James A. McVicker

        James A. McVicker, a worthy representative of an old pioneer family, was born on the farm where he still resides, in Licking Township, Blackford County, Indiana, the date of his birth being September 27, 1840. His father, Aaron McVicker, was born in Virginia, but reared to manhood in Guernsey County, Ohio, where he was married to Elizabeth Bruner, who was also a native of Virginia, but reared in Guernsey County, Ohio. In 1836 they left Ohio by team for Indiana, settling in what is now Licking Township, Blackford County, on the Hart place, just a mile from the present home of our subject. The father cleared a small space and erected a round-pole cabin on the land he had entered, building it without floor or door, a bed-quilt being used for the latter. Here they experienced all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, going long distances to mill, etc. Wolves were numerous, and were a source of great annoyance to the early settler. Mrs. McVicker was left alone when her husband went to mill, and with no more substantial door than the cabin afforded there was considerable reason for her being afraid of these animals. Game of all kinds was plentiful, and the trusty rifle of Mr. McVicker furnished the family with meat, such as deer and other game, for several years after their settlement here. Both parents died on the old homestead, the father March 18, 1861, and the mother in 1871. Both were members of the Old School Baptist Church. Mr. McVicker acting as secretary for the congregation for many years. In politics he was a life long Democrat.

    James A., our subject, was reared at his birth-place, and received his education in the old McVicker school-house. His father dying just before the commencement of the war, and his oldest brother going into the army at the first call fro troops, the care of his mother and the younger members of the family devolved upon him.

    He made his home with his mother until twenty-four years of age, when he was married, February 26, 1863, to Sarah Cunningham. She was born in Licking Township, this county, a daughter of Adam and Mary (Denny) Cunningham, who were natives of Virginia, both coming to Blackford with their parents before their marriage. They lived in the county until their death. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McVicker, of whom eight are living -Aaron Leona, Mary Levina, Julia Ann, George Merritt, Ella, Elizabeth Alice, Janetta and Ida.

    Mr. McVicker has always lived on the old homestead, and has witnessed all the material changes which have taken place in the county. After his marriage he settled in a hewed-log house on the west end of the place, though still continued to manage the farm. In the fall of 1882 he settled in his present comfortable residence, which is beautifully situated, commanding a view of the surrounding country. He has 120 acres of fine land, the greater part of his farm being cleared and under cultivation.

    In 1885 he began to devote some attention to fish culture, constructing a fine fish-pond which he stocked with thirty German carp, and now has a great number of fish, although only six of the original number remain. In politics he affiliates with the National Party. Both he and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.