Nimrod R. Elliott, banker and dealer in general merchandise and farming, Mechanicsburg, Henry County, Ind., is a son of E. B. Elliott, of Scotch-English nationality, who was born in North Carolina in 1782, moved to Wayne County, Ind., June 20, 1829, traveling all the way in private conveyances, occupying two months in making the journey across the mountains and through the forests and thinly settled country with no macadamized roads or steam ferries to facilitate travel. It was a laborious trip. From Wayne County he removed to Henry County in September, 1833, and located two miles northwest of where Cadiz now stands. E. B. Elliott married Mrs. Eliza Hardee, in North Carolina, in 1810. They had seven children, four sons and three daughters. N. R. Elliott, the youngest of the family, was born in Perquimans County, N. C., May 4, 1827, being but a little over two years old when they settled in Indiana. His parents were in limited circumstances; had a small tract of land with slight improvements. He was reared on a farm and endured many hardships and privations in early life. He soon developed strong force of character; was very industrious and of inquiring habits, high-minded and self-reliant. He manifested great anxiety for education, was very attentive in his studies at home, and when at school his highest ambition was to excel. His early training was in a district school-house, built on the corner of his father's little farm, of round logs, with the floors of split slabs and seats, and desks of the same material; roof and ceiling made of clapboards; windows about sixteen feet long and one foot high, with split sticks for sash and greased paper for panes. It was the first school-house in Fall Creek or Harrison townships. Such was pioneer life then. Dukes (as he was familiarly called) soon mastered the common-school branches, and when only sixteen years old was examined and licensed to teach school, and in this calling he was very successful. With the small amount saved from his teaching school he was able to attend better schools and academies and improve in other branches of literature. He succeeded in obtaining a fair academic education. Proud and ambitious, he became dissatisfied with is success financially and determined to turn his attention to the carpenter's trade, and in this, as a builder and contractor, he made money rapidly, and saved all he could to foster a little pet hobby of his early life (merchandise), which was one of his themes by day and night. When quite a small boy he played store, talked of and dreamed store. In 1851 he commenced the general mercantile business in the town of Mechanicsburg, and has continued business there ever since, giving his personal attention a considerable portion of the time to that kind of trade. He has several times had an interest in the mercantile trade at other points. In 1872 he, with two other partners, organized a bank at Middletown, Ind., he being President and John H. Turhune, Cashier. In 1873 they moved to Anderson, Madison County, and assisted in the organization of the Madison County Bank, and Mr. Elliott was a Director and Vice-President of that bank. In 1882 he assisted in the organization of the Farmers' Bank at Middletown, and was elected President. Has been foremost in all of the public improvements in his part of the county. He married Jane H. Cooper, of Cadiz, Henry County, in 1850, and they had two children. The elder, a daughter, Ida F., is the wife of Prof. J. M. Thurston, of the Physio-Medical College at Indianapolis, of which Mr. Elliott is Treasurer; the younger, a son, E. L. Elliott, graduated from Ann Arbor Law College, Mich., and is now Cashier of the Farmers' Bank, Middletown, Ind. In 1870 Mr. Elliott took an active part in the organization of Henry, Madison and Delaware Agricultural Society, and was President of that association for eleven years, sparing neither money nor time in making it a success. He always takes an active interest in the development of the agricultural interest. He never belonged to any religious denomination, but in that as well as in all other matters has very positive convictions; is liberal and of pronounced Universal faith in the ultimate happiness of all mankind. In early life he became an earnest worker in the cause of temperance, and has been a member of nearly every order of temperance societies, but opposes prohibition by statutory enactments. He steadily refuses to rent or allow any of his premises to be used for the sale or manufacture of intoxicants of any kind. He is a very zealous Freemason; has been a member of that order for over a quarter of a century; is Master of his lodge, and attends his chapter and commandery meeting with decided interest, and is prompt in relief for charitable and social purposes. Politically he is an uncompromising Democrat of the strictest type, anti-slavery and free soil; was a strong supporter of S. A. Douglas in 1860, and in 1861 was foremost to denounce secession and rebellion, and favored the most vigorous policy for suppression; was active in assisting volunteers and to aid their families while absent on duty; he favored the payment of liberal county bounties for volunteers, and was always ready to head any subscription for the relief of soldiers and their families. He never had any official aspirations, but has often been honored by his party for various positions; was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Cincinnati in 1880, and an Elector on the Democratic ticket in 1884.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 588 to 590.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Henry Fadely was born May 1, 1830, in Rockingham County, Va., and in November, 1837, moved with his parents, John and Rebecca (Funk) Fadely, to Fall Creek Township, Henry Co., Ind., where his father bought eighty acres of land south of the village of Honey Creek, now owned by our subject, and to which he has added from time to time till the homestead contains 135 acres. He also owns a farm of 120 acres south of his present residence, and 120 acres north of the village of Honey Creek. Feb. 13, 1851, he was married to Elizabeth Ann Gossett, a native of Fall Creek Township, and daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Warnock) Gossett, the latter living with Mr. Fadely in her eighty-fourth year. They have had thirteen children - Joseph H., married and living on his father's farm, south of the homestead; Rebecca Alice, married George Evans and lives on the farm north of Honey Creek; Michael Monroe, William, Walter, Nancy, Ellen, Charles, Alexander, Adam, Dennis and six who died in infancy. Mr. Fadely and wife belong to the United Brethren church. In politics he is a Republican, having affiliated with that party since its organization.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 590 and 591.
Submitted by: Jeanie

George R. Fleming, youngest son of Joseph and Sarah (Fleming) Fleming, was born Jan. 7, 1840, in Fall Creek Township, Henry Co., Ind. He was married Sept. 18, 1862, to Sarah Cummins, born in Fall Creek Township, Aug. 13, 1843, a daughter of James and Mary Ann (Riley) Cummins. To them have been born three children - Magnola A., born Oct. 16, 1865; Bertha E., September 23, 1877, and James R., Nov. 8, 1881. Mr. Fleming has 135 acres of excellent land, a portion of it being the old homestead. In politics Mr. Fleming is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the New Light church. His father was one of the pioneers of Henry County and served as Justice of the Peace for many years. His death occurred about the year 1847.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 591.
Submitted by: Jeanie

William R. Fleming was born June 23, 1838, in Fall Creek Township, Henry Co., Ind., and is the eldest son of William and Sarah Fleming. He was married June 22, 1866, to Nancy, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Harvey. They were the parents of five children - H. B., aged seventeen years; Ludoska, past ten years; Bertha Maud, six years, and Nellie Blanch, aged two years. Henry Coet died at the age of seven months. Mr. Fleming is engaged in agricultural pursuits and owns 240 acres of excellent land. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 591.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Hezekiah Forrest, commonly called Ki, was born Oct. 17, 1838, in Mason County, Va., a son of J. W. and Luna E. (Fargo) Forest, his father a native of Virginia, of Scotch descent, and his mother of Vermont. They were married in 1835 and in 1847 moved to Indiana and settled in the wilderness of the Indian Reserve in Madison County, where the mother died in 1872, and the father still lives. His great-grandfather, James Forrest, was taken by a press gang and brought to America, under Cornwallis, to subdue the rebels in 1779. He and his sister were selling vegetables from a wagon in the streets of Edinburg, and his sister was left sitting in the wagon when he was taken away. He was surrendered at Yorktown in 1781, was married and remained in Virginia. His sons were Thomas and William. Thomas went southwest in 1816. William, the grandfather of our subject, died in Virginia in 1863. Hezekiah Forrest spent his boyhood in attending school and assisting his father when able to do so. He became a cripple from white swelling at the age of fourteen years, and when eighteen had his right leg amputated near the hip. While waiting for the doctors to get ready for the operation the silence and suspense became so oppressive that he called for his violin and played while they were finishing their preparations. When nineteen years of age he entered Franklin College, completing the preparatory freshman and sophomore years. He has made teaching his life work and has taught one year in Grant County, four years in Madison County, and nineteen years near Middletown, Henry County. He resides two miles southeast of the town on a farm which he is teaching his boys to cultivate. He was married Oct. 4, 1863, to Mary Jane Ellison. They have four children - Edwin, Una, Jessie and Lewis. In politics before the war Mr. Forrest was a Democrat, during the war a Republican, and since the war has been a Democrat.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 591 and 592.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Jacob Good was born April 30, 1829, in Botetourt County, Va., and when about one year old his parents, Martin and Barbara Good, emigrated to Ohio, where his father leased a farm in Montgomery, for twelve years, but at the end of ten years he sold his lease and in 1840 moved to Delaware County, Ind., where he died a few months later. Jacob was then obliged to earn his own living, and secured a place in the family of John Shoemaker, where he remained over four years. At the age of sixteen years he went to Xenia, Ohio, to learn the blacksmith's trade, remaining with David Pottle three years, being paid $36 per year. He then worked as a journeyman one year when he opened a blacksmith shop in Peru, Ind., which he carried on two years. He then went to Delaware and worked in a shop one year, when he was engaged in the machine shop of Lawrence, Davis & Co., about four years. July 17, 1860, he moved to Middletown, Henry County, and opened his present blacksmith's shop, where he has carried on business twenty-three years. He was married in 1851 to Mary Ann Morman, by whom he had two children, both deceased. His wife died in 1854, and in 1857 he married Cytha A. Reed. They were the parents of eight children; two of whom were deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Good are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Middletown, and in politics Mr. Good is a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 592 and 593.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Robert Griffis, M. D., of Middletown, Ind., is a native of Eaton, Preble Co., Ohio, born May 18, 1827. His parents were John and Catherine (Null) Griffis, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Virginia. He was reared and educated in his native State, finishing his literary course at Otterbein University, Westerfield, Ohio. In 1850 he began the study of medicine and took two full courses of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, graduating in March, 1853. He immediately located at Middletown, Ind., and is now one of the most esteemed and prominent physicians of the county, his practice extending to the extreme limits of this, and reaching into the adjoining counties. He is one of the oldest physicians in the county and his opinion is sought after by those younger in the profession. He has always been ready to assist young men in their studies and help them to get established in practice. Dr. Griffis was married in April, 1853, to Margaret Ingle, of Eaton, Ohio. They have had four children; three are living. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Christian church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 593.
Submitted by: Jeanie

James Groenendyke was born in Fayette County, Ind., July 6, 1838, and at the age of five years came with his parents Michael and Anna Groenendyke, to Jefferson Township, Henry County, where his father purchased 160 acres of land. James remained at home till April 9, 1862, when he married Mary J., daughter of Samuel D. and Anna Painter, of Fall Creek Township. To them have been born four children - Sarah Loureta, born in February, 1866, married James McMullen and has one son, Merta, aged nine months; Bertha G., born April 9, 1873, and two sons who died in infancy. Mr. Groenendyke owns a farm of 220 acres of fine land and his residence is one of the best in the township. In 1875 he erected the buildings, and commenced the manufacture of drain tile, and in 1879 attached steam-power, and in 1880 attached a saw-mill for the cutting of hard lumber. His works are known as Bell Creek Tile Factory. In 1882 he bought a half right of the United States in the "Favorite" washing machine, and in 1883 he attached machinery for manufacturing the same. The machine is one of the best made and its merits have been tested by some hundreds of the best families in this vicinity. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church at Forest Hill, and in politics he is a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 593 and 594.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John Hedrick was born in Rockingham County, Va., March 31, 1822, a son of Charles and Margaret (Pence) Hedrick, natives of Virginia. His parents were married in their native State, and in 1824 moved to Preble County, Ohio, remaining there till 1840, when they came to Henry County, Ind., and settled on a farm in Fall Creek, where the father died in 1856. The mother afterward went to Missouri to live with a daughter, and died there in 1868. Of their seven children but three are living. John Hedrick has always followed agricultural pursuits, and although a poor man when he started in life, has now a large property. He is a shrewd business man, and his investments have generally been advantageous. He owns a fine farm of 420 acres, a part of it the old homestead, and considerable property in Middletown. Mr. Hedrick was married in 1843 to Margaret, daughter of John and Margaret Hart, pioneers of Henry County. They have had eight children; but two are living - John W. and Sarah C. (wife of J. L. Saunders). Politically Mr. Hedrick was originally a Whig, but now affiliates with the Democratic party.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 594.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Jacob Huff was born in Rockingham County, Va., April 22, 1811, and remained till Dec. 30, 1834, when he was married to Phoebe Ann Scothoran. In 1836 he came to Henry County, Ind., locating on a farm of eighty acres in Fall Creek Township, which he had previously purchased. He now owns over 700 acres of land, over 500 acres being in Henry County, 160 acres in Delaware County, and fifty-eight acres in Madison County, Ind. His wife died in 1864, and in 1867 he was again married to Mrs. Permelia Meeker. They are at present making their home in Middletown, aged respectively seventy-two and seventy-four years. Mrs. Huff has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for the past fifty years. In politics Mr. Huff has always affiliated with the Democratic party. He had eleven children by his first wife, of whom six are deceased. Those living are - Joseph, Sarah Catherine, Mary Ann, Lucinda and Elizabeth, all married.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 594.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Asa S. Huston, farmer, postoffice Mechanicsburg, Ind., was born in Preble County, Ohio, March 1, 1819, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Werts) Huston, natives of Pennsylvania, his father born in 1792, and his mother in 1797. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812. He was married to Sarah Werts in Preble County, Ohio, Dec. 5, 1816, and in 1834 they moved to Madison County, Ind., and to Henry County in 1873, where he died Feb. 28, 1876. Samuel Huston was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church sixty years, and held many responsible positions in the church. He was for several years an exhorter, and was a liberal contributor toward the establishment of the church in Madison and Henry counties. His wife is still a resident of the county. Asa Huston spent his early life in common with other pioneer boys. His opportunities for attending school were limited, merely learning to read. He has had an ambition for learning and by reading in his leisure hours has acquired a knowledge of religion, politics and all questions of the day in advance of many whose advantages exceeded his. He has been a member of the Methodist church forty-six years, and a minister of the church since 1858. He was ordained deacon in ____. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled different chairs in his lodge. In politics Mr. Huston was formerly a Whig, but since the party's organization has been an uncompromising Republican. He was married Sept. 10, 1840, to Lenorah, daughter of Moses Wilhoit, an early settler of Henry County. They have had six children - William, Nancy, Samuel, Anthony, Mary, Louisa. William and Louisa are deceased. The former was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and died while in the service, in 1863. With the exception of three years spent in Pendleton, Madison Co., Ind., Mr. Huston has lived on his present farm since 1844. At the time of his settlement it was wild, uncultivated land, but he has made of it one of the finest farms in the county. His early experience was similar to all pioneers who were in limited circumstances, but he has persevered and accumulated property, and is now one of the representative men of the county.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 594 and 595.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John Hayes James, M. D., was born in Yorktown, Delaware Co., Ind., Oct. 17, 1851,a son of Jehu and Mary (Hayes) James, his father a native of Greensboro, Henry County, born June 24, 1829, and his mother of Chester County, Pa. After their marriage his parents settled in Delaware County, and two years later moved to Madison County. John H. was the eldest of eight children, five of whom are living. He received a common school education, and when twenty years of age began teaching. He taught seven winters and worked on the farm and attended school in the summer. He then began the study of medicine with Drs. Huston & Davidson, of Pendleton, and afterward entered the Physio-Medical College at Indianapolis, graduating in 1881. He located at Carmel, Ind., where for two years he was associated with Dr. Carey. In the spring of 1884 he moved to Middletown, and although a resident so short a time has gained the confidence of the people and is building up a good practice. Dr. James was married in 1881 to Mary, daughter of James Leeson, of Wayne County. The Doctor is a member of the First District Physio-Medical Society, and also of the Alumni of the Physio-Medical College, of Indiana.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 595 and 596.
Submitted by: Jeanie

William Henry Keesling, merchant, Mechanicsburg, Henry Co., Ind., is a son of William and Eliza Ann (Minnick) Keesling, of Fall Creek Township, residing a half mile east of Mechanicsburg. Both are of German descent. His father was born near the present site of New Paris, Preble Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1826. His mother was born in Rockingham County, Va., June 23, 1827, a daughter of Michael and Lydia Minnick. They were married in Fall Creek Township, Dec. 9, 1847, and are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living. Our subject's grandfather, John Keesling, came to this county about 1828 or 1829, and entered a quarter section of land a quarter mile west of Mechanicsburg, where he lived till his death in 1864. William H. Keesling was born a mile and a quarter north of Mechanicsburg, Feb. 17, 1849, and resided on the farm with his father till twenty-one years of age, working on the farm in the summer and attending the district school in the winter. Having from boyhood had the ambition to engage in the mercantile business, when he became of age he bent his energies toward the accomplishment of his early hopes, and Sept. 4, 1871, embarked in the grocery and patent-medicine business in Mechanicsburg, which he has since conducted successfully, receiving a liberal patronage from the town and surrounding country. Oct. 15, 1870, W. H. Keesling was married to Sarah J. Cooper, a daughter of John P. Cooper (deceased). She died June 20, 1881, leaving two children - India Pearl, born Sept. 13, 1872, and Cecil Ray, born Feb. 9, 1878. Feb. 18, 1883, W. H. Keesling married Nan J. Miller, whose parents are also deceased. Politically W. H. Keesling has always been a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 596.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Enos Lindamood, eldest son of Philip and Mary (Painter) Lindamood, was born Dec. 15, 1829, in Shenandoah County, Va. His father moved to Delaware County, Ind., about 1838, where he bought eighty acres, and about 1840 purchased 105 acres in Fall Creek Township, Henry County, where he moved his family. He added thirty-seven acres, and at the time of his death, in 1859, owned 142 acres in Henry County and eighty acres in Delaware County. Enos remained at home till he was thirty years old, when he married Elizabeth M., daughter of Jacob P. and Hannah Miller. They have had three children - Mary Alice (who died when about three months old), Amanda Flora and Isadora Ann. Mrs. Lindamood is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Lindamood has followed farming through life, and now owns eighty acres of land about one mile east of Middletown. In politics he is a Democrat.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 596 and 597.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Andrew S. Miller, druggist, Middletown, Ind., was born in Rockbridge County, Va., Dec. 18, 1856, a son of Jacob G. and Hannah (Bushong) Miller. In 1857 his parents moved to Henry County, Ind., and settled in Fall Creek Township, where his father died October, 1867, and his mother is still living. They had a family of seven children; six are living. Andrew S. received his elementary education in the public schools and subsequently attended the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. After leaving school he clerked in the grocery store of I. N. Chenoweth a year and then went into the drug store of J. H. & F. P. Miller. A year later he returned to the farm and remained eighteen months, when he was employed by C. P. Albright and remained with him three years. He then bought the store in company with his brother, F. P. Miller, the firm name being Miller Brothers. They carry a full line of drugs, medicines, oils, paints and druggists' sundries, and are doing a successful business, having a constantly increasing trade. Mr. Miller is one of the most promising young men of the township and has served in the capacity of Treasurer two years and Trustee two terms. He has also been Treasurer of the Henry, Madison, and Delaware Agricultural Society since 1882. He is a member of Middletown Lodge, No. 97, I. O. O. F. He was married in 1881 to Jennie, daughter of John K and Ellen Moore, of Middletown.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 597.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Jacob P. Miller, son of Philip and Catherine (Painter) Miller, was born June 12, 1811, in Rockingham County, Va. He was married in Shenandoah County, Va., Dec. 1, 1829, to Hannah Coffman, daughter of David and Susannah (Good) Coffman. They were the parents of nine children, three sons and two daughters being deceased. Those living are - David, who is married and living on a farm in Fall Creek Township; Elizabeth, wife of Enos Lindamood; Sarah, wife of John M. Shoemaker; and Martha, wife of Joseph P. Sharp, of Madison Township. In 1831 Mr. Miller moved his family to Clark County, Ohio, and in 1834 came to Henry County, Ind., where he bought eighty acres of land about two miles east of Middletown. He entered 148 acres southeast of his residence and in the fall of 1835 entered 160 acres more adjoining the 148 acres. He has added to his purchases until he now owns 645 acres in Henry County, 235 acres in Madison County, Ind., and 240 in Wayne County, Ill., making a total of 1,120 acres. Mrs. Miller died Feb. 28, 1879, aged sixty-seven years. She was a member of the German Baptist church since 1834. Mr. Miller belongs to the same church having joined the same day as his wife in 1834. In politics Mr. Miller has been a life long Republican. His father's death occurred in Rockingham County, Va., in 1815, and his mother died in Fall Creek Township, Henry County, Jan. 15, 1841.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 597 and 598.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Deb Murray