INGERSOLL-James - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

James INGERSOLL, a substantial and well-to-do farmer of Fountain county, who is engaged principally in raising grain, although he has some good stock on his farm, resides on Sec. 33, Cain Twp. He was born Jan. 3, 1820 in Hamilton County, Ohio. His father, Joseph Ingersoll, was a native of NJ and removed to Ohio when a young man. He chose for his wife Miss Lydia Barcus. At the time of his marriage he settled in Hamilton County, where he pursued his occupation of a farmer; residing there until the time of his death at an advanced age of 40 or 50 years later. To Mr. and Mrs. Ingersoll were born 12 children all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Of these our subject is the only survivor. After 18 years had rolled over his head amid the pioneer scene of his birthplace, James Ingersoll started for himself a life. He first obtained employment in a sawmill, where he remained six years. He afterward engaged in farming on his own account in Ohio, continuing to live in his native state until 30 years old when he came to Indiana and bought the land on which he now resides. His farm at first consisted of only a quarter of a section of land, which he operated so profitably that he was enabled to add to his original purchase from time to time, and is now the possessor of 360 acres besides having given 40 acres a piece to his sons. His fertile fields are well drained by ditches, have been brought to a high state of cultivation and this valuable farm is amply supplied with neat modern buildings. Our subject has been twice married. He was first wedded to Miss Martha Ann HUGHES in Hamilton County, Ohio June 18, 1842. She died October 27, 1861, leaving four children: Jonathan H and Alonzo, who are residents of this township; Harry who lives at home with his parents; and James W. who resides in this township. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married Nov 6, 1862 was formerly Miss Christine Keeling, a daughter of Jonas Keeling, who was born in Virginia, and who died while she was a mere child. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ingersoll: Martha E, who lives at home; Elizabeth A, who is the wife of Walter Hesler, of this township; Clayton who resides with his parents and Joseph who has married a Miss McCormick. Mr. Ingersoll came to this county with small means, but by energy, economy and well-directed industry he has acquired a handsome property, and in his declining years is enjoying, as he so well deserves, all the comforts of life. In his political opinions, our subject is a Jacksonian Democrat. He is a member of the National Horse Thief Detective Association, and has represented Cain Twp. on the county Board of Supervisors.