USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 45
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 45
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 45
USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 45
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62
Mr. Paddack has done extensive and valuable work in his religious activity, and many attribute their awakening to religious life to his earnest labors. It is the wish of many that he may be spared for long years of Christian usefulness.
HON. JOHN F. MILLER.
At one time a well known lawyer and statesman of California, and later a distinguished member of the Indiana bar, Mr. Miller was born in Union coun- ty, this state, November 21, 1831. His father, Hon. William Miller, served for three successive terms in the Indiana legislature, from Union county. At an early day he emigrated to St. Joseph county, locating on Portage Prairie at a time when the white settlers were far outnumbered by the Indians of the Pottawatomie tribe, whose children were the playmates of John F. Mil- ler in his youth. In his fourteenth year he became a student in the academy at South Bend, and for several years there pursued his studies through the winter months, while in the summer season he assisted in the work of the farm. In 1848 he entered the Hathaway Mathematical and Classical Insti- tute, in Chicago, where he attained a fair knowledge of Latin, chemistry and philosophy. In 1849 he began to read law with Judge Elisha Egbert, of South Bend, and in 1852 he won the degree of Bachelor of Law in the State and National Law School at Ballston Spa, New York.
Mr. Miller entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in South Bend, in company with Joseph Defrees, but his health failing him he soon afterward went by way of the Nicaragua route to California, reaching San Francisco, in March, 1853. He continued his law practice in the city of Napa, and being fortunate in the presentation and conduct of a case in which he successfully defended a man for assault with intent to commit murder, his argument and bearing in the case brought him considerable prominence, and he was soon afterward employed in opposition to the attorney general of the state and Judge Aldrich in a slander case, in which his arguments and
916
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY.
presentations were so able that he was at once ranked among the most eminent lawyers in the state. From that time his path was an easy one. He secured a very large clientage and his counsel was sought in almost every criminal case of importance. In all of these he won new laurels, and in 1853 he became a partner of Judge Currey, against whom he had fought and won an important land case, after which he was invited by Judge Currey to become his associate in business. They opened an office in San Fran- cisco, and their rank in the legal fraternity was second to none. Mr. Miller was made county treasurer only six months after his arrival in California and held the office for two years. He also represented California in the United States senate, and declined a nomination to the state senate.
On account of his health Mr. Miller returned to Indiana and opened an office in South Bend, where he engaged in practice in partnership with Hon. N. Eddy, later attorney general of Minnesota. In August, 1860, he was elected to the state senate, over Col. John Smith, and with one exception was the youngest member of that house. In 1856 he canvassed the northern part of the state for General Fremont and materially strengthened the cause of the Republican party. His literary achievements and his success in the profession of law in California at a time when distinction in that line was earned at the risk of the counsel's life, demonstrate his extraordinary talent, perseverance and courage.
JOHN S. HENWOOD.
This well known and highly esteemed citizen of Abington township, Wayne county, and a worthy representative of one of the prominent pioneer families, was born upon his present farm September 21, 1837, a son of John and Rebecca (Spahr) Henwood, both natives of Virginia, the former being of French and the latter of German descent. Being left an orphan during childhood, the father was reared by an aunt until seventeen years of age, when he began life for himself as a farm hand, his education all being obtained by his own unaided exertions. In 1814 he joined a colony coming west to Indiana. After crossing the mountains and reaching the Ohio river, they built a flat-boat and floated down that stream to Cincinnati, which city at that time was only a small village with a log court-house. From there they came by team and wagon to Wayne county, cutting their own road in many places. With the money which he had saved, Mr. Henwood entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he at once commenced to clear and improve. After a few acres had been cleared and a cabin built, he married and began life in earnest upon the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, making that his home during the remainder of his life. As a stock- raiser and general farmer he met with excellent success, and he added to his
917
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY.
homestead until he here owned four hundred and fifty acres. He entered one thousand four hundred and seventeen acres in Kosciusko county, which he held and later divided among his children. He became one of the wealthy and prominent men of Wayne county, and a leading and influential representative of the Democratic party in his community. He died in 1862, honored and respected by all who knew him. Religiously both he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist church. She was a daughter of John Spalır, a native of Virginia, who came to Indiana in 1814, with the Spahr & Doddridge colony. He settled among the Indians in Wayne county and aided both in the moral and physical development of the country. He entered large tracts of land and improved a good farm, on which he spent his remaining days. He was well and favorably known and reared a family that was a credit to him, all becoming useful and valued citizens of the communities in which they located. He lost his wife a few years after coming to this state. The children born to them were Rebecca, mother of our subject; Polly, wife of T. Burris; Samuel; and Ruth, wife of Samuel Clevenger. All are now deceased. John and Rebecca Henwood were the parents of six children, namely; Saba, who married H. Helms, and both died, leaving three children: Susan, widow of A. Leason and a resident of Texas; Samuel, a resident of Kosciusko county, Indiana; Mary J., widow of E. McCauley and a resident of Dallas, Texas; Stephen, a farmer of Abington township, Wayne county, Indiana; and John S., our subject.
Reared on the farm which is still is home, John S. Henwood obtained his education in a small log school-house of the neighborhood, where he was a pupil only during the winter months, as his services were needed on the farm throughout the remainder of the year. Before his father's death, which occurred in 1862, he took charge of the old homestead, and his mother lived with him until she, too, was called to her final rest. The first house upon the place was a pole cabin, and the second was built of the brick which our subject's maternal grandfather had burned in a kiln and had left after build- ing his residence. This second home contained but one room and was roofed with poles and clapboards. The father later. built a frame house, which has since been remodeled and enlarged by our subject. The latter now has a fine farm of two hundred and sixty acres, all tiled and under a high state of cultivation. In connection with farming he is engaged in all kinds of stock-raising, but makes a specialty of horses and has owned some very fine and high-priced trotting stock. He has set out several hundred fruit trees on different portions of his farm, and gives considerable attention to that branch of his business.
On the 28th of June, 1868, Mr. Henwood married Miss Cynthia Jami- son, who was born in Fayette county, February 7, 1849, a daughter of
91S
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY.
Jefferson and Anchor (Sutton) Jamison. Her paternal grandfather, who was of Scotch descent, came to Indiana at an early day, and upon land which he entered he engaged in farming and also built and operated a tannery. His son, Jefferson Jamison, engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his act- ive business life, but is now living retired, at the age of eighty-two years, spending most of his time with his daughter, Mrs. Henwood, his wife being deceased. In political sentiment he is a Republican. The younger of his two children is Meredith, who is now following farming in Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Henwood have two children: John J., who has lost his wife and now lives with his father; and Rosa A., wife of R. J. Pierce. The parents are both earnest and consistent members of the Methodist church, attending services at Doddridge Chapel, and they are held in high regard by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance. Being a strong temperance man, Mr. Henwood is an ardent Prohibitionist in politics.
ISAAC W. WHITNEY.
Mr. Whitney, who is at present one of the township trustees for Frank- lin county, -from the township of Springfield, -was born in Metamora town- ship, Franklin county, Indiana, November 17, 1846, and was reared to farm labor, receiving a good common-school education. His parents were Asa T. and Polly A. (Vincent) Whitney, both of whom were born in Franklin county. Our subject's paternal grandfather was Jerry Whitney, and his good wife, whose maiden name was Clarissa Tyler, was the daughter of Nathan and Olive Tyler, both natives of Vermont, where she also was born. Jerry Whitney was from New York, and his marriage to Clarissa Tyler was solemnized in Franklin county, Indiana. Jerry Whitney came to Indi- ana, a single man, when the country was first being settled. The savage Indian tribes yet roamed over their once free and happy hunting grounds. He improved the farm where our subject now resides. He was well and favor- ably known in this portion of Indiana. He was a minister of the Primitive Baptist church and was numbered among the pioneer preachers of this sec- tion of Indiana. He conducted religious services at scores of the primitive log-cabin homes and at log-cabin " churches," He was well known and beloved for his devotion to his Master's cause. He died in this county, but was away from his home holding services. He had preached on Saturday and was to preach again Sunday, but was unable to do so, and was called from his earthly home to the reward awaiting the truly good and faithful. His remains were brought home and buried in Big Cedar Baptist cemetery. His death took place December 8, 1854. His only child was Asa T., the father of our subject.
Asa T. Whitney, the father of Isaac W., of this review, was born Janu-
919
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY.
ary 20, 1823, and was reared on his father's forest farm. He received his early education from his devoted Christian parents, remaining with them until his marriage, when he bought a farm and settled thereon. In 1861 he sold his place and moved to Douglas county, Illinois, where he bought another place and remained there until 1871, sold and again became a resident of Indiana, this time settling in Fayette county. Later he sold out, and bought property in Blooming Grove township, where he and his estimable wife still reside. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, and while a resi- dent of Illinois he held the office of county commissioner several terms, dis- charging his official duties to the satisfaction of all. He has made farming his chief business. Of late he has paid special attention to the growing of stock, including sheep. He holds to the primitive faith of his fathers, is stern in his general deportment, but is broad-minded, and is genial and social with friends, as well as charitable toward all the worthy poor.
His wife, Polly A. (Vincent) Whitney, of Fayette county, the daughter of pioneer parents, was one of the following family of children: Samuel, William, Jerry, and Polly A., the mother of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Asa Whitney's children were: William, of Arcola, Illinois; Isaac W., the subject of this sketch; Jerry H., of Fairfield township; and John K., at the homestead.
Isaac W. Whitney, our subject, was born in this county and accom- panied his parents on their several moves. While he lived in Illinois he returned to Brookville and married, taking his bride to the Prairie state and settling on a farm. He was married in 1869, and sold out in 1871, return- ing to Brookville where he engaged in the grocery business, which he only followed a short time, then selling out. He next sold sewing machines, traveling in this capacity for one year, after which he bought another farm and settled thereon, remaining until 1881, when he sold out and bought where he now resides. He was induced to make this move on account of his desire to care for his grandmother. He has eighty acres, all well improved. Mr. Whitney is a stanch Democrat and uses his influence to further the party ends. He has filled many minor offices in his township. In 1894 he was selected by the people of Springfield township as its financier; he was also elected to the office of trustee, which office he is filling with credit and to the satisfaction of all interested. He carries on general farm- ing and raises stock.
Concerning his domestic relations, it may be remarked that he married Queen V. Stoops, born in 1852, the daughter of James Stoops, whose wife was at the time of her marriage to him Mrs. Stringer. Both of the above families were early-day settlers in this county. James Stoops was a farmer, and later engaged in mercantile business at Wabash. He then returned to
1
920
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY.
Brookville and filled the office of constable. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving his country well; such service, however, impaired his health, so that in the latter part of his life he was not able-bodied. He died at Brookville, in 1875, aged sixty-two years. He was the son of David and Abigal Stoops, who came direct from Kentucky to this county. They were both natives of Pennsylvania. He was among the very earliest settlers in this part of the state. David was twice married, and the fruits of these marriage unions were twenty-five children-fourteen sons and eleven daugh- ters. James was born of the first marriage and the latter's children were: Martha, Mrs. M. Quick; Margaret, Mrs. William Wilson; Richard, a farmer; Queen V., wife of our subject; John, who died when a young man; and Mary, who died single. After the death of his former companion he married a widow, by the name of Ruth Britt, by whom three children were born: Arthur; Mary, wife of Rev. A. Gagle, a Presbyterian clergyman of New Mexico; and Cora, now Mrs. Dietz.
Our subject and his wife became the parents of three children: Clarence, who passed away in the tender years of his life, before care had yet come to mar his pleasure; Jennie, the wife of J. C. Goudy; and Mattie A., who is still single and who keeps house for her father. The wife and mother passed from earth March 17, 1893, a consistent member of the Baptist church. Mr. Whitney also is a Baptist and in fraternal connections he is an honored mem- ber of Mount Carmel Lodge, No. 419, Knights of Pythias.
J. MARION SMITH.
J. Marion Smith, a prominent farmer of Franklin county, was born in Butler county. Ohio, near the state line, January 3, 1850, and has always resided within a few miles of his present home, in Springfield township. He is the only son and youngest child of Joseph and Abigail (Gates) Smith. The father was likewise a native of Butler county, born January 20, 1806, a son of James Smith, of Pennsylvania, who settled in Ohio in the latter part of last century and thereby became one of the earliest pioneers of the state. James Smith was a blacksmith by trade and devoted part of his time to the improvement of a farm, whereon his children were born and reared. They were four in number: John D., James, Joseph and Eliza, the wife of John Abbott.
Joseph Smith was reared on the frontier and early learned to endure privations and difficult labor with sturdy, undaunted heart. At a tender age he was deprived of his father by death, and remained with his widowed mother, caring for her with filial affection. In 1830 he married, and for twenty-five years longer he remained at his birthplace, carrying on the farm which is now owned by the subject of this article and which has been in the
921
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY.
possession of the family for about a century. In 1855 Joseph Smith removed to the Indiana side of the state line, and here he accumulated a large and valuable amount of property, besides assisting his children to a good start in independent careers. He was a man of sterling integrity, his word being considered as good as his bond. He was a Whig, and voted for Fremont, after which he loyally supported the candidates of the Republican party as long as he lived. He was a strong Abolitionist and did all within his power to aid the Federalists during the civil war. For the long period of forty-five years he was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church.
As stated, Joseph Smith married in 1830, the lady of his choice being Abigail, eldest child of Jacob and Mary (Shaw) Gates, the former of whom was born May 20, 1790, in Maryland, and the latter February 16, 1793. Jacob Gates accompanied his father and the rest of the family to the west, and was one of the pioneers of Franklin county. Here he cleared away the heavy forest from a tract of land, which in time, under his unremitting labors, became a fine farm. During the war of 1812 he was the captain of a company which helped to subdue the Indians, who were waging war upon the white settlers of the northern central states. He was a recognized leader in his community and was a member in high standing in the local Methodist church. Unfortunately for him, he was stricken with the prevail- ing gold fever in 1849. and went to California, where he traded and turned his attention to various enterprises. Having been quite successful, he at length turned his face homeward, but on the long voyage he was stricken and died, being buried at sea. He had a large bag of gold-dust with him, and a portion of this was at last restored to the family. His wife survived him, living to the ripe age of seventy-eight years. Of their children, Abigail, the eldest, now eighty-six years of age, is the only one living in this county; John, the eldest son, is deceased; Richard died when young, and Thomas was in Missouri when last heard from. The others are: Mrs. Mary Lackey, Mrs. Rebecca Robins, Mrs. Matilda Dare; and Mrs. Mahala Boyles. Our subject's mother is a member of the Presbyterian church. She was blessed with one son and two daughters, -Susan, born December 1, 1835, and now the wife of W. R. Jenkins; Matilda, who was born December 20, 1840, became the wife of W. D. Ruby, and has passed to the silent land; and Joseph Marion, subject of this biography.
J. Marion Smith remained with his parents until his marriage, October 30, 1875, to Miss Emaranda Conn, who died a few years later. The lady who now bears the name of our subject was Miss Catherine Gies in her girl- hood, and their marriage was solemnized November 25, 1889. She was born in this county, March 30, 1869, and is the youngest child of George and Mary (Roell) Gies, who were natives of Germany, and were married in
922
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY.
Dearborn county, Indiana. The father, who was a prosperous farmer, departed this life November 22, 1886, and the mother died July 10, 1869. Their sons, John, Frank, Joseph and Michael, are enterprising farmers, and the two elder daughters are Mrs. Anna Volk and Mrs. Mary Rosenberger. The union of our subject and wife is graced by two children, -- Harry D., born March 20, 1891, and Abbie M., born May 28, 1892.
Mr. Smith has long been numbered among the energetic, progressive farmers of his neighborhood. He is still dwelling on the old home place, where his entire life has been spent, and his widowed mother lives with him and is lovingly cared for by himself and wife. In addition to owning this farm he is the fortunate possessor of two others, and is gradually accumu- lating a generous competence. He is a stanch Republican, but has no desire to take a prominent part in public affairs. He possesses the esteem of all with whom he has dealings, and ever strives to perform his whole duty toward his fellow men.
FRANCIS M. CLEVENGER.
Prominent among the energetic, enterprising and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Wayne county is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. Coming of a family that has been prominently identified with its progress and development since pioneer days, he was born April 15, 1857, on the farm in Abington township where he still resides; and early in life he became thoroughly familiar with every department of farm work, while his literary education was obtained in the country schools.
Daniel and Susan Clevenger, the paternal grandparents of our subject, were of English descent and were married in Ohio, where they continued to make their home until 1815, which year witnessed their arrival in Abington township, Wayne county, Indiana. This region at that time was an almost unbroken wilderness and the Indians were still numerous. The grandfather purchased a tract of heavily timbered land, which he converted into a good farm and continued to make his home until called from this life. He was a strong Democrat in politics and both he and his wife were consistent mem- bers of the United Brethren church. They now sleep side by side in the Doddridge Chapel cemetery. Their children were Samuel, father of our sub- ject; Mrs. Polly Wintworth, Mrs. Cynthia Rinker, Mrs. Sarah Helm, Mrs. Bolen, Mrs. Susan Knox and Mrs. Marcia Russell.
Samuel Clevenger was born in Darke county, Ohio, in 1810, and was therefore but five years old when brought by his parents to this state, where lris early life was passed in true pioneer style. He remained under the parental roof, assisting his father to improve the home farm until his mar- riage, and then located on a heavily timbered tract of land in Abington town-
923
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY.
ship, which he transformed into a fine farm, improved with a commodious brick residence, large barn and other outbuildings. He became one of the most prosperous farmers, as well as one of the most prominent men of the county. He was broad-minded and liberal in his views, and possessing superior judgment his advice was often sought, and as arbitrator he was called upon to settle inany disputes, his friends and neighbors coming to him for such services from far and near. He thus saved for them many thou- sands of dollars which they would have expended in litigation. He was an active and prominent member of the Methodist church meeting at Doddridge chapel, and served as superintendent of the Sabbath-school many years and as class-leader. In politics he was a Democrat, and he was often called upon to serve as a member of the jury. He died April 28, 1881, his wife, in September, 1895; and both were laid to rest in Doddridge Chapel cemetery.
She was born in Virginia, in 1812, and bore the maiden name of Ruth Spahr, being a daughter of John and Susan (Doddridge) Spahr, of that state, who came to Indiana with the Doddridge and Spahr colony in 1814. This. colony took an active and prominent part in the moral and physical develop- ment of this region, early establishing a church, and in 1816 John Doddridge gave the land on which the cemetery was laid out and a log church built. The latter was subsequently replaced by a substantial brick edifice, which, in honor of him, was named Doddridge chapel. The Spahr family is of German descent, and was an old and prominent one in Virginia. The large tract of land which John Spahr entered in Wayne county, Indiana, is still enjoyed by his descendants. He was an upright, honorable man, who met with success in his undertakings, and was one of the organizers of Doddridge church. By his first marriage he had four children: Mrs. Rebecca Henwood; Mrs. Polly Burris; Samuel, deceased; and Ruth, the mother of our subject. For his second wife he married Margaret Russell, and to them were born two chil- dren: Joseph, who still occupies the old homestead; and Mrs. Nancy Jenkins. The subject of this sketch is one of seven children, the others being: Mrs. Rebecca Connelly; Sabra, wife of M. Leap; Mrs. Mary Rigle; Samuel, a farmer of Abington township, Wayne county; Joseph, a farmer of Washing- ton township; Nancy Quinn; and Thomas, also a farmer of Wayne county.
Francis Clevenger, of this review, never left the home farm, and after the death of his mother paid the other heirs a nominal sum for their inter- ests in the place, which is one of the most fertile and productive farms of the township. For several years he has most successfully engaged in raising Poland-China hogs of a very fine strain, which he ships to all parts of the Union, receiving orders for pairs or for male hogs from states both north and south, east and west, for the superiority of his stock is widely known.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.