USA > Indiana > Vermillion County > Biographical and historical record of Vermillion County, Indiana : containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each; a condensed history of the state of Indiana; portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state; engravings of prominent citizens in Vermillion county, with personal histories of many of the leading families, and a concise history of the county and its villages > Part 31
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
brings great wealth to the people. But Mr. Collett's greatest notoriety is as a scientist, especially in the departments of Geology and Palæontology. When but eight years old he displayed a remarkable aptitude in the collec- tion and classification of geological specimens. As he grew older his talents in these respects became so marked, that scientific men in all parts of the United States opened correspond- ence with him, and received great benefit from his contributions to science. For the last ten or fifteen years no man has been a more enthusiastic and successful student of the hidden treasures of the earth's crust in this region; nor has any one furnished more valuable or welcome information to the sei- entific world. From 1870 to 1878, as As- sistant State Geologist, he contributed nearly 1,000 condensed pages of matter concerning the counties of Sullivan, Dubois, Warren, Lawrence, Knox, Gibson, Brown, Vanderburg, Owen, Montgomery, Clay, Putnam, Harri- son and Crawford. While State Geologist, 1879-'84, he compiled four volumes, aver- aging over 500 pages each, on the Geology and Palæontology of Indiana, which have become standard books of reference in all parts of the civilized world. These reports embrace a large number of illustrations of great value to students of seience as well as to miners. The report of 1883-'84 gave to the public the first geological map of Indiana ever published. Even when appropriation from the State funds fell short, Mr. Collett advanced thousands of dollars from his own purse to keep his assistants in the field and his department steadily running; and for this the State is still indebted to him. Since the expiration of his term as State Geologist he has been engaged in various literary and husiness enterprises, which allow him rest and quiet, and to make trips in different directions across the continent. In all the positions he
313
BIOGRAPHIICAL SKETCHES.
has held he has exhibited a remarkable ca- pacity for excessive hard labor and endurance, bothi mental and physical, often doing much more than one would suppose was possible for any man to do. In religion, Mr. Collett is a believer in Christianity, and his predi- leetions are in favor of the Presbyterian church. In keeping with the instinets of the family, he still maintains his residence at the old homestead near Eugene, where his chief enjoyment consists in agricultural pursuits and scientific studies. In stature, he is six feet two inches high, straight as a plumb- line, and of a military bearing; his eyes are a piereing gray; complexion fair; hair formerly auburn, but both that and his beard are now snow white and of patriarchal length; mouth wide, and of an affable outline; nose indi- eating a marked character; in motion, he is quick and determined. In the prime of life he could outwalk three ordinary men, and hence have the advantage in rambling over hill and dale in the examination of the earth and collection of specimens. In walking, he does not, as many do, keep his eyes just before his toes, but cast forward at a great distance, indicating energy and high ambition. .
LIAS PRITCHARD, auditor of Ver- million County, Indiana, is serving his second term, having been elected in the fall of 1880, and again in 1884, his present term expiring in 1888. Ife is a representa- tive of one of the pioneer families of Ver- million County. IIis father, Ezekiel Pritchard, was a native of North Carolina, removing thenee when a young man to Penn- sylvania, and from there to Ohio, where he married Eleanor Watson, a native of Penn- sylvania. About 1828 they moved to Indi- ana and settled in Clinton Township, 21
Vermillion County, where he died July 12, 1838. He entered 120 acres of land 011 seetion 5, township 14, range 9, which he partially improved, building a log house, setting out an orehard and erecting nceessary farm buildings. He was a hard-working, honest and respected eitizen, and had many friends among the pioneers. He left at his death a widow and fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, and all but one of the deceased left families. Those living are-John, of Joliet, Illinois; Mrs. Elizabeth Payton and Mrs. Maria Hill, of Clinton Township; Mrs. Mary Cottrell, of Terre IIaute; Johnson, of California; Mrs. Martha Curtis, of Edgar County, Illinois, and Elias. Elias Pritehard was born in Clinton Town- ship, October 12, 1838, and has always been identified with his native county. He was reared a farmer, remaining on the farm until twenty-four years of age, when he was em- ployed as clerk in a dry goods store, and in 1870 engaged in business for himself at Bono, which he continued until his election in 1880 to his present position. He is an efficient public officer, fulfilling his duties conscien- tiously and with painstaking care. Mr. Pritchard married Miss Mary A. Patrick, of Edgar County, Illinois, daughter of Samuel and Maria (Nichols) Patrick. They have had four children, of whom only one, a son, is living-Ordie E., born April 18, 1879. Their eldest, Ella M., died at the age of six- teen years, and Grace and Blanche aged re- spectively six and nine months. In polities Mr. Pritchard is a Republican, being the only one of his family who votes that tieket. IIe east his first Presidential vote for Lincoln in 1860, and has voted for every Republican nominee sinee, with the exception of 1864, when he was absent from the State. Ile is one of the prominent and substantial citizens
314
HISTORY OF VERMILLION COUNTY.
of Vermillion County, publie-spirited and influential in promoting all worthy enter- prises.
P. POTTS, farmer and stoek-raiser, section 3. Vermillion Township, is a native of Vermillion County, born April 17, 1848, a son of Richard and Rebecca (Jackson) Potts. His father was from Mon- mouth County, New Jersey, and his mother from Clermont County, Ohio. They came to Vermillion County in 1845, making this their home the remainder of their lives. The father died in 1875, aged seventy-four years, and the mother in 1885, at about the same age. They had two sons-Thomas, who is now deceased, and our subject. C. P. Potts was reared a farmer, an occupation he has always followed successfully, and now has 680 acres of valuable land. In his stoek-raising he makes a specialty of cattle, and in his herd are many valuable breeds. He is one of the enterprising farmers of his township, and, although not yet forty years old, is one of the substantial and prominent citizens of the county. He was married in 1876 to Jo- sephine Culley, a native of Vermillion County, born in 1852, a daughter of John and Martha Culley. Mr. and Mrs. Potts have two children-Clara B. and Joseph G. Mr. Potts is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, Lodge No. 209. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republican party.
AMES RUSII, a pioneer of Helt Town- ship, resides on section 24. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, March 25, 1817, a son of George Rush, who came to Indiana in 1818, and lived in Parke County
a year, and in 1819 moved to Vermillion County, where he settled in the woods among Indians and wild animals, and in this county James was reared. One summer 500 Indians were encamped near their house. They were generally peaceable and gave the settlers but little trouble. Mr. Rush has always been a farmer and has done a great deal to advance the interests of agriculture in his township. Ile was married February 23, 1854, to Dorcas Andrews, daughter of James Andrews, who came to Vermillion County from Butler County, Ohio, in 1823, and settled on the farm where Mr. Rush now lives, and where Mrs. Rush was born July 30, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Rush have had five children; but three are living-Fred, Mark and Mary E. Mrs. Rush is a member of the Presbyterian church.
OHN R. McNEILL, of Perrysville, was born in Waterford, Londonn County, Virginia, February 25, 1811, a son of John and Hannah (Mayne) MeNeill. IIe came to Vermillion County, Indiana, with his father's family in 1836 and here he has since made his home, a period of fifty-one years. Ile was reared to the avocation of a farmer which he made his life work, and in his chosen work has met with excellent success. Beginning life with no capital but health and a determination to succeed he has by his persevering energy and habits of industry be- come classed among the most prosperous of the many successful citizens of Highland Township. Mr. McNeill has been twice married. January 1, 1840, he married Miss Martha Rudy, who was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Martin Rudy, one of the county's early settlers. Mrs. MeNeill died May 15, 1848, leaving two children - Irene, born
315
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
October 23, 1846, now the wife of The- ophilus Holloway, of Vigo County, Indiana, and Frank, born February 6, 1848, an artist living in the city of New York. Mr. Mc- Neill was married a second time to Mrs. Elizabeth (Rudy) Barger, a sister of his first wife, and to this union were born seven children, four sons and three daughters- Scott, Albert, John B. and Charles G., and Josephine, wife of F. A. Walker; Anna Laura, wife of Thomas J. Armsrong, and Jennie Lind living at home. In his relig- ious belief Mr. MeNeill inelines toward Unitarianism, although he has a greater re- spect for good deeds than for ereeds. IIe has been a student of religious literature the greater part of his life and has found so many confleting theories that he long ago decided to take reason for his guide. His motto is: " Do not unto others that which you would not have others do unto you." In politics lie was in early life a Whig, casting his first presidential vote for Henry Clay. Ile now affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. MeNeill is one of the active and public spirited citizens of Vermillion County, and is ever ready to aid in the promotion of what- ever enterprise he believes is for the best in- terests of his fellow men.
OIIN WRIGHIT, a worthy representative of one of the earliest pioneer families of Vermillion County, is a native of New York State, born in Ontario County, March 22, 1818, a son of George and Anna (Handy) Wright, the father born in the State of New York, and the mother a native of Massachu- setts. In 1819 they came to Indiana with their family of nine children, the subject of this sketch being then a babe. After one year's residence in Terre Haute, they, in 1820,
came to Vermillion County, and in the forest of Clinton Township established their future home on Lenderman Creek, five miles south- west of Clinton. The county at that time was a wilderness, containing but few families, being inhabited principally by Indians and wild animals. George Wright was a poor man, able only to secure a tract of 160 acres, and most of his children were too young to render any assistance in their struggle for a livelihood. Labor in the pioneer settlement commanded no money. There were no mills in the country, and corn when raised had to be pounded into meal in huge improvised mortars. Gradually the opening in the forest grew larger and the circumstances of the family improved, and the boys, eael year added strength to the working foree! Two children were added to the family in their pioneer home. Mrs. Wright did not live to see the fruition of her hopes, dying in 1827, in her forty-first year. Mr. Wright was spared to enjoy the fruits of his years of per- severing toil, having a comfortable home. He died in 1844 at the age of sixty-six years. He was a hard working man, full of energy and ambition, and was kind and accommoda- ting to all, and he is still favorably remem- bered by many of the old pioneers. Of his eleven children, six sons and five daughters, all have passed away but John, the subject of this sketch, and Truman who lives in Edgar County, Illinois. John Wright associates his earliest recollections of life with events in the pioneer days of Vermillion County. His educational advantages were limited, but con- tact with the world has enabled him to fully overcome the deficiencies of his youthful days. Ile was reared to the avocation of a farmer, and he has made farming his princi- pal occupation through life, though the past six years he has lived retired from active life, in Clinton, where he owns a good residence,
316
HISTORY OF VERMILLION COUNTY.
and considerable eity property, ineluding about a half interest in the Opera House block. Mr. Wright was united in marriage October 6, 1836, to Miss Margaret Nickle, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1816, and was a daughter of James Nickle, one of the county's pioneer men. Of the six children born to them but three are living-Lucius H., of Clinton Township, was a soldier in the Eighteenth Indiana Infantry during the war; Mrs. Narcissus Payn, of Clinton Township, and John O., of Wichita, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Wright were pioneers of Jackson County, Iowa, locating there in 1838. One year later they removed to Galena, Illinois, where Mrs. Wright kept a boarding house two years, Mr. Wright being engaged in smelting and haul- ing lead ore. They then returned to Jackson County, Iowa, where Mr. Wright followed farming six years. Returning to Indiana with a little capital, he purchased eighty aeres of land in Vigo County, and there resided three years, when he removed to Edgar County, Illinois, where his wife died. Mr. Wright was subsequently married to Miss .Mary Chunn, who was born in Clinton Town- ship, Vermillion County, in 1827, a daughter of John T. Chunn, who was a Major in the war of 1812, in the Virginia Volunteers. To this union six children were born, all of whom are residing in Clinton Township or city. They are as follows-David, Mrs. Margaret Smith, a widow, Mrs. Naomi Ilale, Mrs. Maria Van Dyne, Ulysses G. and William C. In 1858 Mr. Wright again returned to Ver- million County, since which time he has been a resident of Clinton Township, and during this time he has witnessed the marvelous growth and development of the county, in which he has done his full share. On settling in the county he bought 300 acres of land, and by his good management he added to his real estate until he had 1,400 aeres. Ile has
given his children a good start in life, and yet owns about 700 aeres, and all his proper- ty has been acquired by fair and honorable means. Mr. Wright is a member of the Masonie fraternity. In politics he was in early days a Whig, an ardent supporter and admirer of IIenry Clay, and since the organi- zation of the Republican party has voted that ticket.
OIIN McNEILL, deceased, formerly a resident of Perrysville, was born in Tus- carora Valley, Pennsylvania. After liv- ing for a time in Loudoun County, Virginia, and Frederick County, Maryland, he came, in November, 1836, with his family to Perrys- ville. While residing in Maryland he was regarded as one of the foremost citizens of Frederick County, filling many honorable positions in society. For many years he was justice of the peaec, and so elear was his head in legal matters, and so impartial his judgments, that no appeal was ever taken from his docket. Ile was an intense anti- slavery man and an active member of the Maryland Colonization Society, the object of which organization was to colonize the colored people in Liberia, Africa. He was onee offered the position of Probate Judge of Frederick County by the Governor and Couneil,-a life appointment,-but deelined it, having determined to move West. Ile was well posted in Governmental matters. Was a prominent and useful member of the Method- ist Episcopal church, well informed as to her policy and doctrines. After he came to Perrysville he purchased a lot for a church building, and was one of the leading spirits in the enterprise of ereeting the church. He was united in marriage with Hannah Mayne, and they had a large family of children noted
817
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
for their energy and industry. Mr. McNeill's father, John MeNeill, emigrated from Scot- land previous to the Revolutionary war, in which contest he joined the patriot forces and remained with them to the end. In one engagement he was shot twice, and he bore his honorable sears to the grave. During his term of service he was promoted to the position of chief baggage-master. He had married Miss MeVey, a lady of Scotch de cent, who had charge of the family while he was in the army.
ON. GEORGE II. McNEILL of Perrys- ville, Indiana, son of John and Hannah (Mayne) MeNeill, was born in Middle- town Valley, Frederick County, Maryland, February 22, 1818. IIis father was of Seotch descent, and his mother of German descent. His father was a prominent and highly respected citizen of Frederick County, Mary- land, and while residing in that county held several offices of profit and honor. Born npon a farm, the subject of this sketch had only sneh opportunities as were offered in the country schools, taught principally during the winter seasons, and the use of a well selected general library, owned by his father, through which means he acquired a fair edu- cation, and formed a taste for general reading, which has followed him through life, and enabled him to become well posted in many branches of science and literature, ranking him among the able self-made men of the country. In the fall of 1836 he, with his father's family, emigrated to the then far west, and located at Perrysville, on the Wabash River, in Vermillion County, Indiana, where his father died in 1843, and his mother in 1856, and where his only living brother, John R. MeNeill, now resides, his other brother,
Judge C. F. McNeill, having recently died. To his honored parents, who were old style Methodists, and were members of that church alinost from its first organization, the MeNeill family are greatly indebted for whatsoever is good or honorable that may pertain to them. Mr. McNeill has resided in Perrysville ever since he came to this county and was always actively engage in some business. When young he read medieine extensively with the view of entering into its practice, but con- cluded to go into the drug business and did so in 1845 which he has continued up to the present time and made it a decided success. He has always kept a complete assortment, and of the very best, and managed the busi- ness with such eare, and so thoronglily trained his assistants, that during his forty- two years in business, not a single accident has occurred from putting ont wrong artieles. In 1845 he married Rebecca Kinney Beers, one of a family remarkable for their natural abilities, and noted as the best of cooks and housekeepers. The result of this marriage was three sons-Milton M., William Kinney and George II. Milton M. MeNeill resides in the city of Danville, Illinois, is farming largely, and doing a successful hard-wood lumber business. He married Ruhama Rus- sell Bell, daughter of Wm. M. Bell. William K. McNeill remained with his parents aiding in the home business and is now trustee of Highland Township. George Il. McNeill, Jr., died in his infancy. Mrs. McNeill took charge of the drug business in 1856 and ran it tor ten years, managing it with ability, training her sons to the business, learning them habits of industry, and inculcating principles of honor and morality as only a inother ean do. Iler home is a model one where hosts of people have been kindly entertained. For forty-two years past she has been an active member of the Methodist
318
AMAAAAAN
HISTORY OF VERMILLION COUNTY.
Episcopal church in Perrysville. Mr. MeNeill has been county surveyor of Vermillion Coun- ty, Indiana, was for a number of years, exam- iner of school teachers for the county, and has been a notary publie continuously for over a quarter of a century. IIe, under order of conrt, has been a commissioner to divide real estate among the heirs of deceased persons oftener than any person that has ever resided in the county. He was also enrolling officer for Ilighland Township, and always had much to do with publie affairs and filled the various positions with eredit and ability. In addition to the drug business he and his son William K. MeNeill are engaged in farming and stoek-raising on their farms near Perrysville. Mr. MeNeill is a Republican and has been an active member of that party sinee its organization-is an unwavering be- liever in the truths of the Bible and in ortho- dox Christianity, as taught in the standard anthorities of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was eminently loyal to the Government during the rebellion, and never beeame dis- pondent during its darkest days-expressing his views as he often did "that the Lord of Hosts was not dead and that the Devil did not reign-therefore the Government would finally triumph and the rebellion be put down." Mr. MeNeill is outspoken in whatever views he may hold -- is publie spirited, charitable, liberal and kindly disposed but will not suffer his rights trampled upon. At the age of nearly seventy years, does as much work and pushes his business as energetieally as when young.
AVID W. BELL, an active and enterpris- ing business man, is a native of Ver- million County. Indiana, born at Eugene, December 26, 1856, a son of Thomas W.
Bell, of Engene, who was one of the early settlers here. David W. passed his boyhood at Engene, receiving his education in the schools of this place. At the age of fourteen he went on a farm, where he farmed for three years. He went to Terre Haute in the spring of 1876 and was there engaged in the drug business until 1879, when he returned to Eugene where he has since been engaged in the drug and general mereantile business. lIe is associated with William W. IIosford, and both being live business men, have established a good trade which is steadily in- ereasing. Mr. Bell is the present aeeommo- dating postmaster at Eugene, having been appointed to this office in 1885, his commis- sion bearing the date of April 27, 1885, and signed by Grover Cleveland.
B ENJAMIN HARRISON, one of the old and honored pioneers of Vermillion County, dates his birth February 8, 1805, in Rockingham County, Virginia. His parents, William and Molly Harrison, were also natives of Rockingham Connty, his father being one of the prominent men of the county. Ile was also a Captain in the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native county, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he made the principal avoeation of his life. IIis edneation was limited to a few months attendanee at the subseription schools of that early day. In 1825 he accompanied his parents to Ohio, they settling in Gallia County, but the following year he returned to Virginia, and was married in his native county to Miss Jane A. Bright, January 3, 1827. They were reared in the same neigh- borhood, and were playmates in early life. She was born in Roekingham County, the
319
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
date of her birth being January 19, 1806. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. HIarrison, of whom seven are living at the present time-Mrs. Abbie Davidson, born in Virginia; Robert, also a native of Virginia; Milo; Calvin; Charlotte, living with her father; Franklin and Joseph. The remain- ing children died in early childhood, with the exception of Alexander, who died in 1876 at the age of thirty-seven years. Mr. Harrison continued to reside in Rockingham County until October, 1832, when he came with his family to Vermillion County, and made his pioneer home on Bronillet's Creek, where he bought a traet of 320 acres. After clearing some fifteen or twenty acres of this land he sold it, and in 1837 he removed to his pres- ent farm on seetion 19, Clinton Township, where he now owns about 500 aeres of land, 200 acres being bottom land, and unexcelled in the county. April 2, 1887, he was bereaved by the death of his wife, who had shared with him the joys and sorrows of life for over sixty years. Mr. Harrison was reared a Democrat, but at the time of the Rebellion he stood firmly by the administration of President Lineoln, and since then has been one of the active Republicans of Vermillion County. Perhaps no man in Indiana has filled snecessively the office of magistrate as long as the subject of this sketeh-a period of thirty-eight years. In 1842 he was elected justice of the peace, holding that office until 1880, when, on account of his advanced age, he refused a re-election. During his term of office he proved an efficient officer, and his decisions were always wise and just. One faet in his official carcer speaks well for his wise judgment, that not two cases decided by him were appealed to the higher conrts. During his long residence in the county he has gained the confidence and respect of the entire community, and made many warm
friends. Particularly is he loved and honored by his children, who have all settled around the old home.
- ECATUR DOWNING, of Clinton, is one of the representative men of Ver- million County. He was born in Clin- ton, Indiana, January 23, 1836, a son of Jonathan Downing, who was born in the State of Maryland June 12, 1806, and a grandson of William Downing, who settled near Columbus, Ohio, moved to Clinton, Indiana, in 1818, and died here March 7, 1822, aged forty-six years, his widow surviving until March 27, 1842. Jonathan Downing passed his youth principally in Ohio. In 1820, two years before the death of his father, he came to Clinton, Indiana, then strong, ambitious and of good habits, and songht employment among the pioneer farmers, but shortly after reaching manhood he commenced an active business career. In the employment of others as clerk he gained experience, and be- came the business partner of B. R. Whit- eomb, in Sullivan County, and later he established himself in the grocery trade at Clinton. Some years later he was elected magistrate, and served efficiently in that capacity, to the entire satisfaction of his con- stituents. In 1846 he removed to Newport, Vermillion County, where for a short time he kept a hotel, and also bought and shipped produce to New Orleans and other points. In 1848 he returned to Clinton, where he died in 1849. ITis widow, Mrs. Eliza (Iiatt) Downing, still survives, and makes her home with her son Decatur Downing, the subject of this sketch. She was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1815, a daughter of Robert Payton, who with his family moved to Kentucky when Mrs. Downing was quite
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.