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 69
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
WILLIAM H. CRAFTON, a native of Decatur County, Ind., was born July 23, 1835. He was the eldest of seven children born to Thomas and Mary ( Shirley) Crafton. Grandfather Crafton came to America from Ireland before the War of 1776, in which he served. Thomas Crafton was reared a farmer boy, and came to Decatur County early in life. He married Miss Shirley in 1834, who was a native of Indiana. In IS46, he located in Noble Town- ship, Shelby County. He died just after the close of the late war, and his wife died in 1872. Both were members of the Baptist Church. William H. Crafton was reared on the farm, and had the advantages of a common school education. At the age of twenty- one, he began life for himself as a farmer, which occupation he has followed through life. In March, 1874, he entered his present home, where he owns 149 acres of improved land. In March, 1861, he married Miss Sarah E. Phillippe, born September 18, 1837, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Phillippe, natives of Vir- ginia. Mrs. Crafton died September 15, 1872, leaving six small children: Martha, wife of William G. Wasson, Mary, Allie, died age thirteen, Kate, Grant and Thomas. Mr. Crafton was married to his present wife. January 4, 1876. Miss Sarah Lawson, a native of Decatur County, who was born December 25, 1847. Her par-
725
NOBLE SKETCHES.
ents were natives of Kentucky. By this marriage three children were born: Clyde, Nellie and Sherman. Mr. Crafton is one of the leading citizens of his township.
GEORGE W. CUSKADEN Was born in Ireland, November 23, 1830. His parents, Thomas and Bessie (Long) Cuskaden, were both na- tives of Ireland, born in 1803 and 1804, respectively. George Cuskaden was reared a farmer. He lived with his parents until October, 1852, when he started for America. He landed at New Orleans and found work there loading and unloading ships. He then visited several of the large cities and then went through the country selling goods. This enabled him to save a little money and he determined to become an American citizen and live a farmer's life. He worked as a farm hand and tended crops for some time, then rented a farm, and finally buying one in Noble Township. In 1857, he married Miss Charity Bartley, of Jasper County, daughter of John P. and Elsie ( Allen ) Bartley, of Welsh and Irish parentage. Mr. Cuskaden then purchased his present farm of 187 acres in Shelby County. He now owns a fine, large, and well improved farm. In politics he is a Democrat, and in the fall of 1878, was elected County Commissioner of third district. He was re-elected in 1884, also in 1886. Mrs. Cuskaden is a mem- ber of the Episcopal Church, and an active worker. They are the parents of nine children, seven now living: John, James A., Ed- mund, Esther, Sarah A., George R. and Nora. The father of ,George, Thomas Cuskaden, after the death of his wife, came to America, where he resided with his son. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and an honest, Christian man.
MORRIS DILTS was born in Ohio, December 18, 1837. He was the youngest of nine children born to Morris and Parmalia (Jen- kins ) Dilts. Morris Dilts, Sr., was reared a farmer boy in Ken- tucky, and had a common school education. He moved to Ohio with his parents and lived there until 1869, when he moved to Shelby County, Ind. He then located at St. Paul where he is now living. Morris Dilts, Jr., was also reared on a farm and had a com- mon school education. When he became of age he started for himself in the pottery business. He then worked at farming until he enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. His company was in Gen. Bank's Division under Mcclellan. He received an honorable discharge in May, 1862. IIe then engaged in stone quarrying at St. Paul, Ind. He enlisted again in Lawrence County with Company A, Thirty-fourth Regiment Indiana Vol- unteers, and was at once taken to Kentucky, where active service was begun. They marched through Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. He was taken sick and moved back to Ohio. In 1867,
726
SHELBY COUNTY.
he began farming at St. Paul, Ind., where he lived for seventeen years, and then located at Flat Rock. He now owns a fine farm of 160 acres. He is a member of the Democratic party and also a member of the G. A. R. He is the father of nine children: James, Harry, Rosa, Charles, Mary, Fredrick, Lewis. George, Renton. Mrs. Dilts is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Dilts is one of the representative men of his township.
ROBERT ELLIOTT was born in Decatur County, Ind., July S, 1826. He was the fifth born of nine children to Alexander and Rebecca (Ewing) Elliott. Alexander Elliott worked at the tanner's trade until the War of 1812, when his brother was drafted, he then served several months as a substitute for him. After the war he married Miss Ewing, July 27, 1815. In 1824, he moved to Duck Creek, Decatur County, where he entered land. He died March 21, 1878, at the age of eighty-four, and his wife in ISSo. Robert Elliott was reared in Decatur County, within one and one-half miles of where he now lives. He was married July 11, 1847, to Miss Martha Neal, born in Boone County, Kv., in 1826. The spring after he was married, Mr. Elliott moved on the farm where he now lives. Mrs. Elliott died September 27, 1854, leaving two daugh- ters: Rebecca and Elizabeth. Mr. Elliott married Elizabeth Neal, his present wife, sister of his first wife, in 1856. She was born in this county May 25, 1838. By this marriage a son was born, Vanison, now a farmer. Mr. Elliott is now well off, owning a good deal of land mainly the fruit of his own hard work.
JACOB FEASTER was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., De- cember 14, 1816. His parents, Martin and Ann ( Agelley) Feas- ter, both natives of Germany, born near Strasburg in 1776 and 1782, respectively, had ten children, six boys and four girls; three sons and one daughter are still living. Martin, the eldest son, served as a soldier under Bonaparte for a short time on the Rhine. He was furnished means by his father and came to America in I799. While on board the ship he met Miss Agelley, and on arriving in America they were married. They located in Hunt- ingdon County, Penn., and later in Bedford County, Penn., where he died in 1832, leaving eight small children. Jacob Feaster was brought up on a farm and received a very limited education. When sixteen years old his father died and he engaged as ap- prentice in the millwright trade, but three years later started out for himself. He came to Rush County, Ind., in 1837, where he worked at his trade and was soon foreman of a corps of hands. He worked at his trade until 1859, when he located upon his present farm. He now owns a farm of 172 acres of improved land worth $100 an acre. January 29, 1845, he married Miss Sarah A.
727
NOBLE SKETCHES.
Pence, of Rush County, born in Warren County, Ohio, daughter of Lewis and Rachel (McDonald) Pence, natives of Virginia and Ohio. By this marriage seven children were born, Royal P., Man- ford, Leander, Lura, died aged two years, Allie J. and Rachel A. Mr. and Mrs. Feaster are respected by all who know them.
WILLIAM A. GOODWIN, a native of Decatur County, Ind., was born February 20, 1846. He was the seventh born of twelve children, eight daughters and four sons, of whom seven daughters and four sons are still living. His parents, William and Mary (Elder) Goodwin, were born in Dearborn County, Ind., and Lin- coln County, Ky., respectively. The parents of the former were of English and German descent, and were natives of Virginia. Those of the latter were natives of Virginia and Michigan, of Irish and English descent. William Goodwin came to Decatur County with his parents when a young man, they being among the first set- tlers in the county. He remained there until he was married June 16, 1832, to Miss Mary Elder, who came to the county with her parents in 1820. They both had a common school education and Mr. Goodwin taught school for several years. He would teach during the day and work at night, thus making money enough to enter his first home, which was given by Andrew Jackson. He started on forty acres of woodland and by hard work succeeded in redeeming a good home. He sold this and purchased eighty acres, where he lived until 1851. He then sold out and located in Noble Township, purchasing there 160 acres where he resided the rest of his life. During his early life he followed flat-boating on the Ohio River. He was an active, hard working man of fine edu- cation and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He died Dec- ember 26, 1873, at the age of sixty-eight, and his wife September 17, 187I, at the age of sixty-one. William Goodwin, Jr., came to the county with his parents when but ten years old. He was reared on a farm, but had a common school education, also one year in the Milford Graded School, preparing himself for teaching, but when he became of age he began farming on his own responsibility. He worked his father's farm until he was twenty-seven years old, when he married Miss Emeline Shirly of Shelby County, daughter of Hardin and Cassandra (Moore) Shirly, natives of Kentucky. By this union three children were born: Alva, born June 16, 1873; Deusa, born December 14, 1874; Frank, born September 14, 1876. Mr. Goodwin located on the farm where he now lives, in 1873. It is well improved and consists of 160 acres, which when he entered was partially cleared. He is a scientific farmer and well posted. He is a public spirited man and takes a great inter-
728
SHELBY COUNTY.
est in school work. He is a member of the Democratic ranks and served two terms as Township Trustee from 1876 to ISSO.
REV. SAMUEL H. GREGORY was born in Noble Township, April 11, 1836, within two miles of where he now lives. His parents, Joel and Nancy (Springer) Gregory, were natives of Kentucky. He was reared on a farm and had a common school education. When nineteen years old he began life for himself, farming on rented land. He was married July IS, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth R. Hinkle, of Noble Township; she was a daughter of Lewis and Saloma (Reed ) Hinkle, who were of German parentage. Mr. Gregory followed farming until 1871, when he commenced burning lime. Being successful in this, he has continued the business to the present time. He was called to the pulpit by Bishop Keenan, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1876, and has been actively en- gaged in ministerial work ever since. He is the father of seven children: Wilbur, Sarah, McClellan, Carrie, Joe, Effie, Chester. His wife died August 18, 1887, after a long illness. Mr. Gregory is a man highly esteemed, of fine qualities and noble character, and is an enthusiastic christian.
JAMES HENDRICKSON was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, May 9. 1827. He was the youngest of six children, born to James and Elizabeth ( Nayls) Hendrickson, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. His mother (Elizabeth) was of English and German parentage, his father of Welch parentage. His father, James Hendrickson, Sr., came to Kentucky when about sixteen years old. He was reared on a farm, and early learned to be in- dustrious and honest. He was married early in life, and in 1827, moved to Shelby County, where he took up eighty acres of land. He assisted in the organization of his township, for he was among the early settlers, and in his time there were only Indian trails for roads. His wife was a great help to him in this hard life of the pioneer, she spun and wove flax, and wool, and in this way clothed the family. Mr. Hendrickson was a Whig in politics, and an honest, upright man. He died in 1842, at the age of sixty-three. His wife lived twenty years after his death and died in 1862, at the age of seventy-eight years. Mr. James Hendrickson, Jr., is the only living member of the family. He has spent his entire life in this township, having never been out of the State but once, when he visited some of the Western States. He was but six years old when he came to this county with his parents, and his father died when he was fifteen, leaving him and his mother to take care of the farm, where he lived until he was married. He married Miss B. Dunn, born in Jefferson County, Indiana, December 7, 1829, the
729
NOBLE SKETCHES.
daughter of Hosa and Elizabeth ( Christie) Dunn, natives of Ken- tucky, of English and German parentage. They had ten children: Sarah J., John P., Mary E., Ruth W., Lewis M., Susan A., Joseph M., James U., Melissa A. and Harvey Rosco. Mr. Hendrickson resided on the old farm until his mother's death, when he purchased his present home in 1864. He now owns a farm of 160 acres of improved land, mainly the fruit of his own labor. He is a member of the Republican party, and one of the hard workers of his town- ship. He is a member of the Presbyterian Baptist Church, a hard working, honest man and highly esteemed by all who know him.
WILLIAM R. HINKLE was born in this township September 25, IS38. His parents were both natives of Butler County, Ohio. He was the eldest of five children, three sons and two daughters. His parents and grandparents were of German parentage. His great-grandfather was killed by the Indians shortly after coming to this country. The father of William Hinkle was reared in Ohio, and remained there until 1837, when he came to Shelby County, lo- cating west of St. Paul. He served as Township Trustee, and was a member of the Baptist Church. William Hinkle was reared on a farm and received a common school education. His mother died when he was seven years old. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years old, when he was married, October 6, 1859, to Miss Hannah M. Weidner, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, March 1, 1840, daughter of John and Catharine ( Miller) Weidner, natives of Butler County, Ohio, of German descent. By this mar- riage there were five children: Mary C., died, aged two years; Sarah E., born September 29, 1862; John L., born October 14, IS64: Florence E., born July 15, 1869, and Samuel HI., born May 9, 1874. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Hinkle purchased the place where he now resides. He is a Democrat in principles, though lib- eral in home elections. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have been in the church for up- wards of thirty years. He has acted as Superintendent of the Sunday School the greater part of this time.
THOMAS HOBAN, ex-Representative, was born in Ireland in 1822. His parents, John and Mariah ( Grime) Hoban, natives of Ireland, had four children, three sons and a daughter. While the children were very young their mother died, and not long after Thomas came to America with his father. In 1833, he went to live with Mr. Henry McMurry of Delaware County, N. Y., with whom he lived six years, going to school some of the time. He then went to Connecticut where he worked for three years, then peddled, making his way back to New York. He was married April 12, IS43, to Miss Donzilla Crosby, daughter of Hopkins and Elizabeth
730
SHELBY COUNTY.
(Weed) Crosby, of New York and Connecticut, respectively. Soon after Mr. Hoban was married, he purchased forty acres of land in Delaware County, N. Y., where he lived for several years. After this he owned several small farms. He moved to Shelby County in 1850, and bought the farm where he now lives, in 1857. It is located on the south bank of the Flatrock. He is an active worker in the Democratic ranks, and served as Township Trustee from 1865 to 1870. He also was elected as Representative in 1884. Tired of political life he is now farming and stock raising. He is the father of nine children, seven now living: John, Hopkins, An- thony, Theodore, Calvin, Mariah and Elizabeth. Mr. Hoban's first wife died June 22, 1879, and he married again in June, 1882, Mrs. Oliva (Barlow) Keisling, born in Indiana, May, 1843. Mr. Hoban. is a man of great public enterprise and is highly respected.
JOHN HOWARD came to Noble Township in 1854, and took up forty acres of land near where he now lives; previous to this time he had lived in Decatur on a rented farm. and before he went to Decatur he lived at Brandywine, in this county. He now owns a good farm of 280 acres, the fruit of his industry and economy. He has built an elegant residence and other farm buildings. In 1852, January 22, he married Miss Mary E. Pullen, who was born near Oxford. Ind., October 15, 1832. She was the daughter of William and Martha Pullen, of Irish and German parentage. They were both reared in Virginia, and came to Indiana in 1832, and came to Shelby County in 1851. By this marriage nine children were born, of whom seven are now living: Dennis C., James W., Sarah J., Jesse, Martha, Orthoe and Oscar. Mrs. Howard is a member of the Bap- tist Church and a fine christian woman. Mr. Howard's father was born in 1795, August 21, in Camel County, Ky. He lived in Ohio the greater part of his life on a farm. He married Miss Martha Baldrige in 1818. She was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., in 1798. He came to Decatur County in 1834, where he purchased a small farm. He lived there until 1875, and then moved to Noble Township. He was a Democrat, and served as County Assessor for nine years. He died January 19, 1882, at the age of eighty- seven. Ilis wife died one year before this. These worthy people. have three sons now living, of whom John Howard is the eldest. Stephen lives in this county and Nicholas in Livingston County, Mich. John Howard was born in Ohio, August 14, 1824. He is a thorough business man and a member of the Democratic party.
FRANCIS W. JONES was born in Knaba County, April II, IS25. His parents, Uriah and Jane Jones, were natives of Virginia, and Ireland, of English and Irish parentage. His father was a farmer and served in the War of 1812. He died in 1842, leaving
731
NOBLE SKETCHES.
seven children. Francis Jones was then seventeen years old, and on him devolved the support of the family. The mother died in 1850. Francis, and his sister Rebecca, are the only children now living. He was married to Miss Eleanor Johnston, of this county, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Marshall) Johnston, natives of South Carolina. Mr. Jones bought the home farm and owns be- sides, 308 acres of good land. He is the father of four children, one son and three daughters: Amos L., Margaret J., Henrietta, and Mary. Mrs. Jones died June IS, 1886. She was a member of the Separate Baptist Church. Mr. Jones is also a member of this church.
REV. JOHN KEELING, a native of Washington County, Ky., was born July 28, ISI0. His parents, James and Mary Keeling, were natives of Kentucky, of Scotch and German parentage. Rev. Keeling came to Shelby County with his parents when seven years old. He was married January 30, 1831, to Miss Rebecca Farrall, who was a native of Virginia, born August 25, ISO8. She was the daughter of John and Eleanor Farrall, of Virginia, of Irish parentage. Mr. Keeling was taught industry in early life, and was a hard working man. He started in life very poor, but by hard work saved some money and entered eighty acres of land at Flat- rock. He lived here nineteen years, then sold out and went to Switzerland County, where he first began doing ministerial work in 1840, with the Separate Baptists. After this he moved to his present home, where he owns 100 acres of well cultivated land. During the last three years he has accepted no regular pastoral work, but previous to this time had three or four churches. He has been a great revivalist. He is the father of eight children, three sons and five daughters. Rev. Keeling and wife are among the leading citizens of their county, and highly esteemed by all who know them.
JONATHAN H. LOWE is a native of Decatur County, Ind. He was born May 30, 1830, the second born of six children, three sons and one daughter now living. His parents, Jonathan and Elizabeth (Vance) Lowe, were both natives of Kentucky, born in 1803 and and 1796, respectively, of English and German parentage. Jona- than was a farmer, and in early life came with his people to In- diana, where he married Mrs. (Whittman) Vance. In IS28, he located three miles south of Greensburg, where he lived a pioneer's life. He entered 200 acres of land and had a nice home started, when he died, being only thirty-five years of age. He was a Whig in politics, and belonged to the Baptist Church. He left five small children. His wife died in 1878, at the age of eighty- two. Jonathan Lowe, Jr., was reared a farmer boy, receivng a
732
SHELBY COUNTY.
limited education. He took charge of the farm and remained with his mother until 1857, when he married Miss Charity A. James, a native of Rush County, born October 11, 1839. She was the daughter of Walter and Nancy (Cones) James, natives of Penn- sylvania and Kentucky, of Irish and Scotch parentage. Soon after his marriage Mr. Lowe bought a farm of his own near his old home, where he lived until 1859. He then engaged in business with his brother for a short time. and then removed to this county, where he has since resided, except eight years he lived in Decatur County. His present farm contains 260 acres of highly improved land. He is a Prohibitionist, but was formerly a Democrat. He has a family of eight children: William J .. Walter S .. Henry V., Alpheus C., Charity A .. John A., Nancy E. and Joseph P. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
MATTHIAS MOUNT. a native of Shelby County, Ky., was born August 12, 1817. He was the second born of six children to P. J. and Elizabeth P. (Woodward) Mount. Thomas Mount was born near New Lexington, Ky., May IS, 1794. He served in the War of 1812. In February, 1815, he married Miss Wood- ward, who was born in Virginia, March 24, 1793. He went to Washington County. Ind., in 18IS, where he lived a frontier life. He then went to Olden County, then to Decatur County, and finally settled in Shelby County, where he entered land in 1834. He built the second brick house in the township, burning his own brick. He had a nice home nearly completed when he died May 30, 1842, aged forty-eight years. He was a Democrat, and a mem- ber of the regular Baptist Church. His wife survived him until Jan- uary 26, 1863. She was seventy years old when she died. Matthias Mount was reared a farmer boy in Kentucky. He was seven- teen years old when he came to this county, and he helped his father in the construction of their home. He remained with his father until his death, working at teaming in the winter and staving on the farm in summer. December 15, 1842, he married Miss Marga- ret Marsh, a native of Butler County, Ohio, born December 24, 1824. She was the daughter of John R. and Elizabeth (Baker) Marsh, natives of Ohio and New Jersey, respectively. By this marriage ten children were born, of whom four are now living: Thomas J., born August 24, 1845; Martha J., wife of Sidney Hanks, of Iowa: Amos II., born November 5, 1851, and Emma, born February 12, 1864. Mr. Mount still lives on the old farm where he has erected fine brick buildings. He is a member of the Democratic party, and is a strong advocate of temperance. He also takes a great interest in school work. He, served as Township Trustee under the old law. He and his wife are highly esteemed wherever known.
733
NOBLE SKETCHES.
LOUIS NEIBERT was born in Wertimburg, Germany, February 4, 1829. He was the youngest child of four children, two sons and two daughters, born to Christopher and Christena Neibert, both natives of Germany. Christopher Neibert was a shoemaker, and followed this occupation throughout his life. He died in 1834, at the age of fifty-two, and his wife in 1836, at the age of fifty- seven. They were members of the Lutheran Church. Louis Neibert, when seven years old, was left an orphan and lived with his grandfather. He attended school until fourteen years old, and when twenty-one years old, came to America. He located at Cin- cinnati, where he was very poor, and engaged in gardening for a few years. He then worked west from Cincinnati. In 1858, he married Miss Sarah Cole, who was born March 10, 1840, daughter of Abner Colee, of this township. Mr. Neibert, soon after his marriage, located in this township, and located on a rented farm. In 1868, he purchased his present home; he now owns 185 acres of improved land. He is the father of eleven children. eight girls and three boys. Arabelle, Hannah, Lorinda, John. Christena, Mary, Bertha, Dallas, Cora, Ella, Roscoe. Mr. Neibert belongs to the Republican party, and is a highly respected citizen.
WILLIAM REED was born in Butler County, Ohio, September 20, 1830. He was the second son born to George and Mary (Zerver ) Reed, both natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Decatur in 1836, and bought 240 acres of land. Three years later they moved to Noble Township. George Reed was a careful business man and fine farmer. He was a member of the Demo- cratic party. He died in March, 1875, aged seventy-three, and his wife in 1869, aged sixty-five. William Reed was employed in his youth in helping his father on the farm, and received only a limited education. In 1849, October 14, he married Miss Christena Auspach, of Decatur County. She was born August 20, 1831, and was a daughter of Jacob and Edena (Israel) Auspach, natives of New York. They had ten children, Lewis, Allen M., Eleanor, Malinda, Mattie, Frank, Jacob, Georgiean, Hattie and Mollie. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Reed rented a farm, where he lived for thirty years. During this time he saved enough money to buy the home where he now lives. It consists of 186 acres of fine land. He bought it in 1880, and began living on it in 1883. He built a fine house and has now one of the best houses in the county. Heis a member of the Democratic party, and also belongs to the Freemasons. He and his wife are members of the Presby- terian Church.
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.