236	HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY

you about, and taken to Spencer for trial. As they had but little prop-
erty I knew that they would be in trouble if held to bail. I got up my
horse and rode over there unknown to them and entered the courtroom
just as they were informed that they must give bond or go to jail. The
question was asked by the court, Is there any one here who will go on
the bonds of these men?’ I answered, Yes, I will.’ All eyes were directed
to me, and the court said, Come up and be sworn as to what you are
worth.’ Just then, James M. Hanna, the prosecutor, who knew me per-
sonally, said to the court, That gentleman need not be sworn—I know
him and his word is as good as his oath and bond.’ You must lay your
groundwork and aims deep down in the foundations of truth and honor,
and so conduot yourselves every day that your labors will be blessed and
crowned with the happy realization of your objects. This is the only way
to build you up enduring characters and contribute your share to the
moulding and the perpetuity of society.”

	At the conclusion of his talk Mr. Cooprider was asked by a member
of the society to explain why it was that he was known familiarly through-
out the community as “Uncle Aleck,” to which he replied: “When I was
a candidate for sheriff, in 1845, I was approached by Alexander Winters,
living in the south part of the township, where he was known by every
one as ‘Uncle Aleck,’ who asked me for money with which to treat some
of ‘the boys’ in my behalf, saying that he could by this means aid me,
controlling several votes. While I did not look favorably upon this way
of getting votes, knowing, too, that Winters himself was a tippler, I gave
him $1.50, to get rid of him, but he insisted that this sum was not suffi-
cient to do the work, so I gave him another $1.50. This contribution to
the campaign fund soon became known. On the day of the election
‘Uncle Aleck’ Winters was on hand, but was found spending my money
and treating in the interests of my competitor. The joke on me was
thought to be too good to be lost, by both my supporters and opponents,
who, by common consent, perpetuated it at my expense, and it has fol-
lowed me closely for forty years.”

	James McLean Hanna was born in Franklin county, Indiana, October
15, 1817. His father was a farmer and James spent his youth on the
farm, with no educational advantages but those of the log schoolhouse
of the rural district. When he reached manhood he entered a law office
at Brookyille, this state, and there applied himself closely to the study of
his chosen profession. About 1837 he came to Bowling Green and
formed a law partnership with Hon. Delaney R. Eckles. In 1840 he was
elected prosecuting attorney for this judicial district as then existing, and
served in this capacity two years. In 1842 he was appointed private sec-
retary to Governor Whitcomb and filled the position during the whole
term. In 1848 he was elected to the state senate, and served probably
four years in this capacity. He located at Terre Haute in 1854 and prac-
ticed law until his election to the office of circuit judge, in In 1857
he was appointed a member of the supreme bench in place of Judge
Gookins, resigned, and in 1858 was elected by the people to a full term.
On retiringfrom the supreme judgeship in 1864 he resumed the practice
of law in the various counties of the state, besides devoting considerable
attention to agriculture and business. In 1868 he was again elected to the
state senate from Clay and Sullivan counties, which position he resigned