USA > Indiana > Greene County > Biographical memoirs of Greene County, Ind. : with reminiscences of pioneer days, Volume III > Part 21
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EDWARD BERNS.
Among the well-known business men of Linton is he whose career is here set forth, a gentleman of social standing and sterling worth, whose connection with leading financial institutions of the city indicates ability of a high order and faithfulness in the discharge of im- portant official functions. The Berns family is of German origin, as is also the Linderman's, the subject's antece- dents on the maternal side. Peter Berns, Edward's grandfather, a native of the Rhine, immigrated to this country many years ago, and in due time moved westward to Indiana, locating in Greene county when the country was a wilderness, securing a tract of wild land, which in the course of a few years he improved and converted into a good home. He was a typical pioneer of the early day. strong, daring and of great industry and thrift. He lived long enough to see the wilderness give place to thickly settled and prosperous communities, bore his share in bringing about the latter condition. and after a long and active life on the farm, retired to Linton, where he passed the remainder of his days. William Linderman, who was also a native of the Rhine country in Germany, came
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to Indiana about the time of Mr. Berns's arrival and lo- cated on land adjoining the latter's farm. He, too, be- came a successful tiller of the soil and highly respected citizen, and died after rearing a family and seeing his children well settled in life. Both of these families were more than ordinarily prosperous, Mr. Berns having ac- cumulated a handsome fortune, consisting largely of real estate in various parts of the country, which increased greatly in value with the settlement and development of the county.
John Berns, son of the above mentioned Peter Berns. was born in Stockton township, where he still lives. Like his antecedents for several generations, he, too, has de- voted his time and energies to the ancient and honorable vocation of husbandry, with the result that he is now one of the enterprising farmers and substantial citizens of the township in which he resides. When he grew to manhood he married Catherine Linderman, daughter of his father's old friend and neighbor, and in due time became the head of a family of seven children, five sons and two daugh- ters, namely: Edward, of this review ; Ernest J .. Charles H., Mamie E., John I., Ethel and William, all living ex- cept Ethel, who departed this life when nine years of age; the six surviving children still live in their native town- ship of Stockton and thus far none have taken upon them- selves the duties and responsibilities of the marriage re- lation.
Edward Berns was born October 28, 1880, and spent his childhood and youth on the family homestead, where he early acquired the habits of industry, thrift and fru- gality which make for successful manhood, and developed
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the correct habits and the spirit of self-reliance which proved such potent factors in shaping his future course of life. In the public schools which he attended at in- tervals during his minority he laid a foundation for the more thorough mental discipline which he subsequently received in the Indiana State University, and on leaving that institution he devoted a part of three years to teach- ing, assisting with the work of the farm in the meantime.
In 1902 Mr. Berns accepted a clerical position in the Linton Bank, with which institution he has since been identified, meanwhile, by successive advancements, reach- ing the important and responsible place he now so accepta- bly fills. He enjoys in full the confidence of his superiors. discharges his duties with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned, being familiar with the various details of banking and well informed on financial matters, proving an accomplished accountant and an all- around business man of progressive ideas, whose future prospects are in every respect encouraging.
Mr. Berns is a Democrat in politics, and as such has rendered efficient service to his party. In 1903 he was appointed city treasurer of Linton, to fill a vacancy, and so capably did he discharge the duties of the position that at the expiration of the term he was elected to the office and now holds the same, his present term expiring Janu- ary 1, 1910.
He is influential in secret benevolent work, holding membership with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Knights of Pythias, including the uniform rank of the order, being at this time esteemed leading knight in the former society.
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MRS. CATHERINE BALLARD.
Isaac Stalcup, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in North Carolina, so also was her fa- ther. James Stalcup, the latter being born August 22. 1786. They moved from North Carolina to Tennessee, and from Tennessee to Indiana. Isaac Stalcup moved to the locality now known as Greene county in the year 1817. and located on section 26, township 8 north, range 4 west. This was before Greene county was organized, and the territory now embraced in Greene county was then a part of Daviess county, and a few years before had been a part of Knox county.
James Stalcup was married to Margaret Marlin, a native of Ireland, in 1812, while they resided in Tennes- see. He came to Indiana in 1818 and settled on the hill just east of where Worthington now stands, and estab- lished the first blacksmith shop in that locality. Soon after this a large number of Stalcups came to Greene county, Indiana, and some of them settled in what is now known as Stafford, Washington and Highland townships. No one family in the county could count as many members and none stood higher as good citizens.
James Stalcup had the reputation of making the best axes and plows of any man in the county. He also built the first brick house in the county. His home was noted far and near for its hospitality and for the genial com- panionship of the husband and wife and their children.
It has been said by persons well acquainted with him that George Stalcup, the oldest son of James Stalcup, .if he had been thoroughly educated, would have been the
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peer of George Dunn, who was the most eminent orator and lawyer in western Indiana at that time.
Catharine was the second child and was born of Sun- ner county, Tennessee, January 26, 1816, and moved with her parents to Indiana when she was two years old, and passed through all the vicissitudes and hardships of early pioneer life, thus fitting her for the great battle of life with which she was afterward confronted. Her oppor- tunities for education were very limited, as there were few schools in that locality in her girlhood days, but her strong intellect. her determined courage and force of character made up to a great extent for her lack of high school education.
On the 26th day of March, 1835. she was married to John Jones, who was born in Newberry, South Caro- lina, on May 9, 1810. To this marriage was born two children : Eliza A., the oldest. died in infancy ; the sec- ond child was Margaret J. This daughter was sent to the common school of the neighborhood and the high school at Worthington, and while yet a young girl grad- uated at Worthington College in Ohio in 1858, being the first girl from Greene county who graduated in a college. The next year this daughter was married to C. C. Howe, of Worthnigton, Indiana, a most estimable citizen.
Mr. Jones died December 8. 1838. On the 22d day of December. 1840. Mrs. Jones was married to Benjamin C. Ballard, a son of Colonel James Ballard, of Shelby county, Kentucky. The Ballard family in Kentucky have been very prominent in many departments of life, and a history of that family is to be found in a sketch of John
75
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J. Ballard, published in this history. To this marriage were born two children, John J. Ballard and Ellen Bal- lard. Mr. Ballard died October 4, 1844. and Mrs. Bal- lard never after entered into the marriage relation. True to her great appreciation of education, she caused these two children to receive a good education, and each took first-class positions in life. Ellen was married to D. H. Wylie, of one of the best families in Kentucky.
On becoming a widow the last time she had, in ad- dition to her three children, five step-children, the children of Mr. Ballard by a former marriage, to take care of, support and educate. She discharged her duty in this line as well as in every way in her long and useful life.
In addition to these eight children under her care, she took charge of a large number of orphan children, not related to her, from time to time. At times she would have as many as four orphan children at her home, and seldom without one or more. So many orphan children were taken care of in her family that her home was often called the "Orphans' Home." Many of these orphan children who, now occupy positions of honor and trust in many portions of our country, hold her in loving re- membrance on account of her disinterested and loving care at a time in life when they had no other person to care for them. During all this struggle in life, by strong force of character, indomitable courage and extraordi- nary business capacity, she was enabled to accumulate a large amount of property for the time and country in which she lived. As she approached the sunset of life she had ample income from her valuable lands to fully enjoy that grand hospitality and noble charity which seemed to
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be her delight during all her life. She seemed to fully realize that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."
She was eminently an heroic character, in every way worthy of emulation. Her main desire in life seemed to be to do good to humanity, and especially to life up and better the condition of the unfortunate poor and needy. She did not attach herself to any church early in life, but was an earnest, faithful member of the Christian church for more than twenty years before she passed over to the other shore, which was on December 27, 1896.
Her life was a noble inspiration to good deeds. "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right," she came up to the standard of the Master when He said "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HOWE.
The subject is the son of Amon Price Howe and Caroline ( Thatcher) Howe ; was born on a farm in Nicho- las county, Kentucky, near the town of Carlisle, October 2, 1833. His parents moved to Indiana in 1835 and set- tled on a farm about three miles south of Spencer. In about three years afterward they removed to Spencer. where they lived about twelve years, keeping a hotel.
Here he received such instruction as the town of Spencer afforded at that time, which consisted of a few months' schooling in each year by itinerant schoolmasters, until he was about fifteen years of age. This was all the
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education he received aside from the instruction given him at the fireside at home. Here his father, who was a de- Voted disciple of Lindley Murray, whom he considered the father of English grammar, drilled him carefully in the use of the "mother tongue." and his mother helped him in his geography lessons, so that in these two branches of learning he stood first in his classes at school. He made good use of the opportunities which he had. as was plainly evident in later life.
He early displayed a talent for music, both vocal and instrumental. receiving his instruction in the former by attending the old-fashioned singing schools, and was mainly self-taught in the latter, his favorite instrument being the violin. His first efforts at playing were on a "fiddle" made from a gourd, which he bought for a trifle from the manufacturer, a boy about his own age. His mother, who was brought up in the strict Methodist faith of the olden times, thought it was wicked for any one to play the fiddle, but reconciled herself to the thought that while she could hear her boy in the adjoining room practicing on his instrument, he was not out somewhere in forbidden paths. A guest at one time remarked to his father. "It is a shame for a boy with the talent that he has not to mave a better instrument." The result was that the gourd fiddle was soon laid aside for a cheap violin. Those of his friends who survive him will re- member that his love for music developed into skillful playing and continued with him during his life.
At about the age of fifteen he went to Bloomington to act as salesman in the dry goods store of an uncle. He remained here for several years. He was afterward em-
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ployed in different places, and finally went to Worthing- ton. Here he met Margaret Jones, to whom he was mar- ried September 1, 1859. Mrs. Howe is still living at Worthington in the home where they spent the few years of their married life.
Here he engaged in the sale of drugs and continued in this for a number of years. Failing in health and physical strength, he finally decided to take an outing. and went to southern Kentucky for a visit with Mrs. Howe's sister and her family. Within a few miles of his destination, Princeton, the train was wrecked and he was thrown from the car and so seriously injured as to live only a week afterward, his death occurring October 16, 1872.
All who knew him will remember him as a good business man, a man of integrity, possessing all the quali- ties that go to make up a noble character. He was or- derly and methodical in business and retained these char- acteristics to the very last days of his life. He was at the time he was so suddenly called away the superintend- ent of the Sunday school of the Christian church in Worthington. He felt that he could not leave this life without sending them a message, stating that, as his days of usefulness were ended, he wished to tender his resigna- tion as Sunday school superintendent. "How much like Lum, that was." a friend who loved him said. He was "Lum" to all his most intimate associates.
He was a consecrated Christian, a devoted husband and father, a dutiful and loving son, one of the kindest of brothers, a useful and honored citizen, a good man in every respect.
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CAPTAIN WILLIAM BOUGH.
A veteran of both the Mexican and Civil wars, no man in Greene county was more widely known or more highly esteemed than the one whose biographical mem- oirs we shall here attempt to give, viz., Captain William Bough, who was born on November 14. 1822, in Bath county. Kentucky, the son of Frederick and Rebecca ( Sexton) Bough, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Alabama. When William was four years old his parents came to Indiana and took up land in Greene county. In connection with farming Frederick Bough engaged in hauling freight from Louisville, Ken- tucky, to Bloomfield. Indiana. In so doing he not only made a substantial living, but gained also a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, becoming generally known throughout that section of the state. He was a Whig when that party existed, and later joined the ranks of the Republicans. He and his wife were devoted members of the Baptist church.
They were the parents of eleven children, five of whom still survive. They are William, our subject : Han- nah, wife of William Donaldson, of Shelbyville, Illinois ; Sarah Jane, now living in Kansas : Joseph, now residing in Oklahoma, and Taylor, a farmer in Greene county.
William had but meager educational advantages, but made practical use of what schooling he was enabled to acquire. When still a boy he assisted his father by driv- ing freight teams, continuing in that work until 1846, at which time the Mexican war was precipitated. He en- listed as a private in Company E of the Indiana Mexican
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recruits, and was sent to the front, where he met with many hardships, close contests, and the iminent dangers incident to warfare. He participated in the battles of Monterey. Mexico City, Buena Vista, etc. At the last mentioned conflict he received what was feared would be a mortal wound. A bullet entered his right shoulder and passed entirely through the body. He survived the shock, but was crippled badly from then on. He was dis- charged from the service on February 25, 1847, and for the next three years was almost a total physical wreck. After recovering sufficiently to enable him to do so he began farming, and in conjunction with this worked on flatboats that were plying the rivers in carrying on freight traffic.
One would think that his experiences in the Mexican war would have been sufficient for him, but his patriotism was only kindled into a stronger flame thereby. In July, 1861, he organized Company C of the Twenty-first In- diana Infantry, and became its captain. They were sent to Baltimore, Maryland, and there organized into a bri- gade, after which they were sent to Fortress Monroe. After a short stay at this point they were transferred to New Orleans, and here Captain Bough worked success- fully with General Butler. He was a skillful scout,, and frequently led scouting parties, managing to cause con- siderable embarrassment to the enemy through his skill and alertness. He had his headquarters at New Orleans until the close of the war, and continued with the army department of the Gulf until he received his discharge on January 12, 1866. He had participated in twenty hard- fought conflicts, besides a host of skirmishes. He sus-
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tained many severe wounds, and at one time was almost annihilated by the premature discharge of a cannon.
One of his exploits reflecting credit upon his ability as a leader was the capture of the steamer "Fox." This was done with only twelve men, resulting not only in gaining the vessel, but in taking possession of fifty pris- oners, several guns and a large quantity of ammunition.
Upon returning to Greene county, at the close of the war, he became re-engaged in farming, helping also in railroad construction and other work of a similar char- acter.
Captain Bough was married three times. first to Mary Ann Huffman, next to Susan Ramply, and later to Nancy J. Turley, all of whom were residents of Greene county. Nancy Turley was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hatfield. early emigrants to Indiana. Joseph Hatfield was a famous hunter and trapper, having gained a reputation far and wide for skill in this capacity.
Captain Bough had no children. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Post No. 326, of Bloomfield, and was a liberal supporter of the Christian church, doing in his closing years, all that he could to promote the civil and religious welfare of the community and the many words from friends and neighbors are but tokens of recognition of his worth as a patriot and citizen.
After a successful and useful life Mr. Bough was called from his earthly labors May 29. 1908.
HENRY T. NEAL.
The spirit of a pure, noble and earnest life burned in the mortal tenement of the late Henry T. Neal, than
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whom no citizen of Greene county attained to higher dis- tinction in connection with the material development of this favored section of the state, while none wielded a wider or more beneficent influence in connection with the promotion of important industries and far-reaching pub- lic utilities which tend so greatly to material development and progress. His was indeed a full and complete life. one of vigor and inflexible integrity. During the course of an honored career he accomplished much for the gen- eral good and was not denied a due individual reward in the matter of temporal success and affluence. A man of rugged strength of character, of fine moral fiber, and one who realized a full measure of useful achievement. his name is deeply graven on the pages of Greene county his- tory, particularly applying to the community in which he lived and acted his part, so that such a publication as the one in hand must needs enter a tribute of honor and ap- plication to his memory if any measure of consistency and symmetry is to be claimed for the same. Such a character as his leaves behind a name revered and honored by all who have come in touch with the spirit that was its in- spiration, hence the name of him about whom the biog- rapher essays to write in this connection is one of which all speak with respect and pride.
Henry T. Neal, son of Mahlon and Mary Ann Neal. was born near Jasonville, Indiana, on the fifth day of December. 1844. The father, a native of Ohio and an early pioneer to Greene county, entered the land on which the family home was established, and in due time became one of the enterprising men and representative citizens of the community in which he resided. He achieved
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marked success as a farmer, was engaged for some years in the manufacture of flour, and to him belongs the dis- tinction of founding and conducting, for a considerable period, one of the earliest mercantile establishments in the village of Jasonville.
Mahlon Neal was twice married. and by his first wife, Mary Ann Love, had eleven children, whose names are as follows : Henry T., James, Albert, Mahlon, Caleb. John, Alonzo, Mary Ann, Barbara. Lillie and Ellen. The second wife, whose maiden name was Nancy J. Shephard, bore him three offspring: Florence. Ella and one that died in infancy. This stanch pioneer and successful man of affairs died in 1899, his wife in July of the year 1877.
Henry T. Neal was reared on the family homestead. and by reason of being the oldest son, early became ac- customed to persevering toil and contributed his full share to the cultivation of the farm. In the district schools he enjoyed the best educational advantages the country at that time afforded, and as he grew older assisted his father in reclaiming the wild land which constituted the homestead, and in due time attained to robust manhood. well qualified to perform the various rugged duties that fell to his lot. He remained at home engaged in tilling the soil, harvesting the crops and attending to the mani- fold labors devolving upon him, until the political skies became overcast with the ominous clouds of civil war. when he laid aside the implements of husbandry and re- sponded to the call for volunteers by enlisting in Com- pany K. Eighty-fifth Indiana Infantry, and accompanied1 his command to the front in the early part of 1862. Mr. Neal participated in all the battles in which his regiment
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was engaged, and within a few months after entering the service was promoted to the rank of first sergeant, which position he held until honorably discharged at Washing- ton. D. C., on the 12th day of June, 1865. He shared with his comrades the fortunes and vicissitudes of war on many long marches through arduous campaigns and a number of bloody battles, and with the exception of spend- ing several months in Libby prison, came through the trying ordeal unscathed, earning an honorable reputation as a brave and gallant soldier.
The year following his return from the army Mr. Neal devoted to agricultural pursuits, but during that time he began to develop ideas of life aside from that of mere- ly tilling the soil. Accordingly, at the expiration of the period indicated, he became associated with his father and brother in the mercantile business, the firm thus constituted establishing a general store at Jasonville, which proved successful from the beginning, and which, under the joint management of these partners, soon became one of the leading enterprises of the kind in Greene county. The es- tablishment continued under the original management until 1871, at which time the firm purchased a large mill and engaged quite extensively in the manufacture of flour. this line of business also proving satisfactory and giving the name of the subject publicity throughout the country. His prominence in business circles brought him to the favorable notice of the Republican party in Greene coun- ty as an available candidate for the office of treasurer, and in the fall of 1879 he was elected to that position and held the office to the satisfaction of all concerned, two terms, having been chosen his own successor in the year 1881.
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At the close of his official term Mr. Neal engaged in the mining business at the town of Dugger, and about the same time became a partner in a general store at that place with Francis M. Dugger. A little later he became interested in the coal business at Linton, though still re- taining his connection with the merchandising, his ability to manage successfully several large and important enter- prises at the same time demonstrating sound judgment. wise discretion and business ability of a high order.
In 1867 Mr. Neal entered the marriage relation with Sarah E. Wooley, daughter of Zachariah and Burnetta ( Burnett) Wooley, both parents natives of Kentucky and among the early pioneers of Johnson county, Indiana, with the development of which section of the state both branches of the family were actively identified. Soon after moving to Indiana Mr. Wooley died, leaving a fami- ly of six children with the mother, to care for themselves as best they could. The names of these children were: Mary J., deceased ; Nancy Frances, Sarah Elizabeth, Jolm Henry, Robert Harrison, deceased, and Joseph R .. the survivors growing in due time to honorable manho xl and womanhood, and filling with credit their respective stations in life. Mrs. Wooley subsequently became the wife of James Buckalew, a prominent farmer, of Clay county, who died in the year 1887, leaving her a sec- ond time widowed.
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