Milton Brown, the present Clerk of the Circuit Court, was born in Henry County, May 12, 1854. His father, Milton Brown, Sr., was a native of Harrison County, Ky., and came to Indiana when young, settling in Wayne County, whence he removed to Henry County in 1829. In 1872 Milton Brown, Sr., was elected Recorder of Henry County, and was still in office at the time of his death, May 12, 1876. His widow, nee Sarah Moore, died in 1884. Milton Brown, Jr., was reared upon a farm and at the age of seventeen entered the office of the Knightstown Banner to learn the printer’s trade. Here he continued until the family removed to New Castle, where he began reading law in the office of Judge Elliott and son, and in 1876 was admitted to the bar. His father dying soon after, Milton was appointed by Governor Hendricks to fill out the unexpired term as Recorder. On completing this term, he became Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court, which position he held until 1880. He was then elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, in which capacity he still serves. Mr. Brown was married in 1878 to Emma, daughter of W. W. Cotteral, then County Auditor, and has had two children, one of whom is living. He is a Republican, a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor and Red Men.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
The Bar of Henry County.
Page 375.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Rollin Warner, son of Eli and Emily (Burch) Warner, was born in Henry County, April 18, 1856. His parents were natives of New York State, and his father, after coming to Indiana, was in the mercantile business at Blountsville until his death in 1871. Rollin was educated in the common schools and at the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and for a time taught school, devoting himself to the study of law in his spare time. In 1877 he went to Winchester and for a year studied under Judge Monks. Having been admitted to the bar he began practice in New Castle in 1878. Mr. Warner was married in 1879 to Mary V., daughter of Gordon and Susan E. Cecil, of Delaware County. They have two children - Etta G. and Everett.

John R. Woodward was born in New Castle, March 27, 1854. His mother died when he was three years of age and his father when he was ten. He therefore went to live with a family in Delaware County, afterward attending the common schools and a college in Lexington, Ky. He then entered the Northwestern Christian University at Indianapolis (now Butler University), where he was graduated in 1876, being the first student to receive a degree from that institution. He read law in Indianapolis and was admitted to the bar of Henry County in June, 1878, and opened an office in New Castle. He died June 23, 1879. He was a young man of talent and his early death cut short a promising career.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
The Bar of Henry County.
Page 375 and 376.
Submitted by: Jeanie


John M. Morris is one of the rising young lawyers of Henry County. He was born in this county, April 22, 1857. His grandfather, Lewis Morris, a native of Virginia, was one of the early pioneers and settled near Knightstown. John Morris, the father of John M., settled in this county in 1832 and still resides here. The subject of this notice remained at home on the farm until he was seventeen, then engaged in the mercantile business for two years as a clerk. He next studied law in the office of Hon. M. E. Forkner and was admitted to the bar in 1878. Opening an office in May of the same year, he has since devoted himself closely to the business of his profession. Mr. Morris was married in 1879 to Miss Cora Heritage, only daughter of D. L. Heritage, of Knightstown. They have one child – Bessie Joy.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
The Bar of Henry County.
Page 376.
Submitted by: Jeanie


John Samuel Hedges, the youngest of three children of Samuel and Mary L. (Blair) Hedges, was born in Deersville, Harrison Co., Ohio, April 25, 1848. Left an orphan by the death of his father when John was but two years of age, the subject of this sketch was thrown upon his own resources at an early age. His mother moved to Henry County in 1855, and the following year married again. At the age of fifteen, without a dollar in money, John began to make his own way in the world. He went to live with Judge Elliott and began attending the high school, paying his tuition by taking care of the school-house. He began teaching school in the following year, when but sixteen years of age. Continuing this occupation in winter and attending school in summer until 1870, he then began the study of law in the office of Mellett & Forkner. He served as Deputy Clerk of the county from the spring of 1871 until November, 1872, then again engaged in teaching. From 1874 to 1876 he served as Deputy County Clerk, and in the latter year was elected Clerk, in which capacity he served one term. Mr. Hedges was admitted to the bar in 1880, and since 1881 has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, as a member of the firm of Chambers & Hedges. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Honor, and of the Society of Friends. In 1874 he married Emma Cook, of this county. Two children bless this union. Mr. Hedges is a rising attorney. He is also one of the principal stockholders in the New Castle Foundry and Pump Company.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
The Bar of Henry County.
Page 376.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Deb Murray