USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 49
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 49
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 49
USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume II > Part 49
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On the 27th of February, 1845, Mr. Bourne wedded Miss Martha J. Ross, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, January 15, 1825, the only child of Nathan and Sarah (Statan) Ross. Her father died before her birth, while looking up a location in another part of this state. Her mother afterward married Nathan Bourne, an uncle of our subject, and made her home in Franklin county until her death. She belonged to a prominent family of farming people in Butler county, Ohio. The children born to our subject and his wife were as follows: Anderson, who is engaged in business in Hamilton, Ohio, and also owns two farms; Ezra L., a farmer living near his father, and also in business at Oxford, Ohio; Sarah L., wife of Isaac Moore, also an agriculturist; Cynthia M., wife of George H. Hitchner, a farmer; Margaretta, wife of William Baughman, a farmer; and Carrie, wife of Frank Shafer, who follows the same occupation. Mr. Bourne has given all his children substantial assistance in starting out in life, and they have become useful and honored members of society. The family hold membership in the Harmony Presbyterian church, and are held in high regard by all who know them. Politically Mr. Bourne is an ardent supporter of the men and meas- ures of the Republican party, with which his family have all been identified, and he never withholds his aid from any enterprise which he believes calcu- lated to prove of public benefit, or which will in any way advance the inter- ests of his fellow men.
PHILIP J. HOSHOUR.
Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of Milton, Indiana, is the subject of this sketch. His life most happily illus- trates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily, and is determined in their execution; and his close
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application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his.
A native of Wayne county, Mr. Hoshour was born in Centerville, Jan- uary 20, 1837, and was educated in Cambridge City. His father, Samuel K. Hoshour, was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of John Hoshour, who was born in Alsace, now a part of Germany, and on his emigration to America settled in Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. In religious faith he was a Lutheran. The father of our subject was reared in that church and for a time was one of its ministers. He was highly educated in all branches of learning and was a very scholarly man. When young he went to Virginia, and while there united with the Christian church, believing that theirs was the true system. He then prepared himself for the ministry, and for many years was one of the leading preachers and most ardent supporters of that denomination. Coming west in 1835, he located in Centerville, Wayne county, Indiana, where he founded the first Christian church and remained its pastor for some time. He also established the Wayne County Chronicle, of which he was editor in chief. He was one of the pioneer ministers of his denomination in this section of the country and preached at many places far and near, traveling on horseback. The elements had no terror for him and he always filled his appointments, rain or shine. He succeeded in building up a large congregation at Centerville and also conducted a school there for a number of years. Later he removed to Cambridge City and organized a school, of which he was the principal and there he remained for some time. He was next superintendent and professor at the State University at Bloom- ington, Indiana, and was subsequently made president and professor of the Northwestern Christian University, at Indianapolis, with which he was con- nected until it was well established at Irvington. After that he lived retired until his death, which occurred at Indianapolis, in November, 1872. He was one of the most eminent and successful educators of his day in this state and his great aim in life was to promote the intellectual and moral welfare of his fellow men. He labored untiringly in the interests of his church and was instrumental in bringing forward the rising generation to a higher standard of Christian civilization. Some of the most prominent men of the state and nation were among his pupils, including Governor O. P. Morton, General Lew Wallace and others of national fame. He always received a good sal- ary, most of which he devoted to charities; and no needy person ever asked for his assistance in vain, as his heart always went out to the poor and dis- tressed. Therefore he never accumulated much of this world's goods; but we earnestly believe that his possessions are many in the world to come. It is not exactly known how many marriage ceremonies he performed, but it is
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safe to say that the number is as large as, if not larger than, that of any other minister or man in the state of Indiana.
During his residence in Virginia he married Miss Lucinda Savage, a native of that state, who died in 1878. Her father, Jacob Savage, was also born in Virginia, and was an early settler of Centerville, Indiana, where he followed his trade of hatter for a number of years, but spent his last days in retirement at Pennville, Wayne county, where he died. In his native state he had been a slave-owner, but disposed of all of his negroes before coming north, giving two to Rev. Hoshour, who brought them to Centreville and then gave them their freedom. In the Savage family were six children, namely: Lucinda, mother of our subject; Jefferson; Eliza, who is now eighty-nine years of age and the only one living; Mrs. Sarena Sivey; Mrs. Jane Weeks; and Madison. Our subject is the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children, namely: Elizabeth, wife of I. J. Price, of Indianap- olis; Samuel, deceased; Mrs. E. Catherine Bloomer, deceased; Philip J .; Mrs. Sarena Richards; Eleanora, deceased; and Mary, wife of J. W. Smith, of Indianapolis, deceased.
Leaving home at the age of sixteen years, the subject of this sketch went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to learn the tinner's trade, but at the end of a year went to Cambridge City, where he completed his apprenticeship by two years' service. After working as a journeyman for a few years, he embarked in business for himself at Indianapolis, but remained there only a short time. In 1857, after two years of journeyman work, he came to Milton and started in business on a limited capital, as he had not enough money to buy his tools. He carried two slabs from a sawmill to make a bench, and when this was completed commenced work. He has always given his entire time and attention to his business interests, and as his financial resources have increased he has enlarged his stock until he now carries a large line of stoves, etc., manufactures tinware and lays slate and tin roofing, and in fact does everything connected with the business. He now owns the brick block in which his store is located and which contains four business rooms, has a commodious residence of his own, and six others which he rents.
In 1861 Mr. Hoshour married Miss Anna Mclaughlin, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, January 2, 1842, a daughter of William and Abbie (Zell) Mclaughlin, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Wayne county, Indiana, about 1837. The father was both a carpenter and lawyer and during the civil war was connected with Judge Newman, revenue assessor of this district. He was a very able and prominent attorney and engaged in practice before the courts of the county. He died February 3, 1890, in Milton, and his wife passed away in ISS7. He appointed our sub-
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ject and another son-in-law, George W. Pence, of Indianapolis, as admin- istrators and executors of his will, and did not require bonds of them. His children were: Mrs. Mary J. Conover; William, deceased; Mrs. Sarah E. Lemon; Anna, wife of our subject; Mrs. Amanda Pence; Mrs. Minerva I. Coons; Marcellus, deceased; and Americus, a resident of Milton. The father was a member of the Christian church, while his wife belonged to the Methodist church. Politically he was first a strong Democrat, but during the civil war was a Republican, and later returned to his first love, always taking an active interest in political affairs but never seeking office. Socially he was a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoshour have seven children, namely: Flora, wife of O. P. Voorhis, a professor in an educational institution; Samuel K. and Homer, who assist their father in the store; and Mary, Catherine Harry and Helen, -all at home. Mrs. Hoshour is a consistent member of the Christian church and a most estimable lady. In his political affiliations our subject is a Republican, and he has most efficiently served as a member of the city council for many years. His record is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way upward to a position of affluence. His life has been one of industry and perseverance, and the systematic and hon- orable business methods he has followed have won the confidence of all.
ABIAL SHAW.
Abial Shaw, the venerable farmer of Brookville, Indiana, came to this county in 1871 from Butler county, Ohio, where he was born September 7, 1815. During his residence here he has ingratiated himself to all through the noble, upright conduct that has characterized his walk through life. He is the son of Albin and Mary (Griffith) Shaw, and was one of five children: Abial; Edwin; Elvira, wife of Henry Garme, of Millville; and Amanda, wife of George Bonsale. Mr. Shaw is the only representative of this family left. Albin Shaw came from the New England states in 1805 and located in But- ler county, Ohio. He was a Democrat and fought in the Revolutionary war. He was generous-hearted, and thought nothing of making great per- sonal sacrifice in order to help those in want. His wife was a native of Maryland.
Abial Shaw was nine years of age when his father died, and 'he first began working by the month when seventeen, when he drove the team of Major Cone. He remained at this for seventeen years and then rented a farm of Joseph Price, which he cultivated until some time in 1865, when he was appointed overseer of the poor. He held this place for thirteen years and made a most trustworthy official. He was fond of children and those whose unfortunate circumstances placed them under his charge grew greatly
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attached to him and always remained loyal to this attachment. He pur- chased his present farm in 1868, and has made it his home since he left the poor farm.
January 25, 1836, he was united in matrimony to Miss Mary Montgom- ery, who bore him eight children, namely: Nancy, born November 23, 1836, now the wife of Elbert Davis; Mary (Mrs. John Cornelius), born May 25, 1839; Sarah (Mrs. Spencer Clark), born July 14, 1842; Henry, born Febru- ary 27, 1845; Thomas, born January 31, 1848; Richard, born January 20, 1851; William, born June 8, 1854; and Joseph, born June 7, 1857. William died October 15, 1855, and Joseph, March 28, 1859. Mrs. Shaw passed to her eternal rest after these children were reared to honorable manhood and womanhood. She was the daughter of Henry and Mary (Howard) Mont- gomery, the former from Pennsylvania and the latter from Kentucky. She was born in Butler county, Ohio, July 18, 1816. Mr. Shaw's second mar- riage was contracted with Mrs. Katie Ann Kritzer Whitehead, a native of Blue Creek, this county. Her parents were John and Catherine Kritzer Whitehead, of German ancestry, the former from Pennsylvania and the latter from Virginia. Mrs. Shaw was one of four children, -William, Michael, Katie Ann and Elizabeth, Michael and Mrs. Shaw being the only survivors. Like many lads of his day, our subject had few school advantages, his school- ing being limited to a few months, but he made the most of his opportunities and by observation and reading stored his mind with information both prac- tical and useful. He is now in his eighty-fourth year, vigorous and hale, and the industry which has characterized his entire life makes it impossible, even now, for him to remain inactive.
SAMUEL F. FLETCHER.
Samuel F. Fletcher, deceased, was for many years one of the most prominent, reliable and respected business men of Richmond, and his life record is one well worthy of emulation, for it teaches commercial integrity, unwavering enterprise and energy, and the careful direction of one's powers along the line of honorable labor. He was born near Hertford, North Caro- lina, on the 7th of June, 1811, and was a son of William and Sarah (Nixon) Fletcher. His parents were natives of North Carolina, where his father owned a large plantation, which was cultivated by slaves. The greater part of the vast products from that plantation was shipped to the West Indies, and good profits were realized therefrom. In connection with his brother- in-law, Francis Nixon, Mr. Fletcher built a vessel, in which they shipped their products. In 1828 the mother of our subject died, leaving three chil- dren, Margaret, Sarah and Samuel. The loss of his wife was such a great blow to Mr. Fletcher that his health failed, and his physician and many
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friends advised him to travel and see if a change of scene and climate would not restore him. Accordingly, he and Mr. Nixon fitted out another ship, loaded it with grain and started for the West Indies, but nothing was ever heard from them from that time, and it is supposed that the vessel was wrecked and lost at sea.
Samuel F. Fletcher and his two sisters, being thus deprived of parental care at an early age, were reared by their uncle and aunt, Aaron and Mar- garet (Fletcher) White, of Milton, Indiana, the former having been appoint- ed executor of the vast estate of William Fletcher. Our subject was reared to manhood in Milton, where he remained until 1837, when he came to Richmond, which was then a mere hamlet without any railroad or hotel. Few streets were laid out and none were paved, and civilization was just be- ginning to transform the little western settlement into a thriving village. After three years Mr. Fletcher returned to Milton, where he was married. He then brought his wife with him to Richmond, locating in what is now Third street.
During the first three years of his residence in Richmond he was employed in a tan-yard, but his health becoming impaired he turned his attention to the hardware business, forming a partnership which was maintained for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold out, and purchased another hardware store, which he successfully conducted for a number of years. When the first railroad was built into Richmond, he was made the first agent in charge of the ticket, freight and baggage offices, and filled that position for a few years. Subsequently he opened a wholesale and retail grocery in Rich- mond. He roasted the first coffee in that city, and carried on operations on a constantly enlarging scale until his life's labors were ended in death, on the 2d of April, 1894. His health was never rugged, but he possessed great energy and strong mentality, and was thus enabled to conduct an extensive and profitable business. His trade steadily increased, and, owing to his prompt- ness, reliability and business intergrity, the house enjoyed a most enviable reputation.
Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dix Hiatt, of Milton, Indiana, who was born in South Carolina, in 1820, and came with her parents to Milton in 1826. They traveled by wagon, walking up the steep hills and mountain sides, while at night they camped along the roadside. Mrs. Fletcher still survives her husband, and is living in a pleasant home in Rich- mond, amid her children, whose loving care surrounds her with all the com- forts of life. Her father, Mordecai Hiatt, was a saddle and harness manu- facturer, and subsequently followed farming near Milton for a number of years. In later life he removed to Richmond, where his last years were spent. He was a very prominent citizen of the community in which he made
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his home, and for many years was a minister of the Friends' meeting. He was a man of liberal education, literary talent, and possessed considerable poetic genius; his life was guided by Christian principles, and every duty that came to him he performed to the best of his ability.
Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living. All were educated in Earlham College, and the excellent men- tal training which they received fitted them admirably for the practical and responsible duties of life, so that they are now valued residents of the com- munity in which they make their home. Albert W., the eldest, is a gas manufacturer of Fort Madison, Iowa; Sarah E. is the wife of Elijah Coffin, of Schenectady, New York; William died in 1896, in New York city, where he was engaged in merchandising, conducting a very profitable and extensive business. He was first employed as a traveling salesman by a Cincinnati house, being one of the first men sent out from that city. Later he engaged in business for himself as a wholesale and retail dealer in lace curtains in New York city, having the largest establishment of the kind in the United States at the time of his death. He made a comfortable fortune in a few years, and was cut off in the midst of a highly successful career. Mordecai, the next of the family, is a dental surgeon of Cincinnati, and as an expert and scientific dentist has a reputation that extends over the central part of the United States. Alice is the wife of Dr. Langdon, a prominent medical prac- titioner of Cincinnati, where he has gained inarked distinction as a specialist in neurology. Frank and Edward are successors to the business established by their brother in New York city. Jesse owns a fashionable men's furnish- ing-goods store in Richmond, Indiana, and Charles is deceased.
The father of this family, Samuel F. Fletcher, possessed the courtesy and chivalry of the typical southern gentleman. He was entirely approach- able, was cordial and kindly and enjoyed the highest regard of young and old, rich and poor. His business reputation was unassailable, and in social life he was popular, for his fidelity to his friends and his genuine interest in his fellow men made him very companionable. Not only in Richmond, but throughout this section of the state he was known and honored, and his name is deeply engraved on the pages of his county's history.
THOMAS POWERS.
In calling the roll of the honored pioneers of Franklin county, Thomas Powers is remembered as one of the earliest settlers, and his descendants have taken a very important part in the upbuilding of this section of the state. His father, John Powers, was of Irish birth, but prior to the war of the Revolution in the United States he cast in his fortunes here, and for five years he labored and battled for the independence of the land he loved and
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desired his children and children's children to revere and enjoy. He married Prudence White, and the remainder of their lives was quietly passed in New Jersey, where they reared their children, instilling into their minds the patri- otic principles which have animated each member of the family to this day.
Thomas Powers was born in New Jersey, November 30, 1779, and grew to manhood in his native state. He was married, January 24, 1799, to Mary Simpson, whose birth had occurred July 29, 1783. Some time after their marriage the young couple removed from Virginia to Middletown, Ohio, and in 1815 came to the wilds of Franklin county. Here they resided for two years in what is now called Brookville township, two miles west of the pres- ent town of that name, and then they took up their abode on a farm situated on section 33, Fairfield township. The rest of their lives was happily spent here, the husband dying August 6, 1822, and September 15, 1875, more than half a century later, the widow passed to the other shore, when in her ninety- third year. Of their ten children all but two have passed to the silent land, -Oliver Powers, of Madison, Indiana, and Mrs. Mary Deter, of Blooming Grove township, alone surviving. Those deceased are: Margaret, James, Prudence, John L., Jane, William White, Sophia and Thomas. Several of the number attained extreme age, John L., who was born in 1806, being in his ninety-third year at the time of his death.
One of the children just mentioned, Jane Powers, became the wife of Alexander W. Johnson, March 24, 1827. She was born in 1809 and died September 2, 1893, and Mr. Johnson, whose birth occurred in 1804, died at his home in Fairfield township, in March, 1884. He was a very successful business man, and accumulated a large estate. But two children were born to this estimable couple, John, who died in early life, and Mrs. Mary P. Cory, of Fairfield, who is thus the sole heir of her father's large property. From him she doubtless inherited the exceptional business ability which is one of her marked characteristics, and in addition to which she has many qualities which greatly endear her to all of her acquaintances and associates. Mrs. Cory's time is entirely given to her business interests and the welfare and happiness of her children. The children comprise four daughters and a son, namely: Rose B., wife of John R. Goudy; Adelia, wife of Maynard H. Irwin, editor of the Brookville Democrat; Alexander, who resides with his mother; Mrs. Maud C. Smolley, M. D .; and Lenora, of Dayton, Ohio.
Mrs. Maud C. Smolley is the widow of Dr. J. G. Smolley, who was graduated in the state university, at Bloomington, Indiana, received his medical education at the Miami Medical College, and took a post-graduate course in Chicago, then locating at Connersville, Indiana, where he was suc- cessfully engaged in professional work until his death. After her marriage Mrs. Smolley concluded to qualify herself for a professional career also, and
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for some time pursued her studies under the preceptorship of her husband. Later she entered the Cincinnati Medical College, where she remained for three years, and at the end of that period, the Woman's Medical College having been organized, she entered that institution and, on account of her past work and advancement, she was the first graduate of the college. She has since had bestowed upon her an honorary degree, by the Laura Memorial Medical College, and a certificate of advancement from the Post-Graduate Medical School of Chicago. Since the death of her husband, she has resided in Brookville, and at the home of her mother, Mrs. Cory, in Fairfield. She is not engaged in practice, but is devoting much of her time to literary pur- suits, and now holds the honorable office of secretary of the Western Associa- tion of Writers, whose fourteenth annual convention was held at Winona Lake, Indiana, in 1899, from June 26 to June 30, inclusive.
ASA V. BRADRICK.
The present century has been an age of progress which has been mani- fest in no line of business in a more marked degree than in stock-raising. The interests of the farmer have been greatly promoted; old methods have been done away with, and enterprise and progress;have been manifested in many ways. There are always men who take the leadership in the work of advancement, and among those to whose efforts is attributable the agri- cultural progress of Fayette county is the gentleman whose name introduces this review. He was, until a recent date, prominently connected with the dairy interests of Connersville, being also the publisher of two journals devoted to the improvement of farming and stock-raising interests. He has spent his entire life in Indiana, and is one of its worthy citizens, highly esteemed by all who know him.
Mr. Bradrick was born in Brownsville, Union county, August 26, 1864, his parents being Mahlon and Sarah A. (Worman) Bradrick. His grand- father, William Bradrick, was likewise a lifelong resident of the Hoosier state, spending many years in Union county. The father of our subject was born in Indiana, in 1825, and during the greater part of his business career he engaged in merchandising in Brownsville. In later years he returned to Liberty, this state, and served as deputy county clerk under his son, Asa. He is now living a retired life in Indianapolis, and his wife also survives. They were the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, but one of the sons was drowned and another died in childhood, so that our sub- ject is the only surviving son.
Asa V. Bradrick was reared in Brownsville, acquiring such education as the town schools afforded, and at an early age took up the study of teleg- raphy. When a young man of eighteen years he was appointed to the
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