INDIANA GENEALOGY EXPRESS

a part of Genealogy Express
 

Welcome to
VIGO COUNTY,
INDIANA

HISTORY & GENEALOGY

Source:
HISTORY OF
VIGO & PARKE COUNTIES
Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
Gleaned from Early Authors, Old Maps and Manuscripts,
Private and Official Correspondence, and other
Out-of-the-Way Sources
By H. W. Beckwith
of the Danville Bar; Corresponding Member of the Historical Societies of Wisconsin and Chicago
- MAP WITH ILLUSTRATIONS -
Chicago:
H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, Publishers

1880.

 1310 pgs.
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP
pg. 386

    

 

 

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BIOGRAPHICAL

     H. Chamberlain, farmer, Seeleyville, is a native of Vigo county, born in Harrison township in 1821.  His parents were among the early settlers of the county.  His father, Moody Chamberlain, was a native of New Hampshire; born Nov. 3, 1791.  In 1820 he was married to Miss B. Dole, also a native of New Hampshire, born in 1795, and in 1820 they came to Vigo county, where they took an active part in improving a part of the land now owned by his son.  Mr. Chamber-

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lain served as associate judge for some time.  He continued to reside in the county until his death, which occurred in 1862.  Mrs. Chamberlain died in about 1868.  The subject of this sketch now resides on the old homestead, where he has resided for many years.  In 1853 he was married to Miss Mary E. Dickerson, daughter of John Dickerson, and they have a family of three children: Volney C., Imogen, and Fredric.

     Alexander Cooper, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Blount county, Tennessee, in 1817, and came with his parents to Sullivan county, Indiana, in 1823.  In 1824 he came to Vigo county and settled in Riley township, where his parents remained until their deaths; his father, James, dying in 1855, and his mother, Mary Werr, in the same year.  Mr. Cooper lived at home until after his marriage to Miss Elizabeth McGriff, which occurred in 1842.  In 1843 he became a resident of Lost Creek township, where he has lived ever since.  He owns a farm of 120 acres, on which he has made most of the improvements.  He has accumulated his property by hard work and by the help of a self-denying wife.  Mr. Cooper served two terms as county surveyor.  He is a member of the Christian church.

     O. B. Soules, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, July 21, 1826.  His occupation has been that of a farmer, and by strict attention to his business he now owns 557 acres of fine improved land.  He served in the late rebellion in the 149th Ind. Vol. Inf.  His father came to the county in about 1816, and had to live at Fort Harrison at different periods on account of the Indians, who were hostile at that time.  In 1854 Mr. Soules was married to F. F. Watkins, daughter of William Watkins. He had been previously married to Ann Hussey in 1851, but she died in 1853.  Mr. Soules has lived an honest life, and is respected by all who know him.

     Warren Soules, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, Oct. 7, 1828, and is the son of William and Almira (Baker) Soules, who were natives of York state.  They came to Vigo county in an early day, and settled in Harrison township in about the year 1816 or 1817, where they resided until their deaths.  Warren Soules has been a resident of the county all his life, and has been engaged in farming.  At present he is the owner of a fine farm consisting of 365 acres, most of which he has earned by hard work and good financiering.  He served three months in the late rebellion in the 33d reg. Ind. Vol. Inf.  In 1866 he married Sarah McFadden, who was born in Terre Haute in 1830.  She is the daughter of Malcom and Elizabeth (Dickerson) McFadden, who were natives of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  They came to this county in an early day, and resided until their deaths, Mr. McFadden dying in 1860 and Mrs. McFadden in about 1857.

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     H. Roberts, farmer, Burnett, was born in North Carolina in 1810, and came to Monroe county with his parents when sixteen years of age, thence to Vigo county in 1828.  He at once became a resident of Lost Creek township, and began working at home on his father's farm until he was a man grown.  After this he began for himself, and by hard work he has become the owner of a fine farm, consisting of 325 acres, on which he has made most of the improvements.  In 1851 he was married to Miss Nancy Jackson, and they have one son, Thompson, who resides at home and is engaged in farming.

     Reden Roberts, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in North Carolina, and came to Vigo county with his parents in about 1828.  He has been a resident of the county all his life. In 1872 he married Alvira BondsMr. Roberts has been a hard-working and energetic man.  He is the owner of a fine farm, consisting of 300 acres, on which he has made all the improvements.  He is considered a practical farmer.  In politics Mr. Roberts takes sides with the republican party.

     C. Eversol, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1814.  When he was seven years of age his parents came to Floyd county, Indiana, and remained about three years, after which they removed to Vigo county in 1824, and lived three years.  They then returned to Floyd county again, and in 1828 came to Vigo county, where Mr. Eversol has lived ever since.  He now owns 120 acres of land, forty acres of which he entered.  There were only three acres cleared, and the rest he has done himself.  In 1841 he was married to Miss Nancy Latty, a native of Owen county, Indiana.  They have five children, three sons and two daughters: Jane E., Joseph, Jacob, John W. and Emma D.  Mr. Eversol got his start by working for $5 per month, and taking part in store pay.

     Dixon Stewart, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Wake county, North Carolina, in 1801, and came to Monroe county, Indiana, in 1827.  From there he came to Vigo county in 1829, and became a resident of Lost Creek township.  By energy and economy he became the owner of 900 acres of land, which he divided with his children, giving to each of his sons 100 acres, and to each daughter 75 acres.  He has retained enough to keep him as long as he lives.  In 1829 he married Lucinda Roberts, who was born in North Carolina in 1809.  The result of their marriage has been four sons and four daughters: Elisha, Nancy, Mary J., Joseph, Julia, Dixon, Thomas, and Sarah J.

     Jeremiah Anderson, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Chattanooga county, North Carolina, in 1806, and came to Vigo county, Indiana, in 1832, and located in Lost Creek township.  He first entered forty acres of land and paid government price.  This was his first start, and by

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industry at one time he was the owner of 730 acres of as fine land as there was in Lost Creek township.  But on account of his age he is unable to manage so much, and he has divided it with his children.  In 1827 he was married to Rhoda Underwood.  She died in 1871, and his second marriage was to Mrs. D. StewartMr. Anderson has been a member of the Baptist church for thirty-eight years.

     Elisha Stewart, farmer, Burnett, was born in Monroe county, Indiana, in 1830, and came to Vigo county in 1832.  He has been a resident of this county and of Lost Creek township ever since.  In July, 1854, he married Emeline Chavous.  She died March 13, 1863, and Dec. 19, 1865, he was married to Elizabeth Waldon, a native of North Carolina.  Mr. Stewart is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and is a staunch republican.  He has a fine farm, which he has under good cultivation.

     Elisha Baker, carpenter and farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, in 1824, and came to Vigo county in 1832.  He has been a resident of this county all his life, with the exception of the time spent in the army.  He served in Co. C, 31st reg. Ind. Vol. Inf, and in the 6th Cav.  He participated in all the battles in which the 6th Cavalry was engaged, and after the war he returned to Vigo county, where he has remained ever since.  He has been engaged in the building of houses, barns, etc.  In 1846 he was married to Eliza McMullen, and she died in 1864.

      Joseph Watson, farmer, Cloverland, Clay county, is the son of James Watson, who was a native of Tennessee, born in 1806.  James Watson, when a young man, came to Kentucky, where he remained about fifteen years, then came to Vigo county in 1832, and settled in Lost Creek township, on the farm where his son Joseph now lives.  Here he continued to reside until his death, which occurred Sept. 20, 1878.  His wife, formerly Miss P. Thompson, was a native of Kentucky, and died in this county.  Their family consisted of seven children: Nancy, wife of J. McHenry; Richard, now deceased; Franklin, living in Missouri; Eliza, John, who is now in Iowa, James, and Joseph.

     Moody Chamberlain
, blacksmith, Seelyville, was born in Lost Creek township, Vigo county, Indiana, July 16, 1882.  At eighteen years of age he went to Clinton, Indiana, and served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, and after working a short time in Terre Haute, in 1853 he built a shop, where he now carries on his present business.  He began business for himself, and by strict attention to his business has built up a trade equal to any in the country.  In 1856 he was married to Miss Martha Clark, a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, and by

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their marriage they have five children, two sons and three daughters:  Ida M., Edwin C., Corrinna, Harvey R. and Jennie.

     Peter Hughes, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Ireland in 1815, and when a young man came to Kingston, Canada, where he served an apprenticeship at the stone-cutter's trade.  After completing his trade he came to Buffalo, New York, where he worked some time, after which he came to Fort Wayne, Indiana, thence to New Orleans, and in 1833 he came to Vigo county, Indiana, where he has continued to reside ever since.  He has spent the most of his time in farming, and by never-tiring industry he has become the owner of a handsome farm and everything to make life comfortable.  Mar. 24, 1839, he was married to Ellen Dickerson, a native of Butler county, Ohio.  She was born in 1824 and came to this county in 1830.  They have six sons and four daughters: Sarah E., Rachel E., George W., James J., Levi G., John H., Peter E., Lourella T., Martha J. and Stephen C.

     G. W. G. Sparks, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, in 1820, and when he was fifteen years of age his parents removed to Vigo county and settled in Lost Creek township.  Mr. Sparks has been a citizen of Vigo county ever since.  His parents subsequently removed to Illinois, where they lived until their deaths, his father dying in about 1876 and his mother in about 1879.  They were natives of Kentucky.  In 1840 Mr. G. W. G. Sparks was joined in marriage to Miss Sallie Hodges, daughter of John and Alley HodgesMr. Sparks began in life a poor boy, but by hard work and economy he has come in possession of a fine farm of 114 acres.  He has been a member of the Baptist church for thirty-seven years and his wife for thirty-nine years.

     L. W. Dickerson, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, in 1835.  His father, Samuel Dickerson, was among the early settlers of the county, and was connected with the construction of the canal and other public works in an early day.  L. W. Dickerson's pursuits in life have been in the agricultural line.  He is honest and up right in all his dealings, and respected by all who know him.  He has been twice married.  In 1859 he was married to Miss Carrie Wise, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She died in 1864, and his second marriage was to Miss S. A. Ferrel, a native of Sullivan county, Indiana.  He is the father of one child by his former and one by his present wife.  

     J. M. Harper, farmer, Round House, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, July 19, 1816, and in 1835 came to Vigo county, and for two years worked at drilling in a stone quarry for the government.  The rock was used for the construction of the National Road. In this way

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he got a little ready money, with which he entered eighty acres of land and built a cabin in the woods and began to try to make a living.  Merchandise was then high; salt was worth $7 a barrel.  Mr. Harper has been an industrious man, and at the present time has comfortably situated himself. In about 1838 he was married to Miss Eliza Wyeth, daughter of E. Wyeth, who was an early settler of the county.  By their happy marriage they have six children: William G., who served in the army three years in the 43d reg. Ind. Vol. Inf.; Amy A., Catharine,
wife of N. Beener during her life; Maria, wife of H. Turner; Sarah E., wife of M. Hide; and Indiana, wife of F. ButtMr. Harper is a member of the A. F. and A. M., Riley Lodge, No. 390.

     Peter Collins, farmer, Riley, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1799, and at thirteen years of age his parents removed to Warren county, Ohio, where Mr. Collins remained for some time, working at the wagon-maker's trade.  Mar. 29, 1820, he was married to Miss Sarah Miller, a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, born June 10, 1806.  In 1836 they removed to Vigo county and settled in Lost Creek township, where he entered forty, and bought eighty, acres of land, and began improving.  There being but little money with which to transact business, Mr. Collins would work at wagon-making to pay the men to build his present house.  Mr. Collins is now in his eighty second year, and after a life spent in hard work, and all the privations of a new country, he has the appearance of a man not over sixty.  His wife lived to see her children develop into manhood and womanhood.  She departed this life Apr. 29, 1879, having had eleven children, of whom eight are now living: Josephus, Rebecca, wife of Alex. Rowan; Thomas, Hannah, wife of W. Light; Mary J., wife of B. Hulburd; Morton L., Sarah S., wife of L. Roberts, and Austin M.  The dead were John, William and LewisAustin served in the late rebellion, in the 85th reg. and in the 149th Ind.  ol. Inf.

     Samuel Molone, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Dinwiddie county, Virginia, July 25, 1800, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age.  In about 1821 he removed to North Carolina, where he remained until he came to Vigo county, in 1837, and settled in Lost Creek township. By hard work and economy he has become the owner of a fine farm of 180 acres, which he took in the timber, and on which he made all the improvements.  In 1827 he was married to Miss E. Strayhorne, a native of North Carolina, now deceased.  Mr. Molone has been liberal to all enterprises that have been beneficial to the community in which he lives.

     W. B. Dickerson, farmer, Seelyville, was born in Butler county, Ohio, Jan. 26, 1821.  At the age of seventeen or eighteen his

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parents came to Lost Creek township, Vigo county, and settled on the National Road seven miles east of Terre Haute.  His father, John Dickerson, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1791, and in 1819 was married to Rhoda Holland, a native of Jackson county, Georgia, born in 1800.  She now resides in the county, and her husband departed this life Jan. 3, 1878.  W. B.
Dickerson, the subject of this sketch, has been a hard-working and enterprising man, always willing to take part in everything pertaining to the interest of the community in which he lives.  In political affairs he is always foremost in behalf of the republican party.  In 1846 he was married to Miss Phoebe Dickerson, daughter of Samuel Dickerson.  She has been a faithful wife and kind mother to her three children, two daughters and one son: Rachel A., now wife of J. T. Reynolds; Martha E., wife of J. S. Tiley; and Samuel A., who is at home.  Mr. Dickerson has served the people of his township as justice of the peace for about eight years, and being of a social turn has gained many friends in the community in which he resides.

     James Dailey, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Parke county, Indiana, in 1838.  His father, Benjamin, was a native of Butler county, Ohio, and came to Parke county in about 1828 and settled in Florida township, and was one of the early settlers of that township.  Here he continued to live until his death, which occurred in 1863.  His wife, Catharine Redon, is a native of Ohio, and now lives at the old home stead. James Dailey resided for many years at home in Parke county, where he worked on the farm.  In 1870 he became a resident of Vigo
county.  In 1859 he was married to Miss Zerelda Kerr, a native of Parke county.  She died in 1864, and he was married to her sister, Arminta Kerr.  They were the daughters of James Kerr, who came to Parke county in 1818, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1876.  He took an active part in the war of 1812, particularly in the battle of the Thames.  In 1840 he was elected to the legislature, and was afterward elected five consecutive terms.  Mr. Dailey has three children by his former wife: John O., Carrie E., and Ella, and two by
his present wife: James T. and KatieMr. Dailey is a member of the A. F. and A. M., Riley Lodge, No. 390. He is also a member of the Christian church.

     S. S. Ripley, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, Dec. 19, 1841. His father, Joseph Ripley, was a native of Ohio, born in 1818, and came to Vigo county about 1823, and settled within half a mile of where S. S. Ripley now resides.  He continued to live in the county until his death, which occurred Nov. 22, 1866.  His wife was born in 1816, and died in this county in

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1862.   The subject of this sketch was in the late rebellion three years, in the 4th Cavalry, and was all through the Atlanta campaign and Wilson's raid.  After serving his country faithfully for three years he returned to his birthplace and engaged in farming.  In 1867 he married Miss Rachel Hughes, daughter of Peter Hughes, who was one of the early settlers of this county.  Mr. Ripley is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and his political views are in favor of the republican party.

     Alexander Rowan, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, July 14, 1821, where he served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, beginning when seventeen years of age, and completing at twenty-one.  At that age he made up his mind to come west.  He started on foot, and walked from Cincinnati, Ohio, to where he now
resides, in Lost Creek township, where he arrived in 1842 with only $5 in money.  Soon after this he began his former occupation, and after working hard for two years bought eighty acres of land, which is his present home, and by industry and economy he has accumulated all of which he is now the possessor.  In 1847 he was married to Miss Rebecca Collins, daughter of Peter Collins.  They have one daughter, Sarah B., and one deceased, James M.

     J. H. Scofield, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1814, where he remained until 1842, at which time he came to Vigo county and settled in Lost Creek township.  He bought sixty nine acres of unimproved land, which he has not only improved, but by hard work has added to it until he has a fine farm of 184 acres, all under a good state of cultivation.  He began without anything but a good constitution and a practical knowledge of how to work.  He has been twice married, first in 1836 to Miss Mary A. Turner, a native of  Warren county, Ohio.  She died in 1864, and his second marriage was to R. Dubre, formerly Rachel Dickerson, daughter of Samuel Dickerson, who was an early settler of the county.  Mr. Scofield became the father of five sons and one daughter by his former wife: Melissa, wife of C. Atmore, Allison, Corwin B., now deceased, Constantine, who served in the rebellion and came home and died, Joseph H., who served in the war, and Fremont.  He is the parent of two children by his present wife: Charles L. and Levi W.

     Elza Jones, proprietor of saw-mill, and farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Henry county, Kentucky, in 1829; and when one year old his parents removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, thence to Sullivan county, where Mr. Jones remained until 1842.  He engaged there in agricultural pursuits, and after spending one year on the Mississippi river, steamboating between Cincinnati and New Orleans.

 

W. R. Jeffers
(portrait)

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1843 he came to Vigo county, and began working in a saw-mill.  Since that he has been the owner of six or seven mills, and has been quite extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber.  When he
began in life for himself he began poor, but by industry and a strict attention to business, he has comfortably situated himself, and is the owner of a good farm consisting of 160 acres, and a saw-mill within six miles of Terre Haute.  In 1850 he married Harriet Wilgus, daughter of R. Wilgus, who was an early settler of this county.  Mr. Jones has been a member of the New Light church for many years, and for several years past he has been an ordained preacher of that denomination; he once preached for a number of years.

     H. C. Dickerson, farmer, Seelyville, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, in 1844.  He served in the rebellion in Co. E, 133d reg. Ind. Vol. Inf, and has been a resident of the county all his life.  He was married in 1871, and has a family of three children: Rosco, Raleigh and George WMr. Dickerson, in connection with his farm, keeps a country store, and by not having the rent to pay that they do in the city, he is able to compete with them in prices.  By his courteous treatment of his many costomers, he has not only established a good trade, but has gained many friends.  He is a member of the Terre Haute Lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F., and in politics he is a republican.

     Joseph Ripley, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, in 1845, and has been a resident of this county all his life.  In the late war he enlisted, in 1863, in the 11th Cav., 126th reg., Co. B, and served until the close of the war.  He was all through Wilson's campaign, and Hood's raid, participating in a great many skirmishes, and was at the fifteen days’ fight at Nashville.  After the close of the war he went to Kansas, where he was stationed on the Sante Fe stage road, to guard the road against the Indians.  He subsequently returned to Vigo county, and engaged in agricultural pursuits.  In 1866 he was married to Miss Rachel C. Coart, who was born in Vigo county, in 1848.

     J. W. Moore, farmer, Cloverland, was born in Highland county, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1823.  In 1837 he came with his uncle to Clay county, where he lived until he became of age.  After serving an apprenticeship at the blacksmith and wagon-maker's trade, in 1847 he built a shop close to Cloverland, on the National Road, where he carried on business for some time.  In 1853 he removed to his farm, where he now lives, and he has carried on his former occupation in connection with farming.  When he began for himself he had not a dollar, but by industry and economy he is now the possessor of a fine farm consisting of 240 acres.  Being a natural genius, he has

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had his buildings all arranged so that they are convenient and handy. He has also built a fine fishery, which in time will add much to the value of his farm. Mar. 23, 1847, he took a life partner, his choice being Miss Mary A. Jarvis, daughter of James Jarvis, and the issue of their long and happy union is four sons and one daughter: Joseph F., Elvis, Mason, George W. and Clara A.  Mr. Moore has long been a member of the Christian church, and in politics is a staunch democrat.

     Nelson Palmer, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, Jan. 16, 1847, and at the breaking out of the late rebellion was one of the first to respond to the call for volunteers.  He enlisted in 1861 in Co. B, 31st Ind. Vol. Inf, and served until 1866.  He participated in many of the prominent battles: Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Buzzard Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, where he was wounded, Franklin, and the last battle of Nashville.  His regiment then went to Huntsville, Alabama, and it was under fire every day.  After the close of the war Mr. Palmer went to Texas and did provost duty until 1866, after which he returned home to Vigo county, and since then has been engaged in farming.  In 1868 he married Miss Mary Myers, a native of this county, and the issue is three sons and two daughters.  His father served in the rebellion, in the 6th cavalry, and died at Franklin, Tennessee.  One of Mr. Palmer's brothers went out in the 31st Ind. Vol. Inf, and was killed at Buzzard Roost, May 11, 1864.

     The Swalls family are among the early settlers of Vigo county.  David Swalls was born in 1799, and was married in 1838 to Miss Catharine Muncie, who was born in 1809.  They came to Vigo county in an early day, where they continued to reside as one of the respectable families until their deaths, Mr. Swalls dying in 1853 and Mrs. Swalls in 1874.  C. B. and P. N. Swalls have purchased the old homestead where their father resided for forty-seven years.  They are both hard-working young men, and have quite materially improved the farm, and have it under a good state of cultivation.

     William Roberts, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in New York city Jan. 31, 1810, and when a boy his parents removed to Warren county, Ohio, where Mr. Roberts grew to be a man.  In 1841 he took a life partner, his choice being Miss P. J. Stephenson, a native of Butler county, Ohio. In 1847 they moved to Vigo county, Indiana, to seek a home in the then wilderness of Lost Creek township, where he had previously purchased eighty acres of land.  At present anyone passing his farm would scarcely think that it was once a forest, there being but three acres partly cleared when he came in possession of it.

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His family consists of seven children: La Fayette, Lear, Levina, Louisa J., Alonzo, Benjamin, Anthony, and Benton.


     Alex McPherson
, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Scotland in 1816, and at three years of age his father and stepmother started to America.  His father died on the way with the yellow fever, and he and his stepmother came to Ohio, and soon after young Alexander was sent back to Scotland, where he remained until 1835.  At this date, he came to Canada and thence to Vigo county, which has been his home since 1848.  In 1873 he opened a coal mine on his farm, and it has proved to be of the very best quality.  In course of time it will add much to the value of his farm.  In 1849 he was married to Elizabeth Winningham.

     William H. Alvis, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Vigo county, where he has lived all his life.  His parents came to the county in an early day and located in Lost Creek township, where they were among the pioneers. They continued to reside in the county until their deaths, but on account of not having important dates the writer is unable to give the particulars.

     J. G. Hamilton, farmer, Stanton, is a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania.  When he was three years of age his parents came to Warren county, Ohio.  He learned the shoemaker's trade and his life was spent in that occupation, more or less, until he came to Vigo county in 1851.  He became one of the farmers of Lost Creek township, where he has continued to reside.  He began without any aid, but by never-tiring industry he is the owner of 208 acres of fine improved lands in Vigo and Clay counties.  In 1840 he was married to Miss Louisa Thurston, a native of Warren county, Ohio.  They have eleven children: Elizabeth, now wife of W. Miller; Otha, James, Frank, Lemuel, Eliza, wife of T. Green; Chauncey, Fred, Grant, Charley and CoraOtha, James and Frank served in the late war.  Mr. Hamilton is a member of the A. F. and A. M., Riley Lodge, No. 390.

     F. W. Felling
, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Germany in 1818, and came to Vigo county in about 1853 and became one of the prominent farmers of Lost Creek township.  He was married to Miss Augusta Mattis, a native of Germany, and they have raised a respectable family of five children.  Fredric H., born in this country, 1856, Aaron L., born in 1859, Clemnes in 1863, Henry in 1869 and Charles in 1871.  Mr. Felling has by industry and economy become the owner of a fine farm located within seven miles of Terre Haute,

     Alexander Thomas, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1829, and at seventeen years of age he served an apprenticeship in the blacksmith trade.  After learning the trade he

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followed the business in his native county until he was twenty-five years of age.  After coming to Terre Haute, Indiana, Apr. 28, 1854, he followed a farmer's occupation for a number of years.  In 1865 he was elected city marshal of Terre Haute, which office he faithfully filled for two years, and gained the respect of his fellow
citizens.  In 1871 he was elected mayor of the city, which office he filled until 1875.  By his meritorious conduct he won a wide circle of friends in the city and surrounding country.  In 1878 he moved on his present farm and began agricultural pursuits.  In 1856 he was married to Miss Hannah L. Eddy, a native of New Hampshire.  He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., Terre Haute Lodge, No. 19.  Also a member of the A.O.U.W.

     C. H. Dannels, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Salem county, New Jersey, in 1813.  The early part of his life was spent as a sailor and fisherman, which he began at fourteen years of age, and followed until twenty-four years of age.  Afterward he came west and located in Union county, Indiana, to which he brought the first threshing machine that was in that part of the country.  He always advocated the cause of education, and has taken an active part in the building of school.  houses and establishing schools in the community in which he has resided.  After remaining in Union county for some time he came to Vigo county and located in Lost Creek township, where he has been quite extensively engaged in farming.  When he began for himself he was a poor boy, but by economy and industry, step by step he has accumulated a handsome property of 200 acres of land, located seven miles east of Terre Haute, and has provided each of his children with a good farm.  He has long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  He has been twice married.  His first wife was Sarah Nelson, to whom he was united in 1840.  After her death he was married to Melinda Willis, in 1860, daughter of John Willis.  She was born in Union county, Indiana, in 1815.

     Isaac Myers, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1824.  He served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade in his native county, and in 1849 he came to Indianapolis, Indiana, and thence to Paris, Illinois, and in 1859 came to Vigo county, where has since resided.  He has been engaged in farming and working at his trade.  Mr. Myers has built five of the school-houses in Lost Creek township and three in Riley township.  He has been always active in enterprises beneficial to the community in which he resides.  He has been on the board of the agricultural Society for the past few years.  What property he possesses he has made by hard work.

     Joseph Thompson, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Richmond,

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Yorkshire England, in 1846.   He emigrated to America in 1968, and located in Terre Haute, where he worked as a puddler for eleven years.   He afterward purchased  his present farm and located in Lost Creek township, where he is engaged in the agricultural pursuits.  In 1869 he was married to Miss B. C . Stanton, a native of Vigo county.  She is the daughter of John and Mary Stanton, who were early settlers of the county.  Mr. Thompson is the father of five children:  William, Mary, Elizabeth, John and Annie.

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