Vanhook - Martin
Source: Beckwith H.W. History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago: HH Hill) 1881 p 208
Martin Van HOOK
(deceased) was born in Bourbon Co, KY on a farm January 1, 1802. After arriving
at the age of maturity, he with his father moved to Harrison County. At Cynthia
Ann, this county, he learned the plasterer's trade and in connection with
farming, he followed the trade until October, 1834, at which time he emigrated
to Montgomery County and settled on a farm one mile west of Crawfordsville,
where he purchased 200 acres. The journey to Indiana was made in wagons,
occupying 3 weeks' time. Mr. Van Hook lived upon his farm until his death, Feb.
14, 1859. He was a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Gen.
Jackson. He received such education as the common schools afforded, but was a
man constantly studying and reading for himself and was wide awake to all
matters of public concern. He still followed his trade after settling in this
County, with splendid success. He plastered Wabash College the first time. Feb
27, 1826 in Harrison Co, Ky, near Cynthia Ann, he married Jane CRAIG third
daughter of John and Margaret (McLVAIN) Craig. Mrs. VanHook was born June 1,
1808, in Harrison County, KY, and had the advantages of a district school education.
Her father, John Craig, was born in SC and finally settled in Harrison County,
where he died May 22, 1825 a member of the Presbyterian Church and a democrat.
Her mother was a Presbyterian and died Feb 22, 1825 the mother of 8 children,
three of whom are living; Moses Craig of Missouri; Margaret COUCHEMAN of Morgan
Co, ILL; and Jane VanHOOK of Crawfordsville. After the death of Mr. VanHook his
wife lived upon the farm until the fall of 1868, when she purchased city
property and moved into it. She is the mother of 16, four of whom are living;
Barbara BALL of White Co; franklin P, in White Co; William Henry of Brown Co,
Ks; and Andrew J of this city. Mrs. VanHook has living with Laura A. VanHook,
her granddaughter. - transcribed by kbz