Dr. Jacob BOSWORTH, one of the prominent pioneers of Jay County, who is now deceased, was born in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, in 1791, and was of New England ancestry, two brothers of the name BOSWORTH having come from England in the early history of the colonies, from whom all of the name have descended. When a young man Doctor BOSWORTH came West, locating first at Marietta, Ohio, and from [p 612] there went to Gallipolis. He followed teaching both before and after coming West, and for a time was a teacher in Winchester College, Massachusetts. He was married in Gallia County, Ohio, to Miss Nancy WESTLAKE, who was born in Virginia, of English descent. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity. Four sons and three daughters still survive -- Augustus, residing on land which he entered on section 22, Wayne Township; Dr. Richard, living in Winchester, Randolph County, is a graduate of the medical department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, and was surgeon of the Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry in the war of the Rebellion; Thomas, a member of the law firm of BOSWORTH, MARKLAND & SNYDER; Jacob, a physician of Camden, Jay County; Elizabeth, wife of Lewis J. BELL, of Pike Township; Ann, wife of John MILLER, living on the old homestead of her father; Mary, wife of George TURNER, of Randolph County. Joseph died in Ohio in early infancy; Leander died in Ohio, aged eleven years. Hannah died aged seven years, in the spring of 1837, her coffin being made from the boards of a box in which the first goods were brought to Portland. Sarah married Joseph C. HAWKINS, and died in Wayne Township, and Nancy B. was the wife of J. W. HEADINGTON, and died in Wayne Township. Doctor BOSWORTH was prominently identified with the early history of Gallia County. He followed the teacher's profession in that county for a considerable time, and during his career as a teacher he devoted his leisure time to the practice of medicine, which he adopted as a profession, and practiced medicine until late in life. He came toJay County, Indiana, with his family in May, 1836, locating on section 33, Wayne Township, where he had entered land earlier in that year, and in connection with clearing his heavily timbered land he answered to the calls of the suffering, and far and near the name of Doctor BOSWORTH became a household word. He made his home in Wayne Township until his death, which occurred January 8, 1866. He was quiet in his manner and benevolent in his character, and always foremost in any enterprise which had for its object the advancement of his township or county, or public good. He ever maintained an interest in the cause of education, and in 1837, with the assistance of a few of his neighbors, erected a log school-house on his land, and here he and his wife, without compensation, alternately taught the children of the early settlers. This was the first school-house erected until a public school building was erected.

Submitted by Betty Creath
"Biographical and Historical Record of Jay County, Indiana," Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1887

J. M BOSWORTH, a prominent physician and surgeon of Pennville, is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born September 28, 1843, the fourth and youngest son of Dr. Jacob and Nancy (WESTLAKE) BOSWORTH. His youth was spent in assisting his father clear and improve his farm and attending schools of his neighborhood, completing his literary education at the Farmers' Academy. He remained with his parents until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he enlisted as a private in June, 1862, being mustered into the service August 28, in Company H, One Hundredth Indiana Infantry. His regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division of the Army of the Tennessee, and November 11, 1862, left Memphis, Tennessee. He participated in thirty-four hard-fought battles, besides numerous skirmishes. He was in the siege of Vicksburg and in the engagements in that vicinity. Then [he] went with SHERMAN to Jackson, where he remained until after the surrender of that place, July 11. He then returned to Memphis down the Lookout Valley and attacked General BRAGG on the left, arriving at Chattanooga November 22 following. November 25 he was in the battle of Mission Ridge. He was commissioned by Governor MORTON inspector of hospitals, but declined the position, remaining with his regiment. He was sent to Chattanooga and distributed the first thirty-two car loads of rations after the fall of Chattanooga, in charge of the sanitary department. He remained in the sanitary department until after the fall of Atlanta, then served with his regiment until it was mustered out. He was with SHERMAN on his march to the sea, and took part in the grand review at Washington, D.C., at the close of the war. He was mustered out of the service July 16, 1865, and after the war he went to the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, and graduated from the medical department in 1866. He began reading medicine at the early age of fifteen years, under the preceptorship of his father, and after graduating he began practicing medicine at his home, remaining there until 1868. He then came to Pennville, where he has since practiced his chosen profession, and has established a successful and lucrative practice and gained an enviable reputation. Dr. BOSWORTH was married August 13, 1868, to Miss Harriet A. HOPKINS, who was born in Owen County, Indiana, a daughter of Hezekiah H. HOPKINS, of Pennville, who settled in Jay County when Mrs. BOSWORTH was an infant. Mr. [sic] BOSWORTH died July 13, 1872, leaving one child -- Bertha Beatrice. The doctor was again married August 13, 1874, to Miss Lillie SHOAFF, a daughter of Samuel A. SHOAFF, and to this union four children have been born, named Hester Ann, Mary E., Thomas C. and Jacob. Mrs. BOSWORTH is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The doctor belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and is one of the charter members of James T. CARTWRIGHT Post. Politically he is an uncompromising Republican.

Submitted by Betty Creath
"Biographical and Historical Record of Jay County, Indiana," Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1887

Thomas BOSWORTH, senior member of the firm of BOSWORTH, MARKLAND & SNYDER, is one of the leading members of the bar in Jay County. He is a representative of one of the prominent pioneer families of Jay County, a son of Dr. Jacob and Nancy (WESTLAKE) BOSWORTH, and is himself a native of the county, born in Wayne Township, July 31, 1836. He was reared on his father's farm, and was educated principally at Liber College, where he pursued a scientific course, and at Farmer's Academy. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion August 7, 1861, and was assigned to Company C, Thirty-ninth Indiana Infantry, which afterward became the Eighth Cavalry. He served his country two years, and participated in a number of the most important campaigns and battles of the war. He was at Shiloh under BUELL, and in the Corinth campaign which followed that desperate battle, his regiment being the first to enter that city. In May, 1863, the Thirty-ninth was mounted, and served under General SHERIDAN in the Tullahoma campaign. He also took part in the battle of Chickamauga, and in the Atlanta campaign, continuing with General SHERMAN's army as far as Dalton, Georgia, taking part in the battle of Franklin, Tennessee. He received his discharge at Louisville, Kentucky, in October 1864, when he returned to his home. Mr. BOSWORTH was married January 1, 1865, to Miss Theresa R. WEBER, a native of the State of New York, who died June 3, 1881, leaving four sons and one daughter -- Clarence, Richard, James, Herbert and Rocelia. Mr. BOSWORTH was one of the successful teachers of Jay County for many years, and from 1868 until 1871 he was county superintendent of schools. He began reading law in 1871 with Colonel J. W. HEADINGTON, and was admitted to the bar in 1873. He was associated in the practice of law with Colonel HEADINGTON for one year, then practiced alone for three years. His next partner was General SHANKS, with whom he was associated for two years, when after an interval of one year he formed a partnership with O. H. ADAIR, which continued until December, 1886, when Mr. ADAIR having been elected prosecuting attorney of this district the partnership was dissolved, and the firm of BOSWORTH, MARKLAND & SNYDER was then formed. Mr. BOSWORTH has been identified with the Republican party since attaining his majority. On questions affecting the moral and social interests of the community he takes a decided stand, and on the temperance question especially his views are very pronounced. He is classed among the enterprising and public spirited men of Portland, and is much respected by all who know him.

Submitted by Betty Creath
"Biographical and Historical Record of Jay County, Indiana," Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1887

Abram J. BRAKE, of the firm of BRAKE & BEARD, general merchants at Salamonia, was born in Miami County, Ohio, December 25, 1837, and September 20, 1838, he came to this county with this parents who settled on section 5, Madison Township. The country was new and the neighbors scarce, most of them many miles away. They endured all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. His father, Thomas J. BRAKE, was born in Lewis County, Virginia, in 1800, and in 1833 removed to Miami County, Ohio, where he was married two years later to Emeline ABEL. He died in Wells County, this State, in April, 1840. The mother was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, in 1817, and when two years old, went with her parents, Henry and Sarah A. ABEL, to Miami County, Ohio, she being the only child at that time. Her father's family came to Jay County after she was married, and settled on section 8, Madison Township. Her father built the first brick house in the township, in 1840. Mr. BRAKE was reared in sight of Salamonia village, and believes himself to be the oldest male resident of the village, the oldest female resident being Melinda JACKSON. He was reared on a farm and completed his education at the academy below Liber. September 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, for three years. Two years of this time he was with his regiment, and one year was at the brigade headquarters, being a Sergeant. At the request of General WHITAKER he commanded the provost guards one year as Duty Sergeant. At the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded in the right hand by a minie ball, compelling him to be off duty two months. He was discharged September 26, 1864, at Atlanta, Georgia, on account of expiration of time of service. He returned home, and October 17, of the same year, he engaged in the mercantile trade. He has a farm on sections 5 and 8, consisting of 103 acres, well improved, with ordinary buildings. Mr. BRAKE was married September 20, 1861, to Maria REED, born in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1837. She was reared in Wayne County, Indiana, and died in Salamonia, December 26, 1885. Her parents were Thomas and Elizabeth REED. Her mother was born in Pennsylvania, and her father was of Irish ancestry. April 13, 1887, Mr. BRAKE was married to Clara E. SCOTT, born near Kokomo, Indiana, June 27, 1854. She was reared in Clay County, Kansas, and removed to Logansport in 1876, where she was engaged as proprietor of a dress-making shop, remaining there until her marriage. Her mother, Sarah A. (BROWN) SCOTT, is now living at Logansport. Mr. BRAKE was postmaster from January 30, 1865, until April 24, 1886. It was a semi-weekly postoffice when he first took the office, but through his influence it was changed to a daily mail. His grandfather, Abram BRAKE, was born in Old Virginia, and died in West Virginia. His great-grandfather BRAKE was born in Frankfort, Germany, and came to America before the Revolutionary war. He was a manufacturer of woolen cloths, as were also his ancestors. He died in Eastern Virginia. His grandmother BRAKE, whose maiden name was JACKSON, was an aunt of Stonewall JACKSON, the latter living with his uncle BRAKE several years; he was then taken to school by his uncle, Cummings JACKSON. The JACKSONs are of Scotch-English ancestry. The name BRAKE should have been translated to be spelled BROEKE. The FRANKs, the grandmother on the maternal side, were of French descent. Mr. BRAKE is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Pittsburg Lodge, No. 754, and is also a member of Stephen J. BAILEY Post, G. A. R., at Portland. The store, of which Mr. BRAKE is part owner, was first established by Peter COLDREN, it being the first store in the village. He was succeeded by H. and G. W. ABEL, and they were succeeded by ABEL & BRAKE in 1865. The firm BRAKE & BEARD has been prosperous. They started their business with about $1,400, and are now considered one of the most responsible firms in the county.

Submitted by Betty Creath
"Biographical and Historical Record of Jay County, Indiana," Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1887

Cheney PYLE, a successful farmer of Jefferson Township, and a representative of one of the early pioneer families of Jay County, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1826, a son of George P. and Ann (SMITH) PYLE, the father born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and the mother a native of Virginia. They immigrated to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1832, living there until the spring of 1838 when they came to Jay County, Indiana. They first made their home on section 35, Greene Township, where they lived in a rude log cabin about one year. The father was a poor man, unable to buy land. In 1840 he contracted for 120 acres on section 35 of the same township, and during his three or four years residence at this place he made considerable improvements. He then exchanged this property for eighty acres on section 10, Jefferson Township, where the parents spent the remainder of their days, the father dying May 29, 1859, aged sixty years, and the mother July 2, 1863, at the age of sixty-four years. They were the parents of nine children -- William living in Smith County, Kansas; Nathan died in Jay County, in 1880; Abel living in Greene Township; Cheyne, the subject of this sketch; Phoebe, deceased wife of William W. STEED; Elias, died September 14, 1856; Eliza Ann, deceased wife of George RHODES; George P., of Decatur County, Kansas; Curtis died many years ago aged fifteen years. Cheyne PYLE has lived in Jay County since his father first settled here nearly half a century ago. Here he was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has made the principal avocation of his life. He was married February 16, 1851, to Miss Matilda A. STEED, a native of Shenandoah County, Virginia, born October 1, 1827, a daughter of John and Frances STEED, who were among the pioneers of Jay County, settling in Jefferson Township as early as 1837. Mr. and Mrs. PYLE have had born to them fourteen children -- Frances, died aged fifteen years; George P., died aged twenty years; John lives in Jefferson Township; Mrs. Mary Ellen BRANDENBURGH, a widow, now residing with her parents; Sarah, wife of Willis STEED of Jefferson Township; Lavinia died aged seventeen years; Jane, wife of Jonathan GREEN, of Jefferson Township; Emeline, wife of David BROWN, of Jefferson Township; James W. and Jasper N. at home; Monroe died in infancy, and Thomas J., Jesse R. and Cheyne R living at home with their parents. Most of the family are members of the Disciples church. Mr. and Mrs. PYLE commenced housekeeping in Jefferson Township April 15, 1865, they removed to their present home on section 14, Jefferson Township, this being the first land owned by Mr. PYLE. His farm now contains 130 acres of well improved land with good residence and farm buildings, the buildings and other improvements being his own work. In politics Mr. PYLE is actively identified with the Republican party. He has served his township as assessor with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. PYLE is fond of the chase, and in the early days of the county he annually secured many trophies of his skill. In later years he visits the peninsula of Michigan and northeastern Wisconsin every fall, and spends a few weeks deer hunting, always returning home improved in health, and bringing with him evidences of his skill as a marksman.

Submitted by Betty Creath
"Biographical and Historical Record of Jay County, Indiana," Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1887

Daniel V. FLESHER, one of Pike township's well known farmers and landowners and proprietor of an excellent farm on rural mail route No. 12 out of Portland, has been a resident of Jay county all his life. Mr. FLESHER was born on a farm in Jefferson township, this county, August 21, 1861, and is a son of Israel and Angeline (RATHBUN) FLESHER, whose last days were spent at Redkey. Israel FLESHER was born in Virginia and was but six months of age when his father, Joseph FLESHER, came to Indiana with his family and settled on a quarter section of land he had entered from the Government in Jefferson township, this county, becoming one of the substantial pioneers of that part of the county. On that pioneer farm Israel FLESHER grew to manhood, and there started farming on his own account. Three years later he went to Missouri with a view to settling in that state, but within less than a year returned to Jay county and bought a farm of 219 acres in the southeast corner of Greene township, where he established his home and where he remained until his retirement about the year 1898 and removed to Redkey, where his last days were spent, his death occurring there on June 8, 1913. He and his wife were the parents of five children, all of whom are living save one, Jasper, the others (besides the subject of this sketch) being Diantha, George and Arzia. Reared on the home farm in Greene township, Daniel V. FLESHER received his schooling in the neighborhood schools and remained on the home farm until his marriage at the age of twenty-seven, after which for five years he was engaged in farming on his father-in-law's place (the DARBY farm) in Pike township. He then bought a tract of seventy-seven acres in that township and has since been farming the same, meanwhile having increased his holdings until he has a well kept farm of 192 acres, a part of which lies over the line in Greene township. Mr. FLESHER is a Democrat. It was on November 25, 1888, that Daniel V. FLESHER was united in marriage to Flora DARBY, of this county, and to this union six children have been born, all of whom are living save one, Merritt, the others being Clynas C., Bessie D., Carl, Kenneth and Keith, the two latter of whom are unmarried. Clynas C. FLESHER married Edith FRANK, of this county, and has two children, Robert and Virginia. Bessie FLESHER married J. O. PIERCE, of Bluff Point, and has two children, Marian and Mary L. Carl FLESHER married Mildred FORD, of Ridgeville, Ind., and has three children, Lowell, Mary and William R. Mrs. Flora FLESHER was born in Pike township, this county, and is a daughter of Silas and Laura L. DARBY, the former of whom was born in Clinton county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, later coming over into Indiana and settling in Jay county, where he bought a considerable tract of land and established his home, here spending the remainder of his life, one of the substantial farmers of Pike township.

Submitted by Betty Creath
"JAY, Milton T., editor, "1922 History of Jay County, Indiana," Indianapolis, Historical Publishing Company, 1922

William R. HAFFNER, a veteran of the Civil War and a retired farmer of Bearcreek township, living at his pleasant farm home in that township, where he has resided for many years, one of the best known men in that section of the county, is a native son of Jay county and has lived here all his life. Mr. HAFFNER was born on a farm in Jackson township on February 8, 1843, and is a son of John and Mary (PEARSON) HAFFNER, the latter of whom was born in Ohio. John HAFFNER was born in Virginia and was about nine years of age when his parents moved to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and was married, later coming over into Indiana and making his home in Jackson township, this county, where he spent his last days. In addition to his farming, John HAFFNER also was a cabinet maker and carried on quite a business in making furniture for his pioneer neighbors during the earlier years of his residence in this county. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, six of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch having two sisters, Julia and Emma, and three brothers, Albert, John and Eli HAFFNER. Reared on the home farm, William R. HAFFNER received his schooling in the old Higgins school, a hewed log structure. He was eighteen years of age when the Civil War broke out and in the next year, on August 15, 1862, enlisted his services in behalf of the cause of the Union and went to the front as a private in Company E of the 89th regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which gallant command he served for a bit more than three years, or until his discharge at Mobile, Ala., August 24, 1865, the war then being over. Upon the completion of his military service Mr. HAFFNER returned home and resumed his place on the farm. When twenty-two years of age he bought an eighty-acre tract of woodland in Bearcreek township, a part of the place on which he is now living, and began to clear and improve the same, meanwhile renting adjacent fields on which to carry on his farming operations. In the fall of the following year he married and established his home on that place and has since resided there with the exception of a period of three years which he spent at Portland. Mr. HAFFNER has a well improved farm, the operations of which are now carried on by his son, Orville HAFFNER, who took charge upon his father's retirement in 1919. William R. HAFFNER has been twice married. On October 18, 1866, he was united in marriage to Mary A. HOLLOWAY, who was born in the vicinity of Plattsville, in Shelby county, Ohio, and who was about fourteen years of age when she came to Jay county with her parents, George P. and Elizabeth (CARMONY) HOLLOWAY, the former of whom formerly and for years was engaged in the harness business at Portland. To that union six children were born. Of these, three are still living, Elmer, Vioretta and Leona, the latter of whom married Otis HUTCHENS, of Muncie, and has two children, Robert and Alma. Elmer HAFFNER, who is farming in Bearcreek township, married Lillie DOUGHERTY and has seven children, Forrest, Cloyd, Walter, Dale, Wayne, Fern and Hazel. Vioretta HAFFNER married William WATERMYERS, a farmer of the Findlay neighborhood, in Ohio, and has five children. Mrs. Mary A. (HOLLOWAY) HAFFNER died and on June 28, 1900, Mr. HAFFNER married Dora B. MAST, of this county, and to this union two children have been born, Orville W. and Mamie B., the latter of whom is a member of the class of 1922, Bryant high school. Orville W. HAFFNER was graduated from the Bryant high school with the class of 1918 and is now, as noted above, carrying on the operations of the home farm for his father. Mrs. Dora B. HAFFNER was born in Pike township, this county, and is a daughter of John and Priscilla (CORLE) MAST, the latter of whom also was born in that township, a member of one of the pioneer families of this county. John MAST was born in Union county, Ohio, and early became a resident of Jay county, moving from Pike township to Bearcreek township when Mrs. HAFFNER was about fifteen years of age. He and his wife were the parents of three children, Mrs. HAFFNER having a sister, Mary, and a brother, John V. MAST. The HAFFNERs have a pleasant home in Bearcreek township, rural mail route No. 11 out of Portland, and have ever taken an interested part in the general social activities of the neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. HAFFNER are members of the Christian Union church and in their political views are inclined to 'independence.

Submitted by Betty Creath
"JAY, Milton T., editor, "1922 History of Jay County, Indiana," Indianapolis, Historical Publishing Company, 1922

Deb Murray