USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana > Part 12
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JOHN BLESSING, Sr., is well worthy of representation in the history of Gibson County, for his life record has long been interwoven with its history and he has done much for the ad- vancement and general progress of the community in which he resides. It is, therefore, with pleasure that we present this sketch to our readers, knowing that it will prove of interest to his many friends. Mr. Blessing is a native of Maryland, his birth Graving occurred in the city of Baltimore, on the 14th of September, 1840. His parents, John and Margaret (Weller) Blessing, were both natives of Germany, and on their cumigration to America, in 1832. located in Maryland. There the father engagead in the dairy business until his death in 1844. His wife long survived him, and passed away in 1873. John Blessing of this review attended the public schools of his native city for four years, and then laid aside his text books in order to prove for his own maintenance as an office boy. Later he learned the carpenter's trade, which he en- ergetically followed for many years. Through three decades he continued work along that line, and his efficient service, thorough
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understanding of the business and great reliability in all com- mercial transactions won him a liberal patronage. With the capital he had thus acquired be afterward turned his attention to merchandising, and now conducts one of the leading general mer- chandise stores of Fort Branch, carrying a stock valued at twenty- five hundred dollars. Mr. Blessing married Miss Letitia, daugh- ter of William H. Epperson, and they became parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters, namely: George W., Octavia, deceased; Margaret, John F., Herbert, Ronokl, Milton, Ages and Charles. Mr. Blessing gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party, and socially is connected with the Masonic Fraternity. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church and take an active interest in its work and upbuilding. Through the long years of his residence here, Mr. Blessing has maintained a place among the leading business men. His career demonstrates the truth of the old saying that there is no royal road to wealth but that the achievement depends upon the man.
CLAIBORNE POLK is now living a retired life in Fort Branch. For many years he was prominently connected with the industrial interests of this section of the county, and his life demonstrates what can be accomplished through carnest labor, enterprise and executive ability; now as the result of his honest toil he is enjoying a well earned rest. As he is widely and favorably known, we feel assured that the record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers and gladly give it a place in this volume. Mr. Polk was born on the 20th of June, 1811. a son of James and An (Abel) l'olk, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Pennsylvania. His parents were farming people and he was reared on the old homestead, so that he early became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of an agriculturist. He attended the common schools and at the age of sixteen worked at the black- smith's trade, which he followed in Kentucky until 1830. In that year he crossed the Ohio into Indiana, and has since resided in Gibson County, where he is numbered among the honored pio- neers. For more than sixty years he has aided in the advancement and growth of the county by his faithful performance of every duty of citizenship and by his support of all measures to prove of public benefit. He has been engaged in the milling business. operating a saw mill, has followed farming and has pursued other vocations, which have not only enhanced his individual prosperity, but have added to the general welfare. Mr. Polk was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Shoptaugh, of Kentucky, who died on the 20th of August, 1855. They were parents of cleven children, six of whom are living, namely: Ervin, Isabella, Francis M., William A., Caleb C. and Sarah J. For his second wife Mr. Polk chose Mrs. Mary McMullen, a widow, and a daughter of Jolm
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Sides. By this marriage there is one daughter, Etta A. Mr. Polk is a member of the Baptist burch, his wife of the Methodlist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republicaan. One of Gibson County's pioneers, he has witnessed almost its entire growth and development and its history would be incomplete without the record of his life.
JAMES STRICKLAND, deceased, was for many years a kad- ing citizen of Gibson County, and his noble life has left to his children and his friends and an example that is well worthy of emulation. He was born in Patoka township, on the 18th of De- tuber, 1818, a son of Rev. Stephen and Elizabeth Strickland. pio- neer settlers of Gibson County, who, after keating in Indiana, con- tinued their residence here until called to the home beyond. The father was throughout life a minister of the Baptist Church, and reared his family in that faith. He had eight children-Elijah. Patsy. Isaac, Elizabeth, Rebecca. Jacob, Dessa and James, but all are now deceased. Rev. James Strickland obtained a fair education in his youth and learned lessons of industry and upright- ness, which bore a marked influence on all his after life. He re- mained with his parents until going to a home of his own, taking there his bride, whom he married on the 20th of December, 1840. She bore the maiden name of Tempy Shelton, and was a native of Patoka township. Her girlxxxl days were passed in the home of her father, James Skelton, who was brought from Kentucky to this state in pioneer days. Throughout his life he followed farming, and his death occurred in Gibson County, December 28. 1867. His wife, who also came from Kentucky in childhood, sur- vived her husband some years, and spent her last days in Ne- braska. passing away August 28. 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Skelton were the parents of ten children, as follows: Rachel, deceased; Tempy: Eliza A., who has passed away; Tabitha; Julia all James M., both deceased; Joseph, Lucinda, Isabelle and William. At the time of his marriage James Strickland began farming on the old homestead and during the greater part of his life carried on agricultural pursuits. Hle was at one time owner of a valuable property of two hundred acres, which he sold on his retirement from farm life, and then purchased the home in Fort Branch, where his widow now resides. Ten children came to bless their nion, as follows: Joseph, Stephen. James and Julia, all deceased; Horace: Benjamin, deceased; Charles W., Sarah E., one who dical in infancy and William M. Mr. Strickland was reared in the faith of the Baptist Church and about 1843 entered the work of its ministry. Through the remainder of his life he labored carn- estly th advance the cause of the Master, and by example as well as precept brought many to a knowledge of the truth. He passed away October 20, 1800, but his memory remains a blessed bene- diction to those who knew him. His wife ably assisted him in
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his good work and throughout the community has won the love and confidence of all.
PRESTON A. BRYANT, one of the representative and prom- inent agriculturists of Gibson County, has been identified with its interests throughout life, his birth occurring in Patoka town- ship, August 4. 1850. His father, Horatio Bryant, was born in the Old Dominion, in 1799, but when quite young accompanied his parents to Kentucky, where later he married Nancy Wallace. native of that state, both near Owensboro, in 1804. Twelve chil- dren blessed their union-John, deceased; Eli; Jane, David, Fran- cis and Abner M. all deceased: Henry; Cordelia, deceased; Clin- ton: Mary, deceased: Preston A .. and Marion. In 18.30 the father came to Gibson County, where he carried on farming until life's labors were ended, October 21, 1866, owning at that time one hundred and twenty acres of good land. His wife was called to the world beyond in February, 1868. They held membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he was elder for some twenty years. Mr. Bryant, of this review, remained at . home until his father's death, when he started out in life for him- self, working as a farm band for the first year. He then attended school for a time, preparing himself for a teacher, which profession he successfully followed for twelve years, during the period, how- ever, becoming more proficient by continuing his studies at the State Normal School. Subsequently be read law, but never en- gaged in its practicc. He began agricultural pursuits upon a rented farm, which he operated for about six years, and then pur- chased forty acres, which he still owns. Besides general farming he is also interested in stock-raising and has met with success in his undertakings. . On the Ist of April, 1875, was consummated the marriage of Mr. Bryant and Miss Nellie, daughter of John L. Wallace, by whom he had three children-LaSalle, John and Grace. The wife and mother was called to her final rest March 15, 1803, and Mr. Bryant has since wedded Mary West. They are active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he has been elder two years and superintedent of the Sun- day school six years. Politically. Mr. Bryant has always been a faithful adherent of Republican principles, and is a recognized leader of his party in the community. On that ticket he has twice been elected to the House of Representatives from Gibson County, first in the fall of 1800 and again two years later. Hc proved a most popular and able member of that honorable body, capably serving on several important committees, and his course there gave the utmost satisfaction to his constituents.
STEPHEN WALTERS MEAD, one of the successful and pro- gressive agriculturists of Gibson County, was born in Johnson township, December 18, 1831, of the marriage of Stephen and Polly (Pritchett) Mead. His father was born near Catskill, New York,
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March 13. 1795. obtained a limited education, and at the age of seventeen left the parental roof for the west. By brexit bre pro- ceeded to Cincinnati, thence on fort to Gibson County, where he began work as a farm hand, and was thus employed until twenty- one years of age, when he was married. He began his domestic life upon a farm of eighty acres, which he had previously entered. and as time passed added to that property until he was one of the extensive land owners of the county. He was also very liberal with his children, and gave to cach had to the value of fifteen hundred dollars. He married Miss Pritchett, who was born in Tennessee, July 4. 1801, and they became parents of fourteen children, as follows: Benjamin F. and Daniel, both deceased; Lemuel T .: John S .: Elisha P .: James P., deceased; Stephen W .: Charles; Martin Van Buren: William 11 .: Mary E .; Eliza J. and l'hits, bath deceased; and Joseph M. The parents were com- sistent members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church: In politics Mr. Mead was a staunch Republican, and during the war of 1812 he served under General Harrison. Stephen W. Mead acquired bis colocation in the common schools and remained on his father's farm until twenty years of age. He was married No- vember 2, 1854, to Sarah Jane Rutledge, by whom he has thir- teen children -- Mary (. ; Stephen J. : Henry A .: Albert M .; Charles () .; Helen M., deceased; Effic A., deceased; Clarence M .; Stella A., Laura E. and Aggic B., all deceased; Birdie D., and George F. Upon his marriage Mr. Mcad began farming on fifty-seven acres of land, but as the years have passed he has ackled to this property, until it now comprises two hundred aml sixty acres. He also owns a quarter section of land in Nebraska. Industry and perseverance are the dominate qualities of his character and have been the essential factors in bringing to him success. In politics hc is a Republican, and in religious belief he and his family are Methodists.
NICHOLAS BOREN .- Among the sturdy, energetic and en- terprising farmers of Gibson County, who thoroughly understand the vocation they follow, and are consequently enabled to carry on their calling with profit to themselves, is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of the county, born in Johnson township, March 9, 1832, a son of Ezekiel and Rosa (Evans) Boren, and acquired a limited education in its public schools. At the age of twenty-four Mr Boren was married, and unto the marriage were born four children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are James W. and John A. He began his farming operations upon a tract of one hundred acres received from this father, and with him his parents both resided. Ile continued the operation of that farm for thirty-eight years, and then removed to his present place, com- prising one hundred and fifty acres of rich and productive land, which he has under a high state of cultivation and well improved,
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with a good residence and substantial outbuiklings. He has also given his son sixty acres. Mr. Boren has ever taken an active interest in political affairs, affiliating with the Republican party indtil 1892, but since that time has been a stalwart Populist. His honorable, upright life has gained him the esteem and regard of all classes of people, and his industrious habits and genial warm- heartedness endear him to all. Both himself and estimable wife are active members of the Christian Church.
WELSY KARNES, an enterprising young farmer living wear Fort Branch, has spent his entire life in Gibson County. He was born in Patoka township, October 31, 1870. his parents being Jesse and fillen (Woods) Karnes, the former born in Warrick County, Indiana, July 1. 1844. the latter in Gibson County, Or- tober 7. 1850. The father continued in his parents' home until twenty-two years of age, when he was married, after which he assumed the management of the Karnes homestead, renting that property for four years, when the grandfather of our subject sold out and removed to the south. Jesse Karnes has since resided on rented land and is now operating a farm in Patoka township. Ile and his wife are people of sterling worth, holding membership in the othodist Episcopal Church, and by their marriage have been
born three children-Welsy, Clarence and Essie. Mr. Karnes, whose name introduces this sketch, began work in the fields as soon as old enough to handle the plow, and throughout life has been identified with agricultural interests. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges and when not in the school room he assisted his father until his marriage. On the 7th of May, 1893, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Hester Ann, daugh- ter of James and Mary J. Wallis. They now have one child ... Bertrice Walter. Mrs. Karnes was the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land, and since their marriage our subject has cultivated this property, the well tilled fields indicating his careful supervision. He is also quite extensively engaged in the raising of stock, and his systematic methods, great energy and sound judgment have marle him a most capable business man. He has the strictest regard for the ethics of business life and his word is as good as his bond. His political support is given the Repub- lican party, the principles of which he warmly advocates. He and his estimable wife have many friends in the community, and richly merit the high regard in which they are hekl.
JAMES H. GWALTNEY, a reliable and intelligent agricul- turist of Gibson County, is one of its native sons, born in Jolinson township on the 17th of August, 1849. His parents. Amariah and ()ysey (Scott) Gwaltney, were born in the same county, the former May 31, 1827, and the latter in February, 1827. They received rather a limited education in the common schools near their homes, and were married when nineteen years of age. Three
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children graced their union --- Anna, deceased; Jannes Il .; and Polly, deceased. The wife and mother departed this life on the 13th of January, 1853, and kater in the same year the father wedded Nancy Taylor, who still resides upon the home farm. He began operations on an eighty avre tract received from his father and suc- cessfully followed agricultural pursuits throughout life, owning at the time of his death- January 18, 1885 -- a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres. The literary education of our subject was such as the common schools afforded, and he became familiar with the duties of an agriculturist upon the home farm, where he remained until his marriage. He chose as a companion and Inlp- meet on life's journey a Miss McDonnell, and to them were born six children-Amariah, deceased: Rose E .: Anna E .: Zenas; one who died in infancy, and Lemmel M. The family are all consistent members of the Baptist Church, and hold a high position in the social circles of the community. Upon his marriage Mr. Gewalt- ney located upon a farm of one hundred and twenty acres given him by his father, and continued the cultivation of the same for twelve years, when he returned to the old homestead, where he still resides. He is the owner of three hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable land, and the well tilled fields and neat appearance of the place plainly indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He is a man of good financial ability and excellent judgment, and occupies a leading position among the influential citizens of the community, with whose interests he has always been identified. His political support is given the Democracy.
HIRAM F. SIDES .- The subject of this sketch stands second to none among the progressive farmers of Gibson County, whose record it has been deemed wise to preserve in this manner for the perusal of the coming generation As a judicious tiller of the soil he has met with success, and as a man and citizen holds a good po- sition among his neighbors. On starting out in life he worked as a farm hand upon his father's place for one year, and then pur- chased eighty acres, to which he added until he had two hundred and forty acres of rich and fertile land, but has given to his children all with the exception of ninety-five acres. A native of Gibson County, Mr. Sides was born in Johnson township, September 5. 1821. and on both the paternal and maternal sides is of German origin. His father, John Sides, was born in Pennsylvania, about 1776. three months after his father had been killed in the Revo- lutionary war. Ile remained at home until the age of twenty-two years, when he married Hannah Brothers, who was born in North Carolina, in 1779, and they became the parents of seven children, as follows: Henry, Catherine, James and Elizabeth. all deceased: Mary: Hiram F .: and Martha J. deceased. The father's death occurred June 6, 1856, and the mother passed away November 26, 1878. They were members of the Cumberland
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Presbyterian Church. On leaving his native state the father went to Tennessee, thence to Kentucky, and finally treated in Gibson County, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, and at the time of his death had a fine farm of two hundred acres. In the usual manner of farm boys Iliram F. Sides spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and at the age of twenty-six years was united in marriage with Nancy Brewer. who is of Scotch and Welsh descent. By trade her father was both a carpenter and miller, and also worked in a stone quarry at Evansville, Indiana. He died April 26, 1841, and his wife was called to her final rest on the 2nd of the following December. Fight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sides-John W .: Albert, deceased: Mary Ann; Alexander; Thomas: Charles W., deceased;Sylvester and Filla. Those who yet survive are farming people and reside close to the old homestead. In manner Mr. Sides is quiet and unassuming, yet has made many warm friends and has the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact. Until 1800 he was a Democrat in politics, but is now an carnest supporter of the People's party. In religious belief he is a Cumberland Presbyterian.
JAMES E. BELOAT .- The one hundred and seventy-acre farm in Johnson township belonging to our subject is conspicuous for the manner in which it has been improved and cultivated, and is evidently the homestead of one of the most enterprising men of Gibson County. Throughout his entire business career he has engaged in agricultural pursuits, at first owning a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Montgomery township, which lic operated for six years, and then sold and purchased eighty acres of his present fine farm. With the exception of thirty acres re- ceived from his father's estate. his accumulations are the reward of his own perseverance. industry and energy. Mr. Beloat was born in Johnson township, April 8, 1853, a son of George W. and Martha (Rced) Beloat, whose births occurred in the same town- ship, the former in 1828 and the latter in 1826. The father re- mained at home until his marriage at the age of twenty-three, when he began farming upon an eighty-acre tract which he en- tered from the government. Eight years later he embarked in the milling business, operating both a saw and flouring mill in Johnson township on the railroad for six years, when he again resumed farming. On the breaking out of the Civil war, however. he laid aside personal interest, enlisting in August, 1861, in the First Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, and for three years and three months followed the stars and stripes on southern battle fields, returning home in November, 1864. with an honorable war record. lle then continued farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred February 20, 1890. His faithful wife, who still survives him, is now living with a daughter in California. Both were
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members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he served as older for twenty three years, and were carnest, consci- entions Christians. In their family were cigdy children -Henry and Susan, deceased: James, Thomas, Martin. Catharine, George W. and Delka. At the age of twenty-three dre left home and began the battle of life for himself. He has always been an ardent Re- publican in politics, and religious belief both himself and wife are Methodlists. On the 3d of February, 1876, he married Amer- ica E. Brimfield, and they now have one daugther, Estella. The family is one of prominence, widely and favorably kommen through- out Gibson County.
A. G. MAKOMSON .- For almost three-quarters of a century the Makenson family, of which our subject is a representative. has been connected with Gibson County. His father. Andrew Makemson, was born in Virginia, of Irish parentage, and received a very limited education. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, and then his parents made their home with him. He weekled Margaret Shaver, who was born in Henderson County, Kentucky, June 11, 1792, and was of German lineage. Their union, which was celebrated July 30, 1811, was blessed with eleven children, namely: Joseph, Nancy Allen, Sarah M. James, William and Benjamin S., all now deceased: John L .: Mary Jane; Anderson ( .: Thomas B., deceased; and Margaret Ann. For a few years after their marriage the parents resided in Kentucky, and then removed to Perry County, Indiana, where they remained two years. In 1824 they came to Gibson County, where the mother died April 6, 1841, and the father departed this life De- cember 9, 1800. He was a farmer by occupation and by bis industry and perseverance added to his possessions until he be- came the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of good land. He and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church. Until thirteen years of age Anderson (i. Makemson never attended school and after that time his educational privi- leges amounted to only about one month's schooling each year. His training at farm labor, however, was not meagre, and he con- tinned to assist in the cultivation of the old homestead until twen- ty-two years of age, when he was married on the 12th of Decen- ber, 1851, In Emeline Murphy. Eight children were born to them. as follows: Charles H., John and Monroe, all deceased; Belle; Ilattic: Mamie; Dollie; and Geneva, deceased. The mother of this family was called to the home beyond May 11, 1896, and died in the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; of which she was a consistent member. At the time of his marriage Mr. Makeman led no capital, but soon after he purchased forty acres of land and as his financial resources have increased he has added to this property until he now owns a valuable tract of one
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hundred and fifty-three acres, which is highly cultivated and well improved with substantial buildings. He is now sixty-seven years of age, and is living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former war he manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting December 12, 1864. and serving with the One Hundred and Forty-third Indiana Infantry, until September, 1865, when Itos- tilities having ended he was honorably discharged. Such is the record of one who owes his success alone to his own efforts, and whose life has been honorable and straightforward. .
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