Lieut. Col. Joel Wolf, deceased. The time comes in every man's life when he is tested and if the true ring of the pure metal comes out, he survives in the memory of man; if not, he is forgotten with the vast throng of the unknown. When the tocsin sounded; when the question arose between loyalty and disloyalty; when the destiny of the Nation hung the seemingly doubtful response of the people in 1861. Joel Wolf did not hesitate to sacrifice everything and leave the society of home and fiends, to answer his county's call. He was born in Scott County, Ky., October 17, 1809, and was the son of Conrad Wolf, a native of Pennsylvania, and Sarah (Miller) Wolf, born in Scott County, KY. He learned the trade of a tailor in his native county; afterward moved to Covington, Ky., where he established himself a business. He was married in Cincinnati, August 17, 1831, to Martha A. Stall, the daughter of Dr. E. H. and Martha Stall, of Cincinnati, by which union the following children were born: Josephine, Edward H., Laura A., Indiana, Francis H., William W., and Alice M., all of whom are living. In 1833, he moved to Rushville and carried on the merchant tailoring business, and afterward engaged in the dry goods trade; being a member of the Christian Church in boyhood, and sometimes officiated in preaching the Divine Word and other duties of an Elder; but in 1854, he and wife united with the Presbyterian Church, in which he remained until his death; was a man of fair education, which he obtained by his own exertions, working at his trade in daytime, and studying by the light of a candle at night in his room. Politically, he was a Whig, but on the formation of the Republican Party, espoused its principals, and being a fine speaker, fearlessly advocated the doctrines of Republicanism. On the breaking out of the war, he, in a few hours, raised the first company from Rush County for the three months' service. His company was assigned to the Sixteenth Indiana Regiment, the term of enlistment being for one year, and at its organization he was promoted Major, serving with his regiment in the Army of the Potomac. On the expiration of its term of service, the regiment returned home, and was reorganized for the three years' service, in which new organization he was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy, and immediately after, his command was ordered to Kentucky to aid in repelling the invasion of that State by Kirby Smith. On the 30th of August 1862, his regiment took part in the battle of Richmond, loosing 200 men in killed and wounded, and 600 prisoners; in this action Col. Wolf was killed while bravely endeavoring to cut his way through the Rebel lines, preferring to yield up his life rather than surrender to the hordes of succession. His body was brought home, and lies in East Hill Cemetery, and the sword he drew to help crush treason is now in possession of his son, E. H. Wolf, of Rushville; both his sons stood side by side with their sure in the Army of the Union in defense of the starry banner, and his memory is fondly revered by family and the many friends who knew him in life.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

“The Reminiscences of an Old Settler”
Ben Davis

At the time they came to this county, Ben Davis, with a considerable band of followers, located himself on the pleasant banks of the creek which now bears his name, but which the Indians in tender remembrance of their former home, always called Mahoning. And I must here say that I think it a pity that the euphonious Mahoning have been thrown away, and the harsh and unpoetic Ben Davis used instead. Here, within 200 yards from where I write, stood their wigwams, and here enacted the various phases of savage life. Here, the braves, to barbaric music, performed their war-dance, chanting their deeds of daring on the battle-field; or smoked their pipes, recounted their successful hunts of the swift footed deer, the sturdy bear or the fierce panther. Here the patient squaw nursed her papoose and dreamed pleasant dreams of the possible future of her offspring. Here, the gallant youth wooded and won his dusky bride, and enjoyed the perfect bliss, the satisfying rapture of knowing that the heart of her who is dearer to him than life is all his own. Here, the boys threw the tomahawk, wrestled, run and engaged in various athletic sports, to fit them for their future career in life. Hundreds of Beech trees near their encampment bear the numerous scars inflicted by the stroke of the tomahawk. On many other trees are outlined the figures of men or animals; but the most characteristic memento was the scalp tree. It was a large, tall tree, on whose smooth bark was recorded the number of scalps taken. The number was over thirty; the marks were one above another, beginning about two feet from the ground and running up twenty to twenty five feet. The emblem for a man was a round skullcap; that for a woman, the cap surmounted by a roll (to represent the twisted hair); that for a child was a broad, horizontal line. This tree was a great curiosity to strangers, and was calculated to excite deep interest, as it was not only the memorial of the hard fought battle, but also of the lonely cabin surprised at the dead hour of night, and all its inmates ruthlessly butchered. This tree is no longer to be seen; it was prostrated by a violent wind, many years since, much to my regret.

One day, in the Widow Adair's tavern, Ben Davis was boasting of his bloody deeds, unmindful of the angry glances of the crowd around him, and among other things, related how he, with his band, surprised a lonely settler in Kentucky, killing him with all his family except one boy, who happened to be a short distance from the cabin, when attacked, and who, although hotly pursued, eluded his enemies and escaped. Now, in that crowded bar-room there was one intensely interested listener, a stern man, who heard from the lips of the old chieftain the particulars of the story of his family's massacre; for he was that flying boy who had saved his life by fleetness of foot when all his kindred fell. Without a word he left the room. The next day Ben Davis did not make his appearance in Brookville; but it excited but little remark, for he was erratic in his movements. The second day, some one passing his camp found the old chief cold in death, with a bullet-hole in his forehead and his pipe fallen by his side, for he had been sitting by his fire smoking, when he received his sudden message to visit the happy hunting grounds of the Indian's paradise. It was fitting death for so fierce a spirit, for, thought he had escaped the whistling shot and trenchant steel in many a battle, he finally fell a victim to private vengeance. Public opinion, while unanimous as to the author of the deed, recognized the terrible provocation and justified the act, the more readily as many had lost friends by the hands of red men. No judicial investigation was ever had, and Mr. Young still held a respectable standing in society.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

SAMUEL H. JESSUP, an old and honored citizen of Ripley Township, was born in the house he now occupies, just opposite the town of Carthage, August 27, 1834. He was the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Hill) Jessup, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, of English descent. His father was born August 6, 1785, and was the son of Jacob and Rachel Jessup. His mother was born August 7, 1789, and was the daughter of Thomas and Ann Hill. His grandparents were all natives of North Carolina.  He was reared upon his father's farm, and continued with his father until the latter's death, which occurred March 25, 1861. His mother survived his father until in July 1864. At her death our subject became the owner of the old homestead, which is still in his possession, and which has been his home all his life. His first marriage occurred December 29, 1875, when Miss Sarah E. Wilson became his wife. She was born in this State, July 30, 1844, being the daughter of Thomas T. and Mary Jane (Clawson) Wilson.  She became the mother of one child a daughter that died in infancy. Mrs. Sarah E. Jessup died January 20, 1878. On the 30th day of December 1880, Mr. Jessup was married to Miss Mary E. Nicholson, who is a native of Ripley Township, born October 23, 1845, being the daughter of Nathan P. and Miriam (Hunt) Nicholson, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter a native of Ohio, both of English descent. Her father was born July 25, 1816, being the son of Nathan and Peninnah (Parker) Nicholson.  Her mother was born September 18 1821, being the daughter of Libni and Jane (Hockett) Hunt. Her grandparents were also all natives of North Carolina. Her mother died in Ripley Township, October 5, 1848. Her father died in Hancock County, this State, March 8, 1868, his death resulting from injuries received three days previously while helping to move a barn. He left a widow, whose maiden name was Asenath H. Cloud, to whom he had been married October 2, 1850. She died May 14, 1878. Mr. Jessup and his present wife are the parents of three children, as follows: Walter, born March 25, 1882; Ida, born November 14, 1883; and Miriam E., born August 1, 1886, all of whom are living. Our subject and wife are members of the Friends' Church. In politics, the farmer is a Republican. He owns 105 acres of land about sixty-five of which are in cultivation. He is a well-to-do farmer, and he and wife are respected citizens. The paternal great grandparents of Mrs. Mary E. Jessup were Nicholas and Sarah Nicholson, and John and Joel Parker. Her maternal great grandparents were Asa and Priscilla Hunt and Joseph and Ann Hockett.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

DAVID W. KIRKWOOD, a prosperous farmer and native-born citizen of Ripley Township, was born near where he now resides, November 25, 1841. He was the son of Thomas and Amanda M. Kirkwood, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, and the former of Harrison County, of Irish and Scotch descent. His father died October 3, 1851. His paternal grandparents were David and Rhoda (Shields) Kirkwood, who were natives of Virginia. His mother's maiden name was Amanda W. Mcllvaine. When he was yet a young child, less than a year old, his parents removed to Jasper County, Ill., where his mother and father both died, the former when he was but six years old, and the latter when he was but nine years old. His mother died November 6, 1848, and his father died in October 1851. In May following his father's death, he and his sister, Nancy E., younger than he when brought toRush County by their uncle, Joseph Power, of Center Township, in whose famil your subject remained until he reached the age of twenty-one. For some two or three years after he became of age he was engaged a part of the time working by the month upon a farm, and during the rest of the time he was employed upon the farm of his uncle, Joseph Power. He was married September 27, 1866, to Miss Mary M. Slier, who is also a native of Ripley Township, born June 27, 1841, being the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Reddick) Siler, both of whom were natives of Ohio, of German descent.  Her father was the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Ruby) Siler, and her mother was the daughter of John and Susan Reddick, all of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkwood, entered upon their married life in Carthage, this county, where for a period of five years, the former was engaged at, saw milling. In March, 1871, they moved to their present home, two mileseast of Carthage, where Mr. Kirkwood has given his whole attention to farmingever since. He owns a farm of eighty acres which is in a good state of improvement, and three-fourths of which is in cultivation. Mr. and Mrs.Kirkwood are the parents of three children, as follows: William E., bornNovember 3, 1867; Nora, born December 3, 18O8, and Lizzie M., born July 1, 1871,all of whom are living. Our subject and wife are members of the ChristianChurch.  The former is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, having reached the degree of Knight Templar. His Chapter, Council and Commandry membership is at Knightstown. In politics, he is a Democrat.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

JOHN MCCARTY, who has resided in Rush County for the past fifty-three years, was born in Lincoln County, N. C., March 14, 1816, being the son of Jacob and Judah (Jenkins) McCarty, both of whom were natives of Lincoln County, N. C., the former of Irish, and the latter of German descent. His father was the son of Cornelius McCarty, a native of Ireland, and his mother was the daughter of William and Catharine Jenkins, who were natives of Germany. When he was yet a young child but four years old his parents emigrated westward to Champaign County, Ohio. The family settled upon a tract of woods land, where the mother died three years later. Seven years after his father married Mrs. Sarah Like. In about 1833, his father and stepmother removed to Clark County, Ohio, and a year later they came to Rush County and settled in Ripley Township, where his father spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in the eighty-third year of his age. For one year after his parents came to this county, our subject remained in the State of Ohio, but in February, 1835, he likewise came to this county, and his home has been in Ripley Township ever since, except about four or five months, during which he resided in Center Township. He was married December 24, 1836, to Miss Eliza Siler, who was born in Montgomery County,Ohio, February 2, 1818, being the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Ruby) Siler, both of whom were natives of Virginia. Mrs. Eliza McCarty died December 14,1863, and on February 1, 1865, Mr. McCarty, was married to Miss Catharine Rhodes. She was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, October to, 1828, being the daughter of George and Sarah (Ruby) Rhodes, the former a native of Bedford County, Pa., and the latter a native of Shenandoah County, Va., both of German descent.   Her father was the son of Philip and Mary (Weaver) Rhodes, who were natives of Pennsylvania.   Her mother was the daughter of Jacob andCatharine (Bender) Ruby, who were natives of Virginia. The first marriage of Mr. McCarty resulted in the birth of four children: Edward, Rebecca A., Jacob F., and John F., all of whom are living. He and his present wife have an only child: Minnie, born December 1, 1865, Mr. McCarty has occupied his present home since about the year 1847. His life occupation has been farming, and in this connection he has been very successful. When he entered upon his married life his only capital was willing hands. The present good state of his circumstances reflects very creditably upon his industry and energy. He owns a good farm of 120 acres, which is in agood state of improvement and cultivation. In addition to this the wife of Mr. McCartyhas a farm of forty acres, which also lies in Ripley Township. Mr. McCarty is an industrious and hard working farmer, an honorable, upright man, and he and wife are among the best citizens of their township.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

JACOB F. MCCARTY, proprietor of a meat market in Carthage, was born March 17, 1842, being the son of John and Eliza (Siler) McCarty, a history of whom is given elsewhere. He was born in Ripley Township, and reared upon his father's farm. He entered the service of the Union Army at the age of twenty, or in August 1862, and served in Company G, Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for eight months. He was captured at Richmond, Ky., shortly after his muster in, but was immediately paroled. On leaving the service he returned home and resumed work on his father's farm. He was married October 12, 1863, to Miss Vandalena Stinger, who was born in Ripley Township, September 20, 1842, being the son of Samuel and Christena Stinger. After their marriage they settled upon a farm in Ripley Township, but in 1868, they moved to Carthage, where the former conducted a hardware business for a period of eleven months. Mr. McCarty then resumed farming, but in November, I887, he opened a meat market in Carthage, to which his attention is now directed. He and wife have had two children: a daughter that died in infancy, and Samuel O., who was born May 30, 1870, and who is now Assistant Postmaster at Carthage. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, in politics, the former is a Democrat.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

HENRY HALL is a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and was born September 16, 1828. His parents were Daniel and Milly (Yelton) Hall, the former a native of Harrison County, Va, andthe latter of Kentucky; where they were married on March 26, 820. In 1828, they came to Rush County, and settled on the farm where our subject now resides. Henry was only six weeks old when his parents came here. He was reared on a farm and received a fair education in his youth. At the age of twenty he began life on his own responsibility. OnSeptember 30, 1860, he was married to Miss Lucy J. Peak, daughter of Samuel and Susannah (Welsh) Peak. Lucy was born in Fayette County, Indiana, May 21, 1825, but principally reared in Rush County. They were blessed with one child, Charles C., born June 19, 1862, and died August 30, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been united twenty-six years. Mr. Hall has acted in the capacity of Deacon most of this time. In 1867, he purchased the old homestead of 178 acres; the improvements have been made on it by himself and father. His residence is one of thebest in the township, and he has a comfortable home. In politics, he is a Democrat, but never sought political honors.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

JAMES GRAY was born on the farm where he now resides February 8, 1834. His parents were James and Mary (Nichols) Gray, natives of Monroe County, W. Va., of Anglo Saxon origin mixed with Scotch blood. The former was the son of John and Mary (Rayburn) Gray, the former of whom was a very prominent worker in political circles. He was Circuit Judge, and held office in the Legislature for fourteen years. His parents were among the pioneer settlers of Virginia. James Gray, the third child of John Gray,was born in Monroe County, W. Va., May 23, 1797, and was reared on the farm. In April,1816, when but nineteen years of age, he was united in marriage with Mary Nickell, daughter of George and Margaret (Nelson) Nickell, natives of West Virginia, where Mary was born October 8, 1798. They located on a rented farm, and in the fall of 1822, resolved to seek a home in the west and removed to Union County, Indiana, but,in 1824, Mr. Gray bought a part of the tract of land, which our subject now owns in Union Township, Rush County, Indiana. He paid $155 for eighty acres. Here he made a home and resided until their respective deaths. James, our subject, was raised on the farm and has adopted farming as a life occupation. He received a good education in his youth; and on December 20, 1857, was married to Miss Martha Jane Nichols, daughter of James and Sina E.(Gerard) Nichols, natives of Franklin County, Indiana, where Mrs. Gray was principally reared. This union was blessed with twelve children: John H., William H., Rebecca C., Nancy, George, Andrew, Vincent, Adda, Cary, Minnie, Mary and Madison, of whom George, Mary and Madison are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members of the Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Gray is a Republican. He owns the old Gray homestead,which was settled in 1824, and upon which he has spent his entire life. Here he has brought up a large family of sons and daughters, half of whom have grown to maturity.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

JAMES HINCHMAN was a native of Monroe County, Va., born January 24, 1800. He was the fourth in a family of eleven children born to John and Sarah (Vinson) Hinchman, the former a native of Maryland, where the Hinchmans settled during the time of the Calverts.The latter was a native of Shenandoah County, VA. At the age of fourteen, John Hinchmanremoved to Monroe County, Va., where he married Sarah Vinson, where they continued to reside until their deaths. James Hinchman was reared amid the scenes incident to farm life, and owing to his limited educational advantages was not enabled to attend school more than a year and a half during his youth. But in after life, byself- application, he obtained a fair English education. On April 11, 1822, he chose for a life companion Nancy Nickell, daughter of George and Margaret (Nelson) Nickell, natives of Monroe County, Va., where Mrs. Hinchman was born, September 5, 1804. At the time of hismarriage Mr. Hinchman received $250 from his father, and with this money he resolved to seek a home in the west. He accordingly started for Indiana on horseback, and finally purchased 160 acres of land in Section 14, Union Township, Rush County, Indiana, and returned for his young wife. They put what few cooking utensils they had into a two-horse wagon and started overland to their far-off home in the western wilderness. Arriving here November 14, 1822, they moved into a rude log cabin, which had been erected on one of his eighty-acre tracts. Soon afterward he built a more substantial house, in which he lived happily for many years. When he arrived here he had some fears as to whether or not he would succeed, but he went to work with a will and his first crop of corn averaged him ninety bushels to the acre. This assured him of success, and here solved to make Rush County his future home. The family circle was blessed with fourteen children, viz.: George N., John T., Andrew, William N., Joseph V., James R., Carey, Alvin B., Jesse G., Sarah, Robert N., Amos C., Margaret and Nancy, of whom George N., John T., Joseph V., James R., Sarah H., Margaret, Alvin B., Carey, Amos C., Nancy, Jesse G., and Robert N. are still living. Mr. Hinchman began life a poor man, and after paying the expense of his trip to this county he found he had only $10 left, which he expendedin provisions for the winter. He was very successful in his chosen occupation, and at one time owned over 1,000 acres of land in Rush County, besides 2,200 acres in Missouri and Iowa.  He was liberal with hischildren, assisting them to get homes, and was a public-spirited man, encouraging, with time and money, railroads, canals, or any other improvement for the benefit of the public. Politically, he was a Republican, and in 1844was elected to the Indiana Legislature, which position he held two terms. He was Probate Judge of Rush County for three years, and held the office of County Commissioner two years. He was a firm friend of the schools, and advocated the employment of the best teachers.  On August 28,1883, he passed away a time honored pioneer and citizen. He had been a member of the Christian Church since its organization in this county. His life companion still survives him, and is in remarkable good health for one of her age - eighty-three years.

Submitted by: Lora Addison Radiches
History of Rush County Indiana 1888
Brant & Fuller Chicago

Deb Murray