USA > Indiana > Clark County > Baird's history of Clark County, Indiana > Part 27
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September, 1876, he was made secretary and treasurer of the company. He continued in that capacity until he became imbued with a desire to go into business for himself. Filled with this determination he resigned after a term of service covering a period of eighteen years. In 1887 he purchased an in- terest in the firm of H. Verhoef, one of the largest firms of grain dealers in Louisville, with which he is still identified. Mr. Verhoef, senior member of this firm, owned the first elevator south of the Ohio river.
On September 9, 1873, Richard M. Hartwell was married to Bettie Heaton, of Jeffersonville. who was the daughter of Hiram W. and Huldah (Howard) Heaton. The latter is the daughter of Thomas Jefferson Howard, a former well known citizen of Clark county, and a member of the Indiana Legislature in the early days when he rode to Indianapolis on horseback. Through her maternal grandmother Mrs. Hartwell traces her ancestry back to Revolutionary stock. Her grandmother was Elizabeth Helmer, daughter of George Frederick Helmer, of Herkimer county, New York. His father, George Helmer, was of Dutch parentage, and was a lieutenant in Captain Small's company in a New York regiment, commanded by Col. Peter Bellinger.
The first child born to Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Hartwell, Charlotte Amelia, died in infancy. They have two daughters and one son, all of whom are married. Clara Hartwell became the wife of J. Halbert Lewman, of Jeffersonville, while Mary M. is the wife of Harry Bowden Warren, and lives in Louisville. The son, William Crichton Hartwell, married Madelaine Dunlop, of Louisville, and they are residents of that city.
Mr. Hartwell is a keen business man who is highly respected and ad- mired by his associates in commercial circles of Louisville.
WALTER IRWIN.
There is no question that in the death of Walter Irwin the city of Jef- fersonville lost one of its most valued citizens. In a residence in this com- munity covering a period of nearly twenty years, Mr. Irwin greatly endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. One of the beautiful traits of his character was his devotion to home ties.
Walter Irwin was born at New Market, twenty miles north of Toronto, Canada, in 1843. His father was Jared Irwin, who was prominent in official life in Canada. The former received a thorough education, graduating from the Toronto University in 1865. After finishing his education he went to Columbus, Indiana, taking a position of ticket agent at that point for the Pennsylvania Railroad, and his advancement through various departments was
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rapid until 1875, when he was made paymaster of the line. His next step in the way of promotion was to the office of cashier of the road, which position he held until the offices of the company were removed to Pittsburg. He then was made secretary and treasurer of the Louisville Bridge Company, which is operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad. He held this important office for the remainder of his life. On October 20, 1880, he was married to Annie M. Howell, of Jeffersonville. She was the daughter of Martin Howell, a well known business man. Her mother's maiden name was Eleanor Pearson, her parents having settled in Jeffersonville in 1845. The father was a very highly respected man in his home city. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin, who had no children of their own, adopted four little ones, who were the children of the latter's brother, and treated them with the most tender affection. Two of them died in early childhood. The survivors are Annie Marshall Irwin and William Robert Irwin.
When quite a young man Mr. Irwin became a member of the Masonic lodge, and he always took an active interest in its affairs. He belonged to the Presbyterian church, of which his parents before him were members. There were few men who had a greater love for their home and family. They held a place in his heart high above all other interests, being practically his world.
Death came to Walter Irwin February 15, 1899. Physically he was a man of handsome presence. His passing recalled no memories of an un- pleasant nature, for his life had been honorable. He was descended from the Scotch Covenanters, who were driven into Ireland by religious persecution, and he had many of the traits of those fearless men and women. Despite his dignity he was possessed of a most sunny and genial disposition that seemed to make itself felt wherever he went.
THEODORE S. JENNINGS, M. D.
In the noble profession that he has followed for more than two decades Doctor Jennings has done much toward alleviating the ills and suffering of his fellow men, and consequently holds a high place among the medical prac- titioners of the city of Louisville, Kentucky. Although his practice is con- fined to that city he retains his residence in Clark county, where, because of his many sterling qualities and his genial and kindly disposition he is greatly esteemed. The early, years of Doctor Jennings' life were spent in mercantile pursuits, but his paramount desire was to become a physician, and that he was peculiarly adapted for that profession is apparent from the success that has attended his efforts. The city of Greencastle, Indiana, was his birth- . place, and the date thereof, June 7, 1850. He was the son of Theodore C.
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Jennings, who first started the Cataract Flouring and Woolen Mills in Owen county. When seventeen years of age he left home with the intention of making his own way in the world. He came to Utica and secured a clerical position in the establishment of Theodore Rose, who was then the leading merchant of the little town. It was a busy place in those days, owing to the fact that a large force of men were employed in the quarries, getting stone for the big bridge being built by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Later he spent four years at the Indiana State University, at Bloomington. In the year of 1872 he returned to Utica, and purchased the establishment of his for- mer employer, continuing in this business until 1875. In 1876 he opened the first drug store in Utica, and remained there until 1881, when he sold out and went to Jeffersonville. He took charge of the drug store of Lewman Brothers, in that city, and was manager thereof until October, 1884. During that year he removed to Louisville and attended medical college, graduating with high honors February 25, 1887. He has engaged in the practice . of medicine in that city ever since, with remarkable success.
On November 26, 1872, Dr. Theodore S. Jennings married Maggie Summers, daughter of Charles Summers, who was, at that time, a well known lime burner at Utica. She died May 25, 1880, having become the mother of three children, Annie, James and Maggie. Doctor Jennings remained a . widower until October 11, 1883, when he wedded Maud Fogle, of Penick, Kentucky. Three children were the fruit of this marriage, Nellie, Robert and William. Robert died in January, 1908.
Doctor Jennings is a member of the Masonic lodge at Louisville, and also of the Odd Fellows at Utica. He still has a warm spot in his heart for Utica, the place where he first entered upon the battle of life, and that is why he still retains his membership in the lodges at that place. He is an active member of the Christian church, and during his residence at Utica was super- intendent of the Sunday school, also being at the head of the Christian Sun- day School Association of Clark and Floyd counties.
Doctor Jennings has a most sympathetic nature and many unostentatious . acts of charity may be placed to his credit. A little incident that throws light on his high character is related of him. While engaged in the drug business at Utica, he, like other pharmacists of that time, sold liquor along with other drugs. One night a crowd of well known young men of the com- munity purchased a quantity of whisky for consumption on a fishing trip. Some time after they had departed with the intoxicants the doctor's con- science began to trouble him, and late in the night he arose from a sleepless couch, and walking through the darkness two miles to where the party had pitched their tent, he refunded the amount of the purchase and compelled them to return the whisky.
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JOHN F. CRUM.
The family of this name originated in North Carolina, but by migration became identified with Clark county, Indiana, in 1802. The first arrival was Mathias Crum, who, after tarrying a while in Kentucky, decided to cross the river for permanent residence. He brought with him a son, then only one year old, and a native of Kentucky, who grew up to be William Spangler Crum, and a farmer of some local prominence. His mother's maiden name was Margaret Spangler, sister of David Spangler, grandfather of the gentle- man of the same name whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Wil- liam S. left a son named Andrew Jackson Crum, who married Mary E., sister of Abram Fry, whose sketch is given on another page. By this union there were eight children, five sons and three daughters, Oscar, Fannie (de- ceased) ; Sallie, wife of T. D. Jacobs, who died April 10, 1897; William A., John F., Abram L., Benjamin O., and Olive B., who married C. W. Baird.
John F. Crum, fifth in the above list, was born near Prather, in Clark county, Indiana, June 7, 1865. He grew up on his father's farm, attended the Charlestown high school and Central Normal College, later completing a course in surveying and civil engineering. He had a natural talent for these studies and was a graduate with honors, January 12, 1886. After complet- ing his education Mr. Crum took charge of a farm recently bought by his father a short distance east of New Chapel church. Mr. Crum now owns the one hundred and ten acres on which he resides, south of Watson, and two hundred and thirty-six acres on Silver creek, near Straw's mills, in Utica town- ship. In 1894 and again in 1896 Mr. Crum was elected Surveyor of Clark county, being the only Republican ever so honored. He is well educated, pro- gressive, public-spirited and hospitable. He is a member of the Farmers' In- stitute No. I, composed of the progressive agriculturists of his community.
On October 23, 1889, Mr. Crum was married to Paulina, daughter of Wyatt E. Willey, whose sketch appears elsewhere. They have the following children : Elsie, Andrew Jackson, Wyatt Willey, Nelson and Harold.
Benjamin Oren Crum, brother of John F., was born in Utica township, Clark county, Indiana, May 17, 1869. He remained on the home place until eighteen years old and then went to Jeffersonville to work in the Gathright flouring mill at the Falls of the Ohio. Some two and a half years later he re- turned to the home neighborhood. Previous to this experience he had educated himself in the high school at Charlestown and normal at Mitchell, taking a course in commercial work on the side. In 1904 Mr. Crum bought the Fox farm near Watson and some four years later removed his family to that place for permanent residence. He owns one hundred and ninety-five acres of good farming land, on which is a neat residence and necessary out buildings. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Union Chapel Methodist Episcopal
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church. On January 4, 1891, Mr. Crum married Clara, daughter of John and Cynthia E. Peden. The former was a son of Joseph Peden, a prominent man at Memphis, where he ran a mill. He was a Quaker and lived to the remarkable age of ninety-four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Crum four children have been born: Alma Ruth, the eldest, died when two years old; the others are Oren Talmage, Dexter Huber, and Lucy Lorene. The mother, who was born January 17, 1867, died July 7, 1908.
THEODORE J. KIGER.
The family of this name is of German origin and has been identified with various states of the Union for more than a hundred years. Joseph Kiger, the emigrant founder, was a native of Germany and emigrated to this country before 1800. Settling in Kentucky he was there married to Maria Barbara, daughter of Adam Calfhead and some years later determined to try his fortunes in Indiana. Crossing the Ohio river he eventually landed in Clark county, where he entered land in the northern part of Utica township. His son, John F. R. Kiger, inherited the estate and lived on his farm during his whole life, eventually dying peacefully on his homestead, north of Prather. In early manhood he married Rebecca, daughter of William S. Crum, and sister of A. J. Crum. (Further particulars of this family will be found in the sketch of John Crum.) By this union there were seven children, of whom those living are as follows: James Marion, Joseph William, John Franklin; Anna, now Mrs. Anderson, and the subject of this sketch.
Theodore Kiger, youngest of this family, was born near Prather, in Clark county, Indiana, in 1870. He owns about seventy acres of farming land, nearly all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Kiger's specialty is the breeding of Jersey cattle and he takes great pride in his herd, all of which is registered stock. The fine butter made by his wife from the milk of tliese cows enjoys a great local reputation and much of it is sold in the nearby markets.
Mr. Kiger is hospitable at his home and loves to talk of current events, on which he keeps well informed. He is also able to impart much informa- tion about farming, especially the best methods of breeding and feeding live stock. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and much esteemed by their neighbors. E. O. Kiger, son of Joseph William Kiger, lives nearby with his mother. J. D. Kiger, who lives three and a half miles northeast of Charlestown, is a son of James Davis Kiger and grandson of Joseph, the first of the family who came from Germany. The connection possesses all the characteristics that cause the Germans to be so highly es- teemed as citizens in this country. Frugality, intelligence in conducting their
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business and sociability with friends and neighbors are the good qualities seldom found lacking in the German-American citizen, whether he be on a farm, in a store, a restaurant, hotel-keeper or baker.
JAMES EDGAR BROWN.
Jonas Warren Brown, the founder of the family of this name in Clark county, was a native of Ohio and came to Indiana during the second quarter of the last century. He married Elvira Ann, daughter of James Collins, of Charlestown, and to this union we are indebted for the popular citizen whose life and career constitute the subject of this sketch. James Edward Brown was born near Charlestown, Clark county, Indiana, July 1, 1848. Having lost his mother by death when four years old, he was taken in charge by Mrs. Sarah J. W. Sullivan, a maternal aunt, who reared him with tenderness and affection until he reached manhood's estate. This aunt was originally Miss Collins, who married Daniel McDonald, and after his death became the wife of a minister named Sullivan. James Edgar Brown was reared on the farm where he now lives and which he owns by inheritance and in youth went through the usual educational experiences of the district schools. Later he entered as a pupil in old Asbury, now DePauw University, at Greencastle, and remained there long enough to acquire a fair college education. After leaving college he engaged in farming and has devoted his whole life to agri- cultural pursuits. He is a Methodist and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
On March 3, 1870, Mr. Brown was married to Clara M. Bennett, a descendant of one of the old and highly respected pioneer families. Her father, Joshua Selvey Bennett, was born in Clark county, Indiana, of North Carolina parentage, married Indiana Davis, and was the chief factor in building the village of Prather, which was named after its first postmaster. To. Mr. and ยท Mrs. Brown four children have been born, two sons and two daughters, all of whom are living, and well settled in life. Emmons Warren Brown, the eldest, removed to Boise, Idaho, where he married Edith Ellis, daughter of a promi- nent banker of that place. Four children have been born to them: George, Olive, Arnett, and Jonas, the latter deceased. Daisy W., the eldest daughter of James Edgar Brown, is the wife of Winnie C. Lewman, a contractor, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Samuel Edward Brown, the third child, still makes his home with his parents. Bessie Ann Brown, the young- est, was married August 5, 1903, to S. J. Swartz, who was for many years in the undertaking business at Jeffersonville. The latter first married a Miss Conway, who died November 24, 1901, leaving two children, Bessie Alberta
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and Ralph C. The founders of this family were John and Elizabeth (Old- weiler) Swartz, who were born in Germany before the American Revolution, and after coming to this country first settled in Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Indiana about the beginning of the nineteenth century. They lo- cated in Clark county on a farm situated in Utica township and became leaders in founding the New Chapel Methodist Episcopal church, which is now the oldest existing congregation in Indiana Methodism. Jacob Swartz, son of this pioneer couple, was the father of Thomas J. and A. A. Swartz, the latter a well known banker of Jeffersonville. Thomas J. married Eleanor Lentz and their son became the husband of Bessie Brown, as recorded above. S. J. Swartz, like his ancestors before him for several generations, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Masons, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen.
EMERY SYLVESTER.
Indiana was still a territory covered all over with virgin forest when Purdue Sylvester left Wilmington, Delaware, to seek a new home in the western wilderness. Following the usual route across the mountains and down the Ohio river, he eventually landed in Clark county, which at that time presented few attractions for the agriculturist. He entered a large tract of land in Jeffersonville township on what subsequently became known as the Hamburg Pike, and here he went through all the rugged experiences incident to pioneer life in that early day. He married Rachael Scott, whose parents moved in among the first settlers, and owned land on the Middle Road in Utica township. Emery Sylvester, a child by this union, was born on the paternal farm, about four miles north of Jeffersonville, January 11, 1816, which was the year of the state's admission into the Union. He worked on the farm as he grew up but had poor opportunities for education, as schools at that time were few and far between. However, he learned all about farm- ing, as it was carried on in those days, acquired industrious habits, and came to know the value of work as an element of success in life. He remained with his parents until the eighteenth year of his age when in language of the country, he "struck out for himself." Going up to Jeffersonville he learned the plasterer's trade and followed it for a livelihood for a few years, after which he returned to the farm and continued in agricultural pursuits during the rest of his life. Though he never sought office, his neighbors insisted on electing him a Justice of the Peace and he discharged his official duties so well that he was kept in the same position for twenty years. He was a good citizen who led a quiet, unobtrusive life, paid his debts and enjoyed general
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esteem in the community where he resided. He died March 3, 1885, without an enemy in the world, and with a consciousness in his last hours that he had done his duty in all the relations of life. In 1839 when twenty-three years old, Mr. Sylvester married Caroline McClintock, member of one of the old, esteemed pioneer families of the county. Her grandfather, John McClintock, ' came from Ireland, when twelve years of age accompanied by two brothers, one of whom, named Samuel, settled near the Charlestown Pike, north of Jeffersonville. John prospered after reaching manhood, and when he died was the owner of several hundred acres of farm land in Jeffersonville town- ship. He left a son, known as John McClintock, Jr., who in 1809 married Mary Provine, a native of Tennessee, and became one of the county's sub- stantial citizens. He owned a large farm, five miles north of Jeffersonville, on the road that runs from Utica township west to Blackstone's mill, near Cementville. It was his daughter who became the wife of Emery Sylvester and shared his joys as well as his sorrows, for nearly fifty years. She sur- vived him about four years and passed away March 8, 1889. Six children were born of this union : Mary, Charlotte, Caroline, Emery, John and Com- modore C. The last named died in childhood, and both of the other sons passed away in their twentieth years. The three daughters own the home place, consisting of two hundred and fifteen acres of land and have made their residence there since the death of their mother. The Sylvesters and McClin- tocks being among the earliest settlers, have been known in Clark county for over a hundred years, and no families have enjoyed greater esteem. One of the proud recollections cherished by the latest generation of Sylvesters is that the grandfather, John McClintock, Jr., was a soldier with Gen. William Henry Harrison at the celebrated battle of Tippecanoe.
WILLIAM W. SMITH.
This family is of English origin and has had representatives in the United States for fully seventy years. Edward Smith came from England in 1840 and settled near Memphis. With him was a son named Christopher, who on reaching maturity married Sarah, daughter of John Dietz, a soldier in the War of 1812. William W. Smith was a child by this union, and was born near Sellersburg, Clark county, in 1844. He remained on his father's farm until 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-fourth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which afterwards became a part of the Army of the Cum- berland. With his command he participated in the battle of Stone River, Chickamauga, Franklin, Nashville, Dallas, Georgia, and Resaca, besides many minor engagements. After his muster out, June 15, 1865, he returned
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to Sellersburg and engaged in farming, which he has followed continuously until the present day. He has owned three farms, but disposed of all except one in Charleston township, and the one on which he resides in Utica township. His house deserves especial mention as one of the historic relics of the county and a curious reminder of pioneer days. It is a two-story brick, looking rather modern to the casual passer, but dating from 1815, when it was erected by a man named Bowen. The rooms are unusually large and the wide fireplace with a crane is surmounted by a mantel nearly ten feet long. An old "Dutch oven" of ancient pattern, recalls the cooking devices of our great-grand- mothers. About a mile north of Mr. Smith's place stood an old cabin, which was for a long time known as the last house from the river until the traveler reached Vincennes,
In 1867 Mr. Smith married Nancy Ann Bottorff, whose genealogy is pre- sented in the biography of her brother, Moses E. Bottorff, in this volume. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, seven in number, are thus recorded in the family archives : Elmer D., a baker, at Riverside, California, is married and has four children; Lewis C. is a resident of New Albany ; Christopher C. is a dentist at Riverside, California; Katie is the wife of Wallace Jacobs, has four children and resides on the Utica and Salem road; Jason C., next to the youngest, is unmarried; Nellie R., wife of Howard Fry, has one child, and resides at Port Fulton. One of the seven children of Mr. Smith died at an early age. The mother dying in 1901 Mr. Smith was married in 1904 to Julia A., daughter of Samuel and Susan (Beadels) Bottorff. She is a grand- daughter of Henry Bottorff, a native of Germany, who founded the family of that name in Clark county. Mr. Smith is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Methodist church, to which his wife also belongs.
MOSES E. BOTTORFF.
The family of this name is one of the oldest and most respected in Clark county, with which its members have been connected during the vicissitudes of a century. Henry Bottorff, the founder, born in Germany, December 3, 1780, came to the United States before 1810. He owned a grist mill on Muddy Fork, where the Speed's Cement mill now stands, and which after his death in 1859, was continued by his sons, Samuel and Lewis. The latter was born in 1810 and became a well known figure during his long and active life, which came to a close October 19, 1896. For some years he was engaged in the mill- ing business, but afterwards ran flatboats down to New Orleans, selling cider and other farm products. Subsequently he abandoned this for farming and to this substantial occupation he devoted all of his later years. On July 16,
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