USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 29
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 29
USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 29
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 29
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Soon after graduation he came to Connersville and in November opened a private school, which he taught several terms, and then became principal of the county seminary, the building being then completed. Early in 1829 he began writing for the Fayette Observer. In 1830 he issued the Political Clarion, wherein he supported Henry Clay. He wielded a trenchant pen, showing no mercy to political heresy. During all this time, however, he entertained a determination to become eventually a lawyer, and during the intervals of other duties he devoted his moments to the study of law, and in 1831 he was admitted to the bar. He almost immediately took high rank as a jury lawyer, and in a few years stood high before the courts.
He served a term or two as a member of the state legislature. In 1849
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he was elected to congress, and re-elected in 1851, his second term closing March 4, 1855. He declined a re-election. In congress he was one of the strongest opponents of the repeal of the Missouri compromise, and made one of the most effective speeches against the repeal delivered on the floor of congress during those exciting years. His eloquence was of that thrilling character which laid fast hold on the minds of his hearers and carried them along with him like a resistless torrent. He never spoke at a political gath- ering where he did not leave his political friends in the wildest state of enthusiasm and his enemies seared and blasted by his sarcastic argument. He could arouse their indignation or melt them to tears with equal ease. He was scholarly, and all through his life was a student. Originally gifted with a mind of high order, he had added to it by a store of learning.
He resided the last years of his life on the old Elm farm near Conners- ville, and spent his time in practicing law in this and adjoining counties. He was president of the Junction Railroad Company at the time of his death, and was formerly the president of the Whitewater Coal Company, and he took a leading part in all public improvements. His death occurred Febru- ary 1, 1859, and by that event the people of Indiana suffered a great loss.
DAVID J. HOERNER.
One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men who ever lived in Richmond was the late David J. Hoerner. Few men have been more prominent or widely known in this enterprising city than was he. In business circles he was an important factor and his popularity was well deserved, for in him were embraced the characteristics of an unbending integ- rity, unabating energy and industry that never flagged. He was public- spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of Richmond, and for many years he was. numbered among its most valued and honored citizens.
A native of Germany, Mr. Hoerner was born in Waldenburg, February 12, 1830. His parents spent their entire lives there, the father dying during the early childhood of our subject and thus leaving to his wife the care of their little son and daughter. The latter, grown to womanhood, became Mrs. Christina Rist, and is now a resident of Dayton, Ohio. At an early age David J. Hoerner began preparation for the ministry, pursuing his studies in Stuttgart until after he had attained his majority, but his financial circum- stances were limited, and finding it very difficult to meet his expenses he followed his uncles's advice to abandon his studies and take up some trade. Accordingly he began learning the baker's trade, beginning his apprentice- ship in the Fatherland. In 1854, however, he determined to try his fortune in America, and crossing the Atlantic took up his residence in Dayton, Ohio,.
David J. Hoerner
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where he completed his apprenticeship in the bakery establishment of the firm of Bosler & Bowman.
In 1855 Mr. Hoerner removed to Richmond, where he began business on his own account, establishing the second enterprise of the kind in the city, his predecessor being William Mason. He began operations on a small scale at No. 13 South Fifth street, but his trade constantly increased in vol- ume and importance until it had assumed extensive proportions. The quality of his goods, his evident desire to please his patrons, and his straightforward dealings won him a very marked success, and for many years he maintained the leadership in his line in this section of the state. During the war, in 1862 and 1863, he furnished bread and other bakery goods for over one thou- sand soldiers. He was one of the first cracker manufacturers of Richmond. These goods were at first made by hand, but after a time, owing to the great demand, he increased his facilities by putting in the most improved machin- ery used in the manufacture of crackers, and his trade was then extended over many of the adjoining states. He carried on a general bakery business, and prosperity attended his well directed efforts. He was solicited to join the United States Baking Company when the great combine was formed, but refused, and carried on an independent business until 1893, when he retired, being succeeded in the enterprise by his son, John J., who is still carrying on the business at the old headquarters.
Mr. Hoerner was a man of excellent business and executive ability, of keen discrimination, sound judgment and capable management. He did not limit his efforts to one line of business, but encouraged many enterprises that promoted the commercial activity of the city and promoted some by his finan- cial assistance and his advice. He was at one time a large stockholder and a director in the Richmond National Bank, which for a considerable period was one of the substantial institutions of the city, but which afterward failed, Mr. Hoerner losing considerable money thereby. He was also one of the organizers of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company, was chosen its first president, and served in that capacity until his death. His reputation in all trade transactions was above question, and to an unusual degree he enjoyed the confidence and regard of those with whom he was brought in contact through business dealings.
In 1855 Mr. Hoerner was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Markwart, a native of Germany, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Dayton, Ohio. They had two sons, Charles, who is now living in Richmond; and David, who died in early manhood in the west. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Hoerner was again married, in 1860, his second union being with Miss Catherine Leab, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in 1839. Her parents, John and Christina Leab, were both natives of Ger- 16
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many, the father born in the city of Nurttengen and the mother in Phulinga. Coming to the United States in 1830, they located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Centerville, Indiana, in 1853, and finally came to Richmond, where the father died in 1877, and the mother in 1881. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoerner were born eight children, of whom two died in infancy. The others are Mrs. R. D. Sherman, of Chicago; Mrs. Robert Jenkins, deceased; Mrs. Cassius C. Beall; John J., Mrs. Charles Bradway; and Mary C., who is living with her mother. With the exception of Mrs. Sherman the surviving children are residents of Richmond, and the family is one of prominence in the community, the members holding enviable positions in social circles.
In his political connections Mr. Hoerner was always an ardent Repub- lican, and took a deep interest in local political affairs, but was never an aspirant for office. He held membership in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church, and socially was connected with Harmony Lodge, I. O. O. F .; Webb Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and the German Benevolent Society. He was always loyal to his duties of citizenship, and in many ways aided in advanc- ing the measures and movements which promoted the city's welfare. He was a man of deep sympathies and broad humanitarian principles, faithful to his friends and devoted to his family. In 1892, accompanied by his wife, he went abroad, visiting the principal cities of France, England and Germany, also the places of historic interest, and the beautiful scenes for which those countries are famed. He passed away November 9, 1895, but those who knew him still cherish as a sacred treasure the memory of his friendship. Mrs. Hoerner and her youngest daughter reside in the pleasant family home in Richmond, left to her by her husband. She is a lady of culture and social grace, and the hospitality of her home is enjoyed by many friends.
O. B. FULGHUM.
"Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth," said the sage Epicharmus, and the truth of the admonition has been verified in human affairs in all the ages which have rolled their course since his day. The sub- ject to whose life history we now direct attention has, by ceaseless toil and endeavor, attained a marked success in business affairs, has gained the respect and confidence of men, and is recognized as one of the distinctively represent- ative citizens of Richmond. He is a leading insurance agent and real-estate dealer, and has that keen discrimination and sagacity in business affairs which when combined with energy and industry lead to success.
Mr. Fulghum is one of Richmond's native sons, his birth having occurred February 28, 1859. His parents were Jesse P. and Susan (Benton) Fulghum. The former was born September 8, 1829, in Randolph county, Indiana, a son
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of Frederick and Piety (Parker) Fulghum. The great-grandfather of our sub- ject, Michael Fulghum, was a native of Wayne county, North Carolina, and there spent his entire life, his death occurring in 1804, at the age of sixty-five years. He owned a large plantation of several hundred acres and was one of the leading planters of his district. He married Molly Bunn, a lady of French-Huguenot extraction. Tradition says that their ancestors fled from France at the time of the persecution of the Huguenots and took refuge in England. Later they came from that country to America, settling in North Carolina. To Michael and Molly Fulghum were born eleven children, five sons and six daughters, several of whom emigrated to Indiana. Among these was Anthony Fulghum, who located in Richmond, Indiana. He was the father of Benjamin Fulghum, a minister of the Friends' society. He preached for thirty years and was well known in church circles.
Frederick Fulghum, the grandfather of our subject and the youngest of this family, also came to Indiana. He was born in Wayne county, North Carolina, in 1799, and emigrated westward in 1820, being one of the first to seek a home in this state. He took up his residence in Randolph county, where he remained until called to the home beyond in 1879. He made farm- ing his life work, and was the owner of a valuable tract of land of one hun- dred and sixty acres, upon which stood a good residence and other substan- tial improvements. An active member of the Society of Friends, he was an elder in the church, and for fifty years was the leading representative of the Arba meeting. In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican, but was never an aspirant for office. He married Piety Parker, a lady of English descent, born in Guilford county, North Carolina, in 1818, a daughter of Jesse Parker, who spent the greater part of his life in that county, engaged in merchandising. About 1830, however, he came to Indiana and spent his last days in the home of Frederick Fulghum, in Randolph county. He was also a Friend, and the members of the family were prominent in the work of the society. To Frederick and Piety Fulghum were born four sons and five daughters: Edah, who became the wife of William Hunt, and both are now deceased; Michael, who also has passed away; Anna, who became the wife of Nathan Overman and has also passed away; Sally also married George Overman and is now deceased; Jesse P. is the next of the family; Martha is the wife of Alpheus Test, of Richmond; Mary is the deceased wife of Joshua Thomas; Francis A. died in infancy; and Frederick C. is the secretary of the Richmond Business College.
Jesse Parker Fulghum, the father of O. B. Fulghum, was reared in Ran- dolph county, where he remained until twenty years of age; and then he came to Richmond, where he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned with his father. A year later he entered the employ of Gaar, Scott
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& Company, in their machine shops, where he remained for eight years, when he went to Milton, Wayne county, to accept the position of superintend- ent of the Joseph Ingels drill works. After acting in that capacity for a year he purchased a half interest in the enterprise, and the following year, 1866, in connection with Joseph Ingels, organized the Hoosier Drill Company, of which he became secretary. The following year, however, he sold out, and in 1869 went to Dublin, Indiana, as a superintendent of the Wayne Agricultural Works, with which he was connected until 1873, when he returned to the Hoosier Drill Company as mechanical expert in charge of the machinery. For four years he occupied that position and in 1877 removed to Richmond to accept a similiar position in the Wayne Agri- cultural Works, which in the meantime had been removed from Dublin to Richmond. When that enterprise went into the hands of a receiver in 1886, he became mechanical expert for M. C. Henley, in which capacity he is still serving. He is a man of remarkable mechanical genius and has taken out about forty patents, having secured more patents on agricultural implements than any other man in the west. To his enterprise, energy and ability is due not a little of the commercial activity of this section of the state, and the welfare and progress of any section depends upon its commercial activity.
Jesse P. Fulghum married Miss Susan Benton, a daughter of Thomas Benton, who was born near Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and came to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1838, locating in Boston township, where he engaged in farming for a few years. He then sold his land and removed to Richmond, where he engaged in freighting by team from Cincinnati, Ohio. A few years later he abandoned that enterprise and established a hardware and grocery store as a member of the firm of Fletcher & Benton, his partner being S. F. Fletcher. He became the leading hardware merchant of the city and continued to carry on operations in that line until his death, which occurred in 1871, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years. In poli- tics he was a stalwart Democrat. He belonged to the Elkhorn Baptist church, was one of its active workers and for many years served as deacon in the church. He married Miss Susan Rhodes, and to them were born two sons and four daughters. The elder son, Thomas H., was killed at the second battle of Bull Run.
O. B. Fulghum, whose name introduces this review, was reared in Rich- mond, Milton and Dublin, Indiana, his parents living at the three places during his youth. His literary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by a course in the Richmond Business College, and he was thus well fitted for the practical duties of life. When fourteen years of age he began earning his own livelihood as an employe in the Wayne Agricultural Works in Dublin. When sixteen years of age he accompanied his parents
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on their removal to Milton, where he attended school and also worked in a shop. In Richmond he was employed by Gaar, Scott & Company, and on leaving that service he spent three years with the Singer Sewing Machine Company as bookkeeper. Later he went to Cambridge City, from which point he superintended the sale of the Singer sewing machines through a con- siderable territory. Upon his return to Richmond, in 1883, he assumed the management of the White Sewing Machine Company, acting in that capacity until 1887. Since that time he has been extensively engaged in the fire- insurance business, representing a number of well known and reliable com- panies, including the Springfield Fire and Marine, of Springfield, Massachu- setts; the Firemen's Fund, of San Francisco; Hamburg-Bremen, of Germany; the American Central, of St. Louis; the American, of Newark, New Jersey; the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company, and the Etna Indemnity Com- pany, of Hartford, Connecticut. In 1889 he also began dealing in real estate and now has control of considerable valuable property. He is a man of keen foresight and sagacity, and therefore is enabled to make judicious invest- ments, which yield him a good profit. He is energetic, enterprising and reliable, and has the confidence as well as a liberal share of the patronage of the public.
In 1882 Mr. Fulghum was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Tracy, of Richmond, and they have one child, Myra G. He belongs to the First Presbyterian church, in which he holds the office of deacon. To church, charitable and benevolent work he contributes liberally and is always found on the side of progress and advancement. Most of his life having been spent in Wayne county, he is widely known among her citizens and is held in uniform regard.
HON. OLIVER H. SMITH.
The subject of this memoir, now deceased, was a son of Thomas and Lætitia Smith, and was born twelve miles above Trenton, New Jersey, on Smith's island, in the Delaware River, October 23, 1794. His ancestors, both paternal and maternal, were friends and associates of William Penn, and emigrated with him from England in 1683. They were members of the Society of Friends and prominent in the early colonial history.
Mr. Smith attended school at Lurgan, but was educated mostly by self- tuition. Upon the death of his father in 1813 he left home with but a few dollars. In 1817 he settled at Rising Sun, Indiana, and the next year moved to Lawrenceburg, where he read law under the instructions of Gen- eral Dill, and was admitted to the bar in the Dearborn county court in March of that year. He immediately located in Versailles, Ripley county, and in 1820 came to Connersville. He had been here but eighteen months when he was induced to become a candidate for the legislature, and in
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August, 1822, was elected. Accordingly he served during the sessions of 1822-3, and was the member who named Johnson county, in honor of Judge Johnson, of Indiana. He was chairman of the judiciary committee, etc. In 1824 he was appointed prosecuting attorney of the third judicial circuit of Indiana by Governor Hendricks, in which office he served two years, dis- tinguishing himself by prosecuting some of the most noted criminal cases in the history of Indiana. In 1826 he was elected to congress by a large majority over Hon. John Test, of Brookville, one of the oldest and best known men of the state. He served during the sessions of 1827-8, con- temporaneously with such men as Tristram Burgess, John Randolph, Samuel C. Southard, etc. Although he made no conspicuous mark he gained the reputation of a hard-working, honest, sensible member. He practiced law until 1836 when he was elected to the United States senate over Governor Noble and Governor Hendricks, his predecessors, and served in that august body with distinguished ability for the full term of six years.
In 1838 he moved from Connersville to Indianapolis, where, after the close of his senatorial term, he practiced law until his death, which occurred March 9, 1859. He died as he lived, a sincere Christian. He was the author of a book entitled Early Indiana Trials, and Sketches, published in 1858. He was a man of untarnished reputation, of marked ability, public- spirited and favored all internal improvements. As a lawyer he was remark- ably successful and wielded a great influence over his juniors; and withal he was a good speaker on political and other questions, taking an influential part in the campaigns.
JOHN K. JEMISON.
The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch, John K. Jemison, of Connersville township, Fayette county, Indiana, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this county. John Jemison, the father of John K., was born in Kentucky, in 1793. When quite young he was orphaned by the death of his father, and at an early age was " bound out" to learn the trade of tanner. When his time as an apprentice had expired he went to Cum- minsville, Ohio, and there he worked at his trade for one year. From Cum- minsville he came to Fayette county, Indiana, and located in Jackson town- ship, where he erected a tannery, which was one of the first in the county. His death occurred in 1851. He was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, before coming to Fayette county, to Miss Cynthia Coe, a native of Virginia, who, like himself, was left an orphan in early life. She survived her husband many years. It might be said with regard to that most estimable woman, that previously to her marriage, and while a resident of Cincinnati, she was employed as a tailoress, a common occupation for women at that time. She
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also at the same time cared for a younger sister, the two living together, and while the elder worked at her trade the younger did the housework. Several quite remarkable coincidences were connected with the lives of these two women. Both were married on the same day and each became the mother of seven children, the older having six sons and one daughter; the younger, six daughters and one son. Both of the husbands were named John, and both were natives of the state of Kentucky. They were tanners by trade and the two had been associated in business for about a year at Cummins- ville. The younger returned to Kentucky, but later came to Indiana and settled on a farm, which was his home till death.
John Jemison was an industrious, upright citizen, and his descendants are numbered among the best people of Fayette county. Of his seven chil- dren, the daughter and one son have passed away. The surviving members are as follows: Jefferson H. and William, of Jackson township, Fayette county; John K., of this sketch; Oliver, of Nebraska; and Samuel, also a resident of Jackson township, Fayette county. The daughter, Jane, was the eldest of the family. She became the wife of Abram Myers, and was the mother of ten children, several of whom have passed away. Her death occurred in February, 1899. The deceased brother, Elijah Jemison, left a daughter, who is now the wife of C. Blacklidge.
John K. Jemison was born at the old homestead in Jackson township, Fayette county, Indiana, June 29, 1823, and he, like his brothers, was reared to the occupation of farming. In October, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ward, daughter of James and Osee (Bell) Ward. Mrs. Jemi- son was born on the Wabash, in Parke county, Indiana, August 7, 1834. Her parents were natives of Kentucky, came to Connersville in their youth and were married here. After their marriage they settled in Parke county, later returned to Connersville township, Fayette county, and still later removed to Illinois. The mother's death occurred some years previously to the father's. He afterward married again, and at the time of his death was eighty-seven years of age. Mrs. Jemison is one of a family of eight mem- bers, six of whom are living, viz .: Boswell and Marion, wholesale druggists, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Jemison; Mrs. Emily Jemison, of Connersville; Mrs. Ada Guffin, widow of Dr. John Guffin; and Osee, wife of Greenbury Hansan, of Jennings township, Fayette county, Indiana. Those deceased were Belle, who died at the age of twelve years; and Thompson, at the age of seventeen.
Mr. and Mrs. John K. Jemison lived in Jackson township for fifteen years after their marriage, and then purchased the old homestead of his par- ents, in the same township, where they lived for fifteen years longer, and since then they have occupied their present home near the city of Conners- ville. They have two sons: Marion K., at home; and Ward, a druggist of
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Connersville. For nearly half a century Mr. and Mrs. Jemison have jour- neyed through life together. Their influence has ever been directed toward advancing the interests of the moral and religious conditions of the com- munity, and such have been their lives that they have won the confidence and esteem of all with whom they have been associated. They have long been worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which their younger son also belongs. The elder son and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
LEWIS P. SMITH.
In all ages the desire to be remembered after one's brief span of life is finished has been one of the most important factors of human existence, and with many individuals has been the motive of all endeavor and enterprise. To the majority, however, this ambition, laudable in itself, is not the main- spring of conduct, but is more often found in the heart of a devoted friend, who wishes to perpetuate the memory of the one who has departed into the silent land. Monuments and shrines of various kinds are erected and serve their place, but time crumbles even the hardest granite and marble, and the printed page, on which is recounted the life and deeds of loved ones, is the most enduring tribute, especially as this is so easily copied from age to age. We are glad to be able to place before the readers of this work, which records the histories of many of the representative citizens and families of Union county, a few facts which have been gleaned in regard to the life of the subject of this memoir.
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