Greene County Biography Ref. Page

REV. LABAN MOSS, son of Rev. Aquilla Moss, appropriate mention of whom is made in the biography of William G. Moss, is a native of the county in which he still resides, his birth occurring in 1830. He was reared and educated in his native county, his early advantages being only such as the pioneer times of that early day afforded. When a young man he employed many of his spare hours in hunting and in time he became quite celebrated in the skillful use of the gun. It is claimed that he has killed more deer than any man in Stockton Township and at one time he performed the rare act of killing two deer at one shot. September 2,1850, his marriage with Miss Rhoda Rector was solemnized, and the same fall of this event he located on his present place, where he owns an excellent farm of 290 acres, on which is one of the best orchards in Greene County. To him and wife this family of children have been born: Sarah E., Aquilla (deceased), William G., Mary J., Joseph M., Brunette, Delilah J., Keziah P., Laban J. and Allen J. The mother was born September 27, 1832, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (McBride) Rector, who were among the pioneers of Lawrence County, Ind., but now residents of Sullivan County. Mr. Moss is one of Stockton Township's best citizens. He has the respect and esteem of his friends and neighbors and considers with pride the fact that he has never been sued in his life and never had occasion to sue but one man.

"HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC." CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884.
STOCKTON TWP.
PAGE 377
Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

WILLIAM G. MOSS, Sr., was born November 19, 1822, in Washington County, Ind., and is the fourth son in a family of fourteen children born to Aquilla and Sarah (Harrah) Moss, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. Aquilla Moss was bound out to a wheelwright by the name of William Dunlap when but a small lad, and by Mr. Dunlap he was raised to manhood, and with him he came to Kentucky when that State was yet in its infancy. He married in that State, and shortly after that event moved to Warren County, Ohio, where he lived about six years, and where his three oldest sons were born. From there he moved to the Hoosier State, locating first in Washington County, where three more children were added to their family. In 1827, he removed to Greene County and settled on "Nine Mile Prairie" in Stockton Township where he passed the greater part of his remaining years. In 1822, while in Washington County, he experienced Christianity, and shortly afterward was licensed to preach in the interests of the Regular Baptist Church. He became known over the entire community as one of the pioneer preachers of Southern Indiana, and very likely, during his lifetime, he married the majority of couples in Greene and neighboring counties. His wife, who was one of those true backswoods housewives, and who bravely aided her husband in such duties as were common at that early day, died in 1858, and in 1864 Mr. Moss died. Both are sleeping side by side in the family burying ground on the old homestead. William G. Moss was raised largely in Greene County, and it has been his home mostly through life. His schooling was limited to three months during the year by walking three miles through the snow to the old-fashioned log schoolhouse, with stick and mud chimney, puncheon for seat and a great big fire-place and greased paper for windows. In 1841, he was united in marriage with Jeannette Rector, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (McBride) Rector, who were natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina, and came to Greene County in 1841. Previous to 1856, he filled various local political positions, but in that year he was elected Sheriff of Greene County, re-elected in1858, and in 1860 was elected to represent his county in the Lower Branch of the State Legislature. He served in the regular and special session of that term, but in 1864 was elected the third time as County Sheriff. Mr. Moss has always followed farming, but in conjunction with this has been engaged in other labors. He and wife have had born to them a family of ten children, as follows: Joseph, Sarah M., Nathaniel (deceased), Stephen, Barney S., Rebecca A., Andrew M. (deceased), Charles M. (deceased), Mary E. and Julia R. The mother was born March 3,1824, in Lawrence County, Ind. Mr. Moss is an old-time honored Democrat in politics, is a member of the Blue Lodge in Masonry, and Mrs. Moss belongs to the Regular Baptist Church. The name Moss came from Scotland originally, but that was previous to the Revolutionary war.

DAVID L. OSBORN, a native of the township and county where he yet resides, ws born in the year 1830, and is one in the following family born to William H. and Rhoda Osborn, who were among the earliest of Greene County's pioneers: Amanda J., Elizabeth, David L., Ira M., Mary R., Wines W., Typhenia, John M. and two that died in infancy. William H. Osborn was born in Greenbrier County, Va., where he was left fatherless when a small boy. About the year 1812, he accompanied his mother to Kentucky, traveling the entire distance on horesback. In 1819, the family removed to Monroe County, Ind., and afterward to Owen County. A few years later, the family setled on "Nine Mile Prairie," in Greene County, which at that time was a very early period in the history of that locality. He became quite widely known as one of the early farmers and merchants of Stockton Township, and was honored and esteemed for the honorable and upright life he lived. David L. Osborn, subject ot his memoir, was the first township Trustee under the present of management, and is the present incumbent of that office in Stockton Township. In Ocoter, 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Esther Ann, daughter of William Buck, who was a native of England. Mrs. Osborn was born near Amboy, N.Y., in 1832, and by Mr. Osborn is the mother of this family: Alice D. (now Mrs.W. F. Cornelius), Ira M., Mary P. (now Mrs. D. E. Humphrey), Hannah E. and William S.

DR. B. A. ROSE, of Linton, was born in Brown County, Ind., in the year 1849, and is a son of Capt. E. E. Rose, a prominent attorney of Bloomfield, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. He remained in his native county until ten years old, when he came to Bloomfield with his parents, and began working on the mechanical part of the Times, of which his father was editor. After attending the public schools of Bloomfield, he entered Asbury University, completed the Freshman course, and from 1869 until 1872, read medicine in the office of Dr. Cravens, a distinguished physician of Bloomfield. In the latter year, he embarked in the practice of his profession at Lyons, this county, and in 1875, graduated with honors from the University of Louisville. In 1878, he located at Linton, where, by his success in his profession, he has acquired a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Rose was joined in marriage, in 1876, with Eva J., daughter of Dr. J. G. Arnold, of Lyons, and by her is the father of one son--Claude.

DR. E. T. SHERWOOD, Linton, was born August 1, 1859, in Greene County, Ind., where he was educated in the common schools until twenty-one years of age, when he began reading medicine under Dr. B. A. Rose. In 1880, he entered Missouri Medical College, from which institution he graduated in 1882, shortly after this locating in Linton for the practice of his profession. As a young physician, Dr. Sherwood has been very successful, and being a careful student and a close observer, he will undoubtedly obtain a high rank in his profession. In 1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Hattie E. Price, daugher of L. M. Price, of Stockton Township. Dr. William F. Sherwood, father of the subject of this sketch, was one of the oldest and most successful physicains in Greene County. He was born April 13,1824, in Washington County, Ind., the third child of Daniel and Delilah (Copeland) Sherwood, who were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky respectively. He was married, November 24, 1853, to Catharine Ingersoll, daughter of Peter and Typhena Ingersoll, by whom he became the father of this family: Charles, Benjamin, Elmer, John, Harry, William and Typhena, the latter dying March 16, 1873. The Copeland family settled in Washington County, Ind., on the night preceding the battle of Tippecanoe in 1811.

DAVID SHIELDS, one of the successful and thoroughgoing farmers of Stockton Township, is a native of Lawrence County, Ind., his birth occurring in the year 1831. He was reared and educated in his native county, and there was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Box, who was also born in Lawrence County in 1838, a daughter of William and Jennie Box, and one of the following-named children: Mary, Thomas, Joseph, Ellen and Fannie. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shields have been born this family: Arista R., Marshall B. (deceased), Thomas, Isis M. (deceased), John B., Ida May, Jennie V. and Dollie E. Mr. Shields moved to Stockton Township, this county, in 1855, and settled upon the old Pool place, where he yet resides, the owner of one of the best farms in the county. His father, Jacob Shields, was a native of Green County, Ky., born in 1799, of Irish and German descent. He came to Lawrence County, Ind., when a young man, entered land in Township, and was there married to Jane Williams, who was born in North Carolina in 1804, and who is still living. She was a daughter of Vinson and Sallie (Carter) Williams, who were among the early pioneers of Lawrence County, this State. By Jacob Shields, she became the mother of five children, as follows: John, Vinson, Harvey, David and Sarah A. Mr. Shields died in Lawrence County in 1874, an honored and esteemed citizen.

JAMES STORY, one of the most successful farmers of Stockton Township, is a native of Fleming County, Ky., where he was born in the year 1826. When six years old, he came with his parents, Lewis and Annie (McGhea) Story, to Greene County, Ind., where the former died in the spring of 1870, preceded by the latter in 1862. They were natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, and parents of these children: Mary, Matilda, Sarah, George W., Elizabeth, Ruth Ann, James, Amanda, Margaret J., Martha, Elijah, Oliver, Lewis, John, Rebecca and William. James Story and Charlotte C., third child of Rev. Martin and Phebe (Hinkle) Hail, were married, Mrs. Story being a member of the following family of children: Florence, Clara, Lucretia, Stephen, Marion, John, Phebe, Martin W. and Mary S. Rev. Martin Hail, father of Mrs. Story, is one of the oldest living settlers of Stockton Township. He was born in Virginia in 1799, and when twenty-one years of age came to Greene County, Ind. In 1826, he was united in marriage with Miss Phebe Hinkle, daughter of Nathan and Rebecca Hinkle, who were among the early pioneers of Washington County, Ind,. Mr. Hail was an early Baptist preacher of this locality, and his father, Richard Hail, came from Virginia to Greene County in 1824, where he died in 1836. James Story, subject of this sketch, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, owns a fine farm of 253 acres, and he and wife are parents of this family: Rebecca E., Wesley M., Charlotte C., Margaret, Lovicey, Martha T., John T., Araminta A. and Hiram H.

DR. J. TERHUNE. Among the early settlers of Greene county, Ind., was David Terhune, who was born March 24,1818, in Fleming County, Ky., where he was reared to manhood. In 1844, he came to this county, whither his parents had preceded him the year before, and located in Wright Township where he purchased forty acres of land of Milton Moss, erected a cabin and the next year married Sallie Neals. This lady was also a native of Kentucky, born in 1820. Her parents removed to Illinois at an early day, where they both died in 1832, of cholera, leaving her to be reared by an uncle. Mr. Terhune began life in Greene County, a comparatively poor man, but from the beginning he was remarkably successful in the acquistion of the world's goods. He at one time owned about 400 acres of choice land, besides having given each of his children a start of $1,300. He was an honored and esteemed citizen, and died March 3,1880, preceded by his wife in 1868, and both are buried in the family buring ground on Nine Mile Prairie. Their children are Dr. J.; Thomas J., Judge of the Nineteenth Judicial District of Indiana; Mary J., deceased; Nancy A., deceased; James, a resident of Smith Township; Margaret, deceased; W. D., a resident of Kansas; and J. B., a resident of Indiana. Dr. J. Terhune was born in Greene County, Ind., in 1846; was educated at Newberry and Asbury Universities, and for twelve years was a public school teacher. He owns two good farms in Stockton Township, and is largely interested in stock-raising. His marriage with Miss Maggie A., daughter of Isaac and Pattie (Harbutt) Mull, of Kentucky, was solemnized in 1871.

J. W. WOLFORD, merchant and farmer, has been identified with the history of Greene County since 1859. He was born November 20, 1837, in Coshocton County, Ohio, where he was raised to manhood until twenty years old, when he came to Indiana, and for two years was a resident of Martin County. He then came to Greene County and located at Linton, where for a time he worked as a journeyman wheelwright, but afterward conducted the business on his own responsibility until 1865, when he went to Carbondale, Ind., and began farming and carpentering. In 1875, he began merchandising at Linton, where he owns a good store, and near which he owns a well-stocked farm. On first coming to Greene County, he was a poor boy, 50 cents being the sum total of his cash account. By industry and good management, he has secured a comfortable income and established a reputation as an honorable, upright citizen. In May, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha E. Lund, a daughter of Thomas Lund (deceased), who was a native of England and one of the early pioneers of Stockton Township. Four sons and two daughters have blessed their union, named Edwin L., Thomas L., William F., David Elmer, C. A. and Laura J. Mr. Wolford's father was John Wolford, of Pennsylvania, and his mother was Nancy Ann Musgrove, of Virginia. They came to Greene County, Ind., in 1859, where they died in 1876 and 1875 respectively.

J. N. YAKEY, senior member of the mercantile firm of Yakey & Law, Linton, was born in 1844 in Guernsey County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated, and which he continued making his home until twenty-four years of age. July 14,1862, he tendered his services to his State as a private soldier in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then organizing at Zanesville. Although but a lad at the time of his enlistment, he was appointed First Sergeant, and owing to a faithful discharge of the duties assigned him, was promoted to the Second Lieutenancy of Company E, of the same regiment, and thus assigned, first to the Third Army Corps, but subsequently to the Sixth Corps, under Gen. Sedgwick. He never wavered in the immediate discharge of such duties as devolved upon him, and throughout his military career was brave officer and an efficient soldier. He was an active participant in the battles of Monocacy Junction, Thoroughfare Gap, Brandy Station, Mine Run, Bristow Station, Centerville, Fisher's Hill, Petersburg and the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox. At the battle of the Wilderness, he received a servere wound, and was captured by the enemy; being wounded, he was not guarded very carefully, and taking advantage of this fact he and four comrades made their escape, and after innumerable hardships, reached the Union lines and became the heroes of the hour. Mr. Yakey is one of the well-to-do men of Stockton Township. In 1867, Miss Carrie Johnson became his wife, and to them have been born Cora R., William J., Lora O. and Ella.

JOHN S. SIMONS, deceased, was one of the early preachers of Greene County, Ind., where he was born, raised and educated. He was the eldest son of Samuel and Cynthia (Price) Simons, the former being one of the early Commissioners of Greene County. John S. Simons early experienced Christianity, and during his ministerial labors accomplished much good. He volunteered his services for the preservaton of the Union as a private in Company D, Fourteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in May, 1861, and was mustered into service June 7 of the same year. For valuable services rendered he was promoted Second Lieutenant, then First Lieutenant, and finally to the Captaincy of the same company June 11, 1863. In 1861, he was engaged in the Western Virginia campaign. After this he participated in the battles of Winchester (first fight), Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and was mortally wounded at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House in May, 1864, his death occurring on the 15th of May, 1864. He was in about fifty engagements, great and small, and his Colonel said of him that he was one of the most efficient and gallant Captains in battle he ever knew. To the marriage of John S. Simons and Mary A., daughter of William and Louisa (Neal) Hinebrook, was born and reared this family: Charles P., Sarah E., Samuel F., Lewis M., John N., James S., and two that died in infancy. The mother departed this life in 1876.

"HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC." CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884.
GRANT TWP.
PAGE 436
Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

JOHN SWITZ, SR., one of the prominent German residents of Switz City, was born at Hoch Emerich, Rhine, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, in March, 1816, and is a son of John and Sibilla (Kueppers) Switz. He was liberally educated in the schools of his native country, and while a young man worked as a farm laborer, and at the weaver's trade. In February,1846, he was married to Charlotte Bovenschen, who was born at Bergheim-on-the-Rhine, in August, 1819, and together they embarked at Antwerp, Belgium, in 1849, for the purpose of finding homes in the United States. They disembarked at New Orleans, La., from thence coming to Greene County, Ind., Mr. Switz purchasing a large tract of land in Grant and Fairplay Townships, which had been put upon the market as "canal land." This property is situated where he now resides on the present site of Switz City, which was surveyed and platted in 1870, and named in his honor. Mr. Switz is the owner of over 200 acres of good land, and in connection with farming keeps a first-class hotel. In politics he is Democratic, and is the father of three sons and one daughter, named John, Harmon, Henry and Mary.

"HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC." CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884.
GRANT TWP.
PAGE 436
Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

PETER SCHULTZE, a native of Germany, was born near Moers in the year 1826. He was reared to manhood's estate in the land of his nativity, where he obtained a collegiate education, and afterward embarked in the manufacture and sale of goods. With the tide of immigration that was fast draining Europe of its freedom-loving people, he drifted to the United States in 1848, and, escaping the ravages of cholera of that year, located in Greene County, Ind., where he purchased a large tract of land and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Since being a resident of this county he has endeavored to merit the honor conferred upon him as an American citizen by upholding the institutions of his adopted country, and supporting them to the best of his ability. He took an active part in the organization of the first fair of Greene County, of which he was the first assistant Secretary, and since 1872 has almost continually served in the capacity of Secretary. He selected Miss P. Barton for his wife in 1850, and to their union three children were born--Elizabeth C., May Ann and one that died in infancy. Mr. Schultze is one of Grant Township's best and most energetic citizens.

"HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC." CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884.
GRANT TWP.
PAGE 436
Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

Deb Murray