USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 70
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JOHN W. COST, a prominent merchant at Young America, is a native of Greene County, Ohio, where he was born July 24, 1844. He was the son of Henry J. and Ann (Steel) Cost, natives of Ohio, of American descent. John was reared in Logansport. His early education was good. At the age of fourteen he began life on his own responsibitity by engaging in the drug business. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company G, Seventy-third Regiment Indiana Volunteers. He was placed in the Department of the Cum- berland, and was in the following hard-fought battles: Murfrees- boro, Stone River, Decatur, Frankfort, Nashville, during which time he did not receive a scratch, and returned home to enjoy the coun- try he so bravely defended. On his return from the war he again engaged in the drug business. In 1876 he was married to Amanda J. Stapleton, daughter of John and Clarissa Stapleton, old and re- spected residents of Logansport. This union was blessed with two children: Joseph A. and Clara A., both of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Cost are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cost is a member in good standing of the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Republican, and upholds the principles he fought for. He is the proprietor of a fine drug store and residence property in Young America. He is a young man of ability and is building up a lucrative trade.
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JACOB CRIPE, a prominent farmer of Deer Creek, and a na- tive of the adjoining county of Carroll, was born October 7, 1846; his parents were Daniel and Anna (Baker) Cripe, natives of Ohio, of German descent. They were united in marriage on October 12, 1845, in Clinton County, Ind .; here they began life together by en- gaging in farming. In 1860 they removed to this county and settled in Section 20, where they resided until their deaths, which occurred, respectively, October 4, 1872, and October 27, 1884. They were members of the German Baptist Church, and died respected by all who knew them. Jacob spent his boyhood and youth in this coun- ty, attending the district schools, receiving a fair education. At the age of twenty he began to do for himself and engaged in carpenter- ing, which occupation he followed about eight years. On Septem- ber 12, 1868, he was united in marriage with Sarah Smith, daugh- ter of Jacob and Lydia (Studebaker) Smith, natives of Pennsylva- nia and of German descent. Sarah was born June 2, 1849, in Del- aware County, Ind. They had born to them seven children: Lydia Anna, born September 14, 1869; Effie D., born March 31, 1871; Eunice Irene, born November 15, 1872; Claudius F., born March 15, 1876; Charles J. and Mary E., born May 9, 1880 (Mary E. died November 11, 1880, and Charles J. died January 17, 1881) ; an in- fant unnamed born and died March 20, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Cripe are members of the German Baptist Church. Mr. Cripe, from a financial point of view, has been successful, owning 240 acres of fine improved land in Sections 15 and 16.
NICHOLAS M. DAVIS, a prominent farmer of Deer Creek Township, is a native of Butler County, Ohio, and was born Feb- ruary 20, 1840. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Ditch- ler) Davis, both natives of Ohio, born, respectively, March 7, 1817, and August 3, 1817. Their marriage occurred in Hamilton, Butler Co., Ohio, in 1837. They immigrated to this county in September, 1847, and settled where our subject now resides; this was then a wild country. Nicholas spent his young days aiding his parents in clearing the land for a home. He attended the district schools and received a fair education. December 22, 1864, he was married to Mary E. Deacon, daughter of William C. and Sarah Deacon, old residents of this township. She was born January 7, 1847, in Union County, this State. They have born to them four children: Elmer, Albertis, Annie E. and John W., all of whom are now living. Mr. Davis is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M. fraternities in good standing. He takes considerable of interest in politics and votes the Democratic ticket. His occupation has always been farm- ing, in connection with which he dealt in stock for several years, be- ing very successful. He now owns 290 acres of fine land in Section 4, one of the best improved farms in the county. His residence is modern in its entirety, and reflects credit on the judgment of Mr. Davis.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
WILLIAM DUNKIN. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin County, this State, December 5, 1819. His father, Peter Dunkin, was born June 10, 1792, near Pittsburgh, Penn., from where his parents removed to Kentucky, and later to Ohio. Octo- ber 29, 1815, he was united in marriage to Mary Martin, a native of Ohio. A short time subsequent they commenced life together in Franklin County, this State, living there until 1830, when they re- moved to Carroll County, of which they remained residents until their death, Mr. Dunkin dying June 11, 1863. Our immediate subject was reared on the farm and early inured to the hardships incident to a farmer's life in those days. Owing to the scarcity of schools, his early education was limited. At the age of twenty-one he began life for himself, working by the month on a farm, his chief duties being to chop and grub, as the country was then nothing more than a wilderness of woods, which abounded in game of all kinds and was still inhabited by the Indians. February 10, 1841, he was married to Hannah Payton, daughter of John and Margaret Payton, natives of Kentucky, and respectively of German and En- glish descent. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dunkin eight chil- dren have been born, namely: John, Peter, Frank, Leonadeth, Mary J., Emma and Anne, all of whom are now living, except John and an infant unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Dunkin are members of the Christian Church. Politically he is a Republican, and believes in the principles of his party. He began life for himself with an ax, and knows what a hard day's work is. He entered 160 acres of land in Section 25, this township, and has transformed it into one of the best farms in the county. His early recollections of pioneer days are good, and he can interest one with the relation of many anecdotes of log-cabin days. He has often gone to Michigan City to buy salt for his use. He and wife are enjoying a quiet life and bid fair to live to a ripe old age at the old home where they have spent so many years of the best part of their lives in making it comfortable.
BENJAMIN M. DUNKIN, next younger brother of William Dunkin, was born in Franklin County, this State, November 23, 1820, and was ten years of age when his parents came to Carroll County. Here he received a fair education for that day of log schoolhouses and poor teachers. At the age of twenty-five he be- gan life on his own responsibility, by engaging in clearing up the farm on which he now resides. This he entered in 1844. There were but few settlers in this part of the township. He had to clear out his roads, and when traveling any distance carried his ax to cut his way through. August 28, 1848, he was married to Susan Pay- ton, daughter of John and Margaret Payton. To this union were born two children: Wm., born September 29, 1849; Sylvenice, born March 27, 1851. April 24, 1851, Susan, the wife of Mr. Dunkin. was called away. Mr. Dunkin continued to run his farm, and June
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29, 1856, he was again married to Jane Rhine, daughter of John and Margaret Rhine, natives of Ohio. She was born October 29, 1829, in Gallia County, Ohio. She spent her early life at home. To this union were born six children, namely: Elizabeth M., born June 5, 1857; Mary E., born December 12, 1858; Rebecca A., born .April 15, 1861; Benjamin F., born March 3, 1863; Emma J., born Janu- ary 7, 1865; Ida M., born June 13, 1869-all of whom are now liv- ing. Mr. Dunkin is a member of the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Republican and firmly believes in the principles of his party. He voted for Henry Clay in 1844. He commenced life in moder- ate circumstances, but by dint of industry and perseverance he now owns a finely improved farm in Section 36. His is a comfortable home and one of which Mr. Dunkin may be proud.
MALINDA A. FARLOW, the subject of this sketch, was born May 5, 1853, the daughter of Conrad and Frany Plank, old and respected residents of Deer Creek Township. Mrs. Farlow grew to womanhood at home on the farm with her parents, attending school at intervals, receiving a fair education. September 25, 1881, she became the wife of Amos Farlow, whose birth occurred in Adams County, Ind., October 4, 1859, the son of John and Sarah Farlow, old residents of that county, some time since deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Farlow had born to them one child, William A., born July 14, 1882, died December 11, 1882. Mrs. Farlow suffered the loss of her beloved husband November 30, 1881, his death occurring sud- denly, caused by the rupture of a blood vessel, from which hemorr- hage resulted. Mrs. Farlow now resides with her mother, and is pleasantly situated, with sufficient means to live well and comfort- ably. She is a member of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN GARVER, a native of Pennsylvania, was born Decem- ber 1, 1814, the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Lutz) Garver, na- tives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. When John was about nine months old his parents moved to Preble County, Ohio. Here he was reared on a farm, attending the schools of the day and receiving a fair education. Upon attaining his majority he engaged in farming. July 28, 1836, his marriage with Fanny Mass was solemnized. Mrs. Garver was born in September, 1817, in Union County, this State, the daughter of Edmond and Nancy Mass, who were, respectively, natives of Virginia and Ohio, and of English and German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Garver have had born to them seven children as follows: William, born January 12, 1838; Samuel, born April 19, 1839; Nancy, born October 10, 1840, died July 11, 1862; Elizabeth, born August 29, 1842; Henry, born January 12, 1848, died September 25, 1850; Joseph, born September 17, 1850, and John M., born April 13, 1853, died March 27, 1879. Mr. Garver began life a poor boy, and, by hard work, now owns a fine farm in Section 1. His is a pleasant home, and
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
at this writing he bids fair to live and enjoy many years of happy old age.
WILLIAM GARVER, the son of John and Fanny Garver, was born in Union County, this State, January 12, 1838. He remained at home until he was twenty years of age. During his boyhood and youth he received a fair education for that day. He first en- gaged in farming, and has adopted this as a life vocation. Novem- ber 13, 1860, he was married to Martha J. Kennedy, daughter of David and Esther ( Davison) Kennedy, natives of Indiana. She was born May 18, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Garver have had born to them five children, viz .: Henry E., born August 4, 1861; Mary E., born January 31, 1864; an infant son, born and died July 24, 1869; Cora E., born December 26, 1873, and Herbert D. Monroe, born October 7, 1884. He began life at the bottom of the ladder, and, by dint of industry and perseverance, he has now a fine farm in Section 1. He is in the prime of life, and bids fair to enjoy for many years to come the home he has worked to make.
SAMUEL GARVER is a native of Union County, this State. He was born April 19, 1839. His parents were John and Fanny (Moss) Garver, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born December 1, 1814, the latter a native of Union County, this State. Samuel was reared in Union County on a farm with his parents, receiving a fair education. At the age of twenty he began to do for himself by engaging in farming. October 23, 1862, he was married to Mar- garet A. Cree, daughter of Robert and Jane (Magee) Cree, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Welsh and the latter of Irish de- scent. Mrs. Garver was born January 7, 1845, in Union County, this State. Her early life was spent at home with her parents, re- ceiving a fair education for the day. Mr. and Mrs. Garver have had born to them three children: John A., born September 13, 1864; Fanny J., born January 26, 1867; Robert H., born July 19, 1870; all of whom are now living. Fanny is now married to William Hil- debran, and they reside in Washington Township. Mr. Garver is a member of the order known as the Patrons of Husbandry. He has always been a man of industrious and frugal habits, and has accu- mulated considerable property. He now owns a fine improved farm in Section 1. In connection with his farming, he devotes consider- able attention to bee culture.
JOHN HAMPSHIRE was born in Morgan County, Ohio, March 7, 1824. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Welty) Hampshire; the former a native of Maryland and of English de- scent; the latter a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent, her ancestors being among the first settlers of Pennsylvania. In 1828, when John was four years of age, his father died. The wid- owed mother, with five children, viz., Henry, John, Magdaline, Eliz- abeth and Susanah, were left to battle with the world. Mrs.
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Hampshire, with her youngest child, went to Perry County, Ohio, and continued to keep house. . The rest of the children found homes in different families, and our subject went to live with his uncle, David Campbell, making his home with him until he was seventeen years old. Up to this time he had attended the district schools, and his education was now sufficient to enable him to teach five terms in the public schools. About this time he, with his mother and youngest sister, immigrated to Putnam County, and purchased a tract of wild land, John's share being thirty-one acres, his mother's forty. On this they built a rude log cabin, with puncheon floor and a door hewed out of linn. Such was the humble commencement of our subject, and he looks back to those pioneer days yet, and thinks that not a few of the happiest of them were spent in this lit- tle log cabin, where he made his home for ten years. At the age of twenty, on the 24th of March, 1844, he won the hand of Marga- ret A. Enslem, the daughter of John and Catharine Enslem, old and respected residents of Putnam County. They commenced life to- gether in Putnam County, and resided there until the fall of 1850, when they immigrated to this county, and settled on the farm where they now reside. His first purchase was eighty acres of wild land in Section 30, on which he put up a cabin, and every thing moved along smoothly until the death of Mrs. Hampshire, which occurred March 4, 1873. Prior to her death they had removed to Logans- port, and were residing in that city when she was called away. For a while after this sad occurrence Mr. Hampshire was not engaged in any particular business, and spent a part of his time in traveling. He took a trip to California during the fall of 1873. On returning home he was again married, to Cynthia Beck, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Showalter, the former a native of Maryland, of Ger- man descent; the latter a native of Pennsylvania and of Irish de- scent. Cynthia was born November 23, 1838, in Union County, this State. At the time of her marriage with Mr. Hampshire, Sep- tember 19, 1874, she was, and had been for some years, a widow. They are both united with the Christian Church. Politically Mr. Hampshire is a Republican. Some years ago he was trustee of this township, and filled the office with credit to himself and constitu- ents. He began life a poor boy, and by dint of industry and perse- verance he has accumulated considerable of this world's goods. He now owns two fine farms, one in Section 20, the other in Section 30. Every dollar he is worth he has made honestly and by hard work. His is a pleasant home, and one Mr. Hampshire may well feel proud of. A visit to it will convince one that he is a man of judgment, and believes in substantial improvements. He is now in the best of health, and bids fair to live many years and enjoy the fruits of an industrious and honorable life.
GEORGE W. HARNESS, a leading farmer of Cass County, is
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
a native of Fayette County, Ohio, where he was born July 9, 1819. His father, George Harness, who married Harriet Sowards, was a native of Hardy County, Va., where he was born and resided until he was twenty-eight years of age, when he removed to Ohio, where he lived until 1828, when he immigrated to Boone County, Ind. Two years later he moved to Carroll County, where he resided until about 1865, when he came to this township and settled on Section 31, where he died January 18, 1876, at the remarkably advanced age of one hundred and five years. George W. obtained a limited education, owing to the scarcity of schools. December 6, 1839, he was married to Drusilla Beck, daughter of Daniel and Betsey (Summers) Beck, both natives of Virginia and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Harness had born to them sixteen children, namely: Jackson, born August 21, 1840, died November 5, 1882; William, born June 2, 1842; Mary Jane, born June 3, 1844, died January 1, 1876; Walter M., born February 22, 1846, died September 1, 1879; George Washington, born April 26, 1848; John Wesley, born April 18, 1850, died December 30, 1876; Harriett E., born June 18, 1852, died September 30, 1874; Thomas J. and Sarah F., born April 15, 1855 (Sarah F., died October 1, 1858) ; Luella Alice, born August 27, 1857, died September 23, 1874; Ida Florence, born June 18, 1859, died November 8, 1859; Frank M., born November 18, 1860, died March 11, 1880; Elmer E., born May 26, 1862, died April 27, 1867; Arminta May, born October 13, 1864, died in the spring of 1865; Charlie F., born June 2, 1866, and an infant son born Feb- ruary 14, 1853, died when two days old. Mr. and Mrs. Harness were very unfortunate with their children, losing twelve out of the sixteen, most of whom died after they were grown and married. Elmer E. was accidentally killed while playing with an old shot- gun. Mrs. Harness is a member of the Christian Church. Politi- cally Mr. Harness is a stanch Republican. He began life a poor man, and by industry and economy has accumulated consider- able property. At one time he owned 1,840 acres of fine land. When his sons attained their majority he started each in life with a fine farm. He now lives at the old Harness homestead, one of the best farms in Section 34. During his life he has paid considerable attention to stock dealing. In 1846 he bought the first drove of hogs ever sold in Deer Creek Township, and has since that time, to a greater or less extent, made trading in stock and cattle, in connection with farming, his occupation. Of late years he has devoted his attention to another branch, making a specialty of breeding fine stock and cattle-the Hereford variety of cattle, and hogs of Poland-China breed. Mr. Harness built the first brick house in the township and the second frame barn. In his time lie was a great hunter. He has been very successful in all his under- takings, and is in a position to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
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JOHN HENDRIXSON is a native of Butler County, Ohio; was born December 18, 1825. His parents were Benjamin and Sarah (Johnson) Hendrixson, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. When quite young John went out into the world to do for himself; engaging as a farm hand, he first hired to a man by the name of Kennard by the month at $5 per month, agreeing to work three months, at the end of which time Mr. Kennard raised his wages, and John continued to work for him thirteen years. He was now twenty-two years of age, after this he farmed with him for two years on the shares. Then he went to Preble County, Ohio, and farmed with his brother-in-law about three years. When he removed to Union County, this State, and followed various pur- suits until January 31, 1854, when he was married to Nancy Nelson, daughter of John and Mary Allen, natives of Virginia. Nancy was born October 27, 1827. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hendrixson three children have been born: Sarah J., born October 27, 1854; David F., August 27, 1869; Robert M., May 2, 1856, died February 18, 1878. Mrs. Hendrixson is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Hendrixson is a member of the order of the P. of H. He is a Democrat in politics. He has been very successful in his vocation of farming. He owns a fine farm of over 200 acres in Section 5 and 8. His is one of the pleasant homes in the vicinity. He is now in the prime of life and bids fair to live and enjoy many years of happy old age.
THOMAS HENRY. Among the leading men of Deer Creek Township there is no one, perhaps, that commands greater respect than the subject of this biography, who was born in Ireland Novem- ber 4, 1832. His father, William Henry, was also of Irish birth, by occupation a farmer. He lived and died in the land of his nativity. The mother of Mr. Henry was Martha Henry, whose maiden name was Hunter. She was an Irish woman, born in Ireland, and died in Wayne County, Ind., in 1877. Our subject came to America in 1848, and settled in Union County, Ind., and there resided until 1856, when he came to Cass County, and January 18 of that year settled near where the village of Young America now stands. On coming to Cass County he engaged in the saw-mill business, and which he continued with much success until 1877, when he engaged in farm- ing. This he now continues, and owns 370 acres of fine land. The marriage of Mr. Henry was solemnized in 1858-Miss Mary E. Wil- son became his wife. She was born in Union County, Ind., in 1837. They have four children, as follows: William, Alice, Charles A. and Mattie. Mrs. Henry is a leading member of the Missionary Bap- tist Church. Politically Mr. Henry is a member of the Democratic party. In 1882 he was elected trustee of Deer Creek Township. He was the regular nominee of the Democratic party, and the Repub- lican party also adopted him, and thus he received the unanimous vote
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
of the township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Henry has made his own way in life, and has been very successful. The history of Deer Creek Township would be incomplete without a mention of this honorable man.
GEO. W. HUBLER is a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born June 16, 1819. His parents were Jacob and Catharine Hubler, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Geo. W., our subject, was reared in Pennsylvania. At the age of sixteen he en- gaged as mail agent. At twenty-one he was apprenticed to learn the shoe-maker's trade, which vocation, after serving his apprenticeship, he followed for nearly twenty years, saving his earnings and carry- ing on farming at the same time. At the age of twenty-five he was mar- ried to Frances Warner, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Warner, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter a native of Maryland, of German descent. She was born April 16, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Hubler were blessed with eight children, namely: Harriet, born September 26, 1846; John, January 12, 1847 ; Sarah, November 6, 1849; Andrew, October 20, 1850; Ira, December 5, 1852; Henry, January 12, 1854; Jerome, March 20, 1857; Elizabeth, December 23, 1860-all of whom are now living. Henry, who is now residing at home, is a young man of ability, and at present is the Democratic candidate for the office of county recorder. Mr. and Mrs. Hubler are members of the German Baptist Church. Politically Mr. Hubler is a Demo- ocrat, and generally takes an active part in supporting the nominees of his party. He now owns one of the best farms in Section 36. Mr. and Mrs. Hubler are in good health, and bid fair to live and en- joy many years of happy old age.
ROBERT HUNTER, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Butler County, Ohio; he was born on August 24, 1832. His par- ents were Thomas H. and Clarissa J. (Laughlin) Hunter, natives of Ireland, of Scotch descent. Robert spent his young days in Union County, this State, receiving a fair education. At the age of twenty he commenced life on his own responsibility as a laborer on a farm. At twenty-two he began to work at the carpenter's trade in the town of Liberty, Union County. This he continued to follow for twenty-seven years. He came to the vicinity of what is now Young America in 1852. Returning to Union County, he remained until 1854, when he again came to Cass County, and has ever since made this his home. On August 19, 1863, he was married to Mar- tha Brown, a native of this State, born March 17, 1839. They had born to them these children, viz .: Clarenia, born May 18, 1864, died July 11, 1865; Ada F., born September 16, 1865, died September 24, 1866; Clara S., February 9, 1867; Edmond F., February 10, 1868; Armeta J., February 4, 1870, died October 15, 1872; Oscar B., May 5, 1872, died October 17, 1872; Pearly, born October 18, 1873; Bertha, born April 9, 1875, died April 19, 1880. All of those
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deceased, as well as Mrs. Hunter, who departed this life December 24, 1877, are interred in the Sharon Cemetery, in Carroll County. On April 24, 1879, Mr. Hunter was again married, to Mary A. Grow, daughter of Martin and Matilda Grow. She is the mother of Ross, born June 9, 1881, died July 3, 1881; Lewella, born June 30, 1883. Mr. Hunter is a member of the F. & A. M. order, in good standing. Politically he is a solid Democrat. He is truly a self-made man, commencing life with no capital. He has, by his industry and frugality, amassed quite a competency, being the proprietor of a fine farm, situated near the village of Young America, where he is also engaged in the undertaking business. Mr. Hunter is in the prime of life, and is meeting with the pros- perity which is a just reward of his labors.
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