USA > Indiana > Fountain County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 53
USA > Indiana > Warren County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 53
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Fraternally, Mr. Milligan is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Per- sonally, he is genial and friendly and is well liked by all who are acquainted with him.
JAMES C. JONES.
Upon the roll of representative citizens and prominent and influential business men of Warren county consistently appears the name of James C. Jones, the able president of the Bank of Pine Village, Warren county, In- diana. He is one of those sturdy spirits who has contributed largely to the material welfare of the locality in which he resides, representing that class of earnest citizens who have done so much for the development of the United States, while at the same time they have benefited themselves in a very material manner. He has been a resident of Adams township practically all his life, during which time he has gradually won his way into the affections of the people, for he possesses those sterling qualities of character which commend themselves to persons of intelligence and the highest morality, so it is no wonder he has achieved so high a position in the general estimation of all who have come in contact with him.
James C. Jones is a native son of Warren county, Indiana, having been born in Adams township on February 3, 1868, and he is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (McCord) Jones. The subject's paternal grandfather, Clement G. Jones, was born in Maryland, but he was reared in the state of Delaware. He was impressed with the advantages and opportunities then offered in the then "far west," and with a view of ascertaining for himself first-hand he
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made the trip from Delaware to Warren county, Indiana, and return on foot. Subsequently he made two more round trips over the sanie route, walking the entire distance. He finally located in Liberty township, Warren county, Indiana, then Warren township, took up government land and there engaged in farming during the remainder of his life, or until within a short time of his death, when he retired and moved to Attica, where his death occurred.
Isaac Jones was born in Warren county and secured his education in the common schools, supplementing this by two years' study at Stockwell. He was reared to the life of a farmer and followed that occupation all his life. He was a successful man in his business affairs, and, because of his rectitude of character and genuine worth, he occupied a high position in the eyes of the community. To him and his wife were born four children, namely : James C., subject of this sketch; Hannah E., of Adams township, Warren county ; Clement J., also of Adams township; Ada A. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, but was never a seeker after public office.
James C. Jones was reared on the paternal farmstead and in the labors in connection with such a life he learned the important lessons of industry and patience, which have been such important contributing elements to his later success. He is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of fine Warren county land, all of which is maintained under a high state of cultiva- tion and well improved in every respect. +
Mr. Jones has shown a deep interest in the welfare of the locality and as president of the Bank of Pine Village he has been an important element in . the commercial and financial life of the village and surrounding country. This bank is one of the solid financial institutions of Warren county, much of its prosperity being directly due to the indefatigable efforts and forceful personal- ity of its president. Mr. Jones is also president of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Warren county.
In 1890 Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Clara Grammes, the daughter of James and Mary (Brown) Grames, the father a native of Ireland, coming to Warren county, Indiana, many years ago, and the mother a native of Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born four children, namely : Mary E., Isaac L., Ruth C. and Herman L., all of whom are at home except- ing Mary, who is the wife of Dr. D. D. MacGillivray, of Pine Village.
Politically, Mr. Jones follows in the footsteps of his forebears and gives his support to the Democratic party, in the success of which he is keenly in- terested, though he is in no sense a seeker after the honors of public office. Judging by the splendid record he has made in the past, the future holds much of promise for Mr. Jones. Possessing rare foresight, straightforward busi-
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ness principles and persistent energy, he makes a success of whatever he puts his hand to. Personally, he is a good mixer, unassuming, genial and uniform- ly courteous.
HOWARD W. JONES.
One of the owners of extensive farming interests in Fountain county is the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch. His valuable property has been acquired largely through his own efforts, his persistency and his deter- mination, and the prosperity which is the reward of all earnest efforts is today his. Mr. Jones is easily the peer of any of his fellows in the qualities that constitute correct manhood and good citizenship. He is what he is from natural endowment and self-culture, having attained his present position solely through the impelling force of his own genius. He possesses not only those powers which render men efficient in the material affairs of life, but also the gentler traits that mark genial and refined social intercourse. In his daily affairs he manifests a generous regard for his fellows and as a large- hearted, whole-souled gentleman, actuated by principles of honesty, no man in the county merits and commands more fully the good will of the people.
Howard W. Jones is a nativ of the state of Illinois, having been born near Springfield on April 2, 1862. He is the son of Smith and Margaret (Hoss) Jones, who never lived in Indiana but about one year. The subject was reared to a farming life and to this line of endeavor he has consistently applied himself, with a very satisfactory degree of success. He and his wife are the owners of four hundred and twenty acres of excellent land, three hundred of which is under the plow or fit for cultivation, while most of the remainder is in orchard or timber. By giving careful and thoughtful atten- tion to the needs of the soil and the most approved methods of agriculture, "Mr. Jones has wrought with the greatest efficiency and he is generally con- sidered a thoroughly up-to-date farmer. He is also interested in the raising of good grades of live stock, which he has found to be a profitable source of income.
In 1894 Mr. Jones married Arletta Bonebrake, the daughter of John MI. and Mary ( Myers) Bonebrake. Mr. Boncbrake was an early settler of this county, and he and the subject cleared the land where the latter now lives. Mr. Bonebrake was a successful farmer and while a resident of Parke county he served as township trustee and also taught school. He was a great worker in the United Brethren church and to his generosity is that society indebted
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HOWARD W. JONES.
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for the fine church at Yeddo, called the Centennial church, located eight miles south of Veedersburg and one mile east of Yeddo. Of this church Mr. Jones is a member and a present trustee. Mr. Bonebrake was a Republican in politics and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death occurred in 1911. His only child is Mrs. Jones. Elsewhere in this work will be found a portrait of John M. Bonebrake, inserted by Mr. Jones as a tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones has been born a daughter, May, now at home.
Politically, Mr. Jones is a suporter of the Democratic party, while his fraternal membership is with the Modern Woodmen of America. He oc- cupies a prominent place among thie successful farmers of Mill Creek town- ship. He has acted well his part in life, and while primarily interested in his own affairs, he has not been unmindful of the interests of others, as his efforts to advance the public good and promote the welfare of the entire com- munity abundantly attest. Mr. Jones also belongs to Masonic Lodge No. 636, at Yeddo, this township, of which he is treasurer, and is also secretary and treasurer of the Anti-Horsethief Association. He is the present treasurer and trustee of the cemetery. He and his wife are also members of the Eastern Star, she being treasurer and he secretary.
PERCY L. JONES.
Agriculture has been the true source of man's dominion on earth ever since the primal existence of labor and has been the pivotal industry that has controlled, for the most part, all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. Among this sturdy element in Warren county, whose labors have profited alike themselves and the community in which they live, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, as was also his honored father before him, and in view of the consistent record he has made during his entire life, which has been spent in his home community, it is particularly fitting that the following brief record of his career as an enterprising agriculturist and stock man, and also as a public-spirited citizen, be incorporated in a book of this nature, for he has been careful of his conduct in all the relations of life.
Percy L. Jones, well known citizen of Warren township, Warren county, Indiana, was born on October 15, 1882, on the farm where he still resides.
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having been content to spend his life in his native community, and here his family located in pioncer days, worked hard clearing the land and developing it into the present fine farm of the subject, and here they became well known and influential, doing much toward the carlier progress of the township and county. The subject is the son of Curtis and Fannie (Martindale) Jones. The father was born in the house now occupied by the subject of this sketch, the paternal grandfather, Clement G. Jones, having located on this place in the early days when neighbors were few and the great woods on every hand was the haunt of wild beasts. The land has been retained by the family for some three-quarters of a century.
Percy L. Jones is the eldest of two children, the other being Curtis G. Jones. The subject grew to manhood on the home farm and there he assisted with the general work when a boy. He received his education in the common schools and at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, from the department of mechanical engineering. But he has chosen to devote his time to farming the home place, which he owns and which consists of three hundred and fifty acres.
Mr. Jones was married on May 27, 1907, to Florence M. McKendree, of Lafayette, Indiana, the daughter of Thomas A. and Barbara M. McKen- dree, both dec .sed. Two children have been born to the subject and wife, namely : Curtis M. Jones and Marshall R. Jones.
Politically, Mr. Jones is a Republican, and has always taken an interest in local affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, including the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the Knights of Pythias.
V. P. SMITH.
One of the most evident things to the thoughtful farmer is the fact that life at no state is a bed of roses. There are thorns, and many of them, along the path of farming life, and the lucky ones are they who are pierced by the fewest and avoid the most. It will probably not be disputed that all persons should keep in view the important duty of pulling out the thorns of those who are less fortunate. Realizing this fact early in his career, V. P. Smith, one of the successful farmers in the vicinity of Williamsport, has sought to so live that his life may be a blessing to others while he is laying up earthly treasure for himself, and he has therefore won a host of friends since he came to Warren county, some twenty-two years ago.
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Mr. Smith was born in the year 1865, in Frederick county, Maryland, and is the son of George J. and Anna ( Palmer) Smith, both now deceased. They spent their lives on a farm in Frederick county, Maryland, the Smiths having been early settlers in that state, and the father of the subject never left his native locality. His death occurred in 1891, at the age of seventy- one years, and his wife passed away in 1906, when eighty-seven years old. They were the parents of eight children, namely: II. T., Jonas D., George E., Sarah E., Mary I., Jourah E., V. P. and Ben II.
V. P. Smith grew to manhood on his father's farm in the old Oriole state, and there he assisted with the general work, receiving his education in the common schools. Not being enabled to get much of a start in life in his native country he decided to cast his lot with the people of the middle West, and he first went to Dayton, Ohio, and worked on a farm in that vicinity for some time, then, about 1890, came to Warren county, Indiana, arriving here with scarcely any capital, but with a determination to succeed. He began working by the month, and saved his earnings. In time he was able to buy land and, by close application and good management, he prospered, and is now the owner of a very productive and well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on the crossroads about four miles from Williamsport. He keeps some good live stock and poultry and he has a comfortable honie.
Mr. Smith was married in December, 1890, to Carrie A. Houpt, and to this union four children have been born, named as follows: Chester A., Bertha M., Elsie and Luther J., all attending the local schools. Politically, Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and he and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church.
EDWIN KEISTER.
Among the strong and influential citizens of Warren county the record of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this section, the gentleman whose name appears above occupies a prominent place and for years he has exerted a beneficial influence in the township where he resides. His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and every-day common sense, which has enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the ad- vancement of the community.
Edwin Keister is a native of Warren county, Indiana, having been born in Liberty township on July 25, 1865. He is the son of Isaac and Susan
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(Ridenour) Keister, who are mentioned at length in the sketch of James Keister, elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Keister's boyhood days were spent much as the average farmer boy, attending the district school during the win- ter months and, when old enough, spending the summer months in hard work . on the home farm. He was careful of his carnings, being very provident, and as a result in due time he was enabled to buy a farm of his own, it being located in Fountain county, about three miles east of Attica. He is living, however, in Prairie township, Warren county, where he expects to continue his residence.
On April 18, 1894, Mr. Keister was married to Viola McClure. She was born on October 28, 1872, in Liberty township, Warren county, Indiana, the daughter of Samuel and Susan (Davis) McClure. Samuel McClure, who was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, on February 7, 1830, died on August 19. 1911, in Warren county, Indiana. His wife was born in Maryland on · January 27, 1844, came to Warren county, Indiana, in 1856, and died here on November 27, 1881. Samuel and Susan McClure were married on August 25, 1867, and of their four children Mrs. Keister was the third in order of birth.
Mr. Keister is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he gives his earnest support. His political affiliation is with the Republican party and in 1904 he was elected trustee of Prairie township, serving until 1908 and giving an exceptionable administration of the office. He built new school houses in districts 3 and 4, inaugurating the centralized school system in the township, and also improved the system of gravel roads. Mr. Keister is a quiet, unassuming man and in all the relations of life he has been found faith- ful to every trust. Because of his sterling worth and ability he enjoys the good will and esteem of all who know him.
JAMES A. COPELAND.
The subject of this sketch has well earned the honor to be addressed as one of the progressive, public-spirited men of Fountain county, since from the beginning of his business career here he has been a conspicuous figure in the affairs of his native locality, whose interests he has sought to promote in all legitimate ways, while securing for himself the comforts of life and home and a competence for his declining years. Mr. Copeland's home is at the at- tractive village of Kingman. He was for a number of years successfully en- gaged in the livery business at Vecdersburg, and wherever he is known he is
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JAMES A. COPELAND.
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held in the highest esteem owing to his life of honor and industry, and he is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, single handed for the most part and very often in the face of obstacles that would have discouraged many a one.
James A. Copeland was born in Fountain county, Indiana, November 27, 1867. He is a son of Andrew J. and Nancy L. (Lamb) Copeland, na- tives of North Carolina. The father was a wagon-maker by trade, but the last twenty years of his life were devoted to general farming. He came to Parke county, Indiana, in 1851, later moving to Fountain county, where his death occurred in 1895, at the age of seventy-three years. His widow sur- vived a mmimber. of years, dying on January 29, 1909, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are living at this writing, namely : Julia Ann married Perry Davis, a farmer of Parke county ; Oliver J., a horse dealer of Kingman; Melinda E. married Benjamin DeBaun, a farmer of Parke county ; Mary A. married Grant Deer, of Veedersburg ; John S. is a farmer of Marshall, Indiana; and James .1., of this sketch, who is a twin of John S. The parents of these children were members of the New Light Christian church. The father was a Democrat.
James A. Copeland grew to manhood in Parke county and there he re- ceived a good practical education in the common schools. He began life for himself by farming, which he continued to follow successfully until 1904, when he began to devote his time to buying and selling live stock, and, hav- ing been by both nature and training an exceptionally good judge of all kinds of stock, he made a pronounced success of this venture, becoming known as one of the leading stock men of this section of the state. After following this line for a few years he began in the livery business. He came to Kingman in 1897, where he has, since December of that year, been engaged in the grocery business.
Mr. Copeland was married on November 27, 1895, to Cora A. Maris, daughter of William O. Maris, a farmer of Parke county, and to this union three children have been born, namely: Maris A., Myrtle J. and Eleanor Evangeline.
Mr. Copeland is the owner of seventy-two acres of valuable land which he is now improving in an up-to-date manner, converting his place into a modern and desirable farm.
Politically, Mr. Copeland is a Democrat and is influential in the ranks. For a number of years he was town clerk, and he was elected county com- missioner in 1906, and he discharged his duties in such a conscientious :nd able manner that he was re-elected and is now incumbent of that office.
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WILLIAM R. GRAMES.
William R. Grames, a prominent farmer residing in Liberty township about three and one-half iniles southeast of Rainsville, is a native of Warren county, Indiana, and the son of James and Mary ( Brown) Grames, who were among the early settlers of Pine township. The following are the names of the other members of the family: Malissa and Addie, both deceased; John W .; Emma E., deceased; James F., deceased; Bertha A., deceased; Minnie M. and Edwin E. the subject being the sixth in order of birth. The father of this family was a native of connty Tyrone, Ireland, but came to America when quite young and settled originally in Hamilton county, Ohio, removing thence to Warren county, Indiana, many years ago and settling in Pine town- ship, of which he was one of the pioneers. A tiller of the soil by occupation and a man of great industry and frugality, he cleared and developed a good farm and in due time accumulated a comfortable competency and became one of the leading citizens of his community.
William R. Grames, whose name heads this article, was born November II, 1871, and grew to mature years on the family homestead in Pine town- ship, the meantime assisting his father with the labors of the farm and at- tending the public schools during the winter months. He remained with his parents until attaining his majority, when he began the struggle of life for himself, choosing agriculture for a vocation and addressing himself to the same with a well-defined purpose to succeed. Having by industry and economy saved considerable money, he invested his means in a tract of land in Liberty township and has since added to his original purchase until he now owns a splendid farm of one hundred seventy-five acres adjoining the range line and Rainsville turnpike, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and otherwise improved. Mr. Grames has made a careful study of the science of agriculture and cultivates his land according to the most approved modern methods. He uses the best of implements and machinery, believes in the dignity of his vocation and as a successful farmer holds worthy prestige among the most enterprising men of his calling in Warren county. He is still a young man, with the greater part of his life before him, and, judging from his achievements in the past, it is safe to predict for him a long and useful career in the future. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat and an in- fluential party worker. In recognition of his services, as well as by reason of his fitness for the office, he was nominated in 1912 for the Legislature, but the Republican majority being so great in his district he was defeated by a
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very small plurality. He has served as trustee of Pine township and proved a judicious and popular official, as his efforts in behalf of his jurisdiction abundantly attest.
Mr. Grames is a married man, but has no children. The lady wik now bears his name and presides with grace and dignity over his home was for- merly Esta Christina Hughes, whose father. L. M. Hughes, came to this county from Ohio a number of years ago and settled in Pine township. The Hughes family was very prominent in Ohio and the different members have been held in high esteem since becoming residents of Warren county.
ROBERT BERNARD MOUDY.
The student interested in the history of Warren county does not have to carry his investigations far into its annals before carning that Robert B. Moudy has long been an active and leading representative of the great agri- cultural interests and that his labors have proven a potent force in making this a rich farming region. Through several decades he has carried on diversified farming and stoek raising, gradually improving his valuable land, and while he has prospered in this he has also fornd ample opportunity to assist in the material development of the county, and his co-operation has been of value for the general good.
The subject's parents were George B. and Mary (Hurley ) Moudy, the former of whom died in 1877, while the mother is now making her home with the subject of this sketch. George B. Moudy was a native of Ohio, where he was reared and married, coming to Indiana in about 1867. He was a farmer and, though not a man of much book learning, he was of a practical make-up and was fairly successful. The subject's mother was born in Cork, Ireland, coming to the United States at the age of twelve years with an uncle. She was converted at the age of twelve years and confirmed at the North Gate Convent. She accompanied her uncle to Boston, where they settled, and later she moved to Ohio, where she married. She is now, at a ripe old age, making her home with the subject of this sketch. George and Mary Moudy were the parents of four children,, namely : Robert B., the subject : Isabella, deceased; George W., who married May Harris and is living at Danville, Illinois; William, who married Emma Beckett and is also living at Danville.
Robert B. Moudy was born in Butler county, Ohio, on May 11, 1861, and was reared by his parents, receiving a good common school education.
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He early applied himself to husbandry as his life work and in this line of en- deavor he has been emincinly successful. He is now the owner of three hundred and seven acres of splendid land in Mound township, Warren county, located near the town of Foster, and all of which is tillable excepting a few small groves. Over three thousand rods of tiling have been laid by Mr. Moudy and many other permanent and substantial improvements have been placed on the place, so that today it is numbered among the best farms of the section in which it is located.
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