History of Franklin County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 107

Author: Reifel, August J
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1648

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Matthew Phelan was educated in the public schools of Liberty, Indiana. While still a youth he began to assist his father in buying stock and driving it to Cincinnati. He remained with his father until he was twenty-seven years of age, and then started in the same business at Oxford, Ohio. He bought and shipped stock there until 1897, when he came to Franklin county, and bought one hundred and sixty acres, where he is now residing. He later added fifty acres to his original purchase, so that he is now the owner of two hundred and ten acres. His farm is well improved and has excellent build- ings of all kinds. In addition to his general grain raising and stock raising, Mr. Phelan buys and ships stock to Cincinnati.

Mr. Phelan has never married. He is a member of the Catholic church, as are all the members of the family. Fraternally, he holds his membership in the Knights of Columbus. He is a Democrat in politics, and an ardent supporter of that party.

WILLIAM STEINARD.

As laborers, farmers, merchants, princes or statesmen, we must all fight the battles of life and credit is given to us in proportion to the success achieved in our individual efforts. To the American farmer belongs a full measure of praise because he is truly a king of the earth. One of these American kings is William Steinard, of Blooming Grove township.

William Steinard was born in Blooming Grove township, Franklin county, Indiana, April 8, 1865, the son of Jacob and Mary Steinard. Jacob and Mary Steinard are representatives of that great sturdy army of German immigrants who have done so much to develop our nation. Born and reared in Germany, they came to this country and were married at Cincinnati and

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almost immediately gave evidence of those sterling qualities which they be- queathed to their children. They lived seven years in Warren county, Ohio, and then locating on an eighty acre farm in Blooming Grove township, they fought a good fight, the father eventually dying at the home of their son, William Steinard. The mother still lives with her son. They were the par- ents of seven children, as follows: Mary, Jacob, Martha, John, Minnie, Will- iam and George. The grandparents of William Steinard on both sides spent all of their days in Germany.

William Steinard was educated in the public schools of Blooming Grove township, receiving a practical education which has always supplemented that stock of good common sense and straightforward intelligence which charac- terize him. He engaged in the pursuit of agriculture as a young man and has followed this occupation throughout his life with marked success. As a result of his life's work he can point today with pride to a magnificent farmi of two hundred and forty acres, fertile, well-fenced and drained.

Mr. Steinard was married in 1890 to Rosa Stant and to this union have been born three children, Charles, George and Wilky. His wife died in 1896.

Mr. Steinard is indeed an excellent example of one who has lived a good life. There is no greater satisfaction in life than to sit in the evening as the sun is sinking in the west and, surrounded by one's family, see on all sides the prosperous and contented evidences of his industries. Mr. Steinard is a member in good standing of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.

LEWIS O. TAYLOR.

The antecedents of a great many Franklin county citizens came from various places. Here we find descendants of the hardy New Englander who came to Indiana to settle; again, we find descendants of the colonists who settled in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and here also we find descendants of those who left the Carolinas and other south-Atlantic states and came to Indiana, and settled in Franklin county many years ago. Among the descendants of those who left the Carolinas and came to Franklin county is Lewis O. Taylor.

Lewis O. Taylor was born in Blooming Grove township, Franklin county, Indiana, March 10, 1849. His parents were Richard and Sarah (Morgan) Taylor, who were natives of South and North Carolina, respectively.

Richard Taylor, father of Lewis O. Taylor, came to this county with

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his mother and family in 1807, his father having died in South Carolina. Richard Taylor was thirteen years of age when the family arrived in this state. They located at Fairfield, where they purchased a farm on Templeton creek. This farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, partly cleared, with buildings on it. Young Taylor was a sturdy boy for his age and he soon began to clear the land of the heavy timber that still remained on it. After living on this farm for some time the mother died. Richard Taylor joined a local artillery company that was formed just prior to the war of 1812, for the purpose of enlistment in the service of the government. How- ever, this company was not called on for active service. Richard Taylor con- tinued to live on his farm until his death. He was of a very fine character, with all the native characteristics of the splendid settlers who came from the Carolinas to this county. He lived an industrious and useful life.

The paternal grandparents of Lewis O. Taylor were Robert and Agnes (Templeton) Taylor. Robert Taylor was born in South Carolina and his wife was a native of that state also. Robert Taylor was a man of military distinction. He fought in the British and Indian wars, and was a hero of many battles. It was the "irony of fate" that he should live through those perilous experiences to later be killed by a runaway team of horses. His widow later moved to Indiana with her family. The maternal grandparents of Lewis O. Taylor also came to Indiana; in all probability they came here with Robert Taylor's widow and family. They settled in Franklin county and engaged in farming.

Lewis O. Taylor was educated in Blooming Grove township schools of Franklin county. He worked on his father's farm during his early youth, taking such time from his studies as he could. In 1871 Lewis O. Taylor moved to the farm he now occupies, which lies just south of the old family homestead. After moving on this farm, which consists of forty acres, Mr. Taylor erected new buildings and improved the place generally.

On October 1, 1871, Lewis O. Taylor was married to Mary Douglass, of Blooming Grove township. To this union there have been born: Otis, born August 30, 1872 ; Lewis E., born January 1, 1875 : William R., Sallie E., Anna and Isabella. Of these, Otis follows farming and was married October 16, 1907, to Grace Steward. To them were born two children, Gladys Thelma and Gilbert Ray. Lewis E. married Mary Wright and to them was born one child, Ruth. William R. married Edna Williams and lives at New Salem, in Rush county, Indiana; Sallie E. lives just west of Laurel, in this county ; Anna died in infancy, and Isabella married Clyde Jarrell, of Con- nersville, and has one child, Adrian.

Lewis O. Taylor is active in the affairs of the community. He takes

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the keenest interest in all public undertakings and stands well with his fellow men. He has served as a member of the township advisory board for sev- eral terms. He has a splendid family and his wife is active in the social af- fairs of the community.

WINFIELD S. PETTIGREW.

Among the many families who may consider themselves among the "old families" of Franklin county, Indiana, is the Pettigrew family, who have been here many years and as merchants and farmers have become known to, most of the inhabitants of this county. William S. Pettigrew, the well-known farmer of Blooming Grove township, is of this family and has long been known as one of the foremost citizens of this community.

Winfield Scott Pettigrew was born in Franklin county, Indiana, in 1847. His parents were William and Emeline (Swift) Pettigrew. William Petti- grew, father of Winfield Scott Pettigrew, was a native of Bath township, Franklin county, Indiana, and his wife was a native of Maryland.

William Pettigrew, father of William Scott Pettigrew, was educated in the district schools of Franklin county, Indiana, where his parents had settled. When a young man he came to Blooming Grove, Franklin county, Indiana, where he lived the remainder of his life. Shortly after coming to Franklin county he engaged in farming, which he followed a number of years. He retired from active farming during the latter years of his life, and engaged in the general store business. He continued to retain his farm, and at different times 'acquired and sold other farms, including land in the state of Kansas. At his death he owned the farm now occupied by his son, which consists of sixty-three acres. He was an industrious and hard-work- ing man and during his lifetime here had established a wide and favorable acquaintance.

The maternal grandparents of William Scott Pettigrew were Richard and Emeline (Plumber) Swift, who were natives of Maryland. They came to this state in a one-horse cart, arriving here about 1824; at that time Eme- line, their daughter, was but four years of age. They located at the place where the village of Blooming Grove now stands in this county. They erected a house at this place. which for many years afterwards was known as the oldest house in town. Later a new house was erected and the original house was converted into a stable. Richard Swift engaged in farming and bought the farm that since has passed into the possession of and is now

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owned by C. C. Bolander. Mr. and Mrs. Swift continued to live on their farm for a number of years, and eventually made their home with their son- in-law, William Pettigrew, where they lived until their death.

Winfield Scott Pettigrew was educated in the district schools of Bloom- ing Grove township. He learned the rudiments of farming under the direc- tion of his father and has followed that occupation practically his entire life. He soon acquired a farm of his own, on which he is still living. He devotes his holding to general farming, in which he has been very successful. He takes much pride in his place and is an exponent of modern ideas and never hesitates to adopt the latest methods in agriculture. He erected the present substantial buildings on his place, which are splendidly equipped with a view to convenience. Mr. Pettigrew is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has always been active in that church. He is a man most likeable in his demeanor and his progenitors for many generations were held in the highest esteem in Franklin county. Mr. Pettigrew is a Republican.

JOHN A. CRAIG.

America in her makeup represents almost every nation in the world. She has drawn on the old world not only for her best but for many of her worst. Europe has sent hosts of her sons and daughters to help mold the destinies of the new world. The countries of Europe have furnished hardy sons and patient mothers, who have contributed to the production of our fine virile race of today. To none of these countries do we owe more than to Scotland, whose hardy and thrifty sons have contributed so much to the business and social life of this country. They are ranked high among the best elements in our national life, the Scotch strain in our population having given us much of the thrift and hardihood we enjoy as a nation today. One of those whose forefathers came to this country from Scotland is John Archibald Craig, of this county.

John A. Craig was born in Springfield township, this county, September 30, 1870, the son of James and Harriet (Gurr) Craig. James Craig, father of John A. Craig, was born near Kilmarnock, Scotland, May 19, 1820, the son of Archibald and Agnes (Gilchrist) Craig. His father was a powerful political factor in Scotland before coming to this country. James Craig was one of nine children, of whom the following grew to maturity: Jane, James, Nancy, William D. and Jeanette, of whom William lived to be nineteen years

JOHN A. CRAIG AND FAMILY.

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of age; Jeanette died at twenty-one years of age; Nancy married Ruben Gib- son. Jane and James, who were born in Scotland, came to this country with their parents, James at that time being about one year old. They settled near Charleston, South Carolina, where Archibald, the father, taught school. After living there for awhile the Craig family started for the west, James at that time being about eight years of age. They came overland in a three-horse wagon and finally reached the vicinity of Mt. Carmel, where they settled on a farm of one hundred acres. James at a very tender age assisted his father in clearing up the land and the father, not having the best of health, had to rely a great deal on his young son. James Craig had to work hard and the lesson of thrift was inculcated into him at a very early age. As his father divided his time somewhat between farming and preaching, the burden of managing the farm fell on James, who afterward bought it. On January 31. 1867, he was married to Harriet Gurr, who was a faithful companion, and be- ing an active member of the same church, joined with him in the trials and pleasures of life. By their united efforts they succeeded in adding sixty acres to the original one-hundred-acre farm. To them were born four children : Agnes, H., John A., Mary J. and James William. Of these, Agnes married William U. Brackney, of Springfield township, to whom were born five chil- dren, whom they named Ida M., Harriet M. and Clarence C., and two who , died in infancy, Carl and Curtis. Mary J. lives in Mt. Carmel with her mother. William married Iza G. Knowles June 11, 1907. They live on the old Craig homestead and to them has been born one child, Willard K. James Craig, the father, continued to live on the farm until his death, which occurred April- 3, 1906. He was survived by his wife, who is still living. Mr. Craig was drafted for service during the Civil War, but, owing to bad hearing, he was not allowed to serve. He was a stanch Presbyterian, to which church his forefathers had belonged, and was a man of great determination, inflexible in his opinions when once formed. He was highly respected and the com- munity suffered a distinct loss in his death.

Archibald Craig, grandfather of John A. Craig, was a native of Scotland, being born near Kilmarnock, the cradle of the Craig family. His father was a muslin weaver by occupation and Archibald entered the shop and assisted his father in this business for a number of years. As a young man, Archi- bald took a very active part in the political affairs of that day. He was a Re- former, and, being a speaker of some attainments, made speeches for his party. opposing the Whigs and Tories. Archibald was bitterly opposed by these two parties, who secured his arrest. While imprisoned, he decided to

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come to America as soon as he was free. When his enemies learned of this resolve they offered him his release if he would leave the country immediately. At this he became very indignant. He replied : "I will serve my time out and settle my business; then I am bound for America." His party, which stood for local reforms, later was vindicated and recognized and a monument was erected at Kilmarnock to the memory of the leaders of this party, on which Archibald's name was engraved, together with five or six others of his comrades in this movement.

After coming to this country and while in South Carolina, Archibald studied for the Presbyterian ministry. He came to Mt. Carmel, Indiana, where at that time there was but one log house. He was the first regular minister at Mt. Carmel for seven years. He bought one hundred acres from Captain Fossett. His health failing, he lived a retired life for a time. Re- gaining his health, he again took up the ministry, riding all over the county on horseback. He organized Harmony church in Bath township. One of the incidents of his coming to this part of the country, and one that he was fond of relating, was that the people of Mt. Carmel held a prayer meeting the same day that Rev. Archibald Craig started from South Carolina, praying that a preacher be sent them. He often used this incident as an instance of the power of prayer. He lived here until his death, and was buried on the spot where he used to preach from a wagon before the church was erected. He was a splendid type of a man, very devout and sincerely interested in his Godly calling. He was a man of good deeds, who in his native land had stood for the best things of the day, and in the land of his adoption he ap- plied these same principles fruitfully, the impression of his ardent ministry being stamped upon that community even unto this day. He was indeed a credit to himself and his native land, and his memory is one that long shall last in Franklin county, its influence going on and on with succeeding gen- erations of the descendants of those who came under his ministrations.

John A. Craig was educated in the common schools of this county, at- tending the district school in Springfield township and at Mt. Carmel. He remained on the farm helping his father until he was married, January I, 1896, to Mary L. Hollowell, the daughter of William and Jane (Kirk) Hollo- well, the former of whom died when Mrs. Craig was three years of age, and the latter of whom is still living, making her home with Mrs. Craig. To William and Jane (Kirk) Hollowell were born four children, of whom two, Clinton E. and Oliver F., are deceased, William C., the last born, living with his sister, Mrs. Craig.

John Craig bought the farm on which he lives, on January 26, 1898.

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This farm formerly was the property of J. L. Carson. Mr. Craig is very much interested in the breed of Polled Durham cattle and Shropshire sheep, in which he specializes, sending most of his stock to the Cincinnati market.

Mr. Craig, wife and daughter are members of the Presbyterian church, to whose works he devotes a great deal of attention. He has served as su- perintendent of the Sunday School and is an elder of the church. He has devoted a portion of his time of late to the adult department of the Sunday school, superintending this part of the work in the entire county. Mr. and Mrs. Craig have one child, born April 28, 1897, to whom they gave the name Ruth Marie. Mr. Craig always has lived up to the traditions of his family, and coming from such distinguished ancestry, it is but natural that his life has been one of great usefulness to himself and to those for whom he has labored.

JOHN CRAWFORD.

High lights and shadows are absent from the little sketch which follows. It is not the tale to interest the sensationalist nor those who would be thrilled by romantic adventures, but. however, it is the description of one of the families of the common people, the bone and sinew of our national life, and the broad-minded, intelligent people who shaped our destinies and held us to our true course. John Crawford, the subject of this review, proved himself a worthy representative of the Crawford family, and maintained its reputa- tion for patriotism and integrity.

John Crawford was born in Brookville township, Franklin county, In- diana, August II, 1841, on the farm where his widow now lives and died November 23, 1913. He was the only son of Alexander and Eliza (Case) Cole Crawford. His father was born in Scotland and his mother in New Jersey.

Alexander Crawford came to America a single man and bought eighty acres of the Laforge estate, then owned by the Laforge family. This is the farm where John's widow still lives. He came from Scotland at the age of ten years, accompanied by his elder brother, James. James went to Canada, where he maintained a retail store. Alexander located at Harrison, Ohio, when a boy and worked for fifty cents a week in a distillery. He worked here for a considerable length of time and then went to Brookville, where he bought eighty acres of land, although still single. By hard work and careful management the original farm of eighty acres increased as if by magic until

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it comprised six hundred acres in one tract in Brookville and Highland town- ships. Ten acres of this land were bought from the government at the price of one dollar per acre and the remainder was bought from individuals. When Mr. Crawford first moved on this land the only building was a log cabin and today the brick house and other buildings testify to his labors. Many ex- cellent improvements and much cleared land are direct products of his in- dividual work. Alexander Crawford lived on this farm until his death. Mr. Crawford was married in December, 1832, to Mrs. Eliza (Case) Cole and to this union were born four children, Jane, Margaret, Elizabeth and John. Mrs. Crawford was the daughter of Daniel and Sarah Ann Case, both of whom were born in England. They came to America and settled in Hunterton county, New Jersey, and it was here Mrs. Crawford was born. She had been previously married to James Cole, a worsted comber, of England, and with him she came to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died.

John Crawford received his education in the common schools of Brook- ville township, and while still a young man he decided to make farming his life's vocation. The farm in Brookville township on which he lived until his death, consisted of one hundred and fifty-seven acres. On November 16, 1875, he married Mary Ann Lemon. She was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, two miles below New Trenton, and was the daughter of Detrich and Eliza (McKeown) Lemon. Her paternal grandparents were Christian and Sophia Lemon, of Germany, who came to America in the early days after their marriage and located on a farm south of New Trenton, which they cleared and improved. Christian died on this farm and his wife later married again to Christian Post, and she lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and three years. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. John Craw- ford were James and Mary (Eckles) Mckeown, of Ireland, who also immi- grated to America after their marriage. They are also the grandparents of Mrs. Reister, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are the parents of seven children, Nettie Sophia, Alexander, Clement V., Blanche, Lydia Elizabeth, Robert Glenn and Edith Pearl. Nettie Sophia married George Doner and has one son, Lloyd Evan. Alexander, who farms part of the old homestead, married Florence Bossert, and has two children, Joseph Leonard and Bessie Marie. Clement V., a sawyer at Brookville, married Hattie Gobel and has two children, Kenneth and Margaret Orlene. Blanche became the wife of Richard Lacey, of Ham- ilton, and has three children, Olin, Howard and Harry. Lydia Elizabeth married George Liming, a farmer of Whitewater township, and has three children, Mary E., Hazel F. and John Nolin. Robert Glenn is still single and

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farms on the home place. Edith Pearl married Peter Fritz, a farmer of Blooming Grove township, and has one son, Clifford.

Mr. Crawford was always identified with the Democratic party, although he was never an aspirant for a public office. The family are all loyal mem- bers of the Presbyterian church.

JACOB J. WILHELM.

There is something which compels our admiration of the man who con- quers, and though apparently without hope, refuses to surrender, and fight- ing with the inevitable, eventually triumphs. That is the type of man who brings about all of the world's great victories and advances. Jacob J. Wil- helm is such a man.

Jacob J. Wilhelm was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, four and one- half miles south of where he now lives, February 3, 1859. He is the son of Jacob and Caroline (Fry) Wilhelm. His paternal grandfather was Karl Wilhelm. He located on Tennis creek, in Dearborn county, on a farm which he probably had to clear, as the country was new. He later moved near St. Joseph, in Dearborn county, where he died, lacking only three weeks of being one hundred years of age. The maternal grandparents of Jacob Wil- helm were natives of Switzerland and early settlers in Dearborn county. They donated three acres of ground, which were used for the church and the graveyard at that place. They also furnished the church bell. which they brought with them from Switzerland and which Mr. Wilhelm owned until it was lost in the great flood, of 1913.

Jacob Wilhelm, the father of Jacob J., was born in Lorraine, France, and came to America with his parents in 1829. He was a farmer through- out his life time. He located on a farm in Dearborn county about one and one-half miles south of New Elsworth. In 1831 he was given the oppor- tunity of buying forty acres of land for the equivalent of one year of labor. It was land where Finley Market is now located in Cincinnati. However, he refused to accept the offer, thinking the land not worth that year of labor. He helped to build the canal which went through Brookville, receiving the small wage of thirty-seven and one-half cents per day. One of the industries in which he was engaged was the raising of sheep. The wool which he got from these sheep was carded, spun and woven into cloth which was sold in Cincinnati. As a young man he made a practice of spending his winters in

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History of Franklin County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions, Part 107

Author: Reifel, August J Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 1648

Author: Reifel, August J
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1648