A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph 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 132

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474

USA > Indiana > Randolph County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph 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 132
USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph 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 132

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).

ORING A. THORNBURG, a pro- gressive young farmer of Stony Creek township, Randolph county, Ind., was born in Delaware county, Ind., February 4, 1868, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lumpkin) Thornburg. Thomas was born in Delaware county in 1836, and was a son or Alexander Thornburg, and Eliz- abeth was born in Randolph county, and was the eldest daughter of William Lumpkin They were married about the year 1857, and became the parents of five children, viz: Della, Ella, William A., Loring A. and Ora M. After marriage, Thomas Thornburg settled on his farm of 180 acres in Delaware county, and he also owned and operated stores at Neff and Goodview for five years, being a man of superior business ability. He died in Delaware county in 1871, and was followed to the grave by his wife within a month, both having been afflicted with consumption. Their remains were deposited in Union cemetery, they having been members of the Christian church. In politics Mr. Thornburg was a re- publican. The Thornburg family is one of the oldest in the county of Randolph.

Loring A. Thornburg, after the death of his parents, made his home with Edward Burch, who lived on the old homestead. He received the best education the common schools of Delaware county afforded, and for a while attended DePauw university at Green- castle, Ind. He was married March 10, 1889, to Julia, daughter of Edward Adams, and for three years lived on his farm of 120 acres in Delaware county, and then exchanged that farm for forty acres in Stony Creek township, Randolph county, on which he now resides. He is one of the bright young farmers of this township and keeps well abreast of the spirit of the times, and is highly respected by all his fellow citizens. In politics he is a stalwart republican.

1230

RANDOLPH COUNTY:

EORGE E. RETTER, the genial and gentlemanly proprietor of the only hotel in Farmland, Ind., was born in Fairfield, Greene county, Ohio. Au- gust 4, 1860, the son of Capt. Edwin E. and Caroline S. (Shaw) Retter. Capt. E. E. Ret- ter was also born in Greene county, Ohio, his birth having taken place November 22, 1834 The captain was the son of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Green) Rutter, and came from a very old American family. The great-grand- father of George E. Rutter was Tobias C., who married Eva C. Yakle, the latter a na- tive of Germany and the former of Maryland, descending from Scotch ancestry. Capt. E. E. Retter was a baker by trade and came from his native state to Winchester, Ind., Septem- ber 18, 1853. He was here married, and then removed to Sidney, Ohio, where he fol- lowed his trade until 1854, when he removed to Fairfield, Ohio, where he engaged in the hotel business until 1860, thence he moved to Springfield, Ohio, where he managed the Western hotel, the leading hostlery of the city, until his enlistment in May, 1861, when he went to the front, leaving his family behind to manage the hotel, which they successfully conducted until 1865. On the return of the captain, in that year, the family moved to Dayton, Ohio, where the captain kept the Montgomery house until 1868, when he re- turned to Fairfield. where he died May 20, 1869. His wife, Mrs. Caroline Retter, was born in Westfield, Delaware county, Ohio, May 20, 1836, and was a daughter of Aaron and Betsy A. (Jenkins) Shaw, of Scotch and Irish extraction. To their union were born three children, viz: Elda Vista, deceased; Cora Elizabeth, deceased, and George E., whose name heads this sketch.

The military career of Capt. E. E. Retter was brilliant, but in this sketch must be re- duced to a brief mention. He enlisted, as has

been stated. in May, 1861, and was elected, in October, second lieutenant of his company, which was designated company H, of the Forty-fourth regiment, Ohio volunteer in- fantry, and in May, 1864, for meritorious con- duct, was commissioned captain and assigned to a company in the One Hundred and Sixty- eighth Ohio infantry. In both companies and both regiments he won the respect of his com- rades, who all admired him for his courage and his whole-souled disposition. In 1869 his widow settled in Farmland, and carried on a very successful millinery business until 1875. December 16, 1880, she was married to Samuel Wright. Mr. Wright was a native of Indiana, was a farmer and contractor, and was brought to a sudden death by an explosion of natural gas on the 24th of December, 1887. The widow survived until October 14, 1893, when her death took place in Farmland.

George E. Retter attended the public schools until he was twelve years of age and laid a good solid foundation for an education, which was subsequently improved. He then worked for a year in a woolen mill in Win- chester, whence he came to Farmland, where he carried water for a railroad fence gang for the summer, being ambitious and anxious to do something for a self-support. Next he took a trip through the eastern states as an aid to an uncle, and on returning learned to be a painter and did contracting work in that line until 1883. In the meantime, however, he started a restaurant, in which business he be- came so great a favorite with his patrons that, in 1885, he was persuaded to relinquish his business and take position as superintendent for the Roller Coasting company of Indian- apolis, with which he remained one season. Next he was employed J. W. Erther as clerk, and faithfully did his duty until February, 1887, when he again went into the restaurant business. But here an accident happened.

1231

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

He had his goods all in store, was arranging them in proper order for sale, when a natural gas explosion took place, blew the building to atoms, and so injured Mr. Retter that he was unable to do business for nearly three years; yet he went into the hotel business at Farm- land, and certainly no man ever kept a better place or could be a better landlord. No person or family can visit his house without parting in regret.

October 21, 1880, Mr. Retter married Miss Mary Belle Spillers, who was born in Ran- dolph county, Ind., May 15, 1862. She is a daughter of George Spillers, a well known

citizen of Farmland, and is the happy mother of two children-Corsie C. and Garlie E. Mr. Retter is a republican in politics, and frater- nally is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Sons of Veterans, He is a stockholder in the Progress Oil & Gas company, and is manager of the opera house at Farmland, and in all the athletic sports you will find Dad (as he is called by all that know him), one of the first to help the boys out, which helps to develope the American youth more than anything else out- side of his schooling, but Mr. Retter's chief fame and popularity rest in his management of his hotel.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

J AMES B. ABSHIRE, who is engaged in general farming in Washington town- ship, has spent his entire life in this county, and is one of its oldest native citizens. He has witnessed the growth and development of the county from its early days, and in many ways has aided in its npbuilding. He was born September 20, 1823, and in his youth learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until thirty years of age. In 1853 Mr. Abshire was joined in wedlock with Eliza- beth, daughter of William and Agatha (Tea- gle) Hawkins. Her father went from South Carolina to Richmond, Ind., when a boy and was there married. He entered 160 acres of land, and through successful business dealings became owner of 500 acres. Mrs. Abshire is the eldest of a family of ten children, three sons and seven daughters. The others are Mary, wife of William Pegg; Rachel, wife of Joseph Maggard; Martha, wife of Benjamin

Mann; James, an agriculturist; Phebe, dead; Columbus, who follows farming; Annetta, wife of Albert King; Matilda, wife of Kendrick Mull; and William L., a lumberman of Win- chester. The father of this family died May 19, 1880, at the age of seventy-one, and was buried in Macksville cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Abshire began their domestic life upon a farm of eighty acres, which was in the midst of the forest, and lived in true pio- neer style in a log cabin. As the years passed, acre after acre of the place was cultivated, and he now has a highly improved farm of 120 acres. He did his work with a jumper plow and hand scythe, and other primitive imple- ments. Indians were still in the neighborhood, there was plenty of wild game, and, as Mr. Abshire was quite a hunter, he thoroughly en- joyed his life upon the frontier, although there were many hardships and privations to be borne. In addition to his home farm, he has

1232

RANDOLPH COUNTY :

cleared three other large farms. His life has been a busy and useful one, and few idle mo- ments has he spent. To Mr. and Mrs. Ab- shire were born five children: William, born July 3, 1855, died in September following; John M., born January 30, 1857, is a painter; Mary A., born September 1, 1861, became the wife of Charles Stephenson, and died Septem- ber 11, 1890, leaving a son, Albert; Martha J., born September 27, 1867, became the wife of Reuben Lingo, and died February 27, 1888; Isaac A., born February 12, 1870, completes the family. Mr Abshire is now living a retired life, for having crippled himself by cutting his foot with an ax, he is unable to do much work. His business career has been one of success, and his good management and industry have made him a prosperous citizen.

A LVIN A. BALDWIN, one of the enterprising and representative young farmers of Washington township, is a native of Wayne county, Ind. He was born in 1866, and is a son of Jesse F. Baldwin, who was the eldest of seven chil- dren, the other members of the family being Elwood and Irvin, farmers; Tilman, deceased; Isaac, an agriculturist; Nereus, a photogra- pher, and Rachel, deceased. Jesse Baldwin was reared on a farm, and August 14, 1852, married Phebe A. Bales, who was born Sep- tember 13, 1831, and was a daughter of Dan and Catherine (Bales) Bales, who removed from Tennessee to Indiana. They had a family of eleven children-Betsy, wife of Tire Puckett; Susan, wife of Richard Puckett; Rachel, wife of Jefferson Jackson; Hannah. wife of Amos Hiatt; Mahala, wife of Nathan Hodgen; Jacob; Samuel; Amer J .; Daniel, and Phebe A. Jesse Baldwin began farming on forty-five acres of land in Wayne county,

and in 1867, came to this county, purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Washington town- ship, where he spent his remaining days. Eight children were born to this marriage, of whom Nereus B, Lindley M., Daniel S. and Benjamin F. all follow farming; Lorinda is the wife of James Dervage; Alvin A. is the next younger; Lucinda is the wife of Ora Harris; Luther is an agriculturist. The father of this family is now deceased, and the mother makes her home with her son Alvin, at the age of sixty-two years.

Alvin A. Baldwin, whose name heads this record, spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm. At the age of twenty-three, in 1889, he was joined in wed- lock with Carrie Dickson, daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Landon) Dickson, who were of English extraction. The young couple began their domestic life upon the old homestead, and when the farm was divided, Mr. Baldwin purchased forty acres. To this union were born two children-Osa Myrtle and John M. The mother was called to her final rest Feb- ruary 6, 1892, and was buried in Winter's cemetery, Jay county. Possessed of many excellencies of character, she won the love and esteem of many warm friends who deeply mourned her loss. Mr. Baldwin still resides with his mother. He is an industrious man, practical and progressive. In politics, he is a stalwart republican, and is a member of the Society of Friends.

a URTIS E. BALES, who owns and operates 155 acres of land in Wash- ington township, was born in this township, April 6, 1835. Upon the home farm he was reared, and has never worked at any other place than on the old homestead, with the exception of about three months.

1283

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

Having arrived at mature years he was mar- ried, October 3, 1857, to Mary Thornburg, a daughter of Edward and Nancy (Matthews) Thornburg, who were of German extraction, were born in North Carolina, and with their respective parents came to this county. Here the father was accidentally killed, leaving the widow with five children. She afterwards be- came the wife of Mr. Beeson and removed to Wayne county, where her second husband died. She then returned to this county and lived with her daughter. Mr. Thornburg was one of the first settlers of this county, and was numbered among its honored pioneers. He was a stanch advocate of the abolition party and he and wife were members of the Society of Friends. Their children were Ann, wife of James A. Bales; Mary, wife of our subject; Rebecca, wife of Isaac Baldwin, and Emily, wife of Stephen Martin.

After his marriage, Mr. Bales located on his father's farm of eighty acres and moved into an old frame house built by Jesse Brom- field. There they lived for seven years, and in the fall of 1865 moved to a farm of eighty acres just across the road, which he and his brother owned. After the death of his parents, he bought the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead, and since that time has added eighty acres, making in all 155 acres. This is a rich and valuable tract, and the many im- provements upon the place indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bales have been born six children: Henry S., at home; Nancy A., wife of Lindley Baldwin; Phebe J., wife of John Knight: Lucinda; Melinda and Mary E., de- ceased. The wife and mother died April 1, 1881, and was buried in the New Light ceme- tery. She was a member of the New Light church, and a most estimable lady. After two years, Mr. Bales married Sarah A., daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (York) Mills, natives

of North Carolina. Their union was cele- brated December 29, 1882, and has been blessed with one son, James G. The family is one widely and favorably known, and its members rank high in social circles. Mr. Bales is a republican in politics, and has had a suc- cessful business career, owing to his well di- rected efforts and enterprise. His example is well worthy of emulation, and he may truly be called a self-made man.

J AMES A. BALES, a representative farmer of Washington township, was born in the community which is still his home, January 23, 1831, and has spent nearly his entire life in this county. When he was sixteen years of age he located 'with his father on congress land, and remained at home until his marriage, when he located on a small farm of twenty acres, which his father had given him. He purchased forty acres additional, and for three years lived in a log cabin. He then operated a rented farm for two years, and in 1861 purchased forty acres of the old homestead.

It was in November, 1853, that Mr. Bales was joined in wedlock with Ann Thornburg. By their union were born two children, Marion S. and Elwood W., but both are now de- ceased. Mrs. Bales was called to her final rest July 20, 1861, and her remains were interred in New Liberty cemetery. For his second wife Mr. Bales chose Mary J. Mills, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (York) Mills, and they were married April 14, 1864. At once they re- moved to the farm on which they still reside. Mrs. Bales had been previously married, being the widow of Smith Lamb, who was killed by bushwhackers near Vicksburg. He was a member of the Fifth Illinois cavalry, having enlisted at Cumberland, Ill. By the first mar-

1234

RANDOLPH COUNTY :

riage were born two children, Elizabeth, de- ceased wife of George Longnecker, and Josiah, who wedded Mary Shecly, and follows farm- ing. To Mr. and Mrs. Bales has been born a daughter, Rebecca A., now the wife of David Rockhill, an agriculturist of Washington township.

The Bales farm comprises 100 acres of arable land, which is under a high state of cul- tivation and well improved with all the acces- sories of a model farm. His life has been well and worthily spent. He acquired only such education as was afforded in the old time log school house, and was early inured to hard labor, but he has made the most of his privi- leges and · opportunities, and has worked his way steadily upward. With the exception of twenty acres given him by his father, all of his possessions have been acquired through his own industrious efforts. A noticeable occur- rence in the life of Mr. Bales is his abstaining from tobacco after thirty years' use. He is an upright, moral man, and his sterling worth and strict integrity have gained for him the high regard of many friends.

I SAAC N. BEESON, who conducts a prosperous mercantile business at Bloomingsport, Randolph county, Ind., was born in Wayne county, same state, April 24, 1843. His father, Thomas E. Beeson, a native of Guilford county, N. C., was born February 22, 1808, being the son of Isaac and Hannah (Hockett) Beeson, who were respectively of Scotch and Irish descent. Elizabeth Wilson, whom Thomas E. married in 1833, was also a native of Guilford county, born February 15, 1814. She was the daughter of Samuel and Keziah (Lamb) Wil- son. Thomas and Elizabeth Beeson gave parentage to the following children: David,

deceased; Jonathan; Benjamin, deceased; John; Isaac N., principal of this biography; Keziah, deceased; William; Lydia M., de- ceased, and Samuel.

Thomas Beeson, at the age of twenty-one years, came to Wayne county, Ind., with his father, who entered eighty acres of land. Mrs. Mrs. Thomas Beeson, who was a life-long member of the Society of Friends, actively participated in its work, serving for a long time as clerk of the monthly meetings. She was called from earth February 19. 1854, to meet the reward of her labors -- West River cemetery affording her a last earthly resting place. In 1857, Thomas Beeson was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Celia Hunt; and to this union there was one child, Thomas E. Mrs. Celia Beeson died April 19, 1875. and was buried in West River cemetery, where were also laid the mortal remains of her husband, whose earthly career ended March 7, 1879. Thomas Beeson, who, during his life, was a progressive and industri- ous man, owned 137 acres of land and was interested in a store at Franklin. He was a whig-later a republican-and both he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends.

Isaac N. Beeson, in his youth, gained a common school education. He was engaged at home in agriculture until November 27, 1863, when he enlisted at Richmond in the Ninth Indiana cavalry, serving his country faithfully and courageously until his discharge, at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, September 9, 1865. He served in several battles in Ten- nessee, sustaining injuries which entitle him to the small pension he receives monthly. After this return from the war, he was married, on March 20, 1864, to Martha E., daughter of John and Nancy (McMullen) Bales, natives of Tennessee. She was born in Wayne county, Ind., February 9, 1848. Two sons and five

James Blair M .

1237

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

daughters blessed the union, viz: Flora C .; Nancy E .; Olive; infant, deceased; Sarah V .; John T. and Raymond G., who are at home. Locating, after his marriage, on a farm north of Dalton, Ind., Isaac Beeson lived there for a period of two years, subsequent to which he moved to Randolph county, where he pur- chased sixty-five acres of land. . Six years later, he sold this tract and rented until 1881, when he engaged in his present business. Mr. Beeson also, in connection with his other work, does a successful milling and lumber business. He is an exemplary christian gen- tleman, holding offices of trustee and class- leader in the liberal branch of the United Brethren church, of which he and his wife are consistent members. Politically he affiliates with the republican party.

J AMES S. BLAIR, M. D., engaged in the practice of medicine at Lynn since 1877, and is numbered among the leading physicians of the community, having by his skill and ability won an enviable reputation. He was born in Williamsburg, Wayne county, Ind., May 26, 1850. His father, George M. Blair, was born in Sligo county, Ireland, in 1806, and married Hannah Cranor, a native of Wayne county. Their union was celebrated in Williamsburg, in 1840, and there the father of our subject, who was also a physician, engaged in the practice of medicine until his death, which occurred January 5, 1861. He was educated in the Ohio Medical college, and was a well read man. The family numbered five children: John B., deceased; William T., a farmer of Wayne county; the doctor; Emma E. and Sarah C., both deceased. Dr. George M. Blair was of Scotch-Irish descent and pos- sessed all the best characteristics of the Scotch

and Irish peoples. He became quite well to do. Socially, he was a master Mason, and in politics was a republican. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, as does his wife, who is still living at Williamsburg.

In the city of his birth, James S. Blair grew to manhood. He attended the public schools until sixteen years of age, and was then for two years a student in the Center- ville Collegiate institute. At the age of eight- een he began teaching, and was thus employed for three years in Wayne county, after which he had charge of the Williamsburg public schools for four years. In the meantime, during his leisure hours, he began reading medicine with Dr. L. P. Taylor of that place, with whom he studied for three years, subse- quently attending the Eclectic Medical insti- tute of Cincinnati, Ohio, for two years, being graduated in June, 1875.

In August, 1866, in Williamsburg, the doc- tor wedded Ellen Potter, and unto them were born two children-Ada, wife of William Converse, an attorney at law of Richmond, Ind., and one who died in infancy. The mother died in January, 1875, and in January, 1877, Dr. Blair was united in marriage with Caroline Medearis. They had a daughter, Ethel, born in 1878. Again the doctor was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died July 10, 1879. On the 12th of May, 1882, he wedded Mary E. Kelly, a native of Randolph county, and their union has been blessed with two children-James Byron and George Myron.

Mrs. Blair is .a consistent member of the Christian church, and takes a most active part in religious and benevolent work. The doctor is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ma- sonic frarernity. He belongs to the Randolph County Medical society, of which he has served both as secretary and president, also to

1238

RANDOLPH COUNTY :

the State Medical society, and to the Dela- ware District Medical society, of which he was president. For six years he has been an effi- cient and able member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend.

Dr. Blair entered upon his professional career immediately after his graduation, and for two years was in partnership with his pre- ceptor, Dr. Taylor. He then came to Lynn in 1877, and has since been one of the promi- nent practitioners of the county. Progressive and public spirited, he takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the com- munity and its upbuilding, and well deserves representation in this volume.

S QUIRE C. BOWEN, a member of the firm of Bowen Brothers, dealers in general merchandise in Lynn, was born in Greensfork township, this county, June 23, 1844. Upon his father's farm the days of his boyhood and youth were passed, and he became familiar with all the departments of agricultural work. At the age of twenty, or on the 2d of November, 1864, prompted by patriotic impulses, he entered the service of his country, as a member of company E, Sixty-ninth Indiana infantry, and served until after the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged at Galveston, Tex., November 2, 1865. He participated in the siege of Blakesly, and the battle of Mobile. When peace was restored and the country no longer needed his aid, Mr. Bowen returned to the north, and engaged in farming upon the old homestead. He also attended school. For six months he was a student in the White Water academy, and for three months in Lebanon college, after which he engaged in teaching in the home district. He then spent

three years as a teacher in Wayne county. In 1871, Mr. Bowen went to the west, intending to make a location beyond the Mississippi, but after a year spent in travel, through Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota, he returned to the state of his nativity, and once more resumed teaching. A year later he embarked in mer- chandising in Arba, where, with the exception of one year, he carried on business for a dec- ade, in company with his brother, James D. In 1882, they came to Lynn, and did business under the firm name of Bowen Brothers & Co., until 1889, when the firm became Bowen Brothers. They carry a stock of general mer- chandise valued at $8,000, and are doing a good business.

On the 18th of May, 1872, in Fountain City, Wayne county, was celebrated the mar- riage of S. C. Bowen and Melinda W. Bailey, who was born in Wayne county, May 16, 1841, and a daughter of Hiram and Rachel (Thomas) Bailey, the former born in Sussex county, Va., August 1, 1796, and the latter in South Carolina, May 16, 1804. They were married in Warren county, Ohio, in May, 1821, and became parents of ten children, but only three now survive, Mrs. Bowen being the youngest. The father died December 12, 1872, and the mother July 14, 1870. They were members of the Society of Friends, and Mr. Bailey was a republican. Five children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, Mabel, an accomplished young lady, a stenog- rapher and typewriter; Jessie, deceased; Winnifred; Carl W. and Harry F. The par- ents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, are untiring workers in the master's vineyard, and are people whose lives are well worthy of emulation. They do all in their power to advance the best interests of the community and aid in its upbuilding. Mr. Bowen is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and

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 portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph 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 132

Author: Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co. Number of Pages: 1474

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474