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 81

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 81
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 81

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).

AFAYETTE WHITNEY .- The gen- tleman whose name introduces this sketch is one of the excellent farmers and business men of Perry township, Delaware county, Ind., and was born in Wash- ington county, Ohio, April 21, 1827, a son of Thomas and Hannah (Preston) Whitney, the former a native of Vermont, of Scotch descent, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania, of German lineage. They married in Washing- ton county, Ohio, and reared a family of eight

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PERRY TOWNSHIP.

children, namely: Lafayette, Mordecai, Nancy, Phineas, Artimesia, William, David and Frank- lin, the last three deceased. These three were soldiers in the late war and died while in the heroic performance of duty-William losing his life at Winchester, Va., David dying in Salisbury prison, and Franklin being killed in the battle of the Wilderness.

In 1831, Thomas Whitney brought his fam- ily to Delaware county, Ind., and entered eighty acres of land in Liberty township and lived thereon for eight years, then sold it and bought 240 acres, which he improved and lived upon until his death, which occurred July 4, 1881, his wife having preceded him to the grave November 27, 1870. According to his wish, their remains were interred in the door- yard at the old home.

Lafayette Whitney was reared on his father's farm and received practically no education while at home. After he became of age he learned the carpenter trade under the super- vision of his uncle, Louis Smith, and after learning proficient in the same, worked with him for two years, at the end of which time he began taking contracts and continued work- ing at this trade for about twelve years. Mr. Whitney was married, April 21, 1858, to Miss Mary M. Snyder, a daughter of Jesse and Catherine (McGlaughlin) Snyder, the former of German descent and the latter of Irish, and both natives of Virginia, who came to Dela- ware county in 1848. Mrs. Whitney was born April 5, 1841, and was one of a family of eleven children. Her father was a farmer by occupation, and his death occurred in 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney became the parents of five children, namely: Minerva A., born Jan- uary 12, 1859, the wife of Dr. William A. Spurgeon, of Muncie; Nancy E., born January 18, 1860, the wife of William Compton, of Muncie; John L., born January 3, 1861, mar- ried Clara B. Lindville, and follows farming;

Laura J., born May 8, 1862, the wife of Mala- chi Swift, and resident of Smithfield; and Nel- lie B., born August 22, 1865, the wife of William E. Martin, a resident and prominent farmer of Mount Pleasant township.

After his marriage Mr. Whitney bought eighty acres of land in Centre township, and remained thereon nearly a year, and in con- nection with agricultural pursuits also carried on the harness making trade, and one set of harness which came from his hands was sold to the government and was used in the Indian war in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney are devoted members of the Christian church, and have had the pleasure of seeing four of their children unite with the same denomina- tion. Socially, Mr. Whitney is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Whitney lodge No. 228, at New Burlington. In his politics he is a republican, and is one of the most respected citizens of the county.

ENRY WILL, a worthy citizen of Perry township, living at New Bur- lington, is a native of Germany, born in 1814, and is the son of George H.

Will. When a young man he came with his two brothers to this country, and settled in Indiana. His first work was done. under his brother Thomas, as an apprentice, in a cooper shop, where he remained about two years, and then went to Smithfield and bought a grist mill. This he occupied for a number of years, when he traded it for a farm in Perry town- ship, where he now owns 244 acres of fine land. He received a very superior education in the old country, and is a man of fine intelli- gence, and has made his home with his nephew, John Will, since 1879. John was born in Wayne county, Ind., December 27, 1849, and is the son of Thomas and Margaret

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(Singer) Will, both natives of Germany. Thomas Will, father of John Will, immigrated to America in 1838, was a cooper, and follow- ed this trade in this country. After living in America five years, Thomas returned to Ger- many for the girl he left behind him in 1845, and after their marriage he returned to Indi- ana, where he resumed his old trade. By this marriage he is the father of ten children, namely: Henry; an infant, deceased; John, George, Thomas, Mary, Daniel, Samuel, de- ceased; Adam; and Lona, deceased. Thomas Will, the father of these children, died Feb- ruary 17, 1865, and his wife followed him ten years later. His son John is taking care of Henry Will, the subject of our sketch. John began working for himself at the age of fifteen, and was married September 30, 1869, to Mary Keesling, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Keesling. By this marriage he is the father of three children, namely: Carrie L., wife of Dr. Bell; Burton E. and Martha E. M. John Will and his wife are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church.

....

A BRAHAM YOCKEY -- One of the successful farmers who have shown of what Indiana soil is capable is Abra- ham Yockey. He is located in Perry township, Delaware county, and was born in Starke county, Ohio, August 10, 1820, the son of Peter and Christina (Hoover) Yockey, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. In 1840 Peter Yockey came to Delaware coun- ty with his parents. He learned the trade of

carpenter and followed that occupation until his marriage. He was the father of nine children, two of whom are yet living, Levi and Abraham. In 1852, Mr. Yockey, Sr., died and thirteen years later his wife followed, in 1865. The former was interred in Ran- dolph county, and the latter in Allen county.

Abraham Yockey was reared on the home farm until he was seventeen years of age, at which time he started out to take care of him- self, working in a general way at anything which offered proper remuneration. For about seventeen months he worked in a saw mill and a year in a distillery. In 1849 he was married to Eliza Hoover, daughter of Eli and Nancy (Rockenfield) Hoover, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Yockey reared a family of four chil- dren, as follows: Mark, born September 19, 1852, married Martha Bowers; David, born November 17, 1854, married Estella Ross; Nella A., born April 7, 1857, the wife of Andrew Blount; Eli, born November 15, 1858, married Emma Thornburg. After marriage Abraham Yockey engaged in farming, renting land for that purpose for five or six years. He then bought thirty acres of land, and after improving it in some degree sold it and bought forty acres, adding since until he has 140 acres in all. He has built a fine house with all modern improvements, and has the best of modern tools with which to carry on success- ful farming. He and wife are members of the Christian church, in which they are held in high esteem. Politically Mr. Yockey is a re- publican, and one of the best and most relia- ble residents of the county.

SALEM TOWNSHIP.

R ICHARD A. ANDES, one of the prominent residents of Salem town- ship, Delaware county, was born in Rockingham county, Va., November 22, 1838, being a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Jones) Andes, both natives of Virginia, who could trace their lineage back to German and English ancestors. By trade, Adam Andes was a blacksmith, and until hisdeath, in 1845, he followed that occupation. Mrs. Andes died two years prior to the above date.

Richard A. Andes remained at the old home until 1858, when he started out in life for himself, first locating in Tennessee, where he remained until 1862, working on a farm and carpentering. His educational advan- tages having been somewhat limited, he was obliged to depend upon the labor of his hands. The winter of 1862 was spent in Ohio visiting with friends, but in the spring of 1863 he came to Delaware county, Ind., and later went to Indianapolis, where he began working at the carpenter trade, having become pro- ficient in the same, while living in Tennessee. For twelve years he remained in that city, where he labored industriously, taking large contracts and succeeding well in his chosen occupation. Mr. Andes was married, in 1865, to Miss Sarah Rubush, and one little daughter was born of this union. In 1867 the young wife died, and in 1875 Mr. Andes married Mrs. Mary S. Bowers, the daughter of Edward and Anna (Thompson) Sharp, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Virginia,

and respectively of German and English ex- traction. Mrs. Andes is a sister of William Sharp, whose sketch will be found on another page.

Mr. and Mrs. Sharp emigrated to Henry county, Ind., in 1832, coming to Delaware county, where Mr. Sharp became one of the most successful farmers, and owned one of the largest and best farms of the county, which he made by his own exertions. He was honored and respected by all with whom he came in contact. He was born in 1801, and died in 1854, his wife following him to the grave in 1878. Both were buried in the Sharp ceme- tery, where a large monument marks their last resting place. Mrs. Andes was one of thirteen children; was born in 1831, and lived with her parents until her marriage to Noah Bowers, who was also one of Delaware county's suc- cessful men. They were married just twenty years when he died, leaving her and three children. In 1875 she married Richard A. Andes, making him an excellent and capable wife. All of her family have been members of the Christian church, and her ancestors lie buried together in one sacred spot. Mrs. Andes is a consistent member of the same church, in which she is much esteemed, and Mr. Andes is as highly regarded in the Metho- dist church, of which he is a member. Politi- cally Mr. Andes is a republican, and takes much interest in the progress of public affairs, although he never had any ambition to serve as a public officer.

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ICHAEL BOWERS, a well known and reliable resident of Salem town- ship, where he has large land inter- ests, was born in Delaware county, Ind., May 9, 1841, a son of Andrew and Mary (Shafer) Bowers, natives of Rockingham county, Va., of German parentage. In the year 1839, Andrew and Mary Bowers immigrated to Del- aware county, Ind., where Mrs. Bowers died in 1864, and in 1881 Mr. Bowers was called away. They were the parents of ten children, four of whom are yet living. Michael. Bowers lived at home with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. As he was the next to the eldest in a large family, he was early obliged to work, and had but limited means of acquiring an education. In 1864, feeling that his country needed his services, he enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Indiana light in- fantry, was sent to Nashville, and from there marched to Huntsville, requiring twenty-two days to make the trip, owing to the rain which fell in torrents during sixteen days of the time. From this place the regiment was sent to De- catur, Ala., and here Mr. Bowers remained until he was mustered out, and discharged July 24, 1865. He came home safely, but one of his brothers died in the awful prison pen at An- dersonville of starvation.

On leaving the army, Mr. Bowers engaged in work for his uncle for $200 per year, and on March 5, 1867, was united in marriage to Martha E. Summers, daughter of Terrel and Elizabeth (McClintock) Summers. Mrs. Bow- ers was one of a family of four children, and she became the mother of four children, but died January 23, 1883. She had been a de- voted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and left a large circle of sorrowing friends. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bow- ers were: William O., a graduate of DePauw university; Dora, the wife of George E. Painter, who resides in Henry county; Laura, a teacher

in this county, and Edna. Mr. Bowers is the owner of 102 acres of fine land, and this prop- erty is the result of the honest and persever- ing labor of its owner. He lives in much comfort and is one of the representative farm- ers of the county. In 1885. he married Mrs. Dorothea J. Kirp, a widow with four children. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 561, located in Cowan. The Christian church is the religious body with which he has membership, and in this denomination he is much esteemed. Politically he is a republi- can, and boldly asserts the principles of that party.

OAH BOWERS deceased, was for many years one of the most enter- prising and successful farmers and stock growers of Delaware county. He was born in Rockingham county, Va., June 1, 1826, and was a son of Jacob and Susanna Bowers, of German descent, and the parents of a family of nine children, viz: An- drew, George, Noah, one unnamed, Shem, Jacob and Elizabeth, all deceased; Christina, wife of T. Sharp, and Susanna, wife of Joseph Shirey. The parents of this family were con- sistent members of the Presbyterian church, and followed its teachings with unvarying steadfastness. In politics the father was a democrat.

Noah Bowers was reared on the old home- stead in Virginia, where he passed his early days in attending the "old field" schools in winter and in assisting his father on the farm in summer. At the age of twenty-four he be- gan the race of life for himself, engaging in Delaware county, Ind., to which he came with his parents in 1835, in the vocation to which he was reared-that of farming-in which he met with phenomenal success. Janu- ary 24, 1850, he married Miss Mary Sharp,

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a sister of Thompson Sharp, of Washington township, and present county commissioner, and of William Sharp, of Salem township, in whose sketches will be found full details re- lating to the family of her parents. She bore Mr. Bowers six children, who were born in the following order: Elnora J., Sanford H., Charlie B. and Oliver P., all deceased; and John G., a liveryman of Muncie, and Joseph F., a successful physician of the same city.

September 13, 1870, Noah Bowers was called from earth. He had long enjoyed the esteem of the entire community, who turned out en masse to attend his funeral, which was perhaps the largest that ever took place in the township. His remains was interred in the Sharp cemetery, and a magnificent monument marks the location of his final resting place, At the time of his death Mr. Bowers was the owner of 600 acres of land, beside much other valuable property-his administrator selling, that year, hogs alone to the value of $4,000. And let it be remembered that this great wealth was all accumulated through his own unaided industry and economy. His course through life was upright and prudent, and his example is one worthy the emulation of every poor boy in the county, who should strive to so live that he may leave an equally clear record behind him.

In 1875, Mrs. Mary S. Bowers was united in matrimony with Richard A. Andes, whose sketch may be found elsewhere, and whose home and life she is causing to be made as happy as she had made those of Mr. Bowers.

Bowers.

USSELL BOWERS, a prominent young farmer of Salem township, is a native of Delaware county, Ind., and son of Jacob and Rebecca (Sharp) He was born in the township of Sa-

lem June 7, 1867, and grew to manhood on the farm, attending in the meantime the public schools, in which he acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches. Subsequently, he took a full business course in a commercial col- lege at Dayton, Ohio, from which he gradua- ted, and shortly thereafter spent two years in the west, in the states of Missouri and Nebras- ka. Returning to Delaware county, he re- sumed farming, and has ever since carried on the pursuit of agriculture with success and financial profit. Mr. Bowers is yet a young man and his life just in its prime. From early boyhood it has been marked by industry and economy, and by honest toil he has accumula- ted a comfortable estate. He has a cozy home, consisting of forty-six acres of fertile and well tilled land, and among his fellow citizens he is recognized as an upright and honorable man, possessing the esteem and confidence of all who know him. Mr. Bowers was married January 31, 1889, to Lucinda J. Runyan, daughter of Noah and Lydia Runyan, and one child, Leonard Bowers, has come to brighten their home. The parents of Mrs. Bowers moved from Henry to Delaware county in 1881, and purchased a farm in Salem town- ship. Their children were three in number: Emma and Ida, twins, and Lucina.

S. BRANDON, M. D .- In no de- partment of biographical literature is there more abundant cause for inspiration and enthusiasm than in writing of the medical profession. The per- fect physician, whose smallest duty is the ad- ministration of physic, and whose very pres- ence heals, is a theme worthy the pen of a gifted writer. Among the noted physicians of Delaware county who are much regarded, and whose fame has penetrated beyond her borders,

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is Dr. W. S. Brandon. He is yet a young man, having been born in this county, in the town of Yorktown, January 26, 1852, a son of Joseph F. and Mary A. (Saxon) Brandon, the father a native of Bourbon county, Ky.

Dr. Brandon was reared in Fairmount, Grant county, Ind., where the most of his boyhood was spent in school, and at the age of eighteen he began the life of a teacher, continuing thus until he was twenty-six years of age. In 1876 he attended medical lectures in the city of Cincinnati, and began practice in Grant county, Ind., working faithfully among the sick and needy from 1880 until 1881, when he attended the medical depart- ment of the Butler university, from which he graduated in the winter of 1880-1. He then located at Andrews, Ind., remaining there until 1889, when he came to the pleasant vil- lage of Daleville, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profes- sion. He has taken advantage of every op- portunity for perfecting his knowledge, and during 1888 took a course in a hospital for practice, going to New York for this purpose.

Dr. Brandon is a very pleasant and genial companion, beside being a physician of rare skill, and is a close student. His success in his profession has been very gratifying, and has gained him name and fame in the com- munity. He is now pension examining sur- geon for Delaware county. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order and of the Red Men, while in politics he is an ardent democrat. In Van Buren, Grant county, Ind., the doctor was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Green, who was born in that county October 27, 1854, a daughter of Lott and Polly Green. Two children have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Brandon, Chloe and Della L., both bright and prepossessing chil- dren. Both the excellent doctor and his wife are members of the Christian church, in which

they are not only members but active and earnest workers.

RANK DANIELS, of Daleville, Dela- ware county, Ind., is a member of the firm of Daniels & Overman, owners of one of the most successful mills in this portion of the country. Mr. Daniels was born in Madison county, Ind., July 15, 1853, a son of F. W. and Lucinda (Heritage) Daniels, natives of Virginia and Indiana respectively. Mr. Daniels, Sr., had the advantages of a good education and for some years followed the occupation of teacher, and then went into the milling business in Alexandria, Ind., for a period of four years. In 1871 he disposed of his property, moved to Tennessee, and there went into the milling business again, but was so unfortunate as to be burned out and to lose all of his property. Coming back to Indiana, he located at Richmond, where he was again engaged in milling for two years, removing then to Middletown, Henry county, where he died February 27, 1882. His widow still re- sides in her comfortable home in Middletown. In his political views he affiliated with the re- publicans, and his wife is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. Two chil- dren were born of this union, J. C., a resident of Middletown, and Frank.

Frank Daniels was reared to the occupa- tion of miller. He received a good education and was thus prepared to conduct business successfully. In 1878 he, with his only brother, bought the flouring mill at Middle- town, and, after operating it until 1882 he came to Salem township and purchased the mill which he is now engaged in conducting. Since 1889 he has had a partner in J. W. Overman. They entirely refitted the mill and put in the full roller process, with all

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SALEM TOWNSHIP.

modern improvements, and it is now con- ducted as a first class mill and is doing a good business. Mr. Daniels was married February 17, 1880, to Miss Cora Moore, daughter of John K. and Elnora (Crim) Moore, of English extraction, and one child has been born of this union, namely, Edith. Politically, Mr. Daniels adheres to the republican party, and is one of the progressive and wide awake citizens of the town of Daleville.

RANVILLE ELLISON is a well-to- do and much esteemed citizen of Daleville, and was born in Monroe county, W. Va., February 17, 1825. He is the son of James and Susanna (Mitchell) Ellison. His parents were born in the same county, and reared their family there until 1838, when they moved to Madison county, Ind., and lived there until death-the father passing away in 1856 and the mother in 1865. The grandfather of Granville Ellison was a Frenchman, and came to America as a soldier during the Revolutionary war, remaining and becoming a worthy citizen. The parents of Mr. Ellison were of French and English de- scent, and reared the following family: Fan- nie, widow of James Pearson, of Madison county; Lucy, widow of William Fox, Madi- son county; Granville, Ellen, Riley, living at home; Elizabeth, James, deceased; Jesse, died in the army; John living in Missouri; Joseph, living in Kansas; William, David, living in this county; Buckels and Susanna. James Ellison was a whig of the Henry Clay school; was a successful man, having acquired several hundred acres of land. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Five of the sons above named entered the Union army and fought bravely.

Granville Ellison was brought up on a farm,

and received but a limited education. The chief schooling was received in the college of economy. He was married in Delaware county, in 1846, to Mary Hurley, born in the county, the daughter of John and Phebe (Coon) Hurley, of German and Irish descent respectively. By this marriage Mr. Ellison became the father of four children, two of whom attained maturity: John, a carpenter, of Leachville; and Emma F., wife of Alfred Hoppos, of Daleville. The mother of these children died January 5, 1878, and was buried in the Ellison cemetery. Mr. Ellison lived in Madison county until 1879, when he removed to Daleville, where he mar- ried his present wife August 5, 1879; she being the daughter of Abraham and Rosanna (Sum- mers) Dipboye. Arbena C. Dipboye was born at Newmarket, Va., September 17, 1823. Her father and mother were of French and German descent respectively. This wife was the widow of J. Hurley, by whom she had twelve chil- dren, namely: Phebe, John, Frank M., Sarah, Milton, Maryette, William, Arbena, Rohanna, Homer, Emeline and Harriet. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison are members of the New Light or Christian church. Mr. Ellison was engaged in manufacturing for a short time, but is now re- tired from all business, and living quietly at Daleville. Until the outbreak of the civil war he was a democrat, but since that time has voted the republican ticket until last year, when he supported the Weaver ticket, and he is now an alliance man.

a AREY FENWICK is a prominent builder and contractor of Salem town- ship, Delaware county, Ind., and was born in Highland county, Ohio, Jan- uary 4, 1833, a son of William and Mary (Gilbert) Fenwick, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Kentucky, of English

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and Welsh ancestry, respectively. The par- ents immigrated to Indiana in 1835, and Mrs. Fenwick died in that state in 1844, her hus- band living until 1882, when he passed away at the age of eighty years.

Carey Fenwick, at the age of eleven years, went to live in the family of Jonathan Shepp, one of the old pioneers of Delaware county. Mr. Shepp took young Fenwick to live with him until he was eighteen years of age, giving him his board and clothes, and for one year extra a horse, saddle and bridle. At the age of nineteen years Mr. Fenwick began to learn the carpenter trade, working under Mr. Shepp, and, spending two years more in the employ of Green Brandon, acquiring great proficiency in his chosen calling in the meantime.

In October 28, 1858, Mr. Fenwick was married to Miss Elizabeth Saunders, daughter of John and Levina (Sullivan) Saunders, who were natives of North Carolina, of Irish ori- gin. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders emigrated to the state of Tennessee, thence to Ohio, and from there to Delaware county, Ind. After his marriage Mr. Fenwick continued working at his trade, and during the period up to 1870 did a good business and became well known as a builder and contractor, but at that time he abandoned carpentry and engaged in farm- ing, which he has since followed with encour- aging success. To Mr. and Mrs. Fenwick have been born the following named children: Mary J., born May 4, 1860, wife of Samuel C. Rinker, and they now reside in Salem township; Lowell H., born February 8, 1862, married Mary Grow and resides in Daleville; Joseph N., born January 10, 1865, and is a teacher in Delaware county; John N., born July 22, 1867, resides in Colorado; Carey P., born Septemher 1, 1871; Jephtha V., born November 24, 1874: Viola J., born April 21, 1878, and Grover S., born April 10, 1884. Mr. Fenwick has never united with any church

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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 81

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