History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
HON. JAMES A. CRAVENS
Of Madison Township, is one of Washington County's most prominent and distinguished men. His family is of English, Irish and Scotch descent, and its history dates back to the first settlement of Virginia. The head of the Washington County branch of the Cravens family was Rev. William Cravens, who was born in Rockingham County, Va., July 31, 1776. His wife, who was Jane Harrison, bore him a family of three children, named Hannah E., John and Benjamin. He was one of the earliest and most prominent preachers of the Methodist Church in Indiana, where he settled in 1819. In the spring of 1827 he located in Washington County. His son John was born April 3, 1796, and on the 6th of January, 1818, he was married to Ann C. Newman, by whom he was the father of five children, and of which James A. is the only one now living. He was a blacksmith by trade, and in 1819 settled four miles south of Salem, in Washington County, Ind. He remained there the balance of his life, and was noted for his integrity and industry, and was a strong and ardent member of the Masonic fraternity. He died October 15, 1879, at the age of eighty-three years. Maj. James A. Cravens, who lives on a farm in the southeastern part of Washington County, was born in Rockingham County, Va., November 4, 1818, the oldest child of his parents. With them he came to Indiana in 1819, and has since played an important part in the history of Washington County. He was raised on a farm and received most of his education in the country schools. On September 21, 1843, his marriage was solemnized with Susan, a daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Leatherwood) Hardin. This union has been blessed with a family of seven children, six of them still living. In June, 1846, he enlisted as a private in Company K, Second Regiment of Indiana Infantry, destined for service in the Mexican war. He was soon promoted to Major, and by lot was declared the ranking Major in the First Brigade of Indiana Volunteers. His time of service having expired, he was honorably discharge in July, 1847. He was engaged in the battle of Buena Vista. He was elected School Trustee in 1848, and during the session of 1848-49, was a member of the State Legislature. In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate and served in that capacity for three years. He was commissioned a Brigadier-General of the State Militia in 1854, and five years later was appointed by the State Legislature to the important position of State Agent. He was a member of the Thirty-seventh and Thirty-eighth Congresses, and in both served on the Committee on Territories. He was a delegate to the National Democratic Conventions in 1868, 1876, 1880 and 1884.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
WILLIAM GUTHRIE
Of Madison Township, Washington County, Ind., was born in Orange County December 3, 1825. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Rigney) Guthrie, both natives of Virginia, who came from Ohio to Orange County in 1818. They remained there the balance of their lives, and were devoted members of the Baptist Church. William Jr., remained at home with his parents and worked on the farm until he was of age. He then began for himself by farming on rented land in Orange and Washington Counties until 1854, when he bought a farm of his own in Vernon Township, Washington County. On that he lived for ten years, when he purchased another in Madison Township, where he now lives. Farming has been his life occupation, and his success is indicated by his 280 acres of well improved and cultivated land. In early life he received a good common school education. In 1868 he became a member of the Regular Baptist Church, and in 1880 was ordained a minister in that denomination. Since that time he has had charge of two societies in that organization at Sinking Spring and at Lost River. Mary J. Coulter, born in Lawrence County, became his wife January 14, 1849. They are the parents of seven children, all living but one, and named John L., William F., Josephine M., Charlotte I., Mary F., and Samuel M.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
JEREMIAH MCCULLOUGH
Deceased, was born in Lebanon, Penn., January 9, 1820. His parents were both natives of that State, where the whole of their lives were spent. Their names were Samuel and Louisa McCullough and their deaths occurred while Jeremiah was quite young. He was soon after apprenticed to the cabinet-trade in Pottsville. This he continued in his native State until 1836, when he came to Indiana, and for two years worked at New Albany. At the end of that time he located at Livonia in Washington County, still pursuing this trade as a means of livelihood. In 1842 at that place he began in the furniture business for himself, and continued it until his death. In addition to this he purchase in 1857 a stock of general merchandise, and this he carried on in connection with his furniture trade. His death occurred June 21, 1881. He had for some time been a local preacher in the Methodist Church. His wife was Sarah J. Snodgrass, a native of Lawrence County, who bore him a family of four children, named James S., Hugh F., John W. and Benjamin H. Jeremiah McCullough was one of the prominent men of Washington County, and took an active interest in its material advancement. He was a charter member of Masonic Lodge No. 206 at Livonia. James S. is engaged in the mercantile business at Salem and Hugh F. died at Huron February 23, 1871. John W. was born October 27, 1853, and in common with his brothers received a good education in the schools of the county. At an early age he began clerking in his father's store, and merchandising has been his principal occupation. At his father's death, he, in company with his brother Benjamin H., took charge of the business at Livonia, and they have conducted that ever since. He has been four terms Trustee of Madison Township; taught one term in the Livonia schools. April 18, 1877, he was married to Alice M. Carter, by whom he is the father of two children. Benjamin H. was like his brother brought up behind the counter in his father's store, and his whole life has been devoted to mercantile business. His birth occurred February 19, 1856, and his marriage on April 21, 1881. His wife was Marthena E. McIntosh, who has borne him one child. In politics the brothers are Democrats, and in business they are doing a thriving trade.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
ELI B. STEPHENSON
Is a son of Simpson and Joanna (Maudlin) Stephenson, and was born in Washington County, February 9, 1843. His parents were natives of the same county, and his grandparents settled here in 1818. His grandfather, Benjamin, was born in Virginia in 1796, and after living a while in Kentucky came to Indiana, and is yet living in Vernon Township, this county. Eli B. is one of the ten children in the family of his parents. In youth he received but a common school education, and was raised upon the farm until 1861. In that year he enlisted as a soldier in Company E, Twenty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served three years, and was honorably discharged in July, 1864. The following are some of the battles in which he was engaged: Shiloh, siege of Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain and many others. Since the war he has been almost exclusively engaged in farming. He owns 560 acres of land, well improved, and makes a specialty in stock-raising. His wife is a native of England, and was born March 11, 1845. Her name was Emma E. Paul, and their marriage was solemnized February 22, 1866. Their union has been blessed with seven children, all living but one. They are members of the Christian Church, and he is a Republican in politics.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
AUGUSTUS S. GARRIOTT
Of Little York, a prominent citizen and farmer of Gibson Township and a native of the county and township, where he yet resides, was born February 22, 1846. He is the second son in a family of six children --Samuel H., Nancy (deceased), Augustus S., Eliza Jane (deceased), Mary E. (Mrs. Warner) and Lydia A. (Mrs. Price)--born to Amos M. and Mary A. (Haines) Garriott, the former a minister of the United Brethren Church and both members of that denomination. These parents died January 8, 1861, and December 24, 1854, respectively,and both lie sleeping in the cemetery at Mount Hebron. The subject of our sketch remained at home until his parents' deaths, and in early years attended the district schools, afterward the graded schools of New Philadelphia and Salem. He embarked in the teacher's profession, which he has followed sixteen winters,and now holding a certificate of the highest grade has made the profession a success. He is the owner of 1,000 acres of land, 600 acres being improved; is a Republican in politics, and was married May 7, 1867, to Martha E., daughter of John and Jane (Lee) Densford, by whom he is the father of these children: Gertrude J., Ida A., Amos M., Carrie E., Mertie A. and Mary I. He and wife belong to the United Brethren Church.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
FRANCIS M. GARRIOTT
Farmer, Little York, was born in Gibson Township, Washington Co.,
Ind., October 22, 1849, and is one of four children--Mary (deceased), Francis M., Leonidas R. and David G.--born to Simeon and Mary (Roberts) Garriott. These parents were natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania respectively; were married in Floyd County, Ind., and at an early day settled in the township where our subject resides, where the father died in October, 1868. His widow yet survives him. Both affiliated with the United Brethren Church. Francis M. Garriott, like his father before him, has made farming his occupation through life, and is the owner of 373 acres of nicely-improved land. As a Democrat in politics he was elected Trustee of Gibson Township the spring of 1884, and is now serving as such. June 20, 1872, his marriage with Miss Mary E.Taylor, daughter of Samuel C. and Nancy J. (Biggs) Taylor, was solemnized, and to them five children have been born, named Orpheus S., Samuel C., Jennie M., Simeon F. and D. R. Mr. and Mrs. G. are members of the United Brethren Church.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
WILLIAM GATER
Farmer, Little York, was born March 15,1829, in Clark County, Ind., and is the elde
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
JAMES E. MORRIS
Farmer, Little York, is a native of the township and county in which he now resides, and is the third son in a family of six children --Ellen, Martha A., James E., Catharine, William P. and Carrie T.-- born to Samuel B. and Mary (Pead) Morris, who were natives of South and North Carolina respectively. James E. was born November 9, 1831, and March 8, 1860, married Miss Elizabeth Gibbons, the daughter of Henry and Ann (Pead) Gibbons. Mr. Morris was raised by his parents to manhood's estate, in youth securing only such education as the common schools of his day afforded. By an upright life, in which plenty of hard work was blended, he has won the respect and esteem of all who know him, and a good farm of 333 acres. In politics he is a Democrat, is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and wife are the parents of an interesting family of eight children.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
JOHN F. PRICE
SR., Little Rock, is a native of the city of New York, his birth occurring December 2, 1816. He was the eldest son of Thomas and Catharine (Hunt) Price, who were also natives of New York, from whence they emigrated, in 1820, to Indiana, but later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they both died. They were parents of four children, of whom only John F. is survivor. He was united in marriage February 2, 1837, to Miss Sarah Bachus, daughter of Henry and Anna Bachus, who were natives of Lancastershire, England, from whence they emigrated to the United States in 1831. Seven children have been born to this family, as follows: Sarah A., who died in infancy; William H., a professional teacher in special grades, and also attorney-at-law and notary public; Mary E. (Mrs. Samuel Garriott); Charles T., pastor of the United Brethren Church, and also engaged in milling; Edward, who is a contractor and builder at Elk City, Kan.; Elizabeth J. (Mrs. William T. Morris) and John F., who farms and raises stock. The mother, a lady loved and esteemed for her many virtues, departed this life November 9, 1879, and lies buried in the Mount Hebron cemetery. Mr. Price for many years has been one of the foremost men of Gibson Township. In April, 1854, he came to Washington County, Ind., and located on the site of his present home. Early in life he became a machinist, but since becoming a resident of the Hoosier State has turned his attention to saw and grist-milling. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also his wife; is a Republican in politics, and he and family are among the most honorable and influential families of the county.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
ELI R. WILLIAMS
Little Rock, is a native of Jackson County, Ind., born January 18, 1836, and is the second son and fourth in number in a family of seven children born to William and Elizabeth (Weathers) Williams, who were natives of North Carolina and Indiana, and were married in Washington County of the latter State, where they afterward died. Eli R. Williams was reared a farmer boy, and in youth received only such educational advantages as the common schools afforded. Selecting farming as his vocation through life, he has steadily followed that occupation, and by industry and economy has secured a good farm, containing 260 acres. He is a member of the Masonic brotherhood; is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as were also his parents. Eli R. Williams and Miss Maria L. Hobson, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Thomas) Hobson, were united in marriage, and thirteen children have blessed them, named; William, Rosa, Anna, George, Mary, Eli, Eddie, Frank, Herman, Charley, Almon, Newton and Dellie. The mother was born January 30, 1836.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
CHARLES W. CONNAWAY
A prominent citizen and native of Franklin Township, was born May 17, 1833, being the youngest child and the only male representative living in a family of eight children born to John and Martha (Wait) Connaway, who were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively, the former of Welsh, the latter of English-Irish descent, and who came to this State in the year 1818, first settling in Clark County. One year later they removed to this county, where they lived until their death, his death having occurred June 8, 1859, at the ripe old age of seventy-four years, having been born October 14, 1785. Our immediate subject has always lived at the old homestead. In early life he received a common school education. June 20, 1866, his marriage with Martha Ashabranner was solemnized. Their marriage was of short duration; death removed his beloved wife January 17, 1867. His occupation has always been farming, and he has been quite successful in that pursuit; he now owns, in partnership with his sister, 597 acres of land. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and he takes a good live interest in the political affairs of the community in which he lives.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
DANIEL DAWALT
A prominent citizen of Franklin Township, and a native of Washington Township, this county, was born July 8, 1812, being the ninth child in a family of twelve children born to Henry and Elizabeth (Gross) Dawalt, who were natives of York County, Penn., and Rockingham County, Va., both of German descent. The father came to this State and county in the year 1808, and first settled on Section 15 in Washington Township, where he remained, with the exception of four years, until his death, which occurred when he had reached the ripe old age of about ninety-one years; Mrs. Dawalt died, aged about seventy-five years. In his settlement here he was commissioned Captain of the militia by Territorial Gov. Harrison. He received several promotions, and at the time of his last connection with the service he held the office of Colonel of his regiment, and was at the head of his company at the time of the Pigeon Roost massacre. That happened about night, and they pursued them nearly to Brownstown, in Jackson County, where they surprised the Indians. Daniel remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty-four years. He received a limited education in the primitive log schoolhouses of his day.
February 11, 1836, his marriage with Sarah Tatlock was solemnized, and to their union twelve children have been born, of which these five are now living: Francis M., who married Nancy Coombs; Catherine, now Mrs. Richard M. Johnson; James B., whose wife was Margaret Thompson; and Samuel, who married Mary Thompson. Our subject's occupation has always been farming, and he has been quite successful in that pursuit. He now owns 347 acres of well improved land. Mr. Dawalt's son Jackson gave up his life for his country at Rome, Ga. He was a member of the Sixty-sixth Indiana, Company F. Mr. Dawalt is a member of the Masonic fraternity; in politics he is a Democrat, and he manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the community. Jackson died August 29, 1864.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
BENJAMIN F. HOWELL
A prominent citizen and merchant of the village of New Philadelphia, is a native of Franklin Township, and was born January 25, 1841, being the sixth child in a family of seven children born to Seth M. and Hannah (Mead) Howell, who were natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. The former came to this State about the year 1830, and first settled near Farabee's Station, in Washington Township. Benjamin remained at home, and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty years. He received a limited education, such as the facilities of his school days afforded. November 1, 1860, his marriage with Mary E. Blankenbaker was solemnized, and to their union the following named two children have been born: Hannah E. and Nora L.--both at home with their parents. Mr. Howell, up to March 18, 1870, was engaged in farming, since which time he has followed the mercantile business in New Philadelphia, carrying a stock of about $2,000, and doing an annual business of about $5,000 or $6,000. August 2, 1862, Mr. Howell realized the necessity of the preservation of our Union, and enlisted as a volunteer private in Company B, Sixty-sixth Indiana Regiment. Shortly after he was mustered in he was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, in which capacity he served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, June 5, 1865. Gov. Morton recognized Mr. Howell's services, and a short time before he was discharged he commissioned him as First Lieutenant. He was present at the following important engagements: Richmond, Ky., where he was captured by Kirby Smith, of the Confederates; Dallas, Ga., Collierville, Tenn., at the taking of Atlanta, and with Sherman on his march to the sea. Mr. and Mrs. Howell and daughter Hannah are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also belongs to the G. A. R. fraternity. In politics he is Republican,
and takes a good live interest in the political affairs of the community in which he live. He has been Postmaster since 1873. Upon Mr. Howell's marriage he purchased eighty acres of timbered land and built him a hut in the woods, and succeeded in clearing thirty acres until he sold the same.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn
WILLIAM R. MCNIGHT
A prominent citizen and native of Franklin Township, was born May 19, 1827, being the youngest in a family of four children born to John and Elizabeth (Robertson) McKnight, who were natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively, and of Irish and Scotch descent. The former was born May 8, 1789, and died August 12, 1866. In the year 1809 he, in company with his parents, came to this State and county and settled on the farm adjoining their present residence. Our immediate subject has always lived on the old homestead. He received a common school education such as the facilities of his day afforded. August 15, 1862, Mr. McKnight realized the necessity of the preservation of our Union and enlisted as a volunteer private in Company F, Sixty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis June 15, 1865. He took part in the Atlanta campaign and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. The father of our subject was a soldier in the war of 1812. His occupation has always been farming and he has been quite successful in that pursuit. He now owns 245 acres of well improved land. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a stanch Republican and he takes a good live interest in the political affairs of the community in which he lives, and has served as Township Assessor one term. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather are all buried on the adjoining farm.
History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn