William W. Davis, farmer, P. O. Quakertown, Ind. This gentleman is a native of Caroline County, Md., where he was born April 21, 1809. His parents, Ennalls and Nancy (Wilson) Davis, were natives of Maryland where they were married, and resided until the father’s death in 1815. The mother then went to reside with her parents in Dorchester County, where she lived, surviving her husband some twenty years. Soon after the death of the father, our subject, then a small boy, went to live with an uncle, who was a farmer in Sussex County, Del., with whom he remained until he reached his majority; he received but a limited education, and soon after attaining his majority came west to seek his fortune; he stopped in this county some time, and then took a trip South, stopping for some months in New Orleans; he then came to Cincinnati, where for some time he followed hack-driving. In about 1831, he came to Liberty, and began learning the blacksmith trade with John Fosdick. After some time, he purchased his employer’s tools, and started in the business for himself at Dunlapsville, where he remained over twenty years, working at his trade; he then traded his shop and other property for the farm he now owns, and has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was united in marriage with Lucretia Ogden May 30, 1833. This lady was born November 4, 1810, in Loudoun County, Va. Five children were the fruits of this union – Catharine, Emily V., Charles, Marion and Volney. Charles and Marion served their country in the war of the rebellion, and are highly spoken of by their comrades in arms. Mrs. Davis departed this life February 28, 1879. Mr. Davis owns 130 acres of well-improved land; he began life as a poor boy, and is in every sense of the term a self-made man; he was twice elected Commissioner of Union County, and has held many other positions of honor and trust; he is a stanch Republican in politics, and a useful and intelligent citizen..

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63.


Nathan H. Davis, farmer, P. O. Lotus, Ind. This gentleman was born in Guilford County, N. C., April 3, 1813, and is a son of Henry and Hulda (Macy) Davis, both of English descent, and whose ancesters, in early colonial times, settled on Nantucket Island. There were engaged in the whale fishery until the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, when that industry being almost wholly destroyed, the families removed to North Carolina, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits. They were frugal and industrious people, and were members of the Quaker Church. Our subject’s parents were born, reared and married in the old North State. There they made their home, until 1826, when they came to this county and settled in Center Township. They had a family of ten children, and were noted for their piety, industry and liberality. Nathan Davis was reared upon his father’s farm, receiving but a common school education. After teaching school several years, he purchased eighty acres of the farm he now owns. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bratton, a native of Wayne County, Ind., May 1, 1839. By this union there was one child – Annie D. Mrs. Davis died in 1841. Mr. Davis married Miss Mary A. Coffin in 1845, who was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1822. By this marriage there were two children – Lucretia M. and Harriet B. Mr. Davis is a Republican, and a member of the Society of Friends. He is a reading, intelligent man, and one of the county’s substantial and useful citizens..

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63.


John K. Dubois, farmer, P. O. Billingsville. This gentleman was born in Bath Township, Franklin County, Ind., September 15, 1827. He is a son of Smith and Rachel (Crum) Dubois. In 1806, William Dubois, father of Smith, moved with his family to this county and entered land near the center of what is now Harmony Township. Here Smith Dubois was raised and resided until his marriage, when he moved to Bath Township, Franklin County, where he resided until his death in 1873. His wife survived him five years. They had a family of ten children, eight of whom are yet living. The father was an Old-Line Whig, and later a Republican. He and wife were hardworking, intelligent people, and had the respect of all who knew them. John K. Dubois was brought up on a farm, receiving such education as the common schools of that day afforded. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Wilson in 1851. This lady was born in Franklin County, Ind., in 1830. By this union there are six children – Angeline, Sarah, Harriet, Rachel, Edgar and Arthur. Mr. Dubois remained in Bath Township, following farming, until his marriage, when he purchased his present farm, where he has since resided. He owns 152 acres of well-improved land, which he has obtained by hard work. He is a practical and successful farmer, and one of the county’s best citizens..

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63.


Benjamin Elliott, farmer, P. O. Cottage Grove. This gentleman is a native of Union County, Ind., where he was born January 17, 1825. His father, John S. Elliott, was born in South Carolina in 1794. When two years of age, his father died and the mother married Matthew McCurkin, and in 1806 they came to this county and entered land near the center of what is now Union Township. John S., then a boy, stopped with relatives in Adams County, Ohio, some three years, and then joined the family in this county. He began life by working by the month, and in the course of a few years had accumulated money enough to purchase a farm in Union Township. Here he was married to Miss Sarah Steel, and to them was born a family of three sons and three daughters. Mr. Elliott died June 12, 1869, and his wife June 6, 1864. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and had the respect and confidence of all who knew them. Benjamin Elliott was brought up to hard work, receiving but a limited education. When eighteen years of age, he began working at the carpenter’s trade, and after about four years he went to Rush County, where, December 5, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha J. Glass, who was born in Fleming County, Ky., January 18, 1829. Four children were the fruits of this union – Nathaniel C., Derotha A., Olis McD. and Sarah E. Mr. Elliott remained in Rush County working at his trade until 1860, when he returned to his native county to take charge of the old homestead. Here he has since resided, and for most part has been engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Elliott and family are members of the United Presbyterian Church. They are good conversationalists, well informed, pleasant and affable at all times, and highly respected by all good citizens..

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63.


Samuel Farlow, farmer. This venerable pioneer is a son of William and Drusilla (Allred) Farlow, and was born in Randolph County, N. C., October 18, 1800. William Farlow was of Irish descent on his father’s side, and of Welsh descent on his mother’s side; he was a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1754. His father removed to the State of North Carolina, settling in Randolph County, when William was but a lad. William was there married to Miss Allred, and in the fall of 1807, with a family of eight children, of whom Samuel was the youngest, emigrated to the then Northwest Territory, stopping first in what is now Brownsville Township, where they passed the winter of 1807-08, and in the spring removed to the present farm of Samuel Farlow in Harrison Township. Two of the sons of William Farlow – John and William, Jr. – served in the war of 1812, the former as a Captain of a company raised in the neighborhood. Samuel was united in marriage, February 10, 1828, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Heavenridge, a native of Knox County, East Tenn. Her father removed to this vicinity in 1814. To Samuel and Elizabeth Farlow have been born Sarah, John (now deceased), Mary, James, Elizabeth, William O., Drusilla, George A., Charles S. (deceased), four of whom are now residents of Union County, and the others are residing, two in Missouri and one in Boone County, this State. Our subject was reared on the farm upon which himself and wife are now comfortably situated, spending the evening of their lives together around the hearthstone endeared to them by the many, many memories which have clustered about it in the long gone days of more than a half century. May their declining years be years of peace and happiness. Mr. Farlow received only the limited schooling known to the pioneer sons of the western country of nearly three-quarters of a century ago. He grew to manhood amid agricultural pursuits, and has passed his long life in the continuance of that avocation. While never an aspirant to office, he has filled several very acceptably to the people of the county and township. He was chosen as one of the County Commissioners in 1837, and served as such for six consecutive years. In politics, Mr. Farlow is a Republican. Mrs. Farlow is a member of the Christian Church. Both are highly respected citizens..

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63.


George A. Farlow, farmer, P. O. Liberty. This gentleman was born in Harrison Township, Union County, Ind., July 3, 1845. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Heavenridge) Farlow, who were among the first settlers of Union County. (See family biography in history of Harrison Township, and biography of Samuel Farlow.) George A. was reared upon his father’s farm, receiving a common school education. He was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda E. McIntosh, February 13, 1870. This lady was born in Harrison Township, this county, December 30, 1846. Her father, Thomas McIntosh, was a native of Indiana, to which State his parents came in an early day. He was married, in Union County, to Miss Jane Hayden, who was a native of the Keystone State. They were well-to-do people, frugal, industrious, and had the respect of all who knew them. George A. Farlow and wife resided for some years after their marriage upon a farm in Harrison Township. Since 1882, he has resided in Liberty Township, where he owns a nicely improved farm of 120 acres. He is a stanch Republican, a practical farmer and stock-raiser, and an enterprising and public-spirited citizen..

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63.


Aaron C. Filer, dealer in livestock, P. O. Liberty. Among the younger business men of Union County, none is better or more favorably known than this gentleman. He was born in this county July 25, 1849, and is a son of George and Clarissa (Crum) Filer, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. The father, when a young man, came to this county and after some years purchased a farm in Franklin County, where he lived a number of years, and then traded it for a steam saw mill at Coulter’s Corner. After some time he removed to this county and located at Roseburg where he died in 1868. His wife followed him two years later. In their family were the following children: Phebe A., Charles E., Melinda and Aaron C. Our subject was reared upon a farm, receiving a common school education. When twenty years of age, he entered the employ of Oliver Keffer, a well-known stock dealer of Union County. He has since remained with Mr. Keffer, and is one of the firm of Keffer, Maxwell & Co., live stock dealers. He is a thorough business man, a good judge of stock, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him. He began as a poor boy, and has made what he now has by his own exertions. He is a Republican, a member of the order of Odd Fellows and Knights of the Mystic Chain, and of the Presbyterian Church. He owns a good property in Liberty, and is one of its most popular, enterprising and useful citizens..

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63.


William A. Fosdick, furniture and undertaking, Liberty. William Fosdick, grandfather of this gentleman, was a native of Lynchburg, Va., but in about 1818 came with his parents to this county, and soon after was united in marriage with Miss Julia Stanton, a native of North Carolina. To this union were born four children. His wife dying, he married Miss Miriam Wickersham, and by this marriage there were six children. Mr. Fosdick was a farmer by occupation, and was well and favorably known to the early settlers of Union County. Dr. Albert C. Fosdick, son of this gentleman by his first marriage and the father of our subject, was born in Union County, Ind., March 5, 1822. He was reared upon a farm, and until twenty years of age received but a common school education. After attending Oxford College, Ohio, some two years, he took up the study of medicine, attending lectures at Cleveland, Ohio. He began practice at Liberty, but during the last war was Surgeon of the Fifth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry. He has also practiced at St. Joseph, Mo., but for most part has followed his profession in his native county. He was married, March 16, 1844, to Miss Eliza J. Beauman, who was born in the Keystone State September 14, 1825. By this union there were three children – William A., Horace G. and Ella M. Mrs. Fosdick died in 1865. On the 5th of March, 1871, Dr. Fosdick was united in marriage with Frances E. Cockefair, who was born in Union County, Ind., in 1836. Dr. Fosdick stands high in his profession. He has also been a close student of pathology, as he found it in his practice, and has been a leader in the use of new and rational remedies. He is a stanch Republican, but entertains broad and liberal views regarding all things. He is a member of the Masonic order, and has held positions of honor and trust in the village in which he resides. William A. Fosdick, son of Dr. A. C. Fosdick, was born June 6, 1840, in Mr. Carmel, Ind. His youth was passed in the town of Liberty, attending school. He was united in marriage with Miss Lina B. Kelly December 14, 1873. This lady was born in Union County, Ind., November 24, 1854. By this marriage there are three children – Lloyd E., Jessie M. and Fannie E. In 1875 he entered the employ of his father-in-law and A. K. Bates, who were engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. In 1879, he purchased Mr. Bates’ interest, and in connection with Mr. Kelly has since conducted the business which has largely increased. Mr. Fosdick is a thorough business man, and by his upright conduct and strict integrity has secured the respect and confidence of all who know him. He is a Republican, a member of the Knights of Mystic Chain, and of the Presbyterian Church.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63 and 64.


Jacob Frankel, merchant and clothier, Liberty, Ind. Among the live and active young business men of this county is Jacob Frankel, a son of Abraham and Amelia (Krow) Frankel, both natives of Prussia, where they died, the latter in 1861 and the former in 1877. Jacob was born on the 5th of March, 1856, at Ostrowo, a small village of Prussia, and at the age of one year his parents removed to Breslau, the capital of Silesia, a province of Prussia. He was educated at the college of St. Elizabeth, there receiving a classical education. At the age of fifteen years, he was apprenticed as a weaver in the linen mills at Hirschberg, in Silesia, where he served two years. In 1873, he emigrated to America to seek his fortune. Landing at the great metropolis of the Empire State, he proceeded at once to Harrisonburg, Va., and there found employment as a clerk in the store of L. A. & H. Wise. After remaining here for a period, he went to Staunton, in the same State, and became a clerk in the jewelry establishment of Gabriel Hersh. From this point he went to Cincinnati and entered the wholesale dry goods store of Louis Stix & Co., as clerk, and remained until 1878, when he came to the village of Liberty and became associated in the dry goods business with Levi Cully, the firm name being Cully, Frankel & Co. This partnership was dissolved after a continuance of six months, at which time Mr. Frankel engaged in business for himself. He can now be found on the public square, opposite the court house, where his business rooms are located, in which is always kept on hand a full line of dry goods, boots and shoes and gents’ clothing. You will find him a genial fellow and surrounded by affable and courteous clerks, and the public will do well to give him a call. He was united in marriage, October 13, 1881, with Emma Pretzfeld, a native of the State of Mississippi, born October 27, 1858, and a daughter of William Pretzfeld. To this union has been born one child – Amelia.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 64.


Samuel B. Fry, farmer, was born in Loudoun County, Va., August 25, 1814. His parents were Henry and Catharine (Brenner) Fry, natives, the former of Loudoun County, Va., born December 17, 1776, and the latter of Fauquier County, Va., born November 11, 1780. Their children were Simon, Lewis, Elizabeth, Philip, Samuel B. and one that died in infancy. The Frys and Brenners were of German descent, and two of the ancestors were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Henry Fry and family, in the fall of 1818, emigrated to Franklin County, Ind., and settled on Templeton’s Creek. His house was the first regular preaching place of the denomination of United Brethren in the Whitewater Valley, and it was through his influence and exertions that a society was organized in Franklin County. The class was established at his house, which grew into the society that subsequently worshiped at “Old Franklin Chapel,” in Fairfield Township. He was a wagon maker by trade, but his principal occupation was farming. He built a grist mill on Templeton’s Creek, which he operated some years. His death occurred in September, 1834, and that of his wife in January, 1859. Our subject was reared on his father’s farm, working a portion of the time in his father’s mill. On growing to manhood, he was married to Sarah Kemp, a daughter of John Kemp, a Pennsylvanian, but then of Ohio. By this married one child – John K. – was born; the mother died in 1844. October 22, 1845, Mr. Fry was the second time married, this time marrying Sarah A. Templeton, born in Franklin County, Ind., July 24, 1821; a daughter of David and Jane (Barrickman) Templeton, the former being a native of South Carolina, born December 15, 1791, and the latter of Newport, Ky., born October 8, 1794. Mr. Templeton came with his father to Dry Fork in 1801 and settled in what subsequently became Franklin County, Ind., in 1804 or 1805. He died toward the close of the war of the rebellion. The mother is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. The children of Samuel B. Fry and wife are Mary E., George D., Sanford T., Catharine J., and Henry W. (deceased). Mr. Fry is a member of the United Brethren Church, with which he united in 1834. He votes with the Republican party. In 1869, he removed from Franklin County to his present farm, upon which he has just completed a beautiful new house. The former one on this site was destroyed by fire August 9, 1882.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 64.


Benjamin Gard (deceased). Among the pioneers of Union County was the family of Gards. Benjamin Gard and wife, Eliza, the parents of our subject, emigrated to this locality in an early period from the East, having been born, the former March 9, 1786, and the latter June 30, 1793. They became the parents of fifteen children, by name Thomas, Jacob, Jane, Phoebe, Anna, Tabitha, Hannah, Squire, Benjamin, Sarah, Eliza, Aaron, John, Rebecca and Elenor. Benjamin was born in this county and State on the 11th of May, 1826, and while a mere boy his parents died, leaving him almost a penniless orphan, but by honesty, industry and perseverance, he rose, step by step, until he became surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and was honored and respected by all who knew him. At the age of thirty-one years, he was united in marriage with Christina Shaffer, who was born near Uniontown, Penn., July 11, 1814. She was the daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Walters) Shaffer, natives of Pennsylvania, and who emigrated to this county when Mrs. Gard was a small girl. No children were born to our subject and wife. Mr. Gard resided in Center Township, twenty-six years, on the farm upon which he died, his death occurring, June 6, 1883. He lived in the enjoyment and high esteem of a large circle of friends, who spared no pains in contributing to his wants and comfort during his long illness. He was buried in West Point Cemetery at Liberty. In politics, Mr. Gard was a Republican. His widow resides at the homestead, comfortably situated in a neat cottage home, surrounded by her possession of forty-odd acres of land.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 64.


Dr. John L. Grove, dentist, and Sheriff of this county. This citizen and official was born in Fayette County, Penn., on the 23d of March, 1835, of parents, Stephen and Elizabeth A. (Coldrain) Grove, both natives of Fayette County, Penn., and of German extraction; the former was born February 15, 1804, of parents John Grove and Mary (Brown) Grove, who were married February 6, 1785. The great-grandparents of our subject, on his father’s side, were of German and Welsh extraction. The great-grandfather, a German, settled in Lancaster County, Penn., at an early period of that country’s history, and subsequently removed to Sharpsburg, Md. (on the present site of the battlefield of Antietam). The great-grandmother was a Shepherd, was of Welsh origin, and belonged to the family of Shepherds that founded Shepherdstown, W. Va. Stephen Grove was a farmer of Fayette County, Penn., until the year 1846, when himself and family removed to the State of Indiana and settled in this county, and here established a manufactory for making the Grove Wheat Fan, which implement was extensively used in various parts of the country and became celebrated. Continuing for a number of years in this line of business, Mr. Grove purchased a farm in Brownsville Township, upon which he moved, and was occupied as a farmer until about the close of the late war, when he removed to Logansport, of which place he is now a resident. His wife died December 7, 1870. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for a long period of years, as has also been Mr. Grove, who is still a member of that church. Our subject was reared on his father’s farm, and, on becoming of age, studied dentistry with Dr. John Doughty, of Brownsville, with whom he remained until finishing his studies, when he came to Liberty and opened a dental office. On the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, he was one of the first of the village to offer resentment to those who insulted the Stars and Stripes, the flag of freedom, and dared destroy the Union, and at the outset of the struggle entered the contest, having been chosen First Lieutenant of the first company of volunteers raised in the county, receiving his commission as First Lieutenant of Company F, Sixteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, under command of Col. Hackleman, May 6, 1861, and was mustered out with the regiment at the expiration of one year, the term of service for which it enlisted. On the 1st of January, 1863, Mr. Grove was united in marriage with Amanda Fosdick, daughter of William and Miriam (Wickersham) Fosdick, pioneer settlers of this county. The father of William Fosdick, whose names was also William, was an Englishman and a sea Captain, and as such served in the Revolutionary war, and was once captured by the British. He settled in Campbell County, Va., and about the year 1818 made a journey to the Salem neighborhood in this county, where he purchased some 320 acres of land, which he divided among several sons, but did not himself remain here. The mother of Mrs. Grove is a native of Guilford County, N. C., and with her parents emigrated to the Salem neighborhood in 1814. Mrs. Grove is a native of this county, born April 17, 1841. To the union of John L. Grove and Amanda Fosdick have been born the following children: Percy F., Edgar H. and Bennett M. Mr. Grove, since his return from the United States service, has been a resident of Liberty, and has been engaged in the practice of his profession, in which he is a skillful operator. In politics, he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and was elected by the people of the county to the office of Sheriff in the fall of 1880, and re-elected in the fall of 1882, and is now serving in that capacity, in which he has proved himself a worthy and efficient officer. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed and respected by the community at large.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 64.


Andrew Hamilton, farmer, P. O. Liberty, was born in the district of Abbeville, S. C., December 18, 1808. He is the fourth child and only son of a family of seven children born to Israel and Jane (Stevenson) Hamilton, both of whom were natives of South Carolina, where they were reared and married. This family of Hamiltons came from Ireland to America prior to the Revolutionary war, Alexander, the father of Israel, serving in the Colonial army some seven years. In 1815, Israel Hamilton and family removed to this county and located on the farm now owned by their son Andrew, in Center Township. Here they ever after resided, having the respect of all who knew them. Andrew, their son, was reared upon a farm, receiving such education as the schools of that early day afforded. He was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Pharmer September 15, 1831. She was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, December 8, 1808. Her father was one of the early settlers of this county, and while serving his country in the war of 1812 died at Fort Meigs. Mrs. Hamilton died April 12, 1872. She was the mother of six children, viz.: Louisa J., James A., Rebecca A., Nancy E., John C. and Mary A. Mr. Hamilton has always lived upon the old home place, and has added to it until he now owns 240 acres, which is nicely improved and well stocked. He has always worked hard, and by his own exertions has obtained what he now possesses. He has always voted with the Whig and Republican parties, and has held the office of Justice of Peace in Center Township twelve years, besides other positions of honor and trust. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and no man in the county is better known or more highly respected.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 64.


Charles W. Hand, Sr., retired merchant and farmer, P. O. Billingsville, Ind., was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, March 11, 1808. He is a son of John and Sarah (Price) Hand, who removed in 1800 from New Jersey, their native State, to Hamilton County, Ohio. There, after a few years, the wife died, and Mr. Hand married Mrs. Nancy Todd, whose maiden name was Leakin. By the first union there were six children, and by the second two. In 1818, he removed to Union Township, this county, and purchased the farm now owned by his son Charles W. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and was noted for his scrupulous honesty and correct business dealings. Charles W. Hand was brought up on a farm, and received a good common school education. He taught several terms of school when a young man, and on the 16th of January, 1828, was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Raymond. This lady was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October 2, 1811. By this union there were eleven children – John R., Harriet V., Rebecca R., Allie L., Mary W., Sarah R., Charles W., William W., Frederick E., Samuel R., and one other that died in infancy. One of the sons, William W., served his country in the war of the rebellion. Until 1842, Mr. Hand followed farming exclusively; he then purchased a stock of goods, and from that until the close of the late war ran a country store in connection with farming. He has always been a Whig and Republican, and has held numerous positions of honor and trust. He assisted to build and is one of the stock-holders of the Oxford & Billingsville Turnpike. He favors all public improvements, and liberally contributes to any worthy enterprise. He owns a comfortable home and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 64.


Deb Murray