Hon. William P. Britton. John and Sarah, the parents of the above named distinguished citizen of Montgomery county, came to Indiana from the State of Ohio in the spring of 1834, and settled on a small farm in Ripley township, about two miles west of the village of Yountsville. William P. is the second child of a family of eight children, and was born on June 11, 1835. When he became old enough he engaged with his father in pioneer farm work, assisting to roll logs, clear up the land, plough, sow, and harvest. At such times as he could be spared from the farm he attended school, usually for two or three months during the winter of each year, and occasionally for a month or so in the summer. Such was his experience until he reached the age of eighteen years. By that time he had acquired the rudiments of an English education. His parents being unable to provide him with any pecuniary aid, at this time he was permitted to leave home for the purpose of earning means to gain sufficient education to fit him for the legal profession. For several years he engaged in house-painting, clerking in stores, and finally concluding that those occupations would never afford the necessary means to the end he sought, he essayed the work of teaching a district school. Receiving a license to teach from Prof. J. L. Campbell, of Wabash College, then superintendent of schools for the county, he began, and taught with flattering success, his first public school in what was then known as the Herron school-house, in Ripley township. This was in the fall and winter of 1855-6. By boarding at home, and walking to and fro each day over two miles, he was able to lay by his entire earnings of $75. He continued teaching until the spring of 1863, and when not so engaged attended Wabash College. In his career as teacher he made many warm and lasting friendships with his pupils and their parents, and the pleasant intercourse of those years is cherished by him among the dearest memories of his life, and the esteem of his former pupils is valued next only to the love of kindred. In 1861 and 1862 he attended the law department of Michigan University, and returning home in the spring of 1863 he opened an office for legal practice in Crawfordsville, having as a partner James M. Spillman. The new firm waited for clients all spring, summer, and fall, and when the "winter of their discontent " set in, the clientless firm dissolved in disgust; the entire proceeds of the business during the whole time amounting to $10. As the law looked so unpromising, Mr. Britton opened an office for the collection of soldier’s claims, and by liberal advertising and close attention to business in a short time plenty of clients were gained whose cases were successfully prosecuted. While still engaged in this business in 1864, he was appointed school examiner for Montgomery county, in which responsible capacity he served three years. At the close of this service he was elected trustee of Union township, and remained in office one year. In 1873 he formed a partnership for the practice of law with M. W. Bruner, under the firm name of Britton & Bruner. The firm acquired a large and lucrative practice, and continued until dissolved in September 1879, at which date Mr. Britton entered upon the duties of judge of the circuit court, having been elected to that office in the fall of 1878 over the Hon. T. N. Rice, of Rockville, in the twenty-second judicial circuit, composed of the counties of Parke and Montgomery. Judge Britton is tall, slender, and straight an Indian, and his quick, elastic walk is characteristic of energy and enthusiasm; he has dark eyes, jet black hair with a strong tendency to curl, and a remarkably fair complexion. In 1868 he was married to Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Chilion Johnson, one of the pioneers of Crawfordsville. In politics Judge Britton has always affiliated with the democratic party, although he was never a violent partisan, and has friends in all parties. As a jurist his keen perceptive abilities, conjoined to a habit of analysis, and his studious disposition, have already established for him a reputation second to none in this state.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Jasper N. Davidson, farmer and stock raiser, Whitesville, is one of the prominent and successful men of Union township. He was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, February 5, 1834. His mother, Amanda (Snorf) Davidson, died July 17, 1838. Her grandfather and grandmother were born on the river Rhine, Germany. His father, William F. Davidson, was born in Pennsylvania June 27, 1798. He emigrated to Butler county, Ohio, and in 1828 settled on Sec. 34, Union township, Montgomery county, Indiana. He came to this county first on foot, in company with John McCane. He was a millwright by trade, and had seven uncles in the revolutionary war. William F. Davidson began in this county with 50 cents in money and became one of the prosperous and successful farmers of the county. He earned the money that he paid for his first land with by working on the Cincinnati and Dayton canal at $9 per month. He died February 1, 1864. J. N. Davidson, the subject of this sketch, went to school in the days of log school-houses and slab benches, and when they received the rays of the sunlight through greased paper. He lived at home for many years after he was of age. He was married May 27, 1862, to Miss L. J. Huff. She was born May 27, 1844. They have two children: Julia A., born April 2,1863; William A., August 27, 1867. Julia is a graduate of the Ladoga Central Normal school. Mr. Davidson is one of the prosperous and successful farmers of Montgomery county. He has a good farm of 284 acres, well fenced, and having about five miles of tile. He has a nice two-story dwelling house, beautifully situated on an elevated spot. Mr. Davidson is president of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, and always adhered to the principles of the democratic party. He is liberal, and takes an interest in everything that is for the good progress of the country. Mr. Davidson is a man of intelligence, honesty, and influence.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


David Henry Davidson, farmer and stock raiser, Whitesville, born July 26, 1852, and is the brother of Jasper Davidson. He had a good common education. His mother died when he was two years and six months, and his father when he was eleven old. At the age of sixteen he went in partnership at farming with his brother, William S. Mr. Davidson now has 2011/4 acres of good land, and resides on the old homestead, the place where he was born. He was married November 12, 1874, to Miss Saloma E. Harshbarger. She was born January 11, 1854. They have three boys: Warner M., born September 23, 1875; Homer J., July 21, 1876; Cline F., August 16, 1879. Mr. Davidson is a member of the Detective Association, a democrat, and has been a successful farmer. He is a great reader and a valuable member of the community in which he lives.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


John Speed, deceased, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1801. His father was a miller, but John served a seven years' apprenticeship to a stone-cutter, then two years as a journeyman. He was then considered a master of his trade and entitled to full pay. He was married to Margaret Baxter, who was born in Edinburgh in 1803. Mr. Speed, in 1828, sailed for Newfoundland, leaving his wife and one child, Margaret, in Edinburgh. He worked for a time, but soon set sail in a codfish schooner for Philadelphia. In one year from the time of his departure from Scotland Mrs. Speed and child joined him in Philadelphia. They then departed to Norfolk and remained a few years, and next removed to Washington and lived several years, employed on public buildings. He expended labor on the stone steps of the Capitol, and also on the east steps of the White House. This was during Jackson's administration. Hearing there was to be a new state house erected in Indiana, he started for that place in a spring- wagon over the mountains and rough roads. On arriving at Indianapolis, in 1834, he learned to his sore disappointment that the building was to be of material different from what he had supposed would be used. Disappointed, he wandered over the northern part of the state, and decided to locate at Crawfordsville, which he immediately did by bringing his family hither. News came to him that North Carolina was to have a new state house. He immediately set out on foot and walked to Raleigh, North Carolina, via the Cumberland Gap. While there he superintended the construction of that edifice. He planned the stairs and patented the invention. After completing his work he returned to Crawfordsville on foot. During his absence Mrs. Speed had purchased the town property now occupied by their son, Bruce Speed, and also a large piece of land in Parke county which he had expressed his desire to own when he was looking for a location, on account of the stone he might obtain, but he never quarried it. After returning he superintended the construction of the national macadamized road east of Terre Haute, but the failure to secure appropriations caused the project to be abandoned, and the road thus far constructed was left in an uncompleted state. He closed his career January 1, 1873. He had toiled all through life, yet through his extreme liberality he had amassed but very little of worldly goods. In politics he was a radical Jackson democrat, then became an intense abolitionist, then a whig, and finally a republican. He favored the freedom of the slave, took a large interest in the underground railroad scheme, and in the garret of his house many of those downtrodden people have found shelter from the hand of tyranny. At one time the garret was so full that to prevent suspicion that he was harboring anyone he bought twenty-five cents' worth of bread, then required his children to purchase a like amount each, until he obtained sufficient food for his attic visitors. At the first election for an abolition president, John Speed and Fisher Dougherty cast the only votes in support of that candidate in the county.

Mr. Speed was a man of a wonderful memory; was a great lover of history, a fair architect; was moral, liberal, strict in integrity and true to his country, and was a member of the early lodge of Odd-Fellows of Crawfordsville. Mr. Speed left wife and children. Mrs. Speed died March 1, 1878. She was raised a Scotch Presbyterian, but later in life leaned toward the Church of England, into which church she had her children baptized. Their children were Margaret (now Mrs. Jesse Cumberland), Cecelia and Frank (deceased), Sidney and Robert Bruce, living in Crawfordsville. Sidney was born June 25, 1846, in Crawfordsville. He was educated in the common schools, also attended Wabash College in 1860 and 1861. In June, 1862, he enlisted in the 18th Ind. Bat. and served three years. He was in the army of the Cumberland, Wilder's brigade, whom the rebels called "Wilder's Hellians." This brigade was transferred to Cook's division, Wilson's cavalry corps. Mr. Speed was in all the battles of the Cumberland army except Nashville and Stone River, as well as a few others. Returning home in 1865, he entered college again, but in 1867 he went west. Returning shortly, he embarked in the manufacture of drain tile, then became a sewing machine agent, then manager of the Howe Sewing Machine company in the cities of Terre Haute, Frankfort, and Logansport, successively. In 1875 he began his present business in stonecutting and dealing in marble and granite tomb-stones. Later .he was also engaged in stone masonry. He was married June 25, 1872, to Margaret Seimantel of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. They have one child, Mabel.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


George W. Hutton, farmer, Crawfordsville, was born January 18, 1825, in Rockbridge county, Virginia, and here resided until he was six years old, at which time he was taken to Green county, Ohio, where he remained three years, at the expiration of which time he came to this county. His education is such as might be obtained by an observant scholar at the common schools. He began farming for himself at the age of twenty-one. March 5, 1846, he was married to Minerva J. McDaniel, whose parents, John and Elizabeth McDaniel, came from Kentucky. Mrs. Hutton was born September 4, 1824, and died March 17, 1873. She was first a member of the Methodist church, and then the Christian. They had three children, William P., Tilman H. and Martha E., first two of whom are dead. Mr. Hutton married again, March 25, 1874, Miss Mary E. Deitrick, who was born March 29, 1840. She is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Hutton began farming with comparatively nothing, but by energy, economy and industry he has been quite successful, being the possessor of 173 acres of splendid land. In 1871, when the Crawfordsville and Concord turnpike was built, he invested $500 in the stock, and has continued to purchase shares until he is the owner of over four-fifths of the capital, the whole being worth over $5,000. The road was built for the purpose of giving to the citizens a highway that was in a good condition to be traveled upon any season of the year, and has proved a success, having paid for itself and its repairs. Mr. Hutton is quite a stock raiser and grower of small fruits. His two-story dwelling erected last year is one of the most complete in the neighborhood. He is a member of the Christian church, and a stalwart republican. In January, 1878, he and his wife visited their old home in Virginia and heartily enjoyed the hospitality of many an old "chum." In 1875 he made an extensive tour through the west, and upon his return brought many new, practical ideas of husbandry, which amply repaid every expense.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Isaac Rich, farmer, Crawfordsville, was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, in 1818. In 1816 he went with his parents to Warren county, Ohio, and lived there until 1834, when he settled in Montgomery county. He was once justice of the peace two years. He was married in 18335 to Emelia Hall. She died August 8, 1880, and was a member of the Methodist church. They have two children, James and Nancy. The latter was married to Samuel Irwin. Hewas a republican and a Methodist, and died in 1872, leaving four children: John, Isaac, Mary, and Maggie. Mr. Isaac Rich has 226 acres of land and has given each of his children eighty acres. He is a Methodist, a strong republican, and a much respected old gentleman.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Alexander Thomson, retired, Crawfordsville, was born January 15, 1812, in Hamilton county, Ohio, in a small town called Springfield, since Springdale. His parents, John and Nancy (Steele) Thomson, were among the early settlers of Crawfordsville, having arrived here some time in 1834. John Thomson was born in Pennsylvania, whither his grandparents (Thomsons) had come from Ireland. He then spent some years in Kentucky, and in 1800 emigrated to Ohio, where he spent many years in the Presbyterian ministry in Miami county. Here he labored in the early work of the church for thirty years, until he came to Crawfordsville. His life was unusually long, his death not occurring until he reached his eighty-sixth year. His wife, Mrs. Nancy Thomson, died in her seventy-fifth year. Both were highly respected citizens and earnest Christian people. Alexander Thomson, son of the above, passed many of his youthful days on a farm, but improved a part of each year in storing knowledge and fitting himself for a career of future usefulness. He attended Miami University. In 1835, on account of the sickness of his brother, he was called home to Crawfordsville, and although he had reached the senior year, he never returned to his alma mater. For several years Mr. Thomson clerked, then engaged in the county clerk's office, and afterward studied law, which he made his profession for thirty years, becoming one of the eminent members of the Crawfordsville bar. For nearly thirty years he has been connected with the board of trustees of Wabash College, and is at present financial agent and treasurer of the same, which position he has filled for fifteen years. Politically, Mr. Thomson was a whig, but with the advent of republicanism he became a staunch supporter of that party. On December 31, 1840, he was married to Miss Crawford, daughter of Alex. Crawford, an early settler of this city. She was born in 1812. They have three children: Everett B., Henry R. and Edwin P. All the family are members of the Presbyterian church. Everett B., now a Presbyterian minister, is located at Piyua, Ohio. Henry R., professor of chemistry, is in Wabash College, and Edwin P. is studying for the Presbyterian ministry.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Samuel W. Austin, bookkeeper, Crawfordsville, a native of Garret county, Kentucky, was born November 18, 1818. His father, -John B. Austin, born in Virginia in 1787, was one of the early school teachers and a Baptist minister. He early went to Kentucky, and in October, 1828, came to Montgomery county, Indiana, and settled one and a half miles west of Crawfordsville. Ill health obliged him to follow light labor. In 1841 he was elected Montgomery county's first auditor, which office he honorably filled for fourteen continuous years. He was a democrat, but whisky or no whisky becoming the the issue, and the democracy advocating the former, Mr. Austin left his party and allied himself with the temperance party, which soon after merged into the republican party. He died in September 1868. His wife, Nancy (Vanhook), was born in Virginia in 1788, was also a member of the Baptist church. She died in February 1852. Samuel W. Austin passed the first fourteen years of his life on the farm, and then became a merchant's boy, and in 1841 was employed in the auditor's office with his father, remaining there until 1854. He then became bookkeeper for Campbell, Galey & Harter, and held the situation twelve years. On January 1, 1868, after having been idle for a time, he accepted the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Crawfordsville, which is still his occupation. Although Mr. Austin has used the pen almost continually for over forty years, his nerves are still steady and strong. His knowledge of bookkeeping and commercial forms he has acquired in actual business, never having attended other than the common school, and since his fourteenth year two terms at the county seminary in 1836. Mr. Austin was first a whig in politics and cast his first vote for Harrison, but with the germination of republicanism he adopted its principles, and will never mix his northern oil with southern water. He sent one son, Archelaus, to the civil war. He has been married three times, lastly, March 5, 1870, to Matilda, daughter of John Swearingen, of Crawfordsville. His first family numbered five children, and his second one child. He is a member of the order of Odd-Fellows.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Joseph Smith, farmer and stock raiser, Crawfordsville, was born near Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, June 14, 1821. His father, Robert Smith, was born in 1799 and died in 1865. He was a native of North Carolina, but when about twelve years of age, he with his parents, moved to Warren county, Ohio, about ten miles east of Lebanon. His father's name was John and his mother's Phoebe. John died in Ohio, while his wife died in Montgomery county, at the home of her son. Mr. Smith came to this county in 1835, previous to which time he had been engaged in farming and teaming. The journey was made in wagons, occupying fourteen days. Upon his arrival he settled three quarters of a mile southwest of Yountsville, where he had purchased 240 acres of land at $16 per acre, and here lived until his death. At the age of eighteen he married Hannah Williamson, who was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, in 1790 and died in 1870 a member of the Methodist church. They became the parents of ten children, five of whom came from Ohio in the wagon. Joseph Smith lived with his parents until his twenty-fourth year, and after his marriage moved on Sec. 16, where he resided eighteen months. He then returned to the home place and was engaged in farming fourteen years, having previously purchased the north half of it. He then traded this land and some other property for 433 acres on Mill creek, known as the Herron farm, valued at $16,000. After residing upon it eight years he moved to his present beautiful and finely located home, in February 1870. The fall of 1873 he erected one of the finest dwellings west of the city, two stories high, 32x46 feet, and other improvements amounting to $6,000. The home place consists of 212 acres. He also owns 148 acres of the Herron farm, having given the remainder to his children. May 6, 1845, in Ripley township, he was married to Martha J. Gass, who was born in October, 1821, in east Tennessee. They became the parents of six children: Margaret, Howard, Hannah, John B., George W. and Frank, all of whom are married save John and George. Mrs. Smith died May 19, 1870, a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Smith married a second time, October 20, 1873, Lydia Steel, in Henry county, Indiana, near Knightstown. They became the parents of one child, Claud, who died January 14, 1876. He is a democrat and his wife a member of the Presbyterian church.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


William R. Stitt, farmer and stock raiser, Crawfordsville, was born April 3, 1835, in the place where he now lives. He had a common school education and has always been a farmer. He has 120 acres of land one and a half miles horn the city. He is a Mason, Odd-Fellow, Good Templar, republican, a member of the Detective Association, and of the Methodist church. Mr. Stitt and his sisters, Sarah R. and Rebecca J., live together on the old homestead. His father, Judge James Stitt, was the oldest son of Robert and Jane Stitt. He was born in Grayson county, Virginia. He came west at a very early day, and had gone on through the south. He bought land in Washington county, then went to Virginia, and afterward came back to Indiana. He entered 160 acres in this county, where his son now lives. It had upon it a good millseat, and he soon built a mill which he ran till the Black Hawk war. He was associate judge of Montgomery county for twenty-one years, and was elected for seven years more, when he died in 1844. He was an able judge, a member of the Methodist church, a strong temperance man, and an honored citizen. He had a good education for his day, and was a man of extensive information. He was married in 1818 to Miss Mary F. Richardson. She was a member of the Methodist church and died in 1871. They had seven children. The Stitts came from Ireland to this country at an early day, and the grandfather of Judge Stitt was in the revolutionary war, and was put in prison, where he suffered much and was liberated by his uncle, an officer in the British army.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


James H. Watson; carriage-maker, Crawfordsville, is one of the enterprising firm of Watson, Coutant & Co. This firm manufacture all kinds of carriages and buggies, employing twelve workmen. Their trade has assumed such proportions that they can but little more than supply ordered work. Their establishment is on Green street opposite the city buildings. Mr. Watson is a native of Crawfordsville and was born November 9, 1836. His father, William P. Watson, a tanner by trade, was a native of Ohio, and his mother, Eliza A. (Westlake), was born in New York. In 1836 he came to Crawfordsville and engaged in the dry-goods business. In 1842 he was appointed postmaster, which office he held for ten or twelve years. Leaving the post-office he opened a tannery, which he continued for ten years, then engaged in the saddlery and harness trade. He died in November 1875. He was a democrat all his life and served two terms as county commissioner. James H. spent fifteen years with his uncle, James Watson, of Crawfordsville, in the pork packing business. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. G, 10th Ind., under Capt. Manson. Mr. Watson entered the service as first lieutenant, but Capt. Manson being promoted to the position of colonel the first lieutenant was promoted to the captaincy. He enlisted for three months, but was not discharged for four months, or after the battle of Rich Mountain. Leaving the army, Mr. Watson worked one year in a tobacco house in Louisville, returned to his home, and soon after was engaged as clerk for Robins & Reynolds in the hotel at Terra Haute. He then became deputy in the auditor's office, and in November, 1811, was elected county auditor, which office he held till 1879 with honor and credit. After three weeks' vacation he associated himself with his present partners in the carriage business. He has been a life-long democrat. Mr. Watson was married January 15, 1861, to Elizabeth Reynolds, of Fountain county. He is now an officer in the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, and an influential citizen.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Willis Jackman, farmer and stock raiser, Crawfordsville, was born in Union township February 12, 1836. His father, James A. Jackman, settled in this county about 1830. He was a millwright, and built about all the wooden mills on Sugar creek. He learned his trade in Pennsylvania and then emigrated to Indianapolis, Indiana where he traded for four acres of land which is now the central portion of the city. It was afterward sold for taxes, together with two or three dwellings that had been erected upon it. He was born September 1, 1794, and departed this life February 21, 1878. He was a gallant soldier in the war of 1812, and a man of firmness and positive convictions. He was a staunch member of the Christian church and a member of the whig party until its death, in 1852, at which time he united with that conscientious set of men who afterward joined together and formed the republican party, and was one of the strongest supporters of this organization until his decease. His mother, Hannah (Reed) Jackman, was born in Gerard county, Kentucky, and is still living at the advanced age of seventy-four years. She is also a member of the Christian church. Mr. Jackman's entire life has been spent upon a farm. His educational advantages were meager enough. Only the roughest days of winter was he permitted to sit upon the old slab benches in the pioneer log cabin school-room. He commenced farming for himself at twenty-two, and was married in 1858 to Miss Susan Flanigan, who was born February 26, 1838, and is now a member of the Christian church. By this union they have become the parents of eight children, three are dead: James A., Lillie I., Harrison M., Charles, John M., Frank, Carrie and Archibald. Mr. Jackman began life with nothing, but now owns 156 acres of land six miles from Crawfordsville and three from Darlington. He is a Good Templar and a member of the Detective Association. Mr. Jackman claims never to have entered a saloon in his life. He is a member of the Christian church and a member of the national party, formerly s republican. He is a well posted, thinking man, quite a reader, and one alive to all questions of public concern.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Samuel M. Hutton, farmer, Crawfordsville, was born near Lexington, Rockbridge county, Virginia, October 23, 1821. At an early age he moved with his parents to Green county, Ohio, and lived there three years, and in 1836 settled on Sec. 28 in Union township. They came in a four-horse wagon, over muddy roads, rough hills, and through the woody wilderness, being twenty-one days on the road. His father's name was William, and he was born in 1777, and died in 1837. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, a Jackson democrat, and was in the war of 1812. His mother's name was Mary. She was born in 1790, and died in 1846. Mr. Hutton's grandfather, William Hutton, was in the revolutionary war. Mr. Hutton having always lived on the farm, had such limited advantages of education as could be obtained from the old log schoolhouse, with its antiquated schoolmaster. He began farming for himself when twenty-one years old, with very little means, but now has a good farm of 202 1/2 acres of good land, and is a successful and enterprising farmer. He was county commissioner three years, is an elder in the Christian church, and in politics is an enthusiastic republican, although he was raised a democrat. When he came to this county the people did all their marketing at La Fayette. Mr. Hutton took two shares in the New Albany railroad, and paid for them in ties hewn from his own timber. He was married February 9, 1843, to Miss Mary Ann Harland, who was born in 1825. They have seven children, James G., Alexander P., John M., Mary M., Emily J., Martha F. and George W. Mr. Hutton has a nice residence, and has lived on his present place twenty years, and is a respected and valued citizen.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


John H. Shue, grocer, Crawfordsville, was born March 29, 1821, in Onondaga county, New York, and is the son of Peter and Jane (Hendricks) Shue. His parents were natives of Germany, and when children, with their parents, to America. Both families settled at Catskill, the Hendricks remaining there, while the Shues removed to Christian Hollow, twelve miles south of Saratoga. In 1836 Mr. Shue's parents came to Montgomery county and settled three miles north of Crawfordsville, where his father, Peter Shue, died of lung fever. His mother then returned to New York, where she died in January 1837. They were both members of the Baptist church. John H. was fifteen years old when his father died. He earned his livelihood by working on a farm, or anything he could get to do. At seventeen years he became clerk in the store of John Garvey, in the first building erected on the corner of Market and Washington streets. He then taught for a time, but being desirous of a better education, and learning that there was a good high school at Edwardsburg, Michigan, he determined to work his way into and through that institution. Accordingly he went to Edwardsburg, and entering a hotel inquired of the clerk whether or not he knew of any one who wanted some one to do chores for board while he (the boy) might go to school. The clerk replied he did not. A gentleman, whose name John afterward learned was Thomas Edwards, jumping from his seat, asked the youth where he was from. Young Shue answered, from Indiana. "Why," said the gentleman, "do they want to learn anything down in Indiana? You were not born there, were you?'' Upon the answer that he was born in New York, the gentleman, pointing to a very nice residence, told the youth to call there at 4 o'clock, and perhaps he could stay there. At the appointed time, young Shue called, and who should meet him at the door but the same gentleman whom he had met in the hotel. Here a pleasant home was found, and for three years John H. Shue lived and attended the high school. Returning to Crawfordsville, Mr. Shue worked for $10 per month, and taught school till he numbered his thirteenth term. In 1856 he bought the interest of John Robinson in the dry-goods business. In 1866 the stock was burned, but insurance saved him. For the benefit of his health he engaged in farming, but in 1875 he purchased one-fourth interest in the Union Block and opened a grocery store. The firm is now Shue & Dennis. They transact a business of about $50,000 to $60,000 per year. Mr. Shue has been three times married; lastly, to Cintha A. Vaughan, of Montgomery county, in 1865. They have one child, Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Shue are members of the Baptist church. He has been a democrat, but is now conservative, voting for men rather than party. He is a member of the Knight's Templar society.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


W. J. Krug, sheriff of Montgomery county, Crawfordsville, was born June 3, 1814, in York, Pennsylvania, and is the son of William A. and Elizabeth. (Jones) Krug. His father was born in Lancaster, September 17, 1790, and his mother in York, Pennsylvania. The latter died in 1855, but the former still lives in Montgomery county at a very advanced age. Mr. Krug Sr. is a saddler and harness maker by-trade. He was early a whig but later a republican. He emigrated to Ohio in 1821, and to Montgomery county in February, 1838, and settled in Coal Creek township, where he bought a section of land. They had a family of nineteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Krug were Episcopalians. His father came from Germany, and his mother's people from England. William J., son of the above, spent part of his youth on the farm and part in the saddlery and harness shop, beginning the latter trade when fourteen or fifteen years old. He worked at this for thirty years. For some time he solicited subscriptions for tombstones, as agent for Lewis & White, of Indianapolis, and was very successful in the undertaking. In 1876 he was elected, by the republicans, sheriff, by 177 majority over William Lee, a very strong candidate, and in 1878 reelected by a majority of over 700 votes, while the county was about 300 democratic. Mr. Krug is now tired of political life and will retire soon to his farm. During the late war Mr. Krug served about eleven months under Capt. Lily, as senior saddleman in the 18th Ind. Bat. Mr. Krug was married April 13, 1834, to Kezia, daughter of Robert McCain, of Butler county, Ohio. They have had ten children, two dead and eight living. He is a Mason, a Good Templar, and a Son of Temperance. His father was a strong churchman, and a man of strict integrity, whose word was as good as his bond.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


J. W. Ramsay, mayor of Crawfordsville, was born June 2, 1839, in Montgomery county, Indiana. His father, Robert M. Ramsay, was born in Kentucky, 1804, became a brick-mason, and afterward a merchant at Parkersburg, then Russellville, and is now a pork packer. He came to Indiana in an early day and settled near Portland mills, Putnam county, and afterward settled in Montgomery county, his residence now being Crawfordsville. The mother of the subject of this sketch, Marina S. (Harris) Ramsay, was born in Tennessee. Her grandfather was a captain in the revolutionary war. The Ramsays are of Scotch descent. J. W. Ramsay was schooled at Waveland Academy, then Wabash College, and afterward studied law with Hon. Henry S. Lane and Col. Wilson for two years, from 1859 to 1861. April 14, 1861, on the Sunday evening after the American flag was insulted at Fort Sumter, he enlisted in the 11th Ind., Wallace's Zouaves, served three months, was then made adjutant in the 51st Ind. in which position he served two years, and was then detailed as assistant adjutant general to Gen. Harker's staff, in which capacity he served to the end of the war. His Union principles were tied and proven in the battles of Romney, Kelley's Island, Port Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Franklin, Hall's Gap, and others. At Shiloh he was severely wounded, and still suffers from its effects. At Appomattox Court House he was discharged, at the of the war, and returned to his home at Crawfordsville. Soon after returning he was elected justice of the peace, for which office his knowledge of law well fitted him. He was continued as such till 1876, when he was elected mayor of Crawfordsville, and reelected in 1878. When he assumed the responsibilities of his office he found the city with a debt of over $20,000. Under his official supervision this debt has been entirely liquidated, new streets opened, and other improvements made, and the city is more prosperous than ever before. He is now negotiating with different parties for a system of waterworks. He has always been active in the republican ranks, a prominent citizen, and has made his own mark in life. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias society, and a Good Templar. In the latter lodge he was grand worthy secretary for two terms, and represented the State of Indiana in the Right Worthy Grand Lodge at Michigan in 1879. October 7, 1872, Mr. Ramsay was married to Miss Alice Rice, daughter of Mrs. Mary Rice, of Crawfordsville.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Robert S. Jones (colored), farmer, Crawfordsville, was born September 2, 1818, in Butler county, Ohio. His father, John Jones, was a native of Kentucky and a slave there until twenty-two years of age, when his master, removing to Ohio, gave him his freedom. His mother was born in Maryland and a slave also until she was eight or ten years old. Her master coming to Ohio, freed her. Her name was Dorthy K. Sampson. John and Dorthy were married in Ohio, and in 1840 emigrated to Montgomery county, Indiana, and bought six acres of land three-quarters of a mile east of Crawfordsville, where they lived until death. He died in 1853, and she in 1855. Both were Old School Presbyterians, and he was a republican. Robert S. attended school sufficiently to enable him to read, write, and other, which little learning he prizes highly. He was married in Ohio, March 10, 1836, to Dilly Henderson, who had been a slave until eight years old, in North Carolina, and had come to the west with her master, with whom she lived until her marriage, at the age of twenty years. In 1839 Mr. and Mrs. Jones moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, bringing two children: John F. and Silva A. They rented eighty acres west of Crawfordsville twelve years. He then bought forty acres in Walnut township, and sold that and bought ninety acres northeast of Crawfordsville. He has since sold seven and one-half acres, rents out part, and farms the balance. His first wife died September 9, 1842, having two children, William P. and Abby M., besides the two mentioned. She was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Jones was next married to Susan McKee, of Crawfordsville, who died April 5, 1871. She was a Methodist There were eight living children in the second family. Mr. Jones was a member of the first African Methodist Episcopal class in Montgomery county, contributed the first timber toward the church, has been trustee over twenty-seven years, and class leader three years. He is a Mason and a warm republican and lover of Lincoln.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Jacob Davis, deceased. Among those men who have left marks of their effort in Crawfordsville, and have figured prominently in the busy streets of this industrious city, the name of Jacob Davis is by no means forgotten. He had worked, not only with muscle, for this had been guided by an active brain, and visible signs of his success in life is shown by a pleasant home and a competency for his family. Jacob Davis was born October 29, 1817, in a rural district of Butler county, Ohio. His parents, Randolph and Abigail (Hoel) Davis, were natives of New Jersey, and came to Ohio prior their marriage, becoming Ohio farmers. Jacob learned early the meaning of the word "toil." He grew to manhood and by improving the limited educational advantages secured education sufficient to enable him to teach public school, which he followed for some time. He became quite an active trader in stock was and for some time a partner of Jacob D. Early, of Terre Haute, in the pork business. In the prime of life Mr. Davis cast his lot in Crawfordsville, first purchasing the warehouse at the north end of Washington street. Here he dealt in grain extensively, first in partnership with John Shwitzer. For eighteen years he owned the warehouse. Toward the close of this period he was associated in the grain trade with his brother, Isaac Davis, and with Gen. M. D. Manson, present auditor of state. He also traded largely in grain in Chicago. During the war Mr. Davis speculated in gold stocks. His life was emphatically one of trade, and by good judgment his trade-life was a grand success. In the winter of 1875 he took a severe cold, producing lung and typhoid fever, which resulted in his death April 21, 1876. A short time before demise he requested the presence of Rev. Reece Davis, a Baptist minister of Indianapolis, whom he greatly admired. At his request also his remains were laid to rest by the Masonic fraternity, in which society he had been a prominent member, and had been worshipful master for years. Although not connected with any church he was a man of strict integrity and morals. In politics he was republican, but never sought political preferment. Prior to his marriage he was colonel of the state militia. March 10, 1853, he was married, at the age of thirty-five, to Elizabeth Allen, daughter of the Hon. Joseph and Margara (James) Allen, and who had, when ___ years of age, been his pupil in the public school. She was born November 21, 1829, in Kentucky, the native state of her parents. The Allens came to Montgomery county in 1833, and settled in Brown township on the farm on which they died. Joseph Allen was a prominent democrat. He served as justice of the peace for years, was sheriff four years, and represented his friends in the state senate when the constitution of Indiana was revised. He also was a member of the state legislature for some time. He was a prominent Mason. He died January 29, 1871, and his wife followed May 1, 1875. She was a member of the Baptist church. Both were widely known and highly respected citizens. Mrs. Davis now resides in Crawfordsville with her four children: Isaac M., Joseph A, Mary I., and Charles E. An infant, and Jacob F. (three years old), deceased. The children were born in Crawfordsville. Isaac M. was born December 31, 1853. He was educated at Wabash College, and from 1874 to 1875 he read law with White and Cowan. In 1876 he graduated from the law department of the Iowa State University, and the same year settled in Crawfordsville for the practice of his profession. He was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1876, and was the first to be admitted to practice in the new court-house of this city. He has remained alone in his practice and occupies the office in No. 16 Binford’s block.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.


Bartholomew Demoret, farmer, North Union, born in Butler county, Ohio, October 15, 1832, was the son of Samuel B. and Rebecca (Bolsar) Demoret. His grandfather Demoret was a Frenchman. In 1845 the family came to Union township, where his father survives at the advanced age of eighty-three. Except two years that this subject lived in Brown, his home has been in this township since he arrived in the county. He is a republican, “red hot” as he terms his politics. His first marriage was with Mary Ann Whitenack, and occurred February 12, 1856. She was born February 18, 1836, and died November 5, 1864. Her four children were: James Franklin, born August 11, 1857; Samantha Ellen, born October 11, 1859; Samuel B., born March 30, 1861; Francona A., born September 20, 1862. On December 5, 1867, he was married to Phebe T. Eliza Clouse, who was born June 17, 1846. The children by this marriage have been: Sidney, born October 30, 1868; Andrew, born August 25, 1870; Casady, born October 26, 1872; Flora, born September 2, 1874, died November 5, 1874; Icey, born October 22, 1875, and Claud, born September 10, 1879. Mrs. Demoret belongs to the United Brethren church. Her grandfather, George W. Clouse, and Henry Ruffner, came here from Kentucky with Henry Liter.

History of Fountain County, Indiana
by H. W. Beckwith
Published by H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Chicago, in 1881
Montgomery County - Union Twp.