nobletwpbios

Noble Township

THE AMOS FAMILY is properly introduced in the personage of J. J. Amos, Sr., who was born in Bourbon County, Ky., September 30th, 1803, being the fourth child to Nicholas and Ann (Jones) Amos, natives of Maryland. Mr. Amos was a student at the subscription schools and only obtained a limited education. He came to Rush County in 1823 and lived with his uncle Abraham Jones, and the next spring returned to Kentucky and first bought fifty acres of land and then purchased the old Amos homestead which he owned for several years, and later engaged in stock trading and distillery business, and was also engaged in the mercantile business. In 1840 he traded his stock of goods, for 800 acres of land-in Wells County. In 1839 Mr. Amos returned to Rush County and located on a farm near New Salem. He has been a successful man in life and at one time owned 2,000 acres of land in this county. Mr. Amos was married January 19th, 1826, to Miss Ann W. Howard, a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and who died June 17th, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Amos were born eight children, four of whom died in early life. Politically, he is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. At one time Mr. Amos donated $2,000 to the Adrian, Michigan, College, of which he is a Trustee. Another member of the Amos family is Mrs. Amanda Mitchell, who was born in Bourbon County, Ky., September 28th, 1828, daughter of James Hildreth, and at the age of seven years, came with her parents to Rush County. March 13th, 1851, she was united in marriage to Johanan J. Amos, a native of Kentucky, and came to Rush County at twelve years of age. By occupation he was a stock dealer and shipper. His death occurred in this county, January 16th, 1864. To that marriage these three children survive: Johanan M., Willard H. and J. J. He was of Democratic faith,, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Amos was married April 23rd, 1871, to Thomas V. Mitchell, who died in January, 1881. Mrs. Mitchell now resides on the home farm surrounded with the comforts of life and is a member of the Christian Church. J. M. Amos, a prominent stock breeder of this township, was born March 5th, 1854, and a son of Johanan J. Amos. He was raised on the farm and received a common school education and began doing for himself at eighteen years of age. His occupation in life has been that of a farmer, and for quite a number of years, he has been giving much attention to growing trotters and pacers, Legal Tender, Jr., No. 3409, a pacer, 2:27 " and sire of Lowland Girl, 2:19." At his stock sale in 1887, Mr. Amos realized more than $2,500.    He owns a good farm which consists of 215 acres.   December 23rd, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Estella J. Poston, daughter of George W. Poston, and was born in this township, July 22, 1856. To the above marriage are three children:    William, born February 22, 1881; Ethel, born March 7, 1883, and Luella, born May 13, 1885.    In politics, Mr. Amos is a Republican, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Willard H. Amos, a brother of J. M. Amos, was born in Rushville Township, February 26, 1856, and was raised upon the farm, and is engaged in farming and stock breeding. He was married October 22, 1879, to Miss Elizabeth A. Poston, who was born in this township, January 31, 1861, second daughter of George W. and Nancy (McNeal) Poston.    They have one child, Mary, born November   13,   1886.    He is a Republican. Joseph J., Jr., another member of the Amos family, and youngest son now living of Johanan Amos, was born May 5, 1860, and grew to manhood upon the farm adjoining his present home.    He received a common school education, and at sixteen years of age began farming and trading in stock, which he has since continued. He was married October 4, 1882, to Miss Fannie M., daughter of Seneca and Sallie (Patterson) Armstrong, born December 27,1863. One daughter blessed this union, viz.:   Rubie May, born April 13, 1887.    He is a firm friend of the Republican party, and owns a well improved farm of 160 acres. Joseph Caldwell, the only son born to John and Arriette (Amos) Caldwell, was born in this county, August 19, 1864.    His mother died at two years of age, and he was raised by J. J. Amos, Sr. He first attended the country schools, and later, attended Adrian College.    Reaching his majority, he began farming, which he continued until 1887, when he removed to Rushville, where he now resides. He was married April 28, 1886, to Miss Hattie Humes, who was born in this county, September 7, 1868, daughter of J. C. Humes.    Mr. Caldwell is a Republican, and he and wife are highly esteemed people. The Amos family has been prominently known in this county for many years and has been noted for its industry and energy.

OSCAR APPLEGATE, a native of Noble Township, this county, was born November 27th, 1852, being one of two children born to John and Ann (Kerr) Applegate, the former born in Butler County, Ohio, November 21, 1818, and the eldest son born to Enoch Applegate, and the latter, born in Fayette County,   Ind.,   November 26,1818, daughter of Alexander and Rachel (Potter) Applegate. John Applegate came to Fayette County, Ind., in boyhood, and was by occupation a wagon maker. His marriage occurred March 10, 1840, to Miss Kerr. In March, 1846, he removed to Rush County, locating in Noble Township, where he began manufacturing carriages and buggies, which he continued until his death which occurred October 26, 1871. His companion yet survives him and now lives upon the home farm, with her only son. Oscar Applegate was reared on the farm and received a good education, having taken a commercial course at Richmond, Ind. He, like his father, is a staunch Republican and always takes an active interest in his party. His marriage occurred January 12, 1881, to Miss Nannie, daughter of Martin and Gusta. (Buell) Blacklidge. By this union one daughter, Rhoda, was born August 10, 1884.

HENRY ARMSTRONG, farmer, was born in Franklin County, Ind., February 25, 1822, son of James E. and Mary (Lines) Arm¬strong, and is of English descent. His father was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, about 1797, and died January 1, 1883. His mother was a native of South Carolina, born in 1800, and died in 1880. The family first came to Rush County about 1821, and remained a short time, when they returned to Franklin County, where they lived until 1827, when they again came to this county, and settled in Noble Township. Our subject received a common school education, and has farmed for himself since his twenty-third year. He now owns 200 acres of fine land, and in 1852, purchased his present home. In 1844, he married Miss Amanda Anderson, a native of Boone County, Ky., born April 29, 1828, daughter of Henry and Nancy Anderson. They are the parents of six children, viz.: Leonidas, Anderson, Florence B., Missouri D., Pleasant A. and George. Mr. Armstrong is a Republican, and for more than sixty years has been a resident of this county. He has been a member of the Christian Church since 1874, and his wife has been a member of the same since 1869.

DAVID BEAVER, a retired farmer, was born in Harrison County, Ky., January 12, 1814, and is one of seven children, born to Michael and Margaret (Coon) Beaver, both natives' of Maryland, and of German lineage. The person here named came to Rush County in boyhood, and knows by practical experience, what clearing a home from the unbroken forest means. He remained at home until the purchase of his present farm, which consist of eighty acres. His marriage took place in the fall of 1855, to Miss Mary S. Graham, a native of this township, born September 14, 1S34, and was a daughter of Hezekiah and Sarah (Smith) Graham, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. To this marriage were born six children, and of whom, the following are now living: Melissa A., Rachel, Viola and David R. Mrs. Beaver died June, 1869. Mr. Beaver is a Republican, and is an industrious man.

WILLIAM M. BROOKS, an enterprising and progressive farmer of Noble Township, was born in Nicholas County, Ky., July 7, 1841, and is of English lineage. He is the seventh child born to Mosley and Susanna (Geohegan) Brooks, natives of the same county, the former born in 1805, and died in 1873, the latter born 1803, and died in 1.871. The paternal grandfather, Zachariah Broeks, was a nativre of Virginia, who, at an early date, removed ta Kentucky, where he died at the age of ninety years. His maternal grandfather, a native of Delaware, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and died in Kentucky. In 1851, the family came to Rush County. Our subject received a common school education, and his occupation has always been that of a farmer. He now resides on the old Brooks homestead, and is the owner of more than 500 acres of land. In 1862, Mr. Brooks   enlisted in Company I, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After serving seven months, he resigned on account of physical disability. The marriage of Mr. Brooks was solemnized October 6, 1869, to Miss Laura D. Downey, born in Warren County, Ohio, November 4, 1849. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: Minnie D., born 1870; Cora D., born 1871; Harry D., born 1873; Edith E., born 1875; Ida F. born 1878; William M., Jr., born 1884, and Leslie R., born 1887. Mr. Brooks is a staunch Republican and a member of the G. A. R.    For four years he was Trustee of Noble Township.    Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of the Christian Church.

MELVIN W. BROOKS was born in Nicholas County, Ky., April 18, 1844; son of Mosley Brooks. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to this county, when but five years of age, and received a common school education. At the age of eighteen years, he enlisted in the Fifty-second Regiment, Company G, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Wolf and Capt. Ross Guffin. He participated at the battle of Fort Donelson where he was wounded. He was a true and brave soldier and at the end of three years and eight months was honorably discharged, came home and resumed the occupation of a farmer, and now owns a farm of 175 acres of well improved land. ' The marriage of Mr. Brooks wa solemnized April 23,1867, to Miss Alice A., daughter of Horatio and Nancy (Townsend) Culver, natives of New York and Ohio. Mrs. Brooks was born January 31, 1849, and is the mother of the following children; Fannie, Forrest, Charles, Sadie, Mertie, Vernon and Oliver M. Politically, Mr. Brooks is a Republican, and also a member of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of the Christian Church.

H. S. CARNEY, ex-Sheriff of this county, was born in Ripley County, Ind., August 18, 1838, the only son born to John D. and Sarah (Smith) Carney, and is of German-Irish lineage.   John D.Carney was a native of Indiana County, Pa., who in early life came to Ohio, and later, removed to Fayette County, Ind., where he died in 1850, his wife dying two y.ears later. The subject of this sketch was left an orphan at the age of fourteen years, and at this time was thrown upon his own resources. He soon after came to Rush County, and engaged as a farm hand. At the age of twenty-one years, he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and took part in a number of the most important battles of the late war. In 1862, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and seven days later, was placed in command of his company, which position he held during the remainder of his service in that company. After an active and faithful service for three years in his country's cause, he was honorably discharged, and returning home again took up the avocation of a farmer, and now owns no acres of good land, located on Little Flat Rock. His marriage occurred April 10, 1879, to Miss Gertrude, daughter of W. H. and Sarah E. Downey,-who was born June 26, 1853. To this union are two children, viz.: Charles Garfield and Harriet E. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and G. A. R. Mr. Carney and wife are worthy members of the Christian Church and among Noble Township's best citizens.

JAMES CULBERTSON, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Rush County, Ind., October 22, 1829, son of William and Cassandra (Kirk) Culbertson, and is of Irish-English descent. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1787, and died in this county in 1854. His mother was born in Kentucky in 1806, and died in Fayette County, Ind., in 1876. In 1828 the Culbertson family came to Rush County and settled in Noble Township. The father of Mr. Culbertson was a soldier in the War of 1812. The subject of this sketch was educated at the subscription schools, and at the age of twenty-one years began farming for himself, and now owns 150 acres of valuable land. For several years he has given his attention to stock raising and has some fine Short Horn cattle; also Poland China hogs. In 1852 he was married to Miss Mary E. Morris, born in Noble Township February 3, 1835. They have twelve living children, viz.: Lena, Martha A., Amanda, Eugene L., Ambrose E., Margaret, Mary, Nora, Ida, Grace, James E. and Alberta. He is a true Republican and a highly respected citizen.

JOHN DAVIDSON, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Noble Township, January 7? J^3Si son of Ezekiel and Maria (Lewis) Davidson. The father was born in New Jersey in 1809, and is of Scotch parentage. In 1826, he, with his father, came to Rush County, and here married Miss Maria Lewis, a native of this county. In 1839, he removed to Hendricks County, Ind., locating in the forest on land that he had entered. Mr. Davidson and wife were members of the Christian Church, and were loved and esteemed by all. Mrs. Davidson died September 18, 1848; Mr. Davidson followed July 13, 1865. The immediate subject of this sketch was raised on the farm and was a student at the country school, and at eighteen summers, began life on his own account, locating in White County, where he engaged in farming. In 1857 Mr. Davidson returned to Rush County, where he has since remained. His vocation has been that of a farmer, and he now owns a farm consisting of 218 acres, three and one-half miles southeast of Rush ville. Mr. Davidson was married December 15, 1858, to Isabel M., daughter of Henry and Sallie (Ambers) Muffin, who was born May 20, 1841, and whose death occurred December 19, 1875, she leaving these three children: John A., Harrison S., and Elbert C. Mr. Davidson was married October 9,1878 to Mrs. Mary S. Bedell, of this county, born June 16, 1847, daughter of Jacob and Eliza Wolf.    Politically, Mr. Davidson is a staunch Republican. He is a worthy citizen and a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Davidson is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

AARON FRAZEE A prominent farmer and influential citizen of Rush County,was born in Noble Township, this county, February 27, 1840. He was the youngest of seven children five Sons and two daughters born to James and Catharine(King) Frazee, the former a native of Mason County, Ky., and the latter a native of Bracken County KY, both of English descent. His parents were reared and married in their native State, and emigrated from that State to Rush County in about the year 1826, and located in the woods of Noble Township, where the father and mother spent the rest of their lives. Our subject was reared upon his father’s farm in this county, working upon the farm in summer and attending the district school in winter. At twenty years of age he took up
the vocation of a farmer for himself, and continued in that pursuit in Noble Township about five years. In 1862, he moved to Huntington County, this State, and located in Wayne Township, where he resided about ten years. He then returned to Rush County, and located where he now resides south of the city of Rushville. He was married September 4 1862, Sarah Brooks, who was born in Nicholas County, Ky., October in, 1837. She was the daughter of Mosely R. and Susan (Geohegan) Brooks, the former a native of Virginia, and
the latter a native of Nicholas County, KY. Her father was of English, and her mother of Scotch-Irish descent. They were married in Nicholas County, Ky.,and in about the year 1850 hey came to Rush County, and located in NobleTownship, where the parents continued to reside until the time of their deaths. Mr. and Mrs. Frazee are the parents of four children as follows:
Orietta E., born August 6, 1863; William M., born December 23, 1868, Myrta E., born September 26, 1872, and Charles A., born December 11,1875. The eldest daughter, Orietta E., was married April 24, 1884, to William W. Wilson, and resides in Noble Township. Mr. Frazee is a member of the P.& A. M. Lodge, and
a Republican in politics. He owns a handsome farm of 500 acres, about three-fourths of which is in an excellent state of cultivation. His farm is fitted up with good buildings and fences, and is altogether one of the best grain and stock farms in Rush County. He also owns a farm of eighty-two acres in NobleTownship. He is an enterprising and successful farmer and stock-raiser.

History Of Rush County Indiana, Brant & Fuller, 1888
Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy

BENJAMIN FRAZEE, the most extensive land-owner in Rush County, Ind., was born in Bracken County, Ky., April 6, 1824, son of William and Catherine (King) Frazee, the former born in Kentucky, March 10, 1800, and died September 11, 1877; the latter born in Kentucky, November 13, 1801, and died February 17, 1876. The Frazee family came to Indiana in 1829, and were among the pioneers of this county. The subject of this sketch received a very limited education, and at the age of twenty years began farming rented land, Being too poor to purchase land. In 1851, he purchased a small farm, consisting of forty acres, for which he paid $624.    He now owns 1,900 acres of land in this county and is worth over $150,000.    In 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Tompson, born April 6, 1835. They are the parents of six children, viz.: Medaline, born February 6, 1855; John H., born July 22, 1857; Laura, born August 3, i860; Alice, born December 7, 1862; Katie, born May 8, 1869, and James E., born November 15, 1872. Mr. Frazee was formerly a Whig, but is now an ardent Republican.    He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and among the best known people of Rush County. Mr. Frazee's portrait appears on another page of this volume.

EPHRAIM SAMUEL FRAZEE was born in Mayslick, Mason County, Ky., October 4, 1824. His father was of English descent. In the early part of the eighteenth century, two sons of Ephraim Frazee, who lived in the western part of England, emigrated to the new world, having obtained a grant of land from the English crown. They settled near Elizabethtown, N. J. One of these, Ephraim, was married three times and had eighteen children. Samuel, a son of his second wife, moved to Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1760. His father accompanied him and died there in 1776.   In 1779, he emigrated to Kentucky, although he did not move his family there until 1784. He was associated with Boone and Ken-ton in the early history of that State and was in a number of battles. He was active, brave and very fleet of foot, and for these reasons was often sent on dangerous expeditions. He was once sent alone with government dispatches from the Falls of Ohio, where Louisville now stands, to Harrodsburg Station. He also blazed the road from Louisville to Lexington. He married Miss Rebecca Jacobs in Ohio in 1777. They had six children. Their third child, Ephraim, was born in 1792, in Mason County, Ky. He was educated for a physician at the Medical College in Philadelphia. He had but just established a lucrative practice when he died suddenly, leaving a young widow and four sons, one Ephraim Samuel, an infant. This widowed mother was Susan Doniphan, a sister to Gen. A. W. Doniphan, of Missouri, and cousin to Gov. William Smith of Virginia, familiarly known as " Extra Billy. " Her great grandfather was a Spanish cavalier who was banished by King Philip II. for having spared the inhabitants of a captured town. He escaped to Scotland where he married an heiress, Miss Mott. Their children were loyal to Charles the First, and after the restoration of Charles the Second, they were rewarded with a grant of land in Virginia. Their grandson, Joseph Doniphan, married Miss Smith and emigrated to Kentucky about the year 1785. Their daughter Susan was born near Washington, Ky., in 1794, the fifth child in a family of eight. She was a woman of keen intellect, unswerving integrity and thoroughly devoted to her family and friends. Her married life was spent in Mayslick, although her husband had entered several tracts of land in Rush and Fayette counties, Ind.She continued to live near her friends in Kentucky, until her boys were nearly grown. She came to Indiana twice on horseback to contract for improvements on the farm in Noble Township, to which she moved when Samuel was fifteen years old.   The farm selected for their home was an unbroken section adjoining Fayette County, and here Mr. Frazee has lived ever since. He was educated at Bethany College, Va., when Alexander Campbell, its founder, was in his prime. At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Frances E. Austen of Fayette County, whose family came from Baltimore when she was a child. They have had twelve children, eight of whom, four sons and four daughters are living, and four, one son and three daughters are dead. Soon after his marriage he was made an Elder in the Christian Church at Fayetteville, a position he still holds. Since 1850 he has preached regularly for that church and those in the vicinity. He has conducted from early manhood a large farm and kept it well supplied with valuable stock. He has paid special attention to Short Horn cattle and heavy draft horses. He has also devoted considerable time in administering on estates and attending to the interests of many wards. He has always been ready to assist any enterprise that was for the public good, both with time and money. He has been a Republican ever since the organization of that party, and has twice been sent to the State Legislature, in 1882 and 1884; these being the only times he was ever candidate for office. In this capacity he represented his county in a manner highly creditable to himself, and entirely satisfactory to his constituents, devoting his attention particularly to legislation affecting the agricultural interests. From that time to the present he has devoted himself to his profession as a minister, and his business, agricultural and live stock interests. His reputation as a successful breeder of Short Horn cattle is not limited to his own State. He is widely and favorably known in the adjoining States, and his stock ranks among the very best. His show herd of 1887 would compare favorably with the far-famed Kentucky cattle. It would be unjust to close this sketch without mentioning what Mr. Frazee has done to promote the educational interests of the State. He not only assisted in establishing the Fayetteville Academy, but was one of the original stockholders of the Northwestern Christian University (now Butler University), and from its founding to the present has been one of its best friends, having served as one of its Board of Directors probably twenty years, being now a servant and devoted worker in that capacity. In short, his life has been exemplary and worthy of emulation, having been devoted constantly to the highest religious, moral and physical interests, not only of those immediately associated with him, but of the community and State in which he has lived.

ANDREW GUFFIN was born in Rushville Township, this county, January 5, 1832, son of George and Margaret (Reid) Guffin, and is of German and Scotch-Irish extraction. His father was born in Kentucky in 1800 and died in this county in 1845; his mother was born in Ohio in 1805, and died in this county in 1841. His grandfather was born in Virginia in 1774, and was a soldier in the War of 1812, and he died in Kentucky in 1850. The paternal grandfather of our subject was George Guffin, a native of Germany, and a soldier in the Revolution, and whose death occurred in Virginia.
The immediate subject of this sketch is the second in a family of seven children, all of whom are yet living. He was educated at the subscription schools, and at the age of seventeen years began the battle of life for himself, and has by hard labor and strict economy succeeded. In 1856 he located on his present farm which consists of 280 acres of valuable land. Mr. Guffin was married January 18, 1852, to Miss Clarinda Brooks, of Adams County, Ohio, born July 30, 1836. To this union were born ten children, viz.: Celinda A., Orlander F., Lincoln, Nellie, Josie, Charles, Andrew, Claude, Maude and Theodosia. Mr. Guffin is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

GEORGE GUFFIN, a representative farmer and stock raiser, was born in Rush County, Ind., March 27, 1835, and is one of seven children, and was raised on a farm near the City of Rushville; beginning life for himself at fifteen years of age, and at eighteen began teaching school which he continued for several winter terms, farming during the summer. In 1854, he began the mercantile business at New Salem, which he continued until 1856, and in the fall of the same year entered Fairview Academy, where he continued for eighteen months, and then taught school during the winter season and carried on farming during the summer. In 1866, Mr. Guffin purchased his present farm, which consists of 160 acres of fine land, and which he has made by close application to business. It can be said of him that he has been the builder of his own success. Mr. Guffin was united in marriage September 14, 1858, to Miss Rachel A. Hunt, who was born in Noble Township August 24, 1839. To Mr. and Mrs. Guffin were born the following children: Lot D., Chestina, Margaret A. and George P. In politics, Mr. Guffin is a Republican, and has filled some of the township offices.

JOSEPH HEATON, one of the early settlers of Rush County, was born in Fleming County, Ky., May 18, 1821, son of John and Hester (Jarvis) Heaton, and is of German descent. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Indiana about 1822, and settled in Rush County, Ind., where they died. The immediate subject of this sketch is the youngest in a family of thirteen children, three of whom are now living. He was educated at the pioneer schools of this county, and at the age of twenty-one years, began life for himself. In 1843, he settled where he now resides. His farm consists of 305 acres, and is well improved. In 1841, he married Elizabeth, daughter of James and Mary Armstrong, who was born in Noble Township, this county, in 1824. To this union four children have been born, viz.: Salena, John, Thomas and Sanford. Mr. Heaton is a Democrat, and a member of the Christian Church.

JOSEPH HOLMAN, the gentleman whose name introduces this biography, was born in New Jersey, December 14, 1830, son of James and Nancy (Johnson) Holman, natives of the same State, the former born in 1797, and the latter in 1804. They both died in this county. The family came to Rush County, Ind., about 1834, and settled in Noble Township. The immediate subject o£ this sketch is the eldest son in a family of eight children, six of whom are now living. In 1880, Mr. Holman purchased his present residence, and is the owner of 160 acres of fine land. His marriage occurred October 18, 1864, to Miss Martha Wellman, born in this township, February 20, 1840, daughter of Aaron and Frances (Lines) Wellman. They have three children, as follows: John P., born in 1866; Edmond, born 1869, and Lot, born 1870. The father of Mrs. Holman was born in Kentucky, in 1805, and was a son of Jasper and Drucilla Wellman. He came to Indiana, and settled in Rush County, in 1827, on a farm near New Salem, and March 25, 1828, he was united in marriage to Miss Frances Lines, who was born in Franklin County, Ind., July 19, 1812. Mr. Wellman died February 28, 1868, and Mrs. Wellman, September 23, 1877. In politics, he was formerly a Whig, but at the time of his death, a pronounced Republican. He .and wife were members of the Methodist Protestant Church. They were pioneers of this county and of the fourteen children born to them, ten are now living. Mr. Holman is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.

JOHN C. HUMES, Ex-County Treasurer, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 6, 1839, and is the third in a family of nine children born to Thomas and Eliza (Brown) Humes, and is of Scotch-Irish lineage. His father was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1810, and died in his native county November 15, 1880; his mother was born near College Hill, Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1809, and died in Rushville, October 3, 1874. She was a daughter of Hon. Israel Brown, a member of the Ohio Legislature and afterward one of the Associate Judges of Hamilton County. The paternal grandfather of our subject was John Humes, a native of Scotland, who came to America and settled in Ohio in a very early day. He married Maria Varhees, who died in Effingham County, His. The grandfather died in Hamilton County, Ohio. The immediate subject of this sketch began life for himself, at nineteen years of age, and farmed until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was one of four brothers who enlisted in the late war, one of whom lost his life at the battle of Nashville. In "1863, Mr. Humes was placed upon detached service, and in that capacity served some time. Returning home he resumed farming. In 1844, he came to Rush County, and with his parents, settled where he now resides. He owns 320 acres of land. He is a staunch Republican, and in 1S78, was elected to the office of Township Trustee, and in 1880, was re-elected. In 1882, he was elected Treasurer of this county, and was re-elected in 1884. This position he filled with credit to himself. He was united in marriage February 21, i860, to Miss Mary E. Perkins, daughter of Ira S. and Charlotte (Randall) Perkins. Mrs. Humes was born August 13, 1843. Her father was born in Franklin County, Ind., in 1810, and her mother in New Jersey, in 1809, and now resides with her children in this township. They have nine children, viz.: Orvill P., born December 23, 1860; John W., born December 21, 1862; Otto E., born June 7? 1866; Hattie L., born September 7, 1869; Curtis B., born December 25, 1871; Jesse, born October 24, 1873; Annie G., born September 7; !875; Stella M., born March 11, 1878, and Charles Dolph, born June 24, 1882. He is a Mason, a K. of P., and a member of Rushville Council R. A. No. 887. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are among the prominent people of the community in which they reside. A portrait of Mr. Humes is presented with this volume as one of the leading citizens of the county.

ABIJAH W. HUNT, a pioneer farmer of this township, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, February 8, 1807, son of Jonathan and Jane (Smith) Hunt, and is of Welsh-German lineage. His father, a native of New Jersey, died in this county in 1842. The mother of our subject was born in Kentucky and died in this county about 1854. About the year 1808, the Hunt family located in Franklin County, Ind., where they remained until 1828, when they removed to Rush County. Our subject is the second in a family of nine children, only two of whom are living. He was reared on the farm and attended the subscription school. In 1852, Mr. Hunt settled where he now resides. He owns 240 acres of valuable land and is an energetic, industrious and successful farmer. Mr. Hunt was married to Miss Margaret Stephen, December 23, 1830. Mrs. Hunt is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born June 30, 1813, daughter of Levi and Rachael Stephen, who came to Rush County about 1825. To this union seven children were born, viz.: Jane, Elizabeth, John R., Levi S., America, Rachael A., and Franklin. Mrs. Hunt died December 25, 1874. Politically, Mr. Hunt is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson.    He is a member of the Christian Church.

EPHRAIM LEFFORGE is a native of Rush County, born January 12, 1838, the youngest of five children born to John and Harriet (Herndon) Lefforge, the former born in New Jersey in 1795, and died in this county July 6, 1886; the latter born in Virginia in 1807, and died June 1, 1867. The father of our subject was among the pioneers of the township, having entered land here, in February, 1821. His first marriage occurred, when in his teens, to Miss Sarah Lyons, who died, leaving five children. Mr. Lefforge was again married in 1829, to Miss Herndon. He participated in the organization of Noble Township; he was a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. Ephraim Lefforge was reared on the farm and was a student at the common schools. At the age of twenty-one years he began farming for himself and this he continued until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, Sixty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years. He participated in a number of prominent battles and was a true and brave soldier. Mr. Lefforge was honorably discharged, June 7, 1865, and returning home, began farming, which vocation he has since followed. In 1875 he purchased his present farm, which consists of 120 acres. His marriage occurred August 30, 1866, to Mrs. Mary (Westerfield) Davis, born in Madison County, Ind., April 18, 1844, daughter of Enoch and Ursula (Mauzy) Westerfield. To this union, one daughter, Ida, was born, May 31, 1867. Mrs. Lefforge and daughter are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Lefforge is a Republican.

SAMUEL H. LOGAN, a native of Rush County, Ind., was born August 14, 1839, son of James and Elizabeth (Mann) Logan, who were among the first settlers of Rush County. James Logan was born in Ireland in 1800, and came to America with his parents, and as early as 1822, the Logan Family made settlement in Rush County, and were among the early people who purchased land at the Land Sale. In 1825, James Logan was married to Miss Elizabeth Mann, daughter of John and Abigail Mann. To this union were born nine children, six of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Logan were widely known and greatly respected; the latter died in 1879, and the former in 1881. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in this township and received a common school education. By occupation Mr. Logan is a farmer and now owns 240 acres of valuable land, and as a farmer he is one of the foremost and enterprising men in the township. In March, 1866, Mr. Logan was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. McKee, who was born in this township September 15, 1843, daughter of David and Martha (Woods) McKee, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, the former born in 1811 and the latter in 1810. To Mr. and Mrs. Logan were born four children, viz.: Mary E., Wilbur E., Henry V., and James W. Mr. Logan and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.   :

CHARLES H. MCKEE was born on the farm where he now resides, November 15, 1838, son of John McKee, who was born in Jessamine County, Ky., March 10, 1816.    By occupation he was a farmer, and as early as 1822 came to Rush County where he was marriedMarch 22,1836, to Miss Hester Ann, daughter of Charles W. and Elizabeth Marrow, who came to Indiana from New Jersey. Mrs. McKee died August 2, 1871, leaving six children.   Mr. McKee is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.    The gentleman whose name introduces this biography was reared on the farm and attended the common schools.    He has always followed the avocation of a farmer, and now owns 145 acres of well improved land.    Mr. McKee was married April 3, 1862, to Miss Catharine Simonson, of Franklin County, Ind., born April 3, 1840, daughter of William and Eliza (Height) Simonson, both natives of Indiana.     They are the parents of ten children, nine of whom are now living, viz.: Ella, born March 10, 1863; Carrie, born November 17, 1865; Eliza, born February 28, 1868; Hester A., born September 18, 1870; Mattie M., born December 10, 1873; John F., born March 6, 1875; Maggie M., born February 9, 1877; William S., born July 14, 1879; and Nellie G., born October 2, 1882.    Mr. Mckee is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HAMILTON MILLER, merchant, is a native of Mason County, Ky., born June 11, 1809, and is of Scoth descent.    His father, James Miller,   was   born in   Washington County, Pa.,   March 1,   1770, and died in Rush County in   1854. The mother of this subject was Nancy (Robinson) Miller, a native of Mason County, who died in her native county about 1820. The Miller family came to Rush County in the fall of 1835, and settled in this township. At the age of sixteen years, the subject of this sketch began learning the cabinet maker's trade, and continued nine years. He is the only surviving member of a family of three children. In 1836, he began merchandising at New Salem; this he continued four years, and then began farming near the same place. In 1855, he resumed merchandising at New Salem, and continued until i860, when he again sold out. Since 1874, he has been established in this same business, and has been very successful. Mr. Miller was married in 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Brooks, 12 whose death occurred in 1867. He has been a member of the Christian Church since 1845. He is a Democrat and a leading citizen. He owns 149 acres of well improved land, and is Postmaster of New Salem.

THOMAS V. MITCHELL (deceased), who was one of the pioneers of this county, was born at Scottsville, Ky., September 27, 1815, being the eldest son of Richard Mitchell, who was a pioneer of " Old Kaintuck." The boyhood of Thomas V. Mitchell was spent on the farm in his native State, where he remained until 1836, when he came to Rush County and for a number of years was engaged in buying and selling horses, and then engaged in packing pork. His chief occupation in life, however, was that of a farmer, and as such was considered one of the most practical and successful, and for many years was a member of the State Board of Agriculture, always taking an active part in the Rush County Agricultural Society. Mr. Mitchell chose for his wife, Miss Amanda Gregg, who had come to this county, from Kentucky, with her father, Judge Gregg, who was one of the extensive land holders of this township. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were born six children, viz.: Sarah, William, Elizabeth, Margaret, Lora and Thomas. Mrs. Mitchell died in 1864, having been born in Mason County, Ky. Mr. Mitchell died January, 1881. As a citizen, Mr. Mitchell was highly esteemed and a careful, conscientious man. In politics, he was an ardent supporter of the Republican party, although his earlier years were spent in the midst of slavery. The only representative of the Mitchell family in this county, is the eldest daughter, Sarah, who was born on the farm she now owns, December 25, 1837, and was educated at the Ohio Female College, near Cincinnati. Her marriage occurred December 25, 1860, to Thomas Prim, who was then engaged in merchandising at Indianapolis, and later removed to Cincinnati, and after a residence there of seventeen years returned to Noble Township, and now owns the old Mitchell homestead. To her marriage these children were born: Blanche, William (deceased), Amanda A. and Thomas M. Mrs. Prim is a member of the Christian Church.

JAMES MURPHY, deceased farmer and soldier, was born in Ireland in 1824, and in early years came to America, landing in New York, where he remained several years and then came to Cincinnati where he worked at the mason trade, and subsequently came to Rush County, and purchased land where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred April 22, 1887. At the beginning of the war, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and during the battle of Atlanta, Georgia, lost his hearing, and afterward received a good pension. He chose for his wife, Miss Mary Dunn, by whom he had eight children. He was a member of the Democratic party, and a worthy man.

JOHN S. MYERS was born in Lewis County, Ky., November 24, 1820, son of Henry and Hannah Salisbury Myers, and is of German-Irish descent. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, died in this county, as did also his mother, who was a native of Kentucky. In 1821, the family came to Rush County and settled in Noble Township. Our subject is the fourth in a family of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living. He was reared on the farm and educated at the subscription schools. About 1821, he settled on his present farm, which is the old Myers Homestead, and which consists of 142 acres. In 1844, Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss Lavina Looney, who died in 1856. To this marriage was born one child, viz.: George A., who now resides in Texas. He was married in 1857, to Miss Mary Holman, who was born in this township May 1, 1834. By this union three children were born, viz.: Orlan J., Nettie and Ollie. In 1837, he joined the Christian Church, and for eight years has been an Elder of Flat Rock Church. His family are members of the same church. He is a Republican, and fore more than sixty years has been a resident of this county.

STANLEY C. NEWLIN, M. D., was born in Rush County, November 12, 1856, son of James and Margaret (Cooper) Newlin, and is of Scotch decent. His father was born in Ohio in 1831, and his mother who was born in Indiana in 1835, died in this State in 1857. The maternal grandfather of Dr. Newlin, was Dr. Stanley Cooper, a native of Kentucky, born May 13, 1808, who began the practice of medicine in 1826. He was a Republican, and in 1856 was elected to represent Rush County in the State Senate. The subject of this biography is the youngest of four children, and attended the early schools of this county. In 1877, he began teaching school, and in 1878, began the study of medicine, in the office of Dr. W. T. Cooper, of   Scircleville, Clinton County, where he remained until September, 1880.    Dr. Newlin graduated from the Ohio Medical College, in March, 1881, and the following September located in New Salem, Ind., where his superior professional ability soon won for him a conspicuous place among the successful medical men of Rush County.   He was united in marriage, September 25, 1881, to- Miss Myrtle Cowing, a native of Rush County, born in 1863, daughter of Joseph L. Cowing, who died in 1880. Politically, he is a Republican and cast his first vote for James A. Garfield.

BENJAMIN F. NORRIS, farmer, whose portrait appears elsewhere, was born in Mason County, Ky., August 12, 1822, son of Benjamin and Priscilla (Norris) Norris, and is of English origin. His father was born in Maryland in 1780, and died in Noble Township in 1864. He was an 1812 soldier, and was at the battle of Thames. The mother of Benjamin F. was born in Maryland in 1790, and died in 1874. The Norris family came to Rush County in 1834, and settled in Noble Township. The immediate subject of this biography is the fourth in a family of six children, all living. He was reared on the farm and received a common school education. At the age of twenty-four years, he began farming, and in 1851 settled on his present farm. Mr. Norris owns the old homestead, and altogether has nearly 900 acres of fine land. Mr. Norris was married March 27, 1851, to Miss Charlotte Chandler, who was born in Bracken County, Ky., April 25, 1820, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Gregg) Chandler, natives of Kentucky, the former born in 1799, and died in 1870; the latter born in 1797, and died in 1863. They have seven children, viz.: Leonora, born in 1853; Charles M., born in 1857; William A., born in 1858; Pantha, born in i860; Alice Z., born in 1863; Jesse R., 1866, and Lottie, born in 1872. He is a Republican, and has held the office of Trustee of Noble Township. Mr. and Mrs. Norris are members of the Christian Church.

JEHU PERKINS, a pioneer of this county, was born where he now resides, June 26, 1821, son of Jehu and Elizabeth (Sailors) Perkins, and is of English descent. His father was born in North Carolina, and died in Rush County in 1836. In early childhood he removed with his parents to the Indiana Territory, and as early as 1810, settled in Franklin County, and later removed to Fayette, where they remained until 1821, when they came to Rush County, and settled where the subject of this sketch now resides. In 1820, Jehu Perkins, Sr., entered Section 27, in what is now Noble Town¬ship, and on this site the first mills, horse and water-power, were erected. On this farm was the first tavern, distillery and store, ^and Jehu Perkins, Sr., was the first merchant. He, truly, was one -of the Hoosier pioneers. The mother of our subject was born in -South Carolina in 1783, and died in Rush County, Ind., in 1847. 'Our subject is the seventeenth in a family of twenty-one children, live of whom are now living. In 1838, he began life for himself, :and now owns the old Perkins homestead. His marriage occurred September 20, 1838, to Miss Mary Lines, who was born in Franklin County, Ind., August 24, 1819. They have five children, viz.: James C, born 1842; Sarah E., born 1845; Charles H., born 1847; Mary E., born 1850, and Lottie A., born 1855. Politically, Mr.Perkins is a Republican, and Mrs. Perkins is a member of the Methodist Church. For sixty-six years Mr. Perkins has been a resident of Noble Township. He is familiarly known as " Boss " Perkins, and is the oldest born resident of the county.

QUINCY A. POSTON, Trustee of Noble Township, is the second, of five children born to George W. and Hester (McNiel) Poston, the former born in Rush County, Ind., March 12, 1826, the latter born in Fayette County, Ind., June 1, 1827. The Poston family came to Rush County in the spring of 1821, and here the subject of this sketch was born, August 6, 1851. He was educated at the public schools of this county, and at twenty-one years began life for himself. His occupation has been that of a farmer, and for twenty years has run a threshing machine; during this time he has threshed about 200,000 bushels of wheat. . In 1884, he removed to New Salem, where he now resides. His marriage occurred December 23, 1S73, to Miss Mariette Wellman, born in this township, October 1, 1852. Politically, he is a Republican, and in 1886, was elected Trustee of Noble Township by that party. He is a representative of one of the early families of this county, and an honorable citizen.

GEORGE WASHINGTON REEVE, one of the old settlers of Noble Township, was born in Mason County, Ky., February 24, 1821. His father, Elder Benjamin F. Reeve, was born in Prince William County, Va., October 28, 1798. At an early date he came to Kentucky with his parents, and there remained until 1833, when he removed to Rush County, Ind., and settled in Noble Township. He was twice married,.his last wife was Miss Elizabeth Lower, who is now deceased. He was formerly a Whig, but afterward a Republican, and for three years represented Rush County in the State Assembly.   He began preaching in 1832, and continued until death, he dying July 18, 1877. The immediate subject of this biography, is the eldest of eight children, six of whom are now living.    He received a good education. In 1852, he settled on his present farm which consists of 240 acres; he also has 240 acres in Iowa. He was married March 15, 1843, to Miss Naomi A. Robinson, born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October 15, 1820. She is the daughter of William C. and Frances (Walton) Robinson, the former born in Kentucky and the latter born in Virginia. They were the parents of the following children: Albert G., born November 23, 1848; Anna E., born February 16, 1851, and Minnie M., born April n, 1861. Mrs.Reeve died July 25, 1887.    She was extensively known and beloved by all who knew her. Mr. Reeve is a Republican, and for many years has taken an active part in the Rush County Agricultural Association.

BAZIL RHODES was born in Mongolia County, W. Va., May 9, 1830; is the seventh in a family of nine children, born to Joel and Catharine (Stewart) Rhodes, the former born near Palmerston, Md., 1783, and died in this county, June 27, 1873; the latter born in Virginia, July 5, 1790, and died in 1867. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and began life for himself by farming upon rented land, which he continued, until 1834, when he came to Rush County and purchased 160 acres of land for $600, and in the spring of 1835, brought his family to the new country and home; coming down the Ohio River by flat-boat and thence by wagon across the country to Noble Township. They reared a family of nine children, eight of whom are yet living. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church. The immediate subject of this sketch received a limited education and upon reaching his majority, began working at the carpenter trade, which he continued until 1862, when he enlisted in Company L, Third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Cavalry and accompanied Gen. Sherman on that memorable March, to the Sea. He was a brave and faithful soldier, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis in August, 1865. Returning home he resumed work at his trade and this continued until 1873, when he purchased eighty acres of the homestead farm, where he now lives. He was reared a Democrat, but since 1856 has been a staunch Republican. Mr. Rhodes was married September 13, 1856, to Miss Martha J. Lower, whose death occurred in August, 1859. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes had one child, Florin, who died at the age of thirteen months. Mr. Rhodes is a member of Andersonville Lodge, No. 96, F. & A. M.; also of the Methodist Episcopal Church,

J. H. G. STAMM, a native of Washington County, Ind., born August 9, 1825, being the eldest son of twelve children of J. H. George and Margaret (Ambrose) Stamm, both natives of Maryland, and of German-Irish extraction. The father of Mr. Stamm was by occupation a distiller and farmer, and in 1834, he came to Franklin County, and then removed to Rush County, where he remained some years, and later removed to Marion County, where he died in 1835, aged eighty-five years. In politics, he was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The immediate subject of this biography, came with his parents to Franklin County at nine years of" age, receiving a limited education, and at twenty-one years of age began doing for himself. In early life Mr. Stamm came to Rush County, and for six years lived on rented land and then purchased his present farm, which is well improved and is composed of 189 acres. November 4, 1847, Mr.Stamm was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Beaver, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Beaver. To that union were born six children, viz.: Thomas W., born July 15, 1848; Melissa, born September 3, 1849; David H., born August 21, 1852; Howard, born February 20, 1855; John R., born June 5, 1856, and Elizabeth J., born May 8, 1858. Mrs. Stamm died May 22, i860, and September 25, 1862, Mr. Stamm was married to Miss Angeline Plow, born in Franklin County, December 12, 1842, and daughter of Uriah and Catharine Plow. To the second marriage were born these children: George S., born June 13, 1863, and died in 1874; Margaret A., born April 8, 1865; Jacob A., born August 1, 1867; Harriet F., born February 21, 1870; Ida May, born August 11, 1873; Franklin J., born October 19, 1875; Minnie Lee, born December 7, 1877; Charles Owen, born July 9, 1880; Robert Clyde, born November 2, 1882, and Grover C, born February 4, 1884. In politics he is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Stamm are well known and esteemed citizens of Noble Township.

ALFRED P. WHITE, a native of Fleming County, Ky., was born October 25, 1816, son of Nelson and Elizabeth (Perry) White and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, a native of Kentucky, was an 1812 soldier and was at Dudley's defeat near Ft. Wayne. He died in this county at the age of sixty-five years. The paternal grandfather of Mr. White was. born in Ireland and emigrated to Kentucky where he died. The mother of our subject was born near the city of Baltimore, Md., and died in Fayette County, Ind. At the age of twelve years our subject came to Indiana with his parents and settled in Fayette County, Ind., in June, 1837, where he remained until 1839, when he settled where he now lives. At the age of sixteen years he was " bound out" to a man by the name of Richard Miller and during his bondage, learned the brick layer and stone mason's trade. He is one of the prominent farmers of Noble Township and now owns 193 acres of valuable land. Mr. White was united in marriage, January, 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Looney, who was born in Lewis County, Ky., March 30, 1818, and is the daughter of Peter and Jane (Salisbury) Looney. Her father was born in Virginia, July 24, 1786 and died August 21, 1878. He came to Indiana in 1821 and settled on land bought from the government, and was a member of the first jury impaneled in this county. The mother of Mrs. White, was also a native of Kentucky and died in this county. Mr. and Mrs. White have one child, Irma, living. A son, Peter N., who was a soldier in the late war, was taken ill soon after the battle of Vicksburg and died here September 14, 1863.    Mr. White was formerly a Whig, but is now an earnest Republican. He and wife are" members of the Christian Church and are widely and favorably known.

JAMES WILSON (deceased), was born in Bourbon County, Ky., May 5, 1819, son of William and Devora (Custer) Wilson, of Irish and German descent, respectively. The father of our subject removed from Kentucky to this county in 1832. The subject of this sketch received a limited education and remained at home with his parents until 1848. For many years he gave his attention to the breeding of thorough-bred horses and cattle, and at one time owned 6,000 acres of land. Mr. Wilson was married February 8, 1848, to Miss Ellen Jameson, a native of Bourbon County, Ky., born March 21, 1829, daughter of Thomas and Louisa (Cartmel) Jameson, natives of Kentucky and of Scotch-Irish origin. The following children reached their majority: John M., Richmond J., Louisa, Richard, William W. and Joseph H. Politically, Mr. Wilson was a Republican, and in his death, which occurred March 5, 1882, Rush County lost one of its most valued and honored men. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Christian Church, and is one of the most worthy mothers, beloved by all who know her. The portrait of Mr. Wilson is shown on another page of this volume.

WILLIAM H. WILSON, a leading farmer of this township, was born near New Salem, in this county, August 5th, 1837, being the eldest of three children to Conrad and Rebecca (Ewalt) Wilson, natives of Bourbon County, Ky., where they were married in 1836. By occupation, the father of our subject was a farmer, and came to Rush County as early as 1836, and located in the woods, just north of the present town of New Salem. After clearing a farm from the then unbroken wilderness, he sold it and purchased land on Big Flat Rock, six miles south of Rushville, and subsequently removed to Lewis County, Mo., where his death occurred. The mother of Mr. Wilson returned to this county, where she died in 1878, at fifty-eight years of age. The boyhood of the immediate subject of this biography was spent on the farm and he was the recipient of a good common school education. For twenty years, Mr. Wilson in connection with his farming interests, has been engaged in breeding fine horses, at which he is considered one of the most successful in this township. . The marriage of our subject, took place September 3rd, 1863, to Miss Alice Logan, whose birth occurred December - 5th, 1840. To this marriage were born these children: John L., Henrietta, Margaret E., James F., William H., Charles B., and Donald C. In politics, he is a pronounced Prohibitionist, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

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