USA > Indiana > Sullivan County > A history of Sullivan County, Indiana, closing of the first century's history of the county, and showing the growth of its people, institutions, industries and wealth, Volume II > Part 14
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William Benefield was reared on a farm in Hamilton township, received his education in the district schools, and worked at home until he was twenty-one years of age. He then went to Mound, Louisiana, where he worked a year, after which he returned to the farm where he now resides. Remaining there a year and a half, he next located at Hymera and lived there three years, during this period being engaged in the meat business as well as in mining. In 1893 he returned to Turman township and resumed farm life, his place finally consisting of one hundred and three acres of fine land bordering on the plat of Graysville. At that location he conducted grain and stock farming. Among other enterprises with which he was also connected was that of the Big Springs Threshing Machine Company in which he was a stockholder. In Sep- tember, 1908, Mr. Benefield sold his farm and removed to Texas, having visited various sections of that state and purchased a fine tract of land in the Panhandle country. There he has erected a substantial set of buildings and is engaged in general farming and stockraising.
Politically Mr. Benefield is a Democrat. In his fraternal connec- tions, while residing in Sullivan county, he was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic order, and with his wife, he belonged to the Eastern Star lodge at Graysville. Mr. Benefield was married January 26, 1889, to Mary Brewer, who was born November 2, 1866, on the farm which became the family homestead. She is the daughter of William and Mary (Hawkins) Brewer. Her father, a native of Ohio of Scotch-Irish descent, was born March 20, 1824, and died in Turman township, October 24, 1899. When a child he was brought to this country by his parents, John and Mary Ann (Cook) Brewer, who located at Graysville. John Brewer, the maternal grand- father, operated a general store at Graysville for a number of years. William Brewer, the father, reached manhood in Turman township and
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there followed agricultural pursuits, finally purchasing three hundred and eight acres of land, which he handled in a most successful manner. Upon this homestead his wife died in 1868, the deceased being born in 1832, a daughter of Major and Sallie (Earnest) Hawkins. In 1871 William Brewer married Amelia Miles, a native of Gill township, and the family moved to Sullivan, where William Brewer formed a partnership with Thomas Burton, under the name of Brewer and Burton, which firm continued in trade several years. Then disposing of his business, he lived a retired life. Mr. Brewer's second wife died August 16, 1893, and in 1895 he married Mrs. Rebecca Thornberry. In the following year he moved to her farm in Turman township, where he died. The widow now resides with her daughter in Turman township. Mr. Brewer was a member of the Masonic fraternity at Merom; also connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics a Republican. By his first marriage Mr. Brewer had six children; by the second and third unions there was no issue. By the first wife these children were born: John and Solon, deceased; Sarah E., wife of Robert Watson, of Rockford, California; Emily A., deceased, who married John Kirkham; Leanna, who married Rolland Hanchett, and now resides at Harlan, Nebraska ; and Mary, Mrs. William Benefield. Mrs. Benefield was educated in Sullivan, Indiana, attending its high schools and remaining at home until a year before her marriage in Nebraska.
Mr. and Mrs. William Benefield have children as follows: Herbert Milton, born October 2, 1890, living at home; June Elizabeth, born November 17, 1894; and William Brewer, born May 4, 1899. Mrs. Benefield and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and connected with the Eastern Star lodge.
GEORGE TOWNSLEY WILSON, who lives on and owns the original Wilson homestead in Haddon township, was born April 17, 1849, upon the three hundred acre farm where he now resides. This valuable farm home is situated two miles northeast of Paxton. He is a son of Martin and Mary P. (Lamb) Wilson. The father was born July 15, 1810, in Greene county, Ohio, and the mother was born September 21, 1822, in Sullivan county, Indiana. This worthy couple were married January 4, 1844. Martin Wilson came to Haddon township in 1822 and began working on a farm and later entered government land to the amount of two hundred and seventeen acres, to which he added until his landed estate amounted to four hundred acres. This land was all one vast forest when he came to the country and he, through a long series of years and great toil, succeeded in subduing it and making a beautiful and productive farm of what he found a wilderness. Politically he was a Democrat. His wife was a devout member of the Christian church. He died June 15, 1890, on his farm, and his wife laid down the burden of life January 9, 1857, many years prior to his death. The following children were born of their union: Mary Jane, born October 17, 1844,
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married William Carl Usrey, of Sullivan, whose history appears else- where in this work; William Lowery, born October 12, 1846, died Feb- ruary 6, 1888, in Greene county, Indiana; George Townsley, of this notice; Joseph, born January 7, 1852, died August 7, 1888, at Golden, Colorado, where he was farming; Sarah Ann, born September 25, 1855, married John T. Whitmire.
George T. Wilson of this biographical notice remained on the home farm until both parents were dead. He attended the public schools and worked dutifully, and early learned the necessity of saving and wisely investing his earnings. The old homestead is now his property, the same comprising three hundred acres, upon which he methodically farms and raises stock for the market. Politically Mr. Wilson is a believer in the principles of the Democratic party. He is unmarried and for the last few winter seasons has visited various states of the Union, chiefly in the south.
JOHN E. M. PURCELL, who is the owner of one of the superior grain and stock farms found within the limits of Haddon township, was born on the land he now owns and cultivates, the same being situated a mile and a half in an easterly direction from the enterprising village of Paxton, Sullivan county, Indiana. The date of his birth was November 14, 1867. He is the son of William W. and Rachel L. (Creager) Purcell. The mother was born March 17, 1848, in Hamilton township, a daughter of Thomas J. and Barbara (Canary) Creager, both born in Kentucky, and who came with their respective parents to this country about the time Indiana was admitted into the Union.
William W. Purcell, the father, was born in Haddon township, Sul- livan county, April 23, 1842, and died June 7, 1894. His widow now resides at Paxton. The grandfather, John Williamson Purcell, was born in Kentucky and became one of the early pioneers in Sullivan county. At the time of the Civil war William W. Purcell served as a member of Company D, Indiana Heavy Artillery, enlisting in 1861, and serving until the close of the rebellion. He entered as a private, and was promoted to orderly sergeant. He was in the famous seige of Vicksburg and at the battle of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. On January 23, 1867, he began farming, which occupation he followed the remainder of his life. He began on the same farm where now lives his son, John E. M. Purcell. A successful farmer, at one time William W. Purcell owned about three hundred acres of land, all in one tract. He raised grain and fed con- siderable stock, and also was a breeder of fine grades of stock, including horses. He owned draft and English coach horses and a valuable Spanish jack, which animals he exhibited at the several county fairs in this section of the country, capturing many of the premiums offered on such stock. He also raised Shorthorn Durham cattle, which were also registered in the American Stock Book, and exhibited. Politically Mr. Purcell was a stanch Republican and at the hands of his fellow-party workers received numerous nominations. He was president of the Paxton Canning Com-
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pany, from the date of its organization in 1888, until his death, but this factory is not in operation at the present. In lodge connections he was an honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Of his church faith, it may be said that he was of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, of which his widow is also a faithful adherent. For a number of years he served as one of the stewards in the church of his choice. The children born to William W. and Rachel L. (Creager) Purcell were: John E. M., of this notice, and Stella J., now the wife of Edgar E. Nash, whose family history will be found within this work.
John E. M. Purcell remained with his father, worked the farm and attended to the stock business with him, until the latter's death, since which date the son has conducted the place himself. He now owns two hundred and thirty-five acres, this being a portion of the old homestead. Having been trained in the science of agriculture and stockraising from his boyhood up by his association with his father, he naturally continued to pursue the same line of industry after his father's demise. Mr. Purcell now raises the Black Poll-Angus cattle and about two carloads annually of hogs of the Poland China breed. Besides his extensive farming operations, Mr. Purcell is a stockholder in the People's First National Bank, of Carlisle, and the People's State Bank, of Sullivan. He is the secretary of the old Paxton Canning Company. In his political views Mr. Purcell is a firm defender of the general principles of the Republican party. In the matter of fraternal societies, he is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 50, and the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 3332, these lodges being at Carlisle.
He was married December 23, 1897, to Miss Bessie B. Barclay, who was born in Jennings county, Indiana, September 21, 1879, daughter of James W. and Lydia (Ewing) Barclay. The father was born in Mason county, Kentucky, April 15, 1834, and now resides in Bloomington, Indiana. The mother was born in Decatur county, Indiana, May 1, 1841, and died September 19, 1907, in Louisville, Kentucky, her home, however, being at Bloomington, Indiana. John W. Barclay has always followed the independent life of a farmer. Mrs. Purcell received her education at the public schools of Jennings county, Indiana, and graduated from the Carlisle high school with the class of 1896. Her parents came to Sullivan county from Jennings county in 1893, and the parents and one brother moved to Bloomington, Indiana, in 1903. Mrs. Purcell is one of a family of eight children, four of which are now living: Luella B., now a widow: Alice C., widow of A. D. Giboney, residing at Carlisle; Mrs. Purcell ; Joseph Knox, of Bloomington, Indiana, now practicing law ; he is an athlete and at one time held the long distance run of the state of Indiana, being one of the Hoosier state's best athletes. From 1902 to 1905 he was captain of the track team at Bloomington and football manager in 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Purcell have two children: William W., born November 16, 1898, and Paul Barclay, born October 31, 1902. Both Mr. and Mrs. Purcell are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Paxton, of which he was a steward.
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Dr. dr. Hook.
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Mrs. A. F. Hoke.
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HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY
WILLIAM F. HOKE .- Prominent among the more prosperous and extensive agriculturists of Sullivan county is William F. Hoke, a well- known farmer and stock raiser of Haddon township. A man of good business qualifications, thoroughly acquainted with the work in which he is so busily engaged, he is meeting with unquestioned success, and is an important factor in advancing the farming interests of this section of Indiana. He was born, August 8, 1844, on the old Hoke homestead, about three miles south of Carlisle, a son of Jacob Hoke.
Born, in 1807, in Jefferson county, Kentucky, he was there reared and educated. Coming to Sullivan county, Indiana, soon after his mar- riage, he sought a favorable location, and after looking about for a time took up government land in Haddon township, and by dint of industry and perseverance cleared and improved the valuable homestead, on which he resided until his death, in 1873. He carried on general farming on an extensive scale, and was quite a heavy stock feeder. He made much money in his operations, and having invested it wisely, owned at the time of his death about one thousand acres of choice land. He was a Demo- crat in politics, and served one term as county commissioner. He mar- ried Rosanna Brentlinger, who was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, about 1807, and died in Haddon township, Indiana, in 1874. Ten children were born to them, as follows: The two oldest, twins, died in infancy ; Susan, deceased; George, engaged in farming in Knox county; Sarah, deceased ; Jacob, president of the Sullivan State Bank, at Sullivan ; John, residing on the old homestead; William F., of this sketch; Charles, deceased ; and Richard, deceased.
Acquiring an excellent knowledge of the various branches of agri- culture while young, William F. Hoke selected farming as his life occu- pation, and until twenty-seven years of age assisted in the management of the home farm. In 1872, his father having at that time purchased the old Hinkle farm, he assumed its possession, and has since resided here. Succeeding in his efforts from the first, he now owns three hundred and thirty acres of the best land in southern Indiana, and on it has made improvements of an excellent character. In the fall of 1906, he erected his present fine home, which stands upon a natural rise of ground, and is of modern construction, its building having been necessitated by the burning of his former home about three years ago. Mr. Hoke makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, having now, in 1908, over a carload of choice hogs that he is raising for market. He is now turning his atten- tion to the breeding of black Poll-Angus cattle, having recently purchased a thoroughbred sire of that grade.
On December 18, 1873, Mr. Hoke married Virginia Belle Turner, who was born November 16, 1851, in Virginia, where her parents, Thomas K. and Lucy (Gilson) Turner, settled when coming to Sullivan county. from Pennsylvania, where they had gone from their native state, Virginia, and where they spent their remaining years. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hoke has been blessed by the birth of eleven children, namely: Myrtle, deceased ; Bessie, unmarried; Ella, wife of Marvel Nash, a telegraph operator in Greene county, has two children, James and Dorothy; Allie,
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a twin sister of Ella, has passed to the higher life; Jacob, living on the home farm; Thomas and Lue, twins; Thomas is deceased, and Lue, single, lives at home; Anna, living at home; William, single; Lillie, single ; and a child that died in infancy. Politically, Mr. Hoke supports the principles of the Democratic party by voice and vote.
JOHN THOMAS WHITMIRE, numbered among the progressive farmers of Haddon township, whose pretty farm home is situated two and a half miles east from the thriving village of Paxton, Sullivan county, Indiana, is a native of Missouri, born in Randolph county, that state, September 3, 1851. He is the son of David Marion and Caroline (Snider ) Whitmire, both of whom were natives of the historic county of Jessamine, Kentucky. The father was born June 8, 1826, and died in Randolph county, Mis- souri, in 1865, and the mother, born August 27, 1825, died early in the nineties in the same county. David M. Whitmire was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, and his wife of Dutch descent with some Irish blood in her veins. John Whitmire, the grandfather, and his family, went to Missouri when David M. was a small boy. The maternal grandfather, John Snider, and his family, settled in Haddon township, Sullivan county, Indiana, locating one mile to the north of Carlisle, where he and his wife resided until their death.
As has often been the case in human experience, the meeting and final companionship of Mr. Whitmire's father and mother was destined by unforeseen acts, which have not infrequently determined the future of men and women. The mother, Caroline Snider, went to Missouri from Carlisle, Indiana, to visit a married sister in Randolph county, and while there chanced to meet Mr. Whitmire, to whom she was subsequently united in marriage. They at once commenced farming in that county and ever after remained in that locality. David M. Whitmire, the father, served in the Civil war in the army. Politically he was a supporter of the Democratic party, while both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their children were as follows: One who died in fancy ; John T., of this memoir ; Charles W., born December 30, 1853, deceased ; George W., born April 13, 1856, resides on the old home- stead in Missouri; Mary B., born February 21, 1858, wife of William Wainwright, residing in Missouri ; William T., born April 5, 1860, also living in Missouri ; Eliza, born September 6, 1862, now wife of Frederick Robb, of Randolph county, Missouri ; Montgomery, born May 27, 1865, deceased.
John Thomas Whitmire was reared on a farm and had the advan- tages of the Missouri district schools. He remained at home until Feb- ruary 26, 1874, on which day he went to Paxton, Indiana, and began farming as a hired hand. Three years later, however, believing that he was capable of conducting a farm for himself, he began to do so. About 1886 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and thirty- eight acres of valuable farming land, located two and a half miles from
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Paxton, in an easterly direction. Here he has been highly successful in the cultivation of the land which has brought him good returns, and placed himself and family in independent circumstances. Politically Mr. Whitmire affiliates with the Democratic party.
He was united in marriage November 2, 1876, to Sarah Ann Wilson, born in Haddon township, September 25, 1855, a daughter of Martin and Mary P. (Lamb) Wilson. Her father came to Sullivan county from Ohio in 1820, and her mother was native to Kentucky; both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Whitmire have one daughter: Gertrude, born November 8, 1878, unmarried, and living at home. She attended the district schools of her native township and the high schools of Sullivan, graduating in music at the Conservatory of the DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana, both in vocal and instrumental music. She is now giving instructions in music in her home neighborhood. Mr. Whitmire and family have had the pleasure of spending the past two winters in California's delightful climate, amid the flowers and sunshine of the coast state. In their church connections the parents and daughter are acceptable members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
FRANKLIN M. ANDERSON, one of the representative farmers who have aided in building up the present prosperity found within the borders of Haddon township, Sullivan county, Indiana, was born February 7, 1864, in Marion county, Indiana, on the farm of his father, Abner B. Anderson. The father was born in Highland county, December, 1818, and died in 1884. He was of Scotch descent and went to Marion county, Indiana, alone, at the age of sixteen years. He subsequently married in that county and there began farming for himself. In the autumn of 1869 the family moved to Haddon township, Sullivan county, and in 1870 was erected the farm house which Franklin M. now owns and in which he lived until the spring of 1908, when he completed a new house on his farm. The father and mother both resided on this farm until their death. Abner B. Anderson was a successful farmer and was a Democrat in politics. He was a member of the Baptist church, while his good wife was of the Methodist religious faith. Before her marriage she was Ruth Elmore, a native of Kentucky, and was born near Crab Orchard, March 5, 1819, dying in 1896. She was of Irish lineage. The children born to Abner B. Anderson and wife were as follows: William, Candice A., John, Loretta, Mariah Jane, Franklin M. and three who died in infancy.
Franklin M. Anderson was reared on a farm and attended the country schools. When he reached his twentieth year he commenced to farm on his own account, and now owns the original homestead, con- sisting of forty-five acres, to which he has added, now possessing one hundred and forty-three acres, upon which he carries on general farming operations. In his political views Mr. Anderson favors the Republican party, and casts his vote with that organization. He has wisely taken
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a membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 3332, at Carlisle.
He was united in marriage January 5, 1888, to Permelia A. Walters, born in Haddon township, in 1865, and who died in 1896 in the month of September. She was educated in her native county. Her parents were Joel O. and Nancy (Land) Walters, both of whom are now dead. Five children were born to Mr. Anderson and wife: Lola M., deceased ; William L., deceased; Elva, born November, 1892; Ruth Marie, born June, 1894; John W., deceased. For his second wife Mr. Anderson mar- ried Sarah E. (Woodward) Pool, born in Jefferson township, Sullivan county, Indiana, March 27, 1871. They were united in marriage in 1896 and are the parents of two children : Albert L. and Daisy Gladys. Before her second marriage Mrs. Anderson was the widow of Harry Pool, who lived in Jefferson township, and who died in the nineties, leaving a daughter, Ethel, born in February, 1896, and who now resides with Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. In church connections Mrs. Anderson is a member of the Christian church.
The Andersons are all large men in stature, Franklin M. being six feet and four inches in height, weighing one hundred and ninety-five pounds, while his father was the tallest man in Sullivan county, he measuring. six feet and seven inches, and weighing two hundred and twenty-five pounds.
JOHN MARION WHITLOCK, who is the owner of one of the many fertile farms of Haddon township, Sullivan county, is a native of Kentucky, born April 29, 1858, son of Nathan and Mary E. (Williams) Whitlock, both natives of Kentucky. In 1863 the family came to Marion county, Indiana, remained one year, then settled in Haddon township, Sullivan county, near Paxton, where both the father and mother died, he on August 10, 1878, and she later. They were both of English descent. The father always followed agriculture for his livelihood. Politically he supported the Democratic party. Their children were as follows : John Marion, Mary Jane, wife of John O. McCammon, residing in Haddon township; Robert, of Haddon township; Josephine, deceased ; George, of Haddon township; Nancy, wife of David S. Wilson, of Jef- ferson township.
John Marion Whitlock commenced the real activities of his career when but twelve years old, by doing farm work by the month. When nineteen years of age he began farming on his own account and has continued in the same calling ever since. He removed to his present farm in 1888. The property, which belongs to him and his wife, consists of one hundred and twenty-five acres. In his political views Mr. Whit- lock is a believer in the platform of the Democratic party.
He has been twice married, first, November 2, 1878, to Pamelia Shake, born in Haddon township, daughter of John Shake, who was- a farmer of Haddon township. Mr. Whitlock died about 1884, leaving
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two children : Lou Effie, born January 27, 1882, now the wife of Edward Padgett, of Haddon township; and William Walters, born January 24, 1884, unmarried and at home, attended the Carlisle high school and was graduated from the Normal College at Danville, Indiana. Since leaving school he has taught three years in Haddon township. For his second wife Mr. Whitlock married, March 18, 1888, Mary E. Deveors, who was born January 28, 1858, in Haddon township, on the farm which she now owns. She is the daughter of James and Eliza (Carrico) Deveors, both now deceased. By this marriage the issue is: Ethel, born October 18, 1891.
EDGAR E. NASH is a son of Armpsted M. and Nancy E. (Purcell) Nash. In the sketch of Armpsted M. Nash, on another page of this work, with biography of William L. Nash, will be found ancestry, so far as it is now known. Edgar E. Nash was born February 7, 1868, in Haddon township, Sullivan county, Indiana. He was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education at the district schools and he remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when he embarked in farming on his own account, on the old Nash homestead. Subsequently, he removed into the same old farm house which his father had remodeled. Edgar E. Nash has come to be an enterprising agricul- turist, who is alive to all new and modern farming methods, both as a grain and stock grower, in which calling he is highly successful. He usually feeds two carloads of hogs and cattle each year and handles the Poll-Angus and Shorthorn cattle. He owns two farms, one of two hundred and forty-six acres, and one of seventy-six acres.
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