USA > Indiana > Fountain County > Portrait and biographical record of Montgomery, Parke and Fountain counties, Indiana : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens : together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 30
USA > Indiana > Montgomery County > Portrait and biographical record of Montgomery, Parke and Fountain counties, Indiana : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens : together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 30
USA > Indiana > Parke County > Portrait and biographical record of Montgomery, Parke and Fountain counties, Indiana : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens : together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 30
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acres of well-tilled land. He devotes it to general farming, and has it well stocked with Norman horses, Jersey cattle and Poland-China hogs of the best breeds.
October 10, 1844, Mr. Seller and Miss Elizabeth Wilson were united in marriage, and for nearly half a century have lived happily together. They have two children, James Milton and Louisa Jane. James was born December 20, 1845, and is a well- known lawyer at Crawfordsville. He married Miss Laura Heaton. Louisa, who was born March 23, 1848, is at home with her parents, and is the stay of their declining years.
Mrs. Seller was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 24, 1824, was four years old when the family came to Delaware County, this State, and was fifteen when they came to Montgomery County. Her parents were Adam and Margaret (Logan) Wilson, natives of Ohio, the former born in Miami County. Her mother was a daughter of John Logan, a Kentuckian, who died in his native State, and his wife then removed with her children to Ohio.
Our subject is one of the oldest residents of the county, and is one of its solid men, financially speaking. Ilis property has been mostly acquired through his untiring diligence, foresight and good management. Ile is a sincere Christian, his every- day life guided by high moral principles, and the Presbyterian Church finds in him a useful member. Politically, he is a Democrat, but he has never aspired to offiee.
NDREW LINEBARGER is one of the ex- tensive land-owners of Parke County, where he now resides, his landed posses- sions aggregating nearly two thousand acres, most of which is under a high state of cultiva- tion. This gentleman is a well-informed farmer, who from a small beginning has built up a comfort- able fortune and is now enjoying the result of his industry and enterprise. He was born in Lincoln
County, N. C., June 8, 1815, to John and Mary (Hoot) Linebarger. His grandfather, John Line- barger, whose father came from Germany and set- tled in the Keystone State, was the only son. When a lad of twelve years, his parents moved to Lincoln County, N. C., where they lived the re- mainder of their lives. The grandfather was a ' member of the Lutheran Church and was a respec- ted and well-to-do farmer. To himself and wife were born one son, John, and seven daughters, who all lived and died in their native State, North Car- olina.
The father of our subjeet was reared on a farm, learning every minute detail pertaining to the life, and participating in its labors sufficiently to allow him due appreciation for the pleasures which he enjoyed. In the year 1820 he sold out and with a four-horse team moved to Bartholomew County, Ind., being six weeks on the way, camping and cooking by the wayside. In the spring of 1822 he again moved, and located on section 16, Reserve Township, this county, where he cleared one hun- dred and sixty acres of timberland. Two years after, when land came into market, he entered one hundred and seventy-six acres on sections 17 and 18, which he cleared and improved, remaining there but a short time, when he located on seetion 18, where he remained six or seven years. At the end of this time he purchased a part of the farm on which our subject now makes his home, and there remained until his death, in May, 1847. Ten years after his wife passed from this life. They were both members of the Lutheran Church until they settled in Indiana, when they became con- nected with the Methodist denomination, and were instrumental in the organization of the first church . of that faith in the county. The parents of our subject, on their arrival in this State, were in very straitened circumstances, having but $5 in money in their possession. But by hard work and perseverance they met all discouragements with a stout heart, and by persisteney were enabled to sur- mount all obstacles in their way. The father in- ereased his landed possessions to about four hundred acres. During his life he served as Constable and Justice of the Peace, discharging his duties faith- fully. lle cast his vote with the Democratic party.
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Our subject is one of a family of eight children, he being the only survivor. He was brought up on the old homestead, receiving a limited educa- tion, the first school that he attended being eon- dueted on the subscription system by Darius Har- ger, on section 21, near where his present home now is. At the age of twenty he commenced farm- ing on his own account on the homestead, elear- ing and raising erops. In 1840 he located on eighty acres of timberland on section 12, which he also cleared. Since that he has accumulated property until he owns an extensive territory of nearly two thousand acres in Reserve, Liberty and Penn Townships, and has given to his children as a start in life about $16,000 in currency. Besides carrying on general farming he is successfully en- gaged in raising grain, and is a breeder of Polled- Angus Aberdeen cattle and has been quite an ex- tensive shipper of grain and stock. In politics he has been a Democrat all his life, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since fourteen years of age and contributes liberally for the support of all religious enterprises. His word is considered as good as his bond, and he is always in favor of anything that tends to enhance the prosperity of his township and community.
February 14, 1836, Mr. Linebarger married Eliza- beth, daughter of Levi and Mary (Mitchell) Burt- on, who was born near New Albany in 1817. Her parents came from Maryland and settled in Parke County about 1823, first settling near New Al- bany, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Linebarger were granted six children: George H., Mary A., Will- iam S., David, Levi J. and Andrew J. The good wife and mother died in June, 1846. Our subject was again united in marriage, on the 7th of February, 1847, this wife being known in her maiden days as Mary Warner, and she was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1827. She was the daugli- ter of Joel and Susannah (Huff) Warner, who were pioneers of Reserve Township. The former died at Evansville, Ind., while making a trip from New Orleans. The mother is also deceased. By the second union were born ten children: Lewis C., Joel, Samuel C., Jacob; Joseph, who died at the age of four years; Elizabeth L., wife of J. T. Lew- man; Ida B., wife of Charles Causey; Ludah C .;
Amma O., wife of Salmon Wright; and Louisa A., wife of John H. Linebarger. The mother of this family died August 4, 1890, at the age of sixty- three years. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Linebarger has attained success in his chosen career by fair deal- ings, and during his many years' residence in this county has always shown himself to be entirely worthy of the high estimation in which he is held by his many friends and acquaintances.
W ILLIAM BROWN. Among the honored pioneers of Fountain County who are still living amid the scenes of their early labors, are the venerable William Brown and his wife, who have a beautiful home on section 2, Shawnee Town- ship, and it gives us pleasure to represent them in this volume. William Brown was born in Cumber- land County, Pa., August 12, 1814. His father was the Rev. John Brown, also a native of Penn- sylvania, and of German antecedents. He was educated for the ministry and preached for a num- ber of years. In 1816 he removed to Harrison County, Ohio, whence he came to this State with his family. and soon after died in Bartholomew County, where he had settled. The family then went to Floyd County and subsequently to Tippe- canoe County.
Our subject was but eight years old when his father died. He grew to a stalwart, active man- hood in this State, and seven years after the family settled in Tippecanoe County, he took unto him- self a wife in the person of Miss Mary Baker, to whom he was married November 14, 1839, the Rev. James Griffiths performing the ceremony that united them in a true marriage, whose golden an- niversary, marking a happy wedded life of half a century, was celebrated by their many friends with great rejoicing in 1889. Mrs. Brown was born in Washington County, this State, August 9, 1819, and when she was about eight years old her par-
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ents removed to Tippecanoe County, and settled near the Indian battleground made famous by Gen. Harrison's victorons encounter with the In- dians on that spot. The redmen were numerons in that vicinity when the Bakers established them- selves among the pioneers of the county. They were the parents of ten children, four sons and six daughters, all of whom are living but two sons, the eldest member of the family being an aged sis- ter, a resident of Kansas, who is past ninety-five years old. To our subject and his wife have been born the following children : Louisa, wife of Smith Coffeny, a farmer of Shawnee Township; Minerva, wife of Daniel Young, a farmer near Attica; Jasper, deceased; Matilda, wife of a Mr. Coffeny, a farmer of Shawnee Township; Samuel, deceased; Benja- min, a farmer in this township; Beeker, a farmer, who makes his home with his parents; and Mary, who is also at home.
When a young man Mr. Brown learned the trade of a carpenter, and with the money that he earned at that calling he bought a quarter-section of land in Fulton County, which he traded for eighty acres on section 2, Shawnee Township, a part of his pres- ent farm. Immediately after marriage he and his bride and five other couples came here on horse- back to establish their homes on Dopp's Prairie, where they ever since lived. Our subject was well fitted for the pioneer life that lay before him, as he was energetic, keen, resolute and able-bodied, and was well endowed with that business acumen and tenacity of purpose that lead to success in any walk of life. He was more than ordinarily prospered, accumulating a handsome fortune that placed him among the wealthy men of the county while he was yet in the prime of life. He made all this himself, with the exception of $900, as he was comparatively poor when he began life for himself. Ile at one time owned thirteen hundred and sixty acres of land in this State and in Illinois, but he has sold some and given some to each of his chil- dren to start them out in life, until he has reduced his real estate to one hundred and nine acres, which is a fruitful source of income, as well as the money that he has at interest.
In the year 1882, Mr. Brown erected on the land that he has reserved for his own use a large
and fine-looking residence, with all the modern con- veniences, and within its walls he and his family enjoy the comforts of a pleasant and well-kept home.
For the long period of sixty years our subject has been connected with the United Brethren Church as one of its most consistent and honored members, who has been an important factor in its upbuilding, and for a number years filled the office of Steward. His estimable wife is also a faithful member of that church. Politically, he stands with the Democrats.
R. JAMES T. HENDERSON. Medicine is the most important science bearing upon man's happiness, comfort and welfare, and when we meet with those who have spent years of their lives in its successful practice, we cherish in our hearts a deep reverence for them. Prominent among the successful physicians of Fountain County, Ind., stands the name of Dr. James T. Henderson, who has obtained a reputation placing him in the front rank of the medical fraternity. He is a pleasant and generous gentleman, liberal in all his ideas, a protector of the rights of, a strong promoter of the welfare of, and in deep sympathy with, humanity.
Dr. Henderson is a native of Annapolis, Parke County, Ind., and was born August 10. 1845, being the son of Alexander and Isabella (Chapman) Hen- derson, also of Parke County. The parents removed to Waynetown, Montgomery County, in 1876, and the father is now retired from the active duties of life He has always followed the occupation of a farmer. Our subject was nine years of age when his parents moved to Waynetown, and there and in Wesley he received the principal part of his schol- astic training. When seventeen years of age he began teaching at Sulphur Springs and made a de- cided success as an educator. Ile taught five years in succession at home, and in 1862 en-
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gaged in general merchandise at Hoopeston, Ill., following this for five years and meeting with fair success. He then began the study of medi- cine, for which he seemed to have a decided taste and a natural aptitude, with Drs. Hurt & Ander- son at Waynetown, and later took a medical course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Indianapolis. After this he took a course in the Medical College of Indiana, at Indianapolis, in 1879.
Our subject began practicing at Waynetown, la- ter went to Perryville, where he remained four years, and in 1888 came to Covington, where he has since been absorbed day and night in a profession which is perhaps the most trying on brain and body of any in the field of science. In his political affili- ations Dr. Henderson is an ardent Democrat and has been a delegate to State and district conven- tions, and held the office of County Coroner for some time. He is a writer of considerable note and contributes to medical journals. He gives special attention to surgery and is one of the most popular and successful physicians of the county. Hle has devoted his life thus far to the highest temporal mission among men, a combat with dis- ease and death, and his efficiency, skill and signal success in this calling are well known.
On the 13th of April, 1869, Dr. Henderson was married to Miss Amanda Thomas, of New Rich- mond, and two children were born to them: Eu- gene, who died at the age of seventeen, and T. M., who graduated from the Perryville High School and the business department of the Normal at Covington, and after studying medicine for one year with his father, entered the Medical College of Indiana. From this institution he went to the medical department of the University of Louis- ville, Ky., from which institution he graduated March 13, 1893, in a class of one hundred and ninety, and is now associated in practice with his father in Covington, Ind. He was the youngest graduate ever turned out by this institution, be- ing under twenty-one years of age. He also learned telegraphy prior to the study of medicine. The Doctor has a charming home in Covington and is surrounded by every comfort and conveni- ence. He was made a Mason at the age of twenty-
three; he is also a member of the Eastern Star, as is his wife, and is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias at Cold Creek, and organ- ized a lodge at Perryville and Lodi. He attended Grand Lodge four times. He is also a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and lately joined the Woodmen of the World, as did also his son. The Doctor is examining physician for ten life in- surance companies. Mrs. Henderson holds mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is an active member of the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union. She is very much taken with the work of the church and society. The Doctor is a member of the Baptist Church, and is very popular in all circles.
LEXANDER HENDERSON. This vener- able and highly esteemed citizen of Mont- gomery County has been identified with its farming interests for many years, and owns and occupies one of the choice farms of Wayne Township, pleasantly situated on section 25. Mr. Henderson was born in North Carolina, September 6, 1815. Ilis parents were James and Rebecca (Thomas) Henderson, the latter also a na- tive of North Carolina. When our subject was young the family emigrated first to Ohio, whence they came to this State in 1828. The father en- gaged in farming east of Yountsville. 1n 1830 his wife died, and in the ensuing year he was mar- ried to a Miss Ray. He was the father of five daughters and three sons. Mary, the eldest, was born in 1813, in Ohio, and married Mr. Ray, a farmer, who lives southeast of Crawfordsville; Zorada was born in 1817, married Isaac Perkins, a farmer in this State, and died one year after mar- riage; Elizabeth was born in 1819, married Mr. Graves, and died in 1839 or 1840; Gordon was born in 1821, and died in Iowa in 1845.
The subject of this biographieal review is a worthy example of the self-made men of this see-
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tion, who, while hewing their way to success, have contributed to the upbuilding of the county. lIe was a manly, active, industrious lad of fourteen years when he started out for himself. When he attained his majority he had one hundred and twenty acres of land, worth $1.25 an acre, and after his marriage he had control of eighty acres more of timberland belonging to his wife, and they began life together with good prospects. He subsequently sold that land and purchased thie place upon which he now resides, which then com- prised a quarter of a section. He had to go in debt for it to the sum of $1,200, and as his wheat and other crops were destroyed that year, he had a hard struggle to maintain a solid footing for a while. But in time his efforts were well rewarded, and he improved a fine farm that comprises one hundred and sixty acres of highly cultivated land. To each of his sons when they were married he gave $1,000. Ile devotes his farm to both grain- raising and stock-raising, and has good grades of cattle, horses, etc.
Our subject was married to Miss Isabel Chapman in 1838, near Rockville, the ceremony that united them for better or worse being performed by the " Squire " of that town. For more than half a century they have lived happily together an exem- plary wedded life, and have exerted a good influ- ence in the community in which they have lived so long. They are blessed with eight children. Elizabeth, who was born in Parke County, was married to Wesley Hendricks, March 3, 1859; William, who was born in this State February 17, 1841, married Nancy Jane Iluff, and was a brave volunteer in the late war, a member of the Seventy- second Indiana Infantry, under Capt. Harrison, and served two years and eleven months; Amanda, who was born August 28, 1843, died July 26, 1874; James, who was born August 10, 1845, graduated from the Indianapolis schools, studied medicine, and is the leading physician at Covington; he married Amanda Thomas in 1870; Milton, who was born September 6, 1847, married Sarah Mc- Combs July 1, 1847; Mary was born October 14, 1849; Alice, born in 1851, married George Munns, of Ripley Township; Martha was born July 17, 1854; John was born October 1, 1856, and was
married to Miss D. E. Quick, who died January 19, 1891. Mr. Henderson's children are all well edu- cated, and seven of the eight have taught school. They are all ehurel members, and his son John is Secretary of the " Hess Meeting."
In his long life, extending over a period of sev- enty-seven years, our subject has always carried himself uprightly; his dealings with his neighbors have been characterized by candor and strict ad- herence to principles of honor, justice and honesty, and in word and deed has he shown his good-will toward his fellow-citizens. He gives liberally and cheerfully of his means to the support of religious objects, and is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been Steward of the church for twenty years. IIe is a sound Democrat, and is actively interested in politics.
INOR T. DAVIS. A striking illustration of the power of patient purpose is fur- nished by the life of this gentleman, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, near Rossville, June 13, 1827, to John and Heathy (Davis) Davis. The grandfathers of our subject were brothers, who came from Wales and England and settled in New Jersey and Virginia respec- tively, both bravely participating in the Revolu- tionary War. The father of our subject was born in New Jersey, January 8, 1787, later moving with his parents to Virginia, where he married a lady who was two years huis junior. After marriage he went to Kentucky, and thence to Butler Coun- ty, Ohio, where he was engaged in shoomaking. In the fall of 1828 he came to Parke County, and chose Reserve Township as his abode, here re- maining and improving forty acres of fertile land. Some years later he sold out and moved to Rac- coon Township, where he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land. In the fall of 1845 he moved to llancock County, III., where he pur- chased improved land. Later, in 1858, he moved to Joliet, in the same State, where he died during
g . W- Rofs
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the progress of the Civil War. He fought bravely in the War of 1812, and was in the battle of Ft. Meigs. He used his influence for the Whig party up to Jackson's time, when he became a Democrat. In his religious views he was a Baptist, being ready at all times to push forward any thing for the good of the cause. He served as Justice of the Peace and Constable to the full satisfaction of his constituents. John Davis was twice mar- ried, thirteen children being born to him and his first wife, two of whom were born after leaving Ohio. These children were: William, Harrison, Isaac, Jonathan, M. T., Polly, Emily, Eliza, Heathy, Silas, Aaron, and two who died in infancy. His first wife died August 18, 1846, in the Baptist faith. Mr. Davis then chose as his second companion Mrs. Mayse, who also passed away in Hancock County, Ill. Having received a thorough English education, besides gaining a fair knowledge of farm work, we find our subjeet on reaching ma- ture years engaged in teaching in Illinois and Indiana, teaching in this State in Reserve Town- ship seven terms. Previous to teaching, at differ- ent times he was employed at briek-making and stone-quarrying, which last he did two years. Then, thinking that the pursuit of his father might prove more beneficial to him, our subject rented a farm for a short time, and in about 1865 or 1866 purchased forty aeres in Parke County, this State, where he made his home until October of 1875. At this period he moved to his present location, where he engaged in the grain trade. By his thrift and industry and economical habits, this gentleman has added to his original purchase an- other valuable farm of one hundred and twenty- four aeres, making in all one hundred and sixty- nine attractive, fertile acres in his possession. Be- sides these he owns handsome real estate in the village of Montezuma. His rich land in return for his care and cultivation yields to him a gold- en tribute. The improvements, both useful and ornamental, are many, and the work of his own hands. Pohtically, he is a Democrat and has always been loyal to his party.
For a wife our subjeet chose Amanda J., daugh- ter of Jonathan and Rebecca (Harper) MeFarin, of Montgomery County, Ky., a daughter of a re-
spected farmer of Parke County, Ind. Mrs. Davis was born in Montgomery County, Ky., and has been an active member of the Baptist Church, as has also her husband, for more than thirty years. They are both honored and respected people of the community in which they reside.
G EORGE W. ROSS, a resident of Washington Township, Parke County, has been since his early manhood prominently connected with the history of this region, and at one time was the owner of about fifteen hundred acres of land. For many years he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and traded in live-stock to some extent. He was born in Stafford County, Va., June 28, 1812, and was reared in Mason County, Ky. . He was a son of John and Mary (Ensor) Ross, the former of whom was also a native of Stafford County. Va., where he was reared to manhood and married. About six years after that event, he emigrated to Mason County, Ky., ar- riving there in 1818, where he became the owner of a farm and reared his family of seven children, of whom our subject is the eldest. Thomas, Ste- phen and Elizabeth are all residents of this eounty, living on the old homestead. David lives in Illi- nois, and Tolliver and Emily are deceased. The father came to Parke County in 1835, entering one hundred and sixty acres of land near the present home of our subject. There he lived, de- voting himself to the improvement of the place, until his death. He was the owner of two hun- dred and twenty acres at the time of his demise, and was a Democrat in political faith.
When about sixteen years of age, George W. Ross left home and served an apprenticeship of about three years at cabinet-making. He then engaged extensively in earpentering, carrying on a shop in Kentucky for several years. After removing to Indiana, he followed various pursuits, in which he met with more or less success. but de- voted himself mainly to farming and, as previously
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stated, was the owner at one time of fifteen hun- dred acres. His business career has been such that he truly deserved success, as his dealings with his fellow-men were always witnesses to his honor and integrity. Through his qualities of untiring en- ergy, strict attention to business, and perseverance in whatever'line of work he undertook, he acquired a competence amply sufficient for his declining years, and at the same time won the high regard and respect of all.
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