ELISHA PICKERING was born in Green County, Tenn., November 21, 1813, and is one of twelve children born to Enos and Betta (Harle) Pickering, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina, and of English descent. He was reared on a farm, and received but a limited education. About the year 1833, he went to a brother's, near New Castle, Ind. In the spring of 1834, he located near Economy, Wayne County; the following fall he was married to Miss Margaret Lee, of Wayne County, after which he engaged in farming on his father-in-law's place for three years. He then rented a farm near Economy, and two years later purchased eighty acres in Randolph County, Ind., and there his wife died, February 15, 1842, leaving two small children – Sarah R. and Henry H. (both deceased). The last named enlisted in the spring of 1864, in Company C, Fortieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died from exposure in April, 1865. In 1849, Mr. Pickering came to this county and entered 166 acres, built a log cabin, and began to cut away the forest. Mr. Pickering attended the first election in Wild Cat Township, and in its early history served five years as Justice of the Peace, and three years as County Commissioner, during which time the present court house was erected. September 15, 1843, he married Miss Rhoda Moore, of Miami County, Ohio. She was born June 21, 1814, and is the daughter of Samuel and Alice Moore, natives of Tennessee, and of English descent. They have had four children - Ezra L., Mary .J. (deceased), Miles D. and Margaret A. Mr. Pickering is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and his wife belongs to the Society of Friends.

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


E. L. PICKERING, of the firm of E. L. Pickering & Co., is a native of Randolph County, Ind., and was born July 5, 1847. He is the eldest of four children born to Elisha and Rhoda (Moore) Pickering, natives of Tennessee and Ohio, and of English descent. Our subject enlisted in the State service under Gen. Carrington, served one year, and in the fall of 1863 he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He engaged in battle at Buzzard Roost, Peach Tree Creek, Resaca, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, and the siege of Atlanta. Thence he went with Gen. Thomas to Nashville, and at Jonesboro, S. C., he was taken sick; he was honorably discharged May 25, 1865, and returned home and engaged in farming with his father; one year later he engaged with John Bailey in driving a notion wagon; he purchased a half-interest in Mr. Bailey's grocery and provision store, and in 1873 retired from this firm. In March, 1874, he purchased a one-third interest in a general stock of goods, and became a member of the firm of Freeman, Pickering & Co., and two years later the name of the firm was changed to Pickering, Bailey & Co. On March 3, 1878, a fire destroyed their building and a stock of goods worth $9,000. Mr. Pickering then entered the grocery business in company with D. D. John, and one year later became successor to Pickering & John; he subsequently purchased an interest in company with A. D. Riffe, and six months later took a third partner, making the firm of Pickering, Riffe & Craften. One year later, he retired from this firm, and subsequently engaged in the drug business one year, when he sold a half interest to E. Pickering, and is now a member of the firm of E. L. Piekering & Co. In 1881, they began handling a full line of implements, making a specialty of Gear, Scott & Coo's thresher and engine, doing a business of $15,000 annually. In 1874, he was commissioned Postmaster at Windfall, which office he held nine years. He has served on the Central Committee of the Republican party eight years, and has been School Trustee for eight years. He is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Pickering was married in 1868 to Miss Catharine Shawhan, of Tipton County. They had four children, three of whom are living - Ida, Udora and Girty. He was again married, November, 25, 1880, to Miss Rosa Kirkpatrick, of Howard County. She was born November 9, 1860, and is the daughter of Rankin Kirkpatrick, of Irish descent. This marriage has been blessed with two children - Mervil May and Blanche.

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


SALATHIEL V. PLUMMER, a representative farmer, was born in Rush County, Ind., December 9, 1832, and is the son of Hiram and Lydia (Vickery) Plummer. Hiram Plummer located in Washington, Rush County, Ind., in his youth, and was there married. In 1849, he removed to Tipton County and purchased 160 acres; he dealt in land until he owned about 600 acres; he died August 29, 1868; his wife (aged seventy-four) is still living, and resides upon the old homestead. S. V. Plumrner received a limited education. Upon reaching his majority, he began farming for himself. In 1855, he and family moved to Iowa, and located first in Harden County and then in Marion County. In 1857, he returned to Tipton County, and purchased 120 acres for $1,500. By hard work and industry, he succeeded in making a good home. In 1865, he removed to Northern Missouri, but soon returned to this township; he then purchased 120 acres of forest land, upon which he lived until 1872; he then visited Kansas and Missouri, and located again in Missouri; returning home for his family, he soon purchased his present home of sixty acres, which is now well improved and under cultivation. Mr. Plummer was married, February 18, 1853, to Miss Martha J. Gray, a native of Owen County, Ind. By this marriage they have four children - Sarah A., George M., Alice and Hiram D. Mr. Plummer is a supporter of Democratic principles; his wife is a worthy member of the Christian Church.

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


WILLIAM L. PRICE, M. D., is a native of Preble County, Ohio, and was born September 17, 1853; he is the second of seven children born to Michael and Elizabeth (Wysing) Price, both natives of Ohio, and of German descent; his parents settled in Howard County in 1859, locating on Peach Run; he now owns 160 acres of good land; his faithful wife died February 22, 1876; he is a highly respected citizen, and a worthy member of the Dunkard Church. W. L. Price assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began teaching in the public schools; he read medicine first in the office of Dr. Charles Chittick, and in the winter of 1877-78 attended medical college at Ann Arbor. Previous to this he had taken a literary course of four months at Lebanon, Ohio. In September, 1878, he began the practice of medicine at Sharpsville, Ind.; and a few weeks later he located at Windfall and entered a partnership with Dr. Austin; this partnership continued until the fall of 1879, when Dr. Price began teaching in the high school; in 1880, he located at East Branch, Hamilton Co., Ind., where he practiced medicine a few months, when he removed to West Liberty, Howard County; in September, 188 1, he returned to Windfall and assumed charge of the intermediate department of the high school, and the following spring again embarked in the practice of medicine; in January, 1883, he formed a partnership with Dr. Zeek, and he and Dr. Zeek are now the leading physicians of the town, enjoying an extensive practice. Dr. Price was married in August, 1879, to Miss Fannie M. Swaim, of Windfall, and daughter of John M. and Eveline Swaim. This union is blessed with one child, Glena L. Mrs. Price 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


GEORGE M. RIFFE, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in West Virginia January 15, 1825, and is the son of David and Mary (Miller) Riffe, also natives of Virginia, of German descent. Our subject at the age of ten removed to Decatur County, Ind., where he assisted his father on the farm, and received his education from the subscription school; upon arriving at his majority, he began farming on rented ground, and by hard work and economy made a good home of 240 acres in Decatur County. In the fall of 1861, he exchanged this for wild land in Tipton County, upon which he soon located; he made several changes, and in 1871 located on the farm where he now lives; he was married, in 1817, to Sarah J. Seright, of Rush County, Ind. She was born January 14, 1830, and is of German descent. By this union they had nine children - A. D., Mary S., J. W., Anna C., Sarah M., George A., Charles K. (deceased), Levina (deceased), and Rachael (deceased). Mr. Riffe and wife are members of the old Christian Church; he is a Master Mason, and was reared a Democrat, but of late years has voted the Republican ticket.

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


A. D. RIFFE, one of the leading business men of Windfall, was born in Decatur County, Ind., September 1, 1848, and is the eldest son of George M. and Sarah J. (Seright) Riffe, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively, and of German descent. A. D. Riffe assisted his father on the farm in Decatur and Tipton Counties, and received a common school education. At the age of fifteen, he entered the store of Petty, Seright & Co., as clerk, and remained there about two years. After this he spent one year on the farm, and subsequently engaged as clerk for R. Freeman in Windfall, and remained with him six years; he then added ready-made clothing, and became s third partner in the firm of E. Freeman & Co. This partnership was shortly dissolved, and Mr. Riffe then clerked in Dr. McAlister's drug store one year. For the next two years, he was manager and book-keeper of the Windfall City Mills, after which he returned to the farm. One year later, he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and March 1, 1880, assumed charge of W. H. Crafton's store, where they are doing a business from $8,000 to $12,000 per year. Mr. Riffe is an active home politician, is well known and highly respected. Mr. Riffe has been thrice married - first, November 6, 1870, to Miss Sarah F. Linke, of Bartholomew County, Ind.; this lady died in January, 1874, leaving one daughter, Minnie J.; his second marriage occurred January 15. 1876, to Miss Olive Wright, of Tipton County. Her death occurred April 29, 1877. There was one daughter by this marriage, Ida M. He was married to his present wife, Miss Sarah A. Crafton, of Shelby County, Ind., February 7, 1878. Two sons have blessed this union, William E. and Carl B. Mr. Riffe is a 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


JOHN W. RIFFE, clerk for W. H. Crafton, merchant of Windfall, is a native of Decatur County, Ind.; he was born November 17, 1855, and is the son of George M. Riffe; he worked on his father's farm during his youth, and received a limited education in the common schools. In the summer of 1875, he engaged as clerk for John Bailey, a merchant at Windfall, and in 1877 entered the employ of J. H. Zehner. He continued as his clerk until 1882, when by failing health he was compelled to resign his position. A few months later, he entered the employ of W. H. Crafton, where he is now to be found. Mr. Riffe was married March 16, 1879, to Miss Allie VanWinkle, of Windfall, a daughter of Joseph VanWinkle. They have one child - Cora May. Mr. Riffe is a prominent member of the Republican party, and has served as Town Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor one term. He was re-elected, but, as he was about moving out of the village, resigned.

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


WILLIAM H. RUSSEL was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, a July 18, 1829, and is the second son of Joseph and Rhoda (Walker) Russel, natives of Maryland, and of German descent. Joseph Russel removed to Cincinnati in an early day, and was there married; he spent his last days near Edinburgh, Ind., and after his death his wife removed to Grant County, where she subsequently died. William H. Russel spent his youth on the farm, and at the age of eight years, began to make his own living; he learned the cooper's trade in Cincinnati, and worked at his trade for three years, after which he located near Indianapolis, Ind. In 1853, he removed to Coles County, Ill., where he engaged in farming on rented land, and in 1855 he located at Bridgeport, Marion County, where he conducted a cooper shop until 1864; he then came to Tipton County, and located on a farm in Madison Township; he improved eighty acres, and built good buildings; sold out, and in the spring of 1870 purchased his present farm of 280 acres of forest land. He has redeemed 125 acres of land from the forest, and now has this under a good state of cultivation; he also is a large raiser of live stock. Mr. Russel was married, September 24, 1852, to Eliza R. Griswold, of Marion County, Ind. She was born March 2, 1836. They have had ten children, six of whom are living - Alice, Joseph C., Robert, Laura H., Sibbilla H. and Joba.

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


WILLIAM SANDERS, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind.; was born November 15, 1842, and is the son of Samson and Sarah (Russel) Sanders, both natives of North Carolina. William Sanders, at the age of ten, came to Tipton County, and was reared in the forest by one of the pioneer farmers. At the age of nineteen, he enlisted, in July, 1861, in Company G, Thirty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He participated in battle at Shiloh, at Corinth, Crab Orchard and Stone River, after which his regiment was mounted and known as the Thirty-ninth Maryland Infantry. Mr. Sanders re-enlisted in 1864, near Murfreesboro, Tenn., after which he was detailed as company blacksmith. In June, 1865, he was honorably discharged. He returned home and invested his money in eighty acres of wild land, and made several changes until 1877, when he, in February, 1877, returned to Windfall, and conducted a blacksmith shop for two years, and in December, 1880, purchased his present home of sixty acres, where he has since resided. Mr. Sanders was married in March, 1861, to Miss Mary A. Jones, of Madison County. They had one child - William. He was next married in March, 1866, to Miss Sarah Level; they have had five children - Rosetta, Clinton (deceased), Mary E., Francis M. and James. Mr. Sanders was reared a Democrat, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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


JERRY SANDERS was born in Boone County, Ind., February 15, 1846, and is the son of Samson and Sarah (Russel) Sanders, both natives of North Carolina. Samson Sanders was among the pioneers of Boone County, where he lived a farmer's life. About 1852, he came to Tipton County, and located in Wild Cat Township, on ninety-three acres of unimproved land, and subsequently upon eighty acres of wild land, where our subject now lives. He resided upon this until after the death of his wife in 1870, after which he sold the farm and lived with his children; he spent his last days in Windfall, and died in the fall of 1876 at the age of sixty-seven. At the age of eighteen, Jerry Sanders began life for himself, and in 1879 engaged in the lumber business near Tipton. He continued there two years, and then returned to the farm where he now lives, comprising forty acres under good cultivation. Mr. Sanders enlisted in 1864 in the twelve months' service in Company D, Fifty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but after he got south of Indianapolis was taken sick and sent back to that city. He remained there six weeks, at which time he was honorably discharged. He had four brothers in the rebellion, one of whom sleeps down South in a soldier's grave. Mr. Sanders was married, October 26, 1870, to Miss Lois A. Griswold, of Madison County, Ind. Five children have blessed this union - Laura, Henry, William, Flora (deceased) and one infant (deceased). Mr. Sanders is a Democrat; he 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


DR. J. A. SCHELL, druggist, is a native of Madison County, Ind., and was born October 15, 1839; son of John and Elizabeth (Sigler) Schell, natives of Virginia, and of German descent. His father removed to Ohio with his family in an early day, and, in 1823, located in Madison County, Ind., with a little colony of twenty-one families. Mr. Schell remained there until his death, March 4, 1878, at the age of sixty-four. Our subject had limited advantages for an education during his boyhood, and in later life was his own preceptor. He began the study of medicine in the spring of 1865, and continued reading medicine and teaching school for eight years. He read under Dr. William Suman, of Frankton, and in the winter of 1867-68 attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College. The following spring he commenced his practice at Frankton, and August 11, 1869, he removed to Windfall, bringing with him a small stock of drugs. He has since resided here, and is doing a good business. Mr. Schell was married, September 28, 1871, to Miss Caroline McIntire, of Windfall. She is a native of Iowa, and was born August 16, 1854. This marriage has been crowned with one son - Elmer P., born August 18, 1872. Mr. Schell is an active home politician in the Democratic ranks. He served as Justice of the Peace three months, and was commissioned Notary Public two terms while in Frankton. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

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


CHARLES FRANKLIN SMITH, merchant, is a native of Kentucky, and was born September 16, 1828. He is the oldest of three children born to Henry and Susan (Wilson) Smith, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky, and of German and Scotch-Irish descent. His maternal grandfather participated in the battle of Yorktown, where Gen. Cornwallis surrendered. His father, Henry Smith, was a farmer and mechanic. His death occurred March 18, 1883, at the age of eighty years. Our subject assisted his father in the workshop at carriage-making, wheel-wrighting, gate-making, etc., and at the age of twenty-two was appointed first station agent at Pewee Valley, on the Louisville & Nashville Short Line. He removed North with his family in the fall of 1857, locating at Windfall, and here engaged in merchandising and acting as station and express agent. He subsequently dealt in grain, and built the first warehouse. He continued there in business until 1865, when he removed to Tipton and entered the Auditor's office as Deputy, serving four years under Scott Armstrong, now of Kokomo. He afterward engaged in the drug business, and later sold out and returned to Windfall. He was employed by J. H. Zehner in his store, where he still continues, and is highly esteemed as a citizen and business man. Mr. Smith was married, April 5, 1855, to Susan L. Hudson, of New York. She is the daughter of Robert and Mary J. (Hamilton) Hudson. Mr. Smith has taken an active part in all public and benevolent enterprises, and is an active politician in the Democratic ranks. He and wife are worthy members of the Episcopal Church, and are now enjoying a most pleasant home, made by their own industry and economy.

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


H. N. STEELE is a native of Jefferson County, Ind., and was born June 27, 1832. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Poorer) Steele, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish descent. Mr. H. N. Steele, at the age of eighteen, left the parental roof, and apprenticed himself four and a half years to a carpenter in Indianapolis, receiving $5 per month, and eighteen months' schooling. He then worked at journeyman work one year, after which he worked at his trade as foreman in Indianapolis four years. He then removed to Hamilton County, and a, few years later located in Howard County, where he engaged in farming and working at his trade until 1876, when he removed to Windfall and operated a planning mill two years. He then sold out and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, where he is doing a good business of $2,000 per year. Mr. Steele is a, Democrat in politics, and has held a number of minor offices of the township. He was married, January 8, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth Duke, of Indianapolis. She is the daughter of James Duke, one of the pioneers of Marion County. This union has been blessed with eight children, four of whom are living - Edgar, Ida, H. E. and Nettie. Mr. Steele is a prominent business man, and a member of the I. O. O. F.

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


JESSE THATCHER, farmer, is a native of Bracken County, Ky., born May 36,1819, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Keithler) Thatcher, natives if New Jersey and Kentucky respectively. At the age of two years, our subject removed with his parents to Switzerland County, Ind., and at the age of seven was left an orphan, whereupon he went to live with Moses Branson, of Vevay, Switzerland County, where he remained ten years and learned the wagon-maker's trade, but his early education was much neglected. In 1840, he worked on a farm, and in 1841 located at Quercus Grove, where he opened a wagon shop. There he continued business nineteen years, and in 1860 removed to this county, and purchased 120 acres of forest land, on which was a log cabin, where he made for himself and family a good home. In 1880, he sold eighty acres of his farm, and is at present residing on the other forty acres he retained. Mr. Thatcher was married, February 23, 1842, to Miss Celia Coy, of Switzerland County, Ind., who died January 5, 1857, leaving five small children, three of whom are living - John, Cynthia A, and Joseph. Mr. Thatcher was next married in February, 1858, to Mrs. Eliza (Mott) Mounts, by which union they have had two children - Pallas (deceased), and Jessie Eveline. Mr. Thatcher is a representative man of the National party, and he 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


DRURY B. VICE, Clerk of the Court and merchant, of the firm of Vice & Nutter, was born in Bath County, Ky., July 19, 1841, and is the son of Martin and Jahazy (Barber) Vice, natives of Kentucky and Virginia. Our subject worked on the farm and received a limited education. At the age of twenty-one, he left his native State and came North, locating at Windfall in April, 1862. He worked for three years as head sawyer for James B. Fouch, and in the winter of 1862-63 attended school. For four or five years following he was his own preceptor. He enlisted in November, 1563, in the Twelfth Battery of 200 men. He was stationed at Nashville, Tenn., and participated in battle against Gen. Hood. He was honorably discharged in the spring of 1865. He returned to Windfall and engaged in the hotel business, together with mercantile pursuits. He subsequently engaged with A. Dennis, under the firm name of Vice & Dennis, and later the firm became Vice, Seright & Co. Mr. Vice afterward became successor to this firm, and continued in business at intervals alone until February, 1879, when James W. Nutter became owner of one-half the stock, and they have conducted a large business since. They met with a large loss by fire, but rebuilt a large brick business room. Mr. Vice is an active Republican, and was nominated for County Treasurer in 1880, but was defeated by a small majority. He was renominated in 1882, and was successful, and will enter upon the duties of his office August 17, 1883. Mr. Vice was married, July 24, 1862, to Miss Anna E. Wall, of Wilmington, Ohio. She was a teacher in Tipton County. She died in 1866, leaving two children - Eugenia M. and E. Estella. Mr. Vice was a second time married, in May, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth J. Nutter, of Windfall, Ind. They have one child - Nellie M. Mrs. Vice is conducting the leading millinery store of Windfall. Mr. Vice has secured a good farm of 140 acres, and he also owns fifty acres in Franklin County, Ky. He is a Master Mason, and he 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


EDMUND P. WHISMAN, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Wayne County, Ind., and was born February 1, 1845; he is the eldest son of Peter and Mary J. (Miller) Whisman, natives respectively of Virginia and Indiana, and of German and English descent. In the fall of 1851, his parents located in Cicero Township, this county, and there Peter Whisman died, June 30, 1861, at the age of forty-nine. The subject of this sketch being the eldest son, was taught the use of the ax, maul and wedge in his youth. When his father died, he took charge of the home farm; he supported the family until he was twenty-five years of age, and in 1870 went West to prospect for a home; he traveled three years in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Indian Territory, after which he returned to this county and engaged in farming the home place. I n 1877, he located on the farm where he now lives; he was married in the fill of 1873 to Miss Cynthia Thatcher, of Tipton County. She was born in Switzerland County, Ind., in 1847, and is the daughter of Jesse Thatcher. Four children blessed this union - Martha V., Peter, Eva and Jesse. Mr. Whisman is identified with the Democratic party, and he and his wife are members of the New-Light Church.

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


GARRET WHITE, farmer and minister, was born in Switzerland County, Ind., December 1, 1838, and is a son of John and Mary (Kelso) White, both natives of Switzerland County, and parents of seventeen children. Grandfather White settled in Switzerland County in 1801, and there erected the first saw mill. John and his faithful wife are yet living on the farm, where they have resided more than sixty years. Mr. White is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles. Garret White received a limited education from the common schools, and at the age of eighteen began working for himself on the home farm, in 1860, he, with his family, located on Indian Prairie, where he farmed for eleven years, and in 1871 located near Windfall, and the following spring moved to the sixty-acre farm on which he now lives; this land is well improved, with good frame buildings. Mr. White laid the first tile ditch in the township, and has always been willing to assist in every public improvement. He was married, August 15, 1860, to Miss Mahala Mott, of Switzerland County, Ind.; born January 27, 1842. This union has been blessed with one son - Omer, born December 31, 1861. Mr. White is a Republican in principle, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. White was licensed to preach in 1861, and ordained in 1863. From 1873 to 1880, he was an active minister, traveling on a circuit, but for the last three years has been doing local service.

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


AARON WHITE, was born in Switzerland County, Ind., April 15, 1845, and is the eighth son of a family of seventeen children born to John White. Aaron White received a limited education in his youth and at the age of nineteen enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the six months' service, and after being out seven months was honorably discharged, having participated in a number of hard skirmishes. After returning home he enlisted in the United States Navy, and served aboard the "Gen. Sherman" on the Tennessee River. When the war closed, he assisted his father upon the farm until the fall of 1866, when he came to this county, stopping on the Indian Prairie the first year. Since that time he has been a resident of this township. He subsequently purchased the farm where he now lives, which contains eighty-six acres of good land, well improved. Mr. White was married, December 25, 1868, to Miss Emily M. Goar, of Jefferson Township. She was born September 22, 1847, and is one of a family of fifteen children born to Joseph and Clarissa Goar, both natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. White have had four children, two of whom are living - Mary Clarissa and Daniel V. Mr. White is a Republican, and his wife is a member of the Friends' Church.

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


WILLIAM H. H. WOLF was born in Clark County, Ohio, June 21, 1840, and is the son of Conrad and Hannah (Williams) Wolf, both natives of Ohio, and of German and Irish descent. His paternal great-grandfather was a Hessian soldier, who was bought by the English, and at the battle at Trenton, N. J., was taken prisoner. After this he joined the colonial forces. In 1848, Conrad Wolf located on a farm in Champaign County, Ohio, where our subject worked until he was fourteen years old. They then came to Grant County, Ind., and located near Marion in the forest. Our subject enlisted, August 10, 1863, in Company K, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the six months' service, participating in the battle at Rayburn and Blue Springs. He subsequently enlisted in Company G, Twenty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in the Georgia campaign, in the siege of Savannah, and in the battle of Bentonville. At the close of the war: he engaged in farming and the saddlery business at various points, and subsequently, about 1870, he purchased his present home of seventy acres, erected a hewed-log house, and has since redeemed fifty acres of heavy timber land and has it well improved. Mr. Wolf was married, December 12, 1861, to Miss Kezia Cain, of Randolph County, Ind. She was born June 15, 1840, and is the daughter of Ambrose and Esther (Smith) Cain. Five children have blessed this union - Conrad, a teacher; Ebenezer, a farmer; John William; Elva Esther and Hannah J. Mr. Wolf and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a stanch supporter of Republican 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


GEORGE C. WOOD, M. D., Windfall. The grandparents of our subject were John and Susan Wood, natives of Virginia, where they were married, subsequently removing to Nicholas County, Ky., where the father of our subject, Caleb Wood, was born in 1809. The ancestors of his mother came from Ireland, locating in Bourbon County, Ky., at a very early day. Here his grandparents, George and Sophia (Marsh) Carr, were born in 1790 and 1797, respectively, and his mother, Letitia McDole Carr, was born in the same county in 1819. His parents were married there in 1839, and in 1841 migrated to Decatur County, Ind., subsequently, in 1856, locating in Tipton County. Of a family of eight children born to them, five are now living, three girls and two boys - George C. was born January 3, 1852, in Decatur County, Ind., and was only four years of age when his parents came to Tipton County. He began his earlier education in the schools of that pioneer period, working upon the farm during the summer months. In the fall of 1871, he attended, for ten weeks, Howard College, located at Kokomo, applying himself with such industry to his studies that he was enabled to secure a twelve-month teacher's certificate, and the ensuing winter taught his first term in District No. 8, Prairie Township, being at that time only nineteen years of age. The ensuing spring he again attended Howard College, remaining ten weeks, and then attended for ten weeks a select school, and upon account of proficiency was awarded a first-grade certificate, and again taught the school at No. 8. In February, 1873, he went to Lebanon, Ohio, and remained attending school until August, returning and teaching a select school in his home district. He continued teaching district and select school in Tipton County until the spring of 1875, when he again returned to Lebanon, Ohio, and remained until August, 1876, when he was awarded the degree of B. S. Returning to Tipton County, he was Principal of the Graded School at Sharpsville. January, 1877, he commenced the study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. A. B. Pitzer, and this study he has maintained since. He continued teaching select and graded schools until the fall of 1878, when he went to Indianapolis and attended the Medical College of Indiana, taking one course. Returning to Sharpsville, he taught a select school, and in June, 1879, he was elected Superintendent of Schools of Tipton County; he was re-elected in June, 1881, and has served the two terms in a highly satisfactory manner to the citizens of the county. He continued to teach normal and select schools during his terms of office, and as an educator held superior rank. Dr. Wood also gave much time to his professional studies, attending courses at Indianapolis during the winter terms of 1879 and 1880, and March 3, 1881, was awarded his diploma. In April, 1883, Dr. Wood removed to Windfall, where he has already inaugurated what promises to be s most successful career. He was united in marriage, November, 1879, to Miss Elnora Linsday. To them was born, January, 1881, a son - Gordon, who died November 9, 1882.

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


FARLOW S. ZEEK, M. D., was born in Wayne County, Ind., April 3, 1838, and is the fifth of seven children born to Daniel and Hannah (Moor) Zeek, natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively, and of German and Scotch-Irish descent. F. S. Zeek attended school in all about six months, and at the age of nineteen began working at the carpenter's trade with his brother. He worked at this trade four years, and in the spring of 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; he participated in battle at Rich Mountain and Laurel Hill, after which he returned home. In the spring of 1862 he recruited a company known as Company C, Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and went out as First Lieutenant. They engaged in battle at Munfordsville, Ky., where the members of this company were all taken prisoners, but the following day were paroled. After being exchanged, they went to Memphis, where Mr. Zeek was promoted as Captain. His company was on the Red River expedition, meeting their first hard-fought battle at Pleasant Hill; here Mr. Zeek was wounded he was shot through the left foot and right ankle, making him a cripple for life; he was taken to the officers hospital at Memphis, Tenn., where he was detained six months, and later was honorably discharged. As soon as he was able he began reading medicine with Dr. E. P. Jones, of Jonesboro, Grant County. He attended the Eclectic College at Cincinnati, and later located in Nevada, where he practiced medicine one year. He then removed to Windfall, where he has since continued in practice. Dr. Zeek has been since troubled much with his wounds, but notwithstanding this he has been active in business, and has taken prominent part as a home politician in the Republican ranks; he has been sent as a delegate to many prominent conventions, and has served as Town Councilman. In 1882, he was commissioned as Postmaster of Windfall. Mr. Zeek was married, in 1865, to Miss Susan Brushwiller, of Spanish descent. They have two children - Lulie B. and Farlow S. Mr. Zeek is a Master Mason and his wife is a 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


LINZY BALLU, retired, son of Linzy and Agnes (Repley) Ballu, was born in Wayne County, Ky., July 7, 1805; his parents located in Kentucky in an early day. Thence they removed to Tennessee, where his father died; his mother died in Tipton County. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native State, and in 1827 came to Indiana, and first settled on forty acres of land in Monroe County; he cultivated this farm about ten years, when he sold and settled on forty acres in Madison County. When he had improved this, he disposed of it and purchased 160 acres in Taylor Township, Howard County; he subsequently located at Nevada, Tipton County, where he purchased town property; here he remained until 1878, when he came to Sharpsville, where he is living a retired life with his daughter, Mrs. Mary G. Wisner. Mr. Ballu was married in Wayne County, Ky., August 26, 1824, to Miss Nancy Sims, of North Carolina, daughter of William and Rachel (Hose) Sims. Mrs. Ballu died in Tipton County, Ind., August 5, 1876, leaving three children - Mary G., Allen P. and Rachel. Mr. Ballu was elected Justice of the Peace in 1863, and served twenty years; he has held the position of Deputy Postmaster and railroad agent at Nevada; he is a member of the Methodist Church, and a Republican in politics.

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


C. BARLOW, son of John and Priscilla (Burris) Barlow, natives of Kentucky, was born in Washington County, Ky., February 17, 1813, where he lived until he was sixteen years old; he then came to Indiana and located in Johnson County, and shortly removed to Shelby County, where he remained two years; he lived in Bartholomew County one year, when he returned to Shelby County, and nine months later purchased 160 acres of land in Bartholomew County, where he remained three years, and engaged in farming; he then sold this, and purchased 103 acres, and soon added sixty-five acres to this; he remained on this place until 1851, when he came to Tipton County, and followed farming and milling until 1864, when he located on a farm of 512 acres adjoining the city of Tipton; there he engaged in farming and milling until 1871, when he located on his present place of 120 acres. Mr. Barlow was first married, December 26, 1833, to Sarah F. Simmons, of Kentucky. She died June 14, 1839, leaving two children - William and Sarah F.; his second marriage was, October 3, 1839, to Susan Youngman, who died August 23, 1860, leaving seven children - Priscilla, Mary A., Susan, John F., George S., Ellison M. and Thomas J.; his third wife was Hester Ann Youngman, who died October 16, 1869, leaving one child, Albert L.; his present wife, Nancv J. Brookbank, was born in Washington County, Ind., September 5, 1831. Mr. Barlow has accumulated sufficient means to live comfortably; he is a member of the A., F. & A. M., is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

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


J. C. BATCHELOR, railroad agent; at Sharpsville, is the son of Robert and Esther (Foster) Batchelor, natives of New York and Ohio. His father was a civil engineer, and was employed by the Government at the time of his death, which occurred in Virginia October 10, 1861. The subject of this sketch was born in Clifton, Greene Co., Ohio, February 2, 1852, and was there reared, completing his studies at Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 1869; he then located at Oberlin, Ohio, where he learned telegraphy; he contracted and built the land lines for the Put-in-Bay Submarine Telegraph Company. This occupied his time for two years, and he then accepted a position with the Chicago & North-Western Railroad Company, where he remained about fifteen months. During this time, he was stationed at the Chicago, Fon du Lac, Wis., Omaha, Neb., and Austin, Ill. He then was employed on the I., P. & C. R, R., and was stationed at Arcadia, Hamilton County, one year, when he was transferred to his present position. Mr. Batchelor was married in Sharpsville, October 6, 1880, to Miss Lottie Siler, daughter of Samuel and Susan (Blakley) Siler, natives of Kentucky. She was born in Whitley County, Ky., February 10, 1860. Mr. Batchelor is a highly-respected citizen, and is politically a Republican.

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


A. L. BATES, lumber dealer and proprietor of a saw mill, was born near Oxford, Ohio, June 12, 1852; his father, Peter C., is a native of New Jersey, and his mother, Sarah A. (Brown), was born in Ohio; his parents now reside in Henry County, Ind. Our subject was reared and educated in his native State, after which he located at Anderson, Madison Co., Ind., and engaged in the manufacture of heading. This he successfully conducted three years, and then accepted a sewing machine agency, which position he filled two years; he then located at Middleton, Henry Co., Ind., where he engaged in saw milling, and subsequently removed his stock to Tipton, Ind., where he conducted this business for about two years; he then came to Sharpsville, where he purchased his present property; his mill is complete in every respect, and has a capacity to cut 10,000 feet of lumber per day; he is running a full force and is doing a good business. Mr. Bates was married in Henry County, Ind., in August, 1880, to Miss Maggie Groves of Indiana. They have one child - Clidy. Mr. Bates is a prominent citizen, and politically stands firm for the Democracy.

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


J. K. BAXTER, M. D., is the son of William and Jane (Kerr) Baxter natives of Virginia, and of Scotch-Irish descent; his parents came to Indiana in 1814, and settled in Jefferson County. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson County, Ind., September 19,1831, and received the benefit of the common schools until he was sixteen years of age; he then entered Asbury University at Greencastle, Ind., where he remained three years; he taught school three or four years, when he located at Madison, Ind., and studied medicine for three years under Dr. J. H. D. Rodgers, a noted physician of that city. In 1854, he entered the Louisville, Ky., Medical College, where he remained one term. In 1855, he located at Sharpsville, Ind., where he engaged in the practice of his profession about twenty years; he served three terms as Township Trustee, and in 1864 enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Medical Department until the close of the war. In 1871, he located on his present place of 240 acres, when he retired from practice and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Dr. Baxter was married in Sharpsville, Ind., November 25,1858, to Miss Eleanor Walker, daughter of William and Penelope (McGannon) Walker. She was born in Jennings County, Ind., February 23, 1842. This marriage has been crowned with nine children - Ida B., Marble L., William W., Elva W., Fannie E., Jennie C., Josiah K., Carrie (deceased) and Conrad (deceased). Dr. Baxter is in every respect a self-made man, having educated himself, and accumulated a handsome fortune. He has one of the finest farms in the township; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a Republican in politics.

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


ED. G. BECKER, son of John G. and Mary (Schegel) Becker, natives of Germany, was born in Prussia, Germany, September 30, 1834, where he was reared and educated. In 1854, he came with his parents to America, locating in Ripley County, Ind., where he worked some time for his father. He then purchased a piece of land and improved a farm, and, in 1871, sold this place and located on his present farm. Mr. Becker has met with success through life, and is today one of the wealthiest farmers in Tipton County. He is also engaged in the manufacture of tile, having a large factory erected upon his farm. He was married in Ripley County, Ind., November 22, 1862, to Elizabeth Leips. She was born in Germany January 27, 1841. They have seven children - Frederick E., Louisa F., Louis A., Mary G., George A., Caroline S. and Ida. Politically, Mr. Becker is conservative in his views, and he and family are members of the Lutheran Church.

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


WILLIAM BOWLBY is the son of Joseph and Mary (Bonnell) Bowlby, natives of New Jersey. His parents came to Indiana in 1844, and settled in Rush County. He was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., October 3, 1829, and lived there until he was fifteen years of age, and received a part of his education. In 1844, he came with his parents to Rush County, where he finished his studies. At the age of seventeen, he lost his father, who left a portion of his estate to him. On this he located and engaged in farming until 1853, when he came to Tipton County and settled on his present place of 200 acres. Here he made a fine farm and has since added twenty acres to it. He also owns forty acres in Wild Cat Township. In 1854, he was elected Clerk of Liberty Township, and served three terms. He was married, in Decatur County, September 3, 1851, to Rebecca J. Lindsay. She was born in Decatur County, Ind., May 17, 1830, and died in Tipton County March 3, 1863. She was the daughter of Joseph and Eleanor (Montgomery) Lindsay, natives of Kentucky. This union was blessed with three children - Rachel A., James F. and Elizabeth J. He married his present wife in Tipton County May 4, 1865 - Phebe Sippy, daughter of Isaac and Mercy (Ball) Sippy. She was born in Mercer County, Penn., April 4, 1829. To this marriage have been born two children - William M. and Mary N. Mr. Bowlby has been an Elder in the Presbyterian Church since February 22, 1873. He has taken a prominent part in building up his church, and has served as Superintendent of' the Sunday school.

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


THOMAS COLE, son of Robert and Martha (Ward) Cole, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, was born in Montgomery County, Ky., June 8, 1812. In 1827, his parents emigrated to Decatur County, Ind., where our subject received a limited education. He was reared on a farm, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. In 1836, he settled on forty acres of land in Shelby County, Ind., and one year later removed to Grundy County, Mo., where he entered and improved eighty acres; he remained there two years, when he sold out and returned to Shelby County, where he purchased eighty acres. This he cultivated, until 1847, when he located in Tipton County, on 160 acres, where he has since resided. In 1861, he was appointed County Commissioner and served eight months, when he was elected to that position, filling the office three years. In 1848, he was elected Justice of the Peace, which position he declined. He was called by the people to become a candidate for Representative, and this he also declined. Mr. Cole was married in Decatur County, Ind., September 7, 1834, to Cinderella Shirley, daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Hendrickson) Shirley, natives of Kentucky. Miss Shirley was born in Nelson County, Ky., May 28,1815, and died in Tipton County, Ind., June 28, 1882. They had seven children - Isaac J., Robert W., Lucinda R. J., Melisa M., Nancy A., Thomas M. (deceased) and Elizabeth C. (deceased). Mr. Cole traveled extensively during his younger days. He has been identified with the Separate Baptist Church for forty years, and is a member of the Democratic party.

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


FRANK B. CROCKETT was born in Clinton County, Ind., August 28, 1852. His parents were Benjamin F. and Lucinda M. Crockett; the former of English and the latter of Scotch extraction. Frank was the fourth of a family of eight children, all of whom are still living. His parents being in limited circumstances, his education was obtained principally by his own exertions. Leaving school at the age of twenty, he engaged in teaching and the study of the law. He has since made a marked success, both as a teacher and in the practice of his profession. In the spring of 1878, he came to Tipton County, and taught near Sharpeville, at which place he now resides. On June 4, 1883, he was unanimously chosen Superintendent of the Public Schools of Tipton County. Mr. Crockett is a member of the Democratic party, and is held in high esteem in the community.

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


JOHN DAVIS, son of Peter P. and Nancy (Welling) Davis, natives of New Jersey and New York, was born in Somerset County, N. J., August 11, 1814; he remained there until he was fourteen years of age, and in 1828 located in New York City. He was in the employ of L. V. DeForest, grocer, for seven years, after which he embarked in the grocery trade, and pursued that three years, when the fire of 1835 swept away his stock. Left without anything, he engaged in transferring goods from Jersey City to New York City for nine years. In 1853, he came to Indiana and located in Rush County, where he followed farming six years. He then removed to Laurel, Franklin County, where he followed teaming seven years, after which he returned to Rush County and engaged in farming. In 1869, he located on a farm in Tipton County, and in 1882 purchased his present place of eighty acres. Mr. Davis was married in New York City, June 6, 1836, to Miss Jane J. Clark. She was born in New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., N. J., May 2, 1818, and is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Dill) Clark, natives of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have five children - Caroline M., Anna F., Elizabeth E., Theodore R. and Jane H. Mr. Davis is a prominent member of the Republican party, and is a worthy citizen and energetic farmer.

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


D. A. FISH is the son of John B. and Elizabeth (Wilson) Fish, both natives of Kentucky; his father was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church over fifty years; he came to Jennings County, Ind., in an early day, and settled on a farm, and died in 1879. Our subject was born in Carroll County, Ky., January 24, 1824, and was shortly taken by his parents to Jennings County, Ind., where he was reared and educated; in 1845, he located at Du Pont, Ind., and embarked in mercantile pursuits, which he followed ten years; in the fall of 1854, he located at Sharpsville, where he followed mercantile pursuits for the most part, until 1868. In 1862-64, he served as Township Trustee. He was elected by the Democratic party in 1868 to fill the office of County Treasurer, and was re-elected in 1870, serving two terms. In 1873, he located on his present place of 357 acres; his farm is one of the best in the county. Mr. Fish was married in Paris, Jennings Co., Ind., July 20, 1845, to Allie J. Hill, daughter of D. M. and Jane (Dixon) Hill, both natives of Kentucky; Miss Hill was born in Jennings County, Ind., November 1, 1827. By this union they have seven children - Culver W., Eudora, Jennie, Sarah B., Ellison, Luella C. and James L. Mr. Fish is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Democrat in politics. 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
Liberty Township


GEORGE V. HAYNES, merchant, whose business was established in 1865, is the son of John and Catherine (Schellhorse) Haynes, both natives of Virginia, his father was a farmer, and came to Indiana, about the year 1838; he located in Jennings County, but subsequently died in Tipton County. Our subject was born in Jennings County, Ind., August 12,1842, and was reared in Jennings, Ripley and Tipton Counties. He attended school in Sharpsville, and in 1858 he entered the dry goods firm of Franklin, Haynes & Needham, where he was employed as clerk until 1861; he then enlisted in Company C, Twenty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was appointed Corporal, and soon after Sergeant; he participated in the engagement at Perry Grove, Ark., where he was wounded, and was confined six months in the hospital at Fayetteville, Ark.; he then joined his company in Missouri, and participated in the siege at Vicksburg; September 29, 1863, he was captured on the Mississippi River, and was imprisoned at Tyler, Texas and Shreveport, La., about ten months; he then joined his regiment at Donaldsonville, La., and was shortly afterward mustered out at Indianapolis, Ind.; he then returned to Sharpsville, and completed his education; in 1865, he engaged in general merchandise at Sharpsville, where he has built up a large business, carrying a $22,000 stock, and doing a business of about $45,000 per year. Mr. Haynes has taken an active part in building up home industries. He was married, November 28, 1867, to Miss Sarah E. Franklin, of Indiana. They have two children - Bertha, and one unnamed. Mr. Haynes is a member of the I. O. O. F. and politically is identified with the Republican party.

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


DR. W. N. HEATH is the son of William and Martha (Rodgers) Heath, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky. His parents came to Indiana in 1814, and located in Franklin County on a farm. Our subject was born in Jefferson County, Ind., August 19, 1844, where he was reared and educated. He studied medicine under Dr. Mordicai Brooks of Brooksburg, Jefferson County, and in 1867 graduated at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. He began his practice at Mount Comfort, Hancock Co., Ind., and in March, 1868, located in Sharpsville, where he is still actively engaged in the duties of his profession. He enlisted in 1862, in Company G, Eighty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He participated in the battle of Stone River, Tenn., and after serving eleven months was discharged on account of disability. Dr. Heath was married in Sharpsville, Ind., April 29, 1869, to Miss Jennie Fish, daughter of David A. and Allie J. (Hill) Fish. She was born in Jefferson County, Ind., in October, 1850. They have three children, Harry W., Gertrude L. and Clara Blanche. Dr. Heath is a highly respected citizen and has a good practice. He is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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


CAPT. J. H. HOBACK is the son of John and Kilen (Darcas) Hoback, both natives of Kentucky. His parents came to Johnson County, Ind., in 1834, and settled on a farm, and there Capt. Hoback was born July 24, 1835, and was there reared and educated. He served an apprenticeship at Liberty, Ind., at the carpenter's trade, which he followed four years. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three months, during which time he engaged in battle at Philippi, Laurel Hill and Carrick's Ford, W. Va. He then re-enlisted in Company H, Fifty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and soon after was commissioned First Lieutenant; this position he filled until after the battle of Shiloh, when, on account of disability, he returned to Tipton County, and remained a short time. Then, with about sixteen recruits, he went to Indianapolis, where he took charge of 108 men, and rejoined his regiment at Silver Springs, Ky. After the battle at Stone River, Tenn., he was made Captain. He participated in battles at Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Knoxville, Tenn., where the company veteranized and returned home on twenty days' furlough. They re-organized at Katusa Spring, Ga., and served in the principal engagements on the Atlantic coast campaign. Then engaged in battle at Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., after which the company moved into Texas, and was discharged in December, 1865. Mr. Hoback then returned to Tipton, and engaged in the lumber trade until April, 1883, when he disposed of his interest, and purchased an interest in 2,700 acres of pine lands in Hot Springs County, Ark., with a fine saw mill. His future residence will be Malvern, Ark. Capt. Hoback was married in Johnson County, Ind., in Deceinber, 1855, to Miss Minerva J. Tarhum, of Indiana. They have three children – Claude D., Melissa A. and Mattie L. Capt. Hoback is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and casts his vote with the Republican party.

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


JESSE G. JACKSON, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Jeffera) Jackson, natives of North Carolina, was born in Wilkes County, N. C., September 30, 1818. In l830, his parents came to Rush County, Ind., where they spent the remainder of their days. Our subject was reared a farmer's boy and received a good education, which was completed at Falmouth, Rush Co., Ind. He then taught school in Rush, Fayette and Hancock Counties about five years, and later lived on a rented farm until 1847, when he purchased eighty acres of unimproved land in Hancock County. He cultivated this farm until 1852, when he purchased a farm in Shelby County, but soon sold this and bought 200 acres, upon which he lived eleven years. In 1854, he began his labors as a minister in the Old School Baptist Church, and was ordained in 1855. In 1865, he came to Tipton County and located on his present place. He was instrumental in organizing Providence Church in Liberty Township, and has taken charge of this church since 1865; he has also charge of the churches at West Providence, Howard County, Taylor Creek, Grant County, and Lebanon, Henry County. During his ministerial career, he has traveled and preached in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. Among his many converts arc four ministers - John G. Sawin, Robert W. Thompson, William N. Thorp and Peter W. Sawin, all of Central Indiana. Mr. Jackson was married in Howard County, Ind., May 6, 1841, to Hannah C. McQueary, daughter of Elder Morgan and Mary (Case) McQueary. This union is blessed with three children - Sarah E. Pratt, Hannah E. Davenport and Morgan M. Mr. Jackson is an earnest Christian man, is a highly-respected citizen, and politically is a member of the Democratic party.

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


S. C. JOHNSON is the son of Lankston and Elizabeth (Cauthan) Johnson, both natives of Virginia. His parents came to Indiana about the year 1824, and located in Jennings County, and came to Tipton County in 1854. Mr. L. Johnson died in October, 1869, and his wife is still living, and is the oldest person in Liberty Township. The subject of this sketch was born in Jennings County, Ind., March 29,1826, where he was reared and educated. He learned the blacksmith's trade at North Vernon, Ind., and February 27, 1854, located in Sharpsville, where he pursued his trade until 1864. He then enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war; he was discharged at Greensboro, N. C., and was mustered out at Indianapolis; he then returned to Sharpsville and worked at his trade until the fall of 1869, when he sold out and removed to Indianapolis. He continued in the same occupation until March, 1871, when he located at Walesboro, Bartholomew Co., Ind., and one year later returned to Sharpsville, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies, in general blacksmithing and custom work. Mr. Johnson was married in Jennings County, Ind., November 7, 1854, to Miss Ruth E. Johnson, a native of Jennings County, and daughter of Barnett P. and Lucy (Merrell) Johnson. This union is blessed with one child-Elmer E. Mr. Johnson is an active politician in the Republican party, 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
Liberty Township


MARTIN KENDAL, son of Adam and Araminta (McKenney) Kendal, was born in Fayette County, Ind., February 19, 1833. Here he lived until he was ten years of age, when he removed with his parents to Henry County, Ind., and was there reared and educated; he has always followed agricultural pursuits, and was a renter until 1850, when he came to Tipton County and purchased 160 acres of wild land, upon which he still lives; he has improved and added to this, and now has a fine farm of 200 acres, with an eight-room brick dwelling, and all necessary outbuildings. Mr. Kendal began life a poor man, but has been successful, and has accumulated sufficient means to enable him to live comfortably. He is a member of the Republican party, and has served as Supervisor for some time. Mr. Kendal was married in Tipton County, Ind., to Miss Louisa J. Walker, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Goar) Walker. She was born in Monroe County, Va., February 24, 1829. This union has been blessed with eight children - Mary E., Melvina, Nancy E., Sarah C., Henry A., Martha A. (deceased), Willis A. and Nora J.

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


OREMEL LEE, son of David and Harriet (Murdock) Lee, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, was born in Oxford, Ohio, March 8, 1819; he lived there until he was sixteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to Wayne County, Ind.; he worked on a farm and subsequently learned the wagon-maker's trade; he then learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at this until 1854, when he came to Tipton County, locating at Nevada. He remained there four years working at his trade, and in 1858 purchased his present place of 120 acres in Liberty Township; he is one of the pioneers of the township, and has improved his place and made it a fine farm; he was married in Madison County, Ind., January 10, 1851, to Rachel Ballew, daughter of Lindsay and Nancy (Sims) Ballew. This union has been crowned with seven children – Florence E., Hattie M., Roxy M., Orlany R., Frank O., Billey J. and Orange H. (deceased). Mrs. Lee is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Lee is an active politician in the Democratic ranks.

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


D. F. LINDSAY, M. D., son of Joseph and Elenor (Montgomery) Lindsay, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, was born in Scott County, Ky., October 30, 1818, and seven years later removed with his parents to Decatur County, Ind., where he received his education. He then located at Middletown, Shelby Co., Ind., where he read medicine a year under Dr. Robbins, of that place. He then returned to Decatur County, and taught school for some time, after which he engaged in farming one season. He then located at Greensburg, Decatur County, and resumed the study of medicine with Dr. Armington, and in 1844 located at St. Louis, Bartholomew Co., Ind., where he engaged in the duties of his profession six years. He attended a course of lectures at Jefferson College, Louisville, Ky., after which he returned to St. Louis and remained in active practice about nine years, when he retired from his profession. In 1858, he came to Tipton County, and settled on his present place of 180 acres, half a mile south of Sharpsville. As an accomplishment, the Doctor has read and studied law, has been admitted to the Tipton County bar, and has practiced about fifteen years. He has been Justice of the Peace in both Bartholomew and Tipton Counties, and in 1860 was elected Treasurer of Liberty Township, and was reelected in 1861. He was married in Decatur County, Ind., October 30, 1844, to Maria Sidwell. They have three children - Annie B., George B. and John F. Dr. Lindsay is an A., F. & A. M. and a Republican, and his wife a member of the Methodist Church.

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


GEORGE W. McGEE was born November 15, 1848, in Decatur County, Ind., and is a son of John and Mary (Youngman) McGee, both of German extraction. George was reared on a farm, his father removing to Tipton County in 1850, and settling on the bank of Mud Creek, above Sharpsville. By industry, the family made one of the finest farms of this county. George received a fair education, considering the pioneer condition of the country. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, when he was married, April 80, 1870, to Hattie Turner, daughter of Nathan Turner, of Rush County. He has, by diligence and economy, accumulated a fair fortune, being at present the largest stock and grain dealer in the county. In politics, he has always been a Democrat. In 1882, he was elected Trustee of Liberty, which office he still fills with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public.

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


Deb Murray