USA > Indiana > Johnson County > History of Johnston County, Indiana. From the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 39
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MARTIN V. ENSLEY, retired farmer, is a native of Shelby County, Ind., born on the 19th day of December, 1830. Isaac Ensley, the father of Martin V. Ensley, was born in New York, and accompanied his parents to Shelby County, Ind., where he grew to manhood. He married, in that county, Martha A. Brown, daughter of Harvey and Patience Brown, who were among the earliest settlers in Jackson Township. Isaac and Patience Ens-
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ley were the parents of the following children, viz .: Pauline, Bailor and Martin V., the subject, being the only member of the family now living. Mr. Ensley died in 1832. Mrs. Ensley subse- quently married Hugh Smiley, an early school-teacher of Johnson County. She departed this life in May, 1842. Being thus early deprived of his only friend and protector, young Martin Ensley was placed under the especial care of a guardian, John J. Lewis, and for two or three years thereafter, was compelled to work from place to place by the month, in order to obtain a livelihood. In 1849, when nineteen years of age, he began farming for himself on the old home place, and on March 21. 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Smock, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Burch) Smock, a union blessed with the birth of four children, namely: Sarah, wife of William H. Jones; W. A .: Rachel, wife of George Lewis, and Emma, wife of Byron Duffey. Mr. Ensley has made the pursuit of agriculture a life work, and has been more than or- dinarily successful in his chosen calling. He has added to his farm until he has become the owner of several valuable tracts of real estate, some of which he divided among his children. . He still owns the old farm of 280 acres in Jackson Township, Shelby County. In ISSI, Mr. Ensley retired from active life, since which time he has been a resident of Edinburg. He is a democrat in politics, and since 1876, has been an active member of the Metho- dist Church. His first wife died in August, 1877, and on the 20th day of November, 1879, his second marriage was solemnized with Miss Selina Varner, of Hamilton County, Ohio, daughter of Thomas and Martha (Lefeber) Varner. Thomas and Martha Var- ner were early residents of the above county and state, and were the parents of the following children, viz .: Saline, Eliza, Sarah (deceased), Amanda, and T. Henry Varner. By his second mar- riage, Mr. Ensley is the father of one child, to wit: Edgar E. Ensley. J. D. FEE, the subject of this sketch, is descended from Scotch ancestry, the original name being McDuffie, by which a well-known clan in the early history of Scotland, was known. The clan McDuffie was early subjected to religious persecution, in conse- quence of which the majority of that name were compelled to flee their native country and take refuge in Ireland, where in time the name became changed to McFee. Still later, the clan was iepre- sented in England, where the name subsequently became anglicized to Fee, by which it has been known since about the year 1700. In 1780, several representatives of the Fce family came to Amer- ica and settled in Pennsylvania. thence later to Kentucky, where, as early as 1798, the name was well-known among the settlers of Maysville and Boone's Fort. The ancestors of J. D. Fee were
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among the early pioneers of Clermont County, Ohio, where his grandfather, Rev. Elijah Fee, acquired some celebrity as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Jacob and Elizabeth (Cam- rey ) Fee, parents of J. D., were both natives of Clermont County, Ohio. They had a family of eleven children. nine of whom are now living, J. D. being the youngest. The subject was born in the town of Moscow, Clermont County, Ohio, March 3, 1841, and re- ceived a practical education in the schools of his native town. He was raised on a farm, and remained under the parental roof until the age of seventeen, when he entered the army, enlisting August 1, 1862, in Company D, Second Ohio Artillery, with which he served two years. During that time he took part in several active campaigns, and bore a gallant part in some of the bloodiest battles of the war, including Shiloh, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Nashville, and numerous minor engagements. At the expiration of his term of service, he was honorably discharged, and imme- diately thereafter returned to his native county, and engaged in farming, which he followed about two years. In the spring of 1868, he came to Edinburg, where, until ISSS, his principal busi- ness was painting and paper hanging. In February, of the latter year, he purchased an interest in the hardware store of L. Compton, and the firm of Compton & Fee is now one of the leading business firms of the city. They carry a large assortment of general hardware, tinware and stoves, their stock representing a value of $6,000. Mr. Fee is an active member of the G. A. R., I. O. O. F., and W. O. H., and in politics supports the principles of the republican party. He has always manifested a live interest in municipal af- fairs, and is at this time a member of the town board of Edinburg. November, 1866, he married Miss Hattie A. Parker, daughter of James E. and Catherine Parker, of Clermont County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fee are members of the Edinburg Methodist Episcopal Church.
THOMAS B. FORELANDER was born in Monroe County, Va., October 31, 1824, and is a son of Lewis and Susan (Sparr) Fore- lander. Paternally, Mr. Forelander is descended from Dutch an- cestry, his father having been born in Holland. On his mother's side he is of German lineage, although his mother was a native of Pennsylvania. Lewis Forelander was a tanner by trade, and fol- lowed his calling for a number of years in Pennsylvania, in which state his death occurred. His widow afterward emigrated to Ohio, thence later to Indiana. in several counties of which she lived at different times, mainly Union, Henry, Hancock and Johnson, moving to the last named in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Forelander have a family of four children, two of whom: Catherine, wife of J. D. Collier,
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and Thomas B., are now living. Thomas B. Forelander remained with his mother until her death. He early learned the milling trade in Johnson County, and did his first work in John A. Thomp- son's mills, at Edinburg, where he continued several years. He has followed milling all his life, principally in Johnson County, and has the reputation of being one of the best millers in this section of the state. He has been an honored resident of Johnson County for half a century, and during that long period of residence no shadow of suspicion has been breathed against his good name or Christian character. He is an active member of the church, an uncompro- mising advocate of temperance reform, and a republican in politics. In IS60, he was united in marriage with Miss America, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Ruffin) Spicer, who were born in the States of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. Mrs. Forelander was born in Johnson County, Ind., and is the mother of five child- ren, two of whom are living, viz. : Susie and William L. Forelander. Mr. Forelander is at this time assessor of Blue River Township.
J. P. FROST (deceased), whose biographical sketch is here- with presented, was a native of Ohio, Richland County, born on the Sth day of March, 1823. In early life he learned the trade of car-, pentering and cabinet-making, in the city of Mansfield, Ohio, and after becoming proficient in the same, emigrated to Trimble County, Ky., where he followed his chosen calling several years. On the 21st day of February, 1850, he married Miss Amanda V. McCormick, daughter of Adam and Rachel (Bellows) McCor- mick, a union blessed with the birth of four children, two of whom are living, namely : Minerva, now Mrs. Miles H.Mitchell, and Mary E. (Mrs. Thomas E. Valentine). For a period of three years Mr. Frost exercised his mechanical skill in the construction of boats for the Ohio River, but in 1856, came to Edinburg, Ind., and resumed carpentering and cabinet-making, which he carried on quite successfully for some time. He subsequently abandoned mechanical pursuits for the gro- cery business, and after following that branch of trade for some years engaged in the undertaking business. Mr. Frost was rea- sonably successful in the accumulation of property, and occupied a conspicuous place among the leading citizens of Edinburg. He was an earnest member of the Methodist Church, and for a number of years an active worker in the Masonic fraternity. He died at his home in Edinburg, on the 27th day of April, 1880. Mrs. Frost, who is still living, was born on the 7th day of March, 1823. She is a remarkably well-preserved lady, and has a large circle of friends in and around Edinburg. She and daughters, Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Valentine, are members of the Edinburg Methodist Episcopal Church.
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ORLANDO FURNAS, miller, Blue River Township, is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, and third son of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Bal- lard) Furnas. Joseph Furnas was born of English parentage, in South Carolina, and at the age of two years was taken to Ohio, in which state he resided from 1804 to 1838. In the latter year he moved to Marion County, Ind., and opened a tavern on the Old National Road, which business he conducted several years. His wife dying in 1847, he returned to Ohio, where he farmed until 1852, and then engaged in the milling business. He subsequently resumed farming, and followed that occupation until his death on the 13th day of January, 1870. He lost his first wife in 1845, and later married Mrs. Howk ( nec Compton), by whom he had one child. By his first marriage Mr. Furnas had a family of eight children, three now living, to wit: the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Mary J. Lewis and Mrs. Ruth E. Guver. Orlando Furnas was born on the Sth day of October, 1835, and when young, learned the miller's trade with his father, in Clinton County, Ohio. He worked at the trade in his native state, and later in Marion and Johnson counties, Ind. Ile was at one time employed in the Car- lisle mill, Indianapolis, and in 1856, started a mill on Eagle Creek, Marion County, for David Baker, with whom he remained two years. He next operated a mill in the town of Bridgeport, the same county, which burned in 1859, entailing upon him a serious loss, in fact breaking him up financially. Shortly after this disaster he went back to Ohio, where he worked at milling about eighteen months and then returned to Indiana, and became superintendent of Beeler & Fletcher's large mills in Marion County, where he was employed for thirteen years. In 1875, he came to Johnson County and purchased what was known as the Old Foster Mill in Blue River Township, which he has since improved and supplied with machinery for the manufacture of flour by the roller process. The mill stands on the west bank of Sugar Creek, has a capacity of sixty barrels per day, and is one of the best and most successful mills in the county. Mr. Furnas has been identified with the mill- ing business since 1852, and is one of the most expert manufac- turers of flour in this section of the country. He has been successful financially, owning mill property representing a value of $12,000, and a finely improved farm of 150 acres. He was married in 1858, in Marion County, Ind., to Miss Rebecca Ross, of Mont- gomery County, Ohio, daughter of Henry J. and Sarah (Carter) Ross. Mr. and Mrs. Furnas are the parents of six children, namely: Sarah A. (deceased), Cyrus I., Henry E., Eugene, Ella and Lucy Ann. Mr. Furnas has always taken an active part in poli- tics, and in IS83, was elected representative in the legislature on
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the republican-prohibition ticket. He is a member of the Masonic order, and with his wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CAPT. CHARLES GRIFFITH, mechanic, Edinburg, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, January 19, 1830, and is a son of Charles and Jane (Johnson ) Griffith, of the same state, the father of Irish, and the mother of Welsh, descent. The family moved to Jennings County, Ind., when the subject was but an infant, and there young Griffith grew to manhood, attending in the meantime such schools as his neighborhood afforded. On attaining his majority he began the blacksmithing trade, at the town of Queensville, and after work- ing in that place a short time, located in Vernon, and still later in Franklin, Johnson County, in all of which places he was reasonably successful in his business. From Franklin he went to Decatur County and opened a shop in the town of Sardinia, where he worked for a period of about five years. He married in Jennings County, in 1855, Miss Camelia McKeehan, a union blessed with four children, two of whom, Ella, wife of E. E. Carvin, and George S., are now living. Mr. Griffith responded to the country's call in 1861, enlisting that year in Company D, Seventh Indiana Infantry, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war until honorably discharged, at the expiration of his three years' term of service. He entered the army as second lieutenant of his company, was subsequently promoted to first lieutenant, and still later, for gallant and meritorious service, was given the command of the company, and held a captain's commission from that time until dis- charged in 1864. Capt. Griffith was a brave and gallant officer, greatly beloved by the men whom he led on many bloody battle- fields. At the close of the war he returned to his family in Jennings County, and the same year, in the fall of 1864, he moved to Edin- burg, where he has since resided, in the pursuit of his trade. Mr. Griffith is a skillful mechanic, and by diligent application to his call- ing, has succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competence, including a pleasant home and several other residences in Edinburg. He is essentially a self-made man, and as such, commands the re- spect of his fellow townsmen and others.
JOIIN HAMNER, one of the oldest living settlers of Johnson County, is a native of Mercer County, Ky., and the third of a family of seven children, born to John and Mary (Neubary) Hamner. His parents were both born in Virginia. John and Mary Hamner moved to Kentucky a short time after their mar- riage, and from the latter state in 1823, came to Johnson County, Ind., and settled near the present site of Edinburg. Here they lived upon a farm until their deaths, which occurred at the ad-
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vanced ages of eighty and seventy, respectively. John Hamner, Sr., was a soldier in the War of Independence, during which struggle he participated in a number of battles, among which was the last engagement in which the American Army under General Washington took place. The subject of this biography was born Feburary 5, ISIo, and was thirteen years of age when his parents moved to Johnson County. He was reared a farmer, and for a period of sixty-five years has been a resident of this county, during which time he has occupied an honorable place in the community, and commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him. His life-work has been that of a farmer, and at this time he owns 200 acres of valuable land, in the County of Edinburg, and lives upon the place where his father settled in 1823. Mr. Hamner has been twice married, the first time in 1832 to Miss Nancy Lash, daughter of Joseph and Mary Lash, by whom he had six children, only two of whom are living, to-wit: Samuel and Maria (Miss Durbin). Mrs. Hamner died June 20, 1849, and two years later Mr. Hamner was united in marriage to Mrs. Mitchell, who died on the 8th day of September, 1885. No children were born to his last marriage, but by a previous union with Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Ham- ner had two children, one of whom is now living. Mr. Hamner is a representative democrat of the old school, having always been an earnest supporter of the principles of that party. He is now living a quiet and retired life, which only those who have battled success- fully with the world for over three quarters of a century, know how to appreciate.
SAMUEL. HAMNER, fifth son of John and Nancy (Lash) Ham- ner, was born in Johnson County, Ind., November 18, 1842. He was raised on a farm and received but limited educational training, having attended a single term of school in an old log school-house, which formerly stood upon the spot now occupied by his residence in Blue River Township. At the age of eighteen, Mr. Hamner began life for himself as a renter on his father's farm, and later obtained a tract of land of his own, which he subsequently sold, and purchased his present place in the western part of Blue River Township. October 29, he married Miss Honorah E. Abbott, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Warner) Abbott. Mrs. Ham- ner was born in Johnson County, but the marriage was solemnized in the town of Bedford, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Ilamner are the par- ents of nine children, four of whom, John T., Andrew, James and George E., are living. Mr. Hamner owns a valuable farm of 100 acres, and is one of the substantial citizens of the township. He is a democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Church, as is also his wife.
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E. M. HARDY, editor and proprietor of the Edinburg Courier, is a native of Washington County, Ind., born in the town of Salem on the 24th day of February, 1857. His parents, Niles and Maria (Bliss) Hardy, were born in Massachusetts, but early settled in Washington County, where, for a number of years, the father was a distinguished physician. He practiced his profession in the town of Salem, and died there when the subject of this sketch was but six months old. Mrs. Hardy is still living, having reached the advanced age of seventy years. E. M. Hardy was the only child born to Niles and Maria Hardy. By a previous marriage the father had three children, and the mother, who was also married twice, had three children by her former husband, Francis Dickson. The educational training of the subject was liberal, including a course of instruction in a private school at New Albany, Ind., and several years' attendance in Knapp's College, in which he completed the prescribed German and English courses, in 1868-9. Ilaving early manifested a decided preference for the printer's trade, he be- gan learning the art as circumstances would permit, and in 1872, engaged in the music publishing house of H. L. Benham, Indianaop- lis, where he remained one year. Previous to that time, in 1870, he came to Johnson County, and for some time thereafter, was em- ployed in a mill at Whiteland, where, in addition to his work in the mill, he studied and became proficient in the art of type-setting. Severing his connection with the Indianapolis house, Mr. Hardy started a job printing office at Whiteland, where he soon acquired a lucrative business. He came to Edinburg in 1877, and in part- nership with H. C. Allison, established a printing office, and suc- ceeded to the proprietorship of the Courier, of which he became sole owner and proprietor the following year. Under his man- agement, the Courier has been successfully conducted, its circula- tion largely increased, and it is now one of the most successful local papers in Johnson County. (See Press of Edinburg.) Mr. Hardy is a clear and forcible writer, a scholarly gentleman, and possesses many of the elements of the successful journalist. He was mar- ried February 24, 1878, to Miss Rose B. Myers, of Johnson County. Mr. Hardy is a member of the I. O. O. F. and W. O. H. fraternities, and, with his wife, belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Edinburg.
SAMUEL HAYES, the subject of this sketch, was born in Shelby County, Ind., on the 21st day of October, 1849. His grand- father, Lewis Hayes, was a native of North Carolina, and an early settler of Shelby County. John Hayes, father of Samuel, was born in North Carolina also, and was by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser. He departed this life at his home in Shelby County,
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about the year 1856. His wife, Jane Hardin, was born in Indiana, and is still living near Franklin, being now Mrs. Shipp. To Mr. and Mrs. Hayes were born four children, viz .: Samuel, Lewis, James and Madison, all living in this state. Our subject was reared in Johnson and Shelby counties. He was educated in the common schools, and early adopted the pursuit of agriculture for a vocation. February 20, 1873, he married Eliza E. Beeson, of Johnson County, whose father was one of the pioneers of Blue River Township. Shortly after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes moved to White County, thence later to Shelby County, where they resided for a period of eleven years. In 1886, he moved to his present home. He owned at one time a valuable farm of 101 acres. He is one of the energetic farmers of his township, and a citizen in whom his friends and neighbors repose implicit confidence. A republican in politics, he has never sought official position, and a member of the Metho- dist Protestant Church, he encourages the dissemination of relig- ious truth irrespective of denomination or creed. His wife is also a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and takes an active part in the congregation to which she belongs. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are the parents of the following children, viz .: John W., born February 10, 1874, died March 1, 1879; Lewis O., born De- cember 16, 1875; William S., born September 6, 1877, died July 2, ISSO: and Charles C., born April 13, 1879.
J. W. Hoop (deceased) .- Mr. Hood was a Kentuckian by birth, born in Adair County, on the 27th day of November, 1837. His father, Bonaparte Hood, was a prominent citizen of that county, and a captain in the Mexican War, in which struggle he met his death. J. W. Hood was reared to agricultural pursuits, which useful calling he made his life work. He accompanied his mother to Johnson County, Ind., in 1852, and being the oldest member of the family, was compelled, while still young, to bear the chief burden in the family's support. He looked after the interest of his mother until her death, and until they were able to make their own way in life, assumed the responsibility of caring for the younger members of the family. He began farming for himself in Johnson County, and by dint of industry, and the exercise of good judgment and economy, succeeded in purchasing a fine farm. upon which he lived until his death, September 11, 1885. As a neigh- bor and citizen Mr. Hood was well thought of, and his memory will long be cherished in the community of which he was for so many years a conspicuous member. He assisted in the organiza- tion of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Edinburg, and was one of its most zealous workers. Politically, he was a republican, and in re- ligion a member of the Christian Church. His marriage with Miss
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Rebecca M. Mitchell, of Johnson County, Ind., was solemnized on the 18th day of January, 1863. Mrs. Hood's parents, William and Mary ( Allen ) Mitchell, were among the pioneer settlers of Johnson County, moving here when the county was in a wilderness state. Mr. and Mrs. Hood had a family of seven children, four now living, viz .: William S., born September 12, 1864, at this time principal of the Taylorsville high school ( Bartholomew County) ; Edgar G., born September 19, 1866; Howard, born August II, 1871, and Effie L., born January 13, IS78. Deceased members of the family are: infant not named, born September 25, 1863, died December 15, 1863; Cora, born January 23, 1869, died October 30, 1870; Gertie May, born May 5, 1875, died December 3, 1876.
JOSEPH JOHNSON, marble dealer and prominent citizen of Edin- burg, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, March 2, 1827, son of Richard and Keziah (Van Arsdal) Johnson, natives respectively of Virginia and New Jersey. Richard Johnson was a cousin of the noted Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, and like the latter, was imbued with the military spirit, having served with distinction in the War of 1812. Joseph Johnson is the fourth son and seventh child of a family of ten children. He was raised a farmer, but in early life manifested decided preference for mechanical pursuits. Ac- cordingly, he began working at the carpenter's trade a short time before attaining his majority. He soon acquired great proficiency in his chosen calling, and for a number of years was one of the leading mechanics in his native county, many of the finest residences and other buildings there having been erected under his personal supervision. In 1855, he came to Edinburg, Ind., and followed his trade in the town and country surrounding for a period of thirty- three years, erecting during that time many of the leading business houses and residences of the place. In 1879, he abandoned car- pentering and engaged in the marble business in Edinburg, which he still carries on. Mr. Johnson has been an energetic man all his life, and has met with well earned success in his trade and business. He is a republican in politics, and as such has rendered valuable service to his party in Edinburg, where his counsels always com- mand respect and weight. He was married in Clermont County, Ohio, April 30, 1850, to Miss Margaret Parker, daughter of James E. and Jennie (Logan) Parker, a union blessed with the birth of nine children, only three of whom are living, namely: W. A., a leading young attorney of Franklin, Jennie K. (Mrs. Badger), and Maggie. Mr. Johnson and family are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, belonging to the Edinburg congregation.
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