Early life and times in Boone County, Indiana, giving an account of the early settlement of each locality, church histories, county and township officers from the first down to 1886 Biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and women., Part 23

Author: Harden, Samuel, b. 1831 comp; Spahr, --, comp
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: [Indianapolis, Ind. : Printed by Carlon & Hollenbeck]
Number of Pages: 1064


USA > Indiana > Boone County > Early life and times in Boone County, Indiana, giving an account of the early settlement of each locality, church histories, county and township officers from the first down to 1886 Biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and women. > Part 23


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



297


BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.


was erected to his memory. In person he was of medium size, well made, high forehead and general good features.


Mr. Hazlerigg was first married to Margareth Stone, in the state of Kentucky. One child was born to them, Caroline M., married to Dr. Rollins. Mr. Hazlerigg was the second time married to Mary Jemison. The following are the children's names born to them : Joshua, James M., David W., Henry L., was lost on the steamer Sultana, was captain in the 40th Indiana Regiment ; George W., Sarah, died at the age of twelve years; Nelly (deceased), Angie, Lidia (deceased), Albert W., Diek, died in infaney ; Charles, John and Oliver were twins. Angie, who married Henry C. Maey, is the only one residing in the county. Albert W. resides in Indianapolis, John resides in New York City, David W. resides in Indianapolis. Joshua was drowned in Sugar Creek, near Thorntown, in 1856. Charles resides in Nebraska.


ROBERT HAMIL


Was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 18, 1809; married to Elizabeth Nesbit, August 17, 1830, in Ohio. Came to Thorn- town in 1832, where he engaged in merchandising, and was one of the pioneer merchants, and was the first postmaster . there. Was justice of the peace for sixteen years ; a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in every way an active, influential man. Was a devoted temperance advocate, and a free-soiler. Died July 1, 1867; is buried at the new ceme- tery in Thorntown. He settled on his farm, one mile east of Thorntown, in the year 1834, where he died. Mrs. H. is the sis- ter of the late Dr. Jackson Nesbit, at one time county treasurer ; died in Ohio, 1864. The following are the names of Mr. and Mrs. Hamil's children : Robert W., born August 27, 1846 ; mar- ried to Sarah M. Henderson ; reside at home. Maggie E., mar- ried to James Lambert, born May 12, 1852. She died ten years after her marriage. Mr. H. in person was medium size, dark hair, fair complexion, good features.


298


EARLY LIFE AND TIMES IN


JOSEPH HOLLINGSWORTH.


The subject of this sketch was born in Union County, Indiana, February 12, 1814. His father's name was also Joseph Hollingsworth. His mother's name was Patcie Smith ; came to Washington Township in 1833. They were born in South Carolina. Mr. H., senior, died in March, 1874; Mrs. H. in 1877; buried at Sugar Plain Cemetery. Joseph Hol- lingsworth, the subject of this sketch, of Washington Town- ship, was first married to Eliza Rose, July 27, 1835. The fol- lowing are his children's names: Cornelius, who died in infancy ; Sarah A., died in infancy ; Almira, died in infancy ; John, died while young; Mary E., married to Miles Han- lon, resides in Iowa; Abram R., married to Clara Ball ; deceased ; buried at Thorntown. Oliver S., died September 22, 1862; Phebe J., married to J. B. Caldwell, resides in Thorntown ; Joseph A., resides in Iowa ; William .N., married to Mary F. Hagerman, resides on the home farm ; Elwood M., married to Miss McDowell. Mr. H. was the second time mar- ried to Elizabeth Mann, June 11, 1863 ; was the third time mar- ried to Caroline Husted, June, 1876; children's names: Ralph Emmett, died in infancy ; Lena P., and Nella. Mr. H. was the fourth time married to Jane A. Kemper, August 16, 1881. Mr. H. belongs to the Baptist Church ; was raised a Quaker ; has been living on his farm since 1835. It will be noticed that Mr. H. is a very much married man, and if the name of Hollingsworth should become lost it will not be his fault. Mr. H. resides on the Big Four Railroad, between Hazelrigg Sta- tion and Thorntown, where he owns a fine farm.


JOHN HIGGINS.


The subject of this sketch was born near Connersville, Ind., September 10, 1814. His parents' names were Jona- than and Margaret Higgins; her name was Margaret Shaw. Mr. Higgins was married at Thorntown, Ind., December 23,


299


BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.


1839. Mrs. Higgins died September 10, 1880, and is buried in what is known as Bethel Cemetery, in Washington Township. Mrs. Higgins (Nancy Long) was born March 6, 1821. This interesting family was among the first to settle in that part of Washington Township. Mr. H. at once took a great interest in his new home, and with his hands made one of the best farms in the county. And he is one of the best farmers in his township. He has served as Township Trustee, in all, near nineteen years. Was elected joint representative for the Counties of Boone and Clinton in 1868, over Hon. Henry M. Marvin, which will give an idea of his popularity. In person Mr. H. is large, fair complexion, light hair and good features. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church. In politics, a Repub- lican. The following are his children's names : Mary, mar- ried to William Adair, died May 19, 1864; Phebe J., died at the age of six years ; Arminta B., married to Dr. T. H. Har- rison, resides at Lebanon, Ind .; Ollie, married to Walter S. Hall, resides on the home farm. In the proper place we omitted to say Mr. Higgins served as County Commissioner ; first appointed to serve out the unexpired term of Newton Phillips; afterwards being elected. When canvassing for this work we were kindly cared for at his house by him and Mr. and Mrs. Hall.


LEWIS HAUSER.


Among the pioneers of Boone County, we would not forget Lewis Hauser. He was born in South Carolina, on September 14, 1804; was married to Levina Stultz, November 4, 1827. Mr. H. came first to Bartholomew County, Indiana, where he remained only a few months ; then to Marion County, where he lived a short time. In 1836 he came to Little Eagle Creek, since which time he has made his home in the county. No man stands higher in the county than does Mr. M. Retired in his ways, it is true, but after a long life of usefulness none dare say anything against his integrity. He knows all


300


EARLY LIFE AND TIMES IN


about pioneer life. Came poor to the new home ; afterwards he developed it into a fine farm. He is now living a retired life at Whitestown, with the consciousness of having wronged no man. Mrs. H. died February 28, 1856. Mr. H. was the second time married to Laura J. Lewis, January, 1857. She died February 25, 1881. Buried at the Lutheran Cemetery, in Union Township. The following are his children's names : John L., died in North Carolina ; Martha T., married to Rev. John Good ; reside near Whitestown ; married March 26, 1841. Mary L., died, aged seventeen years ; buried at the Lutheran Cemetery, in Union County. Charles E., married to Leonia Neese ; died, aged thirty-four years ; buried at Lutheran Ceme- tery ; Julia A., died aged six years ; George, married to Levina Nesee; resides south of Whitestown a short distance. He was county auditor four years. Leander, married Mary Lucas; died in Texas, May, 1869. Amanda E., married to William Beeler ; died May 11, 1878. Mr. H. is now in his eighty- fourth year, and, everything considered, is quite well preserved. He has been physically one of the finest made men in the county, weighing two hundred pounds, six feet high, and well proportioned. Long may this old pioneer live.


SAMUEL HOLLINGSWORTH.


Mr. Hollingsworth was born in Union County, Indiana, February 6, 1816. Settled in Boone County in 1833. He was married to Fannie Alexander, January 5, 1841. She was born in Owen County, Kentucky, December 31, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth settled on the farm they now live on, in Jefferson Township, in 1841. Four children were born unto them, as follows: Mary J., born February 1, 1842; married to George D. Miller on the 15th of February, 1872; reside on the home farm. W. W. Hollingsworth was born October 4, 1845; married to Mary Chambers, in Owen County, Kentucky, on the 14th of January, 1879 ; resides on the home farm. Samuel Hollingsworth was raised a Quaker, to which


4


301


BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.


faith he still clings. Mrs. H. belongs to the Baptist Church. This old couple, now in the evening of life, have resided in the county over fifty years; have underwent all the hardships and privations incident to a pioneer life ; have contributed their part to bring about the changes of the past half century. This old pioneer couple reside in Jefferson Township, two miles southwest of Hazelrigg Station. The original Hollings- worth family were from South Carolina.


WILLIAM HILL


Was born in Nicholas County, Ky., April 4, 1801 ; married to Rachael L. Cowan August 4, 1825. She was also born in the same county and state, February 25, 1801. Was among the early settlers of Jefferson Township. His father's name was John Hill, who married Dorothy Allen-they are buried in Kentucky. Mrs. William Hill died January 10, 1877, aged seventy-five years, ten months and fifteen days, and is buried in the Cox Cemetery. The following are the names of Will- iam Hill's children : Alfred G., born January 12, 1827 ; Doro- thy J., born April 17, 1828; John C., born October 2, 1831; Isaac H., born August 28, 1834; Harriet A., born March 28; 1838 ; Litha E., born December 9, 1839; William W., born March 31, 1842; Rachael L., born July 25, 1844. The fol- lowing are deceased : Nancy A., Isaac H., and Litha E., and all are buried in the Cox Cemetery. John C. Hill, third ·child of William Hill, was married to Nancy J. Caldwell July 30, 1858; the following are his children's names : Cheever .O. and Minnie. Mr. John C. Hill was again married to Mary J. Cowan, October 12, 1865. The following are the names of his children by the second marriage: Elizabeth and Eva (twins). Mr. Hill is now living on the farm where he was born, fifty-five years ago, in Jefferson Township, one and one- half miles northwest of Dover. Is one of the best men and citizens in his township, and is a Republican that never held


302


EARLY LIFE AND TIMES IN


any office. Himself and family we thank for kindnesses received. John C. Hill's grandfather's name was John Hill, died May 4, 1854; his wife, Dorothy Hill, died December 2, 1851, buried in the Cox Cemetery.


MATTHEW HARRIS.


This pioneer first saw the light of day in Tennessee, and on the 5th day of March, 1816. Came to Boone County in 1831. Married to Martha Furgason, February 11, 1836, in Jefferson Township. The following are the names of their children : Judith J., married to Samuel Lothlin ; William F., married to Alice Potts, February, 1867; he was in the army ; is buried at Thorntown ; his wife died in December, 1885; is buried in the Cox Cemetery ; Martha A. married to Michael D. Campbell, resides in Nebraska ; Sarah A., died at the age of eighteen years, buried at the Cox Cemetery ; Robert W., died at the age of sixteen years; Hannah M., died in 1851, at the age of three years; Mary E., died in infancy ; Elwood T., born January 1, 1854, married to Mary E. Mesmore : they reside in Jefferson Township. Matthew Harris died December 29, 1860, buried in the Cox Cemetery. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, as was also Mrs. Harris, who was born in Union County, Ind., February 4, 1816. Mr. H. was of medium size, dark hair and dark complexion.


MANUEL HIESTAND.


The subject of this sketch was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, on the 28th of April, 1813. Came to Boone County in 1842. Settled in Jefferson Township where he now resides. He was married to Mary Shreve on the 6th of December, 1840, in Fairfield County, Ohio. Miss Shreve was born in same county, July 26, 1813. The following comprise his fam- ily : Asa F .; lives in Jefferson Township; Eliza; Amanda


-


303


BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.


M. Asa is married to Lucinda J. Sutton ; Eliza to John F. Routh ; Amanda to James W. Roark. All reside in Jefferson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hiestand belong to the United Baptist Church. Mr. Hiestand has served acceptably as town- ship trustee several years, is a Republican in politics and one of our best farmers, and throughout one of the best citizens of the county.


ALMOND HEADY,


Of Jackson Township, was born in Kentucky, September 26, 1810. His father's name was Thomas Heady, born in Penn- sylvania, April 15, 1780. His mother's name before marriage was Rebecca Goodwin, born in Pennsylvania, October 15, 1883. They were married in Kentucky ; lived there until the year 1814, when they came to Monroe County, Indiana ; remained there six years and then went to Putnam County, Indiana, and remained there until the year 1838; then went to Jackson Township, Boone County, where they lived many years. They moved to Missouri, where Mr. Heady died. Mrs. Heady returned to Boone County ; died here in 1863, is buried at the Union Cemetery in Jackson Township. Mr. Almond Heady, the subject of this sketch, was four times mar- ried, first to Catharine Spencer in 1830. She was born in 1814, died July 8, 1853. The second time to Charlotte Davis, September, 1853, she died March 18, 1858. Third time to Mary Ellen Kise, September, 1858, she died November 12, 1869, is buried at Union Cemetery. The fourth time to Car- oline Davis, September 26, 1870, with whom he is now living at Jamestown. It will readily be seen that Mr. Heady is a much married man, the father of nineteen children. Will try to give their names if they don't get away. By his first wife : Eliza A., Sarah E., Rebecca C., who died at the age of eight years; Andrew J., Thomas W., Richard V., Imri P., Nicho- las C., Elisha F., Martha J., Lafayette P., all living but Rebecca and Elisha. To the second marriage were born James D. and Minerva, both died in infancy. To the third


304


EARLY LIFE AND TIMES IN


marriage were born five children, names as follows: Alisha E., Charles R., Mary H. Two died in infancy. Charles died at the age of ten years. To the fourth but one child was born, Nettie C., born December 26, 1871. Mr. Heady is a Jackson- ian Democrat, and one of your clever, upright men, strong, well built, six feet high. First settled near old Union Church where he developed a fine farm out of the woods, mostly with his own strong hands, assisted by his older sons. While can- vassing for this work we were kindly cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Heady.


JOHN HOWARD.


The subject of this sketch was born in Mason County, Ky., in 1801. He was married to Margaret Alexander, in the state of Ohio; came to Boone County in 1837; settled in Clinton Township, entering his land there. He died on Sep- tember 20, 1869; buried at Union Cemetery. His wife died October 23, 1869; buried at the same place. The following are the names of their children : Cynthia A., Mary J., John W., James, killed in the battle of Chicamauga, 1863; William J., Henry W., Addison L., Richard W. ; all living but James A. There was at one time five of the brothers in the late war. Cynthia A. married Andrew Howard, resides in Cass County, Ind. Mary J., married to L. F. Wilson, resides in Cass County, Ind. John W. resides in the state of Missouri. Will- iam J. resides in Kansas. Three reside in this county, viz. : Henry W., Addison L. and Richard W. Mr. and Mrs. John Howard were members of the Christian Church.


MANSON HEAD.


Mr. Head, son of Simeon Head, who kept for so many years the leading tavern on the Michigan road, is now a citi- zen of Zionsville and has been for twenty-five years, and where he enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.


FRANCIS M. BUSBY.


305


BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.


He has served as Trustee for a term of years; also as County Commissioner of the county four years; in every respect to the entire satisfaction of the people. He has for many years been an active member of the Masonic Order, and has served as W. M. of the Zionsville Lodge time immemorial, which capacity he has filled with dignity and fairness, such as has rendered him a desirable one to fill the chair in the east. In his nature he is retired, never seeking to intrude himself be- fore the public ; and be it said to his credit, he has filled all the above honorable places without his special seeking. Mr. Head is now just in his prime, being about fifty years of age, well preserved. He was the first man in Boone County to sign for the " Early Life and Times in Boone County." We hope he may live long to read it. He is a live Republican.


JAMES IRWIN


Was born in East Tennessee, September 8, 1812; married to Elizabeth Detrick, November 25, 1830, born in Virginia, February 9, 1811. Removed from Harrison County, Ind., to Boone County in 1834; settled near Lebanon, remaining there a short time, when he entered forty acres of land, known as the James Potts land. He built a log house on it, cleared fifteen acres, when he sold it. He then bought eighty acres near Dover, in Jefferson Township, moved on it in 1844, add- ing to it until he had 112 acres. This he sold and removed to where he now lives, near Dover, and adjoining it on the west. Mr. Irwin has done an untold amount of hard work. Illustrative of this he says he cut and split five hundred rails in a day and made one shoe at night; not only one day, but often. On removing to Boone County he had no capital save a strong pair of arms and willing hands, assisted by his worthy helpmate, who at all times stood by and acted with him in his undertakings, and now this worthy couple reside at their well earned home, at the age of seventy-three years, enjoying the


20


306


EARLY LIFE AND TIMES IN


repose of a long and active life. They have had seasons of discouragement and disappointment, no doubt, especially in their struggle to get a start in their new home. The follow- ing are their children's names, nine in number, five boys and four girls : William J., born March 23, 1831, married to Mary A. Boone, July 19, 1857, deceased January 2, 1861. John W., born April 2, 1834; married to Almira Hall, January 2, 1858; died July, 1860. Margaret A., born December 1, 1836; married to Jacob L. Pyles, September 20, 1857; died April, 1881. Mary J., born January 31, 1838; married to O. S. Kern, February 18, 1858. Robert S., born February 17, 1841; married to Mary E. Dooley, October 30, 1864. He served three years in the late war. Sarah E., born March 22, 1844; married to William V. Payne, January 26, 1870. James W., born July 27, 1848; married to Sarah E. Bush, September 18, 1873; is now living on the home farm. David and Martha (twins), died in infancy ; all buried at the Pleas- ant View Cemetery, in Jefferson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin belong to the Pleasant View Church, in Jefferson Township.


Mr. Irwin, in an early day, killed a deer without any ham- mer on his gunlock, taking his shoe hammer to hit the cap with, after taking deliberate aim. He knew where it was in the habit of coming, watching when he killed it, as above stated. The deer did not fool around there any more.


JONATHAN ISENHOUR.


Mr. Isenhour was born in North Carolina, November 15, 1815. He was the son of John Isenhour who came to Ten- nessee in the year 1816. Jonathan Isenhour came to Boone County in the fall of 1848, first settling in Worth Township, where he has since resided. Though he was not strictly a pioneer, he came to Worth when the county was quite new and undeveloped, and consequently helped to clear away the heavy forest of that locality. He now resides quietly in


-


307


BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.


Whitestown, having a few years ago left his farm. He was married to Margaret Whisermad, November 9, 1837. Miss Margaret Whisermad was born in Virginia, December 22, 1818 ; her father moved to Tennessee when she was five years of age, and to Monroe County, Indiana, when she was eleven years of age, and where she and Jonathan Isenhour were mar- ried. To them were born ten children, seven boys and three girls, as follows: Rebecca L., born October 19, 1838 ; married to Samuel I. Langhner. She died October 20, 1884 .. Isaac J., born January 5, 1841 ; married first to Sally Laughner ; died June 23, 1877. Isaac was again married to Mrs. S. E. Lari- more, widow of the late Dr. Jeremiah Larimore, March 7, 1878. Mr. Isaac Isenhour had one child born to his first wife, Zenley, born October 24, 1869. (His last wife was the daugh- ter of the late John Dulin.) John E. Isenhour was born Jan- uary 19, 1843; married to Anmariah Miers. George W. was born September 29, 1845; married to Anna Starks. James was born December 11, 1847; married to Lidia Marklin. William W. was born May 15, 1850 (in Boone County ; all. previous, in Monroe County, Indiana) ; married to Mary Cla- mon. Ellen was born January 25, 1853; married to John T. Day. Six of the above are now living; the deceased mem- bers of the family are buried at the Lutheran Cemetery, in Worth Township, east of Whitestown. To Isaac Isenhour we are indebted for the above dates and names. He resides one and a half miles northwest of Whitestown, and where he owns a fine farm. We are thankful to him and family for favors shown while getting items for this work.


JOHN KINCAID.


Prominent among the farmers of Boone County are the Kincaids, there being several different families of them. They reside in the eastern part of the county, about eight miles east of Lebanon.


John Kincaid, the person I write about in this sketch, was


308


EARLY LIFE AND TIMES IN


born in Washington County, Pa., March 16, 1795. He was a son of John and Martha Kincaid, the youngest of nine children, he being the only one that yet survives. He served as an apprentice at the cabinet trade, and worked at that business until he took up the trade of gunsmithing.


Mr. Kincaid went as a substitute in the War of 1812, about August, for Robert Carr ; served until November of the same year and was discharged.


In the year of 1815, February 2, he was united in marriage to Miss Christina Pope, who was born in Trumble County, O., 1791, and survived until July 10, 1885. You may count it up, and you will find that they lived together as man and wife about seventy years, a very uncommon thing. They resided in Trumble County, O., until the spring of 1848, when they moved to where he yet resides with his son Frederick. He and . his wife both joined the Methodist Episcopal Church at the same time, in the year 1827, of which they have been constant members ever since, attending services when health would . permit. The first vote he ever cast was for James Monroe, and has always voted the Democratic ticket, until he voted for Peter Cooper, which was the last vote he ever cast. Mr. Kincaid has a relic, an old coffee-mill which his father and mother used. It is now in the neighborhood of 120 years old, and still it grinds. He has raised a family of six children, of whom three are yet living, as follows : Frederick was born December 14, 1815, now living on the old homestead, of whom you will see a sketch in our book; Sarah A., born September 26, 1818, married John Dunlap, and died April 8, 1875; Lucinda, born February 2, 1821, married William McIlree, died July 3, 1850; John, born October 17, 1822, married Mandy Cemens, resides in Trimble County, O .; Calvin R., born July 25, 1826, died July 21, 1830; Mandy S., born Sep- tember 3, 1829, married Homer Davis, not living together, she resides in Shakopee, Harrison County, Minnesota.


Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid have lived a very happy life. He has always been a hard-working man, gunsmithing being his


309


BOONE COUNTY, INDIANA.


favorite trade, farming some through the summer season. Ile is at present very feeble ; resides on his old stamping-ground, with his son Frederick, and looked after with great care.


JACOB JOHNS, SR.


Jacob Johns, Sr., was born in Hardin County, Ky., Janu- ary 11, 1801, during John Adams' administration, the second President of the United States, two years before the purchase of the Louisiana territory of Napoleon Bonaparte. He was six years old when Robert Fulton set afloat the first steamboat in the world; eleven years old at the breaking out of the second war with Great Britain, and fifteen years old when Indiana, the nineteenth state, was admitted to the Union. Was twenty-three years a resident of Harrison County, Indi- ana, when General Lafayette made his last visit to America, and twenty-five years old when the first railroad was built in the United States. These facts are related in this connection merely to show what a grand panorama of events was transpir- ing, and what wonderful changes were wrought in this state and the United States that this old patriarch lived to see. As a brief history of his father (Henry Johns) and his mother so far as is known has been given in a previous number, it will only be necessary to say that he came of European ancestors, who emigrated to America during the revolution, and after- ward settled in Hardin County, Ky. He was next to the youngest child of a family of nine children, six brothers and two sisters and one half-brother. It is not known exactly when he left Kentucky and came to Indiana. It is known, however, that he was living in Harrison County, Ind., in 1823, as he went back to Hardin County, Ky., and was mar- ried to Harriet, Stevens, July 13, in that year. He returned to his former home in Indiana immediately after, when he moved with his wife and child, three months old, to Morgan County. An incident of the voyage was the upsetting of the wagon and spilling the folks out; however, without serious




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.