Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 102

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co.
Number of Pages: 814

USA > Indiana > Brown County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 102
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 102
USA > Indiana > Morgan County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 102

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).

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and December, 1881, engaged in his present business; he was afterward appointed Postmaster, and is yet doing duty. He controls a farm of sixty acres, having good improvements and a number of horses, cattle and hogs. In politics, he is a Republican, and, with Mrs. Knee, a mem- ber of the Christian Church.

JAMES W. McILVAIN was born June 29, 1814, in Belmont County, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew and Anna (Spear) McIlvain, natives of Delaware, and respectively of Irish and English descent. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained at home until he became of age. April 2, 1835; he married Miss Louisa B. Mead, a native of Virginia, and to their union were granted seven children-Elizabeth (deceased), Joseph A. (killed at the battle of Atlanta), Leander J., James E., Crary J., Milton H. and Lovina Amanda Malvina. Mr. McIlvain moved to his present residence in 1845, containing 520 acres entered by him in 1841, of which he now has 240 acres, having given considerable to his children. He has long been known for his benevolent acts, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, since his eighteenth year; had a church built within forty rods of his house, and has been a Steward in that denomination for forty-five years. He was elected Justice of the Peace under the old Constitution; in 1847, one of the three Trustees of township, and again elected Justice in 1874, being commissioned by Govs. Hendricks and Williams. He began voting with the Republicans in 1856, and is a stanch member of that party. He has had a somewhat eventful life, his house having been bored by bullets during the war on account of his adherence to the Union cause. Mr. McIlvain is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity.

LEANDER JOHN McILVAIN, farmer and raiser of stock, was born February 2, 1842, in Belmont County, Ohio, and is the third child of James W. and Louisa (Mead) McIlvain. Leander J. McIlvain was reared on a farm, with limited education, and remained with his parents until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-second In- diana Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged at Perryville, Stone River, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Peach Tree Creek, Buzzard Roost, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, Savannah, Goldsboro and Sherman's march. He was discharged June, 1865, and returned to active farm life. October 25, 1866, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of William and Mary A. Douglass, and to this union five children were born-Mary L., James William, Henrietta, Minnie Florence and Andrew F. Mr. McIlvain is a member of the Horse Thief and Felony Detective Societies. In 1867, he located on his present farm of ninety-eight acres of good land, with improved buildings, orchard, and full supply of stock, etc. In politics he is an active Republican; was commissioned Postmaster in December, 1878. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

EPHRAIM McKEE, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, May 2, 1830, and is the eldest of the seven children de- scended from James and Cassie (Morris) McKee, natives respectively of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and of Irish and Welsh descent. Our sub- ject emigrated from Ohio to this State, with his parents, in 1845; set- tled in this township on Government land, made a home from nature's wilds, and reared and educated a family of six children. After two years, Mr. McKee sold this farm and purchased the tract on which he now resides. It comprises 440 acres, well cultivated, improved, stocked and adorned-a fine property and commodious home. February 17, 1852,

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he married Phebe A. Stilabwer, a native of Germany, to which union were born Michael, Mary E., Ann Eliza, Caroline, John H., and Martha Ellen, deceased. Mr. McKee is a practical farmer, who has acquired his property laboriously and honestly. He is a Democrat in politics, and, with his wife, a member of the Lutheran Church.

HANNIBAL I. MEAD was the sixth of the seven children born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Grey) Mead, natives of Virginia, and respectively of English and German descent. Our subject was born March 24, 1822, in Virginia. He was reared to labor on a farm, and was carried to Bel- mont County, Ohio, by his parents in 1830; fourteen years later, he moved to this township, entered eighty-four acres, to which he added until he owned 300 acres, and made a comfortable home and a good farm. Octo- ber 4, 1848, he married Miss Nancy Jane Hamblen, of this county, to which union were born three children-Milo Milton (deceased), Florence A. and Louisa Ellen. Mr. Mead was an active Democrat; has served two terms as Township Trustee, three as County Commissioner, and was serving as such at the time of his decease, March 31, 1878. He was a member of the Masonic order, and a benevolent, respected gentleman. His widow is living on the homestead, greatly esteemed by all.

JOHN G. MILNES, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Halifax, Eng., was born June 23, 1835, and is descended from William and Han- nah (Greenwood) Milnes, the second of their seven children. These par- ents came to the United States in 1841, landed in New York, came to Johnson County, Ind., purchased a farm, remained three years, thence came to this township, here settled on land and remained until their deaths-he in 1853, she in "1880. John G. Milnes was reared at home, and September 6, 1854, married Elizabeth Ann Porter, a native of Ohio, who gave birth to ten children-William, Louisa, Ann M., Mary E. (de- ceased), John H. (deceased), Charles, Sarah E., Joseph, Ida and Minnie. Mr. Milnes has in control and is owner of 384 acres, which are improved by good residence, orchard, and stocked with horses, cattle and sheep, the whole acquired by honest labor and frugality. Mr. and Mrs. Milnes are consistent and honored members of the New Light Church, and Mr. Milnes is an upright and esteemed citizen.

JAMES P. MOSER, M. D., of Spearsville, is a native of Jackson Township, this county, was born October 11, 1849, and is the fifth of the nine children of Calvin and Margaret (Hunting) Moser. James P. was reared to the duties of farm work, also attended for some time the schools of his neighborhood, and so applied himself that he was able to teach, which he did for awhile, afterward entering the high school at Bloomington, where he prepared himself to acquire a profession. He further taught school, and later entered the office of Dr. E. S Arwine, of Georgetown, and devoted himself assiduously to the study of medi- cine for two years, afterward attending lectures at, and graduating from, the Cincinnati Medical College, June 14, 1876. August 11, 1870. Dr. Moser married Miss Josephine, daughter of Crawford and Elizabeth Liv- ingston. The result of this union was three children-Laura V., Roston Scott and Elmer Bramble. Dr. Moser located at Georgetown one year after his graduation, thence moving to Spearsville, where he has success- fully and continuously practiced medicine and surgery. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Democrat, and was Secretary of Brown County Board of Health in 1883. Dr. and Mrs. Moser are members of the Baptist Church.

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1 JOHN SMITH, farmer and gunsmith, was born in Wayne County, Ind., May 9, 1827, and is the second of fifteen children granted to Charles and Nancy Ann (Langley) Smith, natives respectively of Ten- nessee and North Carolina, and of Scotch and German extraction, who moved to Madison County in 1832, entered and cleared Jand and made a home. Mrs. Smith died in 1872, but Mr. Smith is yet living. On this land our subject grew to manhood, and served an apprenticeship to gun- making of seven years, afterward working as a journeyman for two years, and has since followed this business for himself, being one of the best workmen in the State. In January, 1851, he married Miss Lydia E., daughter of Jonathan West, which union has been endeared by eleven children- George W., Charles C., Susan, JosephR., Jane, Jeremiah, Mary, Alice, Julia, Rebecca and Norah (deceased). Mr. Smith is owner of an improved farm of 155 acres, making a good home, but devotes his time himself wholly to gunsmithing. He is a Freemason and an Odd Fellow; an Independent in politics, and he and wife are members of the Mis- sionary Baptist Church.

WILLIAM W. STOCKWELL, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in North Hampton, Mass., February 27, 1829, and is the third of twelve children born to William and Clarissa W. (Whittemore) Stockwell, na- tives of Massachusetts, and of English extraction. William W. Stock- well grew to manhood at home, and attended the public schools until he became of age. December 6, 1863, he married Mary M. Jerome, which union was crowned by one child-Frank J. Mrs. Stockwell died March 9, 1867. After moving from Ohio to Indiana, Mr. Stockwell became a sub-mail contractor, and after two years came to and located in this township. April 12, 1868, he married Alice A. Wisenberg, with a re- sult of two children-Herbert W. and Florence L. Mr. Stockwell's place comprises 111 acres in good cultivation, and with considerable stock and improvements. He has been for years a correspondent of several lit- erary and scientific journals in Ohio, New York and this State. He is also author of many poems and songs for camp and fireside; likewise a work embracing incidents in the life of George W. Murray during four years' service in the late war and term of confinement in Libby Prison.

AUSTIN F. STOCKWELL is a native of Ravenna, State of Ohio, was born August 25, 1834, and is the fifth of the twelve children of William and Clarissa (Whittemore) Stockwell. Austin F. Stockwell

March 26, 1859, he was reared on the home farm, attended school in boyhood, and remained with his parents until he reached man's estate. married Miss Mary P., a daughter of Zedoch and Maria Wright, which union was endeared by seven children -- Perry A., William E., Vernon E., Alice M., Franklin I., Myrtle N. and Palmer R. The last named, but eldest, born December 14, 1862, has attended the Central Indiana Normal School and Business Institute, thereby fitting himself for an educator, which profession he has followed for four years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church. August 17, 1864, our subject enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served until the close of the war, and at the battle of Shelbyville Pike, while on a " double-quick," received a fall which has caused permanent disa- bility, and was discharged July 28, 1865. Mr. Stockwell is Treasurer and Quartermaster of Adams Post, G. A. R., and an esteemed and worthy citizen. Mrs. Stockwell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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WILLIAM P. TAGGART, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of this township, was born May 28. 1832, and is the second of the nine in family of William and Sarah (Mullis) Taggart, natives of Tennessee, and of Scotch and Irish extraction respectively. Our subject was reared at home, attended the ordinary schools, and assisted his parents. August 6, 1851, he married Zerelda, daughter of L. Eliakim and Nancy Hamblen, to which union were born two children-Amanda Jane and Martin El- bridge. Mr. Taggart has a fine farm of 1,000 acres, which place is well stocked, improved and planted-an enviable possession, which has been wholly acquired by his unflagging industry and astute management. He is a reputable citizen, an honorable gentleman, a voter with the National party, and he and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for several years. In 1879, Mr. Taggart engaged in saw-milling on his place most successfully, and in 1880 introduced buhrs for grind- ing corn.

JOHN M. URICH is a native of Eatonsburg, Penn., was born May 30, 1831, and is the eldest son of David and Ann (Eckenroad) Urich, who emigrated to Ohio from Pennsylvania, located in Mahoning County, and cleared and established a home. They were natives of Pennsylvania. and parents of ten children-John M., Lucinda, Absalom, Lafayette, Henry, Frank, William (deceased), Laura, Mary and James (deceased). Mr. Urich left the world in 1850, aged fifty-six. Mrs. Urich yet survives on the home farm, aged seventy-three. Our subject remained with his mother on the farm until October 14, 1858, at which period he married Miss Eliza M., daughter of William and Clarissa W. Stockwell, which union was cemented by eight children-William W. (deceased), Elmer E., Frank W., Edna A., Ida M., Pearl J. (deceased), Claude C. and John E. Mr. Urich is the owner and manager of a farm of 100 acres of excellent land, productive, cultivated, improved and stocked. He came to this attractive home in 1866, having then removed from Ohio. He is a respected citizen and a worthy gentleman. Mr. and Mrs. Urich are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JACOB PERRY WALKER, stock-raiser and farmer, was born in Henry County, Ky., January 27, 1828, and is the eldest of the twelve children born to Samuel and Nancy Young Walker, natives of Kentucky and of German extraction, who emigrated to this State in 1839, settled in this county, entered Government land, and reduced the forest and wilderness to a home and a farm. Here they resided thereafter-he closing his life in 1874, leaving his wife to survive him, a member of the Christian Church, as was her husband. John Perry Walker obtained the rudiments of an education, and remained at home until May 26, 1853, when he married Cynthia White, with an issue of seven children, three of whom are living-Emily, David and Nancy M. The mother of these children died April, 1877, and December 12, 1879, he wedded Rachel Amanda Wright. Mr. Walker is owner and director of a farm embracing 240 acres, in good cultivation, with good stock and improvements, giving some attention to raising varieties of stock. He is a member of the Ma- sonic body, a practical farmer, a Democrat in politics, and an upright and respected citizen.

SAMUEL WALKER, Trustee of Hamblen Township, is a native of this county, was born February 3, 1847, and is the fourth of the eight children of Charles H. and Jane Rairden Walker, natives of Kentucky. Our subject attended subscription school and worked on the farm, and

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remained at home until a short time before his majority, when he began to care for himself by working on a farm and then in a saw mill. January 4, 1872, he married Miss Caroline B., daughter of John and Jane Gosser, to which union succeeded two children-Ernest G. and Estal E. Mr. Walker is owner and controller of 160 acres of good and well-improved land, which is fully stocked and equipped, and he is also the proprietor of land on which a church and schoolhouse have been erected. He is a voter of the Democratic stock, and is now serving his second term as Township Trustee, which service is well and worthily appreciated. He has been an industrious, prudent man, and is generally highly respected, Mr. and Mrs. Walker are consistent members of the Christian Church.

JOHN M. WALKER, dealer in dry goods, boots and shoes, grocer- ies, queensware. glassware, etc., at Spearsville, was born in this town- ship April 20, 1855, and is the youngest of the family of Charles H. and Jane Walker. John M. Walker worked for his father and attended school until he was eighteen years old, when he commenced on his own account as a farm hand. January 19, 1882, he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Hamilton R. and Margaret Heskett, and to this union two children have been born-Elsie M. (deceased) and Verless. In February, 1882, Mr. Walker abandoned the plow and the field, and took up mercantile business at Spearsvile, since which date he has done a thriving and en- couraging trade. He is a first-class business man, an honorable citizen, a Democrat politically, and an advocate of justice and progress. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Christian Church.

WILLIAM G. WATSON, stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of Mon- roe County, Ind .; was born November 28, 1833, and is the eldest of the family of ten born to Jonathan and Elizabeth (Steward) Watson, natives of Kentucky, who moved to this township about 1834, where they con- tinued throughout their lives, he dying in 1867, she in 1870, after hav- ing made a home on entered land. William remained with his parents and attended subscription schools until April 6, 1859, when he married Rachel Parsley, the fruit of which alliance was seven children-Louisa, William E., Steward, James H. (deceased), Laura, Cordia and Rufus. Mr. Watson is the owner of 210 acres of quite well-improved land, which is also fully stocked and adorned, his residence now being where the great spectacle enterprise had its beginning. He votes with the Demo- cratic party, has served two terms as Assessor of this township, from 1864 to 1868 as Sheriff of the county, and in 1870 was elected Auditor, in which service he gave full satisfaction. Mr. Watson is a member of the Masonic fraternity to the degree of Royal Arch, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

SAMUEL WEBBER, farmer, was born in Noble County, Ohio, Octo- ber 27, 1841, and is the third of eight children born to Ira and Hannah (Moore) Webber, the former a native of Maine, the latter of Virginia, who emigrated to this State in 1865, purchased a farm on Salt Creek, where Mr. Webber died October 13, 1871, and where his wife is yet liv- ing. Samuel Webber grew to almost manhood on the home place, and October 1, 1861, enlisted in Company C, Seventy-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteers; served three years and participated in the following engage- ments: Shiloh, Jenkins' Ferry and siege of Corinth; was wounded in the leg before Corinth, and still carries the ball; he afterward was as- signed to carpenter work, and was wounded in the elbow while building a bridge at Jenkins' Ferry. After his discharge in 1864, he moved to

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Indiana in 1865, and April 23 of that year married Bethania C. Harper, who died the succeeding autumn. Mr. Webber thereafter came to this county, and resided with his parents until September 16, 1866, at which period he married Miss Minerva A., daughter of Joshua and Mary Dean, which union has been endeared by five children-Frank E., James H., Charles C., Laura E. and Pearl E. Mr. Webber is a practical farmer, owning 241 acres, with a good share of stock and numerous improve- ments. He is a member of the Masonic order, and as a Democrat has served his township as Trustee, also as Commissioner, and is a reputable citizen. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SOLOMON WYATT, of Spearsville, is a native of New Jersey, was born December 19, 1815, and is the seventh of the nine children of Sol- omon and Sarah Wyatt, natives of Delaware and of English descent. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native State, where he worked on the farm, attended the subscription schools, and afterward served an ap- prenticeship of three years at trunk-making in Philadelphia; he then moved westward and located in Belmont County, Ohio, where he remained two years; moved to Indiana in 1848, settled in this township, purchased a farm, and in 1866 moved to this town. December 29, 1861, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Zephaniah and Catherine (Cleft) Johnson. Mr. Wyatt is a man self-made and independent. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, by political preference a Democrat, has donated land for building a church near Spearsville, and is a greatly respected citizen. Mrs. Wyatt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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ELDER DAVID M. BECK, ex-County Superintendent, was born February 4, 1836, in Lawrence County, Ind., and is the sixth of ten chil- dren descended from David and Elizabeth (Phillips) Beck, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Kentucky, who were married in . Washington County, Ind., and in 1850 located in this county, where Mr. Beck remained until death, having given up his ministry a few years pre- viously, which he had followed thirty years. Elder Beck grew to man- hood on a farm, received a practical education, after which he began teaching in Lawrence and Brown Counties, having taught in both twenty - three terms. August, 1872, he commenced his ministrations in the Christian Church, to which he still adheres. In 1877, he was appointed Superintendent of Brown County, and in 1879 re-appointed. September, 1856, he married Miss Mary J. Litten, who died leaving one child, Paris

M. (deceased). March 22, 1862, he wedded Mary J. Allen, to which union eight children were born-Julia A., Emma J., Lottie E., William W., Cora A., Laura L., David C. and James A. (deceased). Elder Beck owns a good farm of eighty-three acres, beautifully located, and with many improvements and adornments. He is now a Democrat, also a Prohibitionist, and a worthy, trusted and honored citizen.

DR. MARION A. DUNCAN, physician and surgeon of Bellsville, was born June 9, 1855, in Marion County, Ind., and is the eleventh of the thir- teen children of Alexander and Sarah F. (Redick) Duncan, natives of North Carolina, and respectively of Scotch and Irish descent. Dr. Dun- can was reared as a farm boy near Nashville, this State; attended the common schools, and one term at the State University. When quite a boy he expressed a predilection to be a doctor, and commenced the study of medicine at twenty-two years of age, under Dr. J. M. Cook, with whom he remained one year, then attended lectures at the Ohio Medical Col- lege; returned home, and began practice at Jonesville in 1879. In 1880, he removed to Nashville, staid two years, and finally located at Bells- ville, where he has done well. December 23, 1881, he married Miss Lu- cinda Francis, born April 24, 1855, the crown of which union has been two children-Pearlie and Varnie. Dr. Duncan is a good business man, a promising physician, an energetic Democrat, and a trusted citizen. Mrs. Duncan is a member of the Christian Church.

ARNOLD S. GRIFFITT, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born September 19, 1840, in Morgantown, Ind., and is the sixth of twelve children born to Reuben and Lovina (Shell) Griffitt, both deceased, na- tives of East Tennessee, and of German extraction. Reuben Griffitt was Justice of the Peace for a number of years, and Postmaster at Morgan- town for thirty-three years. Arnold S. Griffitt worked on a farm until he was twenty-eight years of age; he received the rudiments of an edu- cation in youth, and when twenty-six began studying medicine with Dr. J. L. Grinnell, under whom he remained two years, then attended lect- ures at Louisville University, Kentucky; graduated in 1869, and located at Nashville, where he continued until 1879; removed to Taylorsville for

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eighteen months, thence to Nashville again until 1882, at which period he purchased seventy-five acres in this township, and farmed in connec- tion with his practice. While at Nashville he was Postmaster four and Pension Examiner two years. September 9, 1861, he wedded Miss Eme- line F. Anderson, who died leaving four children-Lucetta E., Annie C., Katie and Joseph G. He next married Mrs. Emma Taggart August 16, 1876. Dr. Griffitt is a member of the Masonic body, an active Repub- lican, and an esteemed citizen. At present Dr. Griffitt is selling goods, holding the positions of Postmaster and Notary Public at Story, as well as medical practitioner. From 1861 to 1866 he taught school. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

ROBERT HENDERSON, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Jack- son County, Ind., born August 28, 1827, and is the eldest of ten children of Robert and Parmelia (Newkirk) Henderson, the former a native of Vir- ginia, the latter of Indiana. The father of our subject was born 1795, remained in Virginia until he was fourteen years of age, moved thence to Kentucky, thence to Lawrence County, Ind., in 1815, and to this county in 1829. Our subject grew to manhood on a farm, having been brought here when an infant, and remained with his parents until he was twen- ty-three years of age. December 13, 1850, he married Mary A. Davis, from which union sprang eleven children, of whom are living-Emeline, James M., John C. B., Parmelia, Robert M., Benjamin, Jasper and Free- man. Mr. Henderson has a good farm of 200 acres, on which he lives, also one of 200 acres in Jackson County, which farm is well improved. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Democrat; was elected County Commissioner in 1870, re-elected in 1872, and is now a candi- date for re-election. Mr. Henderson is an excellent citizen, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

E. H. MOORE (of the firm of Moore & Tilton, New Bellsville, Ind.) is a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, was born September 19, 1846, and is one of the ten children of Peter and Mary (Nelson) Moore, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The grandfather of our subject, Patrick Moore, emigrated from Ireland, settled in Westmoreland County, Penn., then moved to Ohio, where he came to death, the father of eleven children. Peter Moore was a native of Ohio, born August 12, 1810; was married in 1832, and in 1850 went to California, where he engaged in mining for two years; then came to this county, where he came to death October 12, 1871; his wife November 10, 1881. Their family were Robert, Susan, John, Laban, James, Irena, Edward, Emmanuel H., Thomas J. and George W. October 4, 1864, our subject entered the war of the rebellion in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being dis- charged July, 1865. November 22, 1866, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca Moore, a native of Belmont County, Ohio. In 1868, Mr. Moore moved to Grundy County, Mo., and in 1873, returned to this county, where he engaged in farming for a year, then began dealing in tobacco, in which he has since been engaged, now ex- tensively, and in 1881 he opened a store with J. G. Tilton. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have a family of five-Anabel (deceased), Edward L., Lin- nie M., Benjamin F. and Clara R. Mr. Moore belongs to the Masonic order and the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN T. PING is a native of this county, was born January 29, 1842, and is descended from Job and Christina Ping, natives of Ken-

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tucky, where they married, then moved to Bartholomew County, Ind., in 1831, and thence to this county, in 1841, where Mr. Ping closed his life, February 2, 1883. Mrs. Ping is still living in this township; their family was William, Catherine, Betty, Logan, Walker, David, Deborah, John T., Silas and Job J. John T., our subject, married in Bartholomew County, Ind., February 2, 1862, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Campbell, and born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 1, 1841. After marriage, Mr. Ping settled in this township, and February 7, 1865, enlisted in Company K. One Hundred and Forty-fifth Indiana Regiment, served until January 21, 1866, when he was discharged. After his return he moved to Bartholomew County, remained until 1870, then returned to this county, where he has since resided, in pursuit of his trade as car- penter. Mr. and Mrs. Ping are parents of six children-Sarah F., Rosalie, Emory (deceased), Cora A. (deceased), Andrew B. and John W. Mr. Ping is a greatly respected citizen.

JOHN C. WERT was born in Preble County, Ohio, November 11, 1809, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Balsley) Wert, natives of Fayette County, Penn. The grandfather of our subject, Christian Wert, emigrated from Switzerland to Pennsylvania, before the Revolu- tionary war, where he wedded Maria Neeley, and moved to Fayette County, where he subsequently died. He was a soldier in the Revolution and the father of six children. Jacob Wert was born in 1784, was a- soldier of the war of 1812, was married in Fayette County, Penn., moved to Ohio in 1807, and settled on what is now a part of Cincinnati; this land he sold and moved to Preble County, where he died in 1850, his wife surviving him thirteen years; they were parents of fourteen chil- dren. John C. Wert when a young man learned the trade of milling, which he followed for a large portion of his time. November 4, 1832, he married Miss Jane E., daughter of Larkin and Susan (Crisler) Weaver, and a native of Virginia. In 1846, Mr. Wert moved to Aurora, Ind., worked as a miller, and in 1855 purchased a mill in Ohio County, which he managed until 1867, at which time he came to this county and pur- chased and settled on the farm which is now his home and sustenance. Mr. and Mrs. Wert have been the parents of twelve children-William, James, Maria, Susan, Washington, Amanda, Arabelle, Isabelle (deceased), Thomas (deceased), Charles, Eliza and Harvey. Mr. Wert is a Mason, a Republican and an Odd Fellow.

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JOHNSON TOWNSHIP.

HEZEKIAH AXSON, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Yadkin County, N. C., was born August 19, 1831, and is the eldest son of Sam- uel and Winnie (Mathews) Axson, both natives of North Carolina, and respectively of English and Irish extraction. Samuel Axson moved to Monroe about 1838, and to this county twelve years afterward. Hez- ekiah Axson received a subscription-school education in youth, and re- mained at home until he was twenty-one years old, and followed various occupations, principally farming. September 5, 1861, he entered the service and remained three years, serving in the following battles : Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Chickamauga and others. He received two gunshot wounds, one in the left thigh, and one in the left shoulder, and was mustered out September 2, 1864. After this experience he re- sumed farming. April 15, 1854, he married Miss Mary Helenburg, a native of Virginia, from which union have sprung seven children-Andy W. (deceased), Mary J., Amanda E., Stanley, Alice M., John T. and Cor- delia. Mr. Axson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Republican in politics, and an estimable citizen. His greatest ambition is to leave with his children a good education as a basis for life.

DR. JOHN H. LEONARD is a native of Monroe County. was born December 27, 1843, and is the eldest of eleven children born to William and Lucinda (Grimes) Leonard, both natives of Indiana. William Leonard came with his parents to Monroe County about 1825, of which locality he is yet a resident. John H. was reared a farmer, with such education as the schools afforded, and when seventeen began the business of telegraphing, which he followed until he was thirty years of age, at which time he began to study medicine under Dr. Dowden, at Owens- burg, with whom he studied three years, then attended a course of lect- ures at the Louisville Medical College, and afterward located at Elkins- ville, Brown County, Ind., in 1876. His first marriage was to Dulcinea Carr, which union was blessed with three children, two having been named-Charles (deceased) and Dora E. After the death of this mother, Dr. Leonard married Miss Louisa E. Stark, by which marriage has been born one daughter-Ida B. Dr. Leonard has a good and growing prac- tice. He is a prominent Democrat, and the present Assessor of the town- ship. He is a trusted physician and a good citizen, and, as is his wife, a members of the Christian Church.

THOMAS MADGETT, farmer, was born in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, March 24, 1817, and is a son of John N. and Sarah (Perry) Madgett, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Canada. John N. Madgett received a good education at an endowed school, and May, 1807, was commissioned Doctor of Pharmacy, and followed that profession throughout his life, having been in a hospital at Ennis; Mr. Madgett died in 1849, and Mrs. Madgett fourteen years before; they were mem - bors of the English Church. Thomas Madgett obtained a classical edu- cation in the land of his birth, passed his early years at farming, and when thirty-eight emigrated to America, lived for a time in New York and Cin-

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cinnati, and finally came to this county, where he now lives. He entered school land at the time, and now has a fine farm under good cultivation. Mr. Madgett is a member of the Masonic fraternity, has been Township Assessor and Township Trustee, and is at present County Commissioner. He is a leading citizen, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and resides with his sisters.

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Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 102

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co. Number of Pages: 814

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co.
Number of Pages: 814