A History of Clay County Indiana (Volume 2), Part 42

Author: William Travis
Publication date: 1909
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 631

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Although never learning a trade, Samuel G. Marks was a natural mechanic, ingenious and capable, turning his hand to almost any kind of work. Coming with his family to the United States in 1871, he spent two years at Mineral Ridge, Ohio. Migrating to Clay county in 1873, he located near Brazil, making that his permanent home thereafter, and as long as able to work was employed at the mines in different capacities. He lived to a ripe old age, passing away at the venerable age of seventy-nine years. He was twice married. He married first Abigail Martin, who was born in Albert county, New Brunswick, as were her parents, John and Jane (Woodward) Martin, of English ancestry. She died in 1860, leaving four children, namely : Gertrude ; John M., the special subject of this brief sketch; Moses; and Elisha. The father subsequently married a second time, and by that union nine children were born.

Brought up in his native county, John Martin Marks took advantage of every offered opportunity for increasing his knowledge of books, at- tending the local schools, where the teacher, who was paid by subscrip- tions, boarded around. Coming to Clay county in 1873, he was employed in mining pursuits until 1886. Industrious, enterprising and economical, he had in the meantime accumulated quite a sum of money, and with this capital he then embarked in the mercantile business on a modest scale, opening a small grocery in Harmony. Paying strict attention to the details of his trade, studying the wants of his customers, and striving as far as possible to meet their demands, Mr. Marks won a large patronage, having now a finely appointed stock of general merchandise, including nearly every article of daily use in the household.

Mr. Marks has been twice married. He married first, in 1881, Lizzie Savage, who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, a daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth Savage. She died in early womanhood, leaving five children. namely : Samuel, Byron, Ray, Ralph and John. Mr. Marks married second Mrs. Clara (Wilson) Hardesty, a daughter of John and Sarah Wilson, and widow of the late William Hardesty. Of this union two children have been born, Calvin and Edna. Fraternally Mr. Marks is a

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member of Knightsville Lodge No. 409, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of Brazil Chapter, No. 54, Royal Arch Masons. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, active in local affairs, and for eight years did good service as township trustee.

DR. GILBERT R. FINCH, one of the leading physicians of Center Point and Clay county, was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, August 11, 1866. His business career was begun as a clerk in a grocery store, and when he had reached the age of nineteen years he entered the same house with which his father was associated, and was thus employed during the fol- lowing four years. Before entering upon his business and professional career he had attended the University of Cincinnati, and after resigning his position as a traveling salesman he became a student in the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, which he attended for four years, and then coming to Center Point, has since been located here and enjoys one of the large medical practices in the county. He has erected a beautiful modern fourteen-room residence here, furnished with all the modern conveni- ences, and his office rooms are also located in the home.

Dr. Finch is a son of Silas S. and Mary E. (Random) Finch, born in Cattaraugus county, New York, in 1832, and in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1842, respectively, and a grandson of Hardy R. and Eleanor Finch, of English descent, and of James M. Random. The parents were married in Terre Haute, where the father traveled as a salesman during an early period in its history, in the days before the advent of the railroad, when he had to travel with a four-horse team over this entire vicinity. He followed this occupation as long as he lived and died on the 13th of October, 1905, his wife still surviving and residing in Terre Haute.

Dr. Finch, the third born of their two sons and three daughters, was married on the 31st of July, 1895, to Clara E. Grimes, who was born in Sugar Ridge township, Clay county, October 20, 1866, a daughter of George and Eliza (Anderson) Grimes, natives respectively of Virginia and of Park county, Indiana, the father a son of George and Elizabeth (Davis) Grimes, of Virginia, and the mother a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Balch) Anderson, from Kentucky. George Grimes, Jr., located near Ashboro, Indiana, among its first settlers, and his father built the first brick house in Clay county. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Finch are: Mary E., born February 14, 1897, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Helen L., born January 29, 1899, of Terre Haute, and Edith R., born April 12, 1901, of Center Point. Dr. Finch is a Democrat politically, and he has served as a deputy county health officer and as secretary of the board of health of Center Point since 1898. He is a member of the Masonic order, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Knights of Pythias, of the Woodmen of the World, and of the Modern Woodmen of America.

WILLIAM D. SCHOPMYER, who for many years has furnished a most commendable example of industry, intelligent management and useful citizenship, is the owner of considerable farming property in Washington township, which is managed by his thrifty sons, and is also a carpenter of skill and constant employment. He has served as assessor of the town- ship since 1904, and is popular and efficient. Mr. Schopmyer is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born on the 24th of November, 1852, a son of Harman and Mary (Fladderjohn) Schopmyer, both natives of Germany. The father was born in 1825 and the mother in 1823, and not only are they

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alive, but there has never been a death among their six sons and two daughters, all of whom reside in Clay county. This is a record which is remarkable and the source of untold joy to every member of the family.

William D. Schopmyer is the second born in the unbroken circle, received his education in the district schools of Clay county, and spent his boyhood days on the home farm. He learned the carpenter's trade of William Ahlemeyer, and worked three years at his trade. From the age of ten years to twenty-one he was an independent worker, residing on the paternal homestead, but when he attained his majority he commenced to operate a one hundred and twenty-acre farm of his own in Cass town- ship. Later he purchased ninety-seven acres in Washington township. Altogether he has now one hundred and fifty-five acres of land under cultivation, the remainder being either broken or pasture. Until 1903 he raised the standard crops, as well as horses, cattle and hogs, but since that time he has devoted his activities to carpentry and has turned over the management of the farm to his sons.

On the 2nd of September, 1880, Mr. Schopmyer wedded Miss Margaret E. Kattman, a native of Washington township, born July 2, 1854, daughter of Christopher and Clara Kattman, whose native land was Germany. The children born of this union were : Nora E., November 22, 1882; Oscar H., January 5, 1885, who is a school teacher ; and Ida D., January 13, 1888.

The mother of this family died September 21, 1888, and on November 14, 1889, Mr. Schopmyer married for his second wife, Miss Anna Korte- peter, of Cass township, daughter of Earnest and Mary (Huff) Korte- peter, of Cass township. The children of this marriage are: George E., born August 31, 1890; Orville F., born January 2, 1892; Letha M., October 16, 1893; Ervin E., March 11, 1895; Albert H., June 20, 1897 ; Lafayette R., May 29, 1900; Roy William; June 24, 1902, and Helen C. Schopmyer, November 24, 1904. Mr. Schopmyer is a member of the Poland Lodge No. 364, Knights of Pythias, and in his religious faith is a stanch adherent to the German Reformed church. He has always supported the Democracy by his vote and influence, and in the perform- ance of his duties as assessor has contributed both to his own good stand- ing and the local advancement of his party's interests.

JOHN NAMON REDIFER .- Prominent among the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Clay county is John N. Redifer, who is suc- cessfully engaged in his independent calling in Perry township, having a finely improved and well managed farm. A son of Charles L. Redifer, he was born June 22, 1842, in Augusta county, Virginia, where the first six years of his life were spent.

Charles L. Redifer was born in Virginia, where his parents settled on removing from Pennsylvania, their native state. When a young man he learned the trades of a tanner and a miller, and in the daytime used to operate a flour mill, while in the evenings he worked in a tannery. Removing to Ohio in 1848, he was for awhile employed as a butcher in Xenia, Greene county, from there going to Spring Valley, Ohio, where for three or four years he operated a flour mill and a distillery. On account of his wife's health, he then returned to Virginia, but after a brief stay in that state returned to Ohio, locating at Cedarville, where he operated a mill for two years. Coming then to Cloverland, Posey town- ship, Clay county, Indiana, he was here employed as a miller until his

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death in 1868. He married Eliza Gregory, who was born in Virginia, and died in 1852 in Ohio, leaving six children, namely : James R., Eliza- beth, William, John N., Margaret A. and Alexander.

But ten years old when he came with his father to Clay county, John N. Redifer began two years later to become self-supporting, for a number of years thereafter working as a farm laborer. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company M, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, went south with his regi- ment, and was at the front in many important battles, among them being those at Stone River, Big Shantie, Peach Tree Creek, Burnt Church, Strawberry Plains, and at the various engagements in and around Atlanta, and in the Macon campaign was in General Cook's command. On June 9, 1865, he was honorably discharged with his regiment at Kentucky. Returning home, Mr. Redifer rented land in Riley township, Vigo county, and began farming on his own account. Succeeding well in his opera- tions, he purchased eighty acres of the land included in his present home- stead. Fifteen acres of the land had then been cleared, and a log house and barn had been built. Since then Mr. Redifer has bought another tract of eighty acres, and by the exercise of skill and good judgment has made valued improvements on his place, having placed the larger part of his land under a high state of cultivation, set out fruit and shade trees, and erected a fine set of frame buildings. Here he is carrying on general farming and stock raising in a most satisfactory manner, reaping abundant harvests each year.

Mr. Redifer married first, December 11, 1865, Melissa D. Brill, who was born in Perry township, a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Hartley) Brill. She was well educated, and when quite young began teaching school, a vocation in which she was very successful. She died November 20, 1889.

Mr. Redifer married second Mrs. Mary L. (McConnell) Lee, daugh- ter of John Ellis McConnell and widow of Algie Lee, who was born in Vigo county, Indiana, a son of David and Melinda ( Hartley) Lec. John McConnell, Mrs. Redifer's grandfather, was born in Ireland, and on com- ing to this country lived for awhile in Ohio, but spent his last years in Shelby county, Indiana, as did his wife, Cynthia (Crossley) McConnell. John Ellis McConnell was born in Ohio, came with the family to Indiana, and in 1861 enlisted in Company F, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he went south and remained in active service until his death, about a year later. The maiden name of the wife of John Ellis McCon- nell was Elizabeth Frances Moss. She was born in Kentucky, a daughter of James and Kate (Plank) Moss, and died in 1875 in Indiana. James Moss was born in Maryland, and was left an orphan when a child. Com- ing to Indiana, he lived first in Shelby county, then in Clay county, and after the death of his wife returned to Shelby county, where he spent the remainder of his life. Two children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Redifer, namely : Leila D., born November 18, 1892, and John Lloyd, born March 27, 1894. By her first marriage, Mrs. Redifer had one son and one daughter, namely : Katie G. and Horace J. Katie D. Lee married Stephen Alexander Riddle, and has four children, Melvin, Paul, Asa and Mae. Horace J. Lee married Lula Davis, and resides in Gresham, Nebraska. Politically Mr. Redifer is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Redifer are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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ELIAS RIGBY .- A tribute of honor and respect is freely paid to Elias Rigby because of his active, honorable life of eighty-one years. Born at Newcastle, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1827, he is a son of Thomas and Elmira ( Squire) Rigby. The father was son of Seth and Hannah ( Clark) Rigby, the former born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the latter in New Jersey, of Irish parentage. The great-grandfather, James Rigby, was a native of England and in relig- ious faith a member of the Society of Friends or Quakers, which garb he wore and language he spoke during his life.

Thomas Rigby, born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1792, was in early life a millwright and built a large number of the old style mills of Pennsylvania. He was superintendent of twelve miles of the Penn- sylvania canal for about twelve or fourteen years. For a long period, however, he devoted his time and attention to the business of watch re- pairing. He possessed much mechanical ability and was instructed in the field of watch repairing by H. H. Wence at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Most of his life was thus devoted to that department of activity, in which he became an expert workman. In 1872 he made an extended trip through the west, visiting his son Elias, after which he returned to Pennsylvania, where he passed away in March, 1873. He and his seven brothers were Democrats in their political views up to the time of An- drew Jackson's administration, when they changed their allegiance to the Whig party. In Beaver county, Pennsylvania, Thomas Rigby was married to Miss Elmira Squire, who died at the age of seventy-one years. Their family numbered nine children, four of whom passed away in early life, while five still survive as follows: Elias, of this review ; Silas F., who has resided in Greensburg, Indiana, for the past 40 years ; Mrs. Emma Hall, a widow, now living in Newcastle, Pennsylvania ; Sophronia, the wife of H. W. Squires, who served as captain of the One Hundredth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers and is now living in San Francisco, California; and Mrs. Hannah Young, who makes her home in Los Angeles, California.

Elias Rigby attended the public schools to the age of fourteen years, when he continued his studies as a student in the Newcastle Academy of Pennsylvania, remaining there for two years. At the age of sixteen he began working at the carpenter's trade, but when he had devoted a year to building operations of that character, he, turned his attention to the brick layer's trade, to which he also gave a year's time. He next took up the task of watch and clock repairing and finding that a conge- nial field of labor he continued therein for about eleven years. He made his home in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, from 1861 until 1866 and then leaving the east. removed westward to Brazil, Indiana, where he arrived in the month of February. It was his intention to engage in the coal business here and after looking over the district he purchased the prop- erty where his hotel now stands. Almost immediately he embarked in the hotel business, in which he has since continued with the exception of a period of about three years, when he rented the hotel property. He has been a most genial, popular host, attentive to his patrons, carefully considering their wishes and at the same time manifesting capability in business management, so that success has rewarded his labors. His interests have brought him a wide acquaintance and he is uniformly respected by all with whom he has been associated.

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On the 9th of June, 1864, Mr. Rigby was married to Miss Frances Roose, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, February 14, 1845, a daughter of John and Sarah Ann ( Sams) Roose. Her father was born in Pennsylvania of German parentage, while the mother was a native of Stark county, Ohio, and was of Quaker lineage. Mr. Roose engaged extensively in farming and milling, owning and operating a mill situated at New Waterford on Bull creek in Columbiana county, Ohio. Mrs. Rigby is exactly eighteen years her husband's junior. Their birth occurred on the same day of the year. On the 14th of February of the present year-1908-the anniversary of their births was made the occa- sion of a most pleasing and attractive celebration, held at the Rigby Hotel, which they have conducted since becoming residents of Brazil in 1866. Eight children have been born unto them, but two died in in- fancy. The others who now survive are: Clark S .; Edward S .; Emma, the wife of Hamlet Brosius, a merchant of Brazil; Cora, the wife of John T. Emerson, who is also engaged in merchandising in Brazil; William R .; and Howard.

Mr. Rigby is a member of Brazil Lodge, No. 264, A. F. and A. M., but was initiated into the mysteries of Masonry in Pennsylvania. He gives his political allegiance to the Republican party and has been some- what active locally in its ranks, serving for one term as a member of the city council and for one term as city clerk. It is seldom that a man of his years remains actively in business, but Mr. Rigby appears to be a man of much younger age, possesses a notable strength and fidelity and in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime. During the long period of his residence in Brazil his fellow townsmen and the traveling public have come to thoroughly respect him not alone because of a genial, social nature, but also because of the upright business methods he has ever followed. Both he and his wife have an extensive circle of friends in Brazil and no history of the city would be complete without mention of this worthy couple.

ROBERT S. STEWART .- More than two-thirds of a century has passed since Robert S. Stewart became a resident of Clay county and few men therefore have more intimate knowledge of its history marked by prog- ress and development in material, social, intellectual, political and moral lines. He is today the oldest business man in Clay county, who has been continuously a factor in the business life here and no record of this por- tion of the state would be completed without extended personal mention of him. His birth occurred in Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, on the 5th of August, 1831. His parents were Robert S. and Sarah (Myers) Stewart. The father was born near Covington, Kentucky, and died of cholera in Hamilton, Ohio, at the comparatively early age of forty-four years. He was of Scotch lineage, while his wife was of German an- cestry. She was born in Virginia and died in Brazil, Indiana, in 1880, at the very advanced age of eighty-six years. Robert S. Stewart, Sr., devoted his time and energies to farming when in his native state and following his removal to Hamilton, Ohio, there engaged in teaming up to the time of his demise. He was a worthy Christian man who held mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, while his political allegiance was given to the Whig party. In the family were nine children, of whom three are yet living : James, a resident of Nevins township, Vigo county,

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Indiana ; John, who resides in this county and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; and Robert S. After losing her first husband the mother married again, becoming the wife of Caleb Oliver, of Hamilton, Ohio. In the winter of 1843 they removed westward to Clay county, Indiana, where Mr. Oliver followed the occupation of farming, spending his last days here. Mrs. Oliver was for many years numbered among the worthy pioneer women of Clay county, having become a resident of this part of the state when it was largely an undeveloped wilderness.

Robert S. Stewart arrived in Clay county with his mother and step- father when a youth of twelve years. In the spring of 1844 the family took up their abode in Jackson township and he attended school in that part of Van Buren township which is today Brazil township. The little "temple of learning" was a log schoolhouse and the usual yearly session covered two or three months. Although his educational privileges were somewhat limited Mr. Stewart received ample training in the work of the farm. He assisted in the arduous task of clearing away the timber and preparing the land for the plow and in his youth he also worked at the plasterer's trade, while later he was apprenticed to a wagon maker by the name of Joseph Hall, working the first two years for fifty dollars per year. Subsequently Mr. Stewart and his brother John engaged in the wagon making business and in 1856 they established a meat market. They have purchased stock all through this part of Indiana and gained a wide acquaintance in their business trips. Men of resourceful ability, they extended their efforts to other lines, building the first brick kiln in this locality. There is no citizen whose connection with business interests in Clay county covers so long a period as does that of Robert S. Stewart. He and his brother John were in business together from 1856 until 1897 and Mr. Stewart is still an active factor in commercial lines. In 1871 with his brother John he gave to Clay county the land whereon the county buildings have been erected. He has always stood for progress and im- provement and has not only helped through his influence but has given substantial assistance to many measures and movements for the public good. Whatever he has undertaken he has carried forward to success- ful completion, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by per- sistent. determined and honorable effort.

On the 14th of March, 1861, Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Rebecca Brackney, who was born at the present station of the village of Brazil, April 10, 1842, although the town at that time had no existence. Her parents were David Brackney, born November 17, 1811, and Eliza- beth ( Manker ) Brackney, born October 17, 1817, and died February 19, 1881. Her father, a native of Ohio, died in Clay county, Indiana, October 17, 1875, at the age of sixty-four years. He came to this county at a very early epoch in its upbuilding and took up his abode upon the present site of Brazil, carrying on farming where is now seen the residence dis- trict. He aided in extending the frontier and in reclaiming this region for the uses of civilization, his labors proving an important element in the early development of the county. His political views were in accord with the principles of the Whig party and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, who was born in Putnam county, Indiana, died in 1881. They were married in Putnam county and their family numbered ten children, six of whom are yet living, namely : Mary, Mrs. Rebecca Stewart, Melroy, Phebe, Elizabeth and Ezra. The dead are : Rachel, Zimry, Jerome and Martha A.

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The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart was blessed with four children, three sons and one daughter, but two died in infancy. Those still living are Delbert and Kate, now Mrs. Thomas Phillips.

Mr. Stewart was made a Mason in 1865 and became a charter mem- ber of Centennial Lodge No. 541, A. F. and A. M. He is also a member of Brazil Chapter No. 59, R. A. M .; Brazil Council, R. and S. M .; and Brazil Lodge No. 30, K. P. His wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Stewart is a Republican. He cast his first presidential vote for General Winfield Scott in 1852 and supported the Whig party until the organization of the new Republican party when he joined its ranks and has since followed its banners. He has never sought or desired office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which, capably directed, have brought him well merited success. He has intimate knowledge of the history of the county from pioneer times to the present. He located here when much of the surface of the country was covered with the native forest trees, when deer were yet occasionally seen and lesser wild game was to be had in abund- ance. It was the early days when the neighbors gathered for a log rolling to assist one of their number in putting up a cabin. There were many hardships and privations to be endured but these were cheerfully and courageously borne in the efforts of the pioneers to establish homes upon the frontier and aid in the reclamation of the wild district. Mr. Stewart has been a witness of many of the events which mark the progress and improvement here and his memory forms a connecting link between the past with all of its hardships and trials and the present with its oppor- tunities and prosperity.

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A History of Clay County Indiana (Volume 2), Part 42

Author: William Travis Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Number of Pages: 631

Author: William Travis
Publication date: 1909
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 631