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

JOHN E. PRATT, son of Bennett and Araminta Pratt, natives of Maryland, was born in Queen Anne County, Md., May 25, 1830. He was reared and educated in his native State, and in 1849 came with his mother to Fayette County, Ind., where they resided a short time. They removed to Burlington, Rush County, where our subject learned the wagon-maker's trade. He followed this for about five years, after which he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1858. During this time, he read and studied medicine as an accomplishment, and has never practiced. He next located in Tipton County, where he worked eleven years at the carpenter's trade, and in 1870 located on his present place of 160 acres. This he has improved until now it is one of the finest farms in the township. He also owns a small farm of thirty acres in Prairie Township. Mr. Pratt was married in Tipton County, Ind., May 5, 1870, to Rosa E. Burns, daughter of Robert and Maria (Hendricks) Burns. She was born in Shelby County, Ind., December 16, 1840. They have three children-Mary C., Thomas B. and Sarah A. Mr. Pratt, politically, is not a party man, but is rather conservative in his views.

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

THOMAS G. PRATT, son of Bennett and Arminta M. Pratt, natives of Maryland, was born in Queen Anne County, Md., December 24, 1832. Here he remained until he was twelve years of age, when he was taken by his sister to Fayette County, Ind., where he acquired a common school education. Leaving his adopted home, he worked as a farm hand five years, after which he farmed, in partnership with J. B. Cood, for three years. Hoping to better his fortune, he came to the rural district of Tipton County in 1857, and located on his present place. He at first had 120 acres, but now has a farm of 520 acres, in a high state of cultivation and stocked with choice short-horn cattle. Mr. Pratt has on his place a large tile factory, with capacity to manufacture 100,000 tiles per year. He was married in Fayette County, Ind., May 18, 1854, to Sarah M. Nash. She was born in Fayette County, Ind., July 22, 1837, and is the daughter of Richard and Margaret (Moffett) Nash, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have two children - Bennett R. and William. They have taken great pains in educating their children. Both sons have had considerable experience as school teachers. Mr. Pratt is a prominent citizen and an active member of the Republican party.

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

JOHN B. REEDER is the eldest of eleven children born to Joseph H. and Susanna (Lindley) Reeder. His father was born in Wayne County, Ind., May 30, 1830, and was reared and educated in his native State. For many years he followed agricultural pursuits in Howard County, Ind., but his latter days mere spent at Nevada, where he engaged in merchandising; he was married in Howard County, June 5, 1850, to Susanna Lindley, who was born in Howard County January 27, 1836. After many years of usefulness, Joseph H. Reeder departed this life on January 29, 1875. The subject of this sketch was born in Howard County, Ind., January 5, 1853; he received a liberal education, and in 1874 became a partner with his father in merchandising at Nevada, where they continued business about four months; then he became successor to the firm, and conducted the business until 1877, when he sold his stock and turned his attention to farming; he still follows this occupation, and has a comfortable home located at Nevada. Mr. Reeder was married in Richmond, Ind., October 25, 1875, to Martha Ricketts, daughter of Garrett and Alice (Manford) Ricketts, natives of Indiana. She was born in Switzerland County, Ind., September 6, 1856. By this union they have three children - Flora N., Effie May and Thomas M. Mr. Reeder is an F. & A. M., and politically, stands firm for the Democracy. His wife is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

JAMES N. RICHARDS is the son of Elias and Sarah (Jones) Richards, natives of North Carolina. His parents emigrated to Indiana in an early day, and settled in Hamilton County, where our subject was born January 22, 1838. When twelve years of age, he removed with his father to Washington County, where he served an apprenticeship at the cabinet-maker's trade; he then worked on a farm until 1856, when he came to Howard County and attended school one winter; he subsequently farmed on rented land until 1862, when he enlisted in Company F Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as Corporal. The first fifteen months he did garrison duty at Fort Pickering, Tenn., during which time he suffered severely from sickness. When he regained his health, he was transferred to Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis, and was subsequently transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and remained until July 17, 1865, when he was discharged. He then followed agricultural pursuits until 1879, when he located on his present place of 240 acres. He has also on his farm a heading factory and saw mill. Mr. Richards has filled the positions of School Director and Supervisor; he was married in Howard County, in April, 1857, to Almeda Poff, a native of Indiana. She died in 1864, leaving three children - John M., William and Elias M. Mr. Richards married his present wife, Mrs. Louisa R. Jordon, in Tipton County, August 10, 1865. They have three children - Walter M., Elisha O. and James M. Mrs. Richards has, by her former marriage, one child - John C. Jordon. Mr. Richards is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the G. A. R., and the Republican 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
Liberty Township

W. A. ROBINSON, harness-maker and saddler, and Postmaster at Sharpsville, was born in Paris, Ind., September 17, 1832, where he was reared and educated. He is the son of S. M. and Sarah (Bull) Robinson, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. His parents came to Indiana about 1828, and settled in Paris, his father being a pioneer merchant of that place. After our subject had completed his studies, he served as an apprentice at the harness and saddler's trade at Paris, and in 1854 came to Sharpsville, where he engaged in this business until 1858. He then located at Madison, Ind., where he worked at his trade until 1861, when he entered the Government service and remained in the Quartermaster Department until 1864. He was captured at Mt. Sterling, Ky., and held under guard eight days, when he was paroled. In 1865, he returned to Sharpsville, where he has since engaged in the harness and saddler's trade. He has served as Postmaster since 1865, having received his appointment through President Lincoln. Mr. Robinson was married in Madison, Ind., May 30, 1855, to Miss Diana V. Coffman, daughter of John and Virginia (Kile) Coffman, both natives of Virginia, who settled in Madison, Ind., in 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have had two children - Mrs. Mattie A. Franklin, of Elkhart, Ind., and Mrs. Dora M. Wells, of Sharpsville. Mr. Robinson has served as Justice of the Peace, is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has taken thirty-two degrees in the F. & A. M. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and in politics is a Republican.

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

D. P. RUBUSH, physician, is the son of John and Sarah C. (Paul) Rubush, of Virginia. His father was a minister in the United Brethren Church until his death, which occurred December 16, 1882. Dr. Rubush was born in Rockingham County, Va., November 25, 1847. At the age of seven, he was taken by his parents to Washington County, Tenn., where he attended school until 1863; he then came to Indiana and attended one term of school at Hartsville University, Hartsford, Ind. He then engaged in farming a short time, and subsequently enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Indiana Light Battery and served until the close of the war. He participated in a battle at Nashville, Tenn., and others less important. After he was discharged, he attended school in Tennessee at Laurel Hill Academy, graduating from that institution in 1867; he then entered the ministry in the United Brethren Church and was ordained in 1871. He did circuit duty one year in Tennessee, two years in Ohio and one year in Indiana. During this time, he studied medicine in his leisure. He retired from the ministry in 1873, and in the fall of 1874 entered the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, where he studied two terms; he then located at Jackson Station, Tipton Co., Ind., where he practiced medicine two years; he located at Sharpsville in February, 1879, where he is now engaged in the duties of his profession. He was married in Marion County, Ind., March 17, 1869, to Miss Rachel Ponder, of Indiana. They have five children - Jacob C., Allie I., Carl, Ethel M. and Lela. Dr. Rubush is a worthy citizen, 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

WILLIAM SMITH, son of Samuel Smith, a native of Virginia, was born in Greenbrier County, Va., December 5, 1826, and at the age of eight years moved with his parents to Madison County, Ind. Subsequently they removed to Hendricks County, where our subject grew to manhood; he then purchased a small farm where he remained until 1852, when he came to Tipton County and purchased 160 acres which he cultivated. He is a practical farmer and has accumulated a handsome estate of 575 acres, part of which lies in the suburbs of Sharpsville; he also owns town property; he at one time owned and operated the flouring mills at Sharpsville, but is now leading a retired life on one of his farms. He has taken a prominent part in improving the public roads of the county, having served as Supervisor for ten years. Mr. Smith was married in Rush County March 12, 1851, to Mary Stephenson, of Indiana. She died in 1877, leaving three children - Sarah A., Samuel J. and William. He married his present wife, Mrs. Cynthia Smith, in Tipton County, June 27, 1878. She was born in Johnson County, Ind., March 18, 1846. They have two children - Mary B. and Leona E. Mr. Smith is a member of the Republican party, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith came to Tipton County in 1852 with limited means, but today is one of the wealthiest citizens in the county.

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

W. H. SPURLIN is the son of Joshua and Hester (Layman) Spurlin, both natives of Ohio. His parents came to Indiana in 1833, and located on a farm in Shelby County. The subject of this sketch was born in Butler County, Ohio, June 16, 1833, and shortly removed with his parents to Shelby County, Ind., where he was reared and educated. In 1853, he located on a farm in Shelby County, where he followed agricultural pursuits eighteen years. In 1860, he was ordained as a minister of the Separate Baptist Church, and has since engaged in that labor. He had charge of Pleasant Grove Church in Shelby County three years; of Mt. Zion Church, Shelby County, six years; and, in 1872, came to Tipton County and located on his present place. He now has charge of Rock Prairie Church, of this county, and Union Church, of Howard County. Mr. Spurlin has been actively engaged in ministerial work for twenty years, has baptized many converts and preached many funeral discourses. He was married, in Shelby County, Ind., November 17, 1853, to Serena Lemar, daughter of Robert and Rosanna (Lee) Lemar, natives of Indiana and Virginia. Miss Lemar was born in Shelby County, Ind., January 20, 1836. By this union they have six children - Exlina, James F., Rosanna, Hester, Charley and Mary A. Mr. Spurlin is a prominent citizen, is identified with the Democratic party, and is one of its most active members.

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

HENRY TOLLE is the son of Benjamin and Nancy (Applegate) Tolle, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. His parents came to Indiana in an early day and settled in Rush County on a farm. Henry Tolle was born in Rush County April 10, 1839, and was there reared and educated. In 1861, he came to Tipton County and settled on his present place. He started with thirty acres, which he began to clear and improve, and now has a fine farm of 170 acres, with large, brick dwelling, erected at a cost of $4,000. He has taken a prominent part in improving the public highways, having served three terms as Supervisor. He was married, in Howard County, Ind., January 10, 1861, to Sarah L. Witson, a native of Missouri, born March 15, 1844. She was the daughter of Elias A. and Nancy (Garner) Witson. Mrs. Tolle died in Tipton County May 14, 1872, leaving one child - Clara. Mr. Tolle was next married to Minerva A. Witson, a sister of his first wife. She was born in Howard County September 5, 1851, and died in Tipton County May 3, 1877. By this union they had one child - Fred. Mr. Tolle came to Tipton County in 1861 with about $50, and now has a good farm well stocked with fine horses. He is a prominent farmer, and a stanch member of the Democratic party.

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

JOSEPH TURNER, son of Nathan and Sarah (Murphey) Turner, natives of Ohio, was born in Ohio July 15, 1836, and during his infancy was taken by his parents to Fountain County, Ind., and eight years later his father removed to Rush County, where our subject was reared and received the benefits of the common schools. He rented land in Rush County five years, and in 1864 came to Tipton County and settled on 160 acres of unimproved land. This he cultivated until 1876, when he located on his present place of 120 acres. Mr. Turner was married, in Fayette County, Ind., November 8, 1857, to Elenor J. Nash, daughter of Richard and Margaret (Moffet) Nash, natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Fayette County, Ind., June 20, 1833. This union has been blessed with three children - Marion T., born in Rush County, Ind., October 15, 1858, and died March 4, 1864; Sarah M., born in Rush County July 27,1860, and died March 7, 1864, and Laura A., born in Tipton County February 10, 1865, and died September 15, 1867. Mr. Turner came to Tipton County in 1864 with limited means, but by his industry and good judgment he has accumulated a comfortable estate, despite his heavy loss by security. Mr. Turner is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics votes the Republican ticket.

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

J. S. ULRICK, son of Samuel and Mary Magdalene (Kline) Ulrick, natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Union County, Penn., September 17, 1826, and was reared and educated in his native State. In 1850, he came to Indiana and located in Sharpsville, with only $5 in Spanish and Mexican coin, bearing dates of the seventeenth and beginning of the eighteenth centuries. He still has these coins in his possession. He found ready employment at the plasterer's trade, which he learned, together with brick-laying. This he followed successfully about twenty-six years. In 1863, he purchased forty acres of his present place, to which he has been adding until now he has 200 acres of well-improved land, besides town property. He served as Constable in 1857 and 1858. He was married, in Madison, Ind., December 28, 1854, to Mary J. Naylor, born in Ripley County, Ind., December 10, 1829, and daughter of William D. and Eliza (Brown) Naylor, natives of Virginia and Kentucky. This union has been blessed with five children - Tommie D., Lot S., Silas A., Rinaldo K. (deceased), and Perry E. (deceased). Mr. Ulrick is conservative in his political views. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are identified with the Lutheran Church.

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

MATTHEW ANDERSON was born in Warren County, Ohio, January 22, 1821. His parents were Isaiah, born May 25, 1779, and Elizabeth (Collings) Anderson. They were married July 11, 1802, in New Jersey, their native State. The previous year both of them voted for Thomas Jefferson for President, the laws of New Jersey permitting women to vote. Isaiah died in 1855, and his wife in 1850. Matthew, the only survivor of a family of five children, was reared on a farm, and lived with his parents until his father died. In 1850, he entered forty acres of land in Tipton County, which he still owns. In 1857, he commenced working on this land; being then single, he for a long time lived alone in his cabin. He added to his farm from year to year, and now owns over 300 acres of fine land. June 7, 1881, he was married to Hulda J. Rollings, of Clinton County, Ind. This union has been blessed with one child, Charlie, who is still living. Matthew in his youth received a fair common school education. He has had his share in the development of the county. The money with which he purchased his first fifty-eight acres was obtained by working at 50 cents a day. Mr. Anderson is a Democrat.

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

GEORGE W. BALDWIN, one of the leading farmers of Prairie Township, was born in New Castle County, Del., April 9, 1811; he is the fourth of six children of the family of Samuel and Rebecca Baldwin, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and English descent respectively; Samuel's grandfather was one of the companions of William Penn, on his voyage to the New World, and was present when the city of Philadelphia was laid out. Our subject remained with his parents until he was seventeen years of age, and his education consisted of the limited curriculum of the public schools of that day; the most beneficial course of study pursued by him was during an attendance of six months at the Knightstown, Ind., public schools, after he had passed his twenty-fifth year; when seventeen years old, he commenced working at the carpenter's trade, and continued until he was forty years of age, a part of which time uniting the business of a millwright. He located in Prairie Township, of this (Tipton) county, in the fall of 1851, on a tract of land containing 400 acres, which is his present farm and place of residence. When he removed to Tipton County, he was the owner of 320 acres of land in Delaware County, Ind., which he has since disposed of, and invested the proceeds in Howard County soil; he never received any assistance in a financial way, and has become the possessor of his present property by good management and hard toil; he has been twice married, the first time to Miss Sarah Hopper, February 5, 1833; this lady died October 10,1833; his second marriage occurred December 26, 1839, to Miss Margaret Myers, by whom he is the father of four children, viz.: William F. (deceased), born February 4, 1842; Charles L., born July 14, 1843; Hannah J. (deceased), born April 9, 1845; and Isadora M. (now Thompson), born March 22, 1849. He is again a widower, his wife Margaret having departed this life December 16, 1882; he has given each of his children a start in life, and has sufficient remaining to supply him comfortably in his old age; he is, and his wife was a consistent member of the Friends' Church; politically, he was a Whig until the dissolution of that party, when he became, and has ever since been, a Republican; he is in every sense a commendable citizen.

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

SAMUEL BIDDINGER, manufacturer of tile, of Prairie Township, was born in Dearborn County, Ind., November 12, 1852, and is the first of a family of three children born to Aaron J., and Malinda (Hamilton) Biddinger; the former was a native of Ohio, the latter of Indiana, and respectively of German and Irish extraction; his father dying when he was about eleven years of age, himself and mother made their home with his maternal grandfather, James Hamilton; here he remained until his twenty-second year. The routine of life in his youth was labor on the farm in the summer, and attendance at the district school in the winter, from which he gleaned a good practical education; starting in life with no capital to advance him but his energy and pluck, he has become the owner of a half interest in a tile factory, in which he at first labored for daily wages; the factory is now doing a business of about $1,400 annually, and having rented the interest of his partner, Mr. Thompson, who has the management of a large farm to occupy his time, he is now making preparations to increase the capacity of the factory. He was married in Prairie Township, March 2, 1876, to Miss Isabella Lee, daughter of William and Neoma (Chambers) Lee, both of Irish extraction, and of whose family of seven children, she was the third. They had two children, viz.: William A., born January 21, 1877, and Florence, born February 19, 1879, and departed this life August 19, 1880. Mrs. Biddinger died July 18, 1880. He now is, and his wife was, a consistent member of the Friends' Church. Politically, he is a Republican, and is one of its most active workers; he is an enterprising young man, and has fine prospects for the future.

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

THOMAS J. BROOKS, Trustee of Prairie Township, and one of the most enterprising farmers, was born in Hart County, Ky., January 8, 1844. He is the son of James L. and Lucinda (Woodward) Brooks, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish descent, and is the fifth child in a family of nine children. He was reared on a farm and had few educational advantages. He came to Tipton County in 1865, with his parents, who located on a farm of forty acres in Prairie Township. This the father, with the assistance of his sons, made one of the neatest little farms in the township. Since his father's death, Thomas has become the possessor of the home place, and has made it his residence. On starting in life, he had no assistance from any source, and has become the owner of what little property he now has by hard work and shrewd, economical management. He has succeeded, by close application, in acquiring considerable knowledge, and is regarded by his friends and acquaintances as a well-informed man. During the late rebellion, he enlisted in the Ninth Kentucky Cavalry, Company B, under Jacobs, and, during a service of twelve months, participated in several engagements, the principal being the battle of Perryville. Politically, he has always been a Democrat, and at the spring election of 1882 he was elected Trustee of his township by a large majority, and is now discharging the duties of that office. He is an honest, capable and energetic young man.

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

JOSEPH A. CAMPBELL, farmer and plasterer, of Prairie Township, was born in Brown County, Ind., July 18, 1838. He is the son of William and Nancy (Spears) Campbell, and is the third of a family of twelve children, nine of whom are still living in the immediate neighborhood of our subject. Joseph was reared on a farm, and had no opportunities for obtaining an education. He remained with his parents until twenty-three years old. On the 24th of August, 1861, he was married to Mary J. Burns, a native of Indiana, and daughter of Robert and Maria Burns. This marriage has brought him seven children, five of whom are yet living. After his marriage, he learned the plastering and carpentering trades, which he has since followed in connection with farming. His only capital on starting in life was a determination to succeed, and moving on the farm he now owns, as a renter, and which was then in an undeveloped state, e improved it, and in 1870 purchased it. Now it is under excellent cultivation, well supplied with all necessary buildings, and ornamented by a neat residence, which stands in the place of one consumed by fire August 11, 1881. His wife died February 12, 1881, and, being left with five small children, and unable to attend properly to their interest, he married, December 24, 1852, Miss Abigail Jones, born in Johnson County, Ind., September 4, 1836. He has been a member of the Christian Church for twelve years, his wife and elder children also being identified therewith. He has accumulated a sufficiency for his declining years. He is a man of industrious habits, formed through the experience of a pioneer. Mr. Campbell is of temperate habits, and is charitable and public spirited.

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

JAMES M. CAMPBELL was born in Brown County, Ind., May 27, 1843; his parents were William and Nancy (Speare) Campbell; they located in Prairie Township in 1843. William was born April 20, 1804, and married in Johnson County, Ind., August 23,1832; he died January 25, 1882; his wife was born November 20, 1817, and died March 4, 1883. They were both natives of Kentucky; they were highly respected citizens, and consistent members of the Christian Church for many years. Our subject, James M., is the fifth child of a family of twelve children, nine of whom are yet living; he was reared on a farm, and had very limited educational opportunities; in his early days, he was noted for extreme inquisitiveness; he was an excellent marksman. In 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Seventy- fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war; he participated in the engagements at Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Marietta; he was also with Sherman during his victorious march to the sea. He was off duty only a few days, on account of measles. On his return home, he farmed for one year. He was married, November 6, 1867, to Miss Mary B. Cole; the second of six children born to Perry and Melvina (Butler) Cole, natives of Indiana, who located in Prairie Township in 1858, where they followed farming until his death, which occurred October 16, 1862. Mollie was born at the birthplace of her father February 28, 1648, and their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, viz., Alfred C., born September 15, 1868; Stella M., born November 6, 1869; Conie, born March 30,1879, and Guy, born November 10, 1881. James M. purchased an interest in the Normanda Flouring Mills, and successfully followed milling for ten years; he then sold out, and bought 134 acres of fine land joining the north of Normanda, and since that time has continued farming. Mr. Campbell has energetic and industrious habits, is benevolent and active in all public enterprises; he is a firm Republican; his wife has been a Methodist since her girlhood.

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

JOSEPH CARDWELL, one of the pioneer farmers of Prairie Township, was born in Rockingham County, N. C., December 14, 1813, and is of Irish and French descent; his entire educational advantages consisted of an attendance of ten weeks at school during his boyhood; in 1836, he removed to Jefferson county, Ind., and, remaining there five years, removed thence to Switzerland County, Ind., whence, in 1851, he came to Tipton County and located in Prairie Township on the farm he at present owns; in 1842, July 10, he was married to Miss Matilda Edwards, and by her has become the father of twelve children, of whom ten are yet living, viz.: Pleasant P., Ann M., Elizabeth, John W., Clarinda and Lorinda (twins), James B., Noah, Mary Eliza, Alva. Lucy A. (died aged sixteen), and George B. M. (died aged two months). When our subject arrived at his new home, he was accompanied by an invalid mother, his wife and sister, and with scarcely means enough to provide for the necessities of life; his mother died the year after his arrival, his sister within four years, and his wife also departed this life in 1879; he has had an experience requiring an unbroken confidence and strong nerve to withstand; he has been a consistent member of the Separate Baptist Church for forty-three years, and also a member of the Masonic Lodge at Russiaville, Ind. Politically, he is a stalwart Democrat, and in 1878 was elected by that party to the office of Assessor of his township, which he fills in a very creditable manner; he has several times been appointed to appraise the real estate of Prairie and Liberty Townships; he was one of the first Trustees of Prairie Township; his second marriage was to Mrs. Fidelia Fiskin, widow of John Fiskin, and a native of Ohio. Our subject has a fine farm of 140 acres under cultivation; he has recently erected a large barn. Surrounded by his family, consisting of his wife and three children yet at home, he is prepared to enjoy the evening of life in peace and plenty.

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

PLEASANT PERRIN CARDWELL, farmer, was born March 8, 1845, in Jefferson County, Ind.; he is the second of a family of twelve children, ten of whom are yet living, born to Joseph and Caroline M. (Edwards) Cardwell, natives of North Carolina, the former of whom is of English descent, and is a farmer in Prairie Township at the present time. Pleasant was reared on a farm, and never had the privilege of attending school until he was thirteen years of age, and then the terms were very short he remained on the farm until he was nineteen years of age; at that time he was married to Miss Julia A. Ragan January 21, 1864, the ceremony being performed by W. J. Tyner; his wife was the second child born to Thomas and Phoebe Ragan. This union has been crowded by the birth of nine children. Pleasant was included in the draft of 1864, but was rejected as not being an able-bodied man. On the 8th of October of the same year, himself and family being absent from home, his house and its entire contents were consumed by fire, the cause of which was never known. Mr. Cardwell has always been an industrious, economical man, and has always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his neighbors; is a member of Prairieville Lodge, No. 654, of A., F. & A. M., having joined the order in 1880; is politically a Democrat.

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

SAMUEL CARTER, a prominent Prairie Township farmer, was born March 22, 1827. Mr. Carter is the third child in a family of six born to James and Martha (Holaday) Carter, natives of North Carolina, and of Scotch-Irish descent; he was reared on a farm. All the education he ever obtained, was acquired from the district school of early days. Soon after attaining his majority, he was married to Miss Ruth Quakenbush, the daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Lee) Quakenbush, of Orange County, Ind., natives of North Carolina, and of English and German descent respectively. Their marriage has resulted in a family of ten children, of whom five are living: Hannah E., Martha A., Thomas, James I., Sarah E., George, Cyrus, John E., Oliver P. and Samuel L. Shortly after the birth of the last child, his excellent wife departed this life, December 26, 1866. Being left alone, with the care of a large family, Mr. Carter married, in September, 1869, Nancy C. Glenns, widow of Joseph Glenns, and daughter of Richard and Sarah (Atwood) Wiles, natives of North Carolina. This union has been crowned by the birth of three children, viz.: William G., Mary E. and Laura B., all of whom are now deceased. Mr. Carter came to Tipton County in 1857, locating on a farm in Prairie Township; this he entered from the Government. It contained forty acres situated near Sharpsville; he continued to gather land, until he owned 160 acres; he then sold that piece, and purchased a farm of 130 acres, located near Russiaville, Ind., and upon this last purchase he now makes his home. Politically, he is an active worker of the Republican party, having cast his first vote for Zachariah Taylor for President, in 1848, and he has been elected by his party to the office of Trustee of his township. Mr. Carter is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and both himself and wife are consistent members of the Baptist Church.

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

THOMAS CARTER, a farmer of Prairie Township, and the son of Samuel Carter, was born in Tipton County, Ind., November 18, 1852. Mr. Carter grew to manhood on his father's farm, and obtained a practical education from the common schools of his native county. From the age of fifteen, he labored as a farm hand at the rate of from $17 to $20 per month. On the 2d day of December, 1875, he was married to Louisa A. Runk, born March 5, 1855, daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Ratcliff) Runk, of Howard County, descended from German and English ancestors, and natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. His marriage has been crowned by the birth of two children - Milton E. and Lillie E. For about five years after his marriage, he resided on a farm in Howard County. At the end of that time he removed to Prairie Township, Tipton County, and located upon a farm of 100 acres, near Russiaville, where he now resides. Politically, he is a Republican, and adheres strictly to the precepts of his party; his wife is a consistent and active member of the New-Light Church.

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

AMBROSE CORN, a Prairie Township farmer, was born in Scott County, Ind., July 6, 1818; his parents were John and Hannah (Spencer) Corn, natives respectively of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent; his father died in Johnson County, Ind., in 1837, and his mother then resided with him until 1860, when she also died. Ambrose was reared on a farm, and is the fifth of a family of nine children, all of whom are now dead save himself and one sister. Mr. Corn was married, July, 1811, to Miss Catherine Miller, of Johnson County, daughter of John Miller. In 1843, he located in Prairie Township, Tipton Co., Ind., without a dollar, and with only an ox team; he built a cabin in the month of March, and got to housekeeping by the 1st of April. During the first year of his residence, he made baskets and traded them in Hamilton County for corn, taking one load to Indianapolis, where he exchanged them for flour and bacon. When the "reserve " land came into market, he disposed of all his stock and personal property, and secured enough money to purchase forty acres of land, which now forms a part of his home, and is in a high state of cultivation. They have had the following children: John, Mrs. Rebecca E. Gorden, James, Asa, Calvin, Mrs. Hannah J. Kindal, Isaac, Mary E., Ida C., Alfred, William (died in the army 1864), and David W. (died, aged two years). He has been a consistent member of the Separate Baptist Church for thirty years, and is in every respect a desirable citizen. He has always been kind to his afflicted relatives, keeping his mother and mother-in-law until their death, in all a period of nearly forty years, and providing liberally for the maintenance of two widowed daughters. He is one of the pioneers of the county; he is a man of broad sympathies and charity, and one who has succeeded by industry in providing for his declining years. Politically, he is a Republican, and before the birth of that party was a Whig.

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

SAMUEL S. CRAIL was born in Allegheny County, Penn., August 2,1816; his parents, Samuel and Sarah (Boyd) Crail, mere of English and Irish descent respectively; his great-grandfather immigrated to this country with Lord Baltimore and settled in Maryland. Our subject was reared on a farm, and is the second in a family of five children, all of whom are living; his parents in 1822, leaving the State of Pennsylvania, descended the Ohio River in a flat-boat, and landing at Madison, penetrated to the interior and located near what is now the city of Greensburg, Decatur Co., Ind. On December 20, 1858, he was married to Miss Catherine Weaver. By her he is the father of four children. In 1849, he removed to Howard County, Ind., where he had the misfortune to lose his excellent wife. On December 3, 1858, he was again married. This time to Elizabeth Conwell, of Howard County. On the 22d of March, 1864, he removed to Tipton County, and settled on the farm which he now owns, of 120 acres. It was then a swamp, but by industry he has succeeded in making it one of the finest farms in the county. He managed, during his youth, to acquire as fair an education as the public schools of that day could furnish. He has filled the office of Justice of the Peace for twenty years. He has succeeded in accumulating a respectable competence and in building up an unimpeachable reputation; he has always been noted for his commendable spirit of public enterprise. He has recently lost his second wife, who died October 25, 1882.

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

ZALMON DISBROW was born in Seneca County, N. Y., December 18,1812; he is the son of Isaac C. and Elizabeth (Buritt) Disbrow, natives respectively of New York and Connecticut, and of English descent; his father was a farmer and cooper, and moved to Johnson County, Ind., in 1831, having married his companion in 1805. They remained in Johnson County until their death, at the ages respectively of eighty-seven and seventy-seven years. Zalmon was the second of a family of eleven children, only three of whom are now living, two sisters, besides our subject, living in Johnson County. He was reared on a farm; his educational advantages consisted of three weeks' schooling, and this after he had attained his majority. During his youth, he worked at the cooper trade. In 1835, he was married to Miss Nancy Bowles, who died July 7, 1837; his second marriage occurred February 14, 1838, to Miss Rachael Massey, a native of Kentucky. He located in Prairie Township on 200 acres of land, in the woods, in 1851. On this he now resides, having made it a fine farm by his ceaseless toil. Mr. and Mrs. Disbrow have had eleven children, ten of whom are living. Zalmon is an industrious citizen, and has succeeded in accumulating a sufficiency for his old age. He is a fine Biblical scholar, and is inclined to the doctrine of Universalism. Politically, he is a stalwart Democrat.

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

ENOS M. FITZ SIMMONS, a farmer of Prairie Township, and a native of Shelby County, Ky., was born April 12, 1846. He is the second of a family of ten children born to Richard and Martha (Miles) Fitz Simmons, both natives of Kentucky, and respectively of Irish and English extraction. In company with his parents, he, in 1850, emigrated to Marion County, Ind., and thence, after a short residence, to Tipton County, where he has since resided; he was reared upon a farm, and obtained an ordinary education from the district schools. On starting in life he received $500, and to this he has added, and he is now the owner of a nice little farm of thirty acres, upon which he at present resides. July 25, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Orr, a native of this State, who departed this life December 28, 1876. The issue of his union consists of two children, viz.: Robert S., born May 20, 1870, and Lora L., born October 30, 1873. Mr. Fitz Sirnoions was married the second time on September 4, 1878, to Miss Nettie C. Phillips, of this State, daughter of Lewis and Lavina (Bell) Phillips. She is the second of ten children born to them. This union was also crowned by the birth of two children, viz.: Lawrence C., born June 13, 1880, and Murray L., born March 30, 1883. Besides farming, our subject makes a specialty of raising fine horses for breeding purposes, and keeps both the Norman and American stock. He is a member of the Christian Church, and was a member of the "Grange." Politically, he is a Democrat, and is one of its most active supporters.

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

JACOB FOSTER was born in Burlington County, N. J., March 25, 1811. He is the youngest of a family of four children born to Edmund and Mary (Gaskill) Foster, natives of New Jersey, and of English and Scotch-Irish extraction, respectively. His mother dying when he was five years of age, his father placed him in care of other parties, and watched over him and appropriated his wages until he reached the age of eighteen. At that time he purchased his liberty by paying for his time until he should reach the age of twenty-one. He worked in an iron manufactory in his native State, and finally became its foreman. It was while laboring in this capacity that he married (1833) Miss Sarah Lemon, daughter of Lewis and Polly (Johnson) Lemon, natives of New Jersey. Four years after his marriage, Mr. Foster, with his family, removed to Decatur County, Ind., near Kingston, and locating in the green woods; took a lease which he surrendered in one year. Removing a short distance, he rented a farm until 1854, when he purchased a farm of eighty acres, upon which he resided for five years. During his residence on this farm, his wife died, September 11, 1847. She was an excellent woman, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had ten children, five of whom are still living, viz.: Mrs. Mary E. Wainright, Mrs. Hannah A. Psalters, Mrs. Margaret J. Crail, Mrs. Lovenia A. Chaptman and Edmon L. Having the care of a large family, Mr. Foster married, July 5, 1859, his second wife, Miss Sarah Martin, daughter of John and Jane (Campbell) Martin, natives of Kentucky, and of English descent. Of this marriage there is no issue. He removed to Prairie Township, Tipton County, Ind., in 1861, and located on 160 acres of land near Russiaville, and it is upon this farm, beautifully situated and highly cultivated, that he now resides. Politically, he is an active Republican, and one of that party's best workers, although his first vote was cast for Gen. Jackson in 1832. Both himself and wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are among its active workers. He is also noted in the community where he lives for a broad and liberal charity.

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

JAMES R. GIBBENS was born in Morgan County, Ind., February 17, 1829; his parents were David and Hannah (Botman) Gibbens, natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland, the former of Irish descent and the latter of German-Welsh extraction. The former died in Morgan County, Ind., in 1835; the latter died in 1879, aged ninety-four. They came to this State (Indiana) in 1826. James, our subject, was reared on a farm, and had very meager opportunities for acquiring an education; he is the eighth child and the seventh son of a family of nine children, five of whom are yet living in Indiana, Iowa and Missouri. James remained at home maintaining his parents until the 25th of September, 1851, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Jones, born in Owen County, Ind., May 13, 1828. She is the daughter of Thomas and Frances Jones, the former, who died in Tipton County in 1859, being of Welsh and English extraction, and the latter, who died in Howard County in 1879, being of English and Irish descent. James' marriage has been crowned by the birth of six children - Lydia A., Mrs. Mary Isabelle Hoback, Hannah Frances, Hester E., Powell Morton and Riley Grant. In 1853, he located on the farm he now owns, and remained there for three years as a renter. On account of sickness, he returned to Owen County, and remained about seven years, five of which were passed in Gosport. In 1862, he came back to his farm, and has been there ever since. He has had considerable misfortune in his career. At one time he lost a fine team of horses, supposed to have been caused by poison. He has made a specialty of breeding fine stock, always having on hand a superior variety of hogs. He owns a good farm in Section 26 of Prairie Township, which he last year ornamented with a handsome residence. He has been for twenty-five years a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and his wife has been a member since childhood. His older children also belong to the same organization. He has succeeded by industry in accumulating a competency, and is regarded as an honest, upright and worthy citizen. Politically, he is a Republican.

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

JOHN THOMAS GRAYSON, farmer and carpenter, was born in Decatur County, Ind., November 6, 1856. He is the third in a family of thirteen children, ten of whom are living, born to Wren and Lucinda (Williamson) Grayson, natives of Tennessee. John was reared on a farm, and during his youth learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until President Lincoln's call for 300,000 volunteers, when he enlisted in Company D, Seventh Indiana Infantry, in August, 1861. He participated in the battles of Greenbrier and Winchester, and in the defense of Washington. Here he was taken sick and sent to the hospital, where he remained only a few days, although he was kept in the convalescent camp all winter. In the spring, he again joined his regiment and was in the battle of Gettysburgh. From there, he went to the Wilderness, where, on the first day's engagement, May 5, 1864, he was taken prisoner, sent to Lynchburg and thence to Andersonville Prison. For seven long months he endured the torments and agonies of a living death. Released from prison December 6, 1864, he returned home, and as soon as he regained his strength resumed his trade, and removed to Tipton County, Ind. He was married, November 1, 1866, to Miss Lucinda Smith, born in Johnson County, Ind., July 21, 1848, and the daughter of Harrison and Margaret A. (Foster) Smith. This union has been crowned by the birth of five children, three of' whom are living - Maggie Alice, Eva May and Della Maud, the others dying in infancy. John is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and attends Westport Lodge, No. 52. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for six years - his wife from childhood. He is the owner of a nice little farm in a fair state of cultivation, ornamented by a neat residence, built in 1881. He is public-spirited, and stands well in the community.

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

ORLANDO HARLOW, a farmer and wagon-maker of Prairie Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 1, 1822. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Evans) Harlow, were natives of Manchester, England, and, emigrating to this country, located in Maryland in 1819. From there they in 1820 removed to Ohio, where John, being a cotton-spinner by trade, erected the first cotton mill at Smithville. Our subject was reared on a farm, and was the last of a family of nine children. He had no educational advantages whatever during his youth. In 1844, he as married, in Hamilton County, Ohio, to Miss Nancy G. Coleman, daughter of Richard and Mahala Coleman, natives of Kentucky. In 1824, his parents removed to Shelby County, Ind., where they remained until he was grown up, excepting a period of three years spent near Cincinnati, Ohio. During that period occurred the cholera epidemic of 1832, of which they mere witnesses. In 1864, he located on the farm he now owns in Tipton County. By his marriage he is the father of five children, all sons, viz.: John R., George A., David T., William O. and James E., the youngest of whom, aged twenty-three, remains at home, the remainder being married and having families. In his younger days, our subject learned the carpenter and wagon-maker trades, which he has followed in connection with his farm. In 1855, he removed to Iowa, and remained there nearly ten years, farming and working at his trade, and it was at the end of that time that he located in this (Tipton) county. His present farm is composed of fine land, in a high state of cultivation and well supplied with a superior grade of stock. Politically, since the death of the old Whig party, he has been a zealous Democrat. He is a man of industrious, temperate habits, and is in every sense a commendable citizen.

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

JOHN RICHARD HARLOW was born in Shelby County, Ind., March 31, 1847; he is the first of a family of five sons, all of whom are living, born to Orlando and Nancy (Coleman) Harlow, the former a native of Ohio and of English descent, and the latter a native of Kentucky. John was reared on a farm, and obtained the best education the common schools of that day could give him. At the age of twenty-three, having remained until then with his parents, he was married to Miss Margaret R. Alexander March 17, 1870. She is the daughter of Jesse and Moriah Alexander, the former a native of Ohio and of Irish extraction. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of five children, three of whom are yet living, viz., Thomas Henry, Clara Etta and Nancy Moriah, the others dying in infancy. Beginning life as a farmer, and on a rented farm, he has by industry become the owner of 200 acres of as fine land as there is in the county, the annual income from which is $2,000. It is well provided with all necessary improvements, is supplied with fine stock (in the breeding of which he takes a special interest), and it is regarded by every one as among the finest farms in the township. He has for six years been ii member of the Regular Predestinarian Baptist church; he is a man of public spirit and enterprise, is a liberal donator to the church, and is in every sense a commendable citizen.

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

MICHAEL HOBACK, a farmer and a prominent citizen of Prairie Township, was born January 25, 1827; his parents were John and Dorcas (Killen) Hoback, the former of German and the latter of English descent. Michael received a limited education, his father dying when our subject was ten years old. When four years old, he, with his parents, removed to Johnson County, Ind., where they went through many of the hardships of pioneer life. He was married, June 1, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth J. Hall, daughter of John Hall, of Kentucky. They have had twelve children, eight of whom are still living. In 1850, he went with his family to Pulaski County, Ind., remaining there two years, and then moved to Howard County. He farmed there till 1860, when he finally located on the farm he now owns. It was then a wild, swampy district, but he now has 115 acres under cultivation. He has had his experience of settling in a new county, having had to work for 50 cents a day, and pay 80 cents per bushel for meal. When he married, he was obliged to get into debt for a few articles to start housekeeping with. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over thirty years. Mr. Hoback is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Fremont in 1856.

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

THOMAS LAND, farmer and merchant of Prairie Township, was born in Switzerland County, Ind., April 26, 1832; his parents were George and Elizabeth (Rayl) Land, the former being a native of Virginia, of English descent, and by occupation a miller. Thomas was the third of a family of eight children, seven of whom are living, six in Indiana, and one in Kansas; he was reared a miller, and followed that occupation until 1860, when he located in Prairie Township, where he now resides. On August 12, 1852, he was married to Miss Caroline Rayl, the fourth child of Thomas and Elizabeth Rayl, pioneers of Switzerland County. For one year after his arrival at his new home, he farmed. Then came the civil war, and he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry; he remained in the service about three years; he participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Milton and Missionary Ridge, the sieges of Chattanooga, and Atlanta, Ga., and all the engagements fought during Sherman's campaign. Near Louisville, Ga., he was captured by Wheeler's cavalry; he was sent to Florence, S. C., where he remained three months, at the end of which time he was paroled; afterward, he was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, and was sent to the hospital at Wilmington, N. C.; at the end of one month, he was sent home on a furlough, and finally discharged June 16, 1865. After his return from the service, he farmed for two years, but not being sufficiently strong to follow that calling, he engaged in the mercantile business at Groomsville, at which he continued with success until May, 1883, when he retired therefrom to look after his farm; his marriage has been crowned by the birth of eight children, viz.: William H., George T., Julie A., Lewis and Frank, the others dying, aged five years, two years, and nine months. He has been attentive and economical in his business, and owns a fine little farm, ornamented with a beautiful residence. He also possesses several thousand dollars obtained from the sale of his store. He is a man of fine qualities, and is an excellent citizen.

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

SAMUEL N. LEE was born in Orange County, Ind., January 6, 1840; he is the sixth of seven children born to John D. and Rebecca (Henley) Lee, natives of North Carolina, and of Irish and English extraction respectively. His father located on 160 acres of land in the northwestern part of Prairie Township in 1857, and by the help of his sons succeeded in developing one of the finest farms in the county. Samuel grew to manhood on a farm, and obtained his education from the winter district schools. He was seventeen years of age when his parents located in this (Tipton) County, and here he has ever since remained. During the late civil war he was drafted into the United States Army, but, furnishing a substitute, he remained with his family and farm. At the death of his parents, himself and brother Henry succeeded to the home estate, and have since managed it in partnership, and have added twenty acres to it, making in all 180 acres. Our subject has been twice married, the first time to Mary E. Clark, native of Orange County, Ind., September 28, 1870; one child, Lewis, born July 11,1871, was the issue of this union, and seventeen days after its birth his wife departed this life. His second marriage occurred December 25, 1873, to Lottie Garner, of Howard County, Ind., the first of a family of three children, born to Henry and Margaret Garner, natives of Ohio, and of Irish descent. One child, Charley, born October 25, 1874, crowned this union. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Politically, he is a Republican, and in a business way he is an energetic, wide-awake farmer.

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

ALEXANDER McCREARY, Commissioner of Tipton County, was born in Switzerland County, Ind., February 6, 1826. His parents, John and Martha (Cox) McCreary, are of Irish and English descent. He resided with his parents on their farm until his twentieth year, when he enlisted in the Mexican war, in the Third Indiana Regiment, under Capt. Carter. He participated in several engagements, principal of which was the battle of Buena Vista. He returned from his military service in July, 1847, and on November 12 of the same year, was united in marriage to Miss Nancy J. Stewart, of Harrison County, Ky. They have had six children, of whom five are yet living, viz.: Louis C., born August 26, 1848; Alford R., born November 23, 1849; John F., born October 21, 1852; William W., born October 1, 1857, and died May 19, 1862; Oliver P., born April 15, 1859, and Mary E., born February 12, 1864. In 1850, September 1, together with his family, he removed to Tipton County, and located on the farm he now owns, eighty acres of which were obtained by a soldier's warrant for services rendered in the Mexican war. By diligence and hard labor, he has succeeded in making it one of the finest farms in Prairie Township. On the breaking-out of the late rebellion, he was commissioned as Captain of Company C, One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteers, and served nine months. He has always been in the front ranks of those favoring public improvements. In the early history of the county, he was elected to the office of Township Trustee. He was afterward elected to appraise the real estate of the county. He then, by appointment, filled the office of County Commissioner, and in 1870 was elected to the office of County Sheriff, which he occupied for two terms. He is now is charging the duties of County Commissioner. Politically, he has always been a Democrat, and is one of the leading men of his party. He is a liberal giver to charities. In 1882, he lost, by fire, his residence, but has since built a finer one.

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

ELHANAN MILES is a native of Shelby County, Ky., and is the oldest of a family of nine children born to James and Susan (Simmons) Miles, natives respectively of Ohio and Kentucky. Elhanan was reared on a farm, and obtained his education from the common schools. Soon after attaining his majority, he was married to Miss Berdilia L. Sample, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of George W. and Addine (McKay) Sample, of this (Tipton) county. After his marriage, he continued farming during summer, and worked at his trade through the winter. His father, James Miles, was one of the old settlers of Tipton County, locating within its borders in 1856 on a farm of forty-four acres, near Sharpsville, Ind., where he remained until his death, May 30,1873. Elhanan is at present residing on a farm west of Sharpsville, containing fifty-eight acres, well improved, nicely situated, and supplied with everything necessary to make home pleasant. He has four children, viz.: Ollie, born May 18, 1864; Emma, born October 1, 1865; Myrtle May, born January 1, 1878, and an infant. He is an energetic, wide-awake, deserving young man. He is an earnest advocate of the principles of Democracy, and his wife is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.

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