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 177

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 177

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EZEKIEL C. CLOUGH.

Ezekiel C. Clough was born June 12, 1802, at Warren, in the State of New Hampshire. In 1818, his father startod with his family to locate in the West, but while passing through the State of New York, one of his daughters was taken suddenly ill, and it was found necessary to remain there until she could recover. They remained in that State during the winter, the children attending school while their sister recovered her health. In the following spring, they resumed their journey, reaching Cincinnati, Ohio, in April, 1819. The family resources, which, at best, were never opulent, were much depleted by the long journey. and it became necessary for the several members of the family to engage in some kind of labor, to assist in its maintenance. Ezekiel found employment in a brick yard, and learned the brick-maker's trade. Within a year after their arrival in the West, the father died, and the maintenance of the family was assumed by the subject of this sketch, who did his part nobly, until all were old enough to take care of themselves. At a later date, he purchased the establishment of his employer, and manufactured brick on his own account, until 1826. In that year, he removed to Jny County, Ind., where he entered 640 acres of Innd. In the following year he was married, at Cincinnati, to Mary A. Huddart, and brought his wife to the wilderness, in the midst of which he had selected a place for n home. He began the task of clearing this large tract of land and preparing it for cultivation-an undertaking in which he succeeded nobly. By subsequent purchases he enlarged the boundaries of his farm, improving and beautifying each new tract, until he owned probably the largest and best cultivated tract of land in Jay County. He was always known as one of the most industrious men of the community, and to his indus- try, economy, and prudent management, are due the financial results that bave made him a wealthy mao. He has been economical, but he has never per- mitted this principle to beget a sordid or parsimonious nature. On the contrary, he has always been known for his charity and benevolence, and instead of seeking to hoard or augment a fortune already ample, he has found boundless pleasure in disbursing liberal sums in channels from which his fellow-men would reap benefits. Ilis private charities are numerous-donc in private, and known only to those who were the grateful recipients. In his public charities he has desired the same privacy, yet enough has transpired to mark him n public-spirited man of the most unselfish order, and to show that in all the years of his prosperity he has been the devoted friend of public improve- ment, public education, and the cause of religion. The first Baptist Church at North Salem was erected almost entirely at his expense, and the new house of worship was built upon land donated by him, and constructed and furnished largely from his liberal contributions. To the erection of Ridgeville College, he contributed a munificent amount, which, in deference to his modesty, was never made known. To the same institution he donated 220 acres of excellent farming land, worth nt least $15,000, and holdls three life-scholarships that cost him $900. ITe is one of the Trustees of this college, and has acted in that capacity ever since the organization of the board.

His has been a long and busy life, and he has not lived in vain. He has stomped his identify upoo many of the most important institutions and public improvements in llandolpb County, and has proved himself a blessing to the community. lle has retired from netive business, and now resides in the north part of Randolph County. lle has transferred his large landed estate to his children, reserving only the proceeds of his farms during his life. Ile was ileatified with both Randolph and Jay Counties in their pioneer period, and has a vivid recollection of the events of early days. In the intervening years, he has been an interested witness of the progress and improvement of the locality with which he was identified in its earliest days of civilization, while every enterprise of a public natura has received his encouragement and sup- port. Until 1874, he was permitted to enjoy the companionship of his devoted wife, who accompanied him to the wilderness in the prime of a happy young life, adding her efforts to his in transforming the forest into a home. On the 17th of August, 1874, she died, leaving a void in the hearts of her family never to be filled. They were the parents of seven children-William, the eldest, enlisted in Company F, of the Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Port Gibson, while fighting in defense of the Union and for the maintenance of our national integrity ; Nancy married Mr. Lewis, aud is now deceased; Ezekiel resides in Jackson Township, Randolph County ; Hannah, Lottie and George W. are living, and John is deceased.

THOMAS DEVOR, farmer, P. O. Jordan. This wortby citizen was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 20, 1803. He was educated in the rural

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

schools of his native State, and was married, April 8, 1831, to Naney Coab- stick, born December 9, 1811, in Butler County, Ohio. This union was blessed with the birth of nine children, of which number fiveare living-Margaret, born April 30, 1833; Benjamin. November 25, 1836; Rachel, October 16, 1838; Ann, October 5, 1842, and Mary, July 29, 1849, Mr. D. had one son in the war for the Union, John Q., who enlisted in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry. He was enptured and imprisoned at Andersonville and other Southern prisons; he died from the effects of the terrible ordeal through which he passed while in those horrible pens. His father, John Devor, was a native of Pennsylvania; he settled in Ohio at an early date, and deceased July 25, 1828, in the seventieth yeur of his nge. He was a man of noble impulse, and much of his character has found a place within the mind of his son. Mr. Devor is still active, and is a Republican in politics.

JOHN GITTINGER, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born September 6, 1809, in Maryland; he was educated in the rural schools of his native State, and at twenty-six years of age came to Ohio. He was married in Randolph County, Ind., September 28, 1848, to Dorothy Helm, who was born September 1, 1830. These parents were blessed with the birth of the following children : Jane, horn December 16, 1849; Mary, October 14, 1851, deceased September 15, 1872; Ruth, March 26, 1854; Jacob and Samuel (twins), September 8, 1856, deceased September 28, same year; John J., Decemher 9, 1857; Willard, November 25, 1859; Esther, April 19, 1862; Jonas, February 22, . 1865; Daniel, July 21, 1867; Ann, October 31, 1870, and Olive, May 20, 1876. Mr. G. is a member of the Presbyterian Church, F. & A. M., No. 56, Winchester, and of Jackson Grange. His father, Jacob Gittinger, was a native of Baltimore County, Md., born March 26, 1785: he was an officer in the war of 1812; came to this county in the fall of 1838, deceased February 14, 1865; his wife's maiden nnioe was Mury Deal, born September 6, 1792, in the same county and State aforesaid. She died February 10, 1861, in this county. Mr. Gittinger owns a well culti- vated farm of 310 acres of valuable land, and is considered to be one of the best citizens of his neighborhood. Since the above was written, Mr. Gittinger has deceased. He died the 21st of August, 1882, quite suddenly. A few min- utes before he passed away, he was engaged in sociable conversation with his family.

JACOB GITTINGER, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born September 19, 1817, in Carroll County, Md. He came to Darke County, Ohio, at eighteen years of age, and settled here in the fall of 1844. He was married in the early part of 1844, to Margaret Adkins, who was a native of Butler County, Ohio, born December 25, 1823. Two children blessed this union-William H., born May 26, 1845; he is an architect of considerable ability. The other child is a daughter, Lilly C., born February 19, 1851. Mr. G. is n self-made man, and has been intimately connectedl with the progress and development of the county. He and his wife are worthy members of the German Reformed Church. lle owns a valuable farm of 100 acres of land, and is a Democrat in politics. Ifis father and mother, Jacob and Mary Gittinger, are noticed elsewhere in this work. Suffice it to say that they were of the best families of their native State. The father of Mrs. Gittinger, was George Atkins, a native of Delaware, born in the year 1800, came to Butler County, Ohio, in 1807, and finally settled in Darke County, Ohio, where he deceased February, 1878; his wife, Jane Wilson, a native of Butler County, and a few years his junior, died April, 1823.

11ENRY HANDSCHY, JR. Henry Handschy, Sr., the father of this gentleman, was born in 1784, in the canton of Basel, Switzerland, and within fifteen miles of the city of Strasbourg, France. He emigrated to the United States with a younger brother in 1803, landing at Philadelphia, and removing thence to Lancaster County, Penn. Iu 1814, he removed to Franklin County, Peon., and while there he joined a volunteer infantry company organized for the defense of Baltimore, and arrived just in time to see the British feet sail out of the harbor. From Franklin County, Penn., he removed to Loudoun County, Vu. In 1817, he removed to Ohio, and purchased a farm of 160 acres in Perry Township, Muskingum County. Sub- sequently, he removed to Fairfield County, in the same State, and there mar. ried Mary Ann Weaver, in May, 1819. After a residence of two years in Fair- field County, he returned to his farm in Muskingum County, where he died on the 9th of November, 1861. In personal appearance he was # fine looking man-above the medium height, an entertaining conversationalist, and gifted with a remarkable memory. He way a fine debater, and well posted in the current topics of the day. Although he served as Justice of the Peace for a number of years, he never sought office, und never felt political ambition. In politics he was n Jeffersonian Democrat, and always maintained the principles enunciated by that grent statesman. In religion hs discarded all creeds and denominations, relying upon the Bible as the great founation-head, the source of all truth and righteousness. From this hook he drew his conclusions, and in its promises he centered his faith and trust. He read it through many times, and always held it in the highest reverence. His wife survived him about ten years. She was born in April, 1794, in Westmoreland County, Penn., and removed with her parents to near New Baltimore, Fairfield Co., Ohio, where she married Mr. Handschy. Her parents were also from Switzerland. In the community where she residled for so many years, she was always looked upon as & " Mother in Israel." She was kind, compassionate and tender, and possessed the affectionate regard of all who knew her. She died March 3, 1870. Henry Handschy, Jr., son of Henry and Mary Handschy, was born April 20, 1820, in Muskingum County, Ohio. He was educated in the schools of his native State, and came to Indiana in May, 1810. On the 27th of October, 1841, he was united in marriage with Sarah Walker, and located upon n farm in Jackson Township, where he has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, having improved his farm and enlarged its boundaries by subsequent purchases, until it now embraces 320 acres. Mr. Handschy has always enter- tained advanced ideas in the science of farming, and there are no farmers in the county who may be called his superiors as model agriculturists, and but few who are his equals. Foreseeing the great benefits to he derived from & proper system of artificial drainage, he became one of the first movers in the

matter of inaugurating this improvement in Jackson Township, and is known to be the first man in Randolph County who secured & petition for an open ditch-the object being to effect drainage from his farm to the Mississinewa River, across intervening lands. Having taken the initiative in this matter, he set an example which has been extensively followed by his neighbors, while the value and availability of their lands have been largely enhanced by this action. Aside from farming, Mr. Handachy has devoted a great deal of atten- tion to milling pursuits, feeling a commendable pride in this profession, at which, in foriner yenre, he was known to excel. By his long association with mechancial appliances, he has been able to invent many useful additions for the saving of labor, and to secure speed in the performance of work. His principal invention is an automatic flood-gate, for which he secured a patent on the 12th of September, 1882. This gate is designed for the use of mills operated by water-power, and is recognized as a valuable invention. During A residence of more than forty years in this county, Mr. Handschy has identified himself with many important publlo improvements, and has always manifested n willingness to encourage such improvements by liberal contributions and by personal cooperation. By honest toil and industry he has amassed u comfort- able store of worldly wealth, und by his upright and honorable life, he has won and ever retained the confidence and good will of his fellow-men. Politically his sympathies are with the Democratic party, with which party he acts and votes. He has been identified with the Masonic fraternity for more than thirty years, having been initiated into the lodge at Deerfield, in this county, about the year 1851. He is a member of the Disciples Church, and is recognized as one of the best citizens of the community in which he resides. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Smith, was born September 16, 1819, and married Mr. Walker, who died after a few years of wedded happiness. The fruits of this union were three children, the eldest of whom-Sophia R .- is deceased, while Emily M. and Ellis W. still survive. Mrs. Handschy is an excellent lady, and by her kindness and charity has gained the affectionnte regard of all who know her. Seven children are the fruits of her second marringe, viz. : Lydia A., Frederick, David, Joseph, Mary A., Loretta C. and Manda J., four of whom-Lydia, Frederick, David and Joseph are deceased.

LEANDER HARSHMAN, farmer, P. O. Union City, born June 2, 1842, in Prebic County, Ohio, educated in this county, married August 28, 1866, to Mary E. Corl, who was born March 17, 1843, in this county. The following children were born to these parents : Anna B., November 15, 1869 ; Sarah E., October 25, 1869 (deceased March 2, 1870, bnrned to death by fire catching clothes); ('Inra J., December 29, 1871 ; Mary M , August 21, 1875; Della M., February 10, 1877, and William E., September 26, 1873. Ile and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church. Isaao Harshman isn native of Warren County, Ohio, born June 22, 1820, settled in this county in March, 1850; he married Nancy A. Robisson, January 28, 1841, she was a native of Butler County, Ohio, born July 12, 1817, deceased August 15, 1862. The following sons and daughters were born to them-Leander, June 2, 1842 ; Charlotte E., September 3, 1843 ; Henry B., February 14, 1866; Martha J., May 17, 1845 ; Martin V .. April 25, 1847; John M. G., March 11, 1849 ; Eliza D., July 18, 1851 ; Alice A., December 17, 1853 ; James H., January 30, 1856, and Ida, September 12, 1858. The grandfather of these children was Elijah Harshman, a native of Virginia; he participated in the war of 1812, decensed January, 1857, in Preble County, Ohio; his wife was Nancy Wolf, born 1776 in Bourbon County, Ky. Jacob Corl, the father of Mrs. Harshman, is a native of Pennsylvania, born August 16, 1805 ; he was married, January 31, 1825, to Elizabeth Stuff, a native of Pennsylvania, born April 7, 1806. These old pco- ple are still living at this date, and are very active.

STEPHEN HINDSLEY was born in North Carolina August 20, 1818. Mr. Ifindsley, after making several changes, finally selected Jackson Township as a desirable place to locate, and made his final settlement February 10, 1848. He married Miss Ann M. McConnell March 7, 1841, a native of Piqua, Ohio, born June 10, 1820. Ten children blessed this union, of which number nine are living. Sarah was born January 19, 1842; she became the wife of West- ley Johnson ; Joseph G. was born April 28, 1843, he married Mary C. Mussel- man ; Malinda, horn August 23, 1844, married Absalom Mangas ; Rufus G., born February 21, 1847, married Malinda A. Noffsinger; John W., born July 20, 1849, married Martha J. Johnson ; Mary E., horn December 8, 1851, decensed September 16, 1853 ; George M., born March 23, 1854, mur- ried Caroline E. Warren ; Melissn J., born September 10, 1856, married E. W. McFarland ; Annetia, born October 23, 1858, deceased July 15, 1882, and James W., born August 14, 1860, married Rachel F. Byron. Mr. Hindsley and his daughters are worthy members of the Disciple Church. Mr. Hindsley is n social gentleman, and a Demeerut of the old school. His father, John Hindsley, was a native of Maryland, born January 17, 1767. . He united in matrimony with Miss Hannah Stone March 8, 1807; she was born March 8, 1788, in North Carolina. In the year 1823, MIr. John Hindsley and family set- tled in Granger County, Tenn .; thence in Durke County, Ohio. He deceased August 16, 1847, and his estimable wife September 6, 1866.

SQUIRE HINKLE was born July 10, 1853, in Jackson Township, Ran- dolph County. He was educated in the common schools of this county ; he is the owner of a fine farm and a pleasant home; he is a great lover of music, and is naturally n musician. He was married, April 11, 1875, to Henrietta Sim- mons, also a native of Randolph County, born December 25, 1853. They have three children-Dillie M., born January 25, 1875 ; Arrillus B., June 10, 1877. and Rolla R., born May 17, 1881. Mr. Hinkle's father, Henry Hinkle, is a native of Butler County, Ohio, born May 26, 1809. He came to this county about the year 1840; his wife, Eliza A. Hinkle, is a native of Union County, Ind., born December 1, 1811. They are both living. James Simmons, the father of Mrs. Hinkle, was born in Wayne County, Ind., June 10, 1809, de- ceased March 23, 1872. He was a man of sterling qualities ; he was a kind and indulgent parent and social companion. He married an estimable lady hy the name of Avoline Ilawkins, of Jny County, who deceased June 30, 1861. Mr. Hinkle and wife are au intelligent and social couple.

493

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

ISAAC HOOVER, farmer, P. O. Castle. This industrious citizen was born July 4, 1829, in Clark County, Ohio. He attended the district common schools of his native Sinte ; he settled in this county in 1840, and was married, Feb- ruary 13, 1856, to Elizabeth Sutton, who was horn October 12, 1839. Nine children were born to these parents-Martha J., born November 11, 1859; Joseph, born February 13, 1862; Michael H., born November 1, 1863 ; Corne- lius, born December 2, 1865 ; Luelln, born March 5, 1871 ; Lilly MI., born May 11, 1878 : Peter, born August 26, 1875, and Florence, born May 15, 1878, and James I., born July 4, 1881. His father, George Hoover, was n native of Vir- ginia, born in the year 1795, settled in Ohio in 1832, leceased 1851. IIe was married to Catharine Simmons, born in Virginia in 1796, immigrated with her husband to this county, decessed November, 1880. Mr. Hoover and wife are worthy members of the Christian Church. He owns a good farm of 171 acres of valuable land ; is Republican in politics, and considered to be one of the best citizens of his vicinity.

JACOB S. HOWARD, farmer, P. O. Union City. This worthy citizen was born February 16, 1823, in Warren County, Ohio. He was united in marriage, August 31, 1843, to Margaret Wimer, who was a native of Stark County, Ohio, and born March 18, 1824, Mr. Howard was educated in Montgomery County, Ohio, and has engaged successfully in farming from boyhood. Heand his wor- thy wife are members of the German Baptist Church. He owns fifty acres of good land, and is considered one of the best citizens. Hisfather, George llow- ard, was originally from Maryland, where he was born April 18, 1796, immi- grated to Warren County, Ohio, in 1809 ; from thence to Montgomery County, where he deceased April 27, 1876. His wife was originally Elizabeth Ander- 800, born near Pittsburgh, Penn., December 25, 1799; still living at this date. These people were married in Ohio June, 1822. Mr. Wimer, the father of Mrs. Howard, was a native of Pennsylvania, born September 21, 1795; came to Ohio, and, after making raveral changes, deceased in Preble County, Ohio, November 13, 1864. Ilis wife was Catharine Studebaker, born in Pennsylvania December 27, 1802. She was married to Mr. Howard November 18, 1819, de- ceased at the residence of her daughter, in Jackson Township, December 28, 1869. The following are the sons and daughters of these worthy parents : Jobn Wimer, born July 15, 1820, deceased June 7, 1830 ; Mary, December 16, 1821 ; Elizabeth, June 22, 1826 ; Daniel, July 4, 1828; Henry, July 1, 1832, died in infancy ; Sarah, June 27, 1835 ; Samuel, December 7, 1837 ; Susannah, July 20, 1840, and Jacob, April 21, 1844.

WESLEY JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Union City, born June 25, 1834, in Jackson Township, attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and was united in marriage April 29, 1858, to Sarah A. Ilindsley, a native of Darke County, Ohio, born January 19, 1842. Seven children were born to these pa- rents -- Malinda, October 15, 1859 ; Tillie V., May 14, 1861, deceased October 29, 1880 ; Thomas W .. April 20, 1863; William L. and Joseph G., twins, De- cember 15, 1865 ; Bertha A., September 11, 1869, and Malissa A., February 6, 1872. Mr. Johnson owns a good farm of 147 acres of land ; he served in t'om- pany G, Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, participating in the principal engage- ments of the war. He was wounded at Vicksburg in the right hand. Jacob Johnson, his father, is a native of Frederick County, Md., born November 19, 1792 ; came to Dayton, Ohio, in 1824, and from thence to this county in 1832. He married Magdaline Vattenbaker in September, 1816, who was born in June, 1794, in Maryland. He participated in the war of 1812, and was noted for his bravery. The subject of this sketch owns a good farm of 147 acres of land, and is a great lover of schools and good books.

JAMES V. KING, physician, Castle. This esteemed citizen is a native of Brown County, Ohio, born July 5, 1823. Ile attended the common schools, Ripley College, of his native State, and settled in this county October, 1846. The Doctor was married, April 17, 1851, to Mary J. Devor, who was a native of Darke County, Ohio, born October, 1834. This union was blessed by the birth of eight children-Florence, July 22, 1852; William, August 1, 1855; Benjamin, June 24, 1857; Mary L. September 9, 1859; Eveline, September 16, 1864 ; Thomas, April 6, 1867 ; Harry, January 6, 1870, and Gertrude, August 16, 1878. Dr. King studied medicine under the eminent physician, Dr. Buckner, of Ohio, and has practiced continuously since 1845. He located in this county in 1846, and has filled the office of Township Trustee, besides superintending bis farm of 140 acres. His father, William King, was a native of Adams County, Penn., bern August 2, 1792. He was married to Miss Bonde, of Kentucky, in 1816, and deceased in Brown County, Ohio, December, 1859. He was in the war of 1812, and much of his patriotism and energy has descended to his son, the Doctor. The Doctor is considered to be a skill- ful physician, his practice amounts to $1,500 annually, and he is courteous and attentive to business. Dr. King's maternal grandfather was a Captain in the Revolutionary war, and the Doctor says he has often looked upon the old sword of Capt. Bonde, when a boy, with no little interest.

NORMAN MCFARLAND, physician, New Pittsburg. This esteemed gen- tleman is a native of Darke County, Ohio, boru June 10, 1842. He was prin- cipally educated nt Antioch and Ridgeville Colleges. He was married, Sep- tember 12, 1870, to Sarah Sanders, who was born at Mount Pleasant, Jay County, Ind., January 13, 1847. They have one child, Mary J., born Novem- ber 12, 1875. After reading medicine under Drs. Simmons, Bailey and Anderson, he graduated in the Indiana Medical College, of Indianapolis, in the class of 1869, and subsequently attended the Eclectic Medienl College of Cincin- anti, Ohio. The Doctor has followed bis profession successfully with nn anunnl income of $1,500. He is a member of Union City Lodge, No. 152, I. O. O. F. He served in Company C, Fifth Indinoa Cavalry, participating in all the prin- cipal engagements of that organization. Iia father Lewis McFarland, was born March 6, 1812, and resides at present near Union City. He married Charity Marquis, n native of Ohio, and born March 12, 1818. Jacob Sanders, the father of Mrs. McFarland, is a native of Philadelphia, Penn., born May 21, 1810, deceased nt Ridgeville, Ind., August 10, 1863 ; he married Ruth Penock, February 3, 1833. She was born in Pennsylvania, November 7, 1816,

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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 177

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