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 88
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CHARLES F. PARKS.
Charles F. Parks, of Matthews, Indiana, is a scion of one of the oldest and most prominent families in the state, is a pho- tographer of recognized ability and an ag- riculturist who has proven to the world that practical methods mean progressive and successful farming. He was born in Piqua, Miami county, Ohio, November 8, 1852, and is the second of eight children born to William and Margaret J. (French) Parks. Four are yet living, namely : Charles F .; Martha D., wife of William H. H. Reader, an agriculturist of Fairmount town- ship, was educated in the common schools, completed the course at the Marion Nor- mal and engaged in teaching in this coun- ty; Jennie, wife of Halleck Benoy, an ag- riculturist of Jefferson township, was also educated in the common schools; and Ada, who makes her home with her mother and brother Charles. After completing the common schools she entered the high school in Indianapolis and received a good edu- cation.
William Parks was born in Miami county, Ohio, April 29, 1825, and died February 14. 1898. His father, Benjamin Parks, was from near Syracuse, New York. William attended the common schools and then entered a college about eighteen miles from Cincinnati. His mother died when he was thirteen years of age, and three years later he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a carpenter and joiner, his first wages being two and one-half dollars per month. He was industrious and ambitious and earned sufficient money to take him through college. He soon became an adept at cabinet making and at ship building, and
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as a draughtsman and architect had few superiors. When he had a building to de- sign he would turn the thoughts over in his mind to formulate a plan and then would sit down and draft the design for the practical construction of the edifice. He was a finished mathematician, and pos- sessed a decision of character and sound- ness of judgment that gained him the con- fidence of even the most conservative men, He was married May 8, 1850, to Miss Mar- garet J. French, who was born in Miami county December 28, 1830, and is a daugh- ter of Aaron and Susan (Dye) French. She was reared in her native county and attended a school house fifteen by fifteen feet in dimensions, made of logs and clap- board roof, weighted down by poles, and the usual fittings of the early school house. Her father and her husband's father both fought in the war of 1812.
In 1861 Mr. and Mrs. Parks moved to Grant county, Indiana, coming as far as Muncie by railroad and from there on a wagon. They purchased a tract of ground on which was a double log house and set about improving their land, only fifty-five acres of which had been cleared in the least. The forest was cleared off, fences built and ground turned by the plow ready for the sowing of seed, then followed the harvest, and as seasons go and come the place was more and more highly cultivated until to- day it appears almost incredible of belief that this beautiful home where Mrs. Parks resides was formerly covered by a dense growth of brush and timber. Mr. Parks was a Republican in politics and before the organization of that party was a Whig. He was a strong anti-slavery man, a zeal- ous worker for the emancipation of the
slave, and an ardent admirer of Lincoln. He favored the public schools, believed the only true advancement was made by edu- cating the masses and had high ideals to which he wished to elevate the moral and intellectual natures of the community. Ho lived up to this standard as far as it was possible for a man to do, and was kind and benevolent in character. He erected the first church of the Methodist society in 1861, and built the Presbyterian church at Cumberland in 1864. His nobility of char- acter and kindly nature brought him into close relation with his neighbors, who hon- ored and esteemed him. For almost half a century did Mr and Mrs. Parks travel through life together, scattering sunshine on the path of those less fortunate than themselves. On February 14, 1898, he sank to sleep and awakened in the morn- ing of eternal life. His aged widow re- sides on the old homestead with her son Charles and daughter Ada, her benevolent and kindly life reflected in the pleasant countenance.
Charles Parks was reared to manhood on his father's farm and understood every branch of farm work. He received a su- perior education, taking an advanced course at the Normal College at Lebanon, Ohio, under Professor Holbrook, completing his training with a business course and prac- tical surveying. Ten years was devoted to teaching in Delaware county, except two terms spent in Grant. The work of pho- tography having a fascination for him, he determined to master the mysteries of the business, and for that purpose went to Hartford City, Indiana, where he entered the studio in April. So quick was he in picking up the points of the work and so
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adept in execution that on July 4 he had entire charge of the gallery. He then went to Indianapolis and spent six months with Lacy, the well-known photographer of that city, and there perfected himself in devel- oping, retouching and the many little de- tails which go to make a finely executed picture. In the spring of 1888 he accepted a situation with Hunt & Adams, with whom he remained one season, when the ill health of his father caused him to relinquish the job and return home to take charge of the estate. This consists of one hundred and sixty acres of alluvial and clay loam, the most desirable land for agricultural pur- poses. A large poplar tree stood in the or- chard, and it was decided to utilize this tree as lumber with which to build the new home. Accordingly it was cut down, when the butt was found to measure six and one- half feet in diameter. The tree, except some ten feet of the trunk, was taken to the water mill near Cumberland to be cut into lumber, but was never used in the con- struction of the house, as a freshet carried the lumber away. The first bridge which was built across the river between Gran- ville and Marion was placed there by the father of our subject. Mr. Parks is a prac- tical as well as theoretical farmer, and has demonstrated the advisability of applying scientific principles to his work.
Mr. Parks has traveled extensively through the western states, visiting St. Louis, Kansas City and Denver on his way to the Pacific coast. He also stopped at the gold mines at Gold Creek, Nevada, where his brother Eugene died. After taking in the principal points of interest in San Fran- cisco he went to Los Angeles, spending about one month in the southern part of
the state. His return trip was by the South- ern Pacific, which brought him to the basin of the Mojave, some two hundred and sev- enty-six feet below sea level, then across the desert of Arizona to El Paso, Texas, through Fort Worth, Texarkana, Little Rock, St. Louis and home. Being a lover of nature and an admirer of her simpler scenes, the grandeur and sublimity of the views spread out before him during this journey made a lasting impression on his mind and fur- nished him unalloyed pleasure.
Mr. Parks is a strong Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Ruther- ford B. Hayes. He has often been chosen as delegate to county, congressional and senatorial conventions, and has been an efficient official of the central committee for several years. His character for honor and integrity is unquestioned and has gained for him a strong coterie of unswerving friends, while his jovial spirit and tact have made him a favorite in society. He would be glad to see the schools improved by the employment of a better grade of teachers than obtain at present, especially in the rural districts, and, like his father, is active in advancing those enterprises which are cal- culated to advance the best interests of the community.
DANIEL MARINE.
Daniel Marine, ex-soldier of the Civil war an influential and highly esteemed citi- zen of Grant county, Indiana, is a represen- tative farmer of Jefferson township where his residence of a life-time has served to tighten the bonds of friendship and deepen the re- spect with which he has long been favored.
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Born in Wayne county, this state, on March 1, 1841, he was but a babe in arms when his parents took up their home in the township. Eleven children were born to his parents. Asa and Lydia (Huff) Marine, four of whom are living and residents of this town- ship, viz. : Jonathan, a prosperous farmer ; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Wise, elsewhere represented ; Daniel, our subject ; and Sallie who married Mr. Kizer.
Asa Marine was born in North Carolina, on August 3, 1803, and lived to the age of seventy-three years. His parents moved to Wayne county, this state, when Asa was a lad of some nine years, making the trip by wagon and joining the ranks of pioneers whose struggles and privations during those early days paved the way for the progress and prosperity which is everywhere manifest to-day. He was a farmer but turned the large amount of timber with which his land was covered to account by sawing it up and converting it into lumber. Wayne county was his residence for about thirty years. In the meantime he had married and was pros- pering. In 1842 he had saved money and came to Jefferson township where he pur- chiased four hundred and ten acres of timber with little improvements upon it. The log cabin was the first residence of all early set- tlers and it was theirs, many happy hours being spent by its fireside although they were largely dependent on their own resources for amusement and callers were few and far between. A great amount of hard work was executed before the property became home- like and this was cheerfully and uncomplain- ingly accomplished, and the property which Mr. Marine reclaimed from the wilderness is now yielding bounteous harvests. He was a Democrat in politics and both he and his
wife were members of the Friends' church. The mother was also a native of North Car- olina and died at middle age, reaching only fifty years. The father made his home in the latter part of his life with Daniel and there passed to his reward.
Daniel Marine was about one and one- half years of age when he was brought to Grant county and he has grown with the country, participating in its successes and failures. He attended the old log school- house which was maintained principally by subscription and in which the school term was of about twelve weeks' duration. He remained at home until the Civil war broke out when he shouldered his musket and has- tened to the defence of his country. Return. inig home he took up the trade of a miller which he followed for some years and then gave his entire time and attention to farm- ing, an occupation much more congenial to his taste. He was married on December 27, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Wright, a native of Preble county, Ohio. She was born Octo- ber 29, 1846, and is a daughter of Robert and Catherine ( Price) Wright, both natives of the Buckeye state, but residents of In- diana since 1849. Nine children were born to them, three of whom are living, i. e .: Phœbe, wife of Calvin Horner, a resident of Monroe ; Henry J., a resident of Upland ; and Mrs. Marine, who is the eldest of the fam- ily. She grew to girlhood in this county, at- tended the log school-house, became ac- quainted with Mr. Marine and the friendship formed between them soon deepened into an attachment which culminated in their mar- riage. They began their wedded life on the old homestead upon which they still reside, and all the many improvements and artistic touches which has aided in making it the
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beautiful home it is to-day were placed there , and not a day passed that they were not un- by their hands. They have endured many ' der sharp fire from the enemy. In the battle of trials since their long life in this county and are now enjoying a well-deserved respite from hard labor. They are people of culture and refinement and make up the better class of citizens in this grand old county.
Mr. Marine is an ardent Republican and left the ranks to cast his first presidential vote for our martyred president, Abraham Lincoln. He has the courage of his convic- tions and stands firmly by the principles he regards as right. His personality has been such as to dominate to a great extent the community in which he lived, and his in- fluence and support have always been given to advance the public welfare. Appreciating the sterling worth of Mr. Marine his friends elected him to the office of township assess- or, and so well and faithfully did he dis- charge the obligations placed upon him that he has been four times re-elected to the office. serving in all thirteen years. They are mem- bers of the Friends Society at Upland and are honored and esteemed by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who appre- ciate their worth. They are of benevolent dispositions and have contributed to the building fund of three churches.
Chickamauga his regiment was a heavy loser, and it was in this encounter that his bunk- mate, Daniel Shocky, was hit by a minie- ball which entered at the corner of his mouth and came out at the base of the brain. He was present at the battles of Resaca, Georgia, Dalton and Kennesaw, and at the latter battle he saw a rebel soldier and his horse blown to pieces while the saddle was lifted forty feet by the same shell. He was detailed to do picket duty one evening and while pacing his beat he stopped and leaned for a moment against a tree when suddenly a rebel bullet whizzed past his head, cutting the bark from the tree against which he stood. He was relieved at the regular time by another picket who was not so fortunate, as he was killed at his post. Franklin, Tennessee, was the scene of another hard-fought battle, and the last one in which he participated was at Jonesboro. He accompanied General Sher- man on his famous march to the sea and was in Georgia when the joyful news of Lee's surrender was received. This was the cause of universal rejoicing among the soldiers for they were weary and sick for a sight of the loved ones at home: but their gladness was soon changed to sorrow, for following close upon the glad news that the war was over came the sad intelligence that President Lincoln had been assassinated by the hand of a vindictive murderer. Mr. Marine was present at Raleigh, North Carolina, and was with Sherman when General Johnson sur- rendered at Durham Station on April 26, 1865. From there they marched to Wash- ington, D. C., and took part in the Grand Review. Mr. Marine received his honor-
On August 11, 1862, Daniel Marine en- listed in Company I. One Hundred and First Indiana Regiment, at Marion, Indiana, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland under General "Pap" Thomas. This regi- ment was in the thickest of the fray and our subject took part in many of the decisive bat - tles of the Rebellion and experienced many narrow escapes from death. He took part in a scouting expedition at Milton, Tennessee. marched from Murfreesboro to Jonesboro. Georgia, a march that lasted four months. I able discharge at Louisville, Kentucky, on
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June 24, 1865, and returned to take up the duties of a private citizen once more. The hardest marching for the troops was done after the war was ended, as they did not then have the excitement of battle to spur them on. Those were days never to be forgotten, and many exciting events are recalled around the camp fires of the Grand Army Post of which he is an honored member. Mr. Marine | is at present trustee of Jefferson township.
DAVID HORNER.
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David Horner, an influential farmer re- ' kinds were found there; deer, turkey, wild- siding near Upland, Grant county, Indiana, was born in Miami county, Ohio, April 20, 1834, but has been an honored and esteemed . cats and wolves. By strict economy he added to this property until he had ninety acres before his death. In his early days citizen of this state for almost half a cen- ! he was a Whig, but became a Republican tury, and has seen the forest give place to cultivated fields, the log cabin to neat, com- modious frame and brick buildings; ham- and so remained to the end. He was a good citizen and an honorable, upright man ; who was ever ready to assist in any worthy. let and village have sprung up all over the 'cause and considered no effort too great if state like mushrooms in the night, and a net-work of railroads has been thrown on his farm in this township in 1867, was across the country, intersecting each other and reaching every part of the state; and, best of all, he has seen mankind keep pace with all these improvements.
Andrew Horner, father of David, was a native of Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of a miller. He remained in his native state until he was twenty-one years of age, when he located in Virginia, where he met and fell in love with Nancy Walker, a Virginian. Their marriage followed, and in 1823 they located in Miami county, Ohio. They were members of the Presby- terian church and worthy Christian people. Four sons and four daughters were added
to their family, five of whom are living, namely : Joseph, a farmer of this township; David; Calvin, a farmer of Monroe ; Mary; and Jane, the wife of Warren Fergus.
The Horner family removed to Darke county, Ohio, in 1844, where the father en- gaged in husbandry until 1851, when they came to Grant county and located on. forty acres of land which the father had pre- viously purchased. He made the trip on horseback to buy this land, which was in Jefferson township and almost a wilderness. They cut trees to construct the house and built a large fireplace with sticks and mud, the backwall being of dirt. Animals of many
good resulted. His death, which occurred the cause of widespread sorrow. The mo- ther fell asleep in 1894, and was laid beside her husband in the quiet cemetery at Shiloh, their resting-place marked by a tasty mar- ble slab.
David Horner was a youth of eighteen years when his parents came to Grant coun+ ty, Indiana, and the nearest market for their produce was Wabash, Huntington and Lagro, to which it was hauled by team. The farmers carried their grist to the old mill on the Mississinewa river, which was operated by one Connors, and there had it ground into meal or flour. Mr. Horner remained at home until he was twenty-one,
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when he made a visit to Bureau county, Illinois, and was so well pleased with the country that he remained there five years. He was diligent and punctilious in his work and saved his means, so that when he was married a few years later he had partly enough money to purchase forty acres of land, which forms part of their present homestead. Although it was necessary.for them to start in debt the young couple were stout-hearted and bravely surmounted every obstacle that was presented in their road to prosperity, and by frugality and thrift succeeded in paying their indebted- ness. They have prospered wonderfully in their work and have added to the original forty acres until they now have two hun- dred and eighty-six acres, improved with beautiful, convenient residence and other buildings in keeping. His example is well worthy of emulation, as he began with nothing, his capital consisting of his in- domitable will, industry and perseverance, by which he climbed the rugged road which leads to wealth, and to-day he is a well-to- do man who owes no one and whose de- clining sun is sinking toward the western horizon in an ease and comfort which was purchased by an early life of labor and self-denial.
Mr. Horner was married June 6, 1861, to Miss Mary McPherson, by whom he has seven children, two deceased and five living. Of these survivors, Alva L. married Miss Shear and resides with his parents, assist- ing in the management of the estate; Lydia Roberta is the wife of Charles W. Pugh, of this township, and the mother of one child, Mabel ;- Elzora is also a farmer of this township and was educated in Taylor Uni- versity ; Ann Iva is the wife of James A.
Wilson and resides with her parents; Harry Lewis is the youngest and will enter the rank of teachers in this township, having completed a three years' course in Taylor University and is now an attendant of the Teachers' Normal Institute. He is a fine mathematician and carried off the honors at the university. Mr. and Mrs. Horner have given each of their children good common- school educations, which have been of prac- tical value to them in their work-a-day lives and has made them the better citizens.
Mrs. Horner was born and grew up in this county, where she has many friends. She is a woman of excellent traits of char- acter, and has been a faithful wife, who bore her part of the load with an enthusiasm that forbid failure. They are liberal-heart- ed and public spirited and among the most highly respected residents of the county.
GEORGE F. SLATER.
George F. Slater. trustee of Jefferson township. Indiana, is an agriculturist of more than average ability and "snap." He is the youngest of six children born to Will- iam and Mary T. ( Marks) Slater, and was ushered into existence on August 20, 1864. Four of these children are living, namely : Uree A., wife of Thomas F. Scott. a farmer of this township; Amanda, wife of Levi Car- ter, a farmer of Delaware county, this state ; John W., who is engaged in agricultural pursuits near Matthews; and George F.
William Slater, the father, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, September 12, 1826, and there learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, following it until he reached his
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majority, when he turned his attention to agriculture as offering a wider scope for his energies. He was better posted on current events than the average man of his time and had received a common school education. He was of English descent and possessed the sturdy independence of that people, a charac- teristic that gained for our forefathers their national liberty. He was a Republican and a strong abolitionist. His wife was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, born Novem- ber 26, 1824, and moved to Ohio with her parents in an old-fashioned emigrant wagon when she was a child of six years. In that state she met and married her husband, and in 1853, they came overland to Grant coun- ty, Indiana, the greater part of the journey being made by Mrs. Slaters on horseback. They purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and lived in the customary log house many years, developing their land and rear- ing their children to lives of usefulness and honor.
George F. Slater enjoyed greater educa- tional privileges than were accorded most farmer boys, and improved his opportunties to the utmost. Receiving his diploma from the common school with the class of '85, he entered the Central Normal at Danville, In- diana, where he received a certificate after taking the teacher's course. The following two terms he was a pedagogue in his native township and then entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College, at Indianapolis, where he received a thorough commercial training that has been of inestimable value to him in his subsequent career. Having decided to follow the life of an agriculturist he introduced into his work ideas which were practical as well as theoretical and has met with flattering success. His first land
was the original one hundred and sixty acres entered by his father, which he obtained partly by inheritance and partly by purchase, and to which he has since added until he now has two hundred and forty acres in one body in Jefferson township. This is one of the finest properties in the county, lying in the gas belt and in an excellent situation for the purpose for which he has designed it-a stock farm. He keeps only the best grade of stock, his large flock of Shropshire sheep be- ing especially worthy of note. His improve- ments have all been of the best order and cal- culated to enhance the appearance and value of the property.
A short time after reaching his majority he joined his lot with one of Indiana's fair- est daughters, Miss Cora Atkinson, their nuptials being solemnized March 24, 1887. She was born in Blackford county, October 25, 1865, and is a daughter of Addison and Harriet (McVicker) Atkinson, being one-of seven children, all of whom are living, name- ly : Grant, a machinist of St. Louis; Cora; George, a resident of Colorado; Alonzo, who resides on the Atkinson homestead in Black- ford county ; Joseph, formerly a teacher re- sides in the same county ; Harvey, a farmer of Blackford county and Keturah, who lives with her parents. Mrs. Slater was educated in her native county where she remained un- til young womanhood when she was united in marriage to our subject. Three children blessed this union, William A., Frank L. and Eva May. The eldest son is a student in the fifth grade at school and shows unusual ability in historical and geographical studies. Mr. and Mrs. Slater believe the school to be the bulwark of the nation and that none but the very best instructors should be employed to train the youth of the land.
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