Liberty Township

Liberty Township

ROBERT C. ANDER.SON is a native of Boone County. Ky., born January 8. 182.5. and is a son of William G. and Catherine (Cook) Anderson, the former a' native of JIaryland. the latter of Penn.sylvania. In 183b. the family moved to Fountain County, Ind., where his father had entered and cleared some land and erected a log cal)in, in all of which Robert a.s a bov assisted. His father died when he was thirteen, wlien our subject attended school at Attica, and afterward learned the blacksmithing trade, at which he served four vears with Joseph Peacock. After this, he commenced in general blacksmithing with John B. Campbell, to whom he sold the business after two years. In 184;:). after merchandising at Painesville he went to California over the plains, and there cut wood for ex-tfov. Booth, at S8' per day and board. He soon saved !p3,000 bv variiuis labors, and in 18.50 returned to Indiana and located in Warren Countv. where he farmed on rented land and purchased some m Illinois. November 22. 1,854. he married Letitia Frvback dau-rliter of John and Letilia (Emerson) Fryback, of Pickawav County Ohio ifter^'marriage, he lived in Illinois one year, had a grocerv'in Attica some time and 'in 1858 came to this township and purchased a farm. He now has 234 acres with good buildings and improvements. He is a Republican and an Odd Fellow ' Mr and Mrs. Auders..n have ten children-Alice C. Ll,.wellvn F.. Edgar E.. Robert C, berena M.. Anna L., James A.. ..biliii F.. Bessie N. and' Susanna " 7 ici^^^^V^ BROWN was born in Warren Township. Warreu Co.. Ind.. January 7 1836 and IS he son of John B. and Hester tHurlev) Browu. wh,i were amonthe earliest selllers of that county. The father died in 18.56. the mother in 1846 Our subject was in attendance at the primitive log schoolhouse about one-third of each year, the other tw.i-thirds being given to work on the farm. December 13 18o9 he was married to Ann James, daughter of Banes E. and Alaluida 1 (Huffman) .lanies Two children have followed this uuion-Lillie M. (born MaV 18 186-" and I.la. H (born April 24. 18.i-l). In 1867, Mr. Brown obtained forlv acres in Sec- Uon 3 of this township, lie now has ninety acn<s. all in g,iod . ultivation Mr Ual cit,/en ^^ '""^'- "' '" ^' P^''"'HMal. and a subslau- schoolgoing our subject worked on the h\rm' l,ml ' ,^ w ^ ve.;^'ve.;VrTa;^^ December 2!., 1872, he was married to Melissa Grames, daugluc^- oY wl 'ISd

Elizabeth (Palmer) Graraes, who died with her infant child December 13. 1873. Mr. Brown afterward married, Febrnarj' 1. 1876, Elizabeth F. Pepper, born August 25, 18iO, diui^hter of .Jacob ani Naomi (Fraucea) Pepper, both very early settlers of Warren County. Mr. and Mrs. Browu have had two children - Nellie C . boru June 30, 1877, and ^Vilmer T., born January 22, 1883 (deceased). Jlr. Brown is an active Democrat, and he and wife are greatly respected in the community.

GEORGE D. BUTLER was born m Lycoming 0(ranty. Penn., June 13, 1835, and is a sou of Robert and Sarah (Farr) Butler, also a cousin of Gen. and Gov. B. F. Butler, of Massacliusetts. George received but a small share of schooling, as he was required to assist his mother, after his father's death, who. in 184-t, sold the farm and moved to this township, where she purchased land, which our suljject managed until his marriage, whicli occurred November 8. 186(5, to Minerva Van Reed, daughter of Levi R. and Amelia (Bowman) Van Reed, natives of Berks County, Penn., and early settlers in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have four children - Clara C. Roliert A., Levi V. R. and George C. In 1868, Mr. Butler purchased eighty acres, with some improvements, in this township, and now owns 296 acres, well Improved, and as good land as the township affords. He is a general auctioneer, and has made sales for twenty years. He is an active Denrocratic partisan, and has lieen twice a candidate for SlierifE. He is an estimable citizen, and he and wife are generally respected.

THOMAS CLINE was born in Ireland June 19, 1815, and was a son of William and Annie (Cline) Cline. Thomas passed a portion of liis time at school and the rest in lalior on the farm until March 3, 1844, at which date he was married to Catherine Doud, by wliom he had nine children - John, Michael. Steplicn, William. Bridget. Thomas (deceased), Maria (deceased), Joseph and James. In 1846. he emigrated to America, and after a short stay in Albany. N. Y., settled in Hamilton, Ohio, wliere he bought a home and followed farm work until 1868, when lie came to this township, purchased 18 ' acres, and farmed and liandled some stock: tliis farm he improved by erecting a .good frame house, and in other ways. After a lingering illness he died, June 19. 188", universally respected. He was a meml)er of the Catholic Church, and a Democrat. He bcVjueatlied his property to iiis family.

EZRA J. COVEY is a son of Elisha and Lucy (Main) Covey, botli natives of- New York, born in 1796, and bolb yet living. Our suliject was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., IMarch 25, 1817. From the age of fourteen. he attended an academy for five years, when he received a certificate to teach, and did so in the public schools for five years, when he enlered and graduated from Hamilton Colle.ge. From 1844 to 1847, he studied for the ministry^ and in the latter year was ordained by the Baptists. In 1851. he moved to Jackson. Mich., and preached there. He then traveled in several States, and while in West Virginia, in 1861. went to the field with the Twenty-first Oliio Regiment (the government did not then appoint Chaplains), ancl in a skirmish received a slight wound in the arm. In 1862, he came to Indiana, and engaged in teaching and preaching at Attica, until 1867, when he purchased land in this township, on which he liuilt a brick house, and variously improved. July 4, 1869, lie married Auuusta A. Adams, daugliterof Sumner and Lucy (Taylor) Adams, of Massachusetts. In addition to his farm of 185 acres, he lias property in Attica and land in Warren Township. He is an active Republican, has heen twice Justice of the Peace, and is an Odd Fellow.

WILLI.IM CROW was born in Lincoln County. Ky., January 12, 1816, and is a son of Benjamin and Susanna (Sullivan) Crow; His father was born at Frankfort, Ky., December 35. 1790; his mother in Tennessee. March 22. 1793. When William was four years of ase the family moved to Bartholomew County, Ind., where his falher entered land"and where William attended school in a primitive log schoolhouse 12-\U. In 1830. his fatliercame to what is now Liberty Township. and entered 240 acres au'l made improve luents, where his son assisted in the clearing. December U. 1834, he married Martha Young, born February 14. 1818. daughter of Matthewand Sarah (B;rry) Young; to tliis union were liorn nine children - W.alter H., Clarissa J., William H. (a soldier of Company K, Eighty-si.xlh Indiana Regiment who died in Louisville, Ky.. from disease contracted in the service), Mary M. (deceased), Benjamin F., V.nnficld S., Horace G.. infant boy (deceased) and Abraham L. (deceased). After marriage, Mr. Crow purchased eighty acres in Section 30, where he lived five years, then went to Iowa, and thence returned to this township and purcliased forty acres in Section 26. He now has 560 acres, well improved, also 64) acres in Jordan Township. Mr. Crow lost his wife March 13, 1867. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser, a member of the Universalist Church, a Master Mason and has been County Commissioner anfl appraiser of real estate for five years- he was a Republican, and is now a Greenbacker. Mr. Crow's great-grandfath<M- was a Revolutiomu-y soldier, as was also his grandfather, who was present at he surrender of Cornwallis.

JOHN FETTERLINGwas a native of Berks County.Penn.. where he was bom February 14, 183-3, and was the son of John aud Catherine (Steffey) Fetterling. Ihe father (if our subject was a farmer in Berlis County. John Fetterhna; worlved on the farm and attended school untd he was twenty years of age, when he caini to this township, where he worked diligently and saved his money, whicn enabled him to buy eighty acres in White County. December 21 18S0, lie was married to Fayetta Lark, a native of Berks County, Penn. To this union were born four children - Emma (deceased). Ervin. James and Ellen. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Fetterlin;'- purchased a farm in this township, wliich he improved and on which he raised some stock. Hard labor was too much for llr. Fetterling, and after a short sickne-ss he expired, August 31, 1881, leaving his property to his farail.v, who still live on and manage the farm. Mr. Fetterllng was a Republican, and an excellent husband and father.

WILLIAM IIIClvM-VX was born in Greene County. Ohio, September 18, 1836, and is the son of William and Marv (Lowe) Hickman. When our subject was three years of age. his father moved to tills county and entered land. Here William obtained some schooling and remained until his marriage, November J, 1847, to Mary J. Davis, daughter of Mahlon and Ann (Smith) Davis, of this county. Their union has been blessed by twelve children - Infant girl (deceased). George W. (deceased), Rachel A. (deceased). David J., infant boy (deceased), infant girl (deceased). William C John J., Francis A.. Maria J.. Louis S. aufl Sarali E. Mr. Hickman continued to farm until 18ii3, when he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteers. Soon after going to the field, he was injurefl in the right eye by a twig of underbrush. He was then detached for duty as teamster, and was present at Stone River, Kenesaw Mountain, and other engagements. He was mustered out June fi, 185.T. At that time, the sight of the right eye was lost. On returning to his family, he resumed work on the farm he had purchased before the war. His left eye is also affected, and he is almost blind. He receives a small pension from the Government, and has a good farm of l.~)8 acres. He is a member of the G. A. R.

JOHN P. HUNTER is a son of James and Sarali (Higgins) Hunter, and was born December V2, 1."<1S, in Franklin County, Ohio. His father was born in Ireland in 1780, his mother in JIaryland in 18(,l0. Both emigrated to Ohio at an early day, where they married in 1817, and farmed on Big Darby Creek for eight years, and afterward on Litlle Darby Creek. John P. Huuler received but little education in youth, having to give most of his time to his father in farm work. May 34. 1843, he married Elizabeth Anderson, horn in Madison County, Ohio. November IT. 1815, daughter of William and Susan (Crumpton) Anderson. To this union were born eight children - James JI., Harriet, Susan, William A., ITszas, ^Matilda. Almira and Arabidla. In 1813, ilr. Hunter moved to Jordan Township. Warren Co., Ind. He was President of the board that organized said township, and Justice of the Peace for iiin years. In l!-i7(.1. he purchased forty acres in this township, where he now lias 3, Ol)() acres, in good improvement, where he deals largely in stock, in addition to general faniiiiig. Jlr. Hunter is a Republican, and religiouslv a deist and spiritualist. He is versed in history and astronomy, and greatly esteemed b_v his neighbors.

BENJAMIN JUDY, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Osborn) Judy, was bora in Clark Counly, Ohio, December 33, 1831; the former born in tventucky in 1794, the laller in \lr;;inia about the same year. The fathirof our suliject was a farmer! who died when Henjaniin was eight nnuiths old. Afler residing with his mother until he was twelve yearsold, he was binind to an uncle. Wben"[ie was twentv-one his mule ilird ; he liien received a horse, saddle, bridle and !?4O0 from his father's eslale. In 1S13, he weni to Coles County, 111., and entered UiO acres, and thence III Ohio, where. Decnnber 14. 1843, he "married Nancy Goodfellow, daughter of Moore and Isabella (Nicholson) CTOOllfellon^ of Clark t'ountv. Ohio.' By This marriage, they had olie child - Isabella (deceased). In 1844. he sold his farm and moved to Noble County, hid., where he purchased 130 acres. Jlrs. Judy died March 30 18.11. Shr was a mcnilier of the t?aplisl Church. In 18.")3, he sold his land and came 111 ihis lownship, where he houghl 100 acres, with some improveiuents. Septenilier 33. I s,i:!, lie married Elizabeth Briar, boin Januarv 33, 1831 dau"hter of (b'orge and Lclilia (Mltchein Briar. They have live children - Isaac G Jennie C Aiigiisliis, t:ynlhia A. and William. Mr. Judy has 1.100 acres of improved land' witli line brick hoirse, swinging gates, elc. - a model farm. He raises some sl'iorthoni callle. and has some imported sheep. He is a Republiiau. He prides himself on tlie sacredness of his wchhI. He is the oldest reuler in the counly hayiii"- rented the Boyer p:islurc of 340 acres for Iwenly-eiglit years

JAMES iMoCLAFLlNMs a native of" Ohio, 'where he was born December 0 1,837, and IS a .son of Arnold and Esther McClafiln, both natives of Vermoni and I'arly scttlersof Ohio. The talherof our subject moved afterward to White Counly

Ind., where he farmed and "worked at house-budding. .James assisted his father and went to school until 18.50. when he came to this county and follovved farming. Being economical, he was soon able to purcluise a half-section in Jordan Township, and in 1871 he bought 100 acres in Liberty Township, having now in Liberty 200 acres, with some improvements. Mr. McClaflin was never married; he prefers the life of a bachelor. His father (Arnold McClaflin) died in 1848. his mother in 1881.

WILLLAM B. OWENS was born in MoiUg)m.;ry County, Ky., September 7, 1833, and is a son of .John and Mary (Ewen) Owens. About 1835. his father moved to Preble CounlJ^ Ohio, and afterward to this township, where William B. attended school in a log building of the time, and when Indians were abundant. He also did farm work for his father. September 37, 18-l:(j, he married Lucy Rakestraw, of Edgar County, 111., born April 1.5. 183). daughter of Thomas and Eliza J. (Owens) Rakestraw, by which marriage they had eleven children - Lydia A. (deceased). Eliza J., Harvey ^f., Mary O.. Amanda A., Frances L., Lucinda F., Tillman C, Minnie A. (deceased). Melissa B. and an infant boy (deceased). After mu-riage. Mr. Owens worked in WiUianisport. and in 18.")1 purcliased a farmof eighty acres in Liberty Township, where he lived until 18.57. when he moved to Iowa and farmed until 1831 ; he then returned to thistown^hip. built a loghoaseand followed g'ueral farmingand stock-raising, dealing largelj'ia hogs. He has 18J.r acres, of whicli 10) are in good cultivation, with good house and outbuildings. Mr. Owen5 is a Democrat, and a worthy citizen.

PETER W. 8CH00N"0VER is a native of this township, born April 4. 1853, and is the son of .James and Susanna (Chrisman) Schoonover; the father born in Clark County, Ohio, December 26, 1819. James Schoonover came to this township with his brother when nineteen years of age, where. December 26, 1839, he married Susanna Chrisman, daughter of Peter and Sarah (Stout) Chrisman, by wdiom he had nine children - Sarah A. (deceased). Joseph F. (deceased). Benjamin F. (deceased), Mary J., Francis M. (deceased). William J. (deceased), Peter W., James S. and Louisa B. Shortly after marriage, he purchased eighty acres in Section 31, to which he added, unaided, until he had several hundred acres. In 1853, he built a good house, which was burned in 1874. He died September 8, 1878, universally regretlf d. Peter W. Schoonover went to t chf ol until about i-evcnt( en yc ars old, and afterward attended the Attica High School. In 1873, he was givi u a certificate to teach, and he taught in the public schools during 1873 and 1874. December 25, 1873, he married Amanda M. Wilson, daughter of William and Amanda (Pearson) Wilson. To this union succeeded three children - Lizzie M. (born September 5. 1875). Gemmie H. (born September 14, 1877), and James W. (born Octolier 13, 1883). Mr. Schoonover is a Republican, and in 1880 was elected Justice of the Peace. He is a general farmer, raising some stock, with 185 acres of good land and good improvements Mrs. Schoonover is a member of the M. E. Church.

ZARA T. STEARNS is the son of Zara and Mary (Smalley) Stearns; the former was born November 33. 1794; he was a soldier of 1813; the latter in 1798. Our subject was born in Vermillion County, 111., July 15, 1840. When six years of age, his father moved to Texas, where Zara T. attended school and herded cattle. After a time the family returned to Vermillion County, 111., where Zara T. taught school some time. In 1857, the family came to this town.ship. In 1863, our subject enlisted in Company F, Seventy-second Indiana Volunteers, and was made Sergeant. He was in the battles of Hoover's Gap. Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Atlanta and Chickamau<^a. He was also a clerk for four months. His regiment was mounted at Nashville" In the fight of Okalomo. Miss., he was very nearly captured, and was in the saddle twenty days while pursuing Wheeler's Cavalry. After set-vice in many engagements and " hair-breadth 'scapes," he was discharged, July 34, 186.>, when he resumed farming. October 4. 1866, he was married to Nancy Barrett, born April 17 1843 daughter of Moses and Nancy (Wilson Barrett, by wiiom he has four children - Mary Maud, Clarence C, William B. and Alice E. Mr. Stearns has a fine farm of 185 acres; he also raises some stock. He is a Republican, and a member of the G A. R. In 1880 and 1883, he was elected Township Trustee. His mother resides with him, aged eighty-five, and is well and active

PHILANDER T STUMP, T>orB May 6, 1837. is a son of .loseph and Mary (Reed) Stump- the former born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1800, the latter in 1801. In 1829 the father of our subject entered forty acres in Fountain County, Ind., on which he built a cabin, and which he improved. This he sold, and purchased 160 acre.s in Medina Township, in this county. Five years later, he purchased a farm in Liberty Township, on which he lived and farmed. Philander 4 . Stump worked at the plow and attended school three months of each year until his marriage, April 17 1861 to Mary E. Van Reed, born December 11, 1843, daughter of Levi R. and Aiiielia (Bowman) Van Reed. This union was blessed with ten children - Lillie E., Clara M Dora B., Amelia M. (deceased), Sarah C, Lizzie M., Mary E., Bertha V.,

^^ '^ J^^VA^REE^ so^ i^fl^fa ^ImSS^wman) Van Reed. was,.orn in thPs townlldp May 39, mS. The parents of John came '"'l^\^.f7'7. Berks County Penn where ihey were born, in 1S3S, and entered land. Hi. father had .^rr^ulatoriV.OoS acres, and died April 27. lY^-/l-%'^«''^" Jf,^,"];?,':^ ^^-.^^/e^l,^ he was a member of the German Lutheran and she of tli<; Pf.^. ,Jolm attended school one-fourth of each year and took care of the ^tock until hs sixteenth year. After attending terms of mstruction at L'^f'^-^ f^'i^^to.ku ell he commenced farniin^^ for himself on forty acres rented December 17 1874. to Zillah Burr, born January lo, is.^fi, daughter of SeYson'andsIrt (Butcher, Burr, wlueh union ,ave issue t. two chadren-Nelson E born November 4. 187.5, and Earl, birn June 2o, 18,9^ Aftei mauiage his father gave him the use of 160 acres. In 1881. he purchased eighty-tive acres including the Marshall homestead, where he now resides. The fa her of Mrs. Burr was born in New Jersey in 1813, and moved to Ohio at an early age. where his mother died. In 184.5, he married Hope Mantle came to this township and bought a grist-mill on Pine Creek, knou-n as Burr's Mills. There bis wife died, and, on April 1, 18.-.5, he married Sarah Butcher. Mr. Burr sold his mill in 18o9, and purchased the farm on which he died March 28 1883.

DR ROBERT H WIOOFF, son of John and Margaret (Oassell) Wicoff, was born in Wayne Coantv, Oliio, Feliruary 25, 18313. He attended school in boyhood, and also workeil for his father in the carpenter shop, untd the family moved to Williams County. Here our subject attended an academy until he was sixteen years old after which having obtained a teacher's certiticate. he divided his time between teachin'^ and farmiu'^ ' Ar th" age of twenty h= commenced to read medicine with Dr Turner He was married. April 25. 185 ), to Irene J. ircConnell, daughter of John R McConiiell, of William, Coiintv. O'aio, to which union were born four cUiUlren - John B,, Lm-v (deceased), Marv M. and Irene J. In 1863. he msved to Michin-an and assoeiate'd himself with Dr. Armstrong in reading and practicing medicine During 1865 and 1866 he attended Rush Medical College. Chicago ; he then removed to Rainsville, Ind,, and began practice. Mrs. Wicoff died October 29, 1869. In 1876, he purcliased 121) acres in this township ; this he improved and now manages in conneciioa with his practice. In l'^77. Dr. Wicoff married his second wife, from whom lie is now divorced, and lives with his three children. He is highly esteemed by his neighbors.