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 142

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 142

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Joab Ward. Ridgeville, was born in North Carolina Decem- ber 14, 1790; came to Ross County, Ohio, about 1800, and to Champaign County, Ohio, on King's Creek, between 1813 and 1819; married Amy Grave in 1813; moved to noar Ridgeville April 7, 1819; changed his residence for a short time to a farm east of Winchester, for fear of the Indians, but returned soon afterward to his former abodo, near Ridgeville, and never moved olsowhero from that time till his death. He bought of Meshach Lowallyn a small tract of land, reckoned to bo fifty acres, at $3 por acre. The land was situated south of the river, near the present water tank. Mr. W. built a house, scutching down the logs and making a stick chimney and a clapboard roof. In about 1838, he put in new sills, raised the building to a story and a half, pebble dashed and shingleil it, making, also. two brick chimneys, and it is a good house to this day, still occupied as a residence, after standing sixty-three years, A fine spring was near, which in those times was reckoned a very great advantage. He had fifteen children. one still-born, and twelve grow up, nine living still. William, died at seventeen; Mary (John Sumption), died in 1845, three children: Thomas, living at Win- chester; Margery (MeKew), living at Ridgeville, four children; Sarah, died a little girl; Berilla (Sumption), lives at Ridgeville, four children; Eleanor (Pettijohn), lives in Jay County, seven children; Edith H. (Moffatt), Hancock County, three children; Harriet P. (Thomson), Whitley County, three children: Susan- nah, died a child; David, died at Ridgeville in 1871. live chil- dren; Joel. lives near Ridgeville, three children: Lydia (Way). Winchester, four children; Joab, lives south of Ridgeville, three children.

[Note .- Eleanor's children wore Elizabeth, Lot, Dan, Jay, Ella, Asa, Grace, all very short namos but the first. ]

Joab Ward had been a trader in Ohio, but he had " broken up." and plunged into the Western woods, going to the bounds of civilization, Ridgeville then being the extreme oniskirt and corner of white settlement. His health was poor and his pros pects were not bright. Withont means, without health, with a growing family, he still lived in hope, and did his best. looking and wishing for better times. He first settled in a camp, cleared some land, made sugar, killed deer, etc. Ho was a great hunter, having killed more than once two deer with the same shot. At one time, he killed six deer and crippled the seventh in one morning before ordinary breakfast time. He used to hunt door by driving sharpened stakes into the ground, with points upward at the places where the deer would jump into the field, often crippling them thus. Several times four were killed by him in a single day. Ho died November 7, 1874, having lived there nearly fifty-six years, and being vighty-four years oldl. He was a Whig and a Republican. His wife was a very religions wo- man, though she was deprived. by long distance, from meetings of religious societies; she died in 1864. Both are buried at White River Burying Ground.

Mr. Ward was employed for many years in bnikling flat boats for sale to persons who wished to transport merchandise, during the season of floods, down the Mississinowa to the Wabash Val- ley for traffic with the Indians and the early settlers in that ro- gion. He was for nearly sixty years a prominent citizen of that portion of the county, the township receiving from him the name it still bears. When first formed, Ward Township comprised the entire north part of the county, out of which, in process of timo, were created four distinct townships -- Green, Franklin, Ward and Jackson. Mr. Ward was greatly respected und highly esteemed, though quiet and unassuming, and not inclined to press into active public life.

BENJAMIN ADINGTON. farmer, P. O. Ridgeville. Benjamin Adington was horn in Wayne County, Ind., June 28, 1824. His fatbor. Joseph, was a native of South Carolina, and his mother, whose maiden name was Ceilie Townsend, was born in North Carolina. They enme to Randolph County, Ind., in the spring of 1844. The father died in 1837, and the mother in 1853. Ilis grandfather Townsend was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Adington was married

in 1850 to Rebecca Harrald, who died March 4, 1876. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living-Cornelius M., Sylvester, Mil- ford, Elvira, Emma and Asa. Lincoln died in infancy. Mrs. Adlington was the dangliter of Amasa and Leah (White) Harrald. In June, 1878, Mr. Ad- ington was married to Jane Day, his present companion. ller son, Joseph T., is a successful school teacher. Mr. Adington was engaged for some time in milling pursuits, but since the year 1863 he has given his attention to farming. He has 140 acres of land in Section 27. He is a Republican, and a member of the Society of Friends. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ELISHIA T. BAILEY, physician, Ridgeville. Elisha T. Bailey was born in Clinton County, Ohio. September 19, 1821.' llis father, lliram Bailey, was born in Sussex County, Va., in 1796, and his mother, whose maiden name was Rachel Thomas, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1802. The parents re- moved to Wayne County, Ind., in 1830, where they remained until death. The mother died in 1868, and the father in 1872. Elisha, their son, attended the common school and worked on the farm until twenty-two years of age, and then bogan the study of medicine under Dr. Stanton Judkins, brother of Prof. Judkins, of Cincinnati. In 1846, he was examined by the Wayne County Medl- ienl Board, and licensed Lo practice medicine. In 1847, he located at Emmetts- ville, llandolphi County, and practiced four years, then attended the Minmi Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in that institution. In 1854, he located nt Ridgeville, where he has ever since continued the practice of his profession. lle was appointed Postmaster nt Emmettsville in 1848, and at Ridgeville in 1862, having hold the office ever since. He also served as Town- ship Trustee four years. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits until his part- ner, James Addington, went into the Union army. In his religious relations. Mr. Bailey is identified with the Friends. He is also a Master Mason, lle lins fifty-five acres of good land in Section 2, and cujoys a comfortable share of worldly prosperity. In 1845, he was married to Julia A. Morgan, a native of Randolph County, who died in November 17, 1854. On the 27th ot Sep- tember, 1856, he married Paulina Mack. Her father, Jeremiah L. Maek, was a native of Obin, and her mother, Matilda (Pierce) Mack, a native of Ran- dolph County. The second marriage was blessed by four children-Minnie E .. Roselle, Ralph and Ferrel. The mother died March 3, 1875.

JOSEPII BUTTERWORTH.

Joseph Butterworth, farmer, P. O. Ridgeville, was born in England June 28, 1813, and came to the United States about the year 1820 with his father, Thomas Butterworth. They settled at Baltimore, Md., where the father died about the year 1826. His mother was also a native of England, and died at Baltimore, March 18, 1835, and was buried at Cedar Grove, fifteen miles away. Mr. But- terworth removed to Ohio April 25. 1836, and located within four miles of Day- ton May 2. finding employment in n cotton factory. Be came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1838, and entered eighty acres of land, afterward purchasing forty acres additional. lle worked on the farm of Jonb Ward, although he had no experience in farm work. He was married December 20, 1840, to Mary Sumption, a native of Darke County, Ohio. Her father, Charles S. Sumption, was horn in April, 1791, and her mother, Mary Embry, was born July 12. 1799. in Tennessee. Her mother died March 24, 1839, and her father Febru- ary 10, 1852. Mr. Butterworth and wife are the parents of six children- Charles S., James M., Susan M., Hannah E., Annet'a and Thomas H. Thomas 1. died March 3, 1861; Charles S. married Mary E. Parkison ; Susan M. married Elisha B. West, and way united with her present husband, Charles Manford, in 1880; llananh E was married to John C. Minton, and Auneti. was married in 1878 to Charles A. Minton. Mr. Butterworth and wife and three children are members of the M. E. Church. Ilis pon, Charles S. was A member of Company F, Seventy-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

JOIIN M. COONS.

Julin M. Coons, farmer, P'. O. Ridgeville, was born in Highland County, Ohio, January 3, 1827. llis father, Michael, was born in Virginia, and his inother. whose maiden name was Elizabeth Alison, was born in the State of Delaware; his father died in 1865. The family came to Indiana in 1837, and settled on the line between Randolph and Jay Counties. The nearest neighbor was a mile distant. "There was no schoolhouse near by, and the subject of this sketch often went as fir as Richmond, Ind., to mill. Heoner killed a wolf and received $5 bounty for its scalp, at Portland. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution, and fought at the battle of Bunker Hill, and his two brothers served in the Union army during the war of the rebellion. Mr. Coons is an ordained minister of the Christain Church, and one of the oldest members of the East Indiana Confer- ence. llis wife is also a member of this church. He is engaged in the pursuit of farming. He has ahout 300 acres of good land. He is n member of Dorie Lodge, No. 362, and is at present Master of the lodge. Ilis son, George I .. is a I'nst Gennd of Powers Lodge, No. 496, I. O. 1). F., and his son, John W., is A Master Mason. Mr. Coons was married, on the 26th of October, 1843, to Margaret M. Wilson. They are the parents of six children-John W., George F., Sarah E., James P. and Martha Aan and an infant; the latter three are de. cenvedl. James Wilson, the father of Mrs. Coons, was born in Virginia in 1777 and diod in Randolph County, Ind., at the age of seventy-five years. Iler mother died in Virginin. Her inther settled in Randolph County, Ind., in 1836.

JOSEPH EDGER, shoe dealer, Ridgeville, was born in Harrison County, Ky., September 25, 1822. Ilis father, Thomas Edger, was born in the same State November 14, 1791. Ilis mother, Nancy Edger, was born in Ireland. They moved to Butler Township, Darke County, Ohio, in 1824, where the father died April 1, 1836, and the mother October, 1829. Mr. Filger came to Randolph County in 1837 with his uncle Edward. He was educated in the common schools of this county. He served two terms as Justice of the l'eace ; wax re- elected, and resigned. He was married, December 3, 1846, to Alice Kinnear. Her father was born in Virginia in 1780, And her mother, whose maiden naine was Sarah Gray, was born in Ireland in 1792. Mr. Edger and wife are the

J. BUTTERWORTH.

MRS MARY BUTTERWORTH.

RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH BUTTERWORTH. FRANKLIN TP. RANDOLPH. CO. IND.

411

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.

parents of six children-Sarah E., Nancy, Eliza, James W., Thomas and Arch- ibald. The two last named are deceased. Mr. Edger has long been engaged in mercantile pursuits, and is now a partner with Arthur Mckews in the mer- cantile business at Ridgeville. He has been in this business six years, and has the largest and best establishment of the kind io Ridgeville. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Chapter at Winchester, and Muncie Command- ery, K. T.

JOHN R. FRENCH, farmer, P. O. Ridgeville. John R. French was born in Randolph County, Ind., May 6, 1859. His father, Howell B. French, was born in Ohio, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah F. Flood, was also a native of that State; his parents are both living in Randolph County ; his Grandfather Flood, was perhaps the first Methodist preacher in this county, and he and his Grandfather French laid out the first burying-ground in Greene Township ; his Grandfather Miller was one of the first settlers in Franklin Township. Mr. French formerly tanght school, but is now engaged in the pur- snit of farming. He was married, August 9, 1878, to Mise Alice A. Miller. They have one daughter-Leonora Garfield. Jacob Miller, the father of Mrs. French, is a native of Indiana ; her mother's maiden name was Mahala Green ; her father was a member of the Eighteenth Indiana Regiment during the late war, and was killed at the battle of Antietam a few days after his enlistment.

GEORGE L. GEGNER, harness-maker, Ridgeville, was born in Germany November 29, 1842, and came to the United States when six mouths of age ; his parents, George and Jehanna Gegner, were both natives of Germany ; his father died at Cincinnati, Ohio, December 4, 1877. George L. received a good com- mon-school education at Cincinnati ; he came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1869, and has ever since been engaged in the harness business at Ridgeville ; he enlisted in Company A, Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the Union army, at the first call for three months' volunteers, and re-enlisted in the One Hun- dred and Thirtieth Indiana Infantry Regiment for three years, working his way from the ranks to the office of First Lientenant. He participated in the battles of Resaca, Buzzard Roost, Rocky Face Ridge, Lust Mountain, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw, Neal Dow Churoh, Decatur, Alatoona, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's, Nashville, Tenn., Smithfield, N. C., and others. On the 8th of March, 1866, he married Elizabeth Wayman, who was born at New Castle, Ind., December 2, 1842; her father, Milton Wayman, was born in Kentucky ; he entered the min- istry of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Middletown, Md., and has been thus engaged for twenty-six years ; he is now sixty-seven years of age. Mr. Gegner and wife have five children, viz. : Charles M., Mary, Jennie R., William L. and John W. Mr. Gegner has succeeded well in business, and is now in oom- fortable circumstances, having a good business block and residence. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was identified with the schools of Howard and Madison Counties as a teacher.

JOHN I. HOKE, jeweler, Ridgeville. John I. Hoke was born in Jack- sen Township, Randolph Co , Ind., May 12, 1849; his father, Seth Hoke, was born in Penneylvania August 20, 1824; his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Johnson, was born near Dayton, Ohio, in 1829. She came to Ran- dolph County about 1833, and his father came about 1845. They are now liv- ing in Union City, and are probably the oldest settlers there. The father en- listed as a substitute for Eli Noffinger, Jr., in the Thirty-eighth Indiana Regi- ment, in 1864, and took part in the battle of Nashville. The subject of this sketch was married, December 30, 1876, to Mary E. White, daughter of Thomas and Barbara White, of Jay County, Ind. Mrs. Hoke was born in that connty December 1, 1854; her father, Thomas White, was born July 15, 1826, and her mother was born September 21, 1830. They are both living at Port- land, Jay Co., Ind. Mr. Hoke engaged in the jewelry trade and has ever since followed that occupation ; he has been in the business at Ridgeville for four years; he keeps an assortment of clocks and watches, and does a gen- eral repair business. Mr. Hoke and wife are the parents of one daughter- Edith L. His Grandfather Johnson served in the Revolutionary war. His grandmother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Coblentz, married Thomas Young. They lived together about three years, and had one son-John. One day, in 1820, the elder Young started to Dayton, Ohio, with a load of corn, but disappeared mysteriously, and nothing further was ever heard from him. Mr. Hoke's grandfather subsequently married the supposed widow of Young. The son, John, was subsequently killed in a distillery at La Fayette, lod.

REV. THOMAS HARRISON, A. M., Ridgeville, was born at Thirsk, in Yorkshire, England, in 1813. His father, early in life, became a minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and continued in the ministry until his death, at the age of seventy-seven. The eon received a liberal education at an nende- my, commencing the study of Latin when only eleven years old. As he early evinced & fondness for reading, he was put to the printing business, at an office in connection with which there was a large book store. Here, he acquired a an extensive acquaintance with general literature. At the age of seventeen, he began to preach and lecture. After residing some time in the city of York, he came, in 1835, to the United States, and located at Springfield, Ohio, where he was associated with John M. Gallagher (brother of William D., the poet), in editing and publishing the Springfield Pioneer. Not relishing the bitterness and acrimony of party politics, he disposed of his interest in the business, and in 1841 became assistant editor of the Western Christian Advocate, C. Elliott, D. D., being the principal. Here he remained until 1848, when, meeting with su accident which resulted in the loss of a limb, he determined to turn his attention to tenching. For some time previous, he had an inclination in this direction, thinking it a fine field for usefulness, notwithstanding its arduous duties. He wrote to his friend, S. Howard, D. D., then Principal of the High School at Springfield, Ohio, who offered him a position in the institution. Here he labored until 1852, when, upon the invitation of a number of friends, he opened an academy in New Carlisle, where he remained until the breaking- out of the rebellion. Nearly all the young men left and joined the Union army. He then spent a short time in lecturing, when he was elected Superin- tendent of the Union Schools of Springfield. In 1864, he was elected President of Moore's Hill College, Indiana. During the six years he remained there, the

average number of students was about 350 annually, while previously it was about 150. Having several sons who had received an education there, and who wished to prepare for business life, he thought it advisable to move to a larger place, where they could have the requisite facilities. In 1872, he was elected Principal of the lligh Schoel at Shelbyville, Ind., several of the citizens there desiring to have a more extended course of study in the institution. In 1878, after attending a normal school and some county institutes, where he had a large amount of teaching and lecturing to do, he was attacked with nervous prostra- tion, and suffered severely for several months, but by rest and the unremitting attention of his family, he was restored to health. In 1880, he was elected Acting President of Ridgeville College, and Professor of Latin and Greek. During 1880, the number of students was double that of the preceding year. While connected with literary institutions, Prof. Harrison has made it a prac- tice to ge about the country on Saturdays, lecturing on science and education, and preaching on Sundays. Three of his brothers became ministers of the Gospel, and one, Judge Harrison, of Columbus, Ohio, a Member of Congress. One of his sisters married a minister, and two of his nephews are ministers of the Gospel, making eight ministers in the family and its connectiony. His wife is n sister of C. Morris, attorney at law, Troy, Ohio. For several years she was President of the Womman's Christian Temperance Union of the Sixth Congres- sional District of Indiana. Que of his sons ie a lawyer, one a physician and the other an editor. One of his daughters is the wife of Prof. R. W. Weod, and the other of Dr. Cushman. The Professor in the originator of the Numeral System of Musical Notation, and author of several works on music. He is also author of a work on elocution. His attainments as an educator and scholar have called ferth the heartiest commendation from prominent literary men, among whom are Dr. Elliott, of the Advocate ; Mr. Hobbs, Superintendent .of Publie Instruction of the State of Indiana; Prof. Staley, of the Frankfort (Ind. ) Crescent, and many others.

CHRISTOPHER C. HIATT, physician, Ridgeville, was born in Randolph County, Ind., March 18, 1832. He is the son of Silas and Mary Hiatt, both natives of Virginia. His father, Silas Hiatt, came to Randolph County, Ind., in the year 1818, and helped to build the first cabia in Winchester, near the present site of J. Norman's bank. In 1862, the subject of this biography en- listed as a private soldier in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry, Ninetieth Regiment. He was promoted to the office of Surgeon. He was in the Department of the Ohie, and was present at the first capture of Knoxville, September 1, 1863. He was also in the battles of Blenntville, Danville, Bean Station, Walker's Ford, and other engagements. After the battle of Walker's Ford, they were sent to jein Gen. Sherman's command at Tunnel Hill, and his regiment was sent with Gen. Steneman to raid on Macon, but were nearly all captured by the rebels. Surg. Hiatt was detailed to return to Marietta, Ga., to take care of the sick and wounded, and was shortly afterward sent to Indianapolis, Ind., before the State election of 1864, and remained wotil after the Presidential election, and was assigned to de duty as Examining Surgeon of Recruits. Re- joined hie regiment-those who were taken prisoners having, in the meantime, been exchanged. The regiment was again fitted for the field, and ordered to Nashville, to participate in the last fight at that city, but arrived too late to take any part in that action. They were next sent to Pulaski, Tenn., where Dr. Hiatt was placed in charge of the hospital as Surgeon, remaining until September, 1865. Ile had charge of all sick and wounded and ahont 400 small- pox patients, as well as the sick in the military prison. He finally fell a victim to small-pex, but escaped with a light attack. Under a law giving three months' pay ne a bounty to all officers who should remain to the close of the war, he remained and drew the bounty.

MILTON R. HIATT, druggist, Ridgeville, was born in lay County, Ind. Ile is the son of Jonathan Hiatt, a native of Virginia. llis grandfather was one of the early settlers of Randolph Connty, Ind. Mr. Hiatt enjoyed a common- school education in his native county, and afterward attended the college at Oberlin, Ohio, for one year. He graduated in the Commercial College at Day- ton, Ohio, in 1866. In 1869, he married Levina Mastick. a lady of fins accom- plishments. She was at one time a teacher in the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, also in the college at Ridgeville in this county. Her father, Owen Mas- tick, was a native of Vermont, and her mother a native of Connecticut. Until twenty-six years of age, Mr Hiatt was engaged in farming, but afterward adopted mercantile pursuits. For fourteen years, he has been engaged in the drug trado at Ridgeville, and has one of the finest stores in Randolph County. It is situated on the corner of Walnut and Main streets. Mr. Iliatt was elect- ed Town Clerk at the organization of Ridgeville, and served four years, and is new the Treasurer of the corporation and Secretary of the Board of Bidge- ville College, in which capacity he is serving his second term. By his own efforts and industry, he has succeeded in accumulating property to the value of several thousand dollars. His brother, John W., who now resides in Ne- braska, was a soldier in the Union army. His wife is a member of the Mis- sionary Baptist Church.

GEORGE W. HOLOWELL, farmer, P. O. Ridgeville, was born July 11, 1842. His father was William Holowell, and his mother before marriage, was Catharine Newburn. Both were natives of Ohio. Mr. Ilolowell come to Indi- ana in 1847. He enlisted in the Fortieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infan- try and served four years. He participated in the battles of Mill Creek, Ky., Chickamanga, Nashville and other engagements, and at Kenesaw Mountain he was wounded in the arm and breast. He was married, February 6, 1868, to Julia A. Stephens, danghter of John Stephene; her parents are natives of Monroe County, Ohio. They have seven children living, viz., John W., Fran- cis S., Jacob W., Jane G., George E., Adda E. and Oliver P. Adda E. died April 22, 1881. Mr. Holowell has a good farm of 160 acres, and is comferta- bly situated. In politics, he is a true Republican.

HALE HOLOWELL, farmer, P. O. Ridgeville, was born in Randolph Connty, Ind., April 4, 1854. His father, William Holowell, was born in Preble Connty, Ohio ; his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth MoKerr; his paternal grandfather served in the war of 1812. Mr. Holowell was married,

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

December 31, 1874, to Luzena Riddlebarger, daughter of David and Mary A. Riddlebarger, both of whom are new living at Ridgeville. They have one daughter living. Mrs. Holowell's grandfather served in the war of 1812; her father, David Riddlebarger, was born in Virginia; her mother, whose maiden name was Mary A. Rhoades, was born in Indiana.

HENRY D. HIORN, farmer, P. O. Sherman, was born in Randolph County, Ind., February 15, 1840) ; his parents, Jacob ond Sarah Horn, were natives of North Carolina; they came to Randolph County in 1830; his mother died in 1873 and his father in 1878. His grandfather Wood was in the war of 1812. Mr. Horn was married to Sarah J. Molthie December 29, 1860. They have four children living, viz., Ids M., Annie B., George Thomas and James A. Mrs. Horn is the daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth O. (Brown) Maltbie, the former n native of Ohio and the latter n native of Kentucky; her mother is living at Farmland. Mr. IJorn is engaged at the pursuit of farming. He is a member of the Society of Friends, aod in politics a Republican. His wife is a member of the Disciples' or Christian Church. She has two sisters-Malinda A., wife of Stephen Norman, Rachel M., and two brothers-George W. nnd Robert T., both of whom are dead.

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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 142

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