USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware county, 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 79
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Mr. and Mrs. Hindman have reared a fam- ily of eight children, as follows: Samuel; Cyn- thia, the wife of Samuel Hackman; Fremont, and Florence, the wife of David Brooks; all the rest are deceased. The family are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Hindman has contributed liberally of his means and to which he lends his influence. Politically, he is a stanch republican, and gave his first presidential vote for John Quincy Adams. He is one of the oldest and most respected of the good citizens of the township, and a representative farmer of Delaware county.
Robert Hindman and his wife have de- servedly won the esteem which they enjoy, and the children are also highly esteemed.
J AMES H. JACKSON .- The following biography is written of one who has passed from the scenes of his earthly labors, but who has left behind him a record of an honest and industrious life, filled with kind deeds to those around him. James Jackson was born in Shelby county, Ohio, February 6, 1823, a son of Jesse and Mary Jackson, both natives of Virginia, and both of English birth. He emigrated from Ohio to Delaware county, Ind., in the year 1873, and located in Perry township, where he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. He married De- cember 1, 1845, Miss Elizabeth West, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Mary (Benbow) West, both of whom were natives of South Carolina, of English descent. Mrs. Jackson was one of six children, and she became the mother of four, as follows: John B., born September 3, 1846; Edward D., born March 28, 1849; Elizabeth J., born February 11, 1853; the wife of Jacob H. Kilmore, of Henry county, and Emma C., born March 22, 1859; the wife of Mark Swear- engen.
After his marriage, Mr. Jackson located on his farm, and faithfully followed agricultural pursuits until he was called away by death, October 28, 1889. He was a man of excellent traits of character, kind, but just, and was a capable manager of his business. The fine farm of 184 acres of good land was earned by his own efforts, and he took great comfort in thinking how well he had provided for those dependent upon him. His remains lie in the peaceful cemetery at Mount Pleasant. Both he and his excellent wife, who still survives, were members of the United Brethren church, and were faithful in their attendance and support. Mr. Jackson always manifested the interest of a good citizen in the affairs of the nation, and voted with the republican party. He was in all respects a representative citizen, and his death was felt as a personal loss, not only by
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his immediate relatives, but by the people of his township, who had learned to respect him for his sterling worth and manly character.
J OHN B. JACKSON .- Delaware county, Ind., is noted not only for its fine farms, but also for its wide awake and progressive citizens, and many of these reside in Perry township. Among the latter may be named John B. Jackson, who was born in Delaware county, September 3, 1846; a son of James H. and Elizabeth (West) Jack- son, whose sketch precedes this.
John B. Jackson was the eldest of the family of four children, and lived with his parents until he was twenty-one, having at- tended the common schools during the winters, as was the custom of the boys of the time and neighborhood. When he was twenty-two he entered upon the life of school teacher, and successfully continued it for some time. Mr. Jackson was married July 2, 1870, to Miss Elizebeth J. Marshall, daughter of Miles and Elizabeth (Bell) Marshall, and by this union became the father of five children, as follows: Miles H., born December 12, 1871; Clyde E., born April 27, 1873, but was taken away Sep- tember 12, of the same year; Fatima L., born December 20, 1875, who now is one of the efficient teachers of Delaware county; Gola M., born April 9, 1877, and Eva E., born Novem- ber 16, 1881. After his marriage, Mr. Jack- son bought 100 acres of land and began the cultivation of it, giving up the teacher's pro- fession entirely. He is now the owner of 140 acres, which are under a high state of cultiva- tion, and he is considered one of the prosper- ous farmers of the community in which he resides. Socially, Mr. Jackson is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Whitney lodge, No. 229, at New Burlington. In his
political opinions, he is a republican, and has efficiently filled the office of assessor of Perry township for five years, and is at present serving as trustee of the same. He possesses in a marked degree the respect of the com- munity and is justly entitled to a prominent place among the representative citizens of Perry township and Delaware county.
ILLIAM A. JORDAN .- Among the prosperous farmers of Perry town- ship stands William A. Jordan, who was born in Wayne county, Ind., November 9, 1826, and is the son of William and Mary (McClellen) Jordan. His ancestors came from Scotland in an early day and settled in Pennsylvania in 1800. William Jordan, father of William A., came from Penn- sylvania to Wayne county, Ind., and entered a tract of land and made a comfortable home there in 1810. He was also a soldier in the war of 1812. He then went back to Pennsyl- vania, and married Miss McClellen; and soon after returned with his bride to Indiana, to his farm. Here, through his industry, Mr. Jordan succeeded in accumulating considerable means, owning at one time a fine farm con- sisting of 400 acres, and a tract .of 560 acres of valuable land in Wabash county. Mr. and and Mrs. Jordan reared a family of eleven chil- dren, as follows: George, John, Rachel, Rus- sell, deceased; Jane, deceased; Margaret, de- ceased; William A., James R., Smith, Eliza- beth A., deceased, and Nancy. The father of these chlidren died, at the age of eighty-six years, in 1878, and the mother in 1883. They were laid to rest in the Jordan cemetery, and were much mourned by their relatives and a large circle of friends.
William A. Jordan was reared on the farm and received a good education for those days,
W. A. JORDAN.
MRS. M. JORDAN.
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as he had the advantage of eighteen months of training in a graded school. He married, in 1847, Miss America Davidson, daughter of William and Mary (McSherley) Davidson, who were natives of Kentucky, of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan became the parents of twelve children: Viretta, wife of Dr. A. L. Murray, of Eaton, Francis M., a farmer; Mary C., wife of C. R. Howell; Harriet J., wife of J. L. Thornburg; Olive A., deceased; Webster, a farmer; John S .; Florence N., deceased; Clay, deceased; Carrie, wife of Fremont Gates; William, a farmer, and Volney M. After his marriage Mr. Jordan settled in Delaware county, and in 1847 purchased 140 acres of land, nearly all of which was covered with undergrowth, but by hard work and close economy he kept adding to his farm, and at the present time owns 640 acres of well improved land. In 1872 Mrs. Jordan was called to the land of departed spir- its, and now lies buried in the Blountsville cemetery. In 1873, Mr. Jordan was married to Miss Minerva Finch, daughter of John and Mary (Blount) Finch. Mrs. Minerva (Blount) Jordan was born in Randolph county, Ind , May 6, 1836, and daughter of John and Mary (Blount) Finch, who were of Scotch and Irish extraction and who were pioneers of this coun- ty, and the family located in or near Blounts- ville about 1810. His grandfather was in the war of 1812. Mr. Jordan and his wife are de- voted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his politics he is a republican and socially he is a member of the Good Templar lodge. He has served as justice of the peace for one term, and was alsotrustee for one term during the time the first school houses were being built in Perry township. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan are very highly respected and loved by all who know them, their walk through life having been such as to command the affection and esteem of their neighbors, as well as that of many outside the township.
EORGE W. KEESLING grew up in Delaware county, Ind., amid scenes of forest clearing, and at a time when the country was settling but slowly. He was born October 15, 1842, being the son of Martin and Corassa (Rees) Keesling, the father a native of West Virginia, and the mother of Ohio, and both of German descent. They were the parents of ten children, name- ly: Morris, deceased; Lewis; Sophia; an in- fant, deceased; Mary; Mahala; George; Lee, deceased; Henry C. and Stephen C., an in- fant, deceased. Martin Keesling came to Delaware county with a brother and sister, being comparatively poor, but he was a shrewd, hard working man, and owned at the time of his death 756 acres of land. He died in 1868, and his wife in 1880, both being buried in the Rees cemetery. George W. Keesling lived at home until he was eighteen years old, receiving the advantages of the dis- trict school, and at the age of nineteen enlist- ed in company G, Ninth Indiana cavalry, under Capt. J. R. Nasher, and went into camp at Nashville, Tenn. The first engage- ment he was in was at Lawrenceburg, Septem- ber 16, 1864; then at Florence, September 18, 1864; Pulaski, September 28, 1864; Franklin, December 17, 1864, and Little Harpeth, De- cember 17, 1864. He escaped injury, and was discharged at Vicksburg, August 18, 1865. He returned home and lived there until his marriage, which occurred February 28, 1867. His wife was Cora Cunningham, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Farmer) Cunningham, her father being a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of Maryland. Cora was one of three children, two girls and a boy. Her father came from Virginia to Delaware county, Ind., in the year 1865. He now lives at Converse, where he is a general merchant.
By his marriage to Miss Cunningham, Mr. Keesling is the father of seven children,
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namely: Ella M., born June 16, 1868, de- ceased; Ida, born August 19, 1869, wife of Cormelias Swingly; Laura, born March 14, 1872, wife of William Jordan; George B., born July 4. 1874; Homer, born February 16, 1877, deceased; Clara, born November 7, 1881; and Hildrey, born December 7, 1889. After his marriage Mr. Keesling lived at the old place one year, and then bought 140 acres of land, to which he has added until he now owns 449 acres in Delaware county, beside 270 acres in York county, Pa. Mr. Keesling is a self made man, and well liked, being much respected by all who know him, and is a man of superior management, In politics he is a republican, and his influence, which is always exerted for that party, is considerable.
J OHN LINDSEY is a well-to-do and popular farmer of Delaware county, who was born in Wayne county, Ind., July 9, 1834, being the son of Thomas and Sarah (Finch) Lindsey. His parents are of Scotch-Irish descent, and in 1828 immi- grated to Delaware county, Ind. They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Mel- muth E., John, Sarah, William, Robert, Thomas, Clarence, Monroe and Matthew, the last four deceased; the remaining two died in infancy. The father of these children died in 1881, and five years later the mother also died, the two now resting in Blountsville cemetery. John Lindsey lived at home until he married, in 1853, Emma, daughter of Samuel B. and Mary (Truitt) Clevenger. By this marriage eight children were born, namely: Francis M., Thomas C., James M., Laura, wife of Charles Hegwood; Clara, wife of J. C. Thornburg; Ora, wife of Jonathan Jefferson; Martha, wife of C. Clevenger, and Allie, wife of Walter Thornburg. After Mr. Lindsey
married he bought forty acres of land, lived on it for seven years; then sold it and bought eighty acres in Delaware county. In 1864 he sold the property and went to Parker, where he engaged in general merchandise for two years; then went to Blountsville and followed the same business for one year. Then he re- turned to farming, buying 120 acres, and later, eighty more. In the meantime he had gone security for Henry Jacobs and Ben Evans, and had to pay the whole amount, being com- pelled to sell his land, and it took all his money. Mr. Lindsey would not be cast down, but borrowed the money to buy 175 acres of land, paying ten per cent interest four years; later, he bought eighty acres more, and now owns 389 acres in all. He has bought and shipped stock, together with farming, for the past thirty-five years. In the year 1880 his wife died, and in 1882 he again married, his second wife being Sarah, daughter of John and Mary (Burnside) Sivvee. By this mar- riage are two living children-Corwin and Ethel. In politics Mr. Lindsey is a republi- can and very strong in that faith.
ARY H. McCORMICK .- Among the large and well cultivated farms of Delaware county, Ind., here and there may be found smaller ones, just as carefully managed and just as product- ive, according to size, and upon one of these pleasant tracts, of fifty-two acres, in Perry township, resides the lady for whom the fol- lowing sketch is prepared.
The birth of Miss McCormick took place in a state which has, in times past, produced many brave and self reliant women. She en- tered the world, April 15, 1836, in Bedford county, Pa., a daughter of James and Eliza- beth (Langham) McCormick, both of whom
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were natives of the Keystone state, the former of Irish and the latter of German extraction. In 1839, Mr. and Mrs. McCormick immigrated to Fayette county, Ind., where Mrs. McCor- mick died, after which the father brought his children to Delaware county. In 1841, Mr. McCormick was also removed by death, leav- ing three orphan children, Mary H. being the eldest, and at that time but five years of age. She was taken by her grandmother, and lived with the latter until, at the age of ten, she was bereft of this natural guardian. The next five years were spent in the family of a Mr. Hoover, but at that time she undertook the care of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Halstead, and faithfully per- formed a daughter's part to them until their respective deaths. Miss McCormick, in her life, has displayed those qualities which make successful the lives of the hospital nurses, those noble women who smooth so many dying beds and show tenderness and care to those who have none other to care for them. Pa- tience, tenderness, piety, industry and econ- omy are necessary qualities to one who can take up such a burden. That the ministra- tions of Miss McCormick were appreciated, was shown by a bequest of $1,800, at the time of the death of her employers. With this money she wisely invested in land adjoin- ing the Halstead estate, and has lived here, her own mistress, ever since. The biographer is not informed concerning Miss McCormick's attitude on the question of woman's rights, but she has shown by her life that she has not preferred marriage, and has sufficiently proved by her efficient management of her affairs that she has needed no male directing hand. She has one sister, the widow of Joseph Runkle. For thirty-six years she has been an active and valued member of the Christian church. Few ladies, indeed, have exhibited as much self reliance as Miss McCormick, and none, certainly, deserve higher commendation.
ILES MARSHALL .- In considering the progress made by any section of country, the thoughtful person will ask concerning those who have passed away, as well as of those who still car- ry on the affairs of life and enjoy its honors. The past has made the present what it is. One of those who for many years lived among the residents of Perry township, Delaware county, Ind., and whose life commanded the highest regard and confidence, is represented by the name with which this sketch is opened. Miles Marshall was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1811, and in 1836 immigrated to Delaware county, Ind., bringing with him his wife and infant. He had been married in 1834 to Miss Elizabeth Bell, daughter of James and Margaret (Blare) Bell, and ten children were born of this union, eight of whom yet live. The record is as follows: Thomas B., born August 27, 1835: Margaret A., born November 15, 1837; Reuben, born April 9, 1840; Hannah, born April 11, 1842, the wife of Henry Temple; Jacob W., born August zo, 1847, deceased; William H .; Eliz- abeth J., born March 9, 1850, the wife of John B. Jackson; Rebecca E., born May 3, 1853, the wife of Albert Offterdinger; Miles H., born February 15, 1856, and John B., born March 18, 1860.
Mr. Marshall spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and attended the neighbor- hood schools at intervals during his minority. His early life was attended with obscurity, but he lived to become one of the most prominent and successful men of Perry township, and at one time was the owner of 320 acres of land. At present his widow owns eighty acres and resides with a daughter. Mr. Marshall pos- sessed a mind of a judicial cast, and the con- fidence of the whole neighborhood was reposed in him. He was called upon continually to assist in the settlement of estates, and as a
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man of excellent judgment he could not be ex- celled. Politically, he was a republican for many years, but at the time of the second term of President Grant he became a demo- crat, and so continued all his life. He was a man of many good qualities of mind and heart and was much lamented by the people of the community, who had learned to esteem him for his many sterling qualities of manhood.
UGUST OFFTERDINGER, deceased. As the name of the subject of this mention indicates, he was born in Germany and inherited, in a great measure, those qualities which have made his race respected and independent in whatever part of the world their fortunes may have placed them. His birth occurred January 7, 1811, a son of Gottleib and Frederica (Helfrie) Offterdinger, both natives of Germany, who spent their whole lives in the Fatherland. Mr. Offterdinger grew to manhood in his native country, and at the age of twenty years crossed the Atlantic and located in the state of Penn- sylvania, remaining there one year, and then coming to the state of Indiana and settling in Wayne county in 1832. He had learned the trade of tanner in his native country with his father, and after coming to Wayne county en- gaged in his chosen calling for Jacob Sinks until 1836. At that date he married Hannah Mendenhall, daughter of Isaiah and Christiana (Clark) Mendenhall, both natives of North Carolina, of English descent. Mrs. Offter- dinger was one of a family of ten children, and her birth took place January 16, 1818. She has but one sister living, Margaret, born in 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Offterdinger reared a family of twelve children, as follows: Gottleib, born July 12, 1837, deceased; Theresa B., born November 26, 1838, deceased; Christina
M., born April 4, 1841, the wife of Samuel Parks; Sarah A., born February 5, 1843, de- ceased; Caroline, born August 1, 1844, the wife of David Doubty; Amanda, born Septem- ber 23, 1846, wife of David Waller; Mary J., born December 6, 1848, deceased; Franklin B., born January 12, 1851, deceased; Albert M., born August 17, 1853; Luther J., born August 5, 1855; John, born December 7, 1857, and Julia E., born March 9, 1860, the wife of Horace Marshall, deceased.
After marriage Mr. Offterdinger lived in Wayne county for five years, and then removed to Delaware county in 1842. In the latter county he engaged in farming, buying a small tract of land to begin with, and by industry and economy, accumulated from time to time, until at the time of his death he owned 696 acres of fine land. He received but a small amount of assistance from his home,' never speculated, but made his money honestly, and by the dint of hard work and German thrift. His parents were members of the Lutheran church, and in that belief he was brought up, although he never united with any denomina- tion in America. For many years he was a republican, but at the time of the second can- vas of Gen. Grant, he became an independent, holding that position until his decease. He was one of the solid farmers and good citizens of the township, and left many friends behind.
S AMUEL PARKS .- The name which opens this sketch has been a familiar one to the residents of Perry town- ship, Delaware county, Ind., for many years, and the original is known to be one of the best citizens and most prosperous farmers of the township. Although at present an invalid, having been prostrated in July, 1892, with a stroke of paralysis, he still views
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life cheerfully from his comfortable sick room and takes an interest in all that goes on about him. He was born May 8, 1845, in the state of Virginia, a son of Amos and Sarah (Sikes) Parks, both natives of North Carolina, of Irish ancestry. Amos Parks died in the Old North state in 1888, but Mrs. Sarah Parks is still living there. Samuel was one of seven children and had no educational advantages, but by the ex- ercise of his strong mind he partially educated himself and became a good business man. In 1868 he was married to Miss Matilda Offter- dinger, daughter of August and Hannah (Men- denhall) Offterdinger, whose sketch appears in another part of this volume. Although no children have been born to this union, Mr. and Mrs. Parks have taken an adopted daugh- ter to their hearts and home. The illness of Mr. Parks interfered with his active life, he having been president of one of the gas well companies in this township. He is a member of the Masonic order, connected with lodge No. 331, located at Blountville. Politically Mr. Parks is a prohibitionist, and he and wife are both members of the Methodist church. He has a fine farm of ninety-four acres, a beautiful home and a most excellent surround- ings, with every convenience for thorough farming. He and his wife are much eeteemed in the neighborhood.
A BNER H. RATCLIFF, one of the the honored ex-soldiers and promi- nent farmers of Perry township, Del- aware county, Ind., was born in Clinton county, Ohio, April 23, 1846, a son of Nathan and Phebe (Hayworth) Ratcliff, both natives of Ohio, of English descent. Their removal to Howard county, Ind., took place in 1850; and they became the parents of seven children, Abner H. being third in order of birth.
In 1856, the mother of Abner H. died, and some four years later his father married Naomi White, who departed this life in 1892.
Abner Ratcliff lived at home, with his parents, until his enlistment in the army, in the late war, when he entered the Eleventh Indiana cavalry, in company L, under Capt. Lindsey, going into camp at Kokomo, Ind., and then at Camp Carrington, and then at Nashville, Tenn., in 1864. He continued with his regiment during the remainder of the war, except a few months, when he was within the walls of the hospital, and received his dis- charge May 23, 1865. He was at the battles of Franklin, Tenn., and at Spring Hill; also at the battle of Nashville and many minor skir- mishes.
After the war he returned home and worked in a saw mill and did some farm work until April 10, 1871, when he mar- ried. His wife was Miss Hannah E. Cof- fin, daughter of Francis, born March II, 1798, and Susanna, born June 16, 1805 (Stanton) Coffin, the father a native of North Carolina, and the mother of Virginia. Mrs. Ratcliff was born, where she now lives, July 22, 1841, her parents having settled in Perry township in 1834. Mrs. Ratcliff is one of a family of twelve children. Her parents have both passed away, the mother in 1885, and the father in 1850. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ratcliff have become the parents of three children-Sarah E., born January 27, 1872; Frances O., born March 27, 1874; and Ada S., born April 15, 1878.
Mr. Ratcliff owns 100 acres of well im- proved land in Perry township, and has a pleasant home. He and wife are members of the Christian church, in which thay take a deep interest, and for whose prosperity they cheerfully labor. He is on of the esteemed members of the G. A. R. Abram D. Sholty post, No. 73, at Windsor, and the republican
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party, in its declarations, embodies the politi- cal doctrines to which he subscribes. He is no office holder, never desiring any recogni- tion, preferring to give his entire atttention to his farming interests. To the credit of Mr. Ratcliff, be it said he has made his own way in life, as far as receiving any aid from his an- cestors may be concerned. To him and wife belongs the credit of their success. The parents of Mrs. Ratcliff were of English de- scent. Her father was a whig. In addition to being a farmer he was a harness maker by trade.
J OHN N. REECE, a well known and popular citizen of Delaware county, was born in the state of Delaware, August 28, 1809, being the son of John and Susanna (Hogner) Reece. His father was a native of Delaware state, and of Welsh de- scent; his mother was a native of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They were the parents of seven children, of whom John N. is the only survivor. The latter had no advan- tages of schooling, because the district schools of his time were few and far between. John N. Reece was married, in 1834, to Catherine Meyers, daughter of Jonathan and Margaret Meyers, her father being a native of Maryland, and her mother of New Jersey, and both of German descent.
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