Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 46

Author: Blanchard, Charles, 1830-1903, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : F.A. Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 982

USA > Indiana > Clay County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 46
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 46

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

AUGUSTUS OBERHOLTZER, an extensive farmer of Harrison Town- ship, was born January 9, 1842, in Holmes County, Ohio, and was the twelfth of thirteen children born to Samuel and Elizabeth (Schuyler) Ober- holtzer, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. Augustus, at the age of fourteen years, came with his parents to Owen County, Ind., where he remained until about twenty years of age, when he began business for himself. While in Ohio, Augustus attended school, but when he came to the wilderness in Owen County, there was a home to be made, and he worked summer and winter, but being studious, he acquired sufficient edu- cation to teach, and at the age of twenty-one, he began teaching school, and taught fifteen years, in the winter, farming summers. His father gave him his liberty in consideration of his clearing thirteen acres of land, which he did, and then attended school a short time, leaving in debt, but splitting rails to pay it off. He received no start in life, but is to-day owner of a fine farm of 600 acres, beautifully situated and well improved. He was married to Mary A. Collins, July 11, 1861. Twelve children have been born to them, eleven of whom are living-Mary E., Nancy E., Laura E., George E., Stella E. (deceased), Ora B., Walter W., Minnie G., Grace V., Irving A., Edison E. and Volka M. Mr. Oberholtzer also runs a saw mill, and gives considerable attention to raising stock. In politics, he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM OWEN, farmer, is the sixth of twelve children born to Jonathan and Louisa (Taylor) Owen, both natives of North Carolina. William first saw the world's light in Pulaski County, Ky., March 16, 1826, whence, about 1829, his parents removed to this State, settled in Clay County, and died when our subject was in his twelfth year; he was then taken to rear by Zachariah Denny, with whom he lived until his seventeenth year, at which time his benefactor died, and he was thrown upon the world, with the advantage of but very sparing education. June 15, 1848, he married Mar- tha Cooprider, a union which gave issue to five children-Mary E., David, Eliza Ann, Jacob and James. In August, 1862, Mr. Owen enlisted in Com- pany G, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served until May 13, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He served in the whole Atlanta cam-

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paign, was with Gen. Sherman in his famous march, and came out without injury. Except a pittance from his father's estate, Mr. Owen has made his way to competence. In politics Mr. Owen is independent, votes for the best man, and is a respectable citizen.

DR. JOSHUA J. PHIPPS, a practicing physician of Middlebury, Ind., was born in Clay County, Ind., November 20, 1841, and was the fifth of nine children born to Moses and Catherine (Griffith) Phipps, both natives of East Tennessee, and of German and Irish descent. Joshua received a com- mon school education, working on the farm and remaining with his parents un- til February, 1857, when he commenced business for himself. When quite young he had a passion for reading medical works, and from his skill in assisting in the care of the sick, he was nicknamed " Doctor." He followed farming until 1861, when he enlisted, July 15, in Company C, Eleventh In- diana Infantry, under Col. Lewis Wallace. He participated in many severe engagements, as the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and numerous skirmishes, and was discharged for disability, July, 1862. After remain- ing at home one month he re-enlisted in Company K, Eighty-fifth Indiana Infantry, and in his first battle, after his re-enlistment at Thompson's Sta- tion, Tenn., he received a wound, caused by the concussion of shot or shell that crushed his left breast, breaking three ribs and disabling his left arm. He was taken to Hospital No. 3, at Nashville, Tenn., and remained there until June, when he was detailed to assist in surgical operations under Surgeon Harlow, thus obtaining a thorough knowledge of practical surgery. He was transferred to Company F, Third Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, and stationed at Dearbornville, Mich., at the United States Arsenal. He was detailed to the United States Dispensatory, where he, for the first time, had free access to a medical library. He remained there until November 8, 1865, when he was mustered out at Detroit, Mich. He then entered the Medical College at Ann Arbor, Mich., remaining one term. In 1870, he opened an office at Sandford, Vigo County, Ind., for the practice of medi- cine. He then practiced nine years in Pierson Township, after which, in 1883, he settled in Middlebury, where he now resides. In 1865, September 12, he married Mary F. O. Neal, a native of Canada. Five children have been born to them, of which one died unnamed. The others are Edward, Laura J., Nettie M. and Mary T. Dr. Phipps and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. Politically, he is a stalwart Republican.

WILLIAM L. PRICE, farmer and coal operator, is the youngest son of Israel and and Margaret (Gordon) Price, and was born in Clay County, Ind., October 27, 1839, whence, in 1882, he removed to the place he now owns and occupies. He was brought up on a farm, and attended and received from the public schools of his time, the fullest advantages they afforded. March 7, 1861, he married Emily Stoopes, to which union were born eight children- Frances Bell (deceased), Sarah Margaret (deceased), Evaline (deceased), Rosetta, Anna, Nancy Alice, Cora Emma and Warren Eddie. Mrs. Price died August 8, 1879, and Mr. Price married, August 31, 1882, Sarah, second daughter of Peter and Margaret Barrack. It may be said of our subject that he has made his own fortune. After coming into this township, he engaged in the coal mining business, and is now a one-third owner of the " Barrack Block Coal Mines." Mr. Price is a Republican in politics, with a strong leaning toward the National Greenback party. Mr. and Mrs. Price are both church members, and the former is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity.

MICHAEL SCHIELE, farmer and stock-raiser, was born, November 2, 1831, in Germany, and was the fourth child born to Michael and Mary (Smith) Schiele, both natives of Germany. The subject of this sketch emi- grated to America in the spring of 1852, landing in New York City, whence

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he went to Montgomery County, Penn., where he remained two years, going from there to Ohio, where he remained until 1861, when he moved to In- diana, stopping a few months in Owen County, then going to Harrison Town- ship, Clay County, where he has since lived. While in Germany, he attended school eight years, then learned the shoe-maker's trade of his father. He left Philadelphia with 27 cents in his pocket, and now has a beautiful farm of 220 acres all acquired by hard labor and good management. He takes great pride in making his farm attractive, and it is one of the finest in the county. His marriage occurred July 13, 1856, to Mary M. Miller (now de- ceased). Six children were born to this union, viz., Reuben J., David F., Catharine (deceased), Henry (deceased), Mary E. and her twin sister, Rosi- na S. (deceased). His second marriage occurred February 12, 1867, to Eliz- abeth Krieble, a native of Pennsylvania. Seven children have been born to them, viz., William A., Sylvester, Doretta S., Susanna C., Lavinia J., Nathan C. and Andrew D. Mr. and Mrs. Schiele are active members of the United Brethren Church. In politics, Mr. Schiele is a Republican, having voted with that party since he became a voter in America.

ALFRED SHIDLER, a blacksmith of Clay City, was born June 30, 1847, in Holmes County, Ohio, and was the third child born to Daniel and Sarah (Lower) Shidler, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio, and of Irish and English extraction. Alfred was reared upon a farm, attending common schools, and also working with his father, who was a blacksmith. In 1860, he came to Clay County. In the summer of 1863, he enlisted in Company M, Sixth Indiana Cavalry, or Seventy-first Indiana Vol- unteer Infantry, at Bowling Green. He participated in ten battles, and in Stone- man's raid was injured in the back, and was mustered out in the fall of 1865. After his return from the war, he resumed his trade, combining blacksmith- ing and wagon-making, and now has an extensive business. His marriage occurred October 16, 1868, to Mary E. Brush. Seven children have been born to them, viz., George L. (deceased), Theodore C., Rosa B., Charles (de- ceased), William W., Otto C. and Alfred C. Mr. Shidler and wife are mem- bers of the United Brethren Church. He is, politically, an enthusiastic Re- publican.

GEORGE J. STORM, farmer and stock-raiser, was born March 7, 1836, in Coshocton County, Ohio, and was the fifth of eleven children of George and Barbara (Miller) Storm, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. In the fall of 1856, George came with his parents to Clay County, Ind., and at one time owned a part of the land where Clay City now stands. The primitive state of the country made George's chances for an education meager, but having an earnest desire for knowledge, he acquired a fair edu- cation. Mr. Storm commenced business for himself with $5 and unlimited energy. He has now a nice farm of eighty acres, well improved, and all the result of his own labor. He was married to Emeline Cooprider, March 20, 1859. Eight children have been born to this union, viz .: Amanda J., Eliza E., Elias J., Mary A., John (deceased), Ida, George and Charles A. Mr. Storm and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Politically, he is a Democrat, having cast his first vote with that party.

DENNA J. STUNKARD was born December 13, 1852, in Clay County, Ind., and is the oldest of six children born to David C. and Borelda (Crom- well) Stunkard, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Indiana, and of Scotch-Irish and English extraction, respectively. Denna's youth was mostly spent in cities where he had good educational advantages, which he im- proved. In the spring of 1865, he moved with his parents to Terre Haute, where he remained until the fall of 1877, when he came to Clay County, Harrison Township, where he now resides on a fine farm of 320 acres, beau-

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tifully situated and well improved. While in Terre Haute he was engaged in the hat, cap and fur trade two years. The rest of the time he kept a hotel. His marriage occurred September 12, 1881, to Lida, daughter of Jacob Hixon, of Terre Haute, Ind. Politically, Mr. Stunkard is a Republi- lican, having cast his vote with that party since he became a voter. He be- gan life with some property, and by good management has added to it, and ranks as one of the first business men of the county. Of his wealth, he gives liberally to all charities.

JOHN S. TIPTON, an enterprising farmer of Harrison Township, was born December 23, 1843, in Coshocton County, Ohio, and was the first child born to William and Catharine (Vanhorn) Tipton, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Pennsylvania, and of English extraction. He was reared upon a farm, working during the summer and attending school in the winter, thus obtaining a common school education. He, in company with his parents, came to Harrison Township, Clay Co., Ind., in the fall of 1852, where he remained working upon the farm until the spring of 1863, when he enlisted in Company G, Second Indiana Cavalry, under Col. Stew- art. He was in several hard fought battles and numerous skirmishes, serv- ing until the summer of 1865, when he was mustered out in Company B, Second Indiana Battalion, at Edgefield, Tenn. He was married to Huldah F. Kress, a native of Indiana, July 12, 1866. Four children have been born to them, viz .: Cora (deceased), Guy, Cloa and William. After his return from the war, he resumed his avocation of farming, also running a saw mill during the years of 1872-73. He then sold his saw mill and has engaged more extensively in farming since. The property he inherited he has re- tained and improved, having now a well-stocked farm. In politics, he was formerly a Republican, casting his first vote for Lincoln ; has lately been working with the National party, but now returns to the Republicans.

WILLIAM TRAVIS was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, April 25, 1838. His father, John S. Travis, and his mother, whose maiden name was Hannah Kline, were born in eastern Pennsylvania, the former being of Eng- lish, and the latter of German parentage. In 1833, the family emigrated to Ohio. The subject of this biographical sketch is the youngest of seven children, five brothers and two sisters. The first ten years of his boyhood were spent on the farm. From the age of nine to that of fifteen years, he attended the public schools in the winter season, and at times, select schools in the summer. At the age of sixteen he began teaching in the public schools. In his eighteenth year he learned the plasterer's trade, at which he worked in the summer time, up to 1865, teaching in the winter. In the lat- ter part of the year 1857, he married Miss Susan Zimmermann, of Swiss parentage, who was born and raised in the same neighborhood. In October, 1859, he removed to Clay County, Ind., and located at Brazil. Two years later he located at Center Point. At the June term of Commissioners' Court, 1864, he was appointed School Examiner for the county for the term of three years. Having been legislated out of office in March, 1865, he was re-appointed in June following for three years. In 1865, he organized and established a private school at Center Point which, under his manage- ment and instruction, attained a higher degree of efficiency and popularity than any other educational enterprise ever yet instituted and conducted in the history of the county. In 1867, he was announced before the Demo- cratic County Convention a candidate for Auditor, receiving 29 votes, his successful competitor leading him by 8 votes in a total of 66. In 1868, he was before the Democratic Convention a candidate for Clerk of the Clay Circuit Court, receiving 22 out of 66 votes, in a ballot for three candidates. In April, 1869, Mr. Travis entered the field of journalism, publishing the

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Sunbeam, a monthly paper devoted to education and general information. A year later he bought the Constitution office at Bowling Green, and became proprietor and editor of the recognized Democratic paper of the county. At the expiration of the second year, the Sunbeam was discontinued, sev- eral hundred dollars having been sacrificed in its publication. In June, 1871, he was again appointed to the office of School Examiner, and was again legislated out of office in March, 1873. On the first of April, 1874, he sold out the printing office and retired from the publishing business. In November, 1874, he removed to Middlebury and engaged in teaching, where he now lives. In 1875 and 1876, he published the Martz Eaglet. In July, 1878, in company with T. J. Gray, he established the National Index at Brazil, which he edited for one year. In February, 1881, he established the Clay City Independent, in the publication of which he has since been en- gaged. Mr. Travis is the father of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, nine of whom are living. The oldest, a daughter, is marrried and lives at Clay City. The second, who is the oldest son, is a resident of Clifton, Dakota.

P. G. VANHORN was born April 28, 1839, in Coshocton County, Ohio, and was the twelfth child born to John and Mary (Rose) Vanhorn, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English extraction. He was reared upon a farm, attending school very little on account of his health, although the opportunities were good, yet he has a fair education. He re- mained with his parents until twenty-four years of age. After his father's death, he and his mother came to Harrison Township, Clay County, Ind., in the fall of 1862. He had $200 to commence with, and by economy and industry has acquired a fine property of eighty-eight acres of good land, beautifully situated. September 24, 1862, he married Elizabeth Miser, a native of Ohio. To them have been born two children-Mary E., born April 22, 1863, and Robert M., December 23, 1864. Mr. Vanhorn and wife are members of the German Baptist Church. Politically, he was formerly a Democrat, but, since the nomination of Peter Cooper, has voted with the Greenback party, of which he is an enthusiastic member.

JASPER O. WAGSTAFF was born September 7, 1826, in Stockport, England, near Manchester, England, and was second child and eldest son of George and Martha (Owens) Wagstaff, both natives of England. In 1828, the parents came to America, settling in New York in a small town called Columbiaville, where the father was overseer in the weaving room of a cot- ton factory. Jasper remained with his parents until twenty years of age, following weaving as a business. In the spring of 1852, he went to Cali- fornia, remaining seventeen months, returning to New York, where he re- mained until 1855, when he came to Clay County, Ind., where he now resides. By energy and industry he has accumulated property, consisting of a fine farm of 105 acres, finely located and well improved and stocked. His land has a rich deposit of coal, three feet four inches thick. At the Worthington Fair, he received a premium of $13 for the largest block of coal, and $3 for the best quality. He has also the best stone quarry in the county on his farm. His marriage occurred in April, 1849, to Mary A. Ball, a native of New York. Twelve children have been born to them - Mary F., George (deceased), John, Jasper O. (deceased), Andrew, Charles, Judson, William (deceased), Martha, Alice, Emma and an infant (unnamed). Mr. Wagstaff is benevolent and charitable and a friend of progress. He is one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of the county. Politically, he is a Republican, having voted with that party since its organization.

WILLIAM I. WARNER, manager and owner of a saw and planing mill combined at Clay City, Ind., was born October 1, 1849, in Bourbon County,

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Ky., and was the eldest of eleven children of Josiah and Mary E. (Riker) War- ner, both natives of Kentucky, and of German descent. When William was two years old, his parents moved to Geeencastle, Ind., where they remained twenty years. While there he received a common school education, and also learned the carpenter's trade, which he began at the age of fourteen years, and which he has followed more or less all his life. In 1871, he moved to Brazil, where he remained four years, working at his trade, and by his diligence accumulating enough to go into business for himself. His marriage occurred, March 5, 1873, to Mary Newton, a native of England. Four children have been born to them-Edwin, Melvin, Ethel and Ralph. Mrs. Warner is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Warner was formerly a member, but on joining the Knights of Honor and Improved Or- der of Red Men he was removed from the church, as it was against their rules to join a secret society. In politics, he is a Democrat and an active worker.

F. C. WATTS, proprietor of a livery, feed and sale stable, Clay City, was born October 5, 1860, in Clay County, Ind., and was the youngest of five children born to Fielden C. and Martha (Trail) Watts, the former a na- tive of Kentucky, the latter of Indiana, and of English descent. His father was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Poland, Ind., where F. C. spent his boyhood, attending school until fifteen years of age. He then traveled in the West about eighteen months. After his return home he was em- ployed in a furniture store in Brazil, Ind., as delivery clerk, and afterward salesman, for one year. He then engaged in selling buggies in Lockport, Ind., which business he followed until the fall of 1880, when he established his present business in Clay City, and is prospering. His marriage occurred October 5, 1882, to Temperance Jones. He is an enthusiastic Republican, and an active worker in the party, and an enterprising young business man.

JILES J. WATTS, keeper of a first-class livery, feed and sale stable of Clay City, Ind., was born May 14, 1858, in Owen County, Ind., and was the ninth child born to William and Hortense (Fisher) Watts, both natives of Kentucky, and of English lineage. Jiles was reared upon a farm, attended school winters, thus acquiring a good common school education. He re- mained at home until twenty-two years of age, but began business for him- self at the age of nineteen, opening a livery stable in the fall of 1875. He has a large and rapidly increasing business. He was married to Alice P. Foreman, October 1, 1882. Mr. Watts is an active member of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is a stanch Democrat, having given his support to that party since he became a voter. He has been a resident of Clay County since 1871, and is among its prominent young business men.

JOHN W. WHITE, Treasurer of Clay County, Ind., was born March 23, 1845, in Clay County, Harrison Township, and is the eighth of nine chil- dren of Benjamin and Margaret (Cooprider) White, both natives of Penn- sylvania, and of German descent. The parents were among the pioneers of Clay County. John remained at home until of age, working on the farm and attending school, but at the age of eighteen began to work for himself splitting rails and clearing ground until he had earned enough to buy forty acres of land which he afterward traded for an interest in the first circular saw mill introduced into Harrison Township, which he conducted for about three years. He then sold out and engaged in the dry goods business, and after- ward in drug business. Disposing of this he purchased the machinery for a saw and planing mill, and furnished the material for most of the houses in Clay City, running it about five years. His marriage occurred December 6, 1868, to Mary A. Siegley, of Ohio. Five children have been born to them-Irene, born September 24, 1869 ; Flora A., October 21, 1871 ; Clin-

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ton, August 14, 1877 ; Louisa, May 3, 1882 ; Lydia (deceased). Mr. White is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and Knights of Honor. In politics, he is a Democrat, having given his support to that party since he became a voter. He has held several civil offices in his county, having been Trustee of Harrison Township in 1880, re-elected in 1882, and obliged to resign in 1883, having been elected County Treasurer by a large majority. With no means to begin with, he has acquired a competence, owning six res- idences in Clay City, and one in Brazil, besides several farms, comprising 159 acres, 89 of which are under cultivation.

ABRAHAM WILLEN, a prominent farmer, is a native of Canton Berne, district of Ed-el-bodn, Switzerland, was born February 26, 1826, and is the fourth son of Christian and Margaret (Bruner) Willen, likewise natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to America in 1837, settled in Holmes County, Ohio, and in 1852, the family, excepting the father who had meantime died, removed to Owen County in this State. In 1869, Abraham came to Clay County and settled where he now has his home. April 1, 1850, he married, in Coshocton County, Ohio, Mary Ann Bowers, which union gave issue to eight children, of whom four are living-John, Rosa (wife of Fred Graeber), Christian and Peter. With the exception of a small sum received from his father's estate, Mr. Willen has made his own way through life, and by perseverance and economy, together with the constant aid of his wife, has succeeded in acquiring comfort and independence by the possession of a fine farm of 200 acres, with varied and modern improvements, as a residence, barns, orchards, fencing, etc. Mr. Willen is a Democrat in politics.

JOHN WILLEN, JR., stock-raiser and farmer, is the eldest son of Abra- ham and Mary (Bowers) Willen, the former a native of Switzerland, the lat- ter of Germany. Our subject was born in Holmes County, Ohio, October 30, 1852, reared a farmer, and received from the public schools a good English education. His parents removed to this State in 1854, settled in Owen County, and in 1862 removed to Clay County. John began life for himself at twenty-one years of age, and engaged in the lumber business, which now requires his undivided attention, having to manage his farm by the help of hired hands. Mr. Willen has attained his life success by his own efforts, and is the owner of a fine farm of 110 acres, all in a high state of cultivation, well supplied with stock and equipped with improvements, implements and the like. March 11, 1874, he married Ruefine Catherine Graber, a union which has been cemented by the birth of three children-Mary Elizabeth, Louisa Ella and Charles Frederick. Mr. Willen is a Democrat politically, and he and wife are members of the German Reformed Church.

GEORGE M. WILLIAMSON, grain and stock-dealer, of Clay City, Ind., was born February 21, 1845, in Franklin County, Ind., and was the seventh child born to John and Maria (James) Williamson, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of England. George was reared upon a farm working in summer and attending school in winter, remaining with his parents until twenty-one years of age, after which he still followed farming for a liveli- hood until a few years past. When quite young his parents removed with him to Putnam County, where he remained until 1877, when he came to Clay City, and engaged in his present business, also keeping a hotel. He started with little, but by good management aud industry has accumulated means to handle most of the grain and stock that come to this place. Last year he handled $45,000 worth of grain, and $20,000 worth of stock. He was married to Mary Watts, of Illinois, October 9, 1873. One child has been born to them, viz., Ernest M., born February 4, 1875. Mrs. William- son is an active member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Williamson is polit- ically an earnest Republican, and one of the party's active workers.

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Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 46

Author: Blanchard, Charles, 1830-1903, ed Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : F.A. Battey & Co. Number of Pages: 982

Author: Blanchard, Charles, 1830-1903, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : F.A. Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 982