1881 located at Rockfield, Indiana, and in the following January removed to Monon and entered upon the practice which has kept him busied down to the present time. It is his distinction to be now the third oldest physician in point of years of practice in White County. He has been both a friend and physician to hundreds of families, and is one of the best liked men in White County. He is a member of the White County and State Medical societies, and has fraternal affiliations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order.
On January 17, 1882, Doctor Clayton married Nettie E. Sharrer, who was called away by death January 17, 1907, on her twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. There are two children: George R. Jr., a physician at Fowler, but formerly was in practice at Monon. Anna Fay, the daughter, is the wife of Firman Thompson of Rensselaer, Indiana. Dr. Clayton is a republican, having cast his first vote in that party for President Hayes.
Through a period of more than sixty years the activities and influence of the Cochran family have been such as to justify a page of record in the history of White County. The social life and business affairs of the little Village of Brookston were the stage on which the late Andrew Cochran played an important part for many years, and one of his sons is still active in business affairs there.
Andrew Cochran came to White County in the fall of 1854, locating near Brookston, where he began work at his trade as a carpenter. He was born near Madison, Indiana, November 2, 1822, a son of Andrew Cochran, who was of Scotch ancestry. Andrew, Sr., was a native of Kentucky, where his parents had located in the days of Daniel Boone. From Kentucky he moved over the frontier into Indiana when it was a wilderness infested with Indians and wild game. Andrew, Sr., made himself a factor in the early days of Indiana, when it was emerging from the conditions of a territorial existence into the dignity of statehood. Andrew, Sr., married Elizabeth Wood, and they spent the rest of their lives in Southern Indiana. There were eleven children in the family, and the son Andrew, Jr., was only fourteen years of age when left an orphan and with an important part to bear in assisting to provide a living for the household.
His early life was spent in Madison, where he served an apprenticeship at the trade of carpenter. He was four times married. His first wife left him with two children, one of them now living. His second wife was Miss Michel French, a daughter of Asa French and a sister of the late William French, who was also an early settler in Prairie Township of White County, and concerning whom record appears on other pages. Michel French by her marriage to Mr. Cochran became the mother of three children, two of whom are living. There are no children by the last two wives of Andrew Cochran.
Andrew Cochran moved from Madison to White County in 1854, and as a worker at his trade assisted in building the Monon Railrad. Nearly all his active career was spent as a carpenter, though in the '70s he established a furniture and undertaking business at Brookston. His wife, however, assumed most of the responsibilities connected with the management of this business, while he continued working as a carpenter contractor. Many of the buildings throughout White County erected by him are still standing and visible witnesses of his industry. Andrew Cochran died September 28, 1901. He was in many ways a remarkable man. Brought up under the strict tenets of the Presbyterian Church of the older day, he never wholly departed from its teachings. Temperate in his habits and thoroughly honest, he assumed the same virtue in others, and this not infrequently interfered with his own business prosperity. Hard working and industrious, he often became the victim of the unscrupulous, but with all this no cause was advocated for the betterment of the community but what he was a liberal contributor thereto. When the Civil war threatened the disruption of the Union he enlisted as first lieutenant in Company F of the Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was mustered in October 7, 1862. He was commissioned captain of his company on November 8, 1864, and was mustered out at Washington, District of Columbia, June 5, 1865. As an individual he had an important part in the preservation of the Union, and his military career gained him the commendation of his superior officers and will deservedly be a matter of pride to all his descendants. He was a republican in politics, and for many years was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Of his children now living, one, William A., is a physician at Danville, Illinois, while another son, Clyde C., is a conductor on the Monon Railroad and lives at Lafayette. The only one now living in White County is Sherman.
Sherman Cochran was born in Brookston, Indiana, April 22, 1867, grew up in that community, attended the local schools, and has seldom been out of White County for an extended period of time. Since 1904 he has been actively identified with merchandising. Mr. Cochran is independent in politics and usually votes for the man and for principles rather than for the party. He takes an active interest in the Knights of Pythias, Castle Hall Lodge, No. 289, both the subordinate and the uniformed rank of the order at Delphi, Company No. 86, and in the latter holds the rank of lieutenant. On June 28, 1891, Sherman Cochran married Miss Emma J. Currie. They have one son, Vaughn K.
George V. Coen, a veteran of the Civil war, was born near Findlay, Ohio,
January 12, 1836, came to Monticello in 1873, and at the date of his death at
his son's home in Bowling Green, Ohio, had been a continuous
resident of Monticello for over forty years. He enlisted in 1862 in the
Eleventh Kansas Cavalry and in 1865 was honorably discharged after a service of
more than three years. On December 27, 1866, he married Miss Jennie McDonald. He
left four sons, all of whom were present at his burial in Monticello. He served
as treasurer of Monticello three terms and for more than a quarter of a century
had been a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church at Monticello. He was a true
soldier both in the hour of his country's peril and in the more constant battle
of daily life.
The record of William L. Coffey as a progressive farmer of Honey Creek Township covers a period of ten years. Mr. Coffey is a practical and well-trained farmer, came to White County from Illinois, in which state he was born and reared, and has done a great deal to prove his possession of all the qualities needed for success in the field of agriculture. His home is located on Rural Route Delivery No. 11, out of Reynolds, in Section 31 of Honey Creek Township. His farm comprises 151 acres.
William L. Coffey was born in Douglas County, Illinois, May 4, 1871, a son of Jerry and Jeanetta (Cutler) Coffey. His father is still living and his mother is buried in Douglas County. There were nine children, eight sons and one daughter, and all are still living but one.
Mr. Coffey spent his early life on a farm, and came to manhood with a knowledge of stock, field work and general agriculture, in addition to the training he had received from the public schools. He began life for himself at the age of twenty-one in Douglas County, and after some years of continued experience, during which he had accumulated some capital, he arrived in White County, on March 1, 1905, and bought and located his present place. All the acres are under cultivation, and his revenues come from general farming and stock enterprise. In the way of improvements he has put down a large amount of tile, and in the fall of 1914 built a silo, which is a conspicuous object among his farm buildings. As a stock man Mr. Coffey has twenty head of graded cattle and eight head of horses.
On March 9, 1898, Mr. Coffey married Miss Maud Josserand, a daughter of Louis and Emily Josserand. Their marriage has been blest by the birth of three children: Leota, born December 10, 1899; Lois, born May 11, 1901, and Louis, born July 1, 1912. The two older children are attending the public schools at Reynolds. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in that village, and in politics Mr. Coffey is a republican and has evinced considerable interest in public affairs. Mrs. Coffey was also born in Douglas County, Illinois, her parents having come to that state from Indiana.
Among the representative members of the White County medical fraternity is found Dr. G. R. Coffin, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Monticello since 1908. He was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, October 21, 1874, and is a son of Oliver G. and Anna D. (Tharp) Coffin, both of whom are now deceased and buried at Frankfort, Indiana.
After securing his preliminary training in the public schools of his native county, Guy R. Coffin prepared himself for college, and entered Saint Louis University, from which he was duly graduated. His medical studies were pursued at the Indiana University Medical School, where he was graduated in 1908, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and from that time to the present has been engaged in practice at Monticello, where he has been successful in building up a large professional business. He belongs to the various medical organizations, and is well known in fraternal circles holding membership in the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the improved Order of Red Men, the Haymakers, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Modern Woodmen of America, of Monticello, Indiana. His practice is broad and general in its character, and he is well and favorably known among the members of his calling.
Doctor Coffin was married December 26, 1896, to Miss Ida Snively, and to this union there has been born one daughter, Bernice.
Numbered among the enterprising and thrifty agriculturists of White County who brought to their independent and useful calling good business methods and excellent judgment, is Thomas E. Conn, now living retired from active business in Monticello, his attractive home being located but a half mile from the courthouse. A native of Indiana, he was born in Clark County, November 3, 1854, being one of a family of fourteen children, twelve of whom are now living. His parents, Nelson and Amanda (Blaukenbaker) Conn, were natives of Kentucky, but became residents of Indiana, where their closing years were spent.
Educated in the rural schools, Thomas F. Conn was thrown upon his own resources when young, being left fatherless in boyhood. Immediately taking his place in the ranks of the world's workers, he began life for himself as a farm hand, and in the tilling of the soil, and stock raising, he found both pleasure and profit. Coming to White County in 1900, Mr. Conn bought 160 acres of land in Monon Township, on which substantial improvements had been previously made, the house and barn being in excellent condition, although he erected a few other necessary buildings. Meeting with signal success in the management of his estate, he accumulated a competency, and in the spring of 1909 gave up active work on the farm, and having purchased nearly six acres of land near the Monticello courthouse, has since lived retired, as stated above. Since that time, however, Mr. Conn has acquired title to other valuable real estate, having, in the spring of 1911, purchased 160 acres of highly improved land in Honey Creek Township, all of which is subject to cultivation, there being no timber on it.
On February 20, 1882, Mr. Conn was united in marriage with Miss Leota Rotruck, a daughter of John and Christiana Rotruck, and into the household thus established three children have made their advent, namely Grover, engaged in farming on the old home place; Gertrude, wife of Loyd Thrasher, of Honey Creek Township; and John, living with his parents. Politically, Mr. Conn is a steadfast democrat, and religiously both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
A citizen who has many interesting associations with early times in White County, John Conwell has for fully half a century lived on one farm in Liberty Township. His is one of the old and honored names in that part of the county and his career of industry and honesty has been rewarded not only by a satisfactory allowance of the world's goods, but also the esteem and respect of his fellows. Mr. Conwell is one of White County's citizens who distinctly recall the construction of the first railroad through the county. That was back in 1850, when he was a boy of nineteen, and his recollection is emphasized by the fact that for a good many weeks he was employed in getting out ties for the railroad tracks, being paid fifty cents per day and his board for the labor.
Of Scotch-Irish stock, John Conwell was born in Hardin County, Ohio, August 8, 1831, a son of William and Mary (Fultz) Conwell. His father was a native of Virginia and his mother of Ohio, and the family came to White County, Indiana, in October, 1835. There are very few families still found in White County whose continuous residence goes back to the early part of the decade of the '30s.
The youngest in a family of nine children, John Conwell grew up in the pioneer environment of the White County of seventy years ago. He attended some of the old time district schools, and has always been a farmer by occupation. It was on April 13, 1865, that he took possession of his present farm in section 9 of Liberty Township. That home is now endeared to him by the recollections and associations of half a century. He is the owner of 200 acres of land, situated five miles north of Monticello, and about 175 acres of that are classified as plow land. At the time of this writing Mr. Conwell is constructing a comfortable new home which is only one of the many improvements he has placed on the land since he took possession.
Probably the cardinal principle of his life has been to do unto others as he would be done by, and it is said that he has never assumed an obligation he could not perform, and has never had a suit for debt. In politics he is a democrat of the old style, and though never a seeker for official honors he served capably in the office of township supervisor for twelve years.
Mr. Conwell married for his first wife Nancy J. Bowen. The three living children of this union are: John, who married Sarah McCaulley; George, who married Catherine McCaulley; and Mrs. Mary Denton. His second wife, Mrs. Mary Ann Luse, died five months after their marriage. He afterwards married Ella Luse, a daughter of William Luse, who was one of the early settlers in White County. To this marriage were born five children: Emma, wife of A. F. Conrod; Amanda, now deceased; Alice C., wife of Ed Troeger; Asa, who married Maude Hughes, and they now live with his father; and William, deceased.
An intelligent and purposeful participation in the events that have made White County's history during recent years has made Morton Coonrod, of Monticello, one of the best known of his community's citizens. He was still a lad when he took his place among the world's workers, being called upon to bear his share of responsibility much earlier than most young men, and from that time forward has worked sturdily to a position of importance in the community. Mr. Coonrod has served as recorder of White County since 1910, and there is probably no more popular or efficient public servant at the county seat.
Mr. Coonrod has the distinction of being a native son of White County, born on his father's homestead farm in Liberty Township, September 2, 1865, his parents being William and Sarah Ann (Shields) Coonrod, natives of Ohio. Both William Coonrod and his wife had been previously married, Mrs. Coonrod having come to this county at an early day with her parents. William Coonrod, by his first marriage, had one child. He came with his family to White County about the year 1860, and here continued to be engaged in farming up to the time of his death. He was an industrious man, a capable farmer and a good man of business, and because of his many sterling traits of character was held in high esteem in Liberty Township. After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Sarah Ann (Shields) Custer, the widow of Washington Custer, who had three children by her first union, only one of whom is living at this time.
The eldest of a family of five children, Morton Coonrod was reared on the home farm, and his boyhood and youth were passed in much the same manner as other farmer boys of his day and locality, the winter months being spent in attending the district school, while during the rest of the year he assisted his father in the work of the home place. His father, however, died when Morton was a mere lad, and the youth was thus forced into the management of the home property, being the eldest child. With the aid of his affectionate mother, he was able to help to rear the other children and to complete his own education, and thus grew to strong, self-reliant manhood.
About the time he attained his majority, Mr. Coonrod became interested in public affairs, and soon became known as a hard and enthusiastic worker in behalf of the policies and candidates of the republican party. In 1910 he became the candidate of that organization for the office of recorder of White County, and in this capacity has continued to serve to the present time, his administration having been characterized by a conscientious discharge of the duties of his office which has gained him widespread regard. He still has agricultural interests and pays attention to agricultural affairs, but his time is largely taken up by the responsibilities of his position. He has not been indifferent to the pleasures of companionship with his fellows, and at this time holds membership in the local lodges of the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men.
Among the families whose prosperity has been founded on solid basis of agricultural industry that of Cooper is one of the most prominent in White County. The late David Cooper came into White County forty years ago, and his life was one, not only of unusual material accomplishment, but of strict consistency with the highest ideals of living and character.
William P. Cooper was born near Attica, in Fountain County, Indiana, November 8, 1857, a son of David and Amanda (Best) Cooper. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Benton County, Indiana, and from there, in the spring of 1875, located in West Point Township of White County. David Cooper was splendidly successful as a farmer and stock raiser. He was a republican in politics, but never accepted any official honor. Both he and his wife are now buried at Montmorency, Indiana. His mother was a very devout Christian and one of the active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their eight children four are now living.
William P. Cooper received his early education in Benton County, and was about eighteen years of age when he came to White County. Since reaching manhood he has gone steadily ahead to ever-increasing prosperity, and is now the owner of about seven hundred acres in White county. He raises and ships a large number of cattle every year, and keeps his farm in a state of improvement such as to offer a model and incentive to this farming community.
On December 19, 1888, Mr. Cooper married Lottie Barcus, who died June 23, 1905. Her two sons are Harold and Paul. Harold is a member of the Monticello High School, class of 1916, and Paul, the younger son, died at the age of seven years. On June 27, 1913, Mr. Cooper married Ethel Sharp of Rensselaer. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Chalmers Lodge of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to the Baptist Church. Many people of White County remember him best for his creditable service as county treasurer of White County, to which office he was elected on the republican ticket in November, 1908, serving two terms. In 1910 Mr. Cooper located in Monticello, but in April, 1915 removed to Reynolds, Indiana, his residence at the present time.
James W. Cornell died at his home in Idaville on August 28, 1911, of tubercular trouble. He was born June 29, 1849, near Elkhart, Indiana, and five years later came with his parents to White County, where he spent the greater part of his life. On November 30, 1871, he married Jerusha Patton, who, with a son, Orren, survived him. He also left two grandchildren, Opal and Robert, and one brother, Richard Cornell, now living in Idaville. Mr. Cornell in 1868 joined the Church of God and retained his membership therein until his death.
For the past fifty years this honored pioneer citizen of White County has resided on his present homestead farm, in section 19, Monon Township, where he is the owner of a valuable landed estate of 350 acres, and, now venerable in years, he is one of the comparatively few men who can recall the scenes, conditions and incidents of the early pioneer epoch in the history of this county, where he has witnessed and assisted in the work of social and material development and progress, mindful of the primitive things of the past and appreciative of the opulent prosperity and manifold modern advantages of the present day. His life has been one of righteousness and earnest endeavor, and thus he has fully merited the distinctive prosperity and the personal popularity that are now his.
From the time of his nativity has Mr. Cowger been a resident of White County, his birth having occurred at Monticello, the county seat, on the 13th of November, 1837, and the judicial center of the county having at that time been little more than a straggling hamlet in the midst of the virgin forest. He is a son of Silas and Elizabeth (Bott) Cowger, who were born and reared in West Virginia, which state was at that time still a part of the Old Dominion commonwealth of Virginia, and their marriage was solemnized in Pendleton County of their native state. In 1834 they immigrated to Indiana and numbered themselves among the sturdy pioneers of White County. They passed the first winter in the log cabin home of George Spencer, on Big Creek, and in selecting his future place of abode the father selected a tract of eighty acres of Government land on Little Monon River and a comparatively short distance southwest of the present home of the subject of this review. Silas Cowger had the mental and physical characteristics which make the ideal pioneer, and with judgment and energy he set himself to the task of reclaiming his land from the wilderness and developing a productive farm. He and his wife endured the full tension of the pioneer era, were called upon to practice the utmost self-denial and to deprive themselves of many things that are now regarded as absolute necessities, but they were sustained by mutual love and sympathy and by steadfast purpose, so that they pressed forward to the goal of independence and prosperity, the while they commanded the unqualified esteem of all who knew them. At the time of his death, on the 23d of March, 1862, Mr. Cowger was the owner of a well improved estate of 300 acres, in Monon Township, and his wife survived him by a number of years, the remains of both being laid to rest in the cemetery of the Monon Chapel of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their nine children five are living: Eli W., Mary J., Elizabeth, Silas R. and John W.
Reared to man's estate under the conditions and influences of the pioneer farm and early beginning to lend his aid in its arduous work, Eli W. Cowger acquired his early educational discipline in a primitive log schoolhouse of the type common to the locality and period. Through self-discipline and long association with the practical affairs of life he has effectually overcome a possible educational handicap of earlier years and is known as a man of board [sic] views and mature judgment.
Mr. Cowger has paid unfaltering allegiance to the basic industry of agriculture during his entire adult life and such has been his success that he may well be satisfied that he did not consent to enter other fields of endeavor. In 1865, about three years after his marriage, he established his residence on his present homestead, though his original and embryonic farm had slight semblance to his present fine landed estate, either in area or physical conditions. Not all men are permitted thus to call attention to the visible results of former years of toil and endeavor, but in his case the kindly earth has brought forth its increase as one year after another has dropped into the abyss of time, and industry and good management have their tangible presentment in the appearance of his valuable and admirably improved landed domain, his attention having been consecutively given to diversified agriculture and to the raising of excellent grades of live stock. Mr. Cowger is essentially one of the representative farmers of his native county and is an upright, loyal and public-spirited citizen whose circle of friends is limited only by that of his acquaintances. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and he has taken much interest in all things pertaining to the communal welfare. He served as road supervisor of Monon Township in 1881, and in the following year was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, an office in which he was enabled to do much valuable service in the furtherance of civic and material progress and prosperity in his native county. He is not formally identified with any religious body but his wife is a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church.
On the 10th of March, 1862, Mr. Cowger wedded Miss Nancy Downey, who has thus been his loved and devoted companion and helpmeet for more than half a century. She is a daughter of Rev. Thomas and Catherine (Moore) Downey, her grandfather having served more than fifty years as a pioneer clergyman of the Presbyterian Church in Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Cowger came to White County, Indiana, about the year 1840 and here passed the residue of their lives, both having been laid to rest in the Bedford Cemetery. In this county Mr. Downey became a prosperous farmer and he served two terms as county commissioner. Concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Cowger brief record is given in the concluding paragraph of this article.
Rachel Alice, who was born April 9, 1863, died on the 19th of February, 1913; Charles was born December 15, 1865, and his death occurred June 30, 1914; William A., who was born October 20, 1868, died on the 11th of the following January; Ida May, who was born April 2, 1870, is the wife of Isaac Parse, of Carroll County; Elizabeth Catherine, who was born September 29, 1872, is the wife of William C. Ledford and they reside in White County; Thomas S., a successful teacher in White and Jasper counties, having been a teacher for twenty years, was born February 4, 1876; and Clara S., who remains at the parental home, was born October 6, 1879. She was graduated from Monticello High School and she was a teacher for eleven years in White County. Her sister, Mrs. Parse, also taught for eleven years in White County. Mr. and Mrs. Cowger have given their children all good educations and have fitted them for the higher walks of life.
Jacob Cowger, a native of Pennelton County, Pennsylvania, where he was born January 2, 1814, died at his home in Monticello, May 18, 1877. He was married August 21, 1834, and a month later came to White County, where he passed the remainder of his life. For twenty-six years he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and died in the hope of a glorious immortality. He was one of our first, as well as most honored, citizens.
This well known citizen of Union Township represents a family with many years of residence in White County, and his kinship has been very prominent in affairs since pioneer times.
John R. Cowger was born in White County February 23, 1853, a son of Eli and Anna (Worthington) Cowger. The Worthingtons came from England, while Eli Cowger was born in Virginia, originally of German stock. John R. Cowger was the second in a family of five children. The father and paternal grandfather came to White County among the very first families. Eli Cowger helped to build one of the first log cabins in Monticello. The grandfather located northeast of the present Town of Monon, and lived there until his death. Eli Cowger entered his first land just west of the present estate of John R. Cowger. His patent to that land was signed by Martin Van Buren, then President of the United States. The farm now owned by John R. Cowger was entered by his uncle, Jacob Cowger, who subsequently sold it to the father of Mrs. Cowger. Eli Cowger improved the lands already described, comprising 120 acres, ditched and tiled it, and constructed substantial building improvements. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a man who carried his Christianity into his practical life, and with a good education acquired largely by self-study he was a man of more than ordinary prominence. He was a class leader and active in Sunday school work. His death occurred at the age of fifty-three.
Mrs. Cowger's parents were Robert and Elizabeth (Mowrer) Rothrock, names which are at once associated with the early history of White County. Robert Rothrock was born in Pennsylvania, as was also his wife, but they were married in White County. Elizabeth M. Mowrer was his second wife. There were four children, and only one is now living. Robert Rothrock came to White County among the pioneers, and his father, John Rothrock, entered land directly from the Government, as did also his son Robert. John Rothrock deeded a part of the land on which the courthouse now stands at Monticello. The land was given for the express purpose of being used for a county building, and the deed was so worded that in case the land was not used for that purpose it should revert to the heirs of the original donor. Robert Rothrock was a member of the Christian Church and in politics a democrat. His brother, Joseph Rothrock, was for a number of years county treasurer. Robert Rothrock died on his seventy-fifth birthday.
John R. Cowger received a country school education, and at the age of twenty-four married Kate V. Rothrock. After their marriage they lived with Mr. Cowger's parents, and then settled on an adjoining farm. Here Mr. Cowger has 120 acres of land, and his home was built since he occupied the place, and he has also placed most of the improvements there. He and his wife have three children: Robert Raymond, who married Jennie Peter, daughter of Reverend Mr. Peter, and they have three sons, Raymond, Gordon and Conrad; Dr. Earl Cowger, who married Gertrude Snapp, and has one child, Catherine; and Clifford, who still lives at home. The family are members of the Christian Church and Mr. Cowger is a democrat. He served in his township as assessor for four years from 1900 to 1904.
Having begun life for himself on a log rung of the ladder of attainments, John W. Cowger, a prosperous farmer of Liberty Township, by close application, untiring energy, and a wise use of his faculties and opportunities, has steadily trod the pathway of success, in every way proving himself a worthy and useful citizen. A son of Silas and Elizabeth (Bott) Cowger, he was born December 24, 1855, in Monon Township, White County.
Brought up in his native county, Mr. Cowger received his early education in the public schools of West Bedford. As long as his mother lived, he remained at home, rendering her every assistance possible, working at anything he could find to do. After her death, he went to Buffalo, and there entered the employ of Harvey Claridge, from whom he learned the blacksmith's trade. Mr. Cowger subsequently followed his trade successfully for thirty consecutive years, having an extensive patronage. In the spring of 1914, desirous of a change of occupation, he purchased eighty acres of land in Liberty Township, and is devoting his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, being a general farmer and stock raiser.
On December 24, 1877, the twenty-second anniversary of his birth, Mr. Cowger married Zilpha Yount, a daughter of Frederick and Caroline Yount. Three children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cowger, two of whom, Ida and Beatrice, have passed to the life beyond, the only child now living being Carrie, wife of O. C. Hutchings. Mr. Cowger belongs to no secret societies, but both he and his wife are consistent members of the Christian Church.
One of the well remembered citizens of White County who left the impress of his life particularly on public affairs was the late Samuel P. Cowger, who died November 23, 1907. He was one of the early native sons of White County, having been born in Union Township in the Pike Creek neighborhood on February 29, 1844, from which accident of date he was able to celebrate his birthday only every four years. His family were among the pioneers and since the beginning of development in this part of Indiana the Cowgers have been noted as people of substantial industry and worth of character.
The parents of the late Samuel P. Cowger were Jacob and Sarah (Bolton) Cowger, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. They came to Indiana about 1835 and another fact which connects them with early local history is that the names of both Jacob and Sarah Cowger appear on church records as members of the first Methodist class organized at Monticello. Jacob Cowger was one of the substantial farmers in Union Township. There were seven children in the family, only two of whom are now living.
Samuel P. Cowger received his education in the common schools of White County during the period before the war, and at the age of about eighteen started out for himself. He was a man who largely created his own opportunities in life, and from clerking in a grocery store at Monticello finally came to a position where he conducted a business of his own. However, much of his life was spent in public office, and for twenty-four years he was, first, clerk of White County, later court clerk at Monticello, and for eight years was court clerk at Delphi in Carroll County. He was actively identified with business and social life in Union Township, and was interested in all public movements in his home town and county, and in a business way was a stockholder in local banks and other enterprises.
Only secondary to Mr. Cowger's public activities came his great love for music, and the piano, cornet and violin added much to his enjoyment of life. He was a leading spirit in band and orchestra music of his home town, and like his success in business his attainments in that art were also largely of his own making. In 1896 he moved his family to Greencastle, Indiana, in order that he might give his daughter a musical and college education in DePauw University. While there, though about fifty years of age, he became a violin student in the school of music of the university, and continued his studies for a period of two years. In 1900 he returned with his family to Monticello, and lived a somewhat retired life, devoting most of his time to dealing in Monticello real estate. Politically he was a democrat. He was one of the early members of the Knights of Pythias order in White County.
March 19, 1873, Mr. Cowger married Alice Julia Lear. The Lears came from Ohio to White County about 1839, and her parents, John H. and Louisa (Van Trump) Lear, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio, were married in White County. They were among the early farmers and stock raisers of this county, being one of the first five families to settle in Princeton Township. John H. Lear moved to Monticello in 1867, and for a number of years kept the old Lear Hotel at the county seat. Both of Mrs. Cowger's parents died at Monticello, and of their four children three are living. Mr. and Mrs. Cowger had two children: Norma died in 1876 and Raeburn is the wife of Frederick C. Obenchain of Monticello.
After forty-seven years of continuous practice at Monticello, Dr. Silas R. Cowger is one of the best known physicians of White County. He is a native son of the county, having been born here March 6, 1847, and is a son of Silas and Elizabeth Susan (Bott) Cowger.
Doctor Cowger's parents were natives of Virginia, who migrated to White County in 1832, and here spent the remainder of their lives, the father being a carpenter and farmer and the owner of land at Monon. He died in 1862, while the mother survived him for many years, and both are buried at Monon Chapel Graveyard. Mr. Cowger took a general interest in public affairs, although never an office-seeker, and he and the mother were faithful members of the Methodist Church. Of their eight children, five still survive.
Silas R. Cowger received his early education in the public schools of White County, and early decided upon a career in medicine. After thorough preparation he engaged in practice and continued therein for five years, when he felt the need of further training and accordingly entered the Eclectic Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio. He was duly graduated therefrom in 1878, and at once returned to Monticello, where he has since built up a large and representative practice. He is a republican in his political views, but has never held public office save that of member of the board of health.
Doctor Cowger was married in 1879 to Miss Maria Ruland, and to this union there has been born one son: Clarence R. Mrs. Cowger is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
William H. Cowger, son of Eli and Ann Cowger, was born January 9, 1860, in the house on Pike Creek in which he was living at the time of his death, October 11, 1906. He was injured from a cave-in in a gravel pit near the Pike Creek church, dying in less than two hours afterward. He was married to Blanche Mowrer, March 26, 1890. Besides his widow, he left five children, Forence, Joseph, Vera, Frank and Walter.
The distinction of being the oldest business man and merchant of Monon is now possessed by Morgan Craft, who through his store has given a continuous service to the people of that community for more than thirty years. His career as a merchant began outside the county, and since locating at Monon he has witnessed and been identified with practically every phase of improvement and development in that town.
A native of Ohio, Morgan Craft was born on a farm in Knox County October 21, 1848. His parents were Thomas and Lucinda (Forshay) Craft, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. About 1853 the family removed to Lake County, Indiana, which was then almost an undeveloped wilderness, and only about one of the vast network of rail lines had been then laid across its boundaries. Thomas Craft as an early settler bought a tract of land about four miles east of Lowell, and directed his attention to the improvement of this property and providing a living for himself and family. Much later, after the death of his wife, he removed into Lowell, and lived retired there until his death.
Morgan Craft was only five years of age when the family took up their residence on the new farm in Lake County. His early boyhood had the usual associations of a farmer boy in a new country and the monotony of existence was varied by attendance at the district schools and a share in the duties of the home place. For several years he was a farmer, also had some training in business, and a short time after his marriage engaged in the furniture trade at Lowell. He remained at Lowell until September, 1884, and then established a store at Monon, and has been the vigorous factor behind this business ever since. He has seen other merchants come and go, and no other dealer in the town has been selling goods for a longer time than Mr. Craft. Successful himself, he has helped to make the town better and has contributed whenever possible to the progress and prosperity of the community.
Mr. Craft is a democrat in politics and is affiliated with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Monon. On April 26, 1876, while living in Lake County, he married Barbara Haan. To their union have been born two children: Charles and Goldie. Charles Craft married Mrs. Eva (Hazen) Murray, a daughter of Albert and Melissa (Ward) Hazen, of Indianapolis. By her first marriage she had one child, Paul Murray.
White County lost one of its ablest farmers and most capable citizens in the death of George Crissinger on December 19, 1912. Mr. Crissinger had for more than thirty years been active in his business and as a home maker in Cass Township, and had a large and well adapted farm in section 3 of that locality. He was industrious, knew farming in all its details, and came to possess a faculty for succeeding in practically every enterprise he undertook. His name was also a synonym for honesty and upright living, and he was one of the best representatives of White County people.
George Crissinger was born in Indiana Creek Township, Pulaski County, Indiana, November 4, 1852, the sixth in a family of seven born to Daniel and Matilda (Plotner) Crissinger. The family was of German stock, having first settled in Pennsylvania and later moving out to Pulaski County, Indiana, where George's parents both died. He grew up in that county, received only a common school education, and at the age of twenty-two started out in life for himself. On July 4, 1874, he married Miss Mary A. Gaby, daughter of George and Lois (Randall) Gaby of Pulaski County. To their marriage were born seven children: Matilda, deceased; Stella Melissa; James E.; Blanche and Leola, deceased; Leona and lona, twins. Mr. Crissinger was also survived by seven grandchildren, one brother, two sisters, while a host of relatives and friends paid due respect to the honored citizen whose life for more than sixty years had been one to command respect and admiration.
George Crissinger and wife removed to White County in 1880, and located in the woods of Cass Township. From Joseph Nice they bought one hundred and forty-eight acres of land, with practically no improvements, and set themselves industriously to the task of creating a home. In that Mr. Crissinger was duly successful, and when he died left some extensive improvements in the way of residence and farm buildings and a general increase in the value and productiveness of his fields. He was a democrat in politics but cared little for the excitement of party contests. He was a member of the New Dunkards Church. He had first united with the Christian Church at Indian Creek in 1873, but later he and his wife became identified with the New Dunkards. His chief interests were home and church and he was a trustee of the Indian Creek Church, to which all the members of his family belonged with the exception of the daughters.
James Edward Crissinger, who is now the active representative of the family in Cass Township, was married November 30, 1907, to Miss Cora Hall, whose people came to White County from Boone County, Indiana. Her parents were John and Vashti (Henry) Hall, both still living. Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Crissinger have four children: Ralph W.; William A.; Fern, who is deceased; and Mary V.
Tacy Jane Crose, whose maiden name was Smith, was born in Ohio in 1833, and when but three weeks old her parents came to White County and located on a farm east of Brookston, a part of which is now Spring Creek Cemetery. On March 14, 1850, she was married to Solomon Crose, who died November 24, 1892. To this marriage was [sic] born nine children, six of whom survived her and were present at her funeral. The other three died in infancy. In 1869 she united with the Christian Church, in which she retained her membership until her death, which occurred on December 22, 1912, which was the birthday of her oldest child.
Mrs. Crouch was the daughter of Rowland Hughes and was born in Monticello, April 25, 1856. She was married to Henry C. Crouch in 1876. In connection with her mother, Mrs. Nancy Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Crouch continued their residence in the old Hughes homestead and conducted the store connected therewith until the failing health of all compelled them to give it up. Her husband died in February, 1900, at Phoenix, Arizona, where he was temporarily sojourning for the benefit of his health. At her death she left two children, Bernice and Henry. The former afterward married Mark Nicholson. Both have since died, leaving no children. All are buried in the Hughes plot in the Monticello cemetery.
Henry C. Crouch, for many years a well-known business man of Monticello, died at Phoenix, Arizona, February 24, 1900, where be had gone to recover his failing health, and his remains were brought to Monticello for burial. He was born in Jefferson County, Indiana, August 11, 1850, came to Monticello in 1572, and took a position as clerk in the store of Rowland Hughes, whose daughter Cornelia he married in May, 1876. To them were born three children. One died in infancy and two, Henry C., Jr., and Bernice, with the mother, survived him, but within less than six years from his death the entire family were taken. Bernice married Mark G. Nicholson, of Tipton, Indiana, and died in a short time thereafter. Henry C., Jr., died six weeks prior to her death, and her infant child died at its birth. The mother died prior to this time, and the visitor to the old cemetery in Monticello will be shown a row of five graves which contain the entire Crouch family.
For many years Grandmother Cullen was one of the best known women of Liberty Township. She was the daughter of George and Barbara Simons, and was born in Virginia, March 3, 1809. Died at her home on Cullen Creek May 24, 1899, being past ninety years of age. January 13, 1829, she married Isaac Dasher in Virginia. He died in June, 1838, and November 1, 1842, she was married to Leonard D. Bonnett. Soon after this marriage they moved to White County, locating about six miles south of Monticello. Mr. Bonnett died June 7, 1853, and October 18, 1859, she was again married to George Cullen, a prominent citizen of Liberty Township, who died September 7, 1886. Her daughter, Ann Bonnett, married George Cullen, Jr., son of her last husband. Both of these died some years ago, leaving three children, Joseph D. Cullen, of Monticello, and James P. Cullen and Mrs. Logan Hughes, of Liberty Township.
George H. Cullen, a native of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, where he was born April 23, 1833, died at his home in Liberty Township, January 22, 1913. He was a son of George and Susan Allen Cullen, one of a family of nine children, and was one of the oldest residents of the township, having come there with his parents in 1852. January 16, 1862, he married Anna Bonnet, who died December 30, 1870, and to them were born three children, Joseph D., James P. and Jennie E. Cullen Hughes, wife of Logan Hughes, all of whom were present at his funeral. On January 4, 1864, Mr. Cullen enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana Volunteer infantry, and was discharged April 10, 1866. He was a prominent and devoted member of the Masonic fraternity and under the auspices of that institution he was buried.
George Cullen, Sr., a native of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, where he was born May 28, 1804, died at his home in Liberty Township, September 18, 1886, after an illness of only two days. He was a cooper by trade, but in 1830 turned his attention to farming, in which he was quite successful. On November 8, 1825, he married Susan Allen and to them were born nine children, six of whom survived him. His wife died in 1844 and on May 24, 1854, married Caroline Kingsbury, who died in 1859. His third marriage was to Clara Bonnet, October 18, 1859, who survived him. In 1852 he located in Liberty Township, where he lived and prospered until his death. For more than half a century he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, served four years as township trustee, six years as county commissioner and was generally respected. His widow died May 26, 1899, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.