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 70
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JOHN P. TAYLOR, M. D., born December S, 1844. is the eldest son of James and Mary (Howard) Taylor. John Taylor, father
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of James, was born in Virginia, in 1775, and served unden Gen. Anthony Wayne. John Taylor when but seven years of age moved with his parents to Ripley County. He was reared a farmer's son but had the advantage of a common school education. At the age of seventeen he commenced to teach school, and followed this occu- pation for three years, and working on the farm at the same time. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. James R. Lewis, of Canaan. He remained with him three years, attending lectures at the medical school at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the meantime, where he graduated with honors in 1869. He located at Cross Plains, Rip- ley County, where he remained until the fall of 1874. He then moved to Geneva where he has since resided. He has had an ex- tensive practice, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. In April, 1885, he married Mrs. Hattie Akers, of Ripley County, a highly accomplished lady. She was a suffererer from consumption, and died April 18, 1887.
JAMES B. THORNBURG is a native of Noble Township. His father, Thomas Thornburg, was born in Mifflin County, Pennsyl- vania, November 4, 1805. He married Miss Berry, February 22, IS33. They had seven children, of whom James was the fourth born. In 1837. Thomas Thornburg came to Shelby County, where he purchased a small farm. By hard work he succeeded in in- creasing this farm, until he had upwards of 600 acres of good land. He succeeded in life, so that in his last days he lived as a
retired farmer. He died January II, 1884, and his wife in the
same year, August 21.
They were among the leading citizens of
their township. James Thornburg was born September 7, 1841. He lived at home until he was twenty-seven years old, when he married Miss Mary D. Benson, who was born in Noble Township, November 20, 1843. She was a daughter of John W. and Mary J. ( Clark) Benson, natives of North Carolina and Pennsylvania, respectively. In 1882, he purchased his present farm in Decatur County, where he owns 200 acres. He is the father of four chil- dren: Ira A .. John, Charlie M. and Nellie J. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a fine farmer and has made life a success.
JAMES WASSON was born in Kentucky, December 13, 1831. He was the eldest of eight children born to George C. and Sarah (Harper) Wasson, both natives of Kentucky, born November 9, 1806, and August 27, 1829, respectively. George C. Wasson came north from Kentucky, in the fall of 1834. He entered the ministry early in life, and was always an active worker in Sepa- rate Baptist Church. He died at the age of forty-six in 1852, and his wife in 1854, at the age of forty-five. He left several small
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOP, LENOX AND ULDAN FOUNDATIONS L
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children of whom four sons and two daughters are still living. Nancy, Melvina, William and John of this township, and Hardin of Washington County. James Wasson was reared on the farm where he now lives, and being the eldest son, assisted in taking care of the farm. At his mother's death he took charge of the homestead, and when the children came of age bought their inter- est. He married Miss Mary Goodwin in 1852. She was born in Decatur County, April 2, 1831, and was the daughter of William and Mary (Elder) Goodwin. He began life very poor, but has now a nice home. A great deal is due to Mrs. Wasson, who has worked hard and made beautiful their pleasant home.
JAMES WASSON, Township Trustee, was born December 31, 1838. His parents, John J. and Polly ( Harper) Wassor., were both natives of Bourbon County, Ky., the former born December 5, ISIO, of Irish and German parentage; the latter born Decem- ber 24, IS12, of English parentage. John Wasson was reared in his native county a farmer boy, and received a common school ed- ucation. He married Miss Harper in 1829, who was reared in the same county. They moved north to Indiana in October, 1833, where Mr. Wasson bought land and lived for a few years. Ile then moved two miles north of Shelby County. He assisted in laying out the roads of his township. He died March 2, 1875, aged sixty-five years. He was a member of the Baptist Church for over thirty years. James Wasson was reared as a farmer and re- ceived a limited education in the common schools. He remained at home with his parents until twenty-six years of age, when he married Miss Mary E. Hill September 22, 1864; she is a native of Noble Township, born August 24, 1845, and is the daughter of John C. and Barbara (Kennedy) Hill, natives of Indiana and Ken- tucky, respectively. They had eight children: Walter, Curtis, Ar- thur, Barbara, Otis, Prudence, Marshall and Bessie. Mr. Wasson worked the home farm for five years after his marriage and then located in Noble Township, where he resided sixteen years, and then located on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Wasson is a staunch Democrat, and an active worker. He was elected Town- ship Trustee in 1886. He takes a great interest in school work. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.
GEORGE WRIGHT is a native of England, born March 11, 1835. He was the seventh born of ten children -five sons and five daughters. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Gould) Wright, were both natives of England. William Wright was a farmer, and was one of the self-made men. He reared nine children to manhood and womanhood, eight of whom are now living. He was a member of the Episcopalian Church. George Wright was reared
30
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on a farm, and received a good education. He remained home until sixteen years old, when he started for America, November 2, 1852. He went to live with his brother in this county. Having limited means. he set out to find work. He found work on a farm, and later in life bought the farm, where he has since resided. He married Mary Avery in 1855: born in this county September 19, I836, the daughter of George and Sophia (Bartley) Avery - the former born in Auroa. N. Y., in ISoo, the latter in Adams County, Ohio, in IS12, who . were among the early settlers of this county. By this marriage three children were born: Frank Carlton, born May 20, 1856: Albert William. born October 16, 1861; Sophia E., born August 3, 1864. Mrs. Wright died February 5, 1872, from consumption. She belonged to the Presbyterian Baptist Church. Mr. Wright was married again on June 3. 1873. to Miss Ellen Short, who was born in Hamilton County. Ohio. March 31, 1840, the daughter of Thomas K. Short and Sarah Allen. both natives of England. Mr. Wright's present home is on the left bank of Flat Rock, and he has one of the most beautiful homes in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are Universalists in belief.
SHELBY SKETCHES.
WILLIAM AMos, an honored pioneer of Shelby County, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., June 30, 1816. He was the seventh of eleven children-four sons and seven daughters --- born to Elijah and Rebecca (Neal) Amos. the former a native of Maryland, of Dutch and Irish descent. When he was twelve years of age he accompanied his parents to Rush County, Ind., and settled with them upon a farm. There his youth was spent assisting his father to clear and cultivate the farm. At nineteen years of age. or about 1835. he came to this county, a resident of which he has been ever since. His life occupation has been that of a farmer. His place of residence has chiefly been in Addison Township. He has resided where he now lives in Shelby Township but two years. His first marriage occurred in February, 1837, when Mary Treece became his wife. She was a native of Ohio, and was the daughter of Jacob Treece. She died February 1, 1869, and February 10, 1870, he was married to Mrs. Mary Wood. who was born in the State of Ohio, September 31, 1835, and was the daughter of William and Cyntha ( Jackson) Cherry. both natives of Ohio. The first marriage of Mr. Amos resulted in the birth of eleven children: Rebecca J., Mohala, Sarah, Elizabeth, Thomas, Will- iam, Cassie, John, Milton, Perry, and a daughter that died in
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infancy. Of those named, William, Cassie, John and Milton, are deceased. His second marriage has resulted in the birth of two children: Anna M. and Elisha, both of whom are living. In politics Mr. Amos is a Republican.
JACOB EMRICHI, a prominent citizen of Shelby Township, is a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, where he was born No- vember 20, 1824, being the eldest of a family of seven children born to Peter and Christina (Schneider) Emrich, who were also natives of Germany. Jacob grew to manhood in his native country. He received a common school education. He remained at home and assisted his parents, they being farmers, until he reached the age of twenty-three years. April 7, 1847, his marriage with Mary Hartwein was solemnized, and to their union five children were born, viz .: Catharine, Christine, Elizabeth, Mary, Chapman and John. In 1855, Mr. Emrich and family emigrated to the United States, coming immediately to Shelby County. September 8, 1865, he lost his beloved wife by death. September, 1866, his and Phebe (Mohr) Lambert's marriage was celebrated: to their union these two children have been born: Margaret and Jacob. Mr. Emrich has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 290 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
JAMES V. B. Fix, a farmer of Shelby Township, was born in Washington Township, this county, May 16, 1831. He was the eldest of ten children, five sons and five daughters, born to Aaron and Margaret A. (Van Benthuson) Fix, the former a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born of Dutch and Scotch-Irish de- scent, in 1809. and the latter a native of New York City, born of French and German descent, in ISII, His paternal grandparents were Philip and Abigail (Hays) Fix, the former a native of Penn-
sylvania. His maternal grandparents were James and Susan ( Smith) Van Benthuson, the former a native of the State of New York. He became a resident of Shelby County in an early day, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1852, and, while in attendance in that body, he died from an attack of the cholera. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm in this county, and, at the age of twenty-one, or August 20, 1852, he was married to Reuland Randolph. Immediately after their mar- riage, Mr. and Mrs. Fix removed to Owen County, this State, where the latter died in November, IS54. In March, 1857, Mr. Fix emigrated to the State of Kansas, but in 1858, he returned to Owen County, and September 22d, of that year, he was married to Mahala Burket. Shortly after that marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
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SHELBY COUNTY.
Fix came to Shelby County, and located in Washington Township, but a year later they removed to Addison Township, now Shelby, and settled upon the farm Mr. Fix now occupies. His second wife died March 28, 1874, and on the 13th day of August, 1875, Mr. Fix was married to Abigail A. Carney, a native of Bartholomew County, this State, born April 16. 1857, and daughter of John and Susan (Fix) Carney, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter a native of Bartholomew County, this State. The second marriage of Mr. Fix resulted in the birth of seven children, as follows: Margaret G., born September 29, 1859, died October 18, 1877; John A., born January 31, 1862; Stephen S., born July 9, 1864; James R., born October 15, 1866; Charles F., born April 17, 1869; William M., born November 2, 1871; and Walter W., born De- cember 2, 1873, died July 23, 1874. He and his present wife are the parents of two children: Vorhees M., born April 18, 1876, and Emma L., born March 8, 1878. Mr. Fix is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and in politics he is a staunch Democrat. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in Addison Township in 1876, and served four years.
WASHINGTON GREENE is a native of Shelby Township, born October 13, 1836, the eldest of a family of four children, two sons and two daughters, born to Henry and Catharine (Zell) Greene, who were natives of Stokes County, N. C., and Botetourt County, Va., respectively. Our immediate subject grew to manhood on the home farm, remaining at home and assisting his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty-two years, receiving a common education, sufficient to enable him to teach, which he did for several terms. November 25, 1858. his marriage with Margaret J. Hite was solemnized, and to their union three children have been born, of whom these two are now living: Chas. H. and Mary C. The deceased child was Franklin, who died in his twenty-third year, his death being caused by over study while in attendance at DePauw University. Mr. Greene has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 125 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He was formely identified with the Grange move- ment. In politics he is a Democrat, but a man of pronounced temperance views, and will ardently support a prohibitory amend- ment.
JOHN B. LANTZ, an old citizen of Shelby Township, is a native of Boone County, Ky., where he was born February I, ISIO, be- ing the fifth son of Martin and Polly (Arnold) Lantz, who were natives of Botetourt County, Va., and Bourbon County, Ky., re- spectively. The former died in Kentucky, and the latter removed
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to Illinois, and died there. Our immediate subject was reared in his native county, receiving a very limited education. In 1834, he removed to Decatur County, where he lived until 1861, when he came to Shelby County, where he has since lived. In April, 1833, his marriage with Jane W. Arnold was solemnized, and to their union eight children were born, these four now living: Moses, who married Susan Louden; Jefferson, whose wife was Hannah Pal- mington; John, who espoused Eliza Knight, and Geneva, now Mrs. Thomas Jackson. December 11, 1867, Mr. Lantz suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. April 8, 1885, his and Piona Shane's nuptials were celebrated. Mr. Lantz has always made farming his principal occupation, and he has been quite suc- cessful. He now owns 400 acres of well improved land. In faith he is a Baptist, but is not a member of the church. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Lantz has always enjoyed hunting, and for- merly participated in a great many fox chases.
JAMES MESSICK, a farmer of Shelby Township, was born in Addison Township this county, January 7, 1838, the elder in a family of two children born to Covington and Nancy (Robinson) Messick, who were both natives of Delaware. The former died January 7, 1839, his widow survived him and died about 1854. A short time before the death of the latter our immediate subject had gone to live with John M. Tindall on the farm, with whom he remained nearly eight years. He received a limited education such as the facilities of those days afforded. Upon leaving the home of Mr. Tindall he worked as a farm hand for two years, when in November 30, 1862, he realized the necessity of the pres- ervation of our Union and enlisted in Company A, Sixteenth Indiana Regiment Volunteer Infantry, serving until May, 1863, when he was honorably discharged at Washington, D. C. July 29, 1864, his marriage with Arminta Maple was solemnized, and to their union these two children have been born: John R., and Eva G., aged respectively 23 and 17. Mr. Messick has always made farm- ing his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land, all the accumulation of his industry and economy. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.
WILLIAM NEWTON, of Shelby Township, is a native of Phila- delphia, Penn., where he was born, November 6, 1815, being the sixth in a family of nine children, born to John and Isabel (Owens) Newton who were natives of England and Pennsylvania, respec- tively. About 1817 or 1818, the family removed to Preble County,
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Ohio, where the parents made their home until their death. Our subject was reared to manhood there, receiving a very limited edu- cation, in consequence of the death of his father at the age of sixteen years, and he had to take charge of the farm, his older brothers having gone to do for themselves. October 4, 1837, his marriage with Sarah A. Gray was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born, of whom these four are now living: Emaline, Mary E., Margaret and Camille. About 1857, Mr. Newton came to Shelby County and established a saw mill, in partnership with James Gray, at which he continued for about ten years. In 1868, he moved to the farm on which and where he since lived, since which time he has made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 100 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Universalists Church. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., having united with that order over forty years ago, he now belongs to Waldron Lodge No. 197. Under the call for thirty day men, he enlisted in the service of his country, and served that length of time in Company A, Seventy- sixth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He now belongs to the G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican.
SHELBY STAFFORD, a leading farmer of Shelby Township, is a native of Scott County, Ky., where he was born October 28, 1819, being the next youngest in a family of twelve children born to James and Mary (Leach) Stafford, who were natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively. They emigrated to Indiana and Shelby County, in IS31, settled six miles south of Shelbyville, in what was then Addison, now Shelby, Township. They ever after- ward remained residents of the county until their deaths. Our immediate subject grew to manhood in this county, remaining at home and assisting his parents on the farm, clearing and cultivating, until he attained the age of twenty-three years. Owing to the fact that his help was needed on the farm, and in lieu of the poor facili- ties afforded children of those days, he obtained no education. September 22, 1842, his marriage with Mirinda Vansiock was solemnized. This marriage was of short duration, her death occurring April 17, 1843. March 28, 1844, his and Maria (Izor) Rodehefer's nuptials were celebrated. He has always made farming his occupation and by industry and economy he is the proprietor of forty acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, having united with that organiza- tion over thirty-three years ago. In politics he is a Republican, but a man of pronounced temperance views and will heartily sup- port a prohibitory amendment.
JOHN L. WHEELER, an extensive farmer of Shelby Township,
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was raised on the farm where he was born, November 29, 1841, being the youngest in a family of four children born to Tilson and Rachel (Worland) Wheeler, who were natives of Madison and Fayette Counties, Kentucky. The former was born January 15, ISOI, the son of John and Susanna ( Tivis) Wheeler. They were both natives of Maryland. Tilson Wheeler came to Shelby County in 1822, and settled on the farm upon which he continued to reside un- til his death, which occurred March 28, 1876. He first entered a tract to which he continued to add by purchase until at the time of his death, he was the proprietor of 629 acres of improved land and was one of the largest farmers. He was a member of the Catho- lic Church, and always lived a devout Christian life. He was the father of four childern of whom these three now survive him: Virlinda, now Mrs. W. E. Higgins: Celia, widow of William Craw- ford, and John L., our subject, who has always lived on the home farm. He received a limited education in consequence of poor health preventing him from attendance. November 19, 1878, his marriage with Ellen E. Farrell was solemnized, and to their union five children have been born, viz .: James Tilson, Rachel, Mary T., Susan G., and Thomas V. Mr. Wheeler has made farming his life occupation and he has been quite successful. He now owns 305 acres of well improved land. The family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a staunch Democrat, and always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he was honored with an election to the position Justice of the Peace but did not serve.
WOODSON WOODARD, an old citizen of Shelby Township, is a native of Addison Township, born September 23, IS28, being the sixth of a family of ten children, eight now living, born to James and Eliza- beth (Nave) Woodard, who were both natives of Kentucky, their marriage occurring in Jessamine County, Ky. They came to Indiana and Shelby County about 1827; they remained residents of this . county until 1852, when they removed to Wisconsin, where they lived until their deaths. Our immediate subject remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty-three years, with the exception of the summer of 1849, which he spent in Wisconsin. He received a very limited education, such as the facilities of those days afforded, and was not really permitted to take advantage of such as were given, as his parents needed his help. April. 1850, his marriage with Louisa Lackey was sol- emnized, and to their union four children were born: Thomas, Ed- ward, John and Robert. In 1859, Mr. Woodard was bereaved by the death of his wife. November, 1860, his and Anna R. Greene's nuptials were celebrated, and their union has been blessed
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SHELBY COUNTY.
with this one child, Emma, now Mrs. William Debusk. Mr. Woodard has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a staunch Republican. He is a member of the Agricultural Society and served two years as Vice President of that association. He was instrumental in the building, and is a large stockholder in, the Lewis Creek and Shelbyville Pike.
SUGAR CREEK SKETCHES.
JOHN BOWMAN, a farmer of Sugar Creek Township, was born in Moral Township, this county, December 9, 1835. He was the elder of two children, a son and daughter, born to Christopher and Catharine (Scott) Bowman, the former a native Shenandoah County, Va., of German descent. The parents of his father were Daniel and Anna (Reaser) Bowman, both natives of Germany. He was reared upon a farm in his native township, and at the age of twenty-one, he took up the avocation of a farmer for himself. In September, 1861, he entered the service of the Union Army as a private in Company I, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Col. A. D. Streight. He was soon afterward commissioned as Second Lieutenant, in which capacity he served until February 13, 1863, when the impaired state of his health compelled him to re- sign. He participated in the siege of Corinth, after which he ac- companied his regiment to Stephenson, Ala. From this point the regiment followed Gen. Bragg on a forced march to Louisville, Ky. On leaving the army he engaged in the book agency busi- ness at Indianapolis. About a year later he returned to Shelby County, and he engaged in the manufacture of tobacco, in partner- ship with William L. Mason. He thus continued about fifteen months, when he engaged in the retail grocery business in Indian- apolis. In May, 1865, he sold out, and in the following October came to this county, and located in Sugar Creek Township, in which he has ever since resided. Since then, his entire attention has been given to agricultural pursuits. He was married August II, 1864, to Fannie A. M. McGuire, a native of Marion County, Ind., born November 15, 1836. She was the daughter of John D. and Elizabeth (Lyons) McGuire, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are the parents of two children: Frank A., born May 2, 1873, and Maude M., born April 22, 1878, died August 23, 1879. Mr. Bowman is a member of the Baptist Church, and she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is a member of the G. A. R., and is an ardent Republican in poli-
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tics. He owns eighty-five acres of good land, nearly all of which is in a high state of cultivation.
WILLIS FRANCIS, an old and honored citizen of Sugar Creek Township, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., May 14, 1814. He was the fifth of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, born to William and Sarah ( Hardesty) Francis, the former a native of Fairfax County, Va., of Welsh descent, and the latter a native of Bourbon County, Ky., of English descent. When he was seven years of age, he accompanied his parents to Boone County, Ky., and in 1831, he came with them to this county, and settled in the wilds of Sugar Creek Township. He continued with his parents until he became of age. In 1837, he went to Gallatin County, Ky., where he was married September, 1844, to Rhoda Ann Hatfield, a native of. Spencer County, Ky., born January 19, 1821, and daughter of William and Elizabeth (Gregory) Hatfield, the former a native of England and the latter a native of Virginia. In 1850, Mr. and Mrs. Francis removed to Louisville, where the former en- gaged at merchandising. There they continued to live happily to- gether until their union was broken by the death of Mrs. Francis, February 12, 1871. In the spring of 1876, Mr. Francis returned to the old homestead in this county, where he continued to reside until in March, 1886. Since then he has occupied another farm in that township. He is the father of four children, as follows: Ed- win, Anna, Emma and James, of whom Anna is deceased. The other three children are residents of Dallas, Texas. Mr. Francis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the K. of H. Lodge, and a Democrat in politics.
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