A portrait and biographical record of Boone, Clinton and Hendricks Counties, Ind. : containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana, Part 71

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : A.W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1080

USA > Indiana > Boone County > A portrait and biographical record of Boone, Clinton and Hendricks Counties, Ind. : containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 71
USA > Indiana > Clinton County > A portrait and biographical record of Boone, Clinton and Hendricks Counties, Ind. : containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 71
USA > Indiana > Hendricks County > A portrait and biographical record of Boone, Clinton and Hendricks Counties, Ind. : containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 71

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RANCIS M. GOLDSBERRY, one of the most industrious members of the Clinton county bar, with his residence at Colfax, was born in Boone county, Indr, April 20, 1844, and descends from an old colonial family of Virginia, where the grandfather, Jonathan Goldsberry, a soldier of the Revolution, was born and reared. Jona- than, however, lived for some years in Ross county, Ohio, and then came to Indiana in 1829; he located in what is now Boone county, then a primitive wilderness, and took a prominent part in the organization of the county; later he sold his land in Boone and settled in Jackson township, Clinton county, where he owned a large tract of land. He married Ruth Butler, of Virginia, and both were strict members of the Methodist church. Nelson B. Goldsberry, son of Jonathan and father of Francis M., our subject, was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1824, and was reared in Boone county, Ind., on the home farm. At the age of thirty he removed to Iowa, where he still resides, and was for years engaged in

ministerial work in the New Light church, but is now living in retirement at DesMoines.

Francis . M. Goldsberry received his pre- liminary education at a pioneer school-house in Boone county. November 27, 1863, he married Miss Ida Doyal, of Clinton county. Although of a remarkably healthy constitution, this lady was called away three months later, February 25, 1864, and Mr. Goldsberry was left disconsolate. She was a most lovable woman, and was sadly missed by a wide circle of devoted friends.

February 27, 1865, Mr. Goldsberry enlist- ed in company K, One Hundred and Fiftieth Indiana infantry, under Capt. E. H. Langhan. The regiment was assigned to the army of the Potomac, was drilled for active service at Har- per's Ferry and in the Shenandoah valley, and had some little skirmishing with Moseby's guerrillas; but the war soon came to an end, and August 5, 1865, Mr. Goldsberry was honorably discharged, reaching his home on the first day of September following. He then married Eliza J. Blacker, daughter of Augustus and Fannie (Coyner) Blacker, the former of whom lost his life on the field at Jonesboro. To this union were born Lillie E., Melvin (died at the age of twenty), Chaun- cey L. (died at the age of twenty-two), Willie R. and Francis M. The third marriage of Mr. Goldsberry took place July 21, 1878, to Mahala J. Isenberger, daughter of George and Annie (Arnett) Isenberger, and this union has been blessed by the birth of five children, viz : Nellie (died when three months old), Goldie, Silvia (died at two months), Flossie F. and Ida M. (died when three years old). The two survivors, Goldie and Flossie, aged re- spectively twelve and ten years, have a wide reputation for the excellence of their recita- tions in public, and their services are in con- stant demand at entertainments for miles around; they were chosen as orators at the

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OF CLINTON COUNTY.

national encampment of the G. A. R. at In- dianapolis, and were also received with much enthusiasm at the recent state encampment of the G. A. R. at LaFayette.

Mr. Goldsberry is past post commander of Stilwell post, No. 375. G. A. R., and is still an honored member of the post. In politics Mr. Goldsberry is a democrat, and in 1888 was nominated by acclamation as the candi- date of his party for the office of prosecuting attorney for Clinton county, and, although de- feated, he had the satisfaction of leading the entire democratic ticket-township, county, state and national. President Harrison car- ried the township by a majority of fifty-two republican majority, but Mr. Goldsberry re- ceived a majority of 107, thus leading Harrison fifty-five votes. No better evidence of Mr. Goldsberry's popularity could be offered. Mr. Goldsberry has a large and constantly increas- ing practice as an attorney, and has already acquired a comfortable competence, owning, as he does, a handsome dwelling in the city and a fine farm in the township. In the ac- cumulation of his property his own legal ability has been aided by the good management, econ- omy and sound judgment of his amiable wife, and they are mutually entitled to deserved praise. Mr. Goldsberry is attorney for the "Big Four" Railway company, has a fine law library, and holds a high position in his pro- fession as well as in social life.

R OBERT GOODNIGHT, junior mem- ber of the firm of J . W. Hedgcock & Co., general merchants, Michigan- town, Clinton county, Ind., was born August 21, 1859, and was reared on a farm in this county. He descends from a German family, whose advent in this country took place before the Revolutionary war. W.lliam Good- night, father of Robert, was born in Hardy

county, Va., August 28, 1828, and when twenty years of age came to Indiana and lo- cated in Montgomery county, where he married Mary Moss, daughter of John and Sarah (West) Moss, and by this marriage became the father of the following children: Reptia, an infant now deceased; John, Robert and Alice. Robert Goodnight's paternal grandfather, Jacob Good- night, came to Indiana with his family and made the settlement in Montgomery county.

The maternal grandfather, Alec West, was born close to Spartanburg, N. C., and subse- quently settled in Marion county, Ind. John Moss the paternal grandfather on the mother's side, was also a native of North Carolina, and was born close to Spartanburg. He also set- tled in Marion county, Ind., and later removed to Montgomery county, where he spent the balance of his life. Mary Goodnight's grand- father's name, on her father's side, was Wil- liam Moss, who came from England to North Carolina, settled near Raleigh, and his wife's name was Malinda (Fry) Moss. Mary Good -. night's grandfather's name, on her mother's side, was Daniel West, and his wife's name was Mary (Loften) West.

Robert Goodnight was reared a farmer in Clinton county, and received a very good com- mon school education. At the age of twenty he entered the profession of teaching, which he followed five years consecutively, making an entire success. His present business interests are indicated at the opening of this biographi- cal notice, and he is, beside, the owner of a handsome cottage in the village of Michigan- town. The first marriage of Mr. Goodnight took place January 1, 1885, to Rebecca White- man, daughter of Samuel B. and Elvina (Rich- ardson) Whiteman-the former a farmer of large means, and to this union was born Ruby, the father's idol. But Mr. Goodnight was be- reaved of his wife January 25, 1891. She had a loving spouse, and died in the faith of the

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

Christian church on March 14, 1893. Mr. Good- night took for his second companion through life Isabel Fiskin, daughter of John Fiskin, who had done good service during the late war. Mr. and Mrs. Goodnight are members of the Christian church, and in politics he is a democrat. Fraternally he is a K. of P., Ru- bien lodge, No. 340, and is also a dormant member of the I. O. R. M.

ERRY TODD GORHAM, who served his country during the late war and is a leading and influential citizen of Kirklin, Clinton county, and promi- nently connected with its business interests, comes from and old English family, a branch of which was founded in America by two brothers who crossed the Atlantic in colonial days, one settling in New Hampshire and the other in Virginia. George Gorham, grand- father of Perry T., was descended from the latter and was born in Kentucky. He fol- lowed merchandising, supported the whig party, and met his death by the caving in of the walls of his store room. George Littleton Gorham; father of Perry, was born in Ken- tucky in 1803, and married Fannie C. Wollen, who was born April 6, 1805. She died Sep- tember 23, 1828, leaving a son, William H., born March 30, 1826. Mr. Gorham was afterward married, September 2, 1832, to Mrs. Nancy Hanna, daughter of Henry and Mary Todd. Their children are: Thomas J., born August 2, 1833: John M., born October 27, 1835; George W., born January 11, 1838; Perry T., born August 17, 1840; Mary E., born March 8, 1843; Sanford T., born July 4. 1846; and George L., born October 24, 1849. The mother of this family died July 6, 1851, and on the first of July, 1852, Mr. Gorham wedded Mary Cook, who was born October 5,

1813, and died December 24, 1887. The father was called to the home beyond, August 4. 1864.

Perry T. Gorham, the gentleman whose name heads this record, is a native of Indi- anapolis. At the time of his mother's death he was a lad of nine years. He then began earning his own livelihood, and when a youth of fifteen began learning the blacksmith's trade, which he followed until August 2, 1862, when he entered his country's service, being mustered in, at Indianapolis, on the fourth of Septem- ber as a member of company A, Eighty-sixth Indiana infantry. The regiment went to Ken- tucky, took part in the battle of Perryville and in others of that campaign, driving Gen. Bragg from the state. At the battle of Stone River Mr. Gorham acted as first sergeant and gave out rations for thirty-three, but in the evening had to supply only five men. He was wounded by a musket ball in the left thigh. At that place he was commissioned second lieutenant, but on account of his wound was forced to re- main in the hospital for eight months. With his regiment he then went to Chattanooga, where he continued six weeks, and was in the center of the charge at Missionary Ridge. With the command he went to the relief of Gen. Burnside, and afterward took part in the entire Atlanta campaign, including the battles of New Hope Church, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Franklin, Nash- ville and Overton Hill. After the battle of Missionary Ridge he was made first lieutenant, and during the Atlanta campaign was commis- sioned captain. After a long march through Tennessee, he was mustered out at Nashville, June 6, 1865, was paid off at that place, and his was the first regiment from Indianapolis to return home.

Captain Gorham at once came to Kirklin and purchased a blacksmith shop, which he carried on for five years. He was married

OF CLINTON COUNTY.

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August 7, 1865, to Parmelia Hazelrigg, who was born in Kentucky May 7, 1843, and is a daugh- ter of Eli and Nancy (Harney) Hazelrigg, of that state. Their children are Richard C., born July 3, 1866; Bernard H., born January 1, 1868; Nancy E., born September 15, 1872; Mary R., born in December, 1876, and Millie M., born October 12, 1883; Nancy and Mary are both now deceased. Selling his shop, Mr. Gorham purchased a farm of eighty acres, upon which he lived nine years. He then clerked nine months for W. A. Huffine, and was with C. H. Beach for three years. In September, 1884, he was appointed by Presi- dent Cleveland as postmaster, and served with much credit. In 1887 he bought the stock of C. H. Beach, entered into partnership with his sons Richard and Bernard, and has since successfully carried on business as a general merchant. He also organized the Kirklin bank, October 20, 1892, of which he is still president, but on account of failing eyesight he is now practically living retired. In 1890 he was elected county commissioner, and served one term. He has a beautiful home, fitted up with all modern conveniences and supplied with many of the luxuries of life. He has prospered in his undertakings and his success is well merited.

ERNARD HAZELRIGG GORHAM, a banker and merchant of Kirklin, is a self-made man, whose success in life is due entirely to his own efforts, his perseverance and his enterprise. He has the honor of being a native of this city, his birth having here occurred January 1, 1868. Bernard H. attended the public schools until seventeen years of age, from which he gradu- ated in 1885. He then became a student in Bryant & Stratton's business college of Indi- anapolis, received his diploma, and then re-

turned to Kirklin. Mr. Gorham entered upon his business career as a clerk for G. E. Miller, a general merchant of Terhune, Ind. He worked in the store and also looked after the stave and grain buying business. In the fall of 1886, his father, Perry T. Gorham. his brother, Richard C., and himself entered into partnership in the sale of boots and shoes, dry goods, hats and caps, groceries and notions. buying out C. H. Beach and putting in a stock of some $2,000. They began business on the same block where the bank and store are now located. In 1891, Mr. Gorham entered the First National bank of Frankfort, Ind., where he did .general work, as he was desirous of learning the business, and was thus employed for six months. In February, 1892, the mer- cantile business had grown to such proportions that it became necessary to secure more com- modious quarters, so they went into the room on the south, putting in a hardware stock and also moving into it the grocery store, so that more space was thus secured for their shoe department. On the twentieth of October of the same year they opened the bank at Kirk- lin, and this business has developed until they now keep exchange in New York, Indianapo- lis and Frankfort. Its officers are P. T. Gor- ham, president; B. H. Gorham, cashier; and R. C. Gorham, assistant cashier. This is the only bank in the vicinity of Kirklin, and it re- ceives a large .patronage from farmers of the community and has the confidence of all.

Mr. Gorham was married June 21, 1893, to Mary Holmes, who was born in Sugar Creek township, and is a daughter of Dr. W. A. T. and Eliza (Boulden) Holmes of this county. The lady attended the common and high schools and graduated with honor from the latter. She possessed a bright and cheery disposition, an intellect of more than ordinary ability, and was an excellent musician, being a fine performer on the piano and having a

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voice of great power and sweetness. She

taught three terms of school and was very successful. After their marriage, they went to Chicago, visiting the World's fair, and then returned to their pleasant home in Kirklin, which was supplied with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. On the twenty- second of March, 1894. their daughter, Mary Ruth, was born, and on the twenty-sixth the mother died. She was an active and earnest worker in the church and her loss was deeply

mourned throughout the community. Mr. Gorham is also a faithful member of the Christian church of Kirklin, and from its or- ganization until the past year served as treas- urer and deacon. He was one of the building committee who erected the present fine brick edifice, which was dedicated in 1889, and for some three years has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school. In politics he is a democrat, and has filled the offices of town treasurer and clerk-now serving his third term in the latter office. He is one of the most valued citizens of this place and his honorable and well-spent life has won for him universal confidence and esteem.

J OHN TAYLOR GREGG, who devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, his home being in Sugar Creek township, Clinton county, Ind., has the honor of being a native of the Hoosier state. He was born on the farm where he yet resides August 8, 1849. The family is of English origin. The grandfather, John Gregg, a na- tive of Kentucky, served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He made farming his life occupation and became the owner of 120 acres in Howard county, Ind. His wife, Mary Gregg, was a native of Kentucky, and to them were born six children-Matthew, Nancy, Lucy, Sarah, Jane

and James. The father died at the age of seventy; his wife at seventy-five years. James Gregg was a native of Kentucky, and a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Redwine, by whom he had a daughter, Elizabeth, and after her death wedded Eliza M. Thurman, who was born June 25, 1825. and was a daugh- ter of Elijah and Mary Thurman. Nine chil- dren, beside John F., graced their union- Joseph, Ruth, Viola, Alzina, James O., Zora E., Lincoln H., Mary and Sarah A. James Gregg received from his father eighty acres of heavy timber land, which he cleared and im- proved, making it a valuable farm. He after- . ward became owner of 210 acres. He and wife belonged to the Christian church, and in politics he was a republican. He died at the age of sixty-one, and his widow is still living.

On the old homestead John T. Gregg was reared, and in the public schools his education was acquired. He remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, and then led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Scott, who was born December 26, 1853, and is a daugh- ter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Rector) Scott. They began their domestic life upon the farm, Mr. Gregg purchasing forty acres of the old homestead, on which he erected a cabin. Six children came to bless their home: Heber, Vanrosco, James L., Ethel M., Victor and Bern. The family now has a pleasant home on a good farm of fifty acres, on which is a thrifty young orchard. Mr. Gregg pays con- siderable attention to raising small fruits, and in this business is meeting with good success. In politics he is a stalwart and active republi- can, and has served as delegate to the county conventions of his party. His industry . and enterprise are numbered among his chief char- acteristics, and have been the means of secur- ing for him the farm which he now occupies. His entire life has been passed in this com- i munity, and all who know him esteem him

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OF CLINTON COUNTY.

highly for his sterling worth and strict integ- rity. He well deserves mention among the leading farmers of this community.

a HARLESG. GUENTHER, one of the prominent attorneys of Frankfort, was born in Jefferson City, Mo., February 3. 1853, and is a son of Charles H. W. and Anna (Kramer) Guenther. Charles H. W. Guenther was born in Dres- den, Saxony, Germany, in June, 1826, and at the age of twenty-two (or in 1848) came to the United States and first located in Madison, Wis , whence he went to Chicago, III., then to St. Louis, Mo., and about 1850 settled in Jefferson City, where he engaged in contract- ing and building, although he had been a boot and shoe merchant previously. He was mar- ried in Jefferson City in 1852, his wife being a native of Ashendorf, then in the kingdom of Hanover, and a daughter of Gerhardt A. Kramer, who came to America in 1836, and located in Jefferson City, where he died. To the marriage of Charles H. W. and Anna Guenther five children were born, viz: Charles G., Theckla, Rosina, Ida, and Anna-the three last named being deceased. Mrs. Anna Guen- died January 1, 1860, and in 1863 Charles H. W. married Rosina Kramer, a sister of his first wife, and a native of Jefferson City. To this union were born four children, named Gerhardt A .; Anna; Oscar, deceased, and Eu- gene. These children all reside in Jefferson City. Their father was a lieutenant in the Union army, and in politics was a republican. He was a great reader, was very popular, and died, most highly respected, at Jefferson City in 1883.

Charles G. Guenther was reared to man- hood in his native city and was there educated. His first employment was in 1867 as page in the state senate, which position he filled for

two years; he was then appointed senate mes- senger for two years; but after the expiration of the first year of this service was appointed assistant state librarian of Missouri, and after doing duty in this position for two years, he entered the law office of Lay & Belch, of Jef- ferson City, and read with that firm for three years-or from 1872 to 1875- and in October of the latter year was appointed first deputy of the supreme court, which position he held until 1882, when he entered the law depart- ment of the Wabash Railroad company at St. Louis, with which he remained until 1885, and then accepted a position in the law department of the Monon road, located at Chicago; was its chief clerk until the latter part of 1886, and then came to Frankfort and engaged with S. O. Bayless until January, 1889, when he be- bame a partner and still so remains. The marriage of Mr. Guenther took place in Chi- cago, June 11, 1887, to Miss Viola J. Derby, who was born in Forreston, Ill., June 11, 1860, a daughter of Elmer and Laura (Ken- nedy) Derby. Two children have been born to Mr. Guenther and wife, viz: Carl and Helen Irene, who are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Guenther are members of the Presbyterian church and highly respected members of so- ciety. . Mr. Guenther is a stanch democrat, and during the time he was deputy clerk of the supreme court held the office of public admin- istrator of Cole county, Mo. (six years), and at one time was nominated by his party for mayor of Frankfort against James W. Collins, but the opposition party were in too great a majority for his success. Mr. Guenther has displayed ability in every position he has held, has been successful in his profession, and has accumulated some property.

In his social and domestic relations Mr. Guenther has been most fortunate, and he has no reason to complain of his business af- fairs.

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

EORGE C .. HARBAUGH, the gen- tlemanly postmaster at Colfax, Clin- ton county, Ind., and ex-soldier, was born in Covington, Miami county, Ohio, November 24, 1839, and is a son of Washington G. and Sarah (Freeman) Har- baugh, who are natives respectively of Mary- land and Ohio, and were married in Miami county, Ohio, where the father followed his trade of harness maker until 1847, when he moved to Harrisburg, Ohio, where he resided until 1851, and then lived in Dayton, Ohio, until 1854, when he came to Indiana and lo- cated at Frankfort, where he enlisted in the Fortieth Indiana volunteer infantry, and where he died, while at home on a furlough, in Feb- ruary, 1863. He was the father of two chil- dren, George C. and Mary E., the latter of whom is deceased. The mother of George C. died when the latter was but four years of age, and he was reared by a stepmother, who had borne the maiden name of-Rachael Lancaster, whom his father married in Harrisburg, Ohio. In 1860, our subject went to Livingston county, Ill., and was there engaged in farm work until April, 1861, when he enlisted in company D, Twentieth Illinois insantry, for three years or during the war, served four years, three months and twenty-seven days in the same company and regiment, took part in twenty- seven general engagements, was never wound- ed, but was once taken prisoner and held at Andersonville and Florence, S. C., nine months; he was discharged July 16, 1865, at Chicago, Ill., whence he returned to Frank- fort, Ind., and engaged in harness making until 1874. when he moved to Colfax and re- entered the same business, which he followed five years; then was employed in a saw-mill six years, and then re-engaged in the harness trade, which he has since successfully con- ducted. The marriage of Mr. Harbaugh took place in Clinton county, Ind., Nov. 23, 1865,

to Miss Annie Benjamin, who was born in New Jersey in February, 1842, a daughter of John and Eliza Benjamin, and to this union have been born nine children, viz: Fannie. B, wife of George Musgrove, of Clinton county; Maggie, married to Elias Wagner, clerk in a general store; Ida May, deceased; W. B., John W., George C., Mary, Winfield H. and Ada, deceased. In religion, Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh are members of the Methodist Epis- .copal church. In politics, Mr. Harbaugh is a democrat, and was postmaster at Frankfort in 1867 and 1868, and has been justice of the peace in Colfax ten years and town clerk five years. December 1, 1893, he was commis- sioned postmaster of Colfax, and has since filled the office to the entire satisfaction of the public. He is an Odd Fellow, and a member of the G. A. R., and he and family stand very high in the esteem of the people of Colfax.

EORGE W. HALSTEAD, proprietor of the Earhart hotel of Mulberry. Clinton county, Ind., has been a resident of this place but a short time, yet his progressive spirit has made him recognized as one of the leading citizens. He was born in Fayette county, Ind., September 12, 1843, and is the son of Hickson and Eliza (Jones) Halstead, the former a native of New York, and the latter of this state. Hickson Halstead was born in 1803. and at the age of five years was brought by his parents to In- diana, the family settling in Fayette county. His father, Robert Halstead, there secured a farm, upon which Hickson was reared to man- hood. He, too, became a farmer and owned and operated 198 acres of highly improved land, in addition to which he carried on stock farming. Eliza (Jones) Halstead was born in 1814. Her father was also an Indiana farmer and had a valuable tract of land of 400 acres.

Gro & Barbaugh

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OF CLINTON COUNTY.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hickson Halstead were born ten children, three of whom are yet living- Elizabeth, widow of Jacob Stevens of Rush county, Ind .; Louisa, wife of James Tate; and George W. Those deceased are Delilah J., Thomas J., Lucinda, Mary P., and Hickson. The father of the family died November 19, 1886, and the death of his wife occurred March 13, 1863.

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Author: Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : A.W. Bowen & Co. Number of Pages: 1080

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : A.W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1080