A. prominent and well known citizen of Stafford, is a Kansas pioneer whose residence within the state dates back to 1863. He comes of Revolutionary ancestry and is a son of Thomas and Mar­garet Akers, to whom he was born in a log cabin on Little Walnut creek, in Putnam county, Indiana, March 20, 1839. His parents were natives of Kentucky and both his paternal and maternal grandparents were Virginians by birth. Thomas Akers, Sr., grandfather of Dr. Akers, was a Continental soldier under General Washington. Soon after the Revolutionary war he came to Kentucky with a colony of his neighbors and settled near Boonesborough. He was present and assisted in the defense of that place during the famous Indian attack there.

 

Dr. Akers received his literary education in the public schools and at Bainbridge Academy, Bainbridge, Ind. To prepare for the profes­sion of medicine he studied first under Dr. J. B. Cross and later entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Indianapolis, Ind., where he graduated. In 1863 he came to Kansas and settled in Paola. He entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, in 1881, and joined the Southwest Kansas Conference, in 1882. He was ordained a deacon by Bishop Merrill, in 1884, and in 1886 was ordained an elder by Bishop Walden. He served pastorates at Little River, Burrton, Sylvia, Sedgwick and Douglas.  While at the last named charge his health failed and he then took a superannuated relation with the ministry.  He removed his family to Stafford, where he again entered into the active practice of medicine. Soon after his removal to Stafford he bought the con­trolling interest in the "Stafford County Republican," and became its editor, retaining that relation until his son, Earl, assumed those duties in his stead. Dr. Akers has always been a Republican. His first and sec­ond presidential votes were for Abraham Lincoln, and every Republican candidate for president from Lincoln to William Howard Taft has re­ceived his support. He was appointed postmaster at Stafford, in 1888, by President Harrison, and was complimented by Postmaster-General John Wanamaker for his efficiency. He is now associated with his son, Arthur B., in conducting a general mercantile business, under the firm name of Akers & Son.

 

At Bainbridge, Ind., March 22, 1860, Dr. Akers was united in marriage to Margaret M., daughter of Neanian and Joann Steele, both natives of Indiana. Dr. Akers and his wife, a woman of rare personal qualities, have enjoyed a long and happy companionship of fifty-one years. They have four children living: L. Nean, the eldest son, is a veterinary surgeon and practices his profession at Stafford, Kan.; Art B. is associated with his father in the mercantile business; Earl, editor and proprietor of the "Stafford Republican," is serving as personal secretary for Governor Stubbs and lives in Topeka; Lillian D., the only daughter, is the wife of Dr. W. H. Griffith and resides in Protection, Kan., where her husband practices dentistry. Dr. Akers is a man of fine character and is of the very first rank among the prominent and influential men of Stafford county. As a business man he is upright, reliable, and honorable, and in all places and under all circumstances he is loyal to truth, honor and right, which qualities have won for him he universal esteem of all who know him. Dr. Akers is vice-president f the Nova Larabee Memorial Library at Stafford and is a member of he book committee.

Transcribed as written by Millie Mowry.

Charles B. Bridges, late successful farmer of Franklin township, Putnam county, clearly demonstrated what an honest, earnest, hardworking man can accomplish, although he had to hew his own fortune from the obstacles that beset his way, for he started life with no great aid from anyone. But he was industrious and economical, so that he became the owner of a fine farm and had a competency so that he was able to enjoy an old age of comfort and quiet. He was born March 19, 1854, in Russell township, and was the son of Robert L. and Catherine (Leaton) Bridges, the former a native of Montgomery county, Kentucky, and he was four years old when his parents brought him to Putnam county, Indiana. He was the son of Charles Bolds Bridges, who was a native of Kentucky. He married Rachael O. Lockridge. They came to Putnam county. Indiana, in 1835 and remained here the rest of their lives, Mr. Bridges being a farmer and a store-keeper, and he became well and favorably known here. Robert L. Bridges was three years old when he was brought to Putnam county. Here he grew to maturity, was educated, married and reared a family of three daughters and four sons, named as follows: Charles B., John L., William B., Clay D., Mary Alice, Bettie and Rachael. Mary A. became the wife of J. C. Williams; Bettie became the wife of H. C. Cooper; Rachael married Grant Williams.

Charles B. Bridges was the oldest of the family and he began working on the farm and attending the district schools during the winter months, remaining on the farm with his father until twenty-one years of age.

Mr. Bridges married Alman J. Hymer, daughter of Jesse P. Hymer, a highly respected citizen of this county, their wedding occurring in March, 1875. Two children have been born to this union, namely: Laura C.. torn August 23, 1877, died September 13th, following: Nellie, born May 31, 1879, received a common school education and is now the wife of Alonzo McGaughey, a furniture dealer and undertaker in Russellville, Indiana.

Mr. Bridges was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and productive land in Franklin township, which he carefully tilled, but he later retired from active farm work. His death occurred on April 10, 1910. He was very successful in his life work and was surrounded by the evidences of thrift of his earlier years of endeavor.

Mrs. Bridges is a member of the Universalist church at Fincastle, having been active in the good work many years. Politically he was a Democrat, but he never had an ambition to be a party leader or an office holder, preferring to lead a quiet, unassuming, honorable and straightforward life, consequently he won the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.

Among the representative farmers and honored citizens of Franklin township, Putnam county, is John L. Bridges, who has found it to his best interests to remain in his native community, and, judging from the eminent success that has attended his efforts, he was wise in doing so, for he is the owner of one of the finest farms in the northern part of the county and he is carrying on the various departments of his enterprise with that discretion and energy which always find their natural sequence in definite success if persisted in. To such men as Mr. Bridges we turn with particular satisfaction as offering in their life histories justification for works of this character, owing to the life of honesty and sobriety he has led and his energetic nature and patriotic spirit. His birth occurred here on August 13. 1858, and he is the son of Robert L. and Catherine (Leaton) Bridges, the former being the son of Charles B. Bridges, who was a native of Kentucky and who came to Putnam county. Indiana, about 1835, settling in Russell township, spending the remainder of his life in this county. He was a man of sterling principles and a hardy pioneer. His son, Robert L., was four years old when the family moved to Putnam county. The son grew to maturity here and assisted with the hard work of clearing and developing a farm in a new country. Besides farming he later in life successfully conducted a mercantile establishment at Fincastle, Franklin township, for a period of fifteen years. He also traded in stock and was widely known and highly respected. His wife. Catherine Leaton, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, the daughter of John Leaton, an early settler and prominent farmer, who was a justice of the peace many years. He died in August, 1904.

To Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bridges seven children were born, namely: Charles B.; Mary A. is the wife of James C. Williams: John L.. of this review; William B.; Clay B.: Elizabeth is the wife of Clay Cooper; Rachael is the wife of Grant Williams.

John L. Bridges was reared on the home farm in Franklin township and, as already intimated, has resided in the township all his life. As soon as he was old enough he began working on his father's farm and attended the district schools during the winter montha; he also took one year's work at the Danville Normal School, then gave his entire attention to farming.

Mr. Bridges was married on October 6, 1881, to Vina Harris, who was born and reared at Carpentersville, this county, her birth occurring on August 12. 1863, and she grew to maturity there, being educated in the district schools of her home town, where the Harris family had become well known and influential people. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bridges, namely: Hettie A., who died when fourteen years of age, and Chasie, who was born in 1886, was a student at Western College, Oxford, Ohio; she married Franz O. Myers, and they live near Ladoga, Montgomery county, Indiana; two children have been born to them, Howard B. and Madona.

Mr. Bridges has been very successful as a farmer and stockman, because he has been a hard worker, a good manager and has been quick to seize opportunities at the right time. He is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, all in Franklin township, which is under a high state of cultivation and is well improved in every respect and ranks with the best farms in this part of the county. He started out as a farmer with only eighty acres of land, but he has so managed his business as to reap the large rewards that always attend properly applied principles of business. He skillfully rotates his crops so as to get the best results and at the same time preserve the strength of the soil. He has an attractively located, comfortable and nicely furnished home, excellent barns and outbuildings,—in fact, all that goes to make a complete and desirable rural home.

Mr. and Mrs. Bridges are members of the Universalist church at Fin- castle, Indiana. Politically, Mr. Bridges is a Republican and, while he has been too busy to take any special interest in politics, he has always been ready to do his just share in promoting the county's interests in any way. He was elected county commissioner from the first district by seventy-nine votes when the county was six hundred Democratic, and he very acceptably and faithfully served in that capacity for a period of three years, from 1895 to 1898, giving the utmost satisfaction to all concerned, irrespective of party alignment. The fact that he wa-s elected to this office in the face of such overwhelming odds is certainly evidence enough of his high standing in the community and of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens.

Agriculture has been the true source of man's dominion on earth ever since the primal existence of labor and it has ever since controlled, for the most part, all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. Among this sturdy element of Putnam county whose labors have profited alike themselves and their neighbors is Benjamin F. Walls, who owns a good farm in Jackson township, where he was born on March 7, 1870. He is the son of William and Mary (Norris) Walls, the father being a native of Boone county, Indiana; he followed farming and was very successful in his life and he and his wife were highly respected.

Benjamin F. Walls was reared on the farm which he began working when a mere lad. the home place being situated three-fourths of a mile from where he now lives. He attended the district schools in the winter months and became fairly well educated, leaving school when about eighteen years of age, and he has continued farming ever since, having first rented land when he began life for himself. Being economical and a hard worker, he soon accumulated enough to purchase a place of his own, his present farm consisting of ninety-six acres in section 16, Jackson township, which he has carefully managed and which has yielded him a good income. He has a comfortable home and he devoted considerable time to stock raising, feeds and ships cattle and hogs in large numbers and owing to his intimate knowledge of the stock business he has been very successsful in this line.

Politically Mr. Walls is a Democrat and he has long been active in local affairs. He was elected trustee of Jackson township in November, 1908, assuming charge of the office in January, 1909, which he has since conducted in an able and conscientious manner and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is regarded as straightforward and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men and he and his family bear a good reputation.

Mr. Walls was married in 1890 to Anna E. Dickerson, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, August 26, 1868, where her family was well and favorably known. She is a daughter of Floyd and Elizabeth (Pen- nington) Dickerson, both natives of Indiana, where they were married. He was engaged to marry before the late war and carried his sweetheart's picture with him when he was fighting for the maintenance of the Union. After the war he married and settled down to farming. He continued through life a Democrat, but never aspired to office. He formerly was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; later he withdrew from his lodge work. Six children blessed their union. Emma S. (second wife of the subject. whom she married in 1898), Charles, William, James. Hattie (Mrs. Daniel Shackleford) and Anna E. Mrs. Anna Walls died on June 12, 1895, no children having heen born to the union, and in 1898 Mr. Walls married her sister, Emma S.

John Breckenridge Burris was horn in Putnam county, Indiana, September 5. 1859, the son of James A. and Mary A. (Piercy) Burris. each representative families, the father born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, where he spent his boyhood and \vhere his people were well known for several generations. James A. Burris received a fairly good education in the common schools of the early days and he began working on a farm when a mere lad. He devoted his life to agricultural pursuits with a reasonable measure of success, being a good manager and honorable in his dealings with his fellow men. His farm in Jefferson township, Putnam county, was one of the best tilled in that locality. He died some time ago, his widow surviving, being well known in this locality, where she has many friends, having spent her life in this county where she was born. Four children were born, of whom two survive Mrs. Burris: James Clay, deceased; William Sims; Mary Ellen (deceased), and John Breckenridge. of this review.

The last named spent his boyhood days on the paternal homestead, where he assisted with the work during the crop season, attending the district schools during the winter time, later graduating from the high school, and Purdue University in 1888. with the degree of Bachelor of Science, having made an excellent record there for scholarship.

Mr. Burris married Harriet McCoy, on October 25. 1899. a lady of excellent educational attainments, having graduated from DePauw University in the class of 1898. She is the daughter of James H. and Ellen (Utterback) McCoy, both natives of Putnam county and representatives of old families.

Mr. Burris carries on extensive farming interests with an energy and discretion that always result in success, having made a very careful study of "intense" farming, employing as far as possible scientific methods in farming and stock raising. Some fine specimens of livestock are to be found on his place at all times. His land is well improved in even' respect and his is one of the attractive and desirable farms of Putnam countv. He has a comfortable residence and good outbuildings. He has added very extensively to the estate left him by his father. Although his residence is in Cloverdale, he operates his farm himself. He is widely regarded as an authority on all agricultural questions, having devoted his life to studying the same. He is deeply interested in institute work and is widely known as a well informed and interesting lecturer on agriculture. He was at one time president of the Indiana Corn Growers' Association, his work in the same resulting in the accomplishment of much good and the fostering of new enthusiasm.

Mr. Burris has traveled extensively, having made a trip around the world which greatly broadened his views, having observed many things which will be of permanent and inestimable value to him. In every sphere of endeavor in which Mr. Burris has taken part, his unpretending bearing and integrity have elevated him in the confidence of his fellow men.

The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this article contains no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well denned purposes which, carried to successful issue, have won for him an influential place in business circles and high personal standing among his fellow citizens. His life work has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable methods he has ever followed have resulted not only in gaining the confidence of those with whom he has had dealings, but also in the building up of a large industry.

James M. Owsley is a native of the old Blue Grass state, having been born in Cumberland county, Kentucky, May 3, 1856, the son of Oscar and Almira (Middleton) Owsley, who were highly respected and honorable people, spending their lives on a farm in that state, rearing their son, James M., to farm work, alternating the same with work in the district schools. While yet a young man he went to Missouri, where he continued farming and attending school until he was about seventeen years of age, when he started in life for himself, having gained the consent of his parents. Having heard of the opportunities existing in Putnam county, Indiana, he came here, his total capital upon arriving aggregating something over one dollar. But even at that early age he manifested traits of character that never fail to win in the battle of life, for he was courageous, was not afraid of hard work and was not overawed at seemingly insurmountable obstacles. He soon hired out as a farm hand at from eighteen to twenty-one dollars per month, and, having faith in his future ability to make money, he was not especially economical at that period, spending most all he made until his marriage, which event took place on February 19, 1879. His choice for a life partner was Mary E. Sutherlin, who was born in Jackson township, this county, the daughter of a well known family there. His father-in-law furnished the young couple a place to live. Prospering, in a short time he purchased the place and he has ever since been gradually climbing to the front until he has become of the leading agriculturists of Jackson township, owning at one time four hundred and forty acres of rich land which he placed under an excellent state of cultivation and improvement. He proved to be a good manager and made few mistakes in the management of his large affairs. Having given his son-in-law help in buying a farm near his home he now owns three hundred and twenty acres. Most of his present handsome competence he has made unaided by skillful farming and the judicious handling of stock, having long been accustomed to raising and selling large numbers from year to year while for several years he has bought and fed cattle for market. He introduced the breed of Shorthorn cattle which are proving to be a great stride for this country.

Mrs. Owsley has been of great assistance to her husband in his everyday affairs in the way of encouragement and sane counsel. She owns stock in the Roachdale Bank, also in the Central National Bank at Greencastle. They have a pleasant and attractively located home, well furnished and commodious, and the outbuildings on the place are all that could be desired.

One daughter, Alma, has been born to this union, her birth occurring on December 24, 1884. She is a graduate of the Roachdale high school and is the wife of Allie Miller, of Jackson township, a member of a prominent family of the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Owsley are members of the Christian church, of which Mr. Owsley has been elder. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never taken much interest in political affairs, preferring to devote all his time to his individual affairs; however, he may always be depended upon to lend his support in the promotion of any movement looking to the general good of Putnam countv.

The subject of this sketch has spent his useful and unusually active life in Putnam county, and he has always had deeply at heart the well being and improvement of the community with the result that he has always been held in high esteem by all who knew him, as were his ancestors. He was born in the house where he now lives in Jackson township, September 8, 1858, the son of Lewis H. and Elizabeth (Gillen) Stewart, highly respected people. They were the parents of eleven children, Aaron B. being the fourth in order of birth. He was reared on the home farm, which he worked when he became of proper age, attending the district schools in the winter time, remaining at home until his marriage with Lilly Keithy, daughter of Doctor Keithy, a well known local physician. To this union one daughter, Lillie, was born, who became the wife of Rev. Arthur Hackleman, of Montpelier. Indiana. Mrs. Lilly Keithy Stewart died when this child was born, and Mr. Stewart married Mary Hixon in December, 1878. She was born February 25, 1858, in Parke county, where she was reared and educated, and she is the daughter of Michael Hixon, a successful farmer who lived on the land his grandfather entered from the government in a very early day. They first located on the farm where he lived, but later moved to a farm in Franklin township. Two sons were born of this union, namely: Otto M., born November 25, 1888, is living at home and is a graduate of the Roachdale high school; Lewis H. was born October 20, 1890, is a graduate of the Roachdale high school and is living at home.

Mr. Stewart has a good farm, well improved and carefully tilled and he makes a very comfortable living from his fields year by year, at the same time laying by something for the future. He has a pleasant home and is deserving of credit for what he has accomplished, for he has received little help from outside sources. He is engaged in the stock business, buying hogs and cattle which he feeds for market.

Fraternally he is a member of Roachdale Lodge, No. 602, Free and Accepted Masons. Both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 247, Mrs. Stewart being associate matron. Politically Mr. Stewart is a Democrat, but he never takes much interest in politics, preferring to attend strictly to his individual affairs.

This venerable pioneer and representative farmer of Jackson township has long been identified with the interests of Putnam county, and thus he has witnessed and taken part in the development of this section of the state from a sylvan wild to its present status as a progressive locality. He early began to contribute to the work of clearing and improving the land of its primitive forests, later assisted in establishing schools and better public improvements and facilities, while his course has been so directed as to retain for him the unqualified approval of the community in which he lives.

Joseph West was born in Madison county, Kentucky, November 26, 1832, the son of Richard and Lavina (Hochersmith) West, both natives of Madison county, Kentucky, where they grew to maturity, were educated in the early pioneer schools and there married, spending most of their lives in the Blue Grass state. They came to Indiana later in life, but did not remain long until they returned to Kentucky, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Joseph West was eighteen years of age when he came to Hendricks county, Indiana. He was first employed by Doctor Hoadley and he remained there three years, then he returned to Kentucky, where he remained until 1856 when he came to Putnam county, Indiana. He had been a hard worker through his youth and had saved his money, having about one hundred and seventy dollars when he arrived here. He first rented a farm and later moved to Ladoga, Indiana.

Mr. West married Mariah L. Merchant shortly after taking up his residence in Putnam county, of which she was a native. After living a year in Montgomery county, they rented for five years and then located on Mr. West's present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, the same which he rented and which his wife inherited later. He has sold a part and yet owns one hundred and seven acres. His land is highly improved and well cultivated so that he has been amply rewarded for his toil from year to year. He has also been a very successful stockman, having long raised various kinds of livestock for the market: however, he is at present living practically retired from the active duties of life, renting his farm. He has a comfortable and substantial duelling and is spending his declining years in peace, surrounded by plenty.

To Mr. and Mrs. West three children were born, named as follows: Millie J.. wife of George Ratliff. of Roachdale, this county; George R. is living at home, and John lives in Decatur county, Indiana. Mrs. West died February 25, 1910. Mr. West belongs to the Christian church, having been one of the deacons of the local congregation and long active in its affairs. He is a member of the Roachdale Lodge, No. 602, Free and Accepted Masons. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has never taken much part in political affairs. He is highly honored by all who know him, for his life has been led along safe and honorable lines.

This well known and highly honored citizen of Jackson township is eminently entitled to conspicuous mention in this history. owing to the fact that he was one of the worthy pioneers of Putnam county. having seen and participated in the development of the same from the early days and the life he has led is one of commendation and worthy of emulation by younger generations. for it has heen led along lines of usefulness and integrity.

Ira Moreland is a native of Jackson township. this county. his birth having occurred on January 10. 1844. His parents were James and Fannie (Shedals) Moreland. Who in the early days here were influential and did their full share in blazing the forests and laying the foundation for later generations to enjoy the richness of the opportunities found here. They were each from honorable and industrious families. James Moreland having been born in Harper's Ferry. Virginia. and Fannie Shedals was a native of Kentucky. They grew to maturity in their native states and received a meager schooling in their native communities. They were married in Montgomery county. New York. and migrated to Putnam county. Indiana. as early as 1838. locating in Jackson township where they developed a good home from the virgin soil. reared their children in respectability and spent the rest of their lives. James Moreland was influential in local politics. He was a skilled mechanic and spent much of his life engaging in this line of work. which. in those pioneer days. was a great treat to the early settlers for they were remote from large towns where gunsmiths. etc.. could be found to do their repairing. Mr. Moreland was not only skilled in his work. but. owing to his thoroughly honest dealings with all his neighbors. he established a reputation that brought him many customers who invariably remained his friends. .

To Mr. and Mrs. James Moreland nine children were born. four of whom are living in 1909. viz: Rebecca (Mrs. Murphy). Ira (the subject). Joseph. of Jackson township. and Thomas. also of this township.

Ira Moreland was reared on the farm which he assisted in developing when he became of proper age. beginning work in the fields when but a mere lad. He had a limited opportunity to attend school. but he improved such as he had. When a young man he learned the plasterer's trade. becoming very proficient in the same and for many years his services were in great demand and he did contracting in Putnam. Montgomery. Boone and Hen- dricks counties. some of his contracts being large ones. and he was enabled to lay by a competency at this which enabled him to buy a farm of seventy acres later in life, which he now owns and which he manages in such a skillful manner that he reaps abundant harvests from year to year. He has a good home and is very comfortably situated to enjoy old age in peace and surrounded by plenty. Besides farming, he raises and feeds stock for the market, in which he meets with gratifying success.

Mr. Morelaud was married to Sarah Morgan, who was born in 1845 and reared in Fountain county, Indiana, where her people were well established. This union has resulted in the birth of two children, William and Nellie O., both single and at home.

Mr. Moreland is a charter member of the Carpentersville Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he also belongs to the encampment. Politically he is a Democrat. During his long and useful life in Putnam county he has witnessed many momentous changes and he has played well his part in the subsequent development of the locality, for when he was a boy the country .was in its primitive state, abounding in vast forests through which roamed wild beasts and much wild game, and it has been just such sturdy pioneers as he who have reclaimed the country and brought it to its present high state of prosperity. He is well known here and his life has been led along honorable lines at all times.

Hesekiah Evans was one of the old and greatly esteemed pioneers of Putnam county who have now passed on to the undiscovered mystic land, leaving behind a priceless heritage, the memory of good deeds and an exemplary life, for he was a type of man seldom met with now—sterling, rugged, honest and hard Working, kind to his neighbors and hospitable alike to friends and strangers.

The first one of the Evans family of which there is any authentic record was Thomas Evans, Sr., great-great-great-grandfather of Simpson F. Evans, born at Delornes, Wales, about 1662, and died in December 1756, at the age of ninety-four years. He married Sarah Martha Elizabeth Roberts at Philadelphia in 1730, and she died in Pennsylvania on June 1, 1803, at the age of one hundred and eleven years.

Thomas Evans, Jr., their son. was born in Pennsylvania in 1739. He ran away from home and joined the army under Col. George Washington and fought under him in the French and Indian wars. He served during the whole Revolutionary struggle. 1776-1783. He died in Kentucky in 1825. He was married in 1762 to Sarah Clark, born March 1, 1743, and died at Russellville, Indiana, June 5, 1834. Rev. John Evans, their son, born October 25. 1763, died at Russellville, July 2. 1841, aged seventy-eight years. He was married in Kentucky to Susanah Prater, who was born in 1766 and died at Russellville, Indiana, October 25, 1831.

James Evans, their son, was born June 1, 1797, in Bath county, Kentucky, and died August 22, 1878, aged eighty-one years. He was married February 14, 1822, to Ruth Vanschoiack, born in Nicholas county, Kentucky. September 21, 1802, and died March 24, 1867. Hesekiah Evans was the son of James Evans and Ruth Vanschoiack.

He was born January 18, 1826, and received a limited education in the primitive schools of his day, coming to Putnam county when a young man. Here he met and on April 19, 1858, married Hannah M. Pratt, who was born September 9, 1837; she, too, came to this county with her parents, when young, in 1827.

James Evans bought land in section 6. he and Mr. Forgy buying a tract of three hundred and twenty acres in one body, dividing the same between them, it being agreed in the division that the last half was the better and to make an equal division, the west part was to contain one hundred sixty- seven and one-half acres and the east half one hundred and fifty-two and one- half acres. Tossing coppers for choice, Mr. Evans secured the first pick of the land and chose the east side. On this he erected a log cabin, cleared the land and began farming which he followed all his life in connection with stock raising, being one of the best known stock men of his day. He was a breeder of fine horses, keeping the best in his neighborhood. Politically he was a Republican and he and his wife were both members of the Methodist church for a period of about sixty years. He died at the age of eighty-one years, falling dead on the fair grounds which he had leased from a neighbor for the purpose of holding fairs. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, five boys and two girls; it was a coincidence that the two previous generations of his ancestors had families of five boys and two girls, making the same in numbers for three succeeding generations.

The father was reared to manhood on the home farm and attended the common schools of his day. His wife was the daughter of Austin Pratt, of Parke county, Indiana, and she and Mr. Evans began their married life on a farm in Brown township, Montgomery county, on one hundred and sixty acres which Mr. Evans purchased. The father and sons worked together, helping each other until each son had his own farm. Hesekiah Evans later added one hundred acres to his place, owning then two hundred and sixty acres when his father died. He and his brother Daniel bought the heirs out and later the father bought the interest of his brother and gave his attention to the feeding of shorthorn cattle. He showed them at the county fairs and took a number of premiums. Mr. Evans reached the advanced age of eighty- one years. retaining his active faculties to the last. dying May 8. 1907. and was buried in the cemetery at Russellville. His widow makes her home among her children. They are. James W.. born February 22. 1863. married Lena Summers and they have the following children: Harold. John. Howard and Vernon. the last named being deceased: Henry G.. born June 30. 1864. married Florence Allen and they have two children. Lee and Josephine; Simpson F.. whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.

The above named gentleman was born in Woodford county. Kentucky. November 21. 1802. and died January 2. 1889. at the advanced age of eighty- seven years. He was the eldest son of James Stevenson and Margaret (Campbell) Stevenson. His mother was a daughter of Alexander Campbell. a pioneer of Kentucky. His paternal grandfather. Benjamin Stevenson. of the eastern shore of Maryland. was. during the war of the Revolution. a soldier of the patriot army. and soon after that conflict removed from Maryland to Kentucky. when the latter was a territory of Virginia. His son James entered the United States army in the war of 1812. as a private. and in that struggle endured such hardships that he ever afterward remained an invalid. This fact made the subject of this sketch. while yet a boy. the stay and support of the family. This constant labor and training gave to him a splendid physical and intellectual manhood. Educational advantages he had but sparingly. The schools of Kentucky in that day were but indifferent and seminaries and colleges distant and expensive: he therefore made nature his principal text book. and acquired wisdom and diligence from her precepts. He was strongly opposed to slavery and the injustice of that institution made strong impressions on his mind. and he determined to seek a home in a land of free institutions. where to labor was honorable. Impelled by this principle. he. at the age of nineteen. in 1821. left Kentucky and came to Indiana seeking a location. He entered land northward from where Rockville now stands. He was not disappointed with the country and from that time regarded Indiana as his home. After satisfactorily prospecting the port. Shortly after the Civil war he was the caucus nominee for United States senator, with certainty of election to that high office, but declined the honor. In 1843 ne removed from Greencastle to his farm two miles east of that town, and gave up his medical practice as rapidly as his patients would permit. Thence forward he devoted his time to farming and stock raising. For a time he edited an agricultural department in a newspaper, and in this way, as well as in public addresses, sought to introduce better modes of farming. More through his effort than of any other was the Putnam County Agricultural Society organized. He introduced into the county and bred large flocks of Spanish Merino sheep and for a time made sheep husbandry most prominent. While thus engaged he endeavored to organize an incorporated company for the purpose of importing and breeding Shorthorn cattle. Not succeeding in this through defects in Indiana law. he began that enterprise alone. In 1848 he purchased and brought into Putnam county the first thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle. In 1847 ne was commissioned by Governor Whitcomb a member of the Indiana state board proper and was himself a member of the board for several years, during three of which he was honored as president. It was while he was a member of the board that the plans were matured and action taken which have enabled that body and its agencies to accomplish so much for the stock breeding, agricultural, mechanical and mineral interests of Indiana. And in these labors he assumed his share, doing his full portion of the work. In 1853. at his own instance and cost, he went to England, inspected the principal Shorthorn herds of that kingdom and bought for himself a small herd of the best and brought them to Putnam county, and this was the first importation of Shorthorns direct from England into Indiana. His prominence as a stock grower caused him to become prime mover in calling the Indiana Shorthorn Breeders' Convention, which assembled at Indianapolis on May 21, 1872. He was made president of the convention and was afterward president of a national organization of the same kind. His efforts were not wholly confined to stock raising. He organized the company that built in 1867 the first gravel road in the county. The line was nineteen miles long, and is yet operated, though its success was originally doubtful. Now in the county are maintained over one hundred fifty miles of improved roads. From 1840 until about 1880 Doctor Stevenson was a man of wealth, but wishing to administer on his own estate, he divided his lands and goods among his twelve children, giving to each an equal share, and reserving for himself and wife a modest competency during the remainder of their lives. He was always delighted with employment and instructed his children to labor, often himself going with them to the fields and by precept and example showing them how to accomplish the best results. He was from early life a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Liberal in his views, clear in convictions, logically a reasoner, far-sighted and methodical in business, firm and persistent in purpose, able arid persuasive in argument, careful of the rights of others, of profound thought power, industrious, hospitable, courteous and generous, a good husband and a kind father, he made firm and lasting friends and led a successful life. He lived to see his county acquire and maintain high rank among the best in the Hoosier state.

There is no class to whom greater gratitude is due from the world at large than to those self-sacrificing, sympathetic, noble-minded men whose life work has been the alleviation of suffering that exists among humanity, thus lengthening the span of human existence. There is no known standard by which their beneficent influence can be measured: their helpfulness is as broad as the universe and their power goes hand in hand with the wonderful laws of nature that come from the verv source of life itself. The skillful physician, then, by the exercise of his native talents and his acquired abilities, is not only performing a service for humanity, but is following in the footsteps of the divine teacher himself.

One of the best known and most successful practitioners of medicirfe in the northern half of Putnam county is Dr. Y. N. New, a resident of Jackson township, who was born in Hancock county, Indiana, November 26, 1869, the son of John J. and Hannah (Newhouse) New, a well established family, who moved to Boone county, this state, in 1870. The Doctor while yet a mere lad began assisting with the work about the home place, attending the district schools during the winter months. He was an ambitious lad and studied hard, passing through the district schools. Later he entered the schools of Valparaiso, Indiana, then took a preparatory course in medicine in the Danville Normal School, having made a splendid record in all these institutions. For five years he followed teaching very successfully, but he did not take kindly to this line of 'work and he began the study of medicine in earnest, entering the School of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, from which he was graduated in the year 1893, and in 1894 he located at Barnard, Putnam county. Indiana, and he has since been engaged in the practice here,

his success having been gratifying from the first, and he is now enjoying a very extensive and increasing patronage. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for the eminent success he has attained owing to the fact that he is purely a self-made man and was compelled to work his way through college.

Besides an attractive home at Barnard, he is the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres in Jackson township, this county, his wife also owning a tract of twenty acres in Clinton township, this county.

Doctor New was married in 1896 to Naomi Wilson, born February 8, 1873, daughter of B. F. and Mary A. (Carman) Wilson, a highly respected family of Barnard, this county, where Mrs. New was born and reared. She is a graduate of the common and high schools and is a woman of culture. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Cecil A., born March 10, 1898.

Doctor New is a member of the county and state medical societies, and politically he is a Democrat. His career has been fraught with much good to the people of Putnam county and he is held in high esteem by all classes.

Although a Kentuckian by birth, Shelby H. Blaydes, a successful and highly honored agriculturist and stock man of Jackson township, has been deeply interested in its general progress since locating here, having at heart the well being and improvement of Putnam county, using his influence wherever possible for the promotion of enterprises calculated to be of lasting benefit to his fellow men, besides taking a leading part in all movements for the advancement of the community along social, intellectual and moral lines. He has won a host of warm friends since coming here, which he retains, being popular with all classes in his community where he maintains a home that is comfortable, substantial and pleasant in all its appointments and which is regarded as a place of generous hospitality and good cheer; all this he has made himself by hard work and proper business principles persistently applied.

Mr. Blaydes was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, September 2, 1850, the son of John S. and Nancy D. (Cash) Blaydes, each coming from a fine old Southern ancestry and highly honored in their community.

Shelby H. Blaydes was reared on a farm in his native state, and when a mere lad began working on the same and he has ever followed this line of endeavor in a manner that stamps him as a master of modern agricultural

details. He attended the public schools of his neighborhood and received a fairly good education. In the fall of 1865 he came to Putnam county, Indiana, arriving here with only fifty cents in his pocket; but he was a courageous lad and he set to work with a will, nothing daunted, and soon had a foothold in the new country. He began here as a farm hand at one dollar per day, working with his brother, John W. Blaydes, for a period of two years.

Mr. Blaydes married, on December 31, 1860, America A. Dean, who was born and reared on a farm in this county and received a common school education here. She was called to her reward on April 16, 1909, after proving to be a most faithful and kind helpmate, no children being born to this union. He was married January 18, 1910, to Mrs. Sophia A. Simmons, widow of George T. Simmons, and the daughter of John S. Michael, a prominent farmer of Floyd township, this county.

Mr. Blaydes is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and nine and one-half acres, and he is worth about nineteen thousand dollars, all of which he has made himself, being an excellent manager and straightforward in his dealing with his fellow men. He formerly dealt extensively in livestock and made considerable money in this way. He has a well improved and highly cultivated farm in which he has always taken a great pride. His place is called the "Jackson Park Farm," and is located three miles from Roachdale. Here often come admirers of his fine Poland-China hogs, for which he has long been noted.

Politically Mr. Blaydes is a Democrat and he has always taken more or less interest in local political affairs, although too busy with his farm and stock to waste any time seeking office; however, he desires to see good men in the local offices and assists the best he can to this end.

Although William B. Modlin does not claim Putnam county as his place of birth and his honored ancestors lived, wrought and died in another commonwealth, he has been deeply interested in the general progress of this locality and has ever stood ready to do his part in carrying on the splendid work begun by the first settlers. He has a neat little farm which he so manages as to make a very comfortable living from year to year. He was born in Tennessee, January 19, 1867, the son of Edmund and Martha (Owens) Modlin, who spent their early lives in Tennessee, coming to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1869 and settled in Jackson township, where Mr. Modlin still lives. He at first rented land until he got a good start. He has been very amply rewarded for his toil here and has a pleasant home. He is highly honored in his community.

William B. Modlin was reared on the farm which he worked when merely a lad and he therefore took naturally to this line of endeavor and has always followed it for a livelihood. He attended the district schools in the winter time and received a fairly good education.

Mr. Modlin was married on October 25, 1890, to Sarah E. Boner, who was born and reared in this county and educated in the public schools and DePauw University. The young couple immediately located on a farm and they have now a good little place of forty acres, well fenced and otherwise well kept, located in one of the richest sections of Jackson township.

Mr. and Mrs. Modlin are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Roachdale, this county, and Mr. Modlin belongs to Roachdale Lodge, No. 602. Free and Accepted Masons, also Roachdale Lodge, No. 297, Knights of Pythias. They are both members of the Pythian Sisters, Mrs. Modlin having passed all the chairs in the local lodge, and has been a delegate to the grand lodge. Mr. Modlin is a past chancellor of his lodge. Politically he is a Republican, but does not take any special interest in the affairs of his party or aspire to public office. He and his wife are well liked by their neighbors for they are kind and honorable to all. Their daughter, Alice, is spending her second year in high school and is also a member of the Methodist church.

By a life of persistent and well applied industry, led along the most honorable lines, the gentleman whose name appears above has justly earned the right to be represented in a work of the character of the one at hand, along with the other men of Putnam county who have made their influence felt in their respective communities.

Simpson Fletcher Evans was born September 24, 1866, in Montgomery county, Indiana, and was reared to manhood on his parents' farm in this county, receiving a good common school education. August 21, 1889, he married Ella May Kendall, daughter of Philip and Nancy Jane Kendall, natives of this county, both now deceased, Ella May being the third in a family of five children, namely: Horace R., Stella, Ella May, Rose and Nell. Three
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Evans, named as follows: Shirl, born December 7, 1892; Hesekiah Earl, born November 20, 1894; Olive, born October 31, 1899.

Mr. Evans owns and lives on the old home place, consisting of one hundred and fifty-three acres, near Russellville, which is valued at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. It is one of the best farms in the community, having been carefully tilled and well managed, so that the soil is just as productive as formerly. He has a neat, comfortable home and is regarded as one of the township's best citizens. Considerable attention is paid to stock raising, he being an extensive breeder of shorthorn cattle, which are admired by all, and with which he makes a very creditable showing at the county, fairs, having taken many premiums, and no small part of his annual income is derived from the judicious handling of stock.

Mr. and Mrs. Evans and two sons are members of the Methodist church at Russellville. Politically Mr. Evans is a Republican.

Weik's history of Putnam County, Indiana  By Jesse William Weik