History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 46

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 901

USA > Indiana > Greene County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 46
USA > Indiana > Sullivan County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 46

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THOMAS J. EAST was born in Monroe County, Ind., in 1844, and when only one year old his parents removed to Greene County, where he was raised upon a farm, receiving his early education from the common .schools, subsequently attending the Bloomfield Seminary and Bartlet Commercial College of Cincinnati, graduating from the last-named insti- tution in 1865. For two terms, he was employed as school teacher in Center Township, this county, and for three years served as Assistant Recorder of the county. He then located at Lyons, where he embarked in merchandising, and acted as agent for the Indianapolis & Vincennes Railroad for some time, afterward buying and shipping stock. In 1866, Miss Sue L., the only surviving daughter of James and America E. (Fer- guson) Van Slyke, became his wife, and to them have been born five children-James J., Cora A., Nettie, Edgar P. and Roscoe T. Thomas P. East, the father of Thomas J., was of English origin, his birth occur- ring in North Carolina in 1814. He came to Monroe County, Ind., with his parents in about 1830, where he was married to Sarah Carmichael, who was born in the year 1815, a daughter of Richard and Mary (Graves) Carmichael. Mr. East became prominent in the affairs of Greene County after his removal here in 1845, and at one time was selected as Probate Judge, but, owing to the change into the Common Pleas Court, was de- barred serving in this capacity. He was employed in stock-buying and banking for many years, and by his upright conduct and generous ways secured a large circle of warm friends. He died in this county in 1872.

GEORGE GILLETT, one of the prosperous and progressive men of Fairplay Township, was born January 8, 1827, in Otsego County, N. Y.

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When eight years old, his parents removed to Jefferson County, Ind., where he was reared to manhood upon a farm, and from there he came to Greene County in 1855. His union with Miss Louisa Travice was solem. nized in 1860, and to them have been born this family: Charles, Wil- lard, Calvin, Emma, Carcus, Cora, Fannie, and one that died in infancy unnamed. Mrs. Gillett is a member of the family of James and Harriet (Brown) Travice, who were from the State of Mississippi. Mr. Gillett's father, William Gillett, was a native of Vermont, where he was born in the year 1801. He was raised in Otsego County, N. Y., where he mar- ried Miss Fannie Ferris, who was a daughter of Leonard and Catharine (Stonements) Ferris. William Gillett and wife continued to reside in New York State until 1835, during which time three sons were born to them, named George, William (deceased) and Alonzo. After their removal to Indiana, five more children were born to them, as follows: Alzina, Martha, Calvin, Cordelia and Mary. The father died January 9, 1864, and his widow married John Chambers. She died in 1869.

J. W. INGERSOLL, a native of the county in which he continues to reside, was born in 1847, and is one of the following-named members of the family of Peter and Typhenia (Wines) Ingersoll: Catharine Sher- wood, J. W., Phebe Baker, Mary Hunt, Il. C. (deceased), Lizzie (de- ceased), and two that died in infancy. Lizzie became the wife of James Starnes, and died at her home in Kansas. Her remains were brought to Indiana, and interred in the cemetery at Worthington, where also rests the remains of her father. Peter Ingersoll was born April 2, 1805, in New York State, and at an early day came with his parents to Greene County, Ind., where he was married to Typhenia Wines, who was born May 9, 1809, a daughter of Leonard Wines. He died October-9, 1876, preceded by his wife, May 12, 1852. The latter rests in peace by the side of her two first-born in the village cemetery at Dixon. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian Church. J. W. Ingersoll passed his boyhood days upon his father's farm, and when seventeen years old vol- unteered his services for the suppression of the rebellion in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served with his regiment through several engagements and long marches through Georgia, and was mustered ont of the service at Terre Haute, Ind., in 1865. His eldest brother, H. C., who died July 16, 1866, of disease con- tracted in the service, was a member of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and his death left a daughter, who is living with our subject. J. W. Ingersoll and Mary J. Dixon were married in 1869, and to them have been horn two children-D. A. and H. P. Mrs. Ingersoll was born in 1849, a daughter of Daniel G. and Mary J. (Walk- er) Dixon, who are among the first settlers of Greene County.

ABSALOM LUKENBILL, a native Hoosier, was born in Washing- ton County in 1812, and when five years old removed with his parents to Owen County, Ind., where he was raised, and subsequently married to a Miss Thomas, who was born in Pulaski County, Ky., in 1824, a daughter of Elias Thomas. who came to Indiana in about 1826. This lady died January 13, 1883, leaving to survive her one daughter, Jeretta, now Mrs. Joseph Vail, who resides with her father at present, together with her two children-Bessie J. and Otis. David Lukenbill, father of Absalom, was the second son of Henry and Mary Lukenbill, who were natives of North Carolina, and German descent. He came to Indiana as early as 1806, but returned to his native State, and was there married in about

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1810, and then returned to the home he had selected in Washington County, Ind. From this place, he moved to Owen County, and from there to Iowa, where he died in 1853, leaving seven sons and one daugh- ter by his first marriage, and two sons and three daughters by his second. When Absalom Lukenbill and his father settled in Owen County, this State, everything was in a wild and uncivilized condition. Indians and wild game of numerous kinds were in abundance, while their nearest white neighbors were miles distant. Here, the subject of this sketch was reared to manhood, working at farming. By working around, he had earned $400 to begin married life with, and since that time he has in- creased that amount materially. In 1866, he came to Greene, where he has since resided. He is a member of the Christian Church and an in- fluential citizen.

NELSON SINCLAIR, farmer and tile manufacturer, is a native of Wayne County, Ky., and is descended from an old and honored Scottish family, which traces its ancestry far back into the history of the United Kingdoms. Both his maternal and paternal grandparents were among the early settlers of the Old Dominion, which was the birthplace of his parents, from whence they removed to Kentucky at an early day. When a small boy, Nelson was taken by his parents to Breckinridge County, Ky., and from there to Orange County, Ind., where after a residence of eighteen years his father died. The widow then removed to Greene County, Ind., induced so to do by a daughter who had married and pre- ceeded them. Nelson Sinclair is one of the following-named family of children: Patsy, Nelson, Joseph, Isaac, Nancy (deceased), Fannie, and Mrs. Shelton, of Howard County, this State. He was joined in marriage in 1848 with Miss Elizabeth Tarter, a native of Pulaski County, Ky., and a daughter of John and Nancy (Lawrence) Tarter, and to their union the following children were born: Ellen (deceased), Jane Wyley, Carrie J., Martha, Francis M., Albert (deceased), Edward, William D., and Lovell H., who was named in honor of Gen. L. H. Rousseau, a distinguished soldier of the Mexican war and the rebellion. Mr. Sinclair was the first to engage in the manufacture of tile in Fairplay Township, and at this he is yet employed, and is also operating a farm, in both branches of business making a success. He is a substantial and much esteemed citi - zen.

CHARLES SHEPHERD was born in Greene County, Ind., in the year 1842, and is the third child in a family of seven born to William and Martha (Bradford) Shepherd, who were natives of Kentucky. He was reared to manhood upon his father's farm, educated in the common schools of the neighborhood, and was joined in marriage in 1865 with Miss Mary Hicks, daughter of Rev. W. C. and Winnie (Alford) Hicks. who were from Tennessee. Mr. Shepherd is a well-to do farmer, a good citizen and neighbor, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and parents of six children-Ida M., Loretta, William (who was named for his grandfather), Myrthe, Oscar and Mary. William Shep- herd, father of the subject of this sketch, was widely and favorably known in Greene County, where he settled at a very early day. He was born in Kentucky January 7, 1814, and his wife, who was formerly Martha Brad- ford, was born in the same State in 1815. They died respectively in the years 1860 and 1881, and were the parents of Thomas H., Margaret, Charles, Leander, William and Andrew. Mrs. Charles Shepherd's father, the Rev. W. C. Hicks, was among the pioneers of Greene County,

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Ind., and his memory will long be cherished by the early members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member and pastor. It was through his influence that the Hicks Church was built, and after its erection was named in his honor. Mr. Hicks was a native of Ten- nessee, born in 1810, and his death occurred in Greene County in 1878. He was twice married, his first wife, Winnie Alford, bearing him nine children, and his last wife, Sarah J., nine more, making him the father of eighteen children.

DANIEL F. SHRYER (deceased) was born in Monroe County, Ind., July 16, 1830, and when a young man came to Greene County, locating in Fairplay Township. where he became very successful in the acquisi- tion of property, and in meriting the confidence and obtaining the warm friendship of his fellow-citizens. In the year 1858, he was joined in marriage with Miss Mary A. Inman, who was born February 19, 1839, a daughter of Robert and Rhoda (Wines) Inman. Their union was blessed with three children, named Linnie, who was born January 29, 1859, and lives with her husband. E. O. Shripps, on a part of the old homestead; Harriet, born May 26, 1860, died in 1861; and Lewis I. Daniel F. Shryer died in Greene County, Ind., May 8, 1879, and his wife May 1 of the same year. Lewis I. Shryer, their only son, was born February 26, 1863, and for a wife selected Miss Sarah Louisa Glover, by whom he is the father of one daughter-Lora Lerota. The mother is a daugh- ter of Israel and Sarah (Moore) Glover, who were natives of Ohio, and old settlers of Greene County, Ind. Mr. Shryer and wife reside on a portion of the old homestead, and are among the best citizens of Fairplay Township.

M. WILSON, son of Thomas and Ann (Dobbs) Wilson, is a native of Northamptonshire, England, his birth occurring in 1821. He was early put to the tailor's trade by his father, serving a five years' apprenticeship with Luke Richards, at Ridgestock. He was joined in marriage with Miss Frances Parsons, of the same shire as himself, and to them have been born five children, named Watson, Rolland (deceased), Harvey, Rolland, and Sarah, who is the wife of Wesley I. Williams, of Monroe County, Ind. The subject of this notice came to the United States in' 1855, and settled at Worthington, Ind., but subsequently removed to Bloomfield, where he continued to reside until the breaking-out of the late civil war. In 1862, himself and oldest son enlisted in the Seventy- first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battle at Rich- mond, Ky., where their regiment was so badly cut to pieces as to neces- sitate its conversion into what afterward became known as the Sixth Cavalry. commanded by Col. Biddle. Both father and son performed effective service for their adopted country in its struggle to maintain the Union. The former was captured at Richmond in 1862 by Morgan's forces, but was paroled upon the field. Watson Wilson was captured while on one of Stoneman's raids in Georgia, and for seven months was incarcerated at Andersonville, where he suffered all the horrors of Southern prison life during the war. After his release in 1865, and while on his way home, he died at Columbus, Ohio, from the effects of his barbarous treatment in the South. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are mem- bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and are among Fairplay Town- ship's best citizens.

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CASS TOWNSHIP.

URIAH CHRISTENBERRY, a native of Taylor Township, Greene Co., Ind., was born August 18, 1833, and is one of thirteen children of Hiram and Lucy (Baker) Christenberry, who were among the pioneers of Greene County. Excepting a few years, Mr. Christenberry has always made his home in the county where he now resides, and here he received his schooling from the primitive log cabin of that day. His marriage with Lucinda Wesner was solemnized December 11, 1856, and on the 22d of April, 1860, he was left a widower with one child, Lucinda, now living. He married his second wife, Mrs. Suaney (Porter) Grove, September 8, 1864, and to this union seven children have been born-Lillie Belle, John F., Thomas J., Emilie E., Minnie M., Walter C. and Lulu A. Mr. Christenberry has followed farming mostly through life, and besides this he was connected in the drug trade at Newberry for about eight years. He owns a good farm of 200 acres, nicely improved and under good culti- vation. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is one of the progressive and best citizens of the county. In youth, he received the sobriquet of "Tom," and by this name he is as much known as by the name he was christened.

ANDREW J. COX, stock-dealer, Newberry, was born in Monroe County, Ind., February 27, 1849, and is a son of Isaac and Charion (Brummet) Cox, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. Isaac Cox came to Indiana previous to his marriage, settled in Monroe County, where he filled various positions of honor and trust, and engaged in farm- ing and stock-dealing. He was an old Jackson Democrat in politics, and he and wife were intelligent and esteemed citizens and the parents of seventeen children. He departed this life in November, 1874, but his widow still survives him and lives on the old place in Monroe County. Andrew J. was reared upon the home farm, and until sixteen years old attended the common schools. He then attended the State University at Bloomington two years, after which he entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Louisville, Ky., graduating in 1869. The fall of this year he came to Greene County and for about four years taught school at Newberry and Scotland. June 16, 1875, Miss Sadie Shoemaker became his wife. This lady was born at Newberry, a daughter of Daniel and Susanna Shoemaker, who were among the early and well known settlers of the county. She died February 28, 1879. Since the death of his wife, Mr. Cox has made his home at Newberry, his time being employed in buying stock over Greene and adjoining counties. He is an excellent judge of stock, and is one of the county's best business men. As a Dem- ocrat in politics, he is outspoken in his views. and at one time was the candidate of his party for County Auditor, suffering defeat only by four votes, which fully attests his popularity. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and the K. of P. fraternities; is a jovial companion, frank and generous in disposition, and is a man possessed of more than average literary attainments.

F. M. GILBERT, a native of Williams County, Ohio, was born August 17, 1848, and in October, 1865, removed with his father to

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Greene County. Ind., which has since been his home. To his parents, Eli B. and Ann .(Calvin) Gilbert, two children were born -- F. M., and Lois, now Mrs. D. M. Bynum. The mother died September 27. 1864, and to the father's marriage with Phebe Boys, the following children were born: Ida, Lee. Effie, Wade H. and one that died in infancy. Eli B. Gilbert was a farmer, an honored and esteemed citizen, whose death on the 8th of January, 1881, was universally regretted by all who knew him. F. M. Gilbert attended the district schools in youth, was raised on a farm and on attaining majority began doing for himself. He com- pleted his schooling by attending business college at Warrenton, Mo., and Lexington, Ky., and embarked in merchandising at Lyons in 1872, with D. M. Bynum as a partner. At the end of eighteen months, he sold out, but in September, 1875, again began merchandising at Lyons. In March, 1876, James Carpenter became his partner, and at the end of about four years the successor of the firm, by reason of Mr. Gilbert's selling out and engaging in the grain trade. He then sold out, came to Newberry, where he operates a general store, carrying about $4,500 worth of goods, and transacts an average annual trade of $11,000. Mr. Gilbert is a Democrat and an earnest advocate of the temperance cause. He was married, February 23, 1879, to Carrie Alkire, by whom he is the father of three children-Armor, Cline and Ethel. The parents are members of the Christian Church and among Newberry's best citizens.

DANIEL HENSHAW, deceased, was of Southern birth, born Decem- ber 16, 1826. The death of his father when he was an infant left him to the care of his mother, who removed with him to Greene County, Ind., in 1828, and afterward married William Bynum. Daniel Henshaw married Anna Dellinger for his first wife, but she and the three children born to them are now dead. He was married to Susanna (Slinkard) Shoemaker in December, 1860, and in 1861 became a member of Com- pany C, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died of disease at Farmington, Tenn., July 3, 1862. Mrs. Henshaw was the daughter of Frederick Slinkard. She was born in Greene County July 1, 1827; was married to Daniel Shoemaker in August, 1848, by whom she had five children, only two-Catharine E. and Fredrick S .- yet living. Mr. Shoemaker died February 5, 1859, and by her last husband, Mrs. Hen- shaw was the mother of two children -- Anna (Mrs. David Nugent) being the only survivor. Mrs. Henshaw has been a member of the Lutheran Church since sixteen years old, and resides at Newberry, within sight of her birthplace. Although sorely afflicted by the death of many of her nearest and dearest relatives, she has submitted to the decrees of the All- wise Creator without murmuring, and is a firm believer in His works.

REASON C. HILBURN, one of the oldest and most successful teachers in Greene County, was born January 1, 1833, in South Carolina, and when nearly three years old, his parents moved to Indiana and settled in Taylor Township, this county. Here the subject of this sketch was reared, his educational and other advantages being only such as were common at that early day. By economy, he was afterward enabled to at- tend Asbury University for about three years, after which he embarked on his career as a school teacher, which profession he has since followed with marked success. For upward of fifteen years he had charge of the schools of Newberry, but in 1871 his services were recognized by the authorities, and he received the appointment of County Superintendent. He served in this capacity until the fall of 1876, and in 1880 he was

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again elected to this position, serving one year longer. Prof. Hilburn deserves no small amount of credit for the part he has taken in the ad- vancement of educational matters in Greene County, and to his energy and forethought the county is largely indebted for the numerous good school buildings which are now an honor to it. With the exception of two terms in Owen County, and five terms in Daviess County, Prof. Hil- burn has always plied his vocation in Greene County, and among its educators he ranks second to none. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Andrew Slinkard, deceased, on the 21st of April, 1858, and although five children have been born to them, only one son -- Willie Andie-is yet living. Prof. Hilburn is an unswerving Dem- ocrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

DR. E. W. HILBURN, the youngest but one of a large family of children, was born in Taylor Township, this county, December 31, 1837, a son of Reason and Rebecca (Elmore) Hilburn, who emigrated from South Carolina to Greene County, Ind, in 1835. They first located in Taylor Township, where Mr. Hilburn engaged in farming, but he after- ward carried on a store, in partnership with Cary O'Neal, in the neigh- borhood of where Alexander Neff now resides in Newberry. He died at his home in Taylor Township in July, 1844, but his widow survived him many years, finally dying at the home of Dr. Hilburn in Newberry, in December, 1872. Of the children born to them, five are now living, three in Greene County, one in Knox County, and one in Webster County, Iowa. E. W. Hilburn lived with his parents until eighteen years old, when he began school at Asbury University, remaining there about six months, then for six months longer attending the State University. He confined his studies at these two places to the branches on sciences and that which seemed to be of the most practical valne. After leaving col- lege, he taught public school nine terms, then began the study of medi- cine with Dr. J. H. Dagley, with whom he remained four years. He then attended a course of lectures at Chicago, succeeding which he practiced for a time in Owen and Knox Counties, and in 1871 graduated from the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati. In 1865, he located in New- berry, which has since been his home, and where he has achieved flatter- ing success in his profession. For the past eight years, he has also been engaged in a profitable merchandising business. Dr. Hilburn is one of the influential Democrats of Cass Township, and although a seeker after no political favors, is now serving his second term as Township Trustee, during his first term having built the present brick school edifice. He is the present Master of Newberry Lodge, No. 166, F. & A. M., and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The marriage of Millie Trueblood with Dr. Hilburn occurred in 1869, and their union has been blessed with two children, only one-Alice C .- yet living.

JOHN W. JOHNSON, teacher, Newberry, was born near Solsberry, in Center Township, Greene County, Ind., May 20, 1854, and is one of eight children, all living, born to Warren and Nancy (Baker) Johnson, who were natives respectively of Kentucky and Tennessee, and of English descent. Both the Johnson and Baker families were among the pioneers of Greene County, the last named first settling in Rush County on coming to the Hoosier State. Warren Johnson was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He always took an active interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of his community, and for a number of years was a Justice in his township.

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He moved to Daviess County in about 1860, and from there to Cars Township, Greene County, a number of years later, where he died Sep- tember 7, 1881. His widow continues to survive him, and resides on the old homestead. John W. Johnson was raised largely in his native coun- ty, where he acquired the most of his education by private study. At twenty years of age, he began for himself, and the winter of 1875-76 taught his first term of public school. Since that time Mr. Johnson has turned his attention almost exclusively to teaching and farming. As a public instructor, he has proven a success in every sense of the word, as his twelve terms of successful teaching fully determines. He is a Demo- crat, is the present Assessor of his township, is a member of the Blue Lodge in Masonry, and is the owner of 100 acres of good land.

WILLIAM H. KILLIAN was born February 1, 1837. in Daviess County, Ind. He is one of five children born to Wiley and Rosanna (WesDer) Killian. On the 7th of September, 1856, he was married to Mary J. Slinkard, of Greene County, Ind. Later the same year, Mr. Killian settled in Greene County, where he has lived in Cass Township ever since. He has followed farming mostly and with good success. In 1871, he began doing a general merchandise business at Newberry, and for about five years did a prosperous trade, but the panic of 1873, and high water of 1875, proved rather too heavy adverse financial tides to he withstood, and he then abandoned merchandising. Since then, fortune has better favored him, and he is again paying attention to farming and to running a saw mill, which he owns in partnership with his son. Mr. Killian is a member of the Lutheran Church and Sunday School, and is the main support of these institutions at Newberry. Mr. and Mrs. Kill- ian have a family of eight children-Waldren D., Laura C., Rosanna S., Maggie S., Martha J., Gracie L., Edith V. and Louis H. For years Mr. Killian has taken an active part in all matters pertaining to his township, and has been its Trustee for three years, and is at present a Justice of the Peace.

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History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana, Part 46

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Number of Pages: 901

Author: Goodspeed Bros. & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 901