Wayne County Biographies



Part of the Indiana Biographies Project



David J. Doddridge

David Jenkins Doddridge, the only survivor of the once large and happy family which gathered around the table of the pioneer settler, John Doddridge, of Washington township, Wayne county, is living upon the old homestead which was entered by his grandfather, Philip Doddridge, and which has descended from father to son. Probably no family has been more influential for good in this section of the state, and the name is favorably known far and near on account of the active part which the owners have borne in the history of local Methodism.

Joseph Doddridge sailed from England to the United States in the early part of the last century, and, after spending some time in New Jersey, located in Maryland, where several of his children were born. One of the number, Philip, the paternal grandfather of our subject, lived in Maryland until he was grown, and then went to Washington county, Pennsylvania. There he was married, and all of his children were born ere he removed to the west. One of the greatest sorrows of his life befel him there also: three of his daughters were carried off by Indians and for years nothing could be learned of their fate. Long afterward, when the brother had returned upon a visit to his old home in the Keystone state, he followed up a clue which came into his possession, and upon an Indian reservation in eastern Ohio he found two of his sisters. They had grown up with Indian children and had become the wives of chiefs of the tribe, and later they were sent to a western reservation. The third daughter had died soon after being taken captive. In 1814 a party of pioneers, including Philip Doddridge and David Jenkins (his son-in-law), John Spahr and John, the father of our subject, came to Indiana and entered land. Philip Doddridge, who had some capital, not only entered the quarter-section of land in what was called "the twelve-mile purchase," but farms for all of his children, thus keeping them near him, and in this manner the numerous representatives of the family became fixtures in this region and founders of its prosperity. The long and useful career of Philip Doddridge was brought to a close by his sudden death, when he had arrived at the advanced age of eighty-five years. His widow, who survived him about two years, was about the same age at the time of her demise. They had but the one son, John, and their three daughters were Mrs. Hannah Jenkins, Mrs. Sabra Spahr and Mrs. Walters.

John Doddridge was married before he left Pennsylvania, and there his first child was born. After coming here he diligently began the improvement of the land which was entered in his name, and subsequently to his father's death he took possession of the old homestead now owned by our subject. About 1830 he built a kiln, in which he burned brick and lime sufficient for the construction of a commodious dwelling, the one which still shelters his son David. Successful in all his undertakings, for he possessed excellent judgment and the necessary qualities insuring prosperity, he was considered well-off in this world's goods at the time of his death, his estate comprising about a section of finely improved farm land in this township, and a similar amount in Tipton county, besides which he had entered some property in Marshall county.

In all his joys and sorrows, John Doddridge found a true helpmate in his wife, whose maiden name was Avis Manchester. She was a native of Rhode Island, but their marriage took place in Pennsylvania. Eleven children were born to their union, namely: Isaac, who was the largest landholder of Wayne county at one time; Mary, Benjamin and Joseph, who died in infancy; Philip; John, who died in Kansas; Mrs. Phoebe Baker; Mrs. Eliza Ream; Sarah, wife of the Rev. Mr. McMuUen; David J.; and Mrs. Nancy McMullen. One by one they passed to their reward, until, as previously mentioned, only our subject survives. The father died when comparatively young, in 1841, when he was fifty-five years of age. His wife, who survived him many years, died in September, 1883, when ninety-three years of age.

The history of this worthy couple could not be written correctly without reference to the religious element which formed so large a part of their natures. In England the Doddridges were stanch supporters of the established church, but in America they have been equally strong Methodists. Philip and John Doddridge were active in the church in Pennsylvania, and after coming to this county they virtually founded the church in this locality. Two acres of his land were at once set apart for a church and cemetery, by the elder man, and, in fact, he performed the major portion of the work on the old log cabin which served as the first house of worship. It was completed in 1816 and was called Doddridge chapel. In 1832 a brick church was erected on the site, and in 1876 the present structure took the place of the older one. John Doddridge was active in the work of building two of these churches, and his estimable wife was no less interested and zealous. During the quarterly meetings they entertained as many as fifty guests, and their home was always ready to receive ministers and visiting brethren. The pioneer circuit-rider had no easy life, as he rode from one point to another, holding meetings, preaching every day, often in some cabin home, praying and exhorting his hearers to lead better lives and prepare for the life to come. In these labors John Doddridge was earnestly engaged at intervals for years, and after his death his widow was frequently called upon to conduct services, which she did with ability. She thoroughly loved the church, and took pride in the pretty chapel which stands as the most fitting and useful monument which could be erected to the Doddridge family.

David J. Doddridge was born on the old homestead which is still his dwelling place, April 4, 1831. Needless to say, the example and training of his worthy Christian parents had great influence over him, and from the time that he was seven years of age he has been an interested and effective worker in the Methodist church, his religion being paramount to all other considerations with him. Since he arrived at his majority he has officiated in the various church positions, and now is a class-leader, trustee and exhorter. The work inaugurated by his father on the farm has been carried forward by him, and he is mindful of the injunction to "be diligent in business." The elder members of his family were affiliated with the Whig party, and he votes for the nominees of the Republican party. All enterprises which he believes to be for the benefit of the people he encourages, and the causes of education, temperance and others leading toward righteousness are stanchly advocated by him.

In 1852 a marriage ceremony united the destinies of Mr. Doddridge and Miss Mary C. Stephens, whose birth took place in this county, May 27, 1833. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Fell) Stephens. The former, a blacksmith by trade, came here from Pennsylvania in 1829 and established a shop, after which he worked at his trade and engaged in farming. A leading member in the Methodist church, he was greatly missed when the summons came to him to enter the better land. He was in his seventieth year at the time of his death in 1874. His wife was a daughter of John Fell, a hero of the Revolution and the war of 1812. He came to this state at an early day from Pennsylvania and lived to a ripe age. He was a shoemaker by trade, and in his younger days was a local preacher in the Methodist church and filled a circuit for a period. He was twice married, the children of his second union being Mrs. Eliza Fleming; Mrs. Hannah Stephens; Polly, who married John Connolly, a minister of some note; George and Isaac. Mrs. Mary Doddridge is the fifth child of the eight children who blessed the union of Benjamin and Hannah Stephens, the others being WilHam, John, Thomas B., a blacksmith; Isaac, of St. Louis; Mrs. Ehzabeth Nethercutt, Mrs. Catherine Jones and Mrs. Phoebe L. Highley.

Five sons and four daughters were born to our subject and wife, of whom the eldest, Benjamin F., married Elizabeth Markly, of Kansas, and is now living with his family in the state of Washington; John W. married Theodora Wharton, of this county; Isaac E. married Anna Maupin, of Washington, D. C; and James E. married Norvella Jones, of this county; all are farmers of Wayne county; Phoebe H., who died in 1887, was the wife of William Hardin; Luella A. and Charles M. are at home; Catherine Gertrude is the wife of F. Morris, of Milton, Indiana. The other daughter died in infancy.

Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899