USA > Indiana > Newton County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 44
USA > Indiana > Benton County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 44
USA > Indiana > Pulaski County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 44
USA > Indiana > Warren County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 44
USA > Indiana > Tippecanoe County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 44
USA > Indiana > Jasper County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 44
USA > Indiana > White County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 44
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out at night, while the rest of the family were sheltered at hospitable houses along the route. They located on a quarter-section of land on Wildcat prairie, the place having been improved by the former owner, and a one- story frame house erected. The numerous plans and improvements which the new owner contemplated were cut short by his untimely death, in August, 1835, when he was but forty years of age. He was a man who was looked up to and highly esteemed by all, and while he lived in Montgomery county he was a justice of the peace, and at one time was a captain of a company of Ohio state militia. His widow, who was a member of the German Baptist church, survived him but five years. Their children were Elizabeth, Richard, John, Joseph, William, Harrison, Jacob W., Catherine and Sarah Jane.
The birth of Richard Gladden occurred February 1, 1818, in Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio. He attended a subscription school for three months at a time for four winters, this comprising his entire educational advantages. Though he was but seventeen years old when his father died, he assumed the management of the homestead, and succeeded quite as well as did many of the older farmers of the neighborhood. He was of inestimable assistance to his mother in the rearing of her large family, and always took the attitude of a father toward his younger brothers and sisters. From choice he has devoted himself to agriculture, and has made a comfortable livelihood by hard, persevering toil, at the same time winning a name for integrity and fairness in all his dealings, much more to be desired than a fortune. Subse- quent to his marriage he bought forty acres of land in Lauramie township, and as he prospered he invested in more land until he now owns two hundred and sixty acres. This he cleared, improving it with substantial buildings, and ultimately making of the place one of the best in the township. In his early manhood he was a member of the Sons of Temperance, and has always favored the temperance cause. Politically, he was an old-line Whig, voting for W. H. Harrison, and later became the stanch Republican that he has been for years. He was trustee of Lauramie township three years, and election inspector several years.
On the 31st of October, 1841, Mr. Gladden married Magdalena, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Stoner) Ellis, pioneers of Montgomery county, Ohio, and of Welch and Dutch descent, respectively. About 1828 Mr. Ellis entered land in Lauramie township, Tippecanoe county, and finally owned some four hundred acres. He was a son of Roland and Frances Ellis, the former of whom went down the Ohio river before Cincinnati was founded, and settled in the southern part of Montgomery county, Ohio. To the mar- riage of our subject and wife four children were born, namely: Markus P., William H., Emma C. and Eliza. Mrs. Gladden, who was a kind, affec-
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tionate wife and mother, loved by all who knew her, was called to the better land October 4, 1877, and is remembered by many of the older residents as a lady of great force of character and sterling virtues.
I. N. MATTHEWS.
The Matthews family, which has long been established in Indiana and Pennsylvania, is of Irish origin. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this notice was Ezekiel Matthews, born in 1788, and a farmer by occupation. About 1825 he located in Clinton county, Indiana, where he entered and improved a farm, and later he came to White county, passing his remaining years here. He had one brother, William, who became a resident of Mont- gomery county, Indiana, removed to Illinois in 1852, and plied his trade of carpenter during his active life. He and his wife died in their western home, leaving descendants. Ezekiel Matthews married Letitia Meredith and both, after many years, died on the same day, August 11, 1853. Their children were: Thomas, John, Mrs. Elizabeth Harrison, Mrs. Eleanor Buntin, Mrs. Sarah Birch and Mrs. Nancy T. McClean.
John Matthews, the father of our subject, was born May 19, 1808, in Pennsylvania. When he had reached man's estate he removed to Ohio, where he married Rhuama Chenowith. In 1834 he came to Indiana and rented land in Clinton county for a year, at the expiration of which time he settled in Tippecanoe county, where he leased farms until 1845. That year witnessed his arrival in White county, where, in 1848, he purchased some property of the government and improved a farm. He died on his home- stead in 1881, when in his seventy-fourth year. The wife and mother departed this life in 1873, an ardent Methodist, as was the father, likewise. Her father, Arthur Chenowith, was one of eight brothers who came to this country from England, he settling in Ohio, and after his marriage there removing to Tippecanoe county, where he reared his children-Rhuama, Dorcas and Nancy. He died June 5, 1859, in White county. To John and Rhuama Matthews the following named children were born: Mrs. Elizabeth Price, Isaac Newton, Ezekiel, Mrs. Nancy E. Taylor and Mrs. Emma R. Taylor.
The birth of I. N. Matthews took place in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, December 26, 1841, and since he was four years of age he has dwelt in White county. Here he obtained a common-school education, and at an early age was thoroughly acquainted with the various departments of agri- culture. Since his marriage in 1864 he has carried on the homestead which he still owns and operates, it being situated in Prairie township.
In 1863 Mr. Matthews enlisted for six months in the One Hundred and
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Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Cumberland, under the command of General Burnside. His regiment was placed on guard duty, chiefly, though it participated in one hard-fought bat- tle, Walker Ford, at Clinch mountain, Tennessee, and numerous skirmishes in Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. In March, 1864, the regiment was mustered out of service at Lafayette, Indiana, each member receiving an honorable discharge. Mr. Matthews did his full duty as a soldier and has always manifested the same patriotism in days of peace as he did in the time of war. Politically, he is of the same faith as was his father, a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of Champion Hill Post, No. 171, Grand Army of the Republic.
In November, 1864, Mr. Matthews married Miss Margaret Lister, who was born in Carroll county, Indiana, in 1844, her parents, James and Rhoda (Mowbray) Lister, being numbered among the prosperous farmers of that locality. Mrs. Matthews has had two brothers and a sister, namely: Will- iam; Wesley, who died in the army, being in same regiment as our subject; and Nancy. To our subject and wife nine children were born: Mrs. Eliza- beth Schooler; John, a farmer; Rhoda, who died when a child; Mrs. Mary Noland; and Ella, Lynn, Schuyler A., Roy and William G., who are at home. The parents are members of the Christian church, and the whole family are highly esteemed in this community.
MRS. ELIZA J. BARR.
One of the brave pioneer women of White county, Mrs. Eliza J. Barr. has been intimately associated with the development of Prairie township, and during the fifty-six years of her residence in this immediate neighbor- hood has been a witness of marvelous changes as little by little the wilder- ness yielded to the utilizing and beautifying influences of man's labors; nor has she been a mere observer, her efforts having materially contributed to the grand result of to-day.
On the paternal side Mrs. Barr is of Scotch descent, her grandparents, John and Margaret (Kelley) Shaw, both being natives of the land of the thistle and heather. Her parents, John and Jane (Cowan) Shaw, were natives of North Carolina and Berkeley county, Virginia, respectively, but their marriage was solemnized in Ohio, whither they had removed. Mr. Shaw cut the timber for the first house erected in Lebanon, Ohio, and in 1810 he came to Indiana, and located in Wayne county. Two years later he was obliged to take his family back to Ohio, on account of a threatened outbreak among the Indians, and though he returned the following year, in 1813, he left his dear ones in safety at the fort. He continued to cultivate
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the farm on which he had first settled until 1829, when he removed to Tip- pecanoe county, Indiana, where he bought a section of land from a half- breed Indian. Upon this property, situated near the town of Battle Ground, he made numerous substantial improvements, and dwelt there until his death in 1848. He possessed the true pioneer spirit, being ready and willing to work hard for a desired result, undaunted by difficulties and hopeful and per- severing at all times. Religiously, he was a Universalist, and politically he was a Whig. Mrs. Shaw survived her husband four years, dying in 1852.
Mrs. Eliza J. Barr, who was born near Richmond, Indiana, October 30, 1821, is the youngest of her parents' children. The others were as follows: John, who died in Wayne county; Elam, who died while young; James; Hiram; Solomon, a farmer; Mrs. Margaret Willits; and Mahala, who died unmarried.
In 1842 the marriage of James Barr and Miss Eliza J. Shaw was sol- emnized, and the same year the young couple settled upon the homestead where Mrs. Barr is still living. James Barr was born in Franklin county, Ohio, January 4, 1813, and from his youth was devoted to agriculture. He removed with his parents, Judge John and Jane (Boggs) Barr, to Pickaway county, Ohio, and in 1831 came with them to Indiana, settling in White county. The Judge, who was a native of Ohio, though his parents were Pennsylvanians, was a prominent citizen of this county, being honored with many responsible positions, such as the judgeship of the county court in Ohio, and representative in the state legislature. A man of excellent judg- ment and foresight, he bought and sold large tracts of land, was more than ordinarily successful in a financial way, and won the high regard of all who had dealings with him. He died at his old homestead in this township, where he had dwelt even prior to the Blackhawk war, when many of the early settlers had gone to him for help and encouragement. He was the father of nine children, namely: Mrs. Lydia Cross; Mrs. Mary Huston; Mrs. Jane Eldridge; Robert and John, who died in this county; James; Alfred and Sheppard, residents of Iowa; and Cyrus, who died in White county. The sons were all affiliated with the Republican party, and were worthy citizens of the several communities in which their lots were cast.
As previously stated, James Barr located in Prairie township in 1842, but at that time the large tract of four hundred and thirteen acres had no improvements upon it save a small cabin. With great zeal and energy the owner set to work and within a few years had brought order out of chaos, had reduced the wild land to a suitable condition for yielding large crops, and had erected substantial farm buildings and instituted various other improvements. In his early manhood he had carried on a general store, but his chief business in life was that of farming and dealing in live stock. He
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bought, raised and fed cattle and hogs, and would drive them to Cleveland and other eastern markets, where he would dispose of them at a good price. He bore the reputation of handling more live stock than any other man in this section of the state; and, certain it is, that he was unusually enterpris- ing and ambitious, rarely meeting with even comparative failure in any of his financial undertakings. Later in life he became interested in the raising of sheep, making a success of this venture, where so many others failed.
Never aspiring to office, Mr. Barr was nevertheless zealous in promoting the welfare of the Republican party, and took just pride in what its princi- ples have accomplished for this country. Broadminded and well informed upon general subjects, he was quite a philosopher in his way, and was opti- mistic in his views, in religion inclining toward the Universalist faith. He died regretted by his many friends, November 10, 1876, when in his sixty- fourth year. Mrs. Barr has continued to reside upon the old homestead where her first happy days of married life were spent, and has conducted the place with marked ability. Since her husband's death she has traveled to some extent, and spent some time in California, the "land of sunshine and flowers." She is a member of the Universalist church, and has endeavored to make every one happy and the better for her life and example. Not blessed with little ones of her own, she has played a mother's part to a number of orphan children, and at one time was providing for and sending to school six boys and girls. Her creed is the noblest of all creeds-the gospel of love and helpfulness; and many a fellow traveler along life's dusty highway has found cause to bless and revere her name.
ALFRED McCOY.
The president of the banking firm of A. McCoy & Company is an old- time resident of Rensselaer, and one of the wealthiest and most popular men in Jasper county. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1831, and seventeen years later we find him established in business for himself. This first business venture was a grocery store opened in Cincinnati, in partner- ship with another young man from New Lisbon, the firm being known as Graham & McCoy. They continued there three years, doing a large whole- sale business. This stock was disposed of in 1852, and Mr. McCoy came to this county, bought a section of land in Hanging Grove township, and took up his headquarters in the then struggling village of Rensselaer. His life since coming here is as an open book to the older residents, and has been filled with deeds of unselfish generosity that will cause his name to remain in the loving remembrance of a host of grateful people long after he who bears it shall have passed away. In thrift and industry he has ever been regarded
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as a model well worthy of emulation, and in his youth was observed to pos- sess a shrewdness of judgment and a knowledge of business which caused his friends to predict for him a brilliant business career. This prediction has been well verified, and to-day he stands at the head of the firm of A. McCoy & Company, one of the county's most substantial and solid business men.
The bank was established in 1856 by the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this biography. Associated with him was his father, Thomas McCoy, and the style of the firm was the same as it is to-day. After a few years Alfred Thompson became the junior member, and the firm was known as A. McCoy & A. Thompson, bankers. Alfred Thompson disposed of his interest in the institution to his brother Thomas, and from that time until 1888 the firm was A. McCoy & T. Thompson. At the latter date the firm was once more changed, Mr. Thompson retiring and Thomas McCoy, the son of our subject, becoming junior partner. They then assumed the old style of A. McCoy & Company, and have since so continued. This institu- tion does a large amount of business and is one of the solid banks of the state.
Since coming to Rensselaer Mr. McCoy has been united in matrimony to Miss Mary Jane Parkison. The fruit of this union has been two children: Thomas J., who is in business with his father and is a general favorite, both in business and social circles; and Mrs. Mattie McRinehart, of Buffalo, New York. Mr. McCoy is an exponent of the Republican faith and has many times assisted that party to victory in Jasper county, unhesitatingly taking the stump in this county to their advancement. He is an interesting and entertaining speaker, using plain, practical arguments that have been most convincing to many of his audience, and even those not in sympathy with his views could not but admit his sound logic. He has devoted both time and money to the development and growth of this municipality, without fear or favor, as at no time would he entertain the thought of accepting any emoluments in the way of office. He has been a benefactor to many, and deserves the high place he occupies in the estimation of the people. In addition to his banking interests he owns about five thousand acres of land in this county, besides considerable city property, noticeable among which is his handsome brick residence on McCoy avenue.
ALBERT B. YOPST.
The efficient and popular county recorder of Tippecanoe county, Albert B. Yopst, was born in Lafayette, Indiana, October 29, 1858, a son of David and Martha A. (Baker) Yopst. He attended the public schools of his home city and was then employed in various offices until eighteen years old, when
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he became a member of the fire department, remaining as such for nine years. He then engaged in the sawmill and lumber-yard business for four years and for the past eight years he has been a member of the Lafayette Lumber Company. In 1894 he was elected to the office of county recorder, a position he has filled with ability and to the entire satisfaction of his con- stituents. He is a Republican in his political views and has strongly sup- ported his party ever since attaining his majority. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and B. P. O. E. Mr. Yopst has a comfortable home at No. 914 North Ninth street, where he has resided for fourteen years, and here he extends his hospitality to a wide circle of friends.
On November 4, 1884, Mr. Yopst was united in marriage to Mrs. Louisa Hubbard, a widow of Oliver Hubbard and a daughter of Hiram Woodward. Of this union one son has been born, named John Hiram.
David Yopst, father of our subject, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 19, 1821, and after attending the public schools he learned the shoemaker's trade, coming to Indiana and locating at Logansport, Cass county, at an early day. In 1847 he enlisted as a soldier from Cass county in the Mexican war, and came to Lafayette in 1849, again embarking in the shoe business and continuing in the same up to 1882, when he retired from active life. He is also a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in the Tenth Indiana Battery, with which he served three years. Mr. Yopst married Miss Martha A. Baker, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, born October 12, 1818, and they have both lived in Lafayette over half a century. In early days Mrs. Yopst conducted a dressmaking establishment where Rugert's bakery now stands. Both Mr. and Mrs. Yopst are devout members of the Baptist church, and in politics he is affiliated with the Republican party. To this couple four chil- dren were born, of whom two are living, John and Albert B.
WILLIAM H. GAY.
William H. Gay, the son of an honored pioneer, and himself a repre- sentative farmer of Prairie township, White county, was born in this county, April 11, 1843, and has always made his home here. In every way he has endeavored to perform his full duty to his family, his neighbors and to the state and country under whose protection it has been his happy lot to dwell, and without exception his acquaintances speak of him in the highest terms.
John Gay, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Eng- land, who came to this country at an early day. His son William, grand- father of our subject, married Mary A. Hays, of Ohio, and their children were James, William, John, Joseph, Mrs. Nancy Page, Mrs. Elizabeth
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Fewell, Mrs. Mary Shigley and Mrs. Isabel Yeager. Elizabeth is the only survivor, and she has now reached her eightieth year. The father entered land and improved a farm, later assisting his sons to make a start in inde- pendent careers.
John, father of William H. Gay, was born in Ohio, and removed to this state with his parents. Upon arriving at man's estate, he entered some government land in this county, and on that property his widow is still making her home. He was a prosperous agriculturist and left a goodly fortune at the time of his death, in May, 1888. In politics he was a Republican, and at one time he served as township trustee. For his wife he chose Elizabeth, daughter of John Beeker, then of Indiana, but formerly of North Carolina. He first lived in Washington county, and later in Tippecanoe county, this state, and was one of the true, sturdy pioneers to whose labors the state is greatly indebted. Politically, he was a Democrat, and religiously, he was connected with the United Brethren church. His children were Daniel, Leonard, Samuel, William, Barbara, Susanna, Eliza- beth, Mary, Anna and Christina. To the union of John and Elizabeth Gay the following named children were born: William H .; Ansolena; Elmina, widow of John A. Hoilman; Alvin, of Porter county; Mrs. Eliza Klepinger; Charles A., Sarah A., Milton, Keziah, and John B., deceased. The eldest daughter and the four younger children are all living at the old homestead with their mother, who is now seventy-six years of age.
William H. Gay received excellent training from his father in agricult- ural work, and left school in order to engage in business with his uncle, Will- iam Beeker, where he stayed for one year, when, in February, 1865, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Indiana Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Joining the regiment at Winchester, Virginia, Mr. Gay was placed on guard duty, and continued to act in that capacity until the close of the war, then not far distant. Having been granted an honorable discharge, he returned home and resumed his accustomed employment. In 1870 he purchased the land which he has since transformed into his present valuable homestead. A small tract only had been cleared, and a log cabin was the chief improvement upon the place at the time it came into his possession; but now a commodious house, good barns and other farm buildings stand on the place, and in every respect it is a model farm. In all his methods Mr. Gay is progressive, wide-awake and in the spirit of the times, and thus he has justly earned the reputation of being one of the foremost farmers of this region.
In 1872 the marriage of Mr. Gay and Miss Permelia C. Cain was solem- nized. Her parents were numbered among the early settlers of White county, their later years being spent in Illinois and Nebraska. The father died in
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the last named state, December 13, 1896, and his widow is still living. Both were consistent members of the Methodist church. Of their four children William H. is a resident of Nebraska, and the two younger daughters are Mrs. Ida M. Marlett and Mrs. Nancy Mahaney. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with five sons, namely: Edward C., born May 29, 1873; Charles E., May 16, 1877; Harry E., June 14, 1880; John I., Janu- ary 5, 1883 (died May 13, 1893); and Roy C., born May 12, 1884. The young men, all bright and promising, are of great assistance in the care of the homestead, and are practical, energetic agriculturists. Mr. and Mrs. Gay are members of the Methodist church, he being one of the trustees. Fraternally, he is a Master Mason. Politically, he is a Republican, and though he has never aspired to public office he makes a point of keeping posted in political affairs, and frequently attends conventions of his party.
MRS. JANE HAWKINS.
This most estimable lady, residing in Earl Park, Indiana, is a worthy representative of one of the honored and highly respected families of Benton county. She is a native of Fountain county, this state, and a daughter of Edward C. and Abigail (Cooper) Sumner. Her father was born in Vermont in 1812, but at an early day came west with his parents to Ohio, where he was reared. When a young man he removed to Fountain county, Indiana, locating near Newtown, where he purchased seven hundred acres of land. He sold this some time later and bought twenty-three thousand acres in Benton county, southwest of Earl Park, the northeast corner of this land being now marked by H. J. Caldwell's elevator. He also had five hundred acres of land at various other points, accumulating this vast acreage by timely purchase. He was an excellent business man of known reliability and sound judgment. His death occurred in 1882, when he was seventy years of age. Mrs. Sumner was born in Virginia, and with an uncle, John Barnes, went to Portsmouth, Ohio, where she was married. She is now living in Chicago, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Mrs. Hawkins is the eldest of her three children, the others being Jesse, a resident of Milford, Illinois, who owns five thousand acres of land near that place, in Iroquois county; and Minerva, who died in 1883, at the age of forty-six years.
Mrs. Hawkins acquired her early education in the common schools near' her childhood home, and for six years was a student at St. Mary's in the Woods, a convent four miles west of Terre Haute. On the 3d of August, 1858, she gave her hand in marriage to James Hawkins, of Lafayette, who was born in Hamilton, Ohio, August 16, 1827, and was brought by his parents to Lafayette when only two years old. They were farming people and bought
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