Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 51

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 51
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 51


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).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114


JOHN F. PELL was born in Van Buren Township, Clay County, Ind., July 1, 1843, and is the seventh child of John and Rebecca Pell. When our subject was ten years old, his mother died. He was reared on the farm, and had limited educational advantages. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the three months' service, in Company F, Tenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battle of Rich Mountain, and for a short time on scouting expeditions in Western Virginia. He was discharged in July, and returned home July 11, 1861. He married Miss Mary C. Stalcop, of this township, born March 29, 1845, and daugh- ter of Wilson and Martha Stalcop. By this union there were six chil- dren-Albert M., Christopher H., W. Russell, Anna R., Laura and John F. He remained at home one year, and in August, 1862, re-enlisted in the same regiment, and after serving eight months was honorably dis- charged. He returned home, and took charge of the home farm. Later, he was enrolling officer for the township. After two years, he removed to Section 8 of this township; remained there two years ; then returned to the farm where he now lives, upon which he has resided ever since. He now has 200 acres, 140 being tillable land. The farm is well stocked. Mr. Pell is a prominent Republican. He was elected County Coroner in 1871 by a good majority. In 1879, he was elected Constable of his township, and is now serving his first term. He is a member of Lodge 368, I. O. O. F., at Harmony. Mr. Pell is a liberal supporter of all benevolent enterprises.


GEORGE MILTON PELL, M. D., was born in Van Buren Town- ship, Clay County, Ind., August 7, 1851. His educational opportunities in early life were very limited, but he manifested a desire for improve- ment. He worked on his father's farm, and experienced many of the hard- ships of the early settlers. In 1860, his father's health became poor, and the principal work of the farm fell upon him and his elder brother Alfred, which kept them from attending the short terms that were taught during the winter months; but he availed himself of the even- ings to study. In 1869, he began working for himself. He worked thirty-eight hour shifts at $2 per shift, pumping water in a coal slope. With the $60 thus earned, he bought some store clothes and school books and attended school during that winter. He then continued work on the farm until 1872, when he made several drill holes for coal oper- ators, whereby he made some money. In 1874, he received a twelve months' license to teach, and taught his first term at Pontiac School- house, near Carbon. He taught during the winters of 1874, 1875, 1876 and 1877, and gained a good reputation. In 1876, he began reading medicine, and after attending several courses at the Medical College of Indiana, he, in February, 1880, received his diploma from that institu-


472


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


tion; also one from the Sydenham Medical Society. He opened an office in Carbon, where he still is, now having in partnership with him Mr. L. G. Brock. On the 19th of November, 1882, Mr. Pell married Miss Catherine E. Smedley, of Bardstown Junction, Ky. This union has produced a fine girl, born August 24, 1883. During the first three years of his professional career, he booked and collected over $5,300. Drs. Pell & Brock are doing the leading business in Carbon.


EDWIN A. ROSSER was born in Wales, and is the fifth of eight children born to Richard and Rachel (Thompson) Rosser. When twelve years old, he emigrated to the United States and made his home with his brother, in Pomeroy, Ohio, where he engaged in mining until 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, Second West Virginia Cavalry, and served four years. For seven months he was a prisoner at Belle Isle, Danville, Va., and Andersonville. He was in all the battles of the Shenandoah Val- ley, and three days before Lee's surrender he was in the battle of Five Forks, where he captured Gen. Ewell. On his return home in 1865, he engaged in mining in Ohio for a short time, then came to this county, and followed the same business a few months; from thence to Colorado, where he followed gold-mining about two years. He then re- turned to this county, and in 1872 was elected County Recorder, which office he filled four years. In 1876, he was nominated for County Clerk, and was only beaten by a small majority. During the next four years, he was engaged in law practice, having been admitted to the bar in 1876. November 26, 1866, he married Miss Margaret J. Wesley, of Ohio, by which union there were two children-Charlotte and Anna A. At pres- ent Mr. Rosser is General Superintendent of the Carbon Hill Block Coal Company. He is a Republican, and a leader in local politics. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 409; also Knight Templar of Lodge No. 11.


JOHN RAWLEY, farmer, was born in Putman County, Ind., March 25, 1822, on the site of the present city of Greencastle. His parents were John and Millie (Dukes) Rawley, the former of English and the latter of German descent. Our subject was the eldest of seven chil- dren, four of whom are living. He was reared on a farm and received what education he could from the pioneer schools. On beginning life for himself, he worked for $8 a month, and cut wood for 25 cents per cord, by which means he obtained sufficient funds to purchase 160 acres of Government land. . March 10, 1847, he married Miss Nancy A., daughter of William Tarr, of Putman County, to which union there suc- ceeded eight children-Maria J. (deceased), William S., America E. (de- ceased), Anna E., Martha E., Franklin S., James A. and John M. Mr. Rawley traces his ancestry to Sir Walter Raleigh, the orthography of the name having been changed. He can recall the time when he wore buck- skins and moccasins, and used the hominy mortar and hand corn-mill. Mr. Rawley is now owner of 400 acres, with a commanding residence and improvements. He is one of the leading farmers and most respected citizens.


FRANK READLEY was born in France August 3, 1847, and is the second child born to Michael and Mary (Criply) Readley, natives of France and North Carolina, respectively. His parents were married in North Carolina, and soon after returned to France. When our subject was six years of age, both his parents died. He went to Columbus, Ohio; thence to Cincinnati, where he engaged in a trunk factory, and remained three years;


473


VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP.


then to St. Louis, where he followed various occupations about three years. Next he went to Michigan City, where he learned the trade of boot and shoe making; three years later he went to Owensboro, Ky., and engaged in a mill as engineer, remaining four or five years; then to Louisville, where, and on the river, he followed engineering a short time. From there he went to Mount Washington; afterward to Washington City, where he followed his trad9 about five months; then to Beech Grove, Ky., where he remained about three years. At that place he worked on perpetual motion about two and a half years; then built a mill, and almost succeeded in completing his purpose. He next went to Louisville, traded in cattle and horses, and cleared in one year about $1,600. He was in Indianapolis a short time; then followed barbering in Paris, Ill., and in Louisville about two years. He bought and farmed 160 acres of land in Crawford County, Ill .; after one year, he rented the farm and went to Little Rock, Ark., on a sporting tour; then sold his farm, and traveled from place to place, engaged in trading, and made one trip to California, where he worked in a gold mine. In 1880, he came to Harmony, where he still lives, being engaged in barbering. He owns a farm of seventy acres in Vigo County, also property in Terre Haute. Mr. Readley has had an eventful life; has made a fortune and spent a great deal. He is a member of A. O. U. W.


BENJAMIN F. REBERGER, one of the pioneers of Clay County, Ind., was born near Hagerstown, Md., August 6, 1825, and is a son of Christian O. and Catherine (Riley) Reberger, natives of Germany. Our subject was the fifth in a family of nine children, three of whom are now living, two in Indiana and one in Iowa. His parents emigrated from Würtemberg to this country about 1816. He was reared on a farm, and had meager educational advantages, owing to the imperfect system of schools in that day. November 29, 1849, he married Miss Ann Eliza, daughter of John L. Ford, of Putnam County, Ind. Nine children crowned this union, six of whom are now living. About 1853, Mr. Re- berger settled at Greencastle, Ind., and was engaged at his trade, coop- ering, about four years; then farmed in the west part of Putnam County. He next purchased the farm he now owns, which he has made one of the finest in the township. He takes a special interest in raising fine stock, and has quite a herd of blooded cattle. Mr. Reberger is a member of Clay Lodge, No. 368, I. O. O. F., and is an influential citizen.


EDMOND ROACH, a native of Ireland, was born May 28, 1838, and is a son of Edmond and Catherine (Ryan) Roach, likewise natives of Ireland and parents of seven children, of which our subject is the eldest. Edmond Roach emigrated to the United States in 1856, and landed at New York with 75 cents in pocket. He worked as a farm hand in Mas- sachusetts for one year, then removed to Kentucky in 1859, and engaged in building turnpikes until 1861, when he removed to Ohio and enlisted in Company G, Seventh Ohio Cavalry, and served three years, the greater portion of which time he was dispatch carrier under Gens. Schofield and Burnside, besides serving at the siege of Knoxville and other important engagements. After his return, he worked in a blast furnace in Ohio for three years. July 12, 1866, he married Mandina Burt, of Ohio, but a native of Virginia; she died the same year. In 1868, he came to this county, passed one year in Harmony, then moved to Carbon and en- gaged in the liquor traffic. Mr. Roach is an esteemed, liberal and en- terprising citizen. In religion, he is a Catholic; in politics, a Repub-


474


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


lican, and an influential man in his party. He has accumulated a good property in the town of Carbon.


THOMAS SARCHET was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, May 3, 1830, and is a son of Peter J. and Jane Sarchet. His father emigrated from France in 1806, and is now living in Edgar County, Ill., at the age of eighty-three; his mother, of Scotch extraction, was born and reared in Pennsylvania. Our subject was born and reared on a farm; attended the common schools about three months in winter, and worked on the farm in summer. He lived with his parents until his marriage in 1856, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Sallady, of Ohio. By this union there were four children, all living. In 1873, he married Lydia A. Tully, who is still living. He came in 1838, with his father, to this county, near where Brazil now is, where his father had the previous year entered 360 acres of Government land. They improved the land, and Mr. Sarchet had his full share of the hardships of pioneer life. At the time of his marriage, he was in limited circumstances; since then he has followed various occupations, such as farming, masonry and carpentering. Mr. Sarchet was formerly a Whig, but is now a Republican, and he has filled many positions of trust. He was elected Marshal of the town of Brazil, and afterward served two terms as Township Assessor.


DR. JAMES O. SIDDONS was born in Monroe Township, Putnam County, Ind., November 23, 1836, and is of German and French extrac- tion. He lived on the farm until seventeen years old, attending in the winter such schools as the new country possessed. He then went to learn the blacksmith's trade with his two brothers at Fillmore. Im- mediately after commencing work in the blacksmith shop, he began reading medicine with Dr. R. B. Denny, of Fillmore. After two years, he left the shop and commenced clerking in the store of Mr. William Railsback, still studying medicine in his spare time. January 19, 1860, he married Miss Martha A. Railsback, by which union there were two sons-Walter L. and William E., both of whom are living. In February, 1865, he was appointed by the Secretary of the State Sanitary Commis- sion as Special Surgeon to the Army of the Cumberland. He resigned that position, and on the 10th of March volunteered as a private in the Eleventh Indiana Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. His regiment was stationed at Baltimore, Md., and he saw no active service. April 8, 1866, he came to Harmony, and has since been engaged in an extensive practice. The Doctor has contributed to the press for twenty years, about seven years of that time as correspondent of the Brazil Miner, conducting two local columns, besides writing editorial matter. He has also written on theological questions, in the religious press, his articles attracting considerable attention. The Doctor is an independent Democrat, voting for the best man. He is also in favor of prohibition. He has been a Universalist over twenty years. He is a prosperous citizen, and a man of high literary attainments. A portion of his time he devotes to his farm, which is situated close to the town.


JAMES H. THROOP, druggist and a leading business man of Carbon, was born in Carlisle, Ky., July 12, 1848, and is the second of the seven children of George A. and Abigail (Milton) Throop, both of English de- scent. James H. resided with his parents until he was nineteen; re- ceived a fair school education, and in 1867 engaged in the drug business for his father at Reelsville, and remained until 1870, at which time he began the same business for himself at Harmony, then at Rosedale, and


475


VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP.


finally removed to Carbon, where he successfully established himself in his chosen business with a $3,000 stock and a bright prospect. August 4, 1869, he married Eliza S., daughter of Edward Barnett, now of Parke County, Ind., a union which has given birth to three children-Lillie M., George E. and Annie. Mr. Throop is a member of Carbon Lodge, No. 506, A. F. & A. M. In politics, he is a Democrat. £ He is also a liberal and generous man and an enterprising citizen. Mrs. Throop is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.


WILLIAM WILLIAMS, farmer, was born in Randolph County, N. C., and is a son of John and Rebecca (Graves) Williams, who were of German and English extraction respectively. In 1835, he came with his parents to this county, where his father made a settlement on Govern- ment land, and eighteen months later entered the same. His education was necessarily limited, as there were no schools within reach at that time. He lived with his parents until he was twenty-five years old, when, Au- gust 18, 1850, he married Miss Dicæa Bollin, a daughter of Charles Bol- lin, of this county. They have had six children, four of whom are liv- ing. Mr. Williams started at the bottom of the ladder, but, by industry and economy, he has accumulated a good living. He and wife have been consistent members of the United Brethren Church for many years.


ALLEN WILSON was born in Burke County, N. C., December 7, 1802, and is a son of Jesse and Rachel (Boone) Wilson, who were of En- glish extraction. Mrs. Rachel Wilson was a cousin of Daniel Boone. Allen lived on a farm with his parents until May 12, 1825, when he mar- ried Miss Sarah Allen, a daughter of John Allen, of Tennessee. They had three children one of whom is now living. Mr. Wilson's first wife died January 8, 1839, and he next married, May 13, 1839, Miss Mary Everman. By this union there were four children, one now living. The others died in infancy. Mrs. Mary Wilson died November 5, 1865. In 1831, Mr. Wilson removed to Owen County, Ind., where he entered eighty acres, and began as a pioneer, remaining there until September 10, 1877, when having sold his farm, he removed to the town of Knights- ville, where he still resides with his daughter Alice, who has been a suc- cessful teacher in the public schools of Knightsville for five years. Mr. Wilson began in limited circumstances, and is a self-made man. His


educational opportunities were poor, but, by self-culture, he has stored up much useful knowledge. He was formerly a member of the Camp- bellite Church, but for the past twelve years has belonged to the Seventh- Day Adventists. He has always adhered to the cause of temperance.


PETER WILSON, farmer and pioneer of Clay County, is a native of Montgomery County, Va., was born born February 10, 1818, and is a son of Joshua and Sarah (Leckins) Wilson. Peter Wilson was born and reared on his father's farm. His mother died when he was two years old, after which his father removed to Ohio, and thence to Clay County in 1837, where he died in 1860. Our subject, November 22, 1838, mar- ried Mary, daughter of Daniel McMillin. This union was enriched by six children, five of whom are living. Mr. Wilson is one of those who have labored to develop the county of Clay, and who have experienced the innumerable trials of a pioneer, having been in the township since it contained but fifteen voters. Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, and a very highly respected citizen.


E. L. WINKLEPLECK is a native of Ohio, and was born March 20, 1841, and is the youngest of twelve children (eight now living) born to


476


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


Philip and Rosie (Keyser) Winklepleck, natives of Virginia and Penn- sylvania, and of German extraction. In 1843, the family came to Knightsville, where the parents died. E. L. Winklepleck lived on a farm until his father's death, which occurred when our subject was thir- teen years old. He farmed in summer and attended school in winter. When nineteen, he came to Owen County, Ind., and taught district school until 1861. He then enlisted in Company G, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers, and served over three years. After that, he resumed teach- ing, continuing until 1868 (two years in the northern part of the State, and two years in Clay County). In that year, 1868, he became a clerk in the mercantile business. Since 1872, he has been successfully en- gaged in the dry goods business for himself; and though he started in limited circunstances, he has now one of the leading establishments in Knightsville. Mr. Winklepleck is a member of Lodge No. 215, I. O. O. F., at Brazil; also is a Royal Arch Mason of Brazil Chapter, No. 64.


SUGAR RIDGE TOWNSHIP.


RICHARD H. ASHMORE is a native of Highland County, Ohio, born November 24, 1830, and the youngest of ten children of Thomas. and Elizabeth (Roten) Ashmore, the former born in Baltimore, the latter in Henry County, Ky. The parents were Anglo-American. In boyhood, Richard never attended school, but what education he has, has been ac- quired since. He was apprenticed to the shoe-maker's trade, working at it until 1868, when he came to Indiana, settling on a farm on the Bow- ling Green road, one mile from Center Point. Here he lived six years, when he moved to Center Point, working at his trade for Mr. Givens three years, then purchasing the business himself, and, after running it three years, sold out and bought a stock of general merchandise, com- mencing business under the firm name of Ashmore & Russell. They have been in trade two years; have a good stock of goods. Mr. Ashmore has a frame residence in town, with nice outbuildings, milk-house and smoke-house. Politically, he is a Republican. He was married, March 20, 1856, to Jane Gillfillan, who became the mother of three children- Maggie, John and Newton E .- two of whom are still living.


JAMES FERGUSON, a farmer near Ashboro, Clay County, Ind., was born in Clermont County, Ohio, on November 21, 1806. So sparse. was the population, and so uncultured were those who had been born west of the Alleghany Mountains, and who had already grown to woman- hood and manhood, at the date of Mr. Ferguson's birth, that society or civil government had scarcely an existence. There was no school or church nearer than sixteen miles. In 1810, their first schoolhouse was erected without a sawed board, a nail, iron hinge, or pane of glass. In his own words: "Our teachers knew little, which we learned slowly. Our books were few, and far from being suggestive. Our parents were mostly uneducated, and of consequence could not aid us. At about ten years of age, I chanced to get 'James Ferguson's Manual of Astronomy.' So fond was Iof it, that I read and re-read it, until I believed it. Few others did. I worked out the easier problems with a ball of yarn for a globe,


477


SUGAR RIDGE TOWNSHIP.


a knitting needle for an axis, and a candle for a sun. I believed the learned Scotchman. By 1812, we had preaching occasionally in the cabins. About 1817, organized church societies existed. Early, Timo- thy Rardin was chosen Justice of the Peace, and served us thirty-seven years. His were courts of compromise, or equity rather, than of law. Though passionate in his temperament, he was a peace-maker. But three appeals were ever taken from his to a higher court, and none of his decisions were ever reversed. Thus society, the school, the church, and civil government, crystallized in the wilderness. Our schools went


apace. A few of us essayed the task of getting by rote Lindley Murray's rules of English Grammar, then Kirkham's, then Greenleaf's. We were flattered, by the men of that day, as having succeeded. We then tried book-keeping six weeks. Subsequently, James Shaw and I worked dili- gently, six or eight weeks, at so much of geometry and trigonometry as is necessary in the science of surveying, but without a single practical hint as to how we were to make use of any knowledge we, presumably, had attained, either in surveying or any other science. Our teacher told us he knew nothing, practically. Shaw and I went forth-educated! No teacher within our reach professed to know or teach more. Two days in the woods with our county surveyor gave the practical knowledge. What I saw done, I knew." Mr. Ferguson's paternal great-grandfather located on the Monongahela River, twenty miles above Fort DuQuesne, or Fort Pitt, soon after the English wrested it from the French. His family numbered some ten in all, each of whom learned to bestir him- self for a livelihood amid the privations of border life. Henry and Isaac (the latter the grandfather of James), became the pioneer traders. They made seventy-two round trips, with their pack horses loaded with peltries, furs and ginseng, to Philadelphia, and brought out tools, wares, etc., before there was any wagon road. About 1768, Isaac married a Miss Leedum, a Welch lady. In 1775, Hugh, the father of our subject, was born. About 1784, Isaac F. started westward, but stopped awhile at what is now Wheeling, W. Va., because of danger from the Indians. At a date not precisely known, he placed his household goods, etc., on board a batteau, or covered, box-like boat, and proceeded to "Lime- stone," which is now Maysville; thence to "Bryant's Station" (a picket inclosure with a strong cabin projecting from its corners, inside of which were built the "cabins" of the several families). Boone's and Morgan's Stations were in the near vicinity, and the same in structure. The late


Squire Bryant, of Posey Township, Clay County, was a grandson of the founder of the Bryant Fort. In this fort was Isaac Ferguson, with his family. Of his sons, Hugh-then a boy of some ten years of age-was the father of the late Isaac F., of Perry Township, Clay County, and of James, the subject of this sketch. Of his daughters were Nancy, mother of Mrs. Andrew Hixon, of Perry Township; Ruth F., mother of the late Mrs. Fagan, of Perry Township; and of Isaiah Donham, of Vigo; Elizabeth F., mother of the late John Donham, and of Abel Donham. In Morgan's Station was James McArthur, who, with his wife (nee Rachel Brown) and five children had followed the fortunes of Mor- gan from the Shenandoah Valley, Va., via Cumberland Gap and Crab Orchard to the fort. Of Mr. McArthur's family, Sarah, the eldest daugh-


ter, was the mother of George Donham, of Perry Township, and his nu- merous brothers and sisters. Mary and Hannah McArthur were twins- Mary being the mother of Isaac and James Ferguson, and Hannah the


478


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


mother of Mrs. Peter Eppert and Jonathan Elstun, of Perry Township, and of Mrs. H. Shumard, of near Lockport, Vigo County. In 1797, Isaac F. located in what is now Campbell County, Ky., crossed the Ohio River eighteen miles above Fort Washington (now Cincinnati), and, aided by his sons Zachariah, Isaiah and Hugh, cleared tifteen acres of land in the Ohio River bottom, and built a cabin, while Isaac, Jr., with gun, did picket duty against the yet distrusted red man. In the spring of 1798, the family removed to this location. Isaac Ferguson's cabin was never molested by the Indian. He had never hunted the Indian with his rifle, nor fought him, except when Simon Girty and his warriors besieged Bry- ant's Station. At this date no State of the Union existed in the Great West, except Kentucky. Then the Northwest Territorial government, with Gen. Arthur St. Clair for Governor, was composed of territory bounded on the east by Pennsylvania, on the north by Canada, on the south by the Ohio River, and on the west by the Mississippi River. Five years later the State of Ohio was admitted in the Union. In 1800, James McArthur, of Morgan's Station, removed to an eminence east of the Little Miami River, sixteen miles northeast of Cincinnati. In Feb- ruary, 1805, Hugh Ferguson and Mary McArthur were married, and built their cabin in the wilderness, three miles east of the Ohio River, at New Richmond. In this cabin, James Ferguson, our subject, was born. At twenty years of age, he started in life on his own account, being equipped with a broad-ax and whipsaw. Want of means to clothe himself and to procure books, pressed him into the service. He soon after went to Cincinnati to make sale of some lumber, and while there took a contract to build a pork-house, and, though unfamiliar with the use of tools, he executed the work with credit to himself. Shortly after this, he erected a second and similar structure. Later, he made a design for a flouring mill and saw mill, which he built from the stump, this being the first mill ever erected in that section of the country. He worked at his trade at intervals for many years, serving in the meantime as County-Auditor one term, and Deputy Clerk, Sheriff and Treasurer. He then purchased the Ohio Sun newspaper, becoming its publisher, man- ager and editor. After four years' successful work in the managerial and editorial departments of the Sun, he was compelled to retire on ac- count of failing health. Soon after his retirement, he took the census of Clermont County, Ohio; then engaged in farming, and later planted a small fruit orchard, meeting with success. He, however, soon returned to the business of contracting and building, continuing in this till 1846, when he was attacked with dyspepsia, which made him an invalid for four years. After recovering his health sufficiently, he was appointed Inspector and Superintendent of the manufacturing of leather mail bags, besides having the charge of the distribution of mail for ten of the Northwestern States. He was thus employed for two years, removing then to Miami County, Ohio, and entering 160 acres of land, which he improved. He resided there until 1856, when fire destroyed his house. He then accepted the position of Mail Agent over the Bellefontaine Rail- road, remaining thus employed one year, then retiring on account of ill health. He then came to this county and began improving land he en - tered in 1837, and in October, 1860, he moved his family here, and here he has since resided. He was married in June, 1837, to Nancy L. Corbly, of Hamilton County, Ohio. She died in 1841, leaving one daughter, Julia C. His present wife was Susan Mitchell, whom he mar-




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.