Only those who have been through the experience can appreciate the difficulties and the hard labor attendant upon the reclamation of a tract of new and wild land into a cultivated and productive farm. It has been the lot of Benjamin W. Talbutt to perform his share of this sort of useful labor, and his present place of 120 acres in Liberty Township is in an important degree a monument to his well directed toil and capable management. Mr. Talbutt has been a resident of White County for about half a century, and while best known as an agriculturist he has also taken a public spirited part in local affairs and is a member of the community who is also depended upon in movements affecting the general welfare of the locality.
The Talbutts are of pure English stock and grandfather Talbutt came from England many years ago and located in Virginia, where his son, Benjamin W. Talbutt, Sr., was born. The latter was married in Clermont County, Ohio, to Sarah J. Fauquer, who was of Scotch-Irish descent. From Ohio they moved to Carroll County. Indiana, when Benjamin W., Sr., conducted a sawmill for a number of years, and was also a farmer until his death. He was a republican in politics. His wife died in White County and both are now at rest in Carroll County. To their marriage were born five children, Ella, deceased; Benjamin W.; Carrie, deceased; William, deceased; and Jennie, the wife of L. D. Taylor of Brookston.
It was at the old home of the family at Pittsburg, Carroll County, Indiana, that Benjamin W. Talbutt was born January 17, 1852. As a boy he attended the public schools of Carroll County, and in 1865 accompanied his mother and other members of the family to White County, where he continued his education for a time. His mother bought the old Jim Davis farm on Spring Creek near Brookston. There he came to years of manhood and has ever since made farming and stock raising his principal pursuits. For about seven years he was engaged in farming in LaPorte County, after which he returned to White County, and about twenty years ago located on his present farm. He has not only been a witness but an important factor in the changes that have become made in the landscape around his home within the period of his own lifetime. He and his good wife were people who were willing to make sacrifices and work hard for the sake of the future, and for several years they accommodated themselves in a small two-room house. Practically every improvement of any importance on the farm is the direct results of his own work. He has cleared up many acres, has grubbed out the stubs and underbrush, and not many years ago the land now occupied by his productive fields was of little value for agricultural purposes.
On May 12, 1878, Mr. Talbutt married Miss Hattie Martin, whose parents were early settlers in Tippecanoe County. Mrs. Talbutt was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, October 12, 1858, the seventh of the eleven children born to Mitchell and Abigail (Burroughs) Martin. Six of the children are yet living, and all are residents of Indiana. Mr. Martin, the father, had his nativity in Ohio, received his education in the primitive schools of the early days, and became identified with the republican party. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church, and both now lie buried in the Spring Creek Cemetery of White County, where beautiful stones stand sacred to their memory. Mrs. Talbutt was but five years old when she came with her parents to White County, and in its public schools she received her educational training. She is a member of the Christian Church of Spring Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Talbutt take pride not only in their well ordered and valuable farm, but also in their fine household of children. There have been nine births in the family and the names are as follows: Nellie B.; Cullen B.; Scott M.; Bessie H.; William H.; John C.; Everett D.; Sarah, who died at the age of three months, and Jarvis. Nellie is the wife of B. F. Dill, of Monticello, and they have seven children—Benjamin M.; William G.; Harold; Leo; Gwendolin; Gladys, and Bertha. Bessie Talbutt became the wife of Emil G. Warner, a farmer in Missouri, and their three children are Lorine H., Esther L. and William Charles. Cullen B. Talbutt, who is a farmer of LaCrosse, Indiana, married Miss Lila Mason, and they have two children, George and Hattie.
Mr. Talbutt has gained his success by general farming and the raising of graded stock. His home is located on Rural Route No. 1 out of Monticello. Practically all the 120 acres are under cultivation and from time to time he has ditched and drained such portions as needed that improvement and his fences and all the buildings are in an excellent state of repair. In August, 1915, he erected one of the finest barns in Liberty Township, a structure 50 by 36 feet in dimensions and 16 feet high, with concrete floors, and a corn crib 24 by 40 feet. Fraternally Mr. Talbutt is identified with the Knights of the Maccabees. In politics he is a republican so far as national questions are concerned, but in local affairs casts an independent ballot. He attends the Christian Church. He has given most of his time to the development of his farm and its attendant interests, but has not neglected his duties as a public spirited citizen, and served one full term as township supervisor and held that office a portion of two other terms.
A native son of White County, for many years well known in the Idaville district as a farmer and stockman, active in politics, and recently retired front six years of capable service as township trustee, George B. Tam is one of the forward-looking men of White County, vigilant and diligent in his own business, public spirited when the welfare of the community is at stake.
His family have been identified with Indiana for three generations. His grandfather was Stephen Tam, who was of Scotch-Irish descent and an early settler in Carroll County, from which locality he removed to Logansport, and died there about 1846. Stephen Tam married Mary Lingo, who was also of Scotch stock.
Alfred C. Tam, the youngest of the five children of Stephen and Mary, was born in Carroll County, April 8, 1843, and when a young man moved into White County about 1860. December 24, 1863, he married Rachel Smith, a daughter of Jacob J. and Hettie Smith. Jacob J. Smith was one of the early settlers in Jackson Township, having entered eighty acres of land in section 4 from the Government. He was born March 8, 1843, and died December 23, 1880, in Idaville. Mr. and Mrs. Albert C. Tam were married in White County on the farm where they spent the rest of their lives. Albert C. Tam at his marriage had nothing except hope and ambition and a pair of willing hands, but with this capital he succeeded above the ordinary, and at his death left an estate of about 200 acres. He was an uncompromising democrat. During the '70s he filled township offices, and beginning in 1882 served two terms as a county commissioner. He was a big man physically, with a genial disposition, and always lived peaceably and helpfully in his community. It was his proud claim that he was never sued and had never sued any man in his life. In addition to farming he also dealt considerably in cattle. He died at his home in Jackson Township, January 25, 1905, having lived on the same place for forty-two years. Rachel Tam, his wife, was born March 3, 1844, and died on the homestead, April 20, 1895. They were the parents of seven children: George B.; Joseph S.; John L., deceased; Rosie, now deceased, who married George Richardson; Isaac J.; Milton A.; and Effie M., now the wife of Alva Hunt.
George B. Tam, the oldest of these children, was born on the old homestead in Jackson Township, September 10, 1864. Practically all his life of fifty-one years has been spent in White County. His education came from the country schools, and the work which he did as assistant to his father proved a good preparation for his independent career after his marriage. He has been a farmer, owns 100 acres of agricultural land and considerable real estate in Idaville, and has also been an active cattle dealer. For several years he has done little actual farm work.
A democrat in his political affiliations, he takes broad views in local matters, and endeavors to support the man best fitted for the particular duty of the office. He has served as democratic township committeeman a number of terms, and in 1908 was elected township trustee of Jackson Township and served until January 1, 1915. Many firmly believe that the schools and the general affairs of the township were never in better condition than during that six-year term.
Mr. Tam is affiliated with Idaville Lodge No. 556, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a trustee of the lodge. The home of the Tam family is located three and a half miles northeast of Idaville. Mr. Tam was married in Monticello, February 12, 1890, to Miss Ida York, daughter of William H. and Barbara J. York of Burnettsville. After more than twenty-two years of married companionship Mrs. Tam died June 10, 1912. Her children were: Fred J.; John D. who lives in Jackson Township, married Sylvia Baer, and has one child, Althea May; William H., who lives at home; Lottie M. and Joe L., also at home.
Fred J. Tam, the oldest child, is the present postmaster at Idaville. He is a graduate of the Idaville High School, and took summer work in the Marion Normal and one summer in the North Manchester College. He became a teacher, and did five years of successful school work in White County prior to taking up the duties of postmaster at Idaville. He is affiliated with Idaville Lodge No. 556, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Fred Tam married Fleeta Gardiner, and has one child, Galen Eugene.
Joseph Taylor, for fifty years one of the most honored residents of White County, was born in Kendall, near Liverpool, England, September 29, 1838, being the eleventh of twelve children born to Thomas and Agnes Taylor. In 1845, he came to America with his parents and located in Kosciusko County, Indiana, where his father died in 1849, leaving Joseph in care of an older brother, under whose care he received a good common school education. In 1856, he settled near Chalmers in Big Creek Township, where he died Sunday morning, June 24, 1915. Mr. Taylor was an ardent republican, and was honored by his party by being twice elected a county commissioner, and also served one term as trustee of Big Creek Township.
In 1861 he enlisted in Co. G 46th Indiana Infantry, and in 1863 was promoted to first lieutenant. He served throughout the war and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, November 12, 1864, having participated in the Siege of Vicksburg, the Red River Expedition and many other important engagements.
On January 26, 1865, he married Nancy J. Price, who survives him, and to this union was [sic] born five children, Eddie, who died at the age of two years; Lillian, whose death occurred just prior to the father; Bert, of Lafayette, Indiana; Clyde of Michigan City, Indiana, and Mrs. Minnie Neff, of El Paso, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, on January 25, 1915, celebrated their golden wedding at their home near Chalmers. He was a member of Brookston Lodge, F. & A. M., the Grand Army Post, and the Universalist Church of Brookston.
As a citizen, soldier, neighbor and friend, Joseph Taylor filled every station with honor and was one of our most respected old settlers.
David C. Tedford was horn in Blount County, Tennessee, about 1820 and came with his parents to Carroll County, Indiana, in 1833 and the family settled on the county line about four miles southeast of Monticello. He spent the remainder of his life in White County, where he died May 20, 1889. He was twice married, but left no children, his only child, a son, Oscar N., having died in Monticello on April 19, 1875, while he was a student at Wabash College. He was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and a good man and citizen.
Robert Newton Tedford, fifty years of whose life was spent in White County, was
born in Monroe County, Tennessee, April 9, 1822, and settled in Carroll County,
Indiana, with his parents in 1832. In 1847 he married Margaret A. Delgell and
settled on a farm about four miles east of Monticello, in White County. After a
married life of fifty-three years, his wife died and he never re-married. During
the Civil war he gave his services to his country and was honorably discharged at
the close of war. In early life he joined the Associate Presbyterian Church of
Pleasant Run, in
Carroll County, but later became a member of the Baptist Church, to which he
belonged at the time of his death. He was the father of eight children, of whom
John M., Eva and Angie are dead, and three sons, all now in the Baptist ministry,
to-wit: Rev. J. G., of Logansport; Rev. Willard P., of Frankfort, and Rev. I. C.,
of Hutsonville, Illinois; also Newton A., a son who now lives near Burnettsville
and Miss India Tedford, of Monticello. He died at Logansport, Indiana, at the
home of his son, October 9, 1909. In all relations of life Mr. Tedford measured
up to the full stature of a man and left a record which his children delight to honor.
Among the men of White County, Indiana, who have attained prominence in fields of active usefulness, is found D. P. Teeter, the owner of a valuable farming property in Union Township, and a citizen whose devotion to the best interests of his community has never been doubted. Mr. Teeter is a native of the Hoosier state and was born in Montgomery County, January 18, 1856, a son of William J. and Martha A. (Quick) Teeter.
Robert Teeter, the paternal grandfather of D. P. Teeter, was one of the pioneer settlers of Montgomery County, and long held a prominent position in its agricultural, political and religious life. He was the owner of a valuable farming property in early times and his business ability led him into other fields of endeavor. The maternal grandfather, Quick, was the proprietor of sawmills and brickyards and had other interests as well. He was public spirited in a large degree, sought in every way to advance the welfare of his community along religious and educational lines, and was the builder of a church which he gave to the people, as well as being one of the founders of Merom College, at Merom, Indiana. His entire life was passed in that community, and there he died, being buried in the cemetery of the church which he had founded. He was twice married, his first wife being the grandmother of D. P. Teeter.
William J. Teeter was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, and there received his education in the public schools. As a youth he adopted the vocation of farming as his life work, and continued to engage therein in Montgomery County until about the year 1860, when he came to White County. Here he engaged in farming for a short time, but the Civil war soon drew him into the ranks of the Union army, he enlisting in Company G, Sixty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years. At the end of his first term of enlistment, he veteranized, and continued to faithfully serve his command until the close of the war. Company G was recruited by Captain Hollaway, who, however, did not serve in that capacity at the front. Mr. Teeter saw much hard service, and at all times proved himself a brave, faithful and capable soldier, winning his comrades' admiration and his officers' respect. After his second enlistment he was wounded in an engagement at Resaca, Georgia, and this, combined with sickness, sent him to the hospital, where he was still confined when peace was declared.
During the time that he was at the front, Mr. Teeter's family had remained on the farm, to which he returned after receiving his honorable discharge. He was, however, still too feeble to engage in the hard work of making a farm, and he therefore accepted the agency for a sewing machine company, in the interests of which he traveled until his health was entirely recovered. He then returned to his property and again took up his abode in the little log cabin that represented the family home, but as soon as he was able this was replaced by a more commodious residence, and as the years passed other buildings of more modern character were erected. When he returned from the army Mr. Teeter was practically destitute, but was still possessed of his ambition and courage, and with these he worked out his success. He became the owner of a handsome and valuable property of 240 acres, on which he resided and carried on operations until the time of his retirement, when he sold out to his son, D. P., and went to live at Canton, Mississippi, where he now resides in comfortable old age, having reached his eightieth year, while Mr. [sic] Teeter, who also survives, is seventy-nine years of age. They were formerly members of the Christian Church. Their daughter, Mrs. Abbie Layman, is making her home with them and caring for their needs. The children born to William J. and Martha A. (Quick) Teeter were as follows: Abigail J., who became the wife of Benjamin Layman; Margaret A., who married John H. Baker; George N., who married Eva Hart, and after her death married twice, and is the father of two children; D. P., of this notice, and John F., who married Clara Hann and has six living children. The foregoing children were all born in Montgomery County, Indiana, with the exception of John F., the youngest, who was born in White County. The maternal grandfather of D. P. Teeter was Edwin Quick, who was married three times, the first wife being the grandmother of Mr. Teeter.
D. P. Teeter was about four years of age when the family came to White County, Indiana, and here he received his education in the district schools of Cass Township. As a youth he engaged in school teaching during the winter terms and farming in the summer months and thus earned enough money to enable him to take a course in the normal school, following which he taught two terms in Liberty Township and one year in Cass County, Indiana. However, at the age of twenty-three years, he gave up school teaching to establish a home of his own, and at that time was married to Miss Margaret Reid, daughter of Charles Reid, Sr., and Susanna (Glaze) Reid, who had six sons and five daughters, Mrs. Teeter being the seventh in order of birth. Charles Reid was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and as a young man emigrated to the United States and located at or near Fremont, Ohio, where he was married. He was one of the first six settlers of Cass Township, White County, where he erected a small log cabin, which was later replaced by a larger log cabin, in which Mrs. Teeter was born. The parents continued to reside on this property during the remainder of their lives and there passed away, the mother dying first. Both were devout members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Reid was a democrat in his political views.
Immediately after his marriage, D. P. Teeter located on his father's farm, which he rented for the first four years and then purchased. This was a tract of 240 acres, lying in Cass Township, and on it he resided until 1892, making numerous improvements and meeting with good success in his crops. In the year last mentioned he disposed of the homestead, and purchased his present farm from ex-Sen. David Turpie, a property at that time consisting of 141 acres, of which, however, Mr. Teeter has since sold 17 acres. Mr. Teeter has made numerous improvements on his property, and has an excellent set of buildings, the home being constructed entirely of cement. He has made a decided success of his business affairs and is considered in the community as a thoroughly reliable and dependable man.
By his first marriage Mr. Teeter became the father of the following children: Earl E., born May 6, 1883; Marcus E., born November 19, 1885; who was married June 26, 1914, to Bernice Ruble, and has a little son born May 25, 1915, named Marcus, Jr.; Arthur Lewis, born October 29, 1887, who was married in June, 1913, to Belva Stone; Guilford H., born September 13, 1889, who married Mary Fowler, and has one child, Cline Fowler; Charles W.. born July 5, 1890, who married Maude Scott, a daughter of William N. Scott; and Essie V., born August 4, 1891, who as single and resides with her father. The mother of these children died December 26, 1896, and December 16, 1897, Mr. Teeter was married to Mattie O. Massey, daughter of Calvin T. and Elizabeth (Gilliam) Massey, who were early settlers of Grant County, Indiana. Later they located in Cass Township, White County, where they passed their lives in agricultural pursuits, the mother dying about eight months before the father. He was a gospel worker, a pious and zealous man, and a republican in his political views. To Mr. and Mrs. Teeter there have been born five children: Mary G., born June 7, 1899; a son that died at birth; Russell W., born August 25, 1905; Leonard H., born March 17, 1908; and Stanley J., born September 6, 1911. All the Teeter children have been born in White County, Indiana, and their father being a friend of and believer in education, they have received the best of advantages in this direction, all that are old enough having received high school instruction.
Mr. Teeter is a republican in his political views and on various occasions has been called upon to represent his party as a nominee for office, and on three campaigns has met with defeat by three votes. He has also taken the United States census in his locality three times. He and the members of his family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Teeter has many friends who respect him for his genuine worth, and his standing in his community is evidenced by the general high regard in which he is held.
The name of Alexander Lawrie Telfer has been associated with the history of White County for more than a half century, from the time he took up his permanent residence here in 1863. A native of the Empire state, he brought to this undeveloped country a wealth of resource and unspoiled ambition, tempered with good judgment and business sagacity. In his veins flowed the blood of agriculturists, patriots and workers in the skilled vocations, and his actions were upheld by that dignity commonly associated with people accustomed in youth to the settled conditions of the East. His active career here was passed in the pursuits of the soil, but in 1914 he retired from active labor, and since that time has been living in quiet retirement at Brookston.
Alexander Lawrie Telfer was born April 17, 1848, in New York City, New York, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Lawrie) Telfer. His paternal grandfather, Matthew Telfer, was born in England and came to the United States from borders of Scotland early in the Nineteenth Century. He passed the rest of his career at the trade of hairdressing, and died in New York City about 1843, in the faith of the Universalist Church. Matthew Telfer married Mary Ann Giles, who was born and passed her early years near Bound Brook, New Jersey, and whose parents came to the United States from England. Their children, all of whom are now deceased, were as follows: Mrs. Mary Ann Mook; Robert; Matthew; Harriet Jane; Frederick, who served in the Civil war as a member of the Seventy-first Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry; William, who was a member of the Seventh New York Infantry; John, who also served as a soldier, in the Seventy-first Regiment; and two sons who died in infancy.
Robert Telfer, father of Alexander L., was born in New York City, May 14, 1825, and died in West Point Township, White County, Indiana, July 14, 1868, being buried there at West Point Burial Ground. He was an engraver and designer on wood and made illustrations for printing, and was considered one of the masters of his trade. He served as a captain of militia, was a Universalist in his religious belief, and was one of the organizers of the republican party, being a stalwart supporter of the candidacy of John C. Fremont for the presidency. Robert Telfer married Elizabeth Lawrie, who was born in New York City, April 1, 1823. Her mother's maiden name was Sarah Coombes and she was a daughter of Andrew Coombes, a captain in the patriot army during the War of the Revolution. One of his three brothers was the officer of the squad which captured Major Andre, near Tarrytown, New York. Sarah Coombes' mother's ancestry dates back in this country to the year 1665. Under the name of Martin, the family came from Westphalia as refugees from Germany, fleeing from persecution under the Edict of Nantes, and settled along the Hudson, in what is now known as Dutchess County, New York.
Alexander Lawrie Telfer received his education in the public schools of New York, New Jersey, and in Philadelphia. He was five years of age when his parents first came to White County, Indiana, in 1853, the family settling in section 26, West Point Township, on a farm a part of which is still owned by Mr. Telfer and which has been known for sixty years as the Wolf Mound Farm. About 1854 the family returned to the East and remained until the spring of 1863, and there young Alexander saw much of the glamour of war, the recruiting, camping and departure of the troops to the front, experiencing also many of the hardships of the war days when almost all of the able-bodied men were in the army. In White County he was reared as a farmer boy, although in the East he had served for about nine months as an office boy, copyist, etc., in a law office. When ready to enter upon his own career, he had no capital save his energy, determination and ambition to succeed, but with these he worked out an admirable success in his chosen field of effort. He followed the vocation of agriculturist from the time when the prairies were occupied not alone by droves of cattle, but by wolves and deer, to the present, when the land has been brought under cultivation; from the time when the settlers only had tracks that sought to avoid sloughs and quick-sands to the present times of good roads, ditches and railroad facilities. In 1914 he left the scene of his many years of successful labor and moved to Brookston, where he bought a home. Before he had lived here a year, his faithful and devoted wife who had been both helpmate and adviser, was called to her final rest, dying January 20, 1915. Mr. Telfer is still the owner of about one-half section of land in Round Grove, West Point and Prairie townships, which he saw advance in value from a few dollars to $200 per acre. He also has some valuable town property.
Mr. Telfer has always owed allegiance to the republican party. He served eight years as president of the White County Council, during which period the present handsome infirmary was erected, and in 1900 was appointed to take the United States census in Round Grove Township. He is a charter member of the Universalist Church at Brookston, and served eleven years as superintendent of the Sunday school. His fraternal connection is with Grand Prairie Lodge No. 164, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is treasurer, and as one of the oldest residents of his community is valued as a member of the White County Historical Society.
Mr. Telfer was married at Monticello, Indiana, December 26, 1876 to Mary Ellen Reddish, a daughter of Noah and Almina (Bartholomew) Reddish and a granddaughter of Robert Reddish, who was the first person buried (1848) in the Bunnell Burying Ground, east of the present site of Reynolds. Her father was a soldier during the Civil war, being out in the neighborhood of one year. Mrs. Telfer's mother, Almina Bartholomew, was a daughter of Robert and Mary Bartholomew, who came to White County, Indiana, about 1850, from Ashtabula County, Ohio, and were originally from Connecticut, going to Ohio as infants with their parents in 1800, and having the Indians for their playmates. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Telfer, namely: Robert, born November 4, 1877, a farmer of Round Grove Township, married December 30, 1903, to Estella Statton, and has six children—Rob Roy, Virgil, Statton, William Burdell, James Howard and Ralph Blanchard; Lawrie, born December 28, 1879, a farmer of West Point Township, married December 24, 1901, to Nannie North, and has four children-~Ethel Veroca, Opal Jeanette, Emily Elenore and Edna Irene; Wallace, who died in infancy; Arthur, born September 30, 1884, married February 6, 1907, to Laura Sterner, and has two children--Bernard and Anna Valeria; and Frank, born April 10, 1887, who is unmarried and resides in Brookston, Indiana.
What a man may accomplish by his own unaided efforts is well illustrated in the career of Charles Tevis, the owner of a well improved and valuable farm in Union Township. Mr. Tevis was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth, being left an orphan at an early age, attended school only during brief intervals of his boyhood and since the age of thirteen has been paying his own way. Besides his material accumulations, he enjoys a distinctive place in his community, and has been honored with public office.
Charles Tevis was born in Putnam County, Indiana, February 9, 1869, a son of John Tevis. His father was formerly a slave owner and planter in Kentucky, was connected in some way with the Confederate army under General Morgan, and as a result of the troubles incident to the Civil war was obliged to leave Kentucky, sacrificing practically all his possessions, and in 1865 settled in Putnam County, Indiana, where he began life over again. He was employed by others, finally acquired a little stock of his own, and took up farming on shares. That was his method of life until his death in 1877.
Charles Tevis was seven years old when his father died, and was then reared in the home of a widow, Mrs. Mary E. Case, for five years. During this time such education as he received was acquired, consisting of only a few months each year in the common schools. At the age of thirteen he became a farm hand, was at work in Hendricks County two years, and then moved to Benton County, Indiana, on the Illinois line and worked there for five years. In 1891 Mr. Tevis came to White County, and entered the employ of Col. H. W. Snow, who was the owner of about 1,000 acres of land in this county. Mr. Tevis and his two brothers, William and Marion, put in the tiling and did all the ditching on Mr. Snow's estate and continued with that landowner ten years. He then bought his present farm, which includes 113 acres. Only thirty-five acres were under cultivation when he bought, and he now has double that area and has improved it in many other ways.
Mr. Tevis married Mary Harlacker, a daughter of Charles and Emma (Giltner) Harlacker. Her father is still living. Mrs. Tevis was born June 27, 1870, in Jasper County, Indiana, where her father was a harness maker. She was the third in a family of four children. Mr. and Mrs. Tevis have two children of their own. Robert, born September 26, 1908; and Ruth, born July 13, 1913. They both were born on the Tevis home in Union Township.
At the present writing Mr. Tevis is serving on the township advisory board. He is a democrat, and has taken considerable interest in party affairs. His present possessions represent hard work covering a period of many years, and the capable and thrifty management of himself and wife. He never inherited anything, and few men in White County have better utilized their opportunities. The buildings on his farm show the result of his thrifty management, and the farm compares favorably with many of the larger estates in Union Township.
Widely known as a prosperous agriculturist of Jackson Township, James H. Thomas is numbered among the citizens of good repute and high standing in White County, where the larger part of his life has been passed. He was born, June 26, 1844, in Rockingham County, Virginia, near Harrisonburg, of English and German ancestry.
Born, bred and married in Virginia, Alexander Thomas, the father of the subject of this sketch, followed the tide of emigration westward in 1852, coming with his family to Indiana in pioneer days. The first year after his arrival he spent at Buffalo, White County, and the next year resided in Cass County. Returning in 1854 to White County, he bought land in Jackson Township and was subsequently there engaged in farming and stock raising until his death in October 1863, while yet in the prime of life. His wife, whose maiden name was Lurenna Eaton, was born in Virginia, and died, September 8, 1897, in Jackson Township, where both she and her husband are buried. Seven children were born of their union, four of whom survive, as follows: Mrs. Emanda Van Voorst; James H.; Sarah, wife of J. W. Powell; and Jacob W.
A lad of eight years when he came with his parents to White County, James H. Thomas acquired his education in the rural schools, and on the home farm was trained to those habits of industry and economy that laid the foundation for his present success. At the age of nineteen years he enlisted in Company F, 128th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which was first commanded by Col. R. P. Dehart, who was succeeded by Jasper Packard. Mustered into service at Michigan City, he continued with his regiment through the Nashville, Georgia and North Carolina campaigns, and though he took part in many engagements was never wounded. Remaining in North Carolina for a year after the close of the war, he was honorably discharged from the army at Indianapolis in 1866. Returning to Jackson Township Mr. Thomas resumed his agricultural labors, and subsequently bought his present farm of 160 acres, lying in Section 4. A skilful and practical farmer, systematical and thorough in his methods, he has made all of the improvements on the place, and, with the exception of twelve or fifteen acres of timber, has all of the land under cultivation.
Mr. Thomas married March 21, 1867, Melissa J. Wright, a daughter of Stephen P. and Elizabeth (Billingsley) Wright. Of the seven children born of their marriage, one is dead, and six are living, namely: George A., Dora E., wife of E. C. Barnes; William O.; Sarah A., wife of J. S. Berry; Everett A.; and Flora. Politically Mr. Thomas is identified with the republican party, but has never sought public office. Religiously Mrs. Thomas is a member of tbe Cbristian Church.
In the death of Benton Thompson at Brookston on August 18, 1895, that community lost one who was regarded as its best liked citizen, and undoubtedly one of the best known men of his time in Southern White County. He was for many years a merchant, and possessed the sterling character and those genial personal qualities which give a man great wealth irrespective of his material acquisitions.
Benton Thompson was born May 1, 1851, in Hancock County, Illinois, being the fifth among eight children born to Dr. Almon and Isabella Thompson. His youth was spent on a farm and his education came from public schools. His first important experience was as a school teacher, and in 1874, in early manhood, he removed to Brookston, Indiana, and was first located with and came to be known to the people of that community as clerk in the drug store of his brother-in-law, George Patton. In 1875 he formed a partnership with Mr. Patton and in July, 1881, became sole proprietor. Thereafter for fourteen years he was the principal druggist of the village.
Mr. Thompson was a democrat, and served as township trustee and in other ways became a factor in public affairs. He was social in disposition, and was well known both among individuals and among fraternal organizations. He was a Knight Templar Mason and also affiliated with the independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
On October 13, 1887, Mr. Thompson married Miss Elizabeth Holmes, daughter of William and Mary (Martin) Holmes. The two sons of the union are Bernard W. and Benton H., both of whom graduated from Purdue University with the degrees Bachelor of Science and Ph. C. [sic] The sons now operate a drug store at Brookston, where they and their mother reside.
The present township trustee of Monon Township, Henry C. Thompson is one of the successful men of White County, measured both by what he has accomplished and by what obstacles he has had to encounter in his career. He started out as a railroad man, but an accident unfitted him for further service in that vocation, and he then turned to the law and is now one of the rising younger members of the White County bar.
Henry Clinton Thompson is a native of Kentucky, born in Pendleton County August 9, 1879. He is one of nine children, six of whom are still living, born to Thomas B. and Hannah M. (Wood) Thompson, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. In 1881 the family removed to a farm in Pulaski County, Indiana, and in 1884 came to Monon, where the parents are still living.
Henry C. Thompson during his early youth lived partly on a farm and partly in town, but came to manhood in Monon. After a public school education, he was for about eight years a farm worker and then entered the train service of the Monon Railway Company. Not long afterwards he met with an accident which caused the loss of his right arm. This injury unfitted him for any continued activity either on the farm or in railway service, and with undaunted courage and after calmly taking stock of his abilities and tendencies, he decided to under take the study of law. He continued as a law student about four years and on examination was admitted to the bar in 1911. He has since been regularly established in the practice of his profession at Monon.
In the meantime Mr. Thompson has been actively identified with public affairs in his section of White County. His political work is done as a republican and he cast his maiden presidential vote for McKinley. For four years he served as justice of the peace, was town clerk and treasurer five years, and resigned that office in order to take up his present duties as township trustee of Monon Township, an office to which he was elected in 1914. He is now giving a careful consideration to the school and other matters entrusted to him in an official capacity. Mr. Thompson is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Monon, Lodge No. 524 and the Knights of the Maccabees, Monon Tent No. 78. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Miller, daughter of Grandville W. and Ann E. Miller. To this union have been born three children: Henrietta A., who graduated from the common schools and is now a junior in the Monon High School and has also taken musical instructions; Lyman A. is a member of the class of 1916 of the public schools, finishing the eighth grade; Fred E. is in the sixth grade of the public schools.
Mrs. Thompson is a lady who holds a high place in the esteem and respect of her many friends in Monon and in the township. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is president of the Ladies Aid Society. Her home and her children are her pride.
One of White County's capable business men, for many years a merchant, and a citizen who was never remiss in his performance of the duties of membership in a social community, was the late Samuel Woolston Thompson, a former resident of Monticello, where his widow, Mrs. Thompson, still resides. Mrs. Thompson is also a member of an old and prominent family of this county.
Samuel Woolston Thompson was born July 13, 1849, at Lewistown, Pennsylvania, son of Francis and Hannah (Elsenkise) Thompson. The Thompsons were of Irish stock and the Eisenkises were Germans. Francis Thompson came to the United States from Ireland when he was eighteen years old, locating first at New York and later at Lewistown, Pennsylvania, where he died and where his body is now at rest. He was captain of one of the old canal boats. After his death his widow came West and died at Sheldon, Illinois, and was buried at Remington, Indiana.
Samuel W. Thompson in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, learned the trade of jeweler after completing his education in the common schools, and that was his regular business throughout his active career with the exception of one year spent in farming. He removed to White County, Indiana, in March, 1871, and in 1895 located in Monticello, which city remained his home until his death on December 6, 1907. Mr. Thompson was a republican in politics and represented his ward for one term in the village council. He was essentially a home man, was successful in his business, and had many friends. He was an ardent fisherman, and in every way was a broad gauged and upright citizen. In Masonry he stood very high, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and being a member of the Consistory at Indianapolis. He was also affiliated with the Mystic Shrine and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
On December 26, 1872, Mr. Thompson married Sarah Royer, daughter of Samuel and Anna (Shafer) Royer. To this union were born four children: Samuel Woolston; James Alexander; Lillian Royer, wife of Henry O'Connell of Huntington; and Laura May, wife of Harry S. Brewer.
Samuel Royer, the father of Mrs. Thompson, was born at Madisonburg in Center County, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1829, a son of John and Nancy (Shafer) Royer. He came out to White County, Indiana, in the fall of 1865 and thereafter for many years was a successful farmer and stock raiser in Jackson Township. His death occurred July 21, 1892. On December 23, 1852, Samuel Royer married Hannah Shafer, and the names of their eight children are given as follows: Jonathan Franklin; Sarah; John S.; Samuel A.; Mary C., who died in November, 1914; Ida Mary, wife of Jacob Fross;. Emma P., who died in 1870; and Ellis S.
Daniel Josephus Tilton, who passed away at his home in Monticello, May 28, 1915, was born at Monticello, November 20, 1838. He was a son of Daniel M. Tilton, an old time resident of White County, and was married April 17, 1861, to Sarah Belle Wilson. To this union was [sic] born seven children, six of whom, John A., of Springfield, Ohio; Mrs. Clara G. Tallman, and Anabel Spencer, of Monticello; Mrs. Milton Davis, of Rockford, Illinois; Miss Lillian and Beryl Tilton, of Spokane, Washington, survive. The youngest daughter, Verne, died in 1892, and his widow is living in Monticello. Mr. Tilton was the second oldest resident of Monticello, where, with the exceptions of a few years spent in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois, he passed his entire life. He was buried in Riverview Cemetery.
For nearly sixty years Daniel M. Tilton was a resident of Monticello and saw White County develop its civilization. Born near Zanesville, Ohio, September 6, 1809, he came to Monticello in 1836 and lived in White County until his death, at the home of his son, D. J. Tilton, in Monticello, on August 4, 1894. Soon after locating here he was elected sheriff of the county and at one time ran for the Legislature against David Turpie, by whom he was defeated. He was twice doorkeeper of the Legislature of Indiana and had a wide acquaintance with the public men of the state. He was among the first to enlist when President Lincoln called for troops in 1861 and after three months' service was honorably discharged. He was afterwards appointed captain of the capitol police at Washington, D. C., and at the close of this service he returned to Monticello, where he resided until his death. In 1836 he joined the Baptist Church to which he remained a firm adherent during the rest of his life. His wife died in 1867 and he never re-married. Of his four children, Thomas J. died in infancy, Zebulon S. at the age of twenty-three died in the service of his country, Mrs. Grace Wirt died about 1895 and Daniel J. Tilton died in the spring of 1915.
One of the well known and prosperous citizens of Idaville is Charles Timmons, who has spent practically all his life in this community and was a practical farmer up to six years ago, when he engaged in the livery business at Idaville. He now owns both barns in that village, has some town property besides, and is the owner of 130 acres of good farming land in Jackson Township.
He was born in Jackson Township, October 27, 1870, and is one of the children of William F. Timmons by his marriage to Rebecca J. Crowell. His mother was a daughter of John Crowell, of Carroll County. Charles Timmons was the youngest of five children, the others being: Lizzie Bell, deceased; Ira, deceased; Samuel, who lives at Idavile and married Bell Gibson, daughter of N. C. Gibson; Della, who lives at Monticello and is the wife of Albert Sweezy; and Charles.
On March 26, 1890, Mr. Timmons married Oda Sweezy, daughter of Anthony
Sweezy, of Jackson Township. After the death of his first wife, Mr.
Timmons married Lillie K. Bishop, whose father was Richard Connell, of
Jackson Township. Mr. Timmons is a democrat in politics but has never
sought office.
During almost a life time of residence in White County, John E. Timmons has accomplished those things which are considered most worth while by ambitions men—years of honorable activity in farming and other lines of business, with satisfying material reward, the esteem of his fellow men, and a public-spirited share in the social and civic life of his community. He and his wife now live retired at Idaville, and are among this community's most respected citizens.
It was in the fall of 1847 that the Timmons family became identified with this part of Indiana. At that time John E. Timmons was an infant, his father and mother were in the rising tide of their careers, while the grandparents were already old people and past the prime of life. The grandfather was Robert Timmons, who was a native of the State of Delaware, and had seen service as an American soldier in the War of 1812. He married Mary Fuchs, who was better known among her family and neighbors as Aunt Polly. They moved from the East to Darbysville, Ohio, and in the fall of 1847 located on the line between Cass and White counties, where he lived as a farmer until his death. Both he and his wife are now buried in the Davis Cemetery just east of Burnettsville. Robert Timmons was a democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
William F. Timmons, father of John E., was the oldest of six children. He was born December 7, 1823, and married for his first wife Sarah Downs, daughter of Henry Downs of Delaware. In the fall of 1847 he came to Indiana and located in Cass Township of White County, while Grandfather Timmons located in Jefferson Township of Cass County. William F. Timmons remained a resident of Cass Township until the death of his first wife, then spent four or five years in western states territory, and on returning to White County located in Jackson Township and married Rebecca J. Timmons, widow of J. J. Timmons. She was born July 30, 1836, and died October 7, 1896, at Idaville. William F. Timmons died at Idaville, March 30, 1896. There were many points about the life and character of William F. Timmons that should be remembered by his descendants. He was very successful as a farmer, but made most of his money out of stock. He had few superiors in this section of the state as a judge of horses, and always kept a number of fine animals about him. He possessed almost the true Yankee's genius as a trader. Though his relations and dealings with men were extensive, he had a disposition to fairness and an evenness of temper which always kept him on good terms with his neighbors, and it is said that he never had a law suit in his life. Though he had only a common school education, he possessed a keen native intelligence, and his judgment was trained by a long and active experience. He was unselfish, and in times of sickness and trouble many families have reason to be grateful for his helpfulness. The last six years of his life he lived retired at Idaville, and at the time of his death owned between 300 and 400 acres of land in this part of Indiana. By his first marriage there were six children, one of whom died in infancy, and the others are named John E.; Bayard, now deceased; William H., who lives in Cincinnati; Robert and Uriah, both deceased. By the second marriage there were also six children.
John F. Timmons was born near Darbysville in Piqua County, Ohio, April 20, 1847, and was about six months of age when his father moved to Cass Township in White County. His home has been in White County continuously now for upwards of seventy years. His personal experience enables him to recall many intersting facts concerning pioneer life in White County. He remembers when the family went to church in an old lynch-pin wagon drawn by an ox team. His first wheat crop on his home place was planted and harvested from ten acres. In the harvest time he swung the old fashioned cradle, while his wife raked the grain, and when she left the field to attend to her household duties he bound the sheaves and shocked them. That first crop of wheat made somewhat of a record, since he got a yield of more than 300 bushels, and sold it for about $1.25 per bushel.
While growing to manhood Mr. Timmons attended the local schools, but the best training for his life came from the rugged discipline of the home farm. At his marriage he started out for himself and his prosperity has been of a very substantial order, sufficient for all the comforts required by his declining years. At the same time he has provided liberally for his large family of children, and has never avoided those responsibilities which citizenship entails.
Mr. Timmons is a democrat of broad view, and has served many times as a delegate in county conventions. He was a member of the White County Council from 1906 to 1909, and for the past six years has served as a member of the County Board of Equalization. He and his wife are members of the Church of God or New Dunkards, and for a number of years he has been a trustee of this church. Mr. Timmons is one of the largest stockholders in the Bank of Idaville.
On September 17, 1868, in Jackson Township, the well known old pioneer preacher, Rev. Uriah Patton, united in the bonds of matrimony John E. Timmons and Louisa Carnahan. She was the seventh child of Peter and Susan (Davis) Carnahan. Peter Carnahan was born October 10, 1809, and died November 24, 1878 while his wife died September 2, 1886, aged sixty-nine years, eight months and twenty-two days. They were married January 8, 1837. Both were natives of Ohio and came into White County in 1853. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Timmons were born ten children. Four of them died in infancy. Ida B., now deceased, married Arthur Cornell, and her four children are named Franklin L., Clair, Fred and Grace. Wilbur, who lives in Jackson Township, married Oznola N. Wickersham and has one child Vera. Amos, a resident of Indianapolis, married Edith L. Redding, and their three children are Mabel M., Gertrude and Harry E. Rosie Inez married John M. Clinging of Idaville. Milton, one of the prominent citizens of Idaville, where he is cashier of the bank, married Edith R. Brumbach, and their three children are John J., Value M., and Wayne M. Arbie, a resident of Jackson Township, married David Floyd Turnipseed, and their two children are Millard and Ronald E.
John G. Timmons, one of the best known men who ever lived in White County, was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1837, being one of four children born to Sothey K. and Twilla Timmons, natives of Delaware. His father moved to White County some years later, locating in Jackson Township, and became quite prominent in business and politics, serving for a time as county commissioner. He died at the age of forty-nine years and his grave is one of the landmarks in the Idaville Cemetery. He had been engaged in the lumber and livestock business and in this business John G. received the most of his education. On March 10, 1860, he married Ruth Price, a daughter of Aaron and Mary (Hancock) Price of White County, and to this union were born eight children, one of whom died in childhood, and the other seven are yet living. They are Miranda J., wife of Perry Patton; Nancy E., wife of William H. Sidenbender; Sothey K.; Mary U., wife of Albert Godlove; Cora B., wife of James Million, all of White County; Harvey E., now living in Chicago, and Rosell, wife of Homer Bowman, of Delphi, Indiana. Mr. Timmons was for many years engaged in the shipping of livestock at Idaville, near which he owned a large farm, but about 1893 he moved to Rockfield, in Carroll County, where he was in business until a few years ago, but at present has retired and is now living with his children. In 1876 his wife died, and on March 4, 1877, he married Mrs. Martha McCully, widow of John M. McCully, a former well-known citizen of Idaville.
In politics Mr. Timmons is an ardent democrat and has served as trustee of
Jackson Township. In 1884 he was elected to the Legislature from the district
composed of Benton and White counties and in 1888 and 1890 he served as a member
of that body from the counties of Pulaski and White. Mr. Timmons has always been
identified with the welfare of
White County and is known as one of our most public spirited citizens.
A recent addition to the sterling citizenship of Big Creek Township is Thomas Tolen, who spent part of his early life in White County and this district of Indiana, but who laid the foundation for his substantial prosperity as an Iowa farmer, and only about two years ago returned to White County and invested extensively in lands and is now one of the aggressive factors in carrying on the business of development and improvement in his section of the county.
Thomas Tolen was born in Benton County, Indiana, December 10, 1873, a son of Edward and Mary Ellen (Ormsby) Tolen. His father was a native of Ireland and his mother was of Irish parentage. There were three sons in the family: William, who is a merchant in Iowa, and married Geneva Hanna, whose people came from Wisconsin; Charles, an Iowa farmer, who married Catherine O'Connors of Iowa.
Mr. Tolen's father came to this section of Indiana in 1867, and after working at monthly wages finally bought a little land and entered upon his career as an independent agriculturist. On account of sickness he lost his first purchase, and then worked as a renter for ten years. He finally moved out to Iowa, and is still living in that state, prosperous and highly respected.
Thomas Tolen received his education while living on a farm and assisting his father. He continued at home until the age of twenty-three, and then married Miss Caroline R. Mills, daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Demerly) Mills, who were among the early settlers of White County. After his marriage Mr. Tolen located on a rented farm, remained there five years, and the results of his industry and the thrifty management on the part of himself and wife, enabled him to buy eighty acres in Webster County, Iowa. He improved that land, then bought 100 acres in the same section, and was soon recognized as one of the most substantial residents in the fine farming district around Fort Dodge. Mr. Tolen took an active part in local politics while a resident of Iowa, and his popularity is illustrated by the fact that while he is a democrat and lived in a republican district, he was elected township clerk by a majority of forty-seven, though normally the republican candidate would have had the office by at least sixty votes. To further show the esteem and respect paid Mr. Tolen whilst a resident of Iowa, the people of the Twenty-seventh Senatorial District, in 1912, urged him to become a candidate for state senator in this district, overwhelmingly republican, with a usual majority of 3,500, and he made the race and was defeated by only 800 votes. For two terms he also served on the school board and was twice president of the board, and his value in citizenship well matched his progressiveness and prosperity as a farmer.
In 1913 Mr. Tolen returned to White County, and bought his present farm, comprising a half section of land, in Big Creek Township. He has invested much money and has used the experience acquired in Iowa in developing this place, and is already well established as a general farmer and stock raiser. He is also instrumental in the building of a new gravel road in Big Creek Township. This road is now under construction and will be known as "The Tolen Road." He and his family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Reynolds, Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. Tolen have the following children: William Edward, Elizabeth Louise, Catherine Violet, Herman Leo, Mary Ellen, Thomas Vincent, Anna Josephine, Paul Joseph, and Lillian Irene.
Occupying a well kept and well improved estate in Jackson Township, George T. Townsley has shown marked ability in the management of his agricultural interests, and has won an honored position among the practical and progressive farmers of White County. A son of the late Cyrus Townsley, he was born August 29, 1864, in Green County, Ohio. His Grandfather Townsley emigrated from Ireland to this country, and after his marriage with a fair German maiden located in Ohio.
Cyrus Townsley was born and reared in Ohio, and as a boy became familiar with the various branches of agriculture. Coming with his family to White County, Indiana, in the fall of 1865, he bought land in Jackson Township, south of Burnettsville, and was there engaged in farming and stock growing until about 1868, and then moved to the farm now occupied by his son, George T. Townsley, where he lived until 1893, moving then to Idaville and January 29, 1908, he died on the home place. He was a republican in politics, taking much interest in local affairs, and in religion was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married first, in Ohio, Sophia Allen, who died May 1, 1871, in Jackson Township, on the home farm, leaving five children as follows: Corena, Josephine, George T., Margaret and Martha. He married second, Margaret Neal, who bore him one son, Newton Townsley. She survived him, and at her death, March 29, 1914, her body was laid beside his and that of his first wife in the cemetery at Idaville.
About a year old when brought by his parents to White County, George T. Townsley here acquired a practical common school education and an excellent knowledge of general agriculture. Beginning life on his own account in 1889, he profited by his father's example and experience, and possessing sound sense, good judgment, and an energetic nature, he has been quite successful in the work to which he has given his time and attention since early youth. In 1893 Mr. Townsley moved to the farm of 165 acres which he now occupies, located on section 27, Jackson Township, and has since continued the improvements previously inaugurated, his father having erected the house and barns. The greater part of this land is under culture, and everything about the premises is indicative of the care and supervision of an excellent manager.
Mr. Townsley married November 23, 1893, Alice McCully, daughter of William and Catherine (Heiny) McCully and into their houehold five children were born, namely: Harley, Val Allen, Beatrice, one deceased, and Josephine. Mrs. Townsley's father died in 1885, but her mother is still living, residing in Idaville. Politically Mr. Townsley supports the principles of the republican party in national issues, but in local affairs he votes for the best men and measures, regardless of party restrictions.
Among the early settlers of White County one whose name should be mentioned with the respect and honor due his early coming and his successful activities and position in the community is the late Leven Tucker. His home for many years was in Big Creek Township, and he saw that community grow and develop from a raw, uncultivated prairie to a rich and fertile agricultural district. His life was devoted to the cultivation of the soil and the raising of its products and his industries and well directed efforts led him to a most gratifying success.
Leven Tucker was born in the State of Delaware, January 12, 1823. In 1840 he removed with the family to Cass County, Indiana, gained his education there in the early schools, and in 1848, when still a young man, arrived in White County, where the remaining years of his life were passed. His entire career was devoted to agricultural pursuits, a field in which he was very successful. At the time of his death he owned a tract of six hundred acres, all in good state of cultivation and with improvements of the most modern character. This was a strange condition compared with the land when he first came to the county. Then all was wild, the prairie raw, the few houses principally of logs, and game of all kinds was to be found in the woods and in the prairies.
The late Leven Tucker was a man of more than ordinary prominence and influence in his community, enjoyed a long and active life, and was eighty-four years of age when he passed away with the honor and respect of all who knew him January 25, 1907. In politics he was a republican, but in his early days had voted the whig ticket.
He was married in White County November 9, 1849, about a year after he came to this section, to Miss Jane Wolverton, a daughter of Philip and Mary (Pritchett) Wolverton. After their marriage they lived in a log house for several years, and in that humble home several if not all of their children were born. With increasing prosperity they changed the log house for a more comfortable and more commodious structure, and while the parents themselves had acquired their early training in some of the old fashioned log schoolhouses of primitive facilities, they sent their own children to better schools, though some of the older ones attended one of the log houses in which school was kept up to thirty or forty years ago in White County.
To the marriage of Leven Tucker and wife were born six children: William, who
was born in Big Creek township April 26, 1851, and married Carrie (Bailey)
Carvin; Mary Frances, who is deceased, Sarah Elizabeth, who married R. A.
Clark; Etna Elzora, who married F. M. Havens; and two that died in infancy.
William Tucker, the oldest son of Leven Tucker, is a farmer in Big Creek
Township, where he was born and reared, and still occupies a portion of the
old homestead left him by his father. His wife is a native of Delaware County,
Indiana, where she was born August 3, 1879, being the second in a family of four
children, two sons and two daughters, whose parents were Charles L. and Viola E.
(Ensworth) Bailey. Mrs. Tucker's sister and two brothers are: Nellie, wife of M.
F. Chalfant, of Detroit, Michigan; Clinton, who is an iron worker by trade, lives
in Madison, Illinois, and married Mollie
Myers; and Wade, who lives retired in Muncie, Indiana. Mr. Bailey, the father
of these children, was born in Indiana, educated himself for the law and was
admitted to the Indiana bar, was a republican in polities, and died in 1895.
The mother of Mrs. Tucker was born in Parke County, Indiana, was educated in
the common and high schools, and is now living at Muncie, Indiana. Both she and
her husband were members of the New Light Church. Mrs. Tucker was educated in
the common schools and city schools. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker reside in a pretty cottage in Chalmers, and are citizens
who command the respect of all.
William Turner was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1820, and died at Monticello, March 30, 1912. He came to White County in 1840, and settled on the old Rothrock farm about a mile mouth of Monticello. in the autumn of 1844 he entered the land on which the old poorhouse lately stood, about six miles northwest of town. He assisted in building the first dam across the river at Monticello and the old flouring mill that burned on May 20, 1911, and was familiar with all the old landmarks. On September 14, 1843, he married Susannah Imes and in 1853 he removed to Ohio, and there on May 5, 1878, his wife died, leaving five grown children besides two who had died. On December 29, 1881, he was married to Katherine Conley and to this union was [sic] born four children, two of whom, with his widow, survive. He came back to White County in April, 1888, and resided here until his death. He was the last surviving member of the grand jury that indicted Cantwell and Dayton in the famous murder trial of 1850, and his memory of past events was always to be trusted for be retained his faculties to the end.
One of the men who lived lives of broad usefulness and service in White County was the late William Turnipseed, who died April 10, 1908. He was then in the prime of his years, having been born June 19, 1849, in Illinois. His parents were David and Sarah (Turnipseed) Turnipseed, the family being of German and Dutch descent. They located in White County many years before the war, and the name has been almost continuously identified with Liberty Township since that time. David Turnipseed and wife are now at rest in the Hughes Cemetery. Of their seven children three are still living, James, David and Martha.
The late William Turnipseed was educated in White County, and when still a boy began life for himself. He was a farmer and stock raiser, took a wholesome interest in public affairs, and his enterprise was represented by the accumulation of a good farm of sixty acres, upon which he had labored industriously until the close of his life. He was a democrat in politics and served as a road supervisor. He had no affiliations with church or lodges.
On December 23, 1876, Mr. Turnipseed married Miss Annie E. Harvey, daughter of Joseph and Amanda (Ward) Harvey. To their union were born eight children: Rosa; Joseph; David; Oral, who died August 31, 1885; Fred J., who died April 30, 1889; Lacie; Ola; and Minnie.
Mrs. Turnipseed was born October 8, 1857, in Prairie Township of White County, and was one of six children, four of whom are still living. Joseph Harvey, one of her brothers, was born January 17, 1860, and died October 18, 1873.