USA > Indiana > Brown County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 22
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 22
USA > Indiana > Morgan County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 22
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JOHN C. COMER was born December 8, 1842, in Wayne County, Ind. His parents, Joseph and Esther (Compton) Comer, were natives of South Carolina and Ohio respectively. The former came to Indiana in 1808, when seven years of age; married in Ohio in 1826, and lived in Hendricks and Morgan Counties for ten years, when he again went to Wayne County, returning to Morgan County in 1862 and locating in Mooresville. He died in February, 1876. The mother died in January, 1868. John C. Comer is the eighth son and eleventh child, and was reared in Wayne and Randolph Counties until eight years of age, when he went with his parents to Iowa. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany I, Fourteenth Iowa Volunteers, under Capt. Warren C. Jones. He served for three and a half years, and took part in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Jackson, Tenn .; Holly Springs, Vicksburg, Canton, Miss. He was in the Red River cam- paign, and at Pilot Knob. In December, 1864, he was mustered out, and came to Morgan County, Ind .; purchased a flouring mill at Moores- ville, ran it for two years, and then purchased a saw mill, which he ran until 1870. He next farmed for two years, and then embarked in the lumber business, following it for eight years. He was elected Sheriff of the county in 1878, and two years later was re-elected. After faithfully fulfilling the duties of this office for four years, he bought a farm of 253 acres in Brown Township, and is at present farming. In April, 1869, he was married to Miss Annie Gilbert, of Morgan County. They have had six children, four of whom are living-Ella, Robert, Mattie and
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Dolly. Mr. Comer is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of H., the K. of P., and of the G. A. R. He is a Republican, and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JAMES F. COX, attorney at law, was born in Monroe County, Ind., May 15, 1852, and is a son of Rev. J. Bridgeman and Martha (Mosier) Cox. He was reared on a farm, attended the county schools, and when fifteen began his own support, and divided his time between labor and schooling. At nineteen, he became a teacher, and attended the State University for three years, after which he taught during winter and studied law during summer. He became an earnest politician before he became a voter. He cast his first vote, in pride, for Horace Greeley, and came before the Democratic convention as a candidate for Prosecuting Attorney of the Fifteenth Circuit. He was defeated meagerly after be- ing nominated over three prominent competitors from this county, by a coalition of Greene and Owen Counties, the latter receiving the Judge and the former the Prosecutor. In 1878, he was made Deputy County Prosecuting Attorney, as which he served eighteen months before resign- ing to matriculate in the Law Department of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated March 24, 1880, and returned to this county and resumed practice. August 1, 1877, he married, in Brown County, Ind., Miss Mattie E. Armstrong, who died February 14, 1880, leaving one child-Leon J.
WILLIAM COX, a native of Ohio, was born near Dayton October 5, 1820, and is the eldest son and second child of John and Nancy (Swish- ard) Cox, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Morgan County in 1820, and built what is known as High Rock Mills in Jefferson Town- ship, on White River, which they ran until in 1850. The father then went to California, where he died in March, 1850. The mother died in 1843. Subject was reared in Morgan County, where he was educated, and remained until 1843, and assisted his father in the mill. He then went to Wisconsin, and worked in the lead mines for two years; thence returning to his home, he went on a flat- boat to New Orleans, and acted as pilot on a flat-boat for twenty years. In 1853, he purchased a farm in Jefferson Township, and farmed after his twenty years on the river until 1877. He then sold his farm, and removed to Martinsville, where in May he was appointed City Marshal, and is at present serving in that capacity. In 1856, he was elected Township Trustee, and served two years. In 1847, he was married to Jane Mills, daughter of Judge Mills, a pioneer of Morgan County. By this union there have been six children, four of whom are living-Lida, Katie, George W. and Stephen J. Mr. Cox is a member of the A. F. & A. M, Martinsville Lodge, No. 74. He is politically a Republican. His wife is a member of the Christian Church.
GEORGE W. CRAMER was born in Morris County, N. J., October 27, 1829, and is a son of Archibald and Margaret Cramer, the former born July, 1803, the latter in 1802. Archibald Cramer was a son of Abram and Rachel (More) Cramer, who were natives of New Jersey, where they lived and died, the parents of eleven children. Archibald Cramer married Margaret Stephens, and after living in Sussex and Morris Coun- ties, emigrated to Morgan County, Ind., in 1839, and died May 7, 1883, the father of six children-Sarah, George W., Emeline, Dayton D., Will- iam S. and Nelson. George W. Cramer, December 22, 1853, in this county, married Sarah A., daughter of James and Delilah Crawford, and born in this county December 17, 1834. This union brought forth nine
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children-Mary E., Lenora A., Hannah M., James C., Julia, Charles L., Rosa L., Archie and Delilah M. After marriage, Mr. Cramer located on his home farm of 267 acres of well improved and valued land. He is a much esteemed citizen, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. WILLIAM S. CRAMER, a son of Archibald and Margaret Cramer, was born in this county March 19, 1841. August 2, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Seventieth Indiana Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He was wounded May 15, 1864, at the battle of Resaca, Ga., in the left shoulder, by which he was disabled for a time, but has a good army record. In 1866, in partnership with his father and a brother, he purchased a saw mill and threshing machine, all engaging in said enter- prise. This continued until 1871, when the sons bought their father's interest, and continued the business until 1876, when William purchased the interest of his brother, and has since managed the business alone; he is also interested in farming. January 4, 1870, at Indianapolis, he mar- ried Miss Patience M., a daughter of Thomas J. Breedlove, who died March 19, 1874, having borne three children-Frederick S., Laura L. (deceased), and Lillie B. October 18, 1876, Mr. Cramer married a second wife, Elizabeth E., daughter of William and Mary A. Lockhart, with an issue of five children-Arthur V. and a twin (still-born), John N., Thomas G. and Nellie. Mr. Cramer has served his township as Assessor. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
C. S. CRARY, born in Franklin County, Ind., March 21, 1845, is the youngest of seven sons and twelve children, and was reared in Indiana and Ohio. Of his father, the Martinsville Republican of August 16, 1883, publishes the following: "On the 14th inst., Gen. Willis Crary suddenly died at his home, near Olney, Ill. Gen. Crary was eighty-one years old past. He was a native of Vermont, and moved to Cincinnati in 1813, where he resided for thirty years, when he removed to Franklin County, Ind. He was in his earlier days a prominent politician of Cincinnati. He was well acquainted with Gen. William Henry Harrison, and was a schoolmate and chum of his son, Scott Harrison, the father of Senator
Ben Harrison. Shortly after he attained his majority, he was married in Cincinnati to Miss Almira Spencer, a native of New York State, who died in 1863. During the internal improvement furor in this State, he was a heavy contractor in the building of the White Water Canal, in which he lost over $20,000, which was a liberal fortune in those days. Of late years, he had resided in Illinois." In 1859, the subject of this sketch went with his parents to McLean County, Ill. He received a good En- glish education, and in August, 1861, he enlisted in the Fourteenth Indi- ana Cavalry, under Col. T. Lyle Dickey, serving for four years. He took part in the following engagements: Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh (at which he was Orderly to Gen. Hurlbut). From exposure, he was taken with the typhoid fever, and after lying in the hospital for some time he was discharged for disability. In the fall of 1862, he assisted in raising a company and returned to the front. On the 19th of March, 1863, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, One Hundred and Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, and had the honor of being the youngest commissioned officer in Illinois, then being but seventeen years of age. In the battle of Port Gibson, his Captain was wounded, and the First Lieu- tenant in the hospital, so he assumed the command of his company through the battles of Raymond, the entire siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., and some few others, after which he was promoted to First Lieu-
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tenant. His regiment spent the winter of 1863-64 on the coast of Texas, after which they returned to New Orleans, and on the organization of the Red River Campaign, he was appointed on the staff of Gen. W. H. Bald- win, of the Second Brigade, Fourth Division of the Thirteenth Army Corps, and served in that capacity during the entire campaign. In 1865, he received an honorable discharge and returned home. He entered the State University at Bloomington, Ind., remaining one year. In 1866, he began farming in Morgan County, and five years later moved to Mar- tinsville, renting his farm of 200 acres in Jefferson Township. He then went into the insurance business, and continued in it until 1881, when he went into the employ of the Gould Southwest Railroad System, with headquarters at Galveston, Tex., as traveling, freight and passenger agent, remaining nearly two years. In December, 1882, he resigned his position and returned to Martinsville, where he at present resides. He is a member of the G. A. R. and a Republican.
N. T. CUNNINGHAM, of the firm of Cunningham, Bollinger & Phelps, dealers in general merchandise, dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, etc., is a representative business man of Morgan County, and was born in Martinsville October 1, 1832. He is the son of James and Huldah (Lizenby) Cunningham, natives of Kentucky, who were married in that State August 15, 1826, and immediately came to this township. The father at first engaged in farming, but, being a business man was soon occupied in stock trading, hotel-keeping, general merchandising, flat- boating, etc. He died in Martinsville July 19, 1856, his widow follow- ing May 1, 1861. N. T. Cunningham was reared a farmer until eighteen years of age, when he came to Martinsville with his parents and assisted his father in his hotel and other business, after which he returned to farming for two years. In 1858, he opened a general store in Martins- ville under the firm name of Cunningham & Stevens; three years later, he purchased the interest of Mr. Stevens, and has continued business to the present time, associated with various others, including W. R. Sheppard, S. McCracken, James Sheppard and T. Phelps, during the war carrying on two stores. The present firm was formed in 1880, the partners being James Bollinger and T. Phelps, and the firm is doing a thriving trade. Mr. Cunningham has also given much attention to stock raising and trading. He owns about 800 acres in Morgan County, mostly improved; he has laid out two additions to Martinsville, owns five rooms in Union Block, and has invested much money in building enterprises. He was married in 1862 to Miss Nettie C. Sheppard, native of Morgan County, and daughter of Isaac D. Sheppard, one of the early settlers. Two children have blessed this union-C. Sherman and Julie M .- Mr. Cun- ningham is a Republican and Mrs. Cunningham is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
MARION CUNNINGHAM, one of the most energetic and successful young farmers in Morgan County, was born in Jefferson Township Au- gust 3, 1850. His parents were William N. and Nancy (Lankford) Cun- ningham, natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively, who were mar- ried in Morgan County in an early day, and were well known among the earliest and most prominent settlers. Our subject was the second son in a family of four children, and was reared in Morgan County, obtaining in the district schools the rudiments of a good education. On the 22d day of September, 1870, he was married to Miss Nancy Teverbaugh, daughter of William Teverbaugh, an influential and respected citizen of
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Martin County, Ind. For about one year after his marriage, he farmed in Morgan County, going thence to Daviess County, Ind., where he farmed for two years, at the end of which time he returned to Morgan County, and continued farming until early in 1881, when his father gave him the splendid, well-improved farm of 297 acres, one mile south of Martinsville, where he at present resides. In connection with his farm- ing interests, he is also extensively engaged in the stock business, and his energy and industry rank him among the successful farmers of the county.
CYRUS E. DAVIS, attorney at law, was born in Washington County, Ind., December 17, 1856, and is a son of James and Martha E. Davis. Cyrus was reared on a farm; attended school during the winter, and when seventeen years old the Salem High School some time, in 1876 the South- ern Indiana Normal School, and in the autumn of that year was enrolled in the State University at Bloomington; was a student, four years, and graduated therefrom in June, 1880. In July of that year, he came to Martinsville, engaged in reading law under Col. Jordan; became a part- ner with Hon. A. M. Cunning in 1881; graduated from the Law Department of the Michigan University in 1882; returned to Martinsville; continued the practice with Mr. Cunning and afterward became associated with E. C. Steele, under the firm name of Davis & Steele. Mr. Davis is a mem- ber of the "Sigma Chi" fraternity.
BENJAMIN DESSAUER is the fifth son and eighth child in a fam- ily of eleven born to Aaron and Fannie (Goldsmith) Dessauer, natives of Germany. His parents were married in Baltimore, Md., in 1836, where his father followed his vocation as merchant tailor; thence he removed to Missouri; remained until in 1842, and then went to Ohio; located in Cincinnati, and engaged in the clothing business. In 1852, he embarked in the general booking business, and was thus engaged for eight years, when he retired from business. He died November 16, 1866; his wife on October 29, 1866. Benjamin Dessauer was reared in Cincinnati, ob- tained a good education in the graded schools of that city, and when eighteen years of age took a complete course in Nelson's Commercial Col- lege. When twelve years of age, he began clerking in a general mer- chandise store in Thorntown, Ind .; then clerked at various points until 1875. He then came to Martinsville in September of that year, and formed a partnership with his brother David in the clothing, boot and shoe business, in which they have been so successfully engaged, their business rooms being two of the largest in the town. On June 10, 1879, he was married to Rebecca Kronenberger, daughter of Max Kronenber- ger, a native of Germany. Mr. Dessauer is a member of the K. of P.
Lodge, No. 89.
GEORGE W. EGBERT (deceased) was born in Warren County, Ohio, August 25, 1824. He removed with his parents to Dearborn Coun- ty, where they remained for some time; thence they removed to Green Township while George W. was but a lad, in which community he grew up to manhood respected and held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was married to Miss Mary Williams, February 11, 1847. He survived his wife six years. He at one time served as Trustee of Green Township. In 1870, he was elected Treasurer of Morgan County. Such was the con- fidence reposed in him by the people that they committed to his care the guardianship and settlement, as administrator, of many estates, all of which was honestly and conscientiously performed. He was in the
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drug trade as a member of the firm of Tarleton & Egbert, which position he occupied until his failing health admonished him that he must with- draw from active business, after which he gradually sank, suffering in- tolerable pain. He died February 18, 1882, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. He was a prominent citizen and highly esteemed. He was ef- ficient as an officer, performing all duties devolving upon him with fidelity to the county and credit to himself.
DR. URIAH H. FARR was born in this county October 23, 1846, and is a son of Daniel C. and Susanna (Teague) Farr. Daniel C. Farr was born in Jefferson County, Ky., May 8, 1816, moved with his parents to this State in 1822, and was married in this county February 20, 1834, to Miss Susanna Teague. He afterward engaged at farming in Ray Township with success, and by industry was soon enabled to enter land until he owned 300 acres. He was father of three children, and died August 14, 1850. August 6, 1862, Dr. U. H. Farr enlisted in Company B, Seventieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three years, and was in the following battles: Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea, Savannah and Bentonville. He was discharged June, 1865, and March 16, 1866, married Miss Sarah Blankenship, with a result of four children-Anna A., Kate E., Montana E. and Daniel B. Dr. Farr continued farming until 1874, when he began the study of medicine and attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Indianapo- lis, from which he graduated in 1876. After practicing at Paragon until 1882, he removed to this town. Dr. Farr also took a course of lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, and received the ad eundem degree therefrom.
LEVI FERGUSON is a native of Pike County, Ind., and born May 29, 1841. He was also reared in Pike County, and commenced the study of law at the age of fifteen, which he continued four years. August 9, 1860, he married Miss Mary B. Montgomery, who died February 13, 1866, leaving one child-Florence. July 1, 1861, Mr. Ferguson en- listed in Company A, First Indiana Cavalry, serving in this and in the infantry until 1863, at which time he was promoted to a Captaincy and assigned to Provost Marshal duty in the Second Division, Army of the Shenandoah, after the experience of battle in many sanguinary engage- ments and skirmishes. After the war, he engaged in the practice of law in Petersburg, Ind., where he continued until 1877, and served two terms as County Auditor. In the same year, he removed to Martinsville and transferred his law practice hither. In 1868, he married Miss Amelia Thomas, which union was honored by two children-Ray and Minnie. In 1872, Mr. Ferguson was a delegate to the National Repub- lican Convention, and in 1876 a Hayes elector for the Second Congres- sional District for this State.
JOHN J. FERTIG is the elder of two children born to John S. and Frances (Sarhmann) Fertig, natives of Germany, who were mar- ried in 1858, in Indiana, where they removed in 1854. His father was a carpet weaver, and since his marriage has resided in Madison, Jefferson County, Ind. His wife died January 29, 1873. John Fertig was born March 1, 1860, in Madison, where he was reared, and received a good English and German education. When fifteen years of age, he be- gan learning the trade of saddletree making, which he followed for two years. He also learned the barber's trade, in Madison, where he fol-
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lowed it for three years. In the summer of 1880, he came to Martins- ville and worked at his trade until in 1882. In March, 1883, he pur- chased a barber-shop of T. M. Gillig, which he refitted, and is at pres- ent conducting. Mr. Fertig is a member of the Catholic Church, and active in its support. In politics, he is a Democrat, and a good citizen, always ready to assist in every benevolent undertaking in public enter- prise.
JAMES FISHER was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, June 9, 1840, and is a son of William and Nancy (Fitzsimons) Fisher, natives of New York and Maryland respectively. The former was killed in 1840, by the falling of a tree, and in 1845 his mother moved with her family to this county, afterward marrying Barney Donohue, and residing in the county until her death in 1874. She was the mother of ten children-nine by Mr. Fisher and one by Mr. Donohue. James Fisher is the youngest child of his father's family. He came with his mother and has since resided in this county. October 17, 1859, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel R. and Mary J. Black, and born October 17, 1838. After his marriage, Mr. Fisher located in this township, of which he is a worthy citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have nine children -- William, Mary A., Ellen, Francis, Lawson, Ida E., Alice B., Jennie and Minnie. Mr. Fisher was a soldier of the late war, having enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, and served from February, 1864, until the end of the war.
WILLIAM L. FULKERSON is a native of Scott County, Va .; was born October 13, 1824, and is one of the family of Frederick and Lovina (Lawson) Fulkerson, both of whom were natives of Scott County, Va., where they were married, and whence, in 1832, they moved to Monroe County, Ind., and there closed their labors of life. Their family com- prised seven in number-Nancy, Sarah, Elizabeth, Catherine, William L., Mary and Abraham. William L., our subject, married in Monroe County, Ind., June 22, 1848, Miss Sarah, daughter of Eli and Mary Abernathy, and born in Lincoln County, N. C., May 7, 1825. In the spring of 1873, Mr. Fulkerson moved to Morgan County, and settled on the farm which he now occupies as a home, and where he manages a dairy and supplies the town of Martinsville with milk, butter and cheese. Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson have no children.
WILLIAM G. GARRISON, a native of Gregg Township, Morgan County, Ind., was born December 25, 1840. His parents, William and Phebe (Norris) Garrison, natives of Kentucky, were married in 1840, in Morgan County, Ind., and located in Gregg Township, where they con- tinued to live until 1848, when they removed to a farm in Jefferson Township. There, in 1852, the mother died. The father is at present living in Warren County, Iowa. He came to Indiana in 1825, and is one of the earliest and best citizens of Morgan County. William G. Garrison is the eldest of five children, and was reared in Gregg and Jefferson Townships until April, 1861. He enlisted in Company K, Sev- enth Indiana Volunteers, under Capt. Jeff K. Scott, in the three months' service. His company immediately went into active service, and he took part in the battles of Philippi, Cheat Mountain, Garrick's Ford, etc. He was mustered out August 3, 1861, and in July, 1862, he re- enlisted in Company H, Seventieth Indiana Volunteers, under Capt. A. D. Cunning. He served until June 19, 1865, and took part in the bat- tles of Russellville, Resaca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Lost Mount-
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ain, Kenesaw, Marietta, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Savannah, Averysboro and Bentonville. During Sherman's march to the sea, he was considered an expert forager, and some of his narrow escapes on various expeditions are interesting in the extreme. In March, 1862, he was married to Sarah Winter, daughter of George and Mary Winter, pioneers of Morgan County. After his return from the war in 1866, he followed his trade as stationary engineer, until July, 1873, when he was severely attacked with acute rheumatism in his right leg, which made him incapa- ble of' labor. In October, 1876, he was elected as Recorder of Morgan County, on the Republican ticket, and four years later was re-elected to the same office, in the discharge of which duties he is at present en- gaged. He is a member of the G. A. R His wife is an active and faithful member of the Christian Church. They have had eight children -Orestes, Harriet E., Thomas O. (deceased) May, Luther, Dot, Annie (deceased) and Perry.
JOHN GIBBS was born in Wayne County, Ky., April 2, 1823, and is a son of James and Mary Gibbs, both natives of Kentucky." The grand- father of our subject, John Gibbs, was a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America, where he married, lived and died, the parent of six children. James Gibbs was born in Wayne County, Ky., July 16, 1800, where he married Mary Helton, and in 1830 moved to Morgan County, Ind., where both closed their lives, the parents of thirteen children. John Gibbs moved with his parents to this State in 1830, and January 27, 1848, married Miss Sarah, daughter of Ralph and Rosina Cartwright, and born in Washington County, Ind., April 27, 1825, a union which was followed by ten children-James E., Joseph D., John F., Florence A., Alice C., Mary E., Martha J. (deceased), Kizzie B., Sarah A. and Andrew. Mr. Gibbs is a highly respected citizen.
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