Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 97

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 97
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 97
USA > Indiana > Morgan County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 97


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


746


HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY.


nedy, $10.30; William Murphey, Sr., $10.85; Thomas Mulliken, $11 .- 83; James W. McIlvain, $9.45; Abraham Martin, $8.67 ; James C. Parmelee, $11.85; Dudly Richardson, $8.52; William Taggart, $10 .- 14. The number of polls was, 165; number of acres, 15,997.16 ; value of lands, $43,903; value of improvements, $27,305; value of personal property, $23,409; total value of taxables, $94,617; total tax, $809.14; delinquent tax and interest, $223,37 ; total tax, $1,032.51.


VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP.


THE ROCK'S, TIMBER, STREAMS, ETC.


I N several essential particulars, the surface and geology of this portion of Brown County differ from those of any other portion. The north- west part is on High or Central Ridge, just over the line being Weed Patch Knob, the highest point in the State. Two miles southeast of this is the Middle Fork of Salt Creek, flowing across the township in a south- westerly direction. One mile southeast of the creek begins an elevated plateau of a grayish soil, called lacustral loam, and here, with the exception of the usual branch bottoms, is the garden spot of the county. Along the eastern border of the township, this loam has been modified by fresh water deposits, thereby increasing its fertility, and is known as White Creek flats or slashes. On Buffalo Ridge, the wheat crops are habitually large and reliable. On Section 13 is a sandstone quarry, where stone of unusual hardness and durability is readily obtained. It is homogeneous, evenly bedded and easily quarried. Another quarry on Section 35 also furnishes good stone. Layers four feet thick are found; also bands and concretionary nodules of excellent iron ore. Another val- uable quarry has been worked at Wadsworth's mill. The bed and bars of Hamilton Creek are covered with scales and small pebbles of silicious iron ore, washed down from the concretionary deposits of the shaly hills. Excellent fruit, such as peaches and apples, is raised in abundance, and is of superior quality. Very large quantities of tobacco are raised annually.


THE SETTLEMENT BY WHITE MEN.


White settlers were in this township as early as 1820, and by 1830 the log cabins were scattered in all directions. The bulk of the settlers, however, did not come until the decade of thirties. Natives of the Southern States largely predominated. Many were well bred and all were hospitable, as representatives of the South always are. Many left the South owing to their hatred of the institution of slavery. A sprink- ling of Yankees were among them-enough to give the Northern spirit to all public undertakings. The Hattens and the Hamptons were among the first in the township. A man named Bozwell was early also. James Taber, Thomas Brown, James Williamson were in the township during the twenties. The Gosses were early also. When a new settler appeared, the residents all turned out to help him raise his cabin. They often


747


VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP.


went miles to assist, as nearest neighbors were very often four and five miles apart. So glad were the settlers to see new families come in that they were always ready, not only to help them up with their buildings and to become comfortable, but, if necessary, provisions were given them, and their acquaintance was sought and, if deserving, continued. It was customary then to go to a neighbor's to spend the evenings; especially was this true in winter. The visits were always enjoyed. The great fire place, full of blazing logs, threw out its ruddy glow over the room and diffused warmth, light and comfort to all. A pailful of nice hickory nuts or a plate of choice apples would be brought out and would soon dis- appear under the fresh appetites sharpened with the sauce of neighborly good cheer, and the ride behind oxen over the frozen ground and through the frosty air. All was enjoyed to the best. After all, though the old settlers had many hardships to encounter and trials to undergo, did they not enjoy themselves as well, or better, than the present genera- tions. They were hearty, robust, and full of wild animal spirits, and the novelty of any and all gatherings was not such as we now know it. A person isolated from pleasures for a time was ready to fully appreciate and enjoy a holiday spent in the simplest manner. The appetite for enjoyment was not cloyed. The simplicity of pioneer life brought keenest enjoyment from simple things,, and the freedom from swiftly multiplying cares kept the faces clear of wrinkles, preserved the hair and ruddy face, and retained the springing steps and the upright figure. The pioneers were contented-were happy in their lot-and as a result have bequeathed to their children sound mental and bodily organisms and good habits.


ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS.


The township was one of the first four created in 1836, and was, of course, named in honor of Martin Van Buren, eighth President of the United States. Daniel Hedrick was the first Assessor of the township. Hiram Mabe and William Rippe were the first Overseers of the Poor. Hiram Mabe was also the first Constable. . Hedrick was Assessor again in 1837. In 1838, Daniel Goss and James Williamson were Overseers of the Poor. Joseph Hurley and another were Fence Viewers; Jacob Lawless, Inspector. The first elections-those of 1836 and 1837-were held at the house of Cornelius Hurley. In 1839, Asa Hatten and James Williamson, were Overseers of the Poor; Thomas Brown and James Tabor, Fence Viewers ; William Crouch, Inspector. John Hampton as- sessed the township in 1840, also in 1841. J. D. Mckinney was paid $4 by the County Auditor in 1841 for four young wolf scalps. In 1842, John Davis and John Hampton were each paid $7 for seven young wolf scalps. In 1840, John Anderson was Constable; Asa Hatten and Hiram Baker, Road Supervisors ; Thomas Brown and Job Mulliss, Over- seers of the Poor ; John Hill and William Bender, Fence Viewers ; Hiram Mabe, Inspector. In 1836, there were two road districts estab- lished in the township on the Spark's Ferry road, 1, from the Jack- son County line to Sections 13 and 14; 2, from Sections 13 and 14 to the boundary of the township (two miles farther north than the present bound- ary). Alfred Young was Superintendent of No. 1, with the following hands : John Hampton, Edward Ayres, Henry Ayres, Samuel Ayres,


47


748


HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY.


Enoch Hampton, Ephraim Hatten, James Williamson, Asa Hatten, Will- iam Rippe, John Rippe, William Kenworthy and Thomas Polly. Cor- nelius Hurley was Superintendent of No. 2, with the following hands: Elias Matley, Stephen Matley, Hiram Mabe, Daniel Goss, Henry Bird, Thomas Brown, James Rippe, Jr., Arthur Rippe, Hiram Rippe, Levi Noblet, John Sinex and John Kenworthy.


LAND ENTRIES.


Township 7 north, Range 3 east, Section 11-Benjamin Owens, 1833 ; John Hill, 1836; Section 12-John Wagoner, 1838; W. M. Evans, 1844, Alexander Fisher, 1844; Legrand Bozwell, 1844; Col- man White, 1843; David Wagoner, 1840. Township 8 north, Range 3 east ; Section 11-John Davis, 1839; William Bender, 1836; Section 13-Stephen Matney. 1837; Jacob Byerly, 1839; Section 14-Cornel- ius Hurley, 1833; James Sullivan, 1833; George Sumner, 1839; W. F. Mabe, 1844 ; Hiram Mabe, 1833 ; Section 15-Ambrose Cobb, 1844; Daniel Goss, 1839 ; Allen Whitehorn, 1844 ; Section 20-Hiram Rippe, 1834 ; Section 21-Fred Goss, 1834; Section 22-Daniel Goss, 1839, Fred Goss, 1830; Section 25-John Hampton, 1832; J. M. Mabe, 1841; Section 28-James Rippe, 1836; Arthur Rippe, 1866; Section 29-Levi Noblet, 1839; Section 32-Martin Tabor, 1844; Henry Hampton, 1844; Isaac Shipley, 1834 ; Section 33-John Rippe, 1833; Section 34-Samuel Hatten, 1844; James Williamson, 1836; Alfred Young, 1833; William Rippe, 1834; Section 35-Asa Hatten, 1834; Jonathan Hampton, 1836; Section 36-Alexander Arthur, 1838, Joseph Gardner, 1838; Washington Dobson, 1844. Township 7 north, Range 4 east, Section 6-James Mullis, 1844, J. M. McCord, 1844; Section 8-Dennis McMahon, 1844. Township 8 north, Range 4 east ; Section 5-David Crouch, 1840; Section 8-Henry Bird, 1837; Joseph Hedrick, 1840, William Crouch, 1840; William Bender, 1840 ; William Ping, 1844; Section 17-Thomas A. Brown, 1837; Section 18-Granville Hedrick, 1841; Jacob Sawles, 1836; Daniel Hedrick, 1834; Ambrose Cobb, 1839; Ephraim Hurley, 1841; Section 20-Job Ping, 1844; Henry Bird, 1844; Sec- tion 28-W. C. Needham, 1844, John D. Wormack, 1844.


POLL-TAX PAYERS OF 1848.


John Anderson, Edmund Ayers, I. C. Bender, Thomas Brown, Hiram Baker, Samuel Bird, Byron I. Barker, Legrand Bazwell, Henry Bird, David Crouch, William Crouch, Henry Cross, Asa Clark, Aaron Crouch, Moses Crouch, Ambrose Cobb, Hiram Crouch, Martin Evans, Drury Elkins, Francis Elkins, James George, Elijah Graham, George Grosvenor, J. M. Hurley, Asa Hatten, Enoch Hampton, John Hill, Granville Hed- rick, Ephraim Hurley, George Hill, James D. Hurley, Ephraim Hatten, David M. Hurley, John Kenworthy, Ambrose Keelen, Jonathan Lucas, W. G. Lee, Jacob Lawless, James M. Mabe, Richard Mullis, John Mullis, Joshua Matney, Daniel Matney, W. F. Mabe, Joseph Merrit, James Mc- Kinney, Franklin Mullis, George Phillips, William Ping, Thomas Pruitt, Paul Petro, Job Ping, Edmund Phigley, Serenus Ping, Richard Ping, John Ping, Jr., William Reynolds, George Summa, William Smith,


749


VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP.


Fountain Sutherland, James Tabor, Martin Tabor, John Wagoner, James Williamson, H. C. Weddel, Allen Whitehorn, Coleman White, Nelson White, John D. Womack and Thomas Vance. The highest tax payers were I. C. Bender, $4.92; Thomas Brown, $5.82 ; David Crouch, $6.43; William Crouch, $4.37; Frederick Goss, $5.40; Cornelius Hurley, $5.50; Asa Hatten, $5.47 ; Jacob Lawless, $8.69 ; total number of polls, 70; acres of land 2,274.77; value of land, $4,211; value of improve- ments, $5,935; value of personal property, $9,069; total taxables, $19,215; total tax, $228.19; total delinquent tax and interest, $109.65 ; grand total tax, $337.84.


VILLAGES.


Christiansburg was founded by Thomas Carmichael about the year 1850. Calvin & Mann opened a large tannery there of about twenty vats. Sylvanus Manville opened a store there, with Lawson Hopper as clerk. In a short time, several families moved there, and a post office was secured. A store has been there the greater portion of the time since. Several churches are there, which are well attended. Pike's Peak was founded about the time of the last war by James Ward, who opened a small store there. A post office was obtained, and a few families went there to live. New Bellsville was founded at a later date by Joseph Campbell. Buffalo started up about thirty years ago. It is said George Har- lan had the first store. Butcher & Bennington were there for a time. The village was quite prosperous for a time. The old Goss Saw Mill on Salt Creek, at Mt. Zion, was built during the thirties, and in an early day had a large patronage. William Crouch operated a mill in the township, beginning late in the forties. John Hampton shot a panther in about 1840. He found in the township a half eaten deer, covered with leaves, and, concealing himself, saw the varmint and shot it. William Rogers and Mary Ann Cobb were married by Squire Goss March 30, 1837. This was the first wedding in the township.


SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.


The township has fourteen school districts. The first term taught was in the southwestern part in a log schoolhouse, the Hamptons, Ayres, Browns, Tabors, Noblets, Hollens, Williamsons sending children. The first teacher was an Irishman named Sullivan. He was paid by subscrip- tion, and boarded around. The second school was taught near Christians- burg. In 1840, there were four school districts, and in 1850, seven. The old Shiloh Methodist Episcopal Church was organized before 1840, among the first members being the families of Hattons, Williamsons, Browns, Hedricks, Kenworthys, Ayres, Bailses, and others. The log church was built early in the forties, and was used not only for religious purposes, but for school purposes as well. Many an excellent term of school was held there. The Baptists had an early organization, the lead- ing members being the Noblets. Mr. Noblet was a minister of this church. The Campbellites organized a class in the southern part early in the forties. The Bozwells, Benningtons, Phillips, Bridgewaters, Gobles, Pruitts (three or four families) and others belonged. A church was built on the south line of the township. In later years, three or four churches have been erected, so that the township is now well supplied.


751


JOHNSON TOWNSHIP.


JOHNSON TOWNSHIP.


THE SURFACE AND SOIL.


T


THIS is the smallest subdivision of Brown County. It comprises


forty-eight sections in the southwestern part. The entire township, except about two sections in the northeast corner, lies within the Harri- son's Purchase, obtained from the Indians by the treaty of Fort Wayne in 1809. It is drained wholly by the Middle Fork of Salt Creek and its branches, Little Blue, Crooked, Grave and smaller creeks. On the northern boundary is High Ridge. The creek flows westwardly through the southern part, and its principal branches rise in High Ridge and flow southwardly. In this township considerable sandstone is found upon the surface, lying scattered on the hillsides in great cubic or columnar form, and often presenting red furruginous or gray alluminous colors. The sandstone below this is often shaly, and disintegrates easily upon ex- posure. Much iron pyrites is found. The bottoms about Elkinsville are rich and productive with the wealth of the lacustral silt deposited by torrents down the hillsides. The geologic formation in a well at Elkins- ville is as follows :


Alluvial soil. 4 feet. Dark quicksand. 7 feet. Black and blue lacustral clay and silt, including wood and


vegetable remains 9 feet.


Total 20 feet.


On the knob on Section 10 may be seen a few scattered fragments of Keokuk limestone which once covered the region, but which has since been washed away. They contain crushed specimens of zophrentis archimedes, and other bryozoans and crinoids. Excellent sandstone of the Knobstone beds is also found here in abundance. The water in past ages has washed out this stone and dressed it into cubes three and four feet through, and pillars three by four and twenty feet long. The soil is yet heavily timbered, though the best has been culled out for staves and other lumber. For a number of years the ax has been turned upon the numberless hickory saplings, hundreds of loads of which are annually sold for barrel hoops. Traces of gold have been discovered. Sulphuret of iron has animated the hopes of many a resident and seeker after sudden wealth.


THE ERA OF SETTLEMENT.


It is said that William Elkins was a resident of Johnson Township as early as 1819. One thing is certain, he was in the township to live be- fore the Indians were removed, which was done in 1821. Some state that his residence in the county dates further back than that-back to 1816 or 1817. It is told that he came directly from the block-house, which had been built in Lawrence County as a protection from the Indians during the war of 1812-15. That statement is currently made and believed, and if


752


HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY.


true, would fix the date of his settlement at about the year 1816, and cer- tainly not later than 1817. Some state that he was the first white man to live with his family in what is now Brown County. Others state that old man Schoonover, who located on the creek which bears his name (cor- rupted), in the western part of Washington Township, was the first in the county. The truth cannot be learned. It is certain that both were in before 1820, and very likely by 1817. Old David Johnson was another very early resident of the township. The date of his set- tlement cannot be given. It should be remembered that the territory comprising Johnson Township (except a small portion of the northeastern corner), was obtained by cession treaty from the Indians in 1809, and that the old boundary line, which crosses the northeastern corner, was established at that date. The land was surveyed south of this line in 1812, and soon afterward was open to settlement. No settlers "appeared except Elkins, and perhaps Johnson, until after 1820. Then a few fami- lies arrived, but no extensive settlement occurred until the decade of the thirties.


LAND ENTRIES.


Township 7 north, Range 1 east, Section 1-Nelson Roberton, 1843; James Todd, 1844; Section 12-Hiram Butcher, 1844; John Griner, 1844; Township 7 north, Range 2 east, Section 2-David John- son, 1834; Adam Fleetwood, 1833; Thomas Fleetwood, 1833; Henry Combs, 1837 ; Section 3-J. H. Alexander, 1843; David Sively, 1844 ; Isaac Fleetwood, 1844; Section 4-Adam Fleetwood, 1834; G. W. Starnes, 1844 ; Isaac Fleetwood, 1844; Section 5-D. M. Martin, 1839; Charles Holland, 1844 ; Section 6-William Burroughs, 1833; Arnold Helton, 1844; George Butcher, 1843 ; Section 7-David Sively, 1833 ; William Mitchell, 1844; Section 8-Albert L. Gilstrap, 1834; Andrew Helton, 1839; Henry Clark, 1841; Section 9-Jerry Terrell, 1844; Henry Clark, 1841; Section 10-Jacob Fleener, 1843 ; George Lutes, 1843; Jacob Fleener, 1843; Township 8 north, Range 2 east, Section 22 -John Huffman, 1838 : Section 25-William Stogdill, 1837 ; Zachariah Pauley, 1844 ; Section 32-Isaac Hall, 1843; Section 33-Solomon Fleetwood, 1833; J. S. Arwine, 1844; Section 35-Jerry Brannon, 1837 ; Section 36-A. T. Hazzard, 1837; Richard Elkins, 1844; Wil- liam Elkins, 1834.


POLL-TAX PAYERS OF 1848.


James Arwine, John S. Arwine, George Butcher, W. M. Crusenberry, James Chafin, Hezekiah Deckard, Nathan Davis, Joseph Elkins, Richard Elkins, Reuben Enes, James Fleetwood, Solomon Fleetwood, Samuel Fowler, Shadrack Fleetwood, Isaac Fleetwood, John Grimes, William Helton, Joseph Hedrick, Stephen Harper, John Hatchet, A. D. Hoag, Isaac Hall, Jacob Lutes, Amos Lawson, Thomas Lucas, William Mitchell, Nicholas Martin, Jackson Messer, Zachariah Polly, Lincoln Polly, James Polly, Thomas Polly, Asa Reeves, Alexander Ryans, Alfred Ramsey, William See, Enoch Sexton, Hiram Shipley, William Sullivan, Jonathan Sherrel, John Shipley, Ezekial Sullivan, John Scott, Jesse Shipley, Arthur Sutphin, Jeremiah Terrel, James Wilkenson, Hammond Wilkenson and Bird Wilson. The heaviest tax payers were Andrew Helton, $6.49; Lutes et al., $3.30; William Mitchell, $3.18; and Alfred Ramsey, $3.13.


753


JOHNSON TOWNSHIP.


The total number of polls, 50; number of acres, 1,210.43 ; value of land, $2,584 ; value of improvements, $2,955; value of personal property, $4,244; total taxables, $9,783 ; total tax, $141.29; delinquent tax and interest, $107.94 ; grand total tax, $249.26.


INCIDENTS AND NOTES.


The first elections were held at the residence of Simon Weatherman in 1836, Ira Wilson being the Inspector. William Johnson and William Davis were the first Overseers of the Poor ; William Followell assessed the township in 1836, and Henry White in 1837, the latter receiving $3.50 for his work. George Crider was the first Constable. Jacob Hut- senpiller assessed the township in 1837, and James S. Woods in 1840. The first bounty for wolf scalps was paid to Andrew Todd. While hunting in the woods, he found a litter of five young wolves in an old hollow tree. He knocked them all in the head with lively satisfaction, scalped them with energy, and took the scalps to the County Auditor, who paid him $5. J. S. Woods assessed the township in 1841. He was also Constable this year, as was also W. H. Bradley. The elections for a year or two before 1845 were held at the house of William Sullivan, but in that year they were changed to theresidence of A. Sutphin. In 1840, William Johnson and Andrew Todd were Overseers of the Poor; Arnold Helton and Thomas Polly, Fence Viewers ; Benjamin Chandler, Inspector ; James Fleetwood, Zachariah Polly and James Bradley, Road Supervisors. The first marriage was that of William Elkins and Mary Polly, on the 20th of July, 1837, Nathan Davis, Justice of the Peace, officiating. The second was that of Dawson Debord and Mahala Woods, on the 4th of November, 1837, by Jacob Hutsenpiller, Justice of the Peace. No, the marriage of John Arwin to Miss " Mernervey " Quick, on the 4th of December, 1836, by Squire Nathan Davis, was the first in the township.


ELKINSVILLE.


This village is a creature of comparatively recent origin. It started up during the decade of fifties, and was named in honor of the first settler of the township and founder of the village. It is said that Butcher and Bennington opened the first store, and that a man named Morris was in with goods soon afterward. The village was so isolated from other villages that it had quite an extensive trade in early years. It was not long before blacksmiths and carpenters appeared, and soon the population could be numbered by the dozens. It is a thrifty little place.


F


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.


WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP AND NASHVILLE.


JESSE BROWN, farmer, is a native of Illinois, was born July 24, 1855, and is a son of John and Keturah A. Brown, the latter a native of Illinois, and both of English descent. John Brown received a limited education in youth in this State, whither he was brought in early life. He remained at home until his marriage, followed farming in Illinois after that event, but soon returned to Indiana, remaining in this State until his death in 1859. Jesse Brown was only four years old when his father died, and was obliged to depend on himself for education and livelihood as soon as able to acquire the same. In 1878, he engaged in the stave business, which he is yet carrying on. April 21, 1881, he mar- ried Mary W. Stull, a native of Ohio, with an issue of the following chil- dren: Ambrose Marting and Mary Alvie. Mr. Brown has upward of 900 acres, with the finest barn in the county, various improvements and considerable stock. all self-acquired, he having begun life dollarless. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and an influential, respected citizen.


WILLIAM WESLEY BROWNING, editor of the Brown County Democrat, was born in Lawrence County, Ind., July 1, 1831, and is the eldest of the nine children of Amasa and Mary (Winfrey) Browning, na- tives of Tennessee, and of English extraction. W. W. Browning was reared to farming, and attended the public schools, from which he learned sufficient to become a teacher. After his majority, he was en- gaged in mercantile business at Heltonville and at Smithville for about four years. In 1855-56, he studied law under ex-Gov. Dunning, of Bloomington; then removed to Bedford, practiced one year, and March 4, 1858, came to Nashville. Was a partner with Hon. James G. Hester, who was elected Judge in 1873. Mr. Browning continued the law un- til November 1, 1883, when he began work in the Clerk's office of this county. June 11, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-second Indi- ana Regiment; was through the Missouri campaign, took typhoid fever and came home. In the spring of 1862, he enlisted 500 men, and was elected Captain of Company D, in the Eighty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was injured by an exploding shell at the battle of Resaca, soon after which he resigned. In 1870, he was elected Repre- sentative of this and Jackson County in the General Assembly, and was tendered the same in 1872, but refused. He has been a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church sixteen years, for four of which he was an


758


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:


itinerant. He is now Deputy Clerk and editor of the Democrat. Mr. Browning has been twice married, his first wife being Lucinda Dayton, who died April 23, 1878, leaving one child. July 1, 1878, he wedded Martha M. Watkins. Mr. Browning was Prosecuting Attorney of the Ninth Judicial District in 1874.


JOHN B. CALVIN, dealer in hardware, furniture, undertakers' sup- plies, etc., was born in this county February 15, 1855, and is the eighth of the nine in family of Timothy D. and Mary (Middleton) Calvin, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Indiana, and respectively of English and Irish descent. Timothy D. Calvin moved hither in 1854, and followed the tanning business for a number of years. John B. Cal- vin worked alike on the farm and in the tanyard until he reached man- hood, when he engaged in the harness business with his brother on a joint capital of $100. The business grew so fast, however, they were compelled to build a larger place to house their increasing stock, and now they have one of the best stores in the county. January 28, 1878, he married Miss Carisadie Reddick, which union was graced by two chil- dren, only one of whom lived to be named-Dennis J. (born May 17, 1882). Mr. Calvin is a stanch Democrat in politics, but withal an amiable gentleman and honored citizen; also a practical business man and successful merchant.


JOHN W. CARTER, teacher, was born May 29, 1851, in Belmont County, Ohio, and is the fourth in the family of Ephraim and Nancy (Willison) Carter, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Penn- sylvania, and respectively of Scotch and German extraction. John W. came to this county with his parents when two years old. Here he was reared, and here they made their home, where he remained until he be- came of age, at which period he attended the Central Normal School at Danville, and later that at Valparaiso, which fitted him to be a teacher, which profession he entered upon in 1871, in Morgan County. He has taught nine terms in this county, and is an energetic and efficient in- structor. During summer he assists his father in his farm work, and is a good manager and agriculturist. He is politically a Democrat, a pub- lic-spirited, influential citizen, and one of the coming men of this por- tion of the commonwealth.




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