USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 39
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 39
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 39
USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 39
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Mrs. Watt and her daughter Clara are consistent members of the Method- ist church, in the faith of which denomination our subject also was reared by a good Christian mother, whose teachings he has never forgotten. Although not a member of any church, he is charitable and benevolent, and his life has ever been such as to command the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. Politically he is a strong Democrat and he has ever given his support to those enterprises he believed would prove of public benefit, or would in any way advance the interests of his fellow men.
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JOSEPH CLEVENGER.
Joseph Clevenger comes from one of the sterling old pioneer families of Wayne county, the name he bears being indissolubly connected with the history of this section of Indiana. Noted for industry and strict attention to business, for integrity of word and deed, for loyalty to their country and state, and for the zealous support which they always have given to whatever institutions, laws or measures appeared to conduce to the permanent welfare of their community, they have, indeed, been citizens of whom any locality might be proud.
The founder of the family in this county was Daniel Clevenger, the grandfather of our subject. Both he and his wife, Susan, were of English descent, and their marriage was celebrated in Ohio. In that state, in Darke county, their first child, Samuel, was born in 1810, and five years later they removed to Abington township, Wayne county, Indiana. There Mr. Clev- enger cleared a farm in the forest, reared his children and then passed to his reward. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the United Brethren church, and were buried in Doddridge chapel cemetery. They had but one son, and their seven daughters are named as follows: Mrs. Polly Wintworth, Mrs. Cynthia Rinkler, Mrs. Lucinda Hartman, Mrs. Sarah Helm, Mrs. Bolan, Mrs. Susan Knox and Mrs. Maria Russell.
As stated, Samuel Clevenger was a mere child when he came to this county, where he was destined to spend the rest of his days. His is the his- tory of all of the sturdy frontiersmen. Theirs was the difficult task of preparing the land for the generations yet to possess the riches which the soil should yield. Unsparing of themselves, they toiled from early until late, having few pleasures save those afforded by their simple lives, but the patience and fortitude displayed by them, under the most discouraging circumstances, have made a lasting impress upon countless thousands. Truly, as the Scriptures say, " one soweth and another reapeth." Before his death, however, Mr. Clevenger enjoyed many comforts which his own industry and business ability had provided for himself and loved ones. The old log cabin gave place to a substantial brick house, and his farm was one of the best in the township. Broad-minded and just, and the possessor of marked common-sense and acumen, he was frequently appealed to by his neighbors in matters whereon they disagreed, and it was his pride and pleasure to induce them to come to an amicable understanding or settlement and to avoid recourse to the law. This was but the carrying out of the principles which animated his whole life, for he was an earnest worker in the Methodist church, having served as super- intendent and class-leader. He received the summons to the better land upon the 28th of April, 1881, and was survived by his wife, Ruth, who
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departed this life when in her eighty-second year, in September, 1895. She was of German descent, born in Virginia, of which state her parents, John and Susan (Doddridge) Spahr, were likewise natives. She accompanied them in their removal to Indiana, in 1813. Her grandfather, John Doddridge, was the founder of the first Methodist congregation in these parts, and erected the well known Doddridge chapel, so called in his honor. John Spahr took up large tracts of land in this county, and his children and descendants reaped the reward of his foresight. A consistent church member, he endeavored to perform his whole duty toward God and man, and no one had anything but praise for his noble life. After the death of his first wife, he married Mar- garet Russell, and their son Joseph is now operating the old homestead, while their daughter Nancy is the wife of Isaac Jenkins. The children of John and Susan Spahr were: Mrs. Rebecca Henwood; Mrs. Polly Burris; Samuel, who was an enterprising business man and is deceased; and Ruth, mother of our subject.
Joseph Clevenger, born in Abington township, Wayne county, January 14, 1847, is the fifth of his parents' children, the others being named as follows: Mrs. Rebecca Connelly, Mrs. Sabra Leap, Mrs. Mary Riegel, Samuel, Mrs. Nancy Quinn, Thomas and Francis S. The three brothers are all engaged in farming in this county, the youngest having charge of the parental home- stead. All are identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, as were their parents, and without exception they are intelligent, respected citizens, highly regarded by their neighbors and associates.
In his boyhood Joseph Clevenger received a fair public-school education, and when he had reached his majority he commenced working for neighbors, as a farmer, with the result that in three years he had saved one thousand dollars. This entitled him to a home, as he argued, and, having married, he settled upon a tract of eighty acres of land, which he had purchased. Some clearing had been done upon the place, but a new house was required, and there was plenty for the young man to do in reducing his homestead to a proper condition. Industry and dilligence will accomplish wonders when guided by sound judgment, and the farm which he now owns, comprising two hundred and fifteen acres, bears little resemblance to the original pur- chase. A comfortable house, barn and farm buildings have supplanted the old ones, and everything about the place is kept up in a thrifty manner. As he received very little assistance from his father, he is entitled to be called a ·self-made man, for he owes his competence solely to his individual efforts. Having won sufficient to supply the needs of himself and wife, and having given seventy acres, from his original two hundred and eighty-five, to his only ·son, he is taking life easier, and expects to practically retire within a few years.
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In 1870 Mr. Clevenger married Miss Mary J. Jones, who was born at Centerville, January 10, 1853. Her parents are Levi and Matilda (Brown) Jones, the former a son of Levi M. Jones, who came to Indiana at an early day, from Virginia, thenceforth living at Centerville. Levi was the youngest of his ten children, the others being: Lewis, Mrs. Sally Franklin, Washing- ton, Mrs. Rebecca Shank, Oliver, Norris, Harrison, Eli and Mary. J. Mrs. Clevenger's father was reared at Centerville and became a manufacturer of brick, later engaging in farming in this locality, where he bought property and lived until his death, May 13, 1876. He was a Republican in early man- hood, but subsequently affiliated with the Democratic party. His widow is dwelling at the old homestead in this township. Their only son, Edward P., is a resident of the Pacific coast, and their second child is Mrs. Ella Small.
The only child of Joseph Clevenger and wife is Daniel O., who was born October 13, 1871. He has received thorough training in agriculture, and is a practical, progressive young farmer. To the original seventy acres given him by his father he has added one hundred and thirty acres, paying the entire purchase price in cash at the time the deed was made. His wife, whose maiden name was Cora Hurst, comes from an honored pioneer family of this county. Their little son, Charles E., was born March 26, 1898, and is a promising child. Politically Joseph Clevenger and his son are allies of the Democratic party and their wives are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, active in all good works.
JOHN PEELLE.
The subject of this memoir was one of the most influential and success- ful citizens of Wayne county. Shrewd and clear-sighted, he was fortunate in whatever he undertook, meeting with prosperity where another would have encountered defeat. He was born October 16, 1814, in Guilford county, North Carolina, and was the son of Mark and Mary (Modlin) Peelle, both of whom were natives of Guilford county and came to this state in 1816. The trip was made by wagon to West Grove, near Centerville, this county, where they located. This locality was at that time almost a wilderness, being but sparsely settled, and covered with vast forests, where wild beasts and game of all kinds abounded. Mark Peelle entered a tract of government land and after a few years' residence there moved to Dover, where he died July 31. 1857. His wife died November 27, 1869. He and his wife were both Quakers. He was a farmer of prominence who speculated in land and loaned considerable money.
John Peelle was but two years of age when the family made their home in this state and but five when they took up their residence in Dover. Here he grew up and his entire life was passed in Webster and Wayne townships.
John Peelle
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His schooling was necessarily limited, being confined to six months' attend- ance in the district schools of pioneer times, but he was unusually bright and possessed a native shrewdness which led him to form almost unerring opin- ions, and brought about his success in after life. At the age of sixteen he was given a farm by his father, and a career opened before him which led to almost phenomenal success. He converted this farm into money, which he loaned out, and he became well known throughout this section as a money- lender. He also dealt in land, and seldom lost money in a transaction. He always lived on a farm which he owned but which he had cultivated by others. This farm was one mile west of Richmond, and here he died March 13, 1891. He left a large estate as a monument of his integrity and thrift. In politics he was a Whig, an Abolitionist, and later a Republican, but was only a passive politician. He was excommunicated by the Friends on account of his extreme abolition views.
He was married March 8, 1854, to Luranah Philips, daughter of Ezekiel « and Margaret (Peelle) Philips, of this county. Two children were born to them: Jonathan A., of Wayne township, a farmer and money-lender; and Mary, the wife of John Bruce, a farmer, and she resides with her mother.
JOHN L. GRAEF.
John L. Graef is a popular railroad employe, serving as freight agent at Connersville for the Chicago, Hamilton & Dayton and the Lake Erie & Western Railroad Companies. He was born in Piqua, Ohio, February 8, 1862, a son of Paul and Elizabeth (Nunnamaker) Graef. His father, a native of Germany, emigrated to America in 1845 and located in Piqua, Ohio, where he still resides. He is a cooper by trade, but for many years has lived retired from active business. His wife is a native of Pennsylvania, and in early girlhood was taken by her parents to the Buckeye state.
Mr. Graef, of this review, was reared in Piqua, Ohio, and to the public- school system of that city is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. At the age of seventeen years he entered upon his business career in the service of the Chicago, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, learning teleg- raphy. He entered upon his work there June 21, 1879, and for a year and one month continued at that place. On the 21st of July, 1880, he was appointed to the position of night operator, serving in that capacity for eight months, when he became clerk in the same office. He filled that position until June 30, 1887, when he was appointed both ticket and freight agent. On the Ist of April, 1891, he was transferred to Connersville, where he has since acted as freight agent for the Chicago, Hamilton & Dayton and the Lake Erie & Western Railroad Companies. For eight years he has served in this capacity, discharging his duties in a manner creditable to himself and 55
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entirely satisfactory to the roads and their patrons. Great corporations demand the utmost fidelity, ability and trustworthiness on the part of their employes; and when one has long continued in a railway service it is at once an indication that their duties have been well and promptly executed. Mr. Graef is not only prompt, but is a very obliging and courteous man, and is therefore favorably regarded by the public as well as by his company.
On the 20th of July, 1887, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Graef and Miss Elizabeth Taylor, of Waterford, Pennsylvania. They have three children, -- Mildred B., Clarence S. and Paul H. Socially Mr. Graef is con- nected with Invincible Lodge, No. 176, K. of P., of Piqua, Ohio; Piqua Lodge, No. 8, I. O. O. F., and Lodge No. 379, B. P. O. E. In manner he is very pleasant and agreeable, and his sterling traits of character have gained him the warm regard of many friends.
DAVID W. McKEE.
David W. McKee, one of the ablest members of the bar of Connersville, was born in Noble township, Rush county, Indiana, near Fayetteville, December 14, 1845, and is a son of David and Martha L. (Woods) McKee. On the paternal side he is of Scotch-Irish descent, and on the maternal side is probably of English lineage. His great-great-grandfather, John McKee, was a resident of Virginia, and married Jane Logan, who was killed by the Indians in the Kerr's creek massacre in Rockbridge county, Virginia, in 1763. The other members of the family, however, escaped. The great-grandfather, David McKee, was a native of Virginia, but died in Kentucky near Nicholas- ville. The grandfather, John McKee, was born in Kentucky, and at an early day removed to Rush county, Indiana, casting in his lot with its pioneer set- tlers. He made farming his life work, following that occupation throughout his business career. He married Ann Platt and they had a large family. In religious faith the McKees are Presbyterian, and nearly all of the representa- tives of the name have belonged to the church of that denomination.
David McKee, the father of our subject, came to Indiana when a boy and was reared in Rush county, where he devoted his life to agricultural pur- 'suits. He read law and was admitted to practice in Rush county, but soon ·left the bar and resumed farming. He possessed considerable native talent :as a physician, read medical works, diagnosed cases from the symptoms of this patients and successfully treated many cases, but would never accept any fees for his services. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, filled nearly all of the local offices, including that of township trustee, and was once the nominee of his party for the general assembly. He belonged to the Presby- terian church, and in earlier life took an active part in its work. He was born in 1810, and died in Rush county, October 11, 1884, when nearly
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seventy-five years of age. His wife, who was born in Kentucky, in 1809, and was a daughter of Richard Wood, died June 13, 1882, at the age of seventy-three years. They were the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters. One son died in infancy, and three are living, farmers by occupation.
David W. McKee, of this review, was reared upon his father's farm in Rush county, and although he attended the public schools, he is mostly self- educated. His father and two older brothers were teachers, and he pursued his studies at home. He was endowed by nature with strong mentality, and this, combined with the studious habits which he formed, together with his extensive reading, has made him an exceptionally well informed man. He began teaching in Fayette county in 1866, and for five years spent the greater part of his time in teaching in Fayette, Franklin and Rush counties, ending his educational career as principal of the schools of Fayetteville. He began reading law, with George H. Puntenney, of Rushville, as his preceptor, and was graduated in the law department of the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, in 1872, under Judge Samuel E. Perkins, Sr., a well-known law pro- fessor and at one time judge of the supreme court of Indiana. After his admission to the bar Mr. McKee formed a partnership with the late John F. McKee at Brookville, Indiana, under the firm name of McKee & McKee, which connection was continued until December, 1886.
In that month David W. McKee came to Connersville and entered into partnership with Joseph I. Little, under the firm name of Little & McKee, which relationship was maintained in that way until the present firm of McKee, Little & Frost was organized, in February, 1893, the junior member being Hyatt L. Frost. On the Ist of January, 1899, Mr. McKee also formed a partnership with Howard E. Barrett, for the purpose of practicing law in Rushville. He is employed as counsel either for the prosecution or defense of nearly every important case tried in his county, practicing in the supreme court and the United States circuit court as well as in local courts, and in Franklin, Union, Rush, Henry, Decatur, Shelby and Dearborn counties. He has also held court by appointment in Union, Rush, Franklin, Fayette and Decatur, presiding in special cases. He has won marked prestige at the bar, ranking among the ablest lawyers of this section of the state. As an advo- cate he has few equals. His arguments are logical, sound and convincing; he is quick to note any available point of attack in an opponent's argument, and at the same time fortifies his own case with fact and precedent. He has superior oratorical ability, his words are well chosen, and the aim of his elo- quence is to convince, -an aim which he usually accomplishes. Among the most important suits with which he has been connected was the Goodwin case, in which Colonel Robert M. Goodwin was on trial for shooting and
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killing his brother, John R. Goodwin, the banker of Brookville. Mr. McKee was the attorney for the state, and prosecuted the case with triumph. His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial, and his reputation as a lawyer has been won through earnest, honest labor, his high standing at the bar being a merited tribute to his ability.
For some years Mr. McKee has also been an active factor in political circles, andis a stalwart Democrat, unwavering in support of the principles of the party and firmly believing in their ultimate triumph. He has served as president of the town board of Brookville and is now a member of the Fayette county council. He takes an active part in campaign work, and is a most able political speaker, his oratorical gifts enabling him to present his arguments in a most effective manner.
On the 19th of June, 1873, Mr. McKee was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor McKee, of Woodford county, Kentucky, and they have four daugh- ters living. Josie B., the eldest, was married in 1897 to E. C. Greene, assistant superintendent of the Prudential Insurance Company, of Conners- ville. She was graduated in the high school in 1891, at the age of seventeen, carrying off the honors of the class and taking all the scholarship prizes. She delights in literature, is a lady of culture, refinement and ability, and prior to her marriage served as her father's private secretary for some time. The other daughters are Ethel L., Grace Lapsley, and Louise C., all bright students. The family is one of prominence in the community, and the mem- bers of the household occupy enviable positions in social circles, and are members of the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. McKee has served as elder since 1875. He was a delegate to the general assembly of the church held in Buffalo, New York, in 1881, and in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1895. He takes a most active part in church work, contributes liberally to its sup- port, and does all in his power for the advancement and upbuilding of the cause. He takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the public welfare and his services are frequent in demand as orator on the occasion of com- mencement exercises or after-dinner speeches. The social side of his nature- then has full play, and wit, humor and repartee render his remarks most fas- cinating. His cordial manner and genial disposition, combined with his scholarly attainments, render him a most agreeable companion, and no man in this community has more sincere friends than David W. McKee.
ABRAM WAGGONER.
Abram Waggoner, of Blooming Grove township, Franklin county, Indiana, is the youngest son of John Waggoner, one of the well known early settlers of Franklin county.
John Waggoner was born in Germany about 1770, and when a child
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came to this country with his parents. His father served in the war of the Revolution. John Waggoner grew to manhood in Virginia and there married Elizabeth Greene, whose father was a cousin of General Nathaniel Greene, of Revolutionary fame. John Waggoner and wife emigrated from Virginia in the early days, crossing the mountains with pack horses, to Franklin county, Indiana; they settled first at Yellow Bank, near Metamora. This was about the time of the war of 1812, the country was wild and new, and danger from the Indians was imminent. By trade Mr. Waggoner was a black- smith, and he was among the first to ply that trade in Franklin county. Later he removed to Fayette county, where he worked at his trade for a time, and then removed to Rush county, where also he worked at his trade. In 1839 he sold out and removed to Columbus, Van Buren county, Iowa, where he died, soon afterward, and the wife and mother passed away about the sanie time. John Waggoner was an honest, upright citizen and was highly respected. While he followed blacksmithing as a life business, he purchased land in Rush county, and his sons, of whom he had eight, assisted in clearing the farm while he worked at his trade. Eight sons, but no daughters, were born to John Waggoner and wife. All grew to mature years and nearly all have passed away.
Abram Waggoner, the direct subject of this article, is the only one of the family of his generation living in Franklin county. The brothers, in the order of their birth, were: James, John, Lot, Noah, Michael, Samuel, Thomas and Abram.
Abram Waggoner was born in Rush county, Indiana, June 26, 1830, and was about ten years of age when the family removed to Iowa. His par- ents dying soon afterward he was sent back to Indiana, and for two years made his home with an older brother, Lot Waggoner, and then went to reside at the home of a maternal uncle, James Greene. For nine years, immediately preceding his marriage, he worked on the farm of James McElwain, in Blooming Grove township, now owned by his nephew, Lot Waggoner. January 12, 1854, Mr. Waggoner was married to Emily Miller, daughter of Abraham Miller, one of the early settlers of Franklin county. The Millers and Waggoners were neighbors, their homes being half a mile apart. After his marriage Mr. Waggoner removed to Wabash county, Indiana, and bought a tract of timber land. After clearing his land and developing a farm, he sold out and returned to Franklin county, and bought the farm upon which he has since lived. This purchase was made from his father-in-law. To Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner were born five children,-John A., William D., Lot, Elizabeth and Simeon. After a married life of nearly forty years, Mrs. Waggoner passed away, in December, 1893. She was a most estimable woman, a devoted wife and a loving mother, and was held in
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high regard by all who knew her. . Like her husband, she was descended from Revolutionary stock, her grandfather having served in the war for inde- pendence.
Mr. Waggoner, as has been seen, is one of the last of his generation. He had but few advantages for obtaining book knowledge in his youth- After he was twelve years old he attended school only three months. He taught himself at home to read and write, and by home study, reading and close observation he early gained a wide range of useful information. The advantages he has been able to afford his children, however, have been much superior to his own. To each he has given a good education, and all have left home and are well established in life for themselves.' John is a farmer of Blooming Grove township. William D. and Simeon are residents of Terre Haute, engaged in the drug business. Lot is in Alaska. The daugh- ter, Elizabeth, is the wife of George B. Roberts. Mr. Waggoner has ever led an industrious life, and by his honorable and upright life has earned that which he enjoys, -the high esteem of his fellow citizens. Neither he nor his brothers have ever indulged to any extent in intoxicating drink, but lived sober, industrious lives. In his political views Mr. Waggoner is a Republican.
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