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 63
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75
JOHN W. WARBLE, of Hendricks Township, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, where he was born September 4, 1840, being the fourth in a family of eight children born to John and Eliza (Snyder) Warble, who were natives of Maryland and Ohio, respectively. They emigrated to Indiana and Shelby County about 1848, and have since made it their home. The latter died in 1877; the former survives her, and has attained the good old age of seventy-three years. Our subject remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the 'age of twenty-three years, receiv- ing a common school education, such as the schools of those days afforded. November 27, 1864, his marriage with Celia Goodwin was solemnized, and to their union these three children were born: William, Charles and Edward. Mr. Warble has always made farm- ing his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 107 acres of well improved land. December 12, 1882, Mr. Warble suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican.
JAMES WILSON, a pioneer of Hendricks Township, is a native of Fleming County, Kentucky, where he was born April 5, 1825, being the eighth in a family of twelve children, born to Samuel and Polly (Matchet) Wilson, who were also natives of Kentucky. They came to Indiana and Rush County, in 1827, where they lived until their death, the former dying in 1837, and the latter in 1840. The year following his mother's death, James came to Shelby County. In early life he received a limited education. August 27, 1846, his marriage with Eliza Donley, was solemnized and to their union
665
HENDRICKS SKETCHES.
three children were born: Melvin, Susan and Elizabeth. July 30, 1853, Mr. Wilson suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. November 5, 1854, his and Caroline Strickler's nuptials were celebrated, and their union has been blessed with these two children : Martin A., whose present wife was Della Cox, and Maggie, now Mrs. Oliver Stafford. Mr. Wilson has always made farming his principal occupation, in connection with which he has been manu- facturing tile since 1871, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 13912 acres of well improved land, and in addition a well equipped tile factory. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also belongs to the Masonic faternity. In politics he is a Republican.
JOHN TONER. a native of Lycoming County, Pa., where he was born December 28, 1814, being the next eldest in a family of twelve children born to Edward and Susanna ( Updegraff) Toner, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Irish, and the latter of German descent. In 1815, they emigrated to Indiana, settling on White Water, in Franklin County, where they lived exactly seventeen years, when in 1832, they came to Shelby County, locating in Hendricks Township, about one mile from our subject's present place of residence. They remained here and made this county their home until their death. He died at the advanced age of eighty-four years. John remained at home until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He received a common school educa- tion such as was to be obtained in the primitive log school-houses of those days. March 9, 1837, his marriage with Nancy J. Par- ker was solemnized, and to their union eight children were born, of whom these four are now living: James E., who married Sophia Salla; Mattie, now Mrs. William H. Miller; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. J. H. Sanford, and Belle, now Mrs. George Williams. June 14, 1856, Mr. Toner suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. May 3, 1857, his and Janette Thayer's nuptials were cele- brated, and their union has been blessed with these four children: John S. whose wife was Cad Hester, Caress L., Harry M. and Elmer S. Mr. Toner has always made farming his occupation, in connection with which he has always dealt in stock quite exten- sively and he has been very successful. He now owns 900 acres of well improved land. He and family are members of the Christian Church. In politics he affiliates with the National Green- back party. The Updegraff family preceded the Toner family a number of years, coming in I821.
666
SHELBY COUNTY.
JACKSON SKETCHES.
LEWIS BARLOW, Trustee of Jackson Township and a well-to-do farmer, was born on the old Barlow homestead near where he now resides, May 15, 1838. John and Anna E. (Lisk) Barlow, were his parents, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of New Jersey. They came to Jackson Township in pioneer days and grew up amid the scenes incident to that day. In 1836, they were united in marriage, and for forty-eight years shared the bless- ings of a happy home circle. Their children were: Lewis, Clarrisa, Mahala, Mary A., William H., Willet, George, James H., Eliza and Frances, of whom William H., George and Eliza are deceased. The father and mother were devoted members of the Christian Church, and after a long and useful life were called home, the former dying April 12, 1884, and the latter, May 25, 1886. Lewis Barlow spent his young days upon the farm, receiving a fair edu- cation. He did not begin doing for himself until the age of twenty- three. On February 14, 1861, he was united in marriage with Jane Cutsinger, daughter of William and Parthenia (Deupree) Cut- singer, who, at this date, ( 1887), are old and respected residents of Jackson Township. Jane was born near where she now resides, December 11, 1841. Our subject and wife were blessed with four children, namely: Martha A., Sarah J., Edwin L. and Mary L., all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Barlow are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Barlow is a Democrat in politics, and is one of the active workers in his party. In April, 1884, he was elected Trustee of Jackson Township, and re-elected again in 1886. Under his careful management, the township affairs are in a prosper- ous condition, especially the schools, which rank among the best in the county. Farming has been his principal occupation in life, although he has given some attention to saw milling, brick making and threshing wheat, in all of which he has been successful. He be- gan life in fair circumstances, and to-day owns one of the finest im- proved farms in his section. It lays one mile west of Mt. Auburn, and is provided with first-class and substantial improvements. It was entered in 1834, by John Jackson.
NOAH N. COLLINS, of Jackson Township, and ex-Trustee as. born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 16, 1828. His parents were John and Rebecca (McCoy) Collins, natives of Ireland, emigrating to this country about the time of their maturity. When Noah was three years of age his parents remo d to Boone County, Ind., where Mrs. Collins died about 1833. After this Noah was taken to Indianapolis, and bound to a prominent attorney o that city, who soon after died. He then went to live with James Flanigan, with whom
W. T. Stewart,
2-Y YORK IC LIBRARY
1 ,1 NOX AND FOUNDATIONS
L
669
JACKSON SKETCHES.
he remained until he was about fourteen years of age. His next venture was a settlement with his relations near Lagro, Wabash County, where he remained until he arrived at his maturity. Be- ing a poor boy and compelled to look out for himself from the age of five years, his early education was limited, but being a close ob- server he to-day has a fair practical education. On April 28, 1850, he was married to Catharine A. Heck, daughter of Jacob and Mary Heck, old and respected residents of this county, having emigrated here in IS25. Mrs. Collins was born in Ohio, and has spent the most of her life on the farm, where Mr. Collins now re- sides. This union was blessed with six children, Mary E., Aaron, Cornelius and Philip, now living. Mr. Collins is a staunch Demo- crat, and firmly upholds the principles of his party. He held the office of Justice of the Peace eight years, and Constable of his township six years, and in April, 18So, he was elected Trustee of Jackson Township. At the expiration of that term he was re- elected, and therefore served four years in that capacity. In Octo- ber, 1849. he came to Jackson Township, and has been identified with its interests ever since. He began life a poor boy but by dint of industry he has succeeded in providing himself with a comforta- ble home.
ABNER CONNER traces his ancestry to times prior to the Revo- lution. In Maryland, during the year 1754, was born Abner Conner, who moved to Virginia when twenty years of age, and took an active part in the War for Independence. Soon after the close of the war he was married to Anna Russel, daughter of John Russel, a native of Ireland. In a short time they removed to Tennessee, and remained there three years, when he resolved to emigrate to Dearborn County, Ind., where he was the third settler in the county. In a few years he sold out in Dearborn County, and removed to Franklin County, Ind., and after a residence there of three years he removed with his family to Shelby County, landing on the farm where his son now lives, March 5, 1823. Their nearest markets were Madison and Lawrenceburg, but under what would seem to us to-day insurmountable difficulties, those hardy pioneers by degrees developed what is to-day considered one of the finest farming counties in the State. December 25, 1833, Abner Conner, a respected citizen, a kind and loving father, and a member of the Masonic order, passed away. A widow and six children sur- vived him: they were, Massa, John, William, Eleanor, Sarah and Abner. Mrs. Conner continued to reside on the old home- stead until January, 1836, when she, too, was called away. Abner, the youngest child, was born January 27, 1804, in Dearborn County, Ind. He came to Shelby County in his youth, and assisted
26
670
SHELBY COUNTY.
his parents in developing a home. His early educational advan- tages were limited, but were fair for that day. Ile remained at home as long as his father lived, and adopted farming as his life profession. On February 28, 1837, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Doughman, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Thompson) Doughman. Mrs. Conner was born in Center County, Penn., November 6, 1817. This union was blessed with ten children, namely: Eliza J., born March 26, 1838: John T., born June 27, 1840; William B., born January 14, 1841; Lewis M., born August 19, 1843; Hiram S., born March 5, IS46: Sarah M., born October 31, 1849; George C., born May 15, 1851: Jacob W., born June 20. 1854; Amanda E., born May 7. 1856: Alice A .: January 19, 1858. all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Conner are members of the Christian Church at Mt. Auburn, and have been such over thirty years. Politically, Mr. Conner is a staunch Democrat, and thinks he will always remain true to the principles of the party.
GEORGE CONNER, a native of Jackson Township, was born here May 15, 1852. His parents were Abner and Mary Conner, whose personal history appears in this volume. He was reared on a farm, and lived on the farm until 1885, when he engaged in the general merchandise business in Mt. Auburn, Ind. On Oc- tober 11, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Cordelia Hill, daughter of John H. and Elizabeth (Stoughten ) Hill, both natives of Bartholomew County, where they were born as follows: The former, February 27, 1838, and the latter in 1842. They were married on December 21, 1856. Mrs. Conner was born in Bar- tholomew County, Ind., February 29, 1861. Her entire life has been spent in this country. Mr. and Mrs. Conner were blessed with five children: Clemie, born July 20, 1879. died September 30, ISSO; Artie M., born February 19, 1880: Hallard, born May 19, ISS2: Farrest V., born February 14, 1885, died January 14, 1886: Corman, born October 25, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Conner are mem- bers of the Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. Conner is a staunch Dem- ocrat. In April, 1884, he was elected Trustee of Flat Rock Town- ship. Bartholomew County, Ind., but resigned to engage in business in Mt. Auburn. By fair and honest dealing he has built up a good trade, and has a comfortable home and business room.
G. F. CONOVER. one of the leading citizens of Jackson, is a na- tive of Shelby County, being born on the farm where he now resides, October 29, 1836. His parents were Obadiah and Nancy ( Breed- ing) Conover, the former was the son of John B. and Eliza ( Baird) Conover, natives of New Jersey, the latter was a native of Ken- tucky. Obadiah and Nancy Conover were united in marriage in Bartholomew County, and soon removed to Shelby County. The
671
JACKSON SKETCHES.
father of our subject is still living and in fair health for one seventy- six years of age; the mother was called away in 1836, when Garrett was but two weeks old. He was reared amid the scenes incident to farm life, and has adopted farming as a life profession. At an early age he began working for himself, and carefully saved his earnings. On October 19, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss A. J. Kelly, daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth ( Armstrong) Kelly, natives of Kentucky, and at present are old and respected residents of Jackson Township. Mrs. Conover was born Decem- ber II, 1842, in Shelby County, and with the exception of about twelve years' residence in Iowa and Missouri, she has made this her home. Mr. and Mrs. Conover are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been united a number of years. Mr. Conover is a member of Herndon Lodge No. 95, I. O. O. F., of Edinburg, Ind. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, and firmly believes in the principles of that party.
HENRY K. DUNKEL, a prominent farmer of Jackson Town- ship, was born in Lancaster County. Penn., November 21, 1832. His parents were John and Susan (Kline) Dunkel, natives of Lan- caster County, Penn., where they were born and raised: the former died there on March 22, 1859, the latter passed away in Clark County, Ohio. Their wedded life was blessed with eight sons and daughters, of whom Henry was the seventh child. Ile spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, and adopted farming as his life profession. At an early age he began doing for himself by engaging at work by the day and month. He care- fully saved his earnings, and by the time he was married he had accumulated quite a start in life. On August 25, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Third Cavalry, Forty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Vol- unteers. He was placed in the Army of the Cumberland, and par- ticipated in the following noted battles: Nashville, Stone River, Chicamauga, Knoxville, Shelbyville, Bentonville, Macon, Jones- boro, Atlanta, and was with Gen. Kilpatrick on his famous raid to the Gulf. On the 8th day of June, 1865, he received his dis- charge at Newburn, N. C. Strange to say, during all those years of almost constant peril and hard fighting. he never received a wound, and returned home to enjoy the Union he had fought so bravely to preserve. In 1865, he went to Pennsylvania, and there he was united in marriage with Rebecca Alexander, a native of Ohio. This union was blessed with one child. Re- becca C., who is now the wife of William Hostetter, and residents of Osborne, Clark Co., Ohio. Mrs. Dunkel, after a brief wedded life, was called away, her death occurring in November, 1866. On March 7, 1869, Mr. Dunkel was again married to Mary A. Bar-
672
SHELBY COUNTY.
low, daughter of John and Eliza (Lisk) Barlow. Mary was born in Jackson Township, November 14, 1845. Her entire life has been spent here. This family circle was blessed with four chil- dren: William S., Eliza F., Susan F., and Aaron, of whom Will- iam S. died in infancy. Mr. Dunkel has made Shelby County his home since June, 1865. 3 He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is a member of John R. Cooper Post No. 472, G. A. R., and is a Republican in politics.
JOHN EBERHART, one of the farmers of Jackson Township, was born in Washington County, Penn., March 18, 1804, therefore is now in his eighty-fourth year. His parents were Adam and Bar- bara (Pearson) Eberhart, both natives of Pennsylvania. They were parents of eight children: Samuel, who lost his life while under command of Gen. Hull, at Detroit, during the War of ISI2; Andrew, also a soldier of 1812, and now deceased: Frederick, a soldier during the War of 1812, also deceased; David, deceased; John, the subject of this biography; Jane, deceased; Nancy, deceased, and Sarah, deceased. John is the only child now living. About 1826, he resolved to seek a home in the west, and accord- ingly started on foot, with his provisions on his back, for this territory. He walked the entire distance and after arriving here entered eighty acres of the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 3, and returned to Ohio, where he continued to reside until 1829. Prior to this or during the holidays of 1823, he was mar- ried to Nancy Randolph, daughter of David and Polly Randolph, both natives of Virginia. This union was blessed with: Andrew, Charlotte, Loretta. Jefferson, Isabella, Clarinda, Harriette and Mary, of whom Charlotte. Loretta. Clarinda and Harriette are deceased. After the harvest of 1829 was over, John Eberhart, shouldered his ax and started for his land in this township, leaving his wife and four children to await his return. After
arriving here he put up a small cabin, covered with clap-boards, and a puncheon floor. As soon as the cabin was completed he returned for his family. The winter of 1829 will always be re- membered by Mr. Eberhart. He spent a great deal of time in his clearing, and by the spring of 1830, had a field ready for corn, and from this time on crops never failed, and he was very success- ful. He added to his first tract and now owns over 600 acres of fine land. In 1864, his wife was called away. She was a kind and loving wife and mother, respected by all who knew her. On Oc- tober 12, 1865, he was married to Delilah Cox, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Moore) Cox. Delilah was born February 14, 1834, and was raised in Hamilton County, Ohio. This union was blessed with two daugters: Clarinda and Lenore.
673
JACKSON SKETCHES.
EDWARD J. FIELDS, a prominent resident of Mt. Auburn, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, April 26, IS40. His parents were Jacob H. and Elizabeth (Cotterman ) Fields, natives of Berks County, Pa., where they were married, but soon afterward re- moved to Ohio, and resided there until their respective deaths, the former's February 15, 1859, and the latter's August 13, 1886. Ed- ward J. was the fifth child, and was reared on the farm, receiving a fair education. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, and continued at that three years. On September 10, 1861, he answered his country's call by enlisting in Company C, Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio Infantry, and took part in the following noted battles: Lewisburg, Va., and in all the scouting in that State, the battles of Beverly, Cotton Hill, Charles- ton, Va., siege of Knoxville, Cedar Creek, and Cumberland Gap, and during the siege of Knoxville he had a finger shot off. Au- gust 10, 1865, he received an honorable discharge, and returned home to enjoy the Union he had fought to preserve. During the war, while home on a furlough, he chose for his life companion Miss Mary E. Black, a native of Ohio. This union was blessed with three children: Loren M., Harry E. and Elizabeth, all of whom are living. Mrs. Fields died January 20, 1870. In Octo- ber, 1871, he was married to Elizabeth J. Niebel, daughter of John and Catharine Niebel, whose personal history appears in this volume. This union was blessed with one child, John M. On September 20, 1870, our subject located in Mt. Auburn, where he began, and has ever since followed, his trade, having come to Shelby County some time prior to that. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, and firmly believes in the principles of that party. He has never sought for political honors, but when it is necessary in a campaign, he is always found in the front fighting for his party. Mr. and Mrs. Fields are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a member of Herndon Lodge No. 95, also of "Edinburg Camp," and a member of John R. Cooper Post, G. A. R., 472.
DR. WALTER M. FORD, a prominent physician and merchant of Mt. Auburn, was born in Green County, Ky., November 16, 1852. He was the son of Thomas J. and Emily J. (Thurman) Ford, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, the former being a wealthy planter. The Doctor was reared amid the scenes incident to plantation life, receiving a good education. He attended Bethel College, Kentucky, during the years 1872 and 1873. During the year 1874, he entered the office of Dr. J. N. McCormick, of New Haven, Ky., and read medicine with him until September, 1874, when he entered the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, and remained until March, 1876, when he began taking lectures in the
674
SHELBY COUNTY.
University of Louisville, Kentucky, which to-day is considered one of the best medical colleges in the west. From that institution he graduated in March, 1877, and in June, 1877, he located in Mt. Auburn, having traveled from Kentucky on horseback. He im- mediately began the practice of medicine and surgery, and success attended his labors from the beginning. On March 21, 1878, he chose for his life companion, Miss Mary C. Emerick, daughter of Abraham and Eliza (Gephart) Emerick, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ford is a native of Shelby County, where she was born on April 13, 1862: her entire life has been spent here. This union has been blessed with four children: Luella, Eva L., Jesse E., and Dora I. M., of whom the last is deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Ford are members of the church, and he is a member of Fidelity Lodge No. 42, K. of P., of Edinburg, Ind. In 1884, he engaged in the general merchandise businesss in connection with the practice of medicine, and to-day owns a large and well selected stock of dry goods, groceries and queensware, and by just and fair dealing, has built up a reliable trade. In politics, the Doctor is a staunch Democrat, and takes an active part in the affairs of his party. In August, 1885, he received the appointment of Postmaster at Mt. Auburn, which position he now holds.
JULIUS HANEMAN, a prominent resident of Jackson Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 5, 1835. His parents were: Bernard H. and Jane C. (Kemper) Haneman, both natives of Hanover, Germany. They were married in Hanover, July 1, 1828. On the 15th of April, 1832, they bid farewell to their native land, landing in New York in June following. After a residence of six years in Ohio, they traded their property for the farm our subject now resides on, and in May, 1838, started for Shelby County. Although not a practical farmer he had suc- ceeded in putting himself on the road to prosperity when his death occurred, October 4, 1851. The mother died October 12, 1874. They both belonged to the Lutheran Church. Julius has spent almost his entire life on the farm, where he now resides. In his youth he received a fair education, and adopted farming as his life occupation On December 24, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Hattie L. Isley, daughter of John and Sophia (Warner ) Isley, the former a native of Decatur County, Ind., and the latter a native of Montgomery County, Ohio. Mrs. Haneman was born in Washington Township, Shelby County, June 18, 1849, her entire life has has been spent in this county, re- ceiving a fair education in her girlhood days. This union has been blessed with three children, Estella J., born January 8, 1879; Emma S., born October 30, 1881, and Bernice E., born January 29,
675
JACKSON SKETCHES.
ISS5, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Haneman are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a staunch Republi- can.
JACOB KLEIN, of Mt. Auburn, Indiana, is a native of Prussia, born March 24, 1839. His parents were Adam and Margaret (Hiem) Klein, natives of Prussia. By the time Jacob was fifteen years of age, he had completed the common school course, he then entered the higher schools and completed a good practical educa- tion. During his school days, he began working at the carpenter's trade at the age of sixteen, and made rapid strides in draughting, which soon placed him among the leaders of his trade. Philipine, daughter of Henry and Caroline ( Hardt) Bruecher, born August 27, 1839, became his wife January 23, 1860, and on October 15, 1860, they started for the United States. They immediately came to Indiana, where an old friend resided, and the winter of '60 was spent in Edinburgh. In April, 1861, they came to Mt Auburn, where he has ever since been engaged in the work of carpentering and contracting. They are the parents of six children, named: Charles F., August E., Annie E., Clara M., William H. and Edward W., the last two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Klein have been life long members of the Lutheran Church, and he belong's to the Knights of Pythias order. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held the offices of Assessor and Township Trustee. He has ac- cumulated a considerable property as the fruit of his life-long indus- try and integrity.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.