USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 61
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 61
USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 61
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 61
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B. J. Martins
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years, when, in 1855, he was elected county auditor. He was the first candidate of the Republican party for that office, which he filled for two terms of four years each. He had previously been a Henry Clay Whig, but aided in the organization of the new Republican party and has since been one of its stalwart advocates.
In the meantime, with a number of others, he had organized the First National Bank of Centerville, of which he was chosen cashier, but in 1863 he received an appointment to public service and resigned the cashiership. He was an old friend of Governor Morton, who selected him to visit the Indiana troops and hospitals and see that they were properly cared for. While thus engaged he one day received a letter directed to " Major B. L. Martin," and containing an appointment to the position of additional paymaster in the federal army. This came entirely without his solicitation. His wife counseling him to accept, he reported to Major Febagar, at St. Louis, and continued in that position until the close of the war. He served for a time in the Mississippi department, later was transferred to the Cumberland department and sub- sequently ordered to North Carolina, but soon returned to Louisville, where he remained some time. He was then sent to the Northwestern department with headquarters at Indianapolis, where he paid out to those who were being discharged about two million dollars. This position was one of great trust and responsibility and required a heavy bond; but every dollar was faithfully accounted for by Major Martin, and his prompt business methods and hon- esty won high commendation. He was a most loyal supporter of the Union, had been active in raising troops for the front and had sent three of his sons to the army. When Governor Morton did not receive the support of the Democrats of the state to carry on his work as chief executive, Mr. Martin visited all parts of Wayne county and secured a note for twenty thousand dollars, signed by over one hundred of the best men of the county. This he had cashed at the bank in Richmond and handed the sum to the Governor, who thus saw that he had the support of the people of his own county and was encouraged to carry on the splendid work which he was doing in support of the Union and the men in the field.
Major Martin was mustered out November 30, 1865, and then returned to Wayne county. While in the paymaster's department he had purchased a Wayne county farm for a friend, but on his return to Louisville he found that his friend had gone down the river and was lost in a steamboat disaster. He therefore retained possession of the land and it has since been in posses- sion of the family. It comprised one hundred and fourteen acres, which he deeded to his wife, who afterward sold it to their son, Isaac Newton Martin, but after the latter's death, April 7, 1897, the father again purchased it and it is now in his possession. He has occupied it since 1865. He now
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has in his farm one hundred and fourteen acres, while the adjoining two hun- dred and forty acres is owned by his son, who also operates the father's land. For some years after the war Major Martin engaged in slaughtering hogs, and for a time met with quite heavy losses; but in the last year of his con- nection with that business, 1874, somewhat retrieved his lost possessions, and eventually he paid off every dollar of his indebtedness.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Martin were born seven children: Rebecca Ann S. is the wife of William L. Boyd, of Richmond; Nathan Walker is a farmer of Franklin township, Wayne county; John Wesley, who for many years engaged in merchandising at Raleigh, Indiana, died three years ago, at the age of fifty-eight years; Benjamin Franklin, who followed merchandising in Chester for some years, died in 1886, at the age of forty-eight years; William C., who engaged in merchandising along the line of the Santa Fe Railroad in New Mexico and made considerable money, is now living retired in Rich- mond; Isaac Newton, who was in the treasury department at Washington for twenty years, died April 7, 1897, at the age of fifty years; Theodore Smith is a farmer of Chester and also operates his father's farm. The mother died July 24, 1889, after a married life of nearly sixty years, and the loss was indeed a sad one to Mr. Martin, for their mutual love and confidence had increased as the years went by, and she had ever been to him a faithful and cherished companion.
For many years Mr. Martin took quite an active part in local and state politics and was often a delegate to the state conventions of the Republican party. In 1869 he was elected to the legislature; in 1874 he was defeated for the same office, but in 1876 was again elected to the lower house. In early life he was a strong anti-Mason, almost bitter in his opposition to the order, but at length he decided to investigate the matter more fully and the result was that he applied for membership and was raised in Webb Lodge, at Richmond, nearly sixty years ago. He at once began taking an active part in the work of the organization, became a member of the chapter, council and commandery, and is probably to-day the oldest member of Richmond Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar, which was instituted March 20, 1865. He was made an Odd Fellow at Centerville, and belongs to the Richmond Lodge at the present time. In religious faith the Martins were originally Friends, but the parents of our subject became members of the Methodist church, and for seventy years Benjamin L. Martin has been a devoted and faithful member of the same church. He was ordained as a local preacher and has always been ready to speak for the Master. He was active in Sunday-school work in early life, has always been a close Bible student and has great faith in the promises of the Word. For nearly sixty years he has been a reader of the Palladium
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and for many years of the Advocate, -leading religions papers. He has married many couples, and at all times has been active in promoting the work of the church and all that pertains to the advancement of the kingdom of Christ upon earth. His career has been an active, useful and honorable one, and the world is better for his having lived.
AMOS STUART.
One of the aged and venerable citizens of Richmond is Amos Stuart, who, though now approaching the ninety-first anniversary of his birth, pos- sesses the clearness of mind and physical strength of one a quarter of a cen- tury his junior. He is remarkably well preserved, having an erect carriage, a firm step, and much of his old-time energy. His has been a busy and use- ful life, -a life filled with arduous and honorable toil, for the good of his family and others, and all who know him respect and reverence him.
The paternal grandfather of Amos Stuart was a resident of the vicinity of Philadelphia in the early part of last century. He, Robert Stuart, mar- ried Martha Richardson, and their son, John, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead on Todd's creek, near the Quaker City, in 1740. Having grown to manhood there, he went to Wilmington, Delaware, where he learned the trade of wagon-maker. Later he went to Virginia, where he met and married Martha Stanley. To them were born three sons and three daughters. His wife died and he married Sarah Guyer, who was the mother of our subject, and subsequently he settled in Guilford county, North Caro- lina. The farm upon which he settled was an almost unbroken forest, only a small patch of ground having been cleared, and thereon a tiny log cabin erected. Beneath his sturdy ax the forest was razed, and eventually fertile fields rewarded his efforts. The cabin gave way to a comfortable frame house, and other substantial improvements were added until Mr. Stuart was acknowledged to be one of the thriftiest farmers and business men of his community. A faithful member of the Society of Friends, he attended the meetings regularly and lived a consistent Christian life. His death occurred at his old home, June 6, 1827.
Amos Stuart was born on the parental homestead in Guilford county, North Carolina, June 30, 1808, and with his several brothers and sisters he was reared to the duties of an agricultural life. He continued to dwell in his native county until the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion. when he removed to the north. Settling upon a farm near Knightstown, Henry county, Indiana, he remained there for a few months, while seeking for a permanent home, and finally he became a resident of Spiceland, same county, where his younger children attended the local academy, the older ones hav- ing been educated at Haverford Academy, at Haverford, Pennsylvania. In
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1876 he removed to Chester, Wayne county, where for the following decade he gave his attention to gardening. Since 1886 he has lived a retired life in Richmond, enjoying the rest and comforts to which his busy years of active toil justly entitle him. While he remained in his native county he was one of the most influential citizens in all public affairs of the locality, was deeply interested in the cause of education, being trustee of the Newgarden board- ing-school; and was prominent in the Friends' Society, serving as elder, clerk of the monthly meetings and in various other capacities. To his chil- dren he will leave the priceless heritage of an unblemished record and noble career.
The first marriage of Amos Stuart was solemnized in 1830, the lady of his choice being Matilda Hadley, of Guilford county, North Carolina. They became the parents of thirteen children that lived to attain mature years, and, without exception, they received the benefits of an excellent education, and went forth to battle with the world well equipped as to mental and moral training. Harper, the eldest, now deceased, was a teacher in the Friends' boarding school; Mrs. Martisia Bundy, resides in Henry county, this state. Dr. Jehu is a leading physician in Minneapolis, Minne- sota; Mrs. Sarah Tease lives in this county; Jonathan is deceased; Mary and Eliza are in Richmond, the latter being the wife of G. E. Hill, who is known throughout this state as a progressive florist; Mrs. Delfina Wood resides in Knightstown, Henry county; Sydney is a resident of Ander- son, Indiana; David is deceased; Adam and Elbridge are in California; and Francis is in New Mexico. The devoted mother of these children was sum- moned to her eternal rest June 13, 1871. In 1875, Mr. Stuart married Melissa E. Miles, a daughter of Samueland Anna (Kelly) Miles, both of whom were natives of South Carolina. They were early settlers of Miami, Ohio, and in 1861 located on a farm near Chester, Wayne county, this state, where Mr. Miles died March 29, 1873. He was a Friend, and was loved and highly esteemed by all who knew him. The mother passed away in 1831.
ABIJAH MOFFITT.
In almost all American communities there may be found quiet, retiring men, who never ask public office or appear prominent in public affairs, yet who, nevertheless, exert a widely felt influence in the community in which they live and help to construct the proper foundation upon which the social and political world is built. Such a man was Abijah Moffitt, who for many years was a most honored and respected citizen of Richmond. He was long and prominently identified with its industrial and commercial interests, and belonged to that class of representative Americans who advance the general prosperity while promoting individual success. He bore a reputation unas-
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sailable, and when his word was once given it was as sacred as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature and seal. He commanded the respect . and esteem of his fellow men by his upright life, and to his family he left not only a comfortable competence acquired through years of honest toil, but also the priceless heritage of a good naine.
Abijah Moffitt was born in Richmond, on the 24th day of January, 1824, his parents being Charles and Elizabeth Moffitt. He was of Scotch-English descent. His paternal grandfather, Robert Moffitt, was a native of Scotland, and married Margaret Stuart, of England. They became the parents of a · large family of children, most of whom emigrated to the United States in 1791, locating in the south. One of the number was lost at sea. Charles Moffitt, the father of our subject, came to Richmond, Indiana, when a young man and there spent his remaining days. He was one of the pioneers of the locality, and aided largely in the development and advancement of the region. He was a farmer and miller, and improved a large farm, including the site of the Wayne Agricultural Works. Abijah Moffitt afterward inherited that tract of land and platted it, thus transforming the entire district between Fourteenth and Seventeenth streets, and Whitewater river and the Pennsyl- vania Railroad, from farming land into town lots. He afterward platted two other tracts, which still bear the name of Abijah Moffitt's addition to the city. Charles Moffitt was a consistent and active member of the Society of Friends, and his inflexible integrity and sterling worth won him the respect of all who knew him. He married Elizabeth Cox and to them were born a large number of children, but only one is now living, Mrs. Eli Stubbs.
Abijah Moffitt was the youngest son, and spent his entire life in Rich- mond, with the exception of a short period passed on a farm of four hundred acres near Indianapolis. He acquired his education in the public schools, and entered upon his business career at an early age. When a youth of only ten summers he began buying and selling eggs. He made money in the ven- ture, and from that time until his death he usually carried forward to success- ful completion whatever he undertook. Like all men he encountered difficul- ties and obstacles in the path to prosperity, but by perseverance and deter- mination he ultimately reached the goal which he sought. Between the years 1853 and 1860 he was engaged in the dry-goods business in a small frame building between Seventh and Eighth streets, near the site of the Vaughan building. Subsequently he engaged in the real-estate business, in the lumber business and in agricultural pursuits. From time to time he extended the field of his labors until his business connections were varied and extensive, but his resourceful capability well fitted him for the wise direction of these various concerns and his careful management and reliable counsel proved potent factors in the success which attended the different enterprises.
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He was superintendent of the Boston Turnpike Company for five years and was a stockholder in the Robinson Machi e Works, the Benjamin Edge Tool Works, and in the business of Cadwallader & Co npany. To him is largely due the introduction of the street-car system of Richmond, and of the Rich- mond City Street Car Company he became the first president. The cars were originally drawn by horses, but after a time the more modern motive power was introduced. Mr. Moffitt also aided in surveying a railroad from Union City to Richmond, but it was never completed.
Mr. Moffitt was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Townsend, of Rich- mond, Indiana, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Townsend, both of whom were natives of Wayne county, Indiana. Mrs. Moffitt was born in Richmond, and her beauty of face was equaled by her amiable disposition and beautiful character, -qualities which made her a great favorite. In 1873 they removed to Earlham Place in order to educate their four children. There Mr. Moffitt died March 30, 1891, while his wife passed away January 2, 1894. He was at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen, who took a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the commu- nity. He possessed a benevolent and philanthropic spirit, which was often manifest in a generous assistance to the needy. He was honest, conscien- tious and reliable in business, and every look and lineament of his face showed positive character and determination of purpose. By reason of his well spent life he enjoyed the high regard of his fellow men, and in his death Richmond lost one of its most valued citizens.
CHARLES T. PRICE, SR.
Back to New Jersey must we turn in tracing the lineage of the subject of this review. That section of the country which was the cradle of so much of our national history became the home of his ancestors in early colonial days, and the records extant tell of representatives of the family having been loyal to the nation in the crucial periods when grim-visaged war reared its horrid front, and bespeak the activity of honest and industrious men who have also honored their country in the " piping times of peace."
The grandfather of our subject, Thomas Price, was a native of Eliza- bethtown, New Jersey, where he spent his entire life. - He had ten brothers who served in the Revolutionary war and all were imprisoned by the British in the old "Sugar House" in New York. Thomas Price married Rachel Badgley, a granddaughter of Lord Townley, whose property in England was confiscated because he favored the cause of the colonists in the w .. . or American independence. Two of his sons and one daughter came to this country. The daughter became the wife of William Badgley, whose daugh- ter Rachel married Thomas Price. The grandparents of our subject had a
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famil of fourteen children, all of whom are now deceased. One of the sons, Jerem › Prire, came to the west and laid out the city of Chicago, where he me until his death, in 1852. He left real and personal property to the value of six hundred thousand dollars, and as he died intestate it was divided among his relatives. The members of the Price family were all Presbyterians in religious faith and were buried in the Presbyterian church- yard in Elizabethtown. The male representatives of the family gave their political support to the Democracy, and were honest, upright people and enterprising business men, who commanded the respect of all with whom they came in contact.
Caleb Price, father of our subject, was born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, now called Elizabeth, and there spent his entire life. He was a tin- smith by trade, and followed that pursuit throughout his entire business career. His death occurred in 1858. His wife bore the maiden name of Anna Tucker, and to them were born three children, -Benjamin, Caleb and Charles T.
The last named was born in Elizabeth, April 8, 1817, and spent the first fifteen years of his life in his native town, attending school during that period. He then entered a shoe store belonging to his brother Benjamin, and after two years passed there went to Philadelphia, where, at the age of eighteen years, he began business on his own account, as a dealer in shoes. For three years he conducted his store and then moved to Mobile, Ala- bama, where he conducted a tin store, in connection with his brother Caleb, for two years. On the expiration of that period, however, he returned to Philadelphia and was again connected with the retail shoe trade in that city until 1847, when he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he continued in the same line of merchandising for five years.
In 1852 Mr. Price arrived in Richmond, Indiana, where he has now made his home for forty-seven years, and through all the long period has taken a most active part in the upbuilding and development of the city. He first established a shoe store, which he conducted for five years; was then connected with the hardware trade for a year, and in 1858 became promi- nently connected with the real-estate and building interests, which have con- tributed so largely to the improvement of the city. He has erected and sold more than one hundred homes in Richmond, and thus added to the beauty and substantial advancement of the county seat. He has also handled farm property on an extensive scale, having bought and sold over fifty farms and given one to each of his sons. He has also purchased land and laid out four additions to the city of Richmond, and has sold many building lots. For the past ten years he has lived retired, having through activity in former years acquired a capital that now enables him to rest from labor.
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An incident in his life is worthy of mention here. One morning in 1864, Martha Balantine, a lady of the Friends' church, called on him and asked, " How much will you contribute toward paying the rent on the Home of the Friendless?" He answered, "Not one cent." She was much surprised, as she had expected a good donation. He told her to call that evening and he would tell her what he would do. He then had a paper drawn up to con- tain names of those promising to pay amounts opposite their names. Mr. Price headed the list with one building lot, of the value of five hundred dollars. They took it to Charles F. Coffin, who put down five hundred dollars cash. They next went to Abram Gaar, who gave the same. Then Mr. Price, besides what he had already pledged, gave one whole summer's work in the building of the home.
Mr. Price has been twice married. On the 16th of April, 1838, he wedded Caroline Williams, of Philadelphia, and to them were born four children: Charles T., a confectioner in Richmond; Mrs. Jane M. Adison, who lived in Nordyke, but is now deceased; and two who died in infancy. The mother died in 1848, at the age of thirty-three years. On the 16th of July, 1850, Mr. Price was again married, his second union being with Lydia Manifold, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They had five children,-four sons and a daughter: Caleb, a broker and real-estate dealer, of Richmond; Benjamin G., a money-broker of the same city; Frank N., a money-broker and farmer of Webster, Wayne county; Mrs. Anna Medsher, of Richmond, who is also money-broker; and Harry, a farmer of Preble county, Ohio.
In his political views Mr. Price is conservative. He favors prohibition principles, and usually votes regardless of party affiliations, giving his support to the men whom he thinks best qualified for office. He has frequently been requested to permit his name to be used in connection with some elective position of honor and trust, but has invariably declined, preferring to devote his attention to his business and private affairs rather than engage in a contest for any position before the people. He, however, served on the committee that secured the removal of the court-house from Centerville to Richmond. He is a leading member of Grace Methodist Episcopal church, of Richmond, which he founded twenty-eight years ago. He contributed ten thousand dollars thereto, and has filled all the church offices, doing all in his power to promote the growth and secure the success of the organization. As a business man he has been conspicuous among his associates not only for his success but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods. In everything he has been eminently practical, and this has been not only man- ifest in his business undertakings but also in private and social life. His services in behalf of Richmond have been of inestimable value, and warm- hearted and genial he has drawn about him a circle of devoted friends.
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