4                       HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY

The Doctor was reared in Williamstown, where his father practiced for
twenty—six years, and had received a thorough education in the funda-
mental branches prior to the outbreak of the Civil war. He then enlisted
for the three months’ service in Company F, Tenth Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, and had his first military experience under General McClellan
in West Virginia. participating in the battle of Rich Mountain. At the
expiration of his term he returned to Terre Haute and re—enlisted (1862)
in Company B, Seventy—first Indiana infantry, which company he had
raised and of which he was chosen first lieutenant. The regiment was
first ordered to Kentucky and was captured at the battle of Richmond
Dr. Gifford. with others, being paroled and returned to Terre Haute. He
resigned in January, 1863, and in 1864 re—enlisted in Company D, 133rd
Regiment, Indiana Volnnteer Infantry. Again going to the front, he
took part in various campaigns in Tennessee and Alabama, and, with
his honorable discharge from the service , returned to his home in Brazil
and commenced the study of medicine with his father. He was finally
matriculated at Rush Medical College Chicago, from which he graduated
in 1870.
    After receiving his degree Dr. Gifford located at Brazil and formed
an association with Dr. Black which he continued until July, 1884, since
which year he has practiced alone. His professional labors have brought
him a fine reputation and a substantial income and his ability as a private
practitioner has inculded various corporations and boards to request his
services in their interests. He has served as secretary of the City Board
of Health for  two years and has been president of the United States
Pension Board of Examiners for the past fifteen years, receiving his first
appointment to the latter office from President Harrison. Dr. Gifford is
also examining surgeon for the "Penn" Mutual Life, Equitable Life,
Northwestern Life and other like organizations, and is a leading member
of various societies designed to further the interests of his profession.
in the municipal affairs of Brazil he has actively and prominently parti—
cipated, having altogether served five terms of two years and one term
of four years as a member of the City Council. His membership in the
fraternities embraces the following: Centennial Lodge, No. 541, A. F.
& A. M.: Brazil Council, No. 40, R. & S; Brazil Commandery, No.
47, K. T.: and Brazil Lodge. No. 762, B. P. 0. E. A cursory examina-
tion of the above record will convince anyone that Dr. Gifford has not
restricted his activities, but has established himself as a broad and strong
force in the community which has so long been his home.
    Dr. William Howell Gifford, the father, was a native of Washing-
ton, Mason county Kentucky, born April 23, 1814, and be died at his
home in Brazil on Sunday, March 29, 1891, at the age of seventy—six
years, eleven months and six days. In 1831 he came with his parents to
Putnam county, Indiana, and four years later entered upon a course of
medical reading and studies. Soon after his graduation from Transyl—
vania Medical College, Lexington, Kentucky (in 1838), he located at
Williamstown, Posey township, Clay county, for the practice of his profes-
sion. In May, 1840, he married Miss Almira Curtis, a native of New
York, who was born July 20, 1820, and died in Williamstown on the 4th
of October, 1860. Four children were born to this union, of whom the
following are alive: Dr. Joseph C., of this sketch, and Ann S., wife of
Randal G. Yocom. After the death of her husband Mrs. Yocorn married
again and is now living in Indiana. Dr. William H. Gifford married as