A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume I, Part 29

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1038

USA > Indiana > A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume I > Part 29

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bers about one hundred and fifty members. He has held several debates on theological subjects, one of which was published in 1854-an octavo work of three hundred and ten pages. He is now far advanced in years, but still possesses a remarkable degree of intel- lectual and physical vigor for one of his age.

ULLENLOVE, THOMAS J., of New Albany, ex- sheriff and ex-auditor of Floyd County, was born in Harrison County, Indiana, on the 30th of Au- gust, 1837. His parents were John Fullenlove, of Lexington, Kentucky, and Nancy (Gwin) Fullenlove, daughter of Thomas Gwin, of Harrison County. His grandfather and grandmother were natives of Virginia, and among the early settlers of that state. Mr. Fullen- love's father died when the former was only ten years old, leaving him to make his own way in the world and assist his widowed mother in the care of his younger brothers and sisters. Being a bright, intelligent boy, and possessed of a business turn of mind, after alter- nately attending the country school and working upon the farm until he was fifteen years of age, he appren- ticed himself to his uncle, George H. Gwin, to learn the blacksmith's trade. Here he continued two years, at the expiration of which time he had mastered his trade, and could shoe a horse and build a plow or wagon as well as those much older. He then rented a shop, purchased a set of tools, and commenced business for himself. His energy was met by the warm support of his friends. One of his first jobs was to make a large emigrant wagon for one Mr. George Smith, which he did readily and satisfactorily, and the owner used it em- igrating to Minnesota. He continued at his trade until 1866, when he received the nomination of the Demo- cratic party for the office of sheriff of Floyd County, in which he lived. He accepted, and was elected by a good majority. At the expiration of the term of two years, he was re-elected by a majority of over fourteen hun- dred, and discharged the duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. At the close of his second term, in 1870, he was unanimously nominated to the office of auditor of the county, and was elected by a large vote, holding the position four years, with credit to himself and honor to his friends and party. It was during his last term as sheriff that the Reno brothers, three notorious express robbers, were taken out of his charge by a band of about one hundred "vigilants," and hung to the beams in the jail; but not until Mr. Fullenlove had been severely wounded by a pistol shot in the right arm, and otherwise so injured as to render him unable to contend with the crowd. He still refused to surrender the keys, although informed that his life should pay the forfeit, and defiantly told his captors:

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"I'll surrender my life, but not my trust!" He was then pitched into a corner of the room, under guard, and a general search was commenced. They went to his wife's room and threatened her with death, but the little woman was as plucky as her husband. They at last found the object of their search, and, having con- summated their purpose, quietly left on the special rail- way train with which they were provided. Mr. Fullen- love was married to Miss Emily Davis on the ninth day of April, 1857. She is the daughter of George and Margaret Davis, substantial farmers, of Harrison County, Indiana. They have been blessed with five children, four of whom, two sons and two daughters, are still living. Their names are Lizzie A. Martin McClellan, Horatio S., Maggie D., and Charles Herschel (deceased). Mr. Fullenlove's mother is now seventy-six years old, and enjoys in her old age the devoted care of her son. Mr. Fullenlove and his family are members of the Methodist Centenary Church of New Albany; he has many warm friends and is highly esteemed for his con- stant readiness to perform a kind act for the poor. He is largely engaged in stock-raising, and is proprietor of one of the best hotels, the Central, in Southern Indiana.

ITCH, CHARLES H., of New Albany, was born at Holliston, Massachusetts, February II, 1828, and is the son of Rev. Charles Fitch, a Presbyte- rian minister of that place. His grandfather, Rev. Ebenezer Fitch, who was born at Williamstown, the same state, was the founder and for many years president of the Williamstown College. His mother. was Sarah Hamilton, a member of one of the best families of Princeton, New Jersey. Her grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and his marsion was a favorite resort of General Washington when passing through the state. The father of Charles H. Fitch re- moved to Columbus, Ohio, about the year 1838, and six years later to Rising Sun, Indiana. For many years he was agent for the American Bible Society, and also preached the gospel at the places above mentioned ; afterwards he removed to Mt. Vernon, Indiana, where he engaged in farming, and also preached, making that place his permanent home. At the commencement of the Civil War he tendered his services to the Governor of the state, and was assigned to the chaplaincy of the 24th Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry., Colonel Hovey commanding. He died in the service at Evans- ville, Indiana, in June, 1863, and his wife survived him but two years. Charles H. Fitch had received a thorough English education, and in 1846 went to New Albany, Indiana, where he served an apprenticeship to the ma- chinist's trade. After acquiring a knowledge of his busi- ness he shipped on board one of the Ohio River steam-

¡ boats as engineer, and went to Mobile, Alabama, where he remained in the employment of one steamboat com- pany for fourteen years. He also spent one year in California, putting up and superintending machinery. He is considered a most expert workman, and has been engaged in the capacity of master in his trade, princi- pally on river steamboats, since the close of his appren- ticeship. In 1876 he was elected engineer in chief of the New Albany water-works, which position he fills with credit and ability. He was married, November 7, 1857, to Miss Eva L. Witman, daughter of Judge Charles Witman, of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. They have had three children.

ERRISH, JAMES W. F., physician and surgeon, of Seymour, was born in Monmouth, Maine, Feb- ruary 12, 1831. His father, Ansel Gerrish, was a general merchant and speculator. The Gerrish family were among the early settlers of the New Eng- land states, having emigrated there from England in 1632, and become identified with the welfare and growth of the East. During the financial troubles of 1836 and 1837 Doctor Gerrish's father, like many others, became deeply involved; and, after spending two years in an unsuccessful effort to retrieve his fortunes, left his family and went to Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where he taught school for about two years. He then sent for his family, which consisted of his wife and two children, the eldest nine years of age, and in the fall of 1840 the family were again united. Doctor Gerrish, the subject of this sketch, has a distinct recollection of the long and tedious journey. He obtained the rudiments of his education in the school taught by his father. While teaching, his father completed the study of medicine, which he had begun in his youth, and in a few years removed to Paris, Jennings County, Indiana, where he commenced practice. In the early part of 1850 James W. F. Gerrish followed his father to Paris, where, in the same year, they opened a drug-store. The son soon after commenced the study of medicine, in which he became so deeply interested that he resolved to become' a physician. He graduated in 1855, and immediately upon returning home commenced practice with his father in Paris. Their copartnership continued, with a large and lucrative practice, until the death of Doctor Ansel Gerrish, which occurred August 19, 1859, at Portland, Maine, while he was traveling for his health, accompanied by his son. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War, Doctor Gerrish was commissioned assist- ant surgeon, but soon rose to the rank of surgeon, and was assigned for duty with the 67th Regiment of Indi- ana Volunteers. During his army career he held sev- eral important positions, at one time having charge

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of the general hospitals of the Thirteenth Army Corps, at Vicksburg. In August, 1864, on account of failing health, he was compelled to resign, and soon after re- turning North settled in Seymour, Indiana. Here, by close attention to the wants of the community, he stead- ily rose in the estimation of the people, until he is now regarded as one of the leading physicians and citizens of this part of the state. He became a member of the Indiana State Medical Society, and a permanent mem- ber of the American Medical Association. In 1877 he was also chosen first vice-president of the Tri-state Med- ical Society of Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana, and was voted an honorary membership in the South-western Kentucky Medical Society. Doctor Gerrish was always a lover of ancient history, and in early life had his curi- osity aroused by the relics found in the mounds of the Mound Builders near Marietta, Ohio. He has been adding to his collections ever since, until at this time very few private citizens of the state have finer archæ- ological specimens than can be found in his study. In Doctor Gerrish Indiana has one of the leading spirits in the temperance movement. In the early part of 1877 he espoused the cause, and was immediately chosen pres- ident of the Red Ribbon Reform Club, of Seymour, which position he now holds. Jackson County owes more to his energy and liberality for the grand success of the work than to any other man. He is not a mono- maniac upon the subject of temperance, but believes in moral suasion and in man's ability to govern himself. His courtesy and kindness, and wonderful success in the management of the affairs of the Reform Club, have endeared him to the hearts of its members. In 1879 he was elected president of the Grand Temperance Council of Indiana, delegated from all the state temperance organ- izations, to a great extent the outgrowth of his own work. He was married to Miss Maria Robinson, of Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in September, 1849. They have had seven children, four of whom are now liv- ing. The eldest, a son, is attending the medical depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania. Doctor Gerrish's mother died January 7, 1877. Both parents were stanch members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they en- deavored to rear their children according to its teachings. Doctor Gerrish is not a member of any religious denom- ination, however, but believes in a rational devotion, and in doing unto others that which he would they should do unto him.

AINS, JAMES M., merchant, manufacturer, and banker, of New Albany, was born in Harrison County, Indiana, July 31, 1818, and is one of eight children of Benjamin and Mary (Woodfield) Hains. His father, who was born in Dutchess County, New York, in the year made famous by the signing of

the Declaration of Independence, was a farmer, and had settled in Harrison County in 1815. His estimable wife died when her son was only five years old. His moth- er's death, and other circumstances peculiar to those primitive times, limited the educational advantages en- joyed by Mr. Hains in his youth. His father died when he was seventeen years old, and from that time the young man was compelled to depend entirely upon his own resources. A year previous to this he had deter- mined to secure a good education, and in order to pro- vide himself with the necessary means, he obtained employment out of school hours in a hotel. This en- abled him to acquire the rudiments of an English educa- tion. At the age of eighteen he apprenticed himself to a firm engaged in the hardware and queensware busi- ness, to learn the trade. He commenced in the capa- city of porter, and by degrees rose to the position of clerk and salesman in the establishment. At the end of his term of apprenticeship he re-engaged himself for four years longer at an increased salary. His wages while an apprentice had been seventy-five, one hun- dred, and one hundred and twenty dollars a year, and from this amount he had managed to defray his ex- penses and save a little besides. At the expiration of the time mentioned, determined to follow out his early aspirations for a higher education, he entered the Wa- bash College at Crawfordsville, intending to prepare himself for the ministry. He devoted himself assidu- ously to his studies for two years, but his health gave way under the unaccustomed strain, and he was com- pelled to abandon his cherished purpose. He returned to his former business with the firm whose apprentice he had been, and remained with them two years longer. He now decided to engage in business for himself, and commenced the manufacture of tin, sheet-iron, and cop- per-work, in which he continued about five years, with such success that at the end of that time he retired from business. But "inactive industry" did not suit a man of his peculiar temperament, and he was soon elected president, treasurer, and general business manager of the New Albany City Gas Company, which position he held for some twenty years. During part of this time he was president of the Paoli Bank, Orange County, Indiana; and since 1865 he has been president of the New Albany National Bank. In 1869 he was made secretary, treasurer, and business manager of the New Albany Woolen and Cotton Mills, and he still holds this position. The foregoing gives some slight idea of the business capacity and untiring energy of Mr. Hains, as well as the prominent place which he oc- cupies in his community, representing as he does its material prosperity, and occupying positions that show the implicit confidence placed in his integrity. When he had reached thirty-seven years of age, he married Miss Mary E. Dickey, daughter of Rev. John M.

A. W. Holm

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Dickey, a Presbyterian preacher of note, and one of the oldest pioneer preachers of the state. Mrs. Hains is a lady of the highest moral worth ; her labors in behalf of every good cause have given her the warm esteem of the Christian community, and her husband has ever found in her an earnest helper in all his plans of benev- olence. They have had three children, two of whom are now living. James Brooks Hains, the eldest son and a promising young man, died soon after he had graduated, with marked honors, at Wabash College, and while yet a student at the law school at Cambridge. Mr. Hains connected himself with the Presbyterian Church when only twenty years of age. He has always been a warm and liberal supporter of the cause of relig- ion, and his heart and purse have ever been open to the deserving poor and needy. He has truly been a liberal steward of the wealth which has been committed to him, and his benevolence has become almost proverbial in his city. He is now over sixty years old, and has been identified with almost every enterprise for the ma- terial and moral benefit of the community. In addition to occupying the positions already mentioned, he is now trustee of Wabash College, the oldest and best endowed classical college in the state of Indiana. He is justly entitled to be numbered among the foremost "representative men " of the state.

EFFREN, HORACE, attorney, Salem, was born in Dryden, Tompkins County, New York, May 27, 1831, and is the eldest son of 'Elijah and Julia A. (Dunham) Heffren. His father was a farmer; his mother's brother, Hon. Cyrus L. Dunham, was a very prominent man in state affairs, being one of the leading attorneys of Indiana, and also representing the state in Congress. Mr. Heffren spent his early life on the farm, attending school during the winter, and, at the age of seventeen, taught school three terms. In October, 1850, he emigrated to Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana, and in the following spring began the study of law in the office of Hon. C. L. Dunham and J. M. Lord, at Sa- lem. He was admitted to the bar in 1852, and ad- mitted to practice in the Supreme Court, on motion of the Ilon. William T. Otto, May 29, 1855. In 1852 he began the practice of law in Salem, Indiana, residing there ever since. In October, 1856, he was elected state Senator, and introduced a bill, which became a law, " to provide for transferring the certificates of the stock of the state, providing for a registry of the same; to prevent a fraudulent issue thereof, and providing a punishment for a violation of the provisions of this act." In 1857, through the manipulations of the joint session in an attempt to defeat the election of United States Senators, a point of order being raised, Mr. Heff-

ren spoke against time, as per arrangement, and suc- ceeded in electing the United States Senator from his party. In 1861 he was elected joint Representative from the counties of Washington and Harrison, without op- position, and was the Democratic candidate for Speaker of the House, receiving the entire party vote. The same year he assisted in raising the 13th Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which he was commis- sioned major, and afterwards promoted to lieutenant- colonel. In October he was transferred to the 50th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, which he also assisted to recruit, and was sent to Tennessee with a portion of the regiment. In September, 1862, he was compelled to resign, owing to ill-health. Returning to Salem, he resumed the practice of his profession, to which he has since devoted his whole attention. During the last four years he has been engaged in writing the history of Washington County, which has been published from week to week in the Salem Democrat. Mr. Heffren has been a leading man in the Democratic party for thirty years, and it is greatly indebted to him for its thorough organization, and its success under many adverse and trying circumstances. He married, October 23, 1855, Miss Mary Persise, daughter of a merchant of Washington County, Indiana. They have two children living. In religion he is a Liberal. Mr. Heffren was made a Freemason in 1852, has taken all the degrees through Knighthood, and has been a repre- sentative in the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter of the state. He has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of Salem and of Washington County ; he is regarded as standing at the head of the legal fra- ternity in his community, and is highly respected as a citizen and gentleman.

OLMES, SAMUEL W., of Seymour, was born near Bethel, Clermont County, Ohio, April 13, 1830. When he was fifteen years old his father, William Holmes, and his mother, Anna (Wilson) Holmes, died, leaving him, without means of support, to make his way alone. He attended the common school of the neighborhood for about nine months only, and therefore secured a very limited education. He worked in the summer at farming, and during the win- ter months at chopping wood. In April, 1851, he came to Jackson County, Indiana, and settled near Cologne, four miles east of Seymour, where he engaged in farm- ing. The following winter he taught school, at eleven dollars per month, and soon after became foreman for Ladd & Newcomb, contractors in building the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. In the fall of 1853 he removed to Seymour, and for five years was employed as mail agent on the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. In 1858 he pur-

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chased the Jackson County Democrat, and published that paper until the fall of 1859, when he was elected auditor of Jackson County for four years. In 1863 he was re- elected, and, after serving as auditor of the county eight years, he engaged in the mercantile trade in Seymour, but on account of ill-health was compelled to abandon this pursuit soon afterward. He then turned his atten- tion to the insurance business. At the session of the Indiana Legislature in 1871, he was elected principal clerk of the House, and was re-elected to the same po- sition in 1875. In 1871 he was chosen a member of the common council of Seymour, and, after serving one year, resigned, and was elected mayor of the city for two years, which position he filled to the satisfaction of the people. In May, 1878, he was elected city attorney for two years. At the close of the session of the Legis- lature in 1875, he entered upon the practice of law in con- nection with his insurance business, and still continues the same. In December, 1860, he was married to Maria L. Smith, daughter of Samuel W. Smith, attorney-at- law, of Seymour. They have one son now living. Po- litically, Mr. Holmes is a stanch Democrat, having been several times chairman of the Democratic central com- mittee of Jackson County, and of the central committee of the congressional district, and is an acknowledged leader of the party in the county. He was raised in the faith of the Christian Church, but is now a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination.

OWARD, DANIEL, of Jeffersonville, Clarke County, was born in Oldham Parish, near Man- chester, England, March 17, 1816. When he was but four years old his parents, John and Martha (Walker) Howard, emigrated to America. After six months spent in the city of New York they decided to travel westward, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. The journey from New York was accomplished in wagons as far as Wheeling, Virginia, and thence in a covered flat- boat down the Ohio River to Cincinnati. Here the father found employment in a cotton mill, at his trade of wool-carder and weaver, and, later, in company with a Mr. Lytle, engaged in the operation of a woolen mill. Daniel Howard is one of three sons and three daughters surviving from a family of eight children. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to the ship-carpenter's trade for five years. On the expiration of his appren- ticeship he engaged as carpenter on the Lower Missis- sippi River steamboats, and later as an engineer. In April, 1848, with his brother, James Howard, he com- menced the building of boats at Jeffersonville, Indiana, under the firm name of D. & J. Howard, and continued in that business until his retirement from active life in 1864. The Howard brothers had to that date built over

two hundred steamboats, at an average value of thirty- five thousand dollars each, or a total of seven millions of dollars. They had probably the best arranged yard on the Ohio River, and had built some of the finest boats that navigate Western waters. December 2, 1849, Mr. Howard married Miss Mary Densford, daughter of James Densford, of Oldham County, Kentucky. Her father was for several years sheriff and magistrate of his county, and a prominent and worthy citizen. Two chil- dren born to them died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Howard are both members of the First Presbyterian Church of Jeffersonville, which has been their home for so many years, and are widely known and highly es- teemed.

OWARD, JONAS GEORGE, attorney-at-law, Jef- fersonville, was born in the county of Floyd, near the then village of New Albany, May 22, 1825. His father, Jonas Howard, was a substantial far- mer of Clarke County, Indiana, whither he had emigra- ted from Champlain County, Vermont, in 1841. His mother, Margaret (Helmer) Howard, was a native of Herkimer County, New York, whence she removed with her parents to Indiana early in the history of the state. In the common and select schools of his native village, Mr. Howard obtained his early education. In 1846, at the age of twenty-one, he entered the Indiana University, at Greencastle, where, for three years, he pursued a scientific course. He then studied law with Mr. John F. Read at Jeffersonville, and in 1851 re- ceived his certificate of graduation in the Law Depart- ment of the Indiana State University, at Bloomington. The following year he was admitted to the bar, and since that time has devoted himself assiduously to the practice of his profession. His career as a lawyer has been marked with unqualified success ; he ranks high as a counselor at the bar of his state, and is highly regarded by his associates in the profession. A sound reasoner and an able speaker, he enjoys the reputation of a thoroughly conscientious advocate. In numerous im- portant cases he has been honored by an appointment from the Judge of his district to render judgment, and his decisions have always commanded the highest re- spect. As a natural result of his prominence and popu- larity, he has been called upon to assume the responsi- bilities of public life. In 1863, and two succeeding years, he was elected to represent his district in the state Legislature, on the Democratic ticket. In 1868 he was chosen presidential elector, and bore an able and effective part in canvassing the state for the Demo- cratic candidates. In 1876 he was again called upon to take a place on the electoral ticket, and again his voice was heard in the field in support of his candidates and their principles. His addresses are well delivered, log-

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A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume I, Part 29

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1038

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1038