USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana : her people, industries and institutions > Part 97
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. James A. Westfall was born in Harrison county, Indiana, about ten miles west of Corydon, on December 1, 1838, the son of Stephen and Mar- garet (Clinger) Westfall. The latter, who was a daughter of William Ken- dle, of Butler county, Kentucky, was born between Knoxville and Nashville, east Tennessee, and her first husband was John Clinger. Stephen Westfall was reared in Kentucky and was there married, and became one of the pioneer settlers of Harrison county, Indiana, his first home being a small timber claim where he erected a log cabin, which was later succeeded by a more comfort- able residence. Here he cleared and improved the farm, which he developed into one of the best of the locality, and lived there the remainder of his life. his death occurring on October 26, 1875, at the age of eighty years, seven months and twelve days. His wife died on October 27, 1888, aged ninety-two years, seven months and twenty-one days. The father had followed farming all his life; had become well-known throughout his section of the state and was highly respected by all who knew him. He and his wife were members of the United Brethren church. He was a Whig in politics in early life and later identified himself with the Republican party.
Stephen Westfall was married to Mrs. Margaret (Kendle) Clinger and to this union, in addition to James A., with whom this sketch deals. were born the following children : Lenora, the wife of Peter Hottle, who died De-
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cember 10, 1848, at the age of twenty; William H., who died on May 25, 1863, at the age of forty years, one month and twenty-eight days, married Sarah Lowden; Matilda, who was the wife of Peter Hottle, died November 24, 1910; Nancy, who was the wife of Frederick Martin, died on September 4, 1913, at the age of seventy-nine years, nine months and twenty-one days; Hiram L., who married Mary Tichenor, and died on July 21, 1866, at the age of thirty-six years, seven months and twenty-one days; Sophia, the wife of John Brown, died February 15, 1871, aged forty-four years, three months and one day ; Julia, the wife of a Mr. Daniels, died on February 9, 1870, aged forty-four years, three months and seventeen days. By her first marriage, Mrs. Westfall had three children : Elizabeth, who died March 17, 1841, aged two years; Mary, who was the wife of John Brown, and died January 18, 1844, at the age of twenty-nine years, and Margaret, the wife of Joseph Cole, who died July 18, 1854, at the age of thirty-eight. Stephen Westfall, the father of James A., died October 26, 1875, at the age of eighty years, seven months and twelve days.
James A. Westfall, the immediate subject of this sketch, is the only one of his family now living. He attended the old log school in Harrison county in his youth, his educational opportunities having been limited. He lived on the home farm until 1865, when he was married, when he came to Patoka township and engaged in farming, renting land for several years. In 1875 he bought his present farm in Patoka township, known as the old Ayres place, which is comprised of ninety-seven and one-half acres of splendid land, which he has improved and maintains in a fine state of cultivation. He has made many valuable and permanent improvements on the place, and here carries on a diversified system of agriculture, raising all the crops common to this locality. He also gives some attention to live stock, raising shorthorn and Holstein cattle, Duroc Jersey Red and Poland China hogs, and a good grade of horses. He exercises the closest personal supervision over every de- tail of his farm work, and the attractive and comfortable residence, cominodi- ous and well-arranged barns, good outbuildings and the general condition of the fields indicate him to be a man of excellent taste and sound judgment.
On October 26, 1865, Mr. Westfall was married to Eliza E. Cole, of Crawford county, Indiana, a daughter of David and Mary Cole, who were natives of Harrison county, Indiana, and were farming folks, and lived in that locality throughout their entire lives. In early days Mr. Cole had been a flatboat man on the Ohio river, having transported much Indiana produce to New Orleans and other southern river ports. To Mr. and Mrs. Westfall
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have been born four children: Nettie J., at home; Orus M., a farmer in Patoka township, who married Oma Gambriel, and they have three children, Grace, Roy and Ralph; Lowell R., a farmer in Patoka township, married Miss McCarthy, and they have two children, Harvey and George; Irene is at home with her parents.
Politically, the Republican party has always claimed Mr. Westfall's sup- port, while religiously, he and his family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, to which they give earnest support. Personally, Mr. Westfall is friendly and wins and retains friends without effort, for he is at all times a gentleman, obliging, unassuming and honest in his dealings with his fellow men. His life has been one of unceasing industry and persever- ance, and the systematic and honest methods which he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence and regard of all who have formed his ac- quaintance.
AARON TRIPPET.
Agriculture has been the true source of man's dominion on earth ever since the primal existence of labor and has been the pivotal industry that has controlled, for the most part, all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. Among this sturdy element of Gibson county whose labors have profited alike themselves and the community in which they live is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, and in view of the consistent life lived by the subject, all of which has been passed within the borders of this county, it is particularly fitting that the following short record of his career be incorporated in a book of this nature.
Aaron Trippet, an enterprising citizen, highly successful farmer and vice-president of The Citizens' State Bank, Hazleton, Indiana, was born in Gibson county, January 3. 1845. the son of Alexander and Nancy ( King) Trippet. Both were natives of this county, the father coming from one of the oldest families here. All his life he was engaged in general farming and died in 1866. Alexander Trippet and wife were the parents of nine children. of whom the immediate subject of this sketch was the third child in order of birth.
When a youth, Aaron Trippet received such education as it was possible to obtain in the early schools of the county, but was somewhat handicapped in his attendance -owing to his services being needed on the home farm. He
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remained under the parental roof until reaching his twenty-second year, when he was united in marriage with Susan Robb, daughter of David and Delila (Decker) Robb, both natives of Gibson county. To this union have been born eleven children, four of whom still remain with the parents, namely : Aaron, Florence, May and Eunice. Iva lives in Hazleton, as does also Dora, wife of William F. Cassidy. David is engaged in the lumber business at Memphis, Tennessee, and Sanford resides in Princeton, where he is engaged in the practice of law. Lillie is the wife of Alonzo E. Morrison, a farmer of Gibson county, and Stella, who married Wallace Harris, resides in Patoka. Mr. Trippet has been desirous that all his children receive a good education and thus they have been well fitted to cope with the problems of life.
At the time of his marriage, Mr. Trippet was the owner of seventy acres of fine land in White River township. Gibson county, where he carried on general farming, and so well did he do this, showing such unusual ability, that he was able to add to his holdings from time to time until he now stands possessed of over eight hundred acres of excellent land. He still carries on general farming. giving especial attention. perhaps, to the raising of fine strains of live stock. In addition to his duties as an agriculturist, he some time ago became identified with the affairs of The Citizen's State Bank of Hazleton, and fills the office of its vice-presidency. Early in life, Mr. Trip- pet became an ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and has ever been active in its support.
Mr. Trippet is a man of forceful temperament, possessing untiring energy and fine discrimination. It is needless to add that he is highly re- spected by all who know him throughout the locality where he lives. In all the relations of life he has been found faithful to every trust, and because of his sterling worth, uncompromising integrity, courteous manner and kindly disposition, he has won and retains the warm regard of all with whom he associates, the latter including the very best people of the county.
JAMES W. BRUNER.
That life is the most useful and desirable that results in the greatest good to the greatest number, and though all do not reach the heights to which they aspire, yet in some measure each can win success and make life a blessing to his fellow men; and it is not necessary for one to occupy eminent public position to do so, for in the humbler walks of life there remains
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mnuch good to be accomplished and many opportunities for one to exercise talents and influence which in some way will touch the lives of those with whom we come in contact, making thein brighter and better. In the list of Gibson county's successful citizens the subject of this review has long oc- cupied a prominent place. In his career there is much that is commendable and his life forcibly illustrates what a life of energy can accomplish when plans are rightly laid and actions governed by right principles, noble ains and high ideals.
James WV. Bruner is well known throughout Gibson county, where he was born on October 7, 1862, and where his entire life has been passed. Ile is the son of John C. and Sarah ( Melton) Bruner, both of whom were na- tives of this county. The father's family were among the pioneers of the county and he himself passed his life within its borders engaged in agri- cultural work. James W. Bruner was the sixth child in a family of nine children and when young attended the school known to some of the older citizens of the county as the Deckard school. This was the only school he ever attended and his opportunities for an education were rather limited, for at the age of twelve, his father died, leaving the mother with heavy responsi- bilities. From that time, James W. assisted his older brothers in the operation of the home farm and while still quite a young man, the death of his ekdler brother William made it necessary for him to take charge. He assumed the duty which thus fell upon him and for a number of years continued to oper- ate his mother's farm. Mr. Bruner is now residing on his one hundred and eighty-four acre farm in White River township, Gibson county, where he carries on general farming and stock raising and the general air of prosperity all about the place bespeaks the untiring energy and up-to-date methods em- ployed by the owner. Mr. Bruner has business interests aside from the opera- tion of his farm, being one of the principal stockholders in the Patoka Na- tional Bank, where he also fills a place on the board of directors. Mr. Bruner's business methods have ever been such as to win the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact and he is well worthy the prominence he has gained through his own endeavor.
Mr. Bruner has been twice married, his first wife being Susan G. Crow- der, with whom he was united in marriage January 15, 1896. To their union were born four children, namely : Alta R., Edith M., Ralph J. and John W., all of whom reside at home. The present Mrs. Bruner was Carrie Denton, to whom Mr. Bruner was married April 2, 1907. She is a daughter of S. D. and Matilda . Denton, both natives of the Hoosier state, and to Mr. Bruner by his second wife have been born two children, Lois D. and Robert.
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Politically, Mr. Bruner gives his loyal support to the Democratic party, in whose affairs he has always taken a keen interest, while his church mem- bership is with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, to whose support he is a generous contributor. His fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored or- der of Free and Accepted Masons, being a member of Columbia blue lodge, No. 450. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Bruner is a member of that sterling class who, by the high tone of their lives, raise the standard of right living, a man to whom the ambitious younger generation can look as an example of what determination and right principles can accomplish in the face of obstacles. In every avenue of life's activities he has been true to every trust and is justly popular in his home community, always being in the forefront of the rank desiring all that is good and proper for those with whom he comes in contact. His years of service in the one location have endeared him to many friends both far and near.
STORY OF PROVIDENCE SPRING, ANDERSONVILLE PRISON.
One of the most remarkable incidents of Divine interposition in behalf of suffering humanity, since the days of Moses, was the occurrence in Ander- sonville prison during the Civil war, when a stroke of lightning brought forth a spring of cool refreshing water for the relief of the thousands of famished prisoners confined in that place. Their only supply of water had been such as was afforded by a murky stream of surface drainage that ran through the stockade, infected with germs of disease and death. In answer to the cry of the children of Israel, the Lord directed Moses to strike the rock and the water gushed forth; just as surely, it must be conceded, in answer to the cry of the suffering patriots in Andersonville, did an unseen hand by lightning stroke cause a never-failing spring of water to gush forth from the dry ground. In reverent acknowledgment of the source from which this favor came the prisoners gave it the name of "Providence Spring," and this spring has continued from that time and is known by that name to this day.
While Providence Spring has a national history, it may have appropri- ate mention in a history of Gibson county, from the fact that some of Gib- son county's soldiers suffered and died in Andersonville and had personal knowledge of this miraculous event. Among those who had this personal knowledge, and is probably the only one now living to relate it, is Albert Mills. He was among the first to visit the scene of the lightning stroke and
ALBERT MILLS TAKING A DRINK FROM PROVIDENCE SPRING, ANDERSONVILLE PRISON, 1885.
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take a drink of water. He visited the place January 8, 1885, twenty-one years after, and took a drink from the same spring. A photograph was taken at this time showing him taking a drink and showing the spring as it now appears. A reproduction of this picture, which Mr. Mills prizes very highly, appears in another place in this work.
In relating his experience and observation of this event at the time of its occurrence, Mr. Mills says :
"In the afternoon of July 18. 1864, a day of unusual and oppressive heat in the Andersonville prison pen, there occurred one of the most terrific thunder storms that I ever heard or witnessed. One sharp flash of lightning after another played among the tall pines surrounding the stockade and over the camp of awe-stricken prisoners. About two o'clock there appeared to be a temporary lull in the storm and I stepped from under the shelter of our weather-worn blanket and took an observation of the effects of the storm. I was looking in the direction of the north hillside when a blinding flash of lightning like a ball of fire came direct to the earth with a deafening crash. I was certain that this thunderbolt had struck the earth inside of the stockade, and the place seemed to be near where a friend and comrade, Frank De- Lashmet, a Princeton boy, of the Fourteenth Indiana, had his tent. Ap- prehensive of the safety of Frank, and other comrades near, I went at once to investigate. I found that he and others had suffered a severe. shock, but were not seriously affected.
"By this time several of the prisoners had gathered at the place and it was discovered that the lightning bolt had made a hole in the ground, a few feet beyond the 'dead line,' and in this hole there was a spring of clear cool water. This hole was about two and a half feet in diameter and about two feet in depth.
"It was certain death for a prisoner to cross the 'dead line,' and, as this spring was beyond that line, the prisoners soon devised a plan to procure water by attaching tin cups to poles, enabling them to reach the spring. As one after another of the thirsty comrades obtained a drink of this refreshing water he would kneel and thank God in reverent acknowledgment of this blessing, which we all recognized as coming direct from His hand. It was in the minds of all, too, that it was a mark of His infinite wisdom in causing this fountain of water to spring forth at this particular place, beyond the 'dead line,' and, therefore, free from trespass, or any claim of private own- ership. When it was found that this was a never-failing spring, the water
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was brought into camp on the safe side of the line, by means of a trench from the spring leading to a large box trough, which was made by the prisoners. This provided an inexhaustible supply of water for the thousands who visited the place, day and night, to quench their thirst.
"Since the days of my confinement there as a prisoner of war I have visited Andersonville twice, in 1885, and again in 1913. On both visits I found refreshment of body in drinking water from this spring, and a re- freshment of memory in recalling the miraculous way it came into existence. Through the efforts of the Woman's Relief Corps, assisted by the Grand Army, the grounds inside the old stockade have been purchased and a fine monument has been erected, commemorating the suffering and sacrifices of the prisoners confined there. A stone pavillion has been erected over Provi- dence Spring, suitably inscribed, preserving to future generations this me- morial of Divine interposition in behalf of suffering humanity."
ARTHUR F. BROWN.
Prominent in the affairs of Gibson county and distinguished as a citi- zen whose influence is extended far beyond the limits of the community hon- ored by his residence, the name Arthur F. Brown stands out a conspicuous figure among the successful farmers of the locality of which this volume treats. All of his undertakings have been actuated by noble motives and high resolves and characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality and his success and achievements but represent the result of fit utilization and innate talent on directing effort along those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination led the way.
Arthur F. Brown, one of the leading young farmers of Patoka town- ship. Gibson county, was born on August 21, 1874, in this township on the old Brown homestead. His father, John L. Brown, who was born on Oc- tober 2, 1844, in Patoka township, was the son of David Brown, of Harrison county, Indiana, who was the first of the family to come to Gibson county, in 1840. He was twice married, first to a Miss Kendle and second to a Miss Straud. He obtained a tract of government land in Patoka township, which he cleared of the timber which covered it and there built a splendid house. He always followed agricultural pursuits and was known as a man of emi- nent respectability and well thought of in his community. His death occurred at Princeton. He was the father of four children, three sons and a daughter,
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of whom there are now two living, James, in Oklahoma, and John L., the father of the subject, who is a successful farmer in Montgomery township, Gibson county. John L. Brown received his education in the common schools of his home neighborhood, being reared on the paternal farmstead. On com- ing to mature years, he married Jane Clark, a native of Gibson county, whose death occurred in 1893. John L. Brown has always followed farming and stock raising, and is widely known throughout this section of the country. making his home in Montgomery township, where he is numbered among the representative citizens of the community. An earnest Republican in poli- tics, he has always taken a deep interest in local public affairs, though never an aspirant for public office. Religiously, he is a member of the General Baptist church. To him and his wife were born six children, namely: Eliza, who became the wife of George W. Woods, of Princeton, who is represented in a personal sketch elsewhere in this work; Lizzie, the wife of Matthew M. Knowles, a farmer of Patoka township; Fronia, the wife of Ott Hollis, a farmer and stock man of Patoka township; Eva, the wife of Harvey Mc- Carthy, a farmer and implement dealer of Patoka township: Arthur F., the immediate subject of this sketch, and Harvey O, who also operates the old homestead of Patoka township.
Arthur F. Brown spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and re- ceived his education in the common schools at Princeton. In 1896 Mr. Brown located on his present farm in Patoka township, which is a part of the old John L. Brown place, and here he has successfully conducted agricultural operations throughout the years, receiving splendid success as an enterprising and up-to-date farmer. He is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of splendid land, all of which is entirely under cultivation, and which returns a handsome profit to the owner. He raises principally wheat, corn and hay, while in the way of live stock he makes a specialty of shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, as well as general purpose horses. He is modern in his ideas, giving due attention to every phase of successful agricul- ture, and is a man to adopt new methods, where their practicability has been demonstrated by experience.
On August 5, 1896, Mr. Brown married Florence Tichenor, who was born at Owensville, Indiana, the daughter of Willis H. and Lenora (Lucas) Tichenor, the father being a successful merchant and implement dealer at Owensville. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born two children, Eunice and Mildred.
Politically, Mr. Brown has always given stanch support to the Repub-
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lican party, but he has been too busy in the conduct of his own affairs to as- pire to public office, though giving his earnest support to every enterprise having for its object the advancement of the local welfare. Religiously, he and his wife are earnest and faithful members of the General Baptist church, to the support of which they contribute liberally.
LOWELL R. WESTFALL.
Among the prosperous young farmers of Gibson county, who have built up a comfortable home and surrounded themselves with the comforts of life, none have attained a higher degree of success in as short a time as Lowell R. Westfall. With few opportunities except what his own efforts and those of his wife were capable of mastering, and with many difficulties to overcome he has made a success of life, and in so doing has earned the universal respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He is a man of tireless energy and strong courage and is a man whose career shows that he is an able and conscientious worker. As a citizen he is public spirited and enterprising to an unwonted degree. As a friend and neighbor he combines those qualities of head and heart that have won confidence and commanded respect. His life affords a splendid example of what an American youth, plentifully en- dowed with good common sense, energy and determination, can accomplish when accompanied by good moral principles.
Lowell R. Westfall, the son of James and Eliza (Cole) Westfall, was born February 28, 1878, in Gibson county, Indiana. James A. Westfall was born in Harrison county, Indiana, about ten miles from Corydon, on Decem- ber 21. 1838, the son of Stephen and Margaret Westfall. Stephen Westfall was reared in Kentucky and after his marriage became one of the pioneer settlers of Harrison county, Indiana, where his death occurred in 1875, at the age of eighty years, while his wife's death occurred on October 27, 1888, at the advanced age of ninety-two. James A. Westfall attended the old log school house in Harrison county and lived there until 1865, when he was mar- ried and moved to Patoka township, this county. In 1875 he bought his present farm in Patoka township, and he has brought this tract to a high state of cultivation. To Mr. and Mrs. James Westfall were born four chil- dren : Nettie J., who is still under the parental roof ; Orus M., a farmer in Patoka township, who married Oma Gambril, and has three children, Grace,
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Roy and Ralph; Lowell R., the immediate subject of this sketch, and Irene. who is still at home with her parents.
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