USA > Indiana > Brief biographies of the members of the Indiana State Government : executive, judicial, and legislative, 1874-5 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
7 ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
L
3 1833 02516 4804
Gc 977.2 B77 BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE INDIANA STATE GOVERNMENT
BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES
OF THE
MEMBERS
Compliments of
INDIANAPOLIS SENTINEL COMPANY.
£ 4
1874-5.
, 36
THE INDIANAPOLIS SENTINEL COMPANY, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS.
8 0 35
.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES
OF THE
MEMBERS 1
OF THE
INDIANA STATE GOVERNMENT;
EXECUTIVE, JUDICIAL,
AND LEGISLATIVE.
-
1874-5.
36
THE INDIANAPOLIS SENTINEL COMPANY, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS.
8 0
F
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street 1
PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
2000219
INTRODUCTORY.
For the gratification of commendable curiosity on the part of the public, the SENTINEL recently published an eight page supple- ment containing short sketches of the members of the General Assembly. That enterprise met with such general favor as to warrant the thorough revision of those sketches and their repro- duction under cover, together with the members of the Executive and Judicial departments of the State Government of Indiana, outgoing and incoming. The preparation of these sketches for publication was beset with obstacles not easily surmounted. Some most meritorious subjects were sketched but briefly because the necessary data was not accessable. So far as they go, however, all may be regarded as reliable. It has been the purpose of the publishers to be impartial and non-partisan, giving each subject sketched the full benefit of all the material at hand.|
5
EXECUTIVE.
THOMAS A. HENDRICKS,
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF INDIANA.
To write the history of the political and public life of Governor Hendricks would require a book. It should not be attempted here and now, for another reason, viz: That he is yet in the middle of his public career and the proper time has not arrived to comment upon it. A mere outline of the facts on this point may be given as follows: Pro- fessionally, a lawyer, and a successful one; he was in the Indiana Legislature from 1845 to 1849, an active member of the Constitutional Convention of 1850 from Shelby county, twice elected to Congress, in 1851 and the succeed- ing term, in 1855 appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office by President Pierce, which position he held four years, in 1863 chosen to the Senate of the United States, and in 1872, against his wishes, elected Governor of the State of Indiana for the term ending January 13 1877. Within this condensed summary is contained a political history of great activity, and a brilliance which attracts national attention. There are exciting campaigns, years of service, memorable acts and speeches which together mark the man as one of the foremost living states- men. As such, he is looked upon in the present and counted on for the future by a people whose confidence and affection, also, he enjoys in the highest degree. Gov. Hendricks is altogether an Indiana citizen. Born, it is true, in Ohio, Muskingum county, September 7, 1819 before the end of his first year his father and mother had come into the Hoosier State, and his first step in life was probably made within the present city of Indianapolis. The family went to Shelby county in 1822 and assaulted
6
EXECUTIVE
nature in her fortresses yet unimproved, It was a rough fight, but healthtul to character. The Governor made the most of the common schools, and pursued his studies further in a college of his own State at Hanover, Jeffeason county, which is now proud of her eminent son. Only once he left the State in search of learning, and that was to complete a course of law study with a near relation at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. This done, he retuned to
his life work in his own State. So tenacious is he of util- izing and relying on home resources, that lately in seek- ing a head officer for the Purdue University, he set his face steadily against going outside of Indiana.
The magnetic charm of Gov. Hendricks lies in his per- sonal character. All men and women and children, too, are attracted to his presence. In his society political pre- judice and partisan hostility are inevitably destroyed. They flee away before the genial influence of cordiality, good nature and engaging conversation. Although he always maintains a genteel dignity, the humble,timid, and con- sciously uncultured, find ease in his society and pleasure at his presence. No man of the people feels restraint in approaching him the second time. He is the life of an excursion party, a reception, or a good time where "two or three are met together." Temperate, sprightly, witty, need it be said that the ladies find in him a companion for travel or the social circle worthy their refined tastes and agreeable at all times. In his disposition, the Governor is by nature conservative. He clings to the old and distrusts the new. Consulting his feelings rather than judgment, he would be inclined to discourage changes and innova- tions. This comes of nature and is indicative of strong home influences extending back in the family. But they err most egregiously who, not studying him personally,
7
EXECUTIVE.
assume that the Governor is non-combative, timid, or vacillating. He is cautious, but if aroused, the impulses of his nature rise to absolute fury. This fact is none the less real, because his strong judgment and will restrain rash demonstrations. It is unnecessary to say that the subject is of handsome face and figure. Most people know that. His manner of speech in private and public is enchanting, and on the political rostrum he is clear, sharp and statesmanlike in style. He is exceedingly happy in short addresses on miscellaneous occasions, having a habit not universally known, of being carefully prepared, when it is supposed the speech is strictly impromptu. One point more must not be omitted in this inadequate sketch. That is the staunch devotion of Gov. Hendricks to the pub- lic schools of Indiana. On these he builds all expecta- tions of a worthy citizenship and a prosperous State. Intelligent himself in spite of the adversities of a pioneer history, he demands education for the people and insists upon it everywhere, and at all times. It is not, therefore, unworthy for Indiana to be proud of her own rearing, when her greatest son is known still more widely for his integrity, purity and intrinsic goodness.
LEONIDAS SEXTON, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR,
Is a native of Rushville, this State, having been born there May 19th, 1827. His father was born in Massachusetts, his mother in North Carolina, and they moved to Indiana in 1821. Mr. Sexton has lived at Rushville all his life, with the exception of a brief period of time spent at
8
EXECUTIVE.
school. He graduated from Jefferson College, Pennsyl- vania, in 1846, and then he read law in the office of the Hon. A. W. Hubbard, late member of Congress for three terms, from the sixth Iowa district, but now engaged in banking at Sioux city, in that State. In politics Mr. Sexton was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party. The first vote he ever cast was for President Taylor which was on the second Tuesday of November, 1848. Immediate- ly afterward, on the same day, he took a state room on a palatial boat on the White Water canal, enroute to Cincin- nati to attend law lectures by Messrs. Groesbeck and Til- ford, the former a prominent politician and eminent jurist, yet living, the latter, then his partner, now deceased. having acquired the necessary legal lore for a beginning, he returned to Rushville and entered upon the practice of his profession, and he has continued to be so engaged ever since then except when in public life. In 1856, he was a candidate for Legislative honors, his opponent being Samuel McBride, Esq. A contest case which lasted all through the session and never was settled, was the result and Rush was not represented in the law-making branch of the government during all that time, yet both contes- . tants drew their pay as regular members. Such cases were then very rare and served to spice the sessions which otherwise might have been monotonous.
In 1872, his friends, without his knowledge and consent in State convention, entered him for the race for the Lieuten- ant Governorship, and the people, at large. elected him. By virtue of that call and election, he is now the incum- bent of that office and as such, President of the Senate. As a lawyer, he has a high standing in his section of the State, and indeed, throughout the State, and has a host of friends at the bar, and among the people. In fact, he pos-
-
9
EXECUTIVE.
sesses all the elements of personal popularity. At home and abroad, he is uniformly kind and generous to the poor. Law students are always anxious to read for the pro- tession in his office. Unlike most members of the bar, he is particularly delighted to assist and advance all worthy young men who show a disposition to help themselves. He never discourages anybody when seeking to step higher upon the ladder of life.
He possesses quick perceptive power, amounting almost to intuition, and at the same time is cool and collected, qualities that peculiarly fit him for wielding the gavel over a deliberative body.
JOHN ENOS NEFF,
SECRETARY OF STATE-INCOMING.
The young and brilliant incumbent of the Secretary of State's office comes down from the tip-top of Indiana. That is to say, he is a native of Winchester, Randolph county, which is the highest land in the State. His parents, the father from Ohio and the mother from Pennsylvania, are Scotch-Irish and German by descent and the family hold a leading position in Randolph county. Mr. Neff's father was the first treasurer of the county, and also & quartermaster with the rank of captain, in the Mexican war. The son is a bright and successful lawyer, having like the State Auditor, laid the foundations of his educa- tion at the State University of Bloomington .. That Mr. Neff possesses the abilities of a successful politician is strongly assured by his achievements already made. Born Oct. 26, 1846, he was less than 29 years old when elected
10
EXECUTIVE.
to his present important office. Two years earlier he was a candidate for Congress in the then Ninth District in com- petion with the Hon. J. P. C. Shanks, and received, beyond doubt, a majority of the votes. But the contest was so close that Mr. Shanks, a Republican, had the advantage in Congress, to which the decision was referred by Gov. Baker, and held his seat. In the last campaign upon the stump, Mr Neff was a full match for Mr. Curry, his antagonist, who was the champion debater of his party. They met before the same assemblies, and the popular judgment sus- tained this view. Mr. Neff possesses the elements of pop- ularity in a high degree in personal intercourse, is shrewd and discreet in all his movements and very effective as a political orator. Perhaps the only objection that can be laid at his door is the circumstance that he is still unmar- ried, thus setting before the young men of the State, a bad example in high places. But as it is not yet too late, it is to be hoped that this mistake will be speedily remedied.
WILLIAM W. CURRY,
SECRETARY OF STATE-OUTGOING,
Was born in Louisville, Kentucky, February 15th, 1824: His genealogy is American on both sides so far back as he can trace his ancestry. All the education he was able to acquire was through the medium of the common schools. At an early age he was apprenticed to a cabintet maker and served five years. When twenty-one he entered the ministry of the Universalist Church, since which time he has had charge of congregations in Columbus, Dan- ville, New Albany, Logansport and Terre Haute. For
11
EXECUTIVE.
several years past, however, he has divided his time between the pulpit and the stump. In 1864 he made a spirited canvass for Congress in the New Albany district, but in as much as he had a most popular opponent, (Mr. Kerr), both politieally and personally, and an overwhelm- ing majority to overcome, it is hardly necessary to add that he did not go to Congress on that occasion. There is no doubt that he came nearer going than any one else of his political principles could have gone. In 1868 he was made a member of the Boad of Directors of the State Prison South and served four years. He was elected Secretary of State in 1872, from which position he recently retired with the well earned plaudits of all parties. Gov- ernor Hendricks complimented him highly in his message. He was ably assisted in his official duties by his daughter, Miss Cory Curry. Mr. Curry is universally recognized as one of the most ready debaters and able stump orators in Indiana. Very few have the hardihood to meet him in joint canvass. He has a way of arranging statistics and raining them down upon an opponent like shots from a Gatling gun. His sallies and repartees usually arouse an opponent to manifest displeasure, in which respect Mr. Curry is not wholly unlike the gods who first make mad whom they would destroy. He is a stauch Republican and an ardent advocate of temperance and morality. Though he is now out of office he is still a citizen of Indianapolis.
EBENEZER HENDERSON,
AUDITOR OF STATE-INCOMING.
Mr. Henderson is not the traditional self-made man. He had a good start, and it is as much to his credit, and possi-
12
EXECUTIVE.
bly more so, that a good fortune inherited from his parents, did not make a fool of him as it would have been to have climbed out of poverty by hard work. Both results prove that a man is made of good material. He was born in Morgan county, where his elegant home, property and ·business interests still remain. The date was June 2, 1833, and he is consequently 42 years old, in the flower and vigor of manhood. He is the only child of parents who came from Kentucky to this State in 1831. He is also a . son, but not the only son, by some hundreds, of the State . University at Bloomington. There is a fitness in this cir- `cumstance, that the State fitted him for her own service. Being possessed of a handsome estate from his father, it was both natural and wise that Mr. Henderson should give that his attention instead of running off to a profession because he was fitted for it by native talent and education. Happy will it be for Indiana when more of her well edu- cated sons shall devote their energies to industry, and - crown labor with intelligence and mental culture. Besides farming on a large scale, Mr. Henderson has given a great deal of attention to dealing in stock, and is one of the leading pork packers of the State. His own county hon- ored him in 1860 with the custody of her funds as Treasu- rer, which duty he discharged faithfully one term. In 1868 he was a member of the State Senate, and one of its active workers. He is a shrewd and effective manipulator of the political tides and currents and makes a sure thing of what he undertakes. In his late campaign he was the nominee of both the Independents and the Democrats, and was strongly supported by both parties. He possesses in a large degree, the elements of personal popularity, especi- ally among the body of the working people. He brings to the duties of his important office as Auditor of State, a
13 .
EXECUTIVE.
wide and extended business experience, a clear record of integrity and great energy ; in short all the elements which guarantee success and honorable service for the State.
JAMES A. WILDMAN,
AUDITOR OF STATE-OUTGOING,
Every inch of Mr. Wildman, and there are about sev- enty-five of them in the clear, is Hoosier. He was born in the State, grew up on the Indiana plan, not of financo, but of hard, honest labor, and he represents in his charac- ter and style the true Western man. A gentleman in every sense, he acts on the rule, without any exception, to treat every other man as a gentleman. This habit, united with a genial and cordial temper, has made him as popu- lar with the people as a man can well become. The people like Mr. Wildman, for he is one of them. No elevation of official position can make him forget the days of manual labor, or divorce his sympathies from that class among whom his career began. He is a native of Jefferson county, born May 22, 1834, of American parentage, and received his education in his own county, beginning on the puncheon-floor of the common school house, and fin- ishing off at Hanover College. He spent a couple of years in Iowa, 1855-6, and then came back and set his stake in ' Howard county, when Kokomo was a crude and muddy town. He has scen a wagon with one milk can mire down . in front of his own door; helped to lay the first flat stone sidewalk, put some money in every one of her churches, built or helped build her fine school, and in short been .a ... part and parcel of that now thrifty and bright city. "
14
EXECUTIVE.
Twice elected County Auditor, he developed in that office the qualities which the event has proved fitted him so well to oversee the financial economy of the State. In 1868 he represented his county in the Legislature, and in 1869 was made Grand Master of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, in which fraternity he stands among the first. Ho leaves the office of State Auditor with the unqualified approbation of all, irrespective of party. Mr. Wildman is a staunch Republican, always working squarely in the traces, but committed to a fair fight, and in public service treating all alike impartially as citizens of equal rights. In a campaign he is not by any means negligent of politi- cal tactics, and as a hand-shaker he has few equals and no superior. It is not time yet to sum up his public service for he is always conspicuous in a crowd, and may get hit again. Indeed, it will be strange if he does not. But whether in public service or in private lite, he will honor the State which claims him, and never lack a host of friends.
BENJAMIN C. SHAW,
TREASURER OF STATE-INCOMING.
Was born at Oxford, Ohio, February 3d, 1831. His parents were natives of North Carolina and Ohio respec- tively. His educational opportunities were confined to an old log school-house, and the first twelve years of his exis- tence in his native State, where in his thirteenth year, he was apprentenced to a carriage maker, and in due time learned that trade and has followed it closely and success- fully ever since, except during a part of the period of the
15
EXECUTIVE.
war, when he was in the army. From April 1861 until July, 1863, between which dates he served his country as 2d and lat Lieutenant, Captain and Major of the 7th Indiana, camp commander of the 4th Congressional Dis- trict, and Lieut. Colonol of tho 68th Indiana regiment. He came to the State in 1848, since which time he has resided at Rushville, Laurel, Wabash, Greensburg and Indianapo- lis respectively. He has been a Democrat all his life, except the cloven years intervening between 1854 and 1865, and he was elected by Democrats and Liberals to the office he now holds, at the last election.
JOHN B. GLOVER,
TREASURER OF STATE- OUTGOING,
Was born in Orange county, Indiana, March 4th, 1833. His parents were both natives of this country; his father removing to Orange county from Kentucky, in October 1814. He was reared on his father's farm in his native county, goinng to school when the weather forbid working in the field. When approaching maturity he attended school at New Albany and elsewhere. After completing his course, he secured the situation of teacher in New Albany, and afterwards taught in the Salem High School. At the beginning of the war he organized a company and was assigned to duty in the 38th infantry. He was elected Captain of the company, aud was promoted to Major of the regiment, and he sorved in that capacity until the war was over. Upon his return from the army his services received recognition by his being elected to the office of County Treasurer. At the close of his term ho
16 -
EXECUTIVE.
was re-elected. In 1872 he was elected Treasurer of State by the Republicans, of which party he has been a life long member. He was defeated as a candidate for re-election, and but recently retired from that office to the regret of all his personal friends in Indianapolis and in Indiana, regard- less of party.
CLARENCE A. BUSKIRK,
ATTORNEY GENERAL OF STATE-INCOMING,
Is a native of New York. He was born in the beautiful little village of Friendship, Allegheny county, Nov. 8th, 1842. His father's family were descended from Holland, and his mother was of Scotch and Irish ancestry. The son received the rudiments of his education at Friendship academy in his native village. Then he came West and completed his course of studies in the University of Michi- gan. . Having read law with Messrs. Balch & Smiley at Kalamazoo, and attended law lectures at Ann Arbor, he was admitted to the bar in 1865. The year ensuing, he removed to this State and located at Princeton. His legal ability and admirable social qualities soon gave him a first place in the hearts of the people of that section of the State. In 1872 he was nominated for a seat in the Legis- lature, and was elected. He served on the Judiciary and other important committees, with credit to all concerned, through the special and regular sessions, as appears by the reports. Suffice it to say that he served the State so satis- factorily in that capacity that he was nominated in 1874 for the more responsible office of Attorney-General. Again he was elected and by a large majority. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and an able and ardent champiou of the principles of that party. Personally he is a man of imposing appearance and engaging manners.
17
EXECUTIVE.
JAMES C. DENNY,
ATTORNEY GENERAL-OUTGOING.
Was born in Knox county, Indiana, August 8th, 1829. His father was from Kentucky, and his mother from Ten- nessee, the former removing to this State in 1804, and the latter in 1818. The elder Denny was Clerk of Knox county from 1852 to 1860, and was re-elected in 1860, but uuder the ruling of the Supreme Court, that such clerks could only hold two terms, he could not serve. He then entered the army as Captain of Company E., 51st Indiana Infantry, but died the same month he was assigned to duty.
General Denny was educated in the common schools of Knox county, in private schools and in the University of Vincennes. He was reared on his fathers farm. When about of age, however, he entered a store in Vincennes and remained there as clerk for four years, reading law at night, the last two years, of his service there. Then he secured the situation of deputy county clerk, and read law two years longer. Soon afterwards he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession, having Judge Judah for a partner. The partnership lasted six years, being dissolved by mutual agreement in 1860. Since then he has been judge of the Circuit and Common Pleas Court and Attorney General, from which office he recently retired. During the time since the dissolution above alluded to, when not in official position, General Denny has resided in Vincennes and practised his profession. He makes his home in Indianapolis now; has an office on Washington street and resides on North Tennessee.
2
18
EXECUTIVE.
JAMES H. SMART,
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION -- INCOMING,
Was born in Center Harbor, N. H., in 1841. He received an academic education in the East and came West about twelve or thirteen years since. In 1863 he was engaged in a responsible position in the Toledo public schools, where he taught two or three years Then he removed to Fort Wayne, and was elevated to the superintendency of the schools of that city, and soon became identified with the educational interests of the State at large; so much so indeed, that when the Democratic party had an oppor- tunity to elect a Superintendent of Public Instruction they selected him as the favored one. He had then long been an active member of the State Board of Education, where his rare executive ability was first recognized and appreciated. Those who know him best claim that his strong point is in organization, a quality that eminently fits him for the office of Superintendent of the schools of the State. The ability he displayed in the management of the Fort Wayne schools augurs well for the educational interests of Indiana for the next two years. Added to other good qualities he is an indefatigable worker, never wearying of well doing in his chosen profession. He has labored incessantly to fit himself and others, for the re- sponsible duties devolving upon those who have the responsibility of training the young.
ALEXANDER C. HOPKINS,
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION-OUTGOING.
This gentleman, son of the late Hon. Milton B. Hop- kins, was appointed by Governor Hendricks, the successor
19
JUDICIAL.
of his father as Superintendent of Public Instruction in Angust, 1874. Previously to his father's death he had been engaged in the office, and thereby had become famil- iar with all its duties and details of business. In the com- pletion of the annual report on the public schools of the State, he has given to the public one of the most valuable documents ever issued on the subject in Indiana. In all the duties of the office, he has been faithful and untiring in the service to which he was called, under circumstances peculiarly sad. Mr. Hopkins is professionally an educa- tor, having been identified with the Howard College at Kokomoand before that had chargeof the Ladoga Academy. He was born in Rush county. Nov. 11, 1843, but educated in the University at Lexington, Ky. He returned to Indiana in 1870, since which time he has been an assiduous worker in the cause of education, achieving therein an honorable distinction Mr Hopkins is a scholar, excelling in math- ematical studies, and is also a good singer and musician. In his personal relations, he is genial and courteous to all, and will leave the position to which he was so unexpectedly summoned in the possession of universal respect.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.