USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 24
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 24
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 24
USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 24
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Robert M. Stoops was born in Brookville township, this county, on March 12, 1842. He was educated in the common schools and by improv- ing the opportunity afforded became a man of quick perception and keen intelligence. He enlisted in the civil war, serving until July 4, 1865, in Company B, Seventy-seventh Regiment, Fourth Cavalry, and taking part in many important battles, among which were Chickamauga, West Point, Mossy Creek, Fair Garden, Newman, Columbia, Plantersville, Selma and siege of Atlanta. He was married October 15, 1865, to Miss Kate Martin, by whom he has five children, namely: Harry, May, Adda, Sallie and Mar- tha. He is a farmer whose land, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, shows care and attention, it being in a high state of cultivation.
Harry M. Stoops received his primary education in the public schools of.
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Brookville, graduating in the high school in 1887. He then entered the University of Indiana in the fall of 1888, omitting the sophomore year, and graduated at the institution with the class of 1893. Since leaving college he has been most successfully engaged in teaching in this, his home, county. The schools under his charge have been in Bath township and Brookville. He belongs to the Phi Delta Theta of the university, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Martha Stoops is also a teacher with a future. She was educated in the public schools of Brookville, graduated with the class of 1896 in the high school, took the post-graduate course, and then entered the State Normal School, thus thoroughly preparing herself for the work she wishes to pursue. Her first school, taught the past year, has been most satisfactory both to teacher and patrons, and should she continue in the work she will, without doubt, rank high among the educators of the state.
WILLIAM FINFROCK.
Nearly thirty years ago this sterling citizen of Wayne county became- intimately connected with the commercial life of Cambridge City, and during the intervening period he has built up and maintained a reputation for square dealing, promptness and general reliability.
The father of our subject, Henry Finfrock, was a native of Maryland, born in 1810, and died November 20, 1898. He married Mary Houser, whose birthplace was in the same state, and four children were born of their union. Two of the sons, Daniel and Franklin, enlisted in the civil war, in the federal army, and the whole family was noted for loyal patriotism. The devoted wife and mother departed this life in 1897, when in her eightieth year.
The birth of William Finfrock occurred August 3, 1838, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He spent his early years in the Keystone state, and. then removed with his parents to Ohio. He remained there during the war, and until 1870, when he accompanied his brother John to Cambridge City, and has since made his home here. Soon after his arrival here the brothers purchased the building which was known for many years as the Morris mill. It had been erected about 1860, and used as an oil mill, and later was turned into a tannery, an extensive business in that line being carried on for some time. Since coming into the possession of its present owners the building has been utilized as a factory for the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds and builders' materials. Under the able, enterprising management of the firm of Finfrock Brothers, a large business has been established in these lines, their trade being not confined to this locality alone, but extending into the neighboring country as well.
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CHARLES W. HUBBELL, D. D. S.
In few of the scientific possessions has greater progress been made with- in the past decade or two than in that of dentistry, which has been reduced to a fine art, properly speaking. Modern ideas and the most exquisite mechanical workmanship are none too good for the people, who are becoming more and more critical on this subject. They have awakened to the fact that sound teeth are essential to good health and good looks, and are to be preferred indefinitely more than a splendid wardrobe or even a bank account.
Dr. Charles W. Hubbell, who has been engaged in the practice of den- tistry in Cambridge City, Wayne county, for the past six years, and has built up a large patronage and an enviable reputation for skill, is a native of Cin- cinnati, Ohio, born September 8, 1865. His education was obtained in the excellent public schools of the city mentioned, and in December, 1889, he entered upon the study of dentistry. At the end of two years he was graduated in the Ohio Dental College, as a member of the class of 1891, and, after necessary preliminary practice, he established an office in this city. He is a member of Wayne Lodge, No. 17, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is actively interested in whatever public enterprises are inaugurated to benefit this place.
In 1894 the Doctor was married, in Cincinnati, to Miss Ada Laneman, an old friend and schoolmate. They have a pleasant home, which is bright- ened by the presence of their two children, John and Ella, who are loved by every one.
CHARLEY FERGUSON.
The enterprising proprietor of the Pinewood Stock Farm, in Posey town- ship, Fayette county, was born at this homestead, May 24, 1862, and always has been closely identified with this locality's best interests. He is a worthy representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of this region, whose history will prove of interest to many.
Thomas Ferguson, the paternal great-grandfather of the subject of this article, lived in Virginia, where his ancestors had settled, upon their arrival from Scotland, in the early part of the eighteenth century. Later they dwelt in Wilkes county, North Carolina, where several generations of the family lived and died. Micajah Ferguson, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the last mentioned county, where he grew to manhood and married Frances Isbell, September 25, 1808. She was born in the same county, July 2, 1791, a daughter of Thomas and Discretion (Howard) Isbell, whose forefathers were English people, that first settled in Virginia and later removed to North Carolina. Thomas Isbell was a hero of the Revolutionary war, as he enlisted at the age of eighteen years and served for five years. He was a strong
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anti-Jefferson and anti-Jackson man in politics, and religiously was a Primi- tive Baptist. The Fergusons at that time, though holding to the same religious creed, were of the opposite party politically. After Micajah and Frances Ferguson had become the parents of three children. Matilda, Horton and Linville, they removed to the wilderness of Indiana. Locating upon a tract of land about three miles south of Milton, they proceeded to improve and cultivate the place, which then had but a small cabin in a limited clear- ing as its sole improvement. As the years passed they prospered, making additional purchases of land, and at their death a large and valuable estate was divided among their children. They suffered the extreme privations and hardships of that early period on the frontier, often going for three or more weeks at a time without any kind of bread or cereal food, and often subsist- ing upon wild game and hominy. For many years Mr. Ferguson raised stock for the city markets and bought hogs which he drove to Cincinnati and sold. His house always was hospitably open to the needy and the stranger, and many were induced by him to settle in this section of the state. His- honorable and upright life came to a close at the home of his son, Linville, in 1866, when he had reached the ripe age of eighty-three. His wife died in October, 1871. Besides their children already referred to, six attained mature years, and two, Jane and Olive, died young. Salina first married C. Sexton, and subsequently to his death she became the wife of Joseph Cald- well. Savanna married J. B. Loder, and the younger sons were Livingston, Finley, Sanford and Kilby. Matilda, the eldest of the family, became the wife of Joel Hiatt.
Linville Ferguson, the father of our subject, was born in North Caro- lina, August 17, 1815, and was but six months old when brought to this state. Of robust constitution and strong physique, he endured the hardships of his early years with fortitude, and was justly proud of the fact that no one could make more rails in a day than he, and that probably no man in the county personally cleared more land, -as he had four hundred and sixty acres. of improved property to his credit on this score. After his marriage, in 1838, to Elizabeth Loder, he settled upon a quarter-section of heavily tim- bered land, which his father gave him. Later he embarked in the live-stock business, and for over forty years was extensively interested in raising export cattle, and for a time was engaged in the packing of pork, in Connersville. He was connected with numerous local industries which contributed largely toward the upbuilding of this state, and bore an enviable reputation as a business man. In 1870 he assisted in the organization of the National Bank of Cambridge City, was a large stockholder and for twenty-three years was one of its most influential officers. The bank was capitalized at one hundred thousand dollars, and he was made its president, in which capacity he served.
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creditably for fifteen years. A stalwart Democrat, he took quite an active part in local politics, filling several offices of trust. For ten years he served as a township trustee under appointment, and when the law making it an elective office passed into effect he continued to act in the same position for another decade. Besides this, he held the responsible office of county com- missioner for three years, and was so popular with the general public that his name was presented four or five times for state representative, the large Republican majorities defeating his party, however, as usual. His judicious financiering and management of his property interests resulted in the accum- ulation of a goodly fortune.
As stated, Linville Ferguson married Elizabeth Loder in 1838. She was a daughter of John and Isabel (Ringland) Loder, the former a native of Essex county, New Jersey, born August 10, 1780, and the latter born in May, 1785. Mr. Loder learned the cooper's trade, and in 1797 went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence to Hamilton, same state, where he bought land. He was married in September, 1806, and in 1815 he and his wife and their three children removed to what was later known as Fayette county, Indiana. Here he purchased and improved land, also working at his trade, and his death took place at the home of his daughter Elizabeth, in 1868, five years after his devoted wife had passed away. He was a lifelong Demo- crat, and it was his privilege to cast a vote for a delegate to the first con- stitutional convention in Ohio, and subsequently for one in this state. His six children were named respectively James R., Harriet C., Mary J., Sarah A., Elizabeth M. and Amanda E. To the union of Linville and Elizabeth Ferguson five children were born, of whom Elmer died when but twelve years old. Oliver, the eldest, is engaged in business in Milton, and the two daughters are Savanna, Mrs. L. Munger, and Emma, Mrs. Oliver M. Thornburg.
Since 1882, when his father retired from the active cares of an agri- cultural life, Charley Ferguson has managed the old homestead, in Posey township. He now owns five hundred and thirty-two acres of excellent land, and is extensively engaged in the raising, feeding and selling of cattle and hogs. Of late years he has given special attention to the raising and train- ing of standard-bred horses. Upon his farin there is a fine race track, where his colts are exercised and developed into record-breakers, and though he does not claim to be a professional driver he has succeeded remarkably within the past few years. The most noted stallion owned by liim was Pinewood, a colt raised by him. In 1891, when a yearling, Pinewood made a record of 2:313, eclipsing all of his predecessors at that age. A second horse, Win- wood, since sold to a New York man, paced in 2:58 when five months old, thus making a record which still stands without an equal anywhere. Mr.
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Ferguson attends to his numerous and varied business interests with the same zeal and ability which characterized his father's and grandfather's careers. Already a man of wealth and high standing in the community, he aspires to greater things, and is on the high road to fortune.
In 1882 the marriage of Mr. Ferguson and Miss Eva Beeson took place at her girlhood's home. Two children bless their union, namely: Hazel, who was born May 16, 1888, and Linville Beeson, born May 24, 1890. Mrs. Ferguson is the youngest of four children, her birth having occurred June 28, 1863. Her father, M. D. Beeson, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, October 18, 1829, a son of Benjamin and Dorcas (Starbuck) Beeson, of North Carolina, and grandson of Benjamin Beeson, Sr. The latter, in turn, was a son of Richard and grandson of Isaac, who was of the fifth generation descended from Edward Beeson, of Lancashire, England. The gentleman last mentioned came to America in 1682 with one of William Penn's colonies, first locating in the Keystone state, and later becoming one of a pioneer colony of Quakers in Virginia. Toward the close of his life he removed to Delaware and purchased a tract of land on the Brandywine, a portion of this property being now included within the corporate limits of Wilmington. There he died, leaving four sons, -Edward, Richard, Isaac and William. His posterity, though very numerous, have been uniformly respected, and, as far as known, no criminals or paupers ever have emanated from this family, who held to the Quaker faith until early in this century, and always led quiet, peaceful lives as tillers of the soil or as mechanics. Three brothers bearing the name of Beeson came to Indiana from the south in frontier days, Isaac coming in 1812 and locating near Richmond; Benjamin in 1814 and settling in Washington township, Wayne county; and Thomas in 1818, his home being near the present residence of Elwood Beeson. The following is a list of the names of Benjamin Beeson, Jr.'s, children: Bezaleel and Othniel, who were born in North Carolina; Templeton, the first of the family born in this state; Delilah, wife of John Patterson; Rachel, wife of James Harvey; Julia E., Mrs. William Dick; Cinderella, Mrs. William Har- vey; B. F., a prominent farmer; Ainanda, Mrs. T. Emerson; Marquis D .; and Charles, who died, unmarried, in 1852. For a wife M. D. Beeson chose Miss Ellen Nancy, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Sellars) Harvey. Mrs. Harvey was born in Kentucky and came to this section in 1816, settling near Jacksonburg. Her parents, Isaac and Nancy (Brandon) Sellars, worthy members of the Baptist church, were of Irish descent. Their children were named respectively Ruanna, Rebecca, Nancy, Elizabeth, Isaac, John and Mary. Benjamin Harvey was born in Wayne county, a son of John Harvey, who came to this state from Indiana at an early period, settling near Center- ville. He becaine a wealthy farmer and stock dealer, and was one of the
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most respected members of the Quaker community of his section. Born May 17, 1779, he lived until September 12, 1850. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Cox, was born March 3, 1782, and died April 16, 1854. Their children comprised Rebecca, Isaac, Benjamin, Aaron, Nathan, William C., John P., Mary E. and Jane. After his marriage Benjamin Har- vey settled in Washington township, where he improved a fine farm and spent the rest of his hard-working, upright life. He was summoned to his reward March 27, 1856, when in his forty-eighth year. Of his children Isaac died when in his twentieth year; John died in Oklahoma; Ellen, born March 20, 1834, married M. D. Beeson, as stated; Louisa J., deceased, was the wife of M. G. Beeson; Ira is deceased; Viola is the wife of A. Banks; Amanda is Mrs. J. Howard; Nancy is the wife of E. Wilson; William O. is deceased; Granville is a resident of California; George W. is deceased; Malinda, Mrs. T. Beeson; and Melissa, her twin sister, who died when young. Four children blessed the union of M. D. Beeson and wife, namely: Lycur- gus W., born February 7, 1856; Lafayette, March 10, 1858; Wellington, September 6, 1860; and Mrs. Eva Ferguson, June 28, 1863, as previously. mentioned.
HON. FERDINAND S. SWIFT.
In the person of Judge Ferdinand S. Swift a notable example of one who has risen by his own intrinsic worth and ability from a lowly place to a posi- tion of prominence and influence is found. Surmounting difficulties which rarely fall to the lot of the present generation, he pressed steadily forward to the goal of success which he had in view, and has won a name and fame second to none in Franklin county. Quick to master all the intricacies of a case, and losing sight of none of the essential points upon which the decision must finally rest, his summary is clear, concise and convincing. Honesty and candor are among his strong traits of character, and fearlessness in the performance of what he believed to be his duty has won for him the admira- tion and high regard of every one.
Coming of stanch New England stock, Judge Swift seems to have inher- ited the keenness of mind, the executive ability and the reverence for the truth and right that his puritan ancestors possessed. His parents, Seth and Mehitable B. (Bourne) Swift, were natives of Massachusetts, emigrating from that state to Ohio in 1838. They located upon a farm in Oxford township, Butler county, and there, three-score years ago, their son Ferdinand was born, the date of his birth being September 6, 1839. The father died when the son was quite young, and the latter continued to dwell on the old home- stead until he was twenty-five years of age. The straitened circumstances of the family made it necessary that the youth should spend much of his time in working upon the farm, and thus he secured only a district-school educa-
Ferdinando S. Swift
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tion. Later he attended an academy for six months, and by many an eve- ning of hard study, continued through long years, he attained the mental culture which he earnestly desired. When twenty years of age he obtained a certificate and a school to teach, and thus passed about two years.
Having determined to embrace the legal profession, Judge Swift began the study of law under the tutelage of Daniel Mace, of Lafayette, and in the spring of 1866 entered the office of Judge Hanna, at Brookville. In April, 1867, he was admitted to partnership with that gentleman, who, three years later, became judge of the thirty-seventh judicial circuit, acting in that capacity until his death, about ten years afterward. During this period Mr. Swift industriously pursued a practice which was yearly increasing in volume and importance, and at the same time he served for six terms as city clerk and one term as county clerk. In July, 1880, he was appointed by Governor J. D. Williams to the vacancy in the circuit court caused by the death of his former partner, and in October of the same year the people endorsed this appointment. Each succeeding election he has been reinstated in the office, and in October, 1898, he entered upon his nineteenth year of service on the bench. The judicial district over which he presides includes the counties of Fayette, Union and Franklin. He is an effective speaker, his logic being clear, forcible and exhaustive, evincing thorough mastery of the law and the point at issue, and his decisions are respected and upheld by the bar and the people. In manner he is courteous and affable, and his recognized worth finds expression in his popularity with the general public. In his political creed he is an ardent Democrat, and from 1886 to 1890 was an active mem- ber of the Democratic state central committee.
The Judge has been twice married, his first wife having been Miss Anna Fower, after whose death he wedded Miss Mary McCormick. They have an attractive home in Brookville, and hosts of friends throughout southeastern Indiana.
C. T. WRIGHT.
The biographer never fails to take genuine pleasure in tracing the history of a man who is self-made and self-educated,-one who has overcome diffi- culties which would have daunted a man less self-reliant, courageous and resourceful. For over a quarter of a century C. T. Wright, whose career is summed up in the foregoing words, has been one of the prominent business men of Cambridge City, active and public-spirited, and always ready to do all within his power to advance the welfare of this community.
A native of Kentucky, and next to the youngest of four children, Mr. Wright was born December 17, 1854, his parents being James and Margaret (Sebastian) Wright. When he was a mere child both of the parents of our subject passed away, and the orphan was left to make his own way in the 47
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world as best he could. He had but limited educational advantages, and has acquired knowledge by private study, observation and experience. When he was a youth, starting out in his independent business life, Thomas Hall, state representative from Henry county, Indiana, loaned him five dollars to aid him in his new enterprises, and he has never forgotten the kindness of the elder man.
In 1873 Mr. Wright came to Cambridge City from his former home in Greenfield, Hancock county, Indiana, and, after a lapse of three years, he purchased the furniture and undertaking business of A. S. Houck. In 1875 he had gone to Cincinnati, Ohio, and had thoroughly learned the undertaking business, and was the first in Wayne county to embalm a body. He continued his furniture trade only until he had established a reputation as an undertaker, and since 1887 has devoted his attention exclusively to the burial and care of the dead. His services are called into requisition throughout this section of the county, and perfect satisfaction is always expressed by those who employ him. As he justly deserves, he has prospered, and during the past few years he has erected several substantial business blocks and two pleasant, commodious residences here. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, being identified with Cambridge City Lodge, No. 9, and is also captain of Cambridge Uniform Rank. No. 65; past grand in Wayne Lodge, No. 17, Independent Order Odd Fellows: past sachem in Osage Tribe, No. 93, Improved Order of Red Men; and a member of Cam- bridge Lodge, No. 5, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
In the centennial year, 1876, Mr. Wright married Miss Dora Stone- braker, a daughter of Dr. J. H. and Margaret Stonebraker, and after nine years of happy wedded life she was summoned to the silent land. On the 20th of November, 1888, Mr. Wright and Miss Anna Hastings, a daughter of Elias Hastings, of Cambridge City, were united in marriage. They have . three bright, promising boys,-James C., Donald H. and Fred P., and their attractive home plainly indicates the refined taste of the inmates thereof.
WILLIAM REHLING.
The birth of William Rehling, a representative business man of Rich- 'mond, occurred at Osnabruck, Prussia, Germany, September 11, 1863. His ¡parents, Frederick and Anna M. (Lube) Rehling, natives of the same locality, : are still living in the Fatherland.
Having completed his education in the well conducted schools of Ger- many, William Rehling entered upon his business career by making himself thoroughly familiar with every detail of work connected with the building of sewers, grading and paving of streets, and similar enterprises. He continued to be busily occupied in his native land in public works of the kind men-
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tioned until 1888, the last two years being the foreman for an extensive contractor and having the supervision of a large number of workmen. Eleven years ago Mr. Rehling came to Richmond, where for some time he was employed in the Robison Machine Works. In 1893 he commenced taking contracts for cement sidewalks, street paving and sewer building, and, being careful, prompt and reliable in the execution of work entrusted to him, he has established an enviable reputation and is rapidly gaining patronage. He has put in most of the sewer system of Richmond, and has been employed by many of the leading citizens on their own work. He has afforded employ- ment to from forty-five to one hundred men, and recently has been extending his business to neighboring towns and even into adjoining states. The suc- cess which he enjoys is well merited and his future is most promising, judging from what he has achieved within a few years in a country strange to him.
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