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 124

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 124

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Thomas Parker was born in North Carolina 8th, 7th, 1706; he came to Randolph County, Ind., about 1824; married Eliza- beth Arnold and became the father of eleven children, five of whom aro now living. He died in 1873, aged seventy-seven years one month and twenty-two days. His widow still lives at Arba, being well advanced in years, a quiet, venerable matron, fearing God and beloved by her neighbors and friends.

Thomas W. Parker (first settler) was born in North Carolina in 1776, and married Anna Peale in that country. They came to Randolph County in 1814 with John W., Thomas and Clark. son Willcutts, who were half-brothers, bringing with them three children. Thomas W. Parker had eight children in all; three were born in Carolina and five in Indiana. Ho first settled west of Arba, then moved near the toll-gate north of Arba; then near Spartansburg, and still again to Bartholomew County, where he died more than thirty-five years ago. His wife, Anna Parker, died in Randolph County in 1823, and was buried at Arba, being the second or third person buried in that cemetery.

David Semans (late of Greensfork) was born at Wheeling, W. Va., in 1802, and came to Highland County, Ohio, in 1813. He went for himself in 1819, marrying in that year, at the age of seventeen. They came to Randolph County in 1825, settling on Nolan's Fork, and removing to Spartansburg in 1835. In 1840, he returned to his farm southwest of Arba for awhile, and not very long afterward moved to Eel River, Miami County, Ind. (1845); thence back to Randolph County, in 1855, and to Minne sota in 1865, and to Iowa in 1870, making his home for several years with some one of his numerous children in Indiana, Min- nesota, Iowa and Nebraska. He has been thrice married. His wives were Rebecca Lewis, Rebecca Bowen and Ruth Ann Cook. All three are dead, the last one dying in 1877. He has had twenty-four children-eight by his first wife, fourteen by the second and two by the third. He had six sons in the army at the same time, their united services amounting to twelve or four- teen years. One was killed at the battle of Franklin after his term of service had expired. Mr. S. has beon mostly a farmer, has taught school many terms and has sold goods seven or eight years. He has been an Abolitionist from his boyhood, and a church member for sixty-two years-first, Methodist Episcopal, then Wesleyan and again Methodist Episcopal. Mr. Semans is tall and imposing in mien and bearing, large-framed and mns- cular; and, though now somewhat enfeebled, yet his erect and stately form gives him an appearance both dignified and venera-

368

HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

ble, and he seems the very image and ideal of an aged patriarch of the olden time. (This was written before his death. ) He was an early pioneer of Greensfork Township, living first south west of Spartansburg, then in that town; leaving the region at length, and, after long years spent in various places, dying at last in Iowa in the spring of 1881, seventy-nine years of age. He was a farmer, a teacher, a preacher, a Justice of the Peace, and at one time (1830) a member of the Legislature. His second wife was the daughter of Ephraim Bowen, Sr., of Greensfork, the fourth settler in Randolph County. Many of his twenty-four children lived to be grown and married, and, in 1880, sixteen were living and married. How many more of the twenty-four have been married we do not know. Mr. S. was tall and stately, straight as a tree, a grand and splendid specimen of the Anglo-Saxon race. While he was visiting his old neighbors and his kinsfolk in Randolph County, during the summer of 1880, he seemed as though several years of life might yet be his among men. But his work is done, and his stately form lies low in the silent dust, and his freed spirit has gone home to its endless rest. May wo " die the death of the righteous, and may our last end be like his!"

William Stubbs (father of Mrs. Philip Hill) was born in 1786 in Georgia, and his wife, Sarah (Hodson) Stubbs, in North Car- olina in 1777. They were married in 1804, and emigrated to Preble County, Ohio, in 1805. They had eight children, and he died in 1857, aged seventy-c_e years. His wife died in 1858, aged eighty-one years. Philip Hill has had eight children, four of whom are living, and three married. Ho is the son of William Hill, an early pioneer, and also a brother of Aaron Hill, south of Arba, in the edge of Wayne County. Philip Hill resides in Greensfork, in the southwest part. He is a farmer, a Repub- lican and a member of the United Brethren Church.

William Taylor was born in Edgecombe County, N. C., in 1799; married Talitha Hedgepeth in 1823, who was born in 1802; came to Spartansburg, Ind., in 1836, and settled on a tract of land northwest of that piace, residing there until 1876, at which time he removed to Spartansburg, where is now his home. He has had five children-John Hedgepeth, born in North Carolina in 1824; married Sarah Horn; had nine children, five sons liv- ing; farmer, shee dealer, shoemaker, two years Township Trustee, discharging the duties well: highly esteemed by his fellow-citi- zens; married, in Arba, Ind .: Margaret Jane (Horn); six chil- dren; died some time ago: Peninnah (Horn), Arba, one child. William Thomas married Sarah E. Jackson, daughter of James Jackson; four children; farm west of old boundary. Mrs. Tay- lor's father was a "Continental" soldier; he served in the Revo- Intionary war fifteen months. Mr. Taylor and his wife have been "one" for nearly fifty-nine years; they are sprightly and hale, though they are eighty-three and eighty. He bought eighty acres of land, when he first came, for $350, and lived on it till 1876, and owns it yet. Mr. Taylor died in September, 1882, of Bright's disease, eighty-three years old.

John W. Thomas, Arba (second settler), was born in South Carolina in 1787; came to Randolph County, Ind .. in 1814; mar- ried Achsah Peale, in 1810, who was born in 1793. They had thirteen children; twelve lived to be grown, and eleven were married; six are now living Robert Thomas, the first child born in Randolph County, Ind., was the son of John W. Thomas, and born 12th, 18th, 1814. He is now living in Huntington County, Ind. John W. Thomas died in Huntington County Ind., 4th, 8th, 1859, and was buried in Arba Cemetery. His age was seventy-one years seven months and nineteen days. One of his sons now lives at Arba.

Windsor Wiggs was born in 1793 in North Carolina; came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1826; died in 1856; married Sarah Barefoot, in North Carolina, in 1816, living still where they set- tled fifty-four years ago; had eleven children: eight lived to be grown; six are still living. He died in 1856, November 27, aged sixty- three years. Willa Maria died at six weeks; Felix G., born 1819, married Emily Thomas, 1841. has resided in Ran- dolph County, Ind., and Darke County, Ohio; for twelve years at Union City, Ind .; bas been farmer, merchant and grain dealer; has two children, both living -- George, agent for a wholesale grain dealer in European markets, and a daughter, wife

of W. A. Wiley, grain dealer, Union City; he now spends much of his time traveling to Kansas, North Carolina, ete .; Morris died in 1854; Blake E., six children, farmer, Greensfork, twice married; Raiford, twice marriod, five children, Methodist and Republican, clerk and merchant; has resided at Spartansburg, Newport, Cincinnati, Richmond, Tampico, Ohio, Winchester, Union City, and now lives at Lawrence, Kan .; William Hender- son, died at eighteen years in a fit; Windsor, Jr., married Eliza- beth Hartman, then Almaretta (Milligan) Richardson, daughter of Dr. Milligan, late of Recovery, Olio; nine children; has lived at Spurtansburg, Union City, Recovery, Ohio, and Liber, Ind. ; he has been farmer, merchant and grain dealer, auctioneer, etc .; he is an ardent Republican; Sarah, died at three years; James Henry, farmer, eleven children, Disciple, Republican, Darke County, Ohio; Martha Matilda, died at two years; Anna Jane (Elliott), six children, two miles below Spartansburg, Ind. Mr. Wiggs was buried in the "Quaker Graveyard," near Charles Crist's, southeast of Spartansburg, as also his wife, who died in the summer of 1881, on the old homestead.

Mrs. Sarah (Barefoot) Wiggs (widow of Windsor Wiggs, Sr. ) was born in North Carolina, March 10, 1797; her father died when she was six years old, and she became a " bound girl" to a Mr. Evans. She was married to Mr. Wiggs before she was seventeen years old, and, in 1826, they emigrated to Randolph County, Ind., making their home in the wilderness southeast of Spartansburg, on the old Windsor Wiggs farm. They arrived at William Arnold's cabin, where Noah Turner lived lately, May 15, 1826; he bought eighty acres, and she resided on that farm from 1825 to 1881-more than fifty-five years-making her home of late years on the homestead with her son, Blake Wiggs; she died August 11, 1881, and was buried on the farm of Charles Crist, sontheast of Spartansburg, in what is known as the " Nor- wich or Quaker Graveyard," beside her husband, who many years ago departed this life at the age of sixty-three years three months and eighteen days; his death occurred November 27, 1856. Their land had been entered by John Schooley, who sold it to Benjamin Arnold, and he to Mr. Wiggs. Mrs. Wiggs joined the Disciples' Church in 1839, and her husband a short time afterward. Mrs. Wiggs was eighty-four years five months and twenty-four days old, having lived with her husband thirty- eight years three months oleven days, having been a widow about twenty-six years, a church member forty-two years, and a resident on their homestead fifty-five years. She raised a large family, who have become prominent and useful citizens.

SQUIRE BOWEN.

Squire Bowen, a pioneer of Randolph County, son of Ephraim and Hannah Bowen, born in Greene County, Ohio, April 10, 1805 ; he was the fourth of eleven children, five of whom are still living; he removed with his parents to Randolph County, October 22, 1814, and . ettled two and one-half miles from Spartans- burg, where his father entered a quarter section of land. Squire lived upon this farm l'or fifty-three years ; here he spent the renter and best portion of his life. llis mother died in 1844, and his father followed in 1858. After the dentti of his mother, the care of the father fell to the lot of Squire. It is needless to state that he did all that was in the power of a loving son to mske the remainder of his father's life comfortable and happy.

The bayhoed of Squire was similar to that of the sons of most pioneers. The privations and sufferings experienced by the early settlers of this county Atul State cannot be pictured upon the printed' page. At the time Squire's father settled in this o unty, there were only eleven white people living in the territory of which the cenuty was subsequently formed. Having no neighhors but the uncivilized Indiane, they were throwo upon the rown resources Le el-ar a homestead from the unbroken forest. All of the products of the larm that were not used for home consumption were marketed ut Fort Wayne, a distance of about nin ty miles. The only means of conveyance was by wagon drawn by exon. They were compelled to cut their own road through the deuse wilder- noss. It. required from sixteen to !wenty days to make the trip and return. All of this work fell principally to the lot of the subject of this sketch.

Notwithstanding the almost entire absence of schools, Mr. Bowen, hy flint of his own efforts. with the assistance of a very brief attendance at school in Greene County, Ohio, and at Arba, this county, In the old log pioneer school- house, used as a Friends' Mecting House, he obtained a fair common school education.

He was married to Elizaboth Dwiggins, of Wayne County. August 18, 1829, who still survives, having borne the ups and downe of life with her de- voted husband for fifty-three years. They are the parents of twelve children, four beys and eight girls, nine of whom are still living. With one exceptiou, none of their children reside more than ten miles from the old homestead.

Ephraim L Bowen. GREEN'S FORK. TP.

SQUIRE BOWEN GREEN'S FORK TP.

DAVID LASLEY.

Liamil Worth. WEST RIVER TP

C. BOUSMAN.

MRS. C. BOUSMAN

William. Angle

Lutitia Ungle

A.LENOX. UNION CITY

Cannes & Plain M.Q. LYNN.

369

GREENSFORK TOWNSHIP.

Their children are all happily married, nod comfortably situated. In 1867, Squire moved from the farm to Arba, and lived in that village for nine and one-half years, when he moved to Spartanshurg, where he has since resided. He and his wife have been acceptable members of the M. E. Church for more than fifty years.

In politice, Mr. Bowen has always been an uncompromising Republican ; he bas affiliated with that party ever since its organization. Although never having been elected to any office of trust, he has always been actively engaged and deeply interested in the welfare of the party of his choice.

He and hie amiable wife are pleasantly situated at Spartansburg, surrounded by loving children and kind friends, enjoying fair health and a prospect of yet many years of usefulness.

We cannot close this brief sketch of this most worthy pair without adding our own testimony of reverence for their efforts in developing the great re- sources of this part of the State of Indinna.

JAMES D. BOWEN.

James Dwiggins Bowen, son of Squire and Elizabeth Bowen, was born in Greensfork Township, Randolph County, December 23, 1832; he was raised on the farm entered by his grandfather, Ephraim Bowen, in 1814, of which he is now owner and proprieter; hie farm consists of 200 acres of which 140 aeres are in a high state of cultivation. llis boyhood was quiet and uneventful, spending the greater part of his time in coltivatiog the farm; his education was limited to the common district schoole, with the exception of one term at a commercial school at Indianapolis in 1855. Ile was Enrolling Officer of his township during the war, an appointment from the Government : he made three trips to the front to look after the sick and wounded soldiers from his district. In addition to farming, Mr. Bowen has been actively engaged in the mercantile business at Spartonsburg and Arba, and pork-packing business at Richmond ; he now has an interest in the mercantile and grain business nt Lyna, this county. As a business man, Mr. Bowen is cautious, and careful to look after,, the details. He was married to Mary E. Chenoweth, daughter of John B. and Sarah B. Chenoweth, of Carroll County, Md., September 13, 1855.

Mr. and Mrs. Bowen have a family of nine children, three boys and six girls, all of whom are still living. Two of his sons are engaged with their father in business at Lynn, one as a partner, the other as clerk.

James D. has been elected to two of the most important offices of hie town- ship-that of Township Trustee, and served for five years, and io 1867, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and has continued for four years. That he filled these officee satisfactorily is evinced from the fuet of his continuance. HIr now bolds the office of Ditch Commissioner, under the appointment of the Judge of the Circuit Court. In 1873, he moved from Arba, where he had been engaged in business since 1866, to the farm where he now resides. He has been blessed with an abundance of worldly effects, and is surrounded with luxury and all that is necesary to make life happy. His farm is a model of beauty and con- venience, especially adapted to grazing, all parts of it being supplied with an abundnuce of never failing spring water. lle devotes considerable attention to the raising of corn and hogs. Ilis farm buildiogs are commodions and con- venient; hie dwelling-house is a Inrge, two-story structure, situated on a benui- tiful knoll, surrounded with many beautiful shade trees.

Mr. Bowen has always been n stanch Republican, and has been industrious in his efforts for the welfare of his party. He and his excellent wife are accept- able members of the M. E. Church, and are hono ed members of society of the community in which they reside. Mr. Bowen is also a useful toember of the order of Free and Accepted Masone, being a member of Bethel Lodge, No. 250.

EPHRAIM L. BOWEN.

Ephraim L. Bowen is a native of Randolph County, Ind. ; he was born at the family homestend in Gree i's Fork Township, on the 20th of March, 1819 : hie father, Ephraim Bowen, of whom a more extended account appears else- where in this volume, was one of the first white men who located in Randolph County, and bore a prominent and active part in its development and improve- ment. Ephraim L., the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm, enjoying only such limited educational advantages as the pioneer schools afforded. By individual effort, however, he succeeded in acquiring an education whicu, if not scholastic, was nevertheless practical, and by his daily routine of work grew proficient in all that goes to constitute a gond farmer, oud in later years adopted the pursuit of farming as his chosen vocation. Ile remained nt bome assisting his father until twenty years of age, and was then united in marriage with Miss Ruth Dwiggins, a native of Wayne County, Ind. lte then began farming for himself in Green's Fork Township, and in the years that have followed, his success in this line ha' steadily increased ander his tireless energy and prudent management. The farm upon which he began life on his own account has been eularged by subsequent purchases, until it now embraces 280 acres of excellent land, all of which is susceptible of cultivation, while the Inrger portion of it is under a fine sinte of improvement.

. Within twenty years after his marriage, death bereaved him of the com- panion hip of the wife, whose love had stimulated his youthful labors in the felling of the forest and the "making" of a firm ; whose words of cheer had revived his drooping spirits at the end of days of wenry toil, and whose careful economy lind materially promoted his temporal success. She died on August 5, 1858. Eight children had been born to them, two of whom preceded their mother to the grave. Six survived her, viz., James H., Elizabeth A., Hannah L., Mary E., Jennie and Squire C., all of whom grew to maturity and were married, and three of whom now survive. James IT. died September 12, 1874; Mary E. died May 12, 1876, and Jennie died July 1, 1877. Mr. Bowen was n second time united in the bends of matrimony, chousing for bis companion Mrs. Anna J. Corbett, daughter of John and Mildred Thornburg. She was born December 16, 1827, in North Carolina, and came to Randolph County,

Ind., with her parents, when a chill. She is an estimable Indy, aod enjoys the affectionate regard of all who know her. Four children are the fruits of the second marriage, viz., Julia M., Rosa L., Lulie L. and Clarence E., all of whom are now residing with their parents at home.

Throughout his life, Mr. Bowen has felt a lively interest in public improve- ments, and has contributed liberally to enterprises having for their object the ultimate benefit of the county. He has i ever felt political ambition, nor has he ever consented to serve in a public capacity ; but he is, nevertheless, a stanch politician, and en ardent Republican. He isa politician to the extent of taking an active interest in the success of bis party, and advocating its prinei- ples. He was a prominent anti-slavery advocate in earlier yenre, and became one of the first adherente of the Republican party upon its organization. He is identified with the friends of the temperance cause, and in his daily life exemplifies the principles he holds, As a member of the Christian Church he has led a consistent life, and as a worthy citizen none etand higher than he in the community where he is known. He is a member of the Masonie fraternity, and is identified with Bethel Lodge, No. 260.

CLEMENT F. ALEXANDER, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg. Thie estimable gentleman was born in Prehle County, Ohio, May 2, 1817, and is the son of James and Mary (Parks) Alexander, who were born in Burke County, N. C., the former September 28, 1787, and the latter January 22, 1790. The subject of our sketch was married, September 10, 1840, to Rebecca Parks, who was born in Monroe County, Ind., December 18, 1816, daughter of George and Catharine (Read) Parks, who were natives of North Carolina. This union has been blessed with six children, viz., Mary C., bora April 18, 1842 ; Martha J., October 29. 1843; Nancy A., April 23, 1845 ; Serena E., April 21, 1847 ; Sarah J., June 11. 1853 ; and Lizzie E., born May 7, 1859, all of whom are living except Martha J., who deceased January 24, 1881. Mr. Alexander came to this county and settled where be now resides in 1848; he was elected Commissioner of the county in 1860, nud so acceptahly performed the duties devolving upon him that he was again chosen in 1868, to act in the same capacity. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander mie consistent members of the Christian Church. He owne 277 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. lie is a kind hus- hand and father, and he bod his worthy lady enjoy the respect and esteem of all whb knuw them.

HARRISON ANDERSON, farmer, P. O. Spartaneburg. This estimable gentleman was born in Butler County, Ohio, January 9,1817, is the son of Nathan . and Elizabeth (Forton) Anderson, who were natives of Virginia, the former born June 9, 1767, and deceased ahont three months previous to the birth of the subject of this sketch ; the latter boru October: 13, 1774. Mr. Anderson, when about one year of age, wis brought by bis trother to Wayne County, Ind. The event of his marringe took place November 80, 1837; the chosen companion through life, Miss Lydia A. Shaw, born in Warren County, Ohio, October 9, 1819, is the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Ramsey) Shaw, who were, born in Pennsylvania, the former July 29, 1792, and the latter November 22, 1797. Mr. Anderson became a resident of this county in 1837, and for ten yenre lived on a farm of eighty neres that he purchased near the south line. He settled where he now resides (in Section 15), in 1851. During the year 1861, he was engaged in the mercantile business, and acted as Postmaster at Spartons burg. Mr. Anderson's early literary advantages were such As the pioneer youth gen- erally enjoy, hot nature has compensated largely for the lack of early opportu- nities. He is a gentleman who believes in advancement, and is ever found ready and willing to aid aoy laudable enterprise that tends to elevate and im- prove the standing of society. He bod his worthy lady are earnest workers in the Christian Church. They have been blessed with three children, two of whom are living, viz., Elizabeth, born June 10, 1842, and Edmon L , October 17, 1844.

JAMES ARMSTRONG, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg, was boro in Hunting- don County. Penn., April 29, 1822; he is the son of Andrew and Jane (Nelson ) Armstrong, who were natives of the nhove State. The subject of this sketch emigrated with his parents to Obie in 1835, where he remained until 1853. when he became a resident of this county, settling at Union City, where he engaged in the carpenter business until 1863, when he purchased and moved to n farm near the above place, on which he resided until 1867, when he innved to Miami County, this State, where he was employed as a carpenter for a period of four years ; at the expiration of that time he again became a resident of this county. He now owns n neat farm of forty acres in Section 3, on which he resides. Mr. A. is a member of the M. E. Church, Spartansburg I. O. O. F., No. 287, and of Xenia (Miami County) F. & A. M. No. --. The event of his marriage took place August 4, 1845, to Lucinda Hobert, who was born in Madi- son County, Ohio, September 17. 1827: she is the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Gaudy ) Hobert : the former born in Vermont January 3, 1802, and the latter in Ohio, November 2, 1811. This union has been blessed with one child, Jeremiah D., horn April 26, 1846, who is now engaged in life insurance at Union City. He was married, July 28, 1867, to Orpha A. Convers, daughter of Darms Convers.

ARCHIBALD ARMSTRONG, farmer, P. O. Spartansburg. This worthy gentleman, born in Ireland, April 1, 1833, is the son of Samuel and Margaret (Valentine) Armstrong, who are antives of Ireland. Mr. Armstrong came to this country with his parents in 1839 ; they first settled in Pennsylvania, where they remnined for three years : from there they moved to Delaware, and resided in thit State until 1844, when they returned to Pennsylvania, where they re- mained until 1850, when they becatne residents of this county. The event of his marriage took place August 27, 1859, to Maria Mann, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stout) Mann Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were blessed with three children, viz., Catherine, born August 16, 1868; George W., January 14, 1863; and Melissa, born Soptember 9, 1866. Ou November 28, 1866, Mr. A. was called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved wife. He then battled with the hardships of life alone until July 3, 1869, when he was married to Melissa 1 .. Witter, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 21. 1845. She is the daughter of Samuel and Sarah ( Kinnon) Witter Mr. Armstrong settled

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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 124

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