Milt Addison, it is an axiom demonstrated by human experience that industry is the keynote to prosperity. Success comes not to the man who idly waits, but to the faithful toiler whose work is characterized by sleepless vigilance and cheerful celerity, and it was by such means that Milt Addison, a well known citizen of Harrison township, Henry County, Indiana has forged to the front and won an honored place among the substantial citizens of the county. He is widely and favorably known as a man of high character, and for a number of years his influence in the community has been marked and salutary. Milt Addison was born in Harrison township, Henry county, Indiana on the 22nd of February, 1859, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Thompson) Addison. The Addison family has for several generations been native to this state, the father and grandfather both having been born here. The subject's maternal ancestors were natives of Maryland, and his mother accompanied her parents to Indiana when she was but four years old. She was reared here and here married William Addison. The latter was a shoemaker and farmer in Harrison Township and was well known and highly respected by all who knew him. He was active as a politician and for a number of years served as a member of the county central committee of his party, and was also for a number of years a justice of the peace. He was a member of the Friends church and also a Mason, holding official position in his lodge. His death occurred on the 2nd of August 1890, and his wife's death on the 4th of September 1901. They were the parents of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, as follows: John, Isaac, Anna, Susie, Milt, the subject; Iverson, Nancy, William, Clinton, Elmer and Alva. It is worthy of note that all of the children are yet living. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the home farm amid the usual surroundings of a farmer's son, and as opportunity offered he attended the common schools. He was an apt pupil and made such rapid advance in his studies that at the early age of seventeen years he was given a license to teach in the public schools. He at once took up the work of pedagogy and followed that occupation with marked success until 1898. In the meantime he supplemented him common school education by attendance at the Spiceland Academy and at Lemanon, Ohio. At the time of his marriage he was in rather limited financial circumstances and during the summer cultivated a farm, which he rented, continuing to teach school during the winters. He was economical and a good manager, however, and was so successful that in 1894 he was enabled to purchase the farm upon which he now resides. He has improved this place and now has a comfortable farm of forty acres, all good land. Besides his farming interests he is also a stockholder in the Cadiz Co-operative Telephone Company at Cadiz, this county. The marriage of this subject occurred in the month of April 1888, at which time he led to the altar of Hymen Miss Alma Davenport, the daughter of William A. and Cassandra (Prigg) Davenport. She was born in Harrison Township, this county, August 26, 1866, and received her education in the common schools of the county, supplementing this by attendance at Hartsville College, Bartholomew County, Indiana. Her father was a graduate of the Wesrerville College. He was a teacher and later was ordained a minister in the United Brethren church. To the union of the subject and his wife was born a son, Castle K., whose birth occurred September 28, 1894. Mr. Addison is a republican in his political tendencies and has been an active worker in the Republican ranks. In 1900 he was elected to the office of trustee of his township, receiving a majority of eighty-three in a township whose normal majority was about seventy five. He has taken a deep interest in all matters affecting the welfare of the township and since assuming the office has increased the length of the school term from six months to seven. Religiously the family is affiliated with the United Brethren church in which they take an active interest. For sixteen consecutive years Mr. Addison has been superintendent of the Sunday school and has also served as president of the Young People's Christian Union Society. Mr. Addison is in the prime of life and usefulness and his influence, and his influence as an honorable upright citizen is productive of much good upon all with whom he comes in contact. His past success gives assurance of something yet to come, and he evidently destined to continue a potent factor for years yet to be. It is worthy of note that Mr. Addison possesses two old parchment deeds, executed over the respective signatures of Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County 1888
Chicago
Brant & Fuller 1888

Harvey Caldwell was born in Bedford County, Pa, September 23, 1828, and was the son of William and Rebecca (Havner) Caldwell, whose personal history appears with their son's, James M. Caldwell. When Harvey was nine years of age, he accompanied his parents to the county, and located on the farm where he now resides; this was fifty years ago the 17th of May, 1887. All was then a wilderness, and it seemed like a great undertaking to make a home in the forest. It might be said that our subject was reared on this farm. His early education was fair. When he was seventeen years old, and thereafter, it devolved upon Harvey to assist in supporting his widowed mother, who lived until March 11, 1885, aged ninety – nine years six months, two days. He adopted farming as a life profession. On August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 68th Indiana Volunteers, under command of Capt. James Innis; he was placed in the Department of the Cumberland, under command of Gen. Thomas, and during the hotly contested battle at Chickamauga on September 19-20, '63, he received a severe wound, being struck by a ball which lodged in his left lung; he was wounded on Saturday evening and lay on the battle field with-out attention until Monday evening; he still carries the Rebel lead, which has caused him considerable annoyance ever since. On July 7, 1865 he was mustered out of the service and received an honorable discharge. He returned home to enjoy the Union he had fought to preserve, and on April 9, 67, was married to Mary Snively a native of Bedford County, Pa, but after a year and a half of life together, she was called away on October 9, 68. On October 18, 1870, he was again married this time to Mary E. Looney, daughter of John S. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Looney, natives of Kentucky, who came to Rush County as early as 1822, and her grandfather, Peter Looney sat on the first Grand Jury ever held in Rush County. Mrs. Caldwell was born in Rush County on August 3, 1842 and her whole life has been spent here. This union has been blessed with seven children: William, Herbert, John Charles, Edith R., Robert G., Tully, and Annie, who are living; an infant is deceased. Mr. And Mrs. Caldwell are members of the Christian Church, and the father of our subject was a preacher in that church for forty years. Mr. Caldwell is a member of Joel Wolf Post No. 81, G. A. R., of Rushville, and a Republican in politics, and has held the office of Township Assessor. He started a poor man in life and to day owns the old home farm having purchased the interest of the other heirs.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County 1888
Chicago
Brant & Fuller 1888

James M. Caldwell is a native of Bedford County, Pa. Born July 3, 1811. His parents were William and Rebecca Caldwell, the former a native of Kentucky, and the later of Maryland. Our subject grew to manhood on a farm in Pennsylvania, and received a fair education for that day of limited school advantages. He taught several terms of school in Pennsylvania and Indiana. In his youth he was apprenticed to learn the tanner's trade, but after completing it was compelled to abandon the trade on account of rheumatism. In the spring of 1837, the Caldwell's disposed of their property in Pennsylvania, and turned their attention westward. They loaded their household effects into wagons, and started overland for Rush County, Indiana. After three weeks of steady traveling, they drew up at what is now known as the old Caldwell homestead. Here the family moved into a rude cabin with clapboard doors and no windows. Neighbors were scarce and all seemed an unbroken wilderness. Mrs. Caldwell wished for some time after her arrival that she had remained in Pennsylvania, but by degrees the wilderness was transformed into a beautiful home, and all soon began to enjoy themselves. All went well until death visited the family in 1854, and removed William Caldwell, one of the pioneers and honored citizens of the county. Mrs. Caldwell survived him until the 11th of March 1885, when she, too, was called home. Her birth occurred on the 9th of September 1785, and at the time of her death only lacked a few months of being one hundred years of age. Our subject, James M. Caldwell was united in marriage with Miss Alcy Ploughe, March 7, 1844. She was the daughter of Isaac and Mary (Hobbs) Ploughe. Alcy was born in Greensburg, where she was reared until she was about twelve years of age, when her parents removed to this county. This union was blessed with nine children, William A., Mary E., Sadie, Lydia M., George H., Barton S., (deceased) James E., Rachel M., and Oliver P., all those living are grown to maturity. Mr. And Mrs. Caldwell are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been identified over forty years. Politically, Mr. Caldwell is a staunch Republican, and firmly upholds the principles of that party, and at one time held the office of Sheriff of Rush County. He began life at the bottom of the ladder, and in 1838-9 and 40, we find him teaming between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Rushville. He carefully saved his earnings and in this way laid the foundation for his start in life. After his marriage he farmed as a renter, but in the fall of 1844, he moved into a cabin situated on forty acres of land he owns at present. Fifty years ago last May, Mr. Caldwell landed here and a great change has taken place since then. Here he has spent the principal part of his life and has succeeded in developing a fine farm in Section 24. He and his venerable companion who has stood by his side through the trials of life for nearly a half century, are now enjoying a comfortable home, surrounded by honorable sons and daughters, who after the father and mother have passed away, will keep their memories green.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County 1888
Chicago
Brant & Fuller 1888

James Beale was born on the farm where he now resides, November 17, 1838. He was the eighth in a family of nine children born to William and Margaret (Love) Beale, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Ohio. They were married near Cincinnati, Ohio, November 5, 1823, and began life together on a farm near Milroy, Rush County, Indiana, in December 1823, which places them among the pioneer settlers of this county. Mr. Beal entered an eighty-acre tract of virgin forest in Anderson Township, put up a cabin and continued to reside there until the spring of 1838, at which time he sold his property in Anderson Township and purchased 100 acres in Section 22, Jackson Township. On this tract there had once been a small clearing made. Here Mr. And Mrs. Beal resided until their respective deaths. Mrs. Beal passed away August 4, 1866, and Mr. Beal, March 22, 1883. They were devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, and highly respected by all who knew them. Thus ended the lives of two of Rush County's earliest pioneers; but they had lived to rear a large family of sons and daughters. As stated, our subject, James Beal, was born and reared on the farm he owns at present. His early school advantages were fair, and he received a good common school education. Being brought up on a farm, hr adopted farming as a life occupation, and to day can be classed among the successful farmers of Jackson Township. Oh January 3, 1867, he chose for his life companion Miss Margaret E. Gilmore, daughter of James and Mary (George) Gilmore, natives of Belfast, Ireland, and of Scotch0Irish descent. They immigrated to America about 1838, and first located at Lancaster Pa. The former ended his days in this county, and the latter at Knightstown, in Henry County. Mrs. Beal was born in Washington County, Pa. October 14, 1844, and has resided in Rush County since 1851. To this union five children have been born: John G, William R, Carl, Wilbur, and Marl L. of whom William R. and Carl are deceased. Mr. Beal, is a republican in politics, but has never sought political preferment. He is a member of the A.OU.W. Of Rushville, Ind. He began life in fair circumstances, and by industry and perseverance has been eminently successful. He owns the old home farm, which can be classed among the best in Jackson Township, and is provided with good improvements. He is honest and upright and holds the confidence and respect of the community.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County 1888
Chicago
Brant & Fuller 1888

The organization of Rush Circuit Court, took place on April 4, 1822, at the house of Stephen Sims, just south of the City of Rushville. William W. Wick, President Judge, and North Parker and Elias Poston, Associate Judges, presented their certificates of appointment and were all sworn into office. Robert Thompson, as Clerk, and John Hays, as Sheriff, also presented their certificates of appointment and took the legal oath. A rudely constructed device capable of making some unintelligible impression on paper was presented by the Clerk, and adopted by the court as its seal. Court then adjourned to meet at 2 o'clock P.M., at the house of Jehu Perkins, about five miles southeast of Rushville; no reason is known why the court left the county seat to meet five miles away, the late George Sexton, said it was because Perkins kept a distillery there. Court met at the appointed time, and Hiram M. Curry was admitted to the Bar, and sworn as Prosecuting Attorney. The Sheriff brought in a Grand Jury, consisting of William Junkins, Jesse Perkins, Nate Perkins, Christian Clymer, John Walker, Powell Priest, Garrett Durlin, John Lower, Jacob Reed, John Hall, Richard Hackleman, Benjamin Sailors, and Peter H. Patterson. The Grand Jury was sworn and charged and reported no indictments, and were paid 75 cents each for their services. The court then adjourned, to meet next term, at the house of John Lower. At this first term of Court no business was transacted, the Rush Circuit Court in embryo had organized and lasted a single day. Of the Judges, Court Officers, and Grand Jury, of that term, not one is living, sixty – five years after the adjournment.

The October Term, 1822, convened on the fourth of that month at the house of John Lower, about three miles south, and a little west, of Rushville. Lower kept a tavern, and his place was known far and near. Judge Wick, failed to put in an appearance, and the Associate Judges convened the court. John Hays, the Sheriff, did not appear. His mind had become impaired, and while wandering about Hancock County he was arrested and put in the county jail, which he set on fire and perished in the flames. Richard Hackleman, the Coroner, empanelled a Grand Jury, of which Edward J. Swanson, afterward conspicuous in the criminal annals of the county, was foreman. At this term Martin A. Ray, Charles H. Test, Joseph A. Hopkins, James Noble, James Raridan, and Charles H. Veeder were admitted to the Bar. The first case in court was that of Thomas Colbert vs. Rachael Colbert, alias Rachael James, "on libel for divorce." James Noble appeared for plaintiff. The defendant was defaulted, notice of the pendency of the action having been given by publication in the Brookville Enquirer. The court fixed the tavern license at $10.00, and license was granted Jehu Perkins, and Richard Thornburgh. The Grand Jury, at this tem returned several indictments, among them one against John Ray for hog marking. The defendant was acquitted on the ground that the offense was committed before the organization of the county. The court then adjourned to meet next term at the house of Robert Thompson, in Rushville. The April Term, 1823, met on the 24th of that month, at Robert Thompson's house in Rushville, only the Associate Judges being present. Nathaniel W. Marks, having been appointed Sheriff, entered upon the discharge of his duties. Hiram M. Curry resigned as Prosecuting Attorney, and Charles H. Test was appointed to fill the vacancy. At this term of court, Aaron Anderson, a native of Ireland, renounced his allegiance to George Fourth and became the first person naturalized in Rush County. Oliver H. Smith was admitted to the Bar. Daniel Lawman was convicted for selling liquor without license, and fined $2 in each of two cases. The Judges allowed themselves $6 each for services.

The August Term, 1823, convened on the 14th day of that month with Miles C. Eggleston, President Judge, Parker, and Poston, Associates, and the same Clerk and Sheriff. The case of Israel Cox vs. James Greer, slander came on for trial. The slander consisted of Greer's having charged Cox with stealing his hogs. Charles H. Test appeared for plaintiff, and Oliver H. Smith for defendant. The trial took place in a log court house, and in the course of his argument, Smith said that the speaking of the words had not been shown by the evidence; at this, Greer, who was outside, run his head through the window and yelled out, "Don't lie Smith, I did say he stole my hogs, and I stick to it." Smith then told the court Greer had been drunk ever since the trial commenced, and asked that he be sent to jail until the trial was over. This was done and Smith gained the case.

The April Term, 1824, was uneventful; a number of State cases against Joseph Looney were disposed of Joseph being worsted in all of them. James Greer came into court drunk, and was fined for contempt. Clerk Thompson and Sheriff Marks were each allowed $30 for one year's service.

The September Term, 1824, was held at the house of Robert Thompson, in Rushville. At this term of court the following order was made: "Ordered by the Court, now here, that the prison bounds for the County of Rush shall be the limits of the town play of Rushville, as recorded in the Recorder's office of the County of Rush." This prison limit was made for the prisoner for debt.

The April Term, 1825, was held at the house of Christian Clymer. Hon. Bethuel F. Morris entered upon his duties as President Judge. Rue Pugh was appointed Master in Chancery. Isaac Arnold, a native of "Isle of Wright, Old England." Made his application and was naturalized.

At the September Term, 1825, John Gregg succeeded North Parker, as one of the Associate Judges. Calvin Fletcher, Esq. Presented his commission and was sworn in as Prosecuting Attorney.

At the April Term, 1826, William S. Bussell entered upon the discharge of the duties of his office as Sheriff, and Calvin Fletcher as Prosecuting Attorney. At this term James Divers was tried and convicted of larceny, and given one year in the penitentiary. The business of this term was about all criminals, the defendants being in most cases charges with assault and battery and betting, and were generally found guilty.

The October Term, 1826, was held in the courthouse, in Rushville. James Mitchell presented his commission and was sworn in as Prosecuting Attorney. Sampson Cassady was one of the Grand Jurors. He is now (November 1887) the only man living who served on a Grand Jury at so early a date. William Klumm, and Charles H. Veeder, were indicted, tried and found guilty of an affray. They appealed the case to the Supreme Court where it was reversed. This was the first case appealed to the Supreme Court from Rush County.

At the April Term, 1827, James Whitcomb presented his commission and was sworn in as Prosecuting Attorney. The business of this term as heretofore was mostly criminal. The slander suit of Frances Clark vs. George Taylor was tried and verdict rendered for $50 against defendant.

The Young Murder Trial. The October Term, 1827, convened with Judge Bethuel F. Morris as President Judge, and John Gregg and Elias Poston, Associates. It was at this term that the first murder trial in Rush County took place. Alexander Young had been indicted for the murder of John Points A jury consisting of Robert Groves, Benjamin Heady, Nicholas Barton, Asa Beck, John W. Barbour, Richard Thornbury, Landy Hurst, William Kitchen, George Conrad, John Iier, John Ferris, and Josiah Lee, was empanelled, and the trial prosecuted. The prosecution was conducted by Hon, Oliver H. Smith, and James Whitcomb. The defense was by Charles H. Test, James Raridan, and James T. Brown. The facts in the case were very unfortunate. Young was a thrifty, well to do farmer, and had a beautiful daughter about seventeen years old. Points was a young man of respectability, the son of a neighboring farmer. He was much attracted to Miss Young, but her father would not consent to their marriage, and elopement followed. Young pursued the fleeing couple and by running across the corner of the woods got ahead of them. He concealed himself behind a tree, and when the couple, who were both riding the same horse, came up, Young fired upon them with his rifle. The ball grazed the head of Miss Young, and entered that of Points who died two hours later. From the time the fatal shot was fired Young was completely overcome with sorrow, and expressed such evidence of grief that he enlisted public sympathy in his favor. His defense was so ably conducted that he was only found guilty of manslaughter and received the minimum sentence of the law, one year in the penitentiary. Thus justice had been tempered by mercy. The Governor soon pardoned Young. He returned to his home broken and ruined in fortune and hopes, and it is said he never smiled after he fired the shot. The daughter afterward married, but the strain of her awful experience preyed upon her until her mind became wrecked. For thirty years before her death she was a raving maniac, oblivious to all things, but the memory of June 4, 1827.

The Swanson Case. At the April Term 1829, Edward J. Swanson was indicted and tried for the murder of Elishi Clark. The prosecution was conducted by William W. Wick, and James Whitcomb, and the defense by Charles H. Test. The indictment embodied the essentials of the common law. It was drawn by James Whitcomb, and from it the crushing prosecution escape was hopeless. The jury returned a verdict of guilty, which stands alone in the severity of punishment in the judicial history of the county. The defendants filed a motion for a new trial, assigning as one of the reasons that the Judge had charged the jury "that they were the judges of the facts and the court of the judge of the law." The Judge, Hon. B. F. Morris, over ruled all the motions and sentenced Swanson to be hanged on the following May 11, one month after the trial. Swanson disheartened, yielded to the inevitable and refused to appeal his case to the Supreme Court where there is scarcely any doubt that it would have been reversed. The execution occurred at the time fixed, and Swanson was the only man who ever paid the extreme penalty of the law in Rush County by an ignominious death upon scaffold.

At the October Term, 1829, Hugh Monroe was tried for murder. Monroe and deceased had been on bad terms for some time, and while at a shooting match, deceased while fixing a target was shot and instantly killed by Monroe, who was found guilty and sent to the penitentiary for sixteen years, but was afterward pardoned by the Governor. It was at this term of court that John Greeg, and Montgomery McCall took their seats as Associate Judges.

At the March Term, 1830, Charles H. Test came upon the bench as President Judge. James Perry was prosecutor. Business was very dull at this term. James Tyler was fined for contempt for coming into court intoxicated and talking loud.

September Term, 1830, Alfred Posey having been elected Sheriff, assumes control of the affairs of that office. At this term Judge Test made an examination of the records and gave the Clerk a sound lecturing on account of erasures and interlineations.

March Term, 1832, William J. Brown. Prosecutor. The following order was entered at this term. "James Raridan, Esq, fined $1 for standing up before the fire, in contempt of court" The fine was remitted next day. The courthouse took fire March 22, and created a commotion in court. John F. Irvin and Avanant T. Lewis ventured on the roof and extinguished the flames, receiving therefore the thanks of the court for this brave act. The Grand Jury examined the jail and reported, "It was in a dad state of decay, for several of the logs are much rotted and the door has no lock".

The most important civil case ever-tried in Rush Circuit Court was that to contest the will of John Megee. The plaintiffs were represented by Daniel W. Voorhees, Benjamin F. Claypool and William A. Cullen, the defendants by Thomas A. Hendricks, Leonidas Sexton, Oscar B. Hord, and Abram W. Hendricks. The charges of Judge Jeremiah M. Wilson were excepted to and appealed from. The judgment of the Supreme Court include the entire charges of Judge Wilson, and complimented that distinguished jurist in the following language. "We have given these instructions, repeated, and careful and thorough examination, and we fully indorse them, in all respects fully applicable and warranted by the evidence in and circumstances of the case.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County 1888
Chicago
Brant & Fuller 1888

Deb Murray