USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > Evansville and its men of mark > Part 12
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Mr. McNeely has recently been appointed Superintendent of Construction of the Public Building to be erected by the United States at Evansville. Work will probably not com- mence thereon until the Spring or Summer of 1874; but in the meantime he is engaged in the general agency business. He does not propose to remain idle, as his motto is : " Better wear out than rust out."
The subject of this sketch was married on Christmas Eve, 1853, to Miss Margaret Park, of Avon, Lorain County, Ohio. They have two children - daughters - having lost a son and daughter by death in 1856 and 1857 respectively.
Mr. MeNeely has had considerable to do with political matters, and though an active partisan, he has no other than kind feelings toward political opponents. He was raised a Whig, and has been a Republican since that party was organ- ized.
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He became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in January, 1851, and has been a member continuously since that time. He passed all the " Chairs " in the Lodge and Encampment branches, and attained membership in both Grand bodies, many years ago.
Our subject is descended from Scotch-Irish stock. His father and mother - Elisha and Catharine D. McNeely - re- moved from Western Pennsylvania in the early period of the settlement of our State. Their immediate ancestors bore an active part in the Indian and border troubles of that section. Two of the family names - Hamilton and Laughery - were prominent in the early history of Pennsylvania and the West. Laughery Creek, in Southeastern Indiana, was named in honor of one of the latter, Colonel Archibald Laughery, who, with a detachment of troops, was massacred by the Indians, near that stream, while on their way to reinforce General George Rogers Clarke, in the year 1781.
Rev. J. V. Dodge
AS born in New York City, Oct. 14, 1815. Col. Henry S. Dodge, the father of the subject of the present sketch, served in the war of 1812, and was stationed at Sack- ett's Harbor with the command of General Richard Dodge, and his mother was a niece of Colonel Richard Varick. In 1818 the family removed to Kaskaskia, a French settlement. Colonel Dodge practiced law here for seven years. He then returned to Brooklyn, where he died in 1824.
His son had occasionally attended school in Kaskaskia, where he was remarkable for his good spelling. On his return to Brooklyn a tutor was employed for him. Wm. Sherwood, a celebrated Scotch teacher, fitted him tor Columbia College in eighteen months ; and on account of his progress, Colonel Var- ick made him a Director for life of the American Bible Society.
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He remained only one year at Columbia, when he entered the Sophomore class at Yale. He graduated in 1836 and immedi- ately entered Princeton Theological Seminary, where he gradu- ated in 1837. 3 Evansville became the field of his first pastoral labor, His church consisted of six members, and as yet they had no house of worship. He was ordained and installed in St. Paul's Episcopal Church in 1841 by the Presbytery of Vincennes. He was pastor at the time the Vine Street Church was built-the lot being purchased by the Henderson Presbyterian Church for $300 and presented to the Church. The building cost $2,108. Hav- ing a new building in prospect, this property was recently sold for $14,000. Mr. Dodge remained in this connection ten years, at the close of which time the church numbered one hundred and twenty members. Since 1850 he has preached in Jackson- ville, Canton, Providence, and Wheeling, Virginia.
In '61 he returned to Evansville. He was appointed chap- lain of the Government hospitals, in which position he remained three years. While here he had the misfortune to break both arms, the accident being caused by the horses attached to the ambulance wagon running away.
He was married to Miss Augusta Dupuy, daughter of B. F. Dupuy, a highly respected citizen. Six children were born to them : Rev. Henry A. Dodge, stationed at St. Paul; Mrs. Helen Ames, completing her musical education in Europe, and Miss Jennie Dodge, are the only ones now living,
Mrs. Dodge died at Jacksonville in 1855. In 1857 Mr. Dodge married Miss Mary Eliza, sister of his first wife.
Allen Hamilton, Esq.
'T is a crowning glory of the United States that the paths to wealth and to political and social distinction are here open to all-to the adopted as well as the native-born cit- izen ; and there are few whose histories better illustrate what can be accomplished by energy and integrity, under republican institutions, than the subject of this sketch.
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Mr. Hamilton was a foreigner by birth. He was born in the year 1798, in the county of Tyrone, in the north of Ireland. His ancestors emigrated from Scotland at an early period. and their descendant, whose biography we shall briefly sketch, seems to unite in his disposition and character some of the most striking qualities of both nations : the warm-heartedness and impulsiveness of the Irish, with the energy, perseverance and frugality of the Scotch. His father, Andrew Hamilton, was a younger son, a lawyer by profession, and maintained, for many years, a respectable standing as an Irish attorney. He beld, for some time, the honorable position of Deputy Clerk for the Crown. Having, however, lived fully up to his income, and resigned his clerkship, and soon after his resignation having been attacked by a severe sickness, which prostrated not only his physical, but, to some degree, his intellectual energies, his affairs fell into confusion, he became deeply, and, as it proved, inextricably embarrassed.
About the same time his elder brother, to whom had de- scended the real estate of the family, became involved in expens- ive litigation, which resulted in leaving him in circumstances scarcely better than those of his brother Andrew.
As soon, therefore, as young Hamilton, who was the eldest of the family, became old enough to appreciate his condition, he perceived that he could expect no aid from his father or his relatives, and that if he made headway in the world, it must be by his own efforts. This conviction, however, it seems, in- stead of disheartening him, only stimulated him to exertion, and developed powers that otherwise might never have been brought into action. It was the habit of self-reliance thus formed in his boyhood, that nerved him to leave his home and his friends, cross the Atlantic, travel on foot from Montreal to Philadelphia, push on to the West, and fight his way to wealth and respectability, amid the hardships and dangers of a wild country.
Fortunately for Mr. Hamilton, his mother, Elizabeth Allen, was a woman not only of warm affections, but of great strength of character. Though highly connected and reared in opulence, the embarrassments of her husband neither embittered her dis- position nor impaired her energies. It is to her influence, her
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instructions and prayers, that Mr. Hamilton mainly attributes his success in life, and his escape from those follies and vices into which young men, exposed as he had been, are so apt to fall. From her he learned those lessons of moral rectitude for which he has ever been distinguished. From her, too, he inher- ited, as far as it was hereditary, that energy of purpose which has enabled him to overcome difficulties which, to most young men, would have been insurmountable.
Finding that the embarrassed circumstances of her husband would deny her son proper opportunities for an education at home, and determined to do for him everything in her power, she applied to her aunt, Mrs. Montgomery, of Donegal County, to take him for a season into her own family, and send him to an academy in the vicinity of her house. The application met with a favorable response, and young Hamilton, at the age of twelve, was transferred to the hospitable mansion of Mrs Mont- gomery, where he remained for two years attending school and enjoying the advantages of a fine society, which the position and talents of his relative drew around her. When he was four- teen he returned home, and found that the embarrassments of his father had so much increased during the past two years, as to make it the duty of his son to do what he could to aid in the . support of the family. He therefore reluctantly gave up his studies, and the hopes he had entertained of obtaining such an education as would qualify him for the bar, and for the next four years he devoted himself exclusively to the service of his father. When he was eighteen years old, at one of his annual visits to Mrs. Montgomery, he was introduced to a gentleman who had just returned from a tour through the United States and warm in his praises of this new country and its free insti- tutions. From this gentleman he obtained a copy of Jefferson's Notes, which he read with avidity ; and from this time the United States became to him the land of promise. During this visit, a grandson of Mrs. Montgomery, a young gentleman of his own age, now an English barrister, taunted him with his poverty and his gloomy prospects, Hamilton was proud and sensitive. Undeserved as he felt the reproaches of his compan- ion to be, they nevertheless wounded him severely. He re- flected more seriously than he had ever done before upon his
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own prospects and those of his family. The country about which he had been hearing and reading, where there were no privil- eged classes and no bloated aristocracy, but an open field for the exercise of industry and talent, came up to his mind in vivid contrast with his dearly loved but down-trodden Ireland, and before he returned home he determined to emigrate to America, as soon as he could raise money enough to pay his expenses.
Mrs. Montgomery, to whom he communicated his determin- ation, warmly approved of it, but insisted that he should go to Canada instead of the United States. This was contrary to his wishes, but having confidence in her judgment, and being prom- ised letters to friends of hers in Quebec, he submitted himself to her direction. Returning home, he set himself resolutely to work to make the necessary arrangements for his departure, and having, within the next year, by his own exertions and the aid of some friends, raised money enough to pay for his passage and to support him for a few weeks after his arrival in the New World, he bade adieu to his relatives and friends and to his native land, and sailed for Quebec in July, 1817.
Having arrived at his place of destination, he delivered his letters of introduction to a Mr. Irwin, of the police depart- ment, by whose kindness he became acquainted with some fam- ilies of distinction, through whose influence he obtained the promise of employment as clerk in an extensive shipping house. He was, however, doomed to severe disappointment. Before he entered upon the discharge of the duties of his clerkship, he was taken down with ship fever, which had broken out in the ship in which he had taken passage, before her arrival in Que- bec. The attack was a severe one, but a stout heart and a good constitution triumphed over the disease, and after being prostrated for six weeks, during which time his little stock of money was nearly, exhausted, he was able to leave his room, but not to occupy the place that had been secured for him. The terrible fever, which is so generally fatal, had, in this instance, been foiled of its prey, but it had so impaired the constitution of the young emigrant that his physician was of the opinion that a Canadian Winter would be too severe for him, and advised him to leave Quebec for a milder climate. In accordance with
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this advice, he proceeded to Montreal, but had scarcely reached that city before he had a relapse, on his recovery from which, he found that he had but a little more money than enough to pay the expenses of his sickness.
In a strange land, without friends and without money, and with a constitution severely shattered by disease, the prospects of the young adventurer were gloomy enough. Unable to work, without a single acquaintance to whome he could apply for ad- vice, he determined to make an effort to reach the United States. Selecting, therefore, from his wardrobe such articles of cloth- ing - not excepting his only overcoat - as were not absolutely necessary for his journey, he disposed of them for such price as he could obtain, and with a small bundle, containing a change of linen, and a few dollars in his pocket, he started for the South.
He walked to St. John's and passed over to Vermont in an Indian canoe. Continuing his journey, he proceeded on foot through Albany and New York to Philadelphia, the climate of which he supposed would be more favorable to him than that of any city further north.
This journey must have been as disheartening to the unfor- tunate emigrant as can easily be imagined.
He had no acquaintance in the United States. His con- stitution, which had been excellent before he left Ireland, had given way under the attacks of fever at Quebec and Montreal. His natural enthusiasm had yielded to the stern realities of his trials and his sufferings ; yet, day after day, he pursued his toilsome journey, sustained by a firmness of purpose that would not yield to discouragements, and by the hope that fortune would yet smile upon him and open the way for him not only to better his own condition, but to secure a home and a compe- tency for his parents. Having reached Philadelphia, and taken the cheapest respectable lodgings he could find he started out in quest of employment. All his efforts were, for a time, una- vailing. Penniless and almost disheartened-refused employ- ment as a common porter on account of his delicate appear- ance-he wandered through the streets until his eye was arrested by an advertisement for laborers. on the door of an iron store. He immediately entered the store and presented him-
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self before the proprietor and asked for work. Fortunately for Hamilton, the gentleman he addressed was a kind-hearted Qua- ker, who was at once interested in the delicate appearance and earnest but respectful manner of the young Irishman. He drew from him his history, and promised him assistance. Nor was the promise forgotten : in a day or two a clerkship, with a salary of one hundred dollars a year and board, was obtained for the young adventurer, and from that time his lucky star was in the ascendant. He remained with his employer, at an in- creased salary after the first year, until the Spring of 1820, when he determined to visit a cousin, General James Dill, who, he understood, resided at Lawrenceburgh, Indiana. He arrived at Lawrenceburgh in July ; found his cousin, clerk of the court for Dearborn County, and entered his office with a view of pre- paring himself for the bar, agreeing to write six hours a day for his board and the use of his cousin's library. While at Lawrenceburgh he was introduced to some of the first men of the State, and became intimate at the house of Hon. Jesse L. Holman, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, and after- ward Judge of the United States Court of the District of Indi- diana ; one of whose daughters, Miss Emeline J., a young lady of rare virtue and accomplishments, he afterwards married.
In the year 1823, Captain Samuel C. Vance, who had been an officer under the gallant but unfortunate General St. Clair, was appointed Register of the Land Office, at Fort Wayne, in the heart of an unbroken wilderness. At his instance Hamil- ton was induced to visit this frontier post. The situation of Fort Wayne, at the junction of two beautiful rivers, the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's at the head of the great Wabash val- ley, pleased and interested him. He perceived, also, its great local advantages, and, shortly after his arrival, he determined to make it his place of permanent residence. As soon as this resolution was formed, he entered the office of Captain Vance. as Deputy Register, and pursued for some time his legal studies with a view of being admitted to the bar as soon as the natu- ralization laws of the country would permit. It shortly, how- ever, became obvious to him that the practice of the law in so new a country as the one in which he had located, would not be profitable enough to enable him to carry into effect his long
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cherished plan of removing his parents to the United States, and he determined to turn his attention to merchandising, the only business that seemed to promise safety in investment and speedy and profitable returns. His good character enabled him to purchase a small stock of goods on credit, and the year after his arrival at Fort Wayne, he commenced a small trade chiefly with the Indians. His success altogether exceeded his expect- ations, and in the course of a year or two he found himself with capital and credit enough to carry on an extensive and profit- able business.
It. was the good fortune of Mr. Hamilton to be connected, in his mercantile and real estate operations, with Cyrus Taber, Esq., for many years a resident of Logansport, one of the most enterprising and indefatigable men of the State. The connec- tion was formed soon after Mr, Hamilton settled at Fort Wayne and continued for many years. The firm of Hamilton & Taber became widely known, and none in the State has ever enjoyed a higher or more merited credit.
Mr. Hamilton was also fortunate in securing at an early day the confidence of John B. Richardville, for many years the principal chief of the Miami Indians. This chief was one of the most remarkable men which his nation, prolific as it had been of marked characters ever produced. Clear-headed, cau- tious, prudent, non-committal, always adroitly obtaining the opinion of others before he made known his own, no advantage could be obtained over him in his negotiations with the Govern- ment, and no trader could obtain the good will of the nation contrary to his wishes. For some time after Hamilton settled in Fort Wayne, the chief marked his course with his usual cau- tion and discrimination; and, being pleased with the manly character, steady habits, and honorable bearing of the young stranger, he solicited his friendship and gradually gave him his confidence, For many years before his death he took no impor- tant step, in relation to his own affairs or those of the nation, without consulting his friend. The friendship of the chief se- cured for Hamilton, to a large degree, the confidence of the nation ; and while this confidence resulted in solid advantage to him, it was never abused. After the death of Richardville, and before the nation was removed to its present home, west of
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the Mississippi, he continued to be the steadfast friend of the tribe, and exerted in their councils a greater influence than was probably ever possessed by any one who was not of their blood.
In the year 1829, the year after his marriage, Mr. Hamil- ton sent to Ireland for his next younger brother ; and in 1831, he prepared to carry into execution his long cherished deter- mination of removing his parents and other brothers and sisters to the United States. Before this could be effected, however, his mother died ; and he was thus denied the happiness of wel- coming her to the home he had labored so hard to secure for her in his adopted country. The rest of the family accepted his invitation, and he had, soon after, the satisfaction of greet- ing them under his own roof, and making suitable provision for their comfort and happiness in their new home.
Nor is it as a business man, and in pecuniary matters alone that Mr. Hamilton has been successful ; he has received a libe- ral share of public honors.
In 1824 he was appointed sheriff to organize the county of Allen, which office he held two years, by the election of the people. In 1830 he was elected County Clerk, which office he held for seven years. In 1834 he was selected to be Secretary of the commission appointed to negotiate a treaty with the Mi- amies. In 1838 the same office was again tendered to him and accepted.
In the Spring of 1840, under the administration of Mr. Van Buren, the Government being desirous of extinguishing the title of the Miamies to their lands in Indiana, and inducing them to remove to the West, appointed Mr. Hamilton, though a political opponent of the administration, one of the commissioners to treat with them upon these important matters. A treaty was effected in accordance with the wishes of the Government, by which the Indians sold their remaining lands in Indiana, and agreed to remove to the home that had been secured for them west of the Mississippi, with:in a period of five years
These three last and important treaties could not, it is probable, have been effected without the co-operation of Mr. Hamilton. Such was the confidence reposed in him by the chief and his council, thas no treaty could have been made con- trary to his wishes and advice.
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He advised the Indians to sell their lands in Indiana and remove, because he had been long satisfied that their preserva- tion, as a race, depended upon their being withdrawn from the corrupting influences that surrounded them where they were.
In 1841 Mr. Hamilton was appointed, under the influence of the administration of General Harrison, agent of the Miam- ies, which office he held until the election of Mr. Polk, when he resigned. During this period, he disbursed between $300,000 and $400,000, and discharged the responsible duties of the agency to the satisfaction of the Government and the Indians. As agent, although not clothed with any judicial power, it be- came necessary for him to decide upon the merits of claims which were presented to the tribe for payment on the receipt of their regular annuities. His conduct, therefore, was watched with the utmost keenness and jealousy, and it is the highest compliment to Mr. Hamilton, that during his guardianship of the Miamies, no charge was ever brought against him implicat- ing his honor or his integrity. The Indians confided in him as a friend and protector, while the traders were forced to respect an integrity that could not be seduced, even while it stood in the way of their interests.
In 1850 Mr. Hamilton was elected delegate for the county of Allen, to the convention for the revision of the constitution of Indiana. The county was largely Democratic, and his com- petitor a Democrat of large acquaintance and skillful address. The election of Mr. Hamilton, under such circumstances, by a handsome majority, is evidence of the estimation in which he was held by his fellow-citizens. In the convention he was ap- pointed Chairman of the Committee on Currency and Banking, being among the most interesting and exciting subjects that de- manded the consideration and action of that body. Being him- self favorable to a continuance of the State bank system, but at the same time not opposed to a well-regulated system of free banking, that should give entire security to the bill-holder, he necessarily came in conflict not only with those who were op- posed to all banks, but also with those who were so wedded to a particular theory as to be unable to see merit in any other.
The result of the deliberations of the convention upon these subjects was an adoption of the provision authorizing the
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establishment of free banks, in imitation of the New York sys- tem, and also of one granting to the Legislature the power of incorporating a State bank and branches. The authority was therefore left to the people to adopt either system, or both, as the wants and experience of the future should direct. The adoption of these compromise provisions was as much owing to the course and influence of Mr. Hamilton as that of any other member of the convention. Under the new constitution a free banking law was enacted. The wisdom of the convention, in the disposition it made of this subject, is generally acknowl- edged. The aim of Mr. Hamilton in the convention was to be useful ; and although he was not classed among the eloquent men of that body, there were few who brought to bear upon the subjects that came up for consideration clearer views or safer judgment.
He believed that the organic law of a State, while con- servative in its character, should throw no obstacles in the way of progress in the right direction. While he opposed the radi- calism that would entirely disregard the experience of the past, he would not hesitate to adopt a principle which appeared to his mind practicable, and in accordance with the spirit of the age, merely because it had not received the sanction of previous law-makers. His views, and those of kindred minds, prevailed in the convention, and the new constitution of Indiana, while it violates no law and fully protects the person and property of the citizen, presents no barrier to the most searching and com- prehensive reforms.
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