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 56
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of the Indians, especially Chief See Seep (She Sheep), one of the heroes of the battle of Falling Timber, Wayne's Victory, and also Tippecanoe, but afterward, obedient to the treaty, lie (Se Seep) was faithful to the whites. The Major's course of life also won as well the full confidence of the whites, Ilence he was a peacemaker, and prevented or averted war and battle many times. IIe afterward was proprietor of Perrysville. 1Ie was several times a member of the Legisla- ture, and probably served onee as Senator. During the period of the construction of the Wabash Canal he was State Commissioner, and although handling millions of money, he aeconnted for every cent, and was as poor when he retired from the position as when he entered upon the duties. Such integrity and honesty is worthy the remembrance of old Vermillion.
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IIILO CURTIS, one of the prominent farmers of Clinton Township, Vermill- ion County, residing on section 29, is a son of Amos and Mary (Wright) Curtis, who were among the old and respected pioneers of the county. His father was born in Canandaigua County, New York, and was first married in his native State to Miss Abigail Cargill, who died in Vermillion County. Their only child, Almira, became the wife of Dr. Gifford, and died at Brazil, Indiana, leaving at her death two children. The mother of our sub- ject was a danghter of the pioneer George Wright, and a sister of John Wright, now a resident of Clinton. Philo Curtis, whose name heads this sketeh, was born on the homestead of his parents on section 31, Clin- ton Township, May 3, 1838, and with the exception of one year spent in Vermillion County, Illinois, he has passed his life in I
Clinton Township. He was but eight years of age when his father died, but his mother managed to keep her family together until they became old enough to start in life for themselves. She died in 1869, leaving a family of four children-Handy, the eldest child, now lives in Crawford County, Kansas; Amos lives in Edgar County, Illinois; Mrs. Mary A. Browning lives in Montgomery County, Kansas, and Philo, onr subject. One son, George, died at the age of eleven years. The mother was a consistent Christian, and a loving wife and mother, and her memory is yet fondly cherished by her children. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Philo ('nrtis was early in life inured to hard work, beginning when a boy to assist with the work of the farm, but the lessons then learned have been of lasting benefit to him, fitting him for the dnties of later life. Ile has always followed the vocation of a farmer, and by his own industry and energy he has acquired a fine property. His home farm contains 200 acres of well improved land, with good residence and ont buildings. the entire surroundings of the place showing the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer. Mr. Curtis has been twice married, his first mar- riage taking place April 25, 1867, to Miss Isabelle Swan, a danghter of Joshua Swan. To this nnion three children were born- Elmer, who died in infancy; Elsie, who died in October, 1867, aged three years, and Francis M., who died in December, 1871, aged six years. Mrs. Curtis died April 25, 1867. and January 20, 1870, Mr. Curtis married for his second wife Miss Laura A. Scott, a danghter of John and Jane (Clover) Scott, her father now deceased. Her mother is a daughter of John Clover, who was one of the early pio- neers of this county. She is now Mrs. Jane Martin. Mrs. Curtis is a nativeof Livingston County, Illinois, born July 20, 1849. Mr.
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HISTORY OF VERMILLION COUNTY.
and Mrs. Curtis are the parents of five chil- dren-Adelbert S., George E., Oral, Jennie B. and Mary Ann. In politics Mr. Curtis affiliates with the Republican party. Both himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church, and among the most respected citizens of Clinton Township.
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IIOMAS B. MYERS, one of the most active and enterprising young farmers residing in Clinton Township, Vermill- ion County, was born in the same township, April 20, 1852, his parents, Thomas and Mary J. (Henderson) Myers, being natives of Kentucky. They came to Vermillion County, Indiana, when young, with their respective parents, who were among the early pioneers of the county. The paternal grandparents of our subject soon after settled in Edgar County, Illinois. Thomas B., the subject of this sketch, was but four days old when his father died, his mother dying the following April. Their eldest child, Alexander J., six years our subjeet's senior, is now a resident of Clinton Township. From a babe our subject was reared by Josiah Henderson, his mater- nal unele, in whose family he found a good home until past the age of twenty-four years. He was then married February 22, 1877, to Miss Emma Holmes, who was born in Fay- ette Township, Vigo County, Indiana, April 7, 1855, a daughter of John S. and Lydia (Groves) Holmes. IIer father died at his home in Vigo County, where her mother still resides. Since their marriage, with the ex- ception of two years spent in Edgar County, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Myers have resided in Clinton Township, Vermillion County. Two children have been born to them, of whom only one is living-Charles M., who was born June 23, 1878. Their youngest child, Glen-
nie G., was born December 28, 1879, and died December 6, 1884. Mr. Myers is the owner of an improved farm of 100 acres, located in Fayette Township, Vigo County. Since 1883 he has managed, on a lease, one of the best farms in Clinton Township, owned by Mrs. A. L. Whitcomb, located two and a quarter miles from Clinton, and con- taining 400 acres of valuable land. In con- nection with his general farming Mr. Myers deals quite extensively in stock, buying and selling, as well as buying and feeding for market. Both Mr. and Mrs. Myers are mem- bers of the Christian church, and among the most respected citizens of Clinton Township. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Amant Lodge, No. 356, I. O. O. F., and has held several minor offices in the lodge. Mrs. Myers is a member of the Re- becca Lodge at Clinton. In politics Mr. Myers casts his suffrage with the Democratie party.
EZEKIAH CASEBEER, a prominent citizen of Helt Township, residing on section 9, is a native of Ohio, born in Coshocton County, December 30, 1844. His father, David Casebeer, came to Vermillion County in 1850, and in 1854 settled with his family in Helt Township, and here our sub- ject was reared to manhood. He was early inured to hard work, beginning when a mere lad to assist in the work of the farm, re- ceiving but limited educational advantages. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company C, Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and was in the service of his country over four years. Ile participated in a number of important engagements, including the battles of Pea Ridge, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Ray- mond, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge,
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siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Winchester, Cedar Creek and Fisher's Hill. He was united in marriage, July 5, 1869, to Miss Hannah Mitchell, a daughter of Henry Mitchell, deceased. Of the five children born to them only two survive. named Luke and Mamie. One daughter, Effie, died in her fourteenth year. Mr. Casebeer learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, an occupation he has followed for twenty years. During the past ten years he has operated a saw-mill and threshing machine, meeting with good success. Ile held the office of constable three or four years. Ile was elected to the office of coroner, but deelined to serve. He is now holding the office of justice of the peace, serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Ile is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
OHN HOOBLER was a Unitarian preacher, a man of limited education; still he was upright and honest in all things, and represented his county both in the Senate and Legislature.
UDGE A. HILL, of Perrysville, was a Canadian by birth. Ile accumulated considerable in land and money. He was a inan of many excentricities of charae- ter, and while not generally liked by his neighbors, was highly respected. IIe repre- sented his county in the Legislature, and was familiarly known as "Judge" by having been associate judge when it required three men to fill the judge's bench. He married Miss Mary Groenendyke, of Eugene, whose family was one of the old pioneers, and to-day well
and favorably known among the representa- tive families of the county. Mrs. Hill died early, leaving a daughter, Ellen, who was the pet of the Collett and Groenendyke families during her childhood. She married P. C. Rounceville, of Camden, Arkansas, and during the stormy times of war was in the rebel re- gion. She and husband are buried at En- gene. Their two sons, living in La Fayette, Indiana, are the heirs of the Hill farm. Judge Hill is buried in the Groenendyke burying ground in Eugene.
ENRY C. EATON, M. D., who has been a resident of Vermillion County since the fall of 1851, was born in Lawrence County, Illinois, July 1, 1829, a son of Alvin Eaton, who was a native of Canandaigua County, New York. His mother was also a native of the State of New York. The parents of our subject had a family of six children of whom only two are living, IIenry C., and his twin brother, Charles G., who is a resident of Helt Township, Vermill- ion County. The boys were left orphans at an early age, when they were bound out to different parties, our subject going to live with a man named Samuel Harris. Mr. Harris removed to Roekville, Indiana, in 1836, and there our subject was reared receiv- ing his education in the schools of that town, and working the farm of Mr. Harris from the time he was old enough nntil his fifteenthi year. He was married September 13, 185S, to Miss Almeda Jenks, her father, John Jenks, being one of the early settlers of Vermillion County. Of the six children born to this union four are yet living-Wilbur F., of HIelt Township, married Mrs. Alma (Patrick) Wishard, and has three children-Mary E .. wife of IFarvey Thomas of Helt Township,
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HISTORY OF VERMILLION COUNTY.
has one child; Orissa O. and Edwin S. The doctor received his medical education at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. IIe began the practice of medicine in 1868 in Edgar County, Illinois, and in the fall of 1869 came to Toronto, Vermillion County, where he has since been engaged in huis chosen profession, and being well skilled in that pursnit, has gained a large and successful practice, and has secured the confidence and respect of the entire community. Dr. and Mrs. Eaton and their two daughters are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ACOB R. BERTOLET, dealer in hard- wood lumber and railroad ties, is one of the prominent business men of Cayuga.
AMES II. BURNSIDE, one of the re- spected men of Vermillion County, and an active and enterprising citizen, is a native of Indiana, born in Putnam County, February 25, 1837. His father, James Burn- side, was a native of Kentucky, and one of the carly pioneers of Putnam County, where he entered land from the Government in the early history of the county. He being a farmer by occupation, the subject of this sketch was reared to the same pursuit, and in his youth he received a common-school edu- cation. He has always followed farming, and in connection with his agricultural pursuits he has for the past fourteen years operated a threshing machine, and now owns his third Massillon thresher, and the Birdsall Traction Engine, and can thresh 1,000 bushels of wheat or 1,500 bushels of oats in a day. In 1862 he came to Vermillion County, settling the same year in IIelt Township. In 1867
he went to Edgar County, Illinois, remaining there until 1876, since which he has made his home in Helt Township, Vermillion County, where he owns a tract of twenty acres. He is a worthy member the United Brethren church.
- AMES A. FOLAND was born in Greene County, Ohio, near Xenia, in September, 1823. He lived with his parents on the farm until 1836. When he was in his thir- teenth year he removed to LaFayette, Indi- ana, where he was engaged in merchandizing with his uncle, clerking for him until 1848. In 1847 he married Miss Catherine A. Braw- ley, and before removing from LaFayette in 1848, they had one son, William B., born to them. In that year (1848) the family removed to Vermillion County, Indiana, set- tling in Perrysville, in IIighland Township, where he immediately engaged in merchan- dizing for himself, bringing his stock of goods with him. He remained there until 1860, when he was elected county treasurer, and moved with his family to Newport, and entered upon his official duties; was re- elected in 1862, and at the expiration of his second term, he with his family, returned to Perrysville, Highland Township, when he commenced clerking for John M. Dunlap, taking charge of the business. In 1870 he was again elected treasurer of the county, and removed to the county seat, serving that term, and was re-elected to fill the same office in 1872, and having served the two years, he in 1872 retired from politics, and with his family lived in Newport until 1887, when they removed to Danville, Illinois, where he is at present engaged in the buying of stock and produce. Mr. and Mrs. Foland have had born to them two children, one son and one
M
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daughter. The latter was born in Perrysville in 1851. In 1872 she was married to James L. Ford, and they have one ehild, Kate F. Mr. Foland was an old-line Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party he allied himself to that party, and has been one of the most prominent workers in the county. He cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor. Mrs. Foland's religious views are in favor of Methodism, while he was brought up in the old Presbyterian faith, and still adheres to that belief.
OIIN S. HOUCHIN, a progressive and enterprising citizen of Vermillion Coun- ty, Indiana, residing on section 15, IIelt Township, dates his birth in Vermillion County, Illinois, September 18, 1848, and is a son of Jesse Honchin, who is yet a resident of this county. John S. was brought by his parents to Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1850, where he was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. He has been a resident of this county since the year 1850, with the exception of the time spent in Parke County, Indiana, during the years 1871-'72. IIe was married September 22, 1868, to Miss Eudora A. Johnson, who was born in Greene County, New York, Septem- ber 10, 1848, a daughter of John D. John- son, deceased. Mr. Ilonchin has followed saw-milling or the lumber trade the greater part of his life, and has owned and operated a saw-mill eleven years. IIe and his brother, Bruce Houehin, own and operate the Belle- ville thresher, which is propelled by the Gar, Scott & Co. Traction Engine, and can thresh 2,500 bushels of oats or 1,500 bushels of wheat in a day. Oursubject also devotes considerable attention to general farming and stock-raising, and is the owner of a fine farm of 139 acres
where he resides. IIe was a member of the building committee on the Springhill Methodist Episcopal church, which was built between the years 1879 and 1881. He is a public-spirited man, and takes an active inter- est in any enterprise which tends toward the advancement of his township or county.
EORGE W. SAXTON, an enterprising citizen of Helt Township, residing on section 32, was born in Helt Township, Vermillion County, Indiana, May 11, 1838, a son of Benjamin Saxton, a native of Ohio, who settled here when the surrounding coun- try was in a state of nature, living in the county until his death. Our subject was reared on the home farm to agricultural pur- suits, which he has always followed, and in his youth he received a common-school edu- cation in the schools of his neighborhood. IIe served three years in the late war, a member of Company A, Thirty-first Indiana Infantry, enlisting as a private, and was dis- charged with the rank of Sergeant. Ile par- ticipated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Resaca and Atlanta. He was united in marriage May 6, 1865, to Miss Sarah E. Wait, a daughter of William II. Wait, who is de- ceased. To them have been born nine chil- dren as follows: Addie (deceased), Cora B., Ruric O., Otis, Victor O., Oliver, Mary L., Georgia E. and Benjamin. Mr. Saxton's farm contains 146 aeres of choice land, and he is classed among the successful farmers and stock-raisers of his township. Since 1878 he has been engaged in threshing, his ma- chine being the Nichols' Shepard make of Battle Creek, Michigan. His engine is of the same manufacture, and is a traction of ten horse power, capacity being 1,500 buslı-
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els of wheat, or 2,000 bushels of oats per day. Mr. Saxton is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, and also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.
OBERT D. MOFFATT, retired mer- chant, Perrysville, was born in New Jersey, in 1812, and came to Perrysville in 1836, since which time he has been a resi- dent of this place, being one of the leading merchant until 1874. His family consists of a wife and four children, and it is a note- worthy fact that deatlı has not visited his family since his marriage. One of his daugh- ters is the wife of Judge and Professor B. E. Rhoads, formerly of Newport and now of Terre Haute; another daughter is the wife of M. G. Rhoads, of Newport, and a third is the wife of John F. Compton, a business man of Perrysville. Mr. Moffatt's son, Ward E., is a druggist in Terre Haute. Mr. Moffatt has been a public-spirited citizen here, taking an active interest in the material prosperity of the community. In his political principles he was first a Whig, then Republican, but for the last fifteen years he may be considered independent.
LI BRINDLEY, farmer and stock- raiser, resides on section 9, Vermillion Township, where he owns 240 acres of land under a high state of cultivation. He is a practical farmer and an enterprising pub- lec-spirited citizen of the county, where he has spent his life. He was born in Vermill- ion Township, January 20, 1838, a son of George and Sallie (Blunk) Brindley, natives of Kentucky, of German descent, and early settlers of Vermillion County. Eli Brindley
was reared on his father's farm and early learned lessons of thrift and sobriety that have resulted in prosperity and have made him one of the representative men of his township. Ile was married in 1862 to Lu- cinda Nichols, who was born in Vermillion County in 1838, a daughter of William and Rhoda (Martin) Nichols. They have had five children, but two of whom are living- Louvicia, wife of D. Barker, and Loretta, wife of E. Axton. Mr. Brindley in politics casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church.
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ILLIAM C. BOGART is a native of Vermillion County, Indiana, born in Vermillion Township, September 6, 1841. His father, Julins Bogart, was born in Carter County, East Tennessee, June 16, 1811, a son of Henry Bogart, a native of Vir- ginia, and a soldier in the war of 1812, who brought his family to Vermillion County and settled in IIelt Township in 1829. The father of our subject is still a resident of the county, living at Quaker Point, in Vermillion Township. The mother of our subject, Lu- cinda Bogart, was a daughter of Isaac Car- mack. She died in 1872. Of the eight children born to the parents of our subject only four are living-Isaac, Mrs. Amanda Lemons, IIenry and William C. One daugh- ter, Mary, died after her marriage, leaving at her death three children. The Bogart family were among the first settlers of the county, and have been identified with its history from its earliest years. William C. Bogart, whose name heads this sketch, passed his youth in assisting with the work of his fathi- er's farm, and attending the schools of his neighborhood. IIe is one of the prosperous
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agrienlturists of Vermillion County, engaged ; fine farm of 460 acres, the greater part of in farming and stock-raising on section 16, Helt Township, being the owner of 543 acres of fine land. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Shaw, a daughter of Charles Shaw, who is deceased. Three of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bogart are living, named as follows: Charles, Isaac and Maude. Both Mr. Bogart and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, and among the respected citizens of Helt Town- ship.
which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. JJones has been three times married, his first marriage taking place in Knoxville, Illinois, in 1840, with Miss Sarah Watkin, who left at her death four children, named, Matilda, Pheba, Philo and Milo. Matilda married Joseph Maxwell, who died leaving a family of three children named-Sarah E., Catherine B. and Malinda F. Pheba first married JJohn Richards, who died leaving her with two children named Frank and Flora. She is now the wife of Frank Dicken. Philo Jones married Hannah J. Coursin, and they have two children- Will- iam and Thomas. Milo Jones married Jennie Faught and they have two children- Shella and Daisy. For his second wife Mr. William Jones married Catherine Coursin. and to this union three children were born -- Ellen married Joseph Fortner and they have four children, named, Rubie, Gertie, Effie and Garnett. Alexander, the second child, married Bell Nichols, and their children are- Wil- son, Ora and Orda; and Vorhees, the
ILLIAM JONES, one of the self-made men of Vermillion County, engaged in farming and stock-raising, on section 5, Vermillion Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Union County, in 1819. His parents, Aaron and Pheba (Watkin) Jones, were natives of New Jersey, and in : 1828 came with their family to Vermillion County, and here made their home until death. Here the father made a good home for his family, out of the forest, the country at the time of their settlement being in a | youngest child, is still unmarried. William state of nature. He experienced many of the Jones .married for his third wife Miss Mahala Myers. In politics Mr. Jones is a Democrat. He has served as supervisor, which office he filled with eredit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Postoffice, Newport, Indiana. hardships and privations of pioneer life, but lived to enjoy the fruits of his years of toil. HIe was one of the honored pioneers who was prominently identified with the early history of the county, and was well and favor- ably known throughout the county. William Jones, the subject of this sketcli, was reared amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, and HARVEY KERNS, engaged in farm- ing on section 4, Ilelt Township, Ver- million County, was born on the old homestead, which he now occupies, the date of his birth being June 27, 1854. Ilis father, William Kerns, who is now deceased, was one of the early settlers of the county, and a much respected citizen. He was a farmer by ocenpation, aud his son. A. Harvey, the sub- was early in life inured to hard work, assisting his father clear and improve their frontier farm, but the lessons of persevering industry learned in his youth have been of lasting benefit to him. He has always followed the vocation of a farmer, and by his own unaided effort he has gained a competence for his de- clining years. He is now the owner of a
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HISTORY OF VERMILLION COUNTY.
ject of this sketch, was reared to the same pursuit, which he has followed the greater part of his life. He received good educa- tional advantages in his youth, attending the Bloomingdale Academy, and the seminary at Sullivan, Indiana. After completing his education he taught school for two years, and was considered a very successful teacher. HIe has since devoted his attention to general farming, and owns a tract of thirty aeres where he resides, his land being well im- proved and very productive. Mr. Kerns was married September 15, 1878, to Miss Cather- ine S. Shane, a daughter of James Shane, of Effingham County, Illinois. Two children have been born to this union, named Law- rence J. and Edgar O., of whom the former is deceased. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and among the respected citizens of the county.
EWIS HI. REED, druggist, St. Bernice, Indiana, was born in IFelt Township, December 20, 1849, a son of Jolin W.
Reed, a native of Stokes County, North Carolina, born August 3, 1822. His grand- father, Jacob Reed, who was also a native of Stokes County, came with his family to In- diana in 1831 and settled in Vermillion County. Lewis II. Reed was reared in IIelt Township, on a farm. Ile was given good educational advantages and after leaving school, taught eight years. In March, 1879, he moved to St. Bernice, and engaged in the drug business, which he has since followed. His stock is valued at $1,500 and consists of a full line of drugs, medicines, groceries, stationery and notions. Ile does an annual business of 85,000, which is constantly in- creasing. He had charge of the postoffice five years, but on the change in the adminis- tration resigned his position. In politics he is an ardent Republican. He now holds a commission as a notary public. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal church. Ile was married July 11, 1880, to Isabel Benefiel, a native of Edgar County, Illinois, daughter of Robert Benefiel, who was killed by a hose striking him on the head; he died in 1883.
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