CHARlES GIBSON, merchant, is a native of Greene County, Tenn., and is the youngest of the four children of John and Elizabeth (Russell) Gibson, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of North Carolina, and both of Irish extraction. John Gibson was a hero of the war of 1812. Charles Gibson first saw the world's light February 13, 1835, was reared to farming, began as a teamster when ten years of age, and followed the same until he was twenty-three, having labored in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Kentucky. September 17, 1857, he married Sarah E. Kelton, a native of Virginia. Eleven children hallowed their union, of which nine were named James D., William I., Alice, Ida M., Dora, Emma, Charlie, Clara and John. From 1858 to 1862, he was exclusively a farmer, but was then obliged to leave Tennessee. Mr. Gibson then moved hither and one year later brought his family; they located in Johnson and later in this county, where he farmed, and subsequently went into business in this town, having begun the same with a cash capital of $50. Now he carries a $4,000 stock, and owns some good property. Mr. Gibson is a Freemason, is a Republican, has been School Trustee and Councilman, and was commissioned Postmaster December 18, 1882, which he now retains. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are members of the Presbyterian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


WILLIAM GRIFFIN, farmer, was born in Decatur County, Ind., October 13, 1843, and is a son of David D. and Parmelia (Johnson) Griffin, the former a native of Indiana, the latter of Kentucky, and of English and German descent respectively. David D. Griffin remained with his parents until his marriage, December 14, 1841. After the death of his wife, in 1865, Mr. Griffin wedded Mary A. Rush; this lady also died, after which he was joined to Rebecca A. McElroy. He was a minister; took his death-cause from exposure while holding meetings, and died December 7, 1883. William Griffin remained at home until his eighteenth year, when he entered Company C, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Regiment; served four years, and was severely wounded. He married Miss Susanna, daughter of William K. Rogers, and a native of this county, to which union were decreed ten children. In connection with his fine farm of upward of 350 acres, he is largely interested in handling stock. He is a Republican by political preference, a liberal and enlightened citizen, and he and Mrs. Griffin are members of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


ELIAKIM HAMBLEN, farmer, was born October 22, 1832, in Hamblen Township, of what was known as Bartholomew, now a part of Brown County, Ind., and is the eldest of eight in the family of Jesse and Rachel (Hamblen) Taggart, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Tennessee, both of Irish extraction. Jesse Hamblen came to this region about 1825, and after marriage settled where he now resides. The grandfather of our subject, Eliakim Hamblen, was the first Representative in the State Legislature from this county, in 1838. Our subject was reared to farming, and received a primitive eduation, and remained at home until he was twenty-four years old, after which he made a beginning in life, which has so far been prosperous. May 31, 1855, he married Miss Elizabeth Musser, which has given being to two children - Rachel and Caroline. Mr. Hamblen is owner of 670 acres, most of which is choice land, making a very comfortable possession. He is a Democrat, and was elected Clerk of the court of this county, in 1874; re-elected in 1878, and has held various offices besides. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


CARTER V. HARRISON, a leading county instructor, was born February 23, 1856, in Bartholomew County, Ind., the ninth of the twelve children of Carter and Julia A. (St. Clair) Harrison, natives of Kentucky. Carter Harrison moved to Bartholomew County in 1839; he resides in Harrison Township. In 1867, hiw wife died, and he wedded Barbara Matson, by which union they had seven children. Carter V. Harrison was reared and grew to man's estate on a farm, received a good public and normal school education, and is now teaching his ninth term, with satisfaction to the counties of Brown and Bartholomew and credit to himself. December 25, 1879, he married Miss Roselpha A. Young, to which union were born two children - Arnetta J. and Bertha L. Mr. Harrison is a Democrat in political conviction, an energetic gentleman, and a useful citizen. He moved to this county in 180, to Nashville in 1883, and was chosen Deputy Auditor in June of that year. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are members of the church, he of the Christian and she of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


STEPHEN A. KENNEDY, farmer, is a native of East Tennessee; was born October 17, 1826, and is the second of eleven children born to John D. and Mary K. (Alexander) Kennedy, natives of East Tennessee, and of Sctoch-Irish extraction, who emigrated to this county in 1837, and here lived until overtaken by death, November 19, 1864. He was owner of 240 acres, and had served as County Assessor. Stephen A. Kennedy was a farmer's boy with educational aspirations, which he accomplished sufficiently to teach a school. June, 1846, he enlisted in Company E, Third Indiana Volunteers, boung for Mexico under Capt. Taggart, and was absent twelve months; he was a participant at the barrle of Buena Vista. On returning home he resumed farming, and was elected in 1856 and re-elected in 1858 Sheriff of this county, which position he retained until 1860, at which period he prepared to enter the service again. July 11, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the battles of Pea Ridge, Stone River, Mission Ridge and others, having been commissioned Second Lieutenant, as which he resigned April, 1864. In 1876, he was again elected Sheriff and re-elected in 1878. July 26, 1847, he married Susanna Taggart, and has had born to him seven children - James W., John E., Margaret E., William M., Patterson S. (deceased), Wesford L. (deceased) and Cordelia (deceased). Mr. Kennedy is an Odd Fellow, a Democrat and a Prohibitionist.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


SAMUEL KENT, miller, is a native of Belmont County, Ohio, was born June 14, 1825, and is a son of John and Lovicia (Barker) Kent, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of German, the latter of English-Welsh descent. John Kent emigrated to Ohio and married, in Belmont County, where he farmed for a number of years, and in 1852 ended his days. He and wife were members of the Christian Church. Samuel Kent was given the usual school education, and lived at home until he reached his majority. April 2, 1846, he married Miss Frances, daughter of Jacob and Martha Sill, and a native of Monroe County, Ohio, and to their union were decreed thirteen children. Mr. Kent had previously learned the millwright and milling business, and is now following the latter in company with one of his sons, Marion Kent, they owning the Kent Mill, one of the best in the county. Mr. Kent is a Republican, politically, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


WESLY KIRTS, farmer, is a native of Hamblen Township, Brown Co., Ind., was born August 22, 1836, and is a son of James and Rachel (King) Kirts, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of Kentucky, and both of German descent. James Kirts was married in this State when eighteen years old, whither he had come some time beofre; purchased a farm in this county, of which he is an old settler. Wesley Kirts received a good education, and remained with his parents on the home farm until his twenty-third year. March 13, 1859, he married Elsie Jane Henderson, which union was honored by six children. Mr. Kirts is a practical farmer, owning 296 acres of land on Salt Creek, and in addition operates a saw mill, at which he has been engaged for two years, and had followed thrashing for twenty-five years previously. He is a Democrat in politics, and an influential citizen and excellent business man. Mr. and Mrs. Kirts are members of the Southern Methodist Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


THOMAS C. McGLASHAN, teacher, is a native of Noble County, Ohio, was born October 20, 1847, and is a son of James and Phebe (Fisher) McGlashan; the former a native of the Scotch Highlands, the latter of Pennsylvania. James McGlashan, when sixteen years old, went to Glasgow, where he learned the trade of a fuller and dyer; served three years and then moved to Edinburgh, where he remained until the age of twenty-one, at which time he embarked for America, remained in New York a short time, then moved to Pittsburgh, traveling fro Philadelphia on foot, where he worked at his trade some years; he then settled in Ohio, followed his trade, and finally ended his days in Noble County in 1873; both he and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. Thomas C. McGlashan attended the ordinary schools and also several normal schools, and commenced the business of teaching about 1863, taught twelve years, then came to this State, where he has steadfastly followed his profession. March 29, 1868, he married Miss Mathie J., daughter of John Johnson, and a native of West Virginia. Three children have succeeded these nuptials - Lillie C., Frank and Mary E. Mr. McGlashan is a Democrat, a temperance advocate, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


WILLIAM M. MASON was born in Madison County, Ky., May 19, 1815, and when quite young, accompanied his father, Edwin, to Lawrence County, Ind. Edwin Mason's faily consisted of himself, Nancy J. (his wife) and three children - William M. being the eldest child. There were also born to Edwin and Nancy J., in Lawrence County, ten children, making in all thirteen - seven boys and six girls. William M. Mason was reared a farmer. He married Lucy J. Clark in Washington County, Ind., September 5, 1836, at which time he was engaged in the grocery business, in Bedford, Ind., which he conducted five years. In Bedford he studied medicine under his father-in-law, Dr. Alexander Clark, and under Dr. Winthrop Foot, and he there began practice. In 1840, he came to Nashville, where he had a successful practice, and was the second physician in the county. On the first Monday in December, 1846, he took his seat in the Thirty-first General Assembly of Indiana, as Representative from Brown County. At the general election of 1848, he was elected Clerk of Brown County Circuit Court, for a term of seven years, and at the same time elected County Recorder for a like period. In 1855, he was re-elected for four years. After the expiration of his term of office, he practiced law until his death. At the time he came here the country was a vast wilderness, and his was the fourth family to settle in the town. They had to go twenty miles for groceries and other supplies, the different families taking turns in making the trip. In the year 1844, he erected a large two-story frame building, and subsequently opened a hotel, which his widow is still conducting. He has born to him nine children, as follows: Emily (deceased), Julia M. (now Coffey), Volney (a Captain in the late war, now deceased), Edwin, Jane, James M., Martha L., William A. and Hughes.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


HUGHES MASON, merchant, was born in Nashville, Brown County, Ind., October 16, 1858, and is the youngest of nine children of William M. and Lucy J. (Clark) Mason, natives of Kentucky and Connecticut respectively. Our subject was reared in Nashville, where he obtained a good common school education. February 14, 1874, he embarked in life for himself; having natural business qualifications, he began the grocery business, on a capital of $260, $150 of which was borrowed. So attentive was he to business, and of such genial disposition toward customers, that he at once controlled a steadily increasing trade; he was soon compelled to extend his rooms, and with this larger room, his business so rapidly increased that he was enabled to add a stock of dry goods; not long after this he added hats and caps; then boots and shoes, and lastly, clothing. In the progress of his work, he gained the entire confidence of his many customers, and such was his trade that, in the fall of 1882, he was compelled to enlarge his capacity for goods, and hence built a large two-story frame building, and to this he transferred his entire stock of general merchandise, having also rented a room for a stock of drugs. So rapidly did he increase his trade that, in the year of 1882, his sales amounted to $32,500, of which all started from a capital of $260. April 10, 1883, he was married to Miss Nora F. Johnson, a native of Spencer County, Ind. Thus has Mr. Mason been the architect of his own fortune; the recipient of no gratuities, and it may be truthfully written of him that he is a self- made, energetic, enterprising busines manager, and success will inevitably crown his efforts wherever he goes.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


SIMON P. NEIDIGH is a son of John Neidigh and Nancy Neidigh, whose maiden name was Nancy Stover. Both the father and mother are of German families. John Neidigh is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1817. Nancy Neidigh was born in 1827, in the State of Maryland. While quite young and before marriage, both emigrated from their native States to the State of Ohio, where they became acquainted and were married. In 1841, they removed from the State of Ohio, and settled in what was then a wilderness, but where they now reside, near the center of Jackson Township, Brown County. It was upon the farm thus settled that the subject of this sketch was born on the 28th day of October, 1851, the second child in a family of eight children, consisting of four boys and four girls, all of whom are still living. It was here, upon a Brown County farm, that Simon P. Neidigh was reared up amid sterling habits of industry, economy and integrity; which traits of character have followed him into manhood, and have been his chief agencies in making his life work a success. At the old precinct schoolhouse near by, in Jackson Township, he received the rudiments of a good English education, under all the trying difficulties which then beset a Brown County boy in pursuit of knowledge, such as short terms of school, and some years none, rude and uncomfortable schoolhouses, hard, backless benches and inefficient teachers. At the age of twenty yeas he entered as a student in the high school at Bloomington, Ind., and pursued his studies with marked success for one year, qualifying himslef to engage with unusual success in the profession of teaching, which he followed until he secured a competency to enable him to futher pursue his studies, when he matriculated as a student at the Northern Indiana Normal at Valparaiso, Ind., where he continued to attend and alternately to teach until the spring of 1881, when he graduated at that institution with marked distinction. Immediately thereafter, he returned to his own county, and the Trustees of the various townships of Brown County, recognizing in him a thorough teacher and live educator, on the 6th of June, 1881, elected him to the office of County Superintendent of Schools. This office he filled with such general satisfaction to both teachers and parents that at the expiration of his first term in 1883, he was unanimously re-elected to the County Superintendency, which office he now holds. As the leading school officer of the county, he has manifested fine abilities as an executive officer and organizer of school work. Both teachers and pupils have received the impress of his genius, and the standard of the common schools of Brown County has been elevated during his administration. He has organized, for the benefit of teachers and schools, most excellent normal schools within their own county, conducted by the best educators in the county. He is practical in all things, speculative in nothing. These traits he has to some extent imparted to the teachers and the schools of the county. He is a man of great physical and moral courage; and he displays in his life and habits the strong, practical traits of character which distinguish his German ancestry. On July 17, 1883, Mr. Neidigh was married to Mary C. Hester, formerly wife of the late Judge James S. Hester (deceased), and a daughter of Alexander Duncan, of Brown County, Ind.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


CHARLES M. PATTERSON, merchant, was born September 25, 1860, in Washington Township, Brown Co., Ind., and is the seventh son of Samuel and Eliza (Cable) Patterson, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German extraction respectively. Samuel Patterson moved hither from Ohio in 1848, and settled where he resides, on 160 acres. Charles M. Patterson was reared on the home farm, but received a share of schooling, and when twenty years old attended the Nashville High School, and later at Bloomington for one term, his mother furnishing the means. He taught school at North Salem, Central Junction, and afterward located in this town, where, in 1882, he commenced the mercantile business with his brother. November 6, 1881, he married Miss Lucetta J. Downey, which union has been cemented by two children - Oliver T. (born April 25, 1882) and Dora C. (born March 7, 1884, deceased). Mr. Patterson and brother carry a full stock of the best goods, with large annual sales. They are practical andn obliging business men, who merit, as they receive, the respect and patronage of their community.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


MARTIN PHILLIPS, M.D., was a native of Rhode Island, was born December 5, 1835, and came to the end of his life March 8, 1880. August 12, 1866, he was united in wedlock to Miss Louisa Higher, who left the world September 19, 1867; whereupon, March 26, 1868, he wedded Miss Sarah J. Hamblen, a native of this county, which union gave place to two children - Joseph B. (born March 12, 1869) and Ida F. (born August 19, 1871). Dr. Phillips was a graduate of the medical college at Nashville, Tenn., and was a devoted student and enlightened practioner of his profession. His death resulted from a bronchial affection. he was a popular gentleman, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a very generally lamented citizen. Mrs. Phillips has been engaged since April, 1883, in the hotel business, being the proprietress of a first-class instituition in all respects.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


DR. ADFRED J. RALPHY was born March 28, 1855, and is the second of three children of John and Sarah (Jones) Ralphy, the former a native of London, Eng., born 1797, the latter of Warwickshire, who emigrated to South America with a colony in 1846, but, being dissatisfied with the country, moved to Cincinnati and remained until 1853, when he removed hither. He had served an apprenticeship to architecture and building, and was an organizer of the Mechanics' Relief and Aid Association. Alfred J. Ralphy was reared in Nashville, and commenced to work for himself when twelve years of age. He worked at the printing business for three years, and began teaching school when sixteen years old; he also clerked in a drug store and read medicine under Dr. Arnold S. Griffitt, afterward forming a partnership with him for one year, but now is in practice alone. Dr. Ralphy is solely a self-made man, having mainly educated himself during youth; he attended the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery and the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville. June 12, 1878, he married Miss Addie Keller, a native of this county, to which union have been born two children - Clifford, and an infant, deceased. Dr. Ralphy is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a leading Democrat; he has a good, growing practice, and is a worthy citizen. Mrs. Ralphy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


DANIEL STUKEY is a native of Monroe County, Ohio, was born July 10, 1835, and is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Brewer) Stukey, who were natives of Ohio, and of English descent. Joseph Stukey received a fair education, and afterward followed farming until his death, in 1852 - a devoted member of the Christian Church. Daniel Stukey attended the schools of his boyhood, and when fifteen years of age he hired as a farm hand. October 25, 1855, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Michael and Priscilla More, to which union were born nine children - Mary C., Martha J., Emmer E., Elmer E., Erastus G., Hannah P., Daniel E., Emma F.. an Lula A., of whom Miss Emmer E. is a prominent schoolmistress of this county. June 25, 1863, Mr. Stukey enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Regiment; served until March 4, 1864, and in the autumn of that year moved to this county and purchased the farm on which he has now his residence. Mr. Stukey is a radical Republican, a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and he and wife are consistent members of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


WILLIAM P. STULL, farmer, is a native of Ohio, was born November 14, 1827, and is a son of Abraham and Barbara (Palmer) Stull, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and of German, the latter of Ohio, and of English descent. Abraham Stull emigrated to Ohio at an early age, married, remained there until 1852, when he removed to Bartholomew County, Ind., and purchased the farm, on which he lives with one of his sons, Mrs. Stull having died January 13, 1881, a member of the Baptist Church, as is her surviving husband. William P. Stull received a good education in his native Ohio; remained with his parents until he was seventeen, when he engaged to learn cabinet-making; served four years, and thereafter engaged in business for himself. January 24, 1850, he married Mary A. Moring, a native of Ohio; to this union were born eleven children, of who seven daughters survive - Campsadell A., Frances A., Rebecca J., Sarah Bell, Mary W., Cora B. and Nancy E. Mr. Stull remained in Ohio until 1857, when he emigrated to this township and engaged in farming. He is a Democrat, and he and Mrs. Stull are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


FRANK P. TAGGART, merchant, is the son of James and Jane (Weddel) Taggart, the former a native of North Carolina, born in 1801, the latter of Tennessee, born in 1804. Our subject was reared to farming, but served an apprenticeship to blacksmithing, and when but fourteen years old assisted to build the first brick courthouse at Nashville. He followed his trade some time, and then engaged in the mercantile way as a salesman for Judge Hester, and afterward for Thompson & Bro. August 13, 1861, he enlisted in the Twenty-second Indiana Regiment as one of the leaders of the band, being present at Pea Ridge, siege of Corinth, and several other battles. In June, 1862, he re-enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. After the surrender of Lee he passed most of his time on detached duty, and was discharged February, 1866. May 13, 1860, he married Martha E. Seip, to which union have descended four children - Walter A., Patterson E., Ira W. and Estella. Mr. Taggart began his present business December, 1870, and has been uncommonly successful, having arranged to increase his stock and storeroom. He is a member of the Masonic body, of the G.A.R., of the Democracy, of the Prohibition party. He is a partner in the grocery and provision business of Gratton & Taggart, and also of the general store of Houston, Jackson & Co.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


CAPT. T. TAGGART, M.D., was born December 28, 1846, near this town, and is the youngest of the eleven children of James and Jane Taggart, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Tennessee. James Taggart came to this region beofre the organization of Brown County, and was the first Sheriff thereof. In 1846, he organized Company E, of the Thirtieth Indiana Regiment, for service in the Mexican War, and was killed at Buena Vista February 23, 1847. Our subject was reared on a farm, where he remained until fifteen years of age, and June, 1862, enlisted for three months in the Fifty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Regiment. He took part in the battle at Richmond, Ky., after which he re-enlisted for three months in the One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Regiment, and was appointed principal musician, being present at the following engagements: Resaca, Stone Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Siege of Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville and Kingston. After the war, he engaged in mercantile business at Nashville, Ind.; this he sold in 1868, and commenced the study of medicine under Drs. Phillips and Selfridge; graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Indianapolis, in 1880, and opened practice at Mahalasville. On May 6, he moved to Nashville, and established his profession here. November 19, 1865, he married Emarine Williams, of this county, and to them were bestowed three children - Egbert B. (deceased), Lorena M. and Alvey. Dr. Taggart is a member of the Freemasons, and Master of his lodge, also of Columbia Commandery and of the G.A.R. Mr. Taggart is a prominent Democrat, and has been Trustee of Washington Township.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


THOMAS J. TAGGART, Sheriff of Brown County, was born December 15, 1837; is a native of this county, and the sixth of ten children of William and Sarah (Mullis) Taggart, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Tennessee, both of Irish descent, and both deceased. William Taggart came to what is now Brown County in 1826; married, entered land, cleared a farm and remained until his death. Thomas J. Taggart was reared on the home farm; remained with his parents until his majority. Except the last two years, he has followed farming, having now forty acres of good land, some building lots and a residence. September 27, 1860, he married Miss Evaline S. Strahl, a native of Ohio, and to this union have been born nine children - William T., Amanda E., Ida F., Hannibal P., Sanford L., Elizabeth A.J., Sarah L., John E. and Frank P. Mr. Taggart is an uncompromising Democrat, having given his first vote for S.A. Douglas. He was made Assessor of Hamblen Township in 1873, appointed Deputy Sheriff in 1878, elected Sheriff in 1882, and is a candidate for re-election.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Washington Township and Nashville" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


Deb Murray