History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 34

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 34
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 34
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 34

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).

JACOB Y. BATES, retired, was born in Washington County, Ind .. December 9. 1520, son of Joseph and Catharine (Fringer; Bates, both natives of Baltimore, Md .. the former a farmer, born June 9, 17-2, and dying October 27, 1846: the latter born September 1. 1755. and dying August 31, 1846. They were married about 1504. and settled in Indiana in 1820. Subject was reared and educated in his native county, and at the age of eighteen left the farm and located in Claysville, taking half interest in a tannery, which continued eight years. In 1550 he pur-

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chased a stock of general merchandise, and opened at New Frankfort, Scott County. remaining there six years; then moved to Austin, and remained ten years, and in 1866 located at Mitchell. He purchased an interest in the Mitchell Mills, which he operated about ten years, since which time he has retired from active business. He owns 920 acres of land, and nine houses and lots in Mitchell. He was married May 27, 1851, to Miss Emily Kelley, born in Washington County, Ind., March 17. 1827, daughter of John and Minerva (Jenks; Kelley, respectively of Kentucky and New York. and by this union two children have been born: Rosaltha, born in 1554. now Mrs. Glover, and Luella F., dead. He is a Presby- terian. an A. F. & A. M., and a Republican.

WILLIAM G. BOHANON is the son of Jatnes and Eliza iTodd Bohanon, and was born in this township, January 28, 1841. The father was a native of North Carolina and the mother of Kentucky. The grand- parents moved first to East Tennessee and then in about 1535 to this township. They had five children -James being one. The latter was married in this county and had three children : George W., Caroline and William G. James was a farmer. a Whig, a Baptist, and a man of much influence and worth. He died in 1557. but his wife yet lives. Her par- ents were David and Mary (Martin) Todd, who settled in Orange County in 1825. William G. early made farming his occupation. He was indus- trions and judicious and soon began to accumulate. He now owns 550 acres and has a comfortable home. He raises stock of high grades. August 13. 1562. he married Ellen J .. daughter of Harrison Field, who was boru in February, 1843, and died January 24, 1873. June 27. 1880, he married Harriet J. Burton, who was born October 11. 1SGu. They have two children: Liza and Ida. He is a leading Republican His brother. George W., served three years in the Union Army in the Twenty- fourth Regiment.

MARVIN CLEVELAND was born in Shelby County, Ky., May 21, [810, son of Ezer and Martha ( Wadkins) Cleveland. the father a native of New York and the mother of Tennessee. The parents came to Clark County. Ind .. in I>14. and to Orange County in 1816. He died at Bry- antsville. October 20, 1953. and his wife died November 26, 1862. They were parents of thirteen children and consistent members of the Baptist Church. Marvin was reared at hard work on his father's farm and .. grad- nated" at a log schoolhouse with dirt floor and greased paper windows. To his marriage with Martha Noblitt. November 5. 1828. six children were born : Lavina. Mary A .. Celia. Sarah J .. Sylvia and Eli. Mrs. Cleve- land was born in Grayson County. Va., February 1. 1509. In 1931, Mr. Cleveland moved npon his prosent farm, where, by industry, frugality and integrity. he has made a comfortable home. He and wife are consistent Baptists. Mr. Cleveland being a pioneer Superintendent of Sabbath-schools and a Deacon. They reared a bound boy to manhood (P. N. White), who fell in the late wir. Eli Cleveland was born where he now resides, December 20. 1\45, and received in youth a good common school educa- tion. March 15. Isis, he married Julia A. Kearby, born in this county, October 21. 1542. They have one child -Marvin A. The county has no better citizens than the Cleveland familie -. Later. on the 20th of July, 1\\4. Marvin Cleveland died at the age of seventy-four and some months The community lo-t a gool neighbor and the county one of its best citi- zens.

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JAMES H. CRAWFORD was born in Orange County, N. C., Novem- ber 16. 1822. the first of eight children born to Samuel and Elizabeth (Pickard) Crawford, both natives of North Carolina, he born April 12, 1792. and died February 14, 1576; she born 1797 and died in 1860. They came to Indiana in 1833, settling upon a farm in Lawrence County. Subject was reared to farming and received an ordinary education. He first rented a farm and afterward bought a tract of land, which he sold, and then farmed in various localities, buying and selling different farms. In 1874 he formed a copartnership with James H. Brown. in Mitchell. which he disposed of after two years, but subsequently bought an interest for his son Henry H. August 16, 1563. he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He was mustered ont February 24. 1564. In INGS he was elected Justice of the Peace. and has served four terms. He was married September 25, 1845, to Margaret H. Dodd, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Barnhill) Dodd. and born Feb. ruary 10. 182S. To this union bave been born eight children. seven of whom are living: Elizabeth, Alice, Jane. Henry H., Carrie. Albert B. and Lyman B. The deceased was Annie, who died in 1866. The family are all Presbyterians, Mr. Crawford being an Elder in the church for thirty years. He is a Republican.

ISOM DAVIS was born in Marion Township, this county. September 26, 1839. son of Andrew and Nancy (Tyrie) Davis, natives of the " Old North State." and both early settlers of this county. Isom was the only child born to these parents, and when one year of age is father died. The mother married William Terrell, and now lives in Jasper County, Ill .. and has a large family. Isom lived with his step-father on the farm. securing a limited education in youth. At the age of nineteen he began for himself as a farmer, which occupation he has since followed. He has worked some for the railroads, runsn sar-mill. owns 220 acres of good land, is a Republican and a useful and substantial citizen. March 10. 1859. he married Parmelia, daughter of Daniel L. and Susan (Melvin) Smith. the father from Virginia and the mother from North Carolina. Mr. Davis and wife have these children : Henry MI., Phoebe E., M. MI. (dead). George MI., Rebecca A. and Nancy S. Mr. Davis takes a meritori ous interest in all worthy efforts to improve society.

JACOB M. DEISHER was born in Berks County. Penn .. August 22. 1844. His parents were Daniel and Lydia A. (Ebling) Deisher. both natives of Pennsylvania; former born 1503: latter. 1810. They were of German and French ancestry. their forefathers coming to the United States in colonial times from Hesse Darmstadt. Daniel and Lydia were the parents of thirteen children. In 1553 they removed from Pennsylvania. coming by boat to Wabash County. Ill., where they lived several years. In 1560 they moved to Clay County. Ill., where the parents died in 1872. The father was a good scholar in the German and English languages and taught school, being a man of more than ordinary ability. His wife was also well educated. Jacob M. was brought up on the farm and in the mill. In the spring of 1863 he enlisted in Company D. One Hundred and Fifty. fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; served until close of the war. He participated in numerous engagements. After his return home was on invalids' list. having lost his health to such an extent that it was nearly two years before he could perform manual labor. Entered the employ of Ohio & Mississippi Rail.

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way in 1867, remained with that company in capacity of fireman, brake- man and conductor until 1879, then was employed as baggageman and conductor for three years by Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railway. Since then has been engaged in mercantile pursuits in Mitchell, in con- nection with his brother Franklin. He married Miss Sallie Cook in 1874. She was born in Mitchell, Ind., in 1853. To this union has been born one child-Lydia A. Mr. Deisher is a member of Masonic and G. A. R. Orders. Franklin Deisher, brother to Jacob M., was born in Berks County, Penn., December. 16, 1851. He was reared on a farm and in the mill, receiving, like his brother, a common school education. For a number of years was in the employ of Ohio & Mississippi and Louisville. New Albany & Chicago Railways. In 1882 entered mercan- tile business in Mitchell, in which he is now engaged. He married Miss Adaline Dodson. September 7, 1882. She was born in Lawrence County. November 1, 1861. Franklin and Adaline are the parents of one child-Earle.

THE DODSON FAMILY, one of the oldest in Lawrence County, settled here as early as 1818. The father, George W. Dodson, a native of North Carolina, was reared there and when a young man married Miss Mary Thompson, and soon after the marriage moved to Kentucky, and in 1818 came to Indiana, locating in this county, where he died January 24, 1835, and his wife in 1858. Mr. Dodson's life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was well known and highly respected. In his family were five children. John L. Dodson, his third child, was born in Palestine. Lawrence County, Ind .. October 19, 1819. He is said to have been the first male child born in Palestine. He was reared on the farmu. and lived with his mother until he became of age, continuing on his father's estate until about 1847. In January, 1847, he and two brothers purchased 352 acres of land, which they farmed conjointly for about two years, when it was sold. In 1850 Mr. Dodson purchased his pre-ent farm, at that time comprising 333 acres. but now 500 acres, and also 400 acres near by in Spice Valley Township. He has been married twice. his first wife being Miss Nancy Bass, to whom he was married July 10. 1849. She was the daughter of John and Sallie (Fender) Bass, and was born in Lawrence County, dying January 1, 1877. To this union were born these children: Emma, Laura, Mary, Lyman, Sarah and Frank. His second wife was Demma Bass, a native of Lawrence County. To this union have been born two children: Raymond and Bertha. Mr. Dodson is a man of integrity, a public spirited citizen and highly esteetned. George W. Dodson, fifth and youngest of the children of the Dodson family. was born in Lawrence County, Ind., June 20, 1826. He was reared on the farm, and early in the fifties settled in Woodville, where kept store, but later began teaching school, which he followed two years. He was then for several years engaged in various kinds of busi- 1.454: general merchandising. hotel. drugs, school teaching and Deputy Postmaster. He has an orchard of eighty acres. He has been School Trustee of his township, and is the patentee of the Dodson Coffee Roaster. which has given satisfaction to all who have tried it, and has had quite an extensive sale. In 1983 he located where he is now in the drug trade. March 13. 1555, he married Miss Adaline Olinger, in Wood- ville. She was born in Harrison County, March 22, 1837, and three children have been born to them: Lillie, now Mrs. W. T. Moore; Mary F .. and Lizzie, deceased. Mr. Dodson and family are members of the

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Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Dodson is the oldest resident merchant in Mitchell, and is a man of fine business qualifications. Another brother. Alexander T., was born in Marion Town- ship. in 1823. He was reared on the farm. He is a man of great fore. sight. strong memory, and is remarkably well read in ancient and modern history. He now resides in Missouri. He married Catharine Davis. and to them were born several children. three of whom are still living: Will- iam, Mary and Ella.

JOHN EDWARDS was born in Ashe County, N. C., August 13, 1815. son of William and Permelia (Murphy) Edwards, natives respect- ively of North Carolina and Virginia; he was born in 1791; they were married 1813 or 1814, and in 1816 caine to Indiana. traveling on foot. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and a great huntsman; he died in 1864. Our subject was brought by his parents to Indiana when quite young. In 183S he purchased eighty acres of land, adding to it after. ward, making it 316 acres in all, which he has since disposed of to his chil- dren. In 1809 he was elected Township Assessor; has also served as Township Trustee. He was married in 1535 to Miss Lucy Burton. born in North Carolina March 20, 1820. a daughter of Allen and Sylvia (Reeves) Burton. and by this union ten children have been born: Will- iam H., Allen, Eli M., Malinda. Maria, John R .. James W., Mary F., living. and Louisa and Wesley, dead. The family are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a Republican. Mr. Edwards hns always taken an active interest in the cause of education, and has paid considerable attention to fruit-raising.

WESLEY EDWARDS was born in this township October 6. 1\22, son of William and Emily (Murphy) Edwards. Both parents wer . natives of North Carolina, where they were married and resided until 1-16, when they came to Orange County, and abont a year later to Lawrence County, locating on our subject's farm. Here the parents lived and farmed. well respected. until their deaths: the father dying in 1863. and the mother in 1850. The father was a soldier in the war of 1\12. was a Whig and a member of the Baptist Church, and was a man of more than ordinary worth. Wesley was one of ten children, seven of whom reached maturity. He passed his youth on a farm, and at the age twenty. two years married Sarah, daughter of Allen Burton, who bore bim seven children, only three now living: Herbert H., Lonisa and Harriet Mrs. Edwards was born in Ashe County. N. C., March. 1522. Wesley owned forty acres when he married; he now has 360 acres. For six years he WAR Connty Commissioner, and has honorably officiated in other respon - sible positions. He is a member of the Baptist Church. The count: has no better citizen.

HON. WILLIAM H. EDWARDS. attorney-at-law. was born in Marion Township. November 30. 1841. and after the usnal common school training, in 1865. entered Wabash Colleg, at Crawford-ville. where he remained till the following May, when he went to farming. and after accumulating enough to pay his expenses, entered the Law Depart- ineut of the University at Bloomington. During the year 1969 he was admitted to practice at the bar of Bedford. and located at Mitchell. where he has since remained: in 1504 was Assessor of Marion Township, and in 1868 was made Treasurer of Mitchell. In 1972 he was elected by the Republican party to the Legislature, serving a special and regular terms. December S. 1865. he was married to Miss Cornelia McCoy, a native of

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Ohio, and danghter of J. D. and Catharine (Ewing) McCoy, and one child has been born to them-John H. August 8, 1862, Mr. Edwards enlisted in Company H. Sixty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the following battles: Munfordville, Ky. (where he was captured), Vicksburg. Arkansas Post, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson. Champion Hills, Black River Bridge. and Siege of Vicksburg, where he was discharged by reason of disability. He is a member of the G. A. R.

DAVID H. ELLISON, County Superintendent, was born near Lees- ville. Lawrence County, October 7, 1851, son of James H. and Mary A. (Breckinridge) Ellison, natives of Indiana and Kentucky. In addition to the district schools, onr subject attended the high school at Leesville two years, and in 1872 he entered the State University at Bloomington. where he remained three years. He then taught school two years, after which he re-entered the State University, from which he graduated June 12. 1575, when he accepted the principalship of Leesville High School. remained five years, and in 1883 was appointed County Superintendent of Schools, receiving seven of the nine votes cast. He was married in Leesville June 11. 1878. to Miss Sarah Holland, born in October 3, 1555, and danghter of William A. and Jane (Jeter) Holland, and one child has blessed the union-Minnie. While at college the class agreed to give a silver cnp to the oldest child of any one of its members after five years, and the daughter of Mr. Ellison won the prize. He has two farms in Flinn Township, containing 350 acres of fine land. He is an I. O. O. F.

ASA ERWIN, farmer, was born in Shawswick Township, Lawrence Co .. Ind .. Jannary 23. ISIS, where he was reared to farming and educated, being the fifth of thirteen children born to Robert and Mary (Pearsole) Erwin, respectively of North Carolina and Wales. He has always fol- lowed farming, and in 1538 purchased fifty-eight acres in Marion Town- ship at $1.25 per acre. This land be improved. and has since added to it until he now has (il) acres in the tract, and owns 400 acres besides. In 1553 he permanently located in Mitchell, and is a large-hearted, pub- lie-spirited man. favoring all laudable undertakings. He has been twice married; first to Rosana Mason, January 2. 1841; she died in January, 1550, leaving six children-Priscilla, Beverly C., Henry C., Edward E .. Sarah J. and Milton Grant -living, and four dead. February 24, 1584, he married Mrs. Elizabeth S. Adams, a native of England. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Democrat, bnt was a Whig until the late war. having cast his first vote for Harri- son. Mr. Erwin is dealing extensively in litue, producing at his kilns near Whitlock about 1 i. (MM) barrels per year.

THE EVERSOLE FAMILY. The father. John Eversole, was born in Virginia, December 6, 1801. He went to Ohio in 1812. where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Lingle in 1527. she also being a native of Virginia, having been born in 1810. In 1535 the Eversole family came to Lawrence County. locating on the farm now owned by Isom Burton, Sr., where they kept a country tavern for two years, after which, remov. ing to Bedford. they conducted a hotel for about four years. From thence they came back to Marion Town-hip and located on the farm now owned by Mr. Eversole's widow, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1501. His widow still survives him at an advanced age. Prior to coming to Indiana MIr. Eversole was engaged in mercantile

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pursuits in Clarke County, Ohio; also farmed while there. In politics he was an Old Line Whig and Republican, and was always a strong anti- slavery man. Both he and his wife were well-known and highly esteemed. In the Eversole family were eight children: Sarah C., Jacob L., Jobn D .. Edward P., Mary E., Virginia, Emeline J. and James H., all of whom are living, and four of whom now reside in this county. They are all progressive people, highly respected by the communities in which they live. Edward P. Eversole, merchant, was born in Clarke County. Ohio. February 25, 1838, being the fourth of the Eversole children. He came to Lawrence County with his parents in 1838. He was reared on the farm, where he remained until of age, when he farmed conjointly with his father until 1802, when he enlisted in Company D, Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battle of Richmond. Ky., where he was twice wounded and captured. He was discharged ou account of disability, but in 1864 re-enlisted in Company H, Thirteenth Cavalry, acting in the capacity of Sergeant. At the battle of Murfrees. boro he was again wounded, and again discharged, and both times while on crutches. For some time after his return he farmed, but finally locat- ed at Mitchell, engaging in the grocery business, which has since occu- pied his time. He does a business of about $20,000 annually. He has been married three times; first to Miss Margaret Dodson in 1561, who died in 1864. She bore him one child-John W. His second wife was Ellen Davis, whom he married in 1566. and who died in 1569. His present wife was Mrs. Elizabeth ( McCoy) Linn, whom he married in 1971. and who has borne him two children: Wallace M. and Edith. The fam- ily are Presbyterians, and he is an I. O. O. F. and a Republican. James H. Eversole, the youngest of the Eversole family, was born in Marion Township, Lawrence County, Ind., April 2, 1848. He was reared on the farm, receiving a common school education. He has always resided on the old homestead, and most of the time since his father's death has had full control of the farm. He raised considerable stock, and is known as a practical and very successful farmer. On October 20, 1870, he was unit- ed in marriage with Miss Hannah E. Wood, who was born in Lawrence County November 26. 1548. To this union have been born six children: Hattie W., Mary E., John E., Gracie H., Henry B. and Robert V .; all of whom are living, except Robert V. Mr. Eversole has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. In politics he is a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are well known and highly esteemed.

HARRISON FIELD was born in Bourbon County, Ky .. October 22. 1810. son of Joseph and Jemima (Wright) Field. the father a native of Culpeper County, Va., and the mother of Woodford County, Ky. The Fields were originally from England, their settlement in this conn- try dating at colonial times. Members of the family served in the Revo- Intion and in the early Indian or border wars. The grandfather, Daniel, served in the Revolution and afterward bought a large tract of land in Bourbon County, Ky. The father married Miss Wright in Ken- tucky, and in 1814 settled in Washington County. this State, on Twin Creek, and about two years later came to Bono Township, but after a time located on the G. R. Field farm, in this township, and there passed the remainder of his days. His children were Thomas. George. Harrison (our subject). Sarah. Daniel. Willis and Joseph J. Our subject. when seventeen years old, with meager education, began farming for

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himself-hiring out by the month at $5, $0 and $8 per month. He made four trips to New Orleans on flat boats, receiving $30 for the round trip. At the end of seven years he had saved considerable and he bought eighty acres. He now has 240 acres. His wife, Ellen Rankin, whom he married October 13, 1835, bore him these children: Mary A., Sarah J., Susan Y., Harrison W., Ellen J., George T., William C., James W., Willis P., Albert MI. and John R. Sarah, Susan, George and John only are living. Harrison, Jr., died while in the last war. George served and safely returned. The Rankins settled in Washington County in 1811, and five years later near Bedford. Mr. Field is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. They are excellent people.

GEORGE R. FIELD was born in this township September 20, 1847, and is the son of George and Jane (Rankin) Field, of whom more par- ticular mention is made, together with much of the family history, in the sketch of Harrison Field above. Our subject's father was a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and was born in 1SOS. and his wife, Miss Rankin, in 1$10. in Woodford County, same State. Their children were as fol- lows: Sarah E., Elizabeth, Mary J., Jemima and George R., our sub. ject. The father died in 1877, but the mother yet lives at Orleans. The father was a Whig and a Republican. George R. received a limited education and was trained for a farmer. He lives now upon the old homestead and has 120 acres of land well improved. His wife, Mary A. Kelly, born near Ironton, Ohio. April 2, 1849, was united in marriage with him August 17, JS70. Mr. Field is disposed to be liberal in poli- ties and is a prominent member of the community.

I. N. GLOVER, of the firm of Malott & Glover. was born in Orange County. Ind., July 15. 1855, where he was reared and educated. He is the youngest of six children born to Thomas G. and Eliza (Elgin) Glover. respectively of Kentucky and Indiana; he born in 1805 and she in 1811. both still living. Our subject in 1872 located at Bedford, where be studied telegraphy and followed that business there, at Salem, Bloom- ington and Mitchell, being agent for the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railway. In ISSI he bought an interest in the milling business, and after one year sold, and opened a clothing store, soon after taking in as partner J. H. Malott, when the business was extended to take in dry goods and notions, now handling a stock of over $10,000. He was Town Clerk of Mitchell in 1880. He was married October 15, 1879, to Miss Rosa C. Bates, daughter of Jacob Y. and Emily (Kelley) Bates, natives of Indiana. Miss Bates was born in Scott County. Ind., October 24. 1854. and by their union they have one child-Merle B. The family are Presbyterians, and he is a Republican.

GEORGE W. HAMER was born in Marion Township, Lawrence County. Ind. His parents were Hugh and Elizabeth (Fitzpatrick) Hamer. the former a native of New York. the latter of Ohio. Hugh, as an apprentice to Mr. Hammersley. came to Indiana at an early day. In 1929 he and his brother, Thomas IL, rented the mill in Marion Town- ship which still bears their name. In 1831 they purchased it. operating it until about 1-49. when Hugh assumed full control, and conducted it until his death. March 10. 1972. While together the brothers also operated a distillery, which Hugh afterward had charge of. From about 1843 to IN the family kept store there. Hugh Hamer was commissioned Post- master at Spring Mill the name of the postoffice at Hamer's Mill), by

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History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 34

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