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

John Corse has already been mentioned in connection with his office as sheriff of the county. He came to the county in the spring of l824, and built the first mill in Van Buren township. The neighbors for miles around assisted in building the mill, and Mr. Corse agreed that the one who did the most work on the mill should have the first grist ground on it. Mr. Joseph Glascock was the lucky man. All who helped in building the mill were paid for their work in grinding their corn. Mr. Corse is said, by one who knew him, to have been "a quiet, just and honorable man." He died in 1843.

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

Benjamin Kepner came from Preble county, Ohio, in 1823. His wife and one child and Mr. and Mrs. William Cade came with him, all using the same wagon. He settled on and improved a tract of land east of Veedersburg, afterward owned and occupied by Dr. Stevens. This farm was for a long time noted as a place for holding camp meetings. Permanent tents and seats were constructed, and a rude pulpit built of rails and slabs was provided for the preacher. In front of the pulpit there was a square pen made of poles and tied together with hickory withes, used as a place in which to collect the mourners, as those were called who felt the necessity of repenting their sins. Mr. Kepner died in 1839.

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

Hiram Funk and his wife Eliza moved from Ohio to this county in the spring of 1883. They first settled near where Hetfield's mills now are, but soon after moved to the north part of the county and lived there until they died. When Mr. Rush left the central part of the county he sold his land to Samuel Rush, who was himself one of the first settlers, and one of the county's best citizens.

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

John Scott was a native of Kentucky, and came to the county in 1823. He was a minister of the gospel, and Scott's prairie was so named in honor of him. He was a brother-in-law to Joseph Glascock, of whom mention has been made.

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

John Shelton came to the county in 1823 with a single ox, worked to a cart. He built a cabin in a pawpaw thicket south from the Hetfield mills, and in a little while abandoned it and was not heard of again.

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

John Simpson was a native of Bermuda island, West Indies. He came to the county at a very early period, probably in the spring of 1823. It has been claimed that he came in February, 1822, but this cannot be correct. Before his removal here he had lived in East Tennessee, and for a short time in Vigo county, Indiana. He planted an orchard soon after he came to the county, many of the trees of which are still growing on the farm owned by Noah Harshberger in Van Buren township. He was a noted hunter, a fair scholar, and was honored by all who knew him. He was scrupulously honest in his dealings with his fellow men, and his memory and that of his wife are so far respected to this day that their graves have been kept in order and plainly marked - a thing unusual in the case of persons who have been dead for half a century. In his cabin the first Sunday school and the first religious service in the central portion of the county were held. He died in 1838; his wife died in 1829. They were both kind, charitable and just people, and by their quiet, kind and neighborly manners they so endeared themselves to those who knew them that their memories are kept fresh to this day in the neighborhood which they honored with their residence in life.

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

Joseph Glascock was a native of Virginia, and removed with his parents, while a boy, to Kentucky. He was born December 24, 1791. After he came to manhood and married, he removed from Kentucky to southern Illinois, and from there he came to this county in February 1823. He first settled on the land now owned by Riley Greenley, southeast from Veedersburg. Some years after, he took up his residence on the farm, owned by him at his death, located on the Crawfordsville & Covington road, about three miles west of Hillsboro. He was the father of twelve children, many of whom survive, and who are well known as respected and useful citizens.

No man in the county, during the early years of its history, was more useful to his neighbors and to the public generally than Joseph Glascock. Mention has already been made of his public service. He was constantly employed for many years in administering estates of deceased neighbors and of their minor children, and always with the strictest integrity. He was for fifty years a consistent church member, and was a generous, large-hearted man. His wife was loved and respected by all who knew her, and was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence and energy. Mr. Glascock lived until 1872, when he died full of years and honors, and with the consciousness that he had acted well his part in life.

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

Thomas Patton was a native of Pennsylvania. He was born near Wheatland, Lancaster county, in the year 1784. He came to Fountain county in March 1823, and took up his residence on the land occupied by his son William. For several weeks after his himself and family made their home in the wagon bed; this was their only protection from the weather until a cabin could be built. Mr. Patton recollected with pleasure, and often mentioned the fact, that the weather was mild and the flowers in bloom when he landed in the county. He was a frugal, industrious and just man, and the father of seven children, to whom he left a good name and sufficient property to give them a fair start in the world. Both he and his wife were honored, useful and respected citizens, and good, kind neighbors. They were both members of the Christian church. Several of their children survive them and are citizens of influence and usefulness. Mr. Patton died in May 184s, having survived his wife for several years.

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

Jacob Strayer was one of the first settlers of this county, coming here in November, 1824. He was a Virginian, and was born in 1797. He married Elizabeth Harmon, near Circleville, Ohio, soon after he attained his majority. He came to the county with Abner Rush and settled near where Veedersburg now is, on the land .now owned by William Dice and George Dice Jr. Afterward he owned the land now belonging to Christopher Kuling, and built a house upon the site now occupied by Mr. Kuling's residence. Mrs. Strayer was an aunt to Mr. Cyrus Rush, from whom the facts concerning these early settlers have been obtained. Mr. Strayer died a member of the Christian church in January 1867.

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

William S. Crain made his advent in the spring of 1829, bringing with him his wife and five children - Mary, Margaret, Martha, William and Charles. He came on a steamboat during a freshet of the Wabash river. At that time there stood two small log cabins near the river, and into one of these Mr. Crain housed his family for a time, although greatly crowded. He immediately purchased lot 119, on which he erected a two-story frame dwelling, into which he moved his family. At the rear of this he built a shop for a hattery, as he was a hatter by trade. In this building he lived till about 1868, when he purchased property in the north part of town, and rented his building on the square. In 1870 it was entirely destroyed by fire. Mr. Crain then sold twenty-two feet front on the corner to Mr. Harter, who erected on it the present brick store building. He sold twenty-two feet front to Mrs. H. R. Claypool, who leased it to Mortimer Steely, by whom a small frame building was built. Michael Port bought the other twenty-two feet, on which he built a large brick business house, now occupied by Samuel Boord as a meat-market. Mr. Crain died May 5, 1826. His three daughters, Mrs. Dr. Hamilton, Mrs. H. R. Claypool, and Mrs. Nelson, reside in Covington.

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

In the fall of 1826 came Jacob Tice, with his wife and one child, in company with David Elder and family. David Elder rented a two-story log building which stood on the southwest corner point lot, where he kept an eating-house. He was already in his wintry years, and soon died. His daughter Matilda married Anderson White. Jacob Tice was born in Middlesex county, New Jersey, where he spent most of his early years. He then removed to New York city, where, in 1808, he witnessed the Clermont steamboat. He learned the tailor's trade. After coming to Covington he rented a small building for a year or two, then built a room, now occupied as a shoe-shop, near the Hardy & Reid bank. He followed his trade till ready-made clothing so reduced the tailor's custom as to oblige him to seek a livelihood otherwise. He became the second justice of the peace, succeeding David Rawles. He filled this office for ten years. He was also postmaster many years.

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

About 1830 David and Frank Wallace became goods merchants in Covington. Frank looked to the store, while David practiced law. David Wallace was a resident of Covington when he was elected lieutenant-governor of Indiana in 1833, and in 1838 reached the governor's chair. He buried his wife and child in the Covington cemetery. He afterward made his home in Indianapolis.

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

Henry LaTourette, farmer, Covington, is descended from a French Protestant family, two brothers of the name having come to America to escape the persecution for their religious belief, and settled on Staten Island. He was born in Wabash township, Fountain county, June 24, 1832. His parents were John and Sarah (Schench) LaTourette, being early settlers in this county, having come in 1826. The former was born in Staten Island and the latter in New Jersey. They were married in Now Jersey, and moved to Warren county, Ohio, in 1830, from which they emigrated to Wabash township, this county, where they both died, his father February 1848, his mother July 5, 1878. His father served in the New York militia, under Capt. Trubridge, throughout the war of 1812. Mr. La Tourette has spent his life within the borders of Fountain county, having learned the weaving handicraft from his father, and followed that for twenty years. Three years he spent in California at the gold mines, and on his return to Indiana went to farming which he has since followed. In 1873 he was elected county treasurer on the republican ticket, and served until 1874, with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was married in October 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Cooper, daughter of John and Charlotte (Allen) Cooper. The fruit of this union is a family of four children: Lottie, John, George and Charles. His farm of 370 acres is in a splendid condition and is one of the best in the county, the improvements being substantial and in good shape, and the land bearing evidence of careful and thorough cultivation. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and takes an active part in everything tending to the upbuilding and progress of the county. He has been president of the agricultural society two years, and is a leading and stalwart republican.

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

E. C. Blue, farmer; Covington, is the son of Wm. Blue, who was one of Fountain county's old and prominent pioneers. He was born in 1804, and was a native of Virginia, and was raised in Ohio unti1 the age of eighteen years. He then, in 1822, came further west and settled in what afterward became Fountain county. He settled in Troy township, and was probably more instrumental in the development and improvement of the farm lands than any of the pioneers of Troy township. He made the improvements on four or five different farms, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1873, he was the owner of 900 acres of land. During the latter part of his life he was an active republican. He was married four different times, and raised quite a large family of girls, but only one son, whose name heads this sketch. He is engaged in farming, and owns a farm in the northern part of Troy township. He has been twice married, and has a family of five children; and has during his short married life met with much misfortune, and has paid no less than $3,000 of physicians' charges. He is an honorable and fair-minded man, and one whose word is as good as his bond.

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

W. M. Osborn, farmer; Covington, is a native of Indiana, and was born March 9, 1823. He is the son of Jesse and Margaret (Orr) Osborn, who became residents of Fountain county in 1824. They settled on the prairie in Troy township which has since become known as Osborn's prairie. There he entered and bought 480 acres of land. In 1839 he moved to Missouri, where he died in 1845. Mrs. Osborn's death occurred in 1847. The subject of this sketch returned to Fountain county, and in 1845 married Miss Mary E., daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Dickens, who were early and prominent pioneers of Fountain county. They have a family of seven children: Margaret, wife of A. De Haven; Effie, wife of I. M. Brown; Homer, America, Josephine, Edward and Emma. Mr. Osborn has one of the finest farms in the county, consisting of 540 acres. He has held the office of county commissioner the a term of four years, and is a man of energy and enterprise, as was also his father, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and who was probably the only survivor of the American troops that were engaged in the battle of River Reason.

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

J. N. Spining, M.D., Covington, is the son of Mr. Isaac N. Spining, who settled on Coal creek, eight miles east of Covington, in 1825. The doctor, at that time, was a child but three years old. His early life was spent on the farm, and during this time he had the advantage of none but the old subscription school system of education. At the age of eighteen, however, he had progressed so far as to begin the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. M. H. Spining, who resided three miles south of Covington. His next step was to attend Franklin College, after which he completed his medical studies at the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati. Returning to Dr. M. H. Spining he engaged in the practice of medicine, and gave to the doctor the proceeds of his first year-and-half's practice in payment for instructions during his earlier studies. He then became the partner of his old tutor, with whom he was associated for one year, receiving one-third of the proceeds of their practice. He then came to Covington, where he has since been steadily engaged in the practice of his profession, and is credited by the people as one of the best physicians of the county. The doctor is also interested in the drug trade, and has one of the largest and best kept drug establishments in the city, which is under the immediate charge of his son. The doctor is a member of the Fountain County Medical Society, and of Fountain Lodge, No. 60, A. F. & A. M. In l847 he was married to Miss Mary E. Ward.

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

Gabriel Miles, farmer, Covington, was born in March 1813, in Harrison county, Kentucky. His mother died when he was three years old. He was educated on the old subscription system, and as he grew to manhood he learned the trade of a blacksmith in Livingston county, Kentucky, and worked at his trade for a time after he became a resident of Fountain county. He eventually began farming and has during his residence cleared up and improved about eighty acres of land. He now owns a farm of eighty acres, located about two miles east of Covington. Mr. Miles was married to Miss Ruth Alkire, by whom he has two sons. He is a democrat in politics, and a man who stands well in the estimation of the community in which he lives.

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

W. M. Graham, farmer, Covington, was born in Fountain county in 1825, and is the son of Washington and Elizabeth L. Graham. They were both natives of Kentucky, and in early youth emigrated with their parents to Ohio, where they were afterward married, February, 5, 1824, and where they both publicly professed religion. In the same year of their marriage they moved to Fountain county and settled in Wabash township, where they resided until their death. Mrs. Graham died May 3, 1875, aged seventy-one years, ten months and twenty-four days, and on May 18, just two weeks after the death of his wife, Mr. Graham died, aged seventy-four years, six months and fourteen days. They had lived happily together for fifty-one years, and had raised a family of five sons and two daughters, one of the latter dying a few years prior to the death of her parents, and the other remaining with them unmarried till the last. The sons are all married and are numbered among the most substantial citizens of the county. Mr. W. M. Graham was raised on his father's farm and received a limited education . In 1858 he married Miss Cita Carnaga daughter of Wm. and Rebecca (Cook) Carnaga, who were also among the early settlers of Fountain county, it being the native county of Mrs. Graham. The issue of this union is two children: Seymour and James W. Mr. Graham owns a finely improved farm of 290 acres a part of which is land that his father entered upon settling in the county. He is a republican in politics, and a gentleman whose name and reputation are above reproach.

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

Watson N. Clark, farmer, Covington, one of the old and prominent pioneers of Fountain county, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, August 1, 1812, and is the son of Isaac and Rachel (Nixon) Clark. The former, a native of Virginia, was born in 1781, and the latter, a native of Maryland, was born in 1777. They were married in Virginia, and traveled on horseback to Ohio, in a very early day, carrying with them their stock of household goods. In the fall of 1826 they removed to Fountain county, and settled on the farm now owned by James Bodine, where he died in 1838. He had been an honorable and patriotic citizen, and had served his country in the war of 1812. His wife survived him until 1863. Mr. Clark has resided on the farm where he now lives for the past forty-five years. He has been a consistent member of the Christian church since 1897. February 12, 1835, he married Miss Elizabeth Briggs, the daughter of James and Charlotte Briggs, early settlers of Fountain county. She was born July 2, 1814, and died August 28, 1847. August 13, l848, he married Miss Euphemia Crumly, daughter of Stephen and Jane Crumly, who came to Fountain county about 1827. By his first wife he had six children, five sons and one daughter. The sons all served their country during the late war, and were all members of the 63d Ind. Vol. Inf. Their names are as follows: James R., Isaac C., Martin H., Eli H. (who died at Shephardsville, Kentucky, while in the service), and Charles W. (who died after the close of the war from disease contracted while in the service). The daughter's name is Rachel E.; she is now the wife of Robert King. By his present wife Mr. Clark has living two children: Elisha S. and Alva N.; and seven deceased, all of whom died in infancy but John W.

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

Alexander Lemon, farmer, Covington, was born in Scott county, Kentucky, in 1817, and came to Fountain county with his mother and grandfather in 1827. Shortly after coming to the county he went to live with his uncle, Mr. Abraham Dicking. He has been wholly dependent upon his own resources, and when first beginning work for himself received $10.50 per month. He remembers the Indians well who were in the county when he first came, one family of whom had their winter-quarters under an old tree that now stands a few rods from Mr. Lemon's house. Mr. Lemon has in his time cleared and improved 100 acres of land. He now owns 159 acres, of which 90 acres are improved. He was married in 1842 to Miss E. Ward, daughter of Benjamin Ward, and who at the time of their marriage was an orphan. They reared a family of three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living except the oldest son, John E., who entered the Federal army during the war of the Rebellion and died at Camp Nelson. He enlisted for a three-years term of service in the 63d Ind. Vol. Inf., under Col. McManamy and Capt. Conover.

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

John Hamilton, M.D., Covington, was born in Saratoga county, New York, January 7,1800. His parents moved from there to Champlain county, where the doctor spent iris time on a farm until twenty-four years old, though he began the study of medicine when he was twenty-two. He continued the study for about four years, took three courses of lectures, and graduated from the Burlington Medical College, of Burlington, Vermont. He determined to locate in Canada, and for this purpose made five different trips in search of location, but found everywhere the prejudice too strong, as at that date a physician of foreign birth was required to spend five years in their colleges and take the oath of allegiance. Not caring to comply with these requirements he decided to locate somewhere in the west. Starting in 1826, he came west to Lafayette, where he remained for about ten months. March 31, 1857, he removed to Covington and hung out his shingle. He was then the only physician in Covington, and the third one who had ever located in the place. He continued busily engaged in his practice for twenty-four years, when he finally was obliged to give up on account of chronic sickness. In 1828 the doctor was appointed county agent for Fountain county, and held the office for twenty years, when it was abolished. In 1884 he was elected state senator for three years by the whig party. The doctor, through his enterprise and public spirit, has lost large sums of money. At one time he owned a large and valuable property, but through his efforts in aiding the building and bringing to Covington of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railway he lost about $7,000, and $9,000 more went in worthless canal scrip. These, with other losses, told hard on his financial freedom, and has left him but a shadow of his former prosperity. Though now eighty years old, the doctor is remarkably active, and still possesses a strong and rigorous mind and a very retentive memory.

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

Abner De Haven, farmer, Covington, is the son of Jacob and Susan (Osborn) De Haven, whose settlement in Fountain county dates back among the pioneers of 1828. They raised a family of eight sons and four daughters. They settled in Troy township, where Mr. De Haven, by energy and industry, became one of the successful and extensive farmers of the township, owning 380 acres of land. He was a very active member of the Baptist church; a democrat, and a friend to all educational enterprises. He was a man whose name and reputation were above reproach. He died February 14, 1865, leaving a widow and family of devoted children to mourn his loss. Abner De Haven was born and brought up on a farm. Having early in life been taught by his father the true principles of farming, he has followed it as a business since he grew to man's estate. He is an energetic, thorough farmer and though he now has but eighty acres of land, it is of the choicest kind, and is being managed by him in such a manner as (should no ill-luck befall him) to enable him soon to add to it. In l868 he married Miss Margaret Osborn, by whom he has three children.

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

W. C. B. Sewell, retired, Covington, is one of Fountain county's old and respected citizens. He was born in 1815, in Loudoun county, Virginia, and came to Fountain county with his people in 1828. His parents were among the early settlers of the county. Mr. Sewell had but few opportunities during his early life to acquire an education, and though he is an excellent business man and good financier, his training, so far as education is concerned, has been almost wholly of a practical and self-acquired nature. He spent some time on his father's farm when they first settled in Fountain county, but subsequently learned the trade of tailoring. Abandoning this, he afterward became interested in the mercantile business, first as a salesman and then on his own account. His early habits and advantages were such as to teach him economy and industry, two great principles which have governed him through life, and to which, probably, he owes his success. Mr. Sewell has never sought political honors, preferring rather to devote his time and energy to the safe and careful management of his business. He is now in a pleasant and luxurious home, surrounded by family and the enjoyment of wealth, reaping the reward of his industry and frugality, one of the old, honored and respected pioneers of the county.

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. Stilwell, attorney, Covington, whose name stands prominent among the list of Fountain county's oldest attorneys, is a native of Montgomery county, Indiana, where he was born March 10, 1830. He is the son of Jeremiah and Didama (Halloway) Stilwell, who became residents of Montgomery county as early as 1826. His early life was spent on his father's farm, where he was kept hard at work and had no chances for obtaining an education. His chances were so meager in this respect that he was sixteen years old before he had learned to read. He made the most of the opportunities that were afforded him, and though he remained on the farm he had progressed so far in his studies at the age of twenty-one years that he was able to teach a common school. He continued teaching and studying for about two years, when engaged for a short time in the grain trade, and when tried the dry-goods business, in the capacity of a salesman. Through these different changes he had continued to study, and after carefully consider- the question, and by the advice of friends, he concluded to enter the legal profession. With this object in view he entered Asbury University, and graduated from the law department of that institution February 5, 1857. Returning to Crawfordsville he was formally admitted to practice at the Indiana bar March 5, 1857, and continued it until 1860. In January of that year he removed to Covington, where he has since resided and practiced with success, both financially and professionally. In 1865 he was admitted to practice in the supreme court of Indiana. The first year of his residence in Fountain county he was honored by the republican party by being elected to the office of prosecuting attorney, the term being for two years, and was reelected to the same office for another two years. Four years after he became a resident of Covington Mr. Stilwell was alone in the practice of law. His first partnership was with Mr. S. F. Wood, with whom he associated for eight years. He and his brother, Thos. E., were then together for three years, and then for four years Mr. Jno. B. Martin was with him, and was dissolved in l879, since which time he has been alone. Mr. Stilwell's specialty in the practice is probate business. In this line he probably does as much as the balance of Covington's attorneys. In 1861 he married Miss Clara V. Knight, whose people were among the early and prominent pioneers of Montgomery county. They have one son.

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

M. H. Clark, lumber dealer, Covington, is a native of Fountain county and of Troy township. His people settled in this county as early as 1830. M. H. spent his early life on his father's farm, and had engaged in farming on his own account before beginning the lumber trade, which he did in the fal1 of 1879 by buying an interest in the business already established by his brother, Chas. W. They had been partners but a few months when his brother died, since which time the business has been continued by himself and the widow of C. W. Mr. Clark, though most of his life was spent on the farm, has found no difficulty in successfully conducting the lumber business, which includes a general stock of lumber, lath, shingles, and a full line of builders’ supplies. He is a member of Covington Lodge, No. 21, I.O.O.F. In 1867 he married Miss A. Clark. They have a family of four children, three sons and one daughter. Mr. Clark has been wholly dependent upon his own resources, and whatever success he may have met with in business life has been due to his own energy, industry and economy.

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

O. H. Marshall, farmer, Covington, is the son of James and Nancy (Stone) Marshall, who were among the early settlers of Fountain county. His father, who died June 15, 1860, at the age of thirty-nine years, had been a member of both the Masonic and Odd-Fellows Orders. He was a farmer, and left at his death a farm of 175 acres, on which he had improved forty. The farm has since fallen into the hands of his son, 0. H., who is now (1880) thirty-two years of age, and is one of the honorable, respected and well-to-do farmers of Troy township. A greenbacker politically; friendly to all local enterprises of merit, and a believer in honesty being the best policy. Mr. Marshall married Miss Sarah E. Briney, daughter of William S. and Ellen Briney. Her brother was an early settler of Fountain county, and one who has since become identified with many of the improvements that have been made in the northern part, and who is now one of the 1eading and extensive farmers of the county. The issue of this marriage is five children: Alma E., William J., Alice E. (deceased), Fannie L., and Nora E.

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

R. D. Brown, farmer, Covington, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, June 13, 1890, and is the son of John and Martha M. (Talbert) Brown, both of whom were also natives of Augusta county, Virginia. His father was born in 1777, and his mother in 1797. They were married in 1819, and in the spring of 1830 they came west and settled on what is now known as the old Bodine farm, in Troy township. They erected a cabin and resided there until 1832, and then removed to the farm now occupied by Mr. Brown. The father died there March 23, 1837, and the mother September 29, 1850. Mr. Brown's opportunities of attaining an education during his early boyhood were limited to the old subscription system. His life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, in which he has shown both energy and enterprise, and now owns a finely improved farm of 240 acres. He is a member of the Order of A.F. and A. M. January 22, 1851, he was married to Miss Drusilla, daughter of John and Tamar (Masterson) Ward, who were natives of Kentucky, and came to Fountain county about the year 1828, where Mrs. Brown was born February 20, 1831. They have a family of three children living: Charles F., William B. and Edward R.; two deceased: John M. and Emma J.

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

S. Reed, banker, Covington, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, February, 1836. He is the son of Stephen and Eliza (Castleton) Reed, the former a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and the latter was born in the State of Kentucky. The name of Reed is of Scottish origin, and both the grandfathers of the subject of this sketch were patriots and soldiers in the revolutionary war. Stephen Reed was one of the first settlers of Fountain county. He settled on Coal creek, about two miles southeast of where the village of Veedersburg now stands. He came to the county with more property than the average pioneer, and consequently soon became quite a prominent member of the community. The subject of this sketch never attended school but thirty-two days, and was eighteen years old before he ever saw a pair of boots. He used often to go to Chicago to haul wheat to market, and bought leather, salt and other necessaries not to be bought in Fountain county. Though dependent upon his own resources, by industry and economy he has grown to a position of wealth and influence. He followed farming for many years, and still owns a farm of 320 acres, a part of which is the old homestead. He is now associated with Mr. James G. Hardy in the banking and note broking business. He first began work for Mr. Hardy in 1849, and has had business relations with him most of the time since. May 7, 1857, he was rnarried to Miss Elizabeth F. Brant, whose people came to Fountain county in 1830.

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

D. P. Hendrix, farmer, Covington, was born in Butler county, Ohio, November 11, 1811, and is the son of Eli and Mary (Pugh) Hendrix, who were natives of Ohio, and who migrated to Indiana in 1831 and settled in Fountain county, where they both remained until their death. D. P. is now residing on a farm that he bought forty years ago, and on which he has made all the improvements. He was married in 1836 to Miss Mary, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Nixon) Clark, the latter a native of Montgomery county, Ohio. She was born in 1809, and came to Fountain county with her people in 1828. Her death occurred in 1876. They reared a family of three children: Arbanas N., Watson N. and Alvey. The two latter lost their lives in the service of their county. They were both members of the 63d Ind. Vol. Inf., that was made up mostly of Fountain county men.

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

Milton O. Graham, farmer, Covington, was born in Wabash township, this county, in 1831, and is the son of Washington and Elizabeth (Alkers) Graham, both natives of Kentucky, and among the first of Fountain county's pioneers. Milton O. was raised on a farm, and had a common education. He now has a farm of 175 acres, finely improved, on which in 1875 he built a fine farm residence at a cost of $2,000. He is a stanch republican in political belief, and is a member of the Masonic order. In 1862 he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of James and Sarah Wilson. She is a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was born in 1840. The issue of this union is seven children: Albert W., Edward, Sarah E., Minta B., Emoline, Geo. B. and Chauncy.

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

Jno. B. Martin, attorney, Covington, though a young attorney, has already won some distinction at the Fountain county bar; he is a native of this county. His mother, who was Miss Zorelda E. Atkinson, came to this county with her parents in 1829. His father came in1838. Jno. B. was educated here, and at the age of sixteen years began as bundle-carrier in the mercantile house of James G. Hardy. In three years' time he had worked his way to the position of book-keeper and remained in the house until 1872. He was twenty-four years old when he left Mr. Hardy. He then went to Oregon and for two years had charge of a land office under Gov. Grover. He returned to Covington in June, 1874, and began the study of law, and in June, 1875, he was formally admitted to practice. In 1876 he formed a partnership with Mr. H. H. Stilwell, with whom he was associated until 1879, since which time he has been alone in the practice. Since twenty-one years of age he has been a member of the Masonic order. He is now a member of Fountain Lodge, No. 60, and of the Covington council and chapter, and of Crawfordsville Commandery, No. 25.

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

Dave Webb, livery, Covington, is a native of Fountain county. His father, Harmon Webb, settled in Attica in 1827, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1828. Mr. Harmon Webb operated the first ferry-boat across the Wabash river, kept hotel, and farmed. In 1838 he removed to Covington, at that time a village of less than 100 inhabitants. Here he began keeping a hotel, which was located on the west side of the public square. This was lost during the fire of 1835, which burned the whole row of buildings on the west side. But few opportunities were afforded young Webb for acquiring an education, but he has, however, through business experience attained a good education. In 1849 he began in the livery business, in which he has been interested most of the time since that date. In 1867 he was nominated by the democratic party and elected to the office of county recorder for a four years' term. This was only done by the best of political maneuvering. The Hon. D. W. Voorhees was one of the parties to "stump" the county by road districts; the majority then being only seventeen votes. This was a hotly contested victory, but it gave promise of a repetition. Satisfied of this fact Mr. Webb, in 1861, again became the candidate of the democratic party for reelection, and was elected by a majority of 365. In l865 he once more retained his position by a majority of fifty-six. In 1863 he became interested in the livery business, sold in 1864, bought again in 1865, and has since continued. In 1865 he was one of four of the seven county officers who were drafted for service in the Federal army. He, however, paid $1,000 for a substitute. In 1857 he was appointed collector of tolls at this point, by the officers of the Wabash and Erie canal. He held this position until the close of the traffic done by the canal company. The last boat cleared though from Lodi to Toledo was the "Rocky Mountain," date of clearance October 26, 1872. The last of the local traffic was the clearance of the boat Godman, November 13, 1875, bound from Lodi to La Fayette. Mr. Webb is a member and ex-officer in both the Masonic and Odd-Fellows lodges of Covington. He was married December 23, 1850, to Miss Maria L. Lawson, whose people were among the old and prominent pioneers of 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

Samuel F. Wood, attorney, Covington; has been a member of the Fountain county bar for eighteen years, and is a native of Fountain county. His father, Wm. Wood, settled in this county as early as 1833. He selected a location on Osborn prairie, Troy township. The early life of S. F. was spent on his father's farm. He received such education as the school system of that date afforded, and in 1857 he entered Asbury University, graduating in 1859, and then rent to Bloomington, Illinois, to complete the study of law. He read there about one year, and then returned to Covington, and in 1862 was admitted to the bar, and was admitted to practice in the supreme court of Indiana in 1866. In the fall of 1868 he was elected prosecuting attorney in the district composed of the counties of Parke, Vermilion, Fountain, Montgomery, Boone, Clinton and Warren. In 1864 he was reelected, and also again in 1866, making a total term of service of six years. Judge J. M. Cowan, of Crawfordsville, was the presiding judge at the time. In 1868 he was elected state senator from the district of Fountain and Warren counties. He was one of the senators that voted for the fifteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States. Mr. Wood is at present associated with Mr. W. A. Tipton in the practice of law, the style of the firm being Tipton & Wood. He is a member of Fountain Lodge, No. 60, A.F. and A.M.

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

James Ellison, farmer, Covington, is one of that class of old settlers who, during the early times of the county's settlement, spent much of his time in hunting, fishing and trapping the game that abounded during the days of the early settlers. He has probably killed more game than any of the settlers that came to the county in as late a day as himself, his largest deer being one hundred and fifty pounds, dressed. He is a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, where he was born in 1817. He was raised in Clermont county, Ohio, until he was sixteen years old, when he came to this county. He began working by the month on a farm, and being of a free, easy and generous nature, he did not accumulate so much property as many others, though he has a nice little home and farm, which he bought in 1842. He has been married four times, and his wives were all residents of Fountain county, which, as he says, "is proof of his good name at home." He has, however, reared a family of only three children, two boys and one girl. For the past twenty years Mr. Ellison has been r republican, and for forty years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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

Contributed by Rev. John M. Bishop:
Thomas Wesley McClure. Indiana was represented among the seventy brave men under Major Anderson, in Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861. A native of Fountain county was among the few survivors of the Fort Pillow massacre, April 12, 1864. T. W. McClure was born in Wabash township, Fountain county, Indiana, October 4, 1833. His father, from Kentucky, settled in that township in 1824. Young McClure learned the cabinetmaker's trade in Covington. In 1858 he removed to Wabash city, Indiana. On May 30, 1860, he was married in Covington to Miss Ann E. Silver. He enlisted in the 14th Reg. Ind. Vols. in 1861, and was sent to the front, reaching Shiloh April 8, 1862, the day after the battle. In 1863 McClure, J. D. Hill and Smith were requested - not detailed - by Gen. Dodge to recruit among the freedmen, at that time a most disgraceful as well as dangerous service. They were very successful, for the negroes were loyal to a man, and in Col. Phillips' raid to Grenada, Mississippi, hundreds of brave black men enlisted, anxious to fight for the old flag. McClure was first lieutenant in the 1st Alabama Siege Artillery. When Sherman began his march to the sea, 500 men - one half freedmen, and the rest, for the most, loyal southerners - were left at Fort Pillow. Gen. Forest, with 5,000 rebels, attacked this little band, who, after a brave defense and the loss of some twenty-five men, surrendered. But their surrender was not accepted, and a horrid, premeditated massacre resulted. Not more than sixty men escaped death. Some of them were badly wounded, and some were taken aside and shot down. McClure was spared chiefly because he was from the north. But when taken in charge by a soldier to whom he gave himself up, he heard Forest say, with an oath, "My orders were to kill every - - one of them, but you have taken them prisoners, and I want you to treat them as prisoners." Then taking off his hat he waved it, exclaiming, "We can now proclaim that the Mississippi is ours." After this to the end of the war McClure was a prisoner, and saw the sad sights over which humanity shudders, and which christian charity would conceal and forgive. He passed through Cahaba, Andersonville, Macon and Savannah. At Charleston, with 500 prisoners, he was placed under the shell of our own guns, fired from Morris Island. At length, through the heroic efforts of his wife, he was paroled February 20, 1865, and reached home on the 15th of March. McClure was one of the 208,367 men Indiana sent forth to maintain the honor of our flag. Brave men all of them! And as we make this little tribute to the peculiar merits of one of them, not a leaf shall be taken from the laurels of the rest. Their memory shall be cherished and honored while the Union last. And may it be perpetual.

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

Geo. Nebeker, banker, Covington. Much of the improvement and prosperity of Fountain county is due to the energy, enterprise and perseverance of a few of the early pioneers, and there were none, probably, who took a more active part in the building up of all institutions pertaining to the general welfare of the pioneers than Mr. Lucas Nebeker, the father of the subject of this brief memoir. He was born in the State of Delaware, but subsequently became a resident of Pickaway county, Ohio, and in 1823 came west and entered land lying about three miles north of Covington, now forming a part of the fine farm of 640 acres owned by his son, Geo. Nebeker. In 1824 he raised a small crop, built a cabin, and prepared a home for his family, whom he moved out in the fall of that year. The family consisted of his wife, Hannah (Morris), and eight children. He was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a hard worker in promoting the cause of religion in those days. His cabin, which was the first shingle-roofed building ever erected in the county, and which is still standing, was often selected as a meeting place of bishops and other prominent men of the church, to whom Mr. Nebeker extended a generous hospitality and a helping hand. His identification with the early settlement is given more intensively in the general history of the county. Geo. Nebeker was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, August 20, 1813. His early life was spent in Fountain county, where he acquired such education as the imperfect school system of those times afforded. Possessing, even in boyhood, a clear analytical mind, and having been taught by his father those principles of honesty and industry, Mr. Nebeker, without an apparent effort, grew rapidly to a position of prosperity and influence. He has taken an active part in almost every enterprise the object of which was to benefit the people of Fountain county. In 1850 he was one of a company of four who began the building of the bridge across the Wabash river. This bridge was subsequently completed at a cost of about $20,000, and is still the only wagon bridge across the river that affords a market to the people whose trade is tributary to the commercial interests of Covington. Mr. Nebeker was formerly a member of the whig party, but since its demise has been a strong republican. In 1862 he was appointed the first collector of internal revenue in Fountain county, and in 1863 was appointed by President Lincoln one of the three commissioners of the Board of Enrollment for his district. This appointment necessitated his removal to La Fayette; and just here it may be well to state that Mr. Nebeker was married in 1832, to Miss Mary, daughter of George Steely, by whom he reared a family of four sons and two daughters, and who died September 7, 1870. Mr. Nebeker has given each of his children a classical education. In 1863, when obliged to go to La Fayette, he moved his wife and three youngest children to Evanston, near Chicago, where the children were in college during the time that Mr. Nebeker was in the employ of the government and for two years after the close of his services. Mr. Nebeker has held the office of president of the First National Bank of Attica, in which he is a stockholder, since its organization, and in 1867, at the organization of the Farmers Bank of Covington, by himself, Mr. Gish, and others, he was elected president of that institution, and is still connected with it in that capacity. At this bank he spends a part of his time, though Mr. Gish is the active member of the firm. Mr. Nebeker was for a long time one of the directors of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad, and he is now connected in that capacity with the new railroad, in which he is a stockholder, that is in course of construction between Attica and Covington. He has for many years been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is also a Knight Templar and member of the order of A.F. and A.M. November 15, 1871, he was married to Miss Louisa Moore, widow of Wm. Moore, who resided in Terre Haute, Indiana. She is a lady of refinement and culture, and in every way well worthy to be the wife of a man whose name and reputation stand without a reproach before a people among whom he has spent sixty-six years of his life.

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