Mr. Robbins' farm of one hundred and seventy acres is one of the most fertile and productive in the county, including a fine stretch of river bottom, one hundred acres in extent, and seventy acres of hill land. The bottom lands produce about eighty bushels of corn and twenty bushels of wheat to the acre. There is excellent pasture land, through which a pretty, never-failing stream flows, and his meadows produce as much as two tons of hay to the acre. A copiously-flowing well, driven to a depth of one hundred and fifteen feet, supplies water to the uplands. The barn, a commodious structure, sixty by one hundred feet, is equipped with cement floors for the stalls and has all the modern appliances for the most expeditious operation of a well-conducted farm. The carriage house, fifty by fifty feet, also has cement floor, as have the ample corn cribs and granaries, while the cement watering troughs are well shaded, a pleasant sidelight on Mr. Robbins' humane regard for his live stock.

One of the attractive features of the Robbins farm is a beautiful grove of sugar-maple trees, seventy-five or more in number, which supplies the Robbins table with a fine quality of maple syrup, besides quantities of choice maple sugar. A well-kept chicken park offers a fine range for the extensive brood of Plymouth Rock chickens which Mr. Robbins raises. There are few farms in Decatur county more carefully tended than is that of Mr. Robbins, and it is but natural that he takes a high degree of pride in his place, finding much comfort and content thereon. In addition to his general farm operations, Mr. Robbins is an extensive breeder and feeder of live stock. He formerly handled from sixty-five to seventy carloads of stock annually, but lately has reduced his operations in this direction and now handles about twenty-five car loads annually, his stock all being of high grade.

Charles C. Robbins has lived all his life on this same farm, having been born there on September 2, 1860, the son of Merritt Holmand and Jeannette (Gilchrist) Robbins, the former of whom, born on August 30, 1832, died on August 14, 1882, was the son of a pioneer settler of Decatur county, and the latter of whom, born on June 25, 1837, died on February 13, 1911, was a native of Steubenville, Ohio. Merritt H. Robbins was the son of William Robbins, who settled in this county in an early day and became one of the most influential pioneers of Sand Creek township. William Robbins was the son of William Robbins, a Virginian who served in the arm of the patriots during the War of the Revolution and located in Kentucky after the close of that war. Further interesting details regarding the genealogy of this family may be found in the biographical sketch relating to J. B. Kitchin, presented elsewhere in this volume. Jeannette Gilchrist was the daughter of Hugh Gilchrist, one of the early and influential settlers of this county.

Merritt H. Robbins and his wife were members of the Liberty Baptist church and took a large part in the good works of their community in an early day. Mr. Robbins was a Republican and was one of the leaders of that party in, his part of the county. He was not inclined to seek office, however, and several times declined to accept positions of public trust and responsibility which his neighbors sought to thrust upon him. He was an active, energetic farmer and became the owner of four hundred and eighty-four acres of fine land in Sand Creek township. At the age of fifty, Mr. Robbins was overcome by an illness which would not respond to local treatment. He was taken to Sheppard sanitarium at Columbus, Ohio, where treatment likewise proved unavailing, and there he died. His land was all sold with the exception of the tract of one hundred and seventy acres surrounding the home, and which now is occupied by his son, Charles C.

To Merritt H. and Jeannette (Gilchrist) Robbins were born six children, as follow: Alpha B., who married Caleb Wright, a well-known farmer of Clay township, this county; Laura L., who married Walter E. Planke and lives in Washington township; Charles Clay, the immediate subject of this sketch; Greeley G., of Greensburg, a rural mail carrier; William W., who died on June 1, 1914, at the home of his brother, Charles C., at the age of forty-seven years, and Erie Etna, the wife of Bird Sefton, of Washington township, this county.

On February 28, 1888, Charles Clay Robbins was united in marriage to Effie M. Styers, who was born on the old Styers homestead, near Greensburg, this county, on April 6, 1868, the daughter of William G. and Dorinda F. (Wright) Styers, the former of whom is now deceased. Further details of the genealogy of this couple may be found in the biographical sketch of William G. Styers, presented elsewhere in this volume.

To Charles C. and Effie M. (Styers) Robbins have been born six children, namely: Harry H., born on November 29, 1889; Walter W., who lives on the John Mr. Ferris farm, in Marion township, this county, was born on July 6, 1891, married Grace Ferris and has three children, Gerald, Roy R. and Wilma; Marie, February 1, 1898, is in high school; Corinne C., December 25, 1900, also in school; Millard M., October 30, 1902, and Lowell, July 18, 1905, who died on March 4, 1907.

Mr. and Mrs. Robbins are members of the Liberty Baptist church, as are all the members of their family, and long have been prominent in the affairs of that church, as well as being included among the leaders in the various good works of the community in which they live. Mr. Robbins is a Republican and takes a warm interest in political affairs, though not an office seeker or a particularly active political worker, preferring to give the full measure of his time to his farm and to his home. Harry Robbins is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is deeply interested in the affairs of that ancient fraternal order. No family in Decatur county is held in higher repute than the Robbinses and their home is one of the most popular places of social gatherings in the part of the county in which it is situated.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Hamlin Anderson was born on the farm on which he still lives August 29, 1853, son of William and Mary (Stanley) Anderson, the former of whom was born in 1811 and died in 1891; the latter born in 1832, died in 1908. William Anderson was born of poor parents in a log cabin in the pine woods of New Jersey, and in his youth was compelled to work hard. He was one of eleven children born to his parents, four boys and seven girls. By the utmost diligence and frugality, he had saved four hundred dollars by the time he had reached his majority, at which time he started for Indiana, arriving in Decatur county in 1831, having driven through in a one-horse wagon, the long trip having been made alone. For several years after his arrival in this county, William Anderson worked for various farmers in the Milford section, receiving eight and one-third dollars the month. He then bought eighty acres of timber land south of Milford and chopped out a home in the wilderness, later selling this and buying another eighty acre tract, a part of the present Anderson home acres. On the hill where stands the present handsome residence, William Anderson built a log cabin and entered seriously upon the life of a farmer. He prospered, as his industry and zeal entitled him to prosper, and presently became one of the large landowners in the county, his holdings comprising no less than eight hundred acres of fine land in the Milford neighborhood. Though he could not read or write, William Anderson was a clear thinker and had a good mind. He was an able manager and an excellent financier, proving himself to be one of the most important factors in the development of the vicinity in which he made his home. At the time of his death, besides his large land holdings, he possessed fifteen thousand dollars in cash, an excellent example of what energy and enterprise may accomplish in the face of obstacles that would seem well nigh insuperable to one of a less direct mind. William Anderson also possessed the entire confidence of the whole community and was held in the highest esteem throughout that part of the county, his death being much mourned thereabout. Mr. Anderson was an earnest member of the Methodist church and his children were reared in that faith. He was a Republican and his keen, discriminating mind gave to his political opinions much weight with the managers of the party in this county.

William Anderson was twice married. By his union with Jane Fowler three children were born: John H., deceased; Mrs. Mary Parker, widow of a former well-known Adams township farmer, and William, Jr., deceased, a former prominent farmer of this county. Upon the death of his first wife, William Anderson married, secondly, Mrs. Mary (Stanley) Whiseman, widow of Warren Whiseman, and to this union two children were born, Mrs. Etta Russell, of Greensburg, this county, and Hamlin, the immediate subject of this sketch. By her first marriage the second Mrs. Anderson was the mother of one child, a daughter, Mrs. Sarah Armstrong, who lives at Kewanna, Indiana.

Hamlin Anderson was reared on the paternal farm, receiving his education in the district schools of that neighborhood. Inheriting much of his father's directness of manner and energy of both mind and body, he has made proper use of his opportunities and is looked upon as one of the leading men in the part of the county in which he resides. His father willed him one hundred and sixty acres of the home farm, to which he gradually added until he became the possessor of five hundred and thirty acres, which he later reduced to the present compact farm of four hundred and thirty acres, one of the best and most scientifically cultivated places in that part of the county. In 1894 Mr. Anderson erected his present fine farm house, one of the best in the county, his house is of thoroughly modern construction, equipped with a fine water system and is heated and lighted with natural gas, Mr. Anderson having an inexhaustible gas well on his place. The big bank barn, fifty by seventy feet, is equipped with all proper appliances for the most economic operation of a well-managed farm plant, and is supplemented by a massive silo. The farm is admirably fenced and otherwise kept up to the top notch of efficiency.

Hamlin Anderson has been twice married. In 1874 he was united in marriage to Myra Belle Trimble, daughter of John Trimble, to which union one child was born, a daughter, Maudie, who died at the age of seven years.

In August, 1883, Mr. Anderson married, secondly, Ida M. Washburn, daughter of Dr. R. R. Washburn, of Waldron, Shelby county, this state, and to this union one child was born, a son, Raymond, who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Methodist church, and are earnest workers in the congregation of that church, as well as being devoted to the general good works of the community. They are highly esteemed among their large circle of friends and are potent factors in the social life of their vicinity. Mr. Anderson is a member of Greensburg Lodge No. 36, Free and Accepted Masons and takes an active interest in the affairs of that lodge.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Jacob Black, farmer and stockman of Sand Creek township, Decatur county, Indiana, who owns a well-improved farm of one hundred acres, was born on April 17, 1844, in Franklin county, Indiana, the son of David and Susan (Heimlich) Black, the former of whom was born on .December 3, 1809, in Virginia, and the latter born on July 13, 1816. They were married on December 29, 1834, in Franklin county, where David Black's parents had settled in 1820. Nineteen years after their marriage, David and Susan Black, in 1853, came to Sand Creek township, Decatur county. Of their seven children, five are deceased. The living children are Jacob, the subject of this sketch, and John C., of Letts. The deceased children are: Andrew, who was born on November 29, 1835; Mrs. Elizabeth Smith; Nancy Thompson; Margaret Helen Eubanks, and Catherine, died young.

During the declining years of David Black's life, his son, Jacob, cared for him, and at his death, which occurred in March, 1865, came into possession of the home place. He has lived nearly all of his life on the farm he now occupies, having moved to the house in which he lives in the spring of 1854, sixty-one years ago. Mr. Black has been a horse breeder for forty years, and formerly handled great numbers of French and German coach horses. He also bred trotting horses and owned at one time "Jay Bird" and "Wilkes," two well-known horses. At the present time, however, he is breeding draft horses, Belgian and Percherons, and at the present time has six head, including three pure-bred and registered stallions. For many years he was a well-known exhibitor at county and state fairs and won many prizes on his imported stallions and mares.

It is difficult to estimate what the pioneer breeders of the state have accomplished in the way of improving the breed of horses on the farm. Horses may not be so important to the success of the farmer as they formerly were, because of the advance of farm machinery, driven by power, yet the time is far remote when farmers will not be interested in good horses and when they will not be regarded as important assets on the farm. As a pioneer breeder in Decatur county, Jacob Black has performed an invaluable service, not only to the farmers in this county, but to the farmers of this state, since he personally, during his long and useful life, has furnished strong incentive to the men with whom he has come in contact to breed better horses.

On September 1, 1881, Jacob Black was married to Mary A. Parker, the daughter of John J. Parker. Mrs. Black was born on December 3, 1850. Jacob and Mary A. Black are the parents of two children: Harry Cecil, who was born on November 26, 1882, and who was married on August 31, 1904, to Vella May Simmons, of Sand Creek township, and has one child, Helen Louise; and Clarence Wayne, born on March 18, 1890, who is engaged in farming on their own farm with his brother. Both young men are successful farmers and have taken up the useful work so long carried on by their worthy and honorable father.

Jacob Black is a Republican, but he has never been a candidate for office and has never aspired to office. As a result of his long and arduous labors, he has won for himself a competence in life and is now situated so that he may enjoy his declining years in comfort and happiness. Mr. Black has many friends in this section of the state.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Myron C. Jenkins, who was born on February 10, 1859, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the son of Alfred C. and Lydia A. (Rigsbe) Jenkins. The former was of New England descent, and the son of Alfred Jenkins, a native of Massachusetts, and an early settler in Ohio, and the latter was a native of Union county, Indiana, and the daughter of William Rigsbe, a native of Chatham county, North Carolina. William Rigsbe, who was an early settler in Indiana, drove through from North Carolina to Indiana with his wife, in a one-horse wagon. An ardent member of the Quaker church, he left the southern home on account of slavery, after having been married to a Miss Clark. After farming for some years in Union county, he removed to Decatur county, where he purchased a large tract of land. Alfred Jenkins, Sr., of Massachusetts, was married early in life to a Miss Snow. The Jenkins family had removed from Ohio to Mt. Carmel, Franklin county, Indiana, when the father of Myron C. Jenkins was a mere child.

Here Alfred C. Jenkins was reared. He became a printer by trade, having learned the trade with the Clarksons, who were the proprietors of the Brookville American at the time. Subsequently, he moved to Cincinnati, where he became a typesetter on the old Cincinnati Gazette. Supporting his family by setting type, he was able to attend the Cincinnati Law College, and was graduated from that institution while he was setting type on the Gazette and delivering papers in the evening after working all day. Removing to Decatur county, Indiana, during the early sixties, he located near New Point on a farm owned by his father-in-law, William Rigsbe, and here he built a house and barn. After living upon the farmer for a number of years, he moved back to Ohio and practiced law in Hamilton county and at Harrison, where he died.

To Alfred C. and Lydia A. Jenkins were born four sons, Horace W., Myron C., and two who died in infancy.

Educated in the public schools of Ohio and Indiana, Myron C. Jenkins was graduated from the National Norma1 School at Lebanon, Ohio, and from the Cincinnati Law School with the class of 1884. In this class was Judge O'Hara and many other distinguished men. Mr. Jenkins began the practice of law in Decatur county after spending one year on the farm, and then obtained desk room in the office of Doctor Jerman at New Point. He was accustomed to remain in Greensburg during the session of court, and subsequently was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney for Rush and Decatur counties, a position which he held for two years. After the expiration of his term of office he removed to Greensburg, and except for eight years, the period between 1904 and 1912, when he was clerk of the Decatur circuit court, he has ever since been engaged in the practice at Greensburg.

He enjoys a large and lucrative practice in the circuit, district, state and federal courts, and owns a splendid law library, which is kept in his office in the old First National Bank building of Greensburg. Myron C. Jenkins was married on September 6, 1898, to Nellie Adams, d native of Decatur county, and the daughter of Roll G. Adams, the son of an early Indiana settler and a pioneer in Franklin county. Roll G. Adams was born, in Fairfield, Franklin county, and was the son of Washburn Adams. To Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins four children, Lydia Alice, Wendell Crocker, Dorothy and Miriam G. have been born. All are living at home.

Mr. Jenkins has always been identified with the Republican party. The Jenkins family are members of the Christian church of Greensburg, and Mr. Jenkins is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Aside from the cares of his professional practice, the chief interests of Myron C. Jenkins are his home and his family. His law practice has grown from year to year, and he is today numbered among the successful attorneys of Decatur county, an honor of no mean importance.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Charles P. Miller was born on the farm on which he still lives, in Adams township, Decatur county, Indiana, October 6, 1853, the son of Charles and Louisa (Pleak) Miller, the former of whom was born on May 9, 1814, and died on March 15, 1888, and the latter of whom was born on January 15, 1816, and died on June 8, 1907.

Charles Miller was born in western Virginia, the son of George Miller, who brought his family to Decatur county, Indiana, in 1827. George Miller made his home in what was then the forest wilderness of Adams township, where he lived until 1857, in which year he sold out and moved to Iowa, again becoming a pioneer, and in that state he died. His wife, who was a Miss Elizabeth Swope before her marriage, bore to him sixteen children, thirteen of whom lived to maturity and married, the numerous progeny of this union making now a large family. These thirteen children were as follow: Jacob, Michael, John, Mrs. Mary Riffe, Mrs. Catherine Johnson, Mrs. Nancy Williams, Mrs. Anna Jones, George W., Mrs. Elizabeth Spraker, Charles, Mrs. Martha Spraker, Mrs. Sarah Dunn and Joseph.

Charles Miller for a time lived on a part of the Nathan Hunter farm in Washington township, but when his father moved to Iowa he sold that tract and bought the tract where his son, Charles P., now lives, and there spent the rest of his life. Charles Miller became one of Decatur county's progressive farmers, owning about five hundred and twenty acres of land at the time of his death. He was an ardent Whig and took an active interest in the early political life of the county. Upon the formation of the Republican party he became affiliated with that party and ever thereafter espoused its principles. He was an earnest Methodist and his children were reared in that faith.

On June 2, 1835, Charles Miller was united in marriage to Louisa Pleak, daughter of Narcus Baron Steuben Isaac Henry Fielden Louis and Sabina (Virt) Pleak, natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of Decatur county, a family which has been largely represented in the affairs of this county since the year 1821. Further interesting details of the genealogy of the Pleak family may be found in the biographical sketch relating to Strauther Van Pleak, presented elsewhere in this volume. To this union were born ten children, all of whom are now deceased save Charles P. Miller, namely: Michael, Elizabeth, Sabina, America, George, Joseph, Ira, Narcus Baron Steuben Isaac Henry Fielden Louis, Charles P., and one who died in infancy.

Charles P. Miller, being the only survivor of his father's family, succeeded to the home acres and not only kept the same up in the most admirable manner, but largely increased the original acreage, becoming one of the large landowners in this part of the state, as set out in the introductory paragraph of this narrative. As he advanced in years and his children started out to do for themselves, he gradually reduced his land holdings by disposing of tracts to his children, until now he retains but the four hundred and fifty acres surrounding the home place and one hundred and sixty acres in Washington township, all of which is in an excellent state of cultivation.

On October 31, 1878, Charles P. Miller was united in marriage to Margaret Eudora Graham, who was born in this county on November 27, 1856, and died on February 23, 1915, daughter of Joseph and Almira (Donnell) Graham, both of whom were natives of this county. Joseph Graham was the son of Joseph Graham, a native of, Kentucky, who came to Decatur county in 1823, settling in Fugit township, where he was known as one of the most prominent pioneers of that section.

To Charles P. and Margaret Eudora (Graham) Miller were born five children: Louisa Katherine, born August 10, 1879, who, on December 1, 1904, married Elbert Earl Meek and lives in Fugit township; Joseph Graham, December 19, 1880, married Wilhelmina Jacob on November 15, 1905, at Watseka, Illinois, and lives in Washington township, this county; Leonidas Melville, April 11, 1883, married Elizabeth Link on November 21, 1907, and lives in Clinton township; Margaret Eudora, June 5, 1885, married James Barton McLaughlin on February 14, 1912, and lives in Washington township, and Charles Ira, February 14, 1888, who is managing the home farm for his father.

Mr. Miller is a member of the Methodist church and an active worker in the same, being earnest in good works; a man who is held in the very highest esteem throughout the neighborhood in which he is so well known. He is a Mason, but having spent his life five miles from the lodge and being a lover of home he has not been an active member though he admires very much the teachings of the order.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Wilbur Boone Wright was born in 1871, the son of John and Luvenia (Stark) Wright, pioneers of Clay township, the former of whom was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, in 1827 and who died at his home in Decatur county in 1899. When about twenty-one years of age, John Wright came to Decatur county from Virginia and settled in Clay township near Liberty. The Wright family is of English origin. John Wright was the son of Charles Wright, who came to this county from Virginia some time after his son, John and located here. Luvenia Stark was the daughter of Caleb and Anne (Boone) Stark, who came to Decatur county from Kentucky in 1826 and settled in Clay township. Caleb Stark was the son of Joseph Stark, who was the son of John Stark, a native of New Hampshire, who moved from that state to Virginia and later to Kentucky, settling in Henry county. Joseph Stark was a well-known Indian fighter and a member of the famous colony headed by Daniel Boone. He came from Virginia to Kentucky in 1780. The Stark family dates from the days of the last James in Scotland, when John Muirhead, a German soldier, for an act of bravery in which he saved the life of the king, was created bishop of Glasgow and his name changed by royal decree to Stark, which is the German for "strength." John Stark, who was born in 1665, was the founder of the Stark family in America, he having come to this country in 1710. His eldest son, Archibald, was the father of General Stark of Revolutionary fame. The remainder of the Stark genealogy may be found in the sketch of Caleb Stark Wright, recorded elsewhere in this volume. He is a cousin of Wilbur Boone Wright, the subject of this sketch.

Born on his father's farm in Clay township, Wilbur Boone Wright was only a small child when the family moved from Clay township to Adams township. Here he grew to manhood and lived and worked on his father's farm. He began business for himself when seventeen years old drilling gas wells under contract. He has been eminently successful in this business and has drilled wells in most of the counties of central Indiana, also in Texas and Illinois. There is no man now living in the state of Indiana, who is more familiar with this business than the subject of this sketch.

Wilbur Boone Wright was first married to Pearl Coy, of Adams, but she died a little less than two years after their marriage. About two years after her death, Mr. Wright was married, secondly, to Ada Boling, of Franklin county, Indiana. She is the sister of Albert Boling, whose sketch is contained elsewhere in this volume and which contains the genealogy of the Boling family in Decatur county and in this country. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright has been born one child, Luvenia Alice, who was born on August 5, 1910.

Mr. and Mrs. Wright have a beautiful home in Adams, where he is known as one of the solid and substantial citizens of Decatur county. He is a stanch and true Democrat and a member of the Christian church of Adams. Mr. Wright is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, including the Encampment and the Rebekahs. He is also a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 94, of Milford. A top-notch citizen, a liberal and broad-minded man, he is one of whom this county has every reason to be very proud.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Chester Hamilton was born on the farm on which he still resides in Fugit township, Decatur county, Indiana, December 18, 1838, the son of Cyrus and Mary (McCoy) Hamilton, the former of whom was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, July 14, 1800, and died at his home in this county on August 19, 1879, and the latter of whom was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, September 18, 1798, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Donnell, in this county, on September 8, 1881.

Cyrus Hamilton was the son of Robert and Mary (Eward) Hamilton, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania on June 17, 1768, and died at his home in Kentucky on June I 7, 1817, and the latter of whom was born in Virginia on May 20, 1774, and died at the home of her son, R. M. Hamilton, northeast of Greensburg, in this county, March 15, 1848. They were married on June 19, 1794 in Kentucky. Robert Hamilton emigrated from Pennsylvania to Kentucky when the latter state was admitted to the Union and recruited a company and captained it during the War of 1812, serving against the Indians. He died in 1817 and his body was buried in the old Concord churchyard in Nicholas county, Kentucky. Afterwards his remains were brought by his descendants and placed beside those of his wife in the Kingston cemetery.

Robert Hamilton was the son of William Hamilton, a Scottish Presbyterian who emigrated from the north of Ireland about 1750 and located in Pennsylvania, whence he later emigrated to Kentucky, settling on McBrides creek, then in Bourbon county, now Nicholas county, being among the earliest settlers of that section. William Hamilton married Isabella Thompson, in Pennsylvania, to which union were born seven children, namely: William, who was killed while battling with the patriots for independence during the Revolutionary War; Alexander, who settled in Clark county, Indiana; Thomas, who married Charity Welch and died near Carlisle, Kentucky, in 1803; Samuel, who married Jeannie Sweeney; Robert, who married Mary Eward, the grandparents of the immediate subject of this sketch; Eleanor, affectionately known as "Nellie," born on May 12, 1758, married John Blair and died on December 25, 1827; and Isabella, who, about 1808, married Samuel Hindman, the Hindman family later moving to Newmarket township, Highland county, Ohio, whence they moved into Illinois.

To Robert and Mary (Eward) Hamilton were born eleven children, as follow: James Eward, born on March 31, 1795, died on January 13, 1881, married Jane McCoy, born on November 18, 1796, died on February 8, 1851, upon whose death he married, secondly, Rosannah McCoy, born on November 15, 1808, died on July 20, 1891; Fidelia, September 18, 1796, died on July 16, 1860, married Elijah Mitchell; Thomas, August 25, 1798; died on June 16, 1880, married Julia Ann Donnell; Cyrus, who married Mary McCoy, parents of the subject of this sketch; Spicey Glover, October 12, 1802, died on December 22, 1838, married John Thomson; Eliza, November 11, 1804, died on December 26, 1880; Ellen E., September 12, 1806, died on September 26, 1832, married Barton W. S. McCoy; Sarah, April 14, 1809, died on January 11, 1892, married Thomas Donnell; Robert Marshall, November 17, 1811, died on August 6, 1901, married Mary Morgan; Mary Jane, November 15, 1814, died on December 23, 1891, married Jackson Lowe; Minerva, January 2, 1817, died on November 25, 1903, was twice married, her first husband having been Peter Bartholomew and her second husband John C. Donnell.

Upon his marriage to Mary McCoy in the year 1822, Cyrus Hamilton came at once to Decatur county, the newly-wedded couple regarding the trip thither as their wedding tour. Cyrus's brother, James E., with his family, accompanied them. Cyrus with another brother, Thomas, had jointly filed entries for a half section of land in Fugit township in 1821. The homestead claims were filed in the land office at Brookville and the warrants bear the signature of James Monroe, then President of the United States. Cyrus Hamilton and his wife quickly were recognized as among the leaders in the pioneer settlement. They were great temperance advocates and anti-slavery protagonists and were influential and useful members of that earnest band which so successfully operated the famous "underground railway" hereabout during the troublesome days preceding the outbreak of the Civil War. They were members of the Sand Creek, or Kingston Presbyterian church, with which they became affiliated on September 4, 1824, and Mr. Hamilton and his brother, James E., made the shingles which were used to cover the house of the first minister of that congregation. Mrs. Hamilton, lovingly known throughout that part of the county as "Aunt Polly," was a daughter of Alexander McCoy and was a very bright woman. She and her husband were witty, hospitable and entertaining and were great favorites throughout that whole section. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1872 and the occasion was made one of general merrymaking among their hosts of friends who gathered from far and near to celebrate with them the happy day.

To Cyrus and Mary (McCoy) Hamilton were born six children, namely: William McCoy, born on November 26, 1822, died on February 25, 1905, married Euphemia Donnell; Melissa, February 26, 1825, died on June 17, 1880, married the Rev. B. M. Nyce, a onetime well-known pastor of the Presbyterian church at Kingston, this county, also an educator of ability; Orlando, January 1, 1827, died on May 5, 1914, on his farm two miles north of Kingston; Cordelia, August 13, 1832, widow of Lowrey Donnell, resides with her son, Cyrus Donnell, on a farm one and one-half miles south of Clarksburg, this county; Chester, the subject of this sketch; and Everett, October 16, 1841, who resides in Greensburg. William, above named, was the first manufacturer of drain tile in Decatur county.

Chester Hamilton acquired a good common-school education in his native township, later attending Hartsville College, and became a very successful farmer. He began farming on a tract of eighty acres which was given him by his father, to which he has added, with the assistance of his wife, until he now owns a farm of four hundred acres of as good land as there is in Decatur county. Though general farming is his chief pursuit he is quite a stock raiser and annually ships from one hundred and fifty to two hundred hogs and as much as three carloads of cattle. He sells no corn off his place, finding it much more profitable to feed the same. He always has continued to live on the home place and the fine old home which he built in 1879 has been remodeled into one of the most comfortable and modern farm homes in the county and is the center of hospitality for that whole region.

On May 22, 1866, Chester Hamilton was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Mitchell, who was born on June 26, 1842, southeast of the town of Rushville, in Rush county, this state, the daughter of Thomas V. and Amanda (Gregg) Mitchell, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to Rush county in 1821. Amanda Gregg was the daughter of Judge John Gregg, a onetime well-known associate judge in Rush county. To this union were born four children, Thomas M., George Cyrus, Edith and Amanda. Thomas M. Hamilton, who was born on November 2, 1867, attended school at Oberlin College, now resides one-half mile east of Kingston , in this county. He married Catherine Lowe, to which union were born three children, Earl, born on January 29, 1890; Elizabeth, May 12, 1893; and Isabel, September 12, 1895. Earl married Fannie Gregg on November 4, 1914, and is farming in Fugit township. Elizabeth married Inscoe R. Bailey on May 29, 1914. Isabel is a successful teacher in the public schools of Kingston. George Cyrus Hamilton, who was born on August 4, 1869, lives on the adjoining farm, near his father's place. He married Edith Aldrich and has one child, a daughter, Lillian, born on May 28, 1899. Edith Hamilton was educated at Oxford College for Women, Oxford, Ohio; has given much study to the subject of genealogy and is working on a very extensive and quite valuable history of the Hamilton family. She lives at home with her parents, as does her sister, Amanda Hamilton. Both are interested in club work and everything that makes for the upbuilding of their community.

Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are members of the Presbyterian church at Kingston, their children also being members of the same congregation. Mr. Hamilton is a Republican. His first vote for President was cast for Abraham Lincoln and he ever since has stood steadfast to the principles of the party. He and his wife are earnest, kindly people who for years have been interested in all the good works of the community in which they live and are held in the highest regard by all. Progressive in thought and cultured in manner, they have exerted a fine influence in that part of the county and enjoy the esteem of all who know them.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Abraham, his son, succeeded him and the latter's son, William N., still is living in Johnson county at the age of eighty-two years. William N. Deupree married Martha A. Matthis, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Hibbs) Matthis, Kentuckians and early settlers in Johnson county. Their son, Thomas M., married Laura B. Prichard, daughter of John M. and Louisa (Robinson) Prichard, both natives of Johnson county and prominent among the early residents in that section, the former of whom is still living at the age of eighty-one years. His wife, who was born on February 1, 1832, died in 1914.

To Thomas M. and Laura B. (Prichard) Deupree were born seven children, six of whom are living, of whom Clarence C. is the second son and fourth child. Everett L., a well-known lawyer and financier of Indianapolis, being the eldest. In the biographical sketch relating to Thomas M. Deupree, presented elsewhere in this volume, separate mention is made of each of these children. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Deupree left their home in Westport, this county, some years ago, removing to Indianapolis, where they since have made their home, living in pleasant retirement in the capital city.

Clarence C. Deupree was born at Westport, this county, on January 8, 1888, and there he received his elementary education. At the age of sixteen he went to Edinburg, this state, to secure the advantage of the schools at that place and was graduated from the Edinburg high school with the class of 1906. He then went to Indianapolis and there he followed various pursuits until the year 1912, in which year the Marion County State Bank of Indianapolis was organized. Since May 1 of that year Mr. Deupree has been connected with that sound financial institution. He began as assistant cashier and in May, 1914, was elected cashier, which position he now occupies.

On October 20, 1910, Clarence C. Deupree was united in marriage to Stella Edith Gaston, of Decatur county, Indiana, daughter of J. Minor and Lottie (Beesley) Gaston, former prominent residents of this county, further information regarding which family the reader may obtain by referring to the biographical sketch relating to J. Minor Gaston, the well-known banker of Indianapolis, on another page of this volume. To the union of Clarence C. and Stella Edith (Gaston) Deupree one child has been born, a son, Robert Gaston, born on January 12, 1914.

Mr. and Mrs. Deupree are earnest Christian workers, the former being a member of the Christian church of Westport, this county, and the latter a member of the First Presbyterian church at Indianapolis. Both are very popular in a large circle of acquaintances and are held in the highest esteem by their many friends. Mr. Deupree's ability in financial matters is well recognized by bankers in Indianapolis and he is regarded as among the rising young financiers of the capital city, where he enjoys in a high degree the confidence of all men of affairs with whom his important duties bring him in contact.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Thomas M. Deupree was born near the town of Edinburg, Johnson county, Indiana, on August 12, 1857, son of William N. and Martha A. (Matthis) Deupree, the former of whom was born in Shelby county, Indiana, on June 28, 1833, and is now living on a farm near Edinburg, Johnson county, at the age of eighty-two years, and the latter of whom was born in Johnson county, same state, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Hibbs) Matthis, natives of Kentucky and early settlers in central Indiana.

William N. Deupree is a son of Abraham C. and Hannah B. (Carter) Deupree, the former of whom was born in Kentucky in the year 1811, the son of Thomas and Martha (Hatchett) Deupree, and who moved to Shelby county, Indiana, with his parents in childhood and became one of the most prominent and influential pioneer residents of that county, his fine personal influence undoubtedly having been a strong factor in the development of proper social and civic conditions thereabout. After locating his family in Shelby county, the elder Thomas Deupree went back to Kentucky to settle his affairs there and on returning to Indiana on horseback was drowned in the Muscatatuck river. About seven generations back the first of the Deuprees to come to America was Grancie Joseph Deupree, a Huguenot, who was driven out of France by religious persecution and his fine estates in that country confiscated. He founded in this country a family which now is widely scattered, its various representatives in whatever communities they are found performing well and honorably those things which their hands find to do. The Hatchett family also is of French origin, while the Carters are of English origin, the first of the family in this country having been a Quaker who came to America with the party that accompanied William Penn to this side. On the land entered by his grandfather, near Edinburg, this state, William N. Deupree grew to manhood, married and reared his family there and has been a life-long farmer, still making his home on the old homestead, at an advanced age of eighty-two, one of the most honored and respected residents of that part of the state; a man who possesses a marvelous fund of reminiscence regarding early conditions in south central Indiana. In all his relations in life William N. Deupree has been true to his fellowmen and no one thereabout is held in higher esteem than he.

Thomas M. Deupree was reared on the paternal farm near Edinburg, in Johnson county, attending the local schools and growing up to a full acquaintance with the life of the farm. He was united in marriage to Laura B. Prichard, who was born in the same neighborhood, daughter of John M. and Louisa (Robinson) Prichard, both natives of Johnson county and prominent pioneers of that section. John M. Prichard was born on March 1, 1834, and is still living. His wife, who was born on February 1, 1832, died in 1914.

In January, 1885, Thomas M. Deupree left his home in Johnson county and came to Decatur county, locating at Westport, where he built the first livery stable ever operated in that village. He continued the livery business for two years, at the end of which time he engaged in farming. He was not long thus engaged, however, for he presently resumed business in Westport, opening a harness store, in which business he was engaged quite successfully for a period of fourteen years, coming to be one of the most substantial and influential citizens of that part of the county. He and Mrs. Deupree took an active part in the religious and social life of the town and were held in the very highest regard there. Mr. Deupree was chairman of the building committee that built the Christian church at Westport, Indiana. When, in the middle of June, 1913, they moved to Indianapolis, where four of their children are making their homes, there was much regret expressed throughout the entire neighborhood, for they had been good neighbors and good friends of all.

To Thomas M. and Laura B. (Prichard) Deupree seven children have been born, namely: Everett L., a well-known Indianapolis lawyer, a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume, married Edith A. Wheeler, daughter of Hillis A. and Elizabeth (Linton) Wheeler; Maude married George Burk, of Westport, this county, and has one child, a daughter, Lillian; Jessie married Clarence Baker, a telegraph operator at North Vernon, Indiana, and has two children, both sons, Gwynn and Max; Clarence C., cashier of the Marion County State Bank of Indianapolis, a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume, married Stella Edith Gaston, daughter of J. Minor and Lottie (Beesley) Gaston, of this county, and has one child, a son, Robert Gaston; William J., of Indianapolis, manager of the Seminole hotel, married Leona Pleak, of this county, and has one child, a son, Jack; Bessie married Chester L. Robinson, also lives at Indianapolis; and Jamie, who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Deupree are members of the North Park Christian church at Indianapolis and are active in the good works of that congregation. Though having retired from the scenes which once they knew so well in this county, they have not forgotten their old friends and the latch string of their pleasant home at 3543 Graceland avenue, Indianapolis, ever hangs out for their former neighbors in the Westport vicinity. Mr. Deupree is a member of the Knights of Pythias, retaining his membership in Westport Lodge No. 317, of which he is one of the charter members, the lodge having been constituted in 1891. Though practically retired from business cares, Mr. Deupree retains an active interest in general affairs and is ever an earnest exponent of the principles of good government.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.