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 116

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 116

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AMOS IIALL.

Thie most excellent citizen was born in Clinton County, Ohio, September 4, 1839. He is the son of Moses and Sarsh Hall, and is the second of s family of ten children, four boys and six girls, six of whom are now living ; his mother died in this county December, 1862; his father is now living in the State of Kansas; his parents removed from Ohio in 1854, and settled in Washington Township, Randolph County, on a farm where his father remained until 1871, and his mother until her death. The enbject of this sketch remained on his farther's farm until he was twenty-one years of age, sharing the hardships and trials as well as the blessings of most farmer boys ; he early learned the lesson, that industry and perseverance are necessary elements of success in life. His education was limited to the common schools of his township ; his time, while at school, wee employed to the very best advantage, realizing the importance of an education ; he succeeded in acquiring a thorough knowledge of the common branches and elements of book-keeping. He enlisted as a soldier August, 1862, in Company H, Eighty-fourth Regiment, under Capt. George Carter. On ac- count of physical inability, he never did active service ; he was prostrated with disense very soon after enlisting, and did not recover for two years. He wes married to Ruth A. Benson, daughter of Isaso and Martha Benson, of this county, June 1, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Hall settled on a farmi consisting of ferty Acres, soon after their marriage, near Snow Hill, in this county, and remained here until the year 1869, when he was employed by the Board of County Com- missionere as Superintendent of the County Infirmary, a position he has held continuously ever since, with the exception of the year 1878; that he has filled this most important and responsible position with entire satisfaction to the Com- missioners and people of the county, his continuanee in the office is the best evidence. In this position he has the entire control of s farm of 218 scres, of which 170 sre under cultivation, and the constant care of from forty-five to seventy inmates. The greatest number of inmates at this institution at one time was seventy-eight, and the least number twenty-three. All of the inmates who are able, assist to some axtent, in the cultivation of the farm, the proceeds of which are used for their maintenance ; all proceeds of sales from the farm are turned into the County Treasury. The number of homeless children in this institution are from six to twelve. The best of care is taken of these wards of the county having advantages of both common and Sabbath sebeole. Mr. and Mrs. Hell, while they provide emply for the welfare of all of the inmates of the

infrmary, take s special interest in the homeless children, and to their credit it may be said, that they give them the same opportunities they do their own children. Much more might be seid commendatory of Mr. Hall's management of the County Infirmary, but it would extend this sketch beyond its proper limits. Mr. and Mrs. Hell are the parents of nine children, four of whom are living, two boys and two girls, the ruthless hand of death having removed five children, two sons and three daughters. Mrs. Hall is an acceptable snd hon- ored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is an invaluable as- Fistent to her husband in the discharge of the duties as Superintendent of the Infirmary. In fact, much of his success is duc to her enterprise and good judg- ment. Mr. Hall has always been & Republican in political preferment, and, although never having asked for any office at the hands of the people, has always worked industriously for the success of the party of his choice. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are widely known throughout the county, and are known only to be most highly respected.

LEWIS L. HEASTON is a native of this county, and was born April 29, 1827, on Sugar Creek, White River Township. His parents were David and Catherine Ileaston, who emigrated to this county in 1820. There were four of the children in the Hesston family, of whom three are living, viz., Mary A (now Mrs. Wright, of this township), Nathaniel P., of Adams County, Ind., and our subject. In 1833, the family removed to the David Heaston form, in Sec- tions 19 and 20, adjoining the corporation of Winchester ; here they oleared and improved over 300 nores of land. Mr. Ileaston was married, September 19, 1860, to Miss Louiea J. Edwards, also a native of this county, and a dough- ter of Eli Edwards, an early settler of the county. They have hnd eleven chil- dren, wevou living-Mary N., Rosa B., Sarah J., B. Ellen, C. L. V., Eva O. and Lula M. For the most part, Mr. Heaston has engaged in farming, but for ten years he engaged in the milling business. In 1870, he. in company with his brother. Nathaniel P., erected the city flouring mills in Winchester-a large brick structure. Mr. Heaston is a member of the Masonic order.

CHRISTIAN HUFFMAN is a farmer, and his post office address is Win- chester. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 4, 1819, and is a son of Stephen and Cstharine Huffman, natives of Virginia. He came to this county with his parents in 1822, and settled in the woods, and was all his life accustomed to hard work. When a small boy, he had to do the milling on horseback. There was a emall mill on Salt Creek, but when the waters ran low in that romantic stream, the next nearest mill was fifteen miles away. On one occasion, when the Salt Creek Mill was not running, he had to go to the Smith- field Mill, fifteen miles away. Owing to the orowd he had to stay two days and two nights, and then bad to come away without getting his flour bolted, 89 bolting was done by hand, and the bolt being three days behind the buhr. IIe brought his grinding back and bolted it himself at the home mill, where the mill and bolt were both idle. He attended school in & log cabin with claphoard roof slub seats, and a log cut for & window. He was married February 15, 1850, to Miss Jane Muckey, a native of New York, and daughter of Jacob Muckey. In the Huffman family there were seven children, and now but four are living-Leonidas, born May 3, 1854; Evangeline, born February 20, 1858, and died February 2, 1881; Stephen D., born July, 1860; Ellen A., born March 14, 1864 ; Mary W., born September 25, 1869.

JOSEPH B. HULL, farmer, P. O. Winchester, was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., October 5, 1825, and is a son of Jabiel and Charlotte (Jones) Hull, also natives of New Jersey. Mr. Hull worked on a brick yard from the time he was eight years of age un il after he was twenty-one. He attended the common school during the winter months. He came with his parents te Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1832, and in 1834 to Wayne County, Ind. In 1836, they returned to Cincinnati, where they remained until 1839, when they came to Randolph County and settled on the farm now owned by our subject. IIe was married November 18, 1847, to Miss Lucy E., daughter of Stephen Haynes, of West River Township, this county. They have had eight children, of whem six are living, viz. : Charlotte, Laura R , Ida A., Henry C., Lucy A. and James F. Mr. Hull is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and owns ninety-five acres of valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Hull are members of the M. E. Church. He owns thirteen shares in the Lynn & Winchester pike.

GEORGE HIATT, farmer, P. O. Winchester, was born in Grayson County, Va .. August 12, 1805, and is a son of Jonathan and Rachel Hiatt, natives of North Carolina. He came with his parents to thie county in 1818, and set- tled in the thick woods, where all had to work very hard to obtain the necessa- ries of life. Mr. Hiatt had Indian boys for his playmates. He was married, March 27, 1828, to Miss Lucinda Nixon, by whom he has nine children, viz. : Eliza, Almira, Mary E., James M., John S., William F., Henry C., Thomas N. and Selon E. Mr. Iliatt is a farmer end stock-raiser, and owne 317 acres of valuable land. Mr. Hiatt is among the oldest residents, and has done much to build up his neighborhood.

ELWOOD HIATT is a farmer, of White River Township, and occupies the old homestead of his father. He was born in Randolph County January 9. 1840, and has always been engaged upon the farm. He is n son of Moses and Lavina (Edwarda) Hiatt. His paternal grandfather was Zachariah Hiatt, who moved to Wayne County, Ind., in 1813, and soon afterward to Randolph County, and was among the first settlers. His maternel grandfather was Jonathan Edwards, Sr., who was a native of North Carolina, and an early settler in Randolph County. Elwood was married February 22, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth A. Ludy, daughter of Henry Ludy, and a native of Randolph County. Mrs. Hiatt was born May 27, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt were educated in the com- men echools. They have eight children, viz. : Charles L., born December 16, 1866; Emma D., August 7, 1868; Mary E., September 21, 1870; Anna C., September 15, 1872; Minnie M., November 23, 1874; George W., August 18, 1876; Cora M., September 24, 1878; and Gerfield, January 13, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt with their little family group, now occupy their pleasant country home of 194 acres of fertile lands in the enjoyment of all there is in life. They are widely known, and are highly esteemed by all who know them. Mr. Hiatt's father died July 1, 1856, aged fifty-two years and twenty-two days.

350

HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

Mr. Iliatt's mother died February 3, 1868, aged fifty-four years and twenty- two days.

AMOS HIATT, deceased. The subject of this ekeich was born in Guilford County, N. C., April 20, 1811, and came to this county as early as 1832. He was n bineksmith and farmer. Was married twice, the first time to Mies Han- nah Bales, by whom he had five children ; of these three are living, viz. : Louiss, Evaline aud Samuel. His second wife was Miss Martha Roberts, whom he mar- in 1847. Her father, James Roberts, now resides with her, at the age of seventy-eight years. Mr. Hiatt had seven children by the second wife, six of whom are living-Hannah C., Calvin, Charles, Allen, Almeda and Della. Mr. Hintt died in November, 1873. Hannah C. is married to William T. Reszell, who is now superintending the farm. They have one child-Olive Myrtle.

WILLIAM HAWKINS, deceased. This worthy old settler, who has gone lo rest, was born in Union County, S. C., January 11, 1809. He moved to North Carolina in 1824, and to Richmond, Ind., in 1830. He was married in Wayne County, in 1833, to Miss Agatha Teagle, who was born in Augusta County in 1810, and came with her parents to Wayne County in 1820. They had teo children, of whom eight are living, viz .: Elizabeth, Rachel, Martha, James W., Columbus, Ettn, Matilda and William L. Mr. Hawkins meved with his family to this county in 1842, where he engaged in farming, in which he was eminently successful until his death. He owned over 700 acres of land, besides much personal property. Hle died May 19, 1880, loved by all. He was a faithful Christian, and worthy member of the M. E. Church for forty-seven years, and died in full triumph of living faith. William L. Hawkins, youngest son of the above, now owns the old homestead, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Ile wns born in the house in which he still lives, July 20, 1854, and is an enterprising yenng bachelor.

LOUIS IIOBBICK, farmer, P. O. Winchester. Mr. Hobbick is n native ef this county, and was born Mny 18, 1840, in White River Township. His parents were Christian and Christina Hobbick, natives of Germany. He was brought up a farmier boy, and educated in the common schools, and the Win- cheater High School. He enlisted in the late war, but was pronounced physi- cally unable by the examining physician, and was refused. Ile was married, February, 1868, to Miss Mary Hounour, daughter of Matthias Houneur. She was born niso in this county. They have five children-Charley, Emmn, Bruce, William and Catharine. Mr. H. owns 114 acres of valuable land, and is en- gaged in farming on Section 25, White River Township.

WILLIAM Y. HURST, farmer, P. O. Unionsport, is a native of East Ten- nessee, and was born September 24, 1817. His parents were James and Eliza- beth Hurst ; he was reared ou a farm, and educated in & Ing enbin, which had n puncheon floor and clapboard ceiling. His parents removed to Ohio when he was two months old, and in 1819 eame to Wayne County, Ind. Mr. Hurst enme to White River Township and settled on Section 5, where he still resides ; he did a great deal of hard work. On the 29th of April, 1840, he married Miss Mary Love, by whom he had thirteen children ; of these but five are living, viz , Jasper N., Nancy J., Mary E., Elizabeth A. and Harriet L. Their son, Henry H., came to a sad death on the 11th of December, 1880, while hunting ; he was standing on a log, and his gun slipped, striking the lock on the log, when it was discharged into his leg and abdomen, killing him alnost instantly. He was a soldier in the late war, where he fought in many of the hardest and most bloody battles. While there, by his hrnvery, won the confidence of oll his comrades, Jasper N. was also n soldier in the Inte war. Henry also accom . panied Gen. Sherman on his noted " march to the sea." Mr. Hurst's wife, Mary, died on the 9th day of June, 1882.

CORNELIUS A. HUNT, farmer, P. O. Winchester, son of Juhathan W. nod Sarah Hunt, was born in Nottle Creek Township, this county, March 16, 1844. This parents came from Ohio to Randolph County, about the year 1826. Mr. Hunt speut his boyhood days on a farm, and received his education in the pioneer log cabin schoolhouse, while sitting on a slab seut. He served as a sol-tier in the late war in Company C, Fifty-Seventh Indiann Volunteer Infan- try, and participated in the battles of Stone River, Perryville and others, and was discharged on account of disability. October 3, 1867, he married Miss Amanda, daughter of Daniel E. Johnson. They have four children-Alda O., Johnthan C., Lela M. and Frances E. Mr. Ilunt is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

JOB HINSHAW, farmer. P. O. Winchester, is a native of North Carolina, und was born May 29, 1828. His parents were Themas and Hannah Hinshaw ; he was brought up on a farm, and received a common-school education in this county, Ins father having removed here in 1829; ho was married, in 1849, to Miss Serena Cox, by whom he bas had nine children ; of these but six are living. viz., Elwood, Rosanna, Cyrus, Willinin, Dioah J. and Charles F. Mr. Hinshaw resides on Sectlon 25, and owas 200 acres of valuable land. They are members of the Society of Friends, as were also his parents.

JESSE HINSHAW, farmer, H. O. Winchester, is A native of Randolph County, and was born May 11, 1836. His parents were Thomas and Hannah Hin- shaw natives of North Carolina. Mr. Hinshaw used to go to mill on horseback when but nine years old ; at one time his grist fell off, and had it not been for the timely arrival of a friend, he might have been compelled to go home withont his meal. He was married, November 6, 1958, to Miss Anna Cox, a native of this county, and daughter of John Cox, Sr., of White River Township. They have had three children-Enech (deceased ), Riley C. and George W. Mr. Hin- show is engaged in farming, and owns fifty-two and one-half acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Ilinshaw are members of the Society of Friends.

EDMUND HINSHAW is a resident of White River Township, and his post office address is Winchester. lie was born in North Carolina December 3, 1816 : he is a gon uf Benjamin and Annis Hinshaw, who were also natives of North Carolina. Elmund came with his parents to Wayne County in 1832, And to Randolph in 1841 The family settled in the " green," and vigorously plied the ax, before which the forest succumbed and fields appeared. The subject of

this sketch was first married September 25, 1834, te Miss Mary Thompson. Of this union seven children were born ; all have passed away except Jesee Hin- show and Phebe A. Huston, the wife of James V. Huston. William and Abner were soldiers in the war of 1861-64. William was killed in the battle of Richmond, Ky., August 30, 1862, and Abner died in a hospital at St Louis, January 7, 1863. Mre. Hinshaw died January 19, 1849, and Mr. Hinshaw again married July 22, 1849, This time he chose Mies Irena Hiatt for a life com- panion. Of this union there were seven children, of whom five are now living, viz., Seth, Mary, Edmund, Ann Eliza and Benjamin E. Mr. Hinshaw was again berenved by the death of his companion Februrary 7, 1871. Being averse to loneliness, he again sought a helpmate, and on the 6th day of February, 1873, he was married to Miss Rachel Diggs. They mourn the loss of an only child. Mr. and Mrs. Hinshaw reside at their very pleasant home about two miles north of Winchester. Their friends always find n cordial welcome at their open door. Mrs. Hinshaw is an estimable lady, and Mr. Hinshaw true to himself and his word ; he has always been upon the form and still enjoys it for his home.

ELI HAWORTH, farmer, P. O. Winchester, was born in Winchester, this county, June 8, 1836, and is a son of David and Ann (Cox) Haworth. David Haworth came to this county in 1818; he moved to his farm on Section 21, White River Township, when our subject was a boy, where he was reared and educated, and still resides on the old home pince; he was married in 1856, to Miss Lydis E. Hickman, by whom he had three children ; of these two are liv- ing-Newton and John M. Mrs. Haworth died March 24, 1866, and he again married, March 23, 1867, this time to Mrs. Naney L. Summers, whose maiden name was Gray. They have had four children, two living-Luella J. and Carl L. Mr. ITaworth is nleo cogaged in raising steck as well as farming, and owns 130 acres of land. They are members of the Society of Friends. Mr Haworth served near threee years in the Inte war in Company H, Eighty-fourth Indi- ana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Dal- ton, Resaca, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Nashville, Franklin and others. His son, Carl L., died July 80, 1881.

ROBERT IRVIN (deceased) was born in Franklin County, Va., August 29, 1805, and was a son of John Irvin. He was raised to bard labor on a farm, and received but "three months' schooling." Ile was married three times and was the father of seventeen children, of whom fourteen are living, viz., Eva- line, John, Margaret, Lonisa, Rose Ann, Caroline, Robert R. (by first wife); Gertrude, George, Charles, Lamartinc, Lanis, Willard and Jefferson (by second wife). ilis first wife was Miss Mary Bunty; the second was Mise Hannalı D. Bishop, nod the third, his widow, was Mrs. Hannah E. Baker. She bad one child by her first busbond, viz., John W. Baker. Mr. Irvin died October 13, 1875. He was a worthy member of the M. E. Church, and was beloved by all. He held the office of Sheriff of Randolph County from 1840 until 1844, and also was Tax Collector for several years. Ile was known as n charitable, benevolent man.

JOHN W. JARNAGIN is a farmer and resides on his farm balf & mile south of Winchester. He was born in Highland County, Ohio, en the 24th day of March, 1825, and is a sun of Eli and Mary (Franklin) Jarnagin ; the former was a native of east Tennessee, und the latter of Adams County, Ohie. Mr. John W. was reared on a farm; he came with his parents to Randolph County in 1837, and with them settled in the woods near Fairview. There they began battling with the forest and clearing up a farm. Besides clearing up their own Innils, they took contracts of clearing for other persone. Wages in those days were about $10 per month for a good workman, not in cash, but in store goods, which were sold on large profits. Young Mr. Jarnagin had no advantages of education till after he way twelve years old, when he came to Winchester ond entered the Randolph County Seminary, where he acquired a good business education. He began life as neominon school teacher, but in 1856 he was elected by the Republican party as County Treasurer, and re-elected in 1858, holding the office two years each term. He retired with his last term to private life, and settled on a good farm of 100 aores near Winchester. He is a pros- perous and cuterprising farmer, and abreast with the times on improvements. Ile was married, in 1856, to Miss Miriam Horn, a native of North Carolina, and daughter of Henry Horn, who came to this county in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Horn are members of the M. E. Church. There were cight brothers in the Jnrungin family ; four were in war of 1861-65, and all returned at the close of the war.

JOSHUA M. JOHNSON, farmer and blacksmith, P. O. Cerro Gordo, son of Juhn and Phobe Johnson, is a native of Washington Township, this county, and was horn September 13, 1831. He was raised to hard work on hie father's woodland farm, and his education was received in the common schools. lle was married in 1855, to Miss Amanda, daughter of Ithamer Pegg, of White River Township. The result of this union was thirteen children, of whom twelve are living -Alwildn J., John 1., Marthn A., Mary E., Phoebe S., Rachel E., Ida M., Jonathan G., Daniel R. J., Lillie E., Leutie and Lunlta. The last are twins. Mr. Johnson owns 240 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in farming and steek-raising. He is also a blacksmith by trade, at which he also works in his little town of Buena Vista.

HIRAM B. JONES, farmer, P. O. Winchester, was born in White River Township, this county, May 5, 1838. He received n common school education, nad has spent his life, thus far, on a farm. He was married, August 25, 1860, to Mary E. Jackson, daughter of Elijah Jackson. She was born in this county July 31. 1838. They have had four children-Rosa, Lillie E., Bertie A. and a deceased daughter, Ora E. Mr. Jones owns forty acres of valuable land, and is engaged in farming. 'He was the first to inaugurate the erection of the Dun- kirk pike; in which he holds $260 worth of stock, and is the present Secretary of the company. Endsley Jones, father of the above, was born in North Caro- lina June 4, 1810; he came to Wayne County, lad , in 1816, and to this county in 1831. September, 1887, he married Lydia Wright, by whom he had four children-Hiram B., Alexander (died in the late war), Daniel and Angeline.

351

WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.

ELIAS KIZER.

Elias Kizer was born in Virginia, in the yesr 1800, and grew to manhood in his native State. In 1821, he came to Randolph County, Ind., locating neaf the present site of Stone Station. In 1831, he removed to the farm north or Winchester, which was thenceforth his home until he died. In 1824, he mar- ried Miss Margery Ward, an aunt of Thomas Ward, Esq., of Winchester, this union being blessed by three sons-Thomas W., Henry and Caleb. The latter died in infancy. Thomas and Henry are both prominent citizens of Winchester. Mr. Kizer was one of the early pioneers of this county, and for more than forty-five years was prominently identified with its development and improve- ment. He contributed cheerfully to the advancement of all enterprises inaugu- rated for the promotion of the public welfare, and lent his own personal assist- ance where active effort was required. Some time prior to the year 1830, he took the contract for carrying the United States mail between Winchester and Fort Wayne. Sometimes he would make the trip himself, but more often the mail was carried by some one employed by him for that purpose. When he first took the contract there was no post office on the route, except that at Fort Wayne. Deerfield Post Office was established, however, a few years later. He rode through a dense wilderness, and was compelled to sleep in the woode at night. At times he would take with him woolen stockings, which his wife had knit, and sell them at Fort Wayne for groceries or money. He watched the county in its growth from a pioneer settlement to a populous and wealthy com- munity, and was an interested participant in its prosperity. He was an enter- prieing man, and always the friend of progress. He built the first steam mill in Randolph County, and, it is believed, the engine in his mill was the only one between Winchester and Newport at that time. To give his attention more fully to this enterprise, Mr. Kizer removed to Winchester, at the same time keeping hotel, and winning a great deal of popular favor as a landlord. Shortly afterward, however, he returned to his farm.

At various times in his life, he was called to fill local offices, serving as County Commissioner for several years, and at another time as Township Trust- ee. He was the candidate of his party for State Senator, but was defeated, although he ran a gallant race, and made a persistent canvass. In politics, he was a " Jackson Democrat," but subsequently embraced the principles of the Whig party, and acted with them until the organization of the Republican party, with which he identified himself. He was never un aspirant for office, although an active politician. He lived a useful life, marked by industry aud energy. He was a thorough business man, and accumulated a comfortable es- tate, owning at the time of his death, 450 acres of valuable laud. He died in 1867, his wife surviving him uotil 1860. Both ware members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their lives were consistent with the faith they professed. Mr. Kizer was a Class-Leader for a number of years, and was active in all the work of the church. In all his dealinge with his fellow-men he was upright and honorable, and won universal respect and confidence. He was valued ae a substantial and public-spirited citizen, and loved as a friend and neighbor.

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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 116

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