USA > Indiana > Clay County > A History of Clay County Indiana (Volume 2) > Part 20
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bought a tract of land lying about six miles from Greencastle, and there spent the remainder of his long and busy life, dying when upwards of eighty years of age. The maiden name of his second wife, grandmother of Mrs. Brown, was Louisa Allen, who was born in Kentucky and died in Putnam county, Indiana. James M. Boardman, Mrs. Brown's father, was born in Kentucky, and from his youth up has been engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. Until 1881 he resided in Putnam county, and from that time until 1885 was employed in general farming in Lewis township, Clay county. He is now living near Greencastle, busily engaged in his chosen calling. . He married Eliza J. Arnold, who was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Henry and Sally Ann ( Banta ) Arnold, both of whom were born and reared in that state. Henry Arnold was an carly settler of Putnam county, and was there killed by lightning when fifty-six years old. His wife, now ninety-one years of age, still resides in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have four children, namely: Roxie Gail, Lulu Catherine, Ola Beatrice and Bertha Alice. In his political affiliations Mr. Brown is a straightforward Democrat, never swerving from party alle- giance. Religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are consistent members of the United Brethren church.
LEWIS McNurr .- One of the most extensive sales agents in the state, Lewis McNutt, of Brazil, also enjoys the distinction of being the largest individual seller of clay products in the United States. He repre- sents the Castalia Portland Cement Company, which manufactures the famous "Tiger" brand of cement. As specific evidences of its purity and durability. it may be stated that the Big Four Railroad Company uses it almost exclusively in the construction of its platforms, as it so well with- stands the jarring of passing trains which usually cracks most cements ; in Dayton, Ohio, two immense bridges, which are considered models of
construction, are built entirely of "Tiger" brand cement ; and Brazil pre- sents as specimens of its superiority ten miles of walks, the new Sour wine opera house, the Masonic Temple, the Water Gallery, a large con- crete sewer over one mile long, and the High School building. Mr. McNutt is also sales agent for the American Sewer Pipe Company, oper- ating thirty-eight plants in five states of the Union. He has handled some of the largest orders in this material in the United States, and during the last business year of the company he stood first in the list of sales. As will be seen from the record of his life which follows, his experience has especially adapted him to become eminent in this field. as his career covers a broad business training which has brought him into personal relations with thousands of people in different states.
Born in Owen county, Indiana, on the 26th of November, 1865, Mr. McNutt is a son of James A. and Catherine ( Schemerhorn) McNutt, both being natives of Vermilion county, this state. Six children were born into the family, of whom four are living : Blair S .; Lewis, of this review : Eva E., wife of Hugh Stevenson; Mary, now Mrs. Julia Linderman, of Terre Haute, Indiana ; Harriet; and Louise. Mr. McNutt has been engaged in business at Brazil for thirty-two years, or for nearly the entire period of his mature life. When only thirteen years of age he engaged in selling newspapers; clerked for D. W. Brattin for about six years ; then engaged in the boot and shoe and merchandise lines at Prairie City. Indiana, and in the fall of 1888 returned to Brazil and commenced a grocery business under the firm name of McNutt and Wolfe. After
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LEWIS MCNUTT'S RESIDENCE, "IDYLWILDE"
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about two years he became sole proprietor of the establishment, and some two years later admitted Frank Casteel as his partner. A like period passed, he disposed of his interest in the business, and in 1894 com- menced his career in the development of the clay products business. The principal articles which he now handles are sewer pipe, building blocks, fire bricks and cement of the "Tiger" brand, being at the present time, as stated, general sales agent for the Castalia Portland Cement Company and selling agent for the Amreican Sewer Pipe Company. In the ener- getic and judicious development of the business connected with these agencies he has become a very important figure in the western trade dealing with the specialties named. During the past season he handled about fifteen hundred cars of clay products alone.
Mr. McNutt has also done a good work in the uplifting of the civic standard of his home city. Although a Republican, he evinced an inde- pendence and liberality of sentiment in the city council during his service in 1904-5 which have constituted a worthy precedent. Through his initiative the fire and police departments were made non-partisan, the city taxes were reduced twenty-five cents on the hundred dollars. and the municipal indebtedness of thirty thousand dollars was cancelled. Mr. McNutt does not claim the distinction alone for the accomplishment of these measures, as the good work could not have been done without the united efforts of his colleagues. As a graceful proof that his salary as a councilman had no weight in the performance of his official duties he returned it to the city in the form of a fine drinking fountain, which he presented in 1906.
Mr. McNutt has been prominent in connection with fraternal affairs . for many years, and is affiliated with the following orders: Centennial lodge No. 54, A. F. & A. M., and Brazil chapter No. 59, R. A. M .; also Brazil lodge No. 762, B. P. O. E. In his religious faith he is a Presby- terian. Married on the 23rd of November, 1893, to Miss Nancy G. Clark, of Hoopeston, Illinois, he is the father of six children, of whom four are alive-James Walter, Nancy M., Lewis Clark and Albert H. Mrs. McNutt is the daughter of John M. and Charlotte (Griffith) Clark. Her father was a pioneer Illinois farmer and extensive land owner, during the later years of his life engaging in the merchandise and newspaper business. Of the nine children born to him, the following seven are living : Austin, Edward, Lee, Alvin, Albert; India, wife of Clinton Briggs, who is a resident of Nebraska, and Nancy G., now Mrs. Lewis McNutt.
The family homestead, Idylwilde, about four miles south of Brazil, is one of the finest country homes in this portion of the state. The farm and residence grounds comprise three hundred and thirty-six acres, and when purchased by Mr. McNutt a few years ago the place was neglected and unsightly. Under his skillful and tasteful transformation the property has been made both valuable and beautiful. The soil of the farm has been enriched, the fences placed in fine order, large barns constructed of cement, and the old farm house converted into a modern mansion, with hard wood floors, huge and artistic fireplaces, a gas plant and all modern conveniences. The gas engine not only furnishes the house with water, but furnishes the power for grinding feed for the live stock and for other farm work. In his flower gardens he covers over two acres, and the designing, laying out of walks, etc., was the work of Mrs. McNutt. With handsome lawns, pretty flower gardens, winding driveways, rustic summer
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houses and an immense orchard as settings for this beautiful and luxurious country home, there is certainly nothing to be desired by the most fastidious. The farm proper is largely devoted to the raising of fine and blooded livestock, all of which is registered and either imported or from imported stock. He breeds Percheron Norman horses, Shropshire sheep and Hereford cattle, and their accommodations are superb. One of the large barns which he has recently erected, fifty by seventy-five feet, contains twenty box stalls for his fine horses, and the feeding pens throughout are constructed of cement floors. Mr. McNutt has also gone to some extent into the raising of chickens, and in this, as in everything else, the accommodations are not only of the most modern type, but arranged so as to add to the general attractiveness of the place. His chicken house has been well described as "being as large and pretty as a seaside cottage."
DORA E. LATHAM .- Among the successful agriculturists of Clay county may be mentioned Dora E. Latham, whose well-kept farm lies in section thirty-one, Cass township, and who by his enterprise and energy in the direction of his chosen industry has given it a significance and value of which many have deemed it incapable. A son of the late David U. Latham, he was born October 16, 1874, on the section where he now resides, and where the larger part of his life has been spent. He comes of honored pioneer stock, his grandfather Latham, one of the early set- tlers of Clay county, having entered three hundred and seventy-four acres of government land along the Eel river, the whole of which is still in the possession of the Latham family, being owned by his descendants.
Born in Jackson township, Clay county, David U. Latham succeeded . to the occupation of his ancestors, and began life for himself by renting the old Risley farm on Eel river. Succeeding well as a farmer, he subse- quently bought one hundred and thirty acres in section thirty-one, Cass township, a part of the tract being cleared at the time of his purchase. There was a barn on the place, and he soon built a house and continued the improvement of a homestead, clearing all excepting about thirty acres, which he used as a pasture instead of cultivating it. Here he lived and labored until his death, September 19, 1895. He married Delana Mace. who was born in Cass township, a daughter of George Washington and Elizabeth (Wilkinson) Mace, and granddaughter of Isaac Mace, a pioneer of Clay county. On the paternal side she was of Irish descent. She is now living, making her home with her son Dora.
The fourth child in a family consisting of four boys and two girls, Dora E. Latham received his early education in the district schools, and as soon as old enough began making himself useful on the home farm. . When ready to establish a home of his own he bought a farm of eighty acres in Jackson township, where he lived for two years. Disposing of that property, he resided for a while in Terre Haute, and then returned to the parental homestead, in which he had an interest, having not only his own share, but having purchased that of his sister. Mr. Latham has now ninety-two acres of finely cultivated land, his farm with its substantial improvements being valuable, pleasant and especially attractive. His home being the highest point of the government survey in Clay county is known by the name of "Crown Point Farm."
Mr. Latham married, September 20, 1895, Margerena Jeffers. She was born October 27, 1874, in Sugar Ridge township, Clay county, a
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daughter of Marion and Jennie (Carithers) Jeffers, of Clay county. Two children have been born of their marriage, namely: Maude Bell, born November 11, 1896; and Alma Marie, born May 28, 1901. A stanch Democrat in politics, Mr. Latham takes an active interest in local affairs, and is now serving as township trustee. Fraternally he is a member of Poland Lodge, No. 364, K. of P. Religiously he belongs to the Baptist Church.
CLARENCE ELMER LATHAM .- Pleasantly located in section thirty, Cass township, Clarence E. Latham is devoting his time and attention to general farming and stock-raising, and in his chosen vocation is meeting with unbounded success. His farm is advantageously located, and his buildings, which are situated on a natural elevation of land, with their beautiful surroundings, make up a view which is very pleasant to the passing traveler. He was born March 4, 1877, on section thirty-one, Cass township, a son of David U. and Delana Ann ( Mace) Latham. Further parental and ancestral history may be found elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of his brother, Dora E. Latham. He is one of a family of six children, as follows: George W., of Posey township; Ludema, wife of W. C. Diel, of Dick Johnson township; Urias L., of Cass township; Dora E .; Clarence E .; and Louie B., wife of Newton Foreman, of Cass township.
Brought up on the home farm, Mr. Latham received a practical com- mon school education, and as a boy became familiar with. the many branches of agriculture. When he was seventeen years old his father died, and, the other children being married and away from home, he assumed the management of his mother's estate, living with her until about a year after his marriage. Becoming then the owner of the old homestead of his Grandfather Latham, inheriting forty acres and purchas- ing sixty acres, he at once took possession of the house which his grand- father built, and in which he spent his last years, and has since made this his home. He has made substantial improvements on the place, and is carrying on general farming and stock-growing with excellent results, making a specialty of raising cattle and hogs.
On November 29, 1899, Mr. Latham married Clara Estella Carrithers, who was born March 23, 1879, in Jackson township, a daughter of Theo- dore and Mollie (Kennedy) Carrithers, natives of Stockton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Latham have two children living: Nora Cecil, born June 10, 1904, and John L., born July 21, 1908. In politics Mr. Latham is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Democratic party; fraternally he is a member of Poland Lodge, No. 364, K. of P .; and he is prelate of the lodge. Religiously he is an adherent of the Baptist church.
LOUIS FREDERICK BROWN, late of Harrison township, Clay county, was for many years well known throughout this vicinity as an enterpris- ing farmer, a trustworthy citizen, a kind neighbor and friend, and a loving husband and father; and his death, which occurred July 26, 1905, at the - homestead where he had so long resided, was a cause of general regret. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 15, 1828, and was of thrifty German ancestry, his father, William Jacob Brown, having been born in Germany, and was the only member of his family to emigrate to America.
William Jacob Brown lived in the Fatherland until after his marriage.
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Ile was a baker by trade, and while in his native country conducted that business and at the same time studied medicine. In 1828 he and his family embarked on a sailing vessel bound for Baltimore, and after a voyage of several weeks arrived at their point of destination. After residing in Baltimore a few years he removed to Zanesville, Ohio, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for some years. Locating then in Hocking county, Ohio, Dr. Brown purchased land about six miles southwest of Logan, and there resided as a farmer and physician until his death, at the age of seventy-five years. His first wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Bousch, died in Muskingum county, Ohio, leaving nine children, William H., Christopher F., John, Frederick, Jacob, Richey, Christina, Catherine and Louis Frederick, all of whom except the youngest were born in Germany. He married for his second wife Mrs. Catherine ( Keiser) Guyer, who survived him, came to Clay county, and died in 1884, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Brown. She bore him two children, Mary and Caroline.
Reared to agricultural pursuits, Louis F. Brown remained beneath the parental roof-tree until after his marriage. He subsequently bought a tract of land near the village of Hocking, in Ohio, and was there em- ployed in tilling the soil for about two years. Then renting a farm near Waterloo, he resided there until 1866, when he came overland with teams to Indiana, settling in Vigo county, where for two years he lived and labored on rented land. Coming from there to Harrison township in 1868, Mr. Brown here rented land for a number of years. Industrious and persevering, he saved money and in course of time bought a home- stead on sections ten and fifteen, of Harrison township, and at once began its improvement. He added to the small frame house which stood upon the place, and subsequently built a substantial frame barn, which later was struck by lightning, and, with all its contents, including hay, grain and farm machinery, was completely destroyed. He then built another barn, and continued his operations as a general farmer most successfully, by his skill, thrift and good management acquiring a competency.
Mr. Brown married, in 1847, Annie Catherine Guyer, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 28, 1831, a daughter of John Guyer. Born and reared in the Fatherland, John Guyer there followed the trade of a weaver until 1832, when, accompanied by his wife and two children, he came to this country and settled in Morgan county, Ohio. There, in com- pany with his father-in-law, he bought a tract of land, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in February, 1837. Mr. Guyer married Annie Catherine Keiser, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, a daughter of John Keiser, who came to America when Mr. and Mrs. Guyer did, and until his death was engaged in farming in Laurel town- ship, Hocking county, Ohio. Mrs. Guyer, mother of Mrs. Brown, sur- vived her husband, and, as above related, married for her second husband William Jacob Brown. Three of her children by her first marriage grew to maturity, namely : Annie Catherine, Christina and Elizabeth M. Mr. and Mrs. Brown reared eleven children, namely: Emmanuel, William Henry, Charles Henry, Christopher Frederick, Caroline, George W., Ben- jamin F., Thomas J., Louisa, Mary and Francis M.
LEVERETT EUGENE GARDNER .- Skillfully devoting his energies to the management of the homestead on which he was born, Leverett Eugene Gardner holds high rank among the prosperous agriculturists of Van
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Buren township. He is a man of enterprise and keen foresight, possessing a good understanding of the best ways of conducting his business so as to secure profitable returns. His father, David Gardner, was born in Ames township, Athens county, Ohio, March 16, 1821, a son of Thomas Gardner, who was born and bred in New York city.
Thomas Gardner was left an orphan when young, and during the war of 1812 was employed in teaming for the government. Some years afterwards, accompanied by his wife and seven children, he migrated to Ohio and bought a large tract of land in Ames township. Clearing a farm, he superintended its management and did an extensive business as a dealer in live stock, driving cattle to the New York city market. A man of strong physique, he lived to the good old age of ninety years. He mar- ried Margaret Smith, who was born in New York city of German parents, and died in Ames township, Ohio, at a very advanced age.
Reared to agricultural pursuits, David Gardner remained on the parental homestead until 1852, when he started for Indiana, coming by the river to Lawrenceburg, thence by rail to Clay county. Though this part of the state had been settled for several years, its improvement had been slow, and much of the land was still in its virgin wildness. Brazil was a small hamlet, with few habitations, and many of the near-by towns and villages were built under his observation. Buying a tract of timbered land in section fifteen, Van Buren township, he at once took possession of the log house which stood in the small clearing, and with an energetic spirit and a pioneer's axe began the improvement of a homestead. His faithful wife and helpmate was busily employed with her household duties, which included carding, spinning, weaving, dressmaking and tailoring. There being no convenient markets in those days, the people subsisted on the products of the land and the wild game, which was abundant, and not- withstanding the scarcity of money were well fed and well clothed. With the aid of his sons David Gardner cleared a fine farm, on which he resided until his death, July 28, 1900.
On May 16, 1844, David Gardner married Mary Allard, who was born in Deerfield township, Morgan county, Ohio, June 15, 1828, a daugh- ter of Reuben Libby Allard, and granddaughter of Shadrach Allard. Shadrach Allard was born in England, and with his brother Daniel and sister Polly came to America when young. Their father commanded an English merchant vessel, and lost his life when his ship with all of her crew was wrecked off the coast of Maine. Shadrach Allard settled first in New York state, but moved from there to Vermont, and subsequently went to Athens county, Ohio, where he spent his closing years. He mar- ried first Mary Libby, who died in New York state. He married second Hannah Woodbury, of Vermont.
Reuben Libby Allard was born in New York state, was brought up in Vermont, and subsequently moved to Ohio, locating first in Washington county. From there he moved to Morgan county, then to Athens county, and from there came to Clay county, Indiana. Purchasing land in section fifteen, he began the improvement of a farm, but did not live long enough to make many improvements, dying at the age of fifty-five years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Allen, was born either in Ohio or in the Shenandoah valley, Virginia, a daughter of Reuben and Mary Magda- lene (Bird) Allen. Reuben Allen was a Virginian by birth and breeding, and while living in his native state was a slave holder. Migrating to Washington county, Ohio, he located in Belpre township, where both he
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and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Of the five children born to David and Mary ( Allard) Gardner four are living, namely: George Leander, Amanda Viola, Leverett Eugene and Cora Nevada.
Having acquired a practical education in the common schools, Lev- erett Eugene Gardner turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and succeeded his father in the management of the homestead property. Active and enterprising, he has made many improvements, rebuilding and adding to the house, and is carrying on general farming quite successfully.
EDWARD M. CULLIN, a prosperous farmer of Washington township, Clay county, and a local leader of the Democracy, is a native of Bowling Green, that township, born on the 13th of April, 1861. His father, Thomas Cullin, was a native of Ireland, and at the death of his mother, when he was eighteen years of age, he came to America with his three sisters and one brother. Their first location was at Venice, Ohio, where Thomas learned the blacksmith's trade and assisted in the support of the family. Later he removed to Bowling Green and continued the same occupation, but in 1865 he abandoned his trade and commenced a remarkably suc- cessful career as a farmer. Eventually he was the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land. He walked into Bowling Green without a dollar in his pocket, and at his death was among the wealthiest men in the township. His widow, who was formerly Miss Mary A. Moss, is still alive, being the mother of five children-three sons and two daughters, of whom all are living except one daughter who died in infancy.
Edward M., who is the second child and the oldest son of the family, lived on the farm with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, when (October 15, 1882) he married Belle Duffield. His wife was born November 16, 1863, at Bowling Green, Clay county, and is the daughter of Dr. James T. and Caroline ( Markle) Duffield. Dr. Duffield, who was a native of Illinois, died in October, 1882. His widow was born in Rob- roy, Indiana, and was the mother of four children, of whom Mrs. Cullin is the third. Mrs. Duffield herself died on the 2nd of January, 1888.
Edward M. Cullin was educated in the Bowling Green school, and when he married he rented a farm of his father, which he operated until the death of the latter. At the division of the estate he received one hundred and thirty-one acres, one hundred and one acres of which is located in sections 13 and 14, and the remainder in section 24. He en- larged and rebuilt the old farm house, erected a modern barn and other necessary buildings, and brought everything up to the present-day standard. He conducts a general farming business, and although he keeps a good breed of stock it is only raised for family use. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Cullin are as follows: Cora R., now the wife of Ernest Drake, of Bowling Green; Nellie and Smith C., living at home; Ivan and Jennie C., deceased ; Robert T., George S., Hazel A., Mary B. and Catherine I., also residing with their parents. Mr. Cullin is a Mason in high standing, being a member of Clay lodge No. 85, Bowling Green, and is also identified with the Sons of Veterans, having been appointed color bearer of the G. A. R. post No. 373 of that place. In politics he is a Democrat and served as a delegate to the congressional convention held at Rockville, Indiana, on the 26th of May, 1908.
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