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

Henry Armstrong, farmer was born in Franklin County, Indiana, February 25, 1822, son of James E and Mary (Lines) Armstrong, and is of English descent. His father was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, about 1797, and died January 1, 1883. His mother was a native of South Carolina, born in 1800, and died in 1880. The family first came to Rush County about 1821, and remained a short time, when they returned to Franklin County, where they lived until 1827, when they again came to this county, and settled in Noble Township. Our subject received a common school education, and has farmed for himself since his twenty-third year. He now owns 200 acres of fine land, and in 1852, purchased his present home. In 1844, he married Miss Amanda Anderson, a native of Boone County, Ky., born April 29, 1828, daughter of Henry and Nancy Anderson. They are the parents of six children, viz: Leonidas, Anderson, Florence B., Missouri D., Pleasant A., and George. Mr. Armstrong is a Republican, and for more than sixty years has been a resident of this county. He has been a member of the Christian Church since 1874, and his wife has been a member of the same since 1869.

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

James Culbertson, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Rush County, Indiana, October 22, 1829, so of William and Cassandra (Kirk) Culbertson, and is of Irish-English descent. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1787, and died in this County in 1854. His mother was born in Kentucky in 1806, and died in Fayette County, Indiana. in 1876. In 1828 the Culbertson family came to Rush County and settled in Noble Township. The father of Mr. Culbertson was a soldier in the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch was educated at the subscription schools, and at the age of twenty-one years began farming for himself, and now owns 150 acres of valuable land. For several years he has given his attention to stock raising and has some fine Short Horn Cattle; also Poland China Hogs. In 1852 he was married to Miss Mary E. Morris, born in Noble Township February 3, 1835. They have twelve living children, viz: Lena, Martha A., Amanda, Eugene L., Ambrose E., Margaret, Mary, Nora, Ida, Grace, James E., and Alberta. He is a true Republican and a highly respected citizen. Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

James W. Stewart, a farmer of Richland Township, was born in Harrison County, Ky., October 20, 1826. His parents, David B. and Margaret Stewart were also natives of Kentucky, the former of Harrison County and the latter of Lexington, Fayette County. It is noteworthy that our subject and his father were both born on the same farm, it being the Old Stewart homestead upon which the grandfather of our subject, Robert Stewart had settled in about the year 1790. When the latter was nine years of age his parents removed from Kentucky to Rush County, and settled upon a farm one mile and a half south of the village of Richland, where the father and mother both spent the balance of their lives, the latter having died May 24, 1839. On the 26th day of February 1840, her surviving husband, David B Stewart, was united in marriage to Mrs. Nancy Henry, who died October 12, 1874. He survived her until February 14, 1876, when de died. The early life of our subject was spent working upon the farm in summer, and attending school in winter. He remained at home until after his marriage, which occurred November 15, 1849. The lady he chose for his life companion was Miss Margaret F. McIlvaine, who is also a native of Harrison County, Kentucky, born December 6, 1828. Her parents, Moses and Jane McIlvaine, removed from Harrison County, Kentucky, to Rush County, this State, while she was yet a little child. They settled upon a farm in Center Township, where Mrs. Stewart spent her early life, and where the parents both spent the rest of their lives. About one year after their marriage, Mr. And Mrs. Stewart located upon a farm in Section 15, Richland Township, which they have ever since occupied as their home. It then consisted of 143 acres. Since then Mr. Stewart has been able to add this, by the purchase of adjoining lands until he now owns a magnificent farm of 475 acres, about 325 of which are in a high state of cultivation, and 150 consists of timbered pasture land. The arm is well improved with buildings and fences, which united with its natural facilities, makes it one among the best farms in Rush County. Mr. And Mrs. Stewart have had born to them an only child which was a daughter that did die in infancy, unnamed. In politics, Mr. Stewart is a Democrat.

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

John Arnold, M. D. one of Rush County's senior physicians and a very scholarly gentleman, was born on the Isle or Wright, January 14, 1815. He was the son of John and Mary A. (Cole) Arnold, the former of whom was the son of Richard and Mary (Bull) Arnold, and the latter was the daughter of James and Sarah (Dennett) Cole. Both his paternal and maternal ancestors were of English extraction, and had resided upon the Isle of Wright for more than three centuries. In 1821, when the subject of this sketch was but six years old, his mother and her children, in company with her brother-in-law, Isaac Arnold and his family set out for America, with her husband had come to locate a home a year previous. He had left his native Isle, in company with his brother, Richard Arnold, on the 20th of May, 1820, and on reaching this country, he came on westward to Rush county, and on the 1st Monday in October, 1820, he entered a 160 acre tract of land in Union Township, where he settled down and immediately set about preparing a home for his family, who was soon to join him in the wilderness. In the following year he went on horseback to Philadelphia, where in September, he met his wife and children, and the re-united family made haste to reach their Rush County home, when they arrived October 21, 1821. The development of a farm was at once begun, and in the course of a few years the forest was converted into beautiful and well-tilled fields; and with other corresponding improvements, the cabin and forest were replaced with a comfortable home and a good farm. That farm, which has ever since been known as "Arnold's Home" has, since the day it was entered, been in possession of the Arnold family, and it is now owned by the subject of this sketch. In 1824, John Arnold, Sr. moved his family to Cincinnati, where, for two years, he was engaged in the clothing business. In 1826, he removed to Aurora, this state, and they're engaged in general merchandising. While a resident of that place, on the 2nd day of July 1826, he was bereaved of his beloved wife, and his children of their affectionate mother. On meeting with this misfortune he determined to return with his children to his farm in this county, which he did the following year. There he opened a store, which he conducted in connection with his duties as Postmaster, for about ten years. He continued upon the farm until 1855, when he moved to Connersville, and there spent the rest of his life, his death occurring June 26, 1864. At twelve years of age, or in 1828, the subject of this sketch became a student at the first academic school ever taught in Rushville, which was presided over by Dr. William B. Laughlin. After pursuing his studies with diligence for one year, he spent a short time upon the farm, and in May, 1830, he entered the preparatory department of Miami University, at Oxford Ohio, in which institution he remained four years, completing the junior year. He then returned home, and after spending some time recruiting his health, which had become somewhat impaired, he entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. Jefferson Helm, who was then practicing at Vienna, now Glenwood, this county. November 6, 1836, he was licensed to practice medicine and immediately afterward he formed a partnership with his preceptor Dr. Helm, with whom he was associated until 1841. By this time the state of Dr. Arnolds health was such as to seriously threaten his life, and realizing that it was necessary in some way to check the disease which was fast gaining hold of him, he concluded to make a trip to England and his native land, believing that the change of habits and climate which the trip would occasion would either benefit him or produce fatal result. In August 1841, he started on his long journey, and at the end of about fifteen months he returned with his health fully recovered. Early in 1843, he located in Connersville, and there he was actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession for a period of ten years. His practice was very extensive, and was frequently more than he could attend. In 1853, he purchased the Old Arnold homestead in this county, upon which he located and where he continued to reside until 1877, giving his attention to the practice of medicine and to the management of his farm. He then became a resident of Rushville, where he has since practiced his profession. The marriage of Dr. Arnold occurred December 25, 1838, when Sarah Ann Ball became his wife. She was born in Fayette County, being the daughter of Abner Ball, who was among the first settlers of Fayette County. Doctor Arnold and wife are the parents of four children, three of whom are living. They are: Mary Ann, who is the wife of Hamilton R. Holmes, of Mobile, Ala, William W., who received a diploma from Philadelphia medical college, in 1886, and at present he is successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Colorado Springs, Col. The third child is John Arnold, who is a farmer by occupation, and resides in White Co., Ark., and Abner who died in infancy. Doctor Arnold and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. The political affiliations of the former have always been with the Whig and Republican parties. He takes a lively interest in politics, and uses every available instrumentality to promote the welfare of his party. While not an agriculturist, in fact, his sympathies have always been with the improvement of the condition of the agricultural classes and for a number of years he has been identified with various societies having for their object, the dissemination and utilization of the latest and most approved methods for the farming community. He is a member of the Rush County Agricultural Society, and has been Secretary of the Farmers' and Stock Growers' Union Association, of Rush, Shelby, Bartholomew and Decatur counties He is a member of the Rush Medical Society, the Union Distric Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society, the Medical Association of the Mississippi Valley and of the American Medical Association, in every one of which he has frequently been honored with positions of trust and distinction. Doctor Arnold has always been actively with the Old Settlers' Association and has been officially connected with the society ever since its formation. As a writer, he has exhibited remarkable skill and fluency, and in that capacity his historical sketches and his "Remininisinces of an old settler", a series of articles published in the Rushville Republican, have all been read with interest and have given him considerable of a reputation. He is a man of positive convictions and he does not hesitate to speak his sentiments in support of what he considers to be right. He possesses a vivid recollection of the scenes and incidents of pioneer life, and there is certainly no other living person who is so familiar with the country's early history. He is a man that has always exhibited public spirit, and there has probably been no enterprise within the radius of his associations, having for its object, the general welfare of the public, with which he has not been conspicuously identified. His portrait is presented in this volume.

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

Jonathan G. Wright, a farmer and citizen of Orange Township, Rush County, was born February 5, 1846, and is the son of Ephraim and Polly (Buckley) Wright. The father was born in Pennsylvania, February 26, 1818, and was the son of Justice Wright, who was an early settler of Fayette County, Indiana. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and a minister by profession. He was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and lived to be forty-five years old. He was a progressive man and was universally respected by all who knew him. The mother of our subject was born in York State, May 20, 1808, and was the daughter of Nathan Buckley. She was a widow of John Hardy, when she was married to the father of our subject. Her second marriage was blessed with five children, three sons, and two daughters, viz: Alfred (deceased), Jonathan, Henry, Amanda, and Olive. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a common school education. He has followed farming as his occupation. He had a limited capital to begin life, but by untiring energy and frugality, he has been successful as a farmer, and is a progressive and representative citizen. In 1869, January 24, he was united in marriage with Sarah Selby, daughter of Harrison Selby. She was born in Rush County, Indiana, April 3, 1849. Four children, one son and three daughters, have been born unto the marriage, viz: Drurie, Almy, Estella, and James. Our subject served two years in the Civil War in Company M, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment of the Ninth Indiana Cavalry. He is in sympathy with churches and schools, and has aided all laudable public enterprises.

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

Melvin W. Brooks was born in Nicholas County, Kentucky. April 18 1844; son of Mosley Brooks. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to this county, when but five years of age, and received a common school education. At the age of eighteen years, he enlisted in the Fifty-second Regiment, Company G, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Wolf and Capt. Ross Guffin. He participated at the battle of Fort Donelson where he was wounded. He was a and brave soldier and at the end of three years and eight months was honorably discharged, came home and resumed the occupation of a farmer, and now owns a farm of 175 acres of well improved land. The marriage of Mr. Brooks was solemnized April 23, 1867, to Miss Alice A., a daughter of Horatio and Nancy (Townsend) Culver, natives of New York and Ohio. Mrs. Brooks was born January 31, 1849, and is the mother of the following children: Fannie, Forrest, Charles, Sadie, Mertie, Vernon and Oliver M. Politically, Mr. Brooks is a republican, and also a member of the G. A. R. Mr. And Mrs. Brooks are members of the Christian Church.

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

Oscar Applegate, a native of Noble Township, this county, was born November 27th, 1852, being one of two children born to John and Ann (Kerr) Applegate, the former born in Butler County, Ohio, November 21, 1818, and the eldest son born to Enoch Applegate, and the latter, born in Fayette County, Indiana, November 26, 1818, daughter of Alexander and Rachel (Potter) Applegate. John Applegate came to Fayette County, Indiana, in boyhood, and was by occupation a wagon maker. His marriage occurred March 10, 1840, to Miss Kerr. In March 1846, he removed to Rush County, locating in Noble Township, where he began manufacturing carriages and buggies, which he continued until his death, which occurred October 26, 1871. His companion yet survives him and now lives upon the home farm, with her only son. Oscar Applegate was reared on the farm and received a good education, having taken a commercial course at Richmond, Indiana. He, like his father, is a staunch Republican and always takes an active interest in his party. His marriage occurred January 12, 1881, to Miss Nannie, daughter of Martin and Gusta (Buell) Blacklidge. By this union one daughter, Rhoda, was born August 10, 1884.

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

Robert A. Hudelson, whose portrait appears elsewhere, is a prominent farmer of Center Township and a native of the same township born March 3, 1834. He was the son of John M. and Matilda (Hinds) Hudelson both of whom were natives of Kentucky, and the former of Millersburg, Bourbon Co., where he was born January 1, 1800. The latter was born 1805. A sketch of the parents appears above. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the old Hudelson homestead in Center Township. He received in the district school a good common school education and one that enabled him to teach public school, which he did during four winters, or the winters included between the years 1861 and 1865. He was married December 29, 1864, to Nancy E. Barns, who was born in Noble Township, this county March 9, 1839, being the daughter of Aaron and Ann (Laughlin) Barnes who were natives of Kentucky. Shortly after their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Hudelson settled upon the farm our subject now occupies, where they continued to enjoy life together, until their union was broken by the death of Mrs. Hudelson, on the 16th day of March 1886. Mr. Hudelson is the father of six children: Ruby M, born November 22, 1865, died December 24, 1871, Anna Bruce, born March 7, 1868, Ella Kate, born June 12, 1870, Lurena, born February 15, 1873, Frank M, born January 22, 1878, and Bessie Barnes, born December 24, 1880. Mr. Hudelson is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and a Republican in politics. He has served his township as Justice of the Peace one term and has also served as a member of the Board of County Commissioners one term. He owns 190 acres of first class land about 140 of which are in cultivation. His farm is fitted up with good buildings and is desirably located. He also possesses an interest in the old home place which amounts to about thirty-acres.

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

Simeon H. Stewart, an enterprising farmer, was born in Rush County, Indiana, February 2, 1826, the son of Thomas and Caroline (West) Stewart, and is of English descent. His father was born in Kentucky, and died in Hamilton County, Indiana, in 1862. His mother was also a Kentuckian, and died in Rush County about 1863. Our subject was the third of eleven children, five of whom are living. He was raised on a farm, and it was then known as the woods of the township. He was a student at the Webb schoolhouse. He began working for himself at the age of twenty-six years. He settled where he now lives in 1854. He owns ninety-three acres of land in this county, and eighty-two acres in Hamilton County, and also some property in Circleville. August 23, 1854, Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Charlotte T. Newbold, who was born in this county in November 1833, the daughter of Francis and Elizabeth Newbold. Her father was born in Virginia, and died in this township in 1854. Mr. And Mrs. Stewart were blessed with eight children, viz: Robert F., Sidney C., Armilda, Cynthia B., Lysander W., Alonzo L., Marshall, and Fannie. Mr. Stewart is a staunch Republican and has always showed an active interest in that party. In 1880, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served four years. The entire family are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Stewart has resided in this county sixty-one years, while his wife has resided here for fifty-four years.

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

Thomas Wright, the present Trustee of Center Township, was born in Fayette County, January 12, 1848. His father, Rev. Harvey Wright, was born in Ohio, and is now a time-honored Baptist Minister and prominent citizen of Center Township. His mother, whose maiden name was Delilah Stephen, is a native of this State, having been born in Fayette County. His boyhood was spent in his native county upon a farm. In February 1865, he accompanied his parents to their present home, where he remained with them upon the farm until the time of his marriage, which occurred January 26, 1868. The lady that became his wife was Miss Mary E. Vandall, who was born in Shelby County, this State, April 22, 1849. Ever since their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Wright have resided in Center Township, except about eight months of the year 1881, during which they resided in Jackson Township. They have occupied their present home since October 1881. They are the parents of two daughters: Effie H. and Cora F., the former of whom is at present a teacher in the public schools of Rush County. Mr. And Mrs. Wright are both members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Wright is a Democrat. He was elected Trustee of his township in the spring of 1884, and was reelected in the spring of 1886, with an increased majority, which is evidence of his standing as a citizen and of the good management of his office. He is one of his township's most industrious farmers, and he and wife are among its best citizens.

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

William A. Stewart, an influential citizen of Richland Township, was born in the house in which he now resides, July 20, 1841. His parents, David B and Nancy Stewart, were both natives of the state of Kentucky, the former of Harrison County, and the latter of Fleming County. They continued to reside during the rest of their lives upon the old Stewart homestead. The mother was born September 7, 1801, and died October 12, 1874. The father was born July 7, 1798, and died February 14, 1876. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the old home place, doing farm work in summer and attending district school in winter. After he had attained his majority he took up the avocation of a farmer for himself, and to this pursuit his attention has been given ever since. His home farm contains 160 acres of first-class land, about eighty of which are in a good state of cultivation. Besides this he is the owner of a good farm in Anderson Township that contains eighty acres. The first marriage of Mr. Stewart occurred January 28, 1863, when Eliza J. Byron became his wife. She was born in Indiana County, Pa., February 4, 1838, being the daughter of Nathaniel and Hannah Bryan who were also natives of Indiana County, Pa. Mrs. Eliza J. Stewart died May 3, 1868, and on the 18th day of October 1870, Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Sarah E. Hood. She was born in Fleming County, Ky August 10, 1845. Her parents were James R. and Eliza (Norwood) Hood, the former of whom was barn near Chillicothe, Ohio, July 11, 1807, and died in Richland Township, August 21, 1858. His wife Mrs. Eliza Hood was born in Fleming County, KY, November 11, 1811, and at present resides with the subject of this sketch. The first marriage of Mr. Stewart resulted in the birth of three children: Nancy L., Elmer B., who is a graduate of Indiana State University, and Albert F., who is now a student in that institution. The oldest child is deceased, having died May 18, 1874. Our subject, his wife and family are members of the United Presbyterian Church. For the past five years Mr. Stewart has been an Elder in that Church. In politics, he is a staunch Democrat. He was the candidate of his party in 1884, for the Office of County Treasurer, but failed to overcome an opposing majority.

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

William Collins, an influential citizen of Posey Township, was born upon the farm where he now lives, June 16, 1832. He was the son of William and Elizabeth (Beckner) Collins, both natives of Fleming County, Kentucky, the former of Irish and the latter of Dutch descent. His early life was spent upon the old homestead, where, when he was twenty-one years of age, he took up the avocation of a farmer for himself and where he has ever since continued the pursuit. His first marriage occurred in December 1857, when Martha A. Bentley became his wife. She was born in this county, and was the daughter of Eli and Mary (Hall) Bentley, formerly of this county. In February 1864, Mrs. Martha A. Collins died, leaving three children: Omer P., Eli B. and Mary I., of whom Omer P. is deceased. In December 1868, Mr. Collins was married to Mrs. Burzilla Bagley, a native of Fleming County, Kentucky. and daughter of Joseph and Carolina English. In politics, Mr. Collins is a staunch Democrat. He owns a good farm of 123 acres, all of which is in a good state of cultivation. His life occupation has been than of a farmer, having continuously given his entire attention to that pursuit ever since he was large enough to hold the plow handles. His father and mother are the parents of eight children, all of whom are still living. All have already reached a mature age, the oldest being sixty-eight and the youngest fifty-three. Mr. Collins is an industrious, hard-working man, and he and wife are among the worthy and esteemed citizens of Rush County.

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