Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 57

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 57
USA > Indiana > Owen County > Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical. > Part 57

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).

JOHN N. DOLLISON, teacher, is a native of Guernsey County, Ohio; was born April 4, 1854, and is the fourth of six children born to William E. and Susanna M. (Laird) Dollison, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Delaware. John was brought to Owen County by his parents in 1857, who located on land in Morgan Township for about ten years, when they moved to Washington Township, this county, where the family, by the help of the boys, secured a very fine farm; afterward they moved to Poland, and now reside there with the subject of this sketch. John attained a fair education, having attended one term at Gosport, after which he engaged in teaching, and has taught thirteen successful terms of school in this county. In the summer, he follows the business of painting. September 19, 1878, he wedded Sarah D. Nelson, which marriage has been followed by two children-Othello V., born December 29, 1879, and Wilber E., born May 19, 1883. Mr. Dollison is a respected citizen, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN R. FOREMAN, fire department insurance agent, was born March 6, 1845, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and is the fifth child of Henry L. and Jane (Cosgrove) Foreman, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Pennsylvania, and respectively of German and Irish descent. John remained in Ohio until 1864, when his parents removed to Owen County, Ind., where they remained until 1870, and then removed to where our subject resides, and where his parents died. During the sum- mer, John worked on a farm, and went to school in the winter. In 1864, he began teaching, which he followed for ten years, having also engaged in the insurance business in 1872. He is now agent for five first-class companies, the business of which he manages most successfully. In De- cember, 1865, he married Bathia M. Ralston, who died leaving two chil- dren-William H. and Cora J. She was an active member of the Method-

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ist Episcopal Church. November 14, 1872, Mr. Foreman married his present wife, Mary S. Stone, by which union they have had five children --- Ada M., Alie V. (deceased), Carroll R. (deceased), Nellie C. and Ira S. (deceased). Mr. Foreman is an energetic business man, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CHRISTOPHER H. KATTMAN, of the firm of Tressel & Katt- man, general merchandise dealers, was born in Clay County December 1, 1846; was reared on a farm and received sufficient education to become a teacher, in which profession he continued during the winters of 1867, 1868 and 1869. March 15, 1869, he engaged as clerk for Adam Tressel, in Poland, where he remained until August 1, 1870, when he purchased a half interest in the business, having won much success by his courte- sy to his customers and his tact in trade. September 10, 1871, he mar- ried Amelia Joerris, a native of Wisconsin, and a daughter of Peter and Aletha Joerris. This union was ceinented by the births of six children -Otis B., Emma A., Walter R., Franklin A., Bertha E. and an infant. In the month of February, 1873, Adam Tressel sold his business interest to his brother, Elijah Tressel, since which event the firm has been known as Tressel & Kattman. They carry a stock ranging from $10,000 to $12,000, and do a business of about $30,000 annually.

H. J. MACE, farmer, is the fifth of the eleven children of Isaac and Delana (Acre) Mace, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of South Carolina, and respectively ofEnglish and German descent. Our subject was born in this county and township February 22, 1834, and was reared on a farm, where, owing to the necessity for his labor, he could obtain but very scanty education. February 27, 1859, he wedded Harriet E. Spig- ler, a native of this township, and daughter of Samuel and Sarah Spig- ler. Mr. Mace has by industry and frugality so added to the patrimony he received, that he has now the means of living comfortably the re- mainder of his days on a farm of 373 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Mace are par- ents of eight children-Clarey (now Mrs. Elliot), Samuel V., Melville, Sarah A., Isaiah, Myrdia D., Marle D. and Delana. Mr. Mace is an en - terprising farmer, a good citizen and a pioneer of this township. Mrs. Mace is a member of the Baptist Church.

JAMES M. NEES, retired merchant and farmer, is a native of Lib- erty, Union Co., Ind. ; was born December 29, 1833, and is the eldest of the four children born to Col. John B. and Mary (Johnson) Nees, natives respectively of Tennessee and Pennsylvania, and of German descent. John B. Nees was a farmer, and in May, 1836, entered land and located near where Poland now stands; he entered 160 acres and purchased 80; he also built a cabin and made a clearing. He was looked to as a leader in his neighborhood, could speak the German tongue, and was influential in inducing the Germans to locate around him. In 1841-42, he repre- sented his county in the Legislature, having served two terms as Sheriff of Union County. In 1852, he was tendered the Congressional nomina- tion, but declined the same. Until the war of the rebellion, he was a Jacksonian Democrat, but thereafter became a stanch Republican. He was an advocate of free schools, and a leader of the Grange movement. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and Superintendent of the first Sabbath school held in this county. He was appointed special Com- missioner to reinstate the records after the burning of the court house, and was a universally esteemed character, proud-spirited and liberal. He died May 19, 1882, aged seventy-seven. His wife is yet living, aged

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seventy-nine years, likewise a member of the Presbyterian Church. James M. Nees was reared in the wilderness by his parents, and received only such education as was afforded by the pioneer schools. After work- ing on the home farm, he began life for himself by merchandising at Poland when twenty-three years of age, with $60 capital, having pre- viously been a clerk at Bowling Green. After remaining at Poland, in company with E. B. Peyton, until 1863, he removed to Greencastle and engaged in trade with Mr. Slavens, with whom he continued for ten years. when he removed to Brazil, accepted a position as cashier of R. M. Wingate's bank, and there remained two years, when he again en- gaged in mercantile pursuits at Brazil, which he continned until 1881, at which time he retired from active business and removed to Poland, where he now lives, and is interested in the building of the Indianapolis, Eel River & Southwestern Railway, of which he is Secretary and Assist- ant Treasurer. September 30, 1863, he married Miss Elma Ringo, who died July 22, 1869, aged twenty-six years, leaving one daughter. March 15, 1876, Mr. Nees married his second wife, Miss Maggie W. McLain, born April 23, 1853, and daughter of Joshua McLain, a native of Scot- land, who died in California in 1855. Mr. Nees was, like his father, until the war a Democrat, but was thereby made a radical Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Knights of Pythias, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

N. U. RINGO was born in Van Buren Township, Clay Co., Ind., July 31, 1852, and is one of the eight children of Morgan B. and Mary Ann (McKinley) Ringo, natives of Kentucky, and of Scotch and Irish descent. Our subject was reared on a farm, on which he labored as a youth, with but spare opportunities for education, and on December 4, 1872, wedded Charlotte E., daughter of Uriah and Penelope (Lindley) Wilkinson, natives of Indiana, and the latter of English descent. After his marriage, Mr. Ringo farmed in this township, and is now located on a tract of eighty-seven acres near Poland; yet he is owner of land in both Lewis and Harrison Townships. Four children have been born to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ringo, namely, Uriah Herschel, Otto O., Bertha A. and Mabel. In addition to agriculture, Mr. Ringo is engaged in raising and dealing in stock. He is a pioneer of this county, and an esteemed and worthy citizen. Mrs. Ringo is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WALTER B. RINGO, stock-raiser and farmer, was born in this township August 28, 1858, and is the seventh child of Morgan B. and Mary A. (Mckinley) Ringo, both natives of Kentucky, and respectively of German and Irish descent. They were early comers to this township, where they settled about thirty years ago, and founded one of the best farms of the neighborhood, Mr. Ringo being the owner, at his death, of 1,288 acres in this and in Harrison Township. Walter B. was reared on the home place, where he passed his time in summer at farm labor, and in winter at the school; he also attended terms of instruction at Bowling Green and Brazil. At his father's death he became possessor of 120 acres, now one of the best improved and most attractive farms of the county, where he buys and sells the various grades of stock. December 29, 1880, he wedded Ida Herr, a native of Brazil, and daughter of Simon Herr, a marriage which resulted in one daughter-Mary E., born Janu- ary 26, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Ringo are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an independent voter and a good citizen.

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HARBERT L. RINGO, farmer and stock-raiser, is the youngest of the family of Morgan B. and Mary A. (McKinley) Ringo, and was born August 3, 1861, in this township. He was brought up to the profession of agriculture, and in the winter season attended the public schools, wherefrom he obtained the rudiments of an education, which was further pursued at the high school of Brazil. On his father's decease, he became heir to 120 acres, which his taste and industry have greatly improved, and to which he gives his main attention, both in its cultivation and the production of stock. October 12, 1881, he married Lethe, daughter of Henry L. and Mary J. (Britton) Ashley, the bride being a native of this county. Mr. Ringo is an energetic and promising farmer, and the only member of his family who votes with the Republican party, yet he is a prosperous gentleman, and a valued young citizen.

ROBERT SMITH is a native of Rockbridge County, Va .; was born March 12, 1825, and is one of the three children of John and Mary A. (Gore) Smith, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Virginia, and respectively of English and Scotch descent. John Smith emigrated to America with his parents (when a boy), who located in Virginia. There he grew to manhood and married. In early life he followed farming, but later was made Sheriff of his county, which position he held until his death (caused by over-exertion in his office). During his official life, he was also overseer and manager for Samuel Houston, a Revolutionary soldier. Mr. Smith died in 1827, and his wife in 1841; both were prom- inent members of the Presbyterian Church, of which the former was an Elder. Robert Smith obtained but little education; he was left an or- phan when sixteen years old, then taking charge of the farm of 508 acres, and his sister of the house. After his sister's marriage five years later, his brother-in-law assisted on the farm, which was sold in 1849, when Robert emigrated to Reelsville, Putnam Co., Ind., and engaged for a short time in horse-trading and traveling. In 1851, he took a contract for grading on the Vandalia Railroad; this employed him for five months, and cost the railway company $11,000. He thereafter, in com- pany with Dr. William Mahan, of Terre Haute, engaged in feeding hogs and packing pork, having packed, in the fall of 1852, 3,300 hogs. After this experience, he purchased 120 acres, which he rented, and con- tinued trading in stock. The following year he purchased 315 acres in this township, which he also rented, but on which he now resides. No- vember 28, 1854, he married Miss Martha E., daughter of Levi and Sarah Beem, of Spencer, Ind., which union gave being to four children -Homer V., Everett B., Prentis C. and Lena Leota. Mr. Smith con- tinued packing pork at Terre Haute, Indianapolis and Gosport. In 1866, in company with his two brothers-in-law, he built a packing-house at Spencer, which he has now in use. Mr. Smith has been industrious and self-denying. He has often traveled from Terre Haute to his home dur- ing the night, and labored hard the following day. His home farm con- sists of 425 acres, having also 120 near Hoosierville; his farm is well- cultivated, stocked and improved. Mr. Smith participated in the first Republican convention, assisted at Gov. Morton's nomination, in elect- ing delegates to the convention which nominated Mr. Lincoln, and op- posed and defeated with four others the proposition to nominate Mr. Bates, of Missouri, for President in that convention. He has been for twenty years a member of the Republican Central Committee, is an hon- ored Mason, and Vice President and Director of the I., E. R. & S. W.

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R. R .. to which grand enterprise much praise is due to Mr. Smith. He and wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM SONNEFIELD, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of this county, was born July 26, 1852, and is the second of the eleven children born to Frederick and Minnie (Frank) Sonnefield, both natives of Prussia, and of German descent, who were among the first to settle in this county, where Frederick Sonnefield, with the assistance of his son William, made one of the finest farms therein. Our subject was reared on a farm, yet, unlike many so brought up, was given a very fair educa- tion, having attended school at Center Point and Spencer. He has also served four successful terms as a teacher. December 11, 1879, he wedded Frederika Kattman, by which marriage they are the parents of two chil- dren-Clarence, born August 1, 1881, and Martha, born June 12, 1883. Mr. Sonnefield is a long-standing Democrat, an exemplary citizen, and he and his wife are earnest members of the German Reformed Church.

FRANKLIN SPELBRING, druggist, is the youngest of the eight children of John H. and Hester (Bauman) Spelbring, the former a native of Germany and of German descent. Franklin was born in Owen Coun- ty, Ind., February 22, 1857, and was reared on a farm, working in the summer and going to school in the winter. Afterward he became a teacher for a time, and attended the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business Institute at Valparaiso, which course he continued until August, 1880, when he engaged in business at Poland, where he has done most satisfactorily. September 21, 1879, he married Rosie Moore, a native of Putnam County, and daughter of Calvin B. and Carrie E. (Reynolds) Moore. To this union have been born two children-Herbert V., born May 4, 1880, died August 15, 1881, and Stella May, born June 12, 1882. Mr. Spelbring is an energetic and correct young business man, highly successful in his affairs, and well deserving of the praise and patronage he receives from the community for his efficiency and tact. In addition to drugs, he keeps on hand paints, oils, perfumery, patent medicines, pure wines and liquors (for medicinal use only), and the like.

JOHN STWALLEY, general merchant, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, January 2, 1827, and is a son of Charles and Lydia (Beamer) Stwalley, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Maryland, and both of German extraction. John was reared on the home farm; remained with his parents until his majority, and April 2, 1850, married Elizabeth Barrick, a native of Carroll County, Ohio, by which union they have had born to them six children-Henry, Isabel (now Mrs. Wilkinson), David, George B., Abraham and C. V. In 1853, Mr. Stwalley came to this county, settling near Bowling Green, pur- chased eighty acres and remained until 1864, when he sold his farm, re- moved to Vigo County for three years, after which he returned to this county and purchased 148 acres near Poland. Here he remained until 1877, when he left the farm in charge of his son and engaged in mer- cantile business at Poland, having since done a prosperous and thriving business. He is a useful and esteemed citizen; carries a stock of about $6,000, and does a yearly business of $15,000. Mrs. Stwalley is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAM TEANY, blacksmith, was born August 24, 1842, in Greene County, Ohio, and is the seventh of the eight children of Benedict and Martha (Vogt) Teany, both natives of Germany, and of German descent,

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who removed to Washington Township, in this county, in the autumn of 1844, and brought with them our subject. Here they remained until 1865, when they removed to Terre Haute, and afterward died. William Teany came to Poland in 1856, and commenced learning the blacksmith- ing trade, in consequence of which, at so young an age, he obtained but slender education, and since which period he has, except for one year, worked in the same shop. He now employs an assistant, and does an annual trade of $1,200. January 2, 1862, he wedded Julia A. Casto, a native of Ohio, to which marriage descended nine children-an infant (deceased), Martha E., Cornelia J., Elmira, Frederick R., James O., Nora I., Lewis T. and Gertie. Mr. Teany is a master workman and an esteemed citizen; he has made up for his defective education by study, and has attained good business acquirements. He has served for eight years as Township Commissioner; is now Road Superintendent and a member of the German Reformed Church.

MILTON TILLEY was born in Jackson Township, Clay Co., Ind., January 3, 1838, and is the second of the seven children of James and Dorcas (Stinson) Tilley, natives of North Carolina, and of English de- scent. Milton Tilley was reared on a farm, and owing to the need of his labor there, received but spare education in youth. January 29, 1860, he married Mary Ann, daughter of David and Sophia (Syester) Mace, and a native of Tennessee, to which union were bestowed seven children-Susanna, James H., Selma S., Mary F., Clintis C., Lewis F. and Bessie L. After marriage Mr. Tilley engaged in farming; continued the same until the spring of 1865, when he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until August of that year, being mostly on detached duty. After being discharged, he resumed the plow. He is now located on eighty acres, near Ashersville, where he has a pleasant home. Mr. Tilley cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860; he is an enterprising farmer, a liberal gentleman and an esteemed citizen. He and wife are active members of the Baptist Church.

ELIJAH TRESSEL, of the firm of Tressel & Kattman, is a native of Carroll County, Ohio, was born January 8, 1847, and is the eighth of the thirteen children of George and Sarah (Manghiman) Tressel, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German extraction. Elijah was reared to man- hood on a farm, where he labored during the summer and sought educa- tion during the winter. In this way he acquired sufficient learning to become a teacher, which vocation he followed for five years. He after- ward became a merchant's clerk, at Poland, of which firm he has been a partner since 1873. January 26, 1874, he wedded Mary Shults, a native of Clay County, and daughter of Henry and Margaret Shults. This union gave being to three children: Archie R., Minnie E. and Myrtie A. Mr. Tressel is a member of the Masonic fraternity, an uncompro- mising Democrat, and an energetic, successful business manager, the sales of the firm amounting to $30,000 annually. To all of this eleva- tion and prosperity he has been the single contributor, and is a purely self-made man. Mr. and Mrs. Tressel are active members of the Pres- byterian Church.

CHARLES J. WILKINSON, a leading farmer and stock-raiser, is the eldest son of Urias Wilkinson, whose father, Robert Wilkinson, a native of Ireland, came to America in 1794, located in North Carolina, married, and afterward emigrated to Chillicothe, Ohio, where Urias was

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born in 1810, whose father, when he was three years old, moved to In- diana, locating first near Columbus, and later near Attica, where his son Urias was reared to farming. In 1835, Urias came to Clay County, en- tered land, and was one of the first settlers in Cass Township. He had many adventures as a hunter, having killed as many as seven turkeys before the morning meal, and once a large black bear. In 1844, he mar- ried Miss Penelope, daughter of Thomas Lindley, a pioneer, and born November 25, 1819. In 1845, having burned the brick, he erected the first dwelling of that material in the township, which is now occupied by Mrs. Wilkinson and her daughter. Mr. Wilkinson was an earnest worker and a successful man, owning 640 acres where he resided and 640 in Harrison and Washington Townships, besides 200 in Iowa. He was proud-spirited, but compassionate and ever ready to assist a worthy enterprise, he and wife being active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Republican, but would not accept office. He died April 11, 1874, aged sixty-four years. Mrs. Wilkinson is now sixty- four, and resides with her daughter, Myra A., and a sister of her hus- band. Charles J. Wilkinson was born on a portion of his farm Septem- ber 26, 1845; received a good education, having taught one term before his two-years course at Asbury College, Greencastle. He had intended to take a classical course, but was called home by his father's failing health, in the fall of 1870, to take supervision of the farm. In that year, on the 28th of September, he married Miss Dora, daughter of William G. Hall, of Greencastle, with an issue of six children-Guy William, Ray Lindley, Roy Elmo, Rex Ulyssus, Ver Harland and Van Hall. In 1875, he located on his present land, owning 425 acres of the homestead, valued at $60 per acre, a portion of which was sold for $125 per acre. He is probably the largest landholder in the township, as well as a breeder of thoroughbred cattle. Mr. Wilkinson is a Mason, a firm Republican, and a stockholder and director of the I., E. R. & S. W. R. R. Mrs. Wilkinson is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

ROBERT L. WILKINSON, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of this township; was born on the farm on which he now resides March 13, 1851, and is one of the eleven children of Urias and Penelope (Lindley) Wilkinson, both natives of Indiana. Robert received a common school education, and September 21, 1871, married Miss Belle Stwalley, of this township, but a native of Carroll County, Ohio, born November 21, 1852; she is the only daughter of John and Elizabeth (Barrick) Stwalley. To this union were born four children-Laura Effie, Dalomine Elva, Maud A. and Arthur O. (deceased). After marriage, he began farming on the home farm on Eel River, which his father located in 1835, and after whose death was managed by himself and brother Charles, of which farm land our subject is owner of 149 acres. During the last few years, our subject has been engaged in saw milling and threshing, in addition to his farm business. He is a substantial farmer and a much respected citizen. Mrs. Wilkinson is a member of the Presbyterian Church,

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DICK JOHNSON TOWNSHIP.

WILLIAM T. ANDERSON was born in Owen County, Ind., October 5, 1840, and is the oldest of eight children of Vincen and Mary J. (Lyon) Anderson. The parents were both born in Kentucky. William's chances for an education in his boyhood were good, yet not so good as boys have to-day. In 1851, at the age of eleven years, William emi- grated with his father to Iowa, he riding on horseback all the way. They lived there about eight years, when they came back to Owen Coun- ty, where they lived three years, then moved to Washington Township, where our subject lived till the breaking-out of the rebellion, when, in 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Forty-third Indiana In- fantry. He served three years and ten months in all, his company having " veteranized" in February, 1864. He took part in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Fort Pillow, Helena, Little Rock and Camden. He was home recruiting when his regiment was captured at Marks' Mills on April 20. He was at Little Rock, where he learned of the capture, when he took the remnant of the regiment and returned to Indianapolis. On November 4, 1864, he was commissioned First Lieutenant of Com- pany A, and served in that capacity until he was mustered out June 22, 1865, when he returned home and engaged in farming on the home farm, where he resided until he was married, which event occurred September 22, 1866, to Miss Artie Shattuck, a native of Vigo County. They have had four children-Walter Mc., Guy E., Leslie, Otis S. Miss Shattuck before she was married taught six terms of school. After his marriage, Mr. Anderson moved to Dick Johnson Township, and located near where he is now living. In politics, he has always been and is a stanch Repub- lican. His first Presidential vote was cast for Lincoln. He is a temper- ance man, belongs to the Grange, and has been a member of the Meth- odist Church all his life; is Trustee and Steward of his church. His. wife is also a member. Mr. Anderson has a farm of 240 acres of land well improved, 140 acres of which are under a high state of cultivation.

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Counties of Clay and Owen, Indiana : Historical and biographical., Part 57

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