From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 699.
Submitted by: Jeanie

David F. Hoover, son of George and Catherine Hoover, was born in Jefferson Township, Henry Co., Ind., in 1846. He was reared a farmer, but receiving a good education he began teaching when nineteen years of age, and has taught fifteen winter terms, all save four in Jefferson Township. In 1882 he was elected Trustee of the township. He has always taken a great interest in the cause of education. He has a farm of 115 acres of well cultivated land. He and his wife have been members of the German Baptist church since 1876. In 1877 he was elected to the first degree of the ministry and has since been advanced to the second degree. He is one of the Trustees of the Aged Persons' Home and Orphan Asylum of the German Baptist church, in the southern district of Indiana, and is solicitor for the same district. Mr. Hoover was married Feb. 22, 1872, to Mary C., daughter of Strawther and Piercie (Kerlin) Bouslog, and a native of Jefferson Township, born in 1851. They have had six children - Joseph L., John J., Grace A. (deceased), Charles E., George H. and an infant (deceased).

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 699 and 700.
Submitted by: Jeanie

George Hoover, a native of Rockingham County, Va., was born in 1814. He married Catherine Rife, also a native of Virginia, and in 1836 they, with one child, came to Indiana and settled in Jefferson Township, Henry County, at that time a part of Fall Creek Township. Mr. Hoover bought a farm of 200 acres, which he has improved and now has under cultivation. He has always taken great interest in the advancement and improvement of the county. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist church, of which he has been a member forty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have had seven children - Joseph, married Ruth Ann McCorman, resides in Minnesota; Anna, wife of Jacob Yost; Mary C., deceased; John J., married Jane Swope, who died, and he afterward married Diana Miller; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Wright; David F., married Catherine Bouslog; Sarah, deceased, wife of John Bartow.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 700.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Simon P. Hoover was born in Rockingham County, Va., Oct. 28, 1833, a son of Henry and Catherine Hoover. He was reared and educated in his native county, and when twenty-one years of age came to Henry County, Ind., where he has since made his home, with the exception of several trips to Illinois and the West. He was married Jan. 21, 1867, to Ruanna Lindamood, a native of Virginia, born Nov. 22, 1833, a daughter of Philip and Mary Lindamood. They have a good home of forty acres, all well improved. Mr. Hoover's father was born in Pennsylvania about 1768, and died in Virginia about 1849. He was twice married, his second wife being Catherine (Funk) Wyatt, a native of Virginia, born in 1796. She died in Henry County, about 1856. They had a family of five children - Sarah, born Nov. 3, 1830; Hetty E., born March 28, 1832; Simon P., born Oct. 28, 1833; Joseph, deceased, born June 17, 1835; David, born Jan. 17, 1837.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 700.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John B. Jones, son of John and Mary Jones, was born in Henry County, Ind., in 1844. He was reared a farmer, receiving his education in the common schools of Jefferson Township. He now owns a good farm of 135 acres, well improved and cultivated. He was married in 1878 to Amanda Heath, a native of Delaware County, Ind., born in 1850, and a daughter of Abner and Mary Heath. They have one child - Wilbert Earl.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 701.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Samuel Lyons was born in Pennsylvania, February, 1822, the youngest of seven children of Abraham and Anna (Hoover) Lyons, natives of Pennsylvania. Abraham Lyons came to Henry County, Ind., in 1838, and in 1839 entered sixty-two acres and bought forty acres of land, a part of the latter under cultivation. The children were - Susie, Sarah, Anna, Barbara, Martha, John and Samuel. Samuel Lyons has made Henry County his home since first coming here with his parents, and has assisted largely in its development. He was married in 1856 to Elizabeth Wetz, who was born in 1808, and died March 31, 1879. They had but one child - John, now deceased. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 701.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Andrew Maddy, son of James and Anna Maddy, was born in Monroe County, Va., June 1, 1808. When he was sixteen years of age his parents died leaving him to take care of himself. He then began to learn the carpenter's trade at which he worked six years. In September, 1828, he married Morcina Miller, a native of Virginia, born June 30, 1810. In October, 1832, with two children, they came to Henry County, Ind., camping the first night in New Castle. He had but $1.50 in money, but changed a horse and buggy and some bedding for forty acres of land on Honey Creek, which had on it a rude log cabin. Here they lived two years. He cleared about twenty acres of the land and erected more buildings. He then sold it for $150, and entered 120 acres in the black swamp, where he still lives. This took all his money and they were obliged to begin anew. They built a cabin of round logs, without any floor, and moved to their new home Sunday evening, camping in the woods over night, as no door had been cut in the cabin. The next morning the door was cut, and in this rude house they lived the first winter. Starting on nothing Mr. Maddy has undergone all the hardships of pioneer life and has acquired a good property, being worth at least $20,000. In 1832 his tax was $1.00; in 1883, $100. He now has a farm of 200 acres. He and his wife were members of the Old School Baptist church thirty years. His wife died Aug. 27, 1880, aged seventy years. Their family of eight children are all living in Henry County - James A.; Elizabeth, wife of N. Shoemaker; Isaac S.; George W.; Cynthia Ann, wife of Thomas E. Ray; Rhoda, wife of J. Shadlow; Philena, wife of William Latshaw; Sarah J., wife of C. J. Boker. There are seventy grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. May 3, 1881, Mr. Maddy married Mrs. Ann R. Warren, widow of A. L. Warren, and daughter of James P. and Catharine Barnell. She is a native of Rockingham County, Va., born Nov. 7, 1829.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 701 and 702.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Steward Muterspaugh, son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Feldenberger) Muterspaugh, was born in Franklin County, Pa., in 1834. His parents were also natives of Franklin County, Pa., his father born in 1792 and his mother in 1813. They came to Henry County, Ind., in 1854, and located in Harrison Township, on forty acres of wild land. They had a family of nine children - John, Jacob, Steward, Anna, Margaret, Joel C., James, Caroline and Andrew. The father died in 1858 and the mother in 1870. Both were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Steward Muterspaugh has been a resident of Henry County, Ind., since first coming here with his parents, in 1854, and has assisted largely in the development of the county. He was a young man of energy and will, and went bravely to work to clear the forests and prepare the land for cultivation. He has always engaged in farming, although not exclusively. He has traded extensively in horses, and also dealt in buggies, carriages, harness, etc. His farm in Jefferson Township contains 144 acres of fine land, 124 acres under cultivation. Commencing life with nothing, he has by hard and honest toil prospered and risen to considerable prominence in the county. He was married in 1855 to Margaret E. Thompson, a native of Ohio, born in 1839, a daughter of John and Nancy Thompson. They have had a family of ten children - Jacob, Elizabeth (died at the age of fourteen years), George, John, James, Jane, Charlie (deceased), Henry, an infant (deceased), and Eddie. Mr. and Mrs. Muterspaugh are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 702.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Peter Netz, a native of Butler County, Ohio, was born in 1840. When nine years of age his father died and he was obliged to depend upon himself for a livelihood. He went to Hamilton County, Ohio, and worked on a farm, where he had a brother, till 1856, when he came to Indiana and worked for Henry Wilkinson, who lived just east of New Castle, till the fall of 1862. He then enlisted in the Second Ohio Infantry and served till Aug. 29, 1865. He did hard service for his country, but came out of the war uninjured. He then went to Ohio and remained in Hamilton and Butler counties till the spring of 1866, when he returned to his former home in Henry County, Ind., In the fall of 1867 he bought a half interest in a saw-mill, and continued that business seven years, when he sold his interest, and in 1874 began farming. Three years later he removed to Sulphur Springs, where he has since resided, having bought the saw and planing mill of Whitworth & Thompson. His mill has a capacity of 3,000 feet of lumber per day. Mr. Netz has always taken an interest in the public welfare of the township, especially anything that tends to the promotion of education. He was married Oct. 31, 1867, to Phoebe, daughter of Elias and Jemima Pickens, and a native of Henry County, born Dec. 18, 1838. They have three children - Jeannetta, Frank and Minnie.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 702 and 703.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Christopher Painter, a son of Alexander and Mary Painter, was born in Roanoke County, Va., in 1809, and died in Henry County, Ind., in 1880. He was reared and educated in his native county, and in 1836 came to Henry County, Ind., his parents having preceded him. He located in Jefferson Township and became one of its most prominent citizens. He was a public-spirited, whole-sould man, and was always ready to advocate the adoption of any measure tending toward the good of the public. He was industrious, and was rewarded by becoming one of the wealthiest men of the township. He owned over a section of land at the time of his death, which was well improved. He was an active member of the United Brethren church, and one of its most liberal supporters. He was married in 1840 to Rebecca Rinker, a native of Union County, Ind., and a daughter of Geo. Rinker. They were the parents of six children - George W., J. D., Alexander, Mary, Thomas M. and William.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 703.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Josiah D. Painter, son of Christopher and Rebecca Painter, was born in Jefferson Township, Henry Co., Ind., in 1844, where he was reared and educated. He was reared a farmer, and has always followed that vocation, owning at present a farm of 191 acres of choice land, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. He was married in 1873 to Helen A. Comstock, a native of New Castle, Ind., born in 18__, a daughter of Dr. J. S. and Amanda Comstock, They have had two children; but one is living - India May.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 703.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Thomas M. Painter, son of Christopher and Rebecca Painter, was born in Jefferson Township, Henry Co., Ind., in 1850. He was reared and educated in his native township. He has a beautiful home of 160 acres. He was married in 1880 to Lizzie M. Strickler, a native of Delaware County, Ind., born Oct. 23, 1858, a daughter of Peter C. and Margaret Strickler. Mr. and Mrs. Painter are members of the Christian church, and prominent citizens of the township. Mrs. Painter's father was born Dec. 17, 1830. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, was wounded, and died while being transported on the Mississippi. He was married Nov. 5, 1857, to Margaret Mowle, who was born June 22, 1838, and died Aug. 16, 1859. Mrs. Painter was their only child.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 704.
Submitted by: Jeanie

William J. Painter, son of Christopher and Rebecca Painter, was born in Henry County, Ind., in 1852, and was reared and educated in Jefferson Township. He was married in 1875 to Margaret Hays, a native of Henry County, born Nov. 27, 1854, a daughter S. B. and Catherine Hays. They have two children, John and Netta. Mr. Painter was reared a farmer, and now owns 180 acres of good land. He is one of Henry County's most energetic and respected citizens.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 704.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Alexander Personett, the subject of this sketch, was born at Mt. Pleasant, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1836. His parents, Joseph and Rebecca Personett, moved to Henry County, Ind., when he was two years of age; he was reared to farm life and given a liberal common-school education. After he was twenty-one years of age he attended school for six months, and at the age of twenty-three commenced teaching school and taught for seventeen years. In October, 1859, he was married to Mary Ann Courtney. They lived together until May 20, 1865, when she died of consumption, at the age of twenty-five years. There were two children - Arthur L. and Lavinia Alice. The latter died at the age of one year and five months. In March, 1867, he was married to Virginia E. Dunbar, to whom were born three children, Lilian, William J. and Ralph. Lilian died in September, 1869, at the age of eleven months. In 1866 Mr. Personett joined the Masonic fraternity. In 1874 he was elected Justice of the Peace for Fall Creek Township and served the term of four years, when he was re-elected by a largely increased majority and served about half of the last term, when he resigned on account of removing from the township. He moved to Sulphur Springs in the autumn of 1880 when, upon a recommendation of the citizens, the Commissioners Court appointed him Justice of the Peace for Jefferson Township, but he respectfully declined, not wishing to serve in that capacity any longer.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 704 and 705.
Submitted by: Jeanie

David P. Province, son of Joseph and Kate Province, was born in 1847 in Marion County, W. Va., and was there reared and educated. When in his sixteenth year he enlisted in the Nineteenth Virginia Infantry, but was afterward mounted, and transferred to cavalry. He served two years and one-half under Stonewall Jackson, and after his death was under command of General Dick Ewell, till the latter was disabled, when he was transferred to the command of General Early. He was taken prisoner three times; was never wounded, but at one time had his horse shot from under him. After the war in 1865, he came to Indiana and stopped in Benton County till the spring of 1866, when he came to Henry County and engaged in driving teams two years. He then rented a farm of Aaron Ivens in Prairie Township. Having no family he engaged Luther Ice and family to keep house for him; but his second year on the farm, Jan. 28, 1869, he was married to Josinah Ice, who was born in Henry County, Ind., Oct. 8, 1846, a daughter of A. J. and Rachel (Clowson) Ice. In 1870 he built in Mt. Summit and lived there till 1873, when he bought seventy acres in Jefferson Township, principally timber land, which he cleared and cultivated. Since 1872 Mr. Province has taken the timber from 500 acres of land and has sold it to the Muncie, Cincinnati & Fort Wayne Railroad, his receipts for it being $17,800. After improving his farm he sold it and has since purchased several other tracts. At the present time he owns 221½ acres of land, all being well improved. He has been a prominent man in the township and has done much toward its development. Mr. and Mrs. Province have had five children - Mollie Bell, Frank W. (deceased), Andrew J., Joseph B. and Nellie May.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 705.
Submitted by: Jeanie

George W. Reedy, son of Rebecca Reedy, was born in Rockingham County, Va., in 1849. He was reared and educated in his native county, and in March, 1868, came to Henry County, Ind., having but $1.00 in money when he reached here. He began life in earnest and has by patient industry gained a good property. Sept. 21, 1871, he married Levina Strough, a native of Henry County, born in 1847, a daughter of John and Sarah Strough. After their marriage they lived with Mrs. Reedy's mother about eighteen months, Mr. Reedy taking charge of the farm. They then lived on the Wimmer farm two years, when Mrs. Strough urged them to return to their old home and they remained with her till her death, May 1, 1880, aged sixty-four years. In the meantime Mr. Reedy had bought eighty acres of land, and in 1881 they moved to their new home where they have since resided. They have one of the best farms in the county. They have one child, John Harrison, born Dec. 7, 1883, and have reared two children, not their own.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 705 and 706.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Jacob Richey was born in Rockingham County, Va., in 1850, a son of John and Susan (Caracow) Richey, the former born in Rockingham County, Va., in July, 1817, and the latter in Augusta County, Va., in 1819. His parents were married in 1841, and in 1870 moved to Henry County, Ind., locating in Jefferson Township, where they now live, having a good farm of forty acres. Their children are twelve in number, nine living - Mary C., Frederick, David, Rebecca Ann, Jacob, John, Sarah C., Peter and Emma. Jacob Richey came with his parents to Henry County and has since made Jefferson Township his home. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres, all well improved. He was married in July, 1877, to Martha, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Sanders. She is a native of Henry County, born in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Richey have three children - Corice O. D., Cory M., and William O.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 706.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John Rutledge was born Vermont in 1801, and in 1833 came to Indiana and settled on a farm in Monroe Township, Delaware County, adjoining Henry County, where he reared a family of thirteen children, ten of whom are living. His first wife was Hannah Williams, daughter of Abel and Rebecca (Hickman) Williams. Mr. Williams was prominently identified with the early history of Indiana. He came from Ohio to Delaware County, and entered 400 acres of land in Monroe Township. He was prominent in agricultural as well as political circles. Mrs. William was a Southern lady and in early life turned her attention to the study of medicine, which she put to practical use. She had an extensive practice with women and children. She lived to be seventy-five years of age but in later life was a great sufferer, on account of the exposure she had undergone in riding over the country horseback. Mrs. Rutledge was born in Ohio in 1816 and died in 1849. Her children were as follows: W. V., who began the practice of medicine at Mt. Summit, Ind., about 1858, and afterward moved to Ohio. He enlisted in the Forty-second Indiana Cavalry and served during the war. He then went to Missouri and in 1868 located in St. Louis, where he has an extensive practice and is also a Professor in the American Medical College. Rebecca (deceased), married Henry Shively, of Henry County. Mary is the wife of Amaziah Julian. Sarah is the wife of William Irwin, of Adams County, Ind. Serepta is the wife of Abraham Watson, Delaware County, Ind. Alice is the wife of Robert Downs. Samantha is the wife of William Downs. Josinah is deceased. In 1852 Mr. Rutledge married Martha J., daughter of James Dyms of Warren County, Ohio. They had five children - John R., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, residing in Rockford County, Ind.; Elijah D., James, Charlotte G. (deceased), Margaret R., wife of Levi Bunner. Mrs. Rutledge is a member of the Baptist church and Mr. Rutledge has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for sixty years.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 706 and 707.
Submitted by: Jeanie

George W. Shane was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1837, a son of Timothy and Mary Ann Shane, his father a native of Beaver County, Pa., born May 2, 1813, and his mother of Steubenville, Ohio, born Feb. 14, 1815. About 1838 his parents moved to Pittsburg, Pa., and a year later to Beavertown. In 1845 they removed to Marietta, Ohio, remaining there twelve years. He worked four years in a bucket and tub factory in Marietta, but in 1857 came with his parents to New Castle, Ind., and the next year assisted Stephen Corey on his farm, and attended school. He then was employed a year and a half as engineer in a mill at Sulphur Springs, and from there went to the Middletown Mills, where he remained till 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, Eighth Indiana Infantry, for three months and was appointed Fourth Sergeant. At the battle of Rich Mountain, July 11, he was wounded; the ball striking him in the left breast, passed through the left lung and out at the right shoulder, breaking it in three pieces. He was disabled nearly a year, but after his recovery, June, 1862, enlisted in Company K, Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served three months as First Lieutenant. He then returned to Middletown and remained till Sept. 16, 1864, when he organized Company H, One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana Infantry, and was elected its Captain. He served still the close of the war; was mustered out July 11, 1865. After his return from the war he was employed three months as fireman on the Pan Handle Railroad, running from Richmond to Chicago. He then went to the Liberty Mills and remained till 1868, when he purchased a third interest in Middletown Mills. Nine months later he sold his interest and went to Kokomo, Ind., and clerked in a boot and shoe house. He afterward returned to the Howard Mills and remained six years. In 1876 he bought his farm of 200 acres in Jefferson Township. Captain Shane was married in 1862 to Elinor Swope, a native of Henry County, born April 17, 1842, a daughter of John and Mary Swope. They have had two children - Mary V., born Oct. 29, 1863; Martha A., born Oct. 8, 1867, died Dec. 26, 1880. Mrs. Shane is a member of the Christian church. Captain Shane is one of the most enterprising citizens of the township.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 707 and 708.
Submitted by: Jeanie

George W. Showers, son of John H. and Maria (Hicks) Showers, was born in Lebanon County, Pa., Dec. 25, 1847. When twenty-one years of age he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he still follows. He was married in 1871 to Lucinda A., daughter of David and Mary Ann Harter, a native of Henry County, Ind., born Sept. 27, 1846. They have had six children; but three are living - Ralph W., born May 26, 1876; John D., born Feb. 12, 1878; Fred, born April 27, 1882. Mrs. Showers is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Showers is a member of Sulphur Springs City Lodge, No. 348, F. & A. M., and has been its Master a year. He is politically a Democrat. His residence is in Sulphur Springs.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 708.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John H. Showers was born in Lebanon County, Pa., Feb. 20, 1826, of German descent. He learned the shoemaker's trade when a young man, and worked at it during life, at the same time working at brick-molding in the summer season. He was married March 9, 1845, to Maria Hicks, a native of Lebanon County, Pa., born Oct. 12, 1823, of German and Irish descent. She now resides in Madison County, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Showers had a family of ten children - Sarah R., of Madison County, Ind.; George W., William and Henry (twins, deceased), Emma E., Kittie Ann, Mary J., Benjamin F., of Holt County, Mo.; Stephen A., deceased, Asa, of Madison County, Ind. In 1856 they came to Henry County, Ind., and lived in Mechanicsburg till 1860, when they moved to a farm near Honey Creek. In 1862 Mr. Showers enlisted in Company E., Eighth Indiana Infantry. He died of camp fever at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Aug. 16, 1863, having served faithfully till his last sickness. Mr. Showers was a member of the Winebrennerian church. His wife is a member of the German Baptist church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 708.
Submitted by: Jeanie

David Sowash is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1820, where he was reared and educated. In his nineteenth year he came to Henry County, Ind., and remained in the vicinity of New Castle two years. He was employed in building Eli Herman's distillery, and after its completion helped to operate the mill. He returned to Pennsylvania, and in 1842 was married to Sarah Brought, who was born in 1822. In 1849 he moved to Henry County, Ind., and located in Hillsboro, Prairie Township, and in 1854 removed to Iowa, but remained only two years. In 1857 located in Jefferson Township, and in 1879 bought the farm where he now lives, a mile south of Sulphur Springs. His wife died in 1864. They had eight children; but three are living - John H., Catherine and Franklin. Elizabeth, William, Ellen, Margaret and an infant are deceased. In 1865 Mr. Sowash married Mrs. Charlotte Ivens, a daughter of George Trafford. She was born in 183__ and died in 1868. In 1869 he married Mrs. Lydia Dunbar, daughter of Ephraim Kerlin. They have three children - Allie, Emma and Ephraim. Mr. Sowash has served his township four years as Trustee.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Jefferson Township.
Page 708 and 709.
Submitted by: Jeanie