Richard A. Williams, an honored product of the Greensburg schools, who is now a prominent figure in the musical and cultured life of the state capital, was born at Richmond, Indiana, on February 24, 1870, the son of Edgar S. and Druet (Worthin) Williams, the former of whom also was born in Richmond.

Edgar S. Williams received his education in Richmond, the city of his birth, and upon reaching manhood's estate entered into the general merchandise business; later he moved to this county, locating at Greensburg, where he engaged in the same form of business. He married Druet Worthin, who was born in Greensburg. Druet Worthin received her elementary education in the Greensburg schools, supplementing the same by a course in the Western Female Seminary at Oxford, Ohio, from which admirable old institution she was graduated.

Richard A. Williams was educated in the schools of Greensburg and was graduated from the high school in that city. He then entered upon a three-years' course at Purdue University, and in 1893 entered into partnership with James DeArmond in the piano business in Greensburg, a business connection which continued with much success for a period of ten years. This long connection with the piano business gave him an acquaintance with the same which caused his services to be sought elsewhere and in 1903 he went to Indianapolis, where he ever since has been connected with the sales force of the Starr Piano Company, at present occupying the important position of city sales manager for that company.

Mr. Williams, though living at Indianapolis, is still devoted to the interests of his old home in this county. He retains his membership in the Presbyterian church at Greensburg and in the Odd Fellows lodge in the same city, being much interested in the affairs of both. Mr. Williams not only is a skilled pianist, but is well known in Indianapolis as one of the most earnest promoters of the musical interest of the city, and there are few large musical functions there that are not in some way helpfully influenced by his intelligent and skillful direction.

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

The Pleak family in Decatur county had its origin in this country through Johann Pleak, a Hollander who emigrated to America in the middle of the eighteenth century and settled in Kentucky in the neighborhood of Castletons Fort, now Mt. Sterling, where he married a Miss Wade, a sister of General Wade, of Revolutionary fame, to which union was born Fielden Blickenstorfer. In 1818 Fielden married Sabina Virt, who was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent, who was six months old when her parents emigrated to Bryants Station, in Kentucky, and was a member of that station at the time of her marriage. Following this marriage Fielden Pleak and his bride moved across the Ohio river and settled at Crossplains, in Jefferson county, this state. They remained there, however, but a short time, on March 11, 1822, coming to this county, where they entered a farm in Washington township, which farm still is in the possession of the Pleak family.

Johann Pleak, whose mother was a Blickenstorfer, was born in Holland on April 15, 1726. In the year 1750 Johann, with two brothers and a sister, emigrated to America, landing at Jamestown. Joseph, one of the brothers, went to North Carolina and never was heard of again. The sister married a Pennsylvanian of the name of Throgmorton and reared a considerable family. Johann presently pushed along into the wilds of the West and settled in Kentucky, where he bought a piece of land. His abilities as a scout frequently brought him into scouting service and he became one of the best-known of the pioneers of the region about Castletons Fort. One day while scouting for a party of salt makers, he followed an Indian trail to a salt "lick," discovering encamped about the "lick" a band of Indians. These aboriginals maintained a loose guard and were lolling about the camp in lazy comfort. Johann was alone, and of course hardly could expect to be a match for the entire camp, but he then and there demonstrated the white man's superiority over the red man. Pulling off his high-top Dutch hat, he yelled in his native tongue: "What ye doin' here, ye lazy rascals !" which so affrighted the Indians that they broke camp instanter and ran pellmell, disappearing in the depths of the forest fastness, leaving their war accoutrements behind. These Johann very carefully gathered up, and taking them back to the fort sold them, the money realized from the sale of this booty being applied to the purchase of the bit of land above referred to. It was shortly after this incident that his marriage to Miss Wade, a sister of General Wade, took place. To this union there were born three sons and three daughters. One of these sons was slain by the Indians. The other two were Dawson and Fielden.

Fielden Pleak married Sabina Virt and in 1822 came to this county, as set out above, locating on a tract of eighty acres in what is now Washington township, which original tract still is in the possession of the Pleak family. The first shelter which he set up in this forest wilderness for his wife and babies was a brush lean-to, covered with branches of trees and blankets, which served as a home until a log cabin presently was erected.

Not long after making good his location here, Fielden returned to Kentucky for the purpose of bringing his furniture to the new home. The trip was long and arduous. When he finally rejoined his family he found that during his absence his wife had sawed the logs and had erected the first four courses of a log cabin. This structure speedily was completed and in this log cabin a large family was reared. Fielden Blickenstorfer Pleak was born on December 24, 1792, and died on December 29, 1835, his widow surviving until December 24, 1875. They were married on June 9, 1814, and to this union there were born thirteen children, namely: Louisa, who married Charles Miller; Llewellyn, Joseph Dawson, John Isaac, George G. W. B., Catherine, Joseph D., Eletvan, America, Susannah, Norcus Baron Steuben, Isaac Henry Fielden and Louis, the latter of whom was the father of the immediate subject of this sketch.

Louis Pleak was born on June 27, 1832, and spent his entire life on the old homestead, to which he added adjoining tracts until he had a farm of four hundred acres. He married Elizabeth Woolverton, who was born on February 17, 1853, and erected a large brick house across the road from the old parental home, in which both he and his wife spent the remainder of their days, his death occurring on December 24, 1875, her death occurring on July 4, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Pleak were members of the Christian church and were persons of large influence in their community, being among the leaders in that part of the county. Mr. Pleak was a Republican and ever took a good citizen's part in the political affairs of the county, his excellent judgment often proving of value in the deliberations of the party managers. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and took a deep interest in the affairs of that historic order.

To Louis and Elizabeth (Woolverton) Pleak were born seven children, as follow: Walter B., born on March 23, 1854, is now residing on a part of the old homestead farm; Strauther Van, the immediate subject of this sketch; Dawson Steuben, October 14, 1857, now lives in Oakland, Iowa; John Charles, September 8, 1859, now living at Red Oak, Iowa; George W., September 14, 1861, died on November 29, 1862; Louisa, November 23, 1863, married Elmer Upjohn, and lives at Lebanon, Indiana; and Misseline, April 15, 1867, who lives at Greeley, Colorado.

Strauther Van Pleak was born on the old Pleak homestead in Washington township, Decatur county, Indiana, September 7, 1856, and lived there until the year 1892, in which year he retired from the farm and moved into the city of Greensburg, where he has a very pleasant and comfortable home at 525 Broadway. He received his youthful education in "Beech-foot Hall" school, which then stood on a corner of the Pleak farm, and early in life entered upon the responsible duties of a farmer's life. He succeeded his father on the home place, where he remained until his retirement from the farm, as noted above. He has been quite successful in his farming operations and owns, in addition to his farm of two hundred and seventeen acres in Washington township, in this county, a farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Jasper county, Indiana, giving close personal direction to the management of these farms from his home in Greensburg.

On October 19, 1880, Strauther Van Pleak was united in marriage to Anna M. Meek, daughter of John and Sarah Jane (Montgomery) Meek, of a prominent family of this county. For genealogies of the Meek and the Montgomery families the reader is referred to sketches relating to those two well-known families presented elsewhere in this volume. To the union of Strauther Van Pleak and Anna M. Meek one child was born, a daughter, Floy, who married Harry Butterton, of Tucson, Arizona, to which union there has been born one son, Van Pleak, now about three years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Pleak are members of the Presbyterian church of Greensburg, in the various good works of which they are actively interested. Mr. Pleak is a Republican and though taking a proper interest in political affairs, never has been included in the office-seeking class, preferring to devote his time and attention to his extensive personal affairs rather than to the public service. He is an active and public-spirited citizen, however, and does his part in promoting all movements having as their object the advancement of the common weal. He is a member of the Elks lodge at Greensburg and takes his part in the general affairs of that order. He and Mrs. Pleak are held in the highest regard in their large circle of acquaintances and are popular with all.

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

Luther D. Hamilton was born on the old home farm, where he still lives, on March 9, 1860, the son of William M. and Euphemia (Donnell) Hamilton, both members of old and prominent families in this county, the former of whom was born on November 26, 1822, and died on February 25, 1905, and the latter of whom died on December 6, 1896.

William M. Hamilton was the son of Cyrus and Mary (McCoy) Hamilton, natives of Kentucky, the former of whom was the son of Robert, who was the son of Col. William Hamilton, who served in the War of 1812. William M. Hamilton was reared on the paternal farm in the Kingston neighborhood, in this county, and on January 27, 1854, married Euphemia Donnell, moving immediately thereafter onto the farm on which his son, Luther D., now lives. At that time there was an old pioneer dwelling house on this farm, which a few years later was supplanted by the fine large brick residence which Mr. Hamilton erected and which, with remodeling to suit modern conditions, still does fine service as a place of abode. Mrs. Hamilton inherited about six hundred acres of land from her father and gradually this was increased by Mr. Hamilton until he became possessed of about three thousand acres. One of Mr. Hamilton's specialties was the buying of timber tracts, clearing the same for the valuable timber thereon. He also was an extensive breeder of mules, large numbers of which he raised for the market and also dealt extensively in cattle and hogs. In creating a market for his mules he made several trips to Iowa, before the days of the railway, and on one occasion swam the Wabash river, a large herd of mules swimming along behind him, following an old gray lead mare.

William M. Hamilton was one of the most substantial citizens in Decatur county. He was an earnest Republican and took an active part in the political affairs of the county. He was a fiery Abolitionist and was prominently connected with the affairs of the "underground railroad," by which agency many slaves found their way to freedom in ante-bellum days. His home was on the line of this historic "railroad" and many runaway slaves found welcome shelter there on their way to Canada. On one occasion an irate slave-owner obtained a judgment for three thousand dollars against Mr. Hamilton for the latter's participation in the escape of a slave and Mr. Hamilton's father-in-law and willing friends gladly paid the judgment. Mrs. Hamilton was as ardent a friend of the fugitive slaves as was her husband, and many a harried black man and woman had cause for gratitude by reason of her sympathetic interest in their efforts to secure freedom.

Mrs. Euphemia Hamilton was the daughter of Luther A. Donnell, one of the wealthiest landowners of his day in this county. He was the son of Thomas Donnell, the son of Samuel Donnell, the founder of the family in Decatur county. The reader is referred to a biographical sketch of the Donnells, presented elsewhere in this volume, for further information relating to this interesting family and the important part it played in the early history of Decatur county.

To William M. and Euphemia (Donnell) Hamilton were born five children, namely: Enrie Jane, born on November 8, 1854, who, on September 11, 1883, married Edwin S. Fee, and resides in the town of Clarksburg, in this county; Grace Greenwood, November 20, 1859, died on January 16, 1898; Luther D., the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Myrta Gay, February 18, 1865, married John M. Berry on December 26, 1893, and died in Chicago on March 19, 1897; and Mary Blanch, March 9, 1863, who, in 1900, married George Lyons and lives at Greensburg.

Luther D. Hamilton received his elementary education in the schools at Clarksburg, supplementing the same with a course at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1884. Following his graduation Mr. Hamilton entered upon the serious business of farming, taking up his location on the old home farm, where he ever since has resided and where he has prospered largely. Mr. Hamilton's farm of twelve hundred acres is the largest estate in Decatur county under one management. He operates the great farm as a whole and all grain that is raised is fed on the farm, Mr. Hamilton finding it much more profitable to put his grain into cattle and hogs than to sell it. He feeds and sells more than one hundred head of cattle and two carloads of mules annually, besides large numbers of hogs. Included in this fine estate is the land which was pre-empted by William Fugit, after whom the township received its name.

On February 22, 1899, Luther D. Hamilton was united in marriage to Carrie Emmert, who was born at Greensburg, this county, on October 18, 1862, the daughter of Jacob Emmert, a well-known retired miller and farmer, who moved from Greensburg to Clarksburg, this county, in October, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are active working members of the Presbyterian church at Clarksburg and for many years have been persons of large influence in that part of the county, ever displaying their interest in all movements looking to the advancement of better conditions thereabout. Mr. Hamilton is a Republican and has taken a prominent part in local political affairs, his sound judgment and wide experience giving to his counsels much weight. He has served on the township advisory board and in every relation of life has proved his worth as a good citizen, he and his wife being held in the highest esteem throughout the whole countryside.

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

John T. Meek, a well-known capitalist of Greensburg, Indiana, was born February 13, 1848, in Clinton township, on a farm, and who is the son of John and Sarah Jane (Montgomery) Meek, is a representative of the third generation in Decatur county, Indiana. John Meek, a native of Kentucky, who was born in 1826, and who passed away in 1909, at the age of eighty-two years, came to Decatur county, Indiana, with his father, Josiah Meek, about 1827. After having been educated in the rural schools of Decatur county, where he had no better advantages than the average youth of his day and generation, and after growing to maturity on his father's farm, he was married to Sarah Jane Montgomery, a native of Decatur county, who was born in 1827, and who passed away in 1892.

To them were born ten children, one of whom, the youngest, Lola Frances, is now deceased. The children, in the order of their birth, are as follow: Robert S., who lives in Greensburg; Margaret, who married J. B. Robison, lives in Greensburg; John T. is the subject of this review; Martha Louise married Capt. John A. Meek, of Kansas; Adam is living retired in Greensburg; Jethro C. also lives in Greensburg; Mary is the wife of J. C. Brown, of Rushville; Theresa Lavinia is the widow of Robert Innis, deceased; Mrs. Anna Pleak lives in Greensburg.

John T. Meek has been one of the most successful farmers in the history of Decatur county. Educated in the district schools of the county, he began farming for himself at the age of twenty-three years. Two years later, at the age of twenty-five, and after his marriage, he moved to a farm of eighty acres located in Clinton township, and five years later, in 1878, removed to Rush county, Indiana, where he purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres. The Rush county farm, however, was not purchased until after the disposal of the farm in Decatur county. Later, during his thirty years' residence in Rush county, he purchased altogether twelve hundred acres of land in Anderson township, acquiring a considerable portion of the land during the agricultural, commercial and industrial panic of the second Cleveland administration, when it was possible to buy land at thirty-five dollars an acre which now sells for four and five times that amount.

In 1908, Mr. Meek, after having resided in Rush county, Indiana, for thirty years, moved back to a farm in Fugit township, Decatur county, and in 1910 he moved to Greensburg. Altogether he owned some two thousand acres of land in Indiana, a plantation in Louisiana in partnership with John E. Osborn, consisting of five thousand acres, and located across the river from Natchez, Mississippi, and four hundred and eighty acres individually near Tallulah, Louisiana. Messrs. Meek and Osborn took charge of the Louisiana plantation, which is located in Concordia Parish, in 1911.

They own a large saw-mill and are well equipped for lumbering. Also they have extensive holdings in live stock, and one of their principal revenues from this plantation is the sale of stock raised on the farm. Moreover, Mr. Meek is a part owner in a cooperage company at Helena, Arkansas, and another cooperage company at McGehee, Arkansas. Both of these concerns are in a most prosperous condition, due to the natural advantages for acquiring timber and to the able and skillful management of the owners and proprietors. In addition to his many other interests, Mr. Meek also owns a fine residence property in Indianapolis. This property is a part of the present Horton addition to the city of Indianapolis.

In 1873, when John T. Meek was twenty-five years old, he was married to Florence E. Bonner, of Fugit township, the daughter of James Bonner, a representative of one of the oldest families in this section of Indiana. Mrs. Meek, who was born in 1854, has been the mother of four children, Mrs. Lura Helen McCoy, of Washington township; Mrs. Mildred Davis, of Rush county; Elbert E., a well-known farmer of Fugit township, and Flora E., who lives at home.

John T. Meek is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Meek and the family are leading members of the Presbyterian church of Greensburg, and are among the largest contributors to the support of this church.

Although it may be said quite truthfully that John T. Meek has enjoyed exceptional advantages and was given a good start in life, nevertheless he has done what a comparatively large percentage of the sons of the "second generation" failed to do. He has used the opportunities which fell in his way, and has greatly increased the property which came to his by gift or inheritance. Moreover, he has lived the life of a good citizen of this state. He is charitable to a fault, generous with the poor, broad-minded and liberal in all his views - a man eminently worthy to bear the name of the distinguished family to which he belongs.

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

Charles McHargh Nesbitt was born in the city of Greensburg, Decatur county, Indiana, on April 20, 1877, the son of John James and Mary (McHargh) Nesbitt, the former of whom was the son of John and Martha Nesbitt, early settlers of this county, who came here during the early youth of John James Nesbitt, locating on a farm near Spring Hill. On this farm John James Nesbitt grew to manhood, acquiring a wide acquaintance throughout the county. He entered the horse business in Greensburg, becoming a large buyer and shipper of horses, continuing in this business all the rest of his life, his death occurring in December, 1911.

John James Nesbitt's name is inscribed on the great monument erected to the memory of Wilder's Brigade at Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the following highly laudatory terms: "John J. Nesbitt, one of the bravest men in Wilder's Brigade." And the honor of being thus held up to the admiration of the ages is well deserved. John J. Nesbitt served through the Civil War as a member of Wilder's famous brigade, being attached to General Wilder's staff. At one time, by an act of special bravery, he saved the brigade from probably annihilation by riding through the line of the opposing army to carry essential dispatches to his general, and to perpetuate the memory of this heroic deed his name was given a special place on the imposing battle monument.

John J. Nesbitt was united in marriage to Mary McHargh, who was born in Decatur county, the daughter of Peter McHargh. Peter McHargh was a native of Scotland, who emigrated to America in his youth and after prospecting a bit over the country located in this county, where he became a man of large influence. He was a prosperous farmer and was one of the first county officers in the county, performing excellent service therein. He was an ardent Republican and took a leading part in the political affairs of the county, his name being deeply impressed upon the political history of this section.

Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt were members of the Presbyterian church and for many years were active in all good works in and about Greensburg, where they were held in the highest regard by all. Mr. Nesbitt was for years one of the leaders in the Republican party in this county, his counsels receiving the utmost consideration from the party managers. He was not of the office-seeking class, however, preferring to devote his chief attention to his business affairs. He was one of the most prominent members of the Greensburg post of the Grand Army of the Republic and ever displayed the deepest interest in the affairs of that patriotic organization. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and had attained to the chapter degree in that order. His death, in 1911, was sincerely mourned, for he was a good man and his influence ever had been directed in behalf of the best interests of the community in which nearly the whole of his long life had been spent.

Charles M. Nesbitt received his elementary education in the schools of Greensburg and was graduated from the high school there. He supplemented this course of instruction by a course in the Alexander Hamilton Institute and in the International Correspondence School, later serving as deputy postmaster in the postoffice at Greensburg until 1898, in which year he was made manager of the plant of the Central Union Telephone Company at Greensburg, later being transferred to the general offices of the company at Indianapolis, in which he served in several capacities until his promotion to the important position of superintendent of the commercial telephone service for the entire state of Indiana, a position which he still occupies.

On October 20, 1911, Charles M. Nesbitt was united in marriage to Beulah Merriken, who was born in Alexandria, Indiana, daughter of William S. and Mary Merriken, the former of whom is a well-known real-estate dealer at Alexandria. To this union one child has been born, a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who was born on February 5, 1915.

Mr. Nesbitt is a Republican and during his residence in Greensburg was an active worker in the ranks of that party, retaining his interest in political affairs after moving to Indianapolis to the extent of his ability and the limited time he has for the exercise of such activities. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias, his membership in these fraternities at Greensburg having been retained; and is a member of the Columbia Club at Indianapolis, the leading Republican club of the state of Indiana. Mr. Nesbitt retains the heartiest interest in Decatur county affairs and is ever sure of a hearty welcome upon his return to this county. He still retains a one-third interest in the extensive mule sale stable at Greensburg which was founded and so successfully conducted by his father, beside owning other property in that city and property at Indianapolis. His activity and energy have made him a leader in the field of endeavor in which his later years has been occupied and he has the entire confidence and respect of the heads of the company with which he so long has been connected.

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

George A. Weadon was born in Greensburg, Indiana, on December 25, 1863, the son of Frank M. and Mary Jane (Jamison) Weadon, of pleasant memory in this county, and received his education in the Greensburg schools, being a graduate of the high school in that city. He enjoyed an excellent preliminary training in the dry-goods line in his grandfather's old-established store at Greensburg, devoting his attention particularly to the millinery department of the same, and in 1885, went to Indianapolis, forming a business connection with the old firm of Griffiths Brothers, wholesale millinery, in that city. This connection continued until 1891, in which year he transferred his services to the firm of Fahnley & McCrea, well-known in the millinery trade throughout the middle states as wholesale milliners and dealers in millinery supplies. Beginning practically at the bottom of this line of business, Mr. Weadon, by close application and the proper exercise of a native talent for that business, has risen to the top and is now and for some years past has been a member of this well-established old firm, occupying a most substantial position in the commercial life of the state's capital city.

George A. Weadon was united in marriage to Jennie A. Nicholson, of Indianapolis, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, who is now a student at Fairmount Seminary, at Washington, D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Weadon are members of the Methodist church and are active in good works in the capital city. Mr. Weadon is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being connected with Oriental lodge at Indianapolis, and is warmly interested in the affairs of that order. For years he has been one of the most active workers in the state organization of traveling salesmen and is now the vice-president of that popular association. He is a Republican and takes a good citizen's part in the political life of the city and state, his sound judgment and close acquaintance with business conditions giving much weight to his political opinions. He is one of the really successful of the younger business men of Indianapolis and enjoys the firm confidence and respect of business circles in that city. He has a very extensive acquaintance in the millinery trade throughout this section of states and no one in that line is more popular than he.

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

The Rev. William E. Ketchurn, the son of William Stanley Ketchum, a veteran of the Civil War, who migrated to Decatur county at the close of this war, is the president of the Holiness Christian denomination, and is a traveling evangelist, although he owns a farm of ninety-eight acres in Decatur county. His wife, who, before her marriage, was Sarah Meredith, is a native of Decatur county, Indiana, and has been the mother of five children. Francis Gates is the eldest. The others are Laura Rebecca, Ina May, Isom Stanley and Carrie Anderson.

Reared on the old William Anderson Robbins farm, in Decatur county, Indiana, and educated in the public schools of Decatur county, and in the Greensburg high school, Francis Gates Ketchum read law during odd times and in law offices in Greensburg, and was admitted to the practice in March, 1909. Although he is still a comparatively young mail and has been engaged in the practice of his profession but a few years, he has won many friends in Greensburg, and promises in time to become one of the leading attorneys of Decatur county. He is a young man of engaging personality, though modest and unassuming in his manners, and one who for his years is well versed in the profession in which he is engaged. With his capacity for profound and thorough studentship, and for making and maintaining cordial relations with the people with whom he comes in contact, it would appear that Francis Gates Ketchum has a bright future.

Mr. Ketchum is a member of the Democratic party and in time is expected to take his place among the leaders of the party in this county. Mr. Ketchum is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is identified with the Loyal Order of Moose.

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

Oliver F. Welch was born on September 25, 1871, in Jay, Switzerland county, Indiana. He is the son of Thomas S. and Lucinda (Jackson) Welch, both natives of this county. The former, born in 1853, was the son of Benjamin Welch, a native of Virginia, who came with his father, Metellus, at an early date from Virginia to the Hoosier state. Lucinda Jackson was the daughter of John A. and Elizabeth Jackson, of Cross Plains, Indiana, who formerly lived in Kentucky. Going back another generation, we find that John A. Jackson was the son of Will Jackson, also of Cross Plains, and a native of Kentucky. The latter died in 1877, at the age of seventy-six. With others, he had migrated with his family from his native Southern state in the days when there were no railroads, and when every foot of land had to be cleared before it could be plowed and cultivated. Perhaps it was from this sturdy pioneer character that the subject of the present sketch inherited the qualities which have enabled him to conquer obstacles and rise to the head of his profession.

The father of Oliver F. Welch moved to Ripley county, Indiana, in 1881, and from the first became a well-liked and successful farmer. There were born to Thomas Welch and his wife four sons, two of whom are members of the medical profession: Dr. Oliver F. is the oldest son; Dr. J. A. Welch, of Letts, who was born in 1874; William Benjamin, 1878, and residing near Versailles; and Albert W., 1881, who is a farmer and engaged in the poultry business.

While the education of Oliver F. Welch began in the country schools, it was not completed until he had studied in other states than the one in which his home was located, and so great was his ambition to excel in the medical world that he pursued his studies even after his marriage. His first schooling was at New Marion, and the Normal, after the courses offered in these schools were finished, he taught during four terms of the Ripley county schools. Determining upon the career of a physician, he began the study of medicine in 1895 in the Illinois Medical College at Chicago, graduating in 1897. He then entered the Hospital College of Medicine at Louisville, and after his marriage, located in Westport. In 1899 and 1904 he took post-graduate courses in the Chicago Polyclinic, and four years later went to New York, where he became a post-graduate student. Doctor Welch is remembered as an earnest, conscientious student, thorough and painstaking in his work, and scientific in his mental processes.

Oliver F. Welch was married to Mary E. Robertson on July 4, 1897. His bride was the daughter of John A. and Margaret (Merrell) Robertson, of Ripley county, but formerly of Jefferson and Jennings counties, respectively. John Robertson died in 1906, having attained the age of eighty-one years.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Welch three children: Gladys M., born in May, 1899, now in her second year of high school; Bertie, September 20, 1903, and Scoville Frank, June 29, 1907.

The place occupied by Doctor Welch among the members of his chosen profession may be evidenced by the fact that he is a prominent member of the American Medical Association and takes an active part in their deliberations. Doctor Welch's tastes and interests are varied, and while he has concentrated his time and thought and strength upon the exacting demands of his profession, he has found time to ally himself with the organizations which broaden the mental horizon as well as the moral nature, and which contribute something to the sum total of human betterment. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and an elder in the Christian church of Westport.

As a young man Doctor Welch was imbued with the qualities that made it impossible for him to be satisfied with anything but success of a high order, no matter in what field of human activity his choice or fate might lead him. So great are the demands upon the physician of modern time that success for him means strength of character, resoluteness of purpose, mental acumen, and, withal, a sympathy that is human, and, therefore, genuine. Doctor Welch has been fortunate in the possession of all of these essentials, and he is now a representative man in the medical profession of this state.

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

John Henry Deniston was born on May 3, 1862, in Butler county, Ohio, near Scipio, the son of John Franklin and Mary Ellen (DeArmond) Deniston, the former of whom was born on September 4, 1833, and died on January 22, 1889, and the latter of whom was born on January 26, 1842, and died on February 11, 1867. John F. Deniston was the son of John Deniston, a native of Scotland, who came to America with his parents and settled first in Franklin county, Indiana, where he was a tanner and shoemaker. After he moved to Butler county, Ohio, he operated a tannery and made shoes and boots at that place. In 1866 John Franklin Deniston came to Decatur county and located at Sardinia, followed closely by his brother, William H. They farmed in partnership and operated two hundred acres of land until 1879, when John Henry Deniston purchased the land. Mary Ellen (DeArmond) Deniston was a native of Butler county, Ohio, and the daughter of James DeArmond, who, after living in Decatur county for a few years, returned to Butler county, where he died.

John Franklin and Mary Ellen Deniston had two children, John Henry, the subject of this sketch, and James William, who resides with his brother. John F. Deniston was an ardent and loyal Democrat, a member of the Universalist church and the Knights of Pythias.

John Henry Deniston has lived on the farm of two hundred acres which he now occupies since in 1867. Altogether he owns three hundred seven and one-half acres of land, two hundred acres of which comprises the home farm. He has a good home and the farm is well-equipped with outbuildings for extensive farming and stock-raising. For more than thirty years, Mr. Deniston has been handling live stock and, for the past twenty-seven years, has been a large shipper. He ships from fifty to seventy-five carloads of stock annually and, aside from this business, is an extensive breeder of Hereford cattle, having begun raising this breed in 1905. He keeps only purebred and registered stock and breeds solely for commercial purposes.

On August 19, 1883, John Henry Deniston was married to Eliza Eden Seal, who was born on May 28, 1865, in Decatur county, near the Liberty church, the daughter of John B. and Emily Seal. Mrs. Deniston passed away on August 20, 1907, leaving two children, J. Ray and Audrey Dawn. The former was born on December 20, 1884, at Sardinia. He married Bertha Smith, of Greensburg, and is now engaged in managing the farm owned by his father. Audrey Dawn, who was born on January 29, 1893, is her father's housekeeper. Two other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Deniston are deceased: Blanche, who was born on August 7, 1886, died on October 4, 1886; and Joy Maude, January 31, 1888, died on November 4, 1888.

For nearly half a century John Henry Deniston has been an active Democrat and is considered one of the "wheel horses" of the Democracy in Decatur county. For many years he was a Democratic central committeeman and influential in the county councils of his party. His son, J. Ray, is now a committeeman for the Democratic party. The father has served as delegate to congressional, judicial and state conventions of his party and attended the national conventions of the party at Denver and Baltimore. He is always looked upon as a man of dependable counsel in the organization of his party and the management of its campaigns. He has never aspired to office but he is a man who is equipped to fill almost any office within the gift of his party. He is a member of the Universalist church at Mt. Carmel, Franklin county, and prominent in fraternal circles in this county, being a member of the Free and Accepted Masons at Alert, the Knights of Pythias at Westport, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Greensburg, and the Modern Woodmen of America at Sardinia.

John Henry Deniston has fully measured up to the responsibilities of citizenship in this great country. He has borne his share of the responsibility for every movement which has reflected the advancement of his home neighborhood, his township and his county. His great-grandfather came to America seeking greater political liberty and a larger measure of personal opportunities. The third generation of the family in America, thoroughly imbued with our notions of government and citizenship, has measured up nobly to the standard of his day and generation.

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

Henry Blankman was born on December 6, 1849, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Bernard Henry and Mary Angela (Lucken) Blankman, both natives of Germany, the former of whom was born in 1818, and died in 1896. After coming to America in 1839, Bernard Blankman worked on a flatboat on the Ohio river for two years and as a farm hand in Kentucky. Later he drove a team in Cincinnati, and after his marriage, about January, 1856, removed to Marion township, Decatur county, where he bought timber land with only a few acres cleared. From time to time he added to his original tract of fifty acres another fifty and still another fifty-two acres and one-half, all of which he cleared and improved. Bernard Henry and Mary Angela Blankman were the parents of five children who grew to maturity, namely: Mrs. Mary Hardebeck, deceased; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Herman H., of Marion township; George, a well-known farmer; and Mrs. Caroline Klosterkamper, of Ripley county. There were several children who died in infancy. In the early days when they were getting a start in the world they lived in a log cabin and could look through the cracks in the roof, and in the winter time it was not unusual for the family to find their beds covered with snow. Subsequently, a large brick house was built on the farm, and it is in this house that Herman H., a son, now lives. Bernard Henry Blankman passed away in 1896, and ten years later, in 1906, his beloved wife, who had been associated with him during all his trials and struggles, also passed away.

Henry Blankman lived at home with his parents until his marriage, and for three years afterwards lived on the farm owned by his father-in-law, Bernard Goldschmidt, and at the end of that period he purchased forty acres of land for four hundred and fifty dollars, and since 1879, when this land came into his possession, he has prospered year by year, until he is now recognized as one of the substantial farmers of Marion township.

On April 15, 1875, Henry Blankman was married to Mary Goldschmidt, the daughter of Bernard and Elizabeth Goldschmidt, who was born in 1857 in Cincinnati, and who came with her parents subsequently to a farm near Millhousen in Decatur county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Blankman have been born nine children, as follow: Bernard, Edward, Frank, August, William, John, Theodore, Josephine and Clara. Of these children, Bernard, who was educated in the public schools of Decatur county, taught school for twelve years, and in the fall of 1914 was elected surveyor of Decatur county. He married Mary Hardebeck, and they have four children, Cyril, Paul, Alvin and Lama. Edward lives in the state of Minnesota. Frank, also a farmer in the state of Minnesota, married Carrie Knight, of Cincinnati, and they have six children, Frank, Edward, Jacob, Henry, Marie and Robert. August and William also are farmers in Minnesota. John and Theodore live at home. Mrs. Josephine Ruhl lives in Marion township, and Mrs. Clara Vaske lives in Minnesota, and has one child, Angela, named for her grandmother, Mrs. Mary Angela (Lucken) Blankman.

Although Henry Blankman has always been an enthusiastic and ardent Democrat, he has never been an office seeker. The only position of official trust he has ever held, being a local office. He served for four years as a member of the township advisory board. The Blankman family are all members of St. Mary's Catholic church. Mr. Blankman is one of the substantial contributors to the support of this church.

Henry Blankman, who has lived in this part of Decatur county for a period of thirty-six years, is well known to the people. He is regarded as one of the best citizens and one of its most skillful farmers, and one of its most genial and companionable men, a man of sturdy and fixed determination, who is self-made in every particular. Here in Marion township the Blankman framily enjoy the confidence and esteem of all who know them.

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

Simeon H. Kennedy was born on August 3, 1867, in Greensburg, the son of James and Charlotte (Jones) Kennedy, the former of whom was born on October 12, 1837, and died on March 25, 1910, and the latter of whom was born on October 29, 1844, and is still living in Johnson City with her son, Dr. Wilbur T. She is a daughter of Simpson and Jane (Remy) Jones, the Remys and Joneses having been early settlers of Bartholomew county.

The grandfather of Simeon H. Kennedy was Samuel Kennedy, who emigrated to Franklin county, Indiana, about 1835, and to Decatur county, Indiana, about 1847, settling ten miles west of Greensburg in Clay township. Born in August, 1809, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he died on March 13, 1890. His first wife, Margaret, who was born in 1808, and died May 28, 1852, was the mother of the following children: John, born on January 15, 1833, died October 3, 1855; William, January 19, 1834, died July 24, 1913; George, April 3, 1836, in Indiana, died April 28, 1865; James, the father of Simeon H., October 12, 1837, died, March 25, 1910; Samuel, June 15, 1840, died, October 30, 1855; Mrs. Nancy Braden, 1842; Sarah, June, 1844, died, September 18, 1849. Samuel Kennedy's second wife was Sarah A. Kennedy, who bore him four children, namely: C. B., who was born on May 2, 1854, and died, November 22, 1898; an infant son, on December 20, 1855, and died January 11, 1856; Mrs. Mary Eward and Anna, who was born in 1862.

James Kennedy, who had lived ht home with his father until the breaking out of the Civil War, enlisted as a Union soldier in Company H, Fiftieth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, in 1862, and was commissioned a second lieutenant. After his return home he was married, January 21, 1864, to Charlotte Jones, who bore him five children. Of these children, Carrie E. married Charles Evans, and they reside in Greensburg. Mr. Evans was one g of the first rural mail carriers in Decatur county, and was born in October, 1864. Simeon H. is the subject of this sketch; Lewis W., who was born in 1870, died in 1890; Samuel E. died in infancy; Dr. Wilbur T., who was born in 1877, is a practicing physician at Johnson City, Tennessee.

Some fourteen years before his death the late James Kennedy removed to Lafayette, Indiana, where he died. At the time of his death he had been a member of the Masonic lodge a little more than fifty years. He joined the Improved Order of Red Men during the early seventies, and about that time became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. At the time of his death he was a member of Milford Lodge No. 94, Free and Accepted Masons. In the winter of 1850 he joined the Methodist Episcopal church at Center Grove, and after removing to Lafayette affiliated with the Trinity church of that city.

Simeon H. Kennedy who started to school in Decatur county, Indiana, was brought by his parents to Marion township, in 1872, and here educated. In 1885 at the age of eighteen he rented his father's farm and now owns the farm. He has added to this original tract from time to time until he now owns two hundred and twenty acres of very fine farming land, raising on an average fifty acres of corn, and twenty acres of wheat. He also has seven acres of alfalfa, and raises a large number of hogs and cattle every year.

On July 2, 1890, Sirneon H. Kennedy was married to Clara Talbot, who was born in Greensburg, March 28, 1865, and who was the daughter of Henry Howard and Anna (Leffler) Talbot. Mrs. Kennedy died on January 5, 1909, after having reared two daughters: Mabel, who was born on April 19, 1891, married Harry Bainbridge, and they reside one mile west of Greensburg, and have one child, Robert Kennedy, born on March 26, 1915; and Helen, who lives at home with her father, was born on December 31, 1893.

Republican in politics, the only office Mr. Kennedy has ever held was that of one of the members of the township advisory board of Marion township. Nevertheless, he is a man whose counsel is sought in political matters, and who is influential in his neighborhood. Having joined the Methodist Episcopal church when he was a young man, he has been a loyal and devout member of this church all his life. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Greensburg.

During his long and useful life Simeon H. Kennedy has been a worthy citizen of this county, and has enjoyed an honorable career as a farmer and citizen, respected by the people of Marion township, where he is widely known. With earnest and sincere purpose he sought always to live worthily, and do his duty each day as it seemed to him it ought to be done.

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