Sullivan County Biography Ref. Page

STRAWTHER M. HOWARD, saddle and harness maker, Pleasantville, was born in Sullivan County, Ind., December 22,1836, son of Ruel and Mary (McConnell) Howard. His parents settled in this county in 1830. He began the trade of saddle and harness maker in 1853, which he followed until 1866, when he went into the grocery business at Carlisle, but returned in a year and resumed his old business, in which he has continued ever since. He was married, September 30, 1868, to Mary E. Artterburn, and has five children--Amy L, born October 11, 1869; Frank G., December 1, 1870; Maud O., September 10, 1872; Charles W., September 12, 1872; Daisy O., July 10, 1882. Mr. Howard is a member of the Baptist Church, an I. O. O. F., Subordinate Lodge and Encampment. Keeps the hotel at Pleasantville, and votes the Democratic ticket.
**NOTE: There must be a mistake in the birth dates of either Maud O. and/or Charles W. unless they were twins who were born 2 days apart. (dsf)

"HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC." CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884.SULLIVAN CO., IN
JEFFERSON TWP.
PAGE 790

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

JOHN HUME, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born in Ripley County, Ind., on the 8th day of December, 1825, the son of Lewis and Mary (Roberts) Hume. He settled in Jefferson Township, Sullivan County, in April,1861. May 16, 1850, he was married to Frances Byland, and to this union eleven children have been born--Weeden, Rosan M., Isabelle, Lewis C., Mary, Nancy G., Elijah, Joseph, Clarissa, William T. and Florence. He was electd Township Trustee in April, 1866, and held the said office five years and six months. When he was elected there was only one brick house in the township, and when he went out of office every district had a good schoolhouse except No. 3, having ten districts instead of nine, when he took the office. He was also elected Justice of the Peace in April, 1863, and served two years and over, when he resigned. He was somewhat interested in the education of the people. Many of them could not write their own names, which made him a great deal of extra work, and he says now the progress is remarkable, there being but few who cannot read in the township. He received only a limited education himself, going only to district schools in Rush County. Casting his first vote for free school system, he gained it. When Mr. Hume moved here there was not much improvement in the way of buildings, and getting their first grist mill by subscription. He has built him a good house, and by industry has accumulated about 175 acres of land, well improved with a good barn, 40x60, and farm in good repair. He introduced the first tile ditch in the township that the knows of. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and have been for twelve or thirteen years. He is a National in politics.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

JOHN T. JACKSON, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born July 7, 1810, son of John and Susanna (Thomas) Jackson. He came to this township in the fall of 1839. January 10, 1832, he married Mary L. Pirtle, and to them were born seven children, six of whom are living--John H., William A., James W., Jefferson G., Harriet K. and Mary E. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been since 1842. He cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson and still votes the Democratic ticket. Farming has been his occupation throughout life, having followed the plow since he was seven years old. When Mr. Jackson came to this country, it was very wild and full of game. He has caught many a turkey by running them down on horseback. When he arrived here he had $60, $50 of which he put in forty acres of land, and with the other ten bought provisions. By trading an old wagon and horse he added a cow and some corn to his stock and store, and by subsequent industry and frugality he has attained quite a competency, owning 160 acres of good land, and living comfortably and happily. His wife and four daughters are members of the church.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

ROBERT MCCLUNG, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born in Rockingham County, Va., February 20, 1810, son of Robert and Nancy (Tutwiler) McClung. He came to this county in 1838, but was very dissatisfied at first, and went to hunting for a livelihood, which he followed for fifteen years, when he commenced farming and bricklaying. January 28, 1836, he married Amy O'Haver, of Logan County, Ohio, and to them were born eleven children, nine of whom are living--Nancy C., Susan E., Thomas N., Maggie L., Martha A., Joseph O., James W., David E. and Samuel Y. Those dead are Robert J. and Henry T., the latter being killed near Knoxville, Tenn., whilst on duty as a soldier in the late war. His sons, Robert and Thomas, took an active part in the suppression of the rebellion. Subject has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-six years. He received a very limited education. When Mr. McClung settled here, the country had few facilities for comfort, and there being no mill here, they had to go miles away to get their grain ground. Mrs. McClung made all her own clothing, from the wool and flax to the finished garment, and for the balance of the family besides. They have passed through many trials, and are now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. Good health has always attended them, as they never have paid a doctor's bill.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

JAMES MCDOWELL, physician, Pleasantville, was born in Washington County, Penn., June 19, 1820, son of James and Catharine (McCastly) McDowell. He went to Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1842, settling at Moore's Salt Work on Big Yellow Creek, where he remained practicing medicine for ten or twelve years. When he went to Jefferson County, he had but 75 cents in his pocket and some little in debt, but in a few years was out of debt, and with $500 in hand and a good practice. He left Moore's works, however, and went to Columbiana County, and remained there seven years, after which he again took up his abode at Moores' works, where he remained seven or eight years, when he left that point, and settled, in April, 1865, in Sullivan County, this township, where he has remained ever since, enjoying a lucrative practice. He purchased the Johnny Reid farm, and after a year entered into partnerhsip with Dr. Fleming, remaining in partnership fourteen years. The Doctor studied medicine in Washington County, Penn., with Dr. John Martin. He has raised three sons and two daughters, all living with the exception of one daughter. His sons are all physicians, one at Pleasantville, partner of Dr. Fleming; one in Freelandville, and one in Knox County. The Doctor is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Blue Lodge and Chapter, and an I. O. O. F. Is Democratic in politics.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

CASPER H. MILBURN, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born in Prussia April 12, 1825, son of Christopher and Frederica Milburn, and settled in this country in 1852. He received a very limited education, and has been a farmer most of his life. He was married, February 17, 1864, to Mary L. Mathes, and to them seven children have been born, of whom there are living Sarah E., Morris C., Rosa M., Fleming N. and H. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a Republican. He was a soldier in Prussia in the war of 1848, being a Lieutenant under King William. He has a pipe with his picture on in full uniform, and he also received a gold medal for bravery in the service of his king, he never having been punished, and always being loyal to his country and sovereign. He has a certificate of discharge, showing the estimation in which he was held by his superior officers, signed by the Major commanding the battalion to which he belonged. Mrs. Milburn was born November 12, 1832. She is a member of the church and highly respected.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

FRANCIS A. NEWKIRK, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, was born January 18, 1828, in Jefferson Township, being one of six sons born to Eli and Sally (Ring) Newkirk, and has lived here all his life, engaged in farming, but working occasionally at the carpenter's trade. March 13, 1854, he married Sarah J. Moody, and nine children have been born to them. those living being: Maranda E., born August 23, 1855; Attocy E., born June 1, 1857; David R., December 12, 1858; Cornelius H., October 12, 1860; Matilda A., September 9, 1867; Emma M., March 18, 1871. Those dead are--Nathaniel W., born August 4, 1862; Martha E., March 28, 1866; Nancy C. He is and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-five years; is also a strong advocate for temperance. He rented for a long time, but finally, by industry and perserverance, obtained a farm of his own, having added from time to time to his original purchase. Subject received but a limited education, but makes up for that in a full share of good, practical common sense, which is often more useful than "book larnin'." He used to be a great rail-splitter, and some of his feats in that line are said to be wonderful. He is an old-style Democrat, having cast his first vote for Buchanan, and thinks the Democracy a good party to hold to for the benefit of the country.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

WILLIAM P. O'HAVER was born near Pleasantville, in Stafford Township, Greene Co., Ind., May 19, 1836, and is a son of Pleasant M., a grandson of Joseph, and a great-grandson of Dr. Joseph O'Haver, the latter being a native of Ireland, but in the sixteenth century, during the religious persecutions of that time, left his native country in company with a brother, and going to Germany, studied medicine and surgery for fourteen years. Dr. O'Haver became a noted physician, and his skill in the cure of cancer was widely known. Both he and brother came to the United States previous to the Revolutionary war, and during that sanguinary struggle for liberty, both were found fighting for the cause of independence. Joseph, the grandfather of W. P. O'Haver, married Sarah Swagerty, who was directly descended from a sister of Frederick the Great. It appears that a misunderstanding in the family of Frederick William I, King of Prussia, alienated his wife, his son and a daughter, the daugher being deprived of her estates and titles. This daughter, whose name was Sweigert, had a son, who was about to be conscritped into the army when he feld to America, became acquainted with the daughter of a Swiss physician, married her, and their daughter, Sarah Sweigert (or Swagerty), was the grandmother of our subject, she marrying Joseph O'Haver, the name being originally Heifer, the O' being added through its Irish connection. They lived for years in Eastern Tennessee, but owing to their extreme dislike of slavery, they removed to Indiana with their family in 1819, and settled in Sullivan County. Pleasant M. O'Haver was but a lad when he came with his parents to Sullivan County, and the greater part of his life was passed in Greene and Sullivan Counties. He was three times married, his first wife being Mrs. Jane (Forsythe) Martin, by whom he became the father of four children, two of whom are yet living. His second wife was Miss Cynthia A. Hinkle, and to their union nine children were born, all of whom continue to live. Pleasant M. O'Haver was one of the progressive men of his day, serving as Justice of the Peace for many years, and also in other positions of local honor and trust. He died October 30, 1881. William P. O'Haver is a son of his father's first marriage. He was reared on a farm, in youth attending the district schools and assisting in such duties as were common at that day. Wishing to secure a better education than the schools of the neighborhood afforded, he worked in the woods getting out blocks for shingles, and taught one term of subscription school, and with the proceeds thus derived started for college at Asbury University in1854, traveling the entire distance to Greencastle on foot. He remained as an irregular student at that institution until 1859, completing the sophomore year, paying his way by teaching school. December 29, 1859, his union with Miss Dolly Halstead was solemnized, after which he settled in the vicinity of where he now resides, and improved a farm. In 1865, in company with Jackson Hinkle, he opened a store on the present site of Pleasantville, and the spring following laid out the town which he named in honor of his father. Having experienced Christianity when fifteen years old, he was licensed a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in1863, and for four years confined his attention almost exclusively to ministerial labors, during which time he took 500 persons into the church. Since 1870, he has been constatnly engaged in merchandising in Pleasantville, and is now doing a large business. He has aided in every way the advancement of all laudable enterprises, and especially in the educational and religious matters of the coummunity. For forty terms he has taught school in this and neighboring counties, and for the past tweny-five years he has been Sabbath School Superintendent at Pleasantville the most of the time. He is the town's present Postmaster, is a Notary Public, and, besides his town property, owns 330 acres of land in the country. Until the breaking-out of the late war, he was a Democrat in politics, but since that time influence and support has been cast with the Republican party. He and wife are members of long standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their union has been blessed with four children, only one now living. The deceased are Willie G., Donna J., and one unnamed. The youngest born of the family, and the only one living, is Mary Pleasant, born December 8, 1871. The mother was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, on Chritmas Day, 1836.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

WILLIAM PATTON, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville, Jefferson Township, was born in Morgan County, Tenn., April 6, 1837, son of William and Mary (Robinson) Patton. He came to this township in 1865. May 27, 1850, he married to Elizabeth Ann Wallace, and to them were born eight children, all being dead but two, whose names and date of birth are Mary J., born July 27, 1861, and Lena A., born December 15, 1878. October 4, 1861, subject enlisted in the Union service, joining the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, Company E., Capt. John A. P. Glo_e, and was wounded in a skirmish with Forrest's cavalry; was sent to Murfreesboro to the hospital; then to Nashville, and then to Louisville. On the 6th day of Janaury, 1863, he was honorably discharged. He then went to Clark County, and from thence to this county in 1865, where he has remained since, living comfortable and happy in the consciousness of having served his country in its hour of need. He is a Republican.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

DANIEL W. SISSON, farmer, P. O. Pleasantville. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson Township, Sullivan County, in the year 1851, May 26, son of Benjamin and Maranda (Davidson) Sisson. He worked for his father on the farm until he was twenty-five years old, and went to school, principally to the district schools, spending one term at Sullivan Normal School; he has taught school in this township and also at Stafford, Greene County. He is no politician, but votes the Democrat ticket from principle. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Subordinate and Camp, having passed the chairs in both branches, and has represented the Subordinate Lodge in the Grand Lodge at Indianapolis, in the year 1882. On the 21st of March, 1877, his nuptials with Lizzie A. Mattox were celebrated, and to this union three children have been born--Jesse, Willy and Della. He was in the drug and grocery business in the year 1879, and remained in business fifteen months, when he sold his drugs to Dr. N. H. Brown, and his groceries to W. P. and C. J. O'Haver, and then moved to the farm. Mrs. Sisson has been a member of the Methodit Episcopal Church since she was eighteen years old.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

EDMOND BOLES is a native of Hamilton Township, Sullivan County, his birth occurring in July, 1822. He is the fourth son of nine children, born to Edmond and Tobisa (Whitten) Boles, natives of Virginia. The father was a man of great hardihood, and had served with distinction in the early Indian wars. He was born in 1765, and lived to the unusual age of ninety-nine years. His second wife was Anna Timmons, by whom he had ten children. He was a member of the Christian Church, and lies buried in the Sullivan Cemetery. Edmond, the subject of this sketch, lived with his father until the age of eighteen, receiving in the meantime no education. At the age of twenty-three, he married Miss Jemima, daughter of Moses and Betsy (Pitmon) Bundy, February 9, 1845, and to this marriage have been born eight children as follows: Eli C., born December 16, 1845; William R., born April 1,1847; Samira F., born December 27, 1849; Elizabeth M., born February 13, 1853; Caleb E., born February 7, 1856; Commodore L., born August 20, 1858; Lew W., born December 16, 1861, and Melinda J., born March 11, 1868. Mr. Boles, with hard labor and no bad habits, in time secured a farm of 340 acres, all of which, except for 160 acres have been given to his children. In 1862, he enlisted in the Seventy-first Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Weir, and served until the close of the war. He was severely wounded at Richmond, Ky., but recovered without permanent injury. He is an exemplary citizen, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

JOHN R. BOSSTICK is the only son of two children of William and Alsannah (Milligan) Bosstick, and was born in this county December 25, 1842. His sister is Jane L., born December 12, 1839. When John R. was three months old, his father was drowned at the Wabash Rapids. He lived with his mother until the age of sixteen, when he started out to do for himself, going first to Illinois. Early in 1865, he returned, but soon enlisted in Company H, Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the expiration of the war, receiving his discharge at Brownsville, Texas, March 8, 1866. He has been fortunate in his labors, and now owns 135 acres of well-cultivated land. November 23, 1866, he married Miss Isabelle, daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Milligan) Rankin, who has borne him six children, as follows: Clara, Janette, Alsannah, Mirtie, Grace and Leonard. Mr. Bosstick is a Mason and a Democrat.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

WILLIAM B. BURNET, a native of Perry County, Ind., born February 19, 1811, the fourth son of William and Mary (Springer) Burnet, remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age, receiving a limited schooling, when he began farming for himself, which occupation he has followed thus far through life. Soon after his marriage, he bought eighty acres of land, receiving some assistance from his father, which he has since increased to 100 acres now all well improved, with good buildings and other valuable property. He is a progressive farmer, a good citizen and neighbor, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican. His wife, Rosanna, daughter of Christian and Nancy (South) Canary, to whom he was married October 14, 1833, has borne him the following family: An infant son, deceased; James E., born September 28, 1835; Nancy A., born February 22, 1838; William, born November 15, 1840; Mary E., born April 21, 1843; Asenath E., born January 19, 1846; Susan C., born September 27, 1847; Ann E., born January 15, 1850; Sarah Jane, born February 25, 1852; Emma M., born April 12, 1854, and John Wesley, born June 29, 1856. The Burnets are among the oldest and most respectable citizens of the county.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

THOMAS H. COLLIER, the eldest son of two children of Thomas and Siphia (Auble) Collier, natives of New York and of German descent, was born in Monroe County, that State, and lived with his parents until about the age of seventeen, receiving a fair education, and went then to Ohio for a year, but returned home, and again went to Ohio the following spring, and in the next August came to Turman Township. After about a year, he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Weir, and remained with it for about six months, and then for about one year was placed on detached duty. He was then sent to the field a member of Company B, Second Battalion Eighteenth United States Infantry. In this connection he served as Quartemaster Sergeant of the Second Brigade. In September, 1865, he became Clerk at the headquarters of Maj. Gen. Palmer, remaining until November, when he was ordered to rejoin his company, but was relieved of this and sent first to Louisville, Ky., and then to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., where in various capacities he served until February 14, 1866, and was then mustered out. After the war, he returned to Sullivan County, where he now owns a fine farm of 280 acres. He is an influential citizen, has served two terms as Township Trustee. He and wife are Universalists. This lady, whose maiden name was Martha Turman, daughter of Thomas and Lavina (White) Turman, married our subject April 30, 1867, and has borne him the following children: Otho T., born April 20, 1869; Theron L., July 28, 1871; and an infant son deceased. Mr. Collier's sister was Ursula, who was born May 4, 1840. His father died in 1869, but the mother, who was born about the year 1779, still lives.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

DR. ARBACES CUSHMAN is the second son of eight children born to David and Catharine (Kenerly) Cushman, natives respectively of New York and Virginia. The father moved to Turman Township in 1818; he was born June 12, 1812, and died March 10, 1877. Arbaces was born in Sullivan County September 27, 1839, and received in youth an academic education. September 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Second Indiana Cavalry, and served in the Army of the Cumberland. He was captured by the enemy at Hartsville, Tenn.; was paroled and exchanged, seeing some service at Indianapolis, and upon his discharge returned home in October, 1864. He farmed with his father until August, 1865, when he began the study of medicine under Dr. A. M. Weir, of Graysville, continuing until the spring of 1869, when he took two courses of lectures at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, and graduated the same year. Since then he has practied his profession at Graysville with rapidly increasing success. He owns a comfortable home in Graysville, and 200 acres of land in Turman Township. His marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Sherman) Gray, was celebrated March 23, 1871, and to these parents this famliy has been born: Katharine, December 31, 1871; Joseph, August 25, 1874; Ethel and Grace, twins, August 23, 1876, and Guy, June 14, 1882. Joseph died September 13, 1875, and Grace September 19, 1876. Dr. and Mrs. Cushman are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republcian, a Mason and an honored citizen of the county.

Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

Caryn Dubelko