Indiana

Biography of Lewis Johnson

Lewis Johnson, born on July 30, 1846, in Adams Township, Madison County, Indiana, is a notable figure in local agriculture. A lifelong resident, he has witnessed and contributed to the transformation of the area from wilderness to a prosperous community. Educated in district schools and through hard work, he developed a successful farming career and engaged in cattle trading. Married to Martha A. Slaughter, he raised six children, all of whom have pursued education and community roles. Johnson is an active member of the Masons and a committed Democrat, demonstrating dedication to local affairs.

Biography of Amos Underwood

Amos Underwood, born March 20, 1858, in Hamilton County, Indiana, is regarded as a prominent agriculturist in Adams Township. Raised on his father’s farm, he developed a strong work ethic and agricultural knowledge from a young age. He married Alice M. Davis in 1888, and they have two children. Known for his integrity and reliability, Underwood is active in local politics as a Prohibitionist and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He owns a well-cultivated farm and maintains a strong community reputation.

Biography of Miron G. Reynolds

Miron G. Reynolds

Miron G. Reynolds, born on June 16, 1853, in Wayne County, Indiana, exemplifies the self-made man ideal. His journey began in poverty, with limited education, yet he overcame numerous obstacles to become a prominent businessman in Anderson. As president of the Central Heating Company and the Reynolds Gas Regulator Company, he made significant contributions to local industry. Known for his integrity and leadership, Reynolds also supported various enterprises. He married Carrie B. Bousman in 1892 and has one son, Myron B. Reynolds.

Biography of Samuel Quincy Markle

Samuel Quincy Markle has been a significant figure in Adams Township for over twenty years, contributing to its business, political, and social landscapes. Coming from a respected family known for integrity, Samuel’s roots trace back to his grandfather, John Markle, a pioneer farmer after whom Markleville was named. Samuel, alongside his brothers, launched a successful sawmill business, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen. A devoted family man and community member, he remains engaged in local politics and activities for the betterment of his community.

Biography of Neils P. Sailing

Neils P. Sailing, born in 1858 in Viborg, Denmark, immigrated to the United States in 1882. He initially worked in the lumber industry in Michigan before establishing his successful lumber and coal business in Anderson, Indiana, in 1899. Sailing expanded his enterprise to become the largest in the area, providing various lumber products. He is a member of multiple Masonic organizations and has political ties to the Republican Party. Despite starting with no capital, Sailing’s efforts have led to significant success and community recognition.

Biography of John W. Lambert

John W. Lambert, born on January 29, 1860, in Ohio, was the treasurer and general manager of Buckeye Manufacturing Company and the creator of the Lambert Patented Friction Transmission. He pioneered innovations in the automotive industry, emphasizing simplicity and reducing maintenance costs. Despite initial skepticism from competitors, Lambert’s persistence led to widespread acceptance of his transmission system. His company, established in 1893 in Anderson, Indiana, grew significantly, employing 250 workers and producing successful automobiles. Lambert was known for his determination and strong work ethic, embodying the spirit of industrial advancement.

Biography of Joel B. Benefiel

Joel B. Benefiel, a lifelong resident of Madison County, has served as the county auditor since 1912 after a successful career in farming and stock raising. Born on December 20, 1867, he pursued education in local schools, later attending high school in Frankton. His family, rooted in local history, has significantly contributed to the community’s development. Mr. Benefiel is well-respected for his integrity and effective administration. He is married to Hannah J. Gusinger and they have seven children, all contributing to the community’s fabric.

Biography of Henry P. Hardie

Henry P. Hardie, postmaster of Anderson and a respected public official in Madison County, was born in England in 1868 and moved to the U.S. as a child. After early work in steel mills, he served as foreman and later worked in the brewing industry. His political career included roles as city comptroller, mayor, and police commissioner. Appointed postmaster in 1912, Hardie is known for his dedication to public service. He is also active in various fraternal organizations and married to Susan Harris, with whom he has one son.

Biography of Charles A. Henderson

Charles A. Henderson has managed the oldest drug store in Madison County for over 45 years, establishing a reputable business in Anderson. A Civil War veteran, he was born in Ohio in 1844 and learned the drug trade in Zanesville before moving to Indiana. He served as Madison County clerk for four years while maintaining his pharmacy. Henderson, a devoted Democrat, is respected in his community and actively involved in fraternal organizations. He married Harriett E. Crabbs in 1875, and they had four children.

Biography of C. B. Pendleton, M. D.

Dr. C. B. Pendleton, a prominent figure in Madison County, Indiana, has earned distinction in medicine, agriculture, and public service. Born on the family farm in Adams Township, he hails from a lineage deeply rooted in local history. After teaching and later pursuing medicine at the Physio-Medical College of Indiana, he practiced for two decades before serving as township trustee. As a dedicated physician and community member, he has maintained the prestigious reputation of his family, raising three well-respected children and actively contributing to his profession and community.

Biography of Joseph E. Hennings

Joseph E. Hennings, born in New York City on May 10, 1865, has been a significant figure in Anderson, Indiana’s business landscape since 1890. Starting as a salesman, he gained prominence in the hotel industry, successfully operating the old Anderson Hotel and later the Grand Hotel and the Grand Opera House. A dedicated community member, he played a key role in the “Made in Anderson” exhibit and is involved in various fraternal organizations. Married to Josephine Morey, the couple has one daughter and resides on Central Avenue.

Biography of Thomas Jenkins Doty

Thomas Jenkins Doty, born on August 25, 1838, in Madison County, Indiana, was a prominent farmer and pioneer of Green Township. The son of John and Sarah A. Doty, he grew up on the family homestead and served in the Second Indiana Cavalry during the Civil War, participating in significant battles like Chickamauga. After the war, he successfully pursued farming despite starting with little capital. Married in 1878 to Sarah A. Davis, they had four children. Doty remains an active community member and a respected local citizen.

Biographical Sketch of J.T. Willett

J.T. Willett, born on May 3, 1856, in Union County, Kentucky, is a notable figure in Wallowa County’s agricultural development. After leaving home at age twenty, he spent time farming in Kansas before relocating to Oregon in 1880. Settling in Wallowa County in 1884, he established a successful homestead and became a respected citizen. Willett married Chatie Pickett in 1879, and they had four children. His influential contributions to the county’s growth have solidified his status among its pioneering builders.

Biography of Peter O’Sullivan

Peter O’Sullivan, born in Ireland in 1845, emigrated with his family to the United States, ultimately settling in Missouri. He served in the Civil War and later became involved in politics, serving as town council member and mayor. In 1880, he homesteaded in Wallowa County, Oregon, where he expanded his farm and became the first county judge, earning respect for his leadership and practical judgment during the county’s organization. O’Sullivan was a devoted family man and an active participant in political life, upholding Jeffersonian Democratic values.

Biographical Sketch of Mary E. Perkins

Mary E. Perkins, born to William and Nancy Warnack in Indiana, moved with her family to Kansas and then to Wallowa County in 1879. After the death of her mother, she married Luther Perkins in 1881, raising three children while managing a successful 240-acre stock ranch near Imnaha. Recognized for her industriousness, skillful management, and community contributions, she has become a respected figure among Wallowa County’s leading citizens, amassing significant property and a thriving livelihood.

Biographical Sketch of John W. Thompson

John W. Thompson, born on February 18, 1837, in Vermilion County, Indiana, grew up in Iowa before embarking on a journey westward. After a brief stint in Utah, he mined in Montana for five years and later worked in Walla Walla County until 1880. Thompson then settled in Wallowa County, Oregon, where he engaged in trapping and hunting for eight years. In 1888, he established a homestead and later acquired additional timberland, focusing on stock raising and achieving success in his endeavors.

Biography of Thomas M. Lathrope

Thomas M. Lathrope, born June 10, 1841, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, emerged as a noteworthy pioneer in Linn County, Kansas. He enlisted in the Second Kansas Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, participating in significant battles until his honorable discharge. After marrying Elizabeth M. Fox in 1869, they journeyed to Oregon, settling in Coos County before moving to Grande Ronde Valley. Lathrope developed a successful farm while raising twelve children and served as road supervisor and county road master, demonstrating leadership and integrity throughout his life.

Biographical Sketch of Elzie O. Makin

Elzie O. Makin, born on August 7, 1862, in Indiana, has been a significant figure in Wallowa County, known for his integrity and dedication to community development. After working in lumbering with his father, he explored various states before settling in Arkansas for seven years. Eventually, he moved to Wallowa County, where he engaged in farming and sheep raising, accumulating substantial land holdings. Makin married Margaret Finley in 1880, and they had six children. He is recognized for his contributions to the county’s growth and prosperity.

Biography of William Makin

William Makin, born in Pennsylvania in 1837, exemplified the pioneer spirit in Wallowa County. After moving to Indiana, he ventured to Iowa, and in 1862, led a large wagon train to the Pacific coast. Makin married three times, fathering numerous children. He initially farmed in Grande Ronde Valley but later sold his ranch to establish a successful farm near Enterprise, known for its sheep and crop production. A community leader, he supported morality, education, and various religious causes, earning respect as a moral beacon.

Biography of John Dougherty

John Dougherty, born in 1837 in Indiana, migrated to Missouri, where he farmed for several years before moving to Oregon in 1888. A pioneer in Wallowa County, he established himself as a successful stockman and a respected community member. He married Nancy Simson in 1858, and they had nine children, though many preceded him in death. After Nancy’s passing, Dougherty continued to contribute to his community, exemplifying the ideals of hard work and integrity throughout his life. He now resides in Wallowa.