Greene County Biography Ref. Page

JOHN H. BOVENSCHEN, farmer, and stock-raiser, was born on the River Rhine, Germany, near Freamarhen, in the year 1824. He learned the carpenter's trade with his father, for whom he worked until twenty-four years old, and in 1848 embarked for America. After a tempestuous voyage of fifty-six days, he arrived in the Unitied States in safety, and coming to Greene County, Ind., purchased eighty acres of land in Stockton Township, which he began farming and improving. In 1851, he purchased 120 acres, where he now resides in Fairplay Township, which is one of the best farms in the county, and on which he has erected a house that is a credit to the township and himself as well. He now owns in all 300 acres of land, which he has earned entirely by his own exertions. In 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Moss, daughter of Rev. Aquilla and Sallie (Harrah) Moss, by whom he is the father of four children--Stepehn, Aquilla, John W., deceased, Elijah and Joseph Milton. Both of Mr.Bovenschen's parents died in the old country. They were the parents of four children named Catharine (deceased), J. H., Charlotte (Mrs. Switz) and Hannah.

"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.
FAIRPLAY TWP.
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Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

JOHN H. BULLERMAN was born in the year 1819 at Moers, Prussia, where his parents were influential citizens and possessed of considerable means. He was early sent to school and by continuous application succeeded in gaining an academic education, after which, he engaged in farming until his twentieth year, when, he served three years as a member of the Eighth Hussars, subsequently serving for a time in the provisional army. A dissatisfaction engendered by the Revolution of 1848, and other causes, resulted n the banding together of a large number of relatives, with the avowed purpose of seeking homes in the freedom of the United States; and accordingly on the 18th of April of that year, they bade farewell to friends, relatives and fatherland, took passage on board the ship Libra, of Rotterdam, for the El Dorado of their anticipations whither Mr. Bullermen's father-in-law, Mr. Shryer, had preceded them the year previous, to locate a place where the little colony might settle, live and prosper together. Mr. Shryer preformed his mission faithfully, but died soon afterward from the effects of cholera, as did many others of the party. The colony of relatives were fifty-six days upon the ocean, during which time they endured twenty-six days of stormy weather, and to add to their sufferings, cholera visited them, carrying away nearly one-half their number, among them, being a child of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Bullermen and Matilda Shryer, the fifth child of J. B. and Matilda (Konen) Shryer, were united in marriage in 1845, and to them fourteen children have been born, only two--Henry and Elizabeth--yet living, and these reside with their parents.

J. H. DAUBENSPECK, a successful farmer of Fairplay Township, was born in the year 1833, near Moers, Prussia, where he was raised on a farm, his education being obtained at the high school and college of his native town. Until thirty-three years of age, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, but in 1866 he embarked for the United States with the purpose of making him a home in a new and free country. He first located in Grant Township, Greene County, Ind., but after a residence there of two and a half years he purchased the farm in Fairplay Township, where he now resides. Mr. Daubenspeck is one of the well known and highly esteemed men of his township, and although comimg to this country with little or no knowledge of American institutions he has, by application, become thoroughly versed in local public affairs, and besides having served his township as Assessor, was, in 1882, elected Trustee. He was married in November, 1870, to Anna Sabilla Molls, who was also a native of the Rhine country, born in 1848, a daughter of Henry and Louisa (Kremer) Molls. Mrs. Daubenspeck emigrated to this country a short time after Mr. Daubenspeck, and to their union this family has been born: Agnes, Willie, Henry, Diedrich (deceased) and Gerhard.

THOMAS J. EAST was born in Monroe County, Ind., in 1844, and when only one year old his parents removed to Greene County, where he was raised upon a farm, receiving his early education from the common schools, subsequently attending the Bloomfield Seminary and Bartlet Commercial College of Cincinnati, graduating from the last-named institution in 1865. For two terms, he was employed as school teacher in Center Township, this county, and for three years served as Assistant Recorder of the county. He then located at Lyons, where he embarked in merchandising, and acted as agent for the Indianapolis & Vincennes Rialroad for some time, afterward buying and shipping stock. In 1866, Miss Sue L., the only surviving daughter of James and America E. (Ferguson) Van Slyke, became his wife, and to them have been born five children--James J., Cora A., Nettie, Edgar P. and Roscoe T. Thomas P. East, the father of Thomas J., was of English origin, his birth occurring in North Carolina in 1814. He came to Monroe County, Ind., with his parents in about 1830, where he was married to Sarah Carmichael, who was born in the year 1815, a daughter of Richard and Mary (Graves) Carmichael. Mr. East became prominent in the affairs of Greene County after his removal here in 1845, and at one time was selected as Probate Judge, but, owing to the change into the Common Pleas Court, was debarred serving in this capacity. He was employed in stock-buying and banking for many years, and by his upright conduct and generous ways secured a large circle of warm friends. He died in this county in 1872.

GEORGE GILLETT, one of the prosperous and progressive men of Fairplay Township, was born January 8, 1827, in Otsego County, N. Y. When eight years old, his parents removed to Jefferson County, Ind., where he was reared to manhood upon a farm, and from there he came to Greene County in 1855. His union with Miss Louisa Travice was solemnized in 1860, and to them have been born this family: Charles, Willard, Calvin, Emma, Carcus, Cora, Fannie, and one that died in infancy unnamed. Mrs. Gillett is a member of the family of James and Harriet (Brown) Travice, who were from the state of Mississippi. Mr. Gillett's father, William Gillett, was a native of Vermont, where he was born in the year 1801. He was raised in Otsego County, N. Y., where he married Miss Fannie Ferris, who was a daughter of Leonard and Catharine (Stonements) Ferris. William Gillett and wife continued to reside in New York State until 1835, during which time three sons were born to them, named George, William (deceased) and Alonzo. After their removal to Indiana, five more children were born to them, as follows: Alzina, Martha, Calvin, Cordelia and Mary. The father died January 8, 1864, and his widow married John Chambers. She died in 1869.

J. W.INGERSOLL, a native of the county in which he continues to reside, was born in 1847, and is one of the following-named members of the family of Peter and Typhenia (Wines) Ingersoll: Catharine, Sherwood, J. W., Phebe Baker, Mary Hunt, H. C. (deceased), Lizzie (deceased) and two that died in infancy. Lizzie became the wife of James Starnes, and died at her home in Kansas. Her remains were brought to Indiana, and interred in the cemetery at Worthington, where also rests the remains of her father. Peter Ingersoll was born Apirl 2, 1805, in NewYork State, and at an early day came with his parents to Greene Cunty, Ind., where he was married to Typhenia Wines, who was born May 9, 1809, a daughter of Leonard Wines. He died October 9, 1876, preceded by his wife, May 12,1852. The latter rests in peace by the side of her first-born in the village cemetery at Dixon. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian Church. J. W. Ingersoll passed his boyhood days upon his father' farm, and when seventeen years old volunteered his service for the suppression of the rebellion in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served with his regiment through several engagements and long marches through Georgia, and was mustered out of the service at Terre Haute, Ind., in 1865. His eldest brother, H. C., wh died July 16, 1866, of disease contracted in the service was a member of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and his death left a daughter, who is living with our subject. J. W. Ingersoll and Mary J. Dixon were married in 1869, and to them have been born two children--D. A. and H. P. Mrs. Ingersoll was born in 1849, a daughter of Daniel G. and Mary J. (Walker) Dixon, who are among the first settlers of Greene County.

ABSALOM LUKENBILL, a native Hoosier, was born in Washington County in 1812, and when five years old removed with his parents to Owen County, Ind., where he was raised, and subsequently married to a Miss Thomas, who was born in Pulaski Co., Ky., in 1824, a daughter of Elias Thomas, who came to Indiana in about 1826. This lady died January 13, 1883, leaving to survive her one daughter, Jeretta, now Mrs. Jospeh Vail, who resides with her father at present, together with her two children--Bessie J. and Otis. David Lukenbill, father of Absalom, was the second son of Henry and Mary Lukenbill, who were natives of North Carolina, and German descent. He came to Indiana as early as 1806, but returned to his native State, and was there married in about 1810, and then returned to the home he had selected in Washington County, Ind. From this place, he moved to Owen County, and from there to Iowa, where he died in 1853, leaving seven sons and one daughter by his first marriage, and two sons and three daughters by his second. When Absalom Lukenbill and his father settled in Owen County, this State, everything was in a wild and uncivilized condition. Indians and wild game of numerous kinds were in abundance, while their nearest white neighbors were miles distant. Here, the subject of this sketch was reared to manhood, working at farming. By working around, he had earned $400 to begin married life with, and since that time he has increased that amount materially. In 1866, he came to Greene, where he has since resided. He is a member of the Christian Church and an influential citizen.

NELSON SINCLAIR, farmer and tile manufacturer, is a native of Wayne County, Ky., and is descended from an old and honored Scottish family, which traces its ancestry far back into the history of the United Kingdoms. Both his maternal and paternal grandparents were among the early settlers of the Old Dominion, which was the birthplace of his parents, from whence they removed to Kentucky at an early day. When a small boy, Nelson was taken by his parents to Breckinridge County, Ky., and from there to Orange County, Ind., where after a residence of eighteen years his father died. The widow then removed to Greene County, Ind., induced so to do by a daughter who had married and preceeded them. Nelson Sinclair is one of the following-named family of children: Patsy, Nelson, Joseph, Isaac, Nancy (deceased), Fannie, and Mrs. Shelton, of Howard County, this State. He was joined in marriage in 1848 with Miss Elizabeth Tarter, a native of Pulaski County, Ky., and a daughter of John and Nancy (Lawrence) Tarter, and to their union the following children were born: Ellen (deceased), Jane Wyley, Carrie J., Martha, Francis M., Albert (deceased), Edward, William D., and Lovell H., who was named in honor of Gen. L. H. Rousseau, a distinguished soldier of the Mexican war and the rebellion. Mr. Sinclair was the first to engage in the manufacture of tile in Fairplay Township, and at this he is yet employed, and is also operating a farm, in both branches of business making a success. He is a substantial and much esteemed citizen.

CHARLES SHEPHERD was born in Greene County, Ind., in the year 1842, and is the third child in a family of seven born to William and Martha (Bradford) Shepherd, who were natives of Kentucky. He was reared to manhood upon his father's farm, educated in the common schools of the neighborhood, and was joined in marriage in 1865 with Miss Mary Hicks, daughter of Rev. W. C. and Winnie (Alford) Hicks, who were from Tennessee. Mr. Shepherd is a well-to-do farmer, a good citizen and neighbor, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and parents of six chidren--Ida M., Loretta, William (who was named for his grandfather), Myrthe, Oscar and Mary. William Shepherd, father of the subject of this sketch, was widely and favorably known in Greene County, where he settled at a very early day. He was born in Kentucky January 7, 1814, and his wife, who was formerly Martha Bradford, was born in the same State in 1815. They died respectively in the years 1860 and 1881, and were the parents of Thomas H., Margaret, Charles, Leander, William and Andrew. Mrs. Charles Shepherd's father, the Rev. W. C. Hicks, was among the pioneers of Greene County, Ind., and his memory will long be cherished by the early members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member and pastor. It was through his influence that the Hicks Church was built, and after its erection was named in his honor. Mr. Hicks was a native of Tennessee, born in 1810, and his death occurred in Greene County in 1878. He was twice married, his first wife, Winnie Alford, bearing him nine children, and his last wife, Sarah J., nine more, making him the father of eighteen children.

DANIEL F. SHRYER (deceased) was born in Monroe County, Ind., July 16, 1830, and when a young man came to Greene County, locating in Fairplay Township, where he became very successful in the acquisition of property, and in meriting the confidence and obtaining the warm friendship of his fellow-citizens. In the year 1858, he was joined in marriage with Miss Mary A. Inman, who was born February 19, 1839, a daughter of Robert and Rhoda (Wines) Inman. Their union was blessed with three children, named Linnie, who was born January 29, 1859, and lives with her husband, E. O. Shripps, on a part of the old homestead; Harriet, born May 26, 1860, died in 1861; and Lewis I. Daniel F. Shryer died in Greene County, Ind., May 8, 1879, and his wife May 1 of the same year. Lewis I. Shryer, their only son, was born February 26, 1863, and for a wife selected Miss Sarah Louisa Glover, by whom he is the father of one daughter--Lora Lerota. The mother is a daughter of Israel and Sarah (Moore) Glover, who were natives of Ohio, and old settlers of Greene County, Ind. Mr. Shryer and wife reside on a portion of the old homestead, and are among the best citizens of Fairplay Towship.

M. WILSON, son of Thomas and Ann (Dobbs) Wilson, is a native of Northamptonshire, England, his birth occurring in 1821. He was early put to the tailor's trade by his father, serving a five years' apprenticeship with Luke Richards, at Ridgestock. He was joined in marriage with Miss Frances Parsons, of the same shire as himself, and to them have been born five children, named Watson, Rolland (deceased), Harvey, Rolland, and Sarah, who is the wife of Wesley I. Williams, of Monroe County, Ind. The subject of this notice came to the United States in 1855, and settled at Worthington, Ind., but subsequently removed to Bloomfield, where he continued to reside until the breaking-out of the late civil war. In 1862, himself and oldest son enlisted in the Seventy-first Indiana Volunteer Infanty, and participated in the battle at Richmond, Ky., where their regiment was so badly cut to pieces as to necessitate its conversion into what afterward became known as the Sixth Cavalry, commanded by Col. Biddle. Both father and son performed effective service for their adopted country in its struggle to maintain the Union. The former was captured at Richmond in 1862 by Morgan's forces, but was paroled upon the field. Watson Wilson was captured while on one of Stoneman's raids in Georgia, and for seven months was incarcerated at Andersonville, where he sufffered all the horrors of Southern prison life during the war. After his release in 1865, and while on his way home, he died at Columbus, Ohio, from the effectes of his barbarous treatment in the South. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and are among Fairplay Township's best citizens.

URIAH CHRISTENBERRY, a native of Taylor Township, Greene Co., Ind., was born August 18,1833, and is one of thirteen children of Hiram and Lucy (Baker) Christenberry, who were among the pioneers of Greene County. Excepting a few years, Mr. Christenberry has always made his home in the county where he now resides, and here he received his schooling from the primitive log cabin of that day. His marriage with Lucinda Wesner was solemnized December 11,1856, and on the 22d of April, 1860, he was left a widower with one child, Lucinda, now living. He married his second wife, Mrs. Suaney (Porter) Grove, September 8, 1864, and to this union seven children have been born--Lillie Belle, John F., Thomas J., Emilie E., Minnie M., Walter C. and Lulu A. Mr. Christenberry has followed farming mostly through life, and besides this he was connected in the drug trade at Newberry for about eight years. He owns a good farm of 200 acres, nicely improved and under good cultivation. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is one of the progressive and best citizens of the county. In youth, he received the sobriquet of "Tom," and by this name he is as much known as by the name he was christened.

"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.
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Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

ANDREW J. COX, stock-dealer, Newberry, was born in Monroe County, Ind., February 27, 1849, and is a son of Isaac and Charion (Brummet) Cox, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. Isaac Cox came to Indiana previous to his marriage, settled in Monroe County, where he filled various positions of honor and trust, and engaged in farming and stock-dealing. He was an old Jackson Democrat in politics, and he and wife were intelligent and esteemed citizens and the parents of seventeen children. He departed this life in November, 1874, but his widow still surives him and lives on the old place in Monroe County. Andrew J. was reared upon the home farm, and until sixteen years old attended the common schools. He then attended the State University at Bloomington two years, after which he entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Louisville, Ky., graduating in 1869. The fall of this year he came to Greene County and for about four years taught school at Newberry and Scotland. June 16, 1875, Miss Sadie Shoemaker became his wife. This lady was born at Newberry, a daughter of Daniel and Susanna Shoemaker, who were among the early and well known settlers of the county. She died February 28, 1879. Since the death of his wife, Mr. Cox has made his home at Newberry, his time being employed in buying stock over Greene and adjoining counties. He is an excellent judge of stock, and is one of the county's best business men. As a Democrat in politics, he is outspoken in his view, and at one time was the candidate of his party for County Auditor, suffering defeat only by four votes, which fully attests his popularity. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and the K. of P. fraternities; is a jovial companion, frank and generous in disposition, and is a man possessed of more than average literary attainments.

"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.
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Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

F. M. GILBERT, a native of Williams County, Ohio, was born August 17, 1848, and in October, 1865, removed with his father to Greene County, Ind., which has since been his home. To his parents Eli B. and Ann (Calvin) Gilbert, two children wre born--F. M. and Lois, now Mrs. D. M. Bynum. The mother died September 27, 1864, and to the father's marriage with Phebe Boys, the following children were born: Ida, Lee, Effie, Wade H. and one that died in infancy. Eli B. Gilbert was a farmer, an honored and esteemed citizen, whose death on the 8th of January, 1881, was universally regretted by all who knew him. F. M. Gilbert attended the district schools in youth, was raised on a farm and on attaining majority began doing for himself. He completed his schooling by attending business college at Warrento, Mo., and Lexington, Ky., and embarked in merchandising at Lyons in 1872, with D. M. Bynum as a partner. At the end of eighteen months, he sold out, but in September, 1875, again began merchandising at Lyons. In March, 1876, James Carpenter became his partner, and at the end of about four years the successor of the firm, by reason of Mr. Gilbert's selling out and engaging in the grain trade. He then sold out, came to Newberry, where he operates a general store, carrying about $4,500 worth of goods, and transacts an average annual trade of $11,000. Mr. Gilbert is a Democrat and an earnest advocate of the temperance cause. He was married, February 23,1879, to Carrie Alkire, by whom he is the father of three children--Armor, Cline and Ethel. The parents are members of the Christian Church and among Newberry's best 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.
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Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

DANIEL HENSHAW, deceased, was of Sourthern birth, born December 16, 1826. The death of his father when he was an infant left him to the care of his mother, who removed with him to Greene County, Ind., in 1828, and afterward married William Bynum. Daniel Henshaw married Anna Dellinger for his first wife, but she and the three children born to them are now dead. He was married to Susanna (Slinkard) Shoemaker in December, 1860, and in 1861 became a member of Company C, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died of disease at Farmington, Tenn., July 3, 1862. Mrs. Henshaw was the daughter of Frederick Slinkard. She was born in Greene County July 1,1827; was married to Daniel Shoemaker in August, 1848, by whom she had five children, only two--Catharine E. and Frederick S.--yet living. Mr. Shoemaker died February 5,1859, and by her last husband, Mrs. Henshaw was the mother of two children--Anaa (Mrs. David Nugent) being the only survivor. Mrs. Henshaw has been a member of the Lutheran Church since sixteen years old, and resides at Newberry, within sight of her birthplace. Although sorely afflicted by the death of many of her nearest and dearest relatives, she has sumitted to the decrees of the Allwise Creator without murmuring, and is a firm believer in His works.

"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.
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Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

Deb Murray