"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

B. F. CONWAY, a leading farmer, was born in Henry County, Ind., August 19, 1835, and is the eldest living son of Richard and Cynthia (Ray) Conway, natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia. Richard Conway located in Wild Cat Township, Tipton County, in 1860; he made a comfortable home before his death, April 27, 1868, aged sixty-two; his wife is still living, aged seventy-three years, and resides with her daughter, in Marion County. Mr. Conway was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject worked on his father's farm, and received a common school education. At the age of seventeen, he began farm job work, and subsequently worked at house carpentering six years. In 1868, he came to Tipton County and located on land which he had purchased in 1861; this land was marshy, but he has opened a good farm of 200 acres, well drained, with 160 under cultivation. Mr. Conway was married, February 22, 1863, to Miss Sarah E. Lawson, a native of Rush County, daughter of Ransom Lawson. They have had seven children, five of whom are living - Elmer E., Lienella, Laura B., Minnie and Daisey. Mr. Conway is an enterprising citizen and earnest supporter of all public improvements. He is an active worker in the Republican ranks, and a Master Mason.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

JOEL COPHER is a native of Gallatin County, Ky.; he was born April 26, 1824, and is the third of eight children born to Joel and Sarah (Foley) Copher, natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia; he was reared upon a farm and received a fair education from the common schools. At the age of twenty, he began farming in Switzerland County, Ind., and made a good home of ninety-five acres, on which he lived until the fall of 1868; he then removed to this township and purchased forty acres of land, but the August previous he had purchased 160 acres (where he now lives), which at that time was in its native state. He began to clear the forest and built a log cabin, into which he moved in 1869; he has here redeemed a good home, and has seventy acres under good cultivation. In early life, he was a Whig, having cast his first President ballot for Gen. Taylor, but he is now a stanch supporter of Republican principles. He is an industrious farmer and leading citizen, at all times ready to encourage home enterprises. He was married, January 19, 1844, to Miss Martha A. Brinson, a native of Switzerland County, Ind.; she was born December 26, 1827, and is the daughter of Anthony and Nancy Brinson, natives of Kentucky. Mr. Copher became the father of ten children - Nancy, Sarah, Mary E., Catharine, George F., Jonathan L., Joel O., Emma, and Anthony, deceased, and Margaret J., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Copher are members of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

JAMES D. CORNELIUS, a native of Ireland, was born August 18, 1829, and is the son of James and Sarah (Mooring) Cornelius. Our subject spent his in his native country, and in 1847 came alone to America, landing in New Orleans December 3, 1847. He first located at Somerville, Ohio, where he worked upon a farm and on the railroad. In 1849, he removed to Liberty, Union Co., Ind., where he engaged in working in a saw mill and grist mill. In 1851, he removed to Wayne County and worked seven years in a distillery in Cambridge City. He located in Hancock County in 1861, and the following autumn removed to Madison County; one year later, he came to Tipton County, and leased the Knott's farm for seven years, and remained upon it the full time. In the meantime, he purchased eighty acres of forest land, upon which he moved in 1860. He has since cleared sixty acres; has erected good buildings, and has put in about 400 rods of underground ditching. Mr. Cornelius was married, October 5, 1856, to Miss Mary Conner, of Wayne County. She was born in Ireland in 1828, and emigrated to America in 1853. By this marriage they have three children - Mary, Thomas and Catherine. Mr. Cornelius and family are active members of the Roman Catholic Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

J. F. COUCH, a farmer and pioneer of Wild Cat Township, is a native of Guilford County, N. C.; was born November 16, 1821, and is the second son of Meshach and Elizabeth (Mills) Couch, whose ancestors located in Guilford County, N. C., before the Revolutionary war. Our subject was reared on farm, and upon reaching his majority he worked at farming in the summer, and at coopering during the winter months. In 1847, he removed with his parents to Henry County, Ind., and the following year located at Dalton, Wayne County; in 1860, he came to this township, on the farm where he now lives, having entered forty acres of this land in 1852; when he arrived here he purchased forty acres more. Mr. Couch in an early day assisted in raising all the log cabins in a radius of two miles; he is a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and is a liberal contributor to all public improvements. Mr. Couch was married, November 26, 1842, to Harriet Trolter, who died in December, 1843, leaving one daughter - Elizabeth. In 1847, he married Mrs. Julia A. (Lamb) Stack, of Guilford County, N. C.; she was born November 8, 1821. This union was blessed with six children - Thomas J., Rufus D., William M., Ella, Marcus F. and Alice Jane (deceased). Mrs. Julia Couch is the daughter of Isaac and Mary (Parrott) Lamb, both natives of North Carolina, and of Scotch and English, descent. She has one son by her first marriage - Robert L. Stack. Mr. and Mrs. Couch are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

WILLIAM O. DEAN was born in Gibson County. Ind., October 14, 1843, and was the eldest child born to James and Miranda (Tennell) Dean, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish descent. W. O. Dean, at the age of four years, removed with his parents to Howard County, Ind. In February, 1864, our subject enlisted in Company G, Thirteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Cavalry. They engaged in battle at Huntsville, Decatur, Ala., and the second engagement at Huntsville; here Mr. Dean was dismounted, and received a gunshot wound in his left hand. He was in hospital until March, 1865, where he was honorably discharged on account of his wound. He returned home and soon began farming, which he continued until 1871, though in the meantime he had carried the mail between West Liberty and Kokomo about four years. He then engaged in the stave business until 1874, and during his leisure hours studied law, acting as its own preceptor. In 1874, he removed to Windfall and devoted his time for one year to the study of law, when he was admitted to practice in the civil courts of Tipton County. Soon after this, he opened a law office in Windfall, where he has practiced very nearly continuously ever since. He is a leading Republican, and has served as City Attorney two terms. Mr. Dean was married, August 27, 1865, to Miss Mahala Curles, daughter of Samuel B. Curles. They have had three children - Wilber H., Omer J. and Samuel Leslie (deceased). Mr. Dean is a leading citizen, and his wife is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

WILLIAM A. DENNIS was born in North Carolina April 9, 1838, and is the son of Jesse and Unity (Stanley) Dennis, natives of North Carolina, and of Scotch and English descent. Jesse Dennis was a farmer and pioneer of Henry and Howard Counties, also of Wisconsin, where he died in 1868, aged eighty years. W. A. Dennis, at the age of seventeen, began life for himself. He at first worked as a farm hand, and three years later bought a set of tinner's tools and opened a shop. One year later, he removed to Greentown, where he conducted a tin shop one year, after which he located in West Liberty and embarked as the village blacksmith; he followed this trade two years, and then worked as section hand on the P., C. & St. L. R. R. until 1861; he then worked at stavemaking until October, 1864, when he enlisted in the First Illinois Volunteer Light Artillery. He was in battle at Mobile, Ala , and Montgomery, Ala. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865, at Indianapolis. He then returned to Howard County, and soon after engaged in the stave business, which he followed for ten years. In 1875, he sold out and purchased his present home. He has 230 acres well drained and improved, having good buildings and plenty of fruit. Mr. Dennis was married, in 1851, to Miss Caroline Hendrickson, daughter of David and Ruth Hendrickson, natives of Ohio. This union was blessed with seven children. Mrs. Dennis died in the spring of 1870, and Mr. Dennis married his present wife the following November - Miss Abbie Stewart, daughter of Robert and Sarah Stewart, natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Tipton County. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have five children.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

ARTHUR D. DOGGETT was born in Bath County, Ky., August 10, 1819, and is the second son of Henry and Nancy (Smith) Doggett, natives of Virginia, and of English and German descent. Henry Doggett was a school teacher by profession and died in Decatur County, Ind., in 1836, aged fifty years; his wife lived to be eighty-seven years of age. Arthur D. Doggett received a good education; at the age of twenty-four he began life for himself on rented land, and in the fall of 1849 located three and one-half miles northeast of Kokomo; three years later, he sold this farm and made a purchase of school land, where the town of Windfall now stands; he remained here until 1859; experienced all the privations of a new country. In the meantime, he was a large contractor on building railroads, having taken his first contract on the I., P. & C. R. R., from Kokomo to Cassville; he then took a contract for grubbing, clearing and grading fifty miles on the C., C. & I. C., amounting to about $100,000; the company consisted of Foster, Doggett, Ashley and Bohan. In 1859, Mr. Doggett exchanged his property in Windfall for land in Decatur County, where he pursued the occupation of farming until 1876. He then removed to Howard County, and purchased 100 acres five miles south of Kokomo; here he farmed until 1882 when he sold, and located on the farm where he now resides; he has 101 acres of the best land in the county; he was at one time worth about $20,000, but has assisted his children with this. Mr. Doggett was married in 1845 to Miss Elizabeth Frakes, of Rush County; she died in 1847, leaving three sons - Henry, David and Arthur; he next married Sarah Martin, who died in 1876, leaving two sons - Philip M. and Ralph; he married his third wife in 1877, Miss Sarah A. Hazel, who died in 1878, leaving two children - Byron E. and Blanch Edith, Mrs. Sarah A. Doggett was a fine artist; Mr. Doggett was last married in 1881, to Hester A. Tolbot, of Kokomo; she was a teacher for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Doggett are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In early life he was a Whig, later belonged to the Republican party, and in 1880 joined the National party; he is a strong temperance man.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

C. F. FORRER, proprietor of the Windfall City Flouring Mill, which was built by a stock company, and which has the capacity for grinding 200 bushels of wheat and 200 bushels of corn per day, is one of the leading business men of the village. He was born in Brookville, Ind., January 11, 1856, and is the son of Daniel and Sarah (Cooper) Forrer, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, of German and Irish descent. Daniel Forrer removed to Ohio in an early day, and subsequently located in Franklin County. He in early life learned the millwright trade, and met with success, and through industry and economy became quite wealthy. In July, 1882, he located at Cambridge City, where he is living a retired life. C. F. Forrer in his youth had access to the common schools, and during the vacations assisted his father in the mill. He attended Brookville College a few terms, and thus acquired a good education. He learned the miller's trade from his father, and in 1876 took charge of his father's mill. After conducting this five years, he began operating the Windfall City Flouring Mill on his own responsibility, where he is doing a large custom and retail business. Mr. Forrer was married, April 12, 1883, to Miss Emma Miller, of Hartford City, Ind. She was born May 16, 1860, and is the daughter of Samuel Miller, a pioneer of Indiana. Mr. Forrer is identified with the Republican party, and is a Free Mason and Odd Fellow.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

BENJAMIN F. GIFFORD, of the firm of Hirous & Gifford, manufacturers of hard and soft wood lumber and staves, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, March 25, 1834, and is the son of Isaac and Sarah (Montgomery) Gifford, natives of Ohio, and of England respectively. Isaac Gifford was a pioneer farmer of Scioto County, Ohio, where he spent the latter part of his life. He was identified with the Democratic party, and was a zealous worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1842; his wife survived him until 1849. At the age of fifteen, Benjamin was left an orphan; he received no education in his boyhood, but has now obtained a fair business education. He was engaged in job work until he was twenty-three years of age. In 1857, he took up farming, and during winter worked in a blacksmith shop. In 1859, he removed to Greene, County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming until November, 1864, when he removed to Windfall, and purchased forest land in the township, in which he employed from fifteen to thirty men cutting cord wood and making railroad ties. In April, 1868, he located where he now lives and farms sixty-four acres of well-improved land. In 1880, he purchased a half-interest in the mill he is now successfully operating. Mr. Gifford was married, December 29, 1859, to Miss Melissa H. Thornburg, of Greene County, Ohio, who died in 1865, leaving one son - Perry D. Mr. Gifford was next married, in March, 1866, to Miss Susan McClish, of Shelby County, Ohio. Mr. Gifford is an energetic citizen, and active in all public enterprises. He is one of ten who closed the saloons of Windfall, by buying their right. He is an active Democratic politician, and has served as Township Trustee. He is a Mason, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

HOLLINGSWORTH GRAHAM, one of the leading farmers of Wild Cat Township was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 11, 1832, and is the third of nine children born to James and Maria (Marsh) Graham, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and of Irish and Dutch descent. Our subject, at the age of five years, removed with his parents to Fairfield, Franklin Co., Ind., here his father abandoned his trade as wagon-maker and began farming. In 1849, he removed to Decatur County, Ind., where he had access to the common schools. Upon reaching his majority, he worked as a farm hand five years, saving $100 per year, and with this money bought a team and some farming implements, and began farming on rented land. In February, 1864, he come to Tipton County and purchased eighty acres of his present home, on which he moved in October, 1865, and has since been a resident here; he now owns 120 acres, all under cultivation. Mr. Graham, near the close of the war, was drafted and paid $1,000 for a substitute, causing him to go in debt, but through labor and economy he paid this debt and added forty acres more to his farm. He was married, September 9, 1859, to Miss Sarah Marsh, of Shelby County, Ind.; she was born June 23, 1844, and is the daughter of John Marsh, a pioneer of Shelby County, Ind. By this marriage they have six children - Julia A., wife of Perry Behymer; Laura B., James L., Harry H., Isaac M. and John H. (deceased). Mr. Graham is a member of the Democratic party, and has served as Township Trustee one term. He is a Master Mason and is a liberal supporter of all public enterprises; he is a strong temperance man, and his wife is a member of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

DR. JEFFERSON R. HILLDRUP, a native of Union County, Ind., was born October 1, 1844, and is the only son of James and Laura (Lee) Hilldrup, natives of Virginia and Ohio, and of English descent. His father was married in Wayne County, Ind., about 1842. He subsequently removed to Philomath, Ind., where he taught in the academy two years, when he located in Madison County and engaged in goods business at Monticello; he remained here until his death, October 9, 1853. Dr. Hilldrup attended the common schools, and at the age of fourteen entered White Water College, at Centerville, Wayne Co., Ind.; he taught from 1862 to 1868, at which time he started West, and spent two years in Kansas and Missouri; he then returned to Madison County, Ind., where he taught school the following winter and in the spring of 1871 began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Zimri Hockett, of Anderson, Ind.; he remained in Anderson in all three years, and in the meantime attended two courses of lectures at the Medical College at Indianapolis; he graduated there with honors in the spring of 1876, and soon after engaged in the practice of medicine at Anderson. In the spring of 2879, he located at Windfall, where he has since practiced, except the summer of 1882, which was spent at Fishersburg, Madison Co., Ind. Dr. Hilldrup is an active, energetic man, and is fast becoming one of the leading physicians of Tipton County.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

THOMAS M. HIROUS, of the firm of Hirous & Gifford, manufacturers of hard and soft wood lumber and staves, is a native of West Virginia, born May 18, 1850, and is a son of Parker C. and Rebecca (Miller) Hirous, natives of Pennsylvania and West Virginia respectively. Parker C. Hirous removed to Delaware County, Ind., with his family in 1857, where he is still living on the same farm, and is a prominent citizen, and a zealous worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Thomas M. Hirous came from his native State at the age of seven, and spent his youth on his father's farm. He received a limited education, and assisted his father in clearing the forest. Upon arriving at his majority, he engaged in the lumber business with Samuel Holt, near Muncie. In 1876, he sold out and came to Windfall, where he erected the saw mill he has since operated. He sold a one-half interest to Eli Thornburg, which partnership existed until 1880, when Mr. T. sold out to B. F. Gifford. This firm is doing a fine business. Mr. Hirous began life with limited means, but has accumulated 100 acres of land, now fairly improved, besides village and mill property. He was married, December 24, 1874, at Fairmont, W. Va., to Miss Maggie Groves, of that place, born March 9, 1849, daughter of Jacob and Priscilla (Fleming) Groves. Mr. Hirous is a Republican, and at present Town Councilman. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

JAMES HOLLOWAY, leading farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Hamilton County, Ind., December 25, 1831, the third of eight children born to Ebenezer and Ann (Justice) Holloway, both natives of Indiana. His father removed early to Ohio, and in 1830 located in Hamilton County, where he made a good home and died in 1866, at the age of seventy-eight. Mrs. Holloway still resides on the home farm, where she has lived fifty years. Our subject received a limited education in the pioneer schools, and at the age of twenty-one began work as a farm hand, and in four years saved $500, with which he purchased forty acres in Liberty Township, moving upon it in the spring of 1856. Two years later, he sold this land and purchased 110 acres of his present home; to this he has added and also improved; he now has 230 acres of good land, with commodious buildings. Mr. Holloway was married in 1865 to Miss Jane Pennington, of Morgan County, Ind. Two children bless this union - Ada and Josie. Mr. Holloway enlisted in 1862 in Company B, Seventy-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which formed a part of the Fourteenth Army Corps of the Cumberland, which participated in the battles of Hartsville, Ky., Stone River, Murfreesboro, Hoover's Gap, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Ga., and with Sherman on his historic "march to the sea." At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, he received a flesh wound from a minie ball, which sent him to the hospital at Ringgold for three months. Mr. Holloway was a brave soldier; he is identified with the Democratic party, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

D. D. JOHN, merchant, is a native of Butler County, Ohio, and was born May 24, 1840; he is the son of James and Mary (Conn) John, of English and Irish descent; his father died July 4, 1863, at the age of fifty-eight. Our subject worked on a farm until he was eighteen years of age, acquiring a good education; he began teaching in 1858, and after teaching three terms engaged in farming in Liberty Township. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and one year later joined the Army of the Tennessee, Thirteenth Army Corps, at the siege of Vicksburg. They went to New Orleans, and at an outpost known as Madam Sterling's Plantation, La., he and 450 of his comrades were captured. They were taken to Camp Ford, Texas, where they were held as prisoners ten months, being exchanged July 22, 1864. Mr. John rejoined his regiment at New Orleans. They were in the siege of Mobile, and thence proceeded to Montgomery, Ala. The company was disbanded September 6, 1865, Mr. John being then Fifth Sergeant; he returned to Tipton County, Ind., and farmed until May, 1869, when he began working as a clerk for J. H. Zehner, of Windfall; he has remained here the most of the time since; he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Democratic party; he is now acting as Town Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer and member of the School Board. Mr. John was married, May 2, 1858, to Miss Sarah A. Leonard, daughter of Caleb Leonard, one of the pioneers of Tipton County. This union has been blessed with six children, five of whom are living - William C., school teacher, Oliver E., David F., Levi C. and Della May.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

OLIVER KNOTTS, one of the enterprising farmers of Wild Cat Township, was born in Rush County. Ind., July 10, 1848, and is the eldest of two sons born to Nathaniel and Malinda (Hatfield) Knotts, both natives of Ohio, and of Irish and English descent; his father, Nathaniel Knotts, upon arriving at manhood, began life for himself at farming in Rush County; he was there married to Miss Malinda Hatfield; he remained in Rush County until 1854, on land he had entered some years previous. Mr. Knotts was a hard-working man and redeemed from the forest a good home. He was a highly esteemed citizen, and was identified with the Democratic party; he died in 1859 at the age of thirty-three; his wife then returned to Rush County, and in 1861 was married to her present husband, William S. Hall, a prominent farmer of Rush County. Oliver Knotts, being left fatherless at the age of eleven, returned with his mother to Rush County; he was there reared upon a farm by his step-father, and, upon reaching manhood, engaged in the grocery business at Raleigh, and shortly after was appointed Postmaster, in which office he served about five years; he also continued in the grocery business during this time, and in 1876 engaged in farming; in 1877, he removed to his present farm in Wild Cat Township; his father entered this farm and began clearing it in the early history of the county. Mr. Knotts now owns eighty acres of good land and raises grain of all kinds; he is a stanch supporter of Republican principles; he was married, September 7, 1873, to Miss Rachel E. Rider, a native of Ross County, Ohio. She was born June 22, 1852, and is the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Gotschall) Rider.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

WILSON KIRTLEY, a pioneer of this township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., April 29, 1826, and is a son of Elijah and Catharine Kirtley, natives of Kentucky and North Carolina respectively. Elijah Kirtley was a pioneer of Fayette County, and there cleared from the forest a home. A few years later, he located in Ripley County, Ind., and subsequently removed to Rush County; the latter part of his life was spent in Grant County. In early life, he was a Whig, but later a Democrat, and was a faithful worker in the Baptist Church. His wife survived him until 1883, and died while living with her daughter in Missouri. Our subject passed his youth on a farm, and at the age of twenty-one rented land, and farmed until 1852, when he moved to this county and located on the land which is now his home. Here he experienced all the privations of a new country, but has made a good home for his family. Mr. Kirtley was married, December 15, 1849, to Miss Mary Osburn, of Rush County, Ind., born December 29, 1834, daughter of Joseph Osburn. This union was blessed with nine children, six of whom are living - Joseph, Daniel V., Sarah C., Martha M., Dora A. and Arzro. Mr. Kirtley is a politician in the Democratic ranks, and has served a number of terms as Supervisor. He and wife are the oldest settlers in this part of the township, and both are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

INGERSOLL LADEN, one of the pioneers and representative men of Wild Cat Township, was born in Cape May County, N. J., September 7, 1808, and is the eldest of eleven children born to Perry and Hannah (Vangilder) Laden, natives of New Jersey, and of English descent. His father died in Rush County, Ind., April 12, 1845. His mother's death occurred in 1856. The subject of this sketch spent his youth on the farm, and received a common school education. He rented land near home; he subsequently entered eighty acres in Rush County, upon which he lived fifteen years; he then sold and removed to Iowa, but ten months later returned to Rush County and rented land for three years. In the fall of 1853, be purchased eighty acres of his present home, where he found a small log cabin and ten acres of ground cleared. Struggling on from year to year, he has made one of the best homes in the township, and at one time owned 400 acres, but has since divided 320 acres between his children. Mr. Laden was married December 19, 1830, to Miss Isabel Allender, of Fleming County, Ky. She was born March 16, 1812, and is the daughter of George Allender. This marriage has been crowned with twelve children - David, James W., Hannah E., Elizabeth J., Stephen D., Cordelia A., Mary C., George W., Samantha A., William, deceased, Joseph P., deceased, and Darius D., deceased, a soldier, who died from a wound received at the battle of Vicksburg. Mr. Laden has always taken an active part in home enterprise. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

JAMES W. LADEN, farmer, was born in Rush County, Ind., August 12, 1835, and is the son of Ingersoll Laden; he spent his youth on the farm, and in 1853, removed with his parents to Tipton County, Ind. At the age of twenty-one, he engaged as a teamster for James Foust, driving four or five yokes of cattle; he subsequently worked in a mill, and for two years acted as fireman. In February, 1864, he engaged in farming on the land where he now lives; he started in the green, and through unceasing toil has made a good home. In 1876, he engaged in mercantile pursuits with a general stock in Windfall, and during the winter of 1879 he took charge of the City Hotel at Tipton. The rest of his time has been spent upon the farm where he now lives; he has been a hard-working, industrious farmer, and is politically a member of the Democratic party. Mr. Laden was married, June 27, 1860, to Miss Ella Pulliam, of Tipton County. She died a few years later, leaving one daughter - Ida. Mr. Laden was next married in November, 1864, to his present wife, Miss Elizabeth Deer, of this county; she is the daughter of John Deer, one of the pioneer farmers of Wild Cat Township. This marriage has been crowned with eight children, seven of whom are living - Estella, Lula, Della, Lillie, Bessie, Rollie and Ingersoll.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

ARTHUR M. LEGG, a pioneer of this township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., October 1, 1837; is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Shrader) Legg, natives of Indiana and Pennsylvania respectively. Thomas Legg was born in Lawrenceburg, Ind., October 18, 1800, and is probably the oldest native born citizen. In 1891, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Shrader. Mr. Legg remained in Ohio until 1825, when he returned to Fayette County and engaged in farming until 1871. Years ago, he entered 160 acres, on a part of which Windfall now stands. Mr. and Mrs. Legg have had eleven children, eight of whom are living. Mr. Legg is the oldest citizen in the township, and resides with his youngest son; he has been a lifelong Democrat, and is a member of the Christian Church. Arthur M. Legg obtained a common school education, but afterward qualified himself for teaching, and taught two terms in Fayette County, one in Howard and seven in Tipton County. In the meantime, he took up the study of surveying, and in 1860 was elected County Surveyor of Tipton County; he came to this county in 1859, and in February, 1880, located on his present home of 150 acres. Mr. Legg was married, December 27, 1860, to Miss Sarah E. Owen, by whom he had five children - William F. (deceased), Walter O., Janie F., M. J. Omer and Nannie Lea. Nr. Legg is an enterprising citizen; has served seven years as County Surveyor, two terms as Assessor, three terms as Township Trustee and one term as Justice of the Peace; he is an active worker in the Democratic ranks, and he and his wife are members of the Church of God (Soul-Sleepers). Mr. Legg was ordained minister in 1865, since which time he has been an independent local worker.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

B. F. LEGG, a pioneer and fhsmer, is a native of Fayette County, Ind., and was born January 2, 1830. He is the fifth of eleven children born to Thomas and Elizabeth (Shrader) Legg, natives of Indiana and Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and German descent. Our subject received a limited education in the pioneer schools, and at the age of nineteen began teaching, and taught ten winter terms in succession. He removed to this county in 1853, and entered forty acres of land. He has been a hard-working, industrious man, and has made a good home of 974 acres, which is well-improved. During his first four years spent in this county, he taught school in the winter, and tended his land in the summer. He has served two years as Assessor, and was Deputy Land Appraiser of Wild Cat Township two terms. He has served as Justice of the Peace nearly fifteen years, and in the fall of 1882 was elected County Commissioner of District No. 1. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a liberal supporter of public enterprises and benevolent purposes. Mr. Legg enlisted in Company G, Thirty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which formed a part of the Cumberland Army. He was taken sick, and lay in the camp hospital at Camp Neven, Ky., and was sent home on a furlough. After remaining at home about two months, he returned, but was yet unable for duty, and a few months later was honorably discharged. He went out as Orderly Sergeant, doing the work of his Clerk besides his own. From over-exertion and exposure, Mr. Legg was so disabled that he has not enjoyed good health since. After being discharged, he returned home, and now resides on the farm which has been his home since 1853. Mr. Legg was married in the spring of 1854 to Miss Sarah J. Sprong, of Fayette County, Ind. She was born October 29, 1834, and is the daughter of Stephen Sprong. Mrs. Legg is a member of the Church of God. This marriage has been crowned with five children - Charles E., Elbert F., Cliffton, Dora M. and Aubra W.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

WILLIAM LEGG, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Butler County, Ohio, born October 7, 1822, and is the eldest of eleven children of Thomas Legg. Our subject removed with his parents to Fayette County, Ind., in an early day. He had access only to a subscription school, and to this but a few months. At the age of sixteen, he began life for himself, and made his home with his uncle, Phillip Shrader, until the age of twenty-one, when he rented land and worked at job work until 1851, when he located on land of his own in Madison County, on which he built a cabin, and some of which he cleared. After about four years he sold this and removed to Illinois. He made different changes in land during the six years that he spent in the West, and in the fall of 1861 removed to Tipton County, and subsequently located on the farm on which he now lives. Here, by industry, he in time secured a good home. In 1873, his health failed yet he has still superintended the farm. Mr. Legg was married, January 20, 1848, to Miss Clarissa Knotts, of Fayette County, Ind., born August 23, 1827, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Knotts. From this marriage succeeded seven children, five of whom are living - Thomas J., Samuel F., Charles A., Arthur D; and Laura A. Mr. Legg has been an active worker in the Democratic ranks, and he and wife are prominent members of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

S. P. B. LETHERBERY, farmer ,and stock-raiser, was born in Marion County, Ohio, June 28, 1852, and is a son of Santford and Elizabeth (May) Letherbery, both natives of Ohio. His father belonged to one of the pioneer families of Marion County. Our subject was reared by his grandmother, and received a common school education. At the age of twenty, he began farming on rented land, and in the spring of 1880 came West and purchased 100 acres of his present home. He began life with limited means, but by 1880 had $2,500, besides a good farming outfit. He now owns 120 acres well improved, together with 105 acres of tillable soil. Mr. Letherbery was married, 16, 1865, to Miss Matilda A. Harris, of Marion County, Ohio, born July 15, 1858, daughter of Jacob and Sarah A. (Kerr) Harris. Mr. Letherbery is one of the leading sheep raisers of Wild Cat Township, and an active worker in the Republican party. He has filled some of the minor offices of the township. He is a worthy citizen, and with his wife is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

LEWIS McALISTER, M. D. and druggist, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y.; May 15, 1817, and is the youngest of fifteen children born to John and Isabel (Lockwood) McAlister, natives of New Hampshire and Rhode Island, and of Scotch and Irish descent. His parents were among the early settlers of Lawrence County. Dr. McAlister was left fatherless at the age of thirteen, and when he was seventeen he bound himself out for three years to Salmon Currier, a horticulturist of Potsdam, N. Y., receiving as pay six months' schooling, two suits of clothes and $200. With this money, he attended the Potsdam Academy one year, and, in 1839 taught school at Oswego, N. Y., for six months. In the spring of 1840, he entered a drug store as clerk, and at the same time began the study of medicine. The following winter, he attended a course of lectures at Albany, N. Y., and, in June, 1841, entered the office of his brother at Oxford, Ohio, where he continued studying for two years. He then attended a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Medical College, after which he practiced medicine one year at Somerville, Ohio. In the fall of 1844, he came to Milford, Decatur Co., Ind., and practiced twenty-two years. He then located in Kokomo one year, but by failing health was compelled to return to Milford, and in the fall of 1867 located at Windfall. He built a brick building, and in it placed a general stock of merchandise, but subsequently put in drugs alone. He was one of a stock company that built the Windfall City Mills. In 1876, he purchased the entire mill, which he operated until 1879. He retired from active practice in 1875, but has since given his attention to a few special cases. He is a liberal supporter of public enterprise, and has contributed to the building of churches. He has been visited by fire at three different times, the last occurring in March, 1883. Dr. McAlister was married, January 1, 1846, to Miss Rachel Fugit, of Decatur County, Ind. She was born August 15, 1818, and is the daughter of John Fugit, one of the pioneers of Decatur County. He is a member of the Republican party, and is a strong temperance man. He is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife belongs to the M. E. Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

CAPT. AUGUSTUS McGILL came to Tipton County in July, 1882, and purchased a place adjoining the corporate limits of Windfall. He is of Celtic descent, his ancestors having come to the colony of Pennsylvania anterior to the Revolution, in which both his grandfathers were continental soldiers and comrades; together they wintered at Valley Forge, crossed the Delaware on the ice under the eye of Washington, and together took part in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. They subsequently settled in Crawford County, Penn., where the subject of this sketch was born in 1828. Augustus became a surveyor and school teacher, and taught at various points until 1855, when he married. In 1856, he was appointed Postmaster of his native town, and subsequently served one term as County Auditor. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served, with the exception of one short interval, through the war. He took part in the siege of Yorktown and the battles of Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mills, Malvern Hill, second Bull Run, Antietam and Fredericksburg, at the last place receiving injuries which necessitated his retiring for a short time from active service. In June, 1863, Lee invaded Pennsylvania while Capt. McGill was at home an invalid. Gov. Curtin issued a call for three months' men, and in less than twenty-four hours the Captain was on his way to Pittsburgh with a full company. After the repulsion of the enemy, the Captain returned to the Army of the Potomac, went through Grant's campaign in the Wilderness, was in the assault on Cold Harbor, the advance on Petersburg, the capture of the Norfolk and Weldon Railroad, etc. In the spring of 1865, he was in the last campaign against Lee, and was at Lewis' Farm, Boydton Road and Five Forks and many other fights, and was present at Lee's surrender. Since the war, the Captain has served ten years as magistrate in his native town, and successfully pursued other vocations suited to his crippled condition. His son, William R. McGill, is a young man of estimable qualities, is also a resident of this township, and is engaged in farming.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

W. J. MINER, one of the representative and leading men of Windfall, was born in Hendricks County, Ind., August 4, 1837, and is the oldest son of Richard and Lynda Mira (Jackson) Miner, both natives of Indiana. Richard Miner was a farmer, but ultimately practiced law. He served as Probate Judge, also as Justice of the Peace for several years. He was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died February 9, 1875, aged sixty-two years. W. J. Miner spent his youth on a farm, and received a common school education. At the age of sixteen, he began an apprenticeship at the wagon-maker's trade and worked one and a half years. He then worked one year as a journeyman, after which he conducted a shop of his own in Elwood until 1861. He enlisted, November, 1861, in Company E, Thirty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He was soon promoted to Orderly Sergeant, later to Second Lieutenant, and in 1868, at Vicksburg, to First Lieutenant. He was in battle at Port Gibson, Island No. 10, Chaplin Hills, New Madrid, Point Pleasant, siege of Vicksburg and siege of Jackson. At the close of the war, he returned to Madison County, where he engaged in the hardware business, and subsequently handled dry goods for a few years. After this, he again entered the hardware business, and in February, 1875, located in Windfall and purchased a half-interest of A. W. Gould's stock. In October, 1877, Mr. Miner became successor to the firm of Gould & Miner, and has since conducted the business, handling a full stock of hardware, building mateial and agricultural implements. He is an active politician in the Democratic ranks, and was elected Township Trustee April 15, 1882. Mr. Miner was married, April 24, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Guisinger, of Anderson, Ind., and daughter of Dr. J. S. Guisinger. They have three children - Orpha, Gertrude and Paul. Mr. Miner is a member of the Masonic fraternity and I. O. O. F., and is one of the most successful business men of the village. His maternal grandparents were of Irish extraction.

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"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

H. MITCHELL, farmer, is a native of Decatur County, Ind., and was born November 2, 1835. He is the son of Silas and Sarah (Johnson) Mitchell, both natives of Kentucky, and of English and Irish descent. H. Mitchell came with his parents to this county at the age of twelve years, before the organization of Wild Cat Township, and here spent his boyhood days. At the age of eighteen, he began to battle in life for himself. He located near Windfall, where he found it farm with a log cabin and one acre of cleared ground. Two years later, he visited Iowa, and late in the fall of 1857 returned to this township and re-located on the farm he had left. In 1861, he sold this and bought his present farm of eighty acres, which he found low and wet. He built a log cabin and started for the second time in the forest. He is an active politician in the Democratic ranks, and has held some of the minor offices of the township. Mr. Mitchell was married in May, 1853, to Miss Dorcas Ann Denny, of Tipton County; she was born in 1833, and was the daughter of Jehu Denny. She died March 7, 1876, leaving ten children - Sarah J., Eliza E., Marshal, Marion, Emily, Alice, Charles, Siles, Myrta and Pearl. Mr. Mitchell was next married in February, 1877, to Mrs. Amanda High. This lady died in 1879, and Mr. Mitchell was married, April 12, 1883, to Mrs. Nancy Bragg, of Howard County. Mr. Mitchell is a Master Mason, and his wife is a member of the M. E. Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

JOSEPH S. MITCHELL, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Decatur County, Ind., September 30, 1847. He is a brother of H. Mitchell. His parents were one of five families that located in this county prior to 1848. His father pre-empted land, made a good home, and April 25, 1873, died at the age of seventy-two. He assisted in establishing the first Baptist Church of his township, and was an active worker, and a man of prominence. His wife is still living. In 1870, Joseph S. located on forty acres of land which he purchased for $1,000, and in 1878 removed to the home farm. In February, 1574, he located on the farm where he now lives, finding about thirty acres cleared. He is a model farmer, and now owns 140 acres well improved, and with good buildings. Mr. Mitchell married, September 7, 1871, Miss Sarah E. Nutter, of Tipton County. She died in 1878, leaving two small children - Mary E. and John S. Mr. Mitchell was next married, in 1879, to Mrs. Mary E. (Harper) Mitchell, of Howard County. He is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, and has held some of the minor offices of the township.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

WILLIAM P. MULLIKIN, Justice of the Peace and farmer, was born February 1, 1842. In 1853, his father located west of Windfall, and here the boy William assisted to carve a home out of the forest. He received considerable schooling and began teaching in 1860. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; his first engagement was at Munfordsville, Ky., where his regiment was captured. Mr. Mullikin, after being exchanged, was wounded in the head at Fort DeRusay, La., and left on the field for dead; he did not become wholly conscious for three months, and was away from his regiment six months. Subsequently he saw varied and severe service in Tennessee and Missouri until his discharge in July, 1865. Returning home, he taught school in various places, and also engaged in the lumber business. In 1873, he was Principal of the Windfall Schools. In 1877, he removed to the fifty-five-acre farm where he now lives. He has been Town clerk, Assessor, Treasurer and Justice of the Peace. Mr. Mullikin has been three times married, the last time to Miss Henrietta S. Ludwig, of Franklin County. By this marriage there are two children - Sarah M. and Ida Leora. By the earlier marriages there were Emmet G., Alva M., Metta Inez and Ivy Edna. Mr. Mullikin is a member of the Presbyterian Church and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His first wife, Mrs. Casandra Mullikin, presented him with twins, who died at the age of nine months, and later presented him with triplets, who also died in infancy.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

WILLIAM H. NEWTON, was born in Hamilton City, Ohio, July 28, 1840, and is one of four children born to John and Philinda (Clark) Newton, natives of Ohio and of English descent. Mr. Newton came to Indiana when he was but twelve years old, and assisted his father on a farm in Shelby County. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battle at Greenbrier, Port Republic, Winchester, second battle at Bull Run, South Mountain and Gettysburg, being wounded in the last in his left hip by a gunshot. He was taken to Philadelphia, where he remained in the hospital three months; he then rejoined his regiment and participated the battle at Chancellorsville, the campaign through the Wilderness and at the siege of Petersburg, where he received a second gunshot wound in the neck. He was confined to hospitals until July, 1864, when he was honorably discharged; he returned home and engaged in farming until March, 1875, when he located on the farm where he now lives. He owns ninety-eight acres of land, sell drained, well improved and with good buildings. Mr. Newton was married, August 16, 1860, to Miss Amilla Bullard, of Shelby County, Ind. She was born November 15, 1842. They have had seven children, four of whom are living - Emma A., Mary Y., George E. and Leora. Mr. Newton is a Republican in politics, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

JOHN NUTTER, one of the pioneers and prominent men of Windfall, is the oldest resident of Wild Cat Township. He is a native of Wood County, W. Va., and was born August 15, 1817. He is the eldest son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Webb) Nutter, both natives of Harrison County, Va., and of Irish descent. John Nutter was reared on a farm, and in the fall of 1840 located in Boone County, Ind.; September 24, 1841, he came to Tipton County and took a claim of 160 acres, erected a log cabin, and lived a bachelor's life for three years. He was a successful hunter, and by killing deer and coons he saved $130, with which he purchased his first piece of land, entering eighty acres in April, 1848. He was the fifth settler in Wild Cat Township, and was present at the organization of the township, serving as one of the Judges at the election. He erected the first hewed-log house, furnished with puncheon floor and clapboard door. He had since made a good home, and at one time owned 170 acres of land. He has since given to each of his children a good home, and still owns 250 acres joining Windfall; he has a fine large brick residence. He has been one of the leading citizens of Tipton County, where he has been a resident forty-two years. He served as the first Bailiff of the first grand jury o f Tipton County. He served as County Commissioner six years, and it was during his official career that the county jail was erected. He wrote the first petition for a road in Wild Cat Township, and was appointed Supervisor to cut out the road. Mr. Nutter took out the second marriage license issued in Tipton County, and was married in July, 1845, to Miss Martha Pritchard, a native of Johnson County. She died February 5, 1855, leaving four children, two of whom are living - James W., merchant in Windfall, and Elizabeth J., milliner and dress-maker in Windfall. Mr. Nutter's second marriage occurred in 1855, to Miss Amanda McKay, of Howard County. Three children crowned this union, one of whom is living - Martha A. Mrs. Nutter died in 1863, and he was last married January 1, 1866, to Mrs. Nancy (Mitchell) Freeman, of Howard County. Mr. Nutter is an active worker in the Democratic party, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a stanch supporter of the temperance movement, and of all public enterprises and benevolent purposes.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

JAMES W. NUTTER, of the firm of Vice & Nutter, is a native of Tipton County and was born February 1, 1849, and is the only son born to John and Martha (Pritchard) Nutter. Our subject was reared on farm, and received a common school education. Upon arriving at his majority, he worked on the farm for his father until he was twenty-six years of age, after which he conducted a farm for himself until February, 1879, when he exchanged his farm for a half interest in a business room and stock of goods, in company with D. B. Vice. They are conducting an extensive business, and are also dealing in all kinds of grain, and buying and shipping stock. Their business room and stock of goods were burned, causing a loss of $2,500, but they immediately erected a fine, large brick building, 21x80 feet, two stories, which is well filled with a general stock of goods. Mr. Nutter was married, August 19, 1875, to Miss Amanda E. Hardy, of Franklin County, Ky. She was born February 4, 1858, and is the daughter of Samuel Hardy. This union has been blessed with four children - Ora B., John S., James and Edward. Mr. Nutter has been a politician in the Democratic ranks, and his wife is a member of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

THOMAS B. OSBURN, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Rush County, Ind., September 28, 1839, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Burton) Osburn; Joseph Osburn located in Rush County at an early day, and there entered land; he cleared from the forest a home, upon which he resided until 1881, when he sold the same and located near New Brunswick, Boone Co., Ind., where he is now living; he commenced life a poor boy but by economy and industry, he accumulated 300 acres in Rush County, 300 in Tipton County, and eighty acres in Madison County; he gave a farm to each of his children, and still has a good home; he is now seventy-four years of age, and enjoys good health; he is a Democrat in politics, and a faithful worker in the Baptist Church. Our subject received a limited education in the common schools, and assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he came to Tipton County and engaged in improving his forest land. On August 28, 1862, he was married to Miss Edith Plummer, born in this township, March 12, 1846, daughter of Ira Plummer, one of the first settlers. To this union were born five children - Zimri, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jerard Guy and John H. By hard labor and much good management, Mr. Osburn has now a good farm of 200 acres, 110 of which are improved; he is a liberal supporter of every public improvement, and a very earnest Democrat. Both himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

OBADIAH OVERMAN, a pioneer farmer of Wild Cat Township, was born in Randolph County, Ind., November 5, 1821, and is the eldest son born to Cornelius and Rebecca (Ford) Overman, natives of North Carolina; his father died February 17, 1851, at the age of fifty-five; his mother's death occurred in 1866. Obadiah of this sketch removed to Wayne County, Ind., with his parents, when he was but thirteen years of age, and there received a limited education; his father was an invalid, hence, his eldest son was early called to take charge of the home farm; he remained at home until he was about twenty-two years of age, when he began life for himself on rented land in Rush County, Ind. The following year he returned to Wayne County, Ind., and in the spring of 1851 purchased eighty acres of his present home; in the fall of 1853, he moved here with his family, and, struggling from year to year, soon had a good home cleared out of the forest; he now owns 240 acres of land, 100 of which are under good cultivation, with good buildings. Mr. Overman was married, in 1843, to Miss Sarah D. Hall, of Wayne County, Ind.; she was born in North Carolina August 9, 1824, and is the daughter of Joshua Hall, of North Carolina. By this marriage they have five children - Levi (who sleeps in a soldier's grave near Indianapolis), Elwood, Robert, Elkanah and Price. Mr. Overman is a Republican, and his wife is a member of the Friends' Church. In the early history of Tipton County, Mr. Overman was known as the poor man's friend, as he would give his corn to the poor man who had no money to buy, rather than sell it to the man who was able to pay.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

ROBERT F. OVERMAN was born in Wayne County, Ind., November 2, 1850, and is the son of Obadiah Overman. When he was but a child, his parents removed to this county and located on land in Wild Cat Township; here Mr. Overman spent his youth and received a limited education. He began life for himself at the age of eighteen, and has always followed agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He located on his present farm of eighty-nine acres in 1870, finding but two acres cleared and now has about fifty acres of tillable land. He was married, August 14, 1867, to Miss Barbara A. Miller, of Howard County; she was born February 25, 1847. By this marriage they have four children - William E., Charity L., Rhodema A. and Eva E. Mr. Overman and wife are members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Overman casts his ballot with the Republican party, and has held some of the minor offices of the township; he is a public-spirited man, and encourages all home enterprises.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

WILLIAM L. OWEN was born in Carroll County, Ky., November 18, 1837, and is the third of six children born to William and Frances (Driskel) Owen, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish descent. William Owen, Sr., removed from Kentucky to Tipton County, Ind., in 1855, and purchased 160 acres of forest land near Windfall; he made a good home, and here remained until his death, June 3, 1870, at the age of sixty-seven; his wife died June 8, 1875, at the age of seventy-one. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and at the age of twenty-one began farming his father's farm on shares. In 1865, he moved upon a rented farm, and one year later returned to the homestead farm; he now owns forty acres of this, besides eighty acres which join it. His farm is well-improved, having good frame buildings. Mr. Omen was married, September 12, 1862, to Miss Sarah White, of Tipton County; she was born in Decatur County, Ind., December 17, 1842, and is the daughter of John F. White, one of the early settlers of this township. Five children bless this union - Flora F., Jane B., Levina O., Ice Lee and Thomas F. Mr. Owen has made his home through his own labor and economy, as he started in life empty handed. He is a well-to-do farmer, a worthy citizen, and is identified with the Democratic party.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

W. C. PARKER, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Preble County, Ohio, born March 28, 1848, and is the only child of Dr. William and Judith A. (Wilkinson) Parker, both natives of Ohio. Dr. William Parker was reared on a farm in Preble County, but studied medicine and graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College in 1846; he practiced at New Hope, Preble Co., Ohio, in Fayette County, and in Madison Township, in this county. He died November 8, 1852, in Preble County, at the age of thirty-two. W. C. Parker was likewise reared on a farm, and in 1858 came to this county with his mother and located where he now lives. At the age of eighteen, he began life for himself on the farm, working on shares, where he has since continued, having full control of the homestead, which he has improved by good buildings and in other ways. In 1873, he purchased forty acres of unimproved land, but which are now tillable. Mr. Parker was married, June 19, 1870, to Miss Amanda Goar, daughter of Joseph Goar, one of the pioneers of Tipton County. To this union were born four children - Joseph W., Clarissa a., James W. and Charles C. Mr. Parker is a member of the Masonic fraternity; he was previously a Democrat, but is now a member of the National party.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township

E. PERRY, railroad agent and operator, is a native of Owen County, Ky., and was born March 27, 1852; he is the oldest of four children (three now living) born to Lewis and Orphy E. (Said) Perry, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish and English descent. Lewis Perry came to Tipton County, Ind., as early as 1852, locating near Windfall, and made a good home of 100 acres. In 1864, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in Sherman's march to the sea; near Wilmington, he was taken sick and died. His wife died in January, 1875. In October, 1870, E. Perry began the study of telegraphy, and January 1, 1871, was given a position as night operator, which he held for ten months; he was afterward stationed at different railroad points, but returned home in the spring of 1875, upon the death of his mother; in 1876, he engaged as railroad agent, clerk and operator at Highland, Ill., but in 1878, he returned to the farm. In December, 1881, he secured the position of agent and operator at Windfall, which he still holds; he is one of the most accommodating agents on the line; he is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married, March 21, 1877, to Miss Ida Steele, of Windfall. She was born March 30, 1862 and is the daughter of J. H. N. Steele. They have had three children, two of whom are living - Ora Dessie and Bertie. Mr. Perry is owner of a farm of 110 acres with fair improvements, besides as good village property as Windfall contains.

"Counties of Howard and Tipton, IN" published in 1883 by F.A. Battey & Co., Chicago, IL
Wild Cat Township