With the old-time residents of White County must be numbered the Magee family. Empire A. Magee, the founder of the family in this county, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1797, where he spent his boyhood and learned the millwright trade. On August 22, 1822, he married Jane Noble, of Ohio, who died in the State of Missouri in 1837, leaving five children to be cared for by relatives in Ohio, one of which, Miss Anna Magee, now lives in Monticello. His second wife, Emily Gay, was born in East Randolph, Vermont, February 12, 1812, her mother dying when she was quite young. She was taken by her oldest brother, Doctor Gay, to Fort Dearborn, now Chicago, where she was married to Empire A. Magee in 1840. Some time after this the family moved to Logansport, where Mr. Magee followed his trade for a time, when he removed to Lockport, in Carroll County, where he continued to reside until April 10, 1849, when he located in Monticello, built the dam and flouring mill for Reynolds & Brearley and a few years later built the woolen mill, just north of it, for Hoagland Brothers, of Lafayette. The old flour mill stood for over sixty years and was destroyed by fire Sunday evening, May 20, 1911, and the woolen mill was abandoned and taken away many years ago. The Magee home was for many years on the lots now occupied by the Lougbry Brothers Milling and Grain Company. There the family lived for more than a quarter of a century until the death of both parents in 1875, when the family home was abandoned. Both Mr. and Mrs. Magee were members of the Presbyterian Churdh at Monticello and one of the windows in the south side of this church is set aside as a memorial to these worthy people.
In the Brookston community Augustus E. Mahin has for a number of years been one of the most substantial factors, and though primarily a farmer and he and his wife are owners of a large tract of excellent land in that community, his activities have also had a wide scope. He has done his share of local improvement, and by following out his inclinations for mechanical pursuits has developed a good business at the Township of Prairie by operating a shop for general repairing and the handling of automobile accessories, windmills, threshing outfits and other machinery. The grain growers in that section have appreciated his service as a thresherman for a number of years, and he has also performed some large contracts and general drainage work.
The Mahin family is one of the oldest established in this section of Indiana. The name was originally spelled Mahan, and is of Irish origin, though with important admixtures of German and other stocks. One of the interesting social events in the Battleground [sic] community was the celebration on March 27, 1899, of the ninety-fifth birthday anniversary of Mrs. Hester Mahin, the grandmother of the Brookston business man above mentioned. This anniversary was made the occasion for a family reunion, at which four of grandmother Mahin's sons were present besides a large number of other relatives and friends. Grandmother Hester (Shigley) Mahin was born in Greene County, Ohio, March 27, 1804, and was a daughter of John and Barbara (Potts) Shigley, who were born in the Kingdom of Wuertemberg, Germany, and were married after coming to this country. On January 29, 1824, Hester Shigley married John Mahin. Four years later, in 1828, they moved from Ohio to Indiana and settled in the extreme northern part of Tippecanoe County. That they were among the earliest settlers is indicated by the fact that their nearest neighbor was five miles away. They raised and made their own clothing and bedding from flax and wool, and Hester Mahin in the early days was noted for her expert skill in spinning and weaving. She and her husband had seven children, six sons and one daughter. At the time of the birthday anniversary above mentioned, in addition to her four living sons, she had forty-two grandchildren, thirty of whom were living, seventy-four great-grandchildren, fifty-five of whom were living, and two great great-grandchildren, making a total of 126 descendants. At the anniversary celebration four generations were represented, one of her great-grandchildren being present, an infant one year old. At that time the four sons of Hester Mahin were Milton, Charles W., William and Augustus.
The late William Mahin, father of Augustus E. Mahin, was born in Indiana, January 27, 1840, and spent his entire life in White and Tippecanoe counties with the exception of the three years of his career as a soldier. When about fourteen years of age he was employed by a neighbor in breaking sod, driving six yoke of oxen to the plow. Soon after reaching manhood in 1862 he enlisted in Company G of the Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, and was with that regiment in its various campaigns and marches, including Sherman's march to the sea, until the close of the war. Throughout his life he was noted for his noble character and his fine example as a Christian. Early in life, he became a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and three of his brothers were also preachers in that denomination. He had charge of the Methodist Church at Monon when his son Augustus was born. His last charge was at Oxford, and while there his health broke down. In the latter part of his life he was a gardener at Brookston and Battleground [sic]. In politics he was an ardent prohibitionist. After a lingering illness he died at his home at Battleground [sic] November 20, 1911, and was laid to rest in the Battleground [sic] Cemetery.
On Jnly 23, 1865, William Mahin married Miss Virginia Fleek, who died October 24, 1914. She was born in Lafayette, Indiana, December 8, 1844, a daughter of Conrad and Nancy Fleek. Her father was a wagon maker at Lafayette, and lost his life there while fighting a fire. Of the marriage of William and Virginia Mahin there are four children: Olive S., wife of Elmer Skinner of Morocco; Augustus E.; Estella E., wife of William Snyder of Long Beach, California; and Miss Lillian Belle, who is unmarried and lives in Lafayette.
Augustus Eddy Mahin was born at Bradford, at what is now the Village of Monon, April 9, 1869. He received a good education, largely of a practical character, and early learned the trade of carpenter. About two years after his marriage he moved to his present farm, and since then has always been a farmer in addition to his other activities. He and his wife own a fine place of 240 acres well improved, situated 6½ miles northwest of Brookston, and he owns some town property in West Lafayette. He was superintendent of construction of the William F. Myers ditch which passes through his farm. Mr. Mahin is a republican in politics and he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church at Badger Grove. He is affiliated with Anchor Lodge No. 263 of the Knights of Pythias at Brookston.
November 22, 1894, Mr. Mahin married Miss Mary J. Holwerda, daughter of Hine G. and Isabelle (Sayer) Holwerda, who were of Dutch descent. Mrs. Mahin is a native of White County. Their family of four children, all still at home, are named Ralph H, Iva E., Agnes V. and C. Vernon.
Among the early settlers of White County was Jacob Markle, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1803 and died at Monticello in November, 1880. After spending most of his life in Tippecanoe and Jasper counties, Indiana, he removed to White County about the close of the Civil war and built the woolen factory which formerly stood on the east side of the river opposite Monticello, but this enterprise was beyond his means, the result was financial ruin, his friends forsook him and his life was closed in comparative poverty.
William P. Marshall died suddenly in Monticello, Monday evening, April 5, 1914. He was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, November 2, 1834, and on August 17, 1865, was married to Florence Rose Brown of Monticello, who is still living. A son, Charles Marshall, of Indianapolis, was born to their union. He left a good soldier record, being a member of the One Hundredth Pennsylvania and the Ninth Indiana regiments. He was a skilled painter and decorator by trade, but for the last years of his life was a justice of the peace in Monticello.
During a residence in White County of nearly half a century, Lewis B. Martin has not only identified himself in a successful manner with the cares and responsihilities of farm management, but has possessed and exercised that public spirit which looks after the welfare of the community, and supports institutions and movements that have a broader significance than the well being of the individual. Mr. Martin has one of the fine rural places in West Point Township, situated on rural route No. 12 out of Chalmers.
Though not a native of White County he was brought here in early youth by his father, John W. Martin, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, March 12, 1828, and moved with his family to White County on November 18, 1865. He was reared in his native state and was married there in 1849 to Samantha J. Neiswander, who was born November 20, 1832, and died July 25, 1901. Her parents were natives of Germany. John W. Martin was a son of John J. Martin, a native of Scotland but of English stock. Of the nine children born to John W. and wife, two died in infancy. Charlotte is the wife of Soloman Carr and lives in Frankfort, Indiana. The second oldest is Lewis B. Virgil A. and Walter both reside in West Point Township. Ella is the wife J. H. Carson, living in Rensselaer. Adda married George W. Chamberlain and they live at Chalmers. Lillie is the wife of Oliver Reid, living at Frankfort.
John W. Martin died May 30, 1902, and is buried in West Point Cemetery. He was a man of many positive qualities and a useful factor in every community where he lived. For two years he served as township assessor and was a democrat, who stood loyally by his party and its principles but was not an office seeker. He was a man of college training, well informed, was keen in debate and argument, and for about ten years followed the vocation of teacher. He taught four or five terms in White County, having charge of the old West Point School two terms, the old Evolve School two terms, and for many years served as school director. He held to the Universalist faith in religion. John W. Martin arrived in White County with about $3,000, and at the time of his death was the owner of about 200 acres of fine farming land. He was a big man physically, stood 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed 200 pounds or more. For two or three years from 1883 he conducted a store at Wheeler Station.
Lewis B. Martin was born January 18, 1853, in Franklin County, Ohio, and was about thirteen years old when he came with the family to White County. His father first settled in section 11, range 5 west, West Point Township, and in that locality the son completed his education in the common schools and was well trained in the industry, good habits and skill required of the successful farmer.
In 1883 he married Lulu Campbell, a daughter of John J. and Susan Campbell of Tippecanoe County. The first of the five children born into their home is Edna M., now the wife of Frank Reissig and living in Hobart, Indiana. Mrs. Reissig was graduated from the Valparaiso University, and all the children have been given an excellent home training and the opportunities of schools. Blanche M., the second daughter, married Charles Wynekoop of Princeton Township, and their two sons are named Lewis and Allen. Cecile is the wife of John Sensenbaugh, living in Carroll County. The other children are at home, named John W. and Estella C.
A farmer all his life, Mr. Martin is now the possessor of what is known as the "Good Hope" farm, situated eight miles northwest of Chalmers. It comprises about 172 acres and in general improvements and value ranks with any of the farmsteads found in that community. Mr. Martin also owns some property in Chalmers, and has stock in the Farmers Elevator Company at Chalmers, in the Bank of Chalmers and in the Reynolds Creamery. One of the secrets of his success has been his strict adherence to the rule never to go in debt and always pay cash for what he buys.
He has more than once been a factor in securing local improvements. He took the initiative in the building of several roads and ditches, and started and circulated the petition for the Ernest Scipio and Charles Vineyard roads. In every direction he has stood for improvements of this character throughout the county. In politics he is a democrat, but only nationally, while in local affairs he votes for the man who will give the best service, but has never sought any honors of that kind for himself. Though not a member he supports the Methodist Church, and has no secret affiliations.
On a small marble stone in the old grave yard at Monticello, is carved the following epitaph: "Anthony Mastaw, of the 46th Reg. Ind. Vol. A patriot, a Soldier and a Christian, died near New Madrid, Mo., March 26, 1862. Aged 42 years."
His biography would read like fiction. In fact, but little is known of him,
though to the older generation he represented himself to have some Indian
blood in his veins, of which he was quite proud. He lived with his wife in a
log cabin on the east side of the river, about five miles north of Monticello;
was a member of the Presbyterian Church and intensely religious. He enlisted
from White County and was mustered into the
service November 5, 1861. The late L. G. Kenton, was a comrade with Mr. Mastaw
and has often told the writer of being alone with him the night of his death,
which occurred in a log cabin. His death was caused by typhoid fever and his
remains were brought to Monticello for interment. His wife, who died from a
cancer some years later, is buried by his side. Mr. Mastaw was a brother-in-law
of Prof. George Bowman.
Among the men of White County who have long been identified with the industry of farming and in such a manner as to reach substantial places in the general business consideration of the district is Levi A. Mathew, whose particularly fine homestead is found in section 2 of West Point Township.
The Mathew family is of French descent and has been identified with this county fully forty years. It was the late Alfred Mathew who introduced the family name into this section of Indiana. Alfred Mathew was born in Kankakee County, Illinois, August 14, 1856, a son of Flavius and Mary Mathew. As a boy he had very meager advantages in the way of schooling and made his way by dint of hard work and persistent effort carried on over a period of many years. On July 6, 1875, he married Anna Lebeau. All of the eleven children born to them are still living. In the early '70s Alfred Mathew came to White County, locating in West Point Township, and at that time possessed none of those material resources which attract social attention to a man in a business way. He was a hard worker, accepted all the opportunities that came to him, and by the wise direction of his resources eventually accumulated about 1,600 acres of land in White County. The operations of this land he directed to the general crops and to the raising of stock. Alfred Mathew died in West Point Township May 14, 1914, and is buried at Remington. He and his family were members of the Sacred Heart Church at Remington, and in politics he was a republican, and much interested in any movements for local improvements. His widow is still living in Wolcott. The names of their eleven children were: Levi A., Meddie, Mina, Cordelia, Alfred, Jr., William, Oscar, Arthur, Amos, Clarence and Herman.
The birth of Levi A. Mathew occurred at Kentland, August 9, 1876, and he is the oldest of the children, all of whom were reared and educated in White County. Soon after reaching his manhood he started out to assume the responsibilities of making a home, and on September 20, 1898, was married to Armelia Provo, daughter of Jeremiah and Margaret (Budreau) Provo. Mrs. Mathew's people are French-Canadians, and came to White County from Illinois a number of years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Mathew are the parents of ten children: Nealla, born November 26, 1900; Edwin, born June 29, 1902; Mildred, born January 5, 1904; Iva, born October 11, 1905; Mabel L., born April 17, 1907; Florence, born December 2, 1908; Lorene, born April 19, 1910; Lillian, born June 25, 1911; Ryland, born June 16, 1912; and Rita, born August 24, 1914.
In the years since his marriage Mr. Mathew, with the help of his good wife, has accumulated a fine farm of 240 acres. He uses it for the general crops and for stock raising and few men of his age are better situated as to future prospects and present advantages. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church at Remington, and his older children are attending the local public schools. In politics he is a republican.
There are many points in the individual career of Isaac N. Matthews that deserve record in this history of White County. He represents one of the oldest families to be established in the southern part of the county, and more than eighty years have elapsed since the family home was moved to the country bordering upon the Wabash Valley. He is one of the few veterans of the Civil war who has survived the assaults of time and is still living to enjoy the respect and esteem of a generation that has reaped untold benefits from the sacrificing devotion of their patriotic forefathers. In the half century since the war he has been a capable farmer and a public spirited citizen, has reared and liberally provided for a large family of children who lived to do him honor, and can now enjoy in peace and comfort the attractive surroundings and conveniences of his home, located three miles northeast of Brookston.
His grandparents were Ezekiel and Letitia (Meredith) Matthews, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Scotland. These grandparents came to America and settled in Western Pennsylvania, where John Matthews, father of Isaac N., was born on May 19, 1808, in Allegheny County. After reaching manhood he moved to Pike County, Ohio, and in 1833 married Rheuamy Chenoweth, a daughter of Arthur Chenoweth, who was of English stock. Immediately after their marriage John Matthews and wife came West to the new country of Northwestern Indiana, and located in Tippecanoe County, arriving there in the fall of 1833. From Tippecanoe they moved over into White County in 1845, aud John Matthews bought land direct from the Government, consisting of forty acres, in section 2 of Prairie Township. Two years later he entered eighty acres more in section 35 of Big Creek Township. This fine old pioneer was prospered in his undertakings as a farmer and at the time of his death owned a total of 360 acres, divided into three tracts. A brief record of his eight children is as follows: Arthur, now deceased; Elizabeth, who is the wife of James K. Price and lives in Brookston; Thomas M., deceased; Isaac N.; Ezekiel, who married Clara Wallace and lives in Lafayette; Letitia J., deceased; Nancy E., who is the wife of Robert Taylor and lives in Chalmers; and Emmarillis A., deceased.
Isaac N. Matthews was born in Larramie Township of Tippecanoe County December 26, 1841. About four years later he was brought to White County and his recollections of the people in Southern White County cover almost seventy years. He attended some of the early schools conducted in Prairie Township and came to manhood just about the time the Civil war was at its height. On July 25, 1863, he responded to the call for more troops and enlisted in Company E of the 116th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was in Burnside's command for some time and his service was in the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and Georgia. On March 1, 1864, he was given his honorable discharge at Lafayette. Thereafter for a period of nearly half a century he has followed an uninterrupted career as a practical farmer, and is now living in comfort and plenty on his farm of 91½ acres in Prairie Township. He has always been known as a man of generous inclinations, and has acted on the principle that others were as honest as himself, a trait which has caused him a number of losses at different times.
On September 24, 1909, death bereaved Mr. Matthews of his devoted wife and the companion of many years. She is buried in the Knights of Pythias Cemetery at Chalmers. Her maiden name was Margaret K. Lister, a daughter of James W. and Rhoda (Mowbray) Lister of Carroll County. Her memory is now enshrined in the hearts of her husband, her children and grandchildren and the many loyal friends she had in Southern White County. There were nine children: Elizabeth J. is the wife of Newton J. Schooler, living in Prairie Township, and of their five children, May Sharpe and Pauline Nichols, are married, the fourth, Hazel, is deceased, and the third and fifth are William and Virgil. John H., who is a farmer in Big Creek Township, married Dora Thompson, and their two children are Cecil Pearl and Opal. Rhoda R., the third of the children, is now deceased. Mary E. married D. E. Noland, who is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church and lives at Coatesville, Indiana, and the names of their four children are Lowell, Neva, Margaret and Florence. Nancy L. is the wife of John F. Hankins, and they live with her father, their three children being William M., Leona L. and Lillian P. Lynn E., who lives at Maza, North Dakota, married Minnie Gibson and has two children, Cecil and Paul. Schuyler A. lives at Maza, North Dakota. Roy N., who lives at Garske, North Dakota, married Cora Sites and has a child named Kenneth N. George W., whose home is in Plymouth, Indiana, married Laura Schneider, and their one child is Howard.
While always a republican, Mr. Matthews has been content to do his civic duty
by being a good neighbor and a friend to all progressive movements, without
participation in office seeking. He is a member of the Christian Church at
Spring Creek, and revives memories of the war by his association with Champion
Hill Post No. 171 of the Grand Army of the Republic at Brookston.
During a period of thirty years, James M. McBeth has been engaged in the insurance business in White County, about half of that time on the road, although for the past four years he has been located in a local business at Monticello. While he is widely known as a business man, however, he has gained equal prominence and popularity in official office, while still further back in his history he put in four years of service as a Union soldier during the Civil war, and was also one of the early school teachers of White County. In whatever direction his activities have been conducted he has won and retained the esteem and respect that are only granted to those who perform conscientiously and well the duties devolving upon them.
James M. McBeth was born July 31, 1842, in Stark County, Ohio, of Scotch ancestry and a son of William and Anna (Steele) McBeth. The family came to White County, Indiana, in December, 1847, settling on a farm in Cass Township, and here William McBeth died in September, 1854, being buried in the Leyman Graveyard at the northeast corner of Liberty Township. James M. McBeth attended the Monticello School, under the preceptorship of George Bowman and until nineteen years of age resided on the home farm, content to follow the vccation of agriculturist as had his father before him. At that time the Civil war came on, and with other patriotic young men of his neighborhood he enlisted in the Union army, joining Company E of the Forty-Sixth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, October 21, 1861, at Monticello. By reason of re-enlistment he was discharged January 1, 1864, but on the following day veteranized, and continued with that famous and hard-fighting regiment until September 11, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Indianapolis. During this time Mr. McBeth saw some of the fiercest struggles of the war and had his full share of active service. At Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864, he was captured by the enemy, and was confined at the Confederate Prison at Tyler until August 12, 1864, when he was marched 250 miles to Camp Grove, near Hempstead, where he was confined until paroled, December 12, 1864, and later rejoined his regiment. His record is that of a brave and faithful soldier, courageous in the face of danger, cheerful under all circumstances, and obeying unquestioningly and unfalteringly the orders of his officers.
Probably the experience and excitement of his military life changed Mr. McBeth's ideas in regard to an agricultural career. At any rate he was possessed of an ambition to do something in the world beside tilling the soil, and in order to prepare himself more fully took a three-year course at the Battle Ground College. When he left that institution he was equipped to follow a teacher's career, and for eleven years was engaged in educational work, two years at the Wylie School in Cass Township, two years at the Benham School in Carro1l County, three years in the Monticello schools, two years at the Hull School in Caroll County, and two years in the Village of Norway. In 1875 Mr. McBeth was appointed a deputy in the county auditor's office, a capacity in which he served for ten years, and during eight years of this time acted also as township assessor and two years as township trustee. He embarked in the insurance business in 1885, having been defeated for the office of county auditor in the foregoing year, and from that time to the present he has given his attention almost undividedly to this line of endeavor, with the exception of the two years from 1894 that he served as a member of the Indiana Legislature. In 1895 Mr. McBeth went on the road in the insurance line, and continued to travel for sixteen years, when advancing years caused him, in 1911, to settle down permanently at Monticello, where he has a well-established business. He is widely known among the representatives of the various concerns, and it has been his fortune to have transacted some of the best business done in this section.
Mr. McBeth has never lost interest in the welfare and activities of his old Army comrades. A charter member of the Grand Army Post at Monticello, he is one of its most popular comrades, is a Past Commander, has filled about all the offices, and at present is Adjutant. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Monticello Lodge No. 107, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been twice through the chairs. With his family he belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
On November 25, 1872, Mr. McBeth was married to Miss Sarah C. Turner, of West Carrollton, Ohio, and seven children have been born to this union: William E., who died in infancy; Doctor Walter, a practicing physician of Burnettsville, a sketch of whose career appears elsewhere in this work; Bertha, who died August 13, 1902, as the wife of Delbert H. Moorhouse; Burdella; Lewis and James E., who died in infancy; and Marjorie, who is a graduate in music from Oberlin College and aso took special instruction at a conservatory at Chicago.
This well known old resident of Cass Township is now nearing the eightieth milestone of his life's journey. He came to White County when a boy of ten years of age and has a keen recollection of the many hardships and diffcult circumstances environing the family residence in those early days. He had little more than attained manhood when he was called away to service in the Civil war, and has a creditable record as a soldier, for which his descendants will properly give him honor. For more than a ha1f century Mr. McBeth has pursued farming and stock raising, and has one of the largest and best farms in Cass Township, comprising 420 acres of land.
Born in Clark County, Ohio, May 3, 1837, Joseph McBeth is a son of William and Anna (Steele) McBeth. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, were married in Ohio and of their seven children only two are now living. In the fall of 1847 the parents and children transferred their residenee from Greene County, Ohio, to White County, Indiana, and settled in Cass Township. There were no railroads to Indiana at that time, and the journey was made in the typical manner of the times, over the rough roads, with a four-horse team, and the wagon carried not only members of the family but also the household goods. Both parents were well educated and taught school in White County after coming here. The father died in 1854, but was survived by his widow many years, and both are now at rest in the Layman Cemetery. William McBeth was a republican, a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and was one of the early farmers to introduce graded stock for his own use.
Joseph McBeth, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of Clark County, Ohio, during the first ten years of his life, and had some additional training in local schools and got the instruction of his parents after coming to White County. He was twenty-four years old when the war broke out, and on the 4th of July, 1861, enlisted in Company K of the Twentieth Indiana Infantry, under Col. William L. Brown. His command was mustered in at Lafayette, and he continued in the active service just two years. In the memorable engagement at Gettysburg in July, 1863, he was wounded and was soon after given an honorable release from military duty. Since then he has applied himself to farming, and with what liberal success everyone acquainted with the rural district of Cass Township well knows. In 1864, soon after returning from the army, he was elected township trustee, and held that office two terms. Mr. McBeth is a member of the Grand Army Post at Monticello, is a republican in politics, and belongs to the United Presbyterian Church. His family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
On May 3, 1866, Mr. McBeth married Miss Elmina M. Sheehan, daughter of David and Lydia (Hubbard) Sheehan. Into their home came ten children, and the five now living are: John S., Anna A., Blanche F., William W. and Joseph M.
In no profession are the opportunities for social service greater than those which come to the physician almost daily while in the performance of his routine duty. The professional standards of White County's physicians are unusually high, and one of the younger men who have gained reputation and honor in their respective communities for capable and intelligent practice is Dr. Walter McBeth, of Burnettsville, where he has practiced nearly fifteen years.
The McBeth family has been identified with White County upwards of seventy years, and the name is one that has always stood for good citizenship. Doctor McBeth is a son of James M. and Sarah C. (Turner) McBeth. James M. McBeth, who is now living at Monticello, was born in Clark County, Ohio, July 31, 1842, a son of William and Anna (Steele) McBeth, and in December, 1847, the family settled in Cass Township of White County.
Dr. Walter McBeth was born at Monticello, August 22, 1875. He grew up in the county seat, and was one of the boys who attended the high school there during the '90s. He afterwards, having determined upon medicine as his chosen vocation, entered the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, an institution affiliated with the State University, and was graduated M. D. April 8, 1901. Almost immediately he located at Burnettsville, and has enjoyed an increasing prestige and a substantial practice. Doctor McBeth stands high in medical circles, and is a member of the White County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
Those individuals who have given of their energy, skill, ambitious vigor and enthusiasm in the building up of a community are benefactors of humanity, and their names cannot be held in too high esteem. The qualities of such citizenship have been possessed in an eminent degree by members of the McCabe family, who have lived in White County for more than forty years. Mr. John McCabe is one of the successful business men, farmers, and public spirited citizens in the Chalmers community. It is a fact of historical interest that when the McCabes first came to White County they bought 240 acres, now included in the site occupied by the Village of West Chalmers.
The McCabe family is of Scotch-Irish origin. Ezra McCabe, father of John McCabe, was born in Ohio, and married Adelia Dillon, a sister of John Dillon of Ohio. Mrs. McCabe died at Momence, Illinois, and was buried in Spring Creek Cemetery in White County. She was born, reared and educated in Ohio, and was almost ninety years of age at the time of her death. Of their ten children John was the fifth, and all the others are now deceased except his brother Theodore, who lives in Tippecanoe County. Ezra McCabe died March 14, 1888, after a long and honored career of seventy-seven years. He spent his life as a farmer, and did well by himself and his neighbors.
John McCabe was born near Adelphi, Ohio, January 20, 1843, and came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, with his father about 1852. He grew to manhood there, and for fully half a century has been engaged in farming and in the buying and shipping of live stock. He early manifested that quality of patriotism which was willing to sacrifice all for the advantage of a united country, and in February, 1865, enlisted in Company A of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He remained in the service during the closing months of the great rebellion, and was given his honorable discharge in August, 1865. Since 1874 his home has been in White County, at which time he located in Big Creek Township. He has developed a large business as a stock buyer and has also at different times cultivated a large amount of White County land. Mr. McCabe now owns forty acres of valuable farming land three miles northeast of Brookston, and has some town property in the latter village. His activity in public affairs has been particularly identified with the prohibition movement and party. In 1914 his name appeared on the county ticket as prohibition candidate for the office of county treasurer. At one time Mr. McCabe served as marshal at Lowell, Indiana. He and a part of his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, others being members of the Christian Church.
His first wife was Lydia McLaughlin, a daughter of John McLaughlin of Tippecanoe County. Of the two children of this union Rebecca died in infancy and Sylvester is still living and unmarried. After the death of his first wife, Rebecca Taylor married Mr. McCabe. Her father was Thomas Taylor of White County. Both the children of this union, Thomas W. and Carl L., are now deceased. The present Mrs. McCabe was before her marriage Mary Ann Alkire, a daughter of Harness Alkire, of the well known Alkire family that were identified with the early settlement of White County.
The McCall family has had a substantial representation in White County for nearly half a century. It came to the county early enough to perform its share of pioneer development, and the active members of the present generation are known as aggressive farmers, upright business men, and citizens of honor and usefulness in all their relations.
The founder of the family in White County was James McCall, who came from Greene County, Ohio, to White County in the fall of 1866, settling in section 28 of Jackson Township. He was born in Pennsylvania, December 22, 1806, and on his birthday in 1828 was married to Mary Graham, who died in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1862. To this marriage were born nine children: John Graham, Elizabeth Thompson, Isabelle, Mary H., Dorcas J., Jennie Morrow Proudfoot, Daniel, Matthew Waddell and Joseph Smiley. James McCall was of Scotch-Irish descent, and a practical farmer throughout his career. He was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian denomination, and was devoted to church affairs. In earlier life he voted for the democratic party, but subsequently became an ardent prohibitionist. He was a man of liberal views, and in every sense a good citizen. During the war he enlisted, but was not accepted on account of an injured leg. His death occurred February 4, 1896.
Daniel McCall had just reached manhood when he came to White County. In April, 1865, he had enlisted in Company D of the Eighth Ohio Cavalry at Columbus, and was in service a few weeks until the close of hostilities. He now occupies the fine farm home a half mile southwest of Idaville, comprising 140 acres of land. That estate is one practical measure of his activities, since he started out with comparatively nothing, and has made his success through his own efforts.
Daniel McCall was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, near Concord, October 6, 1844, came with his father to White County and continued to live at home until his marriage on January 21, 1874, to Miss Emily MacWilliams at Idaville. She was a daughter of Robert and Mary Jane (Jacoby) MacWilliams. The MacWilliams family came to White County in 1854. To their marriage were born four children: Byron R.; Marcellus, who lives east of Idaville and by his marriage to Nina Vanderplat, has one living child, Vera Joy, and one deceased; John E., who is a United Presbyterian preacher in Ohio, married for his first wife Stella McCutcheon, and has a daughter Bessie L., and for his second wife married Bella Swan, who is the mother of one daughter, Thelma R.; and Mary L., who died in infancy.
Daniel McCall is a republican in politics, but shows a liberal attitude in matters of local affairs, voting for the best man. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, with which his wife is also identified, and both contribute liberally to its support. He has always been on the side of improvement and ready to help out in the upbuilding of the community.
His oldest son, Byron R., was born in White County, December 14, 1874, had a common school education, and now lives with his father and is active manager of the homestead. For five years he has served as an elder in the United Presbyterian Church. Byron married Lydia A. White, a daughter of Alexander L. and Jennie R. (McDowell) White of Jackson County, Ohio. They were married at the home of the bride in Jackson County, February 23, 1915, on his wife's birthday. Mr. and Mrs. McCall have one of the old parchment deeds which was executed under the hand and seal of President Van Buren and dated August 20, 1838. It is one of the valuable heirlooms of the county as well as of the home of Mr. and Mrs. McCall. This makes the eighth deed found in the County of White. One of the most commendable features in the biography of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McCall, is the tender and loving remembrance of parents by their affectionate children. True reverence is held for the dear old father and mother, and the greatest of veneration is shown in the home life of the McCall homestead. Daniel McCall is held in the highest esteem by those who know him. He has a double record—a record as an honorable and upright citizen who worships his home and his family, and a record as a soldier. When his country was in peril and need, he offered his services and, if need be, his life for the preservation of the Union.
The youngest son and child of the McCall family, that has lived in White County since the spring of 1866, Joseph S. McCall has made himself a factor in the local life of Jackson Township and has a good farm home 4 1/2 miles northwest of Idaville.
Joseph Smiley McCall was born near Concord in Muskingum County, Ohio, April 18, 1850, and during boyhood removed with his father to Green County, Ohio, and was about sixteen years old when the family located in White County.
The founder of the family in White County was James McCall who came from Green County, Ohio, to White County in the spring of 1866, settling in section 28 of Jackson Township. He was born in Pennsylvania, December 22, 1806, and on his birthday in 1828 was married to Mary Graham, who died in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1862. To this marriage were born nine children: John Graham, Elizabeth Thompson, Isabelle, Mary H., Dorcas J., Jennie Morrow Proudfoot, Daniel Steward, Matthew Waddell and Joseph Smiley. James McCall was of Scotch-Irish descent, and a practical farmer throughout his career. He was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian denomination, and was devoted to church affairs. In earlier life he voted for the democratic party, but subsequently became an ardent prohibitionist. He was a man of liberal views, and in every sense a good citizen. During the war he enlisted, but was not accepted on account of an injured leg. His death occurred February 4, 1896.
Joseph Smiley McCall was married April 24, 1883, to Miss Amanda M. Sproggs, daughter of Elam and Hannah (Beard) Sproggs. Elam Sproggs was a son of David Sproggs, who came to Indiana from Blount County, Tennessee, and further mention of this White County family will be found in other connections. Mr. and Mrs. McCall have three children: Charles L., who lives at Monticello, married Sarah Wortman, and their five children are Edith May, deceased; Charles Harry; Bertha Fae; Walter Steward; and Lucile Ruth; Estella May married Harley Shafer and lives in Carroll County; Steward A. is unmarried and lives at home.
Joseph S. McCall is a republican, but for the past eight years has supported actively the prohibition movement. He has never sought office, but for eight years served as township supervisor and gave a very efficient administration of local affairs. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and liberal supporters of the same. Mr. McCall is the owner of sixty-five acres in Jackson Township, and has made farming his career for more than forty years.
The work of the high-minded and progressive modern physician is not confined entirely to the treatment of individual cases or the needs of an exclusively private practice, but in the case of a man like Dr. Joseph D. McCann is broadened into efforts affecting the vital welfare of the entire community. Doctor McCann at Monticello is not only a physician who has enjoyed a large and distinctive practice there for twenty-five years or more, but has also taken the lead in various movements for sanitary reform and civic improvement.
Joseph D. McCann was born at Newport, Madison County, Ohio, August 15, 1858, and is the only one of two sons and two daughters still living who were children of James and Margaret (Packer) McCann. His father was a native of Virginia and his mother was born in Alleghany City, Pennsylvania. After the death of his first wife James McCann married Catherine Eskridge, and one of her children is still living in Ohio. The family came out to White County, Indiana, in 1872, and the father died there in January of the following year.
Dr. Joseph D. McCann passed a considerable part of his youth in ill health, but in spite of that handicap at the beginning has made himself useful and prominent in his community. As a young man he clerked in general stores and drug stores, and in 1885 removsd to Monticello and took up the reading of medicine with Doctor Robison. He later entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, where he was graduated M. D. in June, 1888. Returning to Monticello he became associated in practice with Doctor Robison, and their relationship was continued uninterrupted until Doctor Robison left Monticello at the close of 1914. Doctor McCann now looks after the practice by himself.
For twenty years Doctor McCann has served as surgeon of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He has taken the lead in the introduction of several important improvements in Monticello. After three petitions his plans for a local sewer system were adopted. He was the cause of laying the first paved streets of the town, and also brought about the ordinance which abolished for sanitary reasons the keeping of hogs within the town limits. Doctor McCann is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to the Consistory of Scottish Rite, and is a Past Grand Patron of the Eastern Star. He is president of the Monticello Library Board, is past president and secretary of the State Eclectic Medical Society and a former president of the National Eclectic Society, honors which well indicate his high standing in the profession. He is also a former president and is now secretary of the Association of Railway Surgeons. In politics he is a democrat of the Wilson type.
On August 15, 1889, Doctor McCann married Elizabeth Engle, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Gingrich) Engle of Pennsylvania. Dr. and Mrs. McCann lost one daughter at the age of eleven months. They are members of the Methodist Church, and Mrs. McCann is prominent in foreign missionary work.
Edward McCloud, an old time resident of Cass Township, died at the home of his son Sidney, Tuesday, July 17, 1900. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 4, 1829, came to Indiana in 1850, and on August 21, 1851, married Emeline Wiley, by whom he had nine children, six of whom survived him. On January 3, 1864, he enlisted in the Sixty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteers and at the close of the war returned home. He was intensely religious, a good citizen and a brave soldier. His funeral services were held at the White Oak Church and his remains were interred in the Buffalo Cemetery.
Maritta McCloud-Parcels was born in LaRue, Marion County, Ohio November 9, 1826, and died at Monticello, June 9, 1912. She was a sister of Edward McCloud and grew to womanhood in the place of her birth. On February 25, 1847, she was married to William H. Parcels, who died in Monticello, May 19, 1886. In 1850 they moved to Pulaski County, Indiana, and six years later came to Monticello and located on the premises where both died. In early life she joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and continued faithful until her death. She was also the last surviving charter member of the Rebekah Lodge of Monticello. Rev. J. E. McCloud, her nephew, assisted Rev. H. L. Kindig in the funeral services and her body was laid to rest in the Monticello Cemetery.
As a representative of the agricultural interests of White County, James M. McClure has established a creditable record for industry, perseverance and integrity. He has spent most of his active life in this county, and he and his wife, who was a daughter of the late James S. Van Voorst, now have one of the attractive farm homes of West Point Township, situated on Rural Route No. 12 out of Chalmers.
Born September 29, 1867, near Logan, Dearborn County, Indiana, James M. McClure is a son of James and Mary E. (Boatman) McClure. Grandfather McClure came from Ireland. Mr. McClure was born on a farm, but at the age of seven years was taken to Logan, and at eighteen came to Benton County, Indiana, and after five or six years there moved to White County and for several years was in the employ of Jacob W. Roll.
On October 28, 1902, Mr. McClure married Miss Laura D. Van Voorst, a daughter of James S. and Mary A. Van Voorst, whose lives are traced on other pages. Mr. McClure is a stanch [sic] republican, one of the leaders of his party in West Point Township, served one term as township supervisor, and in the fall of 1914 was elected township assessor overcoming the combination of the democrats and bull moosers against him. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America at Chalmers, and he and his wife are members of the Springdale Baptist Church.
Solomon McColloch, the pioneer of Prairie Township, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Clara Lilly, at Pleasant Ridge, Ohio, in April, 1912, aged ninety-four years and four days. He was born near Bellefontaine, Ohio, March 29, 1818, both his parents being Scotch. He had two brothers and three sisters. His father, Solomon McColloch, Sr., moved from Ohio to White County with a family of five children in 1832, being one of the earliest settlers of Prairie Township and the first election inspector appointed after the organization of the township. Solomon McColloch, Jr., was married three times and of the twelve children born to him by these unions three only survive. For many years Mr. McColloch farmed the Bartley place on the southeast border of Monticello, and it was here that his older children reached manhood and womanhood. The deceased was buried at Pleasant Ridge, Ohio.
William W. McColloch, a soldier who lost a leg in the service of his country, was county recorder eight years and postmaster at Monticello at the time of his death. For almost forty years Mr. McColloch was one of the most familiar figures on the streets of Monticello, with a wide acquaintance all over the county. He was a son of Solomon and Elizabeth McColloch and was born on a farm near Brookston, September 14, 1842. He enlisted in Company K, Twentieth Indiana Infantry, July 22, 1861; was wounded in the seven days' fight before Richmond June 25, 1862, taken prisoner and had his left leg amputated by rebel surgeons. Was confined for a time in Libby Prison. While attending school at the Battleground [sic] Academy he was elected county recorder in 1866 and entered upon his official duties in July, 1867, serving eight years. He then became a member of the abstracting firm of McColloch & Bushnell and was appointed postmaster in Monticello in January, 1898, re-appointed in 1892, having served a little more than five years at the time of his death, March 8, 1903. October 5, 1871, he was married to Martha M. Huff, daughter of Judge Samuel Huff, who survived him a little more than five years, dying April 20, 1908. They had no children.
For more than sixty years a resident of Monticello, few men
in White County are better known than James H. McCollum, who was born in Greene
County, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1834, the son of Thomas M. and Sarah
(Hughes) McCollum. Most of his early life was passed in Coshocton County, Ohio,
and in 1854 he came to Monticello, where for six years he clerked in the general
store of his uncle, Rowland Hughes, at the end of which time he was admitted as
a member in the firm. His subsequent years have been spent in business in
Monticello, where he still resides. He is a democrat in politics but has never
been an aspirant for political honors, though for six
years he was treasurer of the school board of Monticello and served the public
with fidelity and zeal. On June 15, 1858, he married Nancy J. Hughes, who died
March 22, 1862. On August 23, 1864, he was married to Miss Mary M. Turner and to
this union was born four children: Lillie M. (deceased), Edna M. (now Mrs. Helm,
of Greenville, Ohio), Stuart T. and William E. McCollum. Mr. McCollum's parents
in 1874 came to White County, where his mother died January 2, 1878, and on
August 13, 1880, his father also died. Mr. McCollum and his wife live in their
beautiful home in Monticello, respected by their friends and in full enjoyment
of health and prosperity.
Thomas McCollum was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1803, and was married February 28, 1823. In 1836 he moved to Coshocton County, Ohio, where he lived until 1872, when he located on a farm four miles northwest of Monticello. In the spring of 1878 his wife died, and on August 13, 1880, he, too, passed away. He was the father of fourteen children, most of whom are dead. One son, Mr. James H. McCollum, a retired business man of Monticello, and now past eighty years old, is living in Monticello, which has been his home since 1854.
A life of quiet effectiveness, marked by a record of many deeds well done and many responsibilities faithfully fulfilled, was that of the late James McComb, who, brought to White County when a child in the early '50s, deserves to be remembered among early settlers. In the round of everyday duties and in the faithful and intelligent performance of every task that was allotted to him during his life, he left a record which may well be admired by those that follow him. Mrs. McComb is now living at Brookston, and has all the comforts that the diligence and enterprise of her husband supplied during his lifetime, and also enjoys the esteem which was paid both to herself and to her husband while he was living.
The McComb family was of Scotch-Irish descent. James McComb was born in Madison County, Ohio, March 15, 1850, a son of Robert and Maria (Hare) McComb, who within a few years after the birth of their son James moved out of Ohio and located in White County, settling in Round Grove Township near Oxford. Robert McComb was a farmer and stock raiser, and he and his wife died within two weeks of each other and are buried in the Oxford Cemetery.
The late James McComb got such education as served for his equipment in life by attendance at the public schools, but was only fifteen years of age when he became self-supporting. His active career was spent largely in dealing in cattle and hogs, and he possessed what may be called a genius for this particular vocation. There is no record in which a case of his judgment was ever seriously at fault, and guided by this almost infallible intelligence he had complete confidence and ability to meet every issue wihch [sic] arose. One of his earliest enterprises which shows his self-reliance was the taking of $1,800 of his own money to Chicago to invest in hogs, which he then brought back to Indiana and fed and fattened until they were fit for market. His scrupulous integrity and honesty matched his business ability, and he enjoyed the high esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
Mr. McComb was first married to Miss Nettie Brandon, and the one child of this union was a daughter, Nellie Dean, who became the wife of Harry W. Hagerty, a practical agriculturist of Prairie Township, and they reside on the McComb Estate. They are the parents of a son, James Henry. Mrs. Hagerty attended school in Wabash and White counties, also the Brookston High School, and received musical instruction. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of the Pythian Sisters. Mr. Hagerty attended both the public schools of White County and the Brookston High School. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity at Brookston.
On March 2, 1898, Mr. McComb married Elizabeth Berry, daughter of Michael and Mary (Murray) Berry. Her parents were born in Madison County, Ohio, and the family came to White County soon after the father's death about 1860. In White County the mother married Moses Wilson, and she lived in Monon Township until her death in 1906, and is now at rest in the cemetery at Monon. Mrs. McComb was the only daughter and child by the first marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. McComb had one daughter, Mildred L., who was born December 17, 1899, and died May 27, 1915, at the entrance to a promising young womanhood. The following excerpt is quoted from the home newspaper relative to her death:
"Miss Mildred McComb, daughter of Mrs. James McComb of Brookston, Indiana, died at 2 o'clock after an illness of several months' duration. She was a patient sufferer and her death is attributed to pernicious anaemia. She was born near Brookston December 17, 1899, and all her life was spent in White County. Mildred possessed a sunny disposition and was loved by a large circle of friends. She was a member of thc Methodist Church at Brookston and was an affectionate daughter. Besides the mother she leaves one half-sister, Mrs. H. W. Hagerty of Brookston. The funeral was held at the family residence in Brookston."
She is laid to rest in the family burial ground at Brookston, where the remains of her father also find their repose.
Mr. McComb died June 19, 1912. In politics he was a radical democrat and took a keen interest in public affairs, though his ambition did not extend to office holding. He was a member of the Masonic order and with his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Physically he was a fine specimen of manhood, of the decided blond type, stood six feet tall and weighed about 180 pounds. As a result of his business activities he acquired the ownership of about 160 acres in section 19 of Prairie Township, and that is still the property of Mrs. McComb. In 1906 he removed his family to Brookston, and Mrs. McComb has lived there since that year.
David McConahay, of Jackson Township, who always enjoyed the name of "Buckwheat Dave," from his singing the old-fashioned notes, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, January 5, 1817, and came with his parents to White County in the fall of 1833, but after a short stay moved to Rush County, where he lived for two years and came back, locating in Big Creek Township. He taught the first school held in what later became Liberty Township. On October 15, 1840, he married Miss Sarah Crose, who was born in Indiana, August 15, 1825, and this union was blessed with seven children. In 1848 he located in Jackson Township. He was ordained a preacher in the Christian Church in 1853, and for many years followed that calling. A democrat in polities, he served as county assessor in 1849-50, and for two terms served as township trustee, in all of which offices he left an unblemished record. His wife died in March, 1900, and he passed away at Idaville, December 30, 1890.
In Bourbon County, Kentucky, was born, November 30, 1803, to David and Jane
(Ranson) McConahay, a son, who, with his family, was destined to play an active
part in the early history of White County. Ranson McConahay received a good
practical education, later he taught school, learned the blacksmith and
shoemaker's trade, and for a time engaged in farming. On March 26, 1829, he
married Mary Thompson, in Campbell County, Kentucky, and in the same year
located in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where he farmed for three years, when he
came to what is now White County, locating about twelve miles south of what is
now Monticello. For twelve years he farmed and taught school when he moved to
Liberty Township, and upon the death, on January 7, 1846, of William Sill, he
was appointed to the office of clerk, auditor and recorder of White County, the
office held by Mr. Sill at his death.
He was the second incumbent of this office, and at the expiration of his term by
appointment he was elected clerk and served two terms, the last term closing in
1858, when he was succeeded by his son, Orlando. He then engaged in mercantile
business in Monticello, Burnettsville, Norway and also Pulaski County. About the
year 1867 he quit the active life, and on April 22, 1868, died at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. Haworth, in Pulaski County. His remains are buried in the
Star City Cemetery. His first wife died in Monticello, September 19, 1849. She
was the mother of Orlando, deceased, and James A., yet living in Kansas. On
December 17, 1850, he married his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Haworth) Sturgeon,
by whom he had two children, Ranson C. and John W. His son, Orlando McConahay,
served for two terms as clerk of White County, being the third person to hold
that office, quitting it in 1867. From this brief sketch the reader will readily
see that Ranson McConahay filled a prominent part in our early history. For twenty
years he, with his son Orlando, filled the responsible position of clerk of the
county, and filled it well.
A resident of White County more than half a century, a veteran of the Civil war, and for many years identified with the drug business in Monticello, John McConnell has turned the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and is now retired, having accomplished what the world must regard as a worthy share of life's duties.
John McConnell was born in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio, November 6, 1838. His parents were James Boyd and Sarah D. (Stewart) McConnell. Both were born also in Highland County, Ohio, the father October 10, 1813, and the mother also in the year 1813. James B. McConnell was a physician of the old school, had acquired his medical education by classical training and association with older doctors, and was regarded as an able and skillful practitioner. He moved to Cass County, Indiana, in 1852, and died there January 23, 1853. His widow survives him more than forty years, passing away January 24, 1898, at the age of eighty-five years and six days, and both are laid to rest in Logansport. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are still living. After the death of Doctor McConnell, the family, in the fall of 1859, after two years' residence in Illinois, came to White County, and this has been the home of John McConnell ever since.
He acquired his early education in Ohio, was about fifteen years of age when he came to Indiana, and was at the beginning of his manhood career on locating in White County. From this county early in the war he entered the Union army, being mustered in at South Bend, as a member of Company G of the Seventy-third Indiana Infantry, and served three years until discharged at Indianapolis. He was captured and spent two weeks in the notorious Confederate prison at Richmond, the Libby, and the same length of time at Belle Isle in the James River. After the war Mr. McConnell came to Monticello and bought an interest in the drug business conducted by Doctor McMillen. Doctor McMillen finally sold to Mr. Prior, and some years later Mr. McConnell acquired the other interest and was in business alone until he retired about three years ago.
He has served as a member of the city council of Monticello and has been generally interested in local affairs, though never a seeker for official honors. For years he has served as elder in the Presbyterian Church and takes much interest in church work. August 2, 1871, Mr. McConnell married Martha Cowger, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Bolton) Cowger. Mrs. McConnell's parents were pioneers in the Pike Creek community, were farmers, and people of the highest character. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell have two daughters, as follows: Abigail D., who died August 23, 1896; and Sarah Faye, who died February 7, 1908.
For nearly half a century a resident of White County, Rev. William McCorkle came to this locality after a service in the Union army during the Civil war, and the later years of his life have been spent as a leader in the militant church, a cause to which he has given as faithful service as performed while fighting the battles of freedom in the South.
William McCorkle was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1844, a son of William and Elizabeth (Faults) McCorkle. His parents spent all their lives in Pennsylvania. In 1862 William McCorkle enlisted in Company F of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and his regiment was a part of the Army of the Potomac. He was in many battles, scouting and skirmishing campaigns, and at the end of the war he received his honorable discharge at Pittsburgh in 1865. As a boy, while attending school, he had acquired the trade of blacksmith, and on coming west to White County in October, 1865, found employment at his trade in Monticello. In 1867 Mr. McCorkle went west to Missouri, but returned to White County in the fall of 1872 and located at the Village of Idaville. That was his home for nearly thirty years, and during that time he followed his trade and was otherwise identified with the industrious and high-minded citizenship of that community. He removed to Monticello in March, 1902, and has since lived in the county seat.
Many years ago Mr. McCorkle took up the study of theology, and for the past
sixteen years has been a minister in the Baptist Church. He was formerly
connected with the New Dunkard Church of God at Idaville. On November 15, 1866,
Mr. McCorkle married Miss Margaret D. Howie, daughter of James and Jane (Malcolm)
Howie. Their one daughter, Jennie, is the wife of Hamilton E. McCulley. Rev. Mr.
McCorkle in politics combines the doctrines and principles of the old republican
party as represented by Lincoln, but has strong leanings towards the
prohibition cause. He is affiliated with the independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and is a member of Tippecanoe Post No. 51 of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Dan McCuaig, one of the old and honored residents of White County, now living retired at Monticello, was for many years engaged in farming and stockraising operations in Union Township, and through a life of industry and well-directed effort accumulated a substantial property and won his fellow-citizens' regard and esteem. Mr. McCuaig was born near Campbeltown, Argyllshire, Scotland, November 9, 1839, and is a son of Neil and Margaret (Johnston) McCuaig.
The McCuaig fam