USA > Indiana > Marshall County > History of Indiana : containing a history of Indiana and biographical sketches of governors and other leading men. Also a statement of the growth and prosperity of Marshall County, together with a personal and family histry of many of its citizens, Vol. II > Part 25
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As most people enjoy a pleasant entertainment, in a pleasant, comfortable place, we must allude to our opera hall, which was completed last fall. It is strongly built, neatly finished, with a large and commodious stage, and has a seating capacity of be- tween five and six hundred. It is the very thing " we long have sought." Several first class troupes visited us during the winter and they were handsomely patronized.
In conclusion we desire to speak of the character of the peo- ple who inhabit this locality. Although a majority of the eastern states, and some of the foreign countries, are represented here, yet they have been here long enough to equalize their customs and differences and affairs as people born of one state. We do not mean that we are all alike, we are glad that we are not; but that there is not that broad and decided distinctiveness which renders a general sociability and fraternization impossible. We are a social and hospitable people (with some exceptions, of
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course, as every community is cursed by a greater or less number of cold, selfish, illiberal men and women, who are a law, and court, too, unto themselves), and among the farmers many of the hos- pitable customs of the early Kentucky and Virginia settlers are still maintained. Argos never does anything by fractions. We have often surprised our friends from larger towns by the way we could provide for and entertain large crowds, and Argos can always have a large crowd if the occasion demands; while there is a pleasant unity existing there is of course classification, so- cially and otherwise, as there always has been and always will be throughout the world, and which is essential to real enjoyment. The idler seeks the society of idlers and the cultivated lady or gentleman is not at home with the illiterate and unrefined.
In point of general intelligence we rank second to no com- munity, and we can boast of a few particularly brilliant and pro- found thinkers. There is no work to be done that we can not furnish competent men or women to perform it. We are a reading people, and there are few homes that are not well sup- plied with books, newspapers and magazines. And here we will observe, parenthetically, that, while the president has not yet appointed a postmaster for us, the office is closely hugging the ragged edge; and if there were not several small offices near by, this would have been a presidential office ere this.
We are a public spirited people. Scores of our citizens stand ready at all times to contribute of their means for any object that will benefit the public.
We are a prosperous people, but we deem it unnecessary to produce any proof at this point, as we have already said enough to convince the reader.
We are a happy people. This chapter will convince the reader that we could not be otherwise than happy, if happiness is to be attained in this world.
No person would be content in any place on this planet, if not in this locality, where to simply tickle the soil means a laughing harvest; where a proper observance of hygienic law is all that is necessary to secure health and strength-a locality free from dreaded epidemics and death-dealing miasmata-where pros- perity is assured unless prevented by indolence, or a disregard of reasonable economy; where truth, honesty, justice and charity prevail; where the general intelligence is above the average, and a social and peaceful spirit is possessed by all; where there are church privileges for the religiously disposed, and superior schools for the education and cultivation of the youth; where there are "brave men and fair women," the former admired by the latter, and the latter idolized by the former; where, in short, there is everything essential to the birth, sustenance, development (physi- cally, intellectually, morally and socially) and happiness (almost
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absolute) of the finest specimens of the genus homo. Indeed, it is questionable if such an one could be happy if transported to a sphere of continual sunshine, where all luxuries and pleasures would be furnished "without money and without price"; where from the shoulder blades would spread broad pinions by which, without tiresome exertion, the inter-planetary ether could be rap- idly traversed, and the mind given unobstructed opportunity to study the beauties, the harmonies and the mysteries of the uni- verse. And here time and space compel us to reluctantly mark a period.
Robert H. Baty, a farmer and stock-raiser of Walnut town- ship, was born in Fayette county, Ind., June 30, 1836, and is a son of Robert H. and Rebecca (Ross) Baty. The father was born in Preston county, Va., August 9, 1790, and died in Fayette county, Ind., October 6, 1870. He was a son of Robert and Eliza- beth Baty, both born in Virginia, of German descent. In their marriage they were blessed by the birth of the following off- spring: John, James, Robert H., William, Stephen, Elizabeth and Rebecca. Robert H. was born and reared on a farm, and throughout life followed farming for an occupation. Upon reach- ing manhood he left the parental home in Virginia, and subse- quently located in Ohio, in which state he married. He wedded Rebecca Ross, who was born in 1795, dying in Indiana in 1842. She was a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Ross, of Ger- man descent. Unto the marriage of Robert H. and Rebecca Baty, there were born fourteen children, of whom the following lived to maturity: William, Anna, Stephen, Rebecca, James Elizabeth, Elmira, Mary and Robert H. The marriage of the parents was consummated in about 1812, and soon afterward . they came to Indiana and located in Fayette county, where both continued till death called them above. They were faithful mem- bers of the United Brethren church, and were respected and loved by many friends and a grateful offspring. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and in politics was either a whig or a republican. Robert H. was born and reared on a farm, and to farming he devoted his industrious and progressive life. April 20, 1858, he was united in marriage with Mary V. Banks, daughter of Thomas and Jane Banks, early settlers of Delaware county, later of Marshall county. She was born in Delaware county, Ind., February 3, 1836. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Baty settled down in life in Fayette county, then removed to Delaware county in 1861, and in 1865 settled in Walnut township, this county, locating on a farm in section 33, where they have con- tinued their residence. They are members of the Disciples church, and are among the leading families. In politics Mr. Baty is a staunch republican.
Leonard Bock, a merchant miller at Argos, Ind., was born in
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Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, November 11, 1835, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Flath) Bock. These parents were born and reared in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and their marriage re- sulted in the birth of the following children: Frederick, Adam, Leonard, George and Jacob. Leonard Bock was born and reared in the town of Oberkincig, where he was given a fair German educa- tion. Between the age of fourteen and fifteen years, he was placed out to learn the trade of a baker, which he followed for about three years, in the meantime learning milling. To free himself from the military law of Germany, he emigrated to America in the year 1853, and in June of the same year, he landed at New York city, and at once proceeded to Buffalo, N. Y. Here he remained for about five years, in the meantime learning carriage trimming, which he followed for several years thereafter. After making several removals and working for a season in Mississippi, he lo- cated at South Bend, Ind., where he remained till 1868, in which year he removed to and located in Argos, Ind., where he has since remained, engaged in milling. In 1882, he became sole proprietor of the Argos mills, which he is now operating. At Bremen, Ind., in 1862, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hensel, daughter of Adam Hensel, a native of Rhine Bavaria, Germany. Mrs. Bock was born in Marshall county, Ind., her father being an early settler of the county. Unto the above mar- riage, have been born the following children: John A., Charles, Frederick and Erdine. Since 1887, Mr. Bock has been a mem- ber of the Christian church at Argos. He is a member of the Argos lodge, No. 399, F. &. A. M. He has held the position of a school officer in Argos, and is one of the present school board. He is an ardent friend to church and education, and is a progres- sive and worthy member of society.
Samuel Bodey, the subject of this sketch, was born in Cham- paign county, Ohio, April 10, 1838. He is a son of Adam and Mary (Brubaker) Bodey. The father was born in Rockingham county, Va., in 1808, and died in Champaign county, Ohio, in 1885. The father was a Virginian by birth, and a son of one of the Hessian soldiers of the American revolution, hence Adam Bodey was of German descent. He was a farmer by occupation, and upon reaching manhood left his native state, and emigrated to Ohio in an early day, where he married Mary Brubaker, who was born in Champaign county, of that state, in 1814, and who died in 1878. The marriage resulted in the birth of the follow- ing offspring: Hannah, deceased; Daniel, deceased; Rebecca, Samuel, Henry, Mary A., Isaac, deceased, and Ellen. The father and mother, in early life, were members of the German Lutheran church, but died members of the Universalist church. Samuel Bodey was reared on a farm, and given a fair English education in the country schools. He remained at home till
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past twenty-one years of age, working with his father on the farm, and December 27, 1860, was united in marriage with Emma Esken, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Esken, both natives of Germany, emigrating in an early day to Pennsylvania, later to Ohio, and still later to Marshall county, Ind., where both died. Mrs. Bodey was born in Berlin, Summerset county, Penn., Octo- ber 1, 1843. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bodey have been born these children: Henry A., Clinton F., Mary E .; Emma A., deceased; Harvey C. and Ethel Fay. Mr. Bodey remained on a farm in Ohio until 1863, in which year he came to Marshall county and located in Walnut township, where he has since resided. Since then his principal occupation has been farming, but he has also followed saw-milling and merchandising a portion of the time. He was engaged in general merchandis- ing in Walnut for about eight years, from 1868 to 1878, losing some time from the trade in the meantime. He is one of the progressive citizens of the county, and a self-made and prosper- ous man. In politics he is a staunch democrat. Though he is not a member of any church, he believes church to be for the best, and he lives a moral and upright life, and is regarded as a good and worthy citizen.
Lewis Bennet Boggs, one of the young and enterprising farmers of Walnut township, was born in Marshall county, Ind., April 29, 1854, and is a son of Lewis and Sarah (Devolt) Boggs. Our subject was reared and educated on a farm, and has fol- lowed farming quite successfully all his life. He remained with his parents till twenty-one years of age. On October 18, 1877, he was married to Zelda Jane Hite, daughter of Robert Hite. Mrs. Boggs was born in Iowa, January 15, 1859, and by her marriage with Mr. Boggs, has become the mother of these children: Mirta, Elton, Vernon and Minta Z. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs are members of the Advent church, at Argos, and in politics he is a staunch democrat. Mr. Boggs, though a very young man, is one of the representative men in his honored calling, that of farm- ing. He owns and cultivates an excellent farm in the northern portion of Walnut township, in which township he owns lands aggregating 220 acres. He is a live and energetic man, keeping pace with all the modern methods and improvements in farming.
David Boyce was born in Ohio, October 31, 1846, and is a son of George W. and Mary Ann (Kerney) Boyce. The father was born in West Virginia, and died in Marshall county, Ind., March 24, 1885, aged sixty-eight years, three months and six days. He was of Irish descent, and February 5, 1843, was married in Richland county, Ohio, to Mary Ann Kerney, who was born in West Vir- ginia, in 1816. The marriage resulted in the birth of the follow- ing offspring: Jerusha A., deceased; Lovina, David, Asher V., James, deceased; John. deceased; Elias; Sarah, deceased; Marion
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and Elmina J. In 1848, George W. Boyce removed his family to Indiana and located on section 20, of Walnut township, Marshall county, having been one of the early settlers of this part of the country. He located in the wilderness, and though his life was more or less spent in farming, his principal occupation was saw- milling. He was industrious and frugal, and amassed consider- able wealth during life. His widow still survives and resides in Argos. David Boyce was reared a farmer and the pursuit of agriculture and saw-milling has been his principal business. He worked with his father till past twenty-three years of age, and August 5, 1869, married Ethalinda Pearce, daughter of Aaron K. and Margaret A. (Harsh) Pearce. The father was a native of Richland county, Ohio, born in 1821, and dying in his native county in 1858. He was a son of Simon Pearce, who was born in 1795. The wife of Simon Pearce was Sarah Kinney, whom he married in 1819, and by whom he had the following children: Aaron K., Simon S., Lewis G., Theodore D., Orlando M., Maria L., Clarintha, Oran A., Rucinna L., Cyrenus C., Clarinda E., Mari- etta C., and Winfield W. Aaron Pearce, in 1846, wedded Mar- garet Harsh, born in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1824. The marriage resulted in the birth of these children: Livona, Harriet, Ethalinda, Cerillda, Louisa, Theodore F., and Aaron K. Etha- linda was born in Richland county, Ohio, August 27, 1850, and came to Indiana with her parents in 1858, and her marriage with our subject has resulted in the birth of the following children: Rose Lee, Benjamin F., Margaret V., John W., George H., Ara M., Boyd L., Orda J., and Lillie M.
H. C. Brewer, who was born in Clark county, Ind., April 4, 1851, is a son of Henry and Sarah E. (Bowell) Brewer. Henry Brewer was born in Clark county, Ind., February 7, 1814, and died in this county June 13, 1869. He was a blacksmith by trade, which he followed in early life, but for many years was engaged in farming. In his native county, in 1837, October 19, he was united in marriage with Amanda P. Smith, whose death occurred September 4, 1838. May 9, 1850, he married for a second wife Mrs. Sarah E. White (nee Bowell), who had been previously married October 8, 1846, to John C. White, who died October 17, 1848. She was born in Clark county, Ind., December 18, 1827. By her marriage with Henry Brewer she became the mother of the following children: Harrison C., Catherine J., Flora A. and Flavius L., all of whom are deceased but the first, who is the subject of this sketch. The parents came to Marshall county in the fall of 1863, and settled in the northern portion of Walnut township, where the father died. Subsequently the mother was wedded by Barney A. Idson, with whom she now resides in Ful- ton county, this state. Harrison C. Brewer was reared and edu- cated on a farm, and began for himself at the age of twenty
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years, by taking up the pursuit of agriculture, which he has since carried on. October 23, 1870, he married Emily L., daugh- ter of Hiram VanVactor, a pioneer of Marshall county, where Mrs. Brewer was born, March 28, 1854. Unto the marriage have been born: Marion L., Frances Elmer, and Henry H. Brewer. Mr. Brewer is a representative farmer and citizen, and is a member of the Argos lodge, No. 399, F. & A. M.
Charles Brown, one of the pioneer settlers of Marshall county, was born near Augusta, York state, in 1805, and was a son of Sylvanus and Sarah (Spaldwin) Brown, unto whom were born three children, namely: Matilda, Charles and Harry. The parents were of New England birth and English descent, and of Quaker faith. In an early day the parents settled in York state, where Charles was united in marriage January 29, 1829, to Lucy Conner, who was born near Dublin, Ireland, in 1808, the daugh- ter of James and Susannah (Naylor) Conner. Lucy emigrated with her parents to America in 1811, settling in York state. Unto the marriage of Charles and Lucy Brown were born the following offspring: Lucetta, Melissa, James, Jane, Matilda, Sallie, Sylvanus, Kaziah, Charles and Lucy. The father was a farmer by occupation, and farmed in New York till 1834, when he removed to Ohio, which state he left in 1837, coming to Mar- shall county and locating on section eight of Walnut township, where he died in 1872. He was among the hardy and well-re- spected pioneers of the county, and held several positions of honor and trust in the community. He was an ardent abolition- ist, whig and republican. In early days he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, later of the Latter-day Saints, but died a member of the Advent church. His widow still survives, and now resides in Argos, and is in religious faith of the Latter- day Saints.
Joseph Bryan was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, May 17, 1833, and is a son of William and Mary (Bishop) Bryan. The father was born in New Jersey, February 27, 1799, and died in Mahoning county, Ohio, August 28, 1865. The mother was born in New Jersey, December 16, 1793, and died in Marshall county, Ind., February 13, 1886. The father was a son of Haron and Charity (Haines) Bryan, the former being a native of Ireland, but emigrated to America in an early day. Unto Haron and Charity Bryan were born the following children: Joseph, James, William, Haron, Rebecca, Ann and Martha. William was born and reared in New Jersey, and in 1823 was united in marriage with Mary Bishop, daughter of Eber and Susannah Bishop, to which marriage were born three sons and two daughters, namely: Jonathan, Robert, Eber, Mary and Hannah Ann. Unto the marriage of William and Mary Bryan were born six children, namely: Elizabeth, Sarah, James, Susannah, Joseph and Han-
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nah. In the spring of 1829, the parents removed from New Jer- sey, by way of wagon to Mahoning county, Ohio, where they settled on a farm, the father's death subsequently following. Both parents were reared in the Quaker faith to which they re- mained true till death. Their son Joseph, the immediate sub- ject of this sketch, was reared and educated on a farm, and has devoted his life to the honorable and independent calling of ag- riculture. In his native county, October 28, 1855, he was united in marriage with Beulah M. Meridith, daughter of William and Sarah (Catron) Meridith, both natives of Chester county, Penn., and of English and Dutch descent, respectively. They became the parents of the following children, viz .: Margaret, Simon, Elizabeth, William, David, John, Sarah and Beulah. The par- ents settled in Ohio in 1833. Beulah, now Mrs. Bryan, was born in Chester county, Penn., January 23, 1831, and by her marriage with Mr. Bryan has become the mother of the following child- ren: William, Josephine, Mary M., Margaret S., Emma J. and Sylvester P. After their marriage up to 1866 Mr. and Mrs. Bryan continued in Ohio, and then removed to Indiana, and lo- cated in Walnut township, where they have since resided. Both are members of the Christian church of Argos, and are among the most respectable families of their community. Mr. Bryan began the struggle of life a poor man, but through industry, per- severance and frugality has succeeded in accumulating a com- fortable competence, and is at this time one of the leading farm- ers and representative citizens of Walnut township.
Nathaniel Chapman was born in Plymouth, Chenango county, N. Y., November 25, 1817, and is a son of James and Amy (Shel- don) Chapman, both parents born in Providence county, R. I. The father was a son of Nathaniel Chapman, a native of Rhode Island, and of Scotch origin. The mother was a daughter of Pardon Sheldon, also a native of Rhode Island, and of English origin. Pardon Sheldon was a staff officer under Gen. George Washington. Unto the marriage of James and Amy Chapman were born the following children: Libbie, Charles, James, Amy, Simon S., Sabrah, Thomas R., Esther, Pardon S., Phœbe, Na- thaniel, Angeline, Silas H. and Jeremiah S., three of whom were born in Rhode Island and the others in York state. The father's death occurred at Plymouth, N. Y., in 1835, at the age of sixty years, and the mother died at Smyrna, N. Y., in 1857, at the age of seventy-six years. They were both Quakers, in which faith they lived and died. Nathaniel Chapman remained under the parental roof until he was almost eighteen years old, at which time he began the struggle of life for himself, his first work being done on a farm at $8 per month; but he soon quit farm work and subsequently learned the trade of harness and saddle- making. March 10, 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss
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Lois Potter, a foster child of David Jennings, her parents dying when she was very young. She was born in Chenango county, N. Y., December 12, 1815, and bore the following children: Henry C., Sarah A., Theodore F., Charles D., and Lucy J. In 1843 Mr. Chapman permanently located on a farm in York state, and he continued farming till 1865. In this year he came to In- diana and settled at Argos, and four years later went to Illinois, where he remained till 1875, at which time he returned to Indi- ana, and for the following seven years resided on a farm in Ful- ton county. While residing in Illinois he was engaged in the mill- ing business, and in the meantime he invested some capital in Argos, Ind., in a drug store, which his son Charles D., operated. In 1881 Mr. Chapman left Fulton county and located in Argos, and one year later purchased lands near the village and built him a convenient home, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Argos, and enjoy a high social standing. He is a self-made man, having begun life for himself a poor youth, and through life he has been industrious and progressive, and is now a pros- perous and well respected citizen.
W. D. Corey, a native of Marshall county, Ind., was born February 21, 1839, and is a son of Barney and Barbara A. (Douglass) Corey. The father was born in Rhode Island, June 4, 1809, and died in Marshall county, Ind., in 1866. He was a son of an Irish emigrant who came to America in an early day. Barney Corey, after reaching manhood, left his native state and went to New York, where, September 22, 1834, he wedded Bar- bara A. Douglass, who was born in New York, October 19, 1810. By her marriage she became the mother of the following chil- dren: Sarah A., William D., Barney J., Susan A. (deceased), and Melvin L. In about 1836, by way of a one-horse wagon, Barney Corey, his wife and first born child, emigrated from New York to Indiana, and settled in the woods of what is now Green township, Marshall county. Here the father remained till called away by death. The mother, after the father's death, was wedded by Hiram Durphy, and with her second husband returned to New York, where she died in 1878. Her remains were brought back to Indiana and now lie buried by the side of her first hus- band, in Green township, near the early place of settlement. Barney Corey was a cabinet-maker by trade and a farmer by occupation. He was a hardy pioneer, and over thirty years of his active and useful life was spent in this county. He began life a poor man, and through industry and perseverance, grew prosperous. He was a practical and successful farmer, and at the time of his death, had amassed considerable wealth. He was a zealous Baptist, and was the leading founder of what is known as the Jordan Baptist church of Green township, which
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still maintains an existence. His mother, who at about the founding of this church, joined his family circle, was the first white person baptized by immersion in Marshall county. Will- iam D. Corey was born and raised on a farm, and remained under the parental roof till past the age of twenty-one years. May 20, 1860, he wedded Miss Cynthia A. Alleman, and began farming for himself, which he carried on for a number of years. His wife was born in Holmes county, Ohio, Novem- ber 28, 1839, and is a daughter of Christian Alleman, an early settler of Marshall county. To the above marriage have been born the following children: Milroy A., William D., Mollie A., and Iva D. In February of 1865, Mr. Corey became a private in Company F, of the Eighty-seventh Indiana volunteer infantry, and at the close of war was discharged from Company F, Forty- second Indiana veterans. He is a member of the G. A. R. Lafayette Gordon post, 132, of Argos, and I. O. O. F., Argos lodge, No. 263, of Argos; also Argos lodge, No. 399, F. & A. M. He and wife are members of the Baptist church and are among the leading families of Argos. From 1866 to 1873 they resided in Caldwell county, Mo., where Mr. Corey continued farming. From 1873 to 1878, they resided on a portion of the old home- stead in Green township. Since 1878 they have resided in Argos, Mr. Corey being engaged in merchandising. He is now engaged in the undertaking and furniture business, and is one of the live and active business men.of Argos.
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