Fayette Township
View a history of Fayette Township.

J.V. PINSON, farmer, Libertyville, was born in Edgar county, Illinois, October 27, 1839. His father, Allen PINSON, died in 1845, and his mother, whose maiden name was Margaret NOBLITT, was married again, to her present husband, J.D. BOZARTH, and is still living on her son's farm in this township. The subject of this sketch grew up to manhood on a farm, receiving only a common education. At the first call for troops in 1861 he enlisted in Co. K, 31st Ind. Vols., and was at the siege of Fort Donelson and at Shiloh, where he lost his left leg, on account of which he was discharged April 6, 1862. Mr. PINSON has been honored by the voters of Fayette with the office of trustee and assessor, the former of which he held two and the latter four years. Although a cripple, and incapable of any active work, he now owns a fine farm of 174 acres, which he successfully manages, and which he has acquired through his own honesty and industry. He has never been married, but lives happy and contented in single blessedness, his mother and stepfather living with him. He is a member of the Christian church, and in politics he was formerly a democrat, but at present is a national.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - p. 453

WILLIAM T. PITTENGER, farmer and stock raiser, New Goshen, was born in Ross county, Ohio, April 22, 1824. He is the son of James W. and Elizabeth (BROWNING) PITTENGER, natives of Maryland. His youth was spent on a farm and going to school. He received only a common education. He was married March 3, 1853, to Harriet B. McCULLOUGH, who was the daughter of Daniel and Eunice (COLE) McCULLOUGH. Mr. PITTENGER lived with his wife's people four years, and then moved on the farm upon which he now lives, comprising 197 acres, well improved. They are the parents of three children: C.J., Huram M., and Lora E. C.J. was drowned in Broulette's creek while in bathing, in 1872. This sad affair has been a life-time affliction to the parents. William T. PITTENGER has been justice of the peace eight years, and the voters honored him with the office of trustee one term. He is a member of the Baptist church, and also of New Goshen Lodge, No. 564, I.O.O.F. In politics he is a republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - pp. 451-452

WILLIAMSON W. and JOHN W. PUGH, farmers, New Goshen, are the sons of Alexander and Nancy (STUBBS) PUGH. Williamson W. was born in Franklin county, Indiana, August 25, 1853, and John W. was born in Edgar county, Illinois, October 6, 1860. They were educated in the common schools of Illinois and Indiana, and their boyhood days were spent on a farm. W.W. PUGH is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge of New Goshen. They both live with their parents on his fine farm of 200 acres, on the Wabash valley, and they are making the declining years of their parents pleasant and happy. There are seven children in the family: William A., Francis A., Williamson W., Samuel S., John W., Iven G. and Effie M.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - p. 456

LEWIS H. RHYAN, farmer, New Goshen, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, July 7, 1841, and is the son of Henry and Margaret (SHUEY) RHYAN, both natives of Virginia, who came to Vigo county in an early day. The youth of Mr. RHYAN was spent on a farm and in going to school, where he received a common education. He enlisted in 1862 in the 71st Ind. Inf., and after one year he was transferred to the 6th Ind. Cav. He was in the battle of Richmond, the siege of Knoxville, Kentucky, where he was shot through the right thigh, the Stoneman raid, and was taken prisoner and conveyed directly to the well known Andersonville prison. Here he suffered all the horrors of a prison life, being confined with no shelter, food or good water. He was paroled (sic) February 26, 1865, and was discharged June 1, 1865. After the war he returned to the farm. He was married October 24, 1866, to Minerva COOPER, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (SWAN) COOPER. By this union they had two children: Henry C., born February 20, 1878, and Maggie E., born February 16, 1877, and died September 18, 1878. They are members of the United Brethren church. He had a fair start, and now owns a fine farm of 120 acres of well improved land, with good buildings. Politically he is a republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - p. 452

JOHN H. RIPPETOE, farmer, Macksville, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, January 15, 1837, and is the son of P.B. and Catharine V. (SHEWEY) RIPPETOE, natives of Virginia, who moved to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1835, and then to Vigo county, Indiana, in 1836. John H. RIPPETOE was educated in the common schools of Vigo county and Greencastle college, where he received a graded education. His youth was spent on a farm and teaching school. He enlisted in the 18th Indiana Battery, July 14, 1862, and was in several battles: Chickamauga, Hoover's Gap, and Wilson's raid through Georgia and Alabama. He was discharged at Indianapolis, July 1, 1865. He was married to Mary J. MALCOLM, daughter of Peter and Delila (RIGGS) MALCOLM, September 23, 1858. They had three children, one dead. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He commenced poor and now owns a fine farm, well improved. Politically he is a republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - p. 451

WILLIAM H. ROBISON, farmer, New Goshen, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, April 12, 1838, and is the son of John & Martha (WATKINS) ROBISON, natives of Virginia. His parents emigrated from their native state to Vigo county, Indiana, in 1835. The youth of Mr. ROBINSON was spent on a farm during the summer months and attending the common schools in the winter seasons, until he was seventeen years old, and then he worked out by the month for five years, in the employment of one man. He then returned to school again until he was qualified to teach common schools, and after that taught school and clerked in stores until the late war commenced. He then enlisted first for three months, in the 54th Ind. Vols., and the second time for six months, in the 115th Ind. Vols. The third time was in the 18th Indiana Battery for one year. The voters of Fayette township honored him with the office of trustee two terms. Mr. ROBISON was married to Eliza J. GOODMAN, the daughter of W.W. and Gemima A. (HOPKINS) GOODMAN. His wife was born November 23, 1841, and received a common education. Her grandfather was county judge in an early day, and is a member of the Congregational church. They commenced in limited circumstances, and now own a home of eighty acres of good land, well improved, all underdrained with tiling. In politics he is a national.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - pp. 450-451

JACOB H. SHANK, farmer, New Goshen, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, June 16, 1828. His parents emigrated from Virginia to Vigo county in 1834. The subject of this sketch was educated in Vigo county in one of those old fashioned log school-houses run on the subscription system. He learned the mason's trade under his father, and worked with his father until he died. He then went to work on a farm and has followed that calling ever since. He was honored with the office of trustee two years. He tendered his services to the government in the late war, but was refused on account of being unsound. Mr. SHANK was married to Jane M. PETRY October 29, 1857. By this union they had five children, three living: Mary E., Bruce L., and Emma R. His wife died January 5, 1880. They were members of the United Brethren church. Mr. SHANK commenced life as a poor boy, and after years of hard toil and close economy he is now the owner of 120 acres of good land, with good substantial buildings, and is out of debt. He is politically a democrat.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - p. 450

JACOB L. SHEW, farmer, Sanford, was born in Vigo county, August 7, 1853, and is the son of H.B. and Amanda (SHANK) SHEW. His father is a native of North Carolina, and his mother of West Virginia. His father came to Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1830. He was a cooper by trade, but followed farming. He is the father of three children: Jacob L., David A., born November 18, 1855 and died December 18, 1879, and Barbs A., born December 15, 1858. Jacob L., the subject of this sketch, was educated in Vigo county, in the common schools. His youth was spent on a farm and at hard work. He was married to Nora S. CLARK August 3, 1876, and by this union they have one child, James, born April 4, 1878. Mrs. SHEW was born April 25, 1857, and is the daughter of Ransom and Susannah (WHITESEL) CLARK. Her grandfather came to this county in an early day and spent his first summer under the boughs of a beach tree until he built his cabin. Mr. SHEW commenced life in limited circumstances and now has a good farm of eighty acres. In politics he is a republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - p. 454

MRS. LOU M. SMITH, farmer, New Goshen, was born in Edgar county, Illinois, January 20, 1842. Her parents, Thomas and Mary (WARD) PINSON, came from the south to Illinois in 1829, and to Vigo county in 1847. She now lives in New Goshen with her parents. Her father is a justice of the peace. Mrs. SMITH received a common education. She was married December 24, 1876, to Samuel SMITH, who was engaged in farming and stock raising. He was a Union soldier, enlisting near the close of the war in the 11th Ind. He died on his farm near Terre Haute, December 29, 1879. He was a Baptist, and she is a member of the Christian church. Mrs. SMITH is in good circumstances.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - pp. 452-453

D.D. STILWELL, postmaster and station agent of the Indianapolis & St. Louis railroad, Sanford, was born January 30, 1837, in New York state. His parents, Daniel and Catherine (TAYLOR) STILWELL, were also natives of New York. He received a fair education. At the commencement of the war he was one of the first to offer his services to his country. He enlisted in the 18th New York Vols., and was elected a non-commissioned officer in his company. His regiment was ordered to Washington, and was placed in the army of the Potomac. He was in many bloody battles, including Hanover Court House, Gaines' Mills, the seven days' fight across the peninsula, Malvern Hill, and the second batle of Bull Run. At this last named place he left his right arm in defense of the old flag, and was also captured and held as a prisoner for a short time. On account of his wound he was discharged December 22, 1862, at Washington. He learned telegraphy in 1863, which business he followed in New York until 1868. He then came to Vigo county and settled in Sanford, where he has been ever since, in the office of the Indianapolis & St. Louis railroad, acting as station agent and telegraph operator. He has also been postmaster at Sanford since 1875. Mr. STILWELL has been married twice: first, September 12, 1864, to Mary DRAKE. After her death he was married again, to Susan CALDER, October 24, 1873. By this last marriage they have had four children, two living: Kate R. and Mamie T. The other two died in infancy. Mr. STILWELL is a Methodist, and a member of the Sanford Lodge of I.O.O.F. He is a republican of the stalwart kind, voting, he says, the same way that he shot, and for the same purpose: the maintenance of the Union and the perpetuity of free institutions.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - p. 457

BURGUOINE G. TRITT, farmer, Sanford, the son of Peter and Sally (BOYER) TRITT, natives of Virginia, was born in Lee county, Virginia, January 25, 1820. His parents moved to Vigo county when it was a wilderness and unsettled country, and here he spent his youth on a farm. But little attention was given to schools, and therefore his education is very limited. He has never made a move from his boyhood home, or ever left it until 1861, and then he enlisted in the 1st Missouri regiment of engineers. He was in several battles, and was mustered out at Chattanooga in 1864. He then returned to his farm. His first wife was Ann NOEL, and by their union they had four children: Martha, John, Jacob and Nancy R. The latter met with her death through the jealousy of a lover, who insisted she should marry none but him. She did not love him, and therefore refused to be his wife. He discovered that she was engaged to another, and found them in company one night making arrangements to wed soon, and that night about twelve o'clock it is supposed he first stabbed her and then set fire to the house to hide his guilt. He escaped and has not been heard of since. Mr. TRITT's first wife died. He was again married, this time to Ann MASTERSON, in May, 1865. He commenced in limited circumstances, and now owns a valuable farm of 160 acres in Vigo county, Indiana, and forty acres in Illinois. Politically he is a republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - p. 449

JOHN B. VERMILLION, farmer and stock raiser, St. Mary's, was born in Messer county, Kentucky, July 7, 1822. He is the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (SANFORD) VERMILLION; the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Kentucky. His parents emigrated from Kentucky to Vigo county, Indiana, in 1825, when this part of the country was a wilderness, and the forest around were filled with wild beasts. When they first settled here they lived by a log fire through the entire winter. Deer frequently came within thirty feet of their camp and rested through the night. They had no difficulty in obtaining fresh venison whenever they desired it. Mr. VERMILLION, in company with his father, has gone to one of those old fashioned two-horse mills, where each man ground his corn for himself. He received a limited education at the common schools. His youth was spent on a farm, where he worked out as a farm hand, but he has never moved from the old homestead. During his business career he has engaged in farming and stock raising. September 10, 1847, he was married to Mary McADAMS, daughter of John and Millie (PURCELL) McADAMS, both natives of Kentucky. They have had nine children, six of whom are living and three dead. Their names are: Wooford, Henry, Melissa, Stephen D., Delila, Charles F., John W., Betty and Millie E. Two of their children are married. Melissa is the wife of Thomas BUTLER, and Henry was married to Dora WOLFE. Mrs. VERMILLION is a member of the United Brethren church. When Mr. VERMILLION first began doing for himself he had only one horse, but by industry and good management he is now the owner of eighty acres of well improved land in Indiana, and 160 acres (partly improved) in Missouri. In politics he is a democrat.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - pp. 448-449

JAMES W. WATTS, dealer in grain and agricultural implements, Sanford, was born in Edgar county, Illinois, April 26, 1837, and is the son of Wm. B. and Hannah E. (DENISON) WATTS, natives of Virginia. Wm. B. WATTS died April 25, 1844. His wife moved to Vigo county, Indiana, in 1852, and settled near New Goshen, Fayette township. James W. WATTS received a common education, but by his own study he became competent to teach in the common schools. He has been engaged in various branches of business, such as merchandising, dealing in lumber, grain and farming. He has been justice of the peace, and was the nominee of the republican party for sheriff of Vigo county, Indiana. He was married to Elizabeth C. HAYMAKER in 1862, and by this union they have had four children: Wm. M., Cora L., Waldo G. and Oliver M. They are members of the Methodist church. He is a member of the A.F. and A.M., Sanford Lodge. Politically he is a republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Fayette Twp. - p. 454

View a history of Fayette Township.

Back to Vigo County Biographies Index
Back to Vigo County Biographies Project