USA > Indiana > Clinton County > History of Clinton County, Indiana : With historical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families, Volume II > Part 22
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Mr. Cohee was born August 11, 1858, in Frankfort, Indiana, the son of Ezekiel and Lydia (Michaels ) Cohee. His father was a native of Preble
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA. 573
county, Ohio, and came to Clinton county in early manhood to follow the trade of farming. Mrs. Cohee was a daughter of Frederich Michaels, one of the earliest pioneers of this county. She died in 1880, leaving six chil- dren to mourn her loss.
Samuel Cohee lived upon the farm of his birth until he was ten years old, and then, at that tender age, was forced to begin supporting himself. It was work or starve with the young lad, and he worked and worked hard. He began teaming, then worked in a feed store, and finally took up draying. In 1888 he had accumulated enough of the world's goods to start a livery all of his own. Accordingly he did so, and today his livery is one of the best and most completely equipped in the county.
In 1875 Mr. Cohee was married to Ida Bell Wilson, of Kempton, In- diana, and to them there have been born three children.
Politically, Mr. Cohee claims affiliation with the Democratic party, and has always used his best efforts in their behalf. Fraternally, he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men.
WILSON T. COOPER, M. D.
The man of medicine occupies a place in the world alone; no other pro- fession or trade or business holds the sacred trust and the emotional beauty of his; his work is hard, but it is inspired, and filled to the brim with the Saviour's loving kindness. The Latin phrase, amicus humani generis, friend of the human race, stands as a motto to his life, and should be engraved upon the monuments of time as symbolical of the medical profession. Dr. Cooper, of our sketch, is one of the oldest practitioners in the state, having about reached the Psalmist's allotment of three score and ten, but he still continues active practice, and is regarded as a necessity by numerous families of Clin- ton county.
Dr. Cooper was born on April 20, 1844, in Rush county, Indiana, and did not come to Clinton county until 1871. He was the son of Stanley and Lucinda (Ward) Cooper, natives of Kentucky, and both now being deceased. The father moved to Rush county, this state, when he was eighteen years of age. Like his son, the father was a physician of the old-time variety. He practiced in connection with farming and often underwent many hardships to attend to his patients. The mother was born in Boone county, Kentucky.
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Thirteen children were born to them, the five now living being John W., Amanda, Morgan, Helen, Wilson and Annie.
Dr. Cooper's common school education was received in the schools of Rush county, and he later attended the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and graduated from that institution in 1871. He came to this county, to Scircleville, in that year and began his general practice, which has continued with ever increasing success until the present time. He owns a pleasant office and home in the town above mentioned.
On November 30, 1876, Dr. Cooper was married to Alice Guffin, who was born in Rush county. Indiana, on February 12, 1853. and was the daugh- ter of Andrew and Clara ( Brooks) Guffin. Her father was a native of Rush county and her mother came from the state of Ohio. Nine children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Cooper : Clyde (deceased), Pearl. Stanley. Lucy. Andrew (deceased), Wilson (deceased), Clara, Charles and Horace.
Dr. Cooper has always remained loyal to the Republican party, and was the first Republican ever to be elected to the office of auditor of Clinton county, which position he obtained in 1886.
JONATHAN S. SNYDER.
Prominent among the agriculturists of Clinton county is Jonathan S. Snyder, whose name is the caption of this sketch. He has made for himself an enviable reputation among the farmers of Johnson township by reason of his honest dealings and persistent endeavor. He has ever supported any enterprise which worked for the common good, and his support has been more than a moral one. He well deserves a place in the work here in hand. . and it is our pleasure to recount the few salient facts in his life history.
Mr. Snyder was born November 23, 1864, in Tippecanoe county, In- diana, and moved to Illinois in 1867, living there until 1903, when he came to Clinton county, where he now resides. Such is the travels of the son of Emanuel and Lavina (Glick) Snyder. Emanuel Snyder was born in the year 1830 in Germany and he was brought to the United States when he was two or three years old, settling successively in Ohio, in Bartholomew county. Indiana, and in Tippecanoe county. He died August 20, 1909, after a life spent in farming. He was a Democrat in politics. The mother was born in 1835, near Columbus, Ohio, and she is still living in Illinois. Eleven children
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were born of the union: Catherine ( deceased), Simon P'., Martha Laurence, Henry D., Emanuel M., Jonathan, William, Irma, Maude Puesy, Perry and one child that died unnamed.
After a good common school education, Jonathan S. Snyder took up farming, which he has continued to the present day in a highly successful manner. He also raises Duroc hogs and Jersey cattle. He owns one hun- dred and sixty acres of fertile land in this township and it is all tillable, well tiled and fairly well fenced. Mr. Snyder has found time away from farm- ing to take an interest in the Masonic order at Hillisburg and to support the Democratic party.
On March 2, 1893, he was married to Clarissa Buckingham, who was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, on February 21, 1867, and was the daugh- ter of Joseph and Eveline (Childs) Buckingham. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Snyder : Horace and Homer, twins, born November 18,1893; Russell, born May 27, 1895; and Glenn L., born December 15, 1897, died March 31, 1909.
JAMES STORMS.
The career of James Storms, one of the most substantial and successful agriculturists of Clinton county, has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world, for he has conducted his transactions on the strictest principles of honesty and integrity. His co-operation with his fellow men has been unfaltering, being the result of sincere interest and regard for the interests of his county. Such men as he is what the world needs for the rapid and sure economic development.
James Storms was born on July 6, 1860, in Decatur county, Indiana, and was the son of John W. and Nellie (Byram) Storms. John Storms was born in Ripley county, this state, and died here in 1903: the mother was a native of Decatur county. Both parents had a common school education, and the father was a preacher of the Baptist church and a farmer. He was a Re- publican. Seven children were born to the couple : Izara, Sarah (deceased). Rachel. James, Scott, Lavona and John.
After the usual common school education our subject began farming. and he has followed this successfully until the present. He owns ninety- three and one-half acres of tillable, well tiled and fenced land in this county,
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and has added thereto all of the latest improvements incident to agricultural science. Besides general farming Mr. Storms raises Jersey cattle and a common breed of hogs. Before moving to Johnson township, Mr. Storins had lived in Tipton county and in Sugar Creek township, this county.
Mr. Storms was united in marriage to Mary E. Cox in April, 1883. She was born in Sugar Creek township, Clinton county, in March, 1865, and was the daughter of Amberson and Millie (Alexander) Cox, who were natives of the Blue Grass state. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Storms : Stella, July 7, 1885; Alta, July 8, 1887 : Roy, July 6, 1889, now studying for the medical profession; and Given, June 1, 1896.
Fraternally, Mr. Storms is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 482, at Kempton, Ind. Religiously, he is a Baptist, and politic- ally is a Republican.
LEW WALLACE GOOD.
Prominent among the agriculturists of Clinton county is Lew Wallace Good , of Jackson township. This county boasts of her farmers, and Mr. Good occupies a prominent place among them. He is a true type of the sturdy In- diana farmer, clean, educated, hard-working and possessing a large share of native wisdom.
Mr. Good is the third in a family of eleven children, namely: Leona, Flora, Lew, William, Rosie, Lulu, Ora, Clifford, America, Goldie and Katie. He was born in Jackson township on the fifteenth day of February, 1873, be- ing the son of Phillip N. and Josephine ( Abbott) Good. His father was born January 31, 1848, near the little town of Mulberry, Ind., and died January 13, 1896. Phillip Good had the advantage of a common school education, and utilized the start he gained there in a life of usefulness. He remained a farmer until his death, and always clung to the policies of a Jeffersonian Democrat. Josephine Good, the motlier, was Josephine Abbott before mar- riage, and was born in Boone county in the year 1840, also educated in the early schools of that county. She still lives happily in Jackson township, Clinton county.
Lew W. Good has always followed his favorite occupation, that of farm- ing. Early in his life, he lived in the southeastern portion of the township and later moved to an estate just north of Frankfort, where he learned the rudi- ments of the agricultural art. In 1912 he came to his present home. At this place, Mr. Good owns one hundred and fifty-three acres of excellent tillable
L. W. GOOD AND FAMILY
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soil, which he manages, with the aid of the newest and best improvements. The whole of the farm has been carefully tiled by the owner, and the barns, fences, and equipment placed in ship-shape condition. Besides this land, Mr. Good owns thirty-nine acres of equally. valuable land in Warren township. In addition to his general farming efforts, Mr. Good is a thorough student of animal husbandry ; making a specialty of Hampshire hogs, Shorthorn and Jersey cows.
Although never actively engaged in politics or public life, Mr. Good follows in the footsteps of his father, and is a Democrat clear through. His political views are not modeled after the dictation of the party in power, but after his own judgment of good and just government. He is also an enthusi- astic and capable member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On June 18, 1899, Mr. Good was married to Vannie Douglass, also of Jackson township. She is the daughter of Robert C. Douglass and Mary (Pickering) Douglass, and was born November 26, 1881. She received a comman school education in the county of her birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Good there have been born five children: Oscar, born January 3, 1900; Ada, No- vember 22, 1901 ; Robert, March 14, 1904; Marvin, February 20, 1906, and Ruby, February 19, 19II.
WILLIAM A. DUNN.
The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is regarded as one of the most progressive agriculturists of Michigan township, Clinton county, where he has spent his life. His well directed efforts in practical every-day affairs, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judg- ment have brought to him prosperity and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of many dis- couragements which may seem to arise. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought into contact.
William A. Dunn was born on the first day of the year 1851, in Michigan township. Clinton county, and was the son of Zeth and Elizabeth (Pruitt) Dunn, the father having been born in 1818 in Jennings couty, Indiana, and died August 12, 1856. He was a farmer and a Republican, and moved here after his marriage, also lived in Bartholomew county for a time. The mother
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was born July 12, 1826, in Bartholomew county. Six children were born to the union, namely : Maggie Clark, Mary Miller, William A., John, Albert, and Louisa (deceased).
Our subject received a small education in Bartholomew county and after his father's death he moved to the above county with his widowed mother and there they stayed until the fall of 1865. Since that time Mr. Dunn has remained a farmer, and at present owns one hundred acres where he lives, all of which is tillable with the exception of two acres, which is in pasture. The land is tiled and fenced in approved fashion, and Mr. Dunn has built his own home. Mr. Dunn also owns another small farm west of here. He raises Jersey cows, Poland China mixed with Chester White hogs, and common breed of horses. Politically, Mr. Dunn is a Democrat.
On October 22, 1878, Mr. Dunn was married to Laura Heaton, who was born in Forest township on February 25, 1856, and was the daughter of Sanford and Rebecca (Nixon) Heaton, natives of Rush county, Indiana. The father was a farmer and a Democrat. Mrs. Dunn received a common October 4, 1878, married Clifford Crawford; Pearl, born October 12, 1880, married Bert Wood; Dillard, born August 5, 1884, married Mabel Zerfas ; Artie, born February 24. 1891, at home; Denzel, born May 16, 1893, and Vera, born July 13, 1896.
CHARLES L. FEARNOW.
One of the enterprising young agriculturists of Johnson township. Clin- ton county, who possesses the respect and good will of all who know him and is classed with the representative men of the township in whichi he lives is Charles L. Fearnow. Our subject comes of Virginian ancestry, and well may he be proud to trace his lineage back to such a source. In the develop- ment of the agricultural division of Clinton history, he has played a promin- ent part, and the good part of it is that his career of activity is just a begin- ning, for Mr. Fearnow is just in the prime of life.
Harrison Fearnow, our subject's father, was born June 5, 1843, in Mor- gan county, West Virginia, and during the time of the Civil war he came to Ohio. He escaped to Ohio to avoid the impressment of the rebel army who were forcing men to serve their cause. His military career was confined to a period of scout duty. Mr. Fearnow is still living in this townshp south of our
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subject. The mother, who was. Martha Goodnight, was born June 4, 1848, in Fayette county, Ohio, and she is still living. Harrison Fearnow engaged in the merchandise business in Olio for several years and was very successful at the same. In connection with his father, our subject's grandfather, he built the first grain elevator handled by scoops in this part of Clinton county. Har- rison Fearnow is now living a retired life, spending his winters in Florida. Politically, he is a Progressive. Our subject is one of four children : Lily (deceased ), Charles L., Leslie (deceased), and Roy.
Charles L. Fearnow was born March 14, 1872, in Highland county, Ohio, and later moved to Fayette county, the same state, where the family lived until the subject was five years of age. Then they moved to Clinton county, Johnson township, and here Charles L. has lived ever since. He owns one hundred and seventy-six acres of fertile land in this county, all of which is in as excellent condition as improved scientific methods can make it. Mr. Fearnow carries on general farming, and raises Polled Durham cattle and a common breed of hogs. He built his own commodious home on the estate.
Mr. Fearnow was married on September 20, 1894, to May Howe, who was born January 18, 1870, in Fayette county, Ohio, the daughter of G. W. and Cynthia (Goodnight) Howe, who were natives of Ohio. Mrs. Fearnow received a common school education in her youth. Seven children have been born of the union: Warren, December 2, 1895; Emil, December 27, 1897; Meryl, December 10, 1899; Ralph, March 13, 1901 ; Robert, July 26, 1903; Ruth, September 10, 1906; and Don, April 5, 1909.
Religiously Mr. Fearnow belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and is a Progressive in political affairs.
JOHN C. SHOCKLEY.
In the list of honored and successful citizens of Clinton county is the sub- ject of this review, who has here maintained his residence for nearly a half century, winning a definite and lasting success by means of the agricultural industry, to which he has devoted his undivided attention during the years of his active business life. His career has been without shadow of suspicion and his many friends and acquaintances will attest to his integrity in business deal- ings, and the magnetic personality which has won the esteem of his fellow men.
Mr. Shockley was born September 8, 1862, in Tipton county, Indiana,
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and moved with his parents in 1864 to Clinton county, where he now lives, forty rods from the county line. He was the son of Daniel B. and Jemima (Meintire) Shockley. The father was born in Madison county. O., and moved to Tipton county, this state, after his marriage. He followed farming all of his life, he passed from active to retired life at an old age, and now lives to enjoy the fruits of a life well spent. The mother was born in the same county and state as her husband. Both of them were handicapped in the mat- ter of education, because in their day schools were scarce and what there were could not be called efficient. Six children were born to them: . 1. J .. James _\. (dec.). John C., our subject ; Arsitta, Sarah E., and G. W.
AAll the education our subject was able to get was in the common schools near Kempton, Tipton county. His life resolved itself shortly after leaving school into that of an agriculturist. His hundred and seventy acres of land here in Sugar Creek township are all tillable and well tilled, and the home, built by. Mr. Shockley himself, is one of the best in the township. In addition to general farming he carries on the breeding of all kinds of fine stock. Mr. Shockley also has two hundred and sixty-four acres in Tipton county, all till- able, south of Kempton, Ind.
Mr. Shockley was married on November 11, 1882, to Mary D. Rector, who was born in 1861 in Sugar Creek township, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Searcy) Rector. Her father was a native of Indiana, and the mother came from the state of Kentucky. Seven children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Shockley ; O. W., Opal, Nellie, Fay and Ray, twins, and Cecil.
Fraternally, Mr. Shockley belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, lodge at K'empton. Religiously, he attends the Christian church, and politically believes in the Democratic platform.
LINCOLN COX.
Among the representative agriculturists and public-spirited men of Clin- ton county, who, while advancing their own interests, have not neglected their duty to the community at large, is Lincoln Cox, the honored subject of this sketch. He possesses many fine traits of character which are inherited from his father, who was one of the hardy pioneers of this county and a vet- eran of the Civil war. Mr. Cox is one of the best known farmers and business me nof this community, and together with his large material reward, makes it appropriate that we should give the details of his worthy life in these few
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pages. It is regrettable that more scope is not afforded for a treatment of this man.
Lincoln Cox was born February 7. 1858, in Sugar Creek township, Clin- ton county, and was the son of Walter E. and Milly ( Alexander) Cox. The father was a native of Kentucky, and moved to Clinton county in 1846 when a boy, and here he has followed farming all of his life. He was Republican. He died in January, 1879. The mother was also born in the "dark and bloody ground" country, and she still resides in Kempton, Ind. Ten children were born to the union, the eight living ones being: John P., Lincoln, Mary E. Storms, Elias, Laura J. Carter, Almira, Flora, and Noah.
Our subject received a common school education in the schools of Sugar Creek township, and then took up farming, which was destined to be his life work. He has also paid much attention to the breeding of fine animals. IIe possesses two hundred and sixty acres of excellent soil, very tillable and well tiled, with the exception of fourteen acres which is in woods and pasture. The late improvements which dot the estate are all by the hand of Mr. Cox himself.
Mr. Cox was married to Louie Longfellow on October 22, 1888. She was born in Tipton county, Ind., July 11, 1863. the daughter of William and Lu- cinda ( Eliason ) Longfellow. She received a common school education in her youth. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cox there have been born four children : Raymond, Walter, Cleo, and Inez (dec.).
Politically, Mr. Cox is a Progressive. For a term beginning in 1900, he served as county commissioner., the period of his activities in this capacity ex- tending over three years.
GEORGE S. BOYER.
The name of Boyer has been signicant in the agricultural development of Clinton coutny since the early history of the locality, when the courageous pioneers blazed their way into the forests and endured the hardships in order to establish a home that their children might have lives of happiness and pros- , perity. Our subject's father was one of the loyal legion of settlers who found a habitation of Indians and animals in the Hoosier territory, and with primitive tools cleared their settlements. George S. Boyer has continued the work inaugurated by his father, and has upheld the family reputation for honesty of purpose, sympathetic cooperation with others, and obedience to the laws of ethics which civilization demands.
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George S. Boyer was born in Sugar Creek township, this county, on November 26, 1862, and was the son of Francis M. and Catherine (Day) Boyer. The life of the father and mother are treated at length in the last half of this review. The father still resides in the township of his son's home.
The Sugar Creek township common schools afforded a limited education to George Boyer, but he made the most of their advantages, and then took up active work in agriculture. He has so continued ever since, and also takes a great interest in the breeding of fine stock, particularly Poland China hogs. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of fertile land which is tillable with the exception of ten acres, which is in timber. The land is well tiled and the beautiful home on the estate was built by Mr. Boyer.
On April 7, 1888, Mr. Boyer was married to Cora Mckinney, who was born November 28, 1868 in Sugar Creek township, the daughter of James C. and Josephine (Ward) Mckinney, and received a common school education in her youth. She was called to her eternal rest on September 6, 1906, after a life of religions devotion and good works; she was a member of the Chris- tian church. Four children were born to this first union of our subject : Mrs. Ada Goodnight, December 4, 1891; Ethel, December 4, 1894, died in 1895; Reona, March 16, 1897, and Georgia, September 10, 1902. Our sub- ject's first wife's sister married a Mr. Wainscott, and they have one child, Wayne Roy, born October 25, 1895. Mr. Boyer has raised the lad and loves him as if he wene his own.
Mr. Boyer was married the second time on March 6, 1912 to Martha E. Batman, who was born August 14, 1870 in Putnam county, the daughter of Thomas W. and Martha A. (Anderson) Batman, both of whom are deceased.
Mr. Boyer belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Pickard, Lodge No. 321. He is a member of the Christian church and politically is a Republican. He was elected trustee of Sugar Creek township in 1908 and is still fulfilling the duties of that office with satisfaction to everyone.
Francis M. Boyer was born February 7, 1836 in Decatur county, Ind., and was brought to Clinton county by his parents when he was only two years old. He was the son of Leonard and Amelia (King) Boyer, who were born and reared in the states of New York and Kentucky, respectively. Very little education could be had by these two, and the father immediately took up farming. He was a Republican by politics. Six children were born to them: Louvica, Francis M., Nancy, Celia A., Robert, and one not named. Louvica and the latter are deceased.
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Francis M. Boyer and the father of George S. Boyer, received the usual education of the day and then began farming in Sugar Creek township. He owns fifty-seven acres where he lives and continues general work with the breeding of good stock, including Poland China hogs. He also owns thirty- six acres of good land south of here in the same township. With the excep- tion of a little woodland, all of his ground is extremely tillable and is well tiled and fenced. Mr. Boyer is reported to be the oldest living resident of this township.
Francis M. Boyer was married on October 20, 1859 to Catherine E. Day, who was born October 17, 1840 in Clinton county, O., and moved to Boone county, Ind., when but a child. She was the daughter of Sylvenus and Jane (Ferguson) Day, respectively natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The father was a farmer. Our subject's wife had a good common school education. Ten children were born to them, seven of whom are still living : Lewis (deceased), George S., Leander and Leonard, twins (the latter de- ceased), Jane, William, Emma, Julia, Noah (deceased), and Bertha.
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