Parke County Indiana Biographies  -  O

Please send any additions or corrections to James D. VanDerMark

ORME

A native of Indiana, Indiana Webster Orme was born in Parke County August 3, 1844 a daughter of Stewart Webster.  Her grandfather, James Stewart Webster was as far as known a native of Kentucky but removed from there to Ohio and for a number of years was engaged in agricultural pursuits near Cincinnati.  His wife dying, he came to Indiana to spend his last days with his son, James dying here in August 1848.  Stewart Webster was born in Kentucky, went with the family to Ohio and became familiar with the various braches of pioneer farming. About 1830, accompanied by his second wife and their four children, he came to Indiana, journeying overland with ox teams, a slow and tedious mode of travel compared with the rapidity with which we now speed across the continent.  Securing a tract of heavily timbered government land in Raccoon Township, Parke County, he cleared a space in which he erected a small log cabin, the house in which Mrs. Orme was subsequently born.  There were no railways in the state for many years after he came here nor any conveniently located markets. Deer, wild turkeys and game of other kinds were plentiful, furnishing food for the pioneers. The busy housewife of those days carded, spun and wove the cloth for family use.  Mrs. Orme as a girl each day accomplishing her stint in carding, spinning and weaving flax, wool and two and often says that she was a girl well along in her "teens" before she wore other than homespun garments.  Coffee was a luxury indulged in by none the people of those days substituting a drink made of either corn or wheat; for tea using sassafras, sage and spice wood, while their sugar and molasses were made from maple sap.  After a few years Stewart Webster sold that land and purchased another tract near by, living there six months.  Selling out, he then bought 300 acres in Van Buren Township, his purchase including the greater part of the present site of Carbon and there resided until his death, October 18, 1873.  Mr. Webster was twice married.  His second wife, the mother of Mrs. Orme was Mrs. Lucy (Sanders) Goodsell.  She was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Charles Sanders and died in VanBuren Township, August 3, 1873. By her first marriage she had one child, a daughter named Martha.  By her union with Mr. Webster she had 10 children, John J; Sanford; William Taylor; Hannah; Lizzie; Hester; Ann; Andrew; Indiana and Minerva J. Indiana Webster obtained her early education in the pioneer log schoolhouse, remaining with her parents until 1861. On January 17 of that year, she became the wife of Samuel Woods, by whom she had one daughter, Hannah Mary. This daughter married Charles C. Orme, a son of John and Margaret Russell Orme, and a brother of Nichols D. Orme, of whom a sketch may be found on another page of this work.  In October 1879, Mrs. Woods married John Orme, whose life history is given in the above mentioned sketch. This union was blessed by the birth of two children, Robert O. and John S.  - Travis, William.  A history of Clay County, Indiana.  New York: Lewis Publishing Company, 1909, Page 107

Nicholas Davis ORME - distinguished as a native born citizen of Clay County and as the representative of an honored pioneer family, Nicholas Davis Orme is eminently worthy of representation in a work of this character.  A son of John Orme, he was born February 13, 1853, in Van Buren Township and has here spent his entire life. He was named for his grandfather, Nicholas Davis Orme, whose father it is supposed came from England to America with a brother from whom he was soon after separated and never again saw.  The grandfather lived for many years in Lewis County, Kentucky  from there coming in 1827 to Indiana becoming one of the very early settlers of Hancock County. Removing a few years later to Johnson County he was there employed in tilling the soil until his death at a good old age.  He married Penelope Pell by whom he had several children. Born in Kentucky, John Orme lived there until 8 years old when he came with his parents to this state.  He obtained a limited knowledge of books in the pioneer schools in Hancock and Johnson counties and this, with the lessons in honesty, thrift and industry that he received from his parents became the foundation for his future success. About 1840 he bought 80 acres of heavily timbered land in Clay County, paying one dollar per acre for it.  Building a small log house, he began the improvement of the land, living there a few years.  Selling them, he purchased in Section 8, 160 acres on which a few acres had been cleared and a set of log buildings erected, the house being the one in which hi son Nicholas, the subject of this sketch first opened his eyes tot he light of this world. Clearing and improving a good farm and erecting a substantial set of farm buildings, he lived there until his death March 25, 1899. A man of undaunted courage and industry, he met with deserved success in his undertakings and assisted his children to secure homes for themselves. His first wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Russell was born in Marion County, Indiana  October 8, 1823 died in the 56th year of her age. 8 of her children grew to maturity: Rebecca E; Hannah A; James; Zenobee; Nicholas David; Charles C; Jossa Ann and Andrew.  The father married for his second wife, Mrs. Indiana Webster Woods, by whom he had two children Robert O and John S.  A brief sketch of the life of Mrs. Indiana Orme may be found elsewhere in this volume.  Brought up on the home farm, Nicholas Davis Orme obtained the rudiments of his education in the old log schoolhouse of pioneer times, while under the wise teachings of his father he acquired a thorough knowledge of the various branches of farming. Taking upon himself the cares of a household, he bought the farm which he now owns and occupies and in the log house which stood upon it began housekeeping with his bride.  Continuing his agricultural labors, he has cleared the land, set out fruit trees, erected a substantial set of buildings and has now one of the best appointed and best cultivated estates to be found in the vicinity.  Mr. Orme married first in 1881, Mary Jane Turner who was born in Van Buren Township, a daughter of James and Sally McMillan Turner, pioneers of Clay County. She died in 1887.  Mr. Orme married second in 1889, Susan J. Pruett who was born in Parke County.  Her father, Frederick Pruett was born in Kentucky but when a young man migrated to Parke County, Indiana.  After the breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted as a soldier and died while in his country's service. His wife, whose maiden name was Ellen Spurgeon was born in Ohio, a daughter of James Spurgeon who was born in Germany emigrated to the US and spent his last years in Ohio.  Mr. and Mrs. Orme have no children of their own but Loucetta May Barnett, a young lady of 15, has lived with them since infancy and knows no other home.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Orme are consistent members of the united Brethren Church.  - Travis, William.  A history of Clay County, Indiana.  New York: Lewis Publishing Company, 1909, Page 106

ORR

Joseph B. Orr is the editor and publisher of the Rosedale Bee, in which business he is very efficient.  he was born July 12, 1857 in Sullivan Co, Ind.  His father, L. H. Orr was a native of Indiana and mechanic by trade, which occupation he followed until his death,  which occurred when our subject was a very small boy.  The mother of our subject was the daughter of William Johnson, a representative farmer and native of Ky.  The gentleman of whom we write is one of a family of 8 children, 7 whom are living. The eldest son died when a lad of 10. Our subject is the sixth in order of birth and he and his brothers and sisters are all settled in homes of their own. At the age of 11, Joseph was sent to live with his uncle, who resided in Mitchell, Indiana with whom he remained for about one years. At this time young Joseph became dissatisfied and returned to his mother, where he stayed until his marriage. He attended school in the public schools in this township, learning all that he could until his 15th year, when he began to learn the printer's trade in the Sullivan Union Office, where he worked on different papers until 1883. at this juncture he was appointed foreman in the same office, which responsible position he filled for an indefinite time.  He then, in company with another man, started a weekly paper at Carlisle, but not finding this as profitable as he had anticipated, he came to Rosedale, Indiana, and started the publication of the Bee.  In connection with this sheet he did all kinds of job and press work, and under his skillful management the Bee has the reputation of being a good, substantial and newsy paper, as well as one that is perfectly independent regarding all political questions.  However, our subject is a stanch Republican, personally for which party he stands firm and studies to make his sheet one of the spiciest and most popular newspapers of the day. His present circulation aggregates about 800 copies. His job work is neat, clear and artistic, and well up to the high standard of perfection.  On Sept 14, 1877, Mr. Orr was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Dailey, of Sullivan County. This amiable and intelligent lady assists her husband materially in his office duties. She is a person of education and culture, and very modest and entertaining in her way. She has been the mother of two sons and two daughters, one of the last name dying in infancy.  Royal Lee was born April 24, 1879; Roxie c. B. Dec 18, 1881; William L, July 11, 1883, and Lulu, the deceased child, April 14, 1887. Mr. Orr is a member of the Methodist Church, while his wife uses her influence for the Christian.  He is one of the wide-awake and public-spirited men, ready at all times to further any movement for the benefit of his community and is of a firm and noble character, with an agreeable disposition and suavity of manner.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 659

ORY

From Cynthia Popara DeBiase  -My 4th GG, was George Adam Owrey (Owrey, Oury) born May 9, 1752, born in Littlestown, York PA, was the Founder of Adamsville, Crawford, PA (named after him) and died there on April 23, 1836. (SAR #24120, DAR #A085403). His wife and William's mother was Mary McClelland Van Buren Owrey. His son, my 3rd Great Grandfather, was William Ory, born 1796, in Madison, Westmoreland, PA, died, April 29, 1879 in Adams, Green, WI, is listed in the 1840 Parke County, Indiana Census. His son, my 2nd Great Grandfather is John Ory. Also listed in Parke County, Indiana. John Ory - born abt 1836, in Indiana, died March 21, 1889, Greenville, Bond, IL. Below are 3 Census pages listing him in 1850, listed with the Pleasant Hawkins family; and later in 1860; and 1870 (as John Ora - a misspelling of Ory), with his father William and his family, including his wife, Mary Ann Linebarger (only daughter of Andrew Linebarger with his first wife Elizabeth Burton), and my Great Grandmother, their daughter, Sarah Olive Ory and the rest of his children. Although, they ultimately moved out of Parke County, Indiana, the Ory Family has a colorful history in America and were a strong addition to Parke County. The Ory Family (OFTEN spelled differently as Oury, Ourey, Owrey, etc.), my 6th gg Jean Francois Oury, emigrated from Nazeville, Vosages, Lorraine, France (Alsace-Lorraine) to Hanna's Town, PA in 1736.

OUTLAND

OUTLAND, J. E., farmer, Coloma, was born in Reserve Township, Parke County, Indiana on November 15, 1838.  He is the son of Exum and Polly J. (MORRIS) Outland, who were natives of Wayne County, North Carolina and came to Parke County in 1832.  The father was born March 22, 1816 and died in Parke County April 15, 1841 and the mother was born October 1, 1818 and is still a resident of the county.  Mr. Outland has been a resident of the county all his life, and has been engaged in farming and dealing in stock.  On October 11, 1864, he was married to Miss Martha NEWSON of Bartholomew County, Indiana born June 8, 1838.  Their family consists of 3 children: Virgil F; Anna V and Frank.  Mr. Outland is the owner of 227 acres of land, the most of which he has earned by hard work.  He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends.  (Beadle, J. H.   1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers reprinted 1977 by The Bookmark, Knightstown IN).

OUTLAND, J. T., farmer, Coloma, was born in Wayne County, North Carolina, November 30, 1821.  He is the son of Exum and Agatha (HOLLOWELL) Outland, who removed to Parke County, Indiana in 1832, and settled at what is now known as Leatherwood Station, on the Indianapolis, Decatur & Springfield Railroad, where they lived until their deaths.  Mr. Outland was raised a farmer, and this has always been his occupation.  He is the owner of a fine farm of about 200 acres, under good cultivation. In 1847, he was married to Miss Mary NEWSON, daughter of David and Elizabeth Newson or Bartholomew County, Indiana.  She was born September 17, 1828.  They have one son, Edgar M.  Mr. and Mrs.. Outland are members of the Friends Society, and are esteemed and respected by their many acquaintances in Parke County.  (Beadle, J. H.  1880 History of Parke County, Indiana (from Historic notes on the Wabash Valley and History of Vigo County) Chicago: H. H. Hill & N. Iddings, Publishers reprinted 1977 by The Bookmark, Knightstown IN).

OVERMAN

OVERMAN, Charles , farmer, Bloomingdale, is one of the old and respected citizens of Parke County.   He was born in Wayne County, North Carolina on April 22, 1813 and came with his parents to Parke County, where they arrived May 23, 1832.  His father, John Overman, was a native of North Carolina born in 1767, and his mother, Anna COX, was also born in North Carolina in 1778.  They were both residents of Parke County until their deaths, the father dying in 1842 and the mother in 1855.  They first settled on the farm now known as the WILDMAN farm.  Subsequently they removed 3 miles northeast of Rockville, where they spent the balance of their days.  The farm is now owned by D. McWilliams.  Mr. Overman being the youngest of the family, remained at home, working on his father's farm.  He continued to live there after the death of his parents until 1868, when he removed to Bloomingdale.  He has always been a hardworking man, his occupation being that of an humble tiller of the soil, and by honorable dealings, and saving his hard earned dollars, he is now able to enjoy the fruits of his labor.  in 1836, he married Miss P. WOODARD, daughter of Thomas Woodard of North Carolina, born August 3, 1820; she died in 1859.  He married his present wife in 1861.    - History of Parke Co IN; J. H.  Beadle, Chicago: H. H. Hill, 1880, Page 291

Charles OVERMAN was born in Wayne County, North Carolina in 1813 and came with his father, John Overman (born in North Carolina in 1767) and settled in Reserve Township in 1832, about 3 miles west of Rockville. From there they moved to the farm now owned by James E. ELDER three miles north of Rockville.  In 1868 he moved to Old Bloomingdale.  He was a very industrious man, honorable in his dealings with everyone.  He was a faithful member of the Friends church until his death.  Taken from the Historical Sketch of Parke Co Atlas of  IN Centennial, 1816-1916, Page121

OVERMAN , John, farmer, Rockville, was born in Wayne County, North Carolina, July 2, 1810.  He came with his parents to Parke County in 1832.  They lived one year three miles east of Montezuma, and afterward moved to the farm now owned by D. McWilliams.  Here his parents lived until their deaths.  Mr. Overman was raised a farmer, and a farmer's life he has followed all his life.  He is now the owner of 340 acres of fine, improved land, which are the fruits of many years of hard work.  He has been twice married.  in 1835 he was united to Amanda BURFORD, daughter of David Burford, and she died in 1868.  His second marriage was in 1869 to S. K. REYNOLDS,, a native of Virginia  he has 5 children by his former wife: William B; Charles W; John D; Zachary T; Thomas P and Flora E; and two by his present wife: Voorhees L and Virginia M.  Mr. Overman has been a member of the Old School Baptist church for many years, and during his many years spent in Parke Co. he has gained a reputation as an honest and industrious man.   -  The 1880 History of Parke County, Indiana.  J. H.  Beadle.   Chicago: H. H. Hill

OVERMAN , John was born in Wayne County, North Carolina on July 7, 1810.  He came with his parents to Parke County in 1832.  In 1833, they settled on a farm 3 miles northeast of Rockville and by hard work and frugality, became before his death the owner of over 300 acres of first class land.  Mr. Overman was highly esteemed as an honest, upright citizen, and was for many years an honored, faithful member and supporter of the Old School Baptist Church, that long stood near the old farm.  John D. of Rockville; Charles W. of Judson; and William B. of Indianapolis are his surviving children.  - 1816-1916 Historical Sketch of Parke Co., Parke Co. Centennial Memorial. The Rockville Chautauqua Association; published with other atlases in one-volume by the Parke Co. Historical Society, 1996 )

John OVERMAN.  None are more worthy of mention in a biographical record that the men who have begun the battle of life at an early period and won their way successfully, though unarmed for the contest, but by persistency, determined spirit and bodily vigor. One of this class is John Overman, who owns one of the best regulated farms in Washington Township, Parke County.  It now consists of 260 acres which are made remunerative by careful and intelligent cultivation and have been supplied with all needful structures and many improvements both useful and beautiful.  Mr. Overman is the sixth in order of birth in a family of 7 children born to John and Anna Cox Overman.  He was born in Wayne County North Carolina near the town of Goldsboro on July 2, 1810.  The father of our subject was probably a native of North Carolina coming to Parke County in 1832 bringing with him his wife, to whom he had been but a short time married and who was a daughter of Josiah and Judith Peal Cox, both natives of the Carolinas.  Here he located on a farm on which he remained all his life.  In politics he was a Whig and was a member of the Church of Friends.  He died in 1842, his wife surviving 10 years.  John Overman was educated in an old log school house with its rude benches, puncheon floor and desks made of logs placed on pins inserted in the walls.  The room was heated by the primitive fireplace in one corner and light was admitted by a log being left out and the opening covered with greased paper for glass.  When his parents decided to come to Parke County in 1832, he was but 22 years of age. Soon after this he was united in marriage in this place to Amanda, a daughter of Daniel and Amy Burford. To Mr. and Mrs. Burford were born 7 children: Sarah A, who died at age 13; William B; Charles W; John D; Zachariah; Thomas P. and Flora E.  After the decease of his wife our subject married Mrs. Susan Runnels, a daughter of John and Sallie Gordon Elliott.  She became the mother of 3 children by her first union: Edward B; Robert T. and Hardin.  By her marriage with our subject two children were born, whom they named Voorhees Lee and Virginia M.  The mother was born and reared in Rockbridge County, Virginia. When he came to Parke County, Mr. Overman taught school for a number of terms, after which he bought 160 acres of undeveloped land. He immediately set about clearing and improving it, beginning a few miles West of where he now lives.  Here he farmed for one year, then purchased 120 acres of the land now comprised in the home estate on which he has lived for over 60 years. In addition to this his father-in-law gave him 160 acres and some time later he purchased another farm of a quarter section.  He has given very liberally to his children, reserving for himself a portion of his estate.  Mr. Overman is one of the most useful members of the Baptist Church to which he has been a liberal contributor and the reality of his religious profession is shown in his daily conduct toward all about him.  In politics he is identified with the Democratic Party, and has served both as Township Trustee and Commissioner. In his boyhood days he was engaged in trading live stock, and although he entered upon his career as a farmer with but a limited amount of this world's goods, he has by economy and judicious investment of his means, accumulated property and now occupies a position among the most substantial men of the county.  - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893) Page 406

OVERPECK

C. Lee OVERPECK - On Sections 22 and 23, Adams Township is situated one of the finest farms in Parke County.  It comprises 350 acres of well improved land and is owned and operated by the enterprising young farmer whose name introduces this sketch.  Through his excellent management it has been brought to a high state of cultivation, substantial buildings have been erected and every acre made to yield the greatest results possible. Mr. Overpeck is a man who is devoted to his chosen occupation, keeping himself thoroughly abreast with the latest improvements and in every way displaying the enterprise and energy for which he is well known. Some mention of the father of our subject will be of interest to our readers. He was born in Butler County, Ohio March 31, 1832 and was the son of Valentine Overpeck, a Virginian who accompanied his parents to Ohio at an early day and settled in Butler County whence he removed with his family to Parke County, Indiana in 1832 locating in Adams Township.  He was one of the earliest settlers of this portion of Indiana and entered land in Adams Township from which he cleared away the heavy forest growth.  Gradually, from the wilderness he evolved a pleasant and comfortable home, where he passed the closing years of his life.  George W. Overpeck was born in Ohio as above stated and grew to manhood in Adams Township, where his education was acquired in the public schools of his locality.  In 1859 he married Malvina CULVER who died a short time afterward. About that time he located on Section 23, Adams Township  and made a purchase of land, which he commenced to improve.  His second marriage united him with Martha Ellen, daughter of Charles L. BLAKE and two children were born of the union but our subject is now the only survivor.  The wife and mother passed from earth on the 2nd of October 1871. She was a noble woman, sincere and amiable in disposition and possessing a cultured mind. The third marriage of Mr. Overpeck, Sr. united him with Miss Mary Catherine, daughter of Johnson COLLINGS.  This estimable woman died in 1887.  In the occupation of farming and stock raising, in which George W. Overpeck engaged, he accumulated a competency becoming the owner of about 520 acres.  He was considered one of the most successful farmers in Adams Township  and his shrewd business judgment resulted in the attainment of prosperity. Politically, his sympathies were in harmony with the Democratic Party, with which he was identified throughout his entire life. Throughout the county he was well known and highly esteemed and it is but truth to say that his friends were as numerous as his acquaintances.   He died at the old homestead in Adams Township December 26, 1892 and his mortal remains now lie buried in New Discovery Cemetery.  C. Lee Overpeck was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools and the schools of Rockville. His boyhood was somewhat uneventfully passed in a manner similar to that of farmer lads in general and no event of special interest occurred until his marriage December 25, 1890. He was then united with Miss Cora, daughter of A.B. Collings, a prominent farmer of Parke County whose biographical sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume.  Mrs. Overpeck is a cultured and accomplished young lady and is highly regarded in the social circles of the community.  A man of genuine public sprit, Mr. Overpeck aids in every way possible the progress of the county and the development of local interests. In his politics he is a stalwart Democrat, supporting the measures of that party with his usual enthusiasm. - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana: Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 198

Thomas H. OVERPECK is a leading agriculturist and a man of influence in Adams Township.  His residence is on Section 32, and in company with his brother-in-law, he owns 320 acres. Though he devotes considerable attention to general farming, he is particularly interested in handling and raising fine Galloway cattle, having all of his stock registered.  For the past 8 years he has been devoted to this branch of business, has succeeded remarkably well, and has gained a good reputation among the stockmen of this neighborhood.   Our subject is the son of Valentine Overpeck, who was born in Virginia and when only 9 emigrated with his parents to Cincinnati. His youth was passed in Butler County, Ohio where was celebrated his marriage with Miss Martha, a daughter of Daniel HARSHMAN, a native of Germany.  Mrs. Overpeck's birth occurred in Rockingham County, Virginia and with her parents she emigrated to Ohio when 16.  After her marriage, she and her husband continued to live in Butler County until 1832. The latter entered the land which is now the home of our subject and which at that time was in a perfectly wild condition.  He afterward entered 160 acres in Adams Township, on Section 24, and later became the owner of 40 acres on Section 29, and at the time of his death owned altogether 500 acres.  It was in 1858 that he departed this life, his wife surviving him nearly 30 years. He was one of the first settlers in the township.  Politically, he was a Democrat, and religiously, an active worker and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Thomas H. Overpeck is one of seven of whom four still survive.  His brother John is also a resident of this township, while his sister Mattie is the wife of D. H. LOLLIS, of Meredocia, Illinois and his sister Nancy is the wife of S.R. BEAL of this township.  Our subject was born on the old homestead January 22, 1836 and received his education in the old log schoolhouse of the period.  On arriving at maturity he married Cynthia Ann, daughter of Abel BALL.  She was born in Adams Township, where her family were early residents. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Overpeck located on the place which has ever since been his home.  He has six children: Ella J; Mary A; Frank L; Charles; George and Pearl H.  The father is a strong Democrat and an active worker in political circles.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is now one of the Trustees and was formerly a Steward. His wife holds membership with the Baptist Church.  Fraternally, our subject is a member of Catlin Lodge No. 402, AF & AM and the Royal Arch Masons at Rockville in which he is Past Master in 1899 being sent as a delegate to the Grand Lodge at Indianapolis.  The fine farm belonging to Mr. Overpeck comprises 320 acres which are all located in Adams Township, with the sole exception of a piece of 20 acres which lies in Raccoon Township.  A part of his land is thickly timbered but the remainder is fertile and under good cultivation.  In addition to this, he is the owner of a half-section of land in Nodaway County, Missouri which is also well improved and is rented by the owner.  Also 120 acres on Sections 26, 27 and 29, Adams Township   - Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana.  Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893, Page 155