USA > Indiana > Warren County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Indiana > Jasper County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Indiana > White County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Indiana > Newton County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Indiana > Pulaski County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Indiana > Benton County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Indiana > Tippecanoe County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 52
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After marriage James Quick, Jr., located upon a tract of land in Bartholo- mew county which he had purchased, and whereon he made a good farm. At length he moved to Washington county, this state, where he had a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Selling this, he moved in the autumn of the year 1835 probably, to Van Buren county, Iowa, where by entry and pur- chase, he obtained four hundred acres of paririe land and proceeded to develop a fine farm. When he settled there it was a wilderness. The Black Hawk war had been fought only three years previously, in 1832, and the Indians were still numerous in the vicinity. When young Samuel entered the army, in 1861, he was one hundred and fifty miles from any railroad. Buffaloes were still gazing in the western parts of the state. After living in Van Buren county ten years, Mr. Quick sold again and moved to Davis county, that state, where he entered a tract of land. Shortly after his removal to this place his wife died, and he returned to Warren county, Indiana, locating at Williamsport and engaging in carpentry work. Finally he moved to Watseka, Illinois, where he died, in 1893, at the age of ninety- two years. In his younger days he was a member of the Baptist church, and
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in politics he was a Democrat. He was a soldier in the civil war, serving in the Confederate army and engaging in the battle at Lexington. After he had served about eighteen months he was captured, in Arkansas, and placed in prison at St. Louis, where he finally took the oath allegiance to the old government. His children by his first wife were Abner, James, Elizabeth, Samuel M., John, Harrison, Charles, Mary J. and George.
Samuel M. Quick, the chief subject of this sketch, was brought up among the pioneers of Van Buren county, Iowa, from the age of six months. He received almost no school education, but has been very apt in self-educa- tion. Early in our nation's great struggle for self-preservation, he enlisted in favor of the Union, and was mustered in June 8, 1861, at Indianola, Iowa, as a private in Company G, Third Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry, to serve three years or during the war, according to the terms of the presidential call. After faithfully serving his term he was honorably discharged, at Davenport, Iowa, June 18, 1864. His principal engagements in the war were those at Blue Mills, Missouri, Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, and Vicks- burg, Big Hatchie and Jackson, Mississipi. At the first named he was slightly wounded, the fore-finger of his right hand being shot off. Near Grand Junction in Tennessee he was taken prisoner, but after ten days he was released on parole. Retaining his usual health, he was in all the battles, skirmishes, marches, etc., in which his company engaged, always faithfully at his post of duty.
After the war he came to Warren county, Indiana, where, February 17, 1869, he was united in marriage with Mary Bottorff, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Samuel and Mary Bottorff, and then settled in Jasper county, this state, upon forty acres of wild prairie land, at Hanging Grove, which he improved with good, substantial buildings, etc., and to this tract he added forty acres more. Six years after settling here he sold the place and moved to Barclay township, where he bought a quarter section of heav- ily timbered land and proceeded to clear and develop a good farm and enjoy prosperity in the undertaking But this at length he sold and in 1895 he moved again, this time to a point near Francesville, Pulaski county, adjoining the corporation limits of the village. Here he bought sixty acres of improved land, and since then he has purchased two hundred and eighty acres in Starke county, this state, for his son, William M. Mr. Quick has ever been a prospered and honored citizen, meriting all the more credit for being a self-made man, both in respect to education and the accumula- tion of a comfortable fortune. Politically he is a Republican. His wife and son are members of the Christian church. The three children in this family were Lewella, who died an infant; Alice, who died in childhood, and William M. In fraternal relations Mr. Quick is a member of the Masonic order at
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Francesville, Lodge No. 208; of the order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs, including that of noble grand; and of Henry S. Lane Post, No. 76, G. A. R.
Samuel Bottorff, the father of Mrs. Quick, was born in Pennsylvania, received only a common-school education, was a farmer by vocation, was a boy when his parents moved to Ohio, and on growing up to manhood mar- ried Mary Whole, a daughter of William Whole and a native of Ohio. After a residence for some time in Ohio, Samuel Bottorff moved to Indiana, locat- in Madison county, about 1834, as a pioneer, on a quarter section of unim- proved land. After clearing this and reducing it to cultivation he sold it and moved to Duck Creek, where he had eighty acres. In 1849 he moved to Warren county, this state, locating upon an improved place of eighty acres near Independence, where he spent his remaining days, dying at the age of seventy years. Politically, he was a Democrat, and publicly he held the office of township trustee in the last named county. His brothers were John, Henry, Andrew and David; and he had no sisters; and of his wife's brothers and sisters the names of Ruth, Hannah, Phoebe, Jay and Daniel are remem- bered. His own children were Catharine, Lydia, Sarah, Mary, Rebecca (who died at the age of eleven years), Lucinda and John.
SAMSON McDOLE.
One of the honored pioneers of Tippecanoe county is the venerable subject of this biography, who is now nearly eighty-five years of age. He and his estimable wife have dwelt upon their present homestead in Sheffield township for the long period of fifty-eight years, and enjoy the love and high regard of every one who has the pleasure of their acquaintance. They have witnessed the development of this section to its present high degree of pros- perity, and have been important factors in the grand result.
In early colonial days the ancestors of our subject settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather, John McDole, a native of that section of the state, served in the war of the Revolution. His son, John, Jr., was born in Lancaster county, and there married Susan, daughter of Noah Caster, a farmer. The latter was one of twenty-four sons born to his fa- ther, and there were also three daughters in the family. After his marriage, John McDole and wife continued to reside in their native county until two children had been born to them. Then they removed to Richland county, Ohio, where he entered four hundred and forty-seven and one-half acres of land, which he improved. In the spring of 1830, he located in Hamilton county, Indiana, where he also bought and cleared land, there passing the remainder of his life, which spanned about four-score years. He served as
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a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a true patriot, ever ready to do his duty in peace or war alike. He was connected with the Baptist church, and was a man of exemplary life. His children were: Conrad, John, Samson, Uriah, William, Rebecca J., Susan and Freelove.
The birth of Samson McDole occurred October 29, 1814, in Richland county, Ohio, and, as might be supposed, he had extremely limited advan- tages in the way of an education. He came with the family to this state in 1830, and since his marriage, eleven years later, he has made his home in Sheffield township. He bought this farm in 1841 from his father-in-law, and by industry and thrift not only amassed a competence for old age, but reared his children and assisted them liberally in getting an independent start in life. He now owns three hundred and thirty acres of land, and has a good bank account. He was fortunate in possessing a rugged consitution, and is now hale and hearty at an age when most people are mere wrecks of their former selves. He is a Democrat in his political views, but has never aspired to public position or honors.
On the 6th of October, 1841, Mr. McDole married Mrs. Elsie Holden, a widow, daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca (Caffrey) Whitteberry. The father was born October 11, 1796, in Ohio, a son of Christopher and Sarah (Packer) Whitteberry. Christopher Whitteberry was a native of Pennsyl- vania or Virginia, and, though a youth at the beginning of the war of the Revolution, he made shoes for the Colonial army, and later took part in the battle of Brandywine. After his marriage to Miss Packer he removed to Ohio, and in 1829, then advanced in years, he removed from Muskingum county, Ohio, to Indiana, making the journey on horseback, and settling on the land now owned by our subject. Here he entered eighty acres, and cleared away the forest ere his death. Jonathan Whitteberry continued to reside on this farm until he sold it, in 1841, to Mr. McDole, and a few months later, in the spring of 1842, he was summoned to the silent land. In the old family Bible is recorded the following: "The children of Christopher and Sarah (Packer) Whitteberry: Jonathan, born August 12, 1793; Jacob, born October 11, 1796; Elizabeth, born October 10, 1798; Benjamin, born May 14, 1801; Mary, born July 11, 1803, and Ely, born November 10, 1811. The children of Jonathan Whitteberry: Effie, born November 24, 1819, and Elsie, born April 18, 1822." The marriage of Jonathan Whitteberry and Rebecca Caffrey, who was born January 1, 1796, took place August 15, 1818. Their elder daughter, Effie, became the wife of Augustus Kilgore, and the younger, Elsie, the wife of our subject.
Following are the names and dates of birth of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. McDole: John Morgan, October 10, 1842; Owen, June 25, 1844; Martha, August 25, 1846; Samantha, September 10, 1849; Clinton, April 64
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10, 1851; Pierce, February 8, 1854; Vilas, May 8, 1857; Samantha, Decem- ber 10, 18 -; Ida E., July 6, 1860; Freelove, February 22, 1863, and Abbie Burton, November 19, 1865. The parents are members of the Baptist church, and have ever been active in advancing the cause of righteousness. In politics Mr. McDole favors the Democratic party, as did his father before him. During the past year Mrs. McDole, who has been a true pioneer woman, ably assisting her husband in all of his ardnous labors, has been an invalid, and the earnest sympathy of their extensive circle of friends is bestowed upon her. Many of their early acquaintances here, among the first settlers, have been called to their reward, and within a few years at best they expect the same summons, but they have performed a noble work, and will leave to their children and children's children a heritage of honor and an unblemished name and record, which are more desirable than wealth.
REV. JOHN SEBRING.
The life record of Rev. John Sebring is one in which fidelity to duty and nobility of purpose are interwoven, and his career has been crowned with the respect and confidence accorded only to those whose lives are actuated by the highest principles. For many years he has devoted his ·energies to the work of the church, and though not at present actively con- nected with the ministry yet he, both by precept and example, advocates the the Christian religion, which has lifted man from barbarism to advanced civilization.
Rev. Sebring is a representative of an old colonial family of America. Achilles Sebring, the father of our subject was born in the year 1812, and his brothers and sister were William, Robert, Benjamin and Orpha. He received but limited educational privileges, but was reared to the life of the farmer and his training in the labors of the fields was not meager. He was married in Coshocton county, Ohio, to Miss Sidney Hines, who was born in Pennsyl- vania, and they began their domestic life upon a Coshocton county farm, where they resided until 1854, when they came to Jasper county, Indiana. Their home was blessed with the presence of six children, namely: Mary, Ellen, John, Margaret, Anson and William. During the civil war Mr. Seb- ring offered his services to the government, enlisting in Jasper county, Novem- ber 1, 1861, as a member of Company K, Forty-eighth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. The duty assigned to him was teaming, and while faithfully performing his work in this line he was taken ill, and died in the hospital, at Louisville, Kentucky, July 18, 1862, at the age of fifty-two years. Two of his sons, William and John, also were numbered among the boys in
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blue. In his political views the father was a Republican, and he was known as a straightforward business man, at all times reliable and trustworthy.
Rev. John Sebring, whose name introduces this review, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, November 4, 1844, and was only eight years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Jasper county. He had but very few educational privileges, for those were pioneer times, before the present excellent public-school system of the state had been inaugurated. At the age of sixteen, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he responded to his country's call for troops, joining the army only a few days after his father's enlistment. He responded to the call at San Pierre, Starke county, Novem- ber 1, 1861, becoming a private of Company K, Forty-eighth Indiana In- fantry, the same command to which his father belonged. He enlisted for three years, but on account of disability was honorably discharged in Decem- ber, 1862, at St. Louis. He then returned home, where he remained until the regiment veteranized, in February, 1864, when he re-enlisted and was mustered in at Indianapolis, continuing at the front until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged, at Indianapolis, in July, 1865. For three months he was ill in the hospital at St. Lonis. He was eve a loyal soldier, prompt and cheerful in the discharge of his duties, and with an hon- orable military record he returned home.
Mr. Sebring then resumed farming, which he followed for some time. He was married September 9, 1866, in Whitefield township, Jasper county, Indiana, to Miss Nancy J. DeSelms, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 29, 1848, a daughter of Thomas and Phoebe DeSelms. The father was of French lineage and was a carpenter and farmer by occu- pation. For some time he made his home upon a farm in Muskingum county, near the boundary line of Coshocton county, Ohio. About 1861, he took up his abode on a farm in Jasper county, Indiana, where he made his home until his death. He erected all the buildings upon the place and trans- formed the once wild tract into richly cultivated fields, which yielded to him abundant harvests. His political opinions were in harmony with Repub- lican principles. In religious faith he was a Methodist, served as class- leader for many years, was also a local minister and at all times led a consistent Christian life. He died in the faith of the church, in 1872. In his family were four children,-Martha, Nancy J., Phoebe A. and James P.
After his marriage Rev. John Sebring took up his residence upon a farm in Jasper county, where he spent some years. He then removed to Gillam township, in the same county, and purchased forty acres of land, whereon he erected substantial buildings. As the result of his careful cultivation the fields were made to yield good returns, and for some years he successfully carried on farming there, but ultimately sold the property and removed to a
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larger farm, which he rented, also devoting his energies to the more conge- nial work in the local ministry of the Methodist church. When twenty- three years of age he became a member of the church and soon became class-leader and a licensed exhorter. Since that time he has been more or less active in the ministry and his labors have been most effective in turning people from their sins to walk in the straight and narrow path. He was for three years on the Koutts circuit and three years on the Brook circuit, and came to Medaryville as a local minister in charge of the work here. After two years arduous service he was taken ill and has since not engaged in active ministerial work, with the exception of a few months spent in Lowell. His interest in the cause of Christianity and its advancement, however, has never flagged, but has grown and strengthened with the passing years. He has probably preached more funeral sermons than any other man in the ministry for miles around, for his heartfelt sympathy and tender ministry enable him to give comfort to many a sorrowing heart. His eloquence is most marked as he delivers a funeral oration over a departed comrade of the civil war, his pathos and beauty of thought placing him among the able orators of the state. His services are in frequent demand upon the occasion of the celebration of Decoration day, and at many weddings he performs the ceremonies which unite young hearts in the marriage tie. Since his retirement from active connection with the ministry he has established a harness shop in Medary- ville and is now doing a prosperous business along that line.
Unto Rev. and Mrs. Sebring have been born the following children: Anneta Bell, who died at the age of nineteen years and eight months; Lydia E .; Charles E .; and Ida M., who died in childhood. Since casting his first presidential vote, for Abraham Lincoln, in 1864, Mr. Sebring has been a stanch Republican, unwavering in his allegiance to the principles of the party. He formerly belonged to the Masonic fraternity, but does not affiliate with any lodge at the present time. No man in this section of the state is more widely or favorably known than John Sebring, whose upright life has won him the love and confidence of all. He has the broadest sympathy and char- ity for his fellow men, and his kindly heart and helpful life have endeared him to young and old, rich and poor.
CYRUS L. POSEY.
Cyrus L. Posey is one of the most reliable and enterprising business men of Medaryville. He is a native of Jasper county and a representative of an old colonial family that was founded in Virginia at an early day. His father, John Posey, was born in Virginia and was a farmer by occupation. When a young man he came to Indiana, and was married in Rush county to Ruth
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r
Cyrus L. Porus. and Family .
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P. Whitaker, also a native of the Old Dominion. After their marriage they removed to Jasper county, becoming pioneer settlers of that locality. There the father transformed a tract of wild land into a richly cultivated farm, whereon he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1857. His chil- dren were William, Thomas, John, James, Cyrus, George and Sarah. Of these William, John and James died of scarlet fever, June 14, 15 and 16, 1850, respectively, and George died at the age of thirty years.
Cyrus L. Posey, whose name introduces this review, was born in Gillam township, Jasper county, on the 5th of December, 1849, and was reared upon a farm, early becoming familiar with all the labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The educational privileges afforded him were only those of the common schools of the neighborhood, but reading and observation, combined with experience in the practical affairs of life, have made him a well informed man. He chose farming as the occupation to which he wished to devote his energies, and for some years was identified with the agricultural interests of Jasper county.
On the 30th of August, 1868, Mr. Posey was united in marriage, in Gillam township, Jasper county, to Miss Martha A. Poisel, who was born in Cham- paign county, Ohio, October 17, 1848, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Hess) Poisel. On both the paternal and maternal sides the families are of sturdy Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. Henry Poisel was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, October 1, 1800, and in 1830 removed to Champaign county, Ohio. He was twice married, both times in the Old Dominion, and his chil- dren of the first union were George, Jeremiah, Nancy and Mary. For his second wife he chose Mary Hess, and their children were Indiana, Francis M., Eliza J., Martha A. and Henrietta. On removing to Champaign county, Mr. and Mrs. Poisel located on a farm where they resided for about twenty years. In 1850 they removed to Jasper county, where Mr. Poisel purchased one hundred and twenty acres of partially improved land, to which he added until he was the owner of a quarter section. He transformed the raw prairie into rich and fertile fields, made a pleasant home, and had there a valuable property. He made it his place of abode until called to his final rest, his death occurring May 5, 1886. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist church, and he was a substantial farmer and worthy citizen, highly respected by all who knew him.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Posey located on the old Posey home- stead, and six children came to bless their union: Mary T., Lettie A., Otis J. (who died in infancy), Ora F., Etta L. and Gertrude. On leaving the old home place Mr. Posey removed to another farm in the same township and there successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until December, 1881, when came to Medaryville, since which time he has been engaged in general mer-
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chandising here. He has prospered in this undertaking and now has a well appointed store and a liberal patronage. Mr. Posey is truly a self-made man, owing his prosperity solely to his own efforts. He started out upon his busi- ness career empty-handed, and after a time began to buy game and produce and ship it to the commission merchants. In this way he acquired a small capital of two hundred and thirty dollars and with this he began general merchandising, but by close attention to business, careful management, and unremitting diligence he has built up a large business and is accounted one of the leading merchants of Pulaski county. In addition to this he owns some valuable business property and a very tasteful residence in Medaryville. In the mercantile establishment he is now associated in business with his son-in- law, Frank D. Baughman, who wedded his daughter Mary.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Posey are consistent members of the Methodist Epis- copal church, in which he has served as class-leader. They take an active part in its work, contribute liberally to its support and do all in their power to pro- mote its growth and insure its success. In his political views Mr. Posey was formerly a Republican, but is now identified with the Prohibition party, and is a stanch advocate of the cause of temperance, which he supports both by precept and example. He formerly belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but is not now affiliated with any lodge. His life has been well spent and his activity in business affairs has brought him a handsome compe- tence, while his integrity and reliability in all the walks of life have won him the warm regard of his friends and the general public.
GEORGE S. GRIFFIN.
Prominently identified with the building interests of Chicago for more than a decade, Mr. Griffin has contributed not a little to the upbuilding and improvement of that city, and as a result of his capably managed business interests is now the owner of much valuable property there-the merited reward of his own labors. The portals of success always swing wide to the demands of energy and enterprise, and the storehouse of prosperity yields its treasures to those who diligently and judiciously seek for them. Such Mr. Griffin has found to be the case, and he is now one of the substantial citi- zens of Chicago.
He was born on the 4th of May, 1847, in Delaware county, New York, and is a son of George Slade and Susan Johnson (Akerly) Griffin. The family history is given in detail in the sketch of our subject's brother, Will- iam J. Griffin, on another page of this work. At the age of eighteen Mr. Griffin began learning the carpenter's trade with his uncle, Jonathan Akerly and after two years commanded journeyman's wages. Later he entered the
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employ of the Erie & Pittsburg Railroad Company as foreman, in which capacity he served for three years, having the superintendence of sixteen men. He afterward worked in his native county for two years and subsequently was employed in a ship-yard in Conneaut, Ohio, for a short time, after which he went to Cleveland. His next place of residence was at Girard, Pennsyl- vania, where he engaged in contracting and building for two years, and then went to Hammond, Indiana, where he remained three years. On the expira- tion of that period he went to Chicago, and has taken an active part in the building interests of the metropolis. He erected twenty-four houses for Imogene Hanchett, in South Englewood, and fourteen flat buildings on War- ren avenue, near Wood street, besides numerous other buildings on the south side. He has followed his trade for thirty-four years, and for more than a quarter of a century has engaged in contracting on his own account. His marked skill, combined with excellent executive ability, and his honorable dealing and careful management have gained him an enviable reputation in industrial circles and also brought to him a very desirable competence.
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