Montgomery County, Indiana
Clark Township
S. F. Ashby, grain dealer and farmer, Ladoga, was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, December 25, 1828, and is the son of S. and Nancy (Radford) Ashby, who were natives of Shelby county, Kentucky. The father was born in 1797, married in 1819, and died June 24,1854; his wife was born in 1797, and died in 1855. They removed to Indiana in 1829, and lived in Montgomery County for a short time after settling in Putnam County, where they lived till their death. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm in Putnam County, and is the owner of 216 acres of well improved land located within two miles of the beautiful village of Ladoga. He is also quite an extensive dealer in grain, the firm handling from sixty to seventy thousand bushels of wheat yearly. He is an active business mail, and takes part in all improvements. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, No. 187, which meets at Ladoga. In 1860 he married Miss Ella McNay, daughter of Samuel McNay, and a native of Kentucky. By this union they have three children : Cora E., Eugene C. and Edgar C.
S. S. Mills, farmer, Ladoga, is probably the oldest born citizen of Clark Township now living, where he has resided since his birth, in 1829. He is the son of Lewis D. and Rebecca (Fitzpatrick) Mills. The father was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, December 7, 1791, and was married August 6, 1812. His mother was born March 10, 1794. In 1827 they came to Montgomery County, Indiana, and settled in Clark township near Ladoga. They both died in this county, the father December 19, 1847, the mother July 22, 1843. The father served in the war of 1812. Mr. Mills, the subject of this sketch, was married July 29, 1852, to Miss Rebecca Stoner, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Gharst) Stoner, who were natives of Virginia. Mrs. Mills was born October 28, 1831, and died July 22, 1866. May 18, 1871, he again married, this time to Lydia Stoner, sister of his first wife. Mr. Mills' family by former* wife are John W., Claria E.. Mary C.. William M., Emma E., and two deceased, Sarah E. and Nettie J.
Drake Brookshier, farmer, Ladoga, is one of the leading farmers of Clark Township. He is a native of Randolph county, North Carolina, and was born in 1819, and is the son of Joel and Sarah Slock) Brookshier. His mother was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1790, and his father was born in Randolph County, North Carolina, in 1782. They both died in this county, the latter in 1869 and the former about 1856. They came to Montgomery County with their family as early as 1830, and settled in Scott township. Mr. Brookshier has been a resident of the county since 1830, and was reared on his father's farm till twenty-three years of age, when he married Miss Sarah Graves, daughter of Leonard and Mary (Calicott) Graves. She was born in Randolph County, North Carolina, in 1823. Their family are Andrew G., Allen, Alexander M., Mary E., Elizabeth V., Joel, Thomas D., Calvin W., Lee, and one deceased, James. Mr. Brookshier is the owner of a tine farm of 292 acres. He is an Odd- Fellow and a democrat.
Jacob M. Harshbarger, farmer, Ladoga, was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, March 10, 1828, and is the son of Jacob and Salome Harshbarger. The father was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, June 24, 1792, and the mother in Botetourt county, Virginia, May 17, 1796. They moved from Virginia to Montgomery County, Indiana, in 1831, and settled in Clark Township, where they lived an honorable and respectable life. He died February 8, 1875, and his wife about 1872. Mr. Harshbarger, the subject of this sketch, is one of the energetic and respected citizens of the county, and has taken an active part in its early improvements. April 13, 1848, he married Miss Mary Myers, daughter of Henry and Hannah, (Arnold) Myers. She was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, October 28, 1826, and came with her parents to Montgomery County in 1833, and settled in Scott township. They were among the respected pioneers of the county. The father departed this life February 25, 1875, in his seventy-eighth year, and the mother January 7, 1876, in her sixty-ninth year, both having died of paralysis. Mr. Harshbarger's family are Salome E., wife of H. Davidson; Amanda and George W., and two deceased, Marion M. and Henry M. Mr. Harshbarger is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a stalwart republican. He owns 500 acres of land, and Mrs. Harshbarger owns 650.
G. W. Clark, farmer, Ladoga, was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, in 1813, and is the son of William and Betsy (Blades) Clark, who were natives of Kentucky, and removed to Parke county, Indiana, in 1825; thence to Montgomery county about 1831, and settled in Clark township, where they lived till their death. Mr. Clark was born October 26, 1791, and died September 5, 1846. Mrs. Clark was born February 20, 1793, and died about 1864. On December 23, 1838, the subject of this sketch married Priscilla Manners, daughter of James and Lettice (Hight) Manners. Her father was a native of Maryland, and mother of Kentucky, and came to Monroe County, Indiana, in 1819: thence to Putnam County, and about 1830 they removed to Montgomery County, where they both died. Her father was born March 30, 1793, and died March 19, 1871, and her mother was born July 19, 1793, and died February 3, 1870. Mrs. Clark taught school for a number of years in this county in an early day. She has been a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-two years, and Mr. Clark has been a life-long republican.
John Barnet, farmer, Ladoga, was born in Butler County, Ohio, June 7, 1813, and is the son of James and Hannah Barnet, who were natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1832, and settled in Clark township. Mr. Barnet now lives on the same farm, and has ever since he came to the county. Pie has taken an active part in the early improvements of the part of the county in which he lives. In 1841 he was elected to the legislature, and served in the session of 1841 and 1842. In 1832 he married Miss Jane Creason, a native of Preble County, Ohio, who was born in 1813. and departed this life in 1862. He married again, in 1863, Rebecca Gregg, formerly Rebecca Watkins, daughter of George Watkins, who came to this county in 1831. Mr. Barnet has thirteen children by former wife and three by present wife. He is a stalwart republican.
J. B. Pefley , farmer, Ladoga, was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, March 19, 1813, and is the son of Samuel and Annie Pefley, the father being a native of Pennsylvania. They removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1835, and settled on the farm where Mr. Pefley now lives. Here they lived till their death, he dying May 10, 1860, in his eighty-fifth year, and she died August 5, 1864. in her eighty-second year. Mr. Pefley married, in 1834, Miss Sally Mangus, a native of Botetourt County, Virginia, who was born December 10, 1816. Their family are Daniel, Isaac, David F., Anna, wife of W. R. Harshbarger; Samuel J. and George M.; three deceased: Mary F., Esther E., and one in infancy.
Z. F. Mahorney, farmer, Ladoga, was born in Washington county, Indiana, August 8, 1818. He is the son of Benett and Mary (Fisher) Mahorney, who were natives of Shelby county, Kentucky. Mr. Mahorney's father was a ferry keep at Westport, Kentucky, and was accidentally drowned when Mr. Mahorney was about seven years of age, after which Mr, Mahorney and mother removed to Shelby county, Kentucky. Here he remained and received his education, and in the meantime learned the tailor's trade. In 1836 he came to Montgomery County, Indiana, and worked by the day until he earned money enough to. buy eighty acres of land in Putnam county. In 1840 he married Miss Catharine Harshbarger, a native of Virginia, and by this union has raised a family of eleven children: Jacob W., Zachariah W., Sophia A., wife of D. Myers ; Byron T., Jacob I., John C., James P., Phoebe L., David D., Mary L., Martha J., Daniel M. Mr. Mahorney is the owner of a fine farm, with good improvements, located near the town of Ladoga. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and is respected by all who know him.
R. H. Lane, farmer, Ladoga, was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, in 1S18, and is the son of Robert G. and Elizabeth (Hackley) Lane. The father was a native of Virginia, and the mother of Kentucky, and they came to Putnam County, Indiana, in the fall 1842, and to Montgomery county in 1843, where they both lived till their death. Mr. Lane, the subject of this notice, was raised on a farm and has been a resident of this, county since 1843, and by hard work and close attention to agricultural pursuits he has become the owner of a fine farm containing 180 acres. In 1849 he married Miss Sarah Ashby, daughter of Silas and Nancy (Radford) Ashby, who came from Kentucky to Putnam County, Indiana, in 1829. Mrs. Lane was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, in 1826. Their families are Robert S., Bladen O., Mary E., Dora B., Emma C., Rosa H. and Minnie; three deceased: James II., Anna E. and Nancy C. Mr. and Mrs. Lane are members of the Reformed church, and Mr. Lane is a member of the Masonic fraternity, No. 187, which meets at Ladoga.
A. W. Daugherty & Bro.. proprietors of the Model Mills, Ladoga. There always seems to be room in any locality for wide-awake business men in whatever line of business they may choose to engage. A practical demonstration of this fact has been made by A. W. & J. Daugherty, proprietors of the Model Mills, of Ladoga. They were born in Green County, Ohio, Andrew W. in 1831 and Josiah in 1836, and are the sons of James and Mary A. (Cramer) Daugherty, who were of Irish and German decent. They removed with their family to Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1841, first locating at Darlington, thence removed to Crawfordsville, and to Ladoga in 1844. The Daugherty brothers were raised to the milling business, there father being a linseed oil maker and roll carder, which, he followed in this county for a number of years. He died in 1877, being about sixty-six years of age, and his wife died in 1868 at the age of fifty-eight. The long experience the Daugherty: Bros, have had in the mill business enables them to know the wants of the public, therefore they have added all the modern improvements to their mill and are able to compete with other mills in the county. They are prominent members of the fraternity of Odd-Fellows, and are staunch republicans. Josiah married, in 1867, Miss Rachel Kiser, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and has two children: Harry, aged ten; Annie, aged six.
M. C. Drake, physician and surgeon, Ladoga. In every profession there are those who by years of hard study, constant practice, and a close attention to business, are the recognized in their profession. This position has been honestly attained by M. C. Drake, M.D., of Ladoga, who for years has been a practicing physician and surgeon. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, June 19, 1834. He received his early education at Delaware, Ohio, and in 1854 began the study of medicine, and in the session of 1856-7 graduated at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and in 1872 graduated at Belleview Medical College. He came to Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1854, and began practicing at Fredericksburg, continuing until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he entered as a physician and surgeon the 15th Ill. reg., in which capacity he faithfully served for three years. In 1870 he came to Ladoga, where he soon entered into a lucrative practice. He started in life with nothing but that of his profession, but by close attention to business he has become the owner of a tine home and a well-established drug business. He has attained a high standing in Masonry, in which he is a York-Rite and Scotch-Rite member, and has taken the thirty-second degree. In 1858 he married Miss Jane J. Vanarsdall, a native of Harrisburg, Kentucky. Their family consists of a son and daughter, James E., aged twenty, and Fannie, aged eighteen.
T. H. Messick, grain dealer, Ladoga, was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1818, is the son of Samuel and Hester Messick, who were of French and German descent, but American born. The father was a native of Maryland and mother of Kentucky, and moved to Preble county, Ohio, where the father died in 1825, and the mother died in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1838. At the age of thirteen the subject of this sketch went to Kentucky, where he served an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade, which occupation he followed for seventeen years. In 1855 he came to Montgomery county, Indiana. He served as mail agent three years on the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago railroad, and has been one of the most extensive grain dealers in this part of the county, having handled over 2,000,000 bushels of grain. He has been from his boyhood a strong advocate and worker in the cause of temperance, and is one of the active business men of Ladoga.
J. B. Wilson, M.D., physician and surgeon, Ladoga, one of the successful physicians and surgeons of Montgomery county, is a native of Montgomery county, Kentucky. He was born January 29,1830, and at four years of age his parents removed to Putnam county, Indiana, and located on a farm. His father, Henry Wilson, came to this county, and died in 1876. At the age of nineteen the doctor began the study of medicine at Danville, Indiana, after which he came to Ladoga and studied under Dr. Kelley, one of the pioneer physicians of the county. Since 1855 the doctor has been one of the leading physicians and surgeons of this part of the county. He is a graduate of Rush Medical College, of Chicago, also of the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a prominent Mason and staunch republican, and is a man who has not only been successful professionally but also financially. He is the half owner of a fine drug store, and other property in the town of Ladoga. The doctor is of a social turn, making and retaining friends without an effort. In 1859 he married Miss Mary L. Young, daughter of John Young, formerly president of the Northwestern University of Indianapolis, Indiana. His wife departed this life in 1879.
J. V. Coombs, principal of the Central Indiana Normal College, was born in Boone county, February 22, 1848. His parents were of English and German descent, and came to Indiana from North Carolina. In 1865 Mr. Coombs lost his left hand by the explosion of a gun. This accident caused him to turn his attention toward securing an education. At this time he could scarcely read or write. In 1868 ho entered the Academy of Ladoga, and in his twentieth year he began teaching in the country, and continued for three years. In 1871 he entered Butler University, remaining two years. In 1873 he entered Eureka College, but on account of the lack of means he left at the close of the year, and began teaching at Blue Mound, Illinois. 1875 again found him at Butler University. In 1876 he was elected principal of the Alamo graded school. In 1872 he graduated in the institution of which he is now principal. In the fall of 1877 he was elected as principal of the Waveland schools, which position he held until he was unanimously elected to the position which he now occupies.
B. H. Graves, livery and farmer, Ladoga, is a native of Randolph county, North Carolina, and is the son of Leonard and Mary (Calicott) Graves, who came to Scott township, Montgomery county, Indiana, in the spring of 1833, and resided on the same farm till their death. The father died in 1860, and the mother in 1866. Mr. Graves was raised on the farm where his father settled when he came to this county. Farming has been his occupation all his life. In 1856 he married Miss Sarah Brookshier, who was born in Montgomery county. Indiana, in 1833. She is the daughter of Joel and Sarah (Slock) Brookshier, who were natives of North Carolina, and came to this county about 1830. Her father died about 1863, and her mother in 1855. Mr. Graves' family are Homer P., Martin C. Gary H. and Francis E.
William H. Utterback, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, son of Martin and Elizabeth (McDowel) Utterback, was born in Henry county, Kentucky, March 3,1824. At the age of six years he, with his parents, came to this county, and in 1832 his parents entered land on Sec. 4 in Clark township, and immediately moved into the green woods and started their home. Here William grew to manhood and engaged in the sturdy duties of pioneer life. He thinks that nine months.of log cabin schooling will cover his early educational advantages. When twenty years old he commenced learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1860, when he moved upon the old farm and became its manager on account of his father's failing health. Since his father's and mother's death he has become the owner of the old homestead. December 13, 1849, he married Martha A., daughter of Thompson and Susan C. Ashby, a native of this township, and was born December 9, 1830. They are the parents of six children: Teressa B., wife of Isaac H. Click; Martha L., wife of Decatur D. Ellis; Alonzo, in whom his fond parents had centered every hope, at the age of nineteen fell a victim to typhoid fever; Susan C. and Cora A. Mr. Utterback is now quite happy over his grandson, Montie E. Ellis.
Andrew J. Davis, farmer, New Ross, Indiana. His parents, Mr. Robert and Keziah (Mallet) Davis, came to this county and settled in the northeast part of Clark township in the winter of 1830. They moved here from Kentucky on pack-horses. He at once entered land on a little creek called " Strap's branch," after an Indian chief named Strap from wearing a strap on his nose on account of his nasal organ being affected with something like a cancer. Here Mr. Davis cleared up a farm. As he began in the green woods he drove the deer from his growing grain and the wolves from his door. Here he reared his family, and here himself and wife died and are buried in their own private family burying-ground on the farm where they so long lived. His father is also buried here, though the first man who found a last resting-place here was Mr. John Sumner. A. J., the subject of our sketch, was born in Kentucky, September 22, 1829, and was about six months old when he came with his parents to this county. He had only the advantages of the country schools of this county's early history. In 1852 he married Miss Francis E. Litton, a native of Lawrence county, Indiana. They have six children : John W., Joseph H. S., Oliver C., Elizabeth M., Carrie B. and Charlie H. Mr. Davis is one of those congenial kind of men with whom it is a pleasure to meet, and a man well posted in the early history of this township.
William N. Carman, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, is a member of an extensive family in Long Island. His ancestors landed in New England 250 years ago. His grandfather, Joseph Carman, emigrated from New Jersey to Kentucky, and located where Louisville now is, at a time in its history when there was but a few pole tents in the district. On his way from New Jersey he stopped, however, a couple of years in Virginia. Soon after reaching Kentucky he was murdered by the Indians, near Bedford, in what is now Tremble county. It was supposed by his relatives that he had had some difficulty with one of the tribe, and that they for revenge killed him. His body was cut in pieces and hung upon a tree by the most savage and bloodthirsty of the tribe, indicating complete and satisfactory revenge. William N., son of Isaac and Mary (Hughs) Carman, was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, November 26, 1827, where his father had previously settled, and entered a farm of 240 acres. Mr. Carman's mother died of Asiatic cholera when he was but six years of age, and at the age of seven he emigrated with his father to Montgomery county, where he has since resided. Jan- nary 25, 1S49, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann, daughter of John and Mary (Ashby) Harrison, prominent families in Montgomery county's history. She was born in Clark township in 1S32, and is the mother of three children : Priscilla A., wife of John F. Zimmerman, Benjamin F. and Sallie F. Mr. Carman is the owner of a beautiful farm of 40Y acres.
Lewis Otterman, retired farmer, Ladoga, son of Lewis and Clara (Null)Otterman, was born in Putnam county, West Virginia, in September 1811. In the year 1830 he with his father's family emigrated to Clark township, where a farm was immediately entered on the frontier, arid pioneer hardships began. Lewis remained at home about two years after reaching this township, when he hired out at $8 per month. By a judicious saving of his first year's wages and what he received in advance upon his second year's work he was enabled to enter two forties, upon which he is now very comfortably spending his declining years. By an untiring energy and economy he increased the number of his acres to 1,200, a good portion of which he has recently divided among his children. In the summer of 1836 Mr. Otterman was married to Miss Hetty, daughter of Samuel Pefley. She is a native of Virginia, and was born July 21, 1818. They are the parents of seven children: Ann Eliza, wife of Isaac H. Smith; Sarah J., wife of D. J. Bradley ; Samuel H., John F., Lewis C., James M. and George W.
Preston Hicks, farmer, Ladoga, was born January 28, 1830, near Russell ville, and is the son of Jefferson and Lucinda (Ragsdale) Hicks. His father was born in Kentucky, June 11, 1810, while his mother was born in the same state May 1,1811. His father came here in 1831, and settled where his son Samuel now lives. April 9, 1854. Mr. Hicks was married to Martha A. Utterback, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Utterback, by the Rev. Mr. Baldwin. They have become the parents of twelve children : William, Samuel, Melissa J., Martin, Marietta, Henry, Allen, Thos. J., Robert F., Jesse O. and Charlie. His first farm contained forty acres, but now he is the owner of 900 acres, and is considered one of the wealthiest men of the township.
David Stoner, farmer, Ladoga. This highly esteemed and generous hearted citizen was born in Botetourt county. Virginia, May 25,1806. His early years were spent.in farming and attending in the old hilly country of his native state the district school. In 1831 he came to Indiana and entered land in Clark township. In 1851 he was married to Miss Ann Deardorff, a native of Preble county. Ohio, and became the father of six children: Catharine, wife of William Higgins; Benjamin, Caroline, Samuel, Christena, wife of William Hicks ; Saloma A. Mr. Stoner's life is an example worthy of the following of many young men of our county: beginning life a poor boy, but full of energy and a stirring will, he constantly rose in the estimation of friends and in the accumulation of this world's goods. It was an invariable practice of his in his younger days to make one shoe every evening after his day's work was done. Thus his start in life was among hardships and industry, the fruit of which is 1,000 acres of fine farming land in this and in Boone county. Mr. Stoner traces his ancestors on the paternal side to the English, and those on the maternal side to the Germans. In 1837 he came with his stepmother to this township from Virginia, and has since remained a leading citizen. In an early day he erected a saw-mill, which did good service in furnishing building materials to the pioneers. October 14, 1878, Mrs. Stoner died with a cancer. As honest labor (in the slave state of Virginia) was considered dishonorable for a white man, Mr. Stoner sought a home in a free state early in life.
Huston McCrery, farmer, Jamestown. In 1790 Mr. James McCrery emigrated from Belfast, Ireland, to the United States, and settled in Virginia, bringing with him his wife, Frances (Huston) McCrery, and two children. After settling in America he became the father of seven other children, all of whom are dead save Huston, the subject of this sketch, who was born in 1808, and came west to find a suitable location. In 1832, while prospecting, he came to this county with the desire of establishing a tan-yard, but not finding a suitable quality of black-oak bark for tanning purposes he and his brother abandoned the project and returned to Virginia. In 1836 Mr. McCrery. having been pleased with the beauties of the country as an agricultural district, returned and bought land on Sec. 11,T.17. He began life for himself with but $16, but by hard work and close attention to business he now owns 400 acres of excellent land under a fine state of cultivation. In 1836 he was married to Miss Lucinda Jorden, who was born October 16, 1814, in Bedford county, Virginia. They are the parents of five children : James, Sarah E., John, Margaret J. and Andrew J. Mr. McCrery is an Odd-Fellow, being a member of Luther Lode, No. 227.
William R. Harshbarger, farmer, Ladoga, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Myers) Harshbarger, was born in Scott township, November 10, 1839, and was reared on the farm and thoroughly educated in the pursuit of agriculture and affairs pertaining to practical business. He received such an education as was obtainable in the school-houses in the township's early history. November 12, 1863, he was married to Miss Anna, daughter of John B. and Sallie (Mangues) Pefley . She was born in Clark township September 28, 1843. They are the parents of five children: Emma E., Effia L., Daniel W., John, and George F. Mr. Harshbarger is now engaged in farming and general stock raising, making the higher grades of sheep a specialty. Since 1867 he has been the pastor in the Dunkard church of Scott township.
John E. Pefley . farming, Ladoga, son of John and Mary M. (Robinson) Pefley , was born in West Virginia, April 9, 1830. In 1833 he came with his parents to this county and settled in the wild woods of Clark township. His early education was such as was afforded in the old log cabin school-house with its split log benches, its greased paper tacked over a hole in the logs through which the light might pass, and its peculiar pedagogue, who would be a real curiosity in this day of the free school system. His first vote was cast for free schools. His practical education was complete especially as far as it related to the clearing of timber and hard labor. October 6, 1859, he married Miss Sarepta, daughter of Jacob Stoner. She died in June 1866. In October, 1870. he was married to his second wife, Miss Eunice A., daughter of Ira Hunt, an early settler of this township. She was born May 1, 1842. Mr. Pefley is the father of three children: William H., by his first wife, and Lorena D. and Dora M. by his last wife. He is now living on his farm, one mile northeast of Ladoga. April 3, 1877, Mr. Pefley obtained a patent for a fence post, which is an excellent thing of its kind, and which should be generally known and used throughout the country. Mrs. Pefley 's mother, an intelligent and interesting old lady, is still living, just east of Ladoga, and is well posted in the scenes and characteristics of the early settlers' life.
David D. Neely, farmer, Ladoga, son of Thomas and Laruhama (Dryden) Neely, was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, May 15, 1823. Very early in life he came to this county and has ever since made his home within its borders. September 3, 1850, he was married to Miss Martha E., daughter of James and Sarah (Wilcox) Hanna. She was born in Brown township, in this county, where her father entered land in 1829 and soon opened a tan-yard. It is believed by many that this was the first enterprise of this kind in this portion of Montgomery county. Mr. Neely learned the carpenter's trade early in life, and has since followed that trade in connection with his farming. He spent one year in Iowa, and while there he built the first frame house in Des Moines. February 15, 1864, he moved to his present home, about three miles northeast of Ladoga, where he is comfortably situated engaged in farming. Mrs. Neely traces her ancestry back to the distinguished pioneer, Daniel Boone, who was an uncle of her grandmother, this lady being a daughter of Jonathan Boone, and was raised in the old fort built by the first members of the Boone family.
Josephus Graybill, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, son of Samuel and Lydia (Arnold) Graybill, was born in Scott township September 10, 1837. His principal education was hard work, industry, economy and honesty, and a few leisure days in the winter spent in attending the early subscription schools of his native township. December 12, 1861, he was married to Miss Mary J.,daughter of Samuel P. Frame. She was born in this township January 27, 1846, and has become the mother of two children, Saloma A. (or Duck, as she is more familiarly known) and Homer F. Mr. Graybill is now living one half mile east of Ladoga, engaged in farming and general stock raising. He received 160 acres of land from his father to begin upon, but by an ever persistent energy, economy, and close attention to business, he is now the happy possessor of 560 acres of good farming land, under a high state of cultivation. He is one of the enterprising, wealthy and leading men of Clark township.
Thomas M. Rose, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, son of Alfred and Mary (Morrison) Rose, was born in this township November 13, 1831, and is, with the exception of Smith Mills, the first born citizen of Clark that is now living in it. He has been a citizen of no other township since his birth. His education was such as an industrious and eager boy might have obtained at the early schools. August 15, 1860, he was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of John and Mary (Robinson) Pefley . They are the parents of two children : Mary E. and Grant E. Mr. Rose traces his ancestry back to England. His great-grandfather, John Rose, came from there early in the last century, and landed in New York, where he was sold out to pay his passage fare from his native country to America. Later in life he settled in Shenandoah county, Virginia, where Alfred Rose was born February 8, 1804. April 24, 1825, he was married to Miss Mary Morrison, and in 1829 he moved from Virginia to Montgomery county, and settled in Clark township. Here they raised a family of eight children, the fourth of whom is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Rose's mother was born September 5, 1807, in east Tennessee, and died November 3, 1868. Mr. Rose's farm is located on the gravel road, about two miles east of Ladoga, from the highest point of which can be had a line view of the surrounding country. Mr. Rose is now turning his attention to tile-draining and other improvements, which will soon make his one of the finest farms in this township. His father, Mr. Alfred Rose, has recently (February 19, 1881) met with a most distressing accident, the loss of an arm, caused by bruising one of his fingers between two blocks of wood, January 1, 1881.
Zachariah Pefley , farmer, Ladoga, son of John and Mary M. (Robison) Pefley, was born in this township September 24, 1834. His education was received in the public schools of the county, and consisted of a thorough training in the elementary branches. In 1857 he was married to Miss Sarah J., daughter of John Barnett. She died in November, 1861, and September 11, 1862, Mr. Pefley was married to Miss Nancy, daughter of Samuel Parkhurst. She was born in Henry, Indiana, June 23, 1837. They have become the parents of six children: Sarah A., Artie I., Emery A., Albert Z., Lydia B. and Omer L. Mr. Pefley is actively engaged in farming and stock raising on his farm one and a half miles northeast of Ladoga. His parents are still living, and are among the earliest settlers now living in this part of the county, having located here in 1831. They came from Virginia, and reached here when the county was but sparsely settled. His father was born April 21, 1803, but his mother not until January 11, 1808. On August 7, 1842, his father, while returning home from a short distance west of his residence, in company with two of his sons, was badly crippled by a tree falling on them from behind. He has since been unable to work on account of the affair. One of the boys, aged seven years, was killed outright. Mrs. Pefley has suffered much during the past two years from a severe stroke of palsy, which has worried her watchful husband and respecting children to an unmeasured degree.
William Frame, farmer, Ladoga, son of William and Susan (Davis) Frame, was born in Kentucky, November 27, 1817. In 1828 he came with his parents to Scott township, and settled a little north of Parkersburg. Here young William received a good practical education while attending the various log-cabin schools, and was well drilled in the requirements of the pioneer and their many difficulties. In 1838 he went to Iowa, and while there was engaged in various connections with his farmings until 1849, when he returned to this county. In the spring of 1850 he came to Clark township, and took charge of the farm of Mr. Jacob Harshbarger. April 3, 1850, he was married to Miss Ann, daughter of Jacob and Saloma (Amon) llarshbarger. She was born in Virginia, March 3, 1830. They have six children living: Marcus D. L., George W., Mary E., Jane S., wife of Mr. Jerry Gish; John G. and Alice A. Mr. Frame is now engaged in farming and general stock raising on his farm adjoining the village of Ladoga on the north.
In September, 1838, Mr. Daniel Graybill came to this county, and settled in Scott township. Here he bought a farm and engaged in farming. In 1840 he built a saw-mill, and engaged in preparing lumber with which the pioneers could replace the cabins with more suitable and commodious houses. In about 1848 he added a gristmill to his enterprise. In September, 1880. he sold his farm and came to Ladoga, and now lives a retired life. He was born in Virginia, November 13, 1810. February 9, 1832, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Frankebarger, also a native of Virginia, who died February 6, 1873. August 2, 1873, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Masterson, a daughter of John F. Lane. Mr. Graybill is the father of six children, one of whom, Samuel F., was born in Ohio, May 5, 1837. In 1838 he came with his parents to this county. His education was limited as far as school advantages were concerned, but it was abundant when hard labor and practical affairs are taken into consideration. September 20, I860, he married Miss Mary C., daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Myers) Arnold. She was born in Scott township, January 19,1839. They have four children : Laurie E., Alice M., Man son, and Louie L. Mr. Graybill is now engaged in farming and stock raising on his excellent farm of 190 acres northwest of Ladoga, which, with its beautiful growth of timber, its fine, undulating appearance, and its exquisite improvements and surroundings, make it one of the most desired homes of Scott township.
James Manners, farmer, Ladoga, son of James and Lettice (Hight) Manners, was born in Russellville, Indiana, Augusts, 1827, and in the spring of 1830 came to his present home in Clark township. In a log cabin one mile south of his home he learned his ABC's sitting upon the flat side of split logs for benches, and receiving the light through greased paper stretched over holes in the sides of the building in place of windows. He had much experience in the hard ways of pioneer life, having many times followed the trail through the woods to a point four miles north of Crawfordsville, on horseback, as the nearest point to mill. January 4, 1849, he was married to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Robert and Mary (Blades) Miller. She was born in Kentucky, April 30, 1831, but soon came with her parents to this county, and became one of its pioneer citizens. They have five children living : Robert M., Louisa L., Lettie H., Priscilla C., James H. died February 1877 and George P. Mr. Manners has, with the exception of about six years spent in Iowa and about the same time in Putnam county, spent his life in Clark township. He has been engaged during life in farming, school-teaching, milling, and the mercantile business. September 22, 1862, he became a member of Co. F, 54th Ind. Vol. Inf., which participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg. He was discharged at New Orleans in September, 1863, on account of disability. His father was born in Maryland, March 30,1793, and although his paternal parents were born in Ireland he traces his maternal ancestry to England. His father died in Clark township, after a life of usefulness and industry, in February 1871. His mother died February 3, 1870, after raising a family of eight children, all of whom were educated to be useful men and women.
Thomas Pefley , farmer, Ladoga, son of John and Mary M. (Robison) Pefley , was born in Clark township, March 2, 1833. Here he grew to manhood, having actively engaged in many early frolics, and received such an education as was furnished to the students of the early schools. June 18, 1857, he was married to Miss Melvina, daughter of Mr. Alfred Rose, one of the earliest settlers of this township. She was born March 16. 1838. They have but two children living, William A. W. and Lucinda E. One of the most sad and heartbreaking accidents that any family are called to pass through in a lifetime was met by Mr. and Mrs. Pefley in the loss of a son, who was shot by accident on May 23, 1879, and died May 24, 1879, in his twentieth year. Mr. Pefley owns 120 acres of land, and is now living on his farm, about three miles east of Ladoga. In October, 1862, he was drafted into the army, but not being able to leave home he hired a substitute, but October 24, 1863, he enlisted as corporal in Co. K. 126th reg., 11th Calv., and on account of disability he was discharged September 7, 1864.
James F. Harney was born March 1, 1824, in Shelby county, Kentucky. The family were of Scotch-Irish extraction, and came to this country just before the revolutionary war. He removed to Indiana with his father, G. T. Harney, in 1835. He was the eldest of the children, and while the father devoted a good share of his time in preaching to the people in the thinly scattered settlements, it devolved upon the son to look after the interests of the family and clear the farm. Of course his opportunity for an education was limited, but by dint of close application he managed to acquire a fair English education, and added to that by several terms attendance at the Wabash College. At the outbreak of the Mexican war, in June 1^46, he enlisted in H. S. Jones' company, made up almost entirely from this county,' and was appointed on the staff of Col. I. P. Drake, of 1st reg. Ind. Vols.. The vessel in which he crossed the gulf was wrecked on the breakers of Padre Island, forty miles west of the Brazos, on the morning of July 23. They were finally rescued, and the 1st reg. took post at camp Belknap, on the Rio Grande. In the latter part of August Mr. Harney received news of the sudden and terrible death of his father and only brother, leaving his mother and sisters without anyone to care for or protect them. This caused his immediate return home, extinguishing all desire for military life. At the August election, in 1849, he was elected, on the democratic ticket, a member of the lower house of the legislature. He was again elected in 1858 and 1862, and in 1872 he was elected to the state senate. In 1864 he was a candidate for congress in the eighth congressional district, but was defeated by his opponent, Hon. G. A. Orth. Mr. Harney was married October 1851, to Miss America L. Harrison, youngest daughter of Capt. Joshua Harrison. They have had five children: Sallie E.. Mollie L., Carrie T. and George. John H. died January 9, 1S80.
Gilbert T. Harney was born in Nicholas county, Kentucky, July 16, 1801. His parents died in 1816, leaving ten children. When eighteen years old he removed to Shelby county, Kentucky, where he joined the Regular Baptist church, and was soon after admitted to preach and ordained as a minister. In 1823 he was married to Charlotte Kyle, of Lundoun county, Virginia. In 1830 he joined in with the reformation, and was an active member in that order until his death. In 1835 he removed to Indiana. He was the first preacher of that order that lived in that part of the county, preaching for the churches for an area of thirty miles. He was a man of more than ordinary intellectual power, of fine physical constitution, and urged on whatever pursuit he undertook with great zeal and industry. July 23, 1846, with his son John, then about nineteen years of age, he undertook to repair a pump in the well on the premises. John, not apprehending danger, went down in the well to see what was needed, when he was stricken by the well-damp and fell to the bottom. The father, without a moment's thought as to the cause, or what would be the result, rushed down in the well to the rescue, only to meet the same terrible fate. 'It was several hours before the lifeless bodies were recovered. Gilbert Harney's first wife, Charlotte, died August 4, 1837, leaving five children. About a year after Mr. Harvey married Sarah Goodnight, formerly from Lincoln county, Kentucky. She still survives, and is now past eighty-three years old. His surviving children were James F., Francis M., Susan L. and Mahala T.
W. B. Gill, lumber dealer, Ladoga, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, July 13, 1845, and is the son of Jonathan and Scyth (Ingraham) Gill, who are natives of Bath county, Kentucky. The father was born May 30, 1810, and married September 17, 1837, and the mother was born December 16, 1817. They removed to Montgomery county in 1837, and improved a large farm, where they lived for many years. Through hard work the father's health failed, since which time they have resided in Ladoga. W. B. Gill, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his father's farm, in the meantime securing a good business education. Since 1878 he has been engaged in the lumber business. In 1870 he married Mrs. Amanda J. Knox, formerly Miss Amanda J. Anderson, and daughter of C. H. R. Anderson, who is one of the old and respected citizens of Montgomery county. Mr. and Mrs. Gill are members of the Christian church, and are highly respected citizens of the county.
D. D. Nicholdson, farmer, Ladoga, one of the old and respected citizens of Ladoga, was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, December 1, 1811. His father, Benjamin Nicholdson, came from Virginia to Kentucky when a boy, and married Jemima Stars, and in 1812 removed to Washington county, Indiana, where he was one of the pioneers of that county. In 1813 and 1814 he was compelled to live in a fort for protection from the Indians. He resided in that county till his death, 1848. His wife died in 1830, in the same county. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, receiving a common school education, such as could be obtained in those days. At the age of twenty-one years he started for himself, having learned the blacksmith trade. He followed this occupation for a great many years, and was the first of his trade that located in Ladoga. In 1839 he came to Putnam county, where he engaged in farming until he removed to Montgomery county, 1837, and has since been a permanent resident of Ladoga, there only being six families in the village when he came. He has filled a great many offices of trust with credit to himself and to his constituents, having served as justice of the peace and township trustee for a great many years, and in 1848 and 1849 represented Montgomery county. In 1832 he married Miss Elizabeth Fleenor, a native of Washington county, Indiana, who has proved a faithful wife and mother. Their family consists of Benjamin H., Sarah V., John, William W., Oliver W., Reese D. and Amanda 0.
John H. Harshbarger, farmer and stock raiser, New Ross, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Myers).Harshbarger, was born in Virginia, January 5, 1832, and in 1837 came with his parents to this county and settled in Scott township, where John H. grew up, educated in all the arts of early settling in a new country, and where the foundation of affability and hospitality was early laid and strong. February 2, 1854, he was married to Miss Susan, daughter of Willis and Hannah (Jones) Clark. She was born in Putnam county, Indiana, March 30, 1837. They became the parents of four children : Oliver W., Samuel M., William F. and Nannie E. Soon after his marriage he moved upon his present farm, in the northeast part of Clark township, and immediately began improving his new home with that untiring energy which has characterized his every movement. By dint of steady application, and a sturdy will that had been trained in a persevering school, he is now enjoying the comforts furnished by one of the best improved 200-acre farms in this beautiful portion of the Hoosier State. Mr. Harshbarger traces his family genealogy back to Germany, where his great-grandfather was born. Of Mr. Harsh- barger's own father the writer is able to say, of his own personal knowledge, that to him is due the credit of rearing one of the families in point of intelligence, industry and honor in this part of the county, and a family that any father would have just reason to be proud.
S. F. Kyle, merchant, Ladoga, is one of the active business men of Ladoga. He was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, April 4, 1841, and is the son of George E. and Elizabeth (Ashby) Kyle. The father, a native of Virginia, went to Kentucky when a young man, and married, and removed to Montgomery county, Indiana. Here he entered land in Clark township, where he was among the first settlers. In 1871 he was accidentally killed at Ashby's Station, while crossing the railroad, by a passing train of cars. Mr. Kyle's mother died about 1847. He was raised on a farm till eighteen years of age, when he began the mercantile business by clerking for the first three years, after which he embarked in the dry-goods trade at Ashby's Station, and has been in continuous business ever since, and since 1874 at Ladoga, where he keeps a full stock of dry goods and millinery. When he first began trade he did a business of $8,000 per yenr, and at present his average is from $4,000 to $5,000 per year. He also does outside business of about $75,000 per year, buying stock. In 1880 he was elected as township trustee. In 1863 he married Miss Susanah McGinnis, daughter of Joseph L. McGinnis, of Putnam county, Indiana.
J. C. Knox, postmaster, Ladoga, is a native of Montgomery county, Indiana, born in 1842. He is the son of James Knox, who came to this county about 1828 or 1830, and settled on a farm in Walnut township, where he spent the bigger part of his life. He died in Crawfordsville, this county, in 1869. J. C. spent the early part of his life on a farm. At the beginning of the rebellion he was among the first to respond to the call of his country, enlisting as private in llth Ind. Zouave reg., and reenlisted in the 58th Ind. Vol. Inf., and was promoted to first lieutenant, serving also in the 4th Ind. Cav. as captain of Co. I. He participated in a great many battles,— Pittsburg Landing, Chickamauga, Stone River; was captured at Buzzard's Roost, and was held as a prisoner, in different prisons, for eleven months, being in Macon, Georgia, Savannah, and Columbus, South Carolina.
M. B. Anderson, farmer and manufacturer of sorghum molasses, Ladoga, was born in Montgomery county, Virginia, September 2,1822, and is the son of Joseph and Christina (Britt) Anderson. In 1837 they removed to Morgan county, Indiana. At the age of twenty one years our subject started in life for himself, and came to Montgomery county in 1844, marrying, the same year, Miss, Salome Harshbarger, a native of Virginia, born in 1824, and came with her parents, Jacob and Salome Harshbarger, to this county in 1831. In 1857, when sugar cane was first introduced in this part of the country, Mr. Anderson was among the first to engage in the manufacture of molasses. His first process being the t>ld-fashioned wooden rollers, and boiling the juice in iron kettles ; but by continued experimenting, and a great desire to be foremost in his business, he has made such improvements as to enable him to manufacture by steam, which process makes a finer grade of molasses. With a few more improvements, he thinks the day is not far distant when he can produce a fine grade of sugar. Mr. Anderson is an energetic man, having spent a great deal of time and money to accomplish his design.
John F. Byrd, farmer, Ladoga, was born July 24, 1848, in Clark township, and has since lived upon the same farm upon which he was born, save the three years he lived in Ladoga. His father. James R. Byrd, came to this county with his parents, Abram and Jane (Randall) Byrd, about 1828. His wife Jane is still living, a hale, vigorous old lady, and one of the oldest citizens in the county. James R. settled in Clark township in 1841, on the farm located one and a half miles east of Ladoga, now owned by his son. John F. Byrd was married November 6,1873, to Miss Jessie A., daughter of James and Elizabeth (Forsythe) Ergenbright. She was born in Johnson county, Indiana, October 5, 1856. They have one child living, Estella Grace. They have lost two ; Oliver died November 10, 1880, an<l Wilter died February 11, 1881. Mr. Byrd's mother, Sarah (Wilson) Byrd, is still living in Ladoga, and is the daughter of Mr. Henry N. and Lucy (Badger) Wilson, early settlers of this country. He has two brothers, Oliver W. and William T. Of Mr. Byrd it may be said that he leads the rest of the family in the way of enterprise and intelligence, and to him is due the credit of the personal sketch of the family appearing in this history.
George W. Corn, farmer, Ladoga, son of Williams and Sarah B. (Alen) Corn, was born on the farm he now owns, in Clark township, February 20> 1841. He was raised among the hardships of pioneer life, and received such an education as an industrious boy might have obtained in the early schools of this portion of the county. December 24, 1863, he was married to Miss Huldah J., daughter of Bryant Williams. She- was born in Union township July 3, 1840. They have become the parents of one child, Valletta L. Mr. Corn is now actively engaged in stock raising as well as farming. He has recently completed a fine residence upon his farm, and his general surroundings indicate thrift and enterprise. His parents were among the earliest settlers of this county, having reached here in 1830 from Kentucky. They are both dead, and with them passed away two historical characters.
Daniel H. Himos, farmer, Ladoga, son of Daniel and Mary (Wrightsman) Himes, was born in Virginia, April 17, 1823, and when three years of age his parents moved to Ross county, Ohio, where Daniel grew to manhood, thoroughly instructed in the art of farming, hut having a natural taste for tools and the mechanic arts, at a proper age he turned his attention to learning the cooper's trade, but later in life he became a carpenter. In the winter of 1846 he came to this state and located in Montgomery county, and became engaged in his trade. May 16, 1850, he was married to Miss Mary L., daughter of Jacob and Saloma (Amon) Harslibarger. She was born in Clark township January 30, 1833. They are the parents of eleven living children : Saloma A., wife of J. Watkins, John C., Lydia C., wife of John L. Minnich, Samuel H., Silas M., Mary E., Daniel P. W., Sophia, Charlie C., Charity H. L. and Minnie A. Mr. Himes is now engaged in farming and stock raising on his farm, half a mjle north of Ladoga. This farm was entered by Mr. Jacob Harshbarger in an early day. He came from Virginia, where he sold out a small property and invested his money in land, and became the owner of about 1,400 acres of land in this county, valued at $80,000. He died in this township at the home of Mr. Himes, his son-in-law, February 6, 1866, in his seventy-fourth year. His wife died June 6, 1871, in her seventy-sixth year. At the time of her death she had sixty-eight grandchildren, and not an orphan among them. Mr. Himes' father died February 17, 1879, in his eighty-fourth year, while his mother passed away October 19, 1866, at the age of seventy. Both died at the home of their son Daniel.
William W. Ewing, school teacher and farmer, Ladoga, son of James and Harriet (Bishop) Ewing, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, September 9, 1843. At about the age of nine years he accompanied his parents to Indiana and settled in Parke county, where he lived until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in Co. A, 85th Ind., in December 1863. Mr. Ewing did his duty as a soldier with Gen. Sherman until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and upon his return to Indiana found his father a citizen of Montgomery county. He soon became a student after this time under Prof. Hopkins at the Ladoga Academy, and followed teaching with splendid success in connection with his studies. He is now engaged in farming and teaching. August 19,1868, he was married to Miss Sarah J. Goff, whose death occurred February 26, 1876. April 1, 1877, he married for his second wife Tilla Goff, daughter of Josephus Goff, of Owen county, Indiana. Mr. Ewing and his wife are both school teachers. He is the father of one child by his first wife, Lora E. Mr. Ewing's parents are still living in Union township, and enjoying a ripe old age. His mother is the only remaining sister of Ex-Gov. Bishop, of Ohio.
Jesse Durham, deceased, was born in Mercer (now Boyle) county, Kentucky, May 6, 1808. He was raised a farmer, and followed that occupation through life. January 7, 1834, he married Miss Isabel D., daughter of John and Mary (Knox) Caldwell. She was born in Mercer (now Boyle) county, Kentucky, October 12, 1814. In September, 1834, they located in Hendricks county, Indiana, where they remained sixteen years, at the expiration of which time they came to Montgomery county, and settled on Little Raccoon near the Hendricks county line, where they lived about five years, after which time they moved to Hendricks county a second time. In October. 1864, they arrived at Ladoga and permanently settled in the village, where Mr. Durham led a retired life. March 31, 1875, he died after a life of labor and usefulness, and like all good men and enterprising citizens universally loved and missed by numerous friends and many warm hearted neighbors. Mrs. Durham still lives in the old home in Ladoga, well surrounded with the comforts of this life left by her honored husband. She is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Durham is thoroughly conversant upon the hardships and trials of pioneer life, having braved the wilds of the frontier, and built a home in Hendricks county when the advantages of mails, roads, trading posts, to say nothing of the modes of travel of our day, and conveniences of village trade and religious societies, were all wanting.
Lewis C. Otterman, farmer, Ladoga, son of Lewis and Hettie (Pemey) Otterman, was born in Clark township June 20, 1845. His home has always been in the limits of this township, and here he has ever been engaged in agricultural pursuits and with good success. His schooling was not quite as extensive as is now furnished the youth of the county, for the reason none but subscription schools were accessible, and those only at long distances. September 31, 1874, he was married to Ruama Ann, daughter of John and Mary (Fordice) McKnight. She was born in Ohio, August 9, 1852. They have one child, Edgar X., who was born May 17, 1876. Mr. Otterman is now living on his farm of 210 acres, two and one-half miles southeast of Ladoga. He is an enterprising, thorough and affable citizen, as is also his venerable father, of whom it is said by his neighbors, that he added more to the material wealth of Clark township than any other person residing within its borders.
J. C. Mahoney, physician and surgeon, Ladoga, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1851, and is the son of Zachariah F. and Catharine (Ashbarger) Mahoney, who arejprominent citizens of the county, coming here in an early day. The doctor was raised on a farm till twenty-four years of age, and at the same time, having the advantages of a good education, he began the study of medieine, his preceptor being A. R. Thomas, dean of the Hahnemann College, of Philadelphia, and graduated at that time-honored institution in 1878, and began the practice of medicine at Ladoga the following year. By constant study and close attention to business he has already entered into an extensive practice. In 1880 he married Mrs. Nina Harshbarger, formerly Miss Nina Pefley .
A. L. Henry, hardware, Ladoga, was born on a farm in Scott township, Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1857, and is the son of M. M. Henry, who was the first male child born in Scott township. The subject of this sketch remained at home until in his fifteenth year, in the meantime receiving a good business education, but on account of ill- health he traveled for a number of years, one year for a wholesale house of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1880 he settled in Ladoga, embarking in the hardware business, and by upright treatment to his many customers and good business qualifications, he has established an extensive trade. In 1880 he married Miss Bell Hodshier, a native of this county.
W. B. Herod, attorney, Ladoga, is a native of Pendleton county, Kentucky, and was born in 1845. He is the son of Luther Herod, who came to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1851, thence came to Montgomery county in 1862. The subject of this brief notice spent the early part of .his life in educating himself. At the age of nineteen he began teaching school, which he followed for a number of years, spending his spare time in reading law. He has also attended the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in preparing himself for that of his profession. He served in the late rebellion in the 79th reg. Ind. Vols. He is well liked in the community whert; he lives, and is a member of the Odd-Fellows lodge. In 1866 he married Miss Mary Otterman, daughter of George Otterman, who came to this county in about 1829, and died in 1880, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Herod are members of the Christian church. Their family are John L., Cordelia, and George W.
W. Bateman, proprietor of Ladoga water-mills, Ladoga. These mills were the first built in Ladoga, about 1830, by a man by the name of Myers. The building has been remodeled from time to time by different owners, its present owner, W. Bateman, purchased it about 1865. Mr. Bateman is a native of Hendricks county, Indiana, bom in 1832. He was raised in that county on a farm until twenty-one years of age, after which he learned the milling business. which has been his occupation ever since. By making the mill-business a constant study, and close attention and industry, he has been quite successful, having started in life with but little or nothing. At the present time he is not only the owner of the mill property but that of a fine home. He is an active business man, and is appreciated by the public. In 1867 he married Miss Rebecca Smith, a native of Putnam county, Indiana, and daughter of Robert Smith, who was one of the early settlers of that county.
A. M. Scott, merchant, Ladoga, is one of the self-made and leading business men of Ladoga, where he began the mercantile business in 1866 with a limited capital, which was of his own accumulation. At first his business only amounted to $10,000 or $12,000 per year, but by close attention and honorable dealing with his many customers, his trade has increased to over $50,000 per year. It may well be said he is one of the successful business men of Montgomery county. In 1876 and 1877 he was elected as joint representative of Montgomery and Parke counties, which office he filled with credit to himself and his constituents. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. B, 43d Ind. \rol. Inf.. and was promoted to first lieutenant, but after serving for some time he was compelled to resign on account of ill health. Mr. Scott is the son of Alexander and Martha Scott, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, and removed to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1826. where A. M. Scott was born, March 23, 1836. In 1866 he married Miss Matilda Miller, daughter of Rev. John Miller, of Putnam county, Indiana. Mr. Scott is a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias, and an elder in the Presbyterian church.
H. S. Huntington, planing mills, Ladoga, was born in Wayne county, York state, in 1832, and is the son of Samuel D. and Mary (Howell) Huntington. Mr. Huntington came to Floyd county, Indiana, in 1859. He served two years in the quartermaster's department at Nashville during the rebellion. He came to this county in 1867, and worked at the carpenter's trade and stave business until he began his present occupation. In 1858 he married Miss Sarah Gregg, a native of York state. The issue are three children: Lizzie G., George M. and Harry.
M. A. Rapp, carriage and buggy manufacturer, Ladoga. One of the great improvements of Ladoga may be mentioned that of the Ladoga carriage and wagon manufactory, of which the proprietor and owner (M. A. Rapp) is a wide-awake and energetic business man, having come to Ladoga in 1869, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of carriages and light spring wagons. He not only makes the business successful financially, but gives general satisfaction to his many customers. He gives employment to eight and ten workmen. He is a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia, and came west in 1859, first locating in Terre Haute, Vigo county, Indiana, where he worked as a journeyman for some time. He is a member of the Masons, Odd-Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He married, in 1860, Emma Gillmore, of Putnam county, Indiana.
J. W. Nicholdson, dentist, Ladoga, is a native of Washington county, Indiana, and was born in 1849. At the age of twenty-three he began the study of dentistry at New Albany, and practiced in Washington county from 1871 till he came to Ladoga, in 1873, where he has since followed his profession. Already many proofs of his handiwork exist throughout the county; that assures the public of his capability. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. In 1874 he married Miss Ella Hendricks, daughter of Dr. Hendricks.
E. L. Snodgrass, planing miller, Ladoga. In writing up the industries of Ladoga we take great pleasure in mentioning the firm of Snodgrass & Huntington, proprietors of the Ladoga stave and planing mills, which was organized in 1876. E. L. Snodgrass is a native of Botetourt county, Virginia, and was born in 1845. He is the son of Robert and Nancy Snodgrass. Mr. Snodgrass served two years in the confederate army, serving in the 2d Vir. reg., and was in over fifty battles. He was severely wounded at the battle of Milford in 1864. In 1868 he came to Boone county, Indiana, where he worked at the carpenter's trade, and in 1876 came to this county. He is a member of the Masons and Knights of Pythias, and of the Presbyterian church. In 1868 he married Miss Virginia Mount, a native of this county, and daughter of Alfred G. and Margaret Mount. His family are Theodric, August O. and Maud G.
Clark & Carroll, harness and saddlers, Ladoga. In mentioning the self-made men of Ladoga we find the firm of Clark & Carroll. They began business with a limited amount of capital, but by close attention to business, and only manufacturing the very best of material, they have not only given general satisfaction to their many customers, but have made their business successful financially. Mr. Carroll is a native of Ireland, and came to America with his parents when but a boy. At eighteen years of age he learned his trade, which he worked at as a journeyman until he began business at Ladoga. He married in 1871 Mary Brier, a native of Ii-eland. Mr. Clark is a native of Canada.
The enterprising, careful and successful editor of the Ladoga "Leader," D. C. Kinder, was born in Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, October 9, 1847, and was the tenth child of George and Eliza (Schuor) Kinder. His parents were among the earl}1 settlers of southern Ohio, his mother being born in "Warren county in 1806, and is still enjoying life's blessings in excellen.t health. Mr. Kinder came to Ladoga in December 1879, and purchased the printing material of the "Journal," and immediately started the Ladoga "Leader," which has filled every expectation of the people, and is known as a superior publication of its kind. In June, 1880, he was married in Ottawa, Ohio, to Miss Mary E., eldest daughter of G. S. and Hannah Rollins.
Clifton G. Hill, farmer and stock raiser, Ladoga, son of Collin B. and Julia (McCrosky) Hill, was born in Franklin county, Virginia. August 27, 1839. Here he grew to manhood, and in May, 1866, he left his native state for the "Great West," and settled in Putnam county, Indiana, and began his successful career by working out by the month. December 12, 1867, he was married to Hattie P.. daughter of Jesse P. and Eliza Hymer, who was born in Putnam county February 28, 1845. After his marriage Mr. Hill busied himself in farming in Putnam county until 1878, when he purchased his present home in Clark, and actively engaged in farming and stock raising. In his pastures may always be seen a high grade of cattle and sheep. In April, 1879, Mr. Hill suffered a great loss by a fire, which destroyed his dwelling and a considerable amount of property. He has, however, since built a very beautiful house on an excellent rise of ground, and his home at no distant day is destined to be one of the most attractive in the township. He is the father of four children : Eva L., Clemia W., Otro S. and Cecil A. Mr. Hill is a gentleman of excellent tastes and ability, having a strong sympathy with and belief in a thorough and systematic education