Biographical sketch of Allen Riley Hiatt, from "Portrait and Biographical Record, Randolph County, Indiana", by A.W. Bowen & Co., Chicago, IL. Published 1894.

Allen R. Hiatt, retired merchant of Winchester, Indiana, was born in North Carolina, February 20, 1829, and is the youngest of the nine children born to John and Rachel (Glandon) Hiatt, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of South Carolina. After marriage John Hiatt and wife made their residence in North Carolina, in which state he died in 1831. In 1833 the widow, with her family, came to Indiana and settled on a farm in Randolph County, where she also passed away at the home of her eldest son, in the year 1844. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and she was an Episcopalian, while in politics he was a strong anti-slavery man. By trade he was a blacksmith, but by vocation a farmer. He was an affectionate husband, a kind father, an upright man and a useful and respected citizen while Mrs. Hiatt was pious and gentle of disposition, and no children than hers ever had a more devoted mother. The nine children born to John and Rachael Hiatt were named as follows: Sarah, widow of William Montgomery, of Randolph County; Amos; Samuel; Elizabeth; Mary; Lavina; Irene; and Allen R. Hiatt. Only Sarah and Allen R., whose name opens this sketch, still survive.

Allen R. Hiatt was reared chiefly on a brother's farm until he was eighteen years of age, after which he taught country and village schools for eighteen quarters. In 1856 he entered a general store as clerk, filled the position six years. He then located in Winchester, where he opened a retail hardware store, and for thirty-two years sold his wares over one counter, and then retired, a merchant recognized for his probity and affability, and honored for his sterling qualities of a man. He was married in Randolph County, in September 1851, to Mary A. Clark, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born in November, 1830, and a daughter of Jacob and Patience (Wright) Clark, respectively natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia. This felicitous union has been blessed with the following named children: Elvira A., wife of T. F. Moorman; John J., deceased; George W., boot and shoe merchant; Oliver A., who died in October 1890; Edwin J., liveryman; Katie, who died in October 1892; Mary A., employed as a general assistant in the Farmers & Merchants' Bank; Emma E., a teacher; and Wilbur C., salesman. Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is a Republican; he has filled several township and school offices and had been a Free Mason since 1858. He is now living in retirement, enjoying the respect of all his fellow-citizens.

Home Page
Surname Index
Reference List
Document List
Picture List