USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 43
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 43
USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 43
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 43
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jected a majority vote carries the day. Not so here. No plan was adopted, no suggestion considered that did not meet the approval of all three brothers.
Like most inventors, Mr. Rude was not much concerned about his per- sonal appearance, and seemed to live in the mental world almost entirely. He was not fond of society and lived quietly at home. He had no thought of marrying until he met the lady who was destined to become his wife, Miss Ellen Falls, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Their marriage was solemnized November 29, 1882, and their only child, George F., was born August 31, 1883. Though he was almost solely self-educated and had wrought out his own success by the hardest labors, Mr. Rude desired to have his boy receive better advantages than had fallen to his share, and he enjoyed looking for- ward to the time when the lad should be old enough to become a member of the firm and work by his side for its prosperity. This dream was destined never to be fulfilled, for the child was but little over a year old when the career of the father was brought to a close. The son, however, is receiving the best educational advantages and is now in attendance at Kenyon Military Academy at Gambier, Ohio. John F. Rude was a man of uprightness of word and deed, and all who knew him or had business dealings with him spoke in the highest terms of his justice and honor.
Mrs. Ellen F. Rude was united in marriage with Frank Zuttermeister, May 22, 1889. He is a stockholder in the Rude Brothers' Manufacturing Company and has been a faithful and trusted employe of the company for nearly twenty years. At first he was engaged to work for them as a painter and subsequently he became foreman of that department, and is now super- intendent of the works. Fraternally he is associated with the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Zuttermeister is a member of St. Bridget's Catholic church,. of Liberty, and is noted for her kindness and generosity to the poor.
W. F. McCRAY, M. D.
Dr. McCray may justly be termed a self-made man, for to his own energy and preseverance he owes the success which he has achieved thus far in life. A native of Warren county, Ohio, born in 1853, he was left father- less when but a few months old, and though his devoted mother sought to shield him from the stern realities of life, he was obliged to enter the struggle for a livelihood at an early age. His father, John McCray, was a native of Virginia, whence he came to the north, and settled in Warren county, Ohio, where the grandfather, likewise, was one of the pioneers. There John Mc- Cray's death occurred when he was in his prime, he being but thirty-four years of age when the summons came to him to cease from his labors. His widow, whose maiden name was Leanna Britton, is still living, her home being in Clarksville, Ohio.
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A common-school education was all that fell to the share of Dr. McCray in his boyhood, but he was an apt student and ambitious to attain greater knowledge. In 1882, after many years spent in arduous work on farms and elsewhere, he began the study of medicine, and after he had devoted much time and preparation to his future life-work he began practicing in Somerset, Kentucky. In 1885 he started upon a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College, then resumed his professional labors, returned to the college in 1890, and was finally graduated in 1892. Soon afterward he opened an office in Bethel, Indiana, later practiced at Clark's Hill, Indiana, and in November, 1898, came to Dublin, Wayne county, where he has suc- ceeded in building up an enviable reputation for skill in his chosen line of endeavor. He is a member of the American Association of Physicians & Sur- geons and the Indiana Eclectic Medical and the Western Ohio Medical Associations. He was the fifth in order passing the medical examination and registration by the state board, who now require all physicians in Indiana to thus prove themselves worthy of the patronage and confidence of the public. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men, and is also a member of Cambridge City Lodge, No. 5, F. & A. M.
He was united in marriage in June, 1879, in Xenia, Ohio, to Miss Lettie, daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Stanfield) Styles. The Doctor and his esti- mable wife are highly esteemed in this community, and their well-wishers are legion.
W. B. GRAHAM, M. D.
During the quarter of a century which marks the period of Dr. Graham's professional career he has met with gratifying success, and though his resi- dence in Richmond dates back scarcely five years he has won the good will and patronage of many of the leading citizens and families of the place. He is a great student and endeavors to keep abreast of the times in everything relating to discoveries in medical science, taking the leading journals devoted to the discussion of the " ills that flesh is heir to " and the treatment thereof. Progressive in his ideas and favoring modern methods as a whole, he does not dispense with many of the true and tried systems which have stood the test of years.
The eldest son of Addison S. and Mary E. (Penland) Graham, the Doc- tor was born in Darke county, Ohio, June 26, 1843. His grandfather, William Graham, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to the United States when he was a young man. Settling in Virginia, he spent the greater part of his life there, occupied in agricultural pursuits. In his old age he went to Darke county, Ohio, where he died and was buried. Addison S. Graham was a native of Virginia, whence he went to Darke county, in his
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early manhood, and subsequently he dwelt in Preble county, in the same state for several years. A cooper by trade, he was employed at that calling during his residence in Ohio. Leaving Ohio in the spring of 1855, he located in DeKalb county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming, giving his whole attention to his homestead during the last decade of his life. He was but fifty-six years of age at the time of his death, in 1868. His wife had pre- ceded him to the silent land, her death taking place in September, 1863. They were Presbyterians in religious faith, and were active workers in the church and wherever they could do good to their fellow men. Of their four children the Doctor was the eldest; Peter D. resides in Corunna, DeKalb county, Indiana, and is engaged in the furniture business; James S. is a farmer in the same county; and Rudolph O. makes his home there also.
Dr. Graham was educated in the schools of Preble and De Kalb coun- ties. Being the eldest child, he was obliged to lend his assistance to his father as early as possible, and loyally did he perform the tasks assigned him. When the war of the Rebellion came on, he was very anxious to go to the front at once, but was forced to curb his youthful patriotism. In August, 1862, however, he enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundredth Indi- ana Volunteer Infantry, at Auburn, Indiana, and served until the close of the war, being in the same company throughout the conflict. Among the numerous engagements in which he participated were the following: Mis- sionary Ridge, Jackson, Vicksburg, Knoxville, Dalton, Snake Creek Gap, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Chattahoochie River, Decatur, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Cedar Bluff, Lovejoy Station, Griswoldville, Savannah, Branchville, Columbia and Ben- tonville. His regiment was a part of the Army of the Tennessee, which did heroic service, and though the Doctor was never wounded nor taken prisoner he passed through many a battle in which he had wonderfully narrow escapes, and for one period, at least, of his army life he was either in the thick of the fight or within sound of the furious fray, for one hundred days.
Returning home, he resumed his former occupation of farming, and was thus employed until he found that his health was breaking down. He then commenced studying, with a view to 'leading a professional life, and spent two years in the academy at Whitewater, where he had as an instructor Professor Charles Atkinson. Then for two years he engaged in teaching school, and during a period of three years, when he taught classes in music, he pursued medical studies. After attending a course of lectures in the Eclectic College at Cincinnati, he was graduated January 7, 1874. Later he qualified himself as a Homœopathic physician, and for a score of years has devoted himself to this line of practice. For about two years after finishing his medical studies, his health was such as to require a change of environ-
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ment, and he spent much of that time on a farm. He then opened an office at Cox's Mills, a village northeast of Richmond, and remained there for some five years. He succeeded in establishing a good practice, and then went to Chester, this county, and a year later became a practitioner of Whitewater, where he resided for five or six years. His next place of business was in Fountain City, and in 1894 he came to Richmond. He is a member of Sol. Meredith Post, No. 55, Grand Army of the Republic, being post surgeon. The boys who wore the blue have a warm place in his heart, and he, in turn, is always popular with them, wherever he goes.
In 1870, Dr. Graham married Miss Emma Price, of New Paris, Ohio, and four months afterward she entered the silent land. In 1874 the Doctor married Miss Elmina Cox, of Cox's Mills, and seven years later she passed away. In Chester, Indiana, Dr. Graham was united in marriage in 1883, to Miss Sue Wesler, whose death occurred in 1887. The present wife of the Doctor, to whom he was joined in wedlock eight years ago, was formerly Miss Sallie Woodmanzee, of Clinton county, Ohio. They have a pleasant home and are surrounded by many of the luxuries and comforts of life.
WILLIAM S. FARLOW.
In perusing the history of William S. Farlow it will be seen that he is a man of strong convictions of right and duty, and that once having made up his mind as to his proper attitude on any subject of great importance, he acts accordingly, and is undeterred by opposition and difficulties.
The parents of our subject were Enoch and Mary Farlow, natives of North Carolina, in which state they spent their entire lives. William S., one of their seven children who attained maturity, was born August 27, 1832, and grew to man's estate in North Carolina. When twenty years of age he married Louisa Beckerdite, who has been a loyal companion and helpmate, aiding him in all his labors and sympathizing and sharing in his trials.
Although born and reared in a state that was one of the most prominent in the southern confederacy, Mr. Farlow was opposed to secession and deter- mined that he would not take up arms against his country. It became necessary, therefore, early in 1861, that he should leave what has been termed the " hot-bed of the Confederacy," and, though it cost him a severe struggle ere he could make up his mind to leave the loved friends and associations of his youth, he made the sacrifice, and with his wife and their four children started for the north, in a wagon which contained only a few of their choicest treasures, the rest having to be left behind. Four other families, of like sympathies, from the same state accompanied the Farlows, but the war had already begun, and the little cavalcade was confronted with dangers and diffi- culties on every hand, as they proceeded on their journey. So disheartened
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did some of them become, that one family returned to their former home. Such was not the metal of which Mr. and Mrs. Farlow are made, and at last they had the great satisfaction of crossing the Ohio river, and feeling them- selves safe from persecution and interruption. They reached Dalton town- ship, Wayne county, Indiana, June 23, 1861, and in this immediate vicinity they have since dwelt, esteemed and respected by all who know them.
It was the great desire of Mr. Farlow to enlist in the defense of the Union early in the war, but as he and his family had escaped from the south with but little save their lives, his first duty was to provide for their necessi- ties. As the conflict became more and more serious and deadly, he watched and waited at home until he could no longer endure it, and in September, 1864, this true patriot enlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Indiana Volun- teer Infantry, and going to the front served faithfully until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge. He took part in the various encounters with the Confederates in which his regiment was engaged, went on the famous Wilson's raid, and was at Macon, Georgia, when news of the cessation of the war came to him. Though he suffered no wounds, his health was somewhat impaired, and that more or less permanently. He has given his chief energies to agriculture since his return home, and has met with deserved success.
Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Farlow seven are living, namely: Lorenzo D., John F., David L., Schuyler Colfax, William E., Roxanna (wife of Dr. Covald), and Myrtle L., who is at home. Elwood was killed by a horse when six years of age; Enoch L. died when in his sixth year, and two others died in infancy. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Fraternally, Mr. Farlow belongs to Cassius M. Leonard Post, No. 505, Grand Army of the Republic; Dalton Lodge, No. 529; and Wayne Encamp- ment, No. 186, I. O. O. F. He uses his franchise in favor of the Republican party, was elected justice of the peace and in that capacity served to the satisfaction of all until 1884, in which year he was honored by being made trustee of Dalton township. As such he served for two terms, or four years, and in 1895 he was re-elected and is still acting in this responsible office.
JESSE S. HENRY.
The Henry family is one that has long been identified with the develop- ment of the farming interests of Fayette county, and the subject of this review is now a worthy representative of the time-honored occupation of agriculture. He was born in Waterloo township, Fayette county, on Christ- mas day of 1836, his parents being William and Sarah M. (Shaw) Henry, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of North Carolina. They both
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came to Indiana in childhood, and were here reared and married. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Henry and Margaret (Little) Henry. The grandfather was a native of the Emerald Isle, and in Pennsylvania he mar- ried Miss Little, who was of Scotch-Irish lineage. Leaving the Keystone state they came to Indiana in 1822, locating in Fayette county, where the grandfather purchased the land upon which Jesse S. Henry now resides. In his native land he had learned and followed the weaver's trade, and engaged in that pursuit to some extent in America, but devoted his energies more largely to the improvement and cultivation of his farm. In his religious belief he was a Presbyterian, and in political faith a Democrat. He died December 31, 1859, and his wife passed away on the 2d of August, 1867. Their children were as follows: William; Mrs. Ann Stoddard; James, John and Alexander, all deceased; Jane, who also has passed away; Henry L., a resident of Illinois; and Mrs. Cynthia Wilson.
William Henry was a boy in his 'teens when brought by his parents to Indiana. He was reared to manhood on his father's farn in Indiana, and on March 10, 1836, he was married, and then took up his abode on a part of the old homestead, which came into his possession, and to which he added by the purchase of a tract of heavy timber land adjoining it. He developed there a valuable farming property, and spent his entire life in the cultivation of the fields and the improvement of the home. Enterprising, broad-minded, generous and hospitable, he was among the most highly-respected citizens of his community. His political support was given the Democracy, and he served for several terms as trustee of Waterloo township. In religious con- nection, like his honored father, he was a consistent member of the Pres- byterian church. He died July 12, 1873, and his wife survived him until August 12, 1881.
Mrs. Henry was a daughter of Jesse Shaw, who with his family removed from North Carolina to Indiana some time in the '30s. Before locating per- manently in this state he spent two years in Ohio, and came thence to Fayette county, where for many years he operated the Goodlander mill, one of the pioneer mills of the county, his patrons bringing their grists for many miles. Later in life he turned his attention to farming. Few of the early settlers of the county were better known or more highly respected than he. His children were: Sarah Malinda, mother of the subject of this sketch; Samuel and Alford, both deceased; Jane and Susan, residents of Wabash county, Indiana; Mrs. Mary Langston; Emily, who died in early life; and Alexander, a resident of Huntington county, Indiana.
The children composing the family of William and Sarah Malinda Henry numbered six, namely: Jesse S., whose name heads this sketch; John, a farmer of Fayette county; James, who lives on the old homestead;
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Samuel, a farmer of Fayette county; Mrs. Jane Lambert; and Nancy, deceased, who was twice married, her first husband having been H. Stell and: her second husband Q. Tate.
We now take up the personal history of Jesse S. Henry, who spent his: boyhood days on the farm which is still his home, and which is not only endeared to him as his birthplace, but also as the scene of his manhood's labors and successes. He acquired his education in the common schools and was married August 9, 1859, to Elizabeth Cross, and settled on a small tract of land, which he afterward purchased and which forms a part of his. present farm. After residing thereon for a year he removed to Rush county, where he made his home for two years, at the end of that time returning to. Fayette county. For nineteen years he operated rented land, but in the: meantime purchased a portion of his present farm, which had originally belonged to his grandfather, and about 1878 removed to the old home. He has since acquired the remainder of the old family homestead and has. extended its boundaries by purchasing additional land, until his place now comprises one hundred and eighty acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. The place is well improved, the residence has been remod- eled, a large barn has been erected and other accessories added until Mr. Henry is now the owner of one of the most attractive farms in the county.
He has been twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Cross, a native of Ohio, who in her girlhood came to Fayette county with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Cross, both of whom were natives of Maryland and are now deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Henry died July 14, 1883, leaving a family of seven children, namely: William L., a railroad agent in Nebraska; Levi N., who died leaving a wife and three children; Jesse O., Robert W., Alford N., all resident farmers of Fayette county; Effa M., now Mrs. Jones; and Iva, wife of Lewis Small. On the 17th of March, 1885, Mr. Henry married Mrs. Huldah J. Montgomery, uce Monger. By her former marriage. she had two children, James and Frank P. Her father, Lewis Monger, was a native of Pennsylvania, was of German descent and became one of the pioneers of the Hoosier state. Both he and his wife are now deceased. They were members of the Christian church, and in that faith reared their children, who were as follows: Reader, George, Lewis K., Thomas, Augustus, Huldah J., Paulina, Narsiss, Elizabeth and Sidney.
For many years Mr. Henry has been an active factor in the Democratic circles of Indiana, attending state and county conventions of his party and frequently serving as committeeman. He was at one time the candidate of his party for the office of county commissioner and ran far ahead of his ticket, greatly reducing the usual Republican majority of five hundred. At the present writing he is serving as trustee of his township, rendering most 24
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acceptable service in that office. He was first elected to that position in 1884 for a two-years term and was again chosen in 1894. For years he has been deeply and actively interested in the matter of securing good roads and bridges in this locality, and it is largely due to his influence and management as road supervisor that the highways are in their present good condition. He was executor of his father's estate, and has also served as administrator and trustee for other parties, his reputation for executive ability frequently call- ing him into this line of work. His sound judgment and uniform fairness have also occasioned his being called upon to arbitrate in disputes among the people of the community, and the utmost confidence is placed in his judg- ment. His sterling worth commands the respect and confidence of all, and he is one of the valued citizens of his native county.
JOHN RIGSBY.
One of the prominent and honored early settlers of Union county is the gentleman of whom this sketch is penned. For over forty years he has owned and managed the fine farm of one hundred and ten acres in Center township, where he is still living. In his youth he mastered the carpenter's trade, which he followed for sixteen years exclusively, and to a certain extent for many years thereafter, but during the latter part of his life he has devoted himself to agriculture with splendid results. He is a practical, thorough- going farmer, understanding every department of work connected with the proper supervision of a country home of this extent, and success has abun- dantly rewarded his persevering, well-directed labors. Now, in his declining years, he may look backward over the pathway he has come and truly feel that his efforts have been blessed, and have few regrets for idle days and wasted moments.
To his loving and devoted mother Mr. Rigsby owes more than to any- one else in life. He was born after the death of his father, in Guilford county, North Carolina, February 28, 1826. The bereaved widow with her eight little children, came to this state in 1827, as her kind brother, William Clark, had advised and counseled her to do. Three of her sisters were then living in this locality, also. Arriving here, Mrs. Rigsby lived upon a farm belonging to her brother and reared her children to be useful citizens of the several communities in which they took up their abode. She died at the age of fifty-six years, having bravely struggled to do a mother's part by her loved ones, who have great reason to cherish her memory and who are glad to have her name enrolled among the heroic pioneer women of this county. Only two of her children survive, the eldest one, Mary, wife of James Ward, of Preble county, and John, of this sketch. George, who died at the age of seventy-three years, was a farmer and carpenter of Union town-
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ship, and his widow and children still live in the old home there. Edmund was a farmer of Liberty township, and died when fifty-seven years old. Several of the daughters married and went to Iowa.
About 1856, having acquired a comfortable sum of money by his long- continued employment at the carpenter's trade, Mr. Rigsby, of this article, purchased the farm which he now carries on, of his uncle, William Clark. He has raised a general line of crops and has made the feeding of hogs and cattle a profitable source of revenue. His youngest son, Franklin Alex- ander, has taken the more arduous work of the farm from his father's shoulders of late years and is a straightforward young farmer, well liked by every one. He chose for his wife Miss Fanny A. Moffett. In the year 1848 John Rigsby was united in marriage with Lovisa Pritchard, who died two years later and left a son, William M., now living near Richmond. Six years subsequent to the death of his first wife Mr. Rigsby married Isabel, daughter of William and Phœbe Rutherford, of Liberty township, Union county. Mrs. Rigsby was born in that district and is now the only member of her family residing in this county. They were early settlers here, coming to Indiana from Pennsylvania. To John and Isabel Rigsby a son and daughter were born, the former being Franklin A., mentioned above. The daughter is Mary, wife of John Keeler, a farmer of this neighborhood. For ten years or more our subject and wife have been faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church at College Corner. In his political affiliations Mr. Rigsby is a Republican.
STEPHEN GARDNER.
For almost his whole life, over seventy years, Stephen Gardner has been numbered among the citizens of Center township, Union county. His birth occurred in his parental home, nearly opposite from his present residence, just across the turnpike, in fact, the date of the event being February 13, 1828. Until he was twenty-three years of age he remained on the old home- stead, learning in a practical manner the various duties pertaining to agri- culture, and laying the foundations of a future which was to be patterned after the admirable doctrines and policy of the Quakers, for his ancestors were members of the Society of Friends. He has always been an earnest believer in the brotherhood of man and has sought on all occasions to put into practice the noble principles of peace, kindness, justice and love toward others, which his parents inculcated in his youthful mind.
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