Clinton County, Indiana Biographies Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Connie Rushing and Tonya Martin cj59_1999@yahoo.com ********************************************************************* **USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ********************************************************************* ** DAVIS, Archie R. DAVIS, Charles A. DAVIS, Charles S. DAVIS, George DAVIS, Orace Clinton DAVIS, Peter DAVIS, William Laden DAVISON, Samuel N. DEAN, Alvis DENNIS, Albert T. DIETER, Cyrus DUNBAR, J. W. DUNK, John William DUNN, George W. DUNN, Robert F. DUNN, William A. EARHART, Dr. I. S. EARL, Joseph Thomas EDMONDS, Oscar William, M.D. ELLIOTT, Frank B. ERMENTROUT, Charles A. ********************************************************************* ** DAVIS, Archie R. Among the younger generation of Johnson township, Clinton county, who have begun to make a reputation for business integrity, personal charm and industry is the subject of this sketch, the prominent young banker of Hillisburg, whose accomplishments to date have been many and worthy, and it is no idle prediction to say in this sketch that ere he has reached the three score and ten he will rank with the representative men of whatever community he may be associated with. Archie R. Davis was born May 9, 1885, in Forest township, this county, and was the son of S. M. and Hannah B. (CLARK) DAVIS. S. M. Davis is also a native of this locality, being born here and died here on April 20, 1889. He had a good education and utilized this in the vocation of teaching for a number of years. However, his main occupation was farming, and he voted the Democratic ticket. The mother was born in Clinton county on December 9, 1860, and is still living at the home of our subject. The father was married twice, his first wife being Isabelle BLAIR, who died after giving birth to one child which also died. By his second wife one child was born, Archie R., our subject. Archie Davis received a very creditable education in the common and high schools of his native township, and began business life afterward on the farm. He stayed there until the year 1912, when the Hillisburg Bank was organized. W. A. Thomas was chosen to be president and John Dunn, vice-president; our subject was made cashier, with Joseph Foreman acting as assistant cashier. The bank began business August 5, 1912, with a capital stock of twenty thousand dollars, operating as a private bank. Our subject owns about three hundred and sixty acres of fine farm land in Johnson and Forrest townships and it is all well tiled, drained and fenced. His mother owns part of this estate. Mr. Davis is building at this writing, a commodious and up-to-date bungalow in Hillisburg. Mr. Davis was married on September 18, 1907, to Regina STOTTER, who was born September 18, 1890, in Forest township, the daughter of Marion F. and Margaret (JOHNSON) STOTTER, who were natives of Clinton county. The wife received a common school education at the place of her birth. Two children have been born of this union: Samuel S., October 31, 1908, and Mona M., May 26, 1912. Fraternally, Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic Order, and politically, a Democrat. He is an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Source: Pages 571 - 572 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DAVIS, Charles A. The subject of this sketch is a native son of Clinton county and a representative of one of its sterling and honored families. He has shown himself to be a man of marked individuality and enterprise, ranking among the most successful and popular of our modern agriculturists, and he has labored not for himself alone, but has found time to assist such worthy movements as have for their objects the general improvement of his locality, whether in a material, civic or moral way, and no man stands higher in his community than he. Charles A. Davis, owner of The Oaks, a most desirable stock and grain farm of Section 7, Perry township, which place contains one hundred and seven acres, is the scion of one of our worthiest pioneer families, whose good reputation has been careful in sustaining. He was born on the old homestead December 5, 1862. He is a son of William DAVIS, an early settler here, who was born in Ross county, Ohio. He spent his earlier years in the Buckeye state and there received such education as the old-time schools of his day afforded, and married Edith THARP, who was born in Galion county, Ohio, on October 4, 1827. She was a daughter of James THARP, a native of Pennsylvania. His wife was born near the city of Carlisle, that state. She was known in her maidenhood as Caroline WICKER, daughter of Thomas WICKER, who lived and died near Carlisle. James Tharp died in 1835. His family consisted of four sons and four daughters. The mother died at the age of sixty-five years. William Davis married Elizabeth THARP when she was nineteen years old in Ross county, Ohio. John DAVIS was born in Virginia of an old family of that state. The mother, Catherine STUCKEY, was born in Ohio. Her parents came to this country from Germany. The death of William Davis occurred in 1896 a the age of seventy-two years. They were active workers in the Christian church of Colfax. Their children were Robert (deceased), Mrs. Mahala HOLT, Elsberry, now at home: John, at home; Darius (deceased); Charles A., of this sketch; Noah, living at Clark's Hill, Tippecanoe county, and Mary Belle, married to William HUDSON. Charles A. Davis was reared on the home farm and there did his share of the work during crop seasons, and in the winter time he attended the district schools. He was married on October 13, 1892, to Eliza J. ARBEGUST, a daughter of Benjamin and Anne (LINDSAY) ARBEGUST. Two children were born of this union, Ella, who died in childhood, and Coral, who is at home. About this period Mr. Davis was elected county recorder by a large majority and he served for four years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. His books were in fine shape when he turned them over to his successor, for he was accurate, methodical and painstaking. He always looked out for the best interests of the county. After the expiration of his term of office he was engaged successfully in the abstract real estate business in partnership with William Milroy. He sold out his interest to Mr. Milroy and has since engaged extensively in the live stock shipping business and farming, being an excellent judge of all kinds of live stock. He keeps his fine farm well stocked, often having as many as three hundred sheep at a time. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order, and politically, he is a loyal Democrat. Source: Pages 463 - 464 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DAVIS, Charles S. If everyone would resolutely determine to look upon the bright side of things, the world would be far happier and considerably better off. There is supposed to be a silver lining to every cloud, so the poet Riley, proposed that we should turn all our clouds wrong side out. There are many people who will say that it is cheap and easy for one who has been successful to utter such an opinion, but it might be interesting to them to know that when one achieves and arrives at success it is even harder to look upon the bright side of things, than it was in the days when one possessed little of this world's goods. One of the successful citizens of Forest township, Clinton county, who has always made it a point to be optimistic and to scatter sunshine along life's pathway is Charles S. Davis, well-known farmer, now living in retirement. Mr. Davis was born July 12, 1867, in this township, then a part of Johnson township. He is a son of John A. and Anna (NORMAN) DAVIS. John A. Davis was a successful general farmer and stock dealer, and was one of our shrewdest money makers, a man of keen foresight and sound judgement, yet possessing strict honor and integrity. He became the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land in this locality and was long an influential citizen here. He has been deceased a number of years. To John A. and Anna (Norman) Davis five children were born,, four of whom are still living: Charles S., of this sketch; Lowell H., Martha (dec), Norman O. and Mary. Charles S. Davis grew to manhood on the home farm, where he spent his boyhood days in much the same manner as other country boys. He received a good common school education, attending Frankfort high school for awhile. Mr. David has been twice married, first on September 11, 1881, to Sadie DALE, who was born in the autumn of 1865 in Howard county, Indiana. She was a daughter of Frances M. and Rachael (RATCLIFF) DALE. Mr. Dale was a native of Ohio from which state he came to Clinton county, in an early day and established the future home of the family. The death of our subject's first wife occurred on December 24, 1905, without issue. On February 14, 1912, Mr. Davis married Ethel GIBBS, who was born in Hancock county, Indiana, May 18, 1885. She is a daughter of John S. and Sarah (BRISTO) GIBBS, both also natives of Hancock county. There Mrs. Davis grew to womanhood and received a common school education. Of this last union one child has been born, Milo Dale DAVIS, whose birth occurred on May 1, 1913. Mr. Davis began farming when a young man and has continued in this line of endeavor to the present time with uninterrupted success. He is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable and productive land, all tillable but about twenty-five acres. The place is under a high state of improvements. He buys and feeds large numbers of hogs annually. Although he still resides on his farm, he rents the land, merely overseeing its operation in a general way. Mr. Davis is a Democrat, but has never been active in politics. He belongs to the Masonic Order, lodge at Forest, also the Knight Templars. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant church and its superintendent of the Sunday school. Source: Pages 954 - 955 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DAVIS, George The representative and honored citizen of Colfax, Clinton county, has been distinctively the architect of his own fortunes. He has been true and loyal in all the relations of life and stands as a type of that sterling manhood which ever commands respect and honor. Mr. Davis is a man who would have won his way in any locality where fate might have placed him, for he has sound judgment, coupled with great energy and business tact, together with upright principles, all of which make for success wherever and whenever found. By reason of these principles he has won and retained a host of friends throughout Clinton county where he has spent his life and of which he is a native. He is one of the pioneer business men of Colfax, having been engaged successfully and continuously in business here for the past twenty-seven years. Mr. Davis was born in Clinton county, near Colfax, July 27, 1862, on a farm. He is a son of Joel DAVIS, who was born in Ross county, Ohio. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth PATTON, of English descent, and a native of Indiana. The death of the father occurred at the age of sixty-eight years. Politically, he was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Christian church. The mother is still living and resides with her daughter, Mrs. F. L. SHIRLEY, in Clinton county. To this union of the parents of our subject seven children were born, four sons and three daughters. George Davis grew to manhood on the home farm, where he did his full share of the general work, and he received his education in the common schools of his home community. He learned the drug business when young and has followed the same in Colfax for a period of twenty-seven years, during which time he has enjoyed an every growing trade with the city and surrounding country owing to the fact that he keeps a fresh and well selected line of drugs and drug sundries in a tastily arranged, up-to-date drug store, and deals honestly and courteously with his hundreds of patrons. He is regarded as one of the best pharmacists in central Indiana. Everything found in the modern drug stores in the large cities is to be had at this store. Mr. Davis was married in 1885 at Darlington, Montgomery county, this state, to Flora E. MURPHY, a daughter of one of the honored and well known families of that locality. There she grew to womanhood and received a good education. One daughter, Oma L., has been born to our subject and wife. Politically, Mr. Davis is a Democrat. He is an active member of the Christian church, and has been superintendent of the Sunday school for about three years. His wife is also active in church and Sunday school work. He is a liberal supporter of the church, and took an active part in building the new Christian church edifice in Colfax in 1912, which is an elegant structure, well suited to the local congregation's needs in every way. Fraternally, Mr. Davis belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a lover of home and takes little interest in political work. He has a pleasant and modern residence, furnished with electric lights, furnace, hot and cold water, etc. In fact, it is one of the most desirable homes in Colfax, is neatly furnished and tastily kept, and is often the mecca for the many friends of the family who always find here genuine hospitality. Source: Pages 517 - 518 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DAVIS, Orace Clinton It is a good sign when a county like Clinton can boast of so many of her enterprising farmers and business men who are native sons, for it indicates that here are to be found all the opportunities necessary to insure success in the material affairs of life and that her native sons, unlike so many from various sections, have found it to their advantage to remain at home. They have been wise in doing this, for nature has offered the husbandman unusual advantages here and seldom fails to reward the honest worker with gratifying results, and when the tillers of the soil are prosperous all lines of business flourish, consequently not only the farmers have succeeded in Clinton county, but also the merchants, millers, lumbermen, stock dealers and men of many other vocations. The county ranks well with the thriving sections of this or any other state. One of the prosperous native sons of this county is the well-known farmer and stock man, Orace Clinton Davis, of Forest township, who was born but a few miles from where he now lives, on May 3, 1867. He is a son of Hueston and Mary (COWDRY) DAVIS. Hueston Davis was born September 14, 1822, in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. Early in life he came to Clinton county, Indiana, where he married Jane LYNCH on April 10, 1845. He had come to this locality with his mother who settled in Warren township. Here he became an extensive land owner and a successful farmer, owning a valuable tract of land in Johnson township, at one time his estate aggregating over eight hundred acres. By his marriage to Jane Lynch, seven children were born, namely: John A., deceased; Morton P. is living; Allen is deceased; Samuel M., an enterprising citizen of Clinton county, was killed by a vicious horse a few days prior to the convention that would have nominated him for the office of county auditor; William H., Martha and George E. are all living. After the death of the mother of the above named children Hueston Davis married Mary Cowdry, by which union four children were born, two of whom are deceased, namely: Laura is the widow of W. DUNN, he being deceased; Orace C., subject of this sketch; the other two died in early life. The death of Hueston Davis occurred on February 2, 1877. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in Ohio September 16, 1838, and her death occurred on May 11, 1894. Grandfather DAVIS was an early day trader in the state of Pennsylvania. He made the long voyage on a raft from Pennsylvania down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans frequently, walking back home. On one of these trips he disappeared and nothing of his whereabouts was ever heard He may have been drowned, but most probably was murdered by highwaymen, who frequently killed and robbed strangers passing through the country, as they were always supposed to carry gold. Soon after his disappearance his wife removed with a brother of her husband, Hamilton DAVIS, to Clinton county, Indiana, and here established the permanent home of the family, and from that early day to the present the Davises have been leading citizens here. Orace Davis grew to manhood on the home farm and he received a common school education, later attending the normal school at Ladoga, Montgomery county. On May 23, 1888, he married Jennie L. PRUITT, daughter of John and Nancy J. (STEWART) PRUITT. Mrs. Davis was born February 25, 1869, in Johnson township, Clinton county, and there she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. Her father was in early life a blacksmith, later a farmer. Four children have been born to our subject and wife, one of whom is deceased, namely: Glenn H., born March 22, 1896; Palmer J., born March 22, 1899; Paul P., born March 27, 1907. Mr. Davis has been engaged since early manhood in general farming, raising and feeding live stock. He has control of three hundred and thirty-eight acres, including one hundred and eight acres which is in his wife's name, the rest being in his own name. The land is valuable, fertile and under a high state of improvement and cultivation, all being tillable but about seven acres which is in timber and pasture. He has built nearly all the buildings now to be seen on the place, and he has a pleasant, commodious home. He buys large numbers of cattle and hogs annually which he prepares for market. He formerly used many horses, but is now making gasoline do as much of his work as possible. Fraternally, Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic lodge at Forest, and is a Knight Templar. Politically, he is a Democrat and has been more or less active locally. He once made the race for county clerk, but was defeated. He votes independently in local affairs. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Source: Pages 931 - 933 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DAVIS, Peter Among the sturdy and enterprising farmers and popular public officials of Perry township, Clinton county, is the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical review, whose life has been one of industry and strict adherence to honorable principles, which has resulted in gaining a comfortable living and at the same time winning the esteem of his fellow men. Peter Davis, owner of Fairland Farm, and trustee of Perry township, having been elected to that office in 1908, is a descendant of an excellent old pioneer family of this county. He was born within a mile of where he now lives on December 9, 1868, and he has been content to spend his life in his native community. He is a son of Joel DAVIS, now deceased, he having been a native of Ohio, and from which state he came to this township and county in an early day and became a leading farmer here. He grew up on a farm in Ross county, Ohio, and attended the old time schools there, equipped with slab seats, puncheon floor and greased paper for window panes. In early life he married Elizabeth PATTON, who made him a good wife and helpmeet. She is still living, being now advanced in years. To Joel Davis and wife seven children were born, namely: Jesse, George, John, Peter, Anna C., Sarah I., and Mary. The father of these children died at the age of sixty-nine years. Politically he was a Democrat and he belonged to the Christian church. His widow is also a faithful member of this church. He was one of the leading members and most liberal supporters of the church in his neighborhood during his life time. Peter Davis was reared on the home farm and there was taught to work, how to rotate crops, raise live stock, etc. On March 20, 1891, he married Leona STOOK, daughter of Ben and Margaret STOOK, the father long since deceased. Mr. Davis' first wife died some fourteen years ago. By this union four children were born: Flossie B., a teacher of considerable local prominence; Ruby M., a graduate of Marion College, has a good position in Indianapolis; Lena M., attending high school in Colfax, and Ferris Earl, now sixteen years old, attending high school. Mr. Davis was first owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres and later brought the Isaac Goodnight farm. He now has a valuable and productive farm of two hundred and fifty acres, one of the best in Perry township, and is carrying on general farming and stock raising on a large scale in a manner stamping him as among the leaders in this field of endeavor in the county. He has a large and well arranged home, in the midst of fine shade trees, with numerous outbuildings, and about his place is always to be seen an excellent grade of live stock of all kinds. No small part of his annual income is derived from this source, since he understands well the proper care of stock. He has one of the largest and best orchards in the township, noted for its fine fruit of all kinds. He has become well established through his long years of good management and persistent work, and is now surrounded by all the comforts of life. Politically, Mr. Davis is a Democrat and is influential in public affairs locally. He has been a frequent delegate to county and state conventions. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Colfax. He is a jovial, well informed man, a good mixer and generally popular throughout the county. Source: Pages 528 - 529 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DAVIS, William Laden Agriculture in Clinton county has a worthy representative in the person of William L. Davis, of Jackson township. He is a large land owner, and his many acres are very productive, resulting from the best methods of tillage care. Mr. Davis is honored and respected by his fellow citizens, because he has assisted them in every laudable enterprise they have ventured for the prosperity of the county. He is a man of the strictest integrity, and his every action is based upon the principles of doing right. Mr. Davis was born in Ironton, Ohio, on March 17, 1855, and was the son of John J. and Catherine (MARSHALL) DAVIS, the father being a native of Wales. John J. Davis first settled in New York stated. He came to Ironton, Ohio, where he worked in furnaces, also kept hotel for a number of years, then to Fulton county, Illinois, where he spent eighteen years in farming; then to Champaign county, Illinois, still farming. He died in 1888. Mrs. Davis died in June, 1908, in Champaign county. William L. Davis had a common school eudcation (sic), after which he worked on the farm. He came to Clinton county in 1900 from Champaign county, Illinois, and now owns about three hundred and ten acres of land in Jackson township, all of which is tillable, well fenced, tiled and improved. For the last five years Mr. Davis has managed the place, but has led a retired life. Politically, Mr. Davis is a Progressive, but voted the Republican ticket from 1877 to 1909-thirty-two years. At one time he was a township commissioner in Champaign county, Illinois. He is a member of the Christian church, and is teacher of the men's Bible class of Antioch. He is a Mason at Frankfort, belonging to the Council, Royal Arch, the Chapter, Knights Templar, and Commandery of Frankfort. On September 25, 1879, he was married to Mary E. BARRICK, born in Champaign county, Illinois, December 28, 1857, the daughter of William R. and Louisa BARRICK. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis: Fred R., on the farm; May died when five years old; Wood W., of Lebanon, Indiana; Ray H., of Frankfort; John W., of Los Angeles, California; and Merle C., wife of Charles T. KNOBES, of Frankfort, Indiana. Source: Pages 519 - 520 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DAVISON, Samuel N. This well known citizen is another of the old soldiers who went out to fight their countries battles a half century ago. What a pleasant sight it is at the present day to see a company of these honored veterans go by on Decoration Day or the Fourth of July, in the blue uniforms and with their tattered flags flying. But they will all be gone in a few more years, and nothing will be left but a memory. That memory should be perpetuated in song and story and monument, so that future generations may draw inspiration from their patriotism and gallantry. After an eminently successful, active and useful business career, Mr. Davison is now living in retirement in the village of Jefferson were he was for many years a merchant and for thirty-one years post master. In the development of his town and county he ever showed his eagerness to assist in any way he could; and, as a result of his public spirit, his honesty and neighborliness, he has ever enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who know him, having a wide acquaintance throughout Clinton county. Samuel N. Davison was born in Decatur county, Ind., October 28, 1839. He is a son of William and Clarissa (SYTHENS) DAVISON. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of New Jersey, and of Irish and English lineage. William Davison, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Dublin, Ireland, where he grew up, married and had two children. He then emigrated with his family to America, being on the ocean eleven months and one child being born on the ship. On reaching, the United States, William Davison settled in Pennsylvania, and a number of years later he moved to Butler county, Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life. His family consisted of six children: Samuel, Mary, Esther, Jane, Betsy and William, father of our subject. William Davison, Jr. was ten years old when his father settled in Butler county, 0. In his youth he learned the cooper's trade at which he worked in Butler county and in several places in Indiana, and for two years he farmed in Arkansas. Later he lived in Madison, Ind., then returned to Ohio and in November, 1852, came back to Indiana, locating on a farm in Clinton county. In 1817 he moved to the town of Jefferson and resumed his trade. A few years later he embarked in the hotel business which he followed with fair success until about 1871 when he retired from active life. His death occurred on July 22, 1893, his wife having preceded him to the grave on January 2d of the same year. They were parents of twelve children: Elizabeth, wife of William BAKE; Jane, Josiah, William, DeWitt C., Samuel N., our subject, Clarissa, Margaret, wife of William CAMPBELL: Charles G., Henry, John, and Esther, wife of Frank DOTY. Samuel N. Davison remained under his parental roof-tree until he was about twenty-one years of age, having in the meantime learned the cooper's trade under his father, maintaining a shop at the village of Jefferson until the breaking out of the Civil war. Upon learning of the defeat of the Federal troops at the first battle of Bull Run he soon took leave of his wife and enlisted September 11, 1862, in Company A. Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was with that noted regiment in all its various experiences in the strenuous campaigns and bloody battles in Virginia. At the second battle of Bull Run he was, among others, detailed to bury the dead. He then went to Arlington Heights, near Washington City, where the Union army was encamped. He was soon, however, on a forced march with the rest of the troops through Maryland, and from that time on he was in almost constant service, proving to be a most faithful and gallant soldier, always gladly performing his duty no matter how dangerous or arduous. He fought in some of the greatest battles of the war, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He was wounded and taken prisoner at the last named battle, but a few days later he was retaken and sent to Baltimore, thence to Annapolis, Maryland, where he remained in the hospital for some time. He was also severely wounded at Chancellorsville, which resulted in the loss of one of his eyes. Mr. Davidson was honorably discharged on May 11, 1864 and immediately thereafter returned home, taking up his trade of cooper in Jefferson, continuing the same until 1869, when he purchased the hotel formerly owned by his father. He remodeled the same and continued to operate it with success until 1872, when he sold out and embarked in the mercantile business which he carried on for some time with very gratifying results, then began buying and selling staves and other cooperage material. On August 11, 1860 Mr. Davison married Lucinda DILMON, daughter of Daniel DILLMON, and of this union seven children were born : William H., Dilmon, Flora E., Lucia B., Etta S., Russell and Emma May. Russell shot himself accidentally January 1, 1894, the wound finally resulting fatally. Politically, Mr. Davison is a Republican. He was postmaster at Jefferson for a period of thirty-one years, his long retention giving evidence of his faithful and satisfactory service. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but was for years a member of the United Brethren church. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Frankfort. He was one of the veterans who attended the fiftieth anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg on the battlefield, the first three days of July, 1913. He again stood on the spot where he was wounded. Source: Pages 784 - 786 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DEAN, Alvis The character of a community is determined in a large measure by the lives of a comparatively few of its members. If its moral and intellectual status be good, if in a social way it is a pleasant place in which to reside, if its reputation for the integrity of its citizens has extended into other localities, it will be found that the standards set by the leading men have been high and their influence such as to mould their characters and shape the lives of those with whom they mingle. In placing the subject of this sketch in the front rank of such men, justice is rendered a biographical fact universally recognized throughout Clinton county by those at all familiar with its history. Although a quiet and unassuming man, with no ambition for public position or leadership, he has contributed much to the material advancement of the community, and his admirable qualities and upright course of life have tended greatly to the development of the circles in which he has moved and the county. Alvis DEAN was born on August 30, 1854 in Randolph county, North Carolina, and was the son of Robartis and Sarah (LUCAS) DEAN. Robartis Dean was also born in Randolph county, North Carolina, on August 27, 1820, and was the only child of Wesley and Susan DEAN. He died November 11, 1908, a little over eighty-eight years of age. He led a very useful and worthy life, and was a farmer with the exception of a few years in his younger days when he taught school. In the year 1838 he was united in marriage to Margaret LUCAS, and to this union were born the following children: Emeline, Caroline, Susan, Kizziah and Margaret. His second marriage was to Sarah LUCAS, and to this union were born nine children: Isley; John W., Margaret L., Albert, Alvis, Robartis, Jr., John Milton, W. R., and William H. In 1871 he came from North Carolina to Indiana and with the aid of his family cleared many acres of dense timber land which then existed. Shortly after his arrival in this state he joined the Christian church, and during his whole life took an unusual interest in the welfare of that church. He bore the reputation of being a very pious man, and his friends and acquaintances revered him as the children loved him. Alvis Dean received his education for the most part in the common schools of North Carolina, in fact, he attended the Indiana schools but one day. In 1871, on October 18, Mr. Dean came to Boone county, Indiana, but did not stay there many years, for in the autumn of 1880 he came to Clinton county and has lived here ever since. Mr. Dean has always farmed, with the exception of two years, during which time he lived in Frankfort. He moved there in 1910, but came back to the farm in 1912. Mr. Dean owns eighty acres of excellent land in this county, all of which is tillable but nine acres. The land is well tiled and equipped with other improvements which Mr. Dean himself built. Besides general farming, Mr. Dean deals quite successfully in stock raising. He handles the Shorthorn variety of cattle, Duroc hogs, and English draft horses. He is known to have had the best breed of the latter class in the township. Fraernally, Mr. Dean is a Mason at Middlefork; religiously, he belongs to the Missionary Baptist church, and politically, is a loyal Democrat. On September 22, 1878, Mr. Dean was married to Nancy Jane UNGER, the daughter of George W. and Elvira (MAGGART) UNGER, extended reviews of whom are given in another part of this volume. Five children were born to this union; one who died unnamed: Elsey E. Born October 20, 1881; Elmer C., born June 18, 1883; Thomas C., born October 27, 1884, and Inez, born June 26, 1886. Source: Pages 642 - 643 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DENNIS, Albert T. Among the capable men whose integrity and depth of character have gained a prominent place in the community and the esteem and admiration of his fellowmen is the honored subject of this sketch. A leading farmer and stockraiser of Clinton county, and a man of very good views and high ideas, his influence has ever been for the betterment of his community and the vocation in which he is interested. He ranks among the leading agriculturists of the county. Albert T. DENNIS was born on April 15, 1844. Henry county, Indiana, the son of Benjamin and Clarkey POOL DENNIS, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the later of North Carolina. Benjamin Dennis was born in 1795 and was soldier in the American army during the war of 1812. Albert Dennis has four brothers and five sisters dead, and one brother living, William C. Dennis, of Greenfield, Ind., retired and father of a large family. The grandfather Dennis owned a half section of land in Pennsylvania, which he gave to the Shakers of Lebanon, O., when he joined them. Benjamin Dennis had three brothers: John, Thomas and Elijah, and one sister, who stayed with the Shakers. Albert Dennis received his early education in a district school of Henry county, and later attended Earlham College in 1862-63, but was forced by sickness to abandon his course there. Albert was too young to enlist in the army during the Civil war, but he had two brothers who served, John and Thomas P., the latter dying during his enlistment. Mr. Dennis moved to Frankfort in 1883, shortly after being appointed commissioner of drainage. He filled this office in a very acceptable manner for five years. For one year, Mr. Dennis clerked in a hardware store, and then went into the grocery business, where he stayed for eleven years. The call of the open field was too strong for him, however, and he retired from business life to look after his magnificent farm of two hundred and forty acres in Forrest township. This estate is in excellent condition, being one of the model farms of the state. Mr. Dennis raises corn and oats, and takes great pride in his cattle, sheep, and hogs. He now lives in Frankfort, in a very pretty and commodious home on East Clinton street. Part of the timber in the house was grown on the land where it stands. Mr. Dennis is affiliated with the free and Accepted Masons, is a Quaker, of rather, belongs to the Society of Friends, and in politics votes the Independent ticket. In the year 1864, Mr. Dennis entered domestic life by marrying Emily Caroline WADDELL, the daughter of Charles and Euphemia WADDELL, natives of Pennsylvania. Only one child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dennis and it died while in infancy. Mr. Albert Dennis is fortunate in possessing a very complete record of her large family of ancestors. Her grandparents were among the early settlers of the East, both being born on the shores of Maryland, and were married in North Carolina in the year 1799. Her grandparents on the maternal side were Jacob and Sarah ROUSH of Pennsylvania, and the great-grandparents were John and Jane (MONTGOMERY) COOK, of Cook county, Ireland. Mrs. Dennis's brothers and sisters are William H., of Rushville; Martin F., of Indianapolis; Dilliha H., of Strawns, Ind.; and two brothers and four sisters now dead. Her mother's brothers and sisters were James, Archie, William, Samuel, Robert, David, John, Jane and Betsy, all of whom are dead. Her father's brothers and sisters were Polly, Elizabeth, Charles, Sallie, Nancy, Henry and Jannie, all now passed from this life. The brothers of her grandfather on her father's side were from Germany and all of them have died. They were Peter WADDELL, John, Jacob, Henry, Grotford and Katherine. Jacob WADDELL's grandmother's maiden name was WILLIS. Source: Pages 713 - 715 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DIETER, Cyrus Among the highly respected and influential citizens of Mulberry, Clinton county, is Cyrus DIETER, whose life has been one of Usefulness and honor and one of more than average achievement along agricultural lines. He is, like so many o four enterprising citizens, a native of the old Keystone state. He has kept up the state's reputation for sterling citizenship and loyalty to the government. He is a man of high ideals and good principles and has done much to further the moral uplift of the community in which he has lived. Mr. Dieter was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, May 21, 1858, the son of James DIETER, a farmer and cooper. Our subject's mother was known in her maidenhood as Lena MACK, both natives of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, where they grew up and were married. They finally removed to Clinton county, Indiana, where they spent the rest of their lives, having located in Ross township. The father lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years and the mother died at the age of seventy-six. Their family consisted of twelve children: Cyrus, Monroe, Oscar, Alvin (deceased), Martin, Wilson, Amanda (deceased), wife of Tilghman SNYDER; Mary, wife of Walter HAUKER; Sinah, Ellen, and Jane, who died in infancy. The parents were members of the Reformed church, in which Mr. Dieter was an elder. Cyrus Dieter was reared on the home farm and was educated in the public schools. In 1880, when twenty-two years old, he came to Clinton county, Indiana, arriving without a dollar, and in debt eleven dollars. He was, however, a youth of grit and ambition, and he began working out by the month, which he continued for a year, then rented a farm and in this way soon had a good foothold. He saved his money, bought land which he improved, then sold at a profit, first owning fifty-five acres, then one hundred and twenty acres in Carroll county. Selling out, he purchased two hundred and forty acres, which, in turn, he sold and purchased one hundred and sixty acres, two and one-half miles northeast of the town of Mulberry, Clinton county, and this he still owns. He has two good sets of buildings, a modernly furnished residence, and he has brought his place up to a high state of improvement and cultivation, until it is deserving to rank among the most desirable farms in the township. He keeps good grades of live stock of all kinds and has been very successful as a business man, deserving much credit for what he had done in the face of obstacles. On November 18, 1886, Mr. Dieter married Martha E. PETER, daughter of Joseph PETER, who was accidentally killed in 1910 by a tree falling on him. Her mother's death occurred in February, 1913. Five children have been born to our subject and wife. Elwood, operating his father's farm; Ernest, married to Edna HUFFERT, has two children; Pearl, Married to James ROSS, of Carroll county, Indiana; Maud, at home; and Dorothy, attending school. Mr. Dieter is retired from active farming and now resides in his fine home in the village of Mulberry. He is superintendent of the Mulberry Light and Power Company. Mr. Dieter is a member of the Reformed church and active in the work of the same. He is superintendent of the Sunday school, which is one of the best known and most effective Sunday schools in the county. While living in Carroll county he was superintendent of a Sunday school for a period of seven years. He has been a deacon, also and an elder for a period of twenty-years. Mr. Dieter is a Democrat, and was supervisor for about nine years. Source: Pages 810 - 811 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DUNBAR, J. W. This is often called the automobile age, and such a phrase is not at all far-fetched, for during the past few years, we have seen the automobile almost relegate the horse to the rear, at least in many sections of the country. It is a time saver, and, since time is money, as the wise Franklin said, the auto is therefore a money saver and money maker, and the pleasure in owning and operating one is not to be overlooked. The man who has become familiar with the automobile business in any of its phases is sure of a livelihood nowadays. A great many people know how to start and stop an auto, thinking that nothing else is required but everybody who owns, operates or has anything to do with one should know its mechanism, its possibilities and limitations, for many reasons. The machine handled by an expert will last much longer than one handled by a novice, besides the trouble that is to be expected if one knows little about them. It is safe to say that no man in Clinton county is more of an automobile expert than J. W. Dunbar, proprietor of the popular Dunbar garage at the city of Colfax. He became interested in them at the start, began studying them from every viewpoint and is now one of the most thoroughly up to date automobile men in the state; in fact, he is one of the pioneers in the automobile business, and he constructed one of the first machines to be built in Indiana. He has been an expert mechanic for many years, and his long experience in the study and operation of the automobile makes his ideas exceptionally valuable. He understands all the details and mechanical workings of the different makers, from start to finish, and is very thorough in all his work and every job he turns out is done in the best possible manner and may be depended on to be all right in every detail. His repair work on machines for years has been regarded as far above the average and he has had all the work he could turn out, many of his patrons coming from long distances, and they are never disappointed with the results. His aim is ever - accuracy and promptness. His large, modernly equipped and convenient garage building is twenty by eighty feet, is one-story annex, well adapted in every way for the purposes to which it is put. Also adjoining is a substantial two-story brick, forty by forty feet, which is devoted to his work in this line. He is prepared to promptly repair any make of machine, and he keeps all kinds of repairs and accessories to be found in the best garages and automobile repair shops everywhere. He has an extensive trade in Indianapolis and Washington, Indiana, having been at one time foreman of a large machine shop in the latter town. Mr. Dunbar was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, January 28, 1863. He received a common school education, and in his earlier life engaged in farming and merchandising in Wright county, Iowa, and met with encouraging success at both. When a young man he learned the machinist's trade, and at the age of twenty-two was quite proficient in iron and steel work. He married Ida BLACHER, and of this union one son has been born. Politically, Mr. Dunbar has been more or less active in public affairs. He was formerly a member of the town board and was at one time marshal of the city of Colfax, performing his duty in a manner that met with general satisfaction to all concerned. Source: Pages 518 - 519 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DUNK, John William Among the citizens of Clinton county who have been contented to devote their active lives to agricultural pursuits is John William DUNK, of Ross township. He was in the merchandise business for three years, and, having been a close student of the soils, the climate, the crops and all the phases that contribute to husbandry he has profited by his observation and is today well abreast of the times as an agriculturist. Although he does not farm on so large a scale as some of our citizens, none do their work any better. The man who tills properly a small farm often reaps larger results than his neighbor who carelessly manages a farm of large acreage. Mr. Dunk was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, on December 7, 1864. He is a son of John William DUNK, Sr., who was born in Germany. He was brought to America when a child and here he grew to manhood and married Joanna BACH, whose parents were natives of Holland. Her death occurred when our subject was three years old. He is one of six children, four sons and two daughters, namely: John W., of this sketch; Albert, of Ross township; Charles C., lives in St. Louis; Jno. M., of Tippecanoe county and two others who died in infancy unnamed. The death of John W. Dunk, Sr., occurred in 1880 in Perry township. Tippecanoe county, Indiana, where he had removed with his family from Wisconsin a number of years previously. He was forty-eight years old. Politically, he was a Democrat, and religiously, was a member of the Reformed church. John W. Dunk, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm and there he worked when a boy. He received his education in the common schools. In 1885 he married Laura E. BURKHALTER, a daughter of Henry BURKHALTER, a farmer of Perry township, Tippecanoe county, where she grew to womanhood and received her education in the common schools. The following children have been born to our subject and wife: Jennie M., Married Ernest BLACK; She taught school several years; Ray, owns a farm in this county which he operates, he also taught school several years; Earl E., was next in order and he also taught some, and Lawrence, nine years of age, now attending school. Henry Burkhalter, father of Mrs. Dunk, died in 1872 at Edna Mills, Clinton county. He left two children, Mrs. Jennie YOST of Edna Mills, and Laura E., who married Mr. Dunk, of this sketch. Mr. Dunk has devoted his life to farming and is now owner of an excellent place of ninety-four acres in Ross township. He handles some good live stock from year to year and is making a comfortable living by his industry and good management. He has a good eight room house and convenient outbuildings, and his place is well fenced. Politically, he is a Democrat and is a worker for his party. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church at Rossville. Source: Pages 977 - 978 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DUNN, George W. Few residents of Clinton county were so well and favorably known as the enterprising farmer and representative citizen who now rests in the sleep of eternity, but whose life is briefly told in the lines of this sketch. None stood higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community in which he resided and for the material advancement of which he devoted much of his time and influence. Mr. Dunn was an advocate of good living and, during his active years, took prominent part in social and moral development, in which his efforts were rewarded with due meed of success, and the retrospective view of his life was pleasant and satisfying. Much of the present prosperity of the county is due to the efforts of such as he, and, although he was not a native of the county, his name will emblazon the pages of her history as a good citizen and loyal. George W. DUNN was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, on October 9, 1857, and was of Irish extraction, but with goodly mixture of Americans in his line for several generations. His grandfather, Armstrong DUNN, was a farmer of Lawrence county, Ohio, for many years, but had previously been a musician on board of one of the steamers plying the Ohio river. The later part of his life, however, was passed in Hamilton county, Indiana, as a minister in the Baptist church. His son, Joseph DUNN, was also born in Lawrence county, Ohio, in 1833, and married Amanda MURPHY, daughter of Archie and Elizabeth MURPHY, the union resulting in the birth of the following children: Jennie, Isaac E., George W., Robert, Burton E. Louisa, Katy, Joseph H., Eva and Bertha. By trade Joseph Dunn was a carpenter, and, on moving to New Britain, Hamilton county, Indiana, became a contractor and did an excellent business. He and his wife were members of the regular Baptist church, in which he was a deacon for a number of years. His death took place February 22, 1889: his wife had previously died, February 22, 1879. George W. Dunn learned carpentering under his father, and for a number of years worked at the trade in Clinton county. Later he became a farmer and gravel road contractor, at which he was a great success. At the time of his death, on August 5, 1901, Mr. Dunn was the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of excellent land, all tillable but a few acres. The place had all the modern improvements to be obtained. Although the farm was not among the largest of the county, it bore the reputation of being one of the most productive for the number of acres of any farm in the county. This was largely due to Mr. Dunn's skill in the agricultural profession. Mrs. Dunn, the widow, now carries on the work of the place, and is making a success of the undertaking. She does general farming and also raises Jersey cows, general purpose horses, and Plymouth Rock chickens. Mr. Dunn and his wife were both members of the Baptist church, and were very active in the work of the same. Politically, he was a Republican, and served as trustee of Forest township for six years. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias at Forest. Mr. Dunn was married on November 9, 1881, to Laura B. DAVIS, the daughter of Hueston and Mary (COWDRY) DAVIS. To this union there were born the following children: Loren O., born February 4, 1883, married to Zora BEACH, and now living in Burlington; Olney I., born January 11, 1884, died July 17, 1884; Neva L., born August 5, 1885, died November 11, 1885; Mary C., born April 13, 1886, married to Earl B. STEVENS, now living in Forest township; Marvel E., born June 19, 1892; Gaye M., born April 20, 1895, living at home; Joseph Hueston, born September 26, 1896; and Davis Perry, born April 3, 1899. Source: Pages 673 - 674 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DUNN, Robert F. Among the well-to-do and reputable agriculturists and citizens of Clinton county, none occupy a more honorable position in the regard of his colleagues than the gentleman whose name heads this article. Although Mr. Dunn has not been active in the farming circles of the county for twelve years or more, having entered the coal business, he is remembered as a successful man in that vocation, and this reputation has helped not a little in establishing his present popularity and lucrative trade. He is a man who has succeeded in the various lines of endeavor which have claimed his attention because he has looked carefully to details, has exercised sound judgement and been uniformly fair in his dealings with his fellow men and consequently he has ever enjoyed their implicit confidence and good will and is in every way worthy of the position he has attained as a citizen of Clinton county. Robert F. DUNN was born on March 14, 1860, in Hamilton county, Indiana, and was the son of Joseph and Amanda (MURPHY) DUNN, whose biographies are upon another page of this volume. To say a word more, however, Joseph Dunn was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, and was married to Amanda Murphy there, coming to this county in 1839, and following the farming business, besides contracting and general carpentering. He was a Whig, and later a Republican. Ten children blessed his home, three of whom are living at this writing, these being Burton E., of Muncie, Ind.; Amanda MORGAN, of Indianapolis; and Robert F., our subject. Robert F. Dunn received a common school education in his youth in the county of his birth. About the year 1885 Mr. Dunn moved to Clinton county, Indiana, from Hamilton county, this state, and settled in Forest township, taking up farming, which he conducted very successfully until twelve years ago. At that time he entered the coal business at Forest, Indiana (this county), under the name of R. F. Dunn Coal Yard. He carries a full stock of the best anthracite, hard and soft coals and coke. He has a large patronage and his customers are always assured of full weight and minimum prices. Mr. Dunn owns his own business, also his beautiful and comfortable home here. In politics, he is a Republican, but has never sought public office. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Rebekahs and the Knights of Pythias, all lodges at Forest. He is a trustee in the Methodist Episcopal church of this town. On December 11, 1878 Mr. Dunn was married to Amanda HEADY, who was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, on November 19, 1859, the daughter of Percy and Elizabeth (CASTETTER) HEADY, also natives of Hamilton county, Indiana. Mr. Heady was born in 1826 and died in April, 1864, after an active life of farming. He was a Democrat. Mrs. Heady was born in 1827, and died in January, 1873. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Dunn ten children have been born and they are: Earle, born September 5, 1881; Emery Lee, born October 2, 1883; Rosy Gladys, born August 23, 1890; Frank G., born July 10, 1887; May Bell, born May 19, 1885, and died in 1886; Esta E. born April 23, 1893; Forest Clinton, born August 9, 1896; and Ural Eugene, born January 4, 1899. Two infants, twins, died unnamed. Source: Pages 682 - 683 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* DUNN, William A. The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is regarded as one of the most progressive agriculturists of Michigan township, Clinton county, where he has spent his life. His well directed efforts in practical every-day affairs, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of many discouragements which may seem to arise. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought into contact. William A. DUNN was born on the first day of the year 1851, in Michigan township, Clinton county, and was the son of Zeth and Elizabeth (PRUITT) DUNN, the father having been born in 1818 in Jennings couty, Indiana, and died August 12, 1856. He was a farmer and a Republican, and moved here after his marriage, also lived in Bartholomew county for a time. The mother was born July 12, 1826, in Bartholomew county. Six children were born to the union, namely: Maggie CLARK, Mary MILLER, William A., John, Albert, and Louisa (deceased). Our subject received a small education in Bartholomew county and after his father's death he moved to the above county with his widowed mother remained a farmer, and at present owns one hundred acres where he lives, all of which is tillable with the exception of two acres, which is in pasture. The land is tiled and fenced in approved fashion, and Mr. Dunn has built his own home. Mr. Dunn also owns another small farm west of here. He raises Jersey cows, Poland China mixed with Chester White hogs, and common breed of horses. Politically, Mr. Dunn is a Democrat. On October 22, 1878, Mr. Dunn was married to Laura HEATON, who was born in Forest township on February 25, 1856, and was the daughter of Sanford and Rebecca (NIXON) HEATON, natives of Rush county, Indiana. The father was a farmer and a Democrat. Mrs. Dunn received a common October 4, 1878, married Clifford CRAWFORD; Pearl, born October 12, 1880, married Bert WOOD; Dillard, born August 5, 1884, married Mabel ZERFAS; Artic, born February 24, 1891, at home; Denzel, born May 16, 1893, and Vera, born July 13, 1896. Source: Pages 577 - 578 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana [Note from Tonya...I have typed many errors in these bios just as they appear in the book... however, this bio is particularly bad and I think a few sentences are missing (especially in the last paragraph)...but it is typed just as it appears in the book.] ********************* EARHART, Dr. I. S. Dr. Isaac S. Earhart, son of George and Susanna EARHART, was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1840, and is the second in a family of six boys. His father came to Madison township, Clinton county, in 1850, and settled on a farm one mile east of what is now Mulberry. Dr. Earhart went to the common schools until he was eighteen years old, and then entered the academy at Battle Ground, which at that time was a large and flourishing school. After attending this school for three years he entered Wabash College, but was soon drafted for service in the army. His father hired a substitute, and, instead of re-entering college, he taught school and read medicine with Dr. Davis, of Tippecanoe county. He attended three courses of lectures at the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, and was graduated in March, 1866. In April of that year he began practice at Mulberry, and here he has continued ever since. Mulberry was at that time a crossroads village of seven houses. The old plank road was yet visible; there was not a mile of gravel road nor a bridge in Clinton county. The work of practice was done on horseback. Malaria, pneumonia, erysipelas, and intestinal troubles were the diseases prevalent at that time. There were bad sanitary conditions, poor houses, poor people with large families, --and poor pay. In 1873 Dr. Earhart married Miss Josephine OSTERDAY. They have two children: Hendry O. and Troy W. Troy W. is a surgeon in Ancon Hospital in the Panama Canal Zone. Dr. Earhart and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal curch. He has never figured in politics nor belonged to any secret orders. In 1892 he took a post graduate course at Chicago. In the half centery of his studies he has seen the practice of medicine develop from a rude and superstitious state to the highest degree of science, with its fine method of diagnosis, medication, and sanitation, and its marvelous results in surgery. Source: Pages 801 - 802 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* EARL, Joseph Thomas Kentucky has contributed to Indiana many prominent families of the class of pioneers who followed Boone-the greatest of them all-into the Blue Grass region, and were especially suited to the needs of the new country north of the Ohio river. Many of the men who crossed that picturesque stream to found new homes for themselves were determined largely by the absence here of that curse to any country-slavery. However, the practice of that institution in the "dark and bloody ground country" was not by any means the only reason that the Earl family left there at the beginning of the nineteenth century and established their homes in the primeval forests of Clinton county for here, by hard work and persistent effort, they became well established and the name of Earl has been a familiar sound throughout this section of the Wabash country, which they have done so much to develop. Joseph Thomas EARL was born on February 4, 1837 on Coffee Creek, between Paris and Vernon, in Jennings county, Ind. He was the son of Thomas and Nancy (BUSH) EARL. Thomas Earl was born in Kentucky in 1803, and was raised in the mountains of that state. He came to Indiana with his parents, James and Hannah EARL, in 1808, and they first settled on Coffee Creek where the subject of this sketch was born. Here Thomas Earl followed and learned the trade of the farmer, also became a very proficient tailor and shoemaker. In politics, he was a Whig, and served once as trustee of Richgrove township, Pulaski county, Ind., to which county he had moved in the early '90's. His father, our subject's grandfather, was an American soldier during the war of 1812. Joseph T. Earl's mother was a native of Jennings county and died in the year of 1839. Our subject was raised on a farm, receiving at the same time an education in the common schools, which were very limited in those days. He remained on his father's farm until he was sixteen years old, when he left, in order to work out for others. On February 2, 1851 he went to Pulaski county, this state, and a little later to Tippecanoe county. He came to Clinton county in the early '90's and he has stayed in this section of the Hoosier state ever since, building for himself a lasting reputation as a man of integrity and fair dealing in his cooperation with his fellow citizens. In 1861 when the first shadow of that great four years' conflict known as the Civil war began to be seen in the country, Mr. Earl enlisted in Company H, Fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served the whole four years in the army of the Cumberland. He participated in all of the battles fought by that division, fighting under Colonels McMullen, Leonard, Hines, Blanch and McGraw. Mr. Earl was singularly fortunate never to lose a drop of blood, although his clothing and hat was repeatedly punctured by the Confederate bullets. At the close of the war he was mustered out in Texas. In 1871 Mr. Earl took up proprietary medicine and immediately made a success of this undertaking and he has followed the same for forty years. He manufactures his own remedy and has a large sale in every part of the country. In the last few years, however, Mr. Earl has been systematically retiring from active business, in order to enjoy the last years of his life in comfort and leisure. His recollections of his long career are interesting and unusual. Among his memories are those of the time when, at the age of six years, he cut wood for the old wood-burning locomotive on the J. M. & I. Railroad between Indianapolis and Madison. Mr. Earl was constable of Pulaski county at one time, also supervisor of the same county for two terms. Politically, Mr. Earl was a Republican, but when the new Progressive party was formed in 1912 he joined their ranks. Religiously he is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. He owns his own commodious residence on West Armstrong street, where his wife and himself are taking life easy. In 1858 Mr. Earl was united in marriage with Hester Mary SHIGLEY, daughter of William and Sarah SHIGLEY, of Polaski county, Ind. She was the mother of two children: Lizzie Augustine, living at Francisville, Pulaski county; and Columbus Freeman, who is deceased. In 1894, Mr. Earl was married the second time, to Lavica Alice COOK, of Hamilton county, Ind. She has been the mother of two children: Clara Violet, born May 20, 1895, married September 7, 1912, to J. E. POWELL, of Frankfort; and Carrie Pansy, born May 11, 1898, married August 4, 1913. Thomas D. SMITH, an electrician of Lafayette. Source: Pages 670 - 672 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* EDMONDS, Oscar William, M.D. This biographical record has to do with a man of unusual accomplishments, who has, for many years, been one of the best known of the worthy men who are making the city of Frankfort a good place in which to live. He has attained prestige through his individual efforts in every enterprise which he has entered upon, and has always been regarded as distinctly a man of affairs, who wields a potent influence among those with whom his lot has been cast. He is a man of lofty principles, honesty of purpose and determination, and is conservative, ingenuous, and cautious. The word fail does not seem to hold a place in his category. He plans his campaign and then executes with sureness and dispatch. Oscar W. EDMONDS was born into this world on March 25, 1861, and was the son of Rheuden J. and Anna (MOORE) EDMONDS. R. J. Edmonds was a native of the Quaker state, being born in Bucks county, Pa., in the historic year of 1812, the son of Augustus and Elizabeth (HINES) EDMONDS. R. J. Edmonds learned the cigar making trade early in life, then went into the grocer business. He died in West Carrolton, O., January, 1903. His wife who was Anna L. Moore, was also born in Bucks county, Pa., and is still living in the city of West Carrolton, O. Augustus EDMONDS was a native of Berkshire, England, and came to this country in 1779, and settled in Pennsylvania. He was a gunsmith and civil engineer by trade, and was widely known through his ability as a mathematician. He served valiantly in the Revolutionary war and for his services there was awarded, with the assistance of Gen. George Washington, five hundred acres of land near Mauch Chunk, which he afterwards sold for fifty cents an acre. He died in Bucks county in 1872. His wife, Elizabeth HINES, was also a native of Berkshire England, and she died in 1869. Eleven children, nine sons and two daughters, were born to them. All of the boys participated in the Civil war, five of them being officers. The boyhood of our subject was passed in the state of Ohio, in Germantown and West Carrollton. Until 1881 he studied medicine with Dr. E. M. S. BEAVER, a brother-in-law, at Albertus, Pennsylvania. He learned the rudiments of medical practice there, and thus equipped he entered the Starling Medical college at Columbus, O., graduating from that institution in 1886. He began the practice of his profession at Dayton, O., and continued there for two years with great success. He then went to Albertus, the home of his preceptor, and worked there for six more months. In September, 1888, he moved to Frankfort, Ind., where he now resides, being numbered among the best medical men of the state. Dr. Edmonds has not confined all of his time and efforts to his profession, as evidenced by the remarkable accomplishments he has made in public life and in the service of his community. He has been county coroner and city health officer, filling both offices with high merit. He has also been president of the Clinton County Medical Society; was a professor of anatomy at the Dayton Medical University, and has made his name prominent in the medical circle of Ohio by his lectures in connection with that institution. In the year 1909, the people of Frankfort displayed their admiration for Mr. Edmonds by electing him mayor of the city. In this capacity he has served faithfully and wisely for the past four years. Dr. Edmonds was married September 13, 1888, to Alice J. HERTZOG, a native of Albertus, Pa., being born there March 29, 1865, the daughter of Nathan and Mary (RICHARDSON) HERTZOG. Her parents are also natives of Pennsylvania. Fraternally, Dr. Edmonds belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Methodist church, and votes the Republican ticket. Source: Pages 374 - 376 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* ELLIOTT, Frank B. An honorable retirement from labor in which to enjoy the fruits of former years of toil and the enjoyment which life can offer in the serene autumn of one's years, is the fitting reward of a useful and active career, in which one, though keen discernment, indefatigable labor and honorable methods advanced steadily toward the goal of prosperity. Such, briefly stated, is the record of Frank B. Elliott, who is now living retired in the town of Mulberry, Clinton county, and who, through his long connection with agricultural interests, has not only carefully conducted his farm, but so managed its affairs that he acquired thereby a position among the substantial residents of the community. Mr. Elliott was born in Butler county, O., November 23, 1854, the son of James Rampley ELLIOTT, a wagon maker. The father was born in New England of a sturdy old family of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His wife, Maria DAVIS, was born in Butler county, O. The Elliott family moved from Butler county, O., to Madison township, Clinton county, when our subject was a small boy and here they located on a farm. Eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, were born to James R. Elliott and wife, namely: Almond D., a soldier during the Civil War, now living at Battle Ground, Ind.; Mrs. Nancy BLINN, living at Frankfort; John, a soldier in the Civil War, now deceased, leaving six children; James R., living at Elwood, Ind.; Frank B. and Orlando B. of Michigantown. The father of these children lived to be eighty years of age. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his wife were Methodists. The mother of our subject reached her eighty-first year. Frank B. ELLIOTT was reared on the home farm and was educated in the public schools at Hamilton, Ind. He remained at home working on the farm while his brothers were fighting for the Union, he being but a lad at the time and not old enough for service. He continued to fill his accustomed place in the family circle until he was twenty-four years old. He then married Ella STECKEL, a daughter of Joseph STECKEL, of Mulberry, this county, she being one of the following children: Phaon, Mary, Joseph, Jr., Louise, Ella, Matilda, Methusaleh and Martin. Mr. Elliott has devoted his life to general farming and has been successful all along the line. He is now owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and fifteen acres near Mulberry, and another of one hundred and eighteen acres in the same township, all well improved and well cultivated. He has a splendid brick, nine-room house in the town, which residence is modern throughout and neatly furnished. Mrs. Ella ELLIOTT was called to her rest in 1902 at the age of forty-seven years. She was the mother of two children, Joseph E. of Cincinnati, Ohio, and one who died young. Joseph E. ELLIOTT is exceptionally talented in music, and while young in years has achieved a brilliant reputation as a musician, raining among the best in the Middle States, according to the opinion of many who have heard his performances, which have been given both in the East and the West. He is a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, one of the most noted in the county. He was given a musical education and is a man for whom the future is bright with promise. The mother was a good Christian woman, active in the Methodist Episcopal church. In February, 1907, Frank B. Elliott married Mrs. Ida WIRT (nee CLARK), daughter of David CLARK, deceased. Mr. Elliott is a Republican, and has been active in local affairs. He served as county commissioner for a period of three years, during which he did much for the permanent good of the county, and was a popular official. He has been a frequent delegate to district and state conventions. Fraternally he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, he affiliates with the Methodist church. Source: Pages 536-537 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************* ERMENTROUT, Charles A. One of the enterprising business men and public-spirited citizens of Mulberry, Clinton county, is Charles A. Ermentrout, a man who would have succeeded in any line of endeavor or under any environment for he seems to possesses by nature those attributes that make for success wherever found. Such men are a distinct asset to any community. He is proprietor of a popular livery and feed stable. Mr. Ermentrout was born near Colfax, Montgomery county, Indiana, October 28, 1872, a representative of an old family of that section of the Hoosier state. He is a son of Joseph H. Ermentrout, who is now making his home with our subject. His father was an early settler of Montgomery county, having come from Virginia to Indiana about the year 1832. The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Mary DAVIS, and she was a native of Clinton county, of which section the Davises were early settlers. The mother of our subject is deceased. She left three children, Mrs. Clara LANUM, of Lafayette; Rena, who lives in White county, this state; and Charles A., of this sketch. Politically, the father is a Democrat, and a member of the Baptist church, of which his wife was also a member. Charles A. Ermentrout was reared on the home farm, and he received his education in the public schools. Early in life he spent two years on a farm in South Dakota, later returning to Clinton county, where he engaged in farming. For some time he has been proprietor of the livery and feed barn at Mulberry, which is located near the center of the town, and near the railroad and traction lines. He has a large bar, seventy-five by one hundred feet, which well arranged and well equipped for a general livery business. Eighty horses can be fed at a time. A good grade of horses is always kept and modern vehicles of all kinds, so that the traveling public is properly accommodated at all times. Most of the buggies are rubber tired. A good automobile is also kept, for those wishing to make long trips quickly. His rates are reasonable, and his barn is very popular and is known throughout the country. He keeps excellent help, his drivers being familiar with all the roads, nearby towns and even farms of this locality. Mr. Ermentrout was married in White county, Indiana, in 1896, to Rosa UTLEY, who has proven to be a most faithful helpmeet. She was born in White county and there was educated and grew to womanhood. She is a daughter of John UTLEY, a soldier of the Civil war. To our subject and wife one child has been born, Carroll H., who is now eight years old. Politically, our subject is a Democrat. Source: Pages 471-472 History of Clinton County, Indiana.... With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen & Company - Indianapolis, Indiana ********************************************************************* ** (c) Connie Rushing and Tonya Martin 1998 - 2001