History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Part 67

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co.
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 786

USA > Indiana > Hendricks County > History of Hendricks County, Indiana > Part 67

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).

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George A. Gibbs, a pioneer of Washington Township, is a native of North Carolina, born Aug. 2, 1822, a son of Thomas and Tabitha Gibbs, natives of Virginia. In 1826 his parents moved to Morgan County, Ind., and in 1830 to Hendricks County, and settled in Washington Township, where they both died. George A. is the only surviving member of a family of three children. He was reared and educated in this county, and since attaining his majority has engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a self-made man. Beginning life in limited circumstances he has accumulated a good property, now owning 270 acres of improved land. He was married Sept. 20, 1842, to Louisa Hubbard, and to them have been born eleven children-Henry H., Melvin C., Andrew J., Eliza J., Mary E., Thomas A., William S., John H., Rosetta F., Lydia J. and Dollie A. In politics Mr. Gibbs is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. . He is a liberal supporter of his church and of all interests of benefit to his county.

Henry H. Gibbs is a native of Washington Township, Hendricks Co., Ind., born Feb. 12, 1845, the eldest son of George A. and Louisa (Hubbard) Gibbs. He was reared in his native township, where he had but limited educational advantages. In August, 1863, he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and served six months, principally. in Tennessee and Kentucky. His vocation through life has been agriculture, at which he has been mainly successful. In 1880 he located on his present farm where he owns 160 acres of valuable land. Mr. Gibbs was married Jan. 16, 1868, to Elizabeth Van Trese. To them have been born nine children -Ella H., Charles E., Effie M., George G., William C., Melvin C., Minnie, Ada and Grace. In politics Mr. Gibbs is a Republi- can. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John W. Gladden was born in Marion County, Ind., March 1, 1828, a son of William and Eve (Negley) Gladden. William Glad- den was a native of Pennsylvania, and when a child accompanied his parents to Maryland, where he was reared. When he was twenty-two years of age he came West and for thee years taught school in Butler County, Ohio. He then removed to Marion County, Ind., and entered 400 acres of land, which he improved, enduring all the hardships of pioneer life. After a life of usefulness he died Jan. 29, 1884, his wife surviving him but one day. They were buried in the same grave in Shiloh Methodist Church Ceme-

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tery, in this township. Of ten children born to them, nine grew to maturity, and six are still living- William N., John W., Alfred H., George L., Hannah O. and David F. Mr. Gladden was rec- ognized as one of the best mathematicians of Indiana, and was often called on to solve knotty problems. John W. Gladden was reared in his native county. In 1856 he moved to Hendricks County, and settled in Washington Township where he has since been successfully engaged in farming and dairying. He owns 142 acres of land in Hendricks County, and thirty-seven acres in Marion County. Mr. Gladden was married Jan. 25, 1849, to Mary McCalmert, daughter of Wilson and Lydia McCalmert. They have had four children-Jane M., born June 14, 1852; Alice C., Feb. 8, 1854; Margaret S., Nov. 9, 1855; and William A., Sep- tember, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Gladden are members of the Method- ist Episcopal church.

Barney Gossett is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Oct. 30, 1841, a son of Joseph and Hannah (Walton) Gossett, na- tives of North Carolina, who accompanied their parents to Hen- dricks County, in 1835. They were married in this county and settled a mile south of Avon, in Washington Township, where the father died in 1848, and the mother in 1868. Of their five chil- dren, three are living-Nelson, Barney and Rachel E. After the father's death the mother married John Milton, by whom she had one child-John F. They endured many hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, but were industrious, energetic citizens, and respected by all who knew them. Barney was reared in his native county, remaining with his mother till manhood. When the civil war broke out he enlisted in defense of the Union, in Sep- tember, 1861, in Company I, Seventh Indiana Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in many severe engagements, some of the more important being Antietam, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Petersburg, second Bull Run, Winches- ter, Fredericksburg and Greenbriar. He was honorably discharged in September, 1864. After his return home he engaged in agri- cultural pursuits, and now has a fine farm of 190 acres. He was married in June, 1865, to Mary A. Richards, a native of Hen- dricks County, born November, 1841, daughter of Joseph and Abigail Richards, natives of Ohio, who settled in this county in 1838. They have two children-Ella E., born Feb. 28, 1869, and John B., Feb. 22, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Gossett are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gossett has served Wash- 47

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ington Township as Justice of the Peace twelve years. He is a , member of Virgil H. Lyon Post, No. 186, G. A. R.

Enos Hadley, an influential and successful farmer and stock- raiser of Washington Township, is a native of Hendricks County, born near Plainfield, June 10, 1825, a son of Jonathan and Ara Hadley. His parents came to Hendricks County in the fall of 1823, and entered eighty acres of Government land, which they began to improve and make a home. They were prominent among the early settlers of the county, earnest members of the Christian church, and honored members of society. Their family consisted of nine children, but four of whom are living-Enos, Harlan, Will- iam C. and John V. Enos Hadley was reared on a frontier farm and was early inured to the hardships of the life of a pioneer. He received a fair education for the early days, and taught several terms. Since leaving home he has been successful in his pursuits and now has a fine farm of 230 acres where he has lived since 1850. He was married Nov. 14, 1850, to Susan Smith, a daughter of James and Hannah Smith, early settlers of Hendricks County, from Kentucky. To them have been born nine children-Jona- than S., Eliza E., James A., Horace E., Cassius C., Clara B., Robert S., Enos W. and Lester B .; the latter is deceased. Mr. Hadley has served as Trustee of Washington Township three terms, and as Commissioner of Hendricks County one term. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

Harlan Hadley is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born in Guilford Township, Oct. 14, 1829, a son of Jonathan and Ara Had- ley. He was married June 6, 1852, to Rebecca Oursler, and to them were born four children-George W., Mary C., Alice and Ada (deceased). Mrs. Hadley died July 23, 1859, and Oct. 9, 1860, Mr. Hadley married Mary A. Ross, who died July 26, 1875, leaving three children-Cora E., William and Charles. Nov. 1, 1877, he married Mrs. Nancy (McCown) Talbott. They have two children-John M. and Harlan C. Mr. Hadley is a man of fine business ability and has accumulated a good property. He has a fine farm of 800 acres under cultivation, and is one of the most extensive stock-raisers and dealers in Hendricks County. He also conducts a profitable livery business in Plainfield, of which place he is one of the most substantial and respected citizens. Mr. Had- ley is a member of Lodge No. 287, F. & A. M. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

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Albert A. Hollingsworth is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Dec. 7, 1844, a son of Mersey N. and Mary A. Hollings- worth, his father a native of Ohio and his mother of Pennsylvania. There were twelve children in his father's family, nine of whom are living-Asbury S., Albert A., John T., Samuel J., Mersey M., Maria L., Mary E., Sally A. and Emily J. Albert A. Hollings worth was reared and educated in his native township. In July, 1862, he enlisted in the Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry for three months, and was discharged the following September. In Febru- ary, 1865, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indi- ana Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He was assigned duty at Columbia and Pulaski, Tenn. After his return home he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, at which he has been successful. In 1876 he located on his present farm, where he owns 155 acres of valuable land, all under cultivation. April 13, 1869, he married Fidelia B. C. Towles, daughter of' Rob- ert and Harriet A. Towles. To them have been born six children -Harriet A., Ira A., Albert A., Nettie M., and an infant de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth are members of the Baptist church at Plainfield.

Enos Huron, a prominent farmer of Washington Township, is a native of Warren County, Ohio, born Sept. 5, 1832, a son of Seth and Matilda (Ross) Huron. When he was an infant his parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and here he was reared and ed- ucated, attending the early subscription schools. Since attaining manhood he has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, and now owns 105 acres of valuable land, and his improvements are among the best in the township. He was married in November, 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Forkner. To them have been born eight children, five of whom are living-Louisa J., Rosella, Alva W., Nancy M. and Sarah G. Lewis B., Mary A. and an infant are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Huron have been prom- inently identified with the Methodist Episcopal church many years. He is a liberal supporter of all interests of benefit to his church, or that tend toward the welfare of his county.

Seth Huron, deceased, was born in Warren County, Ohio, May 10, 1803, and died in Hendricks County, Ind., in July, 1876. He was a son of Othniel and Bethiah Huron. He remained with his parents till manhood, in his native county, where he was married to Matilda Ross. To them were born nine children-Mary E., Martha J., Enos, Othniel, Eli, Seth J., Louisa, Ann and James T .;

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the last two are deceased. Mrs. Huron died, and Aug. 30, 1852, Mr. Huron married Mary McLane, daughter of James McLane, an early settler of Hendricks County. They had a family of six children, five of whom are living-Sarah D .. Nancy M., William B., Hezekiah H. and Phoebe L. In 1832 Mr. Huron moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled in Washington Township, where he passed the rest of his life. He was a prominent citizen of the township, and served twenty-seven years as Justice of the Peace. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also Mrs. Huron. She resides on the old homestead, which contains eighty acres of valuable land, situated on the Rock- ville road.

Seth T. Huron is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born in Washington Township, June 26, 1850, a son of Benjamin A. and Katherine Huron. He was reared and educated in his native county, and for about four years was one of its corps of school- teachers. In 1872 he went to Atchison, Kas., where he was employed as clerk in a store two years, and in 1874 returned to Hen- dricks County. He has devoted his attention to agricultural pur- suits and now owns a fine farm near Avon. In the spring of 1884 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and assumed the duties of his office the following November. Mr. Huron was married Aug. 2, 1876, to Mary E. Farmer, daughter of David Farmer, formerly of Hendricks County, now of Putnam County, Mo. To them have been born four children-Mary E., born May 3, 1877; Frank P., born June 16, 1880, died March 16, 1881; Irma R., born April 30, 1882, and Flora F., born Dec. 23, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Huron are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is serving his second year as Superintendent of the Sunday-school, at Wesley Chapel. His parents, who were among the first settlers of the county, still live on the farm they entered from the Government, more than fifty years ago. Their children, nine in number, have all been school-teachers (as was also the father), and are now all scattered, from Florida to Kansas, leaving the old folks "alone in the old house at home."

Lotan W. Jenkins, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Wash- ington Township, was born in Randolph County, N. C., Nov. 3, 1823, a son of John and Rebecca Jenkins. In the fall of 1833 his parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and after several re- movals, finally, in 1838, made a permanent settlement in Wash- ington Township, on the farm now owned by our subject. John

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Jenkins was a fair representative of the pioneers of Hendricks County, a sturdy, noble race of men, the results of whose toil and perseverance have proved a blessing to their descendants. He died in September. 1842, his wife surviving him till September, 1882. Their family consisted of nine children, but four of whom are liv- ing-Lotan W., William M., Mary D. and Elizabeth V. The de- ceased are-Laura A., Louisa, Jane M., David W. and Rachel. Lotan W. Jenkins was reared in Hendricks County, receiving a good education. After leaving school he taught about nine years in the winter, working on the farm in the summer. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, Army of the Cumberland. He was captured at Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863, and was taken to Richmond and confined six weeks in Libby and Smith & Pemberton prisons; was then transferred to Danville, Va., thence in May to Andersonville, and in October to Miller Prison, Ga., where he remained till Nov. 19, 1864, when he was taken to Savannah and exchanged. He was then sent to Annapolis, Md., and after a month's confinement in the hospital was granted a furlough for thirty days. At the expiration of his furlough he reported for duty at Camp Chase, Ohio, where on account of his enfeebled condition he was in the hospital a month, and was then detailed a clerk in Major War- ren's office, remaining there till his discharge in June, 1865. After his return home he settled on the homestead with his mother, which he now owns. His home is one of the pleasantest in the township, and contains 280 acres of valuable land. In 1870 he was elected Clerk of Hendricks County, assuming the duties of his office in July, 1872, and served four years with efficiency. He has also served his township as Trustee and Assessor. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Jenkins was married Aug. 4, 1874, to Sarah Dennis, who was born Aug. 12, 1844, a daughter of Burr P. and Nancy Dennis. To them have been born four children- David W., born Aug. 4, 1876; Mary L., July 4, 1879; Annie L., July 13, 1882, and Lotan D., Aug. 27, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Jen- kins are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Ellis W. Jessup, a prominent farmer of Washington Township, was born Nov. 15, 1824, in Wayne County, Ind. His parents, Abraham and Hannah Jessup, were natives of North Carolina, and in their youth moved to Wayne County, Ind., where they were married. In 1833 they moved to Hamilton County, where the mother died in September, 1840, and the father in July, 1852.

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They had a family of ten children-Mary, Jane, Haunah, Elizabeth, John C., Alfred T., Ellis W., Allen, Rachel, and Cyrus: the last three are deceased. Ellis W. Jessup was reared in Hamilton County. He was married June 11, 1846, to Millie Hinshaw, a native of North Carolina, born Oct. 15, 1827, daughter of Stephen and Elma (Hoover) Hinshaw, early settlers of Hamilton County. To Mr. and Mrs. Jessup have been born thirteen children-Zelinda J., John T., Hannah E., Alcinda H., Mary E. (deceased), Addie M., George W., Rosa A., Charles W., Sylvester M., Frank (de- ceased ), Maud A. and Minnie B. In the fall of 1868 Mr. Jessup moved from Hamilton to Boone County, and a year later to Marion County, where he remained till 1876, when he came to Hendricks County and settled on his present farm in the southern part of Washington Township. He is a successful agriculturist and owns 120 acres of well-cultivated land, with all modern improvements, making it one of the finest farms in the township. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

Cornelius Loy, a pioneer of Washington Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Ang. 4, 1808, a son of John and Cath- erine (Isley) Lcy. In 1823 his parents moved to Putnam County, Ind., and settled near Greencastle, and seven years later moved to Tippecanoe County, where his father died. Three of a family of five children are living-Betsey, Sarah and Cornelius. Cornelius Loy was reared a farmer and has always followed that vocation. In 1831 he settled in Hendricks County, where he has since lived. He owns a fine farm of 240 acres, all under cultivation. He is a self-made man, having made all he has by his industry and perse- verance, and is one of the representative citizens of Hendricks County. He was married Nov. 30, 1831, to Rachel Compton, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born Oct. 1, 1815, daughter of Mathew and Rachel Compton. They have had four children- John, born Sept. 30, 1832; Obadiah C., born June 24, 1837, died Oct. 26, 1849; Amos D., born April 20, 1844, and Mary A., born Feb. 20, 1849. In politics Mr. Loy is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

David F. McCalmert, farmer and stock-raiser, Washington Township, was born in Marion County, Ind., Jan. 9, 1830, a son of Wilson and Lydia (Faucett) McCalmert, natives of Ohio, who set- tled in Marion County in 1826. Their family consisted of five children-Amy, Mary, Cynthia A., David F. and Jane (deceased). David F. McCalmert was reared on a farm, receiving a common-

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Cornelius Loy.

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Rachel Loy.

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school education. He has made agriculture his life work and now owns 160 acres of fine land, and has one of the best farms in Wash- ington Township. He was married April 8, 1858, to Savannah I. Pettycrew, daughter of Samuel Pettycrew, of Wayne County, Ind. Eight children were born to them-Deborah, Albert S., Lydia, Frank, Charity A., Fletcher P., Horace and Irena M. Mrs. Mc- Calmert died in July, 1877. March 1, 1883, Mr. McCalmert married Nancy Kenney, daughter of Thomas Kenney. Mr. Mc- Calmert has served his township as School Director. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Bascom S. McClain, a prominent farmer of Washington Town- ship, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born July 1, 1840, a son of Michael and Jane McClain. He was reared on his father's farm, remaining at home till after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he was one of the many brave boys of Hen- dricks to enlist in defense of the Union. He was a member of Company K, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, Army of the Cumberland, and participated in many of the most important battles of the war, serving till May, 1865. After his discharge he returned to his native county, where he has since engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. He owns a valuable farm of 160 acres and is surrounded with all the comforts of life. He was married Sept. 7, 1865, to Rhoda J. Ritter, daughter of James and Rachel Ritter, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. McClain have been born four children-Ethel, Hoyt, Glen and Mary O., the latter deceased. Mr. McClain is a member of Plainfield Post, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he has served as Steward many years.

Gilbert D. Mc Clain is a native of Washington Township, born April 14, 1838, a son of Michael and Jane McClain, his father a native of Kentucky and his mother of Virginia. In 1832 his pa- rents came to Hendricks County, Ind., making the journey on horseback through the dense forests and almost impassable roads. They settled in Washington Township, where the father died in 1856, his wife surviving till 1882. Of their family of ten children, nine are living-Mary A., James H., Niantia F., Susan J., Sarah A., Gilbert D., Bascom S., John W. and Jeretta B. Gilbert D. McClain was reared and educated in his native county. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the defense of the Union in Company K, Seventy- ninth Indiana Infantry, Army of the Cumberland, and

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served till June, 1865. He participated in the engagements at Murfreesboro, Perryville, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, siege of At- lanta, Franklin and siege of Nashville. After his return home he engaged in agricultural pursuits, at which he has been successful, and now owns 248 acres of valuable land. He was married Jan. 14, 1866, to Amanda Walker, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Walker. They have had a family of six children, two of whom are living- Bascom W. and Adrian R. Mr. McClain in politics is a Republi- can. He has served his township as Superintendent a year, and six years as School Director. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

George W. Merritt, one of the prominent pioneers of Washing- ton Township, was born in Highland County, Ohio, April 20, 1821, a son of George S. and Jane (Carden) Merritt. His parents came to Hendricks County in the fall of 1825 and settled in Washington Township, where his father died in 1854 and his mother in 1863. Ot their family of eight children, five are living-William J., El- vira, Sarah, Mary and George W. Our subject was reared in Hendricks County, remaining with his parents till manhood. His early life was spent in assisting his father on the farm, and since leaving home he has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, at which he has been very successful and now owns a fine farm of 340 acres. He was married Dec. 28, 1844, to Melvina Johnson, who was born in September, 1823, a daughter of Thomas Johnson, one of the pioneers of Hendricks County. To them have been born nine children-George T., John E., James H., William, Melinda J., Mary I., Sylvester N., Simeon (deceased) and Reuben A. In politics Mr. Merritt is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

De Forest Miller is a native of South Carolina, born June 7, 1839, a son of Isaac and Mary Miller. He was reared in his. na- tive State, where he received a fair English education. In 1865 he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and located in Washington Township, where he now has a good farm of eighty-six acres. He was married March 7, 1861, to Melvina F. Walker, daughter of Hogan and Mary Walker. Their only child, Mary G., is deceased. Mrs. Miller died April 5, 1874. April 21, 1875, Mr. Miller mar- ried Frances M., daughter of John Gladden. They have one . child-Paul D. Mr. Miller is a member of Brownsburg Lodge, No. 188, I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Republican.

James S. Miller is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born

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Aug. 24, 1841, a son of John D. and Ann Miller, natives of Ken- tucky, and early settlers of Hendricks County. He was reared and educated in his native county, remaining with his parents till after the breaking out of the Rebellion. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Sixty-third Indiana Infantry and participated in the engage- ments at Resaca, siege of Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Fisher, Wilmington, and others of less note. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and upon his return home turned his attention to agriculture, at which he has been successful. He now owns a valuable farm of eighty-four acres, and his improvements are among the best in the township. Mr. Miller was mar- ried Feb. 12, 1882, to Mary E. Jones, daughter of James Jones, of Brownsburg.

William Pike, one of the most prominent pioneers of Hendricks County, is a native of North Carolina, born Dec. 25, 1818, a son of Samuel and Susannah (Davidson) Pike. Ofa family of seven chil- dren, four are living, our subject being the second-Joel, William,. Mary and Jemima. In 1838, in company with Thomas and Caleb Dickson, he came to Hendricks County, Ind., and located in Liberty Township. They built a saw-mill, and after its completion Mr. Pike bought the interests of his partners and carried on the busi- ness about three years. He then worked as a millwright a short time, and in 1843 made his first purchase of land, buying eighty acres of land in Washington Township. To this he has added till he now owns 374 acres of valnable land. Mr. Pike was married Jan. 15, 1843, to Priscilla A. Hornaday, who died Jan. 14, 1859, leaving three children-Oliver Howard, born Jan. 1, 1844; Isaiah Marion, born April 29, 1848; Daniel Day, born Dec. 15, 1852. Jan. 19, 1860, he married Nancy J. Moon, and to them were born two children-Jesse Cassius, born May 14, 1861, and Laura Belle, born June 23, 1869. Mrs. Pike died Dec. 28, 1873, and Oct. 20, 1874, Mr. Pike married Mary J. McDaniel. They have two chil- dren-Sarah Minnie, born Feb. 21, 1876, and Margaret Susanna, born Oct. 16, 1878. In politics Mr. Pike is a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist church.

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Eli H. Ross, farmer, Washington Township, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born March 13, 1848, a son of Alexander and Bethialı Ross, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Warren County, Ohio. In 1832 his parents moved to Hendricks County and settled on the farm now owned by our sub- ject. They were among the first pioneers of the township, and

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when they settled on their land it was an uncultivated, heavily- timbered tract. . They were industrious and energetic and made for themselves and family a good home. The father died in 1858 and the mother in 1884. Of their children three are living-Eli H., Walter T. and Jennie. One son, Arthur E., gave his life for his country. He enlisted in the Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, and participated in many important battles. He was wounded and captured at Kenesaw Mountain; was taken to Atlanta, where he died in July, 1864. Eli II. Ross was reared and educated in his native township. He has always given his attention to agricult- ural pursuits, and since his majority has had charge of the home- stead farm, sixty acres of which he now owns. In politics he is a Republican.

Benjamin Sanders, deceased, was a native of Ohio, born May 11, 1815, a son of Isaac and Mariam Sanders, early settlers of Hendricks County. His youth was passed on a farm, and after attaining manhood he followed agricultural pursuits. He located in Washington Township, where his widow still lives, the farm containing eighty acres of good land, with a pleasant residence and substantial farm buildings. He was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and served as Class-Leader several years. He was married March 1, 1837, to Lucinda McCreery, daughter of Daniel and Sarah McCreery. To them were born eleven children-Mariam, born July 3, 1838, died April 2, 1872; Daniel, born Aug. 3, 1840; Amanda J., born Nov. 3, 1842; Sarah, born June 2, 1845, died July 29, 1876; John, born Ang. 9, 1847, died Nov. 12, 1871; Isaac, born Nov. 17, 1851, died Aug. 9, 1852; Martha A., born Nov. 24, 1853; Hannah, born Sept. 16, 1856, died Oct. 15, 1883; and Rachel, born March 29, 1859, died Aug. 11, 1884. Mr. Sanders died March 8, 1860. Mrs. Sanders lives on the old homestead, loved and esteemed by all who know her. She is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her par- ents had a family of eleven children, five of whom are living- Melinda, Andrew, John, James and Mrs. Sanders.

Henry Sanders, a prominent farmer of Washington Township, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, July 25, 1826, a son of John and Elizabeth (Goodhart) Sanders, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia. About 1832 his parents moved to Hendricks County, Ind., where they both died. Four of their family of ten children are living-Mary, Sarah, Henry and John. Henry Sanders was about six years of age when his parents moved

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to Hendricks County and was here reared and educated, amid the scenes of pioneer life. He was married Oct. 7, 1847, to Julia A. Gossett, daughter of Samuel and Isabella Gossett. To them were born eight children, seven of whom are living-Alva W., Mary A., Emma E., Albert P., Willie E., Frank E. and Harry E. In 1852 Mr. Sanders located in Washington Township, where he now has a fine farm of 200 acres. He also owns eighty-two acres of val- uable land in Guilford Township. He is an enterprising citizen and a liberal contributor to all interests of public benefit. In poli- tics he is a Republican.

Alpheus F. Smith is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born June 6, 1848, a son of Morgan L. and Margaret Smith, the former a native of New York and the latter of New Jersey. His father came to Hendricks County in 1932 and his mother in 1834, and were here married. Four of their eight children are living-Mary J., Charles W., Alpheus F. and John Fletcher. The deceased are -James I., Alfred, Theodore and Anu E. Alpheus F. Smith was reared in his native county and received his primary instruction in the public schools. In the fall of 1863 he entered Asbury, now De Pauw, University, at Greencastle, Ind., and in June, 1867, gradu- ated from the scientific department. In the early part of 1868 he, in partnership with D. H. Miller, engaged in the drug business at Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind. Three months later, on account of ill-health, he sold his interest to his partner and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, at which he has been successful, and now owns a pleasant home, his farm containing 322 acres of valuable land. Mr. Smith was married Sept. 12, 1871, to Ellen Hardin, daughter of James T. and Fannie Hardin, of Marion County, Ind. They have one child-Lillian, born March 31, 1872. Mr. Smith is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge, at Clermont, Marion County. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Morgan L. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was born in Orange County, N. Y., on the 21st of August, 1806. When he was six years old his father died, leaving a widow and a family of six chil- dren with limited means. By the force of circumstances, from an early age, he was thrown upon his own resources and laid the foun- dation of a character always well sustained for energy, industry, perseverance and integrity. He learned the trade of a ship- carpenter in the city of New York, but disliking the habit of drinking which he everywhere observed about him among the

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sides at Chariton, Iowa. There were three sons-Charles W., who resides in the city of Indianapolis and is engaged in the prac- tice of law; Alpheus F. owns a large portion of the old farm and resides upon it; J. Fletcher is proprietor of a hotel at Leon, Iowa. His widow yet survives and enjoys a green old age dividing her time among her children.

John Thornbrugh is a native of Virginia, born Jan. 17, 1809. His parents, William and Elizabeth Thornbrugh, moved to what is now Wayne County, Ind., in 1810, and there he was reared and educated. In 1847 he moved to Hendricks County and settled in the eastern part of Washington Township, where he now has a fine farm of sixty-six acres. He was at one time one of the most exten- sive stock-dealers of Hendricks County, and during the war of the Rebellion was employed by the Government as Quartermaster for broken down stock, with headquarters at Louisville, Ky. He has been one of the most enterprising citizens of the township and has assisted materially all objects of public benefit. He was married Jan. 29, 1829, to Eleanor Nordyke, and to them have been born eleven children-Clark, Luther (deceased), Didama (deceased), Esau, Henry, Celia A., Nancy J., Sarah E., Isaac, George and Mary E.

Ellis Wood was born in Greene County, Pa., Feb. 23, 1827, a son of Isaac and Mary E. Wood, natives of Pennsylvania, his paternal ancestors being of English origin. His parents settled in Shelby County, Ind., in an early day, remaining there till their death. Ellis is the only one living of a family of ten children. He was reared in Shelby County, receiving his education in the district schools. His early life was spent on his father's farm, and since attaining manhood he has followed agricultural pursuits. He came to Hendricks County in 1862 and settled in Washington Township, where he now has a fine farm of 160 acres, substantial farm build- ings and a pleasant residence. Mr. Wood was married in Novem- ber, 1849, to Martha Lee, daughter of James N. and Mary Lee, early settlers of Shelby County. To them have been born seven children, five of whom are living-Isaac J., James M., Mary E., Amanda N. and Joseph N. In politics Mr. Wood is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

Joseph Winings is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born July 11, 1842, a son of Samuel and Harriet Winings, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Ohio. In 1854 his parents moved to Marion County, Ind., where his father died in

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HISTORY OF HENDRICKS COUNTY.

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1884 and his mother in 1885. Their family consisted of twelve children, six of whom are living-Joseph, Archibald, Daniel, Debo- rah, Frank and Jesse. Joseph Winings remained with his parents till after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, and in Aug- ust, 1862, enlisted in the Sixty-third Indiana Infantry. He partic- ipated in many of the most noted battles of the war, among them being Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Cassville, Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Fisher, Golds- boro, and was present at the surrender of Johnston's army. He was discharged in July, 1865. In September, 1865, he married Eliza J. Fausset, daughter of Jesse Fausset, a prominent citizen of Washington Township. To them have been born eight children -Margaret H., Glendora, Rhoda M., Samuel O., Jesse E., Joseph H., Frances E. and William R. Mr. Winings settled on the farm where he now lives in 1869. He has eighty acres of valuable land, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. He is an in- fluential citizen; has served his township as Assessor and is at present serving his second term as Trustee. He is a member of Bridgeport, Marion County, Lodge, F. & A. M., and Plainfield Post, G. A. R. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Part 67

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co. Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Number of Pages: 786

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co.
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 786