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 81
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DELAWARE COUNTY :
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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NOAH BOWERS.
1
IN. S. Brandon MMA
739
SALEM TOWNSHIP.
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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DELAWARE COUNTY :
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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GRANVILLE ELLISON.
MRS. A. C. ELLISON.
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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 (Crin) 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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DELAWARE COUNTY :
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
organization, but Mrs. Fenwick is one of the most valued members of the Christian church. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F., having joined Daleville lodge, No. 309, June 6, 1868, and has held all the offices in the lodge. In his political views, Mr. Fenwick affiliates with the democratic party, believing that the principles enunciated by that party are the best for the government of the country.
J OHN G. HUPP is a prominent farmer of Salem township, located on sections 7 and 13 in Delaware county, Ind. He was born in this county March 29, 1824, and was here reared and attended school. His first school house will be long remem- bered by him, as it was built of logs, with. greased paper in place of glass in the windows, and the seats were of the roughest boards. Mr. Hupp was not able to attend this temple of learning very regularly, as his father was in limited circumstances and required his son's assistance upon the farm. He faithfully worked until he was twenty-two with his father, and on March 3, 1866, was united in marriage with Miss Emma Myers, a daughter of Solomon and Louisa Myers and a sister of Jane (Myers) Sle- gel, the wife of Henry Slegel. At this time he was in poor financial condition-in fact, find- ing it necessary to borrow the money with which to purchase his wedding outfit -- but he decided to make a success of his life and worked hard. The first land purchased by him was forty acres in Salem township, and to this he kept adding until he now has 140, the greater part of which has been earned by the sweat of his brow. The same spring of their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hupp united with the Christian church, of which they have since been good and conscientious members. They are the parents of four children : Ida B., wife of
.
J. J. HURLEY.
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SALEM TOWNSHIP.
Charles Hays, of Green county; Aggie, wife of C. Lambert; Josephine, wife of Henry Rinker, and Walter. Mr. Hupp is a home loving man, never having been outside of his county except once when he went to Dayton, Ohio, and once when he intended to enter the army during the late war, but his relatives finally succeeded in pursuading him to remain at home. Politi- cally he is a republican, and has been one ever since the formation of the party.
3 OHN J. HURLEY in an old and hon- ored resident of Delaware county, Ind., was born January 10, 1841, and is a son of Joannan and Arbena (Deboise) Hurley, the former of Scotch and the latter of German ancestry, and both natives of Virginia. At the age of ten years Joannan Hurley ac- companied his father to Delaware county, Ind., and worked at the stone cutting trade, in connection with farming, and died April 26, 1875. His widow subsequently married Gran- ville Ellison, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. John J. Hurley remained under the parental roof until July 11, 1863, when he enlisted in the Seventh Indiana regi- ment, was examined and mustered into service at Indianapolis, and was then sent to Ken- tucky. His first experience under fire was near Memphis. He, with others, was riding on the top of a car when the party was fired upon by a band of guerrillas, and he was hit in his right limb. When he reached the hos- pital at Memphis, it was found that he had twenty-three holes in his clothes, although but the one shot had taken serious effect; he sus- tained, however, four flesh wounds. This mishap made it necessary for him to be con- fined to the hospital for some time, but as soon as he was able he rejoined his command at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., where he received
his discharge, February 5, 1865. Immediately after the close of the war Mr. Hurley returned home, where he remained until he married, which event occurred January 12, 1878, with Miss Melvina Shaffer, a native of Virginia and daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Gund) Shaffer, both natives of Virginia and of Ger- man descent. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hurley, namely; Garland H., born January 7, 1879, and Berzman, born April 5, 1881. The first purchase of real estate, by Mr. Hurley, consisted of eighty acres, of which he became possessor before marriage, and since that time he has become owner of 136 acres of land, all of which is suitable for farming purposes and is well de- veloped. He has shown, in his manner of farming, that he is a man of thrift and energy and understands his own business. Frater- nally he is a Mason, and for several years has held the office of tyler in the lodge, located formerly at Chesterfield, but now known as lodge No. 53, Middletown. He is a republi- can, and believes the principles enunciated by that party to be for the best interest of the government. He has held the office of town- ship assessor, and in the discharge of the duties of that position has given satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. Hurley is a worthy citizen, is remembered for his gallant services during the late war, and for his honest, upright life in times of peace.
J AMES H. JONES .- Perhaps nothing will impress the reader of this volume of biographical sketches of prominent residents of Delaware county, Ind , more forcibly than that so many of them have arisen by their own efforts from comparative poverty to their present positions of affluence, 'and that their success has been so often at-
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DELAWARE COUNTY :
tained without any early educational advan- tages. The life of James H. Jones, subject of the present sketch, is a case in point.
James H. Jones was born in Fayette county, Ind., May 26, 1819, and is a son of James M. and Mary (Ostian) Jones, both na- tives of South Carolina, the former of Irish and the latter of English ancestry. The parents emigrated from North Carolina to Indiana in 1808, locating first in Franklin county, and later removing to the county of Fayette. They reared a family of nine chil- dren, as follows: John, Balis, Bufur, Jane H., Elizabeth, and Mary, all deceased; Martha, James and David W. (the last also deceased). At the early age of seventeen James H. Jones began life for himself. He engaged in all kinds of honorable work, principally farming, and received from $8 to $12 a month. For one man he worked four years, giving entire satis- faction. His school advantages were none at all beyond learning the rudiments of reading and writing, but he taught himself, and, pos- sessing an active mind and business tact, has succeeded well in his battle with the world in spite of his early disadvantage. Learning the cabinet maker trade, he worked at that for three months, and then engaged in carpentry, for which work he seemed especially fitted by nature. Before long he was able to make and fill contracts, and from that time, aided by his honest and persistent efforts and good habits, his life was successful In 1841 he married Miss Martha Stewart, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Mckibben) Stewart, and by this union has become the father of three children, viz: John S., born September 22, 144; Samuel T., born February 8, 1847, and David H., January 1, 1852. Mrs. Jones died March 3, 1854.
After his marriage, Mr. Jones bought twenty acres of land in the timber, upon which he erected a log house, and the smoke from his
pioneer home soon arose in the wilderness. At that time game was still abundant and filled the larder during the winter season, and during the summers he worked at his trade, which he followed for many years, also giving his atten- tion to his now much enlarged, and well cul- tivated farm. He owns 190 acres of improved land, and is the fortunate possessor of a very commodious and comfortable country home. March 3, 1853, Mrs. Jones died, leaving three children. January 5, 1855, Mr. Jones married Miss Martha J. Bennett, and six children have been born of this union, as follows: Joseph B., born February 1, 1856; Arabella, born October 2, 1857; Frank W., born August 3, 1860; Albert B., born September 25, 1862; an infant son, born October 16, 1867; and Martha, born December 16, 1869. Mrs. Jones was removed by death, December 16, 1891, Mr. Jones again being left a sad and lonely man. Politi- cally Mr. Jones is an ardent democrat, and his sons join with him in voting the democratic ticket. He is one of the best known, and most highly respected men of the community where he has so long resided.
NDREW J. McALLISTER, one of the successful farmers of Salem town- ship who has passed off the stage of life, was born in the state of Ohio and was a son of Alexander and Ruanna McAl- lister, natives of Virginia and Ohio, and of Irish ancestry. Mr. McAllister grew up in his native place and about 1854 married Miss Ma- tilda Luce, the daughter of Benjamin and Anna (Jarrard) Luce, the former of whom was born in Kentucky of German parentage, and the latter was English by descent, born on the Ohio river. Mrs. Anna Luce was the mother of fifteen children, six of whom were girls, and all lived to maturity with the exception of two.
. Il. bones
MRS, MARTHA J. JONES.
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SALEM TOWNSHIP.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McAllister re- sulted in a family of six children, as follows : Francis J., born in 1857, married Mollie Jerni- gan and resides in Delaware county; Henry J., born in 1859, married a Miss Daily and resides in Iowa; Catherine A., born in 1861, married William Delinger and resides in Virginia; Oliver P., born in 1863, married Rachel Parker and resides in Iowa; Viola B., born in 1865, died in February, 1866, and Joseph A., born in 1867, married Emma Kiser and resides in Delaware county.
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