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 138

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 138

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HENRY C. HUNT.

Henry C. Hunt, physician and eurgeon, was born at Huntsville, Randolph Co., Ind., July 27, 1839. He is the son of Miles Hunt, who was born in Flem- ing County, Ky., in 1808. lle was of English extraction ; bis grent-great-grand- father emigrated from England in company with three brothere, one of whom settled in Maryland, one in Virginia and one in South Carolina. His grand- father'e name was John Ilunt, who had four brothers, as followe; Joseph, Reuben, Lewis and Samuel. His father (the grandfather of the subject of this sketch), Basil Ilunt, emigrated to the Territory of Indiana in the year 1811, and settled on the Wabash River, in Sullivan County. He had four brothers, viz : John, Reuhen, Abraham and Lewis. The father of Basil Hunt moved to Tennessee in very early times, and from there to Kentucky, taking all of his boys with him.

During the war of 1812, the family of Isaac Ilutson, who were living in Illinois, was massacred by the Indians. Isaac Hutson married the grand sunt of the subject of this sketch, and during his temporary absence from home the Indians murdered his family and burned his house. To obtain revenge for this wrong, he dieguised himself as an Indiun and sought to alay the murderers of his family, hut was himself killed by the Indians near Fort Harrison. Iesse Denton, the grand unole of the subject of this sketch, was also murdered by the Indiana near the ssine place, while on a surveying expedition under Gen. Hopkins.

Miles Hunt came to thie county in 1825, and seltled on a farm near IInnts- ville. Ile married Mary L. Botkin, in 1831, whose parents moved to this county from Tennessee in the year 1816. They were the parents of eleven children, seven boys and four girls.

Miles Hunt was elected to the State Legislature in 1887, and re-elected in 1838.

The subject of this sketch received his educalion from the subscription schools of this county. His advantages were poor, owing to the primitive con- dition of the schools and the limited circumstances of his parents. Notwith- standing the discouragements eurrounding him, he succeeded by his own ener- gies in obtaining a fair education.

In 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Sixly-ninth Regiment Indiana Volun- leery. He did gallant service for his country, and made an honorable record ns a soldier. IIe was severely wounded in the left limb at the battle of Kich- mond, Ky., from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. He received an honorable discharge in the spring of 1863. From the fall of 1863 to 1865, he was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Illinois, after which he re- turned to his native town in this county and commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Eikenherg. In the fall of 1867 and winter of 1868, he attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio. fle commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Losuntville, this county, in the spring of 1868. He continued to practice at the chove named place until 1878, when he returned to liuntsville, where he has continued in a lucrative and successful business ever since.

He was married to Martha J. Vanlandingham December 27, 1868. She was the daughter of James and Eleanor Vanlandingham, and was born in Flem- ing County, Ky., in 1839. She enme to this county in 1852.

Dr. Hunt was called to mnourn the death of hie devoted wife, January 10, 1882. She left n kind husband and two affectionate daughters to mourn their loss. The names of her daughters are as follows: Lauretta W., born October

MRS. J. G. HAYNES

J. G. HAYNES

RES.OF J. G. HAYNES, WEST RIVER TP. RANDOLPH CO. IND.

JOHN JENKINS

MRS. FRANCES C. JENKINS

RES.OF JOHN JENKINS, WEST RIVER TP. RANDOLPH CO. IND.

401

WEST RIVER TOWNSHIP.

27, 1870, and Lola E., born November 16, 1872. His wife was a most estimable Christian lady, an affectionate mother, and an esteemed neighbor and friend. The Doctor has been very successful in hie chosen profession, is highly es- teemed as a citizen, and on honored and useful member of society.

GEORGE W. JARRETT, farmer, P. O. Winchester. He was born No- vember 3, 1842, la Buchanan County, Mo. He was educated in the common schools of Indiana, and has been engaged in merchandising and farming for a living. He was united in the holy bonds of matrimony, to Anoa C. Harris, October 5, 1865. She was born In this county December 9, 1847. Two chil- dren blessed this union-Clara A., born April 30, 1867, and Ward, December 20, 1868. He and wife belong to the M. E. Church, and are uoted for their hospitality and integrity. Mr. J. enlisted in Company E, Fifty-seventh Indi. Ana Infantry; cerved forty-three months, participating in all the Important battles of the war. Ile was severely wounded in the forehead and left hip, ot the bloody battle of Franklin, Tenn., nod was discharge.l ou that account from the service. His father, David Jarrett, was a native of Virginia, where he was boro July 21, 1815; he moved to Missouri in the year 1841, and deceased there February 10, 1845. The family are of English descent, and are honored representatives of that race.

JOHN JENKINS.

This venerable and honored citizen is the son of Jacob and Hannah (Gaw- thorp) Jenkins, and was born in Frederick County, Va., February 7, 1810. He is the second of a family of ten children, of whom eight are now living. His father was born in Hampshire County, Va., November 16, 1781, and his mother in Frederick County, of the same Stato, December 12, 1788. His parents came to Oblo in 1836, and settled near Wilmington on a farm, where they remained until their deaths. His mother died May 23, 1847, and his father followed May 23, 1849.

John and his family came to Ohio in company with his parents, and settlel near Spring Valley, where he remained near one year, when he came to this State and county and settled one and one-hull miles north of Huntsville, upon the farm where he now resides, having resided here for forty-five years at the time of this writing. His first purchase was 280 neres with three acres cleared. He now owns 440 seres of excellent land, of which 280 acres are in a high state of cultivation. This farm ie one of the best in the county, beautifully located, slightly rolling and sloping to the south and east. The soil is very fertile and well adapted to grazing as well as to producing all kinds of grain. Mr. Jen- kins received his eduestion from the common schools of Virginia, which were very poor in his time. Ile is well educated for one of his age and opportunities, having been & close student all of his life. He fods great comfort in reading the best literature of the day. In addition to his habits of reading, he is a close observer of human nature and the actions of his fellow-men. Ile was married to Frances C. Smith, daughter of George and Frances Smith, of Frederick County, Va., March 31, 1881.

They lived in Virginia until the fall of 1836, when they removed to Greene County, chio, where they remained a little less than one year, when they re- moved to Randolph County, Ind., and settled on the farm he now owos. He settled in the unbroken forest and set to work to develop a farm, with the results above mentioned. The toils and hardships he endured in this work were in common with pioneer life

Mr. Jenkins is the father of ten children, of whom four are now living. Hie children have all been married. A widowed daughter and his youngest recently married, make their home with their father. One of his sons lives near him and the other in Colorado. Ile was called to mourn the death of his devoted wife, Jannary 3, 1877.

Mr. Jenkins was born and raised s member of the Society of Friends ; he cootinned a faithful member of this church until 1842, when at the organiza- tion of the Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Ridge, he and his wife became members. They remained consistent members of this congregation until 1873, when the church at that place disbanded. They then cast their lots with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have remained consistent members ever since,

As church members, both Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins were devoted and useful. Mr. Jenkins was a Ruling Elder during his entire membership with the Presby- terian congregation ; and since he has been a member of the Methodist Epis- eopal Church he has been honored with the positions of Clase Leader, Trustee and Steward, the last named office be now holds and has for n number of years. Mr. Jenkin+ has long been a strong und uncompromising alvocate of the tom- perance cause, nnd was for years a member of the order of Sons of Temperance. In the days of slavery, he entertained a bitter hatred for that institution, even from boyhood, this feeling being one of the strongost influences which caused him to remove to a free State.

In political preferments, he has always believed and soted with the Re- publicane, and has been industrious in his efforts for the success of his party. He was elected to the office of Township Trustee in the year 1839, and served in that capacity for six years. He has also Glied the office of Road Superin- tendent for a number of years. In these offices he has served the people faith- fully and honestly.

Mr. Jenkins is of English extraction oo both his father's and mother's side ; is A quiet, honest and upright oitizen, unassuming in his manners, and it is those who know him best that love him most. He has a great fondness for antiquarian relics, aod has retained quite a number that have come into his hands. Among these we will mention A few. He has two chairs made in 1795, another made in 1834 ; a broad-sx, made in 1833; a mattock, made in 1832: an auger, made in 1831, and his grandmother's Bible, published in 1722. One of the most valued artic'es in Mr. Jenkins' possession is a wreath made of the hair of each member of his family.

Mr. Jenkins has accumulated a library of well-selected books, and these form his constant companions when not engaged in the common routine of duties on the farm. He is well preserved for one of his age, has good health, and it is to he hoped will have yet many years of usefulness.

MRS. FRANCES C. S. JENKINS. This Christian lady was the wife of John Jen- kins, and daughter of George and Frances Smith, of Back Creek Valley, Freder- iok County, Va .; w is born July 5, 1810. She was married to John Jenkins March 31, 1831. She uaited with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1830, and re- mained a devoted member until 1886, when she came with her husband to In- dinna and settled in this county, when they united with the Presbyterian at Pleasant Ridge (un account of which is given in Mr. Jenkins' blography). She was the mother of ten children, six of whom preceded her to the spirit lend. Her eldest son, Rev. George S. Jenkins, of the Northern Indians Conference of the Mecho liet Episcopal Church, died October 27, 1874. God spared her life until she was permitted to assist her husband in raising their children to menhood and womanhood, when He decreed that she should come up higher and resp the rowarde of a faithful servant. She departed this life January 3, 1877. She was alwaye the central and shining light in her Christian household, dovoted to her family and the church. The Christian ministers eought her house as the stopping place when visiting in the neighborhood. She always welcomed them with words of comfort and cheer. She not only believed In Christian religion, but was a living example of its teachings. She wasa most ami- able companion, s devoted mother, a kind neighbor and an affectionate friend. Her demise left A vacanoy in the circle of her friends and neighbors that can- not be filled. The funeral obsequies were held at the residence of her husband, and conducted by the Rev. A. M. Patterson, assisted by the Rev. J. F. Rhoades. After the impressive services over the remains, she was Interred in the eeme- tery At Pleasant Ridge, there to await the resurrection of the justified.

JOSHUA G. JONES, farmer, P. O. Trenton. This esteemed citizen was born August 27, 1829, in Bath County, Ky; he came here in the fall of 1848, and received his education in the common and graded schools of this county. Ile was united in marriage, November 1, 1859, to Elizabeth A. Paschal, who was born September 5, 1880, in Warren County, Olio. Mr. Jones followed teaching school for a number of years with good success, but is now engaged in farming. He was licensed to exhort in the Methodist Church February 28, 1875, and is noted for the zealous manner in which he performs his duty. Ile la a member of I. O. O. F., Trenton Lodge, No. 248, and also an ardent Republican. His father, James F. Jones, was a native of Ken- tucky, where he was born September 11, 1787; he served in the war of 1812, and deceased in this county July 17, 1868. His mother's maiden name was Stephene, she was born in Kentucky in 1796, and after suffering, with Chris- tian patience bodily affliction for a number of years, decessod July 7, 1858. The father of Mrs. Jones (Jesse Z. l'aschal), was born in Philadelphia, Pean., in the year 1795, and died in this county, January 11, 1866. Ile was also & soldier of 1812. Six children, of whom five are living, blessed the home of Mr. Jones-Aquila F., born July 4, 1860; Francis M., September 6, 1861 (deceased September 28, 1862); Uleis M., January 11, 1863; Indiano M., December 10, 1864; William M., November 2, 1867, and Minnie M., January 1, 1870.

LEVI JOHNSON, merchant, Trenton. He was born February 6, 1831, in thle county. Mr. Johnson has been married twice; the first time to Maris Blake, November 21, 1857: she was a native of Virginia, and born there in the year 1840; she deceased September 15. 1858. The second time he was married to Bettie Butler, November 21, 1861; she was born in Campbell County, Va., June 17, 1842. They have one child -Lillie T., who wasboru November 13, 1862. He was educited in the common schoole of Virginia, and has followed farming, and teaching music for twenty-Ave years; he also taught in the common schools in early life, but for eleven years, last past, he has been engaged in the mercantile business. lle was elected to the office of Town- ship 'Truetee, of West River Township in April, 1880, and so far has filled the position to the entire satisfaction of his constitueney. His father, Jonathan Johnson, was originally from Virginia, where he was born in 1803, and de- ceased in West Virgiai+ in the year 1862. Mr. Johnson is a consistent mem- ber of the M. E. Church, and of I. O. O. F., No. 248, Trentoc. He has q well selected stock of dry goods, with annual sales amounting to 820,000; his card is Levi Johnson, dealer in dry, goods, clothing, groceries, hats, caps, boots, shoes, and general merchandise, Iluntsvillo, Ind.

GEORGE KEVER, farmer, P. O. Trenton. He was born June 12, 1838, in Warren County Ohio; he came to this county with his parents about the year 1845. He was educated in the common schools of the county, and hay ' followed farming. Mr. Kever was married to Elizabeth J. Harris October 9, 1867; she was born February 2, 1848. They have two children living-Mary A., born October 11, 1870; and Pearl, March 11, 1878. He served in company D, Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was honor ably discharged from the service having participated in all the principal battles in which his regiment was engaged. He owns a good farm of eighty sores of land, is a Republican in polities, an ardent temperance man, and a gentleman whose honesty and sucia- bility are appreciated by all who know him.

HENRY H. LASLEY, farmer, P. O. Winchester. He was born September 9, 1849, in this county. He was educated in the district schools of his native township ; followed the occupation of an artist from the age of fifteen years, and has engaged in forming since March, 1871. He was married, March 12, 1871, to Margaret A. Smith, who was born April 20, 1854, in Butler County, Ohio. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, and are highly esteemed in good society. Mr. L. is a member of I. O. O. F., No. 248, Tren- ton, and is worthy of so nohle an order. His father, Moses Lasley, was a native of the State of Ohio, where he was born in the year 1810; he came to this State in March, 1819, and is still living at this date; he is one of the sub- stantial farmers of the county. Mr. Lasley has three children-Id& M., born October 3. 1872; Emma C., September 21, 1876, and Maud, August 9, 1880.

EPHRAIM LEE, farmer, P. O. Swain's Hill. This esteemed pioneer was born November 7, 1823, in this county. He was educated in the common schools of this and Wayne Counties. He was married, September 25, 1845, to Elizabeth J. Ledbetter, who was a native of North Carolina. His father, Samuel, was originally from Tennessee, where the was Born about 1808: he

402

IHISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

came to this State in 1820, and deceased in the summer of 1827. The father of Mrs Lee, Wesley S. Ledbetter, was born in South Carolina, and settled in Wayne County, Ind., in the year [829, where he deceased October, 1850. Mr. Lee and wife are worthy members of the Church of Friends; he is a Repub- lican, and a successful farmer. Nine children blessed this parental union -- William R., boro August 7, 1846; Phebe .A., November 6, 1818; Bara S., June 19. 1851; Minns W., November 7, 1853; Armiuta A., May 23, 1856; John 11., April 3, 1859: Sophia B., June 22, JAG1; Samuel M., September 19, 1863, and Lavinia J., March 12, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are a genial couple and a model pair in society.

WILLIAM R. LEE, farmer, P. O. Economy. This social farmer was born August 7, 1846, in this county, and was educated in its rural district schools. lle was married, Angust 12. 1867, to Livitta Wright, who was horn September 27, 1845, in this county. Four children blessed this union, of which nouther three are living-Lillie C., horn December 29, 1869, deceased February 13, 1870; Thomas E., March 12, 1878; Sarah A., February 29, 1870, and William E., March 28, 1880. Mr. Lee and wife are worthy members of the M. E. Church, and are much esteemed. Mr. L. served in Company C, Ninth Indiana Cavalry, participating in numerous skirmishes before and during the campaign of Gen. Thomas against the rebel Gen, Hood. Mr. Lec is an energetic, indus- trions farmer, and owns a good farm of 142 neres of Isud. The father of Mrs. Lee was Hieks K. Wright, born Octoher 12, 1812, in Maryland, and finally settled in this county about the year 1841 ;, deceased April 16, 1875; he WAS a prominent citizen of the county, and is spoken of elsewhere in this work.

MINUS W. LEE is a son of Ephraim Lee, of West River Township,; he was born in Wayne County November 7, 1855, and was reared in Randolph County from early hoyhood ; he was married, May 22, 1876, to Phebe E. Gad- dis, who was born in this confty February 6, 1855. They have had two chil- dren, one of which is living how. Its name is Roscoe Il., and he was horn December 23, 1876. The other child was born April 2, 1879; was named Lena A., nud died Angust 17, 1880. Mr. Lee is a young man of great promise, and was nominated by the National Greenback party for Congressman in 1880; he carried the full strength of his party, but it was in the minority, and he was not elected ; he chose the profession of law ; was admitted to the bar and began practicing at Bluffton, Wells Co., Ind., where he is now successfully engaged in a lucrative business.

THOMAS J. M.KEE, faroier, P. O. Trenton ; he was born in Preble County, Ohio, March 7, 1830; he enme to this county in the winter, 1875; he was educated in the coonnon schools of Ohio, and has followed farming for a living. Mr. MrKee was married, April 26, 1862, to Ruth A. Brown, who was also a native of Preble County, Ohio, and born there December, 1842. They have six children-Clement B., born September 7, 1861; William M., June 20, 1807; Erastus A., December 14, 1870; Frank C, April 10, 1874; Viola M., December 16, 1875, and Emma G., April 11, 1878; his father, John McKee, was born 1779, and deceased in l'reble County, Ohio, August 29, 1846 ; he was of Irish descent, and held to the Presbyterian faith. William Brown, the father of Mrs. McKee, was a native of Pennsylvania, and born there Jaunary 26, 1795 : he came to Ohio at twelve years of age, and deceased there January 7. 1859. Mr. Mckee is a Democrat of the old school, and he and wife are werthy members of the United Brethren Church ; he is an industrious farmer, and owns a valuable truet of 120 acres of land.

ABEL H. MANN, farmer, P. O. Trenton. He was born July 18, 1835, in the State of Ohio. He was edneated in the common schools of his native State, and came to this county in November, 1850: he was united in marriage, Sep- tember 17, 1857, to June York. She was born February 5, 1832. They had seven children, of which number six are living-Mary C., Mahala. Laura F., fleorge 0)., Reuben 1 .. and Phehe. Mr. Mann bas filled the position of Cor- poration Trustee of Huntsville, nod is an industrious farmer; he owns a farm of eighty acres of land, and is much interested in its cultivation. lle is a Republican io politics,and a member of 1. O. O. F., No. 218 Trenton Lodge. Ilis father's name is Isaac Mann,n native of Ohio, and born July 2, 1804; he entue to this county in 1856, deceased November 7, 1876, in this county. Mr. Mann is generally respected, aod noted for his sympathy in every good work.

WILLIAM W. MILLER, merchant, Trenton. Ilr was born December 19, 1853, in this county; he was erlocated in the common and graded schools of the county. Ile was united in the holy houds of matrimony, to Vana Beeson,' October 28, 1877; she was born January 21, 1857. in Wayne County, Ind. Mr. Miller has been a farmer in early boyhood, but is now engaged in mer- chandising; he owns a lot on which is erected his dwelling and store house; he keeps a full line of fancy goods of the value of $5,000, with anoul sales reaching $8,000. He and his estimable wife are members of the M. E. Church, anl enthusiastic temperance workers. The father of Mr. Miller ( Robert (. ). was born in Ireland. December 11, 1827, came to this country in 1844, and deceased Inne 28. 1879, Mr. Miller is ou of the firm of Miller & Botkin; the business card is Miller & Botkin, dealers in dry goods, groceries, and hard- ware, medieines, hat, enpe, hoots, shoes and rubbers - ready made clothing ete., Iluntaville, Ind.

JOHN B. MILLS, farmer, P. O. Trenton. This esteemed citizen was horn October 4, 1827, in Wayne County, Ind., and came to this county in the spring of 1856; he was einented in the common schools of Wayne County, and from boyhood has been a farmer. He was married, Jan. 29, 1847, to Jane Luck, who was born May 23, 1830; deceased Dec. 11, 18-0. His father, Moses Mills, was a native of Tennessee, where he was born Dec. 4, 1787; be was one of the first settlers of Wayne County. Ihs muther, Elizabeth Mills, formerly Hamburg, was also a native of Tennessee, aud born there March 12, 1792; lecensed June 1, 1877. Mr. Mills is a worthy member of the Wesleyan Church, and of Trenton Lodge, No. 248, I. O. O. F. He owns a good farm of eighty neres of land, is industrious and energetic for one of his age. His parents were of English deseent, and of Quaker religious faith. Mr. Milly has four children living-Moses A., born-November Li Isol: lleory 1., January 15, 1851:

Austin F., January 20, 1961, and Neva M., March 28, 1872. The family is inneh respected in the community in which it resides.

LYDIA MAXWELL ..

This amiable and honored woman, the mother of t'harles W. Osborn, and daughter of Job and Rhoda Worth, was born in Guilford County, N. C., November 1, 180). She is a sister of Daniel Worth, and the only living child of Job and Rhoda Worth. She came with her parents to In liana in 1824. Her elucition was obtained from the common schools of North Carolina and Indian. She was well educated for eue of her time, and at the age of oineteen she began the profession of teaching; she continned teaching a portion of the time for five years, when she was married, to Isaiah Osborn June 24, 1829. They settled in Economy, an account of which is given in Isaiah's biography. At the leuth of her first husband, she was left with the care of eight children, but being a wonian of rare executive ability, and untiring industry, ehe pru- vidled comfortably for her fatherless children, giving them an education nhove the average of those around them. She remained a widow notil 1858, when she was united in marriage to David Maxwell, of Union County, Ind. She and her second husband lived in Union and Houry Counties until his death, which occurred in the spring of 1880, since which time Lydia has found a home with her son Charles, where she is comfortably situated, and all that loving hands can do is done for her comfort nud happiness. Mrs. Maxwell has been a useful and honored member of the Society of Friends all her life. She Ind a varied and extensive experience during the dark days of slavery. She has n never-failing memory, and relates many interesting incidents in the protection of runaway slaves. She has lived the life of a devoted Christian, has been a loving wife and faithful mother ; she is well preserved for one of her age, and hids fair for yet many years of usefulness.

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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 138

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