History of Henry County, Indiana, Part 46

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago: Inter-State Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 996

USA > Indiana > Henry County > History of Henry County, Indiana > Part 46

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).

John H. Lowery, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Greens- boro Township, Henry Co., Ind., July 9, 1841, the only son of George and Polly A. (Draper) Lowery, his father a native of Virginia and his mother of Wayne County, Ind. His grandfather, Freder- ick Lowery, was an early settler of the county and lived to the advanced age of ninety years. His mother died in 1865. His father is still a resident of the county. They had a family of six children; two died in infancy. The four living are-John H. Biddy I., Malinda and Christiana. John H. was reared and edu- cated in his native county and on arriving at maturity engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now owns a good farm of sixty-five acres. He was married in August, 1868, to Rebecca C. Bond por daughter of J. and Elmina Bond, who died leaving no children. gen. He afterward married Angeline G. Bond, a sister of his first wife. They have one daughter, Eva E.

501

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

Rev. John B. Ludwig was born in Waldoboro, Maine, Dec. 27, 1834. His early life was spent on a farm. When nineteen years of age he learned the shipwright's trade, at which he worked sev- eral years, a portion of the time in Virginia and Alabama. He came to Indiana in 1854, spending one season in New Albany, thence to Madison. In 1861 he was married to Susan Jones, of Madison, Ind., where he resided three years. He spent the next three years in Switzerland and Johnson counties, Ind., preaching and completing his education under Prof. Jno. C. Miller. In 1868 he returned to Madison and took charge of the Christian church, remaining four years, when he resigned his charge and spent a few months in evangelical work. In May, 1872, he was called to the church at New Castle, Ind., where he labored until May, 1876, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to resign his charge. Since then he has continued to live in New Castle, where his membership still is, and is preaching for churches in that and adjacent counties. He believes in the principle that a person can succeed best by devoting all his energies to one calling at a time, and while engaged partially in ministerial labors some years before his ordination, since then he has given himself "wholly to the ministry." Mr. Ludwig has a family of one son and three daughters. His eldest daughter is a member of the church, is married and resides at New Castle.

Andrew J. Lytle is a native of Butler County, Ohio, born Feb. 22, 1817, a son of Lucius and Nancy Lytle. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and when a boy ten years of age his parents moved to Ohio, where he died in 1831. His mother was a native of Mason County, Ky., and went to Ohio when a little girl. After the death of his father Andrew J. learned the carpen- ter's trade. In 1841 he came to Indiana, and in 1842 to Henry County, where he has since worked at his trade. He was married in Preble County, Ohio, in 1839, to Elinor Anderson, who died in 1842, leaving two children. In 1843 he married Matilda Ward, 43/ who was born Oct. 16, 1815, a daughter of Samuel and Ann Ward. They' have had eight children; but two are living-Arando and Florence. Mrs. Lytle is one of the oldest native-born citizens of the county. She attended the first school in New Castle taught by Richard Huff.

Rev. Milton Mahin, D. D., is a native of Greene County, Ohio, born Oct. 22, 1824, a son of John and Hester (Shigley) Mahin, his father a native of Mason County, Ky., and his mother of Pennsyl-

502

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

vania. In 1828 his parents moved to Tippecanoe County, Ind., where his father died in 1848, and his mother still lives. He re- ceived all the advantages of the common schools of his day, and when seventeen years of age was licensed to preach in the Meth- odist Episcopal church and appointed an assistant of a large circuit. He was then appointed over the churches in Wilmington, Aurora, Mooreshill and Dellsboro, and in 1847 was sent to Knightstown; from there went to Crawfordsville; thence to Fort Wayne, where he remained two years, and to Peru, where he remained four years. He then returned to Knightstown, where he was pastor and Presiding Elder two and a half years, when he went to Johnson County, Neb., and from there to Atchison, Kan. In 1861 he re- turned to Knightstown, thence to Peru, and, in 1863, came to New Castle, remaining here three years. In 1867 went to Logansport, and in 1869 was appointed Presiding Elder of New Castle District. In 1873 he was appointed Presiding Elder of Anderson District, but continued to reside in New Castle. In 1877 he went to Logansport, and in 1880 to Huntington, returning to New Castle in 1883, when he was given the charge of Spiceland District. Dr. Mahin was married in 1843 to Eliza Dosey, daughter of John W. Dosey, a distinguished educator of Dearborn and Marion counties. They have five children-Harriet, widow of Judge Polk; Wesley D., of Kokomo, Ind .; George E., Milton F. and Matthew.

Jehu Manifold was born near Blountsville, Henry Co., Ind., Oct. 24, 1848, the third son of Shepherd and Lydia A. Mani- fold, natives of Tennessee. His father came to Indiana when a young man, and first settled in Wayne County. Subsequently came to Henry County, and settled near Blountsville, where he died in 1877. His mother died in 1874. They had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are living. Jehu Manifold spent his youth on the farm, obtaining his education in the public school. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and has been suc- cessful, being now associated with S. T. Powell. When twenty- three years of age he was married to Virginia B., daughter of Lot Ridgway. They have three children.

Elijah Martindale, deceased, was born in Laurence District, S. C., Nov. 10, 1793. In his early childhood his parents moved to Ohio, and in the year 1311 emigrated to Indiana, and settled on a stream in Wayne County, from whom it derived its name-Martindale Creek. In the year 1815 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Boyd, daughter of Samuel and Isabella

Laurens

da & Ephraim and Cath. (Stombangh). Eva Ellen Leakey 1861-1932

Frank martin dale 1857-1932

witha martin dale in Julius c. "senhor said to be 11 white child in thevery Co. med.

503

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

Boyd, who were among the early settlers of Wayne County. He became a Christian minister in the year 1818, and faithfully devoted himself to his calling through life. They moved to Henry County in the year 1832, and settled on Flatrock, four miles south- east of New Castle, which then contained about a half dozen houses. He helped to prepare logs and build almost the first school-house erected, and being a minister he helped to establish and took the oversight of the first church organized in Henry County. Elijah and Elizabeth Martindale both lived to a ripe old age, and were both taken away with the same disease-dropsy of the heart-she surviving him nearly ten years. There were born unto them fifteen children, one dying in childhood, and fourteen lived to become heads of families. Eleven are still living. Their names, in order, are as follows-Matilda Rulon (deceased); Miles, (deceased); John N., Samuel P., Benjamin F. (deceased), Margaret Millikan, Martha Benbow, Isabel Stanford, Mary Roe, Elijah B., Simeon C., William S., Robert A., Lizzie Hennigh (deceased), James B. Their son, E. B. Martindale, of Indianapolis, is a suc- cessful lawyer and real estate agent, and an influential citizen of that metropolis. Their youngest son, J. B. Martindale, of Chicago, has for ten years past published a law directory, which is a guide to creditors in making collections all over the United States.

John McDowell, a representative of one of the oldest and most influential families of Henry County, was born on the old home- stead, two miles north of New Castle, July 16, 1843, the second son and third of five children of William and Anna McDowell. He was reared a farmer, attending the district school during the winter. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns eighty acres of the old home farm, lying on the Cadiz & New Castle pike. He was married in 1873 to Samantha, daughter of Needham and Hannah Sanders. They have two children-Merle and Alma. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell are members of Sugar Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is Trustee.

William McDowell was born in Orange County, Vt., March 25, 1800, and died in Henry County, Ind., Aug. 12, 1883. In Janu- ary, 1803, his parents moved to Cayuga County, N. Y., and March 22, 1821, he came to Henry County, Ind., and settled on the farm now owned by his son, John McDowell, where he lived over sixty years. He was one of the earliest settlers of Henry Township, and one of its most influential citizens. His circle of acquaintances and friends was large, and he was familiarly known by them as

504

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

" Uncle Billy McDowell." He was Court Bailiff of New Castle for forty years, and Coroner of Henry County thirty years. He was well acquainted with all the judges on the bench and all the. members of the bar. During his last sickness, which was pro- tracted, he was exceedingly patient, and appreciated all the atten- tions of those around him, often expressing his gratitude to those who waited on him. He was perfectly resigned to the will of the Heavenly Father, entertaining no fears for the future. He was a kind husband and father, a good neighbor and citizen, and was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. His funeral was held in Sugar Grove Methodist Episcopal church, Aug. 13, and his body laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining. Mr. McDowell was married in 1824 to Penninah Bundy, and to them were born seven children, three of whom are living. His wife died, and in 1838 he married Anna Dyson, who survives him. But one of their five children-John-is living. In 1837 he joined the Methodist Episcopal church, and remained a faithful member till death.

Elihu T. Mendenhall, M. D., is a native of Montgomery County, Ind., born Jan. 25, 1844, a son of William and Elizabeth (Warren) Mendenhall. His father died in February, 1845, and his mother in February, 1868. He was early in life thrown on his own re- sources; but being a boy of energy and a large amount of ambi- tion, he was able to take care of himself and assist his mother. In 1862 he enlisted in the army, and served three years; was mus- tered out in 1865. He began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. S. C. Dove, of Westfield; subsequently took two full courses of lectures, and graduated at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1876. He located in Millville, remaining there till 1882, when he moved to New Castle. He has recently introduced the system of treating all diseases of a chronic nature with electric baths, which in many instances give immediate relief. Dr. Mendenhall was married in 1866 to Mary, daughter of George and Margaret Baker, of Hamilton County, Ind. He was a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 160, I. O. O. F., and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is at present Surgeon of his post.

Isaac Mendenhall, M. D., is a native of Preble County, Ohio, born March 14, 1826. He received a good education in the schools of Preble County, completing it at the high school of West Elk. ton. He then began teaching, and taught in his native county and in Indiana. In 1843 he began the study of medicine, reading for

505

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

a time with his brother Elijah, who was a noted physician, and afterward with Simon Allen, of Indiana. He took one course of lectures at the Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, and immedi- ately began his practice, locating near West Elkton. A year later he moved to Peru, Ind. In 1848 he came to New Castle, where he built up a good practice, and by judicious management has accu- mulated a good property. He was one of the founders of the Citizens' State Bank of New Castle, and is one of its Directors. Dr. Mendenhall is a member of the State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. In 1863 he was appointed Medical Examiner for Pensions, and served eight years. He was married in 1849 to Rachel, daughter of Isaac Brown. They have five children-Viretta, wife of Mason Lohr; Luella, wife of Robert Carson; Alma, wife of Almon Bowman; Eliza A. and Valentine M. The Doctor and his wife .are members of the Society of Friends.

Oliver L. Mendenhall was born in Guilford County, N. C., Jan. 26, 1820, a son of William and Rebecca Mendenhall, natives of North Carolina, his mother a daughter of Joseph Coffin. In 1826 his parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., and settled near the town of Washington; subsequently moved to Economy, where the father died in 1880. The father was born in 1798, and the mother in 1801. She is now making her home with her daughter, Huldah Mills, of this county. Of a family of ten children, eight are living. Oliver L. Mendenhall was principally reared in Economy. He has always followed agricultural pursuits. He came to Henry County in 1849, and settled southwest of New Castle, where he now owns a farm of 365 acres of fine land. He pays special attention to raising small grain and stock. His horses are the finest in the county, and have taken the first premium at the fairs. Mr. Men- denhall was married in 1844 to Lydia, daughter of Jesse Bond, of Wayne County. They have a family of six children-Orilla; Mattie, wife of Frank Modlin; Jesse O., William B., Luther H and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall are members of the Society of Friends.

John R. Millikan was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., April 27, 1814. His father was of Irish, and his mother was of English descent. His opportunities for an early education were very limited. His early life was spent in labor on a farm, where he grew up to a vigorous manhood. With the desire of improving his condition, and believing that this could be better accomplished

506

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

in a free State, he came to Henry County, Ind., in 1835, and settled one mile northeast of the old town of Hillsboro. During the winter following he attended school, the late Luke Wiles being | his teacher. He thus became able to teach in the elementary schools of these early days, and taught several terms very success- fully. In the winter of 1837 he went back to Tennessee on a visit, but soon returned to his adopted State. During the summer he engaged in farming, yet neglecting no opportunity for improving his mind. On Aug. 5, 1838, Mr. Millikan was married to Martha Koons, who still survives, and has ever proved herself the worthy helpmeet and companion of her husband. In 1842 he removed with his family to Hancock County. In 1845 he removed back to Henry County, and purchased a farm on Flatrock. He engaged in farming, and also established a blacksmith shop, and became quite an expert in this then important trade. In 1853 he purchased and removed to what may be called the Millikan home- stead, in Liberty Township, where for many years he successfully conducted his farming interests. In connection with his farming interests he was also engaged for a few years in pork packing. In 1854 Mr. Millikan was elected Justice of the Peace, and was subse- quently re-elected, serving eight years. He has many times been a delegate to State conventions of the political party to which he belonged. All his political duties he performed with fidelity to his party, yet without being a bitter partisan. His decisions and rulings while serving as Justice of the Peace were always charac- terized for their firmness and impartiality. In 1868 Mr. Millikan was elected by the Republicans of Henry County as Representa- tive in the Legislature of the State, and took his seat Jan. 7, 1869. During the session of the Legislature he was an earnest member, and while not conspicuous in debate he gave close attention to the proceedings of the House, 'and voted intelligently and conscien- tiously on all public questions. During the session Mr. Millikan was Chairman of the important Committee on Roads He intro- duced a bill authorizing the assessment of lands for the construc- tion of plank, macadamized and gravel roads. At the special session of the Legislature, held the same year, this bill became a law, and by virtue of it hundreds of gravel roads were constructed in Indiana. A special session of the Legislature was called April 10, 1869, and it was during this session that the Fifteenth Amend- ment to the Constitution of the United States was voted upon, Mr. Millikan voting for the amendment. The Morgan Raid Bill was

507

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

pending during his service as Legislator, and he always consist- ently opposed the payment of the claims. In 1870 he was re-elected as Representative from his county. During the session he was an active and influential member, and served as a member of the Committee on Roads, Canals and Public Expenditures, and also upon the Committee on Benevolent Institutions. The latter committee investigated the management of all the State institu- tions. In 1873 the Citizens' State Bank of New Castle was organ- ized, and Mr. Millikan, who is a stockholder in the institution, was elected President of the same, and since that time has continu- uously held that position. He has by industry and economy amassed a competency, yet he has always been kind and charitable to those less fortunately situated. He has always been a warm friend of education, and served for many years as School Trustee. When the question of free schools was first agitated, and when the matter was referred to a vote of the people, he, John Hunt and Luke Wiles were the only persons in Liberty Township who voted for the free school system. Mr. Millikan is a firm believer in the Christian religion, and with his estimable wife, has been, since 1863, a consistent member of the Christian church. He has always been an advocate of temperance and all moral reforms, and in all the relations of life has been upright and consistent. Mr. Millikan is the father of eight children, two of whom are dead, one son being a sacrifice upon the altar of his country. The surviving children consist of two daughters-Mrs. T. B. Hunt and Mrs. H. Z. Beck. His sons are -- De Vault K., Frank M., Thomas B. and Isaac N., all of whom are respected citizens. Mr. Millikan has been fortunate in all the relations of life, yet few men have more deserved success than he.

Nathan Millikan is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born Feb. 2, 1812, a son of Eli and Mary Millikan, his father a native of Tennessee and his mother of North Carolina. He lived on his father's farm until his marriage in February, 1844, to Priscilla W., daughter of James and Anna Christy, and in March, 1844, moved to Henry County, Ind., and settled on a farm in Blue River Town- ship, remaining there twelve years. In 1856 he moved to Liberty · Township and bought a farm of 160 acres of Jacob Byers, which he afterward increased to 218 acres. In 1882 he moved to New Castle and has since lived retired from active business life. Heis a stock- holder in the Citizens' State Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Millikan have eight children-Anna M., wife of W. D. Pierce; Isaac W., James C., Eli A., Thomas W., Jabez H., Mary R., and Martha A.

508

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

Charles Mitchell is entitled to a word to his memory. It is always pleasant to speak of the honest pioneers of the West. The subject of this sketch was a native of Clark County, Ohio, about 1799. He had a common-school education and taught school before he was married. He married Mary Block in Clark County about 1820. He settled in New Castle about 1824, engaging in the tan- nery business. Henry County was then in the woods. He was among the first settlers of New Castle. In these days militia or- ganizations were kept up and musters at fixed times were held regularly. He was the Captain of the New Castle company which constituted a part of the regiment commanded by Colonel Miles Murphey and Major Asahel Woodward. He afterward moved from New Castle to Pendleton in Madison County, where he owned the mills, the hotel and a farm adjoining the town. While residing at Pendleton in 1837 he was elected Associate Judge of the Circuit Court and served as such for a period of six or seven years. He never practiced law. He afterward purchased and moved on a farm in Henry County between Middletown and Mechanicsburg, where he resided until his death in 1863. His wife survived him some fifteen years. He was about five feet eight inches in height, well built, expanded chest and shoulders, short neck, good features, pleasant countenance and a strong constitution. He was a plain, honest, generous man and his home was always open to friends and neighbors. Had it not been for intemperance, so common in his day, he could have become prominent. He sleeps beside his wife in the cemetery at Mechanicsburg.

Alcander Modlin is a native of Henry County, Ind., born Dec. 23, 1844. His father, Mark Modlin, came to Indiana with his father Joseph Modlin, when he was fourteen years of age and set- tled on the farm now owned by his widow and her heirs. He was married in February, 1838, to Cynthia A., daughter of John and Elizabeth Stinson. After his marriage he followed farming and in 1852 located on the farm now owned by his widow and heirs. He died Nov. 30, 1869. Of a family of nine children eight lived till maturity. One son, John H., was wounded in the late war, and died of his wounds July 23, 1864. Mark Modlin was Superin- tendent of the county poor farm fourteen years. Alcander fol- lowed farming and teaching and is now engaged in the small fruit and nursery business. He was married in 1882 to Julia, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah McCune, of West Virginia.

509

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

Luther W. Modlin was born in Jefferson Township, Henry Co., Ind., June 3, 1840, a son of Richard and Jane (Wright) Modlin, his father a native of North Carolina, born in 1812, and his mother of Tennessee, born in 1808. His grandparents, William Modlin and John Wright, were among the early settlers of the county. After Richard Modlin was married he settled on a farm in Dudley Township, where he lived till his death in 1869. Mrs. Modlin is living on the old homestead with one of her daughters. They had a family of seven children; two daughters, the eldest and youngest are deceased. Luther W. lived on a farm a number of years and then went to Cadiz and carried on a lumber yard four years. In 1880 he was elected Treasurer of Henry County and served two years. Since 1882 he has given his atten- tion to farming. In 1883 he went to Maine and bought a drove of Jersey cattle, which he shipped to his farm in Harrison Township. His farm contains 120 acres of choice land. In the spring of 1881 he moved his family to New Castle. He was married Aug. 9, 1860, to Delilah S., daughter of Shubael and Margaret Dewy. They have six children-Minnie O., Isaac M., Mary E., Letha J., Thomas W. and Frank G. Mr. and Mrs. Modlin are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William W. Modlin, dealer in agricultural implements, hard- ware and seeds, New Castle, Ind., was born in Henry County, Ind., Nov. 23, 1848, a son of Mark and Cynthia A. Modlin, his father a native of North Carolina, and his mother of Brookville, Ind. His father died in 1869. His mother is living on the home farm three and a half miles west of New Castle. There was a family of nine children-John H., who was wounded at the battle of Dallas, Ga., and died soon after; Emma B., died when eight years of age; Sallie J., Elizabeth, Alcander, Hester A., Lee, William W. and Frank P. William W., remained at home till 1876, when he came to New Castle and dealt in farm machinery. In 1879 he removed to his present location on North Main street, where, with increased facilities he has a greatly increased trade. He was married in [1876 to Anne E., daughter of Henry L. and Mary Shopp. They have three children. Mr. Modlin is a mem- ber of Crescens Lodge, No. 33, K. of P.

Rev. Aaron H. Moore was born Oct. 19, 1833, in Adams County, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Nancy (Hathaway) Moore. When he was a year old his parents settled in Highland County, Ohio, remaining there till his mother's death in 1862. He was reared on a farm

Roush

510

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

till he attained his majority and attended the common schools in Highland County. He afterward attended the Normal Academy at Georgetown, Brown Co., Ohio, where he prepared himself for a teacher. He then taught school eleven years, and during this time he also studied for the ministry. His first regular charge was at New Paris, Preble County, Ohio, where he remained as pastor of the Christian church for seven years. From 1875 till 1879 he had charge of the Christian church at Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, and since 1879 he has had charge of the same church at New Castle. Mr. Moore was married in 1858 to Mary, daughter of Elliott and Nancy Roush, of Highland County, Ohio. To this union have been born four children-Ida M. and Lorella N. are teachers in the New Castle Academy; Nathan A. has been a member of the firm Fairfield & Moore, formerly Fairfield Bros., grocers, since April, 1883, and Bertha W., who is in her ninth year.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Henry County, Indiana, Part 46

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago: Inter-State Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 996

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago: Inter-State Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 996