USA > Indiana > Greene County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 41
USA > Indiana > Sullivan County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99
GODFREY SHRYER was born March 25, 1827, in Hamburg on the Rhine, Prussia. He is the son of Jasper B. and Matilda (Koehnen) Schroer (the original name of Shryer was Schroer, but after the fam- ily came to this country the name was changed to Shryer), both native Prussians, where they resided, the father being a coal and lumber dealer, having a barge on the River Rhine. On the 16th of April, 1849, they embarked at Rotterdam, Holland, for the United States, arriving in Bos- ton June 17 following. There were in the family ten children, eight of whom came with the parents to this country. In a few weeks after their
Digitized by Google
867
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
arrival at Boston the family came to Indiana to visit friends and look for a home. Soon after they arrived in Indiana, at Columbus, several of the family were taken sick with the cholera, and the father and sev- eral members of the family died. The surviving members of the family, with the exception of one sister, who was married, settled in Greene County, where they have since resided. Our subject at the time of the family's coming to United States was in the Prussian Army, and the rebellion of 1849 having broken out and not liking to fight his friends and neighbors, and against his principles, he deserted and accompanied the family to this country. He had received a good education, and was engaged in mercantile pursuits while in his native country. After com- 'ing to Greene County, he, in the year 1850, visited Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, but not liking it in those States he returned to Indiana, and embarked in mercantile pursuits at Indianapolis, where he remained a short time, and then came to Worthington, which had just started, and embarked in mercantile pursuits. He was in this business continuously until 1869, when he sold out and has since been in the real estate, insur- ance and business of a legal character. He was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Sheepers March 28, 1851. She was born at Wesel on the Rhine April 24, 1825. From this union nine children, viz .: George H. Emily, Otto, Tillie, Henry W., Emma, Mollie E., G. William and Louisa May. Five of these children are dead. Mr. Shryer is a thorough business man, and has by his energy and perseverance accumulated a goodly share of this world's goods. He has been Notary Public for a number of years, and has held positions of honor and trust. He is a Democrat in politics, but in local elections he is very conservative, voting for whom he considers the best man. He has twice visited the Old World since living at Worthington, in 1861 and in 1873, the last time being appointed by Gov. Hendricks as Assistant Commissioner to the Vienna Exposition. He is not a member of any church organization, but is over ready to contribute to all moral, educational and other enterprises that tend to build up the country in which he lives, or benefit his fellow- man. He is one of the county's best and most prominent citizens. His object in leaving Indianapolis and coming to Worthington was that at the last-named place the hunting and fishing were good, and he was very fond and very successful at these sports. He is an Odd Fellow, and the oldest member of the order in Greene County, and has been a member of the Grand Lodge and Encampment since 1856.
M. V. B. SMITH, Worthington, a native Hoosier, was born August 4. 1844 in Fountain County. Henry Smith, father of M. V. B., was a native of the Buckeye State, as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Smith. They were married in Greene County, this State, having removed here with their respective parents when children. but shortly after their marriage they removed to Fountain County, where they made their residence sixteen years. They then returned to Greene County, where they passed the remainder of their days, Mr. Smith dying in 1859, and his wife some years previous. They were the parents of ten children, and were hard-working and industrious people, commanding the respect of all who knew them. M. V. B. Smith was raised upon a farm, secured a fair education, and in 1862 he became a volunteer for the preservation of the Union. He served his country faithfully and with credit to him- self until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged as Orderly Sergeant, although he was a commissioned Second Lieutenant. His com- 23
Digitized by Google
368
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
mission not having reached him, he was discharged as Orderly Sergeant as stated above. He was an active participant in the battles of Richmond, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Big Shanty, the Atlanta campaign, Nashville and Franklin, and is spoken of in the high- est praise by his comrades. Since the war, he has been engaged in farm- ing, carpentering and merchandising. Mr. Smith is one of the enterpris- ing men of Greene County; is a Democrat in politics, although not radically so as regards local politics; is a member of the G. A. R. and K. of P. fraternities. To his marriage with Miss Arabell Barker, which occurred in 1870, this family has been born: Eliza, Nellie, Frederick, David and Charles.
DR. W. B. SQUIRE, Worthington, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, January 17, 1830, a son of Samuel and Jane (Stilwell) Squire, who were natives respectively of Vermont and West Virginia. Both sides of the family are of English extraction, their advent in America dating pre- vious to the Revolutionary war. The Stilwells first settled on. Staten Island and the Squires in Vermont. Members of each family served in the early Indian wars, and also in both wars with Great Britain. In 1813, Bradley Squire removed with his family trom Vermont to Coshoo- ton County, Ohio, where he embarked in agricultural pursuits and passed the remainder of his days. This man was the father of Samuel Squire, and grandfather of Dr. W. B. Squire, of Worthington. Samuel Squire was a farmer throughout life, and to him and wife were born four sons and four daughters. . Both he and wife are now dead. W. B. Squire was raised on a farm, his early years being passed in the common schools, and at the age of sixteen years he began his career as a public instructor. When eighteen years old, he began the study of medicine, and in Feb ruary, 1856, graduated from the Cincinnati School of Medicine. In the meantime (1855), he had come to Greene County, Ind., located where Jasonville now is, and, laying out that village, named it in honor of Jason Rodgers, a merchant of the place. In July, 1861, he helped recruit what afterward became Company F, Thirty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but after serving about seven months he was compelled to resign bis commission on account of illness. In 1863, here-enlisted, and was made Surgeon of the Fourteenth Regiment, which position he held until the close of the war. He had moved to Worthington in 1862, and on his return from the army began the practice of medicine, at which he has ever since continued to a greater or less extent. In 1871, he embarked in the drug trade, and in addition to this he opened a dry goods store in 1877, and in both branches of trade is doing a first-class business. Dr. Squire and Miss Rebecca J. Thrasher were married in 1852, and four children blessed them -- Azubia J., Samuel F., E. Byrd and Ida May. The mother was a native of Clark County, Ohio, and her death occurred in Greene County, Ind., in 1871. Mrs. Hattie A. Walker became Mrs. Dr. Squire in 1872, and Ethel L. is the only child burn to this union. Mrs. Squire was born at Newtonville, Mass., in 1841. Dr. Squire has always voted the Whig and Republican tickets, but has never aspired to any political prominence, preferring to confine his entire attention to private business matters. He is a Mason and a K. of P., and is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN H. TRENT, one of the best farmers of Jefferson Township, is a native of what was formerly Eel River Township, Greene County, Ind., born February 2, 1833, one of six children born to Josiah and Margaret
Digitized by Google
369
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
(Crabtree) Trent, who were among the earliest settlers of Greene County, they coming from Virginia. In early life, Mr. Trent, our subject, was put to hard work, and has kept at that most of his life. His advantages for an education were limited, but he is giving his children all the oppor. tunities in that direction that lie in his power. He says the only trade he learned was to grub, maul rails and chop wood. Jannary 28, 1859, be married Parmelia Galletly, and six children have blessed the union- James W., May 11, 1861; Alice, November 26, 1862; Calvin G., April 23, 1867; Minnie B., November 11, 1869; Eva D., November 20, 1874; Billy P., March 6, 1877. Mr. Trent owns 240 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, and raise's considerable stock. He is a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Oak Grove.
WILLIAM WILKINS, banker, Worthington, the only survivor and on in a family of two children, is a native of Rhenish Prussia, born October 30, 1830. His grandfather was a veterinary surgeon of note in the old country, and his parents, William and Mary (Wusthoff) Wilkins, who were natives respectively of Hanover and Rhenish Prussia, were descendants of an esteemed and honored family. His father served his' country with credit in the Prussian Army against Napoleon the First. Until twelve years of age, our subject attended the common schools of his native country, subsequently attending academy four years, and for about four years longer was employed as an instructor in a graded school. Succeeding this, he attended a teachers' training school at Moers two years, and in 1853 he bade farewell to his native land and emigrated to the United States. He remained in the city of New York about a year, and, six months in New Jersey when he came to Indianapolis. Ind., and from there to Worthington the fall of 1854, which has since been his home. For two years he was employed by Godfrey Shryer as a clerk, after which he began merchandising on his own responsibility, and continued with success until 1875. In that year he became a stockholder in the Worth. ington Bank, and three years later was elected President, a position he now holds. Mr. Wilkins is one of Worthington's self-made and influen- tial citizens, is independent on all subjects, preferring to rely on his own judgment of right and wrong to catering to the isms and dogmas of churches, political parties or corporations October 28, 1855, his mar- riage occurred with Miss Augusta Voigt, who was born in Saxony, Prussia, April 3, 1834. Their children are Emma L., Willie, Alma, Mamie, Lizzie and Dora.
GEORGE WILLS was born in Abthorpe, Northamptonshire, En- gland, April 14, 1843, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Watts) Wills, both natives . of England. Thomas Wills was a brewer in his native country. He came with his family to America in 1848, and lo- cated near Akron, Ohio, where he followed gardening until 1860, when he moved to Hillsboro, Ohio, where he was engaged in a like business. The mother died in 1865, and the father in 1867. They were parents of two sons, George and William, the latter dying at Hillsboro, as did the parents. George learned the pottery business at Akron, and was work. ing at this in Hillsboro when the war broke out. He enlisted in Com- pany D, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served three years, and was in the battles of Rich Mountain, Stone River, and numerous lesser en- gagements. After being honorably discharged, he worked at his trade for a time in Springfield, Ohio, Saline County, Mo., and Brazil, Ind. ; In 1870, he came to Worthington, and finding excellent material for his
Digitized by Google
370
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
trade, erected a building and embarked in the pottery business, at which he has since continued with gratifying success. Mr. Wills, by his long experience in the business, has perfected his trade to such an extent that he has all he can attend to. He was married, in 1868, to Miss Alice Baker, who was born in Parke County, Ind., in 1849. Two children have been born to them, Kate and Garfield. Mr. Wills is a Republican, a member of the I. O. O. F., and is one of the enterprising and go-ahead men of Greene County.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
JOHN R. ALLEN, a descendant from one of the pioneer families of of Greene County, was born October 21, 184], and is a son of Andrew and Polly Ann (Rumley) Allen, natives respectively of Tennessee and Indiana, who settled in Greene County in 1838. John R. assisted his father in a saw mill until 1860, and on the breaking-out of the rebellion enlisted in Company D, Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers, participating in the battles of Winchester, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Antie- tam, being wounded at the last-named place. After being in German- town hospital two months, he rejoined his old regiment, and was engaged in the battle of Cold Harbor, and on his term of service expiring, re- turned to Indianapolis, remaining there one year; then came back to Greene County, where he has since resided. For two years he was en- gaged in farming and stock-raising, then embarked in the lumber and milling business. For five years, beginning in 1876, he kept hotel and livery stable in Bloomfield, since when he bas been engaged in saw- milling in Owensburg. This mill has a capacity of 8,000 feet per day. and the greatest portion of his Inmber is shipped to Eastern markets. Mr. Allen possesses a farm of eighty acres in White River bottom near Bloomfield, besides other valuable real estate in the county. His mar- riage with Anna A. Casad was celebrated in 1865, and seven children have blessed this union-Leonidas, Eliza, Edward, Lola, Ida, Franklin and Ethel.
JOHN BEATY, farmer and stock-dealer, was born in Greene County, Ind., January 18, 1830, and is the fourth child of James and Margarette (Hardin) Beaty, both natives of Kentucky, and among the first settlers in Greene County. They moved here in 1821, where our subject lived on a farm with his father until he was twenty-one years old, when he mar- ried Louisa Morrow, who was born February 5, 1833. Their marriage occurred January 2, 1851, and was productive of six children-Marshall, Luther, Nettie (deceased), Ella, Noah and Edith. While on the farm, he engaged extensively in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, and in this way made a comfortable start in life. He remained on the farm un- til 1859, when he moved to Owensburg, and engaged in the dry goods business, in which he continued until 1861, when at the call for three years' troops to serve in the war; he raised a company (Company H, Thir- ty- first Indiana Volunteer Infantry), of which he was elected Captain, and proceeded to Terre Haute, where he went into camp for a short time. Then going to the front, our subject was engaged in the first fight at Fort Donelson, succeeded by the battles of Pittsburg Landing and
Digitized by Google
871
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Corinth. At the last place he was wounded, after which he resigned his position, resignation taking place in November, 1862, first enduring the hardships of a march across Tennessee and Kentucky. After returning from the war, he again engaged in farming, and also in the dry goods business in Owensburg. In this he continued about three years; then moved to his farm, where he remained seven years; then again came to town and engaged in the hardware business. Mr. Beaty is well sur- rounded with the comforts of life, and besides a neat residence on the main street of the town, he owns other valuable property. He owns 1,000 acres of good land, and has been identified with the growth of the town since reaching manhood. He is a member of the Republican party, has served his township as Trustee, and he and wife are connected with the Christian Church.
NOAH BROWN, merchant, was born July 28, 1834, and is a son of John and Rachel (Hatfield, Brown, both natives of Virginia, born respectively. in 1811 and 1810. They settled in Greene County in 1831. Noah Brown remained at home until his mother's death in 1853, when he went to live with his grandparents. He received the educational advantages of the common schools of that day, and at the age of sixteen began clerking, at which he was engaged until the breaking-out of the war. Enlisted in the service when twenty seven years old, joining Com- pany H, Thirty-first Indiana Volunteers, of which he was elected Second Lieutenant, afterward Captain. He was in the engagements of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Mission Ridge, Stone River and Chicka- manga. Capt. Brown was wounded in the arm at Kenesaw Mountain, and was sent to the hospital at Lookout Mountain. December 12, 1864, be received a furlough for twenty days, returning at the expiration of that time and serving with his company until the fall of Atlanta. He then returned home and engaged in the dry goods and grocery business, in which he is yet employed. Mr. Brown owns 263 acres of well-improved land, the greater part of which is in pasture, and devoted to stock-rais- ing. He has officiated as Justice of the Peace and Trustee of his town- ship several years, having held the latter position seven years. In poli- tics, Mr. Brown is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. He has been twice married, first to Sarah Brannon, May 8, 1856, by whom he is the father of seven children-John W., Charlotte M., Nora, Rachel (deceased), Mary C., Schuyler and one un- named. March 29, 1877, he married Charlotte Shanklin, and to this union four children have been born-Taunt, Abe, Charles A. (deceased), and an infant (deceased).
CHARLES GRAHAM, insurance agent and farmer, was born April 13, 1839, and is the sixth child born to Samuel and Polly (Fillgore) Gra- ham, natives of Ohio and Tennessee respectively. Samuel Graham came from Daviess County, Ind., to Greene County in 1838, where be held the office of the Justice of the Peace for twenty-four years in Jackson Town- ship. Charles came with his father from Daviess County, and remained at home until the begining of the war, when, at the first call for troops to put down the rebellion, he was one of seven who were the first in the town of Owensburg to enlist. He held the office of Sergeant, in Thirty. first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company H: was in the first attack on Fort Donelson; was at the siege of Atlanta, and served as Private Orderly under Maj. Gen. Stanley at the fall of Atlanta. In April, 1864, he returned home from the war, where he had performed many gallant
Digitized by Google
378
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
services for his country. One remarkable incident was the meeting of three brothers with whom he dined on the Resaca battle-field. After the war, Mr. Graham engaged in farming, and for a number of years, in connection with this, has acted as agent for the American Insur. ance Company of Chicago, and the Continental of New York, in which capacity he has been very successful. He owns 120 acres of land near Owensburg, mostly in blue grass pasture, and on this he raises consider- able fine stock. His advantages for an early education were limited to only such as were afforded by the primitive schools. He is a self-made man of the day, ail he is worth has been gained by his own energy and indus- try. Mr. Graham was married to Catharine E. Wharton, of Owensburg, in 1866, and to them have been born three children-Lettie, Ella and Willie. He is a Republican, belongs to the L. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.
SAMUEL HAYWOOD, physician and druggist, was born August 4, 1857, and is the youngest son of Charles and Jane (Shelton) Haywood, who were natives respectively of Tennessee and Ohio. They came to Greene County, Ind., in .1843, and entered land here when the country was wild and sparsely settled. Samuel lived with his parents on the farm, assisting his father, at the same time attending the common schools during the winter months, until he was sixteen years old, when be began teaching, and attending the graded schools at Bloomfield. The school term of 1875-76, he attended Hanover College and taught the following winter, but the spring of 1877 began the study of medicine. He attended the Medical College of Indiana at Indianapolis, and received his diploma from that institution in 1882, but began the practice of his profession at Koleen the year before. He now has a well-established practice, besides a fine stock of drugs, and in both branches is doing a creditable annual business. Dr. Haywood belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Republican.
JAMES G. HERT, merchant, is a native of Owensburg, his birth occurring October 27, 1849. His father, William Hert, was born in Barren County, Ky., September 24, 1825; came to Indiana at four years of age, and was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade the day he was sev- enteen years of age, which occupation he followed until 1856; then en- gaged in mercantile pursuits, which he followed until his death, which occurred September 26, 1875. The subject of this sketch attended the common schools until sixteen years of age; then began teaching, which he continued until he reached the age of twenty years; then embarked in the dry goods business with his father, under the firm name of Hert & Son, which was continued until the death of his father. He then assumed and conducted the business under the firm name of James G. Hert & Co., which is one of Cwensburg's most successful business houses. They carry a stock of about $4,000 and have an annual sale of from $15,000 to #20,. 000. Besides town property, James G. owns 160 acres of land adjoining Owensburg, well watered and timbered and in high state of cultivation. The farm is the first one ever entered in the vicinity, and the patent, now in owner's possession, is signed by Andrew Jackson. He also owns other lands, and in addition to his mercantile business takes considerable in- terest in live stock, being the pioneer in introducing the famous breed of " Holstein " cattle in Indiana. Mr. Hert was married in January, 1881, to Margaret Short, who owns by inheritance a fine farm of 160 acres on Indian Creek, being the first tract of land ever entered in the township.
Google - -
- Digitized by
1
1
373
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
He is both an Odd Fellow and Mason, and was commissioned Postmaster, under President Hayes' administration, in which official position he is yet serving. Both he and wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Hert may properly be called one of Greene County's most enterpris- ing and esteemed citizens, and is a radical " Hoosier," believing Indiana to be the best State in the Union In politics, he is a Republican.
JAMES M. RECORDS, eldest son of James and Sarah (Wilson) Records, was born February 10, 1827, in Boone County, Ky., and re- moved with his parents to Greene County, Ind., the spring of 1840, which has since been his home. James Records, Sr., was a prominent man in Kentucky during his time, having served as Colonel of State militia and Justice of the Peace, also serving in the latter capacity in Greene County. He also operated the first tobacco shop ever in this county. James M. lived with his parents on the farm until twenty-two years old, and June 28, 1849, married Alvira C. Dobbins, to their union being born nine children-Sarah F. (deceased), James Byron, William M., Walter S. (de- ceased), Almeda J., Anna B., Benjamin Butler, and two that died unnamed. Mr. Records is one of Greene County's best citizens and farmers. He has 260 acres of good land, upon which he has the largest orchard in the county, consisting of 1,000 apple and 2,000 peach trees, all of which were set out and cared for by his own labors. The farm is beautified by sub- stantial buildings, and serves to produce large quantities of tobacco, which is marketed principally at Terre Haute, La Fayette and Lonisville. Mr. Records is a Republican, has served as Treasurer of the Board of Township Trustees, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
LEMUEL B. SEXSON was born in Kentucky in the year 1824, and is a son of Joel and Abigail (Davis) Sexson, who removed to Monroe County, Ind., in 1828, and located near the Greene County line. In 1830, the family settled in Center Township, of the last-named county, where they continued to reside many years. Joel Sexson took a very active part in the progress and development of Greene County, and his name and familiar chirography are found on various valuable public documents at the court house in Bloomfield. Lemuel B. Sexson is one of the county's best farmers. His early manhood was passed on the farm of his parents and teaming to Louisville, but since attaining his majority he has been engaged in farming, dealing in stock, and operating what is known as the Sexson Flouring Mills on Indian Creek. He has been three times married, and is the father of eleven children, seven of whom are yet living. In 1849, he was married to his first wife, Miss Mary M. Alexander, who died in 1866. In 1867, his marriage with Miss Nan. Leonard was solemnized, but this lady died in 1868, bearing one son, who died shortly after his mother's death. His marriage in 1869 with Miss Kate Leonard has been fruitful in the birth of three children, one being dead. In politics, Mr. Sezson is independent, voting for the best man, and not the party. For a number of years, he served as Trustee of Jackson Township. At present, he owns 740 acres of good land in the county, besides having given 120 acres to those of his children who are doing for themselves.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.