USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 103
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ganized. August 6, 1871; the house of worship was completed and dedicated. June 2, 1872. Mr. Crouch served as elder in this church for a period of thirty-four years, and was active in the Sunday school work, as superintendent. assistant superintendent and teacher, for forty-three years.
Politically, Mr. Crouch was affiliated with the Democratic party. He was frequently elected to office and filled every official position in the town. Hle was married, in 1867. to Maria Cavender, of Dayton, Ohio, who died in 1872, leaving one son, Albert, who died in 1871 .. Mr. Crouch's second mar- riage was in 1873. 16 Sallie J. White, of Victor, lowa. To this union four chiklren were born : Edwin L .. James P., Martha May and Bessie ( deceased ). The second wife died on November 8, 1892, and Mr. Crouch married for his third wife, May E. Hyatt, in 1901. She was born in Westfield, but was living at the time of her marriage in Indianapolis, and had been a school teacher for twenty-two years.
Mr. Crouch was a charter member of the Knights of Honor and was formerly a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He took an active in- terest in politics and was an active worker in the temperance cause.
STEWART SLOCUM, M. D.
Stewart Slocum was born on September 13. 1869, the son of Eli and Carmelia M. (Odell) Slocum. Eli Slocum was born in March, 1834. and died in 1879. He was the son of Philip Slocum, who was born in New York state and lived there as a farmer all his life. Philip Slocum was a soldier in the war of 1812. His children were Mary, Susan and Eli. Eli Slocum was educated in the common schools of New York, where he lived on a farm the most of his life. The latter part of his life was spent in Kansas and he died there in 1870. He was the father of the following children : Philip J., who married Leonore B. Friend and who was a teacher, and Stewart, who is the subject of this sketch. Carmelia M. ( Odell) Slocum was born in 1830, and was the daughter of Allen Odell, a farmer in New York state, and also a soldier in the War of 1812. She died in 19co. at the age of seventy years.
Stewart Slocum was educated in the common schools and later graduated from the Louisville ( Kentucky) College of Pharmacy, and the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons at Indianapolis. He graduated from the latter in 1900 and began the practice of medicine in Fortville in 1903. On June 17, 1806, he was married to Eva Grace Jarrett, who was born in this
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county in Green township, and who was the daughter of Abigail ( Walker) Jarrett. To this union was born one child, Ralph Harrison, on June 30. 1903. Doctor Slocum is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is a member of of Murat Temple. Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine : and he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the county and state medical societies and the American Medical Association, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is president of the Fortville Telephone Company. and is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Fortville.
ANTON H. R.ABE.
Numbered among those who have prospered along the various lines of agriculture is Anton H. Rabe, who as a foresighted, enterprising and pro- gressive citizen of Hancock county, Indiana, has reached a position of the highest order in the affairs of the community in which he lives. His life has been guided by the highest principles and his influence has been potent in con- nection with community development. He has identified himself not only with agricultural affairs but also with civic interests and has left a definite impression upon the life of the locality in which he resides. Anton IT. Rabe is a native of Sugar Creek township, Hancock county, Indiana, having been born in this section of the state on October 19, 1877. His parents were Anton R. and Anna Marie (Kuner) Rabe. the former of whom was born in Indian- apolis, November 22, 1841, and the latter of whom, a native of Germany, was born on May 22, 1851. The mother of the subject of this sketch left her native land at the age of nineteen and came to Marion county, Indiana, where she lived with an uncle, Henry Yeager, until the time of her marriage to Mr. Rabe.
Anton F. Rabe, the father of the subject of this sketch, lived in Indian- apolis until he was three years old when he moved with his father to the old Rabe homestead in Sugar Creek township, Hancock county. His education was received in the district schools of the section of the state just mentioned. Shortly after he reached the age of manhood the Civil War broke out and Anton Rabe offered his services to save the Union. He enlisted on August 16, 1861, and served to the very end of the war, being discharged on June 7. 1865. During this time he was a member of Company D, Seventy-ninth Regi- ment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. As a soldier Mr. Rabe received some of the most interesting as well as dangerous experiences of his life. He was at Lookout mountain, Stone's river and at other important battles. He was with
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Sherman on his march to the sea but before arriving at the destination was changed to another line of service. . As a corporal he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, and returned to the homestead of his father, where he began once more the routine of farm life. After his marriage, which was solemnized in 1872, Mr. Rabe moved to a farm consisting of eighty acres of land seven and one-half miles southwest of Greenfield. Indiana, which he had purchased. The farm was only in the first stage of cultivation and part of the land had never been drained. A\ log cabin occupied a prominent place within its boundaries and only added to its primeval appearance. Mr. Rabe began at once the task of clearing the land and changing the farm into a desirable tract for the raising of grain. After he had the land in a high state of im- provement he purchased forty acres adjoining and this place at the time of his death, which occurred on June 4. 1914. was one of the finest farms in Hancock county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Anton F. Rabe the following children were born : Anton H .. Mrs. Anne Klieman, Mrs. Mary Kepper, Mrs. Louise Wooten, Bertha, who resides on the home place ; one son, August. also lives at home. Anton F. Rabe was survived by the immediate members of his family, a brother, Charles, and by two sisters. Mrs. Louise Maddox and Mrs. Christine Raus- chrupt. who were born in Hancock county, and who are now residing in Texas. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was also named Anton Rabe. The grandmother died in Kansas where she had gone with Charles Rabe. Anton F. Rabe was prominent in the affairs of the German Lutheran church of which the Rev. J. H. Kuntz was pastor. His wife, who was reared as a Catholic in Germany, became a member of the German Evangelical church of New Palestine, in this county.
The early education received by Anton H. Rabe was obtained in the Sugar Creek township schools and after completing the course given he began to assist his father with the work on the farm. After his marriage, which occur- red in 1900, he moved east of his original home where he continues to reside at the present time. The farm is in an excellent stage of cultivation and is one of the best improved in the township. Aside from his interests in grain raising Mr. Rabe gives much attention to the raising of high grade stock and ships on an average of seventy-five head of hogs a year. The subject of this sketch also takes great pride in improving the farm residence which is a twelve-room structure of brick of imposing appearance. The stock barn and smaller buildings on the place represent the most modern ideas in farm improve- ment and stand as models of the advancement being made at the present time in agricultural conveniences.
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On December 24. 1900, the marriage of Anton 11. Rabe to Stella Collier. the daughter of George and Amanda ( McBaine ) Collier, residents of Brandy- wine township, took place. Mrs. Rabe, who was born on September 19. 1878. is a member of a large family including the following children: Mrs. Flora Bridgewater, Alfred, M. A., Dunham and Mrs. Elizabeth Moore and Dolly Collier, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Rabe has been born one child. George A. Rabe, a student in high school at Greenfield.
Anton H. Rabe has always manifested a true interest in political affairs and in working for the betterment of conditions in the community in which he lives, has given his political support to the principles of the Democratic party. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Greenfield. Ile is a man of fine attainments, of broad and positive views and his person- ality is of the type which wins the greatest admiration from those with whom he comes in contact.
WILLIAM A. JONES.
William A. Jones, the son of James T. and Elizabeth ( Gum) Jones, was born in Madison county. November 18, 1859. The parents were natives of Virginia and migrated to Madison county in an early day.
James T. Jones was the son of James and Pernina ( Jordan ) Jones, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The parents moved to Madison county about 1831, at a time when the son James, was but two years of age. Here Mr. Jones entered land and built a home for himself and family. He died in the county some years later. James T. Jones received his education in the public schools of Madison county. After completing his education he engaged in farming and followed that occupation until his death, October 19. 1904. Elizabeth Jones died on April 16. 1878.
James T. and Elizabeth Jones were the parents of nine children, three sons. William A .. Charles and Thomas J., now living, the six daughters having died. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Jones married Martha Elsbury, and to this union three children were born : Jesse James Edward and Effay. Mr. Jones and family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Hle was an active Democrat and was for a time assessor of his township.
William A. Jones received his education in the common schools of Madi- son county. After leaving school he became a farmer in his home county. where he remained until 1896, at which time he purchased his present farm in Green township, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres. He also
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owns eighty acres in Madison county. It has been by his own efforts that he has succeeded, for he received no assistance at all from his parents. He began life in a humble way, but by constant application and hard work he has made a success of life. Ilis farm is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He aims to keep it one of the best in the community. The farm buildings have all been remodeled and modernized.
On September 8. 1886. William A. Jones was united in marriage to Mag- gie L. Hiday. of Green township, Madison county. To this union the follow'- ing children have been born : James W., Samuel A., Chester S., Lottie Blanche (deceased). Alice Marie (deceased ), and Warren. James W. married Pearl Smith and they live in Madison county and have one boy named Earl. Chester S. married Bernice Pritchett and they live in Madison county.
Mr. Jones has devoted his life to his work as a farmer and stock raiser. He has never aspired to office, yet he is interested in assisting the best men to office. Mrs. Maggie ( Hiday) Jones died on October 14, 1914. and was interred in Mendon cemetery.
JAMES A. VAN DUYN.
James A. Van Duyn, a well-known farmer of Brown township, Hancock county, Indiana, and trustee of Brown township. is a native of Madison county, this state, born on August 7. 1877. a son of Philip and Mary ( Shelly) Van Duyn.
Philip Van Duyn is also a native of Madison county and first saw the light of day on April 26, 1856. He received his education in the schools of his native county and was early trained to farm work. In 1878 he moved to a farm in Hancock county, where for several years he was known as one of the more successful farmers and stock raisers of his section. IIe has now retired from the active affairs of life and makes his home with his son, Emery, near Willow Branch. this county. Philip Van Duyn is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, although at no time an aspirant to public office, and his religious membership is held with the United Brethren church. Mary Shelly was also a native of Madison county, where she passed her girlhood and received her education. Her parents were sturdy farmers of that county and among its early residents. Philip and Mary ( Shelly ) Van Duyn were the parents of five children. the eldest being James, the immediate subject of this sketch: Ella is the wife of Alvin Chapman. of Greenfield ;
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Emery farms near Willow Branch; Grover has been teacher of the school at Brown's Chapel for the past seven years, and Alston lives in Rush county. where he is engaged in farming. Mrs. Mary Van Duyn departed this life on April 21, 1915.
James A. Van Duyn was a babe of but one year when brought to Han- cock county by his parents. Here he grew to manhood, attending the War- rington schools when a boy. On the family homestead he early was taught the secrets of successful husbandry and to that vocation turned when he started out in life for himself. He farmed until 1909. when he engaged in the gen- eral mercantile business at Willow Branch, giving his attention to that ven- ture for the following six years. Late in 1915 he moved back to his farm home near Warrington, where he is engaged in general farming and stock raising.
James A. Van Duyn was married on November 25. 1897. to Martha Price, born in Hancock county on April 27, 1877, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Price. Martha Price was also reared on a farm and was educated in the schools of Breckinridge. Five children compose the family of James A. Van Duyn and wife. Uva. Lawrence. Forest, Opal and Paul. The first named has attended the Wilkinson high school, which Lawrence is now at- tending, and the three last named are in the grades as yet. Both Mr. and Mrs. Van Duyn are devout members of Zion's Chapel. Methodist Episcopal church, and are actively interested in the affairs of that society. Politically. James .A. Van Duyn is a strong adherent of the Democratic party and in the fall of 1914 he was elected trustee of Brown township. Mr. Van Duyn is regarded as one of the progressive and representative citizens of his township.
FRED V. HARDIN.
Fred V. Hardin, son of Charles V. and Susan ( Marsh) Hardin, was born in Fortville, Indiana, February 14, 1876. His father was a native of Penn- sylvania, his mother of Indiana. Fred V. Hardin was educated in the public schools at Fortville and for fifteen years was employed in the general mer- chandise store of A. J. Wetsel, in Fortville. In 1908 he engaged in the grocery business on his own account, and is still in that business. He was married in 1897 to Grace E. Bills, of Fortville : they have two boys, Philip, N. and Richard V. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hardin's fraternal affiliations are with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of
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HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His political affiliation is with the Republican party. He served four years as clerk and treasurer of the town board, and is now on the fourth year of his term as president of the board.
Fred V. Hardin is of Scotch-Irish lineage. On the paternal side his great grandfather was Isaiah Hardin, who was of Irish descent and was a resident for many years in Delaware. lle died in Philadelphia. June 30, 1821. in the fifty-fourth year of his age. He became the father of eleven children as fol- low : William, Susannah, Thomas, Isaiah, Philip, Mary .\., Elizabeth. Mar- garet. Catherine. John and Jacob.
Philip Hardin, the fifth son of Isaiah, and the grandfather of Fred V .. was born in Delaware, but removed with his parents to Philadelphia when but a small boy. He was engaged in the tobacco business in Philadelphia for sev- oral years, associated in that business with his brother. William. In 1830 he removed to Huntsville, Indiana, making the journey by wagon which required six weeks of tedious travel. He bought a farm of eighty acres, located near Alfont, but only resided on the farm for one year when he returned to Hunts- ville where he learned the wagon-making trade. He afterward established a wagon and blacksmith shop, associated with his brother, John, and carried on that business for many years. He died on February 5. 1878. He was an active member of the Baptist church. His widow survived him for several years; she died in April. 1887, at the home of her daughter, Margaret, in Pendleton, Indiana. His wife's maiden name was Mary Freeborn, who was born on . April 22, 1808, the daughter of Robert and Mary ( Ingham ) Freeborn. The other children in the family of Robert and Mary Freeborn were: Eliza- beth. Catherine, Margaret, Mary L. and Charles V., all born in Philadelphia : John, William and Evelyn were born in Huntsville.
Robert Freeborn, father of Mrs. Hardin, was of Scotch ancestry. He was a seafaring man, being captain of a vessel, and followed this vocation for the most of his active years. . After the death of his wife he made his home with his daughter. Elizabeth, in Philadelphia.
Charles V. Hardin, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Phil- adelphia, Pennsylvania. September 26, 1838. He was the fifth in the family of Philip and Mary ( Freeborn ) Hardin. In 1840, when about eighteen months old, he came with his parents to Indiana, and was reared and educated in Huntsville. On August 12. 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company G. Twelfth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. This company was organized by Capt. James Huston. The regiment was commanded by Col. William Il. Link, who died from wounds received in the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, and
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was succeeded in command of the regiment by Lieut .- Col. Reuben Williams, who commanded the regiment during the remainder of its service and was breveted brigadier general at the close of the war. Charles V. Hardin served until the close of the war and was mustered out with his regiment at Wash ington, D. C., June 8, 1865. Ule participated in the battle of Richmond, Ken- tucky, August 30. 1862, in which the regiment suffered severe loss in killed and wounded, and most of the regiment were taken prisoners, Mr. Hardin being among the number. After being exchanged the regiment was sent to Grant's army, operating in Mississippi, and it became a part of the Fifteenth Army Corps, commanded by Gen. John A. Logan. Under this command Mr. Hardin participated with his regiment in the battle of Vicksburg and Jack son. Mississippi ; and then joined Sherman's army and participated in the bat- tles ! Missionary Ridge. Resca. Dallas, New Hope church, Kenesan Moun- tain, Nickajack creek, the several battles around Atlanta, the battle of Jones- boro, the march to the sea, the battle at Savannah, Georgia ; the battles of Gris- woldville and Columbia. South Carolina ; and Raleigh and Bentonville, North Carolina. lle then participated with his regiment in the Grand Review in Washington, at the close of the war, and was soon afterward discharged.
Mr. Hardin was a blacksmith by trade and worked at this trade prior to enlisting in the army. On his return from the army he set up a shop at Alfont where he worked at his trade until 1874. when he changed his location and business to Fortville. In 1891 he was appointed postmaster at Fortville, under the administration of President Harrison, and hell the office for four years, after which he resumed his work in the blacksmith shop for four years, when another change occurred and Mr. Hardin was re-appointed postmaster under the administration of President Mckinley, and continued in office until the ad- ministration of President Taft. Since then he has not been actively engaged in business.
Charles V. Hardin has been a Republican from the time of the organiza- tion of the party. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has voted for all the Republican candidates for president since that time. He is a mem- ber of Sol. D. Kempton Post No. 228, Grand Army of the Republic, and ha- held all the offices of the post, including three years as post commander. For the past several years he has been adjutant of the post. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows: has passed through all the chairs of the lodge, and has represented the local organization in the grand lodge of the state. He is a charter member of the local lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men, has been sachem and has represented the lodge in the grand council of the order in the state.
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Charles V. Hardin was married on January 19. 1860, to Cynthia S. Marsh, a native of Madison county. Indiana, a daughter of David and Sarah Jane (Jordan) Marsh, he a native of Ohio and she of Virginia. They were among the early settlers of Madison county, Indiana, coming to that county with their parents at an early day in the history of the county. There were seven children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hardin. namely : William D., Maude F., who married E. N. Gray; Jesse L .. Neva K., Fred V., Len and John M. Mr. and Mrs. Hardin are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
GUS E. STUART.
Gus E. Stuart, one of the prominent and successful editors and pub- lishers in Hancock county, was born at Fortville, March 19. 1867, the son of Dr. and Mrs. John G. Stuart, the former of whom was for many years a prominent physician in the community, and died on October 7. 1898.
Gus E. Stuart was educated in the public schools of Fortville. After completing his education he became an employee of Greene & Williams on the Fortville Journal, which paper was established in 1883. He continued there for two years and then became a journeyman printer, working at various places throughout the country. In February, 1886, he and his brother. Dr. Arthur A. Stuart, established the Fortville Sun, which they published until July, 1887, when they sold the plant to Simmons Brothers.
After the sale of the paper Mr. Stuart again became a journeyman and worked at various places until 1895. when he established a branch office at Fortville for the Kahn Tailoring Company, of Indianapolis. He conducted a successful business until 1909, at which time he bought the field of the Fortville Tribune and the plant of the Sun. The latter paper he had estab- lished and then soldl.
Mr. Stuart has increased the plant and has placed modern equipment, with which he is able to do all modern and up-to-date printing. Besides doing good job work he has succeeded in building up the circulation of the paper to over one thousand regular subscribers.
In 1894 Gus E. Stuart was united in marriage to Rosetta Olvey, of Sheridan. Hamilton county. To this union one child has been born. Elsie D). Fraternally. Mr. Stuart is a member of the Knights of Pythias, having been a member since 1895. He is a past chancellor of the order. Mr. Stuart is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. Politically, Mr. Stuart
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has been a Republican the greater part of his life and took an active interest in the political campaigns. Mr. Stuart's paternal grandfather was Isaac Stuart, while his maternal grandfather was Jacob Tague.
JESSE P. COOK.
Jesse P. Cook was a son of William and Sarah ( Cass) Cook, who form- crly lived on a farm in Vernon township, two and one-half miles southeast of Fortville. Here Jesse P. Cook was born on August 13. 1853. His paternal grandparents were Jesse and Nancy (Peyton) Cook, who came to Hancock county in the early history of the county. Their educational advantages were limited to one day in school in North Carolina, of which state they were both natives. Jesse, the grandsire, however, had some ability as a singer and taught a singing school in his North Carolina neighborhood. He also ac- quired a sufficient education to qualify him for justice of the peace and served in that capacity in Vernon township, Hancock county, Indiana. He followed the vocation of farming during his active years. James Cass, grandfather of Jesse P. Cook, on the maternal side, also came to Hancock county from North Carolina, and settled north of Milner's Corner in the early day. Hc was engaged in farming.
William Cook, the father of our subject, was educated in the common schools and his life vocation was that of a farmer. He had a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Vernon township, Hancock county, on which he was living at the time of his death, at the age of fifty-five. His widow is still living and retains ownership in this farm, but resides in Fortville. Three sons and three daughters are living ; one daughter is dead.
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