USA > Indiana > Henry County > Hazzard's history of Henry county, Indiana, 1822-1906, Volume I > Part 54
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ELI BROOKSHIRE.
Eli Brookshire, the second son by the first marriage, named Eli, after his maternal grandfather Shelley, and the subject of this sketch, was born on his father's farm, west of New Castle, January 23, 1837. His earliest recollections are of working on the farm, helping to clear the land, planting the crops, feeding the stock, rolling logs, burning brush, doing the chores and the many other duties of the farm. Such education as he received was obtained in the country schools of that day. He remained on his father's farm until the beginning of the Civil War and at the first call for volunteers wished to enlist but was not permitted to do so because his elder brother, William, had already left home to go into the army. In the Summer of 1862, however, he assisted in recruiting what became Company G. 84th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, August 20, 1862. He served with his regiment, first in Kentucky and then in West Virginia, until it was transferred to Nashville, Tennessee, where it joined the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Brookshire con- tinued to serve with the regiment and participated in its marches, skirmishes and battles through the Tullahoma Campaign. At Bridgeport, Tennessee, in August, 1863, his health failed. Being unfitted for active service, he was finally, after much suffering and exposure, sent to the Cumberland Hospital at Nashville. There after some improvement in his condition, he was assigned for duty in the Veteran Reserve Corps. He was not again permitted to join his regiment but remained on duty at Nashville until the close of the war. On June 30, 1865. he was honorably discharged from the service and at once returned home. The hardships of soldier life in the 60's had, however, sown the seeds of disease from which he has never wholly recovered.
After his return from the war, Mr. Brookshire turned his attention to farm- ing on his own account. Prior to entering the army, he had purchased, August 24, 1861, fifteen acres of land from William Hendricks for a consideration of six hundred dollars. This land is now part of his home farm and on it stands his present home. His residence has always been on this particular tract of land and the log cabin, erected on it by Hendricks and occupied as a home by Mr. and Mrs. Brookshire for several years after their marriage, still stands as an old landmark. After his return from the army, he completed the purchase from his father of forty acres contracted for and partly paid for before he went into the army. He added to this from time to time until his home farm now consists of
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four hundred acres of as fertile and highly improved land as any in Henry County. Everything upon the farm is kept in excellent condition and the resi- dence is a commodious ten room frame building, making one of the finest and best appointed homes in the county. The land is now well worth one hundred dollars per acre. He is a careful, conservative man of business, with money safely invested and under financial obligations to no one. The virtues of well directed labor and practical economy are exemplified in the prosperity and con- tentment of himself and family.
On December 18, 1866, Eli Brookshire and Edith, daughter of Ephraim and Hannah Draper, were married, the ceremony being performed by the groom's father, Emsley Brookshire. Mrs. Brookshire was born in Henry County, August 30, 1850. The Draper family is an old one in the county, Joseph, Sr., the head of the family, having been a pioneer farmer and miller. The son, Ephraim, lived for many years in the Brookshire neighborhood and his homestead is now part of the present Eli Brookshire farm. To the union of Eli and Edith (Draper) Brookshire were born three children, namely: Loren O., born July 10, 1867, now a prosperous farmer whose land adjoins that of his father ; he married on March 19, 1890, Zula E. Wise, of Dublin, Indiana, who died May 31, 1904. They were the parents of five children, three of whom died in infancy. Jean A., born June II, 1892, and Paul W., born October 3, 1894, are living. Loren O. Brookshire was appointed a clerk in the United States Railway Mail Service, July 15, 1890, and served in that position until September 19, 1901, at which time he resigned. Clara L., a daughter of Eli Brookshire and wife, afterwards became Mrs. Dexter D. Fox, born January 18, 1869, died February 28, 1900. Bertha A. Brookshire, another daughter, was married to Olna H. Bradway, of New Castle, September 4, 1895. They have two children: Pauline Leone, born May 28, 1896, and Otis Brookshire, born June 19, 1903.
Mr. Brookshire has been a close observer of public affairs and has always displayed an intelligent interest in county affairs, and when at the general election of 1888, he was elected County Commissioner for the middle district for a term of three years, beginning in December, 1889, he so well and faithfully discharged the duties of the position that he was re-elected and served a further term of three years. Mr. Brookshire, however, has not at any time been a seeker of public office, but has always preferred to devote his energies to the care and improve- ment of his estate.
Mr. Brookshire is not connected with any religious association or denomi- nation but is a firm believer in God. He is a member of the New Castle Lodge, No. 91, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; of George W. Lennard Post, No. 148, Grand Army of the Republic, New Castle, and of the Improved Order of Red Men, Iroquois Tribe, No. 97, New Castle. His family is held in the highest regard by their many friends and neighbors, and Mrs. Brookshire, throughout her married life, has ably supported her husband in his affairs and is an excellent home keeper and hospitable hostess.
WILLIAM BROOKSHIRE.
William Brookshire, the elder brother of Eli Brookshire, at the beginning of the Civil War, enlisted in Company D, 36th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered
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into the service of the United States, as a corporal, September 16, 1861. He was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps and mustered out of the service Sep- tember 15, 1864. He was a good soldier with an honorable record of three years' service at the time of his discharge. He is now a well-to-do farmer, living near Kennard, Henry County.
THOMAS J. BROOKSHIRE.
Thomas J. Brookshire, a younger brother of Eli Brookshire, served in the State troops during the Morgan Raid, being a Corporal in Company B, 110th Indiana Infantry. He afterwards enlisted in Company E, 9th Indiana Cavalry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, January 8, 1864. He served with honor in that regiment until the close of the war, when he was mustered out, August 28, 1865. He now lives near Fairmount, Grant County, Indiana, where he is a highly prosperous farmer.
THOMAS DESELMS.
Thomas Deselms, the brother-in-law of Eli Brookshire, by marriage with Abigail Brookshire, now deceased, was also a soldier of the Civil War. He enlisted in Company K, 36th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, September 16, 1861. He participated in the marches, skirmishes and battles of that regiment until mustered out with the regiment, September 21, 1864.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF FREDERICK EUGENE GLIDDEN.
SERGEANT, COMPANY I, 84TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, INDIANA VOLUNTEERS ; JEWELER AND FARMER.
Franklin Township, Henry County, Indiana. has been the home of a num- ber of prominent men, all of whom have figured largely in the business, political and social affairs of the county and of Eastern Indiana. Among these is Frederick Eugene Glidden. He was the son of the late Josiah W. and Narcissa (Crane) Glidden, who came to Indiana from New York State about the year 1839 and settled at Cambridge City, Wayne County. Josiah W. Glidden was a practical jeweler and watchmaker and, during the early days of his residence in Eastern Indiana, followed the custom of the times, traveling from place to place. at stated periods, prosecuting his business, and he was often seen in Henry County, especially at New Castle, engaged in his vocation. The business at that time consisted mostly of watch and clock repairing. He made a favorable impression on the people with whom he came in contact and had many warm friends in Henry County. About the year 1845. he left Cambridge City and moved with his family to Lewisville, Franklin Township, where he continued to reside until his death in February, 1888, at the age of seventy six years.
FREDERICK EUGENE GLIDDEN.
Frederick Eugene Glidden, who was the eldest son of his parents, was born in the village of Aurora, New York, March 27, 1837. and died June 7. 1900. On June 23, 1859, he was united in marriage with Julia Ann Martin. She was the daughter of Simon and Mary ( Waddell) Martin and was born December 6, 1841. Her father's parents were Simon and Sarah (Crouch) Martin, natives of Delaware, who came to Indiana and settled in Union County about 1814. Her mother's parents were Charles and Elizabeth Waddell. natives of Maryland, who settled in Union County in 1807. where their daughter, Mary Waddell, was born August 6. 1821. Simon and Mary ( Waddell) Martin were married April 5, 1838, in Union County and moved to Rush County, just southwest of Lewisville, in February, 1841. He became one of the most prominent and progressive farmers of the county and his last years were spent in honorable retirement at Richmond, Wayne County. He was born April 4, 1817, and died June 21, 1898. His remains are buried in Zion Cemetery, Raleigh, Rush County.
To the union of Frederick Eugene Glidden and Julia Ann ( Martin) Glidden were born six children, namely: Amos F., born January 18, 1860, married to Fannie Elwell at Raleigh, Rush County, March 7, 1881, by the Reverend J. F. Rhoades, and now living at Raleigh ; Cornelia B., born April 22, 1862, married to Charles E. Barrett. April 28, 1881, at Greenfield. Hancock County, by the Reverend J. F. Rhoades, and now living at Indianapolis ; Ira, born August 30, 1866, married to Lola Moore by the Reverend P. C. Cauble, at Sullivan, Indiana, where they now reside: Mary, born February 20. 1872; Gertrude, now deceased; and Simon Martin, so named after his maternal grandfather, born October 1. 1880.
Frederick E. Glidden learned the trade of a jeweler under his father and continued to abide with his parents until his marriage, when he moved onto the
Glidden
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farm of his father-in-law and assisted in its management, besides looking after a multiplicity of affairs which began to devolve upon him, bringing to bear the same thoroughness and diligence as marked his after life.
When the Civil War began, Mr. Glidden determined to enter the country's service, but the early enlistment of his brother Augustus prevented his getting into the service until 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, 84th Indiana Infantry, of which James W. Fellows of Lewisville was the Captain, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as Corporal, August 19, 1862. He was a brave and efficient soldier and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his officers and comrades. He participated in all the marches, skirmishes and battles of his regiment until his muster out with the regiment, June 14, 1865. Before muster out, however, his faithfulness to duty and soldierly qualities had brought him de- served recognition and he was appointed a duty sergeant of his company.
Upon the restoration of peace, Mr. Glidden returned to his family, which during his absence, had made their home with Mrs. Glidden's father, on the farm in Rush County, four miles southwest of Lewisville. Here he remained for a year after his return from the war, when he became the station agent of the old Indiana Central, now better known as the Pennsylvania, railroad, at Lewisville, in December, 1866. He continued in this position for some four or five years, when he was appointed and qualified as guardian of the person and estate of the late Eli Davis. Davis was a pioneer merchant, stock and grain dealer of Lewis- ville, and before the day of railroads used to market produce by wagon at Cin- cinnati, returning with merchandise. From old age and other causes, he became imbecile. At the time Mr. Glidden was appointed custodian, the Davis estate was worth fully one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, at that time, next to the largest estate in Henry County. The trust was regarded as an onerous one but Mr. Glidden remained custodian of the same until some time after the death of Mr. Davis, and met the responsibilities of the position with signal ability and success. Under his close and careful management, the estate was greatly increased in value and the interests of the heirs thereby conserved.
In 1875 Mr. Glidden moved from Lewisville to Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana, where he established himself in the jewelry business, gradually enlarging the same, during the nine years that he continued there, until he became one of the leading jewelers of the State, outside of Indianapolis. He was one of Green- field's active citizens and was a number of times elected a member of the City Council, an honor unsought by him, which position he filled with credit to himself and to the city. While living at Greenfield. Mr. Glidden joined the Methodist Episcopal Church to which he became a loyal supporter and willing contributor until his death.
In 1884 he left Greenfield and moved to Sullivan, Sullivan County, Indiana, where he remained four years. Upon his father's death in 1888, he returned to Lewisville where he bought and operated the old Davis Mill until its destruction by fire in July, 1896. The death of his father and later of his brother, Augustus Glidden, threw the burden of the settlement of their large and somewhat com- plicated estates upon him and in the course of time everything was satisfactorily and honorably adjusted. In these affairs he demonstrated his tact and business management and clearly proved his ability and judgment in the handling of large
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affairs. He was greatly interested in securing banking facilities for Lewisville but did not live to see his efforts in this direction bear fruit.
After the destruction of the Davis Mill, Mr. Glidden may be said to have lead a quiet life, spending most of his time in looking after his farming and other interests, himself and wife owning about three hundred acres of splendid land, situate in the counties of Henry and Rush, near Lewisville. He was a loyal citizen to the interests of Lewisville, and when he passed away, his fellow citizens felt that one of their strongest supports had been removed.
Mr. Glidden was a member of the Lewisville Lodge, No. 72, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; a member of the Greenfield Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and a member of Knightstown Commandery of Knights Templar. He was also a member of Harmon Rayl Post, No. 360, Grand Army of the Republic, Spiceland. Upon his death in 1900, the funeral was conducted by Lewisville Lodge, No. 72, and the sermon was delivered by his former pastor, the Reverend C. W. Smith, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, assisted by the Reverend W. H. Pierce, who had been his comrade in the 84th Indiana. A large concourse of relatives, friends and acquaintances followed his remains to the grave in the family lot at Raleigh, Rush County, where his body was laid away with the beautiful, solemn and impressive ceremonies of the Masonic ritual.
To have outlined in this narrative, his successes in business and his honors in war, is to give only the outward semblance of the man. His kindly and benevolent nature endeared him to his friends, his charity called down the blessings of the needy, while his capacity for affairs and his fidelity to duty commended him to all. During his life he was assisted in his many affairs by his estimable wife who since his death has demonstrated her excellent judgment in business by the management of their former joint interests. She now occupies the large, " spacious and well appointed homestead at Lewisville, where she maintains a happy home and dispenses a generous hospitality.
AUGUSTUS GLIDDEN.
Augustus Glidden, brother of Frederick E., at the beginning of the Civil War, enlisted in Company A, 36th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as Wagoner, September 16, 1861. He participated in the marches, skirmishes and battles of that regiment, until his muster out September 21, 1864. He was a good soldier and a member of Joel Wolfe Post, No. 81, Grand Army of the Republic, Rushville. He is buried at Raleigh, Indiana.
After the war, he turned his attention to horse breeding at which he ac- cumulated a comfortable fortune. This well known horseman died at the home of his brother in Lewisville, May 5, 1896, after an illness of several months. He was a shrewd man of business and economical in his habits, had no superior as a driver and developed and sold many valuable race horses.
J. W. Just
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JACOB WEAVER YOST.
LIEUTENANT, COMPANY G, 84TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, MERCHANT AND FARMER.
William S. Yost, father of Jacob Weaver Yost, was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, September 7, 1802. He was raised and educated in his native county and on April 29, 1824, married Mary Catharine Weaver, also a native of Rockingham County, Virginia, born March 10, 1800. Mr. and Mrs. Yost were early impressed with the evils of slavery and to escape its contaminating influences, they emigrated from their old home to the fertile fields of Ohio in 1840, where they lived for a year or more, near Dayton. They then moved to Henry County, Indiana, and located in Jefferson Township, on the site of the present village of Sulphur Springs, where they continued to reside until the death of William S., January 27, 1863, followed by that of his wife, December 30, 1870. Both are buried in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery.
It must be conceded that William S. Yost was the most enterprising and public spirited man that ever lived in Jefferson Township, and he ranked high as a leader in the affairs of Henry County during the period to which he belonged. As early as 1844, a postoffice was established, known as Sulphur Springs, taking its name from the sulphur springs near by. William S. Yost was the first post- master, serving from February 13, 1844, to January 28, 1848. He was again appointed postmaster on March 10, 1848, and served until February 14, 1854. About the time the postoffice was originally established, perhaps before, he had started a country store, the first of its kind in that locality. He handled the farm products of the neighborhood, which he was obliged to carry to Cincinnati, with teams, in order to dispose of them. After disposing of the produce, he would then take a return load of merchandise for sale in his store. He also engaged in the business of driving hogs and cattle to the Cincinnati market, and had built up a large and profitable business before the advent of the railroads radically changed the methods of business of the community. On January 7, 1853, Mr. Yost filed the original plat of Sulphur Springs.
William S. and Mary Catharine (Weaver) Yost were the parents of ten chil- dren, namely: George S .; Samuel L .; Levi S .; William M .; Mary C .; Jacob Weaver ; Albert N .; James B. ; Harriet V .; and Sarah A., now the widow of Josepli H. Thompson, residing on. the old homestead in Sulphur Springs.
JACOB WEAVER YOST.
Jacob Weaver Yost, the sixth child and the subject of this sketch, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, September 2, 1834. He died May 8, 1898, and is buried in Bethel Cemetery, two miles north of Sulphur Springs. On January I. 1857, he married Ann Agnes, daughter of the Reverend George and Catharine Hoover, who at an early day had emigrated from Rockingham County, Virginia, to Indiana. Mr. Hoover was a well known minister of the German Baptist Church and the head of an old and respected family. Ann Agnes, the daughter, was born February 9, 1837. To this union of Jacob W. and Ann Agnes (Hoover)
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Yost were born four children, namely: Ralph Wynne, Catharine Olive, George William and David Franklin. Ralph Wynne, a well known citizen of New Castle, alone survives.
Jacob W. Yost, early in life, displayed a taste for mercantile pursuits and in consequence was taken into his father's store as a clerk and finally as a partner. After a connection with his father, as clerk and partner, of thirteen years, he at length succeeded to the proprietorship of the entire business. In connection with his dry goods store, he was also the first railroad depot agent at Sulphur Springs.
When the Civil War began, Jacob W. Yost was still engaged in the mercantile trade. The family were all patriotic and it was decided at once that one of the family should enlist, but as the business interests of Jacob W. made it impossible for him to go to the front, it was determined that his brother Albert N. should represent the family and he accordingly enlisted as a private in Company B, 8th Indiana Infantry (three months). In the Autumn of 1862, there was a great demand for men with muskets, and Jacob W. Yost, having disposed of his store. united with his brother. Albert N., and his brother-in-law, Joseph H. Thompson, and assisted in the organization of what became Company G. 84th Indiana In- fantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States. as First Sergeant of the company, August 22, 1862. The history of the 84th Indiana Infantry is the military history of Jacob .W. Yost, who actively participated in all of its marches, skirmishes and battles. He was wounded in the Atlanta Campaign, May 28. 1864, and was promoted First Lieutenant of his company. July 1, 1864. for gallant and meritorious service. After the bloody battles of Franklin and Nash- ville, Tennessee, in both of which he took part, he resigned February 19, 1865, to return home and look after the settlement of his father's estate. He rejoined his family at Sulphur Springs and soon afterwards bought of his father-in-law a small farm, situated about two miles north of Sulphur Springs. To this land he added by trade and purchase until he was the owner of nearly three hundred acres. He continued to reside upon this land until his death. Mrs. Yost still lives on the home farm where her husband died. He was a successful farmer and brought his lands to a high state of cultivation.
Probably no man in Jefferson Township stood higher in the estimation of the community than Jacob W. Yost. He possessed their favor and confidence during his whole life and his acquaintance, not only in the township but throughout the county, was extensive. He was a companionable man and generally liked for his genial good nature. He was a splendid soldier, a devoted husband and father and an excellent citizen. During the last years of his life, he was identified with the German Baptist Church and was one of its most active supporters. He was an earnest advocate of education and everything tending to the betterment of the community received his hearty aid and approval.
ALBERT N. YOST.
Albert N. Yost, brother of Jacob W .. by family arrangement as above stated. was the first of the family to enter the army. He enlisted from Sulphur Springs in Company B. 8th Indiana Infantry (three months), and was mustered into the
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service of the United States, as a private, April 25, 1861, and served with the regiment in West Virginia. He was mustered out with his regiment, August 6. 1861. In 1862 he, in conjunction with his brother, Jacob W. and his brother-in- law, Joseph H. Thompson, was active in raising Company G, 84th Indiana In- fantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as Corporal of the company, August 21, 1862. He participated in the marches, skirmishes and battles of the 84th, until he was transferred to Company K, 57th Indiana Infantry, of which he was made First Sergeant. With the latter regiment he took part in the closing scenes of the war and was mustered out of the service, October 23, 1865.
He died August 6, 1895, and is buried in the cemetery at Mount Summit. He was married to Mary C., daughter of David and Sarah Sowash, May 12, 1867. They were the parents of the following children, all of whom are living, namely : Horace E .: Clem O .; Charles M .: Nick S .; Nellie Ann, now Mrs. Loren H. Swope, of Sulphur Springs; Paul; Uta Lee, now Mrs. Adolph Sanders, of near Honey Creek. Albert N. Yost's widow survives him and lives on the home farm, a mile north of Sulphur Springs. He was a member of the George W. Rader Post, No. 119, Grand Army of the Republic, Middletown, which took appropriate action with regard to his death.
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