History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 79

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 79
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 79
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 79

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).

JACKSON KEYNON was born in Clarke County, Ind., January 28, 1826, being the oldest of eight children of William and Harriet (Jones) Keynon. He was reared on his father's farm at hard work, and received but little education through no fault of his own. His youth was passed without noteworthy event, and upon reaching his majority he began accumulating property for himself. July 15, 1849, he married Mary J. Foote, in Clarke County. and to this union eleven children have been born. seven of whoin are now living, as follows: Harriet J., wife of Andrew C. Wells; Clarissa E., who married William S. Walker; William A., who married Rachel Walker: Mary E .. who became the wife of Bronson Abel: Charles A .. unmarried; Mildred A., wife of James Scarlet, and Marion G. MIr. Keynon has followed farming through life and by gradual additions now has a farm of 190 acres. inch of which is yet in timber. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church, and are well known and highly respected. October 19, 1861. he enlisted in Com. pany G, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served with distinction for nearly two years, when he lost his right arm in the siege of Vicksburg and was honorably discharged. For this serious loss he is now drawing a pension of $30 per month. He was in the follow. ing battles: Thompson's Hill. Cumberland Gap. Charleston, Va., Arkansas Post and elsewhere, displaying in all great bravery and patriot. ism. He is a Republican and a prominent man.

GEORGE H. PIERCE is a native of this connty and is the son of George R. and Mahala (Shively) Pierce. The father was a native of Yates County, N. Y., and was born May 6, 1805, and the mother was a native of Spencer County. Kr., born October 17, 1808, and their mar. riage occurred in 1829. The father was of English and the mother of German descent. The former came to this county in 1919 with several other families in a flat-boat, and after that remained here until his death, March 29. 1879. His children were as follows: Harvey A., born Novem- ber 15. 1830. died in June. 1859; Clorinda M., born November 4, 1833; Napoleon B., born Angust 12, 1835; Martha M., born October 20, 1837; George H. (our subject) born September 20, 1839; Susan E., born June

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4. 1842: Mahale C., born June 24, 1844, and Eleazer J. (see below). The wife of our subject was Louisa Cox, who has borne her husband a family of nine children. Mr. Pierce has made farming his occupation through life. He began poor, with but little education, and now has a farm of 306 acres and a comfortable home. He is one of the substantial farmers of this part of the county.

ELEAZER J. PIERCE, a prominent citizen and farmer, was born in this county, April 27, 1848, and was reared upon a farm. receiving in boyhood only a rudimentary education. For the sketch of his parents see the biography of George H. Pierce. Eleazer remained with his parents until twenty-seven years of age, though upon attaining his major. ity he began accumulating property of his own. At the age of fifteen. being a large. strong boy, he enlisted in Company A. Seventeenth Regi- ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry (mounted) and served honorably aud with great credit for a boy for two years and was discharged in August, 1865, as Sergeant, by reason of the close of the war. He was in the fol- lowing important engagements: Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Flat Rock, New Hope Church, two days' fight near Selma, Ala., and elsewhere. Upon his return he went to school for a time. April 27, 1875, be mar- ried Mary J. Mathers. He is a member of Decker Post, G. A. R., and is a leading Republican, being a member of the Republican County Cen- tral Committee. He is one of the prominent and progressive men of the conuty.

WILLIAM W. PINNICK, a native of this county, was born Febru. ary 6. 1837, being the fourth of ten children of John and Jane (Farris) Pinnick. John Pinnick was a native of North Carolina. and his wife of Kentucky, both of Germanic descent with slight admixtures from other nationalities. Their marriage took place in this State, whereupon they moved to Kentucky, but in about five years returned and settled in this county. William W. passed his youth on a farm, receiving slight educa- tion, owing to failing eyesight. In November, 1861, he volunteered in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years, receiving his discharge at New Orleans, November 7, 1864. He was in the following engagements among others: Middle Bell. Log Mountain, Arkansas Post, etc. February 1. 1866, he married Susan E. Pierce, who has borne him six children: Rufus E .. Marietta. Oscar F .. C. J., Ida G. and T. M., all of whom are at home with their parents. Mr. Pinnick is a farmer with over 250 acres of land and good buildings and is a Democrat. His grandfather Pinnick was a Revolu- tionary soldier, and two of his brothers were in the Union army during the last war, one gallantly laying down his life for his country at Col- lierville.

ABNER POWELL is the sixth of nine children of William and Mary (White) Powell and was born in North Carolina, October 17, 1821. His father was a North Carolinan and his mother a Pennsylvanian and both were of English descent and came to this State in 1\31. locating in what is now Orangeville Township, where they lived useful and honorable lives until their respective deaths. Abner was sparingly educated at the old- fashioned schools and was brought up on a farm to know what hard work meant, and remained with his parents until the age of thirty-three. November 12, 1854, he married Ann Jane Speer and to this union seven children were born, six now living: Moses A., Margaret M., Susan J., who became the wife of James Taylor, Naomi. Aaron A. and John T.

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Mr. Powell has followed farming through life and now owns over 100 acres of mostly improved land. He also is engaged in the manufacture of shingles. He is a Democrat and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Powell comes of excellent people, and the sketch of her father's family will be found elsewhere in this volume.

WILLIAM PRUETT is a native of Whitley County, Ky .. his birth occurring September 6, 1821. He is the seventh of twelve children of William and Sarah (Demoss) Pruett. the parents both being natives of Kentucky and of English descent. They came to this county at the very early date of 1821, locating in what is now Oraugeville Township, and here they became prominent and well respected. William, the subject of this sketch, was reared a farmer, and at the age of nineteen, with but little schooling. he began for himself, and February 14, 1839. married Elizabeth Powell, who bore him eight children, as follows: Sarah A., Mary, who married John J. Kirk; Nancy J., who became the wife of Stephen B. Jones; George W., who married Mildred J. Faucett; David, who married Ann Talbot; John F., who was united in marriage with Lizzie Faucett; William T .. who married Mary M. Duncan, and Maria E., who became the wife of John MI. Freeman. February 27, 1863, Mrs. Pruett died, and September 24, 1863, he married Louisa Davis, who bore him two children: Elbert J. and Alonzo M. As a farmer Mr. Pruett has been successful, his present farm consisting of 320 acres of good land. He and wife have been life-long members of the Methodist Church. He is one of the leading Democrats of his township and has served in various official capacities with much credit to himself.

A. B. SPEER, one of the county's few remaining old settlers and one of her prominent men, was born in the State of Kentucky June 20, 1808, and is the oldest of eleven children of Moses and Ann (Voris) Speer. His parents were natives of Maryland. and came to this county at the early date of 1820. Ashbury remained with his parents on the farm. securing a limited education, and at the age of nearly twenty began the battle of life for himself. March 2, 1828, he married Mar. garet Booth, and to this union seven children were born, of whom the following three are now living: Melinda. now the widow of Isaac Fight; Ann J., who became the wife of Abner Powell, and Paulina, who married James Mitchell. Mr. Speer has followed the honorable and independent occupation of farming during his long life, and by honesty, sobriety and industry has a comfortable home and a farm of 200 acres of well improved land. Mr. Speer is the link which connects the age of flat- boats and sickles with the age of self-binders. telephones and light- ning express trains. When he first came here he had to go fifty miles to mill. He is a stanch Democrat and holds a letter of membership in the Baptist Church. He is one of the best citizens.

HANSON TALBOT, a prominent old settler of this township, was born in Scott County, Ky .. Angust 30, 1800, being the second of ten children of Gassaway and Sarah (Gillums) Talbot, both natives of Mary- land. The parents were industrious and exemplary people who came to this county about the year 1825. where they lived honored and respected until their deaths. Hanson remained with his parents on the farm at hard work and with no such educational advantages as exist at present, until he reached the age of twenty two, when he was married, December 25, 1×31, to Mary Allegay, and to their union eleven children have been

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born, six now living : Thomas, who married Parthena Kirk. since deceased : Shadrach, whose wife was Albertine Zine : Evaline, who became the wife of John Gerkin; Samnel. who married Sarab Pipher : Hannab E., the wife of Edmund Barclay, and Rosa Z., wife of Charles Neidefer. December 9, 1581, Mr. Talbot lost his wife and life long companion by death. He has been a successful farmer, and now owns about 475 acres of land. probably half of which is in timber. He is a Democrat, and during the war. though far over age, was Captain of a company of Home Guards.

STAMPERS CREEK TOWNSHIP.

DR. JAMES BAKER, of Millersburg, was born in Woodford County, Ky., March 29. 1814. Immediately after this his parents moved to what is now Stampers Creek Township. Orange County. Ind .. where the Doctor's hume has ever since been. His education is not extensive. having been limited to the early country schools of his time. The first part of the Doctor's life was passed upon the farm. and he worked some at the shoemaker's trade. About the age of twenty-six years he began the study of medicine at odd hours between his labors. Having suffici. ently qualitied himself. he began the practice of his profession about the year 1550, and has continued it ever since with good success. He is a member of the Christian and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor is a Republican, and has been such ever since 1500, prior to which time he was a Whig. He was at one time Justice of the Peace of Stampers Creek Township, and is the present Postmaster at Millersburg. His nuptials with Miss Sarah Burgess were celebrated July 3, 1834, and the fruits of this nnion were nine children, only three of whom are now alive: Mrs. Lizzie Marshall. Almon V., and Mrs. Sarah E. Byrum. Dr. Baker is one of the highly esteemed citizens of Orange County, where he has lived to be one of its very old settlers.

ROBERT DOAK. who is one of the oldest living citizens of Stam. pers Crrek Township, was born in Jessamine County, Ky .. November 17. 1815. With his parents, Joseph W. and Mary (Irwin) Doak, he settled in Orange County, in February, 1816. His father died in 1820. and his mother in 1844. The whole of Mr. Doak's life has been spent on the farm and he knows no other trade, although handy with tools. He has built several buildings of his own. His wife was Miss Cynthia Duun, and she has borne him a family of six children, namel Sarah J .. Almira A., Washington I., Erastus A .. Everett and Elnlia, all living but Everett. Their wedding occurred April 25. 1843. Mr. Doak has been fortunate in financial matters. and he now owns 207 acres of splendid land well improved and cultivated. He is an ardent Republican, having joined that party at its organization and leaving the Whig party. He was once a candidate for County Commissioner, and came within twenty - five votes of being elected. During the Rebellion and prior thereto he took strong grounds in favor of abolishing slavery. He participated in checking the Morgan raid.

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SAMUEL MAHAN was born in Stampers Creek Township. Orange Co., Ind., where he now lives, August 13, 1826. He is one of twelve children of Peter and Mary (Reed) Mahan, who were among the earliest settlers in Orange County, having come from Kentucky in 1809, about. three years after their marriage. Their deaths occurred in June and September, 1878. Samuel Mahan received a common school education in the early schools of the county, and has devoted his whole life to farming. His success is abundantly indicated by the splendid farm he now owns of 277 acres of the best land in Orange County. June 20, 1850, his marriage was solemnized with Sarah I. Dougherty, who has borne him a family of ten children, all living but two, and named Frank- lin G., Mary E., Robert S., Peter D., Sarah J., Emily C., Clara B. and John W. Mrs. Mahan's parents, Robert and Sarah (Tanner) Dougherty, were of the first settlers in the county. She was born November 8, 1832. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mahan are members of the Regular Baptist Church, near where they live. Mr. Mahan is a Republican in politics, and one of the best citizens of the county.

JACKSON McCOY, a farmer of Stampers Creek Township, is a native of Washington County, Ind., and was born October 20, 1514, and is one of twelve children of George and Lydia (Wolfe) McCoy, who came to Indiana from Virginia in an early day. While quite young Jackson's parents moved to Orange County, where his home has been ever since. His education is meager, and was all obtained in the old-fash. ioned schools of his time. The occupation of his life has been farming and stock raising. His farm of over 300 acres is well improved and cultivated, and is situated in the best part of Orange County. His mar- riage with Surah VanCleave was on the 13th of April, 1837, and the resnit of this union was nine children, named William F., George B .. Alex- ander, Jackson A., Guilderoy, Jolin V., Sarah, Henry F. and James N. He was grieved by the death of his wife October 11, 1881. Politically he bas always been a Democrat, and expects always to be such. Mr. McCoy is now enjoying the close of life surrounded by his children, and reposing in the high esteem of all his neighbors.

JAMES L. NOBLITT. a son of William and Mary (Holaday) Noblitt, is a native of Stampers Creek Township, Orange Co., Ind., and was born June 27, 1843. He is the second of five children, and in his early life attended the common schools of the county until the age of twenty years, and in the vacations worked upon his father's farm. In January, 1865, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regi- ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged in July of the same year. Upon his return home he attended one term at the Paoli Normal School, and after this he went to the Orleans Academy for some time. In the year 1867 he began teaching in the district schools of Orange County, and had taught eight terms before he was appointed to the office of County Super- intendent in 1875. In this capacity he served until June, 1881, with satisfaction. Under his supervision the schools of the county were graded and greatly improved. Since the expiration of his term of office he has taught three terms of school. His marriage with Laura Mayedon, of the same county, was solemnized February 6, 1870, and to their union three children have been born, named Mary C., Emma and Lnlu. Both Mr. and Mrs. Noblitt are members of the Regular Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove, near where they live. Mr. Noblitt is a member of the

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Masonic fraternity. and belongs to Paoli Lodge No. 119. In politica he is Democratic, and usually takes a lively interest in the public affairs of the county.

AARON A. J. PICKENS, merchant at Millersburg. Ind., was born in Paoli Township, Orange County, March 14, 1850, one of the thirteen children of Lemuel and Mahala (Speers) Pickens. His parents were among the early settlers of Orange County. coming from Shelby County, Ky. His father, Lemuel, was one of the influential citizens of the county, and was at one time County Commissioner, and his death was occasioned by his team running and killing him almost instantly, Decem- ber 2. 1880. Aaron Pickens was well educated in the country schools of his boyhood, and he has been engaged all his life in farming. Ile owns a farin of 152 acres in Stampers Creek Township, where he moved in 1872. January 4, 1871. he married Nancy J. Cornwell. by whom he is the father of three children: Willis E., Daisy D. and Harry R. In March, 1884. in company with James Polson he began doing a general merchandise trade at Millersburg, with a stock of goods valued at abont $3,000, and they are doing a splendid business. Mr. Pickens is a Dem- ocrat, and as such was appointed Trustee of his township in the fall of 1881. In the spring following he was elected his own successor, and re-elected in 1884. As a public officer he has given the best of satisfac. tion.

HENRY H. POLSON, one of the prominent farmers of Stampers Creek Township, was born in Harrison County, Ind., October 22. 1831. one of the five children of his parents, who were James and Louisa ( Roby) Polson. Mr. Polson's education was acquired mostly by study- ing nights after hard work. In company with his parents he settled in Orange County in 1847, and has made his home here ever since, and has followed agricultural pursuits most of his life. He now owns 255 acres of first-rate land. As a Democrat he has held the office of Justice of the Peace eight years, and that of County Treasurer for five years. Septem. ber 1, 1861. he enlisted in Company F. Fiftieth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served until January 5, 1865, in the Rebell- ion, and was discharged as First Lieutenant. Following are some of the battles in which he was engaged: Mumfordsville. Bowling Green, Cor- inth, Red Mound, Saline River, Poison Spring and others. At the bat- tle of Red Mound he was wounded in the ankle. July 17, 1853. his nuptials with Miss Amariah McIntosh were celebrated, and of the nine children born to this union only these are now alive: James T., William H., John W., Carrie and Eli J. MIr. and Mrs. Polson are members of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained to the Master Mason's degree.

WILLIAM T. WELLS, a farmer of Stampers Creek Township, was born in Orleans Township, Orange County, Ind., February 1, 1831. His parents, Abraham and Lucy (True) Wells, were natives of Jessamine County, Ky., whence they came to Indiana in 1820. William T. was one of a family of nine children, and when very young was compelled to work hard. His education was consequently limited, being acquired in primitive schools of his day. At the age of nine years he plowed ten acres in four and a half days, which was a full man's work. Farming has been his life's vocation, and he has made a success of it. He now owns 200 acres of land, and devotes most of his attention to stock-raising. His marriage with Sarah E. True was solemnized, and to this union four

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children have been born: William A., George B., McC. and John A., now living. Mr. Wells and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a member of the Subordinate Lodge of Odd Fellows at Hardinsburg. He is a zealous Democrat in politics, and usually takes a lively interest in the public affairs of his community, and at one time tras prominently talked of as Township Trustee.

JUDGE SAMUEL WIBLE, who is probably the oldest man now liv- ing in Orange County, and who is usually known by the title of Judge, was born in Nelson County, Ky., June 14, 1792. In the fall of 1814 be located on the same farm where he now lives, in the eastern part of Stampers Creek Township. He was one of the foremost citizens of the county, and tilled the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years. In 1840 he was elected to the office of Probate Judge, and he held this position one term of four years. Polly Rigney, a native of North Caro- lina, became his wife May 25, 1815. In religion he was always an ardent member of the Baptist Church and belongs to the Sinking Spring Society, which he joined in 1827, and was for over forty years one of the Deacons. His wife, who was a member of the same church, died August 21. 1876. William R. Wible was one of their eight children, and was born January 22. 1821, near where he now lives. In boyhood he attended the "loud " schools of his time, where he received a common school . education. Although farming has been his principal occupation, he spent some years in the blacksmith shop with his father. Besides this he followed threshing about twenty five years. He married Sarah E. Mitchell, of Washington County, February 3, 1842, and by her is father of ten children, these five now living: Benjamin F., Polly A., Samuel .J .. John M. and Melvina. Mr. Wible enlisted in Company G, Forty- ninth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served in the Rebellion from November, 1861, to December, 1864, and was honorably discharged. He participated in these battles: Siege of Vicksburg. Champion Hills, Big Black, Alexandria, Cumberland Gap and a number of minor engagements. On his return home he continued farming on his 120 acres of good land, where he now lives. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wible are members of the Livonia Baptist Church, near where they live. He bas been a stanch Democrat all his life, and says he can see no reason to change. He was Justice of the Peace for eight years.

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PART V. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.

CHAPTER I.

BY S. H. HARROD, M. D.

GEOLOGY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY-DESCRIPTION AND TOPOGRAPHY- THE DRAINAGE-THE OUTCROPS OF THE ROCKY FORMATION-THE FAMot's SPURGEON HILL FOSSIL BEDS-A LIST OF THE CASTS FOUND -OTHER VALUABLE BEDS-LIME AND CEMENT-SAND AND GRAVEL- BUILDING STONE-CLAY AND COAL-PRECIOUS METALS-CAVES- MINERAL SPRINGS-TIMBER, ETC.

W ASHINGTON COUNTY is bounded on the north by the Muscata- tuck River. east by Scott and Clarke Counties, south by Harrison and Crawford, west by Orange and Lawrence, embracing about 510 square miles. It is divided into thirteen civil townships, viz. : Brown, Jefferson, Monroe, Gibson. Franklin. Washington, Vernon, Madison, Howard, Pierce, Polk. Jackson and Posey. For variety of surface and soil and beauty of natural scenery. it is not surpassed by any other county in the State. In the southern part are extensive "Barrens" which embrace nearly one- eighth of the entire area of the county. These barrens were originally, and to a limited extent are yet, thickly matted with wild grass, brush and grubs. Some parts are curiously diversified with sink-holes varying in size and shape. showing the cavernous nature of the earth beneath. This part of the county in latter years has been brought into cultivation, and now many well improved farms may be seen well adapted to fruits of various kinds. About one- fifth of the county is bottom lands and very productive. The upland is rolling, and in many parts, especially along the water courses. quite broken. It is well adapted to the raising of cereals of all kind-, and to the industrious farmer yields a bountiful har- vost. It is especially well adapted to blue grass, and with the proper management would rival the famous " blue grass regions of Kentucky." The county is traversed by a number of streams, many of them fed by never- failing springs of pure cold water, rendering the county one of the foremost for stock-raising. In the northeast part of the county is Elk Creek, flowing almost due north through Gibson Township, emptying into the Muscatatuck River. Delaney's Creek, running through Monroe

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in a northern direction, discharges its waters into the Muscatatuck Buffalo, Twin Creek, Rush Creek and Clifty, small streams in the north- west part of the county, flow in a northwest direction, emptying into White River. In the west part, flowing west, are the South and North Forks of Lost River. The West, Middle and South Forks of Blue River flow in a southwest direction, following the dip of the strata through Franklin, Polk, Washington, Pierce, Jackson, Howard and Posey Townships, enter- ing Harrison County a short distance southwest of Fredericksburg. Bear Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of Blue River, runs in a northwest direction through Jackson Township. Besides this there are many other small brooks fed by springs that gush from rocky hillsides, rushing and leaping over pebbles, along inossy banks, making music for the lover of nature who chances to seek a retired spot for repose and meditation.

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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 79

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