Van Buren Township (part 2 of 2)

A. N. Higgins, teacher, Veedersburg. The ancestors of the subject of this sketch came originally from England, Scotland, and Wales. The Higgins family came from Scotland and settled in Virginia. The earliest known incidents of the Higginses seem to date from about the year 1770. At that time there was living in Virginia a family of several boys, all of whom emigrated to Kentucky about 1775. One of them, James Higgins, held an ofEco of some kind in the land office of Kentucky, and Moses Higgins, the father of A. N., has now in his possession the certificates of entry to the other brothers as made out by James. James was afterward captured and burned at the stake by the Indians. William, the direct ancestor, enlisted in the war of the revolution. He served as a captain under Washington throughout the war Was present at the battles of Long Island, Princeton, Gcrmantown, and crossed the Delaware amid the floating ice December 21:, 1776, and fought the Hessians at the battle of Trenton. He witnessed the execution of Major Andre, was challenged by a superior officer, with whom ho fought a duel. William was untouched. The officer's beard was clipped by the ball from William's pistol. Of the next generation notliing is known, only tliat they lived a quiet life in Kentucky, the majority owning slaves. In the third generation was one "Williara who came to Indiana at an early day and settled in Rush county. He had married, while in Kentucky, Elizzabeth Wills, from whom was born a large family of children. At the death of his father, "William questioned the moral right of slavery, and refused to inherit any property in slaves, which seems to have prompted his emigration to Indiana. Moses, his eldest son, born 181S, married Mahala B. Woniack, born 1816, who likewise came from Kentucky, and was related in some way, not known to the writer, to the Bryans, into whose family Daniel Boone married. By her he had nine children, the first four being girls and the ne.xt five boys. Elmazie, the second daughter, married Elias '^ Lee, by whom she had two children. The eldest, 0. P. Lee, has finished the classic course of study, and now holds a professorship in the normal school at Fort Scott, Kansas. A. N. Higgins, the eighth child, was born in Shelby county, Indiana, in 1852. He attended school in the following places: Kokomo, Indiana; Lebanon, Ohio ; Southern State Normal, Carbondalc, Illinois; and Ladoga, Indiana. In 1877 he went to Illinois, where he engaged in teaching for three years. During his stay there he married, in the spring of 1880, Lucy "Watson, of German parentage, born in 1861. In the fall of 1880 he returned to Indiana to accept the principalship of the Van Buren township graded school at "Veedersburg, which position he now holds.

Brasier Coiling, farmer, stock raiser and stock buyer, Veedersburg, was born in "Warren county, Ohio, October 10, 1840. He was the only son and one of three children by "William and Margaret (Firman) Golfing. His mother died when he was two years old. In 1819 his father removed to Grawfordsville, where he died September 9, 1869. In 1859 Mr. Coffing came to Fountain county, where he worked by the month and at farming until an early stage of the war, when, on September 15, 1862, he enlisted in Go. E, S6th Ind. Vols. He went into camp at La Fayette, iftid was mustered into the service at Indianapolis. Returning to the former place he was seized witii sore eyes, and sent home by Gol. Dick with instructions to remain till ordered to join his command. The order never |came,' and so ended his military life. He was married August 10, 1861, to Sarah C, daughter of "William and Rebecca Ireland. She was born April 23, lSi2. Her] father was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1815, and his parents dying soon afterward he was raised by connections. In 1821 lie came with his uncle, Samuel "Woods, who emigrated at that ^time to "Warren county, this state. Four or five years subsequently he went to Richland township to live with his aunt, Polly Bodley, whose husband was John Bodley. He lived there on tlie Big Sliawnee until his marriage with ReVjecca Lee, February- 5, 1836, and a tew years after, working for his uncle in his "corn-cracker" and stillliouse. His experience was tlie same as that of many other poor and^ youthful pioneers. His only property, when married, was a cupboard and a cow. He made stools to sit on, and their couch was a pile of straw. While learning to read he had no book, but used a paddle whereon were carved the letters of the alphabet. His industry was so great tliat in spite of these 'discouraging drawbacks he seenred a fair common education, and left iiis family' a competency. About ISiO he bought the farm where his widow is living. Ho was a member of the Methodist Epi.scopal cluirch some forty years, and led a consistent, useful life, dying August 15, 1878. He had ten children, and left property at his death worth 818,000. Mr. and Mrs. Coffing have four children : Ida May, born August 10, ISCS ; Mary Ella, January 9, ISCA; Mattie Lee, September 9, 1871 ; and Guy Firman, July 20, 1880. Mrs. CofRng belongs -to the Christian church. Mr. Coffing was reared a democrat, but has always voted with the republicans except when he lias cast an occasional ballot with the greenbackers. From the time of his marriage till 1875, when he moved to Veedersbnrg, lie was fanning. Since that time he has been in the stock trade at that place, and, in addition, during the last two years has been farming in Shawnee township. He owns a farm in AVarren county, recently bought.

Francis Greenley, physician and surgeon, Veedersbnrg, came to Fountain county, Van Buren township, in 1830, locating where his son, O. A., now lives, three miles south of Veedersburg. He was among the first physicians in the county. His native state, Connecticut. When he was but a small boy he emigrated with his parents to New York, where he remained till he became a young man, when he entered the Medical College of Lexington, in the Republica Kentuckiensi, in 1825, where he graduated with the degree of M.D. Tlien he came to Fountain county, where he practiced medicine till his death, whicli occurred in lS3i, in the tliirty-fourth year of his age. He first married Elizabeth Peck, and afterward Vintentia Riley, of AVayne county, Ohio, who died in 1832. By this second he had two boys, O. A. and William R. He was married a third time, to Ann Slawson. He left his family in good circumstances. He was a man the people felt the loss of, not only because of the scarcity of physicians, but for his sympathy and kindness manifested to all in adverse circumstances. His second wife, mother of his children, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. O. A., his son, was born in Fountain county. His natural fondness for book-, with sucli instruction as he was able to obtain in the common schools, enabled him to enter the profession of teaching when but a mere boy, which he has at various intervals followed for the past twenty-seven years. He was married in 1854, to Elizabeth Lyon, native of Fountain county; born in 1836. Daughter of Kobison Lyon, by whom he has five children: Francis N., now a student of the Indianapolis Medical College, Ella, Ed, now a student at Ladoga, Indiana, AValter and Anna. Mi'. Greenley is possessor of one' of the finest farms of 160 acres in the S. ^of Van Buren township, which is under a good state of cultivation, and has good improvements. In politics he is a republican.

James Sullivan, grocer, Veedcrsburg, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Maine, born in 1852. His parents, Patrick and Mary Sullivan, both of whom were natives of Ireland, emigrated to America in 1850, locating in Maine. James Sullivan received no education outside the district school. He came to Yeedersburg in 1872, among the first business men who located here, and began the grocery business, where he has since remained, building up a good trade as the business of the town increased. He was married in 1878, to Kate Ragon, by wliom he has one child, John F. He and his wife are members of the Koman Catholic church. He is a member of the St. Joseph Society. Mr. Sullivan made his own beginning in business life througli his own energy and tact.

William Harper, furniture and undertaker, Veedersburg, came to Fountain county in ISil, and settled in Van Buren township, where he has since remained. He was born in Ohio, in 1820. His parents were John and Mary Harper. The former died in the State of Ohio, the latter came to Fountain county in 1810. W. H. received his early literary training in the pioneer schools of Ohio. He was reared to farming, which he followed till the fall of 1880, when he formed a partnership with Osborn & Son in the furniture and undertaker's business. In 1812 he was married to Margaret Patterson, daughter of James and Elizabeth Patterson. By this union he lias nine children. lie had two sons in the late war, James L. and John II. The former belonged to the 63d Ind. Vols., and was killed at Fort Anderson, by his own men, through mistake. The latter was out only for a short time at the close of the war. His son D. B., is an active teacher; ho took a three years' course at Wabash College. William Harper and wife are members of the New Light Christians at Cool Springs church.

A. M. Booe, hardware dealer, Veedersburg, native of Fountain county, son of John and Mary Booe ; the former a native of South Carolina, born in 1803; emigrated to Fayette county, Indiana, where he remained till ho reached the ago of manhood, when he emigrated to

Fountain county, settling on Scott's prairie, where lie lias since lived a gijccesst'nl farmer; the latter, a native of Ireland, emigrated to Indiana with her parents, Tliomas and Christiana MofFett, first locating in Fayette county, and then removing to Scott's Prairie, Fountain county. A. M. is the eighth of his father's family of nine children. His education consists of a course in the Scott's Prairie graded school and several terms at the University at Kokomo, Indiana, and the practical knowledge gathered during fourteen years spent in teaching. In 1872 he was married to Elizabeth Glasscock, native of Fountain county, daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. Glasscock, pioneer settlers of Fountain county. He is at present engaged in the hardware trade in firm-name, Booe & Glasscock. He was elected in 1879, by the people of Fountain county, to the office of superintendent of the public schools, a position which his long experience in the school-room has made him a fit subject for the office.

Samuel Trinkle, farmer, Veedersburg, the son of Frederic and Sally (Martin) Trinkle. The former was a native of Virginia, born in 1792. He was reared to farming. In 1812 he was married to Sally Martin. They first moved to Ohio, where they remained till 1826, when they came to Fountain county, locating one half mile west of what is now Veedersburg. They raised a f^imily of eleven children, six boys and five girls. Frederic Trinkle served in the war of 1812 for a short time. The Trinkle family came originally from Germany. Frederic and wife were members of the Freewill Baptist church. They both lived to the good old age of seventy-eight years. He was four years her senior. They were both esteemed highly for their christian character and social and benevolent kindness to all. Samuel Trinkle resides on a portion of the old homestead of his father. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio; emigrated to Fountain county with his parents. He was inured to all the hardships of pioneer life. His early education was such as he could obtain in the pioneer schools. In 1836 he was married to Elizabeth Buck, of Ohio, daughter of John and Susan Buck, both natives of Virginia, emigrating to Ohio in 1815, and then to Fountain county in 1830. He has by this alliance eleven children : Margaret J., Martin (deceased), Cyrena C., Frederic (deceased), John (deceased), Borilda, Henry (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Christopher, and Isac J. Martin was a soldier in the 68th Ind. Vols. He died in the service at the end of sixteen months. Samuel Trinkle and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. He has repeatedly been elected assessor of Van Buren township for the past twenty-nine years. In politics he is a republican. He has a farm of ninety acres, in a good state of cultivation.

William Wertz, uiorcliMiit, Veedersburg, is son of John and Rosana (Byrod) Wertz. The former is a native of V^irginia; born in 1795- came and settled in Van Biiren township at an early day, locating on the farm now owned by Mirand Roland, where he remained till 1S72 -when he retired from active business. He educated himself, never having attended school bnt three months. But few subjects of practical importance can be touched that he is not able to converse upon with freedom. By trade he is a carpenter, but in hiter life desisted fi-om that business altogether, giving his undivided attention to farming. He raised a family of eight children ; all but one are now livi In politics he is a republican. He and his wife are among the pioneer Presbyterians of Fountain count}'. Since the death of his wife, who departed this life in 1879, aged seventy-two 3'ears, he has resided with liis son "William. He has all through his life so lived as to command through his kindness and iiospitality the respect of all who knew him. William Wertz was born in 1824; was reared to the trade of his father, at which he continued till 1872, when he began selling goods in Veedersburg, where he has since remained. He has a good trade, and carries on a profitable business. He was married in 1849, to Elizabeth McClure, by whom ho has a family of eight children. His wife's father, Thomas McClure, was one of the pioneers of Wabash township. She is a communicant of the New Light christians. Mr. Wertz is a member of I.O.O.F., "Veedersburg lodge.

G. C. Maxwell, merchant, Veedersburg, was born in AYarren county, Ohio, in 1S33, and is son of John Maxwell, native of Warren county, Ohio, born in 1801, and was the son of Robert and Sarah (Conover) Maxwell. John Maxwell was a member of the Ohio state militia. He raised a family of five children, two of whom now are citizens of Fountain county: Mrs. Rhoda A. Robb and G. C. He emigrated to Fountain county from Ohio in 1836, settling in Wabash township near the WHite mills, where lie died in 1874:; his wife survived liim hut five months. John Maxwell was a man of undoubted integrity, . strictly moral, firm in all his undertakings, and successful in life. G. C. Maxwell, in his early life, followed the profession of school-teaching. He was educated at Meron, Indiana. He was appointed enrolling officer in 1862 of Van Burcn township, and served till 1865, when he entered the service as a volunteer in the 154th Ind. reg., serving till the close of the war. G. C. was married to Rebecca Conover, by whom he had one child, Carry; in 1S6C, to Elizabeth Leas, by whom he had one child, Lizzie. He was married a third time, to Sarah L. King, of Ohio. G. C. in politics is a republican of the first rank. He is now engaged in the business of general merchandise in Sterling

Malo Gookins, merchant and miller, Veedersburg, was a native of Vermont. He first emigrated from his native state to Yigo count}-, Indiana. His early education was but little, but being of a literary turn of mind he indulged his natural fondness so far as he was able, and in earl}' life entered the profession of teaching, which lie followed for several years. He began the business of selling goods in Clinton, Indiana, whei'e he remained for a considerable time, when he went to Perrysville, Indiana, engaging in the same business ; then moved to Mansfield, Parke county, where he remained ten years in the business of merchandise. He was also engaged for a time in the business of milling. He moved to Fountain county, Mill Creek township, and shortly after, in 1863, entered the service of tlie government as agent from this county, in which employment he continued till 1S66. Mr. Gookins was first married to Matilda Murphy, then to Mary Barnes, native of Ohio, by whom he iiad eleven children. Late in life he united with the Methodist church. He was a diligent worker both in the church and in the Sunday-school. No one took a more hearty interest in the cause of temperance than he. He lived the life of a christian, strictly moral and temperate in all things. He died in 1870, aged seventy years. His wife died five years later, aged sixty-five years. Mr. Gookins was a staunch republican, and a great admirer of Lincoln.

Solomon Hetfield, farmer and politician, Veedersburg. Solomon Hotfield, deceased, was born near Elmira, Chemung county, Kew York, in 1800. His parents were Adam and Henrietta Hetfield, the former a native of Scotland and the latter a native of England. S. H. was reared in his native state to fanning, the occupation of his father. He was first mari-ied in New York in 1S21, to Mary McConnel, native of Maryland, by whom he had six children, the half of whom are now deceased. He was married a second time, to Ann Patton, by whom he had two children. Tiiis second wife died in 1876, aged sixtythree years. S. Hetfield came to Fountain county in 1823, settling on Shawnee prairie, where he remained till 1850, when he removed to Van Buren township, one mile south of Veedersburg, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1877, in his seventy-eighth year. He was elected the second time state representative in 1862, by the democratic party, and took an active part in the legislative proceedings in what is termed the " storniy session of '03." He organized the first masonic lodge in Fountain county. Solomon Hetfield was a man of good mind and firm intentions. In business he was a success, having accumulated considerable property. His death was not only a loss to his family but to tiie county and state. He was one of those oldl pioneers wliose face and influence live long after they have been iai^'l to rest, in the memories of both tiie home circle and the public's Richard Hetfield, son of Solomon Hetlield by his second wife, wasi born in Fountain county in ISiO. His early literary training was such^ as the common school could furnish. He was married in ISTi, to Nora- Washborn, daughter of Robert and Lucinda Washborn. She is a' native of Fountain county. By this marriage he has three children Mary, Charley, and Robert. Richard Hetfield now owns and resides on the old home-place of his father. It contains 155 acres. He owns a half-interest in the Hetfield flouring mill, and a half-interest in the Sugar Grove woolen mills.

Jacob Carpenter, farmer, Veedersburg, was born in 18i3, native of Fountain county; is son of Benjamin H. and Sophia (Strader) Carpenter. They both are natives of Ohio, and emigrated to Fountain county in 1825. where they have since lived. They raised a family of five children, four boys and one daughter, and what is remarkable, their birthdays, all but one, come in the same month of the year. He and his wife are long-time members of the New Light Christians. Till 1856 he was a democrat ; since that time he has been a radical republican. "When he came to this country he possessed a very meager supply of this world's goods, beyond energy, and a firm determination to make his own success; the result of which is that he has a fine farm and comfortable home, in the northeast part of Van Buren township, where he still pursues his favorite vocation, farming. Jacob Carpenter is the only one of his brothers now resident of Van Buren township. He was married in ISGi, to Sarah J. Reed, native of Fountain county. In 1875 she died, aged twenty-nine years, leaving one child, Mary E. He was married a second time, in 1878, to Laurence Fole, native of Fountain county, by whom he has one child, Byron. His wife is a member of the Christian church at Veedersburg. In politics he is a republican of the first rank. Jacob Carpenter began life with such preparation as he was able to get on the farm of his father, and in the log schoolhouse of his neighborhood, and a good degree of business judgment and plenty of energy. He has a fine farm of 286 acres of well-improved land, well stocked with a good grade of farm stock of all kinds.

Nashville Adkins, farmer, Veedersburg, was born in 1831, is a native of Fountain county, son of Granville and Ipsley Adkins, both natives of Kentucky, and came to Fountain with its first settlers and located in Troy township, where they still live. The subject of this sketch was reared to the occupation of farming. His early education was such as he was able to obtain in the pioneer schools of his pioneer birthplace and home. He was married in 1865, to Mary Elkins, native of Kentucky, emigrated to Fountain county in 1855 with lier parents, Matthew and Nancy Elkins. By this marriage he has four children : Granville B., William T., Ollie, and Men. His wife is a member of the church known as Christians or Disciples, at Veedersburg. He has a farm of fifty acres fairly stocked. In politics he is a republican of the first rank.

John Dice (deceased), farmer, Veedersburg. One of the prominent pioneers of Fountain county and Yan Buren township, was John Dice. He was a native of Eockbridge county, Yirginia. His early education was such as he could obtain in the common school of his neighborhood. He was reared to the business of farming, the vocation of his parents. He was married in Angusta county, Virginia, in 1818, to Miss Elizabeth Haup, a native of Augusta county, born in 1792. The nine years succeeding his marriage with Miss Haup he resided in Virginia, when he with his family emigrated to Fountain county, locating, in the autumn of 1827, in Van Buren township, three miles south of where Veedersburg now stands. When he first located here the place looked to be fit only for the habitation of wild men and ravenous beasts. By patient toil he soon converted a part of the forest into a beautiful and comfortable home for himself and family. Here it was he raised his family of seven sons, six of whom are living, giving them such opportunities for intellectual culture as circumstances would permit, and a good, thorough education in farming and stock raising, so thorough that not one of liis sons has departed from the course of their instruction. He was a strong advocate of whatsoever was in the interest of the country's welfare, or for the upbuilding of morality in society, and the diffusion of knowledge among all. He was a man strictly temperate in all things. The church of his choice was the Presbvterian, and he and his wife were among its first members in Van Buren township. He was a man of great firmness of character, and undertook few things but what he executed with vigilance. His social habits were such as to win for him many ardent friends. He was generous to the poor, and a willing supporter of that which was for public benefit. His wife departed this life June 19, 181:5, aged fifty-two years nine months and twenty-five days. He survived her till August 12, 1847, when he died, aged fifty-three years nine months and twenty-five days. Not only their family missed their many acts of ciiarity and kindness, but the community. Though they be dead, they still live in the community that knew them through their good works and words of comfort and cheer. Their sons all reside in Van Buren township : William, Jacob, John, Henry, George, and Franklin. William resides one and a half miles southeast of Veedersburg, where he lias lived since 1843, the tiin^ of his marriage with Martha J. JSToris, daughter of George and Sarahl Noris, early pioneers of Mill Creek township. By this union he has'l five children, three of whom are living: Sarah E. (deceased), Francena,'! Olive, Franklin, and William. The mother of these departed this life! in 1867. In 1870 William Dice was married a second time, to Rebecca ' Clark, a native of Fonntain county, daughter of John and Lyna (Staf-'i ford) Clark, early pioneers of Richland township. W. Dice has his' farm well improved and well stocked. He never had an office, nor desired such honors. Jacob was four years old when his father carae to the county. He, like his brothers, was reared to the profession of farming, but had aspirations in other directions. At the age of eighteen ho united with the United Brethren church ; was licensed at the house of William Hooble to preach the gospel in 1847 ; in 1848 he was licensed by the annual conference to preach in Vermilion county, Indiana, and has ;|;. filled the position of local preacher since that time, with the exception ^ of two years. He was ordained an elder in 1852 in the United Brethren church in Coles county, Illinois, by the annual conference. In 1851 he was elected state representative by the people of Fountain county. During the late war he was captain of Co. C, 154th Ind. Yols. He was married, in 1844, to Miss Mary J. Eynear, by whom he has had four children, three of whom are living: Francis M., Sarah, and Martha F. Jacob Dice has a fine farm, one mile northwest of Veedersburg. John resides one mile and a half southeast of Veedersburg, on a farm of 153 acres, which is well improved and well stocked. He was married in 1850, to Anna Hartman, a native of Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bermellia) Hartman, both natives of Switzerland. They emigrated to America in 1816, locating in Pennsylvania, where they remained till 1823, when they moved to Ohio. In 1843 they emigrated to Iowa, where they remained but a short time, and, spending one winter in Illinois, they came to Fountain county in 1848, where they both died in 1855. Jacob Hartman served as a soldier in the army of Switzerland. He and his family were six months on their way to America, and were reduced to such straitened circumstances pecuniarily, that they sold their clothes for bread and themselves to pay their passage. They lost three children on the ocean, two of whom were committed to the waves. By this marriage John Dice Jr. has two children, Charley and Elizabeth. Henry resides on the old homestead of his father, one of the finest locations in the township. He was married in 1848, to Charlotte Rice, native of Ohio, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Thomas) Rice, earl}' pioneers of Van Buren township. They located near the Sugar Grove Woolen Mills in 1827. They were

Ijotli natives of Virginia. The former died in 1844, aged fifty-two years. Tlie Rice family originally came from Ireland. The Thomas family emanated from Wales. Francis Thomas, father of Mrs. Charlotte Dice's mother, first settled in Virginia ; raised a family, then moved to Ohio ; then to the north part of Indiana, where he died in lS4f, aged forty-six. By this marriage he has four children living, Salina A., Alice C, Ela, and Freman, all married and citizens of Fountain county. He has been very successful in life, but keeps only enough of his earnings to make him comfortable, giving the rest to his children. Franklin Dice lives in the northeast part of the township, one and a half miles east of Stone Bluff, on a good farm of 200 acres, which he has well improved and well stocked. He was married in 1S51, to Malinda Eedden, native of Indiana, daughter of William and Malinda (Glasscock) Redden, both of whom were early settlers of Fountiau county. By this marriage he has had six children : Olie O. (dead), Jemima, Walsey, Flora (deceased), Hattie, and Boswick. Franklin Dice has been justice of the peace in Van Buren township for the past sixteen years, and was reelected at the last election for a fourth term. He tilled the office of township clerk for two years. He was engaged three years in the mercantile trade in Chambersburg, beginning in 1854. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, at Stone Bluft'. George Dice resides at Stone Bluff; he has a beautiful fai'in of 226 acres, with good improvements. He was married in 1853, to Catherine Workman, native of Van Buren township, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Shover) Workman. The former was native of Tennessee, the latter was native of Virginia. They came and settled in Fountain county at a very early time. Jacob Workman died in 18.51, aged forty -five years; his wife in 1S52, aged fifty years. They located near Dry Run, where they remained till their death. By this union Mr. Dice has eleven children : Olive O., James, Ulmer, Emma, Franklin, Carrie, Alie, Amand, Winnifred, Josie, and Catherine. Mr. Dice and wife are both members of the United Brethren church, at Stone Bluff. The Dice and Hawp families were both originally from Germany. Seldom do we find a family so large as tlie family of John Dice, all thriving and well-to-do fanners, grouped together in one township where they were reared. They are all republicans of the first rank. Fonnerlj' they were democrats till its principles became such as to clash with the best interest of the government, then they witli one accord entered the political ranks which they have since kept.