Parke County Indiana Biographies  -  S

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Major John J. SAFELY -  It is a pleasure to chronicle the history of a man whose life retained the beautiful simplicity of its purpose and aim while embellished by the amenities, the culture and advantages which wealth permits one to enjoy. Such a man was Mr. Safely, who was born at Waterford, Saratoga County, New York in 1837, a son of Thomas and Henrietta Safely. He was educated in Saratoga County, New York and Mt. Vernon Iowa and graduated from that institution in 1857, after which he commenced the study of law in the office of Judge William Green of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While in the pursuit of his legal studies the flag of his country became endangered and he responded to Pres. Lincoln's call and enlisted in the 13th Iowa Regt in which, for his faithful performance of every duty for his courage and ability, he was made Capt. of Company C, 13th Iowa Regt. he served in this capacity, rising constantly in the esteem of his superior officers. he was the provost-Marshall on the staff of the 3rd Brigade, 4th Division 17th Corps in and around Atlanta and did some of the most gallant and daring acts that were done on any battlefield. Step by step he climbed the ladder of military honors until at the close of the war, in 1865, he bore the respected and well merited title of Major. One of the most striking tributes which was paid to the memory of the dead warrior was an obituary which appeared in a New York paper as follows: "We knew Maj. Safely well as a man and soldier. As a man he was kind, generous, considerate and courteous to rich and poor alike, and as a soldier he was bold and daring tot he extreme, performing his duties with that fearless, unabating zeal which inspired the most timid of his followers with bravery." The Major was in the battle where the brave McPherson fell on the memorable 22nd of July. Upon one occasion, while in the midst of a severe fight, he realized that his regiment was short of immunity, and he at once rode forth into the field to meet the ammunition wagon of the 12th Iowa Regt which at that time was disengaged. he endeavored to persuade the driver of the wagon to supply his regiment with ammunition, but on account of not being under the immediate command of the Major and having more regard fro discipline than for the immediate wants of the army, the stubborn driver refused to comply with the Major's request, whereupon  the later, who had victory in view instead of discipline, seized the driver by the collar, threw him to the ground and hastily mounting the wagon, drove it into the ranks of the regiment where, amid shot and shell, he coolly carried to and fro the ammunition with which to supply his regiment. One of the most romantic incidents which occurred in the life of the Major was the meeting with Miss Mary F. McEwen, who afterward became his wife. he, at that time, had charge of the hospital at Camp McClelland, Davenport, Iowa, and the scarcity of professional nurses necessitated the employment of the unskilled, yet willing hands of the ladies of that community and among the first to volunteering this work of patriotism and mercy was the present Mrs. Safely, who while in the performance of her duties about the hospital, formed the acquaintance of the Major, which afterward ripened into an affection which, at the close of the war, led to the union which ever afterward blessed their lives. Maj. Safely started in life a poor boy, but with the spirit of daring and perseverance which so characterized his war record, he in after years conducted his business. He became interesting in mining prospects in Colorado, some of which yielded him vast returns. One of these was the Bassick mine, which he sold after it had been partially worked for the magnificent sum of $1,500,00. After many ventures in mining industries and other active business, the Major became determined to construct for himself a home of beauty and comfort, in which he and his worthy wife might pass their declining years, surrounded by the many friends which their social intercourse and wide experience had gained, and for this purpose he purchased the tract of land which is located near the well-known Lodi Artesian Well, the waters of which many have drunk with great advantage to their health. Upon this piece of property and in an attractive natural park he erected a beautiful and perfectly equipped house, the interior of which is finished with elegant and tasteful designs in foreign and domestic woods and which cost the sum of $50,000. Almost before its completion, and while preparations were being made for the giving of an entertainment befitting the opening of this magnificent home, its threshold was crossed by the grim messenger, death. Surrounded by his family and loving and sympathizing friends, the Major fought his last battle and on September 1, 1891, he quietly passed to his reward. Socially he was a Mason, in which fraternity he had risen to the rank of Knight Templar. He was also enrolled in the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a Republican who took more than an average interest in the party, and wielded a wide spread interest in the political affairs of his section, although he was in no sense of the word an office seeker, preferring a strict attention to the business affairs of life rather than the strife and turmoil of the political arena. His antecedent can be traced back to some of the most worthy families of Europe, although time and space will not admit of our noting step by step the genealogy of this family. Nevertheless, the memory of the kind and faithful husband, trusty and loyal friend, and benevolent and agreeable man of affairs will ever remain verdant in the minds of those with whom he was associated. While he met with a more than average degree of success in business, he ever retained a warm spot in his heart for those who found life's battle hard and a helping hand was ever extended to the less fortunate of his fellow creatures.   -  Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 457, shared by Karen Zach

SAGE - John W. SAGE.   Among the influential and prominent business men of Rockville is he of whom we write who is now engaged in the real estate and insurance business in the city of Rockville.  His life is one well worthy of emulation and it is with pleasure we present to our readers this record.  Our subject's parents are Alexander and Maria H. Walker Sage, the former of whom was an early settler of Parke County to which he came from Kentucky about 1828.  His birth occurred near Frankfort Kentucky and his boyhood was passed on the farm.  After his marriage he followed the trade of a blacksmith and carried on a farm until coming to Indiana.  On his arrival in this county he located in Howard Township, where he purchased land devoting himself to its improvement until about the year 1846 when he sold the place going to Vigo County. There he became the owner of a farm in Lost Creek Township where he passed his remaining days, his death occurring in 1853.  After surviving him for several years, the wife and mother was called from the shores of time in 1862. Mr. Sage was a Democrat in political principles. Early in life he was a member of the Methodist denomination being ordained a minister in the same and devoting considerable of his time to preaching. John W. Sage was born in Howard Township, Parke County February 9, 1837.  His boyhood days, which were spent on the farm, passed without any unusual event and perhaps the first important change was when he entered the Waveland College at Waveland, Indiana. Upon leaving that institution of learning he engaged in teaching in the schools of Parke County for nearly 3 years. He then entered the mercantile business at Russellville, Putnam County where he was located for a couple of year after which going to Portland Mills Indiana he was there occupied in the same pursuit 1 & 1/2 years.  Next, going to Cincinnati he entered the employ of Williams & Co., dealers in hats, caps, furs and straw goods. After 9 months of faithful service with that firm, desiring to try his luck in the West, Mr. Sage went to Nebraska, first locating in Nebraska City where he engaged for a short time in selling goods and then went into the hotel business.  This was before there was a railroad in that now aggressive and prosperous Western city.  In 1862 he went to Indianapolis and was clerk in a railroad office 2 years.  Embarking in a distinctly different avocation, Mr. Sage entered the employ of Col. Irish as a traveling correspondent. Some time after this in 1858, in the interest of Mr. Irish, Mr. Sage established a paper which he named the Commonwealth which is still in existence at Lincoln, Nebraska, now being published under the name Nebraska State Journal. After some time our subject took charge of the State Register which he edited for a year and a half.  His next move was to Omaha where he took a position on the Omaha Bee and he was there for about one year as traveling correspondent. During the time of the trouble in Nebraska over the location of the capital, our subject reported the proceedings for the press, which letters were copied in papers all over the US.  When he started in the newspaper business he received a salary of only $40 per month, but when he left was commanding $1800 per year.  Returning from the West, Mr. Sage engaged in various businesses for about six months and later clerked in a hardware store some two years and was one year in the insurance business.  He was stationed in Crawfordsville during this time and then became a resident of Rockville. While in Nebraska he was State Agent for Mutual Life Insurance and is now a representative for the following companies: Ohio Farmers; American of Philadelphia and the Fireman's fund of San Francisco.  While in Nebraska City, Miss Sarah E. Owen was united in wedlock with our subject the ceremony taking place February 19, 1869. Mrs. Sage was the daughter of William Owen who had formerly been a resident of Nashville, Tenn. The union of our worthy subject and wife was blessed with four children: Minnie, who is clerking in the Stevenson Dry Goods Co; Mabel a graduate of the HS of Rockville; Maggie and Frank. The loving wife and mother was taken seriously ill June 15, 1892 and died 13 July following.  She was a lady of refinement and culture, one who by her many lovable qualities had won innumerable friends. She was a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Two of her children belong to the Presbyterian Church while one is a member of the Methodist.  Mr. Sage has always taken an active part in local affairs and is a constant worker in the ranks of the Democratic Party. He is justly considered one of the enterprising business men of the place and has made many warm friends in political, social and commercial circles. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) Page 709

SALMON -  Joseph F. Salmon, farmer and stock raiser, Rosedale, was born March 22, 1837 in Clinton County, In near Frankfort on a farm.  His father, George Salmon was born In Virginia  Coming to Indiana in 1834, he settled in Clinton County, where he was engaged in farming.  He died in Clinton Co in 1870.  His mother, Elizabeth (CASTATER) Salmon died when Joseph was but 11 years of age.  They were both members of the Presbyterian church.  Mr. Salmon lived with his parents until he was 16 years of age, when he engaged himself to John B. Douglas in Frankfort to learn the carpenter's trade.  At the expiration of two and a half years he went to Roseville and was engaged 14 months.  From here he moved to Bridgeton where he was engaged in carpentering about 2 years.  He then worked near two years in Wabasha Co MN when he ret. To Parke Co. And settled in Rosedale and was engaged in working at his trade another year.  In the spring of 1862 he commenced farming on the prairie E. Of Rosedale but at the expiration of one year moved to his present home on Sec. 28 where he has a farm of 202 acres.  January 16, 1862 he married Eleanor DOTY, the 8th of 9 children and a daughter Of John M. Doty, one of the oldest of the settlers of Parke Co.  They are the parents of six children, 3 of whom are living: Mary L, Ella, Manda, George Henry, Freddie and Willie.  He has been a member of the Christian church for 12 years, and is now a deacon.  His wife has been a member 20 years.  Mr. Salmon is a stalwart republican, casting his first presidential vote for Lincoln. 

Dr. I. E. SANDERSON was born in Parke County, Indiana in 1853; moved to Girard, Kansas in 1877, located at Farlington with a drug store in 1879; remained until 1894 when he came to Pittsburg. The Dr. is a licentiate of the state board of medical examination and registration. - A Twentieth century history and biographical record of Crawford County, Kansas Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1905, Page 156

SAPP -  George Sapp, farmer, Bridgeton, was born in Clermont County, Ohio , February 20, 1814 and is the son of Edward and Elizabeth SETON Sapp.  His father was of Dutch and Scotch descent and was born in Kentucky.  His maternal grandparents came from Ireland and his mother was born in Virginia  The parents of Mr. Sapp were taken to Ohio  when quite small and there raised and married  His father died of the cholera when that disease was so fatal in Ohio  and his mother died January 14, 1875.  Both rest in a tomb walled with limestone on the old homestead in Clermont County, Ohio .  Till 22 years of age, Mr. Sapp tilled the soil on the farm, and at that age began a 3 years' apprenticeship at the  carpenter's trade, which he followed for 9 years longer.  He then engaged in farming 3 years in Ohio  after which he settled in the woods of Clay Co.  He spent 2 years farming in Vermilion Co., IL and returned to Ohio  and farmed two years on the old home farm.  He next went to Clay Co., where he farmed two years, and was engaged 10 years in the potting business, shipping potter's clay, and also farming some; at the expiration of which time he moved to Parke Co. and bought 160 acres of land.  He now has 182 acres.  Mr. Sapp was married December13, 1840 to Phebe HUTSON daughter of William and Mary Huston, of Clermont Co Ohio  both of Kentucky.  Her father served in the war of 1812 and was obliged for some time to fare on horseflesh.  He died in 1828 and in 1865 in January, his wife followed him to rest.  Mr. Sapp's children are 8 in number: William E, born October13, 1841; Charles M. October13, 1842diedJuly 3, 1843; Hilian October7, 1843diedOctober7, 1865; Martha E, August 4, 1845; Franklin L 1847died1849; Mary J October 7, 1853died January 18, 1880; David E May 1856 and Geo. E 1863died1864.  William E. served 13 months in Co A, 16th Indiana Volunteers, and at Cumberland Gap lived on corn 12 days.  Mr. and Mrs.. Sapp were members of the Methodist Episcopal church from childhood till 1866 when they united with the United Brethren church, there being no Methodist church near them.  Mr. Sapp in a staunch republican and voted first for J. Q. Adams.  Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

SAPPENFIELD - Charles W. Sappenfield This gentleman is one who has met with discouragements and calamities during his business life, but by his persistent efforts he has established himself and is profitably engaged at the present time.  He is the son of Mathias Sappenfield, who was born March 12, 1790 in Fayette Co, North Carolina  to Mathias Sappenfield.  The last-named gentleman was born in the Carolinas and was a gallant soldier in the Revolutionary War.  He married a Miss Sechrist, and remained in his native place where he engaged in agriculture.  The Sappenfields were of German ancestry and Mathias Sr. was one of a family of 12 sons.   Several of these sons came to America and served in the Revolutionary War, one of them Jacob S, died while in the service on Long Island.  Mathias Sappenfield, the father of our subject, was reared in the Carolinas where he married Miss Christian Grimes, August 25, 1811. She is a daughter of John and Barbara Grimes.  In 1823 Mr. and Mrs. Sappenfield went to Shelby County, Indiana where they settled on Flat Rock and there lived about two years and farmed. Two years after they came to Parke County and settled on the Little Raccoon in what is now Green Township. Here he entered land from the government and erected a flour and sawmill, following this occupation and at the same time carrying on farming.  Being one of the very first settlers of this county he was among the first who worked up a lucrative business and in a short time he was enabled to erect another mill on the Big Raccoon.  This last possession was located on land in Union Township, which he had entered from the government and finally gave to his two sons. The father of our subject lived on the Little Raccoon until his death, which occurred August 14, 1873. When but a lad he became interested in religious affairs and in his 18th year joined the German Reformed Church. He was a brave soldier in the War of 1812, and after coming to this county united with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he was an intelligent worker and liberal supporter the remainder of his life. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat. The mother of our subject bore her husband 11 children, of whom 5 are still living.  Three make their homes in this county, Eliza, now Mrs. Martin; Huber who still lives on the old homestead and Mrs. Henry McDaniel, who lives in this township. One brother of our subject, Andrew lives in Fairfield, Iowa.  John M. is a resident of Kansas. At the time of his death the father of our subject had in his possession about 900 acres of land, which he had accumulated by his own industry and perseverance. He cleared the homestead that he entered from the government on the Little Raccoon himself and peacefully passed away August 14, 1873. His wife had been a member of the German Reformed Church since 14 and she, too was called to the better land August 1859 at the age of 63. Charles W. Sappenfield is a native of Green Township, Parke County and was born July 9, 1836.  He was reared on the homestead, receiving his early education in the public schools and afterward supplementing it by an attendance at the Indiana University, from which he graduated with the class of 1863.  After he had completed his education so far he began the study of law under Judge Mack, of Terre Haute and Oct 19, 1864 entered the senior class of the Law Department of Michigan University, An Arbor.  He here finished his course and graduated the following spring, after which he began the practice of law at Crawfordsville, Ind. in partnership with his younger brother, E. M. .  Mr. Sappenfield practiced his profession at that place 3 years but owing to ill health concluded that an occupation requiring less mental strain would be more beneficial, so he embarked in the manufacture of pumps at that place.  He followed this for 14 years and accumulated quite a fortune which enabled him to purchase a farm in Parke Co.  He located at Bellmore and at once followed his pursuit for 26 years, during which time he was very successful and prosperous.  After leaving the farm he moved to Rockville and engaged in shingle manufacturing, which he has followed since 1889.  He finds this a very profitable business making about 5 million shingles a year, which is the result of his good management and hard work. December 31, 1863, Mr. Sappenfield was wedded to Miss Sarah E, daughter of John R. and Catharine Seybold, who were early settlers of this county.  Miss Seybold was born in Parke County and here received a common school education after which she took a course at the academy at Stockville, this state.  Her father was one of the most successful farmers and energetic business men of this time. Mr. and Mrs. Sappenfield have had 3 children: Charles Frederick, Mary Catherine and Daisy, the last named dying at age 8 months.  In politics Mr. Sappenfield is a strong Democrat.  Socially is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He is a prominent and consistent member of the Evangelical  Lutheran Church, which he attends regularly and liberally supports, giving 10% of all receipts for the up building of the cause.  he has given his means toward the erection of two churches in this town besides contributing toward the rebuilding and repairing of 8 or 10 other edifices.  He belongs to Philadelphia Chapel in Green Township, Parke County and held the office of Treasurer of the Indiana synod for about 3 years.  In his early manhood Mr. Sappenfield made several inventions, on which he secured patents one of which took a premium at the Fair at Terre Haute.  In 1867 Mr. Sappenfield invented a dray saw on which he made a great deal of money, and subsequently invented a washing machine, which he gave to the public, never taking out a patent. When he came here he started in the shingle business in the large brick building near the depot, which burned down Dec. 14, 1890.  He lost everything he had invested in that business to the amount of $1400.  But Mr. Sappenfield was determined to succeed and not discouraged by this disaster he again established himself in the same business with redoubled energy and now is considered one of the most intelligent and successful business men of the community. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) Page 531 - Contributed by Karen Zach

SEAMAN - Erastus Seaman, the subject of this sketch was born on the 19th of November 1834 in Montgomery Co IN. His father was a farmer and one of the earliest settlers of that county. Mr. S. Was raised on the farm where he was born and obtained his education in the common schools. He lived at home until he was of age, when he took unto himself a better half in the person of Miss Nancy A. SARVIS. Shortly after his married, Mr. S. Rented a farm from his father and commenced business for himself. He lived on this farm until October 1873 when, having become tired of farming, Mr. S. Removed to Rockville, Parke Co and purchased the Striker property. As a farmer, Mr. S. Had been very successful and has retired to educate his children. In person, Mr. S. Is below the medium height, but solidly and compactly built and in this respect his appearance is an index to his character.  - - 1874 Parke County Indiana Atlas

SELLER - James W. P. Seller, M.D., retired, Bridgeton, was born in Monroe County, Indiana December 4, 1820, and is the son of John F. and Rebecca Seller.  The former was born February 22, 1791 in Kentucky.  He was a farmer, storekeeper and mechanic, and was in the War of 1812.  He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and in politics was a Whig.  He moved from Kentucky. to Monroe Co; lived there 3 years and moved to Greencastle, where he died1876.  Dr. Seller's mother was born in Kentucky in 1798 and died about 1874.  The doctor had a good education.  He attended college at Greencastle and Crawfordsville.  He attended Greencastle when there was but one teacher, Rev. Cyrus NUTT.  He graduated from the Ohio  Medical College at Cincinnati in 1833 o4 34.  He began the practice of medicine in 1844 Putnam Co and practiced there one year, then came to where he now resides.  He has had a good practice, but is now enjoying the peaceful shades of private life.  The doctor was married October7, 1847 to Susan F. McFarland, daughter of Benjamin and Susan S. McFarland.  Her father was in the War of 1812.  They have six children: Benjamin F, born July 26, 1848; Amanda E, June 13, 1853diedApril 20, 1858; John W July 31, 1855; Charles F April 26, 1857; Louisa June 14, 1859; James M, August 22, 1862.  Dr. Seller now has about 640 acres of good land one mile So. of Bridgeton.  He and his wife are both members of the Baptist church. He is a republican and a highly respected citizen and gentleman. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

SEYBOLD -- The Seybolds can trace back their ancestry to an early date.  Three brothers are said to have emigrated from Germany to America, two of them settling in Virginia and one in Kentucky, the last being the great grandfather of WHH, Dempsey and James and John Seybold of Raccoon Township.  There is a tradition accounting for the origin of the name.  It is said that about 200 years ago an infant was found floating in a wooden bowl off the coast of Germany and the parties finding the child, being ignorant of its parents or its name, invent the name Sea-bowl from the circumstances, and by the mutations of time to which names as well as other things are subject, Sea-bowl has become Seybold.  WHH Seybold of Bridgeton, was born Dec. 3, 1838, and is the son of Thomas K. and Mildred H. (SEA) Seybold.  His father was t2 years old when he came with his parents to Parke Co in 1818, having been born in Kentucky in 1816.  He spent his life in Raccoon Township., and when at Terre Haute on business was murdered April 9, 1850.  His wife, Mildred H, was born February 14, 1814 and is living.  Three generations ago the Seas came from Germany.  The grandfather to the present generation of Seybolds died June 3, 1835 and grandmother February. 2, 1868.  Thomas K, son of the above, was married to Mildred H. Sea in 1835, and they had 8 children.  WHH spent his youth on the farm.  September4, 1862 he was married to Harriet A. ADAMS, daughter of William C. and Mary J. Adams.  She died May 26, 1863.  He was again married to Emeline ADAMS September17, 1868.  She is the daughter of Samuel W. and Ann W. (GILKESON) Adams.  Mr. and Mrs.. Seybold have a family of two children, Anna M, born September27, 1868 and Martha J born February 11, 1871.  Mrs. Seybold is a member of the Methodist church.  Mr. Seybold has been a republican since his majority.  He enlisted February 27, 1864 in Co. H, 21st Ind.  Heavy Artillery under Capt J. W.  CONNELLY and Col. John A. CASE.  He was in the gulf department.  His services were called into operation at the sieges of Ft. Morgan, Ft. Gaines, Ft. Spanish, Ft. Enger, Ft. Tracy and Ft. Blakely.  He was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and returned home to the farm.  He has followed the plow since that time and now owns a farm of 80 acres and an interest in a steam thresher.  Mr. Seybold began life poor, and by hard work has earned himself a home.  He belongs to the Masonic fraternity of Bridgeton. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

Dempsey Seybold, farmer, Bridgeton, was born September 8, 1828 in Raccoon Township., and is the son of Dempsey & Elizabeth  Mr. S. attended the common school till he was 13 when he was left with his mother in charge of the farm, and after that did not get to attend school much.  Mr. S. has been married 3 times.  His first wife was Margaret MARTIN, to whom he was married in 1850.  They had 7 children.  The 2nd marriage in 1864 was to Nancy MARTIN sister of his first wife.  By this marriage they had 3 children.  He was married the third time December 4, 1866 to Mrs. Mary HANSEL who was born June 23, 1838. There is one child by this married Flora, born July 19, 1875.  Mr. Seybold has a farm of 140 acres; has been township trustee 7 years and acting in the capacity of administrator, has settled over 20 estates, all of which have given good satisfaction.  He was nominated by the republicans July 17, 1880 to represent Clay County in the state legislature.  He has been a mason 14 years and belonged to the Methodist church since 1848.  Mr. Seybold is an honest, upright and respected gentleman. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

Dempsey C., Seybold farmer, Jessup, was born November18, 1837 in Raccoon Township, Parke Co and is the son of Thomas K. and Mildred H. SEA Seybold.  He passed his youthful days on the farm and gained sufficient education to enable him to teach school, which he did two and a half years.  He was married August 1, 1861 to Agnes W. ARMSTRONG, daughter of Stephen and Mary (WEATHERFORD) Armstrong.  She was born January 9, 1837 in Washington Township, Parke Co.  Her parents were born in Kentucky, her grandparents having emigrated to that state in very early days.  He enlisted July 20, 1863, in Co B 115th Indiana Infantry Volunteers and served six months, principally engaged on picket duty, marching and countermarching, preventing the confederates from attacking Cumberland Gap.  He was mustered out as first corporal.  During his service he lived for many days on parched corn.  He returned to his family and moved to Woodford Co Illinois and farmed.  In January 1868 he came back to Indiana and bought 94 acres of land, which he now owns.  Besides farming he has dealt some in stock.  Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.  He is a solid republican and voted first for Abraham Lincoln.  He is a great reader, patronizing the papers liberally.  Mr. and Mrs.. Seybold have a pleasant family of two children, and two are deal: Mary I, born August 7, 1862;  Stephen S., November20, 1864; Florence I, June 15, 1868diedSeptember9, 1869 and Willie H August 20, 1870diedDecember28, 1871.  Mr. Seybold is a Mason.  Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

James Seybold farmer, Guion, was born in Fleming Co Kentucky in 1811.  At the age of 11 he with his parents emigrated to Parke Co and settled on Big Raccoon, where they remained one year.   They then moved to a settlement begun a few months previous on the west side of little Raccoon.  In 1833 he was married to Miss Anna Harland, who like himself well understood the hardships and privations of pioneer life.  They began their married life where they now reside. They have 10 children, two of whom are dead: one died in infancy and Aaron, their 3rd child at the age of 14 years, the rest are all married  Mary, now Mrs. FM SHOCKEY, resides at Browns Valley, Montgomery County.  Mr. Shockey is a merchant.  They have one child.  John was married to Miss Minerva J. GAMMON and lives in KS on  a farm of a quarter section  and has 3 children.  Lawson's wife was Miss Sarah A. OLDSHOE and he is a citizen of Edgar County, IL.  He has a farm consisting of 120 acres and is the father of 5 children.  Jackson was married to Miss Sarah A. WHITE, and resides on the old farm.  He has 5 children.  James' wife was Miss Mary J. COLLINGS and he resides on a well improved farm of 42 acres, E. Of Guion junction, and he has one child.  Julia, now Mrs. J. WILLIAMS resides at Brown's Valley, Montgomery co.  Mr. Williams is a lumber dealer.  George was married to Willmeneth PETERSON and they reside in Waveland, and he is a dealer in agricultural implements and hardware.  He has one child, Jasper.  Seybold was married to Miss Civilla A. SHERMAN and he resides in the old home with his father. Mr. and Mrs.. Seybold are members of the Old School Baptists at Mt. Moriah it being now 8 years since they became members of   that church.  In politics he is a democrat in the strictest sense and has been since he was 16 years of age.  He has always been a farmer. By his industry he has accumulated a landed property of 400 acres, which is divided into two nearly equal parts by the Indianapolis, Decatur and Springfield railroad.  (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)  Note;  James Seybold, Sr. is buried in the Seybold Cemetery. Section 17, Greene Township.  Dates:  died 10-12-1880  age 68Y10M15D.  Beside him is: Anne Harlan died 2-22-1881  age 66Y 5M12D  

James H. Seybold, farmer, Catlin, is also a son of Thomas K. and Mildred H. SEA Seybold, and was born October 24, 1850, in Raccoon Township.  The farm was chiefly his school.  He was married January 22, 1874 to Jane HOPPER daughter of Azariah and Nancy DUDNEY Hopper. Jane was born September12, 1879.  Mrs. Seybold is a member of the Methodist Church.  Mr. Seybold is a republican and a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Bridgeton lodge.  He owns 80 acres of land in Ks.  Mrs. Seybold's father was born April 18, 1806, in Madison County, Kentucky and is the son of James and Anna RENNELS Hopper, whose father was born in North Carolina  and mother in Md.  Mrs. Seybolds mother, Nancy DUDNEY is the only daughter living of Abraham and Elizabeth BOSTICK Dudney.  She has one brother in Iowa.  These two are left from 10 children.  Mr. and Mrs.. Hopper are among the very early settlers of Parke County, having come about 1821 with their parents. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

SEYBOLD, John N, farmer, Jessup, was born May 27, 1846 in Raccoon Township, and is the son of Thomas K. and Mildred H. SEA Seybold.  He was raised on the farm.  When only 17, in 1863, he enlisted in Co. B 115th Indiana Infantry Volunteers, and exposed his boyish life to hardships severe for veterans to endure.  He served 6 months chasing Longstreet mostly, and suffering extremely from hunger.  He lived for 10 days on two ears of corn a day.  he was mustered out February 27, 1864 and the same day reenlisted in the 21st Infantry, afterward 1st heavy Artillery, Battery H and served two years.  He was at the sieges of Ft. Gaines, Ft. Morgan, Ft. Spanish, Ft. Enger, Ft. Tracy and Ft. Blakely.  After the final battle he was put on garrison duty till January 13, 1866, when he was discharged.  Returning home he busied himself on the farm and at carpentering.  January 30, 1868, he was married to Hannah M. WEBSTER.  She was born May 31, 1850.  Her father, James S. Webster, was born June 16, 1819 in Fayette Co Ohio  and now lives in Raccoon Township.  Her mother, Isabel (ELSON) Webster, was born in Brook Co. Virginia in 1812 and is Mr. Webster's second wife, his first wife, Mary BROOKBANK, having died without a family.  Besides Hannah, wife of JN Seybold, they had one son, William S, born February 28, 1855.  Mr. Webster is a republican and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Church.  Mr. Webster's grandfather was in the Revolutionary War.  Mr. and Mrs.. Seybold's family have been: Ruth I born December14, 1868,died January 7, 1871; Bertha A, January 7, 1873; Martha E March 30, 1875.  Mrs. Seybold is a member of the Methodist Church.  Mr. Seybold is a strong republican and a member of the Bridgeton Masonic Lodge. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

SEYBOLD, John N. is a prominent merchant of Mitchell, a small mining town in Raccoon Township, Parke County and was born in this township May 27, 1846.  He is a son of Thomas K. and Mildred SEA Seybold.  The former parent was a native of Maysville, Kentucky being born June 9, 1816 and was married February 14, 1836.  He was the son of Dempsey Seybold, who was a native of Kentucky. and married Elizabeth KERR.  Dempsey Seybold was among the very early settlers in this township, coming about the year 1818.  He served in the State Legislature, representing Parke Co and was a man of more than ordinary ability.  There has been a tradition in the family of Seybold that some 200 years ago a child was found floating in a wooden bowl, off the coast of Germany and the parties finding the child, being ignorant of its parents or its name invented the name Sea-Bowl.  By the variations of time, to which names as well as other things are subjected, Sea-Bowl had become Seybold. But this we find from research, to be entirely without foundation and it is most likely that in modern times some practical joker drew upon his imagination for the so called origin of the family name.  In tracing the family name back, not only to the supposed date when the child was found, but for centuries before, we find that in the records of Germany there is such a name as Seybold.  The first we learn of this family in America is when 3 brothers came here and settled in Kentucky, the other two locating in Virginia. The latter two we have learned but little of; the former was the great grandfather of the man whose name heads this sketch.  Dempsey Seybold, who was the grandfather of Mr. Seybold, was a native of Kentucky and with his family came to Indiana and settled in Raccoon Township in 1818.  His son, Thomas, who was the father of our subject, was two years of age at the time, having been born in Kentucky in 1816.  Thomas was murdered May 9, 1850 while in Terre Haute on business.  Mildred H. Seybold, the mother of our subject was born in Kentucky, February 14, 1814 and died in this township in the year 1891.  Three generations ago the Seybolds came to this country from Germany and Mildred married Thomas K. Seybold in 1836.  They had 8 children of whom John N. is one of the number.  He was reared on a farm, receiving but a limited education such as was afforded by the common schools in his boyhood days.  When but 17, he enlisted in Company B 115th Indiana Infantry and exposed his boyish life to the hardships that are severe for even veterans to endure.  Going, as he did, from the comforts of a happy home, to bear the exposure incident to an army life, for six months he was engaged with his company in chasing Longstreet, at the same time suffering extremely from hunger.  He lived for 10 days on two ears of corn and February 27, 1864 was mustered out of the service.  On the afternoon of the same day, Mr. Seybold reenlisted in the 21st Indiana Infantry and afterward in the First Heavy Artillery, Battery H.  After serving two years, in the meantime participating in the sieges of Ft. Gaines, Ft. Morgan, Spanish, Hugar, Tracey and Blakesley, he was put on garrison duty until January 13, 1866, when he was discharged.  Returning home, he at once engaged in farming and carpentering, and January 30, 1868 he wedded Hannah M. WEBSTER.  This amiable lady was born in Parke Co, May 21, 1850 and was the daughter of James S. and Isabel ELSON Webster, of this township.  Her father was a native of Fayette Co, Ohio being born June 16, 1819 and died in Raccoon Township in September 1883.  Her mother was born in Brook Co VA in 1812.  Mrs. Seybold is of the old Revolutionary stock, her great grandfather Webster having served his country well and faithfully during its struggle for independence.  Mr. Seybold of this sketch continued farming until 1888, after which he engaged in mercantile business at Mitchell, in which place he is still at work.  He is a Republican in politics and served his township as Trustee from 1886 to 1888, being elected by the largest majority ever given in the township.  Socially he is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity having been made a Mason at Bridgeton in 1879, and having served the Catlin Lodge of which he is now a member, as Master for two terms.  He is also an active Grand Army of the Republic man and for his services in the late war draws a pension of $12 per month.  He has been Postmaster at Mitchell for the past 5 years.  Mr. and Mrs.. Seybold have been the parents of the following children: Ruth I, now the wife of Charles A. Keller, lives on the Old Webster homestead; James T. is deceased; Bertha A who was educated at St. Mary's Seminary at Terre Haute is now living with her parents.  Martha E. also received her education in Terre Haute and is still under the parental roof.  Of the brothers and sisters of John N. Seybold, our subject, Samuel Kerr died in Hancock Ill in 1861 and a son of his live sin Kansas City, Mo; Dempsey C. is a farmer in Wabash Township, this county; William H. H.  resides in Mitchell; American Indiana is the wife of Harvey M. ADAMS a farmer in this township; Mahlon F served 3 years and 10 months in the late war.  He was sun struck during the siege of Vicksburg and died in Woodford Co, ill from the effects.  His daughter Effie married a man by the name of PUGH and resides in Meadville, Mo; Susan, wife of James N. LESLIE resides at Fredonia, KS; James H. is a farmer living near Clinton, Ind.  . Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893), Page 495

Thomas K. SEYBOLD settled in Raccoon Township on a farm in the pioneer days.  His son, Dempsey C. Seybold, yet living was born in Raccoon Township in 1837, where he resides at the time of this sketch.  He was a man of sterling character, who did his part well in the early days.  - Historical Sketch of Parke County, Indiana, 1816-1916, Page 119

SHELBURNE, farmer, Bellmore, 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 21 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 Co Indiana in 1864 and settled in Greene Township. on Little Raccoon Creek.  In 1867 he went from there to Sullivan County, Indiana and bought 40 acres of land which he still owns.  He ret. 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 40 acres in Sullivan he owns stock to the worth of 5 or 6 hundred dollars.  He claims relationship to Lord Shelburne of England. 

SHIRK, David, farmer, Waterman, was born in this township on the same farm on which he now resides, his father, Isaac Shirk, having come to this part of the state in 1826, with his father, David Shirk, when quite young, and located on Coal Creek, he being the second settler in this part of the county.  His mother, Sarah WILLIAMS, was a daughter of Edward Williams, one of the early settlers in Vermilion Co.  Mr. David Shirk is engaged in managing the farm of 156 acres belonging to the estate, his mother and one brother being still alive.  His father died in 1849, of cholera, while on a trip to New Orleans on a flatboat, in which business he had been engaged for a long time.  At the time of his death he was on his 21st trip to that port.  in 1861, Mr. Shirk enlisted in the 21st Indiana and in November of the same years was discharged.  He reenlisted, in 1862, in the 97th Ind. Reg. and served 3 years and was at Corinth, Vicksburg, and the battle of Jackson.  He was married in Covington to Miss Harriet A. SANGSTER, daughter of Capt. George Sangster, an old resident and who served during the war of 1812, and settled at Covington, Fountain County, in 1840, and died there in 1873 in his 85th year.  Mr. Shirk has a family of two children: George E. and Sallie BORN  In politics he is a prominent member of the Democratic party.  He does a large business in agricultural implements.   Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill 

Rev. David SHIRK was one of the early settlers of Liberty Township coming there in 1826.  He was born in Georgia at the time of his settling there, the land was heavily timbered, without roads, schools or any other facilities. Friendly Indians had a camp near the location.  Deer, wild turkeys, wildcats, wolves and wild hogs were numerous; Hardships, toil and danger were the common lots of the pioneers who settled there. - 1816-1916 Atlas of Parke Co Indiana, Page 115

David SHIRK.  Among the prominent agriculturists of Fountain County, Indiana stands the name of David Shirk, who in the management of everything connected with his farm displays excellent judgment and sound sense.  He was born in Liberty Township, Parke County, Indiana in 1842 and inherits sturdy German blood from his maternal ancestors, his great grandfather on that side being a native of the Fatherland.  Our subject's parents, Isaac and Sarah Shirk, were natives of Franklin and Vermillion Counties, Indiana, respectively, the father having been born in 1810. The children born to this worthy couple are in The children born to this worthy couple are in order of birth: David, our subject; William, born in Parke County 1845 who died when 16; Edward born in Parke County in 1847, who died when 15; Isaac born in 1849, who married a Miss DeWitt of California and is the father of one child. The father of these children died in April 1848 and left the mother with her little family to provide for, the eldest child being only 8 years of age.  She carried on the business and provided for her children, sending them to school and attempting to give them each a good education.  Our subject was attending school when the war broke out and he returned to his home and enlisted in Co. H, 21st Indiana Infantry.  Later he was discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability in 1861, and came home.  In January of the following year he reenlisted in the 97th Infantry organized in Terre Haute, Indiana and was sent to Louisville, Ky.  From there he went to Memphis, Tenn. and later was under Gen. Grant in the 15th Army Corps and started for Vicksburg. He was in some of the most prominent engagements of the war, experienced many hardships and was ever to be found at the front.  He was a brave soldier and fought bravely for the Union.  While at Memphis he was taken sick, but recovered sufficiently to reenter the army.  Returning to the farm in Liberty Twp, Parke County, Indiana he continued there engaged in tilling the soil until 1888, when he sold his farm in Parke County and moved to Fountain County, this state.  Since his residence in this county he has been prominently engaged in his former occupation and as he is thoroughly familiar with every detail of farming, and is energetic and thorough-going, he has met with substantial results.  In 1889 he bought his present property, known as the Thomas Farm and on this there is a fine vein of coal, making it a valuable tract of land.  Mr. Shirk is very progressive and advanced in his ideas, has inherited the push and energy that made his ancestors so successful, and is now classed among the prosperous and substantial men of the county.  He is a public-spirited citizen, and is active in all enterprises of a laudable nature. Mrs. Shirk is a worthy member of the Baptist Church, contributing liberally to its support.  Our subject selected his life companion in the person of Miss Harriet Sangster, who was born January 4,1852 and whose father George Sangster was a soldier in the war of 1812, and their nuptials were celebrated in 1866. The fruits of their union have been 3 children: George E, who was born in 1867 and married Miss Clayport.  He is well educated and is a graduate of the college of Terre Haute.  At present he is a telegraph operator. Sallie Bell, born in July 1877, is also well educated and William born in 1881, now attending school.  Mr. Shirk has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Masonic Fraternity, belonging to Lodi Lodge No. 172 AF & AM and to Lodge No 98, K P of which he is a charter member.  He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and takes a deep interest in all these societies.  In politics he is a strong adherent of Democratic principles and has held a number of local positions, discharging the duties of the same in a satisfactory and efficient manner. Our subject's grandfather, David Shirk, was one of the first settlers of this section and experienced all the hardships of pioneer life, and accumulated a handsome fortune. - Portrait & Biographical Records of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana, Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 631

SHIRK, Lazarus, farmer, Waterman, is one of the oldest settlers in the township, having come with his father to Parke Co. an located on Coal Creek in 1826.  He was born in Franklin County, Indiana in 1823, his father, David Shirk, being originally from Georgia.  At the time of their settlement here the country was heavily timbered, no roads and no schools, and their only neighbors were RJ RICHMOND and the TIMMERMANs. Deer, turkey, wild cats, wolves and wild hogs were numerous and the Indians had a camp near their location, but were very friendly.  His father acted as a scout under Gen. HARRISON during the Indian war and his Uncle John served all throughout he war of 1812.  Mr. Shirk has been married twice: the first time to Mary, daughter of Thomas COOK, of Armiesburg, one of the early settlers of that place, in 1848.  His second marriage was to Annie, daughter of Jacob RHOADES, a native of PA, now a resident of Covington, Fountain County, IN.  He has a family of five children:  Margaret, Rosie, Andrew, Dora, David.  He has followed farming all his life, and by his industry has acquired a handsome farm of 300 acres, well improved and good buildings.  His father died in 1861.  Mr. Shirk was a member of the IOOF for 9 or 10 years and is a member of the democratic party.   Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill 

SHOAF, Phillip is the owner of a farm located on Section 3, Sugar Creek Township, Parke Co, and the place comprising one hundred and thirteen acres. He is numbered among the progressive farmers of the township and whatever he has acquired has been made by the hardest efforts since reaching his majority.  He began working at cutting rails and cordwood receiving 25 cents for 100 of the former and a like sum for each cord of four-foot wood. Often he received only 37 and 1/2 cents for a hard day's labor and during harvest worked with the old-fashioned sickle for 75 cents per day. He was born in Davidson Co North Carolina  December 5, 1824 and is a son of David and Mary C, (Sowers) Shoaf. The former's father, whose Christian name was Jacob, was born in Germany and came to the US before the Revolutionary. War, settling in North Carolina  where he married and reared his family of five children on a farm. He was a member of the Germ Lutheran Church and lived to a good old age. It was in 1799 that the birth of David Shoaf occurred.  This even took place in North Carolina  where he lived until after his marriage.  Eight sons were the result of this union: Michael, William, Phillip, David, Jacob, Solomon, Alfred and Henry who are all living. About 1826, the father emigrated to Kentucky, with his family, making the journey with a wagon and four years later came to Parke County, locating on Raccoon Creek.  He afterward removed to Ill, where he died at the age of 81.  He was a member of the Lutheran Church and was, politically, Democrat. Our subject's mother having died when he was only 10, the father married his first wife's cousin, Mrs. Catherine Myers, nee Sowers and to them were born the following: Margaret (Deceased), Samuel, Andrew, Viola, Joseph and Emeline.  When about 25 Phillip Shoaf and Della Sowers were united in wedlock. She was his second cousin and a daughter of David and Sarah (Long) Sowers. Nine children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs.. Shoaf: Sarah, Jemima, Mary, Alonzo and David, who died within one hour of each other with typhoid fever; Martha, Rosella and Perry W.  Solomon the fifth child was bitten by a mad dog and though treated by a mad stone at the end of nine weeks died from hydrophobia. During the late war, Mr. Shoaf, who was not able to leave home on account of his family, was obliged to pay $1000 for a substitute. He s a member of the Lutheran Church to which his wife also belongs, and to political faith is a Democrat. . Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893), Page 621

John B. SHIPPEN, deceased was born in Ohio near Cincinnati on the 8th of January 1827.  For many years he was known as one of the unassuming but genuinely good men of Jasper County and his death which occurred 6 November 1884 was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.  Mr. Shippen was reared in the state of his nativity where he early became familiar with the work of the farm in all its departments.  On leaving that state he took up his residence in Montgomery County Indiana but subsequently became a resident of Parke County, Indiana and thence came to Jasper County, Missouri.  After his arrival in this state he located on the farm where his widow still resides, on Section 27 Mineral Township. He was a life long Republican and was active in the ranks of his party, having held a number of local township offices.  He was a worthy and honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and during his lifetime did everything in his power to promote the work of the church the cause of religion ever finding in him a warm and sympathizing friend.  As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life, Mr. Shippen chose Amanda C. Thompson, who was born in Nelson County, Kentucky  May 22, 1842 daughter of James A. Thompson also a native of that state where he was reared and married.  When Mrs. Shippen was 13 he removed to Edgar County, Illinois  and afterward took up his abode in Parke County Indiana where he departed this life at age 50.  He was married first to Amanda C. HUMPHREY, a native of Kentucky and who died in the year of their marriage.  Mr. Thompson was afterward again married to a sister of his former wife Miss Miranda A. Humphrey and they became the parents of 8 children, of whom James S. was the youngest.  He was reared by Mrs. Shippen from the age of 18 months.  He married Stella Cox who was born in Parke County, Indiana a daughter of John and Sarah (Thomas) Thompson.  Mrs. Shippen is the only child of her father’s first marriage.  She was 13 when she was taken to Illinois and two years later removed to Parke County Indiana where she was married on the 3rd of March 1863.  After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shippen removed to Fountain County Indiana but subsequently returned to Parke County where they remained until 1883 the year of their arrival in Jasper County Missouri. After coming to this state they located on the farm on which Mrs. Shippen still resides then consisting of 160 acres but now of 120.  After a happy married life of 21 years the husband was called to the world beyond and in his death the community lost a valued and representative citizen.  His friends were many and in the communities where he resided he won the love and respect of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.  - McGregor, Malcolm G. The biographical record of Jasper County, Missouri.  Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1901, Page 251

J. P. SHOOP is proprietor of one of the largest liver stables in Rockville and has a good share of the patronage of this place.  He is one of the enterprising young businessmen of Rockville and has been quite successful in his present business enterprise.  His birth occurred in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania July 10, 1855.  He is a son of John Shoop who was a native of the same county in the Keystone State where he was reared to mature years.  In the late war he was in the service for 3 years and was severely wounded at the battle of Gettysburg.  His wife who was before her marriage Miss Sarah Diedrich (DIETRICH) died about the close of the war, leaving 5 children, our subject being the 2nd in order of birth.  The father was called from the shores of time in 1886.  Our subject was reared in the county of his birth until reaching his 18th year. His educational privileges being somewhat limited in his youth, he has had to rely mainly upon experience, observation, private reading and study.  He was 18 when he left his father's rooftree and came to Montgomery County, Indiana where he engaged in working for his uncle, J.L. Diedrich, who was engaged in the livery business at Waveland. While in his employ he acquired a practical knowledge of the business and at the expiration of 11 years of faithful service in that place he came to Rockville.  For 8 months he was in the employ of NW CUMMINGS at the end of which time he started in business for himself at Montezuma. After 3 years of successful trade in that village, Mr. Shoop returned to Rockville, buying out his former employer, N. W. Cummings the date of the transaction in 1887. Mr. Shoop was united in holy matrimony in the year 1881 with Miss Ella DAVIS, whose father, Joseph Davis was killed during the late war prior to which time he was a resident of Montgomery County. Two children grace the union of our subject and wife, Cleona and Claude.  The gentleman of whom this is a brief life record is much interested in civic societies, being a member of the Knights of Pythias, of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and also of the Eastern Star of the Masonic Lodge. - Portrait & Biographical Record o Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) Page 271

Levi SIDWELL is a retired business man of Rockville, Parke County.  He was long engaged in the dry goods business, but has been retired nearly all the time since 1867.  Our subject was born in Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio March 25, 1813.  His father, Levi Sidwell, was born January 2, 1774 in Pennsylvania, and there married Miss Margaret PERRY, soon after which event he removed to Mason County, Kentucky, where he entered land of the Government.  His wife was born September 5, 1774, in Maryland.  Our subject's father settled on land which he entered in Kentucky and resided there about two years, after which he removed to Ross County, Ohio, engaging in making brick in Chillicothe, which business he followed during the remainder of his life.  He had 9 children, of whom our subject is the 8th in order of birth and is now the only one living.  The following of his brothers and sisters grew to maturity; Rebecca, wife of Andrew S. ALDEN, a carpenter and farmer of Parke County; Lemuel, who died before completing his medical studies; Nancy, who departed this life at age 20; and Sally Ann, wife of James PERRY, a farmer and merchant of Mason County, Kentucky.  Our subject's father died March 5, 1815, but his wife, Margaret, survived until January 11, 1853, her demise taking place at the home of our subject.  Levi Sidwell, of this sketch, after passing his youth at the place of his birth went to Delphi, Indiana, where he engaged in the mercantile business for about one year.  He next went to May's Lick, Kentucky, where he also engaged in merchandising, but returned to Indiana a year later, locating at Rockville, where he pursued his former avocation and went into partnership with William Rosebrough.  At the end of two years the latter's interest was purchased by James DePew, and together our subject and that gentleman were successful in conducting the business for six years, when the firm was dissolved and each of the parties embarked in a similar undertaking alone.  When 3 years passed by, Mr. Sidwell took into partnership James McEwen and David Kirkpatrick, which connection existed for 4 years. From that time until 1867 Mr. Sidwell ran the business alone and then retired, having secured a competence.  At one time, however, in the early 70s he operated a tile factory for about 4 years.  The marriage of Mr. Sidwell with Miss Sarah K., daughter of Samuel McNutt, a Presbyterian minister, was celebrated June 29, 1842.  By that union were born two children, one of whom  died in infancy, and the other, Samuel, was called from this life February 23, 1863, in Rockville, at the age of 23.  The mother of these children died April 18, 1846.  Her son, Samuel enlisted in Capt. Vance's company, which went out from Rockville during the late war.  On the 8th of May 1855  Miss Margaret A, daughter of Isaac Rice, became the wife of our subject. Mrs. Sidwell was born near Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana March 17 1832, and acquired her education in Waveland Academy, where she afterward taught for six months.  the following children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sidwell: William P, a banker in Frankfort, Indiana, Chauncey, born October 29, 1858, died when six years of age; Nannie, born May 24, 1861, who was married to Charles N. STEVENSON June 16, 1881; and Montague Rice, born June 1, 1873, now identified with the bank of this city.  From 1855 until 1857 Mr. Sidwell represented Parke County in the General Assembly of Indiana as a Whig, and he is now a Republican.  He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, which he joined in 1843, and of which his wife is also a member.  Prior to the war he was in command of a company of Home Guards at Rockville. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Parke, Montgomery Counties, Chapman Bros 1895 -- Page 176

Joseph H. SIMMONS, grocer, Terre Haute, though but recently connected with the grocery trade of TH on his own account has already established a business ranking with the more important houses of the city.  He is a native of Parke County, Indiana.  His father was one of the early settlers of that county, he having located there as early as 1816 where he continued to reside until his death which occurred in 1876 when he was 89.  He was a native of Pennsylvania and during the War of 1812 served his country as a soldier and loyal citizen.  He came to Parke County poor in property but rich in energy and a stern determination to win a home and comforts for himself and his.  The large property left at his death was proof of how well he succeeded.  The name of Simmons is of English origin the grandfather of Joseph H. having been a native of that country.  In 1871 the subject of this sketch came to Terre Haute and began attending Commercial College at which he graduated and then sought employment in the capacity of clerk. His first engagement was with Mr. Wm. H. Scudder dealer in confectionery. He was employed by different firms until the death of his father when he went home to take charge of the home affairs.  While there in January 1877 he was married a short time after which event he returned to Terre Haute and began as salesman for WW Cliver who was engaged in the grocery trade.  He remained with Cliver until September 1879 and in the following Oct he began for himself. His place of business is No. 512 Main Street where he is occupying a building of two floors, 16 feet front and 120 feet deep.  His large and increasing trade is proof of his ability as a business man and financier. Mr. Simmons is a member of Ft. Harrison Lodge 157 and charter member of Court Sherwood Forest Lodge No 5 of I. O. O. F. - Beckwith, H. W. History of Vigo and Parke Counties.  Chicago: H. H. Hill and N. Iddings, 1880, Page 337

SINGLETON, James H., farmer, Lena, was born September 21, 1820 in Garret County, Kentucky and is the son of Thomas and Mary (TROWBRIDGE) Singleton both born in Kentucky.  His grandfather Trowbridge was from Virginia and his grandmother was born on board a sailing vessel on the passage from Ireland to America.  His grandfather Singleton was born in North Carolina .  His father died in Indiana in 1830 and his mother in 1839, this state, the former being bur. in Martin County, and his mother in Davis Co.  After Mr. Singleton's parents died he returned to Kentucky.  He came back to In and was married in Washington County, December28, 1843 to Elvira Jones, daughter of Ephraim and Elizabeth (LAWRENCE) Jones.  She was born January 17, 1822.  They then moved to Orange County, Indiana in 1844; then to Putnam Co in 1846; then to Parke Co. in 1855.  Mrs. Singleton died and was bur. in Main's graveyard.  Their children were: Margaret E, born December23, 1844, married to Erastus BRANSON December20, 1860 died at Andersonville prison February 1, 865; Nancy I, August 11, 1846 died July 23, 1847; William H April 14, 1848, served one and a half years in the civil war; Mary E, April 1, 1850; Sarah C., August 14, 1851; Olive I, February 21, 1853; Lucinda Ann March 4, 1855; Susan M, December24, 1856; and James R March 10, 1859.  Mr. singleton was next married to Levina HARMLESS.  She was born January 17, 1822 in Butler County, Ohio  and her marriage with Mr. Singleton took place April 20, 1861.  They have one child, Marion born July 3, 1862.  Mr. Singleton is a member of the United Brethren and his wife of the Methodist church.  He settled in Jackson Township. in 1856 and is a solid republican.  He now owns 95 acres of land.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill 

SKEETERS, Joseph A., farmer, Armiesburg, was born in Reserve Township, Parke County, June 25, 1836.  His parents, Mr. Abram and Margaret (GOODWIN) Skeeters, were born in Kentucky, and came to this co. far back in its early settlement.  They reared a family of 8 children, Joseph being the youngest.  His father died when he was about 14 months old and he received his education in the old subscription schools of his boyhood days.  When 15 years old he became the manager of the old home farm, and thus at that early age he began the business he has successfully followed through life.  November15, 1860, he was married to Miss Jane, daughter of Thomas and Cynthia E (HART) BENNETT.  She was born near Terre Haute, Indiana May 16, 1842 and at the age of 3 years, with her parents removed to Parke Co.  Having lived there from childhood, she is familiar with all the changes that this county has passed through in the last 30 years.  They have had 5 children: three of whom are living: Mary A, Annis and William.  Mr. Skeeters is now living on his nice little farm just So. of Armiesburg.  In politics he is independent, always supporting the man rather than the party. 

“SKEETERS, Samuel is engaged as a farmer in Reserve Township, Parke County and is an agriculturist of enterprise and good business judgment. He was born in Mercer Co, Missouri on August 30, 1851 and is a son of William and Mary Duree Skeeters.  His paternal grandfather, Abram Skeeters, was born in Kentucky., whence he migrated to Indiana in 1826, and made settlement in Reserve Township, Parke County. In addition to the occupation of a farmer, he also engaged in running flatboats down the Mississippi to New Orleans, and enterprise in which he met with fair success. Unto him and his wife, Margaret Gooden Duree, natives of the Blue Grass Sate, who reared a family of 5 sons and 3 daughters.  In the early life of our subject, there is little of special interest for the biographer to record. He was quite small when his parents brought him from Missouri to their former home in Indiana, and settled near Armiesburg (sic) Parke County. At the age of 21 after having acquired a common school education, our subject commenced in life for himself and rented a farm, which he operated with success. His industry and perseverance have resulted in the acquirement of considerable property. In December 1882, he purchased 80 acres of good land in Wabash Township, and 8 years later added to his landed possessions by the purchase of a 70-acre tract located near Armiesburg. This, in itself, speaks better than words could do of his energy and thrift. As a tiller of the soil, he endeavors to keep abreast of the latest improvements in machinery, etc and pays special attention to the cereals for which the soil on his farm is best adapted. The wife of our subject, to whom much of his success may with justice be attributed, bore the maiden name of Emma Skeeters and was born in Parke County, Indiana, the daughter of James and Ruth Dixon Skeeters.  In social circles, Mr. and Mrs. Skeeters are highly regarded and are welcome guests in the best homes of the county. While not a partisan, our subject is nevertheless devoted to the interests of his chosen party, the Democratic, and is prominent in its ranks.”  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893) p 611 (Submitted by Karen Zach).

The biographer, in writing of the representative citizens of Parke County, Indiana has found no subject worthier, among her younger men of affairs of representation in a work of the province of the one at hand than Prof. Homer J. SKEETERS, the present able and popular incumbent of the office of county superintendent of schools.  He is known as a man of high attainments and practical ability, as one who has achieved success in his profession because he has worked for it persistently and along well defined channels. His prestige in the educational circles of this locality stands in evidence of his ability and likewise stands as a voucher for intrinsic worth of character.  He has used his intellect to the best purpose, has directed his energies in legitimate avenues and his career has been based upon the wise assumption that nothing but persistent labor, integrity and fidelity to duty will lead to success.  The profession of teaching, which he has made his principal life work, offers no opportunities to the slothful, but only to such determined spirits as that of Prof. Skeeters.  It is an arduous, exacting, discouraging profession St one who is unwilling to subordinate other interests to its demands, but to the true and earnest devotee it offers a sphere of action whose attractions are equal to any and whose rewards are unstinted.  That the gentleman whose name initiates this review possesses the qualities enumerated is undoubted, owing to the success he had achieved while yet young in years and the high regard in which he is held by all who know him.  Homer J. Skeeters was born April 28, 1884 at Montezuma, Parke County, Indiana, the son of W. J.  and Susan Ware Skeeters, the latter having been the daughter of James P. Ware, one of the original settlers of this county who came from the blue grass region of Kentucky and began life here in typical pioneer fashion when this portion of Indiana was practically a wilderness.  The mother of the subject was called to her eternal rest on December 28, 1910.  W. J.  Skeeters, a highly respected citizen lives at Bloomingdale, this county on a farm being regarded as one of the progressive agriculturists of that community.  The Skeeters family is of German origin on the father's side.  The maternal side of the subject's family is of old colonial stock, the Wares having lived in VA in the early history of America.  Both parents of the professor had been previously married and the subject has as half brother and half sister.  Prof. Skeeters grew to manhood in his native locality and received his primary education in the common and high schools of the village of Marshall, Parke County, later attending the Friends Academy at Bloomingdale, Indiana.  His professional training was received at the Indiana State Norman School, Terre Haute.  He had given such great promise in his work that before he had completed his course in the Normal he was elected county superintendent of schools of Parke County in February 1911 to fill out an unexpired term and he made such a splendid record in this capacity that he was reelected in June 1912 for a term of 4 years and is still discharging the duties of this important office in a manner that reflects much credit upon his ability and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, irrespective of party alignment.  He has his own ideas of school p0olicy which are modern and progressive and which he seeks to maintain.  He found the schools in good shape when he came in office, but he began at once to secure a better organization, especially in the rural schools and this has received his close attention ever since.  He hopes to have all 8 schools commissioned as high schools before his term of office expires.  The rural school problem - that of making it more efficient - is one of his vital aims during his administration.  He has done a most commendable work in strengthening the schools of the county and much better work is being done than ever before.  Prof. Skeeters began teaching in 1901 and was teaching his 11th year when elected county superintendent. He began in Washington Township, where he taught one year also spent one year in Greene Township, then taught in Montezuma 3 years and for six years was principal of the Bloomingdale schools, giving the utmost satisfaction in all to both pupil and patron, for he is regarded a painstaking, careful instructor and as an entertainer at the same time.  Prof. Skeeters was married to Madge K. HARRISON, daughter of OS and Mary Bates Harrison, a highly respected family of Rosedale, Indiana, the wedding occurring in 1902.  Her family from both sides came from Clinton, this state. OS Harrison started the first bank at Marshall, Indiana and later established the bank at Rosedale.  He is a man of much business ability and an influential citizen in this community.  Mrs. Skeeters received a good education in the schools of her native town and is in every way a fit helpmate for a man of the type of the subject.  This union has been graced by the birth of 3 children: Maxwell James; Harold Harrison and Warren Ware.  Prof. Skeeters belongs to the Knights of Pythias; Masons and Modern Woodmen and holds membership in the Baptist Church.  Mrs. Skeeters is a member of the Christian Church.  Mr. Skeeters was formerly superintendent of the SS at Bloomingdale and has long been identified with church work.  Politically, the professor is a democrat and loyal to its principles. Personally, he is a young man of pleasing address, kind, obliging, genial and uniformly courteous, being popular with all classes. - History of Parke and Vermillion Counties Indiana, Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1912, Page 439

SKELTON, Samuel J., farmer, Rockville, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio  November 27, 1852 and is the son of Lewis and Esther Skelton.  His father was born in Ohio  December340, 1819.  His parents are still living.  His father is a member of the united Brethren church.  Samuel J. Began farming for himself in the spring of 1877 in partnership with his brother.  Mr. Skelton has been a member of the AOUW.  In politics he votes the democratic ticket for president, but for county officers is independent, aiming to vote for the man and not for the party alone.  His brother Winslow was born May 13, 1856.  He began farming in the spring of 1877.  He was married February 13,1 877 to Fanny V. THOMAS of Rockville.  She is the daughter Seth and Amanda Thomas.  This brother also votes democratic on the national ticket, but is independent on county questions.  These brothers are hard working, industrious, honest and enterprising young men.

SLAVENS, Col. Henry, was a contemporary of these men (see Tilghman Howard's biography) and came to Rockville about the same time, from Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.  He was a sharp, shrewd man, but indolent and indifferent to business.  He plead law some, but caring more for sport and pastime than for serious occupation he trifled away the better part of his life in transitory pleasures and died poor.  He served in the Black Hawk war and for some years was a magistrate in Rockville. A t one time he was editor and proprietor of the county paper, then a Whig organ.

Henry SLAVENS was one of the well known men of Rockville in its early days.  He might have made much more of his talents than he did; but he was insolent as well as erratic, fond of sport and pastime and absolutely indifferent to business.  He was the type of man that nothing but war can make great -- a natural soldier.  he served in the black Hawk war and then came to Rockville.  Here he was editor of the county paper for awhile, then practiced law and was for a time a justice of the peace. He failed to accumulate either money or property, died poor and his name is now forgotten except by the few yet living who knew him in the long ago. - Parke County Indiana Centennial Memorial 1816-1916 Page 59

Harvey B. SMART, an enterprising farmer of Newell Township, was born in Illinois November 11, 1873, son of James F. and Mary C. Glenn Smart, the father a native of Indiana, the mother of this county.  James F. Smart came to Illinois with his parents when he was 18 and after his marriage rented land and began farming in this county but was soon called away, departing this life in February 1875.  In 1877 the mother married Emanuel Wilson a farmer who came to this state from Ohio and here engaged in farming until 1902, when he and wife retired since living at Bismarck.  Harvey B. Smart was the only child by his mother's first marriage. By her second union she became the mother of 8: Nora E; Ora E; Robert F; John E; Grace who died in infancy; Sherman; Douglas and Ross. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools and assisted upon the farm until he arrived at age 16.  He then yielded to the spirit of adventure that so often takes possession of youths just passing into manhood and, leaving home, he started out to see the great world.  His journey lay westward and for six years he passed through various experiences as a cowboy on the range, a newsboy on the railroad and a stage driver.  At the age of 21, having become satisfied with his adventures and having gained many lessons that proved of inestimable value to him in after years, he returned to IL and resumed operations as a farmer. On November 13, 1901, Mr. Smart was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary E. Richie, a daughter of George D. and Mary Cox Huffman, the former coming to Ill from Kentucky and latter from Parke County, Indiana. Here they married in 1856 and lived upon the farm now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Smart. The mother was called to her reward July 1902 and father in March the following year. To Mr. and Mrs. Huffman were born 7 children: John S, deceased; Daniel P, died age 16 months; G. D. who died age 3 months; Emily J, now Mrs. Thomas Grider of Newell Twp; Mary E, the wife of our subject; Edna who died age 3 and Effie M, now Mrs. Joseph T. Roderick of Newel Township.  The first marriage of Mrs. Harvey B. Smart occurred March 28, 1888 her husband being Charles Richie of this county who died January 1895 and was buried in Huffman Cemetery, Newell Township. There were no children by that union.  The grandfather of Mrs. Smart was Daniel P. Huffman who came from Virginia to Illinois and entered the land which became the family homestead.  The deed to this bears the date of 1833 and contains the signature of Andrew Jackson, president of the United States.  It is one of the valuable souvenirs of the family and conveyed to Grandfather Huffman 169 acres of land. The grandmother's maiden name was Elizabeth Switzer. She came to Illinois in 1832 and was one of the brave pioneer women of the state.  Mr. Smart is one of the active, intelligent farmers of the community and socially is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, Lodge Number 2405 of Bismarck.  He and his wife are members of the New Light Church and are earnest workers in every movement that tends to advance the welfare of the neighborhood.  Mrs. Smart has been to her husband an intelligent and helpful companion and their home is the center of hospitality and cheerfulness and a notable gathering place for the younger generation now coming forward to assume new and untried responsibilities. - Jones, Lottie E. History of Vermilion County, Illinois: a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century.  Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, Page 187

SMITH, Ambrose H., merchant, Mansfield, was born August 10, 1848 in Putnam Co and is the son of John W. and Elizabeth Smith. The subject of this sketch worked at blacksmithing and farming until he was 16 years old, then carried the mail from Greencastle to Portland Mill for 2 years.  he afterward clerked in store at Reelsville two years and sold merchandise in Lena one year.  He then engaged in the timber business, in connection with his store in Mansfield.  he began his store here in January 1877 and has done a very successful business. He is a good natured, affable, enterprising gentlemen and does the principal business in his line at Mansfield.  Mr. Smith was first married September 29, 1872 to Miss Emma UNCELSBEE; she died in 1874.  They had one child by this marriage, Lillian, born September 29, 1873.  he was married the second time, December25, 1877 to Rose Emma COLE.  They have had two children, Frederic born October 1, 1878 ; William born April 24, 1879.  Mr. and Mrs.. Smith are both members of the Methodist church.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill 

SMITH, George P., Rockville, was born December 25, 1852 in Vincennes, Indiana, and is the son of J. M. & Helen A (POTTER) Smith.  In 1864, Mr. Smith's parents moved to Vigo Co. And bought and improved 80 acres of land 7 miles northeast of Terre Haute and afterward sold and bought within 4 mi. Of that city, where they now reside.  George P. Remained on the farm till his majority, when he sought another field.  He first engaged with N. H. BLEDSOE, under W. H.  WILEY, of Indianapolis, one year in the sewing machine business; then with J. R. McJimsey, state manager of the Singer Sewing Machine County, under WA McClain, of Indianapolis, two years; was for a short time with the Howe Co. At Vincennes, then went on a pleasure tour through the south.  Mr. Smith visited places of interest in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Virginia and returned to his home in Vigo Co. For a few months.  He then accepted a position with J. A. MARSHALL, 328 Main St, Terre Haute, as their salesman for pianos, organs and general musical merchandise, which he still fills with credit to the house.  He travels in his work in Clay, Parke, Vigo and Sullivan County, Indiana and Clark, Edgar and Vermilion Co Il.  Mr. Smith handles none but first class goods, and is eminently successful.  His education has been largely gained from observation and study outside the classical hall.  He votes the republican ticket.

Jacob E.  SMITH is Postmaster of Judson, Parke County where he runs a grocery store, and has been a resident for the past 15 years.  He was born in Ohio May 20, 1838 son of Henry and Matilda Carmichael Smith. The former was in turn a son of John and Mary Black Smith.  John Smith was a native of England, emigrated to America in childhood, during the old colonial days settling first in Connecticut and later to western Pa.  His brothers were in the Revolutionary War while his wife's brother was a command of a Pa regiment at Hull's surrender in Detroit.  Our subject's maternal grandmother's brother participated in the Revolutionary War and was in all the principal battles of the Delaware Valley, crossing that river with Washington and was also in Valley Forge for 2 winters with that famous commander.  In the War of 1812 the family was represented by two of our subject's uncles one of whom was on Lake Erie with Commodore Perry.  Our subject's father was born and grew to manhood in the Keystone State.  His father was a blacksmith by trade and also kept a tavern on the Old National Pike.  He had 3 sons and 5 daughters.  The former all rose to good positions in their various professions, one being a civil engineer, one a lawyer and one a physician.  One of these participated in the Mexican War and one was for some time a successful merchant in Cincinnati.  Their father was a Jeffersonian Democrat and died at 88 years.  Soon after attaining his majority our subject's father went to Knox Co, Oh where he worked for an uncle, Benjamin Smith, in his blacksmith shop, having previously learned the trade of his father.  He worked at this business until marriage, two years later, soon after which event he located in the wilderness where the village of Mount Gilead, Ohio now stands.  He erected the 2nd house in this place and started a blacksmith shop. When several years passed he was obliged to abandon his trade on account of being hurt while shoeing a horse.  In 1837 Henry Smith moved to a farm two miles north of the place where our subject's birth took place.  In 1850 he located six miles NE of West Unity, Fulton Co, and at the end of 3 years moved to his own farm, in Williams County of the same state.  In 1864, he became a resident of Hillsdale co, MI where he lived until he was called to his final rest in 1881 at 81 years.  His wife survived him one year.  She was formerly Miss Matilda, daughter of Jacob and Rachel Elston Carmichael.  They had 8 children: John W; J. E. ; Rachel, wife of Jacob Lozier; Matilda J, Mrs. William Garrison; William H, who was in the Union Army, dying form the effects of a wound received at Paris, Kentucky; Margaret, deceased wife of James Bailey; Albert, deceased; and Sarah, Mrs. William Wiseman.  The parents and family were all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Politically Henry Smith was in early life a Democrat, but became affiliated with the Republican Party in 1855.  Jacob E. Smith remained under the parental roof until his 26th year, when he married Margaret A, daughter of George and Lydia Kearns Lawson, both natives of PA, while the daughter was born in Ohio.  They were the parents of 6, 3 dying in infancy others being: George H; Frank E, and Lydia, wife of Samuel Burford.  Mrs. Smith commenced his business career by carrying on a farm in Hillsdale Co MI until the war.  During 1864-65 he was a member of Co, I, 11th Michigan Infantry under General Thomas, but he was never wounded or taken prisoner.  After the cessation of hostilities Mr. Smith returned home, sold his farm in MI and then came to Indiana, settle din Morgan Co. in a thickly timbered section and went into the sawmill and lumber business.  He continued that occupation until 1872, when he came to Parke Co and has here been engaged in the same vocation.  He has been very successful in his business enterprises and may be justly numbered among the leading commercial men of this community.  Religiously both he and his estimable wife have held membership with the Christian church for many years past and take great interest in its work.  Mr. Smith is a member of Lodge No. 518, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, Judson and Hobson Post, GAR of Marshall. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago:  Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 550

SMITH, Orien, farmer and stock raiser, Armiesburg, is the son of Orien Smith, a school teacher by profession, and was born in Monroe Co NY, March 1, 1816.  In early youth he learned the trade of a carriage-maker and also worked on a farm.  In 1839 he came to this co. from Ohio , whence he had come when quite young.  At the time he came here the county was quite new, but he soon engaged in farming near Montezuma, on land bought by Mr. William WILSON, his father-in-law.  In 1839 he married Miss Rachel Wilson. She died in 1873.  in 1875, he was married to Mrs. Jane HAM, whose husband died in the south in the defense of his country.  Mr. Smith has 3 children by his first wife: Minerva, wife of Mr. P. GIBBONEY, who lives near Lancaster Oh; Ross, who lives in Page Co Iowa; and Ambrose who is now in business at Terre Haute, IN.  Mr. Smith's present farm contains 260 acres, and he moved to it about 1874.  This, his present home, is the result of a life of labor and industry. 

SMITH, Samuel W., farmer, Rockville, was born in Blair County, PA January 8, 1826 and is the son of Samuel & Flora Smith.  His father was born in 1792.  He was justice of the peace for a number of years, served in the war of 1812, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a republican, and died in Rockville in 1865.  His mother was born in 1799, in Pa, and died in 1828.  Mr. Smith moved to Montgomery County, Ohio  in 1837 and in 1856 went to Des Moines, Iowa.  In 1859 he made his home in Rockville, Parke Co.  In 1860 he worked in the mines of Colorado, but returned to Rockville that fall in time to vote for Lincoln.  Mr. Smith was married the first time to Martha J. WEAVER, who was born in Ohio  in 1827 and died in Des Moines, Iowa, April 2, 1859.  They had two children: Webster R. And Ida F.  Mr. Smith was married the second time to Ruthanna F. McKinney, March 13, 1862. She was born December23, 1831 in Dayton, Ohio  and is the daughter W. J.. And Rebecca McKinney.  Her parents were members of the Presbyterian Church. Her father had quite a distinguished career as a lawyer, educator and statesman.  He was a member of the state legislature, state senate and pres. Of the board of education in Dayton, Ohio  and clerk of the court when he died, which occurred in 1853.  He also held other official positions.  He was a Whig in politics, and took an active part in the political campaigns of his day.  He was an eminent Odd Fellow, and was also a prominent worker in the cause of temperance.  Mr. McKinney was entirely a self-made man, and throughout his active career, whether in the courtroom pleading for justice or in the legislative halls, he always maintained a clear conscience and practiced the principles of highest manhood, based upon the Golden Rule.  Mr. and Mrs.. Smith have one son, Samuel. He has attended school in Rockville, and is  a student of the Terre Haute Commercial College intending to finish the course.  Mr. Smith became supt. Of the Parke Co. Asylum & Poor Farm March 1, 1874.  He found the place run down, the fences and buildings shattered, and everything in a poor condition.  Under his wise and efficient management the farm has been placed in a better condition and everything greatly improved.  Mr. and Mrs.. Smith are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. S. Is an Odd Fellow, a republican and a most respectable gentleman.  

SMOCK, Nathaniel BORN, farmer, Bridgeton, was born February 20, 1820 and is the son of David and Dorcas COLE Smock.  David was born in Virginia in 1785.  He was a farmer, and member of the Methodist and then United Brethren Church and a Jackson democrat.  He moved from Virginia to Kentucky and in 1825 settled in Raccoon Township.  Both of Mr. Smock's grandfathers were in the Revolutionary War.  Two of his uncles were in the war of 1812.  His grandmother Cole came from Wales; his grandfather Cole from Scotland.  Mr. Smock lived on the farm till 17 years old and attended school in the old log schoolhouse and sat on slab benches.  He then learned the carpenter trade, and followed that till 1841 when he went into the dry goods and grocery business.  About this time he made two trips with flatboats to New Orleans.  Since then he kept his store, worked at his trade, or farmed.  Much of the time he kept store in Bridgeton.  He has met with considerable loss at different times, but has withstood the effects.  In 1868 his store was burned and he lost $5,000.   He was first married May 16, 1842 to Narcissa KIRKPATRICK.  She died January 8, 1852.  They had four children, Theodore J, born January 26, 1843 died April 30, 1857; Randolph July 20, 1845; David L December 4, 1848 died September10, 1853; G. F. December 8, 1850.  Mr. Smock was married the second time September 16, 1854 to Sarah BELT who was born April 12, 1822.  By this marriage they have had three children: Nathaniel B, born July 4, 1855; Joseph March 12, 1857; Mary April 26,1 860.  Mr. and Mrs.. Smock are both members of the Baptist Church.  Mr. Smock has held office in that church ever since he united with it.  He was made a Mason at Rockville in 1851 and was a charter member of the Bridgeton Lodge.  Mr. Smock has had an active life, and has had success and adversity.  He lives on his farm of 130 acres, just east of Bridgeton.  Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

SMOCK, Randolph, farmer, Bridgeton, was born July 20, 1845.  He has always lived on the farm.  He began doing for himself when 15 years old.  He enlisted in the army in 1862, for 3 years, in Co G 85th Ind. Vols.  He took sick that fall and was taken to the hospital, and discharged on account of disability.  He reenlisted March 1864 in Co H 21st Indiana Volunteers and was placed in the 1st Heavy Artillery and served to the close of the war.  He fought at Ft. Blakely, Ft. Gaines, Ft. Morgan and other battles.  He began life with nothing and has been successful.  He was married October 4, 1867 to Elizabeth MILLER, daughter of Jacob Miller.  They have had two children: Florence E, born June 23, 1868,died October 13, 1879; Cora E, December 28, 1869.  Mr. Smock is a republican in politics, and lives two and a half miles E. of Bridgeton. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

Joseph M. SMITH a practical and enterprising agriculturist of Van Buren Township, exercises great skill and excellent judgment in his chosen vocation and during his many years of toil and labor has accumulated a competency. He is distinguished as a native-born citizen, his birth having occurred in this township January 19, 1857.  His grandfather Smith was an early settler of Indiana but little is known of his history, excepting that he spent his last years in Rush County where it is thought his son, Perry, father of Joseph M. was born.  Left an orphan in childhood, Perry Smith was early thrown upon his own resources and he successfully paddles his own canoe working at any honest occupation. He was employed in different places for awhile being in Madison County  Coming from there to Clay County he traded property for land in Section 3, Van Buren Township and at once began its improvement his first work being to cut down enough timber to make room for a small cabin it being the one in which his son Joseph was born.  The cabin he afterwards replaced by a more commodious one made of hewn logs and it is still in excellent condition.  By dint of hard pioneer labor he cleared quite a tract and was here engaged in tilling the soil until his death in 1872.  He was twice married.  The maiden name of his second wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch was Mary Harmless. She was born in Ohio but came with her parents to Indiana when a girl and here lived and died. Joseph M. Smith received his early education in the district schools and during his long vacations assisted his father on the farm, thus becoming early acquainted with agricultural labors. After the death of his father, he continued to reside with his mother and now, having purchased the interest of the remaining heirs, owns the old homestead. Possessing excellent business and executive ability, sound in judgment and a wise manager, Mr. Smith has met with eminent success in his operations and in addition to owning the home farm of 115 acres has also title to 80 acres in Parke County.  In 1879 he married Laura E. COLEMAN.  She was born in Mansfield, Parke County, Indiana a daughter of Zopher and Tabitha Coleman. For a number of years Mrs. Smith has been an invalid unable to fully enjoy the comforts of life. Fraternally Mr. Smith is a member of Carbon Lodge No. 145 Knights of Pythias and of Carbon Lodge No 693, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. - Travis, William. A History of Clay County, Indiana.  New York: Lewis Publishing Company, 1909, Page 324

William Locke Smith, the present incumbent of the office of Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, is a native of Parke county, Indiana, where he was born January 20, 1844. His father, Rev. William H. Smith, was one of the early pioneer preachers of the Methodist Episcopal Church in southern Indiana and Illinois. In his younger days Mr. Smith did not have the opportunity of attending school, but the lack was made up by the faithful teaching of his mother. In the fall of 1859 he entered Indiana Asbury University, at Greencastle, where he pursued collegiate studies for some time. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted for three months in the 55th regiment of Indiana volunteers, and on the expiration of his term of service in that regiment, he re-enlisted in the 115th regiment, Indiana volunteer infantry. At the close of the war, in 1865, he engaged in teaching school, which calling he followed for several years. Having, in the meantime, given his attention considerably to the study of music, in 1869 he entered the musical profession as a teacher and conductor of conventions. In 1872 he was engaged as special teacher of music in the public schools of Chillicothe, Ohio, where he remained two years. In 1874 he accepted the position of special teacher of music in the public schools of East Saginaw, Michigan. In 1876 he accepted the position of special teacher of music in the Saginaw city schools in addition to his engagement in East Saginaw, and consequently he thereafter divided his time equally between the schools of the two cities. In 1878, on the resignation of Mr. Stebbins, as Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, that office was tendered him by Superintendent Tarbell, and accepted. He was afterwards re-appointed by Superintendent Gower. Since his connection with the office he has, in addition to his official duties, prepared and published a text book on music for use in public schools, entitled the " Practical Music Reader," which has met with a very cordial reception on the part of the educational public. Mr. Smith has also written much for the columns of the press, and has conducted the educational department of the Lansing Republican for several years. - Superintendent of Public Instruction, Report, Volume 44 – 1880- By Michigan. Dept. of Public Instruction

Elder Jacob SMOCK, one of the pioneer ministers of the Association, was born in Kentucky in 1824. His parents moved to Parke county, Indiana, in 1825; his grandfather, William Smock, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He joined a Baptist church in 1857 and was soon afterwards ordained to the ministry. He was efficient in the organization of two churches, and has had the privilege of baptizing over 1,000 converts. He was twice married—first to Caroline Milligan, and to them were born six children; the wife died in 1879. He was again married, in 1881, to Dinah Wilson, a member of the Friends church. To this union one child was born—Wilma H. Elder Smock died in 1895 full of years, and ready for the call. His wife survives him and is an active member of the Franklin Baptist church - Indiana Baptist History, 1798-1908,  By William Taylor Stott, Pages 182, 183

Samuel I. SNODDY, miller, merchant and farmer and proprietor to the village of Snoddy's Mills, was born July 15, 1828 in Lycoming Co PA.  His parents, Samuel and Sarah Irwin Snoddy were natives of the same state and there Mrs. Snoddy died June 10, 1849 age 45.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the mother of 10.  After her death Mr. Samuel Snoddy came to Parke County Indiana but in a year or so he returned to his native state.  In 1852 he again sought Indiana and September 2, 1852, during the cholera epidemic, he died at Ft. Wayne.  He also was a member of the Presbyterian Church.  Samuel I the 4th child was schooled on the farm and in the mill.  Before coming west he was married in 1849, to Susan KOONS, daughter of Jonathan and Catharine Koons, a native of PA.  Soon after marriage they emigrated to Parke Co IN where Mr. Snoddy worked in Wright's Mill.  In 1851 he bought the saw and grist mill of John Headley, and in 1852 settled near it on 12 acres of land, which was included in the purchase.  About 1858 he bought 78 acres adjoining the mill-seat.  In 1868 he bought 160 acres more.  He built a store near his mill about 1874 and began selling goods and in those 3 branches of industry (milling, merchandising and farming) Mr. Snoddy has succeeded so well that he owns 756 acres of land and the town he founded, containing 10 dwelling houses, all his own building.  He is acknowledged to be the leading man of his section.  He began with comparatively nothing and his success demonstrates the possibility for one to rise to fortune from even poverty's lowest depth, where there is "will" to climb.  Mr. Snoddy is a quiet but thorough republican.  His 3 brothers, John, James D. and George served in the Civil War.  George died at his home in KS from disease contracted in the army.  James D. was a colonel and John was major in the 7th Kan Calvary. October 6, 1876, death deprived Mr. Snoddy of the partner of his home. She was an amiable woman and the mother of 11 children: William, John, Milton, Elmer, Chauncey, Purley, George, Anna now Mrs. Richard Roberts of Henning, Illinois, Catharine now Mrs. Benjamin Lindley of Fulton Twp, Fountain County, Odella, Mrs. Dr. Charles Coggins, Snoddy's Mills and Emma.  Mr. Snoddy was next married December 15, 1878 to Miss Susan FISHER, of Fountain Co his present helpmate. Mr. Snoddy's portrait appears in this history. - Beckwith, H. W.  History of Fountain County, Indiana.  Chicago: H. H.  Hill, 1881, Page. 390

HENRY SNOWGOOSE is the owner of one hundred acres of land on the Klamath river, adjoining Keno, of which half is under cultivation, and in addition to raising the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he has given considerable attention to live-stock interests, making a specialty of the breeding of jacks. He dates his residence here from 1891. He was born in Parke county, Indiana, September 8, 1842, a son of Henry and Selma (Wendel) Snowgoose, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. They came to the United States in 1839, settling in Indiana, where both died. The father had devoted his life to merchandising. The only survivor of the family is Henry Snowgoose, his sister Louisa, who was his junior, having died in early life.  Henry Snowgoose resided in Indiana until twenty-one years of age, devoting his time largely to the acquirement of an education and to the work of the fields. He began teaching when .twenty years of age and after a year went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he entered the Iron City Commercial College, from which in due time he was graduated. For about twenty-five years he successfully engaged in teaching in the district schools of Iowa, proving himself a capable educator who imparted clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had obtained. In 1891 he came to Keno, where he has since resided. He owns one hundred acres adjoining the town and lying along the Klamath river. Of this he has about fifty acres under the plow and his methods of farming are modern and progressive. He makes a specialty of raising jacks, having brought a carload here from Iowa when he came. He also conducts a feed stable and he has a boat-landing at his place. In addition to his other property he owns four city lots and two dwellings and his realty possessions are the visible evidence of his life of thrift and energy.  In Iowa, in 1865, Mr. Snowgoose was married to Miss Sarah Frances Taylor, a native of Indiana, who. died in Iowa in 1868, leaving two children: Daniel, whose home ia in Jerome, Arizona; and John, living in Mono county, California. In Iowa, in 1871, Mr. Snowgoose was again married, his second union heing with Amanda Perkins, a native of New York. They have one son, Charles, of Klamath Falls.  Mr. Snowgoose was reared in the faith of the democratic party but afterward became a populist and is now independent. He has served for three terms as justice of the peace and for six years held that oflice in Iowa. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial and he has made a most creditable record in this connection. Laudable ambition prompted him to come to the new and growing Pacific coast country, where he believed that better opportunities could be secured. Gradually he has worked his way upward undeterred by obstacles and difficulties in his path and his energy and persistency of purpose have featured largely in the attainment of the success which is now his. - The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Volume 4,  By Joseph Gaston

SNYDER, A.M. -- The father of A.M. Snyder, minister, Bellmore, was born on the Rhine in Germany 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 save 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, so it became necessary to sell the boys, or bind them out till 21.  John, the father of our subject, was sold to a farer, he then being 5.  When 21 he joined himself to a teamster, and teamed between Baltimore & Wheeling.  After following this occupation he became a farmer in Butler, County, OH.   There he buried his wife and moved in 1827 to Montgomery Co Indiana where he farmed and raised stock.  There he married Elizabeth MYERS and the fruits of this marriage were 3 children, among them AM Snyder, to whom we shall now attend.  His father died at 8 o'clock on Christmas morning in 1869 and his mother at 8 o'clock in the evening of Christmas 1876.  They are both bur. in Montgomery Co.  Mr. Snyder was born July 23, 1844 in Montgomery Co.  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 Co.  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 Co Indiana the second at Hoopeston, Ill, two at Crawfordsville and is now serving his second year on the Mansfield circuit in Parke Co.  He is a republican and is comfortably situated. 

SOWERS, Lewis W., Fairmont, farmer and stock raiser, Section16 is a native of North Carolina and was born in 1836. he removed with his parents to Fountain Co Indiana in the fall of 1839. His father, Michael Sowers, was born in North Carolina in the year 1792 and died in Fountain County Indiana in 1845. His mother, also was a native of North Carolina, born in 1802 and now resides in the above named county. Mrs. Sowers was married in 1856 to Miss Margaret Darr, daughter of David & Mary Darr. She was born in Parke County, In 1837. They have two sons and three daughters: David N; Elijah M; Sarah E; Mary R and America A. Mrs. Sowers removed to Page County, Iowa where he remained one year. He then returned to Parke County, in and remained 5 years, and removed to Vermilion County, Illinois in 1865 and settled on the farm where he now resides. By this industry he is now the owner of a farm of 212 acres which he has under good cultivation. he became united with the Lutheran Church at 17 years of age. he also is a member of the AR & AM and his political views are democrat. (From History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Page 997 (found Parke Co Library, Rockville by Claudine Yerkes) 

In the life and career of Henry Donham SPARKS, president of the Sparks College at Shelbyville, Illinois is illustrated what can be accomplished by a man of strong convictions on subjects of public interest, although inclined to be liberal toward others who may have opposite opinions.  He is at all times courteous and affable in social and business relations and is quick to make friends.  These friends he holds because of his genial and wholesome disposition.  He is always regarded as sincere, always helpful and his word is always accepted as good as his bond.  He is at all times very active in behalf of any movement that is calculated to make better and more wholesome the community in which he lives.  He is a strong churchman and was very active in the building of a splendid church edifice at Shelbyville, and as chairman of the building committee exerted a powerful influence.  He holds an uncompromising attitude in his opposition to any movement that in his opinion will work against the best interests of his community and particularly the church and the education of youth.  He spends much time in working for the church and Bible school of which he is a member.  He is opposed at all times to the liquor traffic and all other movements which destroy the efficiency of the youth or the citizen.  Professor Sparks is the founder of Sparks College an institution specializing in high grade commercial courses, music and elocution and one which has taken from rank among similar institutions of the state.  Professor Sparks was born on a farm near Toledo, Cumberland County, Illinois August 4, 1878 being a son of Bateman Ross and Mary Jane Shupe Sparks, and of Pennsylvania Dutch and English descent.  His father was born at Terre Haute, Indiana April 10, 1841 a son of a Missionary Baptist minister while Mrs. Mary Jane Sparks was born in Parke County, Indiana February 22, 1848 a daughter of a minister of the United Brethren Church.  The paternal grandparents of Professor Sparks were natives of Kentucky and lived near Louisville until 1825 when removal was made to Indiana and in 1854 they came to Illinois and settled on a farm near Toledo.  The parents of Professor Sparks were agricultural people of Cumberland County and were prominent in church and civic affairs.  Batement Ross Sparks fought as a soldier of the Union Army during the Civil War as did all four of Mrs. Sparks' brothers.  Four sons were born to Bateman R. Sparks through a former marriage: Isaac who died in infancy; John E of Shelbyville; George A, of Brunswick, Georgia and Ernest M of Urbana, Illinois.  To Bateman R. and Mary Jane Shupe Sparks there were born two children: Henry Donham of this review and Mrs. Mary Catherine Bruster of Shelbyville, Illinois.  Professor Sparks was brought up on the farm of his father and from earliest boyhood was a student, eagerly taking advantage of every opportunity to increase his store of knowledge.  At first his thoughts turned toward a legal career but later he abandoned this idea to become an instructor in special branches.  He was graduated from the Toledo High School the Northern Illinois Normal School, Dixon College, Northern Illinois College of Oratory, Rochester Indiana Normal University and Westfield Illinois College and did special work in Iowa Christian College, Ewing College and Chicago University, holding the degrees of Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Oratory, Master of Accounts and Master of Arts. While attending college he had some training as a cadet in a college military organization.  In order to secure sufficient funds to carry on his studies Professor Sparks solicited during one year for Highland Park College and Northern Illinois Normal School.  He also taught country school, worked on the farm and did various other things with the high aim in view of improving himself and fitting himself for his chosen work.  After his marriage he moved to Rochester, Indiana where he taught English and Elocution at Rochester University, building up an enviable reputation during this period. Following this he went to Madison, Indiana as a commercial teacher in the high school of which he was soon promoted to the principal ship.  He resigned this position with promotion in sight to take up commercial work, coming directly to Shelbyville. For many years he has made a close study of commercial conditions so that when he established his college at Shelbyville he was enabled to make it a success from the beginning.  On June 28, 1905 Professor Sparks married in Rock Island, Illinois Lillian Bowes, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Bowel.  Professor and Mrs. Sparks have two children: Roger Ross, born June 21, 1908 and Madge born November 16, 1909.  Professor Sparks belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Pythian Sisters, Rebekahs, Modern Woodmen of America and the Rotary Club and is a 32nd degree Mason and member of Ansar Temple, Springfield, Illinois; AAONMS.  He has been active in the work of the Modern Woodmen of America, having been clerk for 15 years; is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias; a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association;' is active Vice President of the Rotary Club of which he was secretary for several years; and has been prominent in the Chamber of Commerce of which he was president three years, secretary 3 years and has been a member of the Board of Directors for a long period.  He also holds membership in a number of civic and educational organizations. While acquiring his education he took an active part in the social life of his colleges.  At one time during his senior year he was president of the YMCA and of the Oratorical Club and Literary Society.  He is a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has been heard to say in public addresses many times; "I believe the church of Jesus Christ is the biggest and greatest thing in the world."  He has been chairman of the Official Board of the church of his choice for many years and has served several years as superintendent of the Sunday school and in fact is active in all movements of the church.  While living at Madison he was an elder and holds the same office at Shelbyville.  Politically Professor Sparks is a republican but is tolerant with those who disagree with him politically, always displaying a spirit of fair play.  He was honored by the Republican party in being elected to the 54th General Assembly in a field of four candidates and in 1926 was again reelected to the Legislature again leading in a field of four candidates.  The 40th District which he represents is comprised of Cumberland, Fayette, Christian and Shelby Counties. In the legislative halls Mr. Sparks has always stood for the same high mind and broad minded principles that have characterized his life in other activities.  Competent critics say that he has made a good representative.  Owing to his press of work, he has not been able to do any extensive traveling but is a well read man upon all subjects and countries and a most entertaining talker.  He has something more than a local reputation as a public speaker and is frequently called upon to address Sunday school conventions, religious meetings, school commencements and dinners and meetings of civic bodies.  All through his life Professor Sparks has been a constructive leader of the forces for clean living, civic righteousness and Christian ideals.  He is one of those busy men who is always ready to give of his time and means to promote worthy causes.  His school work occupies much of his attention for he is not satisfied unless he attains to a high ideal, which comes near to being perfection.  No student is allowed to pass through his institution without being impressed with the fact that nothing but the best will suffice.  And to this may be attributed not only his own success but that of so many of his graduates. - Smith, George Washington.  History of Illinois and her people.  Chicago: American Historical Society, 1927,  Page 321

SPENCER , George W. is a prominent farmer of Greene Township, Parke County, his home being on Section 10.  He was born on the old homestead February 12, 1840 and is a son of John Spencer whose birth occurred in Maryland about 1793. The latter was a son of James, also a native of Maryland.  When he was 2 he removed to Fleming County, Kentucky and in 1835 came to Indiana, settling 1/2 miles east of the place on which he soon after located and there resided until his death.  His wife before her marriage was Mary GOTT.  John Spencer was next to the eldest of a family of 4 sons and two daughters.  He was reared in Fleming County, Kentucky where he lived until 1835 when he came to Indiana.  The previous year he had married Miss Nancy Alexander who was a daughter of James Alexander, a native of North Carolina  and early settler in Mason County, Kentucky from where he later removed to Fleming County, in the same state.  The two brothers of Mrs. Nancy Spencer served in the War of 1812.  After his marriage John Spencer engaged in farming and in 1834, coming to Parke County he became the owner of the farm now carried on by our subject.  Only a few acres had been cleared at that time but with energy and undaunted courage he pursued the work of its improvement. He was called to his final rest on 9 April 1867.  His family consisted of 11 children, one of whom died in childhood.  The following are yet living: Mary E, wife of Milton ROBERTSON, living near Winterset, Iowa; Martha Jane, wife of Greenbery McDUFFY of Union County, Iowa; Amanda, widow of Robert BLOOMFIELD; Edna, wife of David PATTON, who lives SW of Crawfordsville, Montgomery County; and our subject.  The mother of these children, who was born November 28, 1801, is still living, though so advanced in years and makes her home with our subject.  Her mind is clear and health is remarkably good.  Her husband was a Democrat, politically, and as a farmer successfully carried on his 200 acres of land.  George W. Spencer was bought up in Green Township, and was educate din the public schools.  On August 22, 1862, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Mary Clark.  Her father, Eli Clark, who lived near Judson, was an early settler and prominent farmer of the county.  After his marriage our subject located 4 miles West of his present farm, where he resided for 4 years and then became the possessor of his present farm, which now comprises 240 acres and is well developed.  He erected a good barn on the place and has other good buildings.  The land is fertile and yields abundant crops.  Mr. Spencer ranks well in the estimation of the leading farmer of this community as a progressive and well-informed agriculturist.  Mr. and Mrs.. Spencer have been blessed with 10 children, 9 of whom are living.  John is now at Russellville, Indiana; Jesse is a farmer of this township and the following are still living at home: Allen; George; Frank; Elsie; Aria; Wilbur and Freddie. William died at age 9.  The father is a Democrat and in 1890 was elected Trustee of the township, which position he has held ever since, his term expiring in 1895.  He is always to be found on the side of improvement and advancement and is earnest in his support of our present admirable public school system.  He is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has been a Deacon since 1862.  His wife, an amiable and well-educated lady, has also for many years been a member of the same church.   Portrait & Biographical Record o Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) Page 271 

Among the progressive and enterprising citizens of Parke County who have achieved a definitely measure of success in a diversity of vocations and have at the same time assisted materially in the he up building and development of the county is George W. SPENCER, Jr. the present able and popular incumbent of the office of county treasurer, who was for many years one of the most successful and best liked educators and later one of Parke County's enterprising merchants.  He is deserving of mention in a work of the province assigned to the one in hand along with the other leading citizens of Parke and Vermillion counties, because he has led a life that is highly commendable in every respect.  Mr. Spencer was born in Greene Township, Parke County Indiana July 12, 1871 on a farm which his grandfather entered from the government in 1831.  His parents were George W, Sr. and Mary Clark Spencer.  The father also was a native of Parke County born on the farm on which his father, John Spencer settled in 1831 and he has continued to reside there throughout his life and has kept the old place well cultivated and well improved.  The mother of the subject was born at Judson, Parke County and died at her home October 3, 1912.  To these parents 10 children have been born, 9 still living: John living at Russellville Putnam County; Jesse lives on the home farm; Allen remained on the homestead; William died when 13; George W. Jr. of this review; Frank lives near Parkeville, this county on a farm; Elsie is the wife of Elmer M. McCutcheon of Milligan, Parke County; Aria lives with her father at the home place; Wilbur lives near Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana; Fred is farming in Parke County.  George W. Spencer, Sr. was born November 14, 1840. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, and at one time he served as trustee of Greene Township.  George W. Jr. spent his boyhood days on the home farm and there assisted with the general work during crop seasons and in the winter he attended the rural schools in his neighborhood. After graduating from the common schools he attended State Normal at Terre Haute for two years then began teaching in Greene Township of his native county and continued to teach 4 years then taught one year in Mecca and four terms at Milligan, all in Parke County.  He gave eminent satisfaction as a teacher and his services were in great demand. Finally tiring of school room, he purchased a general store at the town of Milligan before finishing his last term of school.  He was in partnership with his brother; this was sin 1901 and they conducted that enterprise with much success for a period of 7 years or until 1908; his brother however had sold out his interest two years previously to another man. The subject was elected trustee of Greene Township in 1904 and served in that capacity most faithfully until the fall of 1908 when he resigned to accept the office of county treasurer to which he had been elected on the Democratic ticket that year and he made such a commendable showing in that capacity that he was reelected in 1910.  He is regarded as one of the best treasurers the county has ever had being a hard worker careful and honest.  Mr. Spencer was the nominee of his party for representative to the Legislature in 1912. The county is nominally Republican by about 600 votes but owing to our subject's prominence with all classes he was again elected to the office sought. He enjoys the distinction of being the only Democratic representative from his county in 50 years except the hon. Dick Miller elected in 1896 by a fusion of Democrats and populists. Mr. Spencer was married June 3, 1896 to Cora A. STUART, daughter of Zeno and Jane Hadley Stuart a prominent family of Hendricks County, Indiana. She was formerly a teacher having taught two or three years in her native county and one year in Henry County this state.  Her father was a native of North Carolina .  He and his wife are both now deceased.  They became the parents of 7 children, 4 of whom are now living namely: Melvin who makes his home in Hendricks Co; Cora A wife of Mr. Spencer, Tillie, deceased; Osie wife of John W. Figg ex county superintendent of Hendricks Co but now teaching at Plainfield, Indiana; Olie is the wife of Frank McCormick, a merchant of Danville, Indiana; To Mr. and Mrs. Spencer six children have been born: Hoyt S. born April 14, 1897 was graduated form the common schools and is now in high school.  Gladys born October 16, 1898 is also in high school.  Dwight, born January 27, 1901; Olive born September 22, 1902; Keith born December 11, 1905 and Kent October 8, 1907.  Fraternally, Mr. Spencer belongs to the Modern Woodmen at Waveland Montgomery County since 1908.  He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias at Rockville.  The family attends the Christian Church and are faithful in their support of the same. - History of Parke and Vermillion Counties Indiana, Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1912, Page 450

SPENCER, John  was born in Maryland in 1793.  When about 5 years of age his parents moved to Fleming Co Kentucky where amid the hardships, common to the boys of that day he spent his childhood and youth.  It was here on March 9, 1817 he was married to Nancy Alexander who was born in Fleming Co Kentucky November 28, 1801.  They lived in Kentucky for 15 years, when believing greater opportunities might be obtained in the far West, and having several slaves to whom he desired to extend freedom, Mr. Spencer came to Indiana to find a home in the year 1831.  He found a tract of land of 240 acres in Greene Township, Parke County, which he thought would make an ideal home, and returned to Kentucky with the idea of bringing his family here, but found on his return that cholera had broken out and his family quarantined.  He did not, however, give up the idea of obtaining this tract of land, and came with his family early in the spring of 1832, but upon his arrival he found that the tract had been entered from the Government by Brinkley DAVIS (father of John G) who had cleared some two or three acres of ground and built a small log house. (Pictures of John, Nancy and Mary Katherine Spencer here) Mr. Spencer bought this farm from Mr. Davis, paying him the sum of $4.25 per acre and took possession at once.  He continued the work of clearing the land, on which grew some of Indiana's finest trees, it being covered with forests of walnut, maple and oak.  Upon their arrival in Indiana the slaves were told that they were free, but they refused to leave their former master, remaining loyal to him and his family until their death.  John Spencer died in 1867, his wife surviving him 53 years, her death occurring at the age of 99 years, 3 months and 12 days, in the year 1900.  Washington Spencer, the present owner of the tract of land above mentioned, was born here on the 12th day of February, 1840 and it is here that he has lived throughout his entire life, except for a period of 2 years.  It was here that he was married to Mary Katherine CLARK on August 21, 1862.  Here they reared their family of 7 sons and two daughters and it was from this home that his wife was bur. ON October 12, 1912.  Washington Spencer during his life has seen this farm change from the wilderness covered with swamps to its present high state of cultivation and it is expected that the farm will remain in the hands of his family for many generations.  (Taken from: Parke Co. In Centennial Memorial, 1816-1916 Atlas, Page 103) 

Paul G. SPENCER is one of the oldest settlers now living in this section of Parke County and was born in Washington County, Indiana June 13, 1824, to James K. and Martha GUTHRIE Spencer.  His father was a South Carolina and was born in Chester District March 24, 1794.  He was the son of John Spencer, who was of Scotch-Irish birth and came to America about 1790 locating in South Carolina where he married Miss Nancy KALMORE.  He was a weaver by trade, but farmed after he came to America.  On the voyage to this country, Mr. Spencer's mother died and was given a sea burial.  Nancy Spencer wife of John was an acquaintance in her maiden days of Mr. Spencer, when they lived in the northern part of Ireland. She came to America before the Revolutionary War in which her father and brother John took an active part.  John K. was taken prisoner and kept for 7 years at the end of which time he came home, poor in flesh but rich in hope.  John Spencer, the grandfather of our subject and his family came to Indiana and located in Washington County where his son, the father of our subject had come about a year previously or in 1816. John was a member of the Associate Presbyterian Church, in which he served as Elder.  He was an early pioneer of Washington Co, and entered 320 acres of Government land which he improved.  He was the father of 7 to each of whom the youngest excepted, he gave 40 acres and to him he gave 80.  The children were Jennie who married Thomas TIPPEN; James K; Robert; Thomas; John; Alexander and Moses.  The father of this family died about 1824, and the mother passed away at the home of her youngest son in Union Township, this county about 1836. James K. Spencer was reared in South Carolina on the old homestead and in 1815 emigrated to Kentucky, where he worked on a farm one year at the end of which time he came to Indiana and located in Washington Co, where his father had given him 40 acres of good land. In Feb 1820 he was united in marriage with Miss Martha, daughter of Paul GUTHRIE, who was a miller and wheelwright by trade.  Mr. Guthrie came from Ireland when a young man and was married in South Carolina to Miss Elizabeth BELL who was also of Irish birth.  Martha (GUTHRIE) Spencer was born September 17, 1795 in Center District South Carolina where she was reared and educated.  After her marriage with Mr. Spencer, the young couple went to Washington County and settled on land which they proceeded to clear and improve.  James Spencer continued to live in Washington co. until 1833, when he came to Parke where he rented land for a year or two. He then sold his estate in Washington County and invested the money in a farm in Union Township; besides enter 90 acres of Government land in Putnam County in 1834. He was the father of 13 children of whom 12 reached their majority. One child died at the age of 2 and but two of the remainder are still living, our subject and James K.  The children who are deceased are Elizabeth J. who married Jackson HARBESON and died October 25, 1881; John J.,  who was a farmer and died February 21, 1893; Agnes, deceased wife of John CUNNINGHAM; Margaret who was the wife of Robert HARBISON who died in Kansas in 1877; Martha who married Joseph K. Spencer and died in Kansas March 17, 1893; Robert, who died in Portland Mills 1865; Mary who died in Kansas March 26, 1889; Sarah, who married William STURGEON and died in Union Township this county in 1864; Thomas and Alexander who were twins the latter dying June 15, 1838 and former March 30, 1862 in the late war.  Alexander, Jr. also died in the Civil War in an engagement at Cumberland Gap.  The father of our subject was a member of the Associate Presbyterian Church and Elder in that denomination for many years.  Politically, he was a staunch Democrat and strong Abolitionist in the struggle between the North and South.  He came here in an early day and battled with difficulties suffering many of the hardships incident to the times He and his wife reared a large family.  Out subject lived in Washington County until he reached his 9th year receiving his education in the subscription schools of that early day, where he obtained a fair knowledge of books. He remained with his mother until his marriage which was celebrated September 30, 1847.  The lady of his choice was Miss Jane R. STEEL, who was the daughter of Nathaniel Steel, a farmer of Parke County, who had emigrated here from Virginia about 1833.  Mrs. Spencer, the wife of our subject, was born in Virginia January 31, 1828. She was reared in her native state and was five when she came West with her parents.  One child came to bless this union, Nathaniel, who lives in this township and is a farmer and carpenter by occupation.  The good wife and mother passed away at her home August 10, 1848.  On 12 February 1851, Mr. Spencer was united in marriage with Catherine a daughter of Jacob WESTBROOK who lived in Monroe County near Bloomington; this state and was a native of  South Carolina coming to Montgomery County in 1833.  Catherine was born October 28, 1827 and was but six when her parents emigrated to Indiana.  After his first marriage, Mr. Spencer located on the Big Raccoon, where he remained from the spring of 1848 to 1865 when he removed to the farm where he now lives. To himself and wife were born six children: five of whom are still living: William W, a resident of Crawford County, Illinois where he is engaged in farming; Tilament who resides in Russell Township, Putnam County, this state; James A and Alexander (twins) the former living in Carthage, o where he is engaged in stock trade and the latter a stock dealer in Crawford County, Illinois and Mary, wife of J. W. RAMSEY a resident of this township.  Sarah Elizabeth died at age four months.  Mr. Spencer owned 270 acres of finely cultivated land but recently divided a port of it among his children, keeping 110 acres for himself, and he has since purchased 45 acres more, making a total of 155 acres for his own farming purposes. He has given all his children a good school education, besides about $2,800 apiece as a start in life. This includes the expenses of their education.  He is a general farmer and stock raiser and has been keeping some fine horses, four of which he sold at $400 each when two years old. Politically, Mr. Spencer was reared a Democrat and Abolitionist, but when the Republican Party was formed he cast his ballot for its candidates till St. John was nominated since which time he has been a strong Prohibitionist. He has always been a very staunch temperance man and is in favor of the principles of the Prohibition platform.  He was a candidate for County Commissioner on the Prohibition ticket but was defeated. In religious life he and his wife are members of the united Presbyterian Church and has served as an Elder since 1865. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chapman Brothers, 1893) Page 153

SPENSER, Paul G.  farmer and stock raiser, Portland Mills, was born June 13, 1834 in Washington, IN.  He is the son of Martha (GUTHRIE) Spenser, both natives of SC; they came to Parke Co. With its early pioneer settlers.  Paul G. Spenser's paternal grandparents were John and Nancy (KENMORE) Spenser.  They emigrated from Ireland to America before the revolution.  His gr. Grandmother on his father's side died in 1790 while on her way from Ireland to America and was bur. At sea.  His maternal grandparents were Paul and Elizabeth (BELLE) GUTHRIE.  They emigrated to America from Ireland some time during the last quarter of the 18th century.  His paternal great grandfather was a revolutionary soldier. His father, James K. Spenser, died April 1, 1846 and his mother, Martha Guthrie Spenser June 4, 1862.  Paul G. Spenser was married September 30, 1847 to Jane R. STEELE, the daughter of Nathan and Patsey (McCutchan) Steele.  She died within one year after married leaving one child, Nathaniel S., who has been married to Elizabeth BURNSIDE.  He was married a second time, August 12,1851 to Catherine WESTBROOK of Monroe County, In daughter of Jacob and Ann (BOYD) Westbrook.  There are 5 children by this union: William W married to Margret PORTER; Tillman R; James A; Alexander T; and Mary R.  Paul G. Spenser and his first wife, and his ancestors before him, were members of the Assoc, Presbyterian Church.  Since the organization of the United Presbyterian Church soc. In Greene Township, he and his wife have been members of the same, and he was elected to the eldership at the death of his brother Joseph, which occurred in 1865.  Mr. Spenser began for himself with nothing but a firm good will to put in practice the dictates of his best judgment.  He went in debt for the first 80 acres of land he owned, and it was no more or less than a green forest without a stick of timber missing.  He now owns a good farm of 270 acres, well improved.  He takes much pride in raising a good grade of stock.  He deals principally in cattle, both short horns and others. His horses are of superior stock, having taken several premiums at the state fairs. He has raised several horses that have brought him $400 each.  Mr. Spenser's education was such as the pioneer schools furnished.  In politics he is a republican and has ever been.  To use his own language, "He was rocked in an abolition cradle."  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill) 

SPRAGUE, Ralph, miller, Bridgeton, was born April 27, 1819 in Muskingum County, Ohio , and is the son of James and Susanna Sprague.  The former was born in Nova Scotia in 1860 (sic - 1760?) and died in Muskingum County, Ohio  1849.  He was a sea captain nearly all his life.  He ran away from home and went into the revolutionary war.  He was in the battle of Bunker's Hill, and all the battles of the war under Washington.  He was first a corporal and then promoted to the rank of major.  He was a member of the Methodist church.  Mr. Sprague's mother was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pa;  was a member of the Methodist church and died in January 1840.  The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood on the farm, in hunting and other sports.  He was married the first time to Miss Sarah A. LENARD.  She died in May 1874.  they had four children: James, born March 12, 1841died1843; Lucinda March 7, 1843 died young; Samantha born May 22, 1844, died when about 10 years old; Julia November11, 1846.  He was married the second time, April 1,1875 to Mrs. Arminda C. OVERPECK, daughter of Daniel KALLEY.  They have had two children: Oliver P. and Arthur BORN  In the spring of 1840 Mr. Sprague made his first trip of flat-boating to New Orleans and with the exception of the springs of 1856 and 1857 followed that business continually until1858, making from one to three trips every spring.  During this time his family lived on a large farm south of Terre haute.  He raised nearly all the corn, built the ships and piloted them himself down the river.  He had nothing when he began and cleared about $10,000.  He then bought the Rosedale mills, ran them for two years and returned to Terre Haute, made another trip down the river with a boatload 110 feet long and 22 feet wide, containing 10,200 bushes of sack corn.  He next kept a livery stable 3 years, then bought the Bridgeton mills, where he has been ever since.  He has been very successful in his business here.  In politics, Mr. Sprague is a radical republican, and during the war did what he could to get soldiers to go to the defense of the Union.  Being a cripple he could not go himself.  His wife is a member of the Methodist church. Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers 

STACY, J. F. ., grain dealer, Montezuma, was born in Orange County, NY, October5, 1815, where he remained until 21 years of age, after which he went to Massachusetts, where he engaged as an employee on a railroad which was being constructed at that time.  Railroading has been his business for many years, he having had charge of a gang of men most of the time.  He was for some time on the NY & Erie RR.  In 1849, he went to California, where he spent 3 years, and returned to his native state and again engaged in railroading.  In 1853, he went to Kentucky. and worked for the Louisville & Nashville RR.  In the Spring of 1854, he came to Montezuma, after working for the Indiana & Illinois Central Railroad.  He also spent one year on the Milwaukee & Lake Superior RR.  After spending a great many years of his life in the employ of different railroads, he finally settled at Montezuma, where he has for many years been engaged in his present business, buying and shipping grain.  What property he owns has been acquired by his own exertions.  He owns a large warehouse with a capacity for holding 19,000 bushels of wheat and other materials.  Mr. Stacy is one of the highly respected citizens of Parke Co.  He has long since been a member of the Masonic fraternity; also of the Odd Fellows.  In 1840, he was married to Miss Clarinda LYNCH, a native of Massachusetts.  They have one daughter, Mary, now wife of Dr. HUDSON, of Montezuma.    (Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers reprinted 1977 by The Bookmark, Knightstown IN).  

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Staggs were residents of Parke County their entire lives; they lived on farms in or near Ferndale, Bridgeton, Catlin and Tangier.  He was born August 3, 1879 and died October 14, 1962. He married Dolly May Adams on October 17, 1907. She was born May 31, 1888 and died January 21, 1971. They had been married 55 years at the time of his death.  Mr. and Mrs. Staggs had seven children: Alva Earl "Buss", born 1909 at Bridgeton; Frances Irene (Davis), born August 20, 1913, Bridgeton; Florence Olive (Thomas), born May 30, 1916, Rockville; Blanche Pauline (Thomas), born January 11, 1921, Rockville; Opal Norine (Vargo), born June 30, 1923, Rockville; William Homer born February 26, 1927, Rockville; and Helen Marie (Gillis), born July 29, 1930, Rockville.  The Parke County antecedents of Mr. Staggs are as follows, James Franklin Staggs, his grandfather, married Amanda Manes/Hanes (see note). They had four children: Nancy, born 1857, Henry Franklin, August 22, 1859; Mary Elizabeth, 1861 and Emeline 1863. Henry Franklin was the father of Herman. He married Mary Francline or Frances Spencer and had six children by her: William Herman, Edgar, Joe, yrtle, Maude, and Wanda Earl. After her death July 30, 1895, he married Effie Carlin and had six children by her: Clarence, James Franklin, Lillie, Ola and Olem (twins) and Hasel.  The Parke County antecedents of Mrs. Staggs are: William Clark Adams, her grandfather, born Feb. 16, 1808 in Mercer Co., KY. He married Mary Sale Apr. 8, 1830 in Parke County. She was born Nov. 29, 1812 in Mercer Co., KY. They had 11 children, all born in Parke County: Malona, Feb 14, 1831; John Quincy, 1834; Harry, 1836; Harriett, 1838; Harvey "Tipp", Sept. 29, 1840; George, 1843; Reuben Perry, June 28, 1846; Pleasant, 1848; Albert Thomas, June 21, 1850; Sarah Jane, May 25, 1853; and William D., Nov. 23, 1855.  Albert Thomas Adams, Mrs. Staggs' father, was born in Jessup, June 21, 1850 and married Mary Catherine Lewis on Dec. 21, 1873 (daughter of William F. and Sarah E. Lewis). They had nine children, all born in Parke County: Lawrence Victor, born Apr. 2, 1875; Della Florence (Thorpe), Jan. 28, 1877; Harry Egbert, Nov. 3, 1879; Essie Grace, Aug. 22, 1881; Bessie Beatrice (Mooter), July 6, 1883; Jessie Cleveland "Kebe", June 13, 1885; Dolly May (Staggs), May 31, 1888; Mary Magdalene (Webster), Apr. 14, 1891; and Charles William, Apr. 26, 1895. Charles is the only one still living as of July 1988. He resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.  * Note: Amanda's name is believed to be "Almeda Mains" the daughter of Henry Franklin Mains. Henry Franklin Mains had a brother, Peter Mains, who moved to Iowa. Since Amanda named her son Henry Franklin Staggs, it would suggest that Henry Franklin Mains was her father. Also in the 1830 Parke County census, Almeda Mains was shown as the daughter of Henry Franklin Mains and she was born in the same year Amanda was. – shared by Jimmy Gillis

STANTON, Michael R., farmer, Sylvania, was born in Guilford County, North Carolina in 1835, and came to this county with his parents when 2 years old, settling in Liberty Township, at which time this part of the county was yet in the green and very sparsely settled.  game of all kinds, including deer and turkey, was numerous and the wolves would howl around the cabin nightly.  His father, Solomon BORN Stanton, worked hard to clear up his farm, but was taken with milk sickness and died, leaving the widow with four small children to fight the battle of life alone.  With indomitable energy she worked early and late to keep her family together, and succeeded in raising them, though in a very frugal manner.  At the age of 20 years, Michael responded to the call of his country and enlisted in Co. A, 85th Ind. reg. for 3 years.  He served with honor throughout the campaign.  At the fight at Thompson's Station he was taken prisoner and incarcerated in the Libby March 4, 1863, and paroled in April following.  Though he was there but for about a month, when paroled he was so weak as to be unable to walk without the assistance of his comrades.  He served with Sherman in his famous campaign and march to the sea, and was one of the first to enter Atlanta.  He was detailed orderly on Gen. Mower's staff and served in that capacity till the close of the war.  In 1867, he married Miss Rachel C. RICHARDSON, of Fountain County, daughter of James Richardson, one of the oldest settlers of that county.  They have one child, Emma L.  Since returning from the war, Mr. Stanton has devoted his time entirely to managing his farm, which he has acquired by hard work and industry.  Mr. Stanton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and also of the AF & AM being secretary of the Sylvania Lodge.  In politics he is a Republican.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

Solomon Stanton (deceased) was born April 10, 1812, in Guilford county, North Carolina. His parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Stanton, were natives of the same state, and moved to Huntington county, Indiana, and died. Her father fought in the revolution. Solomon was raised on a farm, and in youth dug for gold in the mountains of his state. He was there married September 6, 1836, to Charity Swaim. She was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, January 16, 1801. They lived in North Carolina till 1841, when they emigrated to Parke county, Indiana, and settled in Liberty township. Mr. Stanton left his family at Sylvania while he built a log "mansion." It was a mansion for those days, for it measured 18 x 36, parlor and kitchen, and over the parlor was an "up-stairs," which few could boast. Here the family lived, and in that house Mr. Stanton died July 27, 1850. He left a wife and four children: Elizabeth, Martin L., Michael R., Letishey, living. John M. died July 26, 1844. Mrs. Stanton died December 2, 1873. She was also connected with the Regular Baptist church. - Beckwith, H. W. History of Fountain County, Indiana. Chicago: H. H.  Hill 1881, Page 434

Martin L. Stanton, son of the above, (Solomon) was born January 11, 1839, in Guilford county, North Carolina, and was brought to Indiana by his parents. His boyhood days were spent in the forest and common school, his youth somewhat in clearing. When eighteen years old he began teaching, and followed it eight years, in winters. He was married October 17, 1861, to Margaret J. Callison, daughter of Anthony and Martha Callison. She was born in Fountain County, Indiana, June 8, 1843. Her parents were natives of Virginia, and moved to Fountain County about 1837, where he died March 28, 1844, aged forty-five years. She was born in 1810, and is living. Both Methodists. After marriage Mr. Stanton settled and lived in Parke County, Indiana, till 1868. He then, with his brother, secured 140 acres of the Richardson heirs, and has since purchased his brother's interest and added more. He has also built a large house and barn. Mr. Stanton is a successful farmer, a thorough republican and a Mason. He was one term township trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Stanton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.   - Beckwith, H. W. . History of Fountain County, Indiana. Chicago: H H Hill 1881 Pages 434, 435

STARK, David W., retired, Rockville, was born in Mason County, Kentucky. June 29, 1806.  His parents, David W. And Martha (ROGERS) Starke (sic) moved from Washington Co Kentucky and settled at Palestine, Crawford Co ILL.  Here the subj. Of this notice was married in April 1831 to Miss Rhoda KITCHELL.  He was clerk/recorder of Crawford Co and for 3 or 4 years a clerk in the land receiver's office.  During the time he was also carrying on the dry goods trade, a business which he has followed all his life.  In the course of a busy career he has had a large interest in various enterprises and branches of industry and been generally very successful.  His wife died January 1, 1877.  They reared six children,, 3 of whom are living.  His two sons are doing business in Rockville; and his daughter, widow of Judge John G. CRAIN lives in Terre Haute.   

STEELE, Gen. George K., was the son of Samuel and Mary Steele and was born near Springfield, Ohio  November 25, 1808.  At an early age he moved with his parents to Greene County, Ohio  and in 1821 came to Parke County, Indiana, settling near where Portland Mills now stands.  Here he assisted his father and brothers in clearing a farm till 1825.  After this, for a while, he taught school and from this time to 1828 was clerk in the prosperous store of Col. Moses ROBBINS in Rossville. During this time he made a trip each spring to New Orleans in charge of flatboats.  In 1829 he established a store at Mansfield, continuing in this business entirely, except when engaged in public business, until 1838 , when he became owner of the Mansfield Mills, which he ran in connection with his tore till 1846.  He then disposed of his property and moved to Rockville.  In 1835, Gen. Steele was chosen to represent Parke Co. In the state legislature, and reelected in 1836.  After this he served many terms in the state legislature and state senate.  He was a friend of education, agriculture, and all benevolent institutions.  He voted for JACKSON and upon the birth of the Whig party became one of its adherents and thus remained until the organization of the Republican Party, when he joined it.  He was a delegate to each national republican convention.  He was influential in the nomination of Abraham LINCOLN in 1860.  He was a great admirer of Gen. GRANT and Gov. OP MORTON; the latter was his very intimate friend.  When Gen. Steele moved to Rockville in 1846 he engaged in mercantile pursuits for 3 years.  He then assisted in the establishment of the Parke Co. Bank of which he was chosen pres. And annually reelected to this position till 1863, when this bank was merged into the First National Bank of Rockville. He was again chosen as its president and held the position until 1871 when he declined to hold it longer. He took an active interest in all the railroads in the county, especially the present road running through Rockville, which was completed by his assistance, and he was chosen superintendent of the Rockville division of the road.  At the outbreak of the war, in 1861, Gen. Steele, being a member of the senate, took a decided stand for the Union.  He offered resolutions against neutrality, which were sent to the Pres. Of the US and governors of all the states. A motion was made in the senate to print 2,000 copies of Gov. Morton's first message and 2,000 copies of Washington's farewell address.  Gen. Steele moved to amend the motion by adding 2,000 copies of Jackson's proclamation on nullification.  The amendment was adopted.  7 rep. And 6 senators were appointed to meet Lincoln at the state line and welcome him to Indiana.  Gen. Steele was chosen pres. Of the committee, and to make the address of welcome.  His speech was pointed, eloquent and appropriate.  At the commencement of the war, Gen. Steele was offered the command of a regiment, but, owing to ill health and severe affliction in his family, was compelled to decline the honor.  In the fall of 1861 he served with the regiment for a time, but on account of ill health, resigned the commission and returned home.  Soon after Gov. Morton appointed him as a member of his staff, with the commission of colonel, which he held till the close of the war.  Gen. Steele was a man of wide experience, extensive information, untiring energy, active public spirit and patriotic devotion to his country.  He became wealthy and did, perhaps, more than any other man of his day for Parke Co.  He died in Terre Haute May 7, 1879 where he resided for 3 years.   

William N. STEVENSON. More than 70 years have come and gone since the subject of this sketch opened his eyes to the light of day.  Time, in its flight, has witnessed his growth to manhood and descent into the twilight of old age.  It has witnessed, also, his attainment of an honorable place among the business men of Rockville, as well as the accumulation of a competency.  Now, after a busy and useful career he has retired from active business enterprises and, surrounded by the comforts gained in years of toil, passes his time quietly and tranquilly at his home in Rockville.  In Woodford County, Kentucky, William N. Stevenson was born March 1, 1820.  His father, James Stevenson, was a farmer of that county, who in 1826 removed to Indiana and located at Greencastle.  Purchasing a farm there he devoted his attention to its improvement and made it his home until called from earth in 1827.  His wife survived him a few years, dying in 1824.  (sic).  A farmer by occupation, James Stevenson devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, with the exception of the period of his service in the War of 1812.  He participated in the Battle of Tippecanoe and was also in the Harrison campaign in the Wabash Valley.  Through exposure and the hardships incident to a soldier's life he lost his health, which he never permanently regained.  A lad of six years when he accompanied his parents to Indiana, our subject was orphaned when quiet young.  At the age of 15 he accepted a clerkship in a general store at Greencastle and was thus occupied until 1844.  Removing at that time to Terre Haute he engaged in the mercantile business for two years, and then proceeded to New Albany this state.  He followed mercantile pursuits there for 5 years at which time he engaged in business for himself forming a partnership with W.W. Pennington, under the firm of Pennington & Stevenson. 5 years later our subject disposed of his interest in the store and returned to Greencastle, where he engaged in merchandising from 1854 until March 1879.  After 25 years spent at Greencastle, Mr. Stevenson disposed of his establishment there and came to Rockville, where he at once opened a dry-goods store, uniting it with a branch establishment at Rosedale. In Jan 1891, he retired from business with the esteem of all those who had been associated with him and the confidence of the community.  He was identified with the mercantile business from the age of 15 until his retirement in 1891, and as may be imagines, is familiar with all the "ins and outs" of that line of work.  May 23, 1850, occurred the marriage of Mr. S. to Miss Emma NORRIS who was born in New Albany and received her education in the private schools of that city.  She is the daughter of Daniel W. Norris, a contractor and builder of New Albany.  The marriage has been blessed by 7 children, 7 living: Jefferson C, who is a traveling salesman; Mary who was educated at Greencastle and is now the wife of Rev. HA Buchtel, Pastor of the Central Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church at Indianapolis; Charles N., a traveling salesman and resident of Indianapolis; Frank E, manager of W. N. Stevenson Son's store; William T and Albert A who are salesmen in the above named establishment.  The large store at Rockville with which the sons are connected is well stocked with dry goods clothing and house-furnishing goods and is conducted on the same wide awake and excellent business principles which contributed to the success of the father.  In former years Mr. Stevenson was a Republican in his political preferences but he is now an ardent adherent of the Prohibitionist.  In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church with which he united in 1837 and his wife is also identified with that denomination.  Besides his generous donations to the church, he has also been a liberal contributor to DePauw University and to various benevolent enterprises.  He was always a staunch Abolitionist, even in the days when the term was one of reproach.  His father, who was the owner of 9 or 10 valuable slaves, was so opposed to slavery that he granted them their freedom and they, as soon as they had earned sufficient money, emigrated to Liberia, where they are now prosperous and happy. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page. 364 

STEVER, Davis, farmer, Sylvania, is a native of Liberty Township, born February 2, 1834.  His parents, Matthew and Agnes (BANKS) Stever, arrived here at a very early day.  They died when he was quite young, leaving him to fight his way in the world, which he has done very successfully.  By perseverance and hard work he has now a good farm of 134 acres, well improved and in good cultivation.  In 1862 he enlisted in the 9th Ind. battery, and served 3 years and 3 months.  He was wounded by the boat blowing up on his way home.  He was with his battery at the engagements at Pittsburgh Landing, Corinth, Vicksburg, Nashville and in every fight in which the battery took part, including the Red River expedition with Banks.  In 1857, he was married to Miss Susan CONNER, a native of Parke County, and they have a family of 7 children; Samuel, Davis E, Joseph, Caleb, Lizzie, Sarah Ann and Susie BORN  He is a member of Floyd post, GAR and in politics is a republican.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill 

STEVER, Davis prominent among the successful farmers and stock raisers of Parke County may be mentioned the name of Mr. STEVER, who owns and operates a fine farm located on Section 28, Liberty Township.  The estate comprises 170 acres of well-cultivated land and is embellished with a substantial set of farm buildings, chief among which is the commodious residence. The improvements usually found upon first class farms may here be seen and on every hand abound proofs of the thrift of the owner of the property.   A native of the township where he now lives, Mr. Stever was born February 2, 1833 and is the son of Matthew and Agnes BANKS Stever.  His father came to Indiana before it was admitted into the Union and was one of the first settlers of Parke County where he remained until his death at Rockport Mill, about 1840. A Democrat in politics, he was public spirited and enterprising as a citizen and his untimely death was mourned by all.  His wife survived until April 1866. They were the parents of seven children: Samuel and Washington, both now deceased; Joseph, who enlisted in the 85th Indiana Infantry and died soon afterward; Davis of this sketch; Mrs. Sarah GILKINSON; Mrs. Margaret GILKINSON; Mrs. Mary NOE; and Matthew, who enlisted in the 9th Indiana Battery during the late war and died at Vicksburg in July 1863.  After the death of Matthew STOVER (sic) his widow married Russell GRIFFIN, and remained in Parke County until her death.  Originally, he had resided in North Carolina, whence she removed to Virginia and from there to Indiana, becoming a pioneer of this state.  Early orphaned by the death of his father, our subject was afterward bound out and on receiving his freedom at the age of 21; he was also given $60.  This he took to the bank, receiving in return but $20 in specie.  For five years thereafter he worked for others, receiving as remuneration $15 per month.   After his marriage, which occurred October 19, 1858 and united him with Miss Susan CONNER, he commenced to farm for himself.  In Feb 1862, Mr. Stever enlisted in the 9th Indiana Battery and after the battle of Shiloh was granted a short furlough.  He rejoined his regiment at Grand Junction, Tennessee  and was present at the engagements of LaGrange, Miss; Jackson, Queen's Hill, the siege of Vicksburg, the Red river expedition and others of minor importance, though not less hazardous to life.  At the close of the expedition, he went to Memphis and volunteered in the 3rd Indiana Artillery after which he took part in the battle of Tupelo, Miss and was in the two days fight at Nashville.  Altogether, he participated in 32 engagements.  From Florence, Alabama, he was ordered home, and while sailing down the Tennessee River on the "Eclipse," in company with 64 men an explosion occurred in which 27 were killed. The injuries there received obliged our subject to remain for two months or more in the Marine Hospital at Evansville, Indiana from which he was discharge in March 1865.  His papers, however, were dated Feb 25, at Indianapolis.   On his return home, Mr. Stever resumed the occupation of a farmer and in September 1866, purchased his first farm, which consisted of 62 acres on Section 28, Liberty Township.  He has added to his original purchase until he is at present the owner of 172 acres.  In all his enterprises, he has received the efficient assistance of his capable wife.  She was born in Sugar Creek Township, Parke County and is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth DEER Conner, natives of Kentucky.  Mr. Conner was a carpenter by trade.  in December, 1861, he enlisted in the defense of the Union and participated in all the engagements of his regiment until his death at Union City, Tenn. in November 1863.  His mortal remains were brought to Parke County and there interred. He was a valiant soldier and had risen to the rank of Lt. in which capacity he was serving at the time of his demise. His wife had passed away in the spring of 1863, leaving six children: Susan, Hettie, Nancy, Allen, Mary and Louisa.   Caleb Conner, the grandfather of Mrs. Stever was born in Kentucky and throughout much of his life was employed as a millwright and blacksmith. He was a pioneer of Montgomery County, Indiana where he entered some Government land and improved a good farm.  He was a prominent member of the Masonic Order.  His religious views were in sympathy with the doctrines of the Baptist Church of which he was a member.  Politically, he was first a Whig and later Republican, and served his fellow citizens in the office of Justice of the Peace, as well as in other places of trust.  He married Miss Susannah TEETER, who was of Scotch-Irish descent and they became the parents of seven sons and three daughters. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stever there have been born seven children, as follows: Samuel; Elizabeth, formerly the wife of Luna BAYLESS; and now deceased; Sarah A, Mrs. William SHERRILL, deceased; Davis, E, who died when 21; Joseph; Susan B, wife of Otho COATS and Caleb R. The children received excellent educational advantages and those who survive are prominent in the communities where they reside. Since 1866, Mr. Stever and his wife have been actively connected with the United Brethren Church and are foremost in all the benevolent and worthy projects originated by that denomination. - Portrait & Biographical Records of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana  (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893) p 273 Provided by Karen Zach

STONE, W. O., M.D., was born in Oldham County, Kentucky, January 4, 1834. He was raised a farmer's boy, receiving his early education at the common schools. At the age of 18 he came to Indiana, and engaged in the study of medicine at Russellville, Putnam County, under Dr. S.T. Clark. In 1859 and 1860, he attended lectures at the medical colleges of Louisville and Cincinnati, and graduated with honors from both institutions. Immediately after he began the practice of medicine at Russellville, remaining there a short time, and removing to Parke County in 1862, where he successfully practiced ever since. The practice of Dr. Stone, being mainly in the country, has been very laborious; but he has been noted for industry and perseverance. He is a man very much devoted to his profession, a thoughtful observer and a close student of the liberal school in medicine, and ready to apply every improvement in the science and art of healing. He is both a good physician and a skillful surgeon, having an extensive practice in the country around where he resides. It deserves to be noted here that Dr. Stone has performed, among other skillful surgical operations, two operations with the trephine -- a surgical instrument for sawing out a circular piece of the skull about 5/8 of an inch in diameter, so that the skull may be lifted to relieve the brain of irritation or pressure in case of fracture of indented skull. Both of those cases treated by Dr. Stone, though difficult, were performed with marked skill and success. In 1869, he bought the farm where he now resides and has since carried on farming together with his practice of medicine. Dr. Stone was married on the 9th of Aug, 1860 to Miss Minerva C. DURHAM, daughter of J. B.  and Minerva P. Durham, of Montgomery County, Indiana. By this union they have two children. From The Combined Atlas of Parke County, Indiana. Mt. Vernon, IN: Windmill Press, 1996, Page33. 

William Overton STONE, M.D. of Rosedale, is so widely known that he needs no introduction to the reader. His lineage is distinguished, for on the paternal side, his great grandfather, Thomas Stone, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence; and on the maternal side, he traces his ancestry back to the famous Keyes family, of which Postmaster General Keyes is a prominent representative. The father of our subject, Henry Stone, was born in Virginia in 1803, son of Samuel Stone and by occupation was a contractor. He married Martha T. Callis, who was likewise a native of the Old Dominion. The paternal family consisted of three sons, as follows: Edgar, born March 3, 1830; Caius October 12, 1831; and William O. January 4, 1834.  Edgar is now an attorney at law, and practices his professional in California; Caius is an enterprising farmer of Parke County. As was the custom in Southern families, our subject was nursed by a negro woman, owned by his father. Often now he alludes to his old aunty with the utmost reverence and recalls clearly his sorrow at her death, which occurred when he was but six. Until 18, our subject remained with his father, his time being occupied in the usual manner of farmer lads. At that age he came to Indiana, the journey being partly made upon the only railroad in the state at that time, which ran from Madison to Indianapolis.  After coming to this state he worked on a farm for three years and then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. S. P. Clark, of Putnam County with whom he remained for four years. He was graduated from the medical department of the Louisville University and also from the Cincinnati Eclectic College. The young Dr. located for the practice of his profession at Rosedale, where he at once opened an office. By steady persistence and professional skill he soon won a place among the most successful physicians and surgeons of the county and his practice rapidly increased. He was united in marriage with Miss Minerva C., daughter of Jeremiah Durham, a native of Kentucky. and prominent farmer and stock raiser. In his community he was a potent factor in politics and was firm in his adherence to republican principles. Religiously he was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death took place in 1881. Eleven years later occurred the demise of his wife, who was a lady of great literary ability and was beloved by all who knew her. Mrs. Stone is a lady of talent and great executive ability. She is a writer of note, her poetical works being widely read and appreciated for their lofty style, intrinsic worth and sweet sentiments. Her education is a splendid one, and has enabled her to greatly assist in the classical training of her children, two in number. Edgar was born February 1, 1862 and was graduated from the Terre Haute Norman School. He now follows the occupation of farmer in Sullivan County, Indiana.  He and his wife, whose maiden name was Della Riggs, are the parents of two daughters.   The only daughter of our subject and wife, Hattie O., was born October 12, 1870, and is a young lady of great musical ability, being a proficient artist upon the piano and violin as well as a soprano singer of note in the community.   As a physician and surgeon Dr. Stone has been very successful, always busy, never indulging in a day's idleness, yet always ready to respond to all calls for his services to heal the sick and afflicted. As a financier he has showed great ability and in addition to his property in Rosedale, he is the owner of a fine grain and stock farm in Sullivan County, Indiana. This place consists of 320 acres and contains an orchard of 40 acres, also good buildings and first-class improvements. As a horse fancier, the Dr. is well known and he has a fine stock of Wilkes and Mambrino thoroughbred horses, which are too well known to require any comment. He is a regular exhibitor at all horse shows, fairs, and his stock has been awarded its share of prizes. Politically, the Dr. is a conservative Democrat and socially a member of the Masonic Order and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his professional career he is widely known as a writer of authority upon various diseases and their treatment, his papers having been published in many medical journals. However, the Dr. remarks that after 36 years of the practice of medicine, I have come to the conclusion that the practice of medicine is a humbug, but the practice of surgery is a science. He intends to retire permanently from the labors of his profession and will devote his remaining days to the enjoyment of home and family - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 568

STOUT, David , farmer, Bloomingdale, was born in Penn Township, Parke County, Indiana, January 24, 1842 and is the son of John and Mahala (RUBOTTOM) Stout.  His mother came to Parke Co. in about 1822, and first settled on the farm now owned by Joel REYNOLDS and his father came with his parents and settled close to where John MOORE now lives.  His father died in this county in about 1845.  Mr. Stout has been a resident of Parke Co. all his life, with the exception of 4 years spent in Iowa.  His business has been that of a farmer, proprietor of a saw milling and threshing machine.  He also at one time owned an interest in the woolen mills and the Bloomingdale flouring mills.  In 1866, he was married to Miss Jane BAYNE, daughter of William and Agnes Bayle.  She was born in Yorkshire, England in 1843 and by this union, they have 5 children: Ella M; Corda A; Naomi B; Charlie E. and Anna P.  Mr. and Mrs.. Stout have long been members of the Society of Friends and Mr. Stout is a stanch republican.   Taken from: Page296 History of Parke Co IN; J. H.  Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill, 1880  

Frank STRAUGHAN.  He of whom we take pleasure in making a note in this work is one of the hustling business men of Rosedale, Parke County and proprietor as well as manager of a well-stocked stock of groceries, queens ware, notions, miners' supplies and a fine line of cigars and tobacco.  The history of the life of this young man is one worthy of note in the annals of the county for the Goddess of Fate has dealt severely with him.  He first saw the light of day in Fairfield County of Durham, England on December 21, 1866 his parents being natives of the same country.  His life up to the age of 13 was fraught with nothing more than was common with such lads.  A bright, keen observer for one of his age, happy and cheerful, with no thought of the terrible calamity hovering over him, his joyous and happy life was soon to be transformed into one of sadness and gloom.  On a Friday ever to be remembered by this young man, he contracted a severe cold. Retiring at night as usual, but more restless than was his wont during the night, he arose the next morning with all his ambitious gaiety gone, for during the night his eyes had become sightless, and never again has he beheld the light of day or the faces of loved ones so dear to him by the ties of nature. Being in very straitened circumstances, he was compelled to go into the coal mines as a laborer, where he worked until 1882, when he with his parents sailed for America.  They landed in New York November 29 and about one month later found themselves within the boundary line of Indiana state. They located for awhile in Brazil, this state but the father, wishing to pursue his blacksmith trade and thinking it might prove more profitable in Rosedale, moved here and at once opened up a shop, while the son Frank again went into the mines.  Although laboring under the disadvantage of total darkness, he never tried to shirk his duties, but labored earnestly and hard in order that he might earn sufficient money to pay for surgical operations to aid in restoring his sight.  After submitting to a painful and expensive operation, he found it to be all in vain and as soon as able returned to his old occupation in the coal mines, where he continued for about a year.  January 22, 1890, he opened a candy store with a "paid-up" capital of $24.25 and a stock of cigars and tobacco amounting to $38 for which he had to give ample security before obtaining the goods.  With a keen eye to business, accompanied with much good judgment, he not only paid his indebtedness, but added to his stock in both quantity and variety, until he was forced to make two removals, after which he finally moved into his present large double room, which affords him all the available space necessary.  He keeps a wells elected stock of goods, over which he presides with the ability and alacrity of a salesman who is not deprived of sight. He waits upon his patrons, weighing, measuring and making change with a degree of accuracy seldom excelled by even those who are more fortunate.  Mr. Straughan has a corps of lady clerks to assist him, one of whom is his sister, Sarah, whose valuable services as bookkeeper and saleslady are sincerely appreciated by her brother. He keeps four horses to perform his delivery and road work.  He is of a cheerful nature, making the best of everything, friendly to all, and honest to a farthing, thereby gaining the confidence of his fellow men.  This fact, coupled with his well developed business tact and talent has gained for him merited encomiums as a self-made business man and esteemed citizen.  His father's family consisted of 11 children, namely: James; Robert; Thomas; Frank; John, Jr.; Joseph; Elizabeth; Maggie; Isabel; Susan C and Sarah.  The three eldest live in their native country.  Our subject's parents now reside in Rosedale, the father working at his trade.  Politically, our subject is a People's party man, believing in the "greatest good to the greatest number" of people.  In social life, he is a good conversationalist, and a man of no small musical talent.  In the financial world, the reputation of this young man ranks as first class and he has good credit with all dealers of merchandise in his line.  With the energy and push that Mr. Straughan shows, we can but predict a successful business career through life. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 184

William P. STRAIN resides on Section 20, Adams Township, Parke County.  He owns 200 acres of land, 160 of which is rich bottom land under good cultivation. Mr. Strain was born at Mansfield, in 1839, the event occurring February 5. His father was Joseph Strain, a native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania.  The latter was reared in his native county where he resided until the year 1818 when he settled in Orange County, Indiana. He returned home, was married and then located permanently in this state in 1821, entering land in Adams Township, Parke County.  With his brother James he was the owner of 240 acres. Some time prior to 1828 Mr. Strain removed to Rockville, where he pursued his trade of a carpenter and in the last mentioned year went to Mansfield, where he engaged in the milling business at which pursuit he continued for 12 years. Returning, he again took up agricultural pursuits on the farm where our subject now lives, which land was the tract entered by himself and brother. For 38 years he lived on this homestead, being called from the scene of his earthly labors in 1877. The mother of our subject was Sarah, daughter of Mr. Potts, and by her marriage she became the mother of two children, our subject being the only survivor. His sister, Rebecca married Dr. Daley and died in 1883. Joseph Strain was an ally of the Democratic Party.  In this county William P. Strain was reared to manhood, being educated in the schools of Rockville.  He remained at home until he was married in the year 1863, to Miss Sarah LOLLIS.  The father of Mrs. Strain, George W. Lollis, was an early settler of this region to which he came from the Old Dominion.  Two children blessed this union of Mr. Strain and his estimable wife, Bertha, who is the wife of Emmett Batman; and Fred, who yet resides with his father.  The wife and mother was cut down by the hand of death in 1872.  After his marriage Mr. Strain lived on the place, which is and has been his home ever since, with the exception of 4 years when he resided in Rockville.  In 1877, Mr. Strain wedded Miss Susan Lollis, a sister of his first wife, and to them have been born 3 children: Frank; Edna; and Mabel.  With regard to politics, Mr. Strain is a sturdy Republican.  Both he and his amiable wife are members of the Presbyterian Church and fraternally the former belongs to the Knights of Pythias.  He has always been devoted to the best interests of the community in which he dwells and is a loyal, patriotic citizen. - 1893 Portrait & Biographical History of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana, Chicago: Chapman Brothers, Page 442

STROUSE, David, was born in Rockville, Parke County, Indiana April 27, 1847.  He has lived here ever since, although, for one of his age, he has been quite an extensive traveler, having been in 23 different states and territories of the union.  He was educated in Rockville, with the exception of one year spent at school in Cincinnati, Ohio .  Mr. Strouse entered the US service during the late war and served mostly on detached and hospital duty.  3 years of his life he worked on a farm; he was 2 years engaged in a livery stable; 2 in merchandise; and in the fall of 1870, entered the Co. Clerk's office of Parke Co. As Deputy Clerk, where he is engaged at the present time, fulfilling the duties of his station with satisfaction.  He has been twice elected Clerk of the town of Rockville.  Few men of his age take more interest in moral institutions than Mr. Strouse, he being an active worker in the Sunday school of the ME Church and a member of the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment of Odd Fellow of Indiana.  He was married at Marietta, Ohio  on the 1st of September 1873 to Miss Mattie J. EWING of Edinburgh, Indiana.

STROUSE, David, clerk of Parke County, resides at Rockville in which place he was born April 27, 1847.  He was the oldest of 7 children.  His father, Samuel Strouse, emigrated from Germany at the age of 18.  His mother, whose maiden name was Mary F. BAKER, was the daughter Of Kentucky. Parents, who settled in Parke Co. When she was quite young.  In the winter of 1862-63 Mr. S. Went to Washington City and engaged in the hospital service about 6 months.  He returned home, and in April 1864 enlisted for 4 months in the 133d Ind. Vols.   The regiment did duty in No. Alabama with headquarters at Bridgeport and was mustered out October 1, 1864.  During the 3 years following his retirement from the army Mr. S. Worked on a farm in the summer season, and attended the Rockville graded school winters.  In 1871 he was elected clerk of the town of Rockville and was successively reelected until he had filled the office 4 years.  He received no opposition after the first term.  At the same time that he held this position he was performing the duties of deputy co. Clerk.  In 1876 he was elected co. Clerk, and is the present incumbent of the office.  Mr. S. Is an efficient and gentlemanly officer, and deservedly popular among all the classes.   In politics he is a republican, his views being of the type called "radical."  He is a member of the K. Of P., a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows and of the Grand Encampment of Indiana.  Both he and his wife are communicants in the Methodist Episcopalian church.  Mr. Strouse is an active laborer is the church, a leader in the Sabbath school cause, and an outspoken and influential advocate of the temperance reform.  He is Pres. Of the Sabbath School Assoc of Parke Co.  He is a useful and public-spirited citizen, who gives his whole soul to whatever he undertakes to do.  He was married at Marietta, Ohio  September 1, 1873 to Miss Mattie J. EWING of Edinburgh, Indiana.  They have one son, six years old.

Isaac Rice STROUSE - Throughout Parke County the Rockville Tribune is a welcome guest in hundreds of homes, and the name of its editor a household word.  Mr. Strouse was born in Rockville, Indiana December 12, 1859, and enjoyed the advantages of the public schools until he was 16 when he apprenticed himself to George W. Collins as "devil" in the office of Indiana Patriot.  He remained in that connection until the paper was purchased by J. B. Cheadle, when he finished his trade in the office of the Tribune. At age 19, Mr. Strouse became local editor of the Tribune under John H. Beadle and worked two years in that capacity. For several months afterward he fired a freight engine on the IC & SW RR then known as the crookest and roughest railroad in the United States.  In the year 1881, on December 22, he married Miss Juliet Virginia HUMPHREYS, an accomplished and talented lady who has already won considerable fame as a poetess.  Many of her poems have been published in the magazines and copied by the leading papers through the US.  Two children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Strouse, Marcia Frances and Sarah Katherine.  In addition to his editorial work, Mr. Strouse has written articles on historical and economical subjects which have been published in Easter papers and the Magazine of American History.  As a writer he is clear and animated, vigorous in thought and forcible in expression.  In 1882, the year following his marriage, he purchased a half interest in the Tribune and was associated with Beadle as editor for 5 years.  He was then in partnership with W. W. Grimes for two years since which time he has been sole proprietor of the paper.  In his political connections, Mr. Strouse was first a Republican but he became convinced that free trade rather than protection would secure the best interests of our country and accordingly changed his paper to correspond with his changed opinions. Since 1884 he has voted Democratic and has been even more loyal than before in his free trade sentiments, since Grover Cleveland sent his famous tariff reform message in 1887.  The Tribune is now conducted as an independent Democratic paper, but never refuses to give other parties a hearing, especially the Prohibitionists and those beliefs that have no official organ in the county.  Mr. Strouse is a member of the Executive Committee of Free Trade League, and is otherwise identified with the interests of his party in the state.  He was Capt. of Co. B 1st Regt National Guards, "McCune Cadets" and is now a member of the Rockville Light Artillery.  Last winter he was selected by Governor Matthews as trustee of the Indiana institute for Education of the Blind, an honor that was conferred upon him without his seeking. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 365

Charles W. STRYKER, the efficient and genial Postmaster of Rockville, Parke County is well and favorable known to this locality.  He has held the office of Chairman of the Republican Central Committee for three successive terms and has always been very active in political circles.  He was born in Clark County, July 28, 1824 and is the son of James Stryker, who located there about the year 1820, having emigrated from the Empire State.  James Stryker was, however, a native of New Jersey, and followed the occupation of an agriculturist, principally, throughout life.  On his arrival in Clark County, he purchased land, where he continued to live until removing to Springfield, Illinois when our subject was a lad of about 7 years.  This was about 1831, and only two years afterward he returned to the neighborhood of his former home in Indiana, where he purchased a farm, and there resided for some 8 years.  Going to Paris, Indiana, he engaged in merchandising for a year, and then went to Brownstown, Jackson County where he engaged in the same avocation until January 1844, at which time he became a resident of Parke County.  He made a settlement at Rockville, where he was a merchant for about 3 years.  Next, going to Illinois, he located near Bloomington and after some time he removed to Texas, which was his place of abode for about five years.  Returning to near Collinsville and finally made Evansville, Indiana his permanent home, living there until his death in 1858.  Charles W. Stryker is the second in order of birth in a family of nine children and passed the greater portion of his boyhood days in Clark County, Indiana. When he was about 17 he began to assist his father in the store and in the year 1845 engaged in business with him.  When the latter left Rockville, our subject remained in the place, engaged in collecting for about 2 years.  At the expiration of this time, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which was his occupation for 21 years.  He became the owner of a farm southeast of Rockville, a place of 120 acres, which he still owns.  Prior to 1879, he operated a sawmill for some 3 or 4 years and was Superintendent of a flour mill and woolen factory, which were the property of his father-in-law, Mr. Adamson. In the year 1846, Mr. Stryker and Miss Nancy A. ADAMSON were united in marriage.  The lady was a daughter of Elisha Adamson, a carpenter of this county.  Mrs. Stryker, who was a lady possessed of many amiable and lovable qualities was called to her final rest in 1888.  Her loss was deeply deplored by the many friends she had made during her long residence in this vicinity.  She was the mother of nine, who are all deceased but John W, the eldest who is now running the old homestead owned by his father.  While at Bowling Green, to which place he went in October 1858, Mr. Stryker was Superintendent of the Clay Mills Company and in 1861 he located on his farm east of the town.  In 1879 he became a resident of Rockville, and was appointed Postmaster in October 1882, which office he held until the 1st of February, 1887.  He was reappointed to the place on 9 October 1889, since which time he has continued to occupy the same.  He is considered the most capable and efficient Postmaster who has served for many years.  Prior to the organization of the Republican Party, he was a Whig.  Since that time he has voted in every Presidential election for the candidates of the Republican Party.  For 3 years he was County Commissioner of Parke, the duties of which he discharge with credit to himself and constituents.  Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled all the chair in the lodge.  For many years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of which he is now one of the Trustees.  He stands high in the regard of his fellow citizens and all who have in any way been thrown in contact with him, for he is a man of correct principles, courteous and fair in all his dealings with his fellow citizens and all who have in any way been thrown in contact with him for he is a man of correct principles, courteous and fair in all his dealings with his fellowmen. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 138

Charles W. STRYKER was born in Clark County, Indiana July 28, 1824.  In 1844 he came to Rockville and engaged in the mercantile business for two years.  In 1846 he married Nancy Jane Adamson, whose father, Elisha Adamson had the contract for erecting the Putnam County courthouse and Mr. Stryker went to Greencastle to superintend its construction.  Afterwards he returned to Parke County and settled on a farm, where he died a few years ago, near the New Discovery road three miles se of Rockville.  He removed from the county and resided for a few years in Illinois and Clay County, Indiana and returned to his farm.  In 1872 he was elected County Commissioner.  He was for several years postmaster at Rockville. Mr. Stryker was a man of high ideals, loved and respected by everyone who knew him.  His life, part of which was as a Trustee of the Rockville Methodist Church and as a member of Howard Lodge IOOF was full of good works in the cause of humanity. - Parke County Indiana Centennial Memorial, 1816-1916, Page 113

SUMMERS, Isaac, farmer and stock raiser, Wallace, Fountain County, is the son of John and Jane (Allen) Summers, natives of Virginia, who came to Parke County, locating in Sugar Creek Township, in 1829; his uncle, David Allen, who came a few years earlier, was the first settler in this part of the township, and was a leading member of the Baptist church, his house being the principal stopping place for all the pioneer preachers of that denomination.  Mr. Summers was born in Kentucky July 19, 1829, being only a few months old when his parents settled in Sugar Creek, at which time this part of the county was heavily timbered, while deer and turkey, and game of all kinds, were numerous.  He received his education at the common school, which was held in a log building, fitted up in the most primitive fashion, and until 1856 worked on the farm with his father, when he married Miss Elizabeth Shaw, moving in 1857 to Iowa, where he remained for 7 years, at the end of which time he returned to Parke County, and now lives on the old homestead.  He has a good farm of 268 acres, well improved, and bearing evidence of careful and thorough cultivation.  He has a family of 7 children: Rachel Jane; John Eli; Andrew Jackson; Martha Ellen; Isaac William; D. W.  Voorhees; Thomas Syndney and is a leading member of the democratic party.  Mr. Summers has in his possession one of the old Virginia mountain pack saddles, which has been in the family over 60 years, having been brought by his father when he came here.  Taken from: 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana by J. H.  Beadle. Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers. 

Farm work makes strenuous demands upon the time and energies of those who successfully follow it but there is no more productive district in all the US than the rich fields of Iowa.  Taylor County has her full quota of progressive and representative agriculturists in which class Mrs. Emily J. SWAIM is numbered.  She is living on Section 20, Ross Township and has long made her home in Taylor County dating her residence here from 1859.  A native of Indiana, she was born in Parke County in 1852 a daughter of Enoch Beauchamp who was also a native of Indiana where he was reared and married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Remington who was born in Ohio but reared in Indiana.  Mr. Beauchamp followed farming in that sate for a number of years or until the birth of 3 of his children when in 1859 he removed to Iowa, becoming one of the 1st settlers of Taylor County.  He then bought a farm in Ross Township, whereon he lived until 1875 when he removed to another farm on Sections 20 and 29, the same township, continuing his residence there throughout the remainder of his life. He died 1894, having long survived his first wife, who passed away 9 August 1871.  Three of their 7 children, Emily J, James and Sarah E. were born in Iowa.  Mr. Beauchamp was again married July 4, 1874 his second union with Mrs. S. E. Bradley, a widow by whom he had 3 children: Elmer; Edelbert and Grace.  Mrs. Swaim was reared in Taylor County and was educated in the home schools.  In her girlhood days she assisted in the work of the household so that she was well qualified to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage.  On the 30th of June 1870, she became the wife of J R. Swaim, a native of Parke County, Indiana where he was reared.  As a young man, he came to Iowa with his father, Levi Swaim and they took op their abode in Ross Township, Taylor County.  After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Swaim also settled on a tract of land in Ross Township and he engaged in farming that place 5 years on the expiration of which period, he removed to the farm where his family now resides.  He was a man of good business energy and determination and of keen foresight, who carefully conducted his farming interests and from time to time, as his financial resources increased, made further investment in land until he became the owner of nearly a thousand acres. He was one of the most active, progressive business men and prosperous farmers of the township and allowed no obstacle to brood his path which could be overcome by persistent and honorable effort.  On his place, he erected a large residence and substantial and commodious outbuildings.  From time to time, he extended the boundaries of home farm until it included 340 acres.  Mrs. Swaim now owns this place, while the remainder of the property of Mr. Swaim was inherited by his children.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Swaim 8 children who yet arrive: Houston, a resident of Iowa; Howard in Idaho Glenn and Floyd who are carrying on the home farm for their mother; Ella now the wife of James Bishop living near Burlington, Iowa; Mary a young lady at home; Cora, the wife of Roy Duncan, a resident farmer of Benton Township and Ethel, who completes the family.  They also lost 3 sons: Daniel, Irvin and Albert, al of whom died in childhood.  The death of the husband and father occurred in 1896 and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret not only to his immediate family but to the entire community for his worth as a man and citizen were widely acknowledged.  He was a Master Mason of Siam Lodge and was buried with Masonic honors.  He had a wide acquaintance throughout this part of the state and was much esteemed in the community for he was reliable in business, progressive in citizenship, faithful in friendly and devoted to the welfare of his wife and children. Mrs. Swaim is a member of the Christian Church of Bedford, and is a most estimable lady.  She successfully manages her business affairs and is well known for her executive ability and her commendable spirit of enterprise.  - History of Taylor County, Iowa: from the earliest historic times to 1910, Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1910, Page 423

SWAIM, John M., farmer, Waterman, was born in North Carolina in 1844, and came to Parke Co. in 1848.  His father, Daniel Swaim, moved into Indiana in 1811, and taught school in Orange and Washington Counties in the various blockhouses there, and was probably the first school teacher in Indiana.  John Swaim has been engaged principally at farming and part of his time has been occupied working at the carpenter trade.  in 1864, he enlisted in the 137th Ind. reg. and served 5 months, returning to his farm at the close of the war.  In 1869 he was married to Miss Sarah JENNE, daughter of one of the early settlers of Silver Island.  They have two children: Oliver Wesley and Harrison RILEY.  Mr. Swaim now owns the farm of 93 acres formerly belonging to J. H.  Beadle.  He is a member of the republican party.   Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

SWAIM , Jonathan, farmer, Bloomingdale, is one of the old and respected citizens of Parke Co.  He is a native of Guilford Co North Carolina and was born October19, 1816.  His parents were Daniel and Susanah LAMB Swaim.  Mr. Swaim remained at home until man grown, working on his father's farm.  in 1837 he came to Parke County, a poor but healthy man, and not being afraid to work he was not long in getting a start.  He has made 3 visits to his old home in NC, two of which were made by horse.  In 1848, he brought his father to Parke Co where he lived until his death in 1856; his mother died in 1877.  When Mr. Swaim came to this co. all the money he had was $17, but he is now the owner of about 500 acres of fine farming land, which is the result of many years of hard labor.  September1, 1844, he took as a life partner Eleanor WOODY, a native of NC, born January 28, 1825; she came to Parke Co with her parents in 1829.  Mr. Swaim has a family of six children: John R, Henry C, Sarah C, wife of H. RAYL, Amanda E; Ruth E; Joseph L and two deceased, Mary S. and Betsy A.  (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)

Jonathan SWAIM.  The farming and stock raising interests of Washington Township, Parke County find a most energetic and successful representative in the person whose name heads this notice, who states that he came to Indiana with nothing but an old plug horse worth about $60 and $15 in money.  He is now numbered among the leading men of this county and owner of about 600 acres of finely improved land (a part of which he has divided among his children), a goodly assortment of live stock and all other appurtenances which the progressive agriculturist naturally gathers around him.  He makes a specialty of stock feeding, having a great number o cattle of good grades.  Mr. Swaim was born in Guilford County, North Carolina on October 19, 1816.  He is a descendant of Anthony Swaim who came to America in 1700 and settled on Staten Island. He was of Dutch descent. Subsequently he located near Richmond, where he married and reared 4 sons: Michael; Mathias; William and one whose name is unknown. The first-named son remained on Staten Island where his descendants all lived; Mathias located in Essex County, New Jersey; William moved to North Carolina, settling in Surry County, where he reared a large family.  His wife was Elizabeth Vickery in her maiden days.  John was a farmer by occupation and went to what is now known as Randolph County, North Carolina, where he bought a large tract of land, which he divided into farms for each of his children. They were named Massah, William (our subject's grandfather); Joshua; Christopher; John; Elizabeth; Ashley; Marmaduke; Charity; Moses and Michael.  William bought several hundred acres of land in Randolph County, and married and reared a family of 11 children namely: Daniel, father of our subject; John; Benjamin; Joshua; William; Ashley; Polly; Lottie; Fannie; Elizabeth and Rachael.  Politically, the father of this family was a Whig.  After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Christina Swaim.  He died at age 80, having lived a useful life.  The father of our subject was a native of Randolph County North Carolina being born 1790.  He was employed on a farm, in the meantime preparing himself for the vocation of a teacher.  On reaching his majority, he continued teaching for the greater part of his life, holding any sessions in his own log kitchen. While yet in his youth he came to Indiana and taught in what is now known as Orange County for some time, after which he returned to the scenes of his childhood and there chose his companion for life.  His wife was Miss Susan Lamb and bore him 11 children: Jonathan; Riley; William; Joseph; Joshua; John; Anna; Betsey; Cynthia; Fannie and Melissa.  Those living are: Riley; Jonathan; Joseph; John and Fannie.  The declining years of his life were spent in Parke County, where he died at age 75, his wife surviving him 12 years.  He was a member of the Baptist Church, as was his wife.  In his political views, he was Whig and an earnest supporter of his party. Jonathan Swaim began for himself just before attaining 21, and in 1837 came to Parke County where he entered upon the business of shoe making.  Picking up trade here and there, he soon was able to purchase a team and wagon and did general teaming for some time also making a number of trips to Cincinnati and New Orleans on Flatboat.  His first purchase of land comprised 40 acres of Sugar Creek which he bought in 1839 and by improving and cultivating this and living sparingly, he added to his landed possessions until he owns in the neighborhood of 600 acres of fertile land. On the 1st of September, 1844, Mr. Swaim wedded Eleanor Woody, daughter of John and Mary Holliday Woody of this county.  Mrs. Woody is a native of Orange County, North Carolina and was born January 28, 1825.  Her parents were natives of Carolinas. She has been the mother of 8 children, one of whom died in infancy. The others: Betsey (deceased); John R; Henry C; Sarah C; Amanda E; Ruth E and Joseph L.  Mr. Swaim has been familiar with farming pursuits from his boyhood up, and is managing the homestead successfully with excellent results.  Politically, he is a warm hearted Republican, with which party he has identified himself for a number of years.  The family occupy a good position socially in their community and the homestead is numbered among the well-regulated Estates of Parke County.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 575

SWAIM, Riley, farmer, Sylvania, is a native of Randolph County, North Carolina and came from there to Parke Co. in 1844 and settled in Annapolis, where he remained working at his trade as wagon maker for two years.  Returning again to North Carolina  he staid during the winter and came back in the spring to Annapolis, where he did a large business making dump carts for the laborers who were constructing the Wabash & Erie canal.  His father, Daniel Swaim, was a school teacher, and in 1811 came to Indiana and taught school in the various block houses on the frontier, and was probably the first school teacher in the state.  The family on the father's side is of Dutch origin, the family tree running back to three brothers who came from Holland to New Amsterdam, now NY at a very early period.  Mr. Swaim settled on his present farm about 1848, but not being satisfied here he took a trip to Kansas a short time since, and was so captivated with the appearance of that state that on his return he arranged to sell out his farm in Liberty, and went again to KS and bought a farm of 160 acres in Labette County, well improved and he intends to move on it this fall.  He has been married twice: the first time in North Carolina  and the second time, march 4, 1858, to Miss Sarah McMasters, daughter of Andrew McMasters, who came to Liberty Township. in 1831 from North Carolina .  Mr. Swaim's family consists of 5 children: Louisa, William Andrew, Daniel Ellsworth, Charles Sherman and Annie Jane.  Mr. Swaim and his wife are members of the Reserve Church, old Baptist denomination.  He is a strong member of the republican party, having been formerly a member of the old Whig party.   Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

SWAIM, William P., stock dealer, Bellmore, was born March 16, 1837 in Parke County 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. JT PALMER, who is elsewhere noticed in this work.  Additional room and sheds have been made since the original purchase, and fine imported stock secured, until the stables of Swaim & Palmer are second to none in the sate.  Mr. S. votes the democratic ticket, but is not radical.  He has been a member of the Baptist church for 25 years.  He married Nancy D. CONNELLY, 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.

SYLVESTER, W. H., druggist, Montezuma, was born in Syracuse, New York in 1843.  He is the son of John S. and Melvina Sylvester, who removed to Wisconsin when Mr. Sylvester was a mere child.  Here they remained until he was quite a boy, after which they removed to Kentucky, where his father died in 1860.  His mother died when he was quite young.  Mr. Sylvester has been a resident of Montezuma for a great many years.  He began by working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a short time and soon after he engaged with Wilson & Bros. to clerk in their dry-goods store.  Here he remained for some time, and acquired a knowledge of the business, after which he started in business for himself, first embarking in the grocery and confectionary business, and at the same time dealing in real estate.  At present he is the owner of several houses and lots in the town of Montezuma, he also owning a half interest in a drug store, which would do credit to any city.  Mr. Sylvester is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities of Montezuma, and is one of the active business men of town.  (Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers reprinted 1977 by The Bookmark, Knightstown IN).