Benjamin Beavers is a native of West Virginia, born March 30, 1827, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Veach) Beavers. In the spring of 1830 his parents came to Henry County, Ind., and settled a mile west of Springport. They built a rude log cabin covered with clapboards with a chimney made of mud and sticks, in the end. Deer and wolves were numerous, and at one time a bear made himself familiar by killing one of their hogs. They had a flag spring near the house and the wild cats often visited it for water. His mother died in 1851 leaving nine children seven of whom are living. His father there married Sarah, widow of Robert Burns. He died in 1866. Benjamin Beavers was reared in Henry County. He attended school about two months a year in the winter, working on the farm the rest of the year. He has been economical and now owns 160 acres of fine land well improved. He has engaged extensively in buying and shipping hogs. He has some of the finest horses and cattle in the county. He was married in 1852 to Minerva, daughter of Thomas and Ankah Veach. They have two daughters - Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Harvey, and Leonora. Politically Mr. Beavers is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 749 and 750.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Orville L. Boor, farmer, section 34, Prairie Township, was born in New Castle, Ind., Sept. 24, 1859, a son of W. F. and Sarah A. R. (Roof) Boor. He was educated in New Castle, and studied medicine with his father and brother, but was compelled to abandon his profession on account of ill health. In the spring of 1880 he moved to the farm where he now resides, and has been very successful in that vocation. He was married April 1, 1881, to Cora L., daughter of Abram and Amanda (Pickenpaugh) Bouslog. Politically Mr. Boor has always been a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 750.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Enoch Scott Bouslog, of Mt. Summit, was born in Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., Aug. 16, 1836, the youngest son of David and Juda (Scott) Bouslog. His parents came to Henry County from Virginia in 1835 and settled in Prairie Township, and subsequently moved to Jefferson Township, where the father died in 1839; the mother died in 1863. They had a family of seven children - S____, Abraham W., John, Catherine, deceased, wife of Simeon Hayes; Mary J., wife of John Vestal; Rachel, wife of Joseph Ellison, and Enoch S., who was reared in his native county remaining with his mother till his marriage. He then settled on the old farm living there till 1876 when he moved his family to the farm where he now lives, which he bought in 1870. It contains 240 acres of the best land in the township. His residence is a fine two-story frame building with all the modern improvements. He makes a specialty of stock and small grain. Mr. Bouslog was married in 1860 to Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Coffman. She died in 1875 leaving five children - Jennie, Frank, Ollie, Charles and Bessie. In 1880 Mr. Bouslog married Jennie, daughter of William Smith. They have one son - Ernest. Mr. Bouslog is a member of Sulphur Springs Lodge, No. 249, I. O. O. F.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 750.
Submitted by: Jeanie


James Albert Brown, a son of Moses and Delphia (Dowell) Brown, was born in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., Sept. 21, 1854. His father was a native of Preble County, Ohio, and his mother of North Carolina. He received a fair education in the district schools and afterward attended the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, fitting himself for a teacher. Since leaving school he has taught in the district schools of the county and at the same time is engaged in general farming, owning eighty acres of No. 1 land, with good farm buildings. He was married in 1880 to Alice A. Holaday, daughter of Andrew J. and Sarah Holaday, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one son - Howard A. They are members of the Christian church, Mr. Brown being Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 750 and 751.
Submitted by: Jeanie


George Burton was born Oct. 4, 1825, in Jefferson County, Ind., a son of Henry and Mary Ann (Alcone) Burton, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively, the former having come to Indiana in 1813 when thirteen years old, and the latter a few years later. George lived at home till he reached the age of fourteen years when he went to Shelbyville, Ind., to learn the trade of a saddler and harness-maker from Woodville Brown, with whom he remained seven years and three months. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican war in Company Eight under the command of Captain Voorhis Conover. He participated in the battle of Buena Vista and other minor engagements, and was discharged in the fall of 1847. He then returned to Shelbyville, and from there went to Bushville, where he worked at his trade two years and after following his trade one year in Vienna, Bush Co., Ind., he returned to Rushville and went from there to Dublin, Wayne County, and from there to New Castle, where he opened a saddler and harness-maker's shop and carried on extensive business for twenty-three years. June 20, 1863, he was appointed Captain of the New Castle Guards for four years by Governor Morton. He enlisted in Company A, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteers, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865. He was married in 1848, to Corella, daughter of Henry and Matilda (Bell) Fitch, by whom he had six children - Hickison, Mary, Ellen, Julia, George and Matilda Frances, all deceased. His wife died in 1860 and he was again married July 3, 1862, to Hannah A., daughter of James and Rosana (Fitzgerald) Fitch, natives of Kentucky. To this union were born seven children - James L., born Oct. 8, 1863; Clara B., Aug. 29, 1866; Anna L., Feb. 21, 1868; Blanche L., April 20, 1870; Jessie A., July 30, 1872; Sally J. L., March 9, 1875; William Henry, July 9, 1877. Mr. Burton is at present residing on a farm of 165 acres of highly cultivated land on sections 23 and 24. He is a member of New Castle Lodge, No. 91, A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 751.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Samuel S. Cannaday was born in Richmond, Ind., Oct. 8, 1815, a son of William and Hannah (Milliken) Cannaday, who came from East Tennessee to Indiana in April, 1815, and settled in Richmond, and in 1824 removed to Henry County, where they died. He resided with his parents till manhood, receiving a common-school education. He was the eldest of ten children and his father being crippled, the care of the family devolved on him. He was married Oct. 19, 1837, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Drusilla (Ball) Hedrick. After his marriage Mr. Cannaday carried on a cabinet shop at Hillsboro a number of years. He then went to New Castle and worked at wagon-making two years. In 1861 he was appointed Postmaster and held the position five years. He then moved to Delaware County and engaged in farming two years, and March 3, 1868, returned to Mount Summit, where he has since worked at the trade of wagon-making. Politically Mr. Cannaday is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and were among the organizers of the church at Mount Summit. They have had nine children, but five of whom are living - John H., Hannah A., Sarah Lucinda, Sylvanus and George. The deceased are - Mary Ellen, Malinda Jane, William Alexander and Drusilla. Mr. Cannaday was afflicted a number of years with a cancer which baffled the skill of the best physicians. He finally procured a remedy which effected a complete and permanent cure. He was so assured of its worth that he secured the recipe and has met with extraordinary success in the cure of the disease, being visited by sufferers from all sections of the Union. He has served as Postmaster thirteen years and Justice of the Peace nine years, in Prairie Township.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 752.
Submitted by: Jeanie


James S. Clawson was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 20, 1821, a son of Josiah and Phoebe (Woodward) Clawson, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Kentucky. Both moved to Ohio when quite young, with their parents, and were there married. They came to Henry County, Ind., in 1821 and settled on Flatrock. Josiah Clawson entered 160 acres from the Government and after living on it fifteen years exchanged it for a farm two miles north of New Castle, containing 320 acres now known as the Jno. Huddleson and Jas. Richey farms. He lived on this farm about twelve years after which he sold it and went into the drug business with his eldest son, Dr. A. J. Clawson, at New Castle, and in 1858 he retired from business and he and his wife lived with their son, James S., until their death. Phoebe, his wife, died in 1861, and Josiah, in 1869. They had a family of ten children, but four are living. James S. remained with his parents till manhood. After his marriage he lived on a farm north of New Castle three years and then purchased the farm upon which he now resides, which contains 460 acres of fine land. Although his means were limited when he began life he has been successful and now has a good property. He pays special attention to the raising of grain and stock. Mr. Clawson was married in his twenty-second year to Miss Mary A., daughter of Jesse and Sarah Ice. They have six living children - Caroline C. (wife of G. E. Messerley), John M., Orlistus P., Jessie J., (wife of F. B. Hurst), Josiah L., Mary F. In 1866 Mary A., his wife, died, and in 1869 he was again married to Sophronia J., widow of Dr. J. J. Drummond and daughter of Jacob V. and Rachel Hickman, of LaPorte County, Ind. By this second marriage he has two living children - Charlie F. and Estella F. Mr. Clawson was twice engaged in the dry-goods business, and has served four years as Justice of the Peace, and in 1882 was a candidate for Representative on the Democratic ticket. He and his wife and all of his children except his youngest daughter are members of the Christian church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 752 and 753.
Submitted by: Jeanie


John Mortimer Clawson, a son of James S. and Mary Ann Clawson, was born in Henry County, Ind., Sept. 26, 1847. He attended the district school and when eighteen years of age taught one term of six months. He afterward attended Franklin Academy, Johnson County, Ind., and Eureka College, of Illinois. He then began clerking for Hiram Allen, and in 1871 formed a partnership with Henry Rieman, in the general mercantile business, in Springport. In 1872 he sold out at auction and again clerked for Hiram Allen a year. He then engaged in farming a year and then went to New Comer, Delaware Co., Ind., and engaged in the general mercantile business a year. In 1875 he returned to Springport and bought the store of Hiram Allen. He was appointed express and railroad agent and remained in Springport something over three years. He then sold his store to Manning Smith and bought a farm a mile southwest of Springport, where he lived four years, when he rented his farm and moved to Muncie and engaged in the boot and shoe business about a year. He then returned to Springport where he still resides, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Clawson is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity; a member of Muncie Lodge, No. 433, Delaware County. He was married in 1874 to Margaret, daughter of Hiram and Mary J. Bell, of Delaware County. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 753 and 754.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Peter S. Cory was born April 19, 1824, in Ross County, Ohio, a son of Stephen and Millia (Sperry) Cory, the former born Nov. 30, 1800, and died about Oct. 27, 1883. They were married in Ross County, Ohio, and in 1826 settled in Blue River Township, Henry Co., Ind., They were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are deceased. Those living are - Peter S., of Prairie Township; Elijah, of Blue River Township; Cornelius, of Randolph County, Ind.; Nancy, wife of Isaac Moulsby, of Randolph County; Matilda, wife of William Covalt, of Blue River Township; Maria, wife of Peter Coble, of New Castle, Ind., and Isaac, of Connersville, Ind. Peter S. Cory lived in Blue River Township till his marriage, Oct. 18, 1849, with Martha Littleton, born July30, 1830, a daughter of Levi and Catherine (Hurst) Littleton, natives of Ross County, Ohio, the former born Nov. 27, 1802, and the latter April 12, 1804, both living in Stony Creek Township, Henry Co., Ind. To Mr. Cory and wife were born eight children, four still living - Amanda, born July 9, 1854, wife of W. F. Smith, of Springport; William L., born May 25, 1857, residing with his parents, and at present engaged in teaching school; Margaret, born Feb. 5, 1860, teaching school at Paragon, Morgan Co., Ind.; and Effie, born Sept. 3, 1864, living at home. Mary Samantha was born Sept. 7, 1850, and died Feb. 8, 1854; Rufus was born July 19, 1852, and died Feb. 5, 1854; a daughter was born June 16, 1863, and died July 11, 1863, and Frances Ella was born July 16, 1869, and died Dec. 20, 1878. Mr. Cory in early life learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked four or five years. He has made farming his principal occupation through life, and may be classed among the enterprising and successful farmers. His farm contains 200 acres of well-cultivated land, situated on section 14. In politics Mr. Cory affiliates with the Democratic party.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 754.
Submitted by: Jeanie


S. Davis is a native of Prairie Township, Henry Co., Ind., his birthplace being near his present residence. He is a son of Aquila and Lina (Harvey) Davis, his father a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, of English and Welsh descent, born Dec. 6, 1813, and his mother a native of Wayne County, Ind., of Irish and German descent, born Oct., 12, 1815. They were married Aug. 21, 1833, and were among the early settlers of Prairie Township. Our subject remained at home till his twenty-second year, receiving a good education in the New Castle schools. He then attended the Cincinnati Commercial College, from which he graduated. After receiving his education he went to Nebraska, and remained there four years, and in 1873 went to California and engaged in the milling business ten years. He then returned to Indiana and purchased the old homestead. He now owns one of the finest farms in the county, consisting of 238 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Davis was married Oct. 12, 1871, to Eva Roper, daughter of F. and Julia Roper. They have two children, both born in California - Paul, born Oct. 15, 1877, and Hugh, born May 9, 1880. Politically Mr. Davis is a Republican. While a resident of California he represented Kern County at each State convention. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F., New Castle.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 754 and 755.
Submitted by: Jeanie


William Dragoo is a native of West Virginia, born Feb. 26, 1826, a son of Peter and Martha (Jones) Dragoo, his father a native of Pennsylvania, born June 8, 1793, and his mother of West Virginia, born in 1801. His grandfather, William Dragoo, came to America from France before the Revolutionary war. In 1832 Peter Dragoo moved with his family to Delaware County, Ind., and entered land from the Government, the patent being signed by General Jackson. He and his wife still live on the old homestead, enjoying a quiet old age after a long married life. They have had eleven children; but five are living - William; Lemuel; Sarah, now Mrs. John Wingate; Mary E., now Mrs. Jacob Keens; and Samuel J. William Dragoo was reared a farmer and has always followed that vocation with the exception of one year, when he was in the mercantile business in New Burlington. He has been successful, and from a small beginning has increased his landed estate to 255 acres. Mr. Dragoo was married to Amelia, daughter of Robert Gibson, of Delaware County. They have four children - John W., Laura B., Nancy J. and Martha C. John W. married Frances, daughter of Dr. S. V. Jump, of Delaware County. Mr. Dragoo is a member of Whitney Lodge, No. 229, F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 755.
Submitted by: Jeanie


J. W. Dunbar was born in Giles County, W. Va., May 11, 1832, a son of William and Cynthia (DeJournet) Dunbar, the former born in Botetourt County, Va., in 1787, a son of Joseph Dunbar, and the latter born in Augusta County, Va., in 1800, a daughter of Richard DeJournet. He was reared in Virginia, and in 1863 came to Indiana and settled in Henry County, working at the carpenter's trade. In 1870 he opened the first hotel in Mount Summit. He was married June 28, 1853, to Sarah D., daughter of Charles and Catherine (Howe) Houchins. To them have been born ten children, seven of whom are living - Mahala, born Aug. 14, 1854, was married Oct. 17, 1875, to Allen Spell; Charles W., born Oct. 2, 1856, was married Dec. 13, 1878, to Nellie Carrol; Virginia, born March 3, 1862; Minta, born April 16, 1868; Bertie, born Dec. 2, 1870; Gertie, born Dec. 21, 1873; Bell, born Nov. 28, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar are members of the Christian church. Politically he is a Democrat. He has held several offices of trust in the township, and at present is serving as Justice of the Peace.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 755 and 756.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Lemuel Evans, deceased, was born May 15, 1797, and died Sept. 15, 1859. He was married in Columbus, Ohio, to Hannah, daughter of John and Priscilla (Slate) O'Harrow. They resided in Franklin County, Ohio, seven or eight years, and then moved to Henry County, Ind., where he entered 240 acres of wild land. He improved this land and subsequently added 240 acres, owning at the time of his death 480 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had a family of twelve children, all deceased - Susannah, Hannah, Eliza, Eva, Mary, Sarah, John, Lemuel, Joseph, James, Priscilla and Winona. Mrs. Evans has survived her husband and all his children, and now resides on the old homestead, surrounded by all the comforts of life. She is one of the oldest residents of the county, being now eight-four years of age. She is noted for her kindness of heart, and her benevolence toward all charitable objects. One son, Lemuel, died in the service of his county, but was brought home for burial.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 756.
Submitted by: Jeanie


James H. Fraizer, farmer, is a native of Ohio, born Nov. 14, 1819, a son of Eli and Jane (McFarland) Fraizer, natives of Tennessee, his mother of Irish parentage. His parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., in 1820, and in 1826 to Henry County, and settled on a small farm in the southeastern part of Prairie Township, where the father died in 1831, and the mother in 1845. They had a family of six sons and two daughters. Six of the family are living. James H. was but twelve years of age when his father died, and being one of the eldest children was obliged to assist in the maintenance of the family. He remained with his mother till twenty-three years of age, when he was married to Nancy, daughter of James Harvey. They commenced housekeeping on a small scale, and bought eighty acres of land on time. They have been industrious and economical, and have accumulated property, owning now a good farm of 185 acres, with comfortable farm buildings and a pleasant dwelling-house, besides helping their children to a start in life. They have had nine children, five sons and four daughters - Joel, Miles, Eli, William H., Abram L., Margaret A. (deceased), was the wife of F. Allender; Sarah J., wife of S. H. Brown; Mary A. (deceased), and Louetta. Mr. and Mrs. Fraizer are members of the Christian church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 756 and 757.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Thomas R. Graham, farmer, sections 26 and 18, range 10, Prairie Township, was born in Henry County, Ind., a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McDowell) Graham. His father was born in Lancashire, Eng., July 11, 1805, and in 1833 came to the United States, landing in New York City, and shortly after came to Indiana and settled in Henry County. His mother was a native of New York, but in 1818, of Scotch descent, and when quite small came with her parents to Henry County, there being but one house, and that unfinished, in New Castle at the time. To them were born four children - Hannah, deceased; Lucy, wife of J. H. Clark, of Lee County, Ill.; William D., of New Castle, and Thomas R. The latter remained at home till after his marriage, and then settled on his present farm, where he owns 360 acres of fine land, all under cultivation, valued at $85 per acre. Mr. Graham was married Jan. 22, 1876, to Ellen, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Bales. They have one child - Lizzie, born June 7, 1877. Politically Mr. Graham is a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 757.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Thomas Hale was born in Monongalia County, W. Va., April 13, 1820, a son of Absalom and Sarah (Taylor) Hale, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of New Jersey. His parents came to Indiana in 1833, and settled in Henry County, where his father entered eighty acres of wild land. He began life for himself on a frontier farm. He first purchased 100 acres of land; by adding to it from time to time he now owns 465 acres. He has always been a hard-working, industrious man, and is now one of the most prosperous men of the township. He was married June 24, 1845, to Sarah Massey, who died March 11, 1857, leaving three children - James Presley, born June 24, 1846; John Bartly, Feb. 17, 1849, and Adam Clinton, Dec. 26, 1851. April 17, 1859, Mr. Hale married Mary, daughter of James and Esther (Lewis) Lister. To them have been born eight children - Rebecca Florence, born July 15, 1861, died Feb. 18, 1864; Sarah E., born Dec. 10, 1863; Laura May, born April 4, 1866, died Sept. 7, 1883; Esther Harriet, born Oct. 4, 1868, died Sept. 8, 1883; Arminta C., born Nov. 1, 1870; Mary S., born Feb. 1, 1873; Thomas Milton, born June 27, 1875, died Aug. 26, 1883; Letitia A., born Nov. 5, 1878, died Sept. 13, 1883. Politically Mr. Hale is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, being among the organizers of the church at Mount Summit.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 757 and 758.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Charles E. Hall, merchant, Springport, Ind., is a native of Henry County, born April 14, 1860, a son of James and Mary (Ball) Hall. His father was a native of Clark County, Ohio, and came to Henry County, Ind., with his parents when ten years of age. He now owns a fine farm near Knightstown. Charles was reared on a farm, but when twenty years of age began clerking for J. M. Hickman. In February, 1884, he purchased Mr. Hickman's stock and is now carrying on the business. He has a fine stock of goods, and commands a good trade. He is an energetic young man, and is universally esteemed, both in business and social circles.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 758.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Thomas Leonard Hartley is a native of Henry County, Ind., born Nov. 3, 1838, a son of Elisha and Sarah (Emerson) Hartley, natives of West Virginia, the father born in 1801, and the mother in 1802. In the spring of 1828 Elisha Hartley, with his wife and three children, came to Henry County, Ind., and settled a quarter of a mile south of the present town of Luray. He built a small log cabin and began clearing his land, remaining here till his death in 1869. His wife died in 1864. They had a family of fourteen children; eleven lived till maturity - Elizabeth (married James Ollum), Joseph O., William H., Jacob (was killed, by being thrown from a horse), Abraham, Benjamin F., Thomas L., George W., John P., Matilda, Sarah C. (wife of C. B. McKinney), James L. Mr. and Mrs. Hartley were members of the Protestant Methodist church, and were among the founders of the church in Luray. Thomas L. Hartley remained with his parents till twenty-two years of age. He enlisted in September 1861, in Company D, Second Indiana Cavalry, and served three and a half years. He was taken prisoner at Sandy Creek, and was at Andersonville six months. He was then paroled and sent to Annapolis, and was given a furlough for thirty days; was then ordered to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, for discharge. In 1868 he was married to Clamenza, daughter of Amaziah and Lydia H. Patterson. They have had six children; but three are living - Edward C., Orpha Lee and an infant. In 1872 Mr. Hartley bought the farm where he now resides. He has 180 acres of choice land well cultivated. He is one of the most successful hog raisers in the county. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church at Luray. He has been Superintendent of the Sabbath-school a number of years.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Prairie Township.
Page 758 and 759.
Submitted by: Jeanie


Deb Murray