Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Judge W. B. Laughlin built the first gristmill in the county, in 1821. It was south of where the town of Rushville stands, on the land now owned by Aaron Frazee; the dam was where the south bridge now crosses Flat Rock. This was a great convenience to the pioneers of this county, as they had to go heretofore to Connersville to do their milling. But some two years later a season of unprecedented amount and fatality of, sickness devastated the young town of Rushville. The citizens excited and alarmed attributed this to the damming of Flat Rock, and considering it their right and duty to abate the fatal nuisance, rose en masse and destroyed the dam. But this did not materially lessen the malarious elements generated by the exposure of a damp soil teeming with decaying vegetable matter to the direct rays of the sun. At this time Jehu Perkins had a distillery on his farm and a horsepower tread mill for the grinding of corn. Some years later he built a mill on Little Flat Rock, near where the Pleasant Run Baptist Church now stands. William Robinson built a steam mill on the farm now owned by Abijah Hunt; these were in what is now Noble Township At an early day John Woods put up a mill at Moscow, built of round logs, he also had a still-house there, as had Joseph Owens. These with their old fashion copper stills amply supplied the spirituous wants of this, then notorious, town, and its vicinity. Robert Hill built a sawmill in 1827, and one year later a gristmill, at the place now known as Carthage. Dayton Holloway built the next mill in that neighborhood.

In Union Township John Smelser built the first gristmill in 1822 or 23 on Flat Rock, which was for very many years the best and most popular mill in the county. A few years later he erected a large distillery at the same point, and also a sawmill. But Peter Shafer erected the first sawmill in this township, on Ben Davis' or Mahoning Creek, on land now belonging to George Gray, south of J. W. Looney's farm. Some years later Jonathan Bishop built a sawmill on the land now owned by Marshall Blacklidge, and a Mr. Lewis put up grist and saw mill on land now owned by Mrs. Emily Coleman and Reuben Roland put up a gristmill on the farm belonging to the Hon, A. M. Kennedy. These were all on the same Stream.

George Nipp erected a sawmill on Flat Rock at an early day on land now the property of Purnell Bishop. Some years later Adam Ammon put up a grist and saw mill, which is now known as Nipp's Mill. A Mr. Carr had a mill also on Flat Rock a mile above Raleigh. In Posey Township Jacob Reed built the first mill, and soon after Jonathan Ball built a grist and saw mill. These were the mills that were sufficient to supply the wants of the early settlers, but as the county became cleared up and its resources developed there was a demand for larger and better mills and factories of various kinds, which have now been abundantly supplied.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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George Brown Elstun was born near Milroy, December 28th, 1823, son of Eli J. and Anna (Brown) Elstun. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. In 1844 he began teaching school and continued the same until 1847, which he began clerking for Dr. R. Robbins, of Milroy. In 1852 he purchased a general merchandise stock and began business for himself in Milroy. He has been successful, and is one of the most enterprising men the town has ever had. His marriage occurred in 1850, to Miss Priscilla Hill, a native of this county. Mr. Elstun is the father of three children, viz: Olive A, Horace H, and Marion E. He is a Republican and a member of F. & A. M.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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George L. Keisling, farmer, was born in Decatur County, Indiana, May 3, 1828, son of William and Ludicy (Smith) Keisling, and is of German and English lineage. His father, a native of Virginia, was born 1802, and died in Decatur County, Indiana, in 1885. His mother, a native of the same county, was born in 1801, and died in Decatur County, Indiana in 1873. The grandfather of our subject was George Keisling, who died in Virginia. The Keisling family came to Indiana in 1829, first settling in Shelby County, Indiana where they remained until 1831, and then removed to Decatur County. Mr. Keisling came to Rush County in the fall of 1850 and in 1855 settled on his present farm, which consists of 360 acres of fine land. The marriage of our subject occurred November 1850, to Miss Mary Miller, a native of this county, born May 1829, daughter of Michael and Sarah Miller. They have five children, viz: Sarah L, Leonidas W, William M, Calista J, and Mary. He is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Keisling is a Representative farmer and an honorable man.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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George W. Rowe, editor Milroy Weekly News, was born in Boone County, Indiana, January 1, 1855, son of Elias and Sidney (Gochenour) Rowe. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother was by birth a Virginian. Her death occurred in Boone County, Indiana, in 1855. Our subject was reared on the farm, where he remained until seventeen years of age. He received a good education and in 1872, began teaching school which he continued fifteen years. January 1, 1887, he began publishing the Milroy Times and the following July he changed the name to Milroy News, and this now continues. Mr. Rowe was married December 28, 1876, to Miss Izorz Bell, of Boone County, Indiana. They are the parents of two children, Viz: Arlie, and Olive. Mr. Rowe is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, made such in 1886, and is politically a Republican. He is a popular and enterprising gentleman, and deserves the patronage of the entire community. Mr. And Mrs. Rowe are members of the Christian Church.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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George S. Jones the eldest son of William P. and Sarah Jones, was born near the town of Jonesville, in Lee County, Va., June 12, 1840. His boyhood was spent on the farm, and attended a select school during the winter. By occupation his father was a carpenter, and George S. assisted him in that vocation for several years. The subject of this biography is the possessor of a good common school education, and at the age of eighteen years began teaching in the public schools of Kentucky, and three years thereafter came to Shelby County, Indiana, and continued the profession of a teacher until 1863, when he enlisted in Company 1, Seventh Indiana Cavalry. February 22, 1864, he was wounded at the battle of Okoloma, Mississippi, and was captured by the enemy and confined in the prison at Andersonville, from which he made his escape one year afterward and was honorably discharged from the service June 13, 1865, and then returned to Shelby County and resumed his former occupation. As a teacher, he attained more than ordinary success, and has been connected with some of the best schools of this part of Indiana. During his residence at Fairland, in Shelby County, he founded the Fairland Bulletin, which he continued for three years, and then removed the paper to Shelbyville and changed its name to the Shelby Volunteer, now known as the Shelby Times, and continued his newspaper work for three years, where he again took up the profession of school teaching and later was appointed to a position in the United States Pension Office. The Political sentiments of Mr. Jones are that of an earnest and never tiring Democrat, and in 1886, was the nominee of his party for Congress, of the Sixth Congressional Distric. Mr. Jones is a man of fine social qualities, and his political popularity was fully attested by the fact that he ran several hundred votes ahead of his ticket. In 1870 Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia Ann, daughter of Andrew J. and Catharine J. Cherry, and to them were born the following: Andrew, born October 8, 1871, and Thomas Hendricks, born November 27, 1876. Mr. Jones is a Mason, and Odd Fellow, and a member of the G. A. R.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Hon. Archibald M. Kennedy (Photo) was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, August 25, 1818. His father, John Kennedy, was a native of the same state, born in 1780 and died in Missouri in 1863. The mother was born in 1788 and died in 1870. In 1825 the Kennedy family emigrated to Indiana, locating in Fayette County, where they remained until 1834, when they came to Rush County. Nine years later the parents moved to Missouri. Our subject was the sixth in a family of ten children, of whom but three are now living. In 1839 he returned to Fayette County, whence, in 1853, he went to Wabash County and resided four years. He then came back to his old home and in 1864 moved to Rush County where he has continued to reside ever since. His home farm near the city of Rushville consists of 247 acres of fine land. In 1841 he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a period of twelve years. At the end of that time he began bridge building, a business he carried on extensively in this State and Ohio. He is self-educated man, and well informed. His good fortune in life has been his untiring energy and close application to business. He was reared in the Old Democratic school of politics, but since the inception of the Republican party has been one of its ardent supporters, and was for years a leader in local politics. During his residence in Jennings Township, Fayette County, he was three times Trustee. In 1870, he was chosen to represent Rush County in the General Assembly, and in 1876 was Joint Representative for the Counties of Rush, Ripley and Decatur. In 1886 he was elected Senator from the Counties of Rush and Hancock. He was strongly advocated for Member of Congress before the convention of his party, held at North Vernon in 1874. His marriage with Henrietta Langston took place in 1841. She was born in Union County, Indiana, October 10, 1820, and died February 24, 1883. To this union were born these children: Mary J., 1842, John B., 1844, Emmett, 1848; Emily F, 1850; Charles F, 1853. In 1885 he was married to Miss Laura M. Riley of Boone County, Kentucky who was born May 25, 1848. Mr. Kennedy is one of the representative men to Rush County, a recognized leader in public enterprises and a citizen of high character. His likeness, which can be seen on another page, is a portrayal of many of those sterling qualities so requisite to eminent success in life. He is a member of the Baptist Church, of the old school.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Jacob Dewey was a squatter on the fraction north of the Alger cemetery, in early days. He was a rich study. He was as poor as a man could be, but always happy, always cheerful, always patient under the sharp and often well-merited reproaches of his better half, who would expatiate on his indolence, improvidence and recklessness in language more pointed than polite. He came from Fayette County, but what spot claimed the honor of his birth I know not, but presume he was a Yankee from the consummate skill displayed in the working of a bovine team. A pair of bulls was his most valuable and, indeed, almost his only worldly possession. With these he rolled the logs in the clearings, or with a rude sled hauled the rails for the fences of his neighbors, and thus eked out a livelihood, mainly obtained by his dog and gun, for he was a skilled hunter. He was a wild looking fellow, scarcely ever wearing anything to cover his long, tangled tawny locks except a fox-skin cap, with its pendant tail behind, with his buckskin breeches rolled up to his knees, and his shirt sleeves rolled up above his elbows. The furniture of his cabin was scanty and of the rudest description fashioned by himself with axe, auger and drawing knife. The walls were ornamented with the skins of wild animals shot or trapped by him; but the ornament was the skin of a tremendous yellow rattlesnake, with eighteen or twenty rattles, so well stuffed with moss that it represented the terrible reptile with startling effect. By the side of it hung the head and claw of a bald eagle. But what ever might be the poverty of his surroundings; his table was always bountifully supplied with the best of venison, wild turkey, etc. He did considerable work for Mr. John Arnold, who was much amused and interested by the quaint sayings and doings of this child of the forest. Early one spring he was hauling and rolling logs for him in the creek bottom, and having run his handspike under a large log, then passed his arm under it to draw the chain through, when he exclaimed that there was ice under there, and as soon as it was rolled over, lo! There lay three large moccasin snakes, whose cold bodies he had mistaken for ice. Fortunately for him there had not been sufficient heat to arouse them from there winter torpor, and it was this that enabled him to pass his naked arm over those vicious reptiles with impunity. Under his rough, unpolished and sometimes reckless manners, was concealed a generous and a manly heart. He was ever ready to assist any one sick or in distress to the utmost of his power. He possessed a large share of that friendly fraternal feeling so common among the early settlers, and the loss of which we hear so frequently bewailed by the hoary headed patriarchs, who enjoyed its pleasant warmth in their youth, and now contrast it with the cold selfishness of the present generation. When John Harlock was killed by the fall of a tree, he was among the first and most earnest to offer his services to do anything that was in his power for the distressed family. Mr. Harlock had a large lot of hogs, which, like all others running in the woods, had become almost as wild and savage as the natural denizens of the forest. These Dewey spent several days in hunting up and driving home prior to the sale, and it was about as disagreeable a job as can be imagined, and when asked his charge felt and expressed great indignation that any one should think him mean enough to take pay from a poor widow for a few day's work. In the bosom of this uncultivated backwoodsman flowed as true a spirit of chivalry as ever animated the lofty paladins of the court of Charlemagne. Dewey lived in this neighborhood some three or four years, until it became too crowded to suit his taste, when he pushed farther west, where the clearings were not so numerous and the game more abundant. He seemed to have no desire to own land and make himself a permanent home, and he doubtless lived and died a very poor but happy man.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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James Kiser is a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky., born November 18, 1821. His parents were Joseph and Rebecca Kiser, natives of Kentucky, who immigrated to this State about fifty six years ago, and settled in the southern part of Union Township. James was then a small boy, and assisted his parents in developing a home in the wilderness. Being reared on a farm, he adopted farming as a life occupation, and now is one of the successful farmers of the county. In 1844, he was married to Jane Smelser, daughter of John and Abigail Smelser who were among the pioneer settlers of Rush County. Mrs. Kiser was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky. This union has been blessed with twelve children of whom seven are living, namely: Joseph, Sarah, George, James, Emma, Albert, and Corry. Mrs. Kiser, a loving wife and mother, was called away on August 7, 1887. For about thirty-three years he has resided where he now lives, and has made the most of the improvements. His residence is one of the best in the vicinity, and his farm is under a high state of cultivation. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, but has never sought political honors. He is a citizen of integrity and honor, and was always ready to assist a public enterprise of benefit to the community.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Joshua Moore, a native –born citizen of Ripley Township, and an esteemed pioneer citizen of Rush County, was born in the same house he at present occupies, December 2, 1826. He was the son of Samuel and Rebecca T. (White) Moore, both of whom were natives of Perquimans County, N.C., the former of English and Irish, and the latter of English descent. He was reared upon the old homestead where he was born, and at the age of twenty-two he began to learn the trade of blacksmith. He served as an apprentice in a shop on the present site of the village of Mooresville, Hancock County, for four years, by which time he had a good knowledge of the trade. In the meantime he had become the partner of the man with whom he served his apprenticeship, and finally, at the end of the fourth year, he became the sole owner of the shop and assumed the full responsibility of discharging the duties of village blacksmith. He continued to devote his whole attention to his trade for a period of twenty – five years, and his labors in that connection were entirely performed in the self-same little village of Mooresville, which had naturally taken the name of its most conspicuous citizen, Mr. Moore. In the meantime, on the 2nd of April 1857, he was married to Miss Mary Bufkin, who is a native of Cadiz, Henry County, this State, born June 5, 1837. She was the daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Kinnick) Bufkin, who were natives of Ohio, and Maryland, respectively. In August, 1837, Mr. And Mrs. Moore settled upon the old Moore homestead, in Ripley Township, which was the birth place and boyhood home of the former. Since then the attention of Mr. Moore has been given to farming. He and wife have had four children, as follows: Lanora A., and a twin sister who were born April 28, 1858, the latter died unnamed, and the former died September 15, 1858. Their third child is Lindley Murray, born June 30, 1861, and the fourth is Emma Annie born April 20, 1865. Mr. And Mrs. Moore and both son and daughter, are members of the Friends Church. In politics Mr. Moore is a Prohibitionist.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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William Sharp was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, June 12, 1827, and is the son of Archibald and Elenor (McClure) Sharp. The father of our subject was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, in 1802, and died in Rush County, Indiana in 1833. His mother was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, in 1801, and died in Starke County, Indiana, in 1868. The subject of this sketch came to Rush County, Indiana in 1832 and settled in what is now Anderson Township. Mr. Sharp was raised on the farm and attended the early schools of the county. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he continued a short time, and in 1850 he settled on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Sharp was married July 17, 1851, to Miss Clementine Henderson, who was born in Kentucky, December 25, 1831. Mr. And Mr. Sharp are the parents of six living children, viz: Gustus E., Sarah A., James N., Josephine, William W., and Frank. The death of Mrs. Sharp occurred January 24, 1883. Politically, Mr. Sharp is a Republican and is highly esteemed by all who know him. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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James R. Davis is a native of Rush County, Indiana, born August 4, 1849, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Henry) David, and is the youngest of four children, three of whom are yet living. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm and educated at the public schools, and what was then known as Richland Academy in this county. In 1870 he engaged in the tile business in Decatur and continued for three years, when he returned to this county and engaged in farming his brother's farm in Anderson Township. In 1875 he purchased the farm he now owns and which is situated near Milroy. There he continued to reside until 1882, when he removed to Milroy and engaged in the hotel and livery business; the former he continued three years and is yet engaged in the latter. In 1873, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Pullen, who died November 1, 1885; and December 7, 1886 he was married to Miss Cora B. Spradling, a native of Franklin County, Indiana, born 1866. Mr. David is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Grant. Mr. And Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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William A Blair, Trustee of Anderson Township, was born in Adams County, Ohio, April 15th, 1832, being the eldest in a family of twelve children, born to William L. and Catherine E. (STEEN) Blair, the former a native of Middle Tennessee, born in 1803, and died in 1870; the latter born in Ohio in 1811 and died in 1877. They were members of the Presbyterian Church and were true Christian people. Our subject received a limited education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age, working at the carpenter trade in connection with farming. In August 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in active service until the following winter, when his health failed and he was sent to the hospital in Gallipolis, where he remained five months. He was honorably discharged in October 1863, and the same year located in Delaware County, Indiana, where he engaged in the undertaking business and later worked in the school furniture factory at Richmond, Indiana. In June 1883, he came to Milroy, where he engaged in the hard ware business, and has won the respect and confidence of all who know him. Mr. Blair is an ardent Republican and in 1886, was elected Township Trustee by that party. The marriage of Mr. Blair was solemnized April 12th, 1854 to Miss Mary E. BLOOM, a native of Adams County, Indiana, and daughter of John and Jane BLOOM, natives of Ohio. Mrs. BLAIR died in 1855, and our subject was again married, Miss Sarah M.FREEMAN being the bride. Mrs. Blair was a native of Adams County, Ohio, born in 1823, and died in 1878, leaving three daughters, viz: Dora E., Austa E, and Ora Maude. Mr. Blair married his present wife January 27, 1879, she being Miss Jennie McKee, a native of Adams County, Ohio born November 15, 1857. To this union three children were born viz: Edith B., Ethel C., and Frank P. Mr. And Mrs. Blair are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the G.A.R. Post, No. 456.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Thomas Jefferson Bowles was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, November 13, 1811, son of Robert and Mary (HARRIS) Bowles, and is of Scotch extraction. His father was born in Scotland and came to America and settled in Virginia and subsequently moved to Kentucky. He died in Rush County, Indiana, when our subject was nineteen years old. The mother was born in Maryland and died in Kentucky. The subject of this sketch came to Rush County when about seventeen years old, and here has resided ever since, excepting seven years he lived in Fulton County. In 1884, he removed to Milroy and there now resides. He owns more than 200 acres of fine, well-improved land. Mr. Bowles and Miss Sarah Ann JONES were married in 1841. They were blessed with two children, viz: Lucinda, and Elizabeth. Mrs. Bowles died in February 1875, and in the following September he was again married, the bride being Miss Mary B. MULL, the daughter of George and Mary Mull. Mr. Bowles is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an old and highly respected citizen of Rush County.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago