Hedrick Biographies

HEDRICK, Abraham 1806-1894
History of Grant Co., Indiana, Brand & Fuller, 1886 Chicago; pg. 851.

         Abraham Hedrick is a native of Virginia, born in 1804, being a son of Jacob and Catherine (Meese) Hedrick.  Abraham Hedrick is one of the oldest and most favorably known of the old pioneers of Grant County now living here.  He was reared on a farm by his parents, receiving an ordinary education for the times.  In 1833 he started out for Indiana where he expected to establish for himself a home in the new country, and located in Pleasant Township, where he entered a tract of land and on which he has since resided.  He married, in 1834, Sarah Cramer, a daughter of William and Julia A. (Rider) Cramer, who were of German extraction.  To their union these five children have been born:  Julia A., born in 1835; Catherine S., born in 1837; Mary J., born in 1839; Rosa, in 1841; and Sarah F., in 1843.  September 23, 1885, the wife and mother died.  For some years previous to her death she was blind, which affliction she bore with fortitude and patience.  Mr. Hedrick has followed farming throughout his career, and now owns a fine farm of 280 acres, upon which, with two of his children, he is living a quiet and retired life.  His genial manners and square dealing have won for him the high regard of his neighbors and made for him a large circle of friends.  He cast his first presidential ballot for Gen. Jackson, and believing him good, old-fashioned Democracy good enough for him, has steadily and faithfully been an advocate of the best principles of that party.

HEDRICK, George Washington 1843-1935
Posted by Huntington County volunteer on Sun, 10 Jun 2001
From Biographical Memoirs of Huntington County, 1901, pages 645-647

         George W. Hedrick, one of the influential and prosperous farmers of Wayne township, Huntington county, Indiana, is a fine product of the county, having been ushered into the world in this vicinity on June 22, 1844, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Bane) Hedrick.  Both were natives of the state of Virginia, the father being of German lineage.  They settled in this county, and it was here that the mother was called to a peaceful rest.  The father then moved to Grant county, and afterward took up his residence in Van Buren, where he died.  The family consisted of three sons and five daughters, the two eldest daughters dying at an early age.  Following is a list of their names and places of residence, viz: James, a soldier in the One Hundred and First Regiment, laid down his life for his country at Murfreesboro; Jacob married Mary Losure, and is employed as a rig-builder in the oil fields, making his home in Van Buren; Mahala married Abe Endsley, a prominent Grant county farmer; Catherine B. is the wife of William Bane of Huntington; Nancy is now Mrs. Thomas Campbell, and lives in Warren; Sarah J. died when quite young; Susan married Cornelius Myers, of Pleasant Plain; and George W., the subject of this sketch.
         George W. Hedrick went to live with his uncle, Henry Bane, after the death of his parents.  Mr. Bane was a farmer of Wabash county, and as George was a bright lad of eleven years he was considerable help in the work about the farm.  He was permitted to attend school a portion of each winter, and in this way obtained a fair education, but when the war of the Rebellion broke out George, then a young man of seventeen, thought of nothing but becoming a soldier and entering the ranks.  His uncle was a Democrat, and tried by every means in his power to dissuade the patriotic youth from his purpose, but without avail, and he finally ran away and enlisted in the Twelfth Indiana, under Captain David Coverly, Company C, in August, 1862.  They went into camp at Indianapolis, where they were daily drilled while waiting four weeks for uniforms and their equipments.  Leaving camp, they proceeded to Cincinnati and then to Richmond, Kentucky, where the entire company were taken prisoners and held three days before being paroled and returned to Indianapolis.  There they were granted a thirty-day furlough, and as soon as the time had expired Mr. Hedrick again reported at Indianapolis for duty, and remained in camp three months, drilling and practicing for work in the field.  They were first sent to Cairo, Illinois, and then to Vicksburg, besieging that city until it surrendered.  Mr. Hedrick participated in the engagements at Jackson, Mississippi, Memphis, Chattanooga, and other places, receiving a severe wound in the left arm at the battle fought at Atlanta on July 22, 1864.  This wound incapacitated him for further duty in the field, but he was not mustered out until the close of the war, in August, 1865.
         Mr. Hedrick was frugal in his expenditures and managed to save about one hundred and fifty dollars from the money paid him as a soldier, and to this was added the wages received by him working at odd jobs after his return home.  The field of his labors included Grant, Wabash and Huntington counties, and as soon as his capital was large enough to warrant he expended it in the purchase of twenty-six acres of land, which was purchased the more cheaply as it was heavily wooded.  This land was cleared off and sold at an advanced price and Mr. Hedrick at once purchased another tract of eighty-five acres, for the greater part of which he was obliged to go in debt.  He has given a worthy example of industry and persistency which it would profit others to emulate in whatever calling they may be engaged.  He has been successful in accumulating two fine properties, one farm being located in Wayne township, this county, the pleasant and comfortable home of Mr. Hedrick and his family; the second is in Wabash county.  His accumulations are the outcome of honest toil and endeavor, for, unlike many young men who start out to do for themselves, Mr. Hedrick was obliged to rely on his own ability, receiving no help from any source.  It is true that he now receives fourteen dollars a month pension from the government for injuries received, but if perfect health were his he would gladly forego the paltry fourteen dollars.
         He has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Mariah Prickett, who died February 27, 1874, leaving two children, one of whom survived but a short time.  The second child was Ella, wife of George Garrison, of North Manchester.  In 1875 he placed at the head of his household Miss Mary Harrold, and the offspring born to this union were four in number, namely; Charles E., born March 17, 1876; Jennie, born September 27, 1877, died shortly after her marriage with Otto Creviston; Timer, born August 8, 1880, died in infancy; and Frennie, born March 21, 1885.  Mr. Hedrick and his family are members of the Christian church at Banquo, in which he serves on the board of trustees.  They are excellent neighbors and are highly thought of by the entire community.  Mr. Hedrick is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Banquo, and has represented that body in the Grand Lodge.  He is also an active worker in the Grand Army Post, attended the national encampment at Washington, D. C., as well as at Indianapolis, and takes unbounded pleasure in meeting comrades of his old regiment at the reunions, recalling incidents of the past and talking over bygone days.  In politics he is a Republican, and has frequently served as delegate to county conventions to look after the best interests of the party.  Mr. Hedrick is now building a fine residence on his property in Wabash county, its style of architecture being of the modern type, with every possible convenience, and when completed will be additional evidence of what can be accomplished by perseverance and industry.

HEDRICK, Jessie David born 1869
Huntington Co., Indiana History & Families 1834-1993
Compiled by the Huntington County Historical Society

         Jessie David Hedrick and Eva Searles Hedrick farmed near Mt. Etna, Indiana; and in the early 1900s, they moved to Grant County.  This farm was on Hwy. 37, north of Marion, on the west side of road at the top of Hummell Hill.
         He and his family operated a dairy farm.  They had 26 cows, along with four wagons that delivered their own processed milk to customers in Marion and the surrounding area.  It was a thriving business.
         On election night, Nov. 8, 1925, a fire of unknown origin destroyed the barn, cows, processing equipment, and delivery wagons.  The Marion Fire Department helped extinguish the fire even though the farm was one and a half miles from the city limits.
         Jessie moved his family north of Mt. Etna and returned to farming.  All six of the Hedrick boys and a few local lads had a baseball team.  Alvan [south paw] and Edkar were catchers; Everett and Edkar pitched.  Every week-end they played in a field on the farm north of Mt. Etna on old 9 and 37.  Their winter sport played in a social hall located two blocks east of the intersection of SR 124 and old SR 9 on the northeast corner.
         As in most families, the children marry and go their separate ways.  This is the path of the Hedrick family:
         John married on Feb. 12, 1919 to Ada Mahoney [Nov. 8, 1899-July 22, 1947].  John farmed in Wayne Twp. and his children were Betty, Donald, and Evelyn.
         Edkar married on Aug. 25, 1917 to Bertha King [Aug. 14, 1899-Nov. 19, 1940].  Edkar and brother Everett had a steam driven threshing machine, they also were carpenters and sheared sheep.  Edkar's children were:  Edna May, Riva, Robert, Jeanne, and Devon.  Two girls died as infants.  Edkar's second marriage was on May 18, 1951 to Mildred Kreig [born Feb. 7, 1902].
         Alvan married on Oct. 22, 1918 to Pauline Stephens [born April 6, 1901].  Alvan drove huckster wagon for Spaulding Store, sold gasoline to four area townships for Farm Bureau, was an electrician and pump repairman for Lehman Electric prior to being a self-employed pump repairman.  Alvan's children were:  Elizabeth, Charles [Bud], Rosmarie, Bonnie, and Jay Dee.
         Lora Nancy Hedrick was born Aug. 27, 1901 and died Aug. 15, 1903.
         Everett married on Feb. 1, 1935 to Hazel Heck [Dec. 24, 1909-April 23, 1993]. Everett and Edkar were working partners as noted above.  Everett's children were William and David.
         Albert married Nov. 21, 1925 to Mary Eviston [Dec. 14, 1906-April 23, 1939].  Albert farmed in Wayne Twp. and his children were Gladys and Jerry.  Albert's second marriage was to Josephine Zook Thorne in the 1960s.
         Edna married on Sept. 8, 1931 to Leroy Buckholtz [born Sept. 8, 1902].  Leroy was a cheese processor in Wisconsin.  Edna's children were Melvin, Terry, and Hal Lee.
         Chester married on Aug. 5, 1939 to Helen Bowman [born Jan. 28, 1915, died 1990].  Chester was a draftsman for Delta in Logansport.  His child was Janet.
         Emma Leona Hedrick was born Sept. 25, 1910 and died Oct. 5, 1911.
         Ada married on March 11, 1936 to Kennieth Richison [born April 12, 1911].  Kennieth farmed in Wayne Twp.  Their children were Caroline [died March 20, 1988], Dean, and Eldon.
         Doris married April 19, 1935 to Henry [Hank] DeHaven [Nov. 27, 1915-Dec. 5, 1958].  Hank was a salesman for Andaconda in Marion and later a salesman for Schenkel Dairy.  Their children were:  Beverly [died at birth], Lamoine, Wanda, Eugene, Shirley, Gerry, and Edwin.
         Blanche married on Oct. 2, 1935 to Leland Bonewitz [born Aug. 6, 1915].  Leland worked for Farm Bureau and was a mechanic at Kriegbaum & Sons.  Their children were Jonetta, Denny, Karletta, and Lynn.
         Effie Hedrick was born July 20, 1918 and died June 12, 1929.
         Ruby married on April 4, 1945 to Marion Smith [June 10, 1910-June 29, 1954].  Marion was a carpenter at Caswell-Runyon.  Ruby's second marriage on May 7, 1955 to Paul Aldridge [April 10, 1933-May 5, 1974].  Paul worked at Majestic Company.  Their children were Karen and Etta.

HEDRICK, Saulus/Solus 1811-1888
Copied from an old newspaper clipping published 31 December 1918

         Solus Hedrick was born in the state of Pennsylvania, October 15, 1811.  He was a son of Jacob Hedrick, who moved with his family to Pittsylvania County, Virginia, east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, when the subject of this sketch was a small boy, and raised his family.  But when Solus reached his year of maturity, he immigrated with his brother, Abraham, to the south part of Wabash County, Indiana, near the little town of LaFontaine.  At that time the country was in it's crude state.  His wealth at the time consisted of a few every day clothes and an axe. 
         It was then and there that young Hedrick began his life for himself as a woodchopper.  Soon his name went out as a wood-chopper and took the contract of clearing the public square of Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, and converted the timber into cord wood, which was used for burning the brick to build the first courthouse in Marion.  He also carried the brick to build the first court house, which was built in 1832.
         When he had accumulated his first $100, he came to Henry County, and entered the 80 acres, from the government, just west of the Hedrick Church and cemetery, which we shall speak of a little later.  He then went back to Virginia, and in the year of 1843, married Dinesha Bennett, who was born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, Aug. 7, 1819.  Where their first children were born.  In the fall of 1849 they moved back to Henry County, Indiana, and landed here Dec. 5, 1849, where he erected a log cabin and cleared his farm.  Year by year he ditched and cleared and bought land until at the time of his death, was the owner of 373 acres of the best land on Sugar Creek, all in a square body, 1 mile and 40 rods east and west and one-half mile north and south.  It was on this great farm, that the great Hedrick Mountain was located.  Everybody has heard of Hedrick's Mountain, one of the biggest gravel pits in the county.  As early as 1850 he located the Hedrick grave-yard.  This cemetery is located on another natural hill.  For this level country, not a drop of water was ever found in a grave, and naturally set in blue grass.  It's first grave bears the date of Nov. 3, 1859, John D. Julius.
         In the year of 1856-7 the large residence was erected.  Washington Level and John Grey were the carpenters.  It was at that time, one of the finest residence in the township.  It is now owned by Mrs. Virela Lowery.  But this was not all, in the year 1868, he built one of the largest and best barns, at that time in the township.  The carpenters of this barn were, Isaac Rens, Marion Lowery, and Abe Shunk.  When the farm was divided, Abram Hedrick bought the barn, and moved it down west to his share of the farm.
         When the subject of this sketch was located in his humble log cabin, already the need of ambition had been implanted within him, which grew and flourished until he was first to propose turnpike or any improvement that could be mentioned.  At all house raisings or log rollings, he was there or sent his representative.
         It can be truthfully said, that a better neighbor, or honester man never lived.  He believed if he helped the needy, who was worthy, he would be rewarded, both now and hereafter.  They were the parents of 10 children, 3 died in infancy.  Angeline, wife of Charley Carroll, died Nov. 1, 1863; Daniel died Caldwell, Kansas [July 20, 1902]; James died in Shirley Feb. 8, 1909; four living, William, one-half mile east; David Hedrick, of Laton, California; and Mrs. Alfred Wisehart, north of Shirley; and Abram, one-half mile west of the old Saulas Hedrick place.
         On Aug. 21, 1888, Mr. Hedrick was called away by death, at the ripe old age of 76 years, 10 months, and 6 days.  After his death, the widow and mother, made her home with her son, William, who was kindly cared for until her death, which came Aug. 1, 1903, at the age of 83 years, 11 months, and 24 days.
         In the dividing of the estate, it was mutually agreed that they would deed one-half acre to the dead, which included the little family grave yard.  So it rested until 1914, when it was proposed to erect a building for funerals, at least, as nearly every burial would happen in bad weather.  So William and Abram decided to build a cement building.  William, past 75 years, helped make all the cement blocks and helped haul them from the Hedrick Mountain.  Jacob Hedrick, William's oldest son, did the carpenter work, and George Craig the mason work.  Mrs. Jacob Hedrick received gifts for furnishing, which are a nice pulpit stand, organ, 6 lamps, 2 nice stoves, carpet, and clock.

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