The gentleman whose name furnishes the caption of this review is an enterprising farmer and successful veterinary surgeon and to him as much as to any citizen of Henry County belongs the title of self-made man. Thrown upon his own resources at a tender age and compelled to battle with the rugged realities of the world, he successfully overcame the many obstacles by which he was surrounded, gradually made his way upward and from a poor, penniless and comparatively friendless lad has become one of the most prosperous and influential men of the township which is now proud to claim him as a citizen. William R. Hamilton, son of Thomas and Martha (Newbould) Hamilton, was born in Connersville, Indiana, February 5, 1849. The Hamiltons were natives of Kentucky and the Newboulds came to Indiana from Maryland. When quite young the subject's mother was left an orphan, after which she was taken by a family by the name of McCrary with whom she lived until her marriage. Soon after Thomas Hamilton took charge of a hotel in Connersville known as the Derman House, which he ran for about twenty-two years, retiring from the business at the expiration of that time and moving to a farm in the county of Fayette. His experience as an agriculturist covered a period of twenty-one years, a period, which also terminated his life. Eight children were born to Thomas and Martha Hamilton, four Sons and four daughters, seven of whom are living at this time, the subject of this sketch being the only one of the family residing in Henry County. William R. Hamilton was a small boy when his father moved to the farm and at a very early age he began following the plow and familiarizing himself with some of the lighter forms of labor. As soon as old enough to work to advantage he took his place in the fields and while still a lad in the early teens was able to do almost a man's work in the ordinary routine of toil. At the age of fifteen an event occurred which had a decided influence upon his life and which perhaps may have been a blessing in disguise, although at the time attended by sorrow and gloom that made the future look anything but cheering. This was the death of his father, an event that cast him upon the world penniless and almost friendless. Before this time he had attended of winter seasons a few terms of school, but after being thrown upon his own resources his educational training practically ceased. Turning his hand to any kind of honorable employment he could find, young Hamilton labored diligently with the object in view of improving his condition if possible and becoming something more in the world than a servant for others. Actuated by this determination, he laid by every dollar he could spare and some idea of his industry and thrift may be learned from the fact that on reaching his majority he had in his possession one thousand dollars in cash, a good horse and buggy and not one cent of indebtedness. Some of this money came to him as the result of successful trading, but the larger part was carefully saved from his wages as a farm hand and daily laborer. In the year 1870 Mr. Hamilton and Miss Emma Hearkless, of Rush County, were united in marriage, a union terminated by the death of the wife after one year of happy wedded life. Subsequently, February 18, 1875, the subject chose a second companion, who bore the maiden name of Mary E. Hulgan, whose birth occurred in the county of Fayette; this union has resulted in three children: Lela, born December 27, 1875, now the wife of Luther Ratcliff; Bert, who was born June 8, 1883, and an infant named Verlie that died. Mr. Hamilton became a resident of Henry County in the year 1872, purchasing forty acres of land in Greensboro township, for which he paid at the time eight hundred dollars, going in debt for the balance. By industry and economy he soon had his place clear of encumbrance and within a reasonable time thereafter increased his holdings until his farm contained one hundred and fifteen acres, its present area. The farm is highly improved and by adopting scientific methods he has greatly increased its productiveness and made it one of the best as well as one of the most valuable places of its size in the county. At a very conservative estimate the place represents a value of at least twelve thousand dollars, in addition to which Mr. Hamilton also owns other property, including a comfortable home in the village of Kennard where he now lives. Mr. Hamilton has given much time and study to veterinary surgery and for some years past has practiced the profession with much success at his home and elsewhere. In 1901 he turned his farm over to other hands and purchased a home in Kennard where he located for the purpose of devoting his time exclusively to veterinary surgery, the demands for his services having been such as to make this move necessary. He now has a large and lucrative business, having a license from the county entitling him to practice, also many flattering testimonials as to the effective service he has rendered in this useful and necessary profession. Mr. Hamilton is a man of intelligence and stands for enterprise and progress in all the terms imply. Primarily interested in his own affairs, he is also public spirited and stands ready at all times to give encouragement and support to any legitimate movements for the material and moral well-being of his community. Politically he is a Democrat, but has never taken a very active interest in party affairs further than to vote for the regular nominees and defend the soundness of his opinions when they are assailed. He has never identified himself with any religious society or organization but is a believer in churches as great moral forces and supports them liberally, especially the one to which his wife belongs, the Society of Friends. As a neighbor he is kind and obliging, ever ready to do a favor and his helping hand is never withheld from a friend providing such a one be worthy. He discharged the duties incumbent upon him as a citizen in a courageous, straightforward manner and is a splendid specimen of well-developed, successful American manhood. The biographical history of Henry County would not be complete did it not include the record of Mr. Hamilton's career.

Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920

Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920

One of the most important industries in Middletown, Henry County, Indiana, is the manufacture of the Favorite Washing Machine of which James Groenendyke is the capable manager and John T. Burk the competent secretary and bookkeeper of the company that hears the same name. James Groenendyke was born in Fayette County, Indiana. July 6, 1838 and when five years old was brought to Henry County by his parents. Michel and Anna Groenendyke, who settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Jefferson Township, where the boy was reared to manhood. April 9, 1862 he married Miss Mary J. Painter, daughter of Samuel D. and Anna Painter, and to this union four children were born, of whom two died in infancy, the surviving two being Sarah Louretta, who was married to James McMullen, but was called away in 1893, leaving one son, Merta, and the second surviving child, Bertha G., is the wife of Frank Smith, of Fall Creek township. Mr. Groenendyke in 1875 began making drain tile on his farm of two hundred and twenty acres which he had purchased in Fall Creek township, where he also owns one of the finest dwellings in the neighborhood, his plant being known as the Bell Creek Tile Factory. In 1880 he added a steam sawmill and a few months later discarded the manufacture of tiling and took the initial step in his present extensive business, in which he secured a half interest in 1882 as far as the right to manufacture is concerned, but in this right to manufacture his sole interest is concentrated or consists. And for this reason: Some years ago Mr. Groenendyke met with financial difficulties that necessitated an assignment, but this trouble did not last long. Mr. Groenendyke being a man of the strictest integrity, matters were satisfactorily adjusted and he was permitted to resume business as a manufacturer, his output being considerably augmented by the increased popularity of the Favorite and the consequent demand for it on the market. But the name of Mr. Groenendyke has been submerged and that of his wife substituted, and she is now the ostensible head of the business and its sole owner, While Mr. Burk attends to the details of the manufacturing and Mr. Groenendyke devotes his attention to the outside interests of the concern. Although the plant is situated about three miles from Middletown, it is nevertheless classed as among the substantial industries of the thriving little city. When Mr. Groenendyke started in life for himself he first rented a farm and next, in 1868, purchased eighty acres of the Coffman farm, giving fifty-six dollars per acre for it, but going in debt about nine hundred dollars. At that time wheat brought two dollars per bushel and hogs ten dollars per hundredweight. Later on his wife received one thousand dollars from her father and he seven hundred dollars from his father. These two sums went to pay for the farm in part, and another farm was purchased, until at last he owned two hundred and twenty acres, at a cost varying from seventy one to thirty-seven dollars per acre. He continued manufacturing tiles until about ten years ago, the output being disposed of to the local trade, but he has laid many rods on his own property. He has also made a specialty of grass growing and of fattening cattle. The Favorite Washing Machine plant netted Mr. Groenendyke about ten thousand dollars and has a capacity for turning out fifteen thousand dollars worth of this popular household machine annually. The wood, beech, poplar and cottonwood, is grown on the premises, but large quantities are also shipped from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Cairo, Illinois. Sales of the machine are made through hardware dealers, as well as local agents, a Mr. Neff selling about one hundred the first year, and the sales increasing annually until 1883, when Mr. Groenendyke started on the road himself. He made exhibits at many fairs and in the year mentioned was awarded a silver medal at Cincinnati. Many carloads are shipped to local agents and as an illustration of the extent of the trade, which these local dealers carry on it, may be mentioned that one dealer at Richmond recently ordered two hundred and fifty as one consignment, total sales averaging three thousand per year. John T. Burk, the secretary and bookkeeper for the Favorite Washing Machine Company, is a native of Virginia and was fifteen years old when he came to Indiana with his mother, a widow. About a year later, in May, 1877, he entered the Groenendyke family and acquired a common school education, worked on the farm for some time and was then placed in the factory until his leg was broken by a runaway horse in April, 1892, and in the following December it was amputated below the knee. Since his recovery his work has been in the office and he is practically the manager of the business for Mrs. Groenendyke. In 1901 Mr. Burk was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Corey. Mrs. Groenendyke parents, Samuel D. and Anna (Rader) Painter, were among the most respected pioneer families in Indiana. Samuel Painter was a son of Absalom Painter, one of the original settlers. Mary J. (Mrs. Groenendyke) was born on the old homestead of Absalom Painter at Foyer's Mill November 13, 1840, and is the eldest of a family of eight children, of whom she and an elder brother are the only survivors. One brother, John Painter, died in his twenty-first year; the father, Samuel Painter, was called from the scene of his earthly labors to his reward on high July 12, 1876, leaving a name that is still honored among the descendants of the original pioneers.

Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920

Henry County can boast of few more progressive and enterprising agriculturists than the well-known gentleman whose name forms the caption of this review. He is considered one of the leading farmers of Liberty township and as a citizen is intelligent and public-spirited, combining with-in himself those qualities of manhood that make not only a useful member of society, but a leader in whatever he undertakes. The subject is the son of John R. and Martha (Koons) Millikan, and his birth took place on the 31st of December 1855, in the township in which he now resides. The family from which the subject is descended is traced to Scotch-Irish origin. The father of the subject John R. Millikan, was born and reared in Tennessee and in 1839 came to this county. He was a poor young man and paid for his transportation by helping to care for the stock and goods on the trip. When he arrived in Henry County his sole possessions were a horse and ten dollars in money. He attended school some and by close application was enabled to qualify for the profession of teaching, following this occupation during several terms. He was economical and invested his savings in a piece of land in Blue Township and at once entered upon the task of clearing it and making it fit for cultivation. Upon his marriage, however, he sold this and moved to Hancock County, where he bought another, farm, all wooded land. He had this partially cleared when he sold it and returned to Henry County, buying what was afterward known as the Wisehart farm. He remained upon this place until 1854, when he sold it and bought the place on which the subject of this sketch now resides. In 1881 he removed to New Castle, where he lived until his death in 1895. He was married to Miss Martha Koons, the daughter of George and Mary (Eller) Koons. Her parents were early pioneers of Henry County, coming here from North Carolina about 1820. To this union were born the following children: James, Sarah J, Davault K, Elizabeth, Mary E., Frank M., Thomas B. and Isaac N. John R. Millikan was a prominent man in his day, and in 1867 was elected to represent his county in the state legislature. While in that body he was the author of a bill, known as the Gravel Road bill, which made it possible for the counties of the state to construct gravel roads, a much-needed improvement. He was a member of the Christian church. Isaac N. Millikan was reared upon the parental homestead and attended the common schools of his neighborhood, supplementing this by attendance at the academy at New Castle and one term at the Spiceland Academy. He was qualified to teach in the public schools, but never took up that work. He returned to the farm and controlled a half interest in it his partner being his brother. T. B. Here he has since continued to successfully follow the pursuit of agriculture and by his wise management, sound discrimination and progressive methods has acquired a comfortable income. The marriage of the subject occurred in 1881, the lady of his choice being. Miss Narcissa Boyd, the daughter of James M Boyd, an early pioneer of this county. The fruit of this union is one child, Imogene, born in January 1887. Politically Mr. Millikan is a stanch Republican and has always taken a keen interest in all questions affecting the interests of his county or township. For fifteen years he has served as committeeman for his precinct, but has never had any aspiration for public office. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, holding membership in the subordinate lodge at New Castle. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and are faithful in the performance of their religious duties. In his business relations he keeps in accord with the ethics of life and the correctness of his motives has never been questioned by those with whom he has had any dealings. Eminently warm-hearted and generous, he discharges all of his duties with energy and zeal, and, to the best of his ability, lives up to his highest conception of what constitutes true manhood.

Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920

Under the form of government adopted by our forefathers matters pertaining to creed or sect were carefully avoided, thus giving to all that opportunity for growth and development along such lines as each might determine. One of the greatest and most beneficent results thus obtained was the elimination of much of that bigotry and spirit of intolerance which surrounded and impeded the progress of Christianity from the early days of the sixteenth century down to the closing of the eighteenth, during the last quarter of which the independence of the American colonies was happily secured. Hence, the broad and liberal views now practiced by the various denominations toward each other has had a tendency to harmonize the former conflicting elements of communities. He whose biography is herewith presented has for some years enjoyed the distinction of being one of Henry County's ablest divines. Rev. James P. Ewing, the well-known, efficient and popular pastor of the Christian church at New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, was born near Winchester, Virginia, in the famous Shenandoah Valley. When but a boy he was brought by his parents to Ohio, settling in Athens County. On the 28th of February 1864, he enlisted in the Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under General Grosvenor, as a recruit. He had been reared in a pro-slavery atmosphere and four of his brothers and a brother-in-law served in the Confederate army, but he was in his childhood a keen observer and early became convinced that the institution of slavery was entirely wrong. His disgust at slavery was brought to the culminating point when the attempt was made to over throw the union and he determined to offer his services in the effort to put down the rebellion and preserve the integrity of the national government. He joined his regiment at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was with it during all the stirring scenes, which took place in that locality during the last days of the terrible struggle. He saw service at Chattanooga and during the memorable Atlanta campaign, and afterward joined Thomas in the pursuit of Hood before the battle of Nashville. They followed Hood to the Tennessee river and then returned to the vicinity of Chattanooga, performing picket and guard duty, and also made raids upon the forces of the rebel generals, Forrest and Morgan. They continued in this line of service until the surrender of General Lee. At this time General Steadman was made provost marshal of Georgia and to assist in the work of his department the regiment was ordered to Augusta, Georgia, where it remained until the following October, being then mustered out at That place and receiving a final discharge shortly afterward at Columbus, Ohio. While his regiment was in Georgia Mr. Ewing was detailed as a clerk in the office of the medical director. Upon his return to civil life James P. Ewing entered an academy at Athens, Ohio, and was also a student elsewhere. At the age of twenty-one years he began teaching in the country schools and in a select school in that part of the state, and continued that occupation for five years, at the same time continuing private study. His reading and study had been largely devoted to theology and kindred subjects and he determined to enter the ministry. His attention had early been drawn to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but as the result of thorough and patient investigation he gave his allegiance to the Christian church, joining it on the 22d of April 1866. While still engaged in teaching he had devoted himself to some extent to evangelistic work, but at this time he entered the regular ministry, his first pastorate being at Mansfield, Ohio. Then he was stationed in order at Sabina, Jackson and Ripley, all in Ohio, and at Crawfordsville, Indiana. In 1888 he resigned the latter charge for the purpose of taking -up again the special evangelistic work, confining his operations principally to the state of Indiana. In this work he traveled over the entire state, organizing churches and new societies and reviving others that had become lukewarm. It was very hard work, but his soul was in it and his efforts were blessed with abundant results. In 1889 he had visited New Castle and organized a district, composed of two counties. After two years of the state work he again entered the regular pastorate, serving the charge at Frankfort for two years. He then returned to Ohio and assumed charge of the church at Jackson, the same charge he had served ten years before. Rev. Mr. Ewing remained at this place four years and then went to another of his old charges, Ripley, at the earnest solicitation of that church, having also oversight of the church at Liberty. This was a busy year, as besides the extra work attending the erection of a new church building at Ripley, he was also conducting regular preaching services at Fowler and Boswell. Indiana. In December 1898, Rev. Ewing accepted a call to the Christian church at New Castle, and has since remained in charge here, his sole attention being given to the work here. His work here has been fruitful with good results and by his courteous manners, eminent ability and genuine worth he has endeared himself, not only to the members of his immediate congregation, but to all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is a forceful, logical, convincing and pleasing speaker and keeps in close touch with all phases of modern life, especially in relation to the present day conditions of the laboring classes. He holds closely to the teachings of the gospels and of the old leaders of the church, standing squarely on the plain religious teachings of the Bible and giving little encouragement to the advanced stand taken by some of the modern theologians. He was an admirer of President Garfield and while the latter was in congress heard him preach. He also was acquainted with the lamented McKinley, who in many respects resembled Garfield. He has not confined himself in his readings and studies to any one particular line of thought, but has been broad, and comprehensive, his studies including the creeds and dogmas of other churches, the history of religions, the philosophy of religion and education, history, biography, etc. He has also read extensively and been a deep student of Blackstone and other authorities on law and has recently been admitted to the bar. Politically he cast his first presidential vote for General Grant and has ever since been identified with the Republican Party. In matters fraternal he is a member of the Masons, having attained to the Royal Arch degree, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic. He takes an especially active part in the work of the Odd Fellows. On the 20th of April 1866, Rev. Mr. Ewing was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Miranda Conant, the ceremony being celebrated in Meigs County, Ohio. She was a native of the Buckeye state, received a good education and has been a helpmate to the subject in the truest sense of the word. This union has been blessed with the following children: Ilerede is the wife of N. F. Palmer, of Frankfort, Indiana: E. G. is a preacher and is pastor of the Middletown Christian church in this county; Jessie is the wife of F. W. Bertsch, of Jackson. Ohio. It is largely to such men as the subject of this sketch that the community is indebted for its present high standing as regards general morality and charitable and benevolent activities and their efforts are fully appreciated by the people of the community. It is to be hoped that Rev. Mr. Ewing may remain for many years an active promoter of the cause of religion and morality.

Submitted by: Lora
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920