Green Township

Green Township

E. COVALT, deceased, Green Township, was a native of Brown County, Ohio, born July 30, 1823, andis a son of Abraham Coyalt, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born July 27, 1798. The father of Abraham and grandfather of our subject was Jeremiah Covalt, a native of Virginia, who married Rachel Jarred, and were among the early settlers of Ohio, where he died in Brown County in about 1818, and his widow in about 1834. Abraham was married in Brown County, Ohio, in 1818, to Annie Davis, a native of Pennsylvania, born February 2, 1794, and died in Grant County, Ind., January 2, 1875. E. Covalt also married, in 'Brown County, Ohio, in 1843, Sarah Ashton, a native of Brown County, who died in 1860, after bearing the following children: Lucinda A., Mary A., Jarret, Maria C., Elizabeth A., Sarah E. and Laura B. In 1864 Mr. Coyalt removed with his family to Grant County, Ind., where his death oecurred the following year. His son Jarret is one of the enterprising and prosperous farmers of Green Township and owns a good farm of 160 acres, and takes an active interest in all matters of a beneficial nature to his county. Mr. Covalt is a Republican in politics and in 1876 was elected township trustee, and creditably filled the requirements of that office nearly four years, and in 1886 was elected assessor of his township. In 1871 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Messmore, a native of Shelby County, Ind., by whom he is the father of five children, namely: Sarah J., David L., Everett, Lula E. and Harry A. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN GOSSOM, farmer, Green Township, a prominent farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Ohio, born J uly 4, 1822, and a son of William and Martha (Burbridge) Gossom, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. The parents removed to Indiana in 1832, where the father died in Hamilton County at the age of sixtyfive years; his widow died in Grant County at the advanced age of eighty-four years. The subject of our sketch was reared at home, and at the age of nincteen years commenced for himself. He hired out as a laborer on a farm, working for $8 per month, this continuing a number of years, and. with his earnings purchased forty acres of land in Hamilton County, Ind. In 1855 he removed to Grant County and purchased seventy acres, where he now lives. He now owns 300 acres of land, which he has secured by hard labor and economy, and in all respects is a self-made man. August 19, 1847, he wedded Mary Sheplar, a native of Fayette County, Ind., born May 15, 1830. EHight-children have been born to them, these four yet living: Elizabeth A., Thomas B., John A. and Savanna. Mr. Gossom is a Democrat in politics. He and wife have been members of the Christian Church for twenty-five years and are excellent people.

ELDRIDGE GREEN, farmer, Green Township, is a native of Monroe County, Va., born August 30, 1832, son of Thomas and Sarah (Garten) Green, both of whom were natives of Monroe County, Va., the former born in 1800 and the latter in 1805. The parents married in Virginia and in 1835 removed to Rush County, Ind., where they resided until their death. The father died in 1886, the mother having preceded him in 1854. In 1852 the father came to Grant County and entered a large tract of land in Green Township, in whose honor the township was named. He and his wife were members of the Christian Church and highly respected citizens. Our subject came with his parents to Rush County, Ind. where he was reared on a farm, and attended such schools as the community afforded. In 1855 he came to Grant County, settling in Green Township, where he has ever since resided. In 1862 he entered the service in defense of his country in Company H, One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served nine months, when he was honorably discharged by reason of disability. Upon his return home he resumed farming. In 1857 he married Melinda Swan, who was born in Rush County, Ind., December 29, 1836, and by her is the father of three living children: Nora, Lawrence and Oscar. Mr. Green owns 240 acres of land, which was entered by his father, and upon which he has made all the improvements. He and wife are both members of the Chris- +ian Church. His political affiliation is with the Democratic party.

LEWIS GREEN, farmer, Green Township, a native of Monroe County, Va., was born February 20,1833. He is the fourth in a family of eight children'born to Thomas and Sarah (Garten) Green. The parents immigrated to Indiana in the year 1835, and settled in Rush County, where the subject of this sketch was reared. He received a common education in youth, and took up the vocation of farming, which has ever since been his occupation. In 1865 he removed to Grant County and located on his present farm, which had been previously entered by his father. He married, in 1865, Miss Mary David, a native of Rush County, Ind., and to this union have been born seven children: Thomas, Melia, Franklin, Benton, May, William, and one dying in infancy. Mr. Green owns a good farm of 120 acres, which he helped to clear and put into its present state of cultivation. He is a Republican in politics, and is an honest and upright citizen, and enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

GEORGE HEIZER, farmer, Green Township, a native of Pennsylvania, was born March 3, 1815, is ason of George and Elizabeth (Miller) Heizer, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, where they lived until their deaths. The paternal grandfather, Ulery Heizer, and maternal grandfather, Peter Miller, were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Our subject was reared by his mother, his father having died when he was young, and at an early age embarked on his own responsibility in life's voyage. In 1839 he moved to Henry County, Ind., where he worked at shoe-making for about twelve years, and in 1851 removed to Grant County, entering a tract of land in Green Township, and here he has since resided. June 15, 1845, he married Catherine Matchett, a native of Virginia, who bore him the following children: John (deceased), David (deceased), Mary, Elizabeth, Jane and Susan. March 12, 1860, the mother died, and November 22, 1860, Mr. Heizer married for his. second wife Mrs. Margaret (Kinney) Davis, and to their union six children have been born. They are Lucinda E., J oseph D., James L. (deceased), Daniel A. and Samuel A. (twins), and Emma E. Mr. Heizer bears the respect of all who know him as an honest citizen and a good neighbor. He is the owner of sixty acres of good land and both he and his wife are. members of the Christian Church.

JAMES KELLEY, a prominent citizen and farmer of Green Township, is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born March 12, 1828, and a son of Samuel and Mary (Holder)Kelley. He secured a common school education in youth and in about 1838 removed with his parents to Henry County, Ind., thente moving to Grant

Biographical Sketches

County in 1846. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Susan McClain. Eleven children were born to this marriage, all of whom are now living and named as follows: Elizabeth, John, William, Abraham, Mary A., Samuel, Adelia, Maria, James, David and Cora B. Mrs. Kelley is a native of Perry County, Ohio, born December 18, 1833, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Mauller) McClain, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and removed to Grant County in 1846, where they engaged in farming and resided until their deaths. The father died in 1871, the mother having preceded him in 1863. Mr. Kelley is an entirely self-made man, having commenced life poor, but through frugality and industry has become the possessor of a good farm of 280 acres, with good improvements. In politics he is very liberal, but is inclined to accept the principles of the Republican party. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.

DAVID KILGORE, farmer, Green Township, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the well-known farmers of Green Township, was born July 31, 1808. His parents were David and Margaret (Baird) Kilgore, both natives of Pennsylvania. They were farmers by occupation, and in 1821 removed to Dearborn County, Ind., where the mother died in the same year. The father subsequently removed to Franklin County, Ind., where he resided until his death. David Kilgore was raised on a farm to years of maturity ; he secured a limited education from the district schools, and at the age of twenty years began life's battle on his own responsibility by learning the weaver's trade. He followed his trade for twenty years and in 1851 came to Grant County, Ind., and entering land where he now lives, engaged in clearing and farming. April 9, 1829, he was united in marriage with Charity Sizeglove, who was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, January 15,1812. By this union are the following children: Margaret, Susan, James, Hercules, Sophronia E.,John M., George W., Marcus M. and Joseph (deceased). The mother died July 26,1879. Mr. Kilgore is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Universalist Church, and is one of the pioneers of Grant. County, respected and esteemed by all who know him.

JOHN M. KILGORE, farmer, Green Township, a son of David Kilgore, of whom proper mention is previously made, was born in Franklin County October 22, 1844. At the age of seven years our subject removed with his parents to this county, and was reared on the old home farm, in Green Township. November 4, 1866, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Gossom, a native of Fayette County, Ind, born July 2, 1848, and a daughter of John and Mary Sheplar. Four children have been born to this marriage, and are named Estin L, born January 21, 1874; Savanna A., born May 6, 1876; Destie, born January 16, 1880, and Glendale, born July 21,1885. Mr. Kilgore has always made farming his occupation, and, in connection with farming, is extensively engaged in the manufacturing of tile. His farm consists of sixty acres of well-improved land, upon which he has erected a.two story brick residence, which is a credit to the township in which he resides. In politics he is a Democrat, and is highly respected as an industrious farmer and a good neighbor.

MARCUS M. KILGORE, a well-to-do and enterprising farmer of Green Township, is a native of Franklin County, Ind., born June 26, 1850, and a son of David and Charity (Sizeglove) Kilgore. Marcus M. was reared on a farm with his parents, receiving a fair education in the country schools. On attaining his majority he engaged in general merchandising at Independence, but the year following removed to Point Isabel, and engaged in a like occupation for twelve years. Since then he has been engaged in farming, now owning a good farm of 260 acres, which is well improved and under a good state of cultivation. July 14, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Lane, a native of Brown County, Ohio, and a daughter of Mordecai and Charity (Foster) Lane. By this union four.children have been born, as follows: Myrtle R., born July 4, 1872; Olive E., born April 28, 1874; Ralph, born May 21, 1878; and Carl, born December 10, 1883. Mr. Kilgore is a Democrat in politics, and has served one term as justice of the peace. In the spring of 1886 he was elected township trustee, and is a member of the I. 0.0. F. He is one of the influential men of the county, and enjoys the high esteem of all who know him.

NATHAN J. LEISURE, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Rush County, Ind., his birth occurring February 18, 1841. He is a son of George W. and Lucinda (Myers) Leisure, natives of Virginia. Nathan Leisure, the father of George W. and grandfather of Nathan J., was a native of Virginia. He married in his native State Miss Sallie Lewis, and moved to Kentucky, thence to Rush County, Ind., where he entered a tract of land, and where he died in 1865, at the age of eighty-five years. His widow survived until

1882, dying at the age of ninety-one years. They were Christian people and were members of the Christian Church for many years. Nathan J. was reared on a farm and received a good practical education in youth. October, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged September, 1862, on account of disability. He assisted in enrolling Company M, of the Ninth Indiana Cavalry, and was commissioned second lieutenant and served until the close of the war. He took an active part in the battle of Stone River, was through Hood's campaign and many other engagements. He was once wounded in the leg, was also taken prisoner. At the close of the war he came to Grant County and has since turned his attention to farming and stock raising. He owns at present 686 acres of wellimproved land, and is considered one of the most extensive farmers in the county. Mr. Leisure is a Democrat in politics, takes an active interest in all political affairs, and has served his township two terms as trustee. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Moore, and to their union have been born the following children: George W., Benjamin F., Joseph O., William O., Bert, Gertie A. and Orange. The parents are members of the Christian Church. GEORGE W. McMANAMAN, farmer, Green Township, one of the successful farmers of Green Township, was born in Dearborn County, Ind., April 24, 1839. He is a son of William and Isabel ~ (Linn) McManaman, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They were married in 1828 and shortly after removed to Dearborn County, Ind., where the mother died December 16, 1874; the father is still a resident of that county. George W. was raised on a farm, and attended the common schools of his native county. His marriage with Miss Emma Rockafellar was celebrated October 29, 1862. She is a native of Franklin County, Ind., born May 12, 1844, anda daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Quick) Rockafellar, both of whom were natives of Franklin County. They are the parents of four living children named Franklin R., Walter G., Frederick C. and Charles E. Mr. McManaman has resided in Grant County since 1866 and has always devoted his attention to farming. He now owns a farm of eighty acres, with good improvements, which he has accumulated by hard work and economy. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, and is an honored citizen and respected by all who

ANDREW MILLER, farmer, Green Township, an influential farmer of Green Township, was born in Union County, Penn., September 23, 1822, being the sixth of seven children born to the marriage of Andrew Miller and Catherine Wiland, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were also wedded. The father died in his native State in the year 1833, and the mother and children removed to Butler County, Ohio, where she lived until her death in 1841. Andrew Miller was raised on a farm, to manhood, and in youth received a fair education. In 1845 he came to Rush County, Ind., and engaged in farming until 1851, when He came to Grant County and entered 120 acres of land. He afterward disposed of this, and some time after purchased his present farm. Mr. Miller has been fairly successful in the acquisition of this world's goods, having secured, by good management and industry, 240 acres of good farming land in Green Township, besides eighty acres in Fairmount Township. He has added to the advancement of all laudable public enterprises with a liberal hand, and is one of the county's best citizens. In 1859 he united in marriage with Marian Gilbert, a native of Wayne County, Ind., born January 16, 1826, and a daughter of Aaron and Jemima (Newby) Gilbert. By this union was one daughter, Margaret J.. who became the wife of George Osburn and is now deceased. Mr. Miller was formerly a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party has béen a Republican. .

ISAAC RYBOLT, farmer, Green Township, is a native of Brown County, Ohio, his birth occurring May 10, 1823. He is a son of William and Lois (Covalt) Rybolt, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio, both of whom died in Brown County, Ohio. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native State, receiving a common school education. On attaining his majority he was united in marriage with Barbara Foster, who died after bearing one child, Rachel. He chose for his second wife Elma Shaffer, who died in Clermont County, Ohio. His third and present wife, who was formerly Sarah Long, is the mother of the three following children: Mary A., wife of J. F. Downs; Lois M., wife of Joseph Miller; and John, In 1855 Mr. Rybolt removed with his family to Grant County, Ind., and purchased the farm upon which he now lives, which consists of 254 acres of fertile land. In every sense of the word he is self-made, as he began life poor and is now comfortably situated, a result obtained through his own exertions. He served as justice of the peace for eight years, and is a Republican in politics. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and are among the township's best citizens and are universally respected.