USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A twentieth century history of Delaware County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 31
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Charles S. Thomas was born October 31, 1832, in Pennsylvania, and when but two years old was taken by his parents to Ohio, and three years later came with them to Indiana, locating first in Martin county. When old enough to use an ax he assisted in the pioneer labor of clearing a home- stead. He subsequently removed to Hancock county, where he purchased lard and began farming on his own account. In 1875 he came with his
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family to Delaware county, and for a quarter of a century was here em- ployed in improving a farm, laboring faithfully and ably. Removing to Alexandria, Madison county, in 1900, he resided there until his death, De- cember 7, 1902. He was a pioneer in the true sense implied by the term, and in the different places that he lived became fully acquainted with all phases of frontier life. Little do the people of this generation realize the hardships and trials endured, the great ambition required and the physical endurance demanded to secure the homes established by the early settlers for themselves and their descendants. On May 11, 1858, Charles S. Thomas married Sarah A. Morgan, who was born in Madison county, Indiana, May II, 1843, a daughter of John and Plebe ( Rash) Morgan, natives of North Carolina. Coming as a pioneer to Madison county, John Morgan bought a tract of forest-covered land, and in the years that ensued worked with courage and perseverance to clear and improve a homestead. He first cleared a space in which he might build a log cabin, which with its puncheon floor and shake-covered roof was the family domicile for several years. Game of all kinds was plentiful, and the family larder was kept well sup- plied with turkey and venison. Wolves and bears were also troublesome. necessitating a frequent use of firearms on his part. Meeting with success in his labors, he cleared a good farin, and was there a resident until his death. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan ten children were born, two of whom survive, namely, William Morgan, and Sarah A., widow of Charles S. Thomas, who makes her home with her children. Five children blessed the union of Charles and Sarah A. Thomas, three of whom are living, as follows: William Clinton, the subject of this sketch; Isaac Oscar, and Stephen Oliver.
Beginning a farmer's life on his own account in early manhood, Wil- liam C. Thomas commenced on a modest scale, at first having but twenty aeres of land in Harrison township. Succeeding from the first, he has grad- ually enlarged his operations, and has now a farm of fifty acres, on which he has made almost every improvement, having taken possession of it when it was in its virgin wildness. He has met with unquestioned success, having his land in a good state of tillage, and in 1904 erected his present modern farmhouse. He is a steadfast Democrat in his political views and is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Thomas married first, October 16, 1886, Lydia S. Carter, who was born in Ohio April 11, 1863, and died September 4, 1894, leaving two ehil- dren, Callie S. and Dora A. Mr. Thomas married second, December 24, 1896, Cynthia E. Haney, who was born in Hancock county, Indiana, May II. 1874, and died October 27, 1903. Four children were born of their union, three of whom are living, namely, Edna O., Rena S. and Ruth L.
JOHN F. JACKSON. Among the sturdy, energetic and successful farm- ers of Delaware county, who thoroughly understand the vocation which they follow, and consequently are enabled to carry on that calling with profit to
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themselves, is John F. Jackson, of Harrison township. Well and favorably known throughout the community in which he resides, he is numbered among its best and most active men politically and socially, being prominent- ly identified with the advancement of its best and highest interests. A son of the late Jeremiah S. Jackson, he was born May 19, 1853, in Henry county. His grandfather, Jesse Jackson, located as a pioneer in Delaware county.
Coming when a boy to Delaware county, Jeremiah S. Jackson knew the seamy side of pioneer life, its hardships, trials and tribulations. By experience he learned to wield the ax with dexterity, and assisted his father in clearing a homestead from the dense forest. Selecting farming for his own life work, he first located as a farmer in Henry county, but subsequently came to Perry township, Delaware county, to live. Purchasing eighty acres of timber land, he erected a log house in the clearing, and at once began the improvement of a homestead, laboring with the ambition and zeal char- acteristic of the brave pioneers who so cheerfully spent their lives in un- ceasing toil in order that their descendants might have the comforts, if not the luxuries, denied to them. He was successful in his labors, making im- provements of value on his place. The log house which he built was sub- sequently completed by the putting on all around of a siding of black wal- nut, which he cut from his timber and had sawed in the neighboring mill. In this house he spent the remainder of his life, dying September 25, 1870. During the Civil war he offered his services to his country, but on enlisting was rejected on account of poor health. He was a Whig in politics in his younger days, and belonged to the United Brethren church. He married in 1839, in Indiana, Keziah Cary, who was born near Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio, March 31, 1818, and died February 25, 1894, in Delaware county. Eleven children blessed their union, six of whom are now living, namely : Minerva, wife of J. Harold; Tabitha, widow of the late Albert Gates ; Zer- ilda, wife of George Chalfant; Jolin F., the subject of this sketch; Boyd E., who married Emma Dorothy; and Melissa, wife of John Masterson.
The early life of John F. Jackson was spent after the manner of the majority of the sons of the early pioneers, in a comparatively uneventful manner, attending school winters and making himself useful around the homestead as his years increased. When he was twenty-one years old his father died, and the following two years he worked out by the month, giving to his widowed mother a part of his earnings. Assuming then the care of the parental homestead, he managed it for five years and took care of his mother. Taking upon himself then the responsibilities of a married man, Mr. Jackson worked for a while as a brick manufacturer, in the meantime carrying on farming on rented land. Prudent in his expenditures and wise in his savings, he accumulated money, and in 1894 bought his present home in section 13, Harrison township. He has thirty-six acres of land, the greater part of which he has brought to an excellent state of culture, and is pursuing his independent vocation in an able and skillful manner, having a substan-
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tial set of buildings on the place and ample machinery to facilitate the other- wise slow and tedious work of the modern farmer.
On September 25, 1881, Mr. Jackson married Laura M. Williams, who was born in Madison county, Indiana, December 12, 1862, a daughter of Dr. John Williams. Dr. Williams was born in Madison county, Indiana, and there grew to manhood. Fitting himself for the medical profession, he was first located at Fisherburg, from there coming to Delaware county and settling at McCowan Station, where he remained as a leading physician until his death at the age of forty-nine years. He was a man of influence in the community, identified with the Republican party in politics, and was a member of Newcastle Lodge, A. F. & A. M. Dr. Williams married Em- eline Ford, who was born in Madison county, and died in Delaware county at the early age of thirty-seven years. Seven children were born of their union, six of whom are living, namely: James, who married Matilda Tay- lor; Isaac, married Priscilla Hutchings; Jasper, married Mary Graham; John, married Jane Clevinger ; Laura M., wife of Mr. Jackson; and Leroy.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, namely: James A., engaged in teaching school; Bertha, wife of P. Jarrett; Grace, wife of Earl Lawson; Elzie; and Addie, who lived but six years. Mr. Jackson has always identified himself with the interests of this part of the county, and has proved himself a worthy and valuable citizen. In 1884 he was elected assessor, and served ably for five years. He is a Republican in politics, and an active worker in party ranks. Fraternally he is a member of Bethel Lodge No. 731, I. O. O. F., which he has served as noble grand and which he has represented as a delegate in the Grand Lodge of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of Lincoln Rebekah Lodge No. 563, at Bethel, Indiana, and both are active members of the Christian church, belonging to King's chapel.
GILBERT A. BRUNTON. Numbered among the intelligent, active and enterprising agriculturists of Harrison township is Gilbert A. Brunton, who is successfully engaged in general farming on the old Hutson homestead. Intimately associated with the agricultural and industrial prosperity of this part of the county, he is especially deserving of mention in a volume of this character. A native of Decatur county, he was born June 10, 1868, a son of Noah L. and Louisa H. ( Bentley) Brunton. A more extended history of his parents may be found elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of his brother-in-law, William Hiatt.
Living on the home farm in Decatur county until 1884, Gilbert A. Brunton obtained his rudimentary education in the district schools, while under his father's instructions he was well drilled in the various branches of agriculture. Coming with his parents to Delaware county, he continued an inmate of the parental household until after attaining his majority. At the age of twenty-three years Mr. Brunton began farming on his own ac- count, assuming management of one hundred and fifty acres belonging to
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the Hutson estate. He is now carrying on eighty-five acres of his own land, and farms forty-one acres besides, with much success. His land is now in an admirable state of culture, and, owing to the sound judgment and per- sistent energy with which he has devoted himself to its care, is a valuable piece of property.
Mr. Brunton married, August 21, 1892, Larma J. Hutson, who was born in Harrison township December 28, 1870, a daughter of the late Enos Hutson. Enos Hutson was born in this township September 22, 1840, and died on the home farm March 16, 1906. He spent the larger part of his life in Delaware county, although he lived for two or three years as a young man in the west. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war, when the call came for more troops, he enlisted for a term of three months in Com- pany B, Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with his com- rades in several engagements, at one time being severely wounded on the field of battle. At the end of three months, his patriotic ardor and enthu- siasm still undimmed, he reenlisted, and served until the close of the war, taking an active part in some of the most important and closely contested engagements of the conflict. Discharged from the service with an honorable record as a brave and faithful soldier, he returned to his native county, settling in Harrison township. Purchasing sixty acres of wild land, Mr. Hutson cleared the brush and timber from it, erected first a log cabin, which was subsequently replaced with a frame house, and from that time until his death was engaged most successfully in farming and stock-raising. He was for many years one of the substantial and reliable citizens of the community, and for many terms served as school director. He was a Republican in politics and a member of the Christian church.
On March 18, 1868, Mr. Hutson married Melvina Garner, who was born in Harrison township April 21, 1851, and died in this township March 19, 1906, surviving him but three days. Five children were born to them, as follows: Eleanor H., wife of Borter Simpson; Larma J., wife of Mr. Brunton ; John, died in infancy ; William V., married Hattie Clevinger ; and Sylvia E.
Mr. and Mrs. Brunton have three children, namely, Ray F., Lulu May . and Perry M. Fraternally Mr. Brunton is prominent in the organization of Odd Fellows, belonging to Bethel Lodge No. 731, I. O. O. F., of which he is past noble grand, and has for four years been the secretary. He is also a member of Gilman Encampment No. 30, and both he and his wife belong to Lincoln Lodge No. 563, Daughters of Rebekah. Politically Mr. Brunton is a Republican, and religiously he and Mrs. Brunton are valued members of the Christian church.
JONATHAN A. HIATT. A valued and esteemed resident of Harrison township, Jonathan A. Hiatt is the owner of a fine farm of seventy-three acres which is under fine culture and is well improved. The buildings upon the place are of a neat and substantial character, betokening thrift and pros-
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perity, and in his agricultural operations he is meeting with merited suc- cess. A native of this county, he was born September 16, 1846, in Monroe township, a son of the late William J. Hiatt.
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A son of John and Charity Hiatt, early pioneers of Henry county, Wil- liam J. Hiatt was born in Ohio and came with his parents to Indiana when a small boy. Following the occupation in which he was reared, he was em- ployed as a tiller of the soil in Henry county for a number of years. Mov- ing with his family to Delaware county, he located on a tract of timbered land and, having cleared a space, erected for his first dwelling a log house, which is standing today. Farming wisely and well, he accumulated con- siderable property, at one time owning two hundred and twenty acres of good land. He built a frame house when he had sufficient means to war- rant him in so doing, and there spent his last years in comfort, dying May 3, 1886, aged seventy-two years, five months and seventeen days. He was an able assistant in aiding public improvements, helping cut the timber for the public highway, and being one of the contractors in the building of the Newcastle, Wheeling and Bethel pike. He was also, in company with his son Jonathan, one of the contractors in the building of the Bethel pike, and the Muncie, Lafayette and Bloomington railroad, now known as the Lake Erie railway. He was a Whig in politics, and a member of the Quaker church. William J. Hiatt married Charlotte Adamison, who was born in Kentucky and died October 30, 1885, on the home farm, aged seventy-three years and twenty days. Of the nine children born of their union four are living, as follows: Jonathan A., the subject of this sketch; Annie, widow of the late William West; Simon, of Muncie ; and Charity, the widow of David Jackson.
In that primitive pioneer dwelling of his parents Jonathan A. Hiatt grew to manhood, assisting in the farm labors, and gleaning his early edu- cation in the rude log schoolhouse with its puncheon floor and slab seats. He remained at home with his father until twenty-eight years of age, as previously mentioned, helping, as a contractor and builder, to build differ- ent pikes and railways. Going to Kansas in March, 1878, Mr. Hiatt re- sided in Osage county about three years and then returned to Delaware county, locating in Monroe township, where he remained two years. Sirice that time he has been engaged in farming in section 24, Harrison township, where he has improved a fine farm of seventy-three acres. He is continu- ally adding to the improvements which he first established, and in 1906 en- tirely remodeled his house, transforming it into a modernly equipped home, in which he and his family entertain their many friends most hospitably.
Mr. Hiatt married first, August 13, 1874, Melissa Steel, who was born in Ohio June 5, 1855, and died in Delaware county October 20, 1884, leav- ing four children, namely: Nettie, wife of Alvin Hesslenger; Bessie, wife of George Mabitt ; Edmund C., who married Catherine Gibson ; and Lavina, wife of Watson Biddle. Her parents, Ulysses and Elizabeth Steel, were both natives of Ohio. Mr. Hiatt married second, January 19, 1887, in
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Osage county, Kansas, Nancy E. Harris, who was born in Washington county, Ohio, December II, 1857, a daughter of William S. Harris. MIr. Harris was born in Washington county, Ohio, July 24, 1832, and was there engaged in farming until the time of his enlistment as a soldier in the Civil war. He died in 1867. He married Louisa Lukins, who was born in the same county July 24, 1840, and died in 1886 in Osage county, Kansas. Six children were born to them, and four are now living, as follows: Nancy E., wife of Mr. Hiatt ; Anna, wife of Wesley Harris; George W., married Etta Bunder; and William, married and living in West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt are the parents of three children, namely: James V., who mar- ried Zenia L. Millspaugh : C. C., deceased; and Larma S. In his political relations Mr. Hiatt is a sound Republican, and religiously he belongs to the Christian church. He is a prominent member of Bethel Lodge No. 731, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs, serving as noble grand and as a delegate to the Grand Lodge of Indiana. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt are members of Lincoln Rebekah Lodge No. 563.
LUCIAN ALONZO JOHNSON. The agricultural community of Harrison township is composed of live, energetic and persevering business men, con- spicuous among whom is Lucian A. Johnson, an intelligent, well-informed man and a successful farmer. A native of Indiana, he was born January 15, 1863, in Madison county, a son of William Johnson.
William Johnson was born and bred in North Carolina, his birth oc- curring April 3, 1833. Coming to Indiana when young, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Madison county until after the breaking out of the Civil war. Enlisting in the One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, he took part in various engagements, serving until the term of his enlistment expired, when he received his honorable discharge. Returning then to his home, with his health impaired from exposure and privations, he never recovered his former physical vigor, but on November 25, 1865, died from disease contracted in the army. He was an honest, industrious man, upright in his dealings with his fellow men, and in politics supported the principles of the Republican party. He married Elizabeth Sexton, who was born in Indiana July 28, 1839, and has here spent her life, her home now being in Summitville. Three children were born of their union, as fol- lows: Hannah J., wife of Leander Williams; Frank, married Mary E. Myers ; and Lucian A., the subject of this sketch.
Beginning the battle of life for himself when but thirteen years old, Lucian A. Johnson, who ten years before had been left without a father's care, went to work on a farm, and until attaining his majority labored for wages. Marrying then, he began farming on his own account, continuing thus employed for nearly ten years. In 1895, wishing a change of occupa- tion, Mr. Johnson opened a store of general merchandise at Bethel, Indiana, which he managed successfully until 1904, when he sold out. In the mean- time he served as postmaster at the Stout postoffice until the establishment
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of rural free delivery service in the Bethel district. On retiring from mer- cantile pursuits Mr. Johnson resumed his agricultural labors, and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on the old Stout homestead of eighty- five acres, which has come into the possession of himself and wife. This property formerly belonged to Jeremiah Stout, MIrs. Johnson's grand- father, who took it up from the government on August 1, 1837. It was in 1903 that Mr. and Mrs. Johnson erected their modern residence.
In 1900 Mr. Johnson was elected the trustee of Harrison township, the most important office in the township. He erected the Beech Grove school- house, and had thirteen schools tinder his jurisdiction, and the affairs of the office were administered in an able and efficient manner. His adminis- tration began at the finishing of the Bethel high school building.
Mr. Johnson married February 24. 1884, Junnie E. Stout, who was born in this township December 31, 1866. Her father, the late Isaac Stout, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, and died in Harrison township July 16, 1891, aged sixty-four years. He came to Harrison township, this county, when eight years old, with his parents. Jeremiah and Sarah Stout, and on the farm which they cleared from the wilderness he grew to manhood. Learning the carpenter's trade, he followed that in connection with farming for many years, being kept busily employed until the breaking out of the Civil war. His patriotism being then aroused, he offered his services to his country and fought valiantly in her defense. He afterwards established himself in the mercantile business at Bethel, and until his death was one of the leading general merchants of the place. He was also postmaster at the Stout postoffice, which was named in his honor. He was a stanch Republi- can in politics, and a member of Delaware Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Mun- cie. He married Gincie A. Doty, who was born in Ohio and died in Dela- ware county, Indiana, February 27, 1886, aged forty-nine years, eight months and thirteen days. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are living, as follows: Daniel W., married Lucy Roe; Junnie E., wife of Mr. Johnson ; and James Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have four children, namely: Minnie A., wife of Frederick Van Laningham; Grace B., wife of Burt Clock : Lola Maud; and Virgil Glen. Minnie completed the common school course and received her diploma, and she then took a three years' course in the Bethel high school with the class of 1903. She also received instrumental music. Lola received her diploma with the class of 1907 and is now taking her first year's high school work at Muncie, Indi- ana. She has also taken instrumental music.
Politically Mr. Johnson invariably upholds the principles of the Re- publican party. Fraternally he is a member of Bethel Lodge No. 731, I. O. O. F., of Muncie, and of Gaston Encampment No. 229, of Gaston. He and his wife are members of Lincoln Lodge No. 563 of the Rebekahs, and both are members of the Christian church. They have in their possession one of the old parchment deeds for land entered by Mrs. Johnson's grandfather, James Stout, and it bears the signature of execution of President Martin
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Van Buren. Its date was August 1, 1837, and it is one of the valuable heir- looms of the county.
JOHN M. CONNER. Indiana numbers the Conner family among its early residents. During his boyhood days Daniel Conner, who was born in Ken- tucky March 20, 1813, came with his parents, Rubin and Nancy Conner, to the Hoosier state, the family locating seven miles south of Connersville, in Fayette county, where the little son grew to years of maturity and was married. On the 6th of September 1832, he wedded Eliza Green, and they shortly afterward came to Delaware county, Indiana. In 1850 they pur- chased land in Harrison township to the amount of two hundred acres, about forty acres of which had been cleared, and they moved into a little log cabin which had been built on the land. In time this cabin home gave place to a more commodious frame residence, and there Mr. Conner spent the re- mainder of his busy and useful life, dying on the 8th of January, 1868. His wife, who was born in Fayette county, Indiana, July 21, 1814, died on the 2Ist of June, 1868. Their union was blessed by the birth of eight children, but only two, John M1. and his sister Margaret, are now living. The daugh- ter is the widow of Simon Miller. Mr. Conner was a good and devoted church member, and he transferred his political allegiance from the Whigs to the Republican party.
John M. Conner was born in Fayette county, Indiana, August 9, 1842, and his boyhood days were spent on the farm with his father, working in the fields during the summer months and attending the district schools in the winters. On the 9th of August, 1862, he enrolled his name as a de- fender of the Union in Company B, Eighty-fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and with his regiment he participated in many of the hard- fought battles of the conflict, including Chickamauga, Buzzard's Roost, Tun- nel Hill, Rocky Ford, Dalton, Resaca, Kingston, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Pine Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, in front of Atlanta during that engagement, Shoales Creek, Lovejoy Station, Franklin and many skirmishes. He was mustered out of service at Camp Harker, at Nashville, Tennessee, June 20, 1865, with a brave and honorable military record as a defender of the stars and stripes.
After the close of the war Mr. Conner returned to his home in Harrison township, Delaware county, Indiana, and resumed his former occupation of farming and stock-raising. In 1902 he erected the pleasant and com- modious residence where he now lives, and his homestead is one of the val- uable estates of Harrison township.
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