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 140

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 140
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 140

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).

During the late war, Dr. Hunt manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting, on the 9th of August, 1862, as a member of com- pany D, Sixty-ninth Indiana infantry. He was wounded by a gun shot in the left leg at the battle of Richmond, Ky., and was dis- charged on account of disability at Indianapo-

H. C. HUNT, M. D.

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lis, in March, 1863. He now receives a pension of $14 per month. He is a republi- can in politics, belongs to the Masonic frater- nity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Hunt is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In connection with his residence, the doctor owns five and three- fourths acres of land in Huntsville, and a farm of ninety-three acres in Randolph county. He is both widely and favorably known, and in the community where he has so long resided is held in the highest regard.

R USSELL B. HUNT, who resides on section. 32, West River township, Randolph county, was born in this township August 30, 1847, and is a son of William S. and Lavina (Hunt) Hunt. The family is of English origin. In colonial days three brothers crossed the Atlantic from England to New York. One brother remained in the Empire state, the second went to North Carolina, and the third to Kentucky. From the last our subject is descended. His grand- parents were born in Virginia, and there spent their entire lives. William Hunt was born in Fleming county, Ky., September 14, 1818, and was a son of Basil and Mary (Rickets) Hunt. He was reared on a farm until eighteen years of age, and then began clerking in a dry goods store, where he was employed for five years. In 1840 he came to Indiana, a single man, and on the 29th of July, 1841, married Lavina, daughter of Rev. William and Mary (Smith) Hunt, who were also English extraction. He located upon his farm, built a log cabin and began clearing and improving the land. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were born twelve children, ten now living-Richard and Julius P., farmers; Melinda J., deceased;

Clifton, who is engaged in the poultry busi- ness in Albany; Russell B .; Calista P., wife of D. T. Olwin; Alice, wife of E. K. Olwin; Flora, wife of A. R. Butler; Marietta, wife of W. A. Hays; Charles, salesman; Lewellyn, deceased; and Annie, wife of Albert Parker of Albany. The mother of this family was laid to rest December 4, 1892, in Huntsville cemetery, after fifty-two years of married life. The aged father still lives and is now enjoying the fruits of his early industry. He was justice of the peace for seventeen years and trustee for fifteen years. He holds member- ship with the Methodist church, as did also his wife. In his business dealings he has been successful, and at one time owned 320 acres of land. His life has been a busy and useful one, and his honorable, upright career has made him highly respected by all.

Russell Hunt grew to manhood on the home farm, and at the age of twenty-six he wedded Albia C., daughter of Milton and Mar- tha (Sherry) Beeson. She is the second in a family of eight children, namely: Viola, wife of Isham Sedgwick of Richmond; Albia (Mrs. Hunt); Laura, deceased; Ina, wife of W. W. Miller of Alexander; Evan, a lawyer of Alex- ander; and Mary S., at home. The parents still reside in West River township, and are prominent and successful farming people. Mr. Hunt is extensively engaged in raising short horn cattle and coach horses. He owns Gre- gor, of the noted Mark Dunham horse farm of Wayne, Ill., also Theirs, No. 251, a fine horse purchased of W. L. Elwood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have been born five children, but Roy G., Ann M., Guy G. and Ralph C. are all now deceased. Harry B., the fourth child, is the only one now living. The parents are active workers and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hunt gives liberally to the support of the church, is a generous and benevolent man, and the poor

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and needy find in him a friend. His life abounds in good works, quietly performed, and an upright career has gained for him uni- versal confidence and esteem.

J OHN JENKINS is one of Randolph county's most highly respected citizens. For many years he has lived in this community, making his home on sec- tion 15, West River township. He was born in Frederick county, Va., February 7, 1810, and is a son of Jacob and Hannah (Gawthrop) Jenkins. His grandfather was a native of Wales and his grandmother of England. With their respective parents they crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in New Jersey, whence they removed to Virginia, where he engaged in the dry goods business and farm- ing, there spending his remaining days. Jacob Jenkins was born in Hampshire county, Va., and learned milling, which he followed in connection with farming. He was very successful in business and became owner of a large farm. He and wife were members of the Society of Frieds and were the parents of ten children-Jonathan, a farmer; John; Raohel, wife of Nathan Bean of Ohio: Mary, wife of Josiah Bailey, of Ohio; Lina; Israel, an agriculturist; Ruth, wife of William Har- land of Ohio; Edith, wife of Isaac Morris of the Buckeye state; Asa who is engaged in the grocery business; and Hannah, wife of Lindley Wright.

With his parents John Jenkins went to Ohio in his youth, and in 1837 came to Ran- dolph county, Ind. Purchasing 280 acres of land he built thereon a log cabin and began clearing away the timber, preparatory to developing a good farm. There he made his home until the present time. On the 31st of March, 1831, he married Frances C. Smith,

daughter of George and Frances (Curlett) Smith, who were of German extraction, and were the parents of eight children, namely: Jerry, William, Margaret, Samuel, George, Anna, Joseph and Caroline. For the first six years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins resided in Virginia and then came to the farm which has since been his home. They were blessed with ten children-George S., minister in the Methodist Episcopal church; Israel C., Mary F., Jacob C., Frances M. and Isaiah D. John W. and Comfort E., a wife of C. S. Hunt, are all deceased. Those living are Hannah, wife of James Wilmore and Abijah B., who is engaged in farming. The mother of this family was called to her final rest January 5, 1877, after forty-six years of married life, and was interred on the home farm.

Mr. Jenkins is still living on the old home- stead in the enjoyment of the fruits of his early labor. A widowed daughter and daughter-in- law are now living with them. He has divided his farm among his children and is taking life easily, resting after many years of arduous toil. Mr. Jenkins served as treasurer of his township for six years and was trustee for two terms. In politics he is a stanch republican, and is a member of the Sons of Temperance. He came to this county in the days of its in- fancy, and is familiar with its history from the beginning. Wild game was in abundance when he settled here. He endured all the hardships of frontier life and has been promi- nently identified with the growth and upbuild- ing of the community. Mr. Jenkins has lived an exemplary life and is highly respected by all who know him.

John Jenkins was raised in the Friends' (Quaker) church. After moving to Indiana he and his wife united with the Presbyterian church, of Pleasant Ridge (which was on his farm), and was elected a ruling elder and

JOHN JENKINS.

MRS. JOHN JENKINS.

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superintendant of the Sabbath school, in which capacity he served till about the year 1862, when the church went down; then he and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal church of Lebanon; then was elected class leader and superintendant of the Sabbath school for a time, but for some time has been unable to attend church, but is a strong be- liever, trusting to Jesus, the only hope of sal- vation.

were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and were highly respected citizens. He was a successful farmer and became well- to-do.

Horace Keever, who is so widely and favor- ably known throughout Randolph county, passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the homestead which he now owns and which has been known as the Keever farm for nearly fifty years. As a companion and help- meet on life's journey, he chose Miss Relda J. Mills, daughter of R. K. and Elizabeth (McPherson) Mills, of Scotch descent. Her grandfather crossed the Atlantic to North Caro- lina, and after a number of years immigrated to Wayne county, Ind., where his death oc- curred. His wife then came to this county, where her last days were spent. They were both worthy members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. R. K. Mills, who was well known throughout this community, served for four terms as township trustee, and was also assessor. His family numbered three children: Ishmael, a traveling man; Sarah, wife of James Cropper, of Muncie, and Mrs. Keever.

ORACE M. KEEVER is the owner of a fine farm of 105 acres situated on section 19, West River township, Randolph county. Almost the entire amount is under a high state of cultivation, and the well tilled fields and neat appearance of the place indicate to the passer-by the thirft and enterprise of the owner, who is recognized as one of the representative agri- culturists of the community. Mr. Keever was born September 26, 1848, in the township where he still makes his home and upon his present farm. He is a son of Stephen and Mary (Crammer) Keever, the former a native The marriage of Mr. Keever was celebrated January 8, 1871, and they began their domes- tic life in Huntsville, where they resided until after the death of his mother, when they went to live with his father. His first purchase of land comprised twenty acres, to which he added eighty-five acres in 1888. In 1890, he was elected trustee of West River township, and is still filling this office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Socially, he is a member of Trenton lodge, No. 248, I. O. O. F., and or camp No. 50. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are highly esteemed people, whose many excellencies of character have gained them the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Their union has been of Warren county, Ohio, and of German ex- traction. The mother was born in New Jersey, and with her parents went to the Buckeye state, where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Keever came to Indiana in an early day and settled on the farm alluded to above, in 1844. It comprised 320 acres of partially improved land, and to its cultivation he devoted his energies throughout the remainder of his life. The family numbered six children: Elias and George, who are farming in this county; Eliza- beth, wife of William Davis of Ohio; Mary T., wife of E. T. Cropper, of Muncie; Horace M., and Emma, who died in 1855. The mother departed this life in December, 1887. The father died June 18, 1888, and they were laid to rest in Huntsville cemetery. They | blessed with five interesting children: Anda

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L .; Bruce B .; Hattie B .; Roy C. and Ina M. The family circle yet remains unbroken, for the children are all yet under the parental roof.

J OHN H. LAMB, one of the practical and progressive farmers of West River township, residing on sections 21 and 22, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Campbell county, that state, August 7, 1828, and is a son of Nathan G. and Mar- tha (Butler) Lamb. His great-grandfather was of English extraction. He settled in Vir- ginia, where he followed farming throughout his life. The grandparents also made the Old Dominion their home. Nathan G. Lamb was there born, July 13, 1805, and his wife, Feb- ruary 22, 1808. They were married in Vir- ginia, on the twenty-second of December, 1825, and there lived until 1835, when they emigrated to Preble county, O. After a year they came to this county and Mr. Lamb pur -. chased a farm forty acres, to which he after- wards added 160 acres. Subsequently he owned a quarter section in Washington town- ship. He bought and sold various tracts and at his death owned 140 acres. John H. Lamb is one of a family of six children, the eldest of whom, Delitha B., died in Virginia; William H., deceased; and Eliza is the wife of James A. Harris; David B. deceased; and Louisa B. is the wife of Richard Hunt, now deceased. Nathan G. Lamb was very successful in his business dealings and became well to do. He and his family were among the first to settle in this county and endured many of the hard- ships and privations of frontier life. For a number of years he taught school. In poli- tics, he was a stalwart republican, and served as justice of the peace for fifteen years. He and wife were active and faithful members of the Methodist church.

John H. Lamb was a lad of only eight summers when, with his parents, he came to Indiana. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age, and then chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Mary A. Dodd, daughter of James and Elsie (Hickman) Dodd. The young couple began their domestic life upon a small farm, which Mr. Lamb's father gave him, and in the midst of the forest he built a cabin and began developing the tract. After clearing about forty acres, he sold out and purchased forty acres of the old homestead, upon which he lived for ten years. He then purchased his home in Huntsville, and has since here resided. MI. and Mrs. Lamb have no children of their own, but out of the kind- ness of their hearts they have given homes to five homeless little ones. They reared Josina Strong from infancy to womenhood, and are now caring for Augusta Culbertson. Theirs is a practical charity, and the good which they have done in this world can never be for- gotten. They are both faithful members of the Methodist church, and in politics Mr. Lamb is a republican. For over twenty years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his wife has taken the Rebecca degree. Their early years were full of toil and labor, but now, owing to enterprise and well directed efforts, they have an income which surrounds them with all the comforts of life. Their many excellencies of character have won them a place among Randolph county's best citizens.

PHRAIM LEE, one of the highly re- spected farmers of Randolph county, residing in West River township, has spent almost his entire life in this community. He was born here November 7,

MRS. H. M. KEEVER.

H. M. KEEVER.

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1823, and is a son of Samuel and Ruth (Hin- shaw) Lee. The family is of Scotch origin and was founded in America by Ephraim's great-grandfather, who emigrated from Scot- land to North Carolina, and afterwards re- moved to Tennessee. His last days were spent in Indiana. Samuel Lee was born in Tennessee, in 1790, there grew to manhood and married Miss Hinshaw. They became parents of five children-Margaret, wife of Elisha Pickering; John, a farmer; Ephraim; Ezra, who also followed farming, and Hannah, wife of Waldo Willis. All are now deceased with the exception of Ephraim. The father died in 1827, and three years later the mother married Mordecai Ellis, with whom she re- moved to Wayne county, Ind. She passed away in 1848, and was laid to rest by the side of her first husband. Mr. Ellis died in 1852. They were members of the Society of Friends.

Ephraim Lee, whose name heads this record, was left fatherless at the age of three and was reared by his stepfather until he had attained his majority. He was then married, the lady of his choice being Jane Ledbetter, daughter of Wesley and Phebe (Coffin) Led- better. Her parents removed from North Carolina to Wayne county, Ind., and her father there died in 1871. His wife was called to her final rest in 1878, and their remains were interred in West River cemetery. They, too, were members of the Society of Friends, and were highly respected people.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee began their domestic life upon a farm of eighty acres in Nettle Creek township, where they resided for five years. They then removed to Mr. Lee's grandfather's farm in Wayne county, and he continued its operation for three years, after which he purchased 100 acres of land in West River township. Thereon he devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits for sixteen years, when he sold out and purchased

his present farm of 106 acres. This is a highly cultivated tract and well improved with all modern accessories. To Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been born the following children- William, who is engaged in farming; Phebe, wife of Julian Edwards; Ezra, a farmer; Minus W., who is engaged in the practice of law; John, an agriculturist; Ruth, wife of John Jones; Samuel, who aids in the operation of the home farm, and Lavina, wife of Jacob Ross. The family is widely known through- out the county, and its members rank high in the circles of society in which they move. Mr. Lee is a republican in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Society of Friends. They do all in their power to aid in its up- building and growth and their lives exemplify their religion. Charitable and benevolent, they delight in doing good, and the poor and needy have often found in them warm friends.

BEL H. MANN, who owns and oper- ates a saw mill in Huntsville, West River township, Randolph county, was born in Athens county, Ohio, July 18, 1835. His parents were Isaac and Elizabeth (Ballard) Mann, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Virginie. Having removed to the Buckeye state in early life, they were married in Athens county, and began housekeeping upon a farm, there resid- ing until 1855. In that year they came to Randolph county, Ind., and settled in Wash- ington township, where they made their home until 1862, when they removed to White River township, where they spent their re- maining days. This worthy couple were con- sistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics the father was a democrat. The family numbered eight children, as follows: Joseph, now deceased;

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RANDOLPH COUNTY :

Mercy, wife of P. L. Cullinson; May, wife of William Graham; John and Columbus, both of whom were killed in the war; Abel H .; Maria, wife of A. Dubois; and Granville, now deceased.

Midst play and work the boyhood and youth of Abel H. Mann was passed. He at- tended the common schools of the neighbor- hood, and in the summer months was engaged with the labors of the field. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until twenty years of age, when he began life for himself. Since that time he has been dependent upon his own exertions. He turned his attention to the pursuit to which he was reared and fol- lowed farming until 1860, when he took up the manufacture of brick and tile. This busi- ness he followed for fifteen years, when, in 1875, he became owner of the saw mill which he has since operated.

In White River township, September 25, 1857, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Mann and Miss Mary J. York, who was born in Randolph county, April 10, 1832, and is a daughter of William add Catherine (Loy) York, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of England. By this union have been born six children-Mary C., wife of John Rogers, of Anderson; Laura, wife of J. W. Rogers, of Anderson; Mahala, wife of John Adamson, of this county; Phebe, wife of John Sterling, of Anderson; David, deceased; George O., a farmer; and Reuben, who is at home.

In politics, Mr. Mann is a supporter of the republican party, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He owns forty acres of land, beside his mill, which has a capacity of 5,000 feet of lumber per day. He is now doing a good business and enjoying a large trade, which he fully deserves.

S CHUYLER C. MENDENHALL, loan and insurance agent of Modoc, West River township, Randolph county, Ind., is the representative of the Ætna Life Insurance company, of Hartford, Conn. A native of the Hoosier state, he was born in Wayne county on the 25th of November, 1862, and is the son of William H. and Eunice (Clark) Mendenhall, of Wayne county. No event of special importance occurred during his boyhood and youth, which were quietly passed upon the home farm. As soon as old enough he began to aid in the cultivation of the land. To that work his energies were devoted throughout the summer, while in the winter he attended the common schools of Stony Creek township, Randolph county, whither his parents had removed when he was a small boy. Mr. Mendenhall remained under the parental roof until 1880, when he entered upon his business career as salesman in a store of Clark Brothers, general merchants of Economy, Wayne county. There he remained for a year, after which he engaged in farming in Stony Creek township for three years. On the expiration of that period he returned to the county of his nativity, where he resided until 1888. In the month of December, 1889, he removed to the then small but growing vil- lage of Modoc, and erected a two story busi- ness block embarked in general merchandis- ing, which he continued for a year, when he sold the entire stock and building. He then became local agent for the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance company of Detroit, with which he continued for a year, when he changed his connection, and, in 1892, became special agent for the Ætna Life Insurance company of Hartford, Conn. He also represents the same in their loan department.

On the 22d of October, 1887, in Stony Creek township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Mendenhall and Miss Rosella Jackson,

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WEST RIVER TOWNSHIP.

who was born in 1865, and was a daughter of Isom and Susan Jackson of this county. By their union were born two bright and interest- ing children, namely: Lawrence D. and Nel- lie Maple, who are still with their father, and and are the light of the home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest May 14, 1892, and her remains were interred in Poplar Run cemetery in Stony Creek township. She was a lady whose many excellencies of char- acter won her the love and esteem of all, and she is not only sadly mourned in the home circle, but her loss is also felt throughout the community. Mr. Mendenhall is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and in poli- tics is a supporter of republican principles. He owns some valuable property in Modoc, and is a representative citizen who, by an upright, honorable life, has gained the confi- dence and good will of all with whom busi- ness or social relations have brought him in contact.

HOMAS WILSON MILLS, a retired farmer residing in Huntsville, West River township, Randolph county, was born in Granger county, Tenn., April 21, 1826, and is a son of John and Nancy (Mumbowers) Mills. The father was born in North Carolina in 1796, and was a son of Hardy and Sarah Mills. He twice en- listed in the war of 1812, and served for one year under Gen. Jackson. Farming was his life occupation. He resided in Warren county, Ohio, from 1831 until 1833, and then came to West River township, Randolph county, Ind., where he entered eighty acres of land from the government. He afterward returned to Warren county, where his death occurred in November, 1847. His wife passed away August 30, 1881, and they were laid to rest in Warren county. Faithful members of the |

Methodist Episcopal church, they lived upright lives and enjoyed the respect of all. He was a democrat in early life, but during President Jackson's second term joined the whig party. The Mills family numbered seven children- William A., deceased; James M., of Illinois; Joseph C., deceased; Thomas Wilson; James, who has also passed away; Perry G., of War- ren county, Ohio; and Elizabeth deceased.

Thomas W. Mills was only five years of age at the time of the removal of his parents to Ohio. He acquired his education in the public schools, and at the age of twenty-three years began learning the carpenter's trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship. When his term had ezpired he worked as a journey- man in different places until 1852. Previous to this time he had purchased the old home- stead in this county. After coming to Ran- dolph county, however, he still carried on car- penter work for six seasons, and then aban- doned it in order to cultivate and improve his farm. For many years he carried on agricul- tural pursuits, but in 1889 purchased his home in Huntsville, and, removing thither, has since lived a retired life. He still owns eighty- three acres of land in this county, which is well improved and yields to him a good in- come.

Mr. Mills was married in Randolph county on the 15th of January, 1852, to Nancy Miller, who was born in Ireland, April 15, 1830, and is a daughter of William and Sarah (Clyde) Miller. With their family they crossed the' Atlantic in 1844, and located in this county in 1846. To Mr. and Mrs. Mills have been born the following children-Catherine J., wife of Ishmael Mills, a traveling man of Stewart county, Iowa; John A., who operates the home farm; William W., a merchant of Huntsville, whose sketch is given below; Sarah, wife of George Starbuck; Mary Agnes, wife of John I. Johnson of Buena Vista; and Martha,

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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 140

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