USA > Indiana > Greene County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 84
USA > Indiana > Sullivan County > History of Greene and Sullivan Counties, State of Indiana > Part 84
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of the Carlisle Schools. He is a man of thorough and er ergetic business qualifications, and is held in high esteem by all.
JOSIAH T. AKIN, the junior member of the firm of R. W. Akin's Sons, is the youngest of the family of Ransom W. und Sarah R. (Sedg- wick) Akin. He is a native Hoosier, having been born in Monroe County, Ind., October 9, 1860. His education was all acquired in the schools of Carlisle, with the exception of two years that he attended the Union Christian College at Merom, and one year of. Asbury University, where he took an irregular course. After this he began clerking for the firm of R. W. Akin & Sons, which he continued until his father's death in June, 1880, when he became the owner of his father's share in the partnership, and the name of the company was changed to R. W. Akin's Sons. He is a member of the fraternity of Odd Fellows, of the Subordinate Lodge, No. 50, at Carlisle, aud has passed all the chairs in that order and rep- resented his lodge in Grand Lodge. In politics, he is Democratic and takes a lively interest in public affairs of his town, where he is looked upon as a young man of promise, and whose habits and business qualities are above reproach.
EPENETUS W. ARNETT, farmer. P. O. Paxton, is a native of Gill Township, Sullivan Co., Ind., born October 25, 1832, one of four- teen children born to Levin and Nancy E. (Roberts) Arnett, who were among the earliest settlers from Kentucky in Sullivan County. His early years were spent in farming and attending school in a log cabin, with the slab seats and greased paper for window lights, etc. March 27, 1856, he married Martha J. Purcell, and four children were born to them-Nancy E., born February 20, 1857; Eliza J., September 10, 1858 ; Martha, June 14, 1861 ; Maggie, October 29, 1866. Mrs. Arnett is one of eight children born to Hiram W. and Ellen (McGarvey) Pur- cell, and was born January 15, 1838. Mr. Arnett owns 152 acres of excellent land, well-improved, and raises some stock in addition to the usual farm crops. During the war, be was engaged some time in hay- pressing for the Government. Mrs. Arnett is a member of the Christian Church, and they both take an active interest in promoting all laudable enterprises. He was a charter member of the P. of H., and a great worker in that order. He is a Democrat politically, and a public- spirited, honorable citizen, having the respect of all who know him.
MILTON C. BEDWELL, a well-to-do farmer of Haddon Township, was born near Pleasantville, in Sullivan County, Ind., March 18. 1833. the fifth in a family of seven children born to Elisha and Susan (Hinkle) Bedwell, who were natives respectively of Kentucky and North Carolina. The father was born February 18, 1799, and the mother September 25, 1802. After the death of the former, Mrs. Bedwell married, in 1845, Richard Davidson, who was born in Jessamine County, Ky., April 30, 1794. This couple still live and reside with the subject of this sketch. Milton C. Bedwell was reared and educated in the vicinity of Carlisle, and when nineteen years of age started in life for himself as a day laborer. In March. 1845, he settled on his present place, where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock raising. He now owns & good farm of 145 acres, besides having given eighty acres to his children. Mr. Bedwell is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, and an enterprising farmer and esteemed citizen. March 26, 1854, he married Miss Sarah A., daughter of James and Sarah (Curry) Brodie, who were natives of Kentucky, and by her is the father of two
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children -- Laura J. and De Witt. Mrs. Bedwell is a native of Sullivan County, born in the year 1830.
WASHINGTON BENSINGER was born in the township where he resides December 25, 1834, one of nine children born to Adam F. and Elizabeth Bensinger, who were among the early settlers of Sullivan County, they being natives of Germany, who came to this country when quite young. Adam was born in 1787, and died in 1844, his wife, Eliz- aheth, dying in June, 1871. He received but little education, and was raised to farming, and now owns 200 acres of excellent land. September 1, 1856, his marriage was solennized with Catharine McCormick, and to their union eight children have been born, of whom five are living- Harriet, James F., Dora, Alonzo and Lloyd, born respectively May 2, 1857, October 15, 1858, January 21, 1862, September 23, 1863, and May 31, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Bensinger are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church at Bethlehem, near where they live, Mr. B. being one of the Trustees of the same. He is a Republican.
ANDREW J. BRENTLINGER was born in Jefferson County, Ky., October 27, 1827, one of thirteen children born to Jacob and Sarah (Hoke) Brentlinger. Subject received the ordinary education of the day, and was raised to a life of farming, and has followed the same to the present time, owning 200 acres of good land. He was married, Jan- uary 28, 1863, to Mary L. Collins, and six children have been born to their union, of whow four are now living-Emmett P., Kate C., William J., and Rush E., born January 20, 1865, November 20, 1866, June 30, 1869, and January 7, 1878, respectively. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Carlisle, where he has been Elder for several years. Mr. Brentlinger is a member of the I. O. O. F., a Democrat, and a zealous and firm advocate of the cause of temperance.
DR. CHARLES F. BRIGGS, physician and surgeon, Paxton, is a native of the township where he lives, being born March 25, 1848, one of ten children born to Joseph W. and Elizabeth A. (Clippinger) Briggs, who settled in Sullivan in 1832, coming from Pennsylvania. Joseph W. was a Captain in the Mexican war, serving in the Second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battle of Buena Vista. Dr. Briggs received a common school education, but at the age of sixteen he enlist. ed in Company E, Fifty seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. and served till the close of the rebellion, receiving an honorable dis. . charge October 20, 1865. He was engaged in the following battles : Franklin, November 30, 1864, and the two days' fight at Nashville, De- cember 15 and 16, 1864 ; went into winter quarters at Huntsville, Ala., and in the following summer (1865) was sent to New Orleans, and trom there to Texas, where they were discharged at Victoria. On his return home he went to school one year, and then entered the dry goods busi- ness with James W. Hinkle in Sullivan, which continued eight years .. December 28, 1871, he married Miss Josephine Hinkle, eldest daughter of his partner, James W. Hinkle. In 1875, he began the study of med- icine in the office of Dr. James R. Hinkle, at Sullivan, and in 1876 en- tered the Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which institution he graduated February 28, 1878, when he commenced practice at Paxton. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is an I. O. O. F., having passed the chair in that order and twice repre- sented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. He has had two children born to him-Bertha B., born October 9, 1872, and Carl F., born September
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17, 1880. He is a Repbulican in politics, and takes an active interest in all public affairs.
JAMES O. COLLINS was born in Jefferson County, Ky., February 21, 1826, one of nine children born to William S. and Mary (Hoke) Col- lins, who came from Kentucky with their family and settled in Haddon Township in 1837, where they have since made their home. Our sub- ject received but a limited education, and began farming in early life, which be bas always followed. December 16, 1852, he married Sarah Watson, and nine children have been born to them-Finley O., Lydia E., Olive M., Robert L. D., Dudley O., Eugene L. and Allene C. (twins), Orney L. and Walter S., all living but Allene and Walter. Mr. Collins has been quite anccessful in life, and now owns 169 acres of good land, well improved and in a high state of cultivation. Both Mr. and Mra. Collins are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a Demo- orat, and one of the most influential citizens of his township. The father of Mr. Collins is one of the oldest and best known citizens of Sullivan, and was one of the sixteen gentlemen who came up so nobly and raised the $30.000 for the purpose of taking the E. & T. H. Rail. road to Carlisle. He was a native of Somerset County, Md., and was born May 30, 1799, locating in Kentucky in 1818. Mrs. Collins, his wife, was born December 4, 1797, in Kentucky, and was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and her death occurred May 25, 1865. Mr. Collins has been an Elder in the Presbyterian Church for over forty-five years, and is now enjoying the evening of a well-spent life.
VINCENT CORBIN, farmer, Carlisle, was born in Haddon Township April 8, 1843, youngest of nine children born to Vincent and Judy (Spencer) Corbin, who settled in Sullivan County in 1829, coming from Kentucky, where he had removed from Virginia. He was born Novem- ber 10, 1799, and she February 23, 1805. He died February 20, 1871, of paralysis, and she is yet living with her son, the subject of this sketch. He enlisted August 23, 1862, in Company K, Eightieth Regi- ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served till the close of the war, participating in the following battles : Resaca, Dallas Hill, At- lanta, .Franklin, Nashville, and in the six months' campaign under Sherman in Georgia. He was honorably discharged June 22, 1865, at which time he was Sergeant of his company. He was married, January 26, 1870, to Catherine A. Sproatt, and four children blessed the union, only one of whom is now living, Frank R., born October 4, 1876. Mr. Corbin began life farming, and now owns 227 acres of fine land, under a high state of improvement. He and wife are members of the Baptist Churob at Indian Prairie Mr. Corbin gave liberally for the building of his church, as well as to other charitable purposes. He is an I. O. O. F., both Subordinate and Encampment. He is a firm advocate of the cause of temperance, being a member of the I. O. G. T., and is a Republican in politics, taking an active interest for his party.
THOMAS E. DAVIDSON, one of the principal farmers of Haddon Township, is a native of Sullivan County, Ind., and was born September 26, 1819, on the same farm where he now lives. His parents were Daniel and Mary (Enochs) Davidson, from Kentucky, who bore a family of ten children, and were among the influential people of their community. Our subject received a common school education in the early schools ac- cording to the pioneer methods of teaching. Elizabeth Gobin became
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his wife on May 24, 1849, and by her he is the father of nine children, these seven now living : Charles C., Fannie, Benjamin R., Elizabeth, Thomas F., Caroline and Cora, born respectively December 10, 1851, March 7, 1853, September 21, 1854, May 14, 1857, October 15, 1858, May 15, 1860, and March 15, 1862. Mrs. Davidson was born March 9, 1825, daughter of William and Sophia (McClanahan) Gobin. Mr. D. has farmed most of his life, and has done considerable shipping of stock and produce by boats to New Orleans. He now owns about 500 acres of good farming land, highly improved. Mrs. Davidson is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Carlisle. Subject engaged in cotton-raising soon after the war, and tells some interesting stories of his adventures in the South land. He is a Democrat.
THOMAS ORLANDO ELLIS, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Sullivan County, Ind., December 19, 1835, one of thirteen children born to John W. and Sarah E. (Ching) Ellis, who were among the early settlers of Carlisle. He received the usual education obtainable in the subscription schools of his day, and worked at farming till 1853, when he went to Mobile, Ala., and learned the brick mason's trade. In 1856, he started from Mobile and joined Walker's expedition to Nicaragua, but the expedition failing through the treachery of the natives, be was taken to New York, from whence he returned to Mobile almost naked and penniless, and badly wounded. For about a year after that escapade he worked at his trade, when he returned to his native county, and has remained there ever since. April 13, 1865, he married Eliza L. Sprott, and to this union four children have been born, two of whom are living -Claude A., born November 19, 1869, and Myrta M., May 23, 1875. Mr. Ellis owns 290 acres of land, and - has raised considerable stock. Mrs. Ellis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Carlisle, and he is a Democrat.
DR. HAMET N. HELMS, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Sullivan County, is a native of New York, where he was born near the city of Geneva October 3, 1814. He is one of a family of eight children born to Jacob and Anna (Dixon) Helms, who came to Sullivan County in 1817, and located at Carlisle, where they lived the balance of their lives. Our subject received a common school education, in the primitive log schoolhouse of early days, and he tells some interesting tales of his school-days and the early methods of teaching. His mother died when he was about the age of ten years, and from that time he made his home with Dr John W. Davis, one of the pioneer physicians of Sullivan County, and one of the prominent politicians of Indiana. For several years he followed flat-boating from Busseron Creek to New Orleans. Having studied medicine a considerable time, he attended medical lectures at Lexington, Ky., during the winter of 1837-38. Im- mediately after this he practiced his profession at Edwardsport, in Knox County, for over one year. In the fall of 1839, he formed a partnership with Dr. Davis at Carlisle, which lasted about two years After this he continued his practice alone at that place until he became connected with Dr. A. M. Murphy, some three or four years later, and with whom he re- mained until 1857. Soon after their dissolution, he formed another partnership, this time with Dr. John M. Hinkle. Again, in 1865, be- came a partner with Dr. W. R. Miller, but ceased to be such in the fall of 1868. This was his last partnership, and about the year 1873, he abandoned the practice of medicine entirely. Since that time he has
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paid exclusive attention to farming. Dr. Helms had the best of success as a physician, and when once he began with a patient was ever faithful in his attentions, no matter what its situation in life. He now owns 375 acres of good farming land, and is devoting a great deal of attention to stock-raising. On December 1, 1839, his marriage with Mary A. Davis was solemnized, and to their union three children have been born, named Benjamin R., Margaret D. and Ann R. Mrs. Helms was a faithful mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Carlisle, and died August 26, 1851. After this, Dr. Holms made an overland trip to California, and drove cattle all the way. He took 100 calves across the forty-five mile desert without losing one, a feat rarely accomplished in those days. The Doctor was very successful in treating with the Indians, and made a treaty with the chief at the head waters of the Humboldt River. He tells some amusing and interesting stories and personal incidents that occurred while among the Indians. Again, on July 11, 1854, he was married, this time to Mrs. Amanda (Gray) Sallee, by whom he is the father of three children-Samuel D., Albert G. and Daniel W. V., all living. Mrs. Helms is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the Doctor belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is the foremost in that organization at Carlisle, and always aids the praiseworthy enter- prises of his community by both his influence and means. He is a Democrat in politics, and usually takes a lively interest in public affairs The State Legislature of 1883 appointed him one of the Trustees of the Indiana Reform School for Boys, which position he now holds. This was given to him unsolicited. and is but a just acknowledgment of his eminent qualities for filling that place.
JOHN A. HOKE was born on the farm where he now lives May 6, 1842, and is one of nine children born to Jacob and Rosanna (Brent- linger) Hoke, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, moving to Ken- tucky in an early day, and from there coming to Sullivan County. Mr. Hoke, our subject, received the ordinary education obtainable in the dis- trict schools, and has followed farming all his life. January 3, 1875, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Maggie E. Brentlinger, and to this union have been born four children-Stella May, Mary Eva, Almond and Albert, the latter two being twins. The children were born respectively July 8, 1877; December 24, 1879; and December 17, 1882. Mr. Hoke now owns 240 acres of excellent farming land, and raises some stock. He is a Democrat in politica, and usually takes an active interest in public affairs.
WILLIAM F. HOKE, one of the leading farmers of Haddon Town- ship, was born where he now lives August 8, 1844, one of ten children born to Jacob F. and Rosanna (Brentlinger) Hoke, who were among the early settlers of Sullivan County, coming thence from Kentucky. Sub- ject was reared tu a life of farming, and has followed that occupation ever since. December 18, 1873, he was married to Miss Jennie Turner, and to this union five children have been born-Myrtie M., Ella and Allie (twins), Jacob F. and Beesie L. Mr. Hoke now owns 275 acres of fine farming land, which is highly improved. He is a Democrat polit- ically, and is an active, enterprising and progressive citizen, enjoying the confidence of all who know him.
THOMAS HOLDER was born in Haddon Township March 28, 1828, one of ten children born to Thomas and Nancy (Purcell) Holder, who were among the very earliest settlers in Sullivan County from Virginia.
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Thomas Holder, Sr., built the first cabin put up by a white man north of Knox County, and it is claimed came here before James Ledgerwood had built. He served in the war of 1812, under Gen. Harrison, and was married about 1792. Thomas Holder, our subject, received but a limited education and began life farming, even beginning for himself at the age of fourteen, and he has now acquired by economy, industry and fair deal- ing, a good competency, being in possession of 220 acres of fine land, well improved. February 4, 1842, he was united in marriage to Eliza- beth Daily, and to this union have been born nine children, only four of whom are living-Aaron, Mary, Sarah and Elizabeth. Mrs. Holder was born in Fleming County, Ky., March 25, 1820, and of seven children born to Charles and Mary (Eaton) Dailey, who were also among the early set- tlers of Sullivan County. Both Mr. and Mrs. Holder are members of the Christian Church at Carlisle, he being one of the main supporters of the church, having contributed $800 toward the building of the church Mr. Holder is a Democrat, and takes a lively interest in public matters.
JOHN JENKINS, of Carlisle, one of the eldest settlers now living in Sullivan County, is a native of Chester County, S. C., and was born May 31, 1806, one of eight children born to Thomas and Nancy (Gill) Jenkins. Thomas died in 1807 on his way to Indiana, but his wife and family came on and located in Sullivan County the same year, where they have ever since made their home. Mrs. Jenkins, after coming to this county, joined the Shakers, and, with two of her daughters, remained with that sect till their death. John, our subject, left the Shakers in October, 1824. November 15, 1831, he married Mary A. McClure, and to their union were born ten children, three of whom are now living- William, Mary and Eliza. During most of his life Mr. Jenkins has fol- lowed farming, and with very good success, as he now owns 600 acres of good farming land, well improved. Mrs. Jenkins died in 1853, when he married Mrs. Jane (Bond) Harper, by whom he had five children, two of whom are now living-Ella F. and George L. In May, 1863, he was again called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. His present wife was Mrs. Evaline (Akin) Cartwright. Mrs. Jenkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Jenkins of the Presbyterian Church at Carlisle. He is a Democrat.
DR. RICHARD L. JENKINS, of Carlisle, is a native of Sullivan County, Ind., and was born November 23, 1840. He is one of a family of six children, of whom Richard and Jincy (McClure) Jenkins, who were among the pioneers of Sullivan County. Dr. Jenkins received a common school education while young, mostly in the schools of his . county, some however being acquired in the Paris, Ill., Academy. After this he was engaged in the grocery business, and later in the drug trade for several years. During this time he was studying medicine, and in the winter of 1875-76 attended at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical In- stitute. Returning from there he began the practice of his profession at Carlisle, which he continued until 1882, when he was compelled to abandon the practice on account of failing health. On August 11, 1880, be was united in matrimony to Miss Flora L. Curtner, who bore him one child -- Amy V., born June 13, 1881. Mrs. Jenkins' death occurred July 21, 1881. Dr. Jenkins has been in the drug business ever since 1877 with William J. Curtner, except about three months in 1883. Since that time they, with Mr. E. L. Speake, have formed the only drug firm
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in .Carlisle, under the firm name of W. J. Curtner & Co., and are doing a thriving business. Dr. Jenkins is a member of the fraternity of Odd Fellows, having held all the important offices in that order. He is one of the Trustees of the Carlisle Schools, a Republican in politics, and takes a good interest in the public affairs of his community, of which he is a highly respected member.
JONAS LADSON, Paxton, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, December 25, 1833, one of ten children born to William and Mary (Whittlesy) Ladson. March 2, 1854, he set sail from his native country, and after a two months' voyage landed in New Orleans, from where he immediately started on foot for Evansville, Ind., soon arriving at that point and obtaining work on the E. & C. R. R. With the exception of one year since his arrival in this country, he has been engaged in rail- roading. although he has paid some attention to buying and selling land. In June, 1857, he married Mary J. Evans, who has borne him seven children, six of whom are living-Mary J., born June 18, 1858; Emma, February 18, 1861; William J., July 16, 1864; Sarah, May 25, 1867; Robert V., October 4, 1869; Susan, April 30, 1872. Mrs. Ladson was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 17, 1833. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Ladson located in Carlisle, but shortly after removed to Paxton, where he owns 200 acres of excellent land, under a high state of culti- vation. He is one of the oldest of the employes of the E. &. T. H. R. R., having never missed a month since he began in 1854, with the excep- tion 'of the year mentioned. October 13, 1879, his wife died, when, April 2, 1880, be married Mary C. Hooten, who has borne him two chil- dren-Ruth E., born January 25, 1881, and Albert J., October 8, 1882. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is an A. F. & A. M., Blue Lodge and Chapter; also is a charter member of the A. O. U. W. at Paxton, and has twice passed the chairs of that order. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations.
JAMES L. LAMB, farmer, P. O. Paxton, was born in Haddon Town- ship where he now lives September 21, 1844, one of seven children born to Isaac R. and Mary A. (Land) Lamb, who came to Sullivan County from Kentucky at an early day. Subject received the ordinary education of the common schools, working in summer and going to school in winter. April 15, 1869, he was married to Margaret Arnett, who was the mother of three children-Ellena, born February 23, 1870; and Margaret and James (twins), born March 6, 1872. James is now dead. March 20, 1872, two weeks after the birth of her twins, Mrs. Lamb died. She was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Lamb also belongs to the same church, and always does his share toward sustaining all matters for the public good. He began doing for himself at the age of twenty one, and now owns seventy acres of finely improved land. He is a Democrat in politics.
ALVA C. MALONE, one of the leading business men of Carlisle, Ind., is a native of Lawrence County, Ill., and was born July 6, 1846. His parents were Alfred and Elizabeth A. (Fisher) Malone, who bore a family of ten children, only two of which are now living. His school- ing was obtained in the schools of Palestine, Ill., where he acquired a good common school education. At the age of fifteen years, he enlisted in Company D, of the Ninety eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served in the war of the rebellion about three years, and was honorably discharged July 6, 1865. He was actively engaged in the following bat.
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