HISTORY OF PARKE COUNTY, INDIANA
(Source:  History of Vigo & Parke County, Indiana - Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, 1880, 1310 pgs.
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

BIOGRAPHIES OF UNION TOWNSHIP
NOTE:  Biographies will be transcribed upon request

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Z. H. ALEXANDER, farmer. Bellemore, was born August 7. 1834, in Boone county. Indiana, and is the son of John and Sarah (Tibbergin) Alexander. His father died when the boy was four years old, and lie was raised by Joseph Pruitt. in Putnam county. He passed his youthful years on the farm, gaining but little knowledge of books. In after years lie followed carpentering and blacksmithing for a livelihood ; then made farming his permanent occupation. He is now living on and owning the farm for whose owner he worked when a young man. He has 100 acres in Sec. 20. and 114 acres in Sec. 19. In 1858 he married Abagail, daughter of John and Margaret (Crooks) Miller. Mrs. Alexander was: born January 5, 1838, on the home farm, in Sec. 29. They have five children : Jane E., Laura B., Mary E., John B. and William C. Mr. Alexander is democratic, yet has ever been on the side of the north in relation to war matters. He did not go to the army on account of the needs of his family. He went to Terre Haute to enlist at one time, but the township being paid out he returned to his family. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren in Christ church. John Miller, parent of Mrs. Alexander, was born in Franklin county, Virginia, October 6, 1801. He was a son of John and Phebe Miller. They moved from Virginia to Butler county, Ohio, when John Jr. was six weeks old. and from there they went to Union county, Indiana. At the age of twenty John Jr. left his parents and came to Parke county, where he was bound to his brother, Tobias, till he should reach his majority, which would be one year. At the end of six months he bought his time, and in 1821 he entered land on Sees. 29 and 30, in Union township. Soon after he built a cabin, and his people moved out and bought his place. He then entered what is now the George Mater farm, and in 1838 built the large brick house now owned by Mr. Mater. He sold this place to Jesse K. Blake, and bought an improved farm, now owned by Joseph Neal. He married Margaret Crooks December 25, 1823, and became father of fourteen children. His wife died May 24, 1866, aged sixty-one years. In 1867 he was married to Abagail Norman, who is now in Iowa. He died April 18, 1875. He was a member of the Baptist church for many years, a consistent Christian, and held in high esteem by members of the church and by those who knew him, and was one of the first settlers of Union township.

ANDERSON R. ANGELL, farmer, Bellemore, was born in Franklin county, Virginia, September 1, 1840, and is the son of Alsop T. and Liony (Dodd) Angell. His paternal grandfather was in the war of 1812. He also traces his ancestry back to the nobility of England. June, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 42d Va. Vol. Inf., under Stonewall Jackson. After the death of Jackson he was under Lee. He fought in the two Winchester battles and the seven days fight before Richmond under Jackson, and at Gettysburg under Lee. He was wounded at Cedar mountain in the left shoulder, and disabled for duty nine months. He went back to the lines on his recovery, and was captured at Spottsylvania Court-house. He was one of 600 taken to Morris Island, South Carolina, as a subject of retaliation, and placed under fire of the confederate guns for forty-two days. He was removed to Fort Pulaski, Georgia, and remained till March 1, 1865, as a subject of retaliation. June 23, 1865, he was sent back to Fort Delaware, and released upon taking the oath of allegiance to the United States. He came from Virginia to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1866, and to Parke county, Union township, in 1867. He was married to Mary L. Kinsey January 22, 1861, and has eight children: Lillia J., George T., John W., Mary P., Frances L., Nellie F., Robert L. and David F. He is a member of the Baptist church, and tries to live right toward the church, God, and the world. His politics are democratic.

WILLIAM P. BLAKE, farmer, Bellemore, was born January 28, 1837, in a log cabin that stood where his own house now stands. His paternal grandfather came to Union township in 1824, and unloaded his goods and family of seven children where the orchard opposite Wm. P. Blake's residence now grows. One of these seven children, Charles L. Blake, born in Ohio, married Barbara Miller, also born in Ohio, and they became the parents of William P. at the date mentioned above. Times have changed since then, although Mr. Blake still lives on the farm on which he was born. He now has a handsome residence. 16 x 40, with ell, which is the third house built on the same spot, each an improvement upon the one displaced, which shows the progressive spirit of its occupants. A good bam and orchard also add value to the premises of their owner. He has 157 acres in Sec. 19, 175 in Sec. 16, Union township. On February 20, 1862, Mr. Blake was married to Louisa McGilvery. daughter of Ira McGilvery, by whom he had six children: Charles, Sherman, Mary, Cora, William, and Sarah, dead. His wife Louisa died February 17, 1874, and is buried in the Blake graveyard. He was married to Mary E. (Blake) Jack, daughter of James Jack, of Green township, December 18, 1877. Mr. Blake is a good, permanent citizen, and votes republican continually. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. D, 78th Ind. reg., sixty-days volunteers, and was captured at Uniontown and sent home.

OLIVER BULION, school superintendent. Hollandsburg. is the son of William and Prudence (Beach) Bulion. His parents came to Parke county in 1835, and bought the farm on which John Bulion now resides, hailing from Ohio. Butler county. His father was born in Cincinnati, and his mother in Morris county. New Jersey. Oliver was born January 2, 1839. As he grew he studied, and gave his spare time to books and papers, and attended school as much as he was able. On account of the straitened circumstances of his parents he was not able to gratify his desires in this direction; however, he spent some time at the Bloomingdale Academy. At the age of twenty-one he commenced teaching, and taught fifteen years in succession. Working his way by perseverance and study, he became proficient as an educator, and when Supt. Siler resigned his position the board of county commissioners appointed Mr. Bulion to that office to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Siler. Soon after the board of trustees confirmed this appointment by election, this being necessary, on account of a decision of the supreme court conferring upon the board of trustees the power to elect a school superintendent. and thus taking that power out of the hands of the commissioners. At the expiration of this partial term he was reflected. and again in 1878. His term expires in 1881, the first Monday in June. During his superintendence the schools throughout the county have been graded, and the standard for teachers' examinations has been advanced fifty per cent. Besides filling this office for more than four years, he has been assessor one year, and school trustee for three and a half years. He enlisted in Co. C. 149th Ind. sixty-day Vols., and was captured in the skirmish at Union town and sent home. He was married September 11. 1864. to Josephine, daughter of B. A. and Sarah Martin, and they have had four children: Rose E., Ada B. deceased. Edward P. and Laura M. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. He is very active in the Sunday-schools of the county, and holds a local relation as minister in the church. Mr. Button's record is one of labor and progress, having started with one suit of clothes and a saddle. He has made what he has. and is a self-made man. His politics are republican.

WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, farmer and nurseryman, Bellemore, was born in Adams township, Parke county, Indiana. March 15. 1833. and is the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Carmichael (Hatfield). He spent most of his youth at home. At different times he has engaged in making brick and carpentering, but is now farming and carrying on nursery and fruit business. He has a choice lot of fruit trees, shrubs and evergreens, a nice farm, a dwelling 20x36, with ell 16x18, good barn and outbuildings, spring on the place, all of which he has made himself except $700. May 6, 1860, he was married to Margaret Thomas, daughter of Lyman and Martha Thomas. They have one child, Carrie, born May 8, 1863. William's father came from Lawrence county, Ohio, and was an early settler of Parke county. His mother came from Hamilton county, Ohio. Mr. Carmichael is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, votes the republican ticket and takes an active part in the affairs of the township. In October, 1876, he was elected county commissioner; was president of the Rockville and Bellemore Gravel Road Company from about 1872 to 1877, and one of the directors till is78; he aided in its construction. He took an active part in the building of the Parke county court-house and jail, counting this the struggle of his life. Although uneducated in school-books, he is quite an extensive reader.

WILLIAM COLLINGS was born in Virginia October 5, 1766. and Mary, his wife, was born in the same state May 30. 1772. Both emigrated to Kentucky in an early dav. when the Indians were so troublesome that a part of the company were obliged to guard the laborers while they built a fort or performed other work. William C. died October 26, 1846, and Mary C. died March 30. 1838. John Collings, son of William Collings, was born April 22, 1705, in Kentucky. Shelby county, and Sarah (Nutgrass) Collings. his wife, was born in Virginia May 28. 1793. This couple were farmers in Shelby county. Kentucky, when their son. John Collings. the subject of tins sketch, was born. April 24. 1829. When four years of age his parents moved to Parke county. Indiana, and on the place where he now lives. Mr. Collings was educated in the common schools and in the great school of experience, the field. When twenty-one years of age he married Sarah A. Connellev. daughter of James and Polly (Nutgrass) Connelley. The parents of Mrs. Collings moved from Spencer county. Kentucky, to Parke county in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Collings, as soon as married, began farming, which they have followed ever since on the place they now occupy, with the exception of one year. 1852. when they farmed on Troutman's Run, and the year 1854 in Washington township. Mr. Collings family would number six children were all alive: Mary C. now wife of Cyrus Shalley, March 9, 1871; James S., Eliza J., David S., and two infants. both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Collings are members of the Missionary Baptist church. Mr. Collings is of the democratic persuasion, owns 114 acres of land, with two good dwellings, as his home farm, and twenty acres in Green township. He has made his way by hard work, clearing land and splitting rails, while his good wife has done her share in the house. Practical economy consists in taking care of and judiciously using what one earns or acquires. There are men who have, from small beginnings, amassed large fortunes. John Bulion may be classed among such. He was born July 11, 1823, near Hamilton, Ohio, and came with his parents in 1835 to Parke county. He aided in clearing the farm and attended school. Somewhat later in youth he spent some time in school at Rockville, and later still at Greencastle, in Asbury College. He taught for several terms, thus using what he acquired. He learned Latin somewhat without a teacher. He began life with 8600; has been township treasurer one term; has carried on his farm, remained single and taken care of his widowed mother, who now is eighty-six years of age, and is worth to-day between twenty and thirty thousand dollars, and pays more taxes than any other man in the township. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. Prior to 1861 he belonged to the democratic party, but since that time has identified himself with the republicans.

JOHN S. COLEMAN, blacksmith, carpenter and painter, Bellemore. was born in Raccoon township, Parke county, January 21, 1853, and is the son of Anson and Dianah (Cole) Coleman. His maternal grandfather was an Indian pilot and conducted the Cherokee Indians through this section of country to their present reservation. Mr. Coleman spent his youth on the farm. He moved with his parents to Iowa and back to Parke county. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and votes republican. He was married September 17. 1879, to Mary A. Dodd, daughter of Wilson and Jane Dodd. They have one child, Mary, born June 8, 1880.

WILLIAM H. CUTBIRTH. wagon and carriage maker and blacksmith, Hollandsburg. was born in Greencastle, Indiana, August 20, 1850, and is a son of Milton Harvey and Mary E. (Stewart) Cutbirth. He was educated in Greencastle, but spent most of his youth on a farm. At the age of twenty years he was apprenticed to James Houck, of Greencastle, with whom he worked two years, learning his trade, and then began business for himself in the same city. In August, 1873. he moved to Hollandsburg, where for some time he rented and carried on his business. In 1S75 he built a wagon, carriage and blacksmith shop 58x22. and in 1879 erected a very comfortable dwelling-house costing $1,000. Before moving to Hollandsburg he was married to Jane Sheets, daughter of Frederick and Betsy Sheets, of Greencastle. They have had four children: Orlando, now dead and buried at Greencastle; Ida Myrtle, born January 2. 1874; Freddy, born June 21, 1876. and Wm. Homer, born February 18, 1879, now dead, and buried by Bethel church, Greencastle. Mr. Cutbirth is a republican. He began life with a hammer, after he had earned sufficient to buy it. and is now worth $2,000. He is always busy in his work.

WILLIAM P. DARROCH, physician and surgeon. Hollandsburg, was born October 3, 1856, in Union township, Parke county, and is the son of Samuel and Sarah J. (Puett) Darroch, who live one and a half miles south of Bellemore. His mother is a daughter of Johnson and Martha Puett, of Rockville. He was educated in the Bellemore graded school, and spent three years at the Bloomingdale Academy. In fitting himself for his present profession he studied one term at Louisville Medical College, then attended one term of lectures at Rush Medical, at Chicago, where he graduated in February 1877; then, for still better preparation, took a course at the Kentucky School of Medicine, from which he graduated June 26, 1877, thus holding two medical diplomas. After graduation he spent a year and a half with Dr. Harvey, of Mansfield, then began practice alone at Hollandsburg, where he is now permanently located. He is thus far meeting with success in his work. He is a republican. He was married April 17, 1878, to Rachel C. Blake, daughter of Harvey and Cyrena (Vandevere) Blake, who was born June 14, 1857. They have one child, Samuel C., born April 14, 1880.

SAMUEL GARRIGUS, minister, Bellemore, was born in Parke county November 19, 1838, and is the son of Jeptha and Mary J. (Kratzer) Garrigus. He was married September 4, 1859, to Florina Williams. daughter of John S. and Mary Williams, and has a family of four children: John S., born December 8, 1860; William S., born July 1, 1863, and died October 15, 1864, buried at Clear Run graveyard; Ared S., born May 7, 1867; Milton B.. born July 9, 1875, and died October 19,1879, buried at the Blake graveyard. Mr. Garrigus was educated in the common schools, and took a private theological course of study. He joined the United Brethren in Christ church, November 16, 1857, and in four years after entered the ministry. In 1864 he received license to preach. October 29. 1863, he enlisted in Co. H, 1st Ind. Heavy Art., at Indianapolis. He served two years and three months; was at the siege of Mobile; at the two sieges of forts Spanish and Blakely; accompanied the Bed river expedition, and was engaged at Cane river and in several skirmishes. He returned home and entered the ministry again, and has met with considerable success, especially in the years 1879 and 1880. He votes republican and is in fair circumstances.

DAVID GOSS      Eminent among the men of Union township, for geniality and good citizenship, is CYRUS GOSS His father, David Goss, was born in Connecticut, and his] mother. Hannah (Ryder) Goss, was a native of Vermont, hence Mr. Goss is a ki full-blooded Yankee"; furthermore, he traces his ancestry to that God-fearing and independent crew of the immortal Mayflower, and so long as a drop of such blood flows in the family of Gosses, so long will they continue to be men of honor and integrity. His paternal grandfather was an artificer in the revolution, and helped to arm the first company of horsemen for that conflict. After the war he drew a pension. Mr. Goss's father died when he (Cyrus) was eleven years old, and when nineteen years old Cyrus, hearing of the ''west" and of the great chances there for young men to make a start in life, took the ;i western fever,'' and at the age of twenty-one started for Indiana, Parke county, which he had heard mentioned. He came the first fifty miles in the wagon belonging to his step-father. He boarded the steamboat at Wellsville. and was five days in reaching Cincinnati, the river being so low that the boat frequently grounded. There he found a team going to Crawfordsville, and he loaded his trunk, the same wagon carrying the bell for Wabash College. Young Goss walked and then rode, alternating with the driver. Upon reaching Crawfordsville he again loaded his trunk for Rockville, where, by a change in baggage-carrier on the way, he arrived, having been nine days on the way. and finding Rockville a little cluster of mostly log cabins. He now concluded to try school-teaching, having attended an academy six weeks when sixteen years old. He was successful in getting his school, and taught for several years. In 1841. while teaching in the primary department of the Rockville Seminary, he concluded to improve his condition, and therefore married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary Bulion. They have had seven children, two are dead and five living: Lucius. Albert. Marion, Mary, and John. In 1844 he bought 120 acres on Sec. 18. This was in the green woods. and Mr. Goss was engaged in teaching, so he hired a cabin built. and some land cleared and fenced. He now has a nice place, all lie wants, and is satisfied. He sent three sons to the civil war. and always votes republican. He and his wife, with all his family but one, are members of the Christian church.

MARION GOSS, physician and surgeon, Bellemore, is the son of Cyrus and Elizabeth (Bulion) Goss, and was born in Parke county, November 3, 1846. His parents have long been farmers in Parke county, and his father was one of the earliest school teachers in Union township. Both came from Ohio to Indiana. Dr. Goss was educated at Bellemore, and for some time at Asbury College, Green-castle, Indiana. In 1870 he graduated from the University of Virginia (medical), and in the same year settled at Bellemore for the practice of his profession. With attention and industry he has established himself in the trust of the people, and as a consequence has an extensive practice, although yet young in his vocation. He was married November 17. 1873. to Mary J. Mater, daughter of Daniel and Margaret Mater, of Bellemore. Their only child is Ida B.  Dr. Goss is a member of the I.O.O.F. and A. F. and A. M. Lodge No. 519. Politically he votes republican in important elections.

NORVAL HAMILTON, farmer and miller, Bellemore, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, November 18, 1826, and is the son of John and Martha H. (Buchanan) Hamilton, both born in Kentucky. He is of Irish and Scotch descent, and was educated when and where "lickin and larnin" went together. He and his brother cleared ten acres of land when boys, and broke it with a wooden mold-board plow. He was five years old when his parents moved to Jackson county, Indiana. His father was a millwright, carpenter, cabinet-maker and brick-mason, and at the time of his death, which took place in 1846, he was county clerk. His father was a good, moral man, never heard to swear or known to drink; his mother was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Hamilton owns a saw-mill, situated on the Big Raccoon river, at the corners of Adams, Florida, and Raccoon townships, and is doing a thriving business; he also rents a farm in Union township. He was married November 5, 1853, to Mary J. Cress, and has a large family by this union: Lycurgus, Orlando, Lazora, Warren, Laura, Wilber, Garret, who was killed in the saw-mill; Henry, Martha M., Alva E., John, now deceased. Perry P., Luetta, and Ora. Mr. Hamilton was in the front during the Mexican war. He participated in the battles of Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Puebla, Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rev and Chapultepec. Mr. Hamilton, by an act of bravery, was the first man to enter Belen gate on that memorable 13th day of September. 1847. For this act he received a certificate of merit and a pension of $2 per month. He belonged to Col. Smith's regiment of Mounted Riflemen, Co. G, under Capt. John S. Siminson. When crossing the gulf of Mexico he slept by the side of Gen. Scott's horse. He is proud of his war record. He is democratic in sentiment.

DANIEL S. KALLEY, minister and farmer, Mansfield, was born May 21, 1828, in Raccoon township, Parke county, Indiana, and is the son of Newel and Susanah (Smith) Kalley. His mother died April 10, 1835, and his father April 2, 1855. Both are buried in the Martin graveyard. Mr. Kalley was educated in the common schools of the county, and spent most of his time on the farm. In 1868 he entered the ministry of the United Brethren in Christ church. He was a member of the conference, and followed itinerancy for several years, then on account of pour health located permanently at home, where he now engages in the work in his own vicinity. He also conducts his farming interests. He owns a farm of 110 acres, with good dwelling, barn, orchard and spring, on Sec. 33. His politics are republican, and he has held the office of assessor. His father was a whig. He was married January 10, 1850, to Margaret B. Shaw, daughter of William and Jennie (McCorkle) Shaw. Mrs. Kalley was born in South Carolina, and her people came to Parke county in 1829. Both parents are dead, and buried in Greene township, at the Associated Presbyterian church graveyard. They have had two children: America J. and Sarah K. The latter is dead, and buried at the Martin graveyard.

HAZAEL LANGSTON, pump manufacturer, Bellemore, son of Isaiah and Hattie (Miller) Langston, was born February 9, 1838, in Riplev county, Indiana. He is of Irish descent, his father having come from Ireland and settled in North Carolina. His mother was a cousin of Gen. Burnside. At the time of his birth his parents lived in Union county, Indiana, where they resided till Hazael was twelve years old. They then moved to Fayette county, and in 1859 to Johnson county, where Mr. Langston enlisted, in 1861, at Franklin. in Co. D, 17th Ind. Vols., under Capt. Allison. He was mustered in at Indianapolis by Col. (and acting general) Haskel. His war life was full of activity; he being one of the fifty sharpshooters of the brigade, was mostly engaged in skirmishing. He took part at Greenbrier River. At Elk River he was taken ill, and his life was despaired of; but rallying after two months' sickness, he was able to resume his position. He was one of the braves who fought Bragg at Stone River. Then, mounting horses, his brigade scoured the country armed with Spencer rifles. They drew hatchets, and were known as Wilder's Hatchet Brigade ; the rebels called them Wilder's Hellians. They said they wound up their guns on Sunday and shot at them all the week. At Hoover's Gap his brigade took the picked position of the confederates, and held their ground against fifteen thousand of the enemy. He experienced Chickamauga and Chattanooga, and aided in defeating Bragg s rear guard at Ringgold. His brigade made a raid fifteen miles beyond Murphy into North Carolina, then to Charleston and Calhoun, which they guarded three weeks, on duty every other day, the weather being the severest. At the expiration of the three years' service he returned to Indianapolis and veteraned for three years more in the same company and regiment. During the remaining years of the war his time was well occupied. He was at Atlanta, and when Sherman divided the forces Mr. Langston accompanied Thomas against Hood. To follow him from first to last throughout his military career would require more space than can be allowed, so to sum all, he took part in forty-nine engagements, many of them severe. At Tarpin Creek he was wounded, the ball passing through the left leg between the tibia and fibula. He was captured and taken to Cahobba prison, Alabama, where he was kept four weeks; from there to Macon, Georgia, and thence to Andersonville. He was captured October 7, 1864, and exchanged April 20, 1865, when he returned to Bainbridge, his home. After the war he attended school at Flora, Illinois, six months, then engaged as traveling agent for three years, followed photography two years, and then embarked in the pump business, in which he is still engaged, at Bellemore. Parke county, Indiana. He manufactures a common sense cylinder pump with very superior jaw and link, and receives custom from a large tract of country in two states. He was married November 2, 1870, to Maggie M. Boyer, of Flora, Illinois, who died one year after marriage. He was again married April 2, 1874, to Emily Angell, of Carpentersville. Indiana. He is a member of the Christian church, and votes the republican ticket.

ALONZO MARTIN, physician and surgeon, Bellemore, was born in Union township, three and a half miles south of Bellemore, November 21, 1852, and is the son of Bushrod A. and Sarah T. (Shaw) Martin. His father was born in South Carolina and his mother in Illinois, and are of Irish extraction. His father was the son of John Martin, who first bought land in Union township in 1820 and moved his family from South Carolina in 1821, being the first settlers in the township. Farther notice is made of this in the general history of Union township. The subject of this sketch passed his youth on the farm, attending school in winter months. He thought the field of medicine more inviting to his nature than the wheat and corn field, so he entered the college of physicians and surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, from which he graduated in 1878. He located the following fall at Bellemore, and in 1880 formed a co-partnership with Dr. Goss, and the firm is known by the appellation of Goss & Martin. His outlook is cheering and he is already gaining vantage ground. He is unmarried, votes republican, and is in good circumstances.

ROBERT L. MARTIN, farmer. Mansfield, is a son of John and Margaret Martin, the first settlers of Union township. They came from South Carolina in 1821. a distance of 600 miles, by wagon, and settled on Sec. 33 when Robert was six years old. He staid at home till he was twenty-six years old, when, November 23, 1841, he was married to  Nancy L. Harney, daughter of Riley and Letitia Harney. The parents of Mr. and Mrs. Martin are dead and buried in the Martin graveyard. They have had twelve children : Mary J., Phebe K., George W., Lucy A., James S., Sarah L.. Julia I., Martha E., dead, Delila F., Robert S., Nancy M. and John P. Martha E. is buried in the Martin graveyard. Mr. Martin's experience is that of a frontiersman, much work and care mingled with many joyous hours. After marriage he settled one and a half miles from Bridgeton, and in 1847 bought the 240 acres he now occupies. He has recently built a new dwelling, 34xl6. with kitchen 14x20. There is a fine spring on the place. He is a successful farmer. Mr. Martin is a republican, still carrying the standard of Washington under whom his father fought in the revolution.

WILLIAM B. MARTIN, farmer. Mansfield, was one of a family of eleven children, and came from South Carolina with his father, John Martin, in 1821, while a mere lad. The family settled on one half of Sec. 33, Union township, which John, the parent, had bought the previous year. This is admitted to have been the first settlement in Union township. The elder Martin served in the revolution under Washington; was at Yorktown and saw the English lay down their arms. Having thus served in a war of hardships at the early age of sixteen, having gone as a substitute for his father, he was well fitted for pioneer life. Wm. B. has grown up and still lives on the home farm. Many are the stories of pioneer life told by Mr. Martin. He was married January 16, 1829, to Harriet Kalley, by whom he had nine children : Nancy, Wm. K., Eliza, and Daniel S. are dead: Sallie A., John M., Levina, Myram, and Orlina are living. His wife Harriet also died. The second time he was married to Phebe Macy, October 28, 1858. By this marriage he had three children, two infants (dead) and Arminda E. He was educated in the primitive log house, and also spent three months at Greencastle in his twenty-first year. He votes republican and is firm in the faith. He has been active in his manhood; he carried the chain when the road from Crawfordsville to Dixon's Mills was surveyed, and is said to have driven the first team through the Mansfield gap, in Jackson township. He owns and lives on fifty-five acres of the originally entered home farm. John M. Martin, son of Wm. B., was born on the home farm in the old log cabin on December 11, 1845. He was educated in the common schools. On October 29, 1869, he was married to Elizabeth C. Blake, daughter of Jesse K. and Ara J. Blake, and has two children by this union, Bertha D. and Lela E. He has been supervisor two terms, votes republican and owns seventy acres of land, with house, stable, orchard, well, etc., and is one of the township's rising farmers.

GEORGE MATER, farmer, Bellemore, is one of the solid farmers of Union township. He believes in progress and improvement. He was born October 26, 1823, in Butler county, Ohio, and is the son of John and Mary (Culver) Mater. His people moved to Adams township in 1827, and his father entered some land now owned by Spotswood Collings, and here his mother died. In 1875 his father, too, left the earthly sphere. Both parents had been members of the church, his father of the United Brethren and his mother of the Baptist, from time before their marriage, and both remained in their respective churches till death. Mr. Mater improved what educational advantages the schools of his day afforded. When a young man he worked some years in an oil-mill, but most of his time has been given to farming. He has lived all his life within a three-mile circuit, and has bought and sold the Webb farm, the Caleb Frazee farm, and now owns the John Miller farm, on which he has lived ten years. His dwelling, built by John Miller, is a two-story brick, 20x40, with ell 18x18 ; has 200 acres of land in Sec. 29, and thirty acres in Sec. 20. In 1847 he married Elizabeth Cooks, who is now deceased. In 1850 he was again married, this time to Margaret J., daughter of John S. and Margaret Miller. By this bond they have had seven children, two dead, one son and four daughters living. Mr. Mater was born and raised a whig, and has remained true to his teaching by acting with and forming a part of the republican party. He was not permitted to enter the army, on account of bad health. being at the time confined to his room. He is a member of the Methodist church, a good citizen, and has worked his way thus far through life with hard strokes, but successful.

JAMES MERSHON, farmer, Hollandsburg, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, in 1819. His parents went from Baltimore to Kentucky in an early day. When James was seventeen years of age his parents moved to Union township and rented a part of Sec. 10. His father died in 1838, one year after coming, and his mother followed her companion in 1844. Within a few years, so sickly was it, that two of his brothers, Cornelius and Miles, also died, and in 1877 his only brother, Benjamin, laid away the armor of life. His father and brothers are buried in Putnam county, and his mother in Danville. Mr. Mershon was married in 1839. to Rachel Gassaway. In 1840 he bought the N. E. 1/4 of S. E. 1/4 and the N. W. 1/4 of S. E. 1/4 of Sec. 16, which he sold in 1844.  He then bought the N. E. 1/4 of S. E. 1/4 of Sec. 21, and the W. 1/2 of S. E. 1/4 of S. E. 1/4 and the N. W. 1/4 of S. E. 1/4 of Sec. 28, and E. 1/2 of E. 1/2 of Sec. 21 and about eight acres bought from the Blake heirs. He has lived here for thirty-three years. He has no children of his own, but he is raising two orphans, and thus doing kindness to the world. He too has passed through many hardships of an unsettled country. He helped survey school section 16. He has traveled very extensively while attending to his business before coming to Indiana. He was engaged for some time in driving stock through the south and boating on the Mississippi. He has trodden the soil of seventeen states. In politics he is a republican.

JAMES NOBLE, farmer, Hollandsburg, was born July 20, 1829, in Shelby county, Kentucky. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Kay) Noble, both born in Kentucky, and came to Parke county in 1829. James can entertain one very pleasantly in relating stories of the early times. He has grown with the growth of Parke county, and there is but little difference in their ages. He attended school and recited when his turn came. He always enjoyed the hunt with his father. When twelve or fourteen years of age he hauled grain to Chicago, and was gone twenty-one days on the trip. James was married to Martha Stagg in 1851. and had a family of four children, Sarah J., John R., Benjamin F. and Mary F., by this marriage. His wife died, leaving a family of small children. Mr. Noble married again in 1863, taking to himself Margaret J. Homan. The fruits of this bond are four children: Rachel, William P., Sidney A.. Laura Nay. He is democratic through and through, and whenever he runs for office both parties vote for him. He has served three terms as justice of the peace, and has been assessor. He is comfortably wealthy, owning 435 acres of land.      The school of experience is ever fitting men for high and responsible positions. Practical life demands practical men to legislate in a country in which such life is supposed to rule. Common sense is always practical, and the field and shop are especially productive of this trait. The subject of our present thought has been educated in such schools. Muscular and mental exercise have developed the man. Daniel Thomas stands high among the republicans of the county. He was born February 15, 1814. in Saratoga county. New York, and is the son of Lyman and Martha (Whitehead) Thomas, both now deceased. His people came from New York to Fayette county, Indiana, in 1825, where his father engaged in merchandising. At the age of sixteen Daniel was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade. at Connersville, at which trade he worked for some time; but the field had more attractions than the shop. February 14. 1886. he was married to the daughter of Robert L. and Betsy Broaddus, and from this union came a family of six children: Lyman. John. William, Betsy, and two infants deceased. Mr. Thomas met with the loss of his companion, which was a severe blow to him. May 29, 1850, he married Rosinda, daughter of Joseph and Fannie Barrett, and by this bond were born to him. Edwin, Samuel. Mollie and Oliver. He has aided his older children to start in the world, providing each with a farm. He now owns 240 acres of land, with three dwellings and four barns and plenty of stock. Mr. Thomas was a whig prior to 1856, and after that joined the republican ranks. He has always done what he could to forward the legitimate interests of his party. When the present school law was first submitted to the vote of the people Mr. Thomas and Samuel Hart were the only real supporters of the measure in their vicinity. In Mr. Jackson's second race for the presidency he was on the opposition. When the civil war broke out he sent two sons to the field, while he remained active at home. In 1875 he was made the candidate for state representative by the republican convention, and was elected by 600 majority. He served two years and was reflected by as large a majority over both the democratic and greenback aspirants. During his legislative career he aided in reducing the salaries of state and county officers and state taxes, voted to build a female insane asylum, and also to build a state house to cost $2,000,000. He also introduced a bill making an appropriation in the interest of agriculture, which bill being carried, revived the agricultural department and interests. His speech carried both republicans and democrats. Mr. Thomas is not an eloquent stump orator, but rather prefers an audience of one or two at a time, and his influence is felt. The state needs more men of his stamp and character.

JACOB T. PALMER, stock dealer and farmer, Bellemore, was born November 20, 1846, in Clinton county, Indiana, and is the son of Prentice T. and Ella B. (Dazey) Palmer. His father was born in New York and his mother in Pennsylvania. He was educated in Ladoga, Indiana, high school. He was raised on a farm, and has been familiar with stock from his childhood. When three years old he removed with his parents to Montgomery county, Indiana, and in 1867 to Parke county; in 1874 moved to Edgar county, Illinois, and in 1878 back to Parke county, where he has since been engaged in the stock business, in connection with William P. Swaim, owning one-half interest in the stables and stock of Swaim & Palmer. He also farms quite largely. On February 4, 1863, he enlisted in Co. H, 40th Ind. Vols., and was mustered in at Indianapolis. He participated in most of the battles of the regiment, taking part in nine engagements. He was under fire on the Atlanta campaign seventy-seven days continually. When Sherman left Atlanta Mr. Palmer marched with his regiment under Thomas against Hood, and participated in the battles of Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. He was discharged in July, 1865, at New Orleans, Louisiana. He was twice wounded, once by a shell and once by a minnie-ball, but never reported for hospital. He is republican in principles. He was married October 2, 1867, to Melinda J. Ware, daughter of James P. and Mary A. (Downey) Ware. They have six children: Cora A., Minnie J., Thera O., Ora J., Mollie C. and Ethie J.

PERRY L. REID, wagon and carriage maker and blacksmith, Belle-more, son of James L. and Julia A. (Payton) Reid, was born June 23, 1849, in Mason county, Kentucky, the native place of both parents. His paternal grandfather was in the war of 1812, and his father was captain of the Home Guards, in Louisburg, Kansas, during the civil war. Soon after the death of his father, which occurred when Perry was about fifteen years old, in company with his mother he came from Kentucky to Parke county. He received some education in Kentucky and Indiana, and early undertook to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he completed in the shop he now owns, after serving three years' apprenticeship. He is now carrying on a good business. He does good work and gives close attention to business. He is a solid republican, a member of the cornet band, and was J. D. at the organization of the A. F. and A. M., and has since held all the offices in the Lodge except master. He was married to Clara Barnett, February 17, 1869. They have had four children: William H., Charles M., Eddie J., deceased, and Freddie B. Besides his shop he owns a house and lot.

JOHN W. PARTLOW, physician and surgeon, Bellemore, was born in Parke county, Indiana, June 28, 1845, and is the son of Jesse and Mary A. (Goodwin) Partlow, for many years residents of Union township. He finished a course of study in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College at Indianapolis, Indiana, and engaged in a mercantile business at Bellemore. During the time in which he was in business he began the study of medicine, and graduated in 1879 from the Medical College of Indiana, at Indianapolis. He now devotes all his time to his practice, being settled at Bellemore. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a republican. October 15, 1879, he married Miss Anna M. Clark, of Bainbridge, Indiana. He is a pleasant gentleman and will gradually build up a business.

SARAH E. PAXTON, Bellemore, is the daughter of Ely L. and America Clark, and was born March 12, 1845, in Parke county, Indiana. She was educated in the common schools. Her youth and early womanhood were passed at home. October 9, 1871, she was married to Dr. Wm. P. Paxton, of Bellemore. Mr. Paxton had practiced in Union and adjoining townships for many years, and was quite eminent in his profession. He freely gave advice to the young, urging them to educational efforts. He waited on rich and poor alike, and so extensive did his practice become that he became worn and broken in health. He was obliged to retire, and at Rockville, where he and his family, Mrs. Paxton and daughter Mary, were living, he died January 18, 1873. He is buried near Judson, Parke county, Indiana, a handsome marble monument standing at the head of his grave. Mr. Paxton graduated from the Louisville (Kentucky) Medical College in 1845, and died at the age of seventy-four years. With Mrs. Paxton he was a member of the Christian church. Mary, their only child, was born October 21, 1872, and died August 17, 1879, and is buried near her father. She was a sweet child and loved by her parents. Mrs. Paxton still lives in Belle more, comfortably provided for by her husband before his death.

JAMES S. SHELLBURNE, farmer, Bellemore, was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, August 1, 1828, and is a son of Benjamin and Johanne (Webb) Shelburne. His father was a Virginian and his mother a Kentuckian. His paternal grandfather fought in the revolution, and was taken prisoner at Gates' defeat. His maternal grandfather was in the revolution, was taken prisoner, and afterward fought in the Indian war against Tecumseh. Mr. Shelburne was married at the age of twenty-one years, to Ann Dowden. Their children by this union are: Ann E., James W. deceased, Benjamin T., John Q., and Meranda and Susan, deceased. His first wife died April 17, 1860. He was again married January 17, 1861, to Mary Ann McClaine, and the children by this second marriage are Mary E. and Jessie S., the latter being dead. Mr. Shelburne lived in Kentucky during the war, and fought the guerrillas in that state. His sympathies politically Were with the south, and he was never backward in stating his sentiments. He moved from Kentucky to Parke county, Indiana, in 1864, and settled in Green township on Little Raccoon creek. In 1867 he went from there to Sullivan county, Indiana, and bought forty acres of land, which he still owns. He returned to Greene township in 1873, and in 1879 moved to Union township, where he now lives. He rents 100 acres, known as the Margaret Payton farm. Besides the forty acres in Sullivan he owns stock to the worth of five or six hundred dollars. He claims relationship to Lord Shelburne of England.

The father of A. M. SNYDER. minister, Bellemore. was born on the Rhine in Germany in 1794. In 1799 the elder Snyder, John, in company with his brother Jacob and his parents, left Germany for America. They landed at Baltimore, and on that same evening the father of the two boys died. Their mother having but limited means was obliged to pay what she had to defray the funeral expenses of her husband and their father. The passage across the ocean was as yet unpaid for, so it became necessary to sell the boys, or bind them out till twenty-one years of age. John, the father of our subject, was sold to a farmer, he then being five years of age. When twenty-one he joined himself to a teamster, and teamed between Baltimore and Wheeling. After following this occupation he became a farmer in Butler county, Ohio. There he buried his wife, and moved in 1827 to Montgomery county, Indiana, where he farmed and raised stock. There he married Elizabeth Myers, and the fruits of this marriage were three children, among them A. M. Snyder, to whom we shall now attend. His father died at eight o'clock on Christmas morning in 1869, and his mother at eight o'clock in the evening of Christmas 1876. They are both buried in Montgomery county, Indiana. Mr. Snyder was born July 23, 1844, in Montgomery county, Indiana. He was educated in the common schools, and afterward at College Grove Institute. February 22, 1866, he was married to Lovia Surface, daughter of Rev. George Surface, of Montgomery county. In 1874 Mr. Snyder entered the ministry and was ordained by Bishop Weaver in 1878. He served his first year in the Lebanon circuit, Boone county, Indiana, the second year at Hoopeston, Illinois, two years at Crawfordsville, Indiana. and is now serving his second year on the Mansfield circuit in Parke county. He is a republican and is comfortably situated.

WILLIAM P. SWAIM, stock dealer, Bellemore. was born March 1H. 1837, in Parke county, Indiana, and is the son of William and Jemima (Marley) Swaim, both natives of North Carolina. Mr. Swaim followed the plow in his youth, but later turned his attention to stock, and about 1867 bought the stable in which he now owns one-half share, having as his partner Mr. J. T. Palmer, who is elsewhere noticed in this work. Additional room and sheds have been made since the original purchase, and line imported stock secured, until the stables of Swaim & Palmer are second to none in the state. Mr. Swaim votes the democratic ticket, but is not radical. He has been a member of the Baptist church for twenty-live years. He married Nancy D. Connellv, daughter of James and Polly Connelly. October 11, 1860. They have six children: Mary E., David H. (twins), Addie E. and Alice E. (" of whom." he says, " I am proud, so good are they" ), Lettie A. and Freddie H. He is proud of all his children and his wife, and is not slow to express it. He owns a house and lot of four acres, and one-half interest in the stock stables.

ALBERT L. THOMAS, farmer, Bellemore, was born April 30, 1817. in Saratoga county, New York, and is the son of Lyman and Martha (Whitehead) Thomas. He was educated in the common schools and early stood behind the counter. At the age of twenty-one he became a partner of his father in general merchandising in Harris-burg, Fayette county, Indiana. This firm carried on a business of twenty-five or thirty thousand dollars per year. In 1858 he began farming, and in 1852 moved to Union township, Parke county, Indiana. Mr. Thomas has traveled in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Kentucky and Illinois, and in company with his brother visited Wabash when that town contained but one house, owned by one Hanna. The way was one trackless wood, and the brothers met a large force of Indians on their way westward. During his business career he made seven trips across the Alleghany Mountains by stage for the purpose of buying goods. Mr. Thomas was married February 18, 1841, to Harriet Dale, of Fayette county. The fruits of this marriage were seven children: Ezra, Irvin, Mary F., Martha J., Amzi, who died March 14, 1848, and is buried at Harrisburg; Sanford, and Emeline. His wife died August 11, 1871, and is buried at Mount Moriah graveyard. He was married for the second time March 11, 1877, to Sarah E. Wright. Mr. Thomas owns 260 acres of land, with house 40 x 52, and barn 42 x 52, good orchard, and well stocked; also house and lot in Hollandsburg. He was for many years a member of the Missionary Baptist church, and during that connection filled the positions of clerk and moderator. He is a staunch republican, and in an early day was a whig. He sent two sons to the civil war while he protected home. During his residence in Union township he has taken an active part in progressive movements; aided in locating the schools of the township ; filled the office of school trustee six years; was president of the Rockville and Bellemore Gravel Road Company at its organization, and has been a director for several years.

THOMAS C. WEBSTER, minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, Bellemore, was born December 11, 1850, in Putnam county, Indiana, five miles from Greencastle. He is a son of Estham and Sallie (Wren) Webster, who came from Kentucky to Indiana, and are farmers. Mr. Webster spent his youth on the farm until he entered Russelville Academy, situate at Russelville, Putnam county, Indiana. After spending some time here he entered the ministry, passing examination under Dr. Godfrey, who licensed him to preach. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Wiley, in the fall of 1873, and ordained elder by Bishop Simpson, in 1875. He has held appointments at Harmony, Clay county, two years, Clermont one year, Montezuma three years, and is now working in his second year at Bellemore. He has received during his ministry between five and six hundred into the church, married fifty-four couples, and preached many funeral sermons. He has written a book entitled "Home Here and Yonder," a work of merit, and good reading for the family. He treats of this home and that of the future, discoursing upon the marriage relation, husband and wife, how to make home pleasant, parental influence, influence and love of a mother, household sorrows, the heavenly reunion, and the heavenly recognition. He takes an active part in the temperance cause; was a member of the I. O. G. T. at Montezurna. Politically he is conservative, voting for man and not party. He was married September 19, 1871, to Miss Bettie Pemberton, of Putnam county, and a native of Kentucky. Children : Leslie E. living and Marvin H. deceased.

THOMAS WOOLVERTON, the father of James Woolverton, farmer, Mansfield, was born in Pennsylvania in 1794, and when three years old his parents moved to Hamilton county, Ohio. In 1820 he came to Parke county and entered land on Sees. 29 and 30, T. 15, and then went to Virginia. Rebecca Crawford was born December 6, 1810, in Franklin county, Indiana, when the county was new. Her parents came from Virginia in 1803. and she was one among twelve children. On March 1, 1827, Thomas Woolverton and Rebecca Crawford were married, and on horseback came to his possessions in Union township, Parke county. Many are the stories of pioneer life told by Mrs. Woolverton, whose memory seems as fresh and vigorous as though she had experienced these trials and pleasures yesterday. They had a family of ten children, among whom is James Woolverton, the subject of this sketch. He was born October 1, 1842, on the old homestead, and when he was only six years old his father died. At the age of thirteen years he took charge of the farm, which he still manages, together with the rest of his mothers affairs and his own farm interests. He was married April 18, 1869, to Nancy C. Brubeck, daughter of John and Martha (East) Brubeck, of Raccoon township. Both her parents were born in Virginia. Mrs. Woolverton was born in Virginia, February 14, 1846. They have two children, Caswell and Emmette. Mr. Woolverton owns 180 acres of land in Sec. 29, Union township, and is a democrat, but aided the Union with his money.

JEREMIAH WRIGHT, farmer and stock dealer, Bellemore, was born October 3, 1815, in Murphy county, Virginia, and is the son of John and Jane (Laws) Wright, now deceased. His paternal grandfather was a teamster in the revolution, and his maternal grandfather was a slave-holder in Kentucky. His parents moved from Kentucky to Union township in 1829, and leased a part of school section 1(5, on which they lived for six years. They then moved just west of Bellemore. During this time and up to 1835 Jere stayed at home, but at that date he began life for himself. He caught his education on rainy days, mostly in the pioneer log school-houses of his young days. He worked for $7 per month, and split rails for twenty-five cents per hundred. He drove an ox team north of Chicago, in 1835-6, peddling flour, bacon, etc., when there was but one brick house in the place, owned by one Hubbard. Here he saw at one time 3,000 Indians. In 1838 he visited Kentucky, and in 1839 followed carpentering for a livelihood. For sport he used to hunt deer and other game and engage in many log rollings and frolics. Those were the happy days of his life, although full of privations and hardships. He was married November 11, 1841, to Clarissa McGilvery, daughter of John McGilvery, one of the early settlers of Union township. The children by this marriage are Sarah I., born December 29, 1842, and John D., born May 23, 1851. Both are now married. He has looked well to the education of his children, having sent them to Greencastle and John D. to Indianapolis, where he graduated in a commercial school. Mr. Wright owns 122 acres of land, fairly stocked. He has made what he has by hard work. Politically a democrat, he has not slept, having stumped the county for Buchanan, Polk and Breckenridge. He has been constable six years, school trustee one year, and school director one term. Mr. Wright was never afraid to speak as he thought.