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 52

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 52

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RISLER, J. RANDOLPH, superintendent of city schools, of Lawrenceburg, was born near Bethel, Clermont County, Ohio, August 30, 1844, and is the eldest of the nine children of Abraham and Christina (Davis) Trisler. His father was of Pennsyl- vania Dutch and his mother of Irish descent, and the families of both were noted for longevity. They emi- grated to Ohio at an early day and settled on a farm, where, by industry and economy, they acquired a competence, sustaining a well-deserved reputation for honesty and unflinching integrity. J. Randolph Trisler was instructed in the English branches of learning, and early manifested a taste for study. He borrowed books from his friends and neighbors, in this way making up for the want of a home library. At the age of twenty years he engaged in teaching school, agreeing to teach three months for ninety dollars, twenty of which were to be collected by himself in subscriptions from his patrons. He taught in the same district two terms, spending all his available time in the study of scientific works. July 27, 1865, he married Miss Eliza M. Early, a lady of liberal education, and daughter of John and Rebecca Early. From that time he became even more eager for literary culture. Believing that better fields for development could be found, in October, 1866, he moved to Johnson County, Indiana, where he remained five years, teaching during the winter and performing manual labor in summer. His school was three miles from his residence, and he daily walked the entire dis- tance, while, in addition to his arduous school duties, he was obliged to chop wood and perform the various other labors incidental to home-life in the country. Soon after his removal to Indiana he began the study of higher mathematics, Latin, natural philosophy, and chemistry. In all his studies his wife advised and en- couraged his persevering efforts, giving him her active sympathy in every new undertaking. In 1871 he was placed in charge of a select school at Nineveh, Indiana, and in the following year was elected principal of the graded schools of Osgood, in which position he remained two years. In January, 1874, he was elected principal of the high school at Lawrenceburg, and in 1876 was made superintendent of the city schools, which position he still occupies. He is a member of the Masonic Fra- ternity and of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, having attained the degree of Master in the former, and that of Noble Grand in the latter. His political prin- ciples are Democratic, but, as he votes without regard to party, he may be called an independent. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. They have four children-Early Clinton, Nannie, Mil- ton Hopkins, and Maude. Mr. Trisler still applies himself to study as vigorously as in his youth. He makes constant additions to his already large library of professional and scientific works, thus giving his chil-

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dren a means of culture of which he was himself de- | prived. He discharges the duties of his position with zeal and fidelity. His management of the schools under his charge gives universal satisfaction, and has brought those of Lawrenceburg to a high degree of excellence.

RMSTON, STEPHEN ELBERT, of Brookville, a lawyer of that place, and Senator for the coun- ties of Dearborn and Franklin, was born in Ham- ilton County, Ohio, March 31, 1845. His father, Joseph Urmston, was an honest and faithful man, but did not achieve success in life. He was a local preacher, and also was a dry-goods merchant. In his earlier days he moved about a great deal, but finally settled in Brookville, where he still resides, but is now in a much better condition financially than during former years. The grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. Stephen Elbert experienced all the hardships and privations dur- ing his early life known to self-made men, and his edu- cational opportunities were limited, in consequence of his time being necessary at home to help support the family. His mother died when he was but three or four years of age, leaving him without that instruction which no one but a mother can give; but he struggled against poverty and these adverse circumstances, mak- ing his way until at last he was qualified to teach school. After this his progress was fast. The family moved to Brookville, the county seat of Franklin County, in the year 1860, and here Mr. Urmston entered college in the year 1866. In 1870 he began the study of law under the tutorship of Hon H. C. Hanna, who is well known throughout his district as an able lawyer and an eminent jurist. In 1872, after two years of preparation, he entered upon practice. In 1874 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the Thirty-seventh Judicial Circuit of the state of Indiana, and served two years, and since that year (1874) has filled the office of town clerk of Brookville. In 1878 he was elected to the state Senate from the counties of Dearborn and Franklin, by a majority of over three thousand. By his pleasing manners and legal abilities he has become widely known, and has secured for himself a lucrative practice. All of these facts evince the strength and power of the man, and, when taken in connection with his youth, show conclusively that he is rising, and will, undoubtedly, fill other and more important positions in our government in the future. He is decidedly a self- made man. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been true to his constituents, and has won the con- fidence and the respect of the public generally. His manners are easy, and in his demeanor you perceive the cultured gentleman as well as the able lawyer. He is a man who has made a host of friends. In September,

1871, he was married to one of his school-mates, the accomplished and beautiful Miss Sarah Calwell, of Brookville. From this union they have one child, a bright little boy. Mr. Urmston and family are mem- bers in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ARD, COLONEL WILLIAM D., of Vevay, Switzerland County, is a native of Ohio, where he was born at Madisonville, Hamilton County, February 1, 1830. His youth was spent in work- ing on his father's farm and attending school. When fourteen years of age, he moved with his parents, Jona- than B. and Mary A. (Hamell) Ward, to Jefferson County, Indiana, where, in September, 1849, he entered As- bury University, at Greencastle. He pursued his studies there until July, 1852, when, on account of impaired health, he was obliged to leave college. He then en- gaged in teaching school until April, 1855; and from that date until November, 1857, was passenger con- ductor on the Lafayette and Indianapolis Railroad, at the same time employing all his leisure in the study of the law. In November, 1857, he entered the senior class of the Law Department of Asbury University, and graduated the same year. On June 10, 1858, he went to Versailles, Ripley County, Indiana, opened a law of- fice, and practiced his profession until August, 1861. He then entered the army as captain of Company A, 37th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which, after organiza- tion, was attached to the Fourteenth Army Corps, General Torchin's brigade. His regiment was in the advance on Bowling Green, after which it passed on to Nashville, arriving there just before General Grant took possession of the place. After the engagement at Shiloh, the division was detached, and captured Huntsville, Ala- bama. From there the regiment advanced in front of Chattanooga, where they were engaged in skirmish duty. In Buell's retreat before Bragg they fell back to Nash- ville, and Colonel Ward's regiment was attached to General Negley's division, and left to hold that city. In the subsequent advance his regiment was hotly en- gaged in the battle of Stone River, and lost very heav- ily. In this engagement Colonel Ward had his horse shot under him. He next participated in a skirmish at Bradyville; again at Eel River; crossed the Tennessee River, and was engaged for two days in a skirmish at Pigeon Gap. The regiment was engaged almost contin- uously, taking part in the battles of Chickamauga, Look- out Mountain, Mission Ridge; and, later, in the opera- tions at Tunnel Hill, Georgia, in the general advance on Atlanta, besides several minor engagements at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, etc. On May 27, 1864, Colonel Ward was wounded in the face in a skirmish near Newhope Church. He participated in all the battles of that cam-

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paign, down to Jonesville, until the capture of Atlanta. His term of service expired October 23, 1864, and he was mustered out with his regiment at Indianapolis, having seen three years of almost continuous service, and participated in some of the most hotly contested battles of the war. He had been promoted to lieu- tenant-colonel before the battle of Stone River. At that engagement the colonel of the regiment was disa- bled, and in all the subsequent movements in the cam- paign he was in command of the regiment. After the war he returned to Versailles, and resumed his law practice. In October, 1874, he removed to Vevay, where he practiced in partnership with W. H. Adkin- son until the death of the latter, in April, 1878. Soon afterwards the law firm of Ward & Livings was formed, and at the present time enjoys the largest and most lucrative practice in the county. Colonel Ward is a Republican. He has never been a candidate for polit- ical honors, preferring to give his entire attention to his profession, in which he enjoys a reputation second to none. His powers of memory are wonderfully acute; and he possesses the faculty of grasping, almost at a glance, the points of a case. He is clear, logical, and convincing. He never loses his self-control, or becomes confused by the intricacies of a legal argument. There is not a case of any importance in the county in which the firm of Ward & Livings is not retained. Colonel Ward is a Mason, Past Master, and representative of Versailles Lodge, No. 7. His religious connection is with the Christian Church. He married, May 11, 1853, Miss Sarah J. Todd, of Jefferson County. She died August 8, 1877, leaving a family of six children, four daughters and two sons. Although Colonel Ward's residence in Vevay has been comparatively short, he is known throughout the county; and his genial nature and social qualities make him universally respected and deservedly popular.

ATTS, HOWARD, M. D., pioneer, of Madison, was born near Lexington, Kentucky, October 8, 1793, and died in 1876. He graduated in medicine from the Transylvania University, at Maysville, Kentucky, where he practiced the profession until within a few years of his death. He represented his county in the state Legislature for a number of years; was a member of the city council, and one of the first board of health in the city of Madison. He was public-spir- ited and generous, and a warm friend to the poor, en- joying in a high degree the confidence and respect of all who knew him. In 1818 he married Miss Prudence Collins, of Boone County, Kentucky, who died in 1865. Three of their children are living-Mrs. Nathan Powell, Mr. William C., and Mr. Henry Clay Watts, besides a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

ELLS, JOSEPH P., attorney-at-law, Madison, was born in Jefferson County, Indiana, July 24, 1830. He is the son of John and Margaret Wells, a strict Methodist and a man of exemplary life. He was born in Pennsylvania, and went with his parents to Ohio when he was a child. He married in Cincinnati, removed to New Albany in a canoe, and settled in Jefferson County in 1824. His occupation was that of a farmer. Joseph P. was one of a family of twenty-one children. He received a common school education, such as the times afforded. He made the most of his opportunities, applying himself with diligence, and acquired a good English education. When a boy he bent every energy to this end, so that he might be fitted for after life. On leaving school at the age of twenty, he sought employ- ment as a farmer, an occupation in which he continued until he was thirty-five, when he began the practice of law, having previously made it a study for eleven years. He settled in Madison, where he still remains, in the enjoyment of a lucrative income, being one of the lead- ing lawyers of the city. During the war he spent about six months in the 8th Indiana Volunteers, and for four years was Justice of the Peace at Madison. He is a communicant of the Methodist Church, joining it at the age of sixteen, under the influence of the preaching of the Rev. Mr. Simpson, who is now bishop, and has re- mained a faithful member ever since. Mr. Wells has never sought to fill public offices. He is a Democrat in politics, having before 1854 been a member of the old Whig party. He is a man who stands up for the prin- ciples of his organization, though not a strong poli- tician. In all local matters he is independent, voting for the best man, irrespective of other considerations. He was married, March 2, 1852, to Nancy J. Howell, daugh- ter of John Howell, a farmer of Jefferson County. They had nine children, three of whom are now dead. Mrs. Wells died the 9th of April, 1872, of consumption of fourteen years' standing. On the 9th of July, 1873, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Cope, of Kentucky, who, at the time, was superintendent of the State Baptist Orphans' Home. Mr. Wells is a man of good personal appear- ance. He is eminent as a lawyer, and stands high in the estimation of his fellow-citizens.

ILLIAMS, HUGH T., M. D., of Rising Sun, ex-Representative of the Forty-first Assembly of the state of Indiana, was born in Breckin- ridge County, Kentucky, on the 27th of May, 1812, and was the son of Rev. Otho Williams, a Methodist minister of some distinction, who emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky about the year 1802. His coadjutors in the ministry were such men as Rev. Doc- tor Jonathan Stamper, Marcus Lindsay, George Mc-

HT Williams

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Nealy, George Locke, and Benjamin L. Crouch, all of whom attained eminence in the ministry. Doctor Hugh T. Williams received his education chiefly at home, there being no public schools at that day. When he had reached his twentieth year he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Doctor Holmes, of Hawesville, Kentucky. During the following year, 1833, his brother, William A. Williams, a merchant of Louis- ville, died, and he was compelled to abandon for a time the study of medicine and go to Louisville to settle up the business of his deceased brother. While there he engaged in the mercantile business with considerable success until 1837, when the crisis induced by Jackson's war against the United States banks prostrated him, and he was compelled to close. He again turned his atten- tion towards obtaining a liberal medical education, and in the spring of 1840 entered the Louisville Medical In- stitute, from which he graduated with distinction in 1842. During the summer vacation of 1841 Doctor Williams, together with Doctor Shumard, now of Penn- sylvania, Doctor James Jeton, of Texas, Doctor Yandal and Doctor Grant, of Kentucky, all of whom have since gained eminence in the profession, formed a private class with the celebrated Doctor Gross. In the latter part of the same year Doctor Williams was elected resident stu- dent in the medical ward of the marine hospital of Louis- ville, receiving as compensation ten dollars per month, and paying twelve for his board and washing, making it exceedingly difficult for him to maintain himself in his position. But his indomitable will was of great help to him in his times of discouragement, and enabled him to secure some outside work and still provide time for the duties confided to him in the hospital, which were to keep a minute record of all the more important cases that came before the medical class for examination and treatment; and at the time of his death he still had several of these journals, reminiscences of his early pro- fessional life. Immediately after graduation he re- moved to Helena, Arkansas, and commenced the prac- tice of medicine, remaining there until the year 1845, when he removed to Rising Sun, Indiana, where he has since resided, having enjoyed a large and lucrative prac- tice until the year 1869. He then engaged in the lum- ber and milling business with some success until 1878, when he again turned his attention to medicine and opened an office with his son, Doctor Hugh D. Will- iams, and continued in the practice up to the time of his death. During the year 1846, with William M. French and S. F. Covington, he was appointed a com- mittee to draft a charter, and procure its enactment by the Legislature, for the city of Rising Sun. He has been largely identified with the growth and enterprise of Rising Sun, and, with the exception of five or six years, has been either a member of the city council or school board ever since settling there. While a mem-

ber of the city council the community was largely in- debted to him for the erection of the elegant school building which adorns this city, as well as other im- provements which have made it a desirable place of residence; and though his persistent efforts occasioned him many enemies, the successful results made him as many friends. Doctor Williams was a member of the Methodist Church and of its official board. He belonged to the Masonic Fraternity, by which order he was buried, and to the Independent Order of Odd-fellows, and was a member of the Grand Lodge of the state. During the war he was a confidential friend of Governor Morton, and was appointed by him draft commissioner, and enrolling officer of his county, with the rank of colonel of militia. He participated in the chase of the rebel General Morgan through Indiana, and was afterward complimented by Governor Morton for the gallantry and skill displayed on that occasion. At the city of Vernon, Colonel Williams received from General Morgan, under a flag of truce, a demand to surrender the town and forces. The messenger was politely escorted without the lines with instructions to tell General Morgan that if he wanted the city or men he would please come and get them. A second demand being made through an officer who, though probably unintentially, violated the rules governing flags of truce, he was detained by Colonel Williams until instructions could be received from Adjutant-general Love, of Gov- ernor Morton's staff. That officer directed his release, sending word to General Morgan that he could have the city if he could take it. Later in the day General Love directed Colonel Williams to present his compli- ments to General Morgan, asking two hours to remove women and children from the city. Colonel Williams had the pleasure of conversing in person with General Morgan, who gave him thirty minutes to get home and prepare for action. In the mean time, however, the Confederates changed their course, making demonstra- tions toward Madison. They soon changed again to Cross Plains and into Ohio. Colonel Williams had in his possession the saber of General Morgan, presented to him as a testimonial of regard by General O'Neal, of Fenian notoriety. He served one term in the state Leg- islature, representing Ohio and Switzerland Counties, having been elected by a majority of twenty-four votes over Rich Gregg, Democrat, and John S. Roberts, American, and as a member of that body was always on the alert. Possessed of a strong intellect, he was never at a loss what course to pursue; no useless appro- priation ever received his vote ; no burdensome laws or grievous taxes had his support ; no measure which in any way abridged the rights of the people was coun- tenanced by him. His actions throughout won the ap- proval of his constituents. Doctor Williams was well informed on all subjects, a good conversationalist, and

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for his many superior qualities was highly esteemed. He was sixty-six years of age and had received his sec- ond sight at the time of his death. Doctor Williams was married three times and had one child, a son, by his second wife. His last wife was Mrs. Emeline Loring, widow of B. B. Loring. He died December 22, 1879, leaving an only son and a large number of relatives to mourn his loss.

OODFILL, GABRIEL, late a merchant of Greensburg, was born in Shelby County, Ken- tucky, September 6, 1804. His grandfather, Rev. Gabriel Woodfill, was an eminent theologian, a Methodist minister of great power; he was born in Pennsylvania, January 29, 1758, of Welsh and English parentage. His father, Andrew Woodfill, was born in Pennsylvania, March 31, 1781. The family removed to Shelby County, Kentucky, about the year 1800. There Rev. Gabriel Woodfill was engaged in the ministry, and Andrew Woodfill in farming. A few years later they removed to Jefferson County, Indiana, within about four miles of Madison. In this place Gabriel Woodfill labored for many years as a local preacher, while his son was occupied as an agriculturist. They both died in Jefferson County. Gabriel Woodfill, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools, and spent his youth on the farm with his father. January 28, 1824, he married Miss Eleanor Pullen, a lady of excellent Christian character and attainments. She died four years afterwards, leaving three children-W. S. Woodfill, Mrs. Mary Christian, and Andrew Woodfill, who died when eight years old. April 30, 1829, he married Miss Elizabeth Van Pelt, a woman greatly esteemed by her family and a large circle of friends. She died in 1866, leaving two sons and a daughter- Mrs. Catherine Crawford, James M. Woodfill, and John V. Woodfill, deceased. In 1830 Gabriel Woodfill came to Greensburg, and established a bakery and family grocery, in which business he was very successful. He then entered into the dry-goods trade with a small cap- ital, and in a very few years took a leading position among dry-goods merchants in that city. In the year 1841, when nearly all other merchants in Greensburg either failed or suspended payment, Mr. Woodfill kept his credit good, met his engagements, and made money, supplying the trade for a large district of country. In 1846 he took his oldest son, W. S. Woodfill, into partnership, the firm becoming G. & W. S. Woodfill. In 1854 his next son, John V. Woodfill, having become of age, was added to the firm, which became G. Wood- fill & Sons. A few years before his death Mr. Woodfill retired from active business, leaving his store to his three sons. The firm of Woodfill Brothers was con- tinued until the death of John V. Woodfill, since which

time the same business has been continued by W. S. & James M. Woodfill, as W. S. Woodfill & Co. The business has been prosperous through all these changes, and still retains its credit at home and abroad as the most reliable dry-goods house of the city. Their new and elegant store-room in the Woodfill Block, situated on the corner of Broadway and Washington Streets, is an evidence of good taste, and is in keeping with the solid trade which the firm has established. Gabriel Woodfill was a successful business man. He was upright in all his dealings. He never entered any outside spec- ulations, but confined himself strictly to his regular trade. He acquired a handsome estate in his active business life of nearly forty years, and his success is an instance of what can be accomplished by close and intel- ligent application to a legitimate business. He was an earnest Methodist, having united with the Church in 1848. He was always punctual in his attendance upon Church meetings, and was very decided in his views upon the subject of religion, Church government, the manner of conducting the religious services, etc. When the Methodist Church of Greensburg divided some years ago, Mr. Woodfill was the first to join the organization of the Centenary Society, and was one of the largest contributors to the new church building. In politics he was a Whig, then a Republican. His faith in the purity of the party and the truth of its mission was un- bounded. So implicit was his trust that he could hardly tolerate any criticisms of its principles or its conduct. He was very hostile in his opposition to slavery, and during the war watched its progress with deepest inter- est. Great was his satisfaction when the institution was destroyed in the nation's struggle for existence.

ORKS, JOHN D., Representative in the state Legislature from Switzerland County, was born in Ohio County, Indiana, March 29, 1847. His father, James A. Works, is one of the oldest set- tlers of the county, and one of the oldest lawyers of the state, having practiced law since 1847. His mother, Phœbe (Downey) Works, is a sister of Hon. A. C. Downey, a prominent lawyer and judge, of Rising Sun, Indiana. Mr. Works was engaged in farm labor in his boyhood. When seventeen years of age he entered the army as a private in the 10th Indiana Cavalry, and saw service at. Mobile, Vicksburg, Decatur, Alabama, and other places. After the war he commenced the study of law, taking a very thorough course of reading with his uncle, Judge A. C. Downey, of Rising Sun. In 1868 he was admitted to the bar, and entered into part- nership with his father, under the firm name of Works & Works. The firm has a very fine reputation in Switz- erland County, and does more than its share of the

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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 52

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