Greene County Biography Ref. Page

LEVI J. FAUCETT, a progressive and self-made man of Greene County, was born in the township where he now resides July 27, 1843, and is a son of A.J. Faucett. After receiving his preliminary education in the common schools, he completed his schooling with a three years' collegiate course. In 1869, he became his father's partner in saw milling, having purchased the old water saw and grist mill owned by Col. Fellows. In five years, this partnership was dissolved, Levi J. continuing two years longer, when owing to injury to the property occasioned by high water, he removed to Mineral City, where he erected an excellent stream saw mill, and for years conducted the largest lumber business of any mill in the county. In 1883, he removed his mill fixtures one-half mile west of Mineral City, where he has a new and commodious building built in the shape of a "T," the main building being 28x60 feet, and the other 28x72. The engine room attached is 12x30 feet, in which is a 50-horsepower engine and boiler of the most improved kind. Besides his double circular saw, which has a capacity of 10,000 feet per day, he has five smaller rotary saws. This is, without exception, the best and most handily arranged saw mill in Greene County, giving employment to about fifteen men, and causing an annual trade of $10,000 to be transacted. Besides this property, Mr. Faucett owns 200 acres of land in Richland Township, and a part of the tract of land entered by his grandfather, Col. Levi Fellows. To his marriage with Susan V. Ashton, October 25, 1871, six children have been born--Joseph A., Charles W., John M. (deceased), Wendell, Frank and Hattie A. (deceased). Mr. Faucett served six months in the late war as a private in Company C, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted in February, 1865, and was discharged the following July. In politics, he is a Republican, and he and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"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.
RICHLAND TWP.
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Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

WILLIAM HAINS, a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, was born January 16, 1842, and is the next youngest of seven children born to Daniel and Sarah (Foster) Hains. His father was a native of the "Keystone State," and a farmer by occupation, both of whom are now dead. William Hains was raised on his parents' farm, received but a common schooling in his youth, and August 15,1862, enlisted as a private in the ranks of Company H, Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. If ever soldier deserved praise and honor for gallant and meritorious services, William Hains should not be forgotten in this respect. After leaving Camp Zanesville in October, 1862, his regiment started on the Cumberland campaign, their first important battle being at Stone River. Succeeding this, Mr. Hains was a participant in the engagements of Murfreesboro to Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, besides various smaller battles; 8 o'clock P.M., on the 17th of June, 1864, after the rebel rifle pits had been taken at Kenesaw Mountain, he was shot by a minie ball between the shoulder and elbow of the left arm, and after fourteen hours' waiting, his arm was amputated near the shoulder joint. His brother, Samuel Hains, was wounded in the right elbow at this same battle. This effectually put an end to his further military career, and resulted in his discharge December 17, 1864. Mr. Hains returned to Ohio, farmed three years and was married May 5, 1865, to Mary J. Markley. The removed to Greene County, Ind., in 1868, and farmed until 1876, when they came to Bloomfield and embarked in merchandising. In two years, Mr. Hains sold out and operated a dray until the fall of 1883, when he established himself in the restaurant business, which he has since successfully continued. He is a stanch Republican, owns eighty acres of land in Taylor Township, besides town property; he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and parents of three children--Mary M., Agnes and Asbury.

J. J. HARDY, proprietor of the National House, was born in Brown County, Ky., February 6, 1823, and is one of five children born to Benjamin F. and Amy (Pedigo) Hardy. Benjamin F. was a native of Paris, France, and a Lieutentant in the British Army during the war of 1812. He was wounded at New Orleans, and at this battle succeeded in deserting and joining the American troops. He was a blacksmith by trade, and after the war settled in Barren County, Ky., where he married our subject's mother, who was a native of Virginia. In 1830, while returning from a neighbor's to whom he had sold a farm for $3,000, he was murdered and robbed. His widow and children moved to Mooresville, Ind., in 1832, in a four-horse wagon, afterward removing to Lawrence County, where Mrs. Hardy died in 1865. At ten years of age, J. J. Hardy began life's battle for himself. Until seventeen years old, he was clerking in Springville, after which he learned blacksmithing, and in 1844 settled at Point Commerce, where he remained two years working at his trade. In 1845, he married Frances M. Gainey, and in 1848 went to Bedford and worked at carriage and wagon making until 1862. In August of this year, he helped recruit Company G, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, of which he was made Commissary Sergeant. Mr. Hardy saw much hard service during the late war, and is credited with being a fearless soldier and a prudent officer. He was in the battles of Shelbyville, Apline, Summerville, Chickamauga, Jonesboro, Chattanooga, Franklin and Nashville, besides numerous skirmishes and engagements. In September, 1864, he was examined by the Military Board and was commissioned Lieutenant of the Fifteenth United States Colored Troop by the President. Shortly after this, he took command of 200 independent scouts, and continued in command until being mustered out of service April 7, 1866, as brevet Major. Maj. Hardy was three times wounded, the worst of these being at Cedar Hill, Tenn., where he was shot through the neck, from the effects of which he is yet a sufferer. After the war, he embarked in the livery business at Bedford, but in July, 1868, came to Bloomfield, where he has since resided. In 1874, he started in the livery business here, and two years later built his present stable. In 1881, he erected the National House, of which he is the present popular proprietor. By his fist wife he was the father of one daughter -- Laura E. In 1868, he was married to Mrs. Julia A. (Ferguson) Milam, to which union is born one daughter -- Jennie E. Mrs. Hardy was the widow of ex-County Clerk, John I. Milam, by whom she had four children, only one yet living --Mrs. Nettie Beaty.

JOHN L. HARREL, County Auditor, was born in Richland Township, Greene County, Ind., February 8, 1842, and is one of three children born to James and Emily J. (Harrah) Harrel. Being left an orphan when a small boy, John L., lived with an aunt in Putnam County until he arrived to years of maturity. He became a private in Company D, Fiftieth Indiana Volunteers, on the 3rd of October, 1861, and his first year's military experience consisted largely in doing guard duty. He was sick at Louisville at the time of his regiment's capture at Munfordville on the 17th of September, 1862, but he rejoined this exchanged regiment at Indianapolis in time to participate in the campaign along the M. & O. R. R., and the battle at Parker's Cross Roads with Gen. Forrest. After guarding the M. & O., and M. & C. Railways for a time, they were transferred to the department of the Arkansas, subsequently joining Gen. Steele in the campaign against and capture of Little Rock. Succeeding this, they were employed at guard duty near Lewisburg until March, 1864; then rejoined Steele, who, in conjunction with Gen. Banks, moved against Shreveport. On this expedition, Mr. Harrel was a participant in the engagements at Terre Noire Creek, Little Mississippi, Prairie De Halese, Poison Springs and the capture of Camden. Owing to Banks' defeat, they retreaated to Little Rock, and at the battle of Saline River, Mr. Harrel was wounded in the left foot and taken prisoner. He remained in confinement at Tyler, Texas, until February 26, 1865, when he was exchanged, and April 16, 1865, was mustered out of service. From this time until he assumed the duties of County Auditor, Mr. Harrel engaged in farming in his native township. He was elected in 1878, and in 1882 re-elected, and has proven an honest and efficient official. In 1866, his marriage with Margaret Williams was solemnized, and one son--James Elmer--has blessed their union. Mr. Harrel is a Republican, and owns a farm of 100 acres in Richland Township.

DANIEL B. HATFIELD, grocer, was born in Jackson Township, Greene County, Ind., May 1, 1838. His father, Mordica Hatfield, was a native of Campbell County, Tenn., born November 17, 1818, and was descended from Irish ancestors. Ale Hatfield, father of Mordica, together with hs family, removed to Indiana in 1831, and was induced to locate in Greene County by reason of fine water facilities and an abundance of wild game. They settled in Jackson Township and occupied their time largely in hunting, becoming justly celebrated as hunters. In about 1844, Ale Hatfield died. Mordica married Millie Richardson when seventeen years old, and fourteen children blessed this union, all of whom were raised to maturity. Ten of these were daughters, six being twins, and the entire family are now married. The sons of Ale Hatfield, not receiving any schooling, were unable to read or write, but they all became honored and respected citizens, as have also their children. Mordica Hatfield was an ordained preacher of the Baptist Church for over twenty-five years. He died September 14, 1869, followed by his widow April 8, 1875. D. B. Hatfield was raised and educated in his native township. November 17, 1859, he married Miss Rachel Burcham, who died May 15, 1873, leaving four children, the following three--Wesley M., Laura E. and Serepta M.--yet living, and John L., deceased. Mr. Hatfield enlisted August 16, 1862, in Company G, Ninety-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served three years, during the war prticipating in all the battles from Buzzard's Roost to Atlanta, at the latter place being wounded by a minie ball in the right thigh. After recovering from this wound, he was transferred to Rock Island, and detailed on guard duty whrre he remained until discharged July 16, 1865. He then came home, farmed four years, and in 1870 entered upon the duties of County Recorder, having been elected the preceding year. After serving four years he was re-elected, serving in all eight years. For two years he practiced law but since that time has been engaged in merchandising. He married his first wife's sister, Violet Burcham, October 1, 1873, to which union three children wre born--Onias, Daniel B. and Mary V., all deceased. The mother died March 24, 1878. Mr. Hatfield married Marie H. Alexander June 9, 1878, by whom he is the father of two sons--Thomas R. and Alexander H. He is a Democrat, a member of the F. & A. M., and a non-affiliating member of the I. O. O. F.

D. M. HILDEBRAND, a native of the "Keystone State," was born in the year 1824, a son of Michael and Christina (Harsh) Hildebrand. His early years were passed in assisting his parents on the home farm and attending subscription schools, such as were common at that period. In 1845, his union with Miss Margaret Keys was solemnized, and the following named of the seven children born to them are yet living: Henry W., Ira A., James B. Mc., Louella and Carrie E. Mr. Hildebrand came to Greene County, Ind., in 1882, purchased the farm of Dr. H. V. Norvell, in Richland Township, and has since resided here, where he has won the respect and esteem of his fellowmen. His eldest son purchased the Richland Flouring Mills on Richland Creek, and is now producing an excellent quality of flour, which meets the approbation of those who patronize the mill. Although but a recent comer to Greene County, Mr. Hildebrand is taking an active part in the welfare of his adopted county. In politics, he is Democratic, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HENRY C. HILL (deceased), son of John and Jane (Johnson) Hill, was born in Greene County, Ind., December 13, 1834, and was always a resident of his native county. He received a liberal literary education, read law with William Mack, now of Terre Haute, and after his graduation from the Llaw Department of the State University in 1859, formed a partnership with his preceptor and embarked in the practice of his profession. He was a man of keen discernment, possessed of superior qualifications for his profession, but in the midst of a successful career was compelled to relinquish active pursuits by reason of ill-health, which culminated in his death May 4, 1865. Mr. Hill was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Democrat, and for some time held the office of County School Examiner. His father migrated from North Carolina to Greene County at an early day, and became one of our early pioneers. June 25,1861, witnessd the marriage of Henry C. Hill and Miss Emma Ritter. Mrs. Hill is yet living in Greene County, where she was born, raised and has always resided.

MARION HINDMAN (deceased) was born in Dubois County, Ind., October 20, 1840, the eldest of six children born to John B. and Maria (McDonald) Hindman, who were of Irish extraction. When a small boy, he came with his parents to Greene County, where he received a fair education. He began reading medicine, but on the news of the fall of Sumter relinquished his previous intentions, and October 12, 1861, enlisted in Company I, Forty-first Indiana Reg. (Cav.) He was a faithful and fearless soldier, and a participant in some of the hardest campaigns of the late war. He was honorably discharged October 4, 1864, then returned to Greene County and embarked in the drug trade at Newberry; afterward the dry goods business; but in 1875 sold out and began dealing in stock. He was married, July 4,1867, to Miss Margaret E. Slinkard, two children being the blessing of their union--Laura A. and Frank M. Mr. Hindman was a man of push and energy, as well as one of the county's most valued citizens. He assisted liberally in the advancement of all laudable public measures, and by industry had accumulated a comfortable income. Althought a member of no church, he was a Christian in the fullest sense of the word and his death, November 5, 1878, was universally regretted. Mrs. Hindman moved to Bloomfield with her children in 1879, where she has since resided.

T. D. HUFF, one of the oldest established merchants of Bloomfield, was born in Washington County, Ind., March 14,1847, and is a son of Stephen and Elizabeth Huff, natives respectively of West Virginia and Kentucky. He received but a common education, taught school for some time, and when twenty-two years old began mercantile life in Martinsburg, which he continued until 1864. In February of that year, he opened a general store on the northeast corner of the square in Bloomfield, with a $3,000 stock of goods, but in 1868 he removed to the north side, where he continued selling goods until his removal to his present location in 1878. In 1877, he began the erection of his brick business block, which was completed the year following at a cost of $5,500. Mr. Huff has been one of the most successful, and reliable merchants ever in Bloomfield, and by his own energy and industry has accumulated a comfortable fortune. He owns one dry goods store, one grocery and provision store, and a two-thirds interest in the hardware store of Huff & Rankin in Bloomfield. His capital invested in merchandising in the town amounts to $20,000, and he yearly transacts a business of about $65,000. Mr. Huff is a Republican, and to his marriage with Caroline Andrews, which was consummated in September, 1859, five children have been born. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HARVEY W. LETSINGER, son of Lewis P. and Margaret (Thorlton) Letsinger, was born in Wright Township, Greene Co., Ind., May 24, 1849. his parents were natives of Tennessee and emigrated North to Indiana at a very early period in the history of the Hoosier State, locating first in Clay County, but afterward removing to Wright Township, this county, where Mr. Letsinger died in February, 1878. On first coming to this locality, the country was yet in its infancy, and Mr. Letsinger obtained his land by entering it from the Government. Being a pioneer and inured to the hardships of pioneer life, he would leave his sons to look after the farm at home while he would take contracts for clearing, and with the proceeds derived from his labors invest in more land, so that he became one of the large land owners of the township. Hunting was his favorite pastime, and during his leisure hours would spend the time with his gun, and rarely return without abundant proof of his skill as a marksman. He was a leading spirit in the Methodist Church, and although a man of quiet and retiring disposition, was decisive in his views on all the leading topics of the day. He first became a member of the Whig party in politcs, but in 1856 joined the Republicans, with whom he ever afterward worked in harmony. Six of his sons went to battle with the right during the rebellion, three of whom found soldiers' graves in Southern soil, two dying of wounds and one of disease. Three sons-in-law fought for their country's flag in this war, and two never fully recovered from its effects but have joined those on their final march. Harvey W. Letsinger is the youngest of this family, numbering in all thirteen children, seven of whom are yet living. He is of German-Irish descent; was raised on the home farm, secured an academical education, and for seven terms was engaged in teaching school. The fall of 1873, he entered the Law Department of the State University, graduating in 1875, and in March of the succeeding year associating himself in partnership in the practice of his profession with Capt. J. D. Alexander. In politics, Mr.Letsinger is a Republican and has served as Deputy County Treasurer and Assistant State's Attorney. Miss Mary Cushman became his wife December 24,1879, and they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the parents of one son--Reed A.

HOWARD R. LOWDER, M. D., was born in Lawrence County, Ind. February 14,1845. He is a son of Milton Lowder, and grandson of Ralph Lowder, the latter locating in Lawrence County in 1814, when their nearest neighbor lived ten miles away, and were the former's birth occurred in 1819. Milton marrried Anna Storm, who was born in Greene County in 1818, whose father served the colonies eight years in their struggle for independence, and both the Lowder and Storm families are among the earliest pioneers of Southern Indiana. Howard R. Lowder is one of the successful physicians of Greene County. At an early age, he entered the State University, but did not complete the Sophomore year until 1868. August 25,1861, being then only sixteen yeas old, he enlisted in Company F. Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry; served nearly three years as a private, but on the re-organization of the regiment was made First Sergeant, and November 19, 1864, was promoted to First Lieutenant and Adjutant. He served in this capacity until being mustered out of service June 16, 1865. He was an active factor in the battles of New Madrid, Ruddle's Point, surrender of Memphis, Fort Pemberton, Helena, Missouri River and Jenkins' Ferry. In 1871, he began the study of medicine, teaching school during the time to defray expenses. Previous to his graduation from the Indiana Medical College in February, 1875, Dr. Lowder practiced at Harrodsburg and Parke. In 1875, he located in Bloomfield, where he has the confidence and esteem of the citizens. April 6, 1865, he married Miss F.J. Kissell, and to them four children have been born, only two yet living. Dr. Lowder is a Repuublican and a Royal Arch Mason.

JOHN MILLER, JR., a native of Lebanon County, Penn., and one of the present Commissioners of Greene County was born October 10, 1830. The year succeeding his birth, his parents, John and Elnora (Imboden) Miller, moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. John Miller, Sr., pursued his trade of blacksmith after going to the Buckeye State, and also farmed to some extent, having purchased a tract of land from his limited means. In order to obtain more land at a low price, he and family removed to Indiana in 1850, purchasing 240 acres in Richland Township, Greene County, paying for the same $2,000. Mrs. Miller died October 3, 1865, and Mr. Miller married for his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Barton) Osborn, with whom he lives a retired life near Bloomfield. John Miller, Jr., is one of the following names children: Henry, Maria, John, Catharine, Elizabeth, Leah, Caroline, David and Polly. At twenty-two years of age, he began doing for himself, and September 23, 1852, Miss Sarah R. Miller became his wife. Their union has been fruitful in the birth of thirteen children -- Samuel H. (deceased), David N., John P. and Jacob M. (twins, deceased), William C. P., Hannah E., Tabitha E., Mary Belle, Oliver P., Susan M., an infant that died unnamed, Daisy D. and Ethlene W. Two of the above are married, namely, Daniel N. to Florence R. Mattox, and Hannah E. to Henry Switz. Mrs. Miller is a native of Cumberland County, Penn., born March 15, 1832, a daughter of Rev. Samuel N. and Hannah (Phillips) Miller, who became residents of Greene County in 1850. John Miller, Jr., is one of the leading and substantial men of the county. He began life a poor boy, and by hard work, economy and good management has secured a competency. He owns a large and valuable farm of 645 acres, and besides carrying on farming in its various branches, deals largely in stock. In politics, he advocates the principles of the Republican party, and as a member of this organization was elected one of the Commissioners of the county in 1882. He and wife are members of the Church of God.

WILLIAM M. MOSS, editor and proprietor of the Bloomfield Democrat, is a native of this county, born in Stockton Township March 22, 1852. His grandfather, Aquilla Moss, was a native of the Old Dominion, but removed to Kentucky at an early day; from there to Ohio, and later to Washington County, Ind. In 1827, he removed to Greene County, where he ever afterward resided; he served in the war between the United States and Mexico; was the father of ten sons and two daughters, one son being Daniel H. Moss, father of William M; Daniel H., was married to Mary A. Mayfield, and two of their four children are now living; William M. Moss, was raised in his native township and completed his literary schooling with two years' study at Farmersburg, in Ascension Seminary. He afterward graduated at the Normal and Commercial Institute in Sullivan, and when nineteen years old began doing for himself. For ten years, beginning in 1870, he followed school teaching, and from 1876 to 1880 was Principal of Excelsior Seminary, in Vigo County. In June, 1880, he purchased the Bloomfield Democrat, and has since conducted one of the best county papers in Southern Indiana. Mr. Moss is a member of the F. & A. M., the K. of H., and in politics is an unswerving Democrat. He was married to Miss Hannah C. Scott, a native of Vermillion County, August 24, 1876, and they are parents of four children--Claude S. and Clyde, living; and Ada Blanche and Bardette, deceased.

Deb Murray