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 41

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 41
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 41

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).

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course in that institution in 1880, since which time he has practiced with most gratifying success in the city of Muncie. Dr. Ross' professional career has more than met his most sanguine expectations, the reputation being awarded him as one of the most success- ful practitioners of Muncie. With little to encourage him in the undertaking, retarded, in the beginning, by poor health, and with no capital worthy of mention, he has succeeded in surmounting the many obstacles by which his pathway was beset, and winning for him- self a conspicuous place among his professional associates of Delaware county. It is a fact, worthy of note, that in addition to his pro- fessional success the doctor has regained his physical vigor, and at this writing he is in full possession of all his bodily and mental powers. He is a man of fine presence and courteous address, gentlemanly in his intercourse with his fellow citizens, and possesses the esteem of all with whom he comes in contact profes- sionally or otherwise.

Dr. Ross was reared a republican but is now a prohibitionist; he has always been an uncompromising enemy of the liquor traffic, never having taken a swallow of anything intoxicating in his life nor prescribed it for a paeient. He was made an Odd Fellow in 1866, since which time he has been an active worker in the order, having passed all the chairs in Energy lodge, No. 652; he also be- longs to DeEmber tribe, No. 30, I. O. R. M., in which he has filled the various official posi- tions, besides representing the society in the grand council. Religiously he adheres to the Methodist belief, in which he was reared; his wife is a member of the German Baptist or Dunkard church.

Dr. Ross was married August 23, 1870, to Miss Lucinda E. Stump, of Delaware county, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Kessler) Stump; five children have been born to this union,

namely: Nelson B., Artie M., Ralph W., Lennie I .. , and Roscoe C., all living.

a HARLES PARKER SAMPLE (de- ceased), at one time one of the most enterprising and prominent business men of Muncie, was born in Conners- ville, Ind., July 19, 1830, and was a son of Judge Thomas J. and Juliet (Watton) Sample. Thomas J. Sample was a native of Maryland, and, when a young man, went to Dayton, Ohio, and was there married; from Dayton he came to Indiana and located at Connersville, where he was engaged in cabinet making for eight or ten years, but the business did not agree with his health. He therefore removed to Yorktown, Delaware county, and engaged in merchandising with Hon. Oliver H. Smith as partner. While operating this store he be- gan the study of law, by advice of Hon. Caleb B. Smith and Hon. Samuel Parker, both mem- bers of congress from Indiana at that time, and both cousins of Mrs. Sample. He passed a first class examination, was admitted to the bar September, 1842, and came to Muncie in 1843, and began practice. He was a devout Methodist, and always took the Bible to court with him, and from it made copious quota- tions. He was successful as a lawyer, and was once called to Washington, D. C., to confer with President Lincoln on some knotty point. The judge was also once engaged in the bank- ing business, with Judge Byron Elliott, of In- dianapolis, as partner. To his marriage with Miss Watton, there were born two children, Samuel and Charles P., the elder, Samuel, having died at Connersville. Mrs. Sample died a short time after coming with her husband to Muncie. For his second wife he married Miss Hannah Garst (sister of Dr. Garst), and, as the result of this union, there are two daugh-

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ters living. Mrs. Friedly, of Richmond, Ind., and Ada, wife of Charles Heberd, of Princeton, Ind. Judge Sample passed away honored and loved by all who knew him. Samuel Watton, maternal grandfather of Charles Parker Sam- ple, occupied a trader's cabin on the north bank of White river, on the site of what is now Riverside, and bought furs from the Indians long before Muncie was laid out. He also en- tered the tract of land that is now known as Winton place, and lived and died there in a log cabin, having only begun the present old frame structure that marks the spot.

Charles Parker Sample came to Muncie with his father April 13, 1843, and here at- tended the common schools. Early during the California gold excitement (in 1849), he was attacked with the fever, and had packed his wardrobe and got his outfit together ready for a start for the auriferous fields, but, being an only son, was dissuaded by his parents from going. Having finished his education he was met, about this time (1852), by Mr. A. F. Pat- terson, who had been a practical tinner and coppersmith at Cincinnati and at other points, and a proposition was made that the two should go into business together, and a co-partnership was finally consummated. Mr. Sample's father furnished an amount of capital equal to that supplied by Mr. Patterson, and the now part- ners opened a tin shop near where Mr. Bald- win's grocery store now is, on east Main street. Mr. Sample kept the books and Mr. Patterson managed the mechanical department. The business prospered, and sales were large both in the store and by wagons placed on the road. In 1854, they bought the "Pioneer" hardware store from Neal Mccullough, who went to Anderson to engage in the banking business, and stoves, hardware, and tinware became specialties. For twenty-one years the partners carried on business together, when failing health admonished Mr. Sample that rest was

necessary, and consequently the store was sold. About this time Mr. James Boyce made his appearance, and Mr. Sample, through his large acquaintance, became of great use to the former in introducing his flax and bagging business to the citizens of Delaware county. After an interval of three years Mr. Sample and Mr. Patterson re-united, bought back the " 'Pioneer" hardware store, and resumed the old trade, which was continued until the partnership was dissolved by the death of Mr. Sample, August 29, 1873. Mr. Sample was a Knight Templar, an active member of the Methodist church since 1853, was its treasurer, and was an ardent Sabbath school worker, serving as secretary many years. He was recognized as one of the best and most progressive business men of Muncie, and had the implicit trust of all others. At the death of Mr. Burson, he was selected for a time to fill the position of president of the Burson bank, and he was called upon to fill many other positions of trust. The marriage of Mr. Sample took place May 2, 1854, to Miss Mary J. Graham, a native of Sulphur Springs, W. Va., and daughter of James and Jane (Armstrong) Graham, of Cambridge City, Ind., and to this most congenial union were born four children, of whom three are still living, viz: Karl G., general manager of the Muncie Ice company, C. Watton, in the insur- ance and loan business, and Charles Parker at home. Thomas Melville died in infancy. In all the relations of father, husband, son, brother and friend he was considerate, affectionate and faithful, and generous and charitable to a fault, and in business he was careful, systematic and strictly honest, even to the slightest detail.

The life of Mr. Sample was such as to well deserve the admiration of the public in gen- eral, but more particularly does it afford an example for the emulation of the aspiring young man, be he merchant or mechanic, who seeks fortune and prominence.

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B ARL G. SAMPLE, vice-president and general manager of the Muncie Ice company, and the son of Charles Parker and Mary (Graham) Sample. whose sketch is published above, is a native of Muncie, Ind., and was born July 10, 1857. He received his preliminary education at the Muncie schools, quitting in 1874 to attend the Asbury (Ind.) university in 1874-75. He then went into the machine shop of W. S. Phelps, of Muncie, learned the trade of ma- chinist, and then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and worked for the Blymeyer Manufacturing com- pany; later, worked in the shops of the Mun- cie Foundry & Machine works, and, after- ward, in the machine shops of the O. & M. Railroad company at Pana, Ill .; the Murray Iron works, Burlington, Iowa; the Richmond Machine works, Richmond, Ind .; the Lake Erie & Western Railroad company's shops at Lima, Ohio; the Wabash Railroad company's works at Peru, Ind; and the Louisville & Nashville railroad company's works at Louis- ville, Ky.

He next became proprietor of a gas fitting shop in Muncie, and in December, 1891, was employed as manager of the Muncie Ice com- pany's plant, and in November, 1892, pur- chased the interest of John R. Ervin, and later was elected vice-president of the company, still retaining the general management. This company has a capacity of fifteen tons per day, manufactures its ice from condensed steam, by the absorption plan, and keeps in employment fifteen men and five teams, run- ning night and day. Mr. Sample has proven himself to be skillful, industrious and adroit, not only at his trade, but in his present voca- tion, and his standing in the community as a moral and exemplary young man is such as affords the keenest satisfaction to his friends and more immediate acquaintances, and per- haps is gratifying to himself.

J OHN FARNSWORTH SANDERS (de- ceased), a prominent member of the Muncie bar, was born January 8, 1837, in Butler county, Ohio, the only child of Wyatt and Susan Sanders. From sketches published by different newspapers on the occasion of his death the following facts are taken: "His mother died when he was about two years of age, and his father, a few years later, moving to Delaware county, Ind., and marrying the second wife, the lot of the young boy became any thing but a happy one. When yet a lad he received an injury of the hip, the effects of which made him a cripple for life, and during his later years he became a great sufferer from the injury."

" As a young man Mr. Sanders was pos- sessed of an ambition to leave the drudgery of farm life, to which he was unfitted by reason of his physical disability, and take up the pro- fession of the law; and while yet on crutches he worked for neighboring farmers at ditching, chopping wood and other hard labor, until he had accumulated several hundred dollars for that purpose. In 1865 he came to Muncie and began reading law in the office of Shipley & Kilgore. To keep down expenses he boarded himself in an obscure back room, and in order to husband his little store of money did such odd jobs of manual labor as time and opportunity offered. After beginning the practice of his profession he was elected jus- tice of the peace, which position offered a considerable advantage to a young man begin- ning the law."

"Mr. Sanders was admitted to the bar April 22, 1867, from which date until within a short time of his death, he continued the practice in Muncie very successfully, with the result of securing a large and lucrative business and ac- cumulating a handsome fortune. He pos- sessed strong, quick brain force and great determination, and few men would have suc-

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ceeded in life as he did, were they handicapped as was he from childhood up. In politics, he was a republican, and while strong in his faith at times asserted his independence of party. In religious matters he acted inde- pendently of churches and creeds, but always expressed himself as ready for death and be- lieved that he and his family would be happily reunited in the great beyond. Mr. Sanders took an active interest in the work carried on by the benevolent and secret societies, and among other positions held by him in such or- ganizations was that of great sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men of the state of Indiana."

"Mr. Sanders was married April 2, 1868, to Miss Millie J. Barnes, daughter of William and Eveline (Wachtell) Barnes, who proved a faithful and worthy helpmeet and whose ten- der ministrations during his years of affliction are well known and commended on all sides. They had no children. Mr. Sanders was a good citizen, a kind neighbor and a firm friend. He believed implicitly in the future of Muncie and rendered substantial aid to the various movements having for their object the upbuilding of the city. His death occurred, after a five weeks' illness, on the 14th day of November, 1892."

Additional to the above the following tribute to his worth as a man and citizen is taken from an address delivered by one who knew him long and intimately, on the occasion of his funeral: "He was a great student of the mysticisms and theologies of the past and present. He was not a believer in the creeds and dogmas of church as commonly told, but he was often heard at the shrine of the be- loved order in whose faith he died reverently to proclaim 'I believe in the Great Spirit.'

"His soul was content in the faith that the Father who knew of the errors of his children would more certainly bless their virtues and

forgive their shortcomings. His life was a model of faith. It was strong, hopeful and lasting. He went down through the valley and shadow of death conscious of his approach- ing end. At the River he lingered for a mo- ment. His passage was not obstructed, but his soul looked once more upon the relatives and friends whom he had so shortly told he would meet in his eternal home on the other shore. The grave had no terrors for him and he awaited death as one friend waited for another."

Mr. Sanders had only turned the meridian of life; he had struggled with poverty and suffered with bodily afflictions as few of the sons of men ever did. In every station he filled he reflected honor upon himself and the community, and in the true sense in which the term is used his life was indeed a most signal success.

EV. WILLIAM GEORGE SCHMIDT, pastor of the St. Lawrence Catholic church of Muncie, is a native of Ger- many, born in the province of Nas- sau, on the 5th day of February, 1852. His father, Christian Schmidt, also born in Ger- many, was by occupation a carpenter, and came to the United States in 1856, locating first in New York, thence moving to Wisconsin and working at his trade in both of these states. He returned to his native country in 1860, and one year later brought his family to the United States and settled at the town of Mineral Point, Wis., where he followed his calling until his death, which occurred on the 29th day of January, 1862. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Blum, came to Muncie, Ind., and resided with her son, William George, until called to her final rest, October 31, 1889. Christian and Elizabeth Schmidt were the

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parents of six children, namely: Mary, de- ceased; Elizabeth, John, William, Margaret and Nettie.

Rev. William George Schmidt received his early education in the schools of his native country, which he attended for three years, and the schools of Mineral Point, Wis., where he pursued his studies for two years after coming to the United States. Subsequently. he attended a denominational school of his church for one year, and then became a student of Calvary college, Fon du Lac, Wis., in which institution he pursued his studies for a period of two years with the object of entering the priesthood. For some time thereafter he was engaged as salesman in a mercantile house at Warren, Ill .; later was similarly employed for a limited period at Dodgeville, Wis., and then entered the seminary of St. Francis, at Mil- waukee, of which he remained a student for three and one-half years. He continued his theological studies for two and one-half years at Mt. St. Mary's seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, and after completing his course in that institu- tion, was ordained priest on the 19th day of December, 1874, and given his first charge at Muncie, Ind. He assumed pastoral control of the church in this city on the 28th day of Jan- uary, 1875, since which time his success in building up the St. Lawrence congregation has been most gratifying. He found a church com- paratively weak in numbers and meeting for worship in an old and somewhat indifferent structure, but under his judicious leadership the congregation has increased very rapidly, making the erection of a building of enlarged proportions a necessity. For some time Father Schmidt has been compelled to hold two serv- ices each Sabbath in order to accommodate the worshipers, and he is now building a mag- nificent structure, which, when completed, will be one of the largest and most imposing church edifices in Muncie, and will cost at least

$35,000, and stand an enduring monument to the energy, perseverance and wise forethought of a beloved pastor. Father Schmidt is a man of broad and liberal views, a fluent and logical pulpit orator, a wise and faithful pastor, and, since locating in Muncie, has greatly en- deared himself to the members of his immedi- ate flock and earned the good will of all, irre- spective of church or creed.

EORGE SHAFER, a deceased pio- neer of Centre township, Delaware county, Ind., was a native of Wur- temberg, Germany, born February 25, 1800. His parents, too, were both natives of Wurtemberg. His father, John A. Shafer, was born January 15, 1775, and his mother, Sabina Leiben (before marriage), was born December 2, 1772. By this union George was the eldest of eight children-three sons and five daughters-namely: George, Catha- rine, Adam, Rosanna, Christina, Barbara, Sa- bina and Jacob, all of whom grew to maturity, married and became heads of families. With this large family, having but limited means, John A. Shaffer thought best to emigrate to the new world. Accordingly, on the 19th of September, 1819, they left their native country, went to Amsterdam, Holland, and there took passage on ship-board for Baltimore, Md., where they arrived February 25, 1820-the twentieth birthday of the subject of this sketch. Promptly thereafter they proceeded to Ohio-first, by wagon to Brownsville, Pa , on the Monongahela river, and from there by flatboat to Portsmouth, Ohio. Here his father, John A. Shafer, at first rented land near Portsmouth and began farming. How- ever, after a brief period, he purchased 100 acres in the same vicinity, and commenced clearing and cultivating. Thus in the acqui-

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sition of property they prospered, yet sorrow and sadness awaited their household. Mrs. Shafer, the mother, died in the fall of 1822, a little more than two years after their arrival. Ten years subsequently, Father Shafer re- moved to Hamilton county, Ind., where, until his death, July 8, 1870, he continued to live. In the spring of 1832-the same year his father removed to Hamilton county-George Shafer came to Delaware county., Ind. After enter- ing 160 acres, about one and a half miles to the west of the then village of Muncietown, and after engaging some neighbors to build for him a cabin, he returned to Ohio for his family. Early_ in the fall of that year found them all comfort- ably settled at their new Indiana home. And upon this land he resided until his death, proud of holding his title by a deed from the hand of President Jackson, for whom he cast his first ballot. Prior to his removal to this county, on September 27, 1827, he wedded Miss Martha Wilcoxon, of Scioto, Ohio, and by this union, on September 19, 1828, their little daughter, Margaret, was born. Subsequent to their arri- val, four other children came to bless their pioneer home, namely: Sabina Leiben, born October 19, 1834; Levin W., born August 8, 1837; John Willard, born July 27, 1842; and lastly Louisa Ann, born May 27, 1845,. But sorrow and sadness awaited another prosperous, happy fireside. Baby, Louisa Ann, died Sep- tember 3, 1846, and August 18, 1848, followed Martha, the fond wife and mother. A second time Mr. Shafer gave his hand in marriage, on May 11, 1851. Catherine Bradrick this time became his companion and helpmeet. She was born July 8, 1808. She proved a genial, faith- ful wife while she lived, but she, too, was called from the shores of Time, dying October 11, 1879. Three children survive the last marriage, namely: Margaret, wife of Hiram W. Weir, a prosperous farmer of Mount Pleasant township; Levin W., a successful attorney of Greenfield,

Dade county, Mo., and John W., a sketch of whom appears below.

Mr. Shafer was a man of great industry and severe toil, caring well for his family. To schools and the advancement of education he was ever a friend, and to public enterprises having an advancing tendency he ever gave a cheerful support. He was a man of peace and good will to all, and never in his life participa- ted in a case of litigation. In religion he was a Lutheran, but in 1849, his belief being modi- fied, he united with the Wesleyan Methodists, and until the time of his death he adhered to the doctrine of that denomination. In politics he was a democrat. The death of this veteran pioneer occurred September 16, 1891.

J OHN W. SHAFER, son of George and Martha (Wilcoxson) Shafer, was born in Centre township, Delaware county, Ind., June 27, 1842. He received a practical English education in the common schools and grew to manhood on the home farm, where he early learned those lessons of industry and thrift by which his subsequent years have been characterized. At the age of twenty-two he began the pursuit of agriculture upon his own responsibility upon the old home- stead, where he has ever since resided, and which he now owns. He looked after his par- ents' interests in their declining years, and, November 22, 1874, was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Howell, of Mount Pleas- ant township, where her birth occurred, April 21, 1853. Mrs. Shafer is the daughter of Dan- iel and Mary (McKinley) Howell, a mention of whom will be found elsewhere in these pages. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have been born four children, namely: George D., Bessie, Robie W. and Lina.

On the 24th day of May, 1864, Mr. Shafer

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enlisted in company G, One Hundred Thirty- fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, for the hun- dred days' service, and was honorably dis- charged at Indianapolis, September 2, of the following year. He has devoted all his life to agriculture and stock raising, and is one of the representative citizens of Delaware county. He owns a fine farm of 120 acres of valuable land, upon which are some of the best improve- ments in the township. Mr. Shafer's influence in the community has always been salutary, and he is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends in the township where he resides. From his parents, he naturally inherited gen- erous impulses and a sympathizing heart, which, combined with pure aims and honorable dealings, have made him a friend to all with whom he has had business or other rela- tions. He is a member of Muncie tribe, No. 144, Improved Order of Red Men, and he has always been an earnest friend and liberal patron of all movements having for their aim the general welfare of the community.

.....

EE SHAW, the principal facts of whose career are herewith set forth, is the efficient secretary of the Mun- cie Natural Gas company, and one of the city's well known and popular business men. His father, Isaac M. Shaw, a native of Ohio, moved to Wayne county, Ind., in 1847, and for some years thereafter carried on a suc- cessful fanning mill manufactory at Centre- ville. Subsequently, he embarked in the mer- cantile trade at Winchester, Ind., with but very little knowledge of the business; his venture proved a financial failure, entailing an almost complete loss of the savings of many years of industry. After the loss of his wealth, which at the time of commencing merchandising was considerable, he followed various enterprises

until his death, which occurred in the year 1872, at Winchester. Isaac M. Shaw was married about the year 1840 to Margaret Ash -. well, of Morrow county, Ohio, who departed this life in 1886, at the age of seventy-four years. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw four are living at this time, viz .: Lee, Benjamin F., Elmer and Melcena, wife of W. W. Wilson, of Farmland.

Lee Shaw was born April 6, 1845, in Mor- row county, Ohio, and was brought to Indiana by his parents when two years of age. In the schools of Centreville and Winchester, which he attended at intervals until his sixteenth year, he obtained the rudiments of an English education, and at the early age of twelve, by reason of his father's business failure, he was thrown upon his own resources, from which time until sixteen he was variously em- ployed. About the year 1861 he went into the office of the Big 4 railroad at Winchester (then the Bee Line) as errand boy and general helper, etc., in which capacity he continued for two years, and then began learning teleg- raphy, soon becoming quite proficient as a manipulator of the key. His first and only position as an operator was at Anderson, where he remained a short time, then entered the employ of the United States Express company as messenger, and later acted as agent for the same at different points for a period of thirteen years. For four years he had exclusive charge of the money department of the company at Indianapolis, but owing to failing health, superinduced by too close attention to the duties of the posi- tion, he was compelled to resign, after which for one year he had charge of the office at Muncie. Severing his connection with the express company, Mr. Shaw next entered the railway service of the Bee Line (now Big 4) road, and for some years was local agent at Anderson, Union City and Muncie, in the or-

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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 41

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