Bascom S. McCLAIN, a prominent farmer of Washington Township, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born July 1, 1840, a son of Michael and Jane McCLAIN. He was reared on his father's farm, remaining at home till after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he was one of the many brave boys of Hendricks to enlist in defense of the Union. He was a member of Company K, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, Army of the Cumberland, and participated in many of the most important battles of the war, serving till May, 1865. After his discharge he returned to his native county, where he has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns a valuable farm of 160 acres and is surrounded with all the comforts of life. He was married Sept. 7, 1865, to Rhoda J. RITTER, daughter of James and Rachel RITTER, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. McCLAIN have been born four children--Ethel, Hoyt, Glen and Mary O., the latter deceased. Mr. McCLAIN is a member of Plainfield Post, G.A.R. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he has served as Steward many years.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Gilbert D. McCLAIN is a native of Washington Township, born April 14, 1838, a son of Michael and Jane McCLAIN, his father a native of Kentucky and his mother of Virginia. In 1832 his parents came to Hendricks County, Ind., making the journey on horseback through the dense forests and almost impassable roads. They settled in Washington Township, where the father died in 1856, his wife surviving till 1882. Of their family of ten children, nine are living--Mary A., James H., Niantia F., Susan J., Sarah A., Gilbert D., Bascom S., John W. and Jeretta B. Gilbert D. McCLAIN was reared and educated in his native county. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the defense of the Union in Company K, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, Army of the Cumberland, and served till June, 1865. He participated in the engagements at Murfreesboro, Perryville, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, siege of Atlanta, Franklin and siege of Nashville. After his return home he engaged in agricultural pursuits, at which he has been successful, and now owns 248 acres of valuable land. He was married Jan. 14, 1866, to Amanda WALKER, daughter of Joseph and Sarah WALKER. They have had a family of six children, two of whom are living--Bascom W. and Adrian R. Mr. McCLAIN in politics is a Republican. He has served his township as Superintendent a year, and six years as School Director. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


George W. MERRITT, one of the prominent pioneers of Washington Township, was born in Highland County, Ohio, April 20, 1821, a son of George S. and Jane (CARDEN) MERRITT. His parents came to Hendricks County in the fall of 1825 and settled in Washington Township, where his father died in 1854 and his mother in 1863. Of their family of eight children, five are living--William J., Elvira, Sarah, Mary and George W. Our subject was reared in Hendricks County, remaining with his parents till manhood. His early life was spent in assisting his father on the farm, and since leaving home he has been very successful and now owns a fine farm of 340 acres. He was married Dec. 28, 1844, to Melvina JOHNSON, who was born in September, 1823, a daughter of Thomas JOHNSON, one of the pioneers of Hendricks County. To them have been born nine children-- George T., John E., James H., William, Melinda J., Mary I., Sylvester N., Simeon (deceased) and Reuben A. In politics Mr. MERRITT is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


De Forest MILLER is a native of South Carolina, born June 7, 1839, a son of Isaac and Mary MILLER. He was reared in his native State, where he received a fair English education. In 1865 he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and located in Washington Township, where he now has a good farm of eighty-six acres. He was married March 7, 1861, to Melvina F. WALKER, daughter of Hogan and Mary WALKER. Their only child, Mary G., is deceased. Mrs. MILLER died April 5, 1874. April 21, 1875, Mr. MILLER married Frances M., daughter of John GLADDEN. They have one child--Paul D. Mr. MILLER is a member of Brownsburg Lodge, No. 188, I.O.O.F. In politics he is a Republican.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


James S. MILLER is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Aug. 24, 1841, a son of John D. and Ann MILLER, natives of Kentucky, and early settlers of Hendricks County. He was reared and educated in his native county, remaining with his parents till after the breaking out of the Rebellion. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Sixty-third Indiana Infantry and participated in the engagements at Resaca, siege of Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Fisher, Wilmington, and others of less note. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and upon his return home turned his attention to agriculture, at which he has been successful. He now owns a valuable farm of eighty-four acres, and his improvements are among the best in the township. Mr. MILLER was married Feb. 12, 1882, to Mary E. JONES, daughter of James JONES, of Brownsburg.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


William PIKE, one of the most prominent pioneers of Hendricks County, is a native of North Carolina, born Dec. 25, 1818, a son of Samuel and Susannah (DAVIDSON) PIKE. Of a family of seven children, four are living, our subject being the second--Joel, William, Mary and Jemima. In 1838, in company with Thomas and Caleb Dickson, he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and located in Liberty Township. They built a saw-mill, and after its completion Mr. PIKE bought the interests of his partners and carried on the business about three years. He then worked as a millwright a short time, and in 1843 made his first purchase of land, buying eighty acres of land in Washington Township. To this he has added till he now owns 374 acres of valuable land. Mr. PIKE was married Jan. 15, 1843, to Priscilla A. HORNADAY, who died Jan. 14, 1859, leaving three children--Oliver Howard, born Jan. 1, 1844; Isaiah Marion, born April 29, 1848; Daniel Day, born Dec. 15, 1852. Jan. 19, 1860, he married Nancy J. MOON, and to them were born two children--Jesse Cassius, born May 14, 1861, and Laura Belle, born June 23, 1869. Mrs. PIKE died Dec. 28, 1873, and Oct. 20, 1874, Mr. PIKE married Mary J. McDANIEL. They have two children--Sarah Minnie, born Feb. 21, 1876, and Margaret Susanna, born Oct. 16, 1878. In politics Mr. PIKE is a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist church.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Eli H. ROSS, farmer, Washington Township, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born March 13, 1848, a son of Alexander and Bethiah ROSS, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Warren County, Ohio. In 1832 his parents moved to Hendricks County and settled on the farm now owned by our subject. They were among the first pioneers of the township, and when they settleds on their land it was an uncultivated, heavily-timbered tract. They were industrious and energetic and made for themselves and family a good home. The father died in 1858 and the mother in 1884. Of their children three are living--Eli H., Walter T. and Jennie. One son, Arthur E., gave his life for his country. He enlisted in the Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, and participated in many important battles. He was wounded and captured at Kenesaw Mountain; was taken to Atlanta, where he died in July, 1864. He has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits, and since his majority has had charge of the homestead farm, sixty acres of which he now owns. In politics he is a Republican.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Benjamin SANDERS, deceased, was a native of Ohio, born May 11, 1815, a son of Isaac and Mariam SANDERS, early settlers of Hendricks County. His youth was passed on a farm, and after attaining manhood he followed agricultural pursuits. He located in Washington Township, where his widow still lives, the farm containing eighty acres of good land, with a pleasant residence and substantial farm buildings. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and served as Class Leader several years. He was married March 1, 1837, to Lucinda McCREERY, daughter of Daniel and Sarah McCREERY. To them were born eleven children--Mariam, born July 3, 1838, died April 2, 1872; Daniel, born Aug. 3, 1840; Amanda J., born Nov. 3, 1842; Sarah, born June 2, 1845, died July 29, 1876; John, born Aug. 9, 1847, died Nov. 12, 1871; Isaac, born Nov. 17, 1851, died Aug. 9, 1852; Martha A., born Nov. 24, 1853; Hannah, born Sept. 16, 1856, died Oct. 15, 1883; and Rachel, born March 29, 1859, died Aug. 11, 1884. Mr. Sanders died March 8, 1860. Mrs. SANERS lives on the old homestead, loved and esteemed by all who know her. She is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her parents had a family of eleven children, five of whom are living--Melinda, Andrew, John, James and Mrs. SANDERS.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Henry SANDERS, a prominent farmer of Washington Township, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, July 25, 1826, a son of John and Elizabeth (GOODHART) SANDERS, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia. About 1832 his parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind., where they both died. Four of their family of ten children are living--Mary, Sarah, Henry and John. Henry SANDERS was about six years of age when his parents moved to Hendricks County and was here reared and educated, amid the scenes of pioneer life. He was married Oct. 7, 1847, to Julia A. GOSSETT, daughter of Samuel and Isabella GOSSETT. To them were born eight children, seven of whom are living--Alva W., Mary A., Emma E., Albert P., Willie E., Frank E. and Harry E. In 1852 Mr. SANDERS located in Washington Township, where he now has a fine farm of 200 acres. He also owns eighty-two acres of valuable land in Guilford Township. He is an enterprising citizen and a liberal contributor to all interests of public benefit. In politics he is a Republican.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Alpheus F. SMITH is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born June 6, 1848, a son of Morgan L. and Margaret SMITH, the former a native of New York and the latter of New Jersey. His father came to Hendricks County in 1832 and his mother in 1834, and were here married. Four of their eight children are living--Mary J., Charles W., Alpheus F. and John Fletcher. The deceased are--James I., Alfred, Theodore and Ann E. Alpheus F. SMITH was reared in his native county and received his primary instruction in the public schools. In the fall of 1863 he entered Asbury, now De Pauw, University, at Greencastle, Ind., and in June, 1867, graduated from the scientific department. In the early part of 1868 he, in partnership with D.H. Miller, engaged in the drug business at Franklin, Johnson Co, Ind. Three months later, on account of ill-health, he sold his interest to his partner and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, at which he has been successful, and now owns a pleasant home, his farm containing 322 acres of valuable land. Mr. Smith was married Sept. 12, 1871, to Ellen HARDIN, daughter of James T. and Fannie HARDIN, of Marion County, Ind. They have one child--Lillian, born March 31, 1872. Mr. SMITH is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge, at Clermont, Marion County. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Morgan L. SMITH, the subject of this sketch, was born in Orange County, N.Y., on the 21st of August, 1806. When he was six years old his father died, leaving a widow and a family of six children with limited means. By the force of circumstances, from an early age, he was thrown upon his own resources and laid the foundation of a character always well sustained for energy, industry, perseverance and integrity. He learned the trade of a ship-carpenter in the city of New York, but disliking the habit of drinking which he everywhere observed about him among the young mechanics, he left the city, and followed his business as a house-carpenter throughout Orange and the adjacent counties in the States of New York and New Jersey. While so doing he became acquainted with and affianced to the lady who afterward became his wife--Margaret, daughter of James ILIFF, Esq., many years a magistrate of Sussex County, N.J. On the 16th of October, 1832, having accumulated some means by his trade, he left Orange County for the West, for the purpose of investing them in lands. A journal of his travels shows that he came by the Hudson River, by railroad (for a short distance), by canal and stage, wherever any such conveyance afforded him means of progress, and making connecting gaps on foot. His route was to Buffalo substantially by the line now run by the New York Central Railroad, and thence by steamboat to the mouth of the Huron River, thence to Dayton, Ohio, and thence to Indianapolis over the line of the National Road, finally arriving at Hulse's tavern in Washington Township, Hendricks Co., Ind., on the 15th day of November. He remained in that vicinity until the 12th of August, 1833, when he started to return to New York on horseback. He traveled north, passing through Hamilton, Howard, Tipton, Cass, La Porte, Marshall, St. Joseph, Elkhart and other counties to the Ohio line and thence through Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York to his native place. He was much pleased with the lands in the northern part of the State and purchased several tracts intending to make his home in that part of the State. In February of 1834 he married the lady above named and on the 10th of June following they started West, in a neatly covered spring wagon, to make his home in the State of Indiana. Their route was south and west to Cumberland, Md., and thence to Indianapolis by the Cumberland (National) road. The travelers finally reached Hulse's on the 8th of July, 1834. Finding his brother-in-law financially embarrassed, and his lands already sold by the sheriff, the subject of this sketch changed his plans, and bought his brother-in-law's lands, and at once settled on the farm which he thenceforth occupied until his death. He was a valuable acquisition to the locality in which he settled, and the community felt his influence from that time until his death. He was full of energy and perseverance, and never seemed to tire in pressing his undertakings to accomplishment. He erected a saw-mill on what was known as Little White Lick, a creek running through his farm. During the season when the stream furnished a sufficient supply of water, the mill knew no rest on the days devoted to labor. Throughout the night the sound of its operations and the gleam of the fire on the open square of clay under the roof of the mill were familiar objects to the neighborhood, and told of the spirit of the man. By his energy, activity and prudence he was enabled to accumulate what, in those days, was a considerable fortune. But he never engaged in any manner of speculation. What he had, he had earned and could count every cent as honestly and fairly obtained.

For many years prior to his death he was one of the heaviest taxpayers and probably the largest land-owner of the township. He was public spirited and gave liberally of his means for the support of schools and the church. In religion he was a Methodist, and for many years prior to his death he served as Steward in the Methodist church at Shiloh. For a number of years he served as Trustee for the Academy at Danville, while it was under the direction of the Methodist church. His house was always open and a welcome home for the itinerant Methodist preacher. In politics he was an Anti-Slavery Democrat until the formation of the Republican party, with which he always acted from that date. He never had any inclination for political life, and never sought office. The only political office he ever filled was Trustee of his township, to which place he was elected for a number of terms and was President of the Board of Trustees. In the midst of his labor he remembered the friends and associations of his youth, and made frequent visits to his native place. Thrice he wife his wife and the children then born of their marriage returned to his old home by private conveyances, before railroad routes were completed; and after railroad travel rendered the journey easy they made it frequently. He was an observing traveler and an intelligent reader of books and periodicals, so that he was a man of wide experience and good judgment, whose advice was often sought by those who knew him.

On the 20th of August, 1869, the day he completed his sixty-third year, he died, loved and respected in the community in which he had so long resided, and was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, north of the city of Indianapolis. His resting place is marked by a suitable monument of blue Scotch granite.

There were born of the marriage above named eight children, four of whom died in infancy and four of whom yet survive. The oldest, a daughter, married Colonel O.A. BARTHOLOMEW, and resides at Chariton, Iowa. There were three sons--Charles W., who resides in the city of Indianapolis and is engaged in the practice of law; Alpheus F. owns a large portion of the old farm and resides upon it; J. Fletcher is proprietor of a hotel at Leon, Iowa. His widow yet survives and enjoys a green old age dividing her time among her children.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


John THORNBRUGH is a native of Virginia, born Jan. 17, 1809. His parents, William and Elizabeth THORNBRUGH, moved to what is now Wayne County, Ind., in 1810, and there he was reared and educated. In 1847 he moved to Hendricks County and settled in the eastern part of Washington Township, where he now has a fine farm of sixty-six acres. He was at one time one of the most extensive stock-dealers of Hendricks County, and during the war of the Rebellion was employed by the Government as Quartermaster for broken-down stock, with headquarters at Louisville, Ky. He has been one of the most enterprising citizens of the township and has assisted materially all objects of public benefit. He was married Jan. 29, 1829, to Eleanor NORDYKE, and to them have been born eleven children--Clark, Luther (deceased), Didama (deceased), Esau, Henry, Celia A., Nancy J., Sarah E., Isaac, George and Mary E.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Ellis WOOD was born in Greene County, Pa., Feb. 23, 1827, a son of Isaac and Mary E. WOOD, natives of Pennsylvania, his paternal ancestors being of English origin. His parents settled in Shelby County, Ind., in an early day, remaining there till their death. Ellis is the only one living of a family of ten children. He was reared in Shelby County, receiving his education in the district schools. His early life was spent on his father's farm, and since attaining manhood he has followed agricultural pursuits. He came to Hendricks County in 1862 and settled in Washington Township, where he now has a fine farm of 160 acres, substantial farm buildings, and a pleasant residence. Mr. Wood was married in November, 1849, to Martha LEE, daughter of James N. and Mary LEE, early settlers of Shelby County. To them have been born seven children, five of whom are living--Isaac J., James M., Mary E., Amanda N. and Joseph N. In politics Mr. WOOD is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Joseph WININGS is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born July 11, 1842, a son of Samuel and Hariet WININGS, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Ohio. In 1854 his parents moved to Marion County, Ind., where his father died in 1884 and his mother in 1885. Their family consisted of twelve children, six of whom are living--Joseph, Archibald, Daniel, Deborah, Frank and Jesse. Joseph WININGS remained with his parents till after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, and in August, 1862, enlisted in the Sixty-third Indiana Infantry. He participated in many of the most noted battles of the war, among them being Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Cassville, Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Fisher, Goldsboro, and was present at the surrender of Johnston's army. He was discharged in July, 1865. In September, 1865, he married Eliza J. FAUSSET, daughter of Jesse Fausset, a prominent citizen of Washington Township. To them have been born eight children--Margaret H., Glendora, Rhoda M., Samuel O., Jesse E., Joseph H., Frances E. and William R. Mr. WININGS settled on the farm where he now lives in 1869. He has eighty acres of valuable land, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. He is an influential citizen; has served his township as Assessor and is at present serving his second term as Trustee. He is a member of Bridgeport, Marion County, Lodge, F. & A.M., and Plainfield Post, G.A.R. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co. (profiles of Washington Township)
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


John C. Adams, deceased, was born June 19, 1817, in Harrison County, Ky. When a boy he came with his parents, James and Eleanor Adams, to Putnam County, Ind., where he was married Sept. 29, 1847, to Sarah E. Park, a daughter of John and Melinda Park, of Putnam County, formerly of Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Adams were born nine children--Malinda E., Sarah J., Francis N., John A., Margaret E., Dulcena, James M., Letha H. and Mary E. Margaret E. and Dulcena are deceased. Mr. Adams's death occurred in August, 1865. He was a kind husband and father and was universally respected. His widow still resides on the home farm which contains eighty acres. She is a member of the Christian church.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Harris Almond, eldest son of Mathew and Rebecca Almond, was born in Richmond County, N.C., Jan. 5, 1809. His father immigrated with his family to Indiana in the fall of 1811 and settled in what is now Wayne County where his wife died. He then removed to Winchester, Ind., where he remained four years, and in the fall of 1827 he located in Hendricks County, and in the fall of 1828 he removed to Bridgeport, Marion Co., Ind., where he resided twelve years. He then settled in Henry County, Iowa, where he died in 1876. He had a family of six children by his first wife and two by his second. Harris Almond, whose name heads this sketch, being the eldest son, he was obliged to assist his father on the farm, this his educational advantages were limited, he having the benefit of school but a few months during the year. He was married in 1829 to Ruth Lakey, a native of Ohio. After marriage he settled on eighty acres of land in Marion County, going in debt for the land, which he afterward sold, and bought eighty acres in Washington Township and later bought another eighty acres adjoining, and on this land he resided about thirty-three years. His wife died April 12, 1841, leaving three children--Sarah J., wife of Samuel Weer; Pleasant and John. He was again married Oct. 17, 1841, to Anna Montgomery, and to this union were born two children, one dying in infancy and the other after reaching maturity. His wife died March 4, 1877, and he was married in October, 1877, to his present wife, Mrs. Parthena Tucker. She was the widow of George Tucker by whom she had seven children, four of whom survive. She is a native of Kentucky. Mr. Almond is now in his seventy-seventh year, and has been a member of the Christian church for forty-eight years, of which he has been Deacon twenty-one years, and he has served as Trustee about thirty years. In politics he is a staunch Republican.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson


Pleasant Almond, a successful stock-raiser and business man of Plainfield, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Jan. 3, 1836, the eldest son of Harris and Ruth (Lakey) Almond, natives of North Carolina, who came with their parents in childhood to Indiana and were reared in Marion County. After their marriage they moved to Hendricks County, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Pleasant Almond was reared a farmer, receiving a common-school education. In 1857 he was married to Minerva J. Hadley, daughter of John and Edith Hadley. After his marriage he settled on a farm in Guilford Township a mile and a half east of Plainfield, on the National Road. Here he lived till 1881, and by industry and energy improved his land, till he has 200 acres under cultivation. He has made a specialty of stock-raising, having the best grades of English draft and Clydesdale horses, Jersey cattle and Poland-China hogs. In 1881 he left the farm and moved to Plainfield, where he has a pleasant home. His wife died in 1873, leaving three children--Theophilus, Roscoe and John H. In 1874 he married Mrs. Mary Osborn, widow of Madison Osborn. They have one daughter--Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Almond are members of the Christian church.

The History of Hendricks County, Indiana copyright 1885 by Interstate Publishing Co.
Submitted by: Meredith Thompson