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 138

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 138
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 138

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).

are the names of the children born to Samuel and Barbara Sipe: Elizabeth, deceased wife of H. V. Sipe; Mrs. Sarah Clevenger, deceas- ed; Isaac, Abraham, Mrs. Martha Judd; Cather- ine, wife of J. B. Hale; Martin V., Caroline, wife of H. T. Warren; John B .; Barbara E., wife of I. Ryan, and infant, died unnamed.

Isaac Sipe was not permitted to enjoy many advantages of acquiring an education, and spent his early years amid the routine of farm labor, assisting his parents until attaining his majority. He became a resident of Randolph county in his twentieth year, and at the age of twenty-two began life for himself as a farmer on forty acres of land, deeded to him by his father, to which he subsequently added forty acres more. After following agricultural pur- suits until 1857, he embarked in the general merchandise trade at the town of Deerfield, where he carried on a successful business until 1862, in August of which year he disposed of his stock and entered the army, enlisting in company C, Fifth Indiana cavalry. He served his country faithfully until honorably dis- charged, June 15, 1865, and during his period of service took part in the pursuit of the rebel Gen. Morgan and the Atlanta campaign, also the campaigns of east Tennessee and parts of Kentucky. He passed through his varied ex- perience uninjured, was seldom absent from his command on account of sickness, and visited home but once on furlough, and that was in 1864, to vote. After the war, Mr. Sipe engaged in buying and shipping live stock, which he carried on until 1872, when he again began farming, which he has since continued. Since 1881 he has resided on his present beautiful farm in section 28, Ward township, where, in addition to general farming, he gives consider- able attention to the breeding of fine horses and cattle. Measured by the standard of thrift and honesty of purpose, Mr. Sipe's life has in- deed been a successful one, and few in the

ISAAC SIPE.

MRS. CATHARINE SIPE.

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community in which he resides enjoy in as marked a degree the esteem and confidence of the public. He cast his first ballot for Lewis Cass, and supported the democratic party until the war, since which time his allegiance has been to the republican party. He served as constable for several years, but has never been an aspirant for the honors of office, preferring the more quiet and satisfactory life of an hon- orable farmer. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which for many years he has been an active worker.

Mr. Sipe was married in April, 1849, to Catherine Hale, daughter of James and Clarissa Hale. James Hale, father of Mrs. Sipe, was born in Mason county, Ky., June 26, 1799. His father, John Hale, whose birth occurred in the year 1776, was the son of James Hale, who was born in 1737 in England. James Hale came to America with Penn's colony, settled in Baltimore county, Md., and died in Mason county, Ky., in the year 1801. His wife, Catherine Baird, was born in Pennsylvania in 1741 and died in Randolph county, Ind., in 1836. John Hale settled in Greene county, Ohio, in 1802, immigrated to Indiana in 1836, settling first in Whitley county and afterward in the county of Kosciusko, where his death occurred September 25, 1845. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and by occupation a farmer. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Bowen, departed this life in Greene county, Ohio, aged thirty-six years.

James Hale came to Randolph county, Ind., as early as 1831, and settled in Ward township, where he purchased land and improved a farm. He was a prominent and highly re- spected citizen, a successful farmer and a man whose memory is deeply revered in the com- munity of which he was for so many years a resident. He married, in 1826, Clarrisa Op- dyke, who was born in the year 1809 in New Jersey, the daughter of Henry and Catherine

(Cummings) Opdyke. Mrs. Hale's grandpar- ents, Albert and Martha Opdyke, were natives of Germany. To the union of James and Clarissa Hale were born ten children, namely: Mrs. Philina Jellison; Mrs. Catherine Sipe; John B .; Henry C., deceased; Mrs. Sarah A. Bosworth; Mrs. Peninah Whipple, de- ceased; Mrs. Jane Clark; Mrs. Mary Evans; Mrs. Nancy Ritenour and Silas P. James Hale died April 5, 1880, and on the 3d day of March, 1881, his wife was called from the scenes of her earthly labors.

a HARLES ELMER SPITLER, M. D., is one of the successful physicians of Randolph county and bids fair to gain much more than a local reputation in the profession which he has chosen for his life work. Dr. Charles E. Spitler is descended paternally from German ancestry, and traces his family history in this country through sev- eral generations to the revolutionary period, at which time the progenitor of the American branch of the family was killed in the Wyoming massacre, Pa. The doctor's grandfather was John Spitler, a native of Pennsylvania, whose wife, also of Pennsylvania and of French lineage, moved with her parents to Ohio about the year 1803. Among the children of John Spitler was Andrew Spitler, who married Prudence Nicwonger and became the father of nine children, the subject of this sketch being the youngest in order of birth. Andrew Spit- ler was a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, and a farmer by occupation; he died in his native county on the home place, where his widow still resides.

Dr. Spitler was born on the 9th of June, 1863, in Montgomery county, Ohio, in the schools of which he acquired a good English education. While still young he decided to

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enter the medical profession, and after the customary course of preliminary reading entered the College of Physicians and Sur- geons, at St. Louis, from which he was grad- uated in the year 1891. On completing his course Dr. Spitler began the practice at Sara- toga, Randolph county, Ind., where he has since remained, having in the meantime suc- ceeded in building up an extensive and lucra- tive business in Ward and other townships,

beside frequently going to remote parts of the county as consulting physician in many cases requiring the greatest of skill. The doctor has made commendable progress in the pro- fession and has already acquired an honorable standing among the successful medical men of Randolph county. Three of his brothers are physicians of note, under one of whom the doc- tor pursued his professional studies one year before entering the medical school alluded to.

WEST RIVER TOWNSHIP.

ALTER D. BROWN, who is the owner of one of the finest farms, comprising 220 acres of valuable land in West River township, Randolph county, Ind., is a native of this state. He was born in Richmond, March 2, 1858. His father was born in Wayne county, Ind., December 19, 1820, and, after attaining to man's estate, wedded Sarah Clark. He suc- cessfully engaged in merchandising throughout the remainder of his life, but also engaged in the real estate business for several years. He was a member of the Masonic order, served as assistant in the clerk's office one term, and he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends. Of their family of four children, Clarence is now a contractor; William died in infancy; Carrie died at the age of four years; and Walter completes the number.

Walter D. Brown, was reared in his native city, and began his education in the common schools. Later he attended Earlham college of Wayne county for three years, and then engaged in the drug business for five years in Hamilton, Ohio. His mother having died during his infancy, he resided with his grand-

mother until her death in 1877. At the age of twenty-five he led to the marriage altar Miss Anna, daughter of Abraham and Anna (Brenneman) Schopf, who were of German extraction. Her father was born in Indiana, was married in Richmond, and afterwards removed to Hamilton county, locating upon a farm, where he spent his remaining days. He became an extensive agriculturist, and at his death in 1871, left to each of his children a comfortable competence. His remains were interred in Bloomington cemetery. The aged mother is still living with her children in Wichita, Kan. The family numbered eight children-Elizabeth, wife of John Kauffman, of Richmond; Catherine, wife of Thomas Casad, of Kansas; Henry, who is engaged in the poultry business; Mrs. Anna Brown; Mat- tie; Mary, wife of Samuel Dorsey of Wichita; Amanda, wife of William Robinson of Rich- mond; and Abraham who is employed as a salesman.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Brown settled upon his fine farm of 220 acres, which been developed and improved by his father. Six children came to bless their home, four of

CHAS. E. SPITLER, M. D.

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whom are now living. Glen, Ouida, Gladys and Marjorie. Raymond and Martha are both deceased. The Brown household is noted for its hospitality and the parents rank high in social circles. In politics, Mr. Brown is a supporter of the republicans. His life has been a busy and useful one. He is an industrious and energetic man and the neat and thrifty appearance of his farm indicates his enterprise. His success is the result of well directed efforts and his prosperity is the crown of his dili- gence.

ENRY C. CONLEY, an honored veteran of the late war, and who now occupies the position of postmaster of Modoc, was born in Boston, Wayne county, Ind., February 6, 1843, and is a son of Isaac and Luzena Conley, who were also natives of the same locality. Their marriage was celebrated in Economy, and they spent nearly their entire lives in Wayne county, where the father followed the occupation of farming. He owned 160 acres of land and developed a good farm, making it one of the desirable and valuable places of the com- munity. His death occurred in Neosho coun- ty, Kan. His wife still survives him and is now living in Economy. Their family num- bered the following children: Henry C .; Hannah A., wife of Oliver Kimball; Matilda, wife of Dr. J. B. Clark, of Economy; Mary, wife of Solon Worthing, a resident of Iowa; Alex, now deceased; Ida, wife of Dr. J. M. Clark, a practicing physician of Modoc; Nettie, wife of Charles Hurst, of Richmond; Belle V., at home; Lessie, wife of John Adkinson of Economy. The parents both held member- ship with the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Conley was a republican in politics.

In taking up the history of Henry C. Con- ley we present to our readers the life of one of

Modoc's prominent and influential citizens. He remained upon the home farm until six- teen years of age, when he began serving an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade under Thomas Davenport of Boston, Wayne county. Having mastered the business, he followed it as a means of livelihood until the breaking out of the late war, and he laid aside all business cares to enter the service of his country. Prompted by patriotic impulses, on the 19th of Augest, 1861, he joined the boys in blue of company C, Eighth Indiana infantry, which was ordered to Indianapolis, and thence to St. Louis. With his command he participa- ted in the battles of Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., the capture of Fort Esperanza, Tex., and the battles of Winchester and Fisher Hill, Va. At length he received his discharge at Darien, Ga., and returned at once to his home. During the battle of Fisher Hill, he was run over by a horse and so disabled that he still feels the effect of the injury. In recognition of his services and as some com- pensation for his disability, the government gives him a pension of $8 per month.

On his return, Mr. Conley learned the shoemaker's trade in Economy, and followed that business until his marriage in 1879, after which he engaged in farming. On the 8th of June, he was appointed postmaster of Modoc, and took up the duties of that office, which he still continues to discharge with a promptness and fidelity that has won him the commenda- tion of all concerned. Mrs. Conley bore the maiden name of Alice Ballenger. She was born in Wayne county, and their union was celebrated in 1879. They have become par- ents of ten children: Inez, wife of William Howell, a farmer; William I., Oliver, Ed- ward, Grace, Carl, Belle, Lena, Earl and Mary. The parents hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Conley belongs to the Independent Order of

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Odd Fellows. He owns ten acres of land in West River township, beside some valuable town property. He is alike true to his coun- try in times of peace as he was in times of war, and is faithful to every trust reposed in him, whether public or private.

A DDISON G. CHRISTOPHER, who owns and operates a good farm of 220 acres in West River township, was born in Claiborne county, Tenn., November 28, 1829, and is a son of Garrett and Elizabeth (Walls) Christopher, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of North Carolina, where their marriage was cele- brated, and where they lived for several years, removing thence to Tennessee. They had three children-J. M., Addison G., and Minza. The father died in 1833, and was buried in Tennessee. In 1835, the mother brought her children to Wayne county, Ind., and bound them out. In 1836, she married Isaac Fisher, and afterwards removed to Iowa, where Mr. Fisher engaged in farming. The children of this marriage were William, a farmer; Susan, wife of Elwood Tiffany, of Chicago; Mary, wife of Jacob Wittenmire, of Iowa, and Han- nah, wife of Simeon Wittenmire, of Iowa. Mr. Fisher died in 1873, and his widow after- wards went to Kansas to live with her son. She there died July 31, 1890.

After his father's death, Addison G. Chris- topher was bound out to Albert Macy, with whom he remained for fourteen yeers, or until he had attained his majority, when he went to Huntsville, Ind., and for three years engaged in clerking. While there he was married, in 1851, to Sarah A., daughter of David and Delilah (Butler) Lamb, who came to Indiana from Campbell county, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Lamb were married in Virginia, December 6, 1827, and when Mrs. Christopher was three

years old, they emigrated to Warren county, Ohio, where they spent one winter, coming thence to Randolph county, Ind. They were permitted to enjoy their new home only a short time, for the father died, August 26, 1838, and the mother on the 2d of September following. They had three children-Eliza- beth H., wife of Allison Andrew, a farmer of Nebraska; Charles B., a harness maker, of Iowa, and Sarah A., wife of our subject. For about three years after his marriage, Mr. Christopher continued clerking and then re- moved to his farm, where he lived until 1855. He then embarked in merchandising in Hunts- ville, but after eighteen months sold out, and, in the fall of 1856, purchased his present farm, one of the best in the county. It is under a high state of cultivation, well im- proved with all modern accessories and con- veniences, and the well tilled fields and neat appearance of the place indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner.

To Mr. and Mrs. Christopher have been born eight children, five of whom are yet living, namely: Charles M, a lumber mer- chant of Newcastle, Ind. ; David O., a merchant of Alexander, Ohio; Zerlina and Ida O., both deceased; Elmer, a dry goods merchant of Modoc; Edwin R., deceased; Celia E., wife of O. P. Botkin; and John, who is a merchant in Modoc. A. G. Christopher has been very successful in his business dealings and has not only won a handsome competence for himself but has given his children forty acres of land. The family is very prominent and influential and ranks high in social circles. Mr. Christo- pher has led a busy and useful life and the labor of previous years now enables him in his declining days to live retired and enjoy the rest which was made possible to him through his former toil. He is now surrounded with all the comforts of life and his possessions stand as monumentsto his thrift and enterprise.

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3 OHN CHRISTOPHER, junior member of the firm of Christopher Brothers, dealers in general merchandise in Mo- doc, Ind., is one of the wide awake, enterprising and progressive young business men of that place. The prosperity of the town is due to such citizens as he, and their lives form its history. Mr. Christopher is a native of Randolph county, his birth having occurred in West River township on the 20th of January, 1866. He is a son of A. G. and Sarah A. (Lamb) Christopher, of this county. In the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood, aiding in the labors of the fields during the summer months and attend- ing the public schools through the winter sea- son. In this way, Mr. Christopher acquired a good education, and, after attaining his ma- jority, he engaged in teaching, being thus em- ployed successfully for five consecutive years. During the succeeding two years of his life his energies were devoted to agricultural pursuits, which he then abandoned in order to enter upon a mercantile life. In 1892 he formed a partnership with his brother, E. E. Christo- pher, and embarked in the general merchan- dise trade in Modoc, where he has since con- tinued business. They have a good store, well stocked with every thing found in their line, and by courteous treatment and fair and honorable dealing have gained a liberal patronage which is well deserved.

Elmer E. was born in West River town- ship. August 9, 1859, was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools. In 1880, he began teaching, and was thus em- ployed for three terms. On the 10th of March, 1883, he wedded Mary L., daughter of Jesse R. and Mary (Ruth) Brown. She was born in Wayne county, February 14, 1863, and they have three children: Mabel M., Mandie and Paul R. Elmer Christopher en- gaged in farming until 1892, when, in connec-

tion with his brother John, he embarked in general merchandising in Modoc. They carry a stock valued at $5,000, and are enjoying a fine trade. He is a republican in politics, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias He owns a farm of eighty acres, and in connection with his brother has another tract of fifty-three acres.

On the 19th of July, 1890, in Nettle Creek township, John Christopher married Miss Ida E. Wright, who was born in that township, and is a daughter of Hicks K. Wright, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. They have a pleasant home in Modoc, which is the abode of hospitality and which is the resort of many warm friends who hold them in high esteem. They occupy an enviable position in social circles, where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society. Mr. Christopher is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is recog- nized as one of the leading and influential young business men of Modoc. He possesses good business ability, is alive to the interests of the town, and does all in his power for the promotion of those interests which are calcu- lated to aid in its upbuilding.

R. J. M. CLARK, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Modoc, Ind., was born in Randolph county, N. C., March 20, 1851, a son of William and Louisa (Worth) Clark, both natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1808, and the mother was born December 15, 1815, in Guilford county, where their marriage was celebrated. They located in Union, N. C. The father was a tanner by trade, and also became owner of a woolen

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factory. In 1860, accompanied by his family, numbering wife and twelve children, he immi- grated to Indiana, locating in Wayne county. His death occurred on the 24th of April, 1874. His wife still survives him and is yet living in the town of Economy. They were both members of the Society of Friends, and Mr. Clark took great interest in church work, do- ing all in his power to promote its interests. He possessed good business ability, was an ex- cellent financier, and became possessed of con- siderable property. The members of the Clark family are T. E., a merchant of Wayne county; J. B., a physician of the same county; Joseph A., a civil engineer of Idaho; Nancy, wife of John Charles, of Randolph county; B. W., a merchant and farmer of Economy; Eunice, wife of William Mendenhall, of Randolph county; Asenath, at home; Rhoda R., wife of Henry Cain, of Wayne county; Edmund, a farmer of Wayne county; J. M., of this sketch; Mary M., at home, and W. D., who is living in Randolph county.

The doctor spent the first ten years of his life in the state of his nativity and then accom- panied his parents on their emigration to Indiana. His education was acquired in the common schools of Wayne county, and he en- gaged in farm labor until twenty years of age, when he determined to enter the medical pro- tession. In 1874 he began reading medicine under the direction of his brother, J, B., with whom he studied until 1880, when he took a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical college. He then began practice in his old home, where he remained until 1890, when he came to Modoc. During his three years residence here he has been very successful, and from the public receives a liberal patronage which yields him a good income.

On the 7th of September, 1876, in Ander- son, Ind., the doctor was united in marriage with Ida May Conley, who was born in Boston,

Wayne county, and is a daughter of Isaac and Lonzena (Williams) Conley. Four children have been born of their union-Charles Herbert, Solon Worth, Walter G. and Irene May, twins. Walter is now deceased. The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views Dr. Clark is a republican and socially is connected with the Knights of Pythias He possesses skill and ability in his profession and keeps abreast with all the theories and discoveries connected with his science. He ranks high among his professional brethren, and during his residence in Modoc has built up an excel- lent practice. His success has enabled him to become the possessor of a comfortable home together with four acres of land in the village, beside property in Economy and elsewhere. An honorable upright career has gained him the confidence and good will of all.

B ENJAMIN F. EDWARDS is one of the leading and influential farmers of West River township, and well de- serves representation in the history of this, his native county. He was born January 6, 1841, and is the son of Benjamin and Eliza- beth (Chestnut) Edwards, natives of New Jersey and Ohio, respectively. The father was born in 1798, and when a young man went to Ohio, where he was bound out to a hatter for four years. He worked at his trade until he was married, in 1819, to Miss Chestnut, who was born in 1793. He then rented ten acres of land, built the first double log house in Preble county, Ohio, and there kept tavern. On selling out he came to Huntsville, Ind., and bought of Oliver Walker 180 acres of land. After a few years he built the first brick house in the county. He reared a family of twelve children-Isaac, deceased; Diana, wife of

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Hugh Rust; Elizabeth, wife of Abraham Dupoy; Jacob and Albert, who follow farming; Sarah A., wife of William Green; Hannah, wife of Jacob Rust; Amanda, wife of George Rust; Mary J , wife of Thomas Cox; Benjamin F., Harriet, wife of Randolph Rust; and James, a farmer. The father died August 31, 1865, and the mother in 1885. He was a member of the Masonic order and both held membership with the Presbyterian church.

Until attaining his majority, Benjamin F. Edwards remained upon his father's farm. He then enlisted for the late war, August 21, 1862, in company D, Sixty-Ninth Indiana infantry, and went with his command to Rich- mond, Ky., and on to Cumberland, where all were taken prisoners. After being paroled they were sent home, but soon Mr. Edwards re-enlisted at Camp Carrington and was with his company in all of its engagements until wounded at Chickasaw Bluffs. He was then taken to the Memphis hospital where he lay for six weeks, then spent two months at Jef- ferson Barracks, Mo., rejoining his regiment at Black River Bridge. He was discharged at New Orleans in September, 1863, on account of disability and returned home, but the next spring again entered the service as a member of company A, One Hundred and Forty-Sev- enth regiment. In the fall of 1864, his health again failed and he was ill for nearly a year. In the autumn of 1865, he was ordered home, and began working on his father's farm as soon as his health would permit. On entering the service he weighed two hundred pounds, but on leaving it his weight was only ninety-six, which fact tells something of his arduous serv- ice and hardships.

On the 21st of September, 1865, Mr. Ed- wards wedded Mary J., daughter of William T. and Anna (Howe) Bussear, natives of Germany. They were successful farming peo- ple and respected citizens of this community.

The father died at the age of sixty-five, and his wife at the age of sixfy-three and they were laid to rest in Huntsville cemetery. After his marriage, Mr. Edwards located upon the home farm and bought out the other heirs until he had ninety-six acres, which he traded for 200 acres in Cooper county, Mo. There he made his home for eighteen years, when, on selling out, he returned and bought his highly improved farm of seventy-three acres, one of the most valuable places of the neigh- borhood. It yields a golden tribute in return for his care and labor and its neat appearance indicates his thrift and enterprise. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Grand Army of the Republic and the Farmers Mutual Benefit association, and he and his wife belong to the Baptist church. He chose as his rule of conduct in life the Golden Rule, and by strict adherence to this motto his life has been such as to win him universal confidence and regard. The indomitable will which made him enter the service again and again in the late war has brought him success in his busi- ness career.

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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 138

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