JOHN AIRHART.
This old veteran was born in Virginia, August 24,1814, and was a son of
Peter Airhart. John was married to Catharine Loop the 7th day of
January, 1841, in Jefferson Township, Boone County. Mrs. Airhart was
the daughter of Christian and Eva Loop, who were also pioneers of Boone
County, coming as early as 1834. Mr. Loop died in 1879, aged ninety
years; Mrs. Loop died in 1866 ; both are buried at the Providence
Cemetery, in Jefferson Township. John Airhart's parents are also buried
at the same cemetery. John Airhart, the subject of this sketch, was
among the early citizens of Jefferson Township. He came October 6,
1834. Has resided on his present farm since 1842. He drove a team from
Virginia, and on arriving here found but little to encourage him. Their
neighbors were few and far between, but those few were social in the
extreme. Some of his happiest days were spent in his "cabin" home in
the woods. Mr. Airhart is a good citizen and enjoys the confidence of
his neighbors. His active days, however, are over. He and his aged
companion are quietly living at home, having went through life in all
its phases: have had their joys and sorrows like others who were
pioneers. There was born to them two children, Eva Elizabeth, born 10th
of December, 1841; she was married to Franklin Wheatly November 7th,
1857. The other child died in infancy. Mrs. Airhart belongs to the
Christian Church. In person Mr. Air- hart is tall, dark hair and
complexion.
HENRY AIRHART.
Mr. A. was born in Augusta County, Va., October 5, 1825. He was the son
of Peter and Elizabeth Airhart. Henry came to Jackson Township, Boone
County, in the fall of 1834, where he has ever since resided, and where
he owns a fine farm and enjoys the confidence of the people he has so
long lived among. He has served three terms as Township Trustee, to the
entire satisfaction of the people. By trade he is a carpenter, but by
choice has spent most of his time on the farm. Henry is one of fourteen
children who came to this county, seven of whom are now living, and
seven have joined the silent majority with their parents. Peter Airhart
died in February, 1857. Henry was married to Rhody M. Beck in April,
1846. One child was born to them. Mrs. A. died January 15, 1850, when
he again married Miss Mary M. Golliday in January, 1856. Seven children
were born to them, as follows: Rodelphia E., married to Z. M. McCarty;
Luella M., married to John Dean; C. G. Airhart, married to Adda Canine;
V. G. Airhart, resides at home; Adia R., married to Walter W. Coones;
Loretta A., married to J. C. Ashly; Lora, deceased. All the above
children reside in Jackson Township, except Mr. and Mrs. Dean, who
reside in Jefferson Township. Henry Airhart belongs to the Baptist
Church, and is a stanch Democrat, first, last, and all the time.
FREDERICK BRENDELL.
The subject of this sketch was born in North Carolina at the close of
the last century. Was married, about the year 1820, to Catherine
Miller. Came to and settled on Little Eagle Creek when the county was
new, and near the Boone County line, where he owned a large tract of
land, and one of the finest farms in that part of the country. About
the year 1842 he built a brick residence—one of the very first on the
creek. He was, as well as his first wife, members of the Eagle Creek
Regular Baptist Church, and perhaps two of the original members. He,
many years ago, 1848, sold goods at bis home, and also was a
blacksmith, both of which were great conveniences to the new county.
He died about fifteen years ago, in the highest esteem of all who knew
him, and is buried in the cemetery on his farm. He is the father of
Permains and Edward Brendell, two No. 1 men, and who live on or near
the old home farm. Both are members of the Christian Church at Little
Eagle Creek, near their homes. Permains was first married to Miss King,
the second time to Miss Stultz, daughter of Thomas Stultz. Edward
married Charity Stultz, sister of M. P. Brendell's second wife. Edward
lives in the old house built by his father, and owns all, or a part of
the old homestead. M. P. Brendell lives a short distance east, where he
owns a fine farm. Both are engaged in stock-raising, as well as being
engaged in agricultural pursuits. They are just in the prime of life,
near fifty-five and fifty years, respectively. Frederick Brendell, the
subject of this sketch, was three times married, but the names or dates
we have not at our command.
BENJAMIN BOOHER.
The subject of this sketch is a German by lineage, but an American by
birth, education and life. His grandparents came from Germany to this
country in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and settled
first in the western part of Pennsylvania, and afterward in Virginia.
Their son Jacob, the father of the subject of this sketch, married
Elizabeth Bar- net in the early part of the present century, and
settled in Sullivan County, East Tennessee. Jacob Booher was the father
of twelve children, of which Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, is
next to the youngest. He is also one of the three surviving children.
Benjamin Booher was born in Sullivan County, East Tennessee, September
5,1821, and when he was thirteen years old his father moved, with his
family, to Montgomery County, Indiana, and settled two miles east of
the present site of Darlington, where many of his descendants yet live,
an honored and well-to-do people.
Much credit is due the Booher families for making the country in that
immediate vicinity what it now is—productive, beautiful, and possessing
all the qualities of a good neighborhood.
Benjamin Booher received his education when there were not such
facilities as we now have. The school building that he attended was an
open log cabin without any floor but the earth. The benches were made
of round logs split once, with diverging pins in the ends for supports.
The chimney occupied one entire end of the house. The writing desk was
a wide heard laid on sloping pins in a log on one side of the cabin,
The pens used in writing were made from the large feathers of geese and
buzzards. The teacher and the methods of teaching were as novel as the
house. Such is a brief description of the school that Mr. Booher
attended. Although his education was limited, yet he so improved it
that with the gi od native talents with which he is blessed he is fully
qualified for the transactions of the ordinary business of life. He is
a good reader, and keeps himself well informed on the various subjects
pertaining to the interest of the common citizen. He is a pioneer, and
one of the leading citizens of Boone County.
On the 20th day of October, 1842, Mr. Booher was united in marriage to
Miss Margaret Beeler, whose parents came from East Tennessee to Indiana
only a few weeks before Mr. Booher arrived.
Mrs. Booher was born in East Tennessee, January 11, 1823. Her
grandparents on her father's side came from Switzerland ; on her
mother's side from Ireland. Mrs. Booher's advantages for an education
were similar to those of Mr. Booher, for they attended the same school.
The result of their marriage is twelve children, in the following order:
Martha, Margaret E., William J., single and at home; Albert L.,
departed this life at the age of 4 months; Benjamin C., married to Miss
Martha J. White, November 4, 1870; after her decease he was married to
Miss Clara M. Dooley, November 21, 1886. He resides near Zionsville,
Ind. He was elected County Commissioner in November, 1884. Sylvester
C., single, resides in Kansas City. Vanda L., married to Miss Elma O.
Schooler, resides in Perry Township, Boone County, Ind. Ada, married to
S. N. Cragun, resides in Lebanon, Ind. Mark A., married to Miss Elma F.
Hoggins, resides in Worth Township, Boone County, Ind. Emma R., single,
at home. Daniel W. V., married to Miss L. Elsie Barb, resides one mile
east of Whitestown, Ind. Minnie M., married to Leander W. Tomlinson,
resides one mile south of Whitestown, Ind.
Mr. and Mrs. Booher are still living and enjoying good health.
Mr. Booher is one of the early pioneers of this country. He endured the
hardships and privations common to the early settlers of a country.
When he and Mrs. Booher started out to battle with the realities of
life they had but little of the necessaries to make life comfortable.
Their culinary department was not filled with such things as we find in
a pantry of to-day. They had one oven, one iron pot, three pewter
plates, three knives and forks, two cups and saucers and a few other
things common among the pioneers of this country.
In the year 1845, Mr. Booher moved to where he now resides, one-half
mile south of Whitestown, Boone County, Ind. This country was then, to
a great extent, a wilderness and much of it under water. Mr. Booher
killed wild ducks in a pond where Whitestown now stands. He purchased
ninety acres of land which, at the time, was covered with a dense
forest hitherto unmolested by the woodman's ax. He could see nothing
before him but a life of toil, but with that determination that
characterizes the successful man, he entered upon the arduous task of
felling timber, clearing land, rolling logs and cultivating the soil,
laboring from early morn until dewy eve under the disadvantages
incident to all the early settlers.
Mr. Booher, by industry, perseverance, economy and good management,
accumulated a considerable amount of wealth. He owns several farms,
aggregating several hundred acres of productive land. He ranks with the
leading financial men of the county. For his success in this particular
he deserves much credit. He was not a lazy loiterer, who expected a
streak of good luck to come to him. He knew that honest endeavor weaves
the web of life, turns the wheel of fortune, amasses wealth and keeps
one permanently rich. Mr. Booher's indomitable will and inflexible
purpose, linked with courage to work for an honest living, led to his
financial success. Men who do not go out into the great field of human
exertion, but wait for success to come to them, are the men who, for
the most part, are at the bottom of dishonesty and corruption. Lazy men
hate the rich and always have hated them. They never emulate their
energy, industry and economy, and hence deserve no help from them.
Laziness has cravings for vices which lead to untold misery.
Mr. Booher did, until late years, vote with the Democratic party. His
first vote for president was cast for James K. Polk. He is now in
sympathy with the National party. He became somewhat disgusted at the
management and the political machinery of the two leading parties, and
like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, he refuses to bow to the images
they set up, or to dance to their music. He protests against the
despotism of American politics, and claims that at conventions, at the
ballot-box and everywhere, without hindrance and without malediction,
men shall vote as they think best, keeping in view the common interest
of the people of the nation. He does his own reading and thinking, and
votes and acts accordingly.
As a financier Mr. Booher has but few equals, as is evidenced by his
financial success and history. He never made a mistake in his judgment
as to his own financial affairs. His judgment in regard to the finances
of our great nation has not as yet been fully tested. He has a right to
his opinion and to the advocacy of it both by speech and ballot. In
another part of this work will be found a portrait of Mr. Booher.
JOHN M. BALL.
Quite prominent among the people of Boone County is the person's name
at the head of this sketch, he being a son of Adrin and Mary Ball, he
being of German descent and she of English. Mr. Ball's parents came
from Tennessee to Boone County at a very early day, settling near
Thorn- town in 1831. Was born in Sugar Creek Township, of this county,
January 20, 1833. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Case,
February 14, 1857. With him she has proven herself a worthy and
faithful companion, the result of this marriage being one child,
Carrie, who married Alfred H. Allen, son of Rev. Allen. Mr. Ball was so
unfortunate as to lose one of his limbs; was hurt at school in 1851,
and from that time on it bothered him until inflammation set in, and in
May, 1872, had it amputated. His occupation has been that of farming
until 1868, when he went in the grain business at Thorntown with Alfred
Burk. This partnership lasted for about two years. He was nominated by
the Democratic party for the auditor's office, to which he was elected
by an overwhelming majority when the county was about three to four
hundred Republican, and was elected again in 1882, which term he has
just finished. This shows Mr. Ball's standing with the people of Boone
County. He has been a very liberal patron to the secret orders of the
county, belonging to the Masons, Odd Fellows, Red Men, Knights of
Pythias and Knights of Labor. Mr. Ball was elected president of the
Agricultural Association in 1878, which he filled satisfactorily for
about four years. His sympathies have always been with that of the
farmer. Politically speaking, he has always been a straight out
Democrat, and what offices have been bestowed upon him have been very
satisfactorily filled.
CALEB S. BEACH
Was born in Butler County, Ohio, March 5, 1814. Was married to Mariah
Rosa born 7th of November, 1839, born March 5, 1820. Came to Boone
County
in 1853, settling in Washington Township, near Mechanicsburg. Mr. and
Mrs. Beach belong to the United Brethren Church. Their children's names
are as follows: Joseph H., born January 30, 1884, married to Rachel
Bennett. Mary, married to Nicholas Bennett, born, May 1, 1842. Phebe,
born December 22, 1843, died July 20, 1849, buried in Ohio. Catharine,
born April 7, 1845, died July 20, 1849, buried also in Ohio. Martha,
born November 28th, 1846, died August 4,1849. Sarah, born July 29,
1848, was married to John Bennett; resides in Sugar Creek. Clarkson,
born January 10, 1851, married to Annie Rodgers; live in Kirkland,
Indiana. Emeline, born November 22, 1852, married to Thomas Bennett.
Resides in Kansas. Joseph H. was in the army, Fifty-fourth Regiment.
All the deceased members are buried in Ohio.
GREENBURY BUNTON
Was born in Nicholas County, Kentucky, March 22, 1817, united in
marriage to Melvina Harrison, Feb. 24, 1848. The following are their
children's names: Newton- H, resides near his father, Wm. W., in
Clinton County. Mrs. Bunton died in 1852; is buried in Clinton County.
Mr. Bunton was again married to Martha A. Ham, October 9,1865. Jessie
D., married to Fillmore L. Potts, resides at home ; Mattie G. died at
the age of three years; buried at the Bunton Cemetery. Mr. Bunton has
resided on his farm since 1834, on the north side of Sugar Creek, near
the Clinton County line, in Washington Township, one and one-half miles
west of Mechanicsburg. His father's name was James Bunton, his
mother's name was Susan Benson, who died in Kentucky. Mr. James Bunton
died in 1845; is buried at the Bethel Cemetery. Mr. Bunton was a member
of the Christian Church.
JOHN L. BUNTIN.
This grand old pioneer was born in Nicholas County, Kentucky, October
10, 1805. Was married to Sarah Riley, April 23, 1828, in Kentucky. Came
to Boone in 1829, where he entered his land, and moved on it in 1835.
He is yet living at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The following
are the names of the children by the first marriage: Elizabeth married
to William Haller, reside in Kansas. Mary, died in infancy. Martha E.,
married to William Brown, reside in Lebanon. Julia A., died at the age
of four years. John died at the age of nine years. James R., resides in
Lebanon, married to Mary Pauly. Nancy, married to Urbin McKinsey,
reside in Noblesville, Indiana. Mr. Buntin was the second time married
to Nancy Stephenson, January 12, 1862. Child is named Annie and the
only one lives at home. Mr. B. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Also his wife. Mr. B. joined in 1839, has been an elder more than forty
years. He lives on the land he entered, on the line between Clinton and
Washington townships. He is regarded as one of the best men in the
county. All honor to this good old pioneer.
SOL. W. BECK.
Mr. Beck was born in North Carolina, January 4, 1823. Son of John Beck,
who came to Boone County in 1829. S. W. Beck was then in his
seventeenth year. His wife, Margarette Pauly, was born in Tennessee,
December 7,1823. Came with her parents to this county when seven years
of age. Mr. and Mrs. Beck were married January 11, 1843, in Boone
County, near where they now live, in Washington Township, six miles
north of Lebanon and one and one-half miles west of Pike's crossing.
Mr. and Mrs. Beck, as well as all the children, are members of the M.
E. Church. When camping we stopped at this pleasant home, where
kindness and hospitality reigned supreme. The following are their
children's names: Sarah E., married to J. Q. Colston; the second time
to Mr. Hollingsworth, reside in Washington Township. Juda E., married
to William Powell, reside in Washington Township. Susan F., married to
H. M. Burcaw, reside in Clinton township. Mary A., married to Elton B.
Hollingsworth, reside on the home farm. Anna L., married to William
Roberts, reside in Washington Township. Two children died in infancy
and are buried at Bethel Cemetery in Washington Township. Mrs. Beck was
the daughter of the late Joseph Pauly, one of the pioneers of Boone
County.
SAMPSON BOWEN.
This sturdy old pioneer first looked out on this beautiful world in
Harrison County, Kentucky, Aug. 19,1818. When a boy of eighteen he
arrived in this county, and was joined by his parents here three years
after. Their names were Frances. Sarah G. Bo wen, who died August 20,
1867, and July 19, 1874, respectively. They are buried at Pleasant View
Cemetery. Sampson Bowen was married to Mary A. Burk April 11, 1844,
daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Burk and sister of Dr. George L. Burk,
of Jamestown. Mrs. Burk, mother of Mr. Bowen, died September 24, 1839.
Mrs. Burk died February 27, 1868. Buried at the Erskin Cemetery. The
following are the names of Sampson Bowen's children: Geo. E., born
March 7, 1846. Albert C., born December 7, 1847. Armilda M., born July
2, 1849, died 1853. Emily J., born January 19, 1851, died September
1853. James C., born May 9, 1853, died September 27, 1853. Maretta,
born July 25, 1858; married to Samuel Huckstep November 9, 1876. Mr.
and Mrs. Bowen belong to the Christian Church, and are a grand old
couple, know all about pioneer life. They live at home in their old
days, about one mile southeast of Dover, in Jefferson township, where
they are highly respected by both old and young. To them the writer is
indebted for favors shown while canvassing for the "Early Life and
Times in Boone County."
HENRY I. BENNETT
Was born in Warren County, Ohio, June 24, 1823, and came to Boone
County, Ind., in October, 1844, locating in Clinton Township. Was
married to Sarah Witham, in Warren County, Ohio, December 23,1843. The
following are their children's names: Robert, died in Andersonville
Prison in October, 1864; Martha C., married to Marion Pavy, reside in
Kirkland, Ind.; Mary A., married to George D. Hardesty, reside in
Kansas; Rachael, married to Joseph Beach, reside in Washington
Township; Nicholas E., married to Ida M. Anderson, reside in Kansas;
John W., married to Mattie Dewall, live on the farm ; Silas W., married
to Elizabeth McLance, live with the old folks on the farm ; Henry M.,
died in infancy; Rozella, married to Charles Kersy, reside in Smith
County. Kan.; Adia A., married to Lewis K. Holmes, reside in Clinton
County, Ind. Mr. B. served sixteen years as justice of the peace in his
township. Has joined in marriage and preached more sermons than almost
any other man in the county. He has spent much time in the study of the
Scriptures, and is well informed. Mr. B. was also one of the pioneer
school teachers, having taught in this and Clinton Townships for a
number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are a deserving couple and know
all about pioneer life. At their friendly home they have entertained
many since their coming to this county. They have lived to see the
woods cleared away, and well-cultivated fields rise in every direction;
the log cabin displaced, and the more comfortable buildings take their
place. While getting material for this work it was our good fortune to
stop with this good old pioneer couple, and to listen to the
interesting recitals of hardships endured by them. In person, Mr. B. is
rather under the medium size and of fair complexion. Long- may this
couple live to enjoy the fruits of their toil. Mr. B. lives in the
north part of the county, two miles east of Mechanicsburg, and one mile
south of Clinton County line.
ANDREW BURNS.
This pioneer was born in Nicholas County, Ky., July 18, 1820. Came to
Boone County in the year 1850. First settled in Clinton Township, where
he has since resided, and where he owns a fine farm, made by his own
hands. He has fine buildings; takes delight in following his chosen
profession ; is a sterling Democrat of the Jeffersonian style. His
companion in life was formerly Nancy Laurence, daughter of John R. and
Jane Laurence. Mr. and Mrs. B. were married June 22, 1854. The
following are the names of their children: Mary J., died aged ten
years, and is buried in Salem Cemetery, in Clinton Township; John F.,
lives at home; Eliza A., married to Emsly Ham; William C., married to
Fannie Rouse, reside in Clinton Township; Oliver L.. lives at home. Two
of their children died in infancy, and are buried in Salem Cemetery.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Burns belong to the Presbyterian Church. Mr. B.'s
parents' names were William and Isabella, who were early settlers in
Clinton Township, and are buried in Salem Cemetery. Mrs. B.'s parents
are buried in Robinson Cemetery, in Center Township.
JOHN M. BURNS.
Mr. Burns, one of the pioneers of Boone County, was born in the state
of Kentucky, on the 6th of May, in the year 1816. He was married to
Miss S. A. Wylie in 1842. Miss Wylie was born also in Kentucky,
February 12, 1823. They came to Boone County in the year 1834, settling
in Clinton Township. Mrs. Burns died December 17, 1852. She is buried
at Salem Church Cemetery. The following are the names of their
children: Eliza J., born May 31, 1847, married to James A. Powell,
February 27,1868, reside in Clinton Township where they own a fine
farm; Joseph A., married to Anna Paxton, reside in Kansas. Mr. Burns
was again married to Mary Stephenson, who was born in Kentucky. The
following are the names of his children by this marriage: Henry C.,
Mary A., Lola Q. (deceased). Mr. Burns now resides in Kansas. He was
one of the prominent men of the county since 1836. Served as county
surveyor many years with entire satisfaction. Also township trustee of
Clinton Township for eight terms. See his portrait on another page.
HIRAM BRENTON.
Mr. Brenton is one among the early settlers of Clinton Township, coming
as early as 1835. He was married to Rachael Wylie, July 4, 1836. Mr.
Brenton has resided a long time in Clinton Township. The town of
Elizaville was at one time a part of his farm. In person Mr. Brenton is
tall, well made, six feet high, and has been an iron man, has done a
great deal of hard work. He and his wife have underwent hardships
unknown to those now living and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Mr.
and Mrs. Brenton are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Mud
Creek. The following are their children's names: Elizabeth C., Oliver
and Samuel. Elizabeth married to B. B. Batts; Oliver and Samuel reside
at home, the latter married to Ola Gary. Three of their children died
in infancy. Buried at the Salem Cemetery in Clinton Township.
JOHN BECK.
Mr. Beck was born in North Carolina in the year 1800, and on the 29th
day of September of that year. He was married to Juliet Shinall. Mr.
Beck came to Union County, Ind., in the year 1811, remained there until
1836, when he became a citizen of Boone County, settling three and
one-half miles northwest of Lebanon, and there resided until his death,
October 13, 1876. He was one of the pioneers of the county, and all
through life a worthy citizen and prominent member of the Regular
Baptist Church for over fifty years. His wife also came when quite
young to Union County, where they were married about the year 1820.
Mrs. Beck was born in the year 1799. She also was for over fifty years
a member of the Baptist Church, and as well as her husband, was a
regular attendant of that church. She died August 3, 1875, at her home,
three and one-half miles northwest of Lebanon, where, also, Mr. Beck
died, and near where they lived so long, and where their be°t days
were spent and where they were well known and loved so well. They are
buried at the Beck Cemetery, and where loving hands have erected
monuments to their memory. They knew all about pioneer life, and in
their early home in Union County before Indiana was a state they
battled with a frontier life, and had at one time to take refuge in a
block house from the hostile Indians. When they arrived in this county
in 1836 the county was quite new. They were then in their prime, with
strong hands and a determination to make a home in this new country,
they with hard toil and patience succeeded, and at the close of life at
a good old age, had plenty to bless them with. They raised a large
family of thirteen children, most of whom reside in this county, and
like their parents, are highly esteemed as good men and women. The
following are their names: Elizabeth P., married to W. R. Taylor (she
is deceased). Abner, married to Martha Preston, resides in Union
County, Ind. Sol. W., married to Margaret Pauly, resides in Washington
Township. William, married to Sarah Witt, both deceased. John F.,
married to Kitty A. Kersey, reside in Center township. Samuel L.,
married to Eliza Pauly, reside in Worth Township. Anthony, married to
Mary J. Hinton, reside in Washington Township. Jackson, married to Elvy
A. Pauly, reside in Lebanon. Mary H., married to Robert Kerns; she is
deceased. George, married to Arminta M. Phillips, reside in Center
Township. Louisa J. deceased. Zachariah deceased. Susan A., married to
Montgomery Remington, resides in Nebraska.
Mr. has 76 grandchildren, and 104 great grandchildren, living and
deceased.
A. J. BOONE.
Mr. Boone, a descendant of the noted pioneer of Kentucky, was during
his lifetime an active, influential citizen of Boone County. His
father, Benjamin Boone, was born in Kentucky, resided there up to 1827,
when he removed to Preble County, Ohio, and in 1834 came to Rush
County, Ind. In 1838 he removed to Boone County, Ind. A. J. Boone, the
subject of this sketch, was born in Preble County, Ohio, July 17, 1820.
In 1841 he was elected county auditor, serving until 1843. In early
life he decided to become a lawyer, and in the year 1848 was licensed
to practice, having previously engaged in school teaching in
Leavenworth, Kansas, and Lebanon, Ind. In 1851, he was married to Mary
E. McLaughliu, daughter of the late James McLaughlin, an early citizen
of the county. In 1849, and up to 1853, he was assistant clerk of the
house of representatives of Indiana. As an attorney, he rose rapidly,
and became a successful practitioner, not only at the bar of Lebanon
and adjoining county seats, but at the bar of the Supreme Court. He was
one of the prime movers in establishing the Boone County Pioneer in
Lebanon. He was also among the first advocates of a county fair, and
served as director and stockholder many years. In 1873 he was elected
to the state senate from Boone County, where he served with credit four
years. He was associated in the practice of law with R. W. Harrison, of
Lebanon, during which time he resided on his farm, four miles southeast
of Lebanon, walking to and from his office almost daily ; this to gain
his failing health. All through life in his various pursuits, in
private and public, he was active and industrious. While the profession
of the law was an honor to him, he was an honor to it, never stooping
to low, dishonorable actions. He died at his home in the county July
12, 1875. Mr. Boone was a member of the Christian Church. His widow
resides on the farm, and for the past few years has been an invalid.
After Mr. Booue died, Mrs. Boone married Mr. Harper, with whom she
lived up to his death in 1814. Mrs. Harper died February 18,1887.
ANTHONY BECK.
One of the most prominent men of the county is the one whose name heads
this short and imperfect sketch. He is the son of John Beck, one of the
pioneers of Boone County, both of whom were born in North Carolina.
Anthony Beck was born May 15, 1831. His wife, Mary J. Hinton, was born
November 31, 1831. They were married September 27,1849. The following
are his children's names: Martha E., born July 27, 1850, married March
17, 1870; died April 22, 1870. John Beck was born December 23,1851 ;
William R., born February 14, 1854; Alonzo, born November 24, 1855; he
died in 1867; Leander, born May 22,1857 ; Francis M., born August
17,1860 ; Anthony W., born August 17,1862 ; Sarah E, born August 25,
1865; Anna L., born December 1,1867; Charles R., born December 20,1869,
died, August, 1873; Albert, born November 17,1871; Lena M., born
February 10, 1876. Mr. Beck is among the«most prosperous men in
the county. He owns nearly three hundred acres of land in Washington
Township, where he lives, one mile and a half west of Pike's Crossing,
where he has a fine residence and well fixed to live. Long may he live
to enjoy his well earned property. Has given his children twelve
thousand dollars.
FRANCIS MARION BUSBY
Whose portrait appears on another page, was for many years one of the
most prominent figures in the commercial and political history of Boone
County. Coming to Lebanon in 1834, he was, at the date of his death in
1886, one of the few remaining of the little band of pioneers who had
settled at this point prior to 1840 From early manhood to the close of
his useful and eventful life, he was foremost in all movements
calculated to benefit his adopted town and county, as well as being
active in all measures for the amelioration of his fellow-men, and it
is but just to his memory to say that no other man's personality was
ever so deeply impressed upon the community. He was a witness to the
progress of Lebanon from its inception until it had become a busy city
of five thousand souls, and the county which he first beheld as a
wilderness, he lived to see developed into a vast area of cultivated
farms, dotted with thrifty towns and villages, and populated with
a sturdy, prosperous, and enterprising people.
Mr. Busby was born in Bath County, Kentucky, on the 29th of May, 1831,
and with his father and mother removed to Lebanon in 1834. In 1853 he
was married to Miss Lucinda Haun, at Thorntown, and to this union
were born five sons and one daughter, the latter dying in infancy. The
five sons—Charles E., Elmer D., John H., Albino O., and Dick L.—are all
engaged in the milling business in Lebanon, in the large plant
established by the father and Charles E., and known as the Globe Roller
Mills.
Mr. Busby's character was known to all men as being of such sterling
worth that he became a veritable public servant. The confidence reposed
in him was never abused or betrayed, and he was universally regarded as
a wise counselor and an efficient executive. He was twice elected
treasurer of Boone County, and during the dark days of the Rebellion he
rendered valuable service to the cause of the Union. For a period of
twelve years he was postmaster at Lebanon, and this trust, as in the
case of all others that were in his keeping, he discharged with the
utmost fidelity. He was a member of the city council for several terms,
and a few days before his death he had been appointed to a vacancy in
the school board.
In early life he had followed the trade of carpentering with his
father, but later on he successfully engaged in farming, stock-raising
and milling. He was deeply interested in the breeding and development
of horses, and was the originator, promoter and first President of the
Indiana Trotting and Pacing Horse Breeders' Association, which he lived
to see firmly established.
As a politician, few men in Indiana outranked him for sagacity, and
during Governor Morton's regime he was one of the great War Governor's
closest friends and counselors. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and a Freemason of high standing. To the latter order
he was especially devoted, and he practiced the teachings of the Mystic
Tie in spirit and in truth.
His death was keenly felt in .the community in which he had lived so
long and for which he had done so much, and citizens of all classes
abandoned their usual vocations in order that they might do homage at
the grave of one who had in life been the unswerving friend of the poor
and distressed. At all times he was generous, and in all things just.
His charity was as broad as humanity itself, and the world was the
better by his being in it. Of him it may be said:
"He never made a brow look dark, nor caused a tear But when he died."
One who knew him thirty years, and who was opposed to him in«many
a hard-fought political contest, wrote this truthful and beautiful
tribute to his memory: " Vengeance had
no abiding place in his heart. He never suffered a wrong he did not
freely forgive. The virtue of goodness in Francis M. Busby made him
great."
JAMES BRAGG
Was born in Fayette County, Ind., February 10, 1830; moved to the east
side of Boone County, Ind., on Eagle Creek, in 1840; came to Lebanon
November 1, 1849; was married to Margaret Kernodle April 27, 1851; was
one of the contractors in building the present court house in Lebanon,
in 1856-'57, in which he lost two years' hard work and what other money
he was possessed with. At that time he was engaged in building many of
the old-time brick buildings of Lebanon. He enlisted as a private in
Company F, 40th Regiment Indiana Vol. Infantry, at Lebanon, October 7,
1861; promoted Second Lieutenant November 18, 1861; promoted First
Lieutenant April 1,1862. He was engaged in the Battle of Shiloh, Tenn.,
April 7, 1862; was in siege of Corinth, Miss., during the months of
April and May, 1862; was engaged in all the battles and skirmishes of
the Buell campaign to Louisville, Ky., in 1862; was engaged in the
Battle of Perry- ville, Ky., October 8, 1862; in Battle of Stone River,
at Murfreesboro, Tenn., December 31. 1863, and January 1, 2, 3 and 4,
1863; was engaged in the Tullahoma, Tenn., campaign in 1863; was
engaged in the battles and sieges around Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1863;
was promoted Captain, March 1, 1864; was engaged in all the battles and
skirmishes of the Georgia campaign to Atlanta. He received a concussion
by the bursting of a shell from the enemy's guns near his head while
leading the skirmish-line at the Battle of Rosacca, Ga., May 8, 1864;
received further injury while charging the enemy's works at Lost
Mountain, Ga., during a violent rainstorm, June 18, 1864; was engaged
in the memorable charge of the enemy's works at Renessaw Mountain,
Ga.,'June 27, 1864, at which time so many of our brave soldiers fell.
As autumn leaves fall, so fell the bravest of the 40th Regiment at
Renessaw Mountain, Ga. He was engaged iu the battle of Peach Tree
Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864; was engaged in all the skirmishes to the
taking of Atlanta, Ga., after which he was sent back with the 4th army
corps to take care of Hood and the rebel army. Was in the skirmish at
Columbia, Tenn., in November, 1864; was engaged in battle at
Springhill, Tenn., November 29, 1864. He was prominently engaged in the
battle of Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864, where he was slightly
wounded and had his sash shot from his shoulder. Mr. Bragg says of this
battle: "Our division, that of the 2d of the 4th army corps, bore the
brunt of this terrible, bloody battle, losing more than 2,000 men. ibis
was the hardest fought and bloodiest battle, for the number engaged,
during the war. It was a hand-to-hand contest. The rebels, being
stimulated by the aid of whiskey, were urged on by the valor of their
officers to break through our lines and march on to Nashville, Tenn.,
only thirty miles distant, and the home of many of the brave, rebel
soldiers who fell to rise no more at that bloody battle. Each charge
made by the rebels was as stubbornly resisted by us Union soldiers.
Never wavering or faltering, but each one vieing with each other in
deeds of valor, every one of us baring our breasts to the enemy's guns
to do or to die." He was engaged in the two- days battle of Nashville,
Tenn., December 15 and 16, 1864 ; marched to East Tennessee, then back
to Nashville, Tenn. He then went to New Orleans, La., and crossed the
Gulf of Mexico to Texas. He was mustered out at Texarkana, Texas,
December 21, 1865, by reason of his services being no longer required,
as the war was ended. He re-crossed the gulf, and was discharged at
Indianapolis, January 23, 1866.
STRANGE N. CREGUN,
Who now is at the head of the educational affairs of the county, is a
native of Boone County, having been born in Eagle Township in 1853, his
father, Hiram Cregun, being one of the pioneers of that part of the
county. S. N. Cregun received all the advantages of the common school
of the county and is a regular graduate of the best high school of the
country. He attended West Point military school for two years. He has
been identified all his life with school and school matters, either as
student or teacher. Served several years as principal of the Lebanon
schools with entire satisfaction to all, and was elected county
superintendent in March, 1887. He was married to Miss Booher, daughter
of Benjamin Booher, of Worth Township, and has an interesting family
living in the city of Lebanon.
THE CROSE FAMILY.
Jonathan Crose, sen., was born February 25, 1791, in a fort in Nicholas
County, Ky. He was married to Susan Utterback in Bourbon County, Ky.
She was born in Kentucky, March 23, 1787. They-moved to Tippecanoe
County, Ind., in the year 1830, with seven sons, and one born in
Indiana after their arrival. The following are the children's names:
Reuben, born January 3, 1811; Benjamin, born January 22, 1813; Andrew
J., born March 26, 1815; Henry H., born January 30, 1819; Covington,
born June '2, 1822; William F., born December 20,1824; Jonathan, born
December 29,1827 ; Michael, born June 20, 1831, in Indiana; all the
others born in Kentucky. Mrs. Crose, formerly Susan Utterback, died
June 24, 1834, buried in Tippecanoe County. Mr. Crose served as county
commissioner at an early day for Boone County; the dates we are not
able to give. He died July 22, 1876; is buried at the old cemetery in
Thorntown. Mr. Crose first settled in Boone County in 1835, on the farm
now owned by Thomas Utter. He settled all his sons within five miles of
his old homestead. The following are deceased: Reuben, killed by
falling tree May 6,1862, buried at Thorntown; Benjamin, died August 4,
1879, buried at new cemetery in Thorn- town ; Andrew J., died 1879, is
buried near Frankfort, Ind. Henry H. resides in Sidney, Iowa; William
F. resides in Page County, Iowa; Covington and Jonathan, jr., reside in
Boone County, Ind.; Michael resides in Clinton County, Ind. Benjamin
Crose, who was one of Boone County's best citizens, was born in
Kentucky, January 22, 1813; came to Boone County in 1835. Mr. Crose was
twice married, first to Mary J. Reed, the second time Cynthia Martin.
The following are the names of Mr. Benjamin Crose's children : David,
Mary E., Cyntha A., Alice, Martha J., Benjamin, Sarah, Atley, Susan—all
born in Boone Count}7 except David, who was born in Tippecanoe County,
Ind. Mr. Benjamin Crose was a very prominent man in his day, owning at
one time one thousand acres of land on Sugar Creek, and for years the
owner of the Crose mills near his own home. He died August 4, 1879; is
buried at the new cemetery near Thorntown.
David Crose was married to Martha E. Bovee, September 10, 1857 ; is one
of the enterprising farmers of Washington Township on the north bank of
Sugar Creek, where he has resided for over thirty years. The following
are the names of his children : Marion F., born August 20, 1858, died
November 11, 1858; William B.,born February 2,1860; Mary E., born
October 24,1864; Clement L., born May 8,1863 ; Cyntha E., born October
11, 1864 ; James W., born May 17,1866; Sarah A., born January 15, 1871,
died February 1, 1871 ; Pearly A., born October 2, 1872, died August
30, 1879; Edgar L., born June 11, 1877 ; Walter F., born April 12,
1881. All the deceased members are hurried at the new cemetery in
Thorntown. Mrs. David Crose was born in Clinton County, Ind., April 27,
1841.
DAVID A. COLDWELL.
David A. Coldwell, the subject of this sketch, was born in Nicholas
County, Kentucky, March 21, 1804. His father's name was Thomas
Coldwell, born* in Pennsylvania in 1778, died in 1851. Thomas Coldwell
married Sarah Coldwell, born in Pennsylvania; died in 1844; married in
1803. Mrs. Martha Coldwell, the wife of the subject of this sketch, was
born in Kentucky, December 30, 1806. Her father's name was Edward P.
Creswell; her mother's name before marriage was May Stephenson. Mr.
Creswell was born in Pennsylvania in 1777, died August 6,1826. Mrs.
Creswell was born in Pennsylvania, September 22, 1782, died March 5,
1861. She is buried in Lebanon. D. A. Coldwell and Martha Creswell were
married March 19, 1829. Game to Boone County in 1843. Settled near
Lebanon where they now reside, and where, in 1833, Mr. Coldwell entered
a part of his land and where they have resided since 1843. The
following are their children's names: Almia A., married to Samuel
Beaman; Edward T., married to Miss E. A. Padgett, reside in Lebanon;
Mary J., married to William Powell, live in Clinton Township; Martha
A., married to William Partner, reside in Lebanon. Mr. and Mrs.
Coldwell belong to the Presbyterian Church and are worthy members of
the same. Their going in and out before the people here for the past
forty years has given evidence of their worth as citizens and church
members. They reside just west of the city of Lebanon, are enjoying the
repose of life after a successful struggle. Plenty surrounds them, and
though they are quite old, they are well preserved and enjoy life well.
Tell of the early times in Kentucky as well as in Indiana.
ELIJAH CROSS
Was born in the State of Tennessee, in the year 1807; was married to
Mary Hoover January 13, 1831; came to the county about the year 1828.
He settled where Zionsville now
is, and it was on his land the first lots were laid out, in 1852. Mr.
Cross died in 1869. His widow (who was the first bride in the county),
is yet living on the old home place, overlooking the thriving town of
Zionsville. The following are the family names: Martha, deceased ;
David H., lives in Hamilton County, Ind. ; Rebecca A., died December 6,
1847; Rachel A., married August 9, 1860, to Rev. F. M. Pavy, deceased
April 10,1880; Levinia E. D. P. Lebhart, lives in Zionsville; Jacob A.,
died January 5, 1860; John G., married to Mary Harmon, lives in
Zionsville; Louisa C.,married to Peter Gates, lives in Zionsville ;
James L., died March 30, 1882; Columbus W., married to Lotta Whitaker,
lives in Lebanon. The deceased members of this family, including Mr.
Cross, are buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, near the city of Indianapolis.
OLIVER CRAVEN.
Mr. Craven, one of the early settlers of Thorntown, was born in
Randolph County, N. C., June 1, 1812. Came here in the year 1833, and
where he has since resided. He was first married to Rebecca Talsey,
January 1, 1838. In 1837 he was elected justice of the peace, and as
such has acted for over forty-three years, perhaps the longest time of
any man in the county. Joined the M. E. Church in 1837, and has acted
with and been a member of that church ever since. The following
children were born to him and his first wife: Alice M , Caroline M.,
Jason L., Nancy E. and Nathan J. Three are deceased ; one resides in
Minnesota, and one in Chicago, Ill. Mr. C. was the second time married,
this time to Susan Pauly, on December 19, 1849. Names of their
children: Sarah F., Ella, Mary A., Delilah A., Oliver M., William and
Laura B. Two of the above died in infancy. Mr. C. having served the
people as justice of the peace so long is enough to convince all of his
fidelity and integrity. He has served as president of the Old Settlers'
Meetings at Thorntown three years.
JOHN CHAMBERS.
Mr. Chambers was born in Butler County, Ohio, July 4, 1803. He was
married to Miss Roby November 9. 1825. Miss Roby was born in Butler
County, Ohio, July 14, 1805. They were married in Ohio; came to Boone
County in 1839, settling in Washington Township, where Mrs. Chambers
now resides, Mr. C. having died July 14, 1870. He is buried at the
Cason cemetery. The following are the names of the children : William
Andrew, Clark, Julia A. (deceased), Sarah E. (deceased), Isaac R.
(deceased), Henry W., James F., John G., Oliver S. Mr. and Mrs.
Chambers were both members for years of the Christian Church. Oliver
S., married to Sarah Moffitt, resides at home on the old homestead.
This is one of the early families of this part of the county, the
county being quite new when they arrived here. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers
were, on their arrival here, young and strong, and with willing hands
soon made themselves a comfortable home, and plenty came to bless them.
It, however, took work and patience.
RUEL CAIN
Was born in Tennessee, January 8,1811. Came to Kentucky, lived there a
few years, then to Clark County, Indiana. Came with his father, Arnold
Cain, to Jefferson Township, in year 1838. In the year 1833, and on the
25th day of December, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Styoe. The
following year they settled where Hazelrigg Station now is, and where
Mrs. Cain now resides. Mr. Cain died May 31,1884 ; is buried at the Cox
Cemetery. The. following are their children's names: Joseph S., killed
in the late war; America, Arnold, Mary A., Clayborn T., William S. The
following are deceased : Joseph, America, and Mary A. America was
married to Thomas Felter; buried in Kansas. Mary A., married to John
Hill, buried at the Cox Cemetery. Clayborn T., married to Laura Freise,
Arnold married to Annie Neigh, William S., lives at home. Clay born T.
and Arnold reside in Jefferson Township. Mrs. Cain was born in
Kentucky, April 14,1815. Mr. C. was of light complexion, rather low,
heavy- set, blue eyes. Mr. C. entered a part of his land; is buried at
the Cox Cemetery.
BARTON COLDWELL.
The subject of this sketch was born in Nicholas County, Kentucky, March
21, 1817. His parents' names were John Coldwell and Clarissa Pauly,
before marriage. John Coldwell died September 24, 1835. Mrs. Coldwell
died May 12, 1847, buried at the Cox Cemetery. Barton Coldwell was
married to Miss Pauly June 27, 1839, in Center Township, Boone County.
Mrs. Coldwell came with her parents, Jeremiah Pauly and wife, when a
young girl. Mr. Pauly died August 5,1846. They were married in Kentucky
in 1812. Buried at the Pleasantville Cemetery. The following are the
names of Barton Coldwell's children: John B.>, born December 5,
1840, married to Phebe J. Hollingsworth, May 17, 1866, reside in
Thorntown; Algira A., born December 21, 1842, married to Isaac Jackson,
September 26, 1861, live in Jefferson Township; Jeremiah C., born
November 4, 1845, married to Nancy C. Sutton, March 21, 1867, died
February 28,1870, is buried at Thorntown. Jeremiah was again married to
Rachael S. Bratton, February 2, 1871, resides in Jefferson Township;
Garrison W., was born August 6, 1848, died August 18,1869, buried at
Pleasantview Cemetery; Clarissa T. was born June 5, 1853, died November
26, 1862, is also buried at Pleasantview Cemetery. Mr. Barton Coldwell
died January 28, 1881, buried at Pleasantview Cemetery. In person Mr.
Coldwell was rather over medium size, five feet ten inches in height.
Was a member of the Newlight Church. Mrs. Coldwell resides at her old
home in Jefferson Township, some nine miles west of Lebanon, and a
short distance south of the railroad.
DAVID COLDWELL.
This is another son of Nicholas County, Kentucky, born March 23, 1828.
Came when young with his parents, John and Elizabeth Coldwell, to Boone
County, in the year 1832. He was married to Elizabeth Harney, January
13,1856. Her parents came to Boone County in 1855. Their names were
Washington A. and Emeline Harney. Mrs. Harney died in Kentucky in the
year 1835. Mr. H. served as trustee. Died January 25, 1872; is buried
in Montgomery County, Ind. Mr. David Coldwell's parents are buried at
the Cox Cemetery. His father, John Coldwell, died September, 1835. Mrs.
Coldwell, 1847. The following are the names of the children of David
Coldwell: Margaret E., born November 19, 1856. Mary E., born December
26, 1858, married to Thomas R. Taylor. Thomas A., born December 20,
1860. Sarah R., born October 27, 1862, married to Francis McDaniel.
Nancy E., born June 5, 1865. Oliver A., born December 25, 1867. Lucinda
H., born February 23, 1870. Will- lam S., born January 22, 1872. Mertie
E., born January 19, 1874. Ora D., born May 16,1876. Dollie M., born
November 26, 1880, died December 16, 1881.
WILLIAM COLDWELL.
This grand old man was born in Nicholas County, Ky., January 6, 1819;
married to Margaret Young, January 9, 1840. Mrs. Young was born
February 9,1823. The following are his children's names: John R., Mary
J., Margaret A., William C., Sarah E, James F., David E., Robert N.,
Atpher M, Nellie M. The following are deceased: Mary J., Atpher M.,
Nellie M. All are buried at the Shannondale Cemetery, in Montgomery
County, Ind. Mrs. Coldwell's maiden name was Margaret Hill. Mr.
Coldwell's father's name was John Coldwell, died September 23, 1835;
his wife died May 12, 1847, and both are buried at the Cox Cemetery.
They were born in Nicholas County, Ky., and were among the first to
settle in Jefferson Township. William Coldwell, the subject of this
sketch, is one of the stanch men of his township. Both him and his wife
are members of the Christian Church. In person, Mr. Coldwell is a fine
looking man, full six feet high, dark hair and complexion. He owns a
fine farm in the northwest part of Jefferson Township. To him and
family the writer is indebted for kindness received in gathering
material for the " Early Life and Times in Boone County."
ANDREW COHEE.
*Mr. Cohee was born in Butler County, Ohio, March 14, 1823. He was
married to Amelia Irwin, March 2, 1847. She was born in Ohio, November
27,1827. Came to Boone County in 1854, and settled in Washington
Township, where he now resides. The following are his children's names:
Sarah E., David D., Rebecca J., Hezekiah M., John A., and Mary JL.
Three died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Cohee both belong to the M. E.
Church at Bethel. At an early day before there was a house to worship
in, his house and barn were used as places for the meetings. Mr. Cohee
was a Republican until the National party was organized, when he became
identified with that party. Mr. Cohee's ancestors were from the state
of Delaware; came from that state to Ohio, and from Ohio to Indiana. He
has always been a farmer, and owns a fine farm in Washington Township,
four miles northwest of Lebanon.
NATHAN CORY
Was born in Warren County, Ohio, November 13, 1802; married to Mary
Smith March 10,1825; born in New Jersey. They were married in Clark
County, Ohio; came to Jefferson Township, Boone County, 1851. Mrs. Cory
died March 23, 1879; is buried at the Cox Cemetery. The following are
the children's names: Noah S.; William G., who resides in Jefferson
Township, and is one of its best citizens. He married Margaret E.
Stephenson January 9, 1855. Noah lives in Kansas. The following are the
names of William G. Cory's children: James S., resides in Nebraska;
Mary L., Iva R., Walter M., all living. Mr. Cory belongs to the
Presbyterian Church, as well as his father, Nathan Cory. William G.
Cory was in the late war—Co. B, 154th Indiana regiment. Thanks to this
family for favors. Mr. C. lives about ten miles west of Lebanon, a
short distance north of the pike leading from Dover west.
MICHAEL D. CAMPBELL.
This old and highly respected man was born in Scott County, Kentucky,
on the 27th day of December, 1803, married to Ruth Betts, August
19,1827. Miss Belts was born in the same county, August 9,1806, resided
in Jennings County, Ind , a few years. About the year 1830 came to
Boone County, where he entered the land where his son John F. now
resides. Mr. Campbell died July 2, 1883. Mrs. Campbell died August
10,1883. Both buried at the "Shannondale" Cemetery. The following are
the children's names: Joseph A. born May 6, 1828. James F., Nancy J.,
Joan F., born February 6, 1833. Michael, born March 25, 1835. Notty 8 ,
born April 25, 1837. Mary E., born December 15, 1839. David W., born
April 1,1842. Sarah V., born July 12,1844. Marion J., Ruth A., born
March 4, 1849. The following members of this family are deceased: James
F., Nancy J. Mary E. died August 30, 1855, Sarah V. and Marion J. All
buried at "Shannondale" Cemetery. John F. resides on the old home farm,
is one of the substantial men, was trustee for several years, is a
member of the Odd Fellows. We were well received at his house when
gathering material for this work.
D. W. Campbell was county recorder four years, ending November, 1886.
SAMUEL CUNNINGHAM.
This good old man was born in North Carolina, Bedford County, in the
year 1802; came to Union County, Ind.; lived there until 1848, when he
came to Jackson Township; settled near Jamestown, where he lived until
his death, which occurred in September, 1886. His wife died very
suddenly, at Jamestown, April, 1886—just a few months previous to his
death. This venerable couple were well and favorably known throughout
the county for their true worth. Mr. Cunningham was in person a large
man, and must have been in his best days a very strong man, fully six
feet high and well made in every respect, light hair and fair
complexion. I saw him a few weeks before his death, and a short time
after his wife's death. With a full heart, and eyes full of tears, he
told me about her death; said it would not be long before he, too,
would go. The following are his children's names: Mariah, George,
Hannah, John, William, James, Samuel, Nancy, Francis M. and Mary L.
There are but four of them living— two sous and two daughters.
NICHOLAS CLICK.
Nicholas Click was born in Washington County, Ind December 4, 1822, and
was married to Sarah Pavey, of Washington County, in 1844. Mrs. Click
was born in Washington County, July 13, 1828. Following are the names
of their children that are living (three died in infancy): Rebecca A.,
Rinerd M., Frances M., Eliza E., Mina J., Jesse D., Emily A., James N.,
Sarah C. and Lue E. Mr. C. came to this county in 1857, and moved where
he now lives, in Washington Township, in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Click's
ancestors were German. Mr. C., wife and most of their children belong
to the Christian Church. Mr. C. is a farmer, and with the help of his
boys (and oxen in early days) has cleared two eighty acre farms. He has
a well-improved, ninety-acre farm where he lives. Mr. C. votes the
Democratic ticket, and always wants every one else to vote as they
choose.
WILLIAM H. COMBS.
Mr. Combs was born in Nelson County, Ky., February 7, 1820. Married to
Martha A. Nelson on the 12th day of October, 1843, in Jackson Township,
Boone County, Ind. W. H. Combs was the son of John Combs, who was an
early pioneer of Boone, born in Pennsylvania in 1777; came to Putnam
County, Ind.; remained there a few years, then to this county in 1835.
He died in 1845, and is buried at Dale Cemetery. His wife, Catherine
Combs, died in 1847. Her name was before marriage Catherine Lemons. The
following are the names of W. H. Combs' children : William N., married
to Rebecca J.Wall, resides in Kansas; Mary C., married to Dr. Keth,
resides in Jackson Township; Jane, married to J. Hendricks, resides in
Jamestown; Joseph A., married to Sarah Pratt, resides in Kansas; James
M., married to Sarilda Wall, resides in Warren County, Ind.; Jesse M.,
married to Mary Utter- back, resides in Jackson Township on the home
farm. Mrs. Combs died April 6, 1886, and is buried at Union Cemetery.
She was a member of the Newlight Church many years. Mr. Combs is yet
living on his farm four miles east of Jamestown, is a member of the
Newlight Church, and A No. 1 citizen.
MARTIN CONRAD.
Mr. Conrad was born in North Carolina, and came with his parents when a
youth to Eagle Creek, settling near the Hamilton County line, near
where Benton's Mill was built. Mr. C. learned the shoemaker's trade and
worked at it many years, most of the time at Indianapolis, where he
made his start in the world from a poor boy to rise to one of the solid
men of the county. He early in life joined the M. E. Church, and ever
since has been a faithful member, making no great show or parade in
life, but rather pursuing the even, quiet tenor of life, that speaks
volumes for him. He has been in the grocery business in Zionsville the
past ten or fifteen years, where he enjoys the confidence and patronage
of the people he has lived so long amongst. But few men were better
than Mr. Conrad. You always know where to find him ou the right side
for morality and humanity. In politics he is a stanch Republican and a
lover of his country. Long may he live to enjoy the hard earnings of
his early life.
AUSTIN DAVENPORT.
Mr. Davenport was one of the pioneers of Boone County, settling on
Eagle Creek about the year 1824 or '25. He was elected the first
sheriff of the county, and represented the county in the state
legislature from 1832 to 1834. He built the first brick house in the
county on the Michigan Road in the year 1835, where he owned a fine
tract of land and where he died in the year 1836, highly respected and
loved by all who were acquainted with him. He is the father of Mrs.
Eliza Lowe, Indianapolis, Henry Davenport (deceased), Mrs. May Hopkins
(deceased), Milton S. Davenport of Zionsville, and William Davenport
(deceased). Mr. Davenport is buried on his old farm on the Michigan
road, between Eagle Village and Clarkstown. The Davenport family was
one of the most prominent in the early history of the county. He was a
stanch friend to the poor people, and a Christian gentleman. Long may
his memory live. He was in the War of 1812, serving as drummer, and his
brother Jesse as fifer.
MARK A. DUZAN
Was the son of William Duzan, an early settler of Clarkstown. He was
born in Tennessee, and come with the family to Indiana in 1834 when he
was a lad of fifteen years of age. He worked on the farm, using his
spare time in acquiring a good or rather a useful education. He was
born about the year 1819 or 1820, for he was barely old enough to take
his seat in the state senate in 1844 and 1845, to which he was elected
to represent Boone and Hamilton counties. In 1846 he went in the army
to Mexico, serving as private with credit. In 1850 he was elected a
member of the Constitutional Convention, where he served to the
satisfaction of the people. In 1852 he went, or rather started to
Oregon, but died on the plains and was buried there. Mark A. Duzau had
one of the happiest make-ups of any man I ever was acquainted with. He
could adapt himself to the senate chamber or drive oxen, run, hop,
jump, or make a capital speech, as the case required. In person he was
perfect; 5 feet 10 inches high, well formed, weighing 175 lbs., with
fair complexion and auburn hair. He was elected to the above office as
a Democrat. Mr. Duzan was never married. Though he sleeps in an unknown
grave he will be remembered by many citizens of Boone County.
JACOB DINSMORE.
Mr. D. was born in Kentucky. Came, with his brother and other members
of the family, to Harrison Township, Boone County, in 1834, where he
has since resided, just east of the town of New Brunswick. His wife
died a few years ago, and he is now making his home with his son,
William F. Dinsmore. The family are, in faith, Baptists, and most of
them are members of that church, and have been ever since a society was
formed in that part of the county. He is the father of William F., John
T. and Pleasant J. Dinsmore, all prosperous farmers in Harrison
Township, and where they are highly respected as honest, upright
citizens. While canvassing for this work I was kindly entertained at
their houses.
JOHN DUZAN.
The one whose name heads this brief sketch was born in the State of
Tennessee, about the year 1807. Came with the Duzan family to this
county in 1834. Just entering a life of usefulness, he was long a
citizen on Eagle Creek, and where he owned and operated a grist mill
for years. He, like the other members of the family, was a Democrat,
and as such was elected to the lower house of the state legislature in
1844-45. Served one year. He is the father of Mrs. Benjamin Shelburn,
of Eagle Township, also of Mrs. Mark Simpson, a banker of Zionsville.
Also of James and William, both deceased, both of whom had prepared
themselves for the practice of medicine. The former died in Oregon, in
1852, is buried on the Columbia River. He was near twenty-two years of
age. William died at about the same age. George N. studied medicine
with his uncle, W. N. Duzan, and is now practicing at Zionsville.
Another daughter married Hon. I. N. Cotton, in 1856. She died several
years since. Mr. Cotton resides four miles southwest of Zionsville.
There were perhaps other children but their names we do not know. Mr.
D. was a fair speaker and well informed man. He died at Zionsville
about the year 1873.
GEORGE DYE, Sr.
This grand old pioneer was born in Green County, Pennsylvania, January
30, 1786; was married to Sarah Calvert January 7, 1807. She was also
born in the same county and state, December 7, 1785. One year after
their marriage, Benjamin, their first child, was born, January, 1808,
died May 18, 1879, at his home in Hamilton County, Indiana, on Little
Eagle Creek, where he is buried. This was the first death in this large
family, when the youngest was fifty-one years old. About the year 1808,
Mr. George Dye, Sr., moved to Morgan County, Ohio, where nine children
were born to them, as follows: Isaac, born 1809, lives near Northfield;
Fanny, married to Jacob Stonking, she was born December 16, 1810,
resides in Zionsville; James, born October 28,1812, resides in
Northfield; Jacob, born August 14, 1814, resides at Zionsville; George
W., born October 3, 1816, resides in Oregon ; William, born October 18,
1818, lives one mile north of Zionsville; Elizabeth, born September 13,
1820, married to John Ford, moved to Iowa and died there; Sallie, born
January 12, 1823, married Robert J. Harmon, resides in Kansas; Samuel
H., born November 11, 1828, married Malissa Hage, resides in Dakota. In
1830 Mr. Dye moved to Miami County, Ohio, remained there until the year
1833, when he came to Eagle Creek, Boone County, where he lived until
his death at Lebanon, March 3, 1847. Mrs. Dye died July 8,1845, in the
house now occupied by William Dye. Both are buried at the cemetery in
Eagle Village. Mr. Dye was in the war of 1812, and was wounded by the
Indians. He was hotly pursued by the Indians and had several
hand-to-hand encounters with them in Ohio. He was one of the best men
that ever lived in the county. Was a Methodist, and a devoted member
and public speaker. He was a great hunter, a very large, strong man,
six feet one inch high, well made. He was one of the best made men that
ever lived on Eagle Creek. He built the Dye mills on the creek soon
after his arrival in the county. Mr. Dye entered and bought 640 acres
of choice land on the creek. George Dye will be remembered as a bold,
fearless pioneer of Boone County.
GEORGE DODSON
Was one of the early settlers of Eagle Creek, arriving as early as
1827. He was born in the State of Virginia in 1776. He married Martha
Lockhart in Virginia; subsequently moved to Kentucky, and remained
there until the year 1827. He was among the first Baptist Ministers who
preached in Boone County, and mainly through his influence the church
called Eagle Creek Regular Baptist Church was organized, which is yet
living and has had great influence for good the past sixty years. Mr.
Dodson was a regularly ordained Baptist minister; was at the
constituting of the above church, and served as its preacher till death
ended this good man—died in 1848. He is buried at or near the church,
and where his best days were spent, and where he did so much to
develop—not only in a spiritual sense, but he helped with his own hands
to clear away the woods; helped make the roads, and, in fact, was in
every good word and work. Just such a man was needed. He came, filled
his mission, and filled it well. He left a spotless record, both in and
out of the church. The good George Dodson did lives yet, and will for
years to come. Reader, should you visit his grave, on Eagle Creek, you
may truthfully say: " Here lies a good man, the noblest work of God."
The following are his children's names: Elizabeth, Nancy, Margaret,
Irena, George, Martha, Ruel, John, Mary, Judah, Robert and Jemima.
Elizabeth, married to Maston Johnson, died in 1872, at the age of
eighty years, and is buried in Pleasant View Cemetery, east of the
cemetery in Worth Township.
Thomas married . He died in 1883, aged ninety years, and is buried in
Eagle Creek Cemetery beside his companion. Nancy was married to William
Davenport. She died in 1854. Margaret resides in Kentucky. Irena,
married to John Vaughn, is yet living. George married Rebecca
Headspeth, and lives in Virginia. Martha married Aaron Philps; both are
dead; died in Illinois. Rual married Mary Dickerson; both died in
Illinois. John died in Virginia at the age of nineteen years. Mary
married Elijah Dickerson ; both died in Boone County, and are buried at
the Eagle Creek Cemetery. Juda married John Kinman, and resides in
Missouri. Robert, married to Mary White, resides in Worth Township,
where he has lived over fifty years; owns a splendid
farm, and enjoys the confidence of the people with whom he has lived so
long. He too, as well as his aged companion, know all about the early
life in Boone County. They both belong to the Regular Baptist Church,
at Eagle Creek. Jemima, married to Stephen Lane in 1839, is yet living.
Mr. Lane is yet living.
W. S. DUKES
Was born in Ross County Ohio. . Came with his parents to Boone County
in 1834, settling on the line of Clinton County. He now resides in
Sugar Creek Township, near Colfax, in Clinton County. He was married to
Matilda Graham, December 27, 1849. Mr. W. S. Dukes was born February 6,
1825. The following are his children's names: Lewis C., born April 4,
1851; married to Julia J. Trewit, April 15, 1871. (She is deceased).
Mary
E., was born January 12, 1853; married to Jasper P. Holloway, May
5,1870; resides in Clinton County. John C. was born December the 16th,
1854; married to Sarah C. Cones, February 27, 1873; resides in Sugar
Creek Township. All doing very well in their respective homes. " I have
worked hard all my life, most of the time on a farm. I resided in
Colfax five or six years. When we came to this county it was quite new.
Our neighbors were few and far between, but they were social in the
extreme. It was well it was thus, for we had but little property and
things necessary to keep house with. There was plenty of wild game in
the woods, such as deer, turkeys, and squirrels by the thousands. We
had great trouble in getting corn to stand, for so plenty were they.
The county at that time had but few inducements for the first settler;
woods on every hand, hardly a stick amiss. The water was running out in
every direction, especially in the spring. Little by little our truck
patches widened out; the forests began to disappear; neighbors began to
multiply; school houses were being built; then we began to feel like we
were in a fine country. When I look back forty years, it seems like a
dream to me, the changes have been so many. The woods have given way to
well cultivated fields, and like improvements have sprang up till we
have a fine county to live in. But it has cost toil and labor to bring
about these changes. Many have died. A few have lived to pee what then
seemed an impossibility. The pioneer was needed; they came, filled
their places on the frontier. In my early life my school advantages
were poor, and I have been compelled to pass through the world with but
little education. T am glad, however, to see such grand improvements in
schools, which are the hope of our country. I am also glad to see our
county rise and take a stand amongst the foremost in the state. With
the best of soil, we can raise almost any grain we wish, and that with
good results. We are also advancing in the way of roads, ditches,
dwellings, in fact, in everything that we could desire.
" My father was born in Maryland, January 8, 1796. He was married in
Ross County, Ohio, December, 1823 ; died July 25, 1853. My mother was
born in Ross County, Ohio, March 10,1804; died September 16,1847. They
had twelve children, three of whom are dead. James and Ezekiel were in
the late war; the first wounded, the second killed by a cannon ball in
the battle of Greenbrier, Virginia.
" My grandfather's name was Isaac Dukes; was born in Maryland. He was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was married to Elizabeth King in
Maryland. A few years after they removed to Ross County, Ohio, where
they remained until the year 1833, when he came to this county,
settling on the line between Boone and Clinton Counties. They are
buried in Clinton County. They raised a family of five boys and three
girls. W. S. Dukes."
Mr. and Mrs. Dukes belonged to the M. E. Church, 1860. He was a
Democrat until 1860, when he went "with the Republican party. Mr. Dukes
now owns about four hundred acres. Lewis was married to Judia Hopkins,
for his second wife.
JOHN DAVIS.
The subject of this sketch was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, January
19,1803; came to Boone County in 1835; was married to Elizabeth
A.Coldwell in Franklin County, Ind., in 1830; settled in Union
Township; died June 12, 1878. Buried at the " Ross " Cemetery in Union
Township, where all the deceased members of the family are buried. Mrs.
Davis was the daughter of Andrew and Nancy Coldwell, born in South
Carolina December 5, 1803. John Davis, the father of the subject of
this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1755, and on the 22d
day of September. He died December 6, 1802. Mrs. Davis, his mother
(Agnes Davis), born August 13, died March 14, 1769. She left a family
of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the youngest.
The wife of Mr. D. died August 21, 1851. The following are the names of
John and Elizabeth Davis' children: John, born September 28, 1832.
Andrew, born June 14, 1834; both born in Franklin County, Ind. Sarah
E., born May 22, 1838. Mary, June 3, 1840. Samuel S., born October 16,
1842. William N., born June 30, 1846. Benjamin F., born May 1, 1848.
Mary A. died June 12, 1869. William N. died August 4, 1869. Sarah E.
died May 15, 1878. Benjamin died April 5, 1882. This pioneer family
will be remembered as one among the first of Union Township, where,
with others, they had hard times to make a home in the woods. Let us
keep their names bright, never forget them. Samuel S. Davis, son of
John Davis, resides in Union Township, where he owns a fine farm near
the Midland R. R., and is a patron of the "Early Life and Times of
Boone County."
JOHN DULIN, Sr.
Mr. Dulin was born in Virginia January 10, 1806. His parents names were
Edward Dulin and Mary Dulin, born respectively 1774, 1772; died in
Kentucky. John Dulin was married to Angeline Allen October 29, 1828, in
the state of Kentucky; died there November 23, 1834. The following are
their children's names by the first marriage: James E., Thomas W.,
Nancy F. James died in Minnesota. Thomas W. lives in Clinton County,
Ind. Nancy F., deceased, is buried at the Mount's Run Cemetery. Mr.
Dulin was the second time married to Miss Priscilla Boswell December 8,
1835. The following are the children's names: George B. resides in
Worth township, married to Elizabeth Wysong. Mary A., married to L. P.
Shoemaker, lives in Union Township. Matilda J., married to T. S.
Dooley, resides in Marion Township. John A., married to Mary A. Carr,
lives in Union Township. Sallie E., married to Isaac Isenhour, resides
in Worth Township. Clarinda E., married to B. Marsh, died October 26,
1864. Thaddeus V. died August 31,1849. Elizabeth M., married to Willis
West, resides in Center Township. C. O. Dulin, married to May A. Baber,
resides in Union Township. Milton F. died in infancy April 18, 1854.
All the deceased members of this family are buried at the Mount's Run
Cemetery. John Dulin was one of the first settlers on Mount's Run,
where he lived till January 26, 1882, highly esteemed by all. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Dulin were members of the Regular Baptist Church, and among
the first to join this church in Union Township. Mrs. Dulin is yet
living, quite well preserved for one of her age. Her parents are buried
in Kentucky. In person John Dulin was full six feet high, strong, well
proportioned, well calculated for the hardy pioneer that he was. Many
who read this will call to mind John Dulin, one of the early citizens
of the county.
JAMES B. DALE.
It is interesting to notice, in the struggles which have convulsed the
country and tried our institutions, whether national or local, how so
many of the men who have been laborers in these great scenes did not
come upon the arena filtered through generations of scholars and
statesmen, but came unheralded, save with the advantages which a
democratic republic offers to every citizen. The majority of the
foremost men of the country in every calling are the legitimate sons of
democracy. That hard, Spartan mother trained them early to her fatigues
and wrestlings and watchings, and gave them their shields on entering
the battle of life with only the Spartan mother's brief: "With this, or
upon this." Native force raised James B. Dale to the position of the
leader of the Anti-Monopoly party in Boone County. And the working of
the same generous laws, that permits each toiler to carve a destiny for
himself, saw him write his name upon the minds and hearts of the"
people throughout the county. The early years of Mr. Dale present a
fair average of the advantages and struggles incident to the Hoosier
youth. His father, Matthew Dale, was a son of 'Squire Dale, who was
born in western Tennessee in the year 1792. He was married to Elizabeth
Smith about the year 1810. He was in the war of 1812. A short time
after his marriage he emigrated to Lawrence County, Indiana. He stayed
there a few years, and from that county he moved to Putnam County, and
in 1828 he moved from Putnam County to Jackson Township, Boone County.
He entered a tract of land on a stream called Eel River, upon which he
lived the rest of his days. He died in March, 1848. His wife died in
August, 1877, being eighty-three years of age.
To them were born eight children, three boys and five girls. Matthew,
the second son, was born on the 4th of May, 1820. He was married to
Miss Frances A. Reese, a daughter of Samuel Reese, a highly esteemed
farmer of Washington Township, on January 1, 1843. They raised ten
children, seven boys and three daughters. His wife died in March, 1864.
He married the widow of Reuben Scott in January, 1867. To them were
born two children, one boy and one girl. He died in November, 1874.
James B. Dale, the fifth child by the first marriage, was born December
18, 1850. He received the training usually accorded to farmer boys. He
worked on
the farm, after arriving at the proper age, in the summer season and
attended the district school in the winter. About the time he reached
his sixteenth year he entered the academy at Ladoga, Indiana, while
that institution was conducted by Prof. Milton B. Hopkins. While he was
there he boarded with the professor, who took quite an interest in him.
Mr. Hopkins urged him to complete the course of study and remarked to
to him that his native ability was such that he might become a profound
scholar and one of the foremost men of the state. But when Mr. Hopkins
left Ladoga and went to Kokomo, Indiana, James B. quit the school and
never entered it again. At the age of eighteen he began teaching in the
public schools of this county. He taught about ten winters in
succession, and working the meantime through the summer seasons on the
farm. He was six feet high, and weighed 185 pounds. He was never sick
any until the time of his death. On the 1st day of January, 1874, he
was married, as most teachers are, to one of his pupils, Miss Maggie
Jackson, daughter of Elisha Jackson, a prominent citizen of the county.
This union proved a very agreeable one. To them were born six children,
three boys and three girls. The oldest, a girlr died in infancy. The
rest still live with their widowed mother on the farm. Young Dale was
rocked in a Democratic cradle, and his complexion was Democratic until
after he reached his majority. But, to use his own words, he says, "
That the first Democratic medicine I ever took was the Greeley pill,
and that did not digest very well, so I wouldn't take any more." He was
twenty-three years old when the financial panic of 1873 occurred, and
seeing how distressed the masses of the people were in consequence of
this stagnation of business throughout the entire country, he set to
work to understand the nature and causes of panics and how they might
be prevented. From that time on as long as he lived he was a tireless
student of political economy. In consequence of his studies he saw fit
to change his political views, and therefore identified himself with
the anti-monopoly party, of which he soon became the leader in this
county.
In the summer of 1876 he canvassed the county for the office of County
Clerk. During this campaign he made several speeches in each township
in the county, this being his first effort in making public speeches.
His party not being very strong, he was defeated. Again his party
nominated him for office in 1882, this time for Representative. It was
not from choice on his part that he made this race, there being no
chance of an election. But the workers of his party conceded that he
was their leader and therefore put him forward as their champion.
He was free from moral cowardice, and so convinced that the measures he
advocated were right, and must therefore eventually triumph, that, like
the Norseman, he was determined to find a way or to make it.
Mr. Dale was in an unequal battle from the first. With -both the
Republican and Democratic parties marshaled against him, he threw
himself into the campaign. The dauntless spirit that had faced odds in
the previous campaign never flinched as he saw the handwriting on the
wall. Determined to do all he could do, his tremendous energies created
a kindred zeal among his followers, but he was defeated by the votes of
Mr. Sterratt.
After this campaign was over, Mr. Dale turned his attention to the farm
more closely than ever before. He thought he would never again take an
active part in politics. But in this he was mistaken. For, in making
two campaigns in the county, he had gained the confidence of the
people, his abilities were established, and hosts of friends from all
parties flocked about him, urging him again to canvass the county. So
again in 1884 his party nominated him unanimously, as it had done in
both cases before. He also received the nomination of the Democratic
party, with considerable opposition.
Of an earnest and impetuous temper for what he deemed right, and wedded
to the principles which he advocates by all the instincts of his being,
his enthusiasm knew no bounds. Both parties caught the glow of his
zeal, and he was this time elected by a handsome majority.
At the close of this campaign he was conceded by all parties to be one
of the best speakers in the county. He had that power of statement
which made him so characteristic as a speaker. He possessed decision of
character, self-reliance, and an inflexible will. And with these
qualities standing out prominent as a basis for his qualifications to
the office to which he had been elected, he goes to the state
legislature.
While acting in that body, he was placed on several important
committees. And every public measure on which he was called to act,
received his careful attention ; he weighed it in all its general
bearings and then mastered it in detail. The thoroughness of his
knowledge was his first source of power as a speaker. After this
session adjourned he returned to the farm ; but by this time he began
to comprehend that his native health was to be in the service of the
people.
His friends were expecting to send him back to the legislature in 1886,
but this was not to be; death stepped in and interfered.
In the winter of 1885-6 he again taught school, but ten days before his
school should have closed, he took a severe attack of lung fever, and
died on the 15th day of March, 1886. Thus passed off the stage of
action one of Boone County's favorite sons.
Mr. Dale was a member of the Newlight or Christian Church since
February, 1881, continuing an active and useful member until death. He
was buried at the old Union Cemetery in Jackson Township, near where he
lived and where he was loved. See his portrait in another part of this
book.
FLEMING DICKERSON.
This old pioneer was born in Montgomery County, Virginia, July 30,
1812, son of Elisha Dickerson. His mother's name before marriage was
Susanah Guthry. This old couple came to Boone County in 1859. Elisha
Dickerson died December 11, 1867, aged 67 years. Mrs. Dickerson, his
wife, died in 1881, aged 94 years. Buried at the Whitelick Cemetery in
Perry Township. Fleming Dickerson was married to Jane R. Guyson August
21, 1836. She died July 8, 1848; is buried at Whitelick Cemetery. The
following are his children's names by the first marriage: Susanna,
Mary, Elisha, Eliza J., Henry, Sarah. Mr. Dickerson was the second time
married to Mary Clark, November, 1848. The following children were born
to them : Charles, Virginia, Johanna, Elnety, William F. Mr. Dickerson
came to Harrison Township in 1842. Located in town 17. He has been a
member of the Missionary Baptist Church since 1839. Mrs. Dickerson is
also a member of the same church. Mr. Dickerson is one of the pioneer
hunters and is at home in the woods, provided he has his trusty gun
with him. In person Mr. Dickerson is large, weighing full two hundred
pounds, well calculated for a frontier life. Virginia, Johanna and
William are dead and are buried at Whitelick.
JOSEPH F. DAUGHERTY.
Mr. Daugherty, one of the pioneer merchants of the county, was born in
Ohio, in the year 1814. Came to Eagle Village, this county, in the year
1838, where he was engaged in selling goods for a term of years, in
fact, as long as there was any village there, perhaps up to 1853, when
Zionsville sprung up and the building of the railroad there, when he,
with A. P. Nicholas, his former partner in the village, commenced
business in Zionsville and were in business there several years, when
he went to Kokomo, and there his wife, Mariah Daugherty, died, as good
a woman as ever lived in Boone County. Her name was Mariah Campbell.
They were married about the year 1836 or 1838. The following are their
children's names: Adelaide, William W., James, Francis and Joseph.
James died in infancy at Eagle Village, in 1844. William W. has been
for years in the regular army as captain, in the 18th Regulars, and is
now at this writing (1886) at Fort Lewis, Colorado. Joseph is also
there in that county as a farmer. Mr. Dickerson was, while living in
the village, captain of the Eagle Village Light Infantry, a military
organization formed there back in the forties. He was, it is said, the
best posted man of his day in the county. Was nominated for the state
legislature in 1848, but was defeated by the Hon. Henry M. Marvin. Mr.
Dickerson is now, and has been for years, a resident of the city of
Indianapolis; is in his seventy-fourth year, quite well preserved and
looks younger than that. He was an old Whig up to 1826; since that time
has acted with the Republican party. In person Mr. Dickerson is of
medium size, dark hair, good features, well made, and in his best days
would weigh 175 pounds. Mrs. Dickerson is buried at Kokomo. Should you
visit her grave you might truthfully say: "Here rests one of the
noblest women that ever lived in Boone County."
JAMES DOWING, Sr.
Was born in Donegal, Ireland, in the year 1784. Came to America in the
year 1819, and to Boone County in 1834. On the 11th of October of that
year he settled in Clinton Township; died February, 1868. Mrs. Dowing
was born in 1795, in England. Her name was Avis Giddings; died in 1879.
Both buried at Mechanicsburg, Boone County. Mr. Dowing was a Catholic,
Mrs. Dowing a Presbyterian. The following are the names of their
children: James F. was born near Hell Gate, New Jersey, January 17,
1827. He was married to Mary A. Witham April, 1868; died on the old
homestead in Clinton Township, one mile from the Clinton Township line.
To this family I am indebted for favors shown while canvassing for this
work. James Dowing entered the land now owned by James F. Dowing about
the year 1834. Mr. and Mrs. James Dowing were married in Providence,
Rhode Island. They had five children, three boys and two girls, as
follows: John G. resides in Hamilton County, Ind. Edward, deceased,
lived at Mechanicsburg. James F. resides on the old farm. Jane E.
married to Ephram Davis, resides in Clinton Township, near the Clinton
County line. Mary M., married to Charles S. Riley, reside in Center
Township, near Holmes Station. Mr. James Dowing landed in Clinton
October 11, 1834, from the State of New York. He was among the first
settlers of Clinton. Their cabin was of the most primitive kind,
puncheon floor, clapboard roof, etc. Soon after his arrival a black
bear was killed near his house. One of the remaining Indian huts was
standing on his land. When he arrived he helped tear it down. It stood
on the bank of Tarrepin Creek. Mr. Dowing, in the early settlement,
when the mill streams in his locality were frozen, lived on potatoes
and hominy. The above sketch was prepared by his son, James F. Dowing.
LORENZO C. DAUGHERTY.
Judge Daugherty for near thirty years was one of the most prominent men
in Boone County. He was the son of James and Francis Daugherty, who
were citizens of Washington, Indiana, and where Lorenzo C. was born,
April 5, 1820, and where he, in 1843, studied law. He became a citizen
of Lebanon in 1844. He was married to Rachel Thornburg, August 31,1839,
who survives him and is pleasantly located in the east part of the
city. Soon after Mr. D. arrived in Lebanon, he became a partner in the
law business with Hon. W. B. Beach, now of Providence, Rhode Island,
when they at once built up a good practice. Mr. D. was elected to the
state legislature in 1847, serving several terras to the satisfaction
of the people he represented. He was elected probate judge in 1853,
serving until 1860 with honor to himself and the bench. He was for
several years connected with the banks of Leba- anon, serving as
president and stockholder as well. In all his relations as a citizen of
the county, both public and private, he acted well his part, acquiting
himself with credit and honor, for over thirty years. He died October
29, 1876, in the prime of life and usefulness, loved and respected by
all. In person he was of medium size, fair complexion, auburn hair,
good features. He was elected to the above offices as a Democrat.
During his active life he accumulated a handsome estate for his worthy
help-mate in life and his children who were born to them, named as
follows: Mary E., born September 10, 1840, married to C. P. Rodman ;
reside in Kansas City, Missouri. Zarilda, married to S. S. Daily,
October, 1865. Ella, born July 28, 1851; married to E. T. Lane
(druggist, Lebanon). Emma, born February 28, 1858; married to B. S.
Higgins (prosecuting attorney). Curtis, born February 23, 1862, married
to Hattie Holliugsworth, June 6, 1883; reside in Lebanon.
WILLIAM J. DEVOL.
One among the many worthy citizens of Boone County was William J.
Devol, commonly called the old "Judge" Devol. He was born in the old
Buckeye State, December 28, 1814, where his boyhood days were spent.
After arriving at the age of twenty-eight, moved his headquarters to
Crawford County, Missouri. Here he took up farming for his occupation
and prospered with great success. After living here about twenty-three
years, at the death of his brother, Clark Devol, his interests were
drawn to Boone County, moving on his farm northeast of Lebanon in 1865,
and remaining here until he accepted the presidency of the First
National Bank, making his residence immediately north of the city.
Mr. Devol has held several offices of trust and profit during his
residence in Missouri, viz., two terms in the legislature, sheriff of
Crawford County, county collector, and probate judge of the same
county. He was elected a joint representative from Boone and Clinton
counties, Indiana, by the Democratic party in 1870.
He was married to Rebecca Thompson, January 20, 1842, who was born in
Crawford County, Mo., August 19,1822. At the age of fifteen she united
with the Baptist Church, of which she was a consistent member until she
went to join the church triumphant. She made no loud profession, and
never made a display of her good deeds or charities, yet she was ever
ready and anxious to feed the hungry and relieve all kinds of distress
and sorrow. She proved to be a very considerate and affectionate wife,
living until the 21st day of June, 1886, at about 8:30 P. M., leaving
her husband and many friends to mourn her loss.
In early life Mr. Devol joined the Baptist Church, and all through his
life has been a liberal supporter of the gospel and a regular attendant
on all means of grace, when health would permit. He has been a sufferer
from kidney disease for several years, besides being badly ruptured,
and it was this that caused his death. On Saturday, the 4th day of
December, 1886, a surgical operation was performed on him, but only
temporary relief was afforded, and the 6th day of December, 1886, at 1
o'clock A. M., his soul took its flight from the body.
His and his wife's funeral were both largely attended at the Center
burying ground, three miles east of Lebanon, where their bodies repose
in death.
In life Mr. Devol was extremely eccentric, but many friends and
relatives have been made to rejoice by his peculiarities of character.
He was courteous to all, and especially courteous and generous to those
he took a fancy to. He was one of the wealthiest men in the county,
nearly all his possessions being in cash and bonds. His will appoints
Wesley Lane his executor, viz., to Mary Wondel, the property where he
resides and $1,000; the balance to be divided equally between William
C. Devol, of Missouri, and William J. and Charley Devol, of Boone
County. Witnessed by George W. Baird and Wesley Lane. In another part
of this work will be found the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Devol.
A. C. DAILY.
It is with pleasure we present our patrons with a brief biography of A.
C. Daily, together with his portrait. Mr. Daily was born at New
Carlisle, Clark County, Ohio, and being one of the oldest of a large
family of children, whose parents were in rather humble circumstances,
and of an ambitions disposition, he, at the tender age of ten years,
began life for himself. A good education was his first purpose in life,
and to this end, after completing the course laid down in the public
schools, he gained admission as a student in Linden Hill Academy, of
his native place. Here he persevered in his studies until the course
was almost completed, when he was tendered a position in the office of
John C. Daily (old Cal. as he was long known), treasurer of
this—Boone—county, which position he accepted, but had barely entered
upon the discharge of its duties, when James A. Nunn, auditor of this
county, appointed him deputy in that office, where he remained for
eight years, and was then honored by the voters of this county by
election as auditor, which office he filled for the term of four years.
March 11, 1858, Mr. Daily was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta
Blue, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, who only survived until November 23,
1863, when occurred the first great sorrow of his life, the loss of his
young and devoted wife. Mr. Daily's second marriage occurred December
19, 1867, when he led to the altar Miss Maggie McCorkle, of
Mechanicsburg, Ohio. The latter marriage has been blessed by the birth
of four interesting children, two of whom only survive.
In the spring of 1860, the county commissioners appointed Mr. Daily as
clerk of the Boone Circuit Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the death
of Henry Shannon, and his party, the Democracy, nominated him for its
candidate for that office at the election of that year, but numbers
were against the success of the party at that election and his
competitor, Mr. S. A. Lee, was elected. In 186'2 Mr. Daily was
nominated by the Republicans as their candidate for auditor of the
county and he was triumphantly elected, which office he filled for four
years in such a manner as to reflect great credit to the people of his
county.
In March, 1867, Mr. Daily, the late Major H. G. Hazelrigg, and the late
Judge L. C. Dougherty formed a stock company and organized the Lebanon
Bank, which name and organization were maintained until the year 1882,
when it organized under the national banking laws as the Lebanon
National Bank, with Mr. Daily as president, and his brother, S. S.
Daily, as cashier.
Mr. Daily is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Past
Master of Boone Lodge, No. 9; a companion of Lebanon Chapter, No. 39,
R. A. M.; also of Boone Council, No. 45, R. and S. M.; is a Knight
Templar of Frankfort Commandery, and has attained to the 32° in the
Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. of long standing,
and has since the year 1861 been a member of the finance committee at
almost every meeting of the Grand Lodge of that noble order, which
shows in what esteem he is held by his brothers and fellows.
Mr. Daily was a stockholder at the reorganization of the Boone County
Agricultural Society, and was the first secretary of that society,
serving in that capacity for five consecutive years. He was at one time
a director in what is now known as the Midland Railroad Company, and
labored hard to have that road completed to Lebanon. He is at present
one of the directors of the natural gas company, and is thoroughly in
earnest iu the matter of developing the resources of our country.
Mr. Daily represented this district as a delegate to the National
Republican convention, at Chicago, that nominated the Hon. James G.
Blaine for the presidency in 1884, and worked hard to carry out the
wishes of his constituency. That he succeeded they all bear testimony.
Mr. Daily's political friends presented his name before the Republican
state convention last year for nomination for the office of Auditor of
State, but Mr. Bruce Carr was the recipient of that honor.
Mr. Daily has never formally connected himself with any church, but is
at present a member of the board of trustees of the M. Iv Church, in
Lebanon, his aged mother's church, and greatly assisted that body in
the erection of its beautiful new house of worship in the summer of
1886.
Mr. Daily is a great admirer of blooded stock, and as such has a number
of fine horses and Jersey cattle that are the pride of his leisure
hours. He is also the treasurer and a member of the executive committee
of the Indiana Trotting and Pacing Horse Breeders' Association.
The life of Mr. Daily has been a successful one, and is due to the
resolution formed in boyhood to "act well his part," and in the various
positions which he has been called upon to fill we find that
unfaltering devotion to principles of honesty that characterize the
lives of our successful men.
Personally Mr. Daily is rather a heavy set, square shouldered man, with
dark hair and eyes, an open countenance. His convictions are plain and
are not easily transformed.
MICHAEL ERSKIN.
Mr. Erskin is perhaps the oldest person in Boone County, or the oldest
man who ever lived in the county. He is now in his ninety-fourth year.
He was born in Monroe County, Virginia, January 15,1794. He was married
to Nancy Murdock in 1824, when in his thirtieth year. Soon after he
was married he moved to Highland County, Ohio; remained there six
years, then removing to near Pendleton, Indiana, where he resided two
years, when in 1836 he came to Jefferson Township, Boone County, where
he now resides, two miles south of Dover. His wife died in 1845, and on
the first day of February. Is buried at the Cox Cemetery. Four children
were born to them, two of which are now living. Mr. Erskin was the
second time married, to Rebecca Parks, in 1847. Two children were born
unto them, both living. Mr. E. is now, for one of his age, enjoying
good health. Has been a very hard working man, and has thrice been a
pioneer to the front. He has never been out of the state since 1836.
Never rode on the cars or steamboat. He voted for President Jackson the
second term, and has been voting that kind of a ticket up to 1886. Mr.
Erskin was in the war of 1812; was not in any battle, peace having been
declared soon after he was drafted. He bids fair to live his one
hundred years. He is the father of James M. Erskin, of Jefferson
Township, who was quite young when the family came to Boone County. He
has served as justice and trustee of his township. His wife died a few
years since. Thanks to him for favors.
SIMON EMERT.
Simon Emert, one of the pioneers of Jackson Township, was born in east
Tennessee, March 4, 1804. He was the son of Peter Emert, and grandson
of Simon Emert, who died in Tennessee in 1800. Simon Emert, the one
whose name heads this sketch, was married to Mary Kennedy, April 1,
1825. Moved to Boone County, October, 1832, where he entered a large
tract of choice land, which he developed into a fine farm. When he and
Mrs. Emert arrived in Jackson Township it was all woods, and the
outlook was, to say the least, quite gloomy. They came, however, with
strong hands and willing hearts to make a home, and to this end their
best energies were devoted. And through privations untold and hardships
almost unbearable, they fought their way, made a fine farm, and lived
long enough to enjoy the fruits of their early toil. Mr. and Mrs. Emert
were members of the Protestant M. E. Church, and lived exemplary lives
many \ cars, setting a good example to their children and friends with
whom they came in contact.
Mrs. Emert was born in South Carolina, September 24, 1808; died July
18, 1880; buried at the Mount Zion Cemetery, near where she lived so
long. Mr. Emert died September, 1886; also buried at the same cemetery.
The following are the names of their children ; the deceased ones are
buried at the Mount Zion Cemetery, in Jackson Township: Candees,
married to Hizah Hudson; David J., married to Eliza Cardington; Jane,
married to Jeremiah Bush ; she is deceased. William W., married to
Dulcena Younger; reside in Jackson Township ; is one of the prosperous
farmers, two miles northwest of Jamestown. Francenia, married to John
Mclntyre; she is deceased. Stephen, married to Margaret Airhart, reside
in Jackson Township, where they own a fine farm. Clarissa, married to
John H. Cline; Mary A., married to John Airhart, who resides in Jackson
Township. (See sketch in another part of this work). Martha A., married
to Enoch Whitely, resides on the home farm, where Mr. Simon Emert died.
This a short sketch of one of the early and interesting families of the
county. In person Mr. Emert was low, heavy-set man, fair hair and
complexion.
JAMES EVANS
Resides in Jackson Township, three miles west of Jamestown. Born in
Russell County, Va., June 13, 1806. Married to Margaret Hammond in the
year 1830, in the state of Virginia. Remained there until the year
1835, when he emigrated with a three-horse wagon to the western
district of Tennessee. " Here," he says," I raised one crop, consisting
of corn, cotton and sweet potatoes. And here, in the midst of slavery,
it was the most religious place in which I ever lived. This, I think,
is one cause of my being religious now. My wife desired to go to- her
people, who lived in Ohio, so we gathered up our little effects, and
started, via Nashville, Tenn., passing through Richmond, Ind., into
Dark County, O., where my wife's people lived. Remained there a few
years, when we decided to ' Go West, and grow up with the country.' It
w.as in 1838, October, with an ox-team, we started. I did not see the
elephant, but have since seen him in all his reality. The country in
and around where I now live was then comparatively new. Plenty of hard
work had to be done, such as house-raising, log-rolling, clearing, etc.
I have went as many as sixteen days in one spring to help our
new-comers to do such work. The people were social in the extreme, and
only too glad to assist in this way, so they could get a start in the
world. Though we have passed through the flint-mill, so to speak, I am
thankful for health and strength given me all along the pathway of
life. We raised twelve children, six sons and six daughters, all living
as far as we know. My wife was born in January, 1811."
EVAN EVANS.
The subject of this sketch is the third of a family of eight sons.
His father was of Welsh descent, his mother of pure Irish.
David Evans, his father, was born in Virginia, 1772, and his mother,
Susanna Evans, a few years later. Of his seven brothers but one,
Samuel, survives.
Evan Evans was born August 15, 1801, in Washington County,
Pennsylvania, and with his parents moved to the valley of the Scioto,
in Southern Ohio, in 1804. Here, under the supervision of his father,
he and his brothers were taught a lesson in pioneer life which proved
beneficial in his later migrations. Miss Jane Bell, who had emigrated
from Ireland at the age of three, won his affections, and in 1826 they
were united in marriage. He is the father of six children, four boys
and two girls, three of whom are living: Jonathan, in Northwestern
Kansas, stockman; Margaret Jane, residence Lebanon, Ind.; and Thomas
B., who lives on the old homestead.
Two years after his marriage he removed to Wayne County, Ind., where he
resided for ten years, engaged in farming and milling; but at the end
of that time he sold his little farm of thirty-three acres, and again
started west. With an ox team he brought his few household effects and
drove before him eighteen head of cattle and one horse. Following the
old Indian trail which led to Thorntown, he struck the Forty Mile
Swamp, and after ten days' hard travel he reached Boone County, Ind. On
his way he passed through the old Indian Reserve, and viewed the stake
at which the Indians burned the whites who had been so unfortunate as
to fall within their vengeance.
He entered a section of land in the northeastern part of Center
Township, and afterward bought 120 acres more, making in all 760 acres.
There being no market for eastern manufactured goods near he was
compelled to make his own clothing from flax, and foot-gear from
leather which he had himself tanned. His food was principally hominy
and wild meat, the latter being procured by the aid of the flintlock.
To procure his flour and meal during the dry season of the year he was
compelled to go to Indianapolis or Lafayette, but having too much
ingenuity to bear this burden he erected, in 1838, a hand or sweat mill
as it was then called, making the burrs from rock commonly called by
Hoosiers, " niggerheads." After eleven days of faithful labor he had a
grist mill, the capacity of which was about five bushels per day. The
burrs are now on exhibition at T. B. Evans'. But,
" Into our lives some rain must fall, Some days be dark and dreary,"
And on the 9th day of July, 1876, his true and noble help meet left
him,
with nothing to lean upon but that rock which has been a pillar to him
since 1840. He now resides with his son, Thomas B. Evans, at the old
homestead, and if you want a sketch of pioneer life you will find him
equal to the task of giving it.
GEORGE FARLOW.
This sturdy old veteran made his mundane appearance in Union County,
Indiana, April 2, 1811. Came to Boone County in 1836. Was first married
to Mary Martin. The second time to Martha Stipe. The third time to
Armilda A. Burk, March 31,1872. First children's names: Nancy J.,
married to Wm. Bowman; Henry, died in Iowa, February, 1878; Absolem,
lives in Clinton County, Indiana; Alfred, lives in Iowa; Sarah, married
to Jacob Harlan, resides in Jefferson Township; George W., resides in
Oregon. Of the second family of children Mary E. married Nathan Ross,
lives in Kansas; Hester A. married Henry Oxley, resides in Jefferson
Township; Clarissa A. married Henry Boman, resides in Jefferson
Township; James M.; Ellie married Jackson Roark, resides in Thorntown;
Amanda O. married D. Higgs; Milly F. married Abraham Smock, resides in
Hendricks County, Indiana. Third family: Charley, born December 9,
1874. Mrs. Farlow, present wife, was born in Monroe County, Indiana,
June 29,1831. Mr. Farlow lives in Dover, eight miles west of Lebanon.
Mrs. Farlow's former husband was David Lasley, married February 17,
1854, died April 7,1864, buried at Thorntown, Indiana.
NELSON FORDICE.
Among the citizens of Lebanon who hailed from another state, will be
found the gentleman named above. He was born December 25, 1811, in
Lower Canada (Queen's Dominion). From Canada he went to Ohio, in 1813,
and remained there until he was seventeen years of age. From Ohio he
went to Kentucky and engaged in the sawmill business and traveled
through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa
and Arkansas, embarking in the same business for twelve years, until
1833, and making New Albany his headquarters. He came to Boone County
in 1853, and purchased about 5,000 acres of land in what you might call
the " swamps of Boone." He took with him a partner by the name of Clark
Devol, a brother of the late W. J. Devol; the former died in 1862, the
latter in 1886. After the purchase of said lands the state, by and
through Fordice and Devol, began reclaiming the same, the state having
the land granted them by the general government. Upon receiving the
land the state enacted a law authorizing the state auditor to sell it
to the highest bidder at auction, and at not less than one dollar and
twenty-five cents per acre, and the receipt of the sale of the land to
apply on a system of drainage or reclamation. When the land was
reclaimed the surplus was to be the property of the school fund of the
state. The money all being used they drew largely of their own means
and used in the reclamation of their own and other lands to obtain
outlets. The work of making the large ditches and outlets was
principally done from 1855 to 1865. At the time this work was
inaugurated, opinions were divided as to the ultimate success of the
system, but it is now demonstrated that through the pluck, perseverance
and foresight of these gentlemen, we have a county of which all should
be justly proud, and second to none in the state in the way of
fertility and productiveness. Mr. Fordice remained here until the death
of his partner and has ever since been identified with the several
interests of the county. In 1860 he represented the county in the house
of representatives in the Indiana legislature.
MAJOR B. M. GREGORY.
Mr. Gregon. was born in New York State, November, 1830. Came with his
father, Peter Gregory, to near Eagle Village, in 1834, having been a
citizen of the county ever since. His advantages at school were only
tolerable, yet he acquired a good practical education and taught
several schools when only about twenty-one or twenty-two years of age.
His life up to that time was spent on his father's farm. In 1853 he was
united in marriage to Nancy Larimore, daughter of Daniel and Mary
Larimore, with whom he lived near twenty- five years. She died about
the year 1878, when he again married. About the year 1854 he commenced
business in a small way at old Eagle Village, but in 1857 removed to
Zions- ville, where he has built up one of the largest hardware and
agricultural houses in the state, having associated with him his sons
in business. Mr. G. went out to the front in the late war, in the 10th
Indiana Regiment, and was promoted major of that regiment. At the
front, as well as at home, he was well liked. No man in the county
stands higher than Major Gregory. He is a member of the Masonic order
and practices its noble teachings. See his portrait on another page of
this work. He is a stanch Republican, liberal in religious notions.
JOHN J. GOLDSBERRY.
This old pioneer first saw the light of day in Ross County, Ohio, on
the 3d day of February, 1827. His wife, Josina Hebb, was born October
15,1832, in Monongahela County, Va. The following are their children's
names: Joseph H., married to Josie Furguson, reside in Clinton County.
Mariah A., died in infancy; buried at Brush Creek Cemetery. Clement V.,
born August 12, 1863; died July 6, 1864. Clara B. Josina, born November
17,1863; died July 3, 1864. Mrs. Goldsberry died March 11,1865; buried
at Brush Creek Cemetery. Mr. G. was again married, to Hannah M.
Goldsberry, November 19, 1865; born in Ross County, Ohio, March
29,1832. The following are the names of their children: Annie
1'».. born October, 10,1866 ; Alma A., born September 19,1868;
Amos A., born July 26, 1871; Jesse C., born July 27, 1873; died June
22,1874. All buried at the Brush Creek Cemetery. Mr. Goldberry's
father's name was Thomas Goldberry ; his mother's name before marriage
was Elizabeth Lansaw, who was an early citizen of Sugar Creek Township;
they are buried at the Brush Creek Cemetery, in Washington Township.
Mr. Goldberry's parents were members of the M. E. Church. John J.
came with his father, Thomas Goldsberry, to the county in 1832, where
he has since resided, and where he is highly respected as a man and a
Mason. He belongs to Thorntown Lodge, No. 113, Free and Accepted
Masons, and no worthy brother ever knocked at his door without
admittance. He lives in the northwest part of Washington Township,
where he owns a fine farm. During the canvass for this work I was very
kindly cared for at this pleasant home. He joined the Masons in the
year 1844, at Thorntown, Indiana.
SETH GOODWIN.
This old pioneer first saw the light of day in Monroe County, Ind.,
April 29, 1819, and is only three years younger than the great state in
which he was born. His father, John Goodwin, lived many years in Putnam
and Hendricks counties. His mother's name before marriage was Hannah
Dales, is buried in Hendricks County, Ind. Seth Goodwin was united in
marriage to Nancy Scott, in the year 1844. Mr. Goodwin did not become a
citizen of Boone County till the year 1850. He lives in Harrison
Township. The following are the names of his children: Mary H., Amanda,
Martha. Amanda was married to Mr. Clanhance, who was killed by the
explosion of a threshing engine in Hendricks County, July 17, 1879.
Martha and Mary are deceased. Mr. Goodwin joined the M. E. Church in
1844. Mrs. Goodwin became a member in 1840. This worthy couple are, and
have been among the best citizens of the county. Mr. Goodwin is a
Democrat, and Seth's word is as good as his note. There is no better
posted man in the county than Mr. Goodwin.
MR. And MRS. ISAAC GIPSON.
Mr. and Mrs. Gipson, of Sugar Creek Township, were among the first
settlers of the above township. They first settled there in the year
1829, have resided there ever since. They enjoy the confidence and
respect of the people and have been highly esteemed there for over
fifty-five years. They have seen great changes in that time. When they
first came to that locality there were no neighbors, nothing but a vast
unsettled country. It required pluck and energy to thus make a start in
the world. They came determined, however, to do their part, and if work
and frugality would give them a home in the future they resolved, in
their early life, to have it. Neighbors soon came. The little clearing
in the woods soon began to widen out; the sound of the ax and maul was
heard in the land. Soon the preacher and the school teacher came, and
other signs of civilization. Encouraged thus, our heroic young couple
renewed their best energies to the task, at times almost
insurmountable. In due course of time children came to bless their
wedded life and help them in the future. The little cabin soon proved
too small for the accommodation of this pioneer family, and a better
one was resolved upon. It was built. Time went on, the settlement
improved and neighbors multiplied. The little ones grew up and went to
the rude school house. Thus step by step this couple have passed
through the varied changes that come and go in so long a time. The
little village of Thorntown has grown within their recollection to a
little city, with its well built houses, churches, fine residences,
etc. The prattling children have grown to manhood and womanhood.
Grandchildren's voices ring out, and take their turn in the whirl of
events. To them, however, the scenes of the past fifty-five years have
not all been sunshine or sorrow, but rather a "mixed cup," that is
.given us all on the rugged road of life. Mr. and Mrs. Gipson are
living to-day, at their pleasant home, enjoying the repose of age. The
past has no doubt had its joys and its sorrows to them. But we will let
Mr. Gipson tell it in his own way:
"I was born in Clay County, Ky., February 8, 1816, and am consequently
just the age of ray adopted state. I came with my parents, William and
Nancy Gipson, to Boone County October 20,1829, first stopping near
Jamestown, or rather where Jamestown now stands. On the 28th of
October, 1829, John Gipson built the first log cabin in Jamestown.
About the 1st of November, 1829, my father moved into a cabin now on
the farm of Thomas Gregory. My brother, Jacob Gipson, also came with
us. Mary Scott, who became my helpmate through life, was born in Boone
County, Ky., October 9, 1814 She came with her parents in 1826 to near
Shannondale, Montgomery County. I think that George Harness was the
first settler in Thorntown; that was in the spring of 1828. Archibald
Scott came next, later in the same season. Jesse Scott came late in the
fall, did not stay long, moved to Montgomery County. Joshua Burnham
came next; this was in April, 1829. James VanEaton was the next pioneer
to come. Merrett McKinsey came about the same time. John Wilkey and
Joshua Allen settled in upper Thorntown in the spring of 1829.
" The first child to see the light of day in or about Thorntown was
born to Mr. and Mrs. George Harness. This event occurred October 13,
1828.
"The dark angel of death spread its wings over our new settlement for
the first time when Jemima Harness died, October 19, 1829. She was
buried on the farm now owned by James Hague. There is nothing to mark
her resting place but a bunch of brush. The first sermon preached in
this locality was by a Presbyterian from Montgomery County; his name
was Rev. Thompson, and he preached at James Scott's house. As deaths
and births naturally come, marriages must also happen, so the first'
two hearts that beat as one' in this ' neck o' woods' were Ira Burnham
and Mariah Sweeney. The joyful event took place in 1831. And as
marriages do happen in the course of human events, children come also,
and they must necessarily go to school; and the schoolmaster came ( he
always comes). This time it was Daniel T. Ellis; this was in 1831. The
year 1831 was a good year (the writer was born that same year). Oh,
yes, Mr. Ellis taught school in a log cabin. The floor was dirt, the
window glass was greased paper; yes, and it had a small fireplace eight
feet wide.. It was a'daisy;' it stood a short distance southeast of
Grose's mills. The first 'corn cracker' was built by David Ross on
Spring Branch, on his own land, in 1832. The first dry goods sold was
by Enoch David, in 1830, in a pole cabin on the land now owned by James
Hague on Spring Creek. The first goods sold in Thorntown was by
Cornelius Westfall, out of a box in his dwelling. I have given you the
dates of a few first things in and about Thorntown. I will vouch for
dates and names. I would gladly extend my letter, but am unable now to
hold a pen any length of time. I am glad you have undertaken the work
so much needed. It won't be long till we old people will be out of the
way. It would hardly be right to forget us; we have been through the
'mill,' have seen the 'elephant,' so to speak, in the wild woods of
Boone County. We trust your work may be a success.
NATHAN B. GARRETTE.
I to-day write you a few lines by way of recollections of the locality
in and about Mechanicsburg, and along the north line of the county. I
settled one aud one-half miles east of the "burg" on the 2d day of
October, 1836. The town at that time had but one house, and that you
could not see for the trees and brush. The first mill built here was
erected by Bowman Stout. He sold it to Isaac Snow, who sold to James
Snow, when it was taken down and removed further west. This mill was in
operation and the frame for a grist-mill up when I came. James Snow was
the proprietor of Mechanics- burg. Mr. Anderson was selling goods here
at the time I arrived. The house referred to above had two rooms, one
part used for a dwelling and the other served as a store room. The
first preacher here -that I heard was a Methodist by the name of White;
the next was a Christian minister by the name of S. Downey. The name of
the first school teacher I do not now call to mind. The first settlers'
names in this locality were as follows: William Nelson, George Fall,
Joseph Symmes, James McMahan, Uriah Hardesty, Absalem Bowen, Robert
Oliver, W. W. Phillip-*, William Phillips, Elisha Riley, James Riggs,
A. Scott, A. J. Dwigins, James Dowing, F. C. Dowing, Abner Knotts and
John Holdsworth. James Riggs was the first postmaster of the town. In
those early days we cleared ground, raised houses, rolled logs, hunted
deer for pastime, went to mill horseback, and when we got wheat ground
had to bolt it ourselves. When we wanted to go to Lebanon, we started
early in the morning and were lucky to get home again the same day. Our
beautiful county seat now was at that day a little, dirty, mud hole of
a place. Court was held in a log building; W. W. Wick was then
presiding judge. The early settlers named above are nearly all gone—
dead or moved away. I am comparatively alone here. But few as early
settlers as myself are living here at this time. I am now seventy-one
years of age; am glad to see the improvements going on in our county.
You are at liberty to use this sketch if you think it worthy. N. B.
Gabkette.
JOHN HARDEN,
One of the pioneer merchants of Eagle Village, was born in Ireland,
January 19,1802. His parents, William and Marilla Harden, were also
born in Ireland, 1776 and 1778 respectively. The family came to America
in August, 1815, arriving at the city of Baltimore, where the subject
of this sketch was put out to learn the carpenter trade. Two or three
years later the family moved to Coshocton County, O., where William,
father of John, died in July, 1826. Marilla, his wife, died June 15,
1852; both are buried in Ohio. John Harden was married to Lucinda
Beaty, October, 1826, in Holmes County, O. Mr. H. and wife lived in
Ohio till the year 1830, when they decided to move from there, and in
the fall of that year they arrived in Clay Township, Hamilton County,
Ind., three miles east of Eagle Village. Here, in the woods, he erected
a cabin, and the earnest struggle in life began. His nearest neighbor
lived two miles distant, in the edge of Marion County. Before moving to
Indiana three children were born to them, as follows: William B.,
Marilla and George. The following were born after coming to Indiana:
Samuel (the writer), Beaty W., Martha, Mary, John W., Addison P.,
Milton, Calvert and Harriet. William was born July 28, 1827; Marilla,
August, 1828; George, June 8, 1830; Samuel, November 21, 1831; Beaty
W., January 19, 1834; Martha, 1836; Mary, 1838; John" W., April 1,
1840; Addison P., 1842; Milton, 1844; Calvert, December 25,1846 ; and
Harriet in 1847. All lived to be men and women, except the last named,
who died in 1859, aged about thirteen years. William was killed in
Missouri in 1864; Marilla married L. M. Oliphant, November 3, 1855, and
reside in Jamestown ; George married Mary Wage- man, 1866, and reside
in Hamilton County; Samuel married Eliza Swain, October 28, 1856,
resides in Anderson; Beaty W., married to Mima Varner, resides in
Lebanon; Martha married J. H. Chamberlain, December, 1860; she died at
Jamestown, January 12, 1874; Mary resides in Mt. Gilead, O.; John W.,
married to Mary Williams, died in July, 1878, at Jamestown, where he is
buried; Addison resides in Texas; Milton died in 1866 ; Calvert resides
in Ohio. John Harden, the father, died in Mt. Gilead, O., February
19,1877; Lucinda died March 25, 1862, in Lebanon, Ind. Both of whom, as
well as Martha, Milton and Harriet, are buried in Zionsville Cemetery.
Samuel, J. W., A. P., Milton and Calvert were in the army. Mr. and Mrs.
H. were members of the Christian Church for many years. In 1845 Mr. H.
became a citizen of Eagle Village, where he lived several years, when
he bought a farm one mile south, in the edge of Hamilton County, where
he lived till 1860; when he went to Zionsville, then to Lebanon,
remaining there till 1865; when he went to Ohio, and remained in Mt.
Gilead, and where he terminated his life as above stated. Mr. H., when
a citizen of Hamilton County, served five years as justice of the
peace. Mr. and Mrs. Harden died highly respected as worthy Christians.
Mrs. H. was the daughter of John Beaty. She was born in Pennsylvania in
1808, and went with her parents to Ohio when quite young.
DAVID HOOVER.
The pioneer whose name heads this article was born in Randolph County,
North Carolina, September 19, 1787; was married to Rebecca Bonine
January 12, 1807. She was born on Staten Island, August 9,1787. They
were married in Tennessee, in 1807, remained there until 1823, when
they came to Boone County and were^he first settlers on Eagle Creek.
Mr. Hoover was the first clerk of the county and one of its best and
most respected citizens. Court was first held at his house November,
1830. He moved to Lebanon in 1833 and died there December 3, 1835; is
buried at the Eagle Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. David Hoover
lived to a good old age, dying August 11,1883. Three children were born
to them in Tennessee. Jacob was born May 27, 1808, lives in Coffee
County, Kansas. He was married to Sallie Lowe, daughter of '' Cap."
Frederick Lowe. Isaac was born August 1, 1810, married to Susan Lane.
He died in Kansas in 1864. Mary was born May 27,1812, was married to
Elijah Cross, January 13, 1831. Mr. Cross died in 1879. Mrs. Cross is
living on the old home farm adjoining Zionsville. Mr. Hoover was
heavy-set, dark hair and complexion.
WILLIAM RILEY HOGSHIRE.
The subject of this sketch was the eldest son of Riley B. Hogshire, and
was born at Northfield, this county, April 5, 1835. He spent his early
life on the farm, and received a meager education in the common school
of the village. His father being one of the pioneers of the county, he
was brought up to know the hardships and privations of early life in a
new country.
In 1858 he was appointed Stewart of the Indiana Deaf and Dumb
Institution, and held the position for several years, during which time
he was elected one of the board of managers. He then, in connection
with John F. Council, purchased a retail grocery store at No. 25 West
Washington street, Indianapolis, which was afterwards converted into a
wholesale and retail shoe store, J. B. E. Reid being taken into
partnership. After carrying on the business successfully several years,
Messrs. Council and Reid retired, and with George A. Reisner, Mr.
Hogshire continued the business. From this he retired about 1876, and
located on the farm south of this city, where he has since lived.
Mr. Hogshire has an extensive acquaintance throughout the state, and
was a faithful adherent to the principles of the Democratic party. In
1864 he was the Democratic candidate for auditor of Marion County, and
with a Republican majority of between two and three thousand to
overcome, came within a few hundred votes of being elected over Gen.
Geo. F. McGinnis.
He married Miss Mary E. Johnson, daughter of James Johnson, one of the
wealthy and influential pioneers of Marion County, October 5, 1864, and
to them were born two sons and two daughters, all of whom are living.
Mr. Hogshire died at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He
is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis. See his portrait in
another part of this work. He died February, 1887.
JAMES HEATH.
Mr. Heath was born in Clark County, Ind., October 22, 1822. Came to
Boone County in 1860; was married to Elizabeth Neal, December 5,1844;
she died March 6,1877 ; buried at Center Church. The following are his
children's names: William P., resides in Kansas; Margaret C., resides
in Boone County; Samuel S., resides in Lebanon, is an active citizen,
takes interest in the agricultural society, also in the Midland
Railroad ; had the honor of driving the last spike on the line, January
22, 1886. Sarah J., resides in Boone County; Isabella, deceased;
Louisa, resides in Missouri; Rosana, resides in Shelby County, Ind.
Maria M., resides in Boone County; James M., resides in Colorado. His
father came to Indiana when it was a territory. James Heath is a stanch
Republican, and has belonged to the M. E. Church since 1842; all the
time a consistent member. He was the second time married to Mary Roax,
February 19, 1878; resides four miles east of Lebanon, on the
Noblesville gravel road, where he owns a fine farm. Has always been a
farmer, until recently, he has been engaged in the dairy business.
JOSIAH S. HARRISON,
The subject of this sketch, was born in Clinton Township, Boone County,
Ind., October 9,1843. He spent his early life on the farm, and received
his education from the common schools of the country. His father,
Simpson Harrison, being one of the pioneers of the country, he was
brought up to know the hardships and privations of early life in a new
country. At the breaking out of the rebellion young Harrison became
enthused with the love of country, and at an age less than eighteen
years was enrolled in Co. G., 11th Ind. regiment, under Lew. Wallace,
July 24, 1861, and was discharged at Crump's Landing, Tennessee, March
31, 1862, on account of general disability. On August 20, 1863, he was
married to Miss Caroline Riley, daughter of James Riley, a well known
farmer and stock dealer in this county. They lived on a farm in
Washington Township, and to them was born three sons: Ira E., Edward
J.and John B. Eddie died at the age of eight years and six months. On
February 5, 1876, he was initiated into the I. O. O. F., at
Mechanicsburg, and has held every office in the order. On December 14,
1877, he united with the M. E. Church.
In April, 1878, he was elected trustee of Washington Township, and in
the spring of 1881 was appointed to fill the unexpired term of George
E. Conrad, and in April, 1882, was again elected to the office of
trustee, which he held till September, when he resigned and moved to
Lebanon, to accept a deputy ship under John W. Hawkins, treasurer of
the
county. In 1886 he received the nomination for county treasurer at the
hands of the Republicans, and beat his opponent, John Huber, 51 votes,
being elected November, 1886. He has not, at this writing, taken his
office.
In February 15, 1880, the wife and mother died, leaving the husband and
two sons to mourn the loss of an affectionate wife and mother. In
August 11, 1880, he was again married, to Miss Elizabeth A. Keyes.
MAJ. H. G. HAZLERIGG.
Among the prominent men of Boone County of the past the one whose name
heads this sketch stands conspicuous. For over thirty years he was at
the head and front of all the advance movements of his adopted county
and state. He was born in Kentucky, where he resided until near middle
life and where he acquired his education and studied law. He
represented his county in the legislature in his native state. In the
year 1840 he came to this county where he at once "came to the front,"
for as early as 1845 he was elected to the state legislature,
representing Boone and Hamilton counties, and again in 1846, where his
talents and business qualities were readily recognized. Perhaps the
best energies of his life were displayed when the Cincinnati,
Indianapolis, St. Louis & Chicago Railroad was built and in
operation, and, in fact, as long as he lived, from first to last, as
director, stockholder, agent and president did he perform his duties to
the entire satisfaction of all. The same might truthfully be said as to
his relations with the Masonic order. Early in life he joined the Blue
Lodge. Step by step he rose, serving in all the subordinate positions
of his home lodge, from outside guard to worshipful master in the East.
Not content with this, he asked for and received all the higher degrees
in Masonry and served in nearly all the higher offices of the Grand
Lodge of the state, not stopping until he attained the highest
office—worshipful grand master of Indiana. He was associated in the
banking business in Lebanon several years, serving as director and
president. Mr. Hazlerigg was, up to 1856, a Whig, and afterwards acted
with the Republican party. Mr. Hazlerigg lived and died on his farm
adjoining Hazlerigg Station, a place named in honor of him on the
railroad, six miles northwest of Lebanon. He died December 15, 1877,
loved and respected by all. He was first buried on the home farm, but
afterwards his remains were removed to Lebanon, where a fine monument
was erected to his memory. In person he was of medium size, well made,
high forehead and general good features.
Mr. Hazlerigg was first married to Margareth Stone, in the state of
Kentucky. One child was born to them, Caroline M., married to Dr
Rollins. Mr. Hazlerigg was the second time married to Mary Jemison. The
following are the children's names born to them: Joshua, James M.,
David W., Henry L., was lost on the steamer Sultana, was captain in the
40th Indiana Regiment; George W., Sarah, died at the age of twelve
years; Nelly (deceased), Angie, Lidia (deceased), Albert W., Dick, died
in infancy; Charles, John and Oliver were twins. Angie, who married
Henry C. Macy, is the only one residing in the county. Albert W.
resides
in Indianapolis, John resides in New York City, David W. resides in
Indianapolis. Joshua was drowned in Sugar Creek, near Thorntown, in
1856. Charles resides in Nebraska.
ROBERT HAMIL
Was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 18, 1809; married to Elizabeth
Ne-bit, August 17, 1830, in Ohio. Came to Thorn- town in 1832, where he
engaged in merchandising, and was one of the pioneer merchants, and was
the first postmaster there. Was justice of the peace for sixteen years;
a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in every way an active,
influential man. Was a devoted temperance advocate, and a free-soiler.
Died July 1, 1867; is buried at the new cemetery in Thorntown. He
settled on his farm, one mile east of Thorntown, in the year 1834,
where he died. Mrs. H. is the sister of the late Dr. Jackson Nesbit, at
one time county treasurer; died in Ohio, 1864. The following are the
names of Mr. and Mrs. Hamil's children : Robert W., born August 27,1846
; married to Sarah M. Henderson ; reside at home. Maggie E.. married to
James Lambert, born May 12,1852. She died ten years after her marriage.
Mr. H. in person was medium size, dark hair, fair complexion, good
features.
JOSEPH HOLLINGSWORTH.
The subject of this sketch was born in Union County, Indiana, February
12, 1814. His father's name was also Joseph Hollingsworth. His mother's
name was Patcie Smith came to Washington Township in 1833. They
were
born in South Carolina. Mr. H., senior, died in March, 1874; Mrs. H. in
1877; buried at Sugar Plain Cemetery. Joseph Hollingsworth, the subject
of this sketch, of Washington Township, was first married to Eliza
Rose, July 27,1835. The following are his children's names: Cornelius,
who died in infancy; Sarah A., died in infancy; Almira, died in infancy
; John, died while young; Mary E., married to Miles HanIon, resides in
Iowa; Abram R., married to Clara Ball; deceased; buried at Thorntown.
Oliver S., died September 22, 1862; Phebe J., married to J. B.
Caldwell, resides in Thorntown ; Joseph A., resides in Iowa ; William
N., married to Mary F. Hagerman, resides on the home farm ; Elwood M.,
married to Miss McDowell. Mr. H. was the second time married to
Elizabeth Mann, June 11,1863; was the third time married to Caroline
Husted, June, 1876; children's names: Ralph Eminett, died in infancy;
Lena P., and Nella. Mr. H. was the fourth time married to Jane A.
Kemper, August 16, 1881. Mr. H. belongs to the Baptist Church ; was
raised a Quaker; has been living on his farm since 1835. It will be
noticed that Mr. H. is a very much married man, and if the name of
Hollingsworth should become lost it will not be his fault. Mr. H.
resides on the Big Four Railroad, between Hazelrigg Station and
Thorntown, where he owns a fine farm.
JOHN HIGGINS.
The subject of this sketch was born near Connersville, Ind., September
10, 1814. His parents' names were Jonathan and Margaret Higgins; her
name was Margaret Shaw. Mr. Higgins was married at Thorntown, Ind.,
December 23, 1839. Mrs. Higgins died September 10,1880, and is buried
in what is known as Bethel Cemetery, in Washington Township. Mrs.
Higgins (Nancy Long) was born March 6, 1821. This interesting family
was among the first to settle in that part of Washington Township. Mr.
H. at once took a great interest in his new home, and with his hands
made one of the best farms in the county. And he is one of the best
farmers in his township. He has served as Township Trustee, in all,
near nineteen years. Was elected joint representative for the Counties
of Boone and Clinton in 1868, over Hon. Henry M. Marvin, which will
give an idea of his popularity. In person Mr. H. is large, fair
complexion, light hair and good features. He belongs to the
Presbyterian Church. In politics, a Republican. The following are his
children's names: Mary, married to William Adair, died May 19, 1864;
Phebe J., died at the age of six years; Arminta B., married to Dr. T.
H. Harrison, resides at Lebanon, Ind.; Ollie, married to Walter S.
Hall, resides on the home farm. In the proper place we omitted to say
Mr. Higgins served as County Commissioner; first appointed to serve out
the unexpired term of Newton Phillips; afterwards being elected. When
canvassing for this work we were kindly cared for at his house by him
and Mr. and Mrs. Hall.
LEWIS HAUSER.
Among the pioneers of Boone County, we would not forget Lewis Hauser.
He was born in South Carolina, on September 14, 1804; was married to
Levina Stultz, November 4, 1827. Mr. H. came first to Bartholomew
County, Indiana, where he remained only a few months; then to Marion
County, where he lived a short time. In 1836 he came to Little Eagle
Creek, since which time he has made his home in the county. no man
stands higher in the county than does Mr. M. Retired in his ways, it is
true, but after a long life of usefulness none dare say anything
against his integrity. He knows all about pioneer life. Came poor to
the new home; afterwards he developed it into a fine farm. He is now
living a retired life at Whitestown, with the consciousness of having
wronged no man. Mrs. H. died February 28, 1856. Mr. H. was the second
time married to Laura J. Lewis, January, 1857. She died February 25,
1881. Buried at the Lutheran Cemetery, in Union Township. The following
are his children's names: John L., died in North Carolina; Martha
T.,married to Rev. John Good; reside near Whitestown ; married March
26,1841. Mary L., died, aged seventeen years; buried at the Lutheran
Cemetery, in Union County. Charles E., married to Leonia Neese;
died,aged thirty-four years ; buried at Lutheran Cemetery ; Julia A.,
died aged six years ; George, married to Levina Nesee; resides south of
Whitestown a short distance. He was county auditor four years. Leander,
married Mary Lucas; died in Texas, May, 1869. Amanda E., married to
William Beeler; died May 11, 1878. Mr. H. is now in his eighty- fourth
year, and, everything considered, is quite well preserved. He' has been
physically one of the finest made men in the county, weighing two
hundred pounds, six feet high, and well proportioned. Long may this old
pioneer live.
SAMUEL HOLLINGSWORTH
Mr. Hollingsworth was born in Union County, Indiana, February 6, 1816.
Settled in Boone County in 1833. He was married to Fannie Alexander,
January 5, 1841. She was born in Owen County, Kentucky, December 31,
1818. Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth settled on the farm they now live on,
in Jefferson Township, in 1841. Four children were born unto them, as
follows: Mary J., born February 1, 1842; married to George D. Miller on
the 15th of February, 1872; reside on the home farm. W. W.
Hollingsworth was born October 4,1845; married to Mary Chambers, in
Owen County, Kentucky, on the 14th of January, 1879 ; resides on the
home farm. Samuel Hollingsworth was raised a Quaker, to which faith he
still clings. Mrs. H. belongs to the Baptist Church. This old couple,
now in the evening of life, have resided in the county over fifty
years; have underwent all the hardships and privations incident to a
pioneer life; have contributed their part to bring about the changes of
the past half century. This old pioneer couple reside in Jefferson
Township, two miles southwest of Hazelrigg Station. The original
Hollings- worth family were from South Carolina.
WILLIAM HILL
Was born in Nicholas County, Ky., April 4,1801; married to Rachael L.
Cowan August 4, 1825. She was also born in the same county and state,
February 25, 1801. Was among the early settlers of Jefferson Township.
His father's name was John Hill, who married Dorothy Allen—they are
buried in Kentucky. Mrs. William Hill died January 10, 1877, aged
seventy-five years, ten months and fifteen days, and is buried in the
Cox Cemetery. The following are the names of William Hill's children :
Alfred G., born January 12, 1827; Dorothy J., born April 17, 1828; John
C., born October 2, 1831; Isaac H., born August 28, 1834; Harriet A.,
born March 28; 1838; Litha E., born December 9, 1839; William W., born
March 31, 1842; Rachael L., born July 25, 1844. The following are
deceased: Nancy A., Isaac H., and Litha E., and all are buried in the
Cox Cemetery. John C. Hill, third child of William Hill, was married to
Nancy J. Caldwell July 30, 1858; the following are his children's
names: Cheever O. and Minnie. Mr. John C. Hill was again married to
Mary J. Cowan, October 12,1865. The following are the names of his
children by the second marriage: Elizabeth and Eva (twins). Mr. Hill is
now living on the farm where he was born, fifty-five years ago, in
Jefferson Township, one and one- half miles northwest of Dover. Is one
of the best men and citizens in his township, and is a Republican that
never held any office. Himself and family we thank for kindnesses
received. John C. Hill's grandfather's name was John Hill, died May 4,
1854; his wife, Dorothy Hill, died December 2, 1851, buried in the Cox
Cemetery.
MATTHEW HARRIS
This pioneer first saw the light of day in Tennessee, and on the 5th
day of March, 1816. Came to Boone County in 1831. Married to Martha
Furgason, February 11, 1836, in Jefferson Township. The following are
the names of their children : Judith J., married to Samuel Lothlin ;
William F., married to Alice Potts, February, 1867; he was in the army;
is buried at Thorntown ; his wife died in December, 1885; is buried in
the Cox Cemetery; Martha A. married to Michael D. Campbell, resides in
Nebraska; Sarah A., died at the age of eighteen years, buried at the
Cox Cemetery; Robert W., died at the age of sixteen years; Hannah M.,
died in 1851, at the age of three years; Mary E., died in infancy;
Elwood T., born January 1,1854, married to Mary E. Mesmore: they reside
in Jefferson Township. Matthew Harris died December 29, 1860, buried in
the Cox Cemetery. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, as
was also Mrs. Harris, who was born in Union County, Ind., February 4,
1816. Mr. H. was of medium size, dark hair and dark complexion.
MANUEL HIESTAND
The subject of this sketch was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, on the
28th of April, 1813. Came to Boone County in 1842. Settled in Jefferson
Township where he now resides. He was married to Mary Shreve on the 6th
of December, 1840, in Fairfield County, Ohio. Miss Shreve was born in
same county, July 26, 1813. The following comprise his family: Asa F.;
lives in Jefferson Township; Eliza; Amanda M. Asa is married to Lucinda
J. Sutton ; Eliza to John F. Rotith; Amanda to James W. Roark. All
reside in Jefferson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hiestand belong to the
United Baptist Church. Mr. Hiestand has served acceptably as township
trustee several years, is a Republican in politics and one of our best
farmers, and throughout one of the best citizens of the county.
ALMOND HEADY
Of Jackson Township, was born in Kentucky, September 26, 1810. His
father's name-was Thomas Heady, born in Pennsylvania, April 15, 1780.
His mother's name before marriage was Rebecca Goodwin, born in
Pennsylvania, October 15, 1883. They were married in Kentucky; lived
there until the year 1814, when they came to Monroe County, Indiana;
remained there six years and then went to Putnam County, Indiana, and
remained there until the year 1838; then went to Jackson Township,
Boone County, where they lived many years. They moved to Missouri,
where Mr. Heady died. Mrs. Heady returned to Boone County; died here in
1863, is buried at the Union Cemetery in Jackson Township. Mr. Almond
Heady, the subject of this sketch, was four times married, first to
Catharine Spencer in 1830. She was born in 1814, died July 8, 1853. The
second time to Charlotte Davis, September, 1853, she died March 18,
1858. Third time to Mary Ellen Kise, September, 1858, she died November
12, 1869, is buried at Union Cemetery. The fourth time to Caroline
Davis, September 26, 1870, with whom he is now living at Jamestown. It
will readily be seen that Mr. Heady is 4 much married man, the.father
of nineteen children. Will try to give their names if they don't get
away. By his first wife: Eliza A., Sarah E., Rebecca C., who died at
the age of eight years; Andrew J., Thomas W., Richard V., Imri P.,
Nicholas C., Elisha F., Martha J., Lafayette P., all living but Rebecca
and Elisha. To the second marriage were born James D. and Minerva, both
died in infancy. To the third marriage were born five children, names
as follows: Alisha E., Charles R., Mary H. Two died in infancy. Charles
died at the age of ten years. To the fourth but one child was born,
Nettie C., born December'26, 1871. Mr. Heady is a Jacksonian
Democrat, and one of your clever, upright men, strong, well built, six
feet high. First settled near old Union Church where he developed a
fine farm out of the woods, mostly with his own strong hands, assisted
by his older sons. While canvassing for this work we were kindly cared
for by Mr. and Mrs. Heady.
JOHN HOWARD.
The subject of this sketch was born in Mason County, Ky., in 1801. He
was married to Margaret Alexander, in the state of Ohio; came to Boone
County in 1837; settled in Clinton Township, entering his land there.
He died on September 20, 1869; buried at Union Cemetery. His wife died
October 23, 1869; buried at the same place. The following are the names
of their children: Cynthia A., Mary J., John W., James, killed in the
battle of Chicamauga, 1863; William J., Henry W., Addison L., Richard
W.; all living but James A. There was at one time five of the brothers
in the late war. Cynthia A. married Andrew Howard, resides in Cass
County, Ind. Mary J., married to L. F. Wilson, resides in Cass County,
Ind. John W. resides in the state of Missouri. William J. resides in
Kansas. Three reside in this county, viz.: Henry W., Addison L. and
Richard W. Mr. and Mrs. John Howard were members of the Christian
Church.
MANSON HEAD.
Mr. Head, son of Simeon Head, who kept for so many years the leading
tavern on the Michigan road, is now a citizen of Zionsville and has
been for twenty-five years, and where he enjoys the confidence and
respect of his fellow citizens.
He has served as Trustee for a term of years; also as County
Commissioner of the county four years; in every respect to the entire
satisfaction of the people. He has for many years been an active member
of the Masonic Order, and has served as W. M. of the Zionsville Lodge
time immemorial, which capacity he has filled with dignity and
fairness, such as has rendered him a desirable one to fill the chair in
the east. In his nature he is retired, never seeking to intrude himself
before the public; and be it said to his credit, he has filled all the
above honorable places without his special seeking. Mr. Head is now
just in his prime, being about fifty years of age, well preserved. He
was the first man in Boone County to sign for the " Early Life and
Times in Boone County." We hope he may live long to read it. He is a
live Republican.
JAMES IRWIN
Was born in East Tennessee, September 8, 1812; married to Elizabeth
Detrick, November 25, 1830, born in Virginia, February9, 1811. Removed
from Harrison County, Ind., to Boone County in 1834; settled near
Lebanon, remaining there a short time, when he entered forty acres of
land, known as the James Potts land. He built a log house on it,
cleared fifteen acres, when he sold it. He then bought eighty acres
near Dover, in Jefferson Township, moved on it in 1844, adding to it
until he had 112 acres. This he sold and removed to where he now lives,
near Dover, and adjoining it on the west. Mr. Irwin has done an untold
amount of hard work. Illustrative of this he says he cut and split five
hundred rails in a day and made one shoe at night; not only one day,
but often. On removing to Boone County he had no capital save a strong
pair of arms and willing hands, assisted by his worthy helpmate, who at
all times stood by and acted with him in his undertakings, and now this
worthy couple reside at their well earned home, at the age of
seventy-three years, enjoying the repose of a long and active life.
They have had seasons of discouragement and disappointment, no doubt,
especially in their struggle to get a start in their new home. The
following are their children's names, nine in number, five boys and
four girls: William J., born March 23,1831. married to Mary A. Boone,
July 19, 1857, deceased January 2, 1861. John W., born April 2, 1834;
married to Almira Hall, January 2, 1858; died July, 1860. Margaret A.,
born December 1, 1836; married to Jacob L. Pyles, September 20, 1857;
died April, 1881. Mary J., born January 31, 1838; married to O. 8.
Kern, February 18, 1858. Robert S., born February 17, 1841; married to
Mary E. Dooley, October 30,1864. He served three years in the late war.
Sarah E., born March 22, 1844; married to William V. Payne, January 26,
1870. James W., born July 27, 1848; married to Sarah E. Bush, September
18,1873; is now living on the home farm. David and Martha (twins), died
in infancy; all buried at the Pleasant View Cemetery, in Jefferson
Township. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin belong to the Pleasant View Church, in
Jefferson Township.
Mr. Irwin, in an early day, killed a deer without any hammer on his
gunlock, taking his shoe hammer to hit the cap with, after taking
deliberate aim. He knew where it was in the habit of coming, watching
when he killed it, as above stated. The deer did not fool around there
any more.
JONATHAN ISENHOUR.
Mr. Isenhour was born in North Carolina, November 15, 1815. He was the
son of John Isenhour who came to Tennessee in the year 1816. Jonathan
Isenhour came to Boone County in the fall of 1848, first settling in
Worth Township, where he has since resided. Though he was not strictly
a pioneer, he came to Worth when the county was quite new and
undeveloped, and consequently helped to clear away the heavy forest of
that locality. He now resides quietly in Whitestown, having a few years
ago left his farm. He was married to Margaret Whisermad, November 9,
1837. Miss Margaret Whisermad was born in Virginia, December 22, 1818 ;
her father moved to Tennessee when she was five years of age, and to
Monroe County, Indiana, when she was eleven years of age, and where she
and Jonathan Icenhour were married. To them were born ten children,
seven boys and three girls,as follows: Rebecca L., born October
19,1838; married to Samuel I. Laughter. She died October 20,1884.
Isaac J., born January 5, 1841; married first to Sally Laughner; died
June 23, 1877. Isaac was again married to Mrs. S. E. Lari- more, widow
of the late Dr. Jeremiah Larimore, March 7, 1878. Mr. Isaac Isenhour
had one child born to his first wife, Zenley, born October 24, 1869.
(His last wife was the daughter of the late John Dulin.) John E.
Isenhour was born January 19, 1843; married to Anmariah Miers. George
W. was born September 29, 1845; married to Anna Starks. James was born
December 11,1847; married to Lidia Marklin. William W. was born May 15,
1850 (in Boone County; all previous, in Monroe County, Indiana);
married to Mary Clamon. Ellen was born January 25, 1853; married to
John T. Day. Six of the above are now living; the deceased members of
the family are buried at the Lutheran Cemetery, in Worth Township, east
of Whitestown. To Isaac Isenhour we are indebted for the above dates
and names. He resides one and a half miles northwest of Whitestown, and
where he owns a fine farm. We are thankful to him and family for favors
shown while getting items for this work.
Source:Early Life and Times in Boone County, Indiana. Boone County -
Past and
Present ...Complied by Hayden & Spahr , Lebanon, Ind.