USA > Indiana > Clay County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 43
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 43
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HENRY BOLICK, farmer and stock-raiser, was born March 31, 1825, in North Carolina, and was the third child born to Jacob and Rebecca (Howk) Bolick, both natives of North Carolina and of German extraction. Henry, in company with his parents, came to Clay County when a youth, and has since made his home here. His parents dying when he was quite young, he was bound to Ambress D. Phipps, and remained with him until he was of age. Henry's educational opportunities were limited up to bis majority, but after that he attended school, and being studious, he bas now a good education. He began life for himself with no means, and has now 156 acres of land nicely situated and well improved. The first forty acres he paid for by working by the day and month. His marriage occurred January 7, 1875, to Martha C. Reed, a native of Missouri. Four children have been born to them, viz., Eda R., Nellie M., Julius M. and Julia
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A. Mrs. Bolick is an active member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Bolick took an active part in the Grange movement. In politics, he is a Democrat. He has held the office of Trustee of his township five successive years. He is liberal to all charities, and is much respected.
REV. JESSE LEO BRANDENBURG, pastor of Middlebury Circuit, United Brethren Church, is the youngest son of Green Clay and Maria (Craig) Brandenburg, and was born in Harrison County, Ind., August 8, 1846. His parents were natives respectively of Kentucky and Indiana, and of German and Irish descent. The former died April, 1879, aged seventy- one ; the latter is yet living, aged sixty-eight years. Our subject was reared on a farm, on which he labored about three-fourths of the year and attended school the remainder, to which foundation of knowledge he added by study, until his attainments became of the highest class. He is wholly
a self-made man. June 28, 1866, he married Miss Missouri Ann Cooprider, of Clay County, by whom he became the parent of five children, four of whom are living-William Carter, Simeon Green, Emma Bell and Cora Evaline ; the third child, Robert Winchester, having died November 30, 1878, aged six years. Mr. Brandenburg was received into the Conference of the United Brethren Church October 4, 1876, and was regularly ordained as Elder Sep- tember 6, 1880. Mr. Brandenburg is an energetic and successful minister, and wherever he may be sent at the close of his present appointment, the same fruition of good must follow his labors.
V. E. BROWN, book-keeper in one of the leading warehouses of Clay City, was born July 12, 1851, and was the fourth child of Wilkins B. and Selah F. (Wilson) Brown, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Virginia, and of English and Irish extraction. Mr. Brown spent his youth working upon a farm and attending school, remaining with his parents until he was twenty years of age, when he began working for himself as a farm hand, following this for a livlihood for about three years. He then taught school two terms, after which he worked in the timber business until the summer of 1879, when he commenced his present occupation. He was married, July 4, 1874, to Hattie Tipton (now deceased). Two children were born to them, viz., Lessie A. (deceased), and Tressie A. His second mar- riage occurred, September 5, 1880, to Mary E. Longcor. One child has been born to them. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Brown is an active politician, working with the Republican party.
W. B. BROWN, physician, and also farmer, was born July 10, 1821, in Guilford County, N. C., and was the third child born to Hazel and Mary (Clark) Brown, both natives of North Carolina and of Irish and English ex- traction. Dr. Brown received a common school education, remaining with his parents and working upon the farm until twenty-one years of age. After the death of his father, he and his mother came to Owen County, Ind., in 1828, moving thence to Clay County, living for a time in Cass Township, then going to Harrison Township. He commenced the study of medicine at the age of twenty-one years, and has pursued his studies in the most thorough manner. He is one of the oldest practitioners in the county, and has his share of the practice. He commenced without means, and now has accumulated considerable property. His farm consists of 111 acres of good land beautifully located. In the spring of 1840, he married Selah Wilson (now deceased ). Eight children were born to this marriage, viz., John W., Maria J., Sarah A. (deceased), Virgil E., James J., Rachel, Roselinda and Levi (deceased). In the spring of 1874, his second marriage occurred, to Eva L. Sink. Four children have been born to them, viz., Eugene, Orval E., Laura V. and Zenas L. Dr. Brown is a charter member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Clay City, called Martz, No. 360. In the summer of 1847, Dr.
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Brown enlisted in the Mexican war, in Company I, Sixteenth United States Infantry, serving until the close of the war. During the late war, in the winter of 1862, he again enlisted in his country's service in Company G, Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry, under Col. Jesse I. Alexander, for the term of three years, and was honorably discharged at Goldsboro, N. C., having served over his time. In politics, he was formerly a Democrat, but is now an un- compromising Republican, and one of the party's active supporters.
WILLIAM J. BROWN was born June 13, 1830, in Lawrence County, Ind., was the third child born to Samuel and Mary (Dutton) Brown, both natives of Virginia, and of German descent. William's opportunities of education were poor, as his father died when he was quite young, and he and his brothers had to maintain the family. At the age of twenty years, he began working at the blacksmith's trade, which he has followed ever since. Mr. Brown spent six years in California, and, returning, settled in Monroe County, Ind., where he remained until 1879, when he removed to Owen County, thence to Clay City, where he now lives. He was married to Elizabeth J. Cline, August 7, 1862. Nine children have been born to them, viz .: Henry, Clara, Mary C., Ada (deceased), Frank, Nellie, Jennie Y., Grace (deceased), and James G. (deceased). Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is an enthusiastic Republican.
WILLIAM CALVERT, proprietor of a saw mill two miles east of Clay City, was born October 10, 1830, in Campbell County, Ky., and was the youngest of eleven children of James and Mary (Moss) Calvert, both natives of Virginia, and of English ancestry. William remained in his birthplace with his parents until their death. As he had to work most of the time, overseeing the farm, he had little opportunity for education. After the death of his parents, Mr. Calvert went to Vermillion County, Ind., where he remained four years, keeping a provision store and farming. He moved from there to Clay County, locating in the little village of Ashboro, pur- chasing a farm of 200 acres, which he afterward disposed of and commenced running a sawmill. After six years he sold out and went to Harrison Town- ship, where he purchased the saw mill he is running now. Mr. Calvert was married, in 1852, to Catharine Boiland, of Cincinnati. Eleven children have been born to them, viz .: Rhumah, Helen N., Zeno, Mary, Hamilton (de- ceased), Sarah, Vorhees, Lucy, Nancy, Isaiah and William. In politics, Mr. Calvert is a Democrat, having given his support to that party since be be- came a voter.
DANIEL CHAMPER, proprietor of the Clay City Mills, was born August 24, 1826, in Carroll County, Ohio, and was the eldest of nine chil- dren of David and Sarah (Earnest) Champer, the former a native of Mary- land, the latter of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Daniel was reared upon a farm. but at an early age began working in his father's flouring mill, which business he followed most of his life. At that early period, educational advantages were limited, but he obtained a good practical edu- tion, which has enabled him to become a successful business man. He re- mained at home taking care of his parents until their death. In 1865, he moved to Owen County, purchasing a farm, which he worked some time; then sold and went to Terre Haute, remaining one year, going thence to Clay City, where, in the spring of 1878, he purchased the mill he is now running. It has a capacity of 300 bushels per day. His business is extensive. He purchases about 30,000 bushels of grain annually. In politics, he is a Re- publican.
ELIJAH CHURCH, pioneer farmer, was born in Rockcastle County, Ky., May 30, 1826, and is the eldest son of Joel and Cynthia (Landford) Church, natives of Kentucky, and of English descent. His parents emi-
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grated to Indiana in the winter of 1829, and settled in this township, where Elijah was reared a farmer, and remained at home at the request of his dy- ing father, the better to assist his mother and care for the family in their bereavement. Success has followed his resolution and efforts ; he has a fine farm in high cultivation, comprising seventy acres, and with excellent improvements. This land he entered from the Government. Mr. Church is a Democrat in politics, and a patron of all benevolent, enlightened and progressive movements. He is a member of the Baptist Church at Middle- bury, and has been for many years Clerk thereof. He has never been married.
THOMAS BLAKELY COAN, farmer, is the third son of Peter and Hiley (Austin) Coan, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and of Ger- man and Irish extraction respectively. Thomas was born in Washington County, Penn., October 25, 1817, whence his parents removed to Preble County, Ohio, in 1821, and thence to Indiana in 1834, and settled in Monroe County. Thomas remained with his parents until he was twenty-four years old, and in the period of youth obtained the grounds of a fair education. October 17, 1840, he married Clarissa Price, to which union five children were born-Ellen, Martha, Rachel, Amanda (deceased) and Sarah (deceased). Mrs. Price died in April, 1857, and some time afterward Mr. Coan married a second wife, Barthena Cooprider, by which alliance they had seven children -Mary (deceased), Peter (deceased), Thomas, James F., George W., Sarah (deceased) and Laura. In 1862, Mr. Coan gave up his trade, that of mill- wright, to enroll in Company H, Ninety-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until the war ended, during which period he was a par- ticipant in nineteen battles and many more skirmishes. On the march from Vicksburg to Lookout Mountain, he contracted an illness from which he has not yet recovered. Mr. Coan is one of those who have made their way by energy and thrift. He is a conservative Republican and a good citizen.
ELI COOPRIDER, Trustee of Harrison Township, was born June 4, 1840, in Clay County, Ind., and was the second child born to Henry and Belinda (Lankford) Cooprider, the former a native of Indiana, the latter of Kentucky, and of German and Scotch lineage. Eli spent his boyhood upon a farm, working and attending school. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry. He participated in eleven hard- fought battles and several skirmishes, and was mustered out in the summer of 1865. His marriage occurred May 24, 1866, to Rachel Everhart. Nine children have been born to them, viz., Herschel V. (deceased), Marco B. (de- ceased), Nelson C. (deceased), Francis W., Pearl (deceased), Mamie (deceased), Rollis, Ervin and an infant unnamed. In 1869, he began in mercantile bus- iness in Middlebury, Ind., and was very successful until the panic of 1873, when he was forced into bankruptcy by the failure of the railroad to pay for supplies he had furnished it. In 1880, he again resumed business, con- tinuing two years, but is now giving his attention to his office. Mr. and Mrs. Cooprider are members of the Baptist Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., also of the Knights of Honor and the Improved Order of Red Men. Politically, he casts his vote with the Democratic party.
ELIAS COOPRIDER, one of the enterprising farmers of Clay County, was born in Harrison County, Ind., November 23, 1810, and is the eldest of fifteen children of John and Elizabeth (Fleshman) Cooprider, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Virginia, and of German descent. The parents came to Indiana in 1806. Elias being the eldest, and his father dis- abled, the support of the family devolved upon him, and he attended school but forty days, but being observing he has acquired considerable informa- tion. In March, 1822, he removed with his parents to what is now Clay
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County. When twenty years of age, he entered the land he now lives upon, seventy-four acres, to which he has added until he now has 785 acres, nearly 500 of which are under cultivation. He gives much attention to raising wheat, also hogs and cattle. He put in the first crop of wheat in Clay County. He started in life with $11, and by industry and good manage- ment has accumulated a competence. His marriage occurred October 13, 1831, to Polly Lankford. Eleven children have been born to this maariage, viz., Jackson ( deceased), Silas G., Emeline, Sylvia S., Abner (deceased), Pol- ly, Elias (deceased), John W., Elizabeth, Charles M. and an infant unnamed. Mr. Cooprider and wife are members of long standing of the Baptist Church, he being an Elder since 1851. In politics, he is a lifelong Democrat, and cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson. He was elected Sheriff of his coun- ty in 1845, and has filled most of the township offices. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1860, and is a much respected citizen.
SILAS G. COOPRIDER, an enterprising farmer of Harrison Township, was born January 17, 1835, in Clay County, Ind., and was the second child born to Elias and Polly (Lankford) Cooprider, the former a native of Indi- ana, the latter of Kentucky, and of German and Scotch-Irish extraction. Mr. Cooprider has always worked at farming, remaining with his parents until twenty-five years of age, and working upon the farm summers and at- tending school winters. He then rented a farm of his father, and by indus- try and economy has accumulated means to buy 140 acres. He has never been out of his native State but once, and has almost been raised between the plow handles. He was married to Isabel Vanhorn July 26, 1860. Eleven children have been born to them, viz., Douglas, Joseph, Rhoda F., Clinton M., Gillas (deceased), Rebecca J., Emeline G., John L., William, Per- ley M. and Morgan. In politics, Mr. Cooprider is a Simon-pure Democrat.
HENRY COOPRIDER was born December 15, 1815, in Harrison County, Indiana Territory, and was the fourth child of John and Elizabeth (Flesh- man) Cooprider, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Virginia, and is of German descent. In 1822, he came to Clay County with his par- ents, but soon they moved to Harrison County, and, again becoming dissatis- fied, they returned to Clay County, where they spent the rest of their lives. Mr. Cooprider's early opportunities of education were poor ; but by his own efforts he became a practical business man. He remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when without any means he commenced life for himself, and by energy and good management accumulated a handsome property, consisting of a well-stocked farm of 300 acres beautifully situated near Clay City, rich in coal, one mine being worked. On December 20, 1837, he married Melinda Lankford, a native of Kentucky. Twelve children have been born to them, viz., Mary A., Eli, Levi, Zimri, Urias, Henry, Jerusha (deceased), Joseph A., Candice, Eliza, Elizabeth and Susan. Mr. Cooprider and wife have been members of the Baptist Church for about thirty-seven vears. He is a clever, genial gentleman, giving liberally to all charitable and benevolent enterprises. Politically, he is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for James K. Polk.
ELISHA F. COOPRIDER is a native of Harrison Township, Clay County, Ind., and was born October 29, 1833, being the thirteenth child of John and Elizabeth (Fleshman) Cooprider, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of Ger- man extraction. Elisha was reared upon a farm, attending common school about three months in the year. He remained with his parents until twenty- five years of age overseeing the farm work. He then commenced for him- self without any property, but by industry and economy has accumulated enough to live comfortably. February 6, 1859, he was married to Christina Storm, a native of Ohio. He remained upon his father's farm about ten
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years after his marriage, when he purchased a farm of his own, consisting of forty-three acres. He laid off an addition to the town of Clay City of forty- two lots, known as the Cooprider Addition. Only eight of these lots remain / unsold. He has no children of his own, but has adopted a nephew-Charles J. Miller. Mr. Cooprider and wife have long been members of the Baptist Church. Politically, he is a Democrat, and an active politician.
WESLEY COOPRIDER, farmer and stock-raiser, was born July 9, 1844, in Harrison Township, Clay County, Ind., and is the tenth of thirteen chil- dren of Jacob and Mary (White) Cooprider, the former a native of Pennsyl. vania, the latter of Kentucky, and of German ancestry. Jacob, the father, came to Indiana in 1812, settling in the part now known as Clay County, and remained here until 1876, when he went to Kansas, where he now resides. When he came here, Indians and game were plenty. Wesley was reared here upon a farm, working hard and attending school a little when he had time, remaining at home until nineteen years of age, when he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry, in January, 1862. He partici- pated in the battle of Corinth, siege of Vicksburg and in Sherman's famous march to the sea. He was not wounded, but lost his health. He however stayed out his time of enlistment, and was honorably discharged at Wilming- ton, N. C., April 4, 1865. He returned home and resumed farming. His marriage occurred January 8, 1869, to Eliza Royer. Five children have been born to them, viz., Paris (deceased), Usephus, Amey, Theoda and Nel- son. Mr. and Mrs. Cooprider are members of the Baptist Church. In poli- tics, he supports the Republican party. He takes a just pride in his farm and improvements, all the result of his own labor.
ZIMRI COOPRIDER was born in Harrison Township, Clay County, Ind., October 1, 1846, and was the fifth child of twelve born to Henry and Melinda (Lankford) Cooprider, the former a native of Indiana, the latter of Kentucky. He was reared upon a farm, working in summer and attending common school winters, remaining with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he enlisted in Company A, Forty-third Indiana Infantry, under Col. W. E. McClain, of Terre Haute, Ind., in the fall of 1864, and remained until the close of the war. He was on garrison duty all the time. He was mustered out at Indianapolis in the summer of 1865. Since his return from the war, he has worked at the carpenter's trade. He was married, December 18, 1879, to Maria B. Miller, a native of Indiana. Two children have been born to them, viz., Ethel, born September 12, 1880 ; Marcus, May 28, 1883. Mr. Cooprider is a member of the Baptist Church, and a strong advocate of temperance. In politics, he was formerly a Democrat, but has latterly voted with the Nationals, supporting the man, not the party. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1879, but not wishing for the office did not file a. bond.
WILLIAM COX, an extensive dealer in timber at Clay City, Ind., was born October 7, 1841, in Henry County, Ky., and was the ninth of eleven children of Arvis and Nancy (Dickens) Cox, both natives of Henry County, Ky., and of Irish and German ancestry. William came, in company with his parents, in the fall of 1851, to Clay County, Ind., where they have since made their home. Owing to the poor facilities for education, William received but little schooling, most of his education having been acquired after he engaged in business. He remained with his parents until he was twenty years of age, when he began farming on his own account. He started with no means, and has met with many reverses, having paid over $10,000 security debts, and is now worth about $3,000. He was formerly a very extensive stock-dealer, and purchased most of the stock in the counties of Clay, Owen and Putnam, which business he followed until he commenced
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dealing in timber. He married Nancy E., daughter of Oliver Cromwell, of Clay County, Ind. Five children have been born to them-Amanda, Other, Iona, Albert and Gertie. In politics, Mr. Cox is a Democrat, and one of the party's most active workers.
MARVIN B. CRIST, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Harrison Township, was born March 24, 1845, in Sullivan County, Ind., and was the second child born to Henry W. and Lucinda (Liston) Crist, and is of German and English descent. Marvin's grandfather, Joseph Liston, was the first man to plow a furrow where Terre Haute now stands. He was born in 1782, and was one of the body-guards of Gen. Harrison at the treaty of Tecumseh at Vincennes, and a son of Edmond and Elizabeth (Kester) Liston, who were married and settled under the Laurel Hills in Maryland in 1781, and a lineal descendant of Morris Liston, who came to America and settled in Delaware in 1691. Marvin came with his parents to Clay County, in the spring of 1840, and has since made his home here. He worked in his youth upon a farm, also attending common school, and helping his father develop from the wilderness a fine farm, one of the best in Lewis Township. Marvin remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, acquiring sufficient education to teach, and has taught thirty months of school success- fully. Mr. Crist is one of the few who begin life with nothing and meet with such success, as he at present owns 1,500 acres of good land, 800 ready for cultivation, all acquired by his own industry and good management. His marriage occurred April 2, 1871, to Laura, daughter of John and Betsey J. (Mathews) Frump, and a native of Clay County. They have one child, Nellie Crist, aged eighteen years. Mrs. Crist is an active member of the Christian Church. Mr. Crist is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. In politics, he is an enthusiastic Democrat. He has been elected County Sur- veyor, and served two terms.
NICHOLAS MARSHALL CROMWELL was born in Clay County, Ind., February 11, 1841, and is the third child born to Owen D. and Huldah (Risley) Cromwell, both natives of Kentucky, and of English and Irish ex- traction. The parents of Nicholas were among the pioneers of Clay County, having moved there in 1819. His mother's sister, Mrs. R. Stacey, was the first white child born in the county. Nicholas spent his youth upon the farm, attending school in the winter, and thus obtained a good common school education. Enlisting in July, 1863, in Company D, Seventy-first Indiana Infantry (afterward Sixth Cavalry), he served three years, partici- pating in all Gen. Sherman's great battles, from Dalton to Atlanta, and returning from the latter point took an active part in the last battle of Nash- ville, Tenn. The only injury he received was a frozen foot. Mr. Cromwell's marriage occurred near Bowling Green, Ind., in August, 1865, to Caroline Toelle. Nine children have been born to them, seven of whom are living, viz., Frederick, aged seventeen ; Anna Maria, fifteen ; Henry Owen, thirteen ; Harley Louis, ten ; Huldah Frances, seven ; Rutherford Allen, five ; and Harvey David, two. Mr. Cromwell is a prominent member of the Christian Church, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In pol- ities, he is a Republican. Having never received any pecuniary assistance, he is the sole architect of his own fortune. He is engaged extensively in farming and stock-raising.
DAVID T. CROMWELL, a teacher and farmer of Harrison Township, was born August 18, 1846, in Washington Township, Clay County, Ind., and was the sixth of eleven children born to Owen D. and Huldah (Risley) Cromwell, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Indiana, and of English and German descent. David's youth was spent upon a farm, where he attended common schools, and having a fondness for study, he was, at
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the age of twenty years, qualified for a teacher, and hired a hand to take his place at farm work while he taught. With the exception of a year and a half spent in traveling, his life has been passed in Clay County, where he has taught ten terms of school, giving universal satisfaction. In 1874, Oc- tober 11, he married Rebecca A., daughter of David and Matilda (Murbarger) Nother, the former a native of Germany, the latter of Pennsylvania. Five children have been born to them-Eunice, born August 31, 1875 (deceased) ; May, born May 5, 1877 ; Elmina, November 21, 1878 ; Robert I., September 11, 1880 ; Beecher, July 14, 1883. Mr. Cromwell is an active member of the I. O. O. F., being a Past Grand, at Clay City. He and his wife are both members of the Rebecca Lodge. In politics, he is an active member of the Republican party. He has a fine farm of 105 acres, the product of the labor of himself and wife. His land has a rich vein of coal upon it, which he is mining. He also works some at the carpenter's trade.
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