Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 54

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 54
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 54

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).

DR. OLIVER JAMES, of Cory, Ind., is a native of Carroll County, Ohio, born July 13, 1841, and is the third of seven children, five of whom are still living. of Thomas and Susan (Springer) James, both na- tives of Ohio, and both deceased. He spent the early part of his life, until he was eighteen years of age, on a farm. He then entered a semi- nary, where he qualified for the study of medicine. At the age of twenty, he commenced his professional studies under Dr. Samuel Black, of Dell Roy, Ohio, continuing three years, when he commenced the practice of medicine. In the autumn of 1865, he moved to this section, locating with Mr. Robert Bennett, two miles south of the present site of Cory, and remained here over two years, when he married Eliza B. Harper, who was born December 18, 1844, and died September 14, 1872. She was a daughter of Hugh and Martha (Sample) Harper. She bore her husband one child, Howard T., born February 3, 1870. Soon after his marriage, he located on a farm on which a part of Cory now stands. Here he has been ever since, engaged in the practice of his profession. His second marriage occurred July 22, 1875, to Melissa Dunham, daugh- ter of Elijah and Elizabeth Dunbam, early settlers of this township. From this marriage resulted four children, viz .. Elva (deceased), born July 2, 1876; William Frederick, born April 17, 1878, died October 7, 1879; Herbert Leroy, born March 12, 1880, died October 8, 1881; Floy Leland, born March 30, 1882. In October, 1876, he entered the Medical College of Indiana, and graduated in the spring of 1877. Since then, he has enjoyed a successful practice at Cory. In 1877, he purchased a one-third interest in the flouring mill at Cory, and still holds that inter- est. Politically, he is a Republican, and the success of his party in this township is, in a great measure, due to Dr. James' efforts. He is also a prominent member of the Methodist Church, of the Masonic fraternity, also of the I. O. O. F. He owns one-half interest in the only drug store at Cory, the name of the firm being James & Modesitt. He is a man of enterprise and sterling worth.

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DR. BENJAMIN KESTER was born in Pennsylvania April 24, 1808, and was the fifth of sixteen children of John and Martha (Hartley) Kester. Six of these sixteen children are still living. The father was of German, the mother of English origin. Our subject lived on a farm in Pennsylvania until he was twenty years of age, when he moved with his parents to Ohio, locating in Guernsey County, where he resided until the year 1851, when he moved to Perry Township, Clay County, Ind., on the farm where he at present resides. On December 24, 1829, he was married to Melinda Hartley, who was born January 15, 1809. To this union were born eleven children, viz., Mary, Mahlon, Abby, John, Will- iam, Ephraim W., Melissa, Phoebe A., Arletta, Charles, and one un- named. At the age of about twenty-six years, he began the study of medicine under Dr. Williams, at Millwood, Ohio. After three years' study, he began practicing with his preceptor, and after fifteen years of practice in Ohio he removed to Perry Township, Ind., and continued practicing here until the year 1879, during which year he received a stroke of paralysis, from which he is now suffering. His medical prac- tice has been quite extensive, and in it he has been generally very suc- cessful. He and his wife are prominent members of the Quaker Church. He is deeply interested in politics, and is an enthusiastic Republican. He lives on a farm of 159 acres.

WEBSTER LUCAS, of the firm of S. Lucas & Son, dealers in boots and shoes, Cory, Ind., was born August 2, 1853, in Carroll County, Ohio, and is the son of Samuel, who was born May 26, 1826, and Han- nah (McAllister) Lucas, who was born September 9, 1830. Our subject is the third of a family of eight children, four of whom are still living. He lived in Ohio with his parents until he was twenty years of age, his parents moving to this county in April, 1873, locating in Perry Town- ship, two and a half miles from Cory, where they remained two years, engaged in farming, after which they moved to Cory. At the age of sixteen, Webster commenced serving time at the shoe-maker's trade, which has been his occupation ever since. In October, 1881, he and his father established the boot and shoe store which they still own and are con- ducting with marked success. On February 21, 1875, he married Mag- gie G. Rector, daughter of George Rector, one of the prominent farmers of Perry Township. She died February 21, 1876, leaving one child, William O., born November 25, 1875. He was remarried, March 1, 1877, to Arlena Green, who was born in Vigo County, Ind., February 18, 1853. She has borne her husband two children-Allmon H., born December 27, 1877, died May 2, 1878; Samuel Edgar, born November 8, 1881. On January 25, 1883, he was appointed Postmaster at Cory, Ind., which office he still holds. He is a member of that branch of the Chris- tian Church known as the Campbellites. He takes a deep interest in politics, being a stanch Republican.

DR. JAMES A. MODESITT, Cory, Ind., was born in Clay County, Ind., July 15, 1844, and is the ninth of a family of ten children of James and Frances (Cole) Modesitt. Eight of these children are still living- all in Clay County. The subject of this sketch spent the early part of his life on the farm. At the age of seventeen, he entered the Blooming- dale Academy, at which institution he remained two and one half years. He then commenced teaching school, and taught his first six months' term in Jackson Township, Clay County, in the winter of 1868-69. In the autumn of 1869, he went to Illinois and remained about two and one

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half years, being principally engaged in teaching. He then returned to Indiana and taught a seven months' term in Posey Township, Clay County; then went to Parke County and taught a term. This closed his career as a teacher. During his leisure hours while teaching, he read medical text books, and in 1870 began a course of medical studies under Dr. J. J. Raburn, of Illinois, remaining with him five months ; then entered the office of Drs. Hawkins & Davis, at Staunton, Clay County. In the winter of 1872-73, he entered the Indiana Medical College for a course of lectures, beginning in the spring of 1873 the practice of medicine in Cory, continuing one year, after which he and Dr. James formed a copartner- ship in the retail drug business, and he has continued in that business up to the present time. In the spring of 1879, however, he finished his course at the medical college, and is at this writing enjoying a lucrative and successful practice. On October 7, 1875, he married Ruth A. Coble, daughter of Thomas and Catherine Coble. She was born July 9, 1855. Dr. Modesitt takes a deep interest in all matters political, and is an ener- getic advocate of the principles of the Democratic party. He is a prom- inent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is at present Superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He owns a one-half interest in the only drug store in Cory. Dr. Modesitt is an enterprising citizen, and is ever laboring for the welfare of the business and social interests of the community.

CONRAD MOREHART, of the firm of Morehart & Ferrel, millers, of Cory, Ind., is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio; was born August 25, 1843, and is the son of Henry and Mary (Plotner) Morehart, being the third in a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living. The mother is still living in Ohio, the father having died in 1864. Until he was eighteen years old, Conrad's early life was spent on a farm, when August 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry Volunteers. He continued in the service until he was honorably discharged at Houston, Texas, on July 31, 1865. He was a gallant soldier, and never shirked his duty. He was in some of the closest contests of the struggle, viz., Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hill, Black River Bridge, Champion Hill, siege of Vicks- burg and Fort Blakely, Ala. On his return from the war, he took the management of the home farm, and continued farming and raising stock until the autumn of the year 1873, when he moved to Vigo County, Ind., locating in Riley Township. Here he farmed during the succeeding four years, when, his health failing him, he sought another occupation. He commenced to speculate in grain, and in the year 1877 purchased a one- third interest in the flour mill at Cory, which he still owns. On January 9, 1873, he married Joanna Swauk, daughter of Jesse Swauk, one of the prominent farmers of Vigo County. She was born March 9, 1854. She has borne her husband five children, viz., Jesse H., Erastus Hayes, Emerson (deceased), Omner C., Mollie Leah. Mr. Morehart takes an active interest in politics, lending his services to the Republican party. He is one of the most enterprising and public-spirited men of this town. ship. He possesses more than ordinary educational attainments, and is a warm friend of progress.

JOHN T. MORGAN was born in Bath County, Ky., October 8, 1828. and is the son of William C. and Lorilda (Turman) Morgan, the former of Welsh lineage. Our subject lived in Kentucky with his parents until he was six years old, when they went to Fountain County, Ind., and, in

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1838, he moved with his parents to Clay County, locating on the farm where he now resides. The country at that time was wild and unsettled, and it was by hard manual labor that the father succeeded, with the assistance of six children, in clearing up and developing the fine farm which the subject of this sketch now owns. His advantages of an early education were limited to the common schools of early days, traveling three miles to and from school. At the age of twenty six, he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and worked at it until he was thirty- three years old, when he enlisted in Company G, Forty-third Indiana Infantry, December 12, 1861, and served until December 13, 1864, when he was honorably discharged by reason of the expiration of his term of service. He was in the following severe engagements: Helena, Ark., and Saline River. On his return from the service, he located on the farm where he now resides. He was married, March 27, 1867, to Catherine (Barber) Deeter, who was born October 22, 1840, his marriage being to a widow with two children. This union has been blessed with no children. Mr. Morgan is one of the enterprising farmers of this township. He lives on a farm of 246 acres of well-improved land.

S. W. O'BRIEN, of the firm of O'Brien & Donham, dealers in agri- cultural implements, Cory, Ind., was born in Storey County, Iowa, Octo- ber 21, 1852, and is the son of Stephen P. and Sarah E. (Heastand) O'Brien. He lived on a farm in Iowa until the autumn of 1866, when he removed with his father to Perry Township, Clay County. At the age of sixteen, he entered the graded school at Center Point, Clay County, where he remained two years. He then went to Otter Creek Township, Vigo County, and worked as a farm laborer for two years; then he spent one year on a farin in Honey Creek Township, Vigo County; thence went to Riley Township, Vigo County, where he com- menced farming for himself, remaining there until the spring of 1881, when he returned to Cory, in Perry Township, and engaged in the livery business, and has been proprietor of the livery stable here ever since. In 1882, he and J. T. Donham formed a copartnership for the sale of agri- cultural implements, and they together have conducted a very successful business in that line ever since. This season the firm has sold seventeen Minneapolis twine-binders, besides many other implements. He was married. January 16, 1876, to Arabelle Thompson, daughter of one of the prominent farmers of Riley Township, Vigo County, where she was born. She died November 19, 1879, aged twenty-two years, nine months and eight days. She bore her husband two children-Stephen R., born February 25, 1878; Thomas, born November 13, 1879. He was married the second time, April 9, 1882, to Mary A. Ferguson, who was born November 18, 1859. One child has been born to them-infant (un- named), born July 21, 1883. In politics, Mr. O'Brien is a Democrat, yet he has never been identified as an active politician. In 1882, he was the Democratic candidate for Assessor of Perry Township. He reduced by twenty-five votes the usual Republican majority, yet he was defeated. He is one of the active business men of Cory, lending his services to all enterprises of a legitimate nature. £ His father was in the Mexican war, having served one year. He was also a gallant soldier in the late war for three years, holding the grade of First Lieutenant.

MILTON H. PEARCY, one of the oldest living residents of Perry Township, is a native of Shelby County, Ky., born October 23, 1821, of parents George and Sarah (Warford) Pearcy, the former a native of Vir-

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ginia, the latter of Pennsylvania. Milton was born and raised on a farm until he was three and one-half years of age, when he moved with his parents to Putnam County, Ind., where he remained until he was nearly twenty-one years of age, when he went West on a sporting tour. He re- mained in the West two and one-half years, and while there he traveled in the present States of Nebraska and Kansas, and in the Indian Terri- tory, and in Texas and Minnesota. While hunting, his party killed many buffalo, deer, bear and other wild game. They were frequently attacked by Indians, and to-day he carries a scar of a wound received from an Indian arrow. In the winter of 1842, he taught the first term of school ever taught on the present site of St. Joseph, Mo. His early education was limited to the rude country schools of the early day, but energy and ambition have prepared and qualified him for the important duties of the profession of school teacher. At the age of eighteen, he began his career as teacher in Putnam County, Ind., where he taught several years; then several terms in Clay County, and other places, and in all has taught school 172 months. He is the oldest teacher now living in Perry Town- ship. On September 27, 1848, he was married to Matilda Donham, daughter of John Donham, one of the early settlers of this section. She has borne him seven children-Elizabeth E., born July 1, 1849; Silas E., born September 25, 1850; Oliver N., October 10, 1852; Sarah A., October 24, 1856; James H., May 10, 1860; George A., April 14, 1861; Wilson W., May 18, 1866. He located in Clay County in 1848, consid- ering this his home ever since, and now owns 111 acres of well-improved land. In politics, he is a Republican. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; also of the A. F. &. A. M. Mr. Pearcy is one of the most enterprising men of this county.

GEORGE RECTOR, one of the prominent farmers of Perry Town- ship (P. O. Cory, Ind.), is the oldest in a family of twelve children, six of whom are still living. He was born in Knox County, Ind., November 28, 1814, of parents John and Catherine Rector. He lived with his par- ents in Knox County until he was two years old, when they moved to Vigo County and remained there until George was nineteen years old, when he moved with his parents to Clay County, locating where Charles P. Rector now lives. This country was then wild and unsettled, the principal inhabitants being the wild beasts. The parents were compelled to endure the hardships incident to pioneer life, but the father succeeded, with the aid of an energetic family, in developing one of the finest farms in Perry Township. George was born and bred a farmer, hence his in- clinations have always led him in that direction. His early education was obtained in the primitive schoolhouses of the early day. These were constructed of rough logs, with clapboard roof, puncheon floors, and greased paper pasted over the crevices for windows. By his own efforts, he however succeeded in acquiring sufficient knowledge to enable him to take the place of teacher, and he commenced his career in a school- house of the above description, on the line between Vigo and Clay Coun- ties. This was a six months' subscription school, the patrons paying the teacher in skins of various kinds at the rate of $2 per scholar. He after- ward secured a county teacher's license, and taught for several years in the public schools of Clay County. Many persons now living in Clay County to him owe their education. He was married, May 29, 1838, to Elizabeth J. Van Cleve, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Kearns) Van Cleve. His wife was born March 7, 1820, in Orange County, Ind.

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Eight children were born to this union-B. V., born April 22, 1839; Catherine M., September 15, 1840; Mathew S., September 30, 1842; Elijah O., August 10, 1844; Wesley J., August 19, 1847; James A., August 16, 1849; Margaret J., November 25, 1856, died February 21, 1876; Frederick S., September 12, 1865, died October 25, 1865. Mr. Rector is one of the oldest living residents of Perry Township, and is an enterprising, energetic citizen. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-five years. With two excep- tions, all of his children are also members. He takes an active interest in politics; never fails to go to the polls, and always votes the Repub- lican ticket. He is a member of Riley Lodge, No 390, A. F. & A. M.

WILLIAM H. RECTOR, one of the oldest residents now living in Perry Township (P. O. Cory), Clay Co., Ind., is a native of Vigo County, Ind., born August 19, 1820, of parents John and Catherine Rector. He lived with his parents in Vigo County until he was twelve years of age, when he moved with them to Clay County, locating about two miles north of where he now resides. He has resided in this township ever since. His early education was limited to what was acquired in the rude country schoolhouses of early days, but by dint of hard labor, stimulated by an ambitious disposition, he has possessed himself of more than ordinary attainments. With the exception of one year that he was in the Mexi- can war, he has been a farmer all his life. In Mexico he served under Capt. Cochrane, of Company H, Fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was engaged in some of the severest battles of that war. While in Mexico, he was attacked with a serious illness, suffering untold miseries, and his physicians abandoned all hope of his recovery. But an indom- itable will and a strong constitution pulled him through, and he yet lives, although even to-day he is a sufferer from injuries received during that Mexican campaign. On his return from the war, he located on the farm where he now lives, and has lived ever since. On January 16, 1853, he was married to Martha (Fisk) McMasters, who was born June 19, 1826, of parents Daniel and Martha (Joslin) Fisk. The following children were born to them, viz .: Cynthia A., born January 27, 1854; Martha C., December 20, 1856, died October 21, 1861; Alwilda, June 3, 1859; Nancy J., August 24, 1861, died March 1, 1863; William G., August 7, 1864; Oliver W., November 26, 1866. Mr. Rector is an enterprising farmer, ever favoring that which has a tendency to elevate society and promote the business interests of his community. He takes a deep interest in matters political, and is an enthusiastic advocate and supporter of Demo . cratic principles. He served six years as Commissioner of Clay County, and held that office at the time the county records were removed from Bowling Green to Brazil. He and his wife are members of the Meth- odist 'Episcopal Church, and lend their assistance wherever and when- ever possible to the upbuilding of the cause of Christianity. He is also a prominent member of Riley Lodge, No. 390, of A. F. & A. M. His farm of 144 acres has all the modern improvements.

ENOCH M. RECTOR is a native of Vigo County, Ind., born June 4, 1828, of parents John and Catherine (Price) Rector. His parents emigrated to this State at a very early day, and his father assisted in breaking the first field for corn that was plowed on Fort Harrison Prairie. Enoch lived with his parents in Vigo County until he was about eight years old, then moved with them to Perry Township, Clay County, lo- cating near where he now lives. Born and bred a farmer, he has always

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been inclined in that direction. He obtained his education in the rude country schoolhouses of the early times: yet he is self-educated, and has taught several terms, his first term being a subscription school taught in the Washington Schoolhouse, Perry Township. He afterward obtained a teacher's license in Clay County, and taught seven terms in said county, afterward teaching four terms in Vigo County. He had the reputation of being a first-class teacher, and at that time a credit to the profession. He received the highest wages paid, $1.50 per day. On December 1, 1854, he was married to Elizabeth Donham, daughter of Abel Donham, one of the oldest settlers now living in Perry Township. She was born May 1, 1836. Thirteen (living) children have been born to them, viz .: L. C., born October 6, 1855; Cinderella, April 2, 1857; Margaret B., December 3, 1858; Elva A., October 5, 1860; Florella J., February 27, 1862; Ulysses G., September 27, 1864; Melvin S., April 10, 1866; Annie D., December 13, 1867; Emma May, July 16, 1869; Daniel Voorhees, February 16, 1871; George R., August 24, 1872; Mary, November 22, 1874; John O., December 30, 1876. Mr. Rector purchased bis first land from the Wabash & Erie Canal Company at $2.50 per acre. Since then he has accumulated and purchased until he now owns 400 acres of well- improved land. He lives in one of the largest and finest houses in this section. He takes an active interest in politics, lending his services to the Democratic party. He is an enterprising citizen, and much respected by the community in which he lives. He was a Justice of the Peace in Perry Township for eight years. He is a member of Marion Grange, No. 1426.

CHARLES P. RECTOR, one of the prominent farmers of Perry Township, P. O. Cory, Ind., is the youngest child of John, who was born March 2, 1794, and died April 22, 1871, and Catherine Rector, who was born October 10, 1798, and died October 24, 1879. Charles was born February 10, 1840, in the house where he now lives, and has lived ever since his birth. He has been engaged in farming all his life, and his farm is a well-improved one of 215 acres. He is a man of rather ordinary educational attainments, yet takes deep interest in current lit- erature. He was married, on January 26, 1865, to Annie Redifer, who was born August 29, 1845, of parents, Louis and Louisa (Gregory) Red- ifer. They have had born to them seven children, viz., Louisa B., born December 4, 1866, died March 10, 1867; Louis, born March 12, 1868; John, born October 31, 1870; Lloyd, born October 28, 1872; Otto, born September 1, 1875; Fred, born April 2, 1877; Nora, born June 30, 1880. Mr. Rector is one of the enterprising farmers and citizens of Perry Town- ship, his efforts being always directed toward everything which tends to promote the business interests of his community, and ameliorating the condition of society. He is much interested in politics, and gives his earnest support to the Democratic party. He claims no connection with any church organization, but his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The dwelling house of his father, in which Charles now resides, was for twenty years used by the parents and neighbors as a house of worship. Mr. Rector is a member of Marion Grange, Lodge No. 1426.

HUGH ROBERTSON is one of the enterprising farmers of Perry Township, Clay County, and was born in this county January 19, 1842. His parents were John W. and Nancy (Billiter) Robertson, both of whom were very early settlers of this county. Hugh has lived in this township

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all his life, being born and bred a farmer, his inclinations always run- ning in that direction. His early education was limited to the common schools, yet he takes deep interest in current literature. He was mar- ried, February 19, 1866, to Barbara Haney, of Moultrie County, Ill. She was born December 19, 1846. Six children have been born to them -John E., Ambrose, Silvia, Grace, Lloyd and Coen M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are members of the Christian Church, and ever stand ready to lend their services to the cause of Christianity. He owns a well-improved farm of 330 acres, is an enterprising citizen, and ever favors those things which tend to promote the business interests of the country.

A. S. ROBERTSON, one of the prominent farmers of Perry Town. ship, Clay Co., Ind., was born on the farm where he now resides on January 12, 1854, and is the son of John W. and Perlina M. (McKee) Rob. ertson, who were early settlers of this township. In about the year 1832, his grandfather, John Robertson, settled one-half mile north of where he (our subject) now lives. Mr. Robertson acquired his education in the district schools of this township and the graded school of Center Point, and has therefore more than ordinary educational attainments. In the autumn of 1873, he began teaching in the public schools in Vigo County, where he has since taught four terms, and one term in Perry Township, Clay County. He is said to be a first-class teacher, and gives general satisfaction. He was married, October 14, 1879, to Abbie L. Haney, who was born January 28, 1858. Two children have been born to them- John O., born October 2, 1880; Ulela B., born February 12, 1882, died October 1, 1882. At present Mr. Robertson's attention is directed to farming and stock-raising. His farm consists of 287 acres of well-im. proved land. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is always ready to lend his services to the Christian cause. In politics, he is a Republican.

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Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 54

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