USA > Indiana > Decatur County > A Genealogical and biographical record of Decatur County, Indiana : compendium of national biography > Part 28
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William McCoy, father of our subject, was a native of Virginia, and as he was born about 1762 he was not old enough to be admitted to the continental army when the Declaration of Independence was pro- claimed. The youth possessed the true patriotic spirit, however, and in 1777 he enlisted and served in the ranks for five years, or until the colonists were triumph- ant. He participated in numerous hotly contested battles, and at Cowpens a bullet grazed his head, cutting a swath through his hair, while another bullet lodged in his hip. He continued to carry the British lead with him throughout life, and death did not claim him until he was eighty-four years old. Plucky and daring, he would not enter a hospital for treatment, but bore his suf- ferings with fortitude, and a splendid consti- tution carried him through the trouble. Having a strong love of adventure, which his army life had fostered, he shipped on board a sailing vessel, at the close of the war, and went to Africa, for the ship was engaged in the slave trade. One day, while he and a companion were on shore, the ship weighed anchor and sailed without them,
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and three long, dreadful months dragged by ere they were taken away by another vessel which stopped at that port. His ex- periences by that time had been sufficient to last him for the remainder of his life, and he returned to Virginia, where he settled down to the quiet routine of a farmer. He married and had seven children, and some time subsequent to the death of his first wife he wedded Nancy Waple. She de- parted this life in 1835, leaving six children. Later Mr. McCoy removed with his family to Kentucky, and in 1819 came to Decatur county. Taking up a tract of wild land, he proceeded to clear and improve it, and for a number of years he operated the Shell- horn mill, which was the first mill built in this county and which received the patron- age of the pioneers from quite distant places. While visiting his son in Louis- ville, Kentucky, he died quite suddenly, but his life-work had been well rounded and he was ready to receive the summons.
Isaiah McCoy, who was born in Gallatin county, Kentucky, February 23, 1814, was five years of age when he came to this county; and now, eighty years afterward, he is living upon the same farm which has been the scene of his life work during this long period. Of his father's family of thirteen children he is now the only survivor, and with a sigh which cannot be restrained he often recalls the large and happy group that used to assemble around the table, which was frequently quite bare of provisions in the early days, but which, upon the other hand, sometimes groaned under the weight of wild turkeys, venison and other game, together with such delicacies as the thrifty housekeeper skillfully concocted. Corn cakes were used to a great extent, and sev-
eral years passed after the arrival of the family in this county ere they enjoyed the luxury of white wheat bread.
Needless to say, Isaiah McCoy had no educational advantages whatever, and years rolled away before there were enough chil- dren in this section of the township to con- stitute a small school. He was a strong lad, and at a very early age he was set to work at splitting rails for fences, and other tasks which required great strength and endur- ance. Probably there is no man living to- day in Decatur county who has made one- half as many rails as he, and the usual work of clearing also fell to his share.
An important step in life was taken by Mr. McCoy when, on the 8th of November, 1837, he married Mary Short, whose birth had occurred near Madison, Indiana, Janu- ary 8, 1816. The young couple were poor, but they energetically began farming on a rented place, and at the end of five or six years had saved about four hundred dollars, which they invested in eighty acres of the place now owned by our subject. As he could afford it, he bought more property until he now has in the home place some three hundred acres of valuable and well improved land.
For fifty-four years Mr. and Mrs. McCoy pursued the journey of life together, and then the devoted wife and mother was sum- moned to the better land, her death occurr- ing May 6, 1891. Of their seven children. all but one, Nancy V., survive. John Nel- son, ' born July 30, 1839, and Benjamin Franklin, born in April, 1842, were of great assistance to their father for years on the old homestead. Eliza Ellen, born July 12. 1844; Julia F., born November 22, 1847; Courtney Ann, born in September, 1850,
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and Amanda Jane, born June 10, 1854, were the younger members of the family.
In his political belief Mr. McCoy is a Re- publican, and prior to the organization of this party he was affiliated with the Whigs, as was his father before him. His cheerful disposition and way of looking upon the bright side of things are, in part, reasons for his popularity, and doubtless have con- duced to his length of days.
HON. JAMES K. EWING.
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This able lawyer, who has often been called the Nestor of the Decatur county bar, has a widespread reputation throughout the state as a man thoroughly familiar with every detail of his profession, careful and just in the treatment of his clients, and one in whom the people have unbounded con- fidence. He was born in Decatur county, Indiana, November 23, 1843, and is a son of Patrick and Lydia (Morgan) Ewing. The history of the Ewing family will be found in the sketch of Putnam Ewing, on another page of this volume.
Judge Ewing studied law under his brother, Cortez Ewing, and was admitted to the bar in November, 1867. In the same year he formed a partnership with his brother Cortez, now deceased, under the firm name of C. & J. K. Ewing, the first case of the firm being reported in volume . 32 of the supreme-court records. This partnership continued until 1883, when the senior member retired and Cortez, Jr .. the son of Abel Ewing, succeeded to his place. The latter is a leading attorney and ex-state senator. His wife is the daughter of the late Governor Matthews of Indiana. The
firm was known as Ewing & Ewing, and had a large and valuable practice until its dissolution, in 1893. In that year James K. Ewing was appointed judge of the eighth judicial district, holding that office until 1895, when he resumed his private practice, associated with his nephew, Charles H. Ew- ing, the firm name again becoming Ewing & Ewing.
Judge Ewing was a delegate to the na- tional Democratic convention in 1888, and usually attends all the state and national conventions. He is a member of the Deca- tur Lodge, No. 103, I. O. O. F. In Janu- ary, 1890, he was married to Ida, daugh- ter of the late Dr. Samuel Maguire, a promi- nent physician of Greensburg. The family are prominent in all worthy enterprises and are most highly esteemed by their fellow citizens.
Cortez Ewing, brother of our subject, and his former partner, was born in Decatur county, April 15, 1837. When only thir- teen years old he entered the office of Henry H. Talbott, clerk and ex-officio recorder, and filled the position of deputy clerk and recorder from 1850 to 1857. From 1857 to 1858 he was a clerk in the general land office at Washington, D. C., under Thomas A. Hendricks, then commissioner of that office. He was admitted to the bar in 1858. in the Decatur circuit court, and in 1861-2 was in the law office of Gavin & Hord, where, during the absence of Colonel James Gavin in the army, he assisted O. B. Hord in completing the revision of the laws of Indiana, the compilation being known as Gavin & Hord's Indiana Statutes. Later lie became the partner of Oscar B. Hord, and the firm of Hord & Ewing continued until about 1868. In 1867 the firm of C. &
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J. K. Ewing was established, with which he was connected until 1883, when he aided in organizing. the Third National Bank of Greensburg and was made its cashier, which office he held until his death, February 28, 1887: He was married December 27, 1860, to Elizabeth H. Matthews, and two children were born to them, Maggie, wife of George B. Stockman; and Oscar Hord.
Like all his family Mr. Ewing was a life- long Democrat and an active worker in the interest of his party, although not a poli- tician in the sense of being an office-seeker, the only official position he ever held being that of trustee of the Institute for the Edu- cation of the Blind, his term of service comprising four years, from 1874 to 1878. He was a man of superior ability and of a legal turn of mind, and was one of the lead- ing attorneys of the county.
BENJAMIN GOSNELL.
As is well known, the Gosnell family, which is represented in Clinton township, Decatur county, by the subject of this arti- cle, is one of the foremost of the pioneer families to whose heroism and indefatigable toil the present generation owes the major share of the prosperity it enjoys. The Gos- nells have been noted for patriotism and devotion to duty as citizens of this great republic, their personal interests being rele- gated to a secondary place when the wel- fare of their country demanded.
Peter Gosnell, the founder of the family in the United States, came to America from England in colonial days, and his son Benja- min, in whose lionor our subject was named, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution.
Many a tale of valor and hardship has lie related to his namesake, and in the course of time the memory of those heroic deeds of liis ancestor impelled the younger man to follow in his illustrious footsteps. Prior to 1826 the family settled in Kentucky, and in the year named came to Indiana. The grandfather that year settled in Decatur county, and on Little Flat Rock creek, in what is now Adams township, and contin- ued to dwell there during the remainder of his life. In the meantime he cleared a good farm in the dense woods, and by his general conduct won the love of everyone who had any dealings whatever with him. He was married four times and was survived by his last wife, who, after his death, in 1846, went to Illinois to make her home with one of her sons, and died many years ago. Benja- min Gosnell, Sr., was the father of thirteen children, all of whom he lived to see com- fortably settled in life and happily married. Seven of the number are now deceased.
Thomas Gosnell, father of our subject, was born in Virginia, February 5, 1798, and in 1826 came to this county with his fatlier. The following year he married Hettie Porter, whose birth had occurred in Kentucky, in 1809, and who had come to this state with her parents about the same time as did the Gosnells. The young cou- ple commenced keeping house in Orange township, Rush county, but their happiness was of short duration, for upon the 15th of June, 1829, the husband was killed by liglit- ning, as he stood under a sheltering tree. whither he had gone for protection from a violent rain-storm. Thus ended a life which was singularly full of promise, for he was endowed with natural talents and possessed a good education for those days. He had
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chosen the occupation of teacher, and was especially well grounded in mathematics, besides being an exceptionally fine penman, as specimens of his work abundantly testify. His young wife, who was left with one child, our subject, afterward married Solomon Turpin. To them a daughter, Susan, was born, and when she had grown to woman- hood she became the wife of George Samp- son, and died in 1856.
Born March 2, 1828, Benjamin Gosnell, of course, remembers nothing of his father, whose death occurred when the former was but fifteen months old. He was reared in Rush county, his birthplace, and on reach- ing man's estate chose for his wife a neigh- bor's daughter, Jane Farlow. She was a native of the same county, born October 7, 1827, and her marriage to Mr. Gosnell took place on the 30th of September, 1849. To- gether they journeyed through life for al- most half a century, when, on the 9th of September, 1897, death claimed the loving wife and mother. Their son, Benjamin F., died at the age of twenty-six years, and two other children died in infancy. Four daughters, survive, namely: Mrs. Lucinda Selby, Mrs. Louisa Wood, Mrs. Adeline Finley and Mrs. Sally Milligan.
An important chapter in the life history of Benjamin Gosnell was his valiant service on behalf of the Union. In 1863 he en- listed as a private in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment of In- diana Volunteer Infantry. With his com- rades he took part in many of the important battles and campaigns of the war; was act- ing under the leadership of General Thomas at Nashville, when the Confederate army. under General Hood, was defeated by the Union forces, and later went with Sherman
on the famous march to the sea. He was on the way to Washington, following the Atlantic coast, and had proceeded on the weary march as far as Raleigh, North Caro- lina, when the news came that Lee had surrendered. Since the war Mr. Gosnell has been an honored member of "Pap" Thomas Post, No. 5, G. A. R., of Greens- burg.
MARINE D. ROSS.
The name of Ross is inseparably inter- woven with the early history of Indiana, for its representatives took an active part in molding the development and prosperity of the state through the pioneer days. The subject of this review was born in Ripley county, Indiana, April 21, 1817, and was a son of John Ross, a native of Kentucky, who removed to Ripley county in the days of its early settlement. He was there em- ployed in the government service, guarding the frontier against the Indians, who were about to encroach upon the settlers. These brave and loyal men thus engaged were known as rangers. During this time Deca- tur county was opened for settlement, and Mr. Ross entered a tract of land three miles east of Greensburg, in 1821. He trans- formed the wild prairie into richly cultivated fields and made his home upon that farm for twenty years, but ultimately removed to Greensburg, where he conducted one of the old-time taverns, on the Michigan road. This was before the advent of railroads, and his hotel was a popular place of entertain- ment in this section of the county. To- ward the last of his life he removed to Rip- ley county, Indiana, where his last days were passed. Mr. Ross was three times
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married. He first wedded Mrs. De Vaul, and they became the parents of five daugh- ters and one son, the latter being our sub- ject. For his second wife the father chose Miss Cole, and they had one son, William Ross, who is living in Westport, Indiana. His third wife bore the name of Cynthia Mills, and after the death of her husband she was granted a pension by the govern- ment, in recognition of his services in guarding the western frontier against the Indians.
Marine D. Ross was only four months old when his parents removed to the old family homestead east of Greensburg, and there he was reared to manhood. He ex- perienced all the hardships and trials that fall to the lot of the pioneer settlers and was early inured to the labors of the farm. After attaining his majority he began busi- ness on his own account, and was engaged in teaming between Greensburg and Cin- cinnati. He was also one of the contract- ors.on the Big Four Railroad, which was being constructed between Lawrenceburg and Indianapolis. In 1852 he resumed farming, which he followed in connection with stock dealing and the butchering business. He became connected with the pork-packing industry and was the owner of a packing house, in which he em- ployed a large force of workmen. He con- ducted the last named enterprise for a num- ber of years, with marked success, and in 1883, having acquired a handsome compe- tence, he put aside business cares and re- tired to private life.
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On the 18th of July, 1848, Mr. Ross was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Moore, of Greensburg, a daughter of Quartes Moore, a native of Pennsylvania, who took
up his abode in College Corner, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Ross became the parents of six children: Lamartine and Mary, both de- ceased; Lon, a resident of Greensburg: Janette, wife of George M. Ewing, of Greensburg; Inez, deceased; and Manie E., wife of James E. Mendenhall.
For a half century Mr. Ross was a deacon in the Presbyterian church and one of its most faithful and consistent members. His political support was given to Democracy until 1856, when he joined the ranks of the Republican party. He never sought office, yet at the solicitation of his friends he served as township trustee and in other local posi- tions. In 1882 he took up his abode in Greensburg, and was one of its honored and respected citizens until his death, which oc- curred December 11, 1892. He belonged to that class of representative Americans whose enterprise and industry add to the general prosperity and whose public spirit is manifested by substantial encouragement given to all movements and measures calcu- lated to prove of benefit to the community.
HON. JOHN W. HOLCOMB.
Not often is it given to a young man who has seen only a quarter of a century to occupy such an important place before the public as does the Hon. John W. Hol- comb, of Greensburg. He possesses un- usual ability and foresight, wisdom far be- yond his years, and in furthering the cause which he believes to be right manifests the enthusiasm and zeal that carry conviction to the minds of the doubtful and wavering. while, at the same time, a feeling of respect is aroused even in his political antagonists.
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He is not schooled in political methods, is not merely a mouth-piece of any party or- ganization, but makes up his mind inde- pendently upon the right or justice of a question, and acts accordingly. It is to be earnestly hoped that all representatives of the people in the future will thus act in harmony with the dictates of their con- science, and for the good of the public.
Daniel W. Holcomb, father of our sub- ject, was born in the vicinity of Moore's Hill, Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1852. He removed thence to Jennings county. this state, and in 1870 became a resident of Decatur county. For almost three decades he has been numbered among the enterpris- ing agriculturists of Marion township, his fine homestead there, comprising two hun- dred acres, being one of the best in that locality. He has given his active support to the Republican party and is a true and patriotic citizen, highly respected by all who know him. Religiously he is a mem- ber of the Freewill. Baptist church, and is a liberal contributor to righteous causes. He chose Mary, daughter of John Evans, for his companion and helpmate through life's journey. Her father, formerly a resident of Sand Creek township, this county, is now making his home on a farm in Jennings county.
The birth of John W. Holcomb occurred in Marion township. Decatur county. Feb- ruary 27, 1874, and his boyhood was that of the average farmer's son. Such education as he obtained in his early years was af- forded him by the district school, but, not content with this, he later attended the Central Normal College, at Danville. Indi- ana. In that institution he was graduated, in 1896, with the degree of Bachelor of
Laws, and was granted a diploma as a teacher, for he had pursued both the legal and pedagogic courses. During a period of eight years, commencing in 1890, he was successfully engaged in teaching, for a por- tion of each year, but since the spring of 1899 he has devoted his time exclusively to the law, his office being in Greensburg. He thoroughly deserves the success which he enjoys, for he is a worthy type of the Ameri- can self-made man,-one who owes the major portion of his education to his own diligent efforts and determination, and has fought his way, inch by inch, to a position of honor in the community.
That his acquaintances recognized in him a young man of exceptional ability and promise was shown by his election, in No- vember, 1898, to the house of representa- tives of this state, where he acted for the people during the winter of 1898-9. He introduced several bills, including one pro- viding for the reorganization of the state board of education (three members being added to that body), and, after a hot con- test, this bill was passed. He served ac- ceptably upon several committees, compris- ing those on education, labor and federal relations, and was the chairman of the com- mittee on the state library. For a young man he is rated as an unusually good . speaker, his ideas being stated in a clear. concise, logical and convincing manner. while his poise and self-possession are truly remarkable. It is safe to predict for-him a brilliant future, and his numerous friends have reason for the pride which they have in him.
From his boyhood Mr. Holcomb re- ceived training in the Baptist tenets, and is now an active member of the Greensburg
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church. In the fraternities he belongs to the I. O. O. F., having joined that order at Westport, where he was a member of West- port Lodge, No. 681. He represented that lodge in the grand lodge of the state, and at present he is associated with Greensburg Lodge, No. 103. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, his membership being in Greensburg Lodge, No. 148, of Greens- burg. His popularity in professional, po- litical and social circles is beyond question, yet he is unostentatious and bears his hon- ors in the proper spirit,-that of an honest, straightforward American. His marriage took place September 27, 1899, when he was united to Miss Maggie Owens, of Deca- tur county.
MILTON G. MOOR.
In America, where the liberty of the peo- ple has been obtained by force of arms and made permanent by wise statesmanship, the soldier occupies the first place in the public mind, however high may be the popular re- gard for able and honest legislators. With a few prominent exceptions, among whom Lincoln must have the first place, no statesmen have left a brighter mark on our history than the soldier statesmen. From the field of national politics to the township and its leaders in thought and in action. this is true. Since the civil war until recent years, when most of the old soldiers have found a resting place in the village ceme- teries, the veterans of the fight for the pres- ervation of the Union have been in the van in local affairs. This has been true in Jack- son township. Decatur county, Indiana. as elsewhere, and among the old soldiers of Jackson township none has been more high-
ly regarded than the man whose name heads this article. Mr. Moor is not only an ex-soldier but was also an early settler, en- joying the distinction also of having been born in Jackson township, and is a repre- sentative farmer. As to public relations. he has held the office of county commis- sioner.
Milton G. Moor was born April 13, 1840, a son of Calvin and Helen (Longenecker) Moor. His parents, both natives of New York, came west and for a time lived in Franklin county. They came to Decatur county about 1830 and located in an un- broken forest, remote from civilization and inhabited for the most part by wild beasts which made the days dreadful and the nights hideous. They bought land and im- proved it and Mr. Moor became a. success- ful farmer. He died in January, 1842, aged about forty years. His wife survived him until 1880, dying at the age of seventy. One of her sisters, Mary Longenecker, came to Indiana and was twice married., first to a man named Tiner and after his death to a Mr. Reed. The children of Cal- vin and Ellen (Longenecker) Moor were: Q. C., a farmer of Bartholomew county, Indiana; Mary. Mrs. Dillman ; Emeline, Mrs. Patrick, deceased; John, a farmer; Sarah L., Mrs. Beard; Martin, who lives on the family homestead; and Milton G., the sub- ject of this sketch. Three of their sons- Q. C .. Martin and Milton G .- served their country gallantly in her hour of direst need. -that long. dark hour, 1861-5.
Milton G. Moor attained his majority about the time of the first call for troops to put down the slave-holders' rebellion in 1861. Until that time he remained home with his widowed mother, and he had mas-
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tered all the mysteries and practicalities of farming and in the public schools had ob- tained a good rudimentary education. Fired with patriotism, he enlisted in the United States service, "for three years or during the war," in Company H, Thirty- seventh Infantry, mustered in at Lawrence- burg, Indiana, and with his regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. His first experience in battle was at the bat- tle of Stone River, or Murfreesboro, and he was in active service continuously for three years, ending with forty days' fighting which terminated in the capture of Atlanta, July 28, 1864. Though he was in numer- ous hotly contested battles he was never wounded and has no hospital record. though his health was impaired to such an extent that he has never fully recovered his physical losses. He was mustered out of the service at Indianapolis and received an honorable discharge with full pay.
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