A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana, Part 135

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474

USA > Indiana > Randolph County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 135
USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 135

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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daughter of Ralph and Prudence Myers, four sons and two daughters resulting from the union. They were Lindley M., deceased, a merchant of New York city, who married Ann Maxwell, deceased; Lydia, deceased; Thomas, an attorney at law of Richmond, Ind., and husband of Katie Smalley; Gulielma (Mrs. Isaac Stanley); Albert, a farmer of West River township, and the husband of Gulielma (Hunnicutt) Jessup; Eli, a Jay county farmer, who married Alice Diggs.

After this marriage, Levi Jessup moved near Richmond, Ind., locating on 160 acres of land which he owned, living there thirty-seven years. There his wife died, December 26, 1868, and was buried in Earlham cemetery. In life she was a member of the Society of Friends. Mr. Jessup was again married, November 17, 1880, the lady being Rebecca, the daughter of Peter and Sarah Lawrence, born in Randolph county, N. C., October 14, 1826. She is also a member of the Society of Friends, fn which her husband has for a num- ber of years been a recognized minister of the gospel of Christ. He sold his farm in 1879, and removed to Randolph county, where he has since resided. Since the birth of the re- publican party, he has supported it by his vote and influence. He has always been interested in the dissemination of education, and for several years was secretary of the board of trustees of Earlham college. Admired and greatly beloved for qualities of mind and heart, Levi Jessup, a good man, "the noblest work of God" has lived a life which, in its endless influence, shall glorify his Maker.

EV. ISAAC V. D. R. JOHNSON, min- ister of the Christian church, and farmer, of Washington township, Ran- dolph county, Ind., was born here December 3, 1843, and is a son of John and

Phebe (Thornburg) Johnson, the former of whom was born in North Carolina, August 9, 1812, came to Randolph county, Ind., at the age of seven years, and in 1829 married Miss Thorncurg, who was born in Ohio in 1815, a daughter of Joseph and Rachel Thornburg, also natives of North Carolina. To the union of John and Phebe Johnson were born eleven children, of whom the following grew to matu- rity: Joshua M., Elihu, Susannah, Jonathan, Daniel B., of the Nineteenth Indiana volun- teer infantry, deceased; Isaac V. D. R .; Will- iam H. K., of the Sixty-ninth Indiana volun- teer infantry, deceased, and George W. Mrs. Phebe Johnson died March 10, 1851, and in 1853 Mr. Johnson married Rebecca Rockhill, and to this union there are six children living: Rachel, Jesse, Violetta, Evaline, Abraham L. and Ulysses.

I. V. D, R. Johnson was reared a farmer, and August 19, 1862, enlisted in the Sixty- ninth Indiana volunteer infantry, under Col. Tom Bennett, and served until honorably dis- charged, at Mobile, Ala., July, 1865. He was wounded at Baker's Creek Mills, Miss., and also fought at Richmond, Ky., Chickasaw Bluff, Arkansas Post, Champion Hills, Jack- son, Miss., and many minor engagements. On his return he resumed farming, and on Octo- ber 28, 1865, married Martha A., daughter of Ezra and Minerva (Rogers) Vandergriff, of New Jersey. Mrs. Johnson was born in Ran- dolph county, Ind., in March, 1845, and be- came the mother of eleven children, viz: An infant, deceased; Phebe A., deceased; William G., a merchant, of Winchester; Sarah E., wife of William H. Meranda, machinist of Delaware county; Amanda M., deceased at five years; Effie, wife of Harvey Guthrie, of Ran- dolph county; Elmer and Edna, who died at the age of six months; Ora S. and John A., at home, and Martha, deceased. Mrs. Martha Johnson died August 22, 1884, a devoted mem-

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ber of the Christian church, and September 12, 1885, Mr. Johnson married Abigail Os- born.

Mr. Johnson became a minister of the Christian church in 1871, has had regular work since that time, and has preached more than 1,000 funeral sermons. As a soldier he was brave and fearless. As a christian he is always found at his post of duty. Hospitable to a friend and stranger, a kind husband and father, and ever willing to aid in any laudible under- taking that has for its aim the elevation and improvement of society, he has won the re- spect and esteem of the entire community. He was elected treasurer of Randolph county in 1888 and served two years; is a member of Masonic lodge, No. 223, at Farmland, is a member of the G. A. R. at the same place, and is a republican. He is the owner of a fine farm of eighty acres, on which he resides, and also considerable property in Farmland.

UFUS KING, who carries on general farming in Washington township, is a native of Delaware county, Pa., born September 15, 1844. His parents, John and Mary (Baggs) King, were born, rear- ed and married in Pennsylvania, and were of English and German lineage. They had ten children, namely: Ellis, who died October 6, 1826; Abram, a tailor; John, who died July 19, 1828; Anna, who died in 1823; Hannah P., who died in 1833; William, a stonemason; Anna C., who died February 22, 1858; Ben- nett, a farmer; Lydia, who died October II, 1862, and Rufus. The mother's death occur- red December 13, 1853, and the father passed away April 2, 1861. They were buried in Delaware county, Pa.

Rufus King was a lad of nine summers when his mother died. He remained with his

father until thirteen years of age, when he began working as a farm hand, and was thus employed until 1862, when he entered the serv- ice of his country, as a member of company D, One Hundred Twenty-fourth Pensylvania infantry .. He took part in the battles of Bull Run, Antietam and Loudoun Valley, and in May, 1863, was discharged at Harrisburg, Pa. Returning home, he worked on the farm for a year; and then came to this county, living in Farmland and Macksville until his second en- listment as a member of company C, Fifty- ninth Indiana veterans. He served throughout the siege of Petersburg, and on, until after the surrender of Lee, when he was once more mustered out.

On the 21st of June, 1866, Mr. King wedded Martha, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Goosehorn) Bollinger, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, and were of German descent. She is one of eight children, as follows: Mary, wife of Nicholas Crow; Hulda R., wife of David Addington; Moses, a farmer; Sophia, wife of Henry Addington; Elizabeth G., wife Elisha Mills; Mrs. King; Sam R., an engineer; and Hannah, wife of William Sylvester. The father died in 1859, and the mother was called to her final home in 1875. They were mem- bers of the Christian church. To Mr and Mrs. King were born five children: Charles, an agriculturist; Mary E., wife of Addison Coffin; William P., who follows farmin; Iva P., and Alice B., deceased. The family occupies a pleasant home upon a good farm. After his marriage, Mr. King rented land near Macks- ville, but at length purchased forty acres, and is now the owner of a valuable tract of eighty acres. The fields are well tilled, good im- provements have been made, and all the ac- cessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found. His possessions have all been acquired through his own efforts, and for his success in life Mr. King deserves great

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credit. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. During his residence of forty years in Randolph county Mr. King has maintained a character for integrity that never has been impeached, and never will be.

was a democrat, but afterwards became a re- publican.

In the usual manner of farmer lads, Jacob Lasley was reared. After attaining to man's estate, he chose as a companion and help- meet on life's journey, Sarah A., daughter of Gideon and Melinda (Edwards) Conway, na- tives of North Carolina. Their union was celebrated in 1853, and was blessed with five children-Charles, deceased; James A., who is serving in the regular army; George W .. on the home farm; and Dora B. and Ida H., both deceased. The mother died in 1875, and was laid to rest in Mt. Zion cemetery. Mr. Lasley afterward wedded Mr. Mary Lamb, widow of William Lamb, and a daughter of Andrew Lykins. They had two children-John W., at home, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Lasley acquired a good education and engaged in teaching for three terms, but has followed farming during the greater part of his life. He is now living on land which was entered by his father, but which was cleared and de- veloped by himself. He transformed the wild tract into rich and fertile fields, and it now yields to him a good income. Mr. Lasley is one of the most highly respected men of this community and the grand pike in front of his house was named in his honor. He is a mem- ber of the United Brethren church, and his wife belongs to the Methodist church. In politics he Is a stalwart republican. He well deserves representation among the honored pioneers of the county, for he ever does all in his power for the welfare of the community.

J ACOB LASLEY, one of the well known and highly respected farmers of Wash- ington township, Randolph county, Ind., is numbered among the county's native sons. He was born in White River township, March 19, 1830. His father, David Lasley, was born in Pennsylvania, April I, 1800, was of German descent, and was a son of Peter and Christina (Karns) Lasley, who removed to Dayton, Ohio, in 1804. In 1826, le married Hannah Parker, and removed to White River township, Randolph county, Ind., where he entered eighty acres of land. Two years later he bought an additional tract of 120 acres, and on that farm his last days were spent. He endured all the hardships of pio- leer life, but as the years passed, and his inancial resources were increased, he was enabled to secure all the comforts of life and became owner of 500 acres of land. The amily numbered thirteen children-John P., farmer of California; Sarah, wife of Jacob Richards, a printer of Indianapolis; Jacob, of his sketch; Reuben, a farmer of Missouri; Mary, wife of John L. Wilmore; Mrs. Eliza- beth Reeves, of Ohio; Margaret, wife of Job Stall, a farmer of Ohio; Susanna, wife of Henry Johnson, of Muncie, Ind .; Amos, an agriculturist; Lucinda, wife of Joseph Stine; Daniel, of Winchester; David and George W. leceased. Mr. Lasley died in 1890, and his I e SAAC LONGENECKER, who owns and operates 222 acres of land, con- stituting one of the finest farms in Washington township, Randolph coun- vife in 1888. They were buried in Fountain Park cemetery. He was one of the pioneers of the county and cleared the ground where he court house now stands. In early life he i ty, Ind., is a native of the Keystone state.

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He was born in Cumberland county, August 28, 1845, and is a son of John and Mary (Bowman) Longenecker, who were of German extraction. The father was born in Cumber- land county, in 1813, and the mother in Lan- caster county, in 1816. In 1836, they were married and settled on a farm where they lived until 1844, when they removed to Wayne county, Ind. Eight months later they came to Randolph county, and Mr. Longenecker purchased ninety-seven acres of land, moving into an old log house, which still stands on the farm of our subject. His death occurred September 3, 1860, after which the mother kept the family together until they were able to care for themselves. She is now living with her son Iiaac at the age of seventy-seven years. There were five children: J. B., a farmer, Kary, wife of Samuel Clements; Isaac; Christopher C., an agriculturist, and George, a tailor of Winchester.

When a lad of nine summers, Isaac Longe- necker came with his parents to this county and was reared on the home farm. At the age of twenty-eight, he married Sarah A., daughter of John and Eliza (Horner) Smith. Her father was born in New Jersey, in 1803, when a young man went to Ohio, and there married Anna E. Schmidt, a native of the Buckeye state. After a short married life the wife died, leaving a daughter, Catherine. Mr. Smith afterwards married Elizabeth Hancock, and, removing to this county, entered forty acres of land. He. afterwards secured 160 acres additional, built a log cabin and began the development of a farm. His second wife having died, he married Mrs. Eliza Platt, widow of Charles Platt, and a daughter of Benjamin and Prudence (Anthony) Horner. They became parents of three children: Sarah A., born June 18, 1849; Job, a teamster, and William E., who died in infancy. The father of this family was a successful financier and

owned a valuable farm. In politics, he was a democrat, and he and wife were members of the Christian church. He died September 1 1, 1873, at the age of seventy, and her death oc- curred August 22, 1862, at the age of forty. seven.

After his marriage, Mr. Longenecker lo- cated on the old homestead, and, purchasing the interest of the other heirs, became owner of seventy-five acres of land. In 1880, he bought 124 acres of Stephen Ballard, and in the spring of 1893, purchased the remaining twenty-three acres of his father's estate, so that his possessions now aggregate 222 acres of valuable land, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. In 1891, he built one of the finest homes in the county, and it stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. He pays considerable attention to stock feeding. On the 18th of June, 1887, while taking a load of stock to Cincinnati, a wreck was caused by the breaking of a coupling and he was quite badly injured, but he is still one of the active men of this county.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Longenecker were born five children, but George E., Charles and Harry are now deceased. Those living are Wilbur S., born in February, 1878; and Goldie S., born in January, 1885. Mrs. Longenecker is an active worker and faithful member of the Christian church. Mr. Longenecker is a sci- entific farmer, manages his affairs on good business principles, and has met with a high degree of success, of which he may justly be proud. He is truly a self-made man, and the success that has come to him is the reward of his own efforts.

t OBERT McKENNY, one of the sub- stantial and enterprising citizens who is extensively engaged in the manu- b facture of tile in Washington town- in ship, Randolph county, Ind., is a native of s

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the Emerald isle. He was born in Dublin, January 15, 1851, and is a son of James and Harriet (Donivan) McKenny, who were reared and married in that county, and became par- ents of the following children: James, super- intendent of a lead mine, died in New Mexico; Isabella is the widow of Fred Draper, and lives in Australia; Thomas is a druggist in Canada; James is a veterinary physician of Dublin, Ireland; William, died at the age of eleven; Anna is the wife of Cyrus Van Plain, a jeweler of Melburn, Australia; Harriet is a telegraph operator of New Zealand; Robert is the next younger; Charles is a manufacturer of chemi- cals in Ireland; Emma is the wife of John Evans, a wine merchant of London, Eng. The father died in his native land in 1858. He was quite wealthy. The mother kept the family together for twelve years, and then married Anthony Smith, by whom she had a daughter, Susan. James McKenny was a manufacturer of chemicals, and his father was the first man who did that work in Ireland. He handed down the business to his son, who in turn transmitted it to the brother of our subject. Mrs. McKenny died in 1875. They were member of the Episcopal church.

Robert McKenny was a lad of three years when his father died. During his youth he served a four years' apprenticeship to a drug- gist and then went to England. After nine months, he crossed the Atlantic to New York, where he worked at the painter's trade for seven months. Subsequently going to New Jersey, he worked as baggage master for the railroad company until becoming a rent collect- or in Philadelphia. His next place of resi- dence was in Virginia, where he opened oys- ters for a wholesale house, after which he en- gaged in oyster fishing in Maryland. Later he was employed in a rosin and pitch refinery in North Carolina, then in a drug store in South Carolina, and subsequently as a dray-

man in Georgia. Returning to Pennsylvania, he worked for the railroad company, after- wards lived in Ohio and Michigan, was em- ployed in a stone quarry in Illinois, and for one year followed farming in Rhode Island. In 1882, he came to Indiana, and began the manufacture of tile at Woods Station.

In 1880, Mr. McKenny married Falena Champion, and unto them have been born five children-Iva, Leland, Pansy, one who died in infancy, and Maggie. The parents are prominent and influential citizens of this com- munity and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. McKenny is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is a stanch repub- lican in politics. He began life empty handed but has steadily worked his way upward to a comfortable position. He is now doing a large and lucrative business in the manufacture of tile, owns and operates a saw mill, and has seventy acres of fine farm land in Washington township, besides his lovely home in the town. Mr. McKenny has been an extensive traveler. He has lived in Ireland, England and America, and has resided in the greater part of the states east of the Mississippi. Through his wanderings and varied business interests, he has come into contact with all classes of peo- ple, and has thereby gained a knowledge of men and the world that could be obtained in no other way.

ILLIAM A. MARTIN, who is en- gaged in the manufacture of wooden handles for various kinds of imple- ments, and also the manufacture of spokes, has one of the leading industries of Lynn, Ind. A wide awake and enterprising business man, he well deserves representation in this volume. He was born in Winchester, this county, April 25, 1840, and is a son of

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Elisha Martin. Under the parental roof he was reared to manhood, and the common schools afforded him his educational privileges. Under the direction of his father, he learned the trade of brickmaking, and engaged in that business until October, 1873, when he was solicited by the directors of the First National bank of Winchester, to serve in the position of teller. Accepting the offer, he was thus employed until 1876, when the bank was re- organized as the Randolph County bank, and he was elected cashier of the institution, hold- ing the position until 1883. In that year Mr. Martin was the choice of his fellow citizens for the office of county treasurer. In 1884, he was elected by a large majority, and promptly and faithfully discharged the duties of that office until 1886. He next turned his attention to the manufacture of handles, and carried on that business in Winchester until 1890, when he sold his interest. Believing that Lynn would prove a more advantageous field he established here · his large plant, which has a capacity of 5,000 per day. He also engages in the manufacture of spokes.

On the 11th of September, 1864, in Win- chester, Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Elizabeth Smith, who was born in that city October 16, 1843, and is a daughter of W. W. Smith, of Winchester. By their union they have four children. William B., Charles S., Edward J., a dentist, of Winceester, and Louisa. The Martin household is the abode of hospitality and its members rank high in so- cial circles. Their friends throughout the com- munity are many. Mr. Martin is a republican in politics, and for six years served as town treasurer of Winchester. He takes considerable interest in civic societies and is an honored member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias fraternities, and also the Knights of Honor. Beside his business, he owns a beautiful residence in Winchester, sup-

plied with all modern conveniences. To his own efforts may be attributed his success in life, for without the aid of money or influential friends he has steadily worked his way upward.

J OHN MILLER is successfully engaged in farming and dealing in shorthorn cattle on section 36, Washington town- ship, Randolph county, Ind. He owns one of the fine farms of the county, compris- ing 276 acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. In 1889, he erected a fine and commodious residence, and the other buildings are in keeping with the home. The fields are well tilled and the place is neat and thirfty in appearance. Mr. Miller was born in Bengal county, Ireland, March 15, 1835, and is a son of William and Sarah (Clyde) Miller, the former born in 1806, and the latter in 1805. In 1844, after a voyage of six weeks and two days, the family landed in Philadelphia, and thence came to this county, where the father purchased eighty acres of land, built a log cabin and began the develop- ment of a farm. He cleared 120 acres, and was very successful. There were nine chil- dren: Robert C., deceased; Nancy, wife of T. W. Mills; Catherine, wife of John W.Cox; John; Sarah J., wife of Jesse Thornburg; Mary, wife of Washington Study, a fariner of Wayne county; Oliver L. and William T., farmers, and Rebecca E., wife of John Starr. The parents were members of the Presby- terian church in Ireland, but in this country joined the Christian church. The father died in 1868, and the mother in 1887.

In taking up the personal history of John Miller, we present to our reader the sketch of a well known man, who, amid the wild scenes of frontier life, was reared to manhood, be- coming familiar with all its hardships and

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trials. He was married June 26, 1861, to Margaret, daughter of John and Margaret (Neal) Porter. They became parents of eight children: Sarah, wife of William Mills; Minnie J., wife of Morton Botkin; Thomas; John; Letitia; and three who died in infancy. The mother died in 1878, and in 1881, Mr. Miller married Martha Porter, a sister of his first wife. They had four children: Harry; Maud; Mabel and Georgia. Mrs. Miller's death occurred in 1891. Our subject located upon his present farm March 14, 1862. His possessions have been acquired through his own efforts and stand as a monument to his industry. He has led an exemplary life and has the respect of all who know him. Soci- ally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics, he is a repub- lican.

a HARLES N. MONKS, one of the practical and progressive farmers of Washington township, Randolph county, Ind., has the honor of being a native of this county, his birth having oc- curred in Winchester, on the 17th of July, 1837. His parents, George W. and Melinda (Hulett) Monks, were among the honored pio- neers of the county. Charles N. was reared to manhood upon the home farm, no event of special importance occurring to vary the routine of farm life. He acquired his educa- tion in the common schools, and when the call for volunteers to aid in the suppression of the rebellion was made, he enlisted, became a member of company C, Sixty-ninth Indiana infantry under Capt. W. Bonebrake, and par- ticipated in numerous battles. His first en- gagement was at Richmond, Ky., and was followed by the battles of Vicksburg,, Arkan- sas Post, the siege of Vicksburg, Black River and numerous others. He never was away

from his company except one night, being always found at his post, faithful to the cause which he served. He received his discharge in Mobile, Ala., in 1865, and, returning to his home, resumed farming, which he followed two years.

In 1868 Mr. Monks was united in marriage with Eveline Reed, daughter of Nathan and Anna (Way) Reed, who are mentioned in con- nection with the sketch of William Reed, on another page of this work. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farın near Winchester, where they resided two years. The husband then rented another farm for five years, after which he removed to the farm owned by his wife, comprising 120 acres. They took up their residence in an old house, which had been built thirty-five years previous, and there lived until 1891, when a commodious and substantial residence was erected. To Mr. and Mrs. Monks have been born two sons: Edgar L., who is successfully engaged in teaching; and Nathan, who follows farming. The Monks house is the abode of hospitality, and the members of the family rank high in the social circles in which they move. The farm is one of the best in the community, being under a high state of cultivation and well im- proved with all the accessories and conveni- ences of a model farm. The neat and thrifty appearance indicates the enterprise of the owner, who is deservedly numbered among the prominent agriculturists of the com- munity.

RS. SARAH J. MOON, who is liv- ing in Washington township, one mile north of Lynn, and is well known throughout this community, was born in Randolph county, Ind., on the 6th of February, 1845. The days of her maiden- hood were quietly passed, and after arriving at

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mature years she gave her hand in marriage November 1, 1873, to Alfred Moon, who was born in Hamilton county, Ind. His parents were Simon and Betsy (Boon) Moon. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Washington township, where they lived for three years. They then moved to Butler county, Ohio, locating on Mrs. Moon's farm of fifty acres, to the cultivation of which her husband devoted his time and attention until called to his final rest June 12, 1886. His remains were interred in West Elton cem- etery, in Butler county, Ohio. Five children were born to that union, namely: Benjamin F .; Lura, wife of Jerome Robinson; Charles E., deceased, and Oscar and Betsy A., at home. Mr. Moon was a faithful member of the Society of Friends, was a loving husband and kind father, and was highly respected by all who knew him.

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A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph counties, Ind., containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana, Part 135

Author: Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co. Number of Pages: 1474

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474