History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 38

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 38
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 38
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 38

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).

AMBROSE WILLIAMS (deceased) was born in 1840 in Indian Creek Township, Lawrence Co., Ind., son of Garret G. and Lucy (Kern) Williams, and was of English origin. When the twenty-first anniversary of the birth of Mr. Williams came round it found him doing battle in the world for himself. His marriage took place in 1862, to Miss Eliza Cox. also a native of Lawrence County. To this union were born six children, three of whom survive their father. viz .: Charles L., Eddie E. and Clay D. In 1861 Mr. Williams settled where Mrs. Williams now resides, and here he possessed 326 acres of land. He was a true Repub. lican and a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Williams was one of the noble men of his township and a greatly praised citizen. His death occurred in ISS1. Mrs. Williams is in very comfortable circumstances and i- a member of the Christian Church.

MICHAEL E. WILLIAMS (deceased) was born in 1853, a native of Indian Creek Township, son of Dixon and Cynthia (Cox) Williams, and was of English extraction. The parents of Mr. Williams were among the early people of Lawrence County. Mr. Williams spent his early life in service for his father on the farm, and attending the district school. When abont twenty-one years of age he was found doing the struggles of life for himself. He was married in 1Ss1 to Miss Mary A. Boyd, a native of Pike County. Ill .. born in 1\57. daughter of William E. and Martha Boyd. By occupation Mr. Williams was a prominent farmer. A- a man he was truly honorable, and in point of charity and care for the afflicted, none in his township escelled him. He was energetic and of much public spirit. His death took place in 1952, at which time he possessed more than 300 acres of land. He was an earnest Republican, and1 for some years had taken part in local politics. His death was long mourned by a long line of relatives and numerous friends. Mrs. Will- iams still resides on the old homestead. She now has 212 acres of land, on which i- a comfortable residence, which was erected in 1853. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Christian Church, and is a most amiable woman. while her husband was a man of sterling worth.

PERRY TOWNSHIP.

ABI ARMSTRONG. pioneer, was born in Wayne County. Ind .. November 4. 1911. son of John and Letitia (Dye) Armstrong; is the sixth in n family of thirteen children, and is of Scotch-German lineage. The father of Mr. Armstrong was born in the Old Penn Commonwealth in 1776. and his mother in New Jersey. The paternal grandparent of Mr. Armstron ; was James Armstrong, a native of Scotland, where the Arm. strong family is supposed to have originated. When the father of Mr. Armstrong was thirteen years of age, he came with his parents from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, where they remained until ISIO, when they

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removed to the territory that now composes Wayne County, Ind., and there the family remained until 1815, when it came to the territory of which Lawrence County is now composed. and made settlement near the present site of the town of Mitchell, and there the family remained two years. and then came to what is now Perry Township, and a cabin was erected where Mr. Ari Armstrong's house now stands. Here his father died in 1866, and his mother in 182S. The father of Mr. Armstrong was one of the first white men to make settlement in Lawrence County. He was also a prominent mau, and was extensively known for his upright- ness and integrity. He was formerly a member of the Baptist Church, but later in life united with the Christian Church. When the subject of this sketch had gained his years of majority, he took up the success05 and reverses of life for himself. His first move was to borrow $300 of the Bedford Bank, and go to Cincinnati and invest it in Peacock plows, and bring his investment to Springville for sale. These were the first iron mold-board plows ever known in Perry Township, and consequently 1834 marks the new era as far as plows are concerned in this township. The money which Mr. Armstrong borrowed was the first loaned from the Bedford Bank after its establishment. The marriage of Mr. Armstrong took place in 1835 to Miss Mary Short, a native of Pulaski County. Ky .. but who came to Lawrence County in 1S18. To this marriage were born twelve children, six of whom survive their mother, whose death occurred November. 1554. The subject of this sketch was married again in 1565 to Mrs. Sarah A. Pitman, who was born in Lawrence County. To this union have been born seven children. MIr. Armstrong is one of the most extensive land-holders in the county, and now has 1.700 acres. For many years be has been dealing in stock, and is yet one of the leading stock.men of the country. Politically Mr. Armstrong is a Republican. Under the old law he was one of the Trustees of Perry Township for a number of years. In 1871 he was elected County Commissioner of Law. rence County, and as such he served two terms. He has been a member of the Christian Church for fifty-six years. and has been an officer in that church most of the time. For nearly sventy year- Mr. Armstrong has been a resident of Lawrence County, and for a half century he has been one of its leading and successful men.

FELIX ARMSTRONG, ex. Trustee and stock-dealer, i- the phlest son of Ari and Polly (Short) Armstrong. born Angust 10, 1537, in Perry Township, Lawrence Co., Ind. The early life of Mr. Armstrong was spent in attending the common schools and assisting his father on the farm. When twenty-one years of age he began life for himself, and at the time went to Owensburg. and engaged in the mercantile but-iness in partnership with Mr. Hatfield. This partnership lasted nutil the breaking out of the late war, when Mr. Arin-trong was the third inan to enlist in Jackson Township, Greene County. He wa- a member of Com- pany H. Fifteenth Indiana Volunteers. He was, after three months' service, honorably discharged at Indianapolis. About this time Mr. Arm- strong began trading and dealing in stock, which he ha- since continued. As a trader he has been very succe -- ful. He own- 1.000 acres of good land. Hi- improvements on the home farm are among the best to be found in Perry Township. The marriage of Mr. Armstrong took place in 1867. to Miss Sarah Rector. a native of Martin County. Ind. They have four living children, viz. : Iona G .. Schuyler C .. Homer and Lulu. Mr. Armstrong has been a life-long Republican. In 1574 he was elected

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Trustee of Perry Township, re-elected in 1876, and re-elected again in 1880. During his last administration he erected the Springville graded school building. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong are members of the Christian Church. He is one of the leading men of Lawrence County and an honorable citizen.

J. T. BEARD, Trustee-elect of Perry Township, was born in Harri- son County. Ind., May 6. 1529, son of Jesse and Charlotte Beard. whose maiden name was Bullock. The Beard family are of Scotch. Irish lineage and in America is first known in Kentucky, where the father of Mr. Beard was born, though his mother was of Georgian nativity. In 1812 Mr. Beard's father came to Harrison County, Ind., or the territory that now composes that county. He was one of the early-day mnen of that section. His death took place there in ISSO. The early life of our subject was passed in attending school and working for his father. After quitting his father he began boating, and for a number of years was engaged in shipping produce down the Ohio River. The la-t hoat. load was run in 1860. In 1864 Mr. Beard came to Lawrence County. and for a short time lived in Marshall Township. and then rem wed to where he now resides in Perry Township, near Springville. Here he has 120 acres of moderntely well improved land, and for quite a number of years bas been giving his attention to agriculture. The marriage of Mr. Beard took place in 1-54. to Mi-s Nancy MI. Wolfe, also a native of Harrison County. Ind. To this union the following children have been boru: Ada. May (deceased). Clay. Frank (deceased). Otis (deceased). Ettie and Olive. Mr. Beard is a Republican, and in 1578 was elected Traster of Perry Township, and served one term to the satisfaction of his constit. nents. and was re-elected to the same office in April, ISS4. Mr. and Mrs. Beard are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. aud he is a Ma-on. having been con Ineted into the lodge by Po-tmaster.General Walter Q. Gresham.

WILLIAM CULMER was born in the county of Kent, England, March 1. 1922, son of Stephen and Sarah (Woodruff ) Calmer; is the fourth in a family of eleven children, and is of pure English lineage. When Mr. Cnhmer was about thirteen years of age he came with his parents to America and settled in Alleghany County. Penn., where the family lived until 1552. when it emigrated to Lawrence County. Ind .. and made settlement in Perry Township, and here the subject of this mention has since resided. By occupation Mr. Culmer is a farmer and stock-raiser. Formerly he gave most of his attention to farm. ing. but of late years has been more extensively engaged in stock- raising. He owns more than 400 acres of well improved land, and is one of the leading and successful men of Perry Township. He has made his own way in life and through energy and economy has obtained a com- petence. The marriage of Mr. Culmer took place in 1946. to Miss Susanna Catherwood, a native of Pittsburgh, Penn. To this union have been born the following children: John W., Charles C .. George (deceased), Stephen, Eliza (deceased). Sarah E., Fannie and William. Mr. Culmer has given munch attention to the education of his children. Charles C. and Stephen are graduates of Asbury University and John W. of the State University at Bloomington. These sons are mini-ters in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which church Mr. and Mrs. Cnlmer are members. Mr. Calmer is a Republican and has been A-senior of Perry Township. The family is well known and highly respected.

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THEODORE DAVIS, farmer, is a native of Perry Township, Law- rence Co., Ind., born March 9, 1852, son of Jesse and Rachael (Dix) Davis, and is of English-Irish extraction. The father of Mr. Davis was born in Lawrence County. Ind .. and his mother in Monroe County. His father died in Missouri in ISSO. The paternal grandfather and bene- factor and best friend of the subject of this biography, was Reuben Davis, a native of North Carolina. and who came to Lawrence County in its primitive days. He was a member of the Friends' Church, and meetings were often held at the house of this old pioneer. He was a Republican, and one of the true and honorable men of this county. His death, which occurred in IS80, is yet deeply mourned by his grandson. The wife of this venerable old gentleman, who is known as Aunt Hannah, still sur- vives her husband, and is in her eighty-ninth year. The great-grand- father of the subject of this memoir was Jesse Davis. The Davis family is, in a distant way, connected to William Penn, the famous old Quaker of Pennsylvania. Mr. Davis has in his possession a pair of sleeve but. tons that were once worn by Penn. When Mr. Davis had reached the sixteenth anniversary of his birth, he began life for himself, and for some time labored on the farm by the mouth. and then began carpenter. ing. at which he continued for some time, and then began farming. Through energy and a will for industry. Mr. Davis has made a comfort. able home. He now owns 220 acres of well improved land. Mr. Davis was married, in 1850, to Miss Lizzie J. McConnell. a native of Ohio. They have children as follows: Simeon and Jessie L. Mr. Davis is a thorough Republican, and one of the leading and most enterprising young men of Lawrence County. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN M. GAINEY, Township Trustee and general merchant, is the son of Wesley and Sarah (Barker) Gainey, boru in Taylor Township, Greene Co., Ind., Angust 2, 1846, and is of Scoteb- English lineage. The early life of Mr. Gainey was spent in attending school. In his sixteenth year he enlisted in the United States Army, in Company D. Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers, and after taking part in the battles of Petersburg. second Bull Run, Winchester. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg. Wilderness, Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor, he was honorably discharged March 7. 1565. in front of Petersburg, Va. The father of Mr. Gainey, who was a native of Lawrence County. Ind., was also a soldier in the late war, and was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness. He was one of the early-day men of Lawrence County; his death took place in 1880. After this service in his country's cause the subject of this sketch engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store in Bedford. Either as a clerk or iu the mercantile business Mr. Gainey has been engaged since the time of the war. save two years that he served as Deputy Auditor of Lawrence County. In 1873 he began business in Springville, at which he still continues. He has a general store, and has a capital of $3.000 invested. Mr. Gainey has one of the most complete stocks of goods in Springville, and one of the best selected. Politically he is an ultra Republican, and always has been. His first Presidential vote was cast for U. S. Grant. In ISS2 he was elected Trustee of Perry Township. During his administration he increased teachers' wages. and lengthened the term of schools. Mr. Gainey believes in compulsory education, and is au advocate of the greatest possible advancement in an educational point of view. He was married. in IS67, to Miss Kate E. Woodward. a native of Springville.

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Mrs. Gainey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Gainey is a member of the I. O. O. F., and one of the enterprising men of Lawrence County.

JOHN A. GUNN is a native of the village of Springville, this county, born May 5, 1559, son of Dr. J. H. and Lulu (Gainey) Gunn, and is the second in a family of eight children, and is of Anglo- French origin. His early education was secured at the public schools of his native town, but later he spent five years at Hanover College and the Universities of Asbury and Notre Dame, at the conclusion of which he returned to Spring- ville and engaged in stock-dealing. He now owns a fine farm of 600 acres, a large portion of which is blue-grass pasture. Politically Mr. Gunn is a stanch Democrat, and cast his first Presidential ballot for Gen. Hancock. Since his twentieth year he has taken a hand in the uncertain game of politics, and is one of the most active of his party in the county. In IS82 he was nominated over four older competitors for the office of County Sheriff. He was defeated by fifty-three votes only, while the Republican majority on the State ticket in the county was 538. Of the ten townships he carried seven, an attestation of his popularity and confessed honor. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and his life, well begun. is before him.

WILLIAM H. HAMMONDS was born in Lincoln County, Ky., July 4, 1829, son of Joseph and Fannie (Pendlay) Hammonds; is the second in a family of four children and is of Irish extraction. The parents of Mr. Hammonds were born in Virginia. His paternal grandfather was Absalom Hammonds, a supposed native of Ireland. When Mr. Hammonds was sixteen years of age he came to Lawrence County, Ind., and made set. tlement in Perry Township. Iu 1852 he was married to Miss Melinda Fields, a native of Lawrence County. Mrs. Hammonds died in 1877, and the same year our subject was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Pierce, a native of Indian Creek Township, born 1557. They have two children, viz .: William W. and Elizabeth E. In 1861 Mr. Hammonds enlisted in the United States Army. He was at Ft. Pillow, and was afterward with Commodore Foote's gun-boat fleet. After a continued army life of thirty seven months he was honorably discharged at Camp Distribution, Virginia. in 1964. He is a Democrat, and has resided where he now lives since he returned from the army. While serving his country he lost his health. Mr. and Mrs. Hainmonds are members of the Christian Church.

JACOB HOLMES. ohl pioneer. was born in Floyd County, Ind., July 24, 1813. son of Martin and Elizabeth (Young) Holmes; is the eldest in a family of nine children. and is of English-Irish and Dutch origin. The father of Mr. Holmes was born in Virginia, and his mother in Mary- land. In 1811 his father came to the territory that now composes Indiana and settled in what is now Floyd County, and here his marriage took place. In 1520 he removed to Greene County and there remained three years, and in 1823 the family made settlement in Perry Township, Law- rence Co., and here the father of Mr. Holmes lived until 1833, when he was accidentally killed by a falling tree. He was one of the pioneers of Indiana and a prominent inan. At the age of twenty Mr. Holmes began fife for himself. He went to New Albany and for a time worked upon a brick-yard. and then went to New Orleans und there remained a short time. and then returned to New Albany and engaged in running a fiat- boat on the Ohio River, which he continued for a number of years. His

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marriage took place in 1542 to Miss Clementine Riddle, a native of the Hoosier State. To this marriage were born ten children. for of whom are still living. Mrs. Holmes died in 1862, and two years later MIr. Holmes was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Carson, whose maiden name was Dix. To this nnion were born five children, three of whom are living. In 1842 Mr. Holmes settled where he now and has ever since resided. Here he has 220 acres of moderately well improved land. As a farmer. he has been successful. He cast his first Presidential vote for Harrison, and is now a Republican. His eldest son (Paris G.) was a soldier in the late war and, July 3. 1862, he died of illness contracted while doing his country service. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

LYNDEN LOWDER was born in Orange County. Ind., December 23, 1$16. son of Ralph and Achsa (Hodson) Lowder: is the eldest in a family of seven children and is of Scotch-English extraction. The parents of our subject were of North Carolina nativity, and came to Orange County, Ind., in 1815, and there they resided one year and then came to what is now Lawrence County, and settled in the terri- tory that now composes the Township of Perry, and there the father of Mr. Lowder died in 1875. This was one of the first families that came to this part of the county. When the subject of this mention was in his sixteenth year, while out hunting one autumn day. near where he now lives, came upon, and killed a huge black bear. One shot from the rifle of Mr. Lowder brought the bear down, and when dressed, weighed three hundred and twenty pounds. Mr. Lowder sold one-half of old bruin at 15 cents per pound, and its hide at 86. This was one of the last bears that was killed in Perry Township, as well as one of the largest. The twenty. first year of our subject found him doing life's battle for himself, and for some time he did farm work by the month. His marriage took place in 1840, to Miss Mary H. Short. a native of Lawrence County. Ind. To this union were born nine children, and those that are living are as follows: Mary. Martha. Lindsey, James, Nettie J., Sallie and Allen. In 1841 MIr. Lowder settled where he now lives, and owns 200 acres of well improved land. This farm he cleared from the green. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and cast his first Presidential ballot for Harrison. Mr. Lowder had two sons in the late war. Mr. and Mrs. Lowder are mem- bers of the Christian Church.

WILLIAM LEMON PEARSON (deceased) was born in Perry Town. ship. Lawrence Co. Ind., January 31. 1832. son of Eliphalet and Amelia Aun (Lemon) Pearson and is of English extraction. The father of Mr. Pearson came from Boston. Mas -. , at a very early day and made settlement at Jeffersonville, Ind .. where he remained a short time and then removed to Lawrence County and settled in Perry Town. ship. He was one of the pioneer men of this township, and one of the early-day merchants of Springville. The carly life of the subject of this mention was spent in clerking in his father's store and at work on the farm. The battle of life began with him at twenty-one years. He was married April 21. 1859. to Miss Amanda J. Moore, a native of Lawrence County, born March 27. 153>. daughter of Uriah and Amanda Moore. To thi- union were born sis children, viz: Emma. Edward E., Charles E .. Eliphalet. "Edith and William A. Hleceased). In 1864 Mr. Pearson settled where Mrs. Pearson now resides. Br occu-

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pation he was a farmer and stock-raiser, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1875, he possessed eight hundred and sixty acres of laud. He was a Republican, and for twelve years served as Justice of the Peace in Perry Township. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. a leading citizen and one of Perry Township's eminent men. Mrs. Pearson is one of the prominent women of her neighborhood and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM PRESTON (deceased) was one of the old settlers of Lawrence County, a native of Kentucky, and born in 1792. In 1826 he emigrated from his native State to Lawrence County and began improv. ing a farm in Perry Township. He was a soldier in 1812, and was at the battle of New Orleans. His marriage occurred about 1816 to Miss Elizabeth Baker, a native of North Carolina. Of the eleven children born to them. only four survive: Mary, William, Elizabeth and John. Mrs. Preston died in 1845 and Mr. Preston in 1881. He was a Repub- lican. In early life he united with the Baptist Church, but later he joined the Christian Church, of which he was a member at the time of his death. He was a good man and an honorable citizen. Since the death of Mr. Preston. the old homestead has been owned and managed in common by the four children. They now have more than 300 acres of well improved land and have been successful. The suns are energetic furmers, and for some years have been giving attention to raising fine stock. They are Republicans and upright men.

J. M. ROBERTS is the second in a family of eight children, born to Stephen and Mary C. (Buchanan) Roberts, and is of Irish origin. The father of Mr. Roberts was by birth a Kentuckian, but when quite young was brought to Lawrence County, Ind., where he died in 1854. When our subject gained bis majority. he assumed the duties of life for him. self. and at once began farming and dealing in stock, at which he has since continued. By industry, energy and economy he has been highly successful in life. He now owns 530 acres of choice land. 300 of which are devoted to pasture or grazing. In 1859 Mr. Roberts was united in mar- riage to Miss Lizzie Strain of Ohio nativity. To this union have been born the following children: Ella A., Emma, Martha, Joseph and Luna. For nineteen years MIr. Roberts has resided where he now lives, and in the home farm are 404 acres of good land, on which is a good house and good improvements. In politics the subject of this sketch is a Republican, but cast his first Presidential ballot for Stephen A. Douglas. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. he having been a member of that church for twenty-five years.

OWENS SHORT was born in this county March 14, 1818; son of Wesley und Rebecca (Owen-) Short; is the seventh in a family of nine children, and is of Welsh. English extraction. The father of Mr. Short wa- horn in Virginia. December 20, 1750, and his mother in the same State September 15. 1752. His paternal grandfather was John Short, also a native of Virginia, born February 15, 1750. In 1817 the father of Mr. Short came to Indiana, and for a time remained in Washington County, but early in 1515 he made settlement in Lawrence County. His death took place September 16, 1552, and was followed September 20, 155%, by his wife. The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent in farming and attending school. In 1840 Mr. Short had made so much advancement that he taught n district school. In all, he has now taught sixteen tornis. He has extended bis education so that he is considered

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one of the best scholars and read men in his neighborhood. He attended the State University at Bloomington some time, and but for ill health. would have graduated. He was married August 6, 1850. to Miss Mary E. Lancaster, a native of Boone County, Ky .. born September 18, 1827, and who, in 1846, came with her parents to Greene County. Ind. This union had the following children: Flora I .. 1855: Victoria. 1857; Emma E., 1859; Ulysses G., IS68. The last named deceased in 1875. The other children (three) died in infancy. In 1850 Mr. Short settled where he now resides. Here he has a farm consisting of 450 acres. on land where the first house of Perry Township was erected. At the early age of fifteen years Mr. Short united with the Christian Church, of which he has ever since been a member, and for twenty years he has been a local preacher in that denomination. Mrs. Short has been a member of the same church for thirty-four years. She is a most amiable, Christian lady. He is an earnest Republican, and a highly respected and honora. ble citizen.

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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 38

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