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 33

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 33

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Sarah S. married John H. Blish in 1856, and Eliza S. [ for a great part of his life, was an intimate and per- married A. W. Dickinson in 1864. Mr. Shields was not sonal friend of Governor Hendricks, Senator McDon- ald, M. C. Kerr, etc. General Sparks's wife died ten years before him, and his only surviving child is Mrs. E. E. Ennis, of Gentryville, Missouri. The business founded by him in 1840 is now conducted by his two half-brothers, under the firm name of T. & N Sparks. As he never saw any military service it is difficult to say where the title "general," by which he was long familiarly known, originated. However bestowed, it became established so firmly in the minds of the people that for many years before his death he was known by a member of any religious denomination, but gave liber- ally to several Churches in their infancy, donating a lot whenever necessary. His wife was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and not only was a liberal contributor to the Church at Seymour, but gave largely of her means to the support of Presbyterian Churches all over the state. The city of Seymour, in its rapid growth, its numerous railroad shops, its extensive manu- factories, and its high school, which bears Mr. Shields's name, is greatly indebted to the energy, industry, per- severance, and influence of its founder. He died Feb- no other title. His home in Jeffersonville was ever a center of genial hospitality. Kindly and sociable, with a nature overflowing with charity and good will to all men, he was universally beloved and respected; and he will long be remembered by the citizens of Jefferson- ville, as a man whose place it will be difficult to fill, and whose virtues made him an object of esteem alike in public and private life. ruary 6, 1866, of inflammation of the stomach, and in his death the city suffered an irreparable loss. His wife departed this life November 14 of the same year. Mr. Shields left an estate worth three hundred and seventy- five thousand dollars, accumulated by his own energy, sagacity, and industry. His brother, Wm. Shields, in the year 1840, was a member of the Indiana Legislature, and died during his term of office. He was dearly be- loved by the people, and was followed to the grave by an immense concourse of citizens. Appropriate resolu- tions in regard to his sterling worth were adopted by the House.

TEVENS, WARDER W., editor and proprietor of the Salem Democrat, was born in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, September 30, 1845, and is the eldest son of Henderson and Catharine (Hayden) Ste- PARKS, GENERAL LEVI, late of Jeffersonville, was born at Church Hill, Queen Anne's County, Maryland, November 21, 1814. He came to Indi- ana in 1836 and settled in Washington, Daviess County, but, after remaining there one year, removed to Jeffersonville and entered the dry-goods house of W. D. Beach. In 1840 he engaged in the dry-goods trade in partnership with Peter Myers. This connection con- tinued for eight years, when Mr. Myers retired and Mr. Sparks continued in business for himself until his death, which occurred March 26, 1875. He was an active Democrat, and was a prominent member of his party. From 1854 to 1869 he was a member of the city coun- cil of Jeffersonville, and proved himself one of the best public servants that the city has ever had; he served as chairman of the finance committee while a member of the council. In 1869 he was elected mayor of the city, and again in 1871. Few men in public or private life have been more devoted to the interests of the city than Mr. Sparks. To him is largely due the location of the government arsenal at Jeffersonville, which contributes vens. His father was a farmer, and also filled several official positions in the county where he resided. The Haydens were one of the prominent families of Ken- tucky, and were among the early settlers of that state. When he was but one year old, his father removed to Indiana, and settled in Harrison County, where he spent his early years at work on the farm, attending the common school at Corydon during the winter. In the fall of 1864 he entered the State University at Blooming- ton, where he remained two years, and in the spring of 1867 graduated from the law department. He imme- diately established himself at Salem, and began the practice of his profession in connection with James A. Ghormley. At the end of two years Mr. Ghormley died, and about that time Mr. Stevens was appointed county auditor. After serving one year he resumed the practice of law, forming a partnership with A. A. Cra- vens. In 1871 he was appointed prosecuting attorney, and served one year. In January, 1872, Mr. Stevens and his partner purchased the Salem Democrat, and he bought Mr. Cravens's interest in 1874, since which time in no small degree to the prosperity of the place. Ile ; he has had entire control of the paper. Mr. Stevens was for a number of years a member of the district and state Democratic central committee. Every duty which devolved upon him was performed with energy, sagacity, and fidelity. IIe was a member of every Na- tional Democratic Convention from 1852 until his death. In 1875 he was a candidate for state Treasurer, and, is an ardent Democrat, and is constantly laboring in the interests of the party, being acknowledged one of its leaders in this portion of the state. Ilis paper is the organ of the Democracy of Washington County, and its many able editorials from his pen have, in a great measure, brought about the increased Democratic ma-

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jority in the county, as, under his judicious manage- ment, it has an influence in political affairs second to no paper in Southern Indiana. His office is complete in all o! its appointments, and is a model of neatness and system, being furnished with all the modern improve- ments necessary to facilitate business. It is noted for the promptness and dispatch by which orders for all descriptions of printed matter are filled. Mr. Stevens married, May 1, 1879, Miss Alice Caspar, of Salem, whose father was county auditor and a merchant of that place. Upon purchasing the Democrat he discontinued the practice of law, and now devotes his whole time and energy to improving the weekly issue of his newspaper. He is known and appreciated far and near as a good and honorable citizen, and as a genial, courteous gen- tleman.

TOCKSLAGER, STROTHER M., attorney-at-law, Corydon, Harrison County, was born at Mauck- port, Harrison County, Indiana, May 7, 1842. His parents, Jacob and Jane W. Stockslager, Virgin- ians by birth, emigrated to Indiana in 1832. Jacob Stockslager was the sheriff of Harrison County from 1856 to 1860, and up to the time of his death was a large farmer, and one of the most highly respected cit- izens of the county. Strother M, received his early instruction at the common schools of the county, and afterward at the academy at Corydon, under Professor W. W. May, closing at the State University at Bloom- ington. He had a clear, bright intellect, and by close application to his studies acquired far more than an ordinary education. At the age of seventeen, before attending the academy, he for a few terms taught school, which proved of great benefit to him, as it thor- oughly impressed his recent studies on his own mind. On leaving the university he became imbued with the martial spirit which the war called forth in our young men, and entered the army as a private in the 13th In- diana Cavalry. On the final organization of the com- pany he was immediately appointed second lieutenant. At the battle of Murfreesboro, during Hood's campaign in Tennessee in 1864, for gallant service, he was pro- moted to be captain of Company F. During the cam- paign around Murfreesboro he had some hair-breadth escapes; the engagements being hotly contested, and he invariably in the thickest of the fight. Ile was mustered out at Vicksburg in October, 1865, when he returned home and commenced the study of law, at the same time acting as deputy auditor for two years. He was also deputy clerk for two years. He then read law for one year with the Hon. S. K. Wolfe, at the expira- tion of which they formed a partnership. He made rapid progress in his chosen profession and acquired a large practice. In two years their connection was

dissolved on account of Mr. Wolfe's removal to New Albany and election to Congress. Mr. Stockslager then formed a partnership with Judge Douglass, which has been highly successful. They now enjoy the largest and most important law practice in the county. In the sum- mer of 1866 he was appointed by the President assessor of internal revenue for the district. In 1874 he was elected to the Senate by a large majority, showing his immense popularity with the people, irrespective of party. The farmers' movement was at its height and the Grangers and Republicans had combined, and yet his personal influence was so great that, although a Democrat, he was elected by an overwhelming major- ity, proving in his case the old adage, that " the man was greater than the party." In 1877 he was a mem- ber of the Judiciary Committee, originating a road bill which brought him very prominently before the House, and called forth favorable comments from the leading press of the country. In 1878 he became a member of the Masonic Order, and one year later a Knight of Pythias. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. July 10, 1873, he was married to Kate M. Miller, the estimable daughter of G. W. Miller, of Corydon. In October, 1878, he purchased the Corydon Democrat, of which he is editor. It is a paper having a large county circulation, and is well and ably conducted. Mr. Stock- slager is a man of fine personal appearance, pleasant in manners, a thorough lawyer and honorable gentleman, well read on all topics. He is a man of large public spirit, held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens, "one whom they delight to honor." June 29, he was nomi- nated by the Democrats for Congress in the Third Dis- trict, defeating Judge George A. Bicknell and Judge Jep- tha D. New.

TOY, PETER R., merchant and manufacturer, New Albany. Few men in Indiana have attained more local prominence, socially and financially, than the subject of this sketch. His history is much like that of others who by their own efforts have attained competence and position, and yet bears the stamp of individuality. Commencing with no capital but an unblemished character, he has, by honesty and fair dealing, become known as one of Indiana's successful business men. He was born February 25, 1825, in the village (now city) of New Albany, Indiana. His father, Peter Stoy, was a ship-cabin-builder, who was born and reared in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother, Mary E. (Wicks) Stoy, was a native of Erie, in the same state. They were married at New Albany in 1818, in which year the father emigrated from his native state, his future wife having preceded him westward about two years. Mr. Stoy attended school in his native vil- lage until he was fifteen years of age. He entered the

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hardware store of Charles Woodruff, January 1, 1841, | by close attention to his studies during the winter and continued in this and the dry-goods business as clerk until 1846. At this time the death of his father occurred and he took charge of the estate, which was badly embarrassed. He succeeded in settling all liabilities, however, and saved a competence for his widowed mother. In the spring of 1847 he took the position of clerk on the Ohio River steamer, " Atlantis; " but left this employment after one season, as the influence and early training of a pious father and mother made the wild and boisterous life on a steamboat repugnant to him. He then engaged in the hardware trade in the store of his former employer-who had died in the mean time-accepting a share in the prospective profits of the business in lieu of salary. Here he remained until 1851, when he went into business on his own account. Pur- chasing his stock in the Eastern market, at first hand, he was enabled to offer as good inducements to the trade as older houses, and became very successful. He has made numerous friends, and has passed through two severe financial crises with his credit unquestioned. In 1866, with several others, he organized the Ohio Falls Iron Works. In 1873, after the great financial panic, he was elected vice-president of the company, and in January, 1876, he was chosen vice-president, treasurer, and general manager, which position he now holds. He also continues his hardware business at the old stand, in which he is ably assisted by his two oldest sons, Edward B. and Lewis R. Stoy. Mr. Stoy has been a member of the city council the greater part of the time since 1850, and was elected by a large majority to the important office of commissioner of Floyd County. He is not now, and never has been, a politician. His political principles are Republican, but he was elected to office by the aid of Democratic voters in a county which gives a large Democratic majority. In 1850 he married Miss Ellen Beeler, of New Albany, Indiana, daughter of William and Elizabeth Beeler, and a mem- ber of one of the best families of Floyd County. Of ten children born to them nine are living : Edward B., Minnie E., Lewis R., William H., Frank M., Walter E., Raymond P., Julia, and Ellen. Mr. and Mrs. Stoy have been honored members of the Methodist Church since 1843. Socially and financially, Mr. Stoy stands among the most highly respected and influential citi- zens of New Albany.

AYLOR, JAMES M., of Salem, clerk of Washing- ton County Circuit Court, was born in Washington County, Indiana, December 6, 1842, and is the youngest son of Samuel and Mary (Turpin) Tay- lor. His father was a farmer and shoemaker. He spent his early life on the farm, assisting his parents, until he was twenty-one years of age. During this time, A-II

months, he acquired sufficient education to enable him to teach, and at the age of eighteen took charge of his first school. When he was twenty he attended the high school at Salem two terms. Deprived of further educa- tional advantages he became clerk in a clothing store, and afterwards was bookkeeper in the woolen mills for one year. In 1867 he was appointed deputy treasurer of his county, and spent eighteen months in this posi- tion. In August, 1868, he removed to Campbellsburg, and opened a general store, which he carried on for two years; he then taught school two years. In 1872 he removed to Memphis, Clarke County, Indiana, and taught the graded school until March, 1874, when he was appointed deputy clerk of the Washington County Circuit Court. This position he held until October, 1878, when he was elected clerk of the same court for the term of four years. He married, May 5, 1864, Miss Mary E. McCoskey, daughter of a farmer of Washing- ton County. They have three daughters. Mr. Taylor was brought up in the faith of the United Brethren, but now attends the Methodist Church. In politics he is an active, zealous Democrat, and to his exertions, more than to those of any other man, is the Democratic party of Washington County indebted for the large in- crease in the Democratic vote. Mr. Taylor is a genial and courteous gentleman; he discharged his duties as clerk to the entire satisfaction of the court, and with credit to himself, and is justly regarded as one of the rising men of Washington County.

RIPP, COLONEL HAGERMAN, North Vernon, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 16, 1812. His father, Gideon D. Tripp, served in the War of 1812, under General Harrison. His mother was Eva Hagerman. These families emigrated from Rhode Island to Ohio in 1807. The Colonel's ed- ucational advantages as a boy were small, the school- house being an old log building. But he made the most of his opportunities, being fond of reading. He applied himself diligently, and acquired by his own perseverance a good education. At the age of sixteen he was ena- bled not only to earn his own living, but also to con- tribute to the support of the family, by working as a carpenter, his father having died and left them in straitened circumstances. In 1830 he removed to Jen- nings County, and in 1837 went into the milling busi- ness in partnership with John Walker, in which he continued till 1841, when for four years he engaged in mercantile affairs. He then again became interested in milling matters, in which he still holds an interest. In 1848 he was elected one of the directors of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, holding that position seven years,

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from its conception until after its completion, and look- ing after the interests of his county in that direction. In 1852, being owner of the land on which North Ver- non now stands, he surveyed it, divided it into lots, and laid out the town, which now, in 1880, has a popula- tion of three thousand. From that time until 1861 he occupied himself in looking after his large business in- terests, and the welfare of the place of which he was the founder. April 15, 1861, in thirty hours after Pres- ident Lincoln's call for seventy-five thousand men, he raised a company, and reported for duty, by telegraph, on the following night. He and his company went into camp on the 19th, and he immediately received his com- mission as captain, having enlisted in the company as a private, and being elected by his comrades as their cap- tain. They served in the three months' campaign in West Virginia, returning August 3, and going into camp at Madison. The company reorganized August 26. September 20 the regiment crossed the Ohio at Louisville, it being the first that entered Kentucky, and his the first company that went to the war from Jen- nings County. These troops became a part of the Army of the Ohio, and afterwards of the Army of the Cum- berland. He was in all the actions through West Vir- ginia, and was with Buell's army at the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, April 6 and 7, 1862, a few days after which he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. IIe was at the siege of Corinth, which ended in its evacuation, May 29. During the summer of 1862 he was engaged in the protection of the railroads in Alabama. He marched to Louisville, arriving there September 27, 1862, and thence to Perryville, Kentucky, in which battle he took part, October 8. From that place he went to Crab Orchard, in pursuit of General Bragg, and from thence to Nashville, arriving on the battle-field of Stone River December 30, 1862, after having been in many skirmishes with the enemy, and with his regiment fought through that memorable battle. During the summer of 1863 he was in a great number of minor engagements, and on the 19th and 20th of September, 1863, he was at the battle of Chickamauga, skirmishing having begun on the ISth. The last day of the battle Colonel Tripp had the misfortune to lose one leg, being struck by a minie. ball, which passed through the limb, completely shat- tering the bone. The next day he received his com- mission as colonel. His wound compelled him to remain in hospital until the January following, when he was removed to his home. Feeling that he was unfit for further service, in June he resigned his commission. In 1867 he was appointed assessor of internal revenue for the Third Congressional District, a capacity in which he served for six years. In 1847 he became a member of the Order of Odd-fellows, and he is also a Master Ma- son, having joined that fraternity in 1856. He took the temperance pledge some fifty years back, and has never

broken it. In politics he is a Republican. He was formerly a Whig, but joined the new party on its organ- ization. In religion he is a Universalist. Colonel Tripp has been highly successful in his business career, having accumulated considerable wealth, and is now enjoying a luxurious home and the advantages derived from a well-spent and industrious life, respected by the com- munity and beloved by his family. He is a man of honor and integrity, and possesses a fine personal ap- pearance. His family are all grown up, and have located near him. They are actively engaged in business.

OYLES, S. B., attorney-at-law, Salem, Washington County, Indiana, was born in that town, July 13, 1843. His parents were natives of the same county. His grand-parents emigrated to Indiana from North Carolina, and his great-grandfather, Jacob Voyles, was in the battle of Camden during the American Rev- olution, under General Gates. S. B. Voyles, the subject of this sketch, enlisted in the 18th Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the late war, and, as a matter of choice, served as a private for three years and one month. He was in all the battles of the Vicksburg campaign, and was never wounded nor off duty. After being several times offered promotion, he finally accepted the posi- tion of sergeant of his company. Ile returned home during the latter part of the war, and went from there to Missouri, where he commenced the study of law with Judge James W. Owens, of Franklin Gounty, which he continued two years. He also attended law school in St. Louis, and, after being admitted to the bar, he began the practice of law, in 1868, in Salem, Indiana. He was successful, and was chosen, by popular vote, prosecuting attorney of the Third Judicial District of Indiana. Being re-elected, his second term expired October 22, 1877. In 1876 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at St. Louis, in which he took an active part. He is at this time a member of the Indiana State Central Committee of Democracy. Mr. Voyles is a " trial lawyer," and prefers the practice of law to political or any other business. He bears the reputation of being a good citizen and a sound lawyer. November 13, 1873, he married Miss Maud Heuston, or Salem, Indiana.

ARDER, LUTHER FAIRFAX, mayor of the city of Jeffersonville, was born near Flemings- burg, Kentucky, December 2, 1840. He is the son of Hiram K. and Mary (Wallingford) Warder, both natives of Kentucky, but descended from old Virginian families. Mr. Warder received a common English education in the schools of Kentucky. In 1861,

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at the age of twenty, he was enrolled as a private in Company B, 16th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer In- fantry. He soon rose to the rank of first lieutenant, and took part with his regiment in the battle of Ivy Mount- ain, Eastern Kentucky, where he bore himself with so much credit and was soon made captain. He com- manded his company through the campaigns of Ken- tucky and Tennessee until the latter part of 1863, when, on account of failing health, he was compelled to offer his resignation. It was accepted, and he returned home, not recovering sufficiently to resume active service be- fore the close of the war. In 1865 he married Miss Elizabeth A. Lewis, daughter of Felix R. Lewis, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, a member of an old and re- spected family of Clarke County. Her grandfather was for many years register of the land office in Jeffersonville, when Indiana was yet a territory. After his marriage, Mr. Warder settled at Flemingsburg, Kentucky, selling merchandise and raising stock until 1869. He then re- moved to Jeffersonville, where he soon ingratiated himself with the people. From 1870 to 1873 he was clerk of the Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad. In 1875 he was elected mayor of Jeffersonville, on the Democratic ticket, was re-elected at the expiration of his first term, and again in 1879 was elected for the third term to the same office, which he now holds. Previous to his election he had been for years a member of the city council He does not belong to any re- ligious denomination, but is an attendant upon and con- tributor to the Episcopal Church, of which his wife is a member. Mr. and Mrs. Warder have had eight chil- dren, four of whom survive. Mayor Warder is a gen- tleman of straightforward and unassuming manners. He is a forcible and fluent speaker, and has the reputa- tion of possessing a rare talent for organizing and con- ducting political campaigns. His energy is of that kind which encounters obstacles only to surmount them, and his personal popularity seems almost boundless.

EBSTER, ALEXANDER, master mechanic and machinist, of New Albany, was born February 23, 1829, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He is the only son of Andrew and Ann (Potter) Webster, who emigrated to that state with their par- ents from Fifeshire, Scotland. When he was only about a year old his father died, leaving him to the care of his mother and grand-parents. He received early instruction in the English branches, and at the age of eleven years was taken by his grandfather and his mother to Canada. There he attended school part of the time until he was fifteen. He early evinced a taste for machinery, and persuaded his mother to let him come to the United States and learn a trade. Hav-

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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 33

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