USA > Indiana > Brown County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 98
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 98
USA > Indiana > Morgan County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 98
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#* ISAAC CHAFIN, County Recorder, is a native of this county, was born October 11, 1849, and is the sixth of eight children born to James and Sarah (Hall) Chafin, both natives of Kentucky, wlio moved hither about 1843, remained a short time, then moved to Missouri, and came again to this county, where Mr. Chafin died about 1853. Isaac Chafin was reared as a farmer, attended the common schools, and one year at Clear Springs, after which he commenced teaching. February 14, 1878, he married Miss Mary C. Woods, a native of this county, and to them have been born three children-John B., Herma E. and Sarah I. Mr. Chafin is owner of a good farm, one best adapted to stock-raising, but making a comfortable home. He has also some property in Nash- ville. He is a Democrat; was elected Recorder of this county in 1876, and re-elected in 1880. He is a public-spirited and liberal citizen; also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mrs. Chafin is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.
ABRAHAM T. CLARK, farmer, was born in Fayette County, Penn., November 9, 1818, and is a member of the family of Enos and Anna Clark; the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Pennsylvania.
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Abraham T. Clark acquired a good education in his birth State, and when nineteen years of age moved with his father to Ohio, and afterward traveled through several States and Territories. At the age of thirty-two, he married Miss Jane, daughter of Edward and Jane. Broom, and a native of Ohio, and by this union were produced ten children, of which number are living six sons and one daughter. Mr. Clark has been a member of the Board of Education and Justice of the Peace. In 1858, he came to this county, and purchased a farm in this township, where he now resides in comfort and independence. He is a Master Mason, of Lodge 135, and an esteemed and trusted citizen.
BENJAMIN CLARK is a native of this county, came into this life Novem- ber 6, 1863, a son of Abraham T. Clark, and engaged in saw milling in the eastern part of this township, having one of the best mills of the county, and doing a large business. He is an advocate of Democracy and temperance, and among the most prominent young men of the county.
JUDGE RICHARD L. COFFEY was born in Monroe County, Ind., May 7, 1835. He is the eldest son and the fourth child of the seven children born to Lewis and Harriette E. (Powell) Coffey, natives of North Carolina. He was reared on a farm three miles west of Elletts- ville, and received the rudiments of his education in the district schools. In the fall of 1850, he entered Franklin College, at Franklin, Ind., stud- ied two years; then clerked for Helton & Dodds, general merchants of Bloomington, Ind. From the fall of 1853 to the fall of 1854, he taught school in Owen County, and in November, 1854, married Margaret, daughter of Lorance Lytton, a pioneer of Spencer, Ind. To this union was born one child-Annie E. He then farmed in Monroe County until the death of his wife, which occurred in January, 1857. Soon after this event he traded his farm for land in Iowa; at once went there; re- mained a short time, and then went to Gentry County, Mo., where he taught school one term, returning to Monroe County, Ind., and teaching during the winter of 1857-58. In the spring of 1858, he entered the law office of Gov. Paris C. Dunning; was admitted to the bar in the fall of the same year; entered the Law Department of the State University, and graduated March 1, 1859. He immediately went back to Gentry County, Mo .; taught school until the spring of 1861, and then entered upon the practice of law in what was known as Smithville, Mo., where he was soon appointed Commissioner of Worth County, to settle the af- fairs between it and Gentry County, the two having just been divided. In the fall of 1861, he returned to Owen County and taught school un- til the spring of 1864, when he married Martha F., daughter of E. F. Faulkner. During the winter of 1864-65, he taught school in Nashville, and also entered in legal practice. In the spring of 1865, his wife died. December 7, 1865, he married Julia M., daughter of Dr. William M. and Lucy J. Mason, early settlers of Nashville. By this marriage, he became the father of four children-William, J. Hill, Lucy and Rich- ard. He was shortly appointed by Gov. Baker Common Pleas Judge of the district composed of Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Monroe and Brown Counties, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Wollen; at the general election, in 1870, was elected, and in 1872 re- . elected to fill said office, which he filled until it was abolished by the Legislature. In 1878, he was elected Senator for the district composed of Brown and Bartholomew Counties; served four years, and then re- sumed the practice of the law. In 1876, he was commissioned, by Gov.
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Hendricks, Marshal, in and for the Third Congressional District, Indiana, and charged with the duties required by an act entitled "An act to pro- vide for electing Electors for President and Vice President of the United States," approved May 20, 1852. He also served as a member of the State Democratic Central Committee, from June, 1870, to June, 1872. He is at present Town School Trustee, and has filled the position eight years. While Senator, in 1879, he was on the following committees: Elections, Organization of Courts, Banks, Phraseology (Chairman), Ar- rangement, Enrollment of Bills, Unfinished Business, and also on the Joint Standing Committee on Enrolled Bills; in 1881, on Organization of Courts, Banks, Federal Relations, Rights and Privileges of the Inhab- itants of the States, and on Legislative Apportionment. Judge Coffey is a Freemason, an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
GEORGE W. CORNELIUS was born December 29, 1838, in Wayne County, Ind., and is the third of the ten children of Benjamin and Letitia (Wilson) Cornelius, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Kentucky, and both now deceased. George W. Cornelius was reared on a farm, obtained a fair education, and, with his parents, came to this county in 1856. February 13, 1861, he married Miss Susan J. Pogue, a native of this county. In 1876, Mr. Cornelius moved to Nashville, was elected Trustee of Washington Township, and re-elected in 1878. In 1879, he commenced the mercantile business, in which he is yet en- gaged, and also is Treasurer of the School Board. He is owner of eighty acres, some town property, and a half interest in a drug and grocery store with T. D. Calvin. Mr. Cornelius is a liberal Democrat and a valued citizen.
TIMOTHY D. CALVIN was born June 28, 1858, in this county, a son of Timothy D. and Mary (Middleton) Calvin, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Illinois. Our subject grew to manhood in this town, at- tended school at Bloomington and Terre Haute, and has taught eight terms of school in this county. November 14, 1880, he purchased a drug store, where he keeps a good line of general wares. In 1879, he began a hardware store with his brother, but sold his interest to his father afterward, and devotes his energies and time to his present busi- ness. November 19, 1880, he married Miss Linda Ferguson, from which alliance has sprung two children-Notie and Otis W. Mr. Calvin has a cozy farm of forty acres, also a good town property. He is a Democrat and a worthy citizen ; Mrs. Calvin is a member of the M. E. Church.
WILLIAM L. COX, attorney at law, was born July 28, 1838, in Monroe County, Ind., and is the second son of John B. and Barbara (Ledgerwood) Cox, natives of East Tennessee. John B. Cox was born in 1812, moved to Monroe County in 1828, and is now residing in Ben- ton Township. He is owner of 280 acres ; is a Missionary Baptist min- ister since 1838, and has preached in this and adjacent counties. He was married a second time, the bride being Miss Martha Moser, with an issue of ten children. William L. Cox was reared a farmer, attended school and became a teacher; afterward attended college at Bloomington for one year, and in 1864 began his studies in law with W. H. Bain- bridge, and was the same year appointed school examiner, in the inter- vening time continuing the study of law. September, 1867, he resigned his position and was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of this county, re-elected in 1870, and held the same until 1875, when he engaged in practice as a lawyer, making probate and civil cases a specialty. Octo-
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ber 18, 1866, he married Miss Parmelia Bartholomew, which union pro- duced four sons-George W., Nathaniel D., William Fuller and an in- fant. Mr. Cox is a member of the Masonic Order up to the Royal Arch, a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
WILLIAM DAY, grocer and Trustee of Washington Township, was born January 27, 1838, in Delaware County, Ohio, and is the first son of Cresley and Celinda (Reynolds) Day, both natives of Ohio and now de- ceased. William Day was reared to farming, which he followed in his birth State, and in 1873, located near Nashville. October, 1861, he en- listed in Company F, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served three years and three months, and was at Shiloh, Perryville and Stone River, where he received a flesh wound in the shoulder. Rejoining his regi- ment, he fought at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, and the Atlanta campaign, being discharged December 15, 1864. October 15, 1865, he married Miss Viola A. Serels, which union was crowned by five children-Nettie B., Ettie D., Eva J., Ellie M. and Neo- ma A. November, 1882, he moved to this town and engaged in his pres- ent business, in which he has a good trade, carries a large stock and has been very successful. Mr. Day is a member of the G. A. R., of the Re- publican party; was elected Trustee of Washington Township in 1880, and is an upright, esteemed citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Day are members of the Christian Church.
JOHN DEIST, farmer, is a native of Germany, was born February 14, 1833, whose parents were Conrad and Mary S. Deist, both of them natives of Germany and of German extraction. Conrad Deist was en- gaged on a farm until 1814, at which time he became a soldier in the wars of that period between France and his native land, part of the serv- ice being spent on land as a husbandman. He was mainly a herder, and died January 3, 1872, aged seventy-seven, a member of the Reformed Church, as was his wife. John Deist obtained a good education in the fatherland, remained at home until he was twenty, when he emigrated to New York, remained two years, moved to Wheeling, W. Va., thence to Ohio, where he lived for ten years, and finally to this county, where he purchased a farm and still resides. February 25, 1857, he married Elizabeth Claus, a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., by which union they were given one son and three daughters. Mrs. Deist left the world April 7, 1862. After this event Mr. Deist wedded Louisa C. Faber, of Ohio, which union was honored by three sons and four daughters, of whom Henry C. Deist is one of the ablest of the county's teachers. Mr. Deist is a Democrat, has served as County Commissioner, and he and lady are members of the Presbyterian Church.
ALEXANDER DUNCAN, farmer, is a native of Stokes County, N. C .; was born January 29, 1815, the son of Alamanda and Susanna (Vaughn) Duncan, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. The father of our subject learned the occupation of shoe-making, and followed the same forty years, but after marriage he engaged in farming and so continued until his decease. Our subject worked for his father on the farm until he was united in wedlock, which event took place November 17, 1837, the bride being Sarah F. Reddick, a native of the " Old North State." To this union were granted fourteen children, of whom two sons and eight daughters are living. In 1839, he moved to this State, and remained some time in Fayette County; then moved to Marion County, where he resided twenty years, and thence to this coun-
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ty, March 23, 1860, where he purchased a farm and made a home. Mr. Duncan is a time-honored member of the Freemasons, and one of the oldest citizens of the county toward which he has done so much. He is now in his seventieth year, and a greatly esteemed citizen.
HON.W. C.DUNCAN is a son of Alexander Duncan and Sarah F. Dun- can, both of whom are still living at their old home, six miles southwest of Nashville, in Brown County, Ind. Both the father and mother were born, reared and married in North Carolina; after this marriage they re- moved to Indiana, settling for a time in Fayette County; soon thereafter they removed to Marion County, where W. C. Duncan was born on the 24th of June, 1851, and is the ninth child in a family of fourteen chil- dren, consisting of five boys and nine girls. On the 23d of March, 1860, with his father's family, he came to Brown County and settled upon a farm six miles southwest of Nashville. Here he was brought up in habits of industry, honesty and frugality. He early evinced a desire for knowl- edge, and obtained the rudiments of a good education in the common schools, as taught in District No. 11, of Washington Township. He com- menced teaching in the common schools of the county at the age of eight- een, and continued to teach and labor upon the farm until the 24th of June, 1871, when, having accumulated enough money to pay his way for a considerable time in school, he was examined and admitted to the Freshman class in the Indiana State University at Bloomington. He at- tended college regularly for more than two years, until, after entering and attending one term of his junior year, he was again compelled to seek employment as a teacher to supply himself with the necessary funds to further prosecute his studies. But while out of college he continued to study, and before the end of the year returned, and with his class passed examination, and entered the Senior class. Graduating in 1875, for one year he engaged in teaching, and returned in 1876, and entered the Law Department. But in the winter of 1877, he again taught school for a term. In the spring of 1877, he re-entered upon the study of his chosen profession, the law, in the office of Richard L. Coffey, in Nashville. Here he continued until the winter of 1878, when he en- tered upon the practice, in partnership with W. W. Browning, at Nash- ville. On the 23d day of April, 1878, he was nominated by the Democ- racy of the Ninth Judicial Circuit for Prosecuting Attorney for the counties of Bartholomew and Brown, and in October following was elected to that office, and entered upon his duties on the 22d day of Oc- tober, 1879. During most of his term of office he resided in Bartholo- mew County, and became largely and favorably known to the people of that county. In November, 1881, after the expiration of his term of office, he again resumed regular practice at Nashville, and on the 17th of June, 1882, he was nominated by the Democrats of Bartholomew, Brown and Monroe, as a candidate for State Senator, and after one of the most heated campaigns ever known, was in the fall of that year elected State Senator, and was a member of the Legislature of 1883, in which he dis- tinguished himself by his industry, courage and integrity. His votes will all be found consistently in favor of a strict construction of the con- stitution; of the largest amount of personal liberty of the citizens con- sistent with the public good; of liberal support of the State's great char- ities and benevolent institutions and universities, and other educational facilities. He was likewise always found as earnestly opposing jobs, schemes, subsidies and all repressive legislation. Although next to the
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youngest member of the Senate of 1883, he was accorded recognition as one of the most determined and energetic members of that body. Mr. Duncan is the senior member of the firm of Duncan & Percifield, now engaged in the practice of law at Nashville. On July 26, 1880, he was married to Jennie Buskirk, a daughter of Michael Buskirk, now of Clay County, Ind. Two little girls-Edith and Jessie-have been born of this union. Mr. Duncan claims for himself nothing but the ability and willingness to work with devoted energy for whatever cause he may es- pouse. He is the architect of his own fortune, and is in every sense a self-made man. He is a man of strong convictions and firm friendship. If at times he appears reticent and unwilling to express his preferences, it is not because he lacks courage or convictions. He always abides his time. He never fritters away his opportunities. Mr. Duncan is now but thirty-two years of age, and few men so young have accomplished so much as he, or seen so much of life and honor.
WILLIAM GEARY, miller, first saw the light of earth in this county; was born June 20, 1854, and is a son of Josephus and Betsey (Stump) Geary, both natives of Kentucky, and respectively of English and En- glish-Irish descent. Mrs. Betsey Geary is yet living, aged fifty-seven, and a devoted member of the Christian Church. William Geary re- ceived a very limited education in boyhood, and when fourteen years of age he commenced working in a mill, and in this occupation he has since been engaged. March 20, 1879, he married Mary E. Shepherd, daughter of Richard and Sarah Shepherd, and a native of Belmont County, Ohio. As a result of this union, three children have been born to them-one sou and two daughters. Mr. Geary is now operating a flouring-mill and a saw-mill, and both very successfully. He is one of the leading citizens and representative men of the township.
CHARLES GENOLIN is a native of this township; was born May 10, 1862, and is a son of John Genolin, of Marseilles, France, born 1812, who emigrated during boyhood to the United States, and August 10, 1840, married, in Connecticut, Elizabeth Clark, and they located in this county in 1851, where Mr. Genolin engaged in trade and died April 24, 1874. He was an affectionate father and husband, and a worthy cit- izen. Charles Genolin was reared to manhood in his birthtown, and has been engaged in various branches of business, he having natural execu- tive ability, and being a born merchant. With a small inheritance from his father's estate, he has made his way to a position of pride and pros- perity. He is a member of the Democratic party and an active politician, a correspondent for several local newspapers, and is a promising young man with a cloudless future.
JOHN F. GENOLIN, M. D., is the fourth of the ten children of John and Elizabeth (Clark) Genolin, the former a native of France, the latter of Ireland, who located in this county in the early time, where Mr. Genolin was successfully engaged in the mercantile business until 1874, when he left the world; Mrs. Genolin now resides in Nashville. Dr. John F. Genolin was born in Nashville, Ind., July 18, 1854, where he attended school and assisted his father until his majority, at which time he entered the office of Dr. Phillips, at Nashville, and assiduously de- voted himself to the study of medicine. Two years later, he entered the Vanderbilt Medical University, whence he graduated in 1877, with the ad eundem degree of doctor of medicine. He then opened an office in Nashville, and has continued the practice successfully, his consultation
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business being especially large. . September 15, 1881, he married Miss Susie E. Walton, a native of Ohio, a marriage which gave issue to two children-Verna and an infant. Dr. Genolin is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, and an uncompromising Republican. In 1880, he was commissioned Postmaster at Nashville, but resigned in 1882. He is an esteemed and honored citizen.
CHARLES GIBSON, merchant, is a native of Greene County, Tenn., and is the youngest of the four children of John and Elizabeth (Russell) Gibson, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of North Carolina, and both of Irish extraction. John Gibson was a hero of the war of 1812. Charles Gibson first saw the world's light February 13, 1835, was reared to farming, began as a teamster when ten years of age, and followed the same until he was twenty-three, having labored in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Kentucky. September 17,
1857, he married Sarah E. Kelton, a native of Virginia. Eleven children hallowed their union, of which nine were named James D., William I., Alice, Ida M., Dora, Emma, Charlie, Clara and John. From 1858 to 1862, he was exclusively a farmer, but was then obliged to leave Tennes-
see. Mr. Gibson then moved hither and one year later brought his fam- ily; they located in Johnson and later in this county, where he farmed, and subsequently went into business in this town, having begun the same with a cash capital of $50. Now he carries a $4,000 stock, and owns some good property. Mr. Gibson is a Freemason, is a Republican, has been School Trustee and Councilman, and was commissioned Post- master December 18, 1882, which he now retains. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are members of the Presbyterian Church.
WILLIAM GRIFFIN, farmer, was born in Decatur County, Ind., October 13, 1843, and is a son of David D. and Parmelia (Johnson) Griffin, the former a native of Indiana, the latter of Kentucky, and of English and German descent respectively. David D. Griffin remained with his parents until his marriage, December 14, 1841. After the death of his wife, in 1865, Mr.' Griffin wedded Mary A. Rush; this lady also died, after which he was joined to Rebecca A. McElroy. He was a minister; took his death-cause from exposure while holding meetings, and died December 7, 1883. William Griffin remained at home until his eighteenth year, when he entered Company C, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Regiment; served four years, and was severely wounded. He married Miss Susanna, daughter of William K. Rogers, and a native of this county, to which union were decreed ten children. In connection with his fine farm of upward of 350 acres, he is largely interested in handling stock. He is a Republican by political preference, a liberal and enlightened citizen, and he and Mrs. Griffin are members of the Christian Church.
ELIAKIM HAMBLEN, farmer, was born October 22, 1832, in Hamblen Township, of what was known as Bartholomew, now a part of Brown County, Ind., and is the eldest of eight in the family of Jesse and Rachel (Hamblen) Taggart, the former a native of Virginia, the lat- ter of Tennessee, both of Irish extraction. Jesse Hamblen came to this region about 1825, and after marriage settled where he now resides. The grandfather of our subject, Eliakim Hamblen, was the first Repre- sentative in the State Legislature from this county. in 1838. Our sub- ject was reared to farming, and received a primitive education, and re- mained at home until he was twenty-four years old, after which he made
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a beginning in life, which has so far. been prosperous. May 31, 1855, he married Miss Elizabeth Musser, which has given being to two chil- dren-Rachel and Caroline. Mr. Hamblen is owner of 670 acres, most of which is choice land, making a very comfortable possession. He is a Democrat, and was elected Clerk of the court of this county, in 1874; re- elected in 1878, and has held various offices besides. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
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CARTER V. HARRISON, a leading county instructor. was born February 23, 1856, in Bartholomew County, Ind, the ninth of the twelve children of Carter and Julia A. (St. Clair) Harrison, natives of Kentucky. Carter Harrison moved to Bartholomew County in 1839; he resides in Harrison Township. In 1867, his wife died, and he wedded Barbara Matson, by which union they had seven children. Carter V. Harrison was reared and grew to man's estate on a farm, received a good public and normal-school education, and is now teaching his ninth term, with satisfaction to the counties of Brown and Bartholomew and credit to himself. December 25, 1879, he married Miss Roselpha A. Young, to which union were born two children-Arnetta J. and Bertha L. Mr. Harrison is a Democrat in political conviction, an energetic gentleman, and a useful citizen. He moved to this county in 1880, to Nashville in 1883, and was chosen Deputy Auditor in June of that year. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are members of the church, he of the Christian and she of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
STEPHEN A. KENNEDY, farmer, is a native of East Tennessee; was born October 17, 1826, and is the second of eleven children born to John D. and Mary K. (Alexander) Kennedy, natives of East Tennessee, and of Scotch-Irish extraction, who emigrated to this county in 1837, and here lived until overtaken by death, November 19, 1864. He was owner of 240 acres, and had served as County Assessor. Stephen A. Kennedy was a farmer's boy with high educational aspirations, which he accomplished sufficiently to teach a school. June, 1846, he enlisted in Company E, Third Indiana Volunteers, bound for Mexico under . Capt. Taggart, and was absent twelve months; he was a participant at the battle of Buena Vista. On returning bome he resumed farming, and was elected in 1856 and re-elected in 1858 Sheriff of this county, which posi- tion he retained until 1860, at which period he prepared to enter the service again. July 11, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the battles of Pea Ridge, Stone River, Mission Ridge and others, having been commissioned Sec- ond Lieutenant, as which he resigned April, 1864. In 1876, he was again elected Sheriff and re-elected in 1878. July 26, 1847, he married Susanna Taggart, and has had born to him seven children-James W.,. John E., Margaret E., William M., Patterson S. (deceased), Wesford L. (deceased) and Cordelia (deceased). Mr. Kennedy is an Odd Fellow, a Democrat and a Prohibitionist.
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