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 78
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home with Mr. and Mrs. Brunnemer. He is a partner in two threshing outfits, also the sole owner of the two saw-mills, one of which stands on his farm, and the other is located at Greenwood. His farm contains 104 acres of good land. It is well improved, and about seventy acres of it are in cultivation. The first marriage of Mr. Brunnemer resulted in the birth of five children: John H., born September 29, 1861, deceased; Thomas A., August 23, 1863, de- ceased; Eddy H., March 5, 1868, deceased; Elmer, January 24, 1870, and Ida E., January 28, 1872, deceased. Mr. Brunnemer and his present wife are the parents of one child, Ada L., born De- cember 1, 1877. Our subject and wife are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. In politics, the former is a republican.
DR. ZACHARIAHI CARNES, of Greenwood, was born in Grayson County, Ky., April 4, 1840, the son of William and Eliza (Decker) Carnes, who were, respectively, natives of South Carolina and Vir- ginia. When he was twelve years old his father died. He re- ceived, in the district schools, a knowledge of the ordinary branches of learning, and as early as seventeen years of age, he became a teacher in the public schools of Grayson County. After teaching three terms he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Burnettsville, Hardin Co., Ky., and gave his attention to this until the fall of IS62, when he entered the military service of the State of Ken- tucky, on the Union side, and served in the capacity of first lieu- tenant one year. Ile entered the United States service in the fall of 1864, in Company C, Twenty-first Kentucky Regiment, and served until the close of the war. He received his discharge July 6, 1865. Ile then resumed mercantile pursuits in Burnettsville, Ky., and soon after this he took up the study of medicine. From 1865 to 1874 he was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Burnetts- ville and Hardin Springs, Ky., and during the first years of this time he kept up the study of medicine, also. In 1871 he entered upon the practice of medicine at Hardin Springs, still retaining an interest in the store. In the fall of 1874, he entered the medical department of the University of Louisville, and attended one course of lectures. From the spring of 1875, to the fall of 1876, he prac- ticed medicine at Hardin Springs, Ky. During the winter of 1876- 77, he took his second course of lectures in the above named university, and graduated in the spring of 1877. He then resumed practice at Hardin Springs, but in the fall of 1877, came to this county, and located at Greenwood, where he has ever since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Carnes was married in May, 1860, to Elizabeth Burnett, who died February 1, 1865. In May, 1866, he was married to Martha J. Moore, who died three years later, and on the 25th day of October, 1870, he was married
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to Mrs. Eliza J. Wood, daughter of William and Sarah Polk, the former of whom died in Greenwood in 1878, and the latter still survives, and makes her home with the subject of this sketch. Dr. Carnes is the father of the following three children: Will- iam S. and Henry G., twins, and Floy, the first two of whom are the children of his second wife, and the last was born to his third marriage. Dr. Carnes is a member of the F. & A. M., K. of H. and G. A. R. lodges. He has always been particularly fond of fine horses, and there has been scarcely no time since he was a boy that he has not had in his possession a number of thoroughbreds ranging in value from $200 to $1,500. The Doctor is a member of the Johnson County Medical Society. The present wife of Dr. Carnes was married in about 1863, to Mr. H. Wood, who died in about 1866, leaving one child, Harry, who at present is agent of the J., M. & I. Railroad at Greenwood.
JOHN L. CARSON, a pioneer citizen of Pleasant Township, was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., July 4, 1815, and was the son of James and Sarah Carson, both of whom were natives of Virginia. His father was born October 2, 1777, and died in this county, Jan- uary 5, 1853. His mother was born August 1, 1782, and died in this county April 18, 1853. When he was fifteen years of age, he accompanied his parents to this county. The family settled in Pleasant Township, in which the father and mother spent the rest of their lives. His youth was spent with his parents, assisting to clear and cultivate the farm on which he has ever since continued to reside. His life occupation has been farming. He was married February II, IS4I, to Elizabeth Brewer. She was born in Mercer County, Ky., April 1, 1823, and was the daughter of Abram V. and Anna ( Cozine) Brewer, who also were na- tives of Mercer County, Ky., the former being born April 19, 1791. The mother of Mrs. Carson died in 1830, and her father on the 12th day of March, 1873. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carson re- sulted in the birth of two children: David N., born May 23, 1842, killed accidentally by a falling log from a railroad car; and Will- iam M., born March 17, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Carson are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Carson is a republi- can. He and wife are very highly respected. They have a com- fortable home near Greenwood, where they reside in a pleasant way.
WILLIAM M. CARSON, a farmer of Pleasant Township, is a na- tive of the township in which he now resides, he having been born on a farm two miles south of Greenwood, March 17, 1844. He Is the son of John L. and Elizabeth (Brewer) Carson, whose his- tory appears elsewhere in this work. He was reared in his native
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township, working upon a farm in summer, and attending district school in winter. His education is such as to fit him for the prac- tical affairs of life. In early manhood he took up the vocation of a farmer, and has ever since devoted his attention to that pursuit, in Pleasant Township. December 8, 1864, he was united in marriage to Harriet H. Wheatcraft. She was born in Putnam County, this state, February 24, 1845, being the daughter of Malachi and Sophia M. (Bradford) Wheatcraft, a history of whom appears elsewhere. She died April 22, ISSI, and on the 18th day of May, 1882, Mr. Carson was married to Mary E. Peek. She is a native of Switzerland County, this state, born January 12, 1848, and was the daughter of William J. and Susan (Johnson) Peek, who were, respectively, natives of Trimble and Franklin counties, Ky., the latter being born May 12, 1813. She died March 19, 1879. The first marriage of Mr. Carson resulted in the birth of two children: Minnie C., born January 7, 1868, and Albert L., November 7, 1869. He and his present wife have one child: Emerson, born January 29, 1884. Our subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. The former is a member of the K. of H. lodge, and the order of Chosen Friends. In politics, Mr. Carson is a repub- lican. He owns 167 acres of first-class land, about 125 of which are in cultivation. He is one of the influential men of his township, and he and wife are among its very best citizens.
EPHRAIM LYNN COVERT, an enterprising young farmer of Pleasant Township, was born in Franklin Township, November II, 1854, and is the son of George W. and Mary E. (Lagrange) Covert, who now reside in the city of Franklin. When he was six years old his parents emigrated to Carlyle, Allen Co., Kan., where the father entered upon the practice of medicine and den- tistry, to which his attention has been given ever since. He after- ward moved to Geneva, Woodson Co., Kan. Two years later he removed to Donnelson, Montgomery Co., Ills., and after residing there two years, they returned to Carlyle, and here remained until 1873. In September of that year they returned to this county, and until September, 1887, the father practiced his profession at Whiteland. The subject of this sketch received a good common school education, and in early manhood he adopted the vocation of a farmer. He was married February 20, 1878, to Miss Virginia Belle Brewer. She was born on the old Brewer homestead, in Pleasant Township, February 4, 1859, and was the daughter of John D. and Fannie (Webb) Brewer, whose history will be found elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Covert have occupied their present home in Section 14, Pleasant Township, since December, 1878. They have a good farm of ninety acres, which is well-improved, and
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seventy of which are under cultivation. Their marriage has resulted in the birth of three children : Ada Edell, born February 6, ISSO; George Derlin, October 10, 1883, deceased, and Angelo, January 2, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Covert are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Covert is a republican. He and wife are highly esteemed by all who know them.
JOHN F. CRAWFORD, the junior member of the firm of Bass & Crawford, of Greenwood, was born in Pleasant Township, this county, February 23, 1856, the son of Robert and Margaret E. (Carter) Crawford, of Pleasant Township. He was reared on the old homestead, and received a common school education. Later on he attended Franklin College one term, and still later he was a student in the Central Normal College, of Danville, Ind. On leav- ing school at Danville he attended a normal school a short time at Franklin. In July, ISSI, he accepted a position as salesman in the mercantile establishment of the late Grafton Johnson, of Greenwood. He clerked for Mr. Johnson from August 1, 18SI, to March 22, ISS5. He succeeded in saving sufficient means to engage in busi- ness for himself, and two days after retiring from the employ of Mr. Johnson, he became the partner of Mr. W. H. Bass, of Green- wood, in mercantile pursuits. Their business has proved to be successful, and they are now among the leading business men of that place. He was married October 4, 1886, to Maggie Smith. She was born in Pleasant Township, August 27, 1861, and was the daughter of J. W. and Adaline (Ballinger) Smith. Their mar- riage has resulted in the birth of one child, Jerre R., born July 2, IS87. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. In politics, the former is a republican.
ROBERT CRAWFORD, an old citizen of Pleasant Township, is a native of Wythe County, Va., born September 13, IS25. He was the son of William and Elizabeth (Smith) Crawford, the former of whom was also a native of Wythe County, Va. His mother was also a native of the same state. His early life was spent on a farm. In 1848, he came to Johnson County, a single man, and for some years thereafter, he worked at the carpenter's trade. During the winter of 1849 and 1850, he taught school in Pleasant Township, and his second term of school was taught in Green County, Ind., during the winter of 1853 and 1854. He was married in Pleasant Township, February 28, 1855, to Mrs. Margaret A. Scott. She is also a native of Wythe County, Va., born November 24, 1829, and was the daughter of John and Mary (Smith) Carter, who were also natives of Wythe County, Va. She came with her parents to Johnson County, in IS30, and for five years the family resided in Franklin, where her father worked at the black-
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smith's trade. In the fall of 1836, they located in Pleasant Town- ship, where Mrs. Crawford grew to womanhood, and where she was married to John Scott, January 29, 1850. He was a native of the State of Virginia, born February 18, 1830, and was the son of John and Catharine Scott. He died Ootober 19, 1853, leaving two children : Mary H., born December 7, 1850, and Catharine E., born October 17, 1852. Ever since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have resided on the farm they now occupy. The chief occupation of Mr. Crawford has been farming, though he has also taught school a great deal in the winter time. To Mr. and Mrs. Crawford these children have been born: William F. and John F., twins, born February 23, 1856; Wesley C., February 4, 1858; Robert L., October 25, 1859; Araminta, October 12, 1861, James A., July 24, 1863, deceased; Maggie, born July 25, 1866, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics, he is an ardent republican. Mr. Craw- ford has served his township in the capacity of justice of the peace four years. He and wife have a farm of about fifty-eight acres, and a comfortable home. William F. is a member of the Indian- apolis bar; John F. is a merchant in Greenwood; Wesley C. is a student at Depauw University: Robert L. is a theological student of that school, and a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
EDWARD DITMARS, a farmer of Pleasant Township, was born in Union Township, this county, March 5, 1839, and was the son of Garrett and Sarah (Verbryck) Ditmars, both of whom were na- tives of the State of New Jersey. His father was born in 1792. When he was twelve years of age his father died, and about one year later, his widowed mother removed to a farm near Hopewell, this county, where she spent the rest of her life. She died August 5, 1855. Our subject remained on the farm with his mother until after her death. The greater part of his early education was re- ceived in Hopewell Academy. After his mother's death, he re- mained in the vicinity of Hopewell until the year 1861. He attended school in winter and worked on a farm in summer. July 29, 1861, he became a soldier in the Union Army, being mustered into Company I, Eighteenth Indiana Regiment. He served in the same company and regiment until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion IIills, Black River Bridge, the siege of Vicksburg, and the second battle' of Winchester, Va. On the 19th day of September, 1864, while in the battle of Winchester, Va., he was wounded. This necessi- tated him to spend three months in a hospital. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, September 22, 1865. During the winter of 1865-6, he attended school at Hopewell, and during the
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following summer he was engaged in the manufacture of brick. In the fall of 1866, he went to Decatur County, this state, where he made his home with a widowed sister four years, during which time he conducted a farm. IIe was married in Decatur County, March 9, 1871, to Spicy D. Thomson. She was born in Decatur County, February 5, 1839, and was the daughter of William H. and Jane B. (Blair) Thomson. Her father was born in Nicholas County, Ky., in June, 1791, and her mother was born near Knox- ville, Tenn., in June, 1802. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ditmars came to Johnson County and located on a farm which Mr. Ditmars had purchased during the preceding winter, one-half mile east of Whiteland. They have resided upon the same farm continuously ever since. It now contains 120 acres, and is in a good state of improvement. Mr. and Mrs. Ditmars are the parents of three children, as follows: John W., born May 30, 1872; Garrett O., December 14, 1873, and Rolla T., December 15, 1878. Our subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. The former is a member of the G. A. R. lodge, and in politics, he is a republican.
ROBERT B. DOBBINS, a venerable citizen of Pleasant Town- ship, was born in Pendleton County, S. C., November 2, 1805. He is the son of John and Jane ( Johnson) Dobbins.« His father was the son of James and Elizabeth ( Stephenson ) Dobbins, who emigrated to South Carolina from Virginia. His mother was the daughter of Francis and Margaret (Sawright) Johnson; the latter of whom was a native of Ireland: In 1818, the parents of our sub- ject emigrated from Pendleton County, S. C., to Clermont County, Ohio, but a year later, or in March, 1819, they came to the State of Indiana and settled in Campbell Township, Jennings County. His father died there April 12, 1827. Ilis mother came to Johnson County in about 1832, and spent the rest of her life in Clark Town- ship; she died in April, 1836. Our subject spent his youth in Jennings County on a farm. In his early manhood he took up the vocation of a farmer for himself, and continued it through life. In 1834 he came to Johnson County and located on the farm he now occupies, where he has resided continuously for fifty- four years. His farm contains 19738 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Dobbins was married in Ripley County, this state, October 28, 1828, to Harriet L. Hughey, who was born in Buncom County, N. C., November 29, 1804, and was the daughter of Joseph and Jane (Brank ) Hughey, the former of whom was born in North Carolina. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins resulted in the birth of five children: John M., born February 17, 1830, deceased; Joseph HI., September 18, 1832, deceased; Samuel J., November
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16, 1835, deceased; Mary J., July 25, 1842, and Martha H., September 24, 1848, deceased. The wife of Mr. Dobbins died April 15, 1885. She was a devout member of the Pres- byterian Church. Mr. Dobbins is also a member of the same church. In politics, he is an ardent republican. He cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Jackson, in 1828. Mr. Dobbins has led an industrious life, and he is now permitted to spend his declining years in comfort and happiness. He has now spent more than half a century in this county, and although in the eighty-third year of his age, he is still in the enjoyment of good health. The county has no pioneer that is more highly respected than Mr. Dobbins.
BENJAMIN DRAPER, an honored citizen of Pleasant Township, was born in Dearborn County, this state, July 2, ISIS, and was the son of Thomas and Catharine (Harbert) Draper, the former of whom was born in Botetourt County, Va., and was the son of Thomas and Priscilla Draper. The latter was born in Pennsyl- vania, and was the daughter of Ebenezer Harbert. Before the sub- ject of this sketch was five years old his parents removed to Decatur County, this state, where he grew to manhood on a farm. In 1840, he came to Johnson County, a single man, and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Clark Township. A year later he removed to Pleasant Township, where he was similarly engaged three years. In the latter part of 1844, he returned to Decatur County. In the spring of 1858, he again came to this county, and moved into his present home on the Ist day of March of that year. His attention has always been given to farming. He has three fish ponds on his farm, which are well stocked with different varieties of carp, and to these Mr. Draper gives his personal attention. . He owns 200 acres of good land, of which 120 acres are in Pleasant Township, and eighty in Clark Township. About 150 acres of his land are in cultivation. Mr. Draper was married October 4, 1841, to Eliza- beth Wheeling. She was born in Henry County, Ky., December 2I, IS21, and was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Van horn) Wheeling. Their marriage resulted in the birth of thirteen children, as follows: the first was a daughter, born January 5, 1833, died when but one day old: Thomas M., February 6, 1844; Oliver H., February 6, 1846: Mahlon B., April 5, 1848; Miranda, November 3, 1849, deceased: infant daughter, June 20, IS51, deceased; Harriet 1I., September 11, 1872, deceased; Clara M., born May 21, 1854; Mary L., January 29, 1856; George W., October 24, 1857; Benjamin F., born November 7, 1859; John W., born September 10, 1861, and Lennie L., November 16, 1865, deceased. The wife of Mr. Draper died August 16, 1887. She was a member of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr.
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Draper was formerly a whig, but since 1856, he has been an ardent republican. He cast his first presidential vote for Harrison. Mr. Draper is an honest man, and he is one of the county's most highly respected citizens. All of the children are living, except Mahlon B .; are members of the Christian Church. Harriet H. was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
JAMES J. DAVIS, one of Johnson County's old pioneers, was born in Wythe County, Va., July 25, 1824. Ile was the son of Reuben and Mary (Brown) Davis. His father was the son of Jacob Davis, who emigrated to America from Germany. Reuben Davis was born December 18, 1797, in Wythe County, Va. He died in Pleasant Township, this county, December 23, 1857. The mother of our subject was also a native of Wythe County, Va., born October 22, 1797. She was married to Reuben Davis, April II, I822. She died in Pleasant Township, this county, August 21, 1857. Our subject was the only son in a family of four children. His three sisters were: Louisa J., born April 30, 1823, and died in September, 1846; Susan B., born November 7, 1825, and died Sep- tember 14, 1856, and Matilda A., born July 27, 1830. She is now the wife of Rev. Benjamin Groves, of Indianapolis. When the subject of this sketch was but four years old, his parents emigrated from Wythe County, Va., to Johnson County, Ind., and settled in Pleas- ant Township, where his parents spent the remainder of their lives. The youth of our subject was spent helping to clear and cultivate his father's farm. The whole time he spent in school did not amount to eighteen months. He remained at home with his par- ents until he reached manhood. He was married on Christmas day, 1845, to Almyra Hughes. She was born in Fayette County, this state, March 6, 182S, and was the daughter of Rev. Jesse and Nancy (Melton) Hughes, the former being born in 1798. He was a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was twice mar- ried, his first wife being Nancy Melton, and his second wife, Eliza- beth Hawkins. Ile died in White River Township, July 30, 1873. The mother of Mrs. Davis died in White River Township, June 9, 1851. Ever since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Davis have re- sided in Pleasant Township, with the exception of about two years. The life occupation of Mr. Davis has been farming. He and his wife own 186 acres of land, about three-fourths of which is under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had four children: Reuben, born September 3, 1848, deceased; Louisa M., February 9, 1852, deceased: John T., January 23, 1855, and Jesse H., March 20, IS58. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics, he is a staunch republican. Mr. Davis served as a Union soldier from February, 1865, to the close of the war. He
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was enrolled in Company E, One Hunred and Forty-eighth In- diana Infantry. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, September 14, 1865. When Mrs. Davis was in her fourth year her parents came from Fayette County to Johnson County, and set- tled in White River Township. By leading lives of industry, Mr. and Mrs. Davis are in good circumstances, and have also given forty acres of land to each of their children.
WILLIAM W. DEMAREE, a wealthy farmer and prominent free- holder, of Pleasant Township, was born in Shelby County, Ky .. , February 10, IS2S, and was the son of Peter and Mary (Johnson) Demaree, both of whom were also natives of Shelby County, Ky. His father was born January 1, 1796, and was the son of David and Rachel (Bruner) Demaree. David Demaree was the son of Samuel and Susan (Brewer) Demaree. The mother of our sub- ject was born May 6, 1804, and was the daughter of John B. and Ruth (Beckley) Johnson. His parents were married in Shelby County, Ky., but immigrated to Johnson County, Ind., when he was but nine months old. The family settled on a tract of land which the father had entered, one mile west of Hopewell. Here Peter Demaree spent the rest of his life, his death occurring on the 22nd day of August, 1837. His wife afterward was married to Corne- lius Covert, but she died a few months later, or January 24, 1842. Our subject then found a home with Isaac Vannuys in the vi- cinity of the old home farm. He remained with him until the age of twenty-one, when he returned to the old homestead and began farming for himself. In 1864, he removed to his present home in Pleasant Township. His occupation has always been that of a farmer, and in this pursuit he has been very successful. His farm contains 350 acres of excellent land, over 250 of which are under cultivation. Mr. Demaree was married 'o Lydia Ann Carnine, October 21, 1852. She was born in Union Township, this county, January 14, 1831, and was the daughter of Andrew and Nancy (Banta) Carnine, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. IIer father was the son of Andrew and Lydia ( Bice) Carnine, and her mother was the daughter of Abram and Mary (Demaree) Banta. Mr. and Mrs. Demaree have had a family of thirteen children, as follows: Laura I., born August 7, 1853, deceased; Dewitt C., July 17, 1855, deceased; Clara J., November 22, 1856; Electa A., July 22, 1858. Mattie C., and a twin sister, who is deceased, No- vember 11, 1859; William L., November IS, 1861: Ira M., Septem- ber 13, 1863; Victor B., December 13, 1865: Edith A., October 19, 1867, deceased; Mary E., December 29, 1869; Anna O., February 6, 1872, and George W., May 22, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Demaree are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Demaree
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