Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 103

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ;
Number of Pages: 962

USA > Indiana > Whitley County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 103
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 103

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GEORGE EASTERDAY (deceased) was a native of the Buckeye State, his birth occurring in Jefferson County November 15, 1800. His father, George Easterday, was a native of Maryland and of German descent, and moved with his family from Maryland to Jefferson County, Ohio, at an early period. His son, whose name heads this sketch, was reared in Jefferson County, where he was married and whence he moved to Holmes County in 1825, and was soon followed by his father. Both families soon moved to Chester Town- ship, Morrow County, Ohio, where, after a number of years, the parents died. Our subject's wife was Anna M. Summerlot, who bore her husband ten chil- dren, as follows : George W., William, Sylvester, Elizabeth and Catharine living, and John, Samuel, Joseph, Lucinda and one that died in infancy, de- ceased. In 1853, Mr. Easterday came to Noble County, Ind., and located on a farm. Mrs. Easterday died May 2, 1876, and her husband followed her to the tomb February 28, 1880. Mr. Easterday was a farmer and an upright and honest man. He was a Whig and later a Republican, and himself and wife were members of the Lutheran Church. They are gone, but their memory will grow brighter as time fades away.

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GEORGE W. EASTERDAY, was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, March 29, 1827. He was reared on his father's farm and worked for them until twenty- two years old, when he received property valued at $100 and started out for himself. On the 28th of September, 1851, he married Nancy E. Smith, of Morrow County, Ohio, by whom he had eight children-Mary Anna (deceased), Dora S. P. (deceased), Otho D., William D., Edna E., Jeremiah M., Adar M. and Drury S. Otho D. married Flora Franks and lives in Green Township. In 1852, Mr. Easterday came to Noble County, locating on the farm where the Frankses now live. In 1862, he exchanged his farm there for his present one. He now owns 200 acres in Green Township and 100 in Jefferson and Albion Townships. He is a Republican and himself and wife are Lutherans. Mr. Easterday's sister Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Decamp and lives in Jefferson Township. Catharine is the wife of Henry Kirkpatrick and lives in the same township. Sylvester married Mahala Frederick and lives in Albion.

WILLIAM EASTERDAY was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1833. He remained at home until twenty-two years old, and then received $100 with which to begin life. He purchased eighty acres of his present farm, paying for the same his $100 and working to pay the remaining $400. Since then forty acres have been added, making a farm of 120 acres. On the 22d of November, 1860, he married Catharine Engle, and they have three children- Delila Alice, Wilbert Amos and Alma Barbara. Mrs. Easterday was born in Morrow County, Ohio, August 15, 1838. William Easterday is a highly re- spected citizen. The family of Easterdays are industrious, sober citizens.

JACOB FAVINGER was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 1, 1837. His parents were of German descent, and natives of the "Keystone State," the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are yet alive. Farming was the father's vocation through life. In 1850, he and family moved to Green Township, purchasing wild land. He was an industrious man, a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred January 24, 1877 ; his widow survives him, and resides on the old homestead. Jacob Fav- inger was reared on his father's farm, and in youth received no education. While in the army he learned to read, write and cipher. When President Lincoln called for 300,000 men in August, 1861, he volunteered his services, and was assigned to Company E, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged for disability at Evansville, Ind., in January, 1864. Mr. Favinger, at the battle of Shiloh, was twice wounded; and while in the en- gagement at Chickamauga, was shot through the lungs by an ounce ball, which is still in his body. He was married in 1864, to Sarah E. Watt, daughter of one of the old settlers of Noble County. Their five sons are William, Abra - ham, John, Marion and George. After his marriage, Mr. Favinger purchased forty acres, and started in the woods. After clearing three acres, he sold it and purchased forty acres of his present farm, which now consists of eighty acres. He and his wife started out in married life with little, but now have a pleasant home and surroundings. In politics, Mr. Favinger is Independent, and is now serving his fourth term as Township Constable.

JAMES GRAWCOCK is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born Jan- uary 21, 1833. (A sketch of his parents will be found in the biography of William Grawcock.) He was raised in Lincolnshire, receiving a common school education. April 21, 1853, he started from Liverpool for America, and after a voyage of four weeks arrived in New York, $13 in debt. He came to Toledo via Albany and Buffalo, and from there to Fort Wayne, Ind., then to

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Swan Township, where he engaged in ditching. In 1854, he had $150 of his earnings which he paid on a farm of forty acres-a part of his present place. By hard labor he has cleared it of all indebtedness and has added eighty acres. Mr. Grawcock was married March 8, 1861, to Mariah C. Fulk, and to their union was born nine children-Solomon, William H., Emma J., Oliver P., Mary E., Margaret A. (deceased), John, Noah and Eliza E. After his mar- riage, Mr. Grawcock moved on his then unimproved place, but is now a well improved farm of 120 acres. He and wife are members of the Church of God ; are enterprising and respected people, and Mr. Grawcock is a Democrat.

WILLIAM GRAWCOCK was born in Willoughby, Lincolnshire, En- gland, September 29, 1831, the eldest of four children born to Isaac and Ann (Cox) Grawcock. His mother died and his father married Elizabeth Tow, by whom he had eight children. This lady is yet living in England, but the father died in 1873. He was a farmer and moved to Billanghay, where the family still reside. William Grawcock, at the age of twenty, came to the United States, starting on the voyage to Quebec, Canada, in March, 1852, thence to Cleveland, Ohio, and soon afterward went to Richland County, Ohio. He then came to Swan Township. In 1853, he purchased 100 acres of his present farm, having but $5 to make the first payment. After this he worked some time on the railroad. In March, 1855, he and his brother James com- menced clearing together, "baching it." The farm has been increased until it consists of 200 acres. On the 8th of January, 1856, he married Miss Mar- tha, daughter of John and Anna (Wyatt) Bennett, of Allen County, Ind. This lady's people were early settlers in Eel River Township, while she enjoys the distinction of having been the first child born in the township, her birth occurring June 5, 1835. Their children number ten, as follows : James B., Isaac C., Rosanna (wife of George Fulk), Elizabeth A. (wife of Noah Whirledge), Jesse J. (deceased), George F. (deceased), Noah W. (deceased), Charles W., Oscar D. and Susan E. (deceased). James B. married Sarah Fulk, and lives in Churubusco. Mr. Grawcock is one of the most extensive and enterprising stock-raisers in Noble County. In 1880, his son Isaac went to England and purchased a noble draught horse, at great expense, which unfortunately died on the journey ; he also purchased a magnificent Clydesdale stallion. Mr. Grawcock has a fine herd of full-blooded short-horn cattle, in which he takes great pride. He is an excellent neighbor, and is a leading member of the Church of God, near his place.

GEORGE HUNTSMAN was born in Morrow County, Ohio, October 27, 1839. He is one of nine children born to Jeremiah and Mary (Painter) Huntsman, who were also natives of Ohio. Jeremiah Huntsman was a farmer and pursued that vocation through life. In 1864, he came to Noble County with his family, locating on the old Huntsman farm in Green Town- ship. He died in March, 1872. He was a Democrat and an enterprising citizen. His widow survives him and resides on the old place. George Hunts- man was reared in Morrow County, Ohio, receiving a common school educa- tion. He came to Green Township in 1864, and by frugality and labor has earned a fine home of 105 acres. He was married in May, 1861, to Susann Hostler. Their children were Flora, Amanda, Vileta M., Ida C., E. M., Alice and William H. The four oldest are dead. Mr. Huntsman is a Demo- crat, and the family are honored and respected members of society.

HIRAM LINDSEY is a native of Knox County, Ohio, where his birth occurred March 8, 1826. His parents were Jacob and Sarah (Craven) Lind- AAA

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sey, to whom were born five children, four yet living. The father was a fol- lower of the plow, and came from Pennsylvania, while the mother traced her nativity to New Jersey. In April, 1839, Mr. Lindsey and family appeared in Green Township, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Hiram. Mr. Lindsey died during the autumn of 1839. Mrs. Lindsey is yet living in Mor- row County, Ohio. After the death of the father, great hardships were endured. The eldest son was drowned, and Hiram was called upon to assume many duties which he successfully mastered. In the year 1866, Mr. Lindsey opened a store in Noblesville, where he sold goods until 1869, when he moved to the farm now owned by Mr. Conkling, and there continued his store four years, when he abandoned the occupation and went to farming again. In 1855, he was united in marriage with Barbara Lock, and by her had six children, as follows : John W., George W., Mary J., Jacob F., Nancy E. and Oscar W .; John W. and Nancy are dead. Mr. Lindsey is a Democrat and while at Noblesville he served as Postmaster. He owns 80 acres of nice land, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is an honorable man, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.

JESSE LOCK was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 7, 1847. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Link) Lock, and one of ten children, four of whom are living, viz., Barbara, wife of Hiram Lindsey ; Lucina, wife of David Clouse, of Albion ; Elizabeth, who is also living in Albion ; and Jesse, the sub- ject of this sketch. The parents of these were married in Preble County, Ohio, and came to Noble County in 1849, locating in Green Township, on the farm now owned by Jesse Lock. They erected a little log cabin, and began clearing the land. Mr. Lock was a Democrat, and a member of the Baptist Church. He died June 12, 1855, and his widow April 2, 1874. Jesse Lock was raised a farmer. At the age of twenty-one, he commenced for himself, and in June, 1872, married Miss Anna Moore. To them were born two children-Corella and Barbara J. The mother died May 6, 1875, and, January 7, 1877, he was united in marriage with his present wife, Mrs. Christina Miller, widow of Francis Miller, and daughter of Henry Wead. To them was born one son- Charles. By her first husband Mrs. Lock had two children-Jasper and George. After his first marriage, Mr. Lock continued farming, and now owns 100 acres of good land. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.

JOHN P. McWILLIAMS is one of the thrifty men of Green Township, born in Pennsylvania December 20, 1823; one of five children born to Oliver and Elizabeth (Renesten) McWilliams. His grandfather was John McWill- iams, a native of Ireland, who, after coming to America, settled in Pennsylva- nia, and where, in after years, he died. In 1829, Oliver McWilliams and family emigrated to Indiana. After residing thirteen years in Wayne County, he purchased eighty acres of the farm now owned by our subject, and here resided until November, 1858, when he died. His widow survived him until 1864, when she died. On their arrival in Noble County, the country was one vast forest. Mr. McWilliams was a Democrat, and at one time filled the office of County Coroner, besides having filled various township offices. John P. McWilliams assisted in the improvement of the home farm, upon which he was raised. He was married in 1850 to Miss Josephine White, daughter of Ira B. and Sophia (Culver) White, who were pioneers of York Township. To their union there were born nine children-Isaac and Oliver R., deceased ; Alma E. (now wife of O. Frederick, of Jefferson Township), Frank W., William H.,

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John H. (deceased), Alta S., Walter P. and Charles A. Mrs. McWilliams was born in Union County, Ohio, March 25, 1833. In 1856, Mr. Mc Williams was elected, by the Democratic party, to the office of County Recorder, and served four years, making his home in Albion. When he had served his term, he returned to his home in Green Township, where he still lives. Mr. Mc -. Williams has also held the office of County Commissioner, and various town- ship offices, in all of which he has served with satisfaction to his constituents. He owns 175 acres of land well improved, and enjoys a comfortable and pros- perous home.

WILLIAM McDANIEL was born in York District, South Carolina, June 17, 1812. Soon after his birth, his parents moved to Wilkes Co., N. C., where he remained until 1832, when he went to Wayne County, Ind., living there two years, and one year in Whitley County, and on the 3d of January, 1835, com- ing to his present farm, which was then covered with heavy timber. On the 14th of August, 1834, he married Parmelia Martin, and by her had eight chil- dren-Charles, Elizabeth, John, Jane, Robert, James, Thomas and George. Charles and Thomas are dead. Mrs. McDaniel was overcome by hardships, and died in 1855, and some time afterward Mr. McDaniel married Christina (Yates) Weirich, widow of Franklin Weirich, whose melancholy death is recorded in the chapter on Green Township. Mr. McDaniel's second wife has borne him two children-Almeda and Alvadore. The parents are members of the Chris- tian Church. They have a fine farm of two hundred acres. Mr. McDaniel is well known, universally respected, and one of Green's best citizens.

SILAS MOORE was born in Washington County, Penn., May 24, 1823. He is a son of Russell and Elizabeth (Scott) Moore, who were of Scotch descent, and the parents of four children. The father was three times married ; first to Mary Cool, who bore him one son; second, to the mother of Silas Moore, and his last wife was Elizabeth Cunningham, who bore him three chil- dren. Mr. Moore was a farmer, and a member of the Presbyterian Church, having been a Ruling Elder in that denomination for forty years. He died in 1880, aged eighty-four, on the farm where he was born, and where he had always lived. Our subject's time was passed on the home farm until he was twenty-one. He then commenced working at the carpenter's trade and wagon making. In 1856, he went to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he worked at his trade eight years. He started for Illinois in April, 1864, and on his way stopped in Noble County and purchased his present farm-eighty acres-near Green Center, where he farmed a few years. Since then he has erected a wagon shop and works at his trade, and also carries on undertaking. Through the influence of Mr. Moore, a post office was established at Green Center, in 1870, and he was appointed Postmaster, a position he has since held. He was married, Mary 8, 1851, to Margaret Lester, of Pennsylvania, and to them were born four children-Leslie, Melissa (deceased), Mary E. and Nancy B. Mrs. Moore was born April 30, 1830, and she and Mr. Moore are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Moore is a Republican.

GEORGE OTT, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Preble County, Ohio, September 25, 1817; is one of six children born to John and Mary Magdalene (Lock) Ott. Their children were Abraham, George, Jacob, John and Jesse. All are now living in Indiana, except John. The father came from Virginia to Ohio in 1812, and lived and died there. The parents were of Germanic descent, and members of the Lutheran Church, the father being a Whig, and later a Republican. George Ott was reared on a farm, and, in

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1840, was married to Mary Brown, whose parents were from North Carolina. To Mr. and Mrs. Ott have been born ten children, as follows: Sarah E., Mary A, John F., Matilda, Ellen, Hetta, Louisa J., Daniel P., Olive and Mar- tha A., all living, except John F., who died in infancy. In 1842, Mr. Ott came to Green Township, where his father had purchased land. There were only about fourteen other families in the township at that time. No improve- ments had been made on Mr. Ott's quarter section. . He erected a small log cabin, and planted some corn, and then returned to Ohio. The same year he came to Indiana, bringing his family. Here they have labored, and a fine farm of about seven hundred acres proves that their labor has not been in vain. This land, except 140 acres. has been given to their children. Mr. Ott and wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Ott, besides filling all the township offices, has been County Commissioner, serving his constituency with honesty and fidelity. Noble County cannot boast of a citizen of greater excel- lence or a man of truer nobility than George Ott. His heart and mind are filled with progressive ideas, which lead him to the commission of charitable deeds and to the performance of Christian duty.

JESSE OTT was born in Preble County, Ohio, December 1, 1822, the youngest of five sons born to John and Mary Magdaline (Lock) Ott. Jesse Ott passed his youth in Preble County, receiving a common school education. When twenty-one years of age, he started for himself, and when about twenty- two, his father made him a present of 160 acres in Perry Township, Noble County, which he traded for the southwest quarter of Section 29 in Green Township, it at that time being a body of woods ; the only evidence that there were ever whites on it was occasionally a tree cut down by some hunter for honey or coons. Mr. Ott was married October 19, 1848, to Docia Brown. To them were born eight children-Cornelius, Amanda, John, George, Fred- erick, Abraham, Eli and Alpha. Mr. and Mrs. Ott are hard-working, thrifty people. They now have 320 acres of land, and are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Ott is a Republican, and is an enterprising and intelligent citizen.

WILLIAM RAY (deceased) was born in Ohio County, Va., October 31, 1822. He was the second child of ten born to Thomas and Martha (Gibson) Ray. His father was a native of the Emerald Isle, and came to the United States when five years of age. William Ray was reared on a farm, receiving but a common-school education. In about 1828, he came to Guernsey County, Ohio, with his parents, and later was active in the development of that county. April 3, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jane Carr, her peo- ple also coming from Ireland and settling in Guernsey County, Ohio. Miss Carr was born November 10, 1828, and to their union were born four children -Thomas (deceased), Martha, Edward P. and David W. Martha is the wife of J. R. Cole, of York Township. Edward married Martha Black, of Jefferson Township. David married Sarah Bailey, of Allen Township, and resides on the old place. Mr. and Mrs. Ray lived in Guernsey County, Ohio, until 1864, then he moved to Noble County, where he resided until his death, which occurred January 27, 1877. Mr. Ray was an honored and respected citizen. His po- litical faith was with the Democratic party, and at the time of his death he was a Deacon in the Baptist Church. Mr. Ray was a first cousin to the celebrated author of Ray's Arithmetic. David Ray, the son who resides on the old place -120 acres-is a teacher of considerable experience, and an intelligent and enterprising citizen.

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HON. H. C. STANLEY is a representative citizen, and a sturdy, sub- stantial farmer. The family of which he is a member traces its origin back to " Bonnie Scotland," whence, many years before the Revolutionary war, members of the family came across the waters to seek their fortunes in the New World. They became followers of Roger Williams, but some generations later renounced the religion of their fathers, and altered their belief to suit their consciences. The father of H. C. Stanley, an honest, industrious man, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was a native of North Carolina, and moved to Ohio when about twenty years old, where he married Miss Mary Cuppy, a native of Kentucky. In 1821, they moved to Union County, Ind. They had a family of eleven children, five of whom are living. The mother died in 1849, and the father subsequently moved to Richmond, Ind., where he died in 1867. The representative of this sketch was born in Clermont County, Ohio, January 22, 1818. His education, limited to the advantages of the com- mon school, was obtained in Union County, Ind., where he was inured to farm labor. In 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah L. Hunt, who died in 1841, leaving an infant son, Aaron, now married and a farmer of this county. In 1847, Mr. Stanley married for his second wife, Miss Sophronia Beeson, a native of Indiana. By this lady he became the father of nine chil- dren-J. Frank, Mary H., Milton D., Henry L., R. Allie, Perry A. (deceased), Cyrus H., Charles M. and Emma (deceased). In 1849, he came to Green Town- ship, and settled on his present farm, which was then covered with heavy forest trees, and without improvement, excepting a cabin of the rudest kind, which had probably been put up by some squatter or trapper. The family took pos- session of this, and began to carve for themselves a home. In this, after years of hardship and unceasing toil, they realized their hopes and bright anticipa- tions. Truly, the wilderness has been made to "blossom as the rose." The log cabin gave way to a fine residence with pleasant surroundings. To the orig- inal 160 acres additions have been made until the farm comprises over 500 acres, the most of which has been brought under subjection. The fine fields and broad pastures attest the high state of cultivation. The commodious barns, granaries, etc., give evidence of the substantial character of the improve- ments. All this stands as a monument to the years of labor and judicious management of its owner. But Mr. Stanley's fame is not confined to the ac- cumulation of wealth ; his influence has been felt in the direction of public af- fairs. He has filled the office of Trustee, in 1853 was elected County Commis- sioner, and in 1858 was elected to the Lower House of the State Legislature as a Democrat, where he served with such fidelity that he was afterward twice re- elected. He is a clear, correct and practical thinker, and is a credit to the county where he has lived and labored so long.

OLIVER STRONG was born in Knox County, Ohio, February 20, 1826. He is a son of Philander A. and Ruth (Leech) Strong, who were parents of two children. When about two years old, his father died, and his mother married Samuel Gray. She had by him thirteen children. From Knox County they moved to Madison County, Ohio, and remained until the fall of 1835, when they moved to Green Township. Here he commenced clearing and improving a place entered from the Government. For a number of years, in order to suc- cessfully carry on farming and stock-raising, he was obliged to house the stock to keep them from the wild beasts. Oliver Strong was reared on the farm, receiving the common education of those days. He was married, June 29, 1846, to Miss Eva Fulk, of Swan Township, her parents being among the oldest

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settlers of that locality. They have had eight children-Melissa, born March 13, 1847, now Mrs. Gilbert McDague; Thomas J., born March 11, 1848, died November 10, 1850; Philander A., born August 15, 1849, died November 21, 1850; George W., born August 19, 1850 : Henry C., January 23, 1852, married Magdalene Treese; Franklin P., born May 3, 1853; James W., May 12, 1854, died July 21, 1854; and John C., born October 26, 1856. Mr. Strong is a Democrat ; has held several Township offices, and has been a successful school teacher.

JOHN H. WARD was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 5, 1837. He is one of thirteen children, five only known to be living, born to James and Mary Ward. The father of these was a native of Maryland and the mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ward was a farmer, and a good man in every respect. He died in 1842, and his widow in 1870. Mrs. Ward was twice married ; her second husband, who has since died, was Stephen A. Woodruff. Up to the age of eleven years, John H. Ward lived with his mother ; he then apprenticed himself for three years, at shoe-making. Subsequently moved to Fredericktown, and worked at his trade until he came to Albion, in 1856, where he worked for his old Fredericktown preceptor until his death. In 1863, he purchased a part of his present farm, which now numbers 160 acres. They moved on the place soon after, and began a life of hard labor, which has been crowned with success, having increased the 160 acres to 240 acres. Mr. Ward has given liberally to the support of all laudable enterprises. He is Democratic, also an active worker against intemperance. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly esteemed people. Mr. Ward's wife was Comfort Edwards, daughter of Alexis Edwards, to whom he was mar- ried January 19, 1859. They have had eight children-Marion, Anna, Hattie and Homer E., living; and Alsie A., Mary, Charlie and one unnamed, de- ceased.

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Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 103

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ; Number of Pages: 962

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ;
Number of Pages: 962