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

REV. ANDREW B. GRAY is a native of Monroe County, Ind., was born March 12, 1834, and is one of six boys and eight girls descended from Andrew and Nancy (Bass) Gray. Andrew was brought up on a farm, and when not engaged in farm duties, during the winters, attended the accessible schools; he afterward went to Asbury University for one year, and then taught five terms in this county. January 15, 1856, he married Sarah J., daughter of David and Mary Schaffer, and to them were bestowed seven children - G.O., Norman, Addie Bell, Corinne Juliet, Sarah Roxanna, Mary Alice, Arthur Leon and Charles William. In 1845, Mr. Gray settled where he now resides, on 40 acres of his father's pre-emption. August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, soon after which event he took measles, and was in consequence discharged. He is an active Republican, and was appointed to fill a vacancy as Trustee, caused by the real Trustee's enlistment. Mr. Gray is an esteemed citizen, one of the county's ablest friends, and and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

REV. WILLIAM HAMBLEN, minister and farmer, was born in Lee County, Va., July 31, 1814, and is a son of John M. and Mary (Campbell) Hamblen, respectively natives North Carolina and Maryland, and of English and Irish extraction. William Hamblen was reared to farming in Virginia, and learned boot and shoe-making, and in 1836 emigrated to this State, entered Government land, and has since made this county his home. In June, 1846, he enlisted for the Mexican war in the Third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged after six months. Returning homw, he followed his trade until 1856, at which time he was ordained a minister of the United Bretheren Church to which he devoted his attention until the eyar 1872, when he changed to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. June 10, 1839, he married Nancy, daughter of William and Juriah (Barnes) Goforth. Seven children have crowned this union - Elizabeth Jane, Mary, John William (deceased), Richard, Williamson, Sarah C. and Martha A. Rev. Mr. Hamblen is a Democrat in politics, and gave his first vote for Martin Van Buren in 1836. As a practical farmer, he has been successful, now owning and controlling a farm of forty acres.

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

GEORGE W. HAMBLEN, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in this township August 4, 1847, and is the sixth of seven chidren descended from Jesse and Rachael (Taggart) Hamblen. George W. was reared at home, assisted his father on the farm, obtained a good common school education, and so continued until manhood. July 2, 1871, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Alanson and Eliza (Clemons) Corwin, and a native of Bartholomew County, Ind. This union gave being to four children - Edward, Addie, Omer and Nettie. Mr. Hamblen is owner of a 190 acres farm, under good improvement, with valuable stock and embellishments, all of which he has acquired by his indomitable will and unaided efforts. He is a worth and honored citizen of his township, and, with Mrs. HAmblen, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

DAVID JAMES, dealer in general merchandise, at Spearsville, is a native of Noble County, Ohio, was born February 8, 1849, and is the third of the six in family born to Theodore and Clarissa (Merry) James, natives of Ohio, and of German extraction. David James attended school and was reared in Ohio. August 17, 1867, he married Miss Hannah, daughter of Abram M. and Helen (Hart) Bryan, and to this happy pair were bestowed seven children, five of whom are living - Orpha A., Olive B., Gracie M.B., Orvel S. and Reed C. In 1871, Mr. James emigrated to this township, purchased land near Georgetown, farmed four years, then sold, rented land for one year, and engaged in produce-dealing for three years, after which experiment he moved to Spearsville in 1879, and engaged most successfully in his present line. Mr. James has benn a useful and diligent citizen, having contributed more, perhaps, to the growth and prosperity of the town than any one other person. He is a Democrat by party preference, a prominent citizen, and he, his wife and two daughters are members of the church, of which our subject is an assistnat Class Leader.

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

ALFRED A. KNEE, Postmaster, groceryman and shoe-maker at Spearsville, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, May 7, 1834, and is the eldest of the ten children of Philip and Frances Knee, natives of Pennsylvania and of German extraction. Alfred A. Knee received his education and grew to mature age in Ohio, where, as well as in Indiana, he taught school for a time. May 7, 1861, he married Elizabeth Sharp, a native of Ohio, who died in 1866, having been the mother of three children, all deceased. August 7, 1862, Mr. Knee enlisted in the One Hundred and Second Ohio Regiment, in which he served three years, being in the Army of the Cumberland. They were at the battle of Decatur, and pursued Gen. Forrest through several towns. In 1863-64, he suffered from rheumatism and otorrhoea, and has since been deaf in the right ear. After his discharge, he followed farming and shoe-making. In 1870, he married Nancy E. Tracy, of Belmont County, Ohio, but without issue. In 1877, Mr. Knee located in Spearsville as a shoe-maker, and December, 1881, engaged in his present business; he was afterward appointed Postmaster, and is yet doing duty. He controls a farm of sixty acres, having good improvements and a number of horses, cattle and hogs. In politics, he is a Republican, and, with Mrs. Knee, a member of the Christian Church.

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

JAMES W. McILVAIN was born June 29, 1814, in Belmont County, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew and Anna (Spear) McIlvain, natives of Delaware, and respectively of Irish and English descent. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained at home until he became of age. April 2, 1835, he married Miss Louisa B. Mead, a native of Virginia, and to their union were granted seven children - Elizabeth (deceased), Joseph A. (killed at the battle of Atlanta), Leander J., James E., Crary J., Milton H. and Lovina Amanda Malvina. Mr. McIlvain moved to his present residence in 1845, containing 520 acres entered by him in 1841, of which he now has 240 acres, having given considerable to his children. He has long been known for his benevolent acts, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, since his eighteenth year; had a church built within forty rods ofhis house, and has been a Steward in that denomination for forty-five years. He was elected Justice of the Peace under the old Constitution; in 1847, one of the three Trustees of township, and again elected Justice in 1874, being commissioned by Govs. Hendricks and Williams. He began voting with the Republicans in 1856, and is a stanch member of that party. He has had a somewhat eventful life, his house having been bored by bullets during the war on account of his adherence to the Union cause. Mr. McIlvain is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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

LEANDER JOHN McILVAIN, farmer and raiser of stock, was born February 2, 1842, in Belmont County, Ohio, and is the third child of James W. and Louisa (Mead) McIlvain. Leander J. McIlvain was reared on a farm, with limited education, and remained with his parents until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged at Perryville, Stone River, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Peach Tree Creek, Buzzard Roost, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, Savannah, Goldsboro and Sherman's march. He was discharged June, 1865, and returned to active farm life. October 25, 1866, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of William and Mary A. Douglass, and to this union five children were born - Mary L., James William, Henrietta, Minnie Florence and Andrew F. Mr. McIlvain is a member of the Horse Thief and Felony Detective Societies. In 1867, he located on his present farm of ninety-eight acres of good land, with improved buildings, orchard, and full supply of stock, etc. In politics he is an active Republican; was commissioned Postmaster in December, 1878. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

EPHRAIM McKEE, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, May 2, 1830, and is the eldest of the seven children descended from James and Cassie (Morris) McKee, natives respectively of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and of Irish and Welsh descent. Our subject emigrated from Ohio to this State, with his parents, in 1845; settled in this township on Government land, made a home from nature's wilds, and reared and educated a family of six children. After two years, Mr. McKee sold this farm and purchased the tract on which he now resides. It comprises 440 acres, well cultivated, improved, stocked and adorned - a fine property and commodious home. February 17, 1852, he married Phebe A. Stilabwer, a native of Germany, to which union were born Michael, Mary E., Ann Eliza, Caroline, John H., and Martha Ellen, deceased. Mr. McKee is a practical farmer, who has acquired his property laboriously and honestly. He is a Democrat in politics, and, with his wife, a member of the Lutheran Church.

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

HANNIBAL I. MEAD was the sixth of the seven children born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Grey) Mead, natives of Virginia, and respectively of English and German descent. Our subject was born March 24, 1822, in Virginia. He was reared to labor on a farm, and was carried to Belmont County, Ohio, by his parents in 1830; fourteen years later, he moved to this township, entered eighty-four acres, to which he added until he owned 300 acres, and made a comfortable home and a good farm. October 4, 1848, he married Miss Nancy Jane Hamblen, of this county, to which union were born three children - Milo Milton (deceased), Florence A. and Louisa Ellen. Mr. Mead was an active Democrat; has served two terms as Township Trustee, three as County Commissioner, and was serving as such at the time ofhis decease, March 31, 1878. He was a member of the Masonic order, and a benevolent, respected gentleman. His widow is living on the homestead, greatly esteemed by all.

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

JOHN G. MILNES,farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Halifax, Eng., was born June 23, 1835, and is descended from William and Hannah (Greenwood) Milnes, the second of their seven children. These parents came to the United States in 1841, landed in New York, came to Johnson County, Ind., purchased a farm, remained three years, thence came to this township, here settled on land and remained until their deaths - he in 1853, she in 1880. John G. Milnes was reared at home, and September 6, 1854, married Elizabeth Ann Porter, a native of Ohio, who gave birth to ten children - William, Louisa, Ann M., Mary E. (deceased), John H. (deceased), Charles, Sarah E., Joseph, Ida and Minnie. Mr. Milnes has in control and is owner of 384 acres, which are improved by good residence, orchard, and stocked with horses, cattle and sheep, the whole acquired by honest labor and frugality. Mr. and Mrs. Milnes are consistent and honored members of the New Light Church, and Mr. Milnes is an upright and esteemed citizen.

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

JAMES P. MOSER, M.D., of Spearsville, is a native of Jackson Township, this county, was born October 11, 1849, and is the fifth of the nine children of Calvin and Margaret (Hunting) Moser. James P. was reared to the duties of farm work, also attended for some time the schools of his neighborhood, and so applied himself that he was able to teach, which he did for awhile, afterward entering the high school at Bloomington, where he prepared himslef to acquire a profession. He further taught school, and later entered the office of Dr. E.S. Arwine, of Georgetown, and devoted himself asiduously to the study of medicine for two years, afterward attending lectures at, and graduating from, the Cincinnati Medical College, June 14, 1876. August 11, 1870, Dr. Moser married Miss Josephine, daughter of Crawford and Elizabeth Livingston. The result of this union was three children - Laura V., Roston Scott and Elmer Bramble. Dr. Moser located at Georgetown one year after his graduation, thence moving to Spearsville, where he has successfully and continuously practiced medicine and surgery. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Democrat, and was Secretary of Brown County Board of Health in 1883. Dr. and Mrs. Moser are members of the Baptist Church.

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

JOHN SMITH, farmer and gunsmith, was born in Wayne County, Ind., May 9, 1827, and is the second of fifteen children granted to Charles and Nancy Ann (Langley) Smith, natives respectively of Tennessee and North Carolina, and of Scotch and German extraction, who moved to Madison County in 1832, entered and cleared land and made a home. Mrs. Smith died in 1872, but Mr. Smith is yet living. On this land our subject grew to manhood, and served an apprenticeship to gunmaking of seven years, afterward working as a journeyman for two years, and has since followed this business for himself, being one of the best workman in the State. In January, 1851, he married Miss Lydia E., daughter of Jonathan West, which union has been endeared by eleven children - George W., Charles C., Susan, Joseph R., Jane, Jeremiah, Mary, Alice, Julia, Rebecca and Norah (deceased). Mr. Smith is owner of an improved farm of 155 acres, making a good home, but devotes his time himself wholly to gunsmithing. He is a Freemason and an Od Fellow; an Independent in politics, and he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

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

WILLIAM W. STOCKWELL, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in North Hampton, Mass., February 27, 1829, and is the third of twelve children born to William and Clarissa W. (Whittemore) Stockwell, natives of Massachusetts, and of English extraction. William W. Stockwell grew to manhood at home, and attended the public schools until he became of age. December 6, 1863, he married Mary M. Jerome, which union was crowned by one child - Frank J. Mrs. Stockwell died March 9, 1867. After moving from Ohio to Indiana, Mr. Stockwell became a sub-mail contractor, and after two years came to and located in this township. April 12, 1868, he married Alice A. Wisenberg, with a result of two children - Herbert W. and Florence L. Mr. Stockwell’s place comprises 111 acres in good cultivation, and with considerable stock and improvements. He has been for years a correspondent of several literary and scientific journals in Ohio, New York and this State. He is also author of many poems and songs for camp and fireside; likewise a work embracing incidents in the life of George W. Murray during four years’ service in the late war and term of confinement in Libby Prison.

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

AUSTIN F. STOCKWELL is a native of Ravenna, State of Ohio, was born August 25, 1834, and is the fifth of the twelve children of William and Clarissa (Whittemore) Stockwell. Austin F. Stockwell was reared on the home farm, attended school in boyhood, and remained with his parents until he reached man’s estate. March 26, 1859, he married Miss Mary P., a daughter of Zedoch and Maria Wright, which union was endeared by seven children - Perry A., William E., Vernon E., Alice M., Franklin I., Myrtle N. and Palmer R. The last named, but eldest, born December 14, 1862, has attended the Central Indiana Normal School and Business Institute, thereby fitting himself for an educator, which profession he has followed for four years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church. August 17, 1864, our subject enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served until the close of the war, and at the battle of Shelbyville Pike, while on a “double-quick”, received a fall which has caused permanent disability, and was discharged July 28, 1865. Mr. Stockwell is Treasurer and Quartermaster of Adams Post, G.A.R., and an esteemed and worthy citizen. Mrs. Stockwell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

WILLIAM P. TAGGART, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of this township, was born May 28, 1832, and is the second of the nine in family of William and Sarah (Mullis) Taggart, natives of Tennessee, and of Scotch and Irish extraction respectively. Our subject was reared at home, attended the ordinary schools, and assisted his parents. August 6, 1851, he married Zerelda, daughter of L. Eliakim and Nancy Hamblen, to which union were born two children - Amanda Jane and Martin Elbridge. Mr. Taggart has a fine farm of 1,000 acres, which place is well stocked, improved and planted - an enviable possession, which has been wholly acquired by his unflagging industry and astute management. He is a reputable citizen, an honorable gentleman, a voter with the National party, and he and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for several years. In 1879, Mr. Taggart engaged in saw milling on his place most successfully, and in 1880 introduced buhrs for grinding corn.

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

JOHN M. URICH is a native of Eatonsburg, Penn., was born May 30, 1831, and is the eldest son of David and Ann (Eckenroad) Urich, who emigrated to Ohio from Pennsylvania; located in Mahoning County, and cleared and established a home. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and parents of ten children - John M., Lucinda, Absalom, Lafayette, Henry, Frank, William (deceased), Laura, Mary and James (deceased). Mr. Urich left the world in 1850, aged fifty-six. Mrs. Urich yet survives on the home farm, aged seventy-three. Our subject remained with his mother on the farm until October 14, 1858, at which period he married Miss Eliza M., daughter of William and Clarissa W. Stockwell, which union was cemented by eight children - William W. (deceased), Elmer E., Frank W., Edna A., Ida M., Pearl J. (deceased), Claude C. and John E. Mr. Urich is the owner and manager of a farm of 100 acres of excellent land, productive, cultivated, improved and stocked. He came to this attractive home in 1866, having then removed from Ohio. He is a respected citizen and a worthy gentleman. Mr. and Mrs. Urich are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

JACOB PERRY WALKER, stock-raiser and farmer, was born in Henry County, Ky., January 27, 1828, and is the eldest of the twelve children born to Samuel and Nancy Young Walker, natives of Kentucky and of German extraction, who emigrated to this State in 1839, settled in this county, entered Government land, and reduced the forest and wilderness to a home and a farm. Here they resided thereafter - he closing his life in 1874, leaving his wife to survive him, a member of the Christian Church, as was her husband. John Perry Walker obtained the rudiments of an education, and remained at home until May 26, 1853, when he married Cynthia White, with an issue of seven children, three of whom are living - Emily, David and Nancy M. The mother of these children died April, 1877, and December 12, 1879, he wedded Rachel Amanda Wright. Mr. Walker is owner and director of a farm embracing 240 acres, in good cultivation, with good stock and improvements, giving some attention to raising varieties of stock. He is a member of the Masonic body, a practical farmer, a Democrat in politics, and an upright and respected citizen.

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

SAMUEL WALKER, Trustee of Hamblen Township, is a native of this county, was born February 3, 1847, and is the fourth of the eight children of Charles H. and Jane Rairden Walker, natives of Kentucky. Our subject attended subscription school and worked on the farm, and remained at home until a short time before his majority, when he began to care for himself by working on a farm and then in a saw mill. January 4, 1872, he married Miss Caroline B., daughter of John and Jane Gosser, to which union succeeded two children - Ernest G. and Estal E. Mr. Walker is owner and controller of 160 acres of good and well-improved land, which is fully stocked and equipped, and he is also the proprietor of land on which a church and schoolhouse have been erected. He is a voter of the Democratic stock, and is now serving his second term as Township Trustee, which service is well and worthily appreciated. He has been an industrious, prudent man, and is generally highly respected, Mr. and Mrs. Walker are consistent members of the Christian Church.

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

JOHN M. WALKER, dealer in dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, queensware, glassware, etc., at Spearsville, was born in this township April 20, 1855, and is the youngest of the family of Charles H. and Jane Walker. John M. Walker worked for his father and attended school until he was eighteen years old, when he commenced on his own account as a farm hand. January 19, 1882, he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Hamilton R. and Margaret Heskett, and to this union two children have been born - Elsie M. (deceased) and Verless. In February, 1882, Mr. Walker abandoned the plow and the field, and took up mercantile business at Spearsville, since which date he has done a thriving and encouraging trade. He is a first-class business man, an honorable citizen, a Democrat politically, and an advocate of justice and progress. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Christian Church.

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

WILLIAM G. WATSON, stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of Monroe County, Ind.; was born November 28, 1833, and is the eldest of the family of ten born to Jonathan and Elizabeth (Steward) Watson, natives of Kentucky, who moved to this township about 1834, where they continued throughout their lives, he dying in 1867, she in 1870, after having made a home on entered land. William remained with his parents and attended subscription schools until April 6, 1859, when he married Rachel Parsley, the fruit of which alliance was seven children - Louisa, William E., Steward, James H. (deceased), Laura, Cordia and Rufus. Mr. Watson is the owner of 210 acres of quite-improved land, which is also fully stocked and adorned, his residence now being where the great spectacle enterprise had its beginning. He votes with the Democratic party, has served two terms as Assessor of this township, from 1864 to 1868 as Sheriff of the county, and in 1870 was elected Auditor, in which service he gave full satisfaction. Mr. Watson is a member of the Masonic fraternity to the degree of Royal Arch, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

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

SAMUEL WEBBER, farmer, was born in Noble County, Ohio, October 27, 1841, and is the third of eight children born to Ira and Hannah (Moore) Webber, the former a native of Maine, the latter of Virginia, who emigrated to this State in 1865, purchased a farm on Salt Creek, where Mr. Webber died October 13, 1871, and where his wife is yet living. Samuel Webber grew to almost manhood on the home place, and October 1, 1861, enlisted in Company C, Seventy-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteers; served three years and participated in the following engagements; Shiloh, Jenkins’ Ferry and siege of Corinth; was wounded in the leg before Corinth, and still carries the ball; he afterward was assigned to carpenter work, and was wounded in the elbow while building a bridge at Jenkins’ Ferry. After his discharge in 1864, he moved to Indiana in 1865, and April 23 of that year married Bethania C. Harper, who died the succeeding autumn. Mr. Webber thereafter came to this county, and resided with his parents until September 16, 1866, at which period he married Miss Minerva A., daughter of Joshua and Mary Dean, which union has been endeared by five children - Frank E., James H., Charles C., Laura E. and Pearl E. Mr. Webber is a practical farmer, owning 241 acres, with a good share of stock and numerous improvements. He is a member of the Masonic order, and as a Democrat has served his township as Trustee, also as Commissioner, and is a reputable citizen. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

SOLOMON WYATT, of Spearsville, is a native of New Jersey, was born December 19, 1815, and is the seventh of the nine children of Solomon and Sarah Wyatt, natives of Delaware and of English descent. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native State, where he worked on the farm, attended the subscription schools, and afterward served an apprenticeship of three years at trunk-making in Philadelphia; he then moved westward and located in Belmont County, Ohio, where he remained two years; moved to Indiana in 1848, settled in this township, purchased a farm, and in 1866 moved to this town. December 29, 1861, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Zephaniah and Catherine (Cleft) Johnson. Mr. Wyatt is a man self-made and independent. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, by political preference a Democrat, has donated land for building a church near Spearsville, and is a greatly respected citizen. Mrs. Wyatt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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