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

DALE W. WILSON
He was born in Washington County, Ind., June 20. 1837. John Wilson, his paternal grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, and married Sarah Mitchell. who was also a native of that State. They moved to Kentucky in an early day, where William Wilson, father of Dale W., was born in about 1809. They afterward removed to Ohio, and from there to Washington County, Ind., in about 1819, where William Wilson grew to manhood, and where he married Nancy McCoskey. Dale W. Wilson lived on a farm until 1855, when he went to Canton, in this county, and learned blacksmithing. He continued working at his trade in Canton until 1880, when he moved to Salem, opened a shop, and has since resided here, conducting, quite an exteinsive business. In 1862 he wedded Semira, a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Lindley) Green, and by her is the father of these three children: Wheeler, Idella and Sally. Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, and a member of the F. & A. M.

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

ADAM H. and PHILBERT M. WRIGHT
Are the grandsons of that old pioneer, Philbert Wright, who immigrated from North Carolina in about 1809 and came to what is now Washington Township, Washington Co., Ind., where he passed the remainder of his days. Eli and Elizabeth (Bower) Wright, parents of those whose names form the subject for this sketch, were among the old and time-honored citizens of the county. They fully participated in all the hardships and inconveniences of pioneer life and died June 14, 1833, and 1847, respectively. Adam H. Wright was born October 12, 1823, on the farm where he now resides, and which his grandfather entered from the Government. His father having built the first or one of the first mills in the township, he assisted in its operation during his early years, but for many years subsequently has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He belongs to the Christian Church, is Democrats and owns a first-class farm of 475 acres. August 31, 1848, he married Elizabeth, daughter of James and Sally (Lockhart) Collier, by whom he is the father of three children: Eli M., born July 7, 1849; William B., October 18, 1855, and Mary C., May 26, 1860. Mrs. Wright was born in this county December 20, 1826. James Collier, her father, was born in Kentucky, January 24, 1798; married March 12, 1818, Sally Lockhart, who was born in Virginia, February 13, 1802. Their respective deaths occurred November 15, 1873, and September 9, 1876. Philbert M. Wright, fifth child born to Eli and Elizabeth (Bowen) Wright, was born September 17, 1832. He has made farming his principal occupation through life, and by industry and economy has earned his present excellent farm of 320 acres. May 28, 1863, he married Miss Elizabeth Wiseman, who was born in this county August 21, 1831, daughter of Jacob and Polly (Ratts) Wiseman. Two children have crowned their union, named Grant F., born July 3, 1868, and Cora, September 22, 1872. In politics Mr. Wright is a Democrat.

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

JAMES B. BROWN
One of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of Vernon Township, Washington Co., Ind., was born in the year 1847. He is the next oldest of a family of six children born to Wesley and Mary M. (Colglazier) Brown. He enjoyed the usual advantages of the district country schools, where he secured such an education as they afforded, and for a short time attended an academy. He made his home with his parents until twenty-five years of age, and on the 9th of October, 1873, he was united in matrimony to Laura N. Hardin, and to their union these five children have been born: Ona M., Ada M., Effie, E. Feone and Frank D., all living but the last. For a period of seven years he taught in the common schools of the county. Besides this he has been engaged in farming most of the time with good success. Although not connected with any religious organization he always liberally supports the charitable and benevolent institutions of his community. In politics he is a Democrat and generally takes a lively interest in public affairs.

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

JAMES M. BROWN
An old and influential farmer, of Vernon Township, is the third in a family of seven children born to Bolin and Alice (Carr) Brown. His parents were natives of Virginia and of English-German descent. They immigrated to Kentucky in 1800, and thence to Indiana in 1815. James M. had very limited opportunities of receiving an education, but through perseverance procured such a one as the old log schoolhouse of that day afforded. He remained at home with is parents until 1840, when he was married to Polly A. Collier. To them were born twelve children, six of whom are living. They are: Eliza J., afterward Mrs. John Vancleave, now deceased; William C., deceased; Sarah E., now Mrs. D. B. Vance; Minerva, Mrs. Samuel McPheeters, deceased; John W., who married Delilah Maudlin; Mary E., deceased; Amanda F., Mrs. Elias Tegarden, deceased; Laura E., now Mrs. J. R. Warren; Stephen D., married to Clara Martin; Kizzie A.; Melinda K., now Mrs. Oscar Williams, and Thomas, deceased. Mr. Brown has never been identified with any religious denomination, but is very liberal in his views, and is always a supporter of anything whose tendency is to elevate the race. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat, and takes an active interest in the political affairs of the county, State and Nation.

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

ZACHARIAH BURTON
A prominent citizen of Vernon Township, was born December 28, 1839, being the seventh of a family of nine children, born to Zachariah and Ruth (Holmes) Burton. His parents were natives of North Carolina and Indiana respectively. Zachariah, Jr., had very fair advantages of schools, having attended high school at Mitchell, and by his energy succeeded in securing a fair practical education. He remained home with his parents until he attained his twenty-ninth year. On January 14,1870, his marriage with Katie Sanders was solemnized and to their union have been born four children, all living. He belongs to the baptist Church, and is a member in good standing, and contributes liberally to the support of the church and charitable causes. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and takes a fair interest in the political questions of the day. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser, in which pursuits he has made a fair success.

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

CHARLES CARTER
A well-to-do farmer of Vernon Township, Washington County, was born in Hampshire, England, December 30, 1822, the oldest of six children. His parents were James and Lydia (Harris) Carter. During his early years he was on account of poverty deprived of educational advantage, and what he has was obtained by diligence and application. In October, 1850, he embarked at Liverpool for New Orleans where he arrived after a voyage of more than six weeks. From that place he went to New Albany, and thence came to Washington County. On the 14th of February, 1852, Miss Emily Batt, who came from England at the same time of Mr. Cater became his wife. Of their family of nine children these eight are now living: James, Lewis C., Lydia M., Alice J., Stephen S., Eli D., Eskham, and Olla E. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and a stanch Democrat of the Jacksonian type.

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

ELISHA CHAMBERLAIN
An influential farmer of Vernon Township, was born on the 19th of April, 1827, being the youngest of the children born to Asahel and Sarah (Elliott) Chamberlain. The father was a native of New York, from which State he removed to Indiana about 1816. The mother was a native of Kentucky, from which State she emigrated to Indiana in 1817. The father was of English descent, and the mother of Irish and Welsh. The subject of this sketch had the advantage of the common schools and succeeded in securing a fair education. He remained home with his parents until their deaths, that of the father occurring October 16, 1874, and that of the mother August 5, 1833. On June 22, 1848, his marriage with Rachel Reed was solemnized, and to their union have been born six children, five of whom are now living; William N., Lydia A., Sallie E., Augustine R. (deceased), Morton E., Frank B. He is not a member of any church organization, but liberally supports the churches and charitable causes of his community. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and takes a lively interest in the political questions of the day. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser, in which pursuits he has made fair success. On the 30th of June, 1884, Mr. Chamberlain was called upon to sustain the loss of his beloved wife and life-long companion, and the family that of an affectionate mother and adviser. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and felt that she was prepared to meet her God in peace.

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

HENRY BANKS
An old and influential citizen of Howard Township was born in Connecticut, August 11, 1818, being the sixth of a family of eight children born to Burr and Abigail (Sherwood) Banks. His ancestors were natives of Fairfield County, Conn., from which State they removed to Indiana in 1814, settling on the farm now owned by the son. They are honest, industrious Christian people. The subject of this sketch had poor facilities for schooling, owing to the subscription schools of those days, but by his energy he succeeded in securing a fair practical education. He remained at home with his parents during their lives. The mother died in 1825 and the father in 1863. On the 24th of September, 1840, his marriage with Peggy Scandlin was solemnized, and to this union wee born eight children, four of whom are now living; John B. (deceased), 1842; Annette E., born March 20, 1843; Samuel S. (deceased), October 11, 1881; Harley B. (deceased), May, 1856; Claudius H. (deceased), September, 1881; John F., born December 14, 1851; William B., born March 13, 1854; Milton S., born December 2, 1856. In politics he is a Republican. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser in which chosen vocation he has made a decided success, having now in his possession 335 acres of well improved land, well stocked. He also owns a flouring and saw-mill in Livonia, valued at $7,000.

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

DAVID BECK
An old and influential citizen of Howard Township, and proprietor of Beck's Mill, was born in 1821, being the second child born to George and Elizabeth (Masters) Beck--one of thirteen children. His parental ancestors were natives of North Carolina, from which State they removed to Indiana in 1807, locating about five miles south of Beck's Mill. The subject of this sketch had a very limited chance to secure an education, but by his energy succeeded in securing enough for the business of life. In 1843 his marriage with Sarah Elliott was solemnized, and to their union were born six children; Elizabeth J., Malinda (deceased, 1865), John A., Thomas J. (deceased, 1877), George M. and Lorena A. He is not a member of any church, but contributes liberally to the support of the church and charitable causes. He is a member of the Masonic order, and in politics is a stanch Democrat, and takes much interest in the political questions of the day. He has made a decided success in his business, now owning the splendid mills and 130 acres of well improved land. He was elected to the responsible position of County Commissioner in 1872, serving six years. He has also been Postmaster at this point since James Buchanan's administration.

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

GEORGE W. BECK
A prominent citizen of Howard Township, was born January 25, 1832, being the sixth child in a family of thirteen born to George and Elizabeth (Masters) Beck. His people were natives of North Carolina, from whence they removed to Indiana in the early spring of 1807, settling on Mill Creek in the early spring of 1808. His schooling was very limited owing to the poor facilities at that early period. By his energy, however, he secured a fair practical education, enough to enable him to perform any business transactions. He stayed with his parents while they lived, the death of the father occurring on the 22d of September, 1876; that of the mother in April, 1877. Mr. Beck has never been married, and is not a member of any church. In politics he is a Democrat, and is one of the successful farmers of the Township.

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

JOHN A. BECK, SR.
A prominent citizen of Howard Township, was born March 28, 1838, being the next to the youngest in a family of thirteen children born to George and Elizabeth (Masters) Beck. The subject of this sketch had limited means for procuring an education, but by his energy procured a fair practical education. On the 2d of May, 1861, his marriage with Lucinda E. Miller was solemnized, and to this union have been born ten children, all living: George W., Henry F., Thomas S., Mahala J., John J., Emma E., Perlina A., Nancy C., Clarence A. and Riley O. Mr. Beck is not a member of any church, but contributes to the support of charity. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and by occupation is a farmer and stock-raiser, in which pursuits he has made fair success. The Beck families are among the oldest and most respected of the county. They came here when the country was yet in the possession of the Indians and wild animals, and have helped to prepare it for their descendants, and render it better than they found it.

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

BLUFORD HALL
A citizen of Howard Township, was born in Kentucky on the 22day of April, 1811, being the third of a family of eight children born to William and Polly (Thixton) Hall. His parents were natives of Virginia, from which State they moved to Kentucky in a very early day, and from thence to Indiana in about 1818, settling in Washington County. Here they became prominently connected with the settlement of the county, and worthy and honored citizens. The subject of this sketch had very limited means of securing an education, but by his energy succeeded in obtaining enough for the business of life. He remained with his parents until he attained his twenty-second year, and November 28, 1833, his marriage with Rachel Gilstrap was celebrated, and to this union were born nine children, four of whom are now living: Maria (deceased), Sarah J., John W., David J., Lewis L. (who died in Andersonville Prison), Samantha E. (deceased), Nelson F. (deceased) and Mary E. He is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics is a Republican, but is not radical in his views. He is one of the successful farmers of the county, an upright citizen, and his people are among the best in the county.

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

THOMAS RAGAINS
An old citizen of Howard Township, was born in North Carolina on the 31st of January, 1811, being the fourth of a family of eleven children born to David and Susannah (Hargus) Ragains. His ancestors were natives of North Carolina, and people of the highest worth. The subject of this sketch had very poor facilities for schooling, but secured a good practical education, enough to enable him to teach in his time. This he did, but at very low wages. He remained at home with his parents until he attained his twenty-third year, when he immigrated to Indiana, settling in Washington County in 1834. On the 5th of April, 1840, his marriage with Sarah McKinster was solemnized, and to his union have been born eleven children, eight of whom are now living: James M., Eliza J., David, Susan (deceased), and an infant daughter unnamed (deceased), John W. (deceased), William T., Haden H., Leander, George B. M. and Lewis C. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a man who has by honesty and industry secured a comfortable home and a good name. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. He owns 216 acres of well improved and stocked land. For five terms he has served as Justice of the Peace in Howard Township.

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

WILLIAM RUDDER
The junior member of the firm of Rudder & Son, was born December 12, 1845, being the oldest of a family of six children born to James and Elizabeth (Barnett) Rudder. His father was a native of Kentucky, from which State he removed to Indiana in 1842, settling about one and one-half miles east of what is now Campbellsburg. Prior to the year 1862 he was engaged in farming, and since that time has been connected with the mill. He has also been a minister of the Gospel of the Christian Church. William, the subject of this sketch, had good facilities for securing a practical education, enough to enable him to teach in the common schools. October 26, 1865, his marriage with Nancy E. Purlee was solemnized, and this union has been blessed with seven children, all living: James L., Cora E., Stella M., William H., Lawrence E., Lulu D. and an infant daughter unnamed. He is not a member of any church, but contributes liberally to the support of churches and morals in general. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a stanch Democrat, and has been elected Trustee in this township by that party five times, serving in all twelve years. A flour and saw-mill, located on Blue River, seven miles south of Salem, and owned by James Rudder & Son, was erected about 1820. In the first few years after its erection there was no saw-mill attached. The probable capacity at that time was: corn, forty-five bushels; wheat, fifty bushels. The saw-mill was added about 1875, which was also run by water-power, as was the flouring-mill. In 1878 a boiler and engine were purchase, which can be applied to either. It has a good and paying custom at present, with capacity: corn, 150 bushels; wheat, 100 bushels; lumber, 6,000 feet per day.

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

L. D. VOYLES
An influential citizen of Howard Township, was born in Washington County, Ind., on January 16, 1822, being the third from the youngest of a family of nine children born to Thomas and Esther (Headley) Voyles. His ancestors were natives of North Carolina, from which State they removed to Kentucky in 1810, and in the year 1811, they settled in Washington County, Ind. The father was of Welsh and the mother of Irish descent. The subject of this sketch had very limited facilities for education, but succeeded in securing the rudiments. He remained at home with his parents until he attained his twenty-eighth year. On November 25, 1849, his marriage with Clarissa Bishop was solemnized, and to this union was born a large family, some of whom are deceased: John (deceased), Lucinda J., Thomas B., George W., Lindsey H., Mary E., William P., David F., Sarah E., Edward M., Darthuley, Peter D. and an infant son Joseph, who died in 1851. In politics he is a Democrat and takes very little interest in the politics of the day. He is a farmer and has made fair success in life.

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

THOMAS J. VOYLES
An old and prominent citizen of Howard Township, was born in Washington County, Ind., on November 23, 1823, being next to the youngest child in a family of nine born to Thomas and Esther (Headley) Voyles. Here they became prominent and highly respected. His parents were natives of North Carolina, from which State they immigrated to Indiana in a very early day, settling on the farm now owned by his son. The subject of this sketch had no advantage of schooling, but by his energy he succeeded in securing a practical education. He remained at home with his parents until he attained his twenty-eighth year. In January, 1852, his marriage with Anna C. Williams was solemnized, and to this union were born seven children, three of whom are now living: Rebecca, Esther E. and Mary E (twins--deceased), Sarah A. (deceased), Bohese M., Curtis G. (deceased), Joanna F. He is a member of the Christian Church in good standing. He contributes liberally to the support of the church and charitable causes. In politics he is a stanch Republican and takes a good live interest in the political questions of the day. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser. He is prosperous and happy in his home and 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

ISAAC ZINK
A prominent citizen of Howard Township, was born in Washington County, May 2, 1821, being the second child of a family of ten children born to Peter and Sarah (Wright) Zink. His ancestors were natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. The father came to Indiana in about 1817, and the mother near the same year. The subject of this sketch had very limited facilities for schooling, but by his energy succeeded in securing a tolerable education. He remained home with his parents until he attained this twentieth year. In August of 1841, his marriage with Nancy Monical was solemnized, and to this union have been born twelve children, ten of whom are now living: Daniel W., Peter H., George E., John Marion, Mary J., Eli C., Jospeh F., Isaac W., Moses W. (deceased), Lily B. (deceased), Jeremiah L. and Viola C. He is not a member of any church organization, but contributes liberally to the support of the church and charitable causes. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. By occupation he is a farmer and has made a decided success, having now in his possession over 290 acres of well improved land well stocked. His family are among the most intelligent people of the county.

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