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 139

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 139
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 139

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).

J ULIAN F. EDWARDS, who is en- gaged in the livery business in Modoc, is one of Randolph county's native sons, his birth having occurred in 1855. He was the third child born within the borders of the county, an honor of which he may well be proud. His father, Henry J. Edwards, was born in Virginia in 1810, and his parents, William and Sarah Edwards, were natives of the same state. After arriving at mature years, Henry J. wedded Rhoda Wright, who was born in Maryland in 1825, and was a daughter of William Wright, of Maryland. Both Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were reared on farms. Their union was celebrated in Wayne county, Ind., and was blessed with three sons

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and two daughters-Celia, deceased wife of Edward D. Hunt, a resident farmer of West River township; Emily, deceased wife of Jehu Street, of Wayne county; Julian F .; John, a resident of Muncie, Ind .; and Charles K., an agriculturist of this community. The parents began their domestic life in Wayne county, but after a short time came to Ran- dolph county, where Mr. Edwards is still living, an honored and respected citizen. In politics he is a stalwart supporter of the re- publican party. He holds membership with the Society of Friends, to which his wife also belonged. She departed this life in 1890, and was laid to rest in West River cemetery.

Julian F. Edwards was reared to manhood upon his father's farm and received such edu- cational advantages as the common schools of the neighborhood afforded. He early became familiar with all departments of farm work and to his father he gave the benefit of his services until leaving home at the time of his marriage. On the 11th of December, 1875, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Phebe, danghter of Ephraim and Jane (Ledbetter) Lee. She was born in Wayne county. Five children have graced this marriage, two sons and three daughters-Bertha L. and Austin, at home; Jessie, who died in infancy; and Herschel E. and Clara B. After their mar- riage, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards resided for a few years upon his farm of twenty-five acres, in Nettle Creek township, and then removed to West River township, where he owned a farm of sixty acres. For some time he engaged in the cultivation of that tract, and made of it a highly improved place, the well tilled fields yielding him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon them. In September, 1890, however, he abandoned farming to engage in the livery business in Modoc, which he has since successfully con- tinued. In politics, he votes with the repub-

lican party. He and wife are members of the United Brethren church, and are people of sterling worth, who have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the community.

ILLIAM B. FARQUHAR is one of the pioneer settlers of Randolph county, and a leading farmer of West River township. He was born in Clinton county, Ohio, December 15, 1815, and is a son of Jonah and Eliza (Beal) Farquhar. When a young man his great- grandfather immigrated from Scotland to America, settling near Fredericksburg, Md. By occupation he was a farmer. He married Phebe Hibbard, and they had eight children: Amos; Benjamin; Allen; William; Caleb; Phebe; James and Mahlon. The grandparents of our subject were born and reared in Mary- land and were farming people. His father, Jonah Farquhar, when a young man, removed to Greene county, Ohio, where he was married. In connection with his brother Mahlon, he settled on a farm of 320 acres. Subsequently he moved to Clinton county. The family numbered nine children: Mahlon; Andrew; William and Jacob, who were farmers; Benja- min, a physician; Amos and Philip, who fol- lowed farming; Phebe, wife of William Ster- ling, and Isabella, wife of Levi Wright. The mother died in 1852, the father in 1855, and in Warren county, Ohio, they were laid to rest. They held membership with the Society of Friends.

William B. Farquhar remained upon the home farm until he had attained his majority, when he began working as a farm hand for $13 per month. The year 1838 witnessed his ar- rival in Randolph, where he purchased 120 acres of land and then returned to Ohio, but in 1841 again came to Indiana. For three

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years he boarded with a neighbor, after which he chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, Alma, daughter of Eli and Martha (Wright) Gregg, who were natives of Virginia, and had a family of seven children, namely: Rachel; Phebe, wife of Ezra Swem; Ann, wife of Alex Izor; Alma; William, a merchant; Eli, who is engaged in milling, and Salathiel, a druggist. The father was a miller by trade. His death occurred in 1855, and his wife passed away in 1850. They were buried in Dublin cemetery, Wayne county, Ind.

After his marriage Mr. Farquhar settled on his farm of 120 acres, located in a forest. While clearing and improving his land he en- dured all the hardships of pioneer life, but as the years passed, and his labors were rewarded with good crops, he was enabled to supply his home with all the comforts of life. He now has one of the best farms in the county, it being supplied with all modern improvements and conveniences. To Mr. and Mrs Farquhar were born four children, but Charles and Edgar are now deceased. Alonzo, who married Birdie Nichols, operates the home farm. Francis married Josephine Gilmore, and is living in Muncie. Mrs. Farquhar died in 1881 and was buried in the cemetery at Econ- omy, Ind., where a fine monument marks her last resting place. She was a loving and faith- ful wife and mother and was held in the high- est esteem by all who knew her. Since the marrirge of this eldest son, who now carries on the home farm, our subject has lived retired, enjoying a well earned rest. His honorable upright business career has won him success, and he is now a prosperous citizen. He has long been a member of the Society of Friends, and his life, full of good deeds and kind actions, is in harmony with his professions. No one in the usual course of life could have deserved a better reputation.

IRAM A. GADDIS, dealer in grain in Modoc, has spent his entire life in Randolph county, Ind., and those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends, a fact which indicates an honorable, upright career. He was born in West River town- ship, April 10, 1853, and is a son of E. P. and Lydia (Macy) Gaddis, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. The family numbered eleven children, as follows: Thomas W., a resident of Iowa; Sarah A., wife of E. Har- ris, a farmer of West River township; Albert C., of the same township; Allen and Warren, both deceased; Nancy E., wife of J. K. Shoe- maker, of this township; Hiram A., whose name heads this sketch; Phebe E., wife of M. W. Lee; Austin S., of West River township; Caroline, wife of William M. Tague, of Green- field, Ind., and Nora E., wife of D. E. Barker, of Modoc. The father died in 1885, but the mother is still living. He was a republican in politics and served as trustee of the township for one term.

Hiram Gaddis is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of this commu- nity. Amid the wild scenes of the frontier he was reared to manhood and underwent all the experiences of pioneer life. The days of his boyhood and youth were largely taken up with farm work, and upon the old homestead he remained, giving his father the benefit of his services until twenty-one years of age. He then embarked in farming for himself on the old home, where he continued operations until 1880. In that year he turned his attention to general merchandising, embarking in business in company with J. K. Shoemaker of Modoc. They opened the first store in the place and continued operations for four years, building up a good trade. Mr. Gaddis then disposed of his interest in the business, and began deal- ing in grain. He handles all kinds of farm

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produce, grain and seeds, and is also a dealer in agricultural implements.

In Economy, Wayne county, on the 9th of October, 1890, Mr. Gaddis wedded Etta May Wright, who was born in Wayne county, No- vember 1, 1862, and is a daughter of Henry C. and Margaret A. (Raver) Wright. Two children have been born of their union, Henry Elisha and Albert Macy. Mr. Gaddis owns a farm of thirty acres in this county, besides some valuable town property. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. His life has been a busy and useful one, and a well merited success has come to him as the reward of his industrious and enterprising ef- forts. An honorable, upright career has gained him universal confidence and made his example one well worthy of emulation.

a ALVIN B. GILLIAM, who is engaged in general merchandising in Modoc, Ind., is a man of good business and executive ability and is meeting with success in his undertakings. The record of his life is as follows: A native of Indiana, he was born in Boone county, on Christmas day of 1853, and is a son of Moody and Julia (Waldon) Gilliam. The father was a native of Sussex county, Va., and the mother of North Carolina. Their marriage was cele- brated in Hamilton county, Ind. Mr. Gilliam carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of years, and he became the owner of 160 acres of land in Boone county, Ind., which he placed under a high state of cultivation, also made many improvements upon it, and trans- formed it into one of the finest farms of the community. Both he and his wife were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Calvin B. Gilliam was reared to manhood upon his father's farm and early became fa-

miliar with the details of agriculture. His early education, acquired in the common schools of the neighborhood, was supplemented by a course of study in Spiceland academy. He thus acquired a good literary education, which was completed in 1874, after which he embarked in teaching, and to that profession devoted his time and energies for more than forty months, being employed in Henry, Han- cock, Rush, Wayne and Randolph counties. In the meantime Mr. Gilliam was married. On the 25th of December, 1882, his twenty- ninth birthday, he led to the marriage altar in Rush county, Ind., Miss Alma Gilchrist. By their union have been born two. children, a son and daughter-Claudius W. and Pearl. The parents are both consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Gilliam exercises his right of franchise in support of the republican party, and is a warm advocate of its principles. In 1890, he was elected justice of the peace, and in the discharge of the duties of that office is so .prompt and faithful that he has won the com- mendation of all concerned. On the 7th of March, 1887, he came to Modoc, and opened a general store, which he has since conducted. He carries a stock valued at about $1,000, and is doing a good business. As he is upright and honorable in all his dealings, he has gained universal confidence, and his patronage is constantly increasing. In addition to his store he owns two residence properties in Modoc. Although he started out in life empty handed, he has worked his way upward step by step and now has a comfortable competence. The duties of citizenship are always faithfully per- formed by Mr. Gilliam, and he takes com- mendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. His domestic life is of the happiest character, and his do- mestic bliss is well deserved; as is also that of his business career.

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3 OHN SPENCER HANSCOM, a well known furniture dealer of Modoc, Ind., who is engaged in business as a member of the firm of Hanscom & Co., claims Kentucky as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Bourbon county, July 15, 1849. His parents were Solomon and Mar- garet (Ross) Hanscom. Their marriage was celebrated in Kentucky, where the father was a furniture dealer, cabinet maker and under- taker for some years. In 1858, Solomon Hanson, with his family, came to Indiana, locating in Johnson county, where he spent six months. He then removed to Nettle Creek township, Randolph county, where he carried on business until his death. On depart- ing this life his remains were laid to rest in Poplar Run cemetery in Stony Creek town- ship. His wife was also buried in the same cemetery. They were both members of the Baptist church and were highly respected peo- ple. In politics. Mr. Hanscom was a sup- porter of the republican party. The family numbered six children, five sons and a daugh- ter, namely: Ruth, James, Andrew, Isaac, John and Henry.

John S. Hanscom is well known through- out Randolph county as one of its progressive and leading business men. He received a good education in the public schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. His business training was received in his father's store, and under his direction John S. learned the trade of cabinet making and undertaking. He con- tinued with his father until the latter's death, and in that time had become perfectly familiar with the business.

In Hagerstown, Ind., an important event in the life of our subject occurred, for there, on the 28th of February, 1892, was celebrated his marriage with Miss Alice Bell, a native of Montpelier, Blackfort county, Vt. Their union

has been blessed with one child, a son, Ralph, who is the joy of the household. Mr. and Mrs. Hanscom are members of the Baptist church, and in politics he is a supporter of democratic principles, but he has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his time and atten- tion to his business interests and social enjoy- ments. On the 13th of November, 1892, he came to Modoc, and joined Messrs. Conroe & Moore in the furniture and undertaking busi- ness, which he has since continued with good success. He is sagacious and far sighted, and the perseverance and industry which are num- bered among his chief characteristics will insure him a prosperous career.

J OHN T. HUNNICUTT was born in Prince George county, Va., November 25, 1816. His parents, Daniel and Jane (Walthall) Hunnicutt, were reared and married in the Old Dominion, as were also his grandparents, John and Mary (Butler) Hunnicutt. Of the eight children of Daniel Hunnicutt, the eldest two, James and Eliza- beth, were by a former marriage with Mary Binford. The younger set consisted of Jer- mina; Mary; John; Daniel; Ruth, who died in infancy, and Jane. The father, was for many years a hatter by trade, and resided in Petersburg, Va., but in 1827 removed with his entire family to the vicinity of Milton, Ind., thence to West River, near Hagerstown, and in 1832 he purchased eighty acres of government land in West River township, Ran- dolph county, in section 16, at a cost of $100, of which he only had $25 at the time, which property is now owned by a grandson, and here Daniel Hunnicutt lived until his death, which occurred in 1849.

Of the children, James, the eldest, taught

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school until afflicted by paralysis. He was married to Peninah Bunton, in 1840, with whom he lived until 1864, when she died. Their only child, William H., is now living in Hamilton county, Ind. After his wife's death, James made his home alternately with two married sisters and his brother John, at whose house his life peacefully ended in 1871.

Elizabeth, the second child of Daniel Hunnicutt, was married to William Modlin, of Henry county, Ind., after having lived for several years with a family near Cambridge City. To them were born six children. Her death occurred in 1880 at the home of one of her daughters.

Jemima, the third child, married John El- wood Wright in 1841, and to them were born seven children, three of whom are still living. They made their home in Henry and Randolph counties until 1861, when they removed to Wisconsin, where the husband died. The widowed mother still lives in South Dakota at the advanced age of eighty-one.

Mary, the fourth child, was married to John Newby in 1854, and lived near Cambridge City. One daughter, Jennie, now the wife of Larkin Macy, blessed this union. She, with her family, now lives with her widowed mother on the old homestead, the husband having passed away in 1870.

John, the subject of this sketch, assisted his father in the improvement of the farm which they had entered. He was robust in health and was the main stay of the family. In 1851 he married Jane, the only surviving daughter of Daniel and Miriam (Moore) Charles of Wayne county. Her parents were descended from the English and Welsh. Her aged father has now entered upon his ninety- fifth year.

To John T. and Jane Hunnicutt five chil- dren were born: Charles D., Gulia E., Albert C., William P. and Mary J. In 1861, when the last

named was an infant, the mother was called away from earth. Three of these were cared for by relatives until they were old enough to enter an advanced school, while two sons re- mained with their father and his unmarried sister, Jane.

Charles received his education at Spiceland academy and has since devoted himself chief- ly to farming and trading. In 1877 he mar- ried Aurie M. Scantland, and they now reside on a part of the farm originally entered and owned by his grandfather. Seven children have blessed this union: Earle, Miriam, Anna, Walter, Mabel, Bessie and Myra.

Gulia, the second child of John T. and Jain Hunnicutt, after her mother's death, lived with her grandparents, Daniel and Miriam Charles, until she entered school at Spiceland academy. After this she taught and studied alternately until 1880, when she gradua- ted from Earlham college. In 1883 she mar- ried Ephraim M. Jones of Van Wert, O., and for some years following resided in that state. In 1885 her husband died, leaving one daugh- ter, Nellie Josephine. Two years later the widowed daughter again entered the school room, where she remained as principal of the High school until called back to the old home to live with her father, who, in 1889, was be- reaved by the death, in a few short weeks, of his son Albert, and his second, Deborah. Gulia was again married in the autumn of 1890 to Albert S. Jessup, son of Levi and Mary Jessup, who was born and reared at Rich- mond, Ind., but who since 1879 has been a resident of Randolph county. Nellie, as men- tioned above, and Mary, an infant, now reside with their father.

Albert, the third child, entered the school- room as a teacher when in his eighteenth year, and from that time until his death, at the age of thirty-one, he spent the greater part of his time in school. He graduated from the State

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Normal school at Terre Haute in 1885 and from that time until his death he was principal of the Lynn schools. Admired and loved hy all who knew him, and especially by those who had the good fortune to be his pupils, he passed from the school-room to his eternal rest January 6, 1889.

William grew to manhood in the home of his aunt near Cambridge City. Later he attended school at Purdue university, Lafay- ette, after which he went to Nebraska to make a home for himself. He was married, in 1885 to Susan Binford, of Lewisville, Henry coun- ty, and they went at once to their new home, a farm consisting of a half section of land near Loomis, Phelps county, Neb. Three sons have blessed this union: Frank, Harry (de- ceased) and Arlington.

Jennie, the youngest child, grew to woman- hood under the care of her aunt, near New Castle. She then returned to her father and step-mother, attending school at Economy and helping with the household duties, until her marriage, in 1882, to Elmer E. Scantland. After living in Indiana two years, they also, removed to Nebraska where they now reside on a good farm of their own, near her brother Will- iam. One daughter, Edith, gladdens their home.

John T. Hunnicutt married his second wife, Deborah Arnett, widow of Allen Arnett and daughter of Henry and Hannah Hollingsworth, in 1872, and in the same year his present comfortable residence was erected on a farm which now comprises 197 acres, twenty of which is off the original eighty which his father entered, and the remainder is adjoining it and was formerly owned and occupied by Daniel Worth. The buildings are in good re- pair, and the farm shows evidence of enter- prise and thrift. In connection with the cultivation of the fields he has always dealt in stock. No accessory of a model farm is lack- ing, as is attested by its neat appearance.

The subject of this sketch is a faithful and leading member of the Friends' church and in politics is a stalwart prohibitionist. He has served as administrator of several estates and in all of his business transactions he has been upright and honorable, and has thus won the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Of the remaining members of his father's family, Daniel died in 1851, the mother in 1859 and Jane at the home of her brother John in 1884.

USTIN D. HUNT, a dealer in fine horses, and representative man of West River township, is one of the native sons of Randolph county, his birth having here occurred May 3, 1864. His His parents were Lewis W. and Mary J. (Hunt) Hunt. Upon the home farm he was reared to manhood, aiding in its labors through the summer season, while in the winter months he conned his lessons in the district schools of the neighborhood, thus acquiring a good Eng- lish education. Having arrived at years of maturity, Mr. Hunt was joined in wedlock to Miss Ida M. Hunt, daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Archer) Hunt, natives of North Caro- lina, who with their respective families re- moved to Ohio, and in the Buckeye state were married. Her father immediately afterwards turned his attention to farming and afterwards engaged quite extensively in stock raisieg. The family numbered twelve children, of whom the wife of our subject is the eleventh in order of birth. One child graces her marriage, Albert H., who is the joy of the household.

Mr. and Mrs. Austin Hunt began their do- mestic life upon a farm in this county, but after a year removed to Blackford county, where he engaged in farming for three years. On the expiration of that period he sold out,

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investing his money in road horses. He bought the great horse "Mckinley Bill," No. 17, 525, also Bonnie C. and Linnie B. After purchasing these horses, he removed to his father's farm and has since devoted his time and attention to breeding fine roadsters. He owned the first standard bred horse that was ever brought to Randolph county. He is a lover of the noble steed and is a fine judge of horse flesh. In his business he has been emi- nently successful, and has acquired a consid- erable competence. He is an industrious man and his success is well merited as the result of his untiring labors.

R. HENRY CLAY HUNT, of Hunts- ville, is a worthy member of the medical profession of Randolph coun- ty, and his skill and ability have gained him an enviable reputation in the com- munity in which he now practices. He is a native of Randolph county, his birth having occurred July 27, 1839. His father, Miles Hunt, was born in Fleming county, Ky., in 1808, and was a son of Boyd and Sarah (Den- ton) Hunt, who were also natives of Kentucky. In 1826 he removed to Indiana, and entered land from the government where the town of Huntsville now stands. In 1830, he opened a general mercantile store, where for eight years he carried on operations along that line. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar, after which he engaged in the practice of the legal profession in Huntsville until 1881, when he removed to Atchinson county, Mo. In this connty he wedded Mary K. Bodkin, who was born in Tennessee in 1813, and was a daughter of Hugh and Sarah (Keever) Bod- kin. Unto them were born eleven children- Oliver P., now a lawyer of Douglas county, Ill .; W. T., deceased; James D., who is living

on the old homestead; Melinda, wife of Elias Keever, of Atchinson county, Mo .; Henry Clay; Bazeleel, deceased; Sarah J., wife of Benjamin Dixon of Douglas county, Ill. ; Rachael A., wife of J. Stevenson of Atchinson county, Mo .; Caroline, wife of Alfred Oakson; John, an attorney of Missouri, and Alonzo of Oklahoma. In 1892, the parents went to Ok- lahoma to live with their son. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church; in politics he is a democrat and socially is a Mason.

Henry Clay Hunt was reared to manhood on the home farm, and in the district schools began his education, which was completed by a literary course in Greencastle university. On his return home he began the study of medi- cine, in 1865, under Dr. B. E. Kenberry of Huntsville, with whom he remained for two years. He then spent one year in study in New Castle, after which he attended lectures in the Cincinnati Eclectic college. Subse- quently he went to Edgar county, Ill., where he engaged in teaching school for six months. He began the practice of medicine in Losant- ville, where he continued his labors from 1869 until 1873, which year witnessed his arrival in Huntsville. In 1869, the doctor was joined in wedlock with Martha Vanlandingham, and unto them were born two children-Nona and Ella. The mother died in 1881, and on the 23rd of August, 1883, Dr. Hunt married Carrie B. Howe, who was born in this county in 1863, and is a daughter of Robert Howe. Three children grace this union-Bessie, Claire and Cleo C.

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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 139

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