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 II, Part 59

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1006

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 II > Part 59

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ITCH, LEROY, was born near Pekin, Illinois, October 1, 1835. His parents were Dr. Frederick and Rachel (Thomas) Fitch. He was a half- brother of Hon. G. N. Fitch, whose sketch immediately precedes this. October I, 1851, he en- tered the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and graduated before he became of age, standing high in his class. He at once engaged in the Pacific squadron under Commodore Davis, and was in command of the vessel which captured Colonel Walker in his first expedition against the Nicaraguan Government. He afterwards served in the Gulf fleet, and was, for a while, connected with the Mediterranean squadron. While filling the last-named position, he rescued a party of American sailors, whom he deemed to be illegally held prisoners by the French. This act threatened to give him seri- ous trouble; but, after a thorough examination by the American Government, his conduct was highly com- mended. Captain Fitch was very efficient during the late Rebellion, especially on the river. He was placed in command of an independent fleet of light gun-boats, operating on the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Ohio Rivers. While on the last-named river he contributed largely toward the defeat of the rebel general, Morgan, and his raiders, for which he received a highly congrat- ulatory letter from the Secretary of the Navy. He also participated in the capture of Fort Pillow and Memphis, and in many other prominent naval engagements on the Western rivers. After the war, Captain Fitch was given a command in the Mexican squadron. His last engage- ment was at the Pensacola navy-yard, on the coast of Florida. He served altogether nineteen years, and re- ceived many commendations from his superiors. Al- though so much of his life was spent on the water, Captain Fitch was very fond of land sports, especially of hunting. He was a great admirer of picturesque scenery, and, as an evidence of his artistic power, many handsome pictures of his own production adorn the walls of his home. Captain Fitch was married, Decem- ber 4, 1860, to Mary Smith, daughter to Major B. H. Smith, of Logansport. They were blessed with one daughter. While at home on a leave of absence, in 1875, Captain Fitch was taken sick, and died, April 13, after an illness of nearly four months.

REEMAN, AZARIAH, a prominent business man and pioneer, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was born May 23, 1809, in Mansfield Township, Tolland County, Connecticut. His parents, Enoch and Lura (Huntington) Freeman, were also natives of the same place. His early advantages for an education were limited to the facilities afforded by a country district school, which he attended for about six months each

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year until he was twelve years of age, during the re- mainder of the time assisting his father on the farm. He then spent four years in labor, after which he began study in a select school, and, after remaining three terms, resumed farm-work for his father. In the spring of 1826 he hired out as a laborer for five months. In the fall of the same year, in company with his father, he started on a trip to Onondaga County, New York, where his father owned a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land, with a view of improving it. Returning to Connecticut, he remained through the winter, when he again went to the clearing in New York, his father having deeded fifty acres of it to him. He immediately began tilling it, spending the two following winters with his father's family in Mansfield. He then married, and removed to his farm in Onondaga County, having purchased the other portion of land of his father. He remained for the next five years, improving and stocking his place, when he disposed of it. At this time the em- igration to Michigan was at its height, and he bought a number of lumber-wagons, which he shipped to Detroit, disposing of them at a good profit to the settlers on their way to forest homes. With the proceeds from the sale, he visited the state land-office, and, at a venture, bought government lands in six counties in the state, basing his purchases upon the reports of parties who had been over the ground, with the intention them- selves of purchasing. After making this investment, which, contrary to the experience of many others, proved successful financially, he returned to his family in New York. In 1838 he removed to Elkhart County, Middlebury Township, Indiana, where he remained until the winter of 1842-43. He then traded his farm in Elkhart for one in Morgan Prairie, Porter County, to which he removed, staying there until 1850. At this time he rented his land, having been attacked by the California gold-fever, and, with others, formed a party for an overland trip to the mines. With horse and mule teams, they made the journey from Council Bluffs to Placerville, California, in just sixty days, and, upon ar- riving, sold their outfits at a good price, and began work. After looking about a few days, they became dissat- isfied, and went to Horseshoe Bend, on the middle fork of the American River. There Mr. Freeman remained until the following spring, when he returned to Indiana by steamer from San Francisco, feeling satisfied with the financial result of the undertaking. He resumed farming for one year, when, having received the appointment of State Swamp-land Commissioner, he sold his farm, and removed to Valparaiso. He continued to hold the office for eighteen successive years, discharging its varied du- ties with marked ability and fidelity, and winning the confidence and esteem of both his political friends and opponents. While other commissioners were being dis- placed, Mr. Freeman's fitness for the position was proof

against party favor or prejudice, his administration hav- ing been so entirely satisfactory that his political oppo- nents publicly acknowledged his suitability by retaining him in office for many years during their control of the state. He is a pronounced Democrat, uncompromising in his political opinions, and a liberal contributor to the interests of his party. Upon resigning the commission- ership, he was nominated to represent his district in the Legislature; but, his party being in the minority, he was defeated at the election. In 1º56, in connection with J. B. Hawkins, he bought a stock of hardware goods, and commenced business, the management being left almost exclusively to Mr. Hawkins. This was con- tinued under the firm name of Freeman & Hawkins until 1873, when Mr. Freeman and Mr. Hawkins turned the stock in trade over to Haste & Hallett, who still con- tinue the undertaking. Mr. Freeman was elected County Commissioner in 1848, but resigned when he decided to go to California. He was conspicuous in the movement of establishing the Valparaiso Male and Fe- male College, and gave largely of his means towards the purchase of the site, erection of the building, and other improvements. He was one of the directors and vice-president of the institute, serving until it was de- cided to close the college. The property was then placed in his hands to be sold; but, failing to find a purchaser, he conceived the idea of putting it in the hands of some competent manager, that it might be carried on as a private enterprise. To Mr. Freeman belongs, in a great measure, the credit and honor of placing the property under the management of its pres- ent owner, and the establishment of the Northern In- diana Normal School. It is now conducted by H. B. Brown. The first term opened with thirty-three stu- dents, and soon ran up to sixteen hundred in one term. While he was much disappointed in his original expecta- tions from this institution, it has done excellent work for the neighborhood under its new management. Mr. Free- man has also been a trustee of the Valparaiso public school for the last twelve years, and has been one of the foremost in every thing that tends to promote the cause of education in the city. Mr. Freeman is an Odd-fellow. He has been prominent in the temper- ance cause for forty years. He is an honored member of the First Methodist Church, by his Christian ex- ample contributing largely to its spiritual growth, and by his liberality adding much to its material interest and prosperity. As a citizen, Mr. Freeman is respected and esteemed, and is much beloved by his family and intimate friends. He was married, October 11, 1831, to Miss Amanda Crane, of Mansfield, Connecticut. They have four children-two sons and two daughters-Ed- win Enoch, born October 11, 1832; Cordelia, born March 22, 1834; George, born December 27, 1839; and Lura Ann, born June 16, 1846.

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ROMM, JOHN FREDERICK, of Rochester, was born in Hanover, Germany, March 23, 1837. He is the son of John Henry and Katherina Fromm, whose ancestors for five generations have been officers in the Prussian army. He received his educa- tion in the common schools of Germany; came to this country at the age of fifteen ; proceeded to Logansport, Indiana, where he became engaged in mercantile busi- ness, and, in 1856, removed to Rochester, where he en- tered business for himself, in which he still continues. He does a large trade, and has succeeded in accumulat- ing a comfortable competency. He is a Democrat, and has been several times elected alderman and common councilman. In 1877 he was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served one term. In religion he is a Lutheran. He was married at Rochester, July 12, 1866, to Eliza Wilhelmina Cornelius. They have five children-two boys and three girls-the eldest twelve years of age. Mr. Fromm has seen a great deal of the world. He has traveled nearly all over this conti- nent, besides making many trips to and from Europe. He is a man of honor and integrity, has been successful in his business career, and is beloved by his family and respected by his fellow-men.

RIFFIN, MAJOR ELIHU, lawyer, of Crown Point, was born, March 23, 1830, at Spiceland, Henry County, Indiana. He was the fourth son of Samuel and Lydia Griffin, who were natives of Ohio. The progenitor of the Griffin family, in America, was one of two brothers who emigrated from Wales more than two hundred years ago. One of his de- scendants is now living in Ohio, at the advanced age of one hundred and seventeen years. Major Griffin at- tended the academy of the society of Friends at Spice- land, Indiana, until the age of fifteen, when he was . placed in the West Grove Academy, Wayne County, In- diana, under the charge of an older brother, a teacher in the institution. He graduated, at the end of two years, with academic honors. In 1847 he began school- teaching, which occupation he followed about four years. From boyhood he had had an inclination for the profession of the law. While teaching school he devoted his spare time to reading, borrowing books that he was unable to purchase from Hon. George W. Julian and others. August 30, 1851, he was admitted to the bar, and immediately began its practice. At the end of twelve months, he purchased a farm in Rush County, which he tilled and improved until 1853, when he sold it out, and began buying and selling goods, continuing in this occupation for three years, still pur- suing the study and practice of the law in connection with his other business. In 1857 he disposed of his

stock in trade, and removed to Crown Point, Lake County, where he resumed the practice of his profes- sion, giving his undivided time and energy to the work. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, he closed his office, having been appointed enrolling officer by the Governor of the state. His zeal and earnestness in the recruiting service were rewarded with gratifying success. He was appointed, by President Lincoln, a paymaster in the United States service, November 13, 1862, and assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, with head- quarters at Louisville. In 1864 he was transferred to Chattanooga, Tennessee; subsequently to Mississippi ; then to Huntsville, Alabama, from whence he was ordered to the Department of Indiana, where he paid off the hundred-day troops of Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, January 20, 1865. In consequence of failing health, he resigned his commission in the army, and resumed the practice of his profession. During his serv- ice as paymaster, there passed through Major Griffin's hands the enormous sum of three and one-quarter mill- ions of the money of the government, every penny of which was satisfactorily accounted for, demonstrating his integrity as an officer of the army, as well as his effi- ciency as an accountant. The following transcript pays a high tribute to his fitness and honesty :

" TREASURY DEPARTMENT, " WASHINGTON, May 1, 1874.

" This is to certify that the accounts of Major Elihu Griffin, late additional paymaster, U. S. A., having finally been adjusted in this office, and confirmed by the second controller, show no indebtedness on his part to the United States.

"E. B. FRENCH, Auditor."

The above document is one of which any man may justly feel proud. The delay in the final settlement of the Major's accounts is explained by his long and seri- ous illness. In 1865 he was employed as local attorney for the Chicago and Great Eastern Railroad Company. In 1866 he assumed the duties of general attorney of the Chicago, Danville and Vincennes Railroad, retaining his connection with the Chicago and Great Eastern Road, and carrying on his general office business at Crown Point. In the midst of his labors and usefulness, he received a severe shock of paralysis, seriously affecting his right side. From this, however, he soon recovered, and again resumed the practice of his profession, secur- ing the return of his large and extensive business. Again, in 1868, he was visited with a second shock, par- alyzing his left side, and completely prostrating him physically, and seriously impairing the power of speech, but otherwise leaving him in the full possession of his faculties. After a confinement to his house for about two years, he was enabled, with great difficulty, to re- sume business, but entirely restricted himself to office- work and the duties of counselor and adviser. The loss of his voice deprived him of the position he had so long

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. held as a successful advocate at the bar and before a jury. Few attorneys labor harder, more zealously, or to better purpose for their clients than does Major Griffin, or by their work confer greater honor upon their calling. When in command of his voice, he was a fluent and forcible speaker, expressing strength, candor, and breadth of thought, and, as counselor and advocate, possessed more than a local reputation. The Major is still industriously engaged in the work of his profession, in connection with his son, Charles F., who, with his comprehensive mind and industrious habits, aided by the ripe experience and sound judgment of his father, is sure to take high rank among his compeers. In 1858 Major Griffin was elected to represent his district in the state Legislature, receiving at the election fully five hundred more than the regular party majority. He served in both the call term and regular session. He was a member of the Committee on Rights and Priv- ileges and on Enrolled Bills at the regular session, and member of the Judiciary Committee at the call term. He introduced the bill for the drainage of the Calumet River, which appropriated eight thousand dollars, then in the treasury, to meet the expense of the work. It passed safely through the House and Senate, only to be vetoed by Governor Willard. Major Griffin is both an Odd-fellow and a Freemason. He has passed all the chairs in the former society, and represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state. He united with the Christian Church at an early age. He has won for him- self the respect and esteem of his neighbors and friends. He is of strong domestic attachments, cordial and genial in his nature; is much admired and beloved by his fam- ily and intimate friends. In politics he is an earnest Republican, but not a politician or an office-seeker. He was married, January 5, 1851, to Melissa A. Scott, of Wayne County, Indiana. Her parents were natives of Kentucky. They have had four children, three of whom are living. The eldest son, Horace, is engaged in the drug business in Crown Point. Major Griffin has, in his business, achieved a financial success, and is possessed of a handsome competence.

ALL, SAMUEL ALONSON, Jate of Logansport, Indiana, was born at Willoughby, Ohio, Decem- ber 4, 1823. He was a descendant of Lyman Hall, one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde- pendence. His father, Samuel A. Hall, died just before the birth of his son Samuel. He was one of the early business men of Willoughby. At the age of thirteen Mr. Hall commenced to learn the printer's trade, in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1839 he removed to Manhattan, Ohio, and was employed by M. H. Knapp. Three years later, under the same employer, he worked on the

Kalida Venture. In 1843 he was employed by Messrs. Steadman & Knapp in the publication of the North- western, at Defiance, Ohio. He purchased the printing material of the last-named establishment, and started West, to seek a suitable location. He was induced by some members of a Baptist association to visit Logans- port, Indiana. Becoming convinced that it was a desir- able place, he began, in July, 1844, the publication of the Democratic Pharos. The young editor was harassed by many embarrassments; but a determined will ena- bled him to triumph over every obstacle. He lived to see the work he so inauspiciously began, a quarter of a century ago, develop into one of the first printing estab- lishments of the state. He was proprietor and editor of the Democratic Pharos until January 1, 1869. Mr. Hall, during the Southern Rebellion, was a warm friend of the Union cause. Though a Democrat of the Doug- las type, so well did he manage political campaigns that he won the esteem of his political opponents. In the spring of 1843 he became a member of the Baptist Church ; and from that time till the day of his death- April 10, 1870-was an earnest and consistent Christian, and in his last illness exemplified the full faith he had in a hope beyond the grave. In all the public and pri- vate charities of Logansport Mr. Hall's name and indi- vidual efforts were always foremost. He was a man of large sympathy, and of the most Christian charity. In all the attributes of honorable manhood-honesty of purpose, uprightness of character, and Christian sim- plicity-Mr. Hall stood prominent. In November, 1846, he married Miranda P. Nash, of Logansport. There are six children living.

AMMOND, EDWIN P., was born, November 26, 1835, at Brookville, Indiana. He removed with his father's family to Columbus, Indiana, in 1849. In 1854 he went to Indianapolis, and engaged in a wholesale dry-goods store as clerk. After one year spent in this way, he became a student in the law office of his brother (afterwards Governor), Abraham A. Hammond, and Hon. Thomas H. Nelson, at Terre Haute. In the winter of 1856-7, after an examination in his legal studies, he was admitted to the senior law class of the Asbury University, at Greencastle, and graduated, receiving a diploma, with the degree of B. L. In 1858 he located at Rensselaer, Indiana, where he has since re- sided, and opened a law office. Although young and in- experienced in his profession, he soon obtained a respect- able practice. At the firing on Fort Sumter, in 1861, he closed his office, and, with other young men of Jas- per County, enlisted under Captain (afterwards General) Robert H. Milroy, in Company G, 9th Indiana Volun- teers. He was elected and commissioned first lieutenant

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of the company, and served with it and the regiment in | from the Rensselaer Union, the editor speaking from long personal acquaintance :

the three months' campaign in Western Virginia. Return- ing to his home at the expiration of that term of serv- ice, he resumed the practice of law. In October, 1861, he was, without opposition, elected to fill a vacancy as Representative from the counties of Newton, Jasper, and Pulaski. But while his country was engaged in a terrible conflict for existence with armed rebels, he felt that his place was in the army. In August, 1862, he assisted in organizing Company A, 87th Indiana Volun- teers, and was commissioned captain of the company. He was promoted as major, March 22, 1863, and as lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, November 21, 1863. With the exception of a short absence on recruiting work in the winter of 1863-4, he was, during his term of service, on active duty with his regiment at the front, and was engaged in some of the severest battles of the war. Memorable among these was the battle of Chicka- mauga, September 19 and 20, 1863, in which his regi- ment, out of three hundred and sixty-three officers and enlisted men fit for duty, lost in killed and wounded one hundred and ninety, or more than one-half of the number engaged. Colonel Hammond commanded the regiment during the last year of the war, embracing the one hundred days' incessant fighting from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and the "march down to the sea" with Sherman. He had the respect and good- will of the officers and men under his control, and the confidence of his superior officers. He made his service in the army a matter of practical duty, and qualified himself, by attention and study, for its efficient discharge. All ELM, THOMAS B., of Logansport, Indiana, was born in Fayette County, Indiana, February 1, 1824. He was the son of Samuel Drummond and Patience (Wherrit) Helm. His paternal great-grandfather came from Germany, and landed in Virginia about the year 1740. The name was originally Hallam. His moth- er's ancestry were old settlers in Maryland, and were de- scendants of the Huguenots. His grandfather, Colonel William Helm, went from Virginia to Kentucky, and set- tled in what is now Mason County, in 1781. During most of his life he was a pioneer of the extreme frontier; he almost lived with his gun in his hand, ever ready for the hostile redskin. Following the retreating Indians, he reached what is now Fayette County, Indiana, and became the first white settler in that part of the state. This Colonel Helm was a man of unusual size, noted for his bravery, fleetness of foot, and skill as a marks- man. At the age of sixty-four few in his vicinity could be found to excel him in any of these elements of a successful pioneer. Mr. Helm's parents died when he was a child. He was placed in the care of his grand- parents, and afterwards lived with an uncle, with whom he went to Logansport in 1836. After leaving school he took a course in medicine; and afterwards went orders were promptly and cheerfully obeyed by him, however fatiguing or dangerous may have been the service which they imposed. IIe possessed the requi- sites for a popular commander-care and attention to the wants and comforts of his men, and bravery in battle. At the close of the war the President of the United States, on the recommendation of Colonel Ham- mond's brigade, division, and corps commanders, ap- pointed him colonel by brevet in the United States vol- unteers, " for gallant and meritorious service during the war," as recited in his commission. The war over, and mustered out of service with his regiment, Colonel Hammond again entered upon the practice of law at Rensselaer, at once commanding a profitable business, and soon acquiring an extensive reputation as a lawyer of integrity and ability. Though a Republican in politics, he received from Governor Thomas A. Hen- dricks, in March, 1873, the appointment of Judge of the Thirtieth Judicial Circuit. He was elected to the same position in the next October. He was again chosen to that office in October, 1878, without opposi. tion, the Republican, Democratic, and National parties placing his name upon their tickets. We close this memoir of Judge Hammond by the following extract | through a thorough training under a former professor

" Judge Hammond is a citizen of Rensselaer, where he has lived about twenty years. An elder brother, Hon. A. A. Hammond, was Governor of Indiana. At the organization of the 9th Indiana Infantry by General Milroy, for the three months' service, Judge Hammond enlisted as a private soldier ; afterwards he became lieuten- ant-colonel of the 87th Regiment Indiana Infantry. At the close of the war he took up the practice of law in this town. When the counties of Pulaski, Jasper, Newton, and Benton were created the Thirtieth Judicial Circuit Governor Hendricks appointed him to the Bench ; sub- sequently he was elected to the position by the people of the circuit, irrespective of partisan politics, the De- mocracy declining to nominate a candidate in opposition to him. He has frequently been called by brother judges to preside over their courts in the counties of White, Cass, Miami, Wabash, Carroll, and Tippecanoe. Throughout the large district which these counties and those of his own court constitute he is universally re- garded as an upright man and a just judge. As a jurist he has few superiors in the state, though yet but com- paratively young. At home he is held in the highest esteem, every body regarding him as a model of an almost perfect gentleman. He is a close and careful student, an eminently cautious and practical man, a kind neighbor, a pleasant companion, a steadfast friend. Unostentatious, unassuming, unaffected ; modest, retir- ing, punctiliously polite; with many virtues, and no glaring vices-there are few more agreeable or better men in any community."

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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 II, Part 59

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1006

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1006