Moses Bates was born 9 December 1839 on a small farm near Centerville in Wayne County, Indiana. He was the only son of Smith Bates (b. 1805, Pelham, MA (d. 12 Feb 1874, Lawrence Twp., Marion Co., IN) and Mary Rush Bates (b. 5 July 1815, Butler Co., OH - d. 10 Oct 1894, Lawrence Twp., Marion Co., IN).

In 1847, Smith purchased 80 acres in the northeast corner of Lawrence Township, land that eventually would be acquired by the government for the construction of Fort Benjamin Harrison.

Moses Bates began his career as a country schoolteacher in Lawrence Township in 1862 the same year he married his first wife, Hester A. Vanlaningham (b. 7 Sept 1841, Lawrence Twp., Marion Co., IN). Hester was the daughter of Jeremiah Vanlaningham and Nancy Denton Vanlaningham. She died (13 Jan 1875, Lawrence Twp., Marion Co., IN) giving birth to her daughter and namesake, Hester Bates, who survived her.

On 10 July 1876, Moses married his second wife, Nancy B. Collins (b. 25 Jan 1851, Buck Creek Twp., Hancock Co., IN - d. 8 Nov 1931, Wilkinson, Hancock Co., IN). Nancy was the youngest daughter of John Collins and Clarissa Ervin Collins.

After their marriage, Moses and his second wife moved to a farm near Mount Comfort, Buck Creek Twp., Hancock Co.; which was their address in the 1880 Federal census. He farmed, taught school, and served a brief stint as a Justice of the Peace in Mount Comfort until 1890 when he purchased a small farm in Brown Twp., Hancock Co.

Moses was elected a Hancock County Commissioner on the Democratic ticket in 1898 and re-elected to a second term in office in 1900.

Moses died in Brown Twp., Hancock Co., on 13 April 1905. Moses is buried at Spring Valley Cemetery in Lawrence Twp., Marion Co., as are his two wives, Hester Vanlaningham Bates and Nancy Collins Bates, his parents, Smith Bates and Mary Rush Bates, and the parents of his first wife, Jeremiah Vanlaningham and Nancy Denton Vanlaningham.

The following is a transcription of a five page typewritten document that Hester Bates Tridle, daughter of Moses Bates and Hester A. Vanlaningham, sent to her nephew, Howard Haywood Bates, in 1958. This document came into the possession of the submitter following the death of Howard Bates’ wife, Miriam Weir Bates, in August 1997.

"The last visit Kate [Katherine Mary Bates, daughter of Moses Bates and Nancy Collins] paid me about a week before she passed away she had brought this with her. She laid it in the [?] and hadn’t mentioned it too. I came across it after she was gone," Hester wrote on the bottom margin of this ocument.

Although the author of this typewritten testimonial is unknown, it is possible that it was written by Kate Bates or another family member. If it was intended for publication it was not printed in any of the extant Hancock County histories. Original spelling has been preserved. All corrections and comments are contained in brackets: [example].

From the dates mentioned herein, it is apparent that this was written in 1901. The significance of the salutation at the end of the testimonial is not known:

"The Leading Facts and Salient Points in the Life History of Moses Bates

"One of the nation’s most distinguished statesmen, the late Thomas A. Hendricks once said, "Send your light weights to the legislature, elect your ordinary men to congress, but select for county commissioners men of the highest intelligence[,] soundest judgement and strictest integrity[,] as the office is one of the most important within the gift of the people".

Experience has amply proven the wisdom of this eminent man’s suggestion. The power vested in the hand of the commissioner is unequalled by that intrusted [entrusted] to any other official. This power if wisely bestowed may prove of great and permanent value to the people; if vested in a person corrupt at heart or incapable of properly appreciating the dignity and importance of the position there may be well grounded fears for evil.

In a large sense the material prosperity and welfare of a county rest in the hands of these officials whom the people have chosen as custodians of their most important trusts. What [That] the large magority [majority] of these publis [public] servents [servants] have been faithful in the confidence repased [reposed] in them is abundantly proven by the high place Indiana today occupies among the sister commonwealth of the Union.

The above train of thought was suggested while looking over the leading facts and salient points in the life history of Moses Bates, whom the people have recently chosen to the high and responsible station of [county] commissioner. His long residence in the county and his eminent fitness for the place by nature and education were important factors in his selection and thus for [far] his record has fully justified the party in the wisdom of its choice.

Moses Bates was born four miles west of Centerville[,] Wayne County, Indiana, on the 9th day of December, 1839. His father Smith Bates was a native of Pelham[,] Mass., his mother[,] Mary Rush was born in Butler county Ohio. When a boy Smith Bates was taken by his grandparents to Cincinnati[,] Ohio. There the grandparents died of an epidemic after which the lad was bound out to a resident of Butler county where he grew to maturity and when a young man began teaching school.

In due time he was married to Mary Rush [and] as early as 1836 came to Wayne County[,] Indiana and purchased eight acres of partially cleared land containing a small cabin and a barn of the same material. He greatly improved the place and continued to make it his home untill [until] 1847, when he sold out and bought a quarter section in the county of Marion.

Smith Bates was a man of sterling worth[,] intelligent beyond the majority of his neighbors and always sustained an enviable reputation for intergrity [integrity] and uprightness of life. He died in the year 1875, his wife died [in] 1894.

Four children were born to this excellent couple[:] Lydia, Moses[,] the subject of this review, Rachael, and Mary.

Moses Bates was reared in the county and enjoyed the advantages of a common school education. By nature a student and book lover, he complited [completed] the usual course[s] much in advance of the majority of his classmates and the training [he] received under the direction of teachers was afterwards supplemented by diligent private study. He soon become [became] one of the best parted men of the community.

In 1862 Mr. Bates taught his first school and for thirty-four years thereafter continued educational work with success that won him the reputation of [as] one of the ablest instuctors [instructors] in the counties where he was employed. His professional standing was always high and he never permited [permitted] himself to fall behind in the theory and practice of teaching[,] keeping constantly in touch with the trend of modern educational thought and proving himself the equl [equal] of the most advanced of his contemporaries.

Mr. Bates first marriage was solemnized Aug. 12, 1862, with Miss Hester Van Laningham[,] who died in 1875, she was the mother of three children[:] Clement L., Jerry S., and Hester[,] the youngest.

On July 13, 1875, Mr. Bates was united in marrage [marriage] to his present companion[,] Nancy Collins of Buck Creek township, daughter of John Collins[,] one of the early settlers of Hancock County. To this union have been born the following children: John W.[,] bookkeeper for a business ferm [firm] in Lapel[,] Indiana: Lillian and Lester[,] twins[,] both deceased. Nettie M. who was graduated from the schools of Warrington in 1899, and sence [since] that time has been one of the successful teachers in Brown township: Kate M. who has completed high school, and Herbert G. now in the seventh grade.

Mr. Bates continued teaching and agriculture in Buck Creek township untill [until] 1890 at which time he purchased a fine little place in Brown township which he has since made his home. The farm lies in section 31, and is admirably situated for general farming and horticultural purposes and under his skillfull and successful cultivation has greatly increased in value, the tasteful appearance of the place indicating the presence of a man of interprise [enterprise] and thrift. He has demonstrated that a small place will [well] tilled is much more remunerative than a large number of acres carelersly [carelessly] cultivated[,] pertaining to agriculture [he] has made him [himself] one of the progressive and model husbandmen of the township.

Mr. Bates’ educational training and professional work have been, such as to make him a keeply [keenly] and widely informed man. By coming in contact with the leading educators of this and other counties in institutes and associations for many years, he became well acquainted among teachers and in their perodical [periodic] gatherings it generally fell to him to take leading parts. His long ixperience [experience] in the school room gave him apinions [opinions] of much weight and in the discussion of educational topies [topics] and other subjects his views always commanded proformed [profound?] attention. He is perhaps the oldiest [oldest] school man in Hancock County, in point of continuous service and that he has met with much more than ordinary success as an instructor and disciplinarian goes without saying, else he long since would have been relegated to the rear.

Mr. Bates takes an actave [active] interest in public matters and for many years has been one of the substantial factors in the affairs of the township and county. Every landable [laudable] interprise [enterprise] looking to their material advancement has had earnest and hearty support, in addition to which he has also inaugurated and carried to successful issue more that one movement for the general welfare of the community.

A reader and thinker[,] he was naturally led into the domain of politics and for a number of years the Democratic party in Hancock County has considered him not only one of its mort [most] intelegent [intelligent] and active workers but also a wise leader whose efforts have been greatly instrumental in winning victory in many elections. His record as dispenser of justice was eminently satisfactory and sound practical seuse [sense] and good judgement displayed were not the least of his recommendories [recommendations] for the higher official station he was honored [with] in 1898. In November of that year[,] he was nominated by the Democracy of his district for the office of County commissioner and at the insuing [ensuing] election carried the election [and?] carried the day by a decisive majority and in due time entered upon the discharge of his functions in the responsible capacity. Thus far his course has fully justified the confidence repased [reposed] in him by his constituents[,] as he has proven a most capable and faithful official, exceedingly careful and at times conservative, in looking after after the interests of the public and fully fixed in his determination to be guided by wisdom, in the matters of improvements and in the expenditure of the piople’s [people’s] funds.

Mr. Bates holds fraterual [fraternal] membership with the Pytheau Brotherhood, [he] belongs to lodge No. 136 at Wilkinson. He has read much on the subject of Religion. Believing it inconsistant [consistent?] with the character of an alwise [all wise] and merciful heavenly Father. He contributed freely to the support of the gospel, and living a life consistent with his profession as a follower of Christ.

Mr. Bates is a popular man and all classes hold him in high esteem. His personality is pleasing and all who know him unite in praising the honorable course he has always persued [pursued] and the unimpeachable integerity [integrity] for which he is noted. He is one of Hancock_s County_s substantial men, and the township in which he now lives can boast of no better or more praisworthy [praiseworthy] citizen.

"Memories of Elminent [Eminent] Men and Women of Hancock County, Whose Deeds of Valor or Warks [Works] of Merit Have Made Their Names Imperishable"
Submitted by Ken Hixon. Moses Bates is Mr. Hixon’s 2nd great-grandfather, Smith Bates and Jeremiah Vanlaningham are his 3rd great-grandfathers.

SOURCES: Federal census records; J. H. Binford, "History of Hancock County, Indiana, 1882"; George J. Richland, B. L., "History of Hancock County, Indiana, 1916"; Hancock County, Indiana, Health Department records; records of the Clerk of the Hancock County Court, Indiana.

THOMAS M. BUSBY, postmaster at Lapel, Ind., and an enterprising citizen, engaged in a flourishing drug business, was born July 1, 1865, on the Busby farm north of Lapel, son of Isaac H. and Sarah A. (Conrad) Busby.

Isaac H. Busby was a son of Thomas and Isabella (Guinn) Busby, the former of whom was a son of the first Isaac Busby, whom, it is said, came from England and settled in Kanawha county, W. Va., at a very early period. The Busby family is an old and respected pioneer one of Madison county, and an extensive mention of it will be found elsewhere.

Isaac H. Busby, father of Thomas M., was born Dec. 30, 1825, in West Virginia, and he accompanied his father, Thomas, to Madison county, Ind., in 1833. He received the usual pioneer education in a log schoolhouse, was reared among pioneer surroundings, and he followed agricultural pursuits all his life. In Hamilton county, Ind., near Lapel, he married Sarah A. Conrad, born Dec. 7, 1832, daughter of Charles and Mary (Huffman) Conrad. After marriage they settled on land four miles north of Lapel, partly clearing the same during their residence there, and then moved to another farm of eighty acres, on which ten acres had been cleared and a log cabin built. Here Isaac H. Busby and wife made their permanent home, cleared up the original tract of land, added another eighty acres, and made a great many substantial improvements. Here all the children were born except the eldest son, who was born on the farm on which they had originally settled. In politics Mr. Busby was identified with the Republican party. During the time of Morgan's raid he served as a soldier. His death occurred April 9, 1878, and he is remembered as a straight-forward, honorable man, who was highly respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Busby, still survives, and resides in a pleasant home in Lapel, where she has many appreciative friends. Their children were: Mary J., born Feb. 21, 1852; Missouri and Indiana, twins, Dec. 9, 1853 (the latter of whom died March 18, 1854; Sarah J., Dec. 24, 1855; Jonathan, in November, 1858; Wade P., Jan. 27, 1861; William E., Jan. 20, 1864; Thomas M., July 1, 1865; and Ida M., Dec. 29, 1870.

Thomas M. Busby obtained his education in the common schools of Stony Creek town-ship, and remained on his father's farm until he was twenty-six years old. In 1892 he bought out the drug business of E. S. Myrick, of Fishersburg, Madison county, which he conducted for one year, when his property was destroyed by fire. In 1894 he came to Lapel, and ever since has been conducting a drug business at this place. He received his first appointment as postmaster during the first administration of President McKinley, and has proven so efficient and popular an official as to have been reappointed during succeeding administrations. He has been instrumental in establishing two rural mail routes in this vicinity.

On Dec. 16, 1885, Mr. Busby was married (first)to Maggie Ford, born in Stony Creek township, daughter of William Ford, a pioneer farmer and substantial citizen of that township. Mrs. Busby died Nov. 25, 189_, leaving one daughter, Greta, born Sept. 1, 1890. Mr. Busby was married (second) to Edna Ellen Gaines, born Dec. 28, 1875, in Arlington, Ind., daughter of Theophilus A., and Ellen M. (Bebout) Gaines, and to this union one son has been born, Laurence, in Lapel, June 6, 1898.

In politics Mr. Busby has always been identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he belongs to the I. O. R. M.. and K. P., of Lapel, in both of which orders he is very popular. In the Busby family and kindred are included some of the finest pioneer names in Indiana, those who have been identified with the progress and development of various sections of this great State. Their deeds are pleasant to recall and their virtues should be perpetuated.

The Gaines family is of old Colonial ancestry. James Gaines, grandfather of Mrs. Busby, was born at Gaines Mills, Va., where one of the great battles of the Civil war was fought. The family was of some prominence m Virginia, and the name has been given to several towns in various parts of the State. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Busby owned a plantation and sawmill, and many slaves. In his younger days he was a school teacher. James Gaines, the grandfather, married Mary Barr, and their children were: Frank, Philip, John, Jesse, Theophilus A., Samuel G., Greensbury, James Casker, Marv Jane, Ellenora and Emeline. James Gaines was a lumberman and operated a lumber mill in Virginia and later at Columbus, Ohio, to which point he removed after the birth of three of his children. He was a member of the Christian Church. In politics he was a Democrat. He died at the age of forty-two years, near Columbus, survived by his widow until the age of sixty-five years, she dying at Bainbridge, Indiana.

Theophilus A. Gaines was born Dec. 7, 1842, near Columbus, Ohio. The family occupation was lumbering, his father and five of his brothers being in that business, which he also adopted. Two of his brothers, Samuel G. and James C., still carry on the same business. During the Civil war,. Theophilus A. Gaines was a member of Company G, 43rd O. V. I., enlisting as a drummer boy, and serving nearly two years. He was taken sick with typhoid fever at Camp Chase, Ohio, but was transferred to Lexington, Ky., before sufficiently recovered, which resulted in a severe stroke of paralysis that made him helpless for seven months, and he was subsequently taken home by his brother, and the war closed before he was able to complete his enlistment. In 1865 he removed to Shelby county, Ind., where he worked in a sawmill until his marriage, when he removed to Morristown, Shelby county, and settled on a farm for several years. The family then moved to Rush county, Ind., and in 1880 to Noblesville, where for fifteen years he was connected with the lumber business of M. Calor. His death occurred at his home in Noblesville, Sept. 23, 1892. He was a member of the Christian Church, and in politics was a Democrat.

On June 25, 1866, Mr. Gaines was married at Shelbyville, to Ellen M. Bebout, and they had the following Children: Alma Catherine, born Oct. 1, 1868, died at Noblesville, Sept. 25, 1881; Amanda Elizabeth, born Oct. 1, 1870, in Morristown; Theophilus W., Aug. 3, 1873, in Arlington; Edna Ellen, Dec. 28, 1875, in Arlington; and Mary L., Jan. 5, 1880.

Mrs. Ellen M. (Bebout) Gaines has lived to see all of her surviving children happily married and settled in life. She was born in Rush county, Ind., Sept. 7, 1850, daughter of Daniel P. and Cynthia Ann (Jefferson) Bebout. The Jefferson fam-ily is of Welsh and Scotch stock, and the Bebout of Scotch-Irish. Daniel P. Bebout was probably born in Virginia about 1779, son of Daniel, who was also born in Virginia, where he died, but his widow died in Rush county, Ind., at the home of her son, Daniel. Daniel P. Bebout was of a very hardy and venturous disposition, and in early days spent much time on the border, working on western rivers as a boatman, and at the cordelle, by which the boatman hauled their boats laden with produce for trading with the Indians, these boats traveling for hundreds of miles up and down the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. On one of these trips he was bitten by a rattle-snake on the leg, and was saved from death by an old Indian, who bound what he called rattlesnake weed on the wound. By the following morning the swelling of his leg was greatly reduced, and he never felt much effects of the accident until old age, when this leg was greatly affected by rheumatism. After this he carried mail across the Western plains and the Rocky Mountains for five years for the U. S. Government, making many journeys on foot. He was well and favorably known to the Indians, who treated him in a friendly way, admiring his bravery and endurance, and on many occasions he found food and shelter in their wigwams. Later he settled in Rush county, Ind., where he followed the trade of carpenter, and here he married Cynthia Ann (Jefferson) Hyfield, daughter of Thomas and Sallie Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson was a pioneer who settled near Lexington, Ky., in the early days of Indian warfare. He was a first cousin of Pres. Thomas Jefferson, and was in the fourth generation from Thomas, the ancestor, who had come from Snowdon, Wales, in the early settlement of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson, of Kentucky, was killed by the Indians during one of their outbreaks. His children were: John, Cynthia Ann, George and one son, who was captured by the Indians and never heard from afterwards.

Daniel P. Bebout, the father of Mrs. Gaines, settled on land near Rushville, acquiring 260 acres, which he partly cleared, but later removed to Morristown, Shelby county, where he died aged eighty-four years. He was a member of the Baptist Church; in politics he was a Democrat. The children of Daniel P. Bebout were: Benjamin, who resided five miles east of Elwood in Madison county, and died in 1907; Cynthia Ann, wife of Jacob Bickner, of Anderson; Pheebe Jane, wife of Jerry Eaton; and Ellen Minerva. By her previous marriage to Benjamin Hyfield, Mrs. Bebout had four children: Priscilla, Domminee, Elizabeth and Mary F.

CHARLES H. CAMPBELL, one of the leading citizens and prosperous business men of Shelbyville, Ind., was born in Lexington, Ind., Nov. 28, 1853.

The paternal ancestors of Mr. Campbell were among the early Colonists of Virginia, and his grandfather was in that State, according to family records, about 1777. The family came to Indiana in 1823, settling in Scott county, where both the parents of our subject were born, Abram Campbell, Oct. 17, 1825, and she who later became the wife of Abram and mother of Charles, Mary J. E. Doolittle, June 27, 1825.

The education of Charles H. Campbell was attained in the public schools. In 1872 he engaged in railroading, locating the following year in Shelbyville, which he made his headquarters until 1875, when he was transferred to Cincinnati. In 1876, he returned to Shelbyville, holding the position of ticket agent for the Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis & Chicago railroad until 1890. In that year he embarked in the manufacture of hall furniture, and was so encouraged by his success, that he felt justified in organizing the Blanchard Furniture Company, of which he was elected secretary and treasurer as well as director. These offices he held until 1899, when he purchased the interests of the Blanchards, and in 1900, the firm name was changed to the C. H. Campbell Furniture Company, and Mr. Campbell became, and has since continued its president and treasurer. The specialty of the company is the manufacture of hall furniture. Employment is given 125 hands, and the business is a large and increasing one. The product is intended for a rich trade, and the market extends, all over the United States and foreign countries. The wonderful success is due Mr. Campbell’s executive ability and clear, keen foresight.

Mr. Campbell has been twice married. On Sept. 3, 1876, he married Lucinda M., daughter of William and Margaret (Chamberlin) Harding of Cleves, Ohio, by whom he had six children: Ada L.; George W.; Margaret M.; Ruth; Florence and Stanley R. His wife died July 31, 1899. On Sept. 10, 1900, Mr. Campbell married Angeline Gowers of Madison, Ind., and they had one child, Charles H., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are very acceptable members of the Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville. Fraternally he is a member of Shelbyville Lodge, No. 239, I. 0. 0. F.; Shelbyville Lodge No. 57, B. P. 0. E., and the Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Republican, and he served three years as a member of the Shelbyville school board, and although residing in a largely Democratic ward he was elected a member of the council on the Republican ticket, by a handsome majority. Influential politically, the head of a large corporation, and very popular socially, Mr. Campbell has had a successful career with the prospect of continued prosperity.

ALEXANDER S. CAMPBELL, former county assessor of Boone county, comes of Scotch blood on both sides of the family, and has inherited many of the sterling virtues of that fine old race. His maternal grandfather, by name Scott, was a native of Scotland, while his father's father was of Scotch-Irish descent.

Josiah Campbell, grandfather of Alexander S., was a farmer and an early settler in Kentucky. His wife's name was Jane Tanner, and they were the parents of many children. Among them was James, the father of Alexander Campbell. He was born in Kentucky and there married Elizabeth Scott, who was born in Pennsylvania, but who had lived in Kentucky from the age of three years. After their marriage the young couple joined the pioneers who were settling in Indiana, and lived for some time in Putnam county. They returned to Kentucky for a brief stay, but soon went back to Indiana, and about 1835 took up land in Boone county, which became their permanent home. James Campbell died there several year after his wife passed away, she dying Jan. 8, 1864, in her sixty-fifth year. Both were Presbyterians. Nine children were born to them, four sons and five daughters, of whom only two are now living, Martha and Alexander S. The father of Mrs. Campbell came over to America with his father from Scotland, and both were soldiers in the Revolution. Mr. Scott was twice married and Mrs. Campbell's mother was the second wife; her maiden name was Ramsev. Mr. Scott died in Pennsylvania in middle fife, and kit only a small family.

Alexander S. Campbell was born in Boone county, Nov. 3, 1840. His sister, Martha, who is older than he, was also born there and the two were brought up on the farm and attended the old fashioned subscription schools. Later Alexander was sent to the public schools, and fitted himself to teach, a profession, which he had followed only two terms when the Rebellion broke out. After the war was over he taught two terms more, but then devoted himself to farming. In April, 1861, at the first call for volunteers, Mr. Campbell enlisted in Company I, 10th Ind. V. L., for three months service. At the expiration of that time he entered the army again, joining Co. F, 40th regiment, as a non-commissioned officer. He became second lieutenant before he was mustered out. After very nearly three years of service, he was obliged to resign on account of wounds received at the battle of Missionary Ridge. He was also engaged in the battles of Rich Mountain, Shiloh and Stone River, and was in a number of skirmishes. After he returned home he turned his attention to farming settling in Boone County, which since been his home except for one year spent in Kansas. His present homestead is a farm of eighty acres situated in Marion township.

Not long before leaving the army, on Jan. 25, 1864, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Margaret A. Caldwell, daughter of David and Nancy (Bradshaw) Caldwell. To them were born six children: Sheridan, the eldest, married Miss Leota Clark, and has three children - Dwight, Alva and Ruth. Bertha became the wife of Charles V. Neal, and the mother of Glenn and Annabel. Nannie B. married Joseph S. Clark, and has two daughters, Sylvia and Marie. Elizabeth lives at home. Ella I. lived only thirteen years. One child died in infancy. Mrs. Campbell belongs to the Presbyterian Church and her husband to the Baptist.

In his political convictions Mr. Campbell is a Populist. He has always taken consider-able interest in politics, has been active in local work, and has many warm friends. In 1900 he was elected county assessor, an office which he resigned in 1904, and which he filled with the greatest efficiency.