John Eberhart
John Eberhart, one of
the farmers of Jackson Township, was born in Washington County, Penn., March 18, 1804, therefore is now in his
eighty-fourth year. His parents were Adam and Barbara (Pearson) Eberhart, both natives of Pennsylvania. They were parents of eight children: Samuel, who lost his life while under command of Gen. Hull, at Detroit, during the War of 1812; Andrew, also a soldier of 1812, and now deceased; Frederick, a soldier during the War of 1812, and now deceased; Frederick, a soldier during the War of 1812, also deceased; David, deceased; John, the subject of this biography; Jane,
deceased; Nancy, deceased, and Sarah, deceased. John is the only child now living. About
1826, he resolved to seek a home in the west, and accordingly started on foot, with his provisions on his back,
for this territory. He walked the entire distance and after arriving here entered eighty acres of the west
half of the southwest quarter of Section 3, and returned to Ohio, where he continued to reside until 1829. Prior
to this or during the holidays of 1823, he was married to Nancy Randolph, daughter of David and Polly Randolph,
both natives of Virginia. This union was blessed with: Andrew,
Charlotte, Loretta, Jefferson, Isabella, Clarinda,
Harriette and Mary, of
whom Charlotte, Loretta, Clarinda and Harriette are deceased. After the harvest of 1829 was over, John Eberhart,
shouldered his ax and started for his land in this township, leaving his wife and four children to await his return.
After arriving here he put up a small cabin, covered with clap-boards, and a puncheon floor. As soon
as the cabin was completed he returned for his family. The winter of 1829 will always be remembered by Mr.
Eberhart. He spent a great deal of time in his clearing, and by the spring of 1830, had a field ready for
corn, and from this time on crops never failed, and he was very successful. He added to his first tract and
now owns over 600 acres of fine land. In 1864, his wife was called away. She was a kind and loving
wife and mother, respected by all who knew her. On October 12, 1865, he was married to Delilah
Cox, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Moore) Cox. Delilah was born February 14, 1834, and was raised in Hamilton County, Ohio. This union
was blessed with two daughters: Clarinda and
Lenore.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Chicago: Brant
& Fuller, 1887, Jackson [Township] Sketches, page 749-750.