USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 106
USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 106
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
LUKE N. CLEMENS, generally known as Esquire Clemens, was born in Augusta, Va., October 7, 1808. He was one of thirteen children born to John and Anna (Boyer) Clemens, who were pros- perous farmers of the Shenandoah Valley. Luke remained with his parents, in Virginia, receiving a common-school education, and in 1825 emi- grated with his parents to Madison County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming for a period of twenty years. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and he lived in Madison County the balance of his days. While in Ohio, Luke was married to Miss Sarah Rathbun, and in 1845 moved to Noble Coun- ty, where his brother had preceded him. He purchased his present farm-160 acres-and built thereon a log cabin, moved into it, and thus commenced life in the wilderness. His farm was then a mass of woods, swamps and un- derbrush, and various species of wild beasts made it their home. Notwith- standing the hardships incident to such a life, he succeeded gradually in clear- ing and otherwise improving his farm. Mr. Clemens, during his early life here, killed over 200 deer, to say nothing of wild-cats, turkeys, squirrels, etc. ; hunt- ing formed his chief amusement. To his marriage with Miss Rathbun there were born twelve children-John, Harmon, Eliza, Polly, Lydia, Elizabeth, Henderson, Melinda, Harrison, Henry, Sarah and James. Of these the fol- lowing are dead : Eliza, Polly, Lydia, Betsy and Harmon. Mr. Clemens is a man of enterprise, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for the past twenty-six years.
DAVID CLOUSE, born in Licking Co., Ohio, February 2, 1842. His parents were Benjamin and Lydia (Green) Clouse, and to them were born seven children ; only four are living. The parents are both living and reside in Lick-
480
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
ing Co., Ohio. David Clouse is a man of common-school education. Having rel- atives in Noble County, he came here in 1862, and the 21st of October of the same year he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-eighth Regiment, First Indiana Cavalry. At an engagement near Little Rock, Ark., he was wounded in the arm April 1, 1865, which resulted in his discharge June 8, 1865. After the war was over, Mr. Clouse returned home, and having eighty acres of land, he began clearing and improving the same. He was married in 1866, to Electa Bisekorner, who died February 14, 1874, leaving four children. His second and present wife, Lucina Lock, he married in September, 1875. The children of his first marriage are John H., Lydia O. (deceased), Luther C. and Alta; and to his second marriage, Sylvia L., Jesse W., Nellie D. and one as yet unnamed. Mr. Clouse is a farmer-owns eighty acres of good land ; is a Republican, and an enterprising citizen. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
JONAS COOK was born in Carroll County, Md., December 10, 1827. He is a son of Baltzer and Elizabeth (Fulkearth) Cook, and of German descent. His parents were both natives of Maryland. The father was a farmer, and moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1830, where he and wife lived the re- mainder of their days. Our subject, at the age of nineteen, began working at carpentering. Having natural talent in this direction, he continued it profit- ably some fifteen years ; when, having saved a part of his earnings, he pur- chased 120 acres of his present farm, on which he moved in 1859. Mr. Cook had to undergo, as did the old settlers, the hardships in the clearing and im- proving of his place. He has increased his original purchase to 220 acres, aided to a considerable extent by his earnings in teaching school. He was married in 1849 to Elizabeth Zeigler, of Montgomery County, Ohio, and who has borne him three children-Letitia A., Granville W. and Silas C. During the fall of 1864, Mr. Cook enlisted in Company C, Thirteenth Regiment, and was dis- charged at Goldsboro, N. C., at the close of the war. He was at the battle of Bentonville and Richmond, and the storming of Fort Fisher both times. After the war, he came home and recommenced farming. He and wife are members of the German Baptist Church. Mr. Cook is a Republican and a worthy citizen.
JOHN A. CONKLING'S parents were Samuel and Charlotte (Bruce) Conkling, the former of Holland Dutch descent, and the latter of Scotch-Irish. Their family numbered eleven children, five still living. One of these, John A. Conkling, was born in Ohio October 15, 1818, and came with his parents to Delaware County, where they lived ten years. They lived one year in Sparta Township, then moved to Noble Township; after this, all went West to Iowa and Missouri, except John A. The mother died in Iowa and the father in Kansas. The latter was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his sons, Henry and James, served honorably in the last great war. Soon after removing to Noble Township, Mr. Conkling returned to Sparta, where he resided until 1878, then purchased 110 acres of land, where he now resides. On the 29th of August, 1844, he married Matilda Ann Todd, whose parents came from Ohio.' Their children were as follows: Levi (drowned when but seventeen years old), Sarah Margaret and John Henry, the latter still living at home. Sarah M. is the wife of Isaac M. Barcus. Mrs. Conkling is a member of the Lutheran Church, and her husband is a Democrat. They are very worthy people; have seen the wilderness transformed into beautiful homes, and the retrospect of their lives is a happy one.
W. C. DAVIS was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 4, 1832, a son of William and Nancy Davis, who came from Westmoreland County,
481
GREEN TOWNSHIP.
Penn., to the birthplace of our subject, where they died. They were of Scotch-Irish descent, and the parents of ten children, six of whom are still living. The elder Mr. Davis was a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an early settler of Richland County. He was temper- ate, and was looked to for advice in matters of importance. Until sixteen years of age, W. C. Davis was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school educa- tion. He then served a two years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. In 1851, he came to Indiana, locating in Noble County, and has worked at his trade ever since. He was married, February 26, 1856, to Miss Nancy Mc- Williams, who died February 26, 1857. Mr. Davis' second wife was Caroline Hill, to whom he was married April 4, 1868. To their union were born two daughters-Minia, July 11, 1869, and Jennie, December 11, 1871. The mother was born February 23, 1847, and died December, 1871. Mr. Davis' third and present wife, Esther S. Hill, sister of his second wife, he married August 19, 1877. Mr. Davis started in life with but little means at his com- mand, and deserves much credit for his success. He now owns 120 acres of improved land, is a Democrat and an intelligent citizen.
LEVI DILLER was born in Lancaster County, Penn., April 15, 1818. He is one of eight children born to Martin and Rachel (Wolf) Diller. When twelve years old, his parents moved to Frederick County, Md., where he re- ceived a good education. From 1836 to 1840, he served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith and machinist's trade, and after completing it came to Preble County, Ohio, where he worked six years. He then purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1857, when he came to Noble County to engage in the lumber trade. He purchased five acres of land in Green Township on which was a small saw-mill. This he improved until he had one of the finest mills in the county. By degrees he increased his busi- ness, which now ranks second to none in Green Township. He was married, March 16, 1843, to Catharine Lock, of Frederick County, Md., and to them were born eight children-Louisa J., John H., Margaret E., Elizabeth, Anna, Martin L., Levi (deceased) and Benjamin F. Mr. and Mrs. Diller are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. He is a prominent Democrat, but has never aspired to political prominence. He now owns 200 acres of land, besides his mill property.
GEORGE EASTERDAY (deceased) was a native of the Buckeye State, his birth occurring in Jefferson County November 15, 1800. His father, George Easterday, was a native of Maryland and of German descent, and moved with his family from Maryland to Jefferson County, Ohio, at an early period. His son, whose name heads this sketch, was reared in Jefferson County, where he was married and whence he moved to Holmes County in 1825, and was soon followed by his father. Both families soon moved to Chester Town- ship, Morrow County, Ohio, where, after a number of years, the parents died. Our subject's wife was Anna M. Summerlot, who bore her husband ten chil- dren, as follows: George W., William, Sylvester, Elizabeth and Catharine living, and John, Samuel, Joseph, Lucinda and one that died in infancy, de- ceased. In 1853, Mr. Easterday came to Noble County, Ind., and located on a farm. Mrs. Easterday died May 2, 1876, and her husband followed her to the tomb February 28, 1880. Mr. Easterday was a farmer and an upright and honest man. He was a Whig and later a Republican, and himself and wife were members of the Lutheran Church. They are gone, but their memory will grow brighter as time fades away.
482
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
GEORGE W. EASTERDAY, was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, March 29, 1827. He was reared on his father's farm and worked for them until twenty- two years old, when he received property valued at $100 and started out for himself. On the 28th of September, 1851, he married Nancy E. Smith, of Morrow County, Ohio, by whom he had eight children-Mary Anna (deceased), Dora S. P. (deceased), Otho D., William D., Edna E., Jeremiah M., Adar M. and Drury S. Otho D. married Flora Franks and lives in Green Township. \ In 1852, Mr. Easterday came to Noble County, locating on the farm where the Frankses now live. In 1862, he exchanged his farm there for his present one. He now owns 200 acres in Green Township and 100 in Jefferson and Albion Townships. He is a Republican and himself and wife are Lutherans. Mr. Easterday's sister Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Decamp and lives in Catharine is the wife of Henry Kirkpatrick and lives in Jefferson Township. the same township. Sylvester married Mahala Frederick and lives in Albion.
WILLIAM EASTERDAY was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1833. He remained at home until twenty-two years old, and then received $100 with which to begin life. He purchased eighty acres of his present farm, paying for the same his $100 and working to pay the remaining $400. Since then forty acres have been added, making a farm of 120 acres. On the 22d of November, 1860, he married Catharine Engle, and they have three children- Delila Alice, Wilbert Amos and Alma Barbara. Mrs. Easterday was born in Morrow County, Ohio, August 15, 1838. William Easterday is a highly re- spected citizen. The family of Easterdays are industrious, sober citizens.
JACOB FAVINGER was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 1, 1837. His parents were of German descent, and natives of the "Keystone State," the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are yet alive. Farming was the father's vocation through life. In 1850, he and family moved to Green Township, purchasing wild land. He was an industrious man, a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred January 24, 1877 ; his widow survives him, and resides on the old homestead. Jacob Fav- inger was reared on his father's farm, and in youth received no education. While in the army he learned to read, write and cipher. When President Lincoln called for 300,000 men in August, 1861, he volunteered his services, and was assigned to Company E, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged for disability at Evansville, Ind., in January, 1864. Mr. Favinger, at the battle of Shiloh, was twice wounded; and while in the en- gagement at Chickamauga, was shot through the lungs by an ounce ball, which is still in his body. He was married in 1864, to Sarah E. Watt, daughter of one of the old settlers of Noble County. Their five sons are William, Abra- ham, John, Marion and George. After his marriage, Mr. Favinger purchased forty acres, and started in the woods. After clearing three acres, he sold it and purchased forty acres of his present farm, which now consists of eighty acres. He and his wife started out in married life with little, but now have a pleasant home and surroundings. In politics, Mr. Favinger is Independent, and is now serving his fourth term as Township Constable.
JAMES GRAWCOCK is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born Jan- uary 21, 1833. (A sketch of his parents will be found in the biography of William Grawcock.) He was raised in Lincolnshire, receiving a common school education. April 21, 1853, he started from Liverpool for America, and after a voyage of four weeks arrived in New York, $13 in debt. He came to Toledo via Albany and Buffalo, and from there to Fort Wayne, Ind., then to
483
GREEN TOWNSHIP.
Swan Township, where he engaged in ditching. In 1854, he had $150 of his earnings which he paid on a farm of forty acres-a part of his present place. By hard labor he has cleared it of all indebtedness and has added eighty acres. Mr. Grawcock was married March 8, 1861, to Mariah C. Fulk, and to their union was born nine children-Solomon, William H., Emma J., Oliver P., Mary E., Margaret A. (deceased), John, Noah and Eliza E. After his mar- riage, Mr. Grawcock moved on his then unimproved place, but is now a well improved farm of 120 acres. He and wife are members of the Church of God ; are enterprising and respected people, and Mr. Grawcock is a Democrat.
WILLIAM GRAWCOCK was born in Willoughby, Lincolnshire, En- gland, September 29, 1831, the eldest of four children born to Isaac and Ann (Cox) Grawcock. His mother died and his father married Elizabeth Tow, by whom he had eight children. This lady is yet living in England, but the
father died in 1873. He was a farmer and moved to Billanghay, where the family still reside. William Grawcock, at the age of twenty, came to the United States, starting on the voyage to Quebec, Canada, in March, 1852, thence to Cleveland, Ohio, and soon afterward went to Richland County, Ohio. He then came to Swan Township. In 1853, he purchased 100 acres of his present farm, having but $5 to make the first payment. After this he worked some time on the railroad. In March, 1855, he and his brother James com- menced clearing together, " baching it." The farm has been increased until it consists of 200 acres. On the 8th of January, 1856, he married Miss Mar- tha, daughter of John and Anna (Wyatt) Bennett, of Allen County, Ind. This lady's people were early settlers in Eel River Township, while she enjoys the distinction of having been the first child born in the township, her birth occurring June 5, 1835. Their children number ten, as follows : James B., Isaac C., Rosanna (wife of George Fulk), Elizabeth A. (wife of Noah Whirledge), Jesse J. (deceased), George F. (deceased), Noah W. (deceased), Charles W., Oscar D. and Susan E. (deceased). James B. married Sarah Fulk, and lives in Churubusco. Mr. Grawcock is one of the most extensive and enterprising stock-raisers in Noble County. In 1880, his son Isaac went to England and purchased a noble draught horse, at great expense, which unfortunately died on the journey ; he also purchased a magnificent Clydesdale stallion. Mr. Grawcock has a fine herd of full-blooded short-horn cattle, in which he takes great pride. He is an excellent neighbor, and is a leading member of the Church of God, near his place.
GEORGE HUNTSMAN was born in Morrow County, Ohio, October 27, 1839. He is one of nine children born to Jeremiah and Mary (Painter) Huntsman, who were also natives of Ohio. Jeremiah Huntsman was a farmer and pursued that vocation through life. In 1864, he came to Noble County with his family, locating on the old Huntsman farm in Green Town- ship. He died in March, 1872. He was a Democrat and an enterprising citizen. His widow survives him and resides on the old place. George Hunts- man was reared in Morrow County, Ohio, receiving a common school educa- tion. He came to Green Township in 1864, and by frugality and labor has earned a fine home of 105 acres. He was married in May, 1861, to Susann Hostler. Their children were Flora, Amanda, Vileta M., Ida C., E. M., Alice and William H. The four oldest are dead. Mr. Huntsman is a Demo- crat, and the family are honored and respected members of society.
HIRAM LINDSEY is a native of Knox County, Ohio, where his birth occurred March 8, 1826. His parents were Jacob and Sarah (Craven) Lind- AAA
484
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
sey, to whom were born five children, four yet living. The father was a fol- lower of the plow, and came from Pennsylvania, while the mother traced her nativity to New Jersey. In April, 1839, Mr. Lindsey and family appeared in Green Township, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Hiram. Mr. Lindsey died during the autumn of 1839. Mrs. Lindsey is yet living in Mor- row County, Ohio. After the death of the father, great hardships were endured. The eldest son was drowned, and Hiram was called upon to assume many duties which he successfully mastered. In the year 1866, Mr. Lindsey opened a store in Noblesville, where he sold goods until 1869, when he moved to the farm now owned by Mr. Conkling, and there continued his store four years, when he abandoned the occupation and went to farming again. In 1855, he was united in marriage with Barbara Lock, and by her had six children, as follows : John W., George W., Mary J., Jacob F., Nancy E. and Oscar W .; John W. and Nancy are dead. Mr. Lindsey is a Democrat and while at Noblesville he served as Postmaster. He owns 80 acres of nice land, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is an honorable man, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.
JESSE LOCK was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 7, 1847. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Link) Lock, and one of ten children, four of whom are living, viz., Barbara, wife of Hiram Lindsey ; Lucina, wife of David Clouse, of Albion ; Elizabeth, who is also living in Albion ; and Jesse, the sub- ject of this sketch. The parents of these were married in Preble County, Ohio, and came to Noble County in 1849, locating in Green Township, on the farm now owned by Jesse Lock. They erected a little log cabin, and began clearing the land. Mr. Lock was a Democrat, and a member of the Baptist Church. He died June 12, 1855, and his widow April 2, 1874. Jesse Lock was raised a farmer. At the age of twenty-one, he commenced for himself, and in June, 1872, married Miss Anna Moore. To them were born two children-Corella and Barbara J. The mother died May 6, 1875, and, January 7, 1877, he was united in marriage with his present wife, Mrs. Christina Miller, widow of Francis Miller, and daughter of Henry Wead. To them was born one son- Charles. By her first husband Mrs. Lock had two children-Jasper and George. After his first marriage, Mr. Lock continued farming, and now owns 100 acres of good land. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.
JOHN P. McWILLIAMS is one of the thrifty men of Green Township, born in Pennsylvania December 20, 1823; one of five children born to Oliver and Elizabeth (Ren'esten) McWilliams. His grandfather was John McWill- iams, a native of Ireland, who, after coming to America, settled in Pennsylva- nia, and where, in after years, he died. In 1829, Oliver McWilliams and family emigrated to Indiana. After residing thirteen years in Wayne County, he purchased eighty acres of the farm now owned by our subject, and here resided until November, 1858, when he died. His widow survived him until 1864, when she died. On their arrival in Noble County, the country was one vast forest. Mr. McWilliams was a Democrat, and at one time filled the office of County Coroner, besides having filled various township offices. John P. McWilliams assisted in the improvement of the home farm, upon which he was raised. He was married in 1850 to Miss Josephine White, daughter of Ira B. and Sophia (Culver) White, who were pioneers of York Township. To their union there were born nine children-Isaac and Oliver R., deceased ; Alma E. (now wife of O. Frederick, of Jefferson Township), Frank W., William H.,
485
GREEN TOWNSHIP.
John H. (deceased), Alta S., Walter P. and Charles A. Mrs. McWilliams was born in Union County, Ohio, March 25, 1833. In 1856, Mr. Mc Williams was elected, by the Democratic party, to the office of County Recorder, and served four years, making his home in Albion. When he had served his term, he returned to his home in Green Township, where he still lives. Mr. Mc- Williams has also held the office of County Commissioner, and various town- ship offices, in all of which he has served with satisfaction to his constituents. He owns 175 acres of land well improved, and enjoys a comfortable and pros- perous home.
WILLIAM McDANIEL was born in York District, South Carolina, June 17, 1812. Soon after his birth, his parents moved to Wilkes Co., N. C., where he remained until 1832, when he went to Wayne County, Ind., living there two years, and one year in Whitley County, and on the 3d of January, 1835, com- ing to his present farm, which was then covered with heavy timber. On the 14th of August, 1834, he married Parmelia Martin, and by her had eight chil- dren-Charles, Elizabeth, John, Jane, Robert, James, Thomas and George. Charles and Thomas are dead. Mrs. McDaniel was overcome by hardships, and died in 1855, and some time afterward Mr. McDaniel married Christina (Yates) Weirich, widow of Franklin Weirich, whose melancholy death is recorded in the chapter on Green Township. Mr. McDaniel's second wife has borne him two children-Almeda and Alvadore. The parents are members of the Chris- tian Church. They have a fine farm of two hundred acres. Mr. McDaniel is well known, universally respected, and one of Green's best citizens.
SILAS MOORE was born in Washington County, Penn., May 24, 1823. He is a son of Russell and Elizabeth (Scott) Moore, who were of Scotch descent, and the parents of four children. The father was three times married ; first to Mary Cool, who bore him one son; second, to the mother of Silas Moore, and his last wife was Elizabeth Cunningham, who bore him three chil- dren. Mr. Moore was a farmer, and a member of the Presbyterian Church, having been a Ruling Elder in that denomination for forty years. He died in 1880, aged eighty-four, on the farm where he was born, and where he had always lived. Our subject's time was passed on the home farm until he was twenty-one. He then commenced working at the carpenter's trade and wagon making. In 1856, he went to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he worked at his trade eight years. He started for Illinois in April, 1864, and on his way stopped in Noble County and purchased his present farm-eighty acres-near Green Center, where he farmed a few years. Since then he has erected a wagon shop and works at his trade, and also carries on undertaking. Through the influence of Mr. Moore, a post office was established at Green Center, in 1870, and he was appointed Postmaster, a position he has since held. He was married, Mary 8, 1851, to Margaret Lester, of Pennsylvania, and to them were born four children-Leslie, Melissa (deceased), Mary E. and Nancy B. Mrs. Moore was born April 30, 1830, and she and Mr. Moore are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Moore is a Republican.
GEORGE OTT, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Preble County, Ohio, September 25, 1817; is one of six children born to John and Mary Magdalene (Lock) Ott. Their children were Abraham, George, Jacob, John and Jesse. All are now living in Indiana, except John. The father came from Virginia to Ohio in 1812, and lived and died there. The parents were of Germanic descent, and members of the Lutheran Church, the father being a Whig, and later a Republican. George Ott was reared on a farm, and, in
486
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
1840, was married to Mary Brown, whose parents were from North Carolina. To Mr. and Mrs. Ott have been born ten children, as follows: Sarah E., Mary A, John F., Matilda, Ellen, Hetta, Louisa J., Daniel P., Olive and Mar- tha A., all living, except John F., who died in infancy. In 1842, Mr. Ott came to Green Township, where his father had purchased land. There were only about fourteen other families in the township at that time. No improve- ments had been made on Mr. Ott's quarter section. He erected a small log cabin, and planted some corn, and then returned to Ohio. The same year he came to Indiana, bringing his family. Here they have labored, and a fine farm of about seven hundred acres proves that their labor has not been in vain. This land, except 140 acres, has been given to their children. Mr. Ott and wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Ott, besides filling all the township offices, has been County Commissioner, serving his constituency with honesty and fidelity. Noble County cannot boast of a citizen of greater excel- lence or a man of truer nobility than George Ott. His heart and mind are filled with progressive ideas, which lead him to the commission of charitable deeds and to the performance of Christian duty.
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.