USA > Indiana > Vermillion County > Biographical and historical record of Vermillion County, Indiana : containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each; a condensed history of the state of Indiana; portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state; engravings of prominent citizens in Vermillion county, with personal histories of many of the leading families, and a concise history of the county and its villages > Part 43
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HISTORY OF VERMILLION COUNTY.
removed to Ripley County, where they made their home until their death. They had a family of nine children, eight of whom reached maturity. Four of their children are yet living-Ann, Aden W., Lucinda D. and Mary N. Mr. and Mrs. Cady have had seven chil- dren born to them of whom two are deceased- Harriet R., who died at the age of four years, and Mary L., who died aged two months. The names of those living are-William W., Esther L., Zilla R., Linna M. and Lon A. Mr. Cady learned the trade of carpentering and bridge building, which he has made the principal avocation of his life. After his marriage he lived two years in Bartholomew County, Indiana, going thence to Jackson County. He remained at Jackson County until 1872, when he came to Vermillion County, and has since been a resident of Newport. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cady and all their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are active in promoting Christian enterprises, and charitable objects. In all his life Mr. Cady lias never drank liquor, nor played a game of cards. Mr. Cady cast his first presidential vote for General Taylor in 1848, and subsequently voted for all the Whig candidates, until the organization of the Republican party, since which time he has voted that ticket. Mr. Cady is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge at Newport.
ILLIAM P. CARMACK, farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 8, Vermillion Township, where he owns eighty-five acres of good land, under a high state of cultivation. He is a native of Ver- million County, born July 4, 1841, a son of Andrew and Rachel (Nichols) Carmack, na- tives of Tennessee, and early settlers of Ver-
million County, now living in Dana. Will- iam P. was reared on his father's farm and with the exception of three years has always followed agricultural pursuits. He was given good educational advantages and has taught three winter terms of school. He was married in 1866, to Mary E. Asbury, who was born in Vermillion County, in 1847, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Jones) Asbury. They have nine children-Ida M., Sarah E., Rachel J., Fred O., Elsie L., William R., Robert R., Carrie B. and Mabel F. In politics Mr. Carmack affiliates with the Republican party. Ile and his wife are members of the Method- ist Episcopal church.
h ENRY H. AYE, farmer and stock-raiser section 9, Helt Township, Vermillion County, was born on the farm which he now occupies, the date of his birth being May 14, 1846. His father, Henry Aye, was a native of Maryland, and one of the old and honored pioneers of Vermillion County, Indi- ana, coming here in 1839 from Marion County, Ohio, where he had lived from boy- hood. The father being a fariner, our subject was reared to the same vocation, which he has followed the greater part of his life. He received his education in the public schools of Montezuma, Indiana, and the Indianapolis Commercial College. IIe was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting July 19, 1862, in Company G, Sixth Indiana Cavalry, or Seventy-first Mounted Infantry. He was discharged February 11, 1863, for disability, caused by a gun-shot wound received at the battle of Richmond, Kentucky. He now draws a pension from the Goverment. Mr. Aye was united in marriage February 5, 1870, to Miss Minnie James, a daughter of the late Daniel James. Four children have
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been born to them, of whom only two are living, named Beatrice and William Curtis. Mr. Aye is the owner of ninety acres of choice land, forty acres being located across the line in Edgar County, Illinois, the remainder being in Helt Township. He never seeks to hold public office, preferring to devote his time to the duties of his farm, and by his quiet, unassuming manners and industrious habits he has gained the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is a miem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic.
ACOB UNDERWOOD, who has been identified with the county many years, was born in Washington County, Penn- sylvania, December 28, 1818, a son of Will- iam and Elizabeth (Huffman) Underwood. In 1828 they removed to Coshocton County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm, and at- tended subscription school, taught in the rude log cabins with their puncheon floors, clapboard roof and slab seats. When a young man he taught school a short time. Il℮ spent a few years in Licking County, Ohio, and in the fall of 1834 he came to Vermillion County, Indiana, settling where he now lives on section 5, IIelt Township. He has made farming the principal vocation of his life, and is now the owner of a fine farm contain- ing eighty acres of choice land, well improved and under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Underwood was united in marriage August 21, 1842, to Miss Mary A. Slater, who was a daughter of Nehemiah Slater. They had born to them eleven children, of whom four are deceased. The names of those yet living are as follows-Mary E., William, Joseph, Elizabeth J., David S., Emma A., and Henry O. Mrs. Underwood died November 12, 1869, and February 16, 1873, Mr. Underwood
was again married to Mrs. Rosa J. Pierce. widow of Albert S. Pierce, and a daughter of Thomas and Hannah Dugger. To this union three children have been born. named -Thomas, Rhoda and Cyrenia G. Mr. Un- derwood is a member of the United Brethren church, and his wife belongs to the Baptist church.
AMUEL R. JAMES, farmer and stock- raiser, resides on section 3, Helt Town- ship, where he has a fine farm of eighty acres. He was born in IIelt Town- ship, Vermillion County, August 2, 1826, a son of Dr. William James, who was the pioneer physician of the county, practicing medicine here when the Indians were the principal inhabitants. Our subject was reared to the vocation of a farmer, receiving such education as could be obtained in the rude log cabin subscription schools of that early day. Ile was married March 16, 1848, to Matilda Hongland, who was born in Helt Township in 1829, a daughter of William Hlougland, who came to this county from Ohio among the early pioneers. Nine chil- dren were born to this union of whom six are yet living-Maurice H., Henry B., Caro- line, Joseph F., George W. and Robert C., all of whom are married and living near the old homestead. Maurice married Caroline Kearns, and of their four children, two named Harvey L. and John, are living. Henry has been twice married, his first wite being Virginia Anderson, who left at her death two children-Myrtle M. and V. Ger- trude. He was subsequently married to Caro- line Dinsmore, and to this union four children have been born, three still living-Homer, Golda and Samuel. Caroline married Charles Bassett, and has two children-Albert and Ethel. Joseph married Alice Randalls and
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has three children -- Lelia, Edna, and an in- fant danghter yet unnamed. George married Ella Casebeer and they have one child, named Mervin. Robert married Ella Pearman. Mr. James has served his township as as- sessor two terms, and during the present year acted as assistant assessor. lle is a member of the Masonic fraternity, an organi- zation in which he takes an active interest. Hle is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a respected citizen of Vermillion County.
- AYTON M. MERRIMAN, deceased, was one of the enterprising farmers of the early days of Vermillion County. He was born in Tennessee, January 16, 1806, a son of Jesse and Mary Merriman, and when a young man came to Indiana, and settled in Vermillion County. Hle owned at his death ninety-nine aeres on section 9, Vermillion Township, and eighty acres on another sec- tion. lle died in May, 1856, leaving many friends to mourn his loss. He was married September 8, 1831, in Tennessee, to Anna Campbell, who was born January 16, 1808, and died September 28, 1839. To them were born five children-Mary E., wife of James Horlin; Jane, widow of William Nichols; Martha, deceased: Matilda, wife of Eldridge Horlin; and Rachel, deceased. April 5, 1840, Mr. Merriman married Julia A. Sears, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Hoffstetten) Sears, natives of Kentucky. They had a family of five children-Isabel, Amanda, John M., R. T. and Bruce E. Amanda mar- ried Allen Frazer and has two children-Ure M., and James H. Bruce married Alice Rice, and has two children-Collett and Jessie. John M. resides on the homestead with his mother, and has charge of the farm,
which contains ninety acres of valnable land. In politics Mr. Merriman was a Democrat. He and his wife were among the first mem- bers of the Methodist church in Vermillion County.
HILO HARKNESS, residing on section 34, Clinton Township, was born in Al- legany County, New York, August 29, 1816, a son of Robert and Roxalana (Boyee) Harkness, the father born in Maine, and the mother in the State of New Hampshire. They were married in New Hampshire, and after the birth of their two eldest children, they removed to Allegany County, New York, where four children were born to them. In 1825 the father decided to work his way to the west with his family to see if he eould better their circumstances, hie being a poor man. The following winter was spent at Rochester, New York, where their youngest child was born. A short time was then spent at Buffalo, New York, when the family came to Indiana, reaching Fort Harrison Prairie in Angust, 1826. For several years Mr. IIark- ness was compelled to make changes of resi- dence to find work to support his family, but his home was always in Vigo County. Hle died in the fall of 1832, his widow surviving nntil 1846. She died at the home of our subject. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Harkness -- Almira, deceased; Mary died aged twelve years, the year the family came to Indiana; Rossel; Philo, the subject of this sketch; Ophelia, deceased; Amanda, and Roxie, deceased. Philo Harkness has lived in Western Indiana from the age of ten years. At the age of sixteen years he was thrown upon his own resources by the death of his father, and has never owned a dollar not honestly earned by
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himself. He was united in marriage Sep- tember 19, 1844, to Miss Lurana Ward, a native of Tennessee, born September 12, 1824, a daughter of Elijah M. Ward. Her parents settled in Indiana when she was a child of six years. Both are now deceased. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harkness as follows -- Mary died after her marriage leaving a family; Albert; Lanra: Elizabeth, died aged seventeen years; Ilarri- son, Nancy, Morton, Tina and Tena (twins), the latter dying in infancy. Mr. Harkness has a valuable farm of 145 acres, most of which he entered from the Government, and it has been his home ever since his marriage. By industry, economy and good management he has succeeded well in life, winning a good name, and a competenee sufficient to spend his declining years in comfort.
ONATHAN E. ELLIS, farmer and stock- raiser, section 9, Vermillion Township. was born in Vermillion County, Illinois, December 3, 1841, a son of Levi and Mary (Haworth) Ellis, his father a native of Ohio, of Scotch and Welsh ancestry, and his mother of Indiana, of Seoteh-Irish deseent. The father moved to Vermillion County, Illinois, in 1836. The parents were married Jannary 10, 1838, and reared a family of five children, - three of whom are living-Rebecea, wife of George F. Hoskins; Jonathan E., and Su- OHIN S. KEARNS, a worthy representa- tive of one of the old and honored pio- neer families of Vermillion County, is engaged in general farming on section 4, Helt Township, where he has forty-two aeres of valuable land. Hisfather, William Kearns, was born in Virginia,a son of William Kearns, who immigrated to Kentucky as a slave holder in an early day. William Kearns. Jr., sanna, wife of Mieajal Haworth. One son, William F., was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and was wounded at Chickamauga, captured, and died in Andersonville prison. Their eldest son, Richard II., was a promi- nent citizen of Eugene Township. The father died in Vermillion County, Illinois, April 27, 1847, aged thirty-five years, and the mother in 1864. After the death of his | left his father's home when sixteen years old,
father, Jonathan Ellis was brought to Ver- million County, Indiana, and remained here ten years. Ile then returned to Illinois and remained there three years, then came back to this township, where he was living at the breaking ont of the Rebellion, and in 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Seventy-third Illi- nois Infantry, and served three years. Ile partieipated in the battles at Perryville, Stone River. Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Rocky Face Gap, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Frank- lin, Nashville, and many others of less im- portance. He was discharged at Camp Butler and returned home at the close of the war. He was married September 1, 1870, ať Leba- non, Warren County, Ohio, to Kate E. Linder, danghter of Samuel and Lucinda (Neiee) Lin- der, her father a native of Ohio, and her mother of Pennsylvania, both of German de- seent. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have two children -William F. and Samuel L. Mr. Ellis set- tled on the farm where he now lives Novem- ber 4, 1884. lle owns 132 acres of valuable land, all under cultivation, and his improve- ments are among the best in the township, and his residence a large brick building. In politics Mr. Ellis affiliates with the Republi- can party. Hle and his family are members of the society of Friends.
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HISTORY OF VERMILLION COUNTY.
and came on foot to Danville, Illinois, where there was one log cabin used as an Indian trading post. IIe found employment in the salt works fifteen miles west of Danville, where he was engaged two years. He then came to Vermillion County, locating at Springfield, near the present site of Eugene, and here he helped make the first brick in the county, and built the first brick chimney made in the county, which was placed on the cooper shop where he learned his trade, that of a cooper. Ile built a cooper shop in Helt Township, and made the barrels in which the first pork of the county was packed. He married Miss Agnes Skidmore, a daughter of John Skidmore, an early settler of the county, and to them were born nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity-John, Polly, Mrs. Ruth Rogers (deceased), William F., Mrs. Ellen J. Carter, Mrs. Caroline James and Albert Harvey. William Kearns died August 27, 1884, aged seventy-seven years. Ile was always a hard-working man, and did much toward building up the county. He was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church for some time, and was an active worker for the cause of Christianity. IIe came to the county when it was principally inhabited by Indians and wild animals, and made his home right in the woods, where he experienced all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, but by persevering industry and good management he made a good home out of the forest, and lived to enjoy the fruits of his years of toil. John S. Kearns, whose name heads this sketch, is a native of Vermillion County, Indiana, born in Helt Township, Jnne 8, 1831. IIe was reared amid the scenes of pioncer life, and in his boyhood attended school in the rude log cabin schools of that early day with their puncheon floors, clapboard roof, and slab seats, and greased paper for windows, receiv-
ing here but a limited education. He was married September 20,1855,to Rachel Spriggs, a daughter of Henry Spriggs, and to thein were born three children, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Kearns died June 19, 1861, and December 31, 1863, Mr. Kearns was married to Miss Parthena J. Ivie, a daughter of John Ivie, of Harrison County, Missouri. They are the parents of four children named -Oscar, Ruhama C., U. S. Grant and Ellen J. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kearns are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Spring Hill.
ANIEL HELT, one of the earliest set- tłers of Helt Township, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Oc- tober 22, 1791, a son of John Helt. In 1815 Daniel Helt accompanied his father to Vin- cennes, Indiana, and in the fall of 1817, they came to Vermillion County, and built a cabin and in the spring of 1818 moved the family into it. The country at that time was inhabited by Indians and wild animals and they had many thrilling adventures, which Mr. Helt never tired of relating, and many are remem- bered by his family. The Indians were in the habit of coming to the houses of the white settlers for provisions and at one time when the larder was nearly empty Mr. IIelt refused to give them anything. At this they became angry and came to his house with the intention of killing him, but he was absent from home and thus avoided a quarrel. At one time an Indian went to the house of his father, John Helt, and demanded either his gun or his pappoose (his son George), but Mr. Helt told him he could have neither, but if he did not leave he would gladly give him the contents of the gun. Mr. Helt was a veteran of the war of 1812, and had no fear
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of the Indians. They were obliged to go to Vincennes to mill, and were some times three or four weeks in making the trip. Mr. IIelt was married June 17, 1819, to Mary M. Ely, daughter of George Ely. To them were born nine children, five of whom are living --- Francis M., Henry E., Phoebe (now Mrs. Jacob Miller), Catherine (now Mrs. Wm. Hammon), and Mary J. (wife D. E. Strain). A daughter, Lucinda, died at the age of two years, and two sons, George and Eli, after they had reached manhood. Eli left a wife and four children. Mr. Helt died March 15, 1879, in the eighty-eighth year of his age, and Mrs. Helt September 30, 1884, in her ninety-first year. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
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ENRY AYE, deceased, who was identi- fied with the early history of Helt Township, was born in Maryland in November, 1794, a son of Jacob Aye, who was a Revolutionary soldier of some note. His education was limited, as the schools of those days were of short sessions. At the age of seventeen he volunteered in Lieutenant Devaull's Company of Ohio Militia, and was honorably discharged after peace was de- clared. An the age of thirty he married Mary, daughter of the Rev. Simon Jones, the first settler of the Welch Hills, Licking County, Ohio, and after his marriage settled near Calidonia, Marion County, Ohio. He migrated to Indiana in the fall of 1839, and settled in the woods on seetion 9, IIelt Town- ship, where he eleared the land and built a comfortable home for his family. In polities he was a Whig, and a Republican; in religion he was an old-time Methodist. His house was always open to receive the itinerant, and no stranger was allowed to go away hungry. | born ten children, six of whom are living,
He died as he lived, an honored eitizen and Christian gentleman. His widow still lives on the old homestead with her eldest son, Francis, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. They were the parents of fourteen children- Francis S., Eliza, Rufus B., Nancy, Jacob, Phoebe A., Rachel, Nathan, Vinal S., Maria, Mary, Electa, Henry II. and Albert. Ten are still living.
- ILLIAM RIIEUBY is a native of Vermillion County, born in Eugene Township, near Eugene, April 28, 1833. His father, John Rhenby, was born near Perryville, Kentucky, in the year 1800, and during the war of the Rebellion the battle of Perryville was fought on the farm where he was born. John Rheuby was left an orphan at an early age, and in 1812 he immigrated to Washington County, Indiana, with his Uncle Nathaniel Green. He came to Vermillion County in 1830, and settled in Engene Township when Indians and wild animals were the principal inhabitants. IIe was a soldier during the Black Hawk War. Ife married Rachel Dickerson, and of the four children born to them two are yet living- William, our subject, and Kinzer who lives in Finney County, Kansas. One son, Na- thaniel, died in hospital at Madison, Indiana, during the late war. The father died in June, 1875. William Rheuby was reared to agricultural pursuits, and has always followed the vocation of a farmer. IIe received a common-school edneation in the schools ot this county, and subsequently taught four terms in his home district in the old log cabin school-house. He was married October 12, 1859, to Miss Eliza Sprouls, a daughter of the late James Sprouls. To them have been
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HISTORY OF VERMILLION COUNTY.
named-John A., Alva E., Laura A., Gould G., Deborah G. and Morton C. Alva E. inarried Robert C. Nesbitt, of Vermillion County, Illinois, and has two children- Elizabeth Estella and William R. Laura A. married George HI. Mitchell, then of George- town, Ilinois, and has one son-Harlan R. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are now living in Pawnee, Kansas. Mr. Rheuby resides on seetion 30, Eugene Township, where he owns 109 aeres of choice land. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of hog raising. Ile was a soldier in the war of Rebellion, being a member of Company A, Thirty-first Indiana Infantry, and participated in the battles of Tunnel Hill, Buzzard Roost, Dalton and Resaca. After the last mentioned battle he was detailed to the Commissary department where he served until the close of the war. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ILLIAM P. BREMER, merchant, Quaker Hill, Indiana, has a well assorted stoek of dry-goods, boots and shoes, hats, patent medicines, groceries, queen'sware, tin and hardware and notions. Hle located at Quaker Hill, February 14, 1881, and has built up a good trade, his genial manners and honorable dealings gain- ing the confidence of the public. He was born in Jefferson County. Kentucky, Septem- ber 15, 1851, a son of Simeon P. and Mary K. (MePherson) Bremer, natives of Kentucky, his father of German and his mother of Seotch descent. William P. was reared on a farm, receiving but limited educational advantages, but by observation and reading has acquired a good business education. Ile was married
in Vigo County, Indiana, November 20, 1881, to Melissa L. Huntwork, who was born in that county March 6, 1859, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Huntwork. They have one ehild-Bertha B. Mr. Bremer is a member of the Odd Fellow's order, Newport Lodge, No. 594. In politics he affiliates with the Prohibition party. In 1885 he was appointed postmaster at Quaker Hill, and still holds that position.
OHN BILSLAND, one of the old and respected citizens of Helt Township, residing on section 10, is a native of Ohio, born in Ross County, September 28, 1808. His father, Alexander Bilsland, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch was reared to the vocation of a farmer, and in his youth received such educa- tion as could be obtained in the subscription schools of that early day. The schools of that time were held in the most primitive style of log cabins, built with clapboard roof, puncheon floor, slab seats, greased paper used for windows, and a huge fire- place across one end of the room. He began learning the earpenter's trade at the age of seventeen years, an occupation he followed for forty years. Ile was married October 25, 1832, to Mahala De Ilaven, a daughter of Jacob De Haven, and of the seven children born to this union only two are now living-Mrs. Emma Taylor and Mrs. Gabrianna Arnold. One son named Frank, was a soldier in the war of the Rebell- ion, and was killed in the West. Mrs. Bilsland died July 10, 1849, and May 21, 1850, Mr. Bilsland was married a second time to Eliza Sewell, daughter of David Sewell, and to them were born two children named John E. and Enseba Malone. Mrs.
HAASRANA
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Bilsland, the second wife of our subject, died February 10, 1884. Mr. Bilsland came to Vermillion County, December 31, 1856, set- tling where he now lives in Helt Township. He has by his industrious habits, and good business management prospered through life, and yet owns 197 acres of valuable land, after having given to his children 314 acres of land, all of which he acquired by fair and honorable dealings. He is a member of the Masonie fraternity. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.
EV. HARVEY L. GRIMES, aresident of Helt Township, was born in Watertown, Washington County, Ohio, August 19, 1857. His father, Dr. Wilson Grimes, who is now deceased, was also a native of Ohio. Ile was united in marriage to Miss Emily Harris, a daughter of Morgan Harris who is a resident of Helt Township, and to them were born eight children as follows-Mrs. Dr. Bradley, John, Anna, Mrs. Dr. Newton, Harvey L. (our subject), Morgan, Jonas and Ruth. The father came with his family to Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1861. In 1870 the family removed to Edgar County, Illinois, where the father died in 1871, the mother and family returning to this county in 1872. The subject of this sketch was reared to the vocation of a farmer, 'receiving in his boyhood the benefits of the common schools. He made the most of his opportuni- ties, and by elose observation and diligent study he became a well educated man, and since 1878 he has followed the teacher's pro- fession both summer and winter, becoming a successful and popular instructor. He lives with his mother who is now in her sixty-first year. He began preaching the gospel in the. Methodist Episcopal church in 1886, and has 27
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