Stephen FOWLER, son of Robert and Mary FOWLER, is a native of Yorkshire, England, born Feb. 7, 1836. He received a fair education, attending school till he was fourteen years old, when he took a position as wool grader in a woolen factory, remaining there till he was twenty-one years of age. In the spring of 1857 he took passage from Liverpool, and after a five-weeks voyage, he landed in New York. Shortly after his arrival he went to Pennsylvania, remaining there till 1859, in which year he came to Marion County. After remaining there about a year he moved to Hendricks County, and in 1864 he located in his present residence, near Rainstown. He is the owner of 222 acres of land which he has acquired by his own perseverance and industry. He was married in England, Sept. 12, 1855, to Sarah WISE, daughter of John WISE, of Yorkshire, England. They had a family of nine children, six now living--Cora A., born Aug. 30, 1857; Alfred, born Aug. 13, 1860; Robert P., born Nov. 19, 1862; Louisa, born Sept. 2, 1864; Margaret, born July 26, 1866, and John W., born May 17, 1868. Three are deceased--Mary, Hiram and George. Mr. FOWLER'S first wife died Oct. 1, 1875, and he was again married April 12, 1876, to Mrs. Josie E. LINCOLN, widow of the late George LINCOLN. Mr. FOWLER enlisted in February, 1865, in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry, in Company G, and was on guard duty principally, in Tennessee. He was honorably discharged in the following September. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of UnionTwp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

John W. FRENCH, son of George W. and Elizabeth FRENCH, was born Jan. 10, 1840, and is a native of Miami County, Ohio. When he was thirteen years old his parents moved to Marion County, Ind., with their family, remaining there several years, then removed to Boone County, Ind., where they still reside. They had a family of eleven children, nine of whom yet survive--Samuel L., Eliza, Nathan, Mary A., George W., John W., Benjamin F., Edward A. and Melissa J. The deceased are--Sarah and Hannah. In October, 1862, Mr. FRENCH enlisted in Company F, Tenth Indiana Infantry, and participated in the engagements at Mills Springs and Perryville. He was wounded at the former engagement, which disabled him for a short time, after which he again joined his regiment and served till December, 1863, when he was discharged. Mr. FRENCH resides in the northern part of Union Township and is the owner of 210 acres of land.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

James H. GROOVER, one of the representative farmers of Union Township, was born May 27, 1819, in Bath County, Ky. He was a son of William E.  and Ellen GROOVER, his mother dying when he was five years old. While he was yet a boy his father moved to Rush County, Ind., remaining there several years. In the fall of 1837 they removed to Hendricks County, and settled in Union Township, where his father entered eighty acres of timbered land and here they endured the hardships and privations of a pioneer life. Our subject's educational advantages were rather limited, he having to help his father on the farm. He has followed the avocation of a farmer all his life, in which he has been quite successful, now owning 533 acres of land. Mr. GROOVER was married to Miss Nancy HENDRICKS, and to them were born twelve children, of whom eight survive--John, James W., Levi B., Ellis B., Edna A., Melissa, Emma M. and Francis M.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Asa HALE is a native of North Carolina, born Aug. 15, 1821, a son of Henry and Phoebe HALE. In 1825 his parents came to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled in Center Township, where they both died. Of the seven children born to them, four are living--Asa, Mary, Lucinda and John B. Asa HALE was reared in Hendricks County. He received a good education and when a young man taught school a short time. He then engaged in farming, entering forty acres of land from the Government. To this he has added till he now owns 140 acres. Mr. HALE was married March 18, 1847, to Lydia A. COFFIN. To them were born two children--Milton H. and Joseph C. Mrs. HALE died Aug. 6, 1881. Mr. HALE is a member of the society of Friends. In politics he is a Republican.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Thomas B. HALL was born in Boyle County, Ky., Dec. 30, 1818, a son of Thomas and Lavina HALL, who came to Hendricks County, Ind., in 1844, and settled in Eel River Township, where they both died. Eleven children were born to them, eight of whom are living--Samuel B., Tilatha, Adaline, Thomas B., Sarah, William, James and Carroll K. The deceased are--John, Merritt and Eilzabeth. Thomas B. HALLaccompanied his parents to Hendricks County, but soon after returned to Kentucky and remained till 1850, when he came again to the county and in the fall of 1851 settled on section 30, Union Township, where he now has a fine farm of 100 acres. He was married Aug. 30, 1839, to Maria HICKMAN, of Boyle County, Ky., and to them were born eight children, three of whom, Douglass, Bertha and Mary F., are living. Maria R., Lavina, Cleopatra, John T. and Hickman B. are deceased. Mrs. HALL died in September, 1873, and in September, 1874, Mr. HALL married Mary F. (TINDER) DODSON, widow of John R. DODSON, of Hendricks County. Mr. and Mrs. HALL are members of the Christian church. He has been a prominent citizen of the township and has served several years as Justice of the Peace.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

William H. HUNT, deceased, was born April 12, 1818, in Fleming County, Ky., where he was reared to manhood. He came to Hendricks County, Ind., in an early day and was married to Miss Martha H. BLAIR. To them were born eight children, six of whom are living--John W., Joseph C., Sarah H., Charles T., James B. and Henry W. Mrs. HUNT died in August, 1863, and in March, 1868, Mr. HUNT married Mrs. Mahala R. (WREN) MYERS, a daughter of John B. WREN, and to this union were born two children--Napoleon B. and Ira B. Mr. HUNT died in November, 1882. His widow resides on her farm in Union Township. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. HUNT was formerly married to Mr. MYERS and to them were born four children, of whom only two--John B. and Louisa--are living. Mr. MYERS served with the Twelfth Kansas Volunteers during the late war, and died in April, 1862.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

James A. JOHNSON, deceased, was born in the year 1829, and was a native of Kentucky. When a youth he came with his parents, Edward and Mary A. JOHNSON, to Hendricks County, Ind. He was married Dec. 7, 1858, to Miss Mary C. DAVIS, daughter of Jesse and Minerva DAVIS, of Eel River Township, this county. To this union were born four children--Armada A., Ida M., Lincoln C. and Charley E. Mr. JOHNSON died April 18, 1880. He was an indulgent husband and an affectionate father, and was respected by all who knew him. His widow resides in the western part of Union Township, this county, and is the owner of a farm of fifty acres. She is a member of the Christian church.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Elisha P. JONES is a native of Bartholomew County, Ind., born Jan. 18, 1841, a son of Aquilla and Harriet JONES. In his boyhood he accompanied his parents to Indianapolis, where he grew to manhood. His father is the present Postmaster of Indianapolis. From 1862 till 1868 he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business and in 1868 went to Columbus and in company with Mr. Guinn engaged in the clothing and dry-goods business about sixteen months. He then lived at Carbon, Clay County, a few months, and from 1871 till 1873 engaged in the retail grocery business at Indianapolis. He subsequently moved to Illinois, where he lost an extensive crop in the flood of 1875. In the spring of 1876 he returned to Indiana and lived in Porter County till the fall of 1877 when he came to Hendricks County and located in Union Township. He has a fine farm of 186 acres and is one of the most enterprising and prosperous citizens of the township. Mr. JONES was married Feb. 1, 1869, to Mary WEBB, of Indianapolis. They have two children--Harry C. and Warren S.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

James M. LEACH was born in Hendricks County, Ind., Feb. 9, 1834, and is a son of Enos and Elizabeth LEACH, natives of Kentucky, the former deceased. They settled in Hendricks County, Ind., in Union Township, in the fall of 1831, where the father entered 200 acres of land. They had a family of seven children--Mary, Lucinda, Sarah, Matilda, James M., Eliza J. and Margaret S. Sarah is deceased. Our subject was reared to manhood in this county, receiving but a rudimentary education. March 17, 1859, he was married to Miss Elizabeth HAMILTON, daughter of Abraham HAMILTON, of Hendricks County. Seven of the nine children born to them are living--John E., William L., Margaret C., Minnie J., Carrie E., James H. and Fannie E. Abraham S. and Herbert H. are deceased. Mr. LEACH is one of the leading agriculturalists in Hendricks County. He has a good farm of 271 acres of land and has one of the finest residences in Union Township. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, of which he has served as Elder for several years.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

George W. LEAK was born in Bracken County, Ky., Oct. 18, 1828, a son of William and Eliza LEAK. In 1833 his parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled in Union Township, where his father entered a quarter-section of land, making it their home till death. The father died Sept. 11, 1845, and the mother April 24, 1864. Five of a family of six children are living--Elizabeth, George W., Thomas J., Harriett A. and Sarah J. George W. LEAK has been identified with Hendricks County since five years of age, and has witnessed the development of the country, changing, as it has, from a wild uncultivated state to that of advanced civilization. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his county, and has assisted in every way in his power to advance her wealth and prosperity. He has a fine farm of 223 acres, which he has improved and now has under cultivation. Mr. LEAK was married Jan. 10, 1850, to Sarah LEACH, daughter of Enos LEACH. To them were born six children, but three--Lucinda, James T. and Alonzo--are living. Matilda, Elizabeth A. and Edward are deceased. Mrs. LEAK died Feb. 3, 1868. In February, 1869, Mr. LEAK married Ann BURNETT, daughter of Isaac BURNETT, formerly of Lizton. They have had four children--Hattie, George, Bertha and Emma, the latter deceased. Mr. LEAK has served his township two years as Trustee. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Leland LEAK, deceased, was born in Bracken County, Ky., May 3, 1813, a son of James and Elizabeth LEAK, and brother of Landrum LEAK, a prominent farmer in Union Township. He was married Jan. 6, 1839, to Minerva FEAR, who was born Dec. 10, 1820, a daughter of John D. and Sarah FEAR, early settlers of Eel River Township, this county. To them were born two children--Sarah E. and John J. Mrs. LEAK resides on the old homestead, in Union Township. She is one of the most esteemed citizens of the township, and an active member of the Christian church. Her parents were prominent among the pioneers of the county, experiencing all the privations and hardships incident to the early days of the township. Of the twelve children born to them but four are living--Patsey, Sarah, Harriet and Minerva.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Joseph M. McVEY, deceased, was born Dec. 8, 1819, in Kentucky, and was a son of John and Sallie McVEY. He was reared to manhood in his native State, and was there married to Miss Mary J. BRADSHAW, April 8, 1846, who was a daughter of Alexander and Jane BRADSHAW, of Kentucky. This union has been blessed with seven children, as follows--Marion, Sallie, Frank C., Robert P., Ruth A., Joseph M. and Austin L. In 1854 Mr. McVEY came with his family to Hendricks County, Ind., and resided for two years in Middle Township, when he returned to his native State remaining there one year. He then lived a short time in Cass County, Mo., and in 1858 returned to this county and settled in Union Township. Being a man of remarkable energy and industry he converted what was at the time of his settlement a swamp into a good yielding farm. He added to his original property from time to time until, at the time of his death, he owned 580 acres. For several years he dealt quite extensively in stock, and for about nineteen years was a partner in a large cotton dress manufacturing establishment at Mobile, Ala. He served for a short time as Justice of the Peace. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. His death occurred Sept. 19, 1871. His widow resides on the old homestead, and is the owner of 100 acres of well-improved land.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

James E. MONTGOMERY, a pioneer of Union Township, was born in Morgan County, Ky., in May, 1813. His parents, William and Sarah MONTGOMERY, came to Hendricks County, Ind., in 1828, settling in the woods, on the farm now owned by our subject, where they experienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. James E. has followed agricultural pursuits from his youth, and now owns eighty acres of land. He was married to Rebecca THARP, who is now deceased. They were the parents of seven children, of whom only two, John and Ella, survive. Mr. MONTGOMERY is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Middle Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Anderson ODOM is a native of Catawba County, N.C., born March 29, 1848, a son of Eli and Michel ODOM. He was reared in his native State,  and there married Jemima SHOOK. They have had six children, five of  whom are living--William A., Ova S., John H., Simeon and Lillie. In March,  1875, Mr. ODOM left North Carolina and moved to Indiana, locating in  Marion County, where he lived till February, 1881, when he moved to Hendricks County, and settled in the northern part of Union Township,  where he owns a good farm of 126 acres. He is an enterprising citizen and has assisted materially in the improvement of the land in his neighborhood. In politics he is a Democrat.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Middle Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

David OSBORN, a pioneer of Union Township, was born in Virginia, Feb. 11, 1812, a son of Richard and Rachel OSBORN. When he was a child his parents moved to Guilford County, N.C., where they remained till the fall of 1834, when he accompanied them to Hendricks County, Ind. They lived near Plainfield several years, and subsequently moved to Iowa, where they died. Of a large family of children but five are living--David, William, Esther, Rebecca and Polly. David OSBORN returned to North Carolina in 1835, and married Abigail NEWMAN, and soon after came again to Hendricks County, and in 1838 located on the farm of section 15, Union Township, where he has since lived. He owns 187 acres of valuable land, and his improvements are among the best in the county. He has taken an active interest in all public affairs, and has served his township as Trustee. In politics he is a Republican. Of the seven children born to his first marriage but four are living-- William, Abigail, Polly and John. His wife died and subsequently he married Elizabeth WILSON, daughter of William WILSON. They have one child--Lyda. Mr. and Mrs. OSBORN are members of the Society of Friends.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Aaron OVERSTREET, son of James and Susan OVERSTREET, was born Jan. 19, 1826, in Casey County, Ky. His parents' family consisted of six children--Maria, John, Rebecca, James, Aaron and Parmelia. Aaron was reared to maturity in his native State and received but a limited education. He was married Dec. 24, 1850, to Miss Catherine ELDER, and to them were born twelve children, nine of whom are living--Susan M., Fred W., John G., Martha J., Aaron S., Legrand F., Lilian G., Lee and Oliver P. In the spring of 1852 Mr. OVERSTREET came to Hendricks County, and after living in several different parts of the county, finally settled in Union Township, where he still resides and owns sixty-three acres of land. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry, and participated in the battles of Jacksonville, Chattanooga, the surrender of Vicksburg, the Atlanta campaign, and Sherman's march to the sea. He received an honorable discharge in August, 1865. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Hiram RAINS, one of the enterprising business men of Union Township, was born in October, 1824, in Fayette County, Ind. His parents, James and Elizabeth RAINS, were natives of North Carolina, who settled in Marion County, Ind., in 1828, and remained there until their death. Our subject received a fair education, and Sept. 25, 1851, he was married to Miss Sarah OWENS, a daughter of Benjamin and Esther OWENS, of this county, the former being deceased. Two children have been born to them--Martha A. and Flora. Flora is deceased. Mr. RAINS besides being quite an extensive landowner, has large lumber interests with his brother, Levi RAINS, in Tennessee. In 1870 he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and for many years was extensively engaged in the manufacture of building material, having in his employ at one time as many as thirty workmen. His works were at Rainstown, which place was called after its energetic founder.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Moses H. RAWLINGS, a prominent farmer of Union Township, was born April 26, 1838, in Garrard County, Ky., a son of William D. and Sarah M. RAWLINGS, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of New Jersey, now deceased. His parents came to this county among the early settlers and entered a quarter-section of land. Of eight children born to them five are living--William H., Susan, Martha A., Mary and Moses H. The latter was eight years of age when his parents moved to Hendricks County and there he was reared to manhood. Nov. 4, 1858, he was married to Martha J. LEACH, of this county, a daughter of Meredith LEACH (deceased). To them have been born seven children of whom five are living--William D., James L., Grace B., Letie and Elbert H. Mr. RAWLINGS is the owner of 330 acres of land. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, and in politics he is a Republican. He is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Simeon RICHMOND, deceased, was born in June, 1811, in Butler County, Ohio, and was a son of Jonathan and Barbara RICHMOND. He was reared to manhood in his native State, and in November, 1835, he was married to Nancy LINCH, born July 8, 1814, a daughter of Abram and Unity Linch, who were natives of Virginia. Eleven children were born to them, eight of whom are living--George T., Mary E., Abram L., John H., Simeon B., Unity H., Nancy A. and William F. About the year 1850 Mr. and Mrs. RICHMOND came with their family to Decatur County, Ind., and there remained till the spring of 1865, when they moved to Hendricks County and settled in Union Township. Mr. RICHMOND died in November, 1883. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, serving as Class-Leader for several years. Mrs. RICHMOND is a member of the same church. She still resides on the old homestead which contains sixty acres of land.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Francis A. SCOTT, a native of Virginia, was born Dec. 13, 1816. His parents were John and Elizabeth SCOTT, who came to Hendricks County and settled in Eel River Township in 1833. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom five are living--Martha, Nancy, Francis A., Samuel T. and John. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on a farm and received but a limited education. He has been a successful agriculturalist, and at present is the owner of 400 acres of land. He was married Sept. 29, 1839, to Miss Melinda MONTGOMERY, and to them were born eight children--Elizabeth, Sarah, Polly, Martha, William, John, James and Eliza (deceased). Mrs. SCOTT died in October, 1863, and Jan. 12, 1868, Mr. SCOTT was married to Miss Hannah PLUMMER, a daughter of Joseph PLUMMER, of Eel River Township. To this union was born one child--Annie, now deceased. Mr. SCOTT located on his present farm in Union Township in 1864. He has served his township as Trustee. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

John SHOCKLEY, deceased, was a native of Montgomery County, Ky., born Jan. 17, 1820. He was reared in his native State and when a young man his parents settled in Rush County, Ind. March 16, 1840, he was married in Rush County to Miss Barbara HILLIGOSS. To them were born ten children, of whom only four are now living--William M., Jacob, Sarah and Indiana. The names of the deceased are--Anne, Joseph H., Francis M., Thomas J., James, and one who died in infancy, unnamed. Mr. SHOCKLEY settled in Union Township, on the farm where his widow still resides, in 1855. His tragic death which occurred in July, 1878, is still fresh in the minds of our citizens. His death was caused by an explosion, while he was engaged in threshing grain in Eel River Township, this county. Mrs. SHOCKLEY is the owner of forty acres of land. She is a member of the Christian church.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Joab SIMMONS was born in Shelby County, Ind., June 7, 1834, a son of Augustus and Margaret SIMMONS. When he was nine years old his mother died and his father subsequently married Catherine THOMPSON. He was reared in his native county, and was there married in February, 1857, to Rachel SEXTON, a native of the same county. To them were born three children, but two of whom are living--Mary A. and Viola. Mr. SIMMONS owns a pleasant home in Union Township, his farm containing 108 acres of well-improved land. He in politics is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mr. SIMMONS was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving from March till July, 1865, a member of Company D, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Joshua THARP, son of James and Mary THARP, was born Nov. 8, 1838, in Hendricks County, Ind. His parents were natives of Kentucky and early settlers of this county, coming here in 1829. His father still resides in Center Township. Of their children, eight are living--Stephen W., John, Rebecca, Joshua S., Mary E., Sarah C., James T. and Lydia E. Joshua S. THARP was reared to manhood on a farm, his education being obtained in the schools of his neighborhood. He has followed farming through life and now owns 120 acres of improved land where he resides, in Union Township, on which he located in 1875. Aug. 31, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary J. FAUSSETT, who died in March, 1884. She was a daughter of Robert FAUSSETT, who was formerly of Hendricks County, now of Nebraska. To Mr. and Mrs. THARP were born ten children, seven now living--Isaac W., Arie O., William R., Cora E., Geneva, Zettie F. and Harry E. Those deceased are--Charles W., James W. and Mary J. Mr. THARP is a member of the Regular Baptist church. Politically he is a Democrat.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

George W. WHEAT, a son of James and Mary WHEAT, was born March 27, 1823, in Warren County, Ohio, and was there reared to maturity. In the fall of 1842 he located in Montgomery County, Ind., remaining there till the fall of 1862, when he settled in Hendricks County and for many years engaged at the cooper's trade. His first wife was Miss Mary E. DORSEY, of Baltimore, Md., by whom he had four children--Hannah E., Grant, James P. and Sarah F. (deceased). He was subsequently married to Miss Euphama DAVIDSON, of Rush County, Ind. Two children have been born to this union--William R. and Ernest. In February, 1865, Mr. WHEAT joined Company C, Thirty-third Indiana Regiment, and served five months, when he was discharged on account of disability. Mr. WHEAT is the owner of sixty-six acres of land in Union Township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican.

"History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Union Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson