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 67
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GEORGE C. GAINES, a native of Marion Township, was born November 26, 1840. the eldest of a family of three children born to Henry T. and Matilda W. (Cornelius) Gaines, whose history is given above. Our immediate subject was reared to manhood on the farm. remaining at home and assisting his parents until he at- tained the age of twenty-seven years, receiving a common school education, supplemented by attendance at the Franklin College two years. December 3, 1867, his marriage with Emily J. Kaster was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born, these five now living: Lulu, Willie H., Matilda B., Charles S. and Ed- ward C. Mr. Gaines' occupation has always been farming and he has been quite successful. He now owns eighty acres of well im- proved land. Mr. Gaines is a member of the Baptist, his wife and family of the Methodist Episcopal, Church. In politics he is a
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Democrat, and he always manifests a good live interest in the politi- cal affairs of the county and the community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.
TAYLOR GORDON was born in Marion Township, October 4, 1853, being the next eldest in a family of five children born to William and Clarinda ( Hankins) Gordon, who were natives of Franklin and Shelby Counties, respectively, he being one of the early settlers of Marion. Township, and continuing a resident of this county until his death, which occurred in 1853. His widow still survives him, and has attained the age of fifty-six years. Tay- lor remained with his mother until he reached his majority, receiv- ing a common school education. December 22, 1874, his marriage with Christina Arnold was solemnized, and to their union these two children were born: Bertha and Della. Their union was of com- paratively short duration, her death occurring in June, 1877. Oc- tober, ISSI, his and Drusilla Sleeth's nuptials were celebrated, and two children have blessed their union: Chester and Percy. Mr. Gor- don has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns ninety acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Repub- lican, and he generally manifests a good live interest in the po- litical affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.
SAMUEL HERTHEL, a resident of Marion Township, is a native of Harrison County, Ind., born September 22, 1844, the third in a family of seven children, born to John and Elizabeth (Burkher) Herthel, who were both natives of Germany. Our subject was reared until he was twelve years of age in his native county, then his parents removed to Washington County, where they have since lived. Samuel remained with them until he attained the age of twenty years, receiving a common school education. In August, 1864, he came to Shelby County, where he has since made his home. November 18, 1874, his marriage with Katie E. Yarling was solemnized, and to their union these four children have been born: William H., Harry, Mary G. and Emma M. Mr. Herthel has always made farming his occupation and he has been quite success- ful. Hle now owns eighty acres of well improved land. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Shelbyville. In politics, he is a Democrat, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs.
BENJAMIN KASTER, one of the earliest settlers of Shelby County, was born February 17, 1791, and came from Ohio in March, 1819. He had married in Ohio, Priscilla Brock. They
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were the parents of fifteen children, as follows: William, Sarah, Elizabeth, Jackson, Patsy, Benjamin, Nancy, Polly, Rebecca, Cynthia. Samuel, John, James, Francis, Lewis. Benjamin was a man of no education, but a sturdy, strong pioneer, a great hunter, and during the first year's residence in this county, killed 100 deer. He died January 10, 1857. His wife was born March 16, 1796, and died September 24, 1865. Of the children there are five vet surviving, four sons and one daughter. William was born April 16, 1814, in Ohio. He remained with and assisted his parents, until he attained his majority. He received no education. There were no schools for several years after they settled in the county, but the county was a wilderness of woods, and he was compelled to assist in clearing and farming. May, 1837, his mar- riage with Matilda Davis was solemnized, and their union was blessed with one child: Hiram, who married Mary E. Fornian. He died January 5, 1873. Their union was of a comparative short duration, she died June 10, 1840. April 10, 1842, his and Margaret A. (Hines) Davis' nuptials were celebrated. Mr. Kas- ter has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now. owns over 1, 100 acres of well improved land. In politics he has always been a Democrat.
SAMUEL KASTER, a prominent citizen and native of Marion Town- ship, was born February 11, 1825, being the son of Benjamin and Priscilla (Brock ) Kaster who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. They came to Shelby County in the early part of the year 1820, and remained residents until their death. Samuel remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty-three years. He received a common education such as the facilities of those days afforded. October 3, 1847, his marriage with Eliza A. Brown was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, these five now living: Emily J., now Mrs. George C. Gaines: Margaret E., wife of Henry Socks: Ben- jamin F., who married Mary Town: Missouri A., consort of Frank Ingle, and Robert H. Mr. Kaster has always made farming his occupation and he has been quite successful. He now owns 117 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and generally manifests a good live interest in the politi- cal affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.
SAMPSON MEIKS is a native of Union Township, was born August 9, 1837, being the next eldest in a family of eleven children, born to Jacob and Nancy ( Webb) Meiks, who were natives of Penn- sylvania and Virginia, respectively, and they came to and settled
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in this vicinity, but in Rush County, with their parents in a very early day, about 1831, and came to Shelby County in 1836, and remained residents of the county until their deaths. Our im- mediate subject remained at home, and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty-two years, receiving a com- mon school education. March 22, 1860, his marriage with Bar- bara J. Halbrook was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born, these four now living. John W., Maggie J., George II. and Thomas S. January, 1864, he realized the necessity of the preservation of our Union and enlisted in Company H, Sixteenth Indi- ana Volunteer Mounted Infantry, where he served nearly two years; was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, on account of close of the war. Mr. Meiks has always made farming his occupa- tion, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land, all the accumulation of his own industry and economy. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and was honored with an election to the position of Justice of Peace, two terms.
HAMILTON MORRIS, a resident and native of Marion Township, was born May 23, 1830, the youngest in a family of eleven chil- dren, born to William G., and Nancy (Young) Morris, who were natives of Princess Ann County, Va., and Breckenridge County, Ky., respectively, their marriage occurring in the latter State. They came to Shelby County, March, 1821, and continued resi- dents until their death, the latter dying November 15, 1859, at the age of seventy years, and the former's death occurred October, 1863. He had arrived at the good old age of eighty-two years. Our immediate subject always remained with his parents support- ing them in their declining years. He received a very limited edu- cation in consequence of the poor facilities afforded in those days. November 22, 1852, his marriage with Nancy D. McCabe was sol- emnized, and to their union twelve children have been born, these six now living: Amanda J., wife of James Rinehart: Oliver M., Charles O., Mary A., Didama R., and Francis M. The deceased chil- dren were: Edwin R., two infants unnamed, William T., Malissa and Priscilla W. Mr. Morris has always made farming his occupation and he has been quite successful. He now owns 120 acres of well im- proved land. He and wife are members of the Little Blue River Baptist Church. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. fraternity. In politics he is a Republican, but he will not allow party prejudice to control him. The father of our subject served six months in the War of 1812.
NATHAN NAVE is a native of Addison Township, born March 19, 1839. His parents were Solomon and Polly A. (Higby) Nave,
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who were both natives of Kentucky; they came to this State about IS24, and were the parents of the following named children : William, Wilson, Thomas, James and Joseph, twins, Emily, Morton, Nathan, Sophia and two infants unnamed, of whom Thomas, James, Morton, Nathan and the two daughters are yet living. Nathan was reared to manhood on the farm, receiving a common school education such as the facilities of those days afforded. . November 27, 1867, his marriage with Elizabeth Bassett was solemnized, and to their union six children were born, these two now living: Anna and Georgie. Mr. Nave has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 200 acres of well improved land, all the accumulation of his own industry and economy. He and family are members of the Baptist Church, having been connected with that organization for over twenty-five years. In politics he has always been a Republican.
GRANVILLE L. OLDHAM, a prominent citizen of Marion Town- ship, was born in Brandywine Township, May 23, 1850, being the third in a family of five children born to Joses and Matilda (Harrell) Oldham, who were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively; both came to this county with their parents in a very early day, they both remained residents of this county. The former died April 19, 1865, while his widow survived him and passed away November 15, 1885. Our immediate subject was reared on the farm, receiving a good education, attending three terms at the Shelbyville High School. He remained at home with his mother when the family became disbanded, and Granville went to live with his brother-in-law, Thomas Linville, with whom he re- mained until he attained the age of twenty years, when November 8, 1870, his marriage with Elizabeth E. Oldham was solemnized, and to their union four children were born, Maude E., Effie E., Ira A. and Harry N. June 9, 1879, Mr. Oldham suffered the bereave- ment of losing his beloved wife. May 1, 1881, his and Nellie Hoop's nuptials were celebrated, to whom four children were born, these two now living: Tiercia I. and Neva V. April 17, 1887, death again visited the home of Mr. Oldham and took his compan- ion. He has always made farming his occupation and he has been quite successful. He now owns 141 acres of well improved land, besides what is known as the Oldham saw and grist mill which he rents. He formerly belonged to the Methodist Protestant Church, and holds his letter from that organization. He also belongs to the Masonic organization, having been connected with that society since he was twenty-three years of age. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives,
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where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him, and has been honored by being selected as his party's central committee man for four years.
GEORGE W. PHARES, of Marion, is a native of Union Town- ship, born October 25, 1840, the youngest in a family of seven children, born to Isaac and Polina ( Halbrook) Phares, who were both natives of North Carolina, and they came to Shelby County in a very early day, about 1825; the former died in 1842, his widow remained a resident until her death, which occurred in 1881. George W. remained at home and assisted in the support of his widowed mother until he attained the age of twenty-six years, receiv- ing a limited education in consequence of having to work, his mother needing his help. March 5, 1867, his marriage with Mary Yarling was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, these five now living: Mary C., now Mrs. Lon Rhoades; John W., Henry E., Carrie and Nora. Mr. Phares has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He and wife now own 325 acres of well improved land, all the accu- mulation of their own industry and economy. He and wife and three oldest children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he has always been a Republican.
WILLIAM H. POND, a leading citizen of Marion Township, is a native of Franklin County, Ind., where he was born November 24, 1839, being the youngest in a family of nine children born to Henry and Catherine (Watson) Pond, who were natives of New York and Scotland, respectively. Our subject was reared in his native county, remaining at home and assisting his father in his tannery, and on a farm until he attained his majority. He received a com- mon school education. February 16, 1859, his marriage with Car- olina Larrimore was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, these six now living: Henry, who married Etta Kennedy, Lucy, wife of Riley Sedgwick, Dewitt, Albert, Walter and Oscar. In 1863, Mr. Pond removed to and located in Shelby County, where he has since made his home. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land. He and family are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Republican, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives. He was honored by his party in 1876, with the nomination to the position of Sheriff, but his party being in the minority, he, with the rest of the ticket, was defeated.
HARRISON RHOADES, a prominent citizen and native of Marion Township, was born October 4, 1828, being the eldest in a family
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of eight chileren born to Beaton and Sarah (Rhoades) Rhoades. They came to this county in February, 1821, from North Carolina. He was reared to manhood on the farm, remaining at home and assisting his parents until he attained the age of twenty-four years. In 1852, his marriage with Lucretia J. Whicker was solemnized; that union was of short duration as her death occurred February 14, 1853. May 16, 1859, his and Rosanna Cook's nuptials were 'celebrated, and to their union seven children were born: Balser, who married Rhoena Fisher; Mary J., now Mrs. Robert F. Hauck; Sarah C., wife of John W. Brown; Franklin, unmarried; Emma M., consort of Jasper L. Whicker; Vira E., now Mrs. George W. Whicker and George C. T. Mr. Rhoades has always made farm- ing his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 152 acres of well improved land. In politics he has always been a Democrat. Mrs. Rhoades was born July 7, IS32; she was a daughter of Cornelius and Mary (Wilkinson) Cook, who were also among the early settlers of this county, remaining residents until their death.
JESSE RHODES was born April 11, 1829, the son of John and Perlina (Hodge) Rhodes, who were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. Adam Rhodes, paternal grandfather of our subject, was of German parentage, was born in North Car- olina, grew to manhood there and married Susan Fox. In 18IS, himself and family came to Fayette County, Ind., coming in Feb- ruary. IS21, to Shelby County, where they lived until their deaths. John Rhodes, father of our subject, was born March 26, 1800, and was married in Shelby County, Ind., September 5, 1824, to Perlina Hodges, daughter of Jesse and Rebecca (Fisher) Hodges, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively; they having settled in Indiana in 1809. John Rhodes was started in life by his father with forty acres of land, at the time of his death he was the proprietor of over 1, 100 acres of land. He died on the farm now owned by our subject, January 28, 1849. His widow survived him a number of years, and passed away October, ISS3. Jesse remained at home with and assisted his parents until he had nearly attained the age of twenty-one years, receiving a limited education, such as the facilities of those days afforded. September 27, 1849, his marriage with Cornelia J. Nigh was solemnized. She was a daughter of John and Cynthia Nigh, early settlers of this county. Mrs. Rhodes was born June 28, 1830, and is the mother of the following named children: Cynthia E., Elvira, John F., Margaret A., Alonzo, William E. and Charles, now living, Emma and an infant are deceased children. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also belongs to
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the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Republican. He ranks as one of the most successful farmers of the county and owns 342 acres.
SYLVESTER THOMAS was born in Marion Township, March I, 1827, being the sixth in a family of ten children, born to William and Mary (Reece) Thomas, who were natives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively. They emigrated to Indiana and Shelby County in the spring of 1821, and settled in what is now Marion Township; they continued residents of this county until their deaths, the father dying in 1836, the mother in 1845. Our subject after his father's death lived with his brother-in-law for three years. He worked around in the neighborhood, receiving a common school ed- ucation such as was to be obtained in the primitive log school-houses of those days. February, 1848, his marriage with Colistia Kitchel was solemnized, and to their union eight children have been born: Jane, now Mrs. Leander Billman; Mary, wife of Leander Fortiner; Milretta, consort of Allen Myer: Rebecca, wife of Gilbert Hartless; Ellen, now Mrs. John Vought; Laura, wife of Douglas House; Al- bert, who married Alice Engle, and George. Mr. Thomas has always made farming his occupation, and has been quite successful. He now owns 660 acres of well improved land, all the accumulation of his own industry and good management. In politics he is a Re- publican. Mrs. Thomas was also a native of Shelby County, the daughter of Percy and Mary (Fox) Kitchel. She was born in 1824.
MORAL SKETCHES.
ROBERT BELTON has been a resident of Shelby County since December, 1833. He was born in Rockingham County, N. C., April II, 1822. He accompanied relatives to this county and has resided here ever since. He began life a poor boy, and can be termed a self-made man. In 1849, he was married to Miss Emily House, daughter of John and Ella House, old residents of this county, where Mrs. Belton was born. This union was blessed with two children, Tyrell and Cornelius. Mrs. Belton died in 1852, and in 1854, Mr. Belton married Caroline Chamberlain. Their children are: Maria, Benjamin F. and Annie, all living. Mr. and Mrs. Belton are members of the Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. Belton is a staunch Democrat and an active worker in the party. IIe owns a comfortable home in Section 26, and is honest and upright in all his dealings. He enlisted during the Mexican War and took part in the battle of Buena Vista, and to-day draws pension for that service.
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MARQUIS CASE has been a resident of Moral Township forty- five years. He was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., on January 17, 1815. His parents were Elijah and Mary Case, natives of New York, deceased. Our subject lived in New York until his twenty- first year. About 1836, he came to Switzerland County, Indiana, and worked at millwrighting, which he followed for a number of years. In 1840, he came to this county, and has resided here ever since. In 1842, he was married to Darinda Doble, by whom he had one child, William, who died in infancy; he has lived here most all his life, and has been engaged in repairing mills. In 1886, his wife, who had stood by his side for so many years, was called away. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Case owns a farm near town, and valuable residence property and eleven acres in London. Honest through life, he is now an old and respected citizen.
JOEL CRUM, a well-to-do farmer of Moral Township, is a native of Dauphin County, Penn., where he was born May 30, 1816. His parents were Peter and Elizabeth Crum, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, and of German descent. . Joel was reared on a farm, and farming has been his principal occupation through life. By attend- ing the district schools in his youth he received a fair education. At the age of twenty, he removed to Juniata County, Penn., where he resided three years, and while a resident of that county he was united in marriage with Miss Maria L. Jeffries, who was born in Juniata County, Penn., March 12, 1819. Soon after their marriage, which occurred May 30, 1839, they emigrated to Fayette County, Ind., and resided there as renters until the spring of 1842, when they settled in Moral Township on what is known as the Jeffries farm, west of Sugar Creek. This was then comparatively a new country, and many changes have taken place since the arrival of the Crums. The family circle of our subject was blessed with five sons and three daughters. They were: Jerome, Michael E., Ma- tilda C., George W., J. W., Mary E., Louisa I., and Columbus O., of whom Jerome, Columbus and Louisa are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Crum are members of the Methodist Church. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has served as Township Assessor. As early as 1834, he ran a threshing machine, known then as the " Ground hog," and during every season for over fifty years he has been en- gaged in threshing. All through life he has been a hard working, industrions man and one whose labors have been attended by suc- cess. He has reared a large family of sons and daughters with whom he has dealt liberally by assisting them to homes. He has passed his three score years and ten, but is in very good health, and he and his venerable wife who have traveled life's journey to-
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gether through its trials and hardships, bid fair to live many years yet and enjoy the pleasures of honorable lives well spent. In 1855-56, Mr. Crum was engaged in the merchandise business in London, Ind.
GEORGE W. CRUM, a prominent farmer of Moral Township, and son of Joel and Maria L. Crum, whose biography appears above, was born near London, Ind., October 3, IS47. His entire life has been spent here; and farming is his occupation. In his youth he received a fair education. On March 5, 1872, he took for his life companion Miss Kate L. Havens, daughter of David and Mary L. ( Wilson ) Havens, natives of Indiana. The former was the son of Rev. James Havens, a noted minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Indiana, who spent his life in the ministry, and was counted one of the leading workers of his day. David Havens, the father of Mrs. Crum, also entered the ministry at an early age, and was battling for God at the time of his death, June 6, 1860. The mother is still living. Mrs. Crum was born near London, August 23, 1853, and spent her girlhood days here, and by attending the district schools received a good education. This union was blessed with three children: Roena, born December 25, 1872; Orrin II., born May 18, 1875, and Frederick E., born March 6, 1884, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Crum are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Crum is a Democrat. He is one of the active workers of Moral Township.
JOHN H. GARVER, Trustee of Moral Township, was born in Hamilton, Buttler Co., Ohio, May 15, 1855. His parents were William H. and Mary A. (Kimble) Garver, natives of Ohio, the former of German, and the latter of Irish extraction. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in the City of Hamilton, Ohio, and received an education in the Hamilton schools, reaching the High School department at the age of eleven. After securing his educa- tion he engaged in teaching, and successfully taught for twelve years. His career as a teacher began in Hancock County, Ind., in 1875, and he has taught every year since. In 1871, he accompanied his parents to Hancock County, this State, and in 1877, he began teach- ing in Moral Township, and has resided here ever since. On August 14, 1879. he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah King, daughter of James and Mary (Smith) King, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of North Carolina. Mr. King came to Shelby County in 1825, he was then but seven years of age, and resided here until February, 1871, when he was called away. Mrs. Garver is a native of Moral Township, where she was born December 23, 1858. Their five children are: Harry U., Mary A., A. M. Clare, Jolly J., and Chattie B., of whom Jolly J. is
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