Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Jesse Conn was born in Cass County, Indiana, February 12th, 1850, son of George and Helen (Hendee) Conn. The father of our subject was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1820, and died in Cass County in 1866. His mother was a native of New York, was born in 1832, and came to Indiana at the age of twelve years, and now resides in Cass County. The father of Mr. Conn was among the pioneer settlers of Indiana, and a farmer by occupation. The subject of this sketch was educated at the common schools, and from an early age has followed the vocation of a farmer. In 1871 he came to Rush County, and in 1874 settled on the farm where he now resides, which consists of 112 acres. He was married in 1871 to Miss Mary A. Crane, daughter of W.H. Crane, whose death occurred August 12th, 1884. To this union were born the following children: Elbertie, Walter, Alletha, and Stella E. Mr. Conn is a Democrat and cast his first Presidential vote for Horace Greeley. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Samuel Henry Davis, a leading farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Fleming County, Kentucky, born June 3, 1831, the eldest of four children born to Robert and Elizabeth (Henry) Davis, and is of English-Welch lineage. The parents of our subject were both natives of Fleming County, Kentucky, the father born September 4, 1799, and died in Rush County, Indiana, October 11, 1881, and the mother born June 27, 1805, and died July 27, 1852. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Davis was John Davis, a Revolutionary soldier, a chair maker and a wheelwright, who after his marriage, settled in Bucks County, Pa, and later removed to Fleming County, Kentucky, where he died about 1813; his wife following him about 1835. Mr. Davis was educated at the common schools, and in 1855, began farming for himself. In 1858, he settled on the farm where he now resides, and which contains 488 acres. The marriage of Mr. Davis was solemnized, August 9, 1854, to Miss Mary E. Henry, of Fleming County, Kentucky, born July 23, 1834. They have six children, viz: James H, Robert S, Elizabeth R, John S, Nancy M, and Charles T. Politically, Mr. Davis is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote in 1852. Mrs. Davis is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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William Duncan was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, June 28th, 1815, son of Martin and Mary (Henry) Duncan, and is of Scotch-Irish lineage. The father of our subject was born October 17, 1777, in Pennsylvania and died in Decatur County, Indiana, in 1857. He was the son of David Duncan, who after coming to America, first settled in Pennsylvania in 1765, and afterward in 1791 removed to Marion County, Kentucky, where he died in 1827. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania in 1791 and died in Rush County, Indiana, in the spring of 1855. The Duncan family came to Indiana in 1824 and settled in what is now Decatur County. In 1843 the subject of this sketch came to Rush County and located where he now resides. Mr. Duncan owns 160 acres of good land, which was entered by Stephen Sharp in 1821. Our subject's first marriage occurred in May 1842, the bride being Miss Rosanna Mitchell, a native of Ohio. Mrs. Duncan died in 1865 and in 1867 Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Martha A. Ruddell, a native of Decatur County, born in 1826, daughter of William and Delilah (Cain) Ruddell. Mr. Duncan was formally a Whig, but he is now a Republican and for many years has been a faithful member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Duncan is a member of the Methodist Church.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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John W. Ferree, a native of Clermont County, Ohio, was born August 12th, 1821, son of Moses and Keziah (Medaris) Farree, and is of French extraction. The father of this gentleman was born in Bracken County, Kentucky, in 1795, and died in Rush County, Indiana 1863. The mother of Mr. Ferree was born in North Carolina in 1801, and died in this county in 1885. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and were known as zealous Christian people. The family here written of emigration to Indiana from Ohio in 1836, and settled in Rush County, where the subject of this sketch has since resided. Our subject was reared on the farm and received such education as the pioneer schools of the county afforded. In 1852, he located on the farm where he now resides, and has continued his agricultural vocation with much success. The marriage of Mr. Ferree occurred September 21st, 1844, to Miss Sallie Winship, who was born in Rush County, Indiana in 1824, a daughter of Jesse Winship, Sr, one of the pioneers of this county. They have three children, viz: Elizabeth, William F, and John Locke. Mr. Ferree is a Republican of the true type, and in 1876, was elected to fill the office of county Commissioner for the Third Distric, which position he filled with much credit to himself. He had two brothers in the late war, one was killed at Resaca, and the other was seriously wounded at Columbus Tenn. Mrs. Ferree is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the family is extensively known and highly respected.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Benjamin Foust, who is one of the substantial farmers of Rush County, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in November 1830, being the son of George and Catherine (Vance) Foust, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. His father was the son of Lewis and Barbara (Bowman) Foust, who were natives of Virginia. His mother was the daughter of John and Barbara (Smith) Vance. Both his parents and maternal great grandparents were natives of Germany. When he was a young child less than two years old his parents came to Rush County, Indiana and became early settlers of Ripley Township, in which his early life was spent assisting to clear and cultivate the farm on which his mother died January 4, 1839, and on which his father still continues to reside. When he reached maturity, he engaged at farming for himself, and he has ever since pursued that avocation in Ripley Township. In this connection he has had good success. He owns a farm of seventy-three acres, nearly all of which is in cultivation. It contains a splendid barn and an elegant brick residence, which with its natural facilities makes a very desirable location. When Mr. Foust began life for himself he had nothing; his only capital was willing hands and a mental capacity to direct them with prudence. With these he went to work and the present state of his circumstances reflects very creditably upon his industry and good management. He was married March 1, 1855, to Miss Cornelia E. Reid, who was born in Marion County, Indiana, November 3, 1835, being the daughter of John B.E. and Elizabeth (Wolfe) Reid, who were natives of South Carolina, and Scott County, Kentucky, respectively. Her father was the son of Archibald and Martha (Alexander) Reid, and her mother was the daughter of Jacob, and Euphemia (Cannon) Wolfe, who were natives of Maryland and Delaware, respectively. Her parents settled in Marion County in 1830. Her father died there, August 25th, 1838, and her mother afterward married John Addison, who died November 14th, 1859. She still survives and lives in Knightstown. Mr. and Mrs. Foust had five children as follows: The first was a son, that was born April 12, 1858, and died unnamed; the second is Laura A., born July 30, 1858, and Ida C, born March 20, 1860, died October 2, 1865, Emma G, born September 9, 1869, and Earl R, born August 24, 1871, died September 19, 1871. Mrs. Foust is a member of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Foust is an Uncompromising Democrat.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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James M. Forbis, farmer, is a native of Guilford County, North Carolina, born October 1, 1848. He was the son of Madison and Elizabeth (Gilbreth) Forbis, both of whom were also natives of Guilford County, North Carolina, of English descent. His father was the son of John and Mary J. Forbis, and his mother was the daughter of James and Mary Gilbreth, all of whom were natives of North Carolina. In 1859, he accompanied his parents to Adams County, Ill, and four years later they returned eastward to this State, and located in Hamilton County, where he was employed for two years in his father's saw mill. In about 1865, they removed to Henry County, and a year later they located in Knightstown. They remained in Henry County altogether eleven years, during which time he worked in his fathers saw mill, in about 1872, they went to Cumberland County, Ill, and eight months; later removed to Indianapolis. A year later our subject came to Rush County, and on the 10th day of May, 1874, he was married to Miss Sarah A Haskitt, who was born in Ripley Township, November 24, 1853, being the daughter of Henry and Maria (Coffin) Haskitt, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, the former of Perquimons County, and the latter of Guilford County. Her father was the son of John and Mila (Holloway) Haskitt, and her mother was the daughter of Zachariah and Phebe (Starbuck) Coffin, who were natives of the island of Newfoundland and Nantucket, respectively. Ever since their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Forbis have occupied their present home, where the former has pursued the avocation of a farmer. He and wife have a farm of 340 acres about 250 of which are in cultivation. They are the parents of three children: Leona, born July 6, 1875, Ada M, born November 25, 1877, Eve J, born April 25, 1881, all of whom are living. Our subject and wife are members of the Friends' Church. In politics, the former is a Republican.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Mrs. Rachel M. Foust, of Ripley Township, is a native of Riley County, Indiana, born December 31, 1825. She was the daughter of Enoch and Cynthia Ann Isgrigg. Her father was the son of Daniel and Rachel Isgrigg, who were natives of Kentucky. Her mother was the daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth Lynn, who were also natives of the State of Kentucky. When she was but five years old, her father died and her mother afterward married John Bussell. When she was twelve years old, she accompanied her mother and stepfather to this county, and for a few years, or until her marriage, she resided with them in Riley Township. She was married August 6, 1840, to Henry C. Foust, who was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 4, 1820, being the son of Phillip and Elizabeth (Cash) Foust, who were natives of the State of Virginia. Immediately after their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Foust located where the latter now resides in Ripley Township, where Mr. Foust pursued the avocation of a farmer until the date of his death, which occurred August 1, 1866. Since then Mrs. Foust has been a widow. In all she is the mother of nine children: Nathan J, Mary E, Francis M, Emily J, Owen C, Ann M, Margaret L, Charles H, and Lucy O, all of whom are living except Ann M., who was born November 7, 1851, and who died August 29, 1887. Mrs. Foust is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She has a farm of ninety-five acres, most of which is in cultivation.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Samuel Gates, who is an esteemed pioneer of Ripley Township, is a native of Ross County, Ohio, born March 3, 1823, being the son of John and Mary (Weaver) Gates, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and who were both of German Descent. His father was the son of John Gates, and his mother was the daughter of Leonard and Mary (Schaffer) Weaver. When he was but four years old his parents removed from Ross County, Ohio, to Rush County, Indiana, and became early settlers of Ripley Township. That was in the fall of 1826. The father and mother spent the rest of their lives in Ripley, the latter dying March 21, 1858, and the former dying January 24, 1868. The subject of this sketch spent his early life assisting to clear and cultivate his father's farm in summer, and attending the district school in winter. The school advantages in those days were, however, quite limited, consequently his education was quite limited. By observation and reading he has somewhat mitigated the lack of early training, and he is now possessed of a good practical education, and one that fits him for the affairs of domestic life. He was married at the age of twenty-four, on December 23, 1847, to Miss Sarah Phelps, who is a native of Randolph County, North Carolina, born October 11, 1823, and who was the daughter of Jonathan and Susannah (Henley) Phelps, both of whom were also natives of Randolph County, North Carolina, and both were of English descent. Her father was the son of Jonathan and Peninnah (Morgan) Henley. Her parents immigrated to Rush County in 1828, and settled in Ripley Township, where both spent the rest of their lives, the mother dying August 1, 1847, and the father dying January 17, 1877. Mr. And Mrs. Gates entered upon their married life upon a farm in Ripley Township, and their home has been in that township ever since. They have occupied their present home since the fall of 1869. The life occupation of Mr. Gates has been farming, and in this connection he has earned a rank among the substantial and wee to do farmers of the county. In all he owns nearly 300 acres of excellent land, about 180 of which are in cultivation. His home farm is fitted up with a splendid barn and an elegant brick residence, which united with other improvements and natural facilities, makes it one of the most attractive places in Rush County. Mr. and Mrs. Gates have had three children as follows: Amos F, born August 28, 1848, Charles F, born May 22, 1850, and Susannah, who was born August 25, 1852, and died October 26, 1861. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politicis, Mr. Gates is a Republican. He has been an industrious man, and there is probably no one who is entitled to more credit for the present excellent condition of the county than he.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Franklin Lodge No. 35, I. O. O. F. was instituted may 13, 1846, by G. R. Warren, D. D. G. M., in a frame building on the northwest corner of Morgan and Ruth streets where J. P. Guffin's store now stands. The charter members were Patrick Hefferman, William F. King, W. A. Pattison, James D. Hervey, and H. D. Johnson. Hefferman and King were residents of Rushville, but the others named left Laurel Lodge by card for the purposes of this institution, and afterward left by card and returned to Laurel Lodge. On the evening of the institution of the lodge there were initiated W. B. Flinn, P. A. Hackleman, Samuel Barbour, John L. Robinson, Richard Poundstone, James S. Hibben, Joel Wolfe, Harmony Laughlin, Marshall Sexton, and S. S. Bratten. The first officers were William F. King, N. G.; P. A. Hackleman, V. G.; James S. Hibben, Secretary; Joel Wolfe, Treasurer. The membership of this lodge has included many of the most intelligent, enterprising and distinguished citizens of the town and county, from all classes and occupations. Several of its members have been elevated to high positions in the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment I. O. O. F., of Indiana, and some have acquired national reputations.

The Rushville Lodge No. 2812, G. U. O. of O. F. was instituted at Rushville, March 14, 1887, with seventeen charter members and the following officers; John banks, N. G.; Peter Johnson, V. G.; Reuben Banks, W. T., and John Roberts, E. S. The lodge now has a membership of twenty-three with the following officers: C. Copeland, N. G.; Joseph Shirley, V. G.; Reuben Banks, W. T., and John Roberts, E. S. This is only secret organization among the colored people of the city. It is prospering and doing much good.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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A. B. Vickery was born on the farm where he now resides February 16, 1839. His parents were Salathiel and Sarah (Long) Vickery, the former a native of Guilford County, North Carolina, born in 182, and son of Jehu and Lydia (Levenwood) Vickery, natives of North Carolina. In 1816, they removed to Chilton County, Ohio, and removed to Fayette County, Indiana, in 1820; this was then a wilderness. In 1826, they came to section 4, Washington Township, when it was all woods, and purchased eighty acres from a man by the name of Griffin, who had entered it. Here Jehu and Lydia ended their days, the former in his ninety-fifth year, and the latter in her seventy-third year. Salathiel, the father of our subject, died in 1868, in his fifty sixth year. The mother of A. B. Vickery is still living, and is in her seventieth year. Our subject has spent his entire life here on a farm; in his early days his education was received in the common schools. He is now residing, in company with his mother, on the old homestead, and is surrounded with the comforts of this life. In politics he is a Democrat, and believes in the principals of his party. He is one of the substantial farmers of Washington Township.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Andrew B. English one of Rush County's prominent citizens and well to do farmers was born in Abbeville District, South Carolina, June 24, 1827. He was the son of Hugh P. and Mary A. Armstrong English, both of whom were also natives of Abbeville District, South Carolina, and both were of Scotch-Irish descent. His father was the son of Andrew and Martha (Porter) English, and was born October 30, 1803. His parents his parents were also natives of Abbeville District, South Carolina. When he was five years old, or late in 1832, his parents immigrated to Preble County, Ohio, where they arrived in December 1832. Three years later they continued westward to Indiana, and coming to Rush County, settled upon a tract of land in Center Township, where the father and mother spent the rest of their lives, the former dying January 10, 1850, and the latter April 9, 1852. The subject of this sketch spent his early life upon the old home place, assisting to clear and cultivate the ground in summer, and attending the Distric school in winter. While his education was confined to the common branches, it was such as to fit him for the practical affairs of domestic life. Through observation and reading he has somewhat mitigated the lack of early training, and he is now recognized as a well – informed man. He was united in marriage to Miss Ellen M. Hudelson, November 29, 1851. She was born in Center Township, this county, November 10, 1828, being the daughter of John M. and Matilda Hudelson, a more extensive mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Ever since their marriage Mr. And Mrs. English have continued to occupy the old English homestead, where the former has dedicated his whole attention to agricultural pursuits. He now possesses a rank among the prosperous farmers of the county. Mr. And Mrs. English are devoted members of the United Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. English is a pronounced Republican. He takes a lively interest in the success of his party, and will use every reasonable effort to promote its welfare. He has been elected to the office of Assessor in his township three times, and is the present incumbent. He served as a member of the Board of County Commissioners from September 1879, to September 1882, and in that capacity he made an able and efficient officer. He owns 113 acres of land about ninety of which is in cultivation.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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Charles Ertel, whose portrait appears elsewhere, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1833. His parents were Philip and Mary (Ludy) Ertel, both natives of Germany. The former was the son of Jacob Ertle, whose wife's maiden name was Cline. Jacob Ertel immigrated to America between 1825, and 1830, and was accidentally killed by a falling tree in Franklin County, Indiana. Philip was his oldest son and was born in Bermasance, Germany, in 1802; he was reared in Germany and in his youth learned the dyer's trade. About 1829, he was united in marriage with Mary Ludy, daughter, of John J. and Elizabeth (Niewmiller) Ludy, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America about the time the Ertels did. This union was blessed with four children: Philip and George twins, Charles and Elizabeth of whom George and Elizabeth are deceased. Philip Ertel came to Union Township, Rush County, Indiana in 1834 and moved into a log house on the farm owned at present by Martin Hinchman, where he resided a short time, when he permanently located on the farm now owned by James Alexander and William Knecht, in Washington Township. About 1842, he removed to Union Township, and located on the farm owned at the present time by Jacob Kimerling, there he lived until his death, in 1874. He was a member of the Christian Church. His wife still survives him at the age of Seventy-Seven and at present is in very poor health; thus can be traced the lives of two of Rush County's early Settlers who came here and battled with the trials and hardships of pioneer life. Charles has spent his life here in Rush County, and farming has been his principal occupation, and he can be classed among the successful farmers of the county. In his youth, by attending the subscription schools, he obtained a fair education. In March 1858, he was first married to Priscilla David, daughter of William and Catharine (Baylas) David. To this union were born three children: Silas M, Lewis T, and Harvina E. His wife died about 1857. His second wife was Rowena Houston, daughter of John and Susan Houston, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, where Rowena was born and reared; this marriage occurred March 24, 1879. This union was blessed with nine children: Mary L, John P, Charles D, Nettie E, Ida M, Lucy A, George F, Elizabeth P, and Benjamin F, all of whom are living. Mr. Ertle located on the farm where he now resides, in 1859, and has added many improvements, including a fine residence. It is under a high state of cultivation, and is classed among the best farms in Section 34. He began life with a small start and by hard and earnest toil has been very successful in his chosen pursuit. He now owns 400 acres of land and but a short time ago deeded away 160 acres. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a stanch Republican and firmly believes in the principals of his party.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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