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 143

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 143

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MARION L. JACK, tinner, Ridgeville, was born in Ward Township, Ran- delph County, Ind., November 4, 1866. His father, John W. Jack, and his mother, Mary E. (Lewis) Jack, were both natives of that township, and his grandfather, Robert Jack, was one of the very early settlers of this county. Mr. Jack is engaged in the tinware and stove business at Ridgeville. He is an enterprising young man. He was married, December 4, 1879, to Miss Mary E. Collins, a native of Jay County, Ind., and daughter of Martin T. and Victoria Collins.

WILLIAM M. JANES, farmer, P. O. Ridgeville, was born in Campbell County, Ky., October 29, 1817. Ilis father, Samuel Janes, was born in Vir- ginia October 15, 1796, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth McCellum, was born in Kentucky October 26, 1798. His father was an officer io the war of 1812, and fought gallantly in n number of battles. At the sur- render of Hull at Detroit, he forced hig sword into the ground and broke it, rather than humiliate himself by handing it to a British officer. The subject of this biography first visited Randolph County in 1828, but did not settle here until 1868. On the 10th of February, 1842, he was marriedl to Lucinda Banghman, a native of Virginia; her parents were beth natives of that State. In early life, Mr. Janes was engaged in bonting on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He kept hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1863 and 1864, and in Coving- ton, Ky., for the next three years. Ile has been engaged at the carpenter's trade ever since, and is still an able and efficient hand. He has a good resi- dence on the corner of Main and Portland streets, Ridgeville, and seven and a half acres of good land adjoining the town. He served as Justice of the Peace three years and Trustee six years in Adams County, Ohio. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was mule a Master Mason in 1842, and & Royal Arch Masen in 1844. His mother died at the age of eighty-four years six months and ten days. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than fifty years. Mr. Janes and wife have two adopted daughters-Mary A. and Annie Belle, both estimable young ladies.

MRS. ELMIRA McKEW, farming, P. O. Ridgeville. Elmira Tayler was born in Virginin February 14, 1837. fler father, James Taylor, and her mother, Ann (Thomas) Taylor, were both natives of that State. Her grandfather served in the war of 1812. Her father died in Virginin. Her mother still resides there, at an advanced nge. Miss Taylor was married, in 1855, in Gcorge Mc- Kew, a native of Ireland. lle came to Randelph County in 1836, and died in 1870. She has two children living, named Ella And Robh, respectively. Mrs. McKew hns 140 acres of good land in section 12, under a fine state of cul- tivation.

ISAIAH C. MILNER, farmer, P. (). Clark's. Isninh C. Milner was born in Randolph County, Ind., September 10, 1822. His father, John Milner, was born in Virginia, and his mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Case, was born in North Carolina ; she died August 25, 1846, and his father died May 23, 1860. They enme to Randolph County about the year 1820. His grandfather Milner was in the Revolutionary War, and was wounded, and, although entitled ton pension, he always refused to apply for it. llis maternal grandfather, Cage, also served in the Revolutionary war for five years. Mr. Milner was reared in the county in which he now lives, and is well known. He taught schonl in his younger days during the winters, and worked at the carpenter's trade during the remainder of the year. For the past twenty-eight years, he has been engaged in farming. May 8, 185%, he was married to Elizabeth A. Freeman. They have three children-Mary J., Sarah S. and Nathaniel M. Mrs. Milner is the daughter of Thornton S, and Nancy P. ( Holingsworth) Freeman, both natives of South Carolina. Her mother is still living ; her father died February 19, 1849. Mr. Milner was elected Township Trustee in 1859, and, after serving four years, was re-elected. lle niso served ns Land Appraiser and Assessor. He has 160 neres of good land, in Section 26, where he loenteil when thirty-two years of age. lle is a Republican in politics. His family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HENRY T. KITSELMAN, merchant, P. O. Ridgeville. Henry T. Kitsel- mnn wag horn in Wayne County, Ind., March 17, 1853. His father was Joseph Loven, but he was adopted and renred by Davis S. Kitselman. Ile enjoyed good educational advantages in youth, and attended college for more than two yenrs. lle was married to Martha Niswonger in January, 1874. Her parents, Joseph nod Elizabeth, are both living nt Ridgeville. Mr. and Mrs. Kitselman are the parents of three children, two of whom (Nina and Zella) are now liv- ing: Elsie died in February, 1840. After the close of his school life, Mr. Kitselmno acted as express agent for three years, but has since been engaged in mercantile pursuits. Ile is now the senior member of the firm of Kitsel- man. Senney & Co., dealers in dry goods, clothing, etc. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife : he is also a member of Ridge- ville Lodge, I. O. O. F. He has long been identified with the Republican party,

and has served ag Town Clerk and Councilman, and is at present a member of the School Board. He has some valuable town property, and is comfortably situated.

DAVIS S. KITSELMAN, hardware, Ridgeville. Davis S. Kitselman was born in Chester County, Penn., October 23, 1819. His father, John H., and his incther, whose maiden name was Mary Graham, were both natives of that county, and both died there-the father in 1841, and the mother in 1849. John II. Kitselman served in the war of 1812, and his father in the war of the Revolution, and was in the enenmpment at Valley Forge. Davis S. Kitselman came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1854, and has resided bere ever since. He married Mahaln A. Starbuck, A' native of Indiana-boro October 19, 1833. She is n member of the Baptist Church ; her father was a native of North Caro- lina. This union was blessed by seven children, viz., Alva L., Mary A., Davis M., Ida F., Carle M., Elwin F. and Anna B .; they also have an adopted son, Henry T. Mr. Kitselman was reared on a farm, but has, at variony times been engaged in other pursuits, among them, the occupation of milling, and has spent a good portion of his life in mercantile pursuits. For six years he wie engaged in the drug trade, with Dr. Ward, and for the past seven years, has been in the hardware trade nt Ridgeville. Ilis store is oo the corner of First and Walnut streets, where he keeps a general assortment of hardware, stoves and tinware. He has been a member of the Town Council of Ridgeville, and is a Past Grand in Ridgeville Lodge, No. 297, I. O. O. F. Ile has 135 acres of geer land, a nest, comfortable residence nod several town lots.

ARTHUR MCKEW.

Arthur McKew, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Ridge- ville, was born nenr Cincinnati, Ohio, August 12, 1819. His parents came to the United States from Ireland, and were married in Pennsylvania. They re- moved to Fayette County, lud .. when their son, Arthur, was but a child, and he grew up among the scenes that marked the pioneer period in this State. Hi educational privileges were necessarily very limited, yet by close application and faithful study he acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to conduct intelligently and sucecssfully an extensive business in Inter 'years, and qualif: himself for a varied and successful career as a merchant,, miller and banker When about twelve years of age he came to Randolph County, Ind, with his parents, and located with them ou n farm directly across the river from the present site of Ridgeville. Here a great portion of his time was employed in assisting his father to clear his land and cultivate his farm, until he had nearly attained his twenty-first year. During this period, however, he spent &' term of four months nt school in Fayette County, which closed his school life. Upon nearing his majority, he started ent to earn a livelihood for himself, and for the next three years worked ng a farm laborer, at very low wages, but manng ing to save n portion of the little pittance he carned. After working thus for about three years, he learned the plasterer's trade, without assistance from any one, and was engaged at this pursuit, in connection with farming, until about twenty-eight years old. By that time, he had saved enough from his earnings to enable him to purchase a small farm, and invested it accordingly. Hle purchased sixty acres, and opened n store at what was then the cross-rowis, but now the principal part of the town of Ridgeville. This little farm was the nucleus of a large landed estate, comprising 1,200 Acres in a body, und the little store the beginning of a prosperous mercantile carcer. Ile conducted a large and promiscuous trade with farmers throughout the surrounding country, buying from them everything convertible inte cash, and keeping his store sup- plied with the class of merchandise most in demand. His personal popularity, and his honorable and manly treatment of his customers secured to his estat, lishment a large trade from all the surrounding country throughout a perio of many years. llis business grew with the years, and he became identificu with other enterprises, thus inaking his interests varied and extensive. lu 1854, he built n large and commodions storereom at Ridgeville, and, in 1859, crecten the " River Mill" at that point. In 1866, however, he tore down this esta lishment, replacing it with a larger and better mill, introducing steam power. and in every way improving his facilities for manufacturing the best of flour He sold this mill in 1870, and purchased one at Walton, Ind., in 1875, remov- ing it to Ridgeville. This mill, with all its fine machinery, together with a valuable lot of grain, were destroyed hy fire on the 5th of May, 1877, but not discouraged by this disaster, he at once began the erection of a fine fire-proof mill, with all its appointments and machinery of the latest and most approved style. His industry and fine financial ability could not fail to return him golden rewards, and his fortune accumulated rapidly. Yet he never possessed any sordid propensities, and, instead of seeking to add to a fortune already ample, he found the greatest pleasure in dishursing his money in ways that would do good to his fellow men. and ease the burden of some one less fortunate than he It was written of him, by one who knew well, that " there is no material im- provement in the town of Ridgeville that is not a monument to the industry and public spirit of this good man. There was never, during his lifetime, any good work commenced in this community that did not have him for a leader. lle was one of the men horn to lead ; one of the men to whom it was given the power to succeed in almost every undertaking, and one of the grand old pion- cers whose hands molded the growth and improvement of this county, and whose heart and pure life nysisted to form habits aright in the lives of our people."

lle was liberal to the poor, and his inany acts of kindness and charity to this clayy gained him a place in their hearts that can never be filled by another. He contributed largely of his means to encourage public improvements through- out the county, and using his influence for the success of every enterprise designed to benefit the public. It is chiefly to his influence that Ridgeville is indebted for ity excellent railroad facilities. He was one of the earliest friends of the Cincinnati, Richmond & Fort Wayne Railrond, and served as one of its Directors.

Although himself n Methodist, he gave to Ridgerille College (n Baptist in- stitution) the ground upon which it is located, nod this, with other donations,

413

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.

swelled his bounty toward this institution to the munificant eum of $11,000, while it proved his freedom from sectarian bias. He served as one of the Direct- ors of this oollege from its founding until his death. He was one of the or- ganizers of the First National Bank of Winchester, and was the first Cashier of that institution. He founded the Ilidgeville Bank, and served as its President until his decease.

In his political affiliations, Mr. McKew was at first an anti-slavery Whig. Later, however, he identified himself with the Republican party, and was a valued member of that organization. He filled several elective offices, among them that of County Commissioner, in which capacity his fine judgment proved of great value to the material interests of the county. He was nn uacompro- mising temperance man, and a strong ally of the temperance cause. He united with the order of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons in 1851, and for more than thirty years was an active member. Ile transferred his membership to Dorio Lodge, No. 362, at Ridgeville, upon its organization, and was identified with it at the time of his death. He wns a Royal Arch Mason in the Council at Winchester, and was unanimously admitted 88 & Sir Knight in the Command- ery at Richmond, Ind., but was never initiated. He died on the 1st day of January, 1882, mourned by all who had known him in life.

He was married, in March, 1844, to Margery, daughter of Joab Ward, and sister of Ilon. Thomas Ward, of Winchester. Six children were the fruits of this union, all of whom are now deceased, save Melissa E., wife of W. F. Studebaker, of Ridgeville. IIis wife still survives him, occupying the home where they spent the years of a happy wedded life, ere death severed the tie that bad so long bound their hearts ns one.

Although dead, Arthur McKew lins left a name that will always be hon- ored and revered by those who knew him in life, while his connection with the publio improvements of this county have placed him among its lending citizene.

ASA ORCUTT, carpenter, Ridgeville, was born in Randolph County, Ind., October 10, 1840. His father, Jacob C., was born in Massachusetts, and his mother, whose maiden name was Christina Rarick, was born in Pennsyl- vanin. They came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1838, where the father died in 1846, and the mother in 1873. His father was a soldier in the Indian wars, and his grandfather Rarick in the war of the Revolution. Mr. Orcutt was married, on the 24th of August, 1862, to Miss Anna E. Haershman, daughter of Jacob Haerahmen, a native of Pennsylvania. He died ia 1863. They have one son-Reuben, born January 23, 1864. Mr. Orcutt was reared a farmer, and followed that occupation until sixteen years of nge. He learned the car- penter's trade, and has ever since been engaged in that vocation. He has suc- ceeded by industry, and is now comfortably situated.

HENRY A."RARICK, milling, Ridgeville, was born in Dayton, Ohio, June 12, 1846. His father, Dr. H. J. Rarick, was born in Germany, and his mother, whose maiden name was Catharine Wertz, was boru in Penusylvania. Both are now living at Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Rarick came to Indiann in 1876. In 1862, he enlisted in the Union army, And was engaged in thirteen battles, among which were the battles of Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Stone Iliver and Chicka- mauga. He was in the Red River expedition, and was twice wounded, but not seriously. lle was mustered out of the service in 1865. On the 16th ot Octo- ber, 1867, he was married to Isabella Ray, daughter of William Rny, a tanner, of Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Rarick has long been engaged in milling pursuits, but has recently adopted the vocation of farming. He hna a good farm of eighty acres in Section 22. He was n member of the Seventeenth Independent O. B. Light Artillery, and still retains, as a relic, the saber he carried through the war.

ABRAHAM ROE, farmer, P. O. Ridgeville, was born in Ohio April 10, 1819. . His father, Ezekiel, was born in l'ennsylvania, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Funk, a native of the same State. His father died June 20, 1860, and his mother in 1863, both in Randolph County, Ind. Mr. Roe came to this county at a time when Indians and will game abounded. Ile has killed, according to his own testimony, 970 deer, the largest part of this number having been killed in this county, and his father was also a successful marksman. Mr. Roe was married, February 28, 1844, to llaunah Renbarger, a native of Randolph County, Ind. They are the parents of four children, valy one of whom, Elizabeth, now survives. She is the wife of L. L. Williams. Mrs. Roe is the daughter of Abraham and Rachnel (Luellen) Renharger, the former n native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio. Mr. lioe has always followed the occupation of farming. Ile has eighty acres of fine land, and is a successful farmer. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and in politice he is identified with the Republienn party.

MRS. ANGELINE WHIPPLE, housekeeper, Ridgeville, was born in Randolph County, Iad. Her father, Reuben Whipple, was born in Dela- ware County, Ohio, in January, 1834. Her mother, whose maiden name wne Mary Orcutt, was horn in Darke County, Ohio, October 18, 1838. Mrs. Whipple was married, on the 4th of May, 1876, to Newton MeKew, a native of Randolph County, Ind., and son of Arthur McKew. Iler husbaud was born July 18, 1854, and died July 6, 1879. They had two children-Newton A. and Ida, of whom only the former survives. Ida died September 25, 1878, aged thirteen months. Mr. McKew was a member of the M. E. Church, and a life member of the Missionary Society. Reubeu Whipple was a member of the Eighty-fourth Indiana Regiment. He enlisted in 1861, and served three years.

ALEXANDER WOOD, farmer and lawyer, Ridgeville, was born in Darke County, Ohio, October 30, 1832. His father, Samuel Wood, was born in Vir- ginin May 22, 1794, and his mother, Elizabeth (Thompson) Wood, was born at Elizabethtown N. J., March 4, 1801. His grandfather was born July 4, 1760, in North Carolina, and his grandmother, Jemima Phillips, was born in Dela- ware January 26, 1774. They were married January 15, 1793. Mr. Wood's parente came to Randolph County, Ind., in February, 1837. ITis father served in the war of 1812, and his grandfather Wood in the Revolutionary war under Gen. Greene. He was wounded in the hip at Gilford Station, and was at the battle of Bunker Hill, Eutaw Springs, and others. Ilis grandfather, Thomp-

son, served one year in the war of 1812. Mr. Wood was reared on a farm in this county, and in youth enjoyed good educational advantages. After com- pleting the common school course, he graduated in the classical department of Ridgeville College. He studied law, and on the 4th of July, 1855, was admitted to the bar. His time since that has been devoted more or less to his profes- sion, and by diligence in his chosen field ho has made life a success. He has a handsome residence and 100 acres of land adjoining the corporation of Ridgeville, also a good business house on Walnut street, in Ridgeville. His brothers, George and William, were both killed by Indians, in Minnesota, in 1857; his brother, Chiarles R., enlisted in Company G, Eighth Indiana Regi- ment, in August, and died on the field in November of the ~ ime year; another brother, Elijah, enlisted in the three months' service when but sixteen years of age, and re-enlisted, in 1863, in the Seventh Indiana Cavalry. He received & wound in the arm. from the effects of which he died in August, 1864. Elisha, the twin brother of Elijah, enlisted in Company B. Seventh Indiana Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, and was mustered out under the general order disbanding the troops. The latter was a graduate in the classical course at Ridgeville College, also at Ann Arbor, Mich., Law School, and is now prao- ticing law at Long l'rairie, Minn. He has been engaged in some very important cases, and the Omahn papers speak of him in the highest terms as a lawyer and orator, when he was a member of the bar in that State.

ANDREW J. WOOD, grocer, Ridgeville, was born nt Ridgeville, Randolph Co., Ind., September 12, 1842. His father, Samuel Wood, was born in Vir- ginia, and his mother, Elizabeth, in New Jersey. They came to Randolph County, Ind., sbout the year 1836, where the father died in 1846. Mr. Wood enlisted in the Nineteenth Indiana Infantry, July 15, 1861, and re-enlisted lu 1864, serving as Second Duty Sergeant. lle participated in the battles of Gainesville, the second Bull Run, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Antietam, Fitzhugh's, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Mine Run, Spottsylvania, the Wilder- ness, Laurel Hill, and minor engagements. He was wounded in the hip, while bearing the fing of his regiment. He has saved a portion of the fing, as well as the ball that pierced him. The flag was literally torn into shreds by the storm of bullets. His ancestors were soldiers, his father having served in the war of 1812, and his grandfather in the war of the Revolution, He was wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill. Mr. Wood was reared on a farm, but since the war has been in the grocery trale nt Ridgeville. He has built up a good trade, and by industry has accumulated a comfortable share of this world's goods. He was married, July 25, 1867, to Rebecca Finch, a native of Ohio. Her parents were natives of the same State. Mr. Wood and wife are the parents of six children, viz. : Mand, Rex, Lenna, Alonzo, Annie, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Wood was made & Master Mason in 1864. He was Marshal of the town of Ridgeville for three years, and has held other positione of honor and trust. Ile recently spent three months on a hunting excursion in Montana, Dakota and Wyoming. During the war, a minie ball struck bis cartridge-box, exploding sixty rounds of ammunition.

JOHN W. SEANEY, merchant, Ridgeville, was born in Wayne County, Ind., August 5, 1843. His father, Owen Senney, was born in North Carolina, and enme to Wayne County, lad., at an early day ; he married Martha Grimes, a native of the latter county. Both died in that county, the mother in June, 1846, and the father on the 17th of March, 1871. John W. Senney caine to Randolph County, Ind., and was married to Rosannah Starbuck December 5, 1866. Her father, Robert Starbuck, was a native of North Carolina, and her mother, whose maiden name was Hannah Addleman, was a untive of Chester County, Penn. Her mother died April 8, 1870. Mr. Senney and wife are the parents of five children, viz. : Erminnie, Oran E., Bertha E., Ina Ethel, Erma E., and of this number the eldest, Erminnie, is deceased. Mr. Seaney was reared on a farm ; he taught school five years, then, in 1866, began the dry goods trade, as the successor of E. T. Bailey ; he was also in the grocery trade for a time ; be is now a member of the dry goods firm of Kitselman, Seaney & Co., who carry the largest stock of dry goods and ready-made elothing in Ridge- ville. In 1870, Mr. Seaney was elected Trustee of Franklin Township, and served four terms consecutively. He has a good residence on the corner of Portland and Second streets, and is comfortably situated. His wife was born February 20, 1842. She is n member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and na estimable lady.

ANDERSON SLUSHER, farmer, P. O. Ridgeville, wns bora in Wayne County, Ind., September 15, 1842 ; his parents, George and Sarah Slusher, are both natives of Virginia. They came to Randolph County in 1844, and now re- side in Franklin Township. Mr. Slusher served the Union cause as a member of the Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Regiment, Rad participated in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga, In the latter engagement, he was shot through the face, and was honorably discharged in consequence of his wound; he was married, in June, 1865, to Eliza Anu Silvers ; her father, George Deboyd, was born in Virginia, snd her mother, Millie Waters, in Kentucky. Mr. Slusher and wife are the parents of six children, viz. : Annettie, Lucy, Alice, Nors, Arlie and Ella. Mr. Slusher has 112 acres of fine land in Section 21, nud is & successful farmer.

JOHN E. SMITHISON, farmer, P. O. llidgeville, was born in Randolph County, Ind., May 15, 1830; his father, George W. Smithson, was born in Virginia ; his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Thornburg, was born in North Carolina. They came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1824, and settled in Stony Creek Township ; his father was the second Justice of the Peace elect- ed in that township ; he was elected to this office in 1827, and re-elected in 1832 ; he was subsequently the candidate of the Abolition party for the office of Commissioner, but his party being in the minority, he was defested. He was P'resident of a society for the promulgation of the doctrines of Abolition. Grandfather Smithson was a Revolutionary soldier. The subject of this bio- graphy enjoyed a common-school education ; he was reared & farmer, and bas followed that occupation in connection with stock-raising all his life; he was married, March 14, 1850, to Caroline Beck. They are the parents of ten chil- dren, viz. : Eliza Jane, Elvin L., George M., William H., Kellie S., Sater,

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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 143

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