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 90

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 90
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 90

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).

800

DELAWARE COUNTY :

farm was located in section 18, and consisted of 165 acres. In the year named he sold this tract, and bought his present farm near Gas- ton, which consists of 164 acres. He also owns four lots in the town of Gaston, where he has built one of the finest residences in the town, in which he and his wife expect to spend the remainder of their days. Mr. Jones en- gaged in the mercantile business for a short time a few years ago, but was burned out and sustained a loss of $3,000.

Mr. Jones was married June 24, 1853, to Miss Mary Reasoner, born January 4, 1833; being a daughter of Peter and Rhoda (Fry Reasoner. See sketch of Dr. O. I. Reasoner, Union township. By his marriage Mr. Jones is the father of the following children: Frances A., wife of Allen Oxley; Julia Ann, wife of Henry Higdon; John and Jennie, twins, Jennie being the wife of B. A. Brown; Rhoda C., wife of John Watson; Mary E., wife of Milton Gwinup; Effie M., wife of Frank Woodring. Mr. Jones and his wife are members of the Methodist church, and are much esteemed in that body. He is a strong republican, and always votes for the candidates of that party.

J W. McKINLEY, of the mercantile firm of Rowlett & Mckinley, Gaston, was born in Delaware county, Ind., Sep- tember 22, 1864, the son of B. H. and Arah Mckinley. B. H. Mckinley was a na- tive of Ohio and married in Delaware county, Ind., in 1850, Arah Bryan a native of Virginia, who bore her husband nine children, as fol- lows: Nancy, deceased; William, a citizen of Delaware county; John W., whose name in- troduces this mention; James A., Samuel, Thomas, Mary A., George M., and Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Mckinley are both living at this time. They are members of the Methodist

church, and Mr. Kinley is a democrat in poli- tics; he belongs to the I. O. O. F., No. 425, and the Improved Order of Red Men.

J. W. Mckinley was reared on the home farm, received his early education in the com- mon schools, and prepared himself for the teacher's profession by taking a course in the Normal school at Danville, this state. He taught successfully for six years in the schools of Delaware county, and earned the reputation of a competent and painstaking instructor. He abandoned the profession in 1892, and in part- nership with E. M. Rowlett, under the firm name of Rowlett & Mckinley, engaged in the mercantile business at the town of Gaston, where he has a large and constantly increas- ing trade. Mr. McKinley was married Febru- ary 22, 1890, in Muncie, to Miss Ethel Trow- bridge, who was born in Delaware county, January 28, 1866, the daughter of Dr. D. L. Trowbridge of Muncie. One child has glad- dened the home of Mr. and Mrs. McKinley, namely, Fred W. Mr. Mckinley wields an influence for the democratic party, and is a member I. O. O. F., belonging to lodge No. 425. He is still a a young man, but is recog- nized by his fellow citizens as one of the wide awake and enterprising residents of the town where he lives. He possesses good business qualifications and has before him a future of much usefulness.

ASHINGTON MAYNARD is a na- tive of the Buckeye state, and a well known citizen of Washington township, this county. He was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 21, 1837, being the son of Benjamin and Letha (Tracy) Maynard, both natives of Virginia. The father removed to Tuscarawas county when a young man, farming there, and re-

801

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

mained there until 1841, when, with his fam- ily, he came to Washington township and bought eighty acres of land in section 27. Later he purchased eighty acres, where he re- mained until his death, which occurred in Au- gust, 1883. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church. Benjamin Maynard was a republican, and gave his hearty support to that party.

Washington Maynard came here with his parents, and remained with them until the age of twenty-four; receiving a good common school education as he grew up. At the age named he owned forty acres of land in Harri- son township, which he sold, and bought the same amount in section 29, in Washington township. Here he lived until 1868, and then moved to New Corner, and engaged in mer- cantile business for fourteen months, at the expiration of which time he sold out and moved back to the farm. Here he remained until 1891, and then again moved to New Corner, where he now lives, and is a notary; having been a justice of the peace for twelve years, he is very familiar with all kinds of legal forms.

Mr. Maynard was married September 24, 1860, to Martha J. Thompson, daughter of David and Melinda (Davis) Thompson. She was born January 10, 1842, in Delaware county. Her father was born October 27, 1817, and her mother May 13, 1820, in Butler county, Ohio, and came to this county in 1840, where Mr. Thompson engaged in farming up to 1872. In this year he removed his family to Muncie, where he now lives a quiet retired life. He and his wife are members of the Church of God. In politics he is a prohibi- tionist, and is very earnest in his support of that party. Mr. Maynard is the father of the following children: Mary Alice, George Thomas, and Munroe, deceased; John and Sherman. He and wife are members of the

Methodist church, both identifying themselves with the church in early life. Mr. Maynard is a trustee in the church, and superintendent of the Sunday-school. In politics he is a prohi- bitionist, and firmly believes that party is necessary to the salvation of the country.

DAM H. MILLER, a prominent farmer of Washington township, of which he is a native, was born March 9, 1839. He lived with his parents until he was of age, spending his boyhood on the farm, and received but little education, the district schools of those times being anything but what they now are. Added to this, the farmers could ill afford to spare their boys from the hard work that was necessary in the clear- ing of the land and putting it in shape for cul- tivation, accordingly the schools were slimly attended. When Mr. Miller arrived at his majority, he farmed rented land until he was married, and then built upon forty acres of his present farm. His marriage took place Jan- uary 20, 1861, his bride being Sarah Jane Hayden, born July 12, 1841, in Sparta, Morrow county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Zachariah and Martha Ann (Bathal) Hayden. Jane Hayden was left motherless when six years of age, after which she made her home . with her grandmother until thirteen years old, from which time she lived among neighbors until her marriage. After the death of her mother her father went to San Diego, Cal., where he slill lives and where he has accumu- lated quite a comfortable fortune. Mrs. Miller died at New Corner, Ind., October 19, 1892, a faithful member of the Methodist church. She had been reared a member of the Chris- tian church, but after her marriage united with the Methodist body. During her illness, which was protracted, she bore her affliction with remarkable resignation and with christian

802

DELAWARE COUNTY :

fortitude, attesting by word and action her supreme faith in a higher sustaining power than earth affords. No complaint ever came from her lips, and during her illness she con- tinued to testify to the sustaining grace of the gospel of the Son of God. This good woman left seven children, with her husband, to mourn her irreparable loss. All the relations of life were sustained by her with a grace that challenged the admiration of all, being the best of wives and mothers and the kindest of neighbors. To know her was to be benefited by the good words that constantly fell from her lips and by the brightness of her example. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs Miller: Levi Franklin; Rhuanna C., wife of Oscar Needler; Martha Ann, wife of Charley Hyer; Isaac Newton; Effiie Estella, wife of Walter Morris; Pearl Permelia and Harry Irwin.

Mr. Miller is the son of Levi and Rhuhanna (Summers) Miller, the father born in Ohio, in 1801, of Irish descent, and the mother in Vir- ginia. The latter went from Ohio to Henry county, Ind., with her husband, in 1836, where they remained for a short time and then came to Delaware county, Ind., where Levi Miller entered a tract of eighty acres in Wash- ington township, the first home in the new country having been a log dwelling of the most primitive pattern. At the time of his decease Levi Miller owned 420 acres of land, 150 of which were cleared. He died in 1871 and his wife in 1878. Both were members of the Methodist church, and in politics Mr. Miller was a democrat. Adam H. Miller has one of the finest farms in the county, consist- ing of 159 acres; the residence, barn and out- houses all being in keeping with a first class rural home, and showing the thrift and good management of the owner. In religion he is a member of the Methodist church, and in politics he is a prohibitionist.

a ALVIN F. MOOMAW, farmer of Washington township, this county. Calvin F. Moomaw stands prominent as a careful and hard working man. He was born October 13, 1841, in Botetourt county, Va., being the son of Joseph and Mary (Stover) Moomaw, his parents, natives of the same county and state. Joseph Moomaw is yet living there, and is a very successful farmer.

Calvin F. Moomaw lived with his parents until he was of age, going to school during the winter, and working on the farm in the summer time as he grew to manhood, and in this way acquired a fair knowledge of books, and be- came a very good farmer. For a short time after reaching his majority he worked for his father, and then, about 1865, went to Ross county, Ohio, worked on a farm for a while, after which he spent a couple of months at South Bend, Ind., returned to Ross county, and then went back to Virginia. In the follow- ing year, 1866, he went back to Ross county and remained one season upon a rented farm, then came to Delaware county, Ind., and rented a farm in Washinton township, remain- ing on the same for two years. Then he bought 100 acres in Harrison township, farm- ed this place for eight years, at the end of which time he bought the farm upon which he now lives in Washington township, consisting of ninety acres of well improved land. This property came to Mr. Moomaw through his own industry.

Mr. Moomaw was married in February, 1866, to Miss Sarah Moomaw, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, February 5, 1848, be- ing the daughter of Peter and Celia (Adams) Moomaw, natives of Botetourt county, Va. Peter Moomaw was born May 24, 1806, and his wife in the month of June, 1810. He was a farmer, and followed that occupation all · his life.

Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Moomaw are the

803

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

parents of the following children: Lewis, mar- ried to Jennie Keppler; Alice, at home; Lena Belle, at home; Ella Jane, deceased; and David O., deceased; Jessie, Howard, Ray, and Lily Myrtle, the last four also at home. Mr. Moomaw and wife are worthy members of the German Baptist church. In politics Mr. Moomaw is a democrat, and always supports the candidates of that party.

0 AVID O. MUNSEY, M. D., a popu- lar physician and surgeon of Gaston, is a native of Russell county, Va., and dates his birth from the 7th day of July, 1845. His parents, Skidmore and Rebecca (Ewing) Munsey, were both born in Virginia, in which state they were married in the year 1842. Dr. Munsey was nine years of age when his parents came to Delaware county, Ind., and he fiest lived about three miles from Muncie, in Hamilton township. where his father purchased a farm. He received his ed- ucation in the common schools and the schools of Muncie, and, in early manhood, began teaching, which profession he followed for two years. In the meantime he decided to enter the medical profession and to prepare for the same began reading in the office of Dr. Kem- per, under whose able instruction he continued for two years, and then attended a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical college, Cincin- nati, from whice he graduated in 1878. Forti- fied with a knowledge of the healing art, he began the practice of the same in the town of Parker, Randolph county; thence, one year later, he moved to Power's Station, Jay coun- ty, where he remained until 1870, at which time he moved to New Corner, Delaware county, now the village of Gaston, where he has since carried on a lucrative professional business. In his chosen profession Dr. Mun-

sey has in a great measure solved the problem of success, and he occupies a prominent place among the professional brethren of Delaware county. He is an enterprising citizen, alive to all the better and higher interests of the community and he endorses and patronizes all movements having for their object the promo- tion of the general welfare.

Dr. Munsey was married September 3, 1873, to Sarah Trout, daughter of Washing- ton and Carmilla (Christe) Trout. Two chil- dren were born to this union, namely: Ger- trude, a student at Terre Haute, and Bessie. Mrs. Munsey died September 4, 1883, and on the 15th of December, 1885, the doctor mar- ried Mrs. Kate McMahan of Madison county, Ind., and daughter of William and Catharine Knipe. Dr. Munsey served six months in the late war as member of company B, One Hun- dred and Thirty-fourth Indiana volunteer in- fantry, and during that time did duty princi- pally as a guard of railroads. He was dis- charged in September, 1864. He is a mem- ber of the G. A. R., and votes the democratic ticket. He owns a farm in Washington town- ship and several lots in the village where he resides.

A BRAHAM W. PENCE .- Those who visit Abraham W. Pence will be ready to join with his neighbors in pro- nouncing him a genial, pleasant, and kind hearted man of decided intelligence, who takes a deep interest in matters pertaining to his community. Mr. Pence was born in Henry county, Ind., February 8, 1831, and lived under his father's roof until he was twenty-four years old, working upon the farm, and making himself generally useful. He married, March 23, 1854, Miss Elizabeth Moffett, who was born August 5, 1827, in Wayne county, Ind. She was the daughter

804

DELAWARE COUNTY:

of Lambert Moffett, a native of Ireland, who came to this country when a young man. In 1827 Mr. Moffett purchased land in Mount Pleasant township, this county, where he lived until his death.

Mr. Pence is the son of Christian and Frances (Fisher) Pence, the father born in 1805, and the mother in 1810, both natives of Virginia. These parents moved to Henry county, Ind., in 1829, and the father entered 160 acres of land, which he worked, and at the same time followed his trade as a cooper. At one time, Christian Pence owned 600 acres of land, and he lived upon his original tract until his death, which occurred in 1875. He gave his son, Abraham W., a 160-acre tract, upon which the latter now lives in Washing- ton township. The wife of Christian Pence survived her husband a few years. Abraham W. Pence removed to this township after his marriage, and located upon the farm which his father gave him. It was at that time a wil- derness, but with energy and hard work he converted it into a very good farm. He had the misfortune to lose his wife March 16, 1869, and since that time has remained unmarried. Mr. Pence is of German parentage, and his wife was of Irish descent. She, like her hus- band, was a member of the Christian church, and her remains lie buried in the Perry Grove cemetery. Mr. Pence has always voted the republican ticket, and is an active worker in that party. By his marriage he is the father of seven children, as follows: Christian, Samuel P., Frances Maria, Amanda Jane, Susan, Alfred James, and an infant unnamed.

J AMES RIGDON is a worthy citizen of this county whom it is a pleasure to know, because of his many sterling qualities. He was born Angust 12, 1834, in Guernsey county, Ohio, being the son

of Eli and Harriet (Slater) Rigdon. The father was born in Harford county, Md., Oc- tober 4, 1792, and the mother was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1812. Eli Rigdon left home when a boy and went to Baltimore, where he worked in a store mornings, evenings and Saturdays, and attended school. This youth was resolved to have an education at any cost of honest work, and his father was just as determined he should grow up in ignor- ance. This is why he left home, and his father disinherited him. Eli taught school for a few years during the winter months and then went to Ohio, teaching school in that state. In Ohio, Eli bought eighty acres of land, but finally lost this by going security for a friend. He came to Indiana in 1834, located in Grant county and entered 160 acres of land, after- ward trading that for a saw and grist mill in Blackford county. This property, too, he lost by going security for a friend, and then he bought forty acres of land, upon which he lived until 1855, when he came to Wheeling and bought a small farm, which he afterwards sold. At this time he embarked in the mer- cantile business at Wheeling, and continued in it until his death, which occurred January 24, 1864. He was one of the first county commis- sioners of Blackford county. Brought up an old line whig, he continued in that party until the republican party was formed, when he joined that and and voted with it until he died. In religion he was a Baptist and held firmly to the teachings of that church.

James Rigdon lived at home until he was twenty-two, then engaged in farming for one year, at the end of which he bought an inter- est in a blacksmith shop at Wheeling, at which he worked until 1859. Selling out, he went to the mines of Colorado, proceeding by rail to Jefferson City, and thence to Denver with an ox team. He remained there until the fall, engaged in mining, but proved un-

805

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

profitable; so he returned to Wheeling and went into a blacksmith shop of his own, re- maining at that trade until 1869, then, in 1869, having saved enough for the purpose, he bought 160 acres of land near the town, the same costing $3,000. Since that time he has followed farming and has been very successful, now owning 400 acres around Wheeling. He was married January 25, 1861, to Jane, daughter of John and Susan (Ginn) Sanders, who settled in this county, in 1838, and owned a great deal of real estate. Mrs. Rigdon died August 11, 1866. Mr. Rigdon then married, February 14, 1867, Rebecca, the sister of his deceased wife. Rebecca was born November 28, 1848. By the first marriage there were no children, but by the second there were three-Minnie, deceased; Eli S., at home; and Frank, deceased. Mr. Rigdon voted for Peter Cooper, and is a strong peo- ple's party man.

......

0 AVID E. ROWLETT, a prominent business man and ex-soldier, now located in the pleasant village of Gaston, Delaware county, Ind , was born in Wayne county, Ind .. June 28, 1849. son of Edwin and Mary E. (Wright) Rowlett, natives ot Indiana and Pennsylvania respectively. Mr. Rowlett's father first located in Wayne county, where he lived for some time, when he moved to Jay county, Ind., and then to Madison county, Neb., where he is now en- gaged in farming and stock raising. He has been thrice married, and is the father of twenty- one children, thirteen of whom are yet living. He is a member of the Methodist church, and is a temperance man, voting the prohibition ticket.

David E. Rowlett was reared in Jay county, Ind., where he was given a limited amount of

schooling, but when little over fourteen years of age, he enlisted in company B, Eleventh Indiana cavalry, November 4, 1863, for a term of three years, and received his honorable dis- charge at Indianapolis, September 19, 1865. He participated in the battle of Nashville, but the greater part of his service was spent as a scout. He now is the recipient of a pension of $10 per month.

When the war closed Mr. Rowlett was still a boy, and immediately after leaving the army he began working in a saw and grist mill, which occupation he followed until 1872. In the latter year he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, which business he has pur- sued since locating in the village of Gaston, in 1881. He now deals in boots, shoes and har- ness, and does a very prosperous and satisfac- tory business. Mr Rowlett married May 17, 1868, Miss Esther A. Heaton, born in Dela- ware county, December 28, 1851, daughter of Madison Heaton, a pioneer of the county and state. By this marriage, five children have been born, as follows: Mary J., Edwin M., George W., Ida B., and John deceased. Mrs. Rowlett died January 5, 1879, and on May 9, 1880, Mr. Rowlett was united in marriage to Miss Samantha A. Brock, born in this county, December 16, 1852, daughter of Jackson and Elizabeth (Barrett) Brock, and three children have been born of this union, as follows: Orpha B., Arthur Jackson, deceased, and Mettie E. Mr. and Mrs. Rowlett are mem- bers of the Methodist and United Brethren churches, respectively, and are highly esteemed in the community where they reside. Mr. Rowlett belongs to the G. A. R. and also to the order of I. O. O. F. He owns eleven acres of fine land in the village of Gaston, which promises to be very valuable. Politi- cally, he is a republican and upholds the prin- ciples of his party with spirit, intelligence and energy.

806

DELAWARE COUNTY :

HOMPSON SHARP, a prominent fariner of Washington township, and one of the leading citizens of Dela- ware county, is a native of Indiana, born on the 12th day November, 1827, in the county of Henry. His father, Edward Sharp, was born June 4, 1801, in Tennessee, and the mother, whose maiden name was Anna Thompson, was a native of Virginia, where her birth occurred on the 18th day of January, 1808. Edward Sharp, in an early day, accom- panied his father to Ohio, were he remained for a few years, and then came further west, locating, in 1820, in Henry county, Ind. Subsequently he purchased a farm in Salem township, Delaware county, where, in time, he became the possessor of a large tract of real estate, owning, at the time of his death, in 1855, 640 acres, the result of his own energy and thrift. In addition to the pursuit of agriculture, he dealt, quite extensively, for a number of years, in live stock, purchasing in various parts of Indiana and driving to Cincin- nati, making of this a very profitable business. He was recognized as one of the leading citi- zens of the community in which he resided; was a prominent member of the Christian church, and exerted a wholesome moral influ- ence upon all with whom he had business or other relations. His wife, a most estimable christian lady, and a member of the Protestant Methodist church, departed this life in 1862, and was laid to rest by the side of her husband in the Sharp cemetery, in the township of Salem.

Thompson Sharp remained under the pa- rental roof until his majority, working on the farm during the summer attending school about three months of each year until reaching the age of thirteen, consequently he is not an educated man in his knowledge of books, but in the practical affairs of life possesses a knowledge such as institutions of learning fail

to impart. Immediately after his marriage, which occurred in his twenty-first year, he re- moved to his present farm in Washington township, where he has since resided, actively engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. At that date the farm consisted of 120 acres, but he has since enlarged its area until, at this time, it contains 340 acres, the entire place being under cultivation, the improvements upon the same ranking among the best in the township and county. Mr. Sharp has surrounded him- self with all the modern improvements and conveniences of agriculture, and devotes to his calling the energies of a strong practical mind, believing in the true dignity of the farm- er's vocation. He is recognized as one of the intelligent and substantial citizens of the com- munity, manifests a lively interest in every- thing that pertains to the material and moral well being of the township of which he has so long been a resident, and as an active worker in the republican party is widely and favorably known throughout the county. As a reward of his party service, he has been twice elected to the responsible position of county commis- sioner; in 1888 first, and second in 1892, of which office he is a present incumbent, and the duties of which he has discharged with ability and most commendable fidelity. His mar- riage, as already noted, was solemnized on the 15th of November, 1849, with Miss Christena Bowers, who was born March 20, 1828, the daughter of Jacob and Susanah (Andes) Bow- ers These parents were natives of the state of Virginia, born in the counties of Shenan- doah and Rockingham, respectively, and be- came residents of Salem township in 1841, purchasing a farm of 160 acres of land, upon which the remaining years of their lives were spent. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson Sharp: Jemima A., Florence O., Otto, mar- ried Kate Stradling; Oral L., wife of John

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 90

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