Mr. Hurst was born in Jefferson township, Putnam county, his father, Amos Hurst, having been a native of the same township. This family has been prominent in Putnam county since the days of the first settlers and from that period to the present no family here has borne a better reputation.
Amos Hurst became known as one of the leading educators of this locality, having taught school until he was thirty years old, then followed farming until his death, March 12, 1873, having spent his entire life in Putnam county. He took some interest in political affairs and he served at one time as assessor of Jefferson township. He married Frances E. Keller, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, from which state she came to Putnam county, Indiana, with her parents when a child. Her death occurred on August 29, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Amos Hurst were highly respected by all their neighbors for their upright and useful lives. They were the parents of five children, namely: Clement C., of this review; Clara A. is the wife of Oscar O. Lane, of Wichita, Kansas; Rowena E. is the wife of Charles E. Smith, of Greencastle; Josephine is the wife of Harvey S. Gardner, of Ladoga, Montgomery county, Indiana; Alpheus E. is living on the old home farm in Jefferson township.
The Hurst family is of English stock, the first representatives of this name having emigrated to America sis or seven generations ago. He came from England and located in Virginia. Clement C. Hurst's great-greatgrandfather, John Hurst, lived in Tennessee. The former's great-grandfather, Jesse Hurst, came to Putnam county, Indiana, about 1822. The grandfather, George Hurst, a native of Tennessee, came to Putnam county, in 1822, settling in Warren township, later removing to Jefferson township. George Hurst married Elizabeth Hibbs, a native of Jonesboro, Tennessee, having been married March 17, 1825. She came to Putnam county, Indiana, and here married George Hurst. Eleven children were born to them, Amos, father of Clement C., being the oldest. George Hurst died in April, 1865, at the age of sixty-six years, having been born in 1799. His wife was born in 1800 and died in 1890, being therefore ninety years of age. George Hurst was one of the early pioneers of Putnam county, he and his brother, David Hurst, having come here from Tennessee on horseback, and after looking over the land returned home and brought their families here.
Clement C. Hurst lived on the parental farm, which he worked in the summer months, attending the district schools in the winter until the age of twenty-two years, when he moved to Greencastle. He had previously attended school here, and took a course in DePauw University and became well educated. He was twenty-eight years old when he located permanently in 1823, settling in Warren township, later removing to Jefferson township, which he followed for two years, after which he came to Greencastle and served three years as deputy county recorder, then served three years as deputy auditor under George M. Block. He made an excellent record in these capacities, giving the utmost satisfaction. He then engaged in the fire insurance business, which he still continues, having built up quite an extensive patronage. In 1902 he was elected county auditor, serving four years. During his term in this office the new court house was built. He resumed his fire insurance business after his term of office expired. He still owns a farm and is engaged in stock raising.
Mr. Hurst was first married to Louella Walker in 1887. She was a native of Indianapolis, Indiana. No children were born to this union. Mrs. Hurst was called to her rest on October 11, 1896. On September 23, 1905, Mr. Hurst married Pauline Blake, of Greencastle, daughter of George E. and Lizzie Blake, a well known family here. This union is also without issue.
Daniel Hurst, second cousin of Clement C., was elected county recorder of Putnam county, in 1886, holding the same for eight years. He now lives in Shattuck, Oklahoma.
Mr. Hurst belongs to the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, and also belongs to the Masons. Politically he is a Democrat and has long taken an active interest in political affairs, as already intimated. His counsel has frequently been sought in local matters, and he was a delegate to the last national Democratic convention in 1908. He stands high in the councils of his party in the fifth district. For his public spirit, his deep concern in all that pertains to the welfare of his community and for his known scrupulous integrity, he is held in high favor by all classes.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN
DAVID J. SKELTON.
Among the leading farmers and public spirited citizens of Washington township is David J. Skelton, who was born April 16, 1873, on land in Putnam county, entered by his grandfather, William Skelton, shortly after this part of the state was opened for settlement. William Skelton came to this county in an early day and here married Mary Ann Jenkins, whose parents were also among the pioneers. He entered a quarter section of land in Washington township, and in due time cleared and improved a farm on which his death afterwards occurred at the age of fifty-four or fifty-six years, and which is still in the family name; his widow survived him a number of years, dying at the ripe old age of eighty-seven. Two sons of this worthy couple grew to maturity and are still living, Jeremiah, of Bowling Green, Clay county, and William, father of the subject of this sketch, one son dying in infancy; there were also two daughters, Almira, who married Philip Ward, and lived for a number of years on the homestead, dying some time ago at Terre Haute, and Mrs. Harriet Brotherton, who spent her entire life on the home place.
William Skelton. Jr., was born on the home farm in Washington township and at the age of twenty-two years married Nancy Tressner, whose father, Hiram Tressner, an early settler of the county, died at about the time the wedding of his daughter was solemnized. His widow subsequently removed to Coles county, Illinois, and thence to Missouri, here her death afterwards occurred. After his marriage William Skelton took possession of the homestead which he operated for several years, later deeding a part of the place to the sons, by whom it is still owned. In connection with farming, he did a thriving business for a number of years threshing grain, in which capacity he became widely known throughout the greater part of Putnam county. He early united with the Primitive Baptist church, in which he was made an elder while still a young man and later entered the ministry, to which holy calling he has devoted much of his time during the part of twenty-five years. For a period of fifteen years he served the congregation at Otter Creek and at a part of that time ministered to the Providence and Eel River churches, holding membership with the last named. He has also visited a number of other churches from time to time and is recognized as one of the strong and influential preachers of his denomination in the state of Indiana. Mrs. Skelton bore her husband thirteen children and departed this life on the 5th of May, 1906. Of the children seven are living at the present time, namely: George W., who owns a part of the home farm; David J., of this review; Clarence E., one of Putnam county's most successful teachers; Candace J., who married John Mace and lives in Washington township; Lemuel O., also a resident of Washington township and a farmer by occupation; Paul lives near Brazil in Clay county, this state, and Isaac, who farms part of the family homestead.
David J. Skelton was reared to agricultural pursuits and remained with his father until his twenty-second year, attending at intervals in the meantime the district schools and growing up to the full stature of well developed manhood and amply fitted to grapple with life and duty. On March 1, 1895, he was married to Martha Charlotte McElroy, daughter of Welcome R. and Mary (Barnett) McElroy, the union being terminated by the untimely death of the young wife within less than a year, she leaving a son, Glenn C., a bright and promising youth of fourteen years of age at this writing (1910). Later, September 1, 1898, Mr. Skelton married his present wife, whose maiden name was Lena Alice White, daughter of Ezekiel and Mary (Nugent) White, and whose birth occurred in Parke county, on October 8, 1872. Mrs. Skelton's father was a native of Pennsylvania, but when a young man came to Ohio, thence to Parke county, Indiana, where he married and reared a family of thirteen children and spent the remainder of his days, his wife surviving him and still living on the farm where he made his home for so many years.
Mr. Skelton, with his brothers George and Clarence, owned the homestead for several years, their father deeding it to them, but the subject afterwards sold out to George, and purchased his present farm, which was formerly owned by Harrison Elliott and to which he has since added three hundred to the original one hundred and twenty acres, making a fine farm of four hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, bell improved and under a high state of cultivation. The place, which is one of the best in the county, is adapted to agriculture and stock raising, to the latter of which Mr. Skelton devotes especial attention, being a successful breeder and raiser of high grade horses, mules, cattle and hogs. In addition to his beautiful home place, he owns the W. R. McElroy farm of forty-three acres, which formerly belonged to the father of his first wife and which with its fine buildings and other improvements adds very materially to his fortune.
As a farmer, Mr. Skelton easily ranks among the most enterprising and successful in Putnam county, being progressive in his methods and keeping fully abreast of the times on all matters relating to modern agriculture. He raises abundant crops of grain, vegetables, fruits, etc., and by a judicious system of rotation seldom if ever fails to realize liberal returns from his time and labor. His continued success indicates the possession of much more than ordinary ability and he is today not only one of the leading agriculturists and stockmen of his county, but also stands high as a business man and financier.
The Skelton home is a model of its kind and in many respects one of the most beautiful and desirable residences in Putnam county. Everything on the premises bears testimony to the care and attention of the proprietor and the deep interest he takes in the prosecution of his labors.
In political views Mr. Skelton is a Democrat and as such wields a strong influence for his party locally and throughout the county, being a judicious adviser in its councils and an influential worker in the ranks. At one time he was a candidate for the office of county commissioner. He is not an office seeker, however, preferring to work for his friends rather than aspire to public honors for himself. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge; although not identified with any religious organization, he is a regular attendant and liberal contributor to the Baptist church, with which his wife holds membership.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN
JOSEPH MOLER.
One of the well known residents of Clinton township is Joseph Moler, who was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, June 2, 1834. In 1853 he came to Indiana and has since made this state his place of abode. He is the son of John and Sarah (Colliver) Moler, the former born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, in the same vicinity as his son, Joseph. His parents were Pennsylvania Dutch who came to Kentucky about 1790, his father, Joseph Moler, having been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. In 1853 John Moler and family came to Putnam county, Indiana, locating in Clinton township on the land where Joseph Moler now resides. It was then only partly cleared and had a few rude buildings on it, and here the elder Moler lived, and died on November 3, 1866, at the age of sixty-one years, having been born November 30, 1805. His wife died in 1856, at the age of forty-seven years. She was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1809. Only one of their children was born in Indiana those to reach maturity were: Marr, who married Russell Allen, of Greencastle, and died in that city in 1873 or 1874; Joseph, of this review; Richard H., a farmer in Parke county, Indiana: Jeff. T., who lives in Louisiana, Missouri; Susan E., who married R. D. Hamilton and died when in middle life; Levi, who went to Missouri, where he died; Jemima, the wife of Mr. Hannah and living in Missouri; Presley C., a bachelor and still living on the old homestead; Emma J., who married Caleb Bratton, of Boone county, Indiana.
Joseph Moler was nineteen years old when he came to Indiana. He remained at home until he was twenty-five pears old, assisting in clearing the place. On November 1, 1859, he married Lucy P. Newgent, he being twenty-five and she eighteen; they had lived on adjoining farms for some time. A sketch of her father, Edward Newgent, appears elsewhere in this volume. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moler spent two years in Pulaski county, Indiana, then moved back to Putnam county on the farm of Mr. Moler's father, taking charge of part of it. In 1868 he rented and took charge of the entire farm of two hundred and forty acres. Later he bought the interests of others in the home place, owning eighty acres. He has made extensive improvements on his place, building a fine home in 1891, and he has good barns and devotes considerable time to stock raising, making grains also a specialty, feeding what grain the place produces. He has laid two hundred and fifty rods of tile. He is very successful as a general farmer. Mr. Moler is an independent thinker and keeps well posted on political and current events. He is no partisan and always votes for the men whom he deems to be the best qualified for the offices sought.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Moler, one of whom died when ten years of age. Levi Shelby Moler is a farmer in Clinton township, he was candidate for nomination as county clerk in 1910. Stella May married J. S. Brown, a farmer of Woonsocket, South Dakota.
On November 1, 1909, was celebrated Mr. and Mrs. Moler's fiftieth wedding anniversary, which was quite an event in the Moler family and greatly enjoyed by all who were fortunate enough to be present. The only anniversary guest who was also present at their marriage was John Newgent, cousin of Mrs. Moler, he having enjoyed the celebration after a half century lapse from the nuptial day almost as much as the elder1y couple themselves. Rev. Joseph Skeeters, now deceased, performed the marriage ceremony.
Fraternally Mr. Moler is a Mason and he takes a great interest in Masonry, endeavoring to live up to its wholesome teachings in his every day life.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN
JOHN W. ROBE.
The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of a community is a protracted and honorable residence in its midst. Mankind is generally fair and just in its judgments. An unusual event may sway it for a time, but when normal conditions are again restored a just judgment is certain to follow, true view eventually prevailing and then the accurate public judgment is inevitable. It is for this reason that a man is judged rather by what his neighbors think of him than anything he may have said or done. When a court desires to find out whether or not a witness is truthful, it asks what the person's reputation is for truth in the neighborhood in which he lives. The law correctly estimates that the judgment of the public is almost invariably infallible. Judged by this measure, John W. Robe, now a resident of the city of Greencastle and long one of the prominent and substantial citizens of Putnam county, must necessarily be a man of strictest integrity and unquestioned ability along his chosen lines of endeavor. His protracted residence here of nearly a half century has been an eminently honorable one, as is well established by the high regard in which he is held by all who have had occasion to know him.
Mr. Robe is a native of Morgan county, Indiana, having been born on August 21, 1843, the son of William and Nancy (St. John) Robe. The father formerly lived near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and came to Indiana in an early day, locating in Marion county, later moving to Morgan county. The mother, Nancy St. John, was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, being the representative of a prominent family, a cousin of Governor St. John, of Kansas. William Robe, a man of sterling qualities and excellent character, met death in a tragic manner, having been killed by members of the "Golden Circle," a well-known war-time organization, on May 21, 1863. He was prominent in Republican politics and took an active interest in public affairs.
It was in 1862 that John W. Robe came to Putnam county. He received an excellent primary education in the common schools and he took a course in Asbury (now DePauw) University, at Greencastle, where he made a splendid record for scholarship and from which institution he was graduated in the spring of 1868. Towards the latter part of the war of the Rebellion he gave vent to his patriotism and enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but was not permitted to share in many of the hard campaigns and fierce engagements that fell to the lot of some of his friends. He was honorably discharged and returned to Putnam county in 1864.
Deciding that his true inclinations were along legal lines, Mr. Robe took up the study of law and was duly admitted to the bar in 1869, but not taking so kindly to this vocation as he had anticipated, he abandoned the practice in 1870 and turned his attention to the freer and more wholesome life of the agriculturist which he has made his principal life work and in which he has been very successful, now owning one of the choice and most valuable of Putnam county farms, comprising six hundred acres, which he still operates and which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and improvement and which, under his skillful management, has for years yielded abundant harvests. He is also considered an authority on livestock and has kept his place well stocked with various kinds of excellent quality. He has long been prominently identified with the sheep industry of Putnam county, and is now president of the Putnam County Wool Growers' Association, having held this position for years. For twenty years he was secretary of the Indiana Wool Growers' Association, and at one time he was president of the Shorthorn Breeders' Association. As head of the Putnam County Wool Growers' Association Mr. Robe has endeared himself to the farmers of the county for his splendid work in their behalf, his labors in this direction having greatly benefited his farmer neighbors incalculably, and he is recognized as their special friend and champion. He was urged as a candidate for the state board of agriculture, but refused to make an active fight for the place. He has always been recognized throughout the state as a leading authority on agriculture. Mr. Robe was one of the organizers of the Central National Bank of Greencastle and a member of its first board of directors. He was one of a company of ten who erected the Central Bank block. Later he was a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Greencastle.
Mr. Robe has recently moved to Greencastle, w-here he has erected a beautiful, modern and attractive home in one of the choicest residence districts of the city.
Mr. Robe's domestic life began on October 5, 1870, when he married Sarah M. Stevenson, a lady of culture and refinement, the daughter of Dr. A. C. Stevenson, a prominent physician of this county during a past generation, a full sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Mrs. Robe has been a true partner and helpmeet in life, always performing her part and assuming her full share of responsibility. A woman of rare good judgment, she has always been a wise counselor, and to her Mr . Robe largely attributes his success in life. Like her father, Mrs. Robe has always been considerate of the rights of others, ever ready to do her part, and performing deeds of kindness where her hands find them to do.
Politically Mr. Robe is a loyal Republican, but he has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 11, Greencastle. He has always been interested in movements calculated to be of general good to the people of Putnam county and ready to lend any assistance in such movements as he could, and, being a man whose record is clean, he has both the confidence and respect of all classes.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN
JOHN F. SHONKWILER
This well known citizen of Clinton township has long been regarded as one of the model farmers of Putnam county, being a link between the days of the historic primitive past and the opulent present, for his long and useful life has been passed right here at home and he has been a very important factor in local affairs, doing his full share in the development of the community. John F. Shonkwiler was born in Clinton township, October 11, 1838, the son of Daniel and Ruth (Spurgeon) Shonkwiler. The father of the former was born on the Atlantic ocean while his parents were enroute from Germany to America. He grew up in America and married Elizabeth Grant, who died in Ohio. Daniel Shonkwiler. Jr., was born in Ohio, in 1821 and when a young man came to Indiana with his father and settled in Parke county, where they remained for two years, then bought one-half mile south of the farm now owned by John F., of this review; there they literally hewed out a farm from the woods and there the son lived until his death, about 1854 , dying when past eighty. He married Nancy Reed in Parke county, who survived him and made her home with her two sons, in Iowa, and died in that state. Daniel left three children in Ohio. The Shonkwiler family consisted of the following children: Simeon, David, Daniel, Adonas, Nathaniel, Nancy, Margaret, Julia. All the girls married and moved to the West, and all the sons except one went to Iowa or Illinois. Daniel remained in Indiana. He became owner of one-half of his father's place, but settled on an adjoining farm. When twenty-two years old he married, his wife, Ruth Spurgeon, being twenty-one, and they spent the rest of their lives on the farm now owned by Clay Magill. Daniel was a good farmer and owned in all two hundred and twenty-nine acres of land, clearing up most of it. He left the farm about 1834 and for a period of twelve years devoted his time to the ministry, being a circuit rider in the Methodist church in which work he did a great deal of good and became widely known. For several years he had preached locally; his duties took him into Illinois and over northwestern and western Indiana. During that period he organized many new churches. He was pastor of the home or northern circuit for one year, but much of his work was in Illinois. His health failing, he returned to the old farm, but continued to preach occasionally and after some years did supply work at or near Brazil and while serving that church experienced one of his most prosperous years. He held revivals, taking into the church over one hundred members, one of his delights was to conduct a camp meeting. This good and useful man died on the old homestead in August, 1887, at the age of sixty-six years, his wife having preceded him to the other world several years, and he had married again, his last wife being Miranda Thompson, widow, who survived him. No children were born of the last union. The first union resulted in the birth of five sons and two daughters, namely: John F., of this review; William went to Benton county, Indiana, when a young man; Jacob also lived in Benton county and died there ten years ago; Ferris spent his life in Clinton township, near Morton; Daniel moved to Parke county about ten years ago, locating near Rockville; Mary married Tilman Moore and died in Parke county; Malinda died at the age of four years.
When about fifteen years of age John F. Shonkwiler took charge of the old homestead and continued to conduct the same until his marriage, October 13, 1859, to Ruth Carmichael, daughter of John and Matilda (Spurgeon) Carmichael. When one year old her mother had come to this country with Moses Spurgeon, settling on an adjoining farm. John Carmichael was born on Lost River, Indiana, and when a young man came to Putnam county and married here and spent his life on the farm, which joins the old Shonkwiler place; there they both died, the father when about seventy-five years of age. The Carmichael farm is now owned by the son of John F. Shonkwiler - William. The old Moses Spurgeon farm, where he and his wife died, is now owned by Thomas Brothers.
After his marriage, John F. Shonkwiler remained on the old home place for a time, then moved to a farm in this vicinity. Seven years ago he went to Belmore and remained two years, coming to his present farm five years ago. He has erected excellent buildings on the same and has a well improved and valuable place, desirable from every viewpoint. It joins his grandfather's old place on the north, and consists of ninety acres, and he also owns twenty-five acres of the old Carmichael farm and has two hundred and ninety-six acres two miles south of the ninety. He is doing wel1 with his diversified farming and stock raising, making this his main business.
Mr. Shonkwiler has always been a Republican and at one time was a candidate for county commissioner. His family consists of the following children, four sons and three daughters: Daniel lives on his father's old homestead and was a minister in the United Brethren church in Indiana and Illinois for nine years; William lives on the old Carmichael farm; John also lives on a part of the old Shonkwiler farm; Oliver is farming in Madison township; Jane is single and living at home; Amanda married William Boswell and lives in Parke county; Mary married George Cricks, of Clinton township.
The father of these children is a member of the United Brethren church, but was a Methodist early in life; he is one of the loyal supporters of the Beech Grove church, Putnam county.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN
WARREN PICKENS.
The names of those men who have distinguished themselves through the possession of those qualities which daily contribute to the success of private life and to the public stability and who have enjoyed the confidence and respect of those about them should not be permitted to perish. Such a one is Warren Pickens, whose name needs no introduction to the readers of this work, for not only does he enjoy a wide acquaintance in Putnam county, but the sterling qualities which characterize him have brought to him the honor and esteem of all who know him.
Warren Pickens is a native son of the county in which he lives, having been born in Jefferson township in 1846. He is the son of James and Matilda (Rogers) Pickens. James Pickens, who was born in 1804, was the son of James Pickens, Sr., and was a native of Harrison county, Kentucky. Matilda Rogers was born in 1811 and was the daughter of Col. George and Elizabeth (White) Rogers, of Boone county, Kentucky. In that county James Pickens and Matilda Rogers were married and for a few years they followed farming there. Seven children were born to them, namely: Two daughters that died in infancy; James B., now a resident of Elwood, Indiana; Samuel was a member of Company I, Twenty-seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died in the service in 1864; Warren is the immediate subject of this sketch; Emily J., who died in 1890, was the wife of John M. Scott; Mary C. resides in Cloverdale. James Pickens and wife came to Cloverdale township, Putnam county, in 1835, at which date the country was wild and unsettled, their nearest neighbor being distant a mile and a half and the land being mostly covered with a dense growth of the native timber, in which roamed wolves, panthers and other wild game. Here Mr. Pickens entered a tract of government land, three miles east of Cloverdale, and bought other land, so that his total holdings amounted to one hundred and sixty acres. A few years later, not later than 1840, he entered another tract of government land in Jefferson township, this county, and also bought adjoining land, making one hundred and sixty acres in that tract also. On this latter place there was a water-power mill, which became known far and near as Pickens' Mill, and which was operated with considerable success until 1850. The elder Pickens lived on this farm until 1870, when he moved to Cloverdale, where he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring November 1, 1889. His wife died on July 31, 1883.
Warren Pickens was reared on the home farm and received his early education in the county schools of that period, being compelled the most of the time to walk two miles to the school, which was, in comparison to the schools of today, somewhat primitive in methods and equipment. A little later he began teaching school during the winter months, applying himself to farm work in summer, this arrangement continuing for five or six years. During much of this time he also taught writing school in the evenings. In those days his wages averaged two dollars or less a day, and the day's work was long and he was compelled to perform all the janitor service; besides this he always found an abundance of farm chores to do at home out of school hours. In the spring of 1869 Mr. Pickens commenced farming on his own account on the place where his father had first settled, three miles east of Cloverdale, and as the farm had been rented out for a number of years it was in bad shape when he took hold of it. However, he made all the needed improvements and continued to successfully operate it during the following ten years. His wife dying, Mr. Pickens gave up housekeeping and moved to Cloverdale, where he engaged in handling livestock for four or five years, being during the following three and a half years engaged in the butchering business. He is still residing in Cloverdale, where he has a pleasant home surrounded with four acres of land, and he continues the operation of his farm, though not himself actively engaged in work, being now able to enjoy the fruits of his former efforts. However, he will never "rust out," for he is not the kind of a man who can sit idly by and do nothing, but he is always occupied with something. One of his favorite diversions is fishing, at which he is an expert, and few followers of Izaak Walton are more enthusiastic or successful than he.
In 1868 Mr. Pickens was united in marriage to Hester M. Collins, the daughter of Whitfield and Mary A. Collins, and they became the parents of two children, Alva K. and Oris E., the former having died at the age of seven years. Oris, who lives on the home farm, three miles east of Cloverdale, married Myrtle Watson, the daughter of James M. and Malissa Watson, and they have four children, Clara, Arthur E., Mary Chloe and Warren. Mrs. Hester Pickens died in 1878 and in 1886 Mr. Pickens married Mary E. Pottorff, the daughter of Thomas and Ann Elizabeth (Hilton) Pottorff. Her paternal grandfather was a native of Germany and his wife was a native of Ireland.
Fraternally Mr. Pickens is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a member of the encampment of that order until it was dissolved and the charter surrendered. Politically he is a strong Republican and, though living in a Democratic stronghold, he came very near election as trustee. He is not, however, a seeker after office, though he takes an intelligent interest in local public affairs. Mrs. Pickens is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are widely known and both are highly esteemed by all who know them.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN
EVAN CLINE.
Among the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Putnam county, Indiana, none stands higher in public regard than does the gentleman whose name appears at the head of these paragraphs and who is engaged in the operation of a splendid and well cultivated farm in Cloverdale township. Mr. Cline was born February 15, 1852, in this township and is a son of Peter and Mary (Carmack) Cline. The paternal grandparents were Jacob and Barbara Cline. The Cline family came originally from Germany, three brothers coming together, one settling in Pennsylvania and another, Jacob, locating in the eastern part of Tennessee. Later he moved to Kentucky, where because of a defective title, he lost his land and crops. During the early twenties, while Cloverdale township, Putnam county, was first being settled, Jacob Cline and family came here and located about two and a half miles west of where Cloverdale now is. They were in rather poor financial circumstances at that time, their cash capital amounting to but fifty cents. But they were determined to win a home and competence and went willfully to work to this end. Jacob Cline entered a tract of government land, which was covered with the primeval forest and to the task of clearing this land and rendering it fit for cultivation these hardy pioneers applied themselves. The first year they were unable to plant their own ground and walked back and forth three miles to a patch of cleared land which they rented and worked with hoes. They raised a fair crop of corn and other stuff and from that time forward they prospered in their labors and eventually developed the place into one of the best farmsteads in the community. There Jacob Cline spent the remainder of his years and reared his children, his death occurring in the late forties. He was twice married and was the father of the following children: Sarah C., born June 22,. 1790; William, born July 11, 1792; Samuel, born August 26, 1794; Jacob, July 18, 1797; James, born August 18, 1799; Nancy, born November 8, 1805; Peggy, June 27, 1807; Nicholas, born March 17, 1809; Elizabeth, born March 11, 1811; Catharine, born March 28, 1813; Peter, born June 18, 1815; Daniel, born February 11, 1817; Anderson, born February 14, 1820.
Peter Cline, the subject's father, was but a young man when he accompanied the family to Indiana, and here he spent his remaining days. His son Evan was reared on the homestead in Cloverdale township and secured a good practical education in the district schools of the neighborhood. He has always followd the pursuit of agriculture and in this line he has achieved a definite measure of success. He has been conducting operations on his own account since about 1878, having started on forty acres of land located in the west part of the township. To this he has added by purchase from time to time until now he is the owner of two hundred and ten acres. In 1853 he bought one hundred and nine acres where he now lives, to which he added an eighty acre tract adjoining, having sold his original forty acres. Mrs. Cline also owns twenty acres of land adjoining. In connection with the tilling of the soil, Mr. Cline also gives considerable attention to the raising of livestock, in which he meets with gratifying success.
Mr. Cline married Margaret Coffman, and to them have been born the following children: Alva, Elmer, Cora, Rosa, Flora, Myrtle, Retha and Edna. Cora and Retha are engaged in teaching school, the former in Cloverdale township, this county, and the latter in Owen county, this state. In matters political Mr. Cline assumes an independent attitude, believing that, in local elections at least, the best men should be selected for public office, regardless of political affiliations. He is a member of the Horse-thief Detective Association. He gives his support to all worthy movements for the public good and. because of his sterling qualities, he enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN
WILLIAM S. BURRIS.
Among the progressive and enterprising fanners of Cloverdale township, Putnam county, Indiana, is numbered the well-known gentleman whose name appears as the caption of this sketch. A lifelong residence in this county has given him a wide acquaintance and wherever known he is held in the highest esteem because of his sterling personal qualities.
William S. Burris is a native son of Putnam county, his birth having occurred here on the 17th day of February, 1863. He is the son of James A. and Mary A. (Piercy) Burris. The father was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on a farm, and was a son of Hezekiah Burris. The Burris family is believed to have been of Scotch origin and in the members of the family are to be found those sturdy qualities which have characterized that race. James A. Burris came to Putnam county about 1858, being then in his young manhood, and shortly afterwards he married Mary A. Piercy, a daughter of John Piercy. He engaged in teaching school in Jefferson township, this county, and met with pronounced success in this calling for a number of years. During this period he was also engaged in agriculture, in which he was successful. He and his wife were the parents of four children, namely: John B., James C., William S. and Ella. John B. is mentioned elsewhere in this work. James C. died in the spring of 1886. William S. is the immediate subject of this sketch. Ella died in 1882, at the age of sixteen years. James A. Burris, the father of these children, died in July, 1869, at the age of thirty-four years; his widow is still living and resides in Cloverdale.
William S. Burris was reared under the parental roof in Jefferson township, and received his preliminary education in the public schools of the township. Subsequently he took a commercial course and also the teachers' course at the Central Normal College, at Danville, Indiana, and during the following two years he was engaged as a clerk in a store in Cloverdale. He was married in 1885 and at that time he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land located one mile south of Cloverdale, to the operation of which he devoted his energies until October, 1905. He followed a general line of fanning, raising all the crops common to this section of the country, also giving some attention to the raising of fine livestock, particularly Shorthorn cattle, Duroc hogs, Oxford Down sheep and Percheron horses, in all of which he was very successful. He was enabled to purchase more land from time to time until eventually he became the owner of seven hundred and thirty acres of splendid land, all in one tract, besides which he and his brother own one hundred and sixty acres jointly. On the 5th of October, 1905, Mr. Burris purchased a large, attractive and comfortable residence in Cloverdale, and has since resided there. In all his operations he showed himself to be a man of practical ideas and sound judgment and his success has been well earned.
On October 5. 1885, Mr. Burris was married to Margaret L. Horne, the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Horne, who were natives of North Carolina, but came to Indiana some years before the birth of their daughter, Mrs. Burris. To Mr. and Mrs. Burris have been born four children, namely: Garnet K., Maude M., Dorothy E. and Marjorie E., the latter dying December 20, 1899, at the age of two years and seven months. The three older children are still at home with their parents.
Politically, Mr. Burris renders a stanch adherence to the Democratic party, in the success of which he is deeply interested, though he does not take an active part in public affairs, preferring to devote himself to his own business affairs. However, he was, in December, 1895, elected county commissioner, serving in this capacity six years and one month, and giving the county efficient and appreciated service. In every sphere in which he has exerted himself, Mr. Burris has performed his full part and his efforts have been rewarded with a due meed of success. He is an ardent supporter of all improvements having for their object the advancement of the best interests of the community and is numbered among its leading citizens.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN
The representative farmer and enterprising citizen of whom the biographer writes in this connection belongs to one of the old and well known families of Putnam county and it is a compliment honorably earned to ascribe to him a prominent place among the leading men of the community in which he resides. Edmund Huffman, father of the subject, was a native of Nelson county, Kentucky, where his birth occurred on the 6th day of August, 1824, being a son of Peter and Cynthia Huffman, who about the year 1836 moved from that state to Putnam county, Indiana, and settled in Washington township. Eclmund married, April 5, 1849, Louisa Ann Rightsell, who was born August 9, 1830, the union resulting in the birth of twelve children, namely: James Robert, Maria E., Cephas, Douglass, Ivan, Daniel V., Lucretia A., General Jackson, Charles H., Margaret and Greeley R., of whom Cephas and Daniel V. died in early life, the others growing to mature years.
Edmund Huffman began life for himself as a tiller of the soil and was only sixteen years old when he left home to make his own way in the world. He worked for some time as a farm hand at five dollars per month, which he very generously turned over to his father, but after his marriage set up his domestic establishment on seventy acres of land in Washington township, which he purchased about that time and on which he continued to reside until about 1866, when he removed to the farm one mile south of Reelsville, where he made his home during the twelve or fifteen years ensuing.
In many respects Edmund Huffman was much more than an ordinary man. Owing to his limited advantages in youth, his education was entirely neglected and it is said that he did not learn to read and write until after his marriage. Notwithstanding this early neglect, he afterwards made the most of his opportunities and not only mastered the fundamental branches as taught in the subscription schools of his day, but developed extraordinary business capacity, as is indicated by the fact of his having acquired a large fortune, much of which consisted of real estate, owning at one time fifteen hundred acres of the finest land in Putnam county. He was a staunch Democrat, but not a politician, always kept abreast of the times on the leading public questions of the day and his opinions carried weight and commanded respect among his fellowmen. In 1898 he left his farm and removed to Reelsville, where he built a large modern residence in which he spent the remainder of his life in honorable retirement, and in which his death occurred on the 16th day of September, 1900. Mrs. Huffman did not long survive her husband, dying December 7th of the same year, a little less than three months after his decease.
As indicated in a preceding paragraph, much of the wealth accumulated by Mr. Huffman consisted of land which he had carefully selected with an eye to its future value. Two years previous to his removal to Reelsville he divided his holdings among his children, giving to each a good farm, retaining for himself sufficient means to enable himself and wife to spend the residue of their lives in comfort and quietude. In all of his business relations he was the soul of honor and his influence was ever exerted for the good of his fellowmen. His career affords a striking illustration of what intelligence, sound judgment and tact can accomplish in gaining success in face of opposing circumstances and his example may be profitably imitated by the young man whose life work is yet to be accomplished.
Jack Huffman, whose name appears at the head of this article, was born September 6, 1865, on the farm in Washington township which he now owns and his life thus far has been spent within the geographical limits of his native county. Reared to habits of industry, he early laid broad and deep the foundation for his future course of action and from his youth, being animated by a laudable ambition to become something more than a mere passive factor in the affairs of men, he has builded wisely and well and is today a man of progressive ideas and a leading citizen of the township in which he resides. While still a young man he took charge of the home farm, consisting of three hundred acres, and managed the same for his father until 1896. Upon the division of the latter's estate, there fell to him as his share three hundred and ten acres on which he has since lived and prospered. Two years later he erected the fine modern dwelling which the family now occupies and since then has made a number of improvements, thus adding greatly to the appearance and value of the farm, which at this time is one of the finest in the county, surpassed by few in this part of the state.
Mr. Huffman is progressive in his tendencies and cultivates the soil according to the most approved methods in this latitude, realizing bountiful returns from the time and labor expended on his fields. Like the majority of enterprising agriculturists, he devotes considerable attention to livestock, being a successful breeder of fine cattle and hogs, the grade of hogs raised on his place being in great demand throughout the central part of the state. By continuous experimenting he has succeeded in developing a breed of hogs that are pronounced absolutely cholera proof and for these there is also a large demand, much larger than he can possibly supply. Mr. Huffman has found it just as easy and far more profitable to raise thoroughbred livestock than the common inferior breeds and as a result he makes his own prices and never fails to receive them. His example in this respect has done much to induce the farmers of his vicinity to improve their breeds of domestic animals, and he is also free with his counsel and advice, which his neighbors have found of great practical value.
Mr. Huffman's financial success has been commensurate with the energy and ability which he displayed in the management of his affairs, and he is now independent, being among the solid men of his township and county as well as a public spirited citizen who manifests a lively interest in all that concerns the material and moral good of his fellow men.
On August 2, 1896, Mr. Huffman was united in marriage with Bessie Plummer, daughter of J. C. and Luellin (Shoptough) Plummer, of Washington township (see sketch of J. C. Plummer), the union being blessed with two children, Jackson Reese and Olive Lee. Mrs. Huffman is a native of Putnam county, born and reared in Washington township, and was twenty-four years of age when she was married to Mr. Huffman. She is a lady of intelligence and sterling worth, presides with gentle grace over her household and has nobly seconded her husband in all of his efforts to rise in the world. Mr. Huffman has kept out of politics and gives his support to the candidates best qualified for the offices to which they aspire, regardless of party dictation or influence. He enjoys in a marked degree the esteem of his neighbors and friends and is a true type of the enterprising, up-to-date farmer, representative citizen and intelligent, high-minded courteous gentleman whom to know is to esteem and honor.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN
LUNA W. SELLER.
In studying the interesting life histories of many of the better class of men, and the ones of unquestioned merit and honor, it will be found that they have been compelled, very largely, to map out their own career and furnish their own motive force in scaling the heights of success and it is such a one that the biographer is pleased to n rite of in the following paragraphs.
Luna W. Seller, whose fine farm is located in Jefferson township, Putnam county, Indiana, was born in the city of Greencastle, this county, on the 21st day of December, 1868. He is the son of Theophilus and Myra (Crawford) Seller. Theophilus Seller was born in Greencastle, January 21, 1827, the son of John F. and Rebecca (Sellers) Seller.
John F. Seller, one of the first settlers of Putnam county, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, February 22, 1791. In early life he removed to Garrard county, Kentucky, where he married Rebecca Sellers July 24, 1817. She was a native of Garrard county, born November 12, 1797. In 1822 he came with his family to Putnam county, Indiana, and settled on section 27, Greencastle township, later removing to section 21 of that township. John F. and Rebecca Seller had twelve children, of which Theophilus, father of the subject, was the fifth in order of birth. The others were: Delorians, born January 12, 1819; James W. P., born December 4, 1820; Milton H., born November 12, 1822; Columbus D., born October 11, 1824, and died October 4, 1853; Bainbridge B., born August 18, 1828, and died August 11, 1829; Louisa J., born February 13, 1830, and died August 25, 1846; John F., born September 28, 1831, and died September 27, 1858; Rebecca Ann, born July 20, 1833, and died May 11, 1843; Western W., born April 9, 1835; Elizabeth H., born February 1, 1838, and died May 17, 1843; Tabitha C., born May 6, 1840, and Theophilus Seller, who became a physician and was well-known as a highly respected citizen. He died September 6, 1871.
The subject's mother was born in 1838 in Hendricks county, Indiana, and was the daughter of Moses and Melinda (Churchman) Crawford. Theophilus Seller received a good preliminary education and then studied medicine. He followed the active practice of his profession for a time, but finding that line of work detrimental to his health he gave up his professional work and thereafter applied himself to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1871. Sometime after his death, his widow married Wallace Johnstone, by whom she has a daughter, Minnie, the wife of Robert C. Schell, of St. Louis, where she now resides with them. To Theophilus and Myra Seller were born three children, Walter, Jennie and Luna. Walter is engaged in the grocery business in Greencastle, Jennie is the wife of William Randel, of Greencastle.
Luna W. Seller was reared by his parents and received his education in the public schools of Greencastle, also attending an academy in that city. After completing his education, he devoted himself to farming, with which he has been identified continuously since. In 1889 he located on the farm in section 15, Jefferson township, where he now resides. He had formerly owned one hundred and ten acres of the old home farm, but now his holdings in section 15 amount to one hundred and ninety acres, nearly all of which is under a high state of cultivation and yielding bountiful crops. Mr. Seller carries on general farming, raising all the crops common to this section of the country. He has also given some attention to the raising of live stock, with considerable success. In 1893 Mr. Seller built a substantial and attractive residence and the property is otherwise highly improved, its appearance reflecting credit on the owner.
On May 7, 1893, Mr. Seller married Nettie, the daughter of Francis M. and Sarah E. (Sandy) Allee, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. To this union has been born a son, Hubert, who is now a student in the high school at Greencastle.
Politically Mr. Seller is a Republican, while his religious affiliation is with the New Providence Baptist church. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, holding membership in the subordinate lodge at Belle Union. He is a man of splendid personal qualities and is public spirited in his attitude toward all movements for the advancement of the best interests of the community. Because of his genuine worth he enjoys the esteem of all who know him.
"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910
B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN