WHITEHALL-Nicholas N. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Nicholas N. WHITEHALL, the enterprising citizen and pioneer manufacturer of plows and other farming implements, who identified himself with one of the most prominent and rapidly increasing interests of the Western country a full half century ago, came with his paernts from far-off NC when but a little boy and settled upon the broad prairies of Richland Twp, Fountain Co Ind. Born in the old star state, in 1822, he early displayed an eager liking for mechanical pursuits and a desire to know the why and wherefore, which in later life developed into the practical skill that enabled him to improve upon the inventions of others, and adapt them to an easier and more profitable method of use. Leaving his native state so early in life, it is but natural to suppose that our subjet's memory of his birthplace should be somewhat dim and indistinct, but the events of dawning manhood, the hope, courage and ambition with which he settled upon a small farm and built thereon a modest little shop, and there and then began life's business for himself, seem but as things of yesterday, though 50 years of care and toil and wondrous change have come and gone. A family of 7 strong, hardy, merry children came with the parents from NC to the West. The way was long and tedious, traveling by wagon day after day was slow and tiresome, but all things come to an end, and at last they settled upon Indiana soil, whose sod had not been turned. The pioneer sons and daughters did ther share in household work and farming duties, and as circumstances permitted went to the humble neighboring school, and there, with limited time, gained a primary education. Mr. Whitheall was reared upon his father's farm and duly trained in the various labors of agriculture, but he was a born mechanic and desired a trade. Having at last acquired one and become skillful in the use of tools, he felt himself ready to make his own way in the world. In 1844, our subject married Miss Anna Stephens, and with her located on the farm to which his well remembered shop soon drew the surrounding population. It was not long before the young mechanic turned his attention almost entirely to the manufacturing of plows. Although Mr. Whitehall was not the inventor, he made the first plows used in the country which would turn the soil over, allowing it to slip off smoothly. In 1854 he began experimenting with a cultivator, which would allow corn and vegetables to be plowed on both sides. Industrious and hard working, his business prospered and he was wel able to care for the family who came one after another into the home. Our subject and his wife had the following children: Alec, the eldest, is a prominent lawyer at Watseka, Ill where he has held the position of Judge. He is an able man and highly respected. Eliza, the wife of Samuel Cook; Lizzie died unmarried. Curtis and Columbus are twins, the former being a successful merchant of Covington; William is deceased; and John is still at home. Mr. Whitheall lost his wife in 1859, and by her death was left with the care of the six children, all yet young. In 1863 he was again united in the bonds of matrimony, marrying Melissa Cook by whom he had two children, Amelia died young; Ossa resides at home. Our subject comes of a strong and sturdy race and six of the 7 children born unto his parents still survive. His own sons and daughters have pleasant homes, and occupy excellent position sin life, secure in the esteem and confidence of all their friends and neighbors. Mr. Whitheall is fraternally connected with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association and both he and his estimable wife are active in all good work. Our subject is the owner of a finely cultivated farm of 120 acres and there upon his homestead, serene in the consciousness of a well-spent life, he is now enjoying the evening of his days.