USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 2 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
CHARLES AUGUSTUS COMSTOCK.
An industrial man, a first-class mechanic, and good all-around citizen, Charles A. Comstock deserves well of Shelbyville, which he has done much to beautify by his fine decorating and exquisite interior finishing. He is a son of William and Elizabeth ( Dobbins) Comstock, the former born in Clinton county, Kentucky. January 18. 1842. He was well known in Shelbyville for many years as a plasterer and contractor. but is now living in retirement at his home on East Hendricks street. His wife died October 17. 1870. after be- coming the mother of two sons. William. Jr., better known as "Pete." was born June 20. 1868, and has followed the trade of contracting, paper hanging and decorating. He married Lida Ray and has one son, and makes his home at Walkersville, a suburb of the city.
Charles A. Comstock. the elder son, was born at Shelbyville. Indiana. January 1, 1865. His education was obtained in the schools of Shelbyville, and he began work as an apprentice with David Barnhart in the plasterer's trade. `Beginning when fifteen years old, he was drawing journeyman's wages at nineteen, and continued with his old employer until 1890. He then engaged in business on his own account, and for nearly twenty years has been one of the prominent contractors of Shelbyville. Usually employing four men, he is sought after to do the most artistic work such as the interior finishing in St. Joseph's Catholic church, and the decorative work in the residences of Wil- liam S. Major and many other prominent citizens of Shelbyville. Mr. Com- stock stands well in the business world as an efficient workman and conscien-
510
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
tious contractor, who does well whatever he undertakes to do. Affable in dis- position, of even temper and genial address, he easily makes friends of all who have dealings with him. As the result of the general confidence felt in him and the superior quality of his work, he has no difficulty in securing all the business he can attend to. and has achieved a success that is complimentary to his in- dustrious habits, as well as his reliable character.
March 21, 1892. Mr. Comstock married Elvira A .. daughter of James K. . and Matilda C. ( Phares ) Kemper, of Morristown. Mrs. Comstock, who is the eldest of three children, is a woman of much above the average education in the schools of her native place. She soon became active in church work. for which she had an especial fondness, and is an active member of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Christian church, and she did much hard work in raising the money to pay the debt on the new church edifice. She has proven an effi- cient helper and safe adviser of her husband and none stand higher in the circles in which she moves. Mr. Comstock is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. No. 39, and the Modern Woodmen of America, She !- byville Lodge. No. 3372. The family reside on West Hendricks street, and attend the Christian church.
James K. Kemper was a native of Kentucky, and he married Mrs. Ma- tilda Rhodes, nee Phares. She was a native of Missouri, and by his first mar- riage had four children. Two grew up and are living. Thomas A. Rhodes and Jesse C. The latter is a graduate of Hartsville College. Franklin College and Chicago University, and is now pastor of the First Baptist church at Vin- cennes, Indiana.
HARRY S. DOWNEY.
This name strikes pleasantly upon Indiana ears as it recalls the pleasing personality of one of the pioneer judges and ablest. as well as best beloved of the state's many distinguished jurists. The family originated in Scotland. and John Downey, who came over at an early day with his brothers, had the honor of founding this branch of the family. He was a shoemaker, and for some years followed his trade in the East. but eventually drifted with the tide into the boundless wilderness of the West. Locating temporarily in Ohio he finally moved down the river to Rising Sun, and there found an abiding place until his death, which occurred when he was eighty years old. Ife married Susan Selwood, an castern woman, who shared the old Scotchman's joys and sorrows until the final summons reached her at the age of eighty-two. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom have long since departed from earthly scenes. Alexander C. Downey was born in Hamilton county. Ohio. September 10, 1817. and was quite young when brought by his parents to In-
51I
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
diana. His early education was obtained in the log school-house, supplemented later by attendance at the county seminary. After reaching maturity he en- tered the law office of J. T. Brown, at the county seat of Dearborn county, Indiana, and was admitted to the bar in 1841. After practicing in a prelim- inary way for three years he removed in 1844 to Rising Sun, which was des- tined to prove his permanent home and scene of his principal achievements. He rose so rapidly that in 1850 he was appointed by Governor Wright Judge of the Judicial Circuit. embracing the counties of Ohio, Switzerland. Jefferson, Jennings and Bartholomew. After the expiration of his appointment he was elected to succeed himself in work which at that time was surrounded by con- ditions that would appal a modern Judge. He made the extensive tour of his district twice a year, on a salary of eight hundred dollars. After the addition of Ripley and Brown counties this was increased to one thousand dollars. The distance between the extreme points was one hundred and twenty-five miles, the traveling done by stage and horseback, over rough roads and poor accom- modations at the stopping places. Judge Downey resigned in 1838 to resume practice but his constituents were not willing to dispense with his public ser- vice and soon were calling for him in another field. In 1862 he was nominated for the office of State Senator on the Union ticket, and was elected by a com- bination of Democratic and Republican friends. His most important act at the next session of the Legislature was his vote for the amendment to the United States Constitution abolishing slavery. While in the Senate, Judge Downey was a steadfast supporter of the Union canse and upheld Governor Morton in all of his patriotic efforts. Governor Baker appointed him a member of the first Board of Trustees for the House of Refuge at Plainfield, and he lent his aid to sustain other institutions of the state, being always public spirited and pro- gressive. In 1870 he was clected one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Indiana, but declined re-election at the expiration of his term in 1876. Resum- ing his law practice at Rising Sun he was again called to the bench as Judge of the Circuit Court of his county, and discharged its duties with his usual fidelity and ability for the full term of six years. Judge Downey ended his useful and honorable career at his home in Rising Sun, in 1898. sincerely lamented all over the state. In early manhood he married Sophia J., daughter of Daniel and Susan Tapley, who came with her parents to Rising Sun in her girlhood. To Judge and Mrs. Downey eight children were born, of whom only two are living. George E. inherited his father's love for the law and is now serving as judge for part of the old circuit embracing the counties of Dearborn and Ohio.
Harry S. Downey, the other surviving member of the family, was born at Rising Sun, Indiana. August 20. 1853. He was graduated at old Asbury University, now Depauw. in 1875. and began the practice of law at his home city in partnership with his brother Daniel. In 1879 he removed to Shelbyville. which, with occasional professional absences, has since been his home. Having
512
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
received an appointment as general attorney for the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis Railroad Company, Mr. Downey located at Louisville, the general headquarters, and remained there two years, when he was appointed attoreny for the receiver of the road, and acted in this capacity until the sale. His next work was as general claim agent for the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad Company, with headquarters at Galveston, Texas, to which he devoted several years, and then returned to Shelbyville, where he resumed practice of the law with his okl partner, Charles Major. In 1906 Mr. Downey was elected to the Legislature as Representative from Shelby county, and served his term of two years. He is popular in politics as well as law and business, having inherited the suave manners and genial address of his distinguished father.
October 11, 1876, Mr. Downey married Miss Lillie B .. daughter of Doc- tor W. H. and Mary Sullivan, of Rising Sun. She died April 21, 1883, and on February 25. 1897, Mr. Downey married Elizabeth P., daughter of R. D. and Mary Harshman, of Dayton, Ohio. He is a member of the Masonic Order. and holds relations with the various branches of that fraternity at Shelby- ville. He also belongs to the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Depauw University. and is a member of the Shelby County Bar Association. The religion of Mr. and Mrs. Downey is Christian Science, and he is the first and his wife the second reader of that church at Shelbyville.
MOSES MI. LOGAN.
The subject of this sketch has long been recognized as one of Shelby county's foremost agriculturists, holding high rank among the business men of the community in which he lives, and in giving the life record of Mr. Logan the biographer believes that it will be an incentive to the young who may peruse it to lead nobler lives, have higher ambitions and accomplish more for themselves and their fellow men. for his life has always been led along a high plane of endeavor, always consistent with honorable principles. He is the seien of pioneer ancestors of the most sterling qualities who did much in their day for the communities in which they lived, and many of their note- worthy traits of character are exemplified in the life of our subject.
Moses M. Logan is a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Somerville. Butler county, Ohio. December 12. 1845, the son of Paul and Ruth (Smith ) Logan, the former a native of Harper's Ferry, Maryland, from which place he removed to Butler county, Ohio, in an early day, locating in Somerville, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was a carriage- maker by trade, which he followed all his life. He worked the timber from the green state through all the necessary stages into a carriage. He was one
1
M. M. LOGAN.
r
MRS. M. M. LOGAN.
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND. 513
of the best workmen in this line in his country, and the carriages he turned out were eagerly sought. However, he died practically a poor man, when sev- enty-four years old. after rearing a family of nine children.
When a boy Moses M. Logan assisted his father in his wagon shop. painting until he was fifteen years old. Then he worked as a farm hand for one year, and when only sixteen years old he gave way to his patriotic fervor and enlisted in Company B. Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. September 5. 1861, and was in the Army of the Tennessee, under Sherman and Thomas. His first great engagement was that at Stone River ; he also fought at Resaca. Missionary Ridge, took part in the Atlanta campaign, and was at the fall of Atlanta. From there he went through North Carolina to Washington, D. C. He was never wounded, but was shot through the hat, and he was in the hospital for a short time.
After his services in the army. Mr. Logan returned to Butler county, Ohio, where he remained for a short time, then removed to Preble county. that state. After remaining there with his sister for some time he came to Shelby county, Indiana, in 1877, and he has lived here ever since.
Mr. Logan was united in marriage with Amaret Pollitt, February II. 1877. She was born and reared upon the farm where our subject and wife now live. When Mr. Logan landed in Shelby county he had only about fifty-five dollars. The old farm was divided and he began purchasing it. sell- ing a portion from time to time, and thereby soon had a good start. He now owns one hundred and eighty-four acres where he now lives, having made all the improvements on the same until it is well worth the sum of twenty- five thousand dollars and ranks among the best farms in the county. All this he has made by dint of hard toil and good management. He handles stock of various kinds and good grades. He has made much of his competency handling hogs, being an especially good judge of this department of the live stock business. He has a comfortable and substantial dwelling. and every- thing about the place shows prosperity. He has been a hard worker and has succeeded because he has persevered. However, he attributes all his success to his wife, who has faithfully assisted him in all his undertakings.
To Mr. and Mrs. Logan one daughter. Ina, was born in ISSI. and she graduated from the Morristown high school. She is living in Hanover town- ship. the wife of Howard Gordon, whom she married March 15. 1905. and they are the parents of two children. Julia Ann and Henry Logan.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Logan is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Morristown. He is a member of Morristown Lodge, No. 193. Free and Accepted Masons: the Rushville Chapter. No. 21. Royal Arch Masons; the Rushville Council. No. 41. Roval and Select Ma -- ters : also he is a member of the Scottish Rite, at Indianapolis: also the Murat Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of Mystic Shrine, and he is a thirty-
33
514
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
second-degree member. Mr. Logan takes a great deal of interest in Masonry. and one would judge from his daily life that he believes in carrying out the sublime and noble precepts of these worthy orders. In politics he is a Re- publican. but has never held office.
DAVID L. WILSON.
Always level-headed and self-possessed. is the characteristic description of David L. Wilson, who has practiced law at Shelbyville for thirty-five years with steadily increasing success. A wise counsellor, he is often consulted : sane and sound. his advise is valued.
John W. Wilson. to whom we are indebted for our genial subject, was born in Kentucky, January 25. 1824. and came to Indiana with his parents when a very young boy. They settled on a farm in Shelby county near Ray's Crossing. where John grew up and in early manhood was married to Martha A. Mauzy, daughter of a prominent Rush county family, and born in June, 1826. After marriage Mr. Wilson moved to Laurel, then a town of some importance on the Whitewater canal. in Fayette county, where he learned the harness trade and saddlery business with his brother. After a short residence. however, he located in Shelby county, six miles south of Shelbyville, where he continued his harness business and later bought a farm of forty acres. He met with such prosperity in his affairs that in a few years he found himself in pos- session of three hundred and sixty-two acres of good farming land. This he eventually sold, purchased another tract of one hundred and thirteen acres. and devoted his attention to its cultivation until the time of his death. Ilis wife having lost her parents in infancy, was reared by her sister and brother- in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Patterson. John W .. and Mrs. Martha Wilson were the parents of ten children : Joseph A .. David L .. Winchester T .. Silas MI .. Lucinda M., who became Mrs. S. L. Major: Frank M., George H., Otis G., John B. and Charles T .. all of whom are living.
David L. Wilson. second of this family, was born in Shelby county. In- diana. January 24. 1850. and went through the usual educational rule of those days by attending school some three months in winter and putting in the rest of the year in hard work on the farm. This continned until he was twenty years old. when he entered Hartsville College. in Bartholomew county, and devoted two and a half years to mastering the curriculum of that institution. The next step was in the role of a teacher, to which occupation he devoted his attention for five terms and then entered the law office of Hord & Blair, at that time the leading firm in Shelbyville. After studying three years he "hung out his shingle." March 5. 18;6, and began practice of the law on his own ac-
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND. 515
count. He was sober, industrious and studious with the result that usually follows these sterling qualities, and in time we find Mr. Wilson enjoying a good general practice in all the courts. Always an earnest Republican, but a partisan who never gave offense. his party has often honored him and sought frequently to extend other honors, several of which were declined. In the spring of 1885 he was elected Mayor of Shelbyville, but after serving accept- ably for two years declined a re-nomination. He was City Attorney for seven consecutive years at one time and for five years at another. In 1904 he was tendered the nomination as candidate for the high office of Circuit Judge for the judicial district including Rush and Shelby counties, but for business rea- sons he refused to make the race. However, he has frequently acted as special judge in cases being tried in Shelby, Rush and Hancock counties. always pre- siding with dignity and ability, earning the encomiums of both sides for his fairness. For two years Mr. Wilson was president of the Shelby County Joint Stock Agricultural Association, and has been quite prominent in connection with the popular fraternities, having been made a Mason in 1882. being now a member of Shelby Lodge. No. 28. Free and Accepted Masons. Chapter No. 20, Royal Arch Masons. Council No. 3. Royal and Select Masters, and Ball- win Commandery No. 2. Knights Templar. For three years he was master of the lodge, served as secretary for nineteen years, as high priest of the Chap- ter one year. and as eminent commander of the commandery for two years. In 1885 he was made a Knight of Pythias. Chillon Lodge, No. 120. and has filled the chairs of vice-chancellor and chancellor commander.
June 11, 1885. Mr. Wilson married Mary C., daughter of John and Mary Jones, of Jackson county, Indiana, but reared in Decatur county and Indian- apolis, where the marital ceremony was performed. Their only daughter. Irene. died when six and a half years old. Mr. Wilson owns a very comfort- able home at 79 West Broadway, and has an unusually well selected library. consisting largely of classical works.
1588494
HARRY B. GRIFFEY.
All the older citizens of Shelbyville have pleasant recollections of "Pleas" Griffey, who was a familiar figure on the streets and in the business houses for many years. Rotund in face, jovial in feature. he had a smile and a joke for every one. and was a welcome visitor in every assemblage of good fellows. His father was a Scotchman, who came to Indiana early last century and settled in one of the southern counties, where Pleasant W. was born. He came to Shelbyville before the Civil war. started a hardware store and continued it with success until the time of his death. which occurred August 26. 1886. He
.
516
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
married Elizabeth F. Back, who survived him many years, and died in Shelby- ville in July, 1904. They had five children. of whom three are living. John B. Griffey, the eldest. remained with his father during his lifetime, but of late years has been a resident of Indianapolis. Albert G., the second son, lives in Shelbyville.
Harry B. Griffey, third of the boys, was born in Shelbyville October 27. 1867. went through all the routine of the public schools, and was graduated in 1887. He spent his time during vacations in his father's store. later obtained employment with Jacob G. DePrez and remained in his hardware store for fifteen years. It was a good schooling and enabled Mr. Griffey to master all the details of the business. Seven years ago he formed a partnership with Frank Doble, and since then this firm has been competing successfully as hard- ware merchants. They keep a full stock of everything in their line, are in touch with all the improvements and enjoy a fine trade both in city and coun- try. Both partners are progressive, popular and up-to-date in their notions. and as all the elements of success are present there is no reason to doubt the final triumph of Doble & Griffey. Mr. Griffey pays considerable attention to the fraternities as also the industrial progress of the city. He is president of the Shelbyville Commercial Club, a live organization, pledged to push the city's welfare, and consisting of three hundred members. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Modern Woodmen of America. Knights of Maccabees and Sons of Veterans.
Mr. Griffey united in marriage with Desdemona. daughter of George W. and Catherine Swials. They have four children, Earl F .. Zeruey, Harry B., and Catherine.
MILTON B. ROBINS.
Anyone who travels over Shelby county will meet many of the older citi- zens whose initials are "M. R." Inquiry will elicit the fact that they are name.1 after one of the old time physicians who in his day was one of the most widely known practitioners of the county. Doctor Milton B. Robins rode many a mile and answered the calls from thousands of bedsides. He was a kindly man. always responsive to the demands for help that came up in hundreds of ways. lived an upright life and exercised a large influence in the community. Milton B. Robins, his youngest son, was born at Shelbyville. Indiana. March 4. 1846. and received his education in the city public schools, supplemented by a term at the old Asbury University in Greencastle. During the Civil war he en- listed for one hundred-day service in Company E. Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His entrance into business was as a druggist on the public square, but later he became a member of the firm of Robins & Powell, which long conducted a
!
517
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
book, stationery and notion store on the north side, which grew to be one of the city's best known rallying points: also in the book and job publishing busi- ness on Franklin street, and he continued in this line for many years. Ten years previous to his death he disposed of his business and took a position as manager and secretary of the Hodell Furniture Company, and was in this po- sition at the time of death. August 12, 1899.
June 26, 1878. Mr. Robins married Hattie E. Naylor, one of the popular teachers in the city's schools and a lady of many accomplishments. She was born at Montezuma, Parke county. Indiana. December 17. 1856. her parents being John and Mariah (Chew) Naylor. Her father was in Clark county, Indiana, as early as 1829. followed the trade of carpenter, and is still living at Montezuma, Indiana. Besides Mrs. Robins, there were three children, Luella, the eldest. married Dennis Tuttle ( deceased ). resides at Montezuma. has two children. Zula and Frank. Elizabeth E. married Morris Terry, a contractor and resident of Long Beach, California. James A., the only son, married Kate Ford, has six children and is a contractor and miller at Montezuma. MIr. and Mrs. Robins became the parents of four children. George N. married Elsa Amos, and is city treasurer of Shelbyville. Gertrude married Harry E. Kar- mire, who is with his father in the manufacturing business, and chief Elk offi- cer of the city. Harry M. is now at Newark, New Jersey, with the Westing- house Electrical Lamp firm. Frances, the youngest child. is in high school. Mrs. Robins obtained her education in the public schools of Parke county, and was graduated in 1876 at the Indiana State Normal. in Terre Haute. Later she obtained a position as teacher in the Shelbyville public schools and retained it for two years, her marriage interrupting her plans for teaching. Mrs. Rob- ins has a taste for school and club work, and for years has been conspicuous in these lines. The Methodist Episcopal church has no more active worker in the mission department of other branches of religious endeavor. The Wo- man's Club, also the Wihub Circle. for married men and their wives, has also received considerable attention, and she is generally found present at its meet- ings. The Woman's Club, established twenty years ago, has found in Mrs. Robins an active sympathetic supporter. Mrs. Robins is a charter member of the Woman's Club, and Mr. and Mrs. Robins are charter members of the Wihub Circle.
JAMES ALLEN PERRY.
The Shelby county family of this name originated in Kentucky, but they were long domiciled in Southern Indiana. Allen Perry crossed the Ohio river before Indiana became a state in the Union, and as carly as ISIo we find him located on one hundred and sixty acres of land which he bought from the gov-
518
CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
ernment in Clark county. Ile went through the strenuous days of clearing and grubbing, log cabins and other privations of the pioneer period. Ilis son, James, who was born in Kentucky in 1803, was but seven years old when his father became a citizen of Indiana Territory. His whole life was spent in tilling the soil. first as an assistant of his father and later when he was himself the head of a household. He married Elizabeth Eytcheson, by whom he had a large family of children. James Allen Perry, the sixth of these in regular order, was born in Clark county, Indiana, April 2, 1846. As he grew up he obtained a meager education in the inadequate schools of that period, but worked on the farm with his father until he reached his majority. His first venture for himself was as section foreman for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, to which occupation he devoted eight years of his time. He next secured a position as foreman with the Falls City Cement Works and remained with this concern for eight years. In 1882 he came to Shelby county, located at Fairland, and for three years sold granite for Baxter & Son, of Shelbyville. The next five years were put in as assistant to his sister on her farm in Brandy- wine township. In the summer of 1900 Mr. Perry was appointed census enu- merator for Brandywine township, and on the following first of November was appointed postmaster at Fairland. He has since continued in this office, and his long term is evidence that he has given satisfaction to the patrons. From his earliest boyhood Mr. Perry was an enthusiastic Republican and al- ways active in the support of his party's principles. In 1898 he was made a member of Sugar Creek Masonic Lodge, No. 279, at Fairland, and has always been attentive to his fraternal duties. Mr. Perry enjoys popularity as an offi- cial, and general esteem as a citizen. January 2, 1901, he married Anna Coons, a native of Shelbyville. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife affiliates with the Christian church.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.