Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northwest Township
JOHN AGAN is one of the following children of James and Catherine (Bingman) Agan: William, Christian B., Henry, James L., John, Mary, Alfred, Betsey Ann, Francis, Benjamin M. and Lee. He was born in this township December 14, 1836, and was reared a farmer, securing a limited education by his own efforts. Upon reaching his majority he began doing for himself, and has made farming his life occupation, and now owns 160 acres of fertile land. His wife was Electa E., daughter of Anthony and Mary (Osborn) Highland, and bore him the following children: Louis E., deceased; Mary C., deceased; James W., Frances A., Martha E., John M., Leroy, Hettie M., Electa A., Bertha J. and Maggie F. Mr. Agan is a Democrat and an Odd Fellow, and a prominent man. His wife was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, November 9, 1839, and her father came to this county in 1854. Our subject's parents were excellent people, members of the Methodist Church, and both lie buried on the old homestead on Section 20.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Southeast Township
JOHN C. ALBERT of Paoli, Ind., is one of the men who has figured largely in the history of Orange County during the last four decades. A native of Westmoreland County, Penn., he was born March 5, 1818, one of twelve children of Peter and Frances (Breniman) Albert. At the age of thirteen years he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade, which he completed, and in 1838 emigrated West, soon afterward locating in Paoli. In 1853 he was appointed Treasurer of Orange County, and was afterward elected and re-elected to the same position as a Democrat. In 1863 he was elected cashier of the Bank of Paoli, and it was in this that he met his first heavy financial loss on account of the bank stock being based upon bonds of some of the Confederate States. At the opening of the war he abandoned the Democratic party, with which he had hitherto been connected, and allied himself with the Republicans, where he continued to act until 1872. In that year he
supported Horace Greeley, and in 1876 was one of the few men in Orange County who voted for Peter Cooper. Since that time he has acted with the National party, and in 1880 was the nominee of that organization for Congress in the Second Indiana District. Through his marriage with Miss Ellen McVey in 1841 he is the father of four children--two daughters and two sons--both of the latter dying in the Civil war, and one of which, John C., was killed in the attack upon Fort Wagner, as Captain of Company H, Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mrs. Albert died in 1872, and with her son James was deposited in a vault at Paoli. In February, 1879, Mr. Albert met another heavy loss in the burning of a large hotel at Paoli, which he had for several years been keeping. The loss is said to have been about $30,000, with no insurance. Since then he has been engaged in the real estate business.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township
ABNER W. ALLEN, a prominent citizen of Greenfield Township, Orange County, Ind., was born in Mercer County, Ky., February 7, 1819. His parents, Eli and Elizabeth (McDonald) Allen, came to Orange County the same year of his birth. In youth, he shared the privileges common to that day for obtaining an education, and during the time of his minority resided at his father's home. He was united by the bonds of matrimony to Miss Margaret Agan, on March 22, 1846, and to their union seven children have been born, only one, Mary E., whose birth was March 1, 1860, now living. Mr. Allen has been a farmer all his life, and is one of the worthy and influential men in his neighborhood. He is a Democrat in politics, and served the people of his township as Trustee for three years. He served his country in the Civil war, enlisting in Company H, Forty-fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he remained until the close of the war, and was honorably
discharged at Chattanooga, Tenn., July 3, 1865.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Greenfield Township
ALFRED APPLE, farmer and stock-raiser of Greenfield Township, was born in Guilford County, N.C., January 1, 1833. He is the fifth in a family of ten children born to John and Mary (Loman) Apple, who came to Orange County, Ind., in 1839. The parents were among the best citizens of the county, and John Apple, the father, owned a large amount of real estate. He took an active interest in the political affairs of his day, and served his township as Trustee several terms under the first public school system. Alfred Apple lived with his parents until his marriage and during his minority; acquired a good common school education. On the 25th of March, 1856, he was married to Sarah, a daughter of Henry and Rosanna (Huffines) Low. Their union has been blessed with six children, named and born as follows: Anderson, January 24, 1860; Galena, November 25, 1862; Horten, January 4, 1865; Columbus A., January 11, 1868; Alfred A. M., November 23, 1874, and Arnold E.,
October 27, 1877. Mrs. Apple was born June 11, 1837. Both the parents are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Apple has been a successful farmer, and now owns 840 acres of land; is a Democrat in politics, and takes considerable interest in county affairs.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Greenfield Township
SOLOMON APPLE is one of the prominent citizens of Greenfield Township, Orange County, Ind. He is a farmer and owns 455 acres of good land improved with ordinary farm buildings. His wife, Barbara J., is a daughter of George and Mary (Palmer) Teaford, and their marriage was celebrated, January 29, 1859. These eleven children are theirs: Andrew J., Milton, Mary P., Henry J., Elzora, Margaret, Edward, Clara A., Linus and two deceased infants. The parents are both members of the United Brethren Church, and active in supporting that and all other praiseworthy enterprises of the community. He is a Democrat in politics and belongs to one of the leading families in Orange County, and the same can be said concerning his wife. Mr. Apple is one of the ten children of his parents, who were John and Mary (Lowman) Apple, natives of North Carolina, where Solomon was born in Guilford County, May 10, 1838. Not long after this the family immigrated to Orange
County, Ind., where their home has ever since been.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Greenfield Township
JOHN L. APPLE is a prominent farmer of Greenfield Township, Orange County, Ind., where he was born October 13, 1846. His parents are John and Mary (Lowman) Apple, who raised a family of eleven children, John L. being the ninth son, he received a common school education in the district schools of his neighborhood. Until four years after his marriage, which occurred March 26, 1868, he made his home with his parents and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Hitherto this has been his only occupation, and he owns a good farm of 300 acres, raising a considerable amount of stock. His wife is Nancy A., daughter of John and Elizabeth (McDonald) Parks, and by her he is the father of four children, named, Savanna, Mary E., Stella and John A. T. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to the Christian Church, is a Democrat in politics, and one of the young and energetic farmers of the county who shares the high opinion of all who know him.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Greenfield Township
WILLIAM G. BAKER was born in Orange County, Ind., September 4, 1824, and is the son of John and Annie (Irvine) Baker. The former a native of Green County, Ky., is the son of Frederick Baker. The family came to Orange County in 1811, Frederick having entered the land where our subject now resides. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and an upright man and a good citizen. William G. has always resided in the county, and has followed farming and stock-raising. August 17, 1857, he married Margaret, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Vanzant) McLane, the former having been born December 11, 1780, and his wife March 15, 1797. They were among the most respected and honorable of the early settlers of Orange County. He died April 27, 1864, and his wife May 5, 1864. To our subject and wife were born the following children: John R., Sarah A., Isaiah, Elida and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Baptist Church and are respected members of the community
where they reside.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township
JAMES M. BAKER was born in Orange County, Ind., in 1826, a son of Rev. William and Harriet (Coward) Baker, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Rev. William Baker was born on Independence Day, 1804; came with his people to Orange County, Ind., in 1811; became a Missionary Baptist minister and was ordained in 1840. While visiting friends in Kansas in 1881, and while reading his text from the pulpit, he dropped dead, passing away while advocating the cause of Christ. James M. Baker was raised on a farm to manhood, secured a fair education in youth and for fifteen terms taught school, and for over thirteen years served his township (Northeast Township) as Trustee with credit. His marriage with Miss Louisa, daughter of William and Obedience (Reeves) Burton, of Lawrence County, was solemnized March 18, 1852, and these children have been born to them: Harriet O. (Mrs. Ralston), Maria E. (Mrs. Cook), William E., John W., Charles W. and Delana. Mr. Baker
has belonged to the Missionary Baptist Church for a number of years and is possessor of 560 acres of good land. In politics he was first a Whig, then a Republican, and is now a Greenbacker.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northeast Township
DR. JAMES BAKER, of Millersburg, was born in Woodford County, Ky., March 29, 1814. Immediately after this his parents moved to what is now Stampers Creek Township, Orange County, Ind., where the Doctor's home has ever since been. His education is not extensive, having been limited to the early country schools of his time. The first part of the Doctor's life was passed upon the farm, and he worked some at the shoemaker's trade. About the age of twenty-six years he began the study of medicine at odd hours between his labors. Having sufficiently qualified himself, he began the practice of his profession about the year 1850, and has continued it ever since with good success. He is a member of the Christian and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor is a Republican, and has been such ever since 1860, prior to which time he was a Whig. He was at one time Justice of the Peace of Stampers Creek Township, and is the present Postmaster at
Millersburg. His nuptials with Miss Sarah Burgess were celebrated July 3, 1834, and the fruits of this union were nine children, only three of whom are now alive: Mrs. Lizzie Marshall, Almon V., and Mrs. Sarah E. Byrum. Dr. Baker is one of the highly esteemed citizens of Orange County, where he has lived to be one of its very old settlers.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Stampers Creek Township
CALEB BATES, one of the prominent men of the township, was born in Crawford County, this State, February 9, 1827, being the oldest of six children of William P. and Anna N. (Moore) Bates, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of New York. They were of Irish and English extraction, respectively, and people of the highest social worth. The father died when Caleb was about thirteen years old, after which he lived with his mother until of age, receiving a fair education. He married Charlotte T., daughter of Horatio and Nancy (Wells) Sharp, June 20, 1850, and this lady bore him four children, as follows: Mary K., who married John S. Stone, William T., George A. and Emma A., who married Daniel R. Lambdin. Mr. Bates is a carpenter by trade, having followed that occupation since his marriage, but is at present engaged upon his farm of 136 acres. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the Republican party. The
family is well known and highly respected.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Southeast Township
THOMAS BEDSTER, one of the first settlers of this county and a citizen of much prominence, was born in Shelby County, Ky., August 6, 1804, being the youngest of two children of John and Polly (Southern) Bedster. His fatherwas a North Carolinian and his mother a Kentuckian, and both were people of worth and respectability. When Thomas was twenty-two years of age he married Matilda Urton, who bore him six children, four now living, as follows: EllenM., wife of James Jenkins; Polly A., wife of B. Knight; James A., who married Mary Webb, and Henry T., who married Amanda Barnes. One year after the above marriage Mr. Bedster moved to this State, locating in Harrison County, but two years later came to the farm where he now resides. In 1845 Mrs. Bedster died, and March 13, 1849, he married Millie Frame, who has presented him with four children: George W., John R., Willet L. and Elvira E., all of whom are yet at home with their parents. Mr. Bedster has
followed farming through life, and now owns 274 acres. In politics he is a Democrat of the Jacksonian kind.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northwest Township
GEORGE BENNETT was born in Harrison County, Ind., May 17, 1827. In a family of eleven he is the sixth. His parents were William and Rebecca (Pittman) Bennett, who were natives of Kentucky, where they were married. From that State they came to Indiana, locating first in Harrison County, whence they came to Orange County some time prior to 1833. Here they spent the balance of their lives and at their deaths were buried in Providence Cemetery. George Bennett received in his boyhood an ordinary education such as the early schools afforded. He was raised to a farmer's life by his parents, with whom he remained until twenty-two years old. At that age he was married, July 10, 1849, to Miss Nancy Grimes, who has borne him a family of nine children, named James, Dice E., Samuel, Rebecca, Alonzo T., George W., John L., Abraham F. and Isaac L. Farming is the almost exclusive occupation of Mr. Bennett and he owns a farm of 160 acres well improved and cultivated.
As members of the Baptist Church he and wife have been prominent for more than twenty years in their community. He belongs to the fraternity of Odd Fellows and is a stanch Democrat in politics.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Greenfield Township
CYRUS W. BLACKWELL was born in Breckinridge County, Ky., April 27, 1825, and when six years old came with his parents to Orange County, Ind., where he was reared, educated and has always resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits (Northeast Township). August 19, 1846, he wedded Mary A., daughter of John and Anne (Irvin) Baker, who was born July 16, 1828, in Orange County, and children have been born to them, named Mary J., Margaret A., James N., Nancy C., George W., Calista E., John F., Dora E. and Frank, living and Laura, who died in infancy. Mr. Blackwell is a Republican, and for forty-three years has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which his wife and six children are also members. Rev. John Blackwell, father of Cyrus W. and son of James Blackwell, was a native of the Old Dominion, born in 1802. With his parents he settled in Kentucky at an early day, where he grew to manhood and married Jane Duncan. In 1831 he moved to Orange County, Ind.,
and having joined the Missionary Baptist Church in his youth he was here ordained a minister of that faith. For years he preached in Lawrence, Orange and Martin Counties, accomplishing much good, and in company with Rev. Joseph Odell organized eight different churches in the above counties. He died an honored and respected citizen in 1852, and the death of his wife occurred the same year.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northeast Township
ABNATHA BOLTON, a prominent old citizen of Orangeville Township and one of the first settlers of the county, was a native of Mulberry District, S.C., where he was born October 10, 1808, being the youngest of five children born to James and Rebecca (Lambdin) Bolton. His father was of Irish, his mother of Welsh, descent. The latter died when he was but five years of age, and his father having entered the service in the war of 1812, and not having returned, our subject was brought to this State in the year 1815 by Lewis Thomas, and has been a resident here ever since. He remained with Mr. Thomas until he attained the age of sixteen years, when he served an apprenticeship of three years at the blacksmith trade with Silas Dixon, after which he followed that business for ten years. He received a very limited education, such as the schools of his day afforded. December 16, 1832, his marriage with Fannie Stone was solemnized, and to their union two children were born,
of which only this one is now living-Rhoda-who was united in marriage to Silas Halbert. His occupation since he quit the blacksmith business has been farming, and he has been very successful in that pursuit. He now owns 200 acres of land; he also raises considerable stock. March 26, 1883, Mr. Bolton lost his wife and life-long companion. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been connected with it for over fifty years. He has been Class-leader and steward for thirty years. His political views are Republican, and he takes a lively interest in the political affairs of the community.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orangeville Township
DR. LEWIS S. BOWLES was born at French Lick Springs, in Orange County, December 8, 1834. He is one of three children, all sons, born to Thomas C. and Anna (Patton) Bowles, who came from Maryland in an early day, and located in Washington County, Ind. Thomas C. Bowles, while a young man, went South, and for several years had charge of an extensive plantation. Upon his return North he settled in Orange County a short time, but soon after in Washington County; his death occurred in 1840. Lewis S. began the study of medicine in 1850, with Dr. T. C. Kelso, at Livonia, in Washington. County. After attending a course of lectures at the University of Louisville, Ky., he began the practice at French Lick Springs, which he continued for eighteen months, then went to Fredericksburg. In 1865 he located at Paoli, and the following year began doing a retail drug trade, with a stock valued at about $2,200. In this Dr. Bowles has been more than ordinarily successful, and
he now has one of the most complete stocks of drugs and druggist's sundries kept in southern Indiana, and is valued at about $15,000. He owns about 800 acres of land, and in 1874 built the finest residence in Orange County. His marriage with Miss Lizzie Andrews of Fredericksburg, Ind., was solemnized September 25, 1861, and to their union two children have been born, named William T. and James A. He is an ardent Democrat in politics and a member of the Blue Lodge in Masonry. Dr. Bowles has made his own way in life beginning the practice of his profession with $25 of borrowed capital. he is now one of the wealthy and influential men of the county. He has been one of the School Trustees of Paoli for several years and is now a fifth owner in the Orange County Agricultural Association, of which he has been Superintendent ever since its organization in the spring of 1883.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township
JOHN H. BOWLES, dealer in drugs and jewelry at Orleans, Ind., was born near French Lick Springs in Orange County, October 8, 1836. He is a son of Thomas C. and Ann (Patton) Bowles, who were among the early settlers of the county. Thomas C. purchased the land upon which the springs are situated, from the Government, but afterward sold it to his brother and moved to Washington County, engaging in the mercantile trade until his death in 1840. His wife survived him until 1862. John H. Bowles enjoyed the usual advantages afforded by the common schools of the country and worked upon a farm until 1865. In that year he began the drug business as a partner of his brother, Dr. L. S. Bowles, at Paoli. This he continued for five years, when on account of failing health he sold out and took an extended trip through the South, much to his benefit. In 1872 he located at Orleans and engaged in his present business, continuing it ever since with good success. Kittie, a
daughter of James and Ann (Campbell) Fields, became his wife February 17, 1873. Mr. Bowles is one of the enterprising men of Orleans and as a Democrat usually takes a lively interest in the welfare of his town.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township
JESSE BOYD, one of the few remaining old settlers of Orange County, Ind., was born in Randolph County, N.C., May 4, 1818, and is the third of six children, only two yet living, born to William and Mary (Hopwood) Boyd, the parents now being dead. The parents of William Boyd were William and Rhoda (Davenport) Boyd, and they were natives of Ireland, coming to this country in the eighteenth century and settling in Virginia. William Boyd, Sr., served the Colonies faithfully in their struggle for independence. Jesse Boyd in 1839 started West on foot from his native country, and after walking 600 miles arrived in Orange County, Ind., where he found employment in the construction of the old turnpike, but afterward engaged in the manufacture of wheat fans. Elizabeth Hollowell became his wife March 13, 1842, and about this time Mr. Boyd engaged in farming,. This has always been his occupation, and although he commenced life's battle a poor boy, he has with the help of
his wife accumulated about 1,000 acres of land, but having given about 700 acres to his children he now only owns 300 acres. Mrs. Boyd was born in Orange County, Ind., February 16, 1825, a daughter of William and Martha (Lindley) Hollowell, both sides of her family settling in Orange County previous to 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Boyd these children have been born: William L., born June 23, 1843; Mary A., born November 1, 1844; Robert H., July 8, 1846; Franklin, March 1, 1848; Ruth E., born September 28, 1849; John T., January 16, 1852 ; Charles, August 25, 1853; Austin, April 25, 1855, died April 16, 1863; Owen C., February 3, 1858; Elwood, November 29, 1859; Martha J., November 10, 1861; James M., May 27, 1864; and Jesse, born July 20, 1866. The mother died May 2, 1881. She was one of the true pioneer women of her day and bravely aided her husband in his efforts to build up a home. Mr. Boyd married his present wife October 12, 1882. She was Miss Maria E. Brown,
daughter of Hutcheson and Harriet (Banks) Brown, both of whom are now dead. Hutcheson Brown was one of the early pioneers of Washington County, Ind., and was a typo on the first paper published in that county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Boyd belong to the Society of Friends.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township
THOMAS N. BRAXTAN was born in Paoli Township, Orange Co., Ind., January 8, 1824, son of HIRAM and MARTHA (WHITE) BRAXTAN, and is of Scotch lineage. The parents of Mr. Braxtan emigrated from North Carolina to Orange County, Ind., or the territory that now composes this county, as early, perhaps. as 1810. Here the mother of our subject died in 1853, and his father in 1864. About 1848 Mr. Braxtan began the mercantile business in Paoli, which be continued until 1865. For many years he has been engaged in the manufacture and sale of the Hindostan oil and sand stone. In 1860 he began dealing in stock, and in 1883 he purchased White Cloud, the sire of Flora Bell, whose record at Chicago in 1883 was 2.12 3/4. Mr. Braxtan was formerly a Whig, and is now a Republican. In 1868 he made the race to represent Orange and Crawford Counties in the General Assembly, and was only defeated by forty- two votes, and the Democratic majority in the two counties at that time was more than
four hundred. Mr. Braxtan was married in 1848 to MISS MARTHA PARKER, who died in 1850, and in 1852 Mr. Braxtan was married to MISS EMILY CAMPBELL, who died in 1856, and in 1860 he married MISS ADA VANCE, of Corydon, Ind. Mr. Braxtan is one of the oldest living settlers of Paoli.
Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township