USA > Indiana > Grant County > Biographical memoirs of Grant County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography with portraits of many national characters and well-known residents of Grant County, Indiana. > Part 106
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114
Elihu W. Pemberton was educated in priate schools, and was still a small boy when entered his father's mill and worked faith- tully until his father's death, when, with a brother, he took charge of the mill and con- ducted it until the fall of 1859, when it was destroyed by fire.
From 1859 until 1865, Elihu W. Pem- berton employed himself in farming, and then in the latter year, in company with a brother and a brother-in-law. L. Baldwin, erected a woolen mill, which was run by steam power for four years, when it was destroyed by fire, as had been the first mill. erected by the father. Mr. Pemberton then turned his attention to farming and stock- raising and dealing until 1888, when he embarked in the gravel and sand business, and since then has shipped more of this out-
823
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.
put than any other man in Grant county, be- ing the proprietor of four pits all in Mill township.
The marriage of Elihu W. Pemberton took place March 24, 1859, to Miss Arcada Baldwin, who has borne him seven children -John L .; Mary S., wife of E. Kester; Cora, married to Robert Ellis; Josephine, wife of George Gammel, and three that died in infancy without being named.
In politics Mr. Pemberton has been a Republican since he was old enough to first exercise his franchise. He held the office of postmaster of Jonesboro under Harrison's administration, has served as trustee of Mill township two terms, and was a member of the town council for two years. Fratern- ally, he has been a member of the F. & A. M. for thirty-seven years, was worshipful master in the Blue lodge for over twelve years, and has been advanced to the chapter and also to the commandery. Mr. Pember- ton is also a member of the I. O. O. F. As a citizen he is greatly respected as enter- prising and progressive, and his integrity has always been fully recognized, as is evinced by the many offices of trust and responsibility with which he has been hon- ored.
JOEL H. COPPOCK.
Joel H. Coppock, one of the most prom- inent and highly respected citizens of Grant county, Indiana, and gallant ex-soldier of the Civil war, was born in what is now Gas City, September 23, 1837, son of John Cop- pock, who was born in South Carolina in 1804, and when a mere child removed with his parents to Miami county, Ohio, where he lived on a farm until gaining his major-
He selected as his bride Miss Rachel Hollingsworth, and in 1834 moved from Ohio to Grant county, Indiana, where he purchased a farm of one hundred acres, this being the birth place of our subject. At the time John Coppock and wife removed to this farm there were but five acres cleared and the improvement consisted of a log house. Many days, months and years were spent on this farm in hard work but the family were amply repaid for their labor as it soon converted in one of the most attrac- tive homes in that township and here John Coppock remained until called away in 1890, in the faith of the Quaker church. The wife of John Coppock died in 1872; she was the daughter of Joel Hollingsworth.
John Coppock and wife were the parents of ten children, only two of whom are now living-Joel H. and Thomas G., now lives i1: Gas City.
John Coppock, Jr., brother of Joel H., was also a soldier in the Civil war having en- listed in 1862 in Company C, Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; and while en- gaged at Fort Blakeley received a wound in the head from a minie-ball, the effects of which caused his death a few days later.
Joel H. Coppock, the subject proper of this biographical sketch, was reared on a farm and received his early education in the common schools of his native township and when attaining the age of twenty-one he began life for himself serving one year as an apprentice in the carpenter trade, after which lic. carried on contracting and building for one year in which he was very successful, but when the call for volunteers was given he abandoned his trade and enlisted, June 7, 1862, in Company K, First Indiana Cavalry, for a term of three years, or during the war.
.
824
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.
He then went into Virginia and joined the Eleventh Army Corps, attached to General Fremont's headquarters.
Mr. Coppock's first engagement was at Cedar Mountain; he then participated in all the engagements down to the second battle of Bull Run, in which he saw active ser- vice ; then stopped at Fairfax Court House, and on the Potomac river, doing guard duty during the winter of 1862 and 1863; then was in the army of the Potomac and was engaged more or less in all the battles of that army, was at Fredericksburg, also at the battle of Gettysburg. They then moved back into Virginia and was in all the im- portant engagements up until the surrender of Richmond; also was present at the sur- render of Lee and was discharged at Wash- ington, District of Columbia, in 1865, as a corporal, after which he returned home and worked in a woolen factory one year but preferring out-door work returned to the old home farm and there carried on farming, also worked some at the carpenter trade un- til the "Gas Boom" at Gas City in 1891, when he sold his farm to the Gas City Land Company, and came to Jonesboro, where we now find him.
Upon moving to Jonesboro Mr. Coppock became engaged in the grocery business with his son-in-law Edward Price, a business which proved very profitable but Mr. Cop- pock felt that he had earned a rest and there- fore sold his interest in the grocery to the son-in-law and has since lived a retired life.
Joel II. Coppock was united in marriage June 17, 1866, to Miss Nancy R. Fort, daughter of James and Ellen Fort. Mr. and Mrs. Coppock became the parents of five children, named according to birth as here given : Rachel E., wife of Edmond Pierce ;
their second born d'ed in infancy ; Molly, de- ceased. marrie l William Grindle ; Cyrus L., residing at home and the last born, Norman J., who is a successful insurance man and is also town clerk of Jonesboro.
Fraternally Mr. Coppock is a Mason, having joined that order in 1865, Jonesboro Lodge, No. 9, and is now the senior warden of the lodge : also is a member of the G. A. R., Magnolia Post, No. 409, of Jonesboro, and is the present commander of the post. In politics Mr. Coppock is a life-long Re- publican and an ardent worker in the party. He served as justice of the peace for nine- teen successive years. In religion he is a devout member of the Friends' church.
Mr. Coppock is a genial gentleman and he and family enjoy the society of a large circle of friends and none stand more favor- ably in the public esteem.
ROBERT W. HASTING.
It would be impossible to give a com- plete list of the representative men of Grant county, Indiana, were mention omitted of the gentleman whose name heads this arti- cle, as he has taken a prominent part in the progress of this community during the last half century. He is a leading agriculturist of Fairmount township and a veteran of the Civil war, whose record during those troublous times deserves more than a pass- ing mention.
Robert W. Hasting is a son of Carter and Elizabeth (Rowe) Hasting, and was born in Grant county November 28, 1840. Carter Hasting was a native of Pasquo- tank county. North Carolina, and was born December 25. 1808. He received but a
ROBT. W. HASTING FAMILY GROUP.
825
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.
limited education and was reared to an ag- ricultural life. At the age of sixteen ho came north to Wayne county, Indiana, where about 1832 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Rowe, who was born Sep- tember 29, 1813, in the same locality as was her husband. They came to Grant county when this state was almost a wilderness, inhabited by deer, wolves, bear and the fero- cious red men. Their first purchase of land was forty acres in Fairmount township, up- on which Robert W. now resides, but at that time the township was not even laid out. The deed bears the signature of Presi- clent Andrew Jackson and is dated Febru- ary 15, 1836. Four years later he entered forty acres just north of this, under the ad- ministration of Martin Van Buren, both old parchment deeds being now the property, of Mr. Hasting, of this sketch. The lad was covered by a heavy forest, and the first habitation of the Hasting family was a log cabin covered with a clapboard roof and floored with puncheons. The chimney was constructed of mud and sticks, and the wide fireplace furnished heat for warmth and al- so for the preparation of the family meals. This was their home for many years, be- fore Fairmount was thought of, and when Marion was but an Indian trading village. Father Hasting was hard-working and ca- pable, and amassed some two hundred acres of land in this township during his life. Ha was always foremost in all good works and was a man highly regarded by the inhabi- tants.
Carter Hasting was a Whig during the days of that party, but transferred his alle- giance to the Republican party when that organization was formed, and remained true to its principles until his death. He and his
wife were zealous members of the United Brethren church for more than half a cen- tury, and he was one of the founders of the church in this county, the organization be- ing effected in his residence. As earnest Christian citizens they will long be remem- bered and their example will long remain a power for emulation. The mother was the first to pass into the morning of a new life, her spirit taking its flight in the year 1887. Six years later, on April 27, 1893, he com- pleted his earthy labors and the light of his life was extinguished to be relit in the higher world. They were laid to rest un- der the waving branches of Walthall ceme- tery, where a suitable monument has been erected to mark the spot. Five children were born to them, two sons and three daughters, four of whom are living, namely : Sarah, widow of Reuben Johnson, of Fair- mount; William, deceased; Robert W .; Nancy, wife of Roland Smith; and Mary, widow of Franklin Buller. All are residents of Fairmount.
The men and women who constituted the early settlers of the new country were not easily discouraged by obstacles, else this generation would not be the prosperous people they are. Discouraging circum- stances were surmounted and acted as a stimulant to the sturdy natures which gained in strength as each victory was won. The luxuries of the past are the necessities of to-day. One of the luxuries they did not yet possess was a road upon which to travel. and the journey to Fort Wayne made by Mr. Hasting in 1836 to enter his land was necessarily made on foot, following an old Indian trail, and that in the dead of winter.
Robert W. Hasting was educated in the common schools, and followed the life of a
51
826
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.
husbandman until his country called for de+ fenders. On August 16, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Indiana Volunteers, at Fairmount, under Captain Ruse and Colo nel Shunk, which rendezvoused at Indian- apolis. They were assigned to the southwest division under General John C. Fremont and marched from St. Louis to Jefferson City and on to Sedalia. The first action in which Mr. Hasting participated was under General Curtis at Pea Ridge, Arkan- sas, in which the company lost three men and had seven wounded. This battle lasted three days and was very trying on the soldiers, who next engaged in a skirmish about Peach Mound, and many times they made long, tedious marches, with but little to nourish them and keep up their strength. For eight days they subsisted on two ears of corn per day to each man, and thankful to get that. Then followed the engagements at Magno- lia Hill, Raymond and Champion Hills, Mississippi, the last an especially hot action. Black River bridge followed, and then came the siege of Vicksburg, when the regiment was exposed to continuous fire from May 19 until July 4, 1863, when the city sur- rendered. During this time Mr. Hasting had several close calls, one of which was on May 22, when a Rebel bullet grazed the right side of his neck, drawing a blister. When on the fortifications his clothes were perforated by minie balls.
After the action at Jackson, Mississippi, the troops were removed to Texas to clean the gulf coast. They crossed the Gulf of Mexico on transports, intending to take Galveston, but as General Banks was de- feated on the Red river, the troops were forced to beat a retreat. They charged on Fort Esperanza and captured it, and then
moved on to New Orleans, thence to Balti- more and to the Shenandoah valley under General Sheridan. The trip from New Or- leans to Baltimore was by boat and occu- pied eleven days and eleven nights, and he assisted in devastating the Shenandoah val- ley, being in a hot skirmish all the time, the last day in service being an especially fierce one. He was mustered out in this valley, thirty miles from where John Brown was hung, and received his papers September 6, 1864. Too much honor cannot be given to the brave boys who gave up the comforts of home and the every-day occupation to defend their country, receiving as compen- sation the paltry sum of thirteen dollars pe: month, and many also received souvenirs in the shape of scars.
Mr. Hastings married Miss Anna Smith on February 16, 1865, and is the father of nine children, all living but one. Emma is the wife of Fremont Rush, an agriculturist of East Jonesboro; Dewitt is a prosperous merchant of Muncie and received a splendid education in the Business College of Rich- mond, and married Miss Jennie Maley, Maud was educated in the common schools and was married to William Daniels, a gro. cer of Muncie; Mauseline also received a common-school education and was married to John Davis, a farmer of Fairmount, by whom she has two children, Lillian and Robert; Mada is at home with her parents: Daisy attended Fairmount Academy one term and became the wife of J. R. Busing, a printer of Fairmount; Lola received her diploma from the common school in the class of '97, attended Fairmount Academy three years and is preparing for a business career ; and Blanche, who finished the com- mon school in 1899 and entered the Fair-
827
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.
mount high school, in which she is now a student. Mr. and Mrs. Hasting believe in higher education and have given their chil. dren that advantage. Mrs. Hasting was born in this county April 4, 1842, and is a daughter of John and Mary Ann ( Thomas)} Smith. She has been brought to woman- hood in this county and is a model wife and mother, her advice and wifely suggestions being of the most seasonable character and contributing in no small way to the success of many of their undertakings.
Mr. Hasting is a stalwart Republican, cast his first vote for General U. S. Grant and has always endorsed the principles of that party, being to-day firmly in accord with the policy which President Mckinley has inaugurated. He has been identified with every movement tending to the up- building of the community, and he and wife are active workers in the United Brethren church, doing all in their power towards the advancement of the moral and religi- ous development of the people. In looking after the welfare of the public they have not forgotten to provide for the comfort- and entertainment of the immediate members of the home circle, and have provided a tasty, pleasant residence, furnished it with pictures, books, music and all that goes to make a cheerful home. Here their friends and those of their children find hospitality ever extended and are sure of a hearty wel- come and an hour of social mirth.
JOHN ENTSMINGER (DECEASED).
John Entsminger, deceased, a pioneer of Grant county and for many years one of its most honored and widely known citizens was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia,
on the 20th day of July, 1826, a son of John and Sarah Entsminger, and one of five chil- dren, four sons and one daughter born to his parents.
John Entsminger, father of our subject, moed from Virginia to Indiana, locating in Grant county in 1857, settling in Mill township, where the east part of Gas City now stands; here he and his family lived many years. The original farm consisted of eighty acres but it was only a few years with his energy and success financially un. til he had added many acres and when he died he owned 240 acres of fine land. His age was eighty-one years.
John Entsminger was born on the old homestead mentioned above, where he spent his boyhood days, receiving his early edu- cation in the common schools of his county, and during the summer months assisting his father on the farm. He remained here until ir 1852, when he moved to the farm where Jacob Candy now lives, remained there until 1854, and then removed to a farm near Gas City, where he purchased one hundred and forty-seven acres of land. When he pur- chased this farm there were but few improve- ments and what were there were of but little value. Those, however, were soon supple- mented by new and more modern ones, where they made their home until 1889 on two hundred and seven and one-fourth acres besides home property in Jonesboro, when they came to Jonesboro where we now find them and Mr. Entsminger enjoyed a well- earned rest from active business, living a retired life until called away. He died in 1890 at the age of sixty-three years and six months.
John Entsminger was united in marriage January 16, 1851, to Miss Martha A.
828
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.
Havens, daughter of Benjamin Havens, and was born in Clinton county, Indiana, Jan- uary 10, 1833. Benjamine Havens and fam- ily removed from Clinton county in 1841, settling in Mill township. Grant county, In- diana, where Mr. Havens passed away at the advanved age of eighty-four years.
The union of John Entsminger and wife has been blessed with six children named in order of birth as follows: Sarah H., who is now the wife of John C. Nelson, residing on a farm in Mill township; Matilda, wife of I. W. Lucas, of Jonesboro; Rebecca Y., wife of H. L. Robbins, of Marion; John W., who lives in Gas City; Rosa M., de- ceased, but who married Simeon B.Kennedy, and Emma C., who is still under the parental roof, and wife of E. I. Brooks.
Mr. Entsminger had been a successful farmer and at the time of his demise he owned two hundred and seven and one- fourth acres of land. He was also deeply interested in stock-raising and his farm pro- duced some fine specimen of cattle, hogs, etc., in which he took great pride in exibit- ing. In politics Mr. Entsminger was a Prohibitionist and he and his wife were de- vout members of the Methodist Protestant church. He was also a minister in a local way, in the church of his choice for over twenty years. Fraternally he was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge.
In the death of Mr. Entsminger the wife lost a devoted companion and the community an honored citizen and the children a loving father.
EUGENE NORTON WILSON.
Eugene N. Wilson, a well-known farmer of Fairmount township, is a life-long resi- dent of the county and a member of a family
which has figured prominently in the busi- ness and political affairs in Grant from the (late of its early settlement.
The founder of the Wilson family in America came from the north of Ireland, and was of Scotch ancestry. Thomas Wil- son was the first to come to America, and he settled in the colony of Virginia a young man, in the early part of the Eighteenth century. There he entered land, married and reared a large family of children. His son, William, was born in Rockbridge coun- ty, Virginia, and was there reared to man- hood and assisted in clearing, breaking and otherwise improving the plantation, and oc- cassionally aided in repelling bands of In- dians, who at times were hostile. He also served as a soldier in the war of 1812, was united in marriage with Jane Mackey, and established a home in his native county. This young couple commenced housekeep- ing in a log cabin, which is still standing and is quite well preserved. The follow- ing named children were born unto them : Thomas, John, James S., Hugh, William, Samuel, Robert. Jane and Isabelle.
James Strong Wilson, of this family, was born January 23, 1813. and received such educational advantages as the schools of his day afforded. He worked very hard on the home farm, and as he did not receive such compensation as he thought himself entitled to, he, as soon as he attained his majority, started on horseback to seek a home in a new, and to him an unknown sec- tion of the country. He came from Vir- ginia to Indiana, and in 1833 entered land in Grant county, and thus laid the foundation of his future home, the only settlers in the vicinity where he located were Thomas Dean, Robert McCormick, Edward and
829
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.
Thomas Duling and a few others; but all were friendly, and at all times ready to help one another and especially to aid a new- comer. Here Mr. Wilson worked, econo- mized and endured the many hardships only known to pioneers, and gradually worked las way to a position of affluence and in- fluence. When Union township was organ- ized he was chosen one of its first trustees and was continued in office for anumber of years. He was numbered among the well- known, respected and highly honored citi- zens until the time of his death, which oc- Curred in August, 1894. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eveline Morgan, bore him seven children, viz .: Henry P., born July 30, 1845, and died March 23, 1891 ; Eugene Norton, born October 22, 1847; Talitha J., born August 30, 1850, died Au- gust 27, 1851 ; James M., born December 23, 1852, and died September 20, 1885; Frank and Eveline, twins, were born July 25. 1857; Eveline died August 10, 1886; and an infant born April 9, 1859, died two days later.
Eugene N. Wilson was born on the old homestead in Grant county, and here at- tended school and assisted in the duties upon the farm until nineteen years of age. He then engaged in the dry-goods business in Harris- burgh-now Gas City-where he was lo- cated about three years, when he sold out and removed to his farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres, which he had previously purchased, and has since been numbered among the more prominent and leading agri- culturists of Fairmount township, where he wields much influence.
On the third day of February, 1878, he was united in wedlock with Mary C. Temp- lin, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Gil-
bert ) Templin. She was born June 19, 1856, and by her marriage with Mr. Wil- son has become the mother of six children : James Albert, born April 29, 1878; Marcus Earl, born February 19, 1882; Carlos Eu- gene, born December 28, 1883, died Novem- ber 5, 1890; Otto Mack, born June 7, 1888, died July 22, 1888; George B., born April 9. 1893, and Ira Templin, born January 29, 1895.
James Templin, the father of Mrs. Wil- sen, was of Scotch-Irish extraction, and when a young man went from Kentucky to Ohio, where he married first Miss Swan, and had four children, two deceased while sivall and one died after growing to ma- turity, and John, now a resident of Hartford City. He next married Elizabeth Gilbert.
In 1847, after the death of his wife, James Templin and three of his sons, John, William and Perry, started for the gold fields of California and on reaching the great desert plains the father was taken sick and (lied, the sons continuing on their way and settled in California permanently.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Presbyterian church and in politics Mr. Wilson is a Democrat.
VOLNEY B. JAY.
Volney B. Jay was born near Jonesboro, in Grant county, Indiana, on April 5, 1866, and is a son of Jesse and Mahala (Gordon) Jay, to whom were born four children: Allena, wife of Sylvester Bond; an infant, Clarissa, deceased; Alice, wife of Tennison Lewis, a minister in the Friends' church ; and Volney B. Jay, who was reared on a farm up to his seventh years, when his parents moved to Marion, where he grew to man-
830
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.
hood. He was educated in the public schools and remained at home until his majority, when he started to do for himself. He opened a sand-pit in Center township, mov- ing to the land which he still owns and from which he sells over twelve hundred loads each year. He is full of energy and lias worked up a big trade, which pays him handsomely. He is an advocate of the Re- publican policy and in religion a member of the Friends' church.
Jesse Jay, father of Volney B., was a successful farmer and died in 1875, and Mahala, the mother, now seventy-five years old, lives with her son, Volney B., who is one of the most highly respected residents of Center township.
James Jay, the paternal grandfather of Volney B., was born in South Carolina and was the son of Jesse and Sarah Jay, natives of South Carolina; the grandmother, Lydia Jay, was the daughter of Richard and Sarah Hollingsworth. The maternal grandfather, Richard Gordon, was born in North Caro- lina, the son of Charles and Ruth Gordon; the grandmother, Susannah Gordon, was the daughter of George and Sarah ( Hiatt) Gordon, both of North Carolina.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.