"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JOHN M. DENTON, son of David and Emeline Denton, was born in North Carolina March 21, 1847. He is of English-German descent, and is a nephew of the celebrated geologist, William Denton, of Philadelphia. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Washington County, Ind., settled on a farm of eighty acres, and there died. At the age of ten, he removed to Orange County, and there he attended what school he could, during winter and worked at farming during the summer. In 1862, he came to Howard County and worked for Oliver Moulder until his enlistment, in 1864, in the Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving under Gen. Thomas. Twelve months he served faithfully, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky. Since his return, he has been chiefly engaged in the saw and planing mill business. In 1870, he married Miss Martha Stratton, who died in 1879, the mother of two boys and two girls. Mr. Denton is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a member of the G. A. R., and of the Friends' Society.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JOHN S. EDWARDS stands among the younger representative men of Harrison Township. He was one of a family of ten children born to Sylvester and Mary S. Edwards. Was born in Harrison Township, Howard County, on the farm where he now resides, and assisted his father in clearing a large farm, and obtained a fair education in the common schools. His father was a hard-working, energetic farmer, and frequently walked upon his knees laying fences, when his back had become too weak to stand. The subject of this sketch has excelled in the study of music, and has always taken an active interest in public improvements. He now owns the home farm of 135 acres, two and a half miles south of Alto. Mr. Edwards was married in Illinois, December 25,1871, to Miss Alice Thompson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Thompson, of Russiaville, Ind. By this marriage they have four children - Julia A., Vessie, Elden and Vernie G. Mr. Edwards is an enterprising young man, and he and wife are active members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

W. T. HOLLINGSWORTH was born in Union County, Ohio, May 31, 1842, and in 1846 came to this county with his parents, William N. and Susannah Hollingsworth, who were strict members of the Society of Friends. He was reared during the anti-slavery agitation, and became imbued with the principles of the agitators, and, considering the limited advantages, obtained a very fair education. When quite young, he learned the milling business, which he has ever since successfully followed. During the war, he operated what is known as the old Stratton Mill, and afterward purchased an interest in the Russiaville Mills, which were run under the firm name of Seward & Hollingsworth, the senior partner being Niel Seward. November 30, 1862, he married Rebecca Sparling, of Indianapolis. For the past twelve years he has been a useful member of the I. O. O. F., and at present resides with his family at West Middleton, and is operating the Merchant Flouring Mills at that place.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JUDGE T. A. LONG, one of the oldest pioneers of Howard County, was born in Lexington, Ky., October 16, 1796, and is the son of Benjamin and Margaret A. Long. They moved to Bourbon County in 1798, and his father dying soon aftermard, he lived with his mother on the farm about nine years. He was then apprenticed to Billy Barlow, an old gunsmith of Nicholas County, Ky., and worked for him six and a half years for nothing and clothed himself; he then returned to Bourbon County, and started a gun and blacksmith shop, continuing in business there until 1826, when he moved to the small town of Indianapolis, Ind., where he was in the same business until 1840, when he came to the Reserve and entered a claim; he continued in the gunsmith business, in connection with farming and the nursery business, for a number of years. Subsequently he removed to the place where he now lives, with his son, John, in Harrison Township. Mr. Long was married January 14, 1819, to Margaret McClure, of Kentucky. She was born November 9, 1799. They have been married sixty-four years. Judge Long has been one of Howard County's most useful pioneers; he served as the first Associate Judge seven years, and since has filled various offices of honor and trust. In an early day he was a strong Whig, but of late has voted the Republican ticket. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty years.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JOHN T. LONG, son of Judge T. A. and Margaret Long, was born in Marion County, Ind., August 10, 1838; he came to this county with his family and settled in Clay Township, where he spent his youthful days in playing with the old peace chief, Pete Cornstalk, and in helping to clear up the farm when he was large enough for the work. He attended two terms of school taught in an old log dwelling house on the Henry Smith farm, and afterward a school taught by a Mr. Caffee, of Crawfordsville, in a house on the Stringer farm, and at twenty-two had acquired a very fair education, and was preparing to enter the Normal School at Kokomo when the war broke out; he then made arrangements to go to the front as First Lieutenant, but circumstances at home prevented his going. In 1863, he married Miss Annie Havens, who bore him six children - William G., Emma, Arthur, Omer, Ethel, and one unnamed; of these three are deceased. Mr. Long now resides with his parents on an excellent farm of 167 acres north of West Middleton; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has always taken an active interest in public affairs.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

WILLIAM MIDDLETON was born in Montgomery County, Ind., December 6, 1830, and is the son of Levi and Mary Middleton, who are active members of the Society of Friends, in whose faith William was reared. The father was a carpenter and built the first house in Crawfordsville. William was reared a frontiersman, and attended school in the winter until he was twenty-one years of age, when he walked to the Reserve and began clearing on the farm his father had entered for him, repeating the trip the two succeeding years and working out in Montgomery during the intervals, at $10 per month. November 12, 1854, he married Jane Moulder, daughter of John and Eleanor Moulder: pioneers of this county. To this marriage have been born three children - Charles, Mary Florence and John. Mr. Middleton's original tract of land in this county contained ninety-three acres, which he increased to 160 acres; in 1865, he sold this farm and settled on the 160 acres where he now lives. This he has cleared of every stump and rock; his fields are well-drained and supplied with living spring water, and are second to none in the county. Mr. Middleton has been one of the most liberal contributors to works of public advancement and local improvement, and his example is well deserving of emulation. In politics, he is liberal, but inclines to Republicanism.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JACKSON MORROW, one among the representative men of Harrison Township, was born in Howard County, near Kokomo, March 3, 1849, and is the son of Charles and Sarah Morrow. At the age of eight years, he began attending the common schools, and received a good common education from his limited advantages; he spent two terms in the Kokomo Normal, and at the age of sixteen was granted license to teach in the schools of Howard County; he taught his first term in Harrison Township and his second in Taylor, and the next year entered the classical course of Ann Arbor. After four years, he graduated with high honors in the class of 1872, after which he taught two winter terms in the graded schools of the county. In 1873, he was married to Mary E. Henderson, of Howard County. They have had three children, two of whom are living - Albert V. and Frederick E. In 1880, he was elected Trustee of Harrison Township, which office he filled one term with much credit. In politics, he is of the Andrew Jackson stripe, but when in office his political principles are for the best interests of the people in general; he has taken an active part in public improvements, and it was during his term of office as Trustee, that the large township graded school building at West Middleton was erected. Mr. Morrow has for some years been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he now resides on his excellent farm one and one-half miles east of Alto.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JOSEPH OREM was born in Switzerland County, Ind., December 22, 1841, and is the fifth of the twelve children born to Josiah and Ann (Orr) Orem, natives respectively of Maryland and Indiana; the family came to Howard County when Joseph was quite young, returned to Switzerland County, and then moved to Tipton County, where Joseph enlisted, in the summer of 1862, under Col. Carver and Capt. Alexander McCrary. He fought at Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Jonesboro and Milton, Tenn.; was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and, after, they left Louisville, they had transportation by rail only twelve miles, the balance of the distance to Washington City being made on foot. During his career, he received one flesh wound and had two guns shot to pieces while in his hands; he was mustered out in June, 1865, and on his return engaged in farming. January 18, 1866, he married Eliza A. Irby (now deceased). There were no children born to their union, but they adopted and reared Melissa Brown. October 20, 1881, Mr. Orem married Mrs. Mary E. (Cobb) Caldwell, and to this union one child, Josiah L., was born, August 17, 1882. Mrs. Orem is also mother of four children by her former husband. Mr. Orem is an active worker in the Democratic ranks, and both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

ROBERT ORR, son of Joseph and Agnes Orr-, was born near Vevay, Ind., September 6, 1826, and was reared on the home farm until 1843, and from eight until sixteen years of age attended the subscription schools. In 1843, both father and son took claims of 160 acres each, in Prairie Township, Tipton County, and when Robert attained his majority, only a few months before the land came into market, he entered his tract at Indianapolis. By hard work he has succeeded in clearing up his farm and has increased his possessions to 348 acres, in Howard and Tipton Counties, some two years ago purchasing the place where he now lives, west of West Middleton. February 25, 1848, he married Miss Jemima E. Fanchier, Frank Price, the first Clerk of Howard County, furnishing the license. To this marriage eleven children have been born - Louisa, Joseph F., Sarah A., Nancy C., John F., William K., Jennie, Lawrence, Laura E., Julia E. and Nora E. Mr. and Mrs. Orr are members of the New Light Christian Church, and Mr. Orr has always taken an active interest in public improvements.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

GEORGE P. PITZER was born in Botetourt County, Va., November 20, 1820, and is the son of Davison and Amanda Pitzer; he attended two terms of school in his native State, but at the age of ten was taken by his father (who had for many years been County Sheriff in Virginia), to Fayette County, Ohio, where he began his first lessons in farming; however, he availed himself of every advantage offered by the frontier schools and succeeded in acquiring a very fair education. When the great rush was made for the Reserve, George joined the tide, and September 20, 1847, reached Harrison Township, where he bought the tract of eighty acres, on which he is still living, and to which he has added until he now owns a finely improved farm of 265 acres, lying south of Alto. In the spring of 1848, he married Clarinda Snodgrass, of this township, and to this union six children have been born - Francis M., Marcella, John, Mary, Ida and Mattie. Mr. Pitzer, some twenty years ago, served as one of the first Assessors of the township, and since then has very acceptably served two terms as Assessor and two terms as Township Trustee; he has also filled the office of County Commissioner the past seven years. From an early day he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. of Alto.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JESSE RATCLIFF, the son of Abner and Sarah Ratcliff was born in Clinton County, Ohio, October 4, 1816; his parents were members of the Society of Friends, and in this faith he was reared; his youth was passed on the home farm and in attending the subscription schools, where he acquired a practical education. When he first came to Howard County he settled south of Russiaville ; he next bought 120 acres north of New London, for $1,100, paying down $475; six months later, he sold this land for $1,500 and bought the place on which he now lives south of West Middleton; he added to his original purchase until he owned 320 acres, most of which he has since divided among his children. Mr. Ratcliff was married to Elizabeth Turrell, of Clinton County, Ohio, and of the children born to him there are five living. Mr. R. is a Republican in politics and is among the few who have witnessed the growth of the townhip and the county from its pioneer days.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

AMOS C. RATCLIFFE, son of Jesse and Elizabeth Ratcliffe, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, July 3, 1844. At the age of nine, he removed westward with his parents and located south of Russiaville in Howard County, and in the fall of 1853 the family located near West Middleton, in Harrison Township, where his father still resides. Our subject assisted his father in clearing the farm and burning the deadenings. He availed himself of all the educational advantages of his day, and received his first schooling from David Hodson, of Russiaville. At twenty, he commenced teaching, and subsequently entered Earlham College, where he pursued his studies for two years; he then taught in the high schools of Vermillion, Ill., Russiaville, Ind., Bridgeport, Ind., and others for nine years, after which he followed the occupation of farming. Later, he was in the milling business in Eastern Indiana, and is now one of the proprietors and operators of the large merchant flouring mills located at West Middleton. Mr. Ratcliffe was married, in 1871, to Miss Martha Cox, of Sugar Plain, Ind. He is a strong Republican, and an active member of the Society of Friends.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JOHN RATCLIFFE, son of Jesse and Elizabeth Ratcliffe, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, and when quite young came with his parents to Howard County, and settled south of Russiaville, and a few months later located on the place where his father now lives; he worked hard in clearing the farm from the forest, and gained an excellent education in the common schools; he taught school in Howard County for several winters, but has followed the occupation of farming the most of his life. Mr. Ratcliffe has always been a member of the Friends' Society and the Republican party. Rachel (Lamb) Ratcliffe, his wife, is a daughter of Anderson and Polly Lamb, of Miami County, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Ratcliffe have one child. They live on a fine farm south of West Middleton, Howard County, and Mr. Ratacliffe has a fourth interest in the West Middleton Flouring Mills.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

CHARLES SEAWARD was born near West Carlisle, Ohio, in 1820, and is the son of Ebenezer and Eleanor Seaward. Our subject received about fourteen months' schooling, and for some time worked on a farm during the day and made and mended shoes at night. He was married, in 1840, to Miss Ann P. Taylor, a native of Smithfield, Ohio, and by her became the father of seven children - William, Benjamin, Melvin, Melissa, Shirley, Maria and Charles. October 17, 1851, he came to the little village of Russiaville and started a shoe shop, which he successfully conducted about eighteen months. In the meanwhile he bought eighty acres of his present farm southwest of Alto, to which he moved in 1853, and to which he has since added 108 acres, making it one of the best grain farms in the township. In politics, Mr. Seaward was first a Whig, then a Free-Soiler, and is now a Republican. Mr. Seaward sent three of his sons to the front during the late war, losing Benjamin, who was killed at the siege of Richmond; he has always taken an interest in public improvements, and has been a member of both the Methodist Episcopal and Seventh-Day Adventist Churches.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

WILLIAM T. SEWARD was the eldest of seven children born to Charles and Ann (Taylor) Seward, natives of Ohio. The subject of this sketch was born July 13, 1841, in Coshocton County, Ohio, where he lived with his parents until 1851, when they moved to this county and located in Russiaville; here he worked at the shoe-maker's trade until the spring of 1853, when he moved on the farm where his father now resides. Mr. Seward received a good common school education, and remained with his parents until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in the service of his country, in Company G, Fifty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Willis Blanche, and was in the most hard-fought battles; he was twice wounded in the right knee and in the right shoulder. Mr. Seward was commissioned First Lieutenant in Company A, and later was promoted as Captain of the same company; he returned home June 15, 1865, and began work on the farm. While home on a veteran furlough, he was married, March 20, 1864, to Miss Nancy A. Finch, a native of Ohio. They had four children - Ida M. (deceased), Ulysses, Merab and Blanche. Mr. Seward is an active member of the I. O. O. F., being one of the charter members of the Alto Lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Seward have been identified with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for a number of years, and Mr. Seward is one of the most ardent workers in the Republican party.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

SAMUEL STRATTON, son of Jonathan D. and Prudence Stratton, was born in Wayne County, near Richmond, in 1833; he removed with his parents to Rush County, where he lived until 1848, when his father purchased a farm in Harrison Township, Howard County. Our subject received a limited education, and early evinced a love for mechanics. At sixteen, he became a millwright, and erected a small mill on the creek, and at seventeen he repaired the corn crackers and wheat mills at New London and Alto; he subsequently constructed the Stratton Mill on the Wild Cat, near West Middleton, and successfully operated this mill for fifteen years. For some years, he was senior partner of the Anderson Machine Works. In 1867, he was elected to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Kirkpatrick as County Commissioner, and was re-elected to the same office in 1868. During his term, he superintended the building of the court house in Kokomo, and has always taken an active interest in public improvements. For several years, he has been a director on the Kokomo & New London gravel mad, and is now one of the owners and operators of the West Middleton Flouring Mills. Mr. Stratton was married, April 10, 1852, to Sarah J. Hollingsworth; he was reared in the Friends' faith, but having married outside of the denomination, was disowned by them. Mrs. Stratton died, and in July, 1868, he married Esther A. Stratton. This marriage was blessed with two children, both deceased. Mr. Stratton has been a strong believer in Spiritualism for thirty years. He is a Republican, and his father before him was a strong anti-slavery Friend.

The following information was provided by William F. Stratton (wstratton@wavecable.com): His full name was Samuel Edgerton Stratton, and he married Hester A. Stratton (not Esther) on July 8th.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JOHN T. STRINGER, son of Shadrach and Isabella Stringer, was born January 3, 1849, in Clinton County, Ind., and is of Anglo-German descent. Shadrach Stringer, son of Eli and Margaret Stringer, was born July 26, 1815, in Franklin County, Ind.; was reared on a farm and received a practical education. He moved to Clinton County, and in 1856 came to Howard County, locating in Harrison Township, on 320 acres of land joining Alto. He has always taken great interest in the development of his community and county. He has been a church member and a member of the I. O. O. F. for years, and has served as Township Trustee. John T. Stringer was reared on his father's farm. At the age of seven, he came with his parents to Howard County and settled on the place he now owns. He availed himself of every educational advantage of his day, until at the age of fifteen was licensed to teach in the common schools of the county; taught his first school in Monroe Township, and at sixteen entered Brookville College, where he remained one term. He then entered the classical course at Asbury University, pursued his studies successfully for two years, and in 1869 entered both the literary and law courses at Ann Arbor. In 1871, he completed the junior year in the literary course and graduated with honors in the law in a class of 120; then came to Kokomo and engaged in the practice of law until 1873, when he moved on his farm. He has made this one of the finest grain and stock farms in his section. He also manufactures tile quite extensively, and for four years with much credit filled the office of President of the State Tile Association. He has served as Justice of the Peace and Deputy District Prosecutor for some years. Mr. Stringer was married, February 6, 1872, to Miss Mary A. Plum, of Washington, Ohio. They have three children - Alonzo P., Shadrach and James J. T. Mr. Stringer is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Alto, the Knights of Pythias of Kokomo, and he and wife are active members of the M. E. Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

HON. MICHAEL THOMPSON was born near Uniontown, Va., May 22, 1815, and is the son of David and Mary Thompson, respectively of Irish and German descent. About 1820, the family moved to Butler County, Ohio, and six years later to Henry County, Ind. Michael attended district school for about twenty-six months, but was a hard student and acquired s good practical education. In 1833, he moved to Delaware County, and in 1835 married Miss Lucretia Davis. He was a diligent student of the lam, andat the age of twenty-eight was elected a Commissioner of Delaware County. He served one term, and then was elected County Assessor for the years 1847 and 1848. In 1849, he was elected to the Legislature, and re-elected for the following two years. From 1852 until 1857, he served as Township Assessor, and in the latter year came to this county and settled in Jackson Township. One week after he had "got fixed up for housekeeping," he was elected Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he served thirteen years, and during his residence in that township he cleared and brought under cultivation one of the finest farms in eastern Howard. In 1874, he engaged in the milling business, and also practiced law one year in Somerset, Wabash County, and then purchased his fine farm in this township. In 1878, he was elected to the Legislature from this county, and again in 1882. During his legislative career, he was chiefly instrumental in giving power to the Auditor of the State to issue patents on canal lands, and also granting Commissioners the right to refund taxes paid on lands not subject to taxation or not legally assessed, and otherwise proved himself the friend of the people. During the last session, he never missed a roll-call or a vote. He has served the people in office forty-one years, and has never been beaten when a candidate. He is a Republican, and since the war has affiliated with the Masonic fraternity. He has also been a lifelong member of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

ROBERT E. TORRENCE; son of Matthew F. and Nellie D. Torrence, was born in Charlestown, Mass., January 6, 1839; he attended the public schools until fifteen years old, and was then apprenticed for three years in the blacksmith department of the City Carriage Manufactory; he then worked in Boston and other New England towns until twenty-one, and then traveled through Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana, and finally in February, 1861, returned to this State, and secured work at Somerset, where, at the call for three months' troops, he was the first man to respond; he was mustered into service April 20, 1861, and was placed in Company H, Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Before his time expired, he enlisted for three years; came home on a short furlough, and August 14, 1861, married S. J. Jones. Returning to the front, he was mustered in as Orderly Sergeant, Company I, Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; he took part in all the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged, and was wounded at Pea Ridge. September 26, 1862, he was promoted to be First Lieutenant, and served as such until the close of the war, and was on the staff of several Generals. July 10,1865, he was promoted to a Captaincy, and August 28, 1865, was mustered out at Darien, Ga. On his return, he was appointed Clerk to the State Senate Military Commander for the session of 1865-66. In the spring of 1867, he came to Howard County, and in 1868 started a blacksmith shop on the Fairfield and Russiaville road in connection with A. Fortner, wagon-maker. March 4, 1874, he moved to West Middleton, where he is now doing a large business. Mr. Torrence is a Freemason, a member of the Society of Friends, and a Republican.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

JOHN E. WILSON was born in Wayne County, Va., in 1843; is the son of Samuel and Eiiza Wilson, and is of English descent; he was two years of age when his parents moved to Tennessee, from which State they came to Howard County, Ind., in 1849, and took a lease on the old Kyger farm in Harrison Township. Mr. Wilson availed himself of all the advantages afforded by the schools of the day, attending from the age of six until twenty. In 1853, the family moved to the Spring farm, where the father died when our subject was eighteen. For a time, John E. leased the home place, but it was soon after divided, John E. taking the east half, and his brother Charles the west half. Mr. Wilson was married in 1864 to Martha Beeks, of Attica, Ind., and to this marriage have been born six children - William, Charles, Frank, Lora, Louie and John. Mr. W. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and also an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Harrison Township

BARTHOLOMEW W. APPLEGATE is the eldest of nine children born to Jacob and Margaret Applegate, natives of New Jersey and Ohio. Bartholomew was born August 1, 1840, in Johnson County, Ind., where he lived until he was seven years old, and in the fall of 1847 moved with his parents to Howard County, into a log church, until their claim could be vacated. When they were able to obtain possession, they moved into their new home in the wilderness, where Jacob Applegate, with the aid of his sons, cleared one of the best farms in the State. Our subject, made his home with his parents until he was thirty-four years of age, when he was married to Miss Leora Millikan, of this State. This union was blessed with two children - Frederick, born June 25, 1875, and Nellie, born June 21, 1880. Mrs. Leora Applegate died July 30, 1880. Mr. Applegate was elected Justice of Peace in the fall of 1874 by the Democratic party, in which he is an ardent worker. By diligence and labor, he has obtained for himself and children a good home. He is a prominent citizen and a member of the Masonic fraternity and I. O. O. F.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

LANTY ARMSTRONG, dealer in fine sheep and hogs, is the fourth of seven children born to Robert A. and Jane (Trowsel) Armstrong, natives of Kentucky. He was born, August 16, 1536, in Jennings County, Ind. He received a good education in the common schools, and assisted his father on the farm. The fall of 1855, his parents moved to this county and located in Taylor Township. Here Mr. Armstrong lived four years, and then went to Owen County, Ind., where he worked on a farm for one year. He then returned home and began farming for himself, and has since continued in that business. He received a little help from his father and father-in-law in the beginning, and now owns a fine farm of 160 acres in Taylor Township, and forty acres in White County, Ind. Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Hester A. Elliott, a native of Indiana, April 11, 1861, who died of consumption November 7, 1871. This union was a happy one, and was blessed with one son - Burbridge G., born January 27, 1862. He is still living at home, and is a partner with his father, in the fine stock business.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

GEORGE W. BAUMGARDEN, is the son of George Baumgarden, a native of North Carolina, and Permilia Baumgarden, a native of Kentucky. George W. was born in Jennings County, Ind., April 20, 1824. When he was three years old, his parents removed to Decatur County, where they lived seven years, after which, they returned to Jennings County. Mr. Baumgarden spent his early life tilling the soil, and on account of his father's being disabled, and his mother's early death, he received but a limited education. In 1811, he came to Howard County and located in Taylor Township. Mr. B. subsequently married Catharine Brock, and this union was blessed with seven children - Rhoda, Elizabeth, Sarah Jane, Lidy E., Andrew J. (deceased), George N. and Victoria (deceased). His wife died in the winter of 1864, and he was afterward married to the widow of William Hughes. Mr. Baumgarden has accumulated sufficient means to live comfortably. He and his wife have been members of the Separate Baptist Church for over forty years, and he has been preaching for over thirteen years. Mr. B. was at first a member of the Republican party, and subsequently voted the Democratic ticket, but is now independent, or votes for the man and not for the party.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

JASPER J. BYERS, physician, was the sixth of eleven children born to Philip Byers, a native of Kentucky, and Mary (Gwinnup) Byers, a native of New Jersey. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The subject of this sketch was born May 21, 1834, at Carthage, Ohio, and lived in Ohio eleven years. He moved from that State to Knox County, Ind., where he made his home with his parents until he was twenty-one years old. He attended school during the winter, and I worked on the farm in the summer, until he was seventeen years old, when he began teaching. After following this profession five or six years he bought a half-interest in a woolen factory, which he operated for two years. He then sold out, and began the study of medicine. He attended school two years at Lebanon, Ind., and in 1857 began the study of medicine with Young & Osgood, of Gosport, Ind. After remaining with them two years he attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, from which institution he graduated, and subsequently began his practice in Calhoun, Ill. After a short stay in this place, he went to Quincy, Ind., where he remained until the summer of 1862, when he entered the army as First Lieutenant. He was in the battle of Corinth, but owing to poor health was compelled to resign the same fall. The following spring, he came to Howard County and located at Tampico, where he remained four years. He went to Neoga, Ill., and remained a short time, but soon returned, and has since resided in Taylor Township. Mr. Byers was married, September 19, 1860, to Sarah E. Archer, now deceased. Two sons - James J., born July 19, 1861, and Otto P., born May 2, 1863 - crowned this union. He was next married, October 1, 1868, to Mrs. Smantha E. Blevens (Tracey). They have had five children - Arthur F., born June 6, 1870; John L., born November 24, 1872; Luly, born June 6, 1875; Fred, born May 5, 1878; Gracie, born June 26, 1881 (deceased). Mr. Byers has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1864, and has served as Justice of the Peace of Taylor Township.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

ANDREW J. COLE was the only child born to Taylor and Elizabeth (Wintrode) Cole, natives of Ohio. Andrew was born, December 5, 1831, in Warren County, Ohio. His father died when he was an infant, and he remained with his mother until he was fourteen years of age. He then worked out, giving half his wages for the support of the family until he was twenty-one. When he was quite young, he removed with his family to Shelby County, Ind., and was married, October 11, 1855, to Cassandra Swinford, born September 8, 1838, a native of Kentucky. This union was blessed with severa1 children - Nancy A. (deceased), born September 21, 1857; John (deceased), born May 9, 1859; Anderson, born June 7, 1862; Daniel W. V. (deceased), born October 4, 1863; Polly, born March 17, 1866; Debbie E., born April 11, 1869; and William H., born June 33, 1876. Mr. Cole remained several years farming and milling in Shelby County, and in the spring of 1876 came to this county and purchased the only business room in Terre Hall. He started a little grocery, on less than $10, and now has about $1,000 worth of goods, a, good team and wagon, all made in less than five years. With the aid of a few friends, he has secured for the village a post office, railroad office and express office. His wife has been an invalid for about twelve years. Mr. Cole was at one time in fair circumstances, but lost his means through having become security. Mr. Cole is liberal in politics, but generally votes the Democratic ticket.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

C. J. CUNNINGHAM, son of James and Sarah (Johnson) Cunningham, was born in Highland County, Ohio, April 30, 1832; he was reared and educated in his native State, after which he followed the plasterer's trade for three years; he then farmed a short time, and clerked in a store, after which he was employed as traveling salesman for six years; he was then employed as salesman in Butlerville, Ohio, until the breaking-out of the war, when he enlisted in Company E, Forty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until 1862, when he re-enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was in the battles of Franklin, Tenn., and Spring Hill, Tenn. In 1865, he was discharged and the next six years engaged in farming in Clinton County, Ohio. He then removed to Westboro, Ohio, and engaged in the drug business until 1873, when he emigrated to California, where he was a successful miner for some time, after which he returned to Ohio and was in the milling business three years, when he went on a farm one year. Then disposing of his property, he came to Howard County, and bought a fine farm near Tampico, where he is now actively engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Cunningham was married, September 11, 1856, to Elizabeth A. Sawyer, of Ohio. They have two children - John D. and Frank D. Mr. Cunningham is a Republican.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

JOHN E. DUNCAN, a prominent farmer of Taylor Township, is the second son of John and Nancy (Sargeant) Duncan, natives of Virginia and Indiana. John E. was born October 10, 1842, in Hancock County, Ind., and his father died about six weeks later. His mother subsequently moved to Rush County, and he remained with her, helping to support the family until he was twenty-one. After this, he worked out two years and invested the proceeds in a threshing machine, and by this means made his start in life. Selling his interest in this, he next invested in a farm with his brother, and later sold this and came to Taylor Township, Howard County, where he has since resided. He now lives on a fine farm of 200 acres, well cultivated, with all modern improvements. He was elected Trustee of Taylor Township, in the spring of 1878, and was re-elected two years later by the Democratic party, of which he is one of its most active workers. Mr. Duncan was married August 30, 1866, to Miss Delana North, a native of Rush County, Ind. This union has been one of universal happiness, and has been blessed with four sons - Omer C., born November 20, 1867; Charley E., born February 8,1873; John C., born November 31, 1878; and Roscoe K., born April 19, 1882. Mr. Duncan is one of the representative farmers of Howard County and also an extensive stock-raiser and dealer, shipping to various points; he is one of the liberal and progressive men of Taylor Township and one of its most respected citizens.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

JESSE P. FENN is the fourth of five children born to Levi and Mary (Thompson) Fenn, natives of Connecticut and Ohio. Jesse P. was born January 2, 1831, in Fairfield County, and removed with his parents to Shelby County, Ind., in 1837; he remained with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began life for himself; he made his start by taking contracts for clearing ground and making rails; he first purchased forty acres and kept adding to this until he had 190 acres, worth $14,250; he sold this and came to this county in 1874, where he purchased 270 acres in Taylor Township, with all modern improvements. Mr. Fenn was married, December 9, 1853, to Miss Catherine Stevens, a native of Ohio; twelve children crowned this union - Levi, John, Joseph T., David, Mary C., William F. (deceased), Charles E., Jesse, Thomas, Lewis, Alonzo and Dora A. Mr. Fenn has always voted the Democratic ticket and is one of its most ardent workers; he ha3 been successful as a business manager, and is a liberal supporter of all benevolent institutions.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

LEMUEL M. GITHENS, one of the prominent farmers of Taylor Township, was born in Rush County, Ind., September 15, 1838, and is the son of Samuel A. and Jane E. Githens, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, and of English descent. He was reared on a farm and received a common school education, and shortly after his majority was married to Permelia Miller, daughter of Archibald and Ann (Barber) Miller, natives of Virginia. Four years after his marriage, Mr. Githens located in Grant County, Ind., and there cleared a farm of 200 acres. This he subsequently sold, and purchased 270 acres in Taylor Township, Howard County, upon which he still lives, and which has all necessary improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Githens have had eight children � Rosalie A., John M., Eliphalet, Susan, Iona, Luvina, George and Labetta, five of whom are yet living. Mr. Githens was a prominent member of the Grange movement, holding the position of Worthy Master, and is an active politician, voting with the Republican party.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

JOSEPH HASKETT is the sixth of eight children born to Isaac and Rebecca (Evans) Haskett, both natives of South Carolina; his parents were early settlers in Ohio, having located in that State in 1812. Joseph was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 10, 1818, and there remained until 1860, working on the farm, helping to maintain the family; be attended school during the winter months until he was nineteen years old. Upon leaving Ohio, he settled in Taylor Township, Howard County, upon a farm which he cleared and cultivated; he sold this and went to Fairfield to engage in the manufacturing of flour; he is at present sole proprietor of the Fairfield Mills, which is an ornament to any State. It has the capacity of 500 bushels per day, and is one of the best mills of its size in the State. Mr. Haskett was married, December 3, 1863, to Miss Abbie Rickle (now deceased). Mr. Haskett has always been connected with the Friends' Church, has been an ardent friend to the poor, and a liberal giver to all branches of industry; he is a prominent citizen, and a supporter of all religious and benevolent societies; he also deals in grain, and ships flour extensively to the East. He cast his first vote for President Harrison, was a Whig formerly, and now votes the Republican ticket.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

EDWARD T. HATTON, of Tampico, is the seventh of fourteen children born to James H. Hatton, a native of Indiana, and Rachel J. (Shoemaker) Hatton, a native of Illinois; his parents have been residents of Howard County for over thirty-nine years, having located here in 1844. Mr. Edward T. Hatton was born February 15, 1563, and has always lived in Taylor Township with the exception of one year. Worked on the farm and at the carpenter's trade during the summer months, attending school in the winter; has been a local newspaper correspondent of the Kokomo Dispatch for six years, and of the Cincinnati Enquirer a part of that time; be attended school for a short time in the spring of 1882, at Valparaiso, Ind., and today has a good practical education. In the year 1878, he joined the Christian Church, of which he is an active member; is a live, energetic young man, a mechanical genius, and has great promise of success in life.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

ADAM IDE was the first of two children born to Albert and Margaret (Leeper) Ide, natives of Ohio. Was born April 11, 1814, in Darke County, Ohio; his father died when he was an infant, and his mother removed to Randolph County, where they lived eight years. Thence they removed to Miami County, where Mr. Ide remained with his mother until her death, which occurred about one year after their arrival; he subsequently worked in Wabash County until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in the three-year service, in the Forty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; he served his time, and re-enlisted for three years, serving until the close of the war; he was in many battles, the principal ones being Grand Gulf; on the Mississippi River, Champion Hills, Black River and Vicksburg. After the war, he traveled through the Western States, and was married in Illinois, August 12, 1873, to Elizabeth Leeper, a native of Indiana, and the following fall moved to Taylor Township, Howard County, where he at present resides. Mr. and Mrs. Ide have had five children - Rosella M., Arminda M., Emma (deceased), Daisy B. and Luly A. Mr. Ide is at present engaged in a saw mill in Tampico, where he is doing a thriving business. He and wife have been identified with the Baptist Church for over six years, and are among its most active members.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

IRA E. McINTOSH is the ninth of twelve children born to Jacob and Nancy (Minor) McIntosh, natives of Virginia and North Carolina; his parents came to this State in 1809, locating in union County, where the subject of this sketch was born February 29, 1821; he worked on the farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he began work in a buggy factory near Newport, Ky., in company with his brother. This vocation he followed for over twenty years, during which time he purchased a farm in Union County; he subsequently sold this, and located on a farm in Henry County, where he for twenty-two years. In the spring of 1873, he came to this county, and located in Taylor Township, where he now resides. Mr. McIntosh, being born of poor parents, received but a limited education; he was compelled to work and help maintain the family, but he has a good practical education, which he has obtained through his own efforts. He was married, October 30, 1845, to Elizabeth A. Elder, a native of Indiana. Nine children bless this union - William M., Missouri E., Alpheus W., James W., Elizabeth A., Charles E., Lilly B., John M. and Ira E. Mr. McIntosh is liberal in politics, and votes for the man rather than for the party. He and wife have been members of the Christian Church for over thirty years, and during twenty-eight years of that time Mr. McIntosh has preached the Gospel.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

BENJAMIN L. MUGG is the second of four children born to William and Ellen (Cummings) Mugg, natives of Kentucky and Indiana; his parents carne to this county in 1845, and took a pre-emption claim, and subsequently entered the same and made one of the best farms in the county; his father is today one of the leading farmers of Howard County. Benjamin L. was born February 4, 1850, in Taylor Township, and helped his father on the farm, receiving a common school education; his father rewarded him for his labors with forty acres of good land, upon which he is now living. Mr. Mugg and Mr. A. J. Seagraves are at present engaged very extensively in raising fine Poland-China hogs for breeding purposes, and are receiving orders from many of the Western States daily. They showed at five fairs the fall of 1882, and received thirty-three premiums, eight of which were sweepstakes. Mr. Mugg was married September 3, 1872, to Miss Sophia Ware, a native of Indiana. Four children crowned this union, two of whom lived to receive names - Iona and Isa. Mr. Mugg was an active member of the Grange movement, and has always voted the Republican ticket, being one of its stanch advocates.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

EMMETT C. SKINNER is the fifth in in family of seven children born to John and Priscilla (Toman) Skinner, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Indiana, and of English descent. Emmett was born in Franklin County, Ind., March 20, 1858, and was reared upon a farm; he attended school at Brookville, and obtained sufficient education to become a teacher. Mr. Skinner was married December 21, 1880, to Mary J. Backhouse, the tenth in a family of eleven children, born to Schillous and Malinda (Milliner) Backhouse, natives of Ohio and Indiana. Mr. Skinner, after his marriage, engaged in farming in Franklin County, Ind., and remained there till February, 1882, when he came to Union Township, Howard County, and purchased a farm near West Liberty. Upon this he continued until December 18, 1882, when he sold out and purchased forty acres near Oakford Post Office, Fairfield, this county, upon which he now lives. His marriage has been a happy one, and has been crowned with one child - Ernest E., born July 16,1882, died March 25, 1883. Mr. Skinner is an active Republican, and cast his first vote for James A. Garfield, in 1880. Mrs. Skinner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

WILLIAM M. SPRINGER (deceased) was the son of Nathan U. Springer, a native of Pennsylvania, and Martha (Moore) Springer, born in Virginia. William M. was born August 18, 1809, in Butler County, Ohio, and at the age of two years moved with his parents to Franklin County, Ind.; he succeeded in obtaining a fair education, and at the age of nineteen began the tanner's trade, which was completed with John Hendricks, father of the Hon. T. A. Hendricks. Mr. S. was married, August 11, 1831, to Elizabeth Limpus, a native of Indiana, and shortly moved to Shelby County, Ind., in a densely wooded wilderness, where he worked at his trade, and cleared the farm from the woods. Mr. and Mrs. Springer had twelve children - Nancy A., Elvira, John S. (who died in the service of his country), Levi L., Martha M., Lyda J., Lovisa (deceased), Mary E., Nathan U., Almira (deceased), Sarah E. (deceased), and Jennie F. Jennie at present resides with her mother on the old homestead, and the rest of the children are married and comfortably settled in life. Mr. Springer was elected Trustee of Shelby County, in an early day, and in 1873 came to this county, where he lived an honest, upright life, being a friend to the poor, and a liberal giver to all public enterprises. In early life, he was a Whig, but in later years was a strong advocate of Republican principles; he and wife became members of the Separate Baptist Church over forty years ago.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

PHILIP STEPHENS is the youngest of six children born to John and Catharine Stephens, both natives of Germany. His parents settled in Shelby County, Ind., in an early day, where our subject was born April 16, 1848; his father died when he was but four years of age, and he remained with his mother until he was sixteen. Mr. S. then began business for himself with $60 capital; he worked by the month until he was twenty-one, and during this time had attended school three winters. When he became of age he had saved $700 which he invested in land. Mr. Stephens was married, March 9, 1871, to Miss Cynthia J. Cherry, a native of Indiana. Five sons bless this union - Charles E., Phillip W., William F., Samuel O. and an infant. Mr. Stephens, after his marriage, lived in Shelby County about eight years, and in the fall of 1878 came to Howard County and purchased sixty acres of good farm land. Mr. Stephens has b always voted the Democratic ticket, was an active member of the Grange Society in Shelby County, and he and wife are members or the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

AMOS SUTTON, one of the prominent farmers of Taylor Township, was born in Rush County, Ind., July 15, 1840, and is the son of Henry and Mary M. (Right) Sutton, natives of Indiana and Pennsylvania, and of English descent; he was reared on a farm and received a common school education, and before his majority was married to Mary E. Morris, born October 31, 1841, daughter of Huston and Melchia (Smith) Morris, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. This union has been blessed with four children - Ida May, born June 15, 1861; Elmer E., born October 4, 1863; Cara E., born June 16, 1877; and an infant; two of these are yet living. In 1864, Mr. Sutton came to Howard County and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Taylor Township; he has added to this until now he has a fine farm of 160 acres under good cultivation, and with all the necessary improvements. Mr. S. is an active politician, voting with the Republican party, and both himself and wife are identified with the Baptist Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township

HEZEKIAH M. SUTTON is the eighth of nine children born to Samuel and Rebecca (Virt) Sutton, natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky; his parents moved to Rush County, Ind., in an early day, where they made one of the best farms in the county. Mr. H. M. Sutton was born April 10, 1838, in Rush County, Ind.; his father died when he was but thirteen years of age, and he assisted his mother on the farm; he received a good practical education, and through his own labor and a little help from his father's estate he has accumulated a good farm of sixty acres. Mr. Sutton was married to Miss Rebecca J. Tarbet, July 2, 1868. She is a native of Rush County, Ind. Four sons bless this union - Thomas G., born March 30, 1869; James T., born February 4, 1873; John D., born October 7, 1874, and William H., born February 16, 1880. Mr. Sutton located in this county in 1878; he is an active member of the Republican party, and has voted that ticket all his life; he is a prominent farmer, and a worthy citizen in the community in which he lives.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Taylor Township