Biographical and historical record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana : containing portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Jay and Blackford Counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families and a concise history of Jay and Blackford Counties and their cities and villages., Part 38

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 922

USA > Indiana > Jay County > Biographical and historical record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana : containing portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Jay and Blackford Counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families and a concise history of Jay and Blackford Counties and their cities and villages. > Part 38
USA > Indiana > Blackford County > Biographical and historical record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana : containing portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Jay and Blackford Counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families and a concise history of Jay and Blackford Counties and their cities and villages. > Part 38

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HARLES A. MOREHOUSE, farmer, section 20, Noble Township, owns eighty acres of land on section 20, and ninety-five acres on section 19. He was born on the old homestead in Noble Town- ship, Angust 3, 1839. He was reared on his father's farm, and August 9, 1862, he enlisted

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in Company E, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, under Captain Joseph Winters and Colonel Charles D. Murrey. His regiment was assigned to the Sixteenth Army Corps, First Brigade, second division, and his first battle was at Munfordville, Kentucky. His regi- ment was at Memphis, Tennessee, during the Vicksburg campaign, being on detached service, and was with General Banks in his Red River expedition, under A. J. Smith. His regiment participated in the battle of Nashville, then went to Mobile to assist in the capture of that city, thence to Montgomn- ery, but before reaching that place they learned of the surrender of Generals Lee and Johnston. They were discharged July 19, 1865,. at Mobile, Alabama. He was engaged in the battle of Munfordville, Fort De Rus- sey, Pleasant Hill Bayou, Louisiana; Yellow Bayou, Louisiana; Tupelo, Nashville, Fort . Blakeley. He reached home August 9, 1865, and April 9, 1868, he was married to Miss Susannah B. Rarick, born in Darke County, Ohio, June 30, 1848. When three years of age she came to Pike Township, this county, with her family. Her father, Philip Rarick, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, September 16, 1808, and in 1817 his parents settled in Darke County, Ohio. The family came to this county in 1851, where the father died September 27, 1886, at the house of Mrs. Morehouse. He was married June 7, 1832, and by his first marriage had ten children, and by his third marriage, five children. The mother of Mrs. Morehouse was born October 2, 1811, in Darke County, Ohio, and died March 7, 1863, in this county. Both parents are buriedin Deerfield Cemetery, Randolph County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Morehouse have had ten children-one son, born February 26, 1869, died in early infancy; Sarah S., born April 12, 1871; Mary L. C., born October 29, 1872; Thirsey T., born

Angust 31, 1874, died December 8, 1876; Harriet E., born August 25, 1876; Ella E., born July 17, 1879; Rebecca J., born Sep- tember 25, 1881, died August 21, 1882; Wilbur P., born June 14, 1883, died June 17, 1883; Viola T., born July 7, 1884; and Chas. W. N., born April 16, 1887. Mrs. Morehouse's grandfather, Philip Rarick, was born in Germany, June 30, 1775, and died in Darke County, Ohio, October 19, 1834. IIer grandmother, Susannah Rarick, was born in Germany, June 8, 1783, and died June 19, 1853, in Randolph County, Indiana. Her maternal grandfather, John Chenoweth, was of English descent, and died near La Fayette, Indiana. Her grandmother, Betsey (Foster) Chenoweth, died in Greenville, Ohio, and was of English ancestry.

H. ADAIR, a prominent and influen- tial citizen of Portland, has been a member of the bar of Jay County since April, 1880, at which time he began his professional career. He is at present prose- cuting attorney of this district, having been appointed to his present position by the Gov- ernor of the State March 9, 1885, and elected to the office in the fall of 1886. Previous to his appointment he had served as deputy prosecuting attorney for four years under Jolm T. France, of Decatur. Mr. Adair has passed the whole of his life in Jay County having been born in Bear Creek Township. in December, 1852. His father, James G. Adair, was a native of Pennsylvania, and subsequently settled in Ohio. He came from Ohio to Jay County several years before the birth of our subject, living here till his death in November, 1873. O. II. Adair, the sub- ject of this sketch, received good educational advantages, and was for some time a student

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

at Liber College, and in July, 1876, he gradu- ated from the Eastern Indiana Normal school. IIe followed the avocation of a teacher for a number of years, beginning at the age of seventeen years, teaching in all about five years in Jay County. In the fall of 1877 he began reading law in the office of Headington & La Follett, of Portland, and in April, 1880, he was admitted to the bar, when lie began his law practice, forming a partnership with Thomas Bosworth. He was associated with Mr. Bosworth until December, 1886, when the duties of his position as prosecuting at- torney required the dissolution of this part- nership. In his political views Mr. Adair affiliates with the Democratic party.

SAHEL CHANDLER was born in War- ren County, Ohio, September 26, 1820, the third son of Aaron and Hannah (Ward) Chandler. His father was born in Delaware, a son of David and Martha (Pierce) Chandler, and the mother of our subject was a native of New Jersey, of Eng- lish ancestry, and a daughter of Isaac Ward, who settled in Warren County, Ohio, in 1814. David Chandler was a native of the State of Delaware, whose ancestors came from Wilt- shire, England, in 1687; he settled in Red Stone, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and when the father of our subject was about fifteen years of age he moved with his family to Warren County, Ohio, where Aaron grew to manhood, and married Hannah Ward, by whom he had twelve children, of whom nine reached maturity. His wife died in 1838, aged forty-two years, and he subsequently married Maria Ward, a sister of his first wife, and to them were born four children. Mr. Chandler died in 1875 at the advanced age of eiglity-one years. He was an active and

consistent member of the Society of Friends, as were also his wives. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but later in life affiliated with the Republican party. Asahel Chand- ler, the subject of this sketcli, grew to inan- hood on the home farm, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits. His educational ad- vantages were limited to the primitive log cabin subscription schools of that early day, but by close application to his studies, during his leisure hours, he obtained a good, practical education, and at the age of twenty years he began teaching school in his native county. He followed school teaching for five terms, when he engaged in coopering, working at that trade for eighteen months. He then began working at the saddle and harness maker's trade, which he followed successfully for a period of twenty years. During this time he also dealt in real estate to somne ex- tent. In 1863 he began clerking in a dry goods store at Waynesville, being thus en- gaged five years, when he engaged in the same business on his own account, which he followed until 1873. In the spring of 1874 he came with his family to Jay County, In- diana, locating one mile north of Pennville on the Jonathan Hiatt farm, residing there five years. He then came to Pennville, where he has since lived retired from active business life, enjoying the fruits of his years of toil. Mr. Chandler was married October 31, 1866, to Miss Calista Hiatt, who was born in Penn Township, Jay County, Feb- ruary 24, 1837, a daughter of Jonathan and Ruth Hiatt, who were natives of North Caro- lina, and among the pioneers of Jay County. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chandler -- Wilber Hiatt, born August 9, 1867, and Edgar A., born September 12, 1869, and died August 16, 1870. Mr. Chandler has held many offices of trust and respon- sibility in his native county. He is a self-

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made man, having by his own industry and persevering energy acquired a large property, which he is using iu surrounding himself and family with all the necessary comforts of life, and every worthy enterprise which he deems of public benefit has his encourage- ment and support. In his political views he is a Republican. He is a member of the Society of Friends. Mrs. Chandler and her son are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

LIJAII LYONS, a prosperous agricul- turist of Pike Township, and an enter- prising and public spirited citizen, is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County, September 24, 1824, a son of Thomas and Eve (Apple) Lyons. His father was born in Ohio, April 9, 1797, of Irish descent, and his mother was of German parents, born Jannary 11, 1797. In the year 1837 they removed from Columbiana County to Perry County, Ohio, where the father died Angust 13, 1838. The mother survived until Sep- tember 25, 1879, dying in Jay County. Two of their sons, Thomas and Samuel, were soldiers in the war for the Union, the latter holding the rank of Captain. Elijalı Lyons, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, being early in life innred to hard work. At the age of fonrteen years he was left fatherless. He remained at the homestead with his mother until his marriage, January 8, 1846, to Miss Mary Bailey, a native of Fulton County, Pennsylvania, born January 12, 1820, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Cliue) Bailey. Eight children were born to this union-Thomas, William (deceased), John B., Sarah A., Stephen S., Rebecca Jane, Mary L. and Susannalı, the last five being natives of Jay County. Thomas and John B.

are prosperous and respected citizens of Pike Township, each owning a fine farm, witlı large and substantial residences, near the pa- rental home. The former married Adeline Frickel, and they have four children-Jesse, Pearl, Homer and Gay. John married Miss Rosa Snyder, and they also have four children -Cora, Alonzo, Berthia and Desty. Saralı A. Lyons married Clarence Jellison, an active business man of Wabasha, Minnesota, and they are the parents of five children-Min- nie, May, Jessie, Mand and Hazel. Stephen S. received a liberal education at Ridgeville College, and Purdue University, La Fayette, graduating from the latter in 1882. He has resided at Wabasha, Minnesota, since June, 1884, and was there married May 26, 1886, to Miss Hattie E. Wilcox. He is associated with his brother-in-law, Mr. Jellison, in the lumber and insurance business at that place. Rebecca Jane is the wife of Enoch Ware, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Pike Township, where he still resides. They have four children-Blanche, Grace, and two sons yet unuamed. Susannah is the wife of John T. Dickes, of Portland. Mary L. is at home with her father. Mr. Lyons came with his wife and two eldest children to Jay Connty in September, 1850, when he settled on sectiou 26, Pike Township, aud commenced clearing away the forest and im- proving the fine property he yet owns. His first land purchase in the county was a tract of 164 acres, selected during a former visit to the county. He was then possessed of bnt sınall means, but had enough to pay the cash for his land, and provide for his family dur- ing the coming winter. Possessed of a good team and household goods he escaped, to great extent, the privations and hardships of many of Jay Connty's early settlers. His first home was a rude log cabin, which was occupied by his family until their present

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fine, commodious brick residence was built in 1867. By liard work and good management Mr. Lyons has well earned his fine property, and is now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. After assisting his two oldest sons to start in life, he still has a competence for his declining years, and has in his farm 170 acres of choice land. Mr. Lyons was bereaved by the death of his wife ,who passed peacefully away October 4, 1885. In politics Mr. Lyons has always voted the Democratic ticket. He is a member of Pittsburgh Lodge, No. 387, F. & A. M. He has served his township as trustee and his county as com- missioner, and in these positions, as well as in minor trusts, he has always maintained his standing as an honorable, upright man, and has become widely known throughout Jay County, and universally respected.

ACOB H. SANDERS, one of the old and honored pioneers of Jefferson Township, now deceased, was born in the State of Pennsylvania in 1809. His father, William Sanders, was one of the heroes of the war of the Revolution, serving in that memorable strng- gle for independence directly under General Washington. Our subject was reared near Philadelphia, and after reaching manhood he immigrated to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Ruth Pennock. The following children born to this union are still living-Mrs. Hannah Bost, of Portland; John W., of Jefferson Township; Caleb, liv- ing in Texas; Mrs. Sarah Ann McFarland, of Randolph Connty, Indiana, and William of Pike Township. Mr. Sanders came to Jay County and settled near the present site of the village of New Mount Pleasant about 1836, and became one of the active men of the county. He was the original owner of

the village of New Mount Pleasant, giving the ground .for the old hotel building, which is yet standing, and which was erected by William Hite, who occupied it for several years. On ;coming to the county Mr. San- ders bought 240 acres of land, and soon after he erected on section 15, Jefferson Township, the largest log house ever built in the coun- ty. About 1842 Mr. Sanders bought the hotel from Mr. Hite, moving to the site of Mount Pleasant, and soon afterward laid ont the village plat, and gave its present name. Ilis wife died at their home in Mount Pleas- ant in 1851. About 1858 lie removed to Ridgeville, Randolph County, and engaged in the mercantile business, which he fol- lowed until within a few months of his deatlı, which occurred August 10, 1863. Politically he affiliated with the Democratic party. He was a prominent inan of Jefferson Township, which he served as trustee and magistrate, and for twenty-five years he held the position of postmaster.

OHN M. SMITH, a member of the law firm of Corwin & Smith, is one of the self- made men of Jay County, having by his own efforts successfully contended with op- posing forces in early life, and attained to prominence in his profession. Mr. Smith is a native of Jay County, born in Richland Township, September 29, 1853, a son of James A. Smith, of Knox Township, and a grandson of George M. Smith, who settled in Jay County as early as 1836. When our subject was thirteen years old his mother. died, leaving him at an age when a mother's love and care are most needed. After his mother's death he went to live at the home of his maternal grandfather. Early in life re- alizing the value of an education he deter-

yourstruly guo. W. Smith

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BÌOGRAPHICAL SKETCIIĖS.

mined to put forth all his efforts to attain that object, and improved his very limited oppor- tunities. He worked by the month to secure means to pay his way to Liber College, where he was a student for some time, and when he had qualified himself to do so he engaged in teaching school. He began reading law in 1874 at Hartford City, with Jacob Wells, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He began his law practice at Portland in 1880, a member of the firm of Taylor & Smith, the firm name being afterward changed to Taylor, Smith & Bailey, and in 1885 the present firm of Corwin & Smith was formed. The success to which Mr. Smith has attained in his profession and the confidence in his ability that is entertained by his fellow citizens is indicated by the fact that in 1882, when but twenty-nine years of age, and having an experience of but two years as a lawyer, he was nominated by the Democratic party, with which he affiliates, for State Senator, and was elected, serving as State Senator ' during the sessions of 1883 and 1885, he being the youngest member of the Senate. Ile now holds the office of city solicitor, and attorney for the board of connty commis- sioners. For his wife Mr. Smith married Miss Ettie Leonard, a native of Wayne Town- ship, Jay County, Indiana. They are the parents of two children, whose names are Glenna and Rufus Choate.

K. WILLIAMS, one of the old and respected pioneers of Jay Connty, was born in Miami County, Ohio, Angust 18, 1820, a son of John and Eliza- beth (Tawney) Williams. In 1839 he immi- grated to Jay County, with whose interests he has since been identified, and has witnessed the progress that has been made during

almost half a century, seeing the wilderness change into well cultivated farms, and pros- perons towns and villages. Mr. Williams was married to Miss Amelia Gray, their marriage being consummated September 23, 1841. Jesse Gray, the father of Mrs. Will- iams was one of the pioneers of Jay Connty. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have six children living-John W., May O., James H., Charles S., Rebecca Ellen and Jesse G. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are residing on a good farm of 160 acres of well cultivated land, sur- rounded by all the necessary comforts of life, and are enjoying the fruits of their years of toil. They are numbered among the most esteemed citizens of Jackson Township, where they have made their home for so many years.

ILLIAM CARSON, a pioneer of Briant, was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1813, son of Samuel and Mary (Kinney) Carson. When he was six years of age his parents removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, where he lived until 1856. He early learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed many years. At the age of twenty-one years he married Ellen Swain, born Jannary 19, 1814. In 1856 he removed his family to this county, locating in Bear Creek Township, and it was through his influence that the town of Briant was laid ont. He gave 100 feet for right of way, and also gave five acres for railroad purposes, be- sides ties and labor in building the side track. He assisted in locating and building the school-house, and gave land for the church building. Mr. and Mrs. Carson had three sons-Samuel, Hiram and Lewis. Mrs. Car- son died in 1876. Mr. Carson was for many years a member of the Christian church and a liberal supporter of the same. He was very

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

active in the building of the New Corydon turnpike. He has a well improved farm, a good story and a half residence, and commo- dious barns and farm buildings. Eighty acres of his farm he entered from the Government in 1840, having visited Indiana that year, traveling at one time thirty miles withont seeing a cabin. Samuel Carson, a son of the preceding, was born May 14, 1840, in Mns- kingum County, Ohio, and when four years of age, was taken by his parents to Coshocton County, where he resided until 1856. Ile was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was married in 1870 to Miss Sarah Ann Watson, daughter of George B. and Catherine Watson. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 11, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Carson have five children- Cora Lee and Calla May, twins; John, Nora, and Kate.

ON. S. S. SELVEY, M. D., one of Dunkirk's leading citizens, was born in Harrison County, now Taylor County, Virginia, May 9, 1832, his parents, James and Elizabetlı (Cross) Selvey, being natives of the saine county, and of English descent. Both parents are still living in Taylor County, the father aged abont seventy-seven years, and the mother seventy-four years old. The father being a farmer, onr subject was reared to the same avocation, his education being received in the common schools of his native county, and the adjoining county. He began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. R. C. Reynolds in Fairview, Taylor County, West Virginia, in the spring of 1858, and in the spring of 1860 commenced the practice of medicine. In 1860 owing to the condition of the Sonth at that time, he left Virginia with the intention of attending some

western medical college. He stopped at Al- bany, Delaware County, Indiana, and find- ing on his arrival a great deal of sickness in that locality, he abandoned the idea of at- tending college for a time, but soon liad a large medical practice at Albany. August 8, 1861, he married Miss Sarah E. Smith, a na- tive of Greene County, Ohio. Doctor Selvey entered the Miami Medical College in the winter of 1868, and graduated from that in- stitution March 9, 1869. He practiced medi- cine in Albany until the spring of 1871, when he came to Dunkirk, Jay County, where he has since followed his profession, building np a very extensive practice, but is gradually retiring from active life. The doc- tor is the owner of a fine farm of 239 acres in Niles Township, Delaware County, which is farined by tenants. Politically the doctor is a Democrat. In 1886 he was nominated from the Twenty-sixth judicial circuit for State Representative and was elected to the. Legislature in November, 1886, and served on the committees on Swamp Lands, Public Ex- penditnres, Statistics and Emigration, and State Medicine. While a resident of Dela- ware he was a member of the Delaware County Medical Society. He is not a mem- ber of any religious denomination, but a strong believer of the Christian faith, and one of the most respected men in his town- ship.

R. DAVID S. KINSEY, an active and public spirited citizen of Portland, is a son of David H. Kinsey, who settled in Greene Township, Jay County, in April, 1854. The father being a farmer our subject was reared to the same avocation. He began the study of medicine at Bargersville, Johnson Connty, Indiana, under the preceptorship of

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Dr. J. S. Farris, and in the winter of 1872-'73 he attended lectures at the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis. Ile practiced medi- cine one year in Johnson County, from the spring of 1873 until the spring of 1874, when he removed to Portland, Jay County, and engaged in the practice of his chosen profes- sion, which he followed successfully until the year 1885, when he retired practically from his medical practice, being severely afflicted with rhenmatism. Since giving up his prac- tice the doctor has devoted his attention to the insurance and real estate business, only practicing his profession when his services are urgently required. The doctor still retains his membership in the County, Dis- trict and State Medical societies, and in 1886 he was elected to fill the office of coroner. Dr. Kinsey was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Seburn, a native of Jennings County, Indiana, her father, James Seburn, being an early settler of that county. They are the parents of six children, one son and five daughters. In politics the doctor is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the advancement of his party. David H. Kinsey, the father of on subject, was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born near Dayton, in 1811, his father, John Kin- sey, being one of the pioneers of that county. David II. Kinsey was a carpenter by trade, and followed that calling in Dayton for many years. After the death of his father lie bought a part of the homestead on which he lived for several years before coming to Jay County, Indiana. He then bought 240 acres of land in Greene Township, selling twenty- five acres of his land shortly after, retaining the rest for his homestead. About the year 1876 he disposed of his farm, and removed to Portland, where he made his home until his death July 22, 1886, in his seventy-sixth year. His widow, whose maiden name was

Margaret E. Sourbray, is still a resident of Portland. They had a family of twelve chil- dren, four sons and eight daughters. One son and two daughters died in infancy, one son, Jolın W. Kinsey, died in his sixteenth year, and a married daughter, Mrs. Salome Mayo, died January 1, 1874. Two sons, David S. and Charles T., and five daughters still survive, and are residents of Jay County, with the exception of Laura V., who has been a missionary in India since September, 1882.

ILLIAM POLING, an active and enterprising citizen of Jackson Town- ship, where he is engaged in farming, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 18, 1830. His father, Samuel Poling, was a native of Virginia, born in Randolph County, June 27, 1806. He was married March 27, 1829, to Sarah Spohn, a native of Perry County, Ohio, and to them were born seven children, of whom six still survive-Rebecca, William, Lydia, Jolın, Sarah and Samuel. A daughter, Rachel, died after reaching maturi- ty. The parents came with their family to Jay County, Indiana, in 1840, when they settled on a tract of land on section 15, Jack- son Township, on which a rnde log cabin had been built, but no clearing done. Two years later the family returned to Fairfield County, Ohio, where they resided until 1849, when they came again to Jay County. William Poling, the subject of this sketch was but ten years old when his parents first settled in Jay County. His father being a farmer, he was reared to the same avocation, his yonth being passed in assisting to clear and improve the home farm. He was united in marriage in Jannary, 1852, to Miss Sarah German, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born March

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12, 1832, a daughter of Henry German. They are the parents of seven children- Julia Ann, Thomas E., Jane, John J., George W., Eli and Samuel. All of the sous are quembers of the Sons of the Veterans Camp. Mr. Poling served as a soldier in the war of the Rebellion from October, 1864, until the close of the war, and is now a comrade of John C. Porter Post, No. 83, G. A. R., at Geneva, Adams County. He has met with success in his agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of 130 acres of as good land as can be found in Jay Comty, with good farm buildings. Politically Mr. Poling affili- ates with the Republican party.

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Author: Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 922

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 922