Biographical memoirs of Grant County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography with portraits of many national characters and well-known residents of Grant County, Indiana., Part 28

Author:
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago: Bowen
Number of Pages: 1000

USA > Indiana > Grant County > Biographical memoirs of Grant County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography with portraits of many national characters and well-known residents of Grant County, Indiana. > Part 28

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Mr. Charles has retained about eight acres of his original landed estate, which have been largely platted and extensive-

ly improved, among other buildings being his own residence on north Washington street, and a large elevator used in connec- tion with the business. Besides the above interests he still owns a valuable farm some two miles distant, and in 1888 erected the popular Charles business block in the city, a handsome two-story brick structure contain- ing six commodious and well-lighted store rooms.

Renouncing allegiance to his native land on coming to America, he became thoroughly imbued with the spirit and value of our free institutions and at once took the steps nec- essary to full citizenship. The question of human slavery was then uppermost in men's minds, the leaders in his own land having already taken decided and effective stand to- ward its abolishment in Imperial territory, he naturally became an enthusiast for wider per- sonal liberty, his sympathies going out in unison with the heart throbs of the thou- sands who were trying to escape from bond- age. Many of his own personal friends were men who had played no unimportant part in the organized efforts to assist the escaped bondmen to reach a land where they were free and not in constant fear of capture. He could not withstand the appeals for help, and soon became identified with the party whose basis of existence was the termination of such unholy servitude. At no time in the history of the nation was youth and vigor, coupled with wisdom and conservativeness more needed than during the early cam- paigns of the Republican party; and Mr. Charles threw his weight and energy into the scale with strength inherited from a long line of Anglo-Saxon ancestors. He thus, at a critical juncture, became so interested and influential in the conduct of the party that

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he was thereafter constantly in demand to assume an important place in its councils. No campaign passed without his taking part his influence by word and deed being toward a broader and higher civilization. Though never aspiring to utterance upon the public rostrum, not having had the present advan- tages of a liberal education, his appeals to friends in a social way were rewarded in a strengthening of his party. In 1881, he was chosen one of the county commissioners, his colleagues being Abijah C. Jay and George Needler. This was at a specially critical period of the country's progress and exist- ing conditions demanded men of business capacity and undoubted integrity.

The new court house had been contracted for and the corner stone had ben laid in June of that year, under the ancient and impres- sive rites of the Masonic craft. Provision had not however, been fully made to meet all the expense as it accrued, and at one time a deficit of thirty thousand dollars stared the commissioners in the face. This was se- cured by their pledging the credit of the county, each, however, assuming personal liability for the amount. No extra tax levy was made, but the amount was paid from the regular income, a strict economy being ob- served in all matters, trimming a little here and a little there. No noise was made over this procedure and in fact but few men in the county were made aware of the extremity that was met only by the cool, clear-headed sagacity of the Commissioners. The build- ing was completed within the original con- tract price, a matter of so unusual a nature that it is worthy of special mention. Great effort was exerted to collect several thousand dollars claimed for extra work, suit to re- cover being brought in the United States

court, a decided stand on the part of the Board, however, discouraging further effort in that direction. The building completed, with furnishings, including interest on bonds, has cost about two hundred and twelve thou- sand dollars, and stands a model of neatness and beauty.

The Pike Road system was much ex- tended during this period, their value to every citizen having already been thoroughly proven. An important suit, the issue of which has become precedent, grew out of a loan of forty thousand dollars by the Com- missioners for building such roads. The bondholders, claiming that it was an over- issue of county indebtedness, brought suit in the United States court to restrain the Board from paying it out. It took the stand that it was a special tax for a special purpose, and this contention was sustained by the Supreme Court of the state when it came before it for adjudication. Somewhat as before in order that contracted work might not be delayed, the Commissioners entered into a personal assurance that the bonds would be paid, and the work was completed as contemplated. The services of Mr. Charles proved so satis- factory to his constituents that he was re- elected almost without opposition, his final term expiring in 1887. Subsequently for three years he sat in the City Council, where his well known conservatism answered a commendable purpose as a balance to those who inclined to burden the tax payers with what sometimes seemed unnecessary im- provements. He has constantly stood for the rights of property holders, believing that they should have a prominent voice in making and extending street improvements. His position has been quite fully illustrated by a recent decision in the Federal court in-

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volving extensive improvements comtemplat- ed on North Washington street. Being the largest tax payer effected, he was chosen by the property owners to test the matter in the courts, resulting in a decision that the law is unconstitutional in that it spreads the tax on a basis of frontage rather than upon bene- fits conferred.

In 1898 the Republican party called upon Mr. Charles to serve the district of Grant county as Senator in the general assembly. His well known familiarity of the subject made him the most suitable man for chair- man of the Committee on Roads. He was also named for a place on the Committee on Finance, the one on County and Township Affairs and the Committee on Temperance. He became much interested in the serious question of the pollution of streams, intro- ducing and advocating legislation tending to regulate the matter. His bill passed the Senate without opposition, but was smoth- ered in the committee rooms of the House. Never having made pretension at oratorical effort, his addresses upon the floor of the House were confined to plain argument upon those questions and subjects, with which years of close observation and business re- lation had made him thoroughly familiar.

Realizing that most important legisla- tion is shaped and practically enacted within the precincts of committee rooms, his own efforts there were more conspicuous and ef- fective than in the Senate chamber. Pos- sessing that strong and pleasing personality that makes itself felt in shaping the minds of co-workers, his personal popularity has been universally great; holding as he does most cordial relations with the Governor and other state officials, as well as being held in

greatest esteem by his numerous colleagues, with many of whom specially agreeable and permanent attachments were formed.

While possessing to a high degree those- excellent qualities of head and heart that tend to cement friendship of youth, he has not identified himself with those fraternal so- cieties wherein such attachments become en- phatic, but with a full appreciation of in- dividual worth wherever found, has made for himself, in the exercise of manly traits, an enviable place in the estimation of the friends made during the course of an hon- orable career.

Mrs. Charles, the daughter of his old partner, John Secrist, and whose mother was Miranda Seeley, was born in Logan county, Ohio, and as a mere child was brought to Marion. Since that time her life has been passed on the same site. The Charles family have numbered eleven, of whom five died in early childhood. John E., whose brief life was all passed in close re- lation to the family, being his father's trusted partner from his twenty-first year, died in November, 1887, at the age of twenty-six. The place he so ably filled in the business has since been occupied by his two brothers, Harry S. and Mark E., the former of whom is wedded to Miss Maud Boswell. Lulu Charles has a well earned reputation as an artist, her work as a decorator of china justly placing her in the list of Indi- ana artists, whose merit has been recognized by the ablest critics. James F. Charles, hav- ing graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan, is now engaged in the active practice of his profession at Marion. Bessie, the youngest, resides at home.

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BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.

SAMUEL HULLEY.

Every citizen of Marion is to-day realiz- ing the benefits which came to the city through the far-sighted policy of those able men, who in despite of great opposition, se- cured for the community the system of water works which has proven by more than twenty years of constant use the excellence of the plan adopted in the younger days of the city's existence. The system that was then adopted after a careful and candid study of the physical geography of this section of the state by a few enthusiastic and pains- taking business men, is still in vogue, being extended and increased to meet the needs of a growing city. Every visitor has only praise for the excellence of the water sup- ply. few other cities having it so delicious and pure.

It seems strange to the youth of the year 1901 that it required great diplomocy and agitation to induce the property owners of less than a quarter of a century ago to decide upon the adoption of any system of water supply, but such was the case. When it was finally agreed some provision should be had, the question was as to the plans, many supporting the idea of having fire en- gines to be supplied by various sources : the other side having equally able advocates of having ample supply, not only for fire pro- tection, but also for private consumption. arguing that such a plan would soon be self- supporting and possibly be the source of in- come above the expense of operating. Those who held to the latter proposition finally se- cured the control of the matter. five men being named as the board to put the idea into execution. This board was composed of Colonel .A. Steele. James Sweetser,

Charles Reece, David Laughman and Sam- uel Hulley, the places of the first two being later taken by Byron Jones and Samuel Babb. Samuel Hulley, though a strong Democrat, was elected, in a Republican ward, to the council, on the strength of his being one of the most earnest in the advocacy of the im- provement. and his recognized ability as a practical mechanic made him of incalculable value on the board of constructors. He had given the matter considerable study and was thus convinced that a sufficient supply of the finest water could be secured from the ground, having discovered that a rare qual- ity of water came from the banks of the creek.

The first well was an ordinary one of but twenty-five feet in depth, and to test his theory a two-inch hole was drilled in the bottom of this to the distance of forty-three feet. when water rose to the surface dem- onstrating the truth of his contention. Soon this was enlarged to six inches and a second one of the same dimension was added, mak- ing an unfailing source of the finest beverage known to man.

Much criticism was offered by even many of the town's leading citizens, no move be- ing undertaken that did not bring forth a tirade of abuse and vituperation. Some of the members of the board resigned. the brunt of the work and responsibility falling upon the shouklers of but three, and as Hulley was the recognized superintendent of the construction the keenest shafts were fired directly at him. He had rented his foundry and machine shop. that he might not be hampered in his work, and not work- ing for the emoluments connected with the place, as it paid but twenty-six dollars per year, and being convinced of the accuracy

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of his position and having a will not easily daunted, he pressed on believing the end would justify the means even to ignor- ing the many voluntary advisers. No citi- zen but who will, now that the accuracy of his judgment has been verified by more than twenty years of constant use, accord to him the honor of being the father of the ad- mirable system of water works enjoyed by this progressive Indiana city.

The completion of the work, involving an outlay of thirty-five thousand dollars, was done with the utmost attention to details, so that there was no question as to the thor- oughness and workwanlike result. The keen- ness of the perception that redounded, fin- ally, to the great advancement of the entire community was credited to the proper place, the former criticism and abuse being turned to the highest praise and commenda- tion.

Mr. Hulley has never taken what would be considered an active part in the affairs of the community from the partisan stand- point, though he is a stanch Democrat in his political views. He has, however, been a close student of all economic questions per- taining to the general welfare, arriving, after careful observation and diligent study, to the conclusion that all public utilities, such as water works, gas and electric light plants, telephone systems and even street railways should be owned and operated by the munic- ipalities themselves. He has not, however, allowed himself to be carried to the lengths of the new political party, based upon the ad- vocacy of those principles alone.

Samuel Hulley was born in Lancaster, England, September 2, 1819, being the son of George and Hannah ( Whitehall) Hulley. When but a small boy he was brought by

his parents to America, his three brothers, George, Esquire and Elkanah, having al- ready settled at, or near, Chester, Pennsyl- vania. The father had been a manufacturer of cotton goods, and his sons were operating a woolen mill in Pennsylvania, removing later to Moorefield, Switzerland county, In- diana, where the parents settled on a farm, having in the meantime returned to their native land only to again come to the new world in the year 1833. They both died near Moorfield at quite advanced years, he having passed four-score years and she be- ing eighty-seven.

In 1840 Samuel went to Richmond, In- diana, where he learned the trade of ma- chinist, and after becoming proficient worked for some time at Hagerstown, Wayne county. Remaining there until the excitement incident to the discovery of gold in California so worked upon him that he decided upon taking the trip, he cast his fortunes with the many who were then mak- ing the mines their Mecca. In company with others 'he made the tedious trip across the plains, being from the 3rd of May till the 2nd of September going from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento. Many interest- ing events occurred to relieve the monotony of the great plains, not the least being a cloud-burst, or possibly what more properly may be called cyclone, being encountered at the time of crossing the Platte river, result- ing in a stampede of their horses and the drowning of several of them before order could be restored.

The two years passed in California were full of life and incident which space pre- cludes mention. Many temptations were thrown in the way of the miners, most of whom were, like himself, young men, and

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it required a vast amount of self control not to be dragged into the vortex of dissi- pation which was the ruin of thousands. While not specially fortunate in his min- ing ventures, he by dint of strict economy and saving managed to bring home with him several hundred hard-earned dollars. He, though realizing the many vicissitudes and hardships of such a trip for the young man, also appreciates the many advantages ·in lessons of self-reliance and the broaden- ing that comes to any man in contact with the world, and has ever since been an earnest advocate of the idea of the boys seeing some- thing of the world by actual contact, realiz- ing the benefits to be only thus obtained.

Returning to his old Indiana home by way of the isthmus, his observation of the world and knowledge of humanity was con- siderably extended and he reached home and old friends much better satisfied with him- self and a higher appreciation of those about him. He resumed mechanical work in the railroad sl.ops at Newcastle, remaining there until 1857, when he located at Marion. At no time, during the forty-three years he has resided among the people of Grant county, has he been a cipher in the community. The reputation he has attained is one of which any citizen may well feel proud. He at once became identified with the manu- facturing interests of Marion, by a connec- tion with John Cochrane in the foundry and machine business. He remained in this con- nection, first with Mr. Cochrane and later with Joseph Hulley, till 1876, since which he has had relation with the same establish- ment at various times, retiring finally but about seven years since. In his business re- lations he has prospered, and, having great faith in the future of the city of his adop-

tion, has made extensive investments in the line of real-estate, now owning a handsome frontage on South Adams street, besides much other valuable property. He has ever taken a consistent and advanced position re- garding all public improvements, advocating greater facilities in transportation, better roads, superior school advantages for the youth, and no proposition having for its ob- ject the betterment of the community but has found in him a friend and sympathizer. Pre-eminently a man of the strictest honor and undoubted integrity, he has consistently stood for all that makes better citizenship and advanced civilization.

October 1, 1843. Samuel Hulley married, near Vevay, Indiana, Miss Hannah God- dard, who was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, March 20, 1823, and who accom- panied her parents to Indiana at the age of fourteen. She was the daughter of Ben- jamin and Nancy (Ringo) Goddard, both families being among those who have pro- duced many ilustrious names in the state of her nativity. Nearly fifty-seven years have this worthy couple trod the pathway of life together, their mutual inclinations so blended that each can truly say that to them wedded life has proven a joyous benedic- tion. No children have come to them during these years, yet each: possesses to an eminent degree the qualities that endear them to all with whom they have had contact. Their love for the good in human nature leads them to many acts of charity, of which the public has little knowledge. Baptised into the fold of the established church, in his native land, he has ever been looked upon as being to a certain extent identified with the Episcopal faith, while actually he has not pretended to fellowship. He has ever been in closest

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sympathy with all moral movements, his own example being ever toward a purity of private life that has ever tended to a su- perior citizenship of those who have in any- wise patterned from him.

Believing in the principles emphasized and practiced in the Masonic craft, he be- came identified with the fraternity at Hag- erstown quite early in life, the lodge pre- senting him, in 1849, with a diploma which speaks much for his rectitude of life and faithfulness of character. He is doubtless the oldest Mason now residing in Marion, and has received many testimonials of fra- ternal esteem and regard by the home body, one being a handsome arm-chair, in which the many hours of serious contemplation are now passed.

Space forbids the insertion of many points illustrating the character more fully of this excellent citizen and amiable gentle- man, and those who are numbered among his friends do not need them.

Now, as the century has closed which has done so much for the advancement of the world and in which he was no unim- portant factor, this far-sighted and practical gentleman reviews with admiration the events that occurred about him, receiving no little satisfaction that life was cast at this important period in the world's history and that he was permitted to not only see the progress but to take a hand in the de- velopment. Awaiting the stroke of time that announces the hour of "high twelve" for him, he stands in no fear of the sum- mons, realizing that his use of the emblems have been in accordance with ancient teach- ing and that there is a place reserved for him in "that house not made with hands eternal in the Heavens."

WILLIAM PAULUS.

William Paulus, lawyer at Marion, was born in Preble county, Ohio, July 13, 1833, being the only child of Samuel and Martha (Early) Paulus, natives of Virginia.

The Paulus family is of German ances- try, but was planted in America during col- onial days. Adam Paulus, grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia. He was a farmer, and some years after marriage re- moved his family to Preble county, Ohio, where he was a pioneer settler, and he there passed his remaining years. The father of William Paulus was reared on the farm, acquired such education as the common schools afforded, and for some years taught school during the winter seasons. He mar- ried about the time he attained his majori- ty, but was soon cut down by the scythe of time, leaving a widow and one son.

The widowed mother married a second time, John Deal becoming her husband, and by this union she gave birth to four chil- dren, viz .: Margaret married John Shinn; Mary died unmarried; Sarah married Eli Bowman; and Emiline married William Furner. The living members are residents of Miami county, Indiana.

After the death of John Deal the mother became the wife of Samuel Fiant, and then removed to Indiana, where she lived to an old age. By her marriage with Mr. Fiant five children were born: Paulina, wife of N. R. Bowman, of Kokomo; Saloma, wife of Amos Flora, of Howard county; Lydia twice married, her first husband being a Mr. Cunningham, of Miami county; Lorinda, now Mrs. Aaron Bailey; and Samuel C., a blacksmith. The last two named reside at Webb City, Missouri.

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William Paulus was an infant when his father died. He was reared by his mother and with the family came to Indiana. He attended school, and for eleven years tilled the soil in summer and taught school in win- ter, and then gave his whole attention to agricultural pursuits a few years, after which he engaged in merchandising at Mier, where he was postmaster no less than three terms.

Early in life he was elected township clerk, and, after the government of town- ships was changed he served as trustee and during twenty years of his life held the office of justice of the peace. While serving as justice of the peace he studied law, and in 1887 was admitted to membership in the bar of Grant county.

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In 1888 he removed to Marion, where he now follows his profession. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, and as an Odd Fellow he has been an honored member of the lodge at Converse for more than three decades.

In 1855 Mr. Paulus was united in mar- riage wit .. Miss Ellen Creviston, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Slagle) Crevis- ton, and six children were born to them : Martha J., now Mrs. Perry Zirkle, of Sway- zee; Henry J., judge of the circuit court; Rosetta, at home; William, a resident of Marion; Emma, now Mrs. H. U. Abbott; and Morris C., a farmer in Wabash county. In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Paulus are Universalists.

HON. JOSEPH L. CUSTER.

Hon. Joseph L. Custer, lawyer at Ma- rion, and ex-Judge of the Circuit Court, is a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, born February 11, 1841, being a descendant

of Paul Custer, of Philadelphia, who died November 10. 1783, and whose wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Ball,-she being a sister of Mary Ball, mother of George Washington, the first President of the Uni- ted States. Sarah, wife of Paul Custer, (lied December 10. 1779.

Paul and Sarah (Ball) Custer had five sons, viz. : Paul, George, William, Nicholas and Jonathan, of whom George, who was born December 3. 1744, and died Decem- ber 17, 1829, was twice married. By his first wife, whose maiden name was Susan- nah Long, George Custer became the father of six children. His second wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Letherman. She was born April 7, 1765; married Mr. Custer November 28, 1784, and died Sep- tember 22, 1844. By this marriage nine children were born, viz .: Daniel, born Oc- tober 18, 1785; Susannah, born October 18, 1787: Catherine. June 13. 1790; Magdalene, April 22, 1793; Joseph, September 16, 1797: Jonathan, December 30, 1798; Mary, November 14, 1801; Elizabeth, September 13, 1803; and Lydia, April 24, 1806. Of the above named, Joseph is the grandfather of Hon. Joseph L. George W. Custer, son of Joseph Custer above named, and father of Judge Custer, whose name heads this sketch, was born June 17, 1820; married Hannah Downard .August 12, 1838; and in 1847 removed from Fayette county, Penn- sylvania, to Highland county, Ohio. He was a mechanic, and died on June 8, 1851, at the age of thirty-one years, leaving three children : Andrew V., born May 20, 1839, a retired merchant of Marion; Joseph L., our subject ; and Rachael A., born August 29. 1844, and married Peter Brosier, and now resides in Marion.

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Biographical memoirs of Grant County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography with portraits of many national characters and well-known residents of Grant County, Indiana., Part 28

Author: Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago: Bowen Number of Pages: 1000

Author:
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago: Bowen
Number of Pages: 1000