USA > Indiana > Hendricks County > History of Hendricks County, Indiana, her people, industries and institutions > Part 42
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Both Mr. and Mrs. Edmondson are members of the Presbyterian church at Clayton, to which they contribute liberally of their means, having a sin- cere desire in seeing the rapid advancement of that society. Fraternally, Mr. Edmondson is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the workings of which order he takes a quiet interest. He is a man of excellent business ability, strict integrity and fine personal address and, be- cause of his genuine worth and high character, he has long enjoyed a splendid reputation in the community honored by his residence. He gives his support to all movements for the advancement of his fellow citizens and is today numbered among the representative men of Hendricks county.
COLUMBUS F. EDMONSON.
The biographer takes pleasure in presenting a few facts in the career of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, one of the best known citizens of Hendricks county, Indiana, who by industry, perseverance and integrity has won for himself an enviable position in the financial standing of the community, and at the same time has so closely followed the correct principles of life that he stands today high in public estimation and regard. He has worked his way from an humble beginning to his present situation, which fact renders him the more worthy of the praise that is duly accorded him by his fellow men.
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Columbus F. Edmonson is a native of Hendricks county, having been born in 1854 about two miles south of Clayton, the son of Benjamin G. Edmonson and wife, the sketch of whose lives appear at length elsewhere in this volume. The subject remained on the home farm until the time of his marriage on September 9, 1877, to Amy Thrift. She was born near Mount Ayer, Ringgold county, Iowa, the daughter of James and Sarah Jane (Brown) Thrift. Both her parents were born and reared in North Carolina, being natives of Randolph county, and were married before coming to the Hoosier state, where, in 1856, they located in Hendricks county in Eel River township, near North Salem. James Thrift was a son of David and Lydia (Parsons) Thrift, and his wife, Sarah Jane Brown, was the daughter of William and Susan Brown, all of whom were natives of North Carolina and came to this county at the same time. The Browns located near Avon and the thrifts in Eel River township. James Thrift and wife moved to Iowa after a short residence here, but returned because of his mother's failing healthı. After his mother's death, they returned to Iowa, where he purchased a farm and passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1899. His widow returned to this county and made her home with the subject and wife until the time of her death, March 13, 1913. Mrs. Edmonson remained with her parents in Iowa until the time of her marriage to the subject, after which event they began farming for themselves on a farm owned by Mr. Edmonson's father, which was located about two and one-half miles south of Clayton. There they remained until 1879, when they bought the Mitchell farm of one hundred and seven acres on the National road, where they re- mained until 1905, at which time they moved to Clayton, where they have since resided. Mr. Edmonson has been signally successful in his endeavors and has acquired considerable real estate. He has in all about two hundred and eighty acres in his homestead south of Clayton, he owns two hundred and sixty acres in Henry county near New Castle and is also interested in the Coldwater Land Company, which corporation owns cotton lands in the Mississippi delta. In addition to his general farming, he for many years bought and shipped live stock and became widely known in this connection. He is now actively interested in lumber yards located at Amo and Ben Davis, this county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Edmonson have been born four children. Alva, the eldest, married Florence Hanna, of Plainfield, daughter of Congressman Hanna. They reside in Chicago, where he is associated with the White Steamer Automobile Company as a salesman. He received his early educa- tion in the schools of Liberty township, later graduating from Plainfield
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Academy. He then entered the mechanical engineering department of Pur- due University, having been graduated therefrom in 1904, when he immedi- ately became associated with the automobile company above mentioned. He is the father of one little daughter, Cornelia. Blanche, eldest daughter of Mr. Edmonson, attended Milliken University at Decatur, Illinois, after graduating from Plainfield Academy. She is the wife of Walter Thompson and lives on a farm on the National road. She is the mother of two children, Elizabeth and Luanna. Frank, who was graduated from Purdue University in 1909, is also engaged in farming, being located about two and one-half miles southwest of Clayton. He married Ollie Swearingen, of Mooresville. Ruth, the youngest daughter, is at present attending high school at Clayton.
The family is one of the most highly esteemed of the community, being known as people of broad minds and laudable ambitions, and many are the influences for good which radiate from their home circle. The family is identified with the Presbyterian church, of which both Mr. and Mrs. Edmon- son are members and to the support of which they contribute generously. Mr. Edmonson's fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has been a member for some time. He is aligned with the Democratic party and takes a keen interest in the administration of that party's affairs. While not desiring office for himself, he is known to wield a definite influence at the polls and is, therefore, reckoned with by those seek- ing the honor of public service. Mr. Edmonson has always been regarded as a man of high principles, honest in every respect and broad-minded. A man of good character, kindness of heart and ever willing to aid in any way any cause for the betterment of the community and the public with whom he has to deal, he is held in high favor and the utmost respect by all who know him.
JOHN H. BUNTEN, JR.
That the plenitude of satiety is seldom attained in the affairs of life is to be considered a most beneficial deprivation, for where ambition is satisfied and every ultimate end realized, if such be possible, apathy must follow. Effort would cease, accomplishment be prostrate, and creative talent waste its energies in inactivity. The men who have pushed forward the wheels of progress have been those to whom satisfaction lies ever in the future, who have labored continuously, always finding in each transition stage an incen- tive for further effort. Mr. Bunten is one whose well-directed efforts have
JOHN H. BUNTEN, JR.
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gained for him a position of desirable prominence in the agricultural circles of Hendricks county, and his energy and enterprise have been crowned by a gratifying degree of success.
John H. Bunten, Jr., one of the most prominent stock breeders in cen- tral Indiana, was born September 2, 1869, in the township where he has re- sided all his life. His parents were John and Rebecca (Call) Bunten, his father being a native of Kentucky, coming to this county with his parents when he was five years of age. John Bunten, Sr., was born in 1818, and when his parents came to Marion townhip, this county, in 1823, his father, William Bunten, entered six hundred and forty acres of land from the gov- ernment, where John H. now lives. John Bunten, Sr., married Rebecca Call, the daughter of John and Julia Call, who also were natives of Kentucky. They came to this township early in its history and entered a large tract of land here. John Bunten, Sr., died in 1895, and his wife passed away at the age of eighty. They reared a family of twelve children, eight of whom are still living: Mrs. Anna M. Wright; Laura B .; Elmer, deceased; Oliver M., deceased; John H., the immediate subject of this sketch; Nora M., deceased; Thomas O .; Edgar, deceased; Alice R .; Obediah; Roscoe G., and one who died in infancy. Laura B. Bunten is a successful breeder of pure-bred Buff Rock and Buff Orpington chickens.
John H. Bunten has never married and now lives with his sister, Laura B., on the old homestead farm. He received his common school education in the district schools of Hendricks county, and has spent his entire life on the farm where he was born. He has made a fine reputation as a breeder of fine live stock and makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs, handling only the best and purest breeds. He also handles Shropshire sheep and keeps his herd to a high state of efficiency. For several years he also kept pedigreed Short- horn cattle, but recently disposed of his herd and now deals only in hogs and sheep. He has yearly sales for his stock, at which there are large crowds of buyers present and high prices are paid for his stock. He advertises his sales widely and thus brings together prominent buyers from all parts of the state, who are anxious to secure some of his well bred stock. Mr. Bunten is con- sidered an expert judge of hogs and is a member of the National Association of Poland-China Breeders. On his farm of two hundred acres he raises con- siderable grain and other crops. but his main attention is devoted to live stock.
Mr. Bunten is Republican in politics, but has never taken an active inter- est in the affairs of his party. He has never felt inclined to indulge in the various political fights which feature campaigns, preferring to devote his at-
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tention to his live stock and other interests. He is well known throughout the county and is regarded everywhere as a man of his word and one whose integrity is never questioned in the slightest degree. He is a quiet, unassum- ing and genial man and has many warm personal friends throughout the county. His sister, who lives with him, is also interested in the success of her brother and has contributed in no small measure to his success. They are very hospitable people and are highly esteemed by every one in their neighborhood.
AMOS L. MITCHELL.
Although not an old man in years, the gentleman whose life record is herein outlined has in no uncertain manner stamped his individuality upon the locality where he resides, being an excellent representative of that type of the much-heralded American business man-the type that does things. He is one of the most progressive agriculturists of the county, conducting his business along lines approved by science and good usage. He believes that for a greater amount of money invested in a business and properly man- aged, one earns a greater per cent. of profit, and, therefore, all facilities for the conduct of his business are the most up-to-date obtainable. There are indi- viduals in every community who, by reason of pronounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the unbounded esteem of their fellow men. Characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men always make their presence felt and the vigor of their strong personality serves as a stimulus and incentive to the young and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class the subject of this review very properly belongs.
Amos L. Mitchell was born on October 21, 1871, in Liberty township, this county, the son of William C. and Elizabeth (Wills) Mitchell. William Mitchell was a native of Tennessee and when five years old was brought to this state by his parents, Samuel and Polly Mitchell. The family settled in Liberty township, where Samuel engaged in farming. He was also a minister of the Presbyterian church and preached in Hendricks and Carroll counties. He later moved to Carroll county and there his death occurred as a result of injuries received in a runaway accident. His son William, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Liberty township and all his life was engaged in farming. During the dark days of the sixties he gave three years of service to the Union. He
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enlisted as lieutenant of Company C, Seventieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and a short time after enlistment was made captain. His regiment was part of the division known as the Army of the Potomac and went all through the various engagements of the Cumberland campaign, later going with General Sherman on the famous march to the sea. He received his honorable discharge from the army in July, 1865, and immediately returned to his home in this county, where he gathered up the threads of life where he had laid them down to answer the nation's call. He owned a farm of two hundred and forty acres and there lived out the remaining number of his days. In this farm the subject of this sketch now owns a half interest. William Mitchell's death occurred in 1897, in his sixty-third year. He was the father of seven children. Those, beside the subject and a little son Alva, who died in infancy, are: Mary L. (Mrs. Candy) ; Charles, deceased ; Nanny Garrison (Mrs. Reid), who is now a widow; Howard, and Belle, who married Vinson S. Hamlin and lives west of Clayton. In his early manhood Mr. Mitchell had united with the ancient order of Freemasonry, in which order he kept his membership until a short time before his death. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and his religious affiliation was with the Presbyterian church. Politically, he was a Democrat, but had never taken an active interest in politics.
Amos L. Mitchell spent his early days on his father's farm, learning from him the secrets of successful husbandry and in his boyhood days attended the district schools of the township, where he received his elementary education. Later in life he took the three-year philosophical course at De- Pauw University, Greencastle, this state. He chose farming as his life's voca- tion and all his efforts have been expended along this and kindred lines. In addition to his home farm, located a short distance north of Clayton and com- prising some hundred and twenty acres, he also owns three hundred acres of cypress timbered land in Obion county, western Tennessee. About one hun- dred and sixty acres of this is now under cultivation, the entire acreage being turned to the production of cotton. His home farm is in perfect condition, showing the master mind, and all buildings, etc., are in the best possible con- dition and thoroughly modern. On this farm is what is considered the best barn in the county. In it is every possible convenience, including two large silos and a modern machine milker. Mr. Mitchell operates a fine Holstein dairy, having sixty-six head of partly pure bred stock. On January 1, 1914, he purchased at Toledo, Ohio, a number of these fine bred cattle, which came to him from one of the famous homes of the breed in Canada. In addition
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to his dairy herd, he is also a breeder and has some fine specimens of this excellent breed to dispose of. Mr. Mitchell is progressive in every sense of the word and this, coupled with his untiring energy and high ambition, marks him as a business man of unusual ability. He is a man of genial tempera- ment and a most delightful companion. He is a friend to all and gladly ex- tends a helping hand wherever he sees an opportunity to do good. Any cause having as its object the promotion of the moral, social or educational life of the community finds in him an earnest advocate and, needless to add, such a man stands high in public estimation, while by a large number of close friends he is held in warm regard.
On October 2, 1896, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage with Myrtle Rains, daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Owen) Rains. She is the grand- daughter of Hiram Rains and is his adopted daughter, having been adopted by him at the age of nine months. To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have been born two sons, Owen and Richard. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are earnest and sincere members of the Presbyterian church at Clayton and give liberally toward the support of the local society. Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat, but does not find much time to devote to his party, having his hands well filled with his large and growing business.
MARK MILLS SHORT.
Among the best-known citizens of Hendricks county is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A member of one of the old and highly esteemed families of this part of the state, he is a public-spirited man of af- fairs and, while still young in years, has stamped the impress of his indi- viduality upon the community and added luster to the honorable name which he bears. Always scrupulously honest in all his relations with his fellow men, he has left no stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own con- dition as well as that of his neighbors and friends and consequently he has long ago won the favor of a great number of people of this county. Among the progressive young business men of this section, there is none who stand higher than he and, in view of what he has already accomplished, it is safe to predict that his kindly influence will grow through the coming years, bring- ing still greater good to the locality honored by his residence.
Mark M. Short was born on May 22, 1879, in Center township, this county, the family at that time residing just north of Clayton, and is the son
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of Benjamin Franklin and Lydia Jane (Coble) Short, the former of whom first saw the light of day on June 24, 1834, at Centerville, Wayne county, this state, and the latter being a native of this county, born on March 31, 1843, on what used to be known as the Coble farm, located about three miles cast of Stilesville. Benjamin Franklin Short was the third in a family of seven children, and, when a small child, was taken by his parents to Missouri, where for a year they resided near Hannibal. However, being dissatisfied with the conditions of that region, they returned to the Hoosier state, this time taking up their residence in Hendricks county, where the family since resided. He attended the early subscription schools of his day, pursuing his search after knowledge alone and unaided through many difficult subjects, and when a young man he labored as an instructor of youth, beginning first at Hall, Morgan county, in 1857 and later teaching at the Lake David, Christie and Spicklemire school houses, all being old educational landmarks. He later gave his attention to farming, at which he passed the majority of his years, and a few years before his death he retired from active labor on the farm and became a citizen of Clayton, there to pass his remaining years in quietude. He passed from this life on October 2, 1908, being in the sev- enty-fifth year of his age. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary A. Stephenson, to whom he was united on September 2, 1858. She died at Danville on February 15, 1872, their union being without issue. On April 13, 1873, Mr. Short was again united in marriage, his bride being Lydia J. Coble. To their union were born three children, namely : Otis William, now living in Missouri; Charlees Young, who lives in Coatesville, this county. and the immediate subject of this sketch. At his death these three sons and the widow survived. For many years he had been a devout member of the Christian church and ordered his life in accordance with the tenets of that faith.
Lydia Jane Coble, mother of the subject, was the youngest in a family of ten children, being the daughter of George and Mary Coble. She was of a quiet, retiring disposition and of great strength of character. When young she availed herself of all possible opportunities for improvement and acquired a good general education as well as skill in all the arts and duties that fall within the sphere of a devoted wife and mother. On December 4, 1865, she united with the Cherry Grove Methodist Episcopal church, later transferring her membership to the Clayton church when they took up their residence there, and remained a devout and faithful member of the church militant until her passing away. After the death of her husband, she re- mained in her home in Clayton until failing health made her dependent on
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the loving care of children. She died March 17, 1911, in her sixty-eighth year. She had lived to see her sons established in life, and, happy in their happiness, had been content to go the way of all mankind. She was also survived by a brother, Elihu Coble, of Stilesville, and a sister, Mrs. John Worrell, of Clayton.
Mark M. Short spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm in Cen- ter township, near the Liberty township line. He attended the district schools of that locality, where he received his elementary education, finish- ing his studies at Clayton. In 1895 he left Center township and moved north of Clayton, where he farmed for about one year, when he disposed of his holdings and moved to Clayton. On September 1I, 1901, Mr. Short was united in marriage with Ruth A., daughter of Thomas J. and Tilitha (Tudor) Miles. After marriage he took up his residence on the farm where he now makes his home and carries on general farming in addition to operat- ing a dairy. He owns in all about three hundred acres of land, seventy- five of this being in his residence farm. In addition to his farm duties, he owns and operates the health resort known as Camp Short, located on his farm about three miles northeast of Clayton. This is a beautiful spot, in an ideal stretch of country, and is known for its sparkling spring of artesian water of rare qualities. There are many visitors to this place throughout the year who come for the waters and Mr. Short now has a summer home there. It is a very attractive place and especially conducive to recreation during the summer season.
Mr. Short's fraternal affiliations are with the Free and Accepted Ma- sons and also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding his member- ship in these two bodies through the local lodges at Clayton. In politics, Mr. Short is a "stand-pat" Republican and an earnest advocate of the prin- ciples of that party, although not taking any active part in the administra- tion of his party's affairs. He is a man of quiet and retiring disposition, but genial and friendly and counts his friends and acquaintances in great num- bers. The family is regarded among the first of their community, a charm- ing family circle wherein the two children, Paul M. and Helen L., are be- ing trained so as to fit them for useful and happy lives when they come to years of maturity. Mr. Short is a man of sterling honesty and strict in- tegrity who has the trust and confidence of all with whom he comes in con- tact. His past record and personal character justify the belief that the fu- ture holds in store for him far greater success than he has already achieved and a wider range of usefulness to mankind than has yet been his privilege.
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THOMAS HOWARD MITCHELL.
Almost all of the great men of history come from the farm. Few heroes have come from the slums and fewer still from palaces. To call a man a farmer is to class him in the same scale as George Washington, our first President ; Abraham Lincoln, our martyred President, or any one of a dozen governors of Indiana. It is plain common folk who have characteristics. In cultured, select society every one is alike; they all appear to have been poured into the same mold. In a wealthy club all men's clothes are new, they all look alike, and especially since they are all cut by the most fashionable tailors, while among people who have but one week-day suit the garment becomes creased and molded to the body. Indeed, it is the farmer who is to save our nation today, as his is the hand which holds the purse-strings of the land.
Thomas Howard Mitchell, the son of Columbus and Elizabeth ( Wills) Mitchell, was born May 22, 1869, on the National road south of Clayton, Hendricks county, Indiana. Since the family history of the Mitchells has been traced in the sketch of Amos Mitchell, a brother of Thomas H., in an- other part of this volume, the reader is referred to that sketch for the genealogy of the Mitchell family.
Thomas H. Mitchell has lived all of his life on the farm where he was born. He received a good, common-school education and early began the life of a farmer, and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land which he has well improved in every way. While raising all the crops com- mon to this locality, he has made a specialty of the dairy business. He keeps thoroughbred Holstein cattle for his dairy herd, and has a barn which has been built especially for dairy purposes. It is equipped with all the modern conveniences and contrivances for the sanitary protection of milk. He has patent milking machines installed in his barn and this is the only dairy in the township which has them. His equipment in the barn is run by gas engines. In addition to his farming and dairying, he also manages a threshing machine outfit during the summer season, and for the past four years has added not . a little to his annual income from the operation of this outfit.
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