The life history of him whose name heads this sketch is closely identified with the history of Hancock county. His life has been of untiring activity and has been crowned with a degree of success attained by those only who devote themselves indefatigably to the work before them. He is a high type of business man and none more than he deserves a fitting recognition among the men whose genius and abilities have achieved results that are most enviable and commendable.

Lafayette Bussell, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born September 15, 1841, on the old Bussell homestead, in Center township, Hancock county, Indiana. His parents were John and Mary (Moore) Bussell, the former of Miami county, Ohio, and the latter of Crab Orchard, Kentucky. His paternal grandparents were Samuel and Sarah (Morgan) Bussell, who were among the earliest pioneers of Rush county, this state. John and Mary Bussell were the parents of eight children, four of whom died young. Those surviving are as follows: William (see his sketch elsewhere in this volume); Lafayette, the subject; Henry and Samuel, both residents of Center township, this county. The children all received fine educations in the common schools of the county.

Lafayette Bussell remained at home, assisting in the work on the farm, until twenty-three years old. Subsequent to his marriage in 1865, he settled one mile north of Greenfield. In 1881 he located in his present place, a tract of eighty acres, which he now owns and on which he has made all of the improvements. He raises all kinds of grain and also gives much attention to live stock, successfully breeding and raising hogs, cattle and horses. Mr. Busssell also successfully taught several terms of schools in Center and Green townships.

Lafayette Bussell was united in marriage June 15, 1865, with Miss Lesha E. Lewis. She was born in Jackson township, this county, the daughter of John S. and Mary A. (Scott) Lewis, the former of Clermont county, Ohio, and the latter of Fayette county, Indiana. John S. Lewis early came to Hancock county, and here was engaged principally in farming. He is deceased, but his wife now lives in Greenfield. To Lafayette Bussell and wife were born the following children: Rosa A. is the wife of C. F. Brooks, of Vernon township, this county; Lillie J. died at the age of seven years and two months; John A. married Laura I. Smith and is farming in Center township; Carrie C. is the wife of James Crider, of Jackson township,; Lena A. is the wife of Charles Wales, of Center township; Edna A. died at the age of seven years; Jesse E. is attending school in Maxwell and assists on the farm during vacation.

Politically Mr. Busssell is an earnest supporter of the principles embodied in the platform of the Democratic party, though he is not afflicted with that office-seeking fever so prevalent nowadays. His religious affiliations are with the Curry Chapel Methodist Episcopal church. His methods are in keeping with the progressive spirit of the twentieth century and his well-improved property is a monument to his thrift and well-directed efforts. He is a man of broad humanitarian principles, of earnest purpose and upright life, and does all in his power for the uplifting of his fellowmen and the promotion of the moral welfare of his community. He is widely known and by all is esteemed for his genuine worth.

Transcribed from Biographical Memoirs of Hancock County B. F. Bowen, Publisher, Logansport, Indiana, 1902 Pages 246-247.

Submitted by Sylvia (Rose) Duda, Laingsburg, MI June 4, 2002.

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