Jonathan WALTON was born in Washington County, Pa., Jan. 9, 1837, a son of John and Eliza WALTON, who were both natives of Pennsylvania. With their four sons they moved to Ripley County, Ind., in the summer of 1837, where the father died and was buried Jan. 9, 1845. His widow, some years later, married Stephen GOWIN and to this union were born six children--Love J., deceased; Mrs. Adaline SLAVINS, of Kansas; Oliver and James B., residing in this township; Mrs. Cynthia ROBBINS, of Missouri, and Mrs. Anna CROSE, of this township. The children by her former marriage were--Warren, of Ripley County; William, a member of the Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry, died in the service; Amos, served the Seventh Indiana Infantry, now living in Madison County, Iowa, and Jonathan, our subject. The family moved to Hendricks County in 1853, locating on section 34, where Mr. GOWIN died in the spring of 1880. His widow is living in this township with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Anna CROSE. Jonathan WALTON lived with his mother and step-father till his marriage to Miss Cynthia ROBBINS, which occurred Oct. 9, 1859. After his marriage he made his home on section 34, on part of the John ROBBINS homestead. He has prospered in his agricultural pursuits, and now owns a farm of 188 acres, also a fine residence property in North Salem. He is a member of North Salem Lodge, No. 158, I.O.O.F., and politically he is a Republican. To Mr. and Mrs. WALTON have been born three children--Emma C., their eldest, died at the age of eighteen months; John Gavin, born March, 1863, and Bertha, born in November, 1870. Mrs. WALTON'S grandparents came to this county in 1833. Her father was born in North Carolina, June 16, 1809, and was there married in June, 1829, to Lydia PARSONS, who was born Dec. 27, 1808. They had eleven children, of whom six are living--Mrs. Mary JONES, of Eel River Township; Mrs. Martha DAVIS, same township; Mrs. Cynthia WALTON, this township; William, this township; Mrs. Susan ROBBINS and Mrs. Josephine DAVIS, of Eel River Township. Those deceased are--Newton Catherine, John and Barnabas. John ROBBINS was a prominent citizen of this county, and served satisfactorily as County Commissioner several terms. His death occurred March 5, 1881. His widow is living on the old homestead with her son-in-law, Jonathan WALTON, which has been her home for fifty-two years.

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

James H. BRILL, M.D., was born in Fredericks County, Va., Dec. 13, 1843, a son of John H. and Sarah A. BRILL. In 1852 his parents moved to Hendricks County, and settled near Belleville, in Liberty Township, where they lived until 1867, then moved to Chariton County, Mo., where the mother died in 1870. James H. BRILL was reared on a farm and upon reaching manhood he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed about three years. Not liking the business and having early had a desire to be a physician, in the fall of 1868 he entered Asbury University, (now DePauw) where he remained a year, thus laying the foundation for his future life of usefulness. In the spring of 1869 he began the study of medicine with Dr. L.H. Kennedy, of Danville, remaining with him till the fall of 1870, when he entered the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, and attended the entire five-months session. The summer of 1871 he spent in Danville with his former preceptor, and the following fall again entered Miami College, from which he graduated in March, 1872. He located in Pittsboro where he has built up a large practice. He is a close student of his profession and is recognized by all as one of the most successful and reliable practitioners of the county. He is a member of the Hendricks County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. His residence is just outside the corporation of Pittsboro, where he owns 182 acres of valuable land. He also owns a quarter-section in Nebraska. He has given considerable attention to breeding blooded cattle of the Hereford and Aberdeen Angus varieties, and was the first to introduce the pure breeds in Hendricks County. Dr. BRILL was married Oct. 10, 1872, to Alice ALEXANDER, daughter of James P. ALEXANDER. They have two children--Ada, born May 13, 1875, and Ernest, born April 19, 1879. Dr. Brill is a member of the Masonic fraternity; also a member of the Christian church.

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

Fletcher CARTER, a prominent young farmer of Middle Township, is a native of Marion County, Ind., a son of John V. and Diana CARTER. He is the second of six children, the others being Emma (deceased), William J., John H., Flora A. and Mary J. Fletcher CARTER was reared on a farm, attending in his boyhood the common schools, and later the commercial department of Butler University, Indianapolis. He was married Dec. 25, 1876, to Mary M. APPLEGATE, daughter of Milton B. and Margaret APPLEGATE. In the spring of 1877 he settled on his present farm of 100 acres in Middle Township, where he is successfully engaged in his chosen vocation. He is an enterprising young man, and one of the most influential and prosperous citizens of the township. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have two children-- Wilbert and Earl.

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

Silas DAVIDSON is a native of Hendricks County, born April 7, 1839, a son of John and Nancy DAVIDSON, natives of Kentucky. His parents were among the first settlers of Middle Township, and endured all the privations and hardships of pioneer life. They entered eighty acres of heavily timbered land, which they cleared and made their home till death. But two of their five children are living--Silas and William. Silas DAVIDSON was reared and educated in his native county, remaining at home till after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Seventh Indiana Infantry, and participated in the battles of Greenbriar, Winchester, Fort Republic, and others. He was wounded in the right foot, making amputation at the ankle necessary. He was captured and sent to a Confederate hospital at Charlotteville, Va., where he remained three months. He was then confined in Libby and other prisons a short time, when he was paroled and sent to Washington where he received his discharge in October, 1862. He was married March 26, 1868, to Martha BAKER, daughter of Nathan BAKER, of Center Township. To them have been born four children--Carrie E., Mary E., Orpha E., and Archibald F. Mr. DAVIDSON is a member of Pittsboro Lodge, No. 342, I.O.O.F. He has a good farm of 106 acres and is a representative citizen of his township.

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

Daniel FEELY was born in Niagara County, N.Y., Nov. 8, 1843, a son of Martin and Mary (COX) FEELY. He was reared in his native county, and in the spring of 1864 came to Indiana and for four years was employed as a stave cutter in Allen County; then went to Indianapolis and in the fall of 1869 removed to Boone County, where he engaged in the manufacture of staves in company with J.E. McKendry and Robert Bracken three years, when Mr. Bracken became sole proprietor, the other two gentlemen retiring from the firm. In the spring of 1873 Mr. FEELY came to Hendricks County and established a factory in Pittsboro, which has been one of the leading industries of the town. In former years he employed 100 hands in the various departments but owing to the somewhat limited demand for staves at present, his force is reduced to about thirty. Mr. FEELY resides in Pittsboro, where has a fine farm of 190 acres adjoining town. In addition to this he owns other tracts in Indiana and Iowa. He is one of the wealthiest citizens of the township, and is liberal with his means in the promotion of all enterprises of public benefit. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders, in both of which he takes a great interest. Mr. FEELY was married Aug. 30, 1871, to Rhoda M. (ROBERTS) LONG, daughter of William W. ROBERTS, one of Montgomery County's early citizens.

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

James R. HALE, a successful farmer and tile manufacturer, of Middle Township, located near Rainstown, is a native of Hendricks County, born Oct. 15, 1846, a son of Stephen and Sarah HALE, early settlers of the county. Four of a family of ten children are living--John, Susan, Christopher J. and James R. the father died in 18--, and the mother is still a resident of this township. James R. HALE was reared and educated in his native county, and Dec. 8, 1864, married Susan McCLINTOCK, daughter of Hezekiah McCLINTOCK, one of Hendricks' pioneers. To them have been born six children, but two of whom, George W. and Nila D., are living. Sarah S., Mollie E., Ettie A. and Urban G. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. HALE are members of the Christian church. In politics he is a Republican.

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

Samuel HILL was born in Guilford County, N.C., Feb. 22, 1806, a son of Joseph and Nancy HILL. His mother died when he was quite young, and when thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, serving four years. When seventeen years of age he went to Orange, now Alamance County, N.C., where he remained several years. He subsequently came to Hendricks County, Ind., and was one of the first settlers of Middle Township. He entered a half-section of land, of which he has made one of the best farms in the township. He has experienced all the phases of pioneer life and has assisted materially in transforming Middle Township from its wild, uncultivated state to its present condition of thrifty farms and prosperous villages. Mr. HILL has been twice married-- first to Rebecca HORNADAY, daughter of Lewis and Rebecca HORNADAY. To them were born seven children, five of whom are living--Oliver W., John C., Daniel F., Mary J. and Eliza Z. The deceased are Samira A. and William W. Mrs. HILL died and Mr. HILL married Mrs. Catherine (HAMBLETON) CLARK, widow of Edmund CLARK. In politics Mr. HILL is a Republican.

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

Daniel F. HOLTSCLAW, son of John and Ann HOLTSCLAW, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Nov. 4, 1843. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and April 17, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. WEST, a daughter of William and Sarah WEST, of this county, the former deceased. They have a family of five children, whose names are--William C., Edward G., Lloyd C., Charles O. and Newton F. Mr. HOLTSCLAW is the owner of a fine farm of about ninety-two acres all in a good state of cultivation. He belongs to the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Pittsboro, Ind. He is a member of the Christian church. In politics he is a Republican.

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

Marshall HOLTSCLAW, a prominent farmer of Middle Township, was born in Pulaski County, Ky., Oct. 25, 1832, a son of John and Annie HOLTSCLAW. In 1834 his parents moved to Montgomery County, Ind., and thence in 1835 to Hendricks County, and settled near where our subject now lives. His father was married twice. By the first wife were born three children-- Louis, John, and Francis J., and by the second, seven, five of whom are living--Marshall, Green L., Daniel F., Surelda, and Mary A. Marshall was reared and educated in Hendricks County, remaining with his parents till manhood. He is one of the successful agriculturalists of the township, owning a good farm of 135 acres. He was married in August, 1854, to Elizabeth H. STEVENS, of Parke County, Ind., and to them was born one child--Annie E. Mrs. HOLTSCLAW died July, 1857, and July 25, 1866, Mr. HOLTSCLAW married Sallie A., daughter of William WEST. Three children have been born to them, but two of whom are living--Ora V. and Effie M. In April, 1861, Mr. HOLTSCLAW enlisted in Company A, Seventh Indiana Infantry, in the three-months service, and engaged in the battles of Philippi, Laurel Hill, and Carrick's Ford, W. Va. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-third Infantry, and participated in many of the important engagements of the war, among others the siege of Corinth and Vicksburg, and was wounded at Hatchie River. He was discharged in February, 1864, and re-enlisted in the same company and regiment and participated in the Atlanta campaign. At Kenesaw Mountain he was wounded and was in the hospital at Rome, Ga., eight weeks. He joined his regiment and with them marched to the sea, and participated in the siege of Savannah and battle of Bentonville, N.C.; was present at the surrender of General Johnston; was commissioned Second Lieutenant for good and faithful service; received his final discharge at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865. In politics Mr. HOLTSCLAW 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 Middle Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Amos HOAK, farmer and stock-raiser, Middle Township, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Dec. 3, 1831, a son of Martin and Elizabeth HOAK, natives of Pennsylvania. He is the third of a family of eight children-- Daniel, Henry, Amos, Hannah, Martha, Jonathan, Joseph and Isaac. He was reared on a farm in his native State, and in 1854 immigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he engaged in the nursery business six years. In 1860 he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled on a farm in Middle Township, where he now has 100 acres of improved land. In 1875 he formed a partnership with his brother Henry in the mercantile business at Pittsboro, the firm name being H. & A. HOAK. They continued in business till the fall of 1880, when they sold out to Oliver W. Hill. Mr. HOAK has served his township as Assessor four years. He is one of the successful and enterprising business men of the township, lending his influence to all worthy projects. He was married Dec. 24, 1861, to Margaret J. (McLEOD) HALE, daughter of William McLEOD. They have had four children--Ida M., Nettie, Harry and William, deceased. Mr. HOAK has been a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders for several years.

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

Enos C. HORNADAY is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Oct. 20, 1839, a son of Simon and Eliza HORNADAY. Simon HORNADAY was a native of North Carolina, and when about eighteen years of age immigrated to Warren County, Ohio, and thence, a short time later, to Hendricks County, Ind., and entered forty acres of land in Liberty Township. He was one of the first settlers, and became one of the prominent citzens of the county. He served as Commissioner of Hendricks County six years. He was twice married; first, to Eliza SYNTMEYER, by whom he had five children, three of whom are living--Enos C., Edom M. and Elizabeth. His second wife was Martha Polk, and to them were born three children--Elvira, Samantha and Eva. Mr. HORNADAY died in March, 1880. Enos C. HORNADAY was reared in Hendricks County. His early education was obtained in the common schools, and later in the Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Ind. While at Crawfordsville the Rebellion broke out and the call was issued for volunteers for the three-months service, and in April, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Eleventh Indiana Infantry. At the expiration of the three months he re-enlisted in the same company for three years. He participated in many hard-fought battles, among them Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Champion Hills and Jackson. His regiment was first assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and later was transferred to the Army of the Gulf, and finally to Sheridan's command, in the Shenandoah Valley, where he was discharged in August, 1864. He returned home and again assumed the responsibilities of a civilian. He has been prominently identified with the interests of the county, and in 1880 was elected County Treasurer, assuming the duties of his office in September, 1881. He performed the duties of his office faithfully and efficiently two years, his residence during this time being in Danville. His home in Middle Township is pleasantly located, the farm containing seventy-three acres of cultivated land. Mr. HORNADAY was married Feb. 13, 1879, to Viola C. DILLON, of Boone County. They have two children--Herbert P., born June 17, 1880, and Erie E., born June 9, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. HORNADAY are members of the Christian church.

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

John A. HUFFORD, one of the successful agriculturalists of Middle Township, is a native of Hendricks Ccounty, born in January, 1834, a son of Joel and Louisa J. HUFFORD, who settled in this county in 1832. He is the second of six children, but two of whom beside himself are living-- Gideon F. and David J. Adaline, William N., and Amanda J. are deceased. John A. was reared on a farm, receiving a practical education in the common schools. He has been successful in his pursuits and now owns a good farm of 157 1/2 acres. He was married Oct. 25, 1855, to Julia A. PARKER, daughter of William O. PARKER. To them were born three children- -William J., Charles, and Mary J. (deceased). Mrs. Hufford died and Mr. Hufford subsequently married, in April, 1882, Mary Gentry, daughter of Harvey Gentry. He is a member of the Baptist and his wife of the Christian church.

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

John W. HUGHES is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Sept. 8, 1845, a son of Henry and Margaret HUGHES, early settlers of Middle Township, and here the father died in 1866. He was reared and educated in his native county, and since reaching manhood has given his attention to agriculture. He owns a good farm of sixty-six acres, his home being one of the pleasantest in the township. He was married Nov. 10, 1869, to Susan C. BLAIR, a native of Hendricks County, born May 23, 1852, daughter of James A. and Amenia BLAIR. Four children have been born to them-- Harry E., Muratt W., Iva M., and one deceased.

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

Luther W. JOB was born in Putnam County, Ind., Jan. 24, 1836, a son of William and Mary JOB. His parents were natives of North Carolina, and among the early settlers of Putnam County. They moved to Danville, Center Township, in 1860, where they lived until 1879, then moved to Nebraska where the father died in September, 1880. The mother died July 28, 1885. They had a family of fourteen children, seven of whom are living--Perlina P., Luther W., Noah W., Alfred P., Isaiah S., Nancy E. and James P. Three sons were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. Noah W. was a member of Company B, Seventh Indiana Infantry, and after serving two years and eight months was captured and incarcerated in Libby and Andersonville prisons seven months. He was wounded twice, in the hip and in the forehead. Alfred P. served twelve months in the Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, and Lafayette (now deceased) served one year in Company B, Tenth Indiana Infantry. Luther W. Job was reared a farmer, and has always given his attention to agriculture. In 1859 he settled in the eastern part of Middle Township, where he now owns ninety-five acres of valuable land, well improved. He was married Sept. 23, 1858, to Martha E. JUNKEN, born Oct. 17, 1839, daughter of Noble and Jane JUNKEN. They have two children--Mollie, now Mrs. J.B. HALE, born Sept. 3, 1859, and Eva, born March 8, 1873. Mr. JOB is a member of Pittsboro Lodge, No.342, I.O.O.F. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. JOB'S parents were natives of Virginia, and among the early settlers of Wayne County. In 1839 they moved to Hendricks County, and settled in Middle Township, where the father died Sept. 13, 1875. They reared a family of four children, of whom three are living--Moses H., Martha E. and John F.

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

William A. JONES, one of the earliest settlers of Middle Township, is a native of Kentucky, born May 31, 1812, a son of Allen and Elizabeth (CAMPBELL) JONES. His parents came to Hendricks County in 1827, and here he grew to manhood. On attaining his majority he entered forty acres of wild land, which he improved and to which he has added till he now has a fine farm of 200 acres. He was married May 2, 1833, to Hannah E. BRAY, and to them were born eight children, five of whom are living--Richard B., Allen E., Thomas B., William S. and Hannah. Mary, Elizabeth and Rhoda are deceased. His wife died in September, 1876, and in September, 1878, he married Mary A. WRIGHT, of Virginia. In politics Mr. JONES is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

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

John A. JORDAN, son of George W. and Tabitha JORDAN, is a native of Hendricks County, born Nov. 3, 1843. He is the youngest of five children, but four of whom are living, the others being William T., Susan A. and Mary A. He was reared on his father's farm, remaining at home until after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when, in August, 1862, he enlisted in defense of the Union and was assigned to Company H, Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the battles at Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Dalton, Resaca, the Atlanta campaign and march to the sea, serving till June, 1865. After his discharge he returned to his native county, and turned his attention to agriculture, at which he has prospered and now owns 105 acres of valuable land in the northern part of Middle Township. He was married Jan. 9, 1870, to Amelia M. DILLON of Boone County, Ind., and to them have been born four children, three of whom are living--Vietta J., born Sept. 21, 1871; Ida B., May 16, 1873, and Carrie E., Sept. 22, 1875. Mr. JORDAN has served as Justice of the Peace four years. He is an active member of the Christian church and has been an Elder several years.

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

Henry T. KIRK was born in Harrison County, Ohio, June 11, 1842, a son of Vochiel and Susannah KIRK. In 1843 his parents moved to Noble County, Ohio, and thence, in 1855, to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled in Brownsburg, where his father died in 1880 and his mother in 1883. To them were born nine children, but five of whom are living--Isaac, William, Van Buren, Sarah J. and Henry T. Our subject was reared a farmer, remaining at home till his enlistment, in October, 1861, in the defense of the Union. He was assigned to Company A, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, Fourth Corps, Army of the Cumberland, and participated in the battles at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Murfreesboro, Gallatin, Day's Gap, Crooked Creek, Cedar Mountain, Perryville, Franklin, Nashville, Overton Hills, Columbia and others of minor importance. He was discharged in January, 1864, and immediately re-enlisted and served till December, 1865. He was married Oct. 14, 1865, to "History of Hendricks County, Indiana Copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.- Profiles of Middle Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson

Francis MARTIN is a native of Kentucky, born Jan. 7, 1832, a son of Williamson and Nancy MARTIN. He was reared in his native State, and there received a fair education. About 1851 he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and was employed in saw and grist mills till the breaking out of the civil war. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the Eleventh Indiana Infantry for three months, and in August re-enlisted. He participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg and others of minor importance. He was discharged in the fall of 1864 and returned to Hendricks County. He then followed milling in Clayton, Monrovia and Mooresville till 1873, when he located in Middle Township, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns a good farm of eighty acres. Mr. MARTIN was married Dec. 24, 1873, to Nancy J. PRATHER, daughter of Wesley A. and Arthusa W. PRATHER. They have two children--Daisy and Grant. Mr. MARTIN'S political affiliations are with the Republican party.

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