Sources: Personal research in Rush County, Indiana court house records.
Submitted by: Patrick R. Pearsey
Copywrite 1999

Joseph Plough, who has been a resident of Richland Township for the last sixty-one years, was born in Madison County, Kentucky, May 3, 1805. His parents, Henry and Ann (Pasley) Plough, were natives of Pennsylvania, and Virginia, respectively, the former of German and the later of Scotch and Irish descent. When he was two years old, his parents removed to Hamilton County, Ohio, where he was reared upon a farm. When he was twenty-one years of age or in 1826, he accompanied his parents to Rush County, and settled with them in Richland Township. He continued with his parents for some four or five years thereafter, or until his marriage, which occurred in 1830. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Young, was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, March 10, 1808, being the daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Rickets) Young, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, respectively. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. Plough and wife settled upon a 120-acre tract of timbered land in Richland Township, a part of which now lies within the present limits of Anderson Township. Their first home was a log cabin, occupying a mere opening in the forest. The clearing of the land occasioned months and years of hard labor, but of this Mr. Plough was not afraid, and through his industry, and perseverance, a good farm was developed. His labors were liberally rewarded, and he has since been able to purchase adjoining lands, until he now owns a splendid farm of 320 acres, of which 240 are in Richland Township and eighty in Anderson Township. The marriage of Mr. Plough resulted in the birth of five children as follows: Caroline, Mary J., Amanda, John, and William J., of whom Amanda and William are deceased. His marriage relation was terminated by Mrs. Plough's death January 24, 1881. In politics, Mr. Plough was formerly a Whig, having cast his first vote for Henry Clay in 1829. Since 1856, he has ardently supported the principles of the Republican Party. He is one among the oldest residents of Rush County, and though more than four score years of age, his figure is well preserved, his health good, and his constitution and mental faculties are comparatively unimpaired. He is one of Rush County's highly honored and esteemed pioneers.

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

John Plough, liveryman and an influential citizen of Rushville, was born in Richland Township, this county, April 16, 1837. He was the son of Jacob and Mary Ann (Young) Plough, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter a native of Kentucky. He was reared upon a farm, and at the age of twenty-two, he took up the vocation of a farmer for himself. He thus continued until in August 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, Sixty-eight Indiana Volunteers, with which he served until October 29, 1862. He then returned to Rush County and resumed farming, in which pursuit he continued until February, 1884, since which time he has been engaged in the livery business in Rushville. He was married December 21, 1859, to William B. Wamsley, five children have been born: Mary L., Jasper W., Erastus, Nellie, and Jacob, of whom Mary L., and Erastus are living. Our subject is a member of the G.A.R. and a Republican in politics. He is a worthy citizen, and he and wife enjoy the respect of all. Mrs. Plough's parents were William B., and Mary J. (Ingram) Wamsley, the former a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, of French descent , and the latter a native of the city of Philadelphia, of English descent. Her paternal grandparents were William and Nancy (Bussell) Wamsley. Her maternal grandparents were Jeremiah and Lucy (Ogben) Ingram. The children of Mr. And Mrs. Plough are as follows: M. Lulu, born October 5, 1860; J. Walker, born December 24, 1861, died June 11, 1883, Erastus, born January 6, 1866, Nellie, born November 6, 1878, died February 23, 1883, J. Clyde born March 25, 1880, died February 15, 1883. The grandmother of Mrs. Plough's father was a first cousin to the father of our country, Gen. George Washington. Mr. Plough had one brother and three sisters as follows: Caroline, Mary J, Amanda, and William C., and Lizzie, all living except Charles B. who died in infancy.

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

Alfred P. White, a native of Fleming County, Kentucky. was born October 25, 1816, son of Nelson and Elizabeth (Perry) White and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, a native of Kentucky, was an 1812 soldier and was at Dudley's defeat near Ft. Wayne. He died in this county at the age of sixty-five years. The paternal grandfather of Mr. White was born in Ireland and immigrated to Kentucky where he died. The mother of our subject was born near the city of Baltimore, Md. And died in Fayette County, Indiana. At the age of twelve years our subject came to Indiana with his parents and settled in Fayette County, Indiana, in June 1837, where he remained until 1839, when he settled where he now lives. At the age of sixteen years he was "bound out" to a man by the name of Richard Miller and during his bondage, learned the bricklayer and stonemason's trade. He is one of the prominent farmers of Noble Township and now owns 193 acres of valuable land. Mr. White was united in marriage January 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Looney, who was born in Lewis County, Kentucky, March 30, 1818, and is the daughter of Peter and Jane (Salisbury) Looney. Her father was born in Virginia, July 24, 1786 and died August 21, 1878. He came to Indiana in 1821 and settled on land bought from the government, and was a member of the first jury impaneled in this county. The mother of Mrs. White was also a native of Kentucky and died in this county. Mr. And Mrs. White have one child, Irma, living. A son Peter N., who was a soldier in the late war, was taken ill soon after the battle of Vicksburg and died here September 14, 1863. Mr. White was formerly A Wig, but is now an earnest Republican. He and wife are members of the Christian Church and are widely and favorably known.

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

William H. Wilson, a leading farmer of this township, was born near New Salem, in this county, August 5th, 1837, being the eldest of three children to Conrad and Rebecca (Ewalt) Wilson, natives of Bourbon County, Kentucky, where they were married in 1836. By occupation, the father of our subject was a farmer, and came to Rush County as early as 1836, and located in the woods, just north of the present town of New Salem. After clearing a farm from the then unbroken wilderness, he sold it and purchased land on Big Flat Rock, six miles south of Rushville, and subsequently removed to Lewis County, Mo., where his death occurred. The mother of Mr. Wilson returned to this county, where she died in 1878, at fifty- eight years of age the boyhood of the immediate subject of this biography was spent on the farm and he was the recipient of a good common school education. For twenty years, Mr. Wilson in connecting with his farming interests has been engaged in breeding fine horses, at which he is considered one of the most successful in this township. The marriage of our subject, took place September 3rd, 1863, to Miss Alice Logan, whose birth occurred December 5th, 1840. To this marriage were born these children: John L., Henrietta, Margaret E., James F., William H., Charles B, and Donald C. In politics, he is a pronounced Prohibitionist, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

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

James Wilson, (photo) (deceased), was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, May 5, 1819, son of William and Devora (Custer) Wilson, of Irish and German descent, respectively. The father of our subject removed from Kentucky to this county in 1832. The subject of this sketch received a limited education and remained at home with his parents until 1848. For many years he gave his attention to the breeding of thoroughbred horses and cattle, and at one time owned 6,000 acres of land. Mr. Wilson was married February 8, 1848, to Miss Ellen Jameson, a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky, born March 21, 1829, daughter of Thomas and (Cartmel) Jameson, natives of Kentucky and of Scotch-Irish origin. The following children reached their majority: John M., Richmond J., Louisa, Richard, William W., and Joseph H. Politically, Mr. Wilson was a Republican, and in his death, which occurred March 5, 1882, Rush County lost one of its most valued and honored men. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Christian Church, and is one of the most worthy mothers, beloved by all who know her.

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

John W. Looney was born in Union Township, June 15, 1836, and was the son of John W. and Matilda (Ward) Looney, natives of Kentucky, but was married in Rush County August 5, 1830. John W. Looney, Sr. first came to Rush County in the fall of 1821. His death occurred in 1868; his first wife survived him until 1883, when she was called away; they were members of the Christian Church. For a number of years he held the position of Postmaster at Farmington. He was the son of David Looney, a native of South Carolina, who was a soldier during the Revolutionary War. Our subject was reared on the farm and farming has been his life occupation. On September 12, 1858, he was united in marriage in Tazewell County, Ills. To Miss Mary F. Hammonds, daughter of Peter and Nancy (Thomas) Hammonds, who were natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Looney was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, January 10, 1833. This union was blessed with nine children of whom Isalina, George Alfred, Matilda, John A., and Mary A, are living. Mr. And Mrs. Looney are members of the Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Looney is a staunch Republican, and was at one time Trustee of Union Township, and also Assessor.

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

George H. Havens, Township Trustee, and dealer in agricultural implements, was born at Arlington, this county, June 220, 1844. His parents were John P. and Elizabeth (Oliver) Havens, who were born natives of Fleming County, Kentucky. born in 1811 and 1810, of Scotch and English descent, respectively. John P. Havens came to Rush County in 1822, with his parents, who were Rev. James and Anna Havens. He was reared amid the scenes of pioneer life, and when he had frown to manhood located at Arlington. There, for many years he worked at his trade, wagon making and kept hotel. He was one of the foremost men of his community, and was advocate of whatever contributed to advance morality. He early espoused the cause of abolition and was one of the five in Rush County who voted the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than fifty years. His death occurred in August 1885, Mrs. Havens and seven of their twelve children still survive him. George H. spent much of his early years upon the farm, and his education was obtained in the public schools at Arlington. Upon attaining his majority he began clerking in a grocery store at Rushville. By industry and economy he was enabled to begin business for himself in 1867, and from that time to this has been a conspicuous businessman of Rushville. In 1883, he sold out his mercantile business and soon after engaged in his present occupation in which he has been successful. His political affiliations have always been with the Republicans, and as their candidate in the spring of 1886; he was elected Trustee of Rushville Township. Miss Louisa Sexton, daughter of Dr. Marshall Sexton, became his wife January 3, 1868. She was born January 3, 1848. Their four children are: Myrta, Horatio S., Walter, and Clover. Mrs. And Mrs. Havens are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

The Amos family is properly introduced in the personage of J. J. Amos, Sr., who was born in Bourbon County, KY, September 30th, 1803, being the fourth child to Nicholas and Ann (Jones) Amos, natives of Maryland. Mr. Amos was a student at the subscription schools and only obtained a limited education. He came to Rush County in 1823 and lived with his uncle Abraham Jones, and the next spring returned to Kentucky and first bought fifty acres of land and then purchased the old Amos homestead which he owned for several years, and later engaged in stock trading and distillery business, and was also engaged in the mercantile business. In 1840 he traded stock of goods, for 800 acres of land in Wells County. In 1839 Mr. Amos returned to Rush County and located on a farm near New Salem. He has been a successful man in life and at one time owned 2,000 acres of land in this county. Mr. Amos was married January 19th, 1826, to Miss Ann W. Howard, a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and who died June 17th 1859. To Mr. And Mrs. Amos were born eight children, four of whom died in early life. Politically he is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. At one time Mr. Amos donated $2,000 to the Adrain, Michigan, College, of which he is a Trustee. Another member of the Amos family is Mrs. Amanda Mitchell, who was born in Bourbon County, Ky., September 28th 1828, daughter of James Hildreth, and at the age of seven years came with her parents to Rush County. March 13th, 1851, she was united in marriage to Johanan J. Amos, a native of Kentucky, and came to Rush County at twelve years of age. By occupation he was a stock dealer and shipper. His death occurred in this county January 16th, 1864. To that marriage these three children survive: Johanan M., Willard H. and J. J. He was of Democratic faith, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Amos was married April 23rd, 1871 to Thomas V. Mitchell, who died January, 1881. Mrs. Mitchell now resides on the home farm surrounded with the comforts of life and is a member of the Christian Church. J. M. Amos, a prominent stockbreeder of this township, was born March 5th, 1854, and a son of Johanan J. Amos. He was raised on the farm and received a common school education and began doing for himself at eighteen years of age. His occupation in life has been that of a farmer, and for quite a number of years, he had been giving much attention to growing trotters, and pacers, Legal Tender, Jr. No. 3409, a pacer, 2:27 and sire of Lowland Girl, 2:191/2. At his stock sale in 1887, Mr. Amos realized more than $2,500. He owns a good farm, which consists of 215 acres. December 23rd, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Estella J. Poston, daughter of George W. Poston, and was born in this township July 22, 1856. To the above marriage three children were born: William, born February 22, 1881, Ethel, born March 7, 1883, and Luella, born May 13, 1885. In politics, Mr. Amos is a Republican, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Willard H. Amos, a brother of J. M. Amos, was born in Rushville Township, February 26, 1856, and was raised upon the farm and is engaged in farming and stockbreeding. He was married October 22, 1879 to Miss Elizabeth A. Poston, who was born in this township, January 31, 1861, second daughter of George W. And Nancy (McNeal) Poston. They have one child, Mary, born November 13, 1886. He is a Republican. Joseph J. Jr., another member of the Amos family, and youngest son now living of Johanan Amos, was born May 5, 1860, and grew to manhood upon the farm adjoining his present home. He received a common school education, and at sixteen years of age began farming and trading in stock, which he has since continued. He was married October 4, 1882, to Miss Fannie M., daughter of Seneca and Sallie (Patterson) Armstrong, born December 27, 1863. One daughter blessed this union viz: Rubie May, born April 13, 1887. He is a firm friend of the Republican Party, and owns a well-improved farm of 160 acres. Joseph Caldwell, the only son born to John and Arriette (Amos) Caldwell, was born in this county, August 19, 1864. His mother died at two years of age and he was raised by J. J. Amos, Sr. He first attended the country schools, and later, attended Adrain College. Reaching his majority, he began farming which he continued until 1887, when he removed to Rushville, where he now resides. He was married April 28, 1886 to Miss Hattie Humes, who was born in the county, September 7, 1868, daughter of J. C. Humes Mr. Caldwell is a Republican, and he and wife are highly esteemed people. The Amos family has been prominently known in the county for many years and has been noted for its industry and energy.

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

John Q. Zion and Mrs. Julia A. Henley were married November 12, 1887. The former is a native of the county, born December 10, 1829, being the son of Matthew and Catharine (Sergeant) Zion, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, the former of Dutch and English, and the latter of English descent. His father was the son of John and Rachel Zion, and his mother was the daughter of Thomas Sergeant. He was reared upon a farm in the county and was married to Miss Maria Pickering, December 4, 1851. She was born in Miami County, Ohio, March 26, 1832, and was the daughter of Benjamin and Hettie (McCove) Pickering. For one year after their marriage they resided in Center Township. Then they removed to Marion County, Indiana, but four years later they returned to Center Township, where Mrs. Maria Zion died September 14, 1885. Their marriage resulted in the birth of four children: Selina E., born December 6, 1852, died July 16, 1860, Hettie C., born May 5, 1854, Mary E., born March 16, 1857, and William R., born January 31, 1859. After the death of his wife, Mr. Zion resided in Carthage until his second marriage the date of which is given above. His present wife Mrs. Julia A. Zion was born in Henry County, Indiana, October 15, 1839, being the daughter of Wyatt and Mary Stanley who were respectively natives of Randolph County, North Carolina, and Wayne County, Indiana. Her father was the son of John and Elizabeth (Dix) Stanley, and her mother was the daughter of George and Karon (Elliott) Bundy, all of whom were natives of North Carolina. When she was six years old her parents removed to Hancock County, Indiana, where a year later, or on August, 1846 her mother died. For three years thereafter she made her home with her grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. Bundy, in Henry County. She then returned to the home of her father who, in the meantime, was married to Nancy A. Henley. She remained with them until her first marriage which occurred March 29, 1859. Her husband whose name was Milton Henley, was born in Ripley Township, May 28, 1833, and was the son of Thomas and Abigail (Starbuck). Henley, whose parentage is given elsewhere. Immediately after their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Henley settled upon the farm where the latter now resides. There Mr. Henley pursued the vocation of a farmer until his death on the 17th day of March, 1872. Their marriage resulted in the birth of four children, Harvey G., born April 4, 1860, Walter C., born September 15, 1861, Milton, born February 10, 1872, and a daughter that died Unnamed. After the death of her husband Mrs. Henley remained a widow until her marriage to Mr. Zion. Mr. And Mrs. Zion are both members of the Friends' Church. In politics the former is a Prohibitionist. In her earlier life Mrs. Zion was a teacher in the public schools two years. Her first husband, whose later education was received in Earlham College, was also for a number of years, a teacher in the public schools of this county. Mr. And Mrs. Zion have two farms: one upon which they reside, in Ripley Township which is admirably situated and improved, and one in Center Township which is also in a good state of improvement.

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

Mays is a station on the Ft. Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad in Center Township. The town was laid out by Samuel Kirkpatrick and Charles H. Throwley, June 25, 1884. The original plat contained seventy-four lots. The first merchants were Swarr & Cooper, who occupied the small frame store building in which J. J. Martin is now doing business. Henry Carter was the first Postmaster. The principle enterprises of the town are two large grain elevators owned by Samuel Cohee, and James Ayers. John Windau had a large warehouse, and Brackner & Schook a heading factory. Others doing business here are Warner & Co., sawmill; W. M. McBride drugs, and J. J. Martin, general merchandise. The name of Hiram Paxton also deserves mention among the businessmen of Mays.

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

Walter L. Kemp, Hardware dealer, was born in Lowndes County, Miss., August 10, 1857. He was the son of Edward F. and Sallie C. (Dupree) Kemp, natives of Virginia and Georgia, respectively. His boyhood was spent in Columbus, his native town. When he was fifteen he went to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he was employed by the M & C. R. R. Co. a few months. At sixteen he entered the State University at Knoxville, Tenn., remained two terms. He then went to Cincinnati, and there was employed in a wholesale notion and furnishing goods establishment. In October 1880, he came to Rushville, and for three years thereafter he was a traveling salesman for Norris Brothers, manufacturers of wheat drills. In August 1884, he engaged in the hardware business, to which his attention has since been directed. December 25, 1879, he was married to Alma Norris, daughter of B. F. Norris, of this county. She died in October 1881, leaving one child, Alma. Our subject is an Odd Fellow and a member of the K. of P. order. Politically, he is a Republican.

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