USA > Indiana > Shelby County > History of Shelby 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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CLARK R. DEVOL, an enterprising farmer of Addison Town- ship, and only son of Thomas Devol (see sketch), was born March 9, 1848. He was reared to manhood on the farm where he now lives. He received a common school education, greatly supple- mented in later years by being associated with business men. October 13, 1863, at the early age of seventeen, he realized the necessity of the preservation of our Union, and enlisted in Company M, Twenty-first Regiment, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, where he served until the close of the war. He was present and partici- pated in the following important engagements: Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Nashville and Mobile, besides numerous minor engage- ments. October 9, 1865, his marriage with Nannie J. Robertson was solemnized. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He occupies his father's farm of 326 acres, and in addition he owns seventy-eight acres in his own right. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Shelbyville. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is Re- publican.
BENJAMIN HEISTAND (deceased), was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and was born December 28, 1826. He came to Shelby County in 1849. He was married to Melinda Nail, March 7, 1850. He expired at Deland, Florida, March 28, 1887, and was buried there. He served his country in the struggle for national life, enlisting in 1861, in Company F, Fifty-first Regiment, Indiana, and served five years. He received an honorable discharge at Jeffersonville, Ind. He was present and participated in a number of important engagements. He was by occupation a farmer.
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PETER HOFFMAN, a farmer of Addison Township, is a native of Germany, where he was born June 7, 1826, being the next eld- est in a family of six children born to John and Margaret (Gillman) Hoffman, who were also natives of Germany, where they always lived. Our subject grew to manhood in his native country, receiv- ing a common school education. At the age of twenty-seven years, in 1854. he emigrated to the United States, coming direct to Indiana, and first settled in Franklin County, but only remained there about two months, when he came to Shelbyville, living here for a period of ten months, when he removed to the country, but has always resided in Addison Township. In May, 1854, his mar- riage with Margaret Soltong was solemnized, and to their union seven children were born, these four now living: John, who mar- ried Ellen ( Worland ) Fessenbeck : Margaret, now Mrs. Henry Gor- don; Lizzie, widow William Houston, and Katie. March 16, 1887, Mr. Hoffman suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. His occupation has always been farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 115 acres of well-improved land. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a Democrat, although in voting for local officials he does not allow party preju- dice to control him.
THOMAS W. JACKSON, a prominent farmer of Addison Township, was born in the house where he now lives, January 3, 1848, being the elder of two sons born to William and Sarah (Richart) Jack- son, who were natives of Clermont County, Ohio and Bass County, Ky., respectively. William was born December 22, IS06, emigrated with his parents to Franklin County in 1816, where he lived until IS37, when he came to Shelby, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred February 16, 1885. He was honored with an election to the office of Township Trustee, two terms. He always followed farming and ranked as one of the foremost farmers of the com- munity. By a former marriage, when Mary Stafford was his wife, he was the father of nine children. His last wife was born March 22, ISO9. She came with her mother to this country, in IS25. She still survives him, making her home with her son, our subject, who grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving a common school education sufficient to enable him to teach, which he did seven terms. April 20, 1873, Thomas married with Martha M. Har- rell, and to their union, six children have been born, viz .: Emma J., Mary G., Sarah E., William II. Miles H. and Thomas A. He has always made farming his occupation and he has been very successful. He now owns 115 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics he
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is a Democrat. Andrew Jackson, parental grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in 1754, in the State of Maryland, served with distinction in the . Revolutionary War.
THOMAS M. JEFFRAS, a farmer of Addison Township, is a native of Butler County, Ohio, where he was born, July 3, 1835, the eldest in a family of four children, born to Francis A. and Sarah (Thompson) Jeffras, who were natives of Maryland and Ireland, respectively, this marriage occurring in Ohio, When the subject of our sketch was yet quite young, the father died, leaving the mother and four small children. In 1856, his mother with himself and two sisters, came to Shelbyville, Nathaniel, the other child, re- maining in Cincinnati, where he still lives, engaged at present in the manufacture of cloaks. Mrs. Jeffras continued a resident of Shelby- ville, until 1867, when she removed to a farm one mile south of the city, living there until her death, which occurred September 13, 1883, at the age of sixty-seven years. She died as she had always lived, a devout Christian, and member of Methodist Episcopal Church. Thomas M. received a common school education. His home was always with his mother, he caring for her in her declining years. He has always made farming his occupation, commencing when quite young, and by dint of his industry and economy he is now the proprietor of a fine, well improved farm of 234 acres. Mr. Jeffras is a man of pronounced temperance views, and as such en- dorses the principles, and votes with the Prohibition party.
REV. ELIPHALET KENT, a superanuated worker in Christ's vineyard, was born in Dorset, Vt., March 17, 1800, the son Cephas and Lydia (Sheldon) Kent, who were both natives of Suffield, Conn., from whence they removed to, and were among the early settlers of Vermont. The immediate subject of our sketch acquired a collegiate education at Williams College, Massachusetts, graduating from that institution in 1825. He obtained his theolog- ical education at Auburn Seminary in New York. In 1829, he was licensed to preach by the Berkshire (Mass.) Association and ordained shortly afterward by the Rutland (Vt.) Association. The same year he came to Shelbyville, and took charge of the Presbyterian Church, his field for the first year consisting of Bartholomew and Shelby Counties. In 1835, he was called from Shelbyville, to the church at Greenwood, where he continued five years. He was first married to Miss Fannie Capron, August, 1829, at Tinmouth, Vt., who came with, and assisted, him in his min- isterial labors, and for a time she managed the Seminary at Shelby- ville. Her children are: Frances, now Mrs. J. Marshall Elliott, George E. and Edward. Father Kent was married a second time to Fannie Henderson, daughter of the late Dr. Sylvan Morris, Sep-
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tember 19, 1844. To that union these children were born, Joseph H. and Lydia D. (Mrs. Warren Snyder). Joseph H. Kent was born February 4, 1846, graduated at Wabash College in 1868, studying theology at Lane Seminary. He was married to Nettie C. Harter, of Crawfordsville, in 1870, spent two years in study and travel in Europe. He was ordained in 1872, and became pastor of the Presbyterian Church, at Cambridge City, and died July 4, 1876. His career was brief, but his character was singularly deep and his piety was extraordinarily profound. Father Kent's third marriage was with Matilda West on September 20, 1849. Rev. Kent has always taken decided positions on every great ques- tion of religion, temperance and politics, and was among the first Abolitionists of this community. In old age he retains remarkable vigor and very few pass through life with so few enemies and so many warm devoted friends.
JOHN M. MOBERLY, an enterprising farmer, is a native of Union Township, Shelby County, born August 8, 1843, being the eldest in a family of six children, four boys and two girls, born to Thomas and Julia ( Barnes) Moberly, who were both natives of Madison County, Kv .: the former came with his uncle to Shelby County when he was but seven years of age, and the latter came with her parents in an early day, and they have since continued residents of the county. Our immediate subject was reared to manhood on the home farm, receiving a common education in the schools of the county sufficient to enable him to teach, which he did for nine terms. He remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of thirty-three years, when, December 27, 1876, his marriage with Mary Dewitt was solemnized, and to their union three children have been born, viz .: Charles E., Harry M. and Frank. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 122 acres of well im- proved land, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Republican.
SAMUEL NAIL, a leading old and respected citizen of Addison Township, is a native of what was then Roann County, North Carolina, where he was born September 1, 1809, being the sixth in a family of thirteen children, born to Henry and Mary (Keller) Nail. They were natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respec- tively. The former was born in 1771, and came to Pennsylvania with his parents in 1774. About two years later they moved to North Carolina, where his marriage with Mary Keller occurred in I799. The family emigrated to Indiana and Shelby County in 1824, first settling in what is now Brandywine Township, and con- tinued residents of this county until the father died. The mother
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survived him a few years, and died in Illinois. The immediate subject of this biography remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm, until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He received a very limited education, in consequence of the poor facilities for schooling then in existence. January Sth, his marriage with Cherry Wray was solemnized. He has always made farming his occupation and has been uniformly successful. He now owns 420 acres of well improved land in this county, sixty acres in Fulton County, and eighty acres in Missouri, beside some property in Fairland. All of this is the accumulation of himself, assisted by an economical and industrious wife. They both are members of the Methodist Church, and have always tried to lead true and con- sistent Christian lives. In politics, Mr. Nail was originally an old
line Whig. Since the downfall of that party, he has usually voted for the best man without regard to party lines. Cherry (Wray) Nail, wife of the above was born September 30, ISI3. She was a daughter of James and Tabitha (Bass) Wray, who were natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. They came to Shelby
October 8, 1865. Her mother was born July 5, 1789, and died Wray, Mrs. Nail's father, was born January 13, 1787, and died County about 1822, where they resided until their deaths. James
March 30, 1851. The father was a minister of the Gospel.
Samuel and Cherry Nail have had seven children, three boys and four girls: Daniel W., James H., John W., Melinda, Rebecca, Har-
riet A., and Nancy E. Daniel W. Nail was born Febru- ary 3, IS41. He married Lizzie Parker, and they have three children, viz .: Harry, ( who has lately wedded Nora Bass, ) Gracie and Carrie. James H. Nail was born December 25, 1844. He has been twice married, and his wedding with his present wife,
Mary Howe, took place December 30, 1883. Melinda Nail, now
Heistand, was born June 9, 1834. Her husband's name was Benja- min Heistand, whose biography is given elsewhere. She is the mother of four children: Rebecca, now Mrs. Samuel Hoover, Mary E., wife of George Ballard, and Sarah, consort of Mr. M. R. Montgomery; Samuel, the fourth, died several years ago. Re-
becca Nail, now Thomas; see biography of Allen Thomas. Har- riet A. Nail was born May 12, 1849. She was united in marriage to Mr. Henry Malpas, August 2, 1867, and they now have three children: Samuel H., Charles H., and Raleigh McRae. Nancy E. Nail was born June 5, IS51, and is now the widow of William F. Francis, who died August 10, ISSO. Three children were a result of this union, only one of whom is now living, viz., Hattie Francis. John W. Nail was born April 27, 1856. He married Miss Laura Gray June 30, ISS2. They have had two children, one now is
Samuel Sail
CHERRY NAIL.
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alive, Maud. Mr. Samuel Nail, the principal subject of this sketch, has nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. Most of this large family are engaged in the pursuit of farming. The family of Mrs. Malpas lives in Indianapolis. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Nail are presented on the opposite pages of this volume.
JOHN SHAW, an old citizen of Addison Township, was born in Jackson Township, this county, October 3rd, 1823, being the youngest of a family of nine children born to William and Elizabeth (Miller) Shaw, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated from Ohio to this State about 1816 or 'IS, and first settled in Jack- son Township, where they continued to live about two years, when they removed to another tract in the same township, where they lived until their death. The father dying when John was but four- teen years of age, left him to aid in the support of his widowed mother, who survived her husband, and made her home with our subject until her death, which occurred, January 2nd, 1863. They were poor and endured all the hardships and trials that were inci- dent to pioneer life in the early settlement of the county. John re- ceived a very limited education, the family being unable to spare him much from work on the farm. January 4th, 1857, his mar- riage with Salina Willits was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born of whom these five are now living: Thomas, who married Florence Bradley, Ellen now Mrs. James Cherry, Jen- nie, wife of Martin Cherry, James and Harry. Mr. Shaw has always made farming his principal occupation, in connection with which he trades in stock for several, years and he has been very suc- cessful. He commenced a poor boy, and by hard work, industry and economy, he now owns a fine well improved farm of 277 acres, form- erly owned by the La Master brothers, later by Jacob Vernon. In politics he is a Democrat, and always manifests a live interest in the political affairs of the county, State and Nation, being a citizen universally esteemed by those who know him.
ALLEN THOMAS, a prominent farmer of Addison Township, is a native of Marion Township, this county, where he was born, August 15, 1824, being the fourth son of a family of ten children, born to Wil- liam and Mary (Reece) Thomas, who were natives of Maryland and Ohio, respectively. They were among the early settlers of the county, having come about ISIS. They remained residents of this county until their death. Allen remained with his parents un- til they both died, which took place when he was about fifteen years of age. He was thus early thrown upon his own resources, and had to fight his own way in the world. He received such an education as was to be afforded in the log school-houses which then existed. February 17, 1848, his marriage with Nancy Hewitt was
22
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solemnized. To them were born two children, one only now living, Martha J. Parker. About six years later, Mr. Thomas suffered the bereavement of losing his wife. November 10, 1854, his mar- riage with Rebecca Nail, daughter of Samuel Nail, was celebrated. To the latter union have been born eleven children, seven of whom are now alive: Samuel, who married Marietta Hankins, Nancy A., unmarried, Alice, wife of George Sanders, Dora, Charles, Augus- tus and Zella. Farming, with the exception of a few years, has been Mr. Thomas' business. Those few years excepted, were spent in the grain business in Fairland, Ind. He has been very successful, and now owns one of the finest and most valuable farms in Shelby County, comprising about 250 acres. He and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics , Mr. Thomas is a Republican.
WILLIAM J. THOMPSON, an old resident of Shelby County, is a native of Greensburg, Decatur Co., Ind., where he was born, Octo- ber 23d, IS28, being the third in a family of nine children, born to Thomas and Theresa (Little) Thompson, who were natives of Washington, D. C., and the State of Maryland, respectively, emi- grating from the latter State with their parents to Lexington, Ky., where their marriage occurred. A few years subsequent they re- moved to Decatur County, remaining there two years; removing thence to Cincinnati and staying there for a period of two years, when in August, 1832, he came to Shelby County and located in Shelbyville, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1874. He was honored with an election to the office of Constable. He was a gallant soldier in the Mexican War, serving one year. His wife survived him a number of years and died January 10th, 1884. Our immediate subject grew to manhood in the city of Shel- byville, receiving a limited education in consequence of his help being needed in his father's wagon shop. He commenced to learn wagon making at the early age of eleven years, and continued in that business until 1871, when he removed to the farm on which he now lives. He has since made farming his occupation and he has been very successful. He now owns sixty-four acres of improved land, all the accumulation of his own industry and economy. June 26th, 1850, his marriage with Rebecca Willes was solemnized, and to their union four children were born, these two now living: Will- iam T., who married Margaret J. Hobbs, and Arilla F. July 3d, 1886, Mr. Thompson suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. December 23, 1886, his and Mary Furgeson's nuptials were celebrated. In politics, Mr. Thompson has always been a Demo- crat. He is of a quiet, unassuming disposition, industrious, honest, thorough going citizen, in all, a pleasant, courteous gentleman.
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GEORGE W. VANLUE is a native of Illinois, born near Mattoon, February 3, 1851, being the fourth in a family of eight children born to John and Mary A. ( Wilson) Vanlue, who were both na- tives of Kentucky. They became permanent residents of this county about 1851, having resided here some time prior to that date, but removed to Illinois. Our immediate subject was reared on a farm. His father, who lost his life in the service of his country, of sickness, contracted by exposure, was a member of the Seventieth Regiment. George was thus early thrown upon his own resources. He had received a limited education, the advan- tages afforded, being poor. January 13, 1875, his marriage with Viola Coats, was solemnized, and to their union three children have been born, these two now living, Charles B. and William A. The deceased child was Alonzo, who died at the age of three years. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and he always manifests a good live in- terest in the political affairs of the county and community. He has always made farming his occupation and he has been very success- ful. He now owns 67 acres of well improved land, which is in ap- pearance, a model of system and neatness.
WILLIAM WALKER, a native of Addison Township, was born May 17, 1829, being the eldest in a family of ten children born to Francis C. and Isabel (Bushfield ) Walker, who were natives of New York City and Pennsylvania, respectively. By a prior mar- riage, the former was the father of two children. He emigrated to Shelby County about 1818, and lived here until his death oc- curred, which was in 1850, dying while en route to Kansas, at Han- nibal, Mo. Our immediate subject grew to manhood on the farm,. receiving a limited education, such as the facilities of those days. afforded in the primitive log school-houses of that time. He re- mained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years. June 5, 1851, his marriage with Miranda Woodard was solemnized, and to their union four children have been born, these two now living: James, who married Fannie Brown, and Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Stearns. The deceased children were: Belle, and an infant, unnamed. He has always made farming his occupation, and has been quite successful. He now owns 100 acres of well improved land. He has always, with the exception of three years, when he removed to and lived in Wis- consin, resided in this county. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.
MATTHIAS WRIGHT, a leading, substantial citizen of this county, was born in Ross County, Ohio, at what is now Frankfort, Octo- ber 22, ISIS. He is the son of Caleb and Mary A (Sleeth)
.
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Wright, who were natives of New Jersey and Virginia, respect- ively. Mr. Wright was reared to manhood in Logan County, Ohio, his parents were in limited circumstances and could not offer him many advantages for obtaining an education, but he improved every one that was afforded, and the knowledge obtained was the germ of a liberal education acquired latter by close application and hard study without the aid of a teacher. He taught for several years in Ohio and this State; he had determined to make the law his pro- fession, and in 1839, entered the office, as a student, of Cyrus Wright, then located at Lebanon, this State. He pursued his legal studies at such intervals as he could, being compelled during the time, to continue teaching for a livlihood. In 1845, he reached Shelbyville with a cash capital of fifty cents and a library valued at $30, with which to begin the practice of his profession. Owing to failing health he was compelled in 1850, to retire and seek a less sedentary pursuit. He then removed to a farm now occupied by his sons. Charles M., and David A., where he remained until Janu- ary, 1887, when he removed to Shelbyville. November 5, 1846, he married Miss Amanda Young, by whom he is the father of eight children, these three now living, David A., Charles M., and Nancy M. In his farming, the same effort characterized his work as did every undertaking made during his life, and it is al- most unnecessary to say that he was very successful. He is now the proprietor of 340 acres of well improved land. Politically he is a Republican. and during his career as a lawyer served efficiently as Prosecuting Attorney.
CHARLES M. WRIGHT, one of the three living children of Matthias and Amanda (Young) Wright, who were among the earliest settlers of Shelby County, was born June 6, 1857, being the youngest son now living. He was reared on the farm, where he now and has always lived. Following in the footsteps of his father, has made farming a life occupation and has been very successful. He occupies a portion of his father's farm, and has succeeded in purchasing a tract of sixty-eight acres, in his own right. He was educated in the schools of the county, supplemented by attendance one term at the Danville Normal College. He is an enterprising and systematic farmer and bids fair to become one of the county's most substantial citizens. In ISSI, his marriage with Anna Bass was solemnized and to their union these three children have been born, Verlie A., Mary M. and Lesta J.
DAVID A. Wright, son of Matthias and Amanda (Young) Wright, was born October 15, 1854, being the eldest child now living. He was reared on the home farm, receiving a common .school education, mostly obtained in the schools of the county. Hav-
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ing parents who recognized the value of an education, he was early put under private instruction. He has always lived on the home farm. November 10, ISSO, his marriage with Dolly Hankins was solemnized, and to their union these two sons were born, Harry and Bertie. July 3, 1883, he suffered the bereavement of losing his be- loved wife. July 7, 1886, his and Sophia Williamson's nuptials were celebrated. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and he has been quite successful. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics, he like his father, is a Republican.
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JOHN M. BOALS, one of the prominent farmers of Brandywine Township, was born in Lycoming County, Pa., May 15, 1834. He was the second of three children -- one son and two daughters- born to Seely and Jane (Murphy) Boals, the former a native of the State of New York, of English descent, and the latter, who was the daughter of John and Jane (Porter) Murphy, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. His two sisters are: Martha J., the wife of Solomon Toner, of Edinburg, and Mary, the wife of Dr. Samuel McGaughy, of Acton, Marion County. The subject of this sketch was but six months old when his mother died. His father then placed him in charge of an uncle and aunt and went to the east never more to see the son again. The latter, therefore, has no recollection whatever of either his father or mother. While yet a very young child he accompanied his uncle, aunt and grand- parents to Shelby County, where he was reared upon a farm. He continued with his uncle until his marriage, which occurred March II, 1857, when Margaret E. Williams became his wife. She was born in Brandywine Township, this county, March 4, 1837, and was the daughter of Isaac and Hannah (Taylor) Williams, the former a native of Virginia, of English descent, and the latter a native of Burlington County, N. J., also of English descent. Her paternal grandparents were Hugh and Artemiss (Craig) Williams, natives of Virginia. Her maternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth (Lippencott) Taylor, both of whom were also natives of Burlington County, N. J. Mrs. Boals had four brothers and two sisters, as follows: John W., Mary E., Richard E., Thomas, Caleb, and Sarah C., all of whom are de- ceased except Sarah C., who is the wife of George Dipple, of Hen- dricks Township. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Boals settled upon a farm in Hendricks Township. There they resided until 1868, when they emigrated to the State of Missouri,
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