History of Henry County, Indiana, Part 78

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

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Francis W. Thomas was born in New Garden Township, Wayne Co., Ind., Jan. 15, 1823, a son of Francis and Lydia (Woodard) Thomas, natives of North Carolina, who came to Indiana in 1811, and settled in Wayne County. They were worthy members of the Society of Friends. Our subject received his early education in the subscription schools, and afterward, by studying at home, fitted himself for a teacher. He afterward began preaching for his society and has been a leader of the Friends for many years. He lived in Randolph County several years, and in 1865 came to Henry County and bought the farm where he now resides. In 1869 he organized a church at Dunreith. He has visited Indiana, Iowa and Kansas in the interest of ministerial work. He has been a very useful man in the church and community, taking an interest in every thing of public benefit, especially religious and educational matters. He was married July 21, 1843, to Rebecca, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Corbet. They have had five children-Jeremiah, Mary Matilda, Carleton, Michael W. and Charles Francis.

Josiah T. Unthank, Trustee, Spiceland Township, is a native of this township, born April 23, 1837, the youngest son of Will- iam B. and Rebecca (Hiatt) Unthank. When seventeen years of age he began to work at the carpenter's trade, serving an appren-

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

ticeship of two years. In 1856 he went to Iowa and located in Pella, Morrison County, remaining there a year. He then re- turned to his native town and worked at his trade till 1871, when he went to Richmond, Wayne County, and manufactured coffins till 1875, when he went to Indianapolis, and shortly after returned to Henry County, and was employed as foreman of the Union Burial Case Company for two years. He then came to Spiceland and worked at his trade until 1882, when he was elected to the office of Trustee. He was married March 27, 1861, to Susan B., daughter of Joseph and Ann (Gause) Hunt. They have had three children; but one is living-Josie. Eva and Morrison are de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Unthank are members of the Society of Friends.

William B. Unthank, one of the earliest settlers and oldest citizens of Henry County, was born in Guilford County, N. C., Jan. 27, 1802, the eldest son of Josiah and Annie (Britton) Un- thank, and grandson of JosephUnthank, a native of England, who and Judith came to America in an early day. He was reared and educated in his native county, attending school in the first brick school- house built in the county. In 1825 he came to Indiana and lived in Wayne County till 1830, when he came to Henry County and bought the farm where he has since resided. At that time it was wild, heavily-timbered land, but he has made of it one of the finest farms in the county. He is a natural mechanic and for many years worked at the carpenter's trade, in connection with farming. He was married in March, 1830, to Rebecca, daughter 2.2.1820 of William and Charity Hiatt, of North Carolina. They had a family of ten children, but five of whom are living. Mrs. Unthank died in 1852. Feb. 6, 1854, Mr. Unthank married Mrs. Deborah Nixon, daughter of William and Priscilla (Coffin) Hobbs. Mr. and Mrs. Unthank are members of the Society of Friends.

David L. Vickrey was born in Rush County, Ind., Feb. 7, 1832, the sixth of sixteen children of Martin and Margaret (Gal- breath) Vickrey, his father a native of Guilford County, N. C., of English descent, and his mother a native of Kentucky, a daughter of David Galbreath, who was a native of Scotland, and came to America when a young man, settling in Kentucky, but subse- quently moved, with his family, to Wayne County, Ind. Our sub- ject remained with his parents till manhood, receiving a common- school education. April 25, 1855, he was married to Tabitha J. Fletcher, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Tachet) Fletcher,

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

natives of Virginia, but among the earliest settlers of Henry County, Ind. After his marriage Mr. Vickrey bought eighty acres of land in Rush County, giving bis note in payment. In seven years he had his land paid for and sold it and bought a farm in Franklin Township, Henry County, where he lived till 1882, when he traded it for the place where he now resides, moving his family to it Dec. 12, 1882. His farm contains 240 acres of fine land. Mr. and Mrs. Vickrey have nine children-Margaret E., Lydia E., Omas F., Addie B., Emma V., Curtis, Isaac, Amos and Martin. They are members of the Baptist church. Politically Mr. Vickrey is a Democrat.

Isaac White, deceased, was a native of Guilford County, N. C., born in September, 1798, a son of Stanton and Sarah (Stanley) White. He was married in his native county to Louisa Bundrem, and in 1828 they came to Indiana and settled in Henry County, where he entered 160 acres of land in Wayne Township. He af- terward traded this farm for one near the present site of Spiceland, which he cleared and improved. He also taught school several terms, and was one of the first teachers in the county. He was one of the most enterprising men of the county, and a prominent member of the Society of Friends, an Elder of the society. He ac- cumulated a good property and gave his children a good education. He died Aug. 4, 1840. His wife remained in the township four or five years, and then went to Hamilton County and from there to Minneapolis, where she died in April, 1881, aged eighty-three years. They had a family of nine children-M. C., Lilburn, Jesse (deceased), Martha, Mordecai, Aletta C., Catherine, Gamaliel (de- ceased) and Isaac.

James White, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Perquimans County, N. C., Aug. 26, 1826, a son of Caleb and Mary White, who came to Henry County, Ind., in 1835, and settled in Wayne Township, near Knightstown, where our subject spent his youth, attending the subscription schools, and later attended Earlham College, Richmond. In 1854 he took a herd of cattle to Illinois and remained there two years. With this exception he has made bis home in Henry County. After his return to the county he bought a farm in Spiceland Township, where he has since lived. He was married Nov. 25, 1858, to Jemima D., daughter of Elias and Judith (Mendenhall) Henley, natives of North Carolina, who settled in Rush County, Ind., in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. White have had ten children; but six are living-Mary E., Elias H., George

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

E., Sibyl J., Francis C., Clara A. The deceased are-Nereus, Caleb, Miles Oren and Margaret Orianna (twins). Mr. White and his family are members of the Society of Friends.

Lilburn White, son of Isaac and Louisa (Bundrem) White, was born in North Carolina, March 21, 1821. He was seven years of age when his parents came to Henry County, and spent his youth on his father's farm. When he was twenty years of age his father died, and this left the care of the mother and younger children to him and his elder brother. He was married April 18, 1844, to Elizabeth, daughter of Josiah Small, of Henry County. In 1845 he moved to Hamilton County, and in 1871 returned to Henry County. He has been a Notary Public for twenty years and in the meantime has settled sixty large estates. His wife died in 1854. They had four children-Rhoda and Jane (deceased), Ale- tha A. and Abigail. In 1856 Mr. White married Adelia R. Barnes. They had one child, Romanzo, who died when nine months old. Mrs. White died in September, 1877, and in August, 1879, he married Martha Ann, daughter of Solomon Macy. Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Society of Friends.

Robert H. Whiteley, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Caro- line County, Md., Aug. 27, 1815, the eldest son of William and Frances (Newman) Whiteley, also natives of Maryland. When he was nine years old his father died and he lived with his uncle, Daniel Whiteley, five years. When fourteen years of age he began working for farmers by the year, receiving $24 for his first year's work. In 1839 he came to Indiana and located in Milton, Wayne County, where he worked on the canal a short time. In 1846 he came to Henry County and bought forty acres of land in Spiceland Township, where he has since lived, and by economy and industry has accumulated a valuable property, owning at the present time 147 acres of fine land. He was married Jan. 2, 1837, to Jane, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Cockran) Woolen. They have had twelve children; all lived to maturity and married; eleven are still living-Frances Ann, Mary Elizabeth, George Calvert, Laura Jane (deceased), William Henry, Jacob W., Alex- ander C., Ruth Hannah, Sarah Catherine, John A., Alice O. and Martha M. Mr. and Mrs. Whiteley are members of the Society of Friends.

Jethro Wickersham, one of the most prominent pioneers of Henry County, was born in Union County, Ind., April 9, 1823, a son of Caleb and Eunice (Folger) Wickersham, natives of North

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

Carolina, the father of Guilford County and the mother of Stokes County. His paternal grandfather, Jehu Wickersham, was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, of English descent. His maternal grand- father, Latham Folger, was also of English descent, a native of Nantucket, and came to Indiana with his family in 1820, settling in Union County. Caleb Wickersham left North Carolina for In- diana in 1813. He followed the cabinet-maker's trade in North Carolina, but after coming to Indiana engaged in farming. He remained in Union County till 1831 and then moved to Henry County and settled on a farm in Franklin Township, where he died in 1872, aged nearly ninety-three years. His wife died in 1846. He was a good business man and accumulated a large property, owning a landed estate of 1,000 acres. Jethro Wickersham was eight years of age when his parents moved to Henry County. He remained with his parents till his marriage and then settled on a farm in Franklin Township. In the fall of 1882 he moved to Spiceland, where he is now living rather retired from active busi- ness. He has been successful in his business pursuits and is now one of the most influential men of the county. Mr. Wickersham was married May 25, 1843, to Mary Stewart, a native of Wayne County, Ind., a daughter of S. W. Stewart, a native of New Jer- sey, but an early settler of Wayne County, who moved to Henry County in 1828. To Mr. and Mrs. Wickersham were born five chil- dren-Huldah, wife of Benjamin S. Parker: Louisa; Arthur; Em- ma, wife A. L. Binford, of Washington Territory; and Eunice, deceased. Mrs. Wickersham died Aug. 29, 1878. Mr. Wicker- sham is politically a Republican, and has taken an active interest in all great questions of public interest, especially anti-slavery and prohibition. He is a member of the Society of Friends.

William W. Wiggins, Postmaster and druggist, Ogden, Ind., was born in Rush County, Ind., Nov. 20, 1856, a son of Joseph F. and Hannah (Morris) Wiggins. His father was a native of Kentucky, and, as was also his father, David Wiggins, was promi- nently identified with the early settlement of Rush County. His mother was born in Spiceland Township, Henry County, a daugh- ter of the late Benjamin Morris, a prominent pioneer of the county. The early part of the life of our subject was spent on the farm and in attending school. He then engaged in the lumber trade in Ogden, which he continued successfully three years. In June, 1882, he purchased his drug store, and the same month received the appointment of Postmaster. Oct. 15, 1879, he was married

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

to Lucy O., daughter of Henry and Rachel M. (Isqugg) Foust, prominent pioneers of Rush County. They have one child-Paul Russell.

Jason Williams, deceased, was born in Chester County, Pa., July 5, 1808, the eldest son of Joseph and Mary (Cooper) Will- iams, who were of Welsh descent. When he was ten years of age his parents moved to Belmont County, Ohio, where his father worked at the tailor's trade which he had learned in his youth. His mother died and his father afterward married again and moved to Henry County, Ind., where he spent the rest of his life. Jason Williams was married Oct. 28, 1829, to Abigail, daughter of at Joseph and Elinor (Pickering) Holloway, natives of Virginia. In Flushing 1836 they came to Henry County and bought 180 acres of par- tially improved land, to which he afterward added eighty acres. Mr. Williams was an energetic man and took great interest in all his work. He was a successful farmer till 1864, when he became an invalid, and after thirteen years of suffering died April 20, 1877. He was an enthusiastic worker for the cause of Chris- tianity, being a member of the Society of Friends, as is also his wife. He was Clerk of the Quarterly Meeting at Spiceland twen- ty-one years in succession. He was County Commissioner several terms, and Township Trustee many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Will- iams were born nine children; but five are living-Sarah, Han- nah, Mary E., Samuel T. S. and William C. The deceased are Joseph, Martha Ann, Margaret E. and John B. m. anna steddown

Gil H . S. Williams, farmer and stock-raiser, was born incl. 9/1914 Henry County, Ind., July 14, 1841, the second son of Jason and Abigail (Holloway) Williams. When he was eleven years of age he received a severe cut with a scythe, and about four years later caught his fingers in the cogs of a cider-mill, breaking three of them. Previous to this he had a severe attack of diphtheria, which resulted in the loss of his palate. When twenty-one years of age he rented his father's farm and borrowed $200 which he invested in fine sheep. At the end of a successful year he went to Blounts- ville and engaged in the drug business two years. He then moved to Greensboro, and five years later to Lewisville, where he re- mained six years. He then bought the farm where he has since resided, in the southwestern part of Spiceland Township, con- taining eighty acres of fine land. He makes a specialty of raising Poland China hogs. Sept. 29, 1872, Mr. Williams was married to martha LouNA! Kerns, a native of Randolph County, N. C., born May

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

24, 1852, and came to Henry County in 1872. They have two children-William L. and Ethel, Politically Mr. Williams is a Republican.

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William C. Williams was born in Henry County, Ind., Nov. 22, 1843, the third son of the late Jason and Abigail (Holloway) Williams. He was reared on a farm, attending school at Spice- land. He remained on his father's farm till the fall of 1879, when he bought eighty acres of fine land where he has since resided. He has made a specialty of raising Poland China hogs, and has demands from all parts of the West, being unable to supply the number called for. In 1883 he took the prize, a silver pitcher, offered by the Indiana Farmer for the three best hogs shown at the fair. Mr. Williams was married Jan. 2, 1868, to Annie W., daughter of Abijah and Deborah (Wilkinson) Steddom. He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends. noch

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CHAPTER XXIII.

STONY CREEK TOWNSHIP.

THIS TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED, 1828 .- PIONEER SETTLERS. - FIRST ELECTION .- EARLY SCHOOLS, MILLS AND STORES .- CHURCHES. - THE VILLAGE OF BLOUNTSVILLE .- ITS ORIGIN AND GROWTH .- LODGES. - BIOGRAPHICAL.

Stony Creek Township derives its name from a stream which rises near its borders. It is situated in the northeastern part of the county; has a varied surface and soil and many varieties of timber. Its rescources are chiefly agricultural.

The township was formed on the 11th day of November, 1828, and then included all of Blue River Township and a tier of eight sections, which have since been annexed to Prairie Township. The township now contains twenty sections, and is territorially the smallest in the county. In 1870 its population was 934; in 1880, 947.

. The first election was held at the house of Thomas Hobson, in 1828. John Ross was chosen Trustee, and John Hodgson, Justice of the Peace. Officers for 1883-'84: J. B. Howell and J. H. Kil- mer, Justices; Frank W. Murray, Trustee.

Andrew Blount made the first purchase of land within the present limits of the township in 1822. He was the only purchaser in that year. During the year 1822 three or four made settlements in the township. Among the pioneers were John Hodgson, Jacob Good, William Gallion, John Hiatt, John Moore, Isaiah Lane, William Brewer, Pleasant Holloway, R. Stanley and Jonathan Bedwell.

The first mill in the township was built on Blue River, by John Smith. Abraham Lennington opened the first store at Blountsville in 1834. The first school-house in District No. 1 was built in 1835. The township now has six schools, which are in good condition. Blountsville has a well-conducted school in two grades, known as the Blountsville Academy.

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

Churches .- The first preaching in this township was by David and Aaron Miller at Blountsville, about 1830. The first house of worship was erected by the Methodists in 1840. There are now four churches in the township: Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Protestant, German Baptist and "New Light" Christian. The pastors are: Rev. Mr. Smith, M. E .; Rev. John Newhouse, New Light; Rev. Jesse Prim, M. P .; David Bowman, Bishop of the German Baptist.

VILLAGES.

Blountsville, on the eastern bank of Stony Creek, was founded by Andrew Blount, who settled at this point in 1822. His log house was the only dwelling here for some years, and in 1836 Blountsville consisted of only three houses, one of which was Abraham Lennington's hotel. The first store was kept by Timothy Jordan.

A postoffice was established in 1836, John St. John, Post- master. The present Postmaster is W. J. B. Luther. In 1880 the village had 188 inhabitants, and in 1884, about 225. Blounts- ville has two churches, three lodges, three general stores, one hotel, two drug and hardware stores, two boot and shoe shops, one harness shop and tannery, two confectionery and restaurants, two blacksmith shops, one carriage shop, one tile manufactory and three physicians.

Circleville, which exists as a village only in name, was duly laid out several years ago. It is situated on the line between Stony Creek and Blue River Township.

Rogersville, in the western part of Stony Creek Township, was laid out in 1837 by James O. Rogers and John R. Colburn. The village once had stores, shops, etc., but its glory has departed.

LODGES.

Masonic .- Blountsville Lodge, No. 331, F. & A. M., was or- ganized May 31, 1866, with charter members as follows: Thos. J. Bowls, W. M. ; Eli Warner, S. W .; Wm. R. Parsons, J. W .; J. W. Stanley, Treas .; J. D. Brewington, Secretary; W. S. Hendrick, S. D .; J. Chaffant, J. D .; W. N. Brewer, T. In 1884 this lodge had twenty members and the following officers: Andrew Blount, W. M .; I. N. Hollinger, S. W .; W. M. ; Holliday, J. W .; Thos. Marshall, Secretary; Wm. Finch, Treasurer; Samuel Parks, S. D .; Isaac Gilmore, J. D .; Wm. Lacy, T.

HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY. 839

Odd Fellows .- Blountsville Lodge, No. 305, I. O. O. F., was organized March 3, 1868, with the following charter members: William B. Baker, N. G .; Cornelius Curry, V. G .; N. B. Val- landigham, S .; Richard Vallandigham, T. The lodge had thirty members in February, 1884, and the following officers: W. R. Gates, N. G .; S. E. Knott, V. G .; Jacob H. Kilmer, S .; William Knott, P. S .; J. M. Luellen, T .; O. G. Howell, District Deputy.

Grand Army .- David N. Kimball Post, No. 204, G. A. R., was organized at Blountsville, July 10, 1883, with the following officers and charter members: Jont. Ross, P. C .; A. W. Galyean, S. V. C .; John D. Brewington, J. V. C., Jonathan Chaffant, A. D. J .; Calvin Cross, O. D .; Oscar Rogers, Q. M .; Samuel Hackman, J. R. Whitehead, Geo. W. Smeltzer, Henry H. Main. The post now has seventeen members.

PERSONAL.

William Haynes was born in Wayne County in 1818. His parents were among the first settlers of Henry County, coming here about 1821. Mr. Haynes has long been a resident of this township, and has held several local offices.

John Finch, an old and prominent citizen, was born in North Carolina in 1815, and came to Henry County quite early. Mr. Finch owns a large and excellent farm.

John Hodgson, a native of North Carolina, came to this county with his family in 1824, and remained here until his death. His son Lewis is a prominent farmer of this township.

William Devore, born in Ohio in 1800, is one of the oldest citizens of the township. He came to this county in 1842.

Hon. Russel Jordan was born in Wayne County in 1819. In 1843 he married, after which he settled in this township, where he has since resided. He represented this county in the Legislature in 1850-'51. He has also served as Justice of the Peace and other township offices. Mr. Jordan was one of the organizers of the Christian church in Blountsville.

Benjamin Bowman, an aged pioneer, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1808. In 1831 he married in Wayne County, Ind., and removed to Henry County, where he has since resided.

James Lennington, born in Armstrong County, Pa., in 1812, came to Henry County in 1835, and to his present farm two years later. Mr. Lennington was an exhorter in the Methodist Episco-

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

pal church for twelve years, and has served five years as pastor of the New Light Christian church.

Colonel A. R. A. Thompson, though not an old resident of Henry County, is yet worthy of prominent mention, he being an excellent example of the self-made man. He was born in Ohio in 1818; followed teaching and other occupations until 1846, besides traveling in the Southern and Western States. He then engaged in the mercantile business, first at Hagerstown and afterward at Blountsville. He is now a farmer. In 1875 he was elected to the Legislature on the Independent ticket as joint Representative from Henry and Hancock counties. While a resident of Ohio he was made Colonel of militia.

Halliary Howell, born in Wayne County in 1814, came to this township and began life in the woods in 1836, on land purchased of the Government. He still continues a resident of this town- ship.

Jeremiah and Mary Lake came from West Virginia, by team, in 1833, and after spending about six weeks in Prairie Township, settled in Stony Creek. Mr. Lake died in 1866; his wife in 1868. Their son, John W. Lake, has carried on the mercantile business in this county about thirty years. He is now located at Blounts- ville.

Robert Bookout, a native of Tennessee, moved to this township in 1834, and still resides here. He has been industrious and suc- cessful in business.

David and Abigail Luellen came from West Virginia and settled in this township in 1836. Mr. Luellen died in 1852; his widow still survives. Their son, James S. Luellen, is a prominent farmer in this township.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

John M. Barr was born in Shenandoah Valley, Va., Sept. 11, 1852, a son of Christian and Margaret Barr, natives of Virginia. His early life was spent on a farm, receiving only a limited educa- tion. When he was eighteen years of age he began learning the plasterer's trade with his uncle, William Barr, and served an ap- prenticeship of three years. He then worked as a journeyman two years, and in 1875 came to Indiana and has since then lived in Blountsville where he has an extensive business. He was mar- ried to Mary M., daughter of Elijah and Lavinia Cory. They have one child-Watie Virginia. Politically Mr. Barr is a Dem- ocrat.

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.

John S. Barr was born in Rockingham County, Va., Sept. 11, 1835, a son of George W. and Maria Barr, natives of Virginia. He spent from his seventh to his tenth year with his grandfather, and then began learning the trade of a tanner, serving as an ap- prentice of M. J. Zirkle till he was twenty-one years old. In 1856 he came to Henry County, Ind., and located at Middletown. He worked on a farm a year, and then at his trade as a journey- man for John Thomas, of Delaware County, four years. He then removed to Yorktown, Ind., where he remained over two years, working as a journeyman tanner for Thomas Allen. In 1864 he became established in business for himself at Blountsville, Henry County, where he still resides. On account of his health he has been obliged to partially abandon his business. He now owns a farm of thirty-eight acres, which he carries on in connection with tanning and harness-making. He was married in 1861 to Minerva J., daughter of James and Susan Knott. They have three chil- dren-William M., Frank A. and Ardella F. Mr. and Mrs. Barr are members of the Christian church.

Samuel Bechtelheimer was born in Franklin County, W. Va., Jan. 2, 1794, and when ten years old moved with his parents to Clermont County, Ohio, where he resided twenty-four years. Dur- ing his life in Ohio he was drafted into the war of 1812 and served under Captain Ross. He was married to Rachel Kessler Oct. 30, 1817, and with his wife and family moved to Henry County, Ind., in 1827. The timber was so thick that he had to cut his way through to the place of destination. When the spot was reached whereon he should build he commenced to erect a cabin at once. Cold weather coming on so soon that mortar could not be made, he was compelled to gather moss off the logs to fill the place of mortar in daubing his cabin. The young men of to-day have no idea of the labors he had to undergo to rear a family of eleven children, clear his farm and raise and prepare the provisions to keep his family comfortable. Of his family of thirteen chil- dren two died in infancy. Those still surviving are-David, of Juniata, Neb; Jesse, of Correctionville, Woodbury Co., Iowa; Christianna Richardson, Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa. ; Samuel H., Deer Creek, Carroll County, Ind .; Jacob, Blountsville, Henry County, Ind. Mrs. Bechtelheimer died Sept. 30, 1865. His oc- cupation principally through life has been farming. His political views have ever been in favor of the Democratic party. He has been a member of the German Baptist church ever since the year

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History of Henry County, Indiana, Part 78

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