Hornbeck - Jasper
Source: Bowen, A.W. History of Montgomery County, Indiana. Indianapolis: A.W. Bowen, 1913, p.886
The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is widely known as one of the enterprising merchants of Montgomery County. Jasper Hornbeck, now a leading grocer of the city of Crawfordsville has for years been prominently identified with the commercial interests of his locality. His well directed efforts in the pratical affairs of life, has capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought large rewards for the labor he has expended an dhis life demonstrates what may be accomplished in this free land of ours by those who show a willingness to work and be honest in the various relations of life. Mr. Hornbeck was born Dec 23, 1843 in Madison County, Ohio and he is a son of Andrew and Clarissa C. Carrell Hornbeck. The father was also a native of Madison County, Ohio and a descendant of Virginians who settled in that county at an early date. He came to Tipton County, Indiana in 1848, and engaged in farming, having entered 80 acres of land from the government, and bought 180 acres. This he hired operated and used it for the grazing of his herds. He engaged in connection with general farming, in stock raising and cattle driving. He was very successful, especially as a stock man. His death occurred in Tipton County in 1852. Politically, he was a Democrat and in religious matters a Methodist. Clarissa Carrell Hornbeck mother of our subject was also born in Ohio and was also of Virginia stock. Her death occurred in Fountain County, Indiana in 1887.
Jasper Hornbeck received the usual log-school education which he attended three winters, then began his business career by clerking in a grocery store on East Washington Street, Indianapolis, remaining there two years during which he gave his employer satisfatory service and learned the ins and outs of this line of endeavor. He then began working for the first ice cream manufacturer in Indianapolis, remaining with him one year, then went to Tipton, Indiana and clerked in a dry goods store. Then he worked on a Boone County farm until 1861, when he enlisted in Co G, 55th Indiana Volunteer Infantry in the three months' service. He was detailed to guard prisoners at Indianapolis, later going to Kentucky and was in the battle which started at Cumberland Gap and was in the engagement at Richmond, Kentucky. After a very faithful service he was honorably discharged. After his career in the army, Mr. Hornbeck went to Whitestown where he engaged in the grocery business for himself which he conducted one year, after which he returned to Indianapolis, where he engaged in the grocery business on Virginia Avenue for a year, then went again to Tipton and clerked in a general store two years, then was in a general store in Thorntown 5 years. We next find him at Darlington in the general merchandise business for himself which he conducted with his usual success until 1872, when he went to Arkansas and clerked for 3 years, after which he returned to Crawfordsville and clerked 4 years then worked as a stationary engineer for 3 years for the Montgomery Lumber Company. He next took a position with Henry Alfrey, the noted heading factory and saw mill man, remaining with him for a period of 27 years, giving eminent satisfaction, as might be inferred from his long retention. In 1909 Mr. Hornbeck purchased his present grocery store in Crawfordsville and has since conducted the same, enjoying a large and growing trade with the town and county. Politically, he is a Republican and he belongs to McPherson Post, GAR. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Methodist Church. Mr. Hornbeck was married, first in November 1862 to Susan Barnhart who was born at Mt. Holly, Ohio in 1839. Her death occurred on Dec 25, 1882. In December 1884, he was again married, his last wife being Emma Chapman who was born in Boone County. - typed by kbz