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

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

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