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 49
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JAMES MOORE.
Another of the sterling Pennsylvanians who have come to Clinton county and made good in agricultural affairs and proven themselves to be worthy citizens in every respect is James Moore, of Rossville, owner of extensive farming interests in this vicinity. But Mr. Moore is a man who doubtless would have succeeded at his chosen vocation in any arena of action, for he has always been noted for his close application, the exercise of sound judg- ment and wise foresight.
Mr. Moore was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in February, 1856, on a farm. He is a son of Hamilton Moore, of English ancestry. In 1857. when our subject was an infant, his family came to Clinton county and settled two miles south of Rossville, where the father rented a farm for some time, later purchasing land on which he spent the rest of his life, dying at the age of sixty-six years. Politically, he was a Democrat, and religiously, a member
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of the Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder His wife died at the age of eighty-four years. She was known in her maidenhood as Sarah Breinige, and was born in Pennsylvania, where she grew to womanhood. To Hamilton Moore and wife eight children were born : C. H. ( deceased ), John, living in Colorado: Mrs. Sarah W. Sharp (deceased ) ; Thomas J .. living in Colorado: Samuel, living in Ross township; James, of this review; Mrs. Ella Shigley, living in Lafayette, Indiana ; and Mrs. Anna Clark, living in Atlanta, Georgia.
James Moore was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools. On December 25, 188.1. he married Clara V. Silverthorn. who was born in Clinton county, and here grew to womanhood and was edu- cated. She is a daughter of William Silverthorn, for many years a prominent citizen here. now deceased. Ile came to Clinton county in 1852. He was born in Huntington county, Pennsylvania, in October. 1823. He was a son of Robert Sileverthorn, a native of England, in which country William was reared and where he married Margaret Van Sweringen, a Hollander, and a daughter of Evan Van Sweringen. William Silverthorn first settled in Michi- gan township, later moving to Ross township, where he became a leading citizen and accumulated about seven hundred acres of valuable land. He was also president of the Rossville Bank. He carried on general farming and stock raising on a very extensive scale and was one of the financially strong men of this part of the county. His family consisted of three children, namely: James E., cashier of the Rossville Bank: Clara V., the wife of James Moore, of this sketch; and Margaret E. The death of the father occurred at the advanced age of eighty-one years. Politically, he was a Re- publican, and religiously, a member of the United Presbyterian church. His wife, who was born in 1821. died at the age of sixty-seven years.
Mr. Moore has devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits, paying much attention to stock raising. He and his wife own over three hundred acres of valuable land, which is well improved and under a high state of cul- tivation. They have an attractive and neatly furnished residence of nine rooms. All the buildings on the place are well kept and everything denotes good management and thrift.
During the Spanish-American war Mr. Moore enlisted as a soldier in Company C. One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, under Captain Allen, and was honorably discharged the fourth of the follow- ing November, at Indianapolis, having made an excellent record.
To Mr. and Mrs. Moore one child, a son, Harold C., was born. August 1, 1894.
CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
DAVID E. PRICE.
"There is no place like home" wrote John Howard Payne long ago and all will agree that that simple line embodies a mighty and tender truth. There is an atmosphere, so to speak, about the old home that is lacking elsewhere, and although we may be awed by the grandeur of some stately palace, yet there is something which fails to appeal to us like the old dwelling, no matter how humble, where we first opened our eyes to the world of life and light. and about which we played away the happy hours of innocent childhood Among the few men of Clinton county, who have been privileged to spend their lives at the place of theu nativity is David F. Price, owner of Sugar Grove Farm, in Perry township, one of the attractive rural homes of the county. Here his birth occurred on February 17, 1868. Ile is a son of Jacob Price who was born in Preble county, O., from which place he came to Indiana when a boy and here grew up. After his marriage he purchased a farm where he spent the rest of his days, becoming one of the leading farmers of that day in Clinton county. He received his education in an old log cabin school house, equipped with puncheon floor and seats, with an open fire place in one end and with greased paper for window panes. When a young man he mar- ried Sarah Gheer, daughter of David Gheer and wife, early settlers in this locality. Seven children were born to Jacob and Sarah Price, four sons and three daughters: Mrs. Martha Jutz, Mrs. Sarah M. Bowman, Mrs. Susan Calwell, U. S., David E. (subject). George and Edgar. The father of these children lived to be seventy-two years of age. Politically he was a Prohi- bitionist, and in religious matters, a member of the Christian church and for some time was a trustee of the church. The mother of our subject is still living, being now seventy-five years of age.
David E. Price grew up on the home place and did his share of the work there during the crop seasons, and in the winter time attended the public schools. When a young man he married Amy Moore, who was born in Jack- son township, this county, and there was reared and educated. She is a daughter of Thomas and Martha Moore.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife: Lawrence D .. now twenty-one years of age ; and Russell C., nineteen years old. They have both been given good educational advantages.
Mr. Price is owner of a productive farm of one hundred and five acres where he is carrying on general farming and stock raising on well established
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lines. He has a my nine-roomed house, well furnished, and pleasantly situated in the midst of maple shade trees. He has a good barn and an eighty- ton silo. He always keeps a good grade of live stock. He has been interested in threshing for the past sixteen years and has run a machine successfully every season during that period, being one of the best known threshing ma- chine men in this locality.
Politically, Mr. Price is a Republican, and he is a member of the Presby- terian church and has been superintendent of the local Sunday school for the past three years, during which he has aroused much interest in the same. He is regarded as one of the men on whom the community can rely in promoting any movement for the general good
ALFRED J. BEIL.
Of the many sterling citizens sent by the grand old Keystone state to assist in the developing of Clinton county from the virgin soil into one of the leading sections of the Hoosier state, Alfred J. Beil is worthy of especial mention. He is one of the good farmers of Owen township. True, he did not come as early as some and therefore did not figure in the early-day heroic work of our pioneers, but he has been doing work just as necessary, in keep- ing the wheels of civilization, as far as he has been able. moving ever onward, and, with others of his type, taking a pride in completing the great work the pioneers began.
Mr. Beil was born October 19. 1851, in Pennsylvania. He is a son of William and Eva (Fenstemaker) Beil, both of thrifty German lineage; both natives of Pennsylvania and both now deceased. They grew up in their native state, received such educational advantages as the pioneer schools had to offer and there were married and spent their carlier married life, removing to Clinton county in the year 1864, when our subject was thirteen years old. to establish a home for their family. They spent their active lives engaged in agricultural pursuits, and to them seven children were born, four of whom are still living : Alfred T .. of this sketch : William L., John P. and Louis.
Alfred J. Beil grew to manhood on the farm, and received his schooling in his native district in Pennsylvania and in Clinton county. On September 28, 1876, he married Rebecca Chittick, who was born September 8, 1855. in Warren township, Clinton county, a daughter of Archie and Hannah (Comp-
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ton) Chittick. She grew to womanhood in her native community and there received her education in the public schools. To our subject and wife six children were born : William .A., Fred, Lula, James, Lester and Susan. Toren, the youngest child at the death of his mother, which occurred February 2. 1892, was adopted by Arthur McCon Chittick. On the 18th day of October, 1906, Alfred Beil was married to Mrs. Frances Caroline Shaffer Miller, who was the daughter of Henry and Anna Shaffer.
Mr. Beil began farming for himself carly in life and has always followed this vocation in Owen township, this county, where he owns a valuable and well-kept place of one hundred and sixty acres, all tillable but fifteen acres. which is in timber. He has a good home and sufficient outbuildings to meet his necds. He carries on general farming and raises considerable live stock of various kinds.
Politically, he is a Republican, but has never been an aspirant for the honors and emoluments of public office. In religious matters, he is a member of the Lutheran church, in which faith he was rearcd.
ORAN P. HEAVILON.
The township of Warren, in the county of Clinton, has long been noted for its fine farms and excellent class of citizens, and a promient representative of the latter is found in the person of Oran P. Heavilon, who has been con- tent to spend his life in his native county, for he has been a beleiver in its productiveness, its fortunate location and in its superiority to most counties in the middle West.
Mr. Heavilon was born September 25, 1854, in Washington township. Clinton county. He is a son of Taylor and Sally (Potter ) Heavilon. The faher was born in Butler county, Ohio, where he spent his early years, and received his education in the district schools. While yet a young man he removed to Clinton county, where he was married and established the future home of the family. He was a carpenter by trade, which he followed suc- cessfully, also engaged in farming. His death occurred on December 25. 1872. His family was large, consisting of twelve children, six of whom are still living : Lydia, Joseph, Charlotte, Abe, Frank and Oran P., of this sketch.
Oran P. Heavilon grew to manhood on the home place in Washington township, and received his education in the rural schools there. On October
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19, 1882, he married Ida Koontz, who was born in Clinton county March 25, 1863. She was a daughter of George and Catherine (McNett) Koontz. The father was born in Maryland and the mother was a native of Ohio. They are both now deceased. Mrs. Heavilon grew to womanhood in her native com- munity and received a common schol education. She was called to eternal rest on September 12, 1911. She was a devout member of the United Breth- ren church in Washington township, but after removing to Warren township she united with the Presbyterian church, and was active in the support of the same and in its work up to her death. She was a kind neighbor, mother and wife, beloved by her many friends for hier numerous splendid characteristics.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heavilon: Raymond. April 30, 1884. died in October of that year; Mabel, June 25, 1886; Frank, June 20, 1894.
Mr. Heavilon has always engaged in farming, first in Washington town- ship, from which he removed to his present home in Warren township in 1905. Here he owns one hundred and twenty acres of excellent land, all tillable but five acres, his place being known as Sugar Grove Farm. He has a good set of buildings, fencing and tiling. There is a beautiful grove in front of his home. He carries on general farming and raises Jersey cows, Duroc hogs and general purpose horses.
Politically, Mr. Heavilon is a Republican, but while an intelligent advo- cate of all kinds of public improvements, he is not a public man in any sense of the word, remaining at home with his family and looking after his farm.
THORNTON GRIFFITH.
Among the many heroic and memorable pioneer settlers of Clinton coun- ty was Thornton Griffith, who came west from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and for a time lived in Crawfordsville. About 1833 or '34 he bought of the government one hundred and sixty acres of land four and one-half miles northeast of Frankfort on Wildcat creek. He was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, August 9. 1799, and was descended from English and Welsh stock. Griffith is a very ancient Welsh name and was originally spelled Gryffyth.
Three Griffith brothers came to America along in 1600 and landed at (54)
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Philadelphia and settled on the Brandywine river, and their descendants became prominent in Colonial history. Thornton Griffith's grandfather, jos- eph Griffith, was a soldier in the war for independence and was the first Revolutionary soldis buried with military honors in Indianapolis. This was in 1823. The subject of this sketch prepared a typical log cabin 12x12 on the bank of Wildcat creek, "chinked" with ind and straw between the logs, with chimney built of same material. ITe was married to Miss Mary A. Hall, of near Crawfordsville, February 4, 1836, and in the carly spring time came to their rustice home, in the virgin forest. The change was quite trying to my mother, who was but a few years from South Carolina, where her social environment had been extensive and pleasant. The hoot owl anl wild cats were nocturnal visitors. On the land was a tree felled by the Indians. with a slab split off and a cavity dug out in which had been placed the body of a papoose for burial.
Other pioneers came, and they had for neighbors, Deacon Downs, the Hollidays, Michaels, Deuths, Arnolds, Magills, Gaskils, Pences, Prices and Kellys .. Samuel Sheets had a lease on the place. Father taught one of the first, if not the first, school in the neighborhood, in a log cabin with greased paper for window light, split timber for floor and seats of same kind, with the big old-fashioned fire place and mud and stick chimney. He sent to Chester county, Pennsylvania, for the first bushel of Mediterranean wheat brought to this part of the state. It came by the way of Buffalo and Toledo to Lafayette by the Wabash and Erie canal, where he got it, after a long waiting. It soon became the popular wheat of the county. Father was a very fluent and ready speaker and much above the average of men of his time in general intelligence and was nominated by the Whig party for representative (the year I do not know ) from Clinton and Montgomery counties, and after mak- ing a canvass and it was apparent that he would be elected, the Democrats fabricated a falsehood against him and he was defeated. The counties were largely Democratic. He never afterward would take active part in politics.
When Gen. William Il nry Harrison came to Crawfordsville in 1834 my father was chosen by a committee of citizens to make the welcome ad- dress. He was philosophic in his mentality, deeply religious, and a student and seeker after knowledge. He was a member of the Friends church and late in life often preached. In 1850 he sold his farm to George Price for $1.500 and moved to Crawfordsville. After a few years he bought a farm near Garfield, remained there a few years, then retired to Darlington, where he passed to spirit life June 23, 1869
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My very good Christian inother, through all the trying service of pioneer development, was a devoted helpmate and counselor and survived father ser cral year-, passing to spirit life from my home in Darlington November 3. 1886. Side by side their dust repose in the Odd Fellows lovely cemetery at Darlington. This brief tribute to the memory of my most excellent parents is contributed by their first and only son, Dr. Thomas J. Griffith. born in Clinton county. April 2, 1837.
WILLIAM S. MILLER.
It is a pleasure to anyone, whether farmer or not, to look over a well kept and well tilled place like that of William S. Miller, of Owen township, for Mr. Miller's place is by nature fortunately situated and he has spared no pains in placing it in first-class condition in every way, he being an indefati- gable and careful worker, believing in doing as well as possible whatever he attempts. No slipshod methods for him. May a younger farmer could take valuable lessons from a study of his methods of husbandry.
Mr. Miller was born November 4, 1868, in Washington township. Clin- ton county. He is a son of Christian and Jane (Troxell) Miller. The father was born March 15, 1840, in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, from whence so many of our best citizens came. There he grew to manhood and was edu- cated, remaining in the Keystone state until 1860, when, twenty years okl. he left his native state and came to Clinton county, and here he still resides. He has devoted his life to general farming. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born March 21, 1843, also in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She, too, is still living. Eight children have been born to these parents: Oscar, Charles (deceased). William S., of this sketch; Joseph, Sarah, Anna and Minnie, twins, both de- ceased, as is also the youngest born, Adeline.
William S. Miller grew up on the home farm and received a common school education. He has been twice married, first, in 1894. to Leona Young. who was born March 9. 1873. in Clinton county, and was a daughter of Robert and Anniline (Taylor) Young. Mrs. Miller died April 19, 1001. leaving three children : Chalmer, born May 9, 1895: Alma, born April 19. 1897: and Arthur, born September 2, 1899. On July 9, 1905. Mr. Miller married Dora Good, who was born January 9, 1872, in Clinton county. She
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is a daughter of l'haon and Sophia (Biery) Good. The mother is deceased, but the father is living. Mrs. Miller grew to womanhood in her native com- munity and received a public school education. Of this second union four children have been born: Clara, January 16, 1906: Sarah, June 19, 1909: Emmitt, July 15, 1913, and Eunice, who died in infancy.
Mr. Miller has always engaged in farming, and he is now owner of one hundred and five acres, all tillable but fifteen acres, which is in timber. On his place are to be seen convenient buildings, and a dwelling house of his own construction. He makes a specialty of raising cattle, hogs and general purpose horses, and is successful as a general farmer and stock raiser.
Politically, Mr. Miller is a Democrat, but is not especially active in public affairs. In religious matters he belongs to the Presbyterian church.
DANIEL I. NEHER.
Self-assertion is believed by many people to be absolutely necessary to success in life, and there are good reasons for the entertainment of such belief. The modest man very rarely gets what is due him. The selfish, aggressive man elbows his way to the front, takes all that is in sight,-indeed it some- times seems that modesty is a sin. There are, however, exceptions to all rules and it is a matter greatly to be regretted that the exceptions to the conditions referred to are not more numerous. One notable exception is the case of Daniel I. Neher, one of the substantial and widely known business men of Frankfort, Clinton county, who seems to possess a sufficient amount of mod- esty to be a gentleman at all times and yet sufficient persistency to win a defi- nite degree of success in the business world and at the same time not appear over bold. As a result of these well and happily blended qualities, Mr. Neher has won a wide circle of friends throughout the locality of which this history deals, and is well known to all classes as a man of influence, integrity and rare business ability.
Mr. Neher was born February 20, 1860, in Ross township, this county. He is a son of Joseph and Susanna (Cripe) Neher. The father was born December 23, 1823, in Virginia, where he spent his boyhood, removing from the Old Dominion in young manhood to Clinton county, Indiana. Here he got a good foothold through his industry and perseverance, developing a good farm, and here he was married and spent the rest of his life, his death occur-
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ring in Deemeber, 1876. He was twice married, first to Hannah Artion, by whom three children were born-George and John, both living; and Joseph, deceased. His second wife, Susanna Cripe, was a native of Ohio, and her death occurred at the homestead in Clinton county in 1900. Three children were also born of this union-Daniel I., subject of this sketch ; and Stephen and Salome, both deceased.
Daniel J. Neher grew to manhood in Ross township on the home farm, doing his full share of the general work about the place during crop seasons, and in the winter time attending the rural schools in his district, but most of his education was obtained by actual contact with the business world and by wide home reading.
Mr. Neher has been twice married, first, to Wilmina Cripe, on Janrury 1. 1880. Her death occurred in the spring of 1882, leaving one child, Clyde. now deceased. Mr. Neher's second union was with Sarah Saylors, whom he espoused on December 31, 1882. She was born in Carroll county June 16. 1862. She is a daughter of Sanford and Sarah (Bates) Saylors, a highly respected old family of Carroll county. Mrs. Neher received a good common school education.
Eight children have been born to our subject and his last wife . Alice (deceased), and Inez, Ada, Stella, Hettie, Susan, Elda R. and Lloyd D., all living.
Mr. Neher began life for himself on a farm in Ross township, working by the day. Twenty-five years ago he went into the saw-mill business, deal- ing in hardwood lumber, making his start in the Frank Hamilton woods in his native township. He went in debt for a ten horse-power saw mill, then bought twenty oak trees, for which he paid sixty dollars, buying the same on credit. He began at once making a little money and, managing well and working hard was well established in his chosen line of endeavor in due course of time. He moved his mill to Cambria, Owen township, where he grad- ually built up a good business, and went to and from his work from his home in Ross township until the year 1894. when he moved with his family near his mill. In 1899 he purchased a business in Frankfort at Go8 West Jefferson street, where he installed a modern saw mill, one of the best and most up-to- date plants of its kind in northern Indiana, and here he still carries on the manufacture of hardwood lumber on a large scale, and finding a ready market over a wide territory for all his products. He has become one of the best known saw mill and lumber men in this section of the middle West. He not only owns his splendidly equipped mill but also the ground on which it stands.
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having a very favorable location on the Vandalia railroad, thus being able to easily reach outside points with his products promptly. He has his own steam power, and manufacturers hardwood lumber only. His average is ten thousand feet per day. Several years ago he purchased a saw mill in Ross- ville, Indiana, and removed the same to Noblesville, where he still operates it. doing a large and growing business in his modern and well equipped plant.
At this writing Mr. Ncher makes his home in Cambria, where he owns a farm of sixty-seven and one-half acres, nearly all tillable and well tiled. He has a modern and attractive country home, and a garage and other convenient outbuildings. He also owns thirteen acres in Ross township, and a fine faim of one hundred and forty-five acres in Boone county. Indiana, one mile south of Mechanicsburg. It is very productive and well improved, and on it stands a commodious dwelling and one of the most up-to-date barns between Frank- fort and Lebanon, the place being known as the North Lebanon Farm. Mr. Neher also owns one-fourth interest in twelve hundred and seventy-six acres of valuable land in Mississippi. It is fine timber land and well located in the Mississippi River valley.
Politically. Mr. Neher is a Republican, and while an intelligent voter and well informed on current issues, he has neither the time or inclination to be a public man, leaving the political offices to others. Religiously, he is a member and liberal supporter of the German Baptist Brethren church.
He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished unaided and often in the face of obstacles that would have discouraged men of less sterling qualities. Personally, he is a plain, straight forward. courteous and obliging gentleman, whose word is regard as good as his bond, and he enjoys the good will and esteem of a very wide acquaintance.
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