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

E. M. Osborn, furniture dealer and undertaker, Veedersburg, came to Fountain county from Ohio in 1829, with his parents, Oliver and Hulda Osborn; the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Ohio. They settled on Coal creek, three miles east of Osborn prairie. Here he finished a mill which had been begun some time previous. He continued to operate till his death, which occurred in 1838, when he was thirty-eight years of age. By trade he was a mason, and built many of the brick dwellings in Fountain county which are still standing. His wife is still living on the old homestead, and is in her seventy-seventh year. He was rnarried in 1846 to Catherine Applegate, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Aaron B. and Jane (Blackburn) Applegate, by whom he has five children: Orpha W., Oliver S., Mary C., Elizabeth E., and Freman. He and his wife are members of the denomination known as Christians, or Disciples, in which he has filled the office of elder for the past seven years. Mr. Osborn began life with fifty-one acres of land and $10 in money, and an education such as he was able to obtain in pioneer schools. He operated a saw-mill from 1834 to 1847, wholly within Van Buren township. In 1872 he and his brother, E. B. Osborn, erected a planing-mill in Veedersburg, which he was connected with till 1874, when he sold his interest to his brother, E. B., and engaged in furniture dealing and undertaking with his son, in which he still continues. He owns a good farm of 160 acres and considerable town property. In politics he is thoroughly republican. Mr. Osborn has ever been an active, industrious citizen, and one who has paid close attention to the moral standing of the community and how it might be improved.

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

Dr. Joseph S. Welsh (deceased). Few persons in private life, dying, have been mourned by a wider circle of warm and admiring friends than was Dr. Joseph S. Welsh. He died on Coal creek about the year 1846, having lived there presumably sixteen or eighteen years. It is much to be lamented that more is not known of his early life, his education and training. It is said that no stone marks the spot in the Coal Creek cemetery, where his remains are deposited. His record is in the hearts of many who survive him. The industry with which he attended to the medical profession did not prevent his giving attention to general literature, and he wrote many poems and prose sketches of merit. In 1838 he published a small volume of poems entitled the "Harp of the West," which indicates the goings of his mind. Some of them are devotional; some breathe a spirit of high patriotism. The imagery is not always well chosen, and the versification is sometimes faulty, but many of them have high merit in various ways. They are rich in knowledge of Indian, as well as general, history. He excelled rather as a prose writer. His style was rich, flowing and elegant. He possessed a vivid imagination, and descriptive powers of high order, a reading his descriptions of natural scenery, the movement of armies and military engagements, one cannot help thinking what a war correspondent he would have been had he lived during the war of the rebellion. His conversational powers were even more remarkable. With the resources of a good voice, a lively fancy, a ready command of the best words, and added to these a splendid physique, he could delight, enchain, and electrify his auditors. Very naturally his conversations would often become monologues. Some of them are said to have been better than anything he ever committed to writing. As a teacher he had few equals. Youth looked up to him with wonder and admiration while he discoursed to them in a strain too high for their full comprehension, bnt which held in their hearts and memories, their awakened curiosity, and enlarged understanding, sooner or later made clear. Of himself he wrote: My highest ambition is to plant in the bosoms of the rising generation, the youth of our favored land, the great, the good, and ennobling principles of morality, virtue, and patriotism. His life, then, was a magnificent success." Truth regulated all his actions and guided his words.

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

B. M. Wilkins, minister of the Gospel, Veedersburg, a pioneer minister of the Christian church, came to Fountain county in 1830. Remaining some time, he returned to Ross county, Ohio, his native state, and came a secocd time in 1832. He is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Wilkins, and was born in 1811, near Chillicothe. Both his parents were natives of New Jersey, his father a pastor in the Friends church. B. M. was married December 4, 1833, to Zipporah Thompson, native of Fayette county, Ohio, daughter of Job and Zipporah Thompson, both of whom were natives of Ohio. By this marriage they had twelve children, nine of whom are living. Mr. Wilkins has been, engaged in the ministry forty-five years. He first began preaching in 1835, in his native state, then in Indiana, then in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Kansas. He has traveled eighteen years as home missionary, to which, he affirms, he is indebted for his principles of church union. During his ministerial life he has traveled on foot, on horseback, by carriage, and railroad, 86,000 miles, and delivered over 10,000 public addresses. Says he: " If I had my life to live over again I should prepare for the ministry." He had two sons in the late war, B. S. and Thomas J., and two sons-in-law, George W. Vincen and Wesley D. Ray. As relies highly prized, he exhibited his sons' swords, which bore the inscription "B. S. Wilkin." In 187l Mr. Wilkin located permanently on a small farm one mile north of Chambersburg, where he expects to end his pilgrimage in the service of his God.

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

Christopher Keeling, farmer, Veedersburg. James Keeling, father of the subject of this sketch, was born and reared in Virginia, where he was married, and from which place he shortly after emigrated to Ohio, where he remained for some time; then came to Fountain county, settling, in 1828, two miles south of where Veedersburg now stands. Remaining there two years, he purchased forty acres on the present site of Veedersburg, which he improved and occupied till his death, which occurred in 1847, in his seventy-sixth year. His favorite occupation was that of school teaching, which he followed in all abont thirty years. Many are the memories of the good deeds and kind instruction of this pioneer teacher retained by many of the now old people of this county, who were then boys and girls. He raised a family of eleven children, seven boys and four girls, all of whom are dead but Nancy, Margaret, Eliza, Jemirna, and Christopher. James Keeling's father emigrated to America prior to the war of the revolution. James served in the war of the revolution, though a mere boy. His wife's people were originally from Wales. Christopher Keeling was born in Virginia, in 1811, and came to Fountain county with his parents. He was married in 1831, to Sarah Martin, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Kitner) Martin, both natives of Virginia; they first emigrated to Ohio, where they remained three years, then to Fountain county, in 1830, where they both died. William Martin served in the war of 1812. Mr. C., by this marriage, had ten children, two of whom are living, William R. and John R. Mr. Keeling was educated in the common school by his father principally. His success as a business man is more than ordinary. He owns 500 acres of fine land in Fountain county, and a large part of the town of Veedersburg. In politics he is a republican.

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

Mrs. Catherine Hibs, farmer, Veedersburg, was born in 1826, in Ohio, and is the daughter of Elias and Tabytha Tickers, both natives of Ohio, and emigrated to Fountain county in 1830, and settled in Troy township. Her father officated as minister in the New Light Christian church prior to his coming to Fountain county. After he came here he united with that branch of the church known as the Disciples. He died in 1848, aged sixty-seven years; the latter died inOhio. Mrs. Hibs has been married three times: first, to Alexander Sower, who died in 1842, aged twenty-eight; second; in 1844, to James Richardson, native of Ohio, son of Daniel and Nancy Richardson, early settlers of Van Buren township, who died in 1859, aged forty-eight, leaving ten children: Nora, Daniel, Emiline, James A., Rachel C., Sarah A., Mary J. (deceased), William H. (deceased), Margaret (deceased), and Anna (deceased), to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate father. His last named child departed this life in June, 1880, in her twentieth year. Her loss was deeply felt by her many friends, relatives and classmates. She was a stndent at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Mrs. Hibs was married to Henry Hibs, of Ohio, son of Joseph and Bythana Hibs, who died in 1876, aged sixty-two years. Mrs. Hibs now has a beautiful home one mile southwest of Veedersburg, and a fine farm of 150 acres near Perrysville, Indiana. She and all her family are members of the Christian church, but one.

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

Ruben Grady, farmer, Veedersburg, was born in 1806, in Orange county, son of William and Mary Grady. He was reared and educated in Kentucky, and was married in 1825, to Margaret Pearson, daughter of Allen and Catharine Pearson, a native of Woodford county, Kentucky, who was born in 1808. He has eleven children: William, John, Allen, Jerry, Mary J., Samuel, Newton, Ruben, Jesse, Katy, and James F. Mr. Grady came to Fountain county in 1830, and settled on Osburn's prairie. He and hie wife made the long journey here from Kentucky on horseback. They are both members of the Missionary Baptist church. His wife's parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church prior to their coming to Fountain county; then they united with the Missionary Baptists. In politics he formerly was a whig, now a republican. He came here in very limited circumstances, and for many years rented land. Says he: "It was far more difficult in those days for a poor man to live than now." Much of the time he could scarcely obtain work, and if he could it was at the very low wages of about $8 per month. He now owns a beautiful farm of eighty acres, where he has lived since 1833.

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

Dr. Moses Fowler, practicing physician, Veedersburg, is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hines) Fowler. He was born in Kentucky, where he was reared till he was nine years of age, when his father, a school teacher, died in 1828, aged forty-two years, leaving him an orphan, his mother having died when he was but a small child. Dr. Fowler then came, in 1830, to Fountain county with his uncle, James Hines, and took up his abode with his uncle, Moses Hines. His grandfather was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and lived to be a centenarian. Dr. F., by his owa exertion and close application, was able to teach school at the age of eighteen, which he followed at intervals – till 1868. He read medicine under Dr. Roland, of Chambersburg, in 1841 and 1842; was elected sheriff of Fountain conoty in 1854, and served two years; was admitted to the bar to practice law in 1856, which he followed six years; served as a soldier in the Mexican war during the years 1857 and 1858; served three years as a soldier in the late rebellion, in the 43d Ind. Vols., dnring which time he was corporal, company clerk, commander of the militia at Little Rock, Arkansas. provost -marshal, and enrolling officer. When he returned home from the army he took up the practice of medicine, which he still continues with good success. He was married in 1843 to Joanna Furr, who died in 1855, by whom he had six children, all dead but America, now Mrs. Cox. He was married a second time, in 1855, to Sarah S. Getchell, who died in 1872. By this union he had five children, three of whom are living: Henry S., Isa G. and Ida M. The doctor was formerly a Jackson democrat, bnt now a strong republican. Few men have been more observant of the progress of Fountain county than he, and much that will appear in the history of Van Buren township we are obliged to credit to him.

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

Arthur Leas, farmer, Stone Bluff, is the offspring of George and Lydia (Crane) Leas, early pioneers of Fountain county. The former was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and emigrated with his parents, when four years old, to Warren county, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. In 1827 he was married to Miss Lydia Crane, daughter of Abner Crane. She is a native of Ohio. Three years after their marriage they settled on Osborn's prairie. They raised a family of ten children, five of whom are now living: Isaac T., Abner, William, Arthur, and Jenney. The two last named are citizens of Van Buren township; the other three are citizens of Illinois. George Leas died in 1877. His wife lives with her daughter, Mrs. Jenney Warric. He and his wife were devoted members of the Christian church (New Light) at Osborn's chapel, from the time of their location here, and she is still a member of the church. They have ever ranked as one of the first families in the community where they resided. Arthur lives on the old homestead. He was married in 1874, to Mary Caldwell, daughter of James and Mahala Caldwell, the former a native of Keutucky, the latter of Ohio. They settled in Fountain county in 1828, where their daughter Mary was born. In 1878 they moved to Davis county, Missouri, where they now reside. Arthur and Mary Leas have one cbild living, Elmer E. Arthur was educated in the common schools of his home. He taught school one term; has a fine farm of 320 acres, all in good cultivation and fairly stocked. In politics he is a republican. He and his wife are members of the New Light Christians, at Osborn's chapel. He is a thorough-going business man, and is contented with such sucess as he is able to achieve by his own management and labor.

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

Robert Mitchell, manufacturer of woolen goods, Veedersburg, is a son of James and Mary Mitchell, both natives of Virginia, and emigrated to Fountain county in 1832, and settled in Van Buren township, on Coal creek. The former died about one year after his arrival here. He was a millwright by profession. James Mitchell raised a family of seven children, all of whom are dead except Robert, who was born in Virginia, in 1822. He remained in his native state some little time after his parents came to Fountain county. Robert was married in 1847, to Margaret Patton, native of Fountain county; and daughter of Thomas Patton, an early pioneer. She died in 1849, leaving one child, which survived its mother less than a year. He was married a second time, to Miss Mary A. Middlebrook, a native of Fountain county. By this marriage he has three daughters: Florence, Bell, and Kate. Mr. Mitchell learned his trade principally in the State of Virginia. In 1854, in company with Solomon Hetfield and James Carr, he erected the Sugar Grove Woolen Mills, one mile south of Veedersburg, where he still remains operating the same, having been engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods for forty-five years.

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

Joel Crane, farmer, Stone Bluff , is the son of Jonathan and Kezia (Tappen) Crane, both natives of New Jersey. After their marriage they first went to Ohio, where they remained for some time, the former joining with a stock company, for the purpose of buying land in Fountain county. In 1832 they came and settled where Joel, their son, now lives, and lived to a good old age. The children of this pioneer couple are now heads of several of the prominent families of this county. Joel, who now lives on the old homestead, was married in 1840, to Elizabeth Jenkins, daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth Jenkins, both natives of Virginia, pioneers of Ohio, and came to Fountain county in 1838. By this marriage he had six children. Oliver H., Malvina, Louis, Cyrus, are the only ones living. The mother of these dying, Joel was married a second time, to Elmira Longstreth, native of Ohio, who also died. He was married a third time, in 1856, to Polly A. Smith, daughter of Taylor Smith, one of the early pioneers of Fountain county. Mr. Crane'e first wife was a member of the New Light Christians, his second and third wives, of the Methodist Episcopal faith. His son Louis G. was a soldier of the late war, and was wounded st Stone River, and sent home, but reenlisted as soon as able for duty, and remained during the war. His son Cyrus enlisted at the close of the war. Both Lewis O. and Cyrus were under age at the time of their enlistment. Joel received but a very limited education. When he came from his native state, Ohio, with his parents, to Fountain county, he was fifteen yearsof age. Then more attention was paid to the cultivation of the land than to the cultivation of the mind. He began life in limited circumstances, and now has a farm of 178 acres of good land in a high state of cultivation, and well stocked.

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

William Mallett, miller, Stone Bluff was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, in 1832, and is the son of Silas and Elizabeth Mallett; the former a native of Connecticut, and came to Indiana in an early time, the latter a native of North Carolina. William Mallett was reared a farmer, which he pursued until 1875, when he bought the water-mill known as the Stone Bluff mill, which he still continues to operate. He was married in 1858, to Eliza J. Hawlins, native of Indiana, who died in 1866, leaving four children, Charles, Lizzie, Wallas, and Alvin, to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate mother. She was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Mallett is one of the firm republicans in Van Buren township. He began life in meager circumstances, with a still more meagre common school education. By energy, industry and economy he has succeeded in gaining a good business in both the grist and saw mill, and his work meets with genera1 approval.

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

James Thompson, farmer and stock raiser, Veedersburg, is the son of Hartson and Rebecca (Rusk) Thompson. The former was born in New Jersey in 1810, where he learned wagon-making, which he followed several years. He emigrated to Ohio in 1829, where he was married to Rebecca Rusk, and came to Fountain county in 1831 and engaged in clearing land and trading in cattle, this being his preference above farming and his trade. Hartson T. died in 1873, and his wife in 1879, aged sixty-five years. James Thompson, who now resides one-half mile east of Veedersburg, is their only child. The Thompson family originally came from Scotland. Mrs. Thompson's people were from Ireland. James Thompson was married in 1861, to Caroline Lucas, daughter of J. G. and Catherine (Smith) Lucas. By this union there are three children: Emma, Etta, and Joe H. His wife is a member of the united Brethren in Christ church. James T. formerly was a Mason. He was born two years after his parents settled in Fountain county. His education was obtained in the district school, and he was reared a farmer. In business he has been sucessful, and has a farm of 557 acres of good land, well improved, and raises a good grade of stock. He was taught by his father first the principles of democracy, then time of whigism, the result of which is that he is a republican of the abolition school.

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

Maj. Samuel McIrvin, grocer and farmer, Veedersburg, is a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia, born in 1827, and came to Fountain county in 1835 with his parents, Hugh and Sarah (Ripley) McIrvin, both of whom were natives of Virginia. They settled in Richland township. The Major's father died there in 1838. He received his education in the common schools of Richland township. In 1845 he began a two-years' apprenticeship to learn the trade of blacksmithing, and in 1847 he enlisted in the 5th Ind. Vols., as a private soldier, in the Mexican war, and owing to the fact that the part of the army to which he belonged being detailed to follow Gen. Scott's army to the city of Mexico, he served to the close of the war without once being engaged in battle. He returned home in 1849, and was married to Martha J. Webster, daughter of William and Nancy Webster, both natives of Ohio, and settlers at Newport in an early day. She is a native of Indiana, born in 1850. By this union he has five children: Elvessa (deceased) , Alphonso, Blanch, Ureka, and Joseph K. In 1859 he resumed his trade till 1854, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Newtown, and in 1858 went to farming. In 1861 he enlisted and served three years in the 22d N. Y. Cav. At the time of his going out no cavalry troops were being raised in Indiana. He and three others arranged with the war department to receive 400 cavalry. They each raised a company for the army, which was received and placed in the 22d N. Y. Cav. The Major was appointed as captain of his company, and afterward promoted to the rank of major, which office he held till the term of his enlistment expired. The Major was in twenty-seven battles, and skirmishes too numerous to mention. He was in Gen. Pope's retreat from Bull Run, in 1862, upon Washington, the battles of Chantilly, Centreville, and Leesburg, Virginia, Allodie, Upersville, Middlesex, and Culpepper; was with Gen. Grant in his march on Richmond in 1864, and fought in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsyivania, Cold Harbor , and Petersburg; was with Gen. Burnside at Fredericksburg; was in Gen. Wilson's raid, and the cavalry raid south of Petersburg. The Major was taken prisoner at Warrenton Station, and paroled. In 1862 he was wounded by a saber in an engagement at Wilson's Ridge, taken prisoner, and sent to the Libby prison pen, where he remained six months, subsisting on a half-ration of corn-bread and a potato a day, and "scarce remembering what meat meant." In 1865 he returned to his family and farm. In 1875 he located in Veedersburg, where he now resides, and engaged in the grocery trade, which he still carries on. He is a Mason, lodge No. 491. Besides his store he has a good farm of 160 acres nnder cultivation. In polities he is thoroughly republican.

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

E. B Osborn, dealer in lumber, groceries and dry gods, Veedersburg, is a native of Van Buren township, born 1836, and was educated in the pioneer schools. His parents, Oliver and Hulda Osborn, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Ohio, settled on Coal creek, east of Osborn's prairie some three miles. There the former died in 1838, aged thirty-eight years. By trade he was a millwright and a mason. He erected the first mill on Coal creek, in Van Buren township, in 1829. Many of the houses built by him are still standing. He was a member of a society called "Lodyists," and at one time its president. Its motto was "Borrow but never return." His mother still lives on the old homestead, and is now in her seventy-seventh year. In 1861 he was married to Mary E. Phebus, daughter of Lewis and Mary Phebus, both natives of Ohio, and settled in Fountain county, in 1838. By this union he has four children, John L., James M., Emma, and Charley, and he has raised a boy named Wm. Shipman, whom he regards with great affection because of his good traits of character. He and his wife are members of the New Light order of christians, at Osborn's prairie. He began life in moderate circumstances, but by his energy and good judgment he has steadily advanced in business. He now is sole proprietor of a saw-mill at Hillsborough, and the saw and planing mill at Veedersburg; the former valued at $1,200, the latter at $4,000, and has a forty-acre farm, besides considerable town property, and is operating a dry-goods and grocery store in Veedersburg; stock in trade valued at $7,000. When he and his brother, E. M. Osborn, erected, in 1872, the planing mill of which he is proprietor, at this place, there was not so much as a single dwelling in Veedersburg. He is strictly a temperance man, and is an active member of the "Blue Ribbon Club," of this place. He is willing and ready to lend his influence and give aid to whatever is in the interest of business or moral culture.

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

Joseph G. Lucas, retired merchant, Veedersburg, was born in London, England, in 1803, and is the son of John and Elizabeth Lucas. He was reared a merchant (the vocation of his father) till he was eighteen; then he came to America, landing here with a capital of $400. He located in Shelby county, Indiana, where he was married, in 1825, to Sarah G. Jones, a native of Georgia, and farmed till 1835, when it was decided by himself and brother John to sell their farms, go to Chicago, invest a part of their money in land near that city, and the rest in the mercantile business at that place. When they had reached Rob Roy the wife of Joseph G. took sick and died, at the age of twenty- seven, leaving four children, Amanda A., Joseph G., Angeline S., and Elizabeth M., to mourn her loss. His brother went on to Chicago, and then to Rock river, bought a piece of land, sold it, then joined his brother, Joseph G., at Rob Roy. After some time they decided to locate at Chambersburg, and formed a partnership to carry on the mercantile business, in 1836, which lasted till 1846, when his brother John sold his interest to him and emigrated to Iowa and grew rich. The first goods they brought to Chambersburg were purchased in Cincinnati, near the close of 1835, and arrived at their destination in May 1836, after having been delayed by low water and once sunken in the Wabash. This partnership proved very successful. During this time the firm engaged in packing and shipping pork, which was discontinued in 1840. Mr. Lucas continued to sell goods in Chambersburg till 1871, when he retired. He was married a second time in 1836, to Caroline Smith, the first white girl born in Fountain county, by whom he had nine children: Lewis N., Susan C., William H., Charles F., Thomas N., Louisa C., Americus (deceased), Harriet A. and Emma J. The latter exhibited a wonderful faculty for painting. Lewis N. served in the army at the close of the late war. During the many years Mr. Lucas has been engaged in bnsiness he has been successful, and not only accumulated wealth, but the respect of his many patrons and friends. When he retired, in 1871, his first capital of $400 was increased to $40,000, a great part of which he distributed among his children. He now lives in Sterling enjoying the fruits of an active and well-spent life. His wife is a member of the United Brethren church. In politics he was formerly a whig, but now a staunch republican. Following the organization of the township he was elected trustee, which office he filled three terms.

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

J. C. La Baw, farmer, Veedersburg, is a son of Benjamin and Phoebe (Crane) La Baw. The former is a native of Warren county, Ohio, born in 1803, and is the son of David D. La Baw. Benjamin remained in Ohio till 1827, when he emigrated to Fountain county. His wife was also a native of Ohio, and daughter of Jonathan Crane, one of Fountain county's pioneers. Phebe, wife of Benjamin, died in 1848, aged forty-two years, leaving ten children, seven of whom are yet living: T. C., Simon B., John, Lewis, Elijah, Jenny, and Sarah. He was married a second time, to Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Asa Smith, an early pioneer of Fountain county. She died, leaving seven children, three of whom are now living: Alonzo, Ellen, and Alice. He was married a third time, to Eliza E. Airhart, by whom he had two children, both deceased. Benjamin La Baw settled in Shawnee township, where he died in 1868. He was a very highly respected citizen, whose kindness will be long remembered by many of the citizens of Fountain county. His son, J. C. La Baw, now lives in Van Buren township. He was married November 14, 1848, to Christina Brown, daughter of Jacob and Susan Brown. J. C. La Baw by this marriage has eight children, six living: Benjamin, Mary A., Susan R., Cora L., Jacob, Louellen, Josiah, and the last not named. J. C. was born in 1838, his wife in 1840, both of Fountain county. He has a fine farm of 156 acres, all under fence and fairly stocked. He received his education in the log school-house, while sitting upon rude seats made of rails. He is a Mason, of Veedersburg Lodge, No. 491. He and his wife are members of the New Light Christian church, at Osborn's chapel.

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

Samuel Campbell, farmer and stock raiser, Stone Bluff, son of Joseph and Sarah (Walker) Campbell; the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Ohio. Joseph Campbell first emigrated to Preble county, Ohio, then to Wayne connty, Indiana, then to Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1837; then to Fountain county, Indiana, in 1840; then to Livingston county, Illinois, in 1851, where he died. Joseph is the son of John and Mary Campbell. Samuel Campbell, son of Joseph, is one of a family of four children. He was married in 1851, to Sarah A. Spinning, a native of Fountain connty, and danghter of Isaac M. Spinning, an early pioneer. Samuel by this marriage has eleven children. Following his marriage he moved to Illinois, where he remained four years, when he returned to Fountain county and purchased a farm, where he now lives. He was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1833. He began life in limited circumstances. His education was such as he could procure in the pioneer schools. He now owns a farm of 280 acres of good land, fairly stocked. He is one of the successful farmers of Van Buren township. In politics he advocates what he considers is for the best interest of the people, no matter what the name of the party is. He is generous toward that which he thinks will be of benefit to others as well as to himself.

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

Samuel Morgan, farmer, grain and stock shipper, Stone Bluff came to Fountain county in 1840 with his parents and settled in Richland township. His parents more William and Elizabeth Morgan; the former died in 1828, and the latter married a second time and emigrated in 1855 to Iowa, where she died in 1876, aged sixty-two years. Samnel M. and both his parents were natives of Kentucky. He was married in 1852 to Tabitha Renolds, native of Fountain county, and daughter of William and Elizabeth Renolds, both natives of Carolina, and settled in Fountain connty in 1828, on Scott's prairie. By this marriage there are four children: Sylvester, Lucetta, Elizabeth, and Abel. Mr. Morgan received no educational training beyond the common school. He began life for himself a poor boy. By his own industry and good management he has accumulated considerable property. He dealt in horses for some years, buying for the northern markets. In 1877 he erected, in partnership with George Dice, at Stone Bluff, a warehonse, and since that time has been in the grain trade, and operated till the present time a sawmill since 1873. He has a farm of 500 acres, well stocked with a good grade of cattle, sheep and hogs. He and his wife are strict members of the United Brethren church at Stone Bluff, he one of the present trustees in the church. His mother was a member of the Old School Baptist. Mr. Morgan is recognized among one of the first business men of Van Buren township, and a generous giver for the support of christianity and other institutions in the interest of good society.

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

Jacob Romine, farmer and stock raiser, Stone Bluff, is the son of Isaac and Jane (Crane) Romine, who settled on Osborn's prairie in 1825, in Van Buren township. Both were natives of Virginia. About eight years after they mere married they emigrated to Warren county, Ohio, and from there to Fountain county, where they died, the former in 1866, aged eighty-four, the latter in 1873, aged eighty-seven. They raised a family of thirteen children, four of whom are living: Jessie, Jane (now Mrs. Crane), Sarah (now Mrs. Galloway), and Jacob. Jane Crane, wife of Isaac Romine, was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Crane, both natives of Virginia. The former served in the revolutionary war as a scout; the latter drew a pension for this service. Jacob Romino lives on a part of the old farm first settled by his father, in 1826. In 1851 he was married to Miss Rachel Galloway, daughter of John and Ann Galloway, whose sketch will appear elsewhere in this work. By this marriage Jacob Romine has eight children: Mattie A., Semanthy J., Eva E., Alvin J., William F., Theodore P., Emma R., and Isaac M. Jacob Romine and wife are members of the Progressive Friends Society, and so were his parents. Jacob has a farm of 140 acres in good cultivation and well improved. In politics he is a national. Mr. Romine passed through all of the privations attendant to pioneers in a new country. He received but little schooling. The lack of early education he has endeavored to supply by constant reading, so far as his business would permit. No man takes greater interest in behalf of the education of the young. In his opinions, both religious and political, he is liberal, and desires to see others the same may. His father before him possessed similar traits of character. Nothing is more true than like produces like.

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

W. E. Baker, attorney, Veedersburg, was born in 1831, near Harper's Ferry, Maryland. In September, 1842, he came with his parents and located in Fountain county. He served an apprenticeship of three years at milling. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in the United States service. Afterward he was elected second lieutenant in Co. H, 2d N. Y. Cav., which office he resigned, and a second time enlisted in Co. C, 154th Ind. Vols., and was discharged at the close of the war. Returning home he entered into the study of law, in 1870, at Covington; was admitted to the bar in Fountain county common pleas court. The subject of this sketch lives in Veedersburg. As an attorney he is considered a man of proficiency, and has a good practice. In politics he is a loyal democrat, and was heard to remark that should the old flag be dishonored, the first thing he would do would be to raise a company to defend that starry emblem of liberty and prosperity.

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

George Minick, farmer, Veedersburg, is a native of Fountain county and son of Simon and Prudy Minick. He was born in 1844, and raised to the profession of farming. His educational training is such as was to be obtained in the common district school. He was married October 14, 1869, to Martha Dice, native of Fountain county, daughter of Jacob and Mary Dice, whose family history will appear in the work. By this marriage he has four children: Birtie, Frederic, Altie, and Eddy. He and his wife are members of the New Light Christians at Osborn's chapel. He has a fine firm of 204 acres, in a good state of cultivation and well stocked. When he began life for himself he rented land of his father. By his energy and industry he has provided for himself and family a neat and comfortable home. In politics he is a radical republican.

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

A. J. McClelland, physician, surgeon and druggist, Veedersburg, is a native of Clinton county, Indiana, born in 1844, and is the son of James S. and Mary A. McClelland, both natives of Ohio. They settled in Clinton county in 1844, in the town of Jefferson, where the former died in 1873. James S. was a graduated physician of the Jefferson College, Philadelphia, which profession he pursued thirty years. He went out with the 25th Ill. Vols. in 1861 as lientenant-colonel. This office he held till within three months of the time the regiment was mustered out. He was thrown from his horse in the battle of Murfreesboro and disabled. In 1864 he again enlisted in the 135th Ill. Vols. as surgeon, and was detailed as director of Major-Gen. Melroy's staff. Wllen the war was over he returned to his home at Jefferson, Indiana, and resumed the practice of medicine, which he continued unti1 his death. Dr. A. J. received a good common school education, and attended the Wabash College one year. At the age of twelve he enlisted as drummer in the 25th Ill. Vols., but owing to sickness was discharged. He returned home at the end of three months. In 1864 he enlisted in the 135th Ill. Vols. as postmaster. He read medicine under his father and Dr. Barnett, took his first course of lectures at Ann Arbor, Michigan, the second at the Miami Medical College, and graduated with the degree M.D. in the class of '68, and the same year he began the practice of medicine in Steam Corner, Fountain county, where he remained two years, then removed to Waynetown, Montgomery county, and in 1872 he located in Veedersburg; where, in connection, with his practice, he keeps a drug store. In 1869 he was married to Miss Cary Glasscock, daughter of William and Cynthia Glasscock. She and her parents are natives of Fountain county. By this union he has one child, Edgar. Dr. McClelland is a member of the ancient order of Masons, lodge No. 491, and of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is strictly a national.

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

J. W. Gray, farmer, Veedersburg, is son of Joseph and Sarah Gray. The former was a native of Virginia. In 1830 he settled on the farm now occupied by his son, J. W. Joseph Gray's father was killed in the revolutionary war, in the memorable battle of the Brandywine. Joseph Gray first immigrated to Ohio, where he was married. He raised a family of twelve children, two of whom now live in Fountain county, J. W. and Mary Flake. He followed farming all through his life. He died in 1848, aged sixty-three years; his wife in 1860, aged sixty years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he took a very prominent part. He was a very temperate man in all his habits, and morally just and upright. J. W. Gray was married in 1858 to Nancy A. Gray, daughter of Hannoc Gray. She is a native of Indiana. He is a native of Ohio, born in 1825. He has a well improved farm of 108 acres, upon which he keeps all kinds of farm stock. In addition to his farm he owns property in the town of Veedersburg. In politics he is a republican of the first rank. He says he has killed on his farm nineteen large timber rattlesnakes.

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

Milton Petitt, farmer, Veedersburg, was born in Carroll county, Kentucky, November 1, 1819. His father served as a soldier under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812. Till he was twenty-fire years of age he assisted his parents as becomes a dutiful son. At an early age he united with the Baptist church, and through life has endeavored to act the part of a christian. He was bred a farmer, which pursuit he has never forsaken. In 1844 he came to Indiana and was married to Margaret J. Thompson, a native of Kentucky. In 1855 they moved to Fountain county. Mrs. Petitt is a member of the Christian chnrch, having united with the same in early life. They own 175 acres of land adjoining Sterling, which is well improved, and other property, as the result of their industry and economy. All who know him know him to be honest in all his dealings, and know his word to be as good as his bond. John Thompson, his wife's father, was an early pioneer of Fountain county, having emigrated from Kentucky, of which he was a native, in 1833, locating on a farm near Hillsboro, where he remained till his death. Samuel Thompson fell in the war of 1812. Milton and Margaret J. Petitt have one child, Marshall Petitt, born November 6, 1847. He was educated at the Wesley Academy and Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana, after which he returned to his father's farm. Marshall united with the ancient order of Masons, Waynetown, Indiana, at the age of twenty-nine; was given the degree of royal arch in Crawfordsville Chapter, No. 40, in 1877. He took up the study of medicine with Dr. Armstrong, of Hillsboro, and entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Indianapolis, October l2, l876, graduating February 22, 1878, in the degree M.D. August 30, 1877, he was married to Miss Nan Patton, by whom he has one daughter, Hallie J., born May 23, 1878. Dr. Petitt located in Veedersburg July 1, 1878, where he has since exclusively pursued the practice of medicine, with an increasing and paying practice. He is a member 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
Van Buren Township - Biographical

Marshall Nixon, dealer in implements, grain, lumber, brick, staves and heading, and shipper of live stock, Veedersburg, one of the leading business men in this part of the state, was born in Racine county, Wisconsin, in 1847, and is the son of John and Maria Nixon. The former was a native of Ohio, and emigrated to Wisconsin in the time of its early settlement, while the red men were yet plenty in the forests, and there raised a family of nine children, seven of which are living; one died in the late war, another was discharged from the service because of ill health. In 1866 Mr. John Nixon went to Idaho, and was shot in his door by the Indians, in his fiftieth year. Marshall Nixon's mother, a native of New York state, now lives in Racine, Wisconsin. Marshall Nixon remained on the farm with his father, working in the summer and attending the district school during the winter, till he was sixteen; then he came to Attica, this county, and went into the employ of his uncle, P. S. Veeder, under whom he received his business education, with the exception of some two months’ instruction at Eastman's Business College, of Chicago, Illinois. While in the employ of P. S. Veeder he lost no opportunity by which he could earn something, and not infrequently assisted at unloading cars and canal-boats after his day's work was done for his employer. Thus, by economy and industry, he soon was able to conduct business for himself. He engaged in buying and shipping poultry and scrap iron, not largely but with success. In 1872, in connection with P. S. Veeder, he came to Veedersbnrg, while it was yet in its infancy, and opened the first warehouse and lumber-yard in that place. This prospered, and in 1874 he, with James Martin, of Attica, who sold his interest in 1877, added farm implements to his business. In 1877, in partnership with John Lightle, he added a stave and heading factory. In 1879, in connection with Mr. Bogan, added brick-making; all of which have proved profitable. In addition to these he has been engaged since he located here in buying and shipping live stock, and is operating a tight-barrel factory in Peoria, Illinois, and was engaged for a time in the grain trade at Mount Pulaski, Illinois. In his employ at this time are 150 men. He was married in 1877 to Miss Florence Cade, a native of Fountain county, and daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Cade. By this union he has one child, Clarence V., now two years old. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Veedersburg lodge, A.F. and A.M. Is a strong member of the republican party; was candidate for the office of state representative in 1878.

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

A. Michner, miller, Veedersburg, was born in Ohio, in 1836, and is the son of James and Eliza Michner, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Michner was educated in the common schools. Four years prior to his coming to Fountain county, in 1872, he was engaged at Anderson, in the Michner machine shops, where he was both stockholder and superintendent. He was married in 1865 to Maria Mendenhall, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Steven and Mary Mendenhall, both natives of Pennsylvania. Her brother, T. C. Mendenhall, is professor of the Royal Seminary of Japan. Mr. Michner by this union has four children: Maggie, Dora M., Hellie, and Helen; the last two are twins. He is a member of the Knights of Honor. In politics he is a republican. He served in the United States navy nearly five years, and passed through many of the most closely contested engagements of the navy during the war, among which were the attempt to retake Fort Sumter, guarding the coast, in the neighborhood of Charleston, South Carolina, and the capture of the rebel ram at Atlanta, Georgia. In 1876 he erected, at Veedersburg, a flour-mill, which he is now operating. Mr. Michner is a miller well skilled to his profession, easily sees the benefit of the late improvements, and adds to his present mill machinery snch inventions as will enable him to produce a better article of meal and flour as rapidly as they are brought out.

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