Utterback - Harmon
Source: Beckwith, H.W. History of Montgomery County, Indiana, 1881. (Chicago: Hill) p 602
Harmon Uterback, farmer,
Boston Store, was born in Culpepper County, Virginia, October
9, 1811, and is the son of Thompson and Elizabeth Uterback. His
father was born in Virginia, but moved to Kentucky, and losing
his farm there he came with his family to Wayne township in 1828.
The County was then very thinly settled, and there were many wild
hogs, deer, and other animals. In the year 1839 there were eighteen
voters in Wayne township. From 1828 to 1840 the prices of articles
stood about as follows: corn, 25 cents; wheat from 35 cents to
50 cents; pork, $1.25 to $2.50; coffee, 20 cents, and sugar, 8
cents. In 1835 Mr. Uterback began teaming to Chicago, and has
swam every stream between the Wabash and Chicago on an ox. Flour
was about $12 per barrel, and salt about $10. Mr. Uterback's parents
were members of the Christian Church. His father started from
Kentucky with $7, and got here with 50 cents. In 1849 he moved
to Monroe County, Iowa, where he died in 1856. His mother died
about 1845. His father was a democrat, voting first for Tyler
when he ran for congress. Mr. Uterback began life for himself
when twenty years old with nothing but an axe, which he still
has in the form of a wedge. In 1832 he went with a man by the
name of Bryant to "Door Prairie", La Porte County, and was there
six months. He was also a frontier soldier in the Black Hawk war.
Mr. Uterback has been very successful, now owning 520 acres, and
is worth about $30,000. He has raised grass, wheat, corn, and
stock. He has held the office of township trustee, and in politics
is democratic, and voted first for Andrew Jackson. He was married,
the first time, to Miss Anna WILSON . She died in 1850. They had
eight children, four of whom are living: Syntha A. QUICK, Rhoda
MCINTYRE, Thompson, and Morgan L. He was married, the second time,
to Lois WHITE . She is a member of the Methodist Church. They
had six children, three of whom are living: George, Mary E. BOMANS,
and Amy A. HUTCHINSON . His daughter Rhoda has a good education,
and has taught school several teMrs. In 1838 Mr. Uterback's house
burned, with a loss of about $400. He had only three weeks' schooling,
but by experience, observation and reading he has become well
informed and skillful in business. Mr. Uterback has a good memory,
and can relate the trials and experiences of pioneer life with
interest and ease.