History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 71

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 71
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 71
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 71

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).

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started West to build up a home for himself. He located in Paoli, Ind., where he commenced working at his trade, and where by energy and industry he has built up a good business in the manufacture of buggies, spring and farm wagons and general blacksmithing. Mr. Stout is one of the thorough-going, self-relying men of Paoli; is a Democrat in politics, and both he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In 1880 Miss Mary Dickey became Mrs. George H. Stout, and two children are the result of this union, named Lena and Henry.

HON. JAMES F. STUCKER was born in Harrison County, Ind., in 1831; son of Rev. David W. and Ann (Lister) Stucker, and is of Ger- man lineage. The father of Mr. Stucker was born in Franklin County, Ky., in 1802, and his grandfather in North Carolina in 1773, and the great-grandfather was a Virginian, and was killed by Indians. In 1806 the father of Mr. Stucker came to the Territory that now composes Indiana, and settled in what is now Washington County, formerly Harrison. At an early age he began to preach, at which he continued until his death, which occurred in 1881 at New Albany, Ind. He was one of the pioneer ministers of the Hoosier State. The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent on the farm and at carpentering. In 1861 he enlisted in the United States Army, in Company K, Sixty-third Indiana Volun- teers. He was commissioned Captain of his company in July, 1865. Mr. Stucker was at the battles of Shiloh, Forts Henry and Donelson, Cham- pion Hills, Raymond, Vicksburg, Atlanta, Savannah, and many others, and was with Sherman to the sea. Capt. Stucker was honorably dis- charged in 1865. In 1866 he came to Orange County and settled in Paoli, where he has since resided. The same year he purchased a one- half interest in what has since been known as the King & Stucker Mill, and this interest Mr. Stucker has since retained. In 1870 he was elected Sheriff of Orange County, and served one term. In 1878 he was elected to represent the counties of Orange and Crawford in the General Assembly of Indiana, and was re-elected to the same office in 1882. During the first session he introduced in the House twenty-three bills, and thirteen during the second session. The marriage of Capt. Stucker took place in 1870 to Miss Jane Jordan, of Corydon, Iud., who bore him five children, all of which are deceased and as follows: John, Minnie, Katie, James, and an infant that died nnnamed. Capt. Stucker is an uncompromising Democrat, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and one of the leading and honorable men of southern Indiana.

GEORGE W. THOMAS was born January 6, 1847, in Harrison County, Ind., as were also his parents, Richard and Elizabeth (Cayden) Thomas. The grandparents of George W. settled in Indiana before it was admitted a State, and were among the first settlers of the Territory. When eight years old the subject of this sketch moved to Washington County with his mother, and was reared and educated near Hardinsburg. In 1865 he came to Orange County, and the same year wedded Mies Elizabeth Cornwell, daughter of William H. and Elton Cornwell, and by her is the father of four children : Flora E., Emma, Anna and Maggie D. The fall of 1865 Mr. Thomas moved to Missouri, but returned shortly thereafter to Indiana, finally settling in Orange County, where he yet resides. He has farmed, been engaged in mercantile pursuits at Chambersburg, the hardware and furniture business at Paoli, is now operating a store at English, Crawford County, and is the owner of over 200 acres of good land, seven acres being within the town corporation of

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Paoli. Mr. Thomas is an Odd Fellow, a Free Mason, a Democrat, and be and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In 1850 he was elected Treasurer of Orange County, and served one term of two years.

JONATHAN THOMPSON, familiarly known as "Uncle Jot." is the third of the children of Enoch and Martha (Lindley) Thompson, and was born March 11, 1812, in Orange County. N. C. In 1526, with his parents he located in Paoli Township, this county, where he has ever since lived. Jonathan received only a common school education, and his youth was passed in assisting his parents on the farm. Like most of the family he has always engaged in farming, and he now owns.331 acres of land, the greater part of which is under cultivation. December 20, 1838, he was united in matrimony to Sarah. daughter of Silas and Mary (Lindley) Dixon. To this marriage nine children have been born, as fol- lows: Mary. Nathan D., Martha. William L., Elma, Charles C. and Walter J. The oldest son Nathan was a soldier in Company D, Sixty- sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served in the late war until the company was mustered out in June, 1566. He was in the battles of Richmond, Collierville, Dallas, Atlanta, with Sherman to the sea, and thence through the Carolinas to Washington. Mr. Thompson cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Harrison on the Whig ticket in 1836. Since 1860 he has affiliated with the Republican party. Both he and wife belong to the Society of Friends. They are among Orange County's pioneers, and throughout their long lives have aided in improv- ing the affairs of their community.

HENRY THOMPSON, farmer and stock-raiser, uf Paoli Township, was born on the farm where he yet lives, and is a son of David and grandson of Enoch Thompson. Enoch was a native of North Carolina, where he married Martha Lindley, and where David was born in 1810. In the fall of 1826. the family settled on Section 7, Paoli Township, Orange Co., Ind. They were induced to come West by their religious antipathy to slavery. belonging to the Society of Friends or Quakers. Of their family of fourteen children, five are now living. David Thompson. like his father before him, chose farming for his avocation through life. His wife was Melinda Wilson, of Washington County, who bore him four children. He was one of the foremost citizens of the county and took an active interest in educational affairs. Of their children, Henry, Deborah, Rachael and Isabel, only the youngest is married, and she to Adolphus Braxtan of Paoli. Henry Thompson has never known any home but Orange County. He attended the Quaker meeting.house school near his present home. and afterward took a two years' course in Earlham College at Richmond, Ind. He enlisted as a private, August 11, 1862. and on the 19th of the same month was monstered into the United States service in Company D, Sixty-sixth Regiment Indiana Vol- unteer Infantry. He was engaged in the battles of Richmond, Ky., Collierville. Tenn., Dallas. Ga., the siege of Atlanta, with Sherman to the sea, up through the Carolinas to Washington, participating in the grand review at that place. He was honorably discharged June 14, 1865. Mr. Thompson owns 518 acres of land in the county, a part of which is the old home farm.

JOSEPH WEEKS was born in Paoli Township, Orange County, Ind., January 22, 1828. the youngest of eight children of Joseph and Lydia (Montgomery) Weeks. Joseph Weeks, Sr., came to Indiana in June, 1811. at that time a single man. but was soon after married and

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became one of the substantial men of his neighborhood. His son Joseph was educated in the common schools of his day. and during all his life has engaged in farming. Excepting the first year of his life he has always lived on the same farm where he now resides, and which consists of 240 acres. In June, 1852, his marriage with Eunice Trueblood was solemnized, and to them nine children have been born, these six now living: Anderson, Sarah, Perry, Nathan L., Ollie and Addie. Mrs. Weeks is a member of the Quaker Church at the Beech Grove Society near where they live. Mr. Weeks was formerly a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and is now a Republican in politics, having left the Whig party for that in 1860. He usually takes a good healthy interest in public affairs of his county.

SHELBY WOLF, one of the oldest and most prominent farmers of the county, was born in Stampers Creek Township, January 8, 1814, son of Henry and Lucy (Grigsby) Wolf. The father was a Virginian, son of John and Elizabeth Wolf, and moved to Kentucky in 1812. Henry and wife came to Stampers Creek in 1813, and lived there until their deaths. They had ten children and were industrious, upright Christian people. Shelby, their son, was reared a farmer, and was given a common education. November 3, 1836, he married Susanna H. Throop, who was born in Virginia. January 17, 1817. Their children were: Susanna H., Rebecca MI .. Adaline K .. Lucy J., Jefferson T., Hester E., Anna E. and Mary E. Mrs. Wolf died February 20, 1963, and June 15, 1871, Mr. Wolf married Elizabeth J. Johnson, who was born in this county Sep. tember 7, 1529. Mr. Wolf has passed a long life of labor and useful- ness. and to-day bears a name as good as gold. By good habits, economy, industry and integrity, he has made a comfortable home and 240 broad acres. He is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church, and is que of the most substantial and prominent farmers of the county.

JEFFERSON T. WOLFE, merchant at Chambersburg, was born in Stampers Creek Township, September 4,1844. He is one of five surviv- ing children in a family of seven, born to Shelby and Susannah (Throop) Wolfe, who are appropriately mentioned elsewhere in this work. Jeffer- son T. was reared in his native county and has always made it his home. His education was all obtained while a youth in the common schools near where he lived. Until 1878 he pursued farming as his avocation, but in that year he engaged in the drug trade at Paoli in company with his brother-in-law, Mr. Solomon Scott. At the end of one year be returned to the farm, remaining there until he sold out in 1SS0. He then began doing a general merchandise trade at Chambersburg, which he has since continued with reasonable success. He carries a stock valued at about $2.500, consisting of dry gouds, boots and shoes, hats, caps, queensware, etc. In April. 1-53. he was commissioned Postmaster at Chambersburg, and is yet holding that position. December 10, 1568, he was married to Mary A., daughter of Thomas and Elvina (Mayfield) Hunt, who were among the pioneers of Greenfield Township and where Mrs. Wolfe was born September 27, 1544. The following are their children: Edward S., Laura D., Dessie E ... Maggie A., Hester and William J. Politically MIr. Wolfe is a Democrat and religiously both he and wife are of the U'nited Brethren persuasion.

WILLIAM W. WORRELL, a native of Orange County, Ind., was born January 15, 1521. a son of Samuel and Jane (Walker) Worrell who were born in Kenturky, immigrated to Indiana shortly after it was adınit-

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ted into the Union, then returned to their native State and again came to Orange County in 1827, where Samuel Worrell died in 1828. At fifteen years of age William W. began serving a three years' apprenticeship at the tailor's trade under Elbert Jeter, at Orleans, and after working at his trade until about 1850, he accepted a situation as salesman and cutter in a large establishment which he retained twelve years. Responding to the President's call for troops in 1862, he became a member of Company E, Sixty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and remained in active service until the close of the war. Mr. Worrell was taken prisoner at Richmond, Ky .. but was exchanged in time for him to join Sherman's army on its march to the sea. While in the service he met with the misfortune of almost totally losing his hearing. Since the war, with nine years' excep- tion, while a resident of Illinois, Mr. Worrell has always resided in his native county. In politics he is a Republican and in 1884, as the candi- date of his party, he was elected County Recorder. In 1842, Miss Anna Dayhuff, a native of Paoli, Ind., became his wife, and seven of the nine children born to their union are yet living.

ORLEANS TOWNSHIP.

WILLIAM G. BAKER was born in Orange County, Ind., September 4. 1824, and is the son of John and Annie (Irvine) Baker. The former a native of Green County, Ky., is the son of Frederick Baker. The fam- ily came to Orange County in 1811, Frederick having entered the land where our subject now resides. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and an upright man and a good citizen. William G. has always resided in the county, and has followed farming and stock-raising. August 17, 1857, he married Margaret, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Vanzant) McLane, the former having been born December 11, 1780, and his wife March 15. 1797. They were among the most respected and honorable of the early settlers of Orange County. He died April 27, 1864, and his wife May 5, 1864. To our subject and wife were born the following children: John R., Sarah A., Isaiah, Elida and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Baptist Church and are respected members of the com- munity where they reside.

JOHN H. BOWLES, dealer in drugs and jewelry at Orleans, Ind., was born near French Lick Springs in Orange County, October 8, 1936. He is a son of Thomas C. and Ann (Patton) Bowles, who were among the early settlers of the county. Thomas C. purchased the land upon which the springs are situated, from the Government, but afterward sold it to his brother and moved to Washington County, engaging in the merchantile trade until his death in 1840. His wife survived him until 1862. John H. Bowles enjoyed the usual advantages afforded by the common schools of the country and worked npon a farm until 1865. In that year he began the drug business as a partner of his brother, Dr. L. S. Bowles. at Paoli. This he continued for five years, when on account of failing health he sold out and took an extended trip through the South, much to his benefit. In 1872 be located at Orleans and engaged in his present business, continuing it ever since with good success.

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Kittie, a daughter of James and Ann (Campbell) Fields, became his wife February 17. 1873. Mr. Bowles is one of the enterprising men of Orleans and as a Democrat usually takes a lively interest in the welfare of his town.

W. C. CAMPBELL is a native Indianian, his birth occurring in this county July 12. 1821, son of Samuel and S. (Carr) Campbell. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Robert, was of that famous stock, Scotch-Irish, and early came to Pennsylvania and later to Kentucky. where he married, raised a large family and made for himself an honored name. He came with his second wife to this county at the very early date of 1816, and here he lived until his death in 1845. His son Samuel became prominent and well respected and was one of the leading farmers of his day. He died here in 1853. and his wife survived him until 1870. Our subject passed his boyhood without prominent event, and selected the occupation of farming. He now resides on part of the old home- stead. October 5. 1843, he married Susan Rankin, who died April 1. 1849, leaving three children, one living, Mrs. Mary E. Shirley. March 27, 1851, he married Mary J. Glenn and they have one son living, Alvin, a prominent lawyer of Crawfordsville. The second wife died May 3. 1857. His present wife is Elizabeth Sheeks, a most estimable lady. Mr. Campbell is a prominent Republican and he and family are Presbyterians.

JOHN CHENOWETH the popular miller at Orleans, was born in Washington County, Ind .. in 1829. His parents were Joseph and Annie (Wilson) Chenoweth. the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were among the early settlers of Washington County, his death occurring in 1884, at the age of eighty-five years and hers in 1834. John Chenoweth received a common school education in the early schools of his time and worked on his father's farm until twenty two years old. At that age he began in the milling business on Honey Creek at which place he continned successfully for fourteen years. He then sold out and came to Orleans where he bought his present property of the Wright Brothers, and has since added many improve- ments. being enabled to do so by his prosperous business. Mr. Cheno. weth has been three times married, the first time in 1851 to Elizabeth McIntosh, who bore him two children, her death occurring in 1856. His second wife was Matilda King, of Washington County, who died in 1565 after having borne him one son. His present wife was Leora Milligan, a native of Orange County, and to their union two children have been born. Mr. Chenoweth is a good citizen and neighbor, and is a member of the Bine Lodge in Masonry, and of the Christian Church. Politically he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM W. CHISHAM was born in Jessamine County, Ky .. August 29, 1511, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Beckham) Chisham; both were natives of Virginia, the former born February 3, 1777, and his wife in 1775. They were married in their native State, and moved to Jessamine County, Ky., in about 1805, and through the influence of their son William. who wished to secure a home for them and himself. in 1831 they moved to Orange County, Ind .. where, by the assistance of their son William, they secured a good home until their deaths. The father died September 30. 1855, and his wife June 21, 1562. From her girlhood she was a member of the Baptist Church. The only one now living of a family of eight children is our subject, who is one of the successful farmers of Orange County, and has taken a prominent part in

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the official interests of his county, having served nine years as County Commissioner, and some time as Trustee of his township. He has been twice married; September 13, 1836, to Jane. daughter of Gabriel and Catharine (Sanls) Busick. Mr. Busick was born in North Carolina Octo- ber 1. 1785, and died December 24. 1852: his wife was born August 11, 1755, and died April 4, 1872. Mrs. Chisham was born in North Caro- lina. December 1, 1815, died October 11, 1865. Mr. Chisham again married Mary S., daughter of William and Nancy (Bnsick) Craig. She was born in Orange County, Ind .. October 6, 1845. Five children have been born of this marriage: George W., born August 17. 1869; Charles R., born August 24, 1871, died February 11. 1852: Ida MI., February 23, 1874; Oliver T., born August 27, 1577, and Anna J., born September 1, 1Ss1. Mr. Chisham by hard work and economy has secured a fine farm of 500 acres. In 1828 while in Kentucky. he joined the Old School Bay,. tist Church. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Jackson.

BENTON C. ELROD is a native of the township where he now resides, and was born March 9, 1821, and is a son of one of the old pioneers of Orange County. His father. John Elrod. was a native of North Carolina. born about the year 1785, and came to Orange County in 1812. He married Nancy Millis, also a native of North Carolina, born April 21. 1798, and came to this county abont the same year. They were the parents of twelve children, all of whom lived to be grown but one. John Elrod died October 23, 1859, and his wife August 21. 1866. Ben. ton C. passed bis youth with his father on the farm. in the meantime receiving a common school education. November 16, 1843, he married Maria. daughter of Joseph and Mary (Baker) Wilson, and a native of Orange County, born April 12, 1824 The Wilsons were prominent early settlers of this county, from Virginia. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Elrod: Mary H., now Mrs. John Lindley; Joseph A. : Nancy L., now Mrs. VanMeter; John F. and Ella A. MIr. E. is a Republican, and has served the township as Trustee one term. He has voted for all Republican Presidents since the organization of the Repub- lican party. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, as is also his wife, and both are universally respected.

JOHN O. ELROD is the eighth child of John and Nancy (Millis) Elrod, and is a native of this county, his birth occurring May 29, 1833. He passed his youth at work on the farm and in attendance upon the subscription schools, and when of age began doing for himself. August 13. 1837, be married Sarah, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Hinley) Braxtan, who was born in this county May 14, 1835, and died September 16. 1876. She bore her husband sis children: Charles H .. Kittie E .. Emery, Annie S., Mary F. and Lizzie. In December. 1879. Mr. Elrod married Ann Glaswell, a native of this county. born Jannary 25. 1843. She died January 14, 1881, and Mr. Elrod took for his third wife Elvira Hostetler. to whom he was married November 29, 1883. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church. and he is a Republican, and has been Township Trustee for four years. During the last war Mr. Elrod served with honor in the Sixty.sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was at the battle of Richmond. Kv .. where the Federal troops were captured, and served in all the battles. skirmishes. expedi- tions, etc .. in which his regiment participated. He was then a brave soldier as he is now a useful citizen.

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DAVID FINLEY (deceased). one of the county's oldest and most respected farmers and citizens, was born in this county September 2, 1821, being the son of Cyrus and Rachel (Downey) Finley, who came from Kentucky to this county among the first settlers. Their son David was reared a farmer, and being possessed of an intellect above the average managed to secure a good education for his day, which enabled him to teach school several terms. He was a most excellent man, honest in all his dealings with his fellows, and highly conscientious and moral. Sep- tember 3. 1847. he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Lucinda (Irvine) Tegarden, who was born in this county March 11, 1827. The Tegardens were among the earliest settlers, locating here in 1813. To David and Elizabeth three children were born: Rachel E. (Mrs. Mann), born November 21. 1848; Lucinda E., born October 10. 1850, died Feb- ruary 27. 1856; Merrill F., born January 6, 1853. Mr. Finley left his family in good circumstances, and since his death his widow has success- fully managed the estate. The family are people of the highest respect- ability.

SAMUEL FINLEY, son of Jefferson and Mirian (Brooks) Finley, is a native of this county, his birth occurring July 10, 1828. The father was a native of Kentucky, and was born May 16. 1805; his wife, a native of the same fine State, was born November 5, 1803. David Finley. the paternal grandfather. whose wife was Elizabeth, was born June 1, 1754, and came to Orange County before the war of 1812; he died April 19, 1848, more than four score years and ten, well known and respected His wife, born in 1763, died in 1835. Jefferson died November 19, 1829, and his wife December 12. 1848. They were excellent people of much prominence and worth. Samuel is a farmer by occupation, and owns the old farm. His education is limited, but sufficient for the business of life. December 7, 1848, he married Elizabeth Elliott, who was born in Washington County March 5, 1830. Their children are: Jefferson L., born April 25. 1850; Sarah J., born February 11, 1852; William J., born June 18. 1554; Susan, born January 27, 1856; Charles S., born Jan- uary 8, 1858: Preston T., born March 25. 1861 (deceased); Oliver P. MI., born October 24, 1863; Ulysses S. G., born February 9, 1868 (deceased): Reed, born November 14, 1569, and one which died in infancy. Mr. Finley is a Republican and a prominent and useful citizen.

JOHN FISHER was born in Orange County, March 5, 1819, son of Thaddeus and Sarah (Stine) Fisher. The father of our subject is a native of Virginia, and moved with his parents to Kentucky when but nine years of age. There he married, and in about 1512 came to Orange County and entered 160 acres of land in Orleans Township, it then being all timber. He is the father of ten children, only two of whom are living -David and our subject. He was a member of the Baptist Church and a prominent man. John passed his boyhood on his father's farm; he has been twice married. in 1550 to Mary, native of Orange County, daughter of Willis and Annie Lisk: this lady died in 1877. By this marriage there are seven living children: Charles S., born March 8, 1860; John. born December 4, 1562; Elizabeth, born September 21, 1863; Maria E., born September 26, 1865; Margaret E., June 23. 1870; Benjamin F .. August 11, 1572, and George W., Angust 19, 1874. November 10. 1879. he took for his second wife Margaret, widow of H. Warren and daughter of George McCoy, who came to this county from Kentucky in about 1511, and served in the war of 1812. Mrs. Fisher

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was born in Orange County July 1, 1826. Mr. Fisher owns a good farm of 320 acres, which he acquired by hard work and good management. He is a Republican.

DAVID FISHER, son of Thaddeus and Sarab (Stine) Fisher, of whom appropriate mention is made in the biography of John Fisher above, was born in this county March 31, 1823. At that time the county was very new and very wild, numerous wild animals yet being found in the woods. He passed his youth without prominent event at hard work and managed to obtain the rudiments of an education at the old sub- scription schools. Upon reaching manhood he began for himself on the farm. In 1859 he married Sarah Burgess, who was born in this county November 15, 1835. Eight of their ten children are living: Mary E., born October 23. 1800: Eliza. born November 5. 1961: James H., born December 6, 1862; Margaret, who died in infancy: Hattie, born Janu- ary 15, 1866: William G., born April 16, 1867; Dawson, deceased; Melvina B., born May 22, 1>71: Thomas E., born June 24, 1873. and David O .. born October 2, 1875. Mr. Fisher has a five farm of 490 acres. He is a member of the Baptist Church. a Republican and cast his first vote for Heury Clay.

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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 71

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