JOHN T.GRAY, the subject of this biography, is the grandson of John Gray, who, with, his family, was among the first pioneer settlers of Union Township in the fall of 1833. They came from Bourbon County, Ky., the family consisting of six children. They were: Samuel and Margaret, by his first wife, whose maiden name was Jane Purdy; Jane, William J, Elizabeth D. and Alice A., by his second wife. Prior to his removal, John Gray had purchased a part of the farm now owned by John T. Gray, his grandson.  Here he resided until his death. During life, his principal occupation was farming; but he also gave some attention to stock-raising.  He died in the fall of 1854, a member of the Presbyterian Church.  His wife survived him until March. 1871. Her maiden name was Margaret Dick. William, who was the fourth child, and who was the father of John T. Gray,was born in Bourbon County, Ky., on September 17 1825. At the age of eight years he came to this county. At the age of twenty-one he began life on his own responsibility, and on September 19, 1846, was united in marriage with Cynthia A. Allen, daughter of John and Susan (Kirkpatrick) Allen. The former was born in Virginia, and the latter in Kentucky,but were married in Green County, Ohio, where Cynthia was born November 2, 1820. In 1834 they came to Rush County, and settled in Washington Township. William Gray and wife began  housekeeping in a log house which stood on the farm owned by our subject. He resided in this county until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Daviess County, Indiana, and thence to Tennessee, in the spring of 1875, locating near Gallatin, where he died on July 17, 1876. His wife still survives him. He was a member of the Christian Church. During life he owned some very fine horses: Aleck, Charley and Tuckahoe, which he purchased at the sale of his father's personal property. Tuckahoe lived until he was twenty-four years old. These horses were sired by a horse owned by Joseph Gray, known as Aleck, then by William Gray; Jerry, of Archy-Lightfoot stock; Dick, of Bedford stock; Tom, of Gray Traveler stock; Jake, of Proud American stock; and from the latter he raised three stallions, and last Tom-Hal, sired by Shawhan.  Tom Hal, sired by Bald-Stocking, who paced ninety miles in ten hours and forty minutes. Bald-Stocking was sired by an imported Torn-Hal, a bay-roan horse fifteen and one-half hands high. Bald Stocking lived to be thirty-two years old, and was never known to lie down until the day of his death. Gray's Tom-Hal was purchased by William Gray when he was four years old, and was kept in the Gray family until he was twenty-seven years and six months old, when he died. His last season was the most successful,and he was owned by John T. Gray at the time of his death. He was of fast stock,and his colts have developed good speed. He was the sire of the dam of St.Denis, record 2:23; Buffalo Girl, 2:12W; Jerome Turner, 2:17 1/4; and sired Little Gipsy,record 2:22; Limber Jack, pacer, 2:18W; Bay Billy, pacer, 2 :I3 1/4; Mattie Bond, pacer, 2:27k; Syalger,trotter, 2:3I~4. John T. Gray was born in a log cabin on the farm where he now resides,July 11, 1847. He was the oldest in a family of five Sons: John, Joseph V., James W.,Washington and Garrett D., of whom Washington is deceased.  John grew to manhood on the farm, receiving a fair education. As his father was a horseman, it became necessary for John, in early life, as he was the eldest, to assist in caring for the horses. Therefore his early training in this respect was exceedingly good, and has placed him among the foremost horsemen in the county at the present time. On August 13, 1868, he was married to Mary C. McCrary, daughter of Samuel and Elsie (Parish) McCrary,the former a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and was a boy when he came to this country. Samuel and Elsie McCrary were married September 11, 1828, in Fayette County, and the former resided in this vicinity until his death, March 19, 1881. His wife still survives him. Mrs. Gray was born in Washington Township, February 2, 1851, and was reared here. This union has been blessed with four children; Charlie I., Flora M., Bessie Pearl,and Samuel W., all living. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members of the Christian Church; also Charlie and Flora. Mr. Gray, besides caring for his farm, owns and controls probably the most noted breeding barns in the county. It was established by John Gray in 1835,and has continued ever since. After him came William Gray, and then his son, John T., who owns it at present. It now contains six stallions, two imported draft horses: Favory and Coco, the former one of the most noted Norman draft horses in America; two Hambeltonian general purpose horses named Medock, Sr., and Medock, Jr.; Frank Hale, one of the best bred horses in the west, sired by Ben Franklin, by Daniel Lambert, by Ethan Allen, by Black Hawk, dam by Lapham's Horse, by Hill's Black Hawk, and sired and raised in Vermont, and is five years old; he is 15 hands high and weighs 1080 pounds; Tom Hal, a two-year-old, sired by Gray's Tom Hal; dam by Davy Crocket, and shows great speed as a pacer. Mr. Gray gives his whole attention to his fine horses. He is an honest and upright citizen, and owns a comfortable home. Politically, he is a Democrat.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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LAWRENCE GING is a native of Rush County, and is one of the leading citizens of Union Township, being at present actively engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, and farming. He was born in 1829, and has made this his home all his life. His parents, William and Anna (Furry) Ging, the former of Irish, and the latter of German descent, were among the pioneer settlers of Union Township, and were residents of the township at the time of their deaths. Our subject was reared amid the scenes incident to farm life, and received a fair education in the common schools. He began doing for himself after his maturity, and engaged in farming. In 1860, he was married to Mary J. Gray, daughter of John and Margaret (Dick) Gray, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio, but both were reared in Kentucky. Mrs. Ging was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1824, and accompanied her parents to Rush County, and located in Union Township in 1833. Here her parents died. This union was blessed with two children: John W. (deceased), and Margaret A., now at home. Mr. And Mrs. Ging are church members. Politically, Mr. Ging adheres to the Democratic Party, and has filled the office of Township Trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Ging have led useful, industrious lives, and have provided themselves with a comfortable home. In 1869, Mr. Ging engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, and this was about the first factory started in this county. His business has steadily increased, and there is no better tile manufactured in the county. His factory is capable of turning out 500,000 rods per year. A man of integrity, and upright in all the affairs of life, he is now one of the respected citizens of the township.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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WILLIAM CARSON FOX, son of Ellisand Mary (Carson) Fox, was born in Washington County, Pa., near Monongahela City, September 7, 1828. His father was a native of Maryland, and belonged to the Society of Friends. He was a descendant of the Fox family who came to the United States with William Penn, in the Seventeenth century. Ellis (our subject's father) was the son of Joshua and Sarah (Heath) Fox, and Mary, his wife, was the daughter of William and Mary (Burgess) Carson. About the year 1829 or 1830, Ellis came from Washington County, Pa., to Union Township, Rush Co., Indiana and purchased a farm, carrying with him $600 in silver, and then returned to his Pennsylvania home, making the entire journey on foot. In the spring of 1831, with his wife and three children, viz.: Elizabeth, John, and William C. (the subject of this sketch), he began the journey toward his new home in the far west, and with the tide of western migration they floated down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, and in a few weeks located on the farm where William now resides.  Duringhis young manhood, the father worked at the trade of stonemason. He was one of the original members of the Christian Church, which worshiped at Plum Creek, and during his entire life, his influence was on the side of truth, justice, and morality.  He diedin 1852; his wife, Mary, followed him in July 1860, and together they rest in the burying ground at Fairview. On the 19th of September 1849, William C. married Margaret Rich, a daughter of Tillman and Martha (Carson) Rich, who came from Ohio to Indiana, in an early day. The children of this marriage are Mary, married Joseph McFadden, 1870; John E. H., deceased, and Elgie. Mr. Fox has never been a candidate for any office is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, respected by his neighbors and usually votes the Democratic ticket. He is living a quiet life on the farm where his father died.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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ROBERT B. COOK was born in Union Township, April 16, 1848.  His parents were James and Nancy Cook, old and honored residents of Union Township. His boyhood and youth were spent up on his father's farm, one-half mile west of Glenwood. He received a good common school education, but adopted farming as his life business. On October 17, 1871, he chose for his wife Frances D. Johnston, daughter of Atwell and Larinda Johnston, who were old residents of Richland Township, where Mrs. Cook was born in 1850. To this union were born three daughters: Laura, Attic M. and Fannie Ball, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Politically, he is a staunch Democrat. In the spring of 1885, he was elected to the office of Township Trustee, which position he now holds. He has carefully managed the affairs of the township, and takes great interest in the schools. Mr. Cook owns a comfortable home near Glenwood, near where he was born and reared. He is an upright and industrious man.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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JOHN T.HINCHMAN was born in Union Township, Rush Co. Indiana. April 21, 1825. He was the son of John and Nancy (Nickell) Hinchman, whose personal history appears in this volume. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth on the farm, and received a common school education. He adopted farming as his life occupation. At the age of twenty-one, or on February 26, 1846, he was married to Sarah A. Blacklidge, daughter of John and Nancy (Semons) Blacklidge, who settled in Union Township in 1823, and lived here until their deaths. Mrs. Hinchman was born September 23, 1826, and has spent her entire life here. They had two children: Roda A., deceased, and William M., now married and residing near his father. Our subject began housekeeping on the farm on which his brother Robert lives, but in December 1847, removed to the farm where he now resides. This he purchased in the spring of that year. It was partly improved with ordinary improvements. It now consists of 160 acres under a high state of cultivation. His residence is a fine one. He began life a poor man, and by dint of industry has been eminently successful, and can be classed among the leading farmers of the township. He and wife aremembers of the Christian Church. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, andfirmly upholds the principles of that party. He is one of the honest andupright citizens of Rush County.

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WILLIAM N. HITE who for the past fifty-four years has been a resident of Richland Township, was born in Augusta County, Va., October 21, 1811 being the son of George and Elizabeth (Franger) Lute, the former a native of Rockbridge County, Va., and the latter a native of Pennsylvania, both of German descent. When he was three years old his parents removed to Nelson County, Va., where he was reared upon a farm. At twenty-one years of age he accompanied his parents to Pickaway County, Ohio, where they remained from November, 1832, to March, 1833, at which time they came to Rush County, and located in Richland Township, which has been the home of our subject ever since. For a period of eighteen years after coming to this county he worked at the blacksmith's trade, which he had learned in Virginia. In about the year t85t, he turned his attention to farming, and this has occupied his attention ever since. He has a good farm of 160 acres, about 120 acres of which are in a high state of cultivation. The marriage of Mr. Hite occurred over fifty years ago or July 6, 1837. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Fisher, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, May 10, 1819, being the daughter of Jacob and Jane Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Hite are the parents of ten children: John A., George W., Eliza J., William T., David F., Lewis E., Jacob W., Mary I., Laura A. and Lola M., of whom John A., William T. and Laura A. are deceased. Mrs. Hite is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Hite has never identified himself with any church, but is a firm believer in the principles of Christianity. His political affiliations have always been with the Democratic Party. He and wife are among the pioneers of the county, and are among its worthy and honored citizens.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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PURNEL BISHOP was born in Worcester County, Md., May 1, 1804. His parents were Lemuel and Hannah (Bratton) Bishop, who were natives of Maryland. At the age of seven he accompanied his parents to Nicholas County, Ky., and there he resided until the age of seventeen, when he went to Harrison County, where he was engaged by his brother-in-law, and remained about three years. From Harrison County, he went to Bourbon County, Ky., and engaged at the cooper trade. There he worked five years with John Kiser, his uncle. Thence he immigrated to Rush County, Indiana, leaving Bourbon County on the 17th of April, and landing in Rush County, April 20, 1831, and on the 26th of April, was united in marriage with Julia A. Kiser, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Kiser, who came to Rush County in the fall of 1830, but have long since been numbered with the pioneer dead. After his marriage, Mr. Bishop engaged in farming the first season with his father-in-law. On December 8, 1831, he began housekeeping on a tract of land now owned by his son Josiah Bishop. Here he began to make a home in the dense forest. By industry and perseverance, and the assistance of a loving wife, he succeeded in providing himself with a comfortable home. The union was blessed with eight children, four of whom are living: Eliza, now the wife of George C. Roland, and resides in Grant County, Indiana; Nancy, the wife of Solomon Furry, and resides in Union Township; Elizabeth, now the wife of William H. Davis, and a resident of Palestine, Hancock Co., Indiana, and Josiah, who owns and resides on the old homestead. The wife of our venerable subject was called away August 1, 1879. She died a member of the Christian Church, with which she had been united forty-five years. She was a kind mother, a loving wife and respected by all who knew her. Mr. Bishop is also a member of the Christian Church and has been united with the church over forty years. Farming has been his chief occupation in life, in which he has been very successful, and has always been able to meet his obligations. He has always been identified with the Whig and Republican parties, but has never sought political honors.

Deb Murray

GARRETT D. Wikoff, a prominent young farmer and stock-raiser of Union Township, and the son of Garrett and Nancy Wikoff, whose biography appears in this volume, was born here December 15, 1850. His entire life has been spent on the farm, farming and stock raising has been his occupation. His early education was fair. For some years he has been engaged in breeding Poland China hogs, and fine horses, and probably has the best stock, in the county. On September 18, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Parrish, daughter of John S. and Emmeline (Bates) Parrish, and at present residents of Falmouth, Union Township. Mrs. Wikoff, was born in Fayette County, February 9, 1859. Mr. Wikoff is a member of the Snow Lodge No. 305, F. &. A. M., also of Rushville Chapter. In politics, he is a Democrat, but believes in local politics. He owns a fine improved farm and is one of the prominent young farmers of Rush County.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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JESSE MURPHY, SR., was born in Butler County, Ohio, August 6, 1804. He was the son of James and Eunice Murphy, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter a native of New Jersey. The former was the son of Peter Murphy, a native of Ireland, and immigrated to Kentucky when he was a boy. James Murphy was born and reared in Kentucky. Jesse was reared on a farm in Ohio, and farming is his occupation. In 1825, he was married to Charlotte Woodruff, daughter of Samuel Woodruff, a Dative of New Jersey. Charlotte was born in New Jersey in 1806, and was thirteen years old when she came to Ohio. To this union have been born four children, of whom Jesse is living. In 1835, he came to this country, and settled near Glenwood. This was then a wilderness, and has developed wonderfully since then. He had but a few dollars when he began life on his own responsibility, but by hard toil he has elevated himself from a renter to one of the largest farmers and landowners in the county. He owns about 300 acres of fine, tillable land in the county, and has a comfortable home. He assisted his three sons to fine homes, and has been very liberal with his children. In 1885, his life companion who had stood by his side through the trials and hardships of this life over sixty years was called to rest. Thus ended the life of a noble wife and mother, and one respected by all who knew her. Honest and upright in all the affairs of life, Mr. Murphy is now one of the honest of the county. His portrait appears in this volume.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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John Davidson, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Noble Township, January 7, 1835, son of Ezekiel and Maria (Lewis) Davidson. The father was born in New Jersey in 1809, and is of Scotch parentage. In 1826, he, with his father, came to Rush County, and here married Miss Maria Lewis a native of this County. In 1839, he removed to Hendricks County, Indiana, Locating in the forest on land that he had entered. Mr. Davidson and wife were members of the Christian Church, and were loved and esteemed by all. Mrs. Davidson died September 18, 1848; Mr. Davidson followed July 13, 1865. The immediate subject of this sketch was raised on the farm and was a student at the country school, and at eighteen summers, began life on his own account, locating in White County, where he engaged in farming. In 1857, Mr. Davidson returned to Rush County, where he has since remained. His vocation has been that of a farmer, and he now owns a farm consisting of 218 acres, three and one-half miles southeast of Rushville. Mr. Davidson was married December 15, 1858, to Isabel M., daughter of Henry and Sallie (Ambers.) Guffin, who was born May 20, 1841, and whose death occurred December 19,1875, she leaving these three children: John A., Harrison S., and Elbert C. Mr. Davidson was married October 9, 1878, to Mrs. Mary S. Bdell, of this county, born June 16, 1847, daughter f Jacob and Eliza Wolf. Politically, Mr. Davidson is a staunch Republican. He is a worthy citizen and a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Davidson is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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BENJAMIN L. MCFARLAN, whose portrait appears in this volume, is a farmer and stock-raiser of Orange Township, Rush Co., Indiana, and was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, October 14, x8~, and is the son of James and Jane (Kelly) McFarlan. The father was born in Mercer County, Pa., and was the son of a native of Scotland. He was a steamboat man by calling, but died in early life, and when our subject was only a small boy. Our subject was reared by his maternal grandparents, who resided in Mercer County, Pa., but who removed to Indiana in 1853, and settled in Decatur County. Benjamin received a common school education in country schools. He was born a poor boy, and in early life had many obstacles to contend with. He was but a youth of seventeen years when the Civil War broke out, and in August, of 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Indiana Infantry, and was the youngest of his company, in which company he served till 64, when he re-inlisted as a veteran volunteer of the same; and at the expiration of the three years, of the Seventh Infantry, the veterans of the Seventh, Fourteenth, Nineteenth, and Twentieth were consolidated and known as the Twentieth Infantry, and in which Regiment our subject served till he was mustered out of the service on the 14th of July, 1865, as Orderly Sergeant of his company. At the close of the war he returned to Rush County, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, commencing with a very limited means, but by hard toil and energy he has been successful in the pursuit. He now owns a fine and well-improved farm of eighty acres, and is one of the representative farmers of the County of Rush. He is a progressive and representative citizen. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and has served as County Commissioner of Rush County for one term. In 1866, he was united in marriage with Susan Wood, daughter of Benjamin Wood. One child, a daughter, Alice by name, has blessed the marriage.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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John B. Earnest, who has been a resident of Ripley Township for fifty-four years, was born in Green County, Tenn., December 25, 1817. He was the son of Henry F. and Hannah (Bitner) Earnest, who were also natives of Green County, Tenn., both of German descent. His father was the son of Felix Earnest, and his mother was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hatler) Bitner, who were natives of Pennsylvania. When he was four years old his parents removed to Levere County, Tenn., where the father died October 17, 1827. In 1833, he accompanied his widowed mother to Rush County, and the family settled upon the farm where our subject now resides in Ripley Township. The mother died April 18, 1877. Our subject was married October 27, 1842 to Miss Marzella Draper, who was born in Southampton County, VA. April 16, 1823. She was the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Turner) Draper. Her father was the son of Ephraim and Elizabeth Draper, and her mother was the daughter of Joseph Turner. Ever since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Earnest have continued to reside upon the old Earnest homestead, where the former has always pursued the avocation of a farmer. He owns a handsome farm of 290 acres, over 200 of which are in cultivation. He and wife have had seven children, as follows: Ira D., born January 27, 1844; John W., born December 5, 1846; Henry M., born August 10, 1850; Joseph E., born March 17, 1852; Albert N., born October 9, 1854; Roland H., born November 23, 1856, and Francis M., born January 5, 1859. As will be seen, all their children are sons. They are all living and married. Our subject and his wife and most of their children are members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Earnest is a Democrat.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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JOHN REES is a native of Fayette County, Indiana, where he was born January 14, 1826. His parents were John and Nancy (Jarrett) Rees, natives of Pennsylvania of German descent. They were married in Pennsylvania, and were among the first settlers of Fayette County, where they continued to reside until their deaths. Our subject was reared on a farm and adopted farming as his life occupation, in which he has been successful. He began life in poor circumstances and now owns 247 acres of fine, tillable land in Section 18, and is provided with a comfortable home. In 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy A. Gray, daughter of James and Mary (Nickel) Gray, who were pioneers of Rush County and are now deceased. Mrs. Rees was born in Union Township, and resided here until her death, which occurred in February 1868. This union was blessed with eight children, viz.: John H., Mary D., Theodore, Nancy, Margaret, James, Myrtie and George H., of whom John H. is deceased. In April 1869, Mr. Rees was married to Miss Alice Hazzard, daughter of H. W. Hazzard, a resident of Fayette County, Indiana. Mrs. Rees was born in St. Mary's, Ohio, but was principally brought up in Fayette County. They have three children living, Berten, Oscar and Justice. Mr. and Mrs. Rees are members of the Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Rees is a Republican, and firmly believes in the tenets of that party.

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History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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JONATHAN S. WHITE is a native of Fayette County, Indiana, where he was born in 1830. In 1848, he located on an eighty-acre tract of land in Noble Township, Rush County, Ind. He chose for his wife Miss Sarah J. Looney, daughter of Peter and Jane Looney. Sarah was born in Rush County. To this union was born one child, a daughter, who married Thomas D. Ruff, of Ohio, and is now deceased. To the daughter have been born four children, namely: Earl W., Blanche, Rob Roy, and Maggie, all of whom are living at this date. To illustrate the poverty of Mr. White at the time of his marriage, we are authorized to say that he was compelled to borrow $3 in order to procure a marriage certificate. He went to work with a will, and by close application to his profession has succeeded in accumulating considerable wealth. He now owns over 500 acres of as fine farming lands as the county affords, and is the possessor of valuable horses and cattle. His wealth he has made honestly and by hard work. In politics, he is a Republican, but has never sought for political honors.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
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