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 70

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 70

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

RAHAM, JOHN AMBROSE, of Peru, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, January 8, 1817. His parents were natives of Ireland, and emigrated to this country in 1815. They landed in Baltimore, after undergoing great hardships during a prolonged voyage, in which they narrowly escaped being ship- wrecked. In. 1826 the family removed to Pittsburg, in

Windy Kacklemmen

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.

with Dist.]

1827 to Wheeling, and in 1828 returned to Baltimore. In 1830 they went to Harper's Ferry, and finally, in 1832, settled in Indiana. John A. Graham was employed at Harper's Ferry as clerk until 1835. In May of that year, being then eighteen, he started for Indiana. At Wheeling he took passage on a steamboat, and was landed at midnight, a solitary passenger, at the mouth of the Wabash. The Wabash and Ohio Rivers were at that time very high, the country for miles around was under water, and the surroundings presented a gloomy aspect to the stranger. He had expected to find a town filled with enterprising people; but he saw only a dreary waste of turbid waters. No sound greeted his ear but the hoot of the owl and the crash and crunch of the running drift. After sitting upon his baggage at the water's edge until near daylight, he discerned from the top of the bank something like a building in the ob- scurity of the morning fog, and detected a faint sound of human voices coming from a point farther up the river. About half a mile from where he landed he found a steamboat bound for the Upper Wabash; and after va- rious adventures and detentions he succeeded in reach- ing Peru. There he made arrangements to take charge of a store in Logansport for Alexander Wilson. He remained there until the business was closed up, in June, 1838, when he returned to Peru. He acted as clerk for Mr. Wilson until 1839, when he became a partner. The firm of A. Wilson & Co. packed pork in 1839. It was the first undertaking of the kind in the place, and was a financial failure, owing to low water in the Maumee, which prevented its quick transportation to New York. They built flatboats, and in 1840 commenced sending pork to New Orleans. This also proved a failure, on account of hard times and low prices. In 1841 and 1843 Mr. Graham was elected sheriff of the county. In 1846 he was appointed clerk in the Wabash and Erie Canal Land Office. He held this place until 1847, when the land office was removed to Logansport, under the act of the Legislature adjusting the state debt, known as the Butler Bill. He now bought the printing- office at Peru, and, June 28, 1848, issued the first num- ber of the Miami County Sentinel. This paper was suc- cessfully managed by him as editor and proprietor until 1861, when he sold out, and retired from the editorial chair. In 1850 Mr. Graham was a delegate to the con- vention to form a new state Constitution. In 1870 he was elected county clerk, and has been a member of the town and the city council at different times. He was special agent of the United States to pay the Miamis in the years 1857 and 1859, and has held many other posi- tions of trust. He has been a life-long Democrat. In religion he is a Roman Catholic. He was married to Caroline A. Araline, in Peru, June 28, 1842. A family of three sons and six girls blessed their home; but two sons died a few years ago, and, within the last year, his only

son and his beloved wife have been removed by death. He lives at his home in Peru, surrounded by his remain- ing children, and occupies his time in superintending his farm near town, and attending to his other business. Mr. Graham is below the average height, but is heavily built. He possesses a strong constitution, and, although threescore, many years of his life may yet remain to him. His opportunities for an education were limited ; but he has been a constant reader, and has a wonderful memory. He is recognized as the " Historian of Miami." As a writer he is fluent, precise as to dates and figures, and full of humor. Few men possess the confidence of the community in a more eminent degree.

ACKLEMAN, ELIJAH, of Wabash, is one of those ever to be honored men who, with strong arms and brave hearts, have swept away the for- ests and spread out the smiling fields of Indiana, and with intelligence and sterling virtue laid broad and deep the foundations of the state. He was born in Franklin County, October 18, 1817. His powers of en- durance, both physical and mental, indicate in part his Teutonic descent. His great-grandfather, Michael Hack- leman, was born in Germany, in 1720. At the age of seventeen he came to America, and located in the col- ony of Maryland. In 1751 he married Mary Sailors, a German maiden, and located on the Susquehanna River. Elijah's grandfather, Jacob Hackleman, was a native of Maryland. In 1773 he married Mary Osborn, of that colony, by whom he had fourteen children, the eldest of whom was Abraham, the father of the subject of this biography. His mother, whose maiden name was Mar- garet Tyner, was a native of South Carolina. The fa- ther, a man of very temperate habits, was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, at the foot of King's Mountain, near the place of the contest between the British and American forces, of which he had an indis- tinct recollection, September 25, 1775. At an early age he removed to Abbeville District, South Carolina, and from thence to Scott County, Kentucky, in 1802, and in 1807 came to what was then known as a part of Indiana Territory, now Franklin County. During the War of 1812 he served as a Federal officer in what was called the frontier service, guarding the Western settlements from Indian depredations. In February, 1821, he re- moved to Rush County, about three miles south-east of where the town of Rushville was afterwards laid out. At that time this was the extreme settlement of civili- zation, and the West was an unbroken wilderness. Here Elijah Hackleman, with his trusty ax, began at an early age to carve out his own fortune; helped to fell the forest, clear the lands, build the fences, and cultivate the farm; and was subject to all the vicissi-

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.

[uth Dist.

tudes of pioneer life. Here he acquired habits of in- | of commanding stature, and rugged strength both of dustry that have followed him through life. The nar- body and mind. Possessing a diversity of mental en- dowments, he might have been successful in law or in civil engineering, as well as in the avocations to which he devoted his attention. He did fit himself for the legal profession, was admitted to the bar in 1842, and practiced a few months in Rushville; but, as surveying was then preferable, he abandoned the law. He has a remarkable memory for dates, places, and events. He has written a brief history of Wabash County, and could furnish considerable matter for a history of the state. His active and useful labors have brought him into relations with many public men, and he has been personally acquainted with every Governor of Indiana except Mr. Jennings. In early life he became acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, who was then postmaster of Salem, Illinois. There seem to be united in Mr. Hack- leman the characteristics of the stirring, practical man of business and the retiring, contemplative scholar, as he has led an active life, and yet is exceedingly fond of books, and spends all of his leisure in his library. He was elected to the various political offices he has held, first by the Whig, and then by the Republican party ; and he is capable of serving the public in other still more honorable stations, but he seems to prefer the quiet and seclusion of home. He has had nine children, of whom five are living. row limits of educational facilities in pioneer times did not prevent his acquiring an education. He mentally devoured all the books accessible; and it was often said of him that he was never known to be without a book in his pocket, even when at work, availing himself of every opportunity to stock his mind with its contents. He was for some time a student of the late Hon. Ben- jamin F. Reeve, who then resided in Rush County. He afterward attended the best school the country afforded, the Connersville Seminary, where he soon became quite proficient in mathematics and astronomy. He read law with General P. A. Hackleman, his cousin, now de- ceased. [See sketch elsewhere in this work.] He was a resident for a short time, in 1835 and 1836, of Cass County, Illinois, then a part of Morgan County ; and during those years, in company with an elder brother, Abner Hackleman, he made extensive explorations west of the Mississippi River, through the present state of Iowa, and in the latter year returned to Rush County. He was married to Margaret Davisson, daughter of Aaron Davisson, of Monmouth County, New Jersey, on the 28th of October, 1841. Several years of his early life were spent in teaching school, and also in discharging the duties of the office of Justice of the Peace. In May, 1849, he moved to Wabash County, and improved a farm in Liberty Township. In 1852 he was elected surveyor of Wabash County, and was continued in office three terms by the unanimous vote of the county. In 1859 he was elected clerk of the Wabash Circuit Court, and, in 1863, re- elected-serving eight years, the constitutional limit, to the satisfaction of all. At the election in October, 1874, he was elected to the Senate from Wabash and Hunt- ington Counties by the Republican party, a member of which he has been since the disorganization of the Whig party, and was one of the active members of the Senate at the last session of the Legislature. He acted for a time as President pro tem. of that body. Senator Hack- leman is one of those affable, kind, unassuming gentle- men, always ready to do an act of kindness and to ad- minister to the wants of his fellow-citizens; never had a personal difficulty with any one ; never was sick a day in his life, except having a few shakes of the ague the first year he came to the county. He is temperate, never having used intoxicating liquors; is a member of the Christian Church. The Senator has a well-selected library of several hundred volumes of rare and valuable books, where he spends most of his leisure hours, and when not engaged on his farm can generally be found there. He has also in his library more than one hun- dred volumes of newspapers, carefully bound. He has for the last forty years kept a diary of the most noted events coming under his observation, which he finds of value as matters of history. Mr. Hackleman is a man

AYNES, JACOB M., of Portland, was born in Monson, Massachusetts, April 12, 1817. His father, Henry Haynes, was born in the same town, in June, 1776. He was a mechanic, and during the War of 1812 manufactured fire-arms. He was a descendant of a hardy race that came to America in 1635, and settled at Sudbury, Massachusetts. They were Puritanic in their ideas, and were noted for hardi- hood of character and strength of mind. His mother, Achsah March, was born in October, 1792, at Mill- bury, Massachusetts, and was a relative of Bishop Chase, the uncle of Chief Justice Chase. She died in July, 1870, six years after the death of her husband. They had fourteen children, eleven of whom lived to become very useful and distinguished members of soci- ety. Mrs. Everett, one of the daughters, was ten years in Turkey as a missionary ; another daughter, Catherine, was three years connected with Robert College, at Con- stantinople, as matron of that institution ; while a third has also done some missionary work in Turkey. . Judge Haynes prepared for college at Monson (Massachusetts) Academy, and took a literary course at Phillips Acad- emy, Andover, Massachusetts. He commenced the study of law with Hon. Linus Child, at Southbridge, in the same state. In September, 1843, he removed

J. M. Haypico

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.

1Ith Dist.]

West, resumed the study of law, with Hon. Walter ' but Mr. Frederick S. Hackley continued to carry on March, of Muncie, Indiana, where he had charge of the Delaware County Seminary, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1844. At the age of twenty-seven, in December, 1844, he went to Portland, where he com- menced the practice of his profession. In 1846 he mar- ried Miss Hilinda S. Haines. He was appointed school commissioner in 1846, to fill a vacancy made by the res- ignation of Wilson Milligan. In August of the same year he was elected to that office, and served for two years; he was appointed school examiner in 1848, which office he filled for four years. In 1856 he was elected Judge of the Common Pleas Court. In IS60 the dis- trict was enlarged so as to consist of the counties of Randolph, Delaware, Jay, and Blackford, for which district he was elected in that year. In 1864 and in 1868 he was re-elected, and in 1870 was made Judge of the Circuit Court, embracing the counties of Wayne, Randolph, Jay, and Blackford. This term of office ex- pired in 1877, making twenty-one years of service on the bench. In 1856 Judge Haynes began taking an active part in politics. During the war he made many speeches in support of the administration, and took a radical stand in favor of the prosecution of the war. His many sterling qualities of heart and mind have given him the confidence of the people in an eminent degree, and have made him a successful lawyer. His eldest son is cashier in the People's Bank, of which Judge Haynes is president. One son is in the College of Technology, at Worcester, Massachusetts, and an- other studied law with his father, and graduated at the Law School at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the class of 1880.

ACKLEY, FREDERICK STANLEY, late a man- ufacturer of Peru, was born in Otsego County, New York, April 9, 1812, and died May 16, 1876. He was the second of the six children of Roger and Eunice (Preston) Hackley. About the year 1818 the family removed to Genesee County, where Frederick Hackley was early trained to habits of honorable indus- try on his father's farm. He was educated in the com- mon schools, and acquired a broader culture by extensive reading. Early thrown upon his own resources, he re- sorted to various occupations to obtain a livelihood, working on . farms, teaching school, and peddling-the last by wagon in the states of New York and Michigan, part of the time for others, and afterwards on his own account. In September, 1842, he went with his brother to Peru, where Mr. George Hackley still resides. There the firm of F. S. & G. Hackley established a foundry and machine-shop, gaining a special reputation through the manufacture of the popular "Hackley plow." In 1856, owing to ill-health, Mr. George Hackley retired ;

the business successfully until the time of his death. He was the vice-president and one of the largest stock- holders of the First National Bank of Peru; he was also largely interested in agriculture, and was the owner of three large and valuable farms. Mr. Hackley was not a politician, in a strict sense; he was, however, in- terested in all public measures. He was first a Whig, and then a Republican. He served one term as county commissioner, and by his practical business knowledge rendered valuable service to his county. In 1848 he became a member of Miami Lodge, Independent Order of Odd-fellows. He had filled all the higher offices of the lodge, and at the time of his death was District Deputy Grand Master. He was a member of the Meth- odist Church. The year preceding his death Mr. Hack- ley made a trip to California, and traveled quite exten- sively, writing during the time numerous letters for publication. This correspondence proved him to be a close observer and a correct judge of men. He pos- sessed unusual sagacity, excellent judgment, and unflag- ging energy. In his business relations he was punctual and scrupulously honest ; and by industry and cautious management of his financial affairs amassed a compe- tence. His personal appearance was fine; he was six feet in height, and heavily built. On the 8th of May, 1876, he was thrown from his buggy by a frightened horse; and, after suffering intensely, died eight days later. By his death, Peru lost one of her most valued citizens. December 27, 1846, he married Louisa Rec- tor, daughter of Samuel Rector, formerly of Ohio. Her parents were both natives of Kentucky; her grand- father was a soldier in the American Revolution, and the only hero of that war buried in the Peru Oak Grove Cemetery. There are three children living : Emma E., now Mrs. A. Clevett ; Cora A. ; and Levant R., who continues his father's business.

ANNA, COLONEL HUGH, merchant and capi- talist, late of Wabash, the founder of that city, and an early pioneer of Indiana, was born near Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky, July 26, 1799, the fifth son among eleven children. In October, 1804, the family removed to Dayton, Ohio, at which place and at Troy he passed his youth and early man- hood. He acquired a knowledge of the common branches; but was unable to continue his studies, being obliged to employ his time chiefly in work. He mani- fested a love for business pursuits, and much ability therein. January 22, 1824, he married Miss Elizabeth Everly, and in the following spring he removed to Fort Wayne, and engaged in house-furnishing and cabinet- making. In the spring of 1834 he and David Burr laid

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.

[xIth Dist.

out the village of Wabash, and in one year from that time Mr. Hanna settled there. Afterward he purchased Burr's interest, and became sole proprietor. In Septem- ber. 1836, in connection with Hon. Jesse S. Williams (see sketch), he laid out the village of Laketown, Wa- bash County. Fortunately, the qualities required in the founder of a city were characteristic of Mr. Hanna, and the little settlement prospered. He was very energetic and public-spirited, and he aided every important enter- prise which in his judgment would promote the general welfare. He rendered valuable assistance in the build- ing of the Wabash and Erie Canal, and also the Toledo, Wabash and Western Railroad, of which he was for many years a stockholder and director. In his political relations he was at first a Whig, and in later years a Republican, and an effective party worker, though not a secker for office. In 1835 his services were sought by the public, and he was elected the first treasurer of Wabash County, and by successive re-elections filled that position until 1847. For two terms he was a di- rector of the Northern Indiana State-prison. He joined the Masonic Fraternity, and advanced finally to the degree of Knight Templar. In 1843 Mr. Hanna united with the First Presbyterian Church, of Wabash, and was a consistent member until his decease. On the 6th of February, 1863, he met with a severe affliction in the death of his devoted wife-a most exemplary woman, loved and lamented by all who knew her. They had lived happily together for nearly forty years, and were the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living. Her husband did not long survive. His name and influence extended through the Wabash Valley from Fort Wayne to Lafayette, and all classes, espe- cially the early settlers, greatly respected him. The remains of the deceased were followed to the tomb by the largest funeral concourse ever seen in Wabash. In commemoration of him, Hanna Lodge, No. 61, Free and Accepted Masons, adopted the following resolutions :

" Whereas, By a sudden dispensation of divine provi- dence we are called upon to mourn the loss by death of our venerable and beloved brother, Hugh Hanna, one of the original charter members of our lodge, and after whom it was most appropriately named, its first Worthy Master elect, and by choice of its members for ten con- secutive years, with a single intervening year, occupying the East, and an ardent lover of Masonry and its prin- ciple», a warm friend, a devoted husband, and most affectionate father ; therefore,

" Resolved, That we lay it to heart that ever the good man is of few days on earth; that there is but a step between the living and that 'undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns;' and that it becomes us all to so work that, when called into the presence of Him who ever lives. we may receive the welcome, ' Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.'

" Resolved, That in the death of our dear Brother Hanna this lodge has lost a fast and true friend, and we, as members thereof, each an affectionate counselor

and guide, and that we sincerely deplore his removal from our midst.

" Resolved, That, deeply sympathizing with the af- flicted family and friends of our late brother in this their bereavement, we hereby tender to them our sin- cere condolence and kind offices in their great sorrow, and rejoice that they mourn not as do those who have no hope.

" Resolved, That, as a token of regard for the mem- ory of our departed friend and brother, the lodge and its jewels be draped in mourning for thirty days, and that we will each wear the usual badge of mourning during the same period."

AWKINS, NATHAN BYRD, late of Portland, was born in Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, October 24. 1812, and emigrated with his parents, John J. and Nancy Hawkins, to what is now Jay County, In- diana, in 1829. His father died in 1832, and he was thrown on his own resources for support. He obtained employment in the store of the late Elijah Coffin, at Richmond, Indiana, and, subsequently, engaged in the mercantile business at Milton, 'in that state. In the mean time, partly through the advice of John S. New- man, who was then the ablest lawyer in Eastern Indiana, he commenced the study of law and, in 1839, returned to Jay County, where he entered upon the successful practice of that profession. In 1842 he was elected a member of the Legislature from the counties of Adams and Jay, and, in that body, was an earnest advocate of the free school system. In 1850 he was elected a del- egate to the Constitutional Convention, from the counties of Randolph, Blackford, and Jay, where he again upheld the free school system. He was also the author of the resolution looking toward universal suffrage, and de- fended it in a speech of much vigor; but the measure met with great opposition, receiving only seven votes out of one hundred and fifty. Upon the organization of the Common Pleas Court, in 1852, he was elected Judge, but lived to occupy the place only a short time. He died October 18, 1853. Judge Hawkins was a man of great popularity, and was greatly beloved by those to whom he was best known.

EADINGTON COLONEL NIMROD, of Port- land, proprietor of the Headington Hotel, was born August 5, 1827, at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. As his parents were farmers in limited circumstances, the son was accustomed to all the hardships of pioneer life. He attended school but little, worked three years for Michael Sullivan, the great Illinois farmer, and then engaged in running a saw-mill. In 1851 he went to California and remained three years. On his return he went to Portland, where he purchased town lots and

REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF INDIANA.

11th Dist.]

speculated a little in real estate. In 1861 he raised a company for the war, and served, first as its captain and afterward as lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, until 1866. He then returned to Portland, and built the Headington Hotel. He has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Mary E. McDonald, of Knox County, Ohio; and the second, Mrs. Hawkins, whose maiden name was Shanks. As a citizen he is upright, honest, and enterprising.

ELM, JOHN HAMPTON, M. D., of Peru, is one of the ablest physicians in Northern Indiana. His early life was not, like that of many here chroni- cled, a struggle with poverty, but was character- ized by the possession of ample means, and, for some years, by travel and adventure. Having previously acquired a literary and professional education, he was able to improve his opportunities for travel by intelli- gent observation. Both physically and mentally, he bears evidence of descent from superior stock. His paternal grandfather was a well educated German, who, having settled in America, helped in the Revolutionary War to defend the land of his adoption. His father, Doctor John C. Helm, an early settler of Miami County and one of its most wealthy and influential citizens, was a man of vigorous intellect and iron will; and his mother, Amy (Hampton) Helm, was a daughter of Major John Hampton, of South Carolina, who served under General Jackson in the War of 1812, and a second cousin of the noted Wade Hampton of the present day. Doctor John C. Helm was born at Charleston, in what is now West Virginia, November 7, 1800. Two years later the family removed to Washington County, Ten- nessee. At eleven years of age he entered Washing- ton College, and during the course walked every day to and from the school, a distance of three and a half miles. He embraced the medical profession, and, pur- suing it with characteristic zeal and energy, became a well-qualified physician. In 1821 he married Amy Hampton, above mentioned, by whom he had eight children. In 1835 he removed to Preble County, Ohio, and there practiced medicine until 1844, when he went to Miami County, Indiana. He built a large flouring- mill at Peru, and afterward another at Peoria, in the same county, where he finally established his home. There he continued the duties of his profession, and so invested the receipts of his large practice as to amass a fortune. In 1865 occurred the death of his intelligent and devoted wife. After this severe affliction he divided most of his real estate among his three sons, giving to each property of much value. These sons are John H., M. D .; Henry T., a prominent lawyer of Chicago; and David B., a farmer, who is respected wherever known. Some time after making this liberal provision for his ! who crossed the continent to San Francisco to attend

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 70

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