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 137

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 137

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ALDEN L. GAINES, farmer, P. O. Trenton. This esteemed citizen was born March 17, 1848, in llerkimer County, N. Y., And came to this county in the fall of 1854. He was educated in the common schools of this county, and has followed farming for n living. He was united in marriage to Celia E. Har- ris, March 18, 1869, who was born October 21, 1851. They have two children -Clara L., born January 1, 1871, and Charlotte V., November 28, 1872. He served in the Twenty-second Indinna Regiment for a brief term on garrison duty at Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Gaines has also worked at the carpenter trade, and is a stanch Republican. His father, Hoyt Gaines, is n native of Vermont, where he was born in the year 1812; he emigrated to this State with his family in the year 1854, and for one of his age is unusually netive. His mother's name was Sophin Klingin, who was born in the State of New York, February 3, 1816, deceased in this State June 13, 1864. Mr. G. is noted fer his integrity and sociability.

OLIVER P. GWIN, farmer, P. O. Economy. This worthy citizen was born February 4, 1831, in Wayne County, Ind. Ile was educated in the common schools of his native county, and was united in marriage August 7, 1852, to Eliza Worth, who was born Mny 3, 1834, deceased February 7, 1877. Eight children, living, blessed this nnion-John T., born November 16, 1856; Nancy, January 8, 1859; William L., July 30, 1861; David F., April 11, 1864; Min- nie M., October 18, 1867; Lurann A., March 22, 1869; Aaron M., October 16, 1871, and George W., February 16, 1874. llis father, John Gwin, was born about 1801, in Tennessee ; came to Wayne County, Ind., 1818; deceased October 26, 1848; he married Elizabeth Worth, horn about 1802, deceased December 24, 1863. Mr. G. and wife were worthy members of the M. E. Church, and now that she is gone to the great Unknown, he lives in the bright hope that he shall meet her again, to see and know her as she is. He is a substantial form- er, and owns a good farm of eighty acres of valuable land.

ELISHA P. GADDIS.

Elisha Penirs finddis, n farmer, is the son of William and Elizabeth Gaddis, and was born in Pennsylvanin February 20, 1811. fle is the fourth of a family of nine children, of whom five are now living. His father was born in Virginin, and his mother in Pennsylvania. His parents removed from Penn- sylvania about the year 1816, and settled in Clinton County, Ohio, where they remained until their denths.

Elisha lived on his father's farm until he was twenty-eight years of nge, taking ontire possession thereef when he was only fifteen, his father being n cripple from rheumatism. Ilis educational advantages were very poor, attend- ing school only for a brief period during the winter, at the common district school in the old pioneer log house, with greased paper for windows, howed benches, etc. lle hns sufficient education to transact all business in his line.

Ile enme to Indiana in 1838, and lived with his brother-in-law two years, who resided in Randolph County. He was married to Lydia Macy, daughter of Albert and Naney Maey, of this county, August 25, 1840.

After marriage, he settled where he now resides, having purchased sixty acres of unimproved land and commenced clearing a farm from the forest. He

399

WEST RIVER TOWNSHIP.

is now owner and proprietor of 215 acres of excellent land, with 160 neres under a high state of cultivation. This farm is one of the best in the neighbor- hood and is very productive. His farm buildings are very good and convenient. He has given especial attention to the cultivation of a great variety of fruit, and it may be said that no farm in the county will excel this one in this respect.

Mr. and Mrs. Gaddis are the parents of eleven children, of whom nine nre now living-Thomas W., born July 16, 1841 ; Sarah E., born October 17, 1842; Albert C., born October 28, 1844 ; Allen, born October 25, 1847, deceased May 19, 1850; Warren, born April 28, 1819, deceased May 27, 1850; Nancy E., born March 7, 1851; Hiram A., born April 10, 1853; Phebe E., bora February 6, 1855: Austin F., boro December 8, 1856; Caroline M., born August 28, 1860; Nora E., born August 9, 1864. Seven of this family of children are married, and the greater portion of them reside in this county. His sons are all farmers, and comfortably situated.

Thomas and Albert colisted in the late war; the former was a member of Company D, Sixty-ninth Regiment, and served for three years; the latter in the One Hundred Days' service, and did good service during the Morgan raid. Thomas took an active part in some of the most important battles of the war -Vicksburg, Fort Donelson, Ball's Bluff, etc. At the last named place he was taken prisoner, but was very soon exchanged. He was mustered out with his regiment at the close of the war. He was a gallant soldier and was ever ready for duty. Ile was neither wounded nor in a hospital during the entire service.

Mr. and Mrs. Gaddis are of English extraction. Mr. Gaddis is'a stanch Republienn, and has served one term as Township Trustec. He and his excel- lent wife lead a quiet and honorable life, and are honored citizens of the county. Lydia (Macy) Gaddis, the wife of Elisha P. Gaddis, and daughter of Albert and Nancy Macy, was born in Randolph County, Ind., May 11, 1821. She is the youngest of a family of eight children of whom four are living. Her early life was spent on the farm, doing the work common to farmer's daughters in pioneer times. ller education is very meager, having bat little opportunities of attending school. She attended three or four short terms at the common dis- trict school. At the age of nineteen she was married to her prescot husband.

Mrs. Gaddis is n woman of noble impulses, and devoted to the interests of her family. She is the mother of eleven children. all of whom are honorable and upright citizens. She has borne the joys and sorrows of life with her hus- band for forty-two years. She is a woman of excellent health for one of her age, and is capable of loing nud does do a great amount of labor. Her an- cesters were the first settlers on the Island ot Nantucket.

STEPHEN HAYNES.

This honored citizen is one of the pioneers of this county, having settled in West River Township in the year 1834. Ile was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., January 12, 1800 llis father, Enoch Haynes, and his mother, Elizabeth (Birdsall) Haynes, were both natives of Dutchess County, N. Y. His grand- parents were also natives of the same county and State. His parents were of English extraction, and his grandfather was a successful farmer, becoming very wealthy.

Stephen was the eighth of a family of eleven children, of whom three are now living, as follows: Asa Haynes, seventy-seven years old, and resides in Knox County, Ill. ; Mrs. Patty Corbin, ninety years of age, and resides in Dutchess County, N. Y., and the subject of this sketch, who is in his eighty-third year. His father emigrated to the State of Ohio in the year 1808, where he died some years after, his mother having previously died in her native State. ITis father woe twice married, and was the father of sixteen children ; was of a roving dis- position, and never accumulated much property. llis second wife was Mary Forte, of New York.

The subject of this sketch was eight years of age when he emigrated with his father to Clinton County, Ohio ; his father being very poor, was unable to give his children an education, and what little Stephen received was obtained after he became a man grown, at his own expense. At the age of fifteen, he was apprenticed nt the cabinet-maker's business, n trade he followed with much suc- cess in connection with that of farming, for a great many years. In the year 1819, he returned to his native county and remained for about one year, when he moved to Herkimer County, where he was first married to Laura Gaynes, March 9, 1822. His wife was a most worthy Christian lady, nud devoted wife and mother. She was the daughter of Jesse and Lucy Gaynes, and wna born in the State of Vermont. As fruits of this marringe, Mr. Ilaynes is the father of eight children, six of whom are now living, as follows : Willard, Lucy, Jesse, Laurn, Elizabeth, Asa, Sarah nud Martha. He lived in Herkimer County for fifteen years nfter marriage, when he moved to Clinton County, Ohio, where he remained for one year; he then came to this State and county in the year 1834, as stated elsewhere. He entered $20 acres of land and developed a fine farm from the unbroken wilderness ; he has necumulated a largeamount of property, the most of which he has given to his children ; he gave each one $1,600 ns 1 start in life ; he now lives in the little town of Unionsport in a very comfortable home, and cultivates one acre of ground ; he was called to mourn the death of the denr wife of his youth in 1875, at the advanced age of seventy-three years ; he was subsequently inntried to Mrs. Ellenor Allison, who was born in North- umberland County, England. She is the daughter of John and Mary Stephen- son, and way horn January 1, 1815. She emigrated to this county with her husband, Ralph Allison, in the year 1852. She is the mother of ten children. Her son, Peter Allison, enlisted in the Thirty-fifth Regiment Ohio Infantry, and was killed ontright at the battle of Mission Ridge, March 5, 1865. Mr. Haynes' 800, Asa, enlisted in the late war under Col. J. P. t. Shanks, and died with brain fever in the hospital at Vicksburg ; his ndopted son, George Smith, en- listed in the enme regiment, and died of camp diarrhea in Texas. Mr. ond Mrs. Ilaynes have been honored and active members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church for a number of years (the former for fifty years, and the latter for twenty years).

Mr. Ilaynes was n Democrat in the earlier part of his life, but on necount of the position of the party on the subject of slavery, he ceased to affiliate with

it, and has for a number of years actively advoosted the dootrincs of the Re- publican party. 'He is a man of strong convictions, and advocates what he be- lieves to be right with grent energy, purely from a standpoint of duty ; he is an uncompromising enemy of intemperance in all of its forms ; he was for many years a member of the order of the Sons of Temperance, and worked zealously for the temperance cause.

Mr. Haynes and his wife are respected and useful citizens, and will hand down n name aud history that will be revered by future posterity.

JESSE G. HAYNES.

Thie most estimable citizen, the son of Stephen and Laura (Gaynes) Haynes, was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., January 10, 1825; he is the second of a family of nine children, six of whom are now living ; his father was born in the State of New York January 12, 1800, and his mother in the State of Vermont December 20, 1804 ; his father is still living in Unionsport, this county ; his mother died in this county March 26, 1878. His parents removed from New York to Clinton County, Ohio, in the fall of 1834, and settled on a form They remained here for one year, when they removed to this county, where his father entered a half-section of land near Unionsport ; he subsequent- ly purchased a forty-acre tract with slight improvements, and settled upon it. After three years, he sold the half-section and bought land adjoining the forty neres upon which he settled ; he added to his purchases year after year, until he obtained n fine farm of 200 acres.

The subject of this sketch resided with his parents upon this farm until he was twenty-four years of age, devoting his time and energies in assisting his father upon the farin. His educational advantages were very meager, confined exclusively to such common district schools as the county at that time afforded. After he was twenty-four, he hired out by the month for one year as n farm la- borer, when he was united in marriage with Matilda Cropper, daughter of Bela W. and Elizabeth Cropper, of Randolph County, January 4, 1849. After mar- ringe, be settled upon his father's farm, where he remained for three years, when he purchased ninety-eix acres of the farm upon which he now resides ; his farm now consists of 180 acres, with 125 acres under n high state of culti- vntion ; his farm is located two and one-fourth miles south of Unionsport, is n perfect square in form, sloping gently to the south. It is of an excellent qual- ity of soil, beautifully situated and is very productive. Mr. Haynes is & scien- tific farmer, careful to keep his farm in excellent repair, and has provided commodious and convenient buildinga. He has just completed n very excellent farmhouse, beautiful in architecture and convenient in construction. This building is two stories in height, containing nine rooms, a summer kitchen and wash-house.

Mr. and Mrs. Haynes are the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living-Emily A., born October 25, 1849; Altred O., June 6, 1852, decenas- ed November 2, 1854 ; Martha V., born September 25, 1853 : Stephen M., June 30, 1x58, deceased August 1, 1859 ; Asn O., born January 14, 1860 ; Effie A., April 12, 186] : Edns L., November 9, 1864 ; Frank M., March 5, 1868. Ilis two eldest children are married and settled in this county, and together have nine children. Mr. Haynes has always been a stanch Republican, and has done much for the good of his party in this county.

MATILDA HAYNES, wife of Jesse G. Haynes, and daughter of Bela and Elizabeth Cropper, was born in Warren County, Ohio, February 17, 1829. She is the tenth of a family of fourteen children, of whom five are now liv- ing, all but one residing in this county. Her father was born in Woodford County, Ky., Janunry 8, 179], and departed this life March 27, 1873, aged eighty-two years two months nnd nine days. Her mother was born in Shelby County, Ky., October 22, 1794, and decensed October 31, 1875. Her parents removed from Kentucky to Ohio in the year 1828, and remained there until September, 1833, when they came to this State. The subject of this sketch was five years old when she came with her parents to this county. They settled on n farm where Matilda continued to live until her marriage. Mrs. Haynes' youth- ful experience was similar to that of most farmers' daughters in pioneer times, having comparatively no opportunities for obtaining an education, the schools being in a very primitive state. She is nn honored and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Haynes are industrious and frugal, honest and generous. They have raised and. educated n family of honorable children, and have secured a competency of property, and are honored citizens of the county.

WILLIAM P. HARRIS, farmer, P. O. Trenton. He was born December 29, 1821, in Campbell County, Va., and came to this county in March, 1837. He was educated in the common schools of Virginin, and is one of the substan- tial farmers of the county. lle was united in the holy bonds of marriage to Louisa F. Butler, April 6, 1843, She was born September 6, 1824, in Camp- bell County, Va. They have six children living-Henry E., born March 18, 1844; Lucy A., September 4, 1846; Matilda V., September 26, 1848; Celin E., October 21, 1851; John C., April 16, 1857; and Selina F., May 11, 1859. Mr. Harris was elected Justice of the Peace in 1876, and was appointed in 1877 to the same office, there being some error in the date of his commission. He and his family are consistent members of the M. E. Church, and universally esteemed in their community. Ile is also an honored member of Huntsville Loilge, F. & A. M., 367. He owns n valuable farm of 251 acres of land in A high state of cultivation, and is an ardent Republican from principle. ITis father, John Ilarris, was a native of Virginia, where he was born March 16, 1791 ; he was married to felia B. Lamb, April 2, 1818. She was horn in Virginin February 13, 1801, and died in this county November 28, 1874, Ilis father immigrated to this county in the year 1837, and deceased November 28, 1861.

HENRY E. HARRIS, farmer, P. O. Cerro Gordo. He was born March 18, 1844, in West River Township, this county. He was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood, and has been a farmer from boyhood; He was married to Sarah A. Gordis, t)ctoher 8, 1865. She was born October 17, 1843. They have three children-Lydin L., born May 14, 1867; Charles

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

A., June 80, 1868; and Cora M., October 22,1871. He served in Company D Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry, participating in all the principal battles in which the regiment was engaged. He was wounded in the left wrist at Blakely, Als., by a grape shot from the enemy's cannon, but was mustered out of service at the expiration of his term of enlistment. His father, William P. Harris, was born in Camphell County, Va., December 29, 1821, coming bere about the year 1837. His wife's father's name ie Elisha P. Gaddis, born about the year 1814 in Cliuten County, Ohio. These people nre of English descent, and are among the best families in the county. Mr. Harrie and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, and are worthy citizens.

DAVID T. HARRIS, is a farmer, and his post office address ie Trenton, Ind. Ilis father, John G. Harris, was born in Campbell County, Va., in November, 1812, and emigrated to Randolph County in 1838, and died here July 20, 1872. His mother's maiden name was Abbn Mille; she was born February 14, 1816, in the State of Ohio. Mr. Harris' father and mother were married at Hagerstown, Wayne Co., Ind They emigrated to Randolph County in 1855, where they made themselves & farm uut of the forest, and where they resided until the death of the elder llarrie, since which time Mrs. Harris has become a resident of Winchester. David T. was married to Mary D. Bockin, June 8, 1874. She was born in Randolph. County July 25, 1858. These parents have two children, viz .: Emmett B., born July 12, 1876, and Emily, born November 12, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Harris were educated in the common schools. He has generally followed farming. He had two broth- * ers in the war for the Union, viz .: John W., a member of Company F, Thirty- sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at Chickamauga September 20, 1863; William E., member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indians Volunteer Infantry, who served his time, and returned home. . The Harris family ie of Irish and English descent.

WILLIARD HIAYNES, farmer, P. O. Unionsport. Thie worthy and indus- trious farmer was born in flerkimer County, N. Y., February 11, 1823. Ile was educated in the common schools of this county, which, in 1835, were in their pioneer state. He was married, May 21, 1846, to Delilah Wright, who was a native of Clinton County, and born there December 3, 1822. Stephen Haynes, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., January 12, 1800, and after making some changes, settled in this county in the year 1834; his wife and mother of Williard, was originally Laura Gaines, a native of Vermont, and born there about the year 1804; deceased March 25, 1875, in thla county. The father of Mrs. Haynes (Empaon Wright), was orig- inelly from Virginia, where he was born November 15, 1797. lie came to this county about the year 1824; deceased November 28, 1853, on the land which he entered. His wife was originally Rachel Rubel, born February 1, 1801, in Tennessee (nrw deceased). The worthy wife of Mr. Haynes is a consistent member of the Christian Church, and he is & Republican, and one of the sub- etantial farmers of the neighborhood in which he resides. Seven children have blessed this union-Laurs E., born Mnroh 5, 1847; Sarah E., October 23, 1849; Louisa M., December 22. 1851; William H., April 23, 1855; Lucy A., October 3, 1857; Stephen C., October 13, 1859, and Harrison W., February 22, 1862.

ALPREUS HOOFLAND, farmer, P. O. Cerro Gordo. Ile was born October 10, 1830, in Hamilton County, Ohio. lie esme lo Wayne County, Ind., in the year 1832, and finally settled here in this county in 1883. His father, Isaac lloofinnd, was a native of New Jersey, where he was born about the year 1790; he came to this county in his boyhood, and deceased September 3, 1850. His mother's maiden name was Hamilton. She was born about 1795, in Ohio, and came with her hneband to Wayne County, Ind., in 1832, and from thence to this county in 1833, and deceased November 8, 1x65. Mr. Hoofland was educated in the common schools of this county, and is a euceessful farmer. Ile was united in marriage to Isabella MeNeal, January, 1852; she was born July 9, 1828, in Buller County, Ohio, and came to this county in 1851. This family is of Irish and English descent, and were of the Presbyterian faith. Mr. and Mrs. Hootland are consistent members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and are noted for their integrity and hospitality.

MARTIN HOOVER, farmer, P. O. Bloomingsport. This model farmer was born March 29, 1829, in Wayne County, Ind. He was educated in the common schoola, and has followed the occupation of farming and stock-raising, He was married the first time, March 4, 1852, to Mary C. Cuok, who was born June 30, 1836, in Wayne County, Ind., and deceased March 4, 1874. This union was blessed with eight children, of which number three are living- Nancy, born July 19, 1853, and died July 6, 1871 ; Amanda, October 23, 1865; Andrew, January 9, 1858 ; Oliver, June 12, 1860, and decensed December 17, 1862; David E., December 26, 1862, deceased August 24, 1864, and Emma, June 8, 1866. Mr. Hoover was married the second time, March 30, 1876, to llclena A. Stevenson, who was originally Mrs. Huffman. One child was the result of this marriage-Olive, born April 1, 1878. Mr. Hoover and wife are consistent. members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Hle ie a Republican, owne n valuable tract of 315 acres of land, and is noted for being & successful farmer and stock-raiser. Ilis father's name was Andrew Hloover, born in Ohio, February 23, 1806, and came to Wayne County in 1811, and deceased Septem- ber 22, 1857. llis mother was originally Matilda Worl, a native of Kentucky, horn November 9, 1809, and deceased in Wayne County, Ind., December 6, 1880.

WILLIAM II. HOWELL, farmer, P. O. Trenlon. He was born November 4, 1849, in this county. Ile wns educated in the common school of his native county, and has followed farming from boyhood. Mr. Howell was united in marriage, January 3, 1871, to Martha J. Thomas, who was born in September, 1847, in Wayne County, Ind. They have three children-Filgnr E., born De- cember 7, 1871 ; Attie V., December 19, 1873, and Willinm T., August, 1875. Mr. Howell and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, nnd are considered worthy citizens. His father's name was William ; he was born in Wayne County, Ind .; came in this county at an early date in its his- tory, and deceased in the fall of 1875. Mr. llowell's parents were of English descent, and belonged to one of the best families of the county.

JOHN T. IIUNNICUTT, farmer, P. O. Economy. This worthy citizen was born November 26, 1816, in Dinwiddie County, Va .; he came to Fayette County, Ind., in 1827, from thence to Wayne County in 1828, and finally set- tled in this county. Ile was educated in the common schools of this and Wayne County, and engaged sucessfully in farming. He was married, the first time to Jane Charles, on the 15th day of the first month, 1851. She was born on the 4th day of the fourth month, 1833, in Wayne County, Ind., deceased on the 22d day of the third month, 1861, in this county. Five children blessed this union-Charles D., born 17th day of the ninth month, 1862; Julia E., 19th day, tenth month, 1854; Albert C., 17th day of the first month, 1857; William P., 19th day, fifth month, 1859, and Mary J., 8th day, third month, 1861. Mr. H. was married the second time on the 28th day of the second month, 1872, to Deborah Arnett, formerly Hollingsworth, who was born on the 8th day, ninth month, 1829. He and his estimable family are members of the Church of Friends, and are universally esteemed. Ile is an ardent Repub- lican, and owns a valuable farm of 250 acres of land in s good state of cultiva- tion. ITis father, Daniel Hunnicutt, was originally from Virginis, where he was born ; he died on the 30th day, tenth month, 1849, in this county ; he was of English descent, and a member of the Friends' Church. Daniel Charles, the father of Mr. Huanientt's first wife, was born in North Carolina ou the 16th day. tenth month, 1800, and came to Wayne County, Ind., in the fall of 1827 (deceased). Henry Hollingsworth was the father of his present wife, was originally from South Carolina, where he was born on the 20th day, first month, 1804; came to Wayne County in 1830; deceased on the 27th day, sixth month, 1876. This family has a good history and furnishes worthy examples to the living as to character and noble citizenship.

JESSE HUNT, farming and lumbering, P. O. Swain's Hill. He is a son of Jonathan W. And Sarah Ilunt. His father was born in North Carolina, and mother, in Ohio. His father emigrated to this county about 1830, while yet n youth, and died November 1, 1873. His mother came to this county in 1857, and married Mr. Hunt n few months after her arrival. She marrled James Boling in July, 1876, and is still living in West River Township. Jesse way born in Randolph County, Ind., February 28, 1851, and married Frances A. Hunt, August 15, 1877. They have two children, viz., Virlen M. and Mor- ney M. He obtained a fair eduention ; commenced business by working land on shares, und by persevering industry has secured a nice home. In connec- tion with farming, he carries on quite a trade in lumber. In politics, he is a Democrat. Hle is a kind father and devoted husband.

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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 137

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