History of Rush County Indiana Brant & Fuller Chicago 1888 Page 778, 779 Surnames in this biography are: Hinchman, Kirkpatrick,Oldham, ROBERT N. HINCHMAN is one of the leading farmers of UnionTownship. He is a native of Rush County, and the son of James and NancyHinchman, early pioneers, whose biographies appear in this volume. He was bornFebruary 9, 1843, and spent his boyhood and youth on the farm, receiving a faireducation in the district schools. On August 10, 1864, he was united inmarriage with Miss Sarah J. Kirkpatrick, a native of Union Township, and thedaughter of David and Jane (Oldham) Kirkpatrick, the former             a native of Kentucky, and thelatter of Tennessee. The Kirkpatricks were among the first settlers of RushCounty. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Hinchman has been blessed with sixchildren, four of whom are living at this writing. They are: Carrie B., Van A.,Eva M., and William E. They began life together on the farm where they nowreside, which will compare favorably with the best-improved farms in thecounty. Farming has been his principal occupation in life, although in the fallof 1873, he removed to Rushville, where he resided until 1876, when he returnedto the farm. Politically, he has been identified with the Republican Party andhas worked hard for its success in the county. In 1876, he was elected CountyCommissioner, and for eleven consecutive years             he has held that responsible position. During hisofficial term the county debt has been wiped out, and numerous bridges andother public improvements have been made. The county is now out of debt, andcan be classed among the foremost in the State as to public improvements. Mr.Hinchman retires from the Board of Commissioners with the good will and praisethat a faithful public servant should receive from all parties. In connectionwith his farm labors, he is also engaged in buying grain at Ging’s Station, avillage on the J., M. & I. K. R., located one-half mile northeast of hisfarm. Honest and upright in all his dealings, Mr. Hinchman can be classed amongthe substantial citizens of Rush County. His portrait appears in thisvolume.