USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 60
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639
BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP.
DAVID M. KINGERY, farmer, was born in Preble County, Ohio, November 27, 1840. His parents are Hiram and Nancy (Mc- Elheny) Kingery, both of whom are natives of Botetourt County, Va., and of German and Scotch descent, respectively. They em- igrated from Virginia to Ohio in 1832; thence, in 1844, to Cass County. David M. passed his early life in receiving such an edu- cation as the common schools afforded, and assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm. In July, 1862, he enlisted in his coun- try's cause in Company E, Eighty-seventh Indiana Volunteer In- fantry. He served in the Fourteenth Army Corps of the Depart- ment of the Cumberland. At different times during the war he was under the command of Gens. Buell, Rosecrans, Thomas and Slocum. He was a participant in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Dalton, Resacca, Allatoona Pass, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and Jones- boro; was a brave and efficient soldier, and was honorably dis- charged June 24, 1865. Returning home from the war, and feeling the need of a better education, he entered the Logansport schools, re- maining three years, and then engaged in teaching for a period of ten years with the best of success. Mr. Kingery has, by business ability and energy, succeeded in accumulating a good farm, located in Section 9, and has the social esteem of all well disposed citizens and a name and reputation beyond reproach. He is a Republican in politics, and in April, 1882, was elected trustee of his township, which office he held two terms, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He was married, June 26, 1872, to Mary L. Benham, born in Cass County February 22, 1849, a daughter of Silas and Ellen (Fuller) Benham, natives of Vermont. Six children were born to this mar- riage, namely: Ada, born March 31, 1873, died January 30, 1874; Arthur M., born November 10, 1874, died August 5, 1876; Jay B., born September 13, 1876; Elsie, born March 11, 1881; Orlen, born February 23, 1883, and Lloyd, born February 21, 1885. The par- ents are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Kingery's antecedents served in the Revolutionary war and war of 1812.
NATHAN KINNAMAN, farmer, was born in Cass County, Ind., June 4, 1838. He was reared at home in Washington Township, and received his education in the neighborhood schools. At the age of twenty-six he was united in marriage with Miss Bettie Wag- ner, daughter of John and Jane Wagner, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Seven children were born to this union, all of whom are living: Andrew J., Thomas A., Willis C., Addie E., Ida J., Carrie E. and Jessie. November 29, 1873, Mr. Kinnaman lost his first wife by death, and Febuary 24, 1875, he was married to Sarah E. Staley, daughter of George and Adaline (Bray) Staley. She is a native of Indiana, born March 3, 1842. The occupation of Mr. Kinnaman has always been farming, and in that pursuit has
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
been successful, owning at the present time 133 acres of good, tillable land, and living comfortably and happy. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Republic- an in politics.
ISAIAH W. KRIDER. Among the substantial citizens of Cass County, none are more highly respected than the above. He was born June 4, 1830, in Montgomery County, Ohio, a son of Henry and Susanna (Custer) Krider. The former was born in Lan- caster County, Penn., July 14, 1779; the latter is also a native of Pennsylvania, born March 23, 1802. In 1837 the parents removed to Cass County, and became associated with the county and its in- terests. The father was a man of quiet and unpretentious habits, yet, withal, he was a man of substantial worth and merit. His death occurred March 3, 1868. His widow, who still survives him, resides in Bethlehem Township, is in her eighty-fifth year, and is remarkably active, both of body and mind. She is a descendant of Paul Custer, an English gentleman of wealth, and is admired for her qualities of true womanhood. Christian Krider, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, but left his native county in 1810, going to Erie County, where he re- mained until 1815, in which year he removed to Washington County, where he continued to live fourteen years; then removed to Montgomery County, Ohio; subsequently, in 1837, he came to Cass County, and here took his share in the perils and privations, the valor and enterprise of the early pioneer days. In his eighty- sixth year he went from Logansport to Chicago, thence to Peoria Ill., going the entire distance on horse-back. His death occurred December 23, 1847, and his remains now rest in the Bethlehem Church-yard. Isaiah W., the immediate subject of this sketch, was the fifth child of a family of eight, namely: Elizabeth, George C., Christian E., David H., subject, Mary M., Rebecca and Susan, born to his parents. He removed with them to Cass County, and remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age. December 30, 1852, he married Martha T. Genung, a daughter of Ira and Hannah J. (Sterges) Genung, natives of New Jersey. . Eleven children were the fruit of this union, viz .: Anthony A. born October 21, 1853, died January 1860; Leroy M., born April 5, 1855; Alice C., born January 9, 1857; Ira G., born October 7, 1858; Jay H., born January 5, 1861, died July 24, 1881; Laura A., born Sep- tember 21, 1862, died October 30, 1863; Mary F., born September 26, 1864; Clarance E., born December 14, 1866, died February 17, 1867; Isaiah Wesley, born March 1, 1869; Elizabeth, born September 6, 1872, and Elda T., born February, 13, 1877. The oldest living son, Leroy M., was educated at Fort Wayne Ind., also a graduate of De Pauw University. He is a minister of ability, and is now loca- ted at Wabash, Ind. Mr. Krider located where he now lives in 1853.
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BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP.
and owns 193 acres of good land. He has been hard working and industrious, and what he now has is mainly the fruit of his own accumulation. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church.
HARRISON LAYTON was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind .. January 11, 1832, and is a son of James and Eliza (Russel) Lay- ton, natives of Ohio. He received the advantages to be derived from the common schools, and until eighteen years of age made his home with his parents. At this age he engaged in the occupation of farming, continuing until 1864, at which time he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, 100-day service. After returning home he again enlisted in Com- pany D, One Hundred and Fiftieth Indiana Volunteers, with which he remained until the close of the war. On his return home he again engaged in farming, and October 24, 1867, was united in marriage with Susannah Rockeyfield, a daughter of Isaac and Mary Rockeyfield, natives of Pennsylvania. This union has been blessed with two children: Joseph Edward, born July 21, 1868, and Lizzie May, born May 8, 1874. Mr. Layton commenced life with nothing, and has worked hard, and by industry has in his possession seventy- five acres of well improved land. He has been a resident of Cass County since the fall of 1875, and is a useful and well-known citi- zen, and a Republican in politics. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENRY LEMON, farmer, was born in Bedford County, Penn., April 11, 1845, son of Samuel and Rebecca ( Repine) Lemon, na- tives of Virginia and New Jersey, respectively. Our subject re- mained in his native county, and acquired such an education as the common schools afforded; and in the fall of 1861, at the age of six- teen, he volunteered his services in his country's behalf, as a mem- ber of Company H, Fifty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was with his regiment through many engagements. He was severely wounded in the left limb, which procured him an honora- ble discharge from the service April 24, 1865. In the latter year he came to Cass County, where he has since remained, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and owns a small well improved farm. On October 8, 1868, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Early, who was born July 1, 1848, and daughter of Isaac and Mary (Zeigler) Early, mention of whom is made in the biography of David Early. They have a family of four children: Rose Ella, born August 16, 1869; Lilla May, born January 14, 1872; Bertha E., born October 30, 1876, and Nina R., born May 16, 1881. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are well respected in the community in which they reside.
ABRAHAM McDONALD, farmer, was born in Washington County, Penn., February 24, 1819, son of John and Rachel (Prong)
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
McDonald, natives of Pennsylvania. Abraham was raised and edu- cated by his parents, and continued at home until the age of eight, when he began working on a farm, which he continued until fifteen. when he began learning the blacksmith's trade, and continued as an apprentice for three years. He then established a blacksmith shop at Bellville, Penn., where he enjoyed a good trade for six years. In 1840 he immigrated to Cass County, settling in Bethle- hem Township, and followed his vocation. August 4, 1842, he married Malinda Conrad, a native of Washington County, Penn .. born August 6, 1821, a daughter of Henry and Sarah. (Spindler) "Conrad, and six children were born to them: Sarah J., born Sep- tember 9, 1843, died March 12, 1845; John, born February 12. 1845, died March 29, 1881; William H., born April 9, 1846, died September 21, 1846; Benjamin, born April 15, 1847, died May 3, 1847; Jerome, born March 4, 1851, died January 27, 1864; and Frank, born April 27, 1854, died August 25, 1854; all of whom are buried in the Spring Creek Grave-yard. Mrs. McDonald died March 9, 1878, and October 8, 1879, Phoebe Brown became his second wife. She is a daughter of Mercer and Nancy (Thompson). Brown, and was born in Cass County July 29, 1837. Mr. McDon- ald owns 110 acres of good land, well improved, and is an esteemed neighbor and citizen, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a Republican in politics. He has also served his township as trustee, and is a member of the Baptist Church. He began life a poor boy, but with industry and frugality has secured a comfortable home and valuable property.
ROBERT F. McKEE, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Bethlehem Township, is a native of Chester County, Penn., where he was born October 14, 1816. His parents are Will- iam and Mary (Carvin) McKee, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish extraction. Our subject was reared in Ohio County, W. Va., where he received the usual education obtainable in the schools of his day. At the age of twenty he began for himself, and went to Washington County, Penn., where he worked at the wagon-maker's trade until 1860. In 1861 he removed to Cass County and located in Clay Township, where he lived three years, when he purchased his present home and has ever since lived, hav- ing won an honored and respected position in the neighborhood. He was married, in West Virginia, to Miss Adaline Orwin, a daugh- ter of Fleury and Hannah (Smith) Orwin, natives of Germany. Fourteen sons and one daughter have been the fruit of this union, whose names are follows: John M., born October 28, 1836, and died July 26, 1838; William H., born November 9, 1838; Basil and James ( twins), born December 28, 1840; Thomas H., born October 30, 1542; Joseph P., born May 15, 1844; George P., born Febru- ary 2, 1846; Mary A., born May 26, 1848; Robert O., born Febru-
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BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP.
ary 25, 1851, died May 25, 1852; Litten P. and Miller C. (twins), born February 9, 1853 (the latter died March 20, 1870) ; David G., born May 6, 1855, died October 11, 1871; Avery H., born Novem- ber 15, 1857; Bruce C., born August 30, 1862, and Irvin, born in March, 1850; and all of those that are living are occupying good positions in life. Five sons served their country during the war of the Rebellion. Mr. McKee is the owner of a good farm, comprising 120 acres, the results of his own labors. In politics he has always been a firm advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and has held the office of justice of the peace for a period of seventeen years. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is one of the influential men of the county and en- joys the high esteem of all who know him.
ABNER J. MORROW was born in Washington County, Penn., April 1, 1843, son of John B. and Elizabeth (Clouse) Morrow, na- tives of Pennsylvania. Our subject was reared upon his father's farm, also worked at blacksmithing, having secured in youth a fair education. At the age of twenty he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in the late war until its close, when he was honorably discharged. March 14, 1867, he was united in marriage with Mar- garet E., daughter of Hiram Teal, a native of Ohio. To this union the following named children were born: John M., born January 24, 1868; Henry E., born January 3, 1870; William E., born April 15, 1872; Marcus M., born January 18, 1874; Charles R., born March 18, 1877; Otto M., born September 27, 1881, and Ollie Edith, born November 6, 1883, died July 26, 1884. Mr. Morrow began life with little or no means at his command, but by industry and frugality has secured a fine farm of 170 acres, located in Sec- tion 36, and in conjunction with farming is engaged in threshing grain during the fall. In politics he is a stanchi Republican, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is interested in all matters of public welfare, and is one of the county's progres- sive and useful citizens.
ORLANDO POWELL, one of the leading farmers of Bethlehem Township, was born January 17, 1845, near Wabash, Ind., being the third of a family of four-Maria, Matilda, Orlando and Jehu- born to Jacob and Martha (Troutman) Powell, the former a native of Washington County, Penn., and of Welsh descent; the latter a native of Illinois, and of English descent. The father came to Cass County in 1835, locating in Bethlehem Township. Our subject was reared upon the farm where he now resides, and, in addition to the ordinary common-school education, he attended the schools at Lo- gansport. At the age of seventeen he enlisted in Company K, Ninety-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under com- mand of Capt. George W. Julian, and faithfully served until the
25
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
close of the war. He fought with his company in many of the im- portant battles of the Atlanta campaign, and at the conclusion of the war returned home, and was successfully engaged in school- teaching for a number of years. October 12, 1871, he married Sarah S. McElheny, a daughter of Moses and Philena (Treen) McElheny, by whom he is the father of five children, viz .: Ada F., born August 14, 1872; Tacy C., born July 31, 1874: Dyer J., born December 8, 1878; Martha P., born July 6, 1881, and Emma B., born March 6, 1883, all of whom are now living. Mr. Powell owns a valuable farm of 226 acres, and in politics he advocates the princi- ples of the Republican party, and, as a member of this organization, held the office of township trustee for a number of years. He is a member of the G. A. R. and Mrs. Powell of the Presbyterian Church, and they are highly respected as citizens in the community where they live.
DANIEL SCOTT, farmer, was born in Burlington County, N. J., January 10, 1811, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Smith ) Scott. When six years old his father removed with him to Preble County, Ohio, where he was reared and acquired a com- mon education. November 3, 1836, he was united in marriage with Eleanor Dilhorn, who is a native of Brownsville, Penn., born April 7, 1818. To this union ten children have been born: Thomas, born October 3, 1837, died in March, 1872; Sarah, born March 18, 1839; William H., born April 16, 1841; Mariban, borr. January S. 1843; Daniel, born November 26, 1844; Elias W., born December 5, 1847; Joshua, born August 15, 1849, died in August, 1850; Mary E., born September 9, 1854, died December 30, 1883; Ann E., born December 6, 1856, died in November, 1860; Henrietta, born May 10, 1858, died in October, 1860. The parents began life together in Preble County, Ohio, where they remained until the spring of 1847, at which time they came to Cass County and entered a tract of land in Bethlehem Township, which has ever since been their home. Mr. Scott now owns 100 acres of land, which he has ac- quired by hard work and honest dealing. He is now on the shady side of life, having passed the allotted period of man's existence, which is hoped by his many friends that he will greatly exceed. Himself and wife are members of the Society of Friends, in which sobriety, peace and industry are the chief factors.
SAMUEL A. WILLIAMSON, farmer, was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 14, 1825, son of David and Clarissa ( Cole- man) Williamson, the former a native of Cumberland County, Penn., born in 1784, and the latter a native of Glastonbury, Conn., born in 1797. They were married in Troy, Ohio, in 1822, and in 1836 removed to Cass County, where he entered 400 acres of land in Bethlehem Township, upon which they lived until their deaths. The father died September 17, 1849, his widow surviving about
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BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP.
twenty years, dying February 24, 1869. Samuel A. came with his parents to Cass County, with whom he remained on the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age, during which period he acquired a common school education. January 18, 1850, he married Miss Temperance Conrad, a native of Washington County, Penn., born January 1, 1828, and a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Spind- ler) Conrad. To this marriage four children were born: Cecelia M., born October 1, 1850, married to John Rohrer October 12, 1880; David M., born October 16, 1851, married to Miss Hattie Yantis April 27, 1876; John J., born October 3, 1853, married to Miss Agnes Tilton February 27, 1878, and Joseph S., born April 23, 1857, married to Miss Rachel Panabaker August 10, 1882- all of whom are now living in Cass County. Mr. Williamson began life in moderate circumstances, and by hard work and economy has accumulated considerable property, now owning 230 acres of well improved land, which he helped to improve from its wild and uncivilized condition. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are among Bethlehem Township's best citizens.
BENJAMIN F. YANTIS, one of the substantial citizens and principal farmers of Bethlehem Township, is a native of Spencer County, Ky., and was born February 2, 1831, one of eight children born to Aaron and Martha (Cochran) Yantis, natives of Virginia, the former born April 11, 1787. Aaron Yantis removed with his family to Cass County in 1836, settling in Logansport, where he lived two years; then removed to Clay Township; thence to Bethle- hem Township in 1841, where he resided until his death, which occurred July 19, 1861, his wife preceding him March 30, 1835. Benjamin F. was reared to farming pursuits, and remained at home until he attained his manhood, in the meantime having secured a good practical education. September 13, 1855, he married Mary J. Hill, a native of Washington County, Penn., born May 21, 1834, a daughter of Joseph and Esther (Jenkins) Hill, natives of Washing- ton County, Penn., and Jefferson County, Ohio, respectively. Her parents removed to Fulton County, Ind., in 1852, where the mother died January 24, 1873. The father came to Cass County in 1873, where his death occurred May 12, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Yantis have been blessed with a family of eight children: Harvey C., born August 18, 1857; Mary E., born December 5, 1858; Esther A., born October 11, 1860, died September 9, 1862; Elvira A., born July 7, 1862; Ruthanna, born May 14, 1864; Joseph A., born June 9, 1866; Lyman, born January 21, 1872, and Etta, born December 7, 1873, died March 26, 1880; one of whom, Elvira, is married to Sumner E. Buck, and resides in Bethlehem Township. Mr. Yantis had a small commencement in the way of this world's goods, and now has 330 acres of valuable land, as the fruit of his industry. For a number of years he held the office of township treasurer, also
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
the office of trustee, which positions he filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his friends. At the present time he is acting in the capacity of drainage commissioner, and is now finishing the work assigned him by the court. He affiliates with the Repub -. lican party, and is a member of the F. & A. M., and is a valued member of the community in which he lives. Mrs. Yantis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
H. C. YANTIS, a progressive and public-spirited citizen of his township, is a native of Cass County, Ind., his birth occurring Au- gust 18, 1857. He was reared on his father's farm, upon which he worked in the summer and attended school during the winter, con- tinuing in this way until twenty years of age. He then began to do for himself, and was for two years engaged in collecting delin- quent tax. Since which time he has been engaged in the manufact- uring of lumber and drain tile, his mill and factory being located in Section 15, Bethlehem Township, and by an upright system in doing business, has a well established trade. He is also extensively engaged in farming, and is a substantial and much esteemed citizen.
JOHN YUND, an old and prominent citizen of Bethlehem Town- ship, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., October 11, 1807. He grew to manhood in his native county, received a practical edu- cation in the common schools, and at the age of nineteen removed with his father to Livingston County, N. Y. Here he remained three years, at which time he went to Canada, where he served an apprenticeship at wool-carding and coloring. In 1837 he came to Cass County, since which time he has been a resident and an honored citizen. Since his coming to the county he has followed farming with encouraging success, now owning a good farm, com- prising 256 acres. He has been three times married, the first time, in 1831, to Miss Esther Brewer, who died after a short wedded life of six months. His second marriage was solemnized in 1833, with Miss Eliza Vandeventer, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Culbert- son ) Vandeventer, who bore him seven children, to wit: Jane R., born August 3, 1835, died February 15, 1851; George, born Sep- tember 11, 1837; Isaac V., born October 15, 1840, killed at the the battle of Fair Oaks, in Virginia; John M., born December 20, 1842, died February 27, 1851; Solomon, born May 14, 1844 (de- ceased) ; Mary, born August 2, 1847, died February 14, 1851; Henry, born August 25, 1850, died in infancy. Mrs. Yund departed this life February 14, 1864; and on July 25, 1866, Mr. Yund was united in marriage to Jehaze Garnan, who bore him two children, both of whom died in infancy. The wife and mother died Septem- ber, 1875. Since her death Mr. Yund resides on the home farm, with George, his only surviving child, and is passing his declining years in quiet and content. He is an ardent supporter of the prin- ciples of the Republican party, and a member of the Presbyterian Cirireh.
647
BOONE TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER X.
BOONE TOWNSHIP-AREA AND SITUATION-PIONEER LIFE-ORGANIZATION -ROADS-EARLY EVENTS-INDUSTRIES-HISTORY OF ROYAL CENTER, ETC .- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
B OONE TOWNSHIP embraces a geographical area of thirty- six square miles, lying in the northwest corner of the county, and is Township 28 north, Range 1 west, of the Congressional Survey. It is bounded on the north by Fulton County, on the east by Harrison Township, on the south by Jefferson Township, on the west by White County, and was named in honor of Kentucky's great pioneer hunter, Daniel Boone. The general surface of the township is level, in some places quite flat, and was originally covered with a dense forest growth, the greater part of which has disappeared since the date of the first settlement. Much of the country was formerly low and marshy, and during certain seasons of the year presented the appearance of a vast quagmire-a fact, which had a tendency to re- tard its developement.
The presence of so much surface water was a fruitful source of the malaria and kindred diseases with which the early settlers were afflicted, and the pioneer of Boone was compelled to make his yearly preparations for the sickly season. As the settlement of the coun- try increased, a resort to artificial drainage became necessary, and ere long a number of public ditches were run through various parts of the township. These afforded outlets for tile drainage, and some of the low lands, reclaimed by these means, are now among the most fertile and productive in the country.
Indian Creek ditch, running through the northern part of the township from east to west, was constructed several years ago, and has proved of inestimable value to the country. The soil of the township is a black loam of great depth and fertility. It produces in abundance all the crops grown in this section of the State-a fact which gives Boone the reputation of being one of the richest agri- cultural districts of the county. In point of material prosperity the township deservedly takes a front rank, and its development during the last fifteen years has been almost phenomenal. The inhabitants
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