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Gc 977.201 C54b v.2 1475954
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02398 7586
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2009 with funding from Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/bairdshistoryofc02bair
BAIRD'S HISTORY
CLARK COUNTY INDIANA By CAPTAIN LEWIS C. BAIRD President of the Cleite County Historical Society, /. Well Known Leeil Talent.
ILLUSTRATED
B. E. BOWEN & COMPANY. PUBLISHERS INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 1009
BAIRD'S HISTORY
OF
1475954
CLARK COUNTY D.
INDIANA
, 18 .
Volume 2
By CAPTAIN LEWIS C. BAIRD
President of the Clark County Historical Society, Assisted by Well Known Local Talent.
ILLUSTRATED
1
B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 1909
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1475954 BIOGRAPHICAL
JAMES HOWARD.
James Howard, the founder of the famous Howard ship yards of Jeffer- sonville, Indiana, was born in Oldham, England, September 1, 1814. The son of a poor weaver, the expectations of his family could not have been particular- ly bright, yet he so employed the talents of character and manhood given into his keeping that at the end of his stewardship he left a heritage of high and unblemished character, of unsullied business integrity, and of strength of pur- pose that is treasured alike in the breasts of those who were attached to him by ties of affection as well as consanguinity. His first few years were spent at the scene of his birth, his baptism being registered in the parish register of St. Mary's church, Oldham.
In 1819 John Howard, the father, actuated by a desire to better his con- clition in life by seeking a home among the glowing possibilities of the New World, set sail with his good wife, Martha, and their two sons, James and Daniel, for the port of New York. After a rough and uncomfortable voyage of some six weeks they arrived at the metropolis of their land of promise and took up temporary residence in Brooklyn, remaining here the greater part of a year. In the spring of 1820. they joined a party bound for Wheeling. Vir- ginia, traveling overland by wagon. This journey with its hardships and its trials no doubt had some effect in moulding the early character of the elder son. The mother was a woman of sterling worth and to her James owed much of his early ambition and determination.
The expenses of the trip westward being heavy for a poor family, each member of the party to be carried, being weighed and charged accordingly. the father decided to walk, but his determination was unfortunately shifted to other. but less sturdy, shoulders. He was taken ill when only a part of the journey had been accomplished, and his wife and James were forced to change places with him: James at that time, be it remembered, being not quite seven years of age. The family reached Wheeling the same year, 1820, and without tarrying embarked on a flat-boat, bound for the city of Cincinnati, far down the great river, reaching there late that year. Here the father erected a small mill and engaged in the occupation of wool carding and cloth dressing, and from the age of eleven to fifteen, James worked in the mill with him with an industry indicative of his future successes.
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BAIRD'S HISTORY OF CLARK CO., IND.
For a short while after leaving his father's mill he worked in William Gordon's ship yard, carrying water to the men, but was soon afterward ap- prenticed to William Hartshorn, a steamboat builder, of Cincinnati, to learn the trade of ship carpenter. While serving here he lost no opportunity to ad- vance himself in the art of building water craft, and having a keen mind for mechanics he quickly mastered the principles and details of the business, draughting a boat himself when hardly nineteen years of age.
After spending four years under his master he came to Louisville, and in a few weeks after his arrival succeeded in getting a contract for building a steamboat. Jeffersonville offering the most available situation to meet his needs, he located his yards on a small tract of land on the river bank at the foot of Mechanic street, in 1834. His service under Hartshorn had been so loyal and he had displayed so much ability at his trade that his employer readily gave him the privilege of remaining where he was and building the boat. Starting here without a dollar in the world and with very few friends or ac- qttaintances his success, won as it was only after years of unremitting toil, was one of those remarkable illustrations of what industry, integrity and ability can accomplish, and which should be a never-failing spring of inspiration to those who are bound to him by blood or affection. His first steamboat was the "Hyperion," and was built to run on the Chattahoochee river in Alabama. She was a side-wheel boat. for Captain Leonard, and was such a complete suc- cess that it was evident to all who saw her that the young boat-builder had ? genius for his profession and was destined to make himself famous at it. When the spring came, his employer wished him to return to Cincinnati, and fill out the unexpired term of his indenture, but he obtained a release by paying Captain Hartshorn in full for leaving him before his time was out, and he finished two more boats at his yards in Jeffersonville during the years 1834- 1835. A complete list of the boats built here will be found in the "History of Steamboating and Boat Building." elsewhere in this volume. In 1836 he de- cided that Madison offered better opportunities than Jeffersonville and located there, remaining until 1844.
On October 20, 1836, at Madison, Indiana, James Howard married Re- becca Ann Barmore, and of this union a family of four daughters and two sons resulted, namely : Martha Ann, who married James Baird: John Ed- monds, who succeeded his father in the business : Lucy Matilda, who married John Armstrong: Kate Isabella, who married William A. Baird, and William French and Jeanette, who both died in infancy.
While at Madison, Mr. Howard built sixteen boats, all of which proved satisfactory to their owners, but the depression in business induced him to go on the river in 1844, and during the years of 1844 and 1845 he ran as engineer and as ship carpenter on the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers. His decision to run on the river was unfortunate, as it kept him from the work for which he
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BAIRD'S HISTORY OF CLARK CO., IND.
was peculiarly adapted, however, he realized that his place was ashore con- structing steamboats, and the spring of 1846 found him back in the harness at Shippingsport, a prosperous and promising location below Louisville. He constructed six boats here and for a short while was in charge of the docks in the canal.
In 1847 he had the misfortune to lose two boats by the great flood of that spring. The boats were on the stocks and were nearing completion, when carried away by high water. This disaster did not dishearten him, but decided him to seek a new location for his yards, so he, in partnership with a man named John Enos, started a boat-building plant in the upper part of Louisville. on the point about opposite Spring street, Jeffersonville. Enos died within the first four or five months and James was obliged to give up the iden of furs ther business at that location, and returned to Jeffersonville in 1849. the scene of his first venture and success, nearly sixteen years previous. His brother, Daniel, had become interested in the firm previous to this and after finishing six or seven boats on the "Point." the yards there were abandoned. The yards at Jeffersonville have added their yearly quota of water craft to the great rivers of the West and at present are still in active operation. His experience during the War of the Rebellion was most trying, but at the end of the conflict the demand for water craft gave an impetus to the business and until his death he continued actively to direct and supervise the work in all of its details, con- structing two hundred and seventy-nine boats.
On October 14. 1876, James Howard was drowned from a ferryboat. by his buggy backing off into the water. The outpouring of thousands of people to his funeral testified to the high regard and love in which he was held. Doctor Craik, the Dean of Christ church cathedral, in Louisville, who con- ducted his funeral. said. "It was the grandest and most imposing funeral I ever witnessed. There were no societies, no music, no military display, the usual trappings of an imposing funeral, to mark the obsequies of this boat-builder. We have buried from this church the commander-in-chief of the United States. and all that the power and majesty of the great government could do to make the occasion grand and honorable was done, but it was nothing in comparison with the funeral solemnities of the simple, untitled citizen, James Howard."
Among the older citizens of Jeffersonville and among steamboat men from Pittsburg to New Orleans, he was known affectionately as "Uncle Jim." His unswerving integrity, his charity and his fair dealings with all, made his death a personal one to many as well as a public calamity to the city of Jeffer- sonville. It falls to the lot of few men to bequeath to posterity the name and reputation left by this master builder.
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BAIRD'S HISTORY OF CLARK CO., IND.
HON. JAMES K. MARSH.
This well known attorney at law and ex-Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, is a native of Harrison county, Indiana, where his ancestors settled in an early day and with which part of the state both branches of his family have been closely identified from the pioneer period to the present time. His father, Jesse C. Marsh, a merchant and farmer, was born and reared in the county of Harrison and spent the greater part of his life at Laconia. He was a man of influence in the community, manifested a lively interest in what- ever made for the advancement of the country and the good of his fellow citi- zens and his death, which occurred at the above town some years ago, was deeply lamented by the large circle of friends and acquaintances with whom he mingled. Elizabeth Shields, who became the wife of Jesse C. Marsh, was also born in Harrison county and, like her husband, belonged to one of the oldest and best known pioneer families of the community in which her an- cestors settled. Of the three children born to this estimable couple James K. is the youngest and the only son. the others being Mrs. Eliza H. Miller. who lives near Corydon; and Anna, who married Dr. C. C. Mitchell, both now deceased.
James K. Marsh was born on the family homestead near Laconia Decem- ber 9, 1844. and received his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools, later pursuing the higher branches of learning in the academy at Corydon. Actuated by an ambition to add still further to his scholastic knowl- edge he subsequently took a special course in Ashbury (now De Pauw) Uni- versity at Greencistle and on leaving that institution entered the law office of Colonel C. L. Dunham, of New Albany, where under the direction of that able attorney, he fitted himself for the legal profession.
Mr. Marsh was admitted to the Clark county bar in 1867 and at once entered upon the active practice of his profession, overcoming in due time the obstacles and discouragements which usually interfere with the early progress of the young lawyer and forging to the front among the rising law- yers of Jeffersonville, by close application to business soon obtained his pro- portionate share of legal patronage and won the reputation of a capable and successful lawyer. In recognition of his ability he was elected in 1870 Prose- cuting Attorney of the Criminal Circuit, composed of the counties of Clark and Floyd. and held the position four years, following which he served two years as Prospector of the Civil Circuit, retiring from the office in 1876. Meantime he had become greatly interested in public and political affairs and by reason of valuable services rendered the Democratic party of which for some years he had been a local leader, he was elected in 1876 to represent Clark county in the General Assembly.
As a member of that body Mr. Marsh made a creditable record and his
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efforts in behalf of his constitutents, as well as his activity in promoting measures for the best interest of the state, gained for him an honorable reputa- tion as an able and discreet legislator and made him many warm friends throughout the county, irrespective of political allignment. He served on a number of committees where his opinions and counsel always carried weight and commanded respect and as a participant in the general deliberations of the chamber, he proved a strong debater, an influential leader and to him. as much as to say to any member was due the passage of a number of bills which had important bearing upon the subsequent history of the commonwealth.
His legislative experience terminating in 1878, Mr. Marsh devoted him- self closely to his profession and for a number of years his name was connected with nearly every important case tried in the courts of Clark county and not infrequently were his services retained in other and distant courts. His habits of industry with other qualities which guarantee advancement won for him a commanding position at the bar, in recognition of which he was elected in 1898 Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit and during the ensuing six years he dis- charged the duties of that high and honorable position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public, bringing to the bench the result of his many years of successful practice and filling it with the dignity becoming the learned and accomplished American jurist and his judicial career, like his professional record. is eminently above reproach. Since retiring from the bench Judge Marsh has devoted his attention to his profession, which as al- ready stated, h takes very high rank. He also keeps in touch with the people. maintains a lively interest in whatever tends to the advancement of his city and county. He has been twice marrier, the first time in 1880 to Mrs. Mary A. Lutz, who died after a mutually happy wedded experience of four years, leaving one child, who followed its mother to the grave in 1885. His second marriage was solemnized with Ella L. Matthews, daughter of the late Na- thaniel S. Matthews, an old settler and prominent citizen of Jeffersonville, the union being without issue.
Judge Marsh is a Mason of high standing, including the degree of Sir Knight. and an active and influential member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, besides being one of the oldest Knights of Honor in the city, taking great interest in all of his fraternal relations. In religion he is liberal in all the term implies, not being identified with any church organization, but believ- ing in the sacredness of their mission and recognizing in every individual. how- ever humble, the spark of divinity which bespeaks a heavenly origin and an immortal destiny. His character has ever been above criticism and in his re- lations with his fellow men he exemplifies his highest ideals of life and duty. He has kept himself free from contaminating influences and from the habits which pollute the body and degrade the mind, having never taken a drink of any kind of intoxicating beverage in his life. nor uttered a profane oath.
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BAIRD'S HISTORY OF CLARK CO., IND.
EDWARD N. FLYNN, M. D.
The "value of an ideal" was never more favorably illustrated than in the 'case of the present Mayor of Jeffersonville. Even as a boy he formed ambitious notions deciding, as boys often do, what he wanted to be, but unlike many other boys, he adhered to his resolutions until he saw his dreams fulfill. Undiscouraged by hardships and penury, the poor boy struggled manfully up to eminence. Besides being a fine sample of self-making, his career is invalu- able as an encouragement to others inclined to falter in the weary journey that constitutes human life.
Edward N. Flynn was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1867, a son of John L. and Elizabeth Flynn. When two years of age his parents brought him to Jeffersonville, which was destined to be the theater of his life's work. He attended the public schools, proved to be an apt pupil and had fin- ished the first grade of the high school, but at this point the exigencies of his situation compelled a temporary abandonment of study. He had always de- sired to become a doctor and as early as his twelfth year this idea had taken full possession of his mind. Manifestly, if he was to escape a life of drudgery. a better education was imperatively demanded and how to accomplish this was the big problem in his boyish mind. Poverty acting as a good, proved in this case, as in many others, something of a blessing in disguise, as the necessity for earning a living also brought the opportunity to continue his studies. Before he had completed his thirteenth year he secured a job as a lighter of signal lamps on the Pennsylvania Railroad, which, though the pay was small, furnished occupation and provided means for the passing day. When sixteen years old he started the learning of telegraphy, in time be- came a first class operator and when, after fourteen years service, he resigned, he was regarded as one of the most expert workmen in the service of the rail- road company. All of his spare time was put to excellent use in preparatory medical study. Entering the Hospital Medical College in Louisville he de- voted nine hours daily to mastering the theory and practice of the learned profession to which he had determined to devote himself. He was graduated from this institution in 1897 and immediately opened an office for practice in Jeffersonville, but owing to peculiar circumstances was not forced to wait so long for business as is usually the case with young graduates. During his preliminary studies he was in the habit of giving medical advice to many friends and acquaintances, especially among the poorer classes. Those who were benefited by his gratuitious assistance sounded his praises over the city. with the result that when he "hung out his shingle" he was by no means un- known, but had fourteen patients the first day. Here we have an instance somewhat out of the ordinary of a professional man whose reputation was established before graduation. In the meantime by his obliging disposition
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BAIRD'S HISTORY OF CLARK CO., IND.
· and courteous manners he had been accumulating friends and a stock of pop- ularity, which enabled him to realize another of his boyish ambitions which was to become Mayor of his home town. Though not a politician in the ordinary sense of the term, Doctor Flynn had always taken an active part in public affairs and was recognized among the leaders as good material for office. In 1905 he was offered the nomination as candidate for Mavor on the Republican ticket, and agreed to accept if it was the desire of the party, but he declined to electioneer or ask any man for his vote. He was given the nomination and in due time triumphantly elected without using any of the arts or devices usual- ly resorted to by candidates for office. Thus the two fondest dreams of his boyhood were realized-when he found himself Mayor of Jeffersonville, and one of the city's most successful physicians, Recently Doctor Flynn has erected a new office building, which is regarded as one of the most complete of its kind in the county. It is fitted with reception. consultation and bath rooms. cach of which opens upon the entrance hall. The consultation room is equipped with the latest and most approved electric instruments for use in that department of medical science known as electro-therapeutics. All the rooms are large and commodious, well lighted and finished in white tile.
Doctor Flynn is a valued member of the Advent Christian church in New Albany and his fraternal relations embrace membership in the Knights of Templar, Knights Pythias. Knights and Ladies of Honor and the Golden Cross, Pathfinders and Elks. Thus it will be seen that his activities cover a wide field. embracing religious, political, professional, social and lodge duties amid all of which the genial Mayor of Jeffersonville finds himself a very busy man.
PROF. FRANCIS E. ANDREWS.
Professor Andrews, principal of the Jeffersonville high school and an educator of much more than local repute, is a native of Morgan county. Ohio, having been born in the town of McConnellsville on the 20th day of October. 1851. Seth Andrews, the professor's father, also a native of the Buckeye state, was a farmer and teacher, in connection with which he also preached for a num- ber of years for the Christian church, of which religious body all of his family were members. The maiden name of Mrs. Seth Andrews was Elvira Thorla. She was born in Noble county, Ohio, and. like her husband. traced her genealogy to German-Scotch ancestry, who came to America at a very carly period. six generations having been represented in this country since the original antecedents left their native land to seek a home amid the untried conditions of a new world. Of the six children born to Seth and Elvira An- drews, all but one are living, Francis E. being the fourth in order of birth.
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BAIRD'S HISTORY OF CLARK CO., IND.
Prof. Francis E. Andrews spent his early life in his native state and after .a preliminary educational training in the public schools, was prepared for college under the tutorship of Prof. James G. May, of Salem, Indiana, follow- ing which he took the full classical course at Marietta College, Washington county, Ohio, where he took the literary honors when he was graduated in the year 1874. Meanwhile he had devoted considerable time to teaching and the better to fit himself for educational work he subsequently became a student of the Indiana State Normal at Terre Haute, in which institution he earned an honorable record and from which he was graduated with a high standing in all of his classes in 1894. Since the latter year Professor Andrews has devoted his entire attention to school work and attained eminent success in the line of his calling. As a matter of fact, however, his experience as an educator began several years prior to that date, for from the early seventies until com- pleting his normal course he was alternately engaged in teaching and attend- ing school, and it may be said that all of his mature years have been devoted to the profession which he now follows and in which his success has been so signal and continuous. He was principal of the public schools of Charles- town for three years and for a period of eleven years held a similar position at Sellersburg, where he established an honorable reputation as a capable teacher and manager of schools and gained recognition among the leading educators of his part of the state.
In the year 1886 Professor Andrews accepted a position in the schools of Jeffersonville, since which time he has been very closely identified with the educational interests of the city, passing through several promotions until reaching in 1903, the principalship of the high school, which honorable and responsible position he still holds, previous to that time having had charge of the Chestnut Street School. He is prominent in the religious circles of the city and as a member and elder of the First Christian church takes a leading part in the affairs of the organization, frequently filling the pulpit besides preaching with great acceptance to various congregations in other places.
He is also deeply interested in secret societies of fraternal and benevolent work, and belongs to several organizations of this character including the Masonic Order, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Knights of Pythias, Mod- ern Woodmen of America, all in Jeffersonville excepting the Pythian brother- hood, with which he holds membership at Sellersburg. Like all intelligent and progressive citizens the professor is a politician in the best sense of the term, but not a partisan, nor a seeker after honors or emoltiments of office. On state and national affairs, in which he keeps thoroughly informed, he is a Republican, but in local matters, where no great questions or principles are involved, he votes as his judgment dictates, giving his support to the candi- dates best qualified for the positions they aspire to irrespective of political affiliation.
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BAIRD'S HISTORY OF CLARK CO., IND.
The domestic life of Professor Andrews dates from the year 1881, when he was married to Elizabeth Wells, a native of Indiana and a lady of high social and moral standing, to whom he is indebted for not a little of the suc- cess with which his career has been crowned. The pledges of this union are three children, namely: May, a graduate of the State Normal School and a teacher in the public schools of Connersville; Eva, a graduate of the Spen- cerian Business College of Louisville, at the present time is a stenographer in that city ; and Ada, who is still at home with her parents, all being grad- tates of the Jeffersonville high school and young ladies of much more than ordinary intelligence and culture.
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