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Genealogy Trails Clinton County, Indiana Biographies			Genealogy Trails Clinton County, Indiana Biographies

DAVID FRIEND ALLEN, senior member of the milling firm of D. F. Allen & Bro., at Frankfort, is a native citizen of the place where he is an important factor of its business connections. He was born March 15, 1843, and is the eldest of three sons of John. and Martha (Runyon) Allen. The parents were natives of Ohio, and respectively of Irish and English extraction. The father was a pioneer of Clinton County, Indiana, where he located in 1828. He was a school-teacher by profession, and taught in the schools of Clinton County for some time. He then interested himself in farming and was occupied in that pursuit until 1855, when he began to operate as a keeper of a hotel in Frankfort, and continued to follow that line of business until his death in 1864. He died at the age of fifty-seven years. He was a member of the Christian church, to which his wife also belonged. She was married to Mr. Allen in 1829 at which time she came to Clinton County. Her death transpired in 1865, when she was fifty-five years of age. Mr. Allen, of this sketch, was reared in Frankfort. When he was eighteen years old the country was in the throes of civil war, and , he enlisted. He enrolled as a private in Company C, Tenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three months. At the expiration of that time he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment for a period of three years. He received his discharge in September, 1864. He won deserved promotion through the various grades to the rank of Second Lieutenant. Meanwhile his special service included the duties of Adjutant of the regiment, Division Quartermaster and aid on the personal staffs of Generals Steadman, Schoneld and Brannon. Rich Mountain, Mill Springs, Perryville, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Kingston, Chattahoochee River and the siege of Vicksburg make up the principal roster of the fields of battle where he served his country. He also participated in numerous skirmishes, and at Chickamauga was severely wounded. He was absent from duty from this cause from September, 1863, to January following. After receiving honorable discharge he returned to Frankfort. Not long after, he was commissioned Adjutant of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. His father's death, just previous to the departure of the regiment for the field, necessitated the resignation of his commission, and for some time he was occupied in settling the affairs of the estate. His father had taken a contract to carry the United States mail between Frankfort and Colfax and he assumed the duties of that position, which he fulfilled until 1867, running a stage-line between the places named. From 1867 until 1873 he was engaged in the sale of groceries at Frankfort. His health becoming impaired he relinquished his business connections and passed the summer and autumn of the year last named in California. He returned to Frankfort and pursued the business of a broker until the fall of 1874, when he became interested in forwarding grain. He formed a partnership with his brother Edward, the firm relation being designated as above stated. Their business in grain was merged in the relations of a grocery establishment, in which they operated until 1877, when they erected what is known as the City Grain Elevator, at Frankfort. They transacted business as buyers and shippers of grain until 1882, when they purchased the Roller Mills at Frankfort, and have since carried on the business of general milling. The mills have a grinding capacity of 150 barrels of flour daily. In 1871, on the organization of the First National Bank at Frankfort, Mr. Allen was made a director and has discharged the duties of that position continuously since. He has been from first to last identified with the public welfare of Frankfort, and was one of the foremost and most active promoters of the railway connections of the city of his nativity. He is a director of the Frankfort & Kokomo Railroad and of the Logansport & Southwestern Road, which is now a branch of the Vandalia Railway system. In political connection Mr. Allen is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic order and is connected with Lodge No. 54, at Frankfort. He was married at Frankfort, December 12, 18.65, to Miss Clara Shipp, who died in December, 1873, leaving two children — Paul and John. May 12, 1875, Mr. Allen contracted a matrimonial alliance with Miss Josephine Alford at Thorntown, Boone County, Indiana. Their two younger children — Dick and Joe, are living. Clara, the first-born, died in 1883, December, aged three years.

ISAAC D. ARMSTRONG, Among the early pioneers of Clinton County, the name of Isaac D. Armstrong occupies a prominent place. Many years have passed since he left his Eastern home to become associated with the development of the great West. Many who were associated with him in those early days have long since " slept the sleep which knows no waking has been his happy lot, however, to see the bright hopes of his youth realized; to see the vast growth of timber, which once covered the site of this beautiful little city, " vanish like fitful shadows," under the well-plied strokes of the pioneer's ax; to see the little log-cabins of earlier days replaced by handsome residences and business buildings. Such evidences of progress cannot fail to be deeply gratifying to the survivors of that noble class of adventurers who, many years ago, entered the wilderness of this State, and opened the way, as it were, for the improvements so universally apparent throughout the State, and nowhere more so than in Clinton County. Isaac D. Armstrong is a representative of the pioneers of this county. He was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, September 20, 1808. When three years of age he immigrated with relatives to Preble County, Ohio, where the days of his childhood and youth were passed. As an education, in those early days was obtained under difficulties, his early education was quite limited. No public school offered its friendly benefits, and the little log school-house was only open for a short term in the winter, during which time he was a regular attendant; the remainder of his time was employed on the farm. Here he passed a quiet and uneventful life, until 1828, when, in April of that year, he came to Clinton County, with whose interests he has ever since been associated. Two years after his arrival Clinton County was organized, and he was appointed surveyor, by Governor James Brown Ray. His commission, which he still has in his possession, is perhaps the oldest document of that nature in the county. Under that commission, he served six years, when he resigned, and was succeeded in the office by Mr. S. B. Thompson. On the 7th day of September, 1837, Mr. Armstrong and Miss Nancy Moorehead were united in marriage. Mrs. Nancy Armstrong was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, and moved with her parents to this county in 1828. Their union has proved a happy one, and, through a period of nearly fifty years they have traveled life's thorny pathway hand in hand, sharing mutually the joys and griefs of this world. Six children have blessed their union, named, respectively, Eliza J., Mary E., Caroline, William, Jackson D. and James C. In August, 1839, Mr. Armstrong was called from the quiet pursuits of farm life to perform the duties of county recorder. He discharged the duties of this office faithfully for a period of fourteen years, when he again retired to his farm, where he remained six years. In 1867 he was elected treasurer of Clinton County, teaching school. In June, 1881, he was employed as clerk in the store of K. C. Shanklin &Co., at Michigantown, remaining with them a little over a year, when he came to Frankfort and was employed in the wholesale and retail grocery of Hillis & Shanklin until October, 1883, when he became associated with Jonas Byram, under the firm name of Avery & Byram. This partnership was dissolved in November, 1885, and Mr. Avery has since continued the business alone. He is a young man of fine ability and strict business integrity and deserves much credit for the success he has attained. He is classed among the first and most prominent business men of Frankfort, and has gained this position by hard work and close attention to his pursuits. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.

CAPTAIN SAMUEL AYERS was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 14, 1816, and lived in his native county until 1831, when his parents moved to Clinton County, Indiana, and settled in Jefferson Township, where the father died in 1841. He remained at home until his father's death, and after reaching his majority had an interest in the proceeds of the farm. He continued agricultural pursuits until 1853, when he rented his farm and moved to Jefferson and engaged in the mercantile business, and also in pork-packing until 1859. In 1860 he was elected treasurer of Clinton County, and in June, 1861 , disposed of his business at Jefferson and moved to Frankfort. He filled the office of treasurer two years, and in the summer of 1862, was appointed Sutler of the Seventy-second Indiana Mounted Infantry and remained with the regiment until it was mustered out in 1866. He accompanied it on all its campaigns in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. He was elected Captain of a company of State militia in 1846, and has since been known by that title. In 1869 he was commissioned assistant revenue assessor of Clinton County, to which was afterward added the counties of Carroll and Boone, and served four years, also serving in the meantime as revenue collector. In the spring of 1871, being a stockholder and one of the incorporators of the Farmers' Bank, of Frankfort, he was elected its president, and filled this position until June, 1883. f In 1873 he was elected a member of the School Board of Frankfort, a position he has since held by re-election. Politically he was origin
ally a "Whig, but since its organization has affiliated with the Republican party. He has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married in October, 1843, was Eliza Kirk, daughter of Judge Nathan Kirk, of Kirkland, Clinton County. She died October 24, 1844, leaving one child — Eliza, who married William A. Ford, of Lafayette, and is now deceased. In August, 1851, Mr. Ayers married Susannah, daughter of Samuel A. Black, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. She died in March, 1861, leaving three children, one of whom is living — William E., of Frankfort. Two daughters are deceased — Virginia Alice, who was the wife of W. H. Hart, and Selina, wife of J. W. Morrison. Mr. Ayers is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is a deacon and treasurer. He is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 54, and has held the office of worthy master. DAVID PARRY BARKER, second son of John Barner, Esq., was born in Frankfort, Clinton County, Indiana, October 29, 1833. He attended the public school of the town, where he received a liberal education. He employed his time on Saturdays and during vacation in the offices of the Clintonian, Compiler and Clinton News, where he acquired a good knowledge of the art of typography. In the winter of 1852 he filled a position in the Sentinel office, at Indianapolis, as a compositor, where he remained until the following spring. At the close of this engagement he entered Asbury University, at Greencastle, Indiana. After a partial course in that institution he returned to his home and took charge of a district school which he taught during the winter of 1854. At the close of his school term he entered upon the duties of deputy clerk with his father, who was then clerk of Clinton County. The duties of the office did not demand his entire attention, in consequence of which he taught school in the country during the winter of 1855. and served as one of the assistant clerks in the House of Representatives of the Indiana Legislature during the session of 1857. At the close of the session he returned to Frankfort and resumed his duties in the clerk's office, where he remained until 1859, when he was elected to ^succeed his father, who retired from the office, after a faithful service of fifteen years. On the 19th day of October, 1858, Mr. Barner was united in marriage with Mies Mattie M. Hopkinson, daughter of Mrs. Lydia Hopkinson (now deceased). The marriage ceremony was performed at Jefferson, Indiana, by Rev. Chas. A. Munn. The attendants on that occasion were Robert F. Braden, David E. Given, Miss Lou Baldridgo and Miss Mary M. Blake. By this union there were born four children — John H., Bird E., Mabel C. and Lu G., the first and last of whom have passed over the River of Death. In October, 1863, Mr. Barner was re-elected to the office of clerk, over Colonel A. O. Miller, his Republican opponent. For the honors conferred upon him the recipient has ever been grateful. It is a matter of pride with him that he was the first native-born citizen of Clinton County elected to fill a county office. On the 1st day of May, 1868, he engaged with his father in the banking business under the firm name of D. P. Barner & Co. On the 6th day of January, 1869, this firm was consolidated with the banking firm of Carter, Given & Co., proprietors of the International Bank of Frankfort, of which Mr. Barrier was elected cashier, and held that position until the 22d day of July, 1871, when the above named bank was converted into the First National Bank of Frankfort, in which he has been continued cashier by successive elections to this date, a period of over fifteen years. Mr. Barner was selected as one of the delegates, by the State Convention of his party, to attend the National Convention held at St. Louis in June, 1876. He attended this convention as an earnest advocate of the nomination of Governor Hendricks for the Presidency. He has been a zealous supporter of the Democratic principles and an active member of that party. Mr. Barner has ever been a zealous friend of public education, and has employed valuable time, with good results, in the educational interests of his county. He was a member of the School Board of Frankfort at the time when the increasing number of applicants for public instruction demanded increased accommodations. During his term of office was built the handsome edifice, a school which is justly a matter of pride to the citizens and which for a thorough course of instruction and efficient teachers stands second to none in the State.

CAPTAIN JAMES A. BLAKE, of Frankfort, is a native citizen of the county and city in which he lives. His birth occurred February 16, 1839. He there obtained his early education and attended the Commercial College at Indianapolis, finishing his educational course before he was nineteen years of age. Two years previous to the attainment of his majority, he embarked in a commercial enterprise at Colfax in his native county, and while doing business there acted as postmaster. In the fall of 1859 he went thence to Michigan City, Indiana, to assume the duties of a position as guard in the Northern Indiana State Penitentiary. During his stay there he received an accidental injury. He had a fall and his pistol exploded, the bullet passing upward and lodging in the muscles of his right shoulder blade, from which position it was extracted.Having fully recovered, in April, 1861, during the first mouth of the progress of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company C, Tenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, enrolling at Indianapolis to serve three months. April 24, while the regiment was en route to Parkersburg, Virginia, he was made First Lieutenant, and commissioned by Governor Morton. At the expiration of the period, of his enlistment he received discharge in common with the regiment and was authorized by the Adjutant-General of his native State to raise a company of volunteers for the Fortieth Regiment, then in rendezvous at Sample Barracks, Lafayette, Indiana. He found field for recruiting in the counties of Fountain and Warsaw, and in eleven days enlisted 132 men. Under the designation of Company D, the organization was assigned to the regiment, and when the officers were appointed, Mr. Blake was made its Captain. He served in that capacity more than two years when he resigned on account of disability. He was in the actions at Rich Mountain, Pittsburg Landing, and at Chattanooga, besides in numerous smaller affairs of comparatively little importance as war emergencies are estimated. The illness which occasioned his withdrawal from military life was the "result of the wound mentioned as being received at Michigan City. After leaving the army he went to Hey worth, Illinois, where he interested himself in the sale of groceries, associated with a nephew, the firm style being known as J. W. Dunn & Co. Their relations as grocers were in existence three years, when, his health becoming impaired, he commenced life as a traveling salesman, and operated in that manner through three trips. He went South, and after reaching there in the autumn he engaged as a cotton clerk in the employ of the Iron Mountain Railroad Company, having headquarters at Hope, Arkansas. He returned to Frankfort in 1883, and since has been in no definite business on account of poor health. Mr. Blake is a Democrat in political connections and has served in several official positions, among which were clerk and treasurer of the city of Heyworth. He belongs to the order of Good Templars, and is a man of decided character and ability.

PROF. RICHARD GAUSE BOONE, ex-superintendent of the Frankfort schools, is a native of Indiana, born in Spiceland, Henry County, September 9, 1849, a son of Driver and Elizabeth (Cooper) Boone, the former a native of North Carolina, of English descent, and the latter born in the State of Ohio, of English and Irish ancestry. The father was one of three persons who first settled in Henry County, this State, living there till his death, which occurred in 1880, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. The mother came to Henry County in 1842, shortly before her marriage. She is still living, and makes her home with her son, Jonathan Cooper Boone, the recorder of Henry County. The subject of this sketch received his education at the Spiceland Academy, an institution carried on under the auspices of the Friends' Society, from which he graduated in the class of 1871. He chose teaching as his profession, began his career at the age of seventeen years in a country school, in Rush County, Indiana, and afterward taught one term in Bartholomew County. In 1872 he became principal of the school at Valley Miler, Miami County, filling that position three years. During 1875 he was obliged to rest from his labors on account of nervous prostration. In July, 1876, he accepted the position of superintendent of the public schools of Frankfort, which position he filled satisfactorily until June, 1886, a period of ten years. In 1884 he received the degree of Master of Arts from the De Pauw University at Greencastle. Indiana. In June, 1886, he was elected to the chair of Pedagogics by the trustees of the Indiana University at Bloomington, and assumed his duties the following August. Professor Boone was united in marriage at Aino, Hendricks County, July 23, 1874, to Miss Mary E. Stanley, a daughter of Elwood and Martha (Butler) Stanley, of whom the latter is deceased. They have three children — Cheshire Lowton, Mabel Gertrude and Herbert Stanley. Professor Boone and his wife are members of the Friends' Society, to which the parents of both belonged.

SANFORD BOWEN is a resident of Frankfort, and has been connected with the business of J. H. Miner & Son since April, 1869. He was born near Rossville, Clinton County, Indiana, December 21, 1842. He learned the trade of shoemaker with Jethro Wilson, of Rossville, serving an apprenticeship of three years' duration. Soon after the expiration of his indentures he enlisted. He enrolled June 14, 1861, as a private soldier in Company D, Fifteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted^for three years, but was discharged at the end of eighteen months for disability caused by sickness. While in the service he was promoted from Eighth Corporal to the rank of Sergeant. He regained his health and re-enlisted July 25, 1863, in Company E, One Hundred and Sixteenth Indiana Infantry, for a service of six months, but remained another month before he was discharged. He acted as Sergeant of his company. In March, 1864, he veteranized with Company K, Seventy-second Indiana Mounted Volunteers, to serve during the remainder of the war. He was in the actions at Shiloh, Dalton, Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain, besides other minor engagements. At the last-named encounter with the rebels he was wounded (June 19, 1864), and was again discharged for disability in January, 1865. He returned to Rossville, and after regaining his health he engaged in shoemaking, which he pursued at various places in Indiana until the date of his entering the service of his present employer, with whom he has been connected about eighteen years. March 19, 1867, Mr. Bowen was married to Miss Mary Gaddis, at Rossville. Their children are — Cora, Fred and Nellie. Mr. Bowen is a member of the lodge and chapter in the Masonic order, at Frankfort. He is also a comradein Stone River Post, No. 65, G. A. R.

JAMES MANSON BRAFFORD, city clerk of Frankfort (1886), is the manager of the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Frankfort. He is the son of James Milton and Isabella (Stephenson) Brafford. His parents are both deceased. His father was a native of Clinton County, and was of Scotch origin. He was, by calling, a farmer, and in 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Eighty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He died while in service, in the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1863.
The mother was born in the State of Kentucky, and was of Irish parentage. She died at Frankfort in 1879. She was a member of the church of United Brethren. Mr. Brafford was born in Washington Township, Clinton County, September 29, 1861. He was a pupil in the common school of his native township, and in the schools of Frankfort. When he was seventeen years of age he went to Kansas and taught school in Lynn County. In the year following he taught in Bates County, Missouri, returning to Clinton County in 1880. He learned the art of telegraphy at Frankfort, and in the latter part of 1880 was the recipient of a position in the office of the L. E. & W. Railway Company, at Paxton, Illinois. He was employed by the 0., C., C. & I. and the L., N. & A. companies at various places in Ohio and Indiana, until May, 1884:, when he accepted the position he is now filling. He is a Republican in political opinion and connections. He was married at Frankfort, January 20, 1882, to Miss Lillian F. Hutchison, of that place. They have one child — Percy G. The mother is a member of the Methodist church at Frankfort. Mr. Brafford was elected city clerk of Frankfort in May, 1886, to serve a term of two years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Frankfort.

HON. DE WITT CLINTON BRYANT, senior member of the drug firm of Bryant & Morris, Frankfort, Indiana, was born in Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, March 11, 1837, a son of James M. and Julia Ann (Lupton) Bryant, the former a native of Kentucky, of Dutch descent, and the latter of Ohio, of Scotch ancestry. When sixteen years of age he left home and went to Delphi, Indiana, to learn the printer's trade in the Times office, remaining there two years. He was then employed as clerk in the store of J. E. Gridley, jeweler, of the same place, over a year, and in April, 1856, came to Frankfort and was employed as compositor in the Crescent office until the fall of 1857, when he entered the drug store of Dr. Byers as clerk, and was thus employed until April, 1860, when he engaged in business for himself, becoming associated with Dr. Leary, and forming the firm of Bryant & Leary. In 1863 Dr. Leary was succeeded by John Pence, changing the firm name to Bryant & Pence. In October, 1867, Mr. Bryant was elected clerk of the Circuit Court of Clinton County, and retired from business to assume the duties of his office. He was re- elected in 1871, and held the office two terms of four years each. In November, 1875, he became associated with George B. Norris, forming the present firm of Bryant & Norris. In 1880 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent his district in the Lower House of the Indiana Legislature, and was re-elected in 1882, serving the latter term as chairman of the committee on counties and townships. In 1881 he was elected Senator to represent the district composed of Boone, Clinton and Montgomery counties, his term expiring in 1888. He has also served his township and city as trustee and councilman several years each. Mr. Bryant was married December 20, 1859, to Miss Sarah I. Gaster, daughter of James and Sarah J. (Lee) Gaster, of Frankfort. They have three children — Lena May, James H. and Jennett F. James H. is a member of the drug firm of Thomas & Bryant, of Frankfort. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken the Knight Templar degrees. He has served several years as treasurer of his lodge, and has been treasurer of the commandery since its organization in 1880.

RICHARD J. CARTER, retired farmer, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, December 7, 1803, eldest son and second child of Jesse and Hannah (Richards) Carter, also natives of Virginia. His grandfather, William Carter, was a native of Wales, and died in Clinton County, Indiana, at the age of ninety-eight years. His mother was a daughter of Richard Richards, a native of Virginia and of English ancestry. When Richard was five years of age, his parents removed to Butler County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm. In 1828, when a little more than nineteen years of age, he came West on an exploring expedition. Being favorably impressed with the section of the country that is now Clinton County, Indiana, he returned to his home in Ohio, and the following January his father removed his family to that place and entered 240 acres of land in what is now Center Township. This land he cleared and improved and made a home for his family. In 1840 the mother died. Jesse Carter was the first representative elected to the Legislature from Clinton County. He also served as county agent, an office of early day. He resided in Clinton County until his death, which occurred in 1872, at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. Of his five children, two are now living — Richard J., the subject of this sketch, and an older sister, Julia Carter. William Carter, who died in 1882, was one of the influential men of Clinton County. He was president of the First National Bank of Frankfort from the time of its organization until his death. Dr. Franklin M. Carter was a prominent physician of Frankfort, and died in 1856. Manly, the youngest son, died in 1840. Richard remained at home until his marriage, which occurred December 26, 1836, with Miss Eleanor Byers, a daughter of Ephraim and Catharine (White) Byers, who came to Juniata County, Pennsylvania, in 1833. After his marriage Mr. Carter settled upon a farm adjoining the old homestead, which he had formerly purchased. He and his children own the land his father entered, and some that has since been added, making a body of 500 acres, most of which has been in the family more than half a century. Mr. Carter was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1882, when he retired from business and moved into the city of Frankfort, where he and his estimable wife are enjoying the fruits of their labor. Both are active and consistent members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican. Although a resident of Center Township over fifty-six years, he never sought or accepted any public office, with but a single exception — he served as county commissioner three years. Six of their seven children are living — Hannah Catherine, Manly H., Epamlontns, Linda, Jessie, Marion, and Virginia deceased.

COLONEL N. T. CATTERLIN was born in Butler County, Ohio, September 20, 1806. In the spring of 1823 he and his father left Butler County and made their way, as best they could, to Montgomery County, Indiana, with the view of making it their future home. At that time there were but few roads in the country, and these consisted, principally, of " Indian traces." As a single illustration of the fare they met with on their route, it is worthy of remark that the night before they reached their destination they lodged in the woods, on the banks of Big Raccoon Creek, near an Indian village called " Cornstalk Town." There was, at that time, no house in which they could find shelter, and no road, except a " trace," to direct their course. On their arrival in Montgomery County they proceeded immediately to select a location and clear out a field, in which they planted a crop of corn, which they cultivated that summer. In the following autumn they returned to Ohio and brought out the remainder of the family, making a permanent settlement in Montgomery County. It will be observed that young Catterlin was then only seventeen years of age. He continued to work with and assist his father on the farm, working alternately at bricklaying, for two years, and then started in life for himself. During the time he remained with his father he attended all the log-rollings and house-raisings in the neighborhood, which usually occupied from twenty to thirty days each spring, thus relieving his father from much of the burden inseparable from the settlement of a timbered country. During this time he assisted in raising the first hewed log house in the present city of Crawfordsville — frame and brick residences being unknown in that locality. After leaving his home, he engaged in chopping cord-wood at 20 cents per cord, during the winter, and in making, burning and laying brick in the summer and fall, at wages ranging from 25 cents to $1.00 per day. His career as a merchant has been one of the most successful and remarkable in the Wabash Valley, which is, doubtless, the development of an early conceived passion for trade. Becoming tired of so much labor at little compensation, in the fall of 1827 he determined to try his fortune at peddling. He accordingly procured a horse and spring wagon for the purpose, and loaded up with boots, shoes and other goods adapted to the season and the anticipated demand, and proceeded to " the country." His route lay through Tippecanoe County, up Laramie Creek, through the region where the village of Dayton was subsequently located, down "Wild Oat Greek to the Wabash, and, finally to Lafayette, which was then a very small village. On this route he met with a mixed population of whites and Indians, to whom he traded his goods for peltry and money, according to the circumstances of his respective customers. On his arrival at Lafayette, he traded for a store, and was engaged there in the retail business until the following spring. He then sold his store and proceeded up the Wabash on a trading expedition, stopping at Longlois, where he traded for a large lot of furs. He extended his journey as far as Logansport, trading for furs along the way. He then loaded his furs on a pirogue, and sailed down the Wabash as far as Terre Haute. There he sold out his entire cargo, taking the obligation of the purchaser, payable in ninety days. At the maturity of his note, he found the maker in failing circumstances, and the beat he could do was to compromise with him; thus, out of a claim of about $1,000 he realized only $300. Nothing daunted by this reverse, which, to him, was not trifling, he continued his trading operations, dealing in horses and peddling goods until the summer of 1828. At that time he located in Edinburgh, Indiana, where he opened a store in connection with Patrick Cowan. In the following spring he built two flat boats in Blue River, which he loaded with corn, purchased at 10 cents per bushel,lard and bacon, the latter purchased at 3? cents per hog, round. With these cargoes of provisions, he pushed out with his boats for New Orleans, trading along the coast wherever a favorable opportunity was presented. At New Orleans lie disposed of his cargoes, realizing in the whole transaction 50 cents per bushel for the corn, 10 cents per pound for his bacon and a corresponding advance for the lard, gaining a handsome fortune on his expedition. While at Edinburgh, he became acquainted with Miss Malinda Peoples, with whom he was united in marriage on the 27th day of August, 1829. Mrs. Gatterlin was born in the State of Kentucky, on the 28th day of February, 1810. She is still surviving, and, through the years which followed her marriage she has ever stood by, aided and cheered her husband through all the vicissitudes of life. She is the beloved mother of a large family of children, universally respected, and the brightest ornament of their home. In the following winter Mr. Catterlin sold out at Edinburgh, and purchased an entirely new stock of goods at Cincinnati, and with them returned to Crawfordsville, where he opened a store in the spring of 1830. He remained there daring the spring and summer and, in July of the same year, purchased lots in the then newly located town of Frankfort, with a view to making it his future home. On these lots, located on the west side of the public square, he erected a hewed log house, in two apartments, one of which was occupied by his family and the other by his store. Here he established himself in business in September, 1830, with his little family, consisting of himself, wife and one child. He has continued to reside and do business in Frankfort ever since. There were then but few families, and his was the first store in Frankfort. He sold goods without competition for a space of three months, after which competition sprang up and was very brisk for several years; but Mr. Catterlin continued to do a successful and profitable business, nevertheless. In the year 1833 he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Samuel Ship, which relation continued until the year 1836, at which time Mr. Ship retired and formed other business associations. Mr. Catterlin continued in business, and, although the financial panic which followed soon after resulted disastrously to many, he passed safely through the trying crisis. His business was not confined to selling goods. In 1837 he bought and transported horses, mules, flour, pork, etc., in which trade he continued until his operations were arrested by the breaking out of the civil war, in 1861. During fifteen years of this time he was engaged in an extensive pork-packing enterprise in Frankfort, whereby he was enabled to afford much needed employment to many laborers. Although the war interfered with the trade formerly conducted with the South, it did not arrest his home business. Through those stormy days he continued to deal in dry- goods, groceries, hardware and real estate. In 1835 he erected the first grist and saw mill ever built in Frankfort, and otherwise contributed largely to the improvement of the city by the erection and maintenance of business houses and residences. In 1837 he erected the first brick building in Frankfort, which still stands on the north side of the public square, a monument to the enterprising builder. He contributed largely to the building of the several railroads now
centering in Frankfort, and no beneficent enterprise has ever appealed to him in vain. Colonel Catterlin has not been without a due share of public honors. In the early history of the county he was honored with a commission as Colonel of a regiment of militia, which lie organized; and afterward served successively as sheriff of the county, justice of the peace and probate judge, all of which positions he filled with ability and credit. He was for many Loading...Loading...died in Michigan Township, August 17, 1878, aged twenty-five years ; Samuel William died in the same township, July 24, 1881, aged over twenty-five years; Harvey died at Frankfort, April 19, 1886, aged twenty-six years. Their only daughter, Mrs. Anna Caldwell, lives in Clinton County. For eight years after his marriage Mr. Cohee followed farming on his father's homestead, when, in 1861, he purchased a farm in Michigan Township where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1882, when he retired from active life, and has since made his home in Frankfort. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cohee are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served for years in some official position, having filled all the offices of the church at various times. He has led an industrious life, and by his honorable and upright dealings he has won the respect of all who know him.

JOHN DURBIN COHEE, a carpenter in the city of Frankfort, was born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1834. His parents removed to Frankfort in the year 1849 and consequently lie was brought up in the two States of Ohio and Indiana. He commenced work at his trade in his native State, in the town of Hamilton, at the age of eighteen. After serving a period of three years he returned to Frankfort, where he has prosecuted the business ever since with the exception of about six months, during which he was in the military service of the United States in the civil war. He enlisted in February, 1865, in Company F, One Hundred and Fiftieth Indiana Volunteers, to serve one year, but the war closing, he received honorable discharge in July following. In addition to his regular business he has devoted some time to that of cabinet-making. The first wife of Mr. Cohee was Rachel Thornington previous to the event of their marriage. They were married at Logansport in 1856, and she died at Frankfort in 1868. Ida May, El wood B., Leander S., Mary Isabel, Levi and Lydia A. are the names of their children. Ida May, Levi and Lydia A. are not living. Mr. Cohee was married again in 1870 to Mrs. Melinda (Hockman) Irvan. Dolly, their first-born child, died in infancy, and Maggie died May 17, 1886. Samuel and Lydia (Willis) Cohee, the parents of the subject of this account, were natives respectively of Delaware and New Jersey. The mother died in Frankfort in 1870, aged sixty-eight years.

WILSON COHEE, a pioneer of Clinton County of 1830, was born in Butler County, Ohio, March 30, 1825, and when five years of age accompanied his parents to Clinton County, Indiana. He was reared a tanner and with his brothers assisted his father to clear and improve 100 acres of heavily timbered land. His father, Benjamin Cohee, was a native of Delaware, and in 1815 moved to Butler County, Ohio, and from there to Clinton County in 1830. He died at the homestead, in Washington Township in January, 1863, aged nearly seventy-five years. He was twice married, first in Kent County, Delaware, in 1811, to Nancy Ann Hollen, who died in Hamilton, Ohio, August 2, 1820, aged thirty- three years. She left three children — Vincent D., deceased; Jonathan, of Frankfort, and Henry H ., a physician of Henry County, Iowa. In 1821 Mr. Cohee married Rebecca Wilson, also a native of Delaware, and to them were born eight children — Mrs. Mary Ann Aitkin, deceased; Andrew, a farmer of Boone County, Indiana; Wilson, our subject; James L., of Lafayette, Indiana; Hezekiah, of Frankfort; Rachel C.; Mrs. Harriet Crow, of Kansas; and Mrs. Eliza C. Thompson, of Clinton County. The mother died in 1868, aged sixty-five years. They were influential members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Cohee being instrumental in the organization of the church in Clinton County. When twenty-two years of age Wilson Cohee was married and began life for himself on a rented farm. In 1852 he bought a partially improved farm in Owen Township, where he lived two years and then sold it and bought 164 acres of land, also only partly improved, in Michigan Township, which he still owns, although by subsequent purchases he has increased his farm to 340 acres. In 1865, in connection with farming, he engaged in the mercantile business at Frankfort with his brother Jonathan, as Cohee & Brother, which continued until 1867, and from that time until 1878 was engaged in the grocery business. He then devoted his entire attention to his farm until 1883, when he retired from active life and became a resident of Frankfort. Mr. Cohee was married February 25, 1847, to Susannah Douglas, daughter of Samuel and Ann (Potter) Douglas, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Virginia. They were married in 1819, and in 1830 came to Clinton County, Indiana, and located on a farm near Frankfort, where Mr. Douglas died in 1883, aged ninety years. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church and for
years served as ruling elder. Mrs. Douglas is still living and is eighty-seven years of age. She is the only one of the original members of the Presbyterian church at Frankfort now living. Mr. and Mrs. Cohee are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he has served in several official capacities. In his childhood Mr. Cohee was a member of the first Sunday-school organized in Clinton County. Mr. and Mrs. Cohee have five children — John Wesley, Henry Martin, Mrs. Delilah C. .Rattan, Mrs. Rebecca F. Muslitz, and Amanda May, all living in Michigan Township except the latter, who lives at home.

WILLIAM ALEXANDER COLBY, blacksmith and wagon-maker, Frankfort, Indiana, was born in Oswego County, New York, in 1820, a son of Samuel and Jemima Colby. When he was sixteen years of age he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and when nineteen began to work as a journeyman, traveling over New York and Canada, working in St. Catherine's, Chippewa, Lindy's Lane, Niagara, Brantford, Hamilton, Toronto, and other small places. In 1843 he located at Boswell, Fairfield County, Ohio, and removed from there to Baltimore in the same county, in 1844. In 1846 he moved to Montgomery County, and two years later to Pleasant Hill, Miami County, where he lived three years. In 1851 he came to Indiana and located at Frankfort and has since worked at his trade. For ten years he carried on farming in Jackson Township in addition to working at his trade, but with that exception has combined wagon-making with the blacksmith's trade. Mr. Colby was married in 1843, at Newark, Licking County, Ohio, to Mary Ann Richardson. They have six children — Samuel Theodore, of Clinton County; Laura A., wife of Taylor Frazier, of Frankfort; Ambrose, in business with his father; Alonzo Blair, William R. and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Colby are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been class leader for several years. He is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 54, A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a Republican, in early life affiliating with the Whig party.

WILLIAM MILLER COMLY, contractor and builder, Frankfort, is native of Indiana, born in Madison, Jefferson County, April 8, 1849, a son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Steele) Comly, who are both now deceased. His father was a native of Indiana, and of German ancestry. Before the late war he was foreman in dough's Car Factory, and after serving a short time as Captain of Company D, Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and also as Captain in the Indiana State militia, he became foreman of the Ohio Falls Car Factory, at Jeffersonville, Indiana. The mother of our subject was born in Delaware, a daughter of James A. Steele, who came with his family to Indiana in an early day, and settled at Madison. The parents of our subject came to Frankfort, Clinton County, in 1878, where both died, the father October 11, 1880, and the mother December 24, 1881. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The grandfather, Joshua Comly, was a pioneer of Indiana, coming to this State as early as 1812. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and fought under General Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe. When but twelve years of age, William M. Comly, our subject, served as a drummer boy in the Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry for four months, and was on duty in Kentucky. He then remained on his father's farm about two years, when he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade at Columbus, Indiana, at which he served three years, when he returned to Madison and worked at his trade. In February, 1870, he came to Frankfort, and soon after became associated with John Thatcher in contracting and building, under the firm name of Thatcher & Comly. In 1874 he began clerking in the furniture and undertaking establishment of 1. N. Davis, and in 1875 succeeded Mr. Davis in the business. He was united in marriage at Frankfort, December 22, 1875, to Mies Eunice B. Lee, of that city. They have one child, a daughter — Pearl. Mr. Comly sold out his business, in 1878, when he formed a partnership with his brother, and carried on a furniture factory under the name of Comly Brothers until July, 1881, when they disposed of their business, since which Mr. Comly has been engaged in contracting and building. In politics Mr. Comly is a Republican. In 1875 he was elected the first city clerk of Frankfort. He has served as chief of the fire department of Frankfort for eight years. He is a member of Frankfort Lodge, No. 108, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs and has twice represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State. He is also a member of Dakota Tribe, No. 42, I. 0. R. M. , of which he is past sachem.

ISAAC COOK, resident at Frankfort, was horn in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1820. He was a child of four years when his parents settled in Darrtown, Ohio. He found himself with the privilege of self-maintenance at the age of fourteen years, through the death of his father, and he was also under the necessity of assisting in the support of his widowed mother and the other members of the family. He came from Butler County, Ohio, to Clinton County, Indiana, in the fall of 1842, for the purpose of prospecting as to the chances of making a fair living there, and finding what he considered a satisfactory outlook, he made a location in Owen Township, in 1846. There he was occupied with the duties of a farmer until 1853, when he removed to Frankfort. He had been elected sheriff of the county and removed to the county sent for the purpose of securing the facilities necessary to a
successful discharge of the duties of his office. At the expiration of his official term he engaged in the sale of groceries, at Frankfort, and conducted that line of business for several years. He converted his mercantile interests into those of a liveryman and operated as such until 1872, when he was elected justice of the peace of Center Township. He has been the incumbent of the office ever since by appointment and election. He is an adherent of the Democratic party. Mr. Cook was married February 29, 1844, in Owen Township,
to Miss Mary, daughter of John and Hannah (Whitesill) Miller, pioneers of Clinton County, of 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have four children — John M. resides at Frankfort; Mrs. Eliza J.
Petty is also living at that place; William is in business in Indianapolis, and Hannah lives with her parents. Mrs. Cook was born in Butler County, Ohio, April 6, 1824, and has lived in Clinton County over fifty-six years. She is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Cook is a prominent Odd Fellow and has passed all the chairs in the Frankfort Lodge, No. 108, and Willis Wright Encampment, No 36. He is a member of the Grand Lodge of the State.

CAPTAIN LEWIS HENRY DANIELS, contractor and builder, residing at Frankfort, was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, December 7, 1841, a son of Samuel P. and Barbara (Ilinkle) Daniels, natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the father being of Irish and the mother of German origin. Both parents are deceased, the mother dying in 1351, and the father in this year 1885. Our subject grew to manhood in his native city, and there learned the carpenter's trade. At the age of twenty years, in 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth Indiana Infantry, to serve three years. He was promoted through all the grades, except Orderly Sergeant, to Captain, and with his comp.my participated in the engagements of Rich Mountain, Green Brier, Cheat Mountain, Winchester, Cold Harbor and 'the storming of Petersburgh, besides other battles and skirmishes of min>r importance. He was discharged at Indianapolis in July, 1864, after serving faithfully for three years and two months. After his discharge from the army, Captain Daniels worked as a journeyman carpenter for two years. In 1866 he engaged in contracting and building, and from 18G9 to 1871, inelusive, he was employed as superintendent of bridges by the Louisville, Cincinnati & Lexington Railroad Company, on the west division between La Fayette and Greensburg, Indiana. In August, 1871, he came to Frankfort, where he has since resided with the exception of five years, from 1875 to 1880, when he carried on contracting and building at Michigantown. liis work for the past few years has been principally Contracting and building of churches and school- houses throughout Clinton County. In his political views Mr. Daniels is a Democrat. He served one jear as president of che village of Frankfort before its incorporation as a city, and while living in Michigantown he was president of the School Board for three years. December 28, 1866, he was united in marriage at Indianapolis to Miss Mary A. Beam of that city. She is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Daniels is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge, chapter and com- mandery at Frankfort, and is master of the second vail, and also belongs to the lodge and encampment in the Odd Fellows order. He is a member of Dakota Tribe, No. 42, I. O. R. M. , of which he is past sachem. He is also a comrade of Stone River Post, No. 65, G. A. R., of Frankfort.

WILLIAM L. DEARTH, of Frankfort, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 28, 1841. He has resided in the State of Indiana since he was thirteen years of age, when his father and mother removed to Boone County. The family remained there until 1858, when a second transfer was made to Jefferson Township in Clinton County. Mr. Dearth was then seventeen and commenced to traffic in live-stock at Jefferson, and in the fall of 1869 he went to Holden, Missouri, where he was similarly interested until 1871. He returned thence to Clinton County and engaged in the sale of agricultural implements in company with G. W. Aughe, under the style of Aughe & Dearth. He withdrew from the relation in 1874 and entered the employ of the Li Fayette Agricultural Works as salesman, but continued with the concern but a short time, when he commenced manufacturing cigars at Frankfort. He abandoned that business in the spring of 1876 and became one of an incorporation known as the Verhon Stone and Lime Company, located at Vernon, Indiana, where the organization operated in the several branches of their business until 1880. During the time Mr. Dearth established the business of a liveryman at Frankfort, and in 1883 took the contract to build the Frankfort and Kirklin gravel road and the Lebanon and Adoga road. The latter thoroughfare was built in 1884. Mr. Dearth was married to big first wife, Miss Matilda Darr, in 1861, at Mucatine, Iowa. She died at Jefferson in 1864. Her successor, Miss Nancy Bradford, became such in January, 1870, dying in 1877 and leaving two children — Clayton 0. and Nellie F. Mr. Dearth was married to Miss Anna E. Strain, of Boone County, in June, 1878, and they have one child — Horace. Mrs. Dearth is a member of the Presbyterian church. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a member of the lodge at Frankfort. Edward Dearth, his father, was born in Ohio, of German parentage, and died in Jefferson in 1876, aged seventy-one years. He was a Democrat of the Jackson school and. was for many years a justice of the peace in Washington Township. The mother, Elma (Griggs) Dearth, was born in Pennsylvania and was also of German extraction. She is the survivor of her husband, with whom she lived fifty years. She is seventy-seven years old and lives with her children at Frankfort. She belongs to the Christian church.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DOUGLASS, of Frankfort, was born in Preble County, Ohio, .September 6,| 1816. In 1828 he came with his parents to Clinton County, Indiana, they locating in Jackson Township in what is now a part of Center Township. He was reared a farmer, remaining on the home farm till reaching his majority, when he made a trip through the Western and Northwestern parts of the United States, and was variously employed during this time in Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul, and other places, being absent from Clinton County about two years, after which he clerked in a mercantile establishment at Frankfort a year. While in Wisconsin, in 1837, he was elected a clerk of the committee on land claims, in Milwaukee County. August 1, 1839, he was married in Frankfort to Miss Mary G. Thomas, daughter of Isaac P. Thomas. Of the eleven children born to this union six are living — Isaac G., a physician of Michigantown; William E., deputy clerk of Clinton County; Virginia F., wife of Elwood Avery, of Frankfort; Sarah Adelaide; Martha G., wife of Milton T. Merritt, a postal clerk, residing at Frankfort; Amy V. , wife of Charles Ross, of Frankfort. Four children died in early childhood and a daughter, Harriet E., died at the age of eighteen years, December 25, 1861. In 1839 Mr. Douglass was elected assessor of Clinton County for the term of two years. The same year, 1839, he engaged in the mercantile business at Frankfort, and in 1843 removed his business to Michigantown, where he followed mercantile pursuits till 1884 when he retired from the active duties of business life and became a resident of Frankfort. In his political views Mr. Douglass is Democratic. In 1860 he was commissioned to take the census of the eastern half of Clinton County. He was commissioned First Lieutenant of a militia company and in 1860 he received a commission of notary public. In 1861 he was a member of the relief committee of Clinton County to look after the families of those who were serving their country and to distribute funds for their relief. In 1861 he was elected a trustee of Michigan Township, holding that office several terms by re-election. Mr. Douglass is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 184, A. F. & A. M., of Michigan town, of which he is past master. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order and has passed all the chairs in both lodge and encampment at Frankfort, and has represented both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders in the Grand Lodge of the State. Mrs. Douglass is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

HENRY CLAY ELDRIDGE, blacksmith, Frankfort, Indiana, was born in Logansport, Cass County, Indiana, August 6, 1842, a son of William and Ann (Lewis) Eldridge, natives of Pennsylvania, of Welsh ancestry. When he was an infant his parents moved to White County, Indiana, and there his father died September 2, 1846, aged forty-six years, one month and twenty -five days. He remained with his mother until manhood, her death occurring October 1, 1863, aged fifty-five years and seven months, and the war of the Rebellion having in the meantime broken out he, in the fall of 1863, enlisted and was assigned as a recruit to Company D, Twelfth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the engagements at Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Dallas, and for eight months was off duty on account of sickness, and was in the hospital at Rome, Georgia, Hilton Head, South Carolina, David's Island, New York,and Madison, Indiana. He was discharged at Madison, May 3, 1865, and returned to White County. The following fall he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and after working eighteen months he went to Montana Territory and worked at his trade and at mining at Big Blackfoot, Little Blackfoot and Helena City three years and eight months. In December, 1871, he returned to White County and worked at Brookston until the fall of 1873, when he moved to Frankfort where, with the exception of three months spent in Kansas, he has followed his trade. In politics Mr. Eldridge affiliates with the Republican party. In 1882 he was elected a member of the city council of Frankfort and served two years. He is a member of Clinton Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Stone River Post, No. 65, G. A. E. He was married January 25, 1876, to Miss Viola Sims, daughter of Robert and Rebecca (Holliday) Siuis, of Fraukfort. They have two children— Ethel and Glenn Dale.

SAMUEL PARKER FISHER was born in the village of Jefferson, Clinton County, Indiana, July 12, 1842, a son of Thomas and Ann (Parker) Fisher, the father born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and the mother a native of Ohio. The father came to Clinton County in 1831 and settled in Jefferson, Washington Township, where he lived till 1858, since which he has resided in Frankfort. He is by occupation a carpenter. He was married in 1838, to Anna Parker, who had come to Clinton County sometime in the 30's. She died at Frankfort in 1861. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Samuel P. Fisher, the subject of this sketch, was reared in the village of Jefferson, and in Frankfort, receiving his education principally in the schools of Frankfort In his youth he learned the carpenter's trade which he followed till 1871. December 22, 1868, he was married at Frankfort to Mary E. Smith, a daughter of Nelson R. and Sarah (Catterlin) Smith. She died on November 29, 1883, leaving two children — Effie D. and Raymond C. Mr. Fisher was again married October 29, 18S5, to Mrs. Mary M. (Suit) Gibbens. In 1871 Mr. Fisher was elected clerk of the Circuit Court of Clinton County for a term of four years, and in 1874 was re-elected to the same office, which position ho tilled the following four years. In 1879 he engaged in the grocery business at Frankfort, in which he continued until 1883. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Knight Templar Mason, and belongs to the lodge, chapter and commandery at Frankfort. He is also a member of Dakota Tribe, No. 42, I. O. R. M., and is past sachem of the council of that order.

JACOB LLEWELLEN FORSYTE was born near Southport, Marion County, Indiana, November 7, 1833, and when ten years of age accompanied his parents to Adams County, Illinois, remaining there ten years, and in 1853 returned with them to Marion County. In 1854 he came to Clinton County and worked at farming three years, when he began to learn the cooper's trade, at which he worked until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. In June, 1861, he enlisted and was assigned to Company B, Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and in January, 1864, re-enlisted in the flame company. He participated in the engagements at Green Brier, Chattanooga, Hoover's Gap and Kenesaw Mountain. At the latter battle, July 7, 1864, he was taken prisoner and confined at Andersonville until April, 1865, experiencing all the horrible sufferings and loathsomeness of that most infamous prison pen. On being discharged from Anderson ville he, with about 1,500 other prisoners, was taken to Jacksonville, Florida, from there to Annapolis, Maryland, and thence to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was discharged June 20, 1865. He then returned to Clinton County and engaged in farming several years, when he located in Frankfort. In politics Mr. Forsyth is a Republican. He is a member of Stone River Post, No. 65, G. A. R. He was married November 7, 1865, to Mrs. Susan Jane Stephenson, widow of Thomas Stephenson, by whom she had two children — William F. and Adaline. Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth have six children — Alonzo, Thomas Isaac, Louis Harman, Winnie Myrtle, Maggie and Ott. They are members of the Antioch Christian church, in Jackson Township.

JESSE GARD was born on the 8th day of March, 1811, in Hamilton County, Ohio. His parents names were William and Sarah {Woodruff) Gard. His father was the son of Jeremiah and Experience Gard, and was born June 9, 1788, in Fayette County, in the State of Pennsylvania. Jesse's mother died when he was only two years old. His father afterward married his deceased wife's sister, Phoebe Woodruff, who was a kind and attentive mother to the little boy and girl left to her keeping. In the winter of 1826 and '27 he was a member of the Indiana Legislature, and on returning home on horseback got caught in the rain, taking cold, which resulted in hasty consumption from which he died, April 14, 1827. He was buried on his farm in what is now Fork Township, in Switzerland County, Indiana. Jesse in the meantime had been attending school as much as circumstances would permit. He was engaged for awhile before his father's death in clerking in a store at Liberty, Union County, Indiana. At the death of his father he was called borne to take charge of his affairs and look after his stepmother, a sister, two half-sisters and a half-brother. Though but sixteen years of age he did not hesitate as to his duty, and from that time until his death he had the cares and responsibility of looking after some one dependent on him for support. He was married to Amanda McHenry, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth McHenry,on the 21st day of
February, 1833. He resided on a part of the old farm in Switzerland County until the spring of 1849; there eight of their children were born and two of them died. He was elected and served one term in his township as justice of the peace, and from that time on, according to the usual custom of the county, was known as 'Squire Gard. He had been reared a Democrat, but in the great tidal wave of 1840 he united with the "Whig party, and from that time on until the dissolution of that party he was its faithful follower. Afterward he was among the most ardent supporters of the Republican party. In the spring of 1849 he moved to this county, buying of Page Sims and William Sims the farm of 120 acres on which he afterward lived and died, one mile east of the village of Middle Fork. This farm was then covered with a heavy growth of black walnut trees ; the fences were all made of black walnut rails. A few years after he settled there he built a frame dwelling house almost entirely of black walnut timber, even to the weather boarding. A great many of these fine trees were cut down and burned, little thinking of the wealth stored away in them. After his removal to this county two sons were added to the family, and one died — Joseph M., after having arrived at manhood. His life though one of toil was not devoid of content and had very much that went to lighten the burthen of care and responsibility and served to make up for its labors and its trials. He enjoyed work, he was not satisfied to be idle, he was a great reader mid took pleasure in books and newspapers. He was always a close observer of the current events of the day, and was thoroughly posted in all the leading movements of the times. During the dark days of the Rebellion he was keenly alive to the importance of the situation, and his anxiety for the success of the Federal army and the overthrow of the Rebellion was that of a loyal patriot and true friend of his country. For some ten years before his death he was a great sufferer from a cancerous affection behind his left ear. He submitted to surgical operations which seemed to check its growth but had the effect to partially paralyze that side of his face. He died October 19, 1S81, leaving surviving him his widow and the following named children — Perry W., Oliver, McHenry and Edward, his sons, and Charlotte McKown, Cynthia A. Dronberger and Eliza A. Connaway,his daughters. Of these, Perry Ward, Dr. Oliver Gard and Mrs. Dronberger live in Frankfort ; Mack lives in Texas, and Ed is carrying on business at Middle Fork in the same storeroom where his three elder brothers have done business before him ; Charlotte lives on a part of the home place, and Eliza resides at Liberty, in Union County, Indiana, in the same town where her father sold goods as a clerk sixty years before.

NEWTON JASPER GASKELL, auditor of Clinton County, is a native of this county, born in Center Township, April 9, 1838. His father, John Wesley Gaskell, was a native of New Jersey, but when a child his parents moved to Warren County, Ohio, where in 1833 he married Miss Abigail Rippey, a native of Ohio. The same year came to Clinton County and entered a tract of heavily timbered Government land in what is now Center Township, which he improved and lived on, carrying on farming and stock dealing until 1868, when' he moved to Frankfort, where he died October 19 of the same year. In early life he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but later was connected with no denomination, inclining toward the Universalist faith. The mother is living in Frankfort with her children. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which she united in her youth. Our subject was reared on the farm where he was born, and received his early education in the district schools, attending one term in the preparatory department of the Wabash College at Crawfordsville. In 1859 he began to teach in the schools of Clinton County, and followed the vocation several years during the winter. March 12, 1867, he married Miss Maria Brandon, daughter of Samuel and Maria (Hill) Brandon, old settlers of Clinton County. After his marriage he settled on a farm in Center Township, where he lived until 1871, when, renting his farm, he moved to Frankfort, and for a time was engaged in the marble business. In politics Mr. Gaskell is a Democrat. In January, 1 1873, he was appointed trustee of Center Township to fill a vacancy, and the same year was employed as assistant in the auditor's office. In 1874 he was appointed deputy auditor by Cyrus Clark, and held that position until 1878 when he was elected auditor, and was re-elected in 1882. He is a member of no religious denomination, his wife being a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken the Knight Templar degrees. He has been presiding officer of lodge, chapter and commandery, holding at present the office of eminent commander in the latter. Mr. and Mrs. Gaskell have no children, but have living with them a niece, Miss Stella Brandon.

Source: History of Clinton County, Indiana: Published by Inter-state Pub. Co., 1886