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 54

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 54
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 54

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).

EORGE W. JONES .- The subject of this sketch, the prosperous owner and manager of the only general store in the thriving little town of Desoto, Ind., is the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Yeager) Jones, and was born in Monongalia county, W. Va. His parents were also born in the same state, of Welsh and German an- cestors. They married there, and remained in the old place until 1844, when they removed to Indiana and settled in Delaware county. They found a primeval wilderness, bought sixty acres of land and began their pioneer life in earnest. Work, hard work, was the order of the day, and Mr. Jones did much of it. He took a pride in his home and labored faithfully, suc- ceeding as all do, who persevere, and at the time of his death, July 15, 1862, he owned two hundred and forty acres of well improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were the parents of five children, as follows: Joseph C., George W., Rebecca, wife of J. W. Fryer; Jacob Y. and James B., the last two of whom were killed in the army during the late war. Mrs. Jones died December 12, 1867. Both had been valued and consistent members of the Christ- ian church. He was a republican in his politi- cal convictions, and for a great many years be- longed to the Masonic order. Mr. Jones' second wife was Catherine Synder, who sur- vives him, but there were no children born to this union.

Upon the home farm the subject received his practical training, which made of him a self-reliant and successful agriculturist, and after he had reached his legal majority he farmed for his father for one year, then rented land for the two following years. Then he moved near Idaville, in White county, where he purchased property and engaged in clerking in a general store, following this occupation for three years, later spending two years working at the carpenter trade. He then purchas e

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forty-five acres of land in Delaware township, moved to the same and engaged in farming and improving the land, upon which he re- mained three years. During the six following years he was engaged in the saw mill business and then again went to farming, which he pur- sued for ten years, at the end of which time he located in the pleasant town of Desoto, which he decided to make his home. He is now con- ducting the only general merchandise store in the place, and in August, 1890, was appointed postmaster of the town. For the past four years he has been a prohibitionist in his politi- cal convictions, and has served the township as trustee for two terms. He is a man of con- siderable means, owns forty-seven acres of land in the township, and has $5,000 in the Desoto Land company.

Mr. Jones was married April 22, 1859, to Miss Martha A. Shaffer, and six children were born to this union, only one of whom is now living, Addie, the wife of L. McHardie, of Desoto, who is engaged with Mr. Jones in general merchandising. The mother died February 17, 1862. Mr. Jones' second mar- riage was solemnized April 26, 1863, with Miss Lydia V. Bell, daughter of John and Maria (Callender) Bell, who was born in Madison county, Ohio, June 13, 1861. The marriage took place in Jay county, Ind., and has been blessed with three children, namely: Walter E. and Alma F., and an infant daughter. The family are members of the Christian church, in which they are much esteemed.

ILLIAM F. KROHN .- The follow- ing biographical sketch is written. of one who has arisen by his own efforts from humble environments to be one of the wealthiest and most prom- inent and respected citizens of Delaware coun-

ty, Ind. He was born in Delaware township and county, a son of William F. and Mary M. (Pendry) Krohn, the father having been born in North Germany, May 10, 1805, a son of William Krohn, of Germany also. William F. Krohn came to America about the time he was old enough to enter the militia, but re- mained only a short time, when he returned to his native country and there finished his education. He was a man of fine education, conversing in five different languages. He married Mary Pendry, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, and to this marriage the follow- ing family of children were born: Mary L.,' the wife of Isaac Mann; Elizabeth, wife of William Lister, of Randolph county; John S., Henrietta, now residing with her brother William; William B., our subject, and Bar- bara, wife of R. W. Maxwell.

The father of this family passed out of life May 9, 1868, and the mother in 1847. She was a Quaker in her religious belief, and he was a member of the German Reformed church. He was a democrat in his political convictions until the late war, when he became a Douglas man, but later in life a republican. His profession was that of veterinary surgeon, and in pursuit of it he traveled through four kingdoms. His memory of people and places, as well as events, was wonderful, and made him a most entertaining companion.

William F. Krohn was reared in the vil- lage of Albany and early displayed business talent, from the age of eight years taking care of himself. He engaged in driving cattle and did work often by the day, and in 1867 he and his brother John entered into a real estate transaction which proved the nucleus of his fortune. Together, they purchased five lots in the town of Albany, and when the price advanced and land became more valuable, they sold it, purchasing five acres of J. S. Fudge, himself a good business man, paying

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DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.

$100 per acre, and sold this later at an advance of twenty per cent. buying then, close by, a tract of eighty acres which they from time added to until now they own 726 acres, all of which is valuable land. In connection with their other interests they have been successful in stock raising, and now are considered very responsible and wealthy members of the com- munity. Until the marriage of the others, Miss Henrietta kept house and lived with them, but now she is the presiding good genius in the home of the subject. She is one of the val- ued and efficient workers in the Methodist church. In his politics, Mr. Krohn votes with the republican party.

J OHN S. KROHN .- Prominent among the enterprising farmers and stock raisers of Delaware county is John S. Krohn, who for many years has been one of the leading citizens of the township of Delaware. Mr. Krohn's parents were William and Mary (Pendri) Krohn, the father a Ger- man and the mother a native of this country. The father came to the United States in 1833, landing in New York, from which city he pro- ceeded to Greene county, Ohio, where he followed his profession of veterinary surgeon for a period of four years. At the end of that time he came to Delaware county, Ind., and located at the town of Albany, where his death occurred May 9, 1864; his wife preceded him to the grave, dying on the 29th day of March, 1848. The following are the names of the six children born to William and Mary Krohn, namely: Lonisa M., wife of Isaac Mann; Elizabeth, wife of William M. Lister, of Ran- dolph county; John S., whose name introduces this mention; Henrietta; William B., noticed elsewhere; and Barbara, wife of Robert Max- well.

John S. Krohn, born in Delaware county, December 3, 1841, was reared in the town of Albany, and his education embraced the studies included in the common school curriculum. At the early age of twelve years he began working for himself at different occupations, and later, was employed in driving live stock to Cincinnati and other prominent shipping points. At the age of nineteen, with a spirit that animated so many patriotic young men during the dark period when the war cloud spread its sombre folds over the country, he went forth to do battle in behalf of the Nation- al Union. He enlisted September 20, 1861, in company D, Second Indiana volunteer cav- alry, for a three years' service and remained at the front one month in excess of his period of enlistment. He was taken prisoner at Huntsville, Alabama, December, 1863, by the confederate general John Morgan, but was soon exchanged and returned to his command. He participated gallantly in many hard fought battles, including the numerous engagements of the Atlanta campaign, and made a record as a soldier of which he feels deservedly proud. Mr. Krohn was honorably discharged at Indianapolis October 7, 1864. On retiring from the army. he returned home and engaged in teaming and general farming, and purchased his first property in 1866. This was but an insignificent piece of land, but by well directed effort and wise forethought, he added thereto, from time to time, until he is now the fortun- ate possessor of over 700 acres, which repre- sent the results of his own labor and successful management. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, and in addition to agriculture, he deals in live stock, -being one of the most successful stock men in Delaware county.

Mr. Krohn was married February 22, 1872, in the township where he resides, to Miss Sarah S. Wingate, daughter of J. W. and Be- linda (Stewart) Wingate. Mrs. Krohn was

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born April 27, 1848, and is the mother of four children: Jamie, William, Othia, Nettie and John H. C. Politically, Mr. Krohn is a repub- lican and fraternally is a member of Post No. 418, G. A. R., Dept. of Ind He is a man of prominence in the community where he resides, has an excellent reputation as a farmer, stock raiser and business man, and stands high in the estimation of his fellow citizens of Del- aware township and throughout the county.

J AMES M. LEAVELL, the subject of this sketch, is a prosperous farmer of Desoto, Delaware township, Delaware county, Ind., and a highly respected citizen. He was born in Henry county, Ind., February 24, 1848, and is the son of James M. and Ruth (Corwin) Leavell. The father was a native of Kentucky, received a fair education, and when but a child came to Henry county, where he lived until 1844, at which time he went to Randolph county, Ind., where he resided until his death, December, 1863. His wife died prior to that date in the county of Randolph.

They were the parents of ten children, of who five are living, namely: William H., Richard J., James M., Nancy A. and Francis M. James M. Leavell was a farmer, and he and his wife were members of the Christian church. He was a republican in politics, a very highly respected citizen, and a man of enterprise and public spirit, ready to assist in any movement calculated to advance the town- ship or county.

James M. Leavell lived at home, and very early in life began to do hard work. At the age of nineteen he went into the army, enlist- ing in company K, Nineteenth Indiana infan- try. Entering in 1863, he was discharged in June 1865, and had suffered from a sunstroke. He participated in nine battles, namely: Wilder-

ness, Spottsylvania C. H., North Anna, Cul- peper C. H., Hanover C. H., Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and was sunstruck while on the picket in front of Petersburg, on the day of the explosion of the mine, 1864, which incapi- tated him from further service with his regi- ment.

After his return home from the army he at- tended school for eighteen months at Clare and Portland, after which he farmed for a while and taught school for two winters. He follow- ed farming until 1881, when he traveled in the western states sight seeing and prospecting. In 1883 he returned home and followed the business of cutting out and constructing hedge fences for two years, after which he retired from work, on account of poor health until 1890, when he accepted a position on the L. E. & W. R. R. as agent at the village of Desoto. He is engaged in buying grain of all kinds, flour, etc., and has five thousand dollars worth of stock in the Desoto Land company, being secretary of the same. Mr. Leavell was married June 2, 1870, in this township to Laura Worley, daughter of Isaac Worley, by whom he has had four children, namely: Elmer, Lethia, Lewis and Annie.

The mother died in 1880 in the faith in which she had lived, a devoted Methodist. Mr. Leavell was married again at Albany, in March, 1888, to Mattie Gettes, who was born near Peru, Ind, August 29, 1856, to which union two children have been born, namely: Her- schel and Ruth.

J OSEPH LEFAVOUR-The prosperous business man for whom the following is prepared, was born in Jay county, Ind., 1851, and is a son of James L. and Isabella (Engle) Lefavour, the father be- ing the first white child born in the city of

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Indianapolis, and the mother a native of Ohio. James L. and Isabella Lefavour were married in Camden, Jay county, Ind., in 1848. Mr. Lefavour followed the trade of harness maker all of his life, dying in December, 1859, his wife having passed away in October previous. They were members of the Methodist church, good people, whose only regret in leaving life was that their four small children would be left alone. These were Emmet, now of Jay county; Joseph, Randolph, a farmer of Adams county, and Mary E., wife of John Dean.

Joseph Lefavour was but seven years of age when he was bereft of his parents and left without a home. The succeeding four years he spent as an inmate of the home of his cousin, Daniel Engle, when he received an offer of work in a tan yard at Camden, where he found employment for two years. From there he went to Muncie and spent one year working in a potter's shop, and was then given the advantage of one year of schooling. From school he went to Bethel, Harrison township, where he remained one year and later at- tended school for three years in the town of Muncie. He improved every opportunity, made substantial progress in his studies and then taught school for seven successive terms, beginning the study of medicine in the mean- time under Dr. Leach, with whom he continued for eight months. Coming to Albany he pur- sued his medical studies with A. P. Murray, M. D., after which he took a course of lectures at Keokuk, Iowa, and then returned to Albany, where he practiced his profession for a period of three years.

Abandoning the medical profession Mr. Lefa- vour purchased a line of drugs and for eight years was engaged in the drug business, but finally sold and entered into the law and real estate business, also becoming a notary public.

The marriage of Mr. Lefavour occurred November, 1881, with Miss Lillie Allegre, a

native of Albany, born in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Lefavour have four children, as follows: Gladdys, Carrie G., Mable C. and Vivian. In political matters Mr. Lefavour is a republican and always supports the candidates of his party upon any and all occasions. Socially inclined, he has connected himself with the order of Red Men.

MERY L. McHARDIE .- Among the prosperous young business men of Delaware county, Ind., is the subject of this sketch. He is engaged in the mercantile trade and possesses the necessary qualifications for a successful business career. Mr. McHardie was born in Delaware county, November 5, 1871, a son of David and Lucretia (Sipe) McHardie, both natives of Scotland.

When only eight years of age Mr. McHar- die was deprived of the care of parents and he made his home with his half brother, Frank Confer, until he was eighteen years of age. He then engaged in farming, at which occupa- tion he continued for three years, and then, in partnership with George W. Jones, began a general merchandise business, which he has since successfully conducted. This store is located in the town of Desoto, and is one of the prosperous mercantile establishments of Delaware county.

Mr. McHardie was married February 17, 1892, to Miss Addie M. B. Jones, daughter of his partner, George W. Jones. Mr. McHar- die is a temperance man, hence testifies to the truth of his convictions by voting with the prohibitionist party. He and wife are mem- bers of the Christian church, and are most highly esteemed in this community. Their lives are such as to convince their neighbors that they are sincere in their profession, and their upright conduct is such as to win the esteem of all.

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DAM MADILL, the subject of this sketch, one of the most enterprising farmers of Delaware county, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, Sep- tember 18, 1839. He is the son of Adam and Charlotte Madill, natives of Germany, and in which country they married, and in 1831 came to America, locating in New York. From thence they went to Montgomery county, Ohio, where the father engaged in the grocery trade for a time, and then became a farmer. He died September 11, 1862. She died in 1889, her death being the result of an accident. They were parents of seven children: Charlotte, deceased; Adam, Catherine deceased; Mary H., wife of B. Daring; Ella, wife of Christian Brum; Henry and John. Adam and Charlotte Madill were members of the Lutheran church, in which faith they died. The father was a democrat of the Jackson school, a successful business man, and was possessed of a sterling character.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm, and has followed agriculture all his life, with the exception of three years, when he did general labor work, and two winters when he worked at the cooper trade. His education was limited, because the schools of his boyhood were far apart, and he had short terms. At the age of nineteen he en- gaged by the month at farm labor and was thus employed for several years. Mr. Madill was married January 9, 1862, after which he enlisted, and upon his return from the army, bought fifty-two acres of land partly improved, and this comprises a portion of his present farm, which now consists of 228 acres of fine land. As a fact, Mr. Madill has one of the finest farm residences in the county.

The war record of Mr. Madill, briefly noted, is as follows: He enlisted in company D, Eighty-fourth Indiana infantry, August 11, 1862, for three years or during the war, and

served until July 3, 1865, participating in the meanwhile in many skirmishes, but was in no particular battle. When he had been out about three months he was one of the three of his company (there being three detailed from each company in the regiment) detailed as a pioneer corps, and their duty consisted in clearing roads, repairing bridges, etc., until near the close of the war; then they were em- ployed in cutting lumber for the building of hospitals, continuing in this until his discharge.

The wife of Mr. Madill was Martha J. Pittinger, born in Delaware county, October 27, 1844; daughter of John Pittinger, whose sketch appears elsewhere in these pages. By this marriage there are five children, namely: Sarah, wife of William Fadely, of this town- ship; Annie, wife of Frank St. John; Emery, living at home; Ira, living at home, and Car- rie, at school.

Mr. and Mrs. Madill are members of the Methodist church, in which body they are greatly esteemed; he being a trustee of the local church. Mr. Madill is president of the Desoto Land company, with a capital of $250, 000, and also president of the Desoto Gas company. He has twenty acres planted in berries, and also carries on market gardening and stock raising. In politics he is a republi- can.

ENRY MONROE MARQUELL, a prosperous farmer, was born in Dela- ware township, Delaware county, Ind., December 6, 1857, a son of Samuel and Catherine (Over) Marquell. He was reared on the home farm and enjoyed the advantages offered by the common schools, and on attaining his legal majority, he engaged in farming for himself, taking charge of the home place, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until he was twenty-six years of age.

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In 1883 he purchased a choice tract of land lying close to the home farm and immediately began the improvement of it. He erected a commodious and comfortable residence and excellent out-buildings, and by 1885 he was prepared to take up his residence there.

In June, 1885, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Alice Howell, widow of Oscar How- ell, who died January 3, 1881. She is a daughter of William and Mary (Smith) Foster, natives of England, who came to America in 1841-2, and were married in Clarke county, Ohio. Mrs. Marquell had one child by her former marriage, namely, Effie E. Howell, and she has three bright children by her last union: Willis L., William S. and John E. Mr. and Mrs. Marquell are members of the Christian church, in which they are much esteemed. Po- litically, Mr. Marquell is a democrat and is re- garded as a good business man and an excel- lent citizen.

The father came to this country at a very early date, having been a resident of this vi- cinity for half a century. He has always been a farmer and is one of the oldest and most re- spected citizens of Delaware connty.

The mother died February 28, 1890, and was buried in the beautiful Strong cemetery.

LIAS MARKS was born in the state of Virginia, August 17, 1818, the son of James and Sarah (Hughes) Marks, who were natives of the old Dominion state. They followed agricultural pursuits, lived quiet and contented lives and reared a family of nine children, all of whom have passed to the other land except the sub- ject for whom this biography is prepared,

Elias Marks grew up on a farm and learned there the dignity of labor, gaining the true feeling that all honest work is honorable. His

tasks were well learned and he became an ex- cellent and intelligent tiller of the soil, under- standing in a practical way the rotation of crops and the best times of sowing and reap- ing, as well as the best seeds to plant and the proper amount of work to give to each. He remained with his parents until he had reached his majority and then engaged in farm labor in Allen county, Ohio, now the county of Au- glaize. He had no educational advantages at all worth mentioning, but is an intelligent, plain, practical man who fully knows his own mind and is under obligations to no one.

Mr. Marks accepted farming as his life's vocation and purchased his first tract of land in Delaware township in 1851. He at once located on the property, remaining there until 1878, when he moved to Blackford county, near Millgrove, where he remained for three years. In 1883 he sold out and removed to Albany, where he purchased sixty-three and one-half acres, of which he has sold twenty, retaining forty-three acres of land which con- stitutes his present comfortable home. The marriage of Mr. Marks occurred in Clarke county, February 18, 1846, to Elizabeth J. Winget, born in Clarke county, Ohio, Novem- ber 18, 1822, daughter of John and Mary (Boyce) Winget, natives of Ohio, of Holland descent. One child was born of this union, Sarah M., wife of James H. Black.

On the 21st of June, 1893, Mr. Marks was called to mourn the death of his devoted wife, who had been his companion and helpmeet for nearly a half century. She was a lady of many admirable traits and died lamented by all who knew her. Since the above date Mr. Marks has resided in the town of Albany.

Mr. Marks is a democrat in politics and has served his party as supervisor of the township. He is ever willing to aid in any work calculated to advance the interests of his party and the public.

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0 AVID MICHAEL. - One of most prominent and best known men in Delaware township is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Clarke county, Ohio, August 12, 1874, and is the son of Adam and Catherine (Over) Michael, both parents natives of Ohio. David Michael was a child of four years of age when his parents removed to this county, and after the death of his father he remained at home, and upon at- taining his majority rented the home farm for a period of four years. He then purchased his first piece of land in 1871, consisting of eighty acres, to which he has added from time to time, until he now owns 175 acres of valu- able land.

Mr. Michael was married October 31, 1878, to Catherine Zehnir, who was born in Wayne county, Ind., March 6, 1845, being the youngest sister of Mrs. George A. Stafford. By this union eight children have been born, three of whom are living, namely: Samuel Wilbur, Hester Ann and Joseph Walter.

Mrs. Michael is a member of the Lutheran church, and a lady who has the esteem and friendship of all who know her. She has proven herself to be a good wife, a devoted mother, and a kind friend. Mr. Michael takes an active interest in politics, casting his vote for the candidate of the democratic party. While he has no aspiration for office, he never- theless feels it his duty as a citizen to work for the party of his choice, and his influence is strong in his community. Mr. Michael is a good farmer, and understands thoroughly how to cultivate the land to the best advantage. His farm consists of fine, well watered land, and his industry keeps it in splendid condition, and Mr. Michael is a quiet unostentatious man, kind and considerate, and is much respected by his neighbors and friends, with whom he lives with peace and concord.

While holding to his own opinions, he re-

spects the views of others, and is always will- ing to accord to them what is their due. He is a useful man in his township, promptly as- sisting in carrying forward measures for its benefit, and is progressive in his ideas. All who know this man will unite in saying that he is worthy of confidence, and entitled to the respect and esteem of everybody. He owns shares in a gas well, called the Cleveland gas well.

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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 54

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