History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
JACOB DENNY
A son of the above Joseph Denny, was born November 17, 1842. He received a good practical education; remained at home working on the farm until twenty-eight years of age. He then rented a farm in Jackson County for two years, after which he managed Dr. T. M. Tucker's farm for four years. In 1877 he bought the farm of 160 acres upon which he still resides. He was married January 7, 1871, to Hindaga Callaway, a daughter of Nobel and Catharine (Nicholson) Callaway. They have had six children, four of whom--Reese M., Thomas M., Ammie B. and Hindaga are living.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
RICHARD CLARK
Little York, is one in a family of seven children: George W., James G., Lettie, Richard, John, Elizabeth and one that died in infancy unnamed--born to Richard and Hannah (Wilson) Clark, who were native respectively of Maryland and Kentucky. The father died in the latter State and in 1836 the mother with her children immigrated to Salem, Ind., where she resided the remainder of her days. Richard Clark was born April 24, 1814, in Fayette County, Ky., and was reared and educated in his native State. He worked in the woolen-mills in Salem for a time, and April 26, 1838, was married to Martha, daughter of James Neal, by whom he was the father of this family: Sarah J. (Mrs. David Duckwall), James B., Richard M. and Martha E. (twins), the latter marrying Jasper N. Stewart, and Henry C. The mother dying in March, 1859, Mr. Clark married Miss Malinda Hitchcock, August 29, 1866 and one son, Charles M., was born to them. For a number of years Mr. Clark was engaged in merchandising at Salem, but in 1868 purchased the steam mill property at Little York, where he has since resided. He here produces a superior quality of flour and in connection with that cards wool and operates a saw-mill. Besides this property he owns a farm of 260 acres.
He is a Republican in politics, a member of the I.O.O.F. and Masonic fraternities and one of the foremost men of Washington County. Mrs. Clark is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
WILLIAM H. BRIGHT
A prominent citizen and physician of Martinsburg, was born in Oldham County, Ky., on the 13th of September, 1831, being the second in a family of three children born to James H. and Susannah (Truman)Bright. His parents were native of Maryland, from which State they removed to Kentucky in 1812, and in 1836 removed to Parke County, Ind. The mother removed to Washington County in 1839, the father having died previous to this time. The subject of this sketch had the advantage of a good common school education, and by his energy succeeded in laying up enough to enable him to attend medical lectures at Rush Medical College, at Chicago, where he graduated in 1865. On the 13th of December, 1863, his marriage with Hester Martin was solemnized, and to this union have been born nine children, seven of whom are now living: James C. (dead), Flora A. (dead), Charles M., Amelia L., William H., John C., Mary O., Nancy E. and Effie. He is not a member of any church organization, but is a member of the Masonic order. In politics he is a stanch Republican. By occupation he was formerly a farmer, but at present is engaged in the practice of medicine. He has a good and lucrative practice, and is a leading man in the community.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
PETER M. CHASTAIN
A prominent and well-to-do farmer of Vernon Township, was born December 21, 1844, being the next youngest of a family of nine children born to Peter G. and Martha (Cunningham) Chastain. His ancestors were natives of Kentucky, from which State Peter G. emigrated to Indiana about 1814, and the mother about 1820. The former was of French and the latter of Irish descent. Mr. Chastain had very good facilities for getting an education in those early times, and succeeded in gaining a good practical education. He remained home with is parents until he attained his eighteenth year. On the 5th day of December, 1861, his marriage with Rachel A. Maudlin was solemnized, and to their union have been born five children, all living: William G., who married Clara J. Voyles,, Martha E. (unmarried), Mary M., who married Andrew M. Voyles, Cyrus L. P. and Benjamin F. unmarried. He is a member in good standing in the Christian Church, and contributes liberally to all church and charitable causes. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and takes a lively interest in the political questions of the day. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser, in which chosen vocations he has made a decided success.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
ROYAL B. CHILD
A prominent citizen of Vernon Township, Washington Co., Ind., was born in Caledonia County, Vt., November 25, 1811. His parents were Ezra and Elizabeth (Bellows) Child, who raised a family of ten children, of whom Royal B. was the oldest. In early life he received a good common school education, and soon began to follow in his father's footsteps by the study of medicine. His father died in September, 1831, and for a while he abandoned the medical profession to follow the printing business. He was for some time publisher of a newspaper at Greencastle and at Salem. February 15, 1832, his marriage with Mahala Reed was solemnized, and to their union eight children were born,of which these three are now living: Mary E. (Webb), Dora (Gross) and Henry B. In August, 1855, he was bereaved of his wife, and in 1859 Eliza M. Hackett became his second wife, and of their eight children but three are living: Ezra S., Edgar S. and Freddie C. His second wife died January 17, 1878, and on the 1st of January, 1880, his third marriage occurred, this time to Amanda J. (Maudlin) Chastain, who has borne him one child, named Minnie A. He has for many years been a successful practicing physician and now owns about 1,000 acres of land mostly improved. He is a Mason and a Republican.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
HARRISON COLLIER
An old pioneer and prominent farmer of Vernon Township, was born March 4, 1813, being the youngest of a family of ten children born to John and Cathandrew (Crook) Collier. The parents came from Kentucky to this State in about 1814, settling first in Clark County and afterward in Washington County. They were of English descent. Harrison did not have much advantage of schooling, but managed to secure a fair, practical education. He remained home with his parents until their deaths, the father's occurring in 1831, the mother's in 1844. On the 13th of September, 1832, his marriage with Nancy Stephenson was solemnized, and to their union have been born twelve children, eight of whom are now living: Lewis (deceased), Benjamin, Ephraim, Levi (deceased), Elmira, Nelson, Mary J. (deceased), Thomas (deceased), Druzinda, John, Catharine and Eli. He has belonged to the Christian Church since 1836, and contributes liberally to the support of all public enterprises. In politics Mr. Collier is a stanch Democrat, and takes a fair interest in the political questions of the day. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser, in which pursuits he has made a decided success.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
ORANGE L. HAYS
Is the oldest of nine children of whom John and Sabrina (Rains) Hays were the parents. His birth occurred in the year 1848, and he is of German-Irish descent on his father's side, and of English descent on the mother's side of his parentage. His father is a native of Ohio, and his mother of Indiana. Orange L. had the advantages of good schooling and succeeded in acquiring a good practical education, and has since been a teacher for about ten years. His principal occupation has been farming, and in that has been a success. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and manifests a considerable interest in the public questions of the times. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and one of the highly respected men in the county, and enjoys the esteem of those who know him. In 1872 his marriage with Frances E. Brown was solemnized, and to their union have been born four children: Lulie E., Nora M., William H., Edward L. and an infant not named. At the age of sixteen years he entered the service of the United States, and for two years served as a faithful soldier in the war of the Rebellion, participating in a number of important engagements.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
MARQUIS L. HUNGATE
An influential citizen of Vernon Township, was born November 28, 1846, and is the oldest of three children in his parents' family. His immediate ancestors were natives of Kentucky, whence they came to Indiana and located in Washington County at an early date. They were John and Fannie (Coffin) Hungate. Marquis L. remained at home and received a good, practical education in the country schools of his neighborhood. At the early age of seventeen years he volunteered in this country's service in Company C, One Hundred Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Infantry. January 25, 1866, his marriage with Martha J. Hoar was solemnized, and to them have been born seven children: Laura E., Adie F., Anna E., Zenobia L., Marion L., Nonie E. and Fannie G.--all living and unmarried. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and always contributes liberally to support that and other charitable institutions of his community. In politics he takes and active interest in promoting the principles of the Republican party. His life occupation has been farming.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
JAMES H. MARTIN
Whose death occurred June 6, 1884, was during his life one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of Vernon Township, Washington Co., Ind. At the time of his decease he was sixty-two years old, having been born March 16, 1822. His parents were John and Patsy (Martin) Martin. His opportunities for acquiring an education were poor, although he managed to obtain sufficient for the ordinary vocations of life. At the age of eighteen years he began to learn the tanner's trade, but he did not long follow that business. February 18, 1847, he was united in matrimony to Susan Mitchell, who bore him a family of eight children. Seven of these are now living, and named: Irena J., Matilda E., Alice A., Cassius C., Alfred J., Emma E., Tyson M. and Ada L. For more than thirty years he was a leading member of the Baptist Church, He was a Republican in politics, and by occupation was a successful farmer and stock-raiser. For the last part of his life he was troubled with heart disease, which finally caused his death.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
MERRIT MARTIN
Is a son of John and Patsy (Martin) Martin, who came from Kentucky, their native State, and located in Washington County, near where Merrit now lives. His is the third in a family of eight children, his birth occurring September 4, 1820. He enjoyed nothing beyond the early facilities for schooling, and received but an ordinary education. Until eighteen years old he remained at home with his parents, but at that age he started in life for himself by hiring as a farm hand. On the 27th of September, 1842, he was joined in wedlock to Maria Standish, and by her he was the father of two children, both dead. He was soon called to mourn the death of his wife. Again, January 11, 1852, he was married, this time to Julia A. Standish, which union has been blessed with twelve children, five of whom are living. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and in religion is a Missionary Baptist. Mr. Martin is one of the progressive and enterprising men in Washington County, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
A. OVERMAN
A citizen of Vernon Township, was born February 2, 1829, being the seventh child of a family of ten children, born to BENJAMIN and ABIGAIL (COFFIN) OVERMAN. His parents were natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively, and both of English descent. They moved to Indiana in 1810, settling a short distance north of Salem. The subject of this sketch had very limited facilities for schooling, but by his energy succeeded in obtaining a fair practical education. He remained at home with is parents until he attained his nineteenth year. In the year 1849, his marriage with Eunice Stanley was solemnized, and to their union have been born eight children, four of whom are now living: M. Ellen, who married W. W. Keyes; Mary A., who married William Chamberlain; Lydia B., wife of F. M. Hills; Effie D., unmarried; Malora, died 1862; Flora, died 1862; Levi M., died 1852, and an infant unnamed died in 1859. He is a member of the Friends and supports liberally all churches and charities. In politics he is a stanch Republican and takes a good live interest in the political questions of the day. His occupation was formerly silversmithing, but at present he is engaged in farming, in which pursuits he has been reasonably successful.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
WILLIAM ROLSTON
An old and influential farmer of Vernon Township, was born June 3, 1815, being the fifth in a family of eight children born to Moses and Margaret (Bell) Rolston. His ancestors were natives of Virginia, from which place they removed to Tennessee in a very early day. They were both of Scotch descent. William's chance for receiving an education was very limited, but by his energy succeeded in procuring a fair practical education. He remained home with his parents until he reached his thirtieth year. In 1845 his marriage with Julia A. Childres was solemnized, and to their union have been born six children, of whom three are now living: Mary, John W. and Margaret E. In 1854 Mr. Rolston suffered the loss of his beloved wife, leaving the family bereft of a loving helpmate and an affectionate mother. In 1856 he took for his companion and helpmate, Malinda Kidd, and this second union has been blessed with one child, W. George. Mr. Rolston does not belong to any church organization but contributes liberally to charity and public enterprises. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and takes a fair interest in the political questions of the day. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser in which he has made a decided success.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
BENJAMIN STEPHENSON
An old pioneer residing in Vernon Township, is said to be the oldest man in the township. He was born June 30, 1796, being about the youngest of a family of eight children born to William and Rebecca (Robeson) Stephenson. His parental ancestors were natives of old Virginia, and direct descendants from the English. His father immigrated to Kentucky about the year 1802, where he died. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents until twenty-one. In about the year 1817 his marriage with Mary Grimes was solemnized. He has a fair education, and belonged to the Christian Church for forty-five years. He was first a Whig, afterward a Republican. He takes great interest in public matters. His occupation is farming. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson twelve children, of whom eight are living: Nancy (who married H. Collier), Delilah (who married Mark Maudlin), Cynthia (who became the wife of Jo. Walton), Jane (who married Joel Maudlin), Elmira (who married Ephraim Chastain), Eliza (who married David Voyles), Simpson (who married Joanna Maudlin), Nelson (who married Jemima Maudlin), John (who married Sarah Scott), Benjamin and Emeline (who died in infancy), and Polly A. (who married David Pavey).
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
JOHN STEPHENSON
An influential farmer of Vernon Township, was born March 22, 1837, being the next youngest of a family of ten children born to Benjamin and Mary (Grimes) Stephenson. His ancestors were natives of Kentucky, from which State they immigrated to Indiana in about the year 1833, settling about three miles south of Smedley Station, the father was of English and the mother of Dutch descent. His educational facilities were rather limited, but by his energy succeeded in getting a good practical education, enough to enable him successfully to perform any and all business transactions. He remained home on the farm with his parents until he attained his majority. On the 22d of September, 1859, his marriage with Sarah E. Scott was solemnized, and their union has been blessed with six children, five of whom are now living, and named Newton E., Laura, Preston M., Hattie, Ada and Clara B., all living but the last. Mr. S. is a member in good standing in the Christian Church, and contributes liberally to all church and charitable institutions. In the year 1859 he moved to Texas, but returned the next year. In 1862 he enlisted as a private soldier in the defense of his country, in the Sixty sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company A, and was in the following engagements: Richmond, Ky., and through the entire Atlanta campaign, serving with honor for three years, when he was mustered out at Washington in May of 1865. In politics Mr. Stephenson is a stanch Republican, and takes an interest in the political questions of the day. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser, in which chosen vocation he has made a decided success.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
NELSON STEPHENSON
An old and respected citizen of Vernon Township, was born March 27, 1824, being the fifth in a family of ten children born to Benjamin and Mary (Grimes) Stephenson. His parents were natives of Henry County, Ky., from which place they removed to Indiana, settling on the farm now owned by Nelson. The father was of English and the mother of Dutch descent. Nelson had limited means for procuring an education, but by his energy managed to secure a fair practical education, enough to enable him successfully to perform any and all his business transactions. He remained home with his parents until he attained his nineteenth year, and on the 2d day of March, 1843, his marriage with Jemima Maudlin was solemnized and to their union have been born six children, of whom three are now living. Their names are Peter and John, deceased; James H., who married Cassie Bogle; William F., who married Martha Ashens; Eliza E., who died June 16, 1859, and Eli B., who married Martha Wade. Mr. Stephenson belongs to the Christian Church and is one for the influential members in that organization. He contributes liberally to all church and charitable causes. He entered the service of his country in the fall of 1862, and served as a private soldier until the close of the Rebellion. He belonged to Company A, Sixty-sixth Indiana Volunteers, and was in the following engagements: At Richmond, Ky., Dallas, Ga., Atlanta, Ga. and through the entire Atlanta campaign. By occupation he is a farmer and stock-raiser, in which he has made a decided success, having now in his possession 695 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and takes a lively interest in the political questions of the day.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
JAMES VANCLEAVE
Of Vernon Township, Washington County, Ind., and whose parents were Benjamin and Sarah (Carnes) Vancleave, was born in Kentucky, in the year 1810. When four years old he came with his parents to Indiana, and located in Orange County. His education is limited and corresponds to the advantage of schooling in his early days. He remained at home until reaching his majority, and in 1833 Martha Lynn became his wife. With her he lived in happiness until 1860 when he was grieved by her death. By her he was the father of seven children, these five now living: John H., Sarah E., William B., Margaret A. and David S. In 1861 he married Eliza L. Wible for his second wife, and she has borne him seven children, two of whom are dead. The living children are: James W., Jacob K., Elza P., Thaddeus H. and Alva E. Mr. Vancleave has been engaged during his life in farming and carpentering, and has made a success of both occupations. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Livonia, with which he has been identified ever since 1828. Politically he is a Republican, but is liberal in his views. All praiseworthy public enterprises receive his support and endorsement.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn