Jacob Everly, miller, Covington, is senior member of the firm of Everly, Marlatt & Co., millers. Their mill was built in 1855, by a company composed of two carpenters, a millwright and a machinist, and took the name of the "Covington mill." In July of 1860 the firm changed to Everly, Sangster & Co., and in 1874 was changed to the present firm name. The capacity of the mill has been increased until now they have three run of burrs - one of which is for corn - turning out 100 barrels per twenty-four hours. They do both merchant and custom milling, and buy large quantities of grain. Mr. Everly became a resident of Fountain county as early as 1843, though he did not become a resident of Covington until 1858. He is a native of Frederick county, Maryland, were he was born in 1823. He remained a resident of his native place until he had received a good business education, and had learned the trade of a miller, serving an apprenticeship of most three years. When twenty years old he came west and located in Fountain county. Mr. Everly has taken quite an interest in local affairs. He is a member of both the Masonic and Odd-Fellows orders, and is at present holding the office of warden in the latter. He had been a member of the city council for several terms. He was married in 1846 to Miss Elizabeth Carr, whose people came to Fountain county about 1845. They have three children, two daughters and one son, the latter now engaged in farming.

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


Benj. Gardner, grain dealer, Covington, well known to the citizens, is a native of Richland county, Ohio, where he was born in 1820. He had little chance of acquiring an education, his father dying when he was but fifteen years old. Until he was twenty-five he assumed many of the responsibilities of the household, and aided in many ways his younger brothers and sisters. In 1845 he came west and located at Covington, and began work for Mr. J. G. Hardy, with whom he remained seven years. He then engaged in market butchering and packing pork the principal part of the time until 1872, and from 1872 till 1877 on his farm, which is located one mile southeast of Covington, and which he bought in 1856. In 1877, in company with Mr. J. M. Duncan, he engaged in the grain trade. Their grain-house is located on the line of the Indianapolis, B1oomington & Western railway, and has a capacity of 10,000 bushels of wheat and 5,000 bushels of ear corn. Besides the business interests owned by Mr. Gardner in and about Covington he has a large tract of valuable land located near the town of Eldorado, Kansas. Mr. Gardner, from boyhood, has been wholly dependent upon his own resources, and whatever success he has met with in life has been due to his own energy, industry and good management.

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


J. H. Diffenderfer, farmer, Covington, was born in Fountain county in 1848. His father, Gotlieb Diffenderfer, was a native of Pickway county, Ohio, and settled in Fountain county about 1845. He was a baker by trade, and for eight years after coming to Fountain county he was engaged in carrying on a bakery in Covington. His change in business was to buy the farm on which J. H. has now lived for three years, and which is the old homestead, consisting of 190 acres. When he bought it there were about twenty acres improved, and now it is a finely conducted farm of 140 acres, with all the improvements. Mr. Diffenderfer was a democrat, and during his residence in Troy township he held the office of township trustee for several terms, and was also, for six years, township assessor. He died in 1875 respected and honored by his family and many friends. J. H. has been a resident of Troy township most of his life, and in fact was twenty years old before he had ever left the township. His first travels outside of his native county were in a somewhat novel costume. Being one day with some friends bathing in the Wabash river he swam to the opposite bank and landed in Warren county, but did not prolong his stay, and soon returned to his native county by the same route that he had left it. He was married in 1870 to Miss Isabella Briney. The issue of this union is three children. Mr. Diffenderfer has given his time and attention very attentively to farming, and recently he has given some attention to the growing of fine stock. In politics he is a democrat.

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


G. W. Cooper, farmer, Covington, was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, May 15, 1817. During his early boyhood his parents moved to Warren county, Ohio. In 1845 he left his home in Ohio and came to Fountain county, and settled in Troy township. He began at the bottom round of the ladder, and by his own energy, industry and economy he now has 283 acres of as fine land as Fountain county affords. It is well stocked and watered, and has been improved wholly by himself. In 1842 Mr. Cooper was married to Miss Mirah Hall, who is a native of Butler county, Ohio. Her father, Jno. Hall, was a soldier in the war of 1812. They have reared a family of three children: Mary E., now the wife of H. H. Hendrckson; Martha J., wife of E. Johnson; Eliza, wife of D. Remster and Rachel (deceased).

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


A. Lemp, jeweler, Covington, who has by his own efforts fought his way to a good standing among the most successful of Covington's merchants, and the oldest dealer in the line of jewelry in the city, is a native of Alexandria, Hamilton county, Ohio. He came to Fountain county with his people in 1847, his father being a teacher of music. He first began at clerking and then learned the trade of a stone-cutter, which he also gave up, and in 1857 engaged in his present line of business. In June, 1879, he became the agent for the American Express Company, and in 1880 he also became agent for a full line of Madam Demorest's patterns. Mr. Lemp is a member of Covington Lodge, No. 21, I.O.O.F., and has passed all the chairs of the order. His political views are democratic. He has never held any office farther than being a member of the city council.

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


Murphy Lewis, county recorder, Covington, was born in Orange county, North Carolina, April 27, 1829, and is the son of John and Cynthia (Baldwin) Lewis, whose ancestry for several generations were natives of the New England states, but were, at the date of the birth of our subject, residents of Orange county, North Carolina. Mr. Lewis lived in Orange county until he was eighteen years old, acquiring a fair education, which he completed in the schools of Fountain and Parke counties. He and his father came north in 1847 and settled in Fountain county, his mother having died previously. The family settled in Mill Creek township. After engaging in agricultural pursuits on his own account, Mr. Lewis removed to Fulton, where he still owns a farm. Mr. Lewis followed farming in the summer and teaching school during the fall and winter months. In 1862 he enlisted in the Federal army and served three years. He entered as a private in Co. H, 63d reg. Ind. Vol. Inf. Capt. Conover and Col. Jas. McMannomy were his officers. He never received a commission, but at the expiration of his term of service he ranked an orderly-sergeant. His was not a term of service of the kind to add to one's idea of "the glory of war," but three long years of hard fighting and tedious marching. He was in many of the hard-fought battles not included in the memorable Atlanta campaign in which his company and regiment took part. Returning from the service he resumed his farming, but being a thinking, reading man he was outspoken in his political views, which were, and are, republican, and as a consequence the republican party, in October 1878, elected him recorder of Fountain county by a majority of 315 votes. This election was for a four years' term, so that at present he is in the midst of the discharge of his duties. In 1853 Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Maria Myers, who is a native of Ross county, Ohio, though a resident of Fountain county at the time of marriage. They have a family of nine boys.

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


D. S. Ferguson, farmer, Covington, the present keeper and superintendent of the county poor farm, was appointed to his position by the commissioners of Fountain county March 1, 1880, holding the same for one year. He is a thoroughly efficient manager and practical farmer, and received his present appointment over nineteen competitors and bidders. Under his management there is already a visible improvement, and those who are fed and cared for at the county's expense are worthy objects of charity, and not specimens of the tramp order. The average number of inmates is about twenty-five. The total number of acres in the farm, 220; number improved and cultivated, 180. Mr. Ferguson is a man about thirty-two years old, and is the son of Zachariah and Jane (Kergen) Ferguson, who settled in Wabash township, Fountain county, as early as 1885. Mr. Ferguson has been interested in milling, distilling and farming. D. S. Ferguson has been dependent on his own resources. His early life was spent in his native county. In April, 1876, he married Emily, daughter of O. Shelby, who is now one of Fountain county's leading farmers and stock dealers. Besides the interests owned by Mr. Ferguson in Fountain county, he has also secured a fine farm of 160 acres in Cowley county , Kansas. Politically his views are democratic.

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


H. H. Dochterman, attorney, Covington, who has made rapid strides of progress toward a place of prominence at the Fountain county bar, is a native of Franklin county, Indiana. In 1849, when he was but a child, his parents moved to Montgomery county, Indiana. His father, Charles E. Dochterman, was a millwright by trade, though shortly after his removal to Montgomery county he took up the study of medicine, and had but just fitted himself to practice when, in May, 1854, he was taken sick and died. H. H. had progressed so far in his studies as (1866) to be admitted to Asbury University, from which he graduated in the class of 1869. While in college he also read law in a private office of practicing attorneys. After leaving college he spent some time in teaching. He afterward became a resident of Covington, and during 1871-2 he was studying law with the firm of Stillwell & Wood. In 1872 he began practice, and in 1876 made his first efforts in the supreme court of Indiana. He is a member of the Board of School Trustees of Covington, and is also a member of Covington Lodge, No. 21, I.O.O.F.

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


D. C. Watson, M.D., Covington, whose residence in Fountain county dates back to 1851, is a graduate of Rush Medical College, Chicago, and a member of the medical fraternity of Fountain county, in good standing. He is a native of Tioga county, New York. He is now fifty-two years old. His early life was spent on a farm, and his education was received at the country schools. In 1850 he came west and spent one year in the State of Wisconsin, and in 1851 came to Covington. He began the study of medicine with Dr. C. V. Jones, and after graduating at Rush Medical College he returned to Covington and began practice in company with Dr. Jones. He remained with him about eight months and then removed to Hillsboro, Fountain county, where he remained till the fall of 1858, and then removed to State Line. There he practiced about two and a half years, when he returned to Hillsboro. This was about the time of the breaking out of the war. He went out in 1861 and again in 1862. He enlisted as a private in the 18th Ind. Bat., but was promoted to quartermaster-sergeant and then elected as acting assistant surgeon of the 18th Ind. Bat. In a few months he was commissioned first assistant surgeon to the 54th Ind. Vols. This was for a three years' term, but ill health disabled him for service and after a few months he was obliged to return to his home. After returning from the army he had a protracted siege of sickness, which disabled him from either attending to his practice or returning to the army. In May, 1863, he returned to Covington, where he now resides. The doctor is a member and ex-president and secretary of the Fountain County Medical Society. He is a member of the State Medical Society, and was one of the representatives of that body to the International Medical Convention, which was held at Philadelphia in 1876. The doctor married Miss Celeste, daughter of J. H. and Milicant McCormick, who were early pioneers of Fountain county. They have no children.

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


N. Geiger, spirit merchant, Covington, was born in Germany in 1831, and came to America in 1850. He stopped for a time in Akron, Ohio, and after leaving there he spent some time in other cities, and finally came to Covington in 1853. He is by trade a cooper, and worked as "jour," until 1857, when he opened a shop and engaged in the business until 1865, when he gave it up and entered upon his present line of trade. Mr. Geiger has been a careful manager and good financier, and now owns a nice farm of eighty acres, and three houses and lots in Covington. In 1866 he was married to Miss Mary Ausbert, who is a native of Germany, and by whom he has five children: Mary, Katy, Emma, Nicholas K. and Fredrick.

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


Levi Mead, farmer, Covington, has been a resident of Fountain county since 1853. He was born in 1830, just one year after his father, Simeon Mead, settled in Vermilion county, Indiana. His life has been spent principally in the Wabash valley, and his present nice home and good property has been acquired by his own thrift and good management. He began first by working by the month, then rented a farm, and finally was able to buy. His farm now consists of 135 acres, on which he has cleared eighty-five acres and made most of the improvements; he has also built fine buildings. In addition to farming he has a steam saw-mill of a manufacturing capacity of 6,000 feet of lumber per day. Through this enterprise Mr. Mead has helped to build up and improve that part of Troy township in which he lives. In his political views he is a staunch republican. In 1859 Mr. Mead was married to Miss Crain, daughter of Joseph C. and Melinda Crain, who are numbered among Fountain county's early settlers. They have a family of three children, two boys and one girl.

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


F. Purfeerst, merchant, Covington, has been a resident of Covington since 1852. He was born in Saxony, Germany, March 19, 1828. He remained a resident of his native country until 1851, at which date he emigrated to the United States. He remained in New York city for about six months, and then removed to Columbus, Ohio, and from there to Circleville of the same state. In each of these places he resided for about six months. In 1863 he came farther west, and settled in Perrysville,Vermilion county, and the year following moved to Covington. He learned the trade of a shoemaker in the old country, to do which he served an apprenticeship of three years and paid $25. When he first came to Covington he began work at his trade, but did not follow it long before he engaged in the business for himself. He began poor, and has, by economy and industry, established a nice little trade. January 1, 1855, he married Miss Catharine Aubard, who is it native of Prussia. They have reared a family of nine children, four boys and five girls, to all of whom he is endeavoring to give a good education, that they may fill honorable and useful places in society. Mr. Purfeerst has never been an office seeker, though he has been twice elected a member of the city council on the democratic ticket. He is a member of the order of K. of P. and of the I.O.O.F., as also of the German Aid Society of Covington.

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


J. M. Sullivan, livery, Covington, who is one of the energetic, self-made business men of Covington, is a native of Ireland. In 1847, when he was two years of age, his parents emigrated to America. They settled in Portland, Maine, and resided there about five years, then came west and located at Greencastle, Putnam county, Indiana, and resided there about two years, and then came to Fountain county. J. M. is now (l880) thirty-five years of age, and after beginning work for himself he spent about eleven years in farming in Fountain and Warren counties, and at work at the blacksmith trade, which he decided to learn, but after working at it for a time, gave it up. This eleven years also included a short time that he spent at work for $12.50 per month in the same barn of which he is now the owner. In 1869 he began in his present line, and on a somewhat limited scale. By careful management he has built up and established a good trade. He keeps on hand an average number of fourteen horses, and vehicles to correspond. He has bought and paid for the property where he is doing business. I n 1873 he married Miss Kate Ellward, daughter of Edward Ellward, who settled in Fountain county in 1840.

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


Joseph Miller, brewer, Covington, one of the self-made and enterprising business men of Covington, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany. In 1854, when twenty-one years of age, he emigrated to the United States. He spent a short time in Connecticut, and then came west, and stopped in Montezuma, Parke county, Indiana, for about six months. In 1855 he came to Covington, where he has since lived. He began in Covington by working in a hotel for about four years. He then returned to Germany, and brought his father and mother to this country, some of his brothers and sisters coming also, so that there were six of them in all. He came direct to Covington, and for the next four years he was engaged in the cooper's trade; then in the saloon business for about two years; then, in 1865, in the manufacture of beer. He had, however, spent but two years in tile latter when his brewery burned, he losing everything, and being left with an unpaid debt of $3,000. Still determined to succeed, he began again in a small way, and by economy and careful management he gradually recovered, paid off the debt, and is now running an establishment with a capacity of 20,000 barrels of beer per annum. In addition to building up the brewing establishment, he has, in company with his brother, erected a fine business block, and the present year (1880) mill have completed one of the finest residence buildings in the city. In 1860 Mr. Miller was married to Miss Emma Schnider, who is a native of Prussia, though a resident of Vermilion county, Indiana, at the time of their marriage. They have a family of six smart, industrious children, three sons and three daughters.

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


John Meitzler; saloon, Covington, was born in Germany, August 4, 1832. He received a good business education, and served a regular apprenticeship at learning the trade of a shoemaker while a resident of his native place. In 1854 he emigrated to the United States. He located in Attica, and remained there for one year at work at his trade. Then he turned his attention to farming, and followed this, in different localities, until 1869, in which year he began his present calling. He awns the property in which he is doing business, which is a fine two-story brick building, eighteen feet frontage by sixty feet in depth, and built at a cost of $3,000. He is a member of the German Aid Society, and a liberal-minded and enterprising citizen. In political questions he is democratic. In 1857 he married Miss Nannie C. Landers, who is a native of Kentucky. They have a family of four sons and one daughter: George W., Emma F., William S., John R and Charles F.

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


T. H. McGeorge, hardware, Covington, who is now one of the leading merchants of Covington, is a native of Cincinnati. He came to Covington in 1855, and was then but nineteen years old. He spent the time from 1852 until 1855 in the cities of La Fayette and Indianapolis, Indiana, and Aurora, Illinois. The principal part of this time he was engaged in railroading, and at one time was known as the youngest engineer in the State of Indiana, he being only eighteen years old. In 1855 Mr. McGeorge came to Covington to build a saw-mill and engage in the manufacture and sale of lumber. This, however, he gave up after a time, and began work in the foundry, in which he in a short time bought a half interest. He continued interested in this line until about three years ago, when he sold out to Mr. Dunkerly, since which time he has been engaged in the sale of hardware and agricultural implements. In both branches of his trade he is now doing an extensive business. In reaping machines alone, during the season of 1880, he made 123 sales. He buys all his goods for cash, and principally in car-load lots. Mr. McGeorge has been twice married; first, in 1857, to Miss Anna G. Stewart, and again, in1878, to a Mrs. Crievling. His family consists of five children, two boys and thee girls.

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


Isaac Haupt, county treasurer, Covington, eas elected to the office of treasurer of Fountain county in the fall of 1876, by a majority of 255, and in August, 1877, took formal charge of the office. In the fall of 1878 he was reelected, by a majority of twenty-eight votes, by the republican party, the part1 status changing somewhat during this time. Before becoming a candidate Mr. Haupt had served four years as deputy treasurer under Henry La Tourette, so that the routine of duty devolving upon him was perfectly familiar. Mr. Haupt is a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he was born January 18, 1826. He learned the trade of a carpenter by serving an apprenticeship of nearly three years, and in 1850 came west and located at Newtown, Fountain county, where he resided for six years, and then removed to Covington. He followed the business of contracting and building until 1863, when he received the appointment of United States revenue collector in Fountain county, under John L. Smith, collector of the eighth district. He remained three years in the employ of the government, and then again resumed the business of a builder and contractor. In 1866 he built the Mayers block, which is located on the northeast corner of the public square, and is the largest business building in the town. Mr. Haupt is a member of the Presbyterian church, and of Covington Lodge, No. 21, I.O.O.F., of which he has been secretary for the past twelve years. He is a member of Fountain Lodge, No. 60, A.F. and A.M., and for the past fourteen years has been secretary of that lodge. During the war he had one son, W. G. Haupt, in the service of his country. He was a member of Gen. Lew. Wallace's old Zouave regiment, the 11th Ind.

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


A. Marlatt, miller, Covington, junior member of the firm of Everly, Marlatt & Go., millers, was born in 1837, and came to Covington with his people in 1856. His father, Albert Marlatt, was also a miller by trade, and began work in the same mill in which Albert Jr. is interested, in 1857. In 1860 he bought an interest in the mill, in which he was interested till his death, which occurred in 1874. The milling firm had been Everly, Sangster & Go., but upon the death of Mr. Marlatt Sr., who was succeeded by his son, the firm name changed to Everly, Marlatt & Co. Mr. Marlatt has taken an active part in local and social affairs in Covington. From 1871 to 1872 he held the office of city treasurer. He is a member of Fountain Lodge, No. 60, A.F. and A.M., in which he held the office of senior warden for about eight years, and then for one year was worshipful master. He has been knighted in this order, and is a member of Crawfordsville Commandery, No. 25. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F., Covington Lodge, No. 21, in which he has passed the chairs several times. In 1878 he was married to Miss Margaret E. Ludlow, whose people became residents of Fountain county as early as 1836.

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


Michael Mayer, retired, Covington, a man in whom the, people of Covington may be excused for taking a justifiable pride, as when pointing to him as a thoroughly self-made man, and one who has done much toward building up the business interests of the place. He is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, where he was born in the year 1825. He received a good education, and had nearly completed learning the trade of a baker when, in 1847, he emigrated to the United States. He came without the company of any members of his family. His people mere wealthy, and had he remained his success would probably hare been assured. But, being possessed of a fair share of self-reliance, and a determination to do for himself, he came to America, and the result of his business career is proof of his ability and determination. After reaching this country he first settled in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and began working at his trade. He remained there but a few months, and then went to Cincinnati, where he remained till 1851; then to La Fayette, and from thence to Delphi, where he worked for about two years, and then, in 1856, came to Covington. Here he began business for himself on a capital of about $1,500. In his business transactions he has been more generous and liberal than is usual with merchants, yet he has accumulated a large fortune, which he is now, at the age of fifty-five years, settling down to enjoy. He sold out his extensive business August 9, 1880. Mr. Mayer is a member of the order of Odd-Fellows, and also of the order of A.F. and A.M.

Click here for picture.

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


F. B. Wilson, farmer and stone-cutter, Covington, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, November 2, 1827, and is the son of William and Sarah (Byrod) Wilson, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The former was born August 28, 1801; the latter, August 23, 1804. They came to Fountain county in 1856, where they resided till their death. He died February 4, 1870, and she, November 28, 1878. At nineteen years of age the subject of this sketch went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and served an apprenticeship at the stone-cutter's trade, and which has since been his principal business. He is a thoroughly competent workman, and able to do all manner of cutting and carving. Though his place of business is at his country residence; he has all the business in the manufacture of grave-stones and monuments that he is well able to attend to. In 1849 Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Anna, daughter of David and Susan (Hess) Epler. Mrs. Wilson is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born July 17, 1831. They have a family of three children, Henry C., John M. and Susie. Mr. Wilson served his country during the mar of the rebellion. He was first lieutenant of Co. I, 150th Ind. Vol. Inf. He is now a member of the Presbyterian church, and in his political belief is a strong republican.

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


Peter Romine, farmer, Covington, who is one of Troy township's energetic, enterprising and successful farmers, has been wholly dependent upon his own resources, and is a native of Virginia. His parents moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, during his boyhood, and from thence they removed to Ross county, of the same state. His people were poor, and somewhat unfortunate; but to his mother he owes much, as she, to give her boy at least some education, took in washing to earn the little money required to pay his way. The memory and teachings of that mother have never been forgotten by her son. In the temptation of public life, and in the privacy of his own household, Mr. Romine has always endeavored to follow only honest and upright paths. He became a resident of Fountain county in 1857. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age, and though he is now only forty-seven, he has already accumulated a fine property of no less than two hundred acres of fine land on which he has made most of the improvements. This property he has bought piece by piece, as he found himself able to risk the payment of the purchase money. His motto has been, "Good management is the mother of good luck." With this maxim in view, and his natural industrious and economical habits, his ultimate success has been a fixed fact. When twenty-eight years of age Mr. Romine married Miss Sophronia Culverson, who is a native of Indiana. They have a family of three sons and five daughters, all of whom bid fair to become honorable and useful citizens of the community.

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


Among the most prosperous firms of Covington is the furniture establishment of M. Boord & Co. The success of the firm is almost wholly due to the efforts of the party named in this sketch. Fremont, known as Mont Boord, is the oldest of the nine children of Oliver and Catharine W. (Ludlow) Boord. His father is a native of Van Buren township, Fountain county, Indiana, and his mother of Ohio. Oliver Boord served Faithfully his country in the dark hour of civil war as an officer, and since that hour of gloom gave place to his country's happiness he engaged in the hardware business. Mont, the special subject of these notes, was born in Van Buren township, Fountain county, November 14, 1857, and came with his parents to Covington in the fall of 1866. He attended school what he could, and early stood behind his father's counter, thus acquiring practical business knowledge. I n 1876 he was engaged as clerk in the store of Whitney Prescott, and continued in the same store as it came into the possession of J. J. Clayton, then T. H. McGeorge, till June 1, 1879. He soon became associated with his uncle, Samuel Boord, on the condition that he should take charge of the business while his uncle should furnish the capital. July 3 following he made his first trip to Chicago for goods, and he was soon one of the merchants of Covington. He began business with a stock of about $1,200. In September, 1880, the firm purchased the stock of T. W. McClure, and also occupied his room as well as their former building. Their business has increased so that they now carry a stock, including undertakers' supplies, of about $5,000. They also have a branch store at Coal creek. Mr. Boord is connected with the lodges of K. of P. and the I.O.O.F., and is an industrious business man, deserving of patronage.

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


John Miller, grocer, Covington, one of Covington's energetic business men, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany. He spent most of his early life there, and received a good business education. In 1858, at the age of sixteen, he emigrated to the United States, and landed in New York city June 14. He came direct to Covington, and began work for Mr. M. Mayer, with whom he remained for about three years, learning the trade of a baker and confectioner. He then went to La Fayette, Indiana, and spent about four years, the last eight months of the time as partner of the man for whom he had worked. Selling out his interest, he went to Danville, Illinois, and engaged in business there from 1866 to 1871. During this time he met with two losses by fire. In 1871 he returned to Covington, and took charge of a hotel owned by his father-in-law, William Heegel. In this he spent about two years, and then began again in a small way in the baker’s business. From that time till the present his trade has been gradually increasing, and he is now running an extensive grocery and bakery. In 1876, in company with his older brother, Joseph Miller, he built the Miller block, which is a two-story building, 43 x 68, finished with a hall above known as Miller Brothers' hall. The corner room, 23 x 68, is used by himself. In 1868 Mr. Miller was married to Miss Pauline Heegel. They are the parents of five children, three boys and two girls.

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


John M. Bailey, county sheriff, Covington, is a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, where he was born February 19,1836. He came to Fountain county in 1838 with his parents, who settled on the edge of Scott's prairie. His father was a saddler and harness-maker by trade. He had for some time taught school in Kentucky, and after he came to Fountain county he spent some time in this business. He was a man of good education, and gave his children many advantages in this respect not to be had at the subscription schools of that date. John M. received a fair education, and began life on his own account as a farmer. He purchased land in Mill Creek, which at that time was in a wild state, and by his own labor and management made of it a finely improved farm. In 1862 he entered the army, having already three brothers in the service of their country. He enlisted in the 1st Ind. Cav., 28th reg., and at the first election of officers he was made duty sergeant. His term of enlistment was for nine months, but he remained in the service for eleven. He saw some hard fighting, the battle of Helena being among those in which he participated. Returning from the war, he again resumed farming. Shortly after he was elected constable for a two years' term, and at its close was reelected for another term. He was then elected township trustee for two years, and again reelected. He then, by the same party (republican), received the nomination for sheriff of Fountain county, and when elected received a majority of 160 republican votes in his home township, that usually gave a majority of but sixty. He is now engaged in the discharge of his duties as sheriff, and, though he has been importuned to become their candidate for a second term, he has refused very decidedly. In 1855 Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Charity Furr, whose people were formerly of Kentucky. They have but one child, a girl, and an adopted boy, who is the child of a brother of Mr. Bailey.

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


W. A. Tipton, attorney, Covington, became a member of the Fountain county bar in 1862. He is a native of Lebanon, Boone county, Indiana, where he was educated. In 1862, when he became a resident of Covington, he became associated with Judge Thomas F. Davidson in the practice of law, and was with him for three years. In 1865 he went to the State of Kansas, and returned in 1867. In 1870 he again left Covington and went to Indianapolis, where he remained four years, and again returned to Covington. In 1875 he became the candidate for the greenback party for attorney-general of Indiana, but the party was yet too weak to elect their candidates. The same party, in 1880, have nominated him candidate for judge of the supreme court of the state. This question is as yet undecided.

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


J. W. Mock, physician and surgeon, Covington, is one of the leading members of the medical fraternity of Fountain county. He is a native of Frederick county, Maryland. He was a resident of Darke county, Ohio, during the time of his study of medicine. In 1863 he became a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, and a short time thereafter was appointed assistant physician of the Longview Hospital, of Cincinnati, where he remained about one year. He then entered the federal army as contract surgeon, which position he held about three months, and was then commissioned assistant surgeon of the 11th Ohio Vol. Inf. He remained in the service about fifteen months, during which time he gained much valuable knowledge in the practice of medicine. Returning from the army, he settled at Waverly, Morgan county, Indiana, and engaged in his profession, .and was married to Mia Eliza McClure, who is a native of that county. They have but one child living, Charles, now four years of age. In 1863 the doctor became a resident of Covington, where he has since resided, and given his time and attention fully to his practice; and it is due him to say that his standing as one of the first and best physicians of the county cannot be questioned. The doctor has never had any political aspirations. He is a member of Fountain Lodge, No. 60, A.F. and A.M., and of the Fountain County Medical Society.

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


T. Wood (deceased), Covington, was born in Columbia county, New York, and remained a resident of that state until he was about twenty-one years old. He then became interested in the stock trade, and for thirteen years was engaged in buying and shipping stock, with his headquarters at Chicago most of the time. In 1863 he came to Fountain county and located at Attica, where he engaged in the drug business, and continued it there for one year and then removed his store to Covington, where he was identified with the mercantile trade of that city until his death, which occurred in January 1878. He was an active and energetic business man, as well as a successful financier; and in addition to his having built up and established a good business in the drug line he was largely interested in the development of the coal interests of Fountain county, and, in company with the proprietors of the Farmers' Bank of Covington, he owned valuable tracts of coal lands. He never sought political preferment, but on the contrary he, from time to time, refused to become a candidate for office. Mr. Wood was married, in 1870, to Miss Julia Reese, a native of Livingston county, New York, and who still survives him, and has, since his decease, kept up the business interests that were established by him in Fountain county.

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


J. Loeb, merchant, Covington, of the firm of L. & J. Loeb, is now the active member of the firm, and has probably received the most thorough business education of any of Covington's merchants. The business house was founded in 1849 by L. Loeb. In 1864 Mr. J. Loeb entered the establishment as a clerk, but in 1866 he became the partner and also assumed the management of the business, Mr. L. Loeb removing to New York and engaging in the wholesale trade. Their business house stands on the northwest corner of the public square, and originally consisted of but the dry-goods establishment, which, when first opened by Mr. L. Loeb, in 1849, was clothing and gents' furnishing goods. This department, 22x60 feet, is now devoted to the sale of dry goods, notions, etc. In communication with this, by archway, and established in 1879, is the clothing, carpets and gents' furnishing goods department, 22x130, and forms the corner of the street. The tailoring department is over the dry-goods store. These gentlemen have in their employ from ten to twelve hands. Their stock of goods in both departments is always carefully selected as to cost, durability and style. To the honest, straightforward rules established in their dealings with both rich and poor they probably owe their success. Mr. J. Loeb is a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. He is now about thirty-five years old, receiving an education in his native place. His business education was received in one of the large houses of Mayence, where he served an apprenticeship of three years in hard work and paid the proprietor $300 in money. In 1864 he emigrated to the United States, taking his place behind the counter as a salesman. Since he became a resident of Covington he has become a member of both the Masonic and Odd-Fellows orders, and was married to Miss Nannie McMonomy, daughter of one of the old and honored residents of Covington.

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


Ed. Cardiff, saloon, Covington, was born in Canada in 1846. His life was spent there until 1865, when he became a resident of the States. His first work of any importance was to begin contracting for cross ties and square timber on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad. He also did some contracting in the same line during the building of the Madison & Greencastle railroad. Two years of' his life were spent in running a canal-boat from Covington to Toledo. He began his present line of business first in 1869, though he did not give it his ful1 time until somewhat later. He now has two business houses in Covington, both of which are kept in a qniet and orderly manner. He is a member of the Catholic church and of the Hibernian and St. Joseph societies. Of the latter he has held the office of president for two years. What property Mr. Cardiff owns has been acquired by his own efforts, and though he now owns a good property be has in the past sustained heavy losses. In 1866 he was married to Miss Catharine Slattron, who is a native of Ireland. They have a family of three children: John E., Narcisse N. and Mary. In politics Mr. Cardiff is a democrat.

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


Thos. H. Stilwell, attorney, Covington, senior member of the law firm of Stilwell & Dochterman, is a native of Montgomery county, Indiana, his people being among the early pioneers of that county. After receiving his early education he attended, in 1864-5, the Waveland College, of that county. In 1866 he came to Fountain county and began the study of law, and in February, 1867, he was admitted to practice. His diploma to practice in the supreme court of Indiana, is dated November 27, 1871. He has served two terms as district attorney, his first term beginning November 2, 1870. Two years after he was reelected to the same office. October 26, 1674, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Fountain county for a two years' term, and in 1876 he was reelected. Mr. Stilwell came to Covington especially to finish the study of law, and now, in sixteen years’ time, he has not only completed that study, but has also been honored by an office requiring legal talent just one half of the time. He is a member of Covington Lodge, No. 21, I.O.O.F., and is the present noble grand of that lodge.

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


T. W. Rinn, grocer, Covington, is a native of county Kerry, Ireland; where he was born April 8, 1843. When he was three years old he was brought, by his parents, to the United States. They first located in New York for a time, and then removed to Ohio, and from that state to Indiana. Mr. Rinn received his education at Attica, and at Earlham College, of Richmond, Indiana. In 1867 and 1868 he was in the west, principally in Montana, Nevada, Utah, California and Wyoming. In the latter territory he had a contract with the Union Pacific railroad to furnish ties. He returned from the west and located in Attics, where he spent about one year clerking, and in 1869 he left that town and became a resident of Covington, and engaged in merchandising. In 1878 he was the democratic candidate for treasurer of Fountain county, but was defeated. The same party have again made him their candidate for county sheriff, but this contest, at present writing, is yet undecided.

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


Geo. W. Graham, farmer, Covington, was born in October, 1827, in Wabash township, Fountain county, and is the son of Washington and Elizabeth L. (Alkire) Graham, a sketch of whose lives is embodied in the sketch of W. M. Graham. Geo. W. was raised on his father's farm, and schooled by the old subscription system of that date. In 1870 he purchased the property where he now lives, which is a splendid 160 acres of land, located about three miles east of Covington, and on which he has made twenty-five per cent improvement. He is a republican and a member of the order of A.F. and A.M. In 1866 Mr. Graham married Miss Hanna A., daughter of John B. Crain. They have-a family of five bright and intelligent children: Maggie E., the twins Stella A. and Stanley C., Frank W. and Johnnie W.

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


J. W. Copner, attorney, Covington, was born in Warren county, Ohio, and is now forty-six years of age. His people moved to Montgomery county, where most of his early life was spent. He received his education at the Agricultural School of Bloomingdale, Parke county, Indiana, paying his own way by chopping cord-wood at 37+ cents per cord. At nineteen years of age he began reading Blackstone, and was, after studying with the law firm of White & Patterson, admitted to practice in Crawfordsville in 1865. He would, however, have begun the practice sooner had it not been for the prejudice of his father against the practice of law. In 1870 he was admitted to practice in the supreme court of Indiana, and the same year he was elected a member of the state legislature of Indiana. At the close of this term he was renominated for the same office, but resigned the candidacy on account of removing to Fountain county, June 15, 1852. Since that time he has taken an active part in political affairs, and at the convention of 1880 he was nominated by the national greenback party as candidate for congress. For the past three years he has taken an active part in the cause of temperance, and is at present the president of the temperance society of Fountain county. His son, E. Copner, is the present (1880) editor of the ''Journal," which is one of the prominent greenback organs of the State of Indiana.

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


S. J. Weldon, M.D., Covington, is a native of London, England, where he was born June 19, 1800. He began the study of medicine there, but did not graduate, on account of the feeling between the different classes. He, however, practiced there about six years, principally in hospitals, and at the age of twenty-eight years he emigrated to the United States. He located in Cleveland, Ohio, and began practice there. In 1837 he went to New York and had the title of M.D. formally conferred upon himself. He returned to Cleveland, and after a total residence there of about twelve years he removed to the west, and located at Paris, Illinois, where he practiced about four years, and then went to Leroy, McLean county, Illinois, residing there about two and a half years, and then came to Covington where he has since resided. Shortly after becoming a resident of Covington the doctor engaged in the drug trade, which he carried on for many years in connection with his practice. He is one of the charter members of the Fountain County Medical Society, and in his political views he was democratic, until the late war, when he changed to a republican. November 17, 1867, he, in connection with Dr. C. V. Jones and G. Benjamin, organized the first Grant club of the United States. The doctor is a leading member of the Catholic church, in the growth and prosperity of which he has taken an active part.

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


J. M. Rhodes, carriage and wagon manufacturer, Covington, began business in the manufacture of carriages and wagons in Covington, about twelve years ago. His first opening up in the business was on a somewhat limited scale, but by careful management, and turning out none but the best of work, he has gradually increased his business until he stands first in Fountain county as a manufacturer in his line, and now gives employment to about eight men. Mr. Rhodes is a native of Tippecanoe county, Indiana. In 1854 he went to Indianapolis and served a regular apprenticeship of five years in learning his trade. He worked in that city for a time after having become a practical workman, and then spent a few years in traveling over the different states, working at "jour," work. His time was spent in this way until he settled in Covington and began business as stated. In 1868 he was married to Miss Mary Blakely, who is now deceased. His second marriage was to Miss Susan Spence, daughter of Baker Spence, who was one of Fountain county's pioneers. Mr. Rhodes is a member of the I.O.O.F., and in political faith a democrat.

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


S. I. Mock, physician and druggist, Covington, is claimed by the physicians of Covington to be one of the best read medical students of the medical fraternity of Fountain county. He is a native of Frederick county, Maryland, and is a man now (1880) thirty-eight years of age. He received a liberal literary education, and in 1863 came west, and engaged in teaching school in Preble county, Ohio, where he remained till 1866, and then went to Peoria county, Illinois, and began the study of medicine, devoting a portion of his time to teaching. In the fall of 1871 he went to Indianapolis, and took a course of lectures at the Indiana Medical College. He then went to Waveland, Montgomery county, Indiana, and continued to study medicine with his brother, J. W. Mock. His next move was to attend the Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in the spring of 1874. He then accepted the position of assistant physician in the Good Samaritan Hospital, of Cincinnati, and remained about one year, then took a position in the Longview Asylum, near Cincinnati, where he spent three years. I n 1878 he returned to his old home, and in 1879 came to Covington to engage in the drug trade with his brother, in which business he has since been engaged.

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


P. B. Brown, proprietor of Brown Hotel, Covington, was born in Schoharie county, New York, July 6, 1809. His parents, John B. M. and Sallie Brown, were natives of New York, and there the elder Brown followed his trade, blacksmithing. He was one of the heroes of the war of 1812, and died in Wood county, Ohio, aged sixty-five years. His wife survived him till 1848, when she died at about the same age. The subject of this sketch spent his youth mostly in the school-room, and when eighteen years old began clerking in a store. In 1835 he engaged in business for himself in Wood county, Ohio, which he continued for about five years. In 1840 he made his advent to Indiana, and kept hotel at La Fayette. In 1847 he came to Covington and opened the hotel erected by J. L. Sloan, which he controlled for five years. In 1851 he located in the same business at Terre Haute, and remained five years. Mr. Brown was then engaged as salesman with a Now York house for eleven years. In 1862 he obtained a position as clerk in the interior department at Washington, and continued in the government employ till 1873. He next returned to Covington, and again became proprietor of the Sloan Hotel. This burning in l876, he took possession of the Globe House, now known as the Brown House, the largest hotel in the city. Mr. Brown is a prominent Odd-Fellow, having been grand master of the state, and was also the first worshipful master of Covington Lodge of Free Masons. Mr. Brown was married in 1838, in Ohio, to Sarah C. Coburn, a native of New Hampshire. She was born in 1819, and died August 15, 1878. She was an industrious woman, beloved by her acquaintances, and sadly missed by her husband.

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


Deb Murray