USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 54
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 54
USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 54
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 54
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John Doddridge was married before he left Pennsylvania, and there his first child was born. After coming here he diligently began the improve- ment of the land which was entered in his name, and subsequently to his father's death he took possession of the old homestead now owned by our subject. About 1830 he built a kiln, in which he burned brick and lime sufficient for the construction of a commodious dwelling, the one which still shelters his son David. Successful in all his undertakings, for he possessed excellent judgment and the necessary qualities insuring prosperity, he was considered well-off in this world's goods at the time of his death, his estate comprising about a section of finely improved farm land in this township, and a similar amount in Tipton county, besides which he had entered some property in Marshall county.
In all his joys and sorrows, John Doddridge found a true helpmate in his wife, whose maiden name was Avis Manchester. She was a native of Rhode Island, but their marriage took place in Pennsylvania. Eleven chil- dren were born to their union, namely: Isaac, who was the largest land- holder of Wayne county at one time; Mary, Benjamin and Joseph, who died in infancy; Philip; John, who died in Kansas; Mrs. Phoebe Baker; Mrs. Eliza Ream; Sarah, wife of the Rev. Mr. McMullen; David J .; and Mrs. Nancy McMullen. One by one they passed to their reward, until, as previously mentioned, only our subject survives. The father died when comparatively
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young, in 1841, when he was fifty-five years of age. His wife, who survived him many years, died in September, 1883, when ninety-three years of age.
The history of this worthy couple could not be written correctly without reference to the religious element which formed so large a part of their natures. In England the Doddridges were stanch supporters of the estab- lished church, but in America they have been equally strong Methodists. Philip and John Doddridge were active in the church in Pennsylvania, and after coming to this county they virtually founded the church in this locality. Two acres of his land were at once set apart for a church and cemetery, by the elder man, and, in fact, he performed the major portion of the work on the old log cabin which served as the first house of worship. It was com- pleted in 1816 and was called Doddridge chapel. In 1832 a brick church was erected on the site, and in 1876 the present structure took the place of the older one. John Doddridge was active in the work of building two of these churches, and his estimable wife was no less interested and zealous. During the quarterly meetings they entertained as many as fifty guests, and their home was always ready to receive ministers and visiting brethren. The pioneer circuit-rider had no easy life, as he rode from one point to another, holding meetings, preaching every day, often in some cabin home, praying and exhorting his hearers to lead better lives and prepare for the life to come. In these labors John Doddridge was earnestly engaged at intervals for years, and after his death his widow was frequently called upon to conduct services, which she did with ability. She thoroughly loved the church, and took pride in the pretty chapel which stands as the most fitting and useful monument which could be erected to the Doddridge family.
David J. Doddridge was born on the old homestead which is still his dwelling place, April 4, 1831. Needless to say, the example and training of his worthy Christian parents had great influence over him, and from the time that he was seven years of age he has been an interested and effective worker in the Methodist church, his religion being paramount to all other considera- tions with him. Since he arrived at his majority he has officiated in the various church positions, and now is a class-leader, trustee and exhorter. The work inaugurated by his father on the farm has been carried forward by him, and he is mindful of the injunction to " be diligent in business." The elder members of his family were affiliated with the Whig party, and he votes for the nominees of the Republican party. All enterprises which he believes to be for the benefit of the people he encourages, and the causes of education, temperance and others leading toward righteousness are stanchly advocated by him.
In 1852 a marriage ceremony united the destinies of Mr. Doddridge and
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Miss Mary C. Stephens, whose birth took place in this county, May 27, 1833. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Fell) Stephens. The former, a blacksmith by trade, came here from Pennsylvania in 1829 and established a shop, after which he worked at his trade and engaged in farming. A lead- ing member in the Methodist church, he was greatly missed when the sum- mons came to him to enter the better land. He was in his seventieth year at the time of his death in 1874. His wife was a daughter of John Fell, a hero of the Revolution and the war of 1812. He came to this state at an early day from Pennsylvania and lived to a ripe age. He was a shoemaker by trade, and in his younger days was a local preacher in the Methodist church and filled a circuit for a period. He was twice married, the children of his second union being Mrs. Eliza Fleming; Mrs. Hannah Stephens; Polly, who married John Connolly, a minister of some note; George and Isaac. Mrs. Mary Doddridge is the fifth child of the eight children who blessed the union of Benjamin and Hannah Stephens, the others being William, John, Thomas B., a blacksmith; Isaac, of St. Louis; Mrs. Eliza- beth Nethercutt, Mrs. Catherine Jones and Mrs. Phoebe L. Highley.
Five sons and four daughters were born to our subject and wife, of whom the eldest, Benjamin F., married Elizabeth Markly, of Kansas, and is now living with his family in the state of Washington; John W. married Theodora Wharton, of this county; Isaac E. married Anna Maupin, of Washington, D. C .; and James E. married Norvella Jones, of this county; all are farmers of Wayne county; Phœbe H., who died in 1887, was the wife of William Hardin; Luella A. and Charles M. are at home; Catherine Gertrude is the wife of F. Morris, of Milton, Indiana. The other daughter died in infancy.
ISAAC S. HAROLD, M. D.
Both as an educator and as a medical practitioner has Dr. Isaac S. Har- old won distinction, and though but a few years have passed since he became a permanent resident of Richmond, he enjoys an extensive and remunerative practice. Doubtless he inherited his talent as a physician, as his father was noted as a nurse and local doctor in the pioneer days, and two of his brothers are also successfully engaged in the profession. He is progressive in all his methods, constantly reading and studying, and keeping in close touch with the spirit of the times.
On his father's side of the family the Doctor is of Scotch-English extrac- tion, while on the maternal side he is of English stock. Three brothers bear- ing the surname of Harold came from the British isles to America many years ago, one settling in Virginia. Another, from whom the Doctor is directly descended, located in North Carolina, in that portion now known as Guilford county, and there the grandfather, Jonathan Harold, was born. In 1835 he
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removed to Hamilton county, Indiana, where he became a prosperous and influential agriculturist, remaining in that locality until his death.
Our subject's father. Dr. Nathan Harold, was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, whence he emigrated to Hamilton county in 1833. In those days there was a great need for physicians among the scattered hamlets and country people, and Dr. Harold, being a natural nurse and having some knowledge of medicine, found his services in such demand that, of necessity, he bought books and posted himself in the care and treatment of the sick. He prospered in the work, to which he gradually devoted himself more and more, and his practice included a territory of twelve or fifteen miles in each direction from his home. This old homestead, which is still in possession of the family, was purchased by him from the government at one dollar and a quarter per acre, and comprises one hundred and twenty acres. In politics he was a Whig and later a Republican, and took an active part in the main- tenance of good government. An elder in the Society of Friends, he assisted in the founding of Richland church, in which he was an earnest and con- sistent member. His death occurred in 1884, when he was in his seventy- fifth year. His wife, Betsy, who died December 31, 1897, at the age of eighty-five years, was a daughter of Nathan Hawkins, and was born in Rich- mond, whither her father had removed at an early day. He was a farmer and wagon-maker, his early prime being devoted to the last mentioned busi- ness, while his last years were spent upon a farm in Hamilton county, Indiana. To the union of Dr. Nathan Harold and wife seven sons and one daughter were born, all of whom survive. John is engaged in gardening at Noblesville, Indiana; Henry is carrying on the old family homestead; Lemuel, formerly a merchant, is now farming in the vicinity of Pendleton, Indiana; Herman is a farmer in Hancock county, this state; Dr. David is practicing at High Point, North Carolina; Mrs. Rebecca Greene is a resident of Hamil- ton county; Dr. Cyrus N. is a practitioner in Indianapolis; and our subject completes the number.
The birth of Dr. Isaac S. Harold took place in the neigborhood of Car- mel, Hamilton county, Indiana, January 1, 1852. He received an excellent education, as, after leaving the common schools, he pursued a course in the Carmel Academy and the normal institute in Hancock, Indiana. Having thus thoroughly prepared himself for pedagogic work, he obtained a school and continued as a teacher in Hamilton and Hancock counties from 1873 to 1880, also having charge of a school in Mississippi for some time. In the meantime he began the study of medicine with his brother, Cyrus N., as his instructor, and for a period was directed in his work by Dr. J. J. Baker, of Westfield, Indiana. Then for several years he was engaged in merchan- dising in the towns of Carmel and Westfield, but in 1887 he laid aside all his
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general business affairs and matriculated in the Physio-Medical College, in Indianapolis. Two years later he graduated, and opened an office in West- field, where he practiced until 1891, then coming to Richmond. He engaged in general family practice, but has made a specialty of chronic diseases, and has been particularly fortunate in the field of dermatology. Since 1892 he has been a teacher of this branch of medical science at his alma mater, and is looked upon as an authority in this special line. At one time he was president of the State Physio-Medical Association, to which organization he still belongs, and is likewise connected with the District and United States Associations.
In his political views the Doctor adheres to the principles of the Repub- lican party, and is quite independent in local affairs. Religiously he follows the training of his youth, and is actively interested in the Society of Friends. He belongs to the Friends church on South Eighth street, and contributes to the support of the same.
In 1874 Dr. Harold married Miss Cordelia B. Hodgin, a daughter of Jonathan and Jane (Millican) Hodgin, originally of North Carolina, and later residents of Richmond. Two promising sons and one daughter bless the Doctor and wife. Earl J., now twenty-two years of age, is a graduate at Earlham College, while Frank, two years younger, is a junior in the same institution. Haley G., a maid of sixteen, is a student in the Richmond high school.
FRANK C. ROBERTS.
The man who wins prominence at the bar of America's thriving cities- . of which Richmond is one-must have a thorough understanding of the law, a keen perception, logical reasoning, forcible argument and, above all, hab- its of painstaking, patient industry. Not by inheritance, by purchase or by gift can he win reputation in his chosen calling. It must come as the reward ·of true merit. All must begin on a common plane and rise to eminence by · perseverance, industry and ability, or fall back into the ranks of mediocrity. In like manner with all others Frank C. Roberts started out to win a name and place for himself, and his success has made him one of the leaders of the Richmond bar.
A son of Henry S. and Martha (Charles) Roberts, he was born in the city which is now his home, December 21, 1868. No family has been more intimately, honorably and for a longer period connected with the history of Richmond than the Roberts family. The ancestry can be traced back to Wales, and Thomas Roberts, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of South Carolina, whence he removed to Butler county, Ohio, in 1806. In 1811 he came to Richmond and located on the northwest quarter of sec- tion 4, Wayne township, which land he entered from the government. It
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was then covered with native forest trees, but is now included within the city limits and is covered by substantial residences. Mr. Roberts, in con- nection with Jeremiah Cox and John Smith, was appointed to name the town of Richmond. He had a family of six children, three sons and three daugh- ters. His time and energies were devoted to agriculturial pursuits, which he successfully conducted. He was one of the founders of the Friends' meeting, taking an active part in founding the Indiana meeting in Richmond, and was always active and influential in promoting its work.
Jonathan Roberts, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1808, and in 18It was brought by his parents to Wayne county, a settlement being made on a tract of land which had been entered by his father in 1806. The grandfather has since lived at this place, at the corner of Thirteenth and South A streets. His home was originally a little log cabin, but it has long since been superseded by a brick s'ructure, which is still standing and which he now occupies. He has made farming his life work, and for a number of years was numbered among the extensive agri- culturists of the community, owning two or three valuable farms. In 1875 he put aside business cares and has since lived a retired life. In the Friends' meeting he has been quite active, filling various official positions in the Indi- ana yearly meeting. He wedded Miss Mary Smith, who came to this state from eastern Ohio, and they had four children: Aves J., wife of William S. Elliott, of Greentown, Indiana; Eli, of Richmond; Elvira, deceased; and Henry S. The last named is the father of our subject. He was born in Richmond in 1848 and has spent his entire life here, engaging in agricultural pursuits. He is an enterprising and prosperous farmer and is also engaged in the creamery business, managing both enterprises with marked ability. He has adhered to the religious faith of his family, and of the Friends' yearly meeting is an active and consistent member. He married Martha Charles, and in 1878 was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died leaving three children: Frank C .; Evelina, now deceased; and Mary Belle, of Rich- mond. Mr. Roberts afterward married Anna M. Jones, of Richmond, and is still living in the city of his birth, respected by all who know him.
Frank C. Roberts completed his literary education by a two-years course in Earlham College. He then took up the study of law at home, continuing his reading from 1890 until his admission to the bar in February, 1893. He then practiced until the fall of 1895, when he entered the senior law class of the law department of the university at Indianapolis, in which institution he was graduated in May, 1896, receiving the degree of LL. B. He then returned to Richmond and has since been engaged in active practice. He enjoys a large clientage, which has connected him with much of the impor- tant litigation heard in the courts of the district in the past few years.
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On the 4th of June, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Roberts and Miss Mary E. Hockett, a daughter of Warner M. and Caroline (Dennis) Hockett, of Economy, Wayne county. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He also belongs to the Friends' church, and its interests have been greatly promoted through his zealous and earnest work. His political support is given the Republican party, but his time and energies are chiefly devoted to his profession, in which he is meeting with good suc- cess. His many admirable qualities of heart and mind have gained a large circle of friends, and he is very widely and favorably known in Wayne county.
FRANKLIN STANTON.
The subject of this sketch is identified with the agricultural interests of Center township, Union county, Indiana; of which place he is a native, hav- ing been born near Salem church, June 14, 1830, son of Samuel and Sarah (Davis) Stanton, and grandson of William Stanton. Samuel Stanton died in Union county, in 1830, three weeks after the birth of his son Franklin, the only child by his second marriage. By a former marriage, to a Miss Coffin, he had two sons, Edwin and Leander, and one daughter, Mulica, who became Mrs. William Huddleston.
Franklin Stanton was reared by his mother and stepfather, Aaron Gard- ner, and at the age of fourteen he began working at the trade of blacksmith, serving an apprenticeship which occupied his time until his majority, and he followed his trade for three or four years afterward. Since then he has been engaged in farming. He spent several years in the West, having claims in Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, and since his return to Indiana he has been engaged in farming on an eighty-acre farm in Center township, Union county .. Politically he has been a Republican all his life.
Mr. Stanton has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Semira Swain, died seven years after their marriage, leaving three children: Clara, wife of A. P. Cook; Clinton, who died at the age of twenty- nine years; and Albert, who died at about the same age as his brother. For his second wife Mr. Stanton wedded Miss Almira Barnard, who shared the joys and sorrows of his life for nearly thirty years. She died, leaving four children: Flora, wife of Walter Graham, a resident of Oklahoma; Annie Laurie, wife of Frank Bowers, of Oklahoma; Louie, wife of William Aylor, also of Oklahoma; and Cliff C., of Johnson county, Indiana. In February, 1897, Mr. Stanton married Mrs. Keturah Jane Quick, widow of Lewis Quick. Her maiden name was Templeton, she being a daughter of James and Keturah (Barrackman) Templeton. Mrs. Stanton's mother, now ninety-six years of age, resides with her. She was born January 15, 1803, has spent ninety-two years in Indiana, and for one of her extreme old age enjoys good 30
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health. Lewis Quick was a native of Franklin county, Indiana, and was a resident of that county until coming to the farm now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Stanton, where he died.
JOHN WOOD.
John Wood, a retired farmer and a man well known in Brownsville township, Union connty, Indiana, dates his birth in this township, Novem- ber 7, 1832, and is a son of William and Sarah (Little) Wood, who came from county Longford, Ireland, to this country in 1828. Upon his arrival in this country William Wood came west to Indiana and settled near Philo- math, Brownsville township, Union county, where he lived until 1845, and the lived in the township until his death, which occurred in July, 1864, in his sixty-fifth year. His wife survived him until 1876. He was at one time the owner of a large landed estate. At his death he had about four hun- dred acres in this county and twice that amount in Pulaski county, and besides this land he had a snug sum of money. His father, Alexander Wood, came to Indiana some five years before he did and died not many years afterward. William Wood was the father of eight children, four sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to maturity, and of this number one :son and two daughters are still living. Of the sons we record that William, the eldest, died at the age of thirty-three years; Alexander, born January 2, "828, died in July, 1893; John, the next in order of birth, is the subject of this sketch; and James C., born August 1, 1838, was for thirty-five years a resident of Madison county, Indiana, and died in July, 1898. The eldest ·daughter, Jane, was the wife of J. R. Holsten, of Madison county, Indiana, and is now deceased; Margaret, widow of Jacob Rice, is a resident of Mad- ison county; Ann, widow of William Brown, died in Brownsville township, Union county, in 1897; and Mary, wife of McFarland Black, lives in Madi- son connty.
John Wood remained at home with his father until shortly before he reached his majority, when, August 25, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa J. Whitinger, who died on July 1, 1899, in her sixty-sixth year. Receiving one thousand dollars as a gift from his father, he went to Wayne .county and there began his married life. For about five years he made his home in Wayne county. Then he bought sixty acres of land in Union «county, settling on it in 1857. Later he bought one hundred and seventy :acres in Wayne county, and in 1870 purchased the old homestead of three hundred and twenty acres, which he has since owned, from time to time adding thereto, until now his home farm comprises five hundred and fifty- three acres. This has been operated both as a grain and stock farm, a large force of men being employed. Mr. Wood has produced as high as eight
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thousand bushels of corn and twenty-five hundred bushels of wheat per year, and each year has fed a large number of hogs, sometimes as many as four hundred. For several years he and his brother Alexander shipped their hogs to Cincinnati, marketing three hundred head at a time. Our subject also speculated in pork margins, and packed pork in the city for several years, but these ventures were not successful. In 1889 Mr. Wood retired from the active duties of the farm and turned it over to his sons. He now lives quietly and comfortably in a small cottage on his farm. Mr. Wood cast his vote for Fremont, in 1856, and has been a Republican ever since, enthusiastic in the success of his party, but has never sought official honors for himself.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood had four children, namely: William H., who has charge of the home farm; Oras F., who was a stock-shipper at Richmond, Indiana, died in May, 1897, at the age of thirty-nine years; Frances Alice, wife of Milburn Fender, lives in Wayne county, Indiana; and Nellie, wife of Horace W. Colvin, of Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. Wood was. a member of Locust Grove Methodist Episcopal church, and was a valued and earnest worker in all Christian and benevolent activities. A model wife and mother, her memory will long be cherished.
JOSEPH WITTER.
Joseph Witter is the proprietor of Pleasant View Stock Farms in Center township, Union county, and has some of the finest shorthorn cattle to be found in this state. He was born October 9, 1860, on the old homestead, a part of which is still his home. He was a son of Martin and Lydia (Eiken- berry) Witter and a grandson of George and Fanny (Kingery) Witter. Christopher Witter, the father of George, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1760. June 25, 1806, he made the second land entry in what is now Center township, Union county, Indiana, and in September of that year settled on Four Mile creek.
George Witter was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, September 4, 1796, and January 25, 1819, he was joined in marriage to Miss Fanny Kingery, a daughter of Martin and Polly (Webb) Kingery. His parents came from Virginia, in 1804, to Greene county, Ohio, and some sixteen years later to Union county, Indiana, settling along Four Mile creek, where the Witter family had previously taken up their abode. George Witter owned one hundred and sixty acres of land here and also owned land in Carroll county, this state. He was an extensive farmer, and he died of consumption in 1849, at the age of fifty years. He was afflicted with this disease for ten years before his death. His wife survived him until 1886, living to the age of eighty years. He was a good man and one of the founders of the German Baptist church. Their family consisted of Martin, the father of our subject;
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Sarah, who resides in Labette county, Kansas; John; Lucy; Daniel, of Carroll county, Indiana; Baltzer, who died in the army during the civil war; Samuel, in Miami county, Indiana; Henry, who lives in Center township; Mary; Abraham, who died on the old homestead; and Maria.
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