Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Southeast Township

WILLIAM MCLANE, one of the few remaining of our old pioneers, is a native of Scott County, Ky., where he was born October 20, 1813, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Van Zant) McLane, who were of Irish and German descent, and among the first settlers of the State of Kentucky. When only three years old William was brought to Orange County, Ind., by his parents, and was here reared amidst the hardships and pioneer scenes of that day. He was left an orphan in 1864, both parents dying within nine days of each other's death. Since 1816 he has always resided within the borders of Orange County, and can look backward over a well-spent life of seventy-one years without a blush of shame coloring his cheek for one dishonorable act of his. He has made farming his vocation, and now owns a good farm of 120 acres. March 10,1836, Martha Irvin, who was born in Kentucky, November 13,1813, a daughter of William and Polly Irvin, became his wife, and seven children have blessed them, named Mary (deceased), Eliza J., Samuel R. (deceased), Jesse E., Margaret (deceased), John (deceased) and Lottie A. (deceased). Mr. McLane is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are useful and respected citizens of the township.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northeast Township

HON. JOHN L. MEGENITY, editor and attorney of Paoli, is a native of Henry County, Ky., where he was born july 31,1833. He was raised and educated in Kentucky, receiving quite a liberal education for that day at the select schools, in some of which the higher branches were taught. Until the age of sixteen he lived upon a farm, but at that unusually early period of his life he began teaching school, and continued for about ten years, employing his vacations much of the time in the study of the law in the office of Judge DeHaven. In December, 1859, he came to Orange County and here has resided since. He began teaching in Greenfield Township, continuing there and elsewhere until 1863, when he was elected on the Democratic ticket County Surveyor, serving for one year. The next year he was elected County Clerk, and was re-elected in 1868. In 1873 he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the same office, occasioned by the death of John C. Lingle. In the fall of 1874, he was elected to the office of Joint Representative of Orange and Washington Counties. In 18872 he began the practice of law in partnership with Judge Mavity and T. B. Buskirk, but left in 1873, when he was appointed Clerk. After his legislative term he commenced the practice with T. B. Buskirk, continuing until 1878, when he bought the Paoli "News", which he has since conducted in connection with his legal business. October 10, 1861, he married Miss Mary A. Critchfield, of Greenfield Township. Mr. Megenity is a leading Democrat of the county, and a member of the Royal Arch Degree in Masonry; he is also an Odd Fellow. His wife is a member of the Regular Baptist Church.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

JAMES W. MELTON is one of eight children born to James and Mary (Kendall) Melton, who were natives of South Carolina and Kentucky. The parents were married in Harrison County, Ind., and from there came to Orange County in 1819. James W., the third son, was born March 25, 1825, and he made his home with his mother until the time of his marriage, the father dying and leaving him at the age of four years to her care. His advantages for education were quite limited, although by diligence he succeeded in acquiring sufficient learning to transact the ordinary business of a farmer, which he has always successfully conducted. In politics he is a Democrat, and is one of the worthy and upright citizens of Greenfield Township, Orange County, Ind., where his whole life has been spent. His marriage with Miss Mary A. Ray was solemnized February 8, 1849, and of their five children these three are now living: Joel W., Melinda E. and Rhoda J.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Greenfield Township

JOHN MILLIS. Edward Millis, great-grandfather of this gentleman, moved from North Carolina to Washington County in the early part of the present century, and after residing there a few years, moved to Orange County, where he died at a ripe old age. He reared a family of eight children, one of whom--Nichason--was the grandfather of John Millis. He participated in the battle of Tippecanoe and other encounters with the Indians. He was twice married, first to Ellen Maris and second to Rebecca Lindley. By the first marriage there were seven children and by the second one. Enoch, son by his first wife, was born and reared in this county. He married Lydia Faucett, and to them were born the following children: John (the subject of this sketch), Ann, Kiziah and Nichason. John Millis was born in this township November 9, 1845, and until seventeen years of age, worked upon a farm, and attended the district schools; he then enlisted in Company D, Sixty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. August 31, 1862, eleven days after leaving home, he participated in the battle of Richmond, Ky., where he was severely wounded in the left hip and taken prisoner. After about two months he was paroled and came home, but in less than six weeks was again with his regiment. He took part in the battles of Big Hill, Ala., Collierville, Tenn., the Atlanta campaign, march to the sea, etc. He was united in marriage with Miss Maria Bruner September 3, 1867. This lady is a native of Orange County, born April 29, 1845. Four children have been born: William A., Lydia E., Mary A. and James F. Mr. Millis owns a well-improved farm of 250 acres; he is a stanch Republican; a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a leading, enterprising and public-spirited citizen. The country would be much better off had it more such men as John Millis.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

JAMES W. MONTGOMERY, M.D., was born at Hardinsburg, Washington County, April 17, 1848, being the eldest child of Charles B. and Ruth A. (Prather) Montgomery. Their children are as follows: James W., Sarah S. (deceased), Serilda A. (who married Nathan McCrasin), Albert R., Bazel M. (deceased), Mary B. (who married Edward Easley), and Elizabeth (deceased). The father was born in Kentucky, February 16, 1823, and came to this State quite early, locating first in Washington County, and in 1862 in Chambersburg, this county, and later in Paoli, where he died in 1874. He was a prominent man in his day; was Deputy Clerk of Washington County; was Justice of the Peace at Paoli for ten years. He was a Republican and a Methodist, and an honored an exemplary man. His wife was born in Washington County, where her marriage occurred; she yet survives, and is a quiet Christian woman. Our subject commenced to read medicine at the age of fourteen, with Dr. John Ellis, of Hardinsburg, continuing until October 20, 1864, when he enlisted in the Fifty-third Regiment, and served on detached duty until his discharge, April 8, 1865. Upon his return he assisted his father to operate a saw-mill. October 20, 1869, he married Ruth, daughter of Aaron and Jane (Andrew) Maris, and they have six children: Oliver M. (deceased), Nellie, Charles F. (deceased), Norman (deceased), Jennie H. and Edith. He carried on the carriage business at Paoli for a time, then began merchandising there and elsewhere, continuing about ten years. He also followed the occupation of milling for a short time. In the spring of 1882 he began reading medicine, and finished with Dr. Hazlewood in 1883. He graduated at the Louisville Medical College in May 1884. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., G. A. R. and A. F. & A. M.; is a Republican, and served as Justice of the Peace two years. His wife was born July 20, 1850.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Southeast Township

HENRY MONYHAN was born in Louisville, Ky., December 2, 1824. Turns Monyhan, his father, was a native of Ireland, and when a young man crossed to Quebec, Canada, from whence he went to Louisville, Ky., in 1816, and there, in 1823, married Nancy Bateman. In 1835 they moved to Lawrence County, Ind., and two years later to Washington County, where they died at the ages of seventy-six and seventy-nine years respectively. Henry was raised on a farm, and on attaining his majority began for himself by working around at $6 per month, cutting wood at 25 cents a cord, etc. Having secured a fair education heearly in life evinced a desire for merchandizing, and after trading in poultry for a time opened a store at Saltillo, where he was also railroad agent. He continued there five years, then farmed two years, and in 1860 moved to Lancaster, in Orange County, where he again embarked in mercantile pursuits, also serving as Postmaster and railroad agent. For the past twenty-four years Mr. Monyhan has continued here, and by good management and industry has secured a fine home, over 1,000 acres of land, besides other desirable property. He is a stanch Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Masonic brotherhood, and has been twice married, first, in 1848, to Rebecca Walters, daughter of Abner and Elizabeth Walters, by whom he was the father of five children, only Nannie E. (Mrs. Cyrus E. Finley) and Johnson now living. The mother died in 1864, and one year later Mr. Monyhan married Julia, daughter of Benjamin and Amelia Turley. One daughter--Puss--has blessed this union, and is a graduate of De Pauw University.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northeast Township

JESSE B. MOON was born in this county August 8, 1844, and is of the following family: Hiram, William, Jehu, John, Jesse B., James, Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Whitman, and Evarilla, who married John McDonald. The parents were John and Sarah (Pirtle) Moon, natives of North Carolina. Their respective families came to this county about the year 1824, and were therefore old settlers, or rather, pioneers. Here the parents were married. Jesse B. lived at home until his marriage, receiving quite a liberal education, considering the inefficiency of the public schools, and the comparatively few number of the subscription schools at that time. January 20, 1868, he married Mary E., daughter of Stephen and Martha E. (Bullington) Trinkle, and to this union have been born six children: Martha, William B., Sarah E., Lilly E., James R. and Perry F. Mr. Moon owns a farm of 181 acres, and is a successful farmer, and an exemplary man. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1878, and still holds the office, and is a Democrat. August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Sixty-sixth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with it in all the engagements, marches, etc., until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He is now a member of the G. A. R., and is one of the county's best citizens.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Southeast Township

JAMES N. MURPHY was born in Stampers Creek Township this county, July 20, 1830, and is one of eleven children, two of whom are yet living, born to Daniel and Mary (Hinton) Murphy. Daniel Murphy was born and reared in Shenandoah County, Va., his birth occurring in April, 1790. James Murphy, the father of Daniel, was also a native of the Old Dominion, and was of Irish descent. He married a Miss Newland, whose ancestors were from England, and served seven years in the Revolutionary war. He was in the campaign to Quebec with Benedict Arnold and afterward was with Gen. Morgan at the battle of Cowpens and was a member of the valiant 300 who held Tarlton's army in check, and there he was shot through one hip. After the war he settled in Virginia, and here his wife died, after bearing three children, the youngest of whom was Daniel. He re-married and with his family, in 1810, immigrated to what is now Washington County, Ind., and in the fall of 1811 removed to what is now the northeast quarter of Section 8, Range 2 east, Township 1, of Orange County. He here began farming, and in 1826 died on the old farm in this county at about seventy-five years of age. Daniel Murphy was a soldier of the war of 1812. His wife was the daughter of George and Mary Hinton, and was born in Shenandoah County, Va., in 1795, and came with her parents to Orange County, Ind., in 1811, settling on the southwest quarter of Section 5, and the north half of the northwest quarter of Section 8, Township 1 north, Range 2 east. Daniel Murphy and Mary Hinton were married September 2, 1812, and of the ten children they raised to maturity only James N. and Lena N. (Gilmore) yet living. The mother died in July, 1872, in Illinois, and Mr. Murphy in August, 1863, on the old homestead where his father had died. James N. Murphy was raised a farmer, receiving in youth a good common English education. He selected farming as his vocation through life and his success in life in this particular is 640 acres of good land. The fall of 1861 he helped recruit Company F, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which he was chosen Second Lieutenant on the company's organization. He was an active participant in the sieges of New Madrid and Corinth and served through a number of severe campaigns, but owing to protracted ill-health he was compelled to resign his commission June 28, 1862. Mr. Murphy is a Republican in politics, but previous to the Rebellion was a Democrat. He was married September 8, 1852, to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Foster) Stalcup, who was born April 10, 1832, and died February 1, 1868, after bearing a family of six children, named Samuel S., Daniels, George B., Addie, Emma and Lizzie. Of these all are dead except Emma. Mr. Murphy married again February 18, 1870, Miss Mary J. Whitten. In the spring of 1811 Daniel M. went with Zachary Taylor, then a Captain, from Louisville to Vincennes, but was soon after discharged and returned to Louisville alone and among the Indians. While at French Lick he saw the prisoners let loose that had been taken on suspicion of killing William Charles at that place in the spring of 1811. He was there in the fall.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Southeast Township

ABRAHAM NOBLITT, a descendant of one of Orange County's oldest families, was born in Southeast Township, November 26, 1843, and is a son of WILLIAM and MARY (HOLLIDAY) NOBLITT, the former born in Washington County, Ind., in 1818, and the latter one year later in Chatham County, N.C. In 1861 Abraham Noblitt enlisted as a private in Company F, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for the suppression of the Rebellion, and after serving in several important battles, participated in the Atlanta campaign, then joined Sherman's army in that memorable march to the sea, thence up through the Carolinas, finally participating in the grand review at Washington, D.C. July 17, 1865, he was honorably discharged wearing a Sergeant's chevrons, and the year following MISS LOUISA MATTOX, a native of this county, became his wife; to their union have been born seven children: only HERBERT and FRANK yet living. In 1868 Mr. Noblitt was elected County Auditor, and after serving one term, was re-elected in 1872 without opposition. In 1876 he began the practice of law, which he has since followed and is also engaged in farming and raising stock. In politics he is an unswerving Democrat, for three years serving as Master Commissioner of the county, and is the present nominee of his party for State's Advocate of the Tenth Judicial District. In December 1878, he was appointed and served eighteen months with entire satisfaction to all concerned, as one of the two experts to investigate the Marion County, Ind., record for a period dating back ten years. He is a member of the Masonic, I.O.O.F. and G.A.R. fraternities and as a public official, and otherwise his record is without a stain.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

JOHN V. NOBLITT is the son of William and Mary (Holaday) Noblitt, and was born in Southeast Township April 7, 1853. Both families were old settlers and highly respectable people. The father was born in Washington County, Ind., and the mother in North Carolina. By his first marriage Mr. Noblitt had five children: Abraham, James L., William, John V. and Nancy J. His second wife was Mrs. Nancy J. (Radcliff) Maxedon, who bore him four children: Martha, David R., Josephine and Louisa. Mr. Noblitt is yet living near Chambersburg, well respected and honored. John V. was raised upon a farm, and November 22, 1874, married Caroline Trotter, a native of Washington County. This lady died January 21, 1878, after bearing her husband two children: Eddie L. and Dessie A., both of whom are now deceased. June 8, 1880, Mr. Noblitt married Mary Holaday, who was born in Marion County, Ill., March 7, 1854. To this marriage two children have been born: Charley J. and an infant. Mr. Noblitt followed farming until 1878, since which he has been attending school and working at the tonsorial trade. He is a Democrat, a Mason and an exemplary man.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

HUGH NOBLITT was born in Grayson County, Va., June 1, 1818, son of Jacob and Louisa (Collins) Noblitt, who were both natives of Virginia. Jacob was born September 15, 1781, and his wife January 15, 1786. They were married in their native State and in 1822 came to Orange County and settled near Orleans. Here they lived until their deaths, he dying October 18, 1856, and his wife August 16, 1858. They were people of the highest respectability. Eight children were born of this marriage as follows: Paulina, born March 15, 1807, and married R. Elrod and moved to California, at which place she died; Martha, now Mrs. Cleveland, born February 1, 1809; Louisa, born March 17, 1811, and died October 12, 1828; Van Rensselaer, born March 10, 1813; Seneca, born September 13, 1815; Celia, now Mrs. Coward, born February 18, 1821; Rebecca A., now Mrs. Laswell, born March 20, 1824; and our subject, who has resided in the county since 1822 and followed farming. He was married in this county March 17, 1842, to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry H. and Nancy (Peacher) Webb. She was born in Kentucky, December 4, 1825, and came with her parents to this county when but four months old. To. Mr. and Mrs. Noblitt were born the following children: Henry A., born November 24, 1842, died March 9, 1843; Volney T., July 2, 1844; Angeline, a twin born July 2, 1844, and died November 10, 1844; Mary C. October 7, 1846, died September 30, 1852; John T., July 24, 1850; Margaret Z., October 12, 1852, died June 14, 1880; Matilda C., June 26, 1855, died September 30, 1862; Annie M., (Mrs. Hudelson), September 29, 1857; Nancy E., (Mrs. True), March 16, 1860; Martha A., November 21, 1863, died March 22, 1880, and Hugh Sherman, March 19, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Noblitt are members of the Presbyterian Church and he is a Republican.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township

WILLIAM NOBLITT was born in Washington County, Ind., November 1, 1817, and is one of the following family, children of Abraham and Amelia (Vandeveer) Noblitt: Vandeveer; William; Nancy, wife of James Lynch; Cynthia, wife of Benjamin M. Holaday, and John T. The parents were natives of North Carolina, and were taken in childhood to Kentucky, where they became acquainted, and married in 1814. The father's birth occurred October 2, 1780. Soon after his marriage, he with his wife's people immigrated to Indiana. This was in 1814, a very early period in the history of the State--in fact, the State had not yet been organized or admitted into the Union. They located first in Washington County, and later moved to this township, where the father died in 1840, and the mother in 1861. They were sober, industrious, honest, Christian people, and lie buried in Dauner's Cemetery, in Stampers Creek Township. William lived with his parents until his father's death, obtaining a rudimentary education at the subscription schools. October 2, 1842, he married Mary, daughter of Joshua and Sarah (Beard) Holaday, and to this union the following children have been born: Abraham; James L.; John V.; Nancy J., wife of William Wright; and four that died in infancy. Mrs. Noblitt died February 3, 1860, and January 20, 1861, Mr. Noblitt married Mrs. Nancy J. (Radcliff) Maxedon, who has borne her husband four children, as follows: Martha, David R., Josephine and Louisa. His second wife died May 6, 1881. She, as well as her husband, were Baptists. Mr. Noblitt has lived on his present place fifty-four years; he has 132 acres with fair improvements. He is a stanch Democrat; has served as Trustee and Justice of the Peace. Mrs. Maxedon, second wife, had one child--Mary-- by her former husband; this daughter lives with Mr. Noblitt. Her grandfather's name was Marquis De Lafayette Maxedon.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Southeast Township

VAN R. NOBLITT, a native of Grayson County, Va., was born March 10, 1813, of a family of eight children of Jacob and Levina (Collins) Noblitt, he being the fourth. His parents were natives of the same State and came to Indiana in the year 1822, and settled in the county of which our subject this now a resident. He remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained his majority, receiving a very limited education. November 2, 1847, he married Caroline M. Campbell. Since October, 1853, he has been almost continuously engaged as a merchant in a store of general merchandize at Orangeville, doing quite an extensive business. He also owns about 160 acres of land, raising some stock. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they contribute liberally to the support of that organization. He is a Republican in politics. He conducts both store and farm and is prosperous in his business and happy in his home.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orangeville Township

JAMES L. NOBLITT, a son of William and Mary (Holaday) Noblitt, is a native of Stampers Creek Township, Orange Co., Ind., and was born June 27, 1845. He is the second of five children, and in his early life attended the common schools of the county until the age of twenty years, and in the vacations worked upon his father's farm. In January, 1865, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged in July of the same year. Upon his return home he attended one term at the Paoli Normal School, and after this he went to the Orleans Academy for some time. In the year 1867 he began teaching in the district schools of Orange County, and had taught eight terms before he was appointed to the office of County Superintendent in 1875. In this capacity he worked until June, 1881, with satisfaction. Under his supervision the schools of the county were graded and greatly improved. Since the expiration of his term of office he has taught three terms of school. His marriage with Laura Mayedon, of the same county, was solemnized February 6, 1870, and to their union three children have been born, named Mary C., Emma and Lulu. Both Mr. and Mrs. Noblitt are members of the Regular Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove, near where they live. Mr. Noblitt is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to Paoli Lodge No. 119. In politics he is Democratic, and usually takes a lively interest in the public affairs of the county.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Stampers Creek Township

WILLIAM J. NORTH, a resident of Jackson Township, Orange Co., Ind., is a native of Lee County, Va., and was born April 28, 1838. He is the oldest in a family of eight children of whom John and Susan (Brewster) North were the parents. William J. received a good common school education in his early years and remained at home with his parents working on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He was united in marriage to Miss Susan Highnight, of Knox County, Ky., on December 22, 1860. and to them have been born seven children, named Henry C., Nancy E., Martha J., Thomas, Susan C., Isaiah J. and William B. Mr. North is a farmer and stock-raiser and owns 135 acres of fertile and well improved land. Both he and wife are members of the Christian Church near where they live. As a Republican he was elected to the office of Township Trustee in 1882 and re-elected in 1884. He has proven a very efficient and satisfactory officer and public servant. He served his country in the late war, enlisting in the Fifty-third Regiment. On account of disability he was never assigned to any company. He was discharge at Indianapolis, July 5, 1865, by reason of the close of the war.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Jackson Township