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 47
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LAWRENCE LOWE, a farmer, was born December 1, IS23, and is a son of Elijah and Kate (Voris) Lowe. The father was born about 1798, and died about IS28. The mother was about the same age of the father. Our subject came to this state with his parents, from Kentucky, at the age of five years, and settled on Young's Creek, Pleasant Township, Johnson County, where they remained about thirteen years, going thence to Kentucky, where they resided about four months, thence to Ohio, remaining there about six months, and returned to Johnson County, and settled in Franklin Township, remained about three years, thence to Clark Township, and settled on the farm on which he now lives. lle re- ceived a very limited education, but through the advantage of home reading, has become acquainted with subjects of general interest. He served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, at which he continued to work until his failing eye-sight compelled him to aban- don his trade. He began life for himself at the age of eighteen years, as a farmer, which he has followed through life. He was a soldier in the Mexican War, and enlisted in Company C, Third Regiment, under Capt. David Allen, and on the 15th day of June, IS46, his company was taken to New Albany by railroad, went into camp, remained three weeks, thence to New Orleans, remained a short time, thence to Brazes Island, remained in camp several weeks, thence to Rhinoso for a short time, thence to Buena Vista, where he engaged in active service. He was in the battle of Buena Vista and several smaller battles. He remained in this war one year, and returned home. In 1859, he went as a teamster with a government train to Utah, after which he went on a prospecting tour through several states and territories, traveling about eight months. In 1861, he entered the service of the Union Army, in Company F, Seventh Indiana Regiment, under Capt. Samuel Lam- bert, and served nine months, and discharged his duties in a man- ner becoming a Joyal soldier, when he was discharged for disabili- ties. In 1862, he re-enlisted, and remained in active service for about two years, when he was sent to the hospital at Indianapolis. He was a member of the invalid corps, and afterward was nurse in the hospital at Indianapolis about six months. He then returned
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to the invalid corps, Company F, under Capt. Craig. He was dis- charged at Indianapolis, in 1864. August 19, 1847, he was united in marriage with Lavina Townsan, daughter of Major and Phebe (Biggs) Townsan, the former born in 1796, the latter in 1805. This union was blessed with the following children: James H., born May 27. 1848: Phebe J., born January 19, 1850; Lovd. deceased, September 18, 1852: Mary A., born March 28, 1855: Martha H., born September 2, 1857; Eliott P., born October 15. 1859. The mother of these children was born April 26, 1829, and died April 19, 1865. In 1865, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah McIntire. a daughter of John Kerlin. To this union the following children were born: Corrida. deceased, December 13, 1866: Edward and Elmore, twins, born March 31, 1868; David A., deceased, March 30, 1870. The mother of these children departed this life June 15, 1870. In IS71, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah Towson. To this union one child was born, Norah O. Since 1885 they have lived apart. In ISS5. he was united in mar- riage with Elvira Smith, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Heck) Smith, the former of English descent, and was born in 1797. The latter was of German descent, and was born in ISoo. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Presbyterian. In politics, he is a republican. He now owns 200 acres of fine farming land.
JOHN D. MARLIN, a farmer, was born in Johnson County, Clark Township. December 30. 1836, and is a son of Nathaniel and Mary (Doty) Marlin. The former was born in Mount Holly, N. J., November 29, 1810. He immigrated from New Jersey, about 1833, and entered the land on which J. D. Marlin now lives. He died in Bartholomew County, May 2, 1878; the latter was born December 12. ISIo, in Virginia, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wilson) Doty, who removed to this state from Virginia, May 8, 1821, and settled in White River Township, and is still liv- ing. Mr. Marlin spent his early life in Bartholomew County, on the farm. He received a common school education in the district school, and through books and newspapers has become conversant on subjects of general interest. At twenty years of age he began to work at the carpenter's trade. He followed this trade for about two years, and then commenced farming, which he continued four years, and removed to Johnson County, and purchased land in Clark Township, where he has since remained. February 20, 1862, he was united in marriage to Jeretta Spaugh, a daughter of 'Timothy E. and Elizabeth J. (Robbins) Spaugh. Mrs. Marlin was born June 20, 1841. To this union the following children were born: Alta, August 26, 1863; Sherman N., November 21,
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1864; Adda M., June 6, 1866, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Marlin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Marlin owns 143 acres of well improved land.
JAMES McCLAIN, one of the old and honored pioneers of Clark Township, was born in Shelby County, Ky., March 9, ISOS, and is a son of Jacob and Catharine (Lacefield) McClain, the former of whom was born in Mercer County, Ky., in 1780, and was in the War of ISI2; the latter was born about 1782, and died about I832. They came to this state in 1829, and settled in Marion County, where they remained one year, removing to Johnson County, where he remained a short time, and then returned to Kentucky, and was united in marriage with Susan Wood. Ile remained in Kentucky about five years, and returned to Indiana and settled in Johnson County, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Our sub- ject began life for himself at the age of eighteen years as a farmer, which vocation he has followed through life. At one time he was a very large land owner, but has given all to his children except 14372 acres of fine land on which he lives, which speaks well for a man who only had 25 cents when he came to Indiana with a wife and one child. He was united in marriage with Rose White, in IS26, and this union was blessed with the following children : Martha, Catherine, Jacob F., Rebecca, Verlinda, Reuhana, Fletcher, John S. F., Joseph E. S. and Ametia F. The mother of these chil- dren died November IS, 1849. March 6, 1853, he was united in marriage with Susannah Huffer. This union was blessed with the following children: Armilda A., Elender, Mariah R., Mary I., Alice MI., and one that died unnamed. The mother of these chil- dren died March 20, 1863. In June, 1863, he was united in mar- riage with Mrs. Ann E. Donavan, to which union the following children were born: Fermen V., George Ann V., Marion S., Leo- tis and Enoch D. The mother of these children is still living. In politics, he is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for An- drew Jackson. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.
JAMES R. McCONNELL, a native of this state, was born March 4, 1836, the son of William and Sarah (White) McConnell. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, was born about 1795, died in I873: the mother was a native of Virginia, and was born about 1800, and died in 1845. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm. He received a good common school education, and attended one term of twelve weeks at Waveland Academy. At the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself. He was united in mar- riage, January 13, 1859, to Clarinda Rhorer, daughter of S. H. and Jane Rhorer, and this union was blessed by the following children : Ella F., born October 7, 1859; Hiram A., December 19, 1861;
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Alice J., November 30, 1863. and Clarinda, October 16, 1865. The mother of these children was born about 1840, and departed this life April 16, 1886. Mr. McConnell was again married June IO, IS69. to Miss Hannah Newman, daughter of John and Mary (Blair) Newman. Both were Quakers. This union was blessed with the following children: Agnes, born April 23, 1879; James T., August 25, 1882: Addie, November 9, ISS5, and Baby Boy, November 3, 1887. In politics, Mr. McConnell is a democrat, cast- ing his first vote for James Buchanan. He now owns 270 acres of good land.
JOHN MCNUTT, an old pioneer of Clark Township, was born in Ilamilton County, Ohio, June 5, ISII, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Burch) McNutt; the former was born in Ireland in 1784, and emigrated to this county from Ire- Jand in 1796. The latter was born in Ireland, about 1794. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm in Ohio. Ile came to this state at the age of twelve years. He received a com- mon school education, served as an apprentice at the carpenter's trade, and at the age of twenty-two years, he began life for him- self by working at his trade. He came to Franklin County, Ind., in 1825, and remained there until 1852, thence to Clark Township, Johnson Co., and settled on the farm on which he now lives. March 31, 1837. he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Jones, a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Flack) Jones, and to this union one child was born, viz. : Sarah E., deceased, born January 26, 1838. Ile was married in 1840, to Margaret Armstrong, a daughter of William, Sr., and Margaret (Sufridge) Armstrong: to this union the following children were born: Elizabeth, born May 26, 1841; Charles M., January 26, 1843; Alvira, May 13, 1845; Emma J., April 24, 1847; William, May 10, 1852; George, September 27, 1856. Ile and wife are members of the old Primitive Baptist Church. He is now the oldest Mason living in Johnson County. In politics he is a democrat. casting his first presidential vote for Jackson. He has served as trustee two years, and now owns 256 acres of fine land.
RICHARD A. MORRIS, a farmer, was born in Rush County, Ind., October 25, IS44, and is a son of James C. and Nancy B. (Ward) Morris. His father was born in Pennsylvania about 1822, the mother was born in Indiana about 1824. Her parents were orig- inally from England. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm. He received a common school education, and in January, 1864, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the Civil War under Capt. Albert Moorhouse, Company L, One Hundred and Twenty- first Regiment, Ninth Indiana Cavalry Volunteers, and was dis-
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charged at Vicksburg, August 28, 1865. On January 17, 1878, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Baas, daughter of Ifenry and Mary (Glass) Baas, and to this union the following children have been born: Charles A., February 1, 1879: James E., Septem- ber 20, 1880, and Henry A., December 2, 1882. The mother of the above children was born in Marion County, September 20, 1859. Her father was a native of Holland. Her mother was a native of Kentucky. Mrs. Morris is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Morris is a democrat, casting his first vote for Sey- mour. He owns eighty acres of well improved land.
GEORGE S. MYERS, a highly respected citizen of Clark Town- ship, was born October 22, ISIS. He is the son of Henry and HIannah (Salisbury) Myers: the former was born in Pennsylvania, September 8, 1788, and departed this life in September, 1871; the latter was born in Lewis County, Ky., July 15, 1794, and departed this life in September, 1870. George S. was the fifth of a family of thirteen children, whose parents emigrated from Kentucky in IS21, settling in Rush County, Ind. Ile received a limited edu- cation in the country schools. His youth was spent on the farm, and his life occupation has been farming. December 30, 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Medeline Somers. Unto this union was born a daughter, named Apellne, deceased. The mother died July 13, 1845, and on July 24, 1847, Mr. Myers married for a second wife, Jane Packie. This marriage was blessed by the birth of the following children: Robert II., born July 24, 1848: John P., February 5, 1851; Martha, October 24, 1853: William M., Au- gust 29, 1855; Frank W., March 13, 1858, and Felix B., August 31, 1861. Their mother was born May 26, 1816, and died Feb- ruary 7, 1888. Mr. Myers located in 1843, in Rush County, where he lived for a period of three years. In 1846, he removed to Johnson County, and settled on the farm on which he now lives. He is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has been an elder for twenty-six years. In politics, he is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Harrison.
JOHN T. OVERSTREET, a native of Indiana, was born August 28, 1860. son of John H. and Ellen V. (Covert) Overstreet: the former was born in IS09, and died in ISS2; both were of Irish des- cent. Our subject's early life was spent on the old homestead where he now lives. He received a good common school educa- tion, and took a classical course of two years in Asbury College. At the age of eighteen years he began life for himself as a farmer. January 14, ISSO, he was united in marriage to Dessie Reese, a daughter of Thomas H. and Eliza J. (Garrison ) Reese. This union was blessed with one child: Cecil, born September 7, 1883. The
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mother of this child was born December 25, 1860. He is a member of the Christian Church. The wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics, he is a republican, casting his first presi- dential vote for Garfield. He now owns sixty-eight acres of well improved land in Clark Township.
JAMES PARMER is a practical and progressive farmer of Clark Township, a native of Kentucky, and is the son of Isaac and Sarah (Wishard) Parmer. His father was born in Somerset County, Maryland, October 22, ISOI. The mother was born August 14, 1805. They emigrated from Kentucky, and settled in Johnson County about the year 1835. To the parents of our subject were born the following children: Matilda, October 8, 1829 ; one unnamed, November 3, 1831 : James, December 23, 1832, Charles, September 23, 1834. The mother of these children was a daughter of William and Elizabeth Wishard. She was called away by death, and the father married for a second wife, Jane Robison, the widow of Thomas Robison, in 1838. This union was blessed with the fol- lowing children: Samuel, born March 8, 1839: Noah, October 31, 1840: Nancy, July 26, 1842: George, March 30, 1844; Margaret E., March 1, 1846; Susan M., December 10, 1848: Isabell J., April 11, 1850, and Martha A., August 11, 1853. Our subject was reared on a farm in Johnson County. He received a fair education for that day, but being fond of reading books and papers, he has be- come conversant on subjects of general interest. At the age of eighteen years he began the battle of life for himself. He served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, which he followed three years. At the age of twenty-one years he drifted with the tide of emigration to the gold fields of California, remaining there nearly three years. He then returned to Indiana, and settled in Johnson County, on a farm where he now lives. It con- tains about II0 acres of well improved land. He was married to Lucy C. Oldham, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Old- ham, September 23, IS58. To this union the following child- ren were born: Charles O., born August 8, 1859: Appie, Septem- ber 27, 1860: Addie, April 10, 1862; Lula, December 9, 1863; Albert, August 17, 1865: James, March 1, 1869: George W., Janu- ary 12, 1871; Alonzo, June 20, 1873: Frederick, December 3, 1875, and William, February 21, 1879. In politics. he has always been a staunch republican, casting his first vote for John C. Fremont. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. He has been a deacon in his church a number of years.
JOHN R. PATTERSON was born in Clark County, Ind., Febru- ary 18, 1825, and is the son of Thomas and Frances ( Harris) Pat- terson; the former born April 24, ISO1, of Scotch-Irish descent,
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and the latter born in IS04. He came with his parents to this county and settled in Franklin Township, and in 1848, removed to Clark Township and settled on the farm on which he now lives. He received a common school education. At the age of twenty- two years he began life for himself as a farmer, which occupation he has followed all his life. On February 25, 1847, he was united in marriage to Sarah Stewart, a daughter of James (and Miss Og- don j Stewart. This union was blessed with the following children : Mildred F., born March II, 1848; Eliza A., December 18, 1849; Nancy C., January 30, 1851 ; Mary E., December 17, 1852 : Alice E., July 30, 1855: Thomas G., February II, 1857, and James H., April 8, 1858. The mother of these children was born in August, 1823, in Indiana, and died January 16, 1859. He was united in a second marriage with Sarah Martin, daughter of Ilenry (and Miss Payne) Martin. This union resulted in the birth of the following children : Willis G., born February 28, 1863, and Etta J., January 22. IS65. The mother of these children was born February 16, 1825, and died October 24, 1877. She was a member of the Pres- byterian Church. He is a member of the Grange order, and is a Presbyterian. In politics, he was formerly a whig, but became a republican on the birth of that party, and has been an advocate of its principles ever since. He now owns sixty acres of well im- proved land in Clark Township, Johnson Co., Ind.
THOMAS PATTERSON, one of the respected pioneers of Needham Township, was born April 24, ISO1, and is a son of Robert and Jane (Henderson) Patterson. They were both born in Pennsyl- vania, the father being of Irish descent. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm in Clark County, Ind. Ile received a com- mon school education. At the age of twenty-three years he began life for himself as a farmer, which occupation he has continued through life. January 22, 1824, he was united in marriage to Fran- ces Harris, and this union was blessed with the following children : John R., born February 18, 1825; James and William, twins, August 13, 1827; Eliza Jane, January IS, 1830: Samuel C., De- cember 25, 1831; Thomas H., June 1, 1833: David B., September 3, IS35. The mother of these children was born in 1804. He married for a second wife, Nancy Hardesty, and to this union the following children were born, viz .: Francis H., born November 23, IS40; Benjamin F., June 3, 1843: Zerilda C., March II, 1846; Sarah E., November 21, 1851; Susan I., November 3, 1853: Vir- ginia E., October 4, 1857. The mother of these children was born August 14. 1817. They are both members of the Presbyterian Church, as are all their children. In politics, he is a republican. He now owns ninety acres of well improved land. -
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WILLIAM H. PATTERSON, an old farmer of Clark Township, was born August 14, 1827, in Clark County, and is a son of Thomas and Frances ( Harris) Patterson. The former was born in Kentucky April 24, ISO1. The mother died when our subject was quite small. At the age of six years he came with his parents and settled in Franklin Township, Ind. He remained there about six years, and removed from there and settled in Clark Township, settling on the farm on which he now lives. He received a com- mon school education. He began life for himself at the age of twenty-five years, and his occupation has always been that of a farmer. January 31, 1856, he was united in marriage to Sarah A. Guyton, a daughter of Henry D. and Sarah (Coons) Guyton. The former was born in Maryland, and was of English descent; the latter was of Scotch-German descent, and was born in Oldham County, Ky. To this union the following children were born, viz. : Cordelia E., April 30, 1857; Alonzo M., April 7, 1859: Susan F., November 16, 1861: Addie F .. August 16, 1863; Amanda J., Sep- tember 29, 1867: Carrie D., December 7, 1869. The mother of these children was born June, 15, IS30, in Oldhanı County, Ky. He and wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a republican. His first presidential vote was cast for Clay. He now owns sixty acres of well-improved land.
THOMAS M. ROBISON, a farmer of Clark Township, is a native of Johnson County, Ind., and is the son of Thomas and Jane M. (Clark) Robison. The father was born in Fleming County, Ky., August 18, 1797; and died in Johnson County, Ind., February 8, 1836. The mother was born in Muhlenberg County, Ky., Septem- ber 8, 1807. Unto the marriage of these parents were born five children, namely : Sarah, born October 3, 1827: Andrew C., January IS, IS29: Alexander, December 1, 1830: Annie, October 26, 1832; Thomas M., June 21, 1834. Their parents came to Indiana, and settled in Monroe County, in 1825. In 1829, they removed to Johnson County, and settled in Clark Township, where he was elected justice of peace. which office he held until his death. The father's death occurred February 8, 1836. He was among the pioneer settlers of the county, but lived but a short period after his settling in this county. Of the above five children only two are liv- ing, namely our subject and a sister. Thomas was reared on a farm, and received a limited education in the pioneer log school- house. This education was received under disadvantages, for when our subject was a youth, school terms were short and poorly taught, and he attended a part of only six winter terms. By close observation and study throughout life he has become conversant on general subjects. At the age of sixteen years he began the battle
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CLARK TOWNSHIP'.
of life for himself. He served an apprenticeship at the wagon- maker's trade; which he followed four years. and in 1854, emi- grated to California, where he remained for two years, and then returned to his native county, where he was married, in 1856, to Miss Ann E. Holmes, daughter of Giles and Martha Holmes. Mrs. Robison was born in Warren County, Ohio, February 23, 1835. The issues of the above marriage, are two children, namely : Eugene A., born May 30, 1857, and a deceased child, unnamed, April 6, 1870. Eugene A. is a teacher, having taught ten successful terms in the public schools. Since Mr. Robison's marriage, he has re- sided in Clark Township, and has been actively engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. He is now a prosperous citizen, owning and cultivating a well improved farm of 120 acres. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, of which he has been a mem- ber since 1851, and she, since 1859. In politics he is an ardent republican, casting his first presidential vote for A. Lincoln. He has been a progressive citizen, and has held several positions of honor and trust. During the war he was an enrolling officer in Clark Township. He has served his township as its assessor for two years, was once elected justice of peace, but resigned. At one time he became the republican candidate for county commissioner, and cut a majority of over 500 against him, down to 283, thus demon- strating the high esteem in which his fellow citizens hold him. In regard to churches, schools, and all laudable improvements, he has been friendly, and has been characterized as an industrious, and enterprising, as well as progressive citizen.
WILLIAM ROUSE was born in Shelby County, June 29, IS38, and is a son of Nathaniel and Lucinda (Francis) Rouse: the for- mer was born in Kentucky, in 1799, and died in Shelby County, in 1844; the latter was born in Kentucky in 1809, and died Octo- ber 21, 1884. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm. He received a common school education, and began the battle of life for himself at the age of eighteen years, and worked on a farm nearly two years. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hoop, February 7, 1858. She was the daughter of Ferguson and Nellie (Doble) Hoop. Mrs. Rouse was born in Shelby County, Febru- ary 4, 1842. To this union the following children were born: Ed- ward, born October 29, 1859; Oscar, November 8, 1860; Frank, April 4, 1863; unnamed (deceased), March 6, 1865: Abner, No- vember 24, 1869; Frederick, February 22, 1876. Of these, all are living except Edward and the unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Rouse are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. For a number of years he was treasurer in the church. Mr. Rouse is a Mason. In
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politics, he is a republican. He now owns 205 acres of well im- proved land, and for a number of years has been dealing in stock.
JOHN W. SMITH, one of the old pioneers of Johnson County, was born in Floyd County, Ind., October 7, 1828, and is the son of Adam and Mary (Dale) Smith. The father was a native of Ger- many. Our subject was the second of a family of three children. He left Floyd County about 1836, and removed to Rush County, Ind., where he remained six years, removing to Shelby County, where he remained two years, and then returned to Rush County, where he remained one year, going thence to Johnson County, this state, and settling on the farm on which he now lives. During his early life he had no opportunity whatever to attend school, and it was not until after his marriage that he spent his first day as a pupil in a school-room, and then only attended one month. He has always been fond of reading, and he has somewhat miti- gated the lack of an early education, and is now a well informed man. He now owns 200 acres of land, of which 100 acres are well improved. He was married to Miss Harriet McKee, August 10, 1847, and this union was blessed with the following children: Rose A., April 24, 1848; George W., November 24, 1849: Eliz- abeth W., January 10, 1851: John A., January 21, 1854: Elijah W., January 2, 1858; Maria P., February 13, 1860; Jacob HI., August 1, 1862, and James A., October 10. 1864. In politics, Mr. Smith has always been a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for James Buchanan. He served his township as constable for six years. He was elected justice of the peace, but declined to serve. His chief occupation has been farming. In connection with this pursuit. he has given considerable attention to the culture of bees.
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