A citizen who merited in the fullest degree the high esteem in which he was long held in White County was the late Marion Parrish, who died at Monticello November 9, 1909. He had made an honorable record as a soldier of the Union during the Civil war, and such success as flowed from his life's activities was due entirely to his own efforts, since he had begun life as a poor boy. Of more account than the property which he left behind him at his death was the honored name which he always bore in whatever community he lived.
Marion Parrish was a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and when a young lad went to Southern Indiana and at Vallonia learned the blacksmith's trade. He had but little time to go to school, and had to respond to the call of duty beginning at an age when most boys are under the fond care of parents. From Vallonia he moved to Francesville in Pulaski County, and about 1877 took up his residence at Monticello. Here he was engaged in the blacksmith business, with Mat Henderson as a partner. Later he returned to Francesville, spent three years there, and then came back to Monticello and was more or less active in business affairs in this community until his death. During the war he enlisted and served with the Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In one engagement in which he participated he received a gunshot wound through the left leg, and as a result was enrolled on the pension list. He always was interested in his comrades and enjoyed their full esteem. Politically he was a republican, and at one time was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Marion Parrish, to sum up his career, lived an upright life, tried his best to follow the precepts of the golden rule, and in civil affairs as well as in the war had fought a good fight before his course was ended. Marion Parrish married Margaret E. Rush, who is also deceased. They were the parents of seven children, and four of these are still living.
Edward L. Parrish, a son of the late Marion Parrish, was born February 14, 1870, at Vallonia, Jackson County, Indiana. His education came from the public schools of Monticello and Francesville, and as a boy he found employment in a livery stable, as a farm hand, and eventually began clerking in a store then operated by his father at Monticello. Edward L. Parrish subsequently succeeded to the business, and has since been one of Monticello's leading merchants.
In politics he is a republican, and is affiliated with the Modera Woodmen of America, Camp No. 4503, at Monticello, Indiana. May 6, 1891, he married Marietta Sterrett. Their two children are Tracy and Helen. Tracy graduated from the Monticello High School and is a student at the Art Institute of Chicago. She was a teacher in the county schools two winters, but her forte is painting and art. Helen is in the ninth grade of the public schools. Mrs. Parrish was educated in Rockfield, Indiana.
Few men in White County have had a more creditable achievement than William H. Paschen, now trustee of Union Township. When nine years of age he was brought to this country from Germany, and owing to the death of his father a few months later and other adverse circumstances, he was at that tender point in his career thrown upon his own resources. Life with him has been largely a matter of struggle, and in competition with handicaps which would have dismayed many men, he has gained definite results that classify him among the successful men of White County. His position as township trustee indicates how far he has risen in popular esteem, and he is also one of the leading farmers of his township.
William H. Paschen was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, October 29, 1872, a son of William and Mary A. (Brandt) Paschen. In 1881 the family crossed the ocean and from the seaport came at once to White County, locating in Monticello. The father was a working man, and lived only two months after reaching this county. He left a widow and three children, all of whom are living, namely: William H. Paschen; Henry, who has a good farm of 133 acres in Cass County, married Miss Bertha Doll, and they have four children; and Emma, the wife of John H. Colbo, a farmer of Pulaski County, Indiana, and they have four children. Mrs. Paschen married for her second husband John Colbo, and is a resident of Francisville [sic]. They are members of the German Lutheran Church.
Mr. Paschen acquired considerable of his education in the old country, where be attended the public schools several years. Such education as he was able to obtain in English schools came in the intervals of hard labor for his self support. After the death of his father he accepted any employment which would promise him a livelihood, and with the experience acquired as a farm hand he finally took up agriculture as his permanent vocation. Industry and thrift gave him his start and he has made the best use of every opportunity.
On February 13, 1899, Mr. Paschen married Miss Fredie Bernfieldt, daughter of Fritz and Henrietta (Dahlenburger) Bernfieldt. Mrs. Paschen was born in White County, Indiana, July 14, 1876, and was the fourth born of her parents' five children, two sons and three daughters, and three of the number are yet living: Dora, wife of Fred Hermon, a farmer of White County, and they have eight children; Mary, wife of Herman Schroder, a merchant at Wheeler, Indiana, and they have three children; and Mrs. Paschen was the next born. The parents were born in Mecklenburg, Germany, and came to the United States in 1870, and are now residents of Monticello. The father was a stone mason by trade, and both he and his wife were members of the German Lutheran Church. Mrs. Paschen was educated in the graded schools at Monticello, and is a cordial, genial lady who has stood by her husband's side during the years of their happy wedded life. Mr. and Mrs. Paschen have four children living, as follows: Leslie H., who received his diploma from the graded schools and is now a student in the Monticello High School, and he also pursued a course in the German schools; Henrietta M. received her diploma from the grade schools and is now attending the German school at Reynolds; Esther E., is a member of the third grade; and Clara Ruth is the baby of the household.
Mr. Paschen since reaching his majority has affiliated with the democratic party and is a man of influence in its councils. In November, 1914, the people of Union Township elected him their trustee and he is now giving a most creditable administration of its affairs. The family worships in the German Lutheran Church at Reynolds.
As has been shown in the review of the life of Mr. Paschen, he began his active career in very humble circumstances. His first wage as a farm hand was $15 a month, but by industry, economy and good management, today, in 1915, he is to be fonud in excellent financial standing and is one of the useful men of his township. At the time of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Paschen their cash capital consisted of $700 and a horse and buggy, and the first land he purchased was a forty-acre tract lying in Big Creek Township, he having paid part cash and borrowed the remainder. He sold this land in 1906 and purchased 75 1/2 acres in Union Township, a part of his present homestead, and in 1910 he bought 100 more, making a beautiful and valuable farm of 175½ acres, and lying within 1 3/4 miles of the city limits of Monticello and known as "The Maple Knoll Farm." He has greatly remodeled his buildings, and with the aid of his estimable wife has succeeded in advancing far on the road to prosperity.
Uriah Patton, one of ten children born to Thomas and Mary (Horine) Patton, of Maryland, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 1, 1823, and died in Idaville, Indiana, November 6, 1902. Tn 1835 he came with his parents to Carroll County, Indiana, where his mother died in 1838, aged forty-seven years, and where his father died in 1855, at the age of sixty-six years. Uriah Patton was raised a farmer in Carroll County, received his education in the common schools and in 1844 entered 120 acres of land, which he cleared, developed and made his home and which, by purchase, he later increased to 280 acres. In his old age he located in Idaville, where he lived until his death. On January 3, 1847, he married Miss Susan Nearhoof, who was born September 25, 1825, in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and died August 24, 1907. To this union were born nine children. In 1850, he, with his wife, united with the Church of God and five years later was chosen a minister and for the remainder of his life filled that position in his chosen church. Uriah Patton was universally respected, his life was without reproach and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Julius W. Paul, ex-treasurer of White County and at the time of his death cashier in the Farmers Bank in Monticello. He was born on his father's farm near Guernsey in White County, December 8, 1862. His father died November 20, 1873, and five years later his mother removed to Monticello. He taught school for four years, then served four years as deputy under his uncle, County Treasurer Robert R. Breckenridge, and also four years as deputy under County Treasurer H. A. B. Moorhous. He was elected treasurer in 1892, hut was defeated for re-election in 1894. He died November 20, 1898, leaving a widow and one son.
Mrs. Mary Paul was a native of White County and one of the oldest continuous residents. She was the daughter of John Reynolds and was born on the George A. Spencer farm, southwest of Monticello, May 18, 1838, being one of the first white children born in Big Creek Township. She died at her home in Monticello, April 16, 1915. She was married to Benjamin D. Paul, September 8, 1859. He died November 20, 1873, and soon thereafter she removed to Monticello, where she lived the remainder of her life. Three children born to them, Julius W., Mary B., afterwards Mrs. Bert Kingsbury, and Louis B., all preceded her in death. She is survived by two grandsons, Paul Kingsbury of Bloomington and Benjamin Paul of Hammond, Indiana.
When the leaders in enterprise as farmers in Jackson Township are under consideration, the name of Marshall S. Personett is one of more than ordinary significance and among the first to be mentioned. Mr. Personett has his fine rural home in section 13 of Jackson Township, and for many years has measured up to the general standards and oftentimes has shown himself in advance of his neighbors in his farm management, and is well known all over the county as a citizen. Mr. Personett is now one of the county commissioners of White County.
His birth occurred on the same section where he has his home on October 28, 1860. His parents were Benjamin Franklin and Caroline (Steele) Personett, the former of a French family. Both parents were born in America, were married in Indiana, and in 1856 moved from Henry County to White County, Indiana, locating in Jackson township. Their first home was near Burnetts Creek, after which they bought land in Cass County, and after living there about thirty-five years moved out to White County. The father died here November 26, 1913, and is buried at Burnetts Creek, while the mother passed away September 13, 1895. Benjamin F. Personett was a democrat in politics but was not a radical man in any sense of the term, and was especially devoted to the interests of his home and friends. He was a pioneer in many senses of the term, and lived a life that was a credit to the community. He was active in the Christian Church, and part of the time was an official. There were six children: Flora, wife of Charles Warrick; Charles, who died at the age of fourteen; Marshall S.; Myron; Clinton; and Oscar. Myron Personett is a resident of Atwood, Illinois, where he is engaged in farming. He married Miss Ella Warrick, and they have five children. Clinton Personett, who resides in Oregon, is a contractor and builder. He married Stella Warrick, and they have six children. Oscar Personett resides near Logansport, Indiana, and is an agriculturist. He married Miss Etta Morris, and they have five children.
Marshall S. Personett as a boy attended for a time an old log schoolhouse, and completed his education in a school that was kept in a frame building. This schooling was supplemented by practical training on the farm, and he lived at home until ready to start out in life for himself after his marriage. On February 7, 1888, Mr. Personett married Miss Roselle Bishop. Mrs. Personett is a native of White County, born May 15, 1861, the only child of David and Rebecca (Meek) Bishop. The father was a native of Kentucky, was educated in the primitive schools of his day, served as a soldier in the Forty-Sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at the battle of Sabine Cross Roads, and died at Lexington, Kentucky, from the effects of that wound. The mother was a native of Jennings County, Indiana, and was reared there until sixteen years of age, when she came to White County, and here their marriage occurred. They lie buried in the Burnettsville Cemetery. Mrs. Personett was reared and educated in White County, and here she and he husband were married and started on life's journey together. They began their married life without means, but with the passing years have worked and accumulated and are now numbered among substantial farming people of Jackson Township. Mrs. Personett is a member of the Christian Church and of the Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. and Mrs. Personett have four children: Minnie, wife of George F. Hatton, of Plainfield; Roy, who married Maud Sheets and lives at Burnettsville; Ray, who married Grace Berry of Cass County; and Blanche, who married Clarence Meeker of Cass County.
Mr. Personett's fine farm comprises two hundred sixty acres, all of it under cultivation except fifteen acres of woodland. His business has been general crop raising and stock farming, and while he makes no pretensions as a breeder of blooded stock, he has seldom failed in any year to make a reasonable profit off of his labors. He is president of the Horse Thief Detective Association, and for a number of years has been active in democratic politics. In the fall of 1912 he was elected a member of the Board of County Commissioners and his administration well justified his reelection in 1914. Mr. Personett is affiliated with the Blue Lodge of Masons, No. 663, at Burnettsville and also with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 740, of the same place, and is a member of the Rebekahs. Mrs. Personett is a member of the Christian Church.
Benjamin D. Pettit was born in Miami County, Ohio, June 30, 1822, and on November 29, 1849, was married to Miss Patsy Morris, and in 1853 removed to Marion County, Ohio, where he lived for thirteen years, after which he migrated to White County, where he resided until his death, which occurred on April 28, 1879, on his farm near Brookston. Of him it was said that he was "a good citizen, a noble man, a kind husband and father and a patron of suffering humanity."
Nathan C. Pettit, a pioneer merchant of Monticello, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in October, 1831, and on October 16, 1851, was married to Martha Scott, who survived him for about ten years. He was one of the oldest members of the local lodge of Odd Fellows and in 1888 united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he retained his membership until his death, which took place in Monticello on May 28, 1895. Mr. Pettit was the father of five children, only two of whom are living. He was one of Monticello's prosperous business men and at his death was planning to enlarge his business.
Mr. Pettit was at one time one of the best known men in White County. He was born in Burlington County, New Jersey, November 18, 1826, and was married there on April 2, 1848, and came to White County in 1849, locating at Burnettsville. He later resided at Reynolds for a number of years, where he became prominent in local Masonic circles, subsequently transferring his membership to Wolcott and then to Remington. He died at the latter place October 30, 1897.
Conspicuous among the pioneers of White County was the late Reuben R. Pettit, a man of enterprise and ability, who became well known throughout this section of the state on account of his many and varied interests. For nearly half a century a resident of the county, he witnessed wonderful transformations in the face of the country, the log cabins of the original settlers being replaced by commodious frame houses, while the small hamlets grew into thriving villages and populous towns and cities. A native of New Jersey, he was born, November 18, 1826, in Burlington County, and there was bred and educated.
Following the emigrant's trail to Indiana in 1849, he spent a few weeks at Burnettsville, after which he spent a short time at Lake Cicott, Cass County. Returning from there to White County, in 1850, Mr. Pettit opened a store at Reynolds, where he carried on a good business as a general merchant for ten years. Then, after living at Palestine three years, he established himself in a new industry, becoming a huckster at Helena, Arkansas. In 1863 he returned to Reynolds, and from 1865 until 1870 was engaged in farming in Princeton Township. He subsequently bought a hotel in Remington, and after running it for a year traded it for a farm. Selling that property at an advance, Mr. Pettit moved to Remington, and was there a resident until his death, October 30, 1897. Mr. Pettit was a democrat in politics, and as an interested member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, did much to promote the good of the organization. Uniting with the Christian Church, April 13, 1836, he was afterwards one of its most earnest workers, for several years serving as superintendent of its Sunday school. His wife, however, was a Methodist in religion, having joined the church of that denomination on September 18, 1862.
On April 2, 1848, Mr. Pettit was united in marriage with Ann Eliza Pettit, who was born April 2, 1824, and died January 15, 1904. Six children were born of their union, namely: Anna V., born August 18, 1849, married, January 3, 1868, Charles McCulley; William H., born October 14, 1851, died March 28, 1858; David J., born June 3, 1853; Mary L., born July 28, 1855, married, December 24, 1873, Simon P. Leatherman, and died September 7, 1894; Catherine I., born December 17, 1857, married, December 17, 1897, William Legg; and Ella M., born October 1, 1861, married, July 26, 1885, George Stout.
David J. Pettit, the third child in succession of birth of the parental household, was brought up and educated in White County, and as a young man chose farming, which he has found both pleasant and profitable. He has a fine farm of 400 acres in Princeton Township, where he holds a place of prominence among the successful farmers and stock raisers of that vicinity. He is a democrat in his political relations, and one of the directors of the Citizens State Bank. He married, March 28, 1875, Delitha Alice Pitts, daughter of John L. and Lucy A. (Christopher) Pitts, and they are the parents of two children, namely: Maud Pearl, born January 9, 1878, is the wife of James A. Jacobs; and Leila Majora, born June 30, 1881, married Tabor Spencer. Mrs. Pettit is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mrs. Matilda Pierce died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. H. Shultz, in Logansport, January 12, 1901, at the age of seventy-three years. She was the widow of Lucius Pierce and for many years resided with her husband and family at the old Pierce home on the sand ridge on what is now North Dewey Street; the little old brick house being still occupied as a residence. She was a daughter of George Armstrong Spencer, one of White County's earliest settlers.
From the time he was two months old this substantial farmer and loyal citizen of Cass Township has been a resident of White County, where his parents established their residence more than forty years ago. Mr. Ploss is a native son of Indiana and is a scion of staunch German stock, his father, John Ploss, having been born and reared in the great Empire of Germany, where he continued to reside until the early '60s, when he immigrated to the United States, where he felt assured of better opportunities for the achieving of success through individual effort. Upon coming to Indiana he established his residence in Cass County and there he continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits for somewhat less than a decade. In 1872 he came with his family to White County, his marriage having been solemnized after he had come to Indiana and the personal name of his wife having been Mary. In White County Mr. Ploss purchased and improved a tract of land and became one of the industrious, substantial and successful farmers of Cass Township, where he was the owner of an excellent of farm 160 acres at the time of his death, which there occurred on the 5th of March, 1907, his devoted wife who had been a faithful companion and helpmeet and solicitous mother, having been summoned to the life eternal September 3, 1905, both having been zealous communicants of the German Lutheran Church and the remains of both being laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, in Cass Township. John Ploss guided his course on a high plane of integrity and honor and commanded the confidence and good will of all who knew him. He was a staunch supporter of the cause of the democratic party and though never ambitious for political preferment he served about fifteen years as township supervisor, to which position he was repeatedly elected, the citizens of the township thus manifesting their desire to avail themselves of the benefit of his mature judgment and inviolable civic loyalty. Of the four children the eldest is Miss Amelia H., who still maintains her home in Cass Township;. Christopher A., who is a resident of Amboy, Lee County, Illnois, married Miss Kittie Small and they have one child, Vivian G.; William J., who is a prosperous farmer of Cass Township, has been twice wedded, the maiden name of his first wife having been Grace Logan and she being survived by two children, Mary H. and Bertha M., no children having been born of his second marriage, to Miss Ethel Simmons; and George A., the immediate subject of this review, owns and resides upon the old homestead which has been his place of abode from his infancy.
George A. Ploss was born in Cass County, Indiana, on the 31st of January, 1872, and, as previously stated, was two months old at the time of the family removal to White County, where he was reared to manhood on the farm which is now his home. He gained his early education in the public schools and during the intervening years he has never desired or found it expedient to sever his allegiance to the basic industries of agriculture and stock-raising, through the medium of which he has pressed forward to the mark of definite success and stable prosperity. Though holding closely to the tenets set forth by the democratic party he has had no ambition for public office but has preferred to manifest his interest in local affairs by contributing his quota to the furtherance of objects and enterprises projected for the general good of the community, his attitude being that of a broad-gauged and progressive citizen. He and his wife hold membership in the German Lutheran Church, and their attractive home is known for its generous and unassuming hospitality. Mr. Ploss has a farm of 120 acres, and nearly all of the land is under effective cultivation, this homestead being eligibly situated two and one-half miles east of the Village of Headlee.
August 14, 1906, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Ploss to Miss Frances V. Ward, adopted daughter of George and Martha Ward, well known residents of Cass Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ploss have two children—John Ward and Walter Conn.
Princetown Township is located in the midst of a rich agricultural region, and among the enterprising and self-reliant men who ably conduct its farming interests is Albert Plummer, of whom we write. A son of John Plummer, Jr., he was born January 3, 1847. in Cass County, Indiana, of Welsh and German ancestry.
His paternal grandfather, John Plummer, Sr., came to Indiana in pioneer days, when a large part of this section of the country was still the happy hunting ground of the Indians, and the wild beasts of the forest roamed at will through the land. He came from Maryland to Fayette County, and in the '30s located in Cass County. He secured a tract of wild land in Fayette County, and began the improvement of a homestead, on which he and his faithful helpmeet spent their remaining days.
John Plummer, Jr., was born on the parental homestead, in Fayette County, near Connersville, in 1826, and was there reared to agricultural pursuits. He was wedded in Cass County in 1846, and coming with his family to White County in 1852, he located in West Point Township, where, on Sections 8 and 9, he obtained possession of 200 acres of land, taking up 120 acres of it from the government. Laboring with untiring energy, he cleared and improved a productive farm, and was there a resident until his death in 1889. His body was laid to rest in the West Point Cemetery, beside that of his wife, who passed to the life beyond in 1883. He was a man of ability and integrity, interested in local affairs, and served several terms as township trustee, being elected on the republican ticket. He built, on Section 6, one of the old frame schoolhouses in 1864, and his son Albert erected a new one there about 1899.
John Plummer, Jr. married, in 1846, in Indiana, Mary Rader, who was born in 1830, in Knox County, Tennessee, six miles south of Knoxville, and of the six children born of their union four are living, as follows: Albert; Stephen A.; Noble A.; and Nancy Jane, wife of J. J. Morehouse. Both he and his wife were Methodists in religion, and reared their family in the same faith.
Having acquired a practical common school education in the rural schools, and a thorough knowledge of agriculture under his father's instruction, Albert Plummer began the battle of life for himself on attaining his majority. Settling in Princeton Township, he subsequently invested his hard-earned money in land, buying 100 acres on Section 30, and has since improved the fine farm that he now owns and occupies. With characteristic perseverance and diligent labor, he has carried on mixed husbandry with unquestioned success, his estate ranking among the best in the vicinity. A republican in his political views, he has served for five years as township trustee in West Point Township.
Mr. Plummer married, February 20, 1870, Malinda Cotton, a daughter of William R. and Susanna (Rice) Cotton, who came from Monongalia County, Virginia, to Woodford County, Illinois, and came to White County about 1868. Mrs. Plummer, who was a woman of fine qualities, generous and hospitable, and an active church worker, died January 24, 1911, and was buried in the rural cemetery at West Point Township. Both she and Mr. Plummer united with the Methodists many years ago, and held high rank among the valued members of the organization. Three children were born of their union, namely: Leota, born December 29, 1871; Everett R., born April 29, 1874, died May 15, 1897; and Letta, twin sister of Everett R.
A prominent and prosperous agriculturist and stock raiser of White County, Noble A. Plummer owns and occupies a well-appointed and well-managed farm in West Point Township, where he is numbered among the active business men who contribute largely toward the development and advancement of its industrial interests. A native of this township, he was born on the old Van Voorst homestead, June 16, 1852, a son of John and Mary Plummer, of whom further mention is made on another page of this volume, in connection with the sketch of Albert Plummer.
Attending the West Point School and the Center School, Noble A. Plummer obtained a substantial common school education in his native township, and on the home farm acquired valuable experience in the art of agriculture. Farming in those days was not the easy and pleasant pastime it now is, comparatively speaking, modern machinery propelled by horse or steam power having replaced the old-time plows, rakes, hoes and flails. When ready to begin the battle of life on his own account, Mr. Plummer bought a colt to match one which his father gave him, and started in as an independent farmer on the parental homestead. With characteristic energy and hopefulness he continued at his chosen work, and by untiring diligence, thrift and wise management has met with unquestioned success in his labors, in addition to general farming and the raising of graded stock having for twelve seasons operated a threshing machine. The greater part of his farm of 200 acres, lying in Section 8, is under cultivation, and in 1914 he added to the improvements he had previously made by ereeting a new and conveniently-arranged dwelling house, where the latchstring is ever out. His estate, known as the old Plummer Homestead, is advantageously located two miles east of Wolcott, and 3½ miles south.
Mr. Plummer married, May 21, 1889, Miss Emma J. Jones, a daughter of Lewis and Minerva (Brown) Jones, and of their union three children have been born, namely: Ray, Effie and Glenn. Politically Mr. Plummer is a decided republican, but has never held any public office excepting that of supervisor, his time and attention having been devoted principally to the management of his own affairs.
Joseph Pogue, eldest son of William and Sarah Pogue, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, November 20, 1829, and died at the home of Ertie J. Rogers, in Monticello, on March 27, 1914. He came from his Ohio home to Indiana, on horseback, in 1854 and on January 1, 1856, married Rachel Layman, who died in 1865, and later two of their four children were taken by death. On May 5, 1867, he married Leah Jamison who died June 15, 1888, and on December 3, 1890, he was married to Ellen M. Thompson and to this marriage was born one child. When forty years old he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church of which he remained a consistent member until his death. He had resided in White County for more than fifty years.
Born in the township of his present residence and near the farm which he now occupies and cultivates, and which his grandfather took up in a totally wild and unbroken condition from the Government more than seventy-five years ago, George W. Potter bears an unusual relation to the soil in this locality and presents in his history elements of unusual interest. He represents the third generation of his family in White County. Since they located here in the pioneer days remarkable transformations have come about in the material aspects and actuality of the country, and the Potter family have been by no means least in bringing about material betterment and a general elevation of social and civic life.
George W. Potter was born in Prairie Township, White County, September 21, 1851, and has himself lived in this one locality nearly sixty-four years. His parents were John and Margaret (Hartman) Potter, and the family is of English extraction. John Potter was born in Indiana, while his wife was a native of Chillicothe, Ohio. They were married in Tippecanoe County, and George W. is their only son and child. John Potter was born February 18, 1825, and was brought to White County about 1838, the Potters locating at that time in Prairie Township. He followed the career of farmer and stock raiser until his death in the spring of 1864, and is buried in the Pierce Cemetery in Tippecanoe County. The mother was born February 18, 1834, and died December 6, 1871. Also buried in Pierce Cemetery.
George W. Potter was educated in White County and at Battleground [sic]. At the age of thirteen the death of his father threw him upon his own resources, and from that time forward he had to work steadily and unceasingly in order to pay his way and get a start. For four years he was employed at monthly wages, and then at eighteen took up farming for himself in Prairie Township. Beginning with eighty acres, he now has 180 acres in sections 28 and 27, and practically every acre is under cultivation and represents a value many times greater than it had when he grew his first crops on the land. He is the owner of the old Potter homestead, and few places have been longer in one family possession than that.
On January 1, 1873, Mr. Potter married Lucinda C. Russell, daughter of John and Rachel (Martin) Russell. The Russell family came to White County among the early settlers, and John Russell in 1850 secured a contract for building a portion of the first railway line through White County. John Russell died November 20, 1893, and his wife passed away August 9, 1895, both being now at rest in Brookston. John Russell and wife were both born in the year 1818 and were married March 14, 1838, and of their large family of fourteen children six are still living. John Russell was a farmer and stock raiser during the greater part of his career, was a democrat in politics, and a member and deacon in the Methodist Church. Mrs. Potter is a native of White County, born February 23, 1852. She is the ninth child in a family of seven sons and seven daughters, three of whom are residents of White County, one lives at Battle Ground, Indiana, and two at Riverside, California. Mrs. Potter received her education in the county schools. She is one of the leaders of the Methodist Church, being a member of the Foreign Mission Society and Ladies' Aid Society.
Mr. and Mrs. Potter have had four children: Everett B., Nola I., Roy E. and one that died unnamed. Everett B. received his education in the county schools and at Brookston High School. He is an agriculturist by vocation, a democrat in politics and a member of the Masons and Knights of Pythias. Nola I. graduated with the class of 1895 from the Brookston High School; she is the widow of Samuel W. Marlow, who was one of the popular engineers of the Monon Railroad. He was the son of John and Eliza (Foster) Marlow, and an honest and upright man devoted to his home and a model husband. He was a Mason and was buried with Masonic rites at Brookston. He was also a member of Lafayette Lodge No. 15, I. O. O. F., and a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. Mrs. Marlow is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Pythian Sisters, Rebekahs, Order of the Eastern Star. Roy E., the youngest of the Potter children, was educated in the common schools and at the Brookston High School and also took a business course in Indianapolis. He is a resident of Riverside, California, where he has been bookkeeper for six years. He is a member of the Masons and the Elks.
As a farmer Mr. Potter concerns himself with the general crops and with graded live stock. He is as well known and popular in social and civic circles as he is successful as a farmer and business man. He is a democrat, and has long been active in the Methodist Church, serving as deacon, trustee and steward. Fraternally he is affiliated with Lodge No. 66, F. & A. M., at Brookston, and is a [sic] also a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, with affiliations with the Consistory and Shrine at Indianapolis. He belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge in Brookston and also the Knights of Pythias, and Mrs. Potter is a member of Chapter No. 170 of the Eastern Star and the Pythian Sisters, and she is also a member of the Rebekahs, both she and her husband being charter members of these orders. Besides their pretty town residence Mr. and Mrs. Potter are the owners of a handsome estate southwest of Brookston known as the "Sycamore Leaf-Grand Prairie Grain Farm."
Although a comparatively recent acquisition to the citizenship of Monticello, Charles S. Preston has already accomplished much as a business man, in public life and as a private citizen. When he first came here it was as a school teacher, fresh from college halls, but since that time he has developed and broadened his interests, and at the present time is the secretary of the Monticello Herald Company and the active manager of the publication.
Mr. Preston is a native of Indiana, born at Cloverdale, Putnam County, March 28, 1881, a son of Joseph L. and Ella S. (Jones) Preston, the latter of whom died the same year of Mr. Preston's birth, while the former still survives and makes his home at Cloverdale. Charles S. Preston was given good educational advantages, attending the public schools of Cloverdale and the high school at Greencastle, Indiana, and after his graduation from the latter entered De Pauw University. There he was not only a good and assiduous student but also entered actively into other branches of college life, being a member of the 'varsity football and baseball teams and a skilled athlete, as well as being admitted to the exclusive Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Mr. Preston was duly graduated from De Pauw in 1904, and in 1905 came to Monticello, where in August of the same year he became a teacher in and principal of the Monticello High School. While thus engaged he was constantly on the lookout for an opening in a business way, although he continued with his educational work until June, 1910, when he became his party's candidate for clerk of the Circuit Court. He was elected to this office in November of that year, and so satisfactory were his services that in November, 1914, he received the re-election. He is continuing to serve his community in an entirely capable and conscientious manner. Mr. Preston is a republican in his political views, has taken an active interest in politics since attaining his majority and is known as one of the stirring workers of his party at Monticello, where he wields a strong influence. On January 1, 1915, he began a business career here, when he acquired an interest in the Monticello Herald Company, of which he became secretary at that time. He is the active manager of this concern, which under his energetic and progressive management is progressing and developing rapidly. He has also interested himself in a number of other ventures, and at this time is a stockholder in the State Bank of Monticello.
On August 7, 1907, Mr. Preston was united in marriage with Miss Helen Hurst,
daughter of Alfred D. and Iva (Bridges) Hurst formerly of Anderson, Indiana, and
now both deceased. Two children have been born to this union: Charles S., Jr.,
born June 1, 1911; and Joseph Dixon, born March 22, 1914. While Mr. Preston
finds his chief pleasure in his home, he is also fond of the companionship of
his friends, and is a popular member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. and Mrs. Preston are consistent members
of the Methodist Church.
Of the families that were among the earliest to arrive in White County and in the various relations of individual enterprise and active citizenship have done most to enrich their community, that of Price is usually one of the most noteworthy and identified with some of the earliest events that transpired in this wilderness locality.
The founder of the family was Peter Price, who came from Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, to what is now White County, Indiana, in the spring of 1831. He was born February 7, 1799, grew to manhood in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and learned the weaver's trade there. On coming to White County he was in the full vigor of manhood, and the power of his physique was equalled by the fine qualities of heart and mind. He stood about 5 feet 10 inches high and weighed close to 200 pounds. He was married in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, on November 20, 1821, to Asenath Rothrock, and three of their children were born before they left their native state. John Rothrock, a preacher of the Dunkard Church, had come out to White County in 1830, and after prospecting and looking over the country returned to Pennsylvania. Then in the spring of 1831 John Rothrock and Peter Price brought their families by wagon across the great intervening stretch of country to White County. Peter Price entered 160 acres of land adjoining the present site of Monticello, a portion of which is described topographically as the east half of the northeast quarter of section 32, township 27 north, range 3 west. The warrant to this land was signed by the then President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. Peter Price built a hewed log cabin, a story and a half high, with clapboard roof and mud and stick chimney. His industry soon cleared and improved the land, and at that pioneer home five more children were born. Their eight children were Sarah, Joseph S., Nancy, Abraham, John, Benjamin F., Isaac and Maria L.
In the very early days of White County's organization Peter Price was appointed county treasurer, and it is said that, owing to there being no office, he carried the funds around in his pocket. He also served as overseer of the poor. His wife was a member of the German Baptist or Dunkard, Church. Mr. Price probably at one time belonged to the church, but through the greater part of his life was liberal in his religious belief. He was an outspoken whig in the days when that party was at its strongest, and subsequently became a republican. He was a man of decided opinions and had the courage to express them in plain language. Two classes of people he had no use for—the lazy and the dishonest. His influence was always on the side of good government and good citizenship.
Peter Price died after a long and useful career, July 19, 1877. His widow, who was born November 15, 1802, in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, died January 19, 1892. Three of their sons served in the Union army during the Civil war. Isaac was in an Indiana battery, while John enlisted in Company K of the Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was a soldier three years, rose to the rank of lieutenant, was captured and imprisoned a short time before his exchange. He married Nancy J. Ellis and died in White County in January, 1896.
Benjamin F. Price, who made a distinguished record as an officer in the Union army, and for many years has been one of the active and influential citizens of White County, was born on his present farm near Monticello, September 27, 1838. Except when away in the army he has always lived in White County. His boyhood days were spent on the old homestead, and, like other pioneer lads, he found abundance of opportunity to exercise his growing strength in the grubbing, clearing, fence building and general farming. His education came from the public schools as they then existed in Monticello.
On July 1, 1862, Captain Price enlisted in Company D of the Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered into service August 17th as second lieutenant of the company. On the 30th day of the same month, thirteen days after being mustered in, he participated in the battle at Richmond, Kentucky. He soon afterwards returned to Indianapolis, and remained at camp, drilling until November. In that month, with his command, he went to Memphis, Tennessee, did guard duty at Holly Springs, Mississippi, and spent the winter at Grand Junction, Tennessee. In 1863 he went down the Mississippi to the vicinity of Vicksburg, at Snider's Bluff, and was next stationed at Black River to check the threatened release of the beleaguered city by General Johnston. He was there when Vicksburg surrendered, and then followed Johnston to Jackson, Mississippi, and participated in the second battle at that place. In the fall of 1863 he was back at Memphis, and from there his regiment marched the entire distance to Chattanooga in time to participate in the battle of Missionary Ridge. Meanwhile, on September 12, 1863, Lieutenant Price was promoted to first lieutenant. From the fall of 1863 he was in the armies commanded by General Sherman, and in the incessant fighting which in the late summer of 1864 culminated in the capture of Atlanta. He then continued with Sherman on the famous march to the sea, thence through the Carolinas to Washington, and his regiment led the Grand Review down the principal street of that city, his company being the third in the line of march. On Friday afternoon of May 13, 1863, Captain Price was wounded by a gun shot in the left side. On March 31, 1864, he was appointed captain of his company, and on June 8, 1865, received his honorable discharge.
Since the war Captain Price has followed farming and stock raising, and has long stood high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is a sound republican and has always supported the principles of the Grand Old Party. He was married February 4, 1873, to Susan Kiefhaber, daughter of Ferdinand and Margaret (Cullen) Kiefhaber.
John Price, fourth son of Peter and Asenath Price, born at the Price home just west of Monticello, February 14, 1836, died at the same place January 2, 1896. He was married in 1867 to Miss Nancy Ellis, who, with their only child, died 1874 and both were buried in the same grave. He was successively sergeant, second and first lieutenant of Company K, Twentieth Indiana Infantry. His merit as a soldier was attested in a fitting tribute prepared by his captain, John C. Brown.
Joseph Price died at his home in Carroll County, just southeast of Monticello, September 8, 1898. He was a son of Peter Price, one of the first settlers in the vicinity of Monticello, where he grew to manhood. His widow, Mrs. Maria Price, and three children, Ben Price, Jr., Mrs. George Biederwolf and Mrs. Charles W. Davis, are now residents of Monticello. At the time of his death, Mr. Price was in his sixty-ninth year.
In the fine rural community of Princeton Township the Pugh family has been residents for more than forty years. As a family they have lived close to the soil, enjoyed peace and prosperity, and their lives have been led along the paths of quiet industry and in helping to make the community what it is today. Richard C. Pugh, himself, is now actively and industriously engaged in agricultural enterprise on a part of the farm formerly owned by his father, but for a number of years in earlier life was a business man.
The Pughs are natives of Wales, and came to America in 1868. Richard Pugh, father of Richard C., was born in Wales, April 6, 1820, and died September 27, 1892, his body being now at rest in the Meadow Lake Cemetery. He came to Princeton Township in 1872, from Kane County, Illinois. He was a progressive and active farmer in Princeton Township and had accumulated about 150 acres there before his death. In politics he was a republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and was somewhat conservative in principles and is never known to have had any difficulty with his neighbors, and, on the contrary, his natural kindness led him to many acts of practical charity. He was married in Wales to Margaret Evans, a daughter of Thomas Evans. She was born February 23, 1824, and died June 18, 1904. There were six children of the union. Jane E., now living at Wolcott, is the widow of E. A. Jones; Eleanor is the wife of J. C. Jones, living in Monticello; Richard C.; Thomas E., who lives in Ashland, Wisconsin, first married Mary Kinney and for his second wife, Clara B. Adams; John B., now deceased, married Mamie E. Lilevus, who is now living at Antwerp, Ohio; Elizabeth died in infancy.
Richard C. Pugh was born December 6, 1850, near Newton, Montgomeryshire, Wales, and received all his education in his native country, having been about eighteen years of age when his parents emigrated to this country, first locating near Toronto, Canada, proceeding on to Kane County, Illinois, and finally to White County. Up to 1880 Mr. Pugh assisted in the business of farming at home, and then engaged in the music business at Lafayette. He was at Lafayette twelve years and spent three years in the same line at Grand Rapids, Michigan. After the death of his father, about 1893, he returned to Princeton Township, and has since given all his attention to farming. He is the owner of eighty acres in section 35, 2 1/2 miles southwest of Wolcott, and enjoys a comfortable home, a good wife, and the esteem of the entire community around him.
In 1893 Mr. Pugh married Miss Mary Humphreys, a daughter of John and Mary
Humphreys. All of them were born in Wales. Mr. Pugh is a republican, but has
never sought official honors. He and his wife are faithful members of the
Baptist Church, and in fraternal affairs he is affiliated with Wolcott Lodge of
Masons and with the royal arch chapter at Kentland.