A History of Clay County Indiana (Volume 2), Part 55

Author: William Travis
Publication date: 1909
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 631

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On August 3. 1848, Mr. Pell married Nancy McMillin, who was born in North Carolina in May, 1832, daughter of Daniel McMillin. Mr. McMillin, who was a native of Scotland, came with his parents to Randolph county, North Carolina, when he was but three years of age, residing in that section of the country until 1831. As a young man he

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came to Clay county, Indiana, took up government land in section 10, cleared a small space and there erected a log cabin. An expert wood worker, he manufactured chairs, tables, spinning wheels and other articles of domestic use, and with the help of his sturdy sons improved a farm on which he spent his remaining days. His wife, whose maiden name was Ally Cole, was born in North Carolina. She survived him a number of years and spent her last days with her daughter, Mrs. Pell. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pell, nine of whom reached maturity, namely: Alfred, of Carbon; George M., also of that place; Eliza A., wife of Robert Casteel; Josephine, wife of David Marshall; Daniel J., of Parke county ; William H., of Carbon; Thomas Scott, of South Carbon ; John Sherman, of Brazil; and Franklin S., who died at the age of thirty- one years, leaving a widow. Michael S., Martin Luther and Elias died in infancy, and Cora died when but eight years of age. William F. Pell passed away in death on August 1, 1908.

DONALD BETHUME MCCRIMMON .- Although fifteen years have come and gone since Donald Bethume McCrimmon was called to his final rest, he is yet remembered in Brazil as one of its representative business men, who contributed in substantial measure to its growth and progress through the development of an important industrial concern. His busi- ness methods, too, constitute an example well worthy of emulation and he left to his family not only a good property but an honored name. He died January 28, 1893, at the age of fifty-three years, his birth having occurred September 17, 1839. He was a native of Scotland and a son of Malcolm and Catherine (Bethume ) McCrimmon, both of whom were natives of the land of hills and heather. They were married in Scotland and unto them were born twelve children, of whom but two are now liv- ing, Mary and Anna.

Donald B. McCrimmon was the youngest of the family and spent the first nine years of his life in his native country, after which he accom- panied his parents on their emigration to the new world. The family home was established in Canada, where his boyhood days were passed and his early educational privileges were supplemented by a course of study in the Brockville Academy. He then engaged in teaching school in Canada and early in his business career was also employed as a lumber scaler in the woods of that country. Thinking to enjoy better business opportunities across the border, where competition is greater but where advancement is more quickly secured, he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, and obtained employment as bookkeeper for a railroad company where he remained for a number of years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Akron, Ohio, and was with the first railroad company which extended its line to that place. He was also with the first railroad com- pany which built a road through Urbana, Ohio, filling the position of bookkeeper. In 1866 he came to Brazil and was employed as bookkeeper by the Otter Creek Coal Company for three years. He was afterward in the employ of B. F. Maston and in 1869, desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he purchased the interest of Mr. Springer in the firm of McBeth, Crawford & Springer, proprietors of the Brazil foundry and machine shops at Brazil, Indiana. At that time the building occupied by the company was an old wooden structure, which has since been replaced by a substantial brick building, well equipped for the purposes for which it is used. In those early years employment was given to from twenty-

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five to thirty men and they annually expended for labor from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars. The company manufactures engines, pumps and machinery and the business is today conducted under the firm style of Crawford & McCrimmon, Mrs. McCrimmon still retaining her interest in the business which was left to her by her husband. For twenty-four years, however, he was associated with the enterprise and his sound busi- ness judgment and sagacity proved a factor in its substantial growth and upbuilding. He was practical in all his methods and as the years passed the business increased to a gratifying extent.

On the 12th of October, 1876, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mc- Crimmon and Miss Marjory Stevenson, who was born in Scotland, May 11, 1856, a daughter of Hugh and Ann (King) Stevenson, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father, who was born September 10, 1831, died in Brazil, Indiana, August 21, 1875. The mother, whose birth occurred November 28, 1833, is now living in Brazil and is enjoying excellent health for one of her years, making her home with her daugh- ter, Mrs. McCrimmon. She was married in Scotland, May 29, 1855, and by her marriage became the mother of eight children, of whom six are yet living, namely : Mrs. McCrimmon; John and Elizabeth, twins, the latter the wife of E. M. Campbell; Thomas; Hugh; and Isabelle, the wife of Robert Glenn. It was in 1865 that Mr. Stevenson came to this coun- try with his family, settling first near Indianapolis, Indiana, where he carried on farming for seven years. In 1872 he removed to Brazil, Clay county, and carried on general agricultural pursuits near the city, also dividing his attention with the coal business. He was found to be thor- oughly trustworthy in his business relations, his entire life being in har- mony with his professions as a member of the Presbyterian church. His political views were in accord with the principles of the Republican party.

Mr. McCrimmon was also a stalwart Republican and was elected to represent the second ward in the city council in 1883. He belonged to Centennial Lodge, No. 541, A. F. and A. M., and attended the services of the Presbyterian church, to the support of which he contributed quite liberally, although he was not a member. He was widely known as a genial, social gentleman and one to whom the city owes much for his enterprise in furthering public improvement and progress. Wherever he went he won friends and the kindly regard in which he was uniformly held was an indication of his honorable manhood and his consideration for the rights and privileges of others. Mrs. McCrimmon is a member of the First Presbyterian church.

GEORGE B. ROBINSON .- Distinguished not only as the oldest living citizen of Clay county, but as a veteran of two wars, George B. Robinson is held in high esteem throughout the community in which he resides. Although his four score, ten, and more years of life have whitened his hairs, dimmed his eyes and shortened his steps, his mental faculties are strong and vigorous, and his conversation is replete with interest. He was born November 3, 1813, in Jefferson county, Kentucky, a son of James Robinson.

James Robinson, the descendant of a family that moved from Scot- land to the north of Ireland, was born in Ireland, and when a young man emigrated to the United States, locating first in Garrard county, Ken- tucky. Going from there to Jefferson county, Kentucky, he bought land

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near Louisville, and began the improvement of a farm. He subsequently dealt to some extent in land, buying three or four different farms, which, after adding some improvements, he sold. The last farm that he owned was situated on the Ohio river, about eight miles above Louisville. He was there employed in agricultural pursuits a number of years, being a prosperous farmer. He died at the age of seventy-four years, his death being the result of an accident. His wife, whose maiden name was Letitia Bloodsoe, was a daughter of Benjamin Bloodsoe, who spent his last years in Cumberland county, Kentucky. She died in middle life, leaving a large family of children, namely: Josephine, Martha, Eliza, William, Benjamin, James, George B., John, Fanny, Catherine and Henry.

Reared on a farm, George B. Robinson began as soon as old enough to assist his father in its care, early becoming familiar with the various branches of agriculture. When about sixteen years old he went to Louis- ville, where he learned the butcher's trade, and subsequently followed it for several years. In 1846 he enlisted in the Louisville Legion, and with his command went to the city of Mexico, where he was stationed six months. When peace was declared he marched with his regiment to . Vera Cruz, then crossed the gulf to New Orleans in'a sailing vessel and thence by steamer to Louisville. Resuming his trade, Mr. Robinson lived in Louisville until 1851, when he came to Indiana, locating in Bartholo- mew county. A few years later he made another start, going to Shelby county, Missouri, where he resided until the breaking out of the Civil war. He then returned to Indiana, and subsequently enlisted from Jen- nings county in Company E, Eighty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and August 13, 1862, was mustered into service. Going south, he was at the front in many engagements, at Atlanta, Georgia, being severely wounded. Being sent to the Colonel's quarters, he partially recovered from his injuries, and went with his command to the sea. At Savannah he was granted a furlough, and a short time after his return home was honorably discharged on account of physical disability, his illness con- fining him to the house for two years, and never to this day has he fully recovered from the effects of his wound.

On leaving the army Mr. Robinson lived for two years in Nashville, Brown county, Indiana, after which he went back to Bartholomew county. While in the army he had bought a farm in Brown county, and in 1866 he traded that for another farm in the same county. Later Mr. Robinson traded the latter farm for one in Bartholomew county, near Ogilville, where he carried on general farming until 1881. Selling out in that year he lived for two years in Douglas county, Illinois, and from there came to Clay county, where he has since lived, having a most pleasant home in Middlebury.

Mr. Robinson has been twice married. He wedded first, in 1847, Margaret Goodlet, who was born in Washington county, Kentucky, a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Thompson) Goodlet. She died about 1851, and Mr. Robinson married second, in 1852, Angeline Good- let, a sister of his first wife. Ebenezer Goodlet, a son of James Goodlet, was a native of Kentucky, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of forty-three years. His wife survived him and spent her last years with Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson was blessed by the birth of six children, namely : William, who married Martha Dolton and has four children, Annie, Dolly, William and Nellie; Theodore married Sylvia Cooprider ; Josephine

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married, and at her death left one child; Adrenia is the wife of William Diel ; Albert married Carrie Grigsby, and they are the parents of three children, Georgie, Albert and McDonald; and Ada, wife of Charles Grigsby, has nine children, Edgar, Clara, Emily, Eunice, Ollie, Flossie, Nellie, Harold and Ernest.

HENRY F. WEBER, one of the well known agriculturists of Sugar Ridge township, is a native son of the fatherland of Germany, born in Hanover May 20, 1865. His parents, Christian and Mary ( Wellman) Weber, both died when he was small, and he was reared by relatives of his father. There were but two children in his parents' family, Henry and a sister, and both came to America to join relatives in Poland, In- diana, where Henry remained for two years. He went thence to McLean county, Illinois, but in two years returned to Clay county and bought eighty acres of land in section 36, Sugar Ridge township, all of which was covered with timber with the exception of ten acres. He cleared the remainder of the land and prepared it for purposes of cultivation, , and in the meantime has also planted one acre to an orchard of apple trees and has erected a pleasant and commodious residence, barns and other farm buildings. He has added to the boundaries of his farm at different times until it now contains one hundred and sixty-four acres of as fine and well improved land as lies in Clay county, and in addition to his general farming he raises the double standard Durham and Short- horn cattle, Poland China hogs and Percheron Norman and German Coach horses.

Mr. Weber was married on the 29th of January, 1887, to Dena W. Asherman, who was born in Poland, Indiana, June 4, 1865, a daughter of Henry and Caroline (Schroder) Asherman, who were born in Hesse- Castle, Germany. The mother died in 1869, when her daughter was but four years of age, and she lived with her brother until her marriage. Mr. Weber has membership relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, lodge No. 835 of Saline City, and he is an earnest and active member of the United Brethren church at Saline City, in which he is serving as a trustee and as the superintendent of the Sunday-school.

ISAAC MILLER .- The part of Indiana in which Clay county is included has been developed by some of the most active and enterprising men of this enterprising country and age, and. no portion of it has responded more readily to the persuasions of axe and plowshare than Harrison township. Numbered among the earnest workers that have so ably assisted in transforming the original wilderness into a rich and fer- tile agricultural region is Isaac Miller, who has succeeded to the owner- ship of the homestead which his father, Christian Miller, redeemed from the forest. He was born November 2, 1838, in Lehigh county, Pennsyl- vania, coming from honored patriotic stock, his great-grandfather on the paternal side having as a Revolutionary soldier fought at the battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Jacob Miller, grandfather of Isaac, was born in Carroll county, Pennsylvania, and spent his entire life in his native state, being employed as a tiller of the soil. His wife survived him and died at the home of her son-in-law in Summit county, Ohio, aged ninety-two years.

Born and reared in Lehigh county. Pennsylvania, Christian Miller resided there until 1843. In that year, joining a colony of fifty people, all

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relatives, he journeyed westward to Ohio, camping and cooking by the wayside during the six weeks traveling. In this colony was Mr. Miller's widowed grandmother, her seven sons and her two daughters. Christian Miller located first in Medina county, but two years later joined the remainder of the colony in Summit county. He bought land in Copley township, and while he worked at his trade of a stone mason his sons improved a good farm, on which he and his family lived until 1860. In September of that year he sold out and came to Indiana, locating near Lancaster, Owen county. where he resided two years. Coming then to Clay county, he bought land in Harrison township, and on the small patch which had been cleared built a log cabin for himself and family. He was successful in adding to the improvements of his property, and a few months later erected a larger house of hewn logs, in which he resided until his death, August 25, 1866. He married Elizabeth Mill, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and died in Clay county, Indiana, June 5, 1802, aged seventy-three years. Her father, John Mill, was born, reared and married in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, but spent the later years of his life in Medina county, Ohio. Of the union of Christian and Elizabeth Miller ning children were born, namely: Isaac, the special sub- ject of this sketch; Esom, who died at the age of twelve years; Charles enlisted during the Civil war in Company K, Forty-first Indiana Volun- teer Cavalry, and was killed in battle at Triune, Tennessee, when but nineteen years old ; William ; Messiah died in childhood; Jacob died when two years old; Almira; Susanna ; and Amanda.

But five years old when his parents removed to Ohio, Isaac Miller was there educated, attending school quite regularly during the winter terms until twenty years of age. In 1860 he came with the family to Indiana, and on September 10, 1861, enlisted in Company K, Forty-first Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, which was attached to the Second Indiana Cavalry, and was sent south. He subsequently veteranized, and was with his regiment in all of its marches, campaigns and battles. At West Point, Georgia, he was captured by the Rebels, but after twenty-four hours of captivity he with two comrades escaped. Swimming the Chattahoochee river, they found themselves in a strange country, but knowing that they. must go towards the northeast took the sun for a guide, and in ten days rejoined their companions, who had supposed them dead. At Selma, Alabama, while charging the breastworks of the enemy, Mr. Miller was wounded in the left foot, and for sometime was unable to wear a boot, but he being mounted he kept with his command just the same. During the time that he was in the service, Mr. Miller was in Kentucky, Ten- nessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas, and took an active part in eleven general engagements, including the battles at Pittsburg Landing and Chickamauga, and those of Sherman on his march to Atlanta and on to the sea. With his regiment he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, in July, 1865. Previous to enlisting, Mr. Miller had learned the trade of a stone mason under his father's instructions, and after his return home worked at it for awhile, at the same time doing more or less farming. Succeeding to the ownership of the old homestead in Harrison township on the death of his father, he has since resided here. He has made improvements of an excellent character, including the erection of a substantial set of frame buildings and the setting out of fruit and shade trees, greatly enhancing the value of the estate and adding to its attractiveness.

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On April 20, 1866, Mr. Miller married Mary S. Cuning, who was born in Maryland December 15, 1839, but was reared in Darke county, Ohio, where her mother settled after the death of her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of two children, namely: John A. and Mar- tha D. John A. married Melvina Bowman, and to them five children have been born, one of whom, Clarence, died at the age of nine years, and four are living, Harry, Raymond, Marie and Clara. Martha D., wife of John P. Backfisch, has three children, Edna M., Frederick and Floyd. Mrs. Miller is a consistent member of the German Baptist Brethren church.

WILLIAM J. HALL .- Prominent among the enterprising and prosper- ous agriculturists of Harrison township is William J. Hall, who for the past twenty-five years has here been actively employed in the pleasant, peaceful and independent occupation of a farmer. He is a man of excel- lent business capacity, thorough, skilful and systematic in his work, his well-appointed and well-kept farm evincing in a high degree his thrift and ability as a manager. A son of Clayborn Hall, he was born in 1859, in Sullivan, Sangamon county, Illinois.

A native of Jefferson county, Kentucky, Clayborn Hall was there bred and married. Migrating to Illinois in 1857, he resided in Sangamon county till 1860, when he returned to his Kentucky home. Two years later he again went to Illinois, purchased land in Clark county, and was there employed in cultivating the soil until 1869. Selling out in that year he came to Indiana, locating in Vigo county. Buying a farm in Linton township, he was there employed in his favorite pursuit until his death. During his active life he bought and sold several farms, many of which he improved to a considerable extent, and as he always sold at an ad- vanced price he accumulated a competency in that manner. He married Rosanna Bates, who was born in Kentucky and died in Vigo county. Of the children born of their union, seven grew to years of maturity, namely : Mary; Hugh; Charles T .; William J., the special subject of this sketch ; Dora ; John; and Cora.

During the days of his boyhood and youth William J. Hall attended school quite regularly, and when twelve years old spent his vacations as clerk in a general store. On leaving school he continued as a clerk for a number of seasons, becoming familiar with the details of mercantile pursuits. Subsequently embarking in business on his own account, he operated a general store at Riley, Vigo county, Indiana, for two years. After his marriage he located in Harrison township, and has since been actively engaged in general farming in the Eel River valley.

Mr. Hall married, in 1883, Anna K. Connely. She was born in Bates county, Missouri, a daughter of William A. and Elizabeth (Leavitt) Con- nely. A brief sketch of her parents may be found on another page of this biographical work. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have two children, namely : Rex. in Purdue University pursuing the agricultural course, and Helen, who finished at the common school, spent one term at Stanley Hall, Minne- apolis, Minnesota, and was also a student in the Brazil Business Univer- sity. Politically Mr. Hall is identified with the Republican party, and is a true and stanch supporter of its principles.

HON. WILLIAM CONNELY .- In the annals of Clay county no name, mayhap, is more worthy of honor and respect than that of the late Hon.

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William Connely, who was an extensive landholder in Harrison township, and for many years one of its most prominent and influential citizens. A son of Gilmore Connely, he was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, of substantial Scotch-Irish ancestry.

A native of Kentucky, Gilmore Connely lived there during his early life. Subsequently coming with his family to Indiana, he located in Putnam county at an early period of its settlement. Purchasing a tract of timbered land near Putnamville, he cleared and improved a home- stead, and from that time until his death, at a good old age, he was prosperously engaged in farming, stock raising and in real estate dealings.

Very young when his parents came to this state, William Connely took advantage of every offered opportunity for acquiring an education, and later in life became a very successful business man and a most wise and safe counsellor. Removing after his marriage to Missouri, he set- tled in Bates county, where he purchased a large tract of land, on which he began improvements. He was strongly opposed to slavery, and the exponents of that cause made it so very unpleasant for him that he sold out and returned to Vigo county. A few years later he came to Harrison township, purchased large tracts of land in the Eel River valley, and was a resident of Clay county until his death, which occurred in October, 1896, on his estate.

Mr. Connely married Elizabeth Leavitt, who was born in Riley township, Vigo county, a daughter of William Humphrey and Ann (Halstead) Leavitt. She preceded him to the better world, dying in 1875, leaving three children, Rhoda, Anna Kate, and Frances. Anna K. is the wife of William J. Hall, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Connely always took an active and intelligent interest in everything pertaining to the public welfare, and in the state legislature rendered excellent service two or more terms, representing Vigo county in 1877 and Clay county in 1886.

WILLIAM WALLACE MCGREGOR .- A man of culture, keen intelli- gence and high mental attainments, William Wallace McGregor, now living retired from active pursuits in Harrison township, was for many years actively identified with the legal profession, being engaged in the practice of law at Clay City. A son of Samuel McGregor, he was born May 17, 1835, in Harrison county, Ohio, of honored Scotch ancestry. His grandfather McGregor, a native of the Scotch Highlands, emigrated to America in colonial days, fought as a soldier in the Revolution, after- wards lived for a short time in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and then settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he, as far as known, spent the remainder of his years.

Samuel McGregor was born August 21, 1787, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and was there reared and married. Subsequently removing to Ohio, he bought land in Jefferson township, and in addition to man- aging his farm was engaged in mercantile business in the town of Jeffer- son. Selling his holdings in that vicinity in 1837, he moved to Tuscara- was county, and in Warren township, near New Cumberland, bought land and for two years was engaged in farming. He then located with his family in the village of New Cumberland, where a few months later his wife died. He then went to visit a daughter living at Hollidays Cove, West Virginia, but being in ill health did not enter into any business. He subsequently returned to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and died in 1852,

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A History of Clay County Indiana (Volume 2), Part 55

Author: William Travis Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Number of Pages: 631

Author: William Travis
Publication date: 1909
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 631