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 43

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 43
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 43

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Powers is an active and public spirited citi- zen, and is always interested in any enterprise which has for its object the advancement of his town or county. He was married to Miss Laura A. Franklin, a daughter of Samuel Franklin, of Randolph County, Indiana, and they are the parents of two children-Sabina, and an infant son yet unnamed.

EORGE W. HARDY, section 9, Pike Township, is a native of Jay County, born March 17, 1843, a son of John and Eliza (Hanna) Hardy. His grandfathers were both pioneers of Jay County, both also coming from Ohio, George Hardy from Preble County, and Christopher Hanna from Jack- son County. His parents were married in Jay County, and to them were born seven children, all of whom are living-Mrs. Ade- line Aldridge lives in Delaware County, In- diana; George W. is our subject; Christo- pher H. is a resident of Pike Township; Mrs. Martha Williams lives in Delaware County, Indiana; Jacob B., Fernando D. and Mrs. Mary E. Cox, live in Michigan. The father, John Hardy, enlisted in the defense of his country in the civil war and was assigned to Company F, Seventy-fifth Indiana Infan- try, and after some service was discharged on account of ill-health. Later lıis healtlı im- proving, and being ambitious to help put downl the Rebellion, he went out in an Ohio bat- tery and died in the service. The mother now makes her home with her son Fernando, in Michigan. George W. Hardy remained at home until the country's peril demanded the service of her sons, when he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-ninth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the battles of Shilolı, Cor- intlı, Chickamauga, and Stone River, where he was captured, and others of less note, and

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

after veteranizing and becoming a member of the Eighth Indiana Cavalry he followed the banners of Sherman to the sea, and through the Carolinas, receiving his discharge in the summer of 1865. May 20, 1866, Mr. Hardy married Amy Ann Cook, daughter of Whip- ple and Martha Cook. Her father was one of the pioneer settlers of Pike Township, settling on section 9, in 1837, on land lie had entered the year before. His first wife, Aseneth Grout, to whom he was married in Massachusetts, died in Jay County, leaving several children, and he afterward married Martha Hughes, and of their children but two, Mrs. Hardy and Eseck, are living. Mr. Cook died, after a life of great usefulness, in 1877, and his widow now lives on the home- stead with her son Eseck. To Mr. and Mrs. Hardy have been born nine children, all of whom are still living at home-John E., Louisa, Lavornia, Albert, Roland O., Noel W., Edith and Edna (twins), and Ira Lester. Mr. Hardy's homestead contains 136 acres, eighty of which are cleared of timber and under cultivation. When he was married he had twelve acres, and about two years after he bought forty, and later traded the twelve for twenty adjoniing the forty, and has added to it from time to time until he now has a fine farm property. In politics Mr. Hardy is a Republican.

ICHOLAS LINKHAUER, assessor of Green Township, was born in the Pro- vince of Rhine, Prussia, November 23, 1830, a son of Jacob and Catherine Link- hauer. In 1840 the family, consisting of parents and six children, immigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans No- vember 4, after a voyage on a sailing vessel of fifty-six days. At New Orleans they were

met by Mr. Linkhauer's oldest brother, Jacob, who had come over four years before. They spent the winter in New Orleans, and in March, 1841, came to Indiana and settled in Carroll County, where the father followed shoemaking at Delphi for four years. He then settled on a heavily timbered farm in the same county, clearing lis land with the help of his sons, living there until his death No- vember 7, 1853, at the age of seventy-three years. His widow died August 7, 1862, aged seventy-one years. Of their children, three sons and one daughter are still living-Nicho- las, our subject; John, at Memphis, Tennes- see; Peter, living in Kansas, and Mrs. Mary Mondy, also a resident of Kansas. Nicholas Linkhauer was united in marriage. December 6, 1855, in Carroll County, to Miss Sarah Jane Cline, a native of that county, born December 19, 1836. Her parents, Aaron and Rachel Cline, were pioneers of Carroll County, coming from Kentucky iu an early day. Her father died in that county in 1873, aged eighty-four years, the mother dying in 1851, at the age of fifty-six years. Of the fourteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Link- hauer ten died in infancy. Of the four chil- dren yet living-Mary Catherine is the wife of F. B. Bunger, of Preble County, Ohio; Orro I. is the wife of George Hodge, and is engaged in teaching in Greene Township; Ja- cob O., also engaged in teaching in Greene Township, was born July 19, 1862, and Sep- tember 26, 1886, married Hattie Osborn, who was born in Greene Township, Jay County, December 6, 1866, a daughter of Lester and Caroline Osborn; William H., a railroad employe at Indianapolis. In 1866 Mr. Linkhauer removed with his family from Carroll County to Olmsted County, Minnesota, and there followed farming eight years. He then returned to Indiana and spent almost two years in Wabash and Madi-

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

son Townships, Jay County. He then went to Union City, Randolph County, Indiana, where he kept a hotel a short time. From 1876 until 1880 he followed farming in Ward Township of the same county, when he settled on his present farm on section 13, Greene Township, in November, 1880. In politics Mr. Linkhauer is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Linkhauer and their two daughters are mem- bers of the Disciple church.

ENJAMIN HARRIS, a prominent citi- izen of Jay County, engaged in farming and stock dealing on section 15, Penn Township, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 7, 1835, a son of Benjamin and Asenath (Whitaker) Harris, natives of North Carolina and Ohio respectively, and of English descent. In 1842 the parents immi- grated with their family to Indiana, and set- tled in Wells County where the father entered a tract of land. There our subject was reared on a frontier farm, amid the scenes incident to pioneer life, remaining with his parents until reaching his majority. In 1859 he went to Pike's Peak, Colorado, crossing the plains with ox teams, and taking fifty-two days to make the trip. He was engaged in mining there for two summers, and in 1861 returned to Indiana and followed farming in Blackford County until he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in the winter of 1863. He was assigned to Company I, One Hundred and Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, and served in the Western army on detached duty. He was honorably discharged in the winter of 1865, when he came to Jay County, and settled on his present farm on section 15, Penn Town- ship, where he has fifty-five acres of choice land. He also has eight acres across the road from his farm, besides twenty-four acres

on section 9, of the same township. Mr. Harris was married January 31, 1864, to Miss Sarah I. McDorman, who was born in Penn Township, Jay County, and to them have been born four children-Nellie, wife of Byron Bunker; Clarence C., of Topeka, Kansas; Albert W. and Arthur A. Mr. Harris de- voted his entire attention to farming until 1875 when, in connection with that pursuit he began dealing in stock, and is now one of the largest stock dealers in the county. He is one of the self-made men of the county, having begun life without capital, and by his own industry and good management, be- came the owner of his fine property, and surrounded himself and family with all the necessary comforts of life. In politics Mr. Harris is a Democrat. For twelve years he has filled the office of constable in a creditable manner. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Relief Lodge, No. 145, of Pennville, and is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a comrade of J. B. Cartwright Post, No. 358.

V. COONS, hardware dealer, Red- key, is a native of Jay County, In- diana, born in Richland Township, December 8, 1838, being the first white child born in the township. His parents, Michael and Elizabeth (Allison) Coons, were among the pioneers of Jay County, settling in the woods of Richland Township in 1837. The father was born in Shenandoah County, Vir- ginia, and from there went to Highland County, Ohio, where he was married, remain- ing there until coming to Jay County. He then put up a log cabin, and began clearing the land he had entered. He was a great hunter, and in the early days of the county

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

he killed over 300 deer, two bears, and in- numerable wild turkeys and other game. He made his home in Richland Township until his death, which occurred December 4, 1865. His widow still survives, being in her eighty- ninth year, and is now living with a son in Randolph County. Martin V. Coons, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Rich- land Township to a farm life, remaining here until 1861, when lie went to Clinton County, Olio, where he began working in order to earn money to pay for a piece of land he had bonght, and while there he enlisted in defense of the Union, and was enrolled June 20, 1861, mastered August 20 in Company E, Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. From Camp Denison his regiment went on board cars to Clarksburglı, Virginia, thence marched to Weston, where he was assistant Provost Marshal seven weeks. His first en- gagement was at Carnifax Ferry, after which he was at Lewisburg, Virginia, Cotton Moun- tain, Charleston, West Virginia. In the fall of 1862 he started with his regiment to rein- force Rosecrans, at Murfreesboro, but the fight being decided before their arrival they were sent on to Vicksburg, and helped cut Grant's celebrated canal around the city. In the spring of 1863 took part in the battles of Grand Gulf, Champion Hills and Ray- inond, Mississippi, and was also in the en- gagement at Big Black River. They then participated in the grand assault on the enemy's works May 19 and 22, and in the capture of the city of Vicksburg, July 4, his regiment marching into the city, July 5. The Forty-seventh Ohio being one of the last regiments to leave the city. The next engagement was at Jackson, Mississippi, and after aiding the capture of that city his regi- ment returned to Camp Sherman on Big Black River, remaining there nutil September 28, 1863, then marched to Vicksburg, and

the morning after their arrival started by boat for Chattanooga via Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Coons was sick with the ague on this march and was sent to Mound City, Illinois, where lie was taken sick with small-pox, and re- mained there until the following May, then joined his regiment at Larkinsville, Alabama. Soon after his regiment started with Sher- man on the Atlanta campaign, and partici- pated in the siege of that city; took part in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, and the great battle of July 22 at Atlanta. His regiment was under John A. Logan in the Second Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and was a regiment that never knew defeat. The fighting about Atlanta lasted about thirty days before the date of Mr. Coons muster out, August 20, 1864, serving his country over three years. After leaving the army he returned to Jay County, thence to Clinton County, Ohio, and was there married November 19, 1864, to Miss Hannah Shields, a native of Clinton County, and a daughter of John and Sarah Shields, both of whom are deceased, her father dying in 1877, and her mother in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Coons are the parents of three children-Curtis W., Emma Effie and Charlie S. Mr. Coons remained in Clinton County until the spring of 1874 when he returned to Jay County, and settled on his father's homestead where he followed farming until the spring of 1880; he came to Redkey and engaged in the building of the pike, and in 1881 established his present hardware busi- ness in a building 28 x45 feet, which he had bought in 1878. He carries a well selected stock, valued at about $1,200, and is meeting with good success in his business. With Mr. Coons and one of his comrades the idea of organizing Alexander Trimble Post, No. 213, G. A. R., was originated, and he was one of its charter members, and its first quartermaster,

Wilson Milligan

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

and has held that position since its organiza- tion August 2, 1883. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a much respeected citizen of Redey.

ILSON MILLIGAN, a prominent pioneer of Bear Creek Township, has been a resident of Jay County for half a century. He was born in High- land County, Ohio, August 27, 1812. Ilis father, James Milligan, was born in Bed- ford, Bedford Connty, Pennsylvania, a son of George Milligan, who came from Ireland. James Milligan was married in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in April, 1796, ot Miss Mary Sillik, and they reared eight children-Hannah, Lovinia, George, Nancy, Mary, Samuel, Wilson and James. The family removed to Highland County, Ohio, in 1801, locating at Greenfield, where James received two lots free -- one in the village and one in the suburbs. He was one of the charter members of the village. He and his wife resided in Highland Connty until their decease. George Milligan (father of James Milligan) also died in that county. Wilson Milligan passed his early life on a farm, and attended the subscripiton schools of the early day. He also studied at home and by this means acquired a very good education. He was married June 20, 1833, to Miss Mary Blaine, born in Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1811, and daughter of James and Elizabeth (Douglass) Blaine. Mr. Milligan came to this connty in 1837, traveling on horseback and fording numerous streamns. From Jay County he went to the northern part of the State to get money he had left there the previous year, to enter his land witlı, He entered 240 acres of land, built a log

cabin, 14 x 16 feet, with clap-board roof, pun- cheon floor, and mnd-and-stick chimney, and then went back and moved his family. Bear Creek Township was at that time an unbroken forest and the home of game and wild beasts. He commenced immediately to im- prove his land, cutting down the huge monarchis of the forest and burning the same. Here he has labored fifty years, and the Milligan farm is known to be one of the best farms in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Milli- gan had six children-William Blaine, James Newton, Mary Elizabeth, Hannah Jane, Sarah Amanda and Samnel Homer. Mrs. Milligan died January 4, 1866, lamented by all who knew her. She was a kind and affectionate wife and mother and an excellent neighbor. August 4, 1867, Mr. Milligan married Jane A. Montgomery for his second wife, who was born in Steuben County, New York, November 14, 1822, danghter of Reuben and Mary (Pearsol) Montgomery. IIer father was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and was born in Dutchess County, New York. Her mother was of German parentage. She was fifteen years of age when her father settled in Wabash Township, this county, and one year later she commenced to teach school. She was one of the pioneer teachers of the county, having taught twenty-nine years, mostly in this county. Many of the leading business men of Jay Connuty received their first in- structions from Miss Montgomery. The first year she taught her salary was $6 per month and she boarded around. Mr. Milli- gan owns 320 acres of excellent land which is in a good state of cultivation. He has three good residences, a large and commo- dions and other farm buildings. In politics Mr. Milligan was a strong Abolitionist before the war and is now a Republician. He has served as school commissioner and as town- ship trustee. He is a member of the

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

United Brethren church, and has been for many years a zealous worker in the cause of his Master.

ENRY C. WICKERSHAM, farmer, re- sides on section 30, Madison Township, where he owns 160 acres of land. He was born in Randolph County, Jackson Town- ship, this State, in May, 1850, and when seven years of age came to this county with his parents, who settled upon the farm they still occupy. He received a preliminary educa- tion in the country schools, and afterward attended Ridgeville College several terms, without completing a course of study. He taught school forty-two months. He was married September 15, 1872, to Clara B. Walters, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, March 31, 1853, and came to this county with her parents in 1855. Her par- ents are Abrahamn and Mary A. (Evans) Walters. Mr. and Mrs. Wickersham have six children-Della F., born April 6, 1874; Albertus, born May 3, 1875; Rita G., born August 10, 1878; Ada E., born September 21,1883; Mary Inas and Frankie May, twins, born November 15, 1886. Mr. Wickersham belongs to the Church of the Living God.

REDERICK STRAUSBURG, one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of Jackson Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Clarke County, May 20, 1842, a son of Jacob Strausburg, of Jay County. The father being a farmer, Jacob was reared to the same avocation, his youth being spent in assisting with the work of the farm and in attending the common schools of his neigh- borhood. At the age of twenty years he be-

gan working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a livelihood for several years. He was united in marriage, May 17, 1868, to Miss Tiressey Overpack, who was born April 22, 1847, in Clarke County, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Peyton) Overpack. Mr. and Mrs. Strausburg are the parents of three children-Charles J., born in Clarke County, Ohio, July 7, 1869; Clara A., born in Bradford, Miami County, Ohio, July 6, 1873, and Orva S., born in Jay County, In- diana, June 9, 1881. Mr. Strausburg re- mained in Clarke County until 1874, when he came with his family to Jay County, and in company with his brother, George W., he bought eighty acres of land. In 1883 the Strausburg brothers, Fred, James, Simon and Jesse, engaged in the manufacture of tile, in which enterprise they have met with success. Their annual sales of tile amount to about $1,200 per annum, and the tile manufactured by them is equal to any made in Jay County. Beside his interest in the tile factory, our subject is the owner of a farm of eighty acres where he resides, well cultivated and well im- proved, with good residence and farm build- ings. In his political views Mr. Strausburg affiliates with the Democratic party.

HILIP MACKLIN, of Bear Creek Town- ship, has been identified with Jay County for nearly half a century. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 18, 1827, son of Jacob Macklin, deceased. He was in his twelfth year when his father located in Bear Creek Township. His youth was passed in helping to improve the homestead. He was married, April 7, 1850, to Miss Mahala Cole, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, December 15, 1831, daughter of Shadrack and Nancy (Shepherd) Cole, who were natives of Pickaway County, married in Franklin

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

County, and reared three children-Mahala Allen and Alfred. Her father died in 1838, and the mother soon afterward removed to this State with her children, settling in Adams County, where she lived until her de- cease, which occurred in 1886. Our subject settled upon his present farm in 1850, which was then in its wild state. He built a liewed- log house, which at that time was one of the best in the township. He also bought the first cooking stove used in the neighborhood. He owns 174 acres of Jay County's best soil, which is well improved, and has a well fur- nished modern residence. His barn is 40 x 60 feet. Mr. and Mrs. Macklin are the parents of six children-Maria Almira, Nancy Eliza- beth, Mary Lonisa, Philip A., Israel Milton and Clement L. F. Four children are de- ceased-Jacob Victor, Alfred Clinton, Daniel Adam and Viola Mahala. Politically Mr. Macklin is a Democrat. He is a zealous inember of the Protestant Methodist church, and lias served in several offices of the church. He is one of the leading citizens of Bear Creek Township.

EORGE RENBARGER, deceased, was born in Franklin Township, Randolph County, Indiana, September 15, 1831, a son of Abraham and Rachel (Luellen) Ren- barger. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Franklin Township, and in early life learned lessons of persevering industry, which were of lasting benefit to hin. He was united in marriage in August, 1854, to Miss Emeline Woodard, a daughter of John and Saralı Ann (Lake) Woodard, who were born and married in New Jersey, Mrs. Renbarger being born in that State, July 5, 1834. Her parents were among the pioneers of Ward Township, Randolph Coun-

ty, settling there in 1839. They are still living on their old homestead, cared for by their youngest son, Henry. Mr. Renbarger continned to reside on the homestead of his parents for two years after his marriage, working their farm. In 1856 he settled · with his family on section 36, Jefferson Town- ship, on a heavily timbered farm of eighty acres. Being ambitions he toiled early and late to build a good home, and give his family good advantages, and by his good management he was enabled to add to his original purchase from time to time until he was the owner of 360 acres, which his unceasing energy placed under fine improvement. His first home was a log house, which many years ago gave way to a comfortable frame residence, which is still the home of his widow. After a life of great usefulness Mr. Renbarger died April 23, 1886, his deatlı causing universal regret, hie having by his just dealing and neighborly conduct won the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He left his family in com- fortable circumstances. He left a widow and ten children, the name of the children being as follows-Nancy, wife of Smith G. Hudson, living on part of the Renbarger estate, near the old homestead; Sarah A., wife of William Malott, of Jay County; Rachel E., wife of George Howard, of Grant County, Indiana; Marby L., Hannah, Abraham, John R., Iona, Florence V. and Lottie B., who are living with their widowed mother.

EWIS B. BONNEL is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born on the homestead of his parents, William and Rebecca Bonnel, May 11, 1840. His parents came from Ohio to Jay County in the fall of 1838, and settled in Pike Township, where they comninenced building a home in the dense

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY

forest one half mile sonth of the present site of Collett. They improved eighty acres at this place, where they remained until 1861, when they sold, and bought a home on section 1, Pike Township, where the mother died in 1862. The father subsequently sold his land on section 1, and went to Kansas, but later returned to Pike Township, and died at the liome of his daughter, Mrs. Hannah Mays, in 1875. Twelve children were born to the parents of our subject-Mrs. Hannah Mays, of Pike Township; Mrs. Sarah Ralph, de- ceased; Mrs. Elizabetlı Garinger, of Pike Township; Henry was a member of the Sixty- ninth Indiana Infantry, and later in the war in the Nineteenth Michigan Light Artillery, in which service he died at or near Vicksburg; John, living in Michigan, was a soldier during the latter months of the war; George was a member of Company H, One Hundredthi Indiana Infantry, during the war, and is now a minister of the United Brethren church, residing at Collett Station; Lewis B., the sub- ject of this sketch; Mary Ellen, died at the age of nineteen years; Mrs. Susan Ralph (deceased), and James and William died in early childhood. Lewis B. Bonnel remaincd on the homestead with his father until he enlisted in defense of the Union, March 25, 1864, when he became a member of Company H, One Hundredth Indiana Infantry. As a recruit he joined the regiment at Dallas, Georgia, and took part in the great campaign which culminated in the capture of Atlanta, and was in all the battles in which his regi- ment was engaged. He marched to the sea, and through the Carolinas, performing a soldier's dnty faithfully until the war was ended. Returning to Pike Township he resumed farming, an avocation he has since followed. Mr. Bonnel was united in mar- riage June 4, 1868, to Miss Angeline Henry, who was born in Allegheny County, Pennsyl-

vania, March 15, 1844, a daughter of Robert and Clarissa Henry, her mother dying when she was a child. When she was nine years old her father came to Jay County, Indiana, and settled in Wayne Township, where she was reared and married. Her father is now living at Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnel are the parents of six children- Florence R., Naomi G., Robert W., Clarissa H., Emeline and Angeline (twins). Mr. and Mrs. Bonnel began housekeeping on section 11, Pike Township. Since 1880 they have made their home on section 10 of the same township, where they have sixty acres of" well improved and highly cultivated land, with good substantial building improvements, the entire surroundings showing the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer. In his political views Mr. Bonnel is a Republican. Mrs. Bonnel is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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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