Rush County, Indiana - Chapter 8: By John' Arnold, M. D, 1888 (part 5 of 5)

Allen Hinchman was born in Union Township, Februarv 3, 1836. His parents were John and Margaret ( Nickell j Hinchman, the former, the son of John and Margaret (Vinson) Hinchman, whose biographies appear in this volume. The latter was the daughter of George and Margaret (Nelson) Nickell, natives of Monroe County, Va. On August 12, 1823, John was married to Margaret (Nickell), and during that fall removed to Rush County and located on a wild tract of land which he had entered on a trip to this county in 1S22, \^-hen James Hinchman came to this county. The tract of land entered by John Hinchman is owned at present by his son, Marshall Hinchman. John soon erected a rude log cabin, and spent the winter in it without doors or windows, and had 50 cents in money on his arrival here. The trials and hardships of those pioneer days can hardly now be realized by the present ^ generation. He began in the forest with a will and spent many a hard day's work in his clearing, and assisted by his indulgent wife, would burn brush until late at night. Thus, bv degrees, he climbed the ladder of prosperity, and by industry and perseverance, had at the time of his death accumulated a fortune of $75,000, leaving his family in comfortable circumstances. He was one of the largest land owners of Rush County, and at the time of his death, owned over 1,000 acres, besides valuable propertv in Connersville. He was a good financier and had the reputation of being one of the shrewdest traders in the count}-. Politically, he cast his first vote with the Whigs, but on the formation of the Republican part}', he heartily gave it his support, and was one of the foremost advocates of the abolition of slavery, in Rush County. He sent two of his sons, Ira and Morris, to defend their countrv's honor. The former received a severe wound, but both returned to enjoy the Union they fought so bravely to preserve. Mr. Hinchman was chosen bv his party, as County Commissioner, and often served Union Township as its Trustee, in which offices he performed his duties in a manner creditable to himself and constituents. He was a public spirited man, and was ever ready to assist any laudable enterprise in the countv. He gave freely to churches, schools, and probably as much as $3,000 to various railroads in the county. He assisted financially in the building of the White Water canal, besides doing his share toward the building of pikes and gravel roads, and all public improvements of merit. He was a member of the Christian Church, and passed away on June 2, 1865. Thus ended the life of one of Rush County's time honored citizens and pioneers. His loving wife, who had stood by his side through the trials and hardships for over forty years, survived him until October 3, 1S76, when she, too, was called to rest. The seventh of his children is the subject of this biographv, from whom this information was obtained. He has ahvavs lived in Union Township, and received a fair education for that day. On December 22, 1S5S, he was married to Nancy Motfitt, daughter of Andrew and Athalia (Rees) Mofhtt, residents of Fayette County. Nancy was born in Fayette Countv, April 23, 1840. This union was blessed with five children: Margaret, Minnie M., Nora, Ulysses G., George W., all living. Mr. and Mrs. Hinchman are members of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a staunch Republican. When he began life his father gave him $1,000, and by carefully managing his affairs has been eminently successful. At present he owns a fine farm in Section 21, provided with nlodern improvements. He is an upright citizen and one of the successful farmers of Union Township. Robert N. Hinchman is one of the leading farmers of Union Township. He is a native of Rush Countv, and the son of James and Nancy Hinchman, earlv pioneers, whose biographies appear in this volume. He was born February 9, 1S43, and spent his boyhood and youth on the farm, receiving a fair education in the dis- trict schools. On August lo, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Kirkpatrick, a native of Union Township, and the daughter of David and Jane (Oldham) Kirkpatrick, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Tennessee. The Kirkpatricks were among the first settlers of Rush County. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Hinchman has been blessed with six children, four of whom are living at this writing. They are : Carrie B., Van A., Eva M., and William E. They began hfe together on the farm where they now reside, which will compare favorably with the best improved farms in the county. Farming has been his principal occupation in life, although in the fall of 1873, he removed to Rushville, where he resided until 1876, when he returned to the farm. Politicalh', he has been identified with the Repubhcan party and has worked hard for its success in the county. In 1876, he was elected County Commissioner, and for eleven consecutive years he has held that responsible position. During his official term the county debt has been wiped out, and numerous bridges and other public improvements have been made. The county is now out of debt, and can be classed among the foremost in the State as to public improvements. Mr. Hinchman retires from the Board of Commissioners with the good will and praise that a faithful public servant should receive from all parties. In connection with his farm labors, he is also engaged in buying grain at Ging's Station, a village on the J., M. & I. R. R., located one-half mile northeast of his farm. Honest and upright in all his dealings, Mr. Hinchman can be classed among the substantial citizens of Rush County. His portrait appears in this volume.

James Kiser is a native of Bourbon County, Ky., born November 18, 182 1. His parents were Joseph and Rebecca Kiser, natives of Kentucky, who immigrated to this State about fiftv-six j-ears ago, and settled in the southern part of Union Township. James was then a small boy, and assisted his parents in developing a home m the wilderness. Being reared on a farm, he adopted farming as a life occupation, and now is one of the successful farmers of the county. In 1844, he was married to Jane Smelser, daughter of John and Abigail Smelser, who were among the pioneer settlers of Rush County. Mrs, Kiser was born in Bourbon Count}-, Kj^ This union has been blessed with twelve children, of whom seven are living, namely: Joseph, Sarah, George, James, Emma, Albert and Corry. Mrs. Kiser, a loving wife and mother, was called awa}' on August 7, 1887. For about thirty-three vears he has resided where he now lives, and has made the most of the improvements. His residence is one of the best in the vicinitv, and his farm is under a high state of cultivation. Politically, he is a

Staunch Republican, but has never sought political honors. He is a citizen of integrity and honor, and was al\va3"S ready to assist a public enterprise of benefit to the communitv.

John W. Looxey was born in Union Township, June 15, 1S36, and was the son of John W. and Matilda (Ward) Looney, natives of Kentucky, but were 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 wife survived )iim until 18S3, when she was called away; the}^ 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, 1S58, 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. Loone}' was born in Fleming County, Ky., January 10, 1833. This union was blessed with nine children, of whom Isalina, George Alfred, Matilda, John A. and Marj- A., are living. Mr. and Mrs. Looney are members of the Christian Church. Politcally, Mr. Loone}' is a staunch Republican, and was at one time Trustee of Union Township, and also Assessor.

William H. Mauzy was born in Noble Township, Rush County, Ind;, March 10, 1848. His parents were William and Caroline Mauzy, the former of Bourbon County, Ky., and the latter of Pennsylvania. The former was among the early settlers of Noble Township, and at present is a resident of Rushville. Our subject was raised on the farm, and at the age of twenty he began for himself. In June, 1871, he w'as married to Luella J. Spivey, daughter of John and Rhoda (Lang) Spivey, residents of Fayette County. They are members of the Christian Church. He is a member of Glenwood Lodge 569, I. O. O. F. He moved on the farm in 1S73, where he now resides. Politically, he is a Republican.

John T. McMillin stands foremost among the prominent and industrious farmers and stock-raisers of Union Township, and resides in the northeast quarter of Section 12. He was born near where he now lives August 30, 1831, and has spent his entire life in this township. We can trace his lineage back to about 17S0, when we have an account of Thomas and Mary (Young) Mc- Millen, who were his grandparents, emigrating from Ireland to America, locating in Washington County, Pa., and of six children being born to them; they were: Matthew, John, James, Ebenezer, Samuel, and Anna; also that their parents died in Washington County, Pa. John, the second son, and the father of the sub- ject of this biography, was born in 1793. In 1815, he removed to Brown County, Ohio, and engaged as a farm hxborer. While there, he made three trips on a flat-boat to New Orleans, returning on foot each time to Brown County. There, on June 10, 1S24, he was married to Susannah JMcConnell, a native of Brown County, Ohio, born April 30, iSoo, and the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Downing) McConnell, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the son of Arthur and Elizabeth (Wilson) McConnell, both of whom were nati\'es of Ireland, but emigrated to America prior to the Revolutionary War, and settled in western Penns\'lvania. Thomas McConnell, their youngest of nine children, and the grandfather of our subject on his mother's side, was born in Washington County, Pa., November 4, 1772. About the time of his maturity he went to Mason Count}', Kj'., where he married Mary Downing, a native of Pennsylvania, born October 7, 1799. She was the daughter of John and Susan (Ellis) Downing. Soon after this marriage, Thomas ^McConnell removed to Brown County, Ohio, where he entered land and continued to reside the remainder of his life, his death occurring April 26, 1865; his wife having passed away November 5, 1832. He was a Captain during the W^ar of 1S12, and was with Gen. Hull when he surrendered at Detroit. We will now return to John McMillin, who, soon after his marriage, located on a tract of land which he had previously eiriei-ed in Section 13, Union Township. He came here and settled down in the forest emptyhanded, having but a few cents on his arrival. He erected a rude cabin, into which he moved his family, and with his axe started to clear up a home. His wife willingly assisted him by burning brush and such work as she could do, and bv the next spring he had succeeded in preparing ten acres for corn. Success attended his labors from this time on, and ere his death, which occurred Mav 29, 1S50, he found himself the possessor of over 600 acres of choice farming land. He and wife were true Christians, and the honored principles taught their children in youth, are now evidenced by honest, upright men and women. The mother survived her companion until Januar}' 23, 1885, when she, too, crossed the dark river. Thus we glean a little knowledge of the lives of the sturdy pioneers who came here when all was woods, and by hard and earnest toil succeeded in developing homes which will stand as monuments to their honored names while memory lasts. They are gone, but not forgotten, for sons and daughters survive them who have inherited the homes which they toiled so incessantly to make, and who will keep their memories green, and pass down from generation to generation the history of the trials and hardships of their illustrious antecedents. As stated, John T. McMillin was born and reared in

Union Township. His birth having occurred in 1 831, he has had an opportunit}' to witness almost the entire growth of the county. His moral and intellectual training in youth was good, and he had the advantage of a common school education. Being raised on the farm, he adopted farming as a life occupation, in which he has been eminently successful. On November 25, 1852, he was united in marriage with Sarah Buzan, daughter of Wills and Maria (Kendall) Buzan, at that time residents of Union Township, but now deceased, and who were among the first settlers of the countv. To this union were born three children, namely: Clara A., Laura B. (who died in infancy), and Sarah Bell. The wife and mother died Januar}^ 27, 1857, and on the 24th of the following November, Mr. McMillin was married to Nanc}' B. Pentecost, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Bishop) Pentecost, the former the son of John and Jemima Pentecost, and born in Union Countv, Ind., December 15, 1805, and died in Henry Count}', Ind. The latter was born October 4, 1S08, and died in Union Township. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Freel) Bishop, the former a native of Marvland, and the son of Robert and Rachel Bishop, natives of Tvlaryland. He died in Preble County, Ohio, and was a soldier during the War of 181 2. His wife, Nancj- Freel, was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wood) Freel. B}' this union Mr. and Mrs. McMillin have had born to them six children: Emma J., John A., Ora M., William H., and Lida O., of whom Emma Josephine is deceased, dying the wife of John L. Shauck. Mr. McMillin now resides on a fine improved farm of 260 acres in Section 12, across the southeast corner of which the J., M. & I. R. R. crosses, and on which "McMillin's Station" is located. He also owns two other farms in the county. Besides giving his attention to farming, he has of late devoted considerable time and monej' in developing the heavy draft horse industr}- of the countv, and was one of the first owners of imported Norman horses, and he now owns two fine imported Norman mares, "Marguerite," foaled in France in 1S83, also "Marquise," foaled in the same country in 1885. He also owns an interest in the noted imported draft horses, "Favory" and "Coco," the former taking the world's premium at Paris in 1878, also at St. Louis, Mo., in 1880. He has taken premiums everwhere he has been e.xhibited, and is one of the finest Norman draft horses in America to-da}-. Space compels us to end this sketch of an illustrious famih', whose name is familiar throughout the county, and we will close by adding that John T. McMillin, with a few other leading citizens of the countv, in 1857, organized the Rush Count}' Agricultural Society, and established a vearlv fair at Rushville, which for its success, has become known beyond the borders of Indiana. For a number of 3'ears he served as a Director of the association, then as its President, and at present is a member of the Executive Board. He earnestly works to prosecute the interests of the agriculturists and breeders, of Rush County; hence the appreciation of his success. He and wife are members of the "Church of Christ," or Christian denomination. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, and firmly believes in the principles of that party. Mr. McMillin's portrait appears in this volume as one of the representative citizens of the county.

Thomas W. Moffitt, a worthy resident of Union Township, was born in Fayette County, December 29, 1S37, and was the eldest son of William and Mary (Wiles) Moffitt, the farmer a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. Our subject was raised on a farm, and received a fair education in his youth. On July 25, 1S61, he enlisted in Company F, Thn-d Indiana Cavalr}-, and was placed in the Department of the Potomac. Mr. Moffitt continued in active service until August, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge, and returned home with a shattered constitution. In 1867, he was married to Miss Lydia Jones, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who was called awa}- in 1869, since which time Mr. Moffitt has made his home w'here he now resides. He receives a liberal pension from the Government, but would give the wealth of the Government, if he had it, to once more enjoy good health. He is now fifty years of age, and a quiet, genial man, of easy manners, and a good conversationalist. He makes his home with father and mother, who are still li-ving.

WiLLiA.^i Morris, the subject of this biograph}', is a prominent resident of Union Township. Bourbon County, Ky., was the place of his birth, March 13, 1820. Morris and Mary (Cummings) Morris are his parents. In 1834, or at the age of fourteen years, he accompanied his parents to Rush County, locating southeast of Rushville, where William spent the remainder of his youth on the farm. In 1847, he was married to Nancy Matlock, who died in 1849, leaving one child, Isabella, who is now the wife of George O. Pumphrey, and residents of Newton County, Ind. In 1855, Mr. Morris was again married, this time to Miss Mary I. Smith, daughter of Louis and Rachel (Looney) Smith, the former a native of Virginia, born May 15, 1791, and the latter a native of Kentucky, born February 9, 1795; they were both pioneers of Rush County. To this union of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, were born six children, viz. : Noah, Emma N., Jesse L., Thomas M., William and Mary E., of whom Noah and Thomas M. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Christian Church. In politics, he is a Demo- crat. He had a limited start in life, but has by hard and earnest toil provided himself with a comfortable home in his declining years. For nine years he was a resident of Hancock Count}', Ind., but in 1866, returned to Rush Count}', and has made this his home ever since. In 1872, he moved upon the farm that he now owns near Griffin's Station.

Jesse Murphy, Sr., was born in Butler County, Ohio, August 6, 1804. He was the son of James and Eunice Murph}'', the former a native of Kentuck}', and the latter a native of New Jersey. The former was the son of Peter Murphy, a native of Ireland, and emigrated to Kentucky when he was a boy. James Murph\' was born and reared in Kentucky. Jesse was reared on a farm in Ohio, and farming is his occupation. In 1825, he was married to Charlotte Woodruff, daughter of Samuel Woodruff, a native of New Jersey. Charlotte was born in New Jersey in 1806, and was thirteen years old when she came to Ohio. To this union have been born four children, of whom Jesse is living. In 1835, he came to this country, and settled near Glenwood. This was then a wilderness, and has developed wonderfully since then. He had but a few dollars when he began life on his own responsibility, but bj- hard toil he has elevated himself from a renter to one of the largest farmers and land owners in the count}-. He owns about 300 acres of fine, tillable land in the county, and has a comfortable home. He assisted his three sons to fine homes, and has been very liberal with his children. In 1885, his hfe companion who had stood by his side through the trials and hardships of this life over sixty years, was called to rest. Thus ended the life of a noble wife and mother, and one respected by all who knew her. Honest and upright in all the affairs of life, Mr. Murphy is now one of the honoi ed pioneers of the county. His portrait appears in this volume.

John Rees is a native of Fayette County, Ind., where he was born January 14, 1826. His parents were John and Nancy (Jarrett) Rees, natives of Pennsvb'ania of German descent. They were married in Pennsylvania, and were among the first settlers of Fayette County, where they continued to reside until their deaths. Our" subject was reared on a farm and adopted farming as his life occupation, in which he has been successful. He began life in poor circumstances and now owns 247 acres of fine, tillable land in Section 18, and is provided with a comfortable home. In 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy A. Gray, daughter of James and Mary (Nickel) Gray, who were pioneers of Rush County and are now deceased. Mrs. Rees was born in Union Township, and resided here until her death, which occurred in February, 1868. This union was blessed with eight children, viz. : John H., Mary D.,

Theodore, Nahcv, Margaret, James, Myrtie and George H., of whom John H. is deceased. In April, 1869, Mr. Rees was married to Miss Alice Hazzard, daughter of H. W. Hazzard, a resident of Favette County, Ind. Mrs. Rees was born in St. Mary's, Ohio, but was principally brought up in Fayette County. Thej' have three children living, Berten, Oscar and Justice. Mr. and Mrs. Rees are members of the Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Rees is a Republican, and iirml}' believes in the tenets of that party.

Garrett Wikoff, deceased, was born in Monmouth County, N. J., Februarjr 3, 1799. ^^^ parents were Arthur W. and Eleanor (Conover) Wikoff, natives of New Jersey. The Wikoffs are of German descent. When Garrett was seventeen 3'ears old, he accompanied his father to Butler County, Ohio, where they located on a farm near Middletown. There he grew to manhood, and in 1S20 was married to Nancy McClelan. Soon after this marriage Mr. Wikoff removed to Rush Countv, and settled on the farm where Mrs. Wikoff now resides. In 1843, his wife was called away. To their union were born six children : Sarah J., Adaline, James M., i\rthur W., Samuel C, and Benjamin S., of whom Sarah J., Adaline and Benjamin S. are deceased. On February 18, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Graves, daughter of Dunovan and Sarah (Hicks) Graves, natives of Kentuck}^, where Nancy was born, April 9, 1820, and in August, 1822, her parents located in Union Township, and here she has resided ever since. Her 'parents have long since passed away, and Mrs. Wikoff is now the oldest pioneer of Union Township, having resided here sixtv-six years, and is in fair health for one of her age. This union was blessed with four children: Nancy A., Eleanor G., Garrett D., and Mary E., all of whom are living. Mr. Wikoff passed away November 24, 1886. He was one of the pioneers of Rush County, and a member of the Christian Church, and politically, a Democrat. He began life a poor bo}', and by industry and perseverance was very successful in his chosen pursuit. He was a lover of fine stock, and for some j'ears was the owner of a fine herd of Short Horn cattle. His widow survives him, and resides on the old homestead, which is a comfortable home. Manv changes have taken place since she can first remember, and those that were her neighbors fiftv years ago have passed away. She is a member of the Christian Church, with which she has been united for almost fifty years.

Garrett D. Wikoff, a prominent young farmer and stockraiser of Union Township, and the son of Garrett and Nancy Wikoff, whose biography appears in this volume, was born heree-a cember 15, 1850. His entire life has been spent on the farm,Qu farming and stock-raising has been his occupation. His early education was fair. For some years he has been engaged in breeding Poland China hogs, and fine horses, and probabl}- has the best stock in the county. On September i8, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Parrish, daughter of John S. and Emmeline (Bates) Parrish, and at present residents of Falmouth, Union Township. Mrs. Wikoff, was born in Fa3'ette County, February 9, 1859. Mr. Wikoff is a member of the Snow Lodge No. 305, F. &. A. M., also of Rushville Chapter. In politics, he is a Democrat, but believes in local politics. He owns a fine improved farm and is one of the prominent young farmers of Rush County.

Jonathan S. White is a native of Fayette County, Ind., where he was born in 1830. In 1848, he located on an eightyacre tract of land in Noble Township, Rush Countv, Ind. He chose for his wife Miss Sarah J. Looney, daughter of Peter and Jane Loonev. Sarah was born in Rush County. To this union was born one child, a daughter, who married Thomas D. Ruff, of Ohio, and is now deceased. To the daughter have been born four children, namely: Earl W., Blanche, Rob Roy, and Maggie, all of whom are living at this date. To illustrate the povertj- of Mr. White at the time of his marriage, we are authorized to sav that he was compelled to borrow $3 in order to procure a marriage certificate. He went to work with a will, and by close application to his profession has succeeded in accumulating considerable wealth. He now owns over 500 acres of as fine farming lands as the county affords, and is the possessor of valuable horses and cattle. His wealth he has made honestly and by hard work. In politics, he is a Republican, but has never sought for political honors.