Jackson County Indiana Biographies

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FRANK FASSOLD, real estate and insurance agent, Brownstown was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 31, 1840. He is a son of John and Frances Fassold. At the, age of fourteen and one half years he became an apprentice in the United States Navy and served until twenty years of age. He then came to Seymour, Ind., and engaged in the produce business, remaining in that business for eight months, after which he came to Brownstown, and at the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the Twenty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served eight months in that regiment, was in the battle of Pea Ridge, after which he was transferred to the First Indiana Artillery, was appointed as a noncommissioned officer, took part in the siege of Vicksburg, battle of Franklin and many other minor engagements. He was wounded in the arm at Vicksburg. While acting as a spy he was taken prisoner and was about to be hung when he made his escape. He was in the service four years and one month. At the close of the war he returned to Brownstown and engaged in his present business. The following well known insurance companies are represented by him: Continental, of New York; the old and reliable Phoenix of Hartford, Conn.; Lancashire, of Manchester, England. He is also an agent of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, Wis., and the Travelers' Accident Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn., has also been identified with the real estate business. He has served four years as marshal of Brownstown, two years as president of the board of trustees, and secretary of the building association; October, 1869,he married Helen Owens, a native of Jackson County. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fassold: George, Mary, Frank, Goldie and Katie. He is a stanch Republican and a member of the F.& A. M., secret society. Mr. Fassold is determined, intrepid and aggressive in his support of whatever he believes to be right. In his daily intercourse he is courteous, and always has a due regard for the feelings and opinions of others. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 610 - 611

LYNN FAULKCONER is a native of Washington County, Indiana, being the youngest of three children born to Joseph K. and Adaline (Newby) Faulkoner, who were natives of Maryland and Indiana respectively. Joseph R. Faulkconer was in the secret service department of the Government, with headquarters at Jeffersonville, Ind., during the war, at the close of which he was appointed deputy warden of the Southern Penitentiary at Jeffersonville, Ind. He served in this capacity four years, then came to Seymour, where he engaged in hotel keeping. Lynn Faulkconer, the subject of this sketch, was born July 13, 1855. He acquired his primary education in the common schools of his native county, later attending school at Salem five years. About the year 1868 he removed with his parents to Jeffersonville, Ind. In 1869 they removed to Seymour, where his father took charge of the Carter House, then standing upon the present site of the Jonas House. Mr. Faulkconer was clerk in the Carter House until 1874, when he entered the office of George A. McCord to learn bookkeeping. He subsequently became bookkeeper and secretary of the hub and spoke factory, which position he now fills, being also largely interested in the stock of the concern. In1882 Mr. Faulkconer began the erection of a hotel in Seymour, Indiana, which was named the Lynn House. It was completed and opened July 1, 1883. In 1879 he was appointed city treasurer of Seymour, which position he still holds. He is a director in the Jackson County Bank, and member of the I. O. O. F. Lynn Faulkconer is sober, steadfast and honorable, and has pursued a business career of unvarying success, that is seldom equaled by one of his age. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 688

GEORGE M. FENLEY was born in 1845, at Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Ind., and is the fifth of seven children born to Dr. Isaac and Mary G. (Murphy) Fenley. Dr. Fenley came to Browns-town in 1832, from Jefferson County, Ky., where he lived until1844, and then moved to Columbus, Ind., moving in the meantime to Wabash, Ind., where he lived but a short time. In 1846 he entered the United States service in the Mexican war as first lieutenant, but was afterward promoted to regimental surgeon of his regiment, the Fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the expiration of the Mexican war he returned to Columbus, and in 1849 died of cholera, supposed to have been brought from New York by some German immigrants. He was one of the first abolitionists in this part of the country, and voluntarily gave his inherited slaves their freedom, and moved to Indiana. George M., as will be seen, was raised an orphan, his father dying when he was but four years old. Notwithstanding his early orphanage he educated himself and became a teacher in the public schools, which he followed for seven years. However he moved to Jack-son County in 1853, and has lived there ever since. After he quit teaching he became a clerk in Medora, which he followed until 1877, when he began business for himself as grocery man and manufacturer of cider, wine and vinegar, this business being known as the Apex Wine, Cider and Vinegar Company. He was the first to start the crab apple industry in Jackson County. He is the inventor of some very valuable patents, and has made twelve applications to the Government for patents. Among his patents are the "fruit crate," patented in 1869; the "drift-wheel, “patented in 1880, for the protection of bridge piers, and is a very ingenious, as well as important invention. Mr. Fenley has been trustee of Carr Township two terms. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities. In 1863 he was married to Miss Alice Sullivan, daughter of Lemuel Sullivan, of Jackson County. She died in 1877. To them were born two children: Daniel M. and Mary M. (deceased). In 1879 he was again married to Mrs. Early, daughter of William B. Deckart, of Lawrence County, and widow of the late Samuel Early, of Medora. Mr.Fenley is a genius of high order, and has led a life of more than usual interest, and is, withal, a gentleman of refinement and culture. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 635 – 636

WILLIAM A. FINDLEY, farmer, of Brownstown Township, is the son of Hugh and Rebecca (Coons) Findley, who may be classed among the pioneers of Jackson County. William A. was born in Jackson County, Ind., March 13, 1843, and has ever since resided at the place of his birth. His educational advantages were necessarily limited, but by persistent application has acquired sufficient scholarship to answer all the requirements of his business. Mr. Findley has a well improved farm, and is quite progressive in his method of tilling the soil, using the most improved machinery that the invention of the age has provided. He was married, February 18, 1869, to Miss Sarah Durland, and to this union have been born eight children: Harry, William, Mead, Lewis, Grace, James, Bessie and Joseph, all of whom are still living. The Findley family have been identified with the interests of Jackson County almost since the beginning of the present century, and have always borne an enviable reputation. William A. is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Findley is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 611 - 612

COLUMBUS C. FINLEY is a native of Scott County, Ind. He was born February 4, 1838, being the third son of James R. And Sarah J. (Clark) Finley, natives of Kentucky and Virginia. His early schooling was received in the log schoolhouses of Scott County. October 3, 1858, he married Julia A. Myers, a native of Jennings County. To them have been born nine children, of whom five are living: John W., Sarah, Etha, Lou and Virginia. On the 3d of February, 1876, his beloved wife died, and on the 9th of April he married Catherine Brooks, a native of Jackson County. To them were born two children: Annie and Birdie. In April, 1883, his second wife died, and in March, 1884, he married Miss Belle Haynes, a native of Terre Haute. Mr. Finley and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Uniontown, he being a deacon in that church. He has also been superintendent of the Beach Grove Sunday-school over fifteen years. In politics he is a Democrat, and as a church worker he is earnest and efficient. A Christian in the truest sense of the word, his chief work has been in striving to do his duty; his chief reward is in knowing that he has performed his task well. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 751

THOMAS F. FITZGIBBON was born July 22, 1861, at Fort Ritner, Lawrence Co., Ind., is of Irish nationality. His parents, Marshall and Anna (Ryan) Fitzgibbon, were born in Limerick and,Tiperary Counties, Ireland, respectively, and came to this country in 1855, and settled on the farm where Thomas F. was born and raised, he being the third in a family of four. He is one of the young men often met with who believe in special preparation for any profession, and to this end he availed himself of the schools about him, and in 1877 he took a course in the Campbellsburg Academy, under Prof. James May, in Washington County, and in 1880 began teaching, but in the meantime he at-tended three terms at Leesville, Lawrence County, under Professor D. H. Ellison, and one term at the Central Normal, at Ladoga,Montgomery Co., Ind. He is also a farmer, which he follows during the spring and summer of each year, and owns 115 acres in Carr Township. In 1882-83 he completed a course in telegraphy at Mitchell, Ind. In 1884 he was married to Miss Rillah Beezley, daughter of Silas Beezley, of Kansas. To them have, been born one child - Mamie. Mr. Fitzgibbon is a member of the Catholic Church, and is a Democrat in politics. He stands high as a teacher, and is respected as an upright citizen and as a young man he has a bright future before him. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 635

THOMAS FLEETWOOD, a farmer of Salt Creek Township, where he was born April 10, 1846, is the third son of Jesse and Cynthia (Stewart) Fleetwood. The parents were natives of Kentucky. The common schools of Jackson County afforded the only source of education for Thomas, and because of hard work he was unable to avail himself of their full benefit. He was raised a farmer, an occupation he has followed throughout life with success. Ellen Lutes, a native of Brown County, Ind., became his wife in January, 1872. To this union have been born five children: Zefery, Jefferson, Purley, Maude and Ica. In politics he has always been reliably Democratic. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 743

E. S. FORD, superintendent County Poor Farm, Brownstown Township, was born in Clarke County, Ind., April 9, 1820.He is the sixth child of a family of nine born to Lemuel and Hannah (McDowell) Ford, the former being a native of Kentucky, born in 1793, his wife, a native of North Carolina, born in the year 1797. They were married in Kentucky, and came to Clark County, Ind., about 1819. He was a farmer, but for some years carried on the trade of a blacksmith. He rendered the country valuable service in the Mexican and Blackhawk wars, being a captain in the former. He and his wife died with the cholera in 1850, while discharging his duties of warden in the state’s prison at Jeffersonville, Ind. Our subject remained on his father's farm until twenty-one years of age, when he started out for himself. He first went, to Kentucky, but later came to Brownstown, where he has resided ever since. In 1864 he was appointed by the commissioners of Jackson County, superintendent of the Poor Farm, which position he has creditably and satisfactorily filled ever since. He married, August 21, 1846, Lucy Philips, a native of Kentucky, born in the year 1823. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ford, both of whom are dead. Mr. Ford has been a lifelong Democrat, and, as such has rendered invaluable service to his party. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 612

BENJAMIN F. FOSTER, a native of Jackson County, was born June 6, 1853. He was the second son of Jacob T. and Margaret (Fear) Foster, natives of Indiana and Kentucky. Benjamin's early education was received in the common schools of Jennings County. November 8, 1874, he married Allie J. Lewis, a native of Jennings County. This marriage was blessed with five children: Fernando, Herbert Q., Jacob M., Argus M. and Arthur B. Mr. Foster is one of Indiana's Republicans, and as a man of ability he deserves credit. Is it not safe in supposing that, with these boys for a support, he can gain distinction as a businessman or prestige in the public affairs of the township. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 751

J. T. FOSTER, a farmer of Jackson Township, is the sixth son of Hiram and Polly (Trumbo) Foster. His father, also a farmer, was a native of Ohio; was born in 1796, removed to Jefferson County, this State, and died in January, 1875, after having brought up a family of nine children. The subject of this sketch was born October 16, 1829, in Jefferson County, Ind.; passed his boyhood upon his father's farm, and acquired the rudiments of an education at the common schools and subsequently such a practical education from observation and the experiences of life as to render him successful in his vocation. He is fond of reading, especially history, and he has thus acquired a considerable fund of general information. Mr. Foster was married August 18, 1853 to Catherine Zener, and they have had one child, named Hiram, (who was born on the 3d of June; 1854, is now married and resides on the old homestead, in Jefferson County. Mrs. Foster is a native of this State, of Ger-man extraction, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Foster has occupied his present place of abode since 1870, and in his political views is a Republican. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 688-689

MICHAEL FOX is a native of Germany, and a son of Jacob and Mary Fox, who came to this country in 1847. Landing in New Orleans, thence they went to Madison, from there to Jennings County, where they settled upon a farm. The meager school advantages of his section prevented his obtaining more than the mere rudiments of an education. At the age of seventeen he worked upon the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis and Ohio& Mississippi Railroads for a short time. In 1863 he went to Vernon, where he became an apprentice to Peter Fox. He continued here for nine years, and in 1872 married Miss Ella Gallagher, of Jennings County. Six children have been born to this union: Rosa, Charley, Alice, Flora, Georgia and Nellie, all of whom are now living. February 12, 1873, he removed with his family to Seymour, where he worked four years and six months with Joseph Giger; moving thence to Hardenburg, where he remained nine months. He afterward returned to Seymour, where he opened up a shop. In 1884 he established, in connection with his shop, a boot and shoe store, where he caters to the tastes of all in the productions of the art of St. Crispin. He has here built up a very substantial trade. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN J. FREY is a native of Switzerland, and was born April 26, 1821. Being the first son living of Casper and Dorothea (Noetzele) Frey, both natives of Switzerland. At the age of thirteen Mr. Frey came with his parents to America, landing in New Orleans in 1834. In the following year his father bought a farm one and a half miles west of Seymour, where they remained one year, then removed to Louisville, Ky. His mother died while on the farm in Jackson County in 1835. He then engaged in a bakery, continuing in that business about fifteen months. He next accepted a position on a steamboat as pastry cook, following this vocation for ten years. He was married, in1847, to Miss Anna Dressendorfer; eight children were born to them: Joanna, Henrietta, Agnes, Charlie, Ella, Sarah, Oliver and Rodger S., the last being the only one dead. In 1854 he returned to Jackson County and located in Seymour, where he established a bakery. He has resided here continuously since that time. He has occupied the position of councilman of the city of Seymour, and is a member of the order of Masons, also the I. O. O. F. He is a stanch Democrat politics. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 689 - 690

MATTHIAS FRIEDMAN, one of the old citizens of Jackson County, was born near the river Rhine in Germany, August 12, 1812. The parents were George and Elizabeth (Miller) Fried-man, who followed farming in their native land. Matthias received his education in the schools of the land of his birth, and about the year 1833 came to America. His first settlement was in Clermont County, Ohio. May 7, 1848, he married Ann Hannah, a native of Brown County, Ohio, born December 27, 1825. In1852 they moved to Jackson County, Ind., where he pursued the occupation of a farmer until 1874, at which time he moved to Seymour. Mr. and Mrs. Friedman are now spending the evening of life in that quiet which years of industry have secured to them. They are both members of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. .-- History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Page 690

WILLIAM FRYSINGER, editor and proprietor of the Brownstown Banner, was born August 22, 1837, in Hanover, York Co., Penn. His parents were Jesse and Caroline Frysinger, who were natives and lifelong residents of that State. Of their thirteen children eleven are yet living nine sons and two daughters. William received such education as the schools of his native town afforded, but he availed himself of every advantage presented by them. When a mere youth he began, and followed for a while, the cigar maker’s trade, but he soon after abandoned it for the printing business, which has been the principal occupation of his life. He commenced in the office of the Hanover Herald, a paper owned by his brother Henry, but that paper suspended soon after, and he secured a position on the Gazette, of the same place. In 1853 he went to Lock Haven, in the same State, where he remained about two years. At the end of that time he went to Lewistown, Penn., with his brother, and was connected with the Democrat of that place until1861. During nearly four years he had entire control of the business management and local editorial work of the paper. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura Cornelia Smith, of Lewistown, February 16, 1859. This union has proved a happy one, and to them have been born three daughters, named Annie Carrie, Nellie Darlington and Laura Blanche, all of whom are now living. In February, 1861, he moved to Brownstown, Ind., and at once took charge of the Jackson Union, which he conducted till June, 1863. At that time he owned four sevenths of the paper. Under his management the Union was one of the ablest and most consistent Democratic papers of this portion of the State. Subsequently he engaged in the grocery trade in Brownstown, and continued in that business until 1869. In the spring of that year the county seat agitation made it necessary to have a newspaper in Brownstown. Mr. Frysinger volunteered to start one, and he was assisted by the citizens to the amount of$200. The first number of the Brownstown Banner was issued April 1, 1869. In the fall of that year he sold out to Henry M. Beadle and removed to Lewistown, Penn., but soon returned to Brownstown and reembarked in the grocery business in January, 1870; about eight months later he again became proprietor of the Banner. In October of the same year he was elected township trustee, in which capacity he served two terms. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, in which he has held the important offices. While a firm, ardent and unflinching Democrat, Mr. Frysinger maintains an independence of character that dares to criticize unwise, unjust, or improper acts of his own party. He has, by his pen or otherwise, contributed more or less to every public enterprise of his town and county, and to him, more than all others, is Brownstown indebted for the zealous and effective manner in which he fought the removal of the county seat. Mr. Frysinger writes with a facile pen, and many editorials articles that have, appeared in the Banner since its inception would do credit to a much more pretentious writer. - History of Jackson County, Indiana by Brant and Fuller, Chicago, 1886, Pages 612 - 614

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