USA > Indiana > Daviess County > History of Daviess County, Indiana : Its people, industries and institutions > Part 50
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The maternal grandparents of Mr. Williams were John and Nancy Ellen (Brown) Gates, of near Beardstown, Kentucky, who came to Indiana by covered wagon about 1834, locating in Barr township, in the woods just a little west of Loogootee. Here he acquired one hundred and twenty acres of land in the wilderness and cleared and improved it. He owned several farms at the time of his death, but before this time he had removed with his family to Perry township, Martin county, Indiana.
John Robert Williams, the father of John Williams, was reared in Washington township by his grandparents on his mother's side of the family. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company E, Eightieth Regi- ment. Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at which time he was living in Martin county. He returned to this state, after the war, and followed the carpenter trade until 1869, and then became a farmer, following this occupation, in Martin county, until 1875, when he located in Barr township, south of Cannelburg. John Robert Williams was a well-known farmer and highly esteemed in this community. He was a man of industrious and frugal habits and devoted primarily to his own personal interests. Nevertheless, he had a keen interest in the welfare of his neighbors and friends and was greatly beloved by them.
John Willis Williams was educated in the public schools of Martin county and began his own personal career in Barr township as a farmer. In the beginning, Mr. Williams was a renter. Subsequently, he purchased twelve acres of land. a part of the splendid farm upon which he now lives. This land was purchased in 1881, to which Mr. Williams has added until he now owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of fine farming land. The farm is well equipped with modern, up-to-date buildings for general farming, and Mr. Williams also makes a specialty of dairying. During late years he has begun to establish a herd of Holstein cattle, and has been very successful.
Mr. Williams was married on November 27, 1877, to Ann Brown, the daughter of William and Scholastica (Gough) Brown, the former of whom was born and reared in Washington. His brother, Joseph Brown, was at one time sheriff of Daviess county. William Brown's parents were early settlers in Washington. Indiana.
John W. and Anna (Brown) Williams are the parents of seven chil-
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dren, Lewis Vitus, Anna Mary, John Leo, Ernest, Frances Helen, Bridget Louisa and Cassie.
Mr. Williams has never been active in public affairs in the community where he lives and especially in politics, but served a term of two years as road supervisor. He, together with his family, are members of St. Peter's Catholic church, to which they are earnestly devoted and are liberal con- tributors to its support. John W. Williams is a man who is highly respected in Barr township.
CHARLES W. KEITH.
It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in church, hear his views on public questions, observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization, and are, therefore, competent to judge of his merits and demerits. After a long course of years of such daily ob- servations, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for, "Actions speak louder than words." In this connection it is not too much to say that the subject of this sketch has passed a life of honor, that he has been industrious and at the same time liberal, and that he has the confidence of all who have the pleasure of his friendship.
Charles WV. Keith was born on October 11, 1877, in Washington town- ship. Daviess county, Indiana, and is the son of George J. Keith and wife, whose life record is given elsewhere in this work.
Having received his education in the township schools of Daviess county, Charles W. Keith began his career as a farmer when quite a young man. It was about four years ago that he moved to his present location, which farm contains two hundred and eighty-five acres of first-class land, the greater portion of which is kept under cultivation and used for grazing stock. A general line of crops is raised and he also gives his attention to live stock. Since moving to this place, a number of improvements have been made in the way of new buildings, and the home is well situated, strictly modern and a source of considerable pride to the owner and his family.
Charles W. Keith was married on January 27, 1901, to Lucretia R. Parsons, who was born in Barr township, Daviess county, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Vienna (Hannah) Parsons, who are the parents of eight
(34)
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children, as follow: William A., who married Elizabeth. Mattingly ; Lucretia, subject's wife; Mary, who married James Quilliams; Ervin A., who mar- ried Ora Jones; Austin R., who married Hattie Ragles, and Dovie L. To. Charles W. and Lucretia (Parsons) Keith have been born the following named children : Charles Arthur, on April 25, 1902 ; George Benjamin, April 12, 1906, and Prentis S., October 17, 1908, died on May 3, 1909.
Mr. Keith believes in the principles of the Republican party and has. supported that ticket through the various campaigns since his first vote. He does not take an active part in political matters, but is always ready to lend his influence in the proper direction, and according to his view. He and the family are members of the Christian church and lend their support to that denomination. Personally, he is a broad-minded, liberal man, possessing a splendid, good-natured disposition and ever ready to lend a helping hand to his less fortunate fellow citizens. He is well and most favorably known throughout this entire section and has always been regarded as a man of sound business principles, upright in all his dealings and congenial in his- relations with his acquaintances. He has a host of friends and, because of his high character, progressiveness and enterprise, is entitled to representation in the history of the county in which he lives.
GEORGE ALVIN FAITH.
There are individuals in nearly every community who, by reason of pro- nounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the unbounded esteem of their fellow men. Characterized by per- severance and a directing spirit, virtues that never fail, such men always make their presence felt and the vigor of their strong personalities serves as a stimulus and an incentive to the young and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class, George Alvin Faith, a well-known lawyer of Washington, Indiana, very properly belongs. Mr. Faith has devoted himself to his adopted profession and to the public duties to which he has been called and because of his personal worth and accomplishments he is clearly entitled to representation among the enterprising and progressive business men of his locality. Mr. Faith received a good education. He was a successful school teacher and an efficient civil engineer and in late years has built up a flourishing practice as a lawyer.
George Alvin Faith was born on December 3, 1878, in Bogard town-
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ship, Daviess county, Indiana. He is the son of Thomas W. and Matilda J. (Strange) Faith, the former a native of Daviess and the latter a native of Martin county, Indiana. They have seven children, Grant, of Pimento, Indiana; Edward C., a lawyer of Washington; Milton Z., of Veale town- ship; Henry C., of West Point, Mississippi; George A., of Washington, and Hugh G., a farmer of Washington. One son, John, died in infancy.
Thomas W. Faith, the father of George Alvin, was reared in Daviess county and was a farmer and lumberman. He owned a farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres in Bogard township, near the village of Epsom, where he reared his family. Besides this old homestead farm, Thomas W. Faith owned other farm property. He now lives at the edge of the city of Wash- ington, and is retired. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. Thomas W. Faith was a soldier in the Civil War, serving three years. He was a private and was with Grant at Vicksburg.
The paternal grandfather of George Alvin Faith was Abraham H. Faith, whose wife was Frances (Myers) Faith. The former was a native of Ohio, of English descent, and the latter of German parentage. They were married in Daviess county. He died about 1897, his wife died October II, 1886. They had a large family, consisting of the following children: Louisa, Dianah, Melissa, Laura, Lavina, Thomas W. and Abraham H.
George Alvin Faith's great-grandfather was Thomas Faith, who was a pioneer of Daviess county, and who owned the old Brett farm. He was not only a farmer, but a successful cabinetmaker. He came to Daviess county from Pennsylvania. His wife was Catherine (Boos) Faith. Thomas Faith was a soldier in the War of 1812, and fought with Harrison at Tippe- canoe. His father was a Revolutionary soldier. The maternal grandfather of George Alvin Faith was John Joseph Strange whose wife before her mar- riage was a Miss Scott, with natives of Kentucky. John Joseph Strange's wife, through her mother, was connected with the famous Price family and a relative of the Confederate General Price's family. They were pio- neers in Martin county, Indiana, and there died. They had a large family, consisting of these children : John S., Thomas, Melinda E., Elizabeth, Sarah, Margaret, Martha, Lewis, Lucinda, Susan and Matilda.
George Alvin Faith was reared on his father's farm in Bogard town- ship, and there attended the district schools. He graduated from the Wash- ington high school with the class of 1897, and then taught school for six years. Subsequently, he was engaged in civil engineering for some time. He studied law and practiced his profession in Washington for twelve years.
During this time Mr. Faith has built up a large and lucrative practice
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and established himself as one of the leading lawyers in Daviess county. He is well versed in the law and does a general practice, not only in the city of Washington, but throughout Daviess and adjoining counties.
George Alvin Faith was married on December 21, 1907, to Virginia Hays Head, a daughter of Hillary and Sarah (Hays) Head. Three chil- dren have been born to this happy union, John Head, George Alvin, Jr., and Helen Virginia.
Mrs. Faith was born in Daviess county. Her parents were natives of Kentucky. Her father died in 1909, at the age of sixty-eight years. Her mother is still living in Parshall, Colorado. Mrs. Faith is one of four chil- dren, Hallie, Nellie, Virginia and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Faith is a member of the Baptist church.
Although George Alvin Faith is not an active farmer, nevertheless he owns a splendid farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Washington township and directs the operations on this farm. He is a Republican and has served as county surveyor for four years and was civil engineer of the city of Washington for four years. George Alvin Faith is well known in Washington and Daviess county. His activity in politics has brought him a well-deserved recognition and his ability as a lawyer has brought him a well-merited practice.
JOSEPH D. FRANKLIN.
The science of agriculture, for it is a science, finds an able exponent and an able and successful practitioner in the person of Joseph D. Franklin, who is widely known in Daviess county, Indiana. Mr. Franklin has a very fertile and productive farm, located in Veale township. He comes from one of the highly honored and respected families of Daviess county, the members of which have played well their part in the general development of this favored section of the great Hoosier commonwealth. Mr. Franklin has lived in this county for more than fifty years and is well known to all classes and condi- tions of men.
Joseph D. Franklin was born on September 25, 1862, in Veale town- ship, Daviess county, Indiana, and is the son of John F. and Laura J. (Rags- dale) Franklin, the former a native of Germany, born in 1823, and the latter a native of Veale township. Joseph D. Franklin's paternal grandparents were born, lived and died in Germany. His paternal grandfather was killed in a flour-mill. His widow, with her son, John F., the father of Joseph D.,
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and a half-sister came to America in 1827, when John F. was only four years old. Joseph D. Franklin's maternal grandparents came to this county in the early days and located near the old Bethel church, in Veale township. Mr. Franklin's maternal grandfather was a Methodist minister and a farmer.
John F. Franklin, the father of Joseph D., landed at Baltimore upon the arrival of himself and his mother in this country, but a few years later they came to Cincinnati. At the age of twelve years, he started in life for himself. At this time he had no shoes, only two shirts and a sealskin cap. He remained for a time in Cincinnati and then came to Veale township, where he entered forty acres of land, where his son, Joseph D., now lives. John F. Franklin added to his original forty acres until at one time he owned over six hundred acres. He was a hard and industrious worker and was accustomed to be up in the morning before daylight and to wait for the light to come so that he might cultivate his crops. His mother died when he was eight years old, and until he was twelve years old, he was cared for by an uncle. He helped to build the canal between Evansville and Indianapolis. He was an officer during the time Alton B. Parker was nominated and died sitting in his chair on the old home farm soon after making the remark that he thought the Democrats should nominate Bryan. John F. and Laura Franklin had six children, Joseph D., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Charity Van Trees; Mrs. Mary E. Taylor; Susan A., Cora H., deceased, who grad- uated from the Academy of Music at Cincinnati, and Estella.
Joseph D. Franklin was educated in the common schools of Veale town- ship. He took up farming early in life and, except for one or two years, has always lived on the old home place. For fourteen years he has operated coal mines on his land. He has sixty-one acres in his own farm and his mother, who lives in Washington, also owns land.
Joseph D. Franklin was married in 1897 to Martha M. McCain, of Pike county, Indiana. To this union three children have been born, Floyd Fred- erick, who is a student in the second year of high school at Washington, and who is sixteen years old; Jewell Dott, seven years old, who is attending the home school, and Alvin Marshall, who is five years old.
The Franklin family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Pleasant Hill. Mr. Franklin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and belongs to Star lodge, at Glendale. He is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and the Woodmen of the World, both at Washington. Joseph D. Franklin is well known and highly respected through- out Daviess county. He is a Democrat and has served as a notary public for the past eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin carry a joint endowment policy of sixteen thousand dollars.
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JAMES M. MEADS.
Examples that impress force of character on all who study them, are worthy of record. By a few general observations may be conveyed some idea of the high standing and intellectual qualities of James M. Meads in the community where so many active years of his life have been spent. United in his composition are so many elements of a solid and practical nature which, during a series of years, have brought him into prominent notice, and earned for him a conspicuous place among the enterprising men of Daviess county, Indiana, that it is but just recognition of his worth to speak of his achieve- ments.
James M. Meads was born on February 16, 1869, in Washington town- ship, Daviess county, and is the son of Joseph H. and Theresa (McClellan) Meads, whose life history appears elsewhere in this volume under the caption of Joseph H. Meads.
When quite a young man, James M. Meads, educated in the public schools of Washington township, this county, started his agricultural career, by renting a farm in Barr township, which he cultivated for a period of five years. In the month of December, 1892, having been economical and thrifty, he purchased a forty-eight-acre tract of land in Washington township; in 1900, he purchased an adjoining thirty-seven acres, and, in December, 1905, made a further purchase of adjoining land of twenty-three and three-quarter acres, giving him a total of one hundred eight and three-quarters acres in this township. From time to time, needed improvements were made and it was in 1895 that he erected a splendid barn building and a residence. The barn was struck by lightning and as a consequence the building was burned and quite a severe loss was sustained. This structure was replaced by a new barn, which was again destroyed on June 30, 1913. A new barn was erected September, 1913. In addition to general farming, James Meads is inter- ested, to some extent, in the raising of fine cattle. He has ample barn, shed and granary room and the buildings are all kept in the best of repair and paint. Everything about this place gives the observer the impression that the owner is a good manager and prosperous.
James H. Meads was married on February 2, 1890, to Anna Billings, a daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Miller) Billings, whose life history appears elsewhere in this work under the caption, John W. Billings.
Identified with the Democratic party since 1896, and during the years of 1912, 1913 and 1914, James H. Meads served on the board of county commissioners of Daviess county. He is an ardent supporter of the pro-
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gressive principles set forth by his party and always lends an aggressive, helping hand to his party's interests. Personally, Mr. Meads is a man of great popularity in his community and can be depended upon, by his friends and acquaintances, to give, from memory, exact data pertaining to the dates of happenings of any consequence. His intelligence along these lines is par- ticularly marvelous. From a social standpoint he is a man who makes friends easily, is genial and pleasant to meet, well informed on all current topics, and a man in whom the utmost confidence is reposed by all who know him.
STEPHEN HENRY BATCHELOR.
The best title one may establish to the high and generous esteem of a community is a protracted residence therein. Stephen Henry Batchelor has resided in Daviess county since he was fifteen years old. His career has been a commendable one, well deserving of perpetuation on the pages of a his- torical work of this nature. Knowing that the county was destined to take high rank in the productive and rich localities of the North, Mr. Batchelor has applied himself very closely to his work and waited for the future to bring to him its reward. Today he is one of the substantial farmers and dairymen of this county.
Stephen Henry Batchelor was born on August 27, 1871, in Orange county, Indiana. He is the son of George and Katherine ( Scarlett) Batche- lor, both of whom were natives of Orange county. Stephen Henry Batche- lor's paternal grandparents were natives of Orange county, where they lived and died. His paternal grandfather was a farmer and a soldier in the War of 1812. His maternal grandfather was also a native of Orange county and a farmer. He was also a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. Batchelor's paternal and maternal grandparents all lived and died in Orange county.
George Batchelor, the father of Stephen H., was educated in the public schools of Orange county. He died when Stephen H. was but eight years of age and his wife also died in Orange county. George Batchelor was a farmer and is the father of eight children, four children having been born to each of two marriages. The mother of Stephen H. Batchelor was George Batchelor's first wife.
Stephen H. Batchelor was educated in the public schools of Orange county and also in the schools of Daviess county, to which county he came when he was about fifteen years of age, in company with his step-mother.
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From the time Stephen H. Batchelor was fifteen years of age, until his mar- riage, he worked at different places and for different people, but he has made his own way in the world practically since he was ten years old. Mr. Batche- lor first purchased a farm of seventy acres in August, 1900, where he now lives. It is well located and Mr. Batchelor has comfortable and commodious buildings, where he also makes a specialty of raising small fruit and is engaged in the dairy business. His dairy cattle are almost all Jerseys.
On April 4, 1895, Stephen H. Batchelor was married, when he was twenty-four years old, to Etta May Rutherford, a native of Ohio. To this happy union one child, Ernest Henry, has been born. The Batchelor family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church and active in the work of both the church and Sunday school, he being a liberal contributor to the support of this church. Mr. Batchelor is a Republican, but has never aspired to office. His own personal affairs have taken up his time and he has pre- ferred to devote his spare moments to the welfare of his wife and child.
CHARLES L. STUCKEY.
The biographies of successful men are instructive as guides and incen- tives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they fur- nish of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor strongly illustrate what is. in the power of each to accomplish. Charles L. Stuckey, whose life story herewith is briefly set forth, is a conspicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in farming, to which vocation his accomplishments and energies have been directed.
Charles L. Stuckey was born in Washington, Indiana, on June 18, 1869. He is the son of William S. and Deborah A. (Johnson) Stuckey, the former a native of Pike county, in this state. William S. Stuckey was a son of George P. and Permelia (Traylor) Stuckey. George P. Stuckey was born on February 25, 1806, and his wife on August 1, 1808. Sarah A. (Johnson) Stuckey was the daughter of the Rev. Levi Johnson, who for many years was a Methodist preacher in southern Indiana. He preached at Bethel, on what was called the Washington circuit.
William S. Stuckey, father of Charles L., came as a boy to Daviess county, where he was educated in the public schools. He was a school teacher for some time and later a wagon maker in Washington. Finally he became a farmer in Veale township and followed this vocation until his
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death. He was a justice of the peace for many years and acquired a wide reputation on account of the number of people he married. He also served in the capacity of township assessor. William S. Stuckey and his wife were the parents of several children, among whom were George L., Lawson H., Charles L .. Leonard N., Willison L., Elmer L., Mary B., Emma Grace, Myrtle, Edward, Elsworth and two others.
George P. and Permelia (Traylor) Stuckey, the paternal grandparents of Charles I. Stuckey, were the parents of eleven children, Elizabeth J., born on March 26, 1828; William S., July 29, 1830; Samuel Ray, July 3, 1832; Jacob A., October 8, 1834; Simon D., November 26, 1836; Lemmon, date unknown; Jessie, February 2, 1839; Polly H., February 14 1841 ; Frances C., in 1843; Noah P., November 6, 1845; Eliza Ellen, October 6, 1848. Eliza Ellen is the only one of this family who is still living. She lives at Spokane, Washington.
Rev. Eli Johnson, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Stuckey, was born on August 28, 1813, and married Primmellar Wright, who was born on February 22, 1819. They had fourteen children, as follow: J. Wesley, born on March 28, 1837; James. October 5, 1839; David E., September 10, 1841; Charles D., October 11, 1843; William H., February 19, 1845; Deborah, February 13, 1847; Mary H., June 12, 1849; Lucian B., January I, 1851 ; Maria J .. November 7, 1853; Susan C., February 28, 1855; Emma C., January 13, 1857; Sarah N., June 17, 1859; George McClellan, Decem- ber 1, 1851 ; and Elmer K., August 2, 1863.
Charles S. Stuckey, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Veale township and in the normal schools at Odon and Princeton. He taught school for thirteen years, beginning in 1892. In 1903 Mr. Stuckey was elected township trustee, and served one term, during which period he had much to do with raising the standard of the schools. He gave entire satisfaction as trustee of this township and was remembered by the people for the services he performed. During this time he was engaged in farming, and, in fact, has been a farmer since his retirement from this office. He owns seventy-two acres of land and has erected good buildings on the farm. Mr. Stuckey is entitled to the full credit for his success, because he has received no outside assistance from anyone.
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