Abel Mitchell, farmer, Bridgeton, was born December 18, 1835, in Raccoon township, and is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Bell) Mitchell. His father was born in Virginia, September 3, 1793, and died March 12, 1838. He moved from Virginia to Kentucky, from there to Raccoon township, Parke county, in 1817 or 1818. He lived in different parts of this township until his death. He was justice of the peace and associate judge for a number of years, holding that position when he died. He was in the war of 1812, and in politics was a democrat. He was a man of considerable information, and was a useful member of the community in which he lived. Mr. Mitchell's mother was born in Ohio, August 15, 1798. She is a member of the Dunkard church, and lives with her son on the old homestead.  Mr. Mitchell was reared on the farm. He began farming for himself when twenty years old. He was married January 3, 1858, to America Bell, daughter of John and Ellen (Damson) Bell. She was born January 2, 1838. They have had nine children John R., born October 7, 1858; Sarah E., August 19, 1860; McClellan, December 23, 1862; Emily A., July 24, 1865; Horatio S., July 2, 1868, died August 26, 1869; Lee, April 26, 1871; Frederic A., August 6, 1874; Hampton W., January 17, 1877, died December 12, 1879. Claude C., April 7, 1879. Mr. Mitchell has been township trustee, president of the Bridgeton Union Agricultural Society four years in succession, treasurer of the society four years, and is now vice-president. He has 500 acres of land, where he lives, just east of Bridgeton, and forty acres in Jackson township. He raises considerable grain, and has traded in stock and shipped hogs to some extent. In politics Mr. Mitchell is a democrat, something of a reader, and takes an active interest in the welfare of society. - Beckwith, H. W.. History of Vigo and Parke Counties, 1880, Page 256 

MORRIS

Thomas Morris, farmer, Coloma, is one of the old and respected citizens of Parke county. He was born in Wayne county, North Carolina, July 12, 1812. His father died when he was quite young, and in 1826 his mother and the family removed to Parke county and settled close to Coloma. Mr. Morris was raised a farmer, but has been engaged in various kinds of business. He has dealt in stock and has been in the mercantile business in Rockville, Montezuma, Plainfield and Coloma. Mr. Morris has been one of the successful business men of Parke county. He is the owner of about 400 acres of fine improved land in the county, and other property. He has always been a strict member of the Society of Friends, and has cast his vote in unison with the republican party. He began in life a poor boy, but by hard work and a strict attention to business he has honestly earned what property he has. - History of Parke County - - Beckwith, H. W.. History of Vigo and Parke Counties, 1880, Page 180

MURPHY

Clinton Murphy, deputy county auditor and insurance agent, Rockville, was born in Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio, March 14, 1846. His early life was spent in learning the miller's trade. He was educated at Indiana Asbury University. On September 11, 1862, being then but sixteen years of age, he enlisted at Greencastle in Co. H, 43d Ind. Vols. and on November 3 was transferred to the 18th U. S. Inf. This was the only body of regular troops in the Army of the Cumberland, and comprised four regiments. The subject of this notice was the youngest soldier in the command. He fought with gallantry at Hoover's Gap, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge (being slightly wounded at the latter place), Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Smyrna Church, Peach Tree Creek, and in the closing battles of the Atlanta campaign, Ezra's Church and Jonesborough, resulting in the immediate fall of the city. He was promoted from a private to a sergeant. His whole service was in the 14th Army Corps, under Gen. George H. Thomas. He was honorably mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, November 3, 1865. His discharge bears this endorsement: "Character excellent,"-an unusual and proud compliment. In 1871 he was appointed assistant postmaster at Rockville. Since 1875 he has conducted an insurance agency at Rockville, comprising eight of the most reliable companies before the public. In February 1877, he became employed as deputy auditor of Parke County, a position which he still occupies. Mr. Murphy is a young man of correct habits and superior business qualifications, and is universally respected. - Beckwith, H. W.. History of Vigo and Parke Counties, 1880, Page 155

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