Dudley H. PARKER was born in Hendricks County, Ind., March 16, 1844, a son of James M. and Maria PARKER, natives of Kentucky. In 1834 his parents moved to Jefferson County, Ind., and thence in 1835 to Hendricks County, where the father died in November, 1882, and the mother in July, 1884. But two of their five children are living--Sallie F. and Dudley H. They were prominent members of the Christian church. Dudley H. PARKER was reared in his native township, receiving his early education in the district schools. In the fall of 1859 he entered the Northwestern Christian University, at Indianapolis, an institution he attended till June, 1862, when he enlisted at Company A, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry. He participated in the siege of Nashville, battle of Dalton, and others of minor importance. In July, 1865, the Fourth Corps, of which the Fifty-first formed a part, was sent to Texas, where they remained till mustered out in January, 1866. Sept. 14, 1868, Mr. PARKER was married to Maria A. PROCTER, daughter of William and Sallie PROCTER. To them have been born seven children, five of whom are living--Oscar S., Aggie, Nettie, Ettie and an infant unnamed. Mr. PARKER remained in Hendricks County a year after his marriage and then moved to Johnson County, Kas., where for about three years he worked at the carpenter's trade. Thence to McPherson, Kas., and was associated with Wallace Gleason in the drug business eight months. In 1874 he returned to Hendricks County, where he now has a good farm of eighty acres. Mr. Parker is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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


Ellis L. PARKER was born in Middle Township, Hendricks Co., Ind., Feb. 10, 1849, a son of John L. and Nancy PARKER. He received the rudiments of his education in the district schools of his native township, and in the fall of 1865 entered the Northwestern Christian University (now Butler University), at Indianapolis, where he remained a school year, and in 1867 returned to the same school. After leaving school he taught for a time and then turned his attention to agriculture, at which he has been successful, and now owns a good farm of eighty acres. Mr. PARKER was married Nov. 21, 1876, to Nancy SALMON, daughter of Robert SALMON, of Lincoln Township. To them have been born four children--Bruce, Mary, Maude and Claude.

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


Henry R. PARKER is a native of Hendricks County, born in February, 1836, a son of John L. and Nancy PARKER, who settled in Middle Township in 1835, and here the father died in October, 1875. Six of a family of thirteen children are living--John C., Jane, Henry R., Sarah, Wesley and Ellis L. Henry R. PARKER was reared and educated in his native township. He is one of the most intelligent and thrifty farmers of the township and has accumulated as a result of his industry and enterprise 200 acres of valuable land. He was married Dec. 25, 1860, to Adaline CARTER, daughter of Harlan and Esther CARTER. They have five children--John H., William C., Lurena, Richard and Nancy E. Mr. and Mrs. Parker 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


William PATTERSON is a native of Monmouth County, N.J., born May 27, 1818, a son of William and Rebecca PATTERSON. In 1836 he accompanied his parents to Wayne County, Ind., and later to Hendricks County, locating in Brown Township, where they both died. Three of a family of eight children are living--James, Catherine and William. William PATTERSON was reared a farmer, receiving but a limited education. In 1851 he came to Hendricks County and settled in Middle Township, where he has since lived. He has been industrious and frugal, and has accumulated a good property. His farm contains 160 acres of valuable land, and his improvements are among the best in the township. Mr. PATTERSON was married Oct. 4, 1851, to Amelia LAUHORN, daughter of Thomas LAUHORN, of Marion County, Ind. To them have been born eleven children, of whom seven are living--John W., Thomas J., Vinson, William H., Mary A., Rebecca and Dora E. In politics Mr. Patterson 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


Austin PIERSON, one of the leading citizens of Middle Township, was born June 12, 1826, in Shelby County, Ky. He was a son of William and Nancy PIERSON, who were natives of Virginia. From Kentucky they came to Hendricks County, Ind., in 1834, locating in Marion Township, where the father died. He was County Commissioner of this county. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom survive--Augustus, Thomas, John, William, Austin, Sarah, Elizabeth and Nancy. Our subject was reared to manhood in this county, receiving but a limited education, and was heremarried, March 6, 1851, to Miss Mary J. SMITH, of Hendricks County. They have had a family of twelve children. Those living are--James M., Mereen, George B., Joseph M., Robert E., Nancy E., Sarah, Mary and Ann E. Henry, Harvey and Oliver are deceased. Mr. PIERSON settled where he now resides, in the fall of 1851. He has met with success in his agricultural pursuits and is the owner of 160 acres of land. He is at present serving his second term as Township Trustee.

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


William RAY was born in Randolph County, N.C., Feb. 14, 1822, a son of Presley and Dica RAY. He was reared on a farm in his native county, receiving a common-school education. After reaching manhood he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and was here married, in January, 1847, to Annie OSBORN, daughter of Mathew and Jane OSBORN, early settlers of Hendricks County. After his marriage he settled in Middle Township, on the farm where he has since lived, which contains 125 3/4 acres of well cultivated land. He has been energetic and enterprising, and is one of the prosperous farmers of the township. To Mr. and Mrs. RAY have been born twelve children, seven of whom are living--Charles F., Dica J., Presley E., Elijah, Mathew C., Allison E. and William T. In politics Mr. RAY is a Republican.

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


Tetmaney M. SHOFFNER was born in Orange, now Alamance, County, N.C., Sept. 10, 1835, a son of Frederick and Susan (DAVISON) SHOFFNER. His father was twice married and had a family of nine children, of whom our subject is the only one living. He was reared in his native State and there married, in August, 1853, Mary Kivett. To them were born eight children, but six of whom are living--Joseph C., Robert P., William J., Eliza J., Sallie and Minnie. Mr. SHOFFNER was an uncompromising Union man during the war of the Rebellion, and was fearless in expressing his loyal sentiments, and in 1868 was chosen for two years a member of the North Carolina legislature, representing the Twenty-sixth Senatorial District, and while there introduced the celebrated "SHOFFNER Bill" for the suppression of the "Ku Klux", and in the face of much opposition finally secured its passage. His sentiments naturally incurred the enmity of the "Klan" who several times laid their plans to kill him, but each time were unsuccessful incarrying them out. Deeming it unwise, on account of the feeling toward him, to remain in his native State, in 1870 he moved to Hendricks County,Ind. After living in different parts of the county he finally located in the southern part of Middle Township, where he now has a fine farm ofeighty acres. He has taken an active interest in the affairs of the county and State, and is one of Hendricks' most valued citizens.

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


Alexander F. SMITH was born in Henry County, Ky., Nov. 15, 1824, a son of James and Hannah SMITH. In 1837 his parents came to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled in Center Township, where they both died. They had a family of eight children--Robert, Sarah, Alexander F., George, James D., Susan, Elizabeth and William. Three, Robert, George and William, are deceased. William was First Lieutenant of Company A, Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, in the war of the Rebellion, and was killed at Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Smith grew to manhood in Center Township, and assisted his father in clearing and improving a frontier farm. In 1855 he moved to Middle Township, and located on the farm where he now lives. He owns 280 acres of choice land, and is one of the most enterprising and influential citizens of the township. He was married Sept. 28, 1848, to Nancy WORRELL, a native of Virginia, born Nov. 16, 1827, daughter of William and Patsey WORRELL. To them was born one son, James M., born July, 1849. Mrs. SMITH died Jan. 16, 1878. James M. was married Sept. 26, 1872, to Delilah HOLLINGSWORTH, who was born May 6, 1854, daughter of Samuel V. HOLLINGSWORTH, and has four children--Bernice A., born Feb. 6, 1875; Foster V., March 14, 1878; Irwin P., Feb. 23, 1880, and Charles P., April 9, 1884. He is the owner of 151 acres of fine land, his residence being on the old homestead with his father.

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


Alfred STANLEY, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Middle Township, is a native of Hendricks County, born March 31, 1836. His parents, Isaac and Mary STANLEY, were natives of North Carolina, and settled near Stilesville, this county, in an early day. Their family consisted of seven children, only two of whom, Alfred and Susan, are living. The deceased are--John, Moses, Calvin, Thomas and Rachel. Alfred STANLEY is one of the successful and enterprising farmers of Middle Township. He has a fine farm of 260 acres, and his improvements are unsurpassed in the county. He was married Sept. 10, 1857, to Phoebe PLASTERS, daughter of William and Mary PLASTERS, early settlers of this county. They have a family of five children--Tillman H., George W., Mary M., John M. and Franklin. Mr. STANLEY has served as Assessor of Middle Township two years. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities.

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


Lewis THORNBRUGH was born Jan. 7, 1813, and is a native of Ohio. His parents were William and Elizabeth THORNBRUGH and were among the early settlers of Washington Township, Hendricks Co., Ind. Our subject was twice married, his first wife being Miss Annie SCHENGH, by whom he had five children--Mary E., Samuel, Angeline, Emiline and Mildred, the latter deceased. After the death of his first wife, Mr. THORNBRUGHT was married to Mrs. Fannie NASH, widow of Richard NASH, of Brown Township, this county. To this union were born two children--Albert and John. Mr.THORNBRUGH is the owner of 120 acres of land. He is a member of the Regular Baptist church.

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


Calvin WARRICK was born in Rush County, Ind., Oct. 19, 1840, a son of Edward H. and Ruth WARRICK, his father a native of Delaware and his mother of Virginia. In 1845 his parents came to Hendricks County, Ind., and lived in Brown Township till 1856, then moved to Middle Township, near Pittsboro, where the father died in October, 1864. In 1880 the mother went to Nebraska where she still lives with one of her sons. They had a family of eight children--Samuel, Ann, Calvin, Amos, Esther E., Mary J., Hattie and Madora A. Calvin WARRICK was reared in Hendricks County, remaining with his parents till manhood. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Seventh Indiana Infantry. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in many of the most severe battles of the Eastern army, among them being Greenbriar, Edinburg, Winchester, Gettysburg, Antietam, second Bull Run, and White Sulphur Springs. He was discharged in September, 1864, and upon his return home engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now has a fine farm of 200 acres, all well improved. Mr. Warrick was married in December, 1865, to Evaline SMITH, daughter of Joel and Susan SMITH, early settlers of Hendricks County. To them have been born five children--Shiles M., William E., Oliver C., Edward H. and Mary M. In politics Mr. WARRICK is a Republican. He has served his township as Assessor several terms. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

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


George W. WILLS was born in Montgomery County, Ky., Jan. 16, 1814, a son of Michael and Elizabeth WILLS. When he was an infant his father died, and when eighteen years of age he came with his mother and other members of the family to Hendricks County, Ind., and for a short time lived in Center Township, south of Danville. He then bought land in Liberty Township, on which the present village of Clayton was built, where he lived about twenty years, when he returned to Center Township, and in 1862 settled in Middle Township, where he has since lived, his farm containing eighty acres of valuable land. Mr. WILLS was married in January, 1837, to Frances H. MERSHON, daughter of Daniel and Effie MERSHON, early settlers of Hendricks County. To them have been born nine children, eight of whom are living--James M., Sylvester S., William F., Louisa J., Miriam A., Henry C., Simpson B. and Jesse T. Mrs. WILLS died March 30, 1881. Mr. WILLS is 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


James M. WILLS, of Pittsboro, was born Feb. 26, 1838, on the present site of the town of Clayton, in Hendricks County, when it was nothing but a wilderness, and lived there until he was twenty years of age. He attended the district schools of that day; never attended but two terms of three months each of free school. Although with limited opportunities he qualified himself to teach common schools and worked on the farm with his parents through the summer and taught school through the fall and winter until the war broke out, at $1.15 per day. Aug. 7, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company C, Seventieth Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service Aug. 12. He followed all the varied fortunes of the regiment, serving gallantly till his discharge, June 8, 1865. After his discharge from the army Mr. Wills went on the farm and worked through the summer and taught school in the fall and winter of 1865 and 1866, and on the 16th day of May, 1867, was married to Miss Mary A. DILLON, of Pittsboro. In March, 1869, he moved to Pittsboro and engaged in the drug business with Amos C. Weaver until January, 1880. In 1881 he engaged in the dry-goods business with A.C. Weaver, continuing a year. In 1880 he bought a half interest in the tile works at Pittsboro, which he has since conducted. He makes a fine quality of tile, and ships a great proportion of it to Illinois. In 1872 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served until April, 1877, when he was admitted to the Hendricks County bar to practice law. In October, 1877, he was commissioned Notary Public, and has served continually ever since to the entire satisfaction of all that had notarial work to do, both in fees and quality of work. On the 10th day of January, 1885, through the influence of Senator Benjamin Harrison, his old regimental commander, he was appointed to a clerkship in the United States Railway Mail Service from Pittsburg, Pa., to St. Louis, Mo., but on account of his wife's ill-health he declined to serve. June 6, 1885, the commissioners of Hendricks County appointed him as Justice of the Peace of Middle Township. In the spring of 1882, he was a candidate before the Republican Nominating Convention for Recorder of Hendricks County, but was defeated by A.A. Parsons, the present worthy encumbent and a wounded soldier. Mr. Wills has two children--Ethel, born June 29, 1870, and Jewell, born Dec. 7, 1882.

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


Clark BLAIR, County Commissioner of Hendricks County, Ind., was born near Stilesville, this county, March 25, 1836, a son of Lindsey and Rachel M. (HODSON) BLAIR. His father is one of the pioneers of this county, having come from North Carolina with his father, Solomon BLAIR, in 1820. His mother also came at a very early date with her father, Jesse HODSON, settling near Amo, in Clay Township. Our subject was reared near and in Plainfield and received most of his education in the schools of that place. His father died when he was seventeen years old, and he being the eldest son was obliged to superintend the farm. Previous to his father's death he clerked two years in the drug store of Craighead & Browning, in Indianapolis, Ind., after which, in the fall of 1852, he entered the Plainfield Academy, remaining there till his father died. Jan. 31, 1858, he was married to Marian SANDERS, daughter of Benjamin and Lucinda SANDERS, of Washington Township, who were among the first families of the county. His wife died in April, 1872, leaving four children--Benjamin L., traveling salesman for a wholesale house in San Francisco, Cal.; Willet B., a farmer in Washington Township; Eddie E. and Flora Alice, still at home. He was again married, in May, 1873, to Miss Sarah M. COX, of Guilford Township, and to them have been born five children--Effie May, George Porter, Mary E., Arthur A. and Ines S. After his first marriage he left his home and settled on a farm in Washington Township, on which he lived but a short time, when he purchased the farm adjoining, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits. In October, 1876, he was elected a Trustee of Washington Township, which office he held by re-election two terms. In the fall of 1880 he was elected one of the Commissioners of this county and was re-elected to serve another term. Mr. BLAIR is a Master Mason and has served as Secretary of Bridgeport Lodge, No. 162, A.F. & A.M., two years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been Steward and Class-Leader a number of years. His wife is a member of the society of Friends.

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


Henry BRADFORD, one of the most prominent farmers of Washington Township, is a native of Hardy County, Va., born Oct. 19, 1817, a son of George W. and Elizabeth BRADFORD, also natives of Virginia. Reared on a farm in his native county he had but limited educational advantages. In 1838 he immigrated to Clinton County, Ohio, where for some time he worked as a farm hand. Jan. 6, 1842, he married Sarah HAWKINS, born Dec. 29, 1823, daughter of Jehu and Susannah HAWKINS, the former a native of South Carolina and the latter of Ohio. About 1850 Mr. BRADFORD left Clinton County and moved to Hendricks County, Ind., locating in Washington Township, where he now owns a fine farm of 160 acres, all under cultivation. Commencing life in limited circumstances he has by his industry and strict integrity accumulated a competency and is now one of the most prosperous citizens of the township. To Mr. and Mrs. BRADFORD have been born nine children--Susanna, born Oct. 8, 1842; Elizabeth A., born July 29, 1844, died Aug. 15, 1865; Charity A., born June 24, 1847, died Sept. 7, 1847; Mary J., born Oct. 3, 1848, died July 29, 1877; Layton M., born Oct. 22, 1851; Isaac H., born Jan. 30, 1854; Eli J., born Feb. 26, 1856, died May 1, 1873; Jehu H., born Dec. 24, 1858; John H., born April 10, 1864. In politics Mr. BRADFORD is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the society of Friends.

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


John CASSERLY, farmer, Washington Township, is a native of County Galway, Ireland, born in July, 1843, a son of Thomas and Mary CASSERLY. In 1850 his father came to the United States and located in Hendricks County, Ind., and in the spring of 1851, the mother with her two sons, John and Michael, followed him to this country. They settled in Washington Township and became prominently identified with its interests. John CASSERLY was reared in Washington Township and since reaching manhood has been numbered among the most enterprising and successful agriculturalists of the county. His fine farm of 100 acres shows the result of thrift and good management, and his farm buildings are among the best in the township. Mr. CASSERLY was married in June, 1861, to Ellen MOONEY, daughter of Michael MOONEY. Eleven children have been born to them, but nine of whom are living--Michael, John, Mary, Thomas, Patrick, Martin, Lobina, Ellen and Timothy. Mr. Casserly and his family are members of the Catholic church.

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


Zimri W. COX was born Nov. 6, 1835, in Hendricks County, Ind., a son of David F. and Elizabeth COX. He was reared and educated in this county, remaining with his parents till manhood. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in many hotly contested battles, some of the more important being Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, seige of Atlanta, Nashville, Franklin and Spring Hill. He was discharged in July, 1865, and since his return home has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He now owns a good farm of seventy-one and a half acres in Washington Township. He has served his township four years as Assessor. Mr. COX was married April 4, 1872, to Elizabeth R. WYER, daughter of Philip WYER. To them have been born three children--David F., Byron N. and Charles E. The latter is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. COX are members of the Christian church. He is a member of Virgil Lyon Post, No. 186, G.A.R.

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


Willis M. DAVIS, farmer, Washington Township, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Jan. 27, 1841, a son of James and Ann DAVIS, natives of Kentucky and early settlers of Hendricks County. The mother died in Washington Township in 1863, and the father in 1880. Six of their nine children are living--Sarah, Lydia, Josephine, Thornton S., John H., and Willis M. Our subject was reared a farmer, receiving a common-school education. He has been successful in his pursuits and now owns a fine farm of 120 acres. He was married in September, 1864, to Mary E. JOHN, who died in April, 1867, leaving one child--Charles H., born in 1866. In February, 1875, Mr. DAVIS married Mary J. LARIMORE, of Marion County, Ind., and to them have been born two children--Ellis L. and Vestal C. Mr. DAVIS is a member of the Odd Fellow's order, Lodge. No. 372.

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


Michael A. EULISS is a native of North Carolina, born in Alamance County, August, 1841, a son of William and Nellie EULISS. He was reared in his native county, where he received but limited educational advantages. In 1870 he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and in 1875 bought the farm where he has since lived, which contains 100 acres of good land, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. He was married Feb. 15, 1875, to Mollie HORNADAY, daughter of Isaiah and Elvira HORNADAY. They have a family of four children--Evert I., Thomas V., Virginia D. and Carl. Mr. EULISS is a member of Brownsburg Lodge, F. & A.M. He and his wife 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 Washington Twp.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Jesse FAUSSET, a prominent pioneer of Washington Township, was born in West Virginia, April 21, 1819, a son of Charles and Jemima (REED) FAUSSET, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. In 1819 his parents moved to Franklin County, Ind., where he was reared and educated. His mother died Oct. 1, 1845, and his father Nov. 21, 1878. They had a family of eight children--Robert, Jesse, Benjamin, Rebecca, Alpheus, Phoebe A., Isaac and Jacob. The two latter are deceased. Jesse FAUSSET was married Feb. 6, 1844, to Margaret J. FREELAND, daughter of Thomas FREELAND, of Franklin County. To them were born three children--Eliza J., born Jan. 23, 1845; Charlotte E., July 11, 1847, died May 7, 1860, and Francis N., born Aug. 26, 1851. Sept. 21, 1856, Jesse FAUSSET married Louisa HOLTON, daughter of Isaac HOLTON. His wife died Jan. 19, 1863, leaving one child--Jemima L., born Jan. 14, 1861. Oct. 24, 1867, he married Elizabeth VAN AUSDALL, daughter of Silas VAN AUSDALL, of Butler County, Ohio. They have had three children--Charles S., born Dec. 8, 1869; James O., born Nov. 21, 1871, died April 7, 1873, and Rebecca A., born Jan. 9, 1874, died Jan. 26, 1877. Jesse FAUSSET moved to Hendricks County in 1862, and settled in Washington Township, where he owns 115 1/2 acres of cultivated land. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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