The deceased was an active, influential member of the Masonic order, in which he took the greatest delight.

Early in life he was a member of the Baptist Church; but at the time of his death was not associated with any religious order. Mr. A. filled creditably the office of trustee for several years; and, also, that of "enrolling officer" during the late civil war. By industry, good habits, and economy, he succeeded in acquiring a large estate. In appearance Mr. A. was large, portly and athletic, weighing two hundred pounds, and of fair complexion. Unto his kind oversight were committed the following children: Sarah A., Mary, Isabelle, Elizabeth, Lucinda, and William H. His widow, still living, resides on the old homestead.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Buck Creek Township

JOSEPH WRIGHT,
a distant relative of Ex-Governor Joseph Wright, is a native of the “Keystone State,” beginning his earthly career in 1810, December 27. He came in early youth with his parents to Butler county, Ohio, where he remained a few years; thence to Wayne county, Indiana, where he remained till the year 1832, when he was married to Elizabeth Stephens, of that county, and afterwards removed to Buck-creek township, Hancock county, Indiana, where he has since resided. Mr. Wright is the father of Auditor Henry and Deputy Auditor William M. Wright. He served in the capacity of justice of the peace in his township for twenty years. When Mr. W. first came to the township it was one vast wilderness, inhabited by wild animals; but by determined hands and a strong will he has succeeded in making a commendable transformation. Amid all these changes and vicissitudes of life Mr. W. has been encouraged and strengthened by the companion of his bosom, a noble woman. God bless her! Mr. W. is an uncompromising democrat, yet accords to others what he claims for himself, the right to vote his sentiments. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and no good brother ever knocks at his door without receiving admittance. Unto him were born the following children: John W., Mary, Henry, Isom S., Celia, and William M.; all of whom are still living, save John W. and Celia.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Buck Creek Township

BARZILLA G. JAY
was a native of North Carolina, born in 1794, where he lived till 1837. In 1822 he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Jane McCullough, of the same state. In company with his companion he emigrated to Hancock county, Indiana, and settled in Buck-creek township, in 1837. Mr. J. was from birth and education a democrat unwavering; and, as such, was elected to the office of county auditor in 1855, which position he held creditably and satisfactorily for four years. Mr. Jay also served as justice of the peace for some years, with credit to his judgment and good sense. He was a man of firm character, honest and conscientious, and was an influential member of the Masonic order, by which he was buried June 17, 1860, at the Hodge cemetery, in Buck-creek township, where, by his side, the companion of his life was laid in February, 1876. His children were Eliza A., Mary J., Margaret C., John H., Martha A., James W., Susan F., and Amanda A.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Buck Creek Township

LORENZO DOW
Last, but not least, of the prominent men and remarkable characters of this historic township is that of the Rev. Lorenzo Dow. Not until recently, when the dusty records and the earliest inhabitants were being consulted for material out of which to make this history, and some of the discoveries were made public through the paper, was it known but by a few that this truly pious, eccentric, and rernarkable man ever set foot on Hancock's fertile soil, or owned land within her borders; but such is the case. A. T. Hart and possibly, others testify to having heard him preach in Greenfield. R. A. Smith says his father heard him in Rush county. Dow, in his journal before us, which we have twice read, speaks of passing through the “New Purchase,”* and of being next at Louisville, Ky.

The “entry book” in the recorder's office shows that Lorenzo Dow, in 1826, May 8, entered the north-west quarter of section thirty-five, in township sixteen north, in range five east, containing one hundred and sixty acres. This was then, of course, a part of Madison county. The land is now located in the south-west part of Buck-creek township, section thirty-five, of which it forms a part, being the corner section. The land is now owned by Spencer Huntington, and lies on the Marion county line.

Dow died in Georgetown, D. C., February 2, 1834, and his second wife, Lucy Dow, on the 13th day of December, 1838, deeded the same land to Hector H. Hall, and in the deed says: “It is the same land owned by my deceased husband, the Rev. Lorenzo Dow, situated in Hancock county.”

It is authoritatively reported that Dow lived on his new entry for a short time; and a place is pointed out in a certain bank, about ten or twelve feet high, on the farm where Dow dug a cave and spent a portion of one season.

Auditor Wright says he has authority for saying that a number of children in the vicinity were named Lorenzo D. in honor and memory of him, occasioned by said residence.
*This section of country was at that date termed the “New Purchase.”

History is full of apparent contradictions, which are often difficult to explain owing to our lack of sufficient information. I well remember a glaring contradiction in U. S. History which claimed my attention while pursuing the study. One author stated that there were one hundred of the Puritan Fathers on the May Flower, and another asserting that she bore up a precious cargo of one hundred and one souls. Why this discrepancy? I queried, there being no note of a death; and I determined to look it up. A number of authors were examined before I discovered the explanation which harmonized the statements of the apparently conflicting authors. The number was one hundred on starting, but on the way was increased to one hundred and one; and I have since had the pleasure of seeing the cradle in which that extra pilgrim was rocked on the briny deep. I first read Dow's journal in the backwoods of Arkansas about thirteen years ago, and then observed a little laughable contradiction, which I am still unable to satisfactorily explain. Lorenzo Dow, on page 212 of his “Journal,” says he and Peggy were married on September 3, 1804. Peggy Dow, in her “Journey of Life,” 12th edition, page 610, says that she and Lorenzo were married late in the evening on September 4, 1804. The query is how that could be. Future generations in Hancock county may be equally puzzled over the real cost of our present jail and sheriff's residence. The records show that it was contracted to be built for $32,900. We say that it cost $75,000; but it has otherwise gone down in history as costing over $ 100,000. Why this discrepancy? Possibly owing to adding interest to the original cost in one case and not doing so in the other.

After fully examining and weighing all the evidence, parol and written, we are of the opinion that the veritable Lorenzo Dow twice preached in Greenfield, and entered land in Hancock county, which, after his death, there being no other legal heirs, his wife deeded to said Hector H. Hall.Dow was a Methodist in principle, and though not a member, was held in high esteem by many who knew him best and acknowledged his loyalty to truth and honesty of purpose. He was exceedingly conscientious, and though very poor and often wanting for the necessaries of life he repeatedly refused handsome sums of money tendered him by his admiring hearers and children in the gospel for fear of its being a stumbling block in his way, and thereby retarding the progress of the gospel. He was very eccentric in dress, manners, and style of preaching, which attracted much attention, while his shrewdness and quick discernment of character gave him a wonderful influence over the masses that daily assembled to hear him. Some supposed him possessed of supernatural powers, even to the discernment of thought and the “raising of the devil.” It is recorded of him that at one time, when he was traveling in the south, he asked permission to remain over night. The woman of the house informed him that, as her husband was not at home, she could not accommodate him. As was unusual with him, he insisted, as there were no houses near, the country being sparsely settled. But she positively refused till he told her that he was a preacher, and would sleep in the stable, if he could do no better. This information, together with his long hair and odd dress, suggested to her who he was, and she inquired if he were not Lorenzo Dow. Being answered in the affirmative, she waived her objections and decided that he might stay; probably more out of fear that evil might befall her than through any real desire to have him in the house. Mr. Dow put up with her for the night, and at the usual hour retired in a back room, where he had not long been till he heard a man arrive, whom he soon discovered was not the woman's husband. A series of jokes passed between the two, which continued with a good deal of pleasantry till about midnight, when a rap at the door announced the arrival of the husband. Surprise, alarm, and consternation followed. There was but one door to the rude house, and at it stood the husband seeking admittance. To be caught there at that unseasonable hour of the night, without n valid excuse, would possibly create suspicion, and at least secure him a sound threshing. To escape seemed impossible. Just at this critical juncture, when the boasted ingenuity of man failed, the quick perception of woman, as in most cases of emergency, found an expedient. Near the foot of the bed stood a large gum half full of raw cotton, in which she hurriedly buried the visitor; then, as composedly and calm as a June morning, turned around and admitted her husband. But his lordship had been to the grog-shop, and, in his own conceit, was wise and wiry. "Hush, hush," said the wife, as the husband blundered in and roared out: “Thunder and potatoes, Mag, and why didn't you open the door!” “Hush, my dear, hush ! Lorenzo Dow is in the house.” “Oh, blood and tobacco! and is it Lorenzo DOW, the man who raises the devil?” “Sure it is ; and why don't you be still ?” “Oh, by Saint Patrick, he shall come forth, and you shall see the devil before you sleep !” So, blundering into the bedroom, Mr. Dow was compelled to come forth; and nothing would satisfy the husband but that Lorenzo must raise the devil. Mr. Dew protested, and urged his inability to perform such wonders; but no excuse would satisfy the determined, uncompromising husband. He had heard that Dow could raise the devil, and now that he had him in his house, nothing would satisfy him but that he must do it. Finally, Mr. Dow consented on the condition that his lordship “stand at the door and deal him a few good thumps as he shall pass forth, but not so hard as to break his bones.” This his lordship agreed to do, and stationed himself accordingly. All things now ready, Lorenzo, taking the candle in his hand and walking up and down in the room, touching it quickly to the dry cotton, said : "COME FORTH OLD BOY !" When out jumped the hidden sinner all in a blaze, and breaking for the door, a living mass of fire, made good his exit; but not without a sound blow over the shoulder from the husband's cudgel. The job was now complete. Lorenzo had raised the devil, and the husband thought it a supernatural performance by the eccentric Yankee preacher.

As a further illustration of his influence over the people and their firm faith in his supernatural powers, we will give, in brief, the story of the “Cock and the Dinner Pot.” One night after Mr. Dow had retired to bed after a hard day’s travel in Virginia, a crowd assembled in the barroom of the inn to enjoy their revelries, as was the custom in those times in that part of the country. Toward the “wee small hours” of the morning it was announced that one of the company had lost his pocket-book, and a search was immediately proposed. Whereupon the landlord remarked that Lorenzo Dow- was in the house, and that if the money was there he knew he could find it. Accordingly Lorenzo was rudely called forth from his warm bed to try his powers in finding the lost treasure. He first inquired if any of the party had left since the money was lost; and being informed in the negative, then said Lorenzo to the landlord: “Go and bring me your large dinner pot.” This created no little surprise; but as supernatural powers were universally conceded, his directions were unhesitatingly obeyed, and the pot was brought and set in the middle of the room. “Now,” said Lorenzo, “go and bring the old chicken-cock from the roost.” This was accordingly done, and the pot was turned over the cock. “Now,” said Lorenzo, “let the doors be locked and the lights extinquished.” Which being done, he said: “Every person in the room must now rub his hands hard against the pot, and when the guilty hand touches the cock will crow.” Accordinglvy all came forward and rubbed, or pretended to rub, the pot; but no cock crow. “Let the candles now be lighted.” said Lorenzo; “there is no guiltv person here. If the man ever had any money, he must have lost it some place else.” “But stop”, said Lorenzo, when all things were prepared. “let us now examine the hands. This was the essential part of the arrangement. An examination was instituted, when it was discovered that one man had not rubbed against the pot. The others' hands were all black with the soot of the pot, as proof of their innocence. “There,” said Lorenzo, pointing to the man with clean hands, “there is the man who picked your pockets!” The guilty one seeing his detection, at once acknowledged his crime, and gave up the money.

Numerous other interesting circumstances are related tending to show the ingenuity of the man and his insight into human nature, but we will not take time to rehearse them. Much of the oddity and eccentricity of Dow was the result of necessity, especially that part belonging to his dress; much of it was natural and in accordance with constitutional make, and a part was, doubtless, designed, and aided in the accomplishment of his great object in life. He lived to be fifty-seven years old, thirty-nine of which he spent in the public ministry.

Hancock county may well be proud in claiming him as one of her citizens, and the reader may reasonably excuse the writer for occupying a little extra space in giving this biographical sketch.

Since the above was written, we have received an interesting letter from Judge Hector H. Hall, of Indianapolis, formerly of this county in answer to a letter of inquiry in reference to various disputed points pertaining to Dow, which we insert in full.

”Indianapolis, November 23, 1881”
Messrs King & Binford -
”Gentleman: I received your letter of inquiry in reference to Lorenzo Dow, and in reply I send of his will, taken from the records of New London county, Connecticut.

”I bought one hundred and sixty acres of land from Lucy Dow, second wife of Lorenzo Dow. Peggy Dow was his first wife. Dow never lived on the land, but had twenty acres deadened. I had the twenty acres grubbed after I bought it, the first work done by me. Dow built no mill that I ever heard of, in the same section a man by the name of Lawson lived one winter, and slept in one half of a hollow log. Lawson afterwards traded the land for a saw-mill on Sugar Creek, near Philadelphia, subsequently called Black's Mill, I believe. Many of these books of which you speak (L. Dow's works) I understood were in the possession of John Givens, of Indianapolis, now deceased. Givens paid the taxes on the land before I bought the same of Lucy Dow.

”L. Dow was marked on the beech trees near the four corners of the land. I think it was the only land owned by him in the west at the time of his death. The trees have all since died or been cut down.

”I sold the farm to Spencer Huntington about eight years since.
Yours trulv,
H. H. HALL.”

We give below as a matter of literary, legal and historic interest, a copy of the will above referred to, taken direct from the records in Connecticut more than forty years ago. The will bears an indorsement, showing that it was “presented for record 19th March, 1834.”

”In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th day of April, A. D. 1825.

Signed, sealed, published, and performed by the testator as and for his last will and testament.
”Lorenzo Dow. [Seal.]

In presence of us, the subscribers:
RALPH HURLBUT,
MARIANN DOLBEARE,
ELIZA MILLER.

NEW LONDON COUNTY, SS.:
”MONTVILLE, March 14, 1834.

”Personally appeared Mariann Minard, late Mariann Dolbeare, and being duly sworn, did depose and say that she saw Lorenzo Dow, the testator, sign the above written will; that she, as a witness, subscribed her name thereto in his presence and in the presence of Ralph Hurlbut and Eliza Miller, the other witnesses, and that in her opinion the said testator was, at the time of making said will, of a sound disposing mind and memory, and that we saw him declare the same to be his last will and testament.
"Sworn before me: RALPH HURLBUT,
"Justice of the Peace.
"Recorded from the original by
J. Isham, Clerk

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Buck Creek Township

STEPHEN T. DICKERSON
The subject of this sketch was born October 27, 1830, one mile east of Fountaintown, Shelby county, Indiana, where he remained with his father on the old homestead till the date of his marriage with Nancy Wiggins, of Hancock county, in the twenty-second year of his age. Mr. D. engaged in the stock trade at the age of eighteen with George Roberts. Their first speculation was in sheep, purchased north of Greenfield, of Harlan Reeves and others in that neighborhood, at fifty cents per head for the choice of the flock. His next trade was with Hugh Wooster, of Greenfield, of whom he purchased fifteen large, choice steers, at $15 each. When they were turned out of the large woods pasture, on the farm now owned by John T. Lineback, to drive to town. they bounded off through the woods and brush and over the logs at such a rate that Mr. D. got completely lost, and came on to Greenfield to await results. In the course of an hour Mr. Wooster put in an appearance with the cattle, telling Dickerson that he was not worth a continental copper to drive stock, or he could get through the brush fast enough to keep up with an old man like him. Mr. D. has been in the stock trade in Hancock county for thirty-three years, and has probably bought and sold more stock than any other man in the county; and we may add, has always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his customers and the public generally. He also filled the office of trustee of Center township for two consecutive terms, during which he took great interest in the school, and encouraged both pupil and teacher by frequent visits.

Mr. D. is a liberal, public-spirited man, and has taken great interest in organizing pike companies, and encouraging the citizens of the county to construct good gravel roads, to which he has always been a liberal subscriber. It was through his management that the Greenfield and New Palestine gravel road was completed, which was probably the most difficult road of the kind ever made in the county, owing to the distance to which the gravel had to be hauled, being on an average of more than two miles. Mr. D. also organized the Center and Brandywine Pike Company, and was one of its most liberal subscribers.

He was one of the first children born on Brandywine, and, consequently, has seen a good deal of pioneer life. He says that the first apple that he ever saw growing was in the orchard of James Smith, about five miles south of Greenfield. He recollects the first frame house, sawed boards and painting, in the neighborhood. It was on the farm of Robert P. Brown, built by the late Jacob Foglesong. When Mr. D. first saw Greenfield, there were but two houses south of Main street; one, he thinks, was Mr. Offutt's and the other was near where Mr. Paullus' new residence now stands. The first public gathering which he recollects attending was "muster, " on "muster day," at James Goodwin's residence, now owned by John Richey, of Brandywine township. He attended school on Hominy Ridge, and was one of the boys that helped to carry Jackson Porter on a rail to Brandywine before he would "come down" with the cider, apples and ginger-bread. Mr. D. says he well recollects when there were more still-houses in Brandywine township, Hancock county, and Van Buren township, Shelby county, than there were school-houses; and that it was a very common thing for the neighbors to send to the still-houses for beer, and use it in the place of milk to drink. But notwithstanding the evils of that day, the young folks had their sport and amusement of many kinds. In the fall and winter seasons there would be a wood-chopping and quilting in the neighborhood about once a week, and a dance at night. Then there were the apple bees, pumpkin peelings, flax pullings, and cornhuskings - all sources of amusement. When the Mt. Lebanon church was organized, a great number of the young joined, and held out faithful for a season; but when the time for parties arrived, no small number would persist in dancing, greatly against the rules laid down by old Fathers Muth and Havens, the clerical advisers of that time. Mr. D. well remembers seeing one young fellow arraigned before one of the old fathers, charged with the sin of dancing. His reply to which not being satisfactory, he was told that it would not be tolerated. "Then," said the youngster, "take my name off the church book. I only intended to join through the sickly season." Mr. D. is in harmony with the doctrines of the Christian Church, and has ever been liberal in the support of the same. He is a democrat in principle, though not dogmatic in his views, and was always opposed to slavery. Mr. D. is president of the New Palestine gravel road, and has several times served as president of the Hancock Agricultural Society, and has ever been an enterprising, energetic citizen.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Center Township

WILSON/ CASS MURDERS The most foul, atrocious, diabolical and unnatural murder that we are called upon to record in the history of the county was perpetrated, on the night of June 7th, 1878, in Green township, on the persons of Mrs. Sarah Jane Wilson, aged forty-three years, widow of the late Woodford Wilson, and her little niece, Anaretta Cass, aged six years.

T h e strange, sad news of this atrocious double murder soon spread throughout the county, and before noon of the next day hundreds of people could be seen rapidly making their way to the sad scene, and surrounding the house were hundreds more, filled with anguish and anger at what had transpired. By whom and just how this scene was enacted, has never been legally determined. The plain facts in the case are about as follows: Mrs. Wilson and her little niece lived alone on her farm, about two miles east of Eden. They were at peace with the world, having harmed no one, and anticipated no trouble or personal violence from any body, and had only taken the usual precaution of locking the doors and windows, not deeming it necessary to go to the trouble and expense of having additional company to stay with them of nights. Next morning Mrs. Wilson was found dead, lying on her face on the floor in the sitting-room, in her night clothes, partially covered with a thin comfort. Anaretta was found on the floor near the door of their bedroom, lying almost naked. The bodies were examined by good physicians, which developed the fact that they had come to their deaths by strangulation from pressure of the thumb and fingers of the left hand of a man, the marks of the ends of the fingers being plainly visible on either side of the trachea. It is left to circumstantial evidence, theory and reason to determine the cause and manner of this double crime. It is supposed that the party, or parties, by some means gained entrance to the rear of the house, committed the rash act, and made his, or their, exit at the front door, breaking a glass beside the door in passing out. The theory is supported by the fact that the broken pieces of glass were found on the porch and none on the inside of the room. Considerable effort was made to discover the guilty parties, but to no avail. Time and eternity mav develop the facts, but as yet it is shrouded in mystery, we only know that two innocent lives were violently and suddenly plunged into eternity by some hellish fiend in human form. Who can look at the portraits of the innocent victims, and contemplate the atrocity of the crime, without feelings of holy indignation?

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Green Township

DR. JOSEPH J. CARTER
was born in Green county, East Tennessee, March 7, 1823. He came with his parents to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1829, thence to Madison county in 1830, when the country was new and the forests unbroken. There he labored on the farm with his father and brothers till he arrived at majority, when he began the study of medicine at Pendleton, the county seat, with Dr. Thomas Jones. After taking a course of study, he located at Eden and began the practice of medicine with Dr. William S. Loder. Aspiring to loftier attainments, and a fuller understanding of the abstruse mysteries of materia medica, he determined on a regular college course of reading and lectures, and consequently had the honor of graduating at the Cincinnati Medical College in the spring of 1856.

In 1860, April 17th, he was joined in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Smith, with whom he lived happily to the day of his death. He was a consistent member of the M. E. Church for more than forty years. During his long and extensive practice, he made hosts of friends and but few enemies. He was a man of noble impulses, generous and hospitable, in whom the people had the fullest confidence.

He died on the 29th of January, 1879, after a very short illness, in his fifty-sixth year, leaving the companion of his bosom and two promising boys to mourn his untimely death.

In the death of Dr. Carter the community lost an attentive, skillful physician, the church a faithful member, and the family a kind husband and an indulgent father. His family now reside in Greenfield; the boys are young men, the older of whom will graduate at the Indianapolis Medical College shortly.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Green Township

DR. SAMUEL A. TROY
was born at Batavia, Clermont county, Ohio, August 27, 1827, and is, consequently, in his fifty-fifth year. He was left an orphan at the early age of ten years. The family being poor, he was at once thrown on his own resources. He learned the trade of cabinet-maker; came to Anderson, Madison county, in the spring of 1847; thence to New Columbus, where he continued to work at his trade; and in April, 1849, was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Abner Cory. He then moved to York, in Delaware county, where he began the study of medicine with Dr. John Horn. His wife died shortly after, when he again moved to New Columbus, and continued his studies with Dr. Weyman. In 1854 he was a second time married, this time to Martha Manning. He then attended a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College; then returned and located near Bunker Hill, this county; thence to Cleveland, where he formed a profitable partnership with Dr. Amos Bundy, which continued for five years; thence to his farm in Green township, where he practiced for several years. He was a candidate for representative before the democratic nominating convention in 1868, and was defeated by the Hon. Noble Warrum by three votes only. In 1870 he moved to Fortville, and was the prime mover in organizing the Fortville band, which, in honor of its founder, was named the "Troy Band." While there he was in partnership with Drs. Stuart and Yancy. The Dr. is now located at Milner's Corner, where he has an extensive and lucrative practice.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Green Township

HON. NOBLE WARRUM
was born July 8, 1818, in Wayne county, Indiana. When he was but a small boy, he moved with his father to Hancock county, and settled on Blue River. At the early age of fourteen, Noble Warrum left home to embark in the business of life, having nothing to rely upon but an undaunted energy, a spirit of enterprise - which he possessed by nature - and a resolution to practice industry and frugality. He selected agriculture as his pursuit, to which vocation he still adheres. His success as a farmer show that he must have exercised a discriminating judgment in directing his operations, and practiced habitual promptness in executing them.

Mr. Warrum's educational advantages were very limited. He attended only the old-fashioned log school houses, and even that assistance was afforded him only for the space of nine months. Having from early age an ardent desire for knowledge, he seized all opportunities and improved every means of mental development, and thus, by reading, by reflecting, and by the study of human nature, has been enabled to do much for the culture of a mind by nature strong and active. In the strictest sense, he may be said to be a self-made man. Eminently of a practical turn of mind, he has never made any department of literature a special study.

During his whole life Mr. Warrum has been a resident of Hancock county. In 1839, he was appointed county collector, an office now substituted by that of county treasurer. He received this appointment from the county commissioners before he was of age, and entered upon its duties in 1840, when barely eligible. At the expiration of the four years' term of office, he was elected county assessor by a large majority. In 1860, he received the unanimous nomination of his party for representative of the county to the legislature, and was elected by about one hundred majority over the party vote. Since then he has served two terms in the same responsible position. As a representative, he was not only watchful and attentive to the interests of his own constituents, but always evinced an earnest desire to promote those of the state at large. He won the confidence and esteem of his constituents by his fidelity; and his sound judgment, conservative views, and independent disposition, made him a valuable representative. Since 1856, Mr. W. has been connected with the Masonic fraternity. His religious belief is the universal salvation. In politics he has always been a democrat of the Jefferson and Jackson school.

Mr. Warrum has married three times. First, to Miss Rosa Ann, daughter of Richard Williams, of Hancock county, Indiana, February 16, 1842. Mrs. Warrum died August 27, 1862, leaving one son; Richard H. Warrum. In April, 1863, he married Miss Maria A. Wood, daughter of Rev. Wytteel A. Wood, an emigrant from Virginia. She died December 27, 1873, leaving three sons, Noble, Henry and Mack, and one daughter, Rosa Ann. On December 19, 1877, he married Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Abner Cory, late of Madison county.

In stature, Mr. Warrum is a little above the medium size. He possesses a strong constitution, cheerful and vivacious spirits, and a kind and hospitable disposition.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Jackson Township

JOHN ADDISON
commissioner of Hancock county, was born in Preble county, Ohio, January 22, 1820. He is the son of John and Sarah Addison, formerly of Randolph county, North Carolina. His father removed to Indiana in 1827, and located in Rush county, where young Addison labored with untiring zeal in clearing the forests and tilling the soil. During the minter he attended the common schools of the county, where he obtained the only schooling he ever enjoyed. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, when he was married; and receiving the gift of a small tract of land from his father, he moved on it and began his exertions for an independent living. On January 17, 1854, he removed from Rush to Hancock county, and purchased a farm in Jackson township, where he now resides. In the autumn of 1861 he was elected treasurer of Hancock county, a position in which he distinguished himself by efficient and careful attention to his duties. In 1868, he was again called to the duties of official life, being chosen a representative to the state legislature. Again, in the fall of 1874 he was placed on the board of county commissioners, and served as such for six years.

Mr. Addison has always contributed liberally to the various public enterprises of his county. He aids and encourages county and district fairs, and takes great interest in improvements in stock raising and agriculture. He has been a faithful member of the Christian church since 1840. He is now, and always has been, a steadfast democrat, casting his first presidential vote for James K. Polk.

He was first married to Miss Nancy Hall, daughter of Curtis Hall, of Henry county, Indiana, on the 13th of February, 1840. She died November 21, 1866, and he was married the second time to Miss Ellen Jane Coltrain, of Henry county, Indiana, on the 9th day of January, 1868. He is the father of ten children - nine by his first wife and one by his second. Mr. A. is now enjoying private life on his farm in Jackson township.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Jackson Township

WESLEY WILLIAMS
was born in Indiana Territory, in what is now Franklin county, in 1811, May 12th. In the following year he removed with his parents, Joseph H. and Charity Williams, to Wayne county, Indiana, where he was raised. Mr. W. was converted and joined the M. E. Church at the early age of fifteen, and has been a faithful, consistent member ever since; a greater portion of which time he has been a class leader, and always a faithful worker in the cause of the church and Christianity.

He was married in the year 1834 to Catharine Harden, who is also a consistent member of the same religious denomination. In 1837, Mr. Williams, with his wife and one child, moved to Jackson township, and settled in the woods in a log cabin; stuck a pole in a hollow stump, to which he tied his horses, having no other stable for two months. Here he worked hard and lived hard to secure n starting point, and by patient industry and strict economy, he has gained a competence amply sufficient to support him and the wife of his bosom in their declining years; indeed, Mr. W. is one of the heavy tax-payers of the township, as a reference to our list will show.

To Mr. W. were born eight children, five of whom are living, married and doing well.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Jackson Township

PHILIP J. BOHN
was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania. His parents were of German ancestry. He came to Indiana in the spring of 1839, and during the following fall came to Charlottesville. At the age of eighteen years, he entered a shop as an apprentice in the carriage and wagon making business. He next engaged in carpentering for a season. In the year 1863, he began the dry goods business in Charlottesville, and for full eighteen years he occupied the same room at the same business. Sixteen years of this time he was sole proprietor. On the 4th of February, 1881, he sold out his stock of goods to Messrs. Walker & Conklin, the present proprietors. Mr. Bohn has lately moved out on his farm, just west of town, and erected a handsome two-story frame dwelling, where he proposes to look after his farming interests, and spend the remainder of his days in the quiet, healthful seclusion of rural pursuits.

In 1856, Mr. Bohn was married to a daughter of William Oldham, one of the first settlers, with whom he is still happily living.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Jackson Township

MRS. MARY LANDIS
was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1802. She was married the first time in 1825, in Fayette county, and in March, 1830, came to Charlottesville, being one of the first settlers in the place. Mrs. Landis and her first husband kept the first tavern in Charlottesville for the accommodation of the traveling public. The moving westward at that time, and for several succeeding years, was so great that Mrs. Landis in one instance counted ninety wagons - prairie schooners - in sight at one time. Often hundreds passed by daily.

In 1834, Mrs. L. was left a widow, and went to Lafavette to reside with some relations, where she met George W. Landis, to whom she was married in 1836. The two made one soon came to Charlottesville, and at once set about erecting the building for an inn, in which Mrs. Landis recently died.

In 1870, Mr. Landis died, since which time, to the date of her death, she resided at the old stand with her only boys, Esquire George W. Landis, and J. H. Landis, ex-county surveyor. Mrs. Landis was for a time a member of the Lutheran church in Charlottesville, till it went down. She then joined the M. E. Church. Mrs. Landis was truly one of the pioneer women, and in her declining years took great pleasure in reiterating early reminiscences of Charlottesville and vicinity. Mrs. L. was well acquainted with David Templeton, who laid out Charlottesville; with William Oldham, still living, who, entered the first land in the township. Also, with Charles White, Andrew Jackson, William Woods et al. of the early settlers previously mentioned.

Mrs. Landis's sons, G. W. and J. H., are the oldest native-born residents in Charlottesville.

On the 9th dav of January, 1882, Mrs. L. was called from works to rewards, and her mortal remains quietly repose in the old Six Mile cemetery.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Jackson Township

JOHN A. CRAFT
was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, September 1, 1824. At the age of twelve he came to Hancock county, and located in Jackson township, where he has since resided. Young Craft, at the age of twenty, learned the trade of plane maker of Peter Probasco, father of Henry Probasco, of Cincinnati, at which business he worked in said city during the years of 1846 and 1847, after which he came to Charlottesville and carried on the same business in the building which then stood on the ground now occupied by the Craft store. In 1857, Mr. Craft left Charlottesville and located on his farm, a short distance north; but not succeeding as he desired, and health failing, he returned in 1864 and became a member of the firm of Rock, Morris & Craft, dealers in dry goods and groceries. In 1849, Mr. C. was married to Miss Eliza A. Fries, daughter of the late Daniel Fries. During the rebellion Mr. C. entered the Union army, was promoted to captain, and served with credit to himself and country until his health failed, when he returned home, and for months was not expected to lire. Mr. C. and wife have a family of two girls and a boy to cheer them along the journey of life. For several years he was justice of the peace, and has ever been a staunch republican and good citizen. In the fall of 1881 Mr. C. retired from business and moved on his farm, where he is now enjoying the quiet seclusion and healthful duties of rural pursuits.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Jackson Township

JOHN F. SHULTZ
postmaster in Charlottesville, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1825. His ancestors were of Dutch extraction. Mr. S. came to Charlottesville in 1857, where he has since resided. He is a boot and shoe maker by trade, and for a number of years has followed that business. The building in which the post-office is located, and in which Mr. Shultz has his shop, was built by him in 1859.

Mr. S. has been twice married. First, to Margaret Dungan, in 1858, by whom he had three children, none of whom are living. The second time to Miss Margaret Brown, in 1878. Mrs. Shultz is well-known in Greenfield as Miss Maggie Brown, a former teacher in the Greenfield graded schools under the superintendency of the writer.

Mr. Shultz is a consistent member of the M. E. church, a Mason in good standing, and an unwavering republican.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Jackson Township

MEREDITH WALKER
The subject of this sketch was born in Wilkes county, North Carolina, December 10, 1814. He moved with his father to Rush county, Indiana, at the age of fifteen, where he lived until the year 1837, at which time he moved to Jackson township, this county, where he resided until the date of his death, which occurred on the 10th day of January, 1882, at the age of sixty-seven. In early life Mr. W. became a member of the Christian Church, and continued a consistent member the remainder of his life. Having carried a clear conscience void of offense to God and man, he expressed his willingness to die, and said he had no fears of death. Mr. W. was a republican till the later years of his life, when he became an independent. He was an industrious, progressive farmer, and succeeded in amassing a handsome amount of property. Physically, he was a large, square built, robust, broad-shouldered man, with dark eyes and hair, high cheek bones, and a firm countenance, denoting a power and will to act.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Jackson Township

BENJAMIN McNAMEE
a native of the "Buckeye State," dates his earthly career from the 30th day of September, 1827. At the tender age of six, he moved with his father, David McNamee, and settled in Sugar-creek township, two and one-half miles north of Palestine, where he still resides on the old homestead which his father entered. At this early date, Mr. McNamee says he knew of but one log cabin between the Brookville and National road. A few scattering cabins were to be found on the bluffs of Sugar Creek and Buck Creek, and wild game of various kinds existed in abundance. At the age of twenty-two, Mr. McNamee joined his destiny with Mary Ann Irons, September 9, 1849. The fruits of this union have been eight children, four of whom are living. Catherine, the eldest, is the wife of Prof. Morgan Caraway, principal of the Fortville graded schools. The second, James W., and his wife reside in Fremont county, Iowa. The remaining two daughters, Emma and Mollie, are living with their parents. Mr. McNamee and his amiable wife have been consistent members of the M. E. Church for thirty-two years.

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“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Sugar Township