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 64

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 64

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speaking, and fell upon the floor, dead. Physicians were almost immediately there ; but the vital spark had fled. God had taken him from the very altar of devo- tion to his home on high. In physical appearance he was large, inclining to corpulency, of commanding figure, noble bearing, and dignified address. He pos- sessed a well-balanced mind and accurate judgment in secular as well as in religious affairs. He was gener- ous without ostentation ; a Christian, having the love of God as his guiding-star. His friendships were deep and strong ; his disposition cheerful, genial, and sympa- thetic. In his feelings he was always tender ; yet, when occasion required in the defense of truth and right, he was bold as a lion. His character was open and trans- parent, his faults unconcealed, his sense of honor strong and decided. As a husband and father, his affections were deep, tender, and devoted.

URNER, DAVID, president of the First National Bank of Crown Point, Indiana, was born Decem- ber 17, 1816, in Liberty, Trumbull County, Ohio. His father, Samuel Turner, and his mother, Jane (Dinwiddie) Turner, were natives respectively of Ireland and Pennsylvania. David Turner received very little education until he arrived at the age of seventeen. When he was six years old his father's family went to Butler County, Pennsylvania. In 1833 he moved to Laporte County, Indiana, where he engaged in farming from 1834 to 1838, when they went to Eagle Creek Township, Lake County, his father dividing his attention between farming and mechanical work, while David gave his whole time to tilling the farm until 1839, when he be- came employed on the Illinois Canal, where he remained for two seasons, subsequently returning to Indiana, and beginning farming on his own account, continuing in that until 1850, when he began selling goods in the vil- lage of Crown Point, by opening a store of general sup- plies, and dealing in all kinds of farm produce. He continued this until 1857, when he disposed of his stock, and for two years devoted his attention to three farms, which he had acquired. Subsequently he resumed trade in connection with his farm, for about one year, when he closed his store, and gave his whole attention to his farms until 1862, when he was appointed, by the Pres- ident, United States Internal Revenue Assessor, a place he held, with only three months' interval (having been displaced by the Johnson administration), for eleven years, and until the office was abolished in 1873. He became a stockholder and director in the First National Bank in 1874, and its president in 1875, a position he continues to hold. Mr. Turner is a man of good financial ability. Ile carries with him in all his business enterprises that sound judgment that usually wins success. Although i tion. He purchased a tract of land in Somerset County

laboring under the disadvantage of a limited school ed- ucation, yet, with his native industry and the possession of an inquiring mind and a retentive memory, he has been able to win for himself a handsome competence, with the confidence of the people and an enviable posi- tion in society. Mr. Turner was, in 1848, elected as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, which position he held until, by the act of the Legislature of the state, the office was, in 1851, abolished. He was, in 1854, chosen to represent his district in the House of Repre- sentatives for one term ; and, in 1859, was elected Sen- ator. Mr. Turner in politics is an earnest and active Republican, but not a professional politician or office- seeker. While he has served the public for more than twenty years, he has done so more on account of the solicitation of his friends than from his own desire. During all the years of his official honors he has dis- charged the duties of the positions with marked fidelity and ability, winning the confidence and esteem alike of his political friends and opponents. Mr. Turner is an honored member of the Presbyterian Church of Crown Point, having united with it in 1842. He has contrib- uted liberally toward its material interests and mainte- nance, and, by his Christian example and social inter- course, has aided in the spiritual and friendly advance- ment of its members. As a citizen he is highly esteemed by his neighbors and acquaintances, and beloved by his family and intimate friends. Mr. Turner has well earned the honor justly belonging to the pioneer, having lived in Northern Indiana for more than forty-six years of his life, and not only witnessing its improvement from that of a vast wilderness to the condition of a cultivated and wealthy country, but having been an important factor in its development and prosperity. Beginning life here, with no capital excepting untiring industry, energy, and fidelity, he has been prominently identified with its progress, as well as having filled important places in the councils of its managers and advisers. He was married, October 17, 1844, to Miss Caroline Bissel, of Porter County, Indiana. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living.

[HL, JOSEPH, miller, merchant, and agriculturist, of Logansport, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, November 23, 1817. His parents were Daniel and Mary (Long) Uhl. His great- grandfather came to America from Germany. His grandfather was among the early settlers of Western Pennsylvania, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Daniel Uhl served in the War of 1812. He was a wheelwright, and worked at his trade until compelled, by the introduction of machinery, to seek another voca-

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Pennsylvania, to which he removed. In 1838 he dis- posed of this farm, and moved into another in Alle- ghany County, Maryland. Joseph Uhl passed his early days on a farm, where he laid the foundations of that strength and good health which he has always enjoyed. His educational advantages were exceedingly limited. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed, for three years, to a millwright. After his apprenticeship he fol- lowed his trade six years, and then took a contract for getting out timber for the construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. At the same time he superintended the erection of two large steam saw-mills, about thirteen miles from Cumberland, Maryland. Each of these en- terprises proved a financial success. Mr. Uhl then built a flour-mill four miles from Cumberland, which he ran until I851. In that year he disposed of his interest, and, with his wife and children, started West. After a tedious journey in a two-horse wagon, they reached Lo- gansport, Indiana, and purchased an eighty-acre farm, seven miles from the city, for one thousand dollars. Mr. Uhl remained on this farm eighteen months, during which time he bought eight hundred dollars' worth of pro-

members of his family, he is connected with the Broad- way Presbyterian Church. Mr. Uhl was married, March 27, 1839, to Naomi Leonard, who died eight years after, leaving two sons. He was again married, March 7, 1848, to Caroline Miller. They have seven children- three daughters and four sons. His oldest son, Dennis, has become a man of considerable importance. He has succeeded to his father's position of county commissioner.

AN NATTA, WILLIAM S., farmer and stock- dealer, of Fowler, Benton County, was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, September 27, 1830. He is the son of John S. and Sarah A. Van Natta. His father was a farmer, and he was brought up on the farm. He attended the common schools of Tippecanoe County until the age of twenty, when he taught school one term, after which he farmed for about five years. He then went into mercantile business at Montmorency, Indiana, Milford, Illinois, and Williamsport, Indiana. After about three years he returned to farming in Tip- ducts, and then sold them for two thousand dollars. He ; pecanoe County, that being more to his taste, where he remained until 1865, when he went into the cattle busi- ness, buying and shipping stock to New York until 1872, being one of the largest dealers in the state of Indiana. He has again turned his attention to farming, but still continues in the shipping trade. In connection with Mr. M. Fowler, the owner of some twenty-two thousand acres of land, he is keeping regularly about two thou- sand head of cattle. He has been a Mason from 1865, and has taken three degrees. By early association a Methodist, he has for years attended the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is an earnest and steadfast Re- publican, believing that the party most worthy of sup- port. On the 10th of November, 1858, he was married to Harriet Sheetz, daughter of Frederick Sheetz. They have five children, two boys and three girls. Mr. Van Natta is a man of fine physique, tall and robust, enjoys good health, and does a very large business, in which he has been highly successful.

removed to a bluff on the Wabash River, three miles above Logansport, where, after purchasing considerable land, including a mill privilege, he built a mill, having two runs of French buhr-stones. He remained here six years, meeting with remarkable success in the sale of his land and the abundant grinding for his mill. He ' next purchased a school section of one hundred and eighty acres of timber-land, from which he afterward took the timber for his present mill. In 1859 he re- turned to Logansport, and, in connection with Mr. James Cheney, built the Empire Flour-mill. They also purchased and ran a saw-mill on the opposite side of Eel River. In 1865 the partnership was dissolved by a division of interests, Mr. Uhl taking the property on the west side of the river, including the flour-mill, and Mr. Cheney that on the east side, including the saw- mill. Mr. Uhl then formed a partnership with two of his sons, under the firm name of J. & D. Uhl & Co. They are still running the Empire Mill, which has four runs of French buhr millstones and a capacity of about one hundred and fifty barrels a day. In 1873 Mr. Uhl started a retail grocery store, and, one year afterward, ALTS, JOHN KEITHLEY, A. M., of Lo- gansport, Indiana, was born in Floyd County, Indiana, February 24, 1840. His parents, John and Susannah Walts, were pioneers in Southern Indiana from Pennsylvania. Young Walts was trained in the industries and economies of a farm. After leav- ing the district school he entered the preparatory course at Asbury University, Indiana, in 1862, from which he graduated in 1867. The same year he took charge of the preparatory department at Moore's Hill College. sold a half interest to his son-in-law, James D. McNitt. It is now carried on under the firm name of J. Uhl & Co. They also deal largely in wool and all kinds of grain. Mr. Uhl owns a large amount of real estate, most of which is nicely improved. In 1870, at the ear- nest solicitation of many prominent citizens of his county, Mr. Uhl became a candidate for the office of county commissioner. He was elected, and rendered valuable services. Although not a politician, he is a warm supporter of the Democratic party. With several | In 1868 he was elected superintendent of the public

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schools at Attica. These schools he organized and managed with efficiency. In 1869 he held the position of assistant superintendent of the Indianapolis schools. In 1870 he was superintendent of the Elkhart schools, where he did valuable service to the cause of education. Ile resigned this place after four years, to accept a larger field of labor. Since 1874 he has been superintendent of the schools at Logansport, which by their admirable system testify to the management of a "workman that needeth not to be ashamed." Natural endowments and large experience have especially fitted Mr. Walts for his work. By delicate tact he wins the respect of all his teachers, and secures from them their best efforts. He has given efficient aid in the general educational field, in institutes, and associations. He has held various positions in the State Teachers' Association, and is now chairman of the executive committee. He is an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Church, and an active worker in the Sunday-school. In phy- sique he is tall and strongly built. A long life of useful work is still before him. In November, 1867, he was married to Fanny Dunn, of Greencastle, daughter of the Rev. John Wesley Dunn, of Maine.

ASHBURN, ISRAEL B., physician and surgeon, Rensselaer, Jasper County, was born January 9, 1838, in Cass County, Indiana. He is the son of Moses L. and Susannah (Brown) . Washburn, of Virginian and Kentuckian descent. He was brought up on his father's farm, and received his early education in the common schools of Cass County. He afterwards went to Franklin College, Indiana, where he took a scien- tific course. As a boy he was remarkable for his love of reading and his studious nature. On leaving college, in 1857, he taught school in Fulton and Pulaski Counties during the winter months, and worked on the farm through the summer. In March, 1858, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. James Thomas, of Royal Center, Cass County, and remained with him two years. He then finished his course with Professor Edwin Powell, of Chicago, attended two courses of lectures, and grad- uated at Rush Medical College in February, 1861, stand- ing third in a class of thirty - six. In the following November he enlisted as private in the 46th Indiana Vol- unteers, and, after bearing arms for two months, was de- tailed to field-hospital service. In December, 1862, he was appointed assistant surgeon to the regiment. About a year later he was promoted to the rank of surgeon, doing general duties as regimental medical officer during the active service of the regiment with the third division of the Thirteenth Army Corps. He was mustered out on the expiration of his term of service, at Lexington, Kentucky, December 28, 1864. He then located at Star

City, Pulaski County, Indiana, where he practiced his profession until April, 1873. In October, 1870, he was elected to the House of Representatives from Pulaski, Jasper, and Newton Counties, in which capacity he served one term. In 1873 he went to Logansport and resumed his practice, at the same time having an inter- est in a drug business, remaining there until November I, 1877. He then removed to Renssellaer, where he has since been highly successful in his profession. Dr. Washburn has been county physician for Jasper County for two years, having been appointed immediately upon his locating there. He joined the Masonic Fraternity in 1865, in which he has taken three degrees; and the Odd-fellows Society, in 1867. He is a Republican, and a member of the Christian Church. He married, in July, 1864, Mattie A. Moore, daughter of G. B. Moore, a mer- chant of Royal Center. They have had three daughters and three sons, only four of whom are now living. Dr. Washburn is a man of considerable attainments in his profession, a courteous gentleman, and an honest and upright citizen, who commands the respect of all who know him.

ILLIAMS, WILLIAM J., A. M., superintendent of public schools, Rochester, Indiana, was born at Welsh Hills, Licking County, Ohio, June 4, 1845. His father, John Williams, was a native of Breconshire, South Wales, and emigrated with his parents to this country when sixteen years of age. He located in Ohio, first in Delaware County, then in the city of Columbus, and finally in Licking County, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in March, 1878. At the age of thirty-seven he married Miss Esther Jones, also a native of Wales. The result of their union was six sons and five daughters. The first-born, a son, died in infancy. The remainder of the family are still living, with the exception of Libby, who died in the summer of 1878. The parents were people who possessed clear convictions of right, and suffered nothing to interfere with their living in accordance with them. Firm believers in the Bible, they made that book their constant study. Day by day the children were impressed with their obligations to Him who created and continued them in existence; and the strict observance of religious worship, morning and evening, did much to mold their character and develop their moral nature. Until ten years of age he attended school continuously, but after that period his lessons were limited to a winter term of four months. At twelve he began contributing to his own support, and from that time to the present all the money he has expended, whether in acquiring an education or in procuring the necessaries of life, has been the product of his own efforts. At the age of six- teen he prepared to enter Denison University, when his

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plans were frustrated by a serious accident which befell his father. Being the eldest son, the farm-work devolved upon him, and the idea of obtaining a collegiate educa- tion was, for the time being, abandoned. His father's recovery gave the young lad an opportunity to take a school during the winter. He taught three months, receiving therefor fifty dollars as remuneration. This he considered fair wages in comparison with that ob- tained for farm-work, which averaged from twenty-five to forty cents per day. He next conducted a successful school, and with what remained from his salary, at the close of its sessions, he paid his way through the spring term at college. It was a new experience to the coun- try boy, but he soon became accustomed to the routine of work, and maintained high standing in all his classes. He began a regular classical course in September, 1862, and continued it for three months, when, his funds be- coming exhausted, he was compelled to stop. This money he had acquired by working as a laborer in the harvest - field, and by chopping wood. Handicapped with poverty ; toiling like a galley - slave for the few hundred dollars necessary to pay his expenses of tuition and board,-such were the obstacles that barred his progress to the fields of learning. That he did not falter, and grow discouraged by " hope deferred," is due to that spirit of independence and indomitable will which on a subsequent occasion impelled him to decline aid from the Ohio Baptist Educational Society, though the result would have been to finish two years earlier. Dur- ing his connection with the university he taught six different terms. He remained in college seven years, graduating in the scientific and classical course. After obtaining his diploma he was undecided which of the two professions, teaching or the ministry, he should adopt. It should be remarked, in this connection, that he had united some years previously with the Baptist Church at Granville, but a year later removed his mem- bership to the Church on Welsh Hills. By it he was given a license to preach. The Ohio Baptist Educational Society (spoken of above) voted him aid to begin a the- ological course at Newton Center, Massachusetts, when he received word by mail that the school at Rossville, Indiana, was without a principal. He submitted the matter to l'resident Talbot and Professor Marsh, stating that he was two hundred dollars in debt, and almost penniless. By them he was advised to get out of debt, and pursue his studies afterwards. President Talbot lent him twenty-five dollars, to repay when he was able. God gives to the race but few specimens of such men, and then leaves them here but for a short time. Mr. Williams arrived in Rossville only to learn that the po- sition had been filled a few days previous. He next went to Bradford, where he opened a private school ; but ill-fate seemed to have singled him out as its victim. Ile had taught but two weeks when the prevalence of

small-pox in the town broke up the attendance. To his great joy he succeeded, a few weeks later, in obtaining the position of principal of the Winamac High School. Here he remained two years. From Winamac he was called to his present position. Success has attended his efforts in school-work, and the efficiency with which the duties are done is far greater than before. While the enumeration has increased only about fifty per cent, the average attendance has gained over one hundred. The present is his seventh year in this place. Mr. Williams's political affiliations have always been with the Republi- can party. He was married, June 20, 1878, to Miss Rosa Brackett, daughter of Doctor Charles Brackett, who died in the service of his country, at Helena, Arkansas, February 23, 1863, where he was stationed as surgeon of the 9th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. Mrs. Williams combines all the qualities of the "excellent woman." She is a lady of education and refinement, and possesses those graces of mind and heart which make her espe- cially attractive. Their union has been blessed with a beautiful and promising son, born March 15, 1879. Mr. Williams is a man of large physique, erect figure, and weighs about one hundred and ninety pounds.

ILSON, THOMAS H., of Logansport, Indiana, was born May 31, 1818, near the village of Den- ton, Caroline County, Maryland. His parents, John and Sarah (Hopkins) Wilson, were of En- glish descent, and members of the society of Friends. His father was a farmer. Mr. Wilson, the sixth of ten children, was left an orphan when he was eleven years old, and went to live with his uncle, Thomas Hopkins, who was his guardian. A common school education, and the practical knowledge gained in his uncle's mill and store, ended in the development of an aptitude for mercantile pursuits, and, in 1834, he became a clerk for Messrs. Mifflin & Atwell, at Camden, Delaware. They kept a general stock of merchandise, and agreed to pay him fifty dollars per annum for three years, in addition to his board. Early in 1837 the firm closed their business, and Mr. Wilson, then in his nineteenth year, went with one of the partners, Daniel Atwell, to Logansport, where he has since resided. He was first employed by Anderson & Atwell, and afterward by Daniel Atwell, until the latter's death in 1840. He next formed a partnership in general mercantile busi- ness with Philip Pollard. In 1843 Pollard & Wilson built a grain warehouse on the Wabash and Erie Canal, and carried on a forwarding and commission business in the farm products of the Wabash Valley. Ten years later Mr. Pollard retired from the store, although retaining an interest, and the firm became Wilson, Merriam & Co. Pollard & Wilson continued in the

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produce trade until 1856, when, by the death of Mr. Pollard, the firm was dissolved. His duties as Mr. Pol- lard's executor, and his own failing health, necessitated Mr. Wilson's leaving the firm of Wilson, Merriam & Co .; but he continued in the produce trade until July, 1875. The house of which he was one of the founders still continues as Merriam & Rice, doing a safe and profitable business, and stands high in the confidence of the community. In May, 1865, Mr. Wilson was chosen president of the Logansport National Bank, which position he held till his death, December 27, 1877. Though a close observer of public affairs, he took no active interest in politics. He was a Whig, and was a Republican since the first formation of the party. He continued his membership in the society of Friends, though separated from any organized meeting of the so- ciety. Until his health failed he was a regular attend- ant of some one of the Churches of Logansport, and was connected with its temperance and charitable asso- ciations. Mr. Wilson was active and vigilant in his care for the interests of his business; and, though prudent and conservative, he was active in most of the enterprises that tended to the improvement of the trade or influ- ence of the city where he lived, and the development of the country in its neighborhood. The worthy poor of Logansport have found in him a friend, and many of the younger business men of that place are indebted to him for encouragement and counsel. By diligence and care he accumulated a reasonable competence, and his long and honorable business career gave him a name which his children will prize as a priceless heritage. In October, 1842, Mr. Wilson married America Weir- ick, of Logansport, who survived but three years. In January, 1849, he married Mary I. A. Dexter, of Par- kersburg, West Virginia. She died September 18, 1844. In April, 1856, he married Elizabeth E. Hopkins, of Burlington, New Jersey. He has four sons, all studying or preparing for business.

ILSON, GENERAL WALTER, late of Logans- port, Indiana, was born in the vicinity of Har- rodsburg, Mercer County, Kentucky, January 18, 1782. His father came from Virginia to Ken- tucky about the year 1776, with a small colony of front- iersmen. Less than half a century previous the pater- nal ancestors of the Kentucky pioneer had left the shores of Scotland, and settled in the Old Dominion. The opportunities for acquiring even an introductory knowledge of the primary branches of learning were extremely rare in the locality where Mr. Wilson spent his youth. He had but little school discipline ; but that discipline, enjoyed by one of his practical good sense and mental balance, was sufficient to lay the ground-

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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 64

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