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 65

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 65

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work of a successful life. His mind was of that emi- nently practical type which readily compensated for any deficiency in acquisition, by intuitively adapting means to the necessities of the situation. This peculiarity be- came one of the leading features in his eventful life. His occupation was that of a farmer. The demands of the public service, in the field or in the halls of the Legislature, did not wean him from these pursuits in his latter days. While still a young man his family settled at old Post Vincennes, in what is now Knox County, Indiana; then the center of the civil and mili- tary affairs of the North-west Territory. His superior qualifications as a pioneersman soon became apparent. In 1811 Governor Harrison sent him on an important mission to the prophet's town, on the Upper Wabash. On his return from the successful accomplishment of this daring feat, he was again sent out by the Governor, to meet Tecumseh, and express to him Governor Harrison's disapprobation of that warrior's conduct in violating his agreement to visit Vincennes for the purpose of a con- ference, attended by a few only of his wisest counselors. He met the notable warrior, on his approach to Vin- cennes, about twenty miles above the post, July 1I, 18II, and, by promptly delivering the message according to instructions, prevented Tecumseh's contemplated dis- play. The same year he was appointed, at a public meeting of the citizens of Vincennes, one of a commit- tee to carry out the spirit of a series of resolutions de- claring the danger to which the people of the territory were exposed on account of the numerous acts of hos- tility on the part of the Indians at the prophet's town, and to request the President of the United States to forcibly disperse them. An expedition, of which he was the leading spirit, was rapidly fitted out, and started to execute summarily this purpose. Proceeding up the river, they halted and built Fort Harrison. They reached the prophet's town on the evening of November 6th. The battle of Tippecanoe, on the following day, attested the material of which the expedition was com- posed. In that bloody fight Mr. Wilson bore a conspic- uous part. Subsequently, in the attack upon the Mis- sissinnawa towns, Colonel Wilson commanded the left flank of the advancing columns, in the battle which oc- curred in July, 1813. He continued in active service during the succeeding campaigns against the Indians, until the cessation of hostilities, acquitting himself with the highest credit as an officer and soldier. In recogni- tion of his ability, he was elected a member of the Leg- islative Council of the territory from Knox County, in 1810, and continued a member during several sessions. He was also a member of the first session of the Legis- lature, after the organization of the state government in 1816. About 1821 he became a resident of Gibson County, and in 1828 moved to Cass County, and pur- ! chased a tract of land north of Eel River, within the

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present limits of Logansport. In 1831-32 he repre- | but he prefers the triumph of principle to the domi- sented his district, Carroll and Cass Counties, in the , nance of party, and refuses to accept the rôle of a poli- state Legislature. General Wilson was an active mem- tician. On the 7th of May, 1868, he married Miss Jennie M. Johnson, daughter of the late Israel Johnson, and sister of Mr. William H. Johnson, a leading busi- ness man of Logansport. Mr. Winfield is of medium height; his physical development is not robust -not sufficient, indeed, to sustain, at all times, the amount of brain-work to which his large practice subjects him. In personal character he occupies a fair position among his fellow-citizens, and has a strong hold on their con- fidence and respect. He is regarded as an honorable and worthy citizen and a safe counselor. ber of the Masonic Fraternity, and probably received the first degrees in Vincennes Lodge, No. I. When the Eel River Seminary Society was organized he took an active interest in its affairs, and assisted, according to his means, in promoting its usefulness. General Wilson was above the medium height, muscular, and of a robust constitution. His manner was reserved and positive, yet courteous, affable, and dignified. Honest and straight- forward in his dealings with others, faithful to his con- victions of right, he was one of nature's noblemen. After a short illness, he died March 18, 1838, and was buried by the members of Tipton Lodge, with the usual Masonic honors. General Wilson married, April 10, 1804, Mary Williams, by whom he had seven children, all of whom are now dead, excepting one son, William, who resides in Logansport.

INFIELD, MAURICE, attorney-at-law, Logans- port, Indiana, was born in Ulster County, New York, January 27, 1841, and is a son of Zenas and Mary A. (Terwilliger) Winfield. Mr. Win- field received his early education in the common schools, from which, at the age of fifteen, he was promoted to the academic grade. He entered the academy at Mont- gomery, Orange County, New York, where close appli- cation enabled him to complete his preparatory course in little more than a year. He then became a student in Princeton College, New Jersey, in the fall of 1860. The college course required four years; but, in conse- quence of bad health, he was.obliged to discontinue his studies for twelve months, and thus lengthen the time of his attendance by one year. He graduated with the class of 1865, being specially noted for his proficiency in Greek, in which subject he received the prize. In the following April he removed to Logansport, where he was engaged for one year as one of the teachers in the Logansport Presbyterian Academy, While thus em- ployed he occupied all his leisure in preparing himself for the profession of law, reciting to Judge H. P. Bid- dle, under whom he studied. Having completed his preparatory course, Mr. Winfield commenced the prac- tice of his profession in Logansport, in 1867. Since that time, by close application to business and com- mendable studiousness, he has gradually surmounted the obstacles in the course of every professional man, and has won for himself a fine reputation as a successful practitioner. Mr. Winfield holds membership in no Church or religious association : but, in his religious in- clinations, favors the doctrine of the Dutch Reformed Church. Politically his inclinations are Democratic ;

OOD, MARTIN, a prominent lawyer and pio- neer of Crown Point, Lake County, Indiana, was born October 26, 1815, in Jefferson County, Ohio. He is the third son of Frederick S. and Mary (Burke) Wood, who had a family of eleven children, and were natives, respectively, of Salisbury, Connecti- cut, and Jefferson County, Ohio. David Wood, pa- ternal grandfather of Mr. Wood, was of English and Welsh extraction. He was a native of Wales, from which country he emigrated to America about the year 1764. Edward Burke, Mr. Wood's maternal grand- father, was a native of Ireland; he emigrated to this country in 1783, and settled in Baltimore, Maryland. Martin Wood had almost no early educational advan- tages. At the age of sixteen he could scarcely read, and could not write his name. Being constantly con- fined to farm labor, he had little leisure time ; and, liv- ing at a distance from any school, he did not awake to a sense of his utter ignorance, or the necessity of mak- ing a personal effort to gain knowledge, until the age just named. He then resolved to avail himself of the opportunities offered by the opening of a district school three miles distant. This he attended for one year dur- ing the school session, walking six miles daily for that purpose. He possessed a good mind and a retentive memory, and worked with energy and determination. Ignoring the ridicule of younger and more proficient pupils, he advanced rapidly in all his studies, giving at- tention to reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, and grammar during the first year, and ranking first in all his classes. As an illustration of his rapid progress it may here be mentioned that in one evening he mastered the whole multiplication-table. He labored diligently over his tasks, many times at the expense of necessary sleep. At the close of his first school year he engaged as teacher of a district school, which he conducted suc- cessfully. For five succeeding years he continued teach- ing during the winter, and working on the farm in the summer, devoting his leisure to study. In 1837 his par-

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ents removed to Athens County, where he entered the state university. After a course of two terms, he be- came proficient in the English branches, and had ob- tained a limited knowledge of Latin. During the vacations of the university he taught ; and, after finish- ing his course of study, journeyed in some of the Southern states. In 1839 he engaged for six months in teaching in Stoddard County, Missouri. At this time he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Koone, remaining with him until 1840; but, gaining some expe- rience in practice, he formed a dislike to the profession, and abandoned it. In March, 1840, he returned to Ath- ens, and resumed teaching, which he continued for about two years, also discharging the duties of constable, to which office he hal been elected. In the summer of 1843 Mr. Wood married Miss Lavinia Pilcher, who died in the fall of 1845. She left one son, who lived to the age of twelve years. In 1844 Mr. Wood began the study of law in the office of John Welsh, of Athens, Ohio. He was admitted to the bar before the Supreme Court of that state in the fall of 1847, when he went to the town of Logan, and began the practice of his pro- fession. Subsequently he removed to Crown Point, Lake County, Indiana, arriving April 8, 1848. At that date no railroads approached the place, and wagon-roads were, at that season of the year, in a very bad condition. He left Peoria, Illinois, on foot, his knapsack on his back, and, after ten days' travel over muddy roads, the water at times so deep as to render them almost impass- able, he reached his destination, having in his possession

a much-worn wardrobe and two dollars in money.

Wood. Martin Wood has been in the continual prac- tice of his profession for thirty-two years. He was ad- mitted to practice in the United States Circuit Court November 25, 1872, and to the Supreme Court of Indi- ana November 21, of the same year. The firm of Wood & Wood is one of the best in Northern Indiana, and is doing a lucrative, extensive, and successful business, Mr. Wood's long experience as a lawyer making him a val- uable adviser. As an advocate he is never eloquent, but is terse and pointed in argument, and clear, candid, and impressive in his address to court or jury. His conscientious watchfulness over the interests of his cli- ents, and, above all, his unquestioned integrity, emi- nently fit him to fill the part of mediator-a part in which he takes greater satisfaction than in pressing liti- gation. As a citizen he is remarked for his honorable dealings and his courteous, unassuming manner. He is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and patrons. He is most exemplary in his domestic habits, seldom spending an hour, unnecessarily, away from his family, by whom he is much loved and admired. Mr. Wood belongs to the society of Odd-fellows; he has passed all the chairs, and has held the position of Deputy Grand Master of the state. He is also a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter. For many years he has been active in the cause of temperance. Although not a member of any Church, he is a firm believer in the orthodox faith, and is a liberal contributor to the Meth- odist Church. He is an attendant upon the religious services of this body, to which his wife and most of his older children belong. In politics he is a radical Re- publican, but in no sense an office-seeker. Although he has served the people in different capacities for a number of years, it has been through the solicitations of political and individual friends rather than from his own desire. In the fall of 1870 he was elected by his party to represent his district in the Lower House of the Legislature, and resigned, with thirty-three others, in the session of 1371, to prevent the Democrats from di- viding the state into new districts. In the fall election of 1872 he was re-elected to the place he had vacated the year before-a mark of party approval which, to him, was very gratifying. At all times, when before the people for their suffrage, Mr. Wood has received much more than the regular vote of his party. August 26, 1849, Mr. Wood married his second wife, Miss Susan G. Taylor, of Valparaiso, Indiana, a teacher by profession, who was born January 21, 1828, in Shelby County, Ohio. Her father, George W. Taylor, a dry- goods merchant and local Methodist preacher, was a man of much more than ordinary virtue and ability. Mrs. Wood's appearance is pleasing, and her intellectual and moral superiority win for her marked respect. She is warm-hearted, benevolent, and an earnest Christian.

that time Crown Point contained about seventy-five inhab- itants, a few rude dwellings, and a log court-house. The county was sparsely settled, and much of the flat lands was covered with water. Under such circumstances Mr. Wood commenced the practice of his calling. People were few, and money was scarce; consequently, cases were rare and fees small. He has many times traveled on foot for twelve or fifteen miles, sometimes through water two or three feet deep, to attend a suit for a client, for which the usual charge was three dollars. In connection with his law practice, therefore, he resumed his vocation as teacher. In 1849 he was elected pros- ecuting attorney for his county; and, in 1853, became prosecuting attorney of the judicial district, comprising several counties. In addition he has filled many local offices of his township and village. With the growth of the county his practice increased ; and, in the spring of 1858, he associated with him in business Elihu Griffin, under the firm name of Wood & Griffin. This connection continued until 1862, when, Mr. Griffin en- tering the army, it was dissolved. Upon his return, in 1865, the relationship was resumed until 1868, when it was again dissolved. In that year Thomas J. Wood was received as partner; and the firm is now Wood & She is a devoted wife, and much of her husband's pros-

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perity may be traced to her co-operation and sympathy. As the mistress of her household, and as a mother, she has won the strong affections, as well as the filial re- spect, of her children. At the age of twelve she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Shelby County, Ohio. Later she removed, with her parents, to Lake County, Indiana, and engaged in teaching in Lake, La- porte, and Porter Counties, until she married. After her marriage she became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Crown Point, and engaged actively in all departments of Church work. For the past ten years she has had charge of the Bible class connected with the Sabbath school. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had eleven children, seven of whom are living. One daughter and one son are married. The former is the wife of J. T. Herrick, a lawyer of Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas; the latter, Owen Wood, is a practicing lawyer in Montevideo, Minnesota. In addition to the watchful care of her large family, and the discharge of her manifold household duties, Mrs. Wood has been, for three years, president of the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union of Crown Point, Indiana, and, for the past year, acting president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. These public duties have been as faithfully performed as the more pressing and imperative domestic claims would permit. Mr. Wood has an iron constitution, a strong mind, and a well-balanced brain. He is of about the usual height, with a full but not cumbersome person. He has great muscular power, and is very active and energetic. His faculties, both phys- ical and mental, are wonderfully preserved. At the age of sixty-four he exhibits the force which characterized him thirty-five years ago. In all his dealing he is noted for promptness and integrity. Temperate in his habits, a genial companion, a trusted friend, and a popular cit- izen, he holds a high rank among the people of Crown Point. By his industry and careful management he has acquired a comfortable fortune, and has proved himself eminently worthy to be recorded among the self-made men of the state of Indiana.

OOD, THOMAS J., a prominent lawyer of Crown Point, Lake County, was born, September 30, 1844, in Athens County, Ohio. His parents, Darius and Diana (Carter) Wood were natives, respectively, of Washington and Athens Counties, Ohio. The former was by profession a school-teacher, and in later life, by occupation, a farmer, both of which call- ings he pursued with success. Thomas J. Wood in early life had a limited education, such as was obtainable in a country school by an attendance of six months in each year, until he arrived at the age of eighteen years. The other half of his boyhood life had been devoted

industriously to hard farm labor, such as driving teams of oxen, haying, and harvesting. In 1862 and 1863 he taught school during the winter, assisting his father at his work during the summer. In 1863 he attended the Terre Haute Academy for one year, afterwards resuming school-teaching for two winters, and still laboring on his father's farm through the summer. In 1866, having cherished the desire of entering the profession of law, he went into the office of William Mack, of Terre Haute, as a student, preparatory to a collegiate course in the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, where he was matriculated after a year's study, during which time he had been an industrious reader, a deep thinker, and a close reasoner. He was enabled to pass the examination without failing in a question, and at once entered the senior class, of eighty-seven stu- dents, from which he graduated at the end of one year with the highest honors, with a percentage of one hun- dred to his credit, and receiving his diploma, which was dated March 29, 1867. With this testimonial he set out for Crown Point, Indiana, where he arrived with only nine dollars, a much-worn wardrobe, and one law-book in his possession. Although poor in goods and money, he was rich in native energies, and had a strong heart, united with a hopeful and self-reliant nature. He formed a business connection with Timothy Cleveland, but about seven months subsequently became associated with Mar- tin Wood, his uncle, under the name of Wood & Wood, which is favorably known as one of the most successful law firms in Northern Indiana. As a lawyer, Mr. Wood's acknowledged familiarity with the principles and rules of law, his excellent sense and sound judg- ment, the judicial and thoroughly independent cast of his mind, his ability and readiness to see that every question has a second side, make him a safe and trusted counselor. But his chief merit lies in his ability as an advocate. As such, he is the standard by which law- yers may be measured in the field of learning, eloquence, and general attainments. Few men of his age in the profession possess more convincing power as an orator in their pleadings at the bar, or before a jury. He has a peculiar charm of voice and force of manner that with many advocates would, in the energy of forensic appeal, seem bitterness, but with him is simply earnestness. Mr. Wood occupies a distinguished position among his pro- fessional brethren. In politics Mr. Wood is a pronounced Democrat, believing earnestly in his political convic- tions, but not a professed politician or office - seeker. While he has held many places of public trust and honor, he has done so more through the desire of per- sonal and political friends than from his own choice. Living as he does in a town, county, and senatorial district in all of which his party are in the minority, his personal popularity and acknowledged fitness for official position have been seized upon by them at dif-

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ferent times as making him an available candidate, and ; intercourse with his family and friends is always kind he was always triumphantly elected. He was chosen town treasurer in IS71. In 1872 he was elected prose- cuting attorney of Lake County for a term of two years by a majority of about three hundred, while the usual Republican majority was about fifteen hundred, and re-elected by a thousand majority. In 1878 Mr. Wood was selected as the candidate of his party to represent his senatorial district in the Legislature. Entering the contest with a popular majority against the Democrats of about twelve hundred, it was overcome, and his election secured, with over three hundred votes to spare. Not- withstanding his official trusts and honors have come to him unasked and unsought, he has met and discharged their varied responsibilities with that marked energy, ability, and fidelity which characterize him in his pri- vate business affairs. In the Senate Mr. Wood's energy and ability as an active and useful member were fully recognized by the positions given him on important committees. He was made chairman of the Committee on Railroads, and was a member of the Committee on Agriculture and on Corporations, and also on Insurance and Swamp Lands. Mr. Wood was foremost in the perfection and passage of the Congressional and Leg- islative apportionment bills of 1879. He was also con- spicuous in the passage of the act for a reduction of fees, salaries, and taxation, and untiring in his labors to secure the drainage of the state swamp lands. He was earnest in his efforts for the adoption of a resolution by the Legislature instructing the Senators and requesting the Representatives in Congress to exert their influence for an appropriation of $100,000 by the general gov- ernment for the drainage of the Kankakee swamp lands of the state, also $50,000 for the dredging of the Calu- met River. He is foremost in the furtherance of all improvements that are calculated to promote the interest and prosperity of Crown Point, for the growth and in- creased efficiency of the public schools, and earnest in his support and encouragement of railroad projects likely to benefit his town and country. He was active in se- curing the construction of the new county building at this place. Mr. Wood is not a member of any Church organization, but attends the Methodist Church. He is orthodox in belief, and contributes liberally to Chris- tian work. He is an honored member of the Masonic Fraternity. He was married, May 10, 1870, to Mary E. Pelton, of Crown Point, whose father was an old and much-respected resident of Lake County, and who was many times called to places of honor and trust by the people. Five children have blessed this union, two sons and three daughters. Mr. Wood, as a lawyer, stands in the front rank of his compeers, and is in the enjoyment of a large and extensive practice. As a citizen, he has won by his courteous manner and equitable dealing the respect and esteem of his neighbors and patrons. His

and considerate, securing for himself their love and admi- ration. In personal appearance he is above the usual height, strongly built, with well-cut features, and a deci- dedly intellectual cast of countenance, indicating strong will-power. He is a fine representative of the self-made men of our day. He is now a prominent candidate for . Congress.

ILLIAMS, JESSE A., principal of the public schools at Winamac, is a native of Columbus, Ohio, where he was born on the 15th of Feb- ruary, 1849. His parents removed to Logan County, in that state, when he was very young, and from there to Hardin County in 1855. His father had bought in that neighborhood a heavily timbered farm of eighty acres, which, after clearing and cultivating, he exchanged for a larger tract of wild land on the Scioto bottom, in the same county. There were six boys, of whom Jesse was next to the eldest, and they all aided in the work so far as they could, considering their age. Both his parents were from Virginia. His mother's name was Sarah, and his father's was Ebenezer. The boy was of an active, industrious turn of mind, fond of play, but not averse to work. The outbreak of the late war aroused his patriotic fervor, which was not dimin- ished by the heroic death of some of his kinsmen. He was of an adventurous nature, and sought to enlist, when only twelve years of age, in the 82d Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. But his father thought he was too young, and brought him home again. The next year he again essayed to go. He offered himself at Lima, and was sent to Urbana to undergo an examination. The surgeon did not report favorably, and the youth was rejected. He remained at home until the Ist of September, 1864, when a third effort proved more suc- cessful, and he left for the front, being mustered in, to- gether with his elder brother, at Sandusky, Ohio. Al- though so young, he displayed great bravery. Besides being in a number of skirmishes, he was engaged in the battles of Nashville and Franklin, where his company was to be found in the thickest of the fight. At the latter place he took deliberate aim at the advancing and retreating lines of the enemy, firing incessantly one gun after another, while a comrade and the drummer loaded the pieces for him. His regiment was the 183d Ohio Volunteers, and he won with them a record of which he need not be ashamed. He delighted in military duty, but had an unconquerable aversion to fatigue and police parties. So well was this known that he was scarcely employed an hour on such labor. He was fond of rough and boisterous games, although never ill- natured, and the camp became unquiet when he was relieved from duty. He did not escape the calamities

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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 65

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