Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 83

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 83
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 83
USA > Indiana > Morgan County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 83

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).

WILLIAM N. MATTHEWS was born in England November 1, 1844. When the war broke out, he was anxious to join the army, and, being refused permission by his father, set out on foot to Indianapolis, where he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; joined Burnside's division, participated in several battles and did skirmish duty, and served in the Quartermaster's Department until the war ended. After his return, he, too, engaged in assisting his father. November 8, 1869, he married Miss Adeline H. Johnson, by which union were born four children-Francis E., Cora E. and Irvin and Mabel (twins). Mr. Matthews is a Freemason, and he adn wife belong to the Baptist Church.

FREDERICK MATTHEWS was born at Stinesville, Ind., March 25, 1859. When he became a man he became a partner with his brothers, and January 23, 1879, married Miss Nettie B. Moore; they have one daughter-Bertha A. Mr. Matthews is a Democrat.

JOHN A. MAY, barber, is the eighth of the twelve children of John P. and Susan (Whalen) May, the former a native of Virginia. John P. May was a farmer, who moved with his family to Washington County, Ind., in 1831; engaged in butchering for six years; then removed to Van Buren Township; there carried on a distillery, and finally located on a farm, where he closed his life October 30, 1862. He was a worthy citi- zen, a Republican, and a member of the Christian Church. Five of his sons were in the Union army at one time, and all returned when the war was ended. John A. May was born in Van Buren Township March 18, 1843, and brought up a farmer. When seventeen years old, he enlisted in Company I, Fifty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a musician, going out September, 1861, and being discharged November, 1863, having seen hard and varied service. After returning, he engaged in lumbering, and then purchased a barber's outfit, such trade having been acquired while on duty as a soldier. He has been very successful and has a good trade. May 28, 1876, he married Susan E. Vannoy, a union which produced three children-Cora D., Freddie C. (deceased) and Minnie A. Mr. May is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Red Man. He is a rigid Republican and a liberal citizen. Mr. and Mrs. May are members of the Christian Church.

CHARLES MOORE, stock-raiser and farmer, was born in Woodford County, Ky., April 10, 1814, and is a son of Charles and Nancy (James)

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Moore, natives of Virginia, and of English extraction, who moved to Kentucky, where Mr. Moore died, and whence Mrs. Moore returned to Virginia, and there married Joseph Copenhaver, after which they re- moved to this county, in 1832, where Mrs. Copenhaver died in 1835. Our subject was reared to industry, and began to make his own way when seventeen years old by clearing and chopping. June 3, 1835, he married Miss Elizabeth Copenhaver, a union honored by eighteen chil- dren, of which number are living-Tillman H., Taylor S., William, James M., Charles L., Clara L., Lizzie and Carrie. After marriage, Mr. Moore farmed on rented land, and afterward procured eighty acres of his own, which he improved. He was diligent, economical, and made sure headway, adding to his possession until he owned 600 acres, which he sold in 1852, and purchased his present place of 240 acres, now one of the best farms in the township. Mr. Moore is one of the most substantial farmers and citizens of these parts, and is in politics an active Republican. He and wife are members in honor of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE B. MOORE, merchant, is a native of this county, was born March 1, 1821, and is the third child of John and Jane (Dowell) Moore, both natives of North Carolina. John Moore was a farmer and wagon-maker. He moved hither in 1820; soon after went back to the East, but came again to this State, made a home for his family and fin- ished his course of life. His wife is yet living, aged eighty-eight years, on the homestead settled by her husband fifty-five years ago; she is, as Mr. Moore was, a member of the Baptist Church. George B. Moore was reared a farmer, and received but twelve months' schooling. When eighteen years of age he began working for himself as a farmer, but after about three years became a clerk at Mount Tabor, and in 1850 commenced mercantile business at Spencer, from which point he removed to Santa Fé, where he continued in success for eight years. He then sold his property and removed his stock to Ellettsville, where he now continues with a stock of $5,000, a substantial and successful merchant. Mr. Moore has been twice married-first, he wedded Mary Steffey, who died in 1865, leaving three out of five children-George B., Elvira J. and Oscar Franklin; he wedded, second, in 1867, Mrs. Nancy J. Steel, formerly of Owen County. Mr. Moore has dealt much in grain, pork, wool, etc., and is, in all, worth probably $40,000. He is a Democrat, and, with his wife, a member of the Baptist Church.

GEORGE MORELAND, life and fire insurance agent, was born in this township January 27, 1847, and is the third son of L. H. and Margaret (Billings) Moreland, natives respectively of North Carolina and Tennessee. L. H. Moreland, moved to Greene County, this State, about 1828, where his father had entered land, and which he assisted to improve and cultivate. Having a fair education, he became a teacher, and followed that vocation for twenty years, in alternation with farming. In 1861, he moved to Owen County, and thence to Greene County again, where he finished his course April 28, 1877. His wife is yet living at Worthington, Ind. George W. was reared a farmer, with a fair educa- tion. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Eighty second In- diana Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was placed in the Cumber- land division, and engaged at Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Buzzard's Roost, where Mr. Moreland received seven wounds, fracturing the left femur and bones of the leg, after which he

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crawled one-quarter of a mile; his injuries were pronounced mortal, but he recovered, by good nursing from a New York lady, and after some time in the hospitals he was discharged, April, 1865. In 1866, he com- menced teaching vocal music, in which he continued until 1878, and which he subsequently abandoned for his present business. October 10, 1867, he married Miss Mary A. Johnson, born August 25, 1850, a union which gave being to five children-Minnie D., Addie L., Bertha C., Myrtie M. and Sankie (deceased). Mr. Moreland is an esteemed citizen, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

CAPT. G. K. PERRY is a native of Rockland, Me., was born December 26, 1831, and is the eldest of four children. The great-grand- father of our subject, Job Perry, was a native of Marshfield, Mass., and died in 1789; he was the father of ten children. The grandfather of our subject, also Job Perry, was born in 1762, married Polly Jordan, and died December 19, 1841. The parents of our subject were Job and Mar- garet (Butler) Perry, who married November 14, 1830. Mr. Perry was lost on the Florida coast, while going to New York; Mrs. Perry died May 26, 1882, in Rockland, Me. These parents were members of the Baptist Church. Capt. Perry was left fatherless when seven years old, and went to an academy at Salem, Mass., for two years. After hearing of the Cal- ifornia gold excitement, he begged to go, but was refused, unless willing to return within five years. June, 1850, he embarked, in a company with twelve comrades, the ticket costing $250. After reaching Panama, he was offered and refused $1,000 for his ticket. He reached California safely, and soon departed for Sacramento, and in El Dorado County worked ten days with pickax and pan, without encouragment, after which he worked on a dam to turn the river, which labor was destroyed by the autumn rains. When the company was dissolved, each member was allotted twenty feet square, and the Captain's was a rich one. In 1855, he re- turned, and in 1858 came West to engage in farming, reaching Elletts- ville November 26, and engaged in rafting to Detroit. When volunteers were called for during the late war, he raised a company and was elected Captain, but took only First Lieutenant, September, 1861, of Company G, Thirty-eight Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In 1862, he was made Cap- tain, and resigned in 1863. He participated at Stone River and in other engagements of the Army of the Cumberland. After returning, he en- gaged in mercantile business at Ellettsville until 1867, and afterward with his brother in quarrying and monumental work, they now giving em- ployment to nearly seventy-five men; they have also a flourishing grocery business. June 5, 1865, he married Julia D. Healy, who died October 24, 1874, leaving two daughters-Mabel and Grace. He next married Hen- rietta C. Hasslock, to which union were four boys- Gilbert K., Herman H., Eugene H. R., and Frederic E. Mr. Perry is an influential Repub- lican, and has been Township Trustee for three terms. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the G. A. R.

JOHN K. PHIPPS, dealer in grocries, hardware and notions, is a native of North Carolina, was born October 29, 1841, and is a son of Eze- ziel H., and Clarissa (Russel) Phipps, natives respectively of Virginia and South Carolina, and both of English descent, who in 1856 moved to Georgia, where John K., passed his boyhood in attending school, and at farm work. In May, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate cause, was capt- ured in 1865, and taken to Point Lookout for some months, then took the oath of allegiance and was discharged, having served at Bull Run,

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Malvern ! Hill, Fredericksburg, Antietam, Gettysburg, Petersburg and Weldon, where he received a flesh wound in the thigh, was placed some. time in the hospital and joined his regiment at Five Forks. After the war, he engaged in farming until 1868, removed hither in 1869, and worked with Matthews & Son for fourteen years. September, 1872, he married Miss Nancy Jamison, of this township, with an issue of two children-Mattie B., and William J. In 1883, he purchased the stock of goods of Mr. Moore, for $1,000, which he has increased by energy and tact to a commanding and attractive one. Mr. Phipps is a member of the Masonic order, and a Democrat in politics; he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

AUSTIN B. REEVES, farmer and stock-raiser, is a son of Benjamin and Nancy Reeves, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Ken- tucky. Austin S. Reeves, grandfather of our subject, was a Revolution- ary soldier, and Benjamin Reeves was a hero of the war of 1812. In 1820, he came to this county, passing down the Ohio in a flat-boat he had built. As a result of his industry, he acquired 160 acres, and made a good home from the virgin land. He was a Whig, and died February, 1846, aged sixty-six; his wife passed away seven years previous, aged fifty-four years. They were the parents of nine daughters and two sons. Austin B. Reeves was born in Van Buren Township August 27, 1829, and the eldest son of the family. He was brought up to industry and to farming. When seventeen years old, was left an orphan, and became an apprentice to blacksmithing; served nearly four years, and received only board and clothes. Later, he purchased the homestead farm, and devoted his time to agriculture. In 1882, he sold this farm and purchased his present home. August 5, 1854, he married Arabelle I. Pauley, of this county, and to this union seven children came to bless it, six of whom;are living-Garrison P., Flora B., Mary H., John Mc., B. Colfax and Austin M. Mr. Reeves is a liberal and worthy citizen, a Republican, and a meinber of the Patrons of Husbandry. Mrs. Reeves is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN A. REEVES, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Owen County, Ind., February 27, 1839, and is the fourth of the family of Andy W. and Sallie A. (McDonald) Reeves, both of whom came to this State in childhood. John A. was reared and grew to manhood as a farmer. September 20, 1860, he married Miss Ava Allen, only daughter of Elisha and Mary E. Allen, and born June 9, 1841. To this union were bestowed five children-John E. (deceased), Mary E., Sallie A., Olive G. and Will- iam C. After marriage, Mr. Reeves entered the store of his father-in- law, and in 1861 enlisted in Company G, Thirty-eighth Regiment Indi- ana Volunteers, going out as Third Sergeant, from which he 'rose by merit to be First Lieutenant, but owing to failing health he resigned his commission in April, 1863; he saw hard service in the battle of Perry- ville. On returning, he went into business with his father-in-law at Ellettsville, and on the death of his partner, December, 1868, succeeded to the business, which he continued until August, 1875, when he sold, removed to Bloomington, and took charge of the County Treasurer's office, to which he was elected by the Republicans. At the expiration of his second term, he retired to his farm of 160 acres, besides thirty-two acres near by in timber; this place is also well improved and cultivated. Mrs. Reeves belongs to the Christian Church.

LEVI RIDGE, pioneer and representative farmer, is a native of In-

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dian Creek Township, was born June 19, 1819, and is the eldest son of the family of Benjamin and Henrietta (Staton) Ridge, both natives of Ken- tucky, and of English extraction. Levi Ridge passed his boyhood on the farm, attending school for a short time, at periods also chopping wood and doing general farm work, which course he continued until he was twenty-five. March 12, 1845, he married Miss Elizabeth Dunning, of this county, to which union were born seven children-Harriet J., Amanda H .. Susan A., James B., Thomas F., William E. (deceased) and America I. The mother of these children died January 6, 1875, aged fifty-two years. Mr. Ridge began farming on forty acres purchased from his father, which he improved, and on which he built a cabin. In 1871, he sold his place and purchased his present home and farm, containing 190 acres. Mr. Ridge has also forty acres near by, on which is a good brick house and frame barn, both of these being the fruit of his toil and saving, having once labored at making rails for 25 cents per hundred. He was once a Whig, but of later years has voted with the Republicans. Mr. Ridge is a worthy and esteemed citizen.

JAMES T. ROBERTSON, grocer, was born April 19, 1842- near Bloomington, and is a son of James A. and Mary A. (Hardesty) Robertson, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Maryland. After attending the common schools, James F. went to the State Univer- sity for a year, and in January, 1864, enlisted in Company K, Twenty- first Heavy Artillery, which was assigned to the Army of the Gulf, under Gen. Banks, and participated in the Red River expedition and in the siege of Fort Morgan; he was discharged May 19, 1865, from disability; he afterward became clerk in a dry goods house, and in 1866, engaged in his present business, with a small stock of goods, in which he has suc- ceeded in obtaining a leading trade. March, 1868, he married Miss Rachel, a daughter of William Prather, which union has resulted in the birth of five children-Otho Schuyler, Mary Maud, James William, Lau- ren W. and Kittie B. Mr. Robertson is a radical Republican, and a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R .; he is also an influential and esteemed citizen. Mrs. Robertson is a member of the Christian Church.

ELI RUMPLE, farmer and stock-raiser, is a son of Jacob and Mary Rumple, was born January 1, 1828, in Burk County, N. C., and was brought to this county by his parents in 1830. He was reared as a farm - er, and received but little education, but having been taught the use of tools, he commenced as a carpenter, at which he worked as a journeyman for two years, and as a contractor for six years. June 17, 1856, he mar- ried Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Priscilla Howard. Seven children, five of whom are living, were followers of this marriage-Lura Arbel, Lurinda, Ardilla, Dayton M., George E. and Sarah T. After marriage, he located on a small farm in Clay Township on which he re- mained until 1860, when he sold and purchased his present farm of nine- ty-five acres, and afterward some land adjoining, now having a home and farm comprising 280 acres, 240 of which are under good cultivation, and all the result of his own care and toil. Mr. Rumple is a public- spirited and esteemed citizen, and a Democrat in politics.

THOMAS J. SHARP, farmer, was born September 8, 1817, in Sul- livan County, Ind., and is a son of George and Sallie (Johnston) Sharp, natives of Virginia and of German descent, who early moved to Ken- tucky, and thence to Knox County, this Territory, in 1814. George Sharp was a farmer and surveyor, and in 1817, purchased 320 acres, and

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became one of the earliest settlers. He was a public-spirited citizen, and died at the age of sixty-three, his wife at the age of seventy-eight years. Thomas J. Sharp has continued to reside on the homestead. When his father died, he was thirteen years old, and he then became manager of the farm. October 15, 1840, he married Miss Sallie, a daughter of George and Catherine Parks, to which union succeeded six children, five of whom are living-George P., James C., Sarah C., Amelia A. and Mary M. Mr. Sharp, by industry and frugality, has acquired 219 acres, now improved and valuable, and has also assisted each of his children. In early life he was a Whig, but became afterward a Republican. He has served as guardian and administrator for several estates, having given bonds of $80,000. Mr. Sharp is an old-fashioned gentleman, and retains many relics of the olden time, among them the first corn-cracker operat- ed here, the same having been brought hither by his father. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp are members of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN H. SHOOK, wagon and carriage manufacturer, was born in Bean Blossom Township, September 20, 1830, and is the youngest son of George H. and Elizabeth (Heilman) Shook, both natives of North Carolina, and of German extraction. George H. Shook removed to this county from North Carolina in 1827. He was a pioneer, and experienced the trials of those heroes; he was father of sixteen children. In 1857, he moved to Elletsville, and lived in retirement until his death, May, 1861, aged seventy-two years, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a Democrat. Mrs. Shook died in 1863, aged seventy-two years. John H. was reared to farming, attending school in the usual sea- sons. When he was of age, he became an apprentice to a blacksmith, served two years, and later worked as a journeyman and traveled con- siderably in the State until 1857, when he came to this county, estab- lished his business, and has since manufactured wagons and the like. October 8, 1864, he married Miss Catherine, daughter of Willis and Elizabeth Smith, which union was blessed with three children-Beatrice, Nora Magdalena (deceased) and Ida Isabel. During the war he worked mostly at gunsmithing, and also invented a revolving rifle, reaching 400 yards. He has besides acquired some proficiency at painting wagons, landscapes and portraits. He is an active Republican and business man. He and wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

LORENZO DOW STANGER, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Bloomington Township, this county, was born September 18, 1835, and is the oldest son of John and Ann (Thomas) Stanger, natives of Virginia, and respectively of German and English extraction. Lorenzo Dow Stan- ger was reared on a farm in his native township, where he attended the schools of the day until he was eighteen years of age. When he was twenty years old, his father gave him a horse, with which to make a begin- ning in life; he afterward hired for $13 per month; then went into Mc- Lean County, Ill., and so continued until he was twenty-four years old, when he farmed on shares with Mr. Owen. November 1, 1860, he mar- ried Thursa A. Houston, of this county, and to them were given four children-James H., Gilbert E., David Sherman and Ada Montana. Soon after marriage, Mr. Stanger moved to his father-in-law's, and farmed about five years, then went into McLean County, where he owned forty acres, sold the same in 1869, and purchased eighty acres, which he has improved and stocked, and now occupies as his home. Mr. Stanger is a worthy citizen, a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

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FRANCIS M. STEPHENSON, Postmaster and dealer in groceries, queensware, glass and notions, was born in Owen County, Ind., January 15, 1844, and is the youngest of the five children of Madison and Sarah (Wilborn) Stephenson, natives of Virginia, who were early comers to Owen County. After some schooling and regular training to the life of a farmer, Francis enlisted in August, 1862, in Company B, Sixty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteers, assigned to the Army of the Gulf, and participated in the engagements of Munfordville, Arkansas Post, Vicks- burg, Jackson, Mobile and the Red River expedition. He was taken prisoner, parolled, and joined his regiment at Baton Rouge, and was dis- charged July 19, 1865, having been once wounded in the neck. Sep- tember 1, 1867, he married Miss Jennie, daughter of Thomas and Mary Gillespy, a union favored by five children-Lena Colfax, David T., Frank C., Arthur T. and Francis M. In 1870, Mr. Stephenson located in the grocery trade at Freedom, Owen County, and after four years removed to Ellettsville, and has continued in the same line. Mr. Stephenson is a stanch Republican, and was commissioned Postmaster in May, 1879, in which he has given much satisfaction. He is a member of the Masonic order, of the G. A. R., and, with his wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

S. P. THOMPSON, stock-raiser and farmer, is the only son of John T. and Sallie (Grimes) Thompson, natives respectively of North Carolina and Kentucky, and of Irish and German extraction, and was born in Crawford County, Ill., July 16, 1822. His father, John T. Thompson, moved in early life from North Carolina to Kentucky, and was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He moved to Knox County, Ind., in 1814, and afterward, in 1818, to Illinois, where he engaged in farm- ing, about 1824. He sold this land, removed to this county and purchased eighty acres, where he died in 1850, aged seventy-two years; his wife died 1875, aged eighty-five years. S. P. Thompson, was reared on a farm and received but spare education; indeed, he acquired his knowl- edge after reaching manhood, at which time he engaged in threshing, and split rails when not engaged with his machine. May 26, 1850, he married Miss Louisa A., daughter of James and Margaret Freeman. Previous to his father's decease, Mr. Thompson purchased the homestead, which he sold in 1853, and purchased a part of his present property, which aggregates 400 acres, but he has sold all but 160, which he culti- vates and on which he raises some stock. In 1871, he lost his dwelling by fire, and in 1880, rebuilt an improved and enlarged one. He is a member of the Masonic order, a good citizen, and he and wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

W. B. WALDEN, stock-raiser and farmer, was born in this county, January 3, 1831, and assisted his father in making a home from the wilder- ness, as well as forming himself such habits of industry and frugality as were of value to him in after life. He attended school during his boyhood, and when of age became a pioneer of Owen County on sixty acres of timber land entered by his father. To this he added sixty acres, which he improved, and built thereon a frame house; he split rails for his neighbors, 250 being a day's work, and received 40 cents per 100. October 12, 1849, he married Miss Philena, daughter of Melas Cline, which union gave being to four children, all of whom died in infancy. In the spring of 1860, he sold his place and removed to this township, where he purchased 160 acres, forty of which were cleared. This land

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he improved, and added thereto until he now owns 207 acres, with a pleasant home and congenial surroundings. Mr. Walden is independent in politics. In 1883, he was elected Road Superintendent, which, after six months, he resigned; he has also been Representative of the State and National Grange.

STANFIELD WHARTON, retired farmer, is a native of Orange County, Va., was born August 15, 1809, and is the eldest son of a family of eight born to Joseph and Sarah (Age) Wharton, both natives of Vir. ginia, who moved to Lincoln County, Ky., where Stanfield was born and reared to the profession of farmer. He received but a limited education, and remained in the service of his parents until his majority, when he worked for himself as a farm hand, and saved $200. January 9, 1834, he married Miss Ann E. Berry, who died October 21, 1853, having borne six sons and three daughters, of whom are living-Joseph B., Green Lawrence and Burton T. Mr. Wharton married for his second wife, January 19, 1854, Miss Parthenia J. Cooper, and to this union succeeded ten children, eight of whom are living James W., Mary M., Amanda M., Lorena Esther, Fernando D., Luella E., Silas M. and Isaac E. After his marriage, Mr. Wharton farmed on rented land for about six years, then cleared some land, following which he purchased a farm, and succeeded in getting several farms in this State and in Iowa, but returned there- from after two years, and lived in Owen County .. In 1869, he moved to his present home, then as a desert, and now blossoming as a rose, con- taining 160 acres, well improved and cultivated, and one of the best farms in the township-a result due to himself alone. Mr. Wharton cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson. He is a much respected citizen.

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Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 83

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