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

Elijah Earl, farmer, Attica, was born in Toledo county, Ohio, November 27, 1828. His parents were James and Mary E. (Adams) Earl, who removed from Ohio in 1831, and settled near La Fayette. His ancestry on his father's side was English, and on his mother's Scotch-Irish. His father was twice drafted in the last war with England, and served each time; and was near being at the surrender of Detroit. His regiment was on the way from Lower Sandusky when 200 were detached to garrison the place. He was of this number, and so escaped being present on that humiliating occasion. He bore a part in several skirmishes, and was in the army at the declaration of peace. He was a genial, happy man, who took unbounded delight in recounting his adventures and the incidents of his early history. While on the frontier he improved his opportunities to view the region of country now comprised in Seneca county, Ohio, and being greatly enamored of its generous natural advantages, went there in 1824 and made a home among the Indians. He was the first white settler in the county. As already stated, he removed in 1831 and settled near La Fayette, in this state. The subject of this sketch was married, February 14, 1856, to Miss Salome C. Crouse, who was born in Marion county, Indiana, August 18, 1836. He had lived until this time where his father did, but the present year moved to Warren county, living there two years, and then coming to Fountain, where he has since resided, in Davis township, on the E. 1/2 of S.E. 1/4 Sec. 12, T. 21, R. 7. Mrs. Earl's ancestors were German; her grandfather Crouse came from Saxony and settled in Indianapolis when there were but half a dozen houses in the place. She is the mother of fourteen children, two of whom are dead: Quincy A., Mary R., Victoria S., Jennie D., Morton Elwood, Robert Bruce (deceased), William Howard, Arthur C., Ethel G., Elijah J., Lydia M., Kate, Thomas M. (deceased), and Hermon. The parents hare been members of the Presbyterian church at Newtown since 1867. Mrs. Earl united with this denomination at Dayton, Ohio, in 1853; Mr. Earl became an Odd-Fellow in 1862. He owns 180 acres of choice land, including 30 acres of woodland. Mr. Earl himself does not cultivate his land but has it done. He is devoting his attention much of the time at present to the running of a steam thresher. He has held the office of justice of the peace of Davis township since 1861, and during this long period has had to assess but three fines. He is a republican in politics. Squire Earl is a natural mechanic. Though he never learned a trade, as they are commonly learned, he has worked several years on his own place at manufacturing. In the fall of 1860 he formed a partnership with Alexander Holmes for the manufacture of Brown's Corn-Planter. Holmes and his brother Andrew had the right of the state. They made these planters one year, then the firm dissolved, and Mr. Earl and Cyrus Ellis went together in the manufacture of riding corn-cultivators one year. The third year Mr. Earl carried on the business alone. Since that he has done some irregular mechanical labor, the most important of which has been the making of threshing-machines or separators, power wood-saws, and bee-hives.

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

James E. Page, railroad agent and postmaster, Independence Station, son of James H. and Ellen P. (Eldridge) Page, was born in Fairfield, Wayne county, Illinois, Febrnary 13, 1843. He received a fair English education at the select schools in La Fayette, and the Institute at Waveland. His father dying when he was an infant, his mother returned home to Mount Carmel, Illinois, where he lived till nine years old, when she married the Rev. Harvey S. Shaw, Methodist minister. She died at Monticello, White county, Indiana, May 14, 1858. Following this event he chose his uncle, Richard H. Eldridge, of La Fayette, his guardian, and lived with him and clerked in his drug store. In the fall of 1861 his uncle obtained a situation for him as hardware clerk in Terre Haute. While there he was enrolled, July 17, 1862, in Co. E, 71st Ind. Inf. This regiment, with eight others, fought a severe battle at Richmond, Kentucky, against 15,000 rebels under Gen. Kirby Smith, and was captured. This occurred August 30, 1862, and lasted thirteen hours. The men were paroled September 2. The 71st returned to Indiana, and when exchanged was sent into Kentucky to do guard duty on the Louisville & Nashville railroad. At Muldraugh's Hill, December 28, 1862, it was again captured, after holding out eight hours with 600 against 7,000 surrendered conditionally to Gen. John Morgan. He paroled the men, and they returned a second time to the state. The following winter and spring the command was organized into a cavalry regiment, and numbered the 6th. When, in 1863, Morgan made his incursion into this state, the 6th joined in the operations to oppose his crossing the Ohio, and to harass and capture him afterward. In September the regiment went to Camp Nelson via Lonisville. Companies E and K were detailed here to go to Knoxville, Tennessee, as an escort for a drove of cattle, and were there during the siege. Next spring the regiment assembled at Camp Nelson and were remounted. It moved south from here and joined Sherman near Dalton, Georgia, and was attached to Stoneman's command. When the latter went on his disastrous expedition to release the Union prisoners, a part of the 6th helped compose his force. Before the fall of the city the remnant, with which Mr. Page was connected, was sent back to guard the railroad between Chattanooga and Atlanta, and in September went to Nashville and was remounted. It moved thence to Pulaski, where a part of the Union forces were attacked by Forest, who, being defeated, was pursued by all the troops into Northern Alabama. The 6th proceeded to Dalton, Georgia, and was at that place when Hood began his invasion of Tennessee; it fell back leisurely to Nashville, and eas there throughout the siege. Mr. Page was mustered out at Pulaski, Tennessee, June 17, 1865, and was paid off and disbanded at Indisnapolis. After clerking a short time again in the same store he left in Terre Haute, he went to Carlinville, Illinois, and engaged in the hardware business, first in partnership with Harvey Finsley, and next Henry Eldred. He bought out the latter, and in 1867 made an assignment. He retnrned to La Fayette, and in 1868 came to Attica as a life-insurance agent, and at length was employed as a clerk and bookkeeper, first in a drug and afterward in a hardware store. In 1876 he came to Independence and took charge of the station, and in January, 1877, was appointed agent of the Wabash company. Next June he received the appointment also of postmaster. He was married December 25, 1866, to Miss Ellen Elizabeth C. McCormick, of La Fayette, who was born August 10, 1846. James Oliver, their son, was born June 27, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Page are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is a republican.

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

Henry Newlin, druggist, Wallace, was born in Davis township, this county, July 12, 1854, and was the only son of Dr. Joseph W. and Mary (Brant) Newlin. He received his education at the Attica high school, and was raised to the business of a druggist in Attica and Covington. He began business on his own account at Jacksonville on March 20, 1879. His marriage with Miss Phebe Myers, daughter of Elijah Myers, a native citizen of Jackson townsllip, was celebrated March 12, 1880. They have a little daughter named Mary. Mrs. Newlin is a member of the Lutheran church, and he is a democrat.

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

Dr. Joseph W. Newlin (deceased) was a native of Brown county, Ohio,and was descended from Pennsylvania Germans. He came with his parents to Montgomery county, in this state, and settled at Waynetown. He studied medicine there under Dr. S. J. Greene, and began to practice in the place, but not long afterward removed to Fountain county and made his residence in Davis township, on the farm now owned and occupied by John M. Washburn. He had already been twice married, first to Miss Johanna Calvert, who survived but a short time, and last to Miss Mary Brant, of Montgomery county. It was here that his two children, Henry and Ella, both by his second wife, were born. He received the appointment of postmaster in this place, and kept the Shawnee post-office at his house. This was discontinued when he moved to Attica about 1859. He had previously built up a very extensive and successful practice, and on his removal to Attica formed a partnership with Dr. Leyman, which continued till Dr. Newlin's death. In addition to this he went into the drug trade in company with J. O. Reid. Not long after that he engaged very extensively in the grain business at Independence station, and at length came to be known as one of the foremost bnsiness men of Fountain county. From 1864 to 1867 he was much of the time in New York city speculating in grain and gold, and in this made a considerable fortune. In 1864, while in New York, the democrats of Fountain county surprised him with the nomination for state senator. He was elected to that office, and served acceptably the full term of four years. It is a noteworthy fact that he was the last democratic senator who has represented this county. He died toward the close of 1868, at the age of forty-eight years, and his remains were deposited in Salem churchyard in Davis township. Mrs. Newlin was born in Kentucky, and moved with her parents to Indiana when she was three years old. In early life she was converted and joined the Methodist church, and was a faithful christian until her death. She died suddenly of heart disease in the summer of 1879, at the age of fifty-six years. She was found one morning dead upon the floor of her room. Her remains were laid in Wesley chapel with kindred dust.

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

William H. Spinning, farmer and stock raiser, Wallace, son of William and Eve (Herbaugh) Spinning, was born in Dayton, Ohio, January 7, 1842. In the spring following his parents removed to this state and settled in Covington, where Mr. Spinning's father died the next fall. The subject of this notice enlisted, in February, 1862, in Co. B, 63d Ind. Vols., and was at once promoted to sergeant in his company. He fought first at Bull1 Run, under Pope, in 1862, and in September succeeding this battle his regiment was sent home to be recruited. On Christmas the command left Indianapolis for Kentucky, where it did guard duty on the Louisville & Nashville railroad and the Lebanon branch until January 1, 1864. Leaving Lebanon, the regiment went to Camp Nelson, and from there to Knoxville, Tennessee, arriving in March. At that place it was attached to Manson's brigade of the 23d Army Corps. From Bull's Gap this brigade went to Wataga bridge, near the Virginia line, and made a complete destruction of the railroad and all the bridges back to Greenville, a distance of forty miles. With the rest of the corps it next went to join Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, and arrived at Buzzard Roost on the 4th of May. Mr. Spinning was in the battle at that place on the 9th. All his company were captured, but he and six of his comrades broke through the 54th Georgia regiment after dark, and all except Michael Nevel, who was killed, escaped. He fought next at Burnt Hickory, May 25; again on June 2 at New Hope Chnrch; on the 16th and 17th at Pine Mountain, and on the 27th was on the outskirts of the battle at Kenesaw Mountain, and did heavy skirmishing. July 8 he crossed the Chattahoochee river by wading with his command, which was the first to make the passage of that stream. He fought at Atlanta on the 22d when McPherson was killed, and again, on the 28th, was engaged all day on the Decatur road. In the battle of August 6, which followed the extension of Sherman's line to the right, he also bore a part, and then again at Rough and Ready, immediately preceding the fall of Atlanta. He participated in the subsequent operations against Hood, and fought at Columbia, Franklin, and Nashville. He went to North Carolina, where his corps formed a junction with Sherman's army at Goldsborough, and from there he marched to Raleigh, Richmond, and Washington city. He was mustered out at Indianapolis May 5, 1865, having served over three years, and seen as brilliant service as ever falls to the lot of a soldier. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Mosser was on September 17, 1865. She was born July 17, 1841. They have five children: Alva, Edgar, Ura, Guy, and Lizzie. Mrs. Spinning is a member of the Christian church. He has 180 acres of land lying just north of Jacksonville, worth $7,200. He has carried this on during the last fifteen years, but is at present giving his exclusive attention to its management and the raising of stock. After his marriage he engaged in harness-making six years, and in the fall of 1871 began selling drugs, and continued in this business also six years. He has been notary public twelve years; was postmaster six years; and from 1878 to 1880 was deputy sheriff of Fountain county. He belongs to the Odd-Fellows, is a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the Horse Company in this township. In politics a republican.

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

Elijah Clore, farmer and stock raiser, Alamo, Montgomery county, Indiana, was born in Boone county, Kentucky, October 28, 1827. He was the oldest son of Joel and Sarah (Rice) Clore. His grandparents and his parents emigrated together from Virginia to Kentucky prior to the last war with Great Britain. In the fall of 1828 Mr. Clore's parents came to Indiana, making the trip down the Ohio and up the Wabash in a keel-boat. Frederick Wineland and his family, and some others, were of the party. They disembarked at Montezuma, and the father of this subject settled in Brown township, in Montgomery county. After a residence of some thirteen years there he moved into Sugar Creek (now Howard) township, in Parke county. He was in the habit of flat-boating to New Orleans, and while at Lake Providence, Louisiana, on one of his trip, he was taken sick and died in that place. Mr. Clore was married September 13, 1849, to Miss Jane Deer, who was born in Brown township, Montgomery county, August 11, 1828. She was the daughter of John and Margaret Deer. In 1850 Mr. Clore settled in Brown township; he lived there three years, and then moved to this township, to his present farm, where he had bought 160 acres. At this time he owned 240 acres in Iowa; this he soon sold and began increasing his homestead. More land became a necessity to him, as he had already engaged in stock raising. He was very successful with hogs, from the proceeds of which he bought the most of his land. He now owns 560 acres where he lives, and 200 acres in Wayne township, Montgomery county, the whole valued at $38,000. It is in a high state of cultivation, and on the homestead there have been put down seven or eight miles of drain tile. He has given, besides, eighty acres to his married daughter. Mr. Clore interested himself from the start in improving his stock, and began patronizing the fairs with graded animals. About twelve years ago he brought the first short-horns to "Fountain Stock Farm" (the name his home bears); these were bought in Kentucky. He has made two later purchases in that state, and has also added three superb animals to his herd from Illinois. He now has sixty-five head of fine thoroughbreds, and has no lack of purchasers far and near. He has advertised a public sale of short-horns for next August. His celebrated show cow, one of the finest in America, belongs to the Pomona family, and took the sweepstakes prize at the Indiana state fair last year. Out of the five premiums which he obtained there four were first premiums. He is making a beginning with Jerseys, having now two cows on the place. His swine is exclusively Berkshires. During the last ten years he has been experimenting in fish culture. His pond covers over one-fourth of an acre. He has twice lost his fish by hard winters, and the extent to which they have suffered the pesent severe and protracted cold season is not known. He has ascertained that it takes fish as long to complete growth as it does neat cattle. Mr. Clore is a Mason of twenty years standing; he was once an Odd-Fellow five years; and when the farmed popular movement began in 1873 he at once allied himself with it, and is now a member of Stillwater Grange, No. 850. His mother, who bas been living with him for many years, died at his home November 27, 1880, aged seventy years. Mr. and Mrs. Clore have had eleven children: Martha Ann (deceased), Mary Jane, now Mrs. Ransom Myers, Sarah Elizabeth (deceased), infant (deceased), Albert (scalded to death when a year old), Lucinda (deceased), Lilian (deceased), John (deceased), Joel, Jesse, and Laroy .

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

David Livengood, farmer, Hillsboro, was born September 4, 1841, in Jackson township, where he has since resided. His parents, Thomas and Eva (Shuler) Livengood, came from North Carolina to Fountain county and settled in Jackson township in 1833. His father entered the land he still lives on, while his children are settled on good farms all near him. When David was of age his father gave him forty acres, which he afterward sold and bought the eighty acres he now occupies in Sec. 1. His schooling was very limited. In the rough school of experience, however, aided by a sound judgment, he has acquired a good business education, and through reading and observation has become one of the most intelligent and influential citizens of the township. He was married Febrnary 6, 1864, to Helen M. Marsh, her parents coming from Ohio. By this union they had five children, of whom four are living: Elzetta, Ida May, Rosa Olive, Benjamin F. and Aramenta, who died in infancy. Mrs. Livengood died April 17, 1876, and David was married the second time, to Bellzora E. Walker, March 1, 1877. By this marriage they have one child, named Charles R. Mr. Livengood is an elder in the Lutheran church near Jacksonville. His first wife was a member of the same church, but his present wife belongs to the Christian. He is, and always has been, a staunch democrat. His house was destroyed by fire in August 1879, and as he had no insurance the building and part of his household goods were a total loss.

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

McBroom family, Hillsboro. One of the families which has taken a most prominent position in the settlement of Cain township was that of John McBroom, who, along with his brother, Edward, and John Cain, settled in Cain township, and erected the first cabins within its borders, in 1823, and were the first men to enter land at the land office at Crawfordsville, and paid the first money to Maj. Whitlock at that point. The family is originally of Scottish-Irish descent, three brothers, Henry, William and John having emigrated to the United States prior to the revolutionary war, in which they took part. Grandfather McBroom mas taken prisoner on two occasions. After the war Grandfather McBroom settled in Virginia, where the late John McBroom was born and raised, receiving his education, from his wife, who was a fine scholar. She was the daughter of Benjamin Snodgrass, one of the revolutionary heroes, who took a prominent part in the siege of Yorktown, and who afterward settled in Kentucky, where he had a large property, and reared his danghter in wealth and luxury, but entered into litigation about his land, eventually losing it all, and came to poverty. They were married in 1818, and removed to Wayne county, Indiana, and then removed to Fountain county in 1823, as already stated. Here they raised their family, consisting of four sons and one daughter: Elam, Jane (married to Henry Ode), Warner, J. M., and Harvey. Elam S. McBroom was born in Wayne county in 1821, and was raised on the homestead in this county, where, as he grew up, he assisted in redeeming the farm from the surrounding wilderness. He received the greater portion of his education from his mother, and was one of the first pupils at the pioneer log school-house, which was erected on the bank of the creek near Hillsboro. He was married to Miss Annie Ainsworth, daughter of Father Andrew Ainsworth, one of the pioneers, and who at present writing is still alive at Covington. The result of this union is a family of seven children: John A., Alva, Addison F., Seldon W., Amanda Alice, Elbridge, and Emma. Two are deceased: Alva and Amanda Alice. The latter's death took place December 4, 1870. Her memory will ever be green in the hearts of a wide circle of relatives and friends. Mr. McBroom has devoted his attention principally to farming and stock raising, his beautiful farm of 230 acres being one of the best in the county. He is a consistent member of the Christian church, and politically is a republican. J. M. McBroom, another son of John McBroom, is one of the most prominent men of Cain township. He was born October 8, 1822, and what little education he acquired at the primitive log school-honse he afterward perfected and improved upon by self-culture and study, having had the rudiments of a solid education imparted to him by his talented mother. Like the rest of the family he was raised on the farm, though he has always endeavored to find time for literary pursuits. During his youth he engaged in school-teaching, and for twenty years has been a preacher of the Christian church, and one of the main upbuilders and upholders of the congregation at this place, the first organization of this congregation having taken place at the residence of his father. He was married to Miss Mary, the third daughter of Father Ainsworth, and who died twelve years ago, leaving him and a family of seven children to lament her decease. His children are: Joseph Warren, who is now principal of the High School at Covington, and who is a graduate of Wabash College; Andrew, Harvey, Mattie (married), Hattie and Ella. Josephine, his other daughter (deceased), was a young lady of fine education and ability, and was a true christian. Mr. McBroom now resides on his farm with his two daughters and two sons, and oversees the management of his farm of 300 acres, which he has acquired by his own industry. During his career he has traveled a great deal, having been in eighteen states, including the Indian Territory and Texas, and in the latter state bought 1,280 acres of splendid land, which he still owns. We are greatly indebted to him for numerous facts and incidents which appear in the history of Cain township, and where other items regarding the history of this pioneer family will be found. Addison McBroom, son of Elam S. McBroom, was born August 8, 1848, in Cain township, and was raised on the old homestead. On coming to manhood he clerked in a dry-goods store for some years, then, in 1866, in partnership with his brother, opened a store at Hillsboro, which they conducted one year. He then sold his interest in the store and returned to the farm, where he continued in agricultural pursuits for about twelve months, and then went to Sherman, Texas, where he was employed as land agent. After a year's residence he returned to Hillsboro and opened a general grocery store, under the partnership name of McBroom & Linville, in which business he still continues, and is building up a large and extensive trade. He married, in 1868, Miss McBroom, and she having died, in 1875 he was united to Miss Emma Fairbanks, and has a family of two children, Erett and Alice. Mr. McBroom is a prominent member of the I.O.O.F., and is a member of the Christian church. He also fills the position of postmaster here, and in politics is strongly republican.

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

Ezekiel Rynearson (deceased), Hillsboro, died at Hillsboro, Indiana, February 21, 1874, in the eightieth year of his age, of erysipelas in the face. The loss to the community in which he had lived for almost half a century was deeply and sincerely felt, and demands more than simply a passing notice. He was born in Ammel township, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, August 9, 1794. He was the eldest son of Nicholas and Jane Rynearson, who removed from New Jersey to Warren county, Ohio, in the year 1806. November 24, 1823, he married Miss Elizabeth Applegate, who, after a married life of over fifty years, survives him as his widow. In 1829 he removed to Fountain county, where he settled in the heart of the forest, which was then unbroken, and been the laborious task of clearing a spot for cultivation. By persistent endeavor, through long years of hardships and privations, he succeeded in redeeming one of the best farms in the county from the dense wilderness that hedged it in. He remained on the farm, one mile west of Hillsboro, until 1871, when he removed to the town named, here finishing up a life of forty-five years in this immediate neighborhood. But little more than a week before his death he was in perfect health for one so old, busy at work, for he was never idle. He went to Crawfordsville to have a small tumor cut from his face, fearing it might be a cancer. A day or two after he had the operation performed erysipelas set in, and death was the result. He was the father of fourteen children, five of whom are dead. At the time of his death he had living twenty-five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His whole life was one of true nobility of character and fixedness of purpose. Though not identified with any church, he lived a life of irreproachable morality, always casting his influence upon the side of right in questions affecting the welfare of the community in which he lived. He was strongly opposed to intemperance, the use of tobacco, profanity, or idleness in any one. As a citizen, he was universally respected; as a friend, he was always to be relied upon; as a husband, beloved; as a father, indulgent and revered. The old homestead is now owned and occupied by his son, Washington Rynearson, who was born here February 15, 1836, and received his education at one of the early school-houses, his preceptor being Mr. J. M. McBroom. Throughout his life he has been engaged in husbandry, with the exception of the time he spent in the army, having enlisted in the 151th Ind. Vols. His large farm is well improved, his residence and farm bnildings being tasteful and handsome. In 1870 he married, in Ohio, Miss Sarah E. Herr, the result of which union is one son, Curtis Edwin. His brother, John M. Rynearson, also served in the war of the rebellion, having enlisted in the 116th Ind. reg., and is now engaged in the lumber business, at Fowler, Benton county.

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

Jacob T. Hesler, farmer, Hillsboro, is the son of William and Matilda (Furr) Hesler, who came to this county about 1834, and settled in the green woods, and there hewed a farm out of the wilderness. Here the subject of this memoir was born, in 1844, and here in one of the pioneer log school-houses he received his early education, and later went to school at Wesley chapel. He was born and raised on the farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life. On February 25, 1863, he married Miss Susan Tinsley, who died in October 1871. He married again, Christmas 1872, Miss Nancy A. Bever, daughter of Henry Bever, one of the early settlers of Cain township, and has a family of four children: William Burton, Walter Scott, Mary Ettie, and Tessie May. Mr. Hesler is a member of the Christian church and a prominent member of the republican party. He is essentially a self-made man, his beautiful farm of 280 acres being the result of his own industry and good management.

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

George C. Hays, physician, Hillsboro. The subject of this short memoir was born in Darke county, Ohio, January 22, 1836, his parents being Samuel U. and Linda Mira (Collins) Hays; the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of New Jersey. When the doctor was five weeks old his parents removed by wagon to Montgomery county, Indiana, and shortly afterward his father purchased a farm in the south-west corner of Tippecanoe county, where by simply climbing a fence one could step into either Fountain or Montgomery county. Here Mr. Hays spent his youth on the paternal farm and acquired his early education at one of the pioneer log school-houses, and later by his own study and research, while following the occupation of teacher, he obtained a more thorough education. In 1862 he began reading medicine, and pursued this study until he entered the army, enlisting in the 154th Ind. reg., with which he served as second lieutenant until the close of the war. On returning home he again took up his studies and continued them until 1867, when he took a full course of lectures at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. In 1868 he removed to Hillsboro, where he began, and has built up an extensive and constantly increasing practice. In 1878 he graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, which was shortly afterward dissolved and afterward reestablished as the Medical College of Indiana. He holds a diploma from the latter university also. He married, in Cain township, in November 1868, Miss Mary A., daughter of William and Pauliene Rivers, early settlers in this part of the county. He has one child, a daughter, named Vonia V. The doctor is a prominent member of the I.O.O.F., and is politically a democrat, in which party he is one of the most prominent and leading spirits.

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

L. W. Wood, wagon-maker, Hillsboro, was born in Randolph county, in 1836; moved to Jasper county in 1839, thence to this township in 1853; commenced the wagon bnsiness in 1871, from which date till now he has served this community satisfactorily in his line. In the church, the temperance cause, and in every movement looking to the improvement of men's social condition, Mr. Wood has shown himself an effective and earnest leader.

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

J. W. Tinsley, harness-maker, came to Parke county from Kentucky in 1843, and to this township in 1870, in which year he engaged in his present business. Has work to employ his own and a hired man's time constantly. Mr. Tinsley has the reputation of doing excellent work in his line. Has acquired some property, one portion being a farm of forty acres, near town, which he rents.

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

Hannibal Trout, farmer and stock raiser, Crawfordsville, is a native of Tenbrook county, Kentucky, having been born there in 1824, his parents being Isaac and Dorothy (Cook) Trout, natives of Virginia, who came with him to this neighborhood in 1844. Both died here, the former in 1850, the latter in 1876. He married on February 9, 1853, Miss Mary Long, daughter of David Long, one of the first settlers in Crawfordsville, and has a family of four children, three boys, David, Sherman, and Roy, and one daughter, Eva, a talented and accomplished young lady. His farm of 385 acres has all been improved since it came into his possession, and is now, without exception, the best improved farm in the township. The house, a massive brick structure, is 50 x 74 feet, two stories in height, and was erected at a cost of over $11,000, while the grounds are beautifully laid out and greatly enhance the appearance of the premises. The other farm buildings are in keeping with the surroundings. Two large barns afford protection to the stock and storage for hay. Mr. Trout has over $3,000 invested in tile draining, and finds that it has been a good investment, enabling him to raise crops in all seasons. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and in politics is republican.

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

Carter L Frazier, grain and stock buyers and shippers, Hillsboro. These gentlemen, both old residents of this county, commenced business in Hillsboro in July 1880. They occupy a large wooden building near the track of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad, which premises have a storage capacity of 8,000 bushels of wheat. They contemplate building additional storage room for their corn. The business of the firm has increased rapidly from the start. Mr. Carter has had twenty years' experience in stock and grain buying, and Mr. Frazier fifteen. They ship mainly to Indianapolis. Mr. Carter has represented Fountain county in the state legislature. Mr. Frazier served four years as township trustee, and is now county commissioner. The position these two men have gained in society, and now hold, sufficiently indicates the presence of qualities and abilities that insure to their possessors alike the favors of fortune and the esteem of men.

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

T. C. Barton, groceries, crockery and glassware, Hillsboro, moved to this county from Waveland, Montgomery county, in 1862, and lived in Covington one year, then moved to Hillsboro. Mr. Barton traded in stock several years; commenced business here in 1869. His trade is largely among farmers. He endured the depression of 1873 and 1874, but has realized his share of the prosperity that has since followed. In 1863 was elected justice of the peace, and served altogether three and a half terms of four years. He was succeeded by John F. Davidson, who now holds the position. At a meeting of the merchant princes of the city of Boston, to listen to speech from Daniel Webster, that orator commenced addressing thern under the name and style of "The solid men of Boston." The reason he did so was because, when he rose to speak, his eye lighted first on a man that looked like T. C. Barton.

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

Thomas & Pickering, hardware, agricultural imp1ements, stoves and tinware, Hillsboro. The former came from Montgomery county in 1872; Mr. Pickering from Ohio in 1866, farmed for a period of four years, ran a saw-mill two years, and was engaged in various other occupations till 1880, when present copartnership was formed, Mr. Thomas having previously been in the furniture bnsiness in this town. This is the only hardware house in the township. They selling the latest improved farming machinery, and mill machinery and supplies. They will this year introduce the Champion Automatic Twine Binder. They also furnish steam threshing machines, being the kind most in use in this neighborhood. The firm's business is rapidly increasing. They carry a great variety of stock. Their stoves, of varied patterns, come from Chicago, their hardware from Indianapolis. The firm sold, last year, sixteen self-rakes and droppers, made at Springfield, Ohio. The members of this firm are young, and the constant increase in their business proves that they are enterprising.

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

Y. H. Youngblood, druggist, Hillsboro. Mr. Youngblood is a native of this county; received his education at the Asbury University, Greencastle, Indiana; learned the drug business with Messrs. Boord, Gish & Co., of Covington and Hillsboro; commenced business here in 1870, occupying the oldest drug store in town. He is doing a large prescription business, the well earned result of ten years of careful preparing, compounding and mixing of drugs and medicines, in which occupation he has won the entire confidence of the community. Mr. Youngblood has not confined his energies wholly to drug manipulation, but is active in other fields of usefulness. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been secretary of the Hillsboro lodge. Having attained a few rounds on the ladder of fame, his mental abilities, stimulated by the young blood in his veins, will eventually insure to him others more elevated.

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

R. A. Fullenwider, staple and fancy dry goods and groceries, also buyer and shipper of grain, produce and wool, Hillsboro. Mr. Fullenwider removed from Crawfordsville to this place in 1871, and has carried on business here ever since. After the panic in 1873 stagnation prevailed; crops were short for a year or two, credit was destroyed, and everybody's prospects the antipodes of pleasing. In 1875 some improvement was visible, increasing gradually till the good crops in 1879 and 1880 gave an impetus to all kinds of business in this part of the country. Mr. Fullenwider enjoys a satisfactory share of the business of the township, which his business experience, tact and energy fully merit. His stock of clothing, dry goods and woolens is large and varied, affording his customers a wide range of choice. His purchases are from first hands, jobbers and manufacturers in the east, and are of a character that make their owner fear neither comparison nor competition.

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

Z. P. Dale, miller and stock and grain merchant, Hillsboro, was born in Rush county, Indiana, in 1848; his parents, Pernell and Nancy (Baker) Dale, being natives of Kentucky, who came at an early day to Indiana and settled in Rush county. Here the subject of our sketch received his education at the common school of the district, and here he was raised upon the parental homestead. In 1872 he removed to Hillsboro, where he was employed as agent and operator on the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad, in which position he continued until January 1880, when, in partnership with Mr. Hollowell, he entered the grain and milling interest. Their warehouse is 48x50, three stories high, with an addition 50x30; the mill has three run of stones and they have facilities for handling 2,000 bushels of grain per day in addition to their milling capacity. Their business is steadily increasing, and this year they have shipped 200 cars of grain. Mr. Dale married, in Boone county, Miss Elizabeth Feathers, whose father was one of the early settlers in Putnam county. This union resulted in a family of three children: Elba, Hurley, and Daisy. He is a member of the Christian church, and belongs to the I.O.O.F., and in politics is a member of the republican party.

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

Elder L. C. Warren, evangelist, Hillsboro. The subject of this biography is one of the best known preachers of the Christian church in Indiana, his field of labor having extended over the greater portion of the state. He was born April 5, 1830, and was the youngest of a family of eight children, four of whom are still living: Amanda May Neal, John Warren, and Minerva E. Bradshaw. His father, John Warren, was born in Quebec, in Upper Canada, and when one year old his parents removed to the United States, the family being related to the Bunker Hill family of the same name. His mother was a Collins, niece of Col. Collins, who died under Perry at the battle of Lake Erie. Mr. Warren's parents were married at Harrison, on the White Water, and afterward removed to Port Royal, and there located, banking that that would be the site of the state capital. Here the subject of our sketch received his early education in an old store-room, his preceptor being Ebenezer Sutton, who did not believe in sparing the rod while cultivating the youthful minds of his pupils. For the greater portion of his education he is indebted to his mother, who was a lady of fine education, and imparted to her children the knowledge which she had acquired. He took up, of his own accord, the business of cabinet-making, which he followed for some time, but finding that the confinement did not agree with him he took up carpentering, and engaged at that handicraft for some years. He married, on July 24, 1850, Miss Nancy Dyson, by whom he has had ten children, five of whom are now living: John H., Amanda M. Meek, James I. B., Omar Pasha and Daisy E. On the outbreak of the war Mr. Warren enlisted in the 20th Ind. Bat., and for ten months was installed as ordnance officer at Louisville. On being mustered out of the army, June 20, 1865, he returned home and again went to work at carpentering, which he followed some time, then wss called upon to preach and to build up the congregations of the Christian church in this state, many of them being in a dilapidated condition. He preached his first sermon at Clarksburg, Johnson county, and continued there in the good work, delivering in all seventeen discourses, the result being thirty-two additions to the membership. From this time onward he continued to preach the word, the greater portion of his time being occupied with evangelical work. During his career he has baptized over 5,000 persons and organized and reorganized fifty-two congregations. In this immediate vicinity he has done a splendid work, assisted by the brethren, the churches at Hillsboro, Waynetown, Veedersburg and Covington being organized and reorganized through his labors, and the congregation at Scott's Prairie reanimated. In July, 1874, he settled in Hillsboro, and has since continued to make this his home. His residence, south of the village, is beautifully situated upon one of the most picturesque sites in the vicinity. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd-Fellows fraternities, and is a leading man of the republican party in this county. Mr. Warren's whole life has been one of true nobility and self-denial in the cause of the Master, treading the path of the evangelist with an eye single to the work to be performed without thought regarding the monetary matters, and today stands high in the estimation of all who know him.

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

Heffner & Hayes, drugs and medicines, Hillsboro. Mr. Heffner came from Ohio in 1874, Mr. Hayes from Tennessee in 1867; commenced business together in October 1878, opening a new store with a new choice stock of goods, which they keep new and fresh by constant replenishment, an essential feature in the conduct of the drug and medicine trade. They also keep trusses, braces, and other appliances useful in repairing injuries or correcting deformities. A minor specialty is a stock of jewelry, watches, clocks, etc., which, though small, is select and tasteful. They also supply the community with stationery, fancy goods, notions, the children with school books and the inhabitants of the township generally with musical instruments, either from their stock or upon orders, from a jewsharp to a Chickering or a Steinway grand. The members of the firm are young and healthy, and having all the resources of materia medica at their disposal, ought to be able to retain there qualifications indifferently. The large stock now on hand being all paid for, the firm can be considered financially as well as physica11y sound, conditions which leave no room for apprehension concerning its future.

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

T. A. Summers, druggist, Hillsboro, commenced business in this town in September 1879. Formerly he lived and did business in Parke county. Drugs and standard patent medicines constitute his stock in trade, and despite the fact that he is living in a small village, and has two active competitors in the field, has, in a year and a quarter or thereabout, established a business that justifies his determination to remain here permanently. Mr. Summers is thoroughly competent as a druggist, and as a man gentlemanly and obliging, qualities that have and are gaining him troop of friends.

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

G. H. Carter, Fancy groceries and confectionery, is a son of W. B. Carter, of the firm of Carter & Frazier; commenced business in September 1880. His is the first store of its kind established in this place. Mr. Carter, though quite young, evidently realizes the importance of having his stock of goods look tempting. He could hardly do better were he an A. T. Stewart.

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

S. S. Bear, dealer in cabinet and household furniture, coffins, picture frames, upholstery, etc, Hillsboro, came to this county from Kansas in 1875; was engaged in mechanical occupations till the latter part of 1879; then took the stock of Mr. Thomas, who is now in the hardware business. Mr. Bear's present stock of furniture is modern in style and finish and would not discredit metropolitan surroundings. The principal portion comes from Indianapolis. His sales have increased since he commenced business, and now warrant a large increase in quantity and variety of stock. Mr. Bear demonstrated his faith in the town's future by building a dwelling house therein, and has given other evidence of a wish to aid its development. This interest the citizens have reciprocated by making him township assessor, to which office he was elected in the spring of 1880. In communities where one citizen is known by almost every other, an election to a responsible position implies a personal recognition of merit and ability, which once tried and proved is not willingly let go, save to occupy higher trusts, and this is what is like to happen in the case of Mr. Bear.

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