USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 2 > Part 33
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In his political relations. Mr. Wright is a Democrat, and while he has never sought political office, he was at one time a candidate for Trustee of Noble township. He has preferred to spend a quiet life at home, and he has made a wonderful success of his work, and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, considering the unfavorable conditions that beset his early career. It shows that a man of grit, persistency and of honest principles can succeed in the face of discouraging environment. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the First Universalist church of Indianapolis. They are well known in Noble township, where they have hosts of loyal friends.
REV. SAMUEL D. HAWKINS.
The subject of this sketch is a member of a family that has been closely identified with the material progress of Indiana for many years, and no name is better known within the confines of Shelby county than that of Hawkins. The Rev. S. D. Hawkins first opened his eyes upon the world in Washington township, where he now resides, nearly sixty-two years ago, and in his ca- pacity as a minister of the Gospel has done much toward the uplifting of its people in a spiritual way.
The subject was born September 17. 1847. being the son of Thomas and
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Rebecca ( Higgins) Hawkins, and grandson of William Hawkins, a product of Virginia. When quite a young man the father of the subject, hearing of the many advantages that Indiana offered for the pursuit of agriculture, de- cided to leave the Old Dominion state and take up his residence amid new scenes. He stopped off in Ohio for some time, and it was there that he met and became enamored of Rebecca Higgins, with the result that their court- ship culminated in marriage. The newly wedded couple settled in Washing- ton township. The young bride was the daughter of William Higgins, New York state being the place of her nativity. As the fruits of this alliance. eight children were born: John M .. Julia .A., Joshua S., Mary J., Sarah E., Thomas C., Rebecca I., and Samuel D., the subject of this sketch.
Of the above named children, John M. and Samuel D. Hawkins are the only survivors, the former being a resident of Bartholomew county. The educational advantages of the subject were decidedly limited, the institution of learning that he attended being the typical log school-house of the carly days: during the time that he was not absorbing knowledge he performed the hard labor that is usually alloted to the boy on the farm. Early in life he was imbued with an ambition to enter the ministry, taking great interest in spirit- ual matters. His ambition to fill the pulpit was finally realized, and for forty years he has preached the Gospel. being at present pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. . In that period he has spoken words of tender eulogy over the graves of many Shelby county citizens who have passed to the great beyond.
Mr. Hawkins was married to Elizabeth Cochran. daughter of John Coch- ran, December 12, 1865. She was born in Shelby county, January 12, 1848. Five children were born to the couple, as follows: Alonzo S., farmer, Shelby county; Anna D., widow of Wellington Spurlin : Mary E., wife of Wilder Spurlin, Shelbyville: Samuel E., a farmer in Shelby county: Jesse A. is a school teacher. and has studied law. He has been admitted to the Shelby county bar.
The subject of this sketch has, the greater portion of his life, been a member of the Methodist church, of which he is a minister. His wife is also a member of the same denomination. As a minister the Reverend Hawkins has been unusually successful in the way of securing great numbers of acces- sions to the church. He is of a sympathetic nature, and possessed of consid- erable magnetism, being highly respected by people in all walks of life. His views on all public questions are broad and liberal. Insofar as politics is con- cerned. he has always affiliated with the Prohibition party.
Mr. Hawkins is possessed of abundant means, having attained financial success through untiring energy and frugal habits. He is the owner of ninety- four acres of very fertile land near Lewis Creek, and is estimated to be worth ten thousand dollars in real estate and cash.
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EARL B. JONES.
The educational interests of the Hoosier state have kept pace with the material growth of the commonwealth and have been of such a character as to attract attention throughout the country. Much of this is the result of the earnest labors of the teaching profession. In this body of noble men and women is to be found that self-sacrificing and patriotic spirit that has stimulated the minds and hearts of the growing youth to noble aspirations and high ideals. Following the good work done in our common schools comes the high school. and here we now have an admirable feaure in our system of education. The Geneva school is one that has incorporated the high school work in its curric- ulum, and is under the direction of the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this article.
Prof. Earl B. Jones was born in Noble township. Shelby county, June 1, 1876. Ile is the son of B. F. and Margaret ( McCarty) Jones, both of whom were also born in Noble township. the former on July 15. 1854. and the latter on September 20th of the same year. Joseph B. Jones, grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in 1820, in Hardin county, Kentucky, so famous on account of its association with the life of the great emancipator. Abraham Lincoln. Mar- garet ( McCarty ) Jones was the daughter of Green B. and Louisiana ( Wines) McCarty. Her marriage to Mr. Jones occurred in 1874, and the union has been graced with two sons. Earl B. and W. R. After finishing the common school work. Earl attended the Noble township high school and completed the course. He took a keen interest in his studies and easily carried on the work with credit to himself and to the school. His inclinations were in the direction of literary work, and he decided to give his further attention to teaching. Realizing the great demand for teachers that are well trained for the work, he decided to finish his preparation for teaching at the Marion Nor- mal, where he took special work in the scientific course. He acquired general experience by teaching in the districts at first, but five years ago he assumed control of the Geneva school, and has had a most successful experience. Under his direction the high school has grown perceptibly, and the general tone of the work has made decided improvement. His high standing in scholar- ship is widened by his certificates both in state and county, obtained by actual examination.
In 1901 Mr. Jones was married to Mary P. Mcauliffe, of Noble town- ship. Two children have been born to them, viz: Ivan R., born August 15. 1903. and Mary Margaret, born February to. 1905.
Mr. Jones has not confined himself wholly to his work at the desk, but takes a wholesome share in the general affairs of the people about him. He is thoroughly familiar with the "ins and outs" of local politics, and was at one time precinct committeeman for the Democratic party, but he has never as-
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pired to public office. He is a member of the Sulphur Hill lodge, Knights of Pythias, being at present past chancellor and is held in high regard by friends and acquaintances.
JAMES MCCARTNEY.
There was practically no opportunity for a child to procure an education in the days of the youth of James McCartney, although he did get a smattering of knowledge in the way of reading, writing and spelling at odd times when not at work on the farm. He was born in Jefferson county, Indiana. June 26. 1834. His parents were James and Mary Ann McCartney. They were both natives of Indiana, and were married in Jefferson county. The father of the former. also James McCartney, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and served throughout that struggle without even being wounded. In those days Indians were plentiful in southern Indiana, and many of them were hostile, and there- fore when the grandfather went out to chop wood his wife accompanied him. carrying the ax, while he was armed with a gun.
The parents of the subject resided in Jefferson county between thirty and forty years, and the mother died there in 1844. and is buried on the farm that was owned by her father-in-law. Her husband survived her many years, and married a second time. his bride being Emeline ( Phillips) Wright, a widow. They remained in Jefferson county until the head of the family sold bis in- terest in the farm, and they removed to Johnson county, where they rented a farm. There his second wife died, and is buried near Greenwood. Her hus- band survived her but a few years, dying about the year of 1883.
To the parents of James McCartney five children were born, he being the third in order of birth, and the only one of the family now living. . There were eight children as the fruits of the elder James McCartney's second mar- riage, only one of whom survives. Mr. McCartney remained at home until his mother died. when he hired out by the month as a farm hand. Ile finally drifted to Shelby county, coming there in the fall of 1855. On February 12. 1859, lie married Elizabeth Woolley, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio. June 27. 1836, daughter of George and Mary (Lawrence ) Woolley. Her father was born in England, and came to the United States when a mere boy. Her mother was a native of Ohio.
When James McCartney was married he and his wife moved onto a rented farm in Bartholomew county, Indiana. where they remained for two years, and then returned to Shelby county. He and his wife have passed through many hardships during their long lifetime, but they have been quite prosperous nevertheless. Mr. McCartney has had the misfortune to have Leen totally blind for the past three years, and therefore compelled to spend
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his time quietly at home. He is the father of three children. as follows: Ira E .. of Bloomington. Indiana, poultry dealer, has a family of six children ; Joseph E., of Shelbyville : his wife's maiden name was Ada Weinland: he is bookkeeper in a furniture establishment : Charles E., deceased, marrie [ Emma Solomon. two children, both dead. Although he never actively participated in politics, the subject is a Republican. His wife is a member of the Methodist church at Flat Rock. Both Mr. and Mrs. McCartney enjoyed very good health, despite their great age.
HARRY S. WINTERROWD.
Among the citizens of Washington township who take an active part in public affairs is Harry S. Winterrowd, and that accounts for the fact that he is one of the best known men in Shelby county. Although not a native born Indianian, he is very proud of the state of his adoption. Mr. Winterrowd was born in Jasper county, Illinois. December 11, 1868. his parents being John Z. and Barbara (Buckingham) Winterrowd. The grandfather, John Winterrowd, was born and reared in Darke county, Ohio. He was twice mar- ried. his first wife's maiden name being Anderson. She became the mother of four children, Washington. Nancy, Jacob and Selden I. Several years after the demise of his first helpmeet the widower married again, his bride being Dorothy Cookson, of Shelby county. Four children were the fruits of this union, three deceased: Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin T. Moulden, who resides in Illinois, the only one who survives.
The father of Harry S. was a lad of twelve years when his parents re- moved to Jasper county, Illinois, and it was there that he grew into manhood. Like his father, he was twice married, his first alliance with Barbara Bucking- ham resulting in the birth of three children, of whom Harry S. is alone living. The death of his first wife occurred December 11. 1870. and later he married Virginia Bridges, the date of this wedding being November, 1871. Six chil- dren were born of this marriage, Walter. Charles, Ada. Joseph, Nellie and Katie. The latter died in infancy, but all the rest are living in Jasper county. Illinois.
Harry S. Winterrowd was tenderly reared by his step-mother, and he holds her in high esteem. He was very ambitions even in the very early days of his boyhood, and after graduating from the high school in the home com- munity, spent one year in the Nebraska University. When he had completed his education he embarked on the profession of a school teacher, serving ten years in that capacity in Illinois and six in Shelby county. He was principal of the Flat Rock school in the latter county for one year. On December 24. 1889.
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND. 783
he wedded Sarah A. Gambill, of Jasper county, Ilinois. His wife was born in Sullivan county, Indiana. April 19, 1871, and received a good education. having taught school for one year. Mr. Winterrowd and wife are the parents of four children. as follows: Bertha Olga, born December 27. 1800. graduate of the high school. and a student of Franklin College: Effie May, born July 21. 1893. graduate high school: John Thomas, born January 31, 1898: Joseph Gambill, born February 12, Içco.
Mr. Winterrowd is a member of Kenton Lodge, No. 207. Knights of Pythias, at Flat Rock, past chancellor and active working member of the Grand Lodge; also past noble grand. Lewis Creek Lodge, No. SoS. Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Besides these orders he belongs to Hope Camp, 3726, Modern Woodmen of America. He is a mail carrier on rural route No. J. and was appointed to the position on recommendation of the Hon. James E. Watson. He has been secretary of the Citizens' Buikling Associa- tion for the last eight years. In politics he is a Republican.
GEORGE HILDEBRAND.
Although the earlier portion of his life was beset with innumerable hard- ships and privations, George Hildebrand is spending his declining days in case in Flat Rock, Shelby county. He was born in Jackson township, May 11. 1833. when the country thereabouts was in a wild and uncultivated condition. What little education he got was procured in the subscription and free common schools of those early times, which he attended at intervals until he was eighteen years of age. part of the time paying his own tuition. These school houses were constructed of unhewn logs. He was the son of James and Eliza- beth ( Wimer ) Hildebrand, both of whom were of German descent, and natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in that state in 1806. They re- moved to Miamisburg. Ohio, remaining there until 1832, when they took up their residence in Shelby county, the husband entering one hundred and eighty acres of timber land in Jackson township, for which he paid the small sum of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. Ile built a long cabin for the family, cleared the place, and lived there until his death. He served as a sol- dier in the army during the War of 1812. returning to his family at the con- clusion thereof. He died in 1843. and is buried in a little cemetery on the farm. His wife survived him a number of years, dying in the fall of 1865, at the age of seventy-six. Both of them were members of the Lutheran church. and very faithful in their attendance. There were thirteen children born to them. five of whom are living. George being the twelfth in the order of birth.
George remained with his mother until he was sixteen years of age, when
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he began working for neighboring farmers by the month. Ile wedded Re- becca Foreman in Jackson township. February 5. 1855. She was the daughter of Daniel and Sarah ( Woodard ) Foreman and a native of Virginia. There were three other children besides herself, she being the youngest. She came to Indiana with a half-brother in 1849. When Mr. Hildebrand married he leased a part of a farm in Jackson township, and the couple settled down upon the place, remaining there for six years, when they transferred their be- longings to another farm in the immediate neighborhood. Later they pur- chased forty acres of land, disposing of it a few years later, however. Mr. Hildebrand had never lived a whole year outside of Jackson township in his life until he removed to Flat Rock in the adjoining township of Washington. He made one trip to California, but returned in a few weeks, and built the house in which he now resides.
He and his wife conduct a hotel at Flat Rock, being assisted by their daughters. This couple have worked hard all of their lives, and are fully entitled to the rest and peace that they now enjoy in the sunset of their careers. Mr. Hildebrand is now seventy-six, and his wife seventy- four years of age. Both have good health, considering their mature years. They are the parents of five children now living, two having died in infancy. Those living are : Lucinda, Rachael, William. Minnie and Jane. The two who passed away in their babyhood were Mary and Martha. Lucinda is the widow of Heury Hupp, deceased. and the mother of two children. William Elworth and Ry: William Hildebrand married Lena Peterson, and lives at Flat Rock, being the father of one child. Frank, the latter also being married: Rachael, Miunie and Jane are all single and live with their parents, the latter being a teacher in the Flat Rock schools.
Mr. Hildebrand is a Democrat, but has held but one office, that being Supervisor of Roads, there being no salary attached thereto at the time. Ilis first vote was for Buchanan for President. He and his wife have been mem- bers of the Methodist church for over a half century.
DAVID COMPTON.
Endowed with all the qualities that constitute the man who starts on the journey of life with a determination to attain the topmost goal is David Comp- ton, probably one of the best known citizens of Shelby county. Despite his eighty-eight years he is more hale and hearty than many men much younger. He was born in Warren county, Ohio. December 25. 1820, but spent his boy- hood days in Jefferson county, that state, where his parents moved when he was quite young. He attended school in the winter, and studied the only
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branches of learning that were taught at that time, reading, spelling, writing and arithmetic. He was the son of John and Elizabeth ( Julick ) Compton, both natives of New Jersey, who were married during the time of the War of 1812. They removed from Ohio to Shelby county in 1846, purchasing a farm in Jackson township, where they remained until their death. The father was seventy-five years old when he expired. and the mother, who survived him, had reached the age of eighty when the last summons came. Both are buried in the English Lutheran cemetery, in Jackson township. They were the parents of six children. all of whom grew to the years of maturity. David was the second child in the order of birth, and he is the only one of the family now living.
Mr. Compton was twenty-two years of age when he was married to Sarah Snepp, of Montgomery county, Ohio, the date of the wedding being October 10, 1842. She was the daughter of Leonard and Mary ( Warner) Snepp. They were natives of Ohio. After the father died. the mother mar- ried a brother of her deceased husband, and they removed to Shelby county, living there for the remainder of their lives. Mr. Compton and his wife moved to Shelby county in October. 1843. arriving there with exactly four- teen dollars and ninety cents, although he had acquired timber land in Jack- son township. He built a two-room brick dwelling, and also a sixty by forty frame barn. They remained upon this place six or seven years, enduring many hardships. He finally sold the land for one hundred twelve dollars, and purchased the farm of two hundred forty acres, which he now owns. It is equipped with all modern improvements. The bricks with which the house is constructed were made by himself. His wife died June 18. 1877, aged fifty years. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom eight grew to maturity. Those living are: John T., Leonard, Joanna, William E., Wal- ter D., and a twin brother, not named, and Frank. Those dead are Elizabeth Melinda, Maria Matilda, Flora and Erasmus Alonzo.
In April, 1878, Mr. Compton was married a second time, his bride being Mary ( Mount) Titus, widow of Robert Titus, deceased. She died August 6, 1903. aged seventy-five years. No children were born of this union. After her death the widower made his home with his son. Frank, who lives on a farm in Jackson township. remaining there until November 9, 1904. when he wedded Charlotte ( Woolley) Van Gordon, widow of Alexander Van Gor- don. She was born November 6, 1845. in Hamilton county. Ohio, being the daughter of George and Mary ( Lawrence) Woolley. Her father was a na- tive of England, coming to this country when eight years old.
Mr. Compton is a Republican, and has held the office of Road Supervisor for two terms. He has always taken an active part in county politics. He lacked only a few weeks of being old enough to vote for William Henry Har- rison. He has been a member of the Lutheran church for the past thirty-five
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years, serving as trustee for a number of years. His wife belongs to the Meth- odist church, and is very much interested in its affairs. Mr. Compton and his wife have resided at Flat Rock ever since their marriage. in 1904.
WILLIAM CROPPER.
The subject of this sketch. one of the largest and most successful farmers of Washington township, and a citizen whose high standing and public spirit have gained for him wide acquaintance throughout Shelby county, of which he is a native, was born in the township of Liberty, June 23. 1860. being the older of two sons of John and Emily ( Smith ) Cropper. John Cropper served with a creditable record during the Civil war, participated in a number of hard-fought battles, and at one time was captured by the enemy and sent to Libby prisen. Richmond, Virginia, where he suffered all the hardships and vicissitudes which fell to the lot of those whose misfortune it was to be cast into that noted place of confinement. In due time he was exchanged. shortly after which he returned to his home, but did not long survive bis military and prison experience, dying within a few days, and leaving to mourn his loss a widow and two children. besides a large circle of neighbors and friends, who had learned to appreciate his high standard of manbood and citizenship.
Robert. the second son of John and Emily Cropper. is a well known resi- dent of Shelby county and one of the leading farmers of the community in which he lives. Inheriting many of the sterling characteristics of his ancestors and keeping untarnished the honor of the family to which he belongs, he has acted well his part in life. Some time after the death of John Cropper, his widow married William Drake, by whom she became the mother of two daughters, both of whom grew to womanhood, and still reside in the county of their birth.
William Cropper was a mere child when his father died and about seven years of age at the time of his mother's second marriage. By reason of his services being required at home he had little opportunity for obtaining an edu- cation, and as soon as old enough he secured employment as a farm hand, which kind of labor he continued for a number of years, miking his home in the meantime with his grandmother. Later he engaged in the manufacture of drain tile at Fenn's Station, which he carried on with fair success until his marriage in 1887, after which he rented a farm in Washington township, and turned his attention to agriculture. He made rapid advancement as a farmer and stock raiser, and in due time became the possessor of valuable real estate. to which he has since added until he now owns four hundred and ninety acres of fine land in Washington township, to which he moved in February, 1895,
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and which is now conservatively estimated to be worth forty-nine thousand dollars, a sum he would refuse for the place were it offered him. In connec- tion with general farming, which he conducts on quite an extensive scale. Mr. Cropper has devoted considerable attention to live stock, making a specialty of hogs, which he raises in large numbers and from the sale of which much of his wealth has been attained. As a farmer he easily ranks among the most enterprising and successful in Shelby county, being a man of progressive ideas and a close student of agricultural science : he is also an advocate of substan- tial improvements and has not only beautified his own place by this means, but has also influenced his neighbors to do likewise.
In politics Mr. Cropper is a Democrat and well posted on the questions of the day, and outspoken when it becomes necessary to maintain the sound- ness of his opinions. His fraternal relations are represented by the Knights of Pythias Order, into which he was initiated some years ago, holding men- bership with the Flat Rock lodge, and taking an active part in the work and deliberations of the same.
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