USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > Evansville and its men of mark > Part 7
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He was married in 1835 to Miss Sarah G. Negley, daugh- ter of David Negley, an old resident of Pigeon Creek settle- ment. This estimable lady yet resides in the city, which has been her home for so many years.
Samuel Bayard, Esq.,
INANCIAL ability has seldom been shown more con- spicuously than in the successful career of Mr. SAM- UEL BAYARD. No city in the country 'can claim a citizen whose mind more thoroughly comprehends all the problems of banking ; whose daily life is more conscientiously devoted to his business ; and who is so thoroughly a representative Amer- ican gentleman and banker, as the subject of this sketch. No one can read the history of his life without gaining additional respect for the man, or without rejoicing that his energy and merit have won for him a place among the leading bankers of Indiana. *
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Mr. Bayard is a native of Vincennes, Knox County, Indi- ana. His education was of the best the public schools at that day furnished. He acted, for a short time, as Deputy Clerk of the Circuit and Probate Courts of Knox County - a position he relinquished in September, 1851, to accept the clerkship of the branch at Evansville of the State Bank of Indiana. It was here that his genius for banking began to manifest itself ; and the traits of business courtesy, punctuality, and strict in- tegrity, so well recognized in the mature man, were outlined from his first entrance upon his chosen life. He filled this sit- uation with such marked ability, that in November, 1851, only two months after the previous appointment, he was promoted to the position of Teller, and continued to act in that capacity until the final close of the bank, in 1858.
In 1857 he was appointed Cashier of the branch at Evans- ville of the Bank of the State of Indiana ; and he also occu- pied this position until the close of the branch, in the year 1866
When the time came to provide a successor to the branch of the Bank of the State of Indiana, Mr. Bayard's services were indispensable to the success of the new enterprise ; and at its organization, in 1865, he was elected cashier of the new banking corporation. Springing out of the loins of the old institution, it is due, largely, to the financial acumen of Mr. Bayard that the Evansville National Bank has shown the en- ergy of youth and the judgment of mature age. In 1867 he was made its Vice-President, and has been since that time virtually acting as President of the Bank.
In 1864 Mr. Bayard was active in founding the banking firm of W. J. Lowry & Co., and still retains his connection with it. The credit and standing of the firm commands now, as it has in the past, the confidence of the general public at home and abroad. In the early part of the present year he aided in organizing the German National Bank, of this city, of which he is at present a director. In June, 1870, Mr. Bayard was elected a director of the Evansville, Carmi and Paducah Railroad Company ; which corporation was subsequently consolidated with the St. Louis and Southeastern Railway, and is now known as the Western Division of the St. Louis, Evansville and Nash- ville Railway, consolidated. He was then continued as a
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director, and at the last election was appointed by the Board of Directors a member of the Executive Committee, to whom is confided the management of the general business of the company.
Mr. Bayard was one of the most influential citizens in the establishment of the Public Library; having subscribed lib- erally toward its fund, and still carries his stock in that corpo- ration. The first meeting of its stockholders was held on July 29th, 1855, and on December 31st, of the same year, Mr. John Ingle, Jr., was elected its President ; George Foster, Esq., its Recording Secretary ; and Mr. Bayard, its Treasurer. Mr. Bayard went to Cincinnati and purchased a large number of volumes for it - his excellent literary taste being relied upon for good selections. He also served as its President.
In all the corporations with which Mr. Bayard is connected he is an influential member. His name is the most powerful in the monetary circles of the city. Still in the prime and vigor of his life ; as attentive to business as when struggling in his upward career ; there is left for him a future of still larger pos- sibilities. A thorough and well-bred gentleman : courteous to all in his manner - his life has been the reward of patient, en- ergetic and intellectual effort. And the bank-the Evansville National - of which he is the recognized head, is the largest . and most powerful monied institution of the city.
General Joseph Lane.
EW there are who have not heard of General JOE LANE, of Oregon, who, from an obscure flat-boatman, on the Ohio River, has risen to some of the most prominent positions in the land. To-day he lives on the Pacific slope, far away from the scenes of his early struggles. He was born in North Carolina, in 1801, and was only six years of age when his father, John Lane, removed to Henderson County, Kentucky. What education he secured was obtained, at intervals, in some log-
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house, where a man, who knew his letters, acted as teacher. Joseph was a sharp, quick-witted boy - more fond of hunting than of books ; and, withal, was very popular with the pioneers, on account of his accommodating disposition. In 1818, his father removed to Vanderburgh County, and purchased a tract of land about nine miles from the Crescent Village. Here Joseph was invited by Judge Grass, who kept a store near Rock- port, to proceed there and act as a clerk in his establishment. He was at once regarded with favor by all who had business at the store, as he was well posted in stories of frontier life, and was kind and obliging. He next, in company with his brother Simon, bought a flat-boat; sold wood to the boats as they passed; made many trips to New Orleans; carried on a farm; dealt in stock, etc .; till the breaking ont of the Mexican War, when he began to secure recruits in Evansville and vicinity. Soon a large number of the hardy yeomanry were mustered into the service ; and our subject as their Colonel, was off for the scene of the war. His regiment was placed in the division com- manded by Taylor, and his exploits immediately attracted the attention of " Old Rough and Ready," who showed his confi- dence in the Indian pioneer by making Colonel Lane a Briga- dier General. General Lane was not only a brave man, but he was possessed of a knowledge of the Mexican style of fighting, and was an invaluable officer in that vigorous campaign, so suc- cessfully managed by Taylor.
After the close of hostilities, he was appointed by the President Governor of the Territory of Oregon; and upon the admission of Oregon into the Union, he was elected as Senator. General Lane was a delegate from Oregon to the Democratic Convention which nominated Franklin Pierce for President, in 1852. In 1860, General Lane was nominated for Vice-Presi- dent on the Breckinridge Democratic ticket; and his career in that memorable campaign is a part of the records of the coun- try. General Lane was married, while living in Vanderburgh County, to Miss Mary Hart, daughter of Matthew Hart. Ten children were the result of the union, of whom only one has died. Taking him as a representative pioneer, we have pre- sented this brief sketch of his life. His public services are a permanent part of our national history ; while his good quali-
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ties of heart are impressed upon the memories of our best citi- zens. His vigorous constitution and active habits, will, we trust, spare his life for many years to come.
Hon. John Law.
HE name of JOHN LAW is inseparably associated with the history of Indiana, and more lately with the inter- ests of Evansville and this section. His professional, judicial, and political career have secured for him an eminent reputation and social regard. His life has been pure - never tarnished with spot or blemish. He was born on the 28th of October, 1796, at New London, Connecticut. Mr. Law's grandfather was a member of the first Continental Congress, and was a man respected by all his constituents. The father of Judge Law was also a member of Congress ; and the name of Lyman Law was for many years associated with the leading cases of the Su- preme Court of the State. He looked carefully after the edu- cational interests of his son ; and as soon as John was prepared he entered the Worthington School, taught by the noted Jona - than Pomeroy, a wealthy gentleman and a graduate of Yale, who taught for the pleasure of teaching ; and having few pupils, he spared no pains to give them a good training for the college. John entered Yale in 1810, and graduated in 1814, at the boy- ish age of eighteen. The youthful student manifested uncom- mon powers of intellect, and an intense thirst for knowledge- especially in the field of classical literature, which he read with a scope of learning that surprised even the professors. After graduating, he commenced the study of law in his father's office, and was admitted to practice in 1817. With a reputation for being well read in the profession, he directed his steps West- ward ; and in the Fall of 1818 we find him opening an office in Vincennes, Indiana, and soon engaged in busy practice. The professional rise of Mr. Law was almost beyond precedent. The records of the courts and the reports of the State, both Federal
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and State, show that within the first year of his arrival he stood forward as among the most successful practitioners at the bar, -- by his talent and industry alone, winning honors in the face of a violent opposition. As a criminal lawyer, he was recog- nized as among the ablest in the State. His learned, eloquent and masterly arguments gave to him, as an advocate, a name that was a household word in Indiana and Illinois. For sev- eral years he was prosecuting attorney in nearly all the courts of the old First Congressional District, and for several years he served as Judge of the Circuit Court. His judicial course was marked by his clear decisions, cogent reasoning, and systemat- ical summary of all the legal points in the case; and while dignified on the bench, when in the social circle his gravity changed into mirth-his conversational powers making him the central figure of many an animated circle. During the admin- istration of President Pierce, he was Register in the Land Office ; and before that, was Receiver of the Public Money for several years.
In 1851, Judge Law removed to Evansville ; and, as usual, success in numerous clients attended his labors. He, at this time, was engaged in several land-title controversies ; and in this department his industry and continued application gained for him much and lasting commendation, In 1861 he was selected by the Democratic party as Member of Congress from this district, and was re-elected in 1863. We have been told that " no man of the minority had more influence in shaping legislation than the Hon. John Law, of this district." His genial disposition and warm temperament surrounded him with many friends, among whom were the late Thaddeus Stevens and other noted statesmen. And while he shone in the social circle, he looked after the interests of his section, and they never suffered for lack of care at his hands.
A Democrat in politics, he never was a blind partisan ; his firmness and integrity placed his mind above mere party fidel- ity ; and he voted for any and all measures that, in his judg- ment, were necessary for the perpetuity of our free institutions. In his speeches on the merits of any bill, he evinced most fully his powers of mind and the purity and elevation of his princi- ples. All parties united in doing Judge Law honor, and their 12
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personal regard was shown not only at Washington, but also when he returned to this city. A true Republican, Judge Law loves the Constitution and reveres the Union. A patriot, he never yet has ceased to toil for the public weal ; and in every position, however onerous, he has discharged his duties with the utmost fidelity.
Captain P. G. O'Riley.
HIS energetic citizen was born in Dublin, Ireland, the 17th of March, 1810. His education was principally in mercantile pursuits. and even before his emigration to Amer- ica, his reputation as a skillful clerk and energetic salesman was well established. In 1826 he arrived in New York, on his way to the West, engaging himself as a clerk in a commercial house at Cincinnati. Having a keen love for the river trade, he was soon employed as a clerk in the Cincinnati, Louisville and New Orleans line of steamboats. Especially with the Lou- isville and New Orleans packet line was he identified and with their business, through the various grades from clerk to captain. Any one who ever saw Captain O'Riley will remember the man who could command a boat, write letters, and carry on a con- versation at the same time.
He was married at Troy, Indiana, on the 31st of July, 1832, to Miss Emerine Jennings, daughter of Judge Jennings, an old and distinguished citizen of Troy. In 1843 he came to Evans- ville, and was a commission merchant here for over twenty years. His wharf-boat was one of the institutions of Evans- ville ; and especially was it the resort of all the river men, who could there gain information in regard to their families. Capt. O'Riley's frank, open-hearted and cordial nature, so character- istic of his countrymen secured him a wide circle of friends, whose love and esteem increased with intimacy. His nature was as generous as it was noble, The widow and the orphan, the ailing and the destitute, were always sure of his aid and succor. His purse-strings were ever opened at the call of the
COL. J. S. BUCHANAN.
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poor, and no application for relief was ever made to him in vain. A member of the Masonic fraternity and a leading Knight-Templar, his brethren were proud of their worthy asso- ciate, who exemplified so fully the bond of friendship and sym- pathy. In 1863 he removed to New Orleans, and engaged in the commission business. The same characteristics which made him so popular in Evansville gave to him a leading position in the mercantile fraternity of that city. The Times of that city, in its issue of October 9th, 1867, says : " During the past four years he had made New Orleans his home ; and in this brief period centered around him many new friends in this commu- nity who appreciate his worth and deplore his loss. The 5th of October last he succumbed to the fatal fever which scourged our city ; and although his family had not the indefinable con- solation of being at his side at the moment, it may in some degree assuage their grief to know that he was tenderly and devotedly cared for by sincere friends, who faithfully watched by his couch of sickness and received his latest breath." His funeral was attended by a numerous concourse of friends, who deplored in his death the loss of a good citizen, an upright mer- chant, and a good father, husband and friend. In testimony of › respect, the steam fleets at Evansville, Louisville and Cincin- nati, displayed their flags at half-mast the day the melancholy news reached those cities. Of the nine children born to them, those now living are Jennie, now Mrs. Dr. J. Mageniss ; Fannie, Mrs Ransom L. Akin ; John and Emma. The two lat- ter reside with their mother.
Colonel J. S. Buchanan.
HE Evansville bar has long enjoyed a high reputation and its members have largely influenced the course of not only the city, but State and national affairs. Among the able men who adorn the bar of this district we find Colonel BUCHANAN. He was born near Madison, Indiana, on the 4th
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of February, 1822. In 1824 his father, John Buchanan, who was a farmer, removed to Vevay, Switzerland County. Having a fondness for study, at the age of eighteen, the subject of our sketch commenced the reading of law books, in order to gain information. His efforts were so well directed that he deter- mined to adopt the legal profession as a livelihood. After read- ing nearly three years, on account of ill health, he was obliged to change his plans; and till 1848, he worked on the farm with the resolution of returning to the profession when his health would permit. The death of his father, in 1847, was the source of painful trial and anxiety. Under the trying circumstances, he felt little desire to engage in the actual practice of the pro- fession, for which both study and thought had so eminently fitted him. In 1848 he was married to Miss Julia A. Sauvain, daughter of Melshau Sauvain, one of Napoleon I's body guard, and an old settler of the county. Farming and studying law continued till 1850, when he was admitted to practice. In a short time, owing to the advice of friends, he removed to Versailles, where his strict business habits and most indomita- ble persevernace brought him an extensive practice. Owing to the location of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad six miles north of the place, and thinking it not destined to have much growth, he removed to Charleston ; and bere fortune smiled upon him, and he was rapidly rising in the world, when the War of 1861 made a sudden change in his business rela- tions. He went back to Vevay and commenced recruiting ; and in a short time over two hundred men were in camp ; and these formed a part of the First Indiana Cavalry, in which he held a captain's commission. The battalion, consisting of six compa- nies, was ordered to Washington, and were there re-organized and formed a part of the Third Indiana Cavalry, of which our subject was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel. For several months the regiment did scouting service from Washington to Manassas and on to the Shenandoah River. In the early part of the Summer of 1862. the regiment was traversing
the country between Washington and Fredericksburgh, and was in the vicinity of Washington directly after the the second battle of Bull Run. At the time of General Lee's raid into Maryland, his regiment participated in the battles of
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South Mountain and Antietam, and our subject will be remem- bered for a career so honorable to himself as well as his State. His judicious management, as well as his bravery on the field and considerate treatment of his men, made him a general fa- vorite; and his resignation, in the Winter of 1862-3, on account of ill health, was deeply regretted by his comrades. After a brief visit to Vevay, he went to Helena, Arkansas, and man- aged a large plantation for nearly three years. Owing to the predatory excursions of the guerrillas, his property was rapidly reduced, and in a short time Colonel Buchanan had lost nearly his entire estate. But undaunted by obstacles, in July, 1866, we find him hard at work at Evansville ; and his determination to succeed soon enabled him to recover his lost fortune.
Possessing a ripe judgment, with a thorough knowledge of the principles which underlie all law, and oratorical powers of no common order, we do not wonder at his success. Colonel Buchanan, guided by his own early struggles for education, has shown his regard for culture by the liberality and pains which he so abundantly bestowed upon his children : Cicero, the elder, a graduate of Eureka College, Illinois, and now associ- ated with his father in the practice of the law; Mary, the wife of Rev. G. E. Flower, of Paducah, Kentucky ; and W. S., now attending the Commercial College.
Colonel Buchanan is a man of amiable disposition and gentlemanly deportment ; and with his prepossessing manners, he never fails to command respect. His life affords an instruct- ive lesson to those laboring against adversity, and furnishes an example of what industry, punctuality, and determination can do to conquer all difficulties, and to secure the confidence and respect of the communities in which their lot may be cast.
Hon. Alvah Johnson.
AS born near Boonville, Warrick County, Indiana, on the 15th of November, 1825. His father, K. K. Johnson, was originally from Delaware ; his family removed to Kentucky when he was a child, and he settled in Warrick County in 1816. Alvah assisted his father on the farm, attended school in the Winter ; and being of a studious disposition, he employed his leisure hours in studying the books that were out of the regular course at school. At the age of nineteen, hav- ing received a fair English education, he entered the State Uni- versity, at Bloomington, and graduated in 1849. He then commenced the study of the law, and was admitted to practice in 1851. He began his profession at Boonville, and was elected County Recorder the first year of his stay in the place.
On the 1st of June, 1852, he was married to Miss Jane Parrett, daughter of Rev. Robert Parrett, and sister of Hon. William F. Parrett, of this city.
He held the office of Recorder four years; and in 1859 was elected County Treasurer, and in 1861 was re-elected to the same position. On the 4th of July, 1861, Mr. Johnson deliv- ered an address at Boonville, which was not only a masterly . argument for the preservation of the Union, but greatly assisted in awakening the enthusiasm of the people of that section. His course at this time led to his nomination for Congress by the friends of the proscution of the war, and he was heartily indorsed by the Republican party. The opposition paid him the compliment of bringing out its strongest man - the Hon. John Law ; and thus furnished palpable evidence of his status with his political opponents. Mr. Johnson was defeated, as he expected to be, but by a majority much less than the average in the district. Judge Law was then in the zenith of a popu- larity unsurpassed by any of the prominent men in this part of
HON. ALVAH JOHNSON.
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the State ; and this fact in connection with the new issues of Lincoln proclamation suddenly presented to the people, natu- rally affected the result,
In the Winter of 1863 Mr. Johnson removed to Evansville and engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1864 he was appointed Provost Marshal of the first district, and was instru- mental in raising the One Hundred and Forty-third and One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiments. After the close of the war he gave up his practice, on account of ill health, and attended, mainly, to real-estate business. His health not im- proving, in 1869 he spent the Summer in Europe, visiting Great Britain and Central Europe. His letters to the Journal Were favorably commented upon by the press as giving a true picture of European life, manners and customs; and his de- scriptions of cities, especially of Venice were written in a style well worthy of a high place in the standard specimens of for- eign correspondence. On his return, he gave his undivided attention to his real estate business ; and this, in connection with his duties as director of the First National Bank, occupied his time.
The sketch of Mr. Johnson would not be complete without mentioning that he is a man of unblemished moral character ; and for over twenty years he has been a member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, and a liberal benefactor to all the religious and philanthropic enterprises of the day. Both as a business man and citizen, Mr. Johnson carries with him the esteem of the community. Having begun life poor, he has raised himself to the position of a trusted financier and enter- prising capitalist. Surely, his life career has been a success.
Henry D. Allis.
ONWAY, Massachusetts, is the place where HENRY D. ALLIS was born, on the 15th of May, 1813. Henry worked on his father's farm till his eighteenth year ; when, having a strong desire to see the world, he started out as a
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peddler of jewelry, Yankee notions, etc .- a merchant agreeing to supply him with stock and pay him two hundred dollars a year and expenses. He traveled over Western Massachusetts and Eastern New York, on foot; and being well acquainted with the wants of the people, he soon acquired some celebrity as a sharp and successful trader. In 1834 he made an exten- sive pedestrian tour, with his pack well filled, to Wheeling, West Virginia. At Wheeling he thought of visiting Alabama, and proceeded down the river to Louisville, for that purpose ; but at the latter city he met some clock peddlers, who had just arrived from the South, and were bound for Evansville. He was induced to join them, and the party arrived in this city in April, 1835. For a short time he traveled over the country between Evansville and Vincennes ; but hearing of a store- house at Smith Mills, about twelve miles south of Henderson, he proceeded to that place and was there engaged in the dry goods and notion line for the following year. He then disposed of his stock and purchased a two-horse wagon, a pair of good horses, and for the next year he was again in the peddling bus-
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