USA > Indiana > Rush County > History of Rush County, Indiana, from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the State of Indiana > Part 37
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of industry and perseverance, they have succeeded in developing a comfortable home. The family circle was blessed with five sons and three daughters: Archibald (who lost his life July 22, 1873, by the explosion of the boiler of a threshing engine on the farm of his father, by which three men were killed; he left a widow and five children to mourn his sad fate) ; Martha, David E., John, Ezekiel H., George C., Sarah M. and Mary E., all of whom are married. The latter is married to George II. Bogue, and resides on the old home place. Mr. and Mrs. Downey are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been united over sixty years. In politics, Mr. Downey is a staunch Democrat, and voted for Andrew Jackson in 1828. He has served in the responsible position of Justice of the Peace in Jackson Township twenty-one years. He began life a poor boy, and has succeeded in making a' comfortable home. He is now in his eighty-third year, and has resided in Jackson Township fifty-six years, and is the only pioneer left who resides on the land he entered. He and his venerable wife, who has stood by his side for over sixty-three years, are in fair health, and bid fair to live and enjoy many years yet of quiet old age. An honest and upright man, he is held in high es- teem by the entire community.
JOHN M. GORMAN was born in Fayette County, Ind., July 16, IS22. His parents were Daniel and Hannah (Carhin) Gorman, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born near Pittsburg, on the Youghiogheny River, and the latter in Kentucky. They em- igrated to Fayette County in an early day, the former in 1816, and the latter in ISIS. They were married near Connersville, and be- gan life together on a farm about seven miles southeast of that city. On September 3, 1835, they landed on the farm owned by our subject, and resided near here until their respective deaths; the former died suddenly of a paralytic stroke December, 1877, and the latter of slow consumption in the summer of 1878. On March II, 1847, our subject was married to Mary Oldham, daughter of James and Polly Oldham, who were among the pioneers of this county. This union was blessed with three children: Minerva, Sarah H. and Perry E., of whom the latter was called away when about five and one-half years of age. Mrs. Gorman was also called away March 15, 1861, after a happy married life of fourteen years and four days. She was a kind wife and mother and a mem- ber of the Baptist Church. After living single over fourteen years, Mr. Gorman was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Wyatt, daugh- ter of Samuel and Ann M. Cohee. This union is blessed with a daughter: Naoma A., now living. Mr. Gorman is a Republican, and has been an active worker in the party, but has never sought
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office. He began life empty-handed, but with a good character, and by dint of untiring energy and perseverance has been very suc- cessful. He adopted farming as a life occupation, and to-day owns a good farm and a comfortable home. He is a very benevo- lent man, and has assisted most every public enterprise in the county. He, by his financial assistance, aided in building the Rush- ville & Knightstown Gravel Road, and holds $1,200 of its stock, and he is now Secretary of the same. He also owns stock in the Oldham & Sharon Pike, and has money invested in every rail- road in the county, and has assisted every church within five miles of him. He has resided in the township fifty-two years and is one of its most respected citizens. He has witnessed a great change, and when he came here the farms did not average five acres of cleared land apiece. He allowed no one to lead him in the develop- ment, and has done as much as any other man in the township to- ward its development. During the war he expended money freely in the assistance of the soldiers and their widows and families.
JAMES GRAY is a native of Jackson Township, and was born near where he now resides, March 15, 1837. He was the son of Thomas, and Leah (David) Gray, daughter of Jacob David, an old settler of this county. Thomas Gray was one of the earliest set- tlers of the county. Our subject was reared on the farni, and has adopted farming as a life profession. In 1865, he was married to Miss Polly A. Cross, daughter of Jacob Cross, an old citizen of the county. This union is blessed with three children: Francis C., Emma J. and Jesse G., all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members of the Christian Church. He began life with a small start and has been rather successful in his chosen profession; at the present time he owns a find improved farm in Section 15, and he can be classed among the substantial citizens of Jackson Township.
DR. LOT GREEN was born in Arlington, Rush County, Ind., July 29, 1847. His parents were Dr. J. W. and Mary J. (Gowdy) Green, natives of Rush County, Ind., and at present residents of Shelbyville, Ind. Our subject was reared in Arlington where his father was engaged in the practice of medicine. In his early life he received a good education, and in 1878 he entered the medi- cal department of Butler University, but prior to this he had read under his father and was well versed in anatomy, physics, etc. In 1880 he graduated from that institution and first began the practice of medicine in Arlington, and has always practiced in this county. He has been eminently successful in his chosen pro- fession. In 1872 he chose for his life companion Cordelia Barnard, daughter of Brasilla G. and Rachel (Roberts) Barnard, the former
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a native of North Carolina, who came to Union County with his parents when four years of age. The latter was a native of West Virginia, and is deceased. Mrs. Green was born in Posey Town- ship, and has always resided in Rush County. Mr. and Mrs. Green are blessed with five sons, Lucien, Hallie W., Frank H., Charlie and Blaine, all living. Mrs. Green is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Green is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Arlington. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, and takes an interest in the affairs of his party. He began life a poor man, but by industry and perseverance has been eminently successful. He owns a fine farm in Section 7, provided with good improvements. An honorable man in all the affairs of life he holds the respect and confidence of the people.
WILLIAM KIRKPATRICK is a native of Harrison County, Ky., where he was born August 11, 1806. His parents were William and Anna (Mays) Kirkpatrick, natives of Pennsylvania, who emi- grated to Kentucky when quite small, with their parents. In 1812, they removed to Ohio, and thence to Fayette County, Ind., and in IS31, they arrived in Rush County, Ind., where they resided until their deaths. They were among the pioneers of the county. At the age of twenty-three, or on April 9, 1829, he was married to Susan Corbin, daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Milner) Corbin, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They resided a number of years in Kentucky, and removed from Kentucky to near Connersville, Ind., about 1817, where they re- sided until their respective deaths. The former was called away in his eighty-fourth year, and the latter in her sixty-seventh year. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born in Bracken County, Ky., March 13, 1810, and accompanied her parents to this State when she was about seven years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick had born to them ten children: Sarah A., Eliza J., Lucinda, John W., Aman- da M., Francis M., Hannah C., Elijah A., Mary I. and Martha J., who were twins, of whom Eliza J. and Lucinda are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church., Mr. Kirkpatrick began life a poor man, and by hard work has made a comfortable home. He has been assisted by a kind and loving wife who has stood by his side. They have now reaped the fruits of their labors, and are passing a quiet old age together where they have spent so many years in making a com- fortable home.
JOHN W. KIRKPATRICK, our subject, is a native-citizen and prominent stock raiser and farmer of Jackson Township. He was born June 25, 1838, and is the son of William and Susan (Corbin) Kirkpatrick, both natives of Kentucky, the former of Scotch and
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Irish, and the latter of English extraction. They were united in marriage in Fayette County, Ind., and came to Rush County when it was a wilderness, and have resided here ever since. Our subject, John W. Kirkpatrick, was reared amid the scenes of farm life, and received a fair education in his youth. At the age of twenty-two he began life on his own responsibility, by engaging at farming. In March, 1861, he chose for his life companion Miss Margaret E. Dill, daughter of Isaac and Polly A. (Gilson) Dill, who were among the pioneer settlers of Rushville Township. The former was called to eternal rest in IS72. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born near Rushville in IS43, and has resided here ever since. They have five children: Sylvester C., Alcestis, who at present is the wife of Francis M. Smith, and a resident of Grant County, Ind., Flora B., Pendleton and Maude A., all of whom are living. Syl- vester is married and resides near Occident. Mr. Kirkpatrick is a staunch Democrat, and firmly upholds the principles of that party, and held the office of Trustee of Jackson Township four years. He began life with $1,000, a present from his father, and has had many reverses, but by dint of industry and perseve- rance, has been eminently successful. He now owns a fine improved farm in Section I, and a large store building in Occident, where he owns and controls a large and well selected stock of gen- eral merchandise. In ISS4, he was appointed Postmaster of Occi- dent. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Knightstown.
GEORGE T. KIPLINGER was born in Rushville Township, Rush County, Ind., October 9, 1843. His parents were John W. and Harriet (Dill) Kiplinger, the former a native of Kentucky, who came to Rush County with his parents John W. and Polly (Hays) Kiplinger in 1822. This was then a wilderness and he was but nine years of age. He continued to reside in the county until his death, which occurred February 12, ISS4, and for about forty years, resided in Jackson Township. He passed away in Rush- ville, where to-day, his wife, and the mother of our subject, now re- sides at an advanced age. George spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, and has adopted farming as a life occupation, in which he has been quite successful. On October 6, 1861, he was married to Miss Lucy J. Billings, daughter of Elijah and Eliza- beth Billings, old residents of Rush County, now deceased. Mrs. Kiplinger was born in Jackson Township, October S, 1844, and was reared here. After the marriage of Mr. Kiplinger he engaged in farming here, and in 1869 he emigrated to Clarke County, Mo., where he resided until Feburary 23, ISS3, when he returned to the scenes of his childhood, and engaged in farming. He has been blessed with eleven children of whom these are now living: Laura
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B., John E., Henry J., Harriet E., George A. by his first wife, and Alta G., Charlie T. and Lena L., by his second. In politics he is a Republican and firmly believes in this party, and held office in Missouri for six years. He began life a poor man and to-day owns a comfortable home. His wife Lucy J., was called away April 4, 1876. On April 15, 1877, he was married to Laura A. Lagle.
BEN F. KIPLINGER, the son of John W. and Harriet Kip- linger was born September 20, 1854, in Jackson Township, where he has spent his entire life. At the age of eighteen he began farming, as a renter, for himself. On September 28, 18So, he chose for his wife Mary E. Fleener, the daughter of Thomas and Lemen- tine Fleener, both natives of this State and at present residents of Arlington, Rush Co., Ind. Mrs. Kiplinger was born August 4, 1861, in Delaware County, Ind., but soon removed to this county. This union is blessed with one child, Harriet L., who is living. Mr. Kiplinger is a member of Ivory Lodge No. 27, K. of P., of Rushville. Politically, he is a Republican. He began life a poor man, and has given his attention principally to farming, and now owns a comfortable home in Section 12, which is a part of the old homestead; it consists of 160 acres of fine land. He is one of Jackson's successful farmers.
THEODORE MORRIS was born in Scott County, Ky., December 19, 1824. His parents were John and Mary (Miller) Morris, na- tives of Kentucky. At the age of three, he accompanied his parents to Rush County, where he has since resided. They first settled one mile north of Rushville, in what was then a wilderness. There his parents both resided until their deaths. Our subject was brought up amid the scenes of farm life, and he adopted it as a life business, although for many years he has dealt considerably in stock, such as buying and selling cattle, and for seventeen years drove to Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1860 he was married to Miss Sarah Beaman. To this union four children have been born: Edward, Mary Belle, Francis and Dolly, all of whom are living. Mrs. Mor- ris was called away in 1877. Politically, he is a staunch Demo- crat, but never sought political honors at the hands of his party. He began life a poor man, and by industry and perseverance has accumulated considerable property. He now owns about 900 acres of as fine land as the county affords, which is divided into four farms. His home is a pleasant one where he has resided over thirty years. He owns a valuable farm near the city of Rush- ville. In 1850, he says that $78 and a suit of clothes is every dollar he was worth. Thus we find the pioneer of Indiana, who has adopted a straight-forward course in life possessed of means, and honored and respected by all who know him.
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LEWIS J. NEWHOUSE, a prominent farmer and respected citi- zen of Jackson Township, was born in Union Township, this county, May 23, 1824. His parents were Samuel and Polly (Kitchen) Newhouse, natives of Virginia. The parents of Samuel New- house were John and Elizabeth Newhouse, who emigrated to Franklin County, Ind., about 1818. Samuel Newhouse and family removed to Rush County, locating in Union Township, in 1821, where he entered eighty acres of wild, timbered land, put up a cabin and began to clear up a home. He remained there until January, 1837, when he disposed of his property in Union Town- ship, and purchased 240 acres of uncultivated land in Jackson Township, his object being to secure a larger tract of land. Here he developed one of the best farms in the township, where after a long and useful life he was called away on February 22, 1862. He was a member of the Baptist Church, with which he united early in life. The mother survived him until June 14, 1886, when she, too, was called home, having reached the advanced age of eighty- three years. She, also, was a devout member of the Baptist Church. Thus ended the lives of two of Rush County's earliest pioneers, but they are not forgotten; their memories are kept green by sons and daughters who survive them. Our subject, as stated, was reared amidst the scenes of pioneer life in this county, and his early education was fair for that day of log school houses. At the age of twenty-one he began to do for himself, by engaging at farming. On April 17, 1849, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Hackleman, a native of this county and daughter of Richard and Hannah Hackleman, old and respected residents of Rush County at the time of the birth of Mrs. Newhouse. The former was present when the Surveyor laid out the city of Rush- ville, and secured enough timber in what is now the principal street of the city to erect a log house. This union was blessed with five children: Hannah M., Marshal E., Elbert, Samuel R. and Pleasant A., all of whom are married, and enjoying homes of their own. This union lasted until May 4th, 1862, when death visited the family circle and Mrs. Newhouse passed away. She died a member of the Baptist Church and respected by all who knew her. On June 9, 1863, Mr. Newhouse was again married; this time he chose for his companion Miss Nancy Pogue, daughter of William and Anna (Saylers) Pogue, natives of North Carolina. Mrs.
Newhouse was born in Noble Township, this county, March 6, 1837, and her entire life has been spent here. Her parents are de- ceased, the mother passing away June 25, 1887, in her eighty- eighth year. This union is also blessed with five children: Alfred M., Harvey M., Almeda E., Schuyler C. and Erastmus T.,
6, 76, Elwell
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all of whom are living. Mr. Newhouse is a member of the Bap- tist Church with which he has been united over thirty years. In politics he is a Republican and firmly upholds the principles of that party. When he began life on his own responsibility his father gave him a horse, saddle and bridle, and $100 in money: with this grand start he began to face this unfriendly world. He commenced working by the day and month, receiving very meagre wages, but he carefully saved his earnings, and just before his twenty-second birthday, he purchased eighty acres of partly improved land in Section 24. His neighbors made fun of him for making such a choice, and goaded him by saying that he would surely starve out on such a poor tract. This was in the spring of 1846, and to-day we find Mr. Newhouse still in possession of sixty acres of that tract, for which he has refused $100 per acre. He added to the tract until at one time he owned here in one body 420 acres, but as his children grew up and desired a start in life he would assist them, and gradually his farm has decreased until to-day it con- sists of 300 acres. His improvements are good and he is now enjoying the comforts of a pleasant home. He assisted in building the Rushville and Knightstown gravel road, and was one of its principal builders, and is now one of its directors. Being reared on a farm he adopted farming as a life profession, and to-day can be classed among the successful farmers of Jackson Township; he has adopted a straight-forward course in life, and has taken a deep interest in the welfare of his family, educating his children liberally and providing each at the age of twenty-one, or at the time of mar- riage, with either forty acres of land or $2,000 in money. Honest and upright in all his dealings, he is now one of the respected citi- zens of this county.
JOHN PORTER was born in Kanawha County, West Va., Novem- ber 16, '1826; his parents were William and Catharine (Martin) Porter, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of Fair- fax County, in Old Virginia. Our subject accompanied them to Rush County in 1832, which was then a wilderness and they located on the farm that our subject now owns, where they ended their days after a long and useful life. They left sons and daughters to honor and perpetuate their names. John was raised on a farm and has adopted farming as a life occupation. In 1844 he was married to Sarah J. Hilkert, daughter of Abraham and Hannah (Perry) Hilk- ert, natives of Pennsylvania who emigrated to Rush County in 1840, and settled on a tract of land owned at present by our subject, and continued to reside near here until their respective deaths. Mrs. Porter was born in Union County, Pa., Feburary 1, 1826, and was fourteen years of age when her parents came here. This
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union was blessed with eleven children, Mary E., Perry O., Eliza- beth F., Sarah J., Emmeline, Agnes, John W., Anna E., Lawrence G., Jefferson D., Edward F., of whom Oscar is deceased. Politi- cally, Mr. Porter is a Republican. He began life a poor man, and has made what he is now worth by hard industry and perseverance. To-day he owns over 300 acres of valuable land, divided into three farms. He expects to end his days where he has spent the best part of his life in making a comfortable home. A man of honor and uprightness in life, he has set an honorable example for his sons and daughters, who will inherit his earnings at his death.
JOHN M. POWELL, a prominent farmer of Jackson Township, was born in Nicholas County, Ky., November 5, 1824. His par- ents were John and Sarah Powell, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Kentucky. In 1832, they emigrated to Rush County, and settled three and one half miles northwest of Rush- ville, in Rushville Township, where they purchased a tract of wild land. There John and Sarah Powell continued to reside until their respective deaths. They were among the first settlers of Rush County, and did their share while here toward its development. Our subject has spent the principal part of his life here, and adopted farming as a life profession, which, at the age of twenty- four, he began for himself. On November 11, 1856, he was mar- ried to Mary E. Porter, daughter of William and Catharine Porter, deceased pioneers of this county. Mrs. Powell was born in Rush County in 1838, and has always resided here. This union has been blessed with three children : Homer, Olive and Huldah, all of whom are married and residing within a few miles of the old home farm. Politically, Mr. Powell is a staunch Republican, but has never sought political honors. He began life a poor man, and by dint of industry and perseverance has been eminently successful. He has provided each of his children with a farm, and now owns 360 acres of first-class farming lands. His home place consists of 120 acres, and is provided with good improvements. He has been a hard-working man all through life, and has set a good example for his children to follow. He expects now to end his days in Rush County, where he has spent the best part of his life in making a comfortable home. An honest and upright man, he is respected by all, and can be classed among the successful farmers of Jackson Township.
HOMER POWELL, a prominent young farmer of Jackson Town- ship, was born near where he now resides August 13, 1857. His parents were J. M. and Mary E. (Porter) Powell, whose biog- raphies appear in this volume. Our subject was reared amidst the hardships of farm life and adopted farming as a life business. In
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his early life he received a fair education. At the age of twenty- one he began life on his own responsibility, and was married to Fannie Arnett, daughter of William and Susan (Lakin) Arnett, old and respected residents of Posey Township, where Mrs. Powell was born and raised. Politically, he is a Republican. He now owns a fine farm of eighty acres in Section 14, with good improve- ments, and is in comfortable circumstances.
BENNETT SHIELDS was born in Jackson Township, July 4, IS44. His parents were James and Martha (Tablock ) Shields, natives of Tennessee, being born and raised near Knoxville, and were married on June 20, 1828. About 1830, they came to Rush County, and located near Little Flat Rock, on what is known as the old Grigg farm. This was then a wilderness, and they began in the woods to make a home. After residing in the county for a number of years, he sold out and moved to Hancock County, where he died. Mrs. Shields returned to Rush County and ended her days here. Bennett was reared on a farm and has adopted farming as a life occupation. On January 5, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Sharp, daughter of Abram and Martha (Lewellyn) Sharp, the former a native of North Carolina. Mrs. Shields was born in Jackson County in 1852, but spent her girlhood days principally in Shelby County, Ind. This union was blessed with seven children: Robert, Tinnie, Howard. Laura, Sallie, Bertha Belle and Lizzie, of whom Laura is deceased. Politically, Mr. Shields is a Democrat, but has never sought office. He is a self-made man and owns a comfortable home in the southern part of Jackson Township. He has witnessed a great change in the development of this country, and will likely make this his home till the end of his career .-
JOHN J. WILSON was born in Franklin County, Ind., November 3, IS32. His parents were Daniel and Susannah ( Luse) Wilson, natives of Indiana. In 1839, or at the age of seven, he accompanied his parents to Rush County, locating in Union Township, near Greenwood, on the farm owned by Stamper White. This was then a new country and but little clearing had been made on the tract of land they had purchased. There our subject spent his boyhood and youth. By attending the district schools of that day he received a fair education, for those primitive school advantages. About 1840, he assisted his father in building the first brick residence erected in the township. At the age of sixteen, or in 1848, he hired out to Silas Clark, to assist him in driving a herd of cattle to New York City, and walked the entire distance. After his return he went to Tippecanoe County, Ind., to visit with his aunt. While there he resolved to go to the Pacific coast for his health: accordingly,
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about the Ist of April, he bid farewell to friends and Hoosierdom, and turned his face westward. 'On the 23rd day of May they crossed the Missouri River, above the mouth of Platte River, and plunged into the then unknown wilds of the west. Their train consisted of ox teams, and comprised at that time about twenty teams. Capt. Bryant, of Montgomery County, Ind., had charge of the company. In June they had a skirmish with the Pawnee In- dians, and in the fracas killed fourteen and crippled one, when they drew off their forces and the train progressed on its way with- out any further molestations. On Bear River the train separated, one branch headed for Salt Lake City, and the other for Oregon. The train now numbered about 500 teams, and 4,000 or 5,000 souls. The trip across the mountains and to Oregon, was made in safety. Our subject landed at Salem, Oregon, the latter part of November, having been on the route six months and fifteen days. In the spring of 1853, Mr. Wilson engaged in mining with A. H. Frye, and during his residence in Oregon Frye's was his headquarters. Although during his nine years' residence in that Territory he trav- eled over most of it; the object of his trip was realized in the re- storing of his health, and in 1861, he resolved to return to his home in Indiana. In the spring of 1861, he shipped from San Francisco, to the Isthmus of Panama, passed over Lake Nicarauga, and Mexico, to the Gulf, and thence to Norfolk, Va., thence to Baltimore, and thence to Lancaster, Pa., and from that point to Indianapolis, Ind. After his return he engaged in shipping stock to New York City, for J. D. Patterson. He then went to Madison County, Ind., and engaged in school teaching, where he taught three terms. From there he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and engaged as foreman in the Dalph Smith distillery: He then returned to Madison County, Ind., where he was married to Margaret A. Sloan, by whom he had six children, three of whem are living: Minnie C., Susie and Allie. The next spring after his marriage he removed to Rush County, and purchased 120 acres of fine tillable land in Jackson Township, where he continued to reside until 1886, when he sold his farm, since which time he has been residing with his son-in-law, Henry Schonert, of Hamilton, Ind. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, but has never held office. He began life a poor man and has made every dollar he is worth to-day by hard and earnest toil. Honest and upright he can be classed among the prominent pioneers of Rush County, Ind. .
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