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 71
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HENSLEY TOWNSHIP.
purpose to succeed. He is now one of the representative farmers and stock-raisers of Johnson County, and is an intelligent and public- spirited citizen, and has been called from time to time to fill posi- tions of trust by the people of Hensley Township. He served as assessor several terms, and for sixteen years held the office of township trustee, to which he has again been elected, a fact which attests his great popularity with the people, independent of political affiliation. Mr. Musselman is essentially a self-made man, and as such ranks with the leading citizens of the county. He is a socia- ble gentleman, and numbers his friends by the score within his own neighborhood and elsewhere. He stands high in Masonry, and politically, has always been an earnest supporter of the demo- cratic party. July 31, 1887, was the forty-seventh anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Musselman. They have had six children, whose names are as follows: Sarah A., wife of H. P. Durbin; Martha J., widow of J. Winchester; Ambrose F., Ma- tilda K., Ira F. and William E., the last four living with their parents.
JAMES K. P. MUSSELMAN, farmer and lumber-dealer, son of Henry Musselman, is a native of Hensley Township, and dates his birth from the 5th day of October, 1845. He was raised on his father's farm, and at intervals attended the country schools, in which he obtained the rudiments of an English education. When only seventeen vears of age, May 2, 1861, he was united in mar- riage, to Miss Venelia C. Shake, who was born in Oldham County, Ky., on the 15th day of August, 1845. Her parents, J. B. and Sarah Ann (Sturgeon), were both natives of Kentucky, and of German and Irish descent, respectively. Mr. Musselman has de- voted the greater part of his life to the lumber business, and at this time is quite extensively engaged in its manufacture, operating a mill which affords employment for quite a number of hands. His present force consists of twelve men, and the mill is one of the best in the county. He owns a farm also, besides a great deal of personal property, and is classed among the well-to-do citizens of Hens- ley. Ile is a democrat in all the term implies, but not an office- seeker or partisan. The following are the names of the children, born to Mr. and Mrs. Musselman: Hallie F., Walter H., Alice M., Joseph R., George and Loval H., all of whom are living. The fol- lowing children are deceased: Minnie A., died August 24, 1867: infant, died October 9, 1870, and Eddie, died August 5, 1873.
THOMAS J. MUSSELMAN, deceased, the subject of this sketch, was born in Hensley Township, Johnson County, February 28, 1840, and was a son of Henry and Sarah (Dunn) Musselman. He grew to manhood in his native township, was educated in the com-
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mon schools, and early engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he followed successfully until his death. He bore a gallant part in the late war, serving three years, during which time he was with his command in many bloody battles and active campaigns. January 24, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss America Paskins, daughter of Thomas and Delilah (Samples) Paskins, a union blessed with three children: Mary, wife of Thomas Holeman; Hattie, wife of Andrew Bridges, and James P. Musselman. Mrs. Musselman was born January 6, 1842. In his later days, Mr. Musselman lived in Samaria, Hensley Township, and it was in that village that his death occurred on the 22nd day of November, 1882. Mrs. Mus- selman lives in Samaria at the present time.
JOHN PASKINS, deceased, was a native of Ohio, born in Brown County, that state, on the 23rd of July, IS23. His parents were Thomas and Delilah (Samples) Paskins, the father a native of England, and the mother of Brown County, Ohio. They were married in that state, andl afterward immigrated to Indiana, settling in Johnson County, the subject at the time, being a small boy. Thomas Paskins was a blacksmith by trade. He accumulated a comfortable fortune, and died a number of years ago, at the age of sixty-six. His wife preceded him to the grave, dying at the age of thirty-eight years. John Paskins grew to manhood in Johnson County, and was reared a farmer, but later worked at the black- smith trade for some years in the town of Williamsburg. He served in the Mexican War through its continuance, and in one of its en- gagements, received a severe wound in the ankle, the effect of which was to disable him from active labor. March 27, 1848, Miss Anna Fraker became his wife. She was born July 25, IS23, in Wilmington, Del., and is a daughter of Joseph Fraker, who came to the United States many years ago, from Switzerland. The maiden name of Mrs. Paskins' mother was Frances Gass. Mr. and Mrs. Paskins had a family of eight children: Mary Ann, Harrison, Jennie, Ella S., Francis, William J. (deceased), John T. and Joseph P., all of whom were born in this county. In August, 1871, Mr. Paskins made a trip to England, to look after an estate left him by entailment, and while there, met with his death under very mysterious circumstances. The supposition is that he was murdered for his money, as he was known to have a consider- able sum in his possession at the time. His death occurred on the 9th day of January, 1872, and he was buried in Halifax, England. His widow resides in Hensley Township, and is a well-preserved woman for her years. She owns a good farm of 185 acres, and manages the same.
J. P. PASKINS was born in Johnson County, Ind., November S,
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IS62, and is the youngest son of John W. and Annie M. (Fricker) Paskins, natives respectively of Ohio and Maryland, and of Eng- lish and German lineage. John W. Paskins came to Indiana many years ago, and was by occupation a blacksmith, having followed the trade for some time in the town of Williamsburg. He was a soldier in the late war, and died in the year 1870. Mrs. Paskins accompanied her parents to this country many years ago, and is still living, making her home in the village of Samaria. The subject of this sketch was reared in Johnson County, and enjoyed the ad- vantages of a good English education. He began life as a farmer, and has continued that calling ever since, owning at this time a beautiful place of seventy acres, which is well improved and stocked. He is one of the energetic young men of the township, and stands high in the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and fellow citi- zens. Politically, he is a democrat. . He married at the age of twenty-two (1884), Miss Eliza Bridges, of this county, a daughter of George and Eliza Bridges. This union was blessed with the birth of one child, Harold C.
HIRAM PORTER, deceased .- Prominent among the self-made men of Johnson County, was the late Hiram Porter. Mr. Porter was a native of Clark County, Ind., born in the year 1823, and was the son of Francis Porter. He accompanied his father to Johnson County when seven years of age, and lived here until his death, which occurred about the year 1866. He was an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, and frequently shipped as high as 2,500 head of hogs at one time, besides dealing extensively in other live- stock. In early life, his surroundings were of the most unfavorable kinds, but with a well-defined purpose to succeed, he overcame the many hindrances which poverty threw in his way, and amassed a hand- some fortune. He built a grist-mill near his home, which was in oper- ation a number of years, and at the time of his death owned over 600 acres of valuable land and a vast amount of other property. Mr. Porter was married first to Miss Lucinda Beech, by whom he had two children: Francis K., and Mary J., now Mrs. Logan. Mrs. Porter died in 1848, and later Mr. Porter married Miss L. Prather, who bore him three children, one of whom, Miss Hen- rietta Holman, is living. Mr. Porter's third marriage was solemnized with Miss Rachel Prather, who bore him one child, now dead. Mr. Porter's fourth wife was Miss Susan Wright, after whose death he married Miss Annie Small, who is now living at Rushville, Ind. There were no children by the last two marriages. Mr. Porter was a democrat in politics, and deserves mention as one of the representative citizens of Johnson County.
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FRANCIS K. PORTER, oldest son of Hiram Porter, was born in Johnson County, Ind., January 10, IS43. He was married in 1866 to Miss Martha B. Hall, of Kentucky, who died in February, 1875. The fruits of this marriage were six children, three living, Hiram E., George M. and Susan E. In October, 1876, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Mary J. Lee, a union blessed with the birth of the following children: Sylvia P., Venna A., Sarah E., William O., Eliza B., and Nettie M. Mr. Porter is one of the substantial men of Hensley Township, and a man in whom the people have implicit confidence. He owns a farm of 125 acres, upon which are some of the best improvements in the county. He is a democrat in politics, and with his wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
J. T. RAGSDALE was born in Shelby County. Ky., April 28, 1829, and is the youngest son of Frederick and Sarah (Hunter) Ragsdale, natives of the same state, and of English and German de- scent, respectively. Frederick and Sarah Ragsdale were married in Kentucky, and resided there until IS34, at which thime they im- migrated to Johnson County, Ind., and settled in Hensley Town- ship, near the place now owned by the subject. Mr. Ragsdale was a pioneer in the true sense of the word, and bore an active part in the development of the country. He served in the last war with Great Britain, and participated in a number of battles, including the memorable engagement at New Orleans. He was a man of many excellent traits of character, a true Christian, and with his wife, was a charter member of the Baptist Church at Trafalgar. Mr. and Mrs. Ragsdale raised a family of seven children, of whom five are living -all of them residents of Johnson County. J. T. Rags- dale was five years of age when his parents moved to Johnson County, and for a period of over fifty years, has been one of its most highly respected citizens. Having early manifested a decided preference for mechanical pursuits, he selected the carpenter's trade for a vocation, and after becoming proficient in the same continued the calling for a number of years. In the mean- time he came into possession a farm, but not liking farm work he employed help to run the place, and continued his trade almost ex- clusively until 1876. Since that year he has operated a saw-mill, and is doing a large and lucrative lumber business. Mr. Ragsdale is a skillfull mechanic, and from childhood has had a natural liking for machinery. He has been successful in his various enterprises, and is a public-spirited citizen, and a liberal supporter of all public en- terprises. For several years he has given considerable attention to raising fine poultry, and has now some of the finest breeds in the country. Mr. Ragsdale was married May 20, 1847, to Susan Ann
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Mullikin, daughter of William and Sarah Mullikin, by whom he had four children, only one of whom, Mrs. Mollie Snow, of Boone County, is now living. Mrs. Ragsdale died March 23, 1853. February 14, 1854, Mr. Ragsdale married Susan Branch, of Old- ham County, Ky., who died September 14, 1884. To the sec- ond marriage was born one child, a son, Alonzo Ragsdale, now a business man of Trafalgar. Mr. Ragsdale's third marriage was solemnized with Miss Mary Brunnemer, of Johnson County, daugh- ter of William and Nancy Brunnemer, a union blessed with the birth of one child, Pansy Lynn.
DR. JEFFERSON B. REAM, physician and surgeon, Trafalgar, is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and was born on the 26th day of August, 1827. Paternally, the Doctor is descended from German ancestry, but the family came to America from England about the year 1715, and located in one of the eastern colonies. The Doctor's father, John Ream, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1804, and died in the year 1869. He was, by profession, a physi- cian, and acquired considerable prominence in his calling. His wife, Caroline (Baking) Ream, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1807, and is still living, having reached the advanced age of eighty-one years. Dr. Ream was reared in his native county, and enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education in the high schools of Lancaster. While still young he decided to prepare himself for the medical profession, and for six years pursued the study of the same in the city of Philadelphia under distinguished instructors. While at Philadelphia he was married to Miss Elizabeth Landis, daughter of Abraham Landis, and, after completing his studies, returned to Lancaster County, and entered upon the duties of his profession in Landisville. In December, 1852, he came to Johnson County Ind., and began the practice at Williamsburg, where he continued until IS62, and then came to Trafalgar. He practiced in the latter place two years, and was then commissioned assistant surgeon in the gov- ernment service, and was thus employed until 1869. On leaving the army he returned to Trafalgar, where he has since resided in the active practice of his profession. Dr. Ream stands high pro -. fessionally, and has a large and lucrative practice in Johnson and adjoining counties. He has been a close student, and during a long professional career has met with the most encouraging suc- cess. Politically, he wields an influence for the republican party. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and takes an active part in all movements having for their object the public good. Dr. and Mrs. Ream have five children, all married and living in Johnson County, whose names are as follows: John J.,
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Abraham H., Caroline, wife of William F. Farr: Emma L., wife of George Tucker, and Lillie A., wife of Henry E. Lochry.
JOHN G. ROBERTS .- Conspicuous among the old and reliable citi- zens of Hensley Township, is John G. Roberts, who was born in Jennings County, Ind., on the 13th day of March, 1825. His father, Albert Roberts, was a native of Tennessee, and for a number of years followed agricultural pursuits in Kentucky, in which state he married Nancy Green, by whom he had eleven children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Albert Roberts moved to Johnson County, Ind., in 1826, and settled upon the place where our subject now lives. He was one of the pioneers of Hensley, did a great deal toward clearing and developing the country, and became the owner of several hundred acres of land. He is remembered as an honorable citizen and a courteous Christian gentleman, having for a number of years been an earnest member of the Disciple Church. He died at the age of fifty-nine, and was laid to rest in the Bethlehem cemetery. His wife survived him a number of years, dying at the advanced age of over eighty. Of the children four only are living, John G. being the only one residing in Indiana. John G. Roberts, was one year old when his parents moved to Johnson County. His first experience in life was amid the rugged scenes of pioneer times, and he was early taught those lessons of industry, which has marked his subsequent career. On March II, IS47, he married Miss Charlotte, daughter of Joseph Thompson of Jackson County, after which he settled in the woods. and began to carve out a home. In this he was successful, and by industry and economy succeeded in accumulating a comfortable compe- tence, owning at this time a fine farm of 205 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. During his long period of residence in Johnson County, over sixty years, he has conducted himself as becomes an upright and honorable gentle- man, and against his character or good name, no breath of suspicion was ever known to have been uttered. Politically, he supports the republican party, and in religion, belongs to the Christian Church. Mrs. Roberts is a member of the Baptist denomination. To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been born twelve children, of whom the following are living: J. N., Rebecca J., Francina, John A., Lillie and Cordia, all married and living in Johnson County.
JOIN SLACK .- Few men in Johnson County have lived to as ripe an old age as the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical sketch. Mr. Slack was born in Brown County, Ohio, on the 7th day of January, IS07. His father was Jacob Slack, a native of one of the eastern states, and an early pioneer of
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Kentucky, where many years ago he married Miss Delilah Down- ing. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Slack emigrated to Brown County, Ohio, where, for a number of years, Mr. Slack was engaged in farming. They had a family of fourteen children, seven of whom are living, six being residents of Indiana. John Slack was reared to manhood in his native county and state, and there in 1830 united his fortunes with Miss Susan Bowler, daughter of William O. and Sarah ( Hillman) Bowler, who has been a true and faithful wife and companion for a period of nearly sixty years. In the year 1833, Mr. Slack entered a tract of land in Johnson County, Ind., and a little later moved his family to the same, and began life as a pioneer in the woods of Hensley Township, the few settlements at that time being mere nitches in the forest. He developed a good farm and became the owner of a large amount of land, much of which has been divided among his children. He is now one of the oldest residents of the county, and one of its most highly respected and honorable citizens. Of a family of ten chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Slack, five are now living: Elizabeth H., Mary E., Susan A., Emeline and Carrie J. Mr. Slack cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, and has been a sup- porter of the democratic party ever since, though not a partisan in the sense of seeking office. He is now eighty-two years of age, in possession of all his mental faculties, and in the enjoyment of tolerable health. His companion has reached the ripe old age of eighty-one. They celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage in ISSo, upon which occasion 169 friends and relatives were present to congratulate the aged couple. Mr. and Mrs. Slack have five children, thirty-one grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren living.
AARON STOCKTON .- Prominent among the leading farmers and substantial citizens of Wensley Township, is the gentleman for whom this biography is prepared. Aaron Stockton was born in Johnson County, Ind., April 10, 1845, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Holman) Stockton. Mr. and Mrs. Stockton were mar- ried in Johnson County, and after residing here for a few years, emigrated to Warren County, Ill., where Mrs. Stockton died in her eighteenth year, leaving two children, viz .: Thomas A., of Kan- sas City, Mo., and Aaron, whose name introduces this sketch. After his mother's death, Aaron was brought back to Johnson County, and for a number of years made his home with his grandfather, Mr. Holman, who treated him kindly and gave him the advantages of a good common school education. By diligent application to his studies, young Stockton became familiar with the branches usually taught in the common schools, and for eleven years he followed
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teaching as a profession, in which he met with the most encourag- ing success. On the 23d of December, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Lancy Colman, daughter of F. M. Colman, a union blessed with the birth of five children, all of whom are sons, viz .: Louis F., Alonzo L., George T., Marion N. and Ora A. Since his marriage Mr. Stockton has resided in Hensley Township, and since 1870, has been living on his present home place, one mile east of Morgantown. He owns a fine farm of 290 acres, upon which are some of the best improvements in the township. He is one of the wide-awake citizens of the county, and a man honored and respected by all who have the good fortune of knowing him. Politically, he is a supporter of the democratic party.
HERVEY VORIES, an old and reliable citizen of Johnson County, is a son of John and Sarah (Culley) Vories, natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia, and was born in the former state on the 28th day of January, 1821. The family came to Johnson County in the fall of 1831, and for a number of years thereafter the father, owing to his trade, was known as Mason John Vories. In con- nection with his trade, Mr. Vories carried on farming, and in time became one of the well-to-do residents of the neighborhood in which he resided. By his first wife he had two children: Cather- ine, wife of John A. Coons, and Hervey, the subject of this biog- raphy. Mrs. Vories died December 19, 1866, and later. Mr. Vories married Mrs. Mason, by whom he had one child: Benjamin F. Mr. Vories died October 10, 1880, and lies by the side of his first wife, in the old Friendship cemetery. He was a citizen of Johnson County for over half a century, and a man of many sterling qual- ities. Hervey Vories was raised in Hensley Township, and began life as a farmer. February 17, 1842, he married Miss Alazannah Carter, of Virginia, daughter of John and Margaret (McClure) Carter, a union blessed with the birth of eight children, the fol- lowing of whom are now living: Mrs. Caroline Terhune, Will- iam A., James M., Mrs. Angeline Green, and Hervey D. Of these children, all but Mrs. Green, live in Johnson County. Mr. Vories began life in an humble way, but with the energy and deter- mination which characterize the successful man, he has succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competence, including a beautiful farm of 117 acres, where he now resides. He has been an hon- ored resident of Johnson County considerably over fifty years, and has the confidence and esteem of all who know him. In religion, he is what he is pleased to term, a " naturalist," but is liberal toward those of different beliefs.
JOHN H. WOOLFINGTON, the gentleman for whom this sketch prepared, is a native of Washington County, Ind., and son of
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John and Hannah Woolfington. The parents were married in Kentucky, and early emigrated to Salem, this state, where for some years the father held the position of deputy clerk of the Washing- ton circuit court. He was a man of fine clerical abilities, and dur- ing his residence in Salem did a large amount of legal writing, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Woolfington had three children, two of whom, a daughter, Mrs. Eliza Underwood, and the subject of this sketch, are living. Mr. Woolfington died a number of years ago, and his widow subsequently married, and under the care of his stepfather, John H. continued until his thirteenth year, the mother dying in the meantime. At the age of twenty, our subject was married to Miss Nancy Martin, of Shelby County, Ky., after which he moved to Putnam County, Ind, and there remained until the year 1852. He then removed to Boone County, and engaged in farming and the livery business, and eight years later moved to Clinton County, where he followed agricultural pursuits for a period of six years. While on a visit to Vermillion County, Ill., his wite died, after which event he broke up housekeeping, and made his home with his son in Boone County, until 18SI. By his first marriage Mr. Woolfing- ton had ten children, six of whom are living: Ann Eliza, Elias II., John N., Mary C., Lewis E. and George V. In ISSI, Mr. Wool- fington came to Johnson County, and the same year was united in marriage with Mrs. Margaret (Slack) Bass, widow of Arthur Bass. Since then he has followed farming as his principal occupa- tion, in which he has been reasonably prosperous. He is an active and earnest church member, and as such was licensed to preach while a resident of Boone County, and later, ISSI, was regularly ordained in the county. He preaches in different parts of the country, but is not engaged in regular pastoral work, going wher- ever he can do the most good. Ile is well versed in biblical liter- ature, and possesses a Christian character above reproach.
NEEDHAM TOWNSHIP.
MILFORD D. ADAMS was born in Johnson County, Ind., No- vember 22, 1839, and is a son of E. N. H. and Martha ( IIardin) Adams. The father was born in Kentucky, about 1815, and died in Osage County, Kas., in 1873, and his mother was born in Shelby County, Ind., about 1819, and died in Johnson County, Ind., Aug- ust 10, 1865. Our subject is the second of seven children, all but one of whom are yet living. Benjamin H., a brother, was killed at the battle of Resacca, Ga. In August, 1861, Mr. Adams en- listed in Company F, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three
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years, and in 1862, at the second battle of Bull Run, he was taken prisoner and placed in Libby prison, and afterward to Bell Island, where he was kept until the December following, when he was ex- changed and taken to Alexandria, Va., where, January 23, 1863, he was discharged on account of physical disability. Returning home he raised a company of home guards, of which he was chosen cap- tain, and January 9, 1863, was commissioned first lieutenant by Gov. Morton. In February, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers, in which, until August 8, 1865, he served as corporal in Wilder's Brigade, Mounted Infantry. He was wounded at Selma, Ala. In 1865, he returned to this county, and engaged in farming in Needham, then Franklin, Town- ship, and in 1868, went to Illinois, where he remained one year, and then went to Vincennes, Ind., and engaged in business, where he remained four years. In the spring of 1873, he returned to Johnson County, and settled where he now resides, and owns a small farm. Mr. Adams was married in 1864, to Miss Ellen J. Johnson. They have two children living: Samuel D. and Gabrilia. Ile is a repub- lican, a member of the G. A. R., and he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
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