Parke County Indiana Biographies  -  K

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KALLEY, Daniel, farmer, was born in Butler County, Ohio  four miles S. of Oxford May 11, 1818 and is the son of Daniel and Vashti (BLISS) Kalley.  His father was born in Massachusetts.  He lived at different times in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Rhode Island and in 1813 settled in Ohio .  In 1823 he emigrated to Raccoon Township, Parke County, Indiana and died there May 6, 1833; buried in Pleasant Valley graveyard.  He drove a provision team in the War of 1812.  He was an exhorter, steward and class leader in the Methodist Church.  He took an active interest in religion and was a true patriot.  In politics he was a Whig.  He told his children just before he died that they had a good government; that they must sustain and protect it and never desert it.  He had 3 brothers John, William and George, who served under Washington through all the battles of the Revolution, and afterward died with the smallpox, contracted as they were coming home from the war.  Mr. Kalley's grandfather and mother Kalley came from Ireland.  His grandfather Bliss was a Capt, in the Revolutionary War, under Gen. Washington.  His grandmother Bliss came from the BARTLETT family of England.  Mr. Kalley's mother was born in Massachusetts, and died in Raccoon Township in 1855, at the age of 84.  Mr. Kalley spent his boyhood on the farm.  After his father's death he lived at home and managed the farm till he was 22 years old.  He was married April 27, 1840 to Miss Melinda WIMMER.  She was born July 17, 1819 in Union County, Indiana and is the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth MILLS Wimmer.  Her parents were born in Virginia; settled in Union County, Indiana; lived there two years and came to Raccoon Township, Parke Co.  Mr. and Mrs.. Kalley have had 9 children: six living and three dead.  Francis M, was born February 24, 1842.  He enlisted Co A 14th Ind. Volunteers, April 21, 1861, for 3 years.  he fought in the battles of Greengrier, Winchester, Antietam and Fredericksburg and other skirmishes.  At the battle of Antietam he had 5 holes shot through his clothes and had one of his legs shot and broken.  At the battle Fredericksburg he was shattered all through by the bursting of a shell just in front of him, killing him instantly, December13, 1868 (sic).  He lies buried under an apple tree, in an unknown grave in Virginia-- a sacrifice upon his country's altar.  Isaac H, was born October10, 1847.  He is a graduate of Asbury University, Greencastle and is now practicing law in Sullivan Co (IN).  He taught school for several years; three year sin Oak Two, Knox County, Indiana; and read law during that time.  Framingdale was born January 18, 1844; Sarah Jane November 18, 1846; Hezekiah S September15, 1849; Hester A July 15, 1861 (sic); Major B, November 15, 1857.  He has attended school at the state normal and at Greencastle.  Mr. Kalley began life with but very little.  He now has nearly 200 acres of land in the suburbs of Bridgeton.  He is a  steward and has been class leader in the Methodist church.  In politics he is a positive republican.  Mr. Kalley remembers much of the early history of the community in which he has lived, and loves to recite the incidents and experiences of those brave, hardy men who planted the civilization in this part of the country.  Beadle, J.H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

KALLEY, Daniel S., minister and farmer, Mansfield, was born May 21, 1828 in Raccoon Township, Parke County, Indiana and is the son of Newel and Susannah SMITH Kalley.  His mother died April 10, 1835; his father April 2, 1855.  Both are bur. in the Martin graveyard.  Mr. Kalley was educated in the common schools of the county, and spent most of his time on the farm.  In 1868 he entered the ministry of the United Brethren in Christ Church.  he was a member of the conference, and followed itinerancy for several years, then on account of poor health located permanently at home, where he now engages in the work in his own vicinity.  He also conducts his farming interests.  He owns a farm of 110 acres with good dwelling, barn, orchard and spring, Section33.  His politics are republican, and he has held the office of assessor.  His father was a Whig.  He was married January 10, 1850 to Margaret BORN SHAW daughter of William and Jennie (McCORKLE) Shaw.  Mrs. Kalley was born in SC and her people came to Parke Co in 1829.  Both parents are dead and bur. in Greene Township, at the Associated Presbyterian church graveyard.  They have had 2 children: America J and Sarah K.  The latter is dead and bur. at the Martin graveyard.

Rev. Daniel S. KALLEY was one of the earliest settlers of Parke County, owning a farm on Section 33, Union Township, and having been for many years a traveling preacher of the United Brethren Church. Our subject, than whom none is held in higher respect or is more worthy of the esteem which is accorded him, was born in Raccoon Twp, Parke County May 21, 1828. His father, Newell Kalley, a native of Onondaga Co, NY was born in 1804 while his paternal grandfather, Daniel was a native of Ireland. He came in his young manhood to America, first locating in NY state, thence to Ohio and becoming one of the early settlers of this county.  He located in Raccoon Twp, where he entered land, built a log house and improved the farm.  He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and a thoroughly patriotic citizen of his adopted land. He died on the old homestead, having attained a good old age.  Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was Susannah Smith died when he was a lad of 7.  Soon after the parents of our subject were married they located on a farm in Raccoon Township, where they resided for a short time and in 1832 removed to the place which is now the home of our subject, which land they took up from the Government. They first built a log cabin, 16 x 18 feet. The parents both died on the old homestead, the father at the age of 51 and the mother at age 24.  They had a family of 5 children, 3 sons and two daughters.  one died when 15, the others growing to maturity. In this family Mr. Kalley of this sketch is the eldest son and second child.  His schooling was obtained in the early subscription log schoolhouse, the windows of which were of greased paper. He remained with his father, who was married a second time, Miss Sarah Nevins being the lady of his choice, by whom he had two children. One died in infancy and the other, George in manhood.  On January 10, 1850, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kalley and Margaret B. Shaw, daughter of William B. and Jane McCorkle Shaw.  Mrs. Kalley was born 20 miles from the city of Charleston, NC August 24, 1825.  Her father was also a native of the same state, where he followed the trade of blacksmith and was also engaged in farming.  His father, in turn, whose name was William was of Irish descent and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  Mrs. Kalley's mother was a native of SC and daughter of Stephen McCorkle, who was a farmer in PA.  After his marriage Mr. Kalley located in the southern part of the township, where he now resides, renting a farm, but soon purchased the old homestead which he now owns. He carried on farming until 1869, his attention being solely claimed by his agricultural duties, but at that date he commenced preaching in the United Brethren Church, traveling in the interests of the denomination for 7 years, during which time he conducted successfully many meetings.  He has preached 153 funeral sermons and pronounced the marriage ceremony for 141 couples.  In temperance work he has always been very strong, and as a man is above reproach, as he has never used tobacco or liquor in any form. For 10 years he has been Assessor of Union Twp.  In 1880 he started an apiary, and in 1886 collected 2100 pounds of honey from 35 colonies.  Mr. and Mrs. Kalley have two daughter, America, wife of G.W. Martin,a general farmer of Union Twp, by whom she has two living children and Sarah K, who died at age 2 and 10 months. In politics Mr. Kalley is a Prohibitionist. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page. 607

KALLEY, Isaac N., farmer and carpenter, Bridgeton, was born October 15, 1832 in Raccoon Township, Parke Co IN and is the son of Nathaniel B and Rebecca (HAMMOND) Kalley.  Nathaniel Bliss Kalley was born near the Catskill Mountains in New York August 18, 1800.  He was the oldest of the  family of six children of Daniel and Vashti (BLISS) Kalley.  He was one of the first settlers in Parke County, an active citizen and friend to all.  He died in February. 1877.  His first wife, Rebecca Hammond, died in 1834. His second wife was Charity (GRAY) NELSON.  His first wife left a family of 7 children: Ruth, Abraham, George, William, Daniel, Vashti and Isaac N.  In his second family were Samuel and Nathaniel (twins); Mary, Lucinda and Melinda (twins) and Isaac N.  He has engaged in carpentering in connection with farming and has been much employed in this trade.  On April 23, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 14th Ind. Vols. under Capt. LE Foote and Col. Kimble.  He dared death at Greenbrier, first battle of Winchester, Fredericksburg, where he was wounded in the head and taken to the Emery hospital at Washington and returned to the ranks in time to fight at Chancellorsville.  He was engaged at Antietam, where he was slightly wounded in the right shoulder, but did not leave the lines; he then took part in the closing frays of McClellan's 7-day fight.  He was at Gettysburg in French's division, and was there wounded severely through the right shoulder and sent to the Newark (NJ) hospital.  He joined the 2d Invalid Corps and served out his time.  He was mustered out at Trenton New Jersey April 24, 1864 and returned home, where he resumed his trade.  He is a republican in politics and in religion a Methodist.  December25, 1866 Mr. Kalley was married to Catherine ELSON daughter of Henson and Elizabeth (CAHILL) Elson.  She was born September 19, 1837 in Ohio .  Her father was born December 28, 1806 and her mother February 12, 1809.  Mr. and Mrs.. Kalley's children have numbered four: Albert E, born February 3, 1868, died December 28, 1868'; Edgar A September1 8, 1869; Isaac N, January 28, 1870; Nora M. September 23, 1874.  Abraham Hammond, maternal grandfather to Mr. Kalley, was a Dutchman and a revolutionary soldier.  He served directly under Washington and was one of his minute men.  He fought in many battles and was wounded.  Mr. Kalley now resides on his farm in Section20, Raccoon Township. Beadle, J. H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

Isaac N. KALLEY was born October 15, 1832 in Raccoon Township and is now in his 84th year. He was a son of Nathaniel Bliss & Rebecca Hammond Kalley who figured in early pioneer life of Parke County.  His father came to Raccoon Township from Ohio when 19 and John H. Beadle records that Nathaniel used to wrestle and have other sports with Indian Bill one of the Indians who helped raise Dickson's Mills.  Mr. Kalley enlisted in Co. A 14th Indiana Vol. on April 23, 1861. He participated in several of the great battles of the Civil War was wounded 3 times and after recovery from the third wound which he sustained at Gettysburg joined the 2nd Invalid Corps and completed his enlistment. - 1816-1916 Atlas of Parke County, Indiana - Page 125 

Isaac M. Kalley. For his valiant services as a soldier in the Civil War, as well as for his enterprise and thrift as a private citizen, Mr. Kalley deservedly occupies a prominent position among the farmers of Raccoon Twp, Parke County.  He was born here on 15 October 1832, and is a son of Nathaniel B. and Rebecca Hammon Kalley. The name is Scotch, but the immediate ancestors of our subject came from the North of Ireland, where his grandfather, whose name was Daniel Kalley, was born.  The later with his father emigrated to this country prior to the Revolutionary War and settled in NY state, not far from the Catskill Mountains. Two brothers of Daniel Kalley, George and William, served in the War of Independence, and participated in nearly all the leading battles of that great struggle.  Daniel himself served in the War of 1812.  The father of our subject, Nathaniel B. Kalley, was born in New York State, where his father settled in 1800. The latter was a man of roving disposition and not long after the birth of Nathaniel B he started for the Ohio frontier, where the lad grew to a rugged and vigorous manhood. When but 19, he married Rebecca Hammon, an estimable lady, who was of German descent. Her father, Abram Hammon, was probably born in Germany but of this no positive information can be gained. It is know, however that he spoke very broken English, yet he may have been born in this country.   He served in the Revolutionary War and was wounded in battle.  He died in Vermillion County, Indiana many years ago, being over 90 years of age at the time of his demise.  Daniel Kalley married Vashti Bliss, who came from Mass and dated her family history back to the landing of the Pilgrim fathers.  In 1822, accompanied by his young wife, Nathaniel B. Kalley came to Parke County, Indiana and settled in Raccoon Township.  Soon afterward his parents and other members of the family came here from Ohio and the grandfather died her e in 1834, his wife passing away some years later. The mother of our subject also died in 1834, when he was but two years old.  Some time later his father married Charity (Gray) Nelson, a widow. Of the first marriage 7 children, 5 sons and 2 daughters were born of whom Isaac was the youngest.  Ruth, the eldest, died when about 21 years old; Abram, who was born in 1824, served in the War of the Rebellion and died in Raccoon Township, March 18, 1892; George passed away in childhood; William also died when small; Daniel was removed by death in 1862; Vashti who was born in 1830 married John J. Webster who served in the late war and was killed in a coal bank not long after the close of that struggle.  She is now living in Jackson Twp.  Of the children born of the second marriage of Nathaniel B. Kalley, three died when they were small.  Married first George Hansel, a soldier in the late war, who died from injuries received while in service and afterward married Dempsey Seybold. The other half sister, Malinda, married and removed to the West.  Isaac Kalley grew to manhood on the home farm, and as his parents were poor, his education was necessarily meager.  He never had a pair of shoes on his feet which were made expressly for him until 13 years old, but wore shoes which the older ones had outgrown. When he was 21, he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a carpenter, which he was following at the opening of the Civil War.  At the first call for volunteers, he tendered his services for the defense of his country, and on April 23, 1861, we find his name on the rolls of Co. A, 14th Indiana Infantry as a private. He was at once sent to the front in West Virginia, and his first battle was at Rich Mountains, after which, with the command, he went to Beverly, Huttonville, and Cheat Mountains, remaining at the last-named place until the fall of 1861.  To give in detail the service of this man, who proved himself on more than one occasion to be one of the bravest men that ever shouldered a musket, would be a great task.  Suffice it to say that for 3 years he served his country faithfully and well.  Three times he was wounded, but was never from any battle in which his regiment participated and was never but once excused from duty. He did good service in the Shenandoah Valley, participating in the battle of Winchester and the engagements at Cheat Mountain, Green Brier, Romley, Strausburgh and others of importance.  He was at Fredericksburg when a call for volunteers was made to attempt to cross the pontoon bridge in the face of the enemy’s fire, an undertaking which meant almost certain death. Not a man in that great army was willing to face the danger until Isaac Kalley sprang to the front and said that he was one who was willing to risk his life in the daring expedition for his country's good. In this hazardous feat 56 per cent of the number were killed and our subject came nearly losing his life, being struck by a piece of shell.  He was compelled to remain in the hospital at Washing several months but rejoined his regiment in front of Chancellorsville, where his gun was shot out of his hand.  In the fight at Gettysburg he was again wounded in the right shoulder and was obliged to go to a hospital at Newark, New Jersey. This ended his active service for while confined there his term of service expired and he was discharged at Trenton New Jersey April 23, 1864. He was anxious to reenlist but was not accepted on account of his injuries.  He returned home and as soon as able resumed work at his trade. In 1867, Mr. Kalley married Catherine Elson who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Henson Elson. They had 4 children. Albert Elsworth died in childhood; Arthur Edgar is a rising young man and is being educated at Wabash College; Milton is at home; Myrtle May received an excellent education in the home schools and is an accomplished young lady. After his marriage our subject settled on the farm where he has since resided. Politically, he is a strong Republican. He is actively identified with Kalley Post GAR, at Bridgeton and for his services in the late war and injuries there received, he draws a pension of $17 per month.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 660.

KALLEY, Nathaniel B., aided in building the first mill and went to Ohio  about 1821 or 1822.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

KELLEY, Honorable Robert , farmer, Bloomingdale, was born in Miami County, Ohio  April 19, 1819 and came to Parke County, Indiana with his parents in 1826 and settled on a farm in Penn Township.  Mr. Kelley has been identified with the interests of this county somewhat as a politician.  He has held a great many offices of trust in Parke Co.  He represented Parke in the 51st general assembly in 1879.  After the war Mr. Kelly, for a period of 8 years, published a Republican paper in southwest Missouri and was one of the leading politicians of that section of the state, being chosen delegate for the state at large to the national convention that nominated Gen. Grant for the second term.  He came back to his old stamping ground after a bold fight and here he has been engaged in farming.  Temperance and truth, morality and the public virtue are his themes of advocacy and his record is no doubt a clear one.  As a representative, his bills on temperance in relation to newspapers and in regard to guardians and school funds, bear testimony to his substantial character as a true friend of the people and as an honest man.   Taken from: Page 286 History of Parke Co IN; J. H. Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill, 1880  -

Honorable Robert KELLEY was born in Miami County, Ohio  April 19, 1819 and came to Penn Township with his parents and settled in1 826.  He held several offices of trust and represented Parke Co. in the Legislature in 1879, and was one of the delegates at large from the State of Mo. in the National convention that nominated Gen. Grant for the second term in 1872.  He was an especial friend of the causes of temperance and education which he supported with much energy.  Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke Co Atlas of  IN Centennial, 1816-1916, Page121

Hon. Robert KELLY.  This worthy and capable gentleman is a descent of Irish and English ancestry and was born in Miami County, Ohio April 18, 1819.  He is a son of Moses and Mary Teague Kelly.  The former was a son of John and Mary Evans Kelly and born December 10, 1773 and died at the age of 86 years.  John Kelly was born in Ireland and came to America after his marriage to Mary Evans, and settled in South Carolina, the present site of Cumberland County.  To himself and wife were born these children: Samuel, Timothy, John B, Robert, who lived to reach a very old age and was once a member of the Indiana Legislature; Moses, who died in infancy and Moses the father of our subject. John was a farmer by occupation, and in the struggle of independence he was killed by the Tories, who secured quite an amount of money from his person. The father of our subject being the youngest son of the family, made his home with a brother, Samuel, with whom he lived until he reached manhood.  His education was very limited but he was a man of indomitable will and energy, and by studiously applying himself to books he subsequently became a teacher and transacted a great deal of business for his neighbors by making out official papers, etc.  He married a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Furnace Teague of South Carolina September 17, 1800.  This lady was a native of South Carolina but her parents were born in Wales & England respectively and came to America before the Revolutionary War.  He served in this war and about 16 years afterward went to Ohio, where he afterward met and wooed his wife. Mr. Teague, being a Quaker, was greatly opposed to war and so remained in our country's service but a short time.  Mr. and Mrs. Kelly reared the following children: Samuel, Anna, Rebecca, John, Esther, Joseph, Mary, Moses, Robert and Rhoda.  The former was engaged in farming and realty extensively in land and stock.  He emigrated to Indiana with his family and settled in what is now Penn Twp.  Here he lived until his death.  When he came to this county he brought with him a team and wagon and a few good cows, but he immediately began cultivating the land that he entered from the Government, and by close application to business finally became a wealthy man, owning several tracts of land.  He was a member of the Society of Friends, in which he was always very prominent and held the highest official position.  He was one of the members of the Friends' Academy and at the time of his death made an endowment known as the Kelly Fund.  Politically he favored the Whig Party.  He was twice married and died in the year 1860.  Mr. Kelly was educated in the schools of the Society of Friends in Penn Township and prepared himself for the life of a teacher.  When but 18 he received his first certificate of Gen. Howard, which he yet has in his possession.  For some time he also studied the art of surveying, under the County Surveyor, Jeremiah Siler.  A very happy event occurred in the life of Mr. Kelly May 22, 1842, when he was united in marriage with Violet, daughter of Jeremiah and Leah Siler.  She was a native of Orange County being born in 1822 and after her marriage became the mother of 7: Serena L, Mary V, Martha E, Lucretia M, Julia E, Eva J and Laura M.  February 23, 1862, Mr. Kelly was bereft of his companion and he married Anna Pierson, daughter of Moses and Sarah Pierson, who were natives of South Carolina and Ohio respectively.  Ms. Kelly was a native of Miami County, Ohio and received a splendid education in the Antioch and Oberlin Colleges, Ohio.  To her were born two children: Robert L. and Benjamin W, of whom the oldest received his education at Bloomingdale Academy and at Erlin College, Richmond, Indiana. After leaving school he taught in the high schools at Adraian, Michigan and Monrovia, Ind.  He is now teaching in Plainfield, this state, finding in his wife an able assistant who instructs in Latin, Greek and other languages. The youngest son is now receiving his education at Bloomingdale Academy, where he expects to graduate in June, 1893. The Hon. Mr. Kelly was chosen a member of the State Legislature by the Republican party in 1879 and 1880 in which session he introduced five bills, the most important one being that concerning Publishing Legal Advertisements. The others were concerning school affairs, temperance and guardianship.  In the first named bill Mr. Kelly made a very able speech. The bill was referred to the judiciary Committee, they being all lawyers, and they decided in favor of the indefinite postponement of the bill, whereupon Mr. Kelly appealed to the House and made a speech in its favor. When the vote was taken every member in the House except one voted for the bill and it became a law.  While a resident of Missouri, Mr. Kelly was one of the leading politicians of that state, being chosen delegate for the state at large to the national convention at Philadelphia which nominated Gen. Grant for his second term.  Mr. Kelly has always taken an active part in politics and never voted a scratched or mixed ticket in his life.  He has the most unbounded confidence in his political friends, who are always sure his vote will be on the right side.  In 1866 Mr. Kelly went to Missouri, where he located in Mt. Vernon, Lawrence county and assisted by his wife, published a paper known as The Spring River Fountain.  He continued in this business 8 years, when he returned to his former home. Mr. Kelly was one of the founders of the McClure Institute of which he was 1st President, serving in that capacity for 16 years. When the erection of this institute was proposed Mr. Kelly and William G. Coffin were the first to make the start for the raising of $500, which was to be invested in books, and now this institute is not only an excellent place for instruction but is celebrated as being possessed of a fine corps of instructors.   -  Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 407, shared by Karen Zach

Michael KELLY is one of the proprietors of the Hotel Grinley at Rockville, Parke County.  He was born in Stratford, Canada December 8, 1846, being the son of Michael, a farmer by occupation, who emigrated from Ireland. The latter was born about the year 1808 and after his emigration to Canada remained there 4 years. He then located in Attica, in 1848, where he engaged as a contractor on the Wabash canal and later removed to Montezuma, where he followed railroad contracting. his next move was to Crawfordsville of this state, where he resided until his death.  The subject of this sketch is the youngest in a family of 5, four of whom are still living. He was educated in the public schools of Crawfordsville afterward received a good business education in the Eastman Business College of Chicago.  Returning to Indiana, he then located in Crawfordsville where he engaged in various business enterprises and there continued to reside until 1888.  Foremost among his undertakings in that city he was running the Sherman House, and for a long time was also interested in a restaurant. For 8 years he was a contractor for building gravel roads and ditches.  For the past 5 years he has been a resident of Rockville, and has made a success of his hotel, being the owner of the building.  He has a large saloon in the building which he manages.  The Hotel Grinley is a first-class two dollar-a-day house, which caters to first-class custom, and does a very large business, principally with travelling men. Our subject was first married in Crawfordsville, Indiana to Miss Jennie E. Casey who died in 1871, leaving one child, M.D. now of the firm of MD Kelly & Co., proprietors of the Hotel Grinley.  This gentleman is one of the enterprising young business men of Rockville and to his enterprise and business tact is due, in a large measure, the remarkable success of the hotel.  In 1875 our subject married Miss Bridget, daughter of William Tobin of Greencastle, Ind. To them have been born 5 children, 3 living: Grace, Hugh and Paul.  In 1880 Mr. Kelly made the race for Co. Recorder of Montgomery County, being a candidate on the Republican ticket and was beaten by only one vote. In the war of the Rebellion he enlisted as a private soldier in Co. E, 115th Indiana Infantry and is at present a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.  He and his entire family are devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church.  Mrs. Kelly is a refined and cultivated lady and to her a large share of the success her husband has achieved is justly due as she has encouraged him and given him the benefit of her wise advice and judgment in his undertakings.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page. 500

KELLY, Samuel , farmer, Bloomingdale, is one of the old and respected citizens of Parke County.  He was born in Newberry District, South Carolina, September24, 1801 and at the age of 4 his parents removed to Ohio  and lived on the Little Miami River one year, after which they removed to Montgomery County, Ohio , thence to Miami County in 1817.  Here they remained until 1826, when they removed to Parke Co. and settled n Penn Township, on the farm now owned by Mr. Kelly.  In 1824, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Mary COATE, a native of Miami County, Ohio  born in 1807 and died in this county in 1871.  Mr. Kelly has been unfortunate in raising a family, having had 11 children, by one of whom, Moses, is living.  Mr. Kelly has acted as surveyor in Parke Co. for about 40 years.  By birthright he has held a membership in the Society of Friends.  He is now in his 79th year and is in good health for a man that has spent his life at hard work.   Taken from: Page303 History of Parke Co IN; JH Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill, 1880

KEMPER, William, farmer, Mansfield, was born February 12, 1816 in Virginia  When he was 6 years old, his father, Elias Kemper, moved to Knox County Kentucky and Mr. Kemper lived there till he came to Indiana in 1838.  His mother's father was in the war of 1812.  Mr. Kemper has always been a farmer.  He owns nearly 600 acres of land.  In politics he is republican.  He was married April 25, 1840 to Lavina GLIDEWELL.  Their children are: Sarah J, deceased; Elias; Catherine, deceased; Robert W; Winfield S; Thomas J; Josephine M; Emma E; Lavina A; Clara E; and Lucy BORN  Mrs. Kemper was born in Franklin County, Indiana November 27, 1821.  She is a woman of large reading, wide experience and strong common sense.  Her father, Robert Glidewell was born near Charleston South Carolina February 21, 1792 died May 28, 1880.  He was a lawyer, having studied law under Gov. NOBLE.  He lived a successful, busy life; was probate judge of Putnam County for a number of years and also studied and practiced medicine from 1835 to 1840.  He was a man of wide reading and extensive information, clear mind and remarkable memory.  He voted for every governor of Indiana up to the year 1880, and lived under every pres. of the United States.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

William KEMPER was born in Virginia February 12, 1816 and settled in Jackson Township  in 1838.  His father, Elias Kemper was in the War of 1812 and his son, Elias was a member of Co. E 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery in the Civil War.  He accumulated about 600 acres of land and raised a large family of children of whom, Elias of Mansfield, Mrs. Mary A. Hunt of Rockville, Robert W, Winfield S and Thomas are still living.  He was married to Lavina Glidewell who was born in Franklin County in 1821. - Historical Sketch of Parke County, Indiana, 1816-1916, Page 121 

Rufus Lincoln KENNEDY one of the most gifted and honored sons of Clay County is the proprietor of the beautiful home known as Cedar Hall named by Governor Mount who visited him and christened his beautiful home.  The Governor also made him his aide-de-camp with the military rank of Major and he was associated with him during his term of service and during Governor Durbin's tenure of office he was appointed secretary of the board of trustees for the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane on which he served 3 years and during one year was president.  In 1862 Mr. Kennedy enlisted for one year in the Civil War joining the 54th Indiana Volunteer Infantry and in the spring of 1864 reenlisted in the 133rd Volunteer Infantry while later he was connected with the 149th Indiana Volunteers and served with those regiments until the close of the war.  Mr. Kennedy is a member of one of the oldest and most prominent of Clay County's families and was born in what is now Center Point, April 10, 1846.  He is a son of Martin Hugh and Susan Rawlings Kennedy, born respectively in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in 1813 and Elizabethtown Kentucky in 1815 and a grandson of William and Sarah Russell Kennedy of Scotch-Irish descent.  His grandfather Rawlings was a soldier in the war of 1812.  Martin H. and Susan Kennedy were married in Parke County Indiana and came to Clay when this section of country was covered with timber, Mr. Kennedy starting at once to clear away the timber and he erected one of the first saw mills here - in fact, was the very first to erect any kind of buildings here. He entered a number of acres from the government and also bought all the land on which Center Point has since been built, owning in all 700 acres.  He was a man of unblemished character with clean temperament and habits.  Ever generous and hospitable, his death was mourned by all when he passed away in June 1897.  His wife had died previously in June 1893 and they had 9 children, 5 sons, 4 daughters all of whom grew to years of maturity, 7 now living. Rufus L. Kennedy, the fifth born received an excellent educational training in his youth, passing from the public schools to the Westfield, Illinois College and thence to the Normal of Center Point conducted by William Travis, the historian of the 20th Century History of Clay County, Indiana .  After the completion of this excellent training he taught school in Center Point 2 years and in the meantime read law with Carter & Coffey two years; but his father then needing his services to superintend his farming interests he returned to the farm and was thus employed 20 years.  In the meantime he was also in the real estate business. During the past 3 years he has been closing out his interests his time being principally devoted to looking after his farming interests and he is also the secretary of the Center Point Brick Works. He was admitted to the Bar of Clay County as one of its honored members about 1881. On 9 April 1874 Mr. Kennedy married Mary Alventine Givens who was born in Paris, Illinois May 14, 1856 a daughter of William and Eliza Jane White Givens, the father born in Tennessee, other in Kentucky. The father was one of the early ministers in the United Brethren Church and he yet preaches in Center Point.  He was born 1827, wife in 1828. The father is yet living but the mother, Eliza Givens died in Center Point, Indiana July 4, 1908.  She joined the United Brethren Church in 1855 and was active in Christian work until disabled by affliction. When her husband entered the active ministry as an itinerant in 1860 she willingly and cheerful accepted the sacrifices, labors and anxieties of an itinerant minister' s life, sharing with him the defeats and victories of the glorious warfare which, with her, ended in triumph over death and in a victor's crown. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are Addie G born 1875 died 1882; Frederick R, born February 10, 1887, cashier of the office of the OSL RR Company and resident of Elgin, OR; Bertha Lucille born November 7, 179 married Jesse A. Miller and died February 1906 and Stanley H born in September 1886 is in the government reclamation service at Natches, Washington. Mr. Kennedy has been more or less associated with farmer's institutes and has served as president of the Clay County Farmers' Institute 4 years. He is an active worker for the Republican Party and is a member of Gov Mount Post GAR of Center Point of which he was one of the organizers and has served in all its offices and since 1906 has held the office of patriotic lecturer. He is also a member of the Uniformed Rank of Knights of Pythias and is a Mason of high standing, affiliating with the Scottish Rite of Indianapolis, the Knights of Templar of Brazil and the Blue Lodge No. 597 at Center Point. He is also an earnest and efficient member of the United Brethren Church active in the work of Christianity. He has served as either a teacher or superintendent of Sunday school during the past 40 years and was president of the Clay County Assoc for 4 years. Mr Kennedy has in his possession one of the old parchment deeds executed August 1, 1839 under the hand and seal of President Martin VanBuren. - Travis, William.  A history of Clay County, Indiana.  New York: Lewis Publishing Company, 1909, Page 87

KERR, James H. farmer, Bridgeton, was born in Raccoon Township August 22, 1839 and is the son of James and Mary Kerr.  His father was born 1791 and died August 16, 1876.  He was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania; lived there till 8 years old, then went with his parents to Kentucky and came to Parke County about 1822.  He bought his land in this township in 1816.  He was in the war of 1812; held the office of township trustee and member of the war of 1812; held the office of Township. trustee and member of the state legislature 5 terms. He was a strong Whig, then republican.  He was a  man of considerable information, generous nature, firm convictions and an influential member of society.  The subject of this sketch has always lived on the farm and had the advantage of the common school education.  He was married March 10 1864 to Maria E. NICHOLS, daughter of Andrew and Margaret Nichols.  They have 6 children: Ella E, born January 23, 1866; George January 18, 1868; James December 13, 1869; Mary E April 27, 1872; Hattie M, July 19, 1874; Nettie G, February 2, 1877.  Mr. Kerr enlisted November 1, 1861 in co H 41st Regiment 2nd Indiana Cavalry for three years.  He was in the battle of Shiloh and was discharged July 15, 1862 on account of general disability.  he has been a successful farmer.  He is a Mason and has held the offices of Jr. and Sr. Warden and Treas.  He and his wife are both members of the Methodist church.  Mr. Kerr is one of Raccoon's best and most worthy citizens.  In politics he is republican.  Mr. Kerr's mother was born May 7, 1801 and is still living. Beadle, J. H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers

KERSEY, Thomas , farmer, Marshall, was born in Washington Township, Parke County, Indiana September 20,1835 and is now residing at the place of his birth, where he has lived all his life.   His occupation has been that of an humble tiller of the soil.  His father was Enoch Kersey, a native of Guilford County, North Carolina, and came to Parke County in 1826, and married Sarah CURL, a native of North Carolina.  She now resides with the subject of this sketch, at the age of 75.  Her husband died December1, 1837.  Thomas Kersey was married November2, 1856, to Miss Mary ROBBINS, a native of NC born December 10, 1830.  Mr. kersey is a wide awake man, and takes an active part in everything that pertains to the interests  of the community in which he lives.  (Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill)

KIRKHAM, John A. KIRKHAM, harness maker, Sylvania, is a son of James Madison Kirkham, a native of Kentucky, who moved to Indiana in 1833, settling in Rockport, Spencer County.  He was born in Rockport in 1847, and received his early education at the district school, and during youth engaged in farming until 1863 when he enlisted at the early age of 16, in the 4th Ind. Cavalry and served to the close of the war, taking part in numerous skirmishes.  In 1868, he moved to Jackson Township, Fountain County and in 1873 located at Russell's Mills, Sugar Creek Township, where he began business in the harness trade, and remained there until 1877 when he moved to Liberty Township. and opened a harness shop in Sylvania, where by industry and close attention to business he has built up a first-class and constantly increasing trade.  In 1872 he was married to Miss Mary COOPER, who died in March 1875.  He is a prominent member of the IOOF, being past grand of Parke Lodge.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is enthusiastically republican in politics.  His eldest brother, Joseph M. Kirkham was born at Rockport in 1834 and during early youth worked on a farm and later clerked in a dry goods store.  He enlisted August 21, 1861 in Co B 42nd Ind. Vols., for 3 years and at the end of that time reenlisted in the same regiment.  He entered the army as 1st Sgt and came out at the close of the war as Capt and in 1866 rec'd a commission as Capt. in the regular army.  He took part in the battles of War Trace, Tennessee; Perrysville, Kentucky; Stone River, Concord Church, Elk River, Ringgold, Georgia; Graysville, Georgia; Rocky Face and Resaca and was under fire 82 days in the campaign between Chattanooga, Tennessee and Atlanta, Ga.  He was married twice: the first time in 1866 and the second in April 1875.  He died in May 1875, leaving a family of 3 small boys, by his first wife, to lament his loss.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H. Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

KIRKMAN, Samuel (colored), laborer, Rockville, was born on Sandy Creek in Randolph County, North Carolina October 5, 1824.  His father's name was Isaac.  His mother, Susie, belonged to a man father's name was Isaac.  His mother, Susie, belonged to a man named Walker.  They were a family of slaves.  Samuel was a mechanic, and when the war broke out he had a hundred dollars in bank bills, which he had the foresight to convert into coin, amounting to about $40.  This was saved by burying it beneath a boulder, where it remained until near the close of the war, when it was removed and secreted in a hollow tree.  He embraced his freedom by quitting his master's service on August 4, 1865 but remained in the neighborhood until the next spring, in the meantime attending school 3 months.  He then came to Parke County, arriving in march and for four years made his home at Bloomingdale.  The next winter he got a school started at Annapolis for the benefit of the colored men, who employed Nathan MARIS to teach them.  In the winters of 1867-8 and 1868-9 he went to school in Vigo County, and in the winter of 1869-70 at Rockville.  In addition to this he has had two winters' schooling since.  In the fall of 1870 he returned to North Carolina on a visit and was very cordially received both by his black and white acquaintances.  He returned near Christmas, bringing with him Abram Gaston’s family, the first that immigrated to Rockville from that state.  Subsequently the colony of 49 came and with them his mother, who died on the second day after arriving, at the age of 88.  She had been for a number of years a member of the Primitive Baptist Church.  With this colony came Mr. Kirkman's two brothers, Joseph and Jesse, the latter a preacher of several years' standing.  By hard work and good management Mr. K. Has succeeded in saving about $1500 worth of property.  He is a leading member of the A. M. E.  Church; he joined at the first revival and was at once a trustee, which office he has held at the present time.  He was married a few years since, but his wife and child recently died.

KIRKPATRICK - About 1820, the first cabin in the township was built where Mansfield now stands.  This primitive germ of civilization was erected by NELSON and HUBBARD for James KELSEY, as a residence, probably while he built the mill known as DICKSON'S Mills, Mr. Dickson being in some way connected in business with Kelsey.  George KIRKPATRICK and Nash. GLIDEWELL came from Ohio  and entered land in about 1821.  A brother of Nash, Robert Glidewell, father to Mrs. Levina KEMPER, now of Jackson Township, had surveyed through this section of country about 1816, and about 1823 entered land, his patent being signed by Pres. Monroe.  In 1821, Zopher and Emily COLEMAN sought a home in the wilds of Jackson, settling a short distance north of the present site of Mansfield.  They hailed from SC.  In the same year, a son was born to them, and they called him Zopher Jr.  Taken from: The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

KNIGHT, James, farmer, Catlin, is a son of Benjamin and Priscilla (JACKSON) Knight, and was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio , 1811.  His father was born near Baltimore, and his mother in Loudoun (sic) County, Virginia  They emigrated to Ohio  in 1804.  There were 10 children.  The Knights were Republicans from the birth of that party.  The father of James was buried on the day that Lincoln was elected president of the United States.  Mr. Knight was in his 84th year when he died.  His father had fought and died in the Revolution, and his wife was a cousin of Anthony Wayne.  She died, and was buried in March previous to her husband's burial.  James Knight, at 18, learned the blacksmith's trade, and worked at this for 15 years.  His health giving way he was obliged to go to the farm.  In 1863 he came to Parke Co. and bought the SAPP farm; sold this and bought 200 acres he now owns.  He was married in 1836, to Martha RIPPETH, and by her had 3 children.  His wife died January 28, 1850. In 1851 he was married to Mary Ann RUTTER, sister to David M. Rutter, whose sketch appears elsewhere.  They had four children by this union.  Mr. and Mrs.. Knight with all their family are members of the Methodist Church.  Beadle, J. H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo & Parke County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers