USA > Indiana > Clay County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 112
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 112
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HAMILTON MOFFET, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, April 24, 1826, and is the second of the family of Nathan and Sarah (King) Moffet, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish extraction. Hamilton lived on the farm of his father and attended school until he was eighteen years of age, after which he became a learner of the carriage-making trade in Cumberland, Ohio, which trade he followed for nearly sixteen years in Wheeling, Memphis and Terre Haute, and carried on the manufacture of carriages for a period of eleven years. In the fall of 1852, he moved to this State and located near his present residence, and in 1859 removed to and occupied his home and farm. December 23, 1850, he married, in Carroll County, Ohio, Nancy Wiley, who died August 23, 1853, having borne two children-Robert Fulton (deceased), and William Wiley. In 1858, Mr. Moffet married Asenath Dillon, with an issue of six children-Alonzo D., Webster V., Otto (deceased), Emmet C., Mark H. and Estill Earl. In 1874, Mr. Moffet was elected Sheriff of this county and re-elected in 1876, both times by the Democratic party, of which he is an active supporter. He now owns. 380 acres of well-improved land, well stocked with blooded cattle, hogs and sheep. Mr. Moffet is an Odd Fellow, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a progressive and liberal citizen.
WILLIAM C. RANDALL, farmer, is a native of Fleming County, Ky., born July 12, 1825, and an only son of Richard S. and Sarah (Havens) Randall, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively, who moved to Ohio the year of our subject's birth, and remained there until 1829, when they removed to this State. In 1844, William settled in this county, and in 1845, on November 3, married Ruth Criss, with an issue of nine children-Sarah E., Thomas R., Jonathan B., Mary Catherine (deceased), John William, Eliza Jane (deceased), Joseph D., Clarissa Ann (deceased) and George M. Mrs. Randall died January 24, 1862, and on September 20 of that year, he married a second wife, Welthy M. Single-
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ton, to which union succeeded one child -Susan Bell (deceased). Mr. Randall is an earnest, painstaking Democrat, and in 1874 was elected Assessor of Montgomery Township, which he resigned when he removed therefrom. In 1882, he was elected to the same office in this township, which he yet holds. In early life, Mr. Randall was solely dependent upon himself, but, with the continued aid of his wife, he is now in easy circumstances. He began life as a wagon-maker, which business he pursued for twenty-two years, since which time he has given his whole attention to farming. He and wife are members of the Missionary Bap- tist Church.
JOHN S. ROBERTSON, stock-raiser and farmer, is the second child of Allison and Frances (Hall) Robertson, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent, and was born in Allegheny County, Penn., March 11, 1836, whence he removed with his mother to Indiana in 1854, and settled on a farm in this county and followed the cultivation of the earth. In No. vember, 1857, he married, in Owen County, Sarah Jane King, by which alliance they had eight children-Mary Adeline, Margaret Frances, William C., Martha E., Flora E., Clement K., Clara A. and Ruth E. Mr. Robertson is a conservative Democrat, and in 1876 was elected Township Trustee. In 1878, he purchased and occupied his present farm, where he has been a successful farmer and acquired a competence in 195 acres, together with good residence, fences, stock and other val- uable farm acquisitions. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN S. SPEAR, farmer, is the eldest son of Daniel and Nancy (Jarvis) Spear, both natives of Ohio, and of Irish and German descent. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, September 18, 1828, and his parents removed to this State, and in 1854 our subject settled where he now lives. Mr. Spear was reared a husbandman. March 18, 1851, he married in Guernsey County, Ohio, Elizabeth Burton, which union was favored with nine children-James E., Daniel Mead, Alonzo, Sarah Eva- line, Margaret A. (deceased), Amanda M. (deceased), John B. and Philip J. In 1863, Mr. Spear was elected Assessor of this township, served one term and was re-elected in 1872. During the war, he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry; served three years, and was honorably discharged. He came to this section when the country was a wild; he now looks over his cultivated possessions of 451 acres, having con- siderable improvements, with fine horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. By good management Mr. Spear has acquired a competence and easy living in the coming time. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a valued citizen, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.
WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS, farmer, was born in Putnam County, Ind., April 13, 1834, is the third of six children, born to John and Sarah (Richardson) Williams, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, and of Irish and German descent. His parents moved to Owen County, Ind., in 1843. William attended the general schools of the day, and worked as a farmer until his maturity. June 2, 1855, he married Sarah E. Spear, a union productive of eight children, seven of whom are living-Savan. nah E., Caroline M., Asbury F., Joseph W., Minnie M, Sarah Jane and Nettie L. July 17, 1862, Mr. Williams enlisted in Company H, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served three years, and was honorably dis- charged. He took part at the battle of Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, Mission- ary Ridge, Atlanta, and all the battles of Gen. Sherman's campaign. Mr.
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Williams has made more than an ordinary success in life, having a fine farm of 200 acres, with good residence, barn and improvements, and well sup- plied with first quality of stock. In politics, Mr. Williams is strongly Republican, and cast his maiden vote for Gen. Fremont. He is a pro- gressive citizen, and an advocate of education, two of his children being public school teachers. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
TAYLOR TOWNSHIP.
THOMAS ALLSPAUGH, farmer, is a native of Putnam County, Ind., where he was born July 20, 1861, and is the second child of Peter and Maggie Allspaugh, both of English extraction. Thomas was reared in Owen County, where he attended the public schools, and received training as a farmer. January 19, 1881, he married Josie, daughter of Daniel R. and Isabella (Currier) Been, respectively of English and Irish extrac- tion. Since his marriage, Mr. Allspaugh has prospered in his affairs, being now possesser of 160 acres of highly cultivated land, with all necessary improvements and appointments, and also one of the best residences in the township. Mr. Allspaugh is one of the leading and most promising farmers in the township, a greatly respected citizen and an active Republican.
BENJAMIN W. BALAY was born. April 23, 1820, in Greene County, Ky., and is the fourth of the family of Obadiah and Nancy (Hilburn) Balay, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Kentucky, both of Irish descent. In 1823, Obadiah Balay emigrated to Johnson County, Ind., on whose farm Benjamin was reared with but small chance for education. January 20, 1842, he married Nancy J. Jones, of Johnson County, by which union they had twelve children, eight of whom are living. In 1846, he moved to Putnam, near Owen County, whence after one year he moved to Owen County, and purchased eighty acres, near Quincy, for $150, making his first payment with a wagon and $35, and the remaining payments from the savings of $9 per month. In 1858, having added to his original purchase, until he owned 200 acres, he sold the same and purchased 300 acres three miles away, on which he has since resid- ed. In 1863, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fifteenth Indiana Volunteers, and served for about six months. Mr. Balay is a member of the Masonic order, a Republican, and is serving a third term as Township Trustee. He and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than forty years.
CHRISTOPHER BAYH was born in the Kingdom of Würtemberg October 22, 1836, and is the only child of Adam and Katie Bayh, both natives of Würtemberg. Christopher passed his boyhood in attending school, as required by his country, and afterward worked on the farm -his father having died when he was six years old-until he was twenty- six, when he emigrated to America, and reached New York with but a few dollars in cash. After working there for a time at coopering, he moved to Lancaster, in this county, where he remained about eight years, en- gaged as a wagon-maker, during which period he married Christina Grauf, a native of Würtemberg; this union was followed by seven children
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-William, John, Carrie, Frederick, Henry, Charlie (deceased) and Anna. After marriage, Mr. Bayh moved to Staunton, Clay County, where he re- mained about nine years, and thence, in 1882, to Quincy, where he now lives, and is associated with John Hamilton, blacksmith and wagon- maker. Mr. Bayh has accumulated his possessions by his own industry, and in 1882 built a comfortable home. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and much esteemed in the community.
JOHN W. DAVIS was born in Greene County, Ind., May 10, 1848, and is a son of Jeremiah and Mary J. (Harry) Davis, the former a native of Kentucky, and both of English descent. John remained at home un- til he was sixteen years old, when he engaged to work by the day in a saw mill; this he continued about five years, at which period he pur- chased an interest in the Whippoorwill Saw Mill, at Paragon, Morgan County, to which he gave attention about four years, and then removed to Cave Spring, where he and a brother engaged in said business about four years, after which he came to Quincy, Owen County, and managed the same business alone. October 24, 1878, he married Anna Asher, of Owen County, a union which gave being to one child-Durward, born September 3, 1879. Mr. Davis commenced his career with but slight means; yet, by means of energy and business capacity, he has been suc- cessful, having a flourishing mill, a good farm of eighty acres and some town property. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, an advo- cate of general education, and a public-spirited and valuable citizen.
HENRY DEVORE is a native of Bracken County, Ky., born August 1, 1795, and is the son of Jerry and Nancy (Mann) Devore, natives of New Jersey and of English descent. Henry was reared as a farmer un- til he reached the age of sixteen years, when he became a learner to the trade of carpentering, and followed the same for nearly thirty years. When about twenty-two years of age, he married Anna, daughter of Rev. Hugh Barnes, of Kentucky, to which union succeeded six children, of which number four are living. After emigrating to this county, he lived in Spencer, and there followed his trade for about twelve years, when he purchased land in this township and engaged in farming. He now owns 565 acres, a portion of which he entered from the Government, and has a large share of the honor due to those who have developed this section. After the death of his wife, in 1863, he was united in marriage to Mi- randa A. (Teel) Martin, of Putnam County, daughter of John Teel, one of the earliest settlers of this county, who came hither in 1818. Mr. Devore is said to have made the first improvements in this county, and has had a large share of experience. For many years his life was one of toil, hardships and privations. He is one of the earliest settlers of the county. Politically, he is a stanch Republican.
HUGH B. DE VORE, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Montgomery Township, Owen County, Ind., March 29, 1830, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Barnes) DeVore, both natives of Kentucky, and of French and Dutch descent respectively. Hugh received some education in youth, and was brought up as a farmer. When twenty years of age, he married Miss Isabella, daughter of William and Polly Combs, from which union sprang one child-Lara. Mrs. DeVore having died, he married, July 26, 1860, Sarah Gray, daughter of William and Jane Bestal, and from this union resulted five children-Nora E. (Mrs. Layne), Cora E., Hattie G., Metta O. and Maud H. Mr. DeVore is the owner of 950 acres of land, containing many improvements and well cultivated, nearly all of
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which is the attainment of its possessor, and the result of well-directed purpose and labor. Mr. DeVore is filling his second term as County Commissioner. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a gen- erally respected citizen. Mrs. DeVore is a member of the Christian Church.
FREBORN DUNKIN, one of the oldest pioneers of Owen County, was born August 30, 1802, in the State of New York, and is the third of the nine children of John and Jemima (Thomas) Dunkin. Freborn was reared on a farm, and obtained but a scanty education, due to the mea- ger opportunities of the time. In 1818, he emigrated with his parents to Clark County, Ind., whence, after three years, they moved to this county, where both parents gave up their lives. September 11, 1825, he married Charity Johns, of this county, which union was crowned with sixteen children, eight of whom are living. After his wedding, Mr. Dun- kin settled on a small tract of wild land given to him by his father, but has now 273 acres in this township, containing the graves of his own and his wife's parents, all buried near his dwelling. On coming hither in the early time, his nearest neighbor was a mile distant, and they sub- sisted almost wholly on wild game. Mr. Dunkin is highly regarded in his community, is a life-long Democrat and much venerated citizen.
JESSE L. EVANS, farmer, is a native of Owen County, Ind., born December 31, 1829, and is the seventh of the ten children of Samuel and Margery (Modrel) Evans, natives of Tennessee, and of Scotch descent, who were brought to Kentucky when young, and thence moved to this county about the year 1818, where they lived out the time of their lives. Jesse remained with his parents until September 12, 1850, at which time he married Elizabeth A., daughter of Henry Evans, of this county, which alliance was followed by five children-William H., Mary B., Sarah K., Morton J. and Nettie. Mr. Evans followed the blacksmithing trade for ten years, having learned that handicraft when eighteen years old, but of late he has given his whole attention to farming. He began life un- der frowning and depressing circumstances, but by energy and diligence he has been rewarded by a good living and a fine farm of 160 acres. Mr. Evans is a Republican, and he and wife are honored members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and much esteemed in their community.
LYSANDER H. GILLASPY was born March 8, 1814, in Clark Coun- ty, Ky., and is the sixth child of the family of eight of Martin and Lydia (McGuire) Gillaspy, who moved to this county in 1827, settled near the present town of Quincy, and purchased 160 acres for $400. Here Lysander received what education he obtained, and re- mained with his parents on the farm until he was eighteen years old, when he returned to Kentucky and remained four years, during which time he was married, April 17, 1834, to Evaline, daughter of James Wren, which union produced two children, both deceased. May 26, 1837, Mrs. Gillaspy died. His second marriage was to Rebecca Martin, who also died August 24, 1878, leaving four out of seven children. His third marriage was to Jane Watson, October 23, 1881. Mr. Gillaspy resides about one mile from Quincy, where he enjoys a genteel competence, the result of patient industry and well-directed ambition. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since his fourteenth year. Hetis in politics a Republican, a highly venerated citizen, and one of the oldest pioneers of Owen County.
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GEORGE HART is the eighth of the twelve children born to Henry and Catherine (Brikar) Hart, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. George was introduced to life May 22, 1854, at Salem, Owen Co., Ind. About the year 1849, his parents emigrated from Pennsylva- nia to this county, where they afterward died. Henry Hart was by trade a blacksmith. At the age of eight years, George, having lost his mother, began to work for himself at the rate of $4 per month, and was steadily advanced, until he received $2 per day. October 8, 1875, he married Miss Clarissa J. Evans, a union which was followed by three children- Lola M., Lillie (deceased) and Henry. Having Jearned the blacksmith- ing business in youth, he purchased when of age about $2,000 worth of groceries and general merchandise, which he subsequently lost; but by determination he soon made a new beginning, and has now a stock worth about $8,000, and is doing a prosperous business. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are very generally known and regarded.
JOHN HENSLEY was born June 24, 1824, in Scott County, Va., and is the second child of Jesse and Susan (Peters) Hensley, of German descent, who emigrated to Indiana in 1838, and entered the land on which our subject resides. John was reared on the farm, with but a trace of schooling. When twenty years of age he wedded Nancy Jane, daughter of Joseph H. and Margaret Still, by which marriage they had six children-Eliza Jane (deceased), Lucinda (deceased), Albert B., Will- iam Franklin, Mary E. and John H. Mrs. Hensley having died, Mr. Hensley married, October 14, 1858, Lucinda E., daughter of A. A. and Jane Burk. To this union succeeded eight children-Theodore L., Charles Wesley, Louellie Noble (Mrs. Cantwell), Anna, Katie, Rosie, Lillie May and James Edward. Mr. Hensley is the owner of 1,050 acres of well-cultivated and improved land, and with a comfortable residence, in the attainment of all of which he has been unaided. Mr. Hensley is a stanch Republican, a member of the Masonic fraternity and a respected citizen. Mrs. Hensley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHRISTOPHER R. MARTIN was born January 8, 1827, in North- ampton County, N. C., and is the eighth of the eleven children of Ethel- dred and Rebecca (Watkins) Martin, natives of Virginia, and of English extraction. They emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana at an early day, and settled near Cloverdale, Putnam County, where they afterward died. Christopher passed his early life on the farm, attending school some time in the winter, where he remained until he attained his majority. Decem- ber, 1861, he married Elizabeth McDowell, a union which gave being to three children. Mr. Martin in 1863 engaged in mercantile business at Cloverdale, and continued successfully thereat for two years; he then engaged in farming, which he has since followed. Notwithstanding many reverses of fortune and impediments to progress, Mr. Martin has acquired a comfortable home and a good farm of 120 acres. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic fraternity, an upright man and a respected citizen.
HON. JOHN S. MONTGOMERY is a native of this township, was born March 31, 1847, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Devore) Mont- gomery, respectively of Irish and German descent. Our subject was reared to the labor of a farm, and when not so engaged was given oppor- tunity to attend school, of which he made the best use possible, and at one time taught a school for a period of eight months. After reaching
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his majority he engaged in stock-trading, and which he still continues. Mr. Montgomery is one of the leading and most enterprising citizens of this county. He is the possessor of 160 acres of excellent land, well- improved and under good cultivation. He has also a large personal property, mostly acquired by his individual thrift and energy. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Christian Church. He is a liberal giver to all beneficent and worthy enterprises, an active Democrat, and was elected to the position of Representative of Owen County in 1882.
MARCUS L. ORRELL was born August 15, 1820, in Davidson County, N. C., and is the ninth of the fifteen children of Daniel B. and Mary (Hutchin) Orrell, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Virginia, and of English and Irish descent respectively. Daniel B. Orrell was the owner of a mill, and lived to the phenomenal age of nearly one hundred and three years. Marcus was reared a miller, and received but a limited education. In 1840, he emigrated to Indiana, and engaged in milling at Mooresville, Morgan County, where he remained for sixteen years. April 7, 1844, he married Miss Lucinda Spoon, of Mooresville, a union blessed with eleven children, seven of whom yet live. In 1854, he removed to Quincy, Owen County, where he built a flouring mill and has since resided. This mill he operated for seven years. In 1872, he engaged in the general dry goods trade, with a large stock, which he lost by fire one year afterward, but immediately and resolutely resumed. January 16, 1877, he lost his wife, and August 28, 1879, married Lydia A. Thompson, of this county. Mr. Orrell has been Justice of the Peace about twenty-eight years, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a very worthy and highly respected gentleman.
W. T. WIGAL was born near Eminence, Morgan Co., Ind., Septem- ber 13, 1843, the eldest son of William and Anna (Shumaker) Wigal, the former of German and the latter of English descent. Our subject was sent to school during boyhood, and reared to work in the mill of his father. At the age of twenty, he began life for himself by enlisting in Company G, Sixty-second Illinois Regiment, during which service he was engaged in several skirmisbes, and was discharged in 1865. He thereafter engaged as engineer in a mill, which he followed for about three years. September 22, 1870, he married Miss Helen A. Young, of Bloomington, Ill., which union was favored with five children-Annabell P., Henry I. (deceased), Helen G., Willie M. and Don A. Mr. Wigal, after marriage, having accumulated about $6,000, engaged in milling, in which he has been interested in Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana since that event. He has also a share in a saw mill in Morgan County, and a good property in Quincy. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has advanced to the degree of the Royal Arch; a Republican in politics and a worthy citizen.
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAM P. COCHRAN, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in this township, November 25, 1844, and is the seventh of the eight children born to Campbell and Jane (Whitey) Cochran, the former a native of East Tennessee, and the latter of North Carolina, and of English and German extraction. He was reared on a farm, and received a common school ed- ucation, but not satisfied with this he attended a graded school at Cen- tre Point, Clay County, and also one at Spencer. Receiving a certificate as teacher, he followed that vocation for twelve terms with success, but never lost the interest he took in tilling the soil. When of age, he be- gan life's business for himself, his father having given him a farm of forty acres, to which he has added eighty, and as he is a wide-awake busi- ness man and a skillful agriculturist, he has with his present start a promising future. He is an energetic Democrat, having voted with that party ever since he reached his majority.
JOHN CROY, owner of a grist and saw mill combined, the first run by water and the latter by steam, in Jackson Township, was born June 28, 1827, in Putnam County, Ind., and is the second child born to Val- entine and Elizabeth (Cole) Croy, the former a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and the latter of North Carolina. Valentine Croy and his father, with several relatives, came to Vigo County, Ind., about the year 1818, in a keel-boat down the Ohio River to the mouth of the Wabash River, and poled the boat up to where Terre Haute now stands. They re- mained there but a short time, and removed to Putnam County. In 1836, Valentine moved to Owen County, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1854. He erected the second grist mill in this part of the county. John Croy began working at the age of twelve, in the mill under his father's instruction, and remained there about ten years, when he visited California, where he remained about eight years. During his absence his father's death occurred, and he returned home to look after affairs, after which he engaged in farming for four years, and traded his interest in the farm for an interest in the mill which he at present owns, and which has a capacity of 150 bushels per day. He was united in marriage to Miss Jemima A. Heath, native of Ohio, September 21. 1858. Eight children have crowned this union-Ida B., Emma C., John C., Benjamin V., Christopher C., James M. (deceased), Tabitha (deceased), and Marietta (deceased.) He and his wife are both active members of the Christian Union Church. He is owner of 440 acres of land, is a worker in the Democratic party, and was twice elected by his party As- sessor of Jackson Township. He is a liberal giver to all benevolent and charitable institutions that tend to help promote and advance the human race.
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