USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 2 > Part 30
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Mr. Young is not only a hunter of considerable local renown, but is an ardent follower of the piscatorial art. spending considerable time along the river banks during the fishing season, and big catches of members of the finny tribe are of frequent occurrence with him.
ELIAS D. VAN GORDEN.
The gentlemen whose name heads this review is a business man of Nor- ristown, Indiana, a member of the mercantile firm of Van Gorden & Eason. He was born in Butler county, Ohio. December 11. 1854. His parents. An- drew W. and Eliza (Davison ) Van Gorden, were also natives of that county. but a number of years ago they came to Indiana and settlel in Bartholomew county, where the subject spent his childhood and youth amid the active duties of farm life. The family of Andrew W. and Eliza Van Gorden consisted of seven children, four of whom are living at the present time, namely : Elias D .. whose name introduces this review: Simeon, also of Shelby county: Mrs. Rosella Ray, widow of Reed Ray: Maggie, who is single and still a member of the home circle.
Elias D. Van Gorden spent his early years at hard work on the farm and. being the oldest child, and his parents quite poor. much of the responsibility of the family's support fell to him while he was still a mere youth. Like a dutiful son. however, he addressed himself manfully to his labors, and, until
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his twenty-fourth year remained at home, managing the farm and in many ways locking after the interests and comforts of his parents and younger brothers and sisters. In the month of July, 1885, he chose a life partner in the person of Emma Kirk. of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, and shortly after his marriage moved to Shelby county. Indiana, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm of forty acres in Washington township, which he purchased and on which he lived and prospered until the death of his wife. on April 29. 1904. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Gorden were born three children. the okler of whom, a daughter by the name of Bertha, is the wife of George Maple, and lives in the city of Anderson: Walter Scott, the second in order of birth, married Mary Ropp, and is now one of the rising young agriculturists of Washington township: Eugene K .. bom 1888, died June 5. 1993.
Shortly after the death of his wife Mr. Van Gorden engaged in general merchandising at Norristown, and on January 1. 1909. he became a member of the firm of Van Gorden & Eason which has become one of the leading busi- ness houses of the kind in the town. He is not only on enterprising merchant. but a man of affairs, having long taken an active part in public matters and an interest in local and state politics, being one of the Democratic leaders in Shelby county, though not an office seeker nor an aspirant for public honors of any kind. During the past four years he has been a member of the Ad- visory Board of Washington township, and has still two years to serve, being chairman of the board and one of its most active and useful members.
Fraternally Mr. Van Gorden is identified with several orders, being a member of Farmers' Lodge. No. 147. Free and Accepted Masons, in which he now holds the title of past master: he also belongs to Kenton Lodge. No. 246. Knights of Pythias, at Flat Rock: the Improved Order of Red Men. at the town of Hope, and the Hope Camp of Mo:lern Woodmen. He is hield in high esteem by his friends and fellow citizens of the town in which he re- sidles, and all who come within the range of his influence are attracted by his pleasing personality and sterling qualities of manhood.
JOHN A. WILLIAMS.
The gentleman of whom the biographer writes in this connection was born in Shelby county, Indiana. November 18. 1833. and has practically spent his life at or near the place where he first saw the light of day. in point of continnous residence being one of the oldest native citizens of Washington township. His father was John Williams, a native of Tennessee, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Lucinda DePan, was born in Indiana. Her father, William DePan, was a native of this state. John Williams came
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to Indiana in an early day. also, and settled. originally, near Indianapolis, on White river, but. after a short residence there, moved to Shelby county, where he married. purchased land and became a substantial farmer and respected citizen. He reared a family of three children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the first born, the others being Elizabeth. now Mrs. Henry Wheeler, of Columbus, Indiana, and William, a veteran of the Civil war. who also lives in that city. Mrs. Williams, who was born in 1814, died in 1847. and later Mr. Williams married a widow by the name of Mrs. White, this union being without issue. John Williams was born in the year 1808, and came to Indiana when young and here spent the greater part of his life, dying at the town of Edinburg. Indiana, on November 21, 1890.
The early years of John A. Williams were spent on the farm in Shelby county where he now lives, and during childhood and youth he attended the schools of his day. acquiring a fair knowledge of such branches as were then taught. He early adapted himself to the conditions of the times, learned by experience the meaning of hard labor in the woods and fields, and grew up a strong, vigorous young man, well fitted for the vocation of an agriculturist. which he decided to make his life work. From his twenty-first birthday until retiring from active labor a few years ago, he devoted his attention to his chosen calling and succeeded well at the same. accumulating a comfortable competency which enables him to spend his declining years free from anxiety and care. He owns a small but beautiful farm of eighty acres in section 31. and what makes the place doubly dear to him is the fact that it has been his home since childhood.
Mr. Williams has always been an industrious, quiet. praiseworthy tiller of the soil, deeply interested in the material progress and moral welfare of the community, and has ever stood for law and order and a high standard of citizenship. He is a member of the Flat Rock Methodist church, and in his relations with his neighbors and friends endeavors to practice the principles and precepts of the religion which he has long professed. On the 6th day of September. 1854, Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Martha J. Cham- bers, whose birth occurred in Bartholomew county. Indiana, August 20, 1838. and who departed this life November 7. 1902. This excellent woman, who was a devoted wife, loving mother and popular neighbor. bore her husband the following children: Henry M., Mrs. Alice Andeiville, deceased; Ulysses Edward resides at Norristown, husband of Phoebe Wrench: Elmer is single and resides in Indianapolis; Mrs. Ella Seward ; Dora, Frank, deceased ; Mrs. Daisy Oltman.
Since the death of Mrs. Williams, Dora, who is unmarried, has been housekeeper for her father, and she spares no pains in ministering to his com- fort and looking after his interests. The subject has twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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B. B. . ARMSTRONG.
Many obstacles confronted the parents of B. B. Armstrong when they settled in Washington township. Shelby county, in the days of the long ago. but they came from hardy stock, and eventually converted the will land upon which they settled into a productive farm. Mr. Armstrong, who is of Irish extraction, was born in this township. December 19. 1856. being the child of B. B. and Nancy ( Cox) Vimstreng, both of them were born in the state of Ohio, in close proximity to Chillicothe. The father of the subject, when he arrived in Shelby county, entered eighty acres of land in the west half of the southeast quarter of section 30 of Washington township. He cleared this land and cultivated it. remaining there the remainder of his life. He contin- ued to add to his holdings, and at the time of his death, in January. 1893, he was the owner of two hundred acres. He was born January 10. 1810. his wife on February 24. 1818, dying in March. 1897. They were the parents of eight children, of whom three are now living, including the subject. Thomas Armstrong is a farmer in Bartholomew county, Indiana, and Rachael H. is the wife of George Henry, of Howard county, Indiana.
Mr. Armstrong received some education in the district school, but, like other boys of his time, spent most of his days working on the farm. After he had become of age he married Minnie Hill, daughter of John and Eliza- beth Hill. Mrs. Hill's maiden name was Walker. The father of Mrs. Arm- strong was born April 7. 1834. her mother September 24. 1840. He die October 2. 1875 : she in 1902. To them were born six children, one of whom is dead. Those who survive are: Sarrah Sophrenia. T. F. Hill. Clara, of Colorado, Otis Hill. of Kansas. and Mrs. Armstrong.
Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong are the parents of four children. all of them boys, as follows: Walter, born February 14. 1878. husband of Amanda Yan- zer. and lives at Norristown. Indiana; Warren. born April 6, 1879. lives at Acton : Wallace, born February 14. 1881. married and lives in Washington township: Edward, born January 5. 1884. single and lives with his parents. Mr. Armstrong is the owner of sixty-eight acres of land on which he has made many improvements, besides building a modern and commodious dwel- ling. His farm is rated as one of the most productive in the county, showing that it has been given very careful attention. He combines the callings of grain and stock raiser, and has been very successful in both branches. Mr. .and Mrs. Armstrong are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church at Lewis Creek, and are deeply interested in matters of a religious character. Mr. Armstrong has served as superintendent of the Sunday school. and is the president of the Washington Township Sunday School Association at the present time. Both he and his wife have classes in the Sunday school, and they take a great interest in their pupils. For many years Mr. Armstrong
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was a Republican, but, having most pronounced views upon the liquor traffic. some time ago joined the ranks of the Prohibitionists. He is very prominent in the councils of that party in Shelby county.
DANIEL E. COCHRAN.
Although there were no golden opportunities within reach of Daniel F. Cochran in the days of his youth, he has by dint of almost ceaseless toil and perseverance advanced to a position of trust and responsibility, and having the full confidence of his superiors. is in direct line for further promotion. From an humble beginning he has made a place for himself in the commercial world. When a youth. unlike many other young men of his station in life. he was not ashamed of honest labor, no matter how lowly it might be, and that is one of the secrets of his success.
Mr. Cochran was born March 27, 1868. being the son of Daniel and Mary E. ( Donahue) Cochran. His birth occurred in Clark county, and he was the fourth of a family of nine children, all of whom have succeeded fairly well in life. He was but two years of age when the family moved from Clark to Shelby county. As soon as he became okl enough to be of any assistance to his father he worked on the farm. although his education was by no means neglected. He was enabled to spend about half of each year in the district schools, and being an apt pupil with a longing for a good education, he ad- vanced very rapidly in his studies. He remained on the farm until he was eighteen, when he applied for a position with a railroad company, and gladly accepted a position as a section hand. that being the only vacancy at the time. He did this kind of work for nine years, at the end of which time he was of- fered and accepted a place in the store at Lewis Creck. Here he has continued to be employed through several changes of ownership, and is now the manager of the establishment for W. J. Morris, and has the entire confidence of his employer. Besides this he occupies the position of deputy postmaster. He has been married twice, his first wife being dead. She was Estella Hawkins, daughter of Thomas Hawkins. No children were born as a result of this union. The death of Mrs. Cochran occurred February 13, 1891.
Before her marriage the second wife of Mr. Cochran was Lena Bratton. and she became the mother of two children, one of them dying while an infant: The other child. Ruth N .. is nearly thirteen years of age. having been born Oc- toler 12. 1896, and attends the public schools. Mr. Cochran is inclined to be · domestic, and spends most of his. spare time with his family. He takes an interest in public affairs, and is considered a very desirable citizen by his neighbors. He is a member in good standing in several secret orders, among
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them being Kenton Lodge, No. 207. Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 808, and Modern Woodmen of Lewis Creek. He is a Democrat, and was elected by that party to the office of Justice of the Peace. having served in that capacity for ten years, his conduct of the office giving entire satisfaction. He is the owner of a half acre of ground in Lewis Creek, where he and his family reside.
JESSE A. MILLER.
Among the citizens of Washington township who holl a prominent place in that class composed of men who have attained worldly success largely through their own individual efforts is Jesse A. Miller. Ilis journey through life has been marked by very few idle moments. His parents were John F. and Sarah ( Beeler) Miller, and he was born in Washington township. Feb- ruary 8, 1864. There is a strain of German blood in his veins, for his father was born in Germany in 1815. and his mother is descended from natives of that land. His father came to this country in 1834. and located at Cincinnati. Ohio, where he remained several years, going from there to Shelby county. For a long time he followed agricultural pursuits, and finally moved to Shelby- ville, where he lived a retired life for a while. He eventually took up his residence at Flat Rock, and lived there until his death in 1881. When he came to Shelby county he was penniless, but being possessed of a stout heart and a persevering disposition, he soon began to forge ahead in the world. He was a man of broad and liberal views on all subjects, and a public-spirited citizen. He had strong religious convictions, and was a member of the Metho- dist church, having allied himself with that denomination when he first came to Shelby county. The father of Mrs. Miller came to the United States from the Fatherland in early days, and settled in Pennsylvania. His advent into Shelby county was at a time when the greater portion of the land was in a wild state, and the implements used in its cultivation very crude. He and his wife were the parents of ten children. Jesse A. was the ninth child in the order of birth. Most of his early education was procured in the schools of Shelbyville. He passed through all of the grades in the common schools. and then entered high school. Later he took a commercial course in a college at Terre Haute. After completing his education he procured employment in a store in a clerical capacity, and for three years was connected with the stock yards at Indianapolis. His wife was known in her maidenhood as Jennie Myers. Their marriage took place in Illinois. December 31. 1891, and imme- diately thereafter they settled on the farm in Washington township.
Mr. Miller is the owner of one hundred and seventy-two acres of land.
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which he accumulated. as the result of his frugality since he was married. On March 18, 1907. the Millers moved to Lewis Creek, where the subject assumed the management of the elevator of William Nading, which position he still holds. The duties of this position are not such as to prevent him from giving some attention to his farm, which is very productive, modern methods being applied in the cultivation thereof. Mr. Mille: believes that secret orders are a potent factor in accomplishing much good in the world, and belongs to the Farmers' Lodge. No. 147. Free and Accepted Masons, at Norristown, and Kenton Lodge, No. 7, Knights of Pythias, at Hope. He is in accord with the principles of the Republican party, and has always voted that ticket. al- though he is in no sense a politician, nor does he ever participate in active political work. No man in the county has a better reputation for probity and fair dealing.
JEFFERSON MURPHY.
Although a product of the soil of Rush county. Indiana. Jefferson Murphy grew into manhood within the precincts of Shelby, and makes his home in Washington township, believing that there are few more desirable spots in which to live. He was born February 22, 1844. his parents being James J. and Eliza A. (Wilson) Murphy. The father was born in Butler county. Ohio, and the mother in Fayette county. Indiana. her parents having come there from Virginia. The father and mother of the subject were mar- ried at the home of the latter, and shortly thereafter removed to Rush county. where they remained for several years. It was in the year 1853, when they set- tled upon a farm in Washington township, and both of them lived there until their deaths, he dying in 1877 and she in 1893. To them were born nine chil- dren, four of whom are living at the present time. Jefferson as a lad was very anxious to procure as thorough an education as was possible and studied hard during the time that he was not engaged in helping his father on the farm.
On February 16, 1870, Mr. Murphy married Louisa Chandler, who was born on Lewis Creek. Washington township. March 28. 1848. Her father, Samuel Chandler, was one of that sturdy arm of pioneers who contributed so largely to the material improvement of Indiana in the early days. Ile was a native of Kentucky, born June 19. 1812. His death occurred October 9. 1865. The ancestors of his wife were early settlers in the state of Pennsylvania, and that was the place of her birth. The wife of the subject was reared in Wash- ington township.
Mr. Murphy had but a modest income when he was married. and he rented a farm. Being of an economical and industrious disposition, his success at
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the very outset was marked, and he had soon secured sufficient funds to pur- chase a farm. He bought land in Shelby county, near Acton, and lived there until January 20. 1888. when he and his wife disposed of the farm and soon after came to Washington township, where they acquired possession of a fine tract of land consisting of one hundred and seventy-six acres.
To Mr. Murphy and wife were born nine children, as follows: Marshall, born November 28. 1870. dead: Anna and Annis (twins), born March 3. 1873. both dead: John A .. farmer in Noble township. born May 11. 1874; James S., horn November 5. 1876, farmer, and lives in Illinois : Lillie M., born February 16, 1879. wife of James Montgomery, Illinois: Daisy B., January 16. 1882, single : Charles W., korn March 14. 1884. farmer ; Jefferson C., Sep- tember 24. 1886.
Mr. Murphy and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Win- chester. He belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry. He is under obligations to no one for the success that he has attained. He made his way in life through habits of industry and frugality, setting an example that is well worthy of emulation by young men just starting on their careers. The sub- ject is a Republican, although he does not take an active part in politics.
WILLIAM M. HARROD.
A farmer and stock raiser and one of Washington township's representa- tive men is William M. Harrod, the third son and fourth child of Eli and Mary E. (Lawrence) Harrod, who dates his birth from the 29th day of No- vember, 1874, having first seen the light of day in Shelby county, Indiana, near his present place of residence. He was reared to agricultural pursuits. attended the schools of Flat Rock until completing the full course of study and receiving a certificate of graduation and remained with his parents, assisting in the cultivation of the farm until his twenty-fourth year, when he became a tiller of the soil upon his own responsibility. Purchasing twenty-one acres of the land he now owns, Mr. Harrod addressed himself energetically to the work of its cultivation and improvement, and such was his success that in a short time he was enabled to add to his original purchase until he now has a beautiful and up-to-date farm of eighty-two and a half acres, besides owning a quarter section of land in Texas, which is also in a state of tillage. He made a tour of the South some years ago, and while traveling in Texas was so impressed with the beauty and fertility of a certain locality in the Lone Star state that he was induced to buy the tract referred to, a fortunate invest- ment in view of the rapid increase in the value of real estate there since his purchase.
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Mr. Harrod is a farmer from choice. as he has a natural liking for the vocation, takes pride in the cultivation of the soil and keeps abreast of the times in all that relates to advanced methods and goed improvements. His buildings are modern and in excellent repair, his fences and everything else on the premises in excellent condition and the herds of fine live stock on his place bear witness to the fact that he does not rely entirely upon the products of the soil for his income. For some years he has taken a great interest in stock and feeds and ships several car loads of cattle and hogs every year. be- sides raising many of the finer breeds for his neighbors and the local market. In all that concerns the advancement of the community in which he lives Mr. Harrod manifests a lively interest, being progressive in his ideas, and a leader in enterprises having for their object the welfare of his neighbors and fellow citizens. His political views are in harmony with the Republican party, and in 1908 he was the candidate for Trustee of Washington township, but failed of election by only eighteen votes, the normal majority of the op- position being something in excess of sixty. He is well posted on the leading issues of the times, stands high in the confidence and esteem of his party in Shelby county, and ever since attaining his majority, has been considered one one its influential leaders and judicious advisers in the township of Washington.
Mr. Harrod, on the 23d of October. 1900, was united in marriage with Sarah Lorts. of Bartholomew county, Indiana. where her birth occurred March 20, 1875, the union being blessed with two children, Hilary and Leora. who were born in the years 1901 and 1906, respectively. In his religious views Mr. Harrod subscribes to the Methodist Episcopal creed and holds membership with the church at Flat Rock, in which he has served as trustee for eight years besides being an enthusiastic worker, especially in the Sunday school, where he renders efficient service both as an official and teacher : Mrs. Harrod is a Methodist, also, and deeply interested in the welfare of the con- gregation with which she and her husband are identified.
MRS. MARY E. HARROD.
This estimable lady, who is widely known and has many warm friends in various parts of Shelby county, was born near Hartsville. Indiana. on April 13th of the year 1845. Her maiden name was Mary E. Lawrence, being one of five children whose parents, John K. and Magdalene ( Showalter ) Law- rence, of Pennsylvania, were early settlers of Bartholomew county. Indiana. and among the respected residents in the vicinity of the above town. Their children in the order in which they were born are as follows: Josiah. Sarah. John M., Samuel and Mary E., all residents of Indiana except John M .. who
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lives in Kansas. By occupation John K. Lawrence was a farmer and stock raiser. He also preached a number of years for the United Brethren church. established several congregations in different parts of the state and was long considered an able and successful minister. also an enterprising and public- spirited citizen. His good wife, who preceded him to the unknown world, was fifty-three years old at the time of her death, but he lived to the ripe old age of eighty-three ere called from the scenes of his earthly labors and triumphs.
Mary E. Lawrence enjoyed the advantages of an excellent home training and was early instructed in the duties of the household, no pains being spared in the meantime to impress upon her mind and heart a love for truth and respect for those virtues which make for well rounded character and useful womanhood. She attended the common schools until acquiring a knowledge of the branches tauglit therein, and on the 5th day of October, 1865. took the most important step a woman can possibly take by entering the marriage relation, choosing for her husband Eli Harrod, a native of Ohio, but since early youth a resident of Marion and Shelby counties, Indiana.
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