History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 29

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 199-?]
Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.]
Number of Pages: 954

USA > Indiana > Orange County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 29
USA > Indiana > Washington County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 29
USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 29

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Digliand by Google

252

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

LEVI. FRY. born in Shawswick Township, March 3. 1825. is the fifth of eleven children of Henry and Sarah (Ikerd) Fry. The parents married in North Carolina. and in 1816 came to Clark County. Ind .. but five years later removed to Shawswick Township. both being natives of North Carolina. The father was born April 10. 1704. and died August S. 1861; the mother was born July 9. 1796. and died May 22. 1570: both were sober. industrious and honored citizens. Levi received a meager education at the primitive schools, and at the age of twenty. tinve years married (November 9. 1848) Elizabeth Ikerd, who presented him with the following children: Mary A., who married Jolin L. Long: George .A., who married Louisa Dolt: John F .. who married Catharine Williams, and Willis L., who married Clara Likens. December 13, 1862. Mrs Fry died, and April 24, 1864. he married Mary Smith, who has borne him eight children, as follows: Virginia E .. who married William Sable: Henry, Lawrence. Jesse, Catharine. Lydia J., Nancy A. and Ivy. Mr. Fry is a farmer, but works at carpenter and joiner work. He owns 297 acres of land. He is a Democrat and a Baptist, his wife being a Methodist.

DR. JOSEPH GARDNER. one of the three children of George and Alice (Randall) Gardner. was born September 15, 1533. in Clark County. Ind. George Gardner was a native Rhode Islander, bar early in 1812 was residing in Canada. Instead of swearing allegiance to the King. he joined a band of Canada Rangers and served his native country faithfully until the close of the war. He was once captured. and being a supposed spy was tried and sentenced to death by a drum head court- martial, and narrowly escaped having the sentence carried into eseention. After the war he went to Cincinnati. Ohio, and was there married. sub. sequently moving to Indiana. where both he and wife died. Dr Joseph Gardner was left an orphan when fourteen years old. He served an apprenticeship at the painter's trade, but in 1856 began the study of med. icine, graduating in 1801 from the Medical Department of the University of Louisville. After serving in the United States Marine Hospital as House Surgeon he was, in the spring of 1862. appointed a surgeon in the military hospitals, but while doing his duty at the battle of Atlanta. he received a severe wound from a Minie ball. By special request from the Provost Marshal-General of Kentucky, he was detailed to assist in the examination of drafted men and recruits, and on the resignation of Prof. T. S. Bell. Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment for the Fifth District. he was appointed in his stead and as such served until June 15. 1965. In 1866 Dr. Gardner came to Bedford, and until within the past five years practiced his profession. He is a Sir Knight in Masonry. a mem- ber of the L. O. O. F. and G. A. R. fraternities, belongs to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Microscopists, and is also a member of the Tri-State. the State and the County Medical Societies. As a Republican in politics. he was elected Representative to the Indiana House of Representatives in ISS. serving in the special and regular sessions of that term. In 1952 Mis- Amelia Bennett became his wife, who died in 1967, leaving four daughters- Alice. Mary. Sarah and Susan. In INGS he was married to Mis- Eliza. beth Malott. his present wife, and by her is the father of two sous. uamed Fletcher and Thomas.

JAMES GARRISON, manufacturer and repairer of boots and shoes. is a native Hoosier, born in the county in which he yet resides. September

Digiand by Google

253

SHAWSWICK TOWNSHIP.

1. 1849. He is one of three sons born to Henry and Pernetta ( White) Garrison, who were of German descent and among the pioneers of this locality. James was reared to manhood on a farm, in yonth receiving a good common school education, and when twenty years old began the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked without interruption until June, 1873. when he embarked in business for himself. He is now preparing to add to his large custom trade a carefully selected line of ready-made goods, which with his knowledge of what goods should be. will nudoubt- edly be the best line of boot- and shoes in Bedford. Mr. Garrison is a Republican politically, and is one of the steady and reliable men of the place. He married Miss Mary U Bernhardt, March 2, 1871. and MIabel. Frederick I. and William A. are the names of their children, who were born June 10. 1574 ; October 18, 1876 ; and October 27. 1SS0. respect- ively. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CONSTANT GAUSSIN. a native of France, was born October 1, 1954. and when three years old came with his parents. Felix and Mary E. Gaussin. to the United States, landing at New Orleans, from whence they came directly to Bedford. Constant received liberal schooling advantages in youth, and at the age of seventeen began the shoemaker's trade. at which he continued three years. In partnership with John L. Baker, in 1575 he embarked in the retail liquor business. continuing until 1878, when he began in the business alone and has ever since con- tinned it. As a business man Mr. Gaussin has been very successful. and through his own exertions he has become possessed of one of the finest residences in Bedford, besides the block and lot where his store is located. In politics he is a Democrat. October 11. 1875. Miss Ella Vanghan became his wife, and Nellie and Clarence C. are the names of their two children.

JOHN GLOVER is a native of this county and was born November 7. 1815. He is the second of twelve children of Joseph and Mary (McManus; Glover, the father a native of Grayson County. Va .. and the mother of Barren County. Kv. The father came to Orange County in IS11, where he was married June 17. 1813, but a year later moved to Lawrence County. He was thus one of the very first settlers in Orange County. John lived with his parents until their respective deaths. the father dying July 21, 1844, and the mother about ten years before. Jolin svenred a fair edneation for business, and has made the old homestead his home. October 15, 1852, he married Olive Shaw, a native of New York, and to them eight children were born. of whom five are now living: Joseph. Mary. Emma. Morton and John. Mr. (ilover owns 160 acres of choice land, and is comfortably sitnated and prosperous. Mr. and Mrs. Glover are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Glover is an Odd Fellow and a Republican. and is one of the county's best representative nien. He has been township Asses-or four terms. His father was an early Sheriff of the territorial county and was a prominent man. In the family are many traditions of the times when Indians and wild animals ronmed the forests of Lawrence County.

ALEXANDER C. GLOVER was born in Shawswick Town-hip. Jan. nary 13. 1520, third of ten children born to Ware and Hetta ( Redus) Glover, natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia, he coming to this State in the fall of Is10, and she in 1513. Alexander received a limited education in the common schools. his father having died when he was only thirteen years of age. and remained at home with his mother till he

Dlazedby Google

254

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

was twenty-six years of age, taking charge during that time of the farm and his younger brothers and sister. October 21. 1845, he married Ann Eliza Carter. who died about one year after marriage. April 13, 1848, he married Rachael E. Glenn, and to this union have been born ten chil- dren .; four of whom are living ; Samuel W., who married Sophia Steinha gen : James W., whose wife was Eliza Owen ; Alpheus and Mary. Sub- ject formerly followed blacksmithing but his occupation now is farming, owning 160 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Glover are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a Mason and a Republican. He is now serving as County Commissioner and has been the choice of his party for that office three times.

GEORGE W. GLOVER was born in Shawswick Township, February 28, 1829, the fifth of nine children of Joseph and Mary (McManus) Glover, natives of Virginia and Kentucky; and came to Indiana at an early day. At the age of sixteen years, our subject. after having passed his youth on his father's farin, obtaining limited schooling. began to do for himself. He married Ann C. Brown, October 21, 1852. and to this union the fol- lowing family have been born: Charlotte, who married Aylett Whitted; George, who married Nettie Ferguson; John, whose wife was Belle Jack- son: Robert, unmarried; Emmett. whose wife was Sarah Palmer; Will. iam and Mary, the last two being single and at home with their parents. Mr. Glover has followed the occupation of farming, and now owns eighty acres of well improved land. He is a Republican and a member of the Masonic Lodge at Heltonville. He is an enterprising man and a good citizen and neighbor.

DAVID G. GRAY, a native of Monroe County, Ind., and a son of William and Mary Gray, who were among the first pioneers of that local- ity, was born March 31, 1820, and is one in a family of teu children. His education was limited to the primitive schools of his day, and until seventeen years old he worked on a farm. At that age he began working at the tanner's trade, and for thirty-eight years made that his vocation, most of the time at Bedford, and for twenty-five years as a partner of D. R. LaForce. Since the death of Mr. LaForce in 1573. Mr. Gray has been retired from active pursnits, and resides with his wife at their pleasant and comfortable home near the Bedford High School building. He owns valuable town property, is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic order, and is well known and universally respected On the 2d of February, 1854, his marriage with Elizabeth Long was solem. nized. and buth he and wife belong to the Leatherwood Christian Church.

GEORGE W. GYGER was born in Lawrence County, December 25, 1825. the fifth of thirteen children born to George and Tabitha (Hender. son) Gyger, the father a native of Pennsylvania. and the mother of Ten- nessee, both coming to Indiana at a very early day. The father died when George was quite young. and the boy lived with his mother receiv- ing a limited education. May 3, 1854, he married Matilda F. Kennedy who bore him four children : Susan B., Robert D., Charles E. and James H. Charles E. is telegraph operator at Bedford; the other children are at home. Mr. Gyger owns 140 acres of land. his occupation being farming. In February. 1562. he enlisted as a private in Company B. Fifty-third Indiana Regiment, and served honorably and well until August 10, 1865, and was then mustered out. He participated in several of the most fiercely contested battles of the great war-was at Pittsburg Landing, siege of Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, capture of

Digazed by Google

255

SHAWSWICK TOWNSHIP.

Savannah. Columbia and Raleigh. and in all the movements on the famous march to the sea. He is justly proud of his military record. He is a Baptist. a Republican, a Mason and an excellent citizen and neighbor.

CHARLES E. HALL is the son of Nathan L. anl Samh (Cirter) Hall, and is one of eleven children born to these parents. of whom the following ten are now living: Josephine. Charles (onr subjecti, Liz- zie. Isis. Jessie. Ella, Nathan, Josephus, Gertrude and Lowis. The father was a native of Xenia. Ohio, born in 1831 bat died in 1882. after a lingering illness. He came to Bedford in 1850 and assisted on the stone. work of the oll jail. A little later he opened one of the first stone quarries in the county, and was largely the instrument to bring to public notice and favor the valuable local stone deposits. He was a stone-entter. and eminently a self-made man. By industry he succeeded in accuunulating a competency. He was a man of unusual activity in the pursuit of basiness, which fact contributed to his sickness and death. His industrious habits descended to bis children. all of whom are exemp. lary members of society and respected citizens.

HAASE & OWEN. who creditably represent the merchant tailoring interests of Bedford. is composed of John M. Haase, a native of Pro- vince Posen. Germany, and Frank Owen. a native of Lawrence County. Mr. Haase was born January 14, 1542. was educated in his native county where he also learned the tailor's trade, working at that nine years. and in the fall of Is71 he emigrated to the United States, which has since been his home. On his arrival he immediately came to Bedford, where he was first employed by Palmer & Messick, remaining with that firm and its snecessors eight years. then becoming a member of the firm of Palmer, Dunihne & Haase. Mr. Haase is married. his nuptials with Christine Benzel being celebrated in Germany, on the 28th of November. 1565. Frank Owen is a son of Jobn C. and Elizabeth (Dye) Owen, who were among Lawrence County's first settlers. His education was obtained at the Beilford schools and the Northern Indiana Normal School. and for three years he was employed as clerk in the dry goods house of Dunibne & Son. In February. ISS4, the firm of Haase & Owen was formed, and by honorable condnet and dili;puce they have secured a comfortable trade in their gents' furnishing department, as well as a liberal patronage for their tailoring department both at home and abroad.

HEITGER BROTHERS. one of the lei ling business firms of Bed- ford. is composed of George C. and Joseph A., sons of Goorge and Catharine ( Fritchi Heit ger, who emigrated from Prussia to America at an early day and residel at various times in Buffalo, Louisville, New Albany. aaltasthe sattling a: Biffat in 1956 George Heitger. Sr., has passed the greater part of his life engaged in showmaking, and of the nine chil Iron born to him ant wif ., tive are yet living. George C. Heitger was born Inne 18. 1>#, and after attending the common schools in youth, learned the tinner's trade at Mitchell, worked at his trade abont one and one. bnif year- as journeyman. nud then settled in business for himself at Tunnelton. April 27. 1971. Martha Wiegman became his wife, and four children won .1 Anoa. Katie, George H. and Louis C. have been born tothem. fromnh A. Hitger obtained the better part of his education in the High School at Bedford, and in 1971 began learning the tinner's tra le with his brother. On the ISth of May. 1981. his union with Mary C. Talon whennivel and Joseph D. is their only

Lg Led by Google

256

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

child. The summer of 1972, Heitger Brothers purchased L. B Jack. son's store at Mitchell. and for two years conducted a creditable business at that point. The fall of ISS1 they erected their present brick build. ing in Bedford, subsequently moving to this place and engaging in bisines4. They carry about $2.0.00 worth of stoves. tinware, honse furn- ishing goods. puinps, etc., and are doing a healthy business which is steadily on the increase. Besides valuable property in Bedford. the firm owns property in Mitchell, and both members belong to St. Vincent de l'anl Catholic Church at Bedford.

WILLIAM P. HODGE, of Daggy, Hodge & Walheiser, was born in England, December 25, 1836, one of six children boru to William und Elizabeth Peters) Hodge. He received his schooling in his native coan- try. and when twelve years old emigrated with his parents to the United States. When about fifteen years old he began the carriage and wagon trade at Cleveland, where he worked three years as an apprentice. For two and a half years after this he worked at bis trade in Sheboygan, Wis .. then came to Indiana, and in the fall of 1856 located in Lawrence Connty. In abont 1857 he started a wngon shop at Heltonville, which he continued about two years, then began in business at Bedford. This has ever since been his home, and. with but a short time while merchan- dising. has been working at his trade. The spring of ISGG the firm of Daggy. Hodge & Walheiser was formed, and today do an extensive busi- Dess in the manufacture of wagons, carriages. ote .: deal in agricultural implements and operate the leading livery of the place. Mr. Hodge is a member of the Chapter aud Council in Masonry: is a Republican, and he and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. December 25. 1855. Mr. Hodge und Miss Mary M. Malott were united in marriage, and they adopted for their child. Fanny Elder. now Mrs. H. H. Walls.

HON. A. J. HOSTETLER. owner and editor of the Bedford Banner, was born in Washington County. Ind .. November 22. 1>15, and is R son of Jonathan and Sarah (Ribble, Hostetler, with whom he removed to this county when an infant. His father was a Kentuckian by birth. but in Isti became a resident of Indiana and followed farming until his death in 1825. preceded by the death of Mrs. Hostetler five years. Being cast upon his own resources when yet a small lad. our subject was reared by relatives nutil seventeen years old, when he went to Decatur. Ill .. and learned blacksmithing. In 1-37 he returned to Lawrence County. which has ever since been his home, with the exception of one year. while a resident of Orange County. He was engaged in black- smithing until 1554, and for the succeeding ten years farmed. In IS65 he engaged in merchandising in Bedford. at which he has largely been engaged until within the last few years. As a Democrat in politics Mr. Hosteller has been a faithful worker for his party, and from 1954 to Is served in the upper house of the State Legislature of Indiana. declining a re-election. In 187% he was elected to represent the obl Eighth District in the Forty-sixth Congress, and in 1550 was the dele. gute of his party to the National Democratic Convention at Cincinnati from the Second District. In September. 1953, he began the editor-hip of the Banner, which has thrived under bi- management. In February, 1842. Miss Margaret Newland became his wife, and Jonathan N .. John F. (deceased). Sarah A. and Kate, are the names of their children. Mr. Hostetler is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife belong to the Christian Church.

Digizedby Google

251

SHAWSWICK TOWNSHIP.

JESSE A. IKERD is a native of Lincoln County, N. C., born April 15. 1516. the ninth of ten children of John and Margaret (Smith) Ikerd, both natives of North Carolina, who came to Indiana about 1818. Jesse A. remained on his father's farm during youth, but at the age of eighteen years, with nothing but his hands and his energy, began doing for him- self. without education, save the rudiments. In March, 1836, he married Eliza Smith, who has borne bim nine children, of whom the following seven are now living: John, who married Susan Ront; Peter, who married Mary Rout: Joseph, who married Mary J. Beavers; Margaret, who mar- ried Harvey Swan; William H .. who married Mary Stipp; Polly A., who became the wife of James Tagne, and James M. April 28, IS81, Mrs. Ikord died. and October 1, 1553, he married Elizabeth Smith. Mr. Ikerd is an industrious. thoughtful and prosperous farmer, owning a fine farm of 411 acres. He is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. His parents were true pioneers in Indiana, and passed through all the hardships incident thereto.

ABEL L. IKERD, a native of Lincoln County, N. C., born Septem- ber 14. 1817. is the fourth of nine children of Philip and Susanna (Lutz. Ikerd. the parents natives of North Carolina, who came to Indi- ana in 1821. Abel L. received a meager education at the pioneer log- schoolhouses. n. d remained with his parents on their farm until near the age of twenty-six years. He married Elizabeth A. Litten, April 13, 1843. ! rat July 12 of the same year this lady died, and January 14, 1845, Mr. Ikerd married Aun B. Campbell, and to this union seven children were hrn. the following five now living: Susan C., the wife of Will. iam Lovell: John W., who married Em Listen: Samuel B., Philip H. and Ar el C. February 17. 1566. Mrs. Ikerd died, since which sad event Mr. Ikerd has remained single. He is a prosperous farmer with eighty. four here's of good land; he is a Democrat. a member of the Methodist Chures and an influential citizen.

PETER IKERD, a native of Shawswick Township, born December 15. 1935, the second of nine children of Jesse and Eliza A. (Smith) Ikerd, pas-end his youth on his father's farm. His schooling was very limited, thongi: by improving his time he mastered the rudiments. November 15, 1858, at the early age of twenty years, he married Mary E. Root, and to this minion six children were born, four of whom are now living: Jesse A., wbe married Cansada Spears; Florence 1., who married James L. Starr: Sadie J. and Julins O. Mr. Ikerd has secured a competency by hard work, good management and good habits. His occupation has been the foundationnl one of farming, and he now has 212 acres, a large, fine farm He and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a Repur.iran and takes an appreciative interest in politics and in all mat- ters that tend to better the community in which he lives.

JOHN JOHNSON. JR .. editor and proprietor of the Bedford Star, is A native of Barlington. V ... born September 18, 1850. When but sis montu- ell his parents John and Catharine (Murphy) Johnson, moved to Lawrence County. Ind., where John Jr. was raised. educated, and which has ever since been his home. When eighteen years old he began learn- ing the printer's trade in the office of the Bedford News, and after serv. ing an apprenticeship he undertook the mechanical work of the Bedford Buoner, then owned by James Carlton, which he continued about one year. In February. 1575. be published the first number of the Bedford Stare. then a four colman folio, but in October, 1877, enlarged it to a tive-

Digiand by Google

258

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

coluinn periodical, and in November. 1879, again enlarged it. this time to its present size. a six column folio. From the beginning. Mr. Johnson has made his paper a success, and it not only enjoys a large circulation but an extensive advertising patronage as well. The office is well equipped with a quantity of the best kind of type. and its presses con- sist of a Washington hand and a Gordon jobber. Mr. Jobnson has made the paper what it now is, and has ever conducted it in the best interests of the Democratic party.

ROBERT KELLY was born in Chester County. Penn .. July S, 1816, one of eight children born to William and Rachael (Thompson) Kelly. Our subject was raised on a farm, and in 183S went to New Orleans, but shortly afterward came to Bedford, Lawrence County. and settled, where he followed carpentering for some time. May 20. 1S45. he married Emily J. McLane, and to their union five children have been born: Edith. May F., Clarissa H .. Josephine (Houston) and William Mc- L. Mrs. Kelly died March 15. 1878. In 1845 Mr. Kelly began doing a general merchandise business, under the firm name of Dunihne & Kel. lv, at which time all goods had to be brought from Louisville by wagon. They did a large trade by flat-boats to points on the Mississippi: until 1865, when Mr. Kelly sold his interest, since which time he has been engaged extensively in farming, having at the present time over 500 acres. He is an A. F. & A. M. and a Republican, that party having elected him Treasurer of the county in 1872, and again in ISS2.

JEPHTHA D. KNIGHT. the fourth of six children of Marcus and Susan (Anderson) Knight, was born May 4, 1\17, and received but little education from the old subscription schools. His youth was passed with- ont noted event, and be continued to live with his parents until their respective deaths. January 18, 1553, he married Sarah Peniston. who bore him two children, only one being now living-Eliza, wife of Frank Hitchcock. March 4, 1881. Mrs. Knight died, and Jannary 16. 1853. Mr. Knight married Juliet Faris. He has followed the occupation of farming and stock-raising with success, and now owns 245 acres. all being well stocked. He affiliates with the National party, and is one of the county's most substantial citizens. His father was a native of Ken- tucky, and his mother of Virginia, and they came to Lawrence County at the very early date of 1S15. Here they became prominent and well- respected, and passed away lamented by all who knew them.

BAZEL W. LEE is a native of Orange County. Ind .. his birth occur. ring July 8, 1826, the third of eight children born to Spencer and Eliza- beth (Tegarden) Lee. the parents being natives of Kentucky, who came to this State about 1815. Bazel was educated to a limited extent at the old subscription schools. and passed his youth and early manhood at hard work on his father's farm. June 7, 1849. he married Nancy Hostetler. who has borne him eight children. four of whom are now living: Law- rence G .. who married Ellen Stipp; Francis MI .: A. J. and Claud. Jan- uary S. ISSO, Mrs. Lee died, and November 2. ISSI. Mr. Lee married Ellen (Mills) McElvea. Mr. Lee is an industrious farmer, and owns 340 acres of good land. He and wife are exemplary members of the Chris- tian Church. He is a Mason, and a supporter of the principles of the National party. He deals in fine stock, and owns a fine horse of the Morgan bloud.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 29

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 199-?] Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.] Number of Pages: 954

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 199-?]
Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.]
Number of Pages: 954