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 85

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 85

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reform. He was married, May 28, 1863, to Miss Sarah

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C. Nimmons, of Wilmington Township, DeKalb County, an amiable lady of marked ability. Her religious convictions are strong, and she is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, of Waterloo. They have six children, three sons and three daughters. Judge Best is a true type of the eminent self-made men of Indiana. His elevation to an enviable position among men is due to personal effort, and none better merits the stand- ing he occupies, both in professional and private life, than he.

ETTS, DOCTOR HOWARD M., a druggist and prominent citizen of Lagrange, Lagrange County, Indiana, was born August 25, 1823, in Ledyard, Cayuga County, New York. His parents were Zachariah and Maria M. (Mitchell) Betts. They were farmers by occupation and natives of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and were of English descent. The ances- tor of the Betts family in this country was Zachariah Betts, grandfather of Howard M., who was one of three brothers who emigrated to America before the Revolutionary War, and settled in New Jersey, subse- quently going to Pennsylvania, where Zachariah, junior, was born in 1793. That son, in his migrations westward, removed to the place mentioned in New York, thence to Seneca County, Ohio, and, in 1864, he changed to Lagrange, Indiana. He was a man of more than ordi- nary ability and acquirements, and a leading man in the communities where he had spent his active life. He was for many years a Justice of the Peace. He was in early life an active member of the Society of Friends, but afterward became connected with the Protestant Methodist Church. He died in 1868 in the seventy-fifth year of his age, deeply mourned by his family and friends. Howard M., his son, enjoyed common school advantages until he was seventeen years of age, when he began as an instructor himself during the winter terms, still continuing farm labor in summer. This course he followed for fourteen years. In 1854 he removed to Indiana, and located in Lagrange County, where he pur- chased a farm near the village of that name, which he set about tilling and improving. In 1857 he began read- ing medicine in the office and under the instruction of Doctor Brisco, with whom he remained three years, still teaching winters until 1860, when he engaged in the drug trade, for which he had been qualifying himself. This business he has since continued with an increasing trade and a growing popularity with the community. In his business relations the Doctor is noted for honesty, integrity, and square dealing. In all his affairs he is systematic and prompt, and has acquired an ample com- petence. He is a good financier. Doctor Betts was edu- cated in the old Whig school of politics, to which he adhered until 1854. when there wis no longer a Whig

party. He then became allied to the Republican organ- ization, of which he has ever since been an active mem- ber, always ready to defend his political convictions. He has never sought for office. Although he has held positions of honor and public trust, it has been more through the choice of his friends and the public, than by his own seeking. During the Doctor's residence here he has served the people of his town for eight years as trustee and member of the county board of education, and in the discharge of his duties he has been energetic, able, and conscientious. He is an acceptable and worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Lagrange, having united with it thirty years ago. He contributes liberally to its material necessities. He is a member of its board of trustees. Doctor Betts may always be found with the foremost advocates of progress, if it is really such. September 24, 1846, he was united in marriage to Miss Selina Valentine, of Seneca County, Ohio, a lady of much worth and highly esteemed by all who knew her. She is an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To her sympathetic en- couragement and ready co-operation he attributes much of his success in life. Doctor Betts is a true type of the successful self-made man of Indiana. He had energy, integrity, and a determination to succeed, and they proved sufficient. He is a genial Christian gentleman, of dignified but pleasing presence.

IGGER, SAMUEL, an attorney, of Fort Wayne, and a former Governor of Indiana, was born in Warren County, Ohio, March 29, 1802, and died at Fort Wayne, September 9, 1846. He was the son of Colonel John Bigger (see sketch of Hon. Finley Bigger). He was graduated at Athens University. In 1829 he removed to Union County, Indiana, and thence to Rushville. He there continued the practice of the legal profession, which he had begun in Ohio. The citizens of Rush County elected him to a seat in the Legislature, where he served two years, taking a prom- inent part in important legislation. Not long after the expiration of his term he was chosen, by the Legisla- ture, Judge of the eastern circuit, a position for which he proved himself ably qualified, and which he held many years. In 1840 Judge Bigger was elected Gov- ernor of the state. The following is from an obituary in the Indianapolis Journal :

"Of his acts in this exalted station, it is unneces- sary to speak, as they form a part of the history of the country. In his official and personal intercourse with the Legislature, and with citizens of various portions of the state, he secured many warm friends, to whose hearts the intelligence of his death will carry a pang. Apart from those collisions that are inseparable from political life, he scarcely ever incurred the ill-will of any one,

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such were the urbanity of his manners and the genuine kindness of his heart. At the close of his gubernatorial term he removed to Fort Wayne and resumed the prac- tice of law. Governor Bigger possessed talents of a high order; rather substantial than brilliant. His judgment was remarkably sound, dispassionate, and dis- criminating, and it was this, chiefly, that made him eminently a leader in every circle in which he moved, whether in political life, at the bar, or in society at large. For the last eight years he has been a member and part of the time a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church. The last hours of his life were calm and peace- ful, and his conversation with those present indicated, in a remarkable degree, the power of the religion of Christ to sustain the soul in this conflict with the king of terrors. He expressed in the strongest and clearest language his resignation to the divine will, and his humble and entire dependence for salvation upon the Savior of the world. His mental faculties continued clear to the last."

Samuel Bigger was married, May 25, 1830, at Lib- erty, Indiana, to Miss Ellen Williamson.

LANCHARD, REV. CALEB H., a pioneer of North - eastern Indiana, and pastor of the Baptist Church of Wolcottville, Lagrange County, was born, December 11, 1817, in Clarendon, Rutland County, Vermont, being the second born of a family of five children of Abel and Polly (Howard) Blanchard, who were farmers by occupation, and natives of that state. The Blanchard family can be traced in this country for six generations, Moses Blanchard, the ances- tor of the family in America, having emigrated from France and settled in the state of Rhode Island many years prior to the Revolution. Caleb H. Blanchard's great-grandfather on the paternal side was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and fought for two years and a half for our national independence, serving in the com- mand of General Greene during his Rhode Island cam- paign, and participating in many raids and skirmishes and one general engagement. Abel, father of Rev. Caleb H., was a man of integrity, an exemplary citizen, and a consistent and trusting Christian, and for many years was an acceptable member of the Baptist Church. He died in 1852, in the sixtieth year of his age. Caleb H. Blanchard enjoyed in boyhood and early youth the advantages of an irregular attendance of about three months each year at a common district school, assisting his father about the farm work the rest of the time, until he attained his fifteenth year. In June, 1837, he, with his father's family, removed to Indiana, locating at Orland, Steuben County, where he continued his farm labor, to which was here added clearing and im- proving wild lands, at which he worked until 1841. He married, March 8, 1837, Miss Elizabeth Zerba, then of Jackson, Steuben County, Indiana, but a native of

Pennsylvania. She died July 12, 1841. Mr. Blanchard, at the early age of thirteen years, became a convert and an active worker in the Christian cause. He was baptized at Orland, March 20, 1839, the first baptismal service performed by Joshua Curier, of that place. Forming the determination to pursue the calling of the ministry as his life's labor, with such opportunities as were at hand, he engaged in theological studies and in public speaking, and was, at Orland, on March 15, 1841, licensed to preach the Gospel. But feeling the disad- vantages of a limited education, and appreciating the value of a more thorough literary course, he in the fall of 1841 entered as a student (then twenty-four years of age) the Franklin College, at Franklin, Indiana, where he remained for two years, having previously pursued his studies under private instruction for about six months. He returned to Orland in the fall of 1843, and for one year engaged in missionary labor. February 5, 1845, he was ordained to preach the Gospel as a minister of the Baptist Church, the ceremony taking place at Jeffer- son Church, Noble County, Indiana. The services were conducted by the Rev. L. H. Stocker as moderator, and Hezekiah Gould as clerk of the council. The following April he received a call from the Baptist Church of Wol- cottville, a pastoral charge he has since filled with marked acceptability and success for thirty-five years, and with the lapse of time steadily growing in popularity with his people and favor with the community. During thirty years of his ministerial labors at Wolcottville his time and services have been divided among the follow- ing places, in all of which he has been their preacher at stated and regular appointments: Cedar Creek, De- kalb County ; Jefferson, Noble County ; Albion, Brim- field, and Rome City, Noble County ; and at Lagrange Center, Clay, and Milford, Lagrange County. But his home charge having under his leadership grown in numbers and demands, requiring the most of his care and time, his duties outside of the Wolcottville Church have been less frequent for the past six years, although he has still some regular appointments, which he fills with his usual promptness and regularity. As will be readily seen by the early date of his first work in the ministerial field, the Rev. C. H. Blanchard was one of the pioneer ministers of the Gospel in North - eastern Indiana. For many years most of the houses in which he held his religious services were log-cabins. Such was his first charge in Wolcottville; but the structure was in 1848 succeeded by a frame church, in which his con- gregation increased until that building became too small. In 1876 his people were moved out of the old into the new church, which had been fully completed, furnished, and dedicated December 21st. Pledges were that day received sufficient to entirely relieve it from debt. It cost, altogether, about six thousand dollars. During his thirty-six years of uninterrupted preaching and pastoral

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labors, besides filling his charge at Wolcottville and the | earnest worker with her husband in the furtherance of regular appointments referred to, with all the necessary Church interests, and in all matters pertaining to the advancement of religion. In all ways she aids and sup- ports her husband in his ministerial and pastoral labors. travel, aggregating many thousands of miles, over the new and unworked roads of a thinly populated and heavily timbered country, he has preached eight hun- dred funeral sermons, attended by at least eight thou- sand miles travel, which labor has been almost gratui- tous, and mostly outside of those contributing to his sup- OND, CHARLES D., of Fort Wayne, eldest son of Stephen B. and Adelia L. (Darrow) Bond, was born at Lockport, New York, October 13, 1831. His father, having met with heavy losses as in- dorser for others, decided, in the year 1842, to go West with his family and endeavor to better his fortune. They arrived at Fort Wayne during the same year. After remaining there about two years they departed for Wisconsin, where they remained until 1846, when they returned to Fort Wayne. In the following year the father died, and at the age of sixteen Charles D. Bond was left with the care of his mother and three younger brothers, without friends and without means. Previous to his father's death Mr. Bond had obtained employ- ment with Hon. Peter P. Bailey, who, at that time, was engaged in mercantile pursuits in that city. He remained with Mr. Bailey but a short time, and soon after leaving him accepted a position in the post-office, the late Samuel Stophlet being then postmaster. After remaining in the post-office several years, he gave up that position to become book-keeper in the branch of the State Bank of Indiana, at Evansville, of which Mr. Rathbone was president. In about a year he became desirous of returning home, and succeeded in obtaining a place in the branch of the State Bank, at Fort Wayne, of which Hon. Hugh McCulloch, ex-Secretary of the Treasury, was at that time cashier. He entered upon his duties as book-keeper and assistant teller, Jan- uary 4, 1853, succeeding his brother, Stephen B. Bond, who had resigned to accept a position as cashier in the banking office of Allen, Hamilton & Co. September 25, 1855, Mr. C. D. Bond was elected teller in place of M. W. Hubble, who resigned, and continued to hold the place until October 26, 1856, when he was ap- pointed cashier of the branch of the Bank of the State. This institution succeeded to the business of the branch of the State Bank, and opened for- business January 2, 1857. During that year Mr. Bond was elected a director, succeeding Hon. P. Hoagland, who was disqualified, having been elected to the state Senate. In the year 1865 the Fort Wayne National Bank was organized un- der the national banking act. The business of the branch having been merged into that of the Fort Wayne National, Mr. Bond was elected president, and contin- ued to hold this position until his death. Being a man of strict integrity and economical habits, with no dread of hard work, and with a ready insight into human nature, he had thus advanced step by step, until, at the port as pastor of his different charges. One year alone he attended forty-five burials, for which he traveled one thousand miles. In the mean time he united in marriage two hundred and fifty-one couples. Few understand and appreciate the toils, hardships, exposures, and privations met and to be overcome by the pioneer ministers of a new and sparsely settled country, often aggravated by so small a compensation that it would dishearten one not sup- ported by a conscientious purpose and a love for the work. Few of the pioneer ministers of the West have done more valuable labor in their calling than Mr. Blanchard. Much of this is due to a high sense of duty and a de- termination of character made possible by the aid of a native intelligence, purity of purpose, good health, and a robust constitution. Mr. Blanchard is of dignified presence, yet genial and familiar in manner, readily ap- proachable by the humblest individual, and is exceed- ingly popular, not only with his Church and congrega- tion, but with other denominations and the community at large. He is living in the full measure of love and sympathy of his Church and friends. As a preacher, he is original and suggestive, and possesses many popu- lar elements. His talents are exceedingly versatile, rendering him a good conversationalist, an efficient de- bater, and a valuable counselor. As a speaker, he may not be classed with the flowery and poetical, but is logical and comprehensive, and speaks with force and dignity, evincing thought and reflection. His advocacy is impressive, his language pointed, his sentences full and complete, his conclusions satisfactory, and his ex- pressions and acknowledged sincerity both honor and advance the causes he advocates. As a pastor, he is attentive, judicious, and efficient. His good sense and sound judgment eminently qualify him to act the part of harmonizer and conciliator of conflicting views and interests, and all regard the interests of the Church as safe in his hands. In addition to his professional labor he often acts as the financial agent of absent persons in his Aock, and as administrator of the estates of deceased members of his Church and congregation. These benev- olent acts are usually performed without compensation. As a citizen, he is always with the foremost in advocating moral reforms and public improvements. Mr. Blanchard is a stout-hearted Republican, of strong political con- victions. November 12, 1844, he was married to Miss Sarah Whitney, of Van Buren, Lagrange County, Indi- ana, a lady of education and native endowments, an

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age of thirty-four, he stood at the head of the financial business interest of Fort Wayne. He was recognized as the leading banker of Fort Wayne, and one of the ablest financiers of the state. The Fort Wayne National Bank became one of the prominent institutions of the West, owing to excellent management and the upright nature. of its dealings. And this enviable reputation was largely due to Mr. Bond's high abilities and untiring devotion to its interests. Many public and private enterprises received his hearty approval and support, among which may be mentioned the Fort Wayne Gas-light Company, the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railroad, the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, the Fort Wayne Organ Company, the Citizens' Street Railroad, etc. He was one of the four partners of the banking house of Bonds, Hoagland & Co., of Peru, Indiana, and later of the Citizens' National Bank of the same place. Mr. Bond was one of the original incorporators of the Lin- denwood Cemetery Company. He had always taken a deep interest in its prosperity, and was a member of its board of trustees until his death. Mr. Bond at one time during the early part of his life, in the year 1858, was a member of the common council of Fort Wayne, but he seemed to realize that a thorough business man could not be also a politician, and from that time devoted himself to his business. He was a man of deep relig- ious convictions, which extended into every part of his life. He early became a member of the Trinity Epis- copal Church, and ever took a deep interest in its well doing. He had been for many years a member of its vestry, and also superintendent of its Sunday-school. His heart was in the good work, and he was always ready and willing to assist with his means not only his Church, but other worthy objects. He was, indeed, a friend of the fatherless and the widow. His charity was dispensed in a quiet manner, not for applause, but for the good it would do, and out of a heart in sym- pathy with suffering and wretchedness. Mr. Bond's manner was courteous and agreeable to all; rich and poor, high and low, were uniformly treated kindly, and to those who were fortunate in obtaining employment with him his memory will ever be dear. Mr. Bond was married, March 27, 1854, to Lavinia Anna, daugh- ter of the late Charles W. Ewing. This very happy union was blest with seven children, six of whom sur- vived him. In his suburban home, with its beautiful grounds, and a house furnished with every thing that could be suggested by his excellent taste, he sought relaxation from business cares, and gave himself up to the enjoyment of his family, to whom he was most indulgent; and it was there, surrounded by those he loved and by whom he was loved in return, that he ap- peared at his best. But this happy life was cut short in its prime. When he seemed to have just begun to perfect his work he was taken away. One evening in

November, 1873, while on his way home, he was exposed to a heavy rain storm and contracted a severe cold; he was confined to his bed and gradually grew worse, his sickness developing into pleurisy, and later into typhoid pneumonia, and after an illness of only eleven days his sufferings were ended. He died Sunday evening, De- cember 7, 1873. The last few days of his sickness his sufferings were very acute, but, during his last moments, he was unconscious and passed quietly away. To this brief sketch of the pure and useful life of Charles D. Bond may be appended with propriety the following tributes to his memory from friends and associates whose opportunities were abundant for knowing his true char- acter and worth. At a meeting of the board of direc- tors of the Fort Wayne National Bank, in December, 1873, the following resolutions were adopted :

" Whereas, An inscrutable Providence has removed from the active duties of life our highly esteemed and much beloved president, Charles D. Bond, Esq., in the prime of manhood and at the zenith of usefulness; therefore,

" Resolved, That the board of directors hereby express their profound sorrow at the irreparable loss sustained by the bank in the death of its president; they unhes- itatingly testify to his high moral character, strict in- tegrity, and extensive usefulness as a citizen, and his superior business qualifications as a financier. Trained from boyhood to the business of banking he was thor- oughly acquainted with its entire routine, and attained the highest rank among the financial leaders of the state; his knowledge of men and discrimination of character were peculiarly accurate, and his intercourse with all classes was dignified and general. His correct knowledge of banking and his untiring devotion to the welfare of his institution, which had his fostering care from its earliest existence, placed it among the most influential banks in the state. As a citizen his place will long remain vacant. He was identified with almost every enterprise of a public character connected with the city of his adoption, the prestige of his name gave character and credit to any enterprise so fortunate as to enlist his sympathy and interest. His was a beautiful character and challenged the unqualified admiration of all his acquaintances. He was a man of high moral sen- sibilities, of instincts pure and elevated, of sympathies warm and active, of judgment singularly comprehensive and accurate, of industry unflagging and persistent, a friend in whom all felt confidence and firm reliance. His Church has lost an unswerving supporter, the com- munity a most useful citizen, this bank a very valuable officer. To his afflicted family we tender our heartfelt sympathies and condolences, and yet how utterly futile are words of comfort or consolation to hearts bleeding and broken by such an overwhelming calamity.

" Resolved, That the foregoing be spread upon the records of this bank and a certified copy be transmit- ted to the bereaved family of our deceased president. "P. HOAGLAND, Vice- President. "JAS. C. WOODWORTH, Assistant Cashier."

At a meeting of the wardens and vestry of Trinity Church, December 11th, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

" While the vestry of Trinity Church accept with reverent submission the dispensation of divine wisdom

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which, with brief warning, has called from mortal life to his eternal reward our beloved brother and associate, Charles D. Bond, we desire to place upon our record, as a memorial for those who shall hereafter fill our places, our tribute of love and sorrow for our departed friend, and our testimony to his eminent worth; therefore,

" Resolved, That the death of Charles D. Bond in the early maturity of his manhood, whose already abundant usefulness was rich in promise of greater usefulness to come, is an event which has impressed us, in common with all who knew him, with profound sorrow, and a consciousness of irreparable loss. He was one of those rare and admirable characters whom to know was to respect and love, and of whom it may truly be said his best eulogy is the language of simple truth. Living in the city of Fort Wayne from his early boyhood to the age of forty-two years, and working his way from pov- erty and privation, with but limited advantages of edu- cation, to one of the most responsible financial and fiduciary positions in the state, which he filled with great ability, and to an even affluent fortune, no word of slander ever presumed to stain the purity and integ- rity of his character. His prosperity begot neither envy nor enmity, for its foundation was undisputed merit, and he never invited censure nor criticism by any indul- gence in false show or pretenses. His nature was truth- ful. He was worthy of trust, and was therefore trusted with unquestioning reliance. Of delicate physical organ- ization, and of a refined and sensitive nature and modest almost to diffidence, he was nevertheless a man in the true sense of the word, and commanded the respect of men of seemingly far more robust and powerful natures than his. His marked characteristics were a clear, intel- ligent, and thoroughly practical judgment, a strong and active will, untiring industry, a large-hearted and free- handed benevolence, a manner genial and kind to all, and a Christian conscience and piety which ruled and harmonized his life. To know his duty was with him to do it, earnestly, faithfully, practically. In no field of his usefulness were these, his marked characteristics, more clearly shown than in his relations and service as a member of the parish and vestry of Trinity Church. The public and business life of Mr. Bond was known and approved of by the whole community, and years will pass before his peer can be found in all things to fill his vacant place. To all, and especially to young men, self-dependent and poor, seeking their way to for- tune and position, his example is a light and a way- mark, but the moral and social virtues of the man most illuminated his domestic life. Within those sacred pre- cincts where he had garnered up his heart, his virtues were best known and will ever dwell as a memory and an inheritance. He was a reverent, dutiful and affec- tionate son, a faithful and loving brother, a true and devoted husband, a father loving his children with the fullness of a father's love, and ever seeking their well- being by the example of a pure and Christian life, ruling his well-ordered household in the fear of God.

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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 85

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