History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships, Part 101

Author: Tucker, Ebenezer
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : A.L. Klingman
Number of Pages: 664

USA > Indiana > Randolph County > History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships > Part 101

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JOHN H. GILL was born June 23, 1850, in the towu of Wellington, Lorain Co., Ohio. His father, James M. Gill, was a native of Ireland, but came to the United States when a young man, and located in the town of Wellington, where he married Miss Clarissa Allen in 1849. He was a contractor, and was prominently connected with the construction of many important public works, such as bridges, railroads, etc. In 1855, he removed, with his family, to lowo, where he had the contract for constructing locks in the Des Moines River. Before completing this work, however, he met with with an accident which resulted in his death, in 1867. John H., the subject of this sketch, wes but seven years of age at the time of his father's decease, and at an early age learned to depend upon his own exertions for n livelihood. He attended the common schools until sixteen years of age, and then entered upon an appren- ticeship at the wagon-maker's trade, at Ottumwa, Iowa. After acquiring pro- ficiency in this line, he located at Lincoln, Neb., where he was engaged one year. The older States offered better wages for mechanics of his guild, and he de- cided to move eastward. In 1869, he located at Auderson, Ind., nad for the next four years was engaged at his trade in that city. In 1871, he was mar- ried, at Anderson, Ind., to Miss Margaret Smith, and two years later (July, 1873), came to Winchester, with whose manufacturing industries he has since been prominently identified. He purchased the wagon shop of L. D. Carter, and for a short time conducted the business alone. Subsequently, however, Mr. Carter became partner with him. They employed several workmien, and enjoyed an extended trade, until the organization of the Winchester Wagon Works and Manufacturing Company, when hoth gentlemen subscribed to the latter organization, and made its interests their own. This establishment is, perhaps, the most extensive of all the manufacturing industries of Winchester, and, although a new enterprise, occupies its place among the important manu- factories of Eastern Indiana. Mr. Gill has personal supervision of the wood- working department, a position for which he is specially qualified by his pro- ficiency in this branch of mechanics. He is yet a young man, and his life just . in its prime. From early boyhood it has been marked by industry, and by honest toil he has accuntulated a comfortable estate. He has a cozy little home, made happy by the presence of a loving and devoted wife, and two daughters- Lizzie and Clara. Among his fellow citizens he is recognized as an upright, honorable man, and possesses the esteem and confidence of all who know him. He united with the Odd Fellows fraternity at Winchester, in 1873, and has passed all the chairs of the subordinate lodge aud encampment. At the session of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, held in November, 1880, he was the representa- tive from his lodge, and represented the encampment at Winchester during the session of the Grand Encampment held at Indianapolis in May, 1882. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and netive in his fraternal re- lations. He was made a Mason at Winchester in 1879, and nas reached the degree of Master Mason.

GEORGE W. HELMS was born December 18, 1823, in Marion County Ind. In 1826, his parents removed, with their family, to Montgomery County, Ohio, where the father died in 1829. In 1838, the subject of this sketch accom- panied his mother to Randolph County, Ind., where he has ever since contin- ued to reside. He enjoyed a common school education, and grew up with a taste for mechanics. Until 1851, he remained on the farm, eix miles north- west of Winchester, but came to this town in that year, and hecame the part- ner of Lewis Walker in the cabinet business, and was subsequently associated with John W. Diggs in the same business. In 1863, he began the practice of the photographer's art, which he continued until 1866. In that year, he em- barked in mercantile pursuits, in partnership with John Richardson, and at a later date was associated with Dennis Kelly. In 1875, he formed a partner- ship with Joseph Bishop in the hardware business, at which he is still engaged. In 1879, the firm of Helms & Bishop added the grain business to their pursuits, and in this have been very successful. June 4, 1854, Mr. Helms was united in marriage with Miss Almira Hiatt, daughter of George Hiatt, Esq., a highly respected citizen of this county. Ile is a competent business man, and by in- dustry and close attention to his pursuits, has amassed a comfortable estate. In his early political life, Mr. Helms was identified with the Whig party, and arrayed himself with the anti-slavery element, being a pronounced Abolition- ist. Upon the rise of the Republican party, he embraced its principles, and has ever since been among its active supporters. He has takeu an active part in the temperance movement, and is recognized among the friends of that cause. He has lived an upright, moral life, and by his fair and honorable dealings has established himself in the confidence of his fellow-citizens, among whom he is highly esteemed.

DANIEL E. HOFFMAN was born November 2, 1838, in Lebanon County, Penn. He acquired a good common school education in his hoyhood, and when a young man of twenty years of age, had become proficient as a marble cutter. He was engaged at his trade in Buffalo, N. Y., and afterward traveled quite extensively. In 1857, he passed through Winchester, Ind., en route to Fort Wayne, and in 1858 returned to Winchester, where he has ever since con- tinued to reside. He began business here as a marble-cutter and denler, in the old court house, which then stood north of the public square, and subse- quently removed to his present location at the northwest corner of Washing- ton and Meridian etrecta. Since that time he has been the only dealer in his line in Winchester, having purchased the establishment of his only competitors soon after locating here. He is an enterprising, industrious business man, and

by his untiring energy has worked his trade up to satisfactory and lucra- tive proportions in this community. Ile has succeeded well in life from n. financial point, and is essentially a self-made man. Without assistance of a pecuniary nature from any one, he has worked his way from humble circum- stances to a position of affluence, and by his industry alone has carved out & comfortable fortune. He is yet in the prime of a vigorous manhood, and gives fair promise of attaining yet many years of usefulness and activity. He has taken an active interest in the agricultural and horticultural development of this community, and for several years has served as Secretary of the Agricult- ural Society of Randolph County, and has attended several meetings of the State Horticultural Society as a delegate. He has been a member of the Ex- ecutive Committee of that society for several years, and is now one of its Vice Presidents. He is an enthusiastic hortioulturist; and has done as much, perhaps, as any one in Randolph County to awaken an interest and encourage improvement in this matter. As & citizen,, Mr. Hoffman ia highly respected, and enjoys the esteem and good-will of all who know him. He is modest and retiring in manner, and thoroughly honorable in all his dealings. He has never been prominently identified with the political history of this locality, though he is an active Republican, and works to the extent of his influence for the success of the party. He has never sought public office, but was once prevailed upon to serve as Marshal of the town of Winchester. Ile was mar- ried, in 1862 to Miss Angeline Carter, a native of Randolph County, and daughter of Ed. Carter. By this unlon they are the parents of five chil- dren, only two of whom now survive. Mr. Hoffman has an elegant home in the south part of Winchester, surrounded with the comforts of life, snd pre- sided over by the devoted wife who has been a helpmate to him in his efforts, and a potent factor in his success.

JOSEPH C. HIRSCH was born October 26, 1886, at Wurtemberg, Ger- many, and came to the United States with his father's family in 1845, locating in New York City, from whence he removed to Syracuse, N. Y., in 1846. In 1847, the family removed to Hamilton, Ohio, and in 1849, to Dayton. The father was a dyer, and was engaged at that pursuit both before and after his emigra- tion to America. He had a family of nine children, six of whom now eurvive, and five of this number now reside at Dayton, Ohio. Joseph C. was but nine years of age when he enme to the United States, but at that early age he began to earn money by his daily work. He found employment as "stripper" in a cigar factory in New York, continuing this line of employment until the re- moval of the family from that city, and walking four miles to his work. At Hamilton, Ohio, he found employment in the drug store of Jacobs & Brown. Subsequently he occupied the position of clerk in the wholesale drug house of Birdsall Brothers, for two and a half years, and for eleven years was a clerk in the drug store of J. A. Walters, at Dayton, Ohio. In his lite as a clerk he proved himself faithful and capable, developing good business talents, and gaining the confidence and good-will of his employers. He was prudent and economical, saving his earnings with the view of engaging in business for him- self. In 1863, he came to Winchester, and opened a drug and book store, which he has since continued to conduct, enjoying a very successful and satisfactory trade. His house is, perhaps, the oldest in ite line in Winchester, and its proprietor is well and favorably known throughout the county. In April, 1863, he was married to Miss Fanny H. Snyder, an estimable young lady, who is still spared to him, to preside over his happy home. In politics Mr. Hirsch is identified with the Democratie party. He is not, however, a very active partisan, and has never aspired to public office, though he has served several years as a member of the Town Council, discharging, at the same time, the du- ties of President and Clerk of that body. He is a thorough business man, and by his prudent management has acquired a comfortable fortune.

JONATHAN S. HIATT was born March 1, 1840, in Henry County, Ind .; his father, Silas Hiatt, and his grandfather, Jonathan Hiatt, were both early pioncers of Randolph County, locating here about the year 1818. His father removed to Henry County, Ind., in 1838, and after several changes of location, died in Wabash County, Ind., about the year 1854, having settled in that county in 1848. He had a family of nine children, four of whom now sur- vive. During his life, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was an en- ergetic and highly respected citizen. Jonathan S., the subject of this sketch, came to Randolph County, lod., in 1856, and has made this county his home ever since. For a few years he was engaged at various branches of employ- ment until the outbreak of the Inte rebellion. He enlisted on the 19th of August, 1861, and was diecharged from the service on the 21st of September, 1865 ; his company became Company F, of the Eighth Indiana Regiment, and Mr. Hiatt served with it until the close of the war, passing through the ordeal of war nuharmed, although often in the thickest of the fray. He re-enlisted as a veterau at Indianola, Texas, early in 1864, and came home ou a furlough of thirty days, this being the first leave of absence he had taken since entering the service. He entered the army as o private soldier, but was promoted to the rank of a non-commissioned officer, and was also acting Lieutenant ; he participated with his regiment in the battles of Sugar Creek, Ark .; Pea Ridge, Ark., March 6-8, 1862; Cotton Plant. Ark., July 7, 1862; Austin, Miss., August, 1862 ; Port Gibson, Miss., May 1, 1863 ; Champion Hills, Miss., May 16, 1868 ; Big Black, Miss., May 17, 1863; Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4, 1863 ; Mustang Island, Texas, November 17, 1863 ; Fort Esperanza, Texas, November 27, 1863 ; Carrion Crow Bayou ; Atchafalaya, La., July 28, 1864; Winchester, Va., September 19, 1864: Fisher's Hill, Va., September 22, 1864; New Market, Va., September 23, 1864; Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864; Opequan, W. Va., November 19, 1864. After the close of the war. he came to Winchester, and resumed work at the carpenter's trade, having learned this trade in early life. He was thus engaged, at intervals, until 1878, and in the meantime was interested as partner in a saw-mill for eighteen months. In 1878, he purchased the news-stand at the post office, and is still engaged in the management of this enterprise, conducting a very satisfactory trade in the daily papers, periodicals, books, stationery, etc. On the 8th of September, 1866, he was married to Miss Louisa J. Hiett, daughter of Amos Hiatt, an

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

early settler and prominent citizen of Randolph County. By this union they are the parents of three children, two of whom-Clara Alice and Mary Ethel now survive. In politics, Mr. Hiatt is a Republican, having been identified with the Abolitionists in former times. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has taken all the degrees of the subordinate lodge and en- campment, and represented his lodge as a member of the Grand Lodge of Indi- ann.

ENOS R. HIATT was born May 17, 1861, near Farmland, Randolph Co., Ind. His father, Eli Hintt, removed with his family to Missouri, where he lied in 1869, his wife remaining there until 1873, when she returned with her family to Randolph County, locating within four miles of Farmland. The subject of this sketch rented a portion of his grandfather's farm, which he cultivated during the years 1875 and 1876, and in 1877, came to Winchester, where he was engaged at sign painting and similar employment until the winter of 1879. At that time he began to learn the art of photography with James Charles. In April, 1880, after three months, he purchased the gallery and accessories of Mr. Charles, and has ever since conducted the business suc- cessfully at the old stand. He is a young man of great energy, and exhibits good business traits in the conduct of his gallery. He is enthusiastic and enterprising in the prosecution of his chosen work, and merits the patronage and encouragement of the public.

GEORGE W. IRVIN.

George W. Irvin was born April 7, 1816, in Bedford County, Va. Hie father, John Irvin, was a native of Pennsylvania, but removed to Virginia when & young man, and was there engaged at the trade of house carpenter and painter. He was married in Virginia, to Margaret Wysong, a native of that State, and in 1818, removed with his family to Randolph County, Ind. He entered a tract of government land, from which he developed a fine farm. He died in this county, in 1874, in the ninety-seventh year of his age. George, the subject of this sketch, was but an infant when his father located in this county, and grew up amid the scenes of pioneer life, and shared the trials peculiar to a frontier settlement. He acquired his primary education in the rude winter schools of his day, and builded upon the meager knowledge thue attained, by patient study at home, and by experience in later life. He learned to work at an early age, and during his youth, rendered valuable assistance in clearing and improving the home farm. At the age of twenty-four years, in 1>40, he was united in marriage with Mies Elizn Ann Quinn, in Preble County, Ohio, and in September of the same year, became s partner with his father in the cultivation and profits of the home farm. In 1852, he purchased a farm in Washington Township, upon which some slight improvements had been made, and here he was engaged independently in the pursuit of farming until the spring of 1872, when he retired from active labor, and located at Winchester. By energy and industry he earned a competence, in his younger days, to sustain him in the declining years of life. He has been a citizen of Randolph County since its earliest pioneer days, and has borne hie share of the burden and expense attaching to the many publio improvements which have been instituted in the meantime, contributing liberally to all enterprises having for their object the public welfare of the county. In the varied fortunes of his earlier life his trials were shared by the loving wife, who still lives to bless hie later years, and share the success attained by their mutual efforts. To bless their wedded life there were three children, viz. : Frances Josephine, Calvin Oscar, and Alice, all of whom are now living. By an upright, honorable life, Mr. Irvin has won and retained the highest regard of all with whom he has been associated, and while not a member of any church, his life has been exemplary of the principles of Christianity, in which he is a devout believer. His wife was born in Preble County, Ohio, September 10. 1821, and was reared on a farm, learning by daily experience the principles that made her a helpmate to her hushand in Inter life. In the community where she has so long resided, she has won the affectionate regard of all who know her, by her many acts of kindness, and has always been the friend of the poor and distressed.

SYLVESTER O. IRVIN was born December 26, 1827, in Randolph County, Ind., two and a half miles southwest of Winchester. His father, John Irvin, was one of the earliest pioneers of this county. He removed from Virginia to Ohie in 1818, and from that State to Indiana in 1819, loeating in Randolph County. He purchased the northenst quarter of Section 6, in Township 19, (White River), and afterward entered a tract of 120 acres, and for more than & half century he residel in this county, witnessing the many changes and im- provements that took place within that period. He died in 1874, aged about ninety-seven years. Sylvester, the subject of this sketch, is one of a family of eloven children. lle was reared amid the scenes that marked the enrliest pio- neer history of this county, and has always remained one of its citizens. Ile enjoyed fine educational advantages in his youth, attending the Winchester Seminary, also the seminary at Muncie, and completed his school life nt Asbury University, Green Castle, Ind. After leaving school, he taught two terme, then Elopted the profession of dentistry, at which he was engaged for seven years, (from 1850 to 1857). Returning then to the home farm, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1870. In that year he returned to Winchester, aud embarked in the manufacture of cigars on quite an extensive scale. Four years later he sold out and retired from this pursuit, and after n year spent on the home form, became the proprietor of the Irvin House at Winchester. He has ever since conduete l this business with marked success. He is a genial and popular landlord, and hy his excellent management, has ostablished a reputa- tion for his house which secures him a goodly share of the public patronage. Mr. Irvin hns long been one of the lending citizens of this community, and is widely known. By n life of industry and honorable dealing, he has gained the confidence and high regard of all who koow him, and is in all respects a good citizen, anì n worthy member of society. In politics, he is identified with the Democratic party, and, for the past eight years, has occupied the position of Secretary of the Democratic Central Committee of Randolph County. He was

married, in 1851, to Sarnh J., daughter of James Quinn, a prominent farmer of Preble County, Ohio. She has been a devoted helpmate to him in the years that have followed, and still lives to cheer his later life, and share with him the regard of the community and a large circle of friends.

THOMAS KLINCK, SR., was born January 23, 1822, in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, his native town being Enzberg, Maulbron County. He sequired a good common school education, and, at the age of eighteen, began an apprenticeship at the wagen-maker's trade, of which he hecnme a master. In 1848, he emigrated to the United States, remaining in New York City but a short time, and removing to Columbus, Ohio, in the same year. He found em- ployment at his trade in that city, and, throughout the years that have followed, he has been steadily engaged at this pursuit. He was married, at Columbus, in 1849, to Mrs. Catharine (Fay) Halz, and in 1852, came to Randolph County, Ind., locating at Winchester. Since his arrival here, he has gained many friends by his straightforward, honeet ways, and by industry and energy, has accumu- luted a comfortable fortune. He is recognized as a good citizen in all respects, and is honored and esteemed by all who know him. His son, Thomas Klinck. Jr., was born in 1850, at Columbus, Ohio. He is now engaged as a clerk in the drug store of J. C. Hirsch, at Winchester. Joseph Martin Haiz, step-son of Mr. Klinck, was born February 22, 1846, at Canal Winchester, Franklin Co., Ohio, and is now engaged at the wagon-maker's trade. The father and sous are active members of the Musonic fraternity.

JOSEPH S. KEMP, a successful merchant of Winchester, was born July 28, 1854, in White River Township, Randolph Co., Ind. He was reared on n farin, and received a common school education. When seventeen years of age, he accepted the position of clerk in the dry goods house of H. D. Bowen, at Chicago, Ill., and was thus engaged for four years. He then spent a year in the gold mines of the Black Hills, and, at the end of that time, returned to his native county. In December, 1878, he embarked in the dry goods trade at Winchester, and within three years afterward his business had increased to very satisfactory proportions, and he was regarded one of the lending merchants of the town. He now contemplates the removal of hie stock to another locality, where, no doubt, his industry and energy will meet with success as flattering as that which has attended his career in this town.

RICHARD A. LEAVELL.

Richard A. Leavell, denler in real estate, Winchester, Ind., was born in Henry County, Ind., December 20, 1841. His father, James M. Leavel', was born in Virginia, but removed, when quite young, with his parents, to Kentucky. Staying there but a short time, the family removed to Henry County, Ind., about the time of the organization of the county, the grandfather of the subject. of this sketch being the first Sheriff of the county. His mother, Ruth (Corwine) Lenvell, was a native of Kentucky, but removed with her parents, when quite young, to Henry County, Iud. The parents of Richard A. removed to Randolph County in 1848, and settled on n tract of 160 aeres in the green woods just north ef where the town of Parker now stands, where the youthful days of our subject were employed in the necessary duties of aiding in clearing the paternal homestead, and producing a support for the family. His opportunities for ob- taining school education were quite limited, yet being of studious turn of mind, he made the most of his surroundings, and completed the common school course of that day. Upon the breaking out of the rebellion, he enlisted as a private in Company E, Thirty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Intnatry. He eerved with his regiment through the full term of his enlistment, participating in many of the most hard-fought battles of the war, among the firet of which were the battle of Shiloh and siege of Corinth, spring of 1862. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Leavell was stricken with disease, and passed several months in the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky., and at home, on furlough, before recovering. In the spring of 1863, he rejoined his regiment, and participated in the sanguinary campaigns of 1863-64, the more important battles of which his regiment was engaged in being Chickamauga, Lookout-Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ring- gold, Dalton and Resaca. He was severely wounded May 27, 1864, at Dallas, Gu , his right arm being shot through; this casunlity returned him to the hos- pital at Evansville. He never returned to his regiment until it returned home, not recovering sufficiently, but was mustered out with it at Indianapolis Sep- tember 21, 1864. After his discharge from the army, he engaged in farming one year, and then attended Liber College, Jay County, Ind., one year, and the Winchester High School six months, after which, he was engaged in the public schools of his county as teacher until 1872, when he was nominated by the Re- publicans, and elected Clerk of Randolph Circuit Court, the responsible duties of which office he discharged in a manner highly creditable to himself for four years. Since the expiration of his official term, he has been engaged in the renl estate business. Ja 1870, October 2, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarelda J. Lewis, daughter of C. W. Lewis, of Monroe Township, a lady of most excellent character, who only survived a few months, dying July 7, 1871, leav- ing a babe only one week old to the enre of the bereaved father. On the 7th of September, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary M. Barnes, of Spartaosburg, Ind., a lady of fine social qualities, who has proved, in all respects, a worthy com- panion. They have two living children. Mr. and Mrs. Leavell are both mem- bers of the Methodist Church, Mr. L. of the I. O. O. F., Knights af Honor, and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is an active, energetic, enterprising citizen, holding high position in the regards of his many friends and neighbors. Hie eldest, and the only child by his first wife, ie named Minnie S., and was born June 30, 1871. Neal B., by his second wife, was born September 2, 1875. Jessie M. was born August 5, 1878, and died April 29, 1880. John C. was born October 6, 1882.

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History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships, Part 101

Author: Tucker, Ebenezer Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : A.L. Klingman Number of Pages: 664

Author: Tucker, Ebenezer
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : A.L. Klingman
Number of Pages: 664