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 61
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OVETT, JOHN A., M. D., Goodland, Newton County, was born December 14, 1839, in Marion County, Indiana. He is the son of Edmund and Mary (Smith) Lovett. His father was a farmer, one of the first settlers in Marion County. John was employed on a farm until the age of sixteen. He re- ceived a common school education ; after which, at Thorntown Academy, he took a full English course, as well as one on natural science. When these were com- pleted he studied medicine with Dr. C. B. Gentry, of CCONNELL, STEWART T., of Logansport, was born in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio, October 16, 1836, and is the third among eleven children, whose parents were Dr. James B. and Sarah D. (Stewart) McConnell. During boyhood he at- tended the public schools, and in early manhood ob- tained a limited scientific and classical education. He had a fondness for debating, and, while a mere youth, determined eventually to become a lawyer. This pur- pose was at length realized in Logansport, Indiana, where, after having read law under the instruction of Messrs. Pratt and Baldwin, he was, in 1862, admitted Frankfort, Indiana, an eminent practitioner of that town. He then went to Rush Medical College, Chi- cago, attended two courses, and graduated in 1864, lo- cating at Frankfort, and entering upon the practice of his profession. He remained there two years, when he removed to Goodland, in October, 1868, being one of the first settlers in that town. He immediately began his rounds as a practitioner there, and is now the lead- ing physician of the town; has a very large busi- ness, in which he is eminently successful, and is much esteemed in the community, not only for his attain- ments, but also for his personal good qualities. In | to the bar. He at once opened an office in that city,
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and has since remained there. Sixteen years have elapsed, and, by the exercise of those qualities that make the successful lawyer, he has built up an extensive and lucrative business. At the beginning of the War of the Rebellion he longed to enlist in defense of the flag of the Union, and was about to do so, when he be- came so crippled as to be rendered unfit for military duty. Mr. McConnell never joined any secret society, and never aspired to any political office, nor engaged in politics, But his apathy with respect to mere partisan- ship should not be interpreted as a lack of interest in the public welfare; for he has always practically mani- fested a deep regard for the diffusion of knowledge and the progress of religion. It may be inferred that his sentiments concerning political office are expressed in the oft-quoted lines :
When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway, The post of honor is a private station."
He was married, April 3, 1860, to Miss Louisa Gib- son, daughter of Robert Gibson, an early settler of Cass County. The issue of this marriage has been four chil- dren, only one of whom survives. Mr. McConnell, in becoming a lawyer, chose the profession for which na- ture adapted him, and, consequently, has succeeded in it. He compares favorably with his peers in legal learn- ing and acumen, and rises superior to many in his abil- ity to powerfully affect a jury. His higher intellectual faculties are supplemented by strong common sense and a resolute will, and their effect in oratory is heightened by the charm of a fine, dignified presence and courteous manner.
AXWELL, SAMUEL C., M. D., physician and surgeon, Remington, was born October 2, 1840, at Crawfordsville, Indiana. His father, Harvey HI. Maxwell, one of the most prominent citizens of Montgomery County, married, in early life, Isaphena MeCollough, and died when Samuel was between four and five years of age. Entering Ladoga Academy, he took the scientific and classic course, and graduated in 1862. In August of the same year he enlisted as a private in the 72d Indiana, but was discharged, after a short service, on account of sickness. After leaving the army he stud- ied medicine with Doctor J. B. Wilson, of Ladoga, and then attended the first course of lectures at Rush Med- ical College, Chicago, in 1864 and 1865. He next practiced medicine at Kentland, Indiana, for a while ; but, feeling the need of further instruction, he returned to Chicago, completed his course, graduated, and im- mediately entered upon his profession at Remington. Indiana, where he now has a large and lucrative busi- ness, extending through no less than four counties, Re- mington being situated near one corner of the county, | these two gentlemen were life-long friends, their inti-
thereby affording easy access to three others. His pres- ent practice consists much in consultation with other physicians, and in surgery, his reputation for profes- sional skill standing very high in the community. He is president of the District Medical Society for White, Newton, Jasper, and Benton Counties, has been school trustee for three terms, and is senior elder in the Chris- tian Church and Sabbath-school superintendent. In politics he is a Republican, and has always been an act- ive member of the party. He was married, June 20, 1865, to Jennie Parker, daughter of Robert Parker, one of the pioneers of Jasper County, and one of its most prominent men. They have had four children-three girls and one boy. The girls, bright and happy chil- dren, are living ; but the little boy is dead. The Doctor is a man of most pleasing personal appearance, of the strictest honor, integrity, and uprightness, amiable in disposition, and affable in manner. He is respected by the community and beloved by his family, and is admired not only for his attainments, but also for his social qual- ities. He is pre-eminently a representative man.
CCLELLAND, MARQUIS L., cashier of the First National Bank, Valparaiso, was born at Lafayette, Indiana, February 26, 1830. His par- ents were one of six families who founded the now prosperous city of South Bend. On the organiza- tion of St. Joseph County, John McClelland, the father, was elected its first treasurer. He died, as he lived, in 1840, admired and respected by all. This sad event oc- curred when Marquis was but ten years of age. While his father lived, it was the intention to fit Marquis for a professional career, and, governed by that purpose, he had been carefully educated. This, however, was sum- marily stopped when an examination of affairs showed his mother to be in almost destitute circumstances. It thus devolved on this boy, a child scarcely half grown, to shoulder the responsibilities of the family, and face, alone and unaided, the stern realities of life. He served five years as an apprentice at the tanners' and curriers' trade, and two years subsequently as journeyman. The financial condition of the country at this period was such that wages were reduced to a beggarly pittance. Mr. McClelland, therefore, abandoned his trade, and, for a number of years following, was employed as sales- man in different mercantile houses. In the autumn of 1861 he accepted the position of clerk of the Congres- sional Committee on Post-offices and Post-roads, of which Hon. Schuyler Colfax was chairman, and, at that gen- tleman's personal solicitation, he acted as his private secretary during the session of the Forty-second Con- gress. It is proper to state, in this connection, that
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macy dating back to childhood. Both began life in poverty-one as a clerk in a country store, the other as a tanner. One, by his talents and energy, became a statesman, holding the second place of honor in the gift of the people, and, as has been said of the illus- trious Washington, "the first place in the hearts of his countrymen." The other, while following the more lucrative pursuits of business, has won equal honors and success in his sphere. During Mr. McClelland's residence in Washington, his duties as secretary occu- pying but a portion of his time, he employed the remainder in alleviating, so far as possible, the suffer- ings of the Indiana soldiers in the hospital, and many of the boys in blue, to this day, hold the remem- brance of his kindness to them, during those dark and gloomy days, as the one bright spot in their ter- rible hospital experience. He returned to Valparaiso in the summer of 1862, and engaged with A. V. Bar- tholomew in the selling of dry goods. This continued four years, when they closed out the business. Mean- while Mr. McClelland had been active in organizing the First National Bank. He was elected its first cashier, and has held that position ever since. Although a lead- ing citizen of Valparaiso, and a man whose hand and purse are at all times ready to advance the best inter- ests of the community, Mr. McClelland has studiously avoided politics as incompatible with the success of a business career, although a Republican, clinging tena- ciously to the tenets of the party. He has filled two terms as a member of the city council, and this may be safely regarded as the height of his political aspirations. He united with the Presbyterian Church at the age of fourteen, and, both morally and materially, has aided greatly in developing its growth and usefulness. Mr. McClelland was married, October 3, 1853, to Miss Sarah A. Wilmington, of South Bend. They have two chil- dren, -l'heodore, born April 6, 1857, who is assistant cashier in the First National Bank; and a daughter, Flora, born November 7, 1858.
CINNTIRE, OLIVER B., banker, Remington, Jasper County, was born December 22, 1840, in Ripley County, Indiana. His father, Edward McIntire, was a farmer, and his grandfather was one of the first settlers in Jefferson County, Indiana. His mother was, before marriage, Rachel A. Bright, being a sister to the celebrated Jesse D. Bright, for eighteen years United States Senator. His parents re- moved to Madison when he was an infant, and as a boy he there received his common school education. He afterwards attended Hanover College for two years. On leaving he returned to the farm. In 1864 he re- moved to Jasper County, bought a farm, and remained
on it until 1871, when he removed to Remington, and engaged in mercantile affairs for some three years. He then began as a real-estate operator and banker, the firm being J. K. Shaw & Co. In 1876 he bought out Mr. Shaw's interest, and continued the management alone. It is now known as the Exchange Bank of Re- mington, and does a general banking and real-estate business. He is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. McIntire is a man who has taken an active part in building up the town. He is one of the school trustees, being well known and respected, and is of good per- sonal appearance. He is honorable and upright in his dealings, has had a successful business career, and is now enjoying the confidence of the community. In politics he is a Democrat. February 25, 1864, he was married to Margaret C. Hughes, daughter of M. C. Hughes, of Warsaw, Kentucky. They have one child, a bright little girl.
ERRIFIELD, THOMAS JEFFERSON, attorney at law, Valparaiso, Porter County, the son of John and Katherine Merrifield, was born, January II, 1833, in Benton, Yates County, New York. His father was of English extraction, his grandfather having been an officer in the British navy ; his mother was of Ger- man descent, her grandfather coming from the country of the Rhine. John Merrifield was a well-to-do farmer, who had a family of eleven children, all of whom are now living, and in good circumstances. Thomas Jefferson was raised on his father's farm; went to the common school until the age of sixteen, when he attended the Starkey Seminary, at Starkey, New York, for about four years, where he received a thorough academical educa- tion, on leaving which he went to Mishawaka, Indiana, where he engaged in teaching school and the study of law for some six months, at its expiration going to Goshen, Indiana. There he followed the same course for a year and a half, studying law with Judge Matthews and Robert Lowry. Thence he removed to Valparaiso, where he settled, and still remains in practice, in which he has been uninterruptedly employed ever since, and stands at the head of his profession in the county, en- joying a large business. He is a man of high legal ability. In 1858 he was elected to the Legislature, where he served two sessions. In December, 1865, he was elected mayor of the city, and at the expiration of his term of office was re-elected. He has many times during the past ten years held the office of Judge, by appointment, for the Circuit Court. Mr. Merrifield is a man of large public spirit, who has contributed liberally toward improvements in his town and county. He has been a member of the Masonic Order since 1855, in which he has taken three degrees. He is a Democrat in
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politics, and was a delegate to the National Convention at New York at the time when Seymour was nominated. He always takes an active part in the canvass in presi- dential years. In religious views he is liberal. He was married, October 9, 1856, to Paulina Skinner, whose fa- ther was a native of New York, now deceased. They have six children, four girls and two boys, all of whom are now attending school. The daughters are qualifying for teachers, and are now finishing their education. Mr. Merrifield, as a lawyer, stands high. He is a man of honor and integrity, enjoying the respect of the com- munity and the love of his family. He is of good per- sonal appearance, fine attainments, and easy address, and is a courteous gentleman.
ORRICAL, FRANK HELTON, physician and surgeon, Valparaiso, Porter County, was born in Mount Pleasant, Jay County, Indiana, June 4, 1844. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Helton) Morrical. His father was a farmer of Virginia, of German descent, and his mother was of English ex- traction. His parents at an early date removed to La- porte County, Indiana, where as a boy he received a common school education, and also taught school, com- mencing at the age of fifteen, at the same time devoting himself to self-cultivation. Being a boy of a studious nature, he made the most of his opportunities to acquire instruction. At the age of nineteen he attended the State University, at Bloomington, Indiana, where he took a literary course; and, after remaining there two years, he again taught school for a short time, when he entered Oberlin College, Ohio, where he finished his special course of study, occupying two years. He then returned to Laporte, and began the study of medicine under Professors Higday and Meeker, two of the most prom- inent physicians of the state, remaining with them three years, when he went to Chicago, and attended his first course of lectures at Rush Medical College. He then located at Chesterton, and practiced his pro- fession long enough to obtain money to enable him to complete his medical education, when he again re- turned to Chicago, attended another course of lec- tures, and graduated therefrom in the class of 1874 and 1875, when he returned to Laporte, taking a special course of surgery under Professor Meeker, occupying one year, when he again removed to Chesterton, Porter County, and practiced his profession with great success for eight years, during which time he filled the position of surgeon for the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad in a manner which reflected much credit upon him for skill as a physician and surgeon. In 1878 he was nominated as a candidate of the National Green- back party for representative in the Legislature, but
was defeated, though running largely ahead of his ticket. In the fall of 1878 he removed to Valparaiso, where he is now practicing and meeting with great suc- cess. The Doctor is an admirer of natural curiosities, of which he has a very fine collection. He has had five medical students under him, all of whom have gradu- ated at prominent colleges, which clearly evinces his great ability, not only as a physician, but also as a teacher. Until Jan. I, 1879, he remained a bachelor; but at that time he married Emi L. Wolf, a most esti- mable lady, daughter of the late John Wolf, one of the wealthiest and most prominent men of Porter County. The Doctor is a man of most temperate habits, totally abstaining from the use of tea, coffee, spirits, and to- bacco, and his excellent health attests the correctness of his views. Relying entirely upon his own energies and resources, his position to-day reflects the highest credit on him as a man, being most truly not only a " representative," but also a " self-made man," one who is an honor to himself and state. His desire to study medicine began as far back as his memory carries him, and when he arrived at years of discretion he naturally followed his early inclination, and may be considered a "born physician." In religious views he is liberal. Dr. Morrical has been a member of the society of Odd- fellows for some eight years, of which Order he is a zealous member, and has been for many years a member of the St. Joseph Medical Association, in which he stands high. He is a man of magnificent appearance and splendid address, of most pleasing manners, and a cultivated and courteous gentleman. As a physician he ranks among the highest in the state, and is one who has won his position by his own indomitable energy and assiduous study.
EWLAND, DR. JAMES H., a physician of Val- paraiso, was born, December 9, 1820, in Lawrence County, Indiana. His parents were John and Agnes Newland, who were natives of Virginia and North Carolina. His father was an active politician, being identified with the faction known as the Jackson Democratic party. James Newland was early thrown upon his own resources, his father having died when he was but a child, and had but few opportunities for an education. Two months in the year, during the winter season, he attended school, being obliged to walk three and a half miles, often but poorly clad, and sometimes barefooted. He was, however, a precocious lad; and even under these trying circumstances made good prog- ress in his studies. At the age of sixteen he attended for a time a select grammar school. At the age of seven- teen he applied to the school commissioners for a license to teach, and received one signed by Richard M. Thomp-
Frank X Morrical ML.
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son, the present Secretary of the Navy. Thus equipped, he succeeded in finding a district school, in which he taught until 1841, meanwhile devoting all his spare time to study. He was then licensed as an itinerant preacher by the Methodist conference, a calling which he followed for three years, after which he was for a time local minister. His health failing, he was taken by his friends, in 1844, into the forests north of Mil- waukee, with the hope that the change would be a ben- efit to him. He remained there until 1847, dividing his time between chopping timber, clearing land, and
school - teaching. Having recovered his health, Mr. Newland returned to Boone County, Indiana, where he resumed teaching, and began the study of medicine. In 1849 he bought a drug-store, conducting the business and practicing medicine until 1852, when he went to Chicago, and attended lectures at the Rush Medical College, receiving a physician's certificate. In the same year his drug-store, with all its contents, was burned, leaving him penniless. He then removed to Pleasant Hill, Indiana, where for six years he gave his undivided attention to the practice of his profession, with most gratifying results. In 1859 he removed to Valparaiso. where he has since continued the practice of medicine, displaying a degree of skill which has been rewarded by an extensive and lucrative patronage. In 1869 he passed an examination at the Chicago Medical College, and received a diploma. Dr. Newland possesses a strong, yet sympathetic, nature; and by his conscien- tious fidelity has won the regard and confidence of his patrons. He is, in fact, the typical family physician, doing honor to so responsible a relation. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church, with which he became connected in 1837. He was married, in 1844, to Miss Eliza Davis, of Thornton, Indiana, who died March 7, 1871. She was the mother of eight children-one only surviving. He was married a second time to Miss M. E. Reeves, of Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 9th of May, 1872.
ICHOLSON, JAMES CROZIER, of Crown Point, Lake County, is a native of Ireland, and the son of William and Mary Ann (Sherrard) Nicholson, who were also natives of Ireland. He was born Sep- tember 18, 1818, in the townland and parish of Dona- cloney, in Down County, province of Ulster. His advan- tages for an early education were limited, the most of his time having been spent working in the mill of his father, who was a linen manufacturer and bleacher. At the age of twenty-two years he emigrated to the United States, where he hoped to realize his desires for position and wealth, believing them to be more readily obtained in America than in the Old World. January 4, 1841, he landed at New Orleans, where he remained for about
| six months; then went to Cincinnati, Ohio; from thence, in 1842, to the city of New York, where he remained until 1843, at which time he moved near Crown Point, Indiana. There he purchased a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of land, and set himself to the task of improving and tilling it. In 1851 he sold a part of his farm and moved into the village of Crown Point, where he still resides. He selected a beautiful site on Court Street, upon which he built a fine residence, where he lives, surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries which wealth can secure. Some years ago he inherited a liberal fortune, which, united with his own accumulations, enabled him, after liberally providing for each of his children, to retire from active business and devote himself to the embellishment of his beautiful home and other congenial occupations. Mr. Nicholson is a true type of the Irish gentleman, affable, kind, and courteous by nature. In conversation he is extremely entertaining, as he is intelligent and well-read. Mr. Nich- olson has lived in Lake County for over thirty-six years, and is among the pioneers of the place. When he went to Crown Point it was a village of about two hundred and fifty inhabitants, and the surrounding country was almost an unbroken wilderness. He has lived to see the small village grow to a city of three thousand souls, and the county increased to a population of fully twenty thousand inhabitants. Mr. Nicholson is a Republican, and, although firm in his political convictions, is in no sense a professed politician, always avoiding the tur- moils and excitement of political strife. He has for many years been an attendant upon and a liberal con- tributor to the Presbyterian Church. As a citizen he is much respected and esteemed by a large circle of ac- quaintances. He was married, September 9, 1844, to Margaret Ann Fancher, formerly of Fountain County, Indiana, who died September 14, 1874, leaving three children, one son and two daughters: William C., who is assistant clerk in the county auditor's office ; Mary Ann, wife of Henry J. Prier, a merchant of Indianap- olis; Cynthia E., wife of John H. Prier, formerly a merchant, now sheriff of Lake County, Indiana. Mr. Nicholson has not again married since the death of his wife.
IERCE, SIMEON, a wealthy and prominent citi- zen of Valparaiso, Indiana, was born March 20, 1814, at Hamburg, Erie County, New York. His parents, Jesse and Ann Jeannette Pierce, were na- tives of New England. His early educational advan- tages were extremely limited, being derived from attend- ance at a district country school for about three months of each year until the age of eighteen. During his boyhood his time out of school was spent in hard work on the farm, and from necessity he was much more fa-
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miliar with laborious work than pleasurable recreation. | Fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, and His mother died when he was but ten years of age. IIe Commandery. He has also been active and prominent in the temperance work for the last fourteen years. Mr. Pierce is an honored member of the First Methodist Epis- copal Church of Valparaiso, having united with it in 1865, and is a generous contributor to its financial necessities. By those associated with him in the work of the Church he is much beloved and admired, having, by his Chris- tian example, added much to the spiritual growth and strength of the Church, and, by his liberality, to its material interest and prosperity. As a citizen and friend he is respected, esteemed, and beloved. He was mar- ried, October 4, 1836, to Miss Amanda F. Pratt, of New Buffalo, Michigan. She died December 19, 1861, leaving four children, two of whom-the wives of Reu- ben Quatermass and George E. Martin-are now living. Mr. Pierce was again married, November 5, 1863, to Mrs. Almira Russel, his present wife. had a retentive memory and an active, inquiring mind, and thus, notwithstanding his meager advantages, acquired an education sufficient for the business pursuits of life. In the spring of 1833 he shipped as a sailor at Buffalo, New York, on board the schooner " Post-boy." In the fall of the same year the vessel was driven ashore dur- ing a storm, at Michigan City, Indiana, at which place Mr. Pierce spent the winter. The vessel being released the following spring, he again shipped as one of her crew, and sailed during that season. In the fall of 1834 he took up his residence at New Buffalo, Michigan, where he became engaged as real-estate dealer. Subse- quently he was interested in boat property, and was en- gaged in freighting on the Illinois Canal for two sea- sons. In 1852 he removed from New Buffalo to Lake Station, Indiana, where he engaged in merchandising, opening a store of general supplies. This he continued until 1857, when he sold his stock in trade, and bought a tract of land of six hundred acres on Twenty-mile Prairie, and, until 1865, gave his undivided attention OST, REV. MARTIN M., D. D., late of Lo- gansport, Indiana, was born at Cornwall, Ver- mont, December 3, 1805, and died October II, 1876. His father was a lawyer of intellect and talent, who died while yet a young man. Mr. Post early showed promise as a scholar, and as a boy pos- sessed the same refinement of character that was so marked a trait in his manhood. He graduated, in 1822, from Middlebury College, as valedictorian. Dr. Chick- ering, of Portland, Dr. Hall, of Auburn, and Governor Foot, of Vermont, were his classmates. In his senior year he became a Christian, and devoted himself to the ministry. He entered Andover Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1829. He spent his vacations in dis- tributing Bibles, and to that end made long journeys in the wilderness, both in Maine and New Hampshire. After his ordination he at once commenced his labors at Logansport, in December, 1829. He soon organized a small Church, the parent of the two large Presbyterian societies of to-day. Cass and the adjoining counties are now dotted with Presbyterian Churches, founded and for many years superintended by him. His home was at first in the village inn, and his library consisted of a Bible, a hymn-book, and a few religious tracts. In December, 1859, he delivered his "Retrospect of a Ministry of Thirty Years." A few years previous to his death he yielded the pastorate of Logansport Church into younger hands; but he was not content to remain idle; he worked in a narrower field in the country as joyfully as if he were occupying some metropolitan pulpit. Dr. Post was one of the organizers of Wabash to its improvement, raising stock and grain. He then removed to Valparaiso, again becoming interested in the mercantile business. Subsequently he sold his farm and goods, and, with his family, in June, 1869, emigrated to California, with the view of settling on the Pacific slope. After a prospecting tour of three months by steamer, they returned by way of the Union Pacific Railroad to Indiana, feeling that Valparaiso was to them more desirable as a home than any other place yet dis- covered. Mr. Pierce again resumed the selling of goods, which he continued for about three years. In 1872 he retired from active business, leaving his trade in the hands of R. Quatermass, who is still successfully carrying it on, largely extended in all its departments. The business has increased from year to year, until the house stands first among those of that city. It is lo- cated in what is known as the Quatermass Opera-house Block, Main Street. Mr. Pierce's time is given to the embellishment of his beautiful home and its surround- ings and to the general supervision of his money and property. He has carried financial success into all his enterprises, and acquired an ample competence. As a citizen he is highly respected. His is a marked example of those sound, practical business qualities which secure the confidence of the people, and those personal and social habits that retain public esteem. In politics he is a staunch Democrat, ever firm in the defense of his po- litical convictions, but is not a politician in the usual acceptation of the term, nor an office-seeker, preferring the quiet pursuits of business and the comforts of home. He has, however, at different times, accepted the office ! College, and an active patron and trustee of the numer- of councilman of the city, having served six years in that capacity. He is a worthy member of the Masonic
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