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 27
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Politically Mr. Bozworth is independent, but is inclined to prohibition, being a strong temperance man. Religiously, he is a member of the Presby- terian church, in which he is an elder and active worker.
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
A. M. ROBISON.
Eighty years have dissolved in the mists of the irrevocable past since .A. M. Robison, venerable and honored retired farmer of Owen township first saw the light of day, he being the oldest living native son of Warren town- ship, Clinton county. He has lived through one of the most remarkable, and in many respects the most wonderful, epoch in the world's history. There will never be another like it, for it embraced that period when the strong-armed homeseekers from the Eastern states invaded the Middle West, his father being among the number, and redeemed this splendid section of our great Union from the wilds, bringing it up through various stages to its present high state of cultivation and civilization. To all this our subject has been a most interested and by no means a passive, spectator, having sought to do his full share in the work of progress in the locality which he lias ever taken a delight in seeing develop. He talks most interestingly of the early days when customs and manners were different, men and women were differ- ent-everything-in fact, unlike what our civilization is today. He and others who have come down to us from the pioneer cpoch are of the opinion that those were better, at least happier times, than now, and this is, in the main, true.
Mr. Robison was born November 27, 1833, in Warren township, Clinton county. He is a son of Andrew and Grizella ( McAfec) Robison. The father was born in Warren county, Ohio, January 10, 1802, and there he grew to manhood, removing from there once in 1824 to Parke county, Indiana. In October, 1824, about the time of his removal from his home community, he married the mother of our subject, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, December 30, 1801, and whose death occurred in 1852. On March 18, 1832, the parents of our subject moved to Warren township, Clinton county, where they began life in typical pioneer fashion, erecting a log cabin and clearing up the land on which they settled, and here the father's death occurred on April 5, 1877. He was a man or rare soundness of judgment and had a naturally fine mathematical mind. He became quite prominent in politics, was first a Whig and later a Republican.
James H. Robison, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in 1772, served in the war of 1812 and died in 1814. His wife, Elizabeth Parks, was born in 1775, and her death occurred in 1855.
Andrew Robison was twice married, first to Grizella McAfee, by whom five children were born, A. M., of this sketch, the youngest, being the only
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A. M. ROBISON
MRS. A. M. ROBISON
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
one now living. The others were John M., James H., Thomas P. and Margaret N. The father's second marriage was to Phoebe J. Emley, who was born in Michigan township, Clinton county, and who is still living. To this second union four children were born, three of whom are still living.
A. M. Robison grew to manhood on the old home farm, where, being a pioneer child, he found plenty of hard work to do which he did incom- plainingly. Ile received a meager education in the old-time schools of his day. November 16, 1865, he married Hannah A. Bate, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, January 4, 1837. She was a daughter of Josiah and Hannah A. (Jones) Bate, the father a native of New Jersey, and the mother of Ohio. The death of Mr. Robison's first wife occurred May 7, 1899. Eight children were born of this union: Maggie M., born October 25, 1866; James P., born November 4, 1867; Andrew J., born January 8, 1869, died August 19, 1870; John E., born August 28, 1871 ; Emma E., born April 7, 1874; Winfield M. and Grizella, twins, born October 4, 1876, the latter now living; Winfield, died October 5. 1882; and. Jessie B., born January 6, 1881.
A. M. Robison began farming for himself when a young man and this continued to be his life vocation, with the exception of some time spent in working in the timber in the early timbering days. He is owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Warren township, and two and one-half acres where he lives in the village of Gettingsville, Owen town- ship. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock man and is spnding his old age in the midst of plenty and comfort.
He was one of the gallant Hoosiers who made up the great army in blue that. suppressed the rebellion, having enlisted September 1, 1861 in the Third Indiana Light Artillery, under Captain Freyberger, in which he served faithfully until overheated and sent home; but in September, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serv- ing in the same about four months when he was sent home as a result of sickness. Upon his recovery he re-enlisted in the same company and regi- ment, February 22, 1864, in which he served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged July 22, 1865.
Politically, Mr. Robison is a Republican and has always been a loyal supporter of his party. He ably served as a member of the county council for a period of fourteen years, having been elected four times and is still incumbent of this office, the duties of which he has discharged to the satis- faction of all concerned. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He attends and supports the Presbyterian church.
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIAN.A.
NOAH L. BUNNELL.
The life record of this venerable citizen of Moran, Owen township, is one of interest and instruction, for it has been active, always so modulated as to be of the greatest service to those whom it touched. Mr. Bunnell has lived to see the transformation of a great country from the primeval forests and the wild prairies and he has performed well his part in this work. He is one of our oklest native born citizens, and most all of his nearly four score years have been spent here, devoted to farming and merchandising. He grew up amid pioneer conditions and it is indeed interesting to hear him relate incidents of those early days. of the different customs and manners prevailing then, of the hardships and privations, of the wilderness filled with wild animals, and many things unknown to us of the present generation.
Noah L. Bunnell was born January 29, 1834, near the village of Jeffer- son, Clinton county. He is a son of Noah and Catherine (Conley ) Bunnell. The father was born in 1796 in New Jersey where he spent his early years, finally removing to Ohio then to Clinton county, Indiana, where he began as a typical frontiersman, erecting a log cabin and clearing and developing a farm, and there he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1871. He was a wheelwright by trade at which he worked in his earlier years, finally devoting his attention to farming. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife was born in Maryland in 1800, and her death occurred in 1875. To these parents five children were born, Noah L., of this review, the youngest, Harriet, James, Seneca and Mary, all four deceased.
Noah L. Bunnell grew to manhood on the homestead near Jefferson and there he found plenty of hard work to do when a boy, and he received ยท a meager education in the old-time rural schools. He married Julia A. Bell, who was born in Ohio in 1839. She was a daughter of William and Mary (Hamilton) Bell, and to this union five chiklren were born : Mary C., James, Elver, Clyde and Thomas (deceased).
Mr. Bunnell began life for himself on a farm where he remained until 1864 then entered the mercantile field at Kilmore, Clinton county, where he remained three years, then went to Lafayette, where he remained in the same business until the Vandalia railroad was built through Clinton county, where- upon he returned here and laid out the town of Moran. Owen township, which was first called Bunnellsville, after our subject, but later was named Moran. Mr. Bunnell has remained at this place ever since and has built up a large and lucrative trade with the surrounding country, his store being a favorite
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
gathering place for the people of thus vicinity in their spare time. for they 'have always received honest, fair and courteous treatment at the hands of our subjeet. He carries an up-to-date stock of general merchandise at all seasons and his prices are laways reasonable. He is also owner of a valuable and productive eighty acre farm adjoining Moran, on which land Mr. Bun- nell has a pleasant and well furnished home. At present he is assisted in his store by his son, Elver.
Politically, Mr. Bunell is a Republican and has always been faithful in his support of the party. Religiously, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.
JOHN F. BOZWORTH.
Although like many of our best citizens John F. Bozworth, well known retired farmer of Owen township, is a native of Ohio, practically all of his life has been spent in Clinton county, for he was but two years of age when he was brought here by his parents and here he has resided ever since, or for a period of more than sixty years, during which he has lived to see and take part in wonderful changes, of which he talks very interestingly. He has from childhood, had the best interests of the county at heart and has been faithful in every duty as a citizen.
Mr. Bozworth was born June 14, 1849, in Preble county, Ohio. He is : a son of Wni. and Polly J. (Shaffer) Bozworth. The father was born October 23, 1825, in Ohio where he spent his boyhood. He came first to Clinton county two years before his marriage, after which event he returned to liis native state, but subsequently came back to this county, where he still lives, being now at the advanced age of eight-eight years. He is a fine old man, admired by everybody who knows him. He is a type of the rugged, honest. industrious pioneer who redeemed this country from the wilderness. His wife was a native of Tennessee. She has long been deceased, dying January 23, 1877.
John F. Bozworth was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools. On September 7, 1873, he married Clara B. Haggard, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, November 30, 1855. She is a daughter of James M. and Rebecca (Thacker) Haggard. They spent their lives on a farm, and are now both deceased
Two children have been born to our subject and wife: Venora, born
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
July 4, 1874, married Edward Silverthorn; and Nial, born June 26, 1882, married Mabel Jarvis,
Mr. Bozworth has always engaged in farming and stock raising. He lived in Sedalia for a period of five years, but was not satisfied with his residence there and finally returned to the country, believing that the farm was best for him. He owns one hundred and thirty acres where he resides. and eighty acres just west of his home, his son living on the latter place. His home place is all tillable but five acres which is in woods pasture. He built his own home and made many valuable improvements about the place. His land is all productive and good for general farming. Although overseeing his farm in a general way, Mr. Bozworth is practically retired from active life. He owns a 1913, twenty-five horsepower, five passenger automobile of a standard make, and is well fixed to enjoy his after years in every way. Politically, he is a Democrat, but he has never been especially active in public affairs.
JACOB A. MUMMERT.
Jacob A. Mummert, for many years one of the leading general farmers of Warren township, now living in his pleasant home in the town of Sedalia, Owen township, was born in Cass county, Indiana, August 12, 1874. He is a son of Henry and Sarah Ann ( Plank) Mummert. The father was born December 25, 1844, in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and he has a good farm in Deer Creek township, Cass county, Indiana, where he has a good farm and where he has lived since boyhood, having come from the Keystone state many years ago. . The mother of our subject was born August 6, 1850 in Cass county, Indiana, where she spent her life, dying there in November, 1893. These parents received their education in the common schools, which they attended a few years during the winter months. In early life Henry Mummert learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a number of years, but finally turned his attention to farming. He had an exceptionally large faniily, seventeen children, fifteen of whom are still living ; Amanda J .. Laura A., Charles O., Jacob A., Hester E., William D., infant daughter. died when three days old, unnamed; Franklin P., Emma S., Stella M., Martha C., Harry and Mary, twins: John H., Earle E. and Merle M., twins; a boy, unnamed, died in infancy.
Jacob A. Mummert grew to manhood on the home farm in Cass county. and he received his education in the district schools there. On September
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8, 1897 he married Elsie V. Shaffer, who was born in Owen township, Clinton county, May 14, 1877. She is a daughter of Andrew A. and Mary Shaffer, both now deceased. Mrs. Mummert grew to womanhood in her native community and was there educated in the public schools. Her union with Mr. Mummert has been without issue.
Our subject began farming for himself when young in years. He re- moved from Cass county to Clinton county, in the spring of 1895, working on a farm until his marriage, then he rented and farmed for seven years, then purchased eighty acres of his own in Warren township in February, 1905. and lived there until the spring of 1912, when he moved to the town of Sedalia, where he now lives, not retired, but looking after and helping on his farm, wherever a helping hand is needed. He was very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He now rents his fine farm of eighty acres, all of which is tillable but eleven acres, of which ten acres is in timber. He owns a thirty horse-power, Overland automobile, five passenger, 1913 model, and he and his family enjoy trips over the country. Politically, he is a Democrat, but has never been especially active in public affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias in Sedalia. "Religiously, he is a member of the Presbyterian church at Geetingsville and a liberal supporter of the same. -
JAMES N. BRANSTETTER.
The methods followed by James N. Branstetter, successful farmer of War- ren township, Clinton county, always bring success when persistently applied as they have been done in his case, for he is a man who lays his plans well be- fore beginning their execution. He realizes the fact that this is an epoch when farming must be done along somewhat different lines than it ever was before in the history of the world, and he has sought to find out everything possible regarding the most approved methods, being careful to accept those that were applicable to this soil and climate and just as careful to discard those which were not. So he has succeeded, as might be expected, for, besides knowing what to do and when to do it he has ever been an untiring and persevering . worker.
Mr. Branstetter was born in the above mentioned township and county, January 10, 1873. He is a son of Jacob and Ruthy (Harmon) Branstetter. The father, who was born in Clinton county, is still living, making his home in Russiaville. The mother of our subject was born in Tennessee and is also
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
still living. The elder Branstetter devoted his early life to general farming. but for the past fifteen years he has been employed in a grain elevator in Russiaville, and has built up a wide and lucrative trade, and is one of the substantial business men of that section of the county. To these parents four children were born : Mrs. Ella Lauchner, Mrs. Alice B. Haynes, James N., of this review, and Charles (deceased).
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on the home farm and received his education in the common schools. On February 22, 1899, he married Ethel J. Norris, who was born in Clinton county, Indiana, three miles east of Frankfort, in 1878. There she grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools of that district. She is a daughter of William and Sarah J. (Fudge) Norris, both parents being natives of Indiana. They devoted their activities to farming. The father is deceased, but the mother is still living.
Seven children have been born to our subject and wife, namely : Morris, Fay, Vern, Eldo, James, Ruth and Charles.
Mr. Barnstetter moved from Clinton to Carroll county, when a boy and there engaged in farming. Returning to Clinton county in 1898 he resumed farming here which he has followed with success ever since. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and well cultivated land, all tillable, but about eight acres which is in timber. He has a good home and good outbuildings. He raises a large number of live stock from year to year, handling Shorthorn and Hereford cows, Hampshire hogs and Shire horses.
Mr. Barnstetter is a Democrat, and religiously, he belongs to the Metho- dist Episcopal church. He is not a public man and yet his support may always be depended upon in furthering any movement of general interest to his locality.
HENRY H. LAUCHNER.
It is not often we find a person in what is usually designated as the East, who has come here from the scope of country known to the world as the West. There is perhaps no plausible explanation for this, but the fact is true, nevertheless. It may be because the former is the older and the latter the newer to civilization, and people are accustomed to think that there are better advantages in a new country than in an older one. This, how'- ever, is often erronious. So, each year finds thousands traveling by train west- ward over the same routes, many of them that were followed by the ad-
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
venturers and frontiersmen of a few generations ago, to the states west of the Father of Waters, but few indeed, comparatively come from the lands of the setting sun to Indiana or other eastern states. There was an ex- ception in the case of Henry HJ. Lauchner, citizen of Owen township, Clinton county.
Mr. Lauchner was born in the state of Missouri, December 17, 1873. He is a son of James and Jerusha (Pittsenberger) Lauchner. The father was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1833, and his death occurred in 1875, at the age of forty-two years. The mother of our subject was born in Indiana in September, 1835. She is still living, being now seventy-eight years of age. James Lauchner devoted his active life to farming. His family consisted of six children : Malinda (deceased), A. B., W. W., Lydia, Mary and Henry H., of this sketch.
Henry H. Lauchner grew up on the farm, and he worked hard when a boy. He received a common school education in the schools of Clinton and Carroll counties. He remained with his mother many years after the death of his father. On March 5. 1903, he was married to Addie B. Far- low, who was born on March 22, 1882, in Carroll county, Indiana, and there she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. She was a daughter of John M. and Hannah (James) Farlow, both of whom are still living in Carroll county.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lauchner : Cecil, Kenneth, . John, Eugene and Lois. All are living.
Mr. Lauchner spent his earlier years in Missouri, finally locating in Clinton county, with the rest of the family, remaining here until 1888 when he removed to Carroll county where he was married. Subsequently he came back to Clinton county and located in Owen township where he farmed for some time. For the past twelve years he has been engaged in the merchandise business, and at present he is cashier of the bank of Sedalia, the duties of which he has discharged in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of the stockholders and patrons. This bank was organized in 1900 with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars. It is a . private bank, and its president is Andrew S. Campbell, with W. O. Ball, vice president. The directors are A. S. Campbell, WV. O. Ball, William S. Miller, Markwood Slipher and J. E. Silverthorn. They own their own bank building and a large and successful business is carried on, the bank having a most excellent reputation.
Mr. Lauchner owns a good home in Sedalia. He is a member of the
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Masonic order, and politically, is a Democrat. He was elected trustee of Owen township in 1908 and is still holding office to the satisfaction of all concerned.
PHILIP M. SHEETS.
The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished, and, contrary to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, a particular interest attaches to the career of Philip M. Sheets, farmer and musician of Warren township, Clinton county. Besides being a worthy scion of one of our sterling pioneer families, he is a native of this locality, where his entire life has been spent, and he has so directed his abilities and efforts as to gain recognition as one of the repre- sentative citizens of the county. 1
Mr. Sheets was born here on December 17, 1867. He is a son of David and Nancy E. (Thompson) Sheets. The father was born August 29, 1829, in Augusta county, Virginia, and his death occurred in 1911 at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The mother of our subject was born in Ohio, and she too lived to an advanced age, dying in November, 1909. She was a well- educated woman and taught school for some time in her earlier years. David Sheets devoted his life to general farming and to carpentering. His family consisted of nine children, namely: John C., James H., Perry M., Zimri E., Mary M., Albert W., Elmer E., Philip M .; and Wilda M.
Philip M. Sheets grew to manhood on the home farm and he received a common school education. On March 13, 1890, he married Emma F. Crum, who was born in Putnam county, Indiana, March 13, 1871, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Kropff) Crum, both natives of Virginia. Mr. Crum, who died August 28, 1913, was a soldier in the Confederate army. His wife is deceased.
To our subject and wife eight children have been born, namely: Frank O., born October 13, 1890, a member of the Beard band, playing second cornet on which he is quite proficient; Larnie A., born August 9, 1892, also a member of the Beard hand, performing exceptionally well on the bass horn or tuba; Perry O., born August 18, 1894, plays the slide trombone in the Beard band, and equally gifted with his brothers; Alta E., born July 29, 1896; Tola R., born December 17: 1898; Virgil R., bron April 14, 1902; Boyce E., born December 7, 1905; Gail S., born January 26, 1907.
Mr. Sheets has already engaged in farming in Warren township. He
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PHILIP M. SHEETS AND FAMILY
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
owns a good farm of seventy-five acres, lacking a fraction, and has a well improved place in every respect, especially as to tiling. He has a substantial and attractive home which he built himself. He handles a good many head of live stock of various kinds from year to year, a mixed breed of cattle, Chester White hogs, and draft horses.
Mr. Sheets is by nature a gifted musician and he has found time to cultivate his taste in this direction, especially as to band music. He is presi- dent and manager of the Beard band, one of the best in Clinton county. Ira Skidmore is director of the same. The services of this band are very fre- quently required throughout the county at various gatherings. It was or- ganized in 1909. It is composed of sixteen picces. Mr. Sheets is bass drummer.
Our subject is a member of the Methodist Protestant church, and he is a Republican in politics.
WILLIAM G. THOMAS.
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In meeting with the citizens of Clinton county, the biographer is some- what surprised to find so many of her native sons who have, at some period of their life, engaged in school teaching. Such a condition is not found in every county, by any means. For some two decades most of the teaching in district and public schools in general has been left to women, men pre- ferring to engage in other fields of endeavor. The demand for men teachers is always great and when such a successful teacher as William G. Thomas, of Warren township, drops out of the ranks, after many years of successful and praiseworthy service, it is deeply regretted by the people of his locality.
Mr. Thomas, who is now successfully engaged in general farming, was born in Warren township, this county, August 2, 1885. He is a son of WVil- liam D. and Elizabeth J. (Sharp) Thomas. The father was born August 10, 1853, in Franklin county, Indiana, but is now making liis home in Frankfort. The mother of our subject was born in Wisconsin, January 31, 1853, and she, too, is still living. These parents have spent their active lives on the farm. The elder Thomas is a Democrat and was township trustee in 1890, serving five years. He and his wife had only one child besides our subject. Walter W., he being older than William G.
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