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 81
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JOHNSON COUNTY.
PROF. CHARLES F. PATTERSON, principal of the high school at Greenwood, is a native of Tipton County, this state, born June 6, 1862. He was the son of Benjamin F. and Lydia E. (Plummer) Patterson. His father was born in Fayette County, Ind., Septem- ber 6, 1838, and grew to manhood in Fayette and Shelby counties. At sixteen years of age he removed to Tipton County, where he afterward pursued the vocation of a farmer and stock-dealer. He was married there September 5, 1861, to Miss Lydia E. Plummer, of which marriage the subject of this sketch was the only issue. The lady who became his wife was born in Rush County, this state, August 23, 1844. She was the daughter of Hiram and Lydia (Vickrey) Plummer, who removed to Tipton County when she was but four years old. There her father pursued the vocation of a farmer until his death in 1866. Her mother continues to occupy the old homestead in Tipton County. Benjamin F. Patterson died at his home in Tipton County, October 24, ISSO. His surviving widow now resides with her only child, the subject of this sketch. The latter spent his boyhood on his father's farm in his native county. At twelve years of age he became a student in Spiceland Academy, in Henry County, Ind., in which institution he completed an academic course. Later on he entered the Cen- tral Normal College, of Ladoga, Ind., in which he completed both the scientific and classical courses, graduating in 1879. Since then he has completed a course in pedagogy, and has passed the ex- aminations of Wabash College. He labored as an instructor in the schools of Tipton County, for several years, during two of which he was principal of the high school at Sharpsville, and, during three of which, he was principal of the high school at Tipton. In 1 886, he accepted the principalship of thehigh school at Greenwood. Prof. Patterson was married October 10, 1884, to Miss Melva M. Avis. She is a native of Greenfield, Hancock County, Ind., born March 6, 1862, and was the daughter of James F. and Lucy J. (Lineback) Avis, the former of whom was born in Greencastle, Ind., and the latter in Greenfield, Ind. They are at present resi- dents of Tipton. Prof. Patterson and wife are members of the Christian Church. The former is a member of the K. of H. lodge, and in politics, he is a democrat. He is admirably adapted for the duties of his chosen profession, and, though young, his reputation as a successful educator is already well established.
GRAFTON PEEK, a prominent business man of Greenwood, was born in Bedford, Trimble County, Ky., January 17, 1853, and is the son of William A. J. and Susannah (Johnson ) Peek, who removed to this state, and located at Morristown. When he was seven or eight years of age, his parents removed to Greenwood, which has been
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his home ever since. Ilis early life was chiefly spent in school, and clerking in a store. At fifteen years of age he entered the employ of the late Grafton Johnson, of Greenwood, for whom he worked in the capacity of clerk in a general store for thirteen consecutive years. In that whole time he lost but two weeks. During a por- tion of the time the support of a large family devolved on him, but out of his earnings he succeeded in saving enough to engage in business for himself. August 10, ISSI, he opened a general store in Greenwood, to which his undivided attention has been given ever since. He has enjoyed a good trade, and is now one of the leading business men of Greenwood. He was married in March, ISSo, to Miss Florence Polk, daughter of George W. Polk, of Pleasant Township. Their marriage has resulted in the birth of six children : Roy J., Frank, Georgie E., Harry, and two others, a son and a daughter, who died in infancy, unnamed. Mr. Peek and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics, the former is a demo- crat. He is a successful business man and first-class citizen.
CHARLES E. PEGGS, a farmer and tile manufacturer of Pleas- ant Township, was born on a farm, June 4, 1857, and was the son of Joseph and Mary (McCrady) Peggs, of Pleasant Township. As early as fourteen years of age he became employed in a tile factory, which is located on the home place, and which was then owned by his father. During the next four years he attended school in the winter, and in summer he was wholly employed in the tile factory. At the age of eighteen he rented the factory, and for several years conducted it in this way. At the age of twenty-four, or in ISSI, he became its proprietor, and has continued to operate it since. Mr. Peggs also attends to the management of his farm, which is in a good state of improvement and cultivation. He was married October 28, 1877, to Clara V. Hester. She was born in Shelby County, this state, October 23, 1857, and is the daughter of Stephen W. and Martetia (Stanton) Hester, who now reside in Pleasant Township. Mr. and Mrs. Peggs are the parents of five children: Ilarry E., born April 14, 1879; Joseph W., October 15, ISSI: Alfred L., December 8, 18S3; Arthur R., August 7, 1885, and Clara A., November 10, 1887, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Peggs are members of the Christian Church. In con- nection with his other interests Mr. Peggs makes a specialty of breeding short-horn cattle. He now owns a half interest in an ex- cellent herd of that class of stock, and he is at present secretary of the Short-horn Breeders' Association, of Johnson County.
JOSEPH PEGGS, a pioneer, and honored citizen of Pleasant Town- ship, was born in Henry (now Trimble) County, Ky., October 24, 1807, and was the son of Joseph and Nancy (Cunningham ) Peggs,
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the former of whom was a native of Ireland, and the latter was a native of Pennsylvania. Ilis early life was all spent in his native county. He attended country school in the winter time, but owing to the poor advantages, his early education was quite limited. Early in his youth he began the shoemaker's trade, which he fol- lowed in different places until 1842, when he moved his family to Johnson County, Ind., and settled on a farm in Pleasant Township, and he has continued to occupy the same farm for a period of forty-six years. Mr. Peggs was married in German- town, Ky., June 9, 1833, to Mary Ann McCrady. She was born in Montgomery County, Va., February 6, 1816, and was the daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Summers) McCrady. When Mrs. Peggs was but eleven months old her parents emigrated from Virginia to Mason County, Ky., where she grew to womanhood, and where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Peggs have seven children: William A., born May 9, 1834; Margaret F., March 28, IS36; John H., December 4, 1840; Mary A., August 31, 1842; Louisa A., February 12, 1845, deceased; Alfred F., December IS, IS54, deceased, and Charles E., June 4, 1857. In politics, Mr. Peggs is a democrat, casting his first vote for Gen. Jackson. The wife of Mr. Peggs is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Peggs has served his township as assessor one term. He and wife passed their golden wedding anniversary June 9, ISS3.
GEORGE W. POLK, an honored and respected man of Pleasant Township, was born in Nelson County, Ky., January 7, 1816, the son of James and Nancy Polk, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and was the son of Edmund Polk, and the latter of whom emigrated from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, when his son, James Polk, was but six years old. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in his native county. At seventeen years of age he went to Taylorsville, Spencer Co., Ky., and there served an ap- prenticeship of two years, learning the cabinet-maker's trade. He then spent a short time working at his trade in Owensborough, Daviess Co., Ky., after which, in November, 1835, he crossed the river to the State of Indiana, and engaged in the cabinet business for himself at Evansville. While there, he was married, August 3, IS37, to Mary Embree. She was born in the State of Illinois, June 3, 1820, and was the daughter of John and Sallie ( Moseley) Embree. In July, 1839, Mr. Polk removed from Evansville to Princeton, Gibson County, where he conducted a cabinet shop until 1850. In that year he, in connection with two other men, built a saw-mill on Marsh Creek, near Princeton, to which Mr. Polk gave his atten- tion some two or three years. He then purchased a farm in that vicinity, upon which he resided until in March, 1861, when he came
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to Johnson County, and settled on a farm just southeast of the town of Greenwood, where he has resided ever since. Since then he has given his attention to the management of his farm. He has, dur- ing a part of the time, been connected with the large canning estab- lishment at Greenwood, of which his son, J. T. Polk, is proprietor. Ilis farm is a large and beautiful one, containing 100 acres four-fifths of which are in cultivation. It contains two handsome residences, one of which is occupied by his son, J. T. Polk. The marriage of Mr. Polk resulted in the birth of nine children: Will- iam F., Frances, Elizabeth R., James T., Alice, Florence, Perry E., Minnie M., and a son that died in infancy, unnamed. Of those named, Elizabeth R., Alice and Minnie M., are also deceased. The wife of Mr. Polk died November 10, 1SS6. She was a devoted member of the Baptist Church. When he began life for himself his only capital was willing hands and a mental capacity to direct them with prudence. By leading an industrious and economical life he has accumulated considerable property.
JAMES M. POLK, of Greenwood, was born in Spencer County, Ky., August 15, 1837, and was the son of William and Sarah (Shoptaugh) Polk, who, when he was eight years old, removed to Bullitt County, Ky. There he spent the rest of his early youth on a farm. At eighteen years of age, or in March, 1856, he ac- companied his parents to Greenwood, this county, whither they ar- rived on the 10th day of the month. The home of our subject has been in and near Greenwood ever since, and his occupation has chiefly been farming. He was married July 6, 1886, to Miss Josephine Miller. She was born in Highland County, Ohio, Feb- ruary 24, 1853, and was the daughter of Cary A. and Sarah (Brons) Miller, both of whom were also natives of Highland County, Ohio. The wife of Mr. Polk is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. He and wife have a pleasant home in Greenwood, where they reside in a happy way. They are highly respected.
JAMES T. POLK, proprietor of the fruit packing establishment at Greenwood, was born in Gibson County, Ind., February 25, 1844, and is the son of George W. and Mary ( Embree) Polk, a history of whom appears elsewhere in this work. When he was fourteen years old his parents came to Johnson County, and settled on a farm which adjoins the town of Greenwood on the southeast. Ile received a common school education, and in September, 1863, entered the service of the Union Army in Company M, First In- diana Heavy Artillery, with which heserved until the close of the war. Hereturned home and spent two years improving his education. In 1869, in order to improve his health, he spent a period of nine
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months in a water cure institution, at Danville, New York. Re- turning home, he soon conceived the idea of establishing a fruit packing business, and in this, by the year 1873, he was fully launched. To it, his entire attention has been given ever since, and under his careful management, has attained enormous propor- tions. A history of his establishment will be found elsewhere in this work. Mr. Polk was married December 5. 1871, to Laura F. Burdick, who is a native of New York, born February 10, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Polk have had born to them, three children: Pearl F., Ralph B., and James T., the last of whom died in infancy. Our subject and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
ALBERT G. PREWITT, a pioneer citizen of Greenwood, was born near Danville, Mercer, now Boyle, County, Ky., January 5, 1815, and was the son of Joseph and Jane ( Little) Prewitt, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. He was reared on a farm in his native county. In 1838, he came to this county, and for a couple of years he worked at the carpenter's trade. He was married in White River Township, October 16, 1841, to Mrs. Julia F. McBride. She was born in Henry County, Ky., September 21, ISII, and was the daughter of William and Jane (Gillespie) Eddy, both of whom were natives of Virginia. When she was sixteen years old, or in 1827, her parents came to this county and located in White River Township. She was married July 29, 1828, to Charles McBride. He was born in Virginia, and was the son of William and Henrietta (Piles) McBride. He died on the 9th day of July, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Prewitt began their married life on a farm in White River Township. They removed to Greenwood in 1852. The chief occupation of Mr. Prewitt after this was the buying and selling of grain and dealing in hogs. For the past twelve years he has lived - a retired life. The first marriage of Mrs. Prewitt resulted in the birth of three children: Malinda C., Harriet A. and Ilenrietta J., of whom the last two are deceased. Her marriage to Mr. Prewitt also resulted in the birth of three children: Joseph W., Thomas A., and Julia F., of whom Thomas A. is deceased. Mrs. Prewitt was a lady who was esteemed and loved by all, and was a devoted member of the Baptist Church. She died March 17, ISSS. Be- sides a comfortable home in Greenwood, he owns a farm of eighty- two acres in White River Township.
JOSEPH W. PREWITT, carpenter and contractor, of Greenwood, was born in White River Township, October 16, 1842, the son of Albert G. and Julia F. (Eddy) Prewitt, who are both natives of the State of Kentucky, and who now reside in Greenwood. When he was a lad some eight or nine years old his parents removed to Greenwood, where he grew to manhood. At the age of sixteen
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he began to learn the carpenter's trade. When he was twenty-one years old he entered Bryant's Business College, at Indianapolis, in which he took a course in book-keeping. He then entered the employ of the J., M. & I. R. R. About the close of the war he retired from the road, and returned to Greenwood, where he first engaged in the grocery business. To this his attention was given about three years. He then took up the pursuit of a carpenter and contractor, to which his undivided attention has been given ever since. He was married November 12, 1875, to Miss Mattie Heron. She was born in Columbus, Ind., August IS, 1844, and is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Caffrey) Heron, who were respectively natives of Hamilton County, Ohio, and Lancaster County, Penn. The wife of Mr. Prewitt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Prewitt is a demo- crat. He is a first-class mechanic, an honorable man, and he and wife are good citizens.
MRS. SARAH PURSELL, the mother of Mrs. Abram Brewer, was born in Franklin County, Ind., November 11, 1815, the daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Scotton) Skinner, who were respectively natives of Delaware and Maryland. She was married to John Pur- sell, October 7, 1840. He was born in Franklin County, Ind., Au- gust 11, 1821. In 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Pursell, came to this county and located in Pleasant Township, where Mr. Pursell died October 6, 1876. She has two children: Martha and Mary. Mrs. Pursell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
GEORGE W. SANDERS, a well-to-do farmer of Pleasant Town- ship, was born in Botetourt County, Va., December 31, IS31. He was the son of John and Elizabeth (Obenshain) Sanders, both of whom were also natives of Virginia, the former of Rockbridge County, and the latter of Botetourt County. The paternal grand- parents of Mr. Sanders were Philip and Rachel Sanders, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania. Ilis maternal grand- parents were Philip and Sarah ( Brothers) Obenshain, natives of Maryland. His boyhood was spent on a farm in his native county. At seventeen years of age he accompanied his parents to this state, and located with them on a farm in Marion County, where he re- mained with them until his marriage. He was married November 26, 1856, to Elizabeth R. Wheatcraft. She was born in ' Perry County, Ohio, April 2, 1836, and was the daughter of Malachi and Sophia M. ( Bradford) Wheatcraft, who were respectively natives of Wayne County, Penn., and Lincoln Co., Me. For four months after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sanders resided in Marion County. Since 1873; they have occupied their present home. The entire at- tention of Mr. Sanders is given to farming. He owns fifty-six acres
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of good land, most of which is in cultivation. He and wife have had five children, as follows: Mary B., born December 21, 1857; Elmer E., February 21, 1862; Alice E., May 10, 1864, deceased; Carrie E., August 22, IS69, and Annie M., August 17, 1871, de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the K. of H. lodge, and he and wife are both members of the Society of Chosen Friends.
WILLIAM H. SCOTT, proprietor of a feed and livery stable at Greenwood, was born in White River Township, this county, July 3, 1861, and was the son of James and Elizabeth H. (Rush) Scott, both of whom were also natives of White River Township. He was reared on the old homestead where he was born, and received a common school education. He was married August 8, 1879, to Julia M. Dorrell. She is a native of Pleasant Township, this county, born July 16, 1862, and was the daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Doty) Dorrell, who were natives of White River Township, this county. For five years after his marriage, Mr. Scott pursued- the vocation of a farmer. In the fall of 1886, he engaged in mer- cantile pursuits at Stone's Crossing, this county, where he continued in business for a year and a half. In March, ISS7, he engaged in the livery business at Greenwood, and he is now the sole pro- prietor of the only business of the kind at that place. He and wife are the parents of three children: Myrtie M., Raleigh A., and Florence. all of whom are living. Our subject and wife are mem- bers of the United Brethren Church. The former is a member of the 1. O. O. F. lodge, and is a republican in politics. He is an en- terprising young man and a first-class citizen.
PRESERVE O. SEFTON, a well-to-do and successful farmer of Pleasant Township, was born in Decatur County, this state, July 19, 1834, being the son of llenry and Sarah ( Brown) Sefton, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They were reared and married in their native state, but removed to Decatur County, Ind., in an early day. They both spent the rest of their days in that county. His father was married three times. His second wife was Sarah Stine, and his third wife was Emma Vert. After his death his last wife married Orrin Custer, with whom she now resides in Greensburg, Decatur Co. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Sefton, a native of Ohio. His maternal grandfather was Preserve O. Brown, who was born in Ohio, and for whom our sub- ject was named. He grew to manhood in his native county, and was married there in IS55, to Lucinda Draper, daughter of Thomas and Catharine ( Harbert ) Draper. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Sefton came to Johnson County, and located in Pleasant Township, near his present home. He has now been a resident of that township
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since February, 1856. His first wife died where he first settled, February 28, 1864, and on the 22nd day of June, IS66, he was married to Mrs. Mary E. Hendrickson. She was born in Clark Township, this county, November 14, 1836, and was the daughter of Samuel and Maria L. ( Harbert) Billingsly; the former was a native of Guilford County, N. C., and the latter a native of Dearborn County, Ind. Her father was born November 16, ISO9, and was the son of Henry and Elizabeth Billingsly. Her mother was born October 5, 1817, and was the daughter of Ebenezer and Mary M. Harbert. The marriage of her parents was solemnized in Clark Township, in which her father spent the rest of his life, and in which her mother still resides. Mrs. Sefton was married to Isaac Ilendrickson, September 7, 1858. He was born in Clark Township, October 13, 1836, and was the son of Isaac and Eliza- beth (Dawson) Hendrickson. He died October 5, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Sefton removed to their present home in 1868. The whole attention of Mr. Sefton is given to farming. He owns a good farm of eighty acres, which is very desirably situated. Mrs. Sefton owns a farm of forty acres which adjoins the eighty mentioned above on the east. Besides this Mr. Sefton owns a one-fifth interest in an undivided two-thirds of ninety- six acres in Howard County, this state. By his first wife, Mr. Sefton became the father of four children: Catharine A., born October 10, 1855; Sarah S., September 7, 1857, deceased; Thomas II., April 21, 1861, and Rachel E., January 6, 1864. By her first husband Mrs. Sefton became the mother of two children; Clurisa J., born May 9, 1861, and Samuel I., March 4, 1863, de- ceased. Mr. Sefton and his present wife have had four children: Robert W., born May 7, 1868; George W., November 7, 1870; John D., March 9, 1875, and Edwin W., March 7, 1877, deceased. The wife of Mr. Sefton is a member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sefton was twice drafted during the War of the Rebellion, and for both substi- tutes, and to clear his township of a draft, he paid $1,68o. In poli- tics, our subject is a democrat. He is a progressive man and a model farmer. He and Mrs. Sefton are very highly esteemed and respected.
GEORGE L. SHEEK, a prosperous young farmer of Pleasant Township, was born on a farm near where resides, August 22, 1854, and was the son of John B. and Sarah (Kinnick) Sheek, both of whom were natives of Davie County, N. C. When he was seven- teen years of age his father died, after which he remained at home with his widowed mother, until he reached the age of twenty-seven. He was married December 15, ISSo, to Sarah J. Wilson. She is
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also a native of Pleasant Township, born August 31, 1853. and was the daughter of Joseph A. and Louisa (Vandiver) Wilson, who were respectively natives of North Carolina and Mercer County, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Sheek entered upon their married life on a farm in Section 3, Pleasant Township. February 10, 1886, they removed to their present home, in the same section. The whole attention of Mr. Sheek is given to farming. He owns a good farm two miles southeast of Greenwood, which is well improved, and most of which is in cultivation. He and wife are the parents of five children: Gracie May, born April 27, 1882; George Wilson, September 5, ISS3; Queen Bessie, March 31, ISS5: Nellie, September 12, 1886, and Victor Noble, January 6, ISS8, all of whom are living. The wife of Mr. Sheek is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Sheek became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, August 29, 1875. He is an industrious and suc- cessful farmer, and he and wife are very highly respected.
ISAAC D. SHEEK, a well-to-do and prosperous farmer of Pleas- ant Township, is a native of Davie County, N. C., born January 9, IS41, and was the son of Daniel and Jane ( Williams) Sheek, both of whom were natives of North Carolina: the former of Davie County, and the latter of Yadkin County. He grew to manhood in his native county, working upon a farm in summer and attending school in winter. In April, 1861, he entered the service of the Confederate Army, in Company G, Fourth North Carolina Regi- ment, with which he served until the close of the war: he first en- tered as a private. He participated in the battles of Seven Pines, Gaines' Mill, Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, the second battle of Man- assas, Sharp's Mound, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, all the fights with Gen. Grant's army in the vicin- ity of Richmond, and many other engagements, in all of which he discharged his duties in a manner becoming a brave soldier, and was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee, at Appomattox. In January, 1866, Mr. Sheek came from Davie County, N. C., to Johnson County, Ind., and with the exception of nearly two years his home has ever since been in Pleasant Township. His whole attention has been given to farming. Ile owns sixty-five acres of good land, nearly all of which is in cultivation. Mr. Sheek was married January 22, 1867, to Martha H. Henry. Mrs. Sheek was born in Pleasant Township, this county, November 6, 1847, and is the daughter of Samuel and Eliza Ann (Kinnick) Henry; the former was born in Virginia, and the latter in Davie County, N. C. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sheek has resulted in the birth of three children: Willie Myrtle, born January 12, 1868; Daniel Walter, October 8, 1871, and Luna Ethel, October 15, ISSO,
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all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Sheek are members of the Methodist Church. In politics, the former is a democrat. On the Ioth of March, ISSS, he received the nomination of his party for the office of township trustee. IIe is an industrious farmer, and he and wife are among their township's best citizens.
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