History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

SAMUEL MCCRARY
A native of Ohio, was born March 13, 1813, the eldest in a family of nine children born to William and Middie (Faulkner) McCrary, who came to Indiana in 1825, first settling in Jackson County, but a few years later locating permanently in this county. After his father's death in about 1829, Samuel took his father's place in the care of the farm and family, and in consequence of this burden thrust upon his young shoulders, he secured only a limited education. February 11, 1835, Minerva Royse became his wife, and six children were born to their union, only the following yet living: Nancy A., now Mrs. Albert Lee; Sarah, the wife of John Crandall, and Samuel. The mother dying in November, 1872, Mr. McCrary married for his second wife Mrs. Sarah (Hoar) Mayberry, on the 12th of February, 1874, and by her is the father of five children, named, Emma, Simeon, Noah, Martha and John. As a farmer Mr. McCrary has made that occupation a success, being the fortunate possessor of 160 acres of good land. He is one of the prominent Republicans of Posey Township, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

SAMUEL MCCLANAHAN
A prominent citizen of Posey Township, is a native of Virginia, and was born March 10, 1809, being the youngest in a family of nine children born to William and Abigail (Hughes) McClanahan. His mother dying when he was but three days old, he was taken care of by an aunt, and at the age of five years his father died. After this he remained in Bedford County, Va., until seventeen years of age, when he started for Indiana, and reached Morgan County in April, 1826. The fall of that year he removed to this county, staying at that time one year, and from here going to Floyd County, and was there and in Clark County four years, when he returned to Washington County, where he has ever since resided. Mr. McClanahan received a very limited education. October 13, 1832, his marriage with Anise Ashabranner was solemnized, and to their union seven children were born, these four now living: William A., who married Martha Boling; Mary A. (Mrs. James Thomas); Catharine (Mrs. James A. McClanahan), and Fannie B. June 7, 1876, the mother died, and June 10, 1877, Mr. McClanahan married Mrs. Harriet N. (Horner) Hunter, who by her first husband was the mother of two children--Seth H. and William G. He now owns a farm of 130 acres, which he operates, and at the same time cries public sales and works at the butcher's trade. Mr. McClanahan is a Democrat, serving as County Coroner sixteen years; is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

CHARLES MITTON
A prominent citizen of Posey Township, is a native of New Jersey, where he was born March 8, 1819, being the only child of William and Eliza (Ferguson) Mitton, who were also natives of New Jersey. In 1838, in company with his mother and grandmother, he came to Indiana and settled at Martinsburg, this county, from whence he removed to Fredericksburg in 1840. In November, 1844, he wedded Miss T. Knowles, and to their union eight children have been born, these six yet living: Henry, who married Ella McPheeters; Martha, now Mrs. John Cromer; James; Emma, whose present husband is J. Jessup; Ida and Mary Belle. Since 1853 Mr. Mitton has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and he now owns a good farm of 235 acres. In 1864 Mr. Mitton went out to serve his country in the late war, and served with Gen. Sherman through to the sea and was honorably discharged June 11, 1865. He began life's battle a poor boy, but by industry and economy has earned a competence sufficient for all necessary comforts in his latter days. In politics he is a Republican and is one of Washington County's enterprising and esteemed citizens.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

S. E. MCINTOSH
Is one of the leading merchants of Posey Township, and is located at Hardinsburg, where he annually transacts a large and lucrative trade. He is a son of James and Emily (Wilcox) McIntosh, who came to Indiana in 1841, his father being also one of the township's well remembered merchants, having established the store now owned by our subject, in 1849. S. E. McIntosh was born November 15, 1851, and in 1879 assumed control of the large business of which he is now proprietor. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is one of the most active Democrats of his township. September 14, 1881, Mr.McIntosh was united in marriage with Emma F. Hungate, by whom he became the father of one child that died in infancy.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

WILLIAM T. MONTGOMERY
Is a native of Virginia, where he was born March 16, 1841, the oldest of thirteen children born to John H. and Mary R. (Ridgeway) Montgomery, who were also natives of the Old Dominion. They came to this State about 1846, having started for Missouri, but in consequence of the cold weather they wintered in Daviess County. In the spring of the following year they started for Kentucky, but Mrs. Montgomery was taken ill at Fayetteville and they remained there during the summer; perceiving the value of the country for farming purposes, he decided to locate there and has ever since been a resident of the county. William T. remained at home assisting his parents on the farm until he reached the age of twenty-three. He received a limited education in youth, and January 14, 1864, he was married to Mary Turley. Nine children have been born to them, named, James A., Sarah A., John W., Minnie A., George L., Laura F., Samuel E., Lillie E. and Luna. His occupation has always been farming, in which he has been very successful, and now owns 145 acres of land of which about one-half is still in timber. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been twice chosen Assessor of his township, has served two terms as Township Trustee, and he is now his party's nominee for County Commissioner at the ensuing November election.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

ISAAC MURPHY
Is a native Hoosier, born July 10, 1828, in Floyd County, and is the youngest of four children born to Isaac and Polly (Baker) Murphy, who were natives of Virginia and Indiana respectively. His youth and early manhood were passed with his parents, during which time he received but very limited educational advantages. June 24, 1852, he was united in matrimony with Martha Wood, and the following named three of the four children born to them are yet living: Charley, Mary and Grace. The one deceased was Alice I., who died when about three years old. Like the majority of his people Mr. Murphy has made agriculture his occupation through life, and although beginning poor, he has secured a comfortable home and a farm containing 142 acres. One of the principal events of his life was in 1849, when he became infected with the gold fever, and crossing the plains to California, remained there about two years. In politics he is a Democrat. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are among Posey Township's best citizens.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

JAMES FOUNTAIN
Was born May 29, 1827, in Washington County, Ind., and is the oldest son of Stephen and Mary (Clark) Fountain, who were natives of North Carolina, from whence they emigrated to the birthplace of our subject in 1826. Until arriving at maturity James Fountain made his home with his parents, then choosing farming for a life's occupation, began the battle of life on his own responsibility. That he has made it a success if fully demonstrated, for he owns 1,036 acres of land, which were acquired by hard and persistent labor, and is recognized as an honest and esteemed citizen of the county. To his first marriage with Miss Nancy J. Dryden, daughter of John and Elizabeth Dryden, six children were born, named: Jonathan, Elizabeth, William H., Mary I., Stephen O. and Sarah A. Miss D. P. Burch, daughter of Charles and Jane Burch, became his second wife February 29, 1862, and to their union a son--Albert Thomas--has been born. The mother was born January 31, 1845 and April 16, 1884, Mr. Fountain was again bereft of his companion by death. His first wife was born in November, 1835, and died June 2, 1870. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and a Democrat in politics.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

WILLIAM FOUNTAIN
Was born in Lawrence County, Ind., February 2, 1842, and is a son of Stephen and Mary (Clark) Fountain who were the parents of sixteen children, as follows: Elizabeth, James, Nancy, Stephen, Mary, Abram, Samuel, Phebe, Thomas, John, William, Sarah,Lovisa, Louisa, Cynthia and Burilla. Until thirty-six years old, William Fountain made his home with his parents, receiving such education, in his earlier years, as the common schools afforded. His occupation through life has been farming and stock-raising, and, like the majority of his name, has made a financial success, owning a farm of 320 acres. In politics he is a Democrat, but instead of paying particular attention to political issues, he confines his attention almost exclusively to agricultural pursuits. November 29, 1882, Miss Eliza Todd, daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Brown) Todd, became his wife, and her parents as well as his, were among the prominent pioneer settlers of Indiana.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

A. J. HOSTETLER
Owner and editor of the Bedford Banner, was born in Washington County, Indiana, November 22,1818, and is a son of Jonathan and Sarah (Ribble) Hostetler, with whom he removed to this county (Lawrence County) when an infant. His father was a Kentuckian by birth, but in 1816 became a resident of Indiana and followed farming until his death in 1828, preceded by the death of Mrs. Hostetler five years. Being cast upon his own resources when yet a small lad, our subject was reared by relatives until seventeen years old, when he went to Decatur, Illinois, and learned blacksmithing. In 1837 he returned to Lawrence County, which has ever since been his home, with the exception of one year, while a resident of Orange County, Indiana. He was engaged in blacksmithing until 1854, and for the succeeding ten years farmed. In 1865 he engaged in merchandising in Bedford, at which he has largely been engaged until within the last few years. As a Democrat in politics Mr. Hostetler has been a faithful worker for his party, and from 1854 to 1858 served in the upper house of the State Legislature of Indiana, declining a re-election. In 1878 he was elected to represent the old Eighth District in the Forty-sixth Congress, and in 1880 was the delagate of his party to the National Democratic Convention at Cincinnati from the Second District. In September, 1883, he began the editorship of the Banner, which has thrived under his management. In February, 1842, Miss Margaret Newland became his wife, and Jonathan N., John F. (deceased), Sarah A. and Kate, are the names of their children. Mr. Hostetler is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife belong to the Christian Church.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

JAMES H. MCPHEETERS
Is a native of Washington County, Ind., his birth occurring March 14, 1844. His grandfather, James McPheeters, was of Scotch descent and removed soon after the war of 1812 to near Livonia. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He reared a large family, one of whom--Alexander--married Louisa M. Snyder, a lady of German extraction and native of the Empire State. They reared a family of three children, James H., the subject of this sketch, being one. Alexander McPheeters studied medicine and for fully fifty years practiced at Livonia. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church thirty years and Superintendent of the Livonia Sabbath-schools twenty-five years; he died in 1882. His widow survives him. James H. McPheeters was reared in Livonia, receiving such education as the village schools afforded. In 1863 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventeen Indiana Volunteer Infantry, participating in a number of engagements and serving in all some nine months. After his return he studied medicine, but later made a specialty of dental and mechanical surgery. He began the practice at Salem and in 1868 came to Mitchell (Marion Township, Lawrence County), where he has once resided, building up a good an steadily increasing business. His entire paternal ancestry were strong anti-slavery people, and on arriving at age he identified himself with the Republican party. He is now the Republican candidate for Recorder of Lawrence County. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and Superintendent of Sabbath-school. He has been twice married, first to Miss Mary E. Hagan, a native of Washington County, her birth occurring December 21, 1847. This lady died July 19, 1878. His marriage with Miss L. Florence Roby occurred May 26, 1880. She was born in Kentucky, June 4, 1852, and died May 22, 1882. By the first marriage there were three children: Florence M., Alexander N. and Ada M. The fruit of the second marriage was a son--Earl G. Mr. McPheeters is one of the county's best citizens.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

S. F. MARTIN
Jeweler, was born in Washington County, Ind., June 8, 1841, the first of five children, born to Joseph W. and Mary E. (Mann) Martin, natives respectively of Kentucky and Tennessee; he was a cooper and miller by trade, and died in Washington County, in 1863, his wife still living. Subject taught school in 1860-61, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company H, Sixty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; he served as Hospital Steward and was promoted to Assistant Surgeon, serving until he was mustered out in 1865. He participated in the following battles: Richmond, Ky., where he was captured; Kenesaw Mountain, Rough's Mills, siege of Atlanta, Dallas and the march to the sea. After his return home he studied medicine, and took a course at Rush Medical College, Chicago, practiced a while, but finally gave up his profession and entered the jewelry and drug business, also serving as Postmaster at Campbellsburg. He was married at Fredericksburg, Washington Co., Ind., February 11, 1866, to Miss Ellen Bradbery, born March 23, 1843, daughter of Amos and Sophie (Perkins) Bradbery, natives of Yorkshire, England, and Indiana respectively, and nine children have been born: Laura E., Nathan P., Benjamin F., Ada B., Emma C., Hattie A., Grant, Abner C. and Bessie. The family are members of the Christian Church and he is a Republican.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

JAMES R. OVERMAN
Was born in Lawrence County, Ind., October 14, 1847. He is the son of Levi and Eliza J. (Bryant) Overman. James Overman, his grandfather, when a young man, came from North Carolina in 1814 and settled in Washington County, Ind. He married Miss Margaret Mundon. To them were born five sons and two daughters, all of whom reached maturity. Levi was one of the sons, and was married in this county (Lawrence). He was born in Washington County, Ind.; his wife in Lincoln County, Ky. To them were born eight children. The Bryants--Robert and his wife, Lucinda Culbertson--came from Kentucky to this county in 1830; settled in Spice Valley Township, near where the village of Bryantsville is now located. Levi Bryant's (Note: This maybe should have read Robert Bryant's) father was the one who settled and laid out Bryant's Station, Ky., the same year Daniel Boone settled Boonesboro. He was a celebrated Indian fighter; was killed at the battle of River Raisin in the war of 1812. Robert Bryan's wife is still living on the old homestead in Spice Valley Township. Of the eight children in Levi Overman's family, James R. and two sisters are the only ones now living. Levi dead October 3, 1879; his wife in April, 1876. James R. Overman was reared on a farm. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood until eighteen years old; then attended several terms of the Bedford High School; entered the State University at Bloomington in 1867, from which institution he graduated in 1871. February 19, 1884, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie E. Scantlin. Like his ancestors before him, he has always voted in opposition to the Democratic party and at present is the Republican candidate for State Legislature, a position for which he is eminently qualified. He has done much to build up the stock interests of the county and is a cultured, practical and influential citizen. He is a member of the Masonic order, having taken the Commandery degrees.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

OWENS SHORT
Was born in this county March 14, 1818; son of Wesley and Rebecca (Owens) Short; is the seventh in a family of nine children, and is of Welsh-English extraction. The father of Mr. Short was born in Virginia, December 20, 1780. and his mother in the same State September 15, 1782. His paternal grandfather was John Short, also a native of Virginia, born February 15, 1756. In 1817 the father of Mr. Short came to Indiana, and for a time remained in Washington County, but early in 1818 he made settlement in Lawrence County. His death took place September 16, 1852, and was followed September 29, 1858, by his wife. The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent in farming and attending school. In 1840 Mr. Short had made so much advancement that he taught a district school. In all, he has now taught sixteen terms. He has extended his education so that he is considered one of the best scholars and read men in his neighborhood. He attended the State University at Bloomington some time, and but for ill health, would have graduated. He was married August 6, 1850, to Miss Mary E. Lancaster, a native of Boone County, Ky., born September 18, 1827, and who, in 1846, came with her parents to Greene County, Ind. This union had the following children: Flora I., 1855; Victoria, 1857; Emma E., 1859; Ulysses G., 1868. The last named deceased in 1875. The other children (three) died in infancy. In 1850 Mr. Short settled where he now resides. Here he has a farm consisting of 450 acres, on land where the fist house of Perry Township was erected. At the early age of fifteen years Mr. Short united with the Christian Church, of which he has ever since been a member, and for twenty years he has been a local preacher in that denomination. Mrs. Short has been a member of the same church for thirty-four years. She is a most amiable, Christian lady. He is an earnest Republican, and a highly respected and honorable citizen.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

FRANKLIN P. SMITH
Superintendent of the Bedford Public Schools, is a native of Washington County, Indiana, born July 9, 1854, the oldest of four children born to Lewis N. and Nancy J. (Worrall) Smith, who were also natives of that county. Until his eighteenth year he worked on his father's farm and attended the district schools of his neighborhood. At that age he began attending the Salem Public Schools, which he pursued for two years and teaching vacations. At twenty years of age he commenced a course in the State University of Bloomington, where he graduated in June, 1878, having taken the Ancient Classic Course. In August, 1878, he went to Fisherville, Kentucky, and took charge of the public schools at that place for six months. On October 23 of the same year he was united in matrimony with Miss Amanda E. Brewer, of Salem, Indiana, and to their union two children, named Daisy B. and Anna M. were born March 21, 1880, and March 1, 1881, only the former one living. In February, 1879, he returned to Salem and worked on a farm until the following September. At that time he took charge of the Salem High Schools, which position he held for three years. After that he taught in the public schools at Orleans, Indiana, as Superintendent for one year. At the end of that time he came to Bedford, where he has ever since held the place he now occupies with good success and satisfaction. Professor Smith is a member of the Methodist Church and his wife of the Christian Church at Salem. In politics he is a stanch Democrat of the old Jacksonian type, and always takes a lively interest in the public affairs of the day.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

HENRY C. TRUEBLOOD
Is descended from John Trueblood, who emigrated from England to America in 1700, settling in Camden County, NC. His wife's name was Agnes, and they had two sons, Amos and John, who married and reared large families, and their descendants are to be found in almost every state in the Union. They were God-fearing, liberty-loving people, and held to the religious tenets of the Friends or Quakers, and left the Old World on account of religious persecution. They were always opposed to the institution of slavery, and many of them settled in Orange and adjoining counties in Indiana. Josiah Trueblood, father of Henry C., was twice married; his first wife was Miss Lydia Bowden, who bore him seven children; his second wife was Miss Rachel Field, daughter of Jeremiah and Margaret (Wilson) Field, who came to Washington County, Indiana, soon after the war of 1812. By the second marriage there were four children, one of whom, Henry C., is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Trueblood came to Lawrence County in an early day, settling near Bryantsville, Marion Township, where he followed farming. He died in 1854. His wife survives him and resides in Marion Township. Henry C. Trueblood was born in Spice Valley Township, Lawrence County, November 15, 1849. He was brought up on the farm and received the benefits of a good common education. He was united in marriage with Miss Millie F. Hall, March 11, 1872. This lady was born in Marion Township, November 13, 1849. Mr. Trueblood owns a farm of 160 acres, which he farms in a practical and successful manner. He also pays considerable attention to raising and grazing cattle and other stock. He has taught several terms of school and is one of the intelligent and progressive men of Lawrence County. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn

JOHN WILSON
Blacksmith and farmer, was born in Jefferson County, Ky., in 1818, and is the fifth of six children born to John and Nancy (Grace) Wilson, natives of Kentucky. Subject attended the schools at Middletown, Ky., and after leaving school at fifteen years of age learned the blacksmith's trade, after which he opened for himself. After following business about seven years he came to Washington County, Ind., and purchased a farm of eighty acres, remaining there six years. He then went to Campbellsburg, bought a farm of thirty acres, and opened a shop. He afterward came to Leesville, purchased a farm of eighty acres and some other property, where he has since remained. He was married in 1843 to Miss N. M. Robinson, of Kentucky, and has five children: Thomas T., born March 11, 1844; Harriet, February 14, 1846; John F., March 8, 1851; Iola J., January 20, 1854; Virgil, March 21, 1858. August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Sixty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of Munfordville, Arkansas Post, and on the Red River Expedition. He contracted rheumatism while in the service, and in consequence of which he was discharged February 16, 1865. He has been Assessor and Enumerator of his township, is a member of the Christian Church and a Republican.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn