History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

William Yount, merchant, Harveysburg, is a son of Rudolph and Susan (Williams) Yount, both natives of Germany. They settled in North Carolina, and died there, he when William, was eight years old, and she in three years afterward. William was then raised by his grandmother and uncle, being bound out till twenty-one years old. He worked his time out, and on June 7,1834, was married to Rebecca Sowers, daughter of Valentine and Mary Sowers. She was born in Davidson connty, North Carolina, October 12, 1813. Mr. Yount farmed in North Carolina, and in 1839 he moved to Fountain connty, Indiana, and settled near Jacksonville, where he rented for several years. He afterward bought forty acres, sold, then rented in Parke county till 1851, and then engaged in saw-milling and wool-carding, at which he had worked somewhat in his boyhood days. He followed this for six years, being very successful. He built a $1,200 store-building in Jacksonville, and embarked in business, but met with reverses, and in 1858 moved to Harveysburg. He bought the Harvey steam saw-mill of Murphey Lewis et al., which he controlled till 1865. He then sold and removed to Hatfields mills, in which he worked for five years as a day laborer. Having been a faithful workman, his employer, a solid democrat, proposed to secure his nomination for connty recorder, which he did, and Mr. Yount was elected on the democratic ticket. He filled this office eight years. Upon retiring he was elected councilman in Covington. He has been many times inspector of elections, and was justice of the peace four years in Harveysburg. He cast his first vote for Van Buren, and has stood by the democracy ever since. January 27, 1879, Mr. Yount lost his wife. She left eight children, three girls and five boys. Three of the boys, Matthias B., William F. and Obediah L., served in the civil war; all returned. Mr. Yount was next married, in the latter part of 1879, to Mary G. McIntyre. She was born in Ohio; her father came to America from Scotland, and served in the war of 1812, and her mother dame from England when ten years of age. Mrs. Yount is a member of the Christian church, and Mr. Yount is a Mason. He is now engaged in the hardware trade in Harveysburg.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Charles Hadley, farmer, Harveysburg, is a son of William and Achsa (Osborn) Hadley. William Hadley was born January 6, 1809, in North Carolina, and came to Orange county and there married Achsa Osborn. In 1847 they moved to Fountain county, Indiana, and bought land where he lives. They have had nine children, fonr of whom are living: Charles, Mrs. Martha E. Atkinson, Joseph E. and Melton. Alvin served six months in the civil war, and died August 16, 1878. He was a member of Co. H, 150th Ind. Vols. Others deceased are Miles W., Elvit M. and two infants. Mr. and Mrs. Hadley are members of the Society of Friends. Charles Hadley, son of the above, was born June 27, 1845, in Orange county, Indiana. His life has been mostly spent on the farm. He received a common school education, and he has taught for many years during the winter seasons. Leaving his school he enlisted for the civil war in February, 1864, and served under Gen. Hancock, in the last campaign. He returned to the farm, and March 3, 1870, was married to Martha Atkinson, daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Lindley) Atkinson. She was born in Parke county, Indiana, September 29, 1848. Her parents came from North Carolina, after marriage they bought eighty acres of land, and have since added sixty acres. His farm is well drained with tile, and produced in 1880, a year of short crops, as high as serenty bushels per acre. He has also improved his farm with good buildings. During late years he has dealt largely in the fur trade. Mr. and Mrs. Hadley have four children. He is a strong republican.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

J. M. Cory, merchant, Harveysburg, was born September 1, 1847, in Mill Creek township, Fountain county, Indiana, and is a son of Silas H. and Catharine (Norris) Cory. He farmed till twenty-one years of age, then followed carpentering some years. In 1878 he engaged in the drug business. He carries a stock of about $2,200, in drugs, tobaccos, etc, and does an annual bnsiness of about $5,000. Mr. Cory was married September 28, 1871, to Ella Misener, daughter of Theron and Susan Misener. She was born in Fountain county, August 15, 1854. They have two children, Katy and Claude. Mr. Cory is an Odd-Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. Politically he used to a republican, but of late years he has been allied with the national greenback labor party.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Amariah Elwell, farmer, Harveysburg, is an old settler of Fountain county. His father, John Elwell, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother, Ann (Deneen) Elwell, of Ohio. They were married in Butler county, Ohio, and moved to Union county, Indiana. In 1831 they emigrated to Fountain county and settled in Mill Creek township, where Mr. Elwell entered a half-section of land. He built a cabin, 18x40, double, and in this himself, wife and eleven children, James, Betsy, Lucinda, Elija, Lourana, Amariah, Margaret, John, Abby A., Alexander, and Hiram, wintered and lived for years. Mr. and Mrs. Elwell moved to Illinois, where both died. They were pioneer members of the United Brethren church. He was an democrat, but now a republican. He served two months in the Indian war. He was a strong, robust man, and a great worker. Amariah, son of John and Ann Elwell, was born June 16, 1822, in Union county, Indiana. His schooling was acquired under pioneer circumstances and advantages. He became physically well developed as he cleared and grubbed and tilled the farm. He has spent his life since eight years old on the farm his father entered, and now owns 160 acres of it. He has added till he owns 520 acres, a frame house, 20x40, two stories, with L 18 x 18, the results of hard work and economy. He used to be a democrat, but is now a thorough republican. Mr. Elwell was married in 1847, to Caroline Signs, daughter of Joseph and Mary Signs, old settlers here. She was born in Ross connty, Ohio, January 6, 1828. She was a member of the United Brethren church. She died May 25, 1871, leaving nine children: Melissa, Mary A., Sylvester, John, James, Melinda, Amanda C., Julia, and Grant. Mr. Elwell was next married to Florina Bonebrake, daughter of William Yount, of Harveysburg. She is a native of Parke county, born in 1845; one child, Maud, in the second family. Mr. and Mrs. Elwell are connected with the United Brethren church.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

S. H. Elwell, farmer, Harveysbnrg, was born October 12, 1849, in Fountain county, Indiana, and is a son of Amariah Elwell. He received a common school education, and taught for six years, farming between terms. He was married June 3, 1869, to Martha E. Walton, daughter of D. R. Walton. She is a native of Parke county. After marriage they settled where they now live. They own eighty acres in their home place, and eighty acres in Kansas. Thev have four children. In 1880 Mr. Elwell was elected township trustee, and has succeeded in obtaining a better attendance in schools than usual. He is a thorough republican.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

James Watts, farmer, Harveysburg, was born October 18, 1824, in Scioto connty, Ohio, and is a son of David and Sarah (Backus) Watts, both Pennsylvanians, who moved to Montgomery county about 1830, and settled two miles east of Waveland, and five years afterward to Parke county, and in 1874 to Fulton township, Fountain county, where he died in November 1876, having survived his wife about four weeks. He entered and cleared eighty acres in Parke county. He was a warm democrat. He had five boys and five girls, seven of whom are living, three in Fountain county. James Watts lived at home till of age. He then worked out at $8 per month, and was married to Margaret A. Sowers, who was born in North Carolina December 24, 1826, and whose parents. when she was eleven years old, moved to Fountain county, Indiana. After marriage Mr. Watts lived two years in Parke county, and in 1850 moved to Fountain county, where he bought forty acres of land, thickly covered with woods, paying for it $100. The log house he first lived in here he now uses for a hog-pen. He already owned forty acres, which he had entered but not improved. This he sold for $60 before buying the above tract. He settled in the dense woods and added till he owned 320 acres, a part of which he has deeded away. He has a good farm, well improved, the result of his continual labor and economy. He is a cooper by trade, and has worked at this many a night till late hours. They have three children living and three dead: Melissa A. (deceased) ; David A., born January 8, 1858, in Fountain connty, and married to Mary E. Ewbank, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Ewbank (she was born in Parke county, Indiana October 24, 1858); Solomon V. (deceased), Mary C. (now Mrs. L Bowsher), and Susan V. (at home). Mr. Watts furnished a substitute for the civil war. He was a whig till 1856, and a democrat since. He and wife are christians, and he and son David A. are Masons.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

William D. Parret, farmer and Methodist minister, Steam Corner, was born April 28, 1813, in Fayette county, Ohio. It seems that Frederick Parret came fiom Germany to America in 1744, and the grandfather of William D. fought in the revolution, enlisting at the age of seventeen years. He was a nephew of Daniel Boone, and spent some time with Boone in Kentucky. He also served in the war of 1813, and fought at Tippecanoe. He lived in Virginia, and raised a family. He then moved to Ohio, where the Parrets are noted for what they have done toward the development of Ross and Fayette counties. There he died. In his family was a son named Joseph, the father of the subject of this sketch. He, too, served in the war of 1812. He was born and raised in Pendleton connty, Virginia, as was also his wife, Mary (Waibright) Parret. In 1836 they moved from Ohio to Whitley connty, Indiana, and there died. William D. was married in Ohio to Mary Rush, of Fayette county, and moved with his parents to Indiana. He next moved to Huntington county, and in 1850 made his home in Fountain county, where he bought 134 acres of land. He has improved this and added eighty acres. His wife died July 15, 1854. She was born July 7, 1813 ; was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the mother of nine children, seven of whom are living. Mr. Parret was next married to Caroline L., daughter of James and Mary B. (Job) Crothers. She was born in Fayette connty, Ohio, May 10, 1821. Her father was a native of Ireland, and a captain in the war of 1812, also associate judge and a representative some time. Her mother was born in Baltimore. Her grandfather, Morris Job, served in the revolutionary war. Mr. Parret has labored in the Methodiet ministry many years, as an exhorter twenty years, and as a local preacher fourteen years. He aided in carrying the gospel westward to the Wabash and beyond. He was also township trustee under the old law, and justice of the peace for eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Parret have had nine children: Ellen, Hinton, Priscilla, William, Wesley (deceased), Andrew, Lorenzo, Nelson, and Catharine (deceased). Hinton and William enlisted in Co. C, 63d Ind. Vols., and fought three years for their country. They were with Sherman. The Parrets have always been a patriotic and liberty-loving people.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Moses Bales, farmer, Harveysburg, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 2, 1813. His parents, Moses and Isabella (Wallace) Bales, were natives of Pennsylvania, and his grandfather, Abraham Bales, was an Englishman, and emigrated to America; settling in Pennsylvania. Moses, the father of the subject of the sketch, was a Quaker, and when requested to fight in the war of 1812 took the gun offered him, and placing it in the fork of a tree broke it in twain, indicative of his position regarding war. He and wife died in Pennsylvania. At their death they were connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. In their family are eight children, all well fixed in the world. Moses Jr., being deprived of his mother at the age of eleven years, left home to fight the world's battles alone. He worked two years at blacksmithing, but this proved too severe for his physique. He then spent three years as a hatter in Gettysburg, then that of plasterer, which he followed about forty years, working the first two years in Harrisburg. In 1833, with $11 in pocket and prond of his wealth, he started west, walking over the Alleghany mountains. On the west side of the mountains he took stage for Pittsburgh, and then in August boarding a boat and laying his knapsack on the floor for a pillow, laid himself down to rest, and sailed to Cincinnati. From there he went to Dayton, then Xenia, where he remained two years, then married Julia Ann Bales (if any relative very distant), and settled in Greene county, Ohio, and remained twenty-three years. In 1844 he moved to Linn county, Iowa, and back to Greene county, where he stayed six years longer. He next lived one year and a half in Illinois, and in 1853 moved to Fountain county, Indiana, and settled in Mill Creek township, where he bought 160 acres of land and added till he owned 404 acres. He sold a part of this and went to Ottawa county, Missouri, six months, then Iowa eighteen months, and back to his present home. He now owns 263 acres. He received but little education, yet has, by hard work and good management, done well in life. Mr. Bales is a Mason and Knight of Pythias. He used to be a whig, but for many years has been a republican. Mr. and Mrs. Bales are members of the Methodist Episcopal chnrch. They have had fourteen children: John, William H., Elizabeth A. and Emma A. (deceased); and Phebe J., Isabella, Hiram, Edward, Samuel, Elisha J., Jonathan, Wesley, Harvey, and James W., living. Hiram served nine months in the civil war, in Co. I, 40th Ind., and was in the battles of Spring Hill, Columbus, Franklin, Nashville, etc. Edward served one year in Co. I, 3lst Ind. Elisha J., Jonathan, and Wesley, now own a silver mine in New Mexico, where they are mining.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Capt. Prior Cates, tile manufacturer, Harveysburg, was born June 7, 1838, in Orange county, Indiana, and is a son of Joshua and Martha J. (Phillips) Cates, both natives of North Carolina. They moved from Orange to Fountain county, Indiana, in 1853, and settled in Fulton township, where they own 120 acres of land. They have seven children living. Prior lived on the farm till the civil war broke out. He was married in 1860 to Martha J. Lindley, daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth Lindley. She is a native of Fountain county, Indiana. Mr. Cates enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. H, 63d Ind. Vols., and did thirty-five months of solid service. When the company was organized he was elected orderly sergeant, and in one month was promoted to second lieutenant, and in abont one year to first lieutenant, and later to the captain of his company. He was engaged at Franklin and Nashville, and many other battles. During the Atlanta campaign he spent sixty days at home sick, but rejoined his company at Altoona mountains and served till June 25, 1865, when he was discharged at Greensboro, North Carolina. He then returned to his family and resumed farming. In 1880 he engaged in the manufacture of tile drain at Harveysburg. He is prominent in the lodges of Masons and Odd-Fellows, and has been a Knight of Pythias. He was a republican, but is now a supporter of the national greenback labor party.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

F. M. Hawkins, merchant, Harveysburg, was born December 14, 1854, in ,Mill Creek township, Fountain county, Indiana. His father, Alvin Hawkins, was a native of Virginia, and came with his parents to Mill Creek township about 1840. His mother, Nancy A. (Teegarden) Hawkins, was born in Ohio, and likewise emigrated when young with her parents, to Fountain county, but lived in Wabash township. They were here married, the issue of which union was two children, F. M. and Rusella J. Mr. Hawkins was a strong republican, and his wife was a member of the United Brethren church. F. M. Hawkins was left fatherless when seven years old, and an orphan at the age of twelve years. His youth was spent on a farm and partly behind the counter. He lived four years with Hon. Andrew Marshall, then clerked four years for George W. Boyd, in Harveysburg. Having accumulated a little money he invested about $150 in goods, and began business for himself in 1873. To show his success we have but to refer to his present business. He now owns his store-room, 20x50, two stories, with an addition 30x48, also dwelling. He carries a stock of about $5,000, with annual sales of about $25,000. He also owns forty acres of land, heired. He keeps a general stock of goods, and employs two clerks. Mr. Hawkins was married August 13, 1876, to Luella Bailey, daughter of Thomas J. and Susan Bailey. She was born in Fountain connty. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins are members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Hawkins is an Odd-Fellow and a republican. In 1880 he was census enumerator. They have three children: Charles E., Estel P. and James A.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Jacob Ewbank, farmer, Harveysburg, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, and is a son of L. L. and Polly (Blasdel) Ewbank. His father came from England, and in 1838 moved to Parke county, Indiana, where he buried his wife in the following year, and died himself in 1857, having been a second time married. Both were members of the Methodist church. He was a whig in politics. He had ten children in his first family and four in his second family. Jacob Ewbank made his home at his father's till his marriage, which took place November 2, 1856, to Elizabeth Ratcliff, daughter of John and Mary Ratcliff, early settlers of Parke county. In 1855 Mr. Ewbank bought 128 acres in Fountain county, Mill Creek township, and lived on this two years after marriage. He then sold and moved to Parke county. In 1861 he moved back to Fountain county, buying 120 acres. He has added till he owns 280 acres. He began in the woods, and has made great changes in his farm. In 1878 he built a brick house, 36x40, two stories high, at a cost of about $3,000. His farm is well stocked. Politically, Mr. Ewbank was a whig, then a republican, and in 1876 espoused the greenback doctrine, voting for Peter Cooper. He served as justice of the peace four years. His brothers, L. C., Martin, and George, served from two to three years in the civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Ewbank are members of the Christian church. They have six children living and two dead. He is a member of Wallace Masonic Lodge. Mr. Ewbank is a successful farmer, and owes his success to his own efforts.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Alexander Bingham, farmer, Steam Corner, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, June 8, 1822. His father, William Bingham, emigrated from Ireland in 1814, to New York, then Kentucky. He made a trip to New Orleans and walked back to Kentucky. There he married Nancy Hawkins. In 1829 they moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, settling three miles north of Waynetown, where he bought eighty acres of land. He was a school-teacher, which business he mostly followed. He died October 30, 1843. His wife died July 4, 1833. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had several children, of whom three are living. Alexander received a very limited education. In 1838 he was apprenticed to learn the cabinet trade, and served two years. He then went to Kentucky, where he followed his trade three years. In 1843 he returned to Indiana and followed his trade. He attended school in the winter of 1846-7, at Pleasant Hill. July 19, 1847 Mr. Bingham was married to Catharine Crane, daughter of Silas and Ruth (Sayers) Crane. She was born in Butler county, Ohio, February 2, 1831. After marriage he settled at Pleasant Hill and remained till 1851, when he located at Waynetown and sold goods. Meeting with reverses, he again followed his trade, mostly carpentering. In 1856 he came into Fountain county to raise a house for one McKnight, making his home with Peter Murphey. October 21, 1856, his wife died, leaving two children, William W. and Caroline A. She was a Methodist, and is buried at Pleasant Hill. Mr. Bingham bought eighty acres of land in Mill Creek township. In 1857, May 14, he was married to Jane Savage, daughter of Alanson Savage. She was born in Sandnsky county, Ohio, November 23, 1835, and died Angust 9, 1867. After his second marriage he settled his farm. This he sold and bought 120 acres where he lives. This he improved. In 1869 he was burned out, but immediately rebuilt. In his second family were two children, George F. and James. Mr. Bingham was next married to Hester J. (Crane) Pond, April 9, 1869. She was born in Fountain county, Indiana, August 21, 1845. She has one child, William C. Pond. Mr. Bingham added to his farm till he owned 254 acres, the result of his own toil and good management. He used to be a democrat, but became a charter member of the republican party, and is still radical. In 1876 he was the nominee for representative, but was beaten by the combined democratic and greenback vote. He has experienced all the haps and mishaps incident to a career from poverty to reasonable success.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Joseph Lindley, farmer, Harveysburg, was born in Orange county, North Carolina, January 14, 1811, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Thompson) Lindley, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. Lindley's parents moved to Parke county, Indiana about 1838, where his mother died. His father died in Fountain county. Joseph Lindley was married in North Carolina, in 1835, to Nancy Lewis. She was born in Chatham county, of that state, November 4, 1813, and is a daughter of John and Cyntha (Baldwin) Lewis, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia. In a company of abont sixty persons, and six wagons, Mr. and Mrs. Lindley started from their home in a one-horse wagon or cart, and their all of this world's goods. Some of the company dropped out along the way, but the Lindleys pushed on to Sugar Creek township, Parke county, Indiana, in 1838, where they lived eight years, then moved to Fountain county and leased a farm near Harveysburg till 1852. At that time they bought eighty acres in Sec. 32 and settled it, and here they live yet, but with very different surroundings. They now have ninety acres. Mr. Lindley used to be a whig, but hating slavery and its supporters he became a republican. Mr. and Mrs. Lindley are members af the Christian church. They have eight ehildren: John W., Emeline (now Mrs. Solomon Sowers), Lucinda E. (now Mrs. Michael Watts), Elizabeth (now Mrs. Andrew Sowers), William Manley, Erven, and James A. James A., in 1873, attended Waveland Academy, and began teaching. He then entered Northern Indiana Normal at Valparaiso, from which he graduated in 1880, receiving the degree of "Bachelor of Science." He is a leading teacher in the township in which he lives.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Elisha Pithoud, farmer, Harveysburg, was born July 4, 1833, in Sugar Creek township, Parke county, Indiana, whither his parents, Francis and Catharine (Moore) Pithond, natives of Scioto county, Ohio, had emigrated about 1830, and who in 1857 moved to Fountain county, bought 200 acres of land, and died, he August 4, 1859, and she in September following. He was a strong democrat, and contended for his party till his death. He was trustee of Sugar Creek township several times. Elisha lived at home till of age. He then worked out by the month till he was able to buy a piece of ground. His father then gave him forty acres, and with this as a beginning he added till he owns 340 acres, 110 acres in Parke county and 230 acres in Fountain county, with good buildings and well stocked. Mr. Pithoud has been a life-long democrat. He was married January 3, 1858, to Margaret Ratcliff, daughter of William and Margaret (Wilkison) Ratcliff. She was born in Parke county, June 24, 1839. Her parents emigrated from Ohio to Parke county early. Mr. Pithoud is a Mason and an Odd-Fellow. He and wife are members of the Christian or New Light church. They have eight children: Juliett, Marilda A., Hannah J., Margaret O., Delphina, Amie J., Delsie O., and Lemuel E.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

James H. Briggs, carpenter, Harveysburg, was born June 6, 1833, in Wake county, North Carolina, but was raised in Orange county. His parents were natives of North Carolina. His father, James Briggs, was an overseer, and was accidentally killed by being thrown from a horse against a tree when James was but two months old. His mother, Nancy (Hunter) Briggs, moved to Parke county, Indiana, in 1851, and there James farmed near Rockville. In 1857 they located in Harveysburg, Fountain county, where James E. fo1lowed carpentering for two years, then farmed till 1868. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 63d Ind. Vols, under Col. Williams, and was appointed corperal. He participated in the battle of Resaca and engagements to Jonesboro. He then came back to Tennessee and fought at Franklin and Nashville, then Fort Fisher and Fort Annison, and was at Raleigh at the time of the surrender. Mr. Briggs then aided in taking charge of the arsenal at Greensboro, and July 4, 1865, was mustered out at Indianapolis. His company never participated in any engagement without his presence. Mr. Briggs then farmed four years, since then following his trade most of the time. He spent two years as a clerk, was assessor of Fulton township for four years since the war, and constable two terms. He was a republican till 1876, when he espoused the independent principles. He is a Mason, an Odd-Fellow, and a Knight of Pythias. Mr. Briggs was married in 1859, to Sarah Cory, daughter of Silas H. and Catharine Cory. She was born in Mill Creek township, Fountain county, Indiana, March 19, 1840. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Briggs buried his mother in 1879, her death occurring March 15. She was a member of the United Brethren church.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

C. M. Spencer, merchant and cabinet-maker, Harveysburg, is a son of J. W. and Irene (Didrick) Spencer, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of New York. They came to Ohio, and then to Danville, Indiana, where they were married. They afterward located at Cincinnati, where he followed his trade as a cabinet-maker. They then, at different times, lived in Fayette county, Indiana, Knightstown, Raysville, Danville, Annapolis, and then moved, in 1857, to Harveysburg, when the site of the town was mostly woods. Here he followed his trade, and in 1810 went to their home at Saybrook, Illinois. In their family are nine children, six boys and three girls. Three of the boys worked in the shop with him. C. M. Spencer was born June 16, 1842, in Worthington, Ohio. At the age of twelve years, on his twelfth birthday, he entered the shop of his father to learn the trade, and has followed it ever since, with the exception of six months he attended school and the time spent in the army. August 20, 1861, he enlisted in. Co. A, 31st Ind. Vols., under Col. Charles Craft. He served thirty-seven months, fighting at Donelson, Shiloh, Perrysville, and Stone River, and was then transferred to the 3d battalion pioneers, 4th Army Corps, under Gen. St. Clair Morgan, and was engaged in all kinds of army mechanical work. During his service he was never sick or hurt. He was mustered out at Louisville September 15, 1864, and returned to Harveysburg. He has since continued his trade and opened a furniture store, and is also undertaker of this section of country. Politically Mr. Spencer was a democrat till 1873, when he became a liberal, and later a national. He is an Odd-Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. Mr. Spencer was married January 1, 1865, to Sylvina J. Sowers, daughter of Alfred and Margaret M. Sowers. She was born in Fountain county, Indiana, her people coming from North Carolina at a very early day. Mrs. Spencer is a Methodist. They have four children living and three deceased.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Tobias M. Bonebrake, farmer, Harveysburg, was born in Preble county, Ohio, and is a son of Adam Bonebrake, a native of Pennsylvania, a hero of the war of 1812, and who came with his family and brothers and settled in Van Buren township, at what is known as Bonebrake Corner. There were Adam, David, Jacob, and George Bonebrake, and perhaps John. Adam and wife died there. There were ten children in their family: Jesse, Henry (deceased), Adam (deceased), Peter, John, and Tobias; then the girls were Mary, Christina (deceased), Phebe (deceased), Betsy (deceased), and last Margaret, by his second wife. Tobias lived with his parents till marriage to Orpha C. Waynack, a native of North Carolina, and who came with her parents to Parke county, Indiana, at the age of sixteen years. She was an excellent manager and good christian woman. Mr. and Mrs. Bonebrake settled in Mill Creek township, where he bought 120 acres of land, built a log cabin, and began work. They added till their farm numbered 340 acres. She died September 1, 1878, leaving a family of five boys and three girls: John M., Mary J., Adam W., Samuel S., Walker C. [Arminda (deceased), and Violinda, twins,], and Ira L. (deceased). Mrs. Bonebrake had done much toward the comfortable circumstances in which she left her family. Tobias Bonebrake is lately married (in June, 1880) to Eliza Fry. He and all his family are strong republicans. John M., son of Tobias and Orpha O. Bonebrake, was born June 20, 1846. He was married March 17, 1870, to Mary J. Myers, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Myers. She was born in Parke county, Indiana, September 18, 1850. Her father was born in North Carolina, and her mother in Kentucky, he February 9, 1812, and she September 13, 1883. After marriage they lived one year on the home-place, one year five miles farther east, six years in Parke county, and in 1877 they settled on their present farm. They have 100 acres of land, large house, etc. The farm is well tilled. Mr. and Mrs. Bonebrake are members of the United Brethren church. They have one child, Arletta. Mr. Bonebrakc has taught five years of his life. He is a republican.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

John P. Ephlin, shoemaker, Harveysburg, was born November 2, 1809, in Orange county, North Carolina, and is a son of Jamb and Catharine Ephlin, both natives of the same place. When John was twelve years old his parents moved to Tennessee and lived there seven years. When at Nashville he saw Gen. Lafayette. In 1831 the family moved to Parke county, Indiana, where the elder Ephlin died in 1844, aged fifty-seven years. His wife survived him till 1875, aged seventy-three years. He was a hatter by trade, and in politics a democrat and whig. His father served in the revolution and spent his last days in Parke county, Indiana. John P. Ephlin was a farmer in his younger years. While in Tennessee he was fifer in the home militia. He was married in 1832 to Polly Shaw, who was born in Tennessee in 1805. In 1833 Mr. Ephlin followed his parents to Parke county, Indiana. About 1834 Mr. Ephlin began his trade, which he continues. Also about that time he united with the United Brethren church and turned his thoughts to the ministry. In that year he was licensed to preach by the Upper Wabash conference, and ordained two years after by Bishop Kumler. He labored on Clinton and Concord circuit one year each. He then quit the itinerancy and located at Annapolis, preaching wherever called and working at his trade. In 1860 he removed to Harveysburg, and while here has preached in every school-house and nearly every dwelling in Mill Creek township, taking hundreds into the church. He has married 475 couples, and is specially sought for such business. He was postmaster of Harveysburg two years. He is a whole-souled republican. His wife is a member of the United Brethren church. They have had three children: Alons and Margaret (deceased), and William. The last served as fifer nearly four years in the civil war, in the 63d Ind. reg.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Thomas J. Durman, merchant, Harveysburg, was born September 17, 1840, in Fayette county, Indiana, and is a son of Harvey and Mary (Moore) Durman, both natives of Virginia. His father and mother live in Harveysburg. Both are members of the Methodist church. Thomas' grandfather Durman served under Harrison in the war of 1812. Thomas J. spent his youth on the farm. He received but a limited education, yet is a good business man. Be enlisted in Co. H, 21st Ind. Vols., under Col. Keith. He fought in the battles of Baton Rouge, Donaldsonville, Gun Boat Cotton, Port Hudson, Sabine Pass, and smaller battles. After three years' service he returned home and resumed his farm labor till 1865. At that time he embarked in business at Russell's Mills two years, then moved to Harveysburg, where he opened a store, and still does a large trade. He now carries a stock of about $14,000, with annual sales of from $25,000 to $30,000, his stock comprising dry goods, clothing, groceries, etc. Mr. Durman is solidly republican, and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was married May 21, 1867, to Melinda P. Thompson, daughter of Israel and Elizabeth Thompson, old settlers of Parke connty, but now of Harveysburg. Mrs. Durman was born in 1843. They have two children dead and three living. Mr. and Mrs. Durman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

P. V. Hockett, lawyer and farmer, Harveysburg, was born January 20, 1827, in Chatham county, North Carolina. His parents, Dr. Samuel and Edith (Vestal) Hockett, were natives of North Carolina, and of Scotch-Irish descent. In 1832 they moved to Morgan county, Indiana, and there, in 1838, she died. Dr. Samuel Hockett was a graduate of the Medical University of Pennsylvania, and practiced medicine till he became tired of it, then gave his time to the farm. He was an old-line whig, then republican, and in 1878 he voted the greenback ticket. He came to Fountain county in 1870, and made his home with his son, P. V., where he died December 12, 1878, aged eighty-two years. There were seven children grown, three girls and four boys. P. V. Hockett left home at the age of seventeen, and spent one summer at school in Richmond, and one session in Mooresville. He then apprenticed himself to Calvin Newlin, in Parke county, two years, for $100 and clothe himself, to learn the tanners' trade. He then entered into partnership with his brother, Uriah, in the tanning business, which company lasted two years. He then bonght the tan-yard of Harlan Harvey, in Parke county, and after two or three years sold, and bought the saw-mill and eighty acres of land of Harlan Harvey, near where Harveysburg stands. He soon sold out, and bought a water-mill on Sugar creek, in Parke connty. This he sold, and then bought 240 acres, which is his present home, for $2,000. He now owns 440 acres in his home farm. In 1858 he opened a little store, with Dr. McNutt, in which they kept a general stock of goods. His business career closed about 1875, and he has confined himself to his farm and practice of law. For eight years he has been notary public, and has also been township assessor and secretary. He was a republican, but in 1874 he allied himself with the greenback party. He has been prominent in the Masonic, Odd-Fellows, and Knights of Pythias lodges; was W. M. in Harveysburg Lodge at its organization, and again in 1864, 1865, and 1868, and has held other offices. He was married February 28, 1848, to Cyntha Hobson, daughter of William and Ruth Hobson. She was born and raised in Parke county, Indiana.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Thomas J. Ratcliff, farmer, Harveysburg, was born January 13, 1842, in Parke connty, Indiana, and is a son of John and Mary (Clark) Ratcliff. His father is a North Carolinian, and his mother a Tennessean. They came to Parke county in a very early day, when single, with their parents, who settled in Sugar Creek township. There they married and raised their family. Mrs. Rateliff died July 14, 1858, leaving six children. Thomas J. spent his yonth in Parke connty, and there helped improve the farm. November 11, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 31st Ind. Vols., and served three years. He participated at Fort Donelson, Corinth, Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and then with Thomas to Franklin, and his time expiring he was mustered out in December 1864. He was activelv employed most of the time, and received a slight wound on the head. He has been a thorough republican all the time. Returning from the war he resumed farm duties. In 1868 he was married to Barbara A. Gray, daughter of Ralph and Jane Gray, a native of Parke county. After marriage they settled on 160 acres, which he owned, in Parke county. In 1874 they sold this and moved to Fountain county, where they own 327 acres, with good buildings, etc. They have two children living: Captola and Sedelia M. Mr. Ratcliff is a Mason, and he and wife are members of the Christian, or New Light, church.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

Joseph G. Lucas, merchant, Steam Corner, was born February 12, 1830, in Shelby county, Indiana, and is a son of Joseph G. and Sarah (Green) Lucas. His father is a native of London, England, and came directly to Indiana, and here married Sarah (Green) Jones, a native of Georgia. Joseph G. Jr. spent his youth on the farm and in his father's store. His education was limited to that derived in a log schoolhouse, still he studied even after a family was around him, and completed the third book in mathematics. When of age Mr. Lucas entered business for himself in Vermilion county, Illinois, and remained two years. He then entered partnership with his father in Hillsboro, since which time he has alternately clerked and done business for himself. In 1878 he located at Steam Corner. Here he keeps a general stock of goods, carrying a stock of from $3,500 to $5,000, with annual sales of about $10,000. Politically, Mr. Lucas has always been a democrat. He was postmaster at Osborn's Prairie Corner four years, and at Steam Corner two years. Mr. Lucas was married November 23, 1861, to Jane Sanford, daughter of William R. and Elizabeth (Threldkeld) Sanford. She was born in Kentucky March 18, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas are members of the Christian, or New Light, church. They have five children: Joseph W., Elizabeth C., Sarah G., Fannie M. and Willis S., all married but Willis. Mr. Lucas owns a farm in Vermilion county, Illinois, and his business here.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Mill Creek Township - Biographical

John Hathaway, farmer and stock raiser, Snoddy's Mills, is a son of Nimrod and Cynthia (Insley) Hathaway. Nimrod Hathaway was born in Circleville, Ohio, July 4, 1797, and was raised on a farm. When about fifteen years old he apprenticed himself to a tanner to learn the trade, his father having died when he (Nimrod) was young. Not far from 1825 he came to Fountain county, Indiana, and started a tannery, which he continued for about five years. This not paying him, he worked at anything he could get to do. He entered eighty acres of land, and added till he owned nearly 200 acres. He entered part of the land on which John now lives. He married in Ohio, but lost his wife before leaving there. He came to Indiana, bringing one son, Henry. Here he was married to Cynthia Insley, a native of South Carolina. They lived in a round-log cabin till three children were born to them. He then built a small one-story frame house, hewing most of the plank himself. In 1853 he erected a large frame building. He died in August 1868, after burying his second wife and marrying a third time. John Hathaway was born in a log cabin April 11, 1829. At the age of twenty-four he married Sarah J. Penner, who died in 1860, leaving one child, James Monroe. He was next married to Mrs. Mary J. Clifton, a native of Ohio. She was born in Ross county July 30, 1899, and moved with her parents, Cyrus and Mary (Raney) Clifton, to Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1831, and to Fountain county, Indiana, in 1845. Mrs. Hathaway had two children, Isabel and Isaac F. Furgeson, by her first husband. Mr. Hathaway has been the architect of his own fortune, has never moved but once, and then only three-quarters of a mile. His first eighty acres cost $1,000. He owns 385 acres, 11 acres of which he received from his father's estate. He has one child by his second marriage, Julia, now Mrs. Samuel Rhodes. Mrs. Hathaway has been a Baptist many years. Mr. Hathaway has been a thorough and lasting democrat.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Fulton Township - Biographical

Peter A. Guy, farmer, Snoddy's Mills, is a son of Robert and Nancy (Wood) Guy. Robert Guy was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, in 1799, and when twelve years old came with his parents to Ohio, then Washington county, Indiana. In 1828 he emigrated to Fountain county, Indiana. In a short time he bought land in Parke county, and lived a brief period; then returned to Fountain county, where he secured 200 acres of land. In 1866 he moved to Kansas, and there died in 1871. He was a democrat till 1844, then whig, then knownothing, and lastly republican and ultra in his views. He was a deacon in the Christian church. In his family were nine children, five of whom are living. Peter A., son of Robert, was born August 30, 1831, in the northern edge of Parke connty, Indiana, but was a mere babe when his father settled in Fountain county. His life has been given mostly to farm labor, having learned well his lessons of toil in pioneer times. He remained at home till twenty-one years old, then worked out or rented land. He was married March 27, 1866, to Mary, daughter of Prior and Nancy Cates. She was born in Orange county, Indiana, June 26,1840, and came with her parents to Fountain county when a girl. After marriage Mr. Guy settled on his present farm, buying an interest in 120 scres. With but little money with which to start in life he has accumulated till he owns 325 acres of land, mostly well improved. In polities Mr. Guy is democratic, and on that ticket, in 1878, was elected county commissioner. He has spent most of his life in Fountain county, and has cleared the larger part of his land. Mrs. Guy died April 22, 1880, leaving a family of two girls and three boys. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Fulton Township - Biographical

William Marshall, now of Butler county, Kansas, was born in North Carolina March 28, 1818, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hobson) Marshall, both natives of the same named state. Thomas Marshall died in North Carolina, and William came, with his mother, to Parke county, Indiana, in 1830, and there lived till twenty-three years of age. In 1841 he married Juretta McMasters, daughter of Andrew McMasters. She was born in North Carolina November 5, 1823, and came to Parke county about 1830. They settled in Mill Creek township, Fountain county, on eighty acres, which his guardian, Isaac Hobson, had entered for him. He built a log house, 18 x 20, which still is used, but remodeled, by his son Andrew. He cleared his land and added till he owned 320 acres. From 1865 to 1873 he lived on 160 acres, one half mile east of the homestead. In 1873 he moved to Eldorado, Kansas, where he is comfortably situated. While in Fountain county he was three times trustee of his township. He is a republican, and wife and self are members of the United Brethren church. They have eight children: Thomas, Andrew, Henry, Sarah, John A., Sylvester P., Mary E., William S., each of whom, when twenty-three years old, received $1,000 from parents. Andrew was born Jnne 29, 1843, on the homestead. When seventeen years old he began teaching. August 20, 1862, Mr. Marshall enlisted in Co. H, 63d Ind. Vols., under Col. McManomy, and afterward Col. I. N. Stiles and J. S. Williams. He fought at Rocky Face, Dalton, Resaca, and on to Atlanta, at Lost Mountain, Jonesboro, Decatur, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Anderson, Wilmington, Smithville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, and at the surrender of Johnston at Greensboro. He was mustered out at Indianapolis July 3, 1865, and returned to the farm, but continued teaching in winters for nine years. May 3, 1866, he was married to Melissa Elwell, daughter of Amariah and Caroline Elwell. She was born in Fountain county, Indiana, in 1847. They settled on eighty acres of the home-place, and now own twenty-four acres. They have five children. They are members of the United Brethren church. In politics Mr. Marshall is a prominent republican. He has been three times township trustee, notary public since 1877, and in 1880 was elected to the state legislature.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Fulton Township - Biographical