USA > Indiana > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Indiana > Part 49
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HON. JOHN R. HAMILTON, Brownstown, Ind. The pater- nal grandfather of our subject, John Hamilton, was born in . County Tyrone, Ireland, in about 1745. He married Sarah Wilson in his native country, and in 1783 he immigrated to America. During the voyage, on June 17, 1783, was born to them James Hamilton, the father of our subject. They settled in Hardy County, Va., where James was raised on a farm, and in 1811, he married Rebecca Robertson, who was born November 15, 1786. John R. was born to them March 21, 1812. In 1816 the Hamilton family came to Indiana and settled in Jackson County, where they were prominently identified with the early history of the county. They settled in what is now Hamilton
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Township, in whose honor it was named. Here the grandfather died in 1837, his wife having preceded him in 1820. James Hamilton was appointed first magistrate in Hamilton Township; he served several terms as county commissioner, and in 1830 was elected to the State Legislature and was twice re-elected. He died in 1856, his widow surviving until 1859. John R. was reared on his father's farm and was educated at the common schools. He was elected magistrate in 1840, served as county commissioner a number of terms and, in 1849, under the old constitution, he was elected to the State Legislature, was re-elected and served under the new constitution. November 19, 1835, he married Esther Robertson, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Rob- ertson; she was born in Jackson County November 1, 1818, and to this union the following children were born: James H., Will- iam H. (deceased), Rebecca, Dallas W. (deceased), Mary E., Sarah C., Belledonia C. (deceased), George R. and Andrew J. Mr. H. was also admitted to the bar in 1853, but soon relin- quished this and has ever since been actively engaged in farming. The farm upon which he now lives is well improved, and is sup- plied with whatever is necessary to contribute to his comfort, and now in his declining years he can look back upon a life of use- fulness.
JAMES B. HAMILTON, county superintendent, Browns- town Township, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the year 1856. He is a son of James K. and Margaret M. Miller Hamilton, who came to Jackson County when James B. was a mere boy. The subject of this sketch received his education in the National Nor- mal School at Lebanon, Ohio, of which he is a graduate. At fifteen years of age he began with the Brownstown Banner as a printer and worked two years. He then taught school for four years, was principal of the high school at Medora for two years. In 1879 he was elected county superintendent of Jackson County without opposition, and is now serving his fourth term. His usefulness, both as a scholar and citizen, is generally acknowl- edged. He is a member of the Masonic order and also of the Presbyterian Church.
EDWARD H. HAYS, proprietor of the Ewing Hotel, Ew- ing, Ind., is a native of Bartholomew County, Ind., and was born
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in the year 1848. He is the son of Thomas and Lucy (Deitz) Hays. He came to Jackson County in the year 1866, and en- gaged in farming, which occupation he followed till 1880, when he engaged as clerk with W. R. Bolls, of Ewing, with whom he remained until 1884, at which time he took charge of the Ewing Hotel. This house is handsomely and comfortably fitted for the accommodation of transient guests and regular boarders. There is also in connection with this hotel, a good livery and feed stable. Mr. Hays is wide awake and looks after the interests of his guests. He is a member of the K. of P. and a Democrat.
ADAM HELLER, SR., farmer, is one of the highly re- spected German citizens of Jackson County. He is a son of John and Philiphine Heller, and was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, March 13, 1814. The mother of our subject died in Germany; his father married again, came to America in 1837, settled in Brownstown Township, was a farmer by occupation and died in 1858. Our subject was married at the age of thirty years to Wilhel- mina Scheweien, a native of Germany, born December 3, 1825. Ten children are living by this marriage: Lewis, Philip, Rosa, Phoebe, Adam, Peter, George, Frank, Anna and Charles. Mr. Heller worked for six years at the cabinet-maker's trade in Brownstown, since which time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. By his own labor and economy he has secured a farm of 400 acres, which is under good cultivation. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. The younger members of the fam- ily occupy a prominent position in society and are respected by all who know them. Mr. Heller has always voted the Democratic ticket.
JOHN W. HELLER, farmer, and manufacturer of brick and tile, Brownstown Township, is the son of Frederick C. and Sophia (Law) Heller, who were natives of Germany; the former was born December 17, 1807, the latter February 1, 1807. They came to Jackson County in 1834; were among the first German settlers of the county. He became a local preacher of consider- .able note, was ordained in 1846 and assigned the circuit of New Albany, Louisville, Booneville and Evansville. Owing to poor health he resigned his circuit and died September 20, 1861. His widow survived him until April 10, 1870. John W. was born in
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Jackson County, August 27, 1843, and received his education in the Brownstown schools. October, 1861, he enlisted in the Seventh Indiana Battery and served three years and one month, taking an active part in many battles of the Rebellion, among which were Stone River, Chickamauga, Atlanta campaign, Nash- ville and many others. Upon his return from the war he en- gaged in farming, and in addition to this he has for the past sev- en years been extensively engaged in the manufacturing of brick and tile. He was married, October 4, 1865, to Phobe Durr, daughter of Jacob P. and Catherine (Phifer) Durr. Mrs. Heller was born in Jackson County, January 11, 1844. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heller ; Nannie, born July 31, 1866 ; Frederick, April 23, 1868 ; Thornton, January 7, 1874; Victor H., April 20, 1876; John W., August 25, 1878; Bertha, October 12, 1882; an infant unnamed, born October 30, 1885. Mr. Heller is a member of the G. A. R. and an active Re- publican.
HENRY KLEINMEYER, treasurer of Jackson County, was born in Germany, April 14, 1835, the fifth child of a family of six, born to William and Louisa (Aulthoff) Kleinmeyer. Henry obtained his education in Germany and also learned the carpen- ter's trade there. In 1853 he came to America and located in Louisville, Ky., where he worked at his trade for one year, then moving to Jackson County Ind., where he worked at his trade un- til the fall of 1865, when he engaged in the mercantile business in Grassy Fork Township, also following farming in addition to his mercantile pursuits. In 1870 he was elected county commis- sioner; in 1880 was re-elected and served till 1884, when he was elected county treasurer. He was united in marriage to Sophia Lehue in 1858, She was a native of Germany, born December 5, 1839. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kleinmeyer: Mary, now Mrs. Stinkamp; William, Annie, Merre, Harvey, Amelia, Mollie, Edward and Josephine. He and his wife are prominent members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Klein- meyer identified himself with the Democratic party and has al- ways been an active and zealous worker in its ranks.
BARNEY LARHMAN, farmer and stock raiser, Brownstown Township, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 1, 1829, is a
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son of Barney and Maria (Gurker) Larhman, who were also natives of Germany and immigrated to Jackson County in about 1847, where the former died in 1849, the latter in 1876. Our subject passed one year on a farm in Jackson County. He then went to Cincinnati, where he followed draying and teaming for six years, in which business he accumulated enough money to purchase eighty acres of land in Jackson County. By hard work and good management he has added to this farm until he now possesses a fine farm of 500 acres. Mr. Larhman is also an extensive dealer in stock and possesses some very fine breeds. In 1850 he married Henrietta Krineharger, a native of Germany, born in March, 1830. There are seven living children by this mar- riage: Henry, born August 9, 1852; George, born May 23, 1854; Lizzie, born September 21, 1856 (now the wife of John Spray) ; Sophia, born December 5, 1858; Frank, born March 11, 1862; Addie, born November 28, 1864 (is the wife of M. Goss) ; John, born September 9, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Larhman are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a stanch Democrat, is a splendid example of a self-made man, and shows what energy and deter- mination will do when properly directed.
JOEL H. MATLOCK, deputy county auditor, Brownstown, was born in Jackson County, Ind., August 17, 1847, and is the fourth child of a family of nine born to George and Betsey ( Wed- del) Matlock, natives of Tennessee. They came to Brownstown in their younger days. After marriage they lived in the western part of Jackson County, farming being Mr. Matlock's occupation. They were both prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. In 1878 they moved to Kansas, where they now reside. Joel H. passed his early life on his father's farm, attending the schools of those days. In February, 1872, he was appointed deputy county clerk, served until 1880, since which time he has served as deputy auditor, thus making thir- teen years or more spent in the employment of his native county. In the month of February, 1864, he enlisted in Com- pany H, One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served till January 8, 1866. His first battle was Resaca. He was with Sherman until after the battle of Atlanta; was also in the battle in front of Atlanta when Gen. McPherson was killed.
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He was in the battles at Nashville and at Franklin, and many other minor engagements. He went out as a private and was soon after appointed orderly sergeant. November 5, 1868, he mar- ried Mary A. Scott, a native of Ohio. There are five children living by this marriage: Cora Effie, Mary A., Grace, Price H., Bessie and Charles S. (deceased). Mr. Matlock is a Royal Arch member of the Masonic fraternity, also a charter member of the K. of P. From 1880 until 1884 he was on the Democratic Cen- tral Committee, and for the last two years has been chairman of that committee.
JOSEPH L. MILLER, farmer, Brownstown Township, was born in the county where he now resides November 21, 1860. He is the son of Joseph and Lydia (Ireland) Miller, who came to this county in an early day, and were among the rugged pioneers who laid the foundation for the present prosperity of the county. Our subject was married, April 22, 1881, to Miss Lillie L. Hel- ton, an accomplished young lady, and a native of Lawrence County, Ind., born March 13, 1863. She is a daughter of John and Hettie (Ready) Helton, the former being a native of Law- rence County, Ind., born August 24, 1829, and died in Monroe County, Ind., January 28, 1864. Mrs. Helton is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born September 27, 1841, a daughter of John J. Ready, who was born in Georgia in 1801, and died in Monroe County in about the year 1862. Mr. Miller owns a good farm of 106 acres, pleasantly situated. . He is a zealous Democrat in politics and the father of two children-Robert C. and an infant unnamed. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Few are they who begin the voyage of life with such flattering prospects as this young couple; being sup- plied with all which tends to render life comfortable, and com- manding the respect of a host of friends and neighbors.
WILLIAM MILLER, deputy county recorder, Brownstown, was born in Jackson County, April 19, 1863, and is the son of Francis M. and Margaret E. (Mitchell) Miller. The Miller family is of German descent. The grandfather of our subject, Frederick Miller, took for his wife Rebecca Hunt, and with her came to Jackson County in an early day and settled near Vallonia, where he engaged in the milling business. Here he lived until his death,
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which occurred in about the year 1863, his widow surviving him until 1884. The father of our subject is now a resident of Brownstown, where he is engaged in the milling business. Our subject received his education in the schools of Brownstown, of which he is a graduate. In March, 1884, he was appointed dep- uty recorder, which position he has held ever since and fills with credit. He is a young man of excellent business qualities, and a bright and prosperous future is before him.
JOSEPH MILLER (deceased), Brownstown, whose por- trait appears in this volume, was born in Jackson County, October 25, 1819. He was a son of' Adam and Susana (Set- tles) Miller, who were natives of Kentucky, and among the very first settlers of Jackson County. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans. He was judge of Jackson County and held many other positions of trust; his death occurred in 1862, that of his widow in 1867. Joseph was a farmer by occupation. In about the year 1841 he married Caroline Goss, by whom he had one child, William A. His wife died in 1845, and in 1847 he was married again to Lydia Ireland, a native of Jackson County, and daughter of James and Sarah (Burnell) Ireland, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Ireland was born July 14, 1788, his wife January 19, 1788. They were married in Hamilton County, Ohio, in the year 1808, and came to Jackson County in 1825. He took an active part in the Blackhawk war; was a farmer by occupation, and served as judge of the county and as county surveyor; was with Maj. Henry during the survey of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, when they were Territories. He died at Brownstown, January 16, 1864, his widow June 4, 1864. Our subject, Joseph Miller, was one of the successful farmers of the county. He was a prominent Mason and influential citizen. His death occurred February 22, 1881. His widow and the following family survive him: Joseph- ine E., Sarah A. (now Mrs. Benton), Ruby (now Mrs. Stillwell), James I., Joseph L., Lillie I. and Leolna. Mr. Miller was not a member of any church.
MISS LUCINDA McCORMICK, a farmer of Brownstown Township, is the daughter of John and Rebecca (Finley) McCor- mick, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Indiana.
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John McCormick was prominent in the early settlement of Browns- town, having succeeded John Milroy as county agent, which posi- tion he held for many years. The subject of this sketch was born March 26, 1829, on the farm where she now resides. She under- stands all the practical part of farm work and successfully superintends the work of her own farm, which is a part of the old homestead where her father settled about the year 1812. Miss McCormick's example has proved to the male portion of that community that women are not lacking that practical business sense which men have been slow to accord them. Miss McCor- mick was never married, having always preferred single life, in which situation she could hope to enjoy absolute independence.
JOHN F. SCHNEIDER, Brownstown Township, one of the successful farmers of Jackson County, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., April 28, 1837. His father, John F. Schneider, was a native of Germany and immigrated to Pennsylvania in about 1836, from there to this (Jackson County) in 1838. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in Jackson County in about 1847. John F., the subject of the sketch, was raised on a farm in Washington Township, and by industry and economy has secured a fine farm consisting of 226 acres with good buildings, well improved and stocked. He is a prominent member of the Luther- an Church, a substantial citizen and a strong supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. He chose for his wife Lasetta Thormwell, a native of Jackson County, and to them five children have been born, viz .: George H., John H., Garett F., Mary E., John W. Mr. Schneider possesses the prominent characteristics of his race (economy and frugality) which have been the secrets of his success in life.
JAMES C. RICHARDS, of Brownstown Township, is the son of Zadock and Rebecca ( Withrow) Richards. The former, a native of Maryland, was born May 3, 1769. He was twice mar- ried, his first wife, Eleanor Head, whom he married November 19, 1793, died August 7, 1810. He took for his second wife the mother of our subject, to whom he was united in marriage Janu- ary 12, 1813. He was a soldier with Gen. Wayne, took part in the battle of New Orleans under Gen. Jackson and was an intimate friend of Daniel Boone. In 1817 he moved to Jackson County,
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where he settled and engaged in farming and hunting as a means of obtaining a livelihood. He died July 28, 1859, his wife dying August 30, 1865. Our subject, James C., was born in Washing- ton County, Ky., May 6, 1815. He came with his parents to Jackson County, where he has resided ever since, farming always being his occupation. He now owns 160 acres of land, which he entered and improved by his own labor, making out of it an excellent farm. He was a good marksman, and by hunting and trapping supported the family. October 27, 1840, he married Amelia Durham, a native of North Carolina, born January 31, 1813. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards: Thomas Z., July 19, 1842; he enlisted in the Sixty- seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry and died at Milwaukee Bend, Miss., April 4, 1863; Lucinda E., February 4, 1844, now the wife of G. W. Hays; Sarah E., December 21, 1845, now the wife of D. M. Hays; Jasper, August 17, 1847, died June 9, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have for many years been prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN RINEHARDT, farmer, who resides in Brownstown Township, is the third child of a family of ten born to Richard and Sally (Shefler) Rinehardt, who were natives of North Caro- lina, and came to Jackson County in the year 1832, and settled .in Brownstown Township. The former was born November 27, 1800, and died December 8, 1879. His wife was born April 5, 1801, and died September 25, 1864. They were prominent mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was born in North Carolina August 11, 1827. When a mere lad he came with his parents to Jackson County, receiving a limited education in the country schools; he took up the vocation of farming, which has ever since been his occupation. He was married, March 8, 1849, to Ann McCormick, a native of Jackson County, born Sep- tember 10, 1825, a daughter of John McCormick, who was a na- tive of Virginia, born November 14, 1774. When a young man he came with his parents on a flat-boat from Wheeling, Va., down the Ohio River, to Madison, Ind. In about the year 1812 he, with his parents, removed from Madison to Jackson County, where they lived in a fort for some time. He married Rebecca Findley, a native of Kentucky, born January 25, 1802. They were mem-
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bers of the Christian Church. He was one of the commissioners who laid out the present site of Brownstown. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rinehardt: Joseph B., Flora Belle (wife of George W. Shortridge), John C., Asa W. and Philip C. Mr. R. is a member of the Baptist Church, and a Democrat. Mrs. R. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
CHARLES A. ROBERTSON, of Ewing, was born in Ham- ilton Township, Jackson Co., Ind., July 3, 1847, and is the son of John B. and Mary E. (Wayman) Robertson. He is of old Vir- ginia stock; his grandfather, Andrew Robertson, having emigrated from Virginia about the year 1819, and came to Jackson County, where he held many positions of trust, being for many years judge of the probate court. He was also an active participant in the second war with Great Britain, in 1812. C. A., the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Hamilton Town- ship, where he received the rudiments of an education in the school of his neighborhood, attending about sixty days during the winter season, spending the remainder of the time on the farm. At the age of seventeen he became a deputy in the clerk's office under his father, where he remained until the death of his father, in 1871, when he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term. He subsequently engaged in farming, which he followed until 1881, when he embarked in the mercantile business with W. R. Boles, at Ewing. This partnership lasted till January, 1885, when, in company with J. W. Wayman, they purchased the Ewing Mill, which they successfully operate at present. In 1869 Mr. Robertson was married to Isabel E. Gosslee, of Ohio, and to this union these children were born, viz .: Dunham, Edmond, Charles O., Mary B., Roscoe C., Mona and Stella B. (deceased). Mr. Rob- ertson is a member of the F. & A. M., secret society, and of the Christian Church, and in politics is a Democrat.
JAMES ROBERTSON, of Brownstown Township, was born in Hamilton Township, Jackson Co., Ind., December 5, 1819. He is the eldest and only one now living born to William and Mary (Hamilton) Robertson. The former was born in Berkley County, Va., November 15, 1784, and came with his mother, Hannah (Hutchinson) Robertson, his brother Andrew and sister Rachel, to Jackson County, in 1818. William was a farmer by
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occupation, and died in this county August 24, 1854. The sub- ject of this sketch was a farmer by occupation, being raised on the farm. He now owns about 900 acres of land. May 26, 1842, he married Phobe Jacobs, who was born in Jackson County Feb- ruary 7, 1825, and the daughter of John and Rebecca (Ireland) Jacobs, the former a native of Ohio, born in 1794; his wife a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1792. They came to Jackson County in 1818. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Robertson: John, deceased, born in 1843; William,. deceased, born in 1845; Lunceston, deceased, born January 15, 1848; Mary, March 13, 1850; Jennie, April 1, 1852; Clarissa, November 9, 1854; Esther, January 30, 1857; Andrew, Septem- ber 4, 1859; George, deceased, born 1862; Effie, died in infancy; Rosanna, born 1868. Mr. Robertson cast his first vote with the Whig party. After the disbandment of the party he identified himself with the Democratic party, to the principles of which he has adhered zealously. He is an honored citizen and respected by all who know him.
BENJAMIN F. PRICE, of Brownstown, was born near Zanesville, Muskingum Co., Ohio, February 14, 1833. He is the third of eight children born to William and Sarah Johnstone, who were of Irish extraction, and natives of Maryland and Penn- sylvania respectively. William Price came to Ohio when a mere lad, and engaged in farming. The latter part of his life was spent in the mercantile business. He subsequently moved to Missouri, where he died in 1876. His widow still survives him and resides at Sedalia, Mo. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm, where he attended such schools as the community afforded. At the age of seventeen he engaged in canal boating, and later as a clerk in a country store at Gaysport, Ohio, where he remained for five years. In 1857 he engaged as bookkeeper in a wholesale grocery house at Findlay, Ohio, continuing until 1860, when he came to Indiana, locating at Jonesville, where he embarked in the drug business with his brother. In 1864 he came to Sey- mour, Ind., and again engaged in the drug business, continuing until 1876, after which he engaged in the grain business. In 1878, upon the death of the auditor of Jackson County, he was appointed by the county commissioners to fill the vacancy. In
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1880 he was elected by the Democratic party to fill that office; was re-elected in 1882, and is its present incumbent. By his courtesy and gentlemanly manners he has secured the friendship of all who know him; has filled his office creditably and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a stanch Democrat. November 5, 1855, he married Har- riet E. Peden, of Washington County, Penn., and this union has been blessed by two daughters, Ida E., a mute, now engaged as a teacher in the deaf and dumb institution at Indianapolis, and Katie, wife of M. Stillwell, a prominent railroad gentleman. Mr. Price has by his unremitting energy and devotion to duty won the esteem and confidence of the people, and is one of the most universally popular men in Jackson County.
JAMES H. SCOTT, proprietor hotel and livery, Brownstown, Ind., was born in West Wheeling, Ohio, July 4, 1848. Mr. Scott's former name was "Glasco;" being orphaned at the age of two and a half years, he was adopted by John Scott, whose name he has since borne, and with whom he lived until twenty-one years of age. He has been a resident of Indiana since 1855. He located in Brownstown in 1866; has held the offices of deputy sheriff and deputy clerk; was engaged in the grocery business for a short time. He later engaged in the drug business for two years, after which he engaged in his present business. In 1871 he married Hetty A. Cummins, daughter of Phoebe (Benton) Cummins. Mrs. Scott is a native of Jackson County; her parents were early settlers and highly respected by all. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott: Bertha, Mabel, Ralph B., Charles H. and Flossie. Mr. Scott is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and an active Democrat, in politics.
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