USA > Indiana > Cass County > Combination atlas map of Cass County, Indiana > Part 15
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From his readiness iu acquiring a knowledge of the language of this tribe, he was named by them, "She-wali-no" (speaking Sbawnee and Miami). To Wm. G. Ewing, also, they gave the name of "She- wah-no-za" (Shewalino's brother).
In 1827, the firm of W. G. & G. W. Ewing commenced business in Fort Wayne, gradually extending it South and West, until it assumed the most gigantie proportions. The branch established at Logansport commeneed in 1828, and continued uutil 1839, their headquarters being at the northeast corner of Market and Bridge streets.
Mr. Ewing was married on the 10th day of December, 1828, to Miss Harriet Bourie. In 1830, he moved with his family, to Logans- port, remaining thero until 1839, when he settled in Peru, Miami County, Indiana.
After a residence of seven years in that place, lie again moved, this time settling in the City of St. Louis, Mo .- his general business headquarters. Here, in January following, Mrs. Ewing died. He, however, remained there until the death of his brother, William G., on the 11th of July, 1854, when, his business interest requiring his presence at Fort Wayne, he made the latter place his bomc.
During his residence in Cass County, he was elected to represent this district in the State Senate, serving in that position, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, from 1836 to 1839, wben be removed, as previously stated, to Miami County.
Mr. Ewing was a fine business man, having, by his skillful man- agement, accumulated un immense fortune, estimated, in round num- bers, at $1,225,000.
Upon his return to Fort Wayne, liis multifarious business cares wore heavily upon his nervous system, which eventually gave way, and he died of bilious pneumonia, on the 29th of May, 1866.
WILLIAM G. EWING. BY T. B. HELM.
Willinu G. Ewing, also a son of Alexander and Charlotte (Griffith) Ewing; the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York.
William G. was born in Monroe, (then) Michigan Territory, about the year 1805. In 1807, the family moved to Piqua, then known as Washington, a frontier town in Western Obio. At this place, and at 'Troy-a small village ncor hy-the family remained until the year 1822, and then moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana-the old Miami town of' Ke-ki-onga-on the borders of the unpurchased territory south aud west. At Fort Wayne, in the course of time, he was gradually indueted into the Indian trade, that point being then the seat of the Indian Agency. It was not, however, until the year 1827, that he and his brother, George W., commenced an independent business on their own account.
In this trade, they accumulated large profits, and eventually established hranel houses at Logansport, La Gro and other places in Indiana.
When the Indians had been moved Westward, trading houses were established by this enterprising hrm in Iowa, Missouri, Wis- consin and other Western States and Territories, thus realizing an immense fortune. It is said their business extended from Europe tu the Rocky Mountains.
Mr. Ewing died on the 11th day of October, 1854; his estate being valued at $750,000, of which his widow received $200,000.
GEORGE B. WALKER. BY T. B. HELM.
George B. Walker was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, about one and one-half miles north of the city, on the Ist day of May, 1803. He was the son of Christopher and Patience (Foster) Wal- ker. With his parents, he emigrated to and settled in Ohio, landing at Cincinnati in October, 1809.
George B., after residing in Cineinnati until the year 1818 or '19, left there and went to Piqua, thence to Troy, Ohio, where, with Mr. John McCorkle (brother of the late Mary Hars), lic commenced mercantile life. With Mr. McCorkle, he continued in business at that point until 1824, when they transferred their stock in trade to Fort Wayue, moving thither, made that place their home. Subse- quently, he aud Anthony L. Davis, purchased the entire interest of Mr. MeCorkle in the store, and cominenced business under the firm name of Walker & Davis. At a still later period, a brauch store was sent to Attica, Indiana, and another to Logansport, the firm taking the name of Walker, Carter & Co .- Davis at Fort Wayne, Walker at Attica and Chauncey Carter at Logrusport. This firm suspended business in 1832, when Mr. Walker because a member of the firm of Ewing, Walker & Co. Mr. Walker was first married to Miss Lavina Ewing, daughter of Alexander Ewing, of Fort Wayne, and sister of W. G. and G. W. Ewing, on the 14th of December, 1826, and they commenced keeping house, January I, 1827. By this lady he liad one child-Charlotte, tbe wife of Stephen C. Taher, Esq. Mrs. Wal- ker died in 1835.
Mr. Walker was again married on the 25th of October, 1837, to Miss Rachel Clymer, daughter of JosephijClymer, Sr., of this county. This lady died, also, in the Fall of 1876, leaving Mr. Walker aguin a widower. During his residence in this county, Mr. Walker has beeu one of our most active business men, and has filled many positions within the gift of the people ; always distinguishing himsell for un. blemished integrity and faithfulness.
He was a member of the Board of Commissioners of the county in 1846-7-8, and served one term as member of the State Senate, in the years 1849, '50 and 1851.
He still resides in the city of Logansport, honored and esteemed by all.
ALLEN HAMILTON. BY T. B. HELM.
Allen Hamilton was a native of Ireland, born in the county of Tyrone in the year 1798. When about 18 years of age, he was induced, by the glowing description of this country and its insti- tutions, to make it his future home. Accordingly, in July, 1817, having acquired, through bis own exertions and the aid nf his friends, sufficient means to bring him across the deep, and with a small sum also to maintain him for a short time after his arrival, he set sail for Quebec, whither he arrived in due course of time. His first adversity was the ship fever, which confined him for six weeks. From Quebec he went to Philadelphia, where he obtained a situation as clerk in an iron store, with a salary of $100 a year and board. With an increase of salary be remained in the same situation until 1820, when he came to Lawrenceburg, Ind., and found a good situa- tion in the Clerk's office of that place, where, also, lie began the study of law.
In 1823, he was induced by Capt. Samuel C. Vance to make Fort Wayne his future bome. Here he obtained a situation in the Land Office, and pursued at the same timo liis legal studies. Before prose- cuting these studies very far, he abandoned the project and com. menced mercantile life, in which he succeeded beyond his expectations.
Subsequently, Mr. Cyrus Taber took an intereat in bis business, the firm taking the name of Hamilton & Taber.
In the meantime Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Miss Emerinc J. Holman, daughter of Hon. Jesse L. Holman, one of his early friends.
In 1824, he was appointed Sberiff for the purpose of organizing Allen County, and was re-elected for a full term. In 1830, he was elceted Clerk of Allen County, and held the position seven years.
In 1850, he was a member of the convention which formed our present constitution. In 1857, be visited Europe. Upon his return, he was elected a member ol' the State Legislature, and exerted a good influence in that body.
For some years, also, he was President of the Branch Bank of Indiana, situated at Fort Wayne, and afterward established the well-known banking house of Allen Hamilton & Co.
Mr. Hamilton was one of those noble characters wbose very presenee exerts a genial influence throughout & community wherever he resided-one of Nature's noblemen, whose honest impulses wero manifested in every act of his life. He was a friend to the poor, and kindly disposed to all.
He died as he had lived, possessing the profound respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. He departed this life in August, 1864.
DR. GRAHAM N. FITCH. BY T. B. HELM.
The subject of this sketeh was born in LeRoy, Genesee County, New York, on the 5th day of December, 1810, and is said to have been the first white cbild horn in that village. His father's name was Frederick, that of his mother, Mary (Capen) Fitch. Inheriting from his ancestors a well developed physical system, and a vignrous intellect, he was allowed all the educational privileges the locality and vicinity afforded, which, while they were not of the highest order, nevertheless were sufficient to lay the foundation of a career of usefulness.
At an early date, having cbosen the medical profession as the channel in wbich his life voyage was to be made, he commenced study with bis father and Dr. Asa Freeman ; subsequently complet-
ing his course with Dr. Townsend, of Geneva, New York. Soon after his entrance upon the practice of bis professiou, he came west- ward and selected Logansport as bis future home. With such intention, he settled hero on the 4th day of July, 1834, and has been a constant resident ever since.
His professional career has been signally successful ; tbe reputa- tion being awarded him as one of the most skillful surgeons and thorough practitioners in the West. That he was entitled to sucb credit, no one has attempted to controvert. Throngbout the Upper Wabash Valley, his name and fame are household words.
In 1844, be accepted a Professorship in Rush Medical College, at Chicago, Ill., occupying the chair of " Theory and Practice," during the years 1844, '45, '46 and '47. At the end of the session in this year, he resigned his position. While thus engaged, he maintained his popularity, and enlarged his sphere of usefuluess.
Though not naturally a politician, Dr. Fiteb, from force of · eir- cumstances, was drawn, perhaps uot uuwillingly, into the arena of politics, where his commauding talent and energy marked bim as the people's choice. In 1836, and again in 1839, be was chosen to repre- sent Cass County in the State Legislature.
As a legislator in the State councils, be proved himself equal to the responsibility entrusted to him. Subsequently, at the election in August, 1847, he was chosen to represent this district in the Lower House of Congress, holding that position until 1852. During his membersbip there, he was active and efficient in the discharge of' his duties, earning the reputation of a discreet legislator. His legislative capacity was further tested by an experience in the Senate of the United States, commencing in 1858, and ending with the session of 1860-61.
The honorable distinction nequirell in subordinate legislative posi- tions was not dimined by his senatorial experience. This ended his active political life, but he leaves a record of which posterity need uot. be ashamed. Although a Democrat in his political affiliatiou, he esteemed principles ahove mere partizanship, and was not slow to manifest disapprobation when his party seemed disposed to pursue a course of policy in antagonism with his better judgment. In the triangular contest for the Presidency between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas and Mr. Breckenridge, he gave his undivided support to the last named gentleman, influenced thereto by a belief that his election would prevent the threatened civil wur. Again, when bis party ral- lied to the support of Mr. Greeley, he manifested his dissent hy supporting Mr. O'Connor for the Presiileney. He opposed, ulike, the ultra anti-slavery wen of the North and the pro-slavery men of the South ; averring that the former gave the pretext for dissatisfaction in the South, while the latter exaggerated the pretext to unreasonably increase the dissatisfaction. He thought both, though antipodes in profession, were seeking the same end-civil war and dissolution of the Union. He appears to have foreseen the war several years before its occurrence, and warned the Southern members of Congress of its consequences to their scetion, portroying those consequences in one of his speeches in Congress, much as they subsequently occurred.
When the war came, he raised & regiment (tho Forty-sixth In- diana Volunteers) and at their head entered the Federal service. He was soon placed in command uf a brigade, with which he participated in the siege and capture of Fort Thompson, at New Madrid. His com- mand likewise composed part of General Palmer's division, which, subsequent to the capture of Fort Thompson, blockaded the Missis- sippi River, at Ruddle's Point, to prevent re-enforcements and sup- plies reacbing " Island No. 10" from below. Afterward, he was detached with his brigade from General Pope's command to co. operste with Commodores Foote and Davis in the siege of Fort Pillow, and conducted the siege so vigorously as to materially aid in tbe forced ahandonment of the fort by the Confederate troops. The next day after its capture, lie descended the river and captured Mem- phis, holding it some days until the arrival of General Slack of the Forty-seventh Indiana. He then, with his own regiment, embarked for the White River, Ark., where he captured St. Charles and ren- dered other valuable service. Upon the completion of the campaign, he returned bone to enjoy the remainder of his days in peace.
Since the close of the war he has continued to practice bis pro- fession, not interfering in political affairs, except to preserve tbe integrity of his inberent ideas of right, by opposing, with the vigor of his palmier days, whatever he eoneeives to be wrong, in civil and political affairs alike.
JOSEPH BARRON.
BY T. B. HELM.
Joseph Barron was of French extraction, his ancestors, some two centuries ago, having come over from France and settled near Queheo, Canada, whither the tide of emigration from that quarter was then drifting. About the year 1749, the family moved westward and set- tled at Malden, in the vicinity of Detroit- the center of an extensive Indian trade, carried on by the Freneli population. Here, in the month of January, 1773, the subject of this sketch was born. From his surroundings in early life, and his natural aptness in the comprebension of language, in addition to a most reteutive memory, it is not remarkable that he early became proficient in his kuowledge of the dialect peculiar to the numerous Indian tribes of the locality.
Trading along tho route from Detroit to " Old Post Vincennes," he gradually became familiar with the language of the Wabash Indians. Finally, he settled at Vincennes, about the year 1790. Early attracting the attention of the civil and military authorities at the " Post," his services as an interpreter were in frequent demaud.
In the year 1798, he was married to Mrs. Barbara Jerceaux, sister of the elder Michael Brouillette, by whom he had one child. Mrs. Barron lived but little more than a year alter her marriage, her child dying soon after.
He remained a widower about one year anıl a half, and was then married to Miss Josephine Gamelin, daughter ol' Pierre Gamelin, Sr., one of the most prominent citizens of Vincennes. By this marriage he was the father of seven children; five sons and two daughters. Of these, only the two youngest survive-Mary Ann, wife of the late Harvey Heth, an old citizen of this county, now the wife of Anthony F. Smith, Esq., formerly Judge of the City Court of Lo- gansport, and Napolcon B., formerly one of the leading magistrates of this county, and now President nf the "Old Settlers' Society," of this county.
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Upon the division of the territory northwest of the Ohio, includ- ing the Stato of Indiana, and the appointment of General Harrison as Territorial Governor, Mr. Barron was chosen one of the Governor's official interpreters. As an evidence ol' the estimation in which he was held by the government authorities, we find his name connected with nearly every important treaty and council with the Indians in the Northwest, from 1803, until 1843, as special interpreter. General Harrison, General Hopkins and other officers, in their reports to the Department at Washington, speak of his qualities as an interpreter, and of the efficient services rendered by him, as une- qualed in the accuracy of his knowledge of the language and charac- teristics of every Indian tribe on the Wabash.
In the month of May, 1810, he was entrusted by Gen. Harrison with the execution of a most hazardous enterprise, that of conveying to the hostile Indians, assembled at the Prophet's Town, on the Upper Wabash, a talk, concerning the policy pursued by thew. Having delivered his message, he was brought before the Prophet, who taunted him with being his prisoner, and that he should be ine- diately put to death, at the same time pointing to an open grave, newly made, saying " there is your grave."
This threat would, no doubt, have been exceuted, but for the interposition of Teeumsch, who demanded his release, saying: " the flag of truce, borne by him, has always been respected, and shall be now !"
Again, on the 13th of August, of the same year, he officiated as interpreter, at the celebrated council at Vincennes, between General Harrison and Tecumsch, when the latter contradicted the Governor's statements, aud, with his warriors present, in violation of the terms of the conference, sprang up, with tomahawks raised, meditating an attack. Tho cool promptness of the Governor and his guards, how- ever, soon put an end to the movements of the savages.
On a subsequent occasion, when acting under the Governor's in- structions, in company with General Walter Wilson, through the trenchery of Tecumseh's brother, the Prophet, he and his companion were condemned to die, but were relieved from their perilous situation, by the timely interposition of Tecumseh himself, hy whom, also, they were guided out of danger.
In the battle of Tippecanoe, which occurred on the 7th day of November, 1811, he bore a conspicuous part, from the intimate knowledge of the character and movements of the suvages. Many other striking incidents of his career might be related, but space will not now permit.
Mr. Barron was above the medium height, of affable manners, and easy address, honored and respected by all, for the strict integrity of his life, and his conduct of public affairs. Although surrounded by numerous opportunities for pecuniary gain, he yielded not to tempta- tion, preferring to eat the bread of his honest toil.
He died on the 12th day of December, 1843, at peace with all the world, having finished the work given him to do. He was buried with military honors.
JOSEPH G. BARRON, CITY CLERK.
BY T. B. HELM.
The subject of this sketch is the son of Napoleon B. Barron, one of the pioneers of Cass County, and, at present, President of "the Old Settlers' Society " of this county ; is also grandson of Joseph Barron, who was one of the official interpreters, under appointment of Gen. Harrison, during his early administration of affairs in Indiana Territory. Mr. Barron was born in the ancient city of Vincennes; Knox County, Ind., on the 25th day of March, 1844. In that eity he spent the greater portion of his early life, receiving in the common schools an education which, although not of the high scholastic order, was of a character that has since enabled him to participate successfully in the detoils of an active husiness life.
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Upou the breaking out of the rebellion, when but little more than 17 years of age, with the spirit that actuated tho movements of young men and old throughout the entire North, he volunteered in the service of his country to do battle for the maintenance of her rights. On the 19th of April, 1861, less than four days after the issue of President Lincoln's proclamation, he enlisted in Company B, Four- teentb Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and continued in service with the regiment until the battle of Antietam, Va., wben be was transferred to Battery C, U. S. Artillery. Wbile following the for- tunes of this branch of the armuy, at the battle of Chancellorsville, on the 3d day of May; 1863, he lost his left leg, and, being thus incapacitated for further duty, was honorably discharged from the ser- vice on the 10th day of September following. Returning at once to Vincennes, he was employed as a Government Messenger on the rail- roads of Tennessee and Alabama. He remained on duty in this de- partmeut during the succeeding years of 1864 and 1865 until the elose of tbo war.
Having thus completed his military earcer, be removed to Logans- port on the 22d of Oetoher, 1865, thence to Royal Center, in this county. On the 6th day ol' February, 1866, he and his father embarked in business. On the 25th day of March, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza A., daughter of John Beckley, que of the oldest settlers in that part of the county.
Having accepted a position as Deputy Auditor with John F. Dodds, Esq., he returned to Logansport Sept. 20, 1872. He con- tinned with Mr. Dodds until the expiration of his official term, achieving great success.
In May, 1875, he was the independent candidate for City Clerk, and was elected, over all opposition, hy a good majority. He was re- elected in 1877, the accepted choice of the people, in whose perfect confidenee he continues his trust.
HORACE P. BIDDLE.
BY T. B. HELM.
The subject of this sketch was born in the nneient eouuty of Fairfield, in the State of Ohio, in the year 1814. His father was one of the early pivucer settlers in the Marietta Colony, having emigrated there in 1789. It was nut, however, until 1802, that he settled in Fairfield County, on Hocking River, about one mile below the town of Logan, where he opened a farmu, and continued there to cultivate the soil, which yielded a generous support. On this homestead, Horace was born, and received his first lessons in self dependence, and culti- vated his first love for all that is beautiful in nature; laying there the
foundation for the honorable achievements of his after life. Here, under the paternal roof, he spent his early ycors, as a farm hand in the Summer, and a devoted attendant on the district school in the Winter ; the former for physical, the latter for intellectual develop- ment, succeeding, for the purposes contemplated, satisfactorily in both.
In 1836, when twenty-two years of age, he commenced the study of law, with the late Hoeking H. Hunter, of Lancaster, Ohio, upon the recommendation of Hon. Thomas Ewing, then a member of the United States Senate.
With Mr. Hunter, he enjoyed rare opportunities, finding in him a rare friend and an efficient preceptor, who bad generally accorded to him all the advantages calculated to facilitate his progress and give strength to his understanding. These excellent opportunities were fully appreciated and carefully utilized; for, in April, 1839, after three years of diligent study, he was admitted to the bar, by the Supreme Court of Ohio, at Cincinnati. In October of the same year, he permanently located in Logansport, Indiana.
From the time of his settlement in Logansport properly com- mences his brilliant legal and judicial career. Indeed, prior to that date, he had scarcely begun to toke the initiative in professional life. To say, therefore, that his success commenced with his advent into Logansport, is not an over-statement of the facts. The boundaries of a lawyer's practice, in those days, were not circumscribed by county lines, or even cireuits; for all of Northern Indiana was an open field, subject to be occupied by tbe successful and diligent practitioner. The means of conveyauce then did not consist, as now, of a cushioned seat in a palace cor, moved by tbe powerful sinews of the "iron horse," but the saddled charger of Arabian blood, nver roads scarcely to be dreamed of in this last quarter of the nineteenth century.
Witbout possessing any special proclivities for political strife, he was occasionally drawn by tho popular eurrent in that direction. His experience in this field is well described by anotber.
" On the nomination of Henry Clay for the Presideney in 1844, he advocated his election, and was placed on the electors] ticket. In 1845, he heeame a candidate for the State Legislature, but was defeated (by an old settler). He was elected President Judge of the Eighth Judicial Distriet in December, 1846, in which office he continued until 1852. He was a member of the Constitutional Con- vention wbich assembled in 1850. Although the district was against his party, he received a majority of over two hundred votes. In 1852 he was nominated for Congress, but failed to receive the election. He was elected Supreme Judge in 1857, by a large majority, but the Governor (Ashbel P. Willard) refused to commission him, for the reason that no vacancy in the office existed."
After the completion of his judicial term in 1852, he resumed the practice of bis profession, in which he acquired a reputation for distinguished success as a barrister.
Again, in 1860, he was elected President Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit, embracing Cass County, and was re-elected to the same position in 1866, without formidable opposition ; completing his second consecutive term in November, 1872.
Wbile occupying the bench, be was especially noted for his learned and impartial adjudication of the questions submitted for his consideration. His decisions were everywhere quoted, and his rulings accepted with little question as to their propriety. As a natural consequence, his popularity was unbounded.
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