JABUS KINNICK, one of the pioneers of Clark Township, is a
native of North Carolina, and was born April 15, 1812, a son of
George and Hannah (Grimes) Kinnick. The former was born in 1784,
and died in 1865; the latter was born in 1787, and died in 1860.
Both were natives of North Carolina. Our subject immigrated from
North Carolina in 1833. He only had the advantage of forty-five
days' schooling in his life, but being of a studious turn of mind,
and by close reading, he has acquired a good knowledge of general
topics. He began the battle of life for himself at the age of
twenty-one years, as a farmer, which vocation he has continued
through life. December 14, 1834, he was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Todd, and this union was blessed with the following
children: Hannah J., born October 11, 1835; John R., April 6, 1837;
William H., February 19, 1840; George W., February 15, 1842; James
T., January 15, 1844; Sarah A., May 24, 1846; Samuel E., May 29,
1848; Joanna, February 16, 1851; Susan E., November 4, 1852;
Armelia, August 12, 1854; Amanda, March 22, 1856; Mary I.,
September 5, 1858; Harriet, July 10, 1860. Of the above children,
only seven are now living. In politics, Mr. Kinnick was formerly a
democrat, but during the war became a republican, and has
identified himself with that party ever since. He has been a member
of the Christian Church fifty-three years. His wife was formerly a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but has been a member of
the Christian Church twenty-five years. He has been a deacon in his
church about thirty years. Three of his children, James T., Susan
E. and Joanna, were successful teachers in the country schools. In
regard to schools, churches, and all laudable improvements, he has
been friendly, and throughout life has been an industrious and
enterprising citizen.
Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker
Banta, D.D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888.