"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

REV. EVAN E. McNEELY is a native of Washington County, Ind., was born December 28, 1823, his parents being William and Rhoda (Richards) McNeely, natives of East Tennessee. Our subject's education was a sparse one. His parents moved to Monroe County in 1825, settled near Bloomington, where his father entered land and died some time later. Evan E. McNeely lived at home until January 19, 1845, when he married Miss Mary C., daughter of Wiley and Elizabeth Robinson, which union was enriched by eight children: William W., Rhoda J., Louisa C., Clark R., Joseph W., Susanna M., Emesly (deceased) and Harriet E. Following the death of this lady, March 18, 1867, he married, March 8, 1868, Elizabeth Neidigh, a native of Ohio. After living at Martinsville, Morgan County, Mr. McNeely removed to this county in 1867, settled where he now lives, and where his wife has 130 acres, cultivated and improved. In 1859, Mr. McNeely was licensed as exhorter, in 1872 as preacher, abd still later as a deacib if the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is Republican, and has been School Director several times.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

RICHARD J. MILLER, farmer and bee culturist, was born June 14, 1827, in Butler County, Ohio, his parents being John L. and Hannah (Whitsell) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, and respectively of Irish and English descent. Richard J. Miller worked on the home farm until he was fourteen, when he went to learn the trade of joiner and bridgebuilder, which he followed until 1862, having come to Clinton County, Ind., with his parents, in 1830, and afterward moved to Rice County, Minn. In 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Eighth Minnesota Regiment, and was engaged in many Indian battles, after which the regiment was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and participated at Stone River, Franklin and other struggles, being discharged August 18, 1865. He afterward resumed his trade for two years, then engaged in saw milling, moved to this county, again began saw milling, and afterward fell back on farming at his present location; this place embraces 240 acres, with good orchard, etc. Mr. Miller makes a specialty of bee culture. May 23, 1852, he married Nancy M. McAnly, with a result of ten children, the following yet living: Eliza, Jane, John F., Bell V., Ida May, Jessie Fremont, Emma E., Richard Edgar and Zora Helen. Mr. Miller is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Good Templars. He was Marshal of Noblesville one term, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

CALVIN MOSER is a native of Cumberland County, Tenn., was born February 17, 1817, and is a son of Jacob and Polly (Stephens) Moser, both of Dutch descent, who moved to and settled in Monroe County about 1819. Calvin was reared as a farmer, had poor school advantages, and lived at home until March 12, 1840, when he married Margaret Williams, from which union sprang nine children, eight of whom are living - A. R., Martha A., Mary, J.P., M.S., Isaac B., Rebecca and Katie M. After the decease of his first wife, February 23, 1875, Mr. Moser married, on September 24, 1875, Mrs. Hannah Prosser. After this marriage, Mr. Moser moved to where he now resides, and purchased 80 acres, to which he steadily added until 600 acres had become his, most of which he improved, and afterward sold for the benefit of his children, he now retaining but 350 acres, well improved, planted and stocked. Mr. Moser is a self-made and self-sustaining gentleman. He is an active Democrat, has served one term as Township Trustee, is a valued and trusted citizen, and he and wife belong to the Baptist Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

AQUILLA R. MOSER, farmer and stock-raiser, was born February 2, 1841, in this county, and is one of the eight children of Calvin and Margaret (Williams) Moser, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of Indiana. Our subject lived with his parents until his marriage, December 13, 1862, with Clarissa Calvin, which union produced seven children - Alva N., Haron D., Jennie June, Cortez Mexico, Brigham Young (deceased), Jack William and Roscoe La Mar. After marriage, Mr. Moser lived four years near Georgetown, and in 1866 he moved to his present site, where he owns 193 acres, with good residence, barns, buildings, peach and apple orchards, etc., most of which was acquired by his own industry. Mr. Moser is a leading Democrat, and was elected County Commissioner in 1870. He has a half-interest in the gravel road leading south from Morgantown. He was formerly a member of the Grange, and is an honorable man and an esteemed citizen.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

CALVIN PLATT, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Mahoning County, Ohio, was born August 30, 1823, and is the eldest of the four boys of Erastus and Julia (Hitchcock) Platt, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut respectively, and of Puritan stock. Calvin passed his boyhood on a farm, attended the common schools at intervals, and so remained at home until he was of age, thereafter working for himself at $12 per month. August, 1846, he married Miss Louisa, a daughter of Thomas Peterson, to which union were born two children, both deceased. Mrs. Platt died in April, 1853, and in August, 1854, Mr. Platt wedded Angeline Camp, of Mahoning County, Ohio, and to this marriage were born seven children - Erastus D., Julia (deceased), Jabez, Eben, Presly, Elizabeth and Adella. This wife died, April, 1883. Mr. Platt moved to this county in March, 1855, settled on 160 acres, which he partially improved, and where he remained about twelve years, at which time he removed to his present home and farm, which is well improved, planted and containing considerable stock. Mr. Platt has in all 316 acres. While in Ohio, he served as Constable and Deputy Sheriff. He is an active Republican, and a worthy citizen.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

DAVID W. POLING was born June 3, 1838, in Marion County, W.Va., and is the youngest of the three children of Jonas and Rachel (Pitzer) Poling, natives respectively of New Jersey and Virginia, and of English and German descent. David W. Poling received a good education - so good that he became a teacher, and taught eighteen terms of school. He remained with his parents until August 25, 1858, when he married Ann Eliza Barrick, of Noble County, Ohio, and to this union six children have been born - William H., Susan A., Henry B,. Ida M., Samuel C., and Fletcher. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-second Indiana Regiment, and was engaged in the battle of Nashville and the Southeastern campaign; was in the grand review at Washington, and was discharged June, 1865. In 1848, our subject came to Noble County, Ind., with his parents, who engaged in farming. In 1861, our subject moved to this county and divided his time between teaching and farming; he owns eighty acres at Needmore, besides a house and lot. Mr. Poling was elected Justice of the Peace for two terms, and December, 1882, was commissioned Notary Public. In politics, he is a Republican.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

JOHN RICHARDS, farmer and stock-breeder, was born August 7, 1808, in Hawkins County, Tenn., and is of the family of Michael and Charity (Hubbard) Richards, the first a native of Germany, the second of North Carolina. John Richards came hither with his parents in 1816, and located in Washington Township, where Michael Richards entered land and improved the same. After our subject was sixteen he lived with his grandfather, and later engaged in pipestave making and flat-boating until 1830, when he returned to this locality to remain. He entered forty acres about the time of the county's organization, to which land he added until he had 500 acres, and has owned more land, perhaps, than any man now living here. He possesses 940 acres on Bear Creek with some improvements and good orchards, besides other farm lands, and having given to his children 500 acres, all the conquet of his industry and ability, he having once cut wood at 25 cents a cord, and made rails for 25 cents a hundred. March 22, 1832, Mr. Richards married Priscilla Parks, which union was honored by seven children - Stephen A., Marian, Columbus, Commodor Perry (died in the army), Mary Jane, Michael and John, the last three deceased. After the death of his wife, May 21, 1846, Mr. Richards wedded, January 13, 1847, Joanna Stipp, with issue of six children. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Richards lived to be one hundred and eleven, and his maternal grandfather to be ninety-four years old. Mr. Richards has served as Constable, Justice of the Peace and County Commissioner.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

STEPHEN A. RICHARDS, farmer, was born May 6, 1833, in this county, and is the eldest of the family of John and Priscilla (Parks) Richards, natives of Tennessee. Stephen was reared to farming, but became a teacher and lived at home until July 17, 1855, when he married Mary C. Richardson, and to this union were born six children, four living - John A., Joanna, Byron and Mary C. September, 1864, Mr. Richards enlisted in the service, but afterward hired a substitute and began the study of medicine, which he soon abandoned. He has now 160 acres, in good cultivation and with varied improvements. In 1875, he and brother established the first store at Richards, carrying on merchandise in general for one year, when the same was sold to their father. January 28, 1884, Mr. Richards was appointed Postmaster at Richards, and for many years carried on a grist mill in the same place. He is a leading Democrat and an honored citizen. Mr. Richards' farm contains gold.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

JOHN RICHARDSON, farmer, was born in Tennessee January 16, 1820, and is the second of fourteen children born to William and Sarah (Stephens) Richardson, natives of Tennessee. John Richardson passed his youth at school and in attending to the farm duties, his parents having moved to Monroe County, this State. January 16, 1843, he married Serilda Bull,and to this union were born six children - Jacob, William, Richard, Owen A., James M. and Sarah Jane; this mother died in November, 1855, and March 15, 1856, Mr. Richardson wedded Mrs. Kelley, from which marriage descended two children - Nancy C. and Rebecca A. This lady also died - May 24, 1863 - andon July 14, of that year, Mr. Richardson waas joined to Anna Stephens, to which last alliance were born nine children, of whom five are living - Jourdan L., Theodosia E., John K., Cordelia F. and Daniel Boone. Mr. Richardson moved to his present place in 1855, purchasing 120 and adding thereafter 40 acres, of which he now owns 113 acres, which are well improved and planted. He is in politics a Democrat, and he and wife commune with the Baptists.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

WILLIAM R. RITTER, farmer, was born in this township May 13, 1839, and is the third of ten children granted to Jesse and Sarah Ritter, both natives of Tennessee and of Dutch descent. William R. Ritter was raised on a farm, received but a limited education, having in all about one year's schooling. When sixteen years old, he left his father's roof and went to Shelby County, where he remained working by the month until he was twenty-one years of age, the first year at $85, the second at $115, and when his majority was reached he had saved $400; he then returned to this county, and here worked by the month for a time. February 11, 1862, he married Hannah M. Fleener, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Fleener, to which union succeeded one child - Jesse Anderson. After marriage Mr. Ritter located nine miles southwest of Shelbyville, and in 1869 moved to where he now lives, and owns 120 acres, which land is improved and adorned in the best manner - all the result of his labor and saving. He is a Democrat, a good citizen and honorable gentleman.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

WILLIAM SNIDER, stock-raiser and farmer, was born January 13, 1839, in this county, and is the fifth of the eleven children given to William and Elizabeth (Brummet) Snider, natives respectively of Kentucky and Tennessee, and of German and German-Irish extraction. Our subject was brought up to the plow, received some schooling, and remained to assist his parents until his marriage to Sarah Brummet, to which union were born six children - Cordelia (deceased), Margaret (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Ewing, Shockey and Oscar; after the death of this mother, July 10, 1875, Mr. Snider was united with Ellen Cornett, February 17, 1876. He owns 135 acres where he now makes his home, which is improved, adorned and cultivated. He is also owner of 160 acres in Woodruff County, Ark., and gives some attention to stock. In 1863, he moved to Monroe County, Ind., purchased 220 acres, sold the same in 1882, and then removed to his present home. Politically, Mr. Snider is an active Democrat, and gave his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Christian Church, while Mrs. Snider belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

ALEXANDER SPENCER, M.D., was born December 27, 1846, in Monroe County, Ind., and is the fifth of the eight children born to James W. and Nancy (Alexander) Spencer, both natives of Kentucky. Our subject was reared to farming, and after some time at the common schools he attended the State University for one year. When twenty-two years old he began the work of self-sustenance, and in 1870 was elected County Surveyor for one term; he then traveled further West. In 1876, he entered on the study of medicine with Dr. Campbell, of this county, and in 1883 graduated from the Central Medical College at Indianapolis. October 23, 1881, he married Annie E. Prosser, of this county, but a native of West Virginia. To this union has been born one child - Virgil B.F. Dr. Spencer is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was elected Assessor of Benton Township, Monroe County, for two years; was School Commissioner and County Surveyor for thirty years, and is an active Democrat. He is a reputable citizen and a promising practitioner. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

JOHN W. STEPHENS is a native of this township, was born August 26, 1858, and is the third of the four boys and two girls born to Jordan and Zilpha (Huff) Stephens, natives of Indiana. Our subject was reared to the labor of the farm and the acquirement of education. He was elected Constable some time ago, and is now a prominent candidate for re-election. Jordan Stephens is a pioneer of this county, entered eighty acres where now lives, being a practical farmer. February 24, 1830, he married Agnes Chandler, moved to this county in 1847, and settled in this township. These parents had born to them five boys and two girls. John W. Stephens is a promising gentleman, mentally and physically. He stands six feet seven inches in his shoeless feet, and weighs 210 pounds. He is a prominent Democrat for so young a man, and a generally respected citizen.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

WILLIAM E. STUART, farmer and stock-raiser, was born December 22, 1823, in Hancock County, W.Va., and is the third of the eight children of Joseph and Elizabeth (Campbell) Stuart, both of Scotch descent, and respectively natives of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The great-granfather of our subject was the single member of his family left after the battle of Culloden, Scotland. The grandfather of our subject was the only one of his family spared by the great London plague, and immigrated to America. William E. Stuart in company with his father engaged in the manufacture of fire brick in 1842, and which was continued until 1866, flat-boating their wares to New Orleans and other Southern markets, the last brick descending the Mississippi in 1861. In 1866, Mr. Stuart came to Indiana, settled on his present residence site, and purchased 240 acres of well-improved and appointed land, combining a good home and farm. March 7, 1850, he married Hezeniah Campbell, of Pennsylvania. This union gave being to three children - Elizabeth Virginia, John and Joseph William. Mr. Stuart is a Democrat, an honored citizen, and he and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

ISAAC S. WADE, merchant, was born December 7, 1826, in Belmont County, Ohio, and is a son of Owen S. nad Margaret (Strahl) Wade, natives respectively of North Carolina and Ohio. Isaac S. lost his mother in infancy and was reared by a sister, afterward removing to Noble County, whre he learned harness-making and subsequently shoemaking. In 1861, he moved to this county, where he worked at shoemaking for about ten years; moved to Needmore,, engaged in general merchandising successfully, now having as fine a store as the county affords, and doing a very fine trade. August 3, 1858, he married Elizabeth Headley, and to them have been born two children - Owen Headley and Mary Ellen Thatcher. Mr. Wade was appointed Postmaster October 16, 1872, being the first of such officers in his town. He is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, and has given his children good courses of instruction. He is also an Odd Fellow and an active Republican and worthy citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Wade are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

THOMAS WALTMAN was born January 22, 1837, in Frederick County, Md., and is the sixth of eleven children born to Thomas and Catherine (Wolf) Waltman, natives of Maryland. Our subject was reared on a farm, with a common school education, and when about nineteen years old he commenced the task of getting his own living, and followed farming where his father had entered 160 acres, and purchased the first mill, which mill our subject has since managed. March, 1862, he married Ann L. Ellender, to which union were born eight children, six of them living today - Hiram D., Armilda, Minnie May, Gresilda, John and Bessie. Mr. Waltman is the possessor of 400 acres, under good cultivation, improved with comforable residence, fair barns, and other appurtenances for use and value, all of which were acquired by industry and skill. Mr. Waltman is a member of the Masonic fraternity; is a Democrat, and has served as County Commissioner for two terms. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

WILLIAM M. WALTMAN is a native of Georgetown, Brown County, Ind., was born November 15, 1844, and is the tenth child of Thomas and Catharine (Wolf) Waltman, natives of Maryland and of German extraction. The grandfather of our subject, Michael Waltman, was a soldier of the Revolution. William M. Waltman, at the age of fourteen years, went to work in a tannery, where he labored some years. November 15, 1865, he married Mary E. Moser, which nuptials resulted in nine children - Walter V., Edgar C., Hattie L., Thomas M. (deceased), John A., Charles G., Maggie, Bertie W. and Rubie. Mr. Waltman is the possessor of 180 acres, 80 being improved, constituting a good home and valuable property. He was admitted to the bar in 1874. He is a member of the Freemasons, and a charter member of Lodge 527. He is a self-made man truly, and has accumulated his property and acquired his good name by industry and ability. He is now Notary Public at Georgetown, and esteemed as an honorable, benevolent citizen. He and Mr. Chafin were the founders of the Brown County Democrat. Mr. Waltman, Sr., was one of the first promoters of the Brown County Old Settlers' Association. The grandfather of Mrs. Waltman was a soldier of the war of 1812.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

DR. JAMES G. WARD was born July 25, 1845, in Williamsburg, Johnson County, Ind., and is the third of ten children of Dr. Rufus and Clementine D.D.J.M. (Alexander) Ward, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky, the former being one of the oldest practitioners of Johnson County. Our subject, during youth, received a fair education, and December, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, and was engaged in the following battles: Decatur, Nashville, Franklin and Mobile, and was discharged in the fall of 1865. After this event, he attended school at Bloomington, and thereafter farmed until 1868, when he engaged in saw-milling for three years. In 1872, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Maxwell, attended lectures at Indianapolis in 1883-84, having practiced at Bloomington; he now resides at Bean Blossom, and has a good practice. March 24, 1863, while on furlough, he married Serepta Peterson, by which union were produced six children - Ida B., Rufus, Mahlon (deceased), Bezeta Clementine, Harrison Gammell and Hannah J. Dr. Ward is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Republican in politics, an esteemed citizen and a successful practitioner of medicine.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

ABRAHAMN CANARY, stock-raiser and farmer, was born in Mercer County, Ky., April 12, 1819, and is the second of the four children of Michael and Elizabeth (Gashwooler) Canary, native of Kentucky and of German descent, who moved to this State in 1829, located in Johnson County, entered land and commenced the work of making a home and a farm, where Mr. Canary housed his family, reared four children and died in 1861, aged eighty-three years. Abraham was reared on the home place, and shortly after reaching his majority married Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas McDaniel, and thereafter engaged in farming in Johnson County, until 1861, when he moved to this township, and in August of that year enlisted in Company D, Eighty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served three years, and took part at Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Missionary Ridge, Murfreesboro, Stone River, Perryville, the Atlanta campaign and Gen. Sherman's march to the sea. At Scorchy Valley he was captured, held nine days, paroled, and thirty-five days later joined his regiment. June, 1864, he was discharged and resumed farming, having now a well-improved, stocked, cultivated farm of 100 acres. October 31, 1881, Mrs. Canary died, and September 1, 1882, he wedded Amanda Perkins. Mr. Canary is a strong, aggressive Democrat, also a valued citizen.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Hamblen Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

WILLIAM CRABB, dealer in general merchandise at Spearville, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, April 23, 1823, and is the youngest of the twelve children bestowed upon Henry and Ann (George) Crabb, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish and German extraction respectively. William's paternal grandmother was a member of the Keller family. He remained with his parents on the farm until 1854, when he moved from Ohio to Indiana, located at Unionville, engaged jointly in farming and selling goods, remained one year, came then to Spearsville and has been engaged in the mercantile line for more than thirty years, being the oldest merchant of the place, with a large and established trade. He has also a fine peach orchard near this town. Mr. Crabb has been four times married, first to Eleanor Taylor, in 1846, with an outcome of one child - Henry Newton. Mrs. Crabb died in 1849, and he then married Matilda Moore, also with an outcome of one child - Mary J.; this mother died in 1851, and he married Elizabeth Peterson, with an issue of six children - Seward, Alice, William R., Keller E., Lena and Maud E., of which number the third and fourth are teachers; this lady died January 1, 1878, when he married Keziah Tracy. Mr. Crabb is a member of the Greenback party, and he and wife are members of the church - the first of the Presbyterian and the latter of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Hamblen Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.

JOHN B. CRAVEN, stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of England, was born December 15, 1848, and is the eldest of the eleven children of William and Mary Craven, also natives of England, who emigrated to the United States in 1853. John B. Craven was reared to the profession of agriculture, educated in the schools of Ohio and Indiana, and remained with and assisted his parents in making a home and clearing a farm in this county, whither they had moved in 1864. After his majority he returned to Ohio and assisted to clear as a farm-hand until September 7, 1871, when he married Martha A., daughter of William and Nancy (Goforth) Hamblen; the product of this union was three children - Mary Almie, Nancy Olive and Essie Myrtle. Mr. Craven has a good farm of sixty acres, which has been cultivated and is well improved, stocked with mules, cattle and hogs, making a very agreeable home and a valuable property - all of which is wholly the consequence of his application and constancy to business. He is a much esteemed and liberal citizen.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Hamblen Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.