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 56
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CALEB W. PUSEY, a prominent farmer of Ripley Township, is a native of Hancock County, born May IS, 1846, being the son of Jesse F. and Jane (White) Pusey, who were natives of Green County, Ohio, and Perquimans County, N. C., respectively, both of English descent. His father was born October 18, 1820, and was the son of Joel and Hannah (Faulkner) Pusey, both of whom were natives of Virginia. When he was fourteen years old Jesse F. Pusey accompanied his parents to Raysville, Henry County, where, during the rest of his youth, he was employed in a mill and as clerk in a store. He was married in Raysville to Jane White, June 29, IS42. She was born November 1I, IS22, being the daughter of Caleb and Mary White, both of whom were also natives of Per- quimans County, N. C. For one year after their marriage the father and mother of our subject resided in Knightstown. They then removed to Wayne County, and a year later removed to Han- cock County, where they resided when our subject was born. In December, 1855, they came to Rush County and settled upon a farm in Ripley Township, where the father spent the rest of his life, his death occurring March 7, 1877, and where the mother still continues to reside. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: William B., Caleb W., Mary E., Francis W., Joel B., Emma J. and Charles R., of whom William and Charles are de- ceased. The former was a graduate of Earlham College, and before his death he taught several terms of public school. He died at the age of thirty-one. The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's farm and received in the district school a knowl- edge of the ordinary branches of learning. Later on he became a student in Earlham College where he pursued a scientific course a year and a half. He then returned to the home of his parents in Ripley Township, and during the winter of 1866-7 he taught public school in Hancock County. After this, for a period of seven years, he was engaged at farming in Ripley Township. In the spring of 1874, he emigrated to Lyon County, Kan., where he was
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engaged in agricultural pursuits for three years. In the spring of 1877, he returned to Ripley Township, and he has ever since re- sided upon the old home place. His undivided attention is given to agricultural pursuits. His marriage occurred December 23, 1886, when Miss Lydia E. Vogle became his wife. She was born in Lockport, N. Y., March 10, 1860, being the daughter of William and Eve (Luchart) Vogle, both of whom were natives of Germany. They are the parents of one child, Eva J. The wife of Mr. Pusey is a member of the Christian Church. He is an ardent Republican in politics.
DR. OLIVER W. RIGHTER, of Carthage, is a native of Shelby County, this State, born February 13, 1854, being the son of George G. and Salome (Kilbourn) Righter, who were natives of Virginia and Connecticut, respectively, the former of German, and the latter of Scotch and English descent. His father was the son of George Righter. He was reared upon a farm in his native county, and at seventeen years of age he took up the vocation of a teacher, and for four consecutive years he taught the home school which he had attended himself. His vacations were chiefly spent pursuing his studies in the Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, and after returning from the school room, he returned to that institution and there com- pleted a commercial course, and also made himself familiar with some of the sciences. On leaving school he began the study of dentistry with Dr. J. S. Rice, of Shelbyville, with whom he re- mained one year. On the Ist day of November, 1877, he became a student in the Ohio Dental College, of Cincinnati, where he re- mained until the following March. In May, 1878, he located in Carthage, this county, and entered upon the practice of his profes- sion. In October, 1883, he went to Portland, Ind., where he con- tinued his professional duties for eighteen months. Early in 1885, he returned to Carthage, of which he has been a resident ever since. In June, 1887, he became one of the proprietors of the Carthage flouring mills, which having been recently provided with the new roller process, is one of the best milling properties in the county. Dr. Righter was married May 23, 1883, to Miss Carrie M. Henley, who was born in Carthage, March 19, 1855, being the daughter of Charles and Tamar Henley, a history of whom is given elsewhere. Their marriage has resulted in the birth of two children: a son that died in infancy, unnamed, and Lillian, born November 9, 1885. The wife of Dr. Righter is a member of the Friends' Church. The Doctor is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, having reached the degree of Knight Templar. He pos- sesses a membership in the Blue Lodge of Morristown, and in the
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Chapter, Council and Commandry of Knightstown. In politics, he is a Democrat.
JACOB RUBY, farmer, is a native of Center Township, born about the year 1830. He was the son of Jacob and Mary ( Rhodes ) Ruby, who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. He was reared upon a farm in Center Township, and very early in his manhood took up the vocation of a farmer for himself, and he has ever since continued in that pursuit. His first marriage oc- curred January 3, 1856, when Miss Elizabeth Newsom became his wife. She was born in Ripley Township, September 18, 1835, being the daughter of Luke and Cynthia (Bulley) Newsom, who were natives of North Carolina. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ruby settled upon the farm where the former now resides in Ripley Township. He has continued to occupy that place ever since, his chief occupation being that of a farmer. In his earlier life he worked some at the carpenter's trade. His first wife died in about 1864, and on the 14th of May, 1869, he was married to Mrs. Eliza J. Lee, who was born in Madison County, Ind., September 2, 1832, being the daughter of William and Re- becca Stouder, who were natives of Pennsylvania and North Car- olina, respectively. Her father was the son of Susannah Stouder. Her mother was the daughter of Stephen and Catharine (Way- mire) Jackson. On the first day of January, 1852, Mrs. Eliza J. Ruby was married to Thomas G. Lee, who was born March 28, 1822, being the son of Martin Lee. Thomas G. Lee died March 26, 1864. After her husband died, Mrs. Lee remained a widow until her marriage to Mr. Lee, given above. By his first wife Mr. Ruby had five children: James A., Adda M., Cynthia E., Mary E. and Oma C., all living. By her first husband Mrs. Ruby had six children : William M., Sarah E., Roanah S., Mary E., Thomas W. and Nancy A., of whom the oldest is deceased. Mr. Ruby and his present wife have had six children: Edgar V., Martha A., John I., Frances E., Jesse L. and a son that died unnamed. Of those named, John I. is also deceased. Mrs. Ruby is a member of the Methodist Church. In politics, Mr. Ruby is a Democrat. He owns 140 acres of land, about 100 of which are in cultivation.
JESSE H. SILER, farmer, was born in the house he now occu- pies, October 29, 1852, being the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Reddick) Siler, both of whom were natives of Ohio. He was reared upon the old family homestead, and at the age of twenty- one, he became employed upon a farm by the month, and worked in this way some two or three years. His father was born Jan- uary 23, 1815, and died December 21, 1855. His mother was
Thomas y. Newly
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born August 22, 1819, and died July 20, 1876. Our subject was mar- ried September 21, 1876, to Miss Isabelle F. Gilson, who is a native of Center Township, this county, born March 17, 1856. She was the daughter of John M. and Sophrona (Fry) Gilson, the former of whom is an old and esteemed citizen of Center Township. Ever since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Siler have continued to occupy the old Siler homestead, where the former was born, and where his boyhood days were spent. His undivided attention is given to agricultural pursuits. He owns 100 acres of land, about eighty- five of which are in cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Siler are members of the Christian Church. The former is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and in politics, he is a staunch Democrat.
LOGAN STINGER, Postmaster at Carthage, was born February 8, IS51, in Ripley Township, in which his early life was spent upon a farm. He received a good common school education and at about twenty years of age he engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself. His attention was thus occupied in Ripley Township until the year 1885. On retiring from farming he removed to Carthage, of which he has been a resident ever since. In May, 1886, he was elected to the office of Town Clerk and was re-elected in May, ISS7. He was appointed Postmaster of Carthage on the 24th day of April, 1886, and took charge of that office on the 17th day of May following. In September, IS87, he resigned the Clerkship to devote his whole time to his duties as Postmaster. He was married September 14, 1882, to Miss Florence Deiter, by whom he is the father of one child, Henry L., born November 4, ISS3. Mrs. Stinger was born in Springfield, Ohio, July 22, 1861. Our subject and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, the former is a Democrat.
THOMAS THORNBURG, deceased, was born in Randolph County, N. C., October 10, 1794, being the son of Thomas and Miriam ( Winslow) Thornburg, who also were natives of North Carolina, of English descent. His grandfather's name was also Thomas Thornburg. Our subject was reared upon a farm in his native county, and was married there to Diza Woods, November 2, 1815. She died September 6, 1818, leaving two children: Winslow and Sarah, the former of whom died in 1885. The second marriage of Thomas Thornburg occurred December 2, 1819, when Miss Sarah Henley became his wife. She was born in Randolph County, N. C., October 8, 1799, being the daughter of Joseph and Penin- nah (Morgan) Henley, who were natives of North Carolina, but who settled in Ripley Township in 1837, where both spent the rest of their lives. Joseph Henley was the son of John Henley. Our subject pursued the vocation of a farmer in Randolph County,
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until November 29, 1836, at which time he died. His last mar- riage resulted in the birth of nine children, as follows: Phebe, born December 21, 1820, died May 7, 1887; Elizabeth, born Septem- ber 22, 1822; Diza, born October 16, 1824: Peninnah, born Octo- ber 24, 1826; Miriam, born September 14, 1828; Amanda, born October 14, 1830, died February 26, 1879; Luzena, born Janu- ary II, 1833; Mary, born February 2, 1835; Thomas T., born May 20, 1837, died April 8, 1838. In April, 1837, the widow of our subject, Mrs. Sarah Thornburg, removed with her children to this county and settled in Ripley Township, in which she spent the rest of her life. Her death occurred in Carthage on the 11th day of June, 1887, at the advanced age of eighty-seven. As to the children who reached maturity we append the following facts: Phebe was married to Elwood Hill in about 1839, and became the mother of seven children: Mary J. and Sarah A. (twins), Jesse, Robert H., Emma, Lucretia and a twin brother who died unnamed. Mary J., Jesse, Emma and Lucretia are also deceased. The second child, Elizabeth, became a teacher in the public schools at twenty- four years of age, and continued to follow that pursuit for a period of twenty-six years. Her labors in this capacity were all performed in Rush County, excepting one term of school which she taught in Wayne County. She is now retired and resides in Carthage. Diza, the third child, began teaching school at the age of twenty-two, and taught in all, about five terms, the first of which was in Han- cock County, the last in Wayne County, and the others in Rush County. She was married to Joshua Butler, in about 1851, and became the mother of seven children: William, Rollin T., Bart- lett L., Orville J., Mary L., Christopher M., and a son that died unnamed. Of those named, William is also deceased. Peninnah, the fourth child, taught school in Hancock County about three terms. She is now the wife of Amos H. Hill, whose history is given elsewhere. The fifth child, Miriam, taught school in this county two terms, and is now the wife of John Walker, a history of whom is given elsewhere. Amanda taught school for a number of years, her labors being performed in Rush, Wayne, Henry and Hancock counties. She was married to Jesse Walton in 1862, who died in 1863. In 1868, she married William Parker, who re- sides in Cedar County, Iowa. She had but one child, Carl, that died when five years old. The seventh of the children is Luzena, who became a teacher in the public schools of this county at the age of twenty, or in 1853, and she has pursued that vocation dur- ing the greater part of the time ever since. She has taught three years in this county, six years in Wayne County, during five of which she was an instructor in Earlham College, from which insti-
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tution she graduated in 1862. For a period of seventeen years following 1863, she was a teacher in Spiceland Academy. During the winter of ISSo and 1881, she was employed as an instructor in the Carthage High School. Her home at this time is in Carthage. The eighth child, Mary, taught one term of school in Henry County, and was married in 1857, to Lewis G. Rule, with whom she now resides in Hancock County. She is the mother of two children: Jesse and Sarah E., both of whom are living.
PROF. EDWIN P. TRUEBLOOD, Superintendent of the High School at Carthage, is a native of Washington County, this State, born May 16, 1861. He was the son of Jehu and Louisa (Pritchard) Trueblood, who were natives of Washington County, this State, and Pasquatank Co., N. C., respectively, and both of English descent. He was reared upon a farm in his native county, and re- ceived in the schools of his neighborhood, a good common school education and one that fitted him for college. At the age of nine- teen, he became a student in Earlham College, in which institution he completed a scientific course, graduating in June, 1885. In the meantime, before graduating, he remained out of college during the winter of 1883-4, and taught school in Washington County, and the same one in which he had received his own early training. During the winter of 1885-6 he was Principal of the graded schools at Raysville, Henry County. In March, 1886, he accepted a po- sition in the Union High School of Westfield, Hamilton Co., Ind., and was thus engaged three months. In September, 1886, he en- tered upon a course in Belles Lettres in the university of Michigan, which was completed in June, 1887. In September, 1887, he en- tered upon his duties as Superintendent of the High School at Carthage, and he is now filling that position in a creditable and able manner. Prof. Trueblood is a member of the Friends' Church. He is thoroughly qualified and competent for the duties of his pro- fession, and is an energetic and successful instructor.
JOHN WALKER was born in Virginia, December 26, 1793. He was the son of Charles and Jane (Short) Walker. When quite young he removed with his father to Ross County, Ohio. Here he grew to manhood, and at the age of twenty-two, he married Eliza R. Jefferson, a young lady of English family, eighteen years of age. In 1818, John removed with his wife and two small chil- dren, Lewis R. and Kittie I., to Fayette County. He settled at the place where Lyon's Station now is, and entered nearly a section of land in Rush County, and on to which he removed in 1823. While in Fayette County, John W. and William L. were born. His first cabin was erected near the spot on which now stands the commodious residence of his grandson, Commissioner
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Willliam L. Walker. Here were born James Q. and Edward T. In 1828, on August 4th, while John Walker was in Ohio on busi- ness affairs, his wife died, and ere the return of the pioneer to his family, the companion and mother of his children had passed away. The wife had been dead two weeks before he returned. On Jan- uary 8, 1829, he married Rachel Russel, a native of Ohio, born September 27, 1808. The following are the children of this union: Benjamin R., Eliza J., Henry F., Rachel A., Lindley I., Festus H., Samantha E., and Sarah E. There are to-day four sons living, viz .: Louis R., Benjamin R., Lindley I., and John W. The father, the subject of this sketch, lived to a ripe old age. He was a pioneer in its broadest sense-in the opening up of a new country, in the establishment of educational facilities and religious work; he do- nated the land for the church and school house at Franklin Chap- pel, took care of the Methodist pioneer preachers, was one of the early Justices of the Peace, and did quite a lively business in tying the nuptial knot for the pioneer lovers. The fee for marrying a. couple was $1, and frequently the groom would work for the Squire three or four days to pay him for the ceremony. John Walker was County Commissioner, elected on the Whig ticket, and served on the Board with Peter Looney and George Mull. He was then a young man, and was Commissioner before the Mexican War. Was Captain of the militia in his township, and while in Ohio was enlisted in the War of 1812, under what was known as the General Call. He received his education in the pioneer schools of Ohio, was industrious and frugal, and at the close of a busy life he beheld in part the realization of his hopes. He died September 27, 1875, and lies in the burying ground at Franklin, with which spot he had long been familiar. After the Republican party was formed, he acted with, and voted for, its principles.
JOHN W. WALKER, son of John and Eliza R. (Jefferson) Walker, was born in Fayette County, Ind., March 14, 1821, and when about two years old, came with his parents to Ripley Town- ship, Rush County, a then unbroken forest, and settled near Blue River on Section 35, now the home of his son, William L. Here he assisted the father in his work of clearing up a farm, and at- tended short terms of school in winter. When he grew to man- hood John W. married Cynthia Phelps, August 12, 1841. Their children are: Wm. L., born August 19, 1843: Amanda M., who married Mills Souders; Martha A., deceased; Edward A., deceased, and Anna E., born March 12, 1854, married John M. Conaway. John W. Walker has never been a candidate for any office, has al- ways voted the Republican ticket, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Carthage. On April 19, 1871, Cynthia, his
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wife, died, aged fifty-two years six months eleven days. On No- vember 27, 1876, John W. Walker married Miriam (Thornburg) Lacy, widow of Thomas Lacy. She is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Henley) Thornburg. (See Thornburgs.) In 1868, Mr. Walker lost the use of one of his eyes, and about six years ago, he noticed the gradual losing of his remaining eye, until now he is practically blind. He lives on his farm of nearly 400 acres, a man well esteemed, and of acknowledged integrity. There are very few men in Rush County who have been in the county longer.
WILLIAM LAKIN WALKER, Commissioner of Rush County, is a son of John W. Walker, a sketch of whom appears above. He was born in Ripley Township, this county, August 19, 1843. When he was but a year old his parents moved to the farm on which he now lives, and where he has spent nearly his whole life. His youth was passed amid the stirring scenes of farm life, and his education was obtained in the schools of his neighborhood. When the Civil War began he was one of those who volunteeted to de- fend the cause of the Union on the field of battle. He enlisted in Company G, Sixteenth Regiment of Indiana Infantry, commanded by Capt. Elwood Hill. For more than three years he shared the fortunes of his command in many a hard-fought campaign. At the date of his honorable discharge in August, 1865, he was Sergeant Major of his regiment. Upon returning home he taught school for two years at Macedonia. On March 11, 1868, his marriage with Nancy A. Hackleman occurred. She is a daughter of Cicero and Eliza- beth (Newhouse) Hackleman. In politics, Mr. Walker has always been allied with the Republican party. In the fall of 1882, he as- sumed the responsible position of County Commissioner, which he has ever since continued to discharge in an able and satisfactory manner. His third term will begin in the fall of 1888, which testi- fies to the estimation the people place upon his services. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His portrait is presented with this volume as one of Rush County's leading farmers and representative citizens.
ALBERT WHITE, farmer, is a native of Guilford County, N. C., born January 24, 1825, being the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Rayl) White, both of whom were also natives of Guilford County, N. C., of English descent. His father was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lamb) White, and his mother was the daughter of Matthew and Nancy (Harrington ) Rayl, all of whom were natives of North Carolina. He was reared in Guilford County upon a farm, and at twenty years of age he accompanied his parents to Hancock County, this State, but a year later they removed to Rip- ley Township, this county. In the fall of 1856, the father and
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mother emigrated to Jasper County, Iowa, where both spent the rest of their lives, the former dying in 1859, and the latter in about 1877. After his parents came to Rush County, the subject of this sketch was for a number of years employed upon a farm by the month. He was married to Miss Cynthia Nicholson, September 23, 1858. She was born in Ripley Township, this county, March 5, 1839, being the daughter of Nathan and Miriam ( Hunt) Nichol- son, the former of whom was born in Perquimans County, N. C., and the latter was born in the State of Ohio, both of English descent. Her paternal grandparents were Nathan and Peninnah (Parker) Nicholson, and her maternal grandparents were Libni and Jane (Hockett) Hunt, all of whom were natives of North Carolina. Ever since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. White have resided upon a farm in Ripley Township. They have occupied their present home in Section II, since September, 1873. They are the the parents of six children, as follows: Emery A., born April 29, 1860, died September 4, 1862; Franklin, born June 27, 1863, died October 25, 1864; Harvey T., born August 4, 1865; Anna A., born October 19, 1870; Martin L., born October 10, 1872, and Ella L., born January 20, 1876. Mr. White owns 119 acres of land, about sixty-five of which are in cultivation. They are both members of the Friends' Church, and in politics the former is an ardent Republican.
EDGAR T. WHITE, farmer of Ripley Township, is a native of Franklin County, this State, born January 21, 1843, being the son of Alexander S. and Nancy A. (Templeton) White, both of whom were also natives of Franklin County, the former chiefly of Welsh, and the latter of Irish descent. His father was the son of William and Nancy (Skinner) White, the former of whom was a native of Delaware. His mother was the daughter of Robert and Mary (Adam) Templeton, the former of whom was a native of North Carolina. He was reared upon a farm in his native county, and at eighteen years of age, or in November, 1861, he entered the Union Army, in the Seventh Indiana Battery, with which he served three years or the full time of his enlistment. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga and many others of less importance, in all of which he discharged his duty in a manner be- coming a loyal soldier. On returning from the service he returned to the home of his parents, in Franklin County, where he remained during the greater part of the time until after his marriage to Miss Tamson Adaline Mullin, who became his wife March 17, 1875. She is a native of Napoleon, Ripley County, this State, born February 20, 1851, being the daughter of Rev. Mark H. and Harriet L. (Ogden) Mullin, who were natives of Warren County, Ohio, and
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Union County, Ind., respectively. Her father was the son of John and Charlotte ( Haines) Mullin, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. Her mother was the daughter of Daniel and Harriet (Lumis) Ogden, both of whom were also natives of New Jersey. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. White settled upon a farm near Rossville, Clinton County, this State. Two years later they removed to another farm, ten miles distant, but still in the same county. In 1879, they removed to a farm near New London, Howard County. Three years later they came to Rush County, and they have resided in Ripley Township ever since. They have occupied their present home since February, 1886. The whole attention of Mr. White is given to farming. He began in very moderate circumstances, and for a number of years was a renter, and the present state of his circumstances reflects very creditably upon his industry and good management. He has a good little farm, which contains forty-five acres, which is in a good state of improvement and cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. White have an only child: Eula T., who was born December 23, 1879. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is a member of the Odd Fellow's Lodge, and a Re- publican in politics. In her earlier life Mrs. White followed school- teaching for a number of years, having taught her first term in Mt. Carmel, Franklin County, when she was but seventeen years of age. She continued teaching every year, missing but one winter from the time she began until after her marriage. She also taught two years after her marriage, making in all eight winter terms. In this connection she attained a very high degree of proficiency, and was a very successful teacher.
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