Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886
WILLIAM SENEFF was born in Fayette County, Penn., December 20, 1831, and is one of eleven children born to Daniel and Susannah (Barnett) Seneff, who were born in Pennsylvania in 1799 and 1806, and died in 1878 and 1881, respectively. They were of German descent, and the father was a farmer. At the were of German escent, and the father was a farmer. At the time of his marriage, in 1826, he lived in his native State. They moved to Ohio in 1846, and in 1863 came to Daviess County, Ind., where he purchased 154 acres of land, and lived about seven years. He then sold out to his son William, and purchased 140 acres in Bogard Township, and lived there until his death. Our subject attended school about three months during his life, and resided with his parents until twenty-two years of age. October 27, 1853, he wedded Ann Fisher, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Crits) Fisher. Mrs. Seneff was born October 22, 1835, in Ohio. To this union these children
were born: John H., Sarah A., Daniel W., George E., Mary E. (who was murdered near Philadelphia, Ohio, May 14, 1880, by Ellen A. Athey. The trial lasted fifteen days, and the verdict of the jury was 11 imprisonment for life"), Susan N., Lydia B., Ida M., Claranetta (deceased), Emma A., Mortie L. and Alda L. John is living near Shoals, Ind., farming George is in the regular army. Mr. Seneff lived in Ohio for ten years after his marriage. He came to Daviess County, Ind., in 1863, and began farming. In 1884 he built a fine two-story dwelling-house, one of the best in the township, and has his farm well improved otherwise. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.
Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886
A portion of the following is an extract from an article written several years since by S. F. Horrall, a veteran newspaper man of Washington, Indiana. The article briefly tells of: "The rise and fall of a town on the east fork of White river, named New London." Its founder was Elijah Chapman, a pioneer of Veale township, who resides near my father's farm. In addition to that farm Chapman owned a large tract of the rich river bottom land. The land along the river then was covered with heavy timber consisting of poplar, walnut, ash, hickory, sycamore and beech. The size of the trees ranged from one to six feet in thickness and was from twenty-five to seventy-five feet high. Chapman concluded that it was a pity for all that food timber to go to waste in ashes following the clearing, so he built a sawmill, employed men to operate it and rapidly the forests were converted into the choicest lumber. The market for such lumber in Washington for a number
of years depended on Mr. Chapman's saw mill for its supply. I was quite young but the idea of making a town out of a wilderness was so novel that all the people talked and wondered. Mr. Chapman was a bundle of energy and determination. He did not know the word fail. The land for a half mile along the north bank of the river was platted into lots and sold rapidly for he promised and gave employment to all who would buy a lot and "settle" there, hence in a few years New London was a town of several hundred people, with one or two general stores, blacksmith shop, shoemakers, carpenters and cabinet makers to say nothing of the spinning wheels and looms. Another industry was an additional saw mill located at the west end of the town by Geo. Anthis of Decker township, Knox county. Transportation of large supplies of the products from the rich lands was furnished by water, White river, Wabash and Ohio to New Orleans or the Mississippi. Many flat boats plied
down these streams finding markets. Here then at New London was of all places along the east fork of White river, the most eligible site for flat boat building. Samuel and Elias White of Cumback at that time were the chief builders and contractors for everybody. Not even a nail or a spike was used in the construction, but all sides and bottoms were fastened with pegs, kept on hand, of seasoned oak, the size being an inch thick and as long as necessary.New London now was a town with two saw mills, a dozen ox teams hauling saw logs, carpenter shops, and other industries, five or six flat boats being constructed, so all the planning of Mr. Chapman seemed to be successful and he felt proud of it. He often was heard to rejoice that life was not a failure. So that good man lived to see the town of New London at its zenith." Mr. Chapman was one of the pioneers of Daviess county, having entered a large tract of land in 1813. He was the first in the county to
erect a saw mill and carding machine. He was one of the founders of Old Bethel church. Because of his efficiency in court proceedings he obtained the title of Judge Chapman. It is said, the slogan "Crow Chapman Crow," originated from his extreme modesty manifested when successfully elected to office over a very popular opponent. He was honored by being elected as representative to the state legislature in 1844-46. He built a substantial two-story home on the Troy road near Pleasant Hill, in a field east of the home he erected a kiln for the manufacture of earthenware; crocks, jars, jugs, dishes and other articles from the kiln, with products from the saw mill and farm were hauled by ox and horse teams to White river a distance of several miles loaded into flat boats, taken to New Orleans and there sold or exchanged for groceries and merchandise for the comfort and pleasure of the family and neighbors at home, who waited and watched anxiously for their
return and were often highly delighted with a surprise gift of silk or other fine fabric for extra wearing apparel. A trip to New Orleans in those days was a greater and more dangerous undertaking than a trip now to France or Germany. Elijah and Mariah (Johnson) Chapman's children were James, Caleb, Friend and Elizabeth. Caleb married Harriet Palmer, daughter of Hiram Palmer whose farm joined Chapman's. Palmer was superintendent of the county farm and died there of cholera in 1849. Their children were Alonzo, now of Madison, Ind., and Cordelia and Medora, California. Friend married Elizabeth Sutton of Washington, Ind., one daughter Esther, now lives in California. His second wife was Sarah M. Barr, of Shawneetown, Ill., their children were, Alonzo, Franklin, Mollie, May, and Jesse. Elizabeth married Thompson Wallace, whose children were Caleb, Emeline, Elijah and Frank, Rose, Jane and Joseph by a second wife, Catherine Rodarmel. On the 22nd. of Feb.
1838 James Chapman went to the home of Hon. William and Sarah (Horrall) Wallace where he was united in marriage to their daughter Nancy Matilda, Rev. Davis officiating. On this occasion an elaborate wedding feast was served to over one hundred guests. The decorations were profuse. The bride's brother (Harrison) went several miles on horse to procure evergreens and materials for festoonings. The center decoration for the table was a small cedar tree festooned with fine curled paper. Other decorations were cedar and grasses dipped in flour or alum water making them glisten like frost and icicles. The beautiful bride in white, the groom in black, were a handsome couple. Elijah Chapman invited all present, and any others who wished to come to his home the next day for the "infare" dinner. James with his beautiful bride Matilda, in a sleigh, drove to the Chapman home where a wonderful dinner (equal to a barbecue) was served to many guests. James had three
sons in the Civil war, John, William and Albert Eli. Albert being named for Eli McCarty of Civil war fame. John was in Salsbury prision, N. C., and was liberated on the 22nd of February 1865, the anniversary of his father's wedding, and his grandfather Wallace's birthday. Albert, as a drummer boy was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. Three daughters, Jane, Ella and Josephine, survive. In 1854 Elijah Chapman moved to Illinois where he purchased a large tract of land so that each child could own a good sized farm. He died there in 1855. The land entered by Mr. Chapman in 1813 has been transferred but once. In 1854 it was sold to Mr. Wm. Allison, whose children take pride in the homestead. Mr. Allison says the only improvements made in the building since 1854 are the new kitchen verandas and roof. In the east room is the original puncheon floor. Near the barn is a piece of land where sweet potatoes have been cultivated each year (except two)
for over one hundred years. The "Allison boys" are courteous, obliging, progressive farmers, whose influence is felt throughout the community. Their descendants will be as proud of their skill, ambition and integrity as the Chapmans are of their forefathers. Around this dear old pioneer home cluster many precious memories dear to the hearts of the many descendants of Hon. Elijah Chapman.
Submitted by: Joseph M. Wallace
Typed by: Lauren McNiece
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY OF THE CHAPMAN-JOHNSON-WALLACE-PALMER FAMILY
by MRS. JOSEPHINE CHAPMAN
JOSEPH D. LAUGHLIN, attorney at law and notary public at Odon, Ind., was born in Martin County, Ind., February 1, 1845, and is one of ten children born to John O. M. and Elizabeth (Gyger) Laughlin. The father was of Irish descent, born in Kentucky, in 1815 and is a farmer by occupation. He came to Indiana, when but three years of age. In 1843 he moved to Martin County, where he entered forty acres of land, and where he has since resided, but now owns 160 acres of land. The mother is of German extraction, born in Tennessee in 1814. Our subject attended the district schools, and in addition attended two terms at Zion's Seminary, in Zion, Ill. in 1869, and the following year attended the two terms at Dover Hill, Martin County. He was one of the "boys' in blue" and August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Resaca, Dalton, Peach Tree Creek, siege of
Atlanta, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and in the grand review at Washington, D.C. In November, 1864, he was transferred to Company C, Seventieth Regiment. He was in the field until the close of war. October, 1873, he married Lakie, daughter of Charles and Amanda Legerwood. She was born in Daviess County in 1852. To them were born these children: Laurette, Edgar Tecumseh. Lillie, Maud, Bertha, Oliver and Elizabeth. Mr. Laughlin has lived in Odon since his marriage. In 1870 he began teaching school, continuing that occupation eight years. The last three years of his school teaching he studied law, and, since 1877, has given his entire time to the study and practice of that profession. In 1881 he drew up a petition for the purpose of changing the name of the town (then Clarksburg) to Odon, and presented it to the county board of commissioners. The petition was granted. Mr. Laughlin is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. In 1874
he was appointed notary public, and has since held that office. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886
McATEE, Daniel--The name of McAtee was old in Maryland, when Daniel McAtee was born there in 1794. His ancestors, Patrick and Rosamond McAtee, came from Ireland and settled in Port Tobacco, Maryland, where Patrick died in 1716. Daniel, who was a millwright, carpenter and farmer, served in the War of 1812. He married Lucy Kidwell in Washington Co, KY, on Sept. 21, 1818. The day following their marriage they went to Missouri where their first four children were born, and then came to Daviess Co, Indiana, where Daniel purchased land near St. Mary's on December 16, 1828. They spent the remainder of their lives in the St. Mary's community, where they reared the following large family: George, who married Margaret Mattingly, and after her death, Martha Brewer; Felix who married Sarah Jane Smith; John H., who married Theresa M. Brewer; Hillary, who married Rose Ellen Smith; Treacy Ann, who married John T. Smith; Susan who married Joseph B. Smith; Thomas C., who married
Louisa Ann Seal; James Nicholas; Martha Ann, who married John T. Brewer; Julia who married Daniel Dowling; Mary Ellen, who married John V. Spalding; James M, whose first wife was Mary Spalding, and his second wife, Catherine McCarthy; and Catherine. Daniel McAtee died on May 16, 1875 at age eighty, and Lucy died July 4, 1879, age 79 years and eight months. It is said that Daniel had one of the largest funerals ever held at St. Mary's with about 75 buggies in the funeral procession. They are buried in the church cemetery and stones mark their graves.
Donated by: Shirley Platt
ALLAN K. LANE, M.D., of Odon, Ind., was born in Washington County, Ind., January 25, 1843, and is one of five children born to Richard and Jane (Martin) Lane, born in Tennessee and Kentucky, in 1811 and 1813, respectively. The father was of French-Irish descent, and was a merchant, and a minister of the Christian Church. He was married in Kentucky, about 1837, and soon after moved to Martinsburg, Ind., where he passed the remainder of his days. He died in 1845. The mother died in 1873. Our subject's literary education was acquired in the common schools. At the age of seventeen, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. James McPheeters, at Fredericksburg, Ind., with whom he remained about four years. In 1865 he commenced practicing his profession at Pitt's Point, KY. He remained there until 1869, when he came to Daviess County, Ind., and located first in Raglesville, and then in Odon, in 1876. By a thorough knowledge of his profession, he has the entire confidence
of the people and is pronounced a first-class physician and surgeon. He owns 200 acres of fine land on the outskirts of Odon, besides his fine town property. In politics he is conservative, but rather favors Republican principles. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and I.O.O.F. He has been married three times. He married his first wife, Angie Glenn, in 1863. She was born in 1844 and bore three children; only two, Maud and Blanche, are living. Mrs. Lane died in 1875, and the next year he married Mary J. Kelsey, born in 1853, and died in 1878. To them was born one child, now deceased. Dr. Lane took for his third wife Sarah Kelsey, sister of his second wife. They have one child, named Blanche. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Christian Church.
Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886
SETH L. KETCHAM is a native of Daviess County, Ind., born November 8, 1839, and is one of ten children born to Daniel and Elizabeth (Goodwin) Ketcham. The father was of English extraction, born in Shelby County, Ky., in 1810. He came to Indiana at the age of fourteen, and lived in different parts of the "Hoosier State," until 1838, when he came to Daviess County, where he afterward became the owner of 600 acres of land. He died in October, 1865. The mother was born in Jackson County, Ind., in 1817. Since the death of her husband she has kept house, keeping some of her children, or grandchildren with her. Subject attended the common schools, and also the State University of Bloomington, Ind., in the winters of 1857 and 1858. At the age of seventeen, he began pedagoguing and followed that occupation for about twenty years, teaching continually, with the exception of two years, and meeting with the best success. He was one of the boys in blue, and in August, 1861,
enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry for three years, or during the war. He remained in the field seven months, and was then discharged, owing to disability from chronic rheumatism. July 16, 1864, he wedded Elmira Benham, daughter of Ira and Mary Benham. She was born in 1839 and bore these five children: Mary, Daniel W., Laura M., John M. and W. Evert. Mary is a teacher, and Daniel is a student at West Point; the remainder are at home. Mrs. Ketcham, died January 13, 1881, and September 15, of the same year, Mr. Ketcham married Mary Benham, a half sister of his first wife. She was born September 16. 1855 in Greene County, Ind. Mr. Ketcham was given eighty acres of land by his father which he has since increased to 180 acres. He has a fine two-story residence, and good substantial barns and granaries. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for George B. McClellan. In June, 1884, he was appointed trustee of the township, by the county board of
commissioners, to fill an unexpired term. In 1880 he was appointed to take the census of Madison Township.
Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886
WILLIAM HUBBARD, brick-mason of Odon, Ind., was born in Kentucky September 6,1826 He resided with his parents and attended the district and subscription schools until he was sixteen years of age, when he began working as a day laborer. At the age of eighteen he entered the teacher's profession, continuing that occupation for eight years. February 22,1849 1849, he wedded Hannah M. Laughlin, born July 3~i, 1829, and daughter of John and Sarah Laughlin. To them were born eight children, these seven now living: Sarah C. (wife, of Lewis Carpenter), Thomas J., William C., Mary C. (wife of John Bowers), Martha E., John Sherman and Joseph Harvey Monroe. After marriage Mr. Hubbard entered 160 acres of land and began tilling the soil. March 14, 1848, he enlisted in the Third Regular Dragoons in the Mexican war, but went no farther than Jefferson Barracks, Mo., as the war closed that same year. When the Rebellion broke out he enlisted August 6, 1861, in Company B.
Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry and fought in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain. Antietam, Chancellorsville and numerous minor engagements. While fighting at the last named battle he was shot in the foot by a minie-ball May 3, 1863, and was taken to the hospital at Washington City. In July of that year he was sent home on furlough, but not recovering his former health he remained at home. In 1873 he sold his farm and purchased forty-nine acres of land near Odon, where he has a fine residence. He is a Republican, and a member of the I.O.O.F. Since 1854 he has given the most of his attention to the brick-mason's trade. His parents were William and Henrietta (Baker) Hubbard, natives of Kentucky, born in 1791, and died in 1865 and 1840, respectively. They were married in 1812 and came to Indiana in 1833. The father was a farmer and owned 120 acres of land.
Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886
HOWARD CROOKE, attorney, of Odon, Ind., was born in Lawrence County, Ind., February 7, 1825, and is one of thirteen children born to Olly and Nancy (Cruse) Crooks. The father was of Irish descent, born in 1798, in Kentucky. He was a tanner by trade, and was married in 1819, and in 1823 moved to Lawrence County, Ind., where he built a tannery and worked at his old trade. In 1883 he came to Daviess County, Ind., where he and his son James purchased a farm of 158 acres. His death occurred October 11, 1884. The mother was born October 7, 1802, in Virginia, and died March 17, 1882. Subject rsoeived his education in the district schools, and made him home with his parents until twenty years of age. In early life he learned the tanner's trade of his father, but on attaining his majority abandoned that occupation, and hired out as a traveling salesman to a merchant at Springville, continuing in this business eight years. April 6, 1854, he married Ann Culmer, daughter
of Stephen and Sarah Culmer. Mrs. Crooke was born in the parish of Kent, England, July 23, 1833. She came to the United States with her parents when a child, and lived for some years in Pennsylvania, and then came to Lawrence County, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Crooke's union six children were born, five of whom are living: Sarah M. (wife of James Burrell), Fanny C., Margaret A., Harry H., and Lillie B. Mr. Crooke came to Daviess County after his marriage, and purchased 115 acres of land and began his career as a tiller of the soil. He lived there but a short time when he sold out and moved to Odon, and began merchandising. In 1855 he and Olly Owen began doing business together, but in the fall Owen sold his interest, and the next spring Zimri Garten became his partner. Four years later they took our subjects brother James in as partner, but Garten soon sold his interest, and the property then belonged to the brothers. In 1864 they sold out to Carrell & Garten. Since
that time our subject has given his attention to farming and serving as notary public. He owns 165 acres of land in Daviess County, and 133 acres in Martin County, besides a dwelling-house, office, and business block in Odon. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Taylor. He is one of the leading men in his party in the county, and in 1855 was elected justice of the peace for Madison Township, and served eight years. In 1864 he was elected to the State Legislature, and served one regular term and one special term. In 1876 he was appointed notary public, and was twice re-elected. He came to Odon when there were only six families in the place.
Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886
DR. JOHN DEARMIN, of Odon, Ind., is a native of Monroe County, Ind., where he was born April 27, 1845. His parents, Joseph and Mary E. (Reiney) Dearmin, were natives of Virginia, born in 1812 and 1826, respectively. The father was of Scotch descent and a farmer. He came with his parents to Indiana in 1820 and located near Bloomington, but in 1875 come to Daviess County, and died at Raglesville in 1876. The mother died in Monroe County, Ind., in 1855. Our subject received his education in the district schools. When nearly seventeen, March 10, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry for three years, or during the war. He was in the battles of Buckton, Winchester, Chancellorsville, Antietam, Gettysburg, Resaca, and siege of Atlanta. In 1864 he was transferred to Company C, Seventieth Regiment, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He remained in the field until April 5, 1865, when he received his discharge at Goldensburg,
N.C. After his return from the army he worked as a day laborer on the farm for one year, and then commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Howard Smith at Sydney, Ill., with whom he remained three years. September 15, 1865, he married Eliza A. Smith, daughter of William Smith. She was born February 22, 1849, in Monroe County, Ind., and died March 1, 1874, leaving these three children: Minnie, Walter, and Elbert. November 24, 1875, he married Susan Pershing, daughter of Solomon and Magdaline Pershing. Mrs. Dearmin was born January 8, 1851, in Ohio. To their union four children were born, two of whom are living: May and Day. In 1872 Dr. Dearrain began practicing his profession in Hindostan, Ind., and after remaining there two years, came to Daviess County, and continued his practice. In 1882 he moved to Odon, and has a good practice. He has erected him a fine dwelling-house, and is comfortably and elegantly situated. He is a Republican, and a member of the
Masonic fraternity. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886
JOHN M. HINDMAN is a native of Scotland, Ind., born December 6. 1846, son of John and Maria (McDonald) Hindman natives of Indiana, born in 1819 and 1817, respectively. The father was of Irish descent, married in 1838, in Dubois County, Ind. In 1838 he purchased 100 acres of land near Newberry, Ind., where he has since lived. The mother died May 21, 1878. Our subject was reared at home and received his education in the district schools and in addition attended school for three months at New Lebanon, Ind., and three months at Hartsville, Ind. In the winter of 1873 he entered the teacher's profession, but taught only one term. October 20, 1872, he wedded Elizsbeth Wesner, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Wesner. Mrs. Hinduran was born December 1, 1853, in Indiana. They became the parents of these children: Lulu, May, Aldo Frasier, Alvin Ernest (deceased) and Ermin Elden. After marriage Mr. Hindman located in Newberry, Ind., but remained there only a short time.
He then lived two years in southern Illinois and then came back to "Hosierdom," locating in Odon, where he began merchandising. He sold his stock of goods in 1877 to Odell Bros. The same year he established himself in the same business and continued about two years, when he sold out and removed to Washington. In 1885 he purchased 120 acres of land in Madison Township, where he now resides. He is an enterprising businessman, and in politics is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant.
Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886