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 35
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- LISIIA A. LACEY is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Ver- million County, Indiana. ITis father, James Madison Lacey, came here with his father, James Lacey, who settled with his family in Vermillion County in the year 1837. James Lacey, the paternal grand- father of the subject of this sketch, was of
English aneestry, the eighth son of Richard Lacey, and was born in the State of New Jersey, July 6, 1778. He married Mary Biglow, who was born February 14, 1785, a daugliter of Nicholas Biglow, a soldier in the war of the Revolution. She died in Ver- million County the 29th day of September, 1848, aged sixty-three years. In 1801 Mr. Lacey and his wife emigrated from New Jer- sey to the State of New York, where they resided a number of years, and reared a fam- ily of five children. From New York he moved to Indiana, and settled on a farm in Vermillion County, Highland Township, and about two miles north of Perrysville. This was his home until the time of his death, which occurred while temporarily residing with his daughter in Warren County, this State, on the 8th day of October, 1855. He was a man of intelligence, courageous, and fond of adventure, and the deep forests of central New York, abounding with wild ani- mals, afforded ample opportunity for the young and athletie pioneer to gratify his fondness for the eliase. Some of the tales of his early adventures would adorn a page in a history of pioneer life in the State of New York. Ile and his brother, while prospeet- ing for salt, discovered the mineral springs of Dryden, New York, known as the "Dry- den Springs," that have sinee become quite a place of resort for invalids, a large sanita- rium having been ereeted there. Of his five children who came with him to Indiana, Mar- garet, the oldest, married Syra Aldrich, and died in July, 1855; Esther died in Septem- ber, 1839; Susan married Jacob Dolsen, and died in March, 1876; James Madison, whose history will be briefly given, and Benjamin, the youngest, who studied medicine, became a physician, practicing in Dallas, Edgar County, Illinois, where he died in 1867. James Madison Lacey was born in Tomp-
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kins County, New York, November 28, 1814. In the year 1837 he accompanied his father to Vermillion County, Indiana, and engaged in teaching school, having re-" ceived an academic education at Cazenovia, New York. In 1839 he returned to New York, and was married March 24, 1841, to Anna Maria Albright, who was born in the town of Dryden, New York, February 3, 1821, a daughter of Elisha Albright. Soon after his marriage he returned to Indiana and resumed teaching, being one of the early and successful teachers of the towns of Per- rysville and Engene. After teaching a num- ber of years, he settled on a part of the land purchased by his father, where he lived until his death, which oeeurred March 21, 1864. He was one of the representative citizens of Vermillion County; he was a elose reader and well informed on all of the general topics of the day. He was quiet and unassuming in his manners, was a fine conversationalist and a good speaker, expressing his views easily and clearly, and was a valuable and in- structive associate. In politics he was a Democrat of a pronouneed type, and was an able advocate of the principles of that party. In religious faith he was a Universalist. Ilis only child, Elisha A. Lacey, is the only de- scendant of this pioneer family who bears the name of Lacey in Vermillion County. He was born in Dryden, Tompkins County, New York, February 16, 1842, his parents having returned to their native State for a brief period. In his infancy he was brought to Vermillion County, where he has spent most of his life. In 1857 he was sent back to Dryden, and attended the high school of that place, graduating in 1859. On his return he engaged in teaching for a few years, and sinee then has given his attention to agrieul- ture. He resides two and one-half miles north of Perrysville, on a fine farm of 370
acres. He was married November 2, 1863, to Martha Ellen Wright, who was born Octo- ber 3, 1844, a daughter of Thomas Wright, a pioneer of this county. They have five daugh- ters -- Lizzie, Cora, Minnie, Bertha and Grace. In politics, Mr. Lacey, like his father, is a Democrat, and in 1882 was the candidate of his party for the office of Representative to the State Legislature. IIe is a man of abil- ity and of good address. Ilis history will be finished by the future historian of Vermillion County.
LFRED R. NEWLIN, one of the self- made men of Vermillion County, en- gaged in farming and stock-raising on section 4, Vermillion Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Parke County, March 30, 1832. Ilis parents, Eli and Mary (Edwards) Newlin, were natives of North Carolina, and among the early settlers of Indiana, locating in Parke County in 1828. In 1833 they came with their family to Vermillion County and settled in Vermillion Township, where they passed the remainder of their life. The father became a prominent man in the county, and for two terms held the office of sheriff. He also served as justice of the peace a num- ber of years. IIe started in life poor, but by his persevering energy and industrious hab- its combined with good management he suc- eeeded well in life, and at his death left an estate of 300 aeres. Ile often went security for a friend, and in almost every instance was obliged to pay the amount himself. He was a man of sterling worth, honest and upright in all his dealings, and was universally re- spected. He died in 1872, aged seventy years. Ilis widow survived until 1886, dying at the advanced age of eighty years. They reared two children-V. Irena, who is now
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deceased, and Alfred R., the subject of this sketch. Alfred R. Newlin has always fol- lowed the avocation of a farmer, and from a small beginning he has become one of the prosperous citizens of his township. Ile is now the owner of a fine farm containing 600 acres, his land being well improved and well cultivated. Mr. Newlin was married in Ver- million County in 1852 to Miss Elvira IIud- son, a native of Ohio, born in 1831, and a daughter of David and Margaret IIndson. They have had ten children born to them, of whom eight are yet living-Elvira and Al- mira (twins), the former married to Willis Asbury, and has seven children, and the lat- ter the wife of George Carnack, and has three children; Aehsah, wife of Frank Car- nack; Finetta, wife of William Dehaven; Joseph, Lewis, Robert and Clendore, living at home with their parents. Eli and Mary F. are the names of those deceased. Mr. Newlin is an active and publie-spirited eiti- zen, and in every movement calculated to benefit his township or county he always manifests a deep interest. Quiet, nnassum- ing in his manners, and strictly honorable, he has gained the respect of all who know him.
M ONROE G. HOSFORD, a member of the Eugene Milling Company at Cayuga, is a native of Vermillion County, Indiana, born in Eugene, February 4, 1845, a son of Philo Iosford, of Engene, who was one of the early settlers of the county. The subject of this sketeh was reared and educated in Eugene, and in 1863 he began elerking in a mercantile establislı- ment. In 1877 he engaged in mercantile pursuits on his own account, which he con- tinued until 1882, when he began operating
the old mill at Eugene. In 1884 he, in com- pany with Samuel K. Todd and Eli H. Mc- Daniel, built a large flouring-mill at the present site of Cayuga, where they have es- tablished an extensive business which is steadily inereasing. Mr. Hosford was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Simpson, a daughter of Nicholas Simpson who is now deceased, and they are the parents of three children, named-Charles, Daisy and Lenore. Mr. HIosford is an active and public-spir- ited eitizen, and is always interested in any enterprise which has for its object tlie ad- vaneement of his township or county. IIe has served as township trustee one term, and for several years was notary publie. Mrs. IIosford is a member of the Presbyterian church of Eugene.
OHN GORDON CAMPBELL, a promi- nent citizen of Clinton, with whose in_ terests he has been identified for many years, is a native of Ireland, born near Bel- fast, December 25, 1825, a son of John and Lillie (Gordon) Campbell, both of whom were natives of Scotland and descendants of the old Covenanters. The Gordon's through many generations, were the devoted adherents and followers of the Dukes of Argyle, and of Presbyterian faith. The parents of our sub- jeet had a family of eight children, all of whom are living-John Gordon, the eldest, is the subject of this sketeh; William came to America in 1848, and sinee 1855 has been a resident of Clinton, this county; Andrew lives on the home farm in Ireland, the farm being named Bradkeel; Mrs. Anna MeLaugh- lin and Mrs. Isabella MeMillan live near the old home; James is at the old homestead; Sarah Ann, unmarried, and Mrs. Margaret Baxter. The first death in the family was
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that of the father, which occurred in 1844, at the age of forty-five years. The mother still survives, and is living at the homestead in Ireland at the advanced age of eighty-two. years. John G. Campbell, when twenty-one years of age, came to the United States to visit his uncle John Gordon, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, his nnele having died in 1882, in Champaign County, Ohio. After visiting a few months he thought it was better for him to remain in America. Even the return voyage was enough to deter him, having spent six weeks and five days in the passage over. Going to Philadelphia, where he had relatives, he engaged as clerk, where he re- mained as such for some time. He then went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he was em- ployed in the same capacity. He was mar- ried at Baltimore, Mareh 2, 1852, to Miss Matilda Elison, who was born in the same district in Ireland as her husband, in the year 1827. They have had six children born to them-Isabella, born December 9, 1852, liv- ing at Terre Haute, Indiana; William G., born July 16, 1854, died November 8, 1859; Mrs. Sarah Jane Reynolds, born July 2, 1858; resides at Plainfield, Indiana; Matilda, born November 28, 1860; John G., born May 11, 1862, is proprietor of the Nachusa Hotel at Dixon, Illinois, and Ruth, who died in infan- cy. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell resided in Bal- timore until coming to Clinton in 1855. IIis brother had preceded him here a short time, and opened a drug store, which he entered as a elerk, and finally established himself in the same business, which he continued for a period of twenty years. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of Clinton by President Lincoln, he being the first Republican postmaster in Vermillion County. He was reappointed to the same office in 1865, serving in that ea- paeity eight years. Mr. Campbell has voted the Republican ticket since the days of John 23
C. Fremont. Both he and his wife are con- sistent Presbyterians in their religions belief, adhering to the faith of their ancestors.
OHIN E. BILSLAND, dealer in groceries and provisions, Dana, Indiana, was born in Covington, Indiana, May 27, 1853, a son of John Bilsland, a resident of IIelt Township, who came to Vermillion County in 1856, and settled on the old Daniel Whiza- ker farm. John E. was reared on this farm, remaining with his parents until twenty-two years old. He was given good educational advantages, attending the common schools and Clinton Institute. In 1875 he came to Dana, and in 1876 embarked in business on his own aceonnt. Ile carries a stoek valued at from $1,500 to $2,000, doing an annual business of about $10,000, and controlling the greater part of the trade of the town in his line. Mr. Bilsland was married October 30, 1877, to Alice Stivers. Mr. Bilsland is treasurer of the town of Dana, and is one of its most prominent citizens.
AUGH II. CONLEY, one of the leading members of the bar of Vermillion Coun- ty, and a prominent and influential citizen of Newport, dates his birth in this county, January 14, 1843, being a represent- ative of one of the early families. IIis father, Elijah M. Conley, died when he was an infant. His mother, Naney (Downing) Conley, was born in the State of Delaware, in 1798, being the only daughter of William Downing, one of the old and honored pioneers of Vermillion County. She is still living, being one of the oldest persons in the county. Elijah M. Conley and wife were the parents
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of seven children, of whom one son, Jonathan, died in childhood. Of the six who grew to maturity, five are yet living-Mary, Phoebe, William W., Elijah P. and Hugh [I., all with the exception of Elijah P. who lives in Owen County, being residents of Vermillion Coun- ty. Hugh H. Conley was reared to the vocation of a farmer. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting September 9, 1862, in the Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and during his term of service participated in some of the most important events of the war. He was in the siege of Vicksburg, after which he took part with his regiment in Banks's Texas expedition. He re-enlisted with his regiment, January 1, 1864, at In- dianola, Texas, and came home on a fur- lough. At this time a part of the Nineteenth Corps, to which his regiment belonged, had been transferred to the eastern army, and at the expiration of their furlough the members of the regiment joined General Sheridan, and took part in the famous Shenandoah cam- paign, participating in the battles of Win- chester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, where Sheridan made his famous ride. At the last mentioned battle Mr. Conley received a severe gunshot wound in the left leg which resulted in his being sent to McClellan hospital near Philadelphia, and from there transferred to the hospital at Indianapolis, where, after undergoing a siege of small-pox, together with the sufferings occasioned by his wound, he was discharged May 24, 1865, for disa- bility, after the war had closed, but before the final discharge of his regiment. After the war Mr. Conley attended school for some time, first at Bloomingdale academy, and later at the State Normal at Terre Hante. After leaving school he engaged in teaching, pur- suing at the same time the study of law. He continued to teach school until he engaged in the practice of law in 1877, in which year he
was admitted to the bar at Newport. J. C. Sawyer has been associated with him in the practice of his profession since November, 1886, under the firm name of Conley & Saw- yer, and like his partner Mr. Conley, is a self- made man. Mr. Conley married Miss Mary A. Saunders, a daughter of Doctor Edward and Mary Saunders, both of whom are de- ceased, the latter dying shortly after her daughter's birth, and the former when she was a mere child. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Conley, of whom their eldest, Lulu M., died in infancy. Those liv- ing are-Panl H., Carl HI., William B. and Edith A. In politics Mr. Conley is a Repub- lican. IIe held the office of superintendent of schools of Vermillion County for three years, at the end of which time he resigned that position to take the office of prosecuting attorney, a position he creditably filled for four years. Mr. Conley is a member of the Odd Fellows order, and is a comrade of Shiloh Post, G. A. R., at Newport.
AMES E. KNOWLES, a prominent and enterprising citizen of Clinton, Vermillion County, was born at the family home- stead in Scott Township, Vanderburg County, Indiana, December 28, 1830. His parents, Charles and Mary Ann (Maidlow) Knowles, were natives of England, and when young were brought to America by their respective parents, who settled in Vanderburg County in its pioneer days. The subject was reared to a farm lite, and was early innred to hard work, but the lessons of persevering industry learned in those days, have been of lasting benefit to him. Being of an adventurous spirit, Mr. Knowles, in company with others, chartered a steamer in 1852, and loading the same with ox teams and provisions embarked
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for St. Joseph, Missouri, and from there went overland to California, leaving the Missouri River May 27, and reaching their destination August 25. They immediately engaged in placer mining, which they followed successfully nearly three years. Mr. Knowles returned via the Nicaragua route, reaching home July 3, 1855. In 1856 he in company with his brother, Charles B., and Luke Grant, engaged in the milling and dry goods business in Warrick County, and erected a mill at a cost of $10,000. In the spring of 1859 the mill was destroyed by fire and the company was practically bankrupted. In the fall of 1860 the brothers in company with Arthur McJohnson, raised means from their friends, and built a flat-boat which they loaded with 5,600 bushels of corn, and in February, 1861, started for the Lower Missis- sippi River markets. They reached Memphis the day after the inaugural message of Presi- dent Lincoln was received, and there found the excitement intense. They disposed of their cargo, and received in settlement checks on New Orleans banks. They were so fortunate as to sell all their corn and even the boat, and to get their checks cashed only the day before the banks of New Orleans suspended payment. Mr. Knowles made the return trip to Louisville, Kentucky, on the steamer Autocrat, the last boat passing between those points until the opening of the Mississippi River after the war, permitting it again in the language of President Lincoln to " pass unvexed to the sea." The same season, 1861, Mr. Knowles and his brother established a grocery at Clinton. In 1862 they raised at a great profit twenty acres of tobacco on rented land, and the next year they raised a still larger crop. In the spring of 1864 they bought eighty acres of land at $25 per acre, adjoining the city plat, and by platting an addition, and selling lots they
have realized a large profit. They also bought 174 acres across the Wabash River at $10 per acre, which has proved a profitable investment. The brothers each own a very fine residence, and are near neighbors. Mr. James was first married in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, December 15, 1859, to Miss Pluma Wilcox, of Evansville. She was born near Wellington, Ohio, in 1835, and being left an orphan at an early age, she was reared by Doctor Wilcox, of Evansville. Her only living child, Morton E., was born April 24, 1862. Ile is a graduate of the American Veterinary Institute of New York City, and has now a lucrative and increasing practice at Terre Haute. September 25, 1884, Mr. Knowles married Miss Delia Elliot, a native of Indiana, born in Knox Township, Septem- ber 25, 1848, a daughter of Virgil Ilomer and Caroline (Marks) Elliott. Both of her parents are deceased, her father dying Octo- ber 8, 1880, aged sixty-eight, and her mother October 9, 1885, aged sixty-one years. In politics Mr. Knowles is an Independent, though of Republican antecedents.
ENRY STURN, an active and enterpris- ing agriculturist, engaged in farming on section 26, Ilelt Township, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, the date of his birth being September 4, 1835. He was reared in his native country, and in the spring of 1854 he came to America. Ile first settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he spent two years. He then spent one year in Butler County, Ohio, and in 1857 came to Vermillion County, where he worked as a hired hand for one year. He then rented land and by industry and good management he was successful in his farming pursuits, and by the assistance of his noble and excellent
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helpmeet he has beeome the owner of his present fine farm containing 160 aeres of choice land. Ile was married December 12, 1859, to Miss Margaret W. Parsons, a daugh- ter of William Parsons, who is now deceased, she being a native of Illinois, born in Edgar County, October 20, 1840. They are the parents of eight children-George W., Mary I., John D., Harry C., Hattie R., Edgar W., Frederick and Charles. Mr. Sturn is a member of the Masonic order, in which he takes an active interest. Two of his sons, George and John, are also members of Dana Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which George is Master. The father of our subject, John George Sturn, came to the United States in 1872, and died in Washington Territory in 1877.
ANIEL RUNYON, residing two miles north of Perrysville, is one of the old- est men in Highland Township, and among the most respected eitizens of Ver- million County. He is a native of Kentucky, born in Mason County, July 31, 1802, being reared to manhood in his native county. His father, David L. Runyon, was born in New Jersey, emigrating from that State to Ken- tucky, where he lived until his death. He was the father of five sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and three daughters are living at the present time-Daniel, our sub- jeet; David, who lives in Fleming County, Kentucky, on the old homestead, and the daughters are also residents of Kentneky. Daniel Runyon, whose name heads this sketch, eame to Indiana in 1853, and located at West Lebanon, where he kept a hotel one year. Ile was then engaged in the same business about a year at . Attiea, and from there removed to Williamsport, where he
lived two years. He then came to Vermill- ion County, and kept hotel at Perrysville one year, when he removed to Mound Prairie, Warren County, where he followed agricul- tural pursuits for eight years. In 1865 he returned to Vermillion County, and settled on the place where he has sinee made his home. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Jane Marshall, died March 27, 1876. Of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Run- you only four are living-John, Daniel, James, born August 27, 1844, now living on the old homestead with his father, and Mary, also living at home. Seven children are de- ceased - LeRoy died in his twenty-second year; William died aged about twenty years; Dolly, deceased wife of Francis Florida, and Martha, dceeased wife of Elijah Lowe, and three who died in childhood. Martha, the infant daughter of his daughter Martha, was reared in the home of Mr. Runyon. Mr. Runyon, as was his wife, is a consistent mem- ber of the Baptist church.
ILLIAM NICHOLS, deceased, was born in Vermillion County, Indiana, May 3, 1835, a son of William and Rhoda (Martin) Nichols, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, and early settlers of Vermillion County, where they spent the last years of their lives. They had a family of thirteen children, but four of whom are living. William Nichols was reared a farmer and followed that vocation all his life. Although poor when he started for himself, he was successful and at his death left a good farm of 115 acres. He was mar- ried November 30, 1856, to Jane, daughter of Payton and Anna (Campbell) Merrinnan. To them were born four children-Brenton, Elina, Osear and Edgar. Brenton married
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Laura Zeller, and has two children-Clara A. and Geneva, and Oscar married Amanda Cur- tis. Mr. Nichols died in 1875. . Ile was a member of the United Brethren church, and an honored citizen of the township. His widow resides on the old homestead. She is also a member of the United Brethren church.
ILLIAM L. MOREY, of the " Morey Company," dealers in drugs, grocer- ies and notions, Clinton, Indiana, was born in that city September 20, 1854, a son of Benjamin F. and Sarah (Wishard) Morey. Benjamin F. Morey was one of the prominent and influential citizens of Clinton, where all his manhood life was spent, and who for thirty-four years was identified with its material and social interests. Ile was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1828, and in 1848 located in Clinton, where for about twenty-five years he worked at the black- smith's trade. In 1873 he embarked in the grocery business, building up a large trade. In June, 1876, he sold out his stock of groceries, taking a two months vacation, when, in August, he purchased a drug store, admitting his son William L. as a partner. They added jewelry, books and notions to the drug stock, and in 1884 also added a stock of groceries. He was married in 1852 to Mrs. Sarah I. (Wishard) Bogart, the widow of Ilenry Bogart, who died in 1846, leaving one child, John II., who is now a prominent physician of Clinton. To Mr. and Mrs. Morey were born two children-William L. and Frank, wife of Dr. Charles M. White, of Clinton. B. F. Morey died October 10, 1885, from a stroke of appoplexy. He was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a prominent Mason, a member of Jerusa- lem Lodge, at Clinton and Terre Haute
Chapter, and also of Amant Lodge, I. O. O. F. In politics he was a stauneh supporter of the Republican party. Ile was a public-spirited, upright man and left an honorable name as the inheritance of his children. He was a careful business man and acenmulated a com- fortable property. William L. Morey has spent his life in Clinton, where his primary education was received, but later attended Wabash College, from which he graduated in 1876. Immediately after his leaving school he entered into partnership with his father, the firm name then becoming B. F. Morey & Son, which has been changed since his father's death to The Morey Company. He has a good business, his annual sales amounting to about $20,000, and is numbered among the prosperons young merchants of the county. Hle is one of the prominent Republicans of the younger class, and in the campaign of 1880 was chairman of the Clinton Township Committee. He is serving his second term as mayor of Clinton, as chairman of the Board of Trustees by courtesy is called. IIe was married October 25, 1882, to Miss Clara Swinehart, a native of Terre Haute, Indiana, born September 8, 1860, a daughter of R. II. and Ann (Palmer) Swinehart. They have two children-Lois and Benjamin F.
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