Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 55

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 55
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 55

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).

J. H. STONEBURNER is one of the prominent farmers of Perry Township, Clay County, and is a native of Loudoun County, Va. He was born March 4, 1829. His parents, John H. and Sarah (Fry) Stoneburner, were both of German extraction. He lived in Virginia until he was ten years of age, when his parents moved to Ohio, where he remained until the autumn of 1860, then came to Indiana, locating in Perry Township, one and a half miles east of where he at present resides. From early childhood he has been a farmer. On September 2, 1851, he was mar- ried to Arletta Hartley, who was born March 24, 1833. They have been blessed with eight children- Hiram (deceased), Charles J., Hartley D., Emma, Edgar, Sarah Etta, James C., John D. Mr. and Mrs. Stone- burner are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are ever ready to assist in the up-building of the cause of Christianity. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. As an enterprising citizen, he favors all projects which tend to promote the business interests of his county. He owns a farm of 230 acres, which has all the modern im- provements.

JOHN W. WILLIAMS, one of the oldest living residents of Perry Township, was born in Miami County, Ohio, September 10, 1817, of parents, George and Mary (Lang) Williams. He lived with his parents in Ohio until he was twenty-one years of age, when he moved to Clay County, Ind., and began life for himself, locating where he now lives. This country was then wild and unsettled and uncultivated, and he was

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compelled to endure all the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life. But he succeeded in clearing and improving a farm, which compares favorably with any in the township. His early educational opportuni- ties were rather limited. He was born and raised a farmer, hence his inclinations have led him in that direction. He was married, on March 9, 1837, to Sarah Neal, who was born June 12, 1818. The following children have been born to them, viz .: Lydia N., born February 20, 1838; Mary E., born December 27, 1841; Nancy A., born May 7, 1844, died August 16, 1872; Henry H., born December 23, 1846; Sarah J., born April 25, 1853, died October 1, 1877. In his younger days he and wife were members of that branch of the church known as the New Lights. Politically, he is a Republican, voting for the man and not his politics. Mr. Williams is an energetic, thrifty, enterprising farmer, and much re- spected in the community in which he lives. He lives on a well-improved farm of 160 acres, eight miles south of Brazil.

W. J. WITTY was born in Washington Township, Clay Co., Ind., February 1, 1838, and is the eldest of a family of twelve children of B. H. and Elizabeth (Walker) Witty. He has been a resident of Clay County all his life. He was born and raised on a farm, and consequently farming has been his principal occupation. At the age of nineteen years, he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and worked at it about seven years. On September 20, 1863, he was married to Sarah A. Donham, who was born August 3, 1840. She has borne him two children-Mary O. and John. Mr. Witty is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in politics. In the autumn of 1870, he was elected Trustee of Perry Town- ship, and served two consecutive terms with credit to himself and satis- faction to his constituents. During his incumbency, he built two school- houses. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Witty is an enterprising man, and always well up with the spirit of the age. He lives on a farm of forty acres, three-fourths of a mile northwest of Cory. Twice he has been appointed to the office of Justice of the Peace for un- expired terms. The first time was in 1879, the second in 1882, and he is yet serving.

MARSHALL M. ZENOR, of the firm of Zenor & Butts, Cory, Ind., was born in Jackson Township, Clay County, August 10, 1840, where he lived with his parents until September 16, 18-, at which date he was married to Elizabeth E. Varley. She bore her husband three children- Lucy L., born January 11, 1872; James M., born December 27, 1874; William T., born December 7, 1879. Mrs. Zenor died February 13, 1880. Mr. Zenor was next married, November 18, 1882, to Mary E. Leberer, who was born August 28, 1855. At the age of eighteen years, our subject was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and has worked at it more or less ever since. In 1874, he became a contractor, and since then has supervised the construction of a great many houses and other buildings in this and adjoining counties. In the autumn of 1882, he and Mr. Butts formed a copartnership in the mercantile business, which they have ever since conducted very successfully. They have a well- selected stock of goods, valued at $5,000, and carry an insurance of $4,000. Mr. Zenor is a prominent member of Lodge No. 251, I. O. O. F., at Ashboro. In politics, he is a Republican. He is an enterprising citizen, and a man of sterling worth.

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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

JOHN ASHER, farmer, was born in Blount County, East Tenn., July 21, 1822, and is one of the thirteen children of William and Mary (Davis) Asher, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina respectively, and of English descent. William Asher was a farmer who, with his- family, moved to this county and located near Poland on Government land, which he afterward entered. Mr. Asher served for fifteen years as Justice of the Peace, and a like time as County Commissioner. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and died in 1848, aged fifty-one years. His wife died in March, 1865. John Asher passed his boyhood in Owen County, this State, during which he received but thirty days' schooling. When twenty-one years of age, he began farming on the home farm for himself; later removed to Terre Haute, and in 1851 located where he now lives. On comning here, he located on canal land. In 1845, he married Miss Lucinda Haltom, with a result of four children, two of whom are living-William T. and Isaac W .; the former is at home with his parents, the latter resides in Missouri. In 1876, Mr. Asher founded the town of Ashersville, and in the same year a shaft was sunk on his land for the purpose of mining coal, with excellent results; so that. in spite of many reverses, he has also found many successes. Mr. Asher is an energetic man and a respected citizen.

JOHN BARD, gunsmith, is the youngest of the eight children of John and Margaret (Stuck) Bard, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Ger- man extraction. He was born June 27, 1821, in Columbiana County, Ohio, where he lived until he was ten years old, when he was removed. to Richland County, where he learned blacksmithing, later gunsmithing in Ashland, Ohio, and still later the wheelwright trade in Olivesburg. August 19, 1841, he married Miss Mary K., daughter of William and Jane Smith, which union gave being to eight children, four of whom are living-Mary E., Henry D., Alfred F. and Laurana A. In 1842, he moved to this county and located on his present home, having exchanged his only horse for forty acres, on which he erected a cabin and prepared to improve. In 1850, he removed to Bowling Green, worked as a wheel- wright and at other labor, then resumed farming. In February, 1864, he joined Company A, Eleventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was in the Potomac branch of the army, and served until the war was. ended. His sons, Alfred F. and James W., were in the Twenty-first State Artillery; John W., of Company H, Eleventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, died at New Albany of fever; Henry D. served in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry .. James W. afterward served in the regular army three years, and later went to Mexico, where he,was slain. Mr. Bard was five years Justice- of the Peace; is a Master Mason, a member of the G. A. R., and of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Bard belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN BOLIN, farmer, was born in Owen County, Ind., April 14, 1832, and is one of the ten children of Charles and Martha J. (Hall).

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Bolin. both natives of North Carolina. Charles Bolin was a farmer, and in 1825 emigrated to Owen County, entered land and lived until 1844, when he removed to this township, erected a cabin, and sought to found a home. He afterward located one mile south of Harmony, and there ended his life March 1, 1882, aged seventy-seven years. He was a Dem. ocrat, and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Bolin died in 1862, aged sixty-seven years. John Bolin was thirteen years old when brought to this State, having been reared a farmer, at which he worked until his majority, and then engaged on the Vandalia Railroad at $13 per month, from which salary he saved sufficient to buy forty acres, on which he located in 1842, which he improved, and to which he added eighty more. He also possesses seventy-four acres in Sugar Ridge Township, and 605 in Illinois, all acquired through his industry and care, May 9, 1852, he married Miss Mahala, a daughter of James and Jane Green, a union which gave being to five sons and five daughters-Martha J., Louisa, Esau L., Calvin, Edward F., Nancy, Laura B., Maud A., Allie, and John W. (deceased). In 1875, Mr. Bolin began merchandis- ing at Hoosierville, which he discontinued after six years, to give his whole attention to the farm. He has seen all the growth of the country from the wild to the garden, and is truly a pioneer. Mr. Bolin is a member of the Knights of Honor, and Mrs. Bolin of the United Breth- ren Church.

JOHN BOYD, farmer, is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio; was born February 1, 1834, and is the eldest of the ten children of Philip Y. and Hannah Boyd. The family removed to and located in this township in 1851, where they purchased eighty acres, and made thereof a good home. Philip Boyd was at one time possessor of 360 acres, of which he gave to each son eighty and to each daughter forty acres. He was by trade a blacksmith; in politics a Whig, and later a Republican, a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in March, 1863, being preceded by his wife in 1858. John Boyd came to this county with his parents when seventeen years old, and assisted his father on the farm. July 3, 1856, he married Miss Sarah E., daughter of John Pollom, which resulted with an issue of ten children, seven of whom are living-Esther A., Jemima C., Charles L., Rebecca M., Joanna, Sarah M. and John E. After marriage, Mr. Boyd resided for two years on the home farm, and then located where he now is. In 1867, he located in Topeka, Kan., but returned to his old home in 1868, and resumed farming, having now a comfortable home of sixty-five acres of improved land. Mr. Boyd taught school for some time in this township, and he and wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

REV. ELIAS BOYD, farmer and stock-raiser, is the second son in the family of Philip Y. and Hannah (Danhauer) Boyd, natives respect- ively of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German descent. He was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, January 24, 1836, and when fifteen years old came with his parents to this county, where he assisted in his labors on the farm, attended the common schools three months in each year, and obtaining sufficient education to teach a subscription school. December 17, 1854, he married Miss Isabel O., daughter of Thomas Riddell, which union gave being to seven children-Kozilla H., Theodore, Anna J., Maggie L., Mary B., Philip Thomas and Homer H. In 1857, he located in his present home, which he has improved and made comfortable; it comprises forty acres. Mrs. Boyd is a prominent

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member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Boyd was for seven years a Class-leader, and for ten years an exhorter. In 1876, he was ordained a local minister, and has since supplied different charges with much satisfaction. He has also served in several township offices.

A. J. BULLOCK is a native of Randolph County, N. C .; was born May 10, 1838, and is the youngest of the six children of George W. and Mary (Davenport) Bullock, natives respectively of Georgia and North Carolina, and of Irish and English descent. George W. Bullock was married in North Carolina, and there farmed until 1838, when he came north, stopped in Kentucky for a time, and there died. In 1840, Mrs. Bullock rented land in Dick Johnson Township, and in 1848 was married to Peter Muncie, a pioneer. She now resides near Hoosierville, aged seventy-four years, a member of the Christian Church. Our subject, A. J. Bullock, was but two years old when he was brought hither. He re- mained with his mother until he was twenty-one years old, when he be- gan the way of life with a $75 colt. In 1859, he purchased a portion of the Muncie farm, and has added thereto until he has a very excellent property, all the work of industry. July 15, 1860, he married Miss Mary J., daughter of Arthur Helton, a pioneer of this county. Seven children blessed this union-Gamaliel E. (deceased), Bradford A., Hen- ry W., Leona A., Essie A., Elvrey L. and Mary E. Mrs. Bullock is a member of the Christian Church, and Mr. Bullock is an ordained minis- ter of that body since February, 1878, having served as Elder for nine . years.

JAMES T. CARRITHERS was born in Vigo County, Ind., April 12, 1827, and is the only living one of ten children born to Thomas and Sarah (Hill) Carrithers, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Thomas Carrithers, emigrated from Kentucky to this State in 1818, and located near where now is Terre Haute. He afterward removed to Sulli- van County, and in 1831 to Perry Township, this county; farmed on rented land, and later entered a tract, built a cabin and remained until 1843, when he removed to Putman County, and engaged in the stock busi-

ness. He was a Republican, a member of the Christian Church, and died September 15, 1868, aged eighty-five. Mrs. Carrithers died July 10, 1867, aged seventy-six years. James T. grew up on the farm, and after manhood rented land until he obtained the means to purchase 220 acres, on which he moved in 1856, erecting a frame house and making other improvements. In the fall of 1859, he exchanged his land for his pres- ent home of 280 acres and $300, to which he moved in 1860. July 5, 1849, he married Miss Mahala, daughter of Nathan D. Walker, one of this county's pioneers. Their union was favored with eight children, of whom five are living-O. T., Mahala F., Margaret A., Nathan H. and Clara A. Mrs. Carrithers died May 17, 1881. In 1872, for better school advantages, Mr. Carrithers removed to Center Point, purchased a prop- erty and resided until 1880, when he returned to the farm, which is one of the best as well as one of the most desirable homes in the county. His lands aggregate 480 acres, one of his farms being worth $50 per acre.

SAMUEL DANHAUER, farmer and stock-raiser, is the oldest son of Elias and Ann (Cummings) Danhauer, the former a native of Germany, the latter of Pennsylvania. Elias Danhauer emigrated to America when twenty-one years old, stopping five years on a farm near Philadelphia, during which time, in 1818, he married, and moved to Muskingum Coun- ty, Ohio, made a home and reared a family. He was an upright man and

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citizen, and closed his life in 1842, aged fifty years. He was a Whig, and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Sam- uel Danhauer was born January 4, 1819, in Muskingum County, Ohio; re- mained on the farm until of age, then worked for others until his father's decease, when he labored on the home place for a time before coming to this State, where he arrived with a span of horses, a wagon and $15. One of these horses he exchanged for forty acres of land, built a cabin and proceeded to make a home, with all the experiences of a pioneer; but by hard labor he acquired 120 acres, with eighty in cultivation, good buildings, etc., besides owning 200 acres in Platte River Valley, which he gave to his children. March 28, 1843, he married Miss Catharine France, who died August 28, 1864, having borne nine children, of whom five are living-John E., David, Washington, Mary A. and Samuel. November 7, 1865, he again married, with a result of three children -- Emery, Elza and Thaddeus. Mr. and Mrs. Danhauer belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their son John E. was a soldier in the last war.

JAMES P. DEVORE, retired farmer. was born in Bedford County, Penn., September 3, 1815, and is one of the seventeen children of Philip and Charity Devore, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German extraction. Philip Devore was a farmer, who became wealthy in Bedford County, owning at one time 1,000 acres, and being universally esteemed. He died at the age of eighty-four, his wife preceding him. James P. De- vore assisted his father on the farm, and attended the subscription schools about six weeks each year. At the age of twenty, he began life for himself with less than $300. November 10, 1835, he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Samuel and Polly Tomlinson, to which union were born nine children-Mary M., Minerva, Philip, Lovinia, Margaret, Delilah, Melissa, Marcus A. and Laura A. In 1836, Mr. Devore removed to Richland County, Ohio, bought 160 acres of forest land, built a cabin and labored for a home, which he afterward exchanged for 240 acres, on which he moved in 1843, being now the oldest resident of his neighbor- hood. In 1876, he removed to Brazil, but still superintends the home farm. Mr. Devore has undergone the varied trials of the pioneer, and has noted the wonderful changes of years in this section. He served as Township Trustee a number of years, and built the first schoolhouse in his township. He and wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GUSTAV DIERDORFF, farmer and miner, is the fifth in a family of twelve born to Peter and Sibilla Dierdorff, both natives of Prussia, who emigrated to America previous to 1840, located in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, with but 10 cents in money, and whence, in 1864, they came to this township and ended their lives, the father dying November, 1876, aged seventy, the mother in March, 1869, aged sixty years ; the former was a member of the German Reformed, and the latter of the Catholic Church. Our subject was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, April 12, 1845; was reared on the farm, and when of age commenced the struggle of life for himself; afterward dealt in lumber and staves for a number of years. Sep- tember 19, 1869, he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Michael and Sibilla Siegelin. Five children followed this union-John M., Mary S., Emma J., George W. and Callie E. After marriage, Mr. Dierdorff lived for a time on the paternal farm. In the spring of 1879, he purchased the farm and home on which he now lives, comprising eighty acres, seventy-

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five of which are cultivated. Mr. Dierdorff is a liberal and public-spirited citizen, and he and wife are members of the German Reformed Church.

JOHN ELMORE, farmer, was born in Virginia May 8, 1810, and is a son of James R. and Nancy (Daniel) Elmore, natives of Virginia, and of English and Irish descent respectively. He was reared to farming, and when sixteen years of age began working by the month. In 1835, he came with his parents to Ohio. After visiting Indiana, he purchased 135 acres in Muskingum County, Ohio, of which he made a good home. February 11, 1844, he wedded Mrs. Andalusia (Thompson) Adison. to which union were born six children-James R., Levi R., Jane, John T., George A. and Andalusia. Mrs. Elmore died August 23, 1869, aged fifty- five years, and Mr. Elmore next married, May 11, 1881, Mrs. Susan (Matthews) Long, a member of the Christian Church and mother of three children. In 1862, Mr. Elmore sold his farm and removed to and located in this county, purchased eighty acres of forest land, and built a cabin; of this farm fifty acres are now under good cultivation. Mr. Elmore is a well-preserved man of seventy-three years, and cast his first Presidential vote for John Adams, after which he voted with the Whig, and latterly with the Republican party. He has been a hard-working man, and is much esteemed as a citizen.

WILLIAM H. FISHER is the youngest of the six children of Dan- iel and Mary Fisher, both natives of New Jersey, and of German extrac- tion. He was born August 14, 1837, in Clermont County, Ohio, where his father had previously located, who, in 1843, moved to this county, and located west of Center Point, where he remained until one year be- fore his death, when he removed to Brazil, and there died in October, 1848. Mrs. Fisher is still living with her son John, near Bowling Green, aged eighty-three. The entire family is in connection with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. William H. Fisher was six years old when he was brought to this county. As soon as old enough he assisted on the home farm, and when twenty years of age began the struggle of life as a learner of the trade of a carpenter, at which he served three years, after which he commenced as a contractor, and has followed this at intervals ever since, having erected a majority of the houses of this neighborhood. September 13, 1860, he married Miss Ann B., eldest daughter of William and Mary Lowdermilk, and a native of this county. This union produced seven children-Allie M., William W., Willis W., Lawrence E., Daniel W., Lairanis and Hannibal. Mr. Fisher has a good farm of eighty acres, with fair improvements, making a comfortable home-the fruition of his hard labor. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

ARTHUR HELTON, stock-raiser and farmer, is a rative of this town- ship and State, born January 27, 1839. He passed his boyhood on the parental farm, and was reared to agriculture with such educational facil- ities as the common schools of that time afforded. He remained at home until manhood, when he located on Section 16, for the purpose of farm- ing. In 1870, he removed to Effingham County, Ill., and after the death of his wife, returned hither, and in 1880 took up his residence on the home farm. In 1865, Mr. Helton enlisted for twelve months' service in Company F, Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he performed garrison duty until the war ended, in 1865, when he was discharged. Mr. Helton has been twice married, first in September, 1863, to Miss Rachael A. Whittington, of this county, who died in 1871, leaving four

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children. He next married, December 27, 1875, Miss Margaret Cox, also of this county. Mr. Helton has three children living-Elias W., Isaac N. and Mattie L. Mr. Helton is a local minister of the United Brethren Church.

MARTIN VAN B. HELTON, farmer and stock-raiser, is a son of Arthur and Margaret (Muncy) Helton, natives of Tennessee and Virginia respectively. Arthur Helton was a farmer, who removed to Illinois in 1834, and the following year to Vigo County, Ind., where he followed teaming, having before entered land in this township, where he and fam- ily experienced all the trials of a pioneer's existence, such as making their own clothing and 'shoes, and other hardships. By industry and perseverance, however, they succeeded in getting a good home of 340 acres. Mr. Helton was an expert hunter, a Democrat, a member of the Baptist Church, and died in April, 1880. His venerable wife yet lives on the home farm, aged eighty-five years. Martin was born March 7, 1840, and remained on the farm until he was twenty-one years old, when he began for himself as a huckster, and later as a butcher. September 15, 1863, he wedded Miss Mary Cox, of this county, but born in Henry County, Ky., February 4, 1844, and to this marriage succeeded two daughters-Laura and Lilly. In 1864, Mr. Martin Van B. Helton be- came a member of Company E, Fifty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served in the Army of the Cumberland, and was discharged June, 1865. After difficulties and failures, he has finally succeeded in acquiring fifty acres of land, now worth $50 per acre. Mrs. Helton is a member of the United Brethren Church.

CALVIN LOWDERMILK, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in this township February 14, 1839, and is the eldest son of Stephen and Sarah (Bolin) Lowdermilk, natives respectively of South and North Car- olina. The father of Stephen Lowdermilk was a large slave-holder. On account of his anti-slavery convictions, Stephen was disinherited by his parents, and began life unaided. At the age of twenty-one years, he married Mary Graves, who died while coming to this State in 1837, leaving ten young children. The family located in Section 29, built a cabin and lived mainly on game, which was then very abundant. Mr. Low- dermilk went on foot to Vincennes to enter his first forty acres, having entered afterward 150 in all. Here he married his second wife, Sarah Bolin. He was an active Methodist, his cabin having been used for church services. He was a man of sound discretion, and for twenty-three years Justice of the Peace, without having a single judgment reversed. He was also importantly connected with the organization of the county and township, and died in September, 1872, aged seventy-eight. Cal- vin Lowdermilk was reared to the plow, and obtained little education, having been put to work when nine years old. In August, 1862, he en- rolled in Company I, Eighty fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was in the battles of Thompson's Station, Lookout Mountain, Dallas, the Atlanta campaign and Sherman's seaward march. He received but one slight wound, and was discharged June 13, 1865. After his return, he married, August 16, 1866, Miss Mary Sturdivant, with an issue of three children-Josephine, Lucy B. and Dennis O. Mr. Lowdermilk occupied his present place in 1879, and has a good farm of eighty acres.

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Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 55

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