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 31

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 31

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troduce the gang-saws for preparing lumber for steam- boat hulls-steamboat building being then extensively carried on in New Albany ; up to this time lumber for such purposes having been cut by the hand or whip- saw. They afterward engaged in running a flour-mill, which proved a successful enterprise. Later, Martin Very purchased his brother's interest in the mills, which were soon after destroyed by fire. He then built a steamboat, the "Ruby," which he ran in the southern trade, but it sank ; and, as he had no insurance on either mills or boat, the loss was too great to be repaired. Yet his energy did not fail, but characterized his life to its latest hour. He was a member of the Third Presby- terian Church, of New Albany. In 1870, at the age of sixty-three years, he died. His daughter, Mrs. Mary L. Mann, is a lady of refined literary taste, and a thor- ough Bible student, Since her early youth she has been a member and an earnest worker in the Second Presby- terian Church, of her native city.

ANN, PETER, merchant, of New Albany, was born in Ontario County, New York, May 15, 1812, and is the brother of John Mann, a sketch of whose life appears in another part of this work. He left his home at seventeen years of age and came to New Albany, where he found employment at various pursuits until he was twenty years old. He then shipped on board the United States government engin- eering and surveying boat, on the Ohio River. After remaining there about six months he returned to New Albany, and, being soon enabled to purchase a team, en- gaged in the occupation of teamster until 1835, at which time he had succeeded in saving five hundred dollars. With this he went into the saw-mill and lumber busi- ness, which he conducted safely until 1848, when he purchased the plat of ground now occupied by the Star Glass Works, on which he built a saw-mill. In 1849 Mr. John McCullough purchased a half interest in this mill, and they continued in partnership until 1855, when Mr. Mann sold to his partner and purchased the site of the present mill, on which he built a flour-mill with three runs of stone. This was destroyed by fire Decem ber 4, 1870, and by the following August he had erected a mill of double the capacity of the former, complete in every department. He has always enjoyed a very large and profitable trade, and is one of the most successful business men of his city. He is a Republican, but is little interested in politics. On the 24th of September, 1854, Mr. Mann married Miss Lydia Chew, of Floyd County. She died April 14, 1853, leaving two daugh- ters, who are both married to highly respectable farmers of Clarke County. March 15, 1858, Mr. Mann married Miss Elizabeth B. Lightner, daughter of Jacob Light-

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ner, of New Albany. Their three children are named, respectively, Eva B., James H., and Peter B. Mann. Mr. Mann is a member of the New Albany Third Pres- byterian Church. He is still hale and active, and gives close attention to his business.

ARSHALL, WILLIAM K., attorney, of Sey- mour, was born in Jefferson County, Indiana, October 12, 1824, and is the eldest son of Thomas and Sarah (Cakinneai) Marshall. His father did valuable service in the American army during the War of 1812, after which he followed the occupation of a farmer. At the age of twenty, William Marshall en- tered the college at Hanover, Indiana, where he spent four years, and was then compelled to abandon his studies on account of impaired health. This was a great trial to the young student, who was always at the head of his classes, and who would have graduated the following year. After a year spent in recruiting his health he began the study of law, was admitted to the bar in March, 1851, and commenced the practice of his pro- fession in Lexington, Scott County, where he had pre- viously moved. In 1856 he was elected treasurer of Scott County, and was re-elected in 1858. In 1864 he removed to Seymour, Indiana, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Through his ability and close attention to business, he has established a fine practice, and is acknowledged to be the leading jurist in the county, if not in the district. Mr. Mar- shall has had many important railroad cases, having acted as the attorney of the Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad, and carried to a successful termi- nation a most important case against the Ohio and Mis- sissippi Railroad. He was married, November 1, 1854, to Fidelia Childs, daughter of a wealthy farmer of Jef- ferson County. They have a most interesting family of six children. Mr. Marshall is an active, earnest Repub- lican, he has been for years a member of the central committee of his county, and has represented his party in the state conventions. In religion he is a Presbyte- rian. He is highly respected as a lawyer and gentle- man, and commands in an eminent degree the esteem and confidence of the community in which he resides.

AIN, REUBEN P., merchant, of New Albany, was born on a small farm at North Stonington, Connecticut, September 29, 1824. His father, Rufus Main, and his mother, Sabra (Wells) Main, daughter of Thomas and Phoebe Wells, were both natives of Stonington. Their families emigrated from England, and were among the early settlers of the

colonies. His grandfather, Rufus Main, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and fought in the battle of Stonington. Reuben Main is one of a family of twelve children, and received early instruction from a kind mother. He worked on the farm in summer and attended school in winter until he was fourteen years of age. He then went to New York City and was employed in the wholesale grocery and provision store of his two brothers for about six years, when, becoming convinced that a wider field was open to him in the West, he started, in 1847, for Cincinnati, Ohio. There he en- gaged in the grocery and provision trade one year, and then went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he continued the business until 1853. He then removed to New Al- bany, where he has carried on a successful wholesale grocery and produce trade, and has also dealt exten- sively in grain and flour and engaged in milling. He owns a considerable amount of bank stock, and also stock in glass and iron manufacturing companies. He has always given his personal attention to his business, and has built up a large and profitable trade. Mr. Main thinks much but talks little, and claims the right to vote for the best man regardless of party. In 1878 he was nominated by the National Greenback party as candidate for state Treasurer, and received a vote largely in excess of his ticket, which was in a minority in the state. Mr. Main has been twice married ; first, to Mat- tie E. Neal, daughter of Charles and Maria Neal, of Louisville, Kentucky; she died in 1871, leaving three children-Laymond P., Reuben F., and Victoria E. Main. In February, 1872, he married Miss Hattie J. Knepfly, daughter of John and Margaret Knepfly, of New Albany. They have two children, John K. and William L. Main. With his family Mr. Main attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. He occupies a prom- inent position in social and business circles, and is a valuable and respected citizen.

TcCORD, ROBERT G., one of the most prominent citizens of New Albany, is a native of Winches- ter, Virginia, where he was born in August, 1828. His father was a dry-goods merchant, and his son was educated with a view to the same business. At the age of ten years he emigrated to Indiana with his uncle, and settled in Harrison County. Ten years later he removed to New Albany, and made a contract with Mr. W. S. Culbertson for three years' service in his wholesale house, at one hundred dollars for the first year, one hundred and twenty-five for the second, and for the third one hundred and fifty. During the sec- ond year a situation was offered to Mr. McCord at six hundred dollars per annum, but he refused it on account of his contract with Mr. Culbertson. Some time after-

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ward the latter asked him in regard to the matter, and upon a final settlement generously made his salary equal to what he had refused. At the expiration of the orig- inal agreement a new one was made, which existed for two years, when Mr. McCord entered into a copartner- ship with his employer, and for five years they carried on business together with gratifying success. Mr. Mc- Cord was one of the best salesmen in the city, and merchants eagerly sought to secure his services. In December, 1861, his copartnership with Mr. Culbertson was dissolved, and in the following January he entered into copartnership with Mr. Lawrence Bradley in the dry- goods business, under the firm name of McCord & Bradley. This partnership lasted ten years, and during that time a branch house was established in Louisville. During all Mr. McCord's successful mercantile career, the trans- actions of the firms with which he has been connected have amounted to from five hundred thousand to eight hundred thousand dollars per annum, and not a note has been protested, a compromise made, or a payment refused. When the New Albany Woolen Mill Company was reor- ganized, in 1866, he became a stockholder, and upon the erection of the buildings they were called the McCord & Bradley Woolen Mills. This enterprise, like all others with which Mr. McCord has been connected, has proved eminently prosperous, and is to-day a source of revenue to the stockholders. In 1873 Mr. McCord, in conjunc- tion with other parties, opened a large wholesale hat establishment in Louisville, under the firm name of McCord, Boomer & Co., which has done a large trade, especially in the North. In all his business life Mr. McCord has been exceedingly fortunate, not a year hav- ing passed without adding to his wealth; and this suc- cess is deserved, since it has been reached by untiring devotion and energy. In November, 1856, he married Miss Stoy, sister of Mr. Peter Stoy, of New Albany. She is a lady of rare accomplishments, and has proved an admirable companion, promoting peace and harmony, and rendering their home an earthly paradise. Mr. McCord is held by his fellow-citizens and neighbors in the highest esteem, and by all classes is regarded as a gentleman of the strictest integrity.

YERS, PETER, retired merchant, of Jefferson- ville, Clarke County, was born in Herkimer County, New York, March 29, 1812. His par- ents, Michael I. and Eveline (Deigert) Myers, were both of German descent, and their families were among the earliest settlers in the Mohawk Valley. They were eye-witnesses of many of the stirring scenes in the War of the Revolution, and were sufferers from the Indian depredations of those unsettled times. In 1817 the parents removed to Cincinnati, and thence to near

Dayton, Ohio, from which place they emigrated to Jef- fersonville, Indiana, in the fall of 1819. The father was a contractor on the old Indiana Canal, and subse- quentiy on the Miami Canal. He died in Butler County, Ohio, in 1827, while engaged in the latter work. His devoted wife survived him several years, and died at the age of eighty-one. Peter Myers was the youngest of a family of nine children, and was enabled to ac- quire only such limited instruction as was afforded by the primitive schools of the day. After the death of his father he resided one year with a brother-in-law near Dayton, Ohio. In 1829 he commenced to rely upon his own resources, and became clerk in a store at a salary of fifty dollars a year. Two years later he as- sumed the charge of a small store owned by Mr. Keig- win, which he managed until the stock was sold out. Meanwhile, he had gained a reputation as a most useful and successful salesman, his services were eagerly sought, and he made many friends. He served as clerk for va- rious employers until 1835, when he obtained charge of the steam ferry-boat between Jeffersonville and Louis- ville, occupying this position for five years. He then went into the dry-goods business with Levi Sparks, afterwards mayor of Jeffersonville, then commencing on a small scale, but, by prudence, economy and good management, built up a good business. After five years he sold his interest to Mr. Sparks, and went into partner- ship with Mr. French, who was known as one of the finest boat-builders on the Ohio River. This partnership con- tinued for five years, and the firm of French & Myers built some of the best boats of that time. In 1851, his health becoming impaired, he sold out his interest, and

again opened a dry-goods store. After five years more he entered the lumber trade with his former partner, under the firm name of Myers & French. This was in 1861, just before the country was involved in civil war. After the outbreak of the war Mr. French became discouraged by the gloomy outlook ; he made a proposition to sell out to Mr. Myers, which was ac- cepted, and the latter continued the business, with great success, during the whole period of the war, accumulat- ing considerable property. In 1872 he gave his lumber business to his sons, Peter F. and Charles H. Myers, who still continue it. During his business career Mr. Myers gained the enviable record of a strictly honorable and conscientious merchant. He was a persistent oppo- nent of the credit system, and always paid cash for his goods, so that he was enabled to keep entirely free from debt. He was never sued for an account, and never entered into a contract which he failed to fulfill. His strict attention to business has kept him out of politics. Residing in an overwhelmingly Democratic city and county, he has always been a strict Republican. In 1879, against his expressed desire, he was nominated , by his party for city treasurer, and cut down the usual

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Democratic majority to an unprecedented degrec. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over forty years; and has been a consistent temper- ance man-having been a member of the first American Temperance Society, the " Washingtonians." He is also a Good Templar and a Mason. Mr. Myers has married twice, and is blessed with a numerous family. April 5, 1837, he married Miss Elizabeth Nurse, of Utica, New York, who died in 1849. In 1850 he married Rachel Jacobs, of Clarke County, member of one of the oldest and most extensive families in Utica Township. The four surviving children of his first wife are William T., Charles H., Elizabeth H. (now Mrs. Edward Heller), and Peter F. Six children by his second wife are living, viz .: Fannie S., wife of Rev. J. W. Dashiell, Indiana Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church ; Martha E .; Newton H., assistant secretary Ford Glass Company ; Basil E., Mary A., and Rachel E., the latter now twelve years old. Mr. Myers is one of the directors of the Ford Glass Company, one of the most prominent indus- tries in Jeffersonville; and has been more or less iden- tified with every public enterprise in that city. He has paid taxes in Jeffersonville since his eighteenth year, and has never cast a vote outside of the township. He is remarkably well-preserved in appearance, is straight- forward and unassuming in his manners, and inspires respect and confidence in all who approach him.

OBLE, JAMES, Governor of the state of Indiana, was born at Battletown, Virginia. He emigrated to the frontier when a youth, first settling in Ken- tucky, and afterwards in Indiana. When the state was admitted into the Union he was chosen a United States Senator, and held the position until his death, February 26, 1831, a period of fifteen years. His de- cease occurred in Washington City, during the session of Congress.

RATHER, COLONEL HIRAM, late of North Vernon, was born October 13, 1809, in Clarke County, Indiana. His father, one of the veterans of the War of 1812, was William Prather, and his mother was Lettice McCarroll. The son had no educa- tional advantages, but by his energy and industry he managed to obtain a good practical English education. In 1815 his father removed to Jennings County, and by sturdy pioneer labor father and son cleared a space in the wilderness and converted it into a farm. Here Hi- ram Prather lived until 1852. Ile then sold his farm and removed to North Vernon, where he built one of the first houses erected in that place, residing there until his death, which occurred March 27, 1874. During his

life of sixty-five years, Mr. Prather was a leading man in his county and state, and held many positions of honor and trust. He was elected treasurer of Jennings County in 1838, and during 1847, 1848, and 1849 represented that county in the state Legislature. He was again elected in 1857, and in 1867, and was also a member of the state Constitutional Convention in 1850. When the Civil War broke out he at once espoused the cause of the Union ; and, having been largely instrumental in recruiting the 6th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, he was commissioned its lieutenant-colonel. He served with his regiment in all its campaigns, until May, 1862, when he was compelled to resign on account of his health. During his army life he held many important trusts, being a portion of the time on the staff of General Morris, and at one time having charge of the post at Webster, Western Virginia He was noted in the army for his courage and valor, and was loved by the men who served under him for his fatherly care and constant watchfulness of their interests. Upon his return from the field, he devoted a great por- tion of his time to the work of raising recruits, and in many material ways rendered valuable service to the great war governor, Mr. Morton-of whom he was a warm personal friend-in carrying the Union cause to victory. Few men gave as effective aid to the govern- ment as Mr. Prather, in the great struggle from 1861 to 1865. He bore to his grave the honorable scars received at Shiloh, while seven of his sons served at one time in the Union army. In politics Mr. Prather was a Whig, and afterwards a Republican. In religion he was a Methodist. He was married, in 1834, to Mary A. Huck- elberry, of Charlestown, Indiana, the daughter of a wealthy farmer. Of this union were born fifteen chil- dren, eleven sons and four daughters, of whom eight sons and four daughters are still living. The eldest son, Allen W. Prather, a captain in the 6th and afterwards colonel of the 120th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, is now a praticing lawyer in Indianapolis. The second son, Uriah C., captain in the 82d Indiana Volunteer Infantry, now lives in Mt. Auburn, Indiana, where he is a prac- ticing physician. The third son, Alonzo S., lieutenant in the 6th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, is an attorney in Harrison, Arkansas. The fourth son, William B., a ser- geant in the 54th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, is a civil engineer in Jennings County. The fifth, Leander H., was a lieutenant in the 140th Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, and is now an attorney in Harrison, Arkansas. The sixth son, Walter S., now postmaster at North Ver- non, was a private in the 137th Indiana Volunteer In- fantry. The seventh son, John Q., was a private in the 137th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Andrew H. and Theodore are now living in North Vernon. Of the four daughters, Ara E. married a farmer, Mr. L. J. Jackson, of Shelby County, Indiana ; Mary A. married Doctor A. B. Light; Eliza J. married John Keelar, a farmer of

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Jennings County, Indiana; and Susan C. married Mi- chael Coryell, a farmer of the same county. The Prather family are closely identified with the growth and pros- perity of Jennings County, and point with a just pride to the record of Colonel Hiram Prather, their father, as their best inheritance.

RATHER, WALTER S., of North Vernon, where he is at present postmaster, is the sixth son of Colonel Hiram Prather, for many years a promi- nent and respected citizen of that place. He has had fair educational advantages, which he has appre- ciated and improved. After receiving a good common school education, he attended Asbury University, at Greencastle, which he left to enter the army during the late Civil War. He enlisted as a private in the 137th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until honorably discharged in 1865. After leaving the army he engaged in the drug business for some time. In 1872 he was appointed postmaster at North Vernon, which position he has since filled. He was married, August 16, 1870, to Miss Kate Kyle, daughter of Doctor J. W. Kyle, of North Vernon. They have two children. In politics Mr. Prather is an earnest Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The family to which he belongs is one of the largest in Southern In- diana, and is widely and favorably known throughout the state.

OSEY, THOMAS, Governor of the territory of In- diana, was a native of Virginia. He was born not far from Alexandria, on the 9th of July, 1750. In 1774 he was engaged in the expedition originated by Dunmore, the last royal Governor of Virginia, against the Indians, being present at the battle of Point Pleas- ant. On the outbreak of the Revolution he was en- gaged on the patriot side, fought against Dunmore, his former commander, and afterwards joined Washington's army. He was at the battle of Bemis Heights, as a cap- tain, under Colonel Morgan, and his men did excellent service as sharpshooters in that conflict. In 1779 he was colonel of the 11th Virginia Regiment, and afterwards commanded a battery under General Wayne. He was engaged in the storming of Stony Point, was at the capitulation of Cornwallis, and continued in the service until peace was declared. In 1793 he was appointed a brigadier-general of the Army of the North-west, and, being pleased with the appearance of the new country, settled in Kentucky not long after. In that state he was a member of the state Senate, being the president of that body from November 4, 1805, to November 3, 1806, and, in addition, performing the duties of the Lieutenant-governor. He removed to Louisiana in 1812, !

and was elected to the United States Senate from that state. He was appointed Governor of Indiana in 1813 by President Madison, and served till 1816. He died in Shawneetown, Illinois, March 19, 1818.

AMSEY, JUDGE SAMUEL, attorney-at-law, of . Corydon, Harrison County, was born in Kentucky, January 26, 1830. His parents, William and Mary Ramsey, who were farmers, removed to Indiana when he was an infant. He attended such common schools as the times afforded, and being of a studious nature, and making the most of his opportunities, suc- ceeded in acquiring a good plain education. On leav- ing school, he worked on his father's farm until the age of eighteen, when he went into business, at which he continued for some five years, then commencing the study of law with Judge La Follette, of New Al- bany, remaining with him two years, when he began practice in Harrison County, where he has continued ever since in the enjoyment of an extensive and lucra- tive business. In 1874 he was elected to the House of Representatives from Harrison County, serving for two terms. October, 1878, he was elected Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit, an office he now most ably fills. He has been a member of the society of Odd-tellows for about eight years, taking all the degrees. He became a Knight of Pythias in December, 1879. His religious views are liberal. He is a Democrat in politics. Judge Ramsey is the owner of considerable real estate in the county, in which business he and his son, Will. H., are also engaged. He was married, October 13, 1853, to Rebecca Arnold, daughter of George Arnold, Esq., of Harrison County. They have four children living, and three dead. The Judge is a very popular man in his district: He is of a jovial, genial disposition, and is in the enjoyment of good health and excellent spirits. He is honored, respected, and beloved. His law practice is considerable, and he is in affluent circumstances, being fairly endowed with this world's goods.

EISING, PAUL, brewer and merchant, of New Albany, was born October 5, 1819, in the city of Hoerstein, county of Alzenau, kingdom of Bava- ria. His father, Francis Reising, was for many years burgomaster in his native city, and possessor of a small landed estate. His mother, Mary Reising, bore her husband four children, to whom she was much de- voted. Paul Reising is the only one now living. He attended school, as is usual in his native land, from six to fourteen years of age. On October 5, 1842, he mar- ried Miss Susan Stadtmiller, of Hoerstein, who was then

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in her twenty-first year. She has borne him nine chil- dren, three of whom, Catharina, Mary A., and Emma R., are still living, the others having died in infancy. She is a tender mother and a good wife. Mr. Reising's domestic relations are of the happiest kind. With his family he belongs to the Roman Catholic Church, of which he has been trustee and steward for many years. He emigrated with his wife to this country in i854, spent two years in Louisville, Kentucky, and then re- moved to New Albany, where he rented the old place on Main Street, then known as Metcalf's Brewery. At that time there was no lager-beer brewed in New Al- bany; and, after four years of industry at this brewery, Mr. Reising one day heard the call of the Floyd County sheriff, selling the last possessions of an unfortunate brewer, and offered the highest bid for the building he now occupies. On taking possession he found that the brewery was only twenty by sixty feet, with a ca- pacity of but fifteen hundred barrels per year, and in 1866 he erected an addition to the building. He con- ceived the idea of manufacturing malt, and the venture proved successful. In 1876 he made further valuable improvements on his brewery, principally a new ice- house, constructed upon the most approved modern plan. This fine structure measures forty by sixty-three feet, and is capable of holding one thousand tons of ice. Opposite the brewery stands a magnificent residence, built in the most finished style. Here Mr. Reising has shown a knowledge of architecture, and has made his dwelling an ornament to the city. The ventilation is par- ticularly fine throughout. Mr. Reising came to New Al- bany in moderate circumstances, and owes his success and present affluence to close application to business. No one stands higher in the community or is more generally respected.

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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 31

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