A History of Clay County Indiana (Volume 2), Part 59

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

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Samuel T. Butt is the sixth in a family of eight children, and he lived with his parents on the Jackson township farm until February 21, 1883, when he married Sarah N., daughter of George N. and Martha (Adams) Moss, of Ashboro, Sugar Ridge township, Clay county. She died December 18, 1890, leaving one daughter, Minda N., wife of Will- iam J. Yenor, of Jasonville, Indiana. In August, 1893, Mr. Butt married as his second wife Lydia A., daughter of William H. and Nancy (God- dord) Fisher, of Hendrix county, Indiana, and the children of this union are Harvey W., Lillian, Charles S. and Edward T. Butt.

In 1883, at the time of his first marriage, Mr. Butt removed to Wash- ington township, Clay county, settling on a farm of forty acres which his father had given him, in accord with the usual family custom. In 1884 he sold the property and bought forty acres in section 4, Sugar Ridge township, which is still a portion of his present homestead. Later he bought an additional forty-eight acres, adjoining his original purchase, the entire farm being under thorough and profitable cultivation with the exception of eighteen acres which he uses as pasture. Mr. Butt has been quite influential as a Republican and a citizen of public affairs within the past fifteen years, serving as trustee of Sugar Ridge township from 1894 to 1900, inclusive. He is also an active member of the Center Point Masonic Lodge No. 597, and is closely identified with the Methodist Episcopal church of that place.

WALTER HAZEN PEAVEY .- Prominent among the leading agricultur- ists of Clay county is Walter H. Peavey, of Lewis township, a skilful and experienced farmer, who is meeting with excellent success in his under- takings. He is a man of energy, ability and push, three characteristics which are pre-eminent in all true-born Americans, and are made evident in the good results which he has obtained in caring for and managing his home estate. His commodious frame house, built in modern style, with a wide veranda, stands on a high elevation of land, giving an extensive view of the surrounding country, being an ideal country seat. Coming from honored New England ancestry, he was born, August 9. 1853, at Stafford Springs, Connecticut, a son of Hazen Peavey, and grandson of Joseph L. and Mary (Drew) Peavey, natives, respectively, of New Hampshire and Maine.

Born in Moultonboro, New Hampshire, Hazen Peavey spent his early life in his native state, where he received a good common school education. At the age of seventeen years he began life for himself as a bell boy in one of the leading hotels of Boston. He was afterwards

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clerk in the Federal House, at New London. Connecticut, and later was steward at Willard's Hotel, in Washington, District of Columbia, from there going to Old Point Comfort, where he was clerk and cashier in a prominent hotel, a position that he subsequently filled at the Grammercy Park Hotel in New York City. Becoming familiar with the business of a hotel, he was at a still later period proprietor and manager of two hotels in Florida, one at first in Jacksonville, and later at Enterprise. In 1861 he was sutler for the Fourteenth United States Infantry. Giving up that office, he went to Henry county, Illinois, settling near Galva, where he bought land, and embarked in sheep raising. At that time there were large tracts of open prairie in that vicinity, and these have since been improved, the former range being now a rich agricultural region, inter- spersed with magnificent farms. For two years, Hazen Peavey Had over three thousand sheep feeding on this free range. Selling out then, he returned to Washington, D. C., and for a time was cashier at the Ebbit House. There, in 1866, he established the Waddamannock Hotel. Coming with his brother-in-law, Mr. Lewis, to Indiana in 1867, he pur- chased large tracts of land in Clay and Greene counties, his purchase including the present home of his son, Walter H. Peavey. Here he was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising until his death, August 1, 1898.

Hazen Peavey was twice married. He married first Celia W. Crocker, who was born on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a daughter of Cap- tain Crocker, and died March 11, 1884. He married second Sophronia Forkner, who lived but a short time after their marriage, dying May 7, 1888. By his first marriage, he had two children, namely : Walter Hazen, the special subject of this sketch; and Nellie, who married Mack Ed- monson.

After coming with the family to Indiana, then a boy of thirteen years, Walter H. Peavey attended first the public schools, afterwards the University of Notre Dame, at Notre Dame, Indiana. Under the wise tuition of his father, he acquired an excellent knowledge of the art and science of agriculture while young, and since the death of his parents has succeeded to the ownership of the homestead. He is practical and pro- gressive in his farming operations, and pays especial attention to the breeding and raising of fine stock, his herd of cattle containing Short- Horns, Poll-Durhams, and a few Jerseys for the dairy. His wife is a poultry fancier, and has in her chicken yard a large flock of pure-bred Plymouth Rock hens, and of both Bronze and Bourbon Red turkeys.

On September 15, 1881, Mr. Peavey married Lillian M. Free, who was born in Warren, Huntington county, Indiana, September 15, 1863. Her father, Henry Free, came from Pennsylvania, his native state, to Indiana, and settled first near Fort Wayne, as a tailor. He subsequently established himself as a tailor in Warren, from there moving to Terre Haute, where he was successfully engaged in business until his death, in 1872. He married Isabelle McEwin, who was born, July 15, 1827, and died, in Paris, Illinois, in 1885, leaving three children, Florence, Myron, and Lillian M. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Peavey has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Carl, Omar, Ertice, and Abbie Leo- nore. In national affairs, Mr. Peavey uniformly votes the Democratic ticket, but in local matters he casts his vote for the best men and measures, regardless of party prejudices. Religiously Mrs. Peavey is a worthy and valued member of the Presbyterian church in Howesville, Indiana.

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CORWIN M. MOFFORD, manager of the Brazil office for the Central Union Telephone Company, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, October 28, 1862. His parents were John and Tamson ( Boulware ) Mofford. The father was born in Clermont county in December, 1828, and has there spent his entire life, devoting his time and energies to general agri- cultural pursuits. His grandfather left Ohio for California in 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope and was never heard from again. Starting out upon his business career at an early age, John Mofford has since been dependent upon his own resources and whatever success he has enjoyed has come to him through his well directed labor. His wife, who was born in Bethel, Clermont county, Ohio, died in 1870, at the age of thirty-five years. They were the parents of a daughter and three sons, namely: Charles, who is living in Cincinnati; Corwin, of this review ; Branch, also living in Cincinnati ; and Emma, who died in infancy. Having lost his first wife, the father was married again, his second union being with Mrs. Amanda Boulware, nee Goff, who was a native of Will- iamsburg, Ohio. Unto this union were born six children, of whom four are now living: Harry, Bessie, George and Robbins. In his political views John Mofford has always been an earnest Republican. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause and joined the Ohio Regi- ment of Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years, giving loyal aid to the Union cause. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at New Richmond, Ohio, and his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

Corwin M. Mofford remained under the parental roof until twenty- one years of age, working on the home farm during the summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his education in the public schools. He early learned the value of industry as a forceful factor in the duties of life and when he started out upon his own account it was his chief stock in trade. He first worked in a store in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for about six months, after which he returned to Ohio, where he continued until the 10th of March, 1885. On that day he arrived in Brazil, Indiana, where he has since made his home. Here he entered the employ of B. F. Kruzan as a salesman, and continued with him until June, 1895, when he went upon the road as a traveling salesman for C. L. Brayman & Com- pany, of Terre Haute, Indiana. He spent some time in that way and when his labors had brought him sufficient capital to engage in business on his own account he opened a grocery store in Brazil in February, 1896. For about a year he continued in that business, and in June, 1897, engaged with the Central Union Telephone Company as manager of the Brazil office. He has now continued in this position for eleven years and the interests of the office are well systematized, capably managed and faith- fully executed, his long connection therewith plainly indicating the trust entertained for him by the company which he represents.

On the 26th of September, 1889, Mr. Mofford was married to Miss Manila Jackson, who was born in Vigo county, Indiana, September IO, 1864, and is a daughter of Robert and Melissa (Kruzan) Jackson. Her father was born in North Carolina and died in 1864, while the mother, a native of Vigo county, passed away in 1870. Mr. Kruzan was one of the pioneer farmers of Vigo county and there carried on general agricultural pursuits until his demise, while to the Democratic party he gave his political support. Unto him and his wife were born two daughters, Cora and Mrs. Mofford, and a son who died in infancy.

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The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mofford were four in number : Helen ; Edith, who died at the age of five years; Lester; and one who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Mofford are well known in Brazil, where they have an extensive circle of warm friends. Fraternally he is identified with Brazil lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M., while both are members of William Black chapter, No. 80, O. E. S. Mr. Mofford also belongs to the Modern Woodman camp. His political endorsement is given to the Republican party at the polls and he is also an active worker in its ranks. In 1894 he was elected from his ward as a member of the city council and served for four years, during which time he exercised his official prerogatives in support of various measures that have proven of substantial benefit to the city.

JOHN ROBISON, senior partner of the firm of John Robison & Son, wholesale commission dealers in vegetables, fruits, etc., at Brazil, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 3, 1845. His parents were John and Mary ( Baker ) Robison. The father, a native of Maryland, was born in 1805, and was engaged in teaming over the mountains in the early days prior to railroad transportation. He followed that business until about forty-five years of age, hauling goods between Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland. Later he turned his attention to farming, which he followed in Ohio, and in 1854 he drove across the country from Ohio to Indiana, at which time he established his home in Dick Johnson township, Clay county. There he also secured a tract of land and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits. He was likewise connected with the manufacture of pottery for a number of years and was thus a factor in industrial circles. The honors and emoluments of office had no attrac- tion for him but he exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Whig party until its dissolution and afterward of the Republican party. Both he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Christian church. Mrs. Robison was born in Ohio and died at the age of seventy-three years in Clay county, Indiana. Mr. Robi- son afterward went to Kansas, where he passed away at the age of eighty- two years. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Joseph B., Sarah, Pearson, Matilda Jane, Amos, Thomas, William, John, Mary E. and Esther Ann, all of whom are living with the exception of Sarah and Amos. The family has a most creditable military record. Pearson joined the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and after serving for nine months was discharged by reason of the close of the war. Thomas and William enlisted at the three months' call in 1861, but were not accepted as more troops had offered their services than were needed. . In April of the same year they joined the state troops in the Sixteenth Regiment, and in June, 1861, this command was transferred to the United States troops, with which they served their full term. Amos also enlisted in the same regiment and afterward Amos and William both re-enlisted, joining the Second Indiana Cavalry. Amos died in Georgia in 1864, while defending the stars and stripes, thus giving his life as a sacrifice on the altar of his country. William became one of General McCook's scouts and was taken prisoner on Sherman's raid. He was then incarcerated for nine months and with the exception of one month the entire time was spent at Andersonville. Thomas enlisted four differ- ent times during the war, while John Robison of this review was a member

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of Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, joining the army on the 5th of May, 1864, and receiving hon- orable discharge therefrom on the 5th of September following.

John Robison of this review was but nine years of age when brought to Indiana with his parents. He was reared upon the home farm and continued under the parental roof up to the time of his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 9th of October, 1871. The lady of his choice was Miss Elmira Smith, who passed away nine years later, her death occurring in 1880. She was a native of Marion county, Indiana, and a daughter of Jackson and Hattie Ann (Darby) Smith. There were three children born of that marriage, of whom two are now living. Andrew J., the elder, is in business with his father, under the firm style of John Robison & Son. He married Martha Hewett, and they have two daughters, Mildred and Irene. Olive Blanch Robison became the wife of Harry Race and they have one son. In 1881 Mr. Robison was again married, his second union being with Elizabeth Stough, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Stough, who were pioneer residents of this locality. Unto Mr. Robison's second marriage there have been born four children: Alpheus, who died at the age of thir- teen years; Edith, Ruth and William, who are still under the parental roof.

At the time of his first marriage Mr. Robison turned his attention to farming and was also engaged in public work. In 1881 he became con- nected with the business of market gardening and also established a whole- sale butchering business, carrying on those interests in connection with the cultivation of his farm. In 1890 he disposed of his butchering business but continued the work of market gardening until 1898, when, associated with his son Andrew, he engaged in the wholesale and commission busi- ness as dealers in vegetables, fruits, butter, eggs and poultry. They are conducting a profitable business, having now a liberal patronage and their trade is constantly growing. Mr. Robison gives almost his entire atten- tion to his business interests and yet is never remiss in the duties of citizen- ship. He votes with the Republican party, but has never sought or cared for office. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church and are loyal to its teachings.

JOHN JENKINS, one of the successful farmers whose fine farm-home is situated in Sugar Ridge township, Clay county, Indiana, is a native of Putnam county, this state, born March 15, 1846, a son of John and Eliza- beth ( Mace) Jenkins, natives of Tennessee. They married and moved to Putnam county, Indiana, about 1835, and there rented a farm, living there until 1859, when they moved to Washington township, Clay county, and purchased eighty acres of land. Some years later they sold this and bought in Illinois, but almost immediately traded for a farm in Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana. After farming there several years, they sold and purchased eighty acres in section 19, Sugar Ridge township. This farm he subsequently divided between his four sons and bought forty acres in section 28 of the same township, where the father died in 1894, his wife having died in 1878, leaving nine children to survive her. while two had previously died.

The family of children left motherless were five sons and four daugh- ters, the subject of this sketch being the fourth child. He made his home with his parents and worked on the farm until he enlisted in company D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Indiana Regiment of Infantry, the date of his enlistment being March, 1865. He was taken ill in Indianapolis and

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sent to the hospital, where he remained until discharged at the close of the Civil war. After coming home he continued to farm on the home place until his marriage in August, 1869, to Catherine Englehart, daughter of George and Catherine Englehart, of Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana. She died.in January, 1874, leaving three children: Elizabeth, wife of Albert Albright, of Terre Haute; Florence, wife of W. Snow, of Sugar Ridge township; and Oma, who died aged nineteen in 1893. On August 9, 1875, Mr. Jenkins married Mrs. Adaline Fisher, widow of Will- iam Fisher, of Clay county, and the daughter of Zebeline and Hannah (Moore) Loveall, natives of Clay county, residing near Stanton. Mrs. Fisher had one son, Charles J. Fisher, now of Jasonville, Indiana.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Jenkins lived on and owned twenty acres of his father's old place, where he now resides; later he purchased twenty acres more each of two brothers, making at present sixty acres. When he acquired title to this land it was mostly virgin timber land, which he has cleared up and finely improved. He follows diversified farming, finding it more profitable and certain, as well as better for the land.

Mr. Jenkins is the father of seven children, three sons and four daugh- ters ; the sons and one of his daughters are living, as follows: Lewis, of Hoosierville, Clay county ; Edward, at home; Elmer, at home ; and Anice, at home.

THOMAS A. THOMPSON .- The development of a city depends not upon its machinery of government or the men who fill its offices, but upon those who are the promoters of its industrial and commercial activity, in which connection Thomas A. Thompson is worthy of more than passing notice in this volume. He has for a long period been connected with com- mercial circles in Brazil and is now partner in one of the leading grocery establishments of the city. He was born here October 27, 1871, and his life history is well known to his fellow townsmen, who admire him for what he has accomplished and for the honorable business methods he has followed in all of his trade relations. His parents, James and Mary A. (Spoor) Thompson, were both natives of England, but coming to America in early life were married in Hancock county, Kentucky. The father crossed the Atlantic on a sailing ship, and making his way into the interior of the country, settled in the Blue Grass state, where he became a mining superintendent. He afterward removed to Newburg, Indiana, there resid- ing from 1868 to 1870, when he came to Brazil. Here he accepted the superintendency of the Maston coal mine, but afterward removed to Hoosierville, Indiana, where he became superintendent of the mines of Woodruff & Company, and also of the Ashley mines. His entire life was thus devoted to the development of the natural resources of the localities in which he lived, but at length he retired with a competence which he had won through his well directed labors, supplemented by his judicious and careful expenditure. He passed away November 9, 1897, and was sur- vived for several years by his wife, who was born in England in 1825, and died November 20th, 1904. Their marriage was celebrated on the 30th of March, 1855, and unto them were born six children, but only two are now living, the elder being Ellen, the wife of Allen W. Bolin, a resident of Brazil. The father was an exemplary member of Brazil lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F. He was also a consistent and faithful member of the Presby- terian church, and after becoming a naturalized American citizen he gave unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party.

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Thomas A. Thompson largely acquired his education in the public schools of Hoosierville, Clay county, following the removal of his parents to that place. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he was placed in charge of the mine supply store of W. R. Risher & Company, at Hoosierville. He continued in that capacity for about four years, and in 1894 came to Brazil, where he established a meat market, conducting the business successfully until May, 1900, when he began dealing in staple and fancy groceries as a partner of William Collier. He is thus associated with the business interests of the city at the present time and is also a stockholder in the Brazil Clay Company and in the Citizens' National Bank.

On the 9th of July, 1893, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Naomi Simonson, whose birth occurred near Brazil in Clay county October 31, 1873, a daughter of Isaac and Eliza (Berry) Simonson. Her paternal grandfather was Aaron Simonson, a native of Ohio, who came with his family to Clay county during an early epoch in its development and settlement. His son, Isaac Simonson, was born in the Buckeye state, but was brought to Clay county . during his early boyhood and was here reared amid the wild scenes and environments of frontier life. He soon became familiar with the arduous task of developing a new farm, and the occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work. He still resides in Jackson township, this county, and devotes his energies to general agricultural pursuits. He was married to Eliza Berry, a native of this county, who died at the age of twenty-three years, leaving three children, John W., Etta and Mrs. Thompson, the latter being but eleven months old at the time of her mother's death. Mr. Simonson was afterward again married, his second union being with Amanda Ellen Busby. Unto them were born six chil- dren, of whom five survive, namely : Myrtle, Rebecca, Margaret, Frank. and Bailey. Mr. Simonson is well known in this county, where he has so long resided, his memory forming a connecting link between the prim- itive past and the progressive present, with all of its evidences of modern civilization. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and has shaped his life in accordance with its teachings. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson has been blessed with two children, Isaac Carl and Hubert Q. The parents are both well known in Brazil and the county, and enjoy the warm regard of a circle of friends which is constantly increasing as the circle of their acquaintances broadens. Mr. Thompson is very prominent in the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Brazil lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M. He was twice Master of the lodge and is now a Past Master, and while he was serving in its chief office there were received more members in the lodge than in any lodge of the state outside of Indianapolis in the year 1903. Forty-seven members took the Master Mason's degree and the growth of the organization was attributable in large measure to the untiring efforts and zeal of Mr. Thompson, who was the youngest worshipful Master that has ever filled the position in Brazil lodge. He was acting grand junior warden at the laying of the corner stone of the Brazil library and also at the laying of the corner stone of the courthouse in Greencastle, Putnam county, Indiana. He has taken the degrees of capitular Masonry in Brazil chapter, No. 59, R. A. M., and belongs to

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Brazil commandery, No. 47, K. T. He is also identified with Brazil lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., and with the Modern Woodmen camp No. 3418. His political endorsement is given to the Republican party, but he is not active in its ranks as one who seeks or desires office. His interest is that of a public-spirited citizen who desires the welfare of the com- munity and labors for its advancement in political as well as other lines.

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A History of Clay County Indiana (Volume 2), Part 59

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

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