Thomas Wilhoit, late proprietor of the Pine Grove Shorthorn Stock Farm at Middletown, Henry County, Indiana, was born in Adams county, Ohio, March 20, 1822, His parents, Moses and Nancy (Douglas) Wilhoit, were natives of and married in Kentucky, but, from that state removed to Ohio, with one child, and there resided until  September, 1831, when they came to Henry County, Indiana, and settled on what is still known as the Wilhoit farm, three and one half miles south of Middletown. The land was then deep in the forest and was entered by Moses Wilhoit from the government, and on which he died at the age of seventy years, his wife dying when eighty-four. This venerable couple were the parents of nine children, all of whom reached mature age save one, who died when ten years old. The Sons of this family were as follows: John, who went to Iowa about the year 1840, but later removed to Oregon, where he died when eighty-one years old; Thomas, whose name stands at the head of this biography; Joseph, who went to Fulton County, Indiana, about 1863, and there passed the remainder of his life; Benjamin, the only surviving son, lives in New Castle, Henry county, Indiana. Of the daughters, Elizabeth was married to Henry Bowers, but is now deceased; Leonora, also deceased, was the wife of Asa Huston; Sarah Ann, who was married to Calvin Henshaw, and Margaret, who was the wife of William Maloney, are likewise deceased, and Mary died when but ten years old. The late Thomas Wilhoit was reared on the parental farm in Ohio until nine years old and was then brought to Indiana where he was reared to manhood in Henry County. February 22, 1844, he married Mary Huston, who was born in Wayne County, October 20, 1824, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Wertz) Huston, natives of Pennsylvania who were married in Ohio and thence came to Indiana and resided in Madison County and in Wayne County until 1833. Their daughter, Mary, was twenty years old when she was married in Adams Township, Madison County. The Wilhoit and Huston families lived but five miles apart and attended the same church, the Methodist Episcopal at Mechanicsburg, and were therefore quite intimate. Soon after his marriage, Thomas Wilhoit and his two surviving brothers each received twenty acres of the home farm and each built a cabin, but Thomas soon afterwards purchased the tracts owned by his two brothers and finally bought his father's share in the property. Thomas lived ten years in his cabin on his twenty acres following the occupation of farming, and in 1855 built the Wilhoit residence near the old home; later he added eighty acres to his home place, but just opposite, and still later added two-thirds of an eighty-acre tract  adjoining.  Ever in the lead, Mr. Wilhoit began breeding shorthorn cattle about 1851. He first bought two heifers and a bull from Milton Thornburg, of Wayne County, for which he paid thirty-five dollars per head, the stock being unregistered. His neighbors  signalized the act as an insane one and the ridicule caused him to sell one of the animals. Later on he purchased the same breed in Kentucky, paying for some of his animals as high as five hundred dollars per head, and about 1880 bought the shorthorn  bull Athelstand II, for which he paid three hundred and fifty dollars. This animal was of the best prize-winning blood of that time and his use marked one of the most striking epochs in American Shorthorn history.   His exhibits in the eighties were marvels of substantial flesh, and he was classed among the greatest breeders of the time.  Mr. Wilhoit was a man of few words, but was thoroughly practical in his under- takings. His herds at times numbered from ninety to one hundred head, and his exhibits were made at all the great state fairs of Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana and Ohio, and at one time he had the finest herd in United States. He always realized good prices in making sales, getting from four hundred to six hundred dollars per head and more than once refused one thousand dollars each for choice heifers. He continued to make exhibits of his stock up to the latest years of his life and never lost faith in his method of breeding; even when stock fell off in price he kept his own registered, believing that a reaction would take place. He lost three head of his finest animals a few months before his final sale, but at his death, which occurred August 21, 1893, he had acquired a handsome competency. In politics Mr. Wilhoit was quite active as a Republican and served his fellow citizens as such for four years in the capacity of county commissioner. In religion a Methodist, he donated land for a church edifice, which was erected in 1888, and is still known as the Wilhoit church, and of which he was a trustee, steward, etc. To the marriage of Thomas and Mary (Huston) Wilhoit were born two children, Tabitha Ellen and Nimrod Scott. Tabitha Ellen has been twice married, first to James McKee and, secondly, to Benton Jackson.  She now resides in Shirley, Henry County, and has two children, Ida,wife of F. E. Pickering, who conducts the old Wilhoit farm, and Roscoe McKee, residing on the old McKee homestead. Nimrod Scott Wilhoit son of Thomas and Mary, married May Catherine Baughn and died in his thirtieth year. Nimrod Scott wedded May Catherine Baugh, and by her had two children, Charles Clarence, whois married and resides in Middletown and Pearl, deceased, who was the wife of Artemus Allshouse, of Cadiz, Indiana.  Thomas Wilhoit, outside of stockbreeding, was also engaged to a large extent in the development of Middletown's enterprises. He aided in starting the bank, was its largest stockholder and its vice-president, and also largely interested in pike roads.

Mrs. Wilhoit is a member of a family of eleven children, of whom one brother and one sister beside herself are still living, and no residents of Middletown are more highly respected than Mrs. Wilhoit. She has spent over half a century in this township, and has watched its growth from a veritable wilderness to its present high plane of civilization, having also witnessed the laying of all the railroads in the county. She is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is greatly beloved because of her kindly  spirit and noble deeds.

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


JUDGE EUGENE H. BUNDY

In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be encountered and overcome, and the battle to be won, for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the diametrical result of capability. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the lawyer and jurist. Mr. Bundy stands today among the distinguished members of the bar of Henry County, Indiana. Judge Eugene H. Bundy is a native of the Hoosier state, having been born at New Castle on the 10th of October 1846. His father, Col. M.L. Bundy, was one of the early pioneers of the eastern part of Indiana and is today one of the oldest living members of the Indiana bar. In his youth Eugene H. Bundy attended the common schools, proving an apt pupil and making marked progress in his studies. In 1861, at a time when the country was in the throes of a civil conflict, he was appointed to the position of a page in the lower house of the state legislature. This was the war legislature, of which Hon. Cyrus M. Allen, of Vincennes, was the speaker. His position threw the subject into contact with many eminent persons and there were not many men of prominence in the state at that time with whom he was not personally acquainted, he there forming acquaintance-ships which have in the passing years ripened into warm personal friendships. During the following year Mr. Bundy filled a clerk-ship under his father, who at that time was, a paymaster in the army. In this position he served for about two years, being located the greater part of the time at Detroit and, Indianapolis. After his return from his, military services the subject entered Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, the late Prof. David Swing being at that time the principal of the institution. He completed the work of the preparatory and freshman years, but took the work of the sophomore year at Union College, Schenectady, New York, where he remained one year. Then returning to Oxford he completed his course at the university in June 1869, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three-years later, in consequence of a continuation of his literary studies, that institution conferred upon him the degree of master of arts. Mr. Bundy had been strongly inclined to the legal profession as a life work, a fact not to be wondered at when it is remembered that his father was a lawyer and his mother's brother, Judge Jehu T. Elliott, was one of the most profound and best known jurists of the state. In obedience to this inclination he entered his father's office and after a course of reading and study was admitted to the bar in 1870. Soon afterwards he entered into a partnership with Mark E. Forkner, an association which continued for six years. In 1876 this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Bundy became associated with Judge Mellett, then just retiring from the bench. In 1880, the subject was nominated by his party for the position of state senator and at the ensuing election was elected by a majority of over five thousand votes. He represented the district composed of Henry, Delaware and Randolph counties and served during the sessions of 1881 and 1883. His record in the senate was an enviable one and so commended him to the members of the Republican Party that in 1884, he was nominated by that party for the position of Lieutenant Governor. He made a vigorous canvass, but in the landslide of that year went down to defeat with the balance of the ticket. Two years later, upon the resignation of Lieutenant-Governor Manson, Mr. Bundy was repeatedly solicited to accept the nomination for the office, but declined the honor. In 1887 he was named by Governor Gray as one of the commissioners to superintend the construction of the hospitals for the insane at Evansville, Richmond and Logansport and acted in this capacity until the completion of those institutions, when he resigned. In February 1889, he was appointed by Gov. Alvin P. Hovey to the judgeship of the fifty-third judicial circuit, newly created by legislative enactment, and at the ensuing election, in 1890, he was elected to this position by the people for a term of six years. In 1889, upon his elevation to the bench, the partnership which had existed between Judge Mellett and himself was dissolved. On the 6th of July 1870, occurred the marriage of Eugene H. Bundy and Miss Bettie M. Mellett, the only daughter of Judge J. H. Mellett, a most happy and congenial union. Judge Bundy's life career thus far has been a most commendable one. In the legislature he was industrious and conscientious in the discharge of his duties, a strong partisan, yet always tolerant of the views of others. Because of his admirable equipment, love of the law, devotion to his profession, thoroughness in the grasp of cases before him and his inflexible integrity, he is eminently qualified for the position of judge and during his long service on the bench has administered the law with impartiality, ability and justness.

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


ADAM V.HARTER

Adam V. Harter, the present recorder of Henry County, Indiana, was born in Honey Creek, Fall Creek Township, this County, November 2, 1876, his parents being Ferdinand A. and Mary E. (Benbow) Harter. Mrs. Mary E. Harter being a native of Henry County, a record of her genealogy will first be given. Adam V. Benbow, father of Mrs. Harter, was born in North Carolina and was of Welsh ancestry, his grandfather having been one of three brothers who together came in a sailing-vessel over the ocean to America and were sold under what was known in early days as the apprenticeship system that is to say, they had no funds with which to pay their passage money at the start and the captain of the vessel which brought them to a port in the new world sold their time and labor to any person in want of help, the length of service and rate of wages being adjusted to Suit the circumstances. Of the three brothers, it is  known that one settled in Maryland, one in North Carolina, but of the third nothing definite is known as to his destination or fate. Of the North Carolina apprentice the Benbow family of Indiana are lineal descendants. Barclay Benbow, grandfather of Mrs. Harter, came from North Carolina to Henry County, Indiana, in an early day, accompanied by his son Adam V., entered land in Prairie Township and there passed the remainder of his life.  Ferdinand A. Harter, father of the subject, was a son of David Harter, a native of  Virginia, who settled in Preble County, Ohio. David Harter was a blacksmith by trade, which he worked at until leaving Preble County, Ohio. From Preble County, Ohio, he moved to Wayne County, Indiana, where his son Ferdinand A. was born. When David Harter came to Henry County, Indiana, he entered land in Jefferson Township, cleared tip in course of time two farms, and was extensively engaged in farming. He died in 1887, when past eighty years of age.  Ferdinand A. Harter was married in Jefferson Township, purchased the old Harter homestead, and with him his father spent thelast eight years of his life. Ferdinand A died May 13, 1900, in his seventieth year, and his widow now lives with her son, Adam V., in New Castle. Ferdinand A. passed his earlier years in farming, and also erected a sawmill on his farm.  He and his father also ran the first steam thresher in Henry County about 1860.The engine was made in Richmond. Indiana, and in connection with the thresher was a chaff separator.  In 1884 they built a sawmill, in which the thresher boiler was utilized in conjunction with a new one, and their services were largely in requisition in Henry and adjacent Counties. Ferdinand A. and his father were both Republicans in politics. David was a Dunkard in religion, while Ferdinand A. and wife were among the original members of the Christian church at Mount Summit, of which Adam Benbow was a prominent member. Peter Harter, a brother of Ferdinand A., lost his life in the battle of Chickamauga, and two brothers, John and Oliver, still live in Jefferson Township in the vicinity of Sulphur Springs. To Ferdinand A. and Mary E. (Benbow) Harter have been born nine children, namely: Theodore, a farmer at Honey Creek: John, a mechanic at Mount Summit: William also a mechanic and at present in Arkansas; Frank, principal of the East school at New Castle; Adam V., the subject of this memoir; Elmer, in New Castle: Lillie, wife of Frank Lester, on the old farm: Rose, wife of Fay Rader, of Sulphur Springs: and Ethel, who is deputy recorder. Adam V. Harter was educated in Sulphur Springs and early became an accomplished musician. He for about nine years taught piano and organ playing in nearly every part of Henry County, In November 1900, he was elected county recorder on the Republican ticket, and took possession of the office on the 17th of the same month.  The duties of the office are performed by him self and sister and have given entire satisfaction to the public. In fact, all the male members of the family are Republicans, and Frank Harter has succeeded in keeping the party intact in his district, although living in a strongly Democratic Township. Frank was also in his early days a schoolteacher and followed the vocation fifteen years. The two brothers, the sister and the mother live together as one family and are held in the highest possible esteem in the social circles of the city and township. Adam V. still owns a part of the old homestead, which consisted of one hundred and sixty acres and was first owned by his grandfather.

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


CHARLES H. HOLADAY

The subject of this sketch is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families of Henry County, the name Holaday having been closely interwoven with the history and development of this section of the state for over three-quarters of a century. The Holaday's are of English origin, the remote ancestors of the American branch of the family having settled in North Carolina in the time of the colonies. As early as 1826 the subject's paternal grandfather moved from that state to Henry County, Indiana, and entered a tract of land in what is now Liberty Township where he cleared a farm. He was one of the earliest pioneers of this section and a man of great industry and energy and withal of excellent moral character. After having some years in Liberty Township he disposed of his original place and bought a farm in the Township of Blue River, on which he lived until his death at the age of eighty-four. He was twice married and appears to have literally carried out the Master's injunction to multiply and replenish the earth, as he became the father of twenty-three children, nearly all of whom grew to mature years and became useful in their respective spheres of life. Andrew Holaday, father of the subject, was about one and a half years old when brought by his parents to Henry County. He was reared on the farm in Liberty Township, received his education in the early subscription schools and for a number of years was one of Henry County's successful teachers. Later he became a farmer and so continued to the end of his days. Andrew Holaday was twice married, the first time to a Miss Harvey, who bore him five children. His second companion, who also became the mother of four children, was Miss Mahala Pierce, a sister of Alvin E. and W. D. Pierce, of this county. The oldest son by this wife is Lewis, a well-known minister of the Christian church living in Sullivan County, this state; Charles H., of this review, is the second in order of birth, after whom comes Orlo, a resident of Delaware county, and Otto, the youngest, also lives in the County of Delaware. Charles H. Holaday was born in Blue River Township, Henry County, Indiana, on the 15th day of May 1868. When he was six years old his mother moved to Henry Township, his father having died in Blue River Township April 17, 1874. When he was thirteen years of age the family moved to the Township of Liberty where he grew to manhood and where his life has been spent to the present time. His educational training embraced the branches taught in the common schools and at the age of seventeen he began earning money for himself by working as a farm hand at monthly wages. Mr. Holaday, on the 14th day of August 1885, was joined in wedlock to Miss Eliza A. Covalt, a daughter of Chmire and Mary A. (Smith) Covalt, the parent's natives of Drake County, Ohio, but residents of Henry County at the above date. After his marriage he rented a farm and for a period of three years carried on agricultural pursuits, in that way meeting with encouraging success the meanwhile. At the expiration of the above time he purchased a farm in Liberty township on which he lived until March, 1901, when he sold the place at a good figure and bought his present home, formerly known as the old Paul farm. Mr. Holaday has made many substantial improvements on his place and is accounted one of the representative agriculturists of the township in which he lives. He possesses good judgment and tact in the management of this affair and is a young man of splendid business capacity, well fitted for the enviable position he occupies in the community. Politically he votes the Republican ticket and while taking an active interest in public affairs and keeping himself well informed upon the questions of the day, is not what is usually termed a politician. He is a firm believer in revealed religion and since 1899 has had charge of the church of God at Chicago Corners, as its regular elder. He has been preaching for some years and is a sound reasoner, clear and concise in his exposition of holy writ and at times rises to heights of eloquence in his pleas to men to forsake their sins and accept the pure, simple terms of the gospel. He also ministers to a congregation in Grant County, where his labors have been very effective in strengthening his brethren numerically and spiritually and in winning souls to the higher life. Mr. Holaday is a sincere Christian in all the term implies, his daily life and conversation, as well as his public ministry of the Word, being a potent factor in awakening and keeping alive an interest in sacred things among the people with whom he mingles. His life has been fruitful of much good and, judging by the past; it is safe to predict for him a larger field of usefulness to come. Mr. and Mrs. Holaday have an interesting family of three children whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Perry L., April 30, 1888; Otto C., October 20, 1890, and Clarence, who was born on the 8th day of March, 1893.

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


WILLAM M. BROOKS

An enterprising and progressive farmer of Noble Township was born in Nicholas County, Ky., July 7, 1841, and is of English lineage. He is the seventh child born to Mosley and Susanna (Geohegan) Brooks, natives of the same County, the former born in 1805, and died in 1873, the latter born 1803, died in 1871. The paternal grandfather, Zachariah Brooks, was a native of Virginia, who, at an early date, removed to Kentucky, where he died at the age of ninety years. His maternal grandfather, a native of Delaware, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and died in Kentucky. In 1851, the family came to Rush County. Our subject received a common school education, and his occupation has always been that of a farmer. He now resides on the old Brooks homestead, and is the owner of more than 500 acres of land. In 1862, Mr. Brooks enlisted in Company I, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After serving seven months, he resigned on account of physical disability. The marriage of Mr. Brooks was solemnized October 6, 1869, to Miss Laura D. Downey, born in Warren County, Ohio, November 4, 1849. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: Minnie D., born 1870; Cora D., born 1871; Harry D., born 1873; Edith E., born 1875; Ida F., born 1878; William M., Jr., born 1884, and Leslie R., born 1887. Mr. Brooks is a staunch Republican and a member of the G. A. R. For four years he was Trustee of Noble Township. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of the Christian Church. MELVIN W. BROOKS was born in Nicholas County, Ky., April 18, 1844; son of Mosley Brooks. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to this county, when but five years of age, and received a common school education. At the age of eighteen years, he enlisted in the Fifty-second Regiment, Company G, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Wolf and Capt. Ross Guffin. He participated at the battle of Fort Donelson where he was wounded. He was a true and brave soldier and at the end of three years and eight months was honorably discharged, came home and resumed the occupation of a farmer, and now owns a farm of 175 acres of well-improved land. The marriage of Mr. Brooks was solemnized April 23, 1867, to Miss Alice A., daughter of Horatio and Nancy (Townsend) Culver, natives of New York and Ohio. Mrs. Brooks was born January 31, 1849, and is the mother of the following children; Fannie, Forrest, Charles, Sadie, Mertie, Vernon and Oliver M. Politically, Mr. Brooks is a Republican, and also a member of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of the Christian Church.

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


Deb Murray