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 58
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 58
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHĖS.
married to Mrs. Lou Barr, who died a few years after her marriage, leaving one child. Joseph A. Lupton was a third time married, to Mrs. Phœbe Higgins, by whom he had one son. He died December 29, 1870, aged sixty-three years and six months. He was at one time a member of the Society of Friends, but was disowned by the society on account of his marriage to his first wife, she not being a member of the Friends. He was a radical Abolitionist, and never hesitated to express his views on that subject. Adelma Lupton, the subject of this sketch, was a lad of seven years when brought by his parents to Jay County, and here his youth was spent in assisting his father in the shop, and work- ing out by the day or month until seventcen years of age. He then served an apprentice- ship of four years in his father's blacksmith shop, and on reaching his majority he pur- chased a shop of his own and carried on his trade extensively for more than a quarter of a century. After retiring from his trade he began dealing in live-stock, in which he has since been extensively engaged. He was married July 5, 1857, to Miss Eliza Howard, a daughter of Jackson Howard, a native of Virginia, who removed to Athens County, Ohio, and in 1851 to Blackford County, In- diana. Mr. and Mrs. Lupton are the parents of three children-Josephine, wife of Nathan McCoy; Lenora, wife of Dr. W. C. Horn, and Ambrose Grant. From a financial stand- point probably no man in Jay County has been more successful than the subject of this sketchı. He is an active and public-spirited citizen, and has been prominently identified with all public enterprises which were for the advancement of his township or county. He was vice-president of a company formed to build a railroad from Bluffton to Union City. In 1869 he was elected magistrate, which office he has held continuously since that
time, and filled the same with honor to him- self and satisfaction to his constituents. He also served as school trustee for seven years. He is at present a director of the People's Bank at Portland. Mrs. Lupton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
RS ERRY STUART, one of the well-to-do citizens of Wayne Township, engaged in farming on section 35, is a native of Coshocton County, Pennsylvania, born Sep- tember 10, 1832. His parents, John and Margaret (Carr) Stuart, were also natives of Pennsylvania, the father being of Scotch de- scent, and the mother born in Coshocton County, of Irish ancestry. When our sub- ject was a small child his parents removed to Jackson County, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood, his youth being passed in working on his father's farm, and attending the sub- scription schools, where he received but limn- ited educational advantages. In 1849 he went to Gallatin County, Illinois, remaining there some four months, and the same year came to Jay County, Indiana. At the age of twenty years he began working at the car. penter's trade, which he followed several years. He was united in marriage Septem- ber 27, 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Caster, a daughter of James Caster, of Wayne Town- ship. They are the parents of five children -Sarah Catherine Journey, Lotta Matilda, Charles Alvy, James William and M. S. Mr. Stuart has resided on his present farm since 1860, which he has improved and put under fine cultivation. When he located on the land but two acres had been cleared and a log stable erected. IIe has now fifty acres cleared and underlaid with 300 rods of tile drain. He has a comfortable and commodious resi- dence, well furnished, and a good barn
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
34 x 55 feet, conveniently arranged for stock and grain. In politics Mr. Stuart affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Christian church. Mrs. Stuart is a member of the United Brethren church.
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K. SANDERS, a prominent and enterprising citizen of Jackson Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Delaware County, April 10, 1842, a son of James and Phæbe (Rector) Sanders. They were the parents of ten children. The father being a farmer, the subject of this sketch was reared to the same avocation, which he has made his life work. In August, 1862, in answer to the call of President Lin- coln for 300,000 men, he enlisted in the de- fense of the old flag, and was assigned to Company E, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry. He was in the battle at Munfordville, Ken- tucky, where he was taken prisoner September 17, 1862, and after being held a prisoner a short time was paroled and returned to the army. April 30, 1863, he was transferred to the marine fleet, where he served the remain- der of his term, participating in the siege of Vicksburg, the Red River expedition under General Banks, and several smaller engage- ments. He received an honorable discharge February 22, 1865, when he returned to his home. January 1, 1866, he was married to Miss Sarah Perry, of Greene Township, Jay County, a danghter of Nathan and Lydia (Thomas) Perry. They are the parents of five children-Alonzo, Ella, Clara, James and Lizzie. Mr. Sanders located in Bear Creek Township, Jay County, where he bought a tract of eighty acres, and assisted in laying out the town of Bryant. In 1883 he removed to the farm where he now resides, which con- tains eighty acres of well cultivated land.
His residence is comfortable, and his farm, though new, is conveniently arranged for his stock and grain. His property has been ac- quired by persevering toil and good inanage- ment, and by his fair and honorable dealings he has gained the confidence and respect of all who know him. Politically he is a staunch Republican. He is a comrade of J. B. Cart- wright Post, No. 358, G. A. R., of Pennville.
BRAHAM POWERS, of Powers, is a representative of one of Jay County's pioneer families, his father, Abraliam Powers, Sr., having settled in Jefferson Town- ship, near the present site of Powers, in Sep- tember, 1837, the country in that vicinity being then an unbroken wilderness. The father of our subject was born and reared to the age of eighteen years in the State of Mary- land, when he ran away from his home and entered the army, serving in the war of 1812. After the war he made his home in Mont- gomery County, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Rebecca Enoch, and there their five children were born-Mrs. Anna Morical, now deceased; Abraham, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Harriet Morical, deceased; Mrs. Mary Coons, of Richland Township, Jay County, and Jeptlia, deceased. The parents died in Jay County many years ago. Abraham Powers, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native county, being eighteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to Jay Connty. He was married when twenty-six years old to Miss Rachel Flesher, a native of Virginia, a daughter of Joseph Flesher, one of the pioneers of Jay County, now deceased. Mrs. Flesher is also deceased. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Powers two are deceased-Rebecca Ann, wife of David Silvers, and Absalom. The children yet liv-
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ing are-James H., county sheriff, residing at Portland; Dempsey, of Jefferson Township; Calvin, railroad agent at Powers; Arthur and Colwell, living with their parents. In their political views Mr. Powers and his sons affili- ate with the Republican party.
EORGE W. SHRACK, an enterprising farmer of Knox Township, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born near Hamilton, July 8, 1821, a son of John and Jane (Mulford) Shrack, his father a na- tive of Frederick County, Virginia, of Ger- man descent, and his mother a native of New Jersey. His parents had a family of ten children, eight of whom lived till maturity -Caroline, George W., Phœbe, Margaret, Hannah, Mary Jane, Sarah and William. In October, 1836, the Shrack family came to Indiana, locating in Delaware County, one mile west of the Jay County line, where the father entered 160 acres of land, and im- proved eighty acres of it, making it his home many years. George W. Shrack made his father's house his home until manhood, spend- ing his youth in assisting on the farm and in attending the subscription schools. After his marriage he located on forty acres of land in Niles Township, on which he lived until 1852, when he sold his farm and bought the one where he now lives. At that time the land was heavily timbered, and he has liter- ally cut his home out of the forest. IIe had no money the first winter spent in his new home, and cold weather being at hand he took his trusty rifle, and in addition to pro- viding for his family, before the warm days of spring had earned $100. He has killed since coming to Indiana sixty-eight deer, be- sides large numbers of smaller game. He killed the last deer in Knox Township: The
first house on his land was a log cabin 18 x 20 feet in size, with a plank floor, clapboard roof, and mud and stick chimney. In 1853 he built what was then the best barn in the town- ship. These rude buildings have now given place to modern structures, the land is in a high state of cultivation, and Mr. Shrack is the owner of one of the best farms in Knox Township, and can look over the past thirty- five years and view with satisfaction the re- sults of those years of toil and privation. He has on his farm a wind-mill, which supplies his barns with water for the stock, and also a pond which he has stocked with carp, intend- ing to make a specialty in the future of fish culture. Mr. Shrack was married Jannary 7, 1847, to Harriet Bray, a native of New Jersey, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Williamson) Bray. They lost their only child, but have reared several children, fitting them to take responsible positions. In poli- tics Mr. Shrack is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Methodist church many years.
B AYARD GRAY, the present efficient postmaster of Portland, is a native of Darke County, Ohio, born July 8, 1855, and is a son of Hon. Isaac P. Gray, the pres- ent Governor of the State of Indiana. In the year of his birth his parents settled in Union City, Randolph County, Indiana, and here he passed his youth. His father is a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, and followed banking and merchandising until 1869, when he adopted the profession of law. Bayard Gray attended the schools of Union City, preparing himself for college, and in 1870 he entered the Freshmen class of the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, but did not complete his course at that insti-
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
tution. Later he attended Asbury College, now De Pauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana, from which he graduated in the class of 1876. He studied law with his father, and was admitted to the bar in 1878, when he engaged in the practice of law at Union City. He followed his law practice at that place until coming to Portland, September 3, 1881, at which time he purchased thie Portland Sun and assumed control of that paper. Under the management of Mr. Gray the paper was highly prosperous, its circula- tion being greatly increased, and its influence widely extended. Though not a practical printer he possesses a natural adaptation to the publishing business, which with his fine literary attaininents, renders him a success- ful editor. April 2, 1885, he was appointed postmaster of Portland to succeed Nimrod Headington, his commission bearing the date April 23, 1885, and December 14, 1885, lie sold the Sun, and has since devoted his time to the dnties of his office, becoming a popular postmaster. Mr. Gray is an active politician. His name is frequently mentioned in connec- tion with the Democratic Congressional nomination to be made the ensuing year. September 1, 1887, Emerson McGriff, of Winchester, Indiana, ex-prosecuting attorney, and the subject of this sketch formed a part- nership at Portland for the practice of law. The firm has adınirable prospects.
S. PINGRY, who has been identified with the interests of Jay Connty for a period of fifty years, is a native of Vermont, born in Stratford, Orange County, within eight miles of Dartmouth College, the date of his birthi being October 31, 1803. He is the sixth in a family of ten children born to John and Mary (Alger) Pingry. In 1816
the Pingry family left Vermont for Coshoc- ton County, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He was reared to the avocation of a farmer, and in his youth received a good practical education by attend- ing the common schools and by study at home. April 17, 1828, he was married to Miss Isabelle Carson, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and a daughter of Samnel and Mary (Kinney) Carson, and to this union were born eight children, seven still living-Mary, Sarah Jane, Roxy, Lucy, William R., Ed L. and Rue Ann. A son named Silas S. is deceased. Mr. Pingry made his home in Coshocton County until 1835, removing thence to Mus- kingum County, Ohio, remaining there about two years. In 1837 he came with his family, then consisting of wife and four children, to Jay County, Indiana, making the journey by ox team and one horse. They located on the land where the family still reside, at that tinie a dense forest, and here they experienced inany of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Mr. Pingry first built a rude log cabin on his land, 18 x 20 feet in size, with a clapboard roof and puncheon floor, and began clearing and improving his land, and by his industry and persevering energy he brought 120 acres under fine improvement. He has since sold a part of his land, his homestead now consisting of sixty-six acres. His land is well cultivated, and his pioneer cabin has given way to his present comforta- ble and commodious residence, and his barn and out-buildings are noticeably good. April 7, 1886, Mr. Pingry was bereaved by the death of his wife, who had shared with him the trials of their pioneer life and helped to build their home, she having been his help- meet for fifty-eight years. She was a woman of many excellent qualities, and was beloved by all who knew her. Mr. Pingry in his political views is a Republican. For twelve
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
years he served as township trustee, and for seventeen years held the office of justice of the peace, serving in both capacities in an ef- ficient manner. IIe has always taken an in- terest in the advancement of his township or county, and has done what he could to devel- ope their resources. He is a man of strict integrity, honorable in all his dealings, and is highly respected throughout the community. He is a member of the Christian church.
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ENRY KARNS, one of the old and respected pioneers of Jackson Town- ship, who is now deceased, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, a son of Henry and Mary (Motly) Karns. He was twice married, being married the first time in Pennsylvania to Nancy Bathlow. He snb- sequently removed to Ohio, and was again married in Coshocton County, to Mrs. Judy (Shelton) Browner, who was born February 4, 1805, a daughter of Richard and Sarah (Shearer) Shelton. She was first married to John Browner, who died leaving her with one son-William, who died at the age of twenty-one months. Henry Karns was a blacksmith by occupation, which he followed in Ohio nutil 1839. He then came to Jay County, Indiana, when he located on the farm which is now occupied by his widow. He first built a log cabin for his family, and commenced clearing and improving his land. He built a forge with a side of leather and sycamore gum, and here followed blacksmith- ing many years. He died at his home in Jackson Township, July 16, 1858. Mrs. Karns has lived on the homestead for a period of forty-seven years, and has witnessed the many wonderful changes which have occurred in that time, transforming the wilderness into its present prosperous condition. She
is now eighty-two years old, and is still enjoy- ing good health. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Karns, six are still living- Sarah, Elizabeth, Henry, John, Byram and Emma. One son, Oliver P., was a member of the Thirty-fonrth Indiana Infantry and was at Vicksburg when that city was taken by the Union soldiers. He died a few minutes after cheering for that event. Their daughter, Emma, began attending school at the age of ten years, and six years later she was engaged in teaching school, which she followed successfully for eight years. She is now the wife of Aaron Downing, one of the enterprising citizens of Jackson Township. Mr. Downing was born in Henry County, Indiana, a son of Jesse Downing, a pioneer of Jackson Township. He was reared a farmer, which avocation he still follows, and his education was received in the common schools of his native county. IIe has been a resident of Jay County since eighteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Downing are the parents of one child-Minnie Downing, born February 4, 1883.
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ENJAMIN FIFER, one of the success- fnl farmers of Bear Creek Township, is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born January 3, 1842, his father, Jacob Fifer, be- ing one of the pioneers of Bear Creek Town- ship. Our subject was born on the old home- stead in that township, where his father still re- sides, and there he was reared to the avocation of a farmer, his youth being spent in assisting with the work of the farm and in attending the common schools of the neighborhood. Ile was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion, enlisting August 9, 1862, in Company E, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry. Ile partici- pated in nine battles, including Nashville,
.
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
Munfordville, Pleasant Hill. Yellow Bayon and Mobile, besides several skirmishies. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Munford- ville, and was paroled nntil exchanged. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis Angust 9, 1865, when he returned to his home in Jay County, and resumed farming. Mr. Fifer was united in marriage March 5. 1570, to Miss Samantha Butcher, a daughter of Samuel Butcher, one of the pioneers of Jay County. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fifer six are still living-Will- iam Perry, Samnel Burtis, Esther Jane, Jacob Clinton, James Archer and Howard Dent. Their eldest cliild. Otis Orland, is deceased. Mr. Fifer has resided on his present farm since 1873. where he has eighty acres of choice land well improved and under fine cultivation. He has a comfortable residence and good barn and out-buildings, and a fine orchard, the entire surroundings of the place showing care and thrift. In politics Mr. Fifer is a staunch Republican. He lias served as constable, and is at present town- ship assessor, having been elected in 1886 for a term of four years.
AVID F. HOOVER, the present efficient county treasurer of Jay County, and a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Eastern Indiana, was born in Jackson Township, Jay County, Indi- ana. July 25, 1841. His father, John Y. Hoover, was born in Wayne County, Indiana, in 1812, a son of Frederick Hoover, and a grandson of Andrew Hoover, who settled in Wayne Connty, Indiana, in 1806. The Hoover family are of German descent. and are descended from Andrew Hoover who left Germany for America in 1751, and settled first in Pennsylvania, going thence to Mary-
land, and from there to North Carolina. John Y. Hoover, the father of our subject, was reared in Wayne County, and was there mar- ried to Miss Rhoda Wright, a daughter of David Wright, a native of North Carolina, and a pioneer of Wayne County. He was a member of the Society of Friends, as were also the Hoover family, and as a matter of course, they were strongly opposed to the in- stitution of slavery. In the fall of 1840, John Y. Hoover came to Jay County, settling in Jackson Township, where he lived until 1850, when he removed to Penn Township, where his wife died in 1856. He subse- quently went to Missouri, where he died. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters, of whom four children are still living-David F., whose name heads this sketch; Hattie, wife of Morgan B. Lewis; Richard D., a resident of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and Rosanna Fridley, of Jackson Township, Jay County. James M. Hoover, a brother of our subject, was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving about nineteen months in the Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry, when he was discharged for disability. Later he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty- third Indiana Infantry. He died in the spring of 1882 from the effects of disability contracted while serving in the Thirty-fourth. Richard D., another brother, served about three years in the Seventh Cavalry. David F., the subject of this sketch, has been a resident of Jay County all his life. He was nnited in marriage to Miss Hannah A. Wil- son, a daughter of Joseph Wilson, an early settler of Penn Township, Jay County, and a native of Maryland. Mr. Wilson was twice married, Mrs. Hoover's mother being Sabrina (Grisell) Wilson. Mrs. Hoover was born in Penn Township, in December, 1842. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoover, four sons and four daughters still
Respectfully David & Hoover.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
surviving. Mr. Hoover owns a fine farm lo- cated in Penn Township. He was elected to the office of county treasurer at the fall elec- tion of 1886, to succeed John T. Hanlin, who liad served four years in that capacity.
HRISTOPHER RUCKWEED, farmer, resides on section 9, Madison Township, where he owns 124 acres of land. He also owns forty acres on section 16. He was born in Wittenburg, Germany, March 28, 1840, and came to America in 1852 with his parents and four other children, the family settling in Madison Township on the farm now owned by our subject. There was a small frame house on the place and twenty acres were partly improved. The father, Christian Ruckweed, was born in Germany in 1807, and died February 7, 1885. The mother, Mary B. (Weaver) Ruckweed, was also born in Germany, and died the next year after their arrival in America. Both are buried in Salamonia cemetery. They were the parents of five children -- Christina, wife of Fred Shank, of Madison Township; Chris- tian, who died in 1884, aged forty-five years; Louisa P.,died in 1878,leaving three children ; Catherine married, and died leaving one child. Christopher was educated in the sub- scription schools of the early day. He enlisted, August 9, 1864, as a seaman on the gunboat Ouchetaw, on the lower Mississippi. He was in no regular battle but was under fire several times. He returned home July 4, 1865, and June 29, 1873, he married Margaret A. Shoenfelt, born in Pike Town- ship, this county, December 29, 1848, a daughter of Michael H. and Margaret A. (McCarty) Shoenfelt. The father was born in Maryland, April 9, 1811, and the mother February 3, 1811. The father died February
18, 1864, and is buried at Nidmore in the Christian Chapel. The mother died Decem -. ber 20, 1885, and is buried at New Dayton, Randolph County, Indiana. They were the parents of ten children-William, Polly, Jane, Elizabeth, Melinda, Margaret, wife of our subject, George, Arthur, Laura N. and Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Ruckweed have two children --- Emma L., born August 16, 1874, and Ida B., born July 31, 1875. Both are members of the Lutheran church.
OHN W. SHEWALTER, a worthy and respected citizen of Jackson Township, with whose interests he has been identi- fied for many years, is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born April 23, 1839, a son of Elias Shewalter, one of the early settlers of Jay County. John was a lad of thirteen years when he was brought by his parents to Jay County, and here he grew to manhood on his father's farm. His education was received in the common schools of Clinton County, Ohio, and in Jay County. During the war of the Rebellion he served his country as a gallant and faithful soldier, enlisting in the defense of the old flag Jnly 6, 1861, in Company C, Thirty-ninth Indiana Infantry, which after- ward became known as Company C, Eighth Indiana Cavalry. The Thirty-ninth was the first regiment to cross the Ohio River at Louisville, Kentucky, for the seat of war. Mr. Shewalter took an active part in some of the most noted battles of the war, including Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Huntsville, Iuka, Bridgeport, Perryville, Stone River, Fort Donelson, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, in the Atlanta campaign, and on several other raids. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Stone River, New Year's day, and sent to Mobile, but on their arrival at Polard Station,
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
Farragut was shelling the city, when they were sent to Richmond where they were held two months. They were then paroled and sent to Columbus, Ohio, thence to Indian- apolis to be exchanged, which took place the following February. While a prisoner Mr. Shewalter was forced by one Captain Riley to help him catch deserters in Randolph Coun- ty, the comrades who were with him having been sent home until exchanged. He went to Governor Morton to whom he explained the state of affairs, when he was released, and went home on a furlough for three weeks. He remained in the service until the following October when he was discharged, his term of service having expired. After receiving his discharge he returned to his home in Jay County. He was married May 2, 1864, to Miss Ellen Underwood, a daughter of Jesse Underwood, of Ridgeville, Randolph County, Indiana. They are the parents of twelve children, as follows-Hattie M., Alonzo, Ar- thur E., Frank L., Gertrude, Fred. L., Bert, William, Cassius, Harry, Grace and Guy. In politics Mr. Shewalter is a staunch Republi- can. He is a comrade of James B. Cartwright Post, No. 358, G. A. R., of Pennville. A weary or hungry soldier is always welcomed at his house, and he is always ready aud will- ing to aid the widows and orphans of those who fought and died for their country. He is a consistent member of the United Brethren church.
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