Click here for photo.

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

ROBISON JOHNS
Was born January 19, 1813, in Scott county, Kentucky, and at the age of four came with his parents to the New Purchase in October, 1823, and settled in what is now Blue-River township, Hancock county, Indiana. Abram Johns, father of the subject of this sketch, had made a trip to the new site in March, and entered eighty acres at the land-office at Brookville, Franklin county. The Johns family, which were twelve in number, resided for a time in a bark shed, then in a pole cabin, eighteen by twenty, rude in its every part. Mr. Johns remembers well the building of the first school-house, in the fall of 1823, and the first teacher therein, Lewis Tyner, son of Solomon Tyner, who agreed to teach a short term, and take his pay in work on his father's farm. Light was admitted to the room through greased paper. Webster's blue-back speller was the chief book. Mr. Johns says at that date they went to Freeport for meal and Connersville for flour, being the nearest points at which they could be accommodated.

The first death in the township was that of John Smith, who was killed at a cabin raising by the falling of a log which had slipped from a skid in nearing the gable, from which he died that night, in March, 1824. Harmon Warrum, Thomas Phillips, Solomon Tyner, John Osborn, George Penwell and George Smith, the remaining settlers at that date, were part or all present.

Abram and Elizabeth Johns, the father and mother of this sketch, died respectively in 1834 and 1863, the latter at the ripe age of ninety-five. If any of our readers wish to spend an hour or two pleasantly with some of the oldest living residents of Hancock county, let them call on Robison or Wilson Johns.

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

JOHN P. BANKS,
now residing in Brandywine township, in his seventy-third year, moved from Boone county, and settled in Greenfield in 1830, and followed teaming for two years, hauling produce to Cincinnati and goods in return. He afterwards purchased a farm, and moved to Brandywine township, and engaged in agriculture, which business he has followed ever since. Mr. B. has been failing very rapidly for the past few years, yet we are still permitted to look into his honest face occasional1y upon our streets. Mr. B. was a preacher in good standing for a umber of years, and is ever recognized as an honest, conscientious man.

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

EPHRAIM BENTLEY
was born November 15, 1829, in Ripley township, Rush county, Indiana, where he received his early education, attending the Friends' school at Walnut Ridge. His father living on a farm, young Ephraim's time was occupied in working thereon, and aiding in the support of a large family. Mr. B. was married September 26, 1855, to Pheriba Mundon, with whom he is still happily living. Mr. B. has spent most of his life farming, stock raising, and milling. For a time he run a saw-mill, and for ten years was the proprietor of what is now known as the Blue-River Flouring Mills. Mr. B. became a member of the I. O. O. F. in 1857, and is still an honored member thereof. In October, 1878, he was elected County Commissioner for the middle, or second, commissioner's district, which position he is still holding.

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

JAMES TYNER
was born in Aberville District, South Carolina, September 19, 1807. His father moved to Indiana Territory, in 1808, and settled where Franklin county is now located. Here they resided until 1813, when they moved to the territory now embodied in Fayette county. In 1819 the subject of this sketch was married to Lucinda Caldwell, with whom he is still happily living. In 1833 Mr. T., with his small family, moved to Hancock county, and settled in the green woods in Brandywine township, cleared an extensive farm, on which he still resides, and is enjoying the fruits of his labors at this date. Although Mr. T. is now past his three-score and ten, he truthfully says what probably few can say at his age, that he never was under the necessity of having a doctor to attend him except through one spell of sickness." Mr. T. is a member of the orthodox Baptist Church, known as Shiloh, a substantial Democrat, and has served a number of terms as County Commissioner of the second commissioner's district, being elected in 1849, 1861, 1866 and 1872. During his official life he was recognized as a safe custodian of the county's best interests.

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

JOHN H. POPE
was born in Brandywine township, July 11, 1852. He was the son of Elijah Pope, one of the early settlers in the township. His early education he received at the common schools of his neighborhood, after which he took a course in the business college of Hannibal, Missouri, from which he graduated in 1873. Mr. P. traveled, taught school, and worked on the farm for a few years, when he was married, March 25, 1879, to Miss Almedia Moore, daughter of the late Roland Moore, of Green township, with whom he lived happily until the date of her death, which occurred February 2, 1880. Referring to his early life, his father died when he was but about four years of age, and, notwithstanding he was left without paternal care, he grew up an exemplary, modest, unassuming young man. After a short sickness, Mr. P. was called from works to rewards, January 26, 1882, leaving surviving him a mother and Coleman, an only brother, and his remains were followed by a large concourse of weeping friends to their last resting place, in Mt. Lebanon cemetery.

Click here for photo.

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

JAMES ALYEA
was born in New Jersey in 1797, moved to Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1812, thence to Hancock county in 1835, and entered land in Brandywine township, upon which he now resides. He is now in his eighty-fifth year, is a well-to-do farmer, a good citizen, and was one of the early blacksmiths in the township.

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

HIRAM THOMAS
was born in Knox county, Kentucky, in 1810. His parents moved to Franklin county, Indiana, in 1811. There he resided until eighteen years of age. He came with his parents to Hancock county in the year 1829, and settled on Little Sugar creek, three miles north of the Brookville road. His nearest neighbors were John Baker on the south, James Gooding on the east, and Joseph Bellis on the west. Hiram Thomas is the father of ex-Sheriff Thomas, as has been noticed elsewhere.

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

GEORGE MUTH
now residing in Brandywine township, emigrated to this country from Europe in 1819, and located in Baltimore, where he engaged in the mercantile business for a time, and afterwards in manufacturing cloth, but not liking the latter business, he soon came to Indiana, and settled in Brandywine township, where he still resides. Here he began farming through the week and preaching on Sunday. Mr. M., as noted elsewhere, was the second preacher for the Albright Church, in Sugar-Creek township, and is still standing on the walls of Zion. He served as captain of a company in the late civil war at the advanced age of sixty-six years, and did his duty well, and was honorably discharged. About two years since a few remaining members of his company made him an agreeable surprise in the presentation of a gold-headed cane as a token of their high regard for his faithful services.

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

WELLINGTON COLLYER
was born in the State of Ohio in the year 1816, and can therefore compare ages with the State of Indiana, and lose nothing by such comparison. In 1836 he came to Hancock county, and entered land; on which he now resides. Mr. Collyer is a strict, exemplary member of the Christian Church, in good standing, and has given freely of his means for its support. He is a staunch Democrat from education and principle rather than policy. Though firm in his convictions of right, he is not dogmatic in his views, but accords to others what he reserves for himself, the privilege of independent thought. Mr. C. is one of our most industrious, pains-taking farmers, is in hearty sympathy with the poor and oppressed everywhere, and is one of the representative men of the township.

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

NATHANIEL H. ROBERTS
was born in East Virginia, September 30, 1818, when quite young he moved with his parents to West Virginia, and settled in Nicols county, where he resided until eighteen years of age, when he moved to Union, the county seat of Monroe county, and engaged as clerk in the general store of Carpenter & Alexander, in which he remained until 1845, at which time he became a partner. He was also the proprietor of an extensive tobacco manufactory until the late civil war. In 1832 he was married to Mary J. Campbell, who died in 1880. In 1869 he emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Hancock county, where he farmed for one year, after which he became proprietor of the Guymon House hotel of this city. In the spring of 1873 he was appointed Recorder of Hancock county. In 1874 he was elected Recorder, and re-elected in 1878, which position he filled till the date of his death, which occurred July 5, 1881. Mr. R. was a liberal, consistent member of the Presbyterian faith, having joined the church when but a boy, and also an honored member of the F. and A. M., according to the rites and ceremonies of which he was decently and respectfully interred in the new cemetery in Greenfield.

"Colonel" R., as he was usually called, had been declining in health for sometime, and had therefore, like a wise man, arranged his business and set his house in order for the anticipated call, and, in order that his children might have a means of support, he had, a short time prior to his death, purchased and presented to Mary the only abstract of titles in the county.

Mr. R. was a very kind-hearted, accommodating man, who would suffer himself imposed upon rather than not seem courteous and obliging. In official life he was ever faithful and efficient, as the many neat and complete records of his own making are competent, unimpeached witnesses, ever ready to testify in his behalf.

Click Here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

MRS. ELIZABETH BRADLEY, nee GRAY
was born in Clermont county, Ohio, July 27, 1826. Her education was received at the common schools of her neighborhood. Being of a pious turn of mind, she joined the M. E. Church in July, 1842, at the early age of sixteen, and has since been an earnest, consistent and faithful member, always contributing liberally with her means and influence for the promotion of truth and the advancement of the church. At the age of eighteen she was married to Nelson Bradley, a poor but promising young man of her native county. In 1832 she came with her husband to McCordsville, and was there a useful member in society and one of the sisters in the church from whom many received counsel and encouragement. In 1866 she moved to Greenfield, where she has since resided. Mrs. Bradley having no children of her own, has kindly furnished a home, educated and given a mother's care to two orphan children. Mrs. B. is naturally of a charitable, philanthropic turn of mind, and, having the means at her command, has done much to alleviate the wants of the worthy poor of our city. She has been an earnest worker in the M. E. Sunday-school for a great many years, and has done much for its advancement by a liberal support thereof. She was President of the W. C. T. U. for two years.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

JOHN FOSTER
was born in South Carolina in the year 1796. When quite young his parents moved to Tennessee, where he was reared. He emigrated to Indiana in 1816, and first located at or near the present town of Bloomington. He was employed as an assistant to the Government surveyors for several years. He removed to Shelby county, near Wolfs Mill, in 1821. In 1824 he was married to Miss Aberilla Tyner. In the year 1829 he came to Hancock county, and settled in Greenfield. He afterward removed to the country, and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until the time of his death, which occurred April 7, 1867.

Mr. Foster filled many places of honor and trust in the county and State, among which were the following: He was the first Sheriff of the county, being elected in 1828 and 1835. He represented the lower house in the Legislature in 1838 and 1851, and was Treasurer of the county in 1854.

The portrait which we present of him on page 255 was cut from a daguerreo type taken while he as a member of the Legislature. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church in this city, and was one of the earliest members thereof.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

GEORGE L. KNOX
the son of a free mulatto woman and a colored Baptist preacher, was born September 16, 1841, and, though legally born free, was held in bondage and treated as a slave until the taking effect of the emancipation proclamation, in 1853, when, by quietly leaving between two days, traveling at night and hiding in the bushes and under old houses in the day, he finally reached the land of freedom, arriving at Indianapolis in 1864. At the age of four, young Knox was sold to one of the heirs of his master's estate for $300. Being a portly, promising “darkey,” his new master was offered for him, at the age of sixteen, the neat sum of $1,600 in gold, cash down, but, being a kind of favorite in the family, the offer was promptly rejected. He worked on a farm until eighteen years of age, when he went to the town of Statesville, Wilson county, Tennessee, and engaged in shoemaking for two years, after which he entered the Union army for a year as a teamster.

0ctober 2, 1863, Mr. K. was married to Miss Arilla Harvey, of Marion county, with whom he is still living. He at once moved to Greenfield, and opened a barber shop in the Gooding Corner, where he is still holding forth.

Mr. K. has been a faithful member of the A. M. E. Church for several years, and has contributed liberally for its support. He became a Mason in 1868 and an Odd Fellow in 1879, is an enthusiastic Republican and a good citizen, honored and respected by all.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

CALVIN B. GILLIAM
the first colored teacher in Hancock county, was a Christmas present, in 1853, to Moody and Julia A. Gilliam, early settlers of Boone county. He attended a district school for six months; was two terms in Union High School at Westfield, but the principal part of his education was received at Spiceland, Henry county. He contemplated entering Wilmington College, Ohio, but was not admitted on account of color. His early life was spent on a farm, and in the school room. In the spring of 1873 Mr. G. joined the Grangers, and was elected chaplain. In politics he is a Republican, and though not a member of any religious denomination, he leans toward the Methodists. Mr. G. is a modest young man, and is well liked as a teacher by his pupils and patrons, with whose interest he seems fully identified.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

HON. THOMAS D. WALPOLE
was born in Zanesville, Ohio, March 20, 1816, and removed with his parents to Indianapolis in 1822. There his boyhood days were passed and his early education received. In 1834 he seettled at Greenfield, Hancock county, and soon entered upon an extensive and profitable practice. At that time he was a Whig in politics. Young, talented and ardent and a partisan in temperament, he entered zealously into the political discussions of the day. In 1836 he was elected to the Legislature when barely of the requisite age, and he was also a member of the twenty-second session, which convened in the year 1837. In the excited canvass of 1840 he took an active part, and was elected to the Senate from the district composed of the counties of Hancock and Madison; in the twenty-sixth session, 1841-2, the twenty-seventh session, 1842-3, and the twenty-eighth session, 1843-4. In the twenty-seventh session, Hon. Samuel Hall, who had been elected Lieutenant Governor, having resigned, Mr. Walpole was elected President of the Senate, and filled the position with dignity and impartiality during that and the subsequent session. Mr. Walpole was also elected to the Senate in 1847, and served in 1848, 1843 and 1850 in the thirty-second, thirty-third and thirty-fourth sessions of the General Assembly. In 1848 he was Presidential Elector, and canvassed the eastern part of the State for Taylor and Fillmore. In 1850 he was elected to the Constitntiona1 Convention from his Senatorial district from the counties of Hancock and Madison. He was a statesman as well as a politician, and thoroughly understood our theory of government. Although a member of the Whig party, he was watchful of the rights of the people, and any attempt to circumscribe the liberty of the citizens was sure to rouse to fierce invective the fiery eloquence which burned on his lips. He was an active, influential member of the convention, and left his impress upon its proceedings.

In 1852 Mr. Walpole joined the Democratic party, and entered zealously into the canvass for Franklin Pierce. He bitterly opposed the Know-Nothing party, and labored as earnestly to uphold the Democratic banner as he had formerly done to sustain the measures advocated by Clay and Webster and other great lights of the old Whig party. Mr. Walpole afterward represented Hancock county in the lower branch of the Legislature, being in the thirty-eighth session in 1855 and in the thirty-ninth session in 1857. The people demanded his services, for as a legislator he was watchful and careful of their interests, and he really accepted the trust and honor at a pecuniary sacrifice.

Mr. Walpole was never defeated in his county. Men of all parties acknowledged his worth and integrity as a legislator, and, whether as a Whig or Democrat, he received the suffrage of the people among whom he lived whenever his name was presented.

As a lawyer Mr. Walpole stood high in his profession. He was quick and clear in his perceptions, fertile in resources and ingenious in his management of points in his case. As an advocate before a jury he was very successful. His knowledge of human nature enabled him to read his auditory at a glance, and few could withstand the charm of his eloquent periods.

In November, 1840, Mr. Walpole was married to Miss Esther Bryan, of Centerville, Wayne county, Indiana. In 1860 he removed with his family to Indianapolis, where he continued in the active practice of his profession up to his death, in October, 1863. He left a wife and four children, two sons and two daughters.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

DR. N. P. HOWARD, JR.
youngest son of Dr. AT. P. Howard, Sr., was born in Greenfield, February 6, 1836. His early literary education was received at the Greenfield public schools, after which he was a student of Asbury University for a considerable time, during all of which training he had in view the medical profession, and on leaving college at once entered the office of the well-known medical firm of Howard & Martin, where he took a course of reading preparatory to a course of lectures in a medical college of Indiana, from which he graduated in 1879, soon after which he was married to Miss Elizabeth E., youngest daughter of John W. Ryon, of Greenfield, and at once began the practice of medicine, forming a partnership with his preceptors, and is now the junior member of the firm of Howard, Martin 8 Howard. He was recently appointed Secretary of the County Board of Health, and entered at once upon his duties. Probably no young physician of the county ever entered upon the practice under more favorable circumstances and auspicious surroundings.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

HENRY WRIGHT
son of Joseph Wright, was born in Buck-Creek township, Hancock county, Ind., November 28, 1838. His education was principally received at the public schools of his neighorhood, attending one term at Oakland Graded School, after which he began teaching, and followed this occupation through twenty terms. He was deputy Auditor under Hon. A. C. Handy for a time. In October, 1875, he was elected Auditor of Hancock county, and entered upon his official duties November, 2, 1876. In October, 1879, he was re-elected, and entered upon his second term November 2 , 1880. He was married March 13, 1877, to Miss Dora E. Davis, a native of Kentucky. Mr. W. has been a member of the orders of Red Men, Patrons of Husbandry and Workingmen, and has been an honored member of the Masonic order since 1863. Mr. W., through his official life, has been a kind and accommodating officer.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

JAMES A. NEW
was born in Hancock county, Indiana, on the 18th day of October, 1880. His ear1y education was received at the common district schools, attending in the winter and working on the farm in the summer. His father, William New, one of the county's industrious farmers, endeavored to teach his children that farming and manual labor were the prerequisites to success; but "Jim," being of a different opinion, early began to prepare himself for his chosen course in life. His last days as a pupil in the country schools mere spent under the tutorage of the writer. Here he was fitted for college, having completed the common branches, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, philosophy, and other branches of equal grade. At the age of sixteen he entered Bainbridge Academy, in Putnam county, Indiana, for one year, and the following year entered Asbury University, at Greencastle, Indiana, where he continued his studies for a similar time, when he was compelled, on account of failing health, to take a year's rest, after which he entered the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, where he finished his collegiate studies in the year 1872. Mr. New had early in life formed the desire of becoming a lawyer, and, much against the wishes of his parents, began study with that view. After the close of his college training, he entered the lam office of Hamilton J. Dunbar. Here he made rapid progress, and on the 1st day of June, 1873, was admitted to the bar of the Hancock Circuit Court, and began the practice as a partner of his preceptor, and continued as such until the 5th of September, 1876, the date of Mr. Dunbar's death. In 1869 Mr. New was elected County Examiner for this county, and discharged the duties of said office with credit to himself and honor to the people. Feeling that his professional duties needed his entire attention, he declined to become a candidate for a second term and has since been wholly engaged in the law.

On the 8th day of November, 1876, Mr. New was married to Miss Emma Swope, of this city, the fruits of which union are two sprightly children - a boy and a girl. Mr. N. is a member of the M. E. Church, and contributes liberally to the support thereof. He has been a life-long Democrat, though never aspiring to office, believing that law and politics cannot be successfully wedded. He has an excellent library, stands high in the profession, and is recognized as an able debater and a tenacious opponent. He is a genial gentleman, always ready for a good joke and a hearty laugh, and by industry and close application has achieved a handsome competence.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

JOHN E. DYE
dates his earth1y journeyings on terra firma from June 25, 1845, Sugar-Creek township, this county. He is a son of the late John Dye, who came to Indiana in 1809 from Kentucky, where he was born in 1803. He came to Wayne county in 1836, where he resided for a short time; thence to Sugar-Creek township, his future home to the date of his death. John E. received a fair English education at home and at Knightstown. He taught two terms of school in Sugar-Creek and Buck-Creek townships, and was five years in the drug store at Philadelphia, Indiana, terminating in 1877. He was married in 1864 to Miss Henrietta, daughter of Dr. M. M. VanLaningham. He is a farmer, a staunch Democrat, and a social gentleman. In person, he is of a bilious temperament, dark hair and eyes, six feet two inches in height, and one hundred and eighty-five pounds in weight. Mr. D. was elected Commissioner of the Third Commissioner's District in 1880, which position he is still holding.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

WILLIAM M. WRIGHT,
youngest son of Joseph and Elizabeth Wright, was born June 19, 1880; attended the common schools of the district three months in the year, until he began teaching in 1871, which he followed during the winter season for eight or nine terms, mostly in his native township. He was married April 20, 1873, to Miss Mary C., daughter of Hamilton Welling, of Buck-Creek township. He was elected Trustee of Buck-Creek township in 1876, and reelected in 1878. He is an honored member of the F. and A. M.; was appointed Deputy Auditor in 1880, which position he still holds. Mr. W. is a young man, a good Democrat and an affable gentleman.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

DR. SAMUEL M. MARTIN
son of Dr. William H. Martin, of Rush county, was born in Rushville, Indiana, March 7, 1842. His father being a physician and literary man, and at one time, as previously stated, Secretary of the Board of Examiners of the Indiana Medical Institute, endeavored to give his children favorable opportunities for an education. Young Martin early espoused the idea of following in his father's footsteps, and embracing the medical profession, but while in the midst of his study of medics, the thrilling accounts of the civil war enthused his mind, fired his patriotism, and carried him to the scene of carnage, where he remained until discharged for a gun-shot wound through the left side of the body, at the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 1, 1862. He now turned his thoughts in his chosen channel, and had the honor, in 1863, of graduating in the Cincinnnati College of Physicians and Surgeons. The following year he was married to Miss Florence F., only daughter of Dr. N. P. Howard, with whom he formed a partnership, and at once entered upon the practice of his chosen profession.

Dr. M., though scarcely in the prime of life, stands high in the profession, has a lucrative practice, and is much of a gentleman.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

MRS. MARY N. ROBERTS
a native of West Virginia, and daughter of the late Nathaniel H. Roberts, came to this city with her parents in 1869, where she received a common school education. She learned readily, and in 1876 entered the County Recorder's 0ffice as deputy under her father, where she has since been employed. On the death of her father, by unanimous consent, it was agreed that she should have the emoluments of the office for the unexpired term, and at a public meeting of citizens of the county a non-partisan committee was appointed, who agreed on John Ryon as nominally Recorder, in whose name she should act. In addition to her work as deputy, she has devoted much of her time in furnishing abstracts of titles, in all of which duties she has ever been recognized as accommodating, faithful and efficient.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

AMOS C. BEESON
was born in Randolph county, Indiana, July 29, 1842; moved to Blue-River township, Hancock county, Indiana, October, 1836, and remained on the farm with his father until 1861, when he became an apprentice in the office of The Hancock Democrat. He remained there one year when he enlisted as a private soldier in Company G, 79th Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served with his regiment, participating in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Knoxville, the East Tennessee campaign, Tunnel Hill, Dalton, Resaca, Cassville, Lost Mountain, and Kenesaw Mountain, being so severely wounded in the latter, June 13, 1864, that he was discharged February 5, 1865. In March, 1865, he was appointed Deputy Recorder of Hancock county, and elected Recorder in 1863, being the only Republican ever elected to that position. He resigned August 1, 1879, having purchased an interest in the Winchester Journal, one of the oldest and leading local papers in Eastern Indiana, of which paper he is still the editor and sole proprietor. In March, 1881, he was elected, by the Legislature of Indiana, as one of the Directors of the Prison North, and the organization of the Board of Directors was elected its President, which position he still holds. Was married in 1867 to Miss Maggie Marsh, of Blue-River township, and his family consists of two little boys. Masters Willie and Charlie.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

WILLIAM H. THOMPSON,
Sheriff of Hancock county, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, April 14, 1842. His early education was received in his native State, after which he attended the common schools of Indiana for a time, and was six months in the graded schools of Lafayette. At the age of eighteen he removed with his parents to Brandywine township, this county, where he resided until his appointment as deputy Sheriff under William Thomas, in 1875, which position he held for two terms. In 1878 he was elected Sheriff of the county and re-elected in 1880.

Mr. T.'s parents were at one time in good financial circumstances, but lost their all by indorsement. Thus early in life he was thrown upon his own resources and brought face to face with the stern realities of life, and, aside from supporting himself, he was ever ready to lend a helping hand to his parents in their declining years. His father died in 1876 and his mother in 1878. May 8, 1881, he was married to Miss Malinda E., daughter of the late Robert Smith, of Brandywine township. As an officer, Mr. Thompson is recognized as impartial, faithful and efficient.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

HON. JOSEPH CHAPMAN,
one of the most prominent men in the early history of Hancock county, who had filled the various positions of farmer, county officer, legislator and soldier, died in the service of his country April 3, 1848, in Mexico, at the age of fifty-seven. He was a native of the Buckeye State, lived for a number of years in Rush county, and came to Hancock county in 1829. He was twice married, first to Miss Jane Curry, by whom he had six children; the second time to Miss Matilda Agnes, by whom he had five children. His first wife was buried in the old cemetery in Greenfield. Mr. Chapman was elected Clerk of the county in 1832, and represented the county in the lower house of the Legislature in 1837, 1839, 1841, 1842 and 1843. In person he was square built, dark hair and eyes, of a bilious temperament, medium in height, and about one hundred and seventy pounds in weight. In politics he was a Democrat, and was often pitted against Thomas D. Walpole, a prominent Whig at that date. He was a member of the . Methodist Church, and died in the faith.

We give below a letter written by Mr. C. while in Mexico, which is of interest as showing the style and character of its author:
JALAPA, MEXICO, December 3, 1847.
MY DEAR WIFE AND CHILDREN:
Again I am placed in my tent, very tired, but cheerful and happy as ever I was in my life, and I suppose that I need not say that I hope that these few lines may find you enjoying the same state of health, as I do think you will be ready to acknowledge and believe that my very soul has always been wrapped up in the love of my family.

We have traveled six hard days' march towards the City of Mexico, and will have some ten or twelve more before we get there, as it is very laborious moving a large army. The whole country through which we have passed is hilly, mountainous and rocky, but looks romantic, and in some places very pretty, as the trees are now covered with blossoms, but there is but little fruit. There is but little danger here, or indeed do I think there is but little danger any place in this country, as we can hear of no army any place in the government. There are a few guerrillas along the road, but dare not appear or show fight. I saw one who had just been killed, and some of the boys say that they saw six or eight more. I was out hunting and saw a few black fellows, but they run like devils, and I got no shot. There was but two of us, A. Pauley and myself, but it appears as though one can chase a dozen. There is still no immediate prospect of peace.

On the ascent from Vera Cruz to Mexico the climates' succeed each other as it were by stories, and in our travel we have passed through every variety of vegetation. The tropical plants are succeeded by the oak, and the salubrious air of Jalapa replaces the deadly air of Vera Cruz. The sky is generally cloudless, and but very little rain, and a succession of hills, seemingly at some day the boundary of lakes, are now the limits of extensive plains or rolling prairies, but the rocks or stones all very near the surface. The country is barren because it is very dry and stony, but every stream is accompanied with some fertile land. The snow is in sight on the mountains, and contributes much to cool the air now, as it is cloudy; and it is said to be the coldest day ever experienced in this country. It would be called cold in our country in May. The coffee bush grows here. The berries are now ripe, and is a small red berry, very juicy, and as poisonous as can be.

The timber is low and crooked. I have seen no tree in the country that would have made a rail cut. Everything, weed, bush and tree, except the scrubby oak and orange bush and coffee bush, has thorns on. The thorns resemble the thorn on the honey locust, but they arc more crooked, and as thick as they can grow from top to bottom, leaf and all.
JOSEPH CHAPMAN.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

ROBERT SMITH
was born near Abbington, Virginia, January 26, 1808. In 1818 he moved with his parents to Indiana, first settling in Clark county, afterwards in Rush, and in about 1830 came to Hancock, entering the farm on which he lived and now owned by the family. With his own hands he cleared away the dense forests, the home of the deer, wild turkey, and wild hog that at that early day could be found on almost every farm in our county. His father coming with him to this county, entered land, and was one of the early pioneers of the county, and served at one time as County Commissioner.

Mr. Smith's opportunities for acquiring an education were limited, as school-houses were then few and terms of school short, yet he was ever a firm friend of schools, and always sought to give his children "a better bringing up than he had had," and he lived to see most of them receive a good education. He was married March 9, 1840, to Mary Power, with whom he lived pleasantly until his death, which occurred July 22, 1877, at his residence.

Mrs. Smith, his widow, still lives, and is enjoying fair health. Her teachings and her Christian example had much to do in directing both husband and children in the right way, and to that mother is due, in a large degree at least, the present standing of her children in society.

Mr. Smith in politics was a Democrat and in religion a Methodist. In Lebanon Cemetery a suitable monument is found marking the last resting place of Mr. S., a devoted Christian and a good citizen.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches

Samuel B. Hill
Was born February 22, 1832, in Randolph county, Indiana. When one year old his parents, William and Charity Hill, moved to a farm in Rush county, two and a half miles south-west of Charlottesville, where he lived until his marriage, in 1852, to Mary M. Henley. In the following year he removed to the farm in Blue-River township, where he still resides. The years from sixteen to twenty-one were spent in teaching and attending school at Friends' Boarding School, near Richmond, Indiana, afterward Earlham College, of which institution he has been a member of the Board of Managers for some years. He served as Trustee of Blue-River township six years. He is a farmer, and engages in raising grain and stock for a livelihood. In 1875 he was married to his second wife, Mary R. Hadley. He has five children living, two of whom are married and settled in Blue-River township. He is interested in education, holding that it is largely a means of preventing crime and pauperism.

In person Mr. H. is large, square built, dignified in bearing, with black hair, an expressive eye, of a bilious temperament, nearly six feet in height, and two hundred pounds in weight.

Click here for photo.

“History of Hancock County, Indiana” by J. H. Binford
Published by King & Binford, Greenfield, IN 1882
Biographies and Sketches