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 30
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JAMES WILLS.
Mr. Wills resides in Washington Township, a short dis- tance east of Pike's crossing, where he owns a fine farm, which he delights to cultivate. He was born in Henry County, Indiana, January 5, 1826. The son of James Wills, who was married to Elizabeth Warren, came to Boone County in 1835. His parents are buried at Hopewell Cemetery, in Clinton Township. The subject of this article was united in marriage to Elizabeth Gip-on, February 23, 1854. The following are the names of his children : Jasper N., married to Jane Bennett, resides in Kansas; William J., married to Anna Metcalf, resides in Washington Township; John R., Mary E, died at the age of fifteen years, buried at Bethel Cemetery in Wash- ington Township; Frances M., Charles M., Salista A., Edgar A. P., Susan C., Isaac M., Hallie A. and Eddie E. Mrs.
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Wills is the daughter of Isaac Gipson, one of the pioneers of Sugar Creek Township. Mr. Wills is a Democrat of the Jacksonian type. The last five named reside at home.
SAMUEL WEST,
A resident of Worth Township, resides two miles north of Whitestown, and one-half mile south of the Noblesville gravel road. He was born in the state of Kentucky, May 29, 1825; came with his parents to Boone County in the year 1834, in the month of April. He was married to Susannah Evans, September 28, 1845. The following are his children's names : Willis G., married to Mandona Dulin; resides in Center Township. Jonathan E., married to Malinda Wheeler; re- side in Marion Township. Martha J., married to Milton O. Thompson; the second time to G. W. Shelburn. Rozella, married to Mansfield Shelburn. James E., deceased Septem- ber 12, 1856; is buried at Mount's Run Cemetery. Sarah M., married to John Klingler. Mary E., married to Albert Carr. Samuel A., married to Mary E. Stark. Susannah, married to Josiah Baber ; reside in Center Township. Charles J., Albert F., Harvey W. The last three named reside at home. Mr. and Mrs. West belong to the Baptist Church. Mr. West's father resides in Lebanon, aged eighty-six years; his mother died in 1870. Mrs. West's father's name was Jon- athan Evans; died April, 1856; her mother died in 1873; buried at Mount's Run Cemetery, in Union Township.
CYNTHIA ANN WOODY
Was the daughter of Zimri and Lydia P. Cook. She was born in Wayne County, Ind., the 4th day of December, 1814, and was married to Jeremiah Moffitt, the 4th day of January, 1832, and with him moved into Sugar Creek Township, Boone County, Ind., the 11th day of August of the same year, and on
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to the farm upon she now resides, the 15th day of the follow- ing November. She has been a continuous resident thereupon since. Her husband died in the year 1852, and in 1855 she was married to James Woody, whom she survives, still living on the old homestead with her daughter and only living child, Sarah J. Hadley, wife of Milton Hadley. She is a member of the Friends Church, and after having undergone the privations . and hardships of pioneer life'is hale and rugged in old age. See her portrait on another page.
JOHN WYSONG
Was born November 11, 1811, in the old " tar" state of North Carolina. His parents' names were John Wysong and Eliza- beth Wysong (her name was Parker before marriage). The elder Wysong died July 18, 1854, and is buried at Mount's Run Cemetery. His wife died in 1856, and is also buried at Mount's Run Cemetery. The subject of this sketch was mar- ried to Jane Beaty in North Carolina September 29, 1836, and came to this county in 1839. Mr. Wysong entered part of his land, and where he died June 15, 1886. Mrs. Wysong's parents died in North Carolina, her mother dying March 12, 1837, and her father, January 31, 1855. The following are the names of the children of John and Jane Wysong: Eliza- beth, married to George B. Dulin; William B., married to Lillie Clayman ; Lucy, married to John D. Miller ; Adolphus, married to Miss Ross; John H., married to Angeline Hubanks; Amanda A., married to John E. Brohard. Mrs. Wysong resides on the old farm, seven miles east of Lebanon. Mr. and Mrs. Wysong were members of the Regular Baptist Church. The above family will be remembered as one of the highest respectability.
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WILLIAM YOUNG.
Among the early settlers of Jefferson Township was the one whose name heads this short sketch. Mr. Young was born in Hawkins County, Tennessee, in 1790, and was married to Jane Rutledge, who was born in Wythe County, Virginia. Mr. Young came to Boone County in 1829, settling in Jeffer- son Township, where he entered a large tract of land near the Montgomery County line. The following year his wife died -in 1830. This good woman did not live long enough to see the new county developed to any extent. The first few months of her life after coming to this county she, with her worthy companion, lived in a tent until a rude cabin could be built. It took courage to undergo such a life-it required heroism. Could she now look out on the beautiful farm of J. V. Young (formerly the old homestead) what a change would greet her. The fine brick mansion in place of the tent and cabin, the pike in place of the trail-ves, there has been a wonderful change. Mrs. Young is buried at the Shannondale Cemetery in Mont- gomery County. Mr. Young was the second time married, this time to Mary Vannice, in the year 1835. Mr. Young died in 1869, and is also buried at the Shannondale Cemetery. John V. and George T. Young are children of the first mar- riage. The former now owns the old farm, which is one of the best in the county-splendid buildings, and in the finest state of cultivation. George T. resides two miles east ; he also owns a fine farm. He was elected township trustee in April, 1884. William. Young, the subject of this sketch, served a number of years as trustee of his township. He was a brother of the Rev. Clayborn Young, who was also a pioneer and it is said organized the first church (Presbyterian) in the township. William Young, as well as John V. and George T., are Jacksonian Democrats.
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WILLIAM ZION.
The pioneer whose name heads this sketch was among the first to come to the city of Lebanon, then a mere cross- roads, so to speak. Strong and active, just in his early manhood, eager for the fray, which he proved, on occasion, in after life. He was born in Abington, Va., January 1812. He was the son of Jacob Zion and Catharine Zion. who were early citizens of Rush County, Ind., coming as early as 1828. Mrs. Catharine Zion died there in the year 1834; is buried at Rushville. Mr. Jacob Zion died in the state of Iowa, in the year 1864. They were of German descent. Will- iam Zion was married to Amelia Sims, in Rushville, Decem- ber 13, 1832. She was the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth Sims, who were also early citizens of Rush County. Mrs. Elizabeth Sims died at Rushville, March 20, 1834. Mr. Sims died in Clinton County, Ind., January 16, 1862. Amelia Sims, now Mrs. Amelia Zion, was born in Brookville, Ind., May 29, 1814. In 1834 Mr. and Mrs. William Zion came to Lebanon, where he at once, as stated above, entered upon the scenes of an active life, and from first to last was foremost in all the undertakings and improvements, not only in Lebanon. but throughout the county and state. He soon after arriving engaged in the mercantile business in a small way, increasing his stock as his business grew up. Later he was at the head and front, and for years " Zion's store," on the corner, was a household word. Twice did he build up on the old corner ; first, a large two story frame in 1843, which stood until the year 1866, when the present brick building was erected by him. He retired from the mercantile business in 1862, when other matters engaged his attention. He was an earnest and devoted friend and encourager of railroads, and much of his time and means were devoted to the building of the two roads now entering Lebanon. The beautiful little city of Zionsville was named in honor of him, as he had done so much in getting
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the town started, which now is a thriving little city of 1,500 inhabitants.
In 1847 he built the brick house adjoining Lebanon, where he lived the remainder of his life, and where the family now reside, and where he operated a fine farm for years. When Mr. Zion first came he worked at his trade, that of carriage making and blacksmithing, and was its first of the kind in Lebanon. Mr. Zion was many years ago made a Master Mason in Thorntown, and during life was a supporter and member of this ancient and honorable body. He served as county sheriff, being elected in the year 1836. In all his relations in life, both public and private, he acted well his part; always dis- charged his duty with fidelity. In person, Mr. Z. was a large man, full six feet high, dark eyes and hair, good features. He died March 15, 1880; is buried at the new cemetery, east of the city he done so much for, and where a suitable monument marks the resting place of one of the pioneers of Boone County. We must not forget his wife, who is yet living, a well pre- served lady of seventy-four years, whose portrait, as well as Mr. Zion's, will be found in another part of this work. Also a letter from Mrs. Zion contributed to the Patriot, of this city, dated December 20, 1886, which we have been permitted to copy in the " Early Life and Times in Boone County." In all the relations of life Mrs. Zion has proved a worthy help- mate from the cabin down to the present day. Not more than three or four persons are now living in Lebanon when Mrs. Zion first came. She has a vivid recollection of all the events of the city and county for fifty years; is a fine conver- sationalist, and is well informed, especially on pioneer life. The publishers of this work are under obligations to her for valuable information about Lebanon.
The following are their children's names: Charlotte F., born October 23, 1833; married to L. M. Oliphant, Novem- ber 12, 1850; she died August 15, 1854. George, born March 27, 1836; died in infancy .. Elizabeth K., born March 29, 1836; married to Wm. Oden, June 22, 1858; died May 1,
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1868. Parrisada A., born March 7, 1840; married to Moses Hall, of Kentucky, December 2, 1862; reside in Lebanon. Mary L., born April 30, 1842; married to Dr. A. O. Miller, August 21, 1862; reside in Lebanon. Mr. Miller has served s. as county auditor, served with distinction in the late war, is now county health director. Theodore L., was born August 18, 1844 ; was married first to Hattie Combs, February 18, 1868; the second time to Mrs. Wear, of Anderson, Ind .. where he now resides, and is the present (1886) marshal. He was also in the late war, 10th Ind. Reg. Eliza A., born July 23, 1846; married to A. Morris, September 1, 1868; re- sides in Indianapolis. James M., born September 22, 1848; married to Millie Loveless, October 5, 1869; reside in San Francisco, Cal. Charles M., born September 7, 1854; mar- ried to Mary Clemens; reside in Lebanon. Mr. Zion is one of the young attorneys of the bar of this city. William A., born October 25, 1850; married to Elizabeth Buchanan ; re- . : side in the city of Chicago, Ill.
LETTERS.
[Following will be found some letters written by Mr. Harden, and which have appeared in the Boone County Pioneer from time to time during 1885-86-a part of them from Anderson and the remainder from the differ- ent townships in the county, while he was canvassing for the " Early Life and Times in Boone County." It was not the original intention to publish, or rather republish, these Jetters; but there seems a space here for their reappearance, which is our apology for their being here placed in the book.]
A REMARKABLE CRANK WHO VISITED BOONE IN PIONEER DAYS.
John D. Hopkins was an occasional visitor at Eagle Vil- Jage. The first time I ever saw him there was during the political campaign of 1844. He was making a speech from the store-porch of J. F. Daugherty. He sang several songs, also, during the day. He was not at all particular as to the kind of a speech he made, or the song he sang, so he got a dime at its conclusion. At the conclusion of one of his songs was the following: "J. D. Hopkins always stops the longest where the pot boils the strongest." Who in Central Indiana has not heard of him? A poor old man, but for some cause might have been useful. Some little serew loose in his make- up, some little kink in his nature, made him a castaway.
I never saw him again till the year 1867, when living in Markville, on the Pendleton and Newcastle pike. It was a bright morning in June. Looking down the road I saw him, hat in hand, breeches rolled up, and a linen duster on his manly form, with glowing countenance. I recognized him at once. He, without ceremony, jumped upon a carpenter's
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bench on the sidewalk and commenced a speech. He had a book that he said he would soon publish to the world, giving his life. He said that the speech he was then delivering would be in it. He quit as abruptly as he had begun, leaped down and was about to start when my wife called to me to come to dinner. He was just then passing me. I asked him to go with me to dinner. He readily accepted, ate very heartily, and talked vehemently all the time. He had book on the brain badly. When he had finished eating he gathered his big summer hat, never said a word, went to the front fence, put one hand on the top rail, leaped over like a boy of sixteen, though he could have opened a gate and went out as well. He went on toward Newcastle, in the middle of the road. This was the last time I ever saw him. While getting material for the history of Hancock County in 1881, fourteen miles east of Indianapolis I struck a place where he lived or sojourned for several years. The place of his little rude 8x10 cabin was pointed out by William Smith, an old citizen who knew him well, and told of him carrying a stove from Richmond to put in it. Here he lived the life of a hermit, composed and sang his songs ; here he was in love with a Miss Craig, whom he loved to distraction. I called to see her in 1881. She had a vivid recollection of him, told of his actions and his songs; also of the little cabin not far from her father's house. on Buck Creek. He was then what we now call a " crank." His whole life was like a stormy sea, ever chasing the imaginary, but never getting to it. He is in all probability long since dead. The stormy sea carried the little craft safe-housed on a shore that has no storms, and where the weary soul is forever at rest.
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REMINISCENCES OF EAGLE VILLAGE FORTY · YEARS AGO.
CRAZY JOE ABRAHAMS, LUKE MILLER, GEORGE ASTON AND OTHER NOTABLES OF BYGONE DAYS.
Joseph Abrahams was a frequent visitor during his life, and when not in possession of his right mind he was a terror to many, as he had the strength of two men. Especially was he a terror to boys and women. When he came at night it was a signal for "lights out," or if in the daytime for "blinds down." When he would come into the store the small boy would have business some place else. He would shake hands with persons across a hot stove, and invariably dab their hand on the stove. One day the sound of horses' hoofs were heard in the distance, when Abrahams was in hot pursuit of his son, both on horseback. Joseph had a long gad with which he was lashing young Abrahams' horse at every jump. Late one night he was passing father's house, singing. I was fearful he would stop, but he only came to the gate, placing a stone on each post, saying when father and mother died to put them at their graves, and went on his way rejoicing. I felt relieved as his retreating voice told he was going. He was not always crazy, but at times quite easily handled; had nothing to say when himself, but a real terror when cranky. He died many years ago. Some who read this will call to mind " Crazy Joe Abrahams."
Luke Miller was another terror when drinking. There was no harm about him. He was for fun, and his weakness was for children, but the children did not have any relish for such fun. He would take after them and then the fun would set in. He would have the whole town in an uproar before he left. Those who did not hide he would have crying, and mothers mad, when Luke would apologize, say he was just in fun, and would not hurt them for the world. It took the kids a long time to find that out. I was at Uncle Luke's grave on Eagle
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Creek a short time ago. Aside from a little too much " tea " at times, he was, in many respects, a good man.
George Aston's visits to the village were the signal for fun. He had a black horse called George that was well trained and a valuable beast. Aston would get the horse in the middle of the street, and at full speed run alongside of him and all at once jump upon him, circus style. This he would do for hours. The street would be lined with viewers on both sides. This usually was on Saturdays, when the village was full of persons. George was also a big man and a bully, would fight and growl with any one, until at last he met his match in the person of Norris Carr, who whipped him, and after that he was easily whipped. He is living yet, eight miles north of Indianapolis. At the time I write of he lived four miles south of Eagle Vil- lage on the Michigan road, and kept tavern-not like the man in Illinois, but a real tavern. I was almost afraid to pass his house when a boy, for he had a peculiar hankering for boys. as well as Luke Miller. Well, there were some others who came periodically and were in the habit of kicking up a racket, such as Sam and Lewis Jones, Johnny Sargeant-he was a . harmless old man who would get drunk every time he came. and that was quite often. In my next I will tell you about the pioneer preachers of that day in and about Eagle Village.
AN OLD RESIDENT'S RECOLLECTIONS OF EAGLE VILLAGE FORTY YEARS AGO.
ITS EARLY MUSICIANS-A BEAR FIGHT-OLIPHANT'S EAGLE -PUNISHING A WIFE BEATER.
When in your city on the 4th inst., I saw John Lowe, who, with his brother George, were the musicians at a school exhi- bition in 1842. I thought it the finest music I had ever heard, and so it was, for it was the first. It was at the clo- of a school taught by W. S. Beaty. The village was then at its zenith, and the exhibition was a decided success. The
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declamations were fine. I had one myself that I have never been able to come up to since. It was something like this: "You would scarce expect one of my age," etc., at seven years of age; I can't beat it now at fifty-three.
The bear fight at Dye's mill, in 1846, was one of the big things of that day. Some of the Dye boys had captured two cub bears in the reserve near Kokomo, brought them home, kept them until they were perhaps eighteen months old, when it was given out that they were going to have a shooting match, bear fight, dog fight, etc., at the mill, in the fall of 1846, I think it was. The time came, and with it came a large crowd for that time. Perhaps two or three thousand persons were present. The best dogs were on hand, eager for the fray. Also the best marksmen, with their rifles in the best possible trim. After the bears cleaned out all the dogs, the shooting commenced, which resulted in several getting a slice. George Craft, who kept the hotel at the village at that time, and with whom I was boarding, brought home a piece and had it cooked up in fine style for his guests. It was like the music-the best to me, for it was the first and last I ever ate. There were several fights at that match, and whisky flowed freely. I doubt, however, if a meeting could be had now, everything considered, which would be more creditable to the neighbor- hood than the one referred to. It brought together many hard cases from all parts of the county.
In 1844, L. M. Oliphant, now of Jamestown, in Boone County, and Alexander Miller captured a bald eagle near the village. Mr. Oliphant shot and crippled it slightly, when it was caged and taken to the battle ground, near Lafayette. I saw it when in the cage on the eve of its going. It cut a swath eight feet when on the wing, and was one of the finest of its species ever caught in the county. When at the battle ground it was the object of attention. Reared up in the air on a box, it would make one swoop at a chicken and there would be nothing left. The boys were offered fabulous prices-
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for it but refused, and brought it back to the village again, where it died soon after. Too much chicken, I suppose.
One of the most laughable scenes I call to mind, was on the occasion when it was said one James Armstrong had "whipped his wife, not only once but on divers occasions. The villagers got tired of this, and one evening went in a body to where James was at work and wanted to know the cause why. He was at work at the old "ashery," buying or making sal- aratus, and when abont entering the building he drew out the long, red-hot iron used to stir up things with and said : "Stand back ! Stand back, gentlemen !" Most of us considered we had got almost close enough to James. His wife, about this time, appeared on the ground, and, woman-like, entered an excuse for James ; said he was a good, kind husband, and, in fact, he had not whipped her as per report. The iron having cooled off by this time, as well as the general spirit that led us forth, one Frank Imbler, as good a man as ever lived, went forward and he and James had a little set-to, Frank coming out on top. James promised not to whip her any more, the crowd disappeared, and this was the last of wife whipping, and the first I ever heard of in Eagle Village.
EAGLE VILLAGE AND SOME OF ITS POPULA- TION FORTY YEARS AGO.
SAMUEL HARDEN WRITES OF THE MERCHANTS AND DOCTORS OF THAT DAY.
As I write the word " pioneer," my mind goes back to my boyhood days, when a citizen of your county, at a point now only known in history, then a town of some five or six hun- dred souls. I refer to Eagle Village. My recollections go back to about 1840. Others living more in your county recollect further back, and were indeed pioneers, most of whom are now dead. As we see and recollect incidents from differ- ent standpoints, I hope to be able to say something that will interest a few, at least, of your many readers. The early mer-
HARVY MARION LA FOLLETTE.
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chants were James M. Larimore, Reuben Price and J. F. Daugherty & Co. Mr. Larimore was a born merchant, and one of the finest looking men in his day. He dressed to per- fection and was very popular. He was the son of Polly Lar- imore, so long and well known as the proprietress of the Eagle Village hotel. James died in 1849, scarcely in the prime of life, of consumption, and in the spring. He wanted to live, and a few hours before he died he called for his boots, put one on, and gave up to die. He is buried at the cemetery at Eagle Village. He was never married, and I think was about twenty-eight years of age at his death.
J. F. Daugherty now lives, or did a short time ago, at Indianapolis. He was a good salesman and had the confidence of the people. He was for many years captain of the Eagle Village Light Infantry, so popular at the time I write.
Reuben Price came from Clarkstown to the village about the year 1844. His whereabouts I do not know.
My father, John Harden, constituted the "Co." of J. F. Daugherty. He was well known to many of your citizens. He was born in Ireland in 1802, and is sleeping at the beauti- ful little cemetery at Zionsville, near where he lived the best part of his life. He died in 1879.
A word about the doctors of that day. Dr. S. W. Rod- man came as early as 1845, and here made his start in his pro- fession. He was married to Martha Rose about the year 1847. Ile now lives in Washington Territory. Samuel Duzan was a young man, and was about to begin the practice in which he was so well qualified, when he was taken sick and died. He was a fine looking man, six feet high, of commanding appear- ance. . He was perhaps twenty-five years of age at his death.
Jerry Larimore-what shall I say in memory of poor Jerry ? In many respects a splendid man, and at one time commanded a large practice ; was in the saddle almost day and night. He went to California in 1849; returned some three years later. Many of your people know his sad fate. I 26
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believe he is buried at Whitestown, your county. He was married in 1845 or 1846.
Dr. George Gaston swung out his shingle here in 1844. Did not stay long. He was then young-just entering a long life, for he is yet living at Indianapolis. He was a fine look- ing man all through life, and now, with almost snow-white hair, is manly in form. He also went to California. I saw him there in the Sacramento postoffice in 1852.
H. G. Larimore, father of Jerry, was old the first time I ever saw him. He never was a handsome man. He came to the village early-perhaps in 1839. He was a very excitable man. He could pray, preach or swear, as the case required, and would fight rather than be called a coward. He came from Fayette County, Indiana, with others of the Larimore family. He died some twenty-five years ago. Was married ' four times.
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